Life with the Tomlin's

new blog

2011-12-09T14:09:00.001-08:00

I have a new blog! and have for a long time!
If you haven't please go over and follow me there.

the land of sunshine

Monday.. funday?

2011-04-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

I found this picture of my Oma that I absolutely adore. Wasn't she gorgeous? I hope this amazing picture makes you smile today like it did for me. On another happy note, it's only 22 (as of tomorrow) days until we move to Florida. Time is getting closer and we are more than excited. Please be praying we (+ my family) have no trouble tying all the "loose ends" before we leave and that things continue to run smoothly. Oh, also pray our AC gets fixed-fast. I have no idea what the deal is but it's a sauna in our apartment. It's also been in the high 80's all weekend so there's a slight chance Mr. Sunshine has shocked my poor AC unit. I slept a measly ONE hour last night on the couch due to me or the dogs not being able to get comfortable because of HEAT. + having to be up at 6:30 this morning for work at 7:30 was terrible. Bleh. But I have to say, I was much more alert today than I am any other Monday! Weird, huh? Hoping you all had a wonderful weekend, I know we did! Happy (late!) Monday!

Galatians 6:9 Project--please share!

2011-03-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I have started a new "campaign/project" which is the "Galatians 6:9 Project/Don't Lose Heart Campaign" and we are expecting and believing for it to get huge! We just made our blog today, so we have a little ways to go- but please feel free to follow us and watch us grow! Also, we have made a Twitter that you WANT to follow for sure because someone is always tweeting something uplifting and encouraging--who wouldn't want that!? :) ALSO ALSO-- we have a facebook page that was just created the day before yesterday and we already have 45 likes! -100 is our first goal to get to, and with your help we will exceed it before no time! Please check us out and share!

Twitter: @Gal6_9Project
Click here: Blogspot
Click here: Facebook

BIG NEWS!

2011-03-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Remember all of those times I talked about moving? And all of you said "do it while your young!"? Well, there was always one thing holding me back. My family! I could never leave them. Just couldn't be without them. Well, My parents approached us a few months ago telling us they were moving and wanted us to go too! WHAT! Okay of course, now where are we moving? THE BEACH, YOU SAY!?! Heck. YES. Destin, Florida to be exact.

My parents have always wanted to move to the beach. Now that my mom doesn't have my Oma and Papa here anymore (sadly :/) and all of us are "grown" they decided why not?

So, in a few months time, we have managed to get everyone together and will be moving to the beach! We have a place for the business, my parents are having a house built + have sold their house here to our best family friends, and Michael and I have an amazing apartment waiting on us! NOW. When are we moving you ask?

May 4, 2011!

Soon approaching. :)

Can you tell I'm excited? Nah.. ;)

More snow + The Civil Wars

2011-01-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

My blogger has NOT been working at work with this new stupid internet explorer. grr.

ANYWAYS.

We got somemore snow last night. Nothing compared to the 12 inches we got a week and a half ago, but we got a good inch. It's pretty to see;) Schools got delayed 2 hours for an inch of snow. You can't imagine the madness when we got hit with 12 inches, huh? It was pretty insane.

Here is a picture of our pretty snow!

Did I ever tell you about The Civil Wars? They're two people from my area, and they are getting pretty big! They performed on Jay Leno last week and this is my favorite song from them. Does he not look JUST like Johnny Depp?

Happy Friday!

SUNday FUNday!

2011-01-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

Me & Zekey with our morning hair

WHAT a lazy Sunday morning at our house. Even though I was SUPER tired, I woke up with the dogs and Michael just now woke up! He must have been super tired :)

Last night, we went to Huntsville with my best friend Emily and her boyfriend, Drew. We ate at Newks and then we went to see a movie-The Dilemma. It was SO hilarious! Vince Vaughn is one of my (if not my favorite) favorite actors! I also love Kevin James too, super funny.

We didn't get home until midnight and I was in the worst mood. I was SO sleepy! We had a late night the night before so I was super worn out. We were asleep probably 20 minutes after we got back home.

Oh, this isn't the best video BUT some people from our area [The Civil Wars] were on Jay Leno the other night! How cool is that? I love their stuff. We're going to their show Feb. 1st. Listen and Love. :)

Lunch today with my parent's - yummmm!
Happy Sunday, loves!

PLEASE READ AND SHARE!!

2011-01-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

Hey friends!

Please do me a HUGE favor. I need help getting a blog going, so head on over to Sweet Nothings and follow and please post for all your friends to share too!

It's going to be a blog full of daily encouragement for women and a weekly prayer request post as well!

So head on over and make yourself comfy!

Thanks SO much!

more snow pictures + new look + bachelor recap + cake balls!

2011-01-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, I was using the owl background until I got this one up. Cute huh!? I like ;]

Yesterday we went over to my parents to play in the snow with Hanna, it was fun but COLD. We only stayed for about an hour so we could get home in time to make dinner and watch the bachelor.

How cute are those!? My dad and Hanna made the snowman before we got there, in case you can't see the leaves on his head, he was a "Caeser Snowman" ha!

Yesterday, since we were snowed in all day, we decided to make cake balls! It was my first time, and I didn't go by any recipe, I just went with what sounded good.

1. Get cake mix (I used the super moist betty crocker chocolate)
2. Mix as the box says
3. Stir in 1 bag of crushed andes mints
4. Bake according to directions
5. Set cake in the freezer for faster cooling
6. Crumble up the cake
7. Shape into balls
8. Poor White chocolate over it (I used hersheys morsels)
9. Sprinkles!

WAH-LA!

Now, on to more IMPORTANT things ;)

BACHELORBACHELORBACHELORBACHELOR!

I have fully decided I am NOT loving Michelle. See is just too much for me. As of now, I don't have any other favorites, but I'm still stuck on Emily and Ashley S. Emily is too adorable for words. She is DEFINITELY the Tenley of this season, and Tenley was my girl last season!

Happy Tuesday :)

Snow Day!

2011-01-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday over this way!

All week long we were expecting 4-8 inches of snow which is a LOT of snow in Florence, Alabama! SO Everyone raided all the grocery stores and EVERYTHING was gone. It was an insane mad house! Of course, what uusually happens when people do that, is the entire county shuts down and then NOTHING happens. Well, not this time.. we got ONE FOOT of snow and some places got FOURTEEN INCHES! Needless to say, we just don't know what to do with ourselves! ;)

So, everything is closed, no one has to go to work, and we are "SNOWED IN" :) This is our biggest snow since 1963 when we got 17 INCHES of snow. :]

Enjoy our pictures! :)

This is how it started of last night around 9:00..

This is what it looked like when we woke up this morning..

Can you tell we had fun? :)

Project 365: Day 4

2011-01-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

Michael loves to play music, and even more so he loves to play for me! I couldn't decide which one I liked better. I thought I loved the one of him playing, until I saw the one of those precious blue eyes. It was tough, so I chose two. Those eyes were definitely the highlight of my day.

Bachelor 2011: Top Picks

2011-01-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

I love the bachelor, so if you don't you may not want to read :)

Did you watch it?
I LOVE THE BACHELOR.

This year is BRAD WOMACK.. again. He's a doll, but sure got some crap last time. Poor Brad, he got NAILED from these ladies! But he [kind've] deserved it. :/

My top picks for this season are my absolute favorites- IN ORDER :)

Emily from Charlotte, NCShe is an event planner for a Children's Hospital and she is SO southern and cute. She also has a little girl. I adore her. She met and fell in love when she was 15 and got engaged at 19. Her fiance was a racecar driver and she happened to stay home one weekend and he died in a plane crash. She said she wished she died in it with him so she didn't have to live without him until she found out a few weeks later she was pregnant with their daughter, who she named after him. Adorable. (She was also in the first few batch of girls to get a rose!)

Ashley S. from Ellerbe, NCShe is a nanny! She is so sweet and adorable and she got the first impression rose :) she is the one who told Brad that she was there to be his friend first and foremost and that the past is the past and she doesn't hold the first season against him. He said "that's what i'm looking for in a wife.. a friend." love it.

Michelle from Salt Lake City, UTShe's a hairstylist! She also has a 5 year old daughter and is super adorable. She was also the first person to get a rose (besides the first impression rose) i'm not 100% how much I like her yet, but I think I like her!

Did you watch? Who are your top picks and what do you think about Brad getting a second chance?

Project 365: Day 1, 2, and 3

2011-01-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

I'm just now starting my project 365 and I'm already behind :P
If you haven't heard of Project 365.. now you are! And I think you should do it with me :) It's for everyone! All you do is take a picture each day until the end of the year and post it and tell what it is and the meaning behind it (What is it, where were you, something along those lines!) and at the end of the year you can look back and see your days in pictures. Sounds too fun to me :] ..You can tell by my pictures what I love, obviously ;)

Also, if you're a photographer you can see how much you have grown throughout the year. I'm not a photographer, so don't count on seeing perfect pictures ;)

Day 1: My sweet little Zekey
Zekey likes to nap with me! He was laying with me while everyone else was playing. I guess all the new years festivities and long weekend with company was wearing him out!

Day 2: My big fat CAPO
This is how I found him sleeping in bed. Glad he isn't afraid to get a little comfortable ;)

Day 3: Pookie
Pookie is my parents dog. He's a big 80lb dog who thinks he's 8lbs. He likes to lay under my desk and when I looked down this morning those big brown eyes were staring at me!

Join in on Project 365 and let me know if you do so I can read your posts. :)

2011 DECLARATIONS :)

2011-01-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

-I will keep a journal
-I will work more on LISTENING to Him and letting Him have his way with my life
-I will continue to work on my patience level with everyone/everything
-I will reach my goal weight and continue to work out and be healthy
-I will make new friends and no longer be sad that the old are gone. He took them out of my life for a reason.

:) I declare every one of you will have a blessed year and a year full of good surprises, change, and a break out in your area of what God wants you to be a part of. YOU be the change. The time is here!

"Heaven is here now.. He's all around us.."

2010 Recap

2011-01-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

2010 was full of SO many things. From what I've read, 2010 wasn't the best year for lots of people. I don't think it was my BEST year, but I do think there was lot's of good things that happened, too.

Pro's of 2010...
-I started singing again
-We welcomed Capo and sweet Sophie into our home!
-I met my good friend Krissy Leigh
-I met my new Aunt & Uncle (michael's) who live in Florida
-I met Demi Lovato
-I touched the Jonas Brothers ;)
-We kept the church nursery a LOT and feel so in love with all the kids
-We grew closer to Michael's family
-We grew even MORE close to my family, if that's possible!
-We both bought our dream cars
-I lost 23 pounds
-We watched MANY MANY MANY friends get engaged, married, and/or pregnant
-I found MANY animals homes!
-And much more!

Con's of 2010...
-I lost my Papa
-I "lost" my older sister
-For a few months our financial stability wasn't so stable
-I rescued a cat that had been hit and it died in my lap
-I lost a good friend
-I'm sure there is more but I can't think of any!

I'm glad to see that it was SO easy to think of all the good and so hard to think of all the bad. That really makes me realize how blessed I was this year and how thankful for all of the good things that happened!

What was YOUR favorite 'PRO' of 2010?

NYE 2010

2011-01-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we left the house around two and went to the mall to eat lunch and shop around a little bit with Timmy (Michaels friend from California, who is also my sisters friend-boy) and we met up with Hanna and Lily later and went to Target, TJ Maxx and Shoe Carnival, buuuuut found nothing. Except an extremely cute romper that my mom made into an even cuter shirt! :)

After we got ready we went out to eat at a YUMMY italian restraunt in downtown and then we went bowling and Lily's boyfriend Jeremy met up with us and bowled after he got off work. It was super fun! I especially had fun with Michael, we'd never been bowling together, so trying something new was fun! We ended up being at the bowling alley until right at midnight, and they did the countdown and we said hello to 2011 to a New Years kiss of course!

After bowling we went to our apartment and I made some drinks and snacks for everyone and we hung out until almost 3 in the morning and then they all left and we were FINALLY able to lay down and get in the bed. I had lots of fun but after about 12:30 I was ready to get in bed. We are NOT used to being up so late. When I got up this morning (after only 5 hours of sleep) I was more than feeling like crap. I was shakey, I couldn't keep my eyes open, I was SO worn out, SO we laid back down and woke up around 11:00 and laid on the couch watching TV until about 3:00 and then finally ate some lunch.

I hope everyone had a SAFE and HAPPY new year :)

HAIRRRRRR CUT!

2010-12-30T08:10:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Just checkin' up on my morning blogs!I got my hair cut a few days ago :)
It's a little shorter than I wanted it, but I think it will do. It kinda has to huh? :P

Love it or hate it?

TODAY IS MY FRIDAY! Michael's too :D
I'm SO excited for another four day work week. I'm not sure if I'm ever going to be able to work another full week after being spoiled with all these Holidays in a row!

Stay tuned for a little 2010 recap later today :]

How do I look!?

2010-12-29T12:52:00.001-08:00

Do you like my new look? I decided to do this since I could never get ahold of the girl who did my last layout, but I like it!

I'm looking to start fresh in 2011, and I think a new blog name would be a great place to start! I would LOVE to hear some of your ideas :]

Michaels friend from California is in visiting, so hopefully we will be able to entertain you with some pictures and stories this week! :)

Sooo.... Blogger names anyone!?

FURRRRRRRRst post

2010-12-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

Hi! Zekey here. Mom wanted me to tell you what I've been up to. I probably don't look any different than the last time you saw me, I still weigh 6lbs and i'm still just as fiesty..maybe more! But as you know, I'm a pretty handsome man (I'm not being cocky, mommy tells me everyday!) so I'm going to post two of my favorite recent pictures of myself. Mommy limited us each to two per pup. She said we get too conceited sometimes.

This is me and my little sister, Sophie. She kind of looks like me.. But she's a girl.

Mommy caught me in the midst of playing. Don't I look handsome?

Hi everyone :) it's me, Xoe! I'm kind of shy (Unlike my brother) so bare with me. My Poppy & MiMi got me some new bones for Christmas, so that's what I spend a lot of my time doing. I got kind of sick a few weeks ago, but i'm all better now. I'm "Voluptuous" as mom likes to say. I'm 24 pounds and still more beautiful than ever!

This is me and my brother Zeke. I don't know what he was doing, but mommy yells at him after she laughs and takes pictures. He must have been excited Christmas was so close!

Oops! Mommy caught me mid blink, but she loves this picture of me! Do you like my new collar? I love it.

(In the voice of Eyeore) Hello guys. I'm Capey. I'm much more excited than it seems, but my squishy face makes it seems as if I would talk like Eyeore from Winnie-the-Pooh. That's what Mommy & Daddy say. I'm much bigger than the last time you saw me. I weigh almost FIFTY pounds now. Can you believe it? I only weighed FIVE when Mommy & Daddy first rescued me. I love my brother & sisters SO much! I'm such a good dog now. For a while Mommy said I was being bad, but I changed her mind :)

This is me and Daddy. I love him so much. Don't get me wrong, I really love my mommy, but i'm daddy's buddy. That's what he told me :)

Mom took this right before I was about to tackle my new sister. I like to sit like this on the couch sometimes too. Look how big I am!

Hi!! My name is Sophie Kate! I'm still a wittle baby but i'll twy my berry best to type for yew. I'm getting to be a big girl. I almost weight FIVE pounds. Unwike my yorkie brudder zekey I am very skinny and tall. Hims is short and chunky. :) Mommy says i'm a diva. What's that mean? When I want water I stand by the sink and jump reawy high until mommy comes and gives it to me. Sometimes she called me spoiled, but im not sure what that means either..

This is the stairs I race up 200x times a day that lead to mommy and daddys bed. Sometimes I miss and fall off.

This is me in my faaaaaavorite jacket! Mommy bought it for me to keep me extra warm, and because it was super cute. Do you like my bow too?

We hope you loved catching up with us!
Xoe, Zeke, Capo, and Sophie Kate

Christmas pictures

2010-12-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

These were just a few of my favorites :)

The second one was my FAVORITE! It's the one I used for our CHRISTmas cards, too!

Happy Tuesday, lovelies!

Catching up

2010-12-27T19:44:00.001-08:00

Since I'm just now starting to get back to updating, I'll share a lot that has happened since last time we talked ;)

I got a new car, a pretty pretty Jeep Commander!

Michael got a new car, a pretty pretty Honda Civic!

I lost 7 more pounds, that's 23 total!

I turned 21 & we went to the Atlanta Aquarium for my birthday.

We took our 2010 Christmas pictures! Our puppies couldn't be in it this year because Xoe got sick (doing to her being so anxious) so I had to get her on some anxiety medicine and didn't want to risk her being out of her element. But she is doing great ;)

Capo now weighs about 50 pounds, give or take a few :] and he is so precious.

Our new baby Sophie is about 4 or 5 and she's more fiesty than ever. :)

What's new with you!?

I'm baaaaaaaaaack :)

2010-12-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

So, I'm going to TRY to keep up with my blog more! I'm talking with Bailey, and hopefully getting a new layout soon so I can start fresh and keep up with it. I used to blog everyday! BUT I do use my Tumblr pretty frequently, so if you want to visit there then please do! Click here.

How was your Christmas!? Ours was really good! I'm leaving to go back to work after the fun little weekend we had, and I definitely do NOT want to! Bleh, I wish it could be holidays everyday ;)

On Christmas Eve, my parents took Michael, Me, and my sister Hanna to Huntsville for the day and we shopped, saw Little Fockers (Hilarious!) and went to The Melting Pot, which is a fondu restraunt, OMG, sooo good! After a day in Huntsville, we went to see some Christmas lights. TOO fun! I love spending so much time with my family.

Christmas morning we woke up, went right to my parents house and opened gifts (Santa was good this year! ;) and then ate a big yummy breakfast, cooked by my dad. mmmmmmm :) Afterwards we just laid around, took a big nap, and then Michael and I came home to get ready and spend a few hours with the dogs before we left to go to his Mom's. We went there around 5:30 and exchanged gifts and then ate dinner, then came home around 8:30.

It was a perfect Christmas!
Oh, did I mention we had a WHITE Christmas? Yes, we did! It was our first snow of the year, and our first white Christmas since 1989, the winter I was born!

It was beautiful! It also snowed the day after Christmas, so most of the churches closed and we decided to go get breakfast! After that we went to Best Buy and shopped for a little while at the mall, then went home for the majority of the day.

All in all, I would have to say this has been the best weekend I have had in a long time! Family, Food, presents, Jesus' birthday, and SNOW! What more could you ask for?

How was your christmas!?

*Oh, in case anyone is wondering, I am still workout out with my trainer and I have lost 23 pounds so far :)

Merry Christmas from our family to YOURS! :)

2010-12-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

Sadly, my sweet 4 furbabies couldn't be in the pictures this year. TOO cold to take them all out! BUT, we will be getting "family pictures" very soon.

Have a safe, Happy, BLESSED Holiday season!

MIA

2010-12-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

I'm always Missing. I missed sharing my birthday and thanksgiving with you! I'm so lazy. Okay, not really, I really have been going like a mad woman. But, on a side note.... My parents surprised me with an iPad today! I'm loving it. I'm on it now ;) the got me an ipad and my little sister, Hanna, an iPhone four. She loves hers too! My parents are so amazing. And I don't just say that when they get me amazing things like an iPad! I really say it and mean it almost everyday. I don't tell them as much as i should, but everyone know how crazy I am about them. Anyways, I will be back on tomorrow and share thanksgiving, black Friday, and my birthday with you and lots of pictures!
In the mean time, follow me on twitter! Do any of you have a Twitter? :) @whitneytomlin

To all you dog lovers..

2010-11-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

This morning I was going through some of my favorite blogs and someone who is a dog person;) posted this sweet story. This definitely made me cry, what a sweet sweet story it was! It's kind of long, but more than worth the read. LOTS of LOVE to all you dog fans! :)

They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.
But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his
previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike. For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two
weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "darn dog probably hid it on me." Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter. I tossed the pad in Reggies direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced
in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down with his back to me.

Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number. But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice.".... .....
____________ _________ _________ _________
To Whoever Gets My Dog:
Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't
matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones -"sit," "stay," "come", "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business.
I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the
backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.
Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.

And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....

His name's not Reggie.

I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do seemed so final that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.

His real name is Tank. Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander.

See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the shelter... in the
event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. but still, Tank has been my family for
the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an
inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am
glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.

Thank you, Paul Mallory
____________ _________ _________ _______

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously awarded the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast for days.
I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

"Hey, Tank," I said quietly. The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.

And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

-was that not adorable!?

Since this is a doggy-post, I must post a picture for each of my loves. duh;)

Princess Xoe

Prince Zeke

Baby Boy Capo

Baby Girl Sophie

Blogger award + more SOPHIE! :)

2010-11-16T06:45:00.001-08:00

Last night Sophie did great! She slept by Michael most of the night.. she really likes him! She's been using her pee pad like a good little girl and eating and has warmed up to the rest of the crew :)

I was a little hesitant to keep her on her pee pad since my other dogs go outside on a leash, but since she was already trained I decided we would see how well she did with it and go from there. So I keep her pee pad and food + water in my bathroom. She's had 2 accidents, one when she was scoping out the house and one in the middle of the night. [Which was my fault because she kept jumping down going to her pee pad and I thought she just wanted to play so I kept picking her up.] Well, she showed us, and peed right on Michael's pillow. HA! Not funny, but semi-funny.

Anyways, Here are some pictures of Sophie Kate!

I will hopefully get some more (not cell phone) pictures soon. She's a little camera shy and boy does she love her daddy! *jealousy* ;)

On to the blogger award that RIA tagged me in! Ria is probably my best blogger friend! It seems like we BBM everyday! PLUS she is suuuuuuper in love with Jesus and so sweet! And suuuuuper stylish! haha :) So here we go!

The rules are you are to share 7 things about yourself. Then Pass it along… So… here I go!

1. True story: I haven't had a coke in EIGHT weeks. :D

2. I have a freckle on my neck in the shape of a heart.

3. I have 4 dogs and would have a hundred more if I could!

4. My birthday is the day before Thanksgiving this year.

5. My dream is to own a boutique clothing store w- a little bakery on the side.

6. I have the loudest laugh in the world.

7. I gag at the site of broccoli and squash. *gags*

NOW- YOU do it! I'm tagging every single one of you!

Ps. Could you keep a little prayer going for my family? It's pretty urgent. Thank you!

Call me crazy but...

2010-11-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

I'm here to suprise you all, once more.

I did it, again. (for the 4th time to be exact)

We have officially adopted our fourth furbaby.
A 2 pound, 13 week old, yorkie-baby girl.

Meet Sophie Kate Tomlin ♥

Sophie has the sweetest personality! Her original name was "CoCo Chanel" But Michael wasn't to hip on that name, ha! We decided to name her a sweet name, since she is anything but rambunctious and outgoing. She's fairly shy, she isn't too fond of her sister and brothers yet, and she is a teensie little loveable baby.

We have a friend who was recently divorced and she had bought her two little girls two yorkies, and realized she couldn't handle all of it plus her job, the girls activities and school, her clinicals, and a daily life with the puppies and it wasn't fair to the puppies to have to be alone all the time.

Her sister is keeping the boy [Oscar] and I was going to find Sophie a home until Heather sent me a picture of her.. and I fell in love! My heart melted 10x more when I met her. SO SWEET.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a furbaby. Obviously.
What young married couple, in their right mind, has 4 dogs? ME. Because we are cuhhhraaaaazy!

Wish us luck on our new adventures with miss Sophie! Hopefully I will have her added to my blog page sometime soon. And please pray she ends up loving her new brothers and sister! They just wanna sniff her but she isnt really into that! I dont blame her ha!

UPDATE!

2010-11-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

So I haven't been letting you follow with my weight loss as much as I was planning on because I really am busy ALL the time!

But, I haven't had a coke in about 7 weeks, I don't eat "fast food", I only drink water unless I have milk with my cereal (obviously), I eat very healthy, go to my trainer 3x a week, and do what she asks me to do outside of training too. (cardio)

and in 6 weeks.. I have lost...
16 pounds!

Can you believe it!? I'm still on my way to my goal, but it's getting closer everyday! We were wanting to see me lose 20lbs by Christmas, but the new goal is Thanksgiving! That's only 4 more pounds by the 25th and I KNOW I can do it. And it would be a great Birthday present! My 21st birthday is November 24th, the day before Thanksgiving this year!

Please pray I reach 20 by Thanksgiving! :)

Happy Friday!
*Tonight we are going to a "Gender party" to find out with my good friend and her hubs are having! I think it's a BOY! :)

Your beauty is from within..

2010-11-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

I heard the most ignorant thing I have heard, ever, yesterday. I know some people and he said (speaking of his girlfriend) "I think (and she does too) the reason she doesn't have many friends is because she's so pretty, so people think she won't want to be friends with them" -So you think her being pretty is her disadvanatage?- "yes"

...................WHAT!?

I would NEVER say that about myself, or even about anyone else! That was the most RUDE remark I have ever heard. His girlfriend is beautiful, she could be a model, seriously, but pretty faces don't make up for nasty personalities.

I can't stand when people portray that your outside image is what makes you, YOU. Is that going to get us to Heaven? I don't think so. What's INSIDE is. SO if you are the most gorgeous guy/girl on the planet, but your heart is in the wrong place, then you're not getting yourself anywhere.

The Bible says "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, is to be praised." (Psalm 31:30) and "But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." (1 Peter 3:4)

I don't think the words get any clearer than that. And I think WE as women need to work together to show the world that it's not all about the outside.

I was walking in Wal-Mart looking through a magazine last week and they had 4 or 5 celebrities and their weight plastered across a 2-page spread and at 135 pounds they labeled Jessica Simpson as "TOO FAT!" That broke my heart, and lingered heavily on it for days. The average American woman is 145 pounds.

This is not what WE are about, WE are daughters of Christ and it is OUR responsibility to get the message across that he thinks we are ALL princesses, we are all beautiful in His image. HIS image, not a magazine's.

"She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her." (Proverbs 3:15)
"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." (1 Peter 3:3-4)

What A BOOtiful weekend! (lame? :)

2010-11-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hiiiii bloggy friends! I hope you had a FAB weekend. Ours was rather packed, but fun!

Friday night- Michael and I had a lovely little date

Saturday- When we woke up Saturday morning we realized we had a funeral visitation to go to for one of our good friends' grandmothers. Sad :(
I was supposed to get my ring, and they told me they would call me by 12:30.. and 1:30 rolls around and no call. I was so upset. So I called them and they said it didn't come in, but we decided to go to the mall anyways and while we were in Kay's we stopped by to ask if they knew why it wasn't in. They were SO busy and had accidently over looked it--the ring was in! :) I was SOOOOO excited (to say the least) and here are three views of my precious ring (that do NOT do it justice!) But here it is! :)

top view

side view

diamonds everywhere!

Do you love it? ME TOO!

Saturday night- We went over to my parents house and handed out candy to the trick-or-treaters, yes, we live in the Bible belt there for we trick or treat on Saturday! :) Michael, Zeke, and I dressed up in our Alabama gear to go give candy!

Sunday- We got up and got ready and went to church, and after we went to Michael's mom's church to see her for a second since we weren't going to make it over yesterday. We were going to go out to eat with her, but I was not about to wait 1.5 hours to eat at Logan's! So, we had sandwiches. :)

We went to the mall, Target, kohls, wal-mart, everywhere--to look for a costume for Emma's Holloween party last night! I was MORE than excited when we found the Guido & Guidette kit! So of course, Snooki and Pauly D. it was!

Oh, and check this out!

Happy Monday!

Anniversary Present!

2010-10-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I've talked about it on my blog, but when we got married Michael told me for our One Year Anniversary, that was last month, He was going to get me another band for my ring so I could have one on top and one on bottom. When Mikey lost his job, that extra wedding band was the least of my worries, so we waited.

And we waited until just the right time! We ended up getting so much percent off on the ring, because of a special weekend, and other stuff. I am so grateful to have got what I wanted! Instead of just getting another band, I decided to get a "enhancer" thing. I forgot what it's called.

Anyways, We went in and I picked out which one I wanted last Saturday, and they had to send it in to get it welded together and sized. so I have been ringless ALL week! Our sales lady "rushed" it for us so it should be here tomorrow, but there is a chance it could be here Monday--pray it's today! I'm going crazy being ringless!

So, here is the 2 karats I'll be rockin' :)

This is my ring

And this is what I picked out!

Do you love it!?

Happy Friday!

Oh, and I've lost 10lbs so far! :)

I love Lucy

2010-10-28T08:18:00.001-07:00

Monday morning I had to be at work at 8:00 because my Dad was going to Nashville to meet with some customers, so Mom needed me to come in. My Mom needed to borrow Michael's car, so I had to take him to work at about 6:45 in the morning and I just went on to work after, because going home for an hour and having to let the dogs out etc. would just be pointless.

After I dropped Michael off, I was riding down a fairly busy road, on my way to work and I saw this little tiny 'thing' walking down the road-it was a dog (go figure). I realized it was a dog and all that went through my mind was "holy crap, i'm about to see this dog get hit by a car!" So I pull over, the dog looks at me and starts running my way, I open my car door and in she jumps.

Most precious face you've ever seen? Thought so.

I name her Lucy. When Lucy jumped in the car, she was muddy from head to toe, way too skinny, toenails that hadn't been cut in forever, a collar on so tight it was imprinted into her skin (when I took her collar off you could literally hear it peel off) and she was dragging a long heavy chain that was weighing her down. She was also soaking wet, making it apparent that she had been through the storm that night.

I brought Lucy to work with me, because I couldn't find it in my heart to take her to the pound. (I have never and will never pound a dog, I think it's WRONG and if you can't care for a dog then don't get one) anyways.

We fed Lucy (obvious she hadn't eaten in a while) and bathed her. She had the sweetest spirit and just wanted to be loved so badly!

I found a family from my church who wanted to take in Lucy! YAY! (I have 3 or I would have!)

Then, I woke up to a text yesterday morning saying Lucy ran away when they let her out to potty in the back yard!

I worried, and worried, and worried, all. day. long.

I called the pounds, the vets, and blasted lucy's description and picture all over facebook. The day went on, no Lucy.

On my way to workout someone called me from a number I didn't know (her name was Brandie), the first thing I said was "OMG someone found Lucy!" so I answered the phone and the conversation went like this:

Me: Hello?! :)
Brandie: Hi! Is this Whitney!?
Me: Yes!
Brandie: I think I found your dog!
Me: Really!?
Brandie: Yes! She wandered up to the bank and I picked her up and took her to the vet to see if she had a microchip and they said you had actually called and they saw her picture on Facebook!

..How insane is that? As scared for little Lucy as I was. I kept saying all day "I believe Lucy is okay! In the name of Jesus I WILL find her!"

I went and got Lucy, and she is safe and sound with her new family. In order to keep her from jumping the fence again, when she goes out to potty she will be on a LEASH.

PLEASE pray Lucy stays safe and happy! She doesn't realize how blessed she is ;) Afterall, she's never had a home and didn't know what love was. But she does now!

Recap of 80's night!

2010-10-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being so MIA. No excuses. Moving on!

Sunday night was 80's night at our church. TOO fun! I will for sure be posting videos this evening or tomorrow because the worship team put on an amazing 80's show :)

Here are just a few pictures from our fun-filled evening!

Where have I been!?

2010-10-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

I can't answer that because I'm really not sure! BUT I do have some news!

I have lost 7lbs in 4 sessions with Melissa! And of course, doing my part at home too. Only 48 more to go! ;) I'm expecting to be where I want to be by March! Melissa said Febuary, whatever the case may be--My goal is March!

I've been been walking 2-3 times a day, 45 minutes or so at a time which burns a good 200 calories walking moderately, I've had lots of water, breakfast every morning, fruits out the wazoo and it's not bad at all! And I haven't had to "miss out" on going anywhere due to my "strict eating" thanks to my little app that has all the restraunts in the world and I can know the calories anywhere I go!

I can definitely tell a huge difference and I just FEEL better! I've had many compliments as well. I'm thrilled. Can ya tell? I'm BEAMING!!! :)

Off to eat some yummy light ranch + carrots I go! I promise I won't be gone for so long this time ;)

Gatlinburg bound!

2010-10-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

...Next Thursday, that is =)

This weekend I found out that my parents have invited us to go with them and my little sister and her best friend Lily, to Gatlinburg next Thursday-Sunday and I am beyond excited! My dad was telling us today about some of the fun things he has planned for us all to get in to!
One of those things being the Zip Line! This isn't just ANY zip line. It's a NINE stop zip line, which means we get strapped up and make nine different stops zipping away over the mountains of Gatlinburg! How fun does that sound? Supah FUN & I am more that happy.Michael has never been to Gatlinburg before and I have only been twice so I can't wait to experience it all with him + my family and Lily! We have been very much beyond fortunate to have my parents ask us to go so many places with them! =) I couldn't thank them enough.
On another note, I am so glad I found someone to keep my precious furbabies! I always worry about them when I'm not home, and it makes it so much more enJOYable when I know they are safe and sound everyday and night! After all, how can you not love faces as adorable as these? That's what I'm sayin'!

Happy HAPPY Monday to you and YOURS! Hope everyone's day was fabulous!

Day #2- yikes!

2010-09-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Could I be more sore? (The answer is NO)

I've eaten GREAT and I am more than proud of myself. Since I didn't go to Melissa yesterday (I go today!) Michael and I went and walked a mile along with doing some lunges and other things I've learned from training. The park beside our house closes when it gets dark, so we ate subway (yummiest healthy choice!) and went to a little shopping center and that's where we walked and did my workouts. I think Michael was a little embarrassed seeing as I was doing lunges where people were shopping, but HEY! whatever :)

They have a little shopping center with a Cato, Joann's Crafts, and a soon to be Shoe Carnival and Ross-Dress for less! So since it wasn't TOO busy through there, that's where I chose to do my workouts. I made Michael do some with me but he was so embarrassed he was acting a fool, ha!

My legs are SOOOO sore, and have been since Tuesday but- I guess if it hurts then I'm doing something right! It's amazing knowing these muscles haven't been used in a while, ha!

I woke up in the middle of the night (not the times from hardly being able to move) to a warm PEE streaming down my leg and on my bed! NO SILLY, I didn't have an accident! But Capo did. Still want a puppy, Ria!? ;)

After that I went back to sleep for a few more hours and then I woke up, went on a walk, had a yummy glass of milk and off to shower + work I went.

Happy Thursday (payday!!)

Day #1

2010-09-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

So, as you know, yesterday was my first day (back) with my personal trainer. I am on the road to losing 55 pounds and I am sooo excited about it too!

I went in yesterday knowing what to expect, but she (to no surprise), kicked my butt. That's exactly what I needed!

I walk in the door of her basement, and slowly hear the pitter-patter of feet walking above me, down the stairs, then to see my tiny little trainer ALL SMILES! Being greeted and being comfortable with someone is KEY for me to have a good workout. It really made me want to be there. While hopping on the treadmill we caught up on each others lives, families lives, friends lives, etc.

I walked for maybe 10 minutes, and then it was butt kicking time. The moment I stepped off the treadmill I knew it meant "Go-time" and go-time it was.

I think I did every work out to man, and lived a long 30 minutes, but it really was over before I knew it! We talked our way out the door when it was time to leave, legs shakey and all, to see my smiling husband waiting for me in the car. What a pretty face :)

I sat down in the car, still out of breathe, and it was off we went. MORE than ready to go back tomorrow, but still getting in my cardio and healthy eating today!

This morning I woke up barely able to move, and it was the worst and BEST feeling. I hope you stick around for the entire journey!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Did you hear!?

2010-09-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

The FIRST ANNUAL SCARF SWAP is here by Miss Chelsea and Mateya!

I'm so excited. I actually got paired with someone who is "close to home", four hours away, in Georgia! I'm really excited, but I have no idea what scarf I'm going to get her! Yikes, I need to hurry. Thankfully, she is an ALABAMA FAN! I'm not sure what I would have done with one of those AUBURN fans! ;)

I looooove meeting new blogger friends, too fun!

On another note, Today is my first day back with my personal trainer. I'm geared up with some cute new work out pants, and some even cuter new shoes!

Wish me luck, I'll be a skinny minnie before I know it! :)

Songs by me and hubs. check it out :)

2010-09-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

Here is some songs Michael and I have written (except Grace Flows Down) and thought I would share with you!

Please excuse the quality and sound, sorry!

Subscribe to our channel www.youtube.com/mrandmrstomlin

Longest. Week(s). Ever.

2010-09-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm not going to lie, I think this was the longest, most awful two weeks of my life. That's saying a lot since I have been married for um, oh say, 20 years?

From Michael losing his job it has been so stressful and money is just getting on track again. Our lease is ending in November and I have no idea what we're going to do. Do we stay paying lots of money to rent or do we spend that much or less and invest in buying a home?

Everytime I see a home I like, we go and we look at it and I always end up loving it, and then I get this really bad gut feeling that I'm doing the wrong thing.
1) Because buying a home is a big deal and I want to be ready
2) I'd like to put a lot of money down
3) Because I feel safe in our apartments. We are right in town and we live around a bunch of nice families and no partying/drinking/teenagers

If I could change one thing about how everything has panned out, I would have stayed at my parents when they let us live in their basement a few months after we got married. But no, I had to move in to a big, nice, expensive apartment that isn't worth the money I'm paying for it instead of saving the money. Instead of paying 600 a month we were "renting the basement" for 400 a month and come to find out, my dad was actually saving that 400 every month and was going to give it back to us when we left so we could use it as a down payment. I'm so stupid.

On another note, do you remember when I went through my baby fever phase? I know you do! Well, I have completely lost it. I don't even know what's happened to me! I went from wanting a baby so bad, (or should I say wanting a baby to dress up so bad ;) to having not one bone in my body that itches for a baby. These are the times people get pregnant, when they completely don't want to/don't expect it.. But I'm praying that isn't the case here.

I think part of me thought that because I was married that that is just what came next, but then I also have to realize I'm only 20, so I have a long time to have babies! So, I have my appointment ready and I am more than excited to go get that stick of birth control in my arm, no lie. Unfortunately, my doctor is "high demand" so the next appointment was availible in December--BUT I'm going to be calling the doctor Monday to see if anything has opened!

On a better note, I'm starting back with my personal trainer. I made a big boo boo by quitting and this time I am NOT going to do that, and to keep me from doing that I'm going to pay ahead rather than per work-out, ha! I have really let myself get to the point where I am completely unhappy, and not being comfortable in your own body is one of the worst feelings I think I have ever had. I may not be "fat" or whatever your definition of it is, but I look in the mirror and I am completely disgusted with myself. For the first time ever, on the past beach trip I wouldn't even take my shirt off to lay out because I was so uncomfortable.

I remember at one point wanting to leave because I felt so out of place with every skinny girl with an amazing body staring at me. I have gained 30 lbs since Michael and I started dating, that is INSANE! Yay, for having someone who can eat chocolate and fried food 24-7 and his weight gain goes right to MY body. So gross.

DL on the Tomlin's

2010-09-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ay yi yi

I have been so tired lately, I sleep all the time!

Michael got a job at a restraunt here as a waiter until he finds something "better", he says.

He's in training this week, and hopefully it goes well and brings in some cash flow ;)

Luckily, we're doing okay right now with money! God changed the season for us quickly,

but he did everything but abandon us. Although sometimes it felt like that was happening.

During this time, we have gotten even closer than we were!

We have gotten to spend so much time together, which sometimes could cause sticky situations since we aren't used to being around one another so often, ha!

We had only spent THREE, yes three, Saturday's together since we have been together.

Is that crazy or what!?

Not anymore :)

Anyways, I figured i'd do a quick little update since i've been a slacker lately :/

Happy Wednesday!

Fall? Not so much.

2010-09-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Fall is 'supposedly' here,
Even though it's in the 90's all week here.
I am SO ready for fall! Not Winter, Fall.
What's it like where you are? Hmph.

Look whose getting big..

2010-09-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

CAPEY!

Remember this?

Or this?

6 pounds.

Only 2 months later..

23 pounds.

These pictures don't do how HUGE he has gotten justice, but he is still sweeter than ever! It also doesn't show the adorable brown zig-zag going down his tail or how wrinkley he really is! He is one huge wrinkle. He's a slobbery, playful, wrinkley, big 'ole baby!

And he loves his brother and sister :]

Happy Monday!

Birthday Bash Giveaway!

2010-09-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

photo credit

Danielle over at The Design Girl Studio is doing a birthday bash giveaway for her birthday!

I love this giveaway because I am in love with/obsessed (whatever you want to call it;) with my pups and I really want to win my babygirl, XOE, a cute cute collar!

So go enter in the giveaway :)

I'm back! + anniversary pictures [finally!]

2010-09-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

I think my life is finally slowing down a little, so back to the blogger world I go :]

So much has been going on with Mikey's job situation, getting back home and back to work from vacations, and then my parent's turning around and leaving for San Antonio right after and getting back today!

I'm so glad they're back, I love my family so much! My mom shopped lots in San Antonio and brought my sister and I back sooo much stuff, I am so thankful! Not to mention, my mom has lost SO much weight the past year and has had a little [much needed] shopping spree for herself over the past few weeks and she is looking and rockin' it all fabulously! ;)

Okay, so now for the pictures + stories you have all been waiting for from our one year anniversary vacation!!

Yes, That is Demi Lovato you see in my pictures below! and YES that is the Jonas brothers! I only got one blurry picture of Kevin, but I got lots of videos, so I will try to upload those in a seperate post.

But the story goes like this.. We just HAPPENED to be staying at the Hilton across from the Ocean Center, the concert place, and it was the weekend of the American Music Festival and Usher stayed a few rooms down from us and we saw him [the picture of the bus are his dancers] I met Demi Lovato, so sweet and gorgeous! I also have videos of the insane craziness when we saw the Jo Bros! We waited out by their bus [with 900 security guards and every other teenage girl in America] and finally they came out! I touched kevin, HELD NICKS HAND, and saw Joe! Can you tell their my faves? Didn't think so ;)

Anyways, enjoy!

MIA + bad news.

2010-09-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am alive, I swear!

We went on our anniversary getaway and got back monday night, and ever since then sooo much has went on! I will start my anniversary recaps tonight.

Work has been SO busy because I left Wednesday, and work was closed Thursday-Monday for the holiday weekend and my parents went to the beach too, therefore we have been slammed and I'm still getting caught up on sleep + i've had a sore throat and not felt good.

My dad left Tuesday to go to San Antonio for work, and mom is leaving to meet him there today! So it's just the three of us fending for our own this afternoon and tomorrow and praying things go extra smoothly!

Like I said, I will do my anniversary recaps tonight (sorry in advance for many seperate posts) but for now I want to share something with you, because we need your prayer.

Michael went in to work Tuesday and worked the work day, and as he was on his way out the door to come home his boss called him in his office and told him they were going to have to "let him go." He was let go on good terms, but it still isn't good for our family.

Michael and I have a strong relationship, and we are fine, but we have rent to pay, bills to pay, three dogs, etc. so we really need your prayer during this time.

We asked for a new season, and we got new season alright!

Trying to stay positive so please pray. We know the Lord has bigger+better plans for us. :)

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

Florida Bound!

2010-09-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right!

We woke up early this morning [5AM to be exact] and left our apartment around 7AM heading out the door for Ormond Beach!

It's 5:18 Florida time [4:18 Alabama time] right now and we are set to arrive at about 7:00!

We are soo excited! I drove from 7-11 and Michael has drove until now and we will soon be switching so I can drive the rest of the way.

I've never been on a trip that my family hasn't been on, because for our honeymoon everyone left and we took on the beach by ourselves and rode back alone. But I have never not been with them! My parents are actually going to Destin, Florida and are leaving tomorrow and my little sister went out of town with her friend Lily today until Monday or Tuesday.

Anyways, pictures to come later- but for now I must go drive :]

Ps. Please keep my friend Erin and her family in your prayers. Erin has a bassett hound named Jake and he is her baby! He is 9 years old and earlier this week they found out he had cancer and was going to have to be put down. Erin is really heartbroken and I know how tough this is. Please prayer for comfort and that she knows she has done the right thing for sweet Jake. Thank you!

Top two & lots to do!

2010-08-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

Tuuuuuuuesday! Hello!

We had horrible sleeps last night! For some reason none of the dogs could get comfortable and it was hot and just.. uncomfortable. And my neck hurts. BUT that's not stopping me from being so so so excited about leaving for the beach in the morning! :]

I'm working right now and I get off at 3:30, after that I have to meet with Jessica and tell her all about the dogs schedule, etc. After that I have to finish bunches of laundry and finish cleaning up so Jessica doesn't have to stay in a dirty apartment :] haha.

Our night will consist of to-go dinner, walmart, spending time with our babies, packing, and teen mom :] How could I not watch teen mom?

Anyways! I am going to try to continue to blog everyday with pictures etc, so I don't have 5million when I come back!

Enough about tomorrow- Guess what today is?

TOP TWOOOOOOOO TUESDAY! :)

Todays pick is 'Top Two Favorite Cities'

Well, I'm only 20, so I have lots of places I would like to go.. I have never been out of the country and definitely would love to! But for the places that I have been, 2 of my top favorites would be...

1. Gulf Shores, AL

Not only am I a beach girl, this is so far my favorite beach! And the city isn't party central, still with lots to do! Plus, we got married here, so it holds a special place in my heart :)

2. NYC, NY

I've been to NYC twice, once when I was in the 6th grade and once when I was in the 9th grade - it's been a while! But I would LOVE to go back! Michael is such a city boy, and he would love it!

Happy Tuesday!

lovinthatbabyjesus?

2010-08-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

Lately [three times] I have received some pretty harsh comments on my blog. I am pretty sure I know who the person is, and it seems nothing other than their normal character. "Lovinthatbabyjesus" is their name, but they don't have a blog. It could be someone totally different than who I think it is, but whoever you are I pray for you numerous times and I will continue too!

Because of this, I had to resort in making my blog to where only readers who have a blog can leave me comments, and I have to approve them before they are on the blog. I figured I would try this first before fully resorting to having to make my blog private or what not.

To "lovinthatbabyjesus":
I am insulted that you have that as your name and act the way that you do. Please know that I pray for you and now I know the people on my blog do too. I'm sorry that you have insecurities that cause you to do the things you do, and problems wrong with the inner/outer you, that make you point out what you think is wrong with the inner/outer me. I hope someday you will realize that the Kingdom of God is not cruel, it is not hurtful, and it is not rude- but it is full of love. And your actions show you don't know what real love is. Real love is Jesus and the things you have said are not of Him. I pray the people around you show you love and kindess and let you know you are loved. No matter what you say, I still pray for you, and I love you--Jesus does too.

To the rest of my readers: I'm sorry you had to endure such a lame post. I love you all and you are so great--especially my sweet blogger friends!

It's almost here!

2010-08-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yes! Our anniversary! This coming sunday is our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Can you believe it? When I started this blog we had only been married like two months? I cannot believe it. Anyways! Before our anniversary comesssss.......

ANNIVERSARY VACAY!!!

We have decided to leave a day early, which will be about 7:00 on Wednesday morning! We are so thankful for our friend Jessica, her fiance was the best man in our wedding and she is going to be staying at our apartment with the dogs day and night! You all know how much I love my furbabies, so I am so glad to be having such a sweet girl who LOVES animals too, to stay with them! We could never thank her enough!

This weekend was a great one! Its slowly but surely becoming fall and I couldn't be more welcoming of it! It just makes me smile! How can you not be in a good mood!?

I'm pray pray prayingggg for some sun while we are at the beach! I haven't tanned in a few months [because I am a good wife and cut my tanning package off, for now;)] so I need to do a little catching up!

I have had this verse on my heart this morning, remembering my older sister today! As a few of you know, we haven't talked to her in about a month-her doings not ours, and she needs prayers! :]

"God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son." -Romans 1:9

Well hello David Beckham ;)

Husband let me shoot him ideas for a new haircut before the beach and I told him a faux hawk! He did it! And might I add, he looks supah hot ;]

Did ya have a good weekend!? Tellllll me all about it!

Did I mention, FABULOUS!?

2010-08-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

YAY! It's another Faaaaabulous Friday! What's more fabulous than having no work on the weekends, friends, hubby, family, church, and food!?

Mhmm, that's what I thought--fabulous!

This week has consisted of going to play at the park with my friend Katy & her 2 year old son, Elliott, Eating out, visiting with family, looking at homes, and being fabulous!

This weekend will consist of MUCHO fabulosity. And thennnnnn next week we go to the beach! Wooooo!

Be back later- Don't stop being fabulous!

PS. HAPPY FABULOUS FRIDAY! :)

it's coming up!

2010-08-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have some new followers! I love youuuuu already! :)

The countdown is here! We leave for the beach in ONE week at 4:30 in the morning. And I have to drive first, WOWZAH! It's going to take 10+ hours to get to Florida, bleh. And since I'm not comfortable driving "on the big road" I will drive until I can't anymore and then Michael will take over :)

My heart is so happy!

We will be staying at the gorgeous Hilton right on the beach for an amazing price! Thank you, Aunt Georgia!

We are so happy to be going for our anniversary.. and it's soo close! One year has snuck up on us for sure!

Top TWO & then some :)

2010-08-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

You know I love Top Two Tuesday! Today's top two's are biggest indulgences. I have more than two, but I will spare you and share only two ;)

1. Handbags
I love love love handbags! Coach & Juicy Couture are my absolute favorites. I don't do the whole "different handbag for different outfit" I generally get one bag for season, and wear it the entire time! The fact that I have pricey taste may or may not be why I don't switch for every outfit ;) This is what I'm currently carrying!

2. Boutiques
Oh my. Free people is one of my VERY FAVORITE boutiques, but I also have a few more close to my heart like Deja Vu, Frolic, Sassy & Classy, Anthropologie, etc. How could I choose just one? :]

What are yours!?

Today has been a rather slow day at work, I'm pretty sure I have dozed off more than once. On a better note, I got to see my honey for lunch today! We had Rick's BBQ and it was D-LISH, like always! Mikey got a loaded potato which is a BIG potato with bacon, cheese, butter & bbq. yum!? yes! I got the plain bbq sandwich with fries and white sauce. nom nom! We go to Rick's for their amazinnnnng Fruit Tea! It tastes like pineapple. Mmmmm :)

After work, I get to go get my hair done [again] ha! When I went last time the 'light brown' looks to be more of a 'light blonde' so I'm getting it taken out and leaving the dark brown, and adding a few pink strands. Cute?

I hope you are all having a wonderful Tuesday! Fall is slowly creeping up on Alabama and I am loving this cool breeze!

bits & pieces: week one

2010-08-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

This week I am trying a new blog hop! It's from In Lovely Heels and it seems super fun. Join- It goes like this: ;)

the bits:
[The last thing that made you smile]
[Romantic,horror,action,or funny movies?]
[Are you going to watch Miss Universe?]
[I love my life because...]
[Favorite Picture of the week]

the pieces:
[The last thing that made you smile]
Mine and Katy's baby talk! You know I'm baby crazy, and it's always fun talking with friends :)

[Romantic,horror,action,or funny movies?]
Romantic comedy! I love LOVE but I also get bored WAY too easily, so it needs o be silly, for sure. :)

[Are you going to watch Miss Universe?]
If I'm home, of course!

[I love my life because...]
I am married to a wonderful man, I have three beautiful furbabies, I have an amazing family and a GREAT job- and my one year wedding anniversary getaway is in 10 days! Who wouldn't love that?

[Favorite Picture of the week]
Taken by my blackberry
I love this picture of Michael! He is so..pretty. I know that sounds manly, but it's true. Look at those pretty blues! And I love it when he wear his sunglasses as a headband and his hair looks all crazy like this. Too cute.

Weekend full of babies!

2010-08-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend Michael and I had Zoe (20 months) on Friday night, and most of the day Saturday, and then Saturday afternoon I exchanged Zoe for Noah (3months) and we had our first night with a teensie baby!

Well, Michaels.

My friend Katy has a 2year old and I've been a part of his life since before he was born! I have spent many nights in a bed with katy and elliott. Ha!

Noah didn't sleep too much, on and off until 4:30AM and then he slept from then until about 10 or so. He was such a good baby.

You all know I enjoyed pretending I was a mommy for the weekend, so when everyone told me how cute they were, etc.. I went with it! :) too fun.

It's also fun hearing how much they look like me and people can just TELL they are my babies. Really? Because I have dark hair, dark skin, and dark eyes & they have light hair, light skin & blue eyes. Whatever! Ha. They could pass for Michaels babies, and he was SO sweet with them. It melted my heart!

And of course, makes me ready for some NOW.

So Lord, whenever you're ready- so are we :)

I'll be back with pictures later! :)

Happppy Mondayyy!

Happy 17th Birthday, Hanna!

2010-08-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Today is my little seestur, Hanna's 17th birthday! :)/:(

Where did my little 7lb, teensie blonde, curly headed baby sister go?

Isn't she gorgeous!?

Hanna- I can't believe you are seventeen today. I remember the day you were born! I remember the times Mom walked in and I had crawled into your crib and crawled back out with you in hand. I remember the time I put you in my baby doll stroller-what!? You fit perfectly! You were so teensie. I also remember the time I was watching TV and you walked up behind me, sat on my back, laid your head down being so sweet, and then bit the *&^* out of my shoulder! And the time that you shut the cat in the door and broke his hip, and of course, I must mention the time we were rolling worms in chalk and then pouring water on them to make them come back to life, and I went in to get some scissort {poor worms!} and you came and took them.. this resulted in me getting my hand cut open and having four stitches. Did you think I wasn't going to say it?

I am so proud of the person you have become and I couldn't ask for a better little sister! Although we don't ALWAYS get along, I love having someone pretty close to my age to be able to hang out with all the time. I am so happy to call myself your sister, you also make mom and dad very proud! You are so talented in art, photography, and so much more! Keep seeking Jesus and glorifying him through all your talents and you will go so far!

I LOVE YOU BABY SEESTUR!

Blah..

2010-08-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

..is exactly how I have felt lately :(

The past week and a half, I haven't felt too hot. I have had a lot going on (family wise) and just need a few prayers!

I have a member in my family (my family, not mine & michaels) who has chosen to go down the wrong road, and the road is ending for this family member to shock us all, and turn their decision around.

It's been a sad, exhausting week, to say the least.

And before all of this happened I was already waking u everyday with a headache, feeling dizzy, and like crap.. so this just put the icing on the cake.

Please keep my family in your prayers, especially my mom. She's got a lot on her hands dealing with all of this.

NEW FRIENDS!

2010-08-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

.. And lots of them!

I got on this morning only to find a have a decent amount of new followers! It's suuuuper fun, thank you Taylor for letting us link up and find new friends! :)

What's not to love about blogger friends? I myself, probably seem verrrry energetic and LOUD in blogger world.. and if I have known you for awhile/am close to you.. I am that way! BUT first meeting new friends is a little nerve-wrecking for me. I'm kind of shy when it comes to new friends!

That's a great thing about blog world, you get to know everyone and their lives through it, so if you do it the chance to meet in person, you feel like you know them!

Have any of you met any of your blogger friends/plan to meet any?

I know some people that are creeped out by the fact of meeting people IRL, that they met through social networking. But I'd do it! I think it's neat because all of us come from all over the world, and have so many different things to get to know about us. Our beliefs, our marriage, babies, friends, jobs, families, etc!

I was reading a lot about the BLOGHER thing, have any of you heard of that?

A bajillion bloggers met up in NYC this year (from everywhere) and went to blogging conferences (I have no idea what a blogging conference could be!?) and hung out and met all their blogger friends IRL! How fun is that!

How many of you think it'd be fun? Or does it just creep you out? Ha!

Happy Wednesday, sweet thang!

Top TWO Toooooooooosdy!

2010-08-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Tips Tips Tips! :)

Today's TOP TWO TUESDAY is TOP TWO TIPS!

1. Curled Hair- Lot's of you have asked (when I had long hair, sad day!) how I grew/curled my hair. The growing process is just a gift, my hair just grows fast! ha. The curling part is with my CHI flat iron, god of the flat irons, for sure. You just section of your hair, take a peice, put the iron to it and twist. I learned from a youtube video, no shame here!

2. Clear Skin- People have always asked me how I don't have acne. (Trust me, when I do-It's noticeable, and placed ever so gently in the center of my face.) and that my friends, is because I only wear eye make up + tan. Thanks to my mom, I've never really had acne. She has perfect skin! I noticed that when I tan, my skin stays clear, and when I don't tan for awhile, I get little bumps sometimes--try it!

Btw, My friend Kaiti went to the doctor today to find out she is 6 weeks along, and expecting their first bundle of joy on April 5, 2011! Which just so happens to be our 1.5 year anniversary.

I think it's a sign that I'm next. Don't you? Ha! Hop on the agreement bandwagon and I'll be in the receiving lane ;)

Worst blogger award goes to...

2010-08-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

..ME!
Whoops! Sorry :(

BUT, on another note- WELCOME NEW FOLLOWERS!! :) I am so happy you're reading my blog, and will make my way around to reading all of yours! :]

Friday- We had date night [pizza] and then headed downtown and hung out with my sister and her friends, I got an adorabbbble new handmade change purse at the coffee shop :)

Saturday- I spent most of the day all by my lonesome, BUT that will be changing soon seeing as I am about to start keeping one sweeeet, very active, four year old every saturday ;) My sweet Mom and Daddy brought me some Zaxbys and we all ate at our Apt and they visited for awhile. I got ready [In 40 minutes, thank you SHORT hair!] and we went to see my grandmother :) That night we went to Michael's mom's because his uncle from Florida was in town visiting, and we had a "family night" with grilled food, BAM [I got the new book Eat Love Pray- Have any of you read it!?] and went to the Ice Cream Corner, then headed home. We were night owls :) Then we crashed.

Sunday- We were laaaaazy [waking up at 11AM!] and then went to my parents for some GREAT food, of which I just ate some leftovers :) and watched 2012. Good movie, but way too long for me. We then ran errands all day and ate dinner. We went to ride around looking for houses and are HOPING and praying we get our debt paid off by January 1. I can't stand not having my own home! Patience, Whitney :) OH, and while we were driving I said 'Mikey I wanna go home I have a bad tummy ache' and right as he heads home, we run out of gas. Shoot me. Thank heavens for the kind man who had a gallon of gas laying in his garage. God bless you MUCHO!

Sooooo sorry we had to play catch-up! I'll try to be a better blogger ;)

Oh, oh, oh!
One of my good friends, Kaiti, who has been my good friend since I was THREE YEARS OLD got married in May and just found out she is expecting her first baby! Soon, I know. But in God's plan--how awesome is that!? Praise Jesus!

Hope everyone is having a good Monday, I am! :)

11 months!?

2010-08-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

New blog hop on Ria's page! Lovellllly! Best thing-no rules!

Yesterday we were together ELEVEN months. It was Michael's off day so we were busy bee's all day and I didn't get a chance to blog! When we came home last night, it was too late and I was ready to go to sleep, sorry!

Can you believe it!? Me neither. It seems like we haven't been married but three, maybe.

To My sweet sweet Mikey,
I love you more each day! I cannot believe time is going by so fast, next month will be our one year! Thank you for being the world's greatest/sweetest husband ever! I have so much fun with you everyday, and you mean more to me than you will ever know! I love you so much bebe, this is only the beginning of forever! :)

RIP iPhone.

2010-08-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Background:

Michael had T-Mobile

I had At&T

Our internet was through Verizon

..which leaves me having to remember three seperate bills. I used to have Verizon but switched just so I could have my iPhone and have never had a problem. I loved my iPhone, bless. Michael's T-Mobile phone just stopped working a few months ago and we had to pay like $50 to get a new one even though it wasn't his fault. Then a few days ago Michael dropped his phone and busted the screen so I got on the internet to file an insurance claim and the deductible was $130. Yeah, right.

We wanted to have everything on the same plan anyway, so we just decided to go ahead and do it now, and the easiest/most affordable family plan was through Verizon.

We both got the droids (and Michael is beyond excited!) but I'm just not feeling it yet. I miss my iPhone!

Droids are like the Verizon 'hype' right now. I posted a status on fb about if I should get a Droid because I loved my Verizon Blackberry and I got 43 comments talking about how amazing the Droid is.

The sales lady lost me with her rude remarks and her smart comments, and using the F-word and telling us about her drunk husband. Yay for you.

I like it, and I LOVE HAVING 3G! [AT&T doesn't have it here yet!] but it is going to take some time.

Love you little iPhone, but marriage takes a toll on the 'ol expenses. I guess it's worth it ;)

What do you have!? Do you like it?

Anniversary Plans! FOR SURED. :)

2010-08-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

First things first:

HAPPY 11 MONTH ANNIVERSARY TO MY BLOGGER ALMOST ANNIVERSARY TWIN RIA AND HER HUBBY JOSH! :)

Okay Okay, so we change our minds a lot. Don't hate me.

So we changed our minds from going to Texas a few months ago because
1) We didn't wanna blow all of our money
2) I'm not sure I can sit in a car for 15+ hours
3) Quite frankly, Michael's dad (who is not in the picture) lives there, and it's not really somewhere we are ready to go just yet.

SO! We have decided to go to Ormond Beach, Florida!

Michael's aunt and uncle (on his mom's side) live in Ormond Beach! Michael's sister, Rachel, actually stayed there for a week or so with them this summer and she came back with the decision of moving down there in the next year!

You know me, I love beaches! Georgia (Michael's aunt) works for a company and can get us a good deal on a place on the beach, and for the other two nights we are going to stay with her and Eddie! I'm also excited because this will be my first time meeting them! :)

I've never been to a beach that didn't have white sand.. so I'm excited to go somewhere new :)

Anyways, I'm still feeling a little under the weather, but I came to work today and I am so ready to go take a nap-ha! Tonight is also church night so I am veeeeeeeery pumped AND Michael's early night. Cross your fingers he gets off on time!?

Loves!

Ps. Tomorrow is our 11 month anniversary, eeeeek!

Pss. If you would like to give to St. Jude for the walk I am walking in on November 20 just go here :)

Bachelorette + Sick Tuesday

2010-08-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

So, who watched the Bachelorette last night!?

This is going to sound rediculous, but I cried through half of the show! Roberto and Chris were my two favorite picks from the start, so of course I would have been sad to see either one of them go. I was actually hoping she wouldn't pick anyone so just one person wouldn't have to leave sad "/ is that bad? But a tiny peice of me wanted Chris to get the final rose just a teensie bit more.

When she let Chris go I was baffled! I couldn't beleive she did that, but I guess it was props to her for not making him stay for the ceremony, and he handled it very classy! He better be the next bachelor. I want to see him find love. Mushy, I know :)

BUT, on the other hand, you can tell just how happy Ali is! And Roberto is a great guy- I wish them the best!

Now that I am done talking like I know people that I don't..

Yesterday was the easiest Monday of my life. We weren't slow but it sure seemed like we were, and to top it all off we beat our sales record last month so we got a bonus! AND today Michael got a pretty little commission check, right when we need it! Thank you, Jesus!

Today I'm not working due to being lame and laying in the bed sick to my stomach. All. Day. Long. Hopefully Michael will bring something good, that won't hurt my stomach, home for lunch today!

I love lazy days, but when you don't have anyone to spend them with other than an iPhone, a netbook, and three dogs, they get a little boring!

Hope everyone is having a good Tuesday!
Loves!

*Oh! I almost forgot that I just ordered my sisters birthday present! I can't tell you where from yet, because she reads my blog and she will go figure out what it is--but her birthday is August 18th and my LITTLE sister will be 17! Geez.. So, Um.. you have to wait to find out what it is, too! Whoops!

Dear Blog Friends,

2010-08-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

I need your help with something!

I keep up with a lot of your blogs and I know many of you have a heart for kids, and the hurting just like I do!

St. Jude Childrens Hospital does a walk where over 60 different communities participate, and we are having one in mine this year! I was so excited to find out, and of course I have to participate! The walk is a 5k, which isn't too hard! Haha.

I have made a goal to raise $500! That's not toooo much, so I would love to raise 1,000 but I am starting a little lower. Since most of you don't live anywhere near me, or maybe can't participate, I was wondering if you would be willing to help me reach my goal?

All of your money goes straight to St. Jude, I don't handle any of it. It costs nothing to walk, so it's all for the babes!

Please help me reach my goal! I love each and every one of you!

My outlook on this entire experience is Jeremiah 33:6, "Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant life and security."

If you have an questions please email me at mrsxtomlin(at)gmail(dot)com

And please go here to donate-Every penny counts!: Team Jeremiah 33:6

It's all gone!

2010-08-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Do you like!?

My friend Sarah, who will be graduating from cosmotology school next week cut my hair this weekend and I couldn't be more happy with it!

My hair grows VERY fast, so if I get sad that all my hair is in a garbage can somewhere.. I can just think happy thoughts! I was going to donate it, but I originally wasn't going to cut this much off- So sadly, I didn't get to.

Weekend re-cap coming later, just wanted to share my hair!

Night Terrors

2010-07-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

This morning when we woke up everything was fine. I didn't fall back asleep from waking up with the dogs until a little before Michael woke back up for work, so he got up and I was in the bed with the dogs by myself.

Sometimes I dream about my jaw being locked, and when I wake up it really hurts. That's so weird to me! I don't want to know IRL but in my dreams I know having your jaw locked up is a bad experience. My poor mom is so nervous of the dentist that her jaw locks up everytime she goes!(When she was little and had problems with her teeth a certain doctor messed her up, and she has been afraid ever since!)

Anyways, back to the real night terror.

I've never called it a 'night terror' before, but this was no nightmare, after I woke up I still felt like I was dreaming, and I'm still shaken up.

I was asleep while Michael was getting ready, and I dreamed that My mom, Hanna, Lily, some baby boy, and Pookie, Howard [2 of moms dogs] and Capo I think were in the car in the road, and all the sudden this thing that looks like this

(which is weird I found a picture because it was just like that! See that blue light? change that to red!) came down from the sky looking like it was about to crash, but it swooped around and pointed that (in the picture, blue) red light at our car and started taking pictures of us, but it was on my side taking pictures of me. It was a lot smaller than this picture, but it was the same shape.

Hanna, Lily, and me went inside (I don't know where, someones house) and looked out and it was coming a huge storm. That 'thing' was now at the door of the house trying to take pictures of us or me, and I remember I kept saying 'Why does it want to take pictures of me!? Have I done anything wrong!? What is that!?'

Then I looked out the window and it looked like a red eyeball was drawn in to the sky, and then I looked to the left and there was another eye. Then I looked into a wider view of the sky, and that 'thing' had drawn an entire face in the sky. The only comparison I have of the man in the sky, is Santa. I know that sounds funny, but it was scary. I don't know who it was. I say Santa because the drawing had a white beard. But it was scary, very scary.

(Still dreaming) I was so scared saying 'we have to get back in the car with mom! get all the dogs!' (I never remember getting out of the car)

And then I woke up. Towards the end of the dream I could feel my self sub-consciously thinking 'This has to be a dream' and in my dream I know I was scared Jesus was coming back. I've had a lot of dreams about Jesus coming back, but it's always been storming in the dreams I have had, and they have always scared me. In my dream I kept saying 'This has to be a dream. I'm not ready!' Which I know I have so much to work on before I am ready for the Kingdom, but I know I will be there. I'm growing and will continue to.

Anyways, I woke up and I looked around our room for a second, literally one second, and hopped up and ran to look for Michael. He was in the bathroom getting ready for work when I opened the door and he said 'Hey baby' and I burst into tears. He kept saying 'Baby what's wrong what happened!?' and I couldn't speak. I was shaking and felt like I was about to throw up everywhere. I told him the story and he kept telling me it was okay and it was just a dream and that I'm okay. I started dry heaving and ran to the toilet and dry heaved and thought I was going to throw up, it was awful. I cried for probably ten more minutes and he walked me in our room and I turned the light on and laid down.

I asked him to take the curtain down so I could see that it was light and sunny out and not dark and scary. He brought me a cold water and prayed over me, and also got my favorite worship CD and put it in the DVD player so I can listen to it (and I still am listening.)

I am so thankful for him!

I know the enemy tries to attack me in my dreams because I have so many prophetic dreams that mean something real and something amazing. There is no doubt the enemy put that dream in my mind, and while it was the scariest dream I have ever had, I'm not letting him control me.

So this is to you, Satan,
Nice try buddy! Guess what!? I have Jesus on my side! Jesus has control over me now bud! I will no longer allow you to come near me! I send you back to the pit of hell where you belong in the name of Jesus! Because you know what!?
JESUS HAS ALREADY WON THIS BATTLE!

One step closer..

2010-07-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

..to being debt free!

You guys know we have made a decision to not buy a house until our debt is paid off (I can't wait!) and an even more insane decision to have our debt paid off by January 1, 2011.

That's a pretty far fetched goal, but we can do it- and we're going to! Thankfully, our debt is only 5k. Which is by no means 'pocket change' but it's also not as much as most people I know who are in debt. In fact, I don't personally know anyone who (if they are in debt) are in debt by only 5k. I realize when we buy a house we will be 'in debt.' a select few have been constant to remind us, but that's all we want to be in debt over. Our own home.

The cutting up of the MasterCard will take place today! Tears may possibly be shed?

We sold some things, and paid off our MasterCard with it [in two days]! We had four bills in all that have to be paid off, so we're down one with three more to go! And we will have our second bill paid off in probably two or three weeks.

I am SO proud of us! But we couldn't have done it without prayer and LOTS of Jesus.

Lesson #1 of being married:
IF YOU HAVE TO CHARGE IT ON A CARD, YOU DON'T NEED IT!

As Dave Ramsey says 'Sell things! It's not like you can't go buy it when you actually have the money to.'

Oh Dave, such a wise man! And if it weren't for my parents buying us the Audio CD's and DVD's, we wouldn't have buckled down so fast! Our problem isn't really that we haven't had money for the things we want, but that we (I) have this brilliant idea to 'just put it on the card' so we don't have to 'use the money right now' knowing in the long haul, if we don't pay it off within a year- interest will kill us.

Thank thank thank thank THANKfully, we haven't and WON'T reach the point to crazy interest fees. :)

According to Dave Ramsey, we [everyone] spend 23% more money when we are using a card, rather than if we were using cash. He was saying, when you have a card and you go to buy stuff you're like 'oh just put it on the card!' because you don't really have to see what you're spending, etc. But when you have cash, and you go somewhere, it's like you don't even want to spend anything because you have some sort of attachment with the cash. Because it's right in front of you, and like he said 'Uncle Benjamin becomes part of the family!' and I have noticed this is very true!

Think about it! I encourage everyone to get the Dave Ramsey DVD's. Even if you aren't in debt, he talks about better budgeting, etc.

Happy Friday, Dolls!

ATTN: FOR SALE!

2010-07-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

CLOTHES FOR SALE! [SEE BOTTOM]

American Eagle - White shorts - Size 6 - $5 SOLD!

Free People - Floral Skirt - Medium - $20 SOLD!

Hollister - Tank Top - Medium - $3 SOLD!

Free People - Light Jacket with Yellow Pin Stripes - Small - $8 SOLD!

Target - Tank top, bow in back - Medium - $4 SOLD!

Anthropologie - Tank top - Size 4 - $7 SOLD!

Frolic (local boutique) - Size Large - $20

Dillards - ( my graduation dress-worn 1 time) - Medium - $10

American Eagle - Tank Top - $5

Free People - Tank Top - Small - $8

Free People - Dark Green Dress - Large - $12

Pac-Sun - Size Medium - $3 SOLD!

American Eagle - Tank top in Navy Blue - Medium - $5 SOLD!

American Eagle - Turtle Neck in Dark Green - Size Medium - $3

Fox - Tshirt - Small - $1

Fudpuckers - Tshirt - Small - $1

Fox - Tshirt - Medium - $1

Fudpuckers - Tshirt - Small - $1 SOLD!

American Eagle - Jacket - Medium (fits like small) - $20

Frolic (local boutique) - Medium - $5 SOLD!

Frolic (local boutique - Tank - $5 SOLD!

Free People - Medium (fits like small) - $12

Free People - Medium - $12

Free People - Medium -$12 SOLD!

American Eagle - Size 8 - $5 SOLD!

Okay, Facebook is not my friend right now due to it not letting me upload any of my pictures! Only in time of need does it do this to me. Such a shame.

Anyways, I'm going to upload all the pictures of all the stuff I'm selling so my friends can look through my blog and for you guys! I'm selling lots of American Eagle/Free People for cheap. You do what you can to beat debt. Right, Dave Ramsey?
If any of you guys don't live within driving distance and want to buy, I will ship it to you! Shipping price just determines on the weight of the package [USPS]

(If you're a blogger) just comment on the post for questions or anything else or email me at mrsxtomlin (at) gmail (dot) com, for everyone who knows me IRL just contact me by Facebook/Text :)

BROKEN ARM!?

2010-07-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

Warning: This is another post about my dog. If you're sick of hearing about him, I advise you to look no further.

Last night, Michael & I [and all our babies] were watching Dave Ramsey's 'Dumping Debt' while eating popcorn and cheetos. Everything was all well and good until our newest addition, Capo, slipped off the bed.

Capo isn't allowed to sleep in the bed, as that was one of the rules of Michael caving for the third pup. Which is okay, because Capo only likes to cuddle during nap time, not bed time. He has a bed and a pallet in the floor that he likes to sleep on since he's pretty hot natured.

Well, I felt bad for just making him sit in the floor, so I sat him up there with us and he was getting comfy [right on the edge of the bed] and he slipped off face first. Luckily, we don't have a frame on our bed right now- therefore, it's just 3 mattresses tall. That's pretty high for an 8-week old puppy.

The second he slipped off he started crying.. and it didn't stop! He was moaning and crying and squealing and I looked down and he wasn't moving. I said 'He's hurt.. He's HURT! HE'S HURT!!!!' By this time I've bursted into tears thinking my dog broke his neck. THANKFULLY, HE DIDN'T! Michael picked him up and he screamed louder, and it was his arm. We were for sure he broke his arm.

It was so sad, I felt so terrible for him! I called my mom hysterical, of course, and she told me to call the vet and I'd be connected with an on-call nurse. We decided it wasnt broken, that it was probably dislocated (at the shoulder it seemed) and taking him in last night wasn't going to make a difference, so we waited 'til this morning.

The doctors and my mom said puppies heal very fast, and it's their first instinct to heal themselves as best they can. He kept trying to walk, but cried, but didn't want to sit still [until I rubbed his belly to sleep!:)] and we think he popped it back into place himself. Whew!

This morning he was being himself again and I was thrilled to see it! Michael prayed over him and everyone else prayed too!

I'm SO thankful for such caring vets, for a husband who made a pallet in the floor with me and Capo and the entire family slept in the floor to comfort him, and so thankful for my Mom being there everytime I need her!

Capos Capos- Mum mums lovers you. Please don't scare me again.

I know I talk way to much about my dogs, but they are my babies! Hopefully you understand :)

Homebody?

2010-07-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

This week is Handy Fest here in Florence, which consists of lots and lots of music [W.C. Handy] downtown, eating, hanging out, women dressing and acting like they are nineteen, and nineteen year old drunk girls dressing and acting like sluts, the works-right? Of course.

I enjoy Handy Fest, but it's just a wee bit crowded for me! And I cannot stand seeing girls dress like strippers and act like fools. Ick!

When I was in high school I liked it more I suppose, but since I graduated I have become much more of a homebody. And even more so since I got married. Is that bad? I think it's mostly because Michael works so much and it's rare we have a day together, so I just like to BE with him. We have fun no matter where we go or what we do! Another reason, is because when I went through the only 'rebellious' (which wasn't even that rebellious) stage in my life, I moved in with a boyfriend, which only lasted a few months. That entire time I knew I was in the wrong, so when I made the choice to leave that and come back home, I just wanted to be with my family all the time, and it hasn't changed!

I've had a hard time adjusting to not living with my parents anymore, which you're probably thinking 'she's married and almost 21 years old, that's sad' and to some it may be. But I have gotten a lot better, and I think Michael can agree with me! I was blessed to have gotten a man who realizes leaving daddy is a hard thing, and being there all the times I've cried 'just wanting to go home.'

I love being married, and I love us having our own 'family' (babies soon!!:) but it was a tough road getting so comfortable with it, and I am so thankful I am here now!

Back on track, I like to go out-sometimes! My idea of a good night is getting ready, eating out, hanging around the town/movie, bedtime. Am I lame or what? Guess so.

My sister-in-law Rachel, who just turned 19-starts her night at like 10:00. I am in the bed by eleven, or atleast winding down. How do you do that!? Believe it or not, I think I used to be that way, but it seems so long ago. Now days, I wonder WHY I wanted to stay out so late? WHY would I want to risk losing sleep!?

The world will never know.

Capo Dr. Update

2010-07-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

As you know, Capo went to his first doctors appointment this afternoon! We [and all of you--thank you!] were praying for a healthy puppy.. annnnnddddd-- we have ourselves an 8week old, chunky, wrinkley, 5.10lb healthy puppy!

The doctors fell in love with Capo [who wouldn't!?] and said he is VERY healthy and will probably grow to be between 40 & 50 pounds when he is older. I can't wait to see what he looks like when he is big!

Although Capo is healthy, he did have round worms and hook worms in his stomach. I am more than grossed out, but he has went poo three times since we got home and those babies are coming out! She said it is perfectly normal, worms are something a momma pup passes on to her puppies, so sweet of her right? He had to get his hiney temp taken, a thing shoved up his hiney for worms, a pill shoved down his throat, and a shot. Long day for the poor boy!

We took all three dogs to the vet with us. We had just picked Z up from getting his hair done, and Xoe had to have her nails done, so they all came!

Afterwards we went to Petco to buy Capo his first toy, some dog food, and nametag, etc. Here are some pictures from our day. Enjoy!

Z after his haircut

New toy!

Sleepy Capo after a long day! (with his new tag!)

I told you we had a long day, Michael caught us snoozin'!

And of course, I have to put in a picture of Mikey and Princess Xoe!

P.s. Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!

Thursday Shmursday.

2010-07-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

All my normal followers know, but in case you didn't, Thursday is Michael's off day! Most of the time Thursdays are slow for us so I get off early and get to be with him. Thank goodness! Michael works everyday BUT Thursday & Sunday [and normally has appointments on Thursdays] so I love getting off to go spend time with him.

Today isn't too busy at work- so pray I get to leave ;)

Sweet Capo [The new dog, I know-I know, I talk like they're humans] slept until 4:30 this morning, then with a little reassurance I was still there, he went right back to sleep until 7:00. I love that! Such a good pup. Although he had pooped in the floor, gross. But he's very good about going everytime we go out.

The joys of training an 8week old pup.

I dropped Zekey off for his hair appointment this morning at 9, so Michael is spending the morning with Capo and Xoe, off work early hopefully, lunch with my sweet hubs, picking Z up at 3, taking him home to be with X, and then taking C to his first doctor's appointment and buying him baby toys and a name tag!

Please pray Capo has a good appointment. I always seem to attract puppies who need hundreds of dollars of work done, that's what I get for rescuing every dog I see, ha!

We've checked, and we see no worms/fleas, so pray he is very healthy!
Capo says thank you :)

Capo!

2010-07-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our new baby pup :)
In person, He looks like a Shar-Pei/Bulldog Mix.
Love hims little nose!

Welcome to the family!

2010-07-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Last night we welcomed our THIRD [and last] puppy to the family!

A friend text me yesterday [As does everyone when they need a home for an animal] and told me her friend had to give away her 8week old puppy, and if it didn't have a home by last night, it would have to go to the pound-where it would be uthenized in 3-4 days if no one rescued him.

Just a little background on my families rescuing past--We at one time had 6 dogs in our home, all inside dogs! By the amount my mom cleans and how nice their home is-you wouldn't even know one lived there! I have a record of rescuing dogs and bringing them home.. here's the list.

Dexter- [cocker spaniel] Mom's dog before she even met Dad, he passed away when I was little. Joey- [?] Had to be given away because he wanted to be an outside dog and needed a big fence.
Buddy- [Chihuahua] Dad got for mom one Christmas
Howie- [Beagle/?] got at the School Auction
Tiny- [Toy Poodle] Got at the school Auction
Oreo- [Border Collie/?] ..You guessed it! School Auction!
PeePee- [Rat Terrior/?] Katy and I went to 'look' at the pound. WHY!? Well the pound was closed on Sunday-but someone had put PeePee in a cage outside and just left him. Sooooooo I scooped him up!
Pookie- [? Mix..gorgeous!] 75lb baby! We found him on Hanna's birthday, someone had just dumped him on the side of the road.
Xoe- [BEAUTIFUL mix!] I bought her, she was so sick she almost died! Mom and Dad saved her! They also told me she was part teacup chihuahua, and wouldn't be more than 5 pounds. Ummmm no, ....25lbs later....
Zeke- [Yorkie] Michael bought him from a customer for me because he knew I ALWAYS wanted a little yorkie. He's full bred and 5.8lbs :)

These are all the dogs I've had in my lifetime!
Zekey & Xoe live with us.
Howie, Oreo, PeePee & Pookie live with mom and dad [the rest have passed over the years, and the most we've had at one time is 6]

Animal lover, much? I think, yes.

All of my friends come to me when a dog needs a home and I find it a home, but this one I just couldn't pass up! So I begged and pleaded with Michael for an hour. He told me [even though he didn't want a 3rd dog, but loves him] that he couldn't sleep in the bed, and that I have to help--Haha!] And I let him name the pup.. it was the least I could do =)

Thankfully, other than crying every 2 hours, he did good! He is adorable and he pees outside! AND he doesn't like our bed, he likes his bed on the floor. AND AND please pray the transition goes smoothly!

Hims has his first dr. appointment tomorrow afternoon :) [shots, etc :(]

Name: Capo Gibson [capo- thing you put on the guitar to make the pitch higher] [gibson- the guitar michael wants]
Breed: Shar-pei/Lab
Age:8weeks old
Color:White with brown tips on his ears and feet!

Jesus makes me laugh!

2010-07-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

So, my little sister and I were at her house today and we were just sitting in her room talking about how her and her friends had faith that Jesus would do these insane things for them. What they like to do, is stick objects to the wall and have faith that Jesus is going to make it stick to the wall. Random objects.

I watched a video where Hanna's friend was sticking buttons, forks, knives, etc. to the wall! She put it on the wall, in the door frame, and commanded it to stay in the name of Jesus- and it did! I think I peed myself just a little, to be honest!

So I made my sister do it. Right in front of my eyes, and it worked! So, I saw her do it and thought "Okay, He did it for her- why wouldn't He do it for me?" and it stuck!

We used change as our choice of object, and let me tell you-I have never been so excited about something!

Here are some pictures in the order that I tested out the waters!
Enjoy!

This is the first penny Jesus stuck to the wall for me!

Next, I got a little risky and stuck one peice of change under each of my fingers, commanded it to stay in the name of Jesus, and backed off!

THEN I got extremely daring and went for the top of the door frame! Jesus was sure showing out tonight! ;)

Then I just started sticking lots of change! After I did this, I said "Jesus is so silly, He makes me laugh!" Immediately some of the change fell, and left this..

..A smiley face! If you didn't already know, our God has a huge sense of humor!

Then I got a little excited if you can't tell!

Gives me the giggles just thinking about it!

Goodnight, Loves!

Zoe Montana

2010-07-18T13:08:00.001-07:00

You are such a sweetie and we had a blast with you this weekend!

You're 19 months old and sweet as can be! Such a smiler! Everywhere we went you reached for everyone and waved hi and bye.

You said puppy, mama, bye, light, and thank you!

Michael and I love you to death, [along with your siblings and Haven] and pray many many blessing on your life. You are such a sweet girl, and we can't wait to keep you again!

We love you, Zoe Montana!

Whoops!

2010-07-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

..I haven't blogged since Wednesday! Sorry!

Thursday was Michael's off day so we spent the day together because I got off work a little after eleven :] We went to Chili's for dinner and just spent time with one another!

Yesterday, Mom gave me the day off so I could clean her house, haha! I would much rather clean the house then go to work :] I was done by 12:15 or so and then I went to get Zoe from the splash pad with her Nonna, Haven, Chloe and friends! She spent the night with us last night, she's 19 months! She is such a smiley baby! And she is just precious. Michael is attached to say the least.. He LOVES her!

We went to Logan's for dinner last night and we had the waiter going that she was our child. Why not? It was fun pretending to be parents! We woke up this morning at about 8 and Michael made us both some Oatmeal and then he got ready for work! I fed Zoe and then we took Michael to work since his car is at work and came back and turned on Hannah Montana and Zoe has been out like a light ever since!

I'm going to lay down while she's sleeping and while Zeke and Xoe -with an X- are laying down :)

Happy Saturday, Loves!

Mikeys 22nd Birthday dinner

2010-07-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to my parents' house for Michael's birthday dinner! They ordered Ricebox for all of us and it was SO yummy! Here are some pictures :)

The Birthday Boy!

His presents from me and my parents!

His birthday cupcakes :)

Opening/Showing off his gifts

-2 Polos from my parents
-2 American Eagle V-Necks from me
-1 Pair of American Eagle Flops
-1 Certificate for another pair of TOMS, so he can pick them out :)

Trying on his gifts

My parent's puppies that got to join the party :)

HAPPY 22ND BIRTHDAY MIKEY!

2010-07-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day!
It's Michael's birthday!

[Engagement]

Mikey! You are the best husband I could have ever asked for and I love you more than anything! It's hard to believe it's already been a year since I surprised the lady gaga out of you and threw you a surprise birthday party! [He told me when we first started dating, "No one has ever been able to surprise me"] I am more than blessed to have you being a part of my life-not only that, but forever! The time has passed so quickly and I am looking forward to spending everyday of the rest of my life with you!

[Wedding]

THANK YOU for being so kind, and so giving in our marriage, I hope I am able to make your birthday special today and I hope it's fab! Thank you for appreciating me and most importantly LOVING me!

I'm lovin' you right back darlin'

[Christmas]

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY BABY!

Bun in the oven?

2010-07-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

Not yet.

Many of you have asked me when we're going to have kids and what exactly I mean by "letting God decide" when we have kids, ever since I mentioned it in one of my recent posts. So, I'll share with you exactly what I mean! :)

Since Michael and I have been together we have always wanted kids. Everyone says kids come so naturally around us, and that one day we're going to be great parents! I have wanted to be a mom since I was like, 4. I honestly don't remember having a "profession" that I couldn't wait to be [except a famous singer ;)] when I was little, I always wanted to be a mom.

I always had the dolls that looked like real babies, I would save hundreds of dollars at a time to buy them. Baby dolls were what I asked for when I had a birthday, Christmas, etc. I remember the names of my dolls, they had real baby clothes, real diapers, real hair accessories, bibs, pacifiers, bottles, diaper bags, you know- the works for a fake baby. :)

I've always wanted atleast three kids, five tops. Michael wants atleast two, three tops. So I asked him if he could go one higher, and I'll negotiate lower, and we can have four! My mother in-law gave me the look of death when I told her she was going to have four or so grandkids JUST from Michael and I. :)

I have always wanted to adopt my last child, but Michael and I decided before we got married we would start the adoption process after our second anniversary if we still hadn't had a baby/pregnant at the time. We hope to be pregnant by our one year anniversary [which is in two months] or soon after, so we can have a baby by year two.

So here is what I mean..

I don't take birth control, and we don't "prevent" having a baby. Our take on it, is God is going to give us a baby whenever he wants, so why am I going to spend a billion dollars trying to keep it from happening? If i'm on birth control or not, He's going to give us a baby if He wants us to- So it's all up to Him! I believe He is preparing us now, for what is yet to come.

When we shared that idea with my family, they definitely shot it down and let us know that was one of THE craziest ideas we could have ever let enter our minds and out our mouths to share with everyone else. BUT, that's what we feel is right-for us. I mean, obviously it hasn't been our time yet, because we're going on 11 sweet months of marriage and still aren't pregnant--and that's okay! God's timing is the best timing, never too soon and never too late!

So, what I mean when I say "it's up to Him", really means.. It's up to Him!

If you have anymore questions about anything, or just want to talk, I would love for you to email me!
mrsxtomlin (at) gmail (dot) com

More Weekend

2010-07-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the girls and I went and took some pictures and they turned out cute! NOT due to my photography skills, because I have none-but because they are two VERY pretty little girls.

After that we went swimming, came home and got baths, went and got Michael and off to church we went!

I give major props to those of you who have 3 year olds + some. Having TWO 3 year olds at the same time is fun but also exhausting! The girls went home with their Nonna after church, and Michael and I came home and went to sleep at 9:30! I slept for FOURTEEN hours last night!

Today we woke up and went swimming, then went straight to my in-laws and grilled out and ended up staying until right at 10:00. Time flies when you're having fun!

Needless to say, WE ARE POOPED + tomorrow is MONDAY = Bedtime for the Tomlin's!

I hope you all had a good weekend!

Haven & Chloe stay the night

2010-07-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Haven Chloe

Yesterday Michael took about 30 minutes off work to go get the girls with me. They were standing at the screen door, along with Chloe's little sister Zoe, and with no sound-I see Chloe yell "MICHAEL!" ..so cute! He has definitely hit it off with the little girls!

We dropped Michael off in the POURING rain, and then we went to BAM and played for a little while & I caved and bought the silly bands..

Then we went to Target and went to get Michael from work..

We headed to the mall for some Chick-Fil-A..

We went to the Splash Pad..

We went and got smoothies..

We got baths, laid down, said our prayers, and turned on Hannah Montana..

girls, girls, girls, and michael..

2010-07-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

..is what our weekend will consist of!

Tonight we are having two sweet little 3 & 4 year olds over to spend the night tonight! We are so excited, too!

Chloe and Haven go to church with us and are always in our nursery class, and we are SO drawn to them! We love them soo much and are so happy they love us too! We plan to go eat tonight and take them to the splash pad [if this rain goes away] and tomorrow will be a girls day since Michael has to work!

Chloe has a little sister Zoe, and a new little brother, Noah. And Haven is an only child. BUT all precious four of them live with their [young] Nonna and Poppa so she definitely need her OWN time, and they girls need time away too- That's where we come along!

Recently we have felt called to sew in to these kids, as they have been through a lot--but now they are safe with Nonna and Poppa ;) so once or twice a week we will swap up and take them out, spend time with them, just have lots of fun!

Tonight will be our first overnight experience with them. Michael has never had an overnight experience with a 3 and 5 year old, so pray it all goes good!

We are stocked up on milk, juice, lucky charms, movies, sandwiches, and fun things to do :) Tomorrow we may go swimming, and my little sister, Hanna, will be photographing them so their Nonna can have some good professional pictures of them! :)

Happy Friday!

decision made!

2010-07-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

As you see in my last post, we had a big decision to make. And that decision was made over a bowl of fruit loops at lunch this afternoon, WITH my hubby :]

Drum roll pleaaaaaaaaase..

We decided to stay in the adorable/safe/nice apartment we live in now, until we find our first home! I know it may take a little longer to save up the kind of down payment we'd like to have, but we are willing to take that risk, seeing as this is the option we both have 100% peace with. And PEACE is all I need to know if I am making the right decision or not.

Where we live now is the nicest apartment in Florence, close to both of our works, right by the park and the mall, and is the only place I feel 100% safe at, and 100% safe leaving my dogs there when I'm not home. I'm a safety worrier for real.

So for now, and until we buy a home, we are going to enjoy our fabulous apartment and thank Jesus for providing us with what he has and what he is going to provide us with. So, Thank you Jesus for being the ultimate provider and never letting us go without! :)

On another note, our apartment is 1200sq ft. and plenty big for the 2 of us + our furbabies. Two bedrooms to huge bathrooms. And as many of you have asked, when are we going to fill up our second bedroom with something other than dog toys and AVON boxes!?

The answer: Whenever God gives us a baby.

We're enjoying our time together, but not using anything to keep from having a baby. So, 10 months has gone by and it's just not our time yet obviously! Which is more than alright. :]

It's always been a dream of both of ours to adopt, so we decided at the beginning of our marriage, if by our 2 year anniversary, we aren't pregnant- we are going to look in to adoption. Either way, I'm loving now and I will love then too!

And I'm living by this verse!
"He makes all things beautiful in its time." :)
-Ecclesiastes 3:11

decisions, decisions..

2010-07-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't realized, Michael and I are movers.

In every aspect of life, Michael is one of those "Hey we're young let's just do it!" kind of people. He can think of something, and 5 minutes later he is on his way to doing it. When it comes to moving, I'm the same way. I'm blaming this partially on my parents.

When I was little I lived in our first house from the time I was born, until I was about 6 years old. When I was 6 we moved into our second home [let's call the neighborhood 'H'] which was in 'H', which was the neighborhood across from our first house. We lived there from the time I was 6 until I was about 9. When I was 9 we moved in to our second house in 'H', yes- they same neighborhood.. Only about 5 streets away. We lived there until I was about 12 or so, and moved into our THIRD house in 'H', this time- Only 3 doors down and across the street. Woo!

My parent's and Hanna still live there.

When I was 18 I moved into an apartment with a friend for like 3 months..Not even OUT of neighborhood 'H', HA! What can I say? It had all I needed, tanning bed, apartments, my high school and a heck of a nice/safe neighborhood :)

After about 3 months I moved into another apartment, OUT of 'H' which Michael co-signed with me but didn't 'live' there. We lived there for about 2 months after we got married, and then we moved in to my parent's basement to save up money to get a house, or a nicer apartment. I didn't last long living with my parents while I was married, So-- We moved again! November 2009, AND we are still there in our CUTE little apartment!

What can I say? I'm a house hopper, I can admit that.

All of this goes to say, Our rent is outrageous, we can afford it, but it's not giving us the space to save for OUR first home and still have a life. So, as you saw our plan yesterday- We have a goal. And we're sticking to it. I am NOT buying a house until I am debt free, and I know we will be rewarded for staying IN God's will.

So we have these options, and I need your help:

1.) Move soon into another apartment [the first apartment I live in, in H of course! ;)] and be able to save sooner, breaking our lease and possibly having to pay to get out, and then a deposit + pet fee to move.

2.) Wait til November when our lease is up and losing the oppurtunity to save about $600 but also not having to pay a fee to get out of our lease.

3.) Stay where we are all together, so we don't move..AGAIN, until we find our home. [Needless to say, this isn't a big option]

So, I need you're help and I LOVE you for your opinions!

[good] Change in anniversary plans

2010-07-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Michael and I just had our 10 month anniversary yesterday. This being said, We have a ONE YEAR anniversary coming in just two short months!

Don't get me started, I will cry all day I'm sure!

Anyways, we had originally planned a trip to San Antonio, TX but we have had a little change in plans. We've decided to go somewhere a little closer to home, stay just as long, and by doing that- spend less money! I am ALL for this plan. We will go to TX one day, I am sure of that. Just not this year.

We have made a goal to be debt free by January 1, 2011.
That's only SIX months!

We are $5,638.51 in debt. Honestly, that's not a lot. My older sister sold Michael her Altima for only $4,500.00 when she got her new Accord and he NEEDED a car, poor thing. And the Altima is a nice, reliable car! So THAT, plus 2 of my nice little credit cards = debt.

BUT we have made a goal, and we will reach that goal!

After we reach our goal on, or before January 1, 2011 we plan to save up a pretty down payment for our even prettier first house.

It will be worth it and I am so excited!

From now on, we will only be eating out ONCE a week [usually for date night] and working our hineys off.

We're off to a good start-- Michael sold TWO cars in ONE day yesterday! Yeah, baby!

True Life: I'm addicted to Reality TV

2010-07-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

It's true.

Bachelor/ette is one of my faves! This evening we made our usual Monday night trip to my parents' house to watch the Bachelorette. I sat down, pizza in hand, ready for Frank to tell Ali he had a girfriend or some other crap. But--Not yet. It's coming though, I promise.

Next, I must tell you how much I adore Chris L.! Holy cow is he not the sweetest thing on the planet!? All the men there [excluding Frank] are my faves from Day 1, and I was so sad to see Ty go.

Don't you like how I talk about them like I know them?

As much as it may seem like I do, I assure you-I don't.

Speaking of just THAT.. Did you SEE the Jake/Vienna interview after Bachelorette!? They even cut Bachelorette short for it.

I admit, when Vienna was on Bachelor with Jake, I didn't like her. How could I like her over Tenley? Tenley was my choice from day one.

However, looking back-- Yes, Vienna was a tad bit dramatic, but the girls really didn't like her because she said what she thought [good or bad] and she didn't pretend like she wanted to make friends, bad thing?

Not neccessarily. Yes, some instances she could have handled things differently, BUT I have to hand it to her, she was there for one thing and one thing only, and she left with just that. For a few months anyways.

Back to what I was saying, I am disgusted with how I saw Jake treat her in the interview tonight. Did anyone else realize how controlling he sounded when he spoke to her? Or that look in his eye that just made you uneasy?

I did.

I feel sorry for her, and I feel sad for judging her. Because I truly think Jake is the bad guy.

Now that I have posted an entire post on two people I have no idea who they are, I'm done.

Oh, one more thing-- Team Viennna. :)

Weekend Recap :)

2010-07-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I don't remember what we did on each day so I will try to go in the general direction :)

Thursday- My parents left for the beach so Michael and I spent the day together since it was his off day! We went to Taco Bell and got some very yummy Mango & Strawberry Frutista Freezes since it was 100 degrees out! Afterwards we went over to my parents' house to hang out with Hanna.

:)

Yuuuuummy!

Babes was OBVUOUSLY enjoying this show!

And I was enjoying my picture being taken ;)

Zekey was enjoying a back-rub from hims daddy!

Happy Camper

Friday- I went over to my mom's about 9:00 and took the dogs and stayed there all day just being lazy. We stayed there that night since Hanna went to scream the prayer and I moved from the chair ummmm maybe 4 times?

Saturday- I was lazy again! Michael worked all day, and Hanna was sick most of the day so when she got to feeling better we all went and got some Burger King [that night] and were lazy some more :)

Sunday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! We didn't go to church but that afternoon we got ready and brought our dogs back to our apartment and headed to my in-laws! We enjoyed the sunshine and grilled out, and that night we shot fireworks! After we left, Michael and I headed to the park to watch the firework show and we had just missed it--but what did we not miss? THE TRAFFIC. Holy Cow. We were LITERALLY going 5mph across the bridge, AND there was a wreck at the top. How do you wreck going that slow? I have no idea. After we finally got out we headed on home.

I was SO very sad to see Michael go back to work this morning, but I put a load of clothes in when he left and went back to sleep. He came home for lunch at 12:30 and.. I was still asleep! I must have been VERY tired!

I attempted to eat a hotdog but I just wasn't feeling it, so I am MORE than ready to go eat at my parents and watch the bachelorette tonight!

Hopefully I will be back tonight for a bachelorette recap & a sweeeeet love post:)
[it's our 10 month anniversary!]

These sweeties are who I spent the majority of my Friday & Saturday with :]

HAPPY MONDAY! :)

Surprise!

2010-07-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

I got my new look! Do you love it!?

I sure do!

If you're looking for someone to do you a new blog makeover- Bailey is the person to go to! She was SO patient with me, and she did it very quickly and even more affordably!

I promise you, one night I sent her 6 emails in a row. Not lying. That's sad right? BUT she was soo sweet and so great at answering my questions, once again-- VERY VERY patient with me. I AM VERY IMPATIENT!

I hope you love it because I know I sure do!

Thanks Bailey!

LAZY friday :)

2010-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

First- It was amazing to see everyone who participated in the Send Love to Cohen "Blogging Moment of Silence"! I participated, but I logged on blogger Thursday night and saw ALL of the "Cohen" pictures! WOW! I can only imagine how blessed and honored Megan & Brent feel-and they deserve it!

Second- I am thoroughly enjoying my FIVE [yes, FIVE] day weekend! As you know, I work for my parents, and they left for the beach yesterday. Since they're gone-the business is CLOSED! So I have Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday AND Monday off work! Oh, I couldn't be MORE excited!

Yesterday, Michael and I spent ALL day together yesterday and it was so fun! I was sad to see him off to work this morning.

My little sister, Hanna, is staying here [at my parents] with some of her friends for the weekend, but she went to "Scream the Prayer" in Nashville tonight, so Michael and I are staying here--with six dogs! But my sweet parents left us some money to get us some dinner, and I am living cuddling up with six furbabies and watching TV all day. :)

Annnnnnd I just can't contain my excitement for my 'surprise' I said I had for you all, SO I will tell you now!

Bailey at B's Blog Boutique is working on a new look for our blog! Hopefully you all can see it soon! :) And let me just tell you, she is a DOLL!

Happy Friday!

Moment of silence- COHEN

2010-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

In Memory of baby Cohen

2010-06-30T08:47:00.001-07:00

C O H E N I'm sure many of you have followed Megan's blog about her journey with baby Cohen.

If not - click here to go to her blog and read their story.

And also visit Send Love to Cohen

Cohen lost his sweet battle with CHD less than 2 weeks after he was born [12 days, I believe] and is now with Jesus. Cohen was the first baby of Megan & Brent so you can only imagine how tough this is for them.

On Thursday, July 1- The blogging world with have a "Moment of silence" for baby Cohen from Midnight to 11:59PM, as Cohen's memorial service is this day. Click above on the "Send Love to Cohen" link to read the post about more details for baby Cohen.
Megan and Brent, All of our prayers go out to you and pray you feel peace and comfort by the utilmate comforter. I have NO idea what you are going through, but I do know baby Cohen is in heaven with Jesus, perfected, pain-free, and CHD free. Praying for your entire family! Love!

Surprise Picnic!

2010-06-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

My sweet husband has been working his hiney off the past few days, selling cars, dealing with people for hours at a time who end up not even getting approved, and doing that from 9-7 every single day.

Today I took a nice little three hour nap, and when I woke up it was about 6:30.. I decided I wanted to do something sweet for him so I packed up a picnic! He is VERY easy to please, and I knew it would be something he really loved! We've went on picnic's before, but they were always planned.

Everything was good [Note to self: Next time bring bug spray!]except the ranch seasoning [our fav] that I brought for our popcorn ended up being.. gross. I don't know what happened to it but it just didn't look right. We had Water, Fresh Turkey [from the deli] on wheat sandwiches, BBQ Baked Lays, and a Mini Popcorn bag! And to top it all off-we got brownie melts on our way home. Fatties, huh? Too bad everything WE eat goes right to MY thighs. Stupid metabolism.

We picnic'd right by the water and it was beautiful, we went out in the middle of the grass and picked a spot and stayed awhile just having fun! We saw what I 'knew' was a cruise ship.. in Florence, AL - but it wasn't. It was like.. something else, ha!

I hope everyone had a great Tuesday! Stay tuned- the next week or so I have a surprise to share with you all! :)

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEkend!

2010-06-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

Friday & Saturday we relaxed, we ordered pizza and cuddle lots & lots!

Today we woke up bright and early for church to keep the kiddos! I always love keeping nursery-but when I have to be somewhere at a certain time it just never works out so smoothly, ha!

We ran a little behind so a friend watched over the babes until we got there. We had five kids:
Judah-3
Levi-2
Zeke-2Eli-1Jack-1

They are so fun! Most of the time ;] minus the biting and slapping, just give them goldfish and they're good to go! Sweet Jack wasn't happy his mommy left him so I rocked him and he was out in about 15 minutes.

After church, Michael dropped me off at my parents house for my sister's bridal shower. It was fun :] we got her a HUGE basket from a cute little store here called Xtravagance by Susan.

I stayed there for about 2.5 hours and then me and Michael were on our way to his parent's to grill out! Yummmmmmmmmmmm. We had baked potatoes, steak, SHELL macaronni, and rolls! We stayed there until almost 8 annnd here we are!

I am so worn out, BUT off to edit some pictures of the babes for their mommy's! Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Ps. Jenn- everytime I click your blog it says "this blog was not found." And it makes me super sad--You're one of my must reads!

Whitney/Michael DAY!

2010-06-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

OH my.

What a filled up day we had. It seemed so anyways.

It's Thursday, Michael's off day [you all know this] so I woke up and got ready for work. Well actually I didn't, I woke up, brushed my teeth and changed my clothes and off I went.

Michael spent the morning running a few errands [work, delivering my Mom's AVON to her, depositing my check, etc] you know, the usually 'honey-do' list ;)

Michael was going to take me to lunch, and on my way out my mom said I didn't have to come back to work. SCORE! Just what I wanted to hear :)

So, we went to eat, got groceries, cuddled- the norm.

Michael wanted to play frisbee golf SO bad but I just couldn't make myself stand out in the NINETY-FIVE degree scorcher of a day. If there isn't a pool around-count me OUT. I'm fun, huh? :)

I thought I would make Michael's day and tell him we could go play AFTER we got groceries and ate dinner [at 6:30] but it was STILL 95 degrees. Maybe another day, Mikey!

I made some YUMMY spaghetti for dinner tonight, though! OH, and we got our dogs the "indestructable" rubber-ish bone from walmart. Don't waste your money. Zeke, [our yorkie] has already torn the stuff off of one, and Xoe won't touch the other. I could have saved myself $10.

On a happier note, we got our beach pictures developed and they are sooo cute :) We're so ready to own a house, I have sooo many cute things I want to do with pictures! BUT, not until we are debt-free. No exceptions. Until then, we LOVE our apartment, it's the cutest!

Hope you had a FABULOUS Thursday- I almost said Monday.. Tomorrow is Friday! Eeeek!

Project Zero

2010-06-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

is something I found out about from Danielle over at The Design Girl Studio and I think you should all join in!

Project Zero is a list of 101 things YOU want to do in 1001 days, which is 2.75 years.

Long enough to do TONS of things! At first, I couldn't think of anything but have a baby- haha! BUT, then I got to thinking andddddd came up with 101 things fairly quickly.

Go here to find out more about Project Zero and start making your list!

You can also follow them on Twitter - @dayzero

SORRY this was a short post, but it's been a busy day and I'm ready to cuddle! Goodnight :)

Toosdy :)

2010-06-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

HEY HEY HEY, IT'S TOOOOOOOOSDY! :)

First and foremost:

June 22
What do you want, God?

Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the LORD?
(1 Chronicles 29:5 NKJV)

*WE as people need to learn when we fully devote our time to the LORD, that means EVERYTHING. We have to say "Okay Lord, I give everything I have to YOU. Do with ME as YOU please! We can't say "Okay Lord, do with me as you please but don't take that." "Okay Lord, I'll go there if you don't make me do this." NO. It just doesn't work that way. We as Christians sometimes "deal" with God, meaning - The Lord has dealt us a card that we may not particularly want, so we think we can just swap it out. Nu uh. Can't do that either. We MUST SAY "I give myself--entirely to YOU, Lord. Speak to me and tell me what YOU want for me."

GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Be entirely availible to God, holding nothing back from Him.

Secondly,
WHO WATCHES THE BACHELORETTE!?

ME ME ME!

Here are my faves- and have been since day ONE ;)

Who are your faves!? Happy Toooooosdy! ;)

Fabulous Monday :)

2010-06-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!

As I told you yesterday I got a lovely book by Joyce Meyer, that is actually like a daily devotional. It has a little something to read each day. I love it already! I am a HUGE fan of Joyce Meyer & Beth Moore. If you have never listened to any of her confrences, PLEASE do! She is SO easy to listen to, and I LOVE her fiesty personality! :] You can do so, here!

In each one there is a verse and a "God's word for you today" along with a little story. I'm going to fill you in on everything but her stories, and maybe it'll leave you itching to get the book! You won't regret it! BAM has them right now for $15.99!

June 21
Follow the Law of Love

You, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an oppurtunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.
(Galatians 5:13)

God's word for you today: If you make others happy, you will be happier yourself.

SO TRUE! If you follow me on twitter, I also started [today] posting the scripture and word of the day every morning, my twitter name is @xowhitmichelle

NOW- Go get the book! :)

Monday is a Monday - But following the word of the day, I was happy because I made it a point to see everyone else happy too! And I believe THAT alone, caused my Monday not to drag :)

I got off almost an hour early, so that may have helped ;)
Now, I'm home waiting on sweet husband to get here, and then off we go to my parent's to watch the bachelorette and eat some food from all the precious people who have prepared meals for us during this time- thank you!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Monday!

father's day!

2010-06-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Today was a GREAT day. Finally.

After such an emotional wreck of a week I needed a good day, and I know the rest of my family did too!

This morning we woke up around 11:00 and then we got dressed and headed over to my parents to give my dad his gift :) With everything that has been going on with my Papa, we didn't cook or anything this year. I think my parents were perfectly fine with just laying low for a change. The seemed like they were enjoying their big 'ole comfy chair and HGTV when we came over ;]

As you know, my daddy LOVES to cook! So we got him these neat little kabob things from.. AVON! It's like a kabob basket, so you don't have to mess with putting them on the stick and checking to make sure every little peice is getting done. He loved it!

Afterwards we went to Target, to the mall, and then to tan. We came home and let the dogs out and played with them for a little while before we went out and window-shopped, then Michael took me to play DISC GOLF for the very first time!

At first I thought we just tossed the frisbees in the basket, well.. okay that sounds easy enough. And then I realized we tossed them into a basket that was almost 300 feet away. No longer fun. Then I realized you throw it once, then throw it from where it lands until you get it in the basket, okay- fun again!

So we went to Dick's and got me a "putter" and.. something else. I got a cute tye-dye one and a neon pink one!

We played for about 12 little basket things all around the park and in the woods- it was fun! My feet got dirty, I was in my good shoes, I stepped on a sticker, and Michael punctured a hole in his TOMS. Whoops. But I wouldn't change any of those things, I can't wait to go again! :)

Oh, we also went to BAM this afternoon and I got me a devotional and he got him the one he had been wanting. I also got my mom a little something [she reads my blog.. will tell tomorrow :] and a dream book, which I have wanted for forever! Being a dreamer, it comes in handy! :)

All in all- I had a great day and I'm SO glad I didn't have to sit at home and miss papa all day. I've come to realize when I sit still for 10 minutes all I can do is cry at missing that sweet man.

PLEASE pray for my Mom, as she had to spend this Father's day without my Papa- so soon after he passed.

To my Daddy:
You are THE best daddy in the entire world. I seriously love everything about you - and mostly your humor! There is never a dull moment when you're in the room. You have always been strong for our family, and I am forever greatful for all you have done to give me, Hanna & Kelley such a great life! I am so proud to call you daddy!
I LOVE YOU!

To my Papa:
Oh do I miss you or what! You have always been an example of such a kind and loving spirit and I love you so much! You were a perfect example of how to treat your wife, and how to care for a family. You are SO fun and everyone loved you. I will see you soon, Papa- give Oma a hug for me! I love you!

And without thanks to our Heavenly Father, I wouldn't have these two men! I love you, Jesus!

Today was the day.

2010-06-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today was the day that I came to grips on the fact that I would never see my Papa [in his earthly body] again.

I woke up this morning a little sad, but not near as sad as I have been these past few days. We got ready and headed to my parent's house and headed out to my Papa's visitation.

I can't even describe to you how much it hurt my heart to see my parents cry. I haven't seen my dad cry since I was about 7 [when his dad died] until my Papa was about to pass away. I don't even want to remember that moment, it hurts me too bad.

We had the funeral and one of my papa's dear friends spoke. In November of 2008, when my Oma died, I wrote her this poem:

Why can’t I see angels? As I wait and wonder, I know this is true,
The precious days are over, that I will ever see you.

Why can’t I see angels? In heaven up above, God tells me that he’s sent them
To pour down His undying love.

Why can’t I see angels? Is this real, is it true?
Are you really gone forever? Is there really no more you?

Why can’t I see angels? Their smile, their touch, their sound,
Maybe their not here on earth, only “heaven bound”

Why can’t I see angels? When I need them by my side,
I wonder where they are, or do they only hide?

Why can’t I see angels? God tells me that he’s sent me one that I can’t seem to find,
Are you really here? Or is this simply in my mind?

Why can’t I see angels? Is my thought for nineteen years,
Now this question leaves me with nothing else but tears.

Why can’t I see angels? Is what I ask myself when there’s nothing left to do,
Then I simply realize: My angel? Was you.

I know that we will meet again. Heaven is where you’ll be,
Dancing, singing, laughing, watching over my precious family and me.

Papa needs your guidance, and Momma- she does too.
I want you to know, we forever love and miss you.

My grandmother, my Oma, is what you were to me,
But now you’re safe and sound and heaven’s where you’ll be.

One day we’ll meet again at the golden gates up there,
I cant wait to see that beautiful face and that pretty, curly, gray hair.

I love you and I miss you and I’ll “See you later alligator”, can’t wait to see your smile,
or hear you tell me once again, “After while crocodile”.

Everything in that poem has a little something to do with my Oma. Things she used to say to me, etc. Love you, Oma!

So I wrote a poem for my Papa, and the man who spoke read it during the funeral, too.

From way back then until forever, Papa is what you'll be
always sneaking mints & pocorn, to Hanna, Kelley and Me

We couldn't have asked for a better - grandfather such as you,
no more Christmas no more football games, I'm not sure what we'll do

Jesus is calling you home and heaven is where you'll be,
I know you'll be safe up there, watching over my precious family and me

I'll see you someday soon, Papa
because now it's time to go

And as soon as you get up there,
give 'em a big ROLL TIDE ROLL!

As I told you, he was THE WORLDS biggest Bama fan. This afternoon, He, as well as all of us, were decked out in our Bama colors and accessories!

Thank you to everyone who has sent prayers up for us, we DO feel the love.
And thank you to everyone who has sent SO MUCH food to my family.

We love and appreciate every single one of you, and thank God for you everyday!

Philippians 1:3
"I thank my God everytime I remember you."