Damien and ribs...a perfect celebration of a wonderful year!!

Well, we are leaving for our anniversary trip in a couple of hours. Our bags are packed and Sophies toys are gathered into one small carrier. She is ready for "camp".

I am just so excited! Damien Rice is tonight at 8:00. He is going to be just so amazing. This is only his second tour in America. (Trey will be quick to tell you that he saw him in Atlanta the first time he was here!) We are planning on checking into our hotel and then heading out to Rendevous to chow down on some finger-licking good ribs, then off to the Orpheum for the show.

This is will only be Trey's third time to venture down Beale. The other two times were for one of Amanda's wedding showers in September and her wedding in December. We had the BEST time before, so we are looking forward to another great weekend.

Now for the reason we are going: Our ONE YEAR anniversary. I can not believe it has been a year. (well, will be on June 3rd) It has flown. We have had a lot of excitement, and even some heartache, in our first year of marriage.

1) Both changed jobs

2) Passing away of my Dada

3) Birth of our first nephew (Henry Thomas, of course!!)

4) bought our first house

5) adopted little Sophie

and so much more.

All this to say, this has truly been the best year of my life.

I am not really a "cheesy" or "mushy" person, but I want all my faithful readers (all 5) to know exactly how wonderful Trey is!

I made a list of a few reasons why he is absolutely the best:

1) He puts his family before anything

2) He pays the bills AND does the laundry

3) He adores Sophie

4) He puts up with me, and that is saying a lot

5) He is my best friend

6) He is so much fun and funny , too. Plus, he laughs at my jokes.
7) He will do anything to make me smile if I am having a bad day

8) He is the hardest worker and loves his job

9) He doesn't question me when I insist on Sophie staying in a doggie hotel

10) He is oh so cute. :)

Our first year of marriage was the best and I look forward to many, many more!

JUNE 3, 2006

Sophie's hotel get-away update

Well, I am feeling a little more confident about leaving Sophie this weekend. I called the nice ladies at the resort (yes, it is called a resort) yesterday and confirmed her reservations. I asked that we drop her off on our way out of town, around 12:30. She said that check-in time was between 9-11 am or 4-6 pm and that noon would not work because that is "quiet time" for the dogs.

No really.

So I said that was fine, that we will have her there around 11, but if papers were needed to be filled out that she either email or fax them to me since we will be running short on time tomorrow. (concert tomorrow night in memphis, for those who may have forgotten) She said of course.

I received all the paper work today via email.

Let me give you a run down of Sophie's daily activites:

They wake up and are immediately taken outside to run around/go to the bathroom in a fenced yard. Then they have breakfast. Since Sophie is staying at the indoor retreat, she will then have the option of playing in the playroom, watching TV in the living room, or, of course, take a nap. After lunch they have "quiet time", thus the no dropping off period. Then it is outside to play some more. During the day I can sign Sophie up for various "ME TIME" activites, including pool time, walking, massage and brushing, lap and TV time, etc... for $5.00 each session. I am thinking the massage will be fine since she already has a TV in her access. Anyway, each afternoon all dogs get "cuddle time" which is great, but only if Sophie is in the mood. Then they have dinner, another outside bathroom trip, little more "quiet play", bedtime snack then lights out at 10 pm.

HAHA! Sounds like camp.

Memorial Day weekend fun

Now that the family crisis has been solved (thanks, Trey's boss) and my work has been completed, I can concentrate on the important things, like blogging.

We had a wonderful LONG weekend. Our dear friend Russell and his precious girlfriend, Callie, came to visit us Friday. It was fabulous. Long overdue, but fabulous. We went to Matt and Jenni's wedding on the coast on Sat. It was beautiful. She was a gorgeous bride!

On Sunday after our company left, Trey and I went to Sunday School adn church and then back home to work in the yard. It was my idea of a PERFECT sunday. That night we grilled out with some friends.

Monday was just as fabulous. We slept in, I watched the WHOLE Today show. Unusally this gets interupted by 7:40 to leave for work. But not yesterday! I watched the whole thing in my PJs while drinking fabulous coffee. It was perfect. We worked more in the yard, cleaned the house, went out for lunch, came back to watch oprah. (OPRAH! i haven't watched Oprah since this whole 8-5 thing entered my life!) then we went to Hudson's where they had Banana Republic clothing for 40-50% off! I got two shirts, which made the perfect ending to the perfect weekend!

Olivia and I at Keg and Barrell

Callie and Trey

Toby Barker for State Rep!

Nice face, Russell

Me and Russell

Hope you had a good one as well!

problem solved

Trey's boss keeps her dogs at this hotel here in Hattiesburg located on the Okatoma River and Resort. Don't worry, I called the owners with a list of questions/concerns. They were very sweet. There is a seperate house only for small dogs, which is great because Sophie tends to think that large dogs (i.e. the pointer and lab next door) are in fact, her size, and likes to bark at them.

Also, Sophie is allowed to bring an overnight bag with her favorite toys, treats, blankets, even her bed, if she wishes. Although they provide these things for thier guest, I think I will pack her a bag to make her feel like she is at home.

I made her reservations for the indoor retreat. (too much outdoor time makes Sophie feel like a dog). The indoor retreat consist of fully airconditioned living room, bedroom, and play room. In the living room, she can lie on sofas and watch television. She will like that. She can even get a spa bath for only $12 more.

Perfect.

The life of a mother

Trey and I are traveling this weekend. We are leaving on Thursday afternoon and heading back to the 'burg on sat. afternoon. As you know, we have a daughter. The most adorable little malti-malti-poo-poo around. (both her mother and father are maltipoos, thus giving her the title malti-malti-poo-poo)

Anyway, we have a problem...finding a suitable babysitter. we are short on time, thus unable to drive Sophie to stay with her Memaw and Pawpaw (Trey's mom and dad) on the coast and Starkville is just too out of the way to stay with her T-mac and Mama Lita (my mom and dad). As you can imagine, we are a little concerned. I have come to the conclusion that we might have to, take a deep breath, BOARD my little Soph.

~gasp~

After much internal debate and heartache, I have come to the realization that boarding our beloved may just be the best option for the weekend.

So I have begun my research. I have interviewed (aka: googled) various boarding options in Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas. I found the Canine Country Club, but the owners seem a little off. We could always take her to our normal vet, but I have visions of her sleeping alone in one of the kennels out back. She can not do that. I am sorry. This challenge is prooving to be more difficult that first imagine.

BUT WAIT...

I found PetHotel, by PetSmart in Memphis (where are are going, the PetSmart in Hattiesburg does not offer this. I plan on calling the manager here this afternoon about this matter). Now we are talking. They have Doggie Day Camp, Day Care, televisions in the room (on animal planet, of course) and indoor park where they can walk, use the bathroom, even play in water!!! PLUS, they have "Social Time" where the Sophie can play with other dogs her size in a playroom filled with balls, chew toys, and yes, treats. She may not want to come home!!

But it doesn't end there! Trey and I can call the lobby of the hotel during lobby hours and check on Sophie. They will even bring Sophie to the phone to talk to us! Now that I can handle.

There is also a live video so if I am around an internet, I can see her playing.

I haven't checked on the price, nor have I even confronted my husband with this amazing find. The only downside is that we are staying at the DoubleTree on Union Ave. and this PetHotel is located on the other side of Memphis. BUT, I know where it is and I am conviced that it will be well worth the trouble! We will just have to leave a little bit earlier to make it in time to check her in the hotel and then make it back to downtown to the Orphium by the time the concert starts. BRILLIANT!

I will let you know how it goes.

Click HERE to view the video of the hotel, if you would like.

In the meantime....any suggestions of another doggie hotel in south mississippi? Desperate times call for desperate measures. I was hoping for a Beth Bath and Bones like Amanda found in Tyler, TX.
Let me know.

So I decided to see who my hubby looks like

HAHAHAHA! I am married to a Travis Tritt look alike! And a woman! And some mexican....(should probably know him, i don't though and I am not ashamed to admit it)

http://www.myheritage.com

Haha

OK...this is too funny. You upload a picture of yourself and the website generates the top celebrities that you look like.
The picture I used was from my wedding day. If I used a more recent picture I am sure celebrities like Rosie and Roseanne would show up.

Hmmmm....Hayden? I think not. The only I have ever gotten is Renee Z. And are two of these celebs foriegn??? Just wondering.

However, my favorite is that I look like Beyonce. riiiiiiiiiiggggggggghhhhhhhhttttt.

http://www.myheritage.com

Global Warming's got nothing on me.

(not me)

I walked to work this morning. Just me. Trey wouldn't do it. He said that walking to work EVERYDAY is a statement, walking to work one day and meeting a bunch of women for Starbuck's is "cute". Whatev.

I realize that if we were in a city, say NY, walkin would happen all the time, but it is a little trickier when you live in a city that is not very pedestrian friendly. But no fear, I managed. I put on my running shoes (the new ones, still training, you know) and walked my way down Hardy Street. It was fun. I bet Trey is sad he missed it.

Anyway, so I made the long hike to campus and found my way to Starbucks eager to meet my fellow walking/biking eco-friendly friends, as well as enjoy a nice cup of coffee. (Who am I kidding, I would have had a Chai latte or cafe latte) I arrive at the entrance only to find that it doesn't open until 8! SAD! I bet our coordinator of "Bike to Work Day" did not know that the Starbucks on campus has different hours in the summer. I walk around the building in hopes of finding my walking buddies, only to find NOTHING. I was alone, in work clothes and sneakers with frizy hair.
~sigh~

(not my boss)

We will try this again next week, I suppose.

I'm such a sucker for crap like this

Create your own Friend Quiz here

The sweetest sound

Make sure you scroll down and pause my music to listen to my sweet nephew, Henry Thomas!

so little time, so much to blog

1. My mom's birthday was on May 22nd. I was in Vicksburg for work, so was unable to blog a crafty birthday blog. I did talk to her a number of times to make sure that she was wearing a tierra and sash throughout the day. My mom is the best. No, really. She raised three highly adorable and insanely intellegent daughters without so much as raising her voice. To know her is to love her. She is the nicest woman in the world, not to mention the cutest and smartest, too!
MELITA ROCKS! I LOVE MY MOMMY!

2. I got in from my Vicksburg work trip last night and I must say: i was quite the winner. After dinner Tuesday night, people were mingling, talking, drinking, and gambling. We were, afterall, staying in a casino. Well, I was feeling lucky so I marched myself over to the quarter slots, slipped in my crisp one dollar bill and began playing. I didn't have a clue what I was doing. Flashing lights, smoking grandma's, and extremely tacky decor was taking over as I kept pulling that handle. Suddenly I looked at my current stance: I had three credits left (don't know what that means) and was up $14.25!!! CASH OUT! Before I could think about it, I pushed the cash out and went to redeem my rewards, telling everyone along the way of my success. Those with me wondered why I wouldn't take another dollar and gamble that one as well. WERE THEY CRAZY? I had just won fourteen dollars and twenty-fix cents. I was calling it a night. So I went upstairs to my hotel room to call Trey and inform him that we were now rich.

I am down to $9.75 (I bought a non-fat cafe latte yesterday. Well worth it).

3. We are having company this weekend...Russell and his girlfriend, Callie. I could not be more excited. Our dear friend Russell that just graduated from divinity school at Emory that we have not seen in a YEAR! Totally nuts and uncalled for. We have a lot of catching up to do. Our friend Matt and his cutie fiance, Jenni, are tying the knot on Sat. in Biloxi so Trey, Russell, Callie and I are heading down to the coast for a good old-fashioned Catholic wedding. Can't wait.

4. Trey and I are walking to work tomorrow. This has little to nothing to do with "Let's Go Walking, Mississippi". (Sorry, gov.) One of my coworkers (the runner lady that is oh so cute) wants us to join her in preserving energy. So we are walking/riding our bikes to work each Friday (weather permitting). We can do it other days, of course, but Fridays are generally the easiest since it is "casual fridays". There is a group of Southern Miss workers that are participating and then meeting at Starbucks on campus after our walk/bike ride before we head to our offices. Trey and I dont have bikes, so we will be making the trek on foot.

Consider this a new, greener me, although I will never just use one square of toilet paper, much to Sheryl Crows dissapproval.

MSU baseball, birthday parties, and crawling babies

This weekend while Trey went fishing with his daddy, I ventured up to Starkville to see the fam. (for the third weekend in a row. I am getting spoiled). Friday night my sweet nieghbor, Camon, graduated high school....2nd in her class with a GPA of 99.7. I told her I could have done that too if math was never invented. well, probably not. Anyway, I missed the graduation because I was driving in from Hattiesburg. On Sat. we took Henry to his first MSU baseball game. The weather was perfect and it was so much fun, even though the bulldogs did not pull out a W. Sad. I love that place. My mom's birthday is on Tuesday so we celebrated Sat. night after the game.

It was a wonderful weekend.

I am leaving this afternoon for Vicksburg for work. Not really work though. We are staying at a casino for a couple of nights. I don't gamble. I played the quarter slots on a cruise once and lost $1.50 and got so mad I swore I would never do that again. I mean a whole dollar and fifty cents? That could get me a large diet coke or maybe 1/2 a gallon of gas. I will never throw away money like that again. But the work trip should be fun. Maybe my co-workers will gamble and win big time and I can convince them to split the jackpot with me. I will let you know how that goes.

Another thing I need to discuss: my running. Remember my new shoes? The training? Well, it started off a little rough. (it was the devil, I tell ya. He was getting in the way) but now is coming right along. I woke up early this morning before work and went for a run. It was a little cool outside, so felt so nice. I still am no where near where I used to be, and let's face the facts: have not lost any weight, but am getting more consistant with my running and actually enjoying it again, so it is all good. Trey laughs at me. Every day he asks how my training is going with a smirk. I work with this intense runner lady. She has a goal to run a marathon in every state. I am going to go ahead and say that I do not have that goal. Mine is a half-marathon goal and to get in shape. Anyway, Trey tells her at this after hours party the other night that I was training to run a marathon and should meet up with her to run. WHAT??? her slow days are like 10 miles. She now asks me about my running. I want to lie and say "oh great! 12 miles this morning before work. really getting ready for that race next weekend." but in reality it is more like "well, I drug myself out of bed and ran MAYBE 2 miles before I was bored and wanted some coffee."

Geez.

Jake (my cousin, with a newly shaved head), Henry, and Rob (Henry's daddy/my brother-in-law) watching the bulldogs play.

Henry trying to crawl! Look at that determination!

Dudy Noble: God's Country

Mama, Laura, Nana, and me watching the game.

Jake and his cute girlfriend, Lindsey, playing with Henry.

worn out after the game!

Click

Prayer request.

There was a terrible automobile accident in my hometown, Starkville, last night. One boy, a freshman in college, was killed and several other students were injured. Most of the students involved in the accident graduated from my high school, Starkville Academy, within the last two years.
The girlfriend of the boy that was killed is graduating from SA tonight. Our families have been long-time friends. Please pray for all families and friends that are involved with this tragedy. I can not imagine the pain and suffering that they are going through at a time that should be filled with happiness and celebration. They need our prayers that God will provide them with comfort and peace that only He can do.

i dunno.

Saw this on Laura's and Amanda's.
YOUR POLITICAL PROFILE:

Overall: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Social Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

Day # 3 - Fictional, but better than real

ALL IS RIGHT WITH THE WORLD.
(well, at Dunder Mifflin on Thursday nights, anyway)

I love The Office. Did you watch it last night? I sure hope so. It was the final episode for the season and was all that I expected it to be, and more. That show just does something to me. Perhaps it is Dwight and his way of being a dork, but a cool one at that. Or Michael and his ever-impressive managing skills. But more likely than not it is Pam and Jim. I could not have been more pleased with the note written to Jim:

"Don't forget about us when your famous - Pam"

or when Jim interupted the "interview" to ask Pam if she was free for dinner.
But more than that I was pleased with the secret mission given to Pam and the new decor that Dwight gave to what was-thought-to-be-his-soon-to-be-office. And Jan's boob job. Loved Jan's boob job.

Basically I can rest soundly now that I have hope in the lasting relationship of Pam and Jim. "Pim", if you will.

Anyway, I think that this is my first television review, as I do not watch much, but I felt it was well worth mentioning. This show is brilliant.

Trey knows that I have a crush on Jim, and is okay with it.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Day #2 - Our daughter's got a boyfriend

Yesterday I went to the mailbox only to find two things:

1) A coupon for Church's Chicken addressed to the previous home owners (Vomit)

and
2) A letter addressed to Sophie from Bandit Cantrell.

I love it. Trey stared in disbelief. I knew I had to take a picture of it for today's challenge.

Thanks, Bandit, Sophie loved it. And Amanda, it is going to be a scary day when we actually become "real" mothers. Thanks for making me smile!

(Click on the picture to make it larger. The letter must be read.)

30 day challenge: Better late than never

A while back my friend Jenny challenged her blog stalkers to take a picture a day for 30 days. It is a fun way to take time each day to find something that makes you smile, laugh, cry, think, or be thankful.

Well, after my recent purchase of a new camera, I have decided to take her up on it, a month later.

So, if I only post one picture, at least this one has cute subjects.

I now present "A PHOTO A DAY CHALLENGE" Day #1:

I'm SO excited, and I just can't hide it!

Trey can sometimes be pretty cool.

Yesterday he told me to ask off work May 31st-June 1st, a Thursday and Friday, but wouldn't tell me why. Our 1 year anniversary is June 3rd, so I knew it had something to do with that, because, well, I am a genious.

After work he was so excited he just kept talking about this mystery trip that we were going to be embarking on. He was like a little child that had a secret that he just couldn't keep. He was DYING to tell me.

So he did.

I AM SUPER EXCITED!!!!

Trey bought us tickets to see my FAVORITE musician in concert: DAMIEN RICE. I love him. Really. He is Irish and can move my soul.

Dramatic? Perhaps, but I speak the truth.

Damien, jamming.

Damien, thinking.

Anyway, sweet boy made us reservations at the DoubleTree Hotel on Union Avenue and bought concert tickets at the Orpheum. I must say, I am impressed. Yesterday he was all about me getting a new camera, which I did, and now I see why! He wanted me to have awesome pictures of what is sure to be an AMAZING weekend.

If you haven't heard Damien, I suggest it. It is kinda mellow, not so much booty-shakin music. but if you are in to that, give him a try. You won't regret it.

On a different note, I got out of the shower this morning only to see my husband eating his GROOM'S CAKE for breakfast. YES. GROOM'S CAKE. As in a year ago. As in it has been in the freezer for a year. As if eating chocolate cake at 7 a.m. wasn't bad enough, he had to eat a year old cake form the freezer at 7 a.m.

Gross.

What he lacks in food choices he makes up in trip planning!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAXWELL BERKLEY!

Today is Max's 1st birthday!
Yes, he is a dog, but in our family EVERYONE gets a party!
So here's to you, MAX!
Eat an extra Dingo, pee on the floor, run wild in the yard...it is YOUR day!

I'M ONE!

A day for Mother's

Yesterday was Mother's Day. (if you are just now realizing this, you may be in trouble)

It is a wonderful day if you are a mother, have a mother, know a mother, or work next to a mother. Mother's just do too much and deserve more than just one day a year to show our appreciation, but Mother's Day is a great excuse to pamper the mother's in your life and show them how much they are loved.

I love my mother. She is fabulous. And beautiful. And sweet. And smart. Really. She is precious.

I have a new mother to celebrate on this Mother's day as well...my mother-in-law. She is wonderful too and I love her dearly!

I was able to celebrate with all the mother's in my family over the weekend.

Henry Thomas was Christened yesterday at their church in Clinton. It was so special. Again, my camera was stupid, but here are a few pictures:
The sweet family. My sister, Kristen, Henry Thomas, and my brother-in-law, Rob.

Sweet boy

Henry couldn't believe his mama was making him wear a silly dress.

Henry Thomas was very interested in what the preacher had to say.

Meet Ivy Kate Benjamin!

Beautiful little girl!

Look at that smile.

Mama and baby girl

I went to the coast on Saturday to visit Ashley and meet sweet Ivy Kate! She is adorable, just as I knew she would be. Ashley looks GREAT (of course). I took some pictures, but my camera has been messing up lately. But no fear! My sweet hubby surprised me with a new one last night! I LOVE IT!! (and him) But these pictures of Ivy Kate are with the old one, so excuse the coloring.
She is absolutely beautiful and TINY. Henry Thomas was never this small. I love her. I told her that she can be Henry's girlfriend one day.

Because we can all use a good laugh...

A student just came in my office to chat and as he was leaving he wanted to show me two videos on YouTube.com

I have to share these. I was laughing out loud! Make sure you scroll down to pause my music and turn up your volume...these videos will make you smile!

HAPPY FRIDAY! TGIF!

Bikini Boot Camp

I get random emails. I had to change my email account because of this fact. I signed up to receive some sort of free soap and the next morning I woke up with 1,279 unread messages. No thank you.

I still check that account every now and then just in case there happens to be something of importance in my inbox.

This morning I got an email with this subject: BIKINI BOOT CAMP.
Hmmmmm......

This is ironic because I recently turned over a new leaf in my life. By recently, I mean I am planning on starting today.

I am going to run again. I used to do this so consistently. Now, I may run 2 times a week, and that is rare. Take this week, for example. I ran Sunday and Tuesday. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less.

Well, it is all about to change. I am motivated. I bought new running shoes last night at the mall.

I convinced Trey that new running shoes would really help this new quest I am taking, so off we went on the journey for the perfect pair of running shoes.

Once inside Hibbets, I found a nice young man, Scott, to help me find just the right pair of shoes for my training. (I told him I was training for a marathon, but Trey rolled his eyes and said "Man, she is all yours" and walked off, so I don't think Scott took me too seriously on the marathon part.)

Anyway, I spotted them! The were Nike's (which according to Trey are made in sweat shops, so he would not buy them anyway) and on Oprah's favorite things list! Oprah loves them! YES! I will take them!!!

So I asked Scott if they were great running shoes, because afterall, Oprah said so. He said that was stupid and I should not buy running shoes because Oprah likes them. I told Scott that Oprah, herself, ran a marathon, but he was unphased. He convinced me that if I wanted to be a "real runner" I did not need those "glam" running shoes.

Well, crap. Sorry, Oprah, maybe next time.

So then he introduced me to the serious running shoes. Ok, so they may never be on Oprah's Favorite Things list, but they felt great. I felt athletic. I picked out the 2006 model (MUCH cheaper than the 2007 model.) Scott went to the back to find my size. My adrenaline was pumping. When he returned I asked if I could take a quick jog in them to make sure they were perfect, because, let's face it, I am in training. He said yes as he smirked at Trey who was hiding in the corner. So I did.

In my skirt, top, and new running shoes not yet been purchased, I took a quick jog around the store.

PERFECT!
I love them. I can feel myself getting in shape just thinking about my new shoes.

This is the beginning of a new me....

my husband, the rockstar

Fellow followers of the Skaggs', Mahoney and Chad

Vince, Charles, Ryan, Chad, and David. Cute boys, my friends.

"That girl forgot to put on her pants!!"

( Husband in the purple, brother-in-law in the green)

( The Skaggs' brothers, no relation to Ricky)

Last night Trey's little brother, Adam, and his band played their last gig. All members of the band are graduating college and moving on to bigger and better things. Adam is moving to the coast next week. Anyway, Trey and I decided to throw out our normal grandmaw and pawpaw ways of going to bed at 9 during the week and go out to support him. Afterall, I am the greatest sister-in-law in all the land.

My friend Olivia (a KD with me at State who recently made the move to the 'burg) met us there around 7. We had a table outside. Beautiful night. Beautiful food. Beautiful girls who forgot to wear pants.

Yes, I can not continue this story without mentioning some of the outfits that Olivia and I witnessed. INSANE, I tell you. We decided that we, in no form or fashion, fit in with this crowd, thus concluding that Misssissippi State girls will forever be the most down-to-earth natural beauties around. Anyway, just to give you a mental picture, if the wind blew in the least, there were a few girls that would have been in trouble. These girls were wearing SHIRTS for dresses. With heels. Olivia and I, in our jeans and ponytails, starred in dissbelief.

Anyway, I am distracted. Back to the rockstar. After an hour or so, Olivia and I ordered our salads (after looking at these half-naked girls, a salad seemed like the only logical thing to order) Trey, in true rockstar fashion, went to go greet the band members. Within minutes, he was on the stage playing the guitar...barefoot. Yes, no shoes. WHY? Questions unanswered.

After Olivia left I pushed my way through the half-naked crowed to sit with his friends near the band. Iwas able to get a few pictures of my husband reliving his college glory days.

He rocked, and I was proud.

*Post script: The pictures weren't cooroperating, my apologies for a random layout*

A meeting with royalty

Sometimes I sleep just to dream. It's true. I love the thought of going to bed and not knowing where I will go or who I will meet in some far away land.

Well, last night I met the queen. Yep. I am invited to the white-tie affair at the White House. President Bush was there and everything, but for some reason I was more interested in the queen, well the queen and what I was wearing.

Let me tell you, in my dream I looked AMAZING. I have never been to such a fancy place before, so I suppose in my dream Trey allowed me to buy a new dress and really fancy jewels. Thanks, hun.

I am not sure why I was invited to such an affair, and to be honest, I think I was there alone. Trey was no where to be found, which might have been by his own will. I can not imagine Trey getting hyped up about a dinner with the queen in white tie and tails. Now a crawfish boil where he could wear seersucker and Vineyard Vines polo? Consider him there. But in my dream, it didn't matter. I was there and I was looking awesome.


Now I shall describe my dress, if possible. It was to die for. RED. I love red. It was so red-carpet glamour. diamonds and pearls for days. That is all I really remember. Red and gorgeous.

Too bad I woke up.

But now I know if I am ever invited to the White house to meet the queen and president, I will wear a red gown. I was unstopable.

That's so not hott

I can not stand Paris Hilton.
WHY does she think she is better than everyone else? I mean, what has she done? Been born into a wealthy family? THAT IS IT! She has made her fame and money by her name. No good deed has come from her, no profound piece of literature, no wonderous work of art, no Nobel Peace Prize to her name...NOTHING! She simply was born to a family who made billions in the hotel industry.

Well, her Simple Life just got a little worse. She is heading to the slammer. Good for her. What kills me is that she is trying to get a plea bargain from the Gov. Terminator. She couldn't possibly be treated like a normal human being. Pa-lease. In court when she was asked about her personal mail (i.e. bills, letters from grandma), she said "I have people who do that for me." WHAT? The President of the United States (and maybe Oprah) should have someone read their personal mail for them NOT some snobby little princess! LUDICROUS! This morning on the Today Show (where I get all my news before coming to work) they said that Paris was begging her 'fans' to write a letter to the California government stating that she should not have to go to jail. WHAT???

You committ the crime, you do the time, Hilton.

Anyway, I had to get that off my chest. I am not a celeb news follower, per-say, but this was on the Today Show and it really bothered me. I felt the need to share my dislike of this wanna-be-american-princess with my readers. Thanks for listening.

Strolling Nana

I have to share this picture. My Nana is something else. I really don't know how to describe her. She is so much fun...we all love Nana! Well, now that she has a great-grandbaby, a "new" Nana has emerged. She wants Henry with her at all times. Here is a picture from us at the mall last weekend. Notice her sunglasses indoors. Famous? Perhaps. She strolled Henry Thomas the whole time and walked at least 100 steps ahead of all of us. SHE was in charge. It was so funny. She pratically sprinted throughout Turtle Creek Mall, barely missing innocent shoppers with the stroller.

Thank goodness we all made it out ok.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IVY KATE!

Sweet Ivy Kate has arrived! YAY! Mama Ashley called me at noon to share the good news and to give me the password and login to her blog to announce their little arrival!

Here are her stats:

Ivy Katherine Benjamin
May 7, 2007
11:25 a.m.
6 lbs, 2 oz.
20 inches

Ashley sounded great (a solid 30 MINUTES after giving birth) when I talked to her. She said Ivy Kate has a headfull of brownish hair! I know she is ADORABLE! I am going to see her in a few days...I HAVE to fix my camera before then.

I had to share the great news.

CONGRATS JOHN AND ASHLEY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IVY KATE!

weekend recap

What a wonderful weekend! Full of family, shopping, gifts, and food!!! Four ingredients to a fabulous time.

Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures. I know. Terrible. But I have a legitimate reason: I messed up my camera. I don't know what I did. I tried to be fancy and change the settings and now all the pictures have three big streaks down the middle. stupid. Anyway, no fear: Laura took like 1,000,000. view them on her blog, or don't. I don't care. but they are fun. but it's your decision. I am going to get her to email me all the pictures so I can blow some cash on photographed memories.

We set a record in the Skaggs' home: 9 people spent the night.

1. Mama

2. Daddy

3. Nana

4. Laura
5. Kristen
6. Heather

7. Trey

8. Rob (the brother in-law)

9. Henry Thomas

We had plenty of sleeping space, but one bathroom. Yep. One toilet. Our home (built in the 50's) will never be registered as one of the most efficent homes in America. Three bedrooms, one bath, total of like 10 outlets. But it's cool. We rented a port-a- potty and set it up in the front yard. Wouldn't that be funny? The neighbors would have talked. Trey wouldn't let me do it.

Trey's mom and dad came Sat. as well for the big par-tay. So fun. I invited them to spend the night too, because, really, what's two more people? But they weren't convinced. They drove the hour drive back to coast to sleep comfortable in their own bed and mulitple toilets. And they call me a brat...

I bet you are wondering if I will talk about my little Henry Thomas. Well, I will. He is so freakin cute and getting so big. We took him shopping Sat. afternoon. People all over the mall lined up to get a quick glance of this prodigy child.

I love him.

I will post pictures later of my present from Trey. it hasn't come in yet, but I made him tell me what it is. I am pumped. I will leave it at that so my faithful readers will feel the need to tune in later to see what it is.

YAY FOR FUN WEEKENDS!!!!

I LOVE IT!

My wonderful friend Tricia created this! How fun! And my fabulous sister created this slideshow on her blog! (please ignore the 5th grace school picture and Dorothy Hamil haircut)

Are my friends the best, or what???

April showers bring May flowers

Ahhhh. I love May. For several reasons, which I will list for easier reading:

1. Everything is pretty and in bloom

2. People are generally in a great mood

3. crawfish

4. School gets out (great for teachers like Laura, students, and people like me who work at a university)
5. Cinco de Mayo
6. Mother's day

7. My mama's b-day

8. My birthday

What a fun month. My birthday is saturday, and if you have been reading along or know me at all, you know that I ADORE such events. Growing up, we celebrated for a week. Not with presents neccesarily, but with family and friends. SO FUN. My family made it seem so that when it is YOUR birthday, it is YOUR DAY. And it was fun.

Well, last year, Trey "missed the boat", as I keep reminding him, on my birthday. He just simply did not understand the significance of a huge celebration. Last year on my birthday, I had just moved to Hattiesburg a week before, not really knowing anyone. It was a month before my wedding, so I blame the tears on stress.

It was the first time in MY LIFE that I was not around my friends and/or family on my birthday. Living with people like Amanda for two years in college, who owns a "birthday box" full of streamers and hats and fun stuff, I had grown accustomed to having it celebrated even when I was not living at home. So, last year I cried. Yep. Cried. My parents and sisters could not come to hattiesburg, my friends were all over the place, and I was living alone in a strange apartment with bare walls. Sob story? Perhaps.

Well, Trey handed me my birthday card...A NURSES APPRECIATION CARD. I am not a nurse. He thought it was funny. And perhaps, under different circumstances, it would have been. But in my stressed out, tear-filled eyes, it was not.

Poor guy. gotta love him.

So this year, bless his heart, he made sure he did not make the same mistake. On Sat. (a solid week before my birthday), he woke up saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HEATHER!!!". And so the celebration began. He has planned something fun for us to do every day this week. How sweet is that????

On Monday we went to my favorite restaurant. (mexican...surprised?)
On Tuesday when we got home from work he told me to go brush my teeth, we were going somewhere. We went to Mohogany for Happy Hour where we sat in the courtyard, drank martinis and ate crawfish nachos.
and yesterday he threw me a crawfish party!!! Ok, well it wasn't actually "for me", but it was still fun! He is the advisor for a student organization that threw a campus wide crawfish fest. It was great, so fun. There was a band and 3,000 lbs. of mudbugs. PERFECT.

And then starting tonight my family starts coming in! WHO-HOO!! My whole family will be here this weekend. I can not wait.

How blessed am I?

On top of my family and hubby being amazing, my friends are the BEST! I have already gotten birthday cards and phone calls and Tricia even made a birthday blog for me! How sweet/funny/scary/thoughtful is that?

All this to say, I am so very thankful for my friends and family. It is not even my "real" birthday yet and already it has been the best.

I LOVE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY! THEY ARE THE BEST!

$1,500? I will give you $150.

Just call me Haggling Heather.

Last night after we took Sophie to the park for a walk, Trey and I ventured to none other than Hudson's Treasure Hunt.

I should preface this story by giving a brief history of The Hunt. I have come to the realization that south Mississippi is some sort of mecca for thrifty shoppers. The birth of Hudson's occured just right down the street, which brings joy to many locals. in my 1 year and 2 months of living in the Burg, I have seen Hudson's Treasure Hunt move to four different locations. Right now there are three locations...The furniture Sale Hudson's, Hudson's Treaure Hunt, and Dirt Cheap. (NEVER go alone to Dirt Cheap. I have never been, and frankly, am a little frightened by the thought of a store strictly selling Hudson's rejects, and the location of the store. But I am a brat, so I digress.)

Trey and I enjoy going to Hudson's at times. It is somewhat of a sport for us. As we approach the security guarded entrance to The Hunt, an overwhelming feeling of "what can we find today" immediately takes over. I put on my game face and enter the double doors, walk past the rent-a-cop and coke machines and begin the hunt. You never know what you will find. Lately the theme has been golf, which was actually the purpose for this trip last night: Trey needed golf balls and tees.

Once inside the large, sometimes quiet smelly, building, Trey and I go our seperate ways without so much as a "bye" or "happy hunting". We are on a mission. 90% off this broken shelf? Done. Consider it a steal.

So I was walking aimlessly around the store, touching as little as possible, when I spotted it: A large corner bookcase with a rustic, vintage feel in a very cool green color. It was love at first sight. Picture it: kinda cool looking tall book case that fits in the corner, with three shelves, a drawer, and a cabinet at the bottom. Very artsy and I loved it. I had to have it.

So I found the homemade price tag: $1,500. What were these Hudson people thinking? it was wobbly and scratched. fifteen hundred dollars? I think not. This is a cool piece to say "yeah, I found it at a thrift store for next to nothing, cute huh?" not "yeah, i paid $1,500 for it at Hudsons".

These people must be put in their place.

So I found a worker sporting the blue apron with the parrot logo on it.

Haggler Heather: "m'am, this beautiful bookcase here, well, it says it's $1500. Is this true"

Hudson Employee: "ugh. I don't know. Hmmm. Take 80% off."

HH: (after pulling out the cell phone to conduct quick math) "m'am that brings the total to around $300, and from the looks of the bookshelf I just can't seem to justify that price. Is there someone I can speak to about this?"

HE: "The assistant manager. His name is David."

BINGO. David to the rescue. So I marched myself over to the Hudson's customer service counter (the use the term "service" loosely in some places) And asked to speak to Mr. David, Assistant Manager. The kind lady behind the counter called him over the intercom. Shortly a short, medium-built man came from behind the counter. Yes, the lady called him over the phone when, in fact, he was located just a few feet away.

HH: "Good evening, sir. I found a lovely piece back there, but I believe the price is mistaken."

Assis. Man. David: "Well, m'am, let's go have a looksy" (looksy? Did he really just say that?)
"yep, you can take 80% off. Gee. that is still high. Hmmm, wish I could do something for you."

HH: "I will tell you what, I will give you $150 and we will call it a deal. What do you say?"

AMD: "I wish I could, sweetheart" (don't call me that, man, I am working here) "Tell you what, come back in a week and if it is still here, I will see what I can do for you."

SUCCESS!!! I will be back on exactly May 7th. Wish me luck!

So while the trip did not conclude with the purchase of a thrifty find, Trey did walk away with two bags of tees for under $10.