Friday, December 26, 2008

So This Is Christmas

I hope that everyone has had and will continue to have a very Merry Christmas and Holiday week. Mine has been good. I've eaten waaaaaaay too much, got some really great gifts, and seen some long-lost family members. Today, all of that continues...

We went to my grandparents' new house on Christmas Eve evening (as usual) with my mom's brother, his wife and their four children, plus the six of us (mom, dad, little bro, Gus, Blue and me). The food was great. The house is great. The company was great. Then, the six of us went to mom and dad's to open our gifts. That was fun!

I got a great purse! I LOVE it. It's brown with fringe on it. I like fringe, a lot. Blue makes fun of it and calls it an Indian purse. Oh Well. I also got some great pj's, coasters, a bracelet (from my grandma), a scale and an ipod! Blue got a ton of great stuff too. We are very blessed to have such a generous and loving family.

Yesterday, for Christmas, we went to my mom and dad's. My dad's sister (who is my godmother and I call her Nanny) and her husband and my cousin and her family were there. My cousin, Jen, has 3 little boys and they are so cute. Christmas is so much funner with kids. Again, we had a great meal and spent good time together.

Today, we will drive a little to go to Nanny's house. Her youngest son is coming in from out-of-state and I cannot wait to see him. He and I were very, very close growing up and I have not seen him in a long time. Nanny's oldest son, his wife and their three children will be there, too. They have an adorable, smart, funny little girl named Arlee,4. They also just had twins in July! I've never met them face to face. I've talked about them here on the blog though. I'm happy about that.

I'm not happy that I have not slept well in days. Seriously, it's getting OLD. I am tired and I look really awful. I'm weaning off of another medication, it's not as bad as the K from last year, but it's not a picnic. I am guessing that is what is causing some of the problem. I'm having a lot of jitters, anxiety, which I've dealt with for a long time. I am also just dealing with some very personal things that are difficult. I beg you for your prayers, good thoughts and support.

My love to you all...

Labels: Blue, family, holiday, presents

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Picture Day

Dad and I went to BestBUy and bought one of those memory card thingys. You take the card out of the camera and stick it into thingy, plug the thingy into the computer and voila! I can get my pictures on the screen. So, here are just a few of the pics I've taken in the past few months. They are in backwards order, of course, from the way I wanted them. The most recent ones are first going back to October.

Last Thursday- my footprints and the front/side of our house covered in snow! My poor plants.

Little bro at Buffalo Wild Wings for the LSU vs Ole Miss game

Little Bro and Gus with some crazy guy at Blue Dog Cafe.

No, really, that's Christopher. He's a family friend.

He made this duck appetizer for us.

Me! The day I got my hair cut off.

It looks like this again.

At the tailgate, beer pong

and bad house guests

the blowup tv

M-2 at the DHS high school football game.

Just got her braces off in this picture.

Isn't she gorgeous?

My plant, kitchen sink and window.

I LOVE that window!

I have not killed the plant yet either which is a miracle.

Look at these ya-hoos!

That is our couch!! YAY :)

Our entertainment center, big tv, and the hallway (fireplace on other side)

Also, Blue's guitar case which doesn't go there

Me and Layla

on the couch

before I lost weight and cut my hair

Also, I was mid-blink. Don't I look drunk?

I'm not.

I have Christmas party pics, too. If you're not bored to death from pictures now. I'll let these sit for awhile.

Labels: family, Gus, Justin, Louisiana, pics

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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Future Voter!

School was out today so that we could vote. Our friend's little boy came and hung out with me while I went running my errands and doing my thang. He even got to come and vote with me. He told me about how he and his friends had voted in school last week and how voting is very important. On the way to vote, he told me who he voted for and he wanted to know who we were gonna vote for. I told him that we were voting for John McCain but that people's choices were private. I told him that we didn't mind telling him who we were voting for because we were friends but that it's not polite to ask people that question. He was thrilled with this. He liked the whole secret and "grown up" aspect.

He loved watching the people reading the information outside the poll. He basked in the attention he got from all the elderly ladies that got me all signed in and into the booth. The best part for him though was when I let him push the "cast vote" button at the end. He told everyone everywhere we went that he did that. He did say VERY LOUDLY, "Did you vote for John McCain," after we got behind the curtain. I guess he thought that was pretty private!

I remember my daddy taking my brother and me with him to vote. He always taught us that it was an honor and a blessing. I loved going with my dad to vote as a child. I hope this little boy will remember voting with me today.

Well, and I did buy him candy to help the memory.

Also, for your enjoyment, a little Georgia Bulldog and a Little Red Riding Hood, AKA Blue's cousins in GA.

Labels: Eden, family, presidential candidates, Saylor, voting

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Friday, October 31, 2008

YAY!

I just bought two pairs of jeans and some shirts in a smaller size! OH, what a feeling. It's amazing. I shouldn't be surprised because the jeans that I've been wearing make me look like I have a penis. No, seriously. Blue and his friend are always teasing me because I'm constantly pulling them up.

I could've probably gone to an even SMALLER size now that I'm sitting here in them. But, nah. I don't wanna be too uncomfortable.

Tonight, Blue has to work in another state so we will miss the WSP concert. I'm going to the high school football game instead. I'm SO bummed that we will miss the concert. Also, very bummed that my Blue is not here. BUT, I'm praising God for Blue's work oppertunities and for our new home and for a marriage that has made it through. I remember when I didn't see my poor hubs for months.

The two girlies, M & M, are coming to spend the night with me. One is 15 and one is 13. FUN! They are my cousins and they are so much fun. I gotta go put on my makeup so, ya'll have a great weekend!

Labels: family, goals, Madison, Maria, marriage, weight loss

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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

So Much To Say

It's been so long! I am reading my regular blogs and everyone is just so busy and has so much going on and I feel so far behind. Lots of things are going on over here, too. I don't really remember where I left off (and I forgot to look) so, I'll just start the rambling.

This weekend is the big LSU vs UGA football game. It's a big deal here in my house because Blue is from Georgia, if you'll recall. And we live in Louisiana. It's a Civil War. His family (mom, dad and maybe brother)(and a friend) are coming in on Friday for the game and to see our new home.

We will be tailgating alllllllllll day long on Saturday. My parents are cooking and my brother and his friends have THE best spot on campus. I'll be wearing the purple and gold and screaming with every ounce of my being. This is for all the marbles! GO TIGERS!

I joined calerieking.com and I LOVE it. It helps me so so much! I'm doing my treadmill work as much as possible and that is helpful. The treadmill that I use is very old, though. None of the stuff on it works except for the actual treadmill part. I guess I don't need any of the fancy stuff but it would be nice to know how far I've gone and to have an incline. I'll be asking for a new one for Christmas.

My goal (one of them because I have a LOT) is to lose some weight (FAT) before I worry about doing other exercises besides cardio. I powerwalk and then jog and that seems to be working for now. I'm trying to add more time to the days and more days a week that I do it. If you are interested in my weight loss and progress and are doing the same or have done it, let me know please. I have a weight loss blog, too but I've decided to make it private. Just let me know if you want to read.

Seriously, who knows where I can find out a good housecleaning schedule? I know that one of you superwives has one or knows one. I read one before so I know they exist. I'm talking about, Laundry and bathroom on MON, floor and blah, blah, blah, on TUES... And if you say Flylady then tell me where because I don't wanna know about cleaning my sink and dressing everyday. I do that. Everyday. If I don't, I don't wanna.

Also, on the house cleaning front, who has a Jacuzzi tub? Do you clean the jets a lot? Every week? Every day? Every year? I mean with chemicals or whatever... Thanks!

I know there are other things I gotta tell ya'll but I need to move it! I gotta go get milk and then get my (big) butt on the treadmill.

NOVEMBER 3 is housewives day! I like daisies and gardenias and lilies and I don't like carnations. I wear a size 8.5 shoe. ;)

Labels: exercise, family, football, housework, life, LSU, weight loss

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Monday, September 29, 2008

Little Susy Homemaker

My back is aching and I'm praying that it's not my mattress. Everything is so new here and I am very grateful and happy, don't get me wrong. It's just weird. It's strange to be in this new house and have all these new surroundings and new sights and smells. I like all the things I'm seeing and smelling, it's just different. I know that I will get used to it.

I am liking having people over and cooking. I really enjoy entertaining. Saturday night, a man that works with Blue came over to eat. I made red beans and rice, cheese and garlic biscuits and mini chocolate chip cookies. They came out so good. I put two types of sausage and andouille in the red beans. Blue's co-worker, Mike, is from Canada, and he says that he loved the beans. He kept asking me about the beans- how do you buy them, how they are prepared, what was in them. I was really pleased by that reaction.

Tonight, my brother and Gussie came over. I served Parmesan encrusted pork tenderloin (although it wasn't that "crusty"), mashed potatoes, peas, garlic bread, chocolate brownies and cookies. I took pictures but my camera is in the other room. I promise to show you soon. I used some of my dishes that I have not ever used from my wedding.I had them packed away in a back closet. I enjoyed the food and everyone else said that they did too. I hope they really did. It is important to me that people are comfortable and happy and fed well in our home.

I cannot tell you all how different I feel. It's like I'm a totally different person, except that I'm not a different person, I'm the person that I've always been inside. I'm able to be that person now. I cannot imagine the life I lived before but I know that it was severe depression. Depression is a real sickness and it can steal away important times of your life. It stole away so much of my life. SO MUCH. But, that is all over and done and I'm moving on. I feel like I'm not a good writer anymore though. So, sorry.

I have a very very low self esteem lately too. I'm happy in the house and with my energy levels and my inner feelings but the outside is a MESS. I'm just fat and have awful skin and my hair is gross. I know that poor Blue is sick of hearing about it. I have an appointment for a haircut and color on Friday and I see the dermatologist on the 7th of October. I've lost some weight but not nearly enough. I just feel sooooo BLAH about my look. I hate that.

My parents, grandparents and uncle and aunt are in France. They go every year. It's weird that they are all gone at the same time. I forget they are gone and go to call my mom and then remember and then go to call my grandma and then... They will be gone for 2 weeks. Next year, Justin and Shannon are supposed to go and we could go too but I hope to be pregnant. Or have a small baby. Either way, I doubt seriously that we will go next year.

That is what is going on here. I'm really busy. I am a little bit obsessed with the cleaning. I never cared or wanted to clean before but now, I do. I'm kind of an obsessive personality though. More on that later. Anyway, I'm busy cleaning and cooking and shopping and running errands and watching new episodes of TV and all that stuff.

Labels: blah, cooking, entertaining, family, housework

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The Birthday Boy and The Drunks

This post is picture heavy so don't say I didn't warn you. Just like last Sunday for dad's birthday, the fam went to eat for Justin's birthday this past Sunday. We went to eat at The Little Village which is becoming a favorite of ours. Well, Gussie and Blue had never been so this was there first time.

We had a really good time! Ummmmm, Mom, Gussie and I had a little too much fun maybe. Our martinis were really strong. We only had one each and we were drunk!

They all laugh at me though because I'm like the paparazzi with the camera. I don't care. I love having pictures of our adventures. It's fun. I'm an absolute terrible photographer but whatever. I also never actually sat down and learned all about my camera so that may have something to do with it. It's a Pentax Optio.

Sunday was just the day that we went to eat for Justin's birthday. Today, September 17th is his actual birthday. He turned 24 which is absolutely insane to me. I still remember him being a little boy! He's not little anymore though. Well, he's still skinny. HERE is what I wrote for him for his birthday last year.

It would've been nice to have a picture of him, huh? NAH! It's me on the way to the restaurant. Those are my faux Chanel sunglasses.

There he is- The Birthday Boy on Sunday night

Birthday Boy & Gussie

Blue(wearing blue) & Shoeaddict

nice pictures taken before the martinis were consumed

well, uh oh!

I like taking pictures of Gussie eating.

because she does gives me funny poses!

yes, after the martinis

This goes in the "nice, normal" category even though it's AFTER and everyone was laughing at me for taking pictures

HELLO! We're not ready

Ahhhhhhh! Cute

SILs (and a little bit of Mama)

And the Food:

Mine- Chilean Sea Bass with lump crab meat in a lemon sauce

Luke's- ribeye with shrimp (doesn't that thing on the right look like an eyeball?)

Dad's- the grouper

Justin's- stuffed lobster tail

Close up!

The cake today

I made a cake for him last night and brought it to him at work today. That was a lot of fun. I was SO proud of the cake. My friend Melissa and I made it and we had a blast with the sprinkles and the icing. It was great. I did eat a piece at the office today and I am not feeling guilty because I've been doing so good. I've lost about 5lbs. My pants were very loose today. YAY!!

I'm sure there are more fun fam pictures coming up after next week. The WHOLE family is going out for the September birthdays for Sunday brunch/lunch/dinner (I forgot, I don't know). The September birthday's are- dad, Justin & PaPa (9/26).

Oh, we closed on our house today. Yes, we are HOMEOWNERS!

Labels: birthdays, family, house buying, Justin, pictures

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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Pirates Of Death Valley

Justin's friends were the spot of the week at TheTigerBlog. Go here to check it out. Luke and I will be there Saturday and whenever we can. With the move, it'll be hard to get there, but we'll go as much as possible. My parents and Luke's (and some other UGA fan friends) will be there for the UGA/LSU game.

LSU tailgating is like nothing you've ever been to before. This spot is the best there is, too. GEAUX TIGERS!

Labels: family, fun, Justin, LSU

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Sunday, September 7, 2008

Happy Birthday To You, Dad

Today was my daddy's birthday. In all the Gustav hoopla, I didn't get him a present but we all did get together and go out to eat. It was hard to find a restaurant that was open, but we did. We went to Sullivan's and ate until we all were rolling around like big fat hogs. I ate crab stuffed shrimp and so did Shannon. We often get the same thing, now that I think about it. We both really like shrimp, that's why. The others got some kind of steak- Luke got Cajun ribeye, dad got filet and mom and Justin got prime rib, maybe.

Those are the pictures of us. Luke hates to have his picture taken so he didn't want to smile but they made him laugh. He is "almost smiling" and so he has a goofy look on his face. I love the picture of mom and dad. Isn't it cute?

I must take this opportunity to tell ya'll that my dad is the BEST and I'm so very very lucky to have him as mine. I've talked about him on the blog before, I know. I talk about my family all the time because I'm so lucky to have them and I genuinely enjoy them. I'm a huge daddy's girl and I am not ashamed of that.

My dad, Harry, is a sweet generous and loyal man. He was very close to his own father and is very close to both my brother and me. Everyone loves my father. Yes, he's goofy and he can be frustrating. He is fiercely protective and loves us all very much. I am so lucky to be his daughter, his child. I don't have to worry about where I belong or who can I run to as long as he is alive.

Thank you, daddy for being the best ever.

I love you. Love, Turkey Lips.

Labels: birthdays, daddy, family, Luke, mom, pics

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Gustav- Through The Windows

As promised, here are the pictures I took the day after Gustav hit. I took them while we were in the truck riding to mom and dad's house so the quality sucks and you can see rain drops. Well, not that my picture taking is good otherwise, but, well, you get what I'm saying. Anyhow, here they are. (They are out-of-order because Blogger is a pain)

Layla laid next to me and was a nervous wreck

The front and to the side of our yard. See all the limbs?

Side of yard where there is a road
Big tree down and cows on the right

behind our house

large tree down in the driveway of that house

the awning covering the gas pumps at this gas station blew off

isn't that crazy?

tree on the side of the road

a large tree down in a manufactured home parking lot

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At Cami's wedding last week

Labels: family, hurricane, Layla, pics, Shannon

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Thursday, September 4, 2008

Aftermath

It's just 12:30 am now. WOW! What a crazy bunch of days this has been. Our power went out at exactly noon on Monday during the hurricane. Our city was hit pretty badly. Our capitol was hit pretty badly. I have some pictures from after the storm hit that are pretty crazy (and probably not that great).

During the storm, the wind was insane. Across the street from our house, Mr D's shed door was flapping in the wind like a piece of paper. It's a HUGE rolling door. A very large tree fell behind our house. Another tree in the side yard broke about thirty feet up and landed in the road that runs along the side of our house. A window broke in my laundry room. The screens came off of almost all of my windows, too. Layla was crazy during the storm. She was just restless.

We are so fortunate though. We are all safe. I know some people who have had their homes wrecked by trees smashing into them. This parish is filled with homes with trees in them. It's a horrible sight to see. I don't know anyone who was physically hurt though and I thank GOD for that. Also, our new home and neighbors appear fine, too.

We are still without power and so is everyone else in the parish.It is said that we will be without for 2-3 weeks. My husband and father work for a heat treating company and so we are very fortunate to have been set up with a full powered generator this evening. It is huge and is running the whole house. We are all at mom and dad's- Luke, Layla, Justin, Shannon and me (and mom and dad and the other two dogs) but we are happy and cool. I have lots of work to do at my own house.

Thanks so much for all of your prayers, thoughts and well-wishes. I appreciate them so much! Please pray for the elderly and the ill who are suffering a lot more than anyone else I know.

Labels: family, hurricane, life

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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Family Pictures

I decided to finally download the pictures off of my camera. So, that means you guys get to see them. The ones I decide to show you, that is. Here are some of a crawfish boil at my grandparents' house and a crab boil at the camp.

Papa and MaMaw testing the crawfish

yummm, the crawfish

that is my dad in blue and Olivier on the right

my grandparents' house

the crabs

MaMaw and dad (Papa in the back)

Justin, Dad and Papa

Mom

I am having trouble with the pictures from this weekend. I got them all off of the camera but Blogger is giving me fits and I'm too tired to deal with it now.

Labels: family, pictures

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