I am going to brag a bit. I got a 94 on my first anatomy exam. There were only six in the class than made a 90 or better. I'm so excited!!! I'm a genius!

Me...Me...Me!!!

Got this in an email this past week. Laugh it up....make your little comments!!!

1. Name ~ Beth Washburn
2. Nicknames ~ oh uh-huh......never going to tell that!
3. Age ~ 28
4. Relationship status ~ oh-so happily divorced!!!
5. Eye color ~ brown with some green tints
6. Where were you born? Rutherford County
7. Do you have kids? 2 girls, Gabriella (7) and Annabelle (5)
8. Piercings ~ none
9. What is the most recent movie you saw in a theatre? Sex and the City.....it’s been a while!
10. Favorite foods ~ Mexican, Mexican, Mexican, and pizza.....and don’t forget the cheesecake
11. Favorite day of the week ~ any day that I get to sleep in
12. Favorite flower ~ lily and gerber daisies
13. Favorite sport to watch ~ Nascar....even though I’m not quite sure it’s a sport ~ 2nd choice...football
14. Favorite drink ~ Mountain Dew
15. Favorite ice cream ~ chocolate chip cookie dough
16. Favorite fast food restaurant ~ um....don’t think I have one. When I was pregnant, I would go to 4 or 5 different ones and get one thing from each place and have my own little picnic every night!
17. What color is your bedroom carpet? tan/boring
18. How many times did you take your driver’s test? actually just once!
19. Favorite TV shows ~ Grey's Anatomy, Sex and the City, Frasier, Friends, The First 48, That 70s Show
20. Last person you went to dinner with? my mother, two of my brothers, and my daughters
21. Favorite color ~ tricky question! red for shoes and purses, browns, and shades of blues
22. Favorite song ~ to many to choose from!
23. Favorite movie ~ again...to many to choose from
24. What is your sign? Leo
25. Can you change a car tire? yes.....if I must
26. Can you drive a stick? well of course!
27. When you get married, will your dress be white? nope! red!!!
28. Are you for gay marriage? who am I to tell someone else what to do with their life?
29. How many tattoos do you have? none
30. How many pets do you have? none
31. Favorite book ~ The Wednesday Letters..........best book I’ve ever read
32. Siblings ~ 4 brother (30, 24, 15, and 10) and a sister (4)
33. House or apartment? duplex
34. Hobbies ~ can’t tell that!!!!!!!!!!
35. What U.S. cities have you visited? Honolulu, Maui, Orlando, Charleston, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Outer Banks
36. What international cities have you visited? London, Stratford on Avon, Paris, St. Thomas (don't think that is really considered a city though)
37. What languages do you speak? took two semesters of German in high school and can say one phrase! and enough Spanish to eat at Mi Pueblitos!
38. Glasses or contacts? contacts
39. Summer or winter? fall
40. Apple juice or orange juice ~ milk
41. Hugs or kisses? kisses!
42. Computer or television ~ computer
43. Rolling Stones or Beatles ~ Stones
44. What color is your car? dirty with a black under-tone
45. Is it easier to forgive or forget? forgive
46. Can men and women be “just friends”? absolutely NOT
47. Dating co-workers? never had a co-worker that I wanted to date
48. Is flirting cheating? no
49. Would you rather have 1 great friend or 5 so-so friends? 1 great friend
50. Would you ever have plastic surgery? of course!
51. Love someone so much it made you cry? of course
52. What word describes you best? Sassy!
53. What is your greatest accomplishment? my daughters
54. Morning or night person? night
55. Would you live with someone before you married them? probably wouldn’t marry them if I couldn’t live with them first
56. Would you rather take pictures or have your picture taken? take pictures
57. Are you a beach or country person? half and half
58. Do you like your handwriting? yes
59. Believe in soul mates? absolutely
60. Ever been to Africa? Um....no
61. Ever been toilet papering (rolling)? actually no
62. Croutons or bacon bits? bacon bits
63. Which store would you choose to max out your credit cards in? that is a very unfair question to ask a woman!!!
64. What time do you go to bed? when my eyes close
65. Would you like to be famous? probably not.....don't like people in my business
66. On the way to the electric chair, what would your last meal be? a man!!!!!!

Me & My Little Beauties...!

Oh...they are so beautiful! This was taken at David and Sonya's wedding. Belle now calls her polka-dot dress her "wedding dress". Gabby...she's a beauty queen!

My Life's Soundtrack........

Here's how it works:
1. Open your music library (iTunes, Winamp, Windows Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie.

Opening Credits - Sittin on the Dock of the Bay
Waking Up - Tequilla Sunrise
First Day of School - Best of Intentions
Falling in Love - It Had to Be You
Fight Song - At Last
Breaking Up - Goodbye Earl
Prom - Free Falling
Life - Traveling Soldier
Mental Breakdown - Only You
Driving - You Give Love A Bad Name
Flashback - Anymore
Wedding - Still the One
Birth of a Child - Lady in Red
Final Battle - You Were Mine
Death Scene - Wide Open Spaces
Funeral Song - After the Thrill is Gone
Final Credits - Can't Fight This Feeling

It's amazing that some of them actually hit it right on!!! Enjoy!

Let the Separation of Church and State Remain

The United States is a constantly changing society with a vast amount of diversity among its citizens. One of the most prevalent differences among the citizens of this country, is the religion that each person chooses to live their life by and the beliefs that they choose to believe in. Each religious culture has its own beliefs, customs, and fundamentals. At the heart of each religion is prayer, which is deemed by most to be a private and personal matter that should not be fashioned to be a public display. Even with so many distinctive religions present in today’s society, the battle to restore prayer back into the public school system remains a passionate topic for many. By allowing prayer back into the public school system, the rights of all students cannot be protected.

The United States has a greater number of religious groups prevalent in its society than any other country in the world (Largest Religious Groups). There are currently more than 1,500 religious bodies and sects accounted for in the United States today (School Prayer). Christianity is the largest organized religion in the U.S., followed by Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism (Largest Religious Groups). Each of these religions have very distinct and varying beliefs. Christians view God as a Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Judaism beliefs view God as a single being. In the religion of Islam, followers believe that Muhammad was the founder, Allah is a single entity, and that Allah was not killed or crucified; he ascended into heaven. Buddhists worship a teacher, Buddha, rather than a god. Hindus worship a lord that they believe to be half man, half lion.

With so many religions existing in society today, how would it be determined which religion(s) would be prevalent in our school system? Would there be only one allowed? Would students be allowed or mandated to explore each religion or only the one that they accept as true? One of the many stands that has been taken on this issue is to allow the students enrolled in our public school systems to learn about each religion. “There are enough religions to give the children a different prayer for every day of their education, from kindergarten to senior year in high school” (qtd. in Guarino). This country was founded on the belief in religious freedoms for all citizens. To allow every religion into our school system undermines our basic religious foundation, which is the struggle that our country is facing now. Our schools are for all children, whether they are Catholic, Baptist, Quaker, Buddhist, atheist, or Jewish. The public schools of this nation are supported by tax dollars from all taxpayers, and if these taxpayers are not going to be allowed to choose which religion their child will be learning, then religious viewpoints should be omitted from their children’s public education.

As previously stated, the government of the United States was founded on religious principles, and those principles still remain as a part of our government in the present day. Congress opens each session with prayer; courts use the Bible for oath-taking; the national currency has “In God We Trust” printed on it; and the Supreme Court begins with the invocation “God save the United States and this Honorable Court” (qtd. in Robinson). Religion has been allowed to remain in these, as well as many other aspects of our governmental system. If there is a member of Congress that is not in agreement with the choice of prayer that opens each session, he has the right to refrain from participation. Bibles are not required in the court system for taking an oath. An individual may use whatever he deems necessary so long as an oath is given. Our nation has undergone drastic transformations since its founding, and it is unrealistic to assume that religious basis and beliefs can remain the same as they were so many years ago.

Up until 1962, prayer was permitted in the public school system (Pros and Cons). Supporters of restoring prayer into the schools firmly believe that since prayer was taken out of the school system, our nation has faced a steady moral decline. Studies have shown that between 1960 and 1990, drug use, divorce rates, teenage pregnancy, teen suicides, child abuse, abortion, and violent crimes have significantly increased. (Pro School Prayer) There are no statistics or facts to be found that can link the absence of prayer in schools to any of these issues. More than 30 years have passed, and our nation has dealt with many changes, including the increase in religious societies. This nation has coped with, and will continue to cope with, a constant decline in morality. It is the changing of times and the years passing that has led our nation to have the crime, abortion, teenage pregnancy, and divorce rates that we face today. By returning prayer to our public schools, supporters believe that this act would instill moral values back into our children’s lives. In Japan, where prayer is not allowed in public schools, the crime rate is the lowest of any developed nation (Gaylor). If this is the case, can prayer really be the answer to the question of morality or lack thereof?

It is also the belief of supporters that “schools must do more than train children’s minds academically. They must also nurture their souls and reinforce the values taught at home and in the community” (qtd. in Arguments). In some instances, there are no values being taught at home nor in the community in which the children reside. It is the responsibility of the educational system of this nation to educate our children with the knowledge necessary to graduate from high school, go onto college, and become a productive member of society. It is the responsibility of parents to educate their children on the religious beliefs of their choosing. The values that are taught at home to these children cannot also be taught to them at school. It is a societal impossibility. Each home, each family, and each individual would have to be identical in their thoughts, morals, and beliefs. Public, government-funded schools are educational institutions; not religious institutions. There are approximately 16 hours each day spent at home or outside of the school system. In 1875, Ulysses S. Grant declared, “leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private school . . . keep the church and state forever separate” (qtd. in Gaylor).

The most prevalent argument for the return of prayer to the public school system seems to be that the majority’s opinion should rule. By this argument, supporters mean that the majority vote should determine if prayer should be allowed back into the public school system. But what about the “majority rules” aspect on which religion(s) would be allowed into the schools? The Roman Catholic Church is the largest denomination in our nation. Approximately one-fourth of our nation’s population deems themselves as Catholics. In some school districts, Muslims outnumber all other religions (Gaylor). If this argument is accurate, the “majority rules” reasoning could determine whether or not to allow prayer to be returned to the public school system. Determining which religion(s) to allow would be more of a state or county issue rather than federal based on religious populations in individual counties. If the argument of the majority rules supporters won the battle, the minority would feel discriminated against, and the battle would once again be initiated.

In reality, the argument that prayer has been taken out of the school system is untruthful. Prayer does not “belong” to the public school system, and therefore, cannot be taken away by it. Religious activities are in fact allowed in the public school system. Students are allowed to form and participate in clubs; they are allowed to carry their Bibles, Torahs, Korans, or any form of religious material they choose to school with them; they are even allowed to bow their heads in prayer before eating their lunch or any other time they feel it necessary. Religion and prayer are existent in each and every place that an individual goes, so long as they believe and carry it with them throughout their day. Prayer is a conversation between an individual and the God they chose to believe in; Prayer is in our hearts, in our souls, and in our minds, and laws and lawmakers can never take that away. Prayer should remain prevalent in our homes and in our churches or synagogues where we are free to believe and have faith in any deity that we choose based upon our cultural beliefs and personal rights.

Crack Kills

Check out this YouTube video. It's HILARIOUS and sooooooooooo true!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3tba2xbLE

This would be MY luck!!!

Oh Lord!!! What a proud mama she must have been!!!!

Here are a couple of papers that I have had to write this year. Just wanted to share them with ya'll!

A Little Closer to Heaven

I sat on pins and needles in the back seat of my mother’s old, dirty brown Pontiac, bouncing up and back down again from the constantly appearing, gravel-less ruts in the long dirt road that led to Mama Mae’s house. This seemed to be the only place I was ever safe from the childhood trouble that seemed to linger on my heels; it was the most peaceful, most soothing place that I remember as a child; it held my special place.

As my mother rounded the last curve of the old, tree lined dirt road, I could close my eyes and already envision Pawpaw Willis sitting in his uncomfortable black chair, his heavily used, tattered, black Bible in hand, his old pipe hanging out the right side of his mouth, peacefully reading in complete oblivion to his surroundings, and Mama Mae with her black, cat-eye glasses, sheet-like dress draped over her body, and shimmering white hair, standing at the kitchen counter, reaching into the cookie jar, and removing a hand full of vanilla wafers, and placing them gently on a napkin awaiting my arrival. I could already taste Mama Mae’s “magic” vanilla wafers melting in my mouth like they were a delicious handful of chocolate M&M’s. Those vanilla wafers were unlike any other I had ever eaten; they were filled with love.

I sat at the old round table, my anxious feet swaying back and forth trying to reach the ground; I could not eat my vanilla wafers fast enough. Once I had devoured my snack, I hit the back door running as fast as I could go; I was out of sight before the rickety, old screen door ever slammed back against the house. I was headed to the one place that I would never be found; I was going to my magnolia trees. Standing just twenty feet from the black and gray speckled, asbestos sided house, past the old, half rusted wrought iron wash pot, stood two towering, majestic magnolia trees. They were so perfectly spaced in the yard, like the person that planted them took great care to make sure they were so perfect that they would be there until the end of time. Before my feet ever came to a screeching halt, my eyes were already searching for the old broom handle, the one with the nail poked in the bottom of it, the one I stabbed into the ground to pick up the life-size leaves that fell from this beautiful monstrosity. I jabbed the old broom handle, nail first into the grassless ground, stabbing through the center of each leaf, always being careful not to jab myself with the nail. I could not concentrate very long at all on this monotonous task; my mind was elsewhere. The seat-like branches of my blossoming magnolia were calling my name, beckoning me to climb them, and so I began the climb that I knew was off limits. I had watched my brother many times before get into trouble for climbing the trees, but this did not bother me at all. I somehow always managed to slither down and away before Mama Mae’s sights were set on me. How could you not want to climb into something so beautiful and serene? How could you be expected to not love these trees?

As I sat back in my tree and closed my eyes, I heard nothing but the birds singing their song, the old CSX train whistle in the distance, and the soothing sound of the country with the tractors plowing the soft ground, and cows mooing as they grazed in the fenced pastures all around me. As I looked up in search of the heavens, all I could see was the deep green of the leaves, and the enormous white blossoms of the vast magnolia tree that surrounded me. The heavens could not be seen from my tree; my tree was the heavens. With a mischievous smirk on my face, I reached into my pocket, and pulled out the vanilla wafers that I quietly snuck out of the kitchen. I laid back in my tree, and slowly nibbled my wafers, savoring every last bite. I was in peace; I was away from everything, but better yet, I had not gotten caught. It was just me and my tree.

Mama Mae despised my tree, its many fallen leaves, and its angelic white summertime blossoms. Over her many, many years, she attempted to convince every person that paid her a visit, to cut down my tree. Everyone must have seen what I saw in my tree; they too saw its breathtaking beauty, and felt the amazing peacefulness that surrounds it. Today, Mama Mae looks down from heaven onto my tree; my tree with its rich, green leaves, and its beautiful white blossoms in full bloom.

My Saving Grace

People come into our lives who will change our path, change our way of thinking, change our purpose for living, and who will make us realize what life is truly meant to be. On October 25, 2001, I met my saving grace, the one person who has changed my life for the better, the one person who has changed my life forever. The birth of my daughter, Gabriella Marie, has opened my eyes to what life really can be, but more importantly, she has shown me what true, undying love really is. She is my vibrant, full blooming white rose in a garden of faded red blossoms.

I will never forget that way I felt the very first time I laid eyes on my beautiful Gabriella. She was petite, only weighing six and a half pounds, with perfect little features, the darkest, most glistening golden brown eyes that I have ever looked into, a full head of dark, golden brown hair, dimples perfectly placed on each side of her face, and the silkiest skin that I have ever touched. There was a glow, an angelic light, beaming from her flawless round face. It was love at first sight. I never wanted to lay her down. Most nights, I held her as she slept, and if I was sleeping, she was nestled right up next to me so I could feel her body against mine, so I could inhale her luscious baby fragrance . I remember lying there watching her sleep and thinking that she was mine; she was the only thing that I had done right in my life. I felt so at peace. This precious baby girl has calmed my weary heart; she has poured the life back into my vanishing spirit; she has put a smile on my face again. I would have never thought that a child could be so empowering to my soul.

Children bring so much to our lives; they touch our lives in ways that are unexplainable until that moment comes. The scariest part of parenthood for me is worrying if I can give her what she needs, physically and emotionally, and being the best parent that I can be. Having Gabriella in my life helped me realize that it was time to grow up; I had someone in my life, and her life meant more to me than my own. Until this moment, my life revolved around me. It is almost as if the pregnancy and realization of what was about to happen to my life did not hit me until I held her tiny little body in my arms for the very first time. Life before Gabriella consisted of anything that I wanted to do or felt like doing, regardless of the consequences or monetary costs involved. If I woke up and did not feel like going to work, I just would not go. If I wanted to go shopping and spend hundreds of dollars on shoes, I would do it and never think twice about it. Once Gabriella was here, my entire outlook changed; my life did a complete summersault and landed back on its feet.

In being a parent, there are many “words of wisdom” and values that I want Gabriella to grow up knowing and to carry with her throughout the rest of her life. The most important of these is to make sure that my daughter knows that she is loved, that there is never a doubt in her mind that I love her and want her in my life. Without being overbearing, demanding, or even pushy, I want her to do her best and always put forth her best effort in everything that she attempts. I want her to always desire to be better than she is, to never be content with anything that she has or is, and go after everything that she wants out of life. Her birth, her presence in my life, has made me want these things, for myself as well as for her. I long for her to be a much better woman and mother than I could ever aspire to be.

I can sit here, close my eyes, and think back through life at all of the individuals that have touched by life in a special way or stand out in my memory; no one will ever compare to what Gabriella has done for my life, what she has brought to my life, or what she means to my heart. There is nothing in the world that compares to being a parent. My life began again with the birth of my precious Gabriella. She is my forever and always.

God doesn't give you the people you want. He gives you the people you need to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.

I DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE EVER SEEN ANYTHING FUNNIER!!!

~ Funny Noun Genders ~

I found these today...they made me laugh out loud...so now you all get to read them! Enjoy as much as I did!!!

• KIDNEYS (female) - they always go to the bathroom in pairs
• TIRE (male) - it goes bald and often is over inflated
• HOT AIR BALLOON (male) - to get it to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under it
• SPONGES (female) - they are soft and squeezble and retain water
• WEB PAGE (female) - they are always getting hit on
• SHOES (male) - they are unpolished and always have their tongues hanging out
• COPIER (female) - once it is turned off, it takes a while to warm it back up
• SUBWAY (male) - it uses the same old line to pick people up
• HOUR GLASS (female) - over time, the weight shifts to the bottom
• HAMMER (male) - it hasn't evolved much over the last 5,000 years but it is still handy to have around
• REMOTE CONTROL (female) - it gives man pleasure; he'd be lost without it; and while he doesn't always know the right buttons to push, he keeps trying.

Make sure you check out my Humor Section at the bottom for more funnies!!!

...Taken from the Washington Post

Mommy's Beautiful Little Girls...

Here are some of my most favorite pictures of the girls . . . from birth to now. They capture the very "essence" of their personalities! Enjoy!

Knock-knock...

Who's there?
Not Auntie Liz's baby!!!

(If you're reading this...I'm not really amused by the situation...PROMISE!!!)

Just wanted to give everyone an update on the non-appeareance of baby "Sophella"...

Liz called yesterday with the "wonderful" news that they have tried for 3 days to induce her labor and have had no luck. They pretty much told them that when he decided to come out...that would be the BIG day.

She was sooo disappointed. I felt sooo sorry for her. She was really wanting and needing him to come this week. I tried talking him out but that didn't work. She hates the smell of alcohol so I volunteered to go get some and whiff it under her nose...for some reason...she declined my offer. Can't say I didn't try!

I'll keep yuns posted...she said she'd let me know when/if he decides to come out. I hate to keep asking her if there is any progress...I'm sure she gets 1,000 calls a day on the subject and is rather annoyed with giving the sam response all the time.

We'll see...maybe this weekend...MAYBE!

Auntie Liz

As of 2:00 this afternoon, Auntie Liz was dialated to 2 and 70% efaced (or however you spell it). I recommended the "sex" and she said they already tried that! I told her they didn't do it right if she was still knocked up (j.k. Auntie Liz...me loves you). When I left her, she was going for a walk. We'll see! Gabe is suppose to keep me posted as things progress...

~ STRESSED ~

THIS picture here, well that is me right now...STRESSED. I have my first Anatomy exam coming up on Thursday. I feel so STUPID too. There are 4 chapters that we are being tested on. Now...why can't she do one test per chapter rather than cramming in 4 chapters (1oo+ pages) into one. How am I suppose to know what I need to study????? STRESS. STRESS. STRESS. Keep your fingers crossed!

Oh...and the WORST part...she told us before we left class today that everybody's test was different so we couldn't cheat off of our neighbor. NOW HOW IN THE HECK AM I GONNA PASS????

Today's Topic ~ CRACK

...And not the kind of crack that "crack-heads" like either...and not the kind of "crack" I like seeing...wait...there isn't any crack that I like seeing! I swear...everywhere I went today...every person I saw had their crack hanging out the top of their pants. What is the deal? I don't want to look at my own crack...it's the ugliest part of your body...[I have only met one person that enjoys looking at crack...well she did my crack...and that is my ex-maw-in-law (as she calls herself these days!!!). I had a pilodial cyst and she thought it was just the greatest, most coolest thing in the world to watch them at the hospital. It grosses me out thinking about it. (Did I mention that she is weird???)]. Any hew...back to my point...HOW DO YOU NOT NOTICE THAT YOUR CRACK IS GETTING A SLIGHT BREEZE??? It just blows my mind. Maybe it's just in Rutherford County...who knows?!?!???? Point of the story is - PEOPLE - please pull your pants up. I....nor any other normal person...wants to see your crack...we might get more than we didn't bargain for!

~ A Tribute To the Stupid Girls ~

~ The Divine Secrets of The Stupid Girls ~

Once upon a time, there were two girls...Silly and Sillier. They met...they bonded...they were forever friends. They did everything together - shopped, ate, stayed up all night, laughed til they cried, cried because they were sad, cried because they were happy, and even had babies at pretty much the same time. No one ever understood them when they were together!...and they were never like this when they were apart. They were in their own special world...a world no one else would ever be able to enter. Today, you will understand a little more about the life of The Stupid Girls.

Rule #1 - EVERYTHING IS FUNNY - And by FUNNY, I mean HILARIOUS beyond belief. Laughter constitutes tears and the occasional snort from S.G. #1 thus bringing tears to the eyes of S.G. #2.

Rule #2 - MEN ARE STUPID - And YES...we mean ALL men...except for our son(s) or fathers...and they occasionally have some tendencies! We are firm believers that men's brains are located in their pelvic regions! The space between their ears is just that...space.

Rule #3 - FOOD AND/OR SHOPPING MUST ALWAYS BE INVOLVED - There really isn't an explanation needed. It just is what it is!

Rule #4 - THERE IS NO JUDGING - What one S.G. does is okay to the other S.G.

Rule #5 - NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS...NOTHING - And if this isn't a perfect example...I don't know what is!

Rule #6 - SILLINESS IS A MUST - Any time, anywhere, always!!!


Rule #7 - And the most important rule of all...YOU MUST ALWAYS LOVE YOUR STUPID GIRL!!!

Stupid Girls are like the bacon bits on a bed of plain ole' lettuce...they spice it up, give it some flavor, and bring a little life, excitement, and joy!

~ An Ode To My Mommy ~

A daughter may outgrow your lap but she will never outgrow your heart. ~Unknown~

Mothers and daughters are closest when daughters become mothers. ~Unknown~

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn; Hundreds of bees in the purple clover; Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn; But only one mother the wide world over. ~George Cooper~

I LOVE YOU MOMMY ~

Pookie Bear...

Soliciting...and NOT what you are thinking Ambre' Hodge!!!

For all of you folks out there that are interested in relocating to Western North Carolina, please take a look at my company's website - www.washburnrealestate.com or go directly to my link on the website - http://www.washburnrealestate.com/agent_details.php?agentid=13.

Our company has served Rutherford County and its surrounding areas for over 20 years now. We have 17 agents and staff on-call 16 hours a day. As of this past month, we are #1 in sales in the county as well as the top listing holder. I won the monthly contest for "Top Listing Agent" in the month of August with 21 new listings that totalled well over $1,000,000.

We, especially myself, would love to help satisfy your housing needs, now or in the future, or just to answer any questions that you may have. Check us out!

Infinite Wisdom.............

To conquer your flaws, you must first accept them (my absolute favorite).

Don't be discouraged because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.

Don't make someone a priority that makes you an OPTION . .

Just a little humor...

Now THAT's just funny stuff!!!

WHAT was I thinking????

I decided that I wasn't smart enough...which I know for some is QUITE the SHOCK...so I decided that I was going to go back to school for nursing. This is my first semester so I am having to take all the junky courses that come first. My parents didn't give me the good DNA (David didn't get it either...I don't know what they did with it!!!) and I don't know how to do ANYTHING in moderation. I am taking six classes: Success & Study Skills (a complete waste of time but a way to make the college another $42 per student because it's required for everyone); Keyboarding (boring); Expository Writing (I absolutely love my instructor); Introductory Algebra (a breeze!!!); Medical Terminology I (so far, we haven't learned any "medical terminology"...I'm a little concerned); and Anatomy & Physiology I (OMG). I HAVE NO LIFE ANYMORE. I'm determined though! I WILL do this...and I WILL do this right!!! Just watch and see!!!



THIS is my new sister-in-law, Sonya!!! My first quiz was coming up in Anatomy and we had to learn fifty something body parts - know where they were and how to spell them. So...Sonya volunteered to be "labeled". THANKS TO SONYA and my infinite wisdom, I made a 9,5 on my quiz...don't worry, the grading scale only goes up to 10!!!

My "Mini Me" ~ The Belle of My Heart

THIS is my "sweet" Annabelle Leigh. She's an interesting child...that's for sure! There are two extremes to her: she is either completely loving or completely evil. Yes...I know...she looks just as sweet as can be...that's alllll part of her plan! She also has very few things in life that she just cannot live without: Mommy, Poppie, deer hunting (don't get me started...it's more like deer-watching), cookies (she's the Cookie Monster), and PIGS...yes, pigs!!! I never thought I would have a child that loved me and wanted me like this little girl does...but unfortunately, I have to share her heart with her Poppie. They live and breathe for each other and have since day one! He takes her deer "hunting" (deer watching and feeding), he bought her cammos last year (and it's such a shame that she has outgrown them), her nana Jennifer made her a hat and a bright orange vest too. As for the pigs, I have no idea how or why that started but she loves them to death. We have roughly forty stuffed pigs - some as big as she is. Several months back, I surprised her and took her to see "real" piggies as she calls them. One of the pigs there looked JUST like her favorite stuffed pig. She was soooo excited. She still talks about it. She's my angel...

~ A little girl is sugar and spice and everything nice . . . especially when she is taking a nap. ~

My Gabriella Marie . . . THE Diva

This is my very beautiful, very dramatic Gabriella. Her first real word was "Beau-ti-pull", and THAT she is. From day one, she has been all smiles. If there is a camera around, she WILL be in front of it! She acts shy from time to time but in reality, there isn't a shy bone in her body. She currenly is missing her two front teeth...which will work out very well with Christmas just around the corner! She has three or four others that are loose. She's just like I was when I was a child - don't try to pull them - just let them fall out!

She lives for very few things: her Bammy, PawPaw, and Aunt Aly - her nephew Abel - Hannah Montana - torturing her little sister - and BUNNY RABBITS!!!
She will be 7 years old in just a little over a month. I cannot believe that she is that old. It makes me sooooo sad. I still vividly remember the day she was born. She had the most wonderful "glow" about her. Her first day of kingergarten, she jumped right out of the car, ran up the steps, and was gone. It absolutely broke my heart - not a "bye mommy", not a "I love you mommy" - NOTHING! She was too excited to be wasting her time on me.
She has started drawing what she calls "Fashions". I gave her a three-ring binder and some notebook paper and she is drawing outfits and coloring them all different colors and decorating them all differenly. I hope she keeps it up...she could make us rich!

The Sunshines of My Life

I never thought it would be possible to love anyone the way that I love these two little beauties....

A mother's treasure is her daughter

These adorable little monsters are the absolute loves of my life! They look sweet but please don't be fooled...especially by the little one...she's a user!

My Introductory Apology...

Well...let me start out by saying that in theory, this seems like a good idea but before it is too far into it, I will forget to check this, up-date it, blah blah blah. So...thus the title..."My Introductory Apology". Stay on me! If you nag me about it, I'll keep it up. Till I'm back again... tootles!