Friday, August 27, 2010

He got the job! She got the job!

Eddy got the job at JB Hunt! Eddy got the job! He got the job!!!!! Oh, and guess what else? Desiree got the job at the daycare center! She got the job too! Things are looking up for the kids & I'm SO proud of both of them. Des will be able to take Hunter to the day care center with her.
Eddy will be working nights, the same nights & almost the same hours as David. They are both so excited!
Brittni finished up her first week at school. She's going to come over tomorrow night & go online & order her textbooks. She's going to school full time & still managing the Subway in Bella Vista. She just got a raise too! She's got a lot on her plate, but she's strong & I know she'll be able to handle it.
David's gotta go to work again tonite, so hopefully, I'll get some energy & get the house back in order, but at this point, I'm not promising anything ;-).
Well, this is gonna be a short post, but I had to share the good news! me

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Interview

It's a busy busy morning here at my humble home. Eddy is up & getting ready for an interview at J.B. Hunt! Yes! That's what I said. He sent his resume in when they first got home & has been faithfully calling & emailing every week checking on "the status" of said resume. What is SO sweet is that this is his first REAL interview with a big time corporate company. And when he found out he had to be there at 9 a.m. this morning the first thing, David gave him some money & told him to go get some dress clothes for his interview. He is looking SHARP! Please keep him in your prayers that God may see fit to give him this job!

I don't have to go in to work this morning. Instead, we are having a team building meeting at Fast Lanes! Hmmm...don't know how I feel about it yet, but we'll see.

Well, David just walked in the door, I need to get him some breakfast before I take off. me

Chocolate Pudding Is So Good!







Just had to share a couple pictures I just downloaded off my camera. He is getting SO big.
We just love him to death! Can you blame us-ha! me

Thursday, August 19, 2010

College, Pictures, Jobs...

Have I told ya'll yet that Brittni Dianne starts school at the U of A on Monday? Well, she does! Isn't God amazing? We somehow pulled it ALL together, the FASFA, her shot records, picking out her classes, even her work schedule. (And the "we" at the beginning of the sentence, should read "God" instead!) All we like is finding her a little car to drive back & forth to Fayetteville, but David is working on that, and until then, he's said she can drive the Blazer! So we are good to go.

The kids brought Hunter up to work this morning to visit. No one can believe how big he's gotten! Or the fact that he can crawl all over everywhere! They are going to pick up his pictures today! I am SO excited! I'm sure I'll have to share. Also, Desiree had an interview at a day care center in Johnson today. She'll be able to work at the center & Hunter will be in a class too. And...Eddy is at the V.A. right now. He needs to get the operation on his knee done before his insurance with the Army runs out. So, I'm waiting on hearing back from them about that.

Work is crazy. I mean C.R.A.Z.Y. They moved me to a different desk & it is killing me! It is SO loud. It doesn't help that I am the first desk anyone walks by when they come into my department, so of course everyone thinks they have to stop & visit. Also, I am surrounded by the loudest salespeople in the department! So, I had a mini conversation with Terri this morning & told her that if I don't pull out of this slump I'm in, I will HAVE to move. Being the top salesperson is a hard job - & if I can't do my job because I am distracted not only will I not be the top salesperson anymore....but I won't make any money. And that is NO GOOD.

I'll keep ya posted....me

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wednesday's Random Dozen

I'm starting to LOVE the Random Dozen! I see it like this: Some days, I just don't have much to post, unless I bore ya'll to death with Hunter stories, or do the whole "Woke up, went to work, came home, cooked, cleaned, went to bed" post, and hey, that puts EVEN ME to sleep-ha! There are other days...that I probably shouldn't blog. You know the kind of days where you're a little bit whine-y, feeling a little under appreciated, or a little bit sorry for yourself? That is NOT why I started this blog, so I have to watch myself & be careful about that. So THANK YOU Linda - for your random - ness!
1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?
That is soooo easy! Funnel cakes! But, we very seldom go to the fair anymore, I'm sure that will change when Hunter gets a little bit bigger though.
2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Yes - if kids count. I am holding on too much - as usual. They are grown & I need to let them go. I just think I love them too much sometimes!
3. What is your favorite gift to receive?
Flowers - roses to be exact. But it's much better to get them out of the blue, for no reason at all, than to get them when I'm expecting them. (Does that even make sense?)
4. When was the last time you tried something new?
Last Wednesday...The Random Dozen! :)
5. What is your fav & least fav book genre?
Favorite is Mystery, least favorite, hmmm probably Political
6. Silver or Gold?
Much to my girl's dismay, it is gold. They think gold is so "80's". I think gold matches my wedding ring, and all my other rings & REAL jewelry!
7. What makes you sigh?
It depends, sigh - in a good way? Any & every thing Hunter! And, falling asleep curled up next to my sweet hubby! Sigh in a bad way? Coming home to a dirty house, especially if it was clean when I left!
8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are?
That depends on the day! On good days - I'd be at least 10 years younger! But some days I feel like I'm 90!
9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one?
YES, and YES. No hesitation. 'Nuff said!
10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?
I had to think about this one. I think it would be some type of Bible study. NOT because I know enough about it to teach it, but because I know I'd be much more faithful about studying & reading it myself, if I was teaching it.
11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect & admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do?
Ahhh, there always HAS to be a tough one in here. I'd defiantly defend the person by pointing out all of her good qualities. Depending on how they were criticizing her, I'd quite possibly say, well___ is a VERY good friend of mine, and you obviously don't know her like I do, or you wouldn't feel that way about her. (I've actually done this before). I'd love to be one of those outspoken women who just says exactly what she thinks, no matter what it was, but I'm much more conservative than that unfortunately.
12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?
David & I have actually read this book & took the test. I experience love most by Word of Affirmation, I SHOW my love mainly by Acts of Service.

Well, I'm out of time, gotta get back to work! Happy Random Dozen-ing everyone! me

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Hunter is crawling!

It's been a crazy few days around here. Hunter-man is crawling. I mean REALLY REALLY crawling! And, he pulls himself up on everything. I went in to peek at him in his crib the other morning, and he was standing up laughing! It's too funny, but scary too - cuz he is just growing up so quickly! I'm worried about the corners on the coffee table & things like that. Desiree' asked me today if I was this worried when Eddy & Brittni were babies and I said no, but they were my kids...not my grandson! HA!

We got the FASFA filled out tonight for Brittni. I HATE filling that thing out. I hate anything that has to do with our taxes though, so go figure ha! I think all we need to do now is get a copy of her shot records from JBU & fax them to the U of A then she can go pick her classes. Her car broke down a couple days ago, so David had her come get the Blazer. He's looking for her a good little dependable car on Craigslist, and wants to spend about $1500. I just wish we weren't in such a hurry to get one, so we could take our time & find a good one that will hold up for a couple years. But David knows what he's doing, and he won't buy something unless it's mechanically sound.

That's about all I've got for now. David is at work, the kids are in the living room watching a movie & I'm thinking about calling it a night. So...til next time...me

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Random Dozen


So I'm trying the "Random Dozen" again hosted by Linda @ 2nd Cup Of Coffee. I've tried to do this in the past & just can NOT figure it out. I can't seem to paste anything into my blog...so, I'll do it the old fashioned way...one question at a time:

1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried?

I honestly can't remember. It's been a while. But what I can remember is how GOOD it feels when it happens.

2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?

Honestly? I'd blow it. It seems any time I carry any amount of cash with me, it just disappears. On coffee, the vending machine here at work, McDonald's... or - I give it to David before he leaves for work so he'll have some cash on him. I MUCH prefer my debit card.

3. Do you volunteer anywhere?

YES! I volunteer at home..I volunteer to clean the house, do the laundry, take the trash out, fix dinner....all of it! (But to answer the question, no - I wish I did, but I simply don't have the time.

4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it?

That's a hard one, I love watermelon & cantaloupe, just cut up with a little salt on it. But I really REALLY love fried squash & okra. Oh, and cucumbers, and tomatoes..and...well, I guess I like most of them.

5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large?

It's small, very small. But that makes it that much more special

6. When was the last time you attended a family reunion? How did it go?

I can't remember the last time I attended one, it has been many many years. I did however, MISS one this past weekend in Texas. David had to work.

7. When you're feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up?

That's easy...a hug from David makes everything better. Or, I can snuggle up with my precious grandson & he makes my world right again.

8. Have you taken a vacation this summer?

YES! We spent 5 days in Cancun...amazing, can't wait to go back.

9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time.

My glasses. They are supposed to help me see, bifocals you know? But I can't seem to get used to them, so I never wear them.

10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far?

We haven't been to the movies in a long time, but I watched "It's complicated" on DVD this past weekend & it was hilarious. (Gotta love chick flicks)

11. Describe a perfect summer day.

Camping at Beaver lake. Waking up early, sitting outside having coffee with David & watching the sun come up over the lake.

12. Please share a favorite photo from the summer so far!
It's at the top. This is when we went into town in Mexico & spent the day shopping..& drinking the tequila they kept giving us at each of the shops!


Tuesday, August 10, 2010

So very tired

I am SO feeling the lack of sleep I got last night. It has been, and IS a rough day. I finally fell asleep around 2:30 this morning, then Des called me at 5:30 because my little Hunter-man was awake & crying & she couldn't lift him out of his crib. He was wide awake & raring to go! I finally got him back to sleep at 6:45 - just in time for me to start getting ready for work! I don't know when I lost the ability to get by on just a couple hours of sleep - but I've for sure lost it! I am e.x.h.a.u.s.t.e.d. So tired, so sleepy, and SO ready for five o'clock. I really really wish Monday thru Friday went by as quickly as the weekend does! That reminds me of an older woman I used to work with at Montgomery Wards - a loooong time ago, way back when my kids were babies. Every time she asked me how I was I'd say something to the effect of "Fine, I just wish it was Friday". Finally one day she said to me..."Do you realize you are wishing your life away?" And I understood then that she was right. However, it still doesn't keep me from saying it every now & then. And today when I said it...I MEANT it. I really wish it were Friday, sometime around noon, so I could just hop in the truck & go home & take a nap - a really LONG nap. Like one that runs into tomorrow - and doesn't end until about, oh, say - noon-ish!
On a brighter note - David & Eddy are on their way home. I really hate to admit it, but I sure miss my husband when he's gone. Sssshhh...let's keep that our little secret ;-) me

Never a dull moment

Well the "girls week" thing went out the window Sunday night around 8 o'clock. Des had gone to her dad's about 3 or so & I had every intention of vacuuming, dusting, going the whole nine yards. But instead, I ended up with a killer headache & decided a nap was in order. I woke up about 6 and remembered I had to go to the dreaded Wally World to get dog food. Dog food turned into laundry detergent, that turned into milk that turned into...well, you get the picture. Anyway, the only "fun" thing I bought was a toy for Hunter - of course!

Des got home right behind me & walked in & had a fever. Not a slight fever, but 102.8 fever! So we called the emergency number her doctor gave her & no one answered. We ended up calling the emergency room here & they said to bring her in right away. So we grabbed Hunter & the diaper bag & off we went. About six HOURS later, they sent us home with a script for more antibiotics & some nausea medicine. She was dehydrated & had an infection, so it was good we went. Brittni got there about ten & stayed until after one helping me entertain the baby. There wasn't anything for him to do except sit in our laps. I had hoped he'd go to sleep but there was just way too much going on for that. We got home around 2 a.m. and got a little sleep. On the way home she called her mom back to let her know she was coming home, but would defiantly need help with Hunter while I was at work. So her mom drove up today & stayed all day with her here at the house...and is coming tomorrow too. Remember David & Eddy are in Stuttgart...so we are on our own here.

Tonight I've been cleaning house-again. Well, trying to. It's a lot harder than I remember folding & putting up clothes with an 18 pound baby on my hip! My back is KILLING me! But, I put him down around nine & he is still out. The only down side is that I can not vacuum. And as of 1 a.m. - it is all I like. I'd like to think I'll do it in the morning before I leave for work, but we all know what I morning person I am...not!

My grandma called me at work today with WONDERFUL news. She is scheduled to have surgery on Sept. 20th to get the colostomy bag thing 'un-done'. And...she is going to be removed from hospice either this month or next. God is SO good. I told her she was a lot tougher than they gave her credit for. She has lots of stuff she wants to get done before her surgery, so I plan on going down on Saturday evenings & helping as much as I can.

Well, that's about it for now..I'm gonna go take a muscle relaxer for my back & hit the sheets! me

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Girls Weekend - sort of

We are trying to have a "girl's weekend/week" here. I say trying because Desiree' is still recovering from her surgery, & it seems the pain is increasing with the number of days gone by that she actually had the surgery. I think maybe she over-did it a little, what with going to the Grape Festival the night after & then taking a trip to Eureka Springs the day after that. But hey- who am I to get in the way of having a little fun?

David & Eddy headed out at 7 a.m. this morning for Stuttgart. I'm not expecting them back til Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. They went because it is way past time David goes down & checks on his dad. He's got another heart surgery scheduled this month. Hopefully they can get by with just stints again, but if not, they'll have to go ahead & do open-heart surgery while they've got him in there. If THAT happens, I'm not sure what we'll do. We don't have any vacation time left, and he'll need someone down there to help him recuperate I'm sure. And, tomorrow David has to go to our attorney down there & find out about getting some paperwork started on the farm. It's a very long drawn out story, but bottom line is this: Uncle Bob's kids showed up with the "authorities" yesterday & had papers stating that they could go in Bob & Jessie's house & take anything they wanted. It's funny to me they never had anything to do with their dad & Aunt Jessie while they were alive. They wouldn't even help pay for their funerals, David & Big David had to do that. Truth be told I think Big David is STILL paying on it. But now, now they want to come in & take everything, including the house & land & that's not how Grandpa & Grandma Allen wanted it. And honestly, it's none of MY business, and I don't think anyone cares what they take from the old house. It's the Allen land that David's dad lives on that we're worried about. Anyway, we'll find out more when David talks to the lawyer tomorrow.


I've been helping out with Hunter-man since Des isn't supposed to pick him up for 6 weeks! And don't think for a second I'm not LOVING it! I got up with him at 5:30 this morning & changed him & fed him & played with him. Then when he got sleepy I brought him into my bed & cuddled until he fell asleep about 7 or so. Then we both took a power nap & I woke up at 9:30 to these great big beautiful blue eyes just staring at me & smiling. It was SO sweet.

Brittni came over last night & we filled out the worksheet for the FASFA. I'd like to say that we finished it, but I totally forgot that our accountant has our W-2's & we need those numbers before we can officially fill it out & submit it. And considering that the U of A starts up in a couple of weeks, well, I've got to get on the ball.

Anyhoo, I'm not sure yet what today is going to consist of. I'd love to go see my mom, but it's a good hour's drive away, and I think Des probably needs to take it easy today. She was running a little bit of a fever this morning, so we probably should just stay home & watch movies on the Hallmark channel or Lifetime or something productive like that.

The boys took Boogie with them, but of course left me with my big bundle of chaos. Bam is currently in the kennel because I can't leave him out without keeping Hunter in my arms at all times. They are going to be the best of friends when they both get a little bigger, but right now Bam thinks it's great fun to lick Hunter all over the face & knock him down, and I'm just not cool with that.

Well, gotta go check on the kids...me

Friday, August 6, 2010

Hello Friday!

Hello Friday! I am SO glad you are here! Friday couldn't come soon enough for me this week! My boss has been on vacation, so I've been "Acting Boss" all week. Let me just say this now, I do NOT have any desire to have that position. EVER. I like very much just being responsible for myself & doing my job. And speaking of doing my job, I had 3 sales this week. Yup, I got the 3rd one in right at deadline yesterday. 3 sales means I get my incentive on top of my commission. Yay!
Desiree is doing good after her surgery. She is defiantly sore, but managing the pain a lot better than I would be. Yesterday afternoon they left the house & didn't get home til about 10:30 last night. I think they met her dad at the Grape Festival. They came home with a t-shirt for Hunter that said, "Don't look at me, that smell is coming from Grandpa!" and a wooden picture frame insert for me for Hunter's picture. I LOVE presents & especially surprises!
They're taking Hunter today to a portrait studio to have his picture made. I know they brought one of his camo outfits & David's duck calls for one set! CUTE! I'll have to figure out a way to scan them when they're done & post them on here for sure.
Not much else going on except I have to tell you that I got the recipe for the peach cobbler from Brenda & made it Wednesday night! It was super easy & very tasty. I also made fried green tomatoes & boiled cabbage & fried pork loin. How's that for some good old fashion Southern Cooking?
There is one other thing on my mind today, and I blame it all on David! He said something this morning that I can't quite shake off. I can't get it out of my head. That was probably his intention since he said the words, "this is something I think about every day" before he made the following statement: "What are we working towards?" Keep in mind that he said it after he told me they were getting ready to get into their busy season at work, and people were talking about overtime and all the extra money they could make. And I told him that even if he worked overtime & brought home more money we'd just "absorb" it. Meaning we wouldn't save it up & do or buy anything special or extra with it. We wouldn't put it towards paying something off faster, like our truck, or credit card or something. So in my opinion, it wouldn't be worth it. He'd have even LESS time at home. But I can't get it out of my head. What ARE we working towards? Hmmm...I'll have to ponder that one for a while. I'll let you know what I figure out. me

Wednesday, August 4, 2010


The kid's stopped at Cabela's yesterday on the way to Kansas...I got a picture text with the words..."Buy for me?" I almost said YES! I can just picture this, right beside his papa David's recliner...both of them sitting there looking so cute! But, I stopped myself just in time. It's still a precious picture though! Between his papa, his daddy & his name...this little guy is going to LOVE the outdoors! me

Mid-Week Update

Desiree is having her lap band surgery today! I'm so happy/nervous for her! I asked her yesterday if she was scared & she said "no, I'm just ready to get it over with". She's been on a liquid diet for 2 whole weeks! If I could do that, I'd be able to lose the weight without the surgery-sheesh! There are a few things about it that concern me, and for me personally, I'd have to think LONG & HARD before taking the plunge and doing this. Mainly, you can not eat any type of bread, rice, cereal, anything that "swells up" in your stomach...ever again! Anyway, I keep teasing her & telling her she is going to be my guinea pig...I'll watch & see how she does over the next year, then decide if it's something I'd consider! HA!
Since the kids left yesterday to go to Kansas for the surgery, David & I had the night to ourselves last night. So I got home from work & we loaded up & headed to our local Wal Mart Neighborhood Market! We were supposed to just be going for a few staples, and something to cook for dinner with the green tomatoes my friend Sherry brought me, but since we weren't in any hurry, and hadn't really been grocery shopping & stocked up for quite a while, well, we went CRAZY! $250 later, my pantry is full, my freezer is full & we should be good to go...for a day or two at least! Actually, I enjoy going shopping with David. I tend to have this habit of buying (and cooking) the same things over and over AND OVER again. When we go together though, we walk down every aisle & find new things to try out! And you want to know something funny? By the time we got home, unloaded & put everything up, then worked the dogs, it was 9:30 and I ended up not cooking dinner at all! How does THAT happen?
Speaking of working the dogs....Boogie is doing AMAZING! She is going to win the "Duck Dog Challenge" this year down in Stuttgart! I just know it! Bam however...you know...MY DOG ....he seems to have lost his drive a little bit! He's doing great on the "heel, sit, here" part - for his age, he is only 8 months old, but he was a little distracted on his retrieves last night. I don't know if it's this VERY HOT Arkansas weather or what...but it seemed like he'd lost some of his focus! But hey - who am I to talk about being distracted or losing focus, right?
Monday night Brenda invited us to come down for supper. They are having a big 'ol Texas Family Reunion this weekend, and unfortunately David & I can not attend, because of course, he has to work! A while back when we'd gone down to visit her she showed us a couple different videos (or home movies) someone had taken & made copies of, from 15 or so years ago- back when the family used to get together for Christmas or a birthday or something. It was SO AMAZING to watch, that we suggested when she goes down to the reunion, she take our video camera & do the same thing! So...we took it down to her for her to take this weekend. It ended up that my whole "little family" got to go. Brittni & McKenzie (the new boy) even went! (The Brittni thing IS getting better) We had such a good time just hanging out & visiting. Hunter man LOVES going to his nee nee's. And Brenda made the best BBQ sandwiches & peach cobbler. I have GOT to get that recipe...it was soooooo delicious! Everything she makes is just SO good. I can only hope one day, I can cook as well as she does!
Work this week is crazy. Terri (my boss) is on vacation, which means I'm in charge & trying to take up the slack. I will be glad when she gets back. I only have 2 sales so far this week, which means I desperately need one more to hit my incentive. And, since I'm not going to be able to get that while I'm blogging...I'd better go for now. me

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Time to go see our Grandma!

So...last night I decided it was time to go see Grandma again. We haven't been out there since 4th of July weekend. And I remember when she was SO sick in the hospital & I was so worried we might lose her & felt so bad because I never hardly took the time to go visit with her & my Aunt Bev. Now - she is doing SO much better. She has taken herself off her oxygen. She sits up in her chair for most of the day. She gets in her wheelchair & eats at her dining room table & even does the dishes again! Aunt Bev even put her in the car & they took Ryan (my cousin) to work one afternoon when he needed a ride. God is so good! So last night after David went to work - we went to Grandma's! (Here is where I need to add that Brittni had called Desiree yesterday & told her that she had finally really broken up with Jeremiah & wanted Eddy & Des to bring Hunter over & hang out with her. Des told her she'd already made plans with me to go see Grandma & Brittni asked if she could come too - and bring a friend....a GUY friend that was not Jeremiah.) So, I got David off to work, and since ALL of us couldn't fit in one vehicle, Des & Hunter went to pick up Brittni & her friend, and me & Eddy went in his truck and got dinner for David & Keithon and took it to them, then we all met up at Grandma's.
I am sorry to say I forgot my camera. I even told David that I was going to bring my camcorder & video Grandma, Bev & Hunter so I'll have that forever. But as usual, I was in a great big hurry trying to get dressed, put the dogs up, start the dishwasher...and I just forgot. Anyway...we had such a great time. It is so funny when my little family goes to my grandma's. We all love to visit & talk & when we got home, Eddy said "mama, there were so many conversations going on at once I just shut up". Ha! That's a laugh. Eddy talks more than me! But I think it's because we love being with them & are all trying to fill them in on everything going on & there's just SO much to say! Hunter man loves Grandma P. But he also LOVES his Aunt Bevy. He would just smile SO big when she talked to him. She got some REALLY good pictures...and I know she'll share. She always does. There are some times in our lives, that I wouldn't have a picture one of - if Aunt Bev hadn't been there to take them! Thank you Bev!
And speaking of pictures...so, the Brittni thing is not exactly resolved at our house, right? And she brings this new guy to Grandma's. And for the record he is SUCH an improvement from the last one! He was very nice & respectful & actually participated in the conversation...even Eddy liked him (sort of)! But, since Brittni hasn't really been coming over here much, and I wanted David to see him & know what he looked liked, when Bev & I were in the kitchen by ourselves, I asked her if she could sneak a picture of him & Brittni & email it to me! And this morning, at 6:30 I decided to check my email & she DID! It's a good picture too & I can't wait for David to get home so I can tell him all about our night!
Since it's time for him to be walking in the door...I should go start some breakfast. I know I've got more to blog about...remember, I made myself a list. But it won't be this morning. There are biscuits & gravy to be made. So..til next time...me