My First Husband

Long before Scotty was in the picture
Heck, before my first kiss
This man stole my heart

 

I cannot remember a time in my life when I didn't Love Brad.
I love smart humor, that he has
I love song writers, which he is.

Appears to be an amazing husband.
His wife is also one of my favorite actresses.
I just adore the Paisley family.

I have to admit that seeing his wedding band makes him even more attractive to me.
Not because he is married, but because he seems to be a devoted husband and father.

I bought  his new album This is County Music the day it came out
and I have listened to it constantly since.

Swoon  worthy
I love the stories he tells.
A new favorite is My New Favorite Memory

Its just about falling in love over and over everyday.
Of course there are some funny ones too like, ToothbrushBecause Love starts with a toothbrush.....
Thank you Brad for once again making me fall in love with you and your music all over again......

Soldiers and Jesus

 

Today we all (hopefully) give an extra thought to all that serve
I have always respected the choose to defend out country
I come from a long line of selfless veterans myself,
but it wasn't until I had close friends in active duty that
I felt so compelled to thank every service man and woman I encounter.

During my student teaching a colleague's brother was deployed.
We had a special faculty meeting devoted to praying for him.
Shortly after my colleague received a phone call that his brother's unit had be hit.
there were fatalities but the condition of his brother could not be confirmed at the time
it wasn't until later that day that he found out his brother was perfectly fine.

I cannot image the pain of not knowing

I know each day we lose more and more.
They seem just like names across the news screen
inscriptions on a wall

Each had a face, a family, and a future.
I know Memorial Day is about honoring and
remembering those who fought and died but to me its more

Upon enlisting they lose parts of their lives they will never get back
Some will have nightmares forever
Many will miss births, firsts, and funerals
Its the day to day we overlook that they wish to see

At a graduation I attended this week there was a student who
I have watched grow up.
His dad is in Iraq and had to watch his youngest son graduate via Skype.
On Memorial Day I want to remember him.
Did he make the ultimate sacrifice and Literally give up his life? Thankfully No
But did he make the Ultimate Sacrifice and Offer to give his life all while missing out on His Life, His Kids, and His Wife? Yes He Did.
He and so many others will continue to do so everyday.

Thank you.
From the Bottom of my Heart

There's only two people whose ever died for me
Laid down their lives just so I could be free
They both went through hell bared crosses and shells
And both got back up again after they fell
They never pick a fight but their there to pick up the pieces
God only knows where we'd be without soldiers and Jesus

To me there both heroes for the path that they chose
One fights for my life one fights for my soul

5 Boys Who Were a Huge Part of My Life
have turned into
5 Men That Fight for My Freedom

Mexico Bound

Today I set sail for Mexico! 

I am so very thankful.
These past 6 months have been so stressful and FINALLY VACATION.

this will be a relax vaca not a go out and have fun vaca

I see lots of reading and tanning in my near future.
I seriously packed 5 books. I'm such a loser.
A lazy loser.
anyways so Mr. Brad Paisley has a song on his new album featuring Blake Shelton
and I LOVE it. 
It doesn't really sum up this trip to Mexico, but it does remind me of many beach trips of the past.

 

No one I know goes to Mexico to drink the water anyways.

Glory Days, Don't Judge Me

I live in the past a bit too much so I just Love Sweet Bef's Flashback Friday.

I usually don't participate but last night was graduation at my Alma Mater

and I'm feeling a bit nostalgic.

I am flashing back to my Glory Days. 

My hair was So Blonde and my Skin so Brown.

The last day of School in our "Spot" for Break

On the playgroud we shared since 1st grade

Senior Breakfast - Don't Judge

All of my boys that I love and miss so much.
Two are away serving Our Country and I could not be more proud of them.

 

Ah Shut it We ALL did the Pout and you know it!

Frustrated Much?

So let me paint a REAL clear picture here.

I am very plain jane. 

There is little variety in my taste.

I enjoy spending most of my days dressed in N'orts and a tee shirt.

I do not care about labels.

I never do anything special hair or makeup wise.

With me what you see is what you get.

I grew up DIRT PooR, but tried to hide it. I was even homeless when I started college and

again right before I moved to Tuscaloosa

I don't even think my best friend knows about that.

I don't do flashy.

I like attention from people but only on my terms.

I NEVER like to be the center of attention.

I am completely silly and inappropriate at times.

I will do anything to make others laugh, usually at my expense.

I am not a romantic, I am purely a comedian.

I never dreamed of my wedding.

I never played Princess.

I don't dance.

I avoid ALL confrontation. 

I take on too much.

I find it practically impossible to tell someone "no"

I am a complete flake -

My indifference always often appears as laziness.

I fake classiness when absolutely necessary.

I am cheap.

I hate cold weather after about 2 weeks.

That's me

I'm not all bad I promise.

But this is all related to an upcoming event.

Our wedding.

A grand event that will be happening on December 17th

We have been enagaged since July 2010

We've been together since April 2007

We have been through more in the past 4 years, than a lot of couples go through in 14.

We're strong as a couple but this wedding may be the death of us both.

Why? Because I'm no Bridezilla.

I am doormat Bride.

When wedding discussions began i finally began dreaming of My wedding.

A day that I would hold dear for ever.

I started seeing a Southern Summer Wedding.

soft colors, fans, lemonade

 

Source: iloveswmag.com via Laken on Pinterest

I have dreams of willow trees, draping lights, lightning bugs

Source: sarahyatesblog.com via Tara< /a> on Pinterest

Pearls, mismatched china, Mason jars

fresh wild flowers, 

linen, crisp white oxfords,
barefooted flower girls
handkerchiefs
White washed signs
An old church with red hymnals in the pew backs.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Shaheen on Pinterest

I get none of that.

Scotty has gone to the same church since he was 6 weeks old.
3 years ago I joined that church,
its OUR church. 

But it is too small for a wedding, especially with families as large as ours.
The church I grew up in built a new sanctuary and could easily accommodate.
Scotty didn't want a church wedding and I obliged.

In the grand scheme of things I did not think that letting him have his way would be so bad.
During the storms on April 27th MY church was destroyed.
Not even the foundation is fully intact.
Until that time I did not realize how desperately I wanted to get married in that church.

I am now in over my head in a wedding that I do not even feel like is mine.
Because of finances we really haven't gotten to do much of the detail work.

Since I have no choice now 

(nor did I really have a choice in the beginning)

about the date I thought I might as well make the best of it.
I didn't want Christmas-y
I was looking for the Winter Cabin in the woods.
Warmth, low lighting, rustic, pinecones
To which I have been told:
" Pinecones? are you sure that's tacky"
"You need to cover up all these walls, we will build backgrounds"
"A pasta bar isn't really wedding food"
"Your colors clash, BAD"

You need to rent this, That would look better if you left it our
are you sure you know what you are doing?

I'm to my breaking point.
We have not planned anything or rented anything, or booked anything because
WE HAVE NO MONEY

Yeh so shut up already.
We know that invitations need to be booked
Bridesmaid dresses ordered
Rentals secured
Caterers finalized

A florist chosen.

We didn't forget
And trust me everyone shoving it down my throat that I am a terrible bride
that i obviously care nothing about my wedding does not help a bit

But oddly enough that seems to be the only means of help we are getting.
Not a "can we call the florist" or "can I help with floorplan ideas"

It has gotten to the point that now decisions are being made,
THEN I am being asked if its okay,
Hello I never say no or speak my mind
I am Doormat Bride, not Bridezilla.

So now I am having a wedding that is completely what I don't want'

All along I have been dragging my feet and trying to subtly mention it to Scotty
but he never goes to bat for me. He says "tell them no" that's easy to say when you are not the one having to say no. Or when I say I don't really like something, I am just being stupid.

I wanted small, I got big. I'm not talking about guest list I'm talking about the hassle and work commitment.
I pictured my closest friends standing with me. I now have 10 girls standing with me.
I pictured an outdoor reception with a huge tent full of fun finger foods, dancing, a band, singing, and fun.

Now I am getting married in a tent then a reception in the beautiful bed and breakfast.
I cry everytime I look at the pictures from every other bride at the venue who got to have their wedding ceremony inside and reception in the tent. 

I don't dance. My dad doesn't dance.
We DO NOT want a Father-Daughter dance.
But we have been harassed into it.

But surprisingly there is no room for a dance floor, so we will have to dance outside, or move tables. 

I HATE it.
Absolutely Hate it.
It infuriates me that I dread my wedding day.

I don't want to plan it.
I don't want to talk about it.
Scotty says its too late now. And he's right it is too late.
I just wish he would have listened or maybe I should have been completely stubborn and fought for what I wanted then because it IS too late.
On December 17th I am going to walk into a wedding that is nothing like me
Nothing that I would plan
Nothing I want to be a part of.

I get to marry my best friend. 

I get to leave for Hawaii.
That will be great. 

It could be a fairy tale day.
It could be magical.
It could be what I wanted.
But its not.

Afterall, It's the Simple Things in Life

With all that is going on its nice to stop and think about the Simple Things that often make the biggest difference. So hop on over to Jesslyn Amber's Simple Things Link Up .



- when Lexie says something especially funny or laughs her creepy laugh
- Bama falling asleep after a long day of swimming-Bama swimming - the comfort watching Dan Satterfield during storms instead of some meteorologist I don't know - riding through my hometown the week of graduation and feeling the emotion 
- feeling old

How Pinteresting!

I love this little link up, so fun.

Source: marthastewart.com via - on Pinterest

Source: megphoto.com via Meg on Pinterest

Source: iloveswmag.com via Laken on Pinterest

Source: thevintageapple.blogspot.com via Paige on Pinterest

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I am going to be completely honest here, I am blessed beyond measure and love many things but at this very moment I am in one hell of a foul mood.  The only thing I love right now is my smart smart mouth, and my off color comments I use to deal with difficult situations.

one is an old friend I treasure dearly.
the other is the hot new guy.
Both have asked me to prom and I don't know what to do

That's the situation I'm in only its two jobs I have to choose between not two prom dates

What *I* am Loving

Everyone stop by and check out What I'm Loving Wednesday with Jamie @ littledaisymay
I always love reading everyone else's, not sure why it took me so long to jump on board.

1. I am loving by bestie being at home. We have been apart for so long and now we finally get to hang out. 

2. I am loving that I have had two interviews this week, at two amazing schools.  The job market is tough right now especially for teachers.  Being in SC I don't have the edge that I did in AL. The program I completed at UA is pretty prestigious in the state, but not so much out of state.  One school even offered me a Job! Still in negotiations and confirming that my certificate will be in in time.

3. I am LOVING DVR. Our schedules are crazy right now. only having one car means I am running back and forth picking up Scotty, then interviews and school visits and all that jazz.  I've forgotten what its like to watch a show when its actually aired.  DWTS is so much better when I can fast forward through the commercials. And my daily dose of Las Vegas only takes 80 minutes instead of 120 now. 

4.  Speaking of DWTS ... yeh this season cannot end! Bristol was a hard favorite for me last season just because she had no experience and I love Mark.  I could careless about Ralph and Karina. But Mark and Chelsea, Kristie and Maks, and oh my my Hines and Kym. I refuse to choose. I would like to see 3 winners. Freestyle is my favorite and I am so excited that it is ridiculous.

5. I have a love/ hate relationship with my Kindle. I loved it at first then came the Nook. and I so badly wanted at Nook, still do.  so I laid ol' Kindle aside. I prefer the old school book version.  I love the paper, the smell of a new book, prowling through bookstores for hours at a time.  But with all this traveling, and beach time lugging all those books gets tiresome.  So back to the Kindle.
Today I am loving that I have a beach date with Something Blue on my Kindle.

Loving Life/ Loving You

Old chaperone

Tonight the little sister is having a going away party for a friend and a couple of the kids from church are spending the night. Its a co-ed shindig and I hate it. Regardless of how many responsible adults there are around I think 16/17 year olds should not be staying the night together. 
But since it hasn't been that long since I was on the other side I agreed to be an extra set of eyes. FMIL is naive enough to think that nothing will happen right in front of her face but stuff already has.
Ah young and dumb.
That's all they are.
I wish the believed me when I tell them how things will end up.

ten on tuesday- wednesday edition

 Fun link up with Kim @ It's a Crafty Life

1.  I don't think I would ever survive a job that involved lots of travel.  I am flying to Myrtle Beach for a job interview, spending a week, flying back staying a week, leaving for a cruise for a week, returning to Alabama for two days then flying back to Myrtle Beach for another week. There is only a one hour time difference, and I already have jet lag. 

2. ungratefulness makes me irate. I have seen a lot of it lately and very soon I will be blowing up.

3. I really WANT to be dedicated to my blog but... I' m lazy

4. This made my day:  I love Despicable ME

5. With all this travel I sure will miss this little Booger. He is going to be so confused when he finally gets "home" after all this shuffling around.

6.  I hope I get over censoring myself here. I am much more entertaining unfiltered.

7. Even though I am excited and thankful for my trip to Mexico at the end of the month, I really wish Scotty was going.  I love sister time,Emily and I always have fun but its still not the same at the end of the night when I am waking to my room alone.  I will not be dancing, holding hands on the beach, no late night kisses under the sunset.  Eh,,,, next time.  Ironically enough right after our 1 year Anniversary we went on our first cruise together.  He told me that we would be married before our next cruise.  Well the next year I went without him, Last year he went without me, and this year I am going solo again.  He was right, the next time we cruise together we will be married.

8. I am diving in to my preparations for Vacation Bible School. Its not until late June but I have 6546546 other things going on so I am starting now.  I am really enjoying the study plan. I begrudgingly took on the Youth class, but I think I am really going to enjoy it.  My thought process was that they know me and are comfortable with me already, plus I'm only 5-7 years older than them.  I'm relatable.

9. I am feeling pretty proud of the way my parents chose to raise me right about now.
"A testement to the selflessness of my mother: today she is not sitting back being spoiled with lavish gifts. She is wearing work gloves sorting through others homes and delivering meals. One of the most import lessons she has taught me. We may not have much but we have enough to give back."
True story my parents are not perfect by any means, but they got the high points across to me.
- always give back all you can
- never look down on anyone
- be thankful always for the smallest gestures
- always send thank you cards
- go to church
- say i love you
- never leave the house without saying bye, you may not come back


10. I should have been writing a cover letter for my resume. But this was way better.

My Life Has Been A Country Song

I heard this the other day and thought about just how true it was.
I am definitely not one of those people who live for music.
I tend to go back to old favorites everytime.
Nor, am I someone that hears a song and thinks that it describes my feeling.
I do hear songs and think THAT IS ME to a T!

so this is a full description of my in lyrical form

I come from a long line of losers
Half outlaw half boozers
I was born with a shot glass in my hand
I'm part hippie a little red neck
I'm always a suspect
My blood line made me who I am 

Now me and my brother go to see him some times
But he don't have much to say anymore
So we sit on his headstone with a fifth of Jack D.
Here's to a long line of sinners like me
On the day I die
I know where I'm gonna go
Me and Jesus got that part worked out
I'll wait at the gates til his face I see
And stand in a long line of sinners like me
I'll stand in a long line of sinners like me

Even though I hate to admit it
Sometimes I smoke cigarettes
Christian folks say I should quit it
I just smile and say “God bless”

‘Cause I heard Jesus, He drank wine
And I bet we’d get along just fine
He could calm a storm and heal the blind
And I bet He’d understand a heart like mine

Daddy cried when he saw my tattoo
Said he’d love me anyway

She doesn't own a dress
Her hair is always a mess
You catch her stealin' she won't confess
She's beautiful
She never compromises, loves babies and surprises
Wears high heels when she exercises
Ain't that beautiful
Meet Virginia
Well she wants to be the queen
Then she thinks about her scene
Pulls her hair back as she screams
"I don't really wanna be queen"
And here she is again on the phone
Just like me hates to be alone
We just like to sit at home
And rip on the president
Meet Virginia
Well she wants to live her life
Then she thinks about her life
Pulls her hair back, as she screams
"I don't really wanna live this life", no, no, no
She only drinks coffee at midnight
But the moment is not right
And the time is quite, unusual
You see her confidence is tragic
But her intuition magic
And the shape of her body, unusual

And drive all night with me
Sing my favorite song and sleep
Under the stars on the hood of our car
It’s all I’ve ever wanted
All I ever wanted was to
See you in the pale moon light
Just the way ya look tonight
And maybe some day
If love comes our way
We’ll be walking in the meadow in the early spring
You’ll be twirling in a sundress wearing my ring
Can you see it
Girl I believe em that
It’s true
All I ever wanted
All I ever really wanted was you

All I ever wanted
Was to see you in the pale moon light
Just the way ya look tonight
And maybe some day
If love comes our way
We’ll be walking in the meadow in the early spring
You’ll be twirling in a sundress wearing my ring
Can you see it
Girl I believe em that
It’s true
All I ever wanted

All I ever really wanted was youAnd drive all night with me
Sing my favorite song and sleep
Under the stars on the hood of our car
It’s all I’ve ever wanted
All I ever wanted was to
See you in the pale moon light
Just the way ya look tonight
And maybe some day
If love comes our way
We’ll be walking in the meadow in the early spring
You’ll be twirling in a sundress wearing my ring
Can you see it
Girl I believe em that
It’s true
All I ever wanted
All I ever really wanted was you

She has a few friends but she only has a few
Her next door neighbor plays his music way too loud
She often complains but they play it anyhow
What is a girl supposed to do?
Living alone can have you so confused

Just remember two words, hold on
She works all day to put herself through school
'Cause financial aid doesn't seem to cover food, no, no, no, no
Every morning she rides on the bus to make her gains
It's easy to attain but so hard to sustain, yeah

Not a whole lot going on, a small town Friday night
Revving up at a red light, on your mark get set go
Past a mom and pop restaurant
Same four trucks parked out front
I guess you gotta make your own fun
When you're stuck in a place this slow
There's only tow means of salvation
around here that seem to work
Whiskey or the Bible, a shot glass or revival
When you don't seem to run on either side of the fence
People act like you don't make sense
These big town dreams that I've been chasing
Will never come true if I wind up staying
And I don't want to fall in, the same rut
That everybody here seems to be stuck in now
Why do I hang around
In this church pew or bar stool kind of town
I'm like that AM station, that never comes in right
Till you pass the city limit sign, that's the only time it
all gets clear
Well it's crystal clear that I, just need to find
A place where there is no lines
And nothing like it is around here
It won't be too long, girl
Find out where you belong
When you're feeling afraid and alone

A bad mamma-jamma from down in Alabama
She's a ragin' Cajun, lunatic from Brunswick,
Juicy Georgia peach,
With a thick southern drawl, sexy swingin' walk
Brother she's all country, shoot,
From her cowboy boots to her down home roots
She's country,
From the song she plays to the prayer she prays
That's the way she was born and raised,
She ain't afraid to stay country
Brother she's country
A hell raisin' sugar when the sun goes down
Mama taught her how to rip up the town

I'm gonna be somebody,
one of these days I'm gonna break these chains
I'm gonna be somebody, someday,
you can bet your hard earned dollar I will

Fresh off the farm just out of school

Face of an angel and nobody's fool
Turquoise boots Atlanta Braves hat
Denim and lace and you gotta love that
She rolled into town dreams in a sack
Old guitar in a blue Pontiac
She's taken a vow
She ain't turning back
She knows what she wants
And you gotta love that
Long way from home white picket fence
She turned down a ring from her old boyfriend
She didn't take a dime from even her dad
She's out on her own and you gotta love that
She's tender and tough
There's a world behind those innocent eyes
Since she was a girl
She's been waiting for the day she can spread her wings and fly

sisters

May not be in blood but definitely are in Heart

Photo Recap

The past two weeks of my life in photos.

  

The Uhaul on Moving Day

Pop's version of going to the beach.

 Mom and I at Broadway

 The fish amaze me! The ducks and Fish fought over the food.

 Scotty and I at Broadway

 Mom's favorite part of the whole trip.

She just could not get over the building being upside down on purpose.

 Scotty and I on our Mini-Vacation