.welcome, autumn.

You are finally here, and I am happy!

Time to say goodbye to the Summer temps (any day now would be greeeat)

and HELLO to beautiful, colorful leaves

crisp breezes

vibrant blue skies

pumpkin patches and corn mazes

hay rides and scarecrows

...bliss.

.the latest.

I've spent literally all day on the couch thanks to a nasty stomach bug. Ugh... Stomach issues are the worst! On the bright side, I can tell I'm getting better. I'm looking forward to being able to walk at a normal pace and not all hunched over. A shower is in my near future as well.

Sweet Simon the pug is always so good on both snow days and sick days. He has been sleeping all day, wherever I am, he's there. I'm sleeping, he's sleeping. Right now I'm at the computer in the office, and he's sleeping on the floor next to me. Gotta love a pug!

The compressor on our air conditioner went bad, so we are without the luxury of central air this weekend, but the hubs' parents installed a temporary window unit for us. That combined with the fact that it's nearing the end of Summer is keeping us pretty comfortable.

Did I just say... It's nearing the end of Summer? If I felt up to it, I'd have to perform a happy jig right where I am. Fall is my absolute most favorite season! I get all giddy when I think about the beautiful leaves, pumpkins and chilly temps that are soon to come!

I've started taking a yoga class at the gym twice a week. I love it because it's so simple and easy to follow along with, yet I know if I stick with it I'll see some kind of results. It feels good to take the initiative to drive to the gym those evenings by my own accord and know that I am choosing to do something good for myself.

And last but not least... It's football season! Hubs and I have enjoyed watching the Razorbacks play and (so far) WIN all their games! Next week we play at home against the #1 ranked team, Alabama. Fingers crossed we'll be able to pull that one off!

One more week 'til Fall!!!

.where were you?.

September 11, 2001

The day our world stood still.

May God bless every single person that witnessed the horror in person and survived, every single family member and friend that lost a loved one that day. May God bless this country. May we all remember those who lost their lives that day and the firefighters, policemen and rescue crews whose lives were inevitably changed forever.

I was sitting on my bed in my dorm room watching the horror unfold on the news.

Where were you?

.girlfriends.

Thank the Lord for girlfriends.

They make us laugh at ourselves, feel good about ourselves when we're not, stand up for us when we're weak, and rejoice with us when we succeed.

I cherish my girlfriends greatly. I've always had trouble in my life finding TRUE girlfriends. Not that I didn't have those girls I wrote notes to in class and talked about boys to. In high school, I didn't have those close-knit friendships that allowed crying on one's shoulder or standing up for each other no matter what the consequence (aka, which popular kid you would have to publicly disagree with). I moved a lot when I was a child, so never got to stay anywhere long enough to establish close, lasting friendships. Still, I've managed to reconnect (on facebook) with a few bff's from way back in the 4th and 5th grades, and it's encouraging to realize that we still have a lot in common and I would still be friends with those same girls in real life now if we had gotten to grow up together.

When I got married, I moved away from all family and college friends to a place where my husband was the only person I knew. I remember when I would cry if he told me he was going to hang out with a friend. I felt so lonely at times, but stuck it out. Fast forward four years and a few jobs later, and now I feel very blessed with the circle of friends God has provided me with.

I love these Christian ladies, all beautiful, funny, and smart. Some with kids, some still considered kids. Some provide wisdom whereas some keep me in touch with my youthful, silly side. All would lend an ear at the drop of a hat with an extra boost of confidence to go along with it. I love each and every one of my friends and thank God for them all.

This post turned into a long sappy one, which was totally not my intention. All I really meant to say is that I am so excited for GNO, not just tonight, but tomorrow night as well! My husband and my family -- they're my best friends. My girlfriends -- well, they're my B.F.F.'s!

.my everything.

I am thankful for the one Constant in this life that never changes, despite the world of turmoil around me. My constant companion and comfort, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is everything, my all-in-all. In times of distress, I'm thankful I have His promises on which to rest.

.sick sunday.

Last week was the first week back to school for my Mom's Day Out program. It was a really good week, but lots of sickness came along with it.

I am in the midst of a cold with a nose running like a faucet and a gradually fading sore throat. I really can't complain too much though because I've been hearing stories of those much worse off!

I was really looking forward to church this Sunday but didn't get to go. A man named Bruce Frye (a mucician that played with and idolized Hank Williams Jr. back in the day) is guest speaking, giving his testimony and even playing original songs. I hate that I couldn't make it this morning, and it's not looking good for the evening service either.

Hubs is on the couch working away. He has a work laptop now, which allows him to catch up on things over the weekend without having to drive into the office. It looks like he'll be working the rest of the day away while I'll be blowing my nose the remainder of the day.

Fun times in our household this Sunday. Here's hoping yours is full of good health and work-free fun! :-)

.giveaway giftcard already spent.

When I found out at 7:30 this morning that I had won Fiona and Twig's blog giveaway of a $125 giftcard to CSN stores online, I woke up real fast and left for work with an extra skip in my step.

While at work, I dreamed of what I could buy. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I tried to picture how I could get as much for that amount as I could.

After work, I came home and literally spent hours looking at everything available on the CSN stores website.

This is what I came out with:

Set of 2 Highland Feather White Feather / Down Pillows @ $29 a piece

Yoga Direct Charter Oak Deluxe Extra Thick Yoga Sticky Mat in Seafoam - $16.99

Yoga Direct Charter Oak Nylon Yoga Mat Bag in Black - $8.99


Kinetic Classicor 12" Covered Chicken Fryer - $36.99

Victorinox Swiss Army 3.25" Paring Knife in Red - $2.99


I still can't believe that I won out of over 400 comments! This feels too good to be true! I've been dreaming of buying everything you see on the list, but my budget doesn't quite allow for me to go out and buy new down pillows or a deep dish frying pan just anytime I please. The frying pan and paring knife are two things I've needed for quite a while. The yoga mat and carrying bag will hopefully serve as extra motivation to exercise. The down pillows... I'll admit, that was my guilty pleasure splurge. Since I got two of them, my hubby benefits as well, and I don't think he'll be complaining!

Thank you so much, Anne. You literally made my day and then some!