Ten Things Tuesday

Bet ya thought I had forgotten about these, huh? Well, I haven't. I have no excuse though. Just laziness. Here are a few things I have been thankful for lately.

1. The weather! Woohoo for warm days!
2. I have only 2 months until graduation. I think I can survive it.
3. I am thankful for my new furniture that should be arriving this week. Trust me, if you saw my pitiful, chewed on, stuffing deprived, down to one last throw pillow, old-lady print living room set, you'd be glad we're getting new furniture too.
4. I am thankful for my hard-working husband who made that new furniture possible!
5. I am thankful that my hard-working husband is (supposedly) getting time off after tomorrow! He has had only about 6 days off since January 25th, so he is in need of a break.
6. I am VERY thankful that my husband was not hurt in his accident last week. God was definitely protecting him.
7. I'm thankful I only have one more class today. I'm tired.
8. I am thankful that I have been able to attend the Monday morning Bible Study at my church! If you haven't done Beth Moore's Esther study, go check it out. I'm loving it! I'm also pretty fond of all the girls doing the study with me. :-)
9. I'm thankful for bananas. Random, I know. I really like them though. Bananas are my favorite fruit. Lately, I've been starting my day with a banana or a banana smoothie - except Mondays. Those are coffee days.
10. I'm thankful for spell check on Blogger. I type too fast. If it weren't for those little red dotted lines, I'm pretty sure people would think I was illiterate and just hitting buttons on the keyboard. My dad would certainly be embarrassed.

It's back! Ten Things Tuesday!

Unfortunately, life has gotten hectic, and I haven't been the faithful Tuesday blogger I used to be. (Sorry, Heather!) I'm back though, at least for today.

Things I am thankful for...

1. My first class on Tuesday and Thursday is only 1 hr. 15 min. long. Any longer and I'd go totally crazy. :-)

2. My wonderful husband.

3. My husband's job - not only does he love it, but it allows me to concentrate on my education and doing what I love, photography.

4. Starbucks and muffins. Yum.

5. Monday morning bible study time.

6. I get my rings back tomorrow! Oh I can't wait!

7. Emerald hasn't eaten her newest chew toy!

8. Steven is done with storm work for now! Yay! Let's just hope we get a good break before ice storms start rolling in.

9. My yard is mowed.

10. My online class. If only some of my regular classes could be online classes...

Time for Ten Things Tuesday Again!

Here we are again, another Tuesday! I'll try to keep up with this more, now that I know at least one person depends on it for entertainment. (I love you, Heather!) I'll admit, I've been sort of grumpy the last few days with the husband being gone, so I'm going to use this as an excuse to be happy today.

1. My husband's hardworking nature. He could work circles around me.

2. The friendly lady at Wal-Mart this morning. She let me check out at the customer service desk because all the lines were so long, and she was so nice and happy.

3. Dollar Tree. I've gotten some great fall decor items there in the last few days!

4. Cooler weather. I was getting really tired of the heat and humidity.

5. Hurricane season paychecks. Ok, as much as I hate Steven being gone, it is nice to know that we have that extra money for things we need (as in a new mower, but that's a whole 'nother post. I'll do that one of these days!). And I do enjoy the new tv...

6. I have made A's on the first two quizzes of my online class! Very thankful for that. This is the first online class I have taken, so I was a little nervous at first.

7. Courtney cake! I'm craving it right now...

8. Today I am thankful to be out of the house. Normally, I love being at home, but today dogs decided to go on a barking spree over anything and everything. All morning. It was driving me nuts. I even left for class 30 minutes early.

9. My essay printed correctly on the first try this morning! I forgot to buy a new ink cartridge yesterday, so I just knew I'd have trouble printing it at school this morning before class, but I didn't.

10. Cell phones! I don't know what we would do without them. I'd go crazy if I couldn't talk to Steven everyday.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I was able to get all the books I needed within the first week of classes!

2. My last class of the day ended early today.

3. My 11:00 class is canceled for Thursday.

4. Steven was able to call me today.

5. A new Nicholas Sparks movie is coming out soon!!!! Nights in Rodanthe (which is one of my favorite N.S. books) will be in theaters on September 26!!! It is a Friday night, and I have already made plans to go see it with Lauren.

6. The Jonesboro Library has section on their site where you can recheck your books online. I love this feature! It is definitely a gas saver for me. You can also look online to see what books they have on the shelves.

7. Because of the construction going on at the library, I get to keep the two books I checked out last month until October! I love to read, but with classes starting back, sometimes it is hard to find time.

8. I get to sleep a little later in the morning. Well, as late as my dogs will let me. That is usually not more than 30 minutes.

9. My toe nails are painted! I finally got a chance to redo them this past weekend. Having painted toes always makes me feel a little prettier.

10. I have something fun in the works with my new friend, Kendy.....

Ten Things Tuesday

Today I'm thankful for the following.

1. Fat free vanilla pudding cups. Yummy.

2. Getting paid. Who doesn't like having a little cash stashed away for random stops at Sonic or weekly (sshhh! It's a secret!) trips to Hobby Lobby?

3. My nieces. I wish I could see them more often. I love their cute little faces, Hanna's sweet giggle, and the funny things they do.

4. Tomorrow is trash day. I know you are all thinking that is a very strange thing to be thankful for. Well, I forgot to put the trash out last week, so the big can outside is full, and our little one in the kitchen is on the verge of not shutting. I can NOT forget tomorrow. That would be bad.

5. The daily laughs I share with my husband, even if it is just one small one. I love to laugh, and it is even better to have someone to laugh with.

6. www.goodreads.com This is a great web site. It helps me keep track of all the books I have read, own, want to read, and any other categories I choose to create. Oh it is spiffy! Go sign up. And add me as your friend. :-)

7. My sweet husband and the ways he loves me. This morning when I explained that I hadn't gotten more than 5 hours of sleep he said, "Well, go let the dogs out, and when they come back in- go back to bed." He said this, even though he had to get up early and go to work. Aaah, that is love! :-)

8. I have an awful lot of mosquitoes in my house (not a good thing) - NOT spiders (an even worse thing)!

9. My printer has finally decided to cooperate with me and print on cardstock! Woohoo! Let the scrapbooking proceed.

10. The watermelon in my fridge. Yummy. It will be a nifty breakfast tomorrow.

Ten Things Tuesday...On Wednesday

10 Things I'm Thankful For

1. My husband is coming home tomorrow!
2. I have another photography session scheduled for next week.
3. I'm going to the river this weekend!
4. My new baby niece is coming to visit next week.
5. My friend, Ashley, is soon to be a mommy! She and her husband have wanted and loved this baby for a very, very long time and I am so incredibly excited for them. They are going to be great parents!
6. I have not caught the stomach virus that has been going around our church.
7. I will soon be starting back to school. I'm not excited about some of the classes, but I'm excited and very thankful that I only have 9 months left! Woohoo!
8. I am very thankful for my relationship with my husband.
9. My husband makes me laugh. I always said I wanted a guy with a sense of humor like my dad. Oh boy, be careful what you wish for! haha
10. I have had time to read this summer. I love losing track of time because I'm into a good book.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. My bathroom is almost finished!

2. My craft room is organized!

3. Saturday, one of my best friends is getting married! I'm so happy for Jess and Alex.

4. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel with my kitchen and dining room! I was beginning to think that project would never end.

5. There are only 5 more days until I leave for the beach! I am so, so very thankful that my hardworking husband is letting me go to the beach for a few days while he is stuck at work.

6. I am thankful that my hotel room at the beach is being paid for by someone else! Someone I have never even met!
-No worries. I'm not going with a stranger! I am going with my aunt, two cousins, and two of their friends. The step-dad of the other two boys is paying for our room just for taking the boys! I don't think that man has any idea what a blessing he is to me!

7. There are only 2 more days until my wonderful husband comes home! I can't wait to see him. I also can't wait to see his face when he sees how much work I've done this week. *Gasp* Did I just use the "w" word? haha

8. I am probably going back to work this fall, doing a job I will actually enjoy! Woohoo!

9. I am so very thankful for my wonderful husband that has provided me this summer off from work. It has been so nice to get things done around the house and actually have time to spend with Steven when he comes home. It has also given me the opportunity to work toward my dream career.

10. I have been given the opportunity to plan a wonderful party for my great-grandmother. She will be 90 years old in September, and I found out today that her sister is going to be able to come all the way from Oregon for the party! Mamaw traveled out west to see her about 6 or 7 years ago and was a bit depressed when she returned. I know they both probably thought it would be the last time the saw one another. I can't wait for them to be together again!

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I am thankful that my sister has been blessed with her first full-time "big girl" job! Starting Monday, she is a "Psychological Evaluator," with her own snazzy office and everything! Oooooooo....fancy! :-) I'm very proud of her!

2. I'm thankful for wonderful friends that send me e-mails and text messages just to check on me and say hello. It always brightens my day.

3. I am thankful for the daily blessings of food and clothing.

4. I am thankful for the abundance of these blessings, so that I can share them with others.

5. I am very thankful for all the men and women in the military that are serving our country everyday. I am especially thankful that my friend Chris is safely home on leave right now and I got to visit with him last night.

6. I am thankful for those lazy days that don't require an alarm clock - even if my dogs do wake me up early anyway.

7. I am so very thankful that I have a marriage full of laughter. We laugh together pretty much everyday, and I am glad to have someone that I can enjoy life with in this way.

8. I am so very, very thankful and blessed to have been born in the U.S. There are so many little luxuries that Americans take for granted everyday. We can turn a knob and have fresh, clean, hot, running water in our homes at any time of the day or night. The same goes for flipping a switch to turn on a light. As hard to believe as it may be, there are still places where those two things are unheard of.

9. I am thankful that I am free to worship God anytime and any place I want.

10. I am thankful for the wonderful meal I got to enjoy with my family tonight.

Ten Things Tuesday

Be sure to click the sign above and add your 10 Things link to the list!

Today I am Thankful...

1. my dogs are always happy to see me - even when they have been left home, alone all day.

2. my husband hates pasta. I actually have a love/hate relationship with this one. I love it because I can cook any kind of pasta at anytime, place it in a cute little pink bowl in my fridge, and know that it will be there when I come back for it...every.single.piece..ALWAYS. (I hate it because it makes cooking anything we both enjoy nearly impossible.)

3. Carter takes long naps. I even got a 30 minute nap in for myself today.

4. Sunday my husband told me I needed new earrings. (Apparently I wear my favorite silver hoops too much.) That made me feel less guilty about ordering some new ones at the jewelry party last night.

5. my hair is shorter. It now looks much cuter in a ponytail.

6. I get random free samples in the mail. This week I received a set of 3 Ziploc Twist 'n Loc containers and a Glade PlugIn with scented gel insert.

7. there is nothing to stop me from going to bed as soon as I post this.

8. I don't have cable tv. I would be worthless. I have no will-power against decorating/wedding/baby shows.

9. today is Tuesday. The weekend is a little closer.

10. My husband didn't spend any money today. It's a miracle. :-)

Ten Things Tuesday

I LOVE making my Tuesday list. I love that it makes me sit down and think about all the things I have to be thankful for, even when I'm trying to be in a bad mood.


This weeks list goes something like this:

1. I got my hair cut today! Woo hoo!

2. That I have wonderful memories of Amanda Rhea Jones, my former classmate that passed away this week. Today was the visitation, and as I was leaving I remembered a funny story from elementary school.
In fifth grade, all the girls in my class were obsessed with Hanson. We even made our own "club." Every time they were on television in the evening, we would meet at someone's house to watch it. The first time, we met at my house. There were about 8 or 9 squealing little girls, all crammed on my twin size bed, propped up on elbows. From outside, people probably would have thought they were actually in the room with us, the way we were all carrying on. I'm pretty sure Amanda was the loudest of all of us.

3. I am thankful that I have become good friends with the wives of Steven's friends. We used to only hang out when the guys were together, but in the last year that has shifted. I have become especially close with two of the girls. I'm glad his friends picked such fun girls!

4. My BlackBerry finally updated itself and stopped erasing my text messages. It was getting annoying.

5. The weather has not been unbearably hot this week, so far. I was able to go for a run even though I woke up late. It was still breezy at 9 this morning.

6. I am thankful my dogs and cat like to be cuddled. Emerald just came over to me and put her front paws on my leg. All she wanted was to sit in my lap with her head on my shoulder. :-)

7. My mom helped me shampoo the carpet in my bedroom yesterday! I'm still really happy about it.

8. That my very talented hair stylist is also my friend. I love Ally! I am also very thankful that so far she has had a very healthy pregnancy and is expecting a sweet little girl in September!

9. I am thankful that I did not forget my hair appointment today! Last time I made one, I forgot. Three months later, I'm finally got around to making another one.

10. I am thankful I'm about to go to bed, and I have a bed to go to.

10 Things Tuesday...on Wednesday

I admit, I completely forgot yesterday. oops

Ten Things I'm Thankful For:

1. I got to spend time with my bff, Lauren yesterday, and we are probably going to hang out this afternoon too.

2. I have received three random, unexpected gifts in the last two weeks.

3. I have VERY sweet and thoughtful friends. See #2.

4. My roof will be finished by this weekend.

5. I have VERY loving and generous parents. I love them.

6. God answers my prayers. He gives me specific answers. He shows me which way in life I am supposed to go, and He gives me the confidence to follow His directions.

7. Minnie Pearl slept out of her crate last night and didn't potty in the floor or chew anything up! I am so proud of her! I didn't mean for her to sleep out of it, either. We were watching TV in bed, and I fell asleep without putting her in the crate.

8. My parents have agreed to keep our dogs next week while we are out of town. I am very thankful for their willingness to help, even after my dog has eaten Mom's recipe box and a hole in their wall. Of course, this time she will be crated. ;-)

9. My friends, Nikki & Jason and their son Carter. They are such a sweet, fun, Christian family. And did I mention talented? It has been such a great joy to sing with them every Sunday. I love visiting with them, too. There is always plenty to talk about, and their little Carter is such a smart, sweet little boy. I think I might just be as excited as Nikki every time he learns something new. I can't believe he will soon be 2! (Nikki, I really need to get some pictures of him playing his new version of peek-a-boo! haha, It's too cute!)

10. All my girlfriends from high school. I am still so amazed that I have such wonderful friends. We have all been friends since elementary school, and three years into college, we all still make a point to get together as a group at least twice a year to have a girls' night. Two of us married, two engaged, one finishing nursing school, one headed to dental school, all so different lives and living spread out across the state, but we still make time for each other. I love you girls!

After-prom Party 2005
(Please mentally airbrush out all of the guys except Steven from this picture, haha.)

10 Things Tuesday

Well, if you have read the first post from today, you may be wondering what on Earth I will find to be thankful for. I have lots though!

Today I am thankful for...

1. My husband and I aren't one of those couples that argues the entire duration of every home improvement project. To those that know us, this is probably a bit shocking. :-)

2. My kitchen floor has not been ruined.

3. I'm finally getting rid of that stupid popcorn ceiling in my kitchen.

4. My husband did not get angry when I cracked up about our ceiling situation.

5. I have a home. It may have issues at the moment, but it is a home, has running water, electricity, and a roof over our heads (sort of).

6. I have the summer off! Woohoo! No school, and not much work.

7. My pets are healthy. (I accompanied my sis and brother-in-law to the vet today, and my sister's kitty had to be put to sleep.)

8. I can't use my stove this week! Yay! Now I don't have to have an excuse to eat out.

9. My husband is ok with me being a 'fraidy-cat'. I am afraid of lots of things: snakes, large spiders, one-sided ladders, high places with no hand rails, etc.

10. My sister! We are about to go have lunch together.

Ten Things Tuesday

On this Tuesday I am thankful for...

1. Books! I love to read. While classes are in session I don't have much time for pleasure reading, but as soon as summer hits I read every chance I get. I am currently reading two books. I will finish one tonight and the other probably this weekend.

2. The public library. Most summers there is no way my bank account could keep up with my need for something to read. I also love that our library not only has books, but also books on CD, DVD's, music CD's, cookbooks, and a used bookstore!

3. My Wii! Steven finally let me get one a couple of weekends ago, and I love it! Not only do I love it, but so does he. I'm thankful for the little things we like to do together like playing board games and video games.

4. I am so thankful for the wonderful weather we have been seeing recently!

5. My sweet husband, who calls me every morning. I love starting my day like that.

6. Almyra, Arkansas. Google it. :-) You probably won't find much though. The town population is around 300. I lived there when I was young, and went back for a visit this past weekend. Every time I visit, I am shocked at how much it feels like "home." Such a wonderful little town, full of wonderful people.

7. I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I am so thankful to have enough money in my bank account that I don't have to sit and worry about whether or not to put gas in my car. Even as fuel and food prices skyrocket, God keeps on providing.

8. The December '07 message board on TheKnot.com - We keep each other entertained. :-)

9. I'm also thankful that the dove finally took the hint to get out of my flower basket and make a new nest in one of the many trees in my yard, before my flowers died.

10. My puppies have been so well behaved lately! Emerald even let a stranger (Steven's co-worker; stranger to her, not us) get in our car a few weeks ago with out going berserk!

Ten Things Tuesday

Here's what I am thankful for today:


1. I am thankful that I have the day off tomorrow. I'm going to help with an event at my dad's work. I much prefer volunteering at the nursing home to sitting in front of a computer for a paycheck.

2. I have a very supportive husband. When I said I wanted to make the jump and pursue a career in photography/graphic design full time he was perfectly fine with it. He had no worries about it.

3. I am thankful that God has a plan for my life and is showing it to me a little more each day. I was worried when I put in my notice that I was making a mistake and wouldn't be able to pursue a career in photography. I handed my life over to God though and made the leap. I'm so glad I did, too. I have not even finished my final two weeks at my current job and have already been asked to photograph a friend's wedding this summer! I'm so excited about this. Shay and Quinton are such a sweet couple, and I'm very happy for them.

4. I am so very, very thankful for the wonderful women at my church. There is no separation of age groups; we are all there for each other, and I consider each and every one of them my friend.

5. Tomorrow is Wednesday! Church day! I always look forward to our Wednesday night bible study. I have learned so much from that class and made some wonderful friends.

6. I am so thankful that when I checked the Adoption Coalition website today, I saw hearts next to many photos, meaning the children had been adopted since the first time I viewed the site several months ago.

7. So far (knock on wood!) we haven't had the horrible spider/snake problem in our yard that we had last spring/summer. This is a HUGE relief. I don't deal well with either species.

8. My cat has finally decided to be a part-time outside kitty. Why am I thankful for this? Less kitty litter duty! Woohoo!

9. I am very thankful that God is such a wonderful provider. My husband and I are not wealthy by U.S. standards, but we are rich compared to people in other areas of the world. Today I noticed gas prices in our small town are up to $3.67/gallon. (This is crazy, and I refuse to purchase gas there when it is much cheaper in Jonesboro .) I am thankful that we have not had to choose between putting gas in our car or paying bills or putting gas in our cars instead of food in our stomachs. No matter how much things have increased lately, the money always seems to be there. We get back and forth to church and work, we do not go hungry, and we have a roof over our heads. Even when you write out the budget, sometimes the money doesn't seem to exist, but it's there when we need it. God has blessed us and continues to do so everyday.

10. It rained today in Texas. This meant that my husband had the day off. Why would I want him to have a (mostly) un-paid day off work? Because it means it is one less day he is high above the ground working with dangerous, high voltage electricity.

Day #144 Ten Things Tuesday

1. I'm thankful for getting to have a night out with the girls from church for coffee and dessert.

2. The Bryant Family - They are moving to Australia and will be greatly missed! They have been such a blessing to all of us at South Caraway.

3. I am SO thankful that Ellen arrived to work on time. I was ready to leave. :-)

4. My snobby puppy, Emerald, and the way she only wants to sit in my lap. I know, it is kind of mean, but it makes me feel special that I'm the only one she wants to hold her.

5. That my phone at work isn't a video phone. Again, not something nice, but I'd rather roll my eyes and keep my thoughts to myself, while still making the customer happy. ("No ma'am, we are not asking you to pay $7.00 for a photo with a watermark printed across the middle.")

6. My husband and the fact that he realizes I live in this house too, therefore I have say in who comes over, when, how often, and for how long. Our home is not a hotel to his friends that refuse to grow up.

7. My list of favorite blogs. They keep me entertained and smiling.

8. Craft stuff and that I have an entire room to devote to it! I have always wanted my own craft room, but never thought I'd get one. Photos, beads, fabric, paint, scrapbook supplies, silk flowers, coloring books, old magazines...Oh I am so thankful for that stuff! I can never be bored in my house.

9. I am very, very, very thankful that the Spring 2008 semester is over!

10. Almost more than any other thing on this list, I am SO VERY THANKFUL that I shut my kitchen door about 10 minutes ago. I had it standing open with just the storm door closed, letting cool air blow through the house. Well, the dogs just started barking and I went to the kitchen to make sure the door was closed. Then I smelled it. I'm pretty sure a skunk just sprayed outside my back door.

Ten Things Tuesday

I almost forgot today was Tuesday! Thankfully I saw Amy's list and it reminded me. Here we go...

1. I'm thankful that my husband is coming home on Thursday and I have nothing planned for us this weekend! That rarely happens. Even better is that he said he isn't leaving the house this weekend. That's an even more rare occasion. He usually has to see his friends every weekend (We, the wives, believe they all have co-dependency issues, haha!), in between seeing family/church events/other random errands. I guess they're out of luck this time; the redheaded wife wins! haha

2. My house is finally clean! I don't know how I survived this past semester. My house was constant wreck, and it was seriously stressing me out.

3. I have wedding photos hanging in my hall to look at. :-) They weren't there until a few days ago, and I am really glad to finally have a few of them up. Now to get the rest of them ordered...

4. I didn't have class today!

5. Due to #4, I was able to work on some other projects that had gotten put on the back burner due to school. (I bet Amy is thankful for this too! haha)

6. I'm definitely thankful that the sores in my mouth have healed. Stress does bad things to me. :-( It's good to be de-stressed for a while.

7. I have a new t-shirt (pink of course), necklace, and bracelet on today! Oh, and I am carrying my new pink bag! Did I mention I got it all on sale?

8. I am thankful that today my dogs have not destroyed or eaten anything they shouldn't. This is a major accomplishment.

9. I am about to go have dinner with my parents and the Graggs'. I am thankful to have a good relationship with my parents.

10. Christian friends! They're lifesavers.

Ten Things Tuesday

This week is dragging! I am so glad to be making my list today. Yesterday, wasn't so great, so I'm glad to be sitting here thinking of things I'm thankful for.


1. My e-mail from Amy that made me laugh out loud today! Everyone in the class I was leaving looked at me like I was crazy. It was a good laugh, though - much needed. Thanks, Amy!

2. That I was born and raised in a country where women are normally respected by their husbands.

3. That my husband cooked me some chicken this morning before he left town and put it in the fridge for me to eat when I get home. I'm having a late night at school tonight, so that is something to look forward to.

4. My schedule for next semester is complete! Today I finally found a 5th class that sounds like it is going to be not only interesting but also easy.

5. Warm weather! I have been so excited to put on my flip-flops the last few days!

6. I am very thankful for my friend, Emily H. She keeps me sane on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and we always have something to laugh about, especially all of our Emily-isms. "It's an Emily thing."

7. I found out today that my 11:30 class for Thursday is canceled. That means...mid-day shopping and eating with Emily!

8. My neice, Hanna, is coming to visit this weekend!

9. Today I am very thankful that I am a Digital Media & Design major. This means I have more classes to choose from, allowing me to avoid certain professors. This also means that most of my classes are in the art department where people are generally nicer and more laid back.

10. I only have 5 actual days left of attending classes/finals before my break starts! My last final is at 2:45 on May 5

Ten Things Tuesday

Thankful is one thing I seem to be a lot lately. These are a few of the things I'm thankful for today.


1. My husband's sense of humor. If it weren't for that, he wouldn't be married to me. That's what enables him to deal with me. :-)

2. My Minnie Pearl and Emerald snuggling up next to me, one on each side, every morning as soon as we wake up.

3. Not having my 9:30 class this morning!

4. Having brunch with friends in the middle of the week. I'm going to Cracker Barrel with Lauren and Ashley this morning, and I can't wait!

5. Late night/early morning giggling and squealing on the phone with a good friend about her recent engagement. Those are some of the greatest phone calls ever.

6. iTunes. It provides me with unending music for my entire day.

7. Napping puppies. This is very cute, and it allows me to breath and realize that for the next 30 minutes, nothing will be destroyed in my house. :-)

8. My wake up calls from Steven.

9. My BlackBerry calendar - I would be lost without my daily schedule.

10. the invention of the telephone - This is the only way my husband and I communicate for 16 days each month.