Question of the Day

Okay, you know that I usually reserve my blog for very serious and brilliant conversation. However, I have a serious problem I need help with! I mean SERIOUS!

Now that we will be traveling more often, I would like to get some new travel bags. But there are so many cute ones! So...leave your opinion in the comments. Which pattern do you like best?

1.Cinda B Sweetleaf Navy

2.Cinda B Casablanca Purple

3.Vera Bradley Yellow Bird

4. Cinda B Ravinia Black

All that Jazz

Today, I spent three hours learning how to be a substitute teacher. I am a little worried that I spent so much time learning what I can't do in the classroom that I am going to forget everything I can do. Oh well.

In other news, my heart was very happy today when I drove into Germantown and Ann Taylor LOFT and Vera Bradley were in the same shopping center right next door to each other. It's like a little sign. I am not sure what kind of sign, but it probably involves spending money. I probably shouldn't go there very often. But I probably will. Even if it's just to smell the purses at the Coach store. Seriously...try it sometime.

When I was in high school we took a trip to Memphis and visited Graceland. Now, everytime I get on the highway I am reminded that Graceland in all its splendor is only a few miles away. I imagine that this is what people feel like when they move to Orlando and realize that they only live minutes from the greatness that is Disney World. But maybe not quite on that scale. More like realizing you live next to Dollywood. I only live 7 hours from Dollywood now, though, so maybe I'll visit and let you know.

Anyways, today was a very important day in my life, because for some reason I thought there were no LOFT stores in my general vicinity. Apparently the world is right again, because I can still visit and buy clothes that will be on sale for 2.88 when I go back in the next time. Seriously...there were clothes there for 2.88 today. Shorts and pants. Without holes in them! And they weren't sunshine yellow. Although if you own a pair of sunshine yellow pants I am sure they are very attractive on you.

So...in a nutshell, life is moving on here in good ol' Mississippi. People have been ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL, and we already know that we are blessed to have a wonderful new church family!

For those of you who have been wondering, my dad's leg has healed to the point that they can continue with chemo. He had his body scans today, has to have surgery to put in his ports, and he will be admitted to the hospital all next week for chemo. Then, he will go back to keep receiving chemo for several weeks after that. The news last week wasn't the best in the world, but my mom put it best,

"We are finding solace in the fact that our God is faithful 100% of the time. He is not limited by the statistics of modern science. He has carried us through this journey, and will continue to lift us up when we are too weary to fight on our own. I know that God answers prayers as nonspecific as, "Lord, be with that guy that has cancer." and, if that's all you can keep up with, then that’s awesome! However, I have some specific requests for those that have time. First, that Greg will tolerate the chemo with minimal side effects. Second, that the wound on his leg will not get worse during the course of treatment. Third, that God will allow Greg to be healed of all cancer…now and in the future!"

The Thrill of the Hunt

I am long overdue on posting more information about the BIG MOVE, but I will make time for that really soon. Today was a big day for me. It was my last trip to Canton's First Monday before we cross the state line and become Mississippians. Is that what they call people who live in Mississippi? I'd better figure that out. Maybe I can convince them to call me a Texissippian.

It could not have been a better weekend to go to Canton. Although it was SUPER humid and pretty hot, it could have been a lot worse. I don't know if it was the holiday or the threat of bad weather, but I have never seen the grounds so empty of people. Bad for the vendors. Good for us. I felt like apologizing to all of them for the lack of people, but I have to admit that I liked not getting run over. I went with my mom and sister, and we were able to cover lots of ground quickly. We were all about on the verge of passing out by the time we got in the car, but it was a great day!

Here are a few pictures from the day, and some pictures of a few purchases. Just for the record, I have a strict "no showering, make-up, or brushing the hair" rule on Canton days. So I apologize for what you are about to see.


These are what you call "fancy."


These are what you call "fancier." They have built in disco ball earrings. Seriously. It's a win - win.


I tried to talk myself out of this hat, but I just decided I NEEDED it. I don't know exactly why, since we are moving away from the Rangers, but I will figure it out. Anyone have any baseball games that need attending?


I loved these. That's all.


I am beyond explaining why I need another purse. I got one for my sister-in-law Amy, too. She understands.


I saw this in a shop. I am pretty sure I know what state it is. A sign of good shopping to come in Mississippi? I hope so.

Swine Flu Can't Stop the Shopping!

Well, despite the Swine Flu and the rain, we had a fabulous weekend in Canton. I drove down to meet my mom and aunt Friday night, and we hit the grounds bright and early Saturday. It wasn't too crowded at first, so we got to enjoy it before it got too crazy- if you have been in May or November (or anytime really) you know what I am talking about!

We knew what we wanted the most, and we headed straight there: to the plants! I should have taken a picture, but between all of us we purchased more than 15 plants. It was a crazy sight!

Here are a few of the fun things I got!


I always need another purse...right?


Plants! I got a bunch more I'll show you later...I know you are waiting on the edge of your seat...


My mom bought me this, and I LOVE it! You hang it on the wall, and then you can put picture frames on the shelves. It is for our nursery...someday!


A new plate. I am collecting these "holey" plates (technical term) to do a grouping on a wall. Until then this platter found a home in the kitchen.

And last but not least, if you remember, last May there was a tornado in Canton, and we were there for it. We didn't even know it had happened until it was over. Well, the crazy rain yesterday brought back the memories, but I was glad to see that this:


had been replaced with this:


Last year, within an hour of the tornado someone had cut up pieces of the tree and started to sell it. I am guessing that some of those lucky buyers are now wondering why exactly they have a piece of wood in the back of their closets...

I Was Never Meant to Work

Seriously. I love me some Spring Break! Having the time to go hang out with friends is so great, and my usually overflowing laundry basket really appreciates the time off. Part of the reason Spring Break is so wonderful is because it's a break from the normal, but I think I could totally get into this kind of normal. Ha!

Anywho, the past two days have been super fun. I have been to Watters Creek (home of the Vera Bradley store) twice already! Yesterday, I went with my best friend from high school Holly and her cute son Brayden. Holly and I haven't really gotten to hang out a lot over the past few years, but now that we live in the same area it's a lot easier to get together!


Brayden at lunch...look at that cute smile! Poor guy ran into a chair with his face the day before...

Today, I met Katie and Annie for round two of food and shopping. Annie was super cute and slept the entire time, which gave her mom and I lots of time to chat and catch up. Katie had never been into Vera before (very surprising since her family loves all things Vera), so we had a great time there. Not to mention all of the Mi Cocina we managed to eat. A little ice cream and shopping later, and we were good to go.

Annie with her first Vera purse. Green to match her super cute St. Patrick's Day outfit.


Katie showing off the "I Was Never Meant to Work" logo. Seriously...I could totally get into doing this every day.

Shopping Report:

A little something for all of you LOFT fans out there. I think they changed their teacher rewards program, and it was fabulous. All I had to do was show my teacher badge and I got 15% off my entire purchase. I got some great deals (like 50 to 80% off), so check it out!

Oh...and I got some gladiator sandals. I never thought I would buy any, because they look silly on my foot with that super long strap. They are coming out with some different styles, though, and I just really liked these. I know at least half of you are thinking they are pretty ugly right now, and that's okay. They are definitely pretty different, but they were just so comfy and weird that I liked them all the more.

The "Men" in My Life

I met a new friend of mine this morning. His name is Michael...no relation to the other Michael in my life. He is oh so red and pretty. Oh, and he has shiny buckles. But we have hit a snag in our relationship. He has given me very sad feet. Feet that scream for band aids. It was bound to happen. I knew there would be a few rough patches in our relationship. There's always that "getting used to each other" period. I mean, he's probably not going to be too happy with me when he realizes that I work with children who like to step on my toes.

In the meantime, I have gone back to hanging out with my good friend Tom. He's cute and knows what really matters to me: comfort. Don't all the relationship experts say that all women want relationships where they feel safe and secure? Well, Tom fits the bill. I may just have to look and see if he has any brothers. I could go for a couple more Toms in my life. Like this guy...


In unrelated shoe-news...I could totally use these in my life. You know Patternitis flairs up when you least expect it.

Pasta and AstroTurf

Yesterday, I visited Uptown Village in Cedar Hill with my mom and sister. After lunch with my aunt, we walked around for a bit to see all the place had to offer. That's when we stumbled on this:


Oh yeah, it's a mac and cheese bar. You get your basic macaroni and then load on the toppings. Are you kidding me?? Where have you been all of my life Max Cheese?

We also had fun rolling around in the AstroTurf. I couldn't decide if the landscapers were on crack or if they were geniuses. Would you judge me if I used this stuff in my yard?? You know that our children are going to be allergic to everything, and I can see this solving a lot of problems.


Overall, it was a fun day in Cedar Hill. Oh yeah...and it was my dad's birthday too! He had to work, but we did a fine job celebrating for him. Don't worry...we took him out to dinner.

Black Friday Recap

My mom and I had a fairly relaxing Black Friday. Mike and I spent the night with Mike's dad (Mr. Bill if you will), and Mike drove me over to my mom's house at 7:00. I must give Mike credit, because he did go on one shopping expedition with me! We stopped at Walgreen's because they had a sale on their lighted "Christmas trees in a pot." That's a technical term. Two for 20! I'm going to set them up on the porch later today and see how they look.

Anyways, my mom and I met my aunt at the Galleria at 8:00. It was crowded this year, but nothing like I remember in the past. We got some great deals, but we didn't go after it with our normal gusto. I think old age is making us lazy. On the way home, we stopped for some hot chocolate and browsed through Crate and Barrel and The Container Store. Overall, a very productive day! (Plus later Mike schooled my whole family on the Wii). How did you spend your Black Friday? Are you a shopper or a lounger?

Black Friday

Tomorrow is Black Friday...one of the best days of my year. Usually it means getting up at 4:30 or so, standing in lines in the cold, and occasionally, getting a little crazy. I am not afraid to stake my claim on a DVD player and stare someone down until they let go of the other side. Oh, it's happened. When the stakes are high, you do what you gotta do.

Traditionally, my mom and I get the early morning out of the way and then our whole family (all 14 of us these days) goes to the Galleria for the weekend. We stay at the Westin hotel and have a good ol' time. This year, we aren't doing it, so we are calming down a little bit. So, instead of my alarm going off at 4:30 it will be going off at 6:30 this year. Look at me sleeping in! If you need me tomorrow, I'll be shopping, but at a more respectable time...like 8 a.m.

Watters Creek

If you live in the "North of Dallas" area, you need to check out Watters Creek. It's a new outdoor mall in Allen, and it is beautiful. I went yesterday with my mom and sister, and it was so fun! We'll have to go back soon if only for this store. I think angels started singing when we walked in...oh wait, that was me.



We also went to the Allen outlets...where I made my sister do this:

The Pictures Say it All

I made this pumpkin tonight. I was going to make two more, but I'm going to be honest. They kind of beat me down. Maybe more next year...To make some yourself, go here. Maybe they won't beat you down.



My fabulous Nana gave me this china cabinet. Isn't it great? I love it, and it looks great in my dining room. The picture doesn't really do it justice.

I went to Canton on Saturday, and it was super fun. Here are a couple of things I apparently just had to have. I'll have to post a couple more things later (okay...so I like Canton a lot).



And last but not least, Peter Petrelli is about done.

My New Best Friend

I think I am in love. I have wanted to go to Costco forever, but frankly I didn't want to waste the money getting a membership. I went today for the first time, and oh my! Now, I grew up going to Sam's. I am well aware of the thrills of gallon-sized mayonnaise and free samples. I have even been known to plan my Sam's visits at lunchtime so as to eat all the samples I could get my hands on (don't lie, you've done it too).

But Costco is a whole new world of fabulousness. I mean, where else can you go to get a new plasma TV, hardwood floors, engagement rings, and a 3 gallon vat of olive oil?? Actually, I was very impressed with their food selection. They have just about everything organic, including my favorite milk and a whole selection of frozen veggies. They also have paper goods made from recycled materials. AND for all of you Gorgeously Green girls out there, remember that shopping in bulk means less packaging and waste. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go eat something organic.