Today was a sad afternoon- I had to say bye to my mom who was here visiting since friday night! I loved having her here! We did a lot in a little amount of time- Saturday we were going to try to go to the art festival here in houston- it is less than like 5 miles from my house- at the memorial park, and, well, you had to drive to either downtown houston OR this mall parking lot a few miles north of our house- and get bussed into the festival- which would be fine, but when we went to get bussed the line was like wrapped around this rundown mall! SO, we went to plan B which was to discover parts of houston we have yet to explore, so we headed north to old town spring- which was an interesting experience. We did get the chance to walk on normal streets, and do a little shopping- didnt buy anything, and found this awesome- felt like I was in the movie, "hope floats" place to eat- we had some BBQ- listened to the juke box- great fun- then, we were driving home- OHHHH...I forgot to mention that...Friday night- had slept AWFUL- because w/ the weather change...apparently there was a ROACH on my LAMP next to my BED- so I couldnt sleep at ALL on Friday night- which made Saturday pretty hard!!! Okay- so when we were driving home- we decided to go to saturday night church, which Jamos and I never go to- but the idea of sleeping in on Sunday was VERY tempting, so we went and I enjoyed it! Less people than Sunday morning. Anyways, we spent the evening after church, at Central Market- one of my most favorite places to shop! It has rows and rows and rows and rows of every kind of veggie, fruit, cheese, fish, bread, meat- oh it is AWESOME! :)
Then, home to play the Wii! :)

Flash foward to Sunday- we hung out- and decided we would try to go to the art festival early- and it worked- we rode the busses in- walked around and saw some amazing art! People have some amazing skills! :) I am more crafty than arty- but I wish I was art!

We had the chance to grill out by the pool on Sunday as well- it was fabu :)

Anyways, I am boring myself with all the talk, so I will just post pictures!!!

Sweet visit with Mama

Humpty Dumpty :)

So, my mom and I were painting nails- and I set out all my OPI polish :)
Waiting in line to get on the bus for the art fest.

Grilling (sorry this isn't in order)

Mom and I

On the back of the bus coming back from the art fest.

At the art fest- listening to some sort of music

I wasn't falling- in my head this picture looked different- like, "i am tall he is short" but it didn't turn out that way...

In Old Town Spring- my mom...

Taking a breather:)

This was the fabu place we chose to eat. Very...well, where the locals eat :)

My mom was setting up the camera- and we were chatting apparently- but I thought it was a cute picture :)

a list from someone else's blog!

RULES: There are 100 statements and you bold / change the colors of the ones you have done. Grab it and play for yourself!!

*Hint* If you are using Blogger, before you paste the text, click over to the "edit html" tab instead of "compose", and when you paste, it will keep the vertical formatting!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Learned a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten cavier
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Rainy Days

The last few days have been VERY rainy! Today, I had to run out to the postoffice- and of course, got stuck in the rain. It was kinda fun to run to my car thru the rain- I felt like a little kid. It was nice.

Tomorrow night my MOM is coming to town! Yippeeeee! I am SO excited to have her here and spend time with her.

This morning- I went to the apartment office to show them my portfolio I made in regards to starting an APARTMENT WATCH program here- they LOVED IT!!! I made a postcard to show them what we could pass out- had a brocure that the national crime prevention organization made to spread the word about an apartment watch- it was awesome. The apartment manager was like, "this is awesome- do you want a job?" :)
This Saturday we are having an apartment breakfast- and that would be a GREAT time to showcase this new initiative- of basic awareness of the community in which we live! So, I am excited to have this new passion- and I am glad that I have decided to BE the change I want to see! It is easy to sit back and think that someone else will handle it- but, why?

ANYWAYS- this weather has made me tired lately- and I have been pretty bored- I really do need a doggie! :)

headache

My head hurts right now- I feel worn out and sleepy. Watching about "tagging" on TV- which is graffiti- on higways, etc.,

interesting...

The past few days have included some interesting events! I will start with Sunday morning- I was having trouble picking out my outfit, finally decided on a dress that I liked, and just told Jamos I needed to take that to the dry cleaners soon, anyways, the next thing I know, we are on our way out of the door and Jamos was getting a quick glass of OJ to take along with us to take our vitamins, well, he shook the gallon container and apparently I didn't attach the new "latch" lid on it- and out came OJ like it was attracted to my dress. I was covered in juice and had it dripping down my legs- what a mess- but honestly, all I could do was laugh. And, laugh I did! It was unreal watching the OJ come at me- like slow motion- so, I had to change clothes- and once we were at church, I realized I put on my cropped capris that need to be hemmed- so my hem was hanging low... OOPS! :)

Jump ahead to...Monday night- I went to Yoga (the water did help with the dizzy) Jamos went running- we ended up at home to meet up at like 7:50pm- I made some dinner real quick- so around 8:30 we sat down to watch a movie- when I hear yelling, "HEY" "HEY" from outside. Being the "concerned" neighbor, I raced outside and saw this guy getting in a car- and driving off- come to find out- this guy was trying to break into people's CARS right outside my apartment! My neighbor who works for Shell Oil- saw the whole thing and got the guy's license plate, etc., an HOUR later the cops showed up- and apparently****you are supposed to say, "ROBBERY IN PROGRESS" to get the cop there sooner. My neighbor called when the guy was still here- but, b/c he didn't say that- they took their time. I am pretty upset at our "security" we have around here....they are supposed to be watching everyone who comes in and out of the gates we have surrounding our property- but apparently that is not really a big deal. SOOOO...today, you can bet your bottom dollar I was in the office- to see what we were going to do about this- since apparently this is not the FIRST time someone has tried to do this. We had a TON of construction worker people here fixing roofs and apartment repairs after the hurricane...I know most "workers" are hired from the Home Depot parking lot- people who are likely illegaly in the US- and they actually come to Houston because there are no laws against illegal immigrants working here- . Anyways, the office didn't know this happened, SO, they dug up the report that had already been filed away and were going to "look" into it. I am like WHAT THE HEEHAWS.

I did some research tonight about starting a crime watch program- and after talking to my neighbors, I think I am going to do this! They seem interested- and thankful that someone is looking out for the other person. In all of this mess, at least I have gotten the chance to talk to my neighbors about something. People are so busy working, etc., it is nice to stop them for a reason! I have been in the office a lot today- because our "fire" alarm panel is outside of our apartment, and it has been going off for the past few MONTHS- and, though the fire department has been out here a TON- it still continues to go off- and, basically, it is driving me CRAZY. So, today, it went off 4 different times- and though, I enjoy talking to my maintance man, Keith, I don't like bothering him SO much. I feel like the little old lady who has to tell the maintance man things all the time. I mean, I can tell him when things are abnormal- because I am home ALL day- I know what noises sound like- etc.,

Oh, I just found out that Jamos is interested in taking up a new hobby. GOLF. He JUST told me as I was typing this blog- Boy is this going to be an interesting conversation we shall have- since he already disagree's with me because we have no room in our apartment for GOLF CLUBS- and I told him he would have to keep them OUTSIDE. He doesnt agree. UGH. My dad just told me that he hopes Jamos doesnt start taking up golf since it is an expensive hobby...of COURSE he would pick something expensive!

I am still researching CAR'S- still hating it. I called the honda dealership tonight- and with a sale and a trade in of our 1999 Honda- we could get a new 2009 honda for like $18,000- which I don't like the idea of- but, that is a pretty decent price - and they are running a LIFE TIME WARRANTY on them- which is really great. BUT- that is still a wad of money to drop on something that I am not sure about. So, we will continue to think and pray- I need to be better about the praying part.

On Friday my mom is coming to town! Yippee! I am excited to spend time with her- and could really use some girl time- since chatting with the cable man and maintance man keith is likely abnormal for a woman.

All in all, I feel frustrated that we live in a REALLY expensive apartment complex with horrible security- and now I am obsessed with looking out the window to see if I spy a robber. I also feel depressed because after watching the president talk tonight- and feeling like he wasn't giving straight answers about ANYTHING was pretty frustrating. I did learn from him- that bus drivers make more money than I do though. Nothing wrong with being a bus driver- but I am going to change professions. I just can't believe that he is the president of the united states and how non-confident I feel in him. I know, I know, trust in the Lord- he is the ruler of heaven and earth, but sometimes, it is nice to feel like the "human" president knows what he is talking about.

Monday

Today I am trying to drink more WATER. I know that I drink way too much Diet Pepsi and so, I need to drink more water. Lately, I have been getting dizzy at Yoga- lots of ups and downs in yoga, so I was reading up and realized that I MAY be dehydrated- SO, I am drinking up today before I go to Yoga.

ANYWAYS, we are good. Nothing new to report- obviously, because I am posting about my water consumption. GEESH! I am done with work for the day- Praise the Lord- we survived a Monday. :) As I walk around outside- like to the mail box- and such, I really miss our puppy we watched a few weeks back. Boy do I miss the company while Jamos is gone and the fact- that it can be fun to just wander around outside. I feel like you are allowed to wander and pause to look around while walking a puppy- but it looks strange when you just stop and look around as a human with no puppy- like, I was walking back and thought I saw a piece of garbage flying in the air- but it was a black butterfly with teal on its back- it was flying so lovely with the breeze and i jsut stood to see where it would go- but then I thought my neighbors may think I am an odd ball just standing there near their windows- but whatever. I stood anyways, and miss my puppy that I miss so much. :(

Oh, also, since I got my new kitchenaid coffee pot- I have been brewing some delicious coffee-goodness- but realized that I may be consuming too much- because I have noticed my heart sometimes beating extra fast- or having a heart palpitation- never a good thing. I did google it- to see if I was going to die and apparently it is slightly normal- just need to cut back on the coffee! :)

WELL. I am going to keep drinking my water and get ready for Yoga. Peace.

The Four Seasons- Houston

WOWZERS! in January, you may remember that Jamos got SDR of the year for his territory- with that they gave him some "money" to take me out to a nice dinner! Well, after researching, Jamos decided we would go to The Four Seasons Hotel for dinner at their four star restaurant, Quattro. :) So, last night, after Jamos worked all day- we got all dolled up for our 7:30pm reservation at Quattro. It was AWESOME!!!! Let me just tell you- this was FANCY! I realized it was fancy- when the man came out and gave us "complimentary from the chef" Salmon Tar Tar- which I am not even sure how to spell it- but basically it is raw salmon- I will post a picture of it- it was actually really good! THEN, the Madtre De (again, can't spell) who was from france, came and offered me a shaw that matched my dress in case I got cold! The booth we were seated in was along the window, so we actually got to look out over the city while we ate, and we were in a booth that came with a pillow so you could put it behind your back, etc., It was fabulous!
Apparently, we just missed the crowd, so we along with 2 other couples had the place to ourselves! It was a marvelous night. Here are some pictures....

Jamos and I before we left- at home
Again, not the best picture, but whatever.

Mr. Handsome :)

This is Jamos in a sunbeam- I him standing there and had to take a picture.

Our Dessert-

Here is the dining room!

So fun.

So, after dinner, and dessert, I ordered coffee- got too excited about it and spilled...:(

This is Jamos giving a sweet toast to "us" :) I Love him.

That is the SHAW! :)

If you are wondering what we have been up to lately....

A little bull riding and cattle driving...that is all :)

F R I D A Y

Well, it is once again Friday and all I can think is that Monday is coming! Is that not the most awful thing? It is true. Time surely does not stand still, does it?

This weekend TWILIGHT comes out on DVD- I never saw the movie in the Theater- so I am looking foward to watching the movie this weekend. It should arrive tomorrow in the mail- thanks netflix. I have finished all four of the books- so, now the movie can destroy my imagination.

Last night I went on this cleaning SPREE. I don't know what got into me- likely the massive pile of clothes on top of the dresser in our bedroom- or the clutter on the floor and every FLAT space. Maybe it was my post yesterday about clutter. I don't know- but I did GOOD! It surely does look like MORE space in our apartment when I put things away or even better- THROW THEM OUT! :) I had all of the parts, books, etc., for a printer that I had in COLLEGE- hello!? And, a digital camera from college as well- which no longer works.

ohhhh husband...

COME HOME! I am bored...it is nearly 8pm and you have been gone ALL day working...you are too great a worker!

oh my...

No worries, nothing dramatic to report- just had no idea what to put in as my title for this blog. Let's see... what has gone on over the last few days? I am trying to go thru our house and get rid of some things- or condense or whatever I need to do to make my house feel less cluttered! I am the WORST at keep clutter off of the tables, etc., but, man, somehow it finds itself there...

I got 2 new OPI nail polishes last night- I justified my purchase because they were buy 1 get one 50% off- and then, I had a $3.50 off coupon for ULTA- SO...it was like, buying 2 for the price of 1 OR two that were on clearance... get it? :)

OH...Jamos and I (well, ME) did our taxes this week- finalized everything- and realized that we will be paying the federal government. UGH! Also, we owe the state of michigan money even though we have been paying Michigan taxes and are NOT RESIDENCE because we claim residency in Texas- and guess what? Texas doesn't have state taxes- so no one down here knows a thing about filing state taxes or is able to answer my questions in regards why I have to give Michigan MORE of my money......SOOOO.....I found out the Houston Public Library (at some branches) has some volunteers from AARP who come in and do people's taxes for them- SO, even though I have ours done and neatly arranged- I arrived at our local library branch and waited in line for an hour- just to ASK someone "did I do this right?" and "what about michigan taxes?"- and to that they say"i have no idea". ARGH. Oh well, I still think it was nice of them to review my federal taxes- and confirm that "YES" I do owe the federal government more money than I have already paid them during our year.

There are a few things in life that I hate and wish someone else would do for me- but for some reason have been stuck with the job. A few of these items have been recently on my mind, so let me share:

• TAXES
• Anything to do with CARS.

I wish with all my might that Jamos was an accountant and a car mechanic in his "early years"- but, he isn't so, I guess since I am obsessed with both of these items, I am stuck dealing with them to make sure they are taken care of. UGH.

Things I do enjoy continually- bargain shopping with coupons at Target and Diet Pepsi. It is AMAZING what you can get with coupons and when the timing is right- purchasing the item at hand for like, .34 cents. Yes, this happens to me often- thought annoying, I take my huge baggie (gallon size) and dump the contents of my bag into my cart....this spills coupons EVERYWHERE. I often fill like I am being watched on survelance, because I am then hunched over my cart- trying to find the coupons I want to use- or could use- or should look for to see if 1) on clearance 2) on sale and then- BAM- purchases happen. For instance. Yesterday, I had a coupon for electrosal dishwasher stuff- the gel was on sale for $3 and my coupon was for $2.50. DUH. I bought a huge jug of this stuff for 50 cents. Next, I had a $3 coupon for Visine (sp?) for people with allergies, thanks to my husband, we qualify, so, it was on sale at Target for like, $3.34 minus my $3 off coupon- I got it for 34 cents. People may think I am CRAZY- and I might be....but if you ever want to save or go shopping with me- let's go :)

Financial Aid Season

Wowzers- it is now financial aid season at SAU- and boy oh boy does that make for a long day of being on the phone with parents and students. In a way, I love this season because it actually makes or breaks a students decision to come to SAU! I start getting firm decisions, which makes me HAPPY! :) But, I do need to pray for my students because this is also a very scary time for them and their families during this financial distress of our nation.

On a happier note, I went to Yoga last night and then, stepped back on the wii fit and had lost like nearly 3lbs- obviously, my body fluctuates daily on how much I weigh- and lucky for me this thing doesnt tell you your weight UNLESS you click on the weight button- so I am just working wtih BMI- and if that goes down, it tells how how much you have lost vs. gain. I just dont want to go back UP! So, I am watching what I eat and working hard at working out. The games on the wii fit are pretty fun- when I got back from yoga I did some more strength training on the machine and that was fun!

My mom is coming to visit soon! She is coming at the end of the month, and I am REALLY excited to see her and spend time with her- since I haven't seen her since thanksgiving- but, really, since we talk on the phone like everyday, I can't really tell that I haven't seen her in that long unless I think about it!

Let's see...what else can I tell you? I am doing great on our grocery bill- each time based on coupons and sales, I have saved at least 49% of the bill (the savings on the bottom of the receipt) which makes me REALLY happy. :) I am all about saving money, and I believe I am seeing it pay off. We are still working on paying off Jamos' school loans, but, so far so good! It is amazing that you don't have to shop at Walmart to save money- you just have to take the time to look for coupons and sales- and they are all around you!! You can get some great items- as long as you aren't buying junk that will only clutter your home. I have been on this kick of going thru closets lately- it surely does make more room in the drawers and closets. Now, if I could only get Jamos to go thru HIS clothes!!!

An update on the car selling situation- We are still split about what to do- but after doing a kelly blue book price check- it looks like we could sell our car for $4,700.00. Possibly more because it has new tires, battery, timing belt, rotars and break pads...the list goes on and on about all the things it DOES have- which is what makes us feel like we should just keep driving it. Normally, if we go anywhere, we are driving Jamos' car- not our newer one, so, I think we should just keep it and he drives it very gentle, which is really good! But...still a debate to be had in my head mostly.

Okay, now, let me share with you a few of my favorite things that I have recently discovered I like. And that make a difference either in cleaning, or daily life that I think you may like too!

• Real Simple Magazine. If you want to save money, get easy cooking ideas and a nice read- subscribe to Real Simple- or at least visit their website- www.realsimple.com
• Flowers at SAM'S- for $14.97 you can get a LOVELY bunch of flowers- and as the weeks go on- you can seperate into different smaller vases around your home. I enjoy using bud vases.
• DVR- love it. We can now have a social life and enjoy our activities so we are not stuck in front of the TV at the same time as the program.
• Red Box DVD's- sign up and you can get FREE movies on Mondays and for the month of March they are also having free movie WEDNESDAYS.
• Baked Potatoes. Cover them with olive oil and a little salt/garlic and bake for 45 minutes- what a delicious dinner. Use some fat free sour cream, add a meat if you want- and YUMMY. Cheap and easy.
• When you go to the grocery meat section, look for "managers specials" where they mark down the meat/produce/juice that is going to be past it's due date. You can always freeze the meet, eat the produce. I just got a HUGE jug of Tropicana OJ for .49 cents b/c they marked it down and there was a coupon attached to it. It didnt go bad, we just drank it before the other juice we got.
• Tide Total Care- and Downy Total Care (for your downy ball) LOVE this detergant.
• Have you ever played Quiddler? It is a really fun card game- the same idea as rummy- but with words- it is fun to play even with 2 people.
• Wii Fit- though it may tell you you are fat- it does indeed make you realize what is necessary- and that is- be active and loose weight. DUH.
• Whirly Pop. Once you buy a Whirly Pop- you will NEVER go back to bagged popcorn again. www.whirlypop.com
• OPI nailpolish. I am obsessed with all the colors. If you want to paint your nails, come over, I have plenty- or if you want to get me a gift- OPI is perfect.:) Just make sure you get a fun color with a great name! :)
• Blue Ray player/dvd's you haven't watched a movie until you watch it on your flat screen with the blue ray player (or PS3) we love ours and it makes movie watching VERY enjoyable.
• As far as papertowels are concerned- go with Bounty. After using Bounty and then getting a roll of the cheap o stuff- I say- pay for the absorption of a good paper towel. Look for deals at CVS and Walgreens- you can often combine your walgreens coupon with your retail coupon- and WHAM- great deal on some good stuff.
• Dunkin Donuts Coffee brewed at home is GREAT.

Okay, that is enough of my random thoughts as I looked around my house for things to tell you. Obviously you know what is on my mind. :)

car for sale?

Jamos and I (me more than Jamos) are debating/talking about getting rid of our 1999 honda accord lx, and get a new car to call our own. I love this car, but obviously it is getting old- and, is starting to have some trouble with the transmissions (possibly- we just notice slight jerking when approaching 20 mph) and I am just not sure if we need to make this plunge to sell/trade in our car and purchase a certified used car. Any suggestions? Wait it out until the car calls it quits? Or, purchase one before that time period and either get more for our money now/for trade in? I just don't know. It is a great car....and has been VERY good to us!!! Just a random thought of mine.

Last night, Jamos and I went to the Houston Livestock/Rodeo/concert at Relient Stadium. We had great seats and had a nice time. The concert was Clint Black, and I was suprised because I knew all the songs he performed- so that was fun for me to sing along to! :) Jamos- not so much.

Let's see....today, Jamos had to go to work- I got up with him and packed him a lunch- and headed straight back to bed! I thought I may not be able to get back to sleep- and there was an apartment breakfast I was planning on attending, but, when I woke up, it was 12pm!!!! EECK! I got up headed to this Mexico Missions Trip recap- Our church usually goes to mexico in the summer and a few of the people from the orphanage came to Houston to tell the story about the place and invite people to come on down! It was awesome and made me remember how AWESOME it was when I was super involved in missions in Russia, etc., Those were the days!

I had my weekly trip to SAM's club- I love that place. Got some new cookie sheets, flowers, the usual "stuff" :)

Tonight Jamos and I got out our Wii Fit- it of course, told me I am fat, but, Jamos is in perfect condition! :) My BMI was 25....ARGH!!! It was fun- tiring but really fun!!! I gave up after a while, and decided to FINALLY finish the LAST book in the Twilight Series- I have been putting this day OFF because I didnt want it to be DONE! Four books- each about 755 pages EACH- equals a lot of story and imagination! I loved them- and think you should read them. I have some if you want to borrow the books! :)

WELL- off to either cookie baking or movie watching for tonight! :)

update on the stink...

I forgot to mention that I found the smell that was making me feel sick! A few weeks ago when we went to Galveston with Jamey, I of course, found lots of shells to bring home. Jamos had a baggie in his car, and they have been in his trunk....well, last week- the same moment that the smell started, Jamos brought in my shells and put them on the table. DUH!!! It was my stinky salty fishy SHELLS!!!!! I know some of you thought it was the dog, but nope, it was the shells. So, since then they have been soaked in bleach and smelling fresh!! :)

Today I had a nice day- I had to go to the church this morning for computer training- for their new website- quite intense and i have to go back on Friday for more, but, anyways, after coming home, working more for SAU, I decided to go the MALL! I had to return a top and I had a few coupons for FREE things! I LOVE FREE THINGS!!!! Okay- so, I had a coupon for free AVEDA lotion - so I stopped and got a hand massage along with my free lotion- Went to VS with my free 10 coupon ...it was fun to find things for FREE!!! :)

On the way home, Jamos called and said that we were going to grill some chicken- so we did! It seemed to be the grilling night out by the pool- lot's of people were out there! And, we just ate some great chicken, rice and corn muffins. Jamos made the rice and the corn muffins- GOOD JOB! :)

A few great shots and a Birthday Weekend!

When Jamey was here we ate at Goode BBQ- great place- very fun, and here is a shot of us!

Run Jamos Run- he looks fresher than a rose after running 6.2 miles in 52 minutes.
Our baby girl this week, the new Maytag dog!

Jamos and the maytag man!

Oh wait! JAMOS is the maytag Man!

When we were eating down in Galveston, a bee was flying around, so I had it land on my hand!

Being stupid I guess...

Birthday pool day! We spent so much time outside on this beautiful birthDAY.

Barb and my dad, they love our puppy too! (though, killer is NOT our new puppy, we just wish she was....)

Here is my dad...checking his email- something a few years ago he woudln't have known how to do...:)

We went to Galveston AGAIN to show my dad and barb around- we found this truck on a pier that is no longer connected to land!

Loving the beach and the whole driving on the beach in your car idea.

The water line from IKE. WOW. This is down in the "STRAND" around of town-these buildings all survived the storm of 1900.

My dad and the stairs leading out to the sea...

Yes, there is quite the drop off.

Happy Birthday candles with my name on the cake! It was delicious- and all natural from Whole Foods. Thanks babe for picking this up!

After lounging by the pool all day, walking all over town, we had my birthday meal- by the pool- grilling out. This is me and my baby, we call all different names- since her name is Killer and we don't like calling her that. I love her.

Emily, Jamos and Killer (aka: kiki, purdy, baby...)

A perfect walk on the beach during my birthday weekend. LOVE IT!

overflowing with joy

Wow, what a great birthday so far! As I sit here, my step mom is getting some food ready for our dinner tonight, we are grilling out by the pool, my dad and Jamos are out by the pool having some "man talks" or whatever they do- I am surrounded by cards from friends and family who have taken the time to think of me- I have messages galore on my facebook page of "happy birthdays" and wonderful happy messages. I have received numerous birthday phone calls from those far away, I have the best dog in the world laying on the couch next to me- I am blessed. Totally, Completely, BLESSED. I have the best friends and family in the world, the savior and creator of this world chose me to be born and made me who I am, allowing me to experience all that I have in my life. Praise HIM!

I was able to lounge by the pool today in some glorious weather, walk to the mall/container store in the sunshine, get a foot rub by my step mom, my husband bought me a cake from Whole Foods and had my name written on it, I got sunflowers from central market on display...OH, I also took the day off of work and you know what? I am NOT going to feel bad about actually taking a day to enjoy myself and those in my life. Praise Him!

one day away

I am turning 29 tomorrow....in about 24 hours I will be another year older...I was born at 10:02am...a premie weighing 3lbs 10 oz (or so) born over 2 months early. Though I don't remember that process OR spending such a long time in the hospital in K-Zoo...I do know who I am today and where I have come from in life.

I was going to do a "review" of my life, but then i got worried about identity theft and thought as I was typing it that I was revealing too much information...

SOMETHING smells when I sit on the couch. I cannot figure out what it is- it smells like stale coffee.... but, as I sniff the couch and surrounding areas, nothing smells like it! It is ANNOYING ME!!!!!!

I am going to the airport to get my dad and step mom today (this afternoon!) they are flying in for my birthday. I am not sure what we are doing this weekend while they are here- but I am sure we will have fun. UGH! This smell! WHAT IS IT?!?!??! It like, wafts(sp?) past my nose and makes me want to throw up!!!

Bachelor

These are some pictures that Jamey took from her trip to Houston Texas.

Below: Kemah- on the gulf.

Jamey ate that fish on the wall...oh wait- no she had chicken!
Rollercoaster in Kemah.

Jamey, Emily and Jamos.

I found one of my most favorite shells and in it was a little dead animal. So sad!

We took Jamey to Trader Village- and I got some "coach" purses.

Grilling by the pool.

Jamos and I at Dave and Busters- and I am not sure why we are looking at Jamey like this- but apparently Jamos and I were on the same wave length.

This is the HUGE fountain at the mall.

Jamey and I at the mall

I am watching the bachelor right now...who is he going to choose?! I went to an early yoga class tonight at a different apartment so I wouldn't miss one second of the 2 hours event. Of course, I have missed yoga for the last 2 weeks 1 week I was in MI and the other was when Jamey was visiting, SO, my body got a BEATING and apparently the EARLIER class has more of us that have been doing yoga for a while- so she worked us WAYYY hard and seriously, I thought I wasnt going to make it....but, I did!

Killer is with us- she is the little white maltese! I love her!! We are having such fun together! We go for walks a lot and she LOVES to lay next to me all day long while I work and while I watch tv and while I do anything! It is awesome. The only strange thing she does is lick...she licks the couch, the bedspread, anything- she loves to lick. She doesnt do it a LOT but, I have to tell her to stop- that is the only odd habit she has.

What else? Oh- it is my birthday week. I am not very excited about my birthday week for some reason. I guess I don't really CARE that I am getting OLD. I would rather celebrate OTHER people's birthdays!!

The other day I won movie tickets to a special preview event for "I love you man" at this cafe theater- where you actually sit at tables and they serve you food, etc., while you watch the movie. Quite cool- and hey- a free movie! Jamos loves to go to the movies- so may as well keep winning on the ardio station!

OH SAD! The bachelor is saying goodbye to the girl from Michigan. SO SAD! She wasn't my favorite- but, still, it is sad to know that you are getting dumped. Though, the outcome for these shows are NOT good- so why would it matter whether or not he picked you....

Oh, the other thing about dogs that I don't like....the way they kinda smell. Killer doesnt have a bad smell or strong smell- but just like a human, she does have a scent....that is why I am a CAT PERSON. They don't stink, they poop in a box, and they are highly independent. Dogs- you have to walk them, take them out first thing in the morning and at night- and they bark sometimes and have this strange smell. Though, the positives...they can play fetch....they are generally more perky and happier than cats...

On thursday my dad and step mom are flying to town for the weekend and my birthday. I am not sure what we are going to do while they are here- but hopefully have some great fun! :)

I guess I can post some more pictures...ones that Jamey took while she was here...

OHHHHH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! While I was posting pictures- the big CHANGE on the bachelor- when he chose her Melissa and then decided that he is now ending their relationship on NATIONAL TV. WHAT THE HEEHAWS?!??!?!! Wow. WOWOWOOWW. That is EVEN MORE SAD.... GEESH. And now he is going to ask to be with MOLLY!