tag!

I was tagged by the middle sister. I am supposed to list 6 things interesting about me and then tag 6 others to do the same. 

So here you go:

1. I can't stand when things are spelled wrong on purpose. Example: Kountry Kitchen, KREATIVE BLOGGER! (it hurt me to put that up there, but I love my sis and I love lists.) 

This is ironic because I can not spell worth a flip without spell check. But I ask, WHY spell incorrectly on purpose? 

2.  Sometimes I like coffee and sometimes I don't.  I can't explain it.  Some days all I want is a good cup of Joe.  Others, if I think about it or smell it, I feel sick at my stomach.  

3. I refuse to go to the tanning bed and I wear sunscreen everyday.  Yes, even when I spend all day in my office. I used to not be this way.  I regret that now.  Do I like being very pale? Heck no.  But I refuse to ruin my skin to try to look "good".  I recently got tan sprayed by a girl.  Not a machine. a person. It was worth it.  But I can't afford the upkeep.  $30 for a 3 day tan? Craziness.  I will just embrace my whiteness. 

4.  I could spend all day with old people.  The older the better, I say.  

5. I slept with the same baby doll for years.  Her name is Baby.  I had her when I was a baby.  Baby has been everywhere with me: through surgeries, vacations, sleepovers, college.  Yes, college.  Trey refused to sleep with me and Baby after our marriage, so I retired Baby to the

 drawer in my bedside table.  I sleep with her when he is out of town.  She is in rough condition, having been through various "surgeries" herself.  I still love her.  I wish i had a picture of Baby. I would share it. 

6. My dog wears pajamas. Proof:

weekend in Natchez

Last weekend a group of girls and I went to Natchez for one of our friend's wedding. We had the best time. Truth be told: I have never had a bad time in Natchez - right, Nan? Anyway, we all piled in my car and headed out Saturday morning. The wedding was gorgeous. Audrey got married outside on the porch of a mansion. Breathtaking. She both entered and left the ceremony in a white horse-drawn carriage. Very fairy-tale-esque. I loved it.

I also loved the dancing and the reception, but that is neither here nor there.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

The girls. We have girl's night. Like Sex and The City and Desperate Housewife watching:

Audrey, the bride, of course:

Audrey made the mistake of telling us that she and her new hubby were staying in the mansion where they wed. This, obviously, was also the place of the reception.

Audrey, now is the time to tell you that Jennifer and I took it upon ourselves to take pictures in your honeymoon room.

You gave us permission to look, which resulted in the taking of this picture:

And a few more reception and post-reception photo ops.

Fran, Erin, Me and Jennifer:

there was an accident:

Emily and Emily and me.

This was taken right after they admitted to blog stalking me. If that is not a kodak moment, what is?

Me, Erin, Fran, Jami and Jennifer at Fat Mama's.

CONTINUING ON TO SUNDAY:

We leave The Eola on Sunday morning and head out to grab some lunch before our trip back to the 'burg. Magnolia Grille. Yummy.

Did I mention I was the driver? Maybe now would be a good time to point out that fact.

Anyway, I parked the car and the five of us headed in for some good food.

AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER -

we walk back to my car when Erin looks at me and asked what that strange noise was.

It was my car. And it was running. The engine was on. For an hour and a half. Just sitting there. Waiting. Wasting.

Awesome.

AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER -

We are cruising on minding our own business when I look back and see a cop. With the lights on. Chasing me.

I pull over and await my sentence. I honestly didn't think he would give me a ticket. I have never even been pulled over. Cut a girl a break, man. No such luck. Without so much as a smile, he handed me my due. Crap. I didn't argue: I was going over the speed limit. But on my behalf, I thought the speed limit was 70. I later learned it was not...

After the cop handed me the dreaded yellow slip, he headed back to his un-marked car, no less. We were free to go. Careful not to speed, I slowly merged back onto the highway. What I didn't take into account was the gravel I was parked on.

I spun out.

Yep. Rocks were flying at the cop.

Good job, captain idiot.

Anyway, we laughed the rest of the way home, as I was driving 5 under the limit.

I don't want to talk about it.

I don't want to talk about the fact that I got my first speeding ticket by a sneaky unmarked car. 

I don't want to talk about the fact that my bathtub is in my front yard.  Seriously. Don't ask. I said I didn't want to talk about it. 

Or the fact that I showered on campus today before work and the water pressure was awful, thus resulting in a really bad 'do. 

OR the fact that the men in the bathroom messed up my toothbrush so I went to the Corner Market to get another one AND THEY ARE OUT. Of toothbrushes? Why? They said they are getting a shipment on Thursday.  AWESOME. I will wait until then to brush my teeth.  

BUT I do want to talk about my fun weekend in Natchez - so get ready for fun pictures.  Hopefully downloading tonight.  Get ready. It was fun.  

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

Henry's Halloween and fall pictures! 

So precious...

life, and such.

Recently I have thought about just quitting everything and blogging for a living instead. It is way more fun and lots less stressful. I can't believe trey won't let me. I am not so sure it will bring home the bacon, but i sure do miss my blogging.

but i am here, for the time being, at least.

I have so many pictures and stories to share. some pictures, of course, will have to wait, as I do not have them on the computer. But here is a list (numbered, naturally) of happenings in my life as of late.

1) Our house is STILL for sale. Really, people? we are pushing six months. I always, since I was little, compared time to 9 months. Maybe that is because of pregnancy? I don't know. I do know this is strange, but I do it just the same. Anyway, our house has almost been for sale as long as it takes to grow a baby. This is so unexpected. I blame the market fo' sho'. I mean, I even put it on marketplace on facebook. Yes, I listed my home on facebook. I have gotten several messages about it via the book and have shown it twice because of the listing there. My favorite message from the facebook listing: "How much be yur house for a month?" Umm....I don't think this is going to work out, sir. Not renting, selling. Depends on loans, down payment, etc... He didn't respond. I am assuming Facebook doesn't require an IQ test. I am not giving up on the sale, though. I am just learning patience.

2) Sophie is a mermaid for Halloween. She hates it.

3) Trey, my mom, my daddy and I went on a vacation last week. It was a taste of Heaven on earth, I tell ya. We went to Highlands, NC. It was gorgeous. The leaves were peeking and just breathtaking. We relaxed, ate way too much good food, hiked, and read by the fire. Did I mention that I wish I was still there? Well, I do. One day we drove to Ashville and spent the whole day at the Biltmore house and winery. I love it. I am pretty sure there are ghost of George Vanderbilt's servants living there. Trey doesn't agree.

Anyway, good times with the parents. Much needed and much enjoyed. Fun times. Here are a few pictures from my mom's camera. I have a whole album of pics, but alas, not on the computer:

Me and Trey on top of Sunset Rock after a hike.

Some views in the neighborhood and hikes:

Me and Trey before dinner standing in front of my house that won't sell. (Sike)

My cute mom and daddy in front of the Biltmore.

I WANT TO GO BACK!!! Mama? Please?

4) Kristen is still living with me and Trey. After about 4 months of living with us during the weekdays, I gotta say, I will miss her when her surgery rotation is up in 2 weeks. Laura, you moving in for the next 5 months? I don't know what Trey is going to do when he is back down to living with only one Tomlinson girl.

5) Henry, who will be 2 Dec. 1, is officially my love. I love him. When he leaves school each day, he says clear as day "Bye bye, friends. Have a good day!" Trey is convinced he could knock out a 22 on the ACT tomorrow, if given the chance. I will have to say I agree. And, no, I am not biased. cute kid.

I guess that covers it for now. Now you are a bit more in touch with my life, as I am sure you all have been dying to hear about.

hello blog, it's me, heather

I feel like I have abandoned all of you.  This is not intentional, blog friend.  Life is busy.  I know your life is busy, too, so I won't get into it. 

I have great pictures of Sophie and Sam.  Sam, you ask? note: the cat in previous post.  He is practically a Skaggs by now.  We (I) named him Sam, obviously.  Just because we (I) thought "Sophie and Sam" sounded good together. Like when you say "Come here Sophie and Sam!"  I know his real name, but I refuse to call him that.  It is "Toddy", yeah, like Hotty Toddy.  The owners are Ole Miss grads.  That just won't do. I openly call him Sam and they are ok with it. 

Point is, when I have spare time, I will download and share the photos.  They are BFF for life. 

I am quiet fond of little Sam, the kitty. 

There is plenty more going on in my life besides Sophie and Sam that I am sure you are all just on pins and needles to hear about, but time is limited.  So, to satisfy your everlasting thirst of wanting to know more about me, here is a quick quiz I stole for the sis. 

A. attached or single?  attached- Married to Trey

B. best friend? i have many.  honestly, though, trey, my mom and dad, and my sisters.  I can't go a day without talking to all of them at least once. I have been blessed with many friends throughout my entire life, though, that are not family! Too many to name. 

C. Cake or pie? depends.  strawberry cake and cream cheese icing and key lime pie! I can't choose. 

D. Day of choice? Friday - the anticipation of the weekend. 

E. Essential item? cell phone

F. Favorite color? red

G. Gummy bears or worms? bears

H. Hometown? Starkville.  I love it there. 

I. Favorite indulgence? Mexican food and new shoes. and eating mexican food while wearing new shoes. 

J. january or July? January for sure.  I love the smell and look of clean calendars.  No really.  I love it. 

K. Kids? Do I have them? no.  Do I love them? yes. 

L. Life isn't complete without my? family

M. Marriage date? June 3, 2006

N. Number of brothers and sisters? 2 big sisters, 2 brother-in-laws - one older and one younger. All fabulous.

O. Oranges or apples.  Apples. I love oranges, but hate the white strings in them. 

P. Phobias? roaches. hurts me just to type that. 

Q. Quotes? not sure.  that is not my quote, that is my answer. 

R. Reason to smile? THE WEEKEND IS HERE. very rough week, no doubt. 

S. Season of choice? Oh I love the fall.  

T. Tag 5 people. That is annoying. 

U. Unknown fact about me? I lead 7th grade girls small group at church.  They are hilarious. 

V. Vegetable? I love them all. 

W. Worst habit? I stress out sometimes.  And when I start stressing, I can't stop. This week was one of those weeks, if you want to know.  But I am ok now.  The weekend is here!

X. X-ray or ultrasound? Like which do I prefer? I don't get this one.  I have never had an ultrasound. I have had x-rays.  I once had a nail in my head. 

Y. favorite foods? I love food. Mexican and Japanese is my favorite though. And ice cream. And cereal. 

Z. Zodiac sign? Taurus. 

Happy weekend!  We are off to the coast to visit Trey's parents tonight then going to an engagement party tomorrow night.  So fun!

Sophie's new best friend.

I am not a cat person. Never have been. I think they are a bit quirky and not very sociable. Please, cat lovers, do not persecute me. I am not saying they are terrible creatures, I am just pointing out the fact that I am much more a dog person.

Well last night when I pulled up at my home after small group, Sophie and Kristen were waiting for me in the garage. Sophie ran to me as she always does. I imagine this a bit like having children. I, for one, have no kids other than the malte-poo, so am only making this judgment based solely on observation. Anyway, it was then that Sophie spotted a new friend: the cutest, smallest little silver and white kitten in all the land. I was scared of what my 10 lb. fur-ball might do to this petite little youngster, but to my surprise I found them kissing. Kristen and I almost cried it was so cute. They played together in the front yard, walked side-by-side on the sidewalk and kissed each other.

I figured it was our new neighbors' and didn't think about it

again. Until this morning. The little kitty cat was waiting for us on the front porch. He/she is the cutest thing. I opened the front door and put out a bowl of milk and water, since I do not know her drink of choice yet. She lapped up the milk. It is pretty much love.

Sophie and I went inside so I could finish getting ready for work. But Sophie was not happy with that decision. She sat by the front door and cried! She wanted her friend! I immediately called the husband to ask if we could keep the cat.

he said no.

But I don't care. I will name him/her and will continue to feed the little body as long as Sophie's friend continues to pay us a visit.

Now I just need a name for the cute thing. I was thinking gender neutral since I do not know the sex, but Trey informed me that all it takes is lifting the leg to see what gender he/she is. I didn't even think of that. I guess that is why I am not a vet.

I will let you know. Hopefully pictures, too.

(not the new friend, but there is an uncanny similarity between this googled image and the real deal)

Happy Birthday, my dear!

Today is my husband's birthday!!  HIP HIP HOORAY!!

In honor of his 28th, here are 28 fun facts about Trey that you may or may not know:

1) he is a master on the guitar

2) and the mandolin

3) he is so passionate about students and youth

4) he teaches 11th and 12th grade Sunday school and they pretty much think he is the coolest

5) he wanted a big dog, but now wouldn't trade our 9 lb. malte-malte-poo-poo for anything.  He talks to her when I am not in the room. 

6) he is the best big brother to Adam

7) he loves chocolate and sweets more than any girl I know

8) he loves being in the woods and reading

9) he wear bow-ties

10) he still drives the same truck he got in high school.  the other day I noticed a string hanging from the bottom.  when i asked him what it was, he responded without a hint of embarrassment that it was simply the string that held the balloon when it was on the car lot.  That was 12 years ago. 

11) he thinks there is no reason to buy a new truck

12) he loves Christmas more than anything, even chocolate.  he starts listening to Christmas music in September and begs me to put up the tree in October. 

13) he is a great gift giver.  He picks out clothes for me from Anthropology. 

14) he is brilliant.  really.  kinda a little too smart at times. 

15) he had really thick glasses as a kid.  Really thick.  He was pretty much blind.  He had surgery and now can see...contacts and glasses free!

16) when we were dating, he was a youth minister in Atlanta and had easy access to all kinds of crafts.  he would make me stuff and mail it to me. 

17) he loves going on vacation.  anywhere, really, but his favorite is snow skiing.  he will sacrifice eating if it meant he could go on vacation.  he thinks the memories are worth any cost.  I love that about him. 

18) he loves his family and would do anything for them

19) he loves my family and would do anything for them

20) he always says he wants boys when we have children, but I am convinced he secretly wants little girls - I see they way he spoils Sophie. 

21) he gets his hair cut at a crazy place where the girls cutting your hair wears referee uniforms and ESPN is always on.  I refuse to go in there. 

22) he will pay good money for a bow-tie, but refuses to buy socks. 

23) when we were first married, he was going to surprise me by cooking dinner.  he heard of cooking with wine, so he marinated chicken in red wine vinegar.  It was awful. 

24) he wants to be Indiana Jones

25) as a child he thought his baseball cards would one day make him a millionaire.  He still has the cards.  They are worth a total of about $21.00. 

26) he can draw and paint, but won't admit it. 

27) he thinks that if he had been trained correctly, he could have played beach volleyball in the Olympics.  I bring this up from time to time just for laughs. 

28) he is the greatest best friend in the whole wide world!

I love you, Trey, and I hope you have a fabulous 28th year of life!

reporting in

So when I said in my previous post that I had plans that did not include some hurricane raining on my parade, I should have also pointed out that my plans did not include throwing up everything I had inside me for hours straight. But alas, I play with the cards I am dealt.

I am sorry for the graphic nature of this blog, but please, for sympathy purposes only, let me explain to you all how my week got off to a banging good start.

The original plan was for me to leave Friday and head on up to Nashville to see my dear friend Susanna. We have been best friends since the 2nd grade when I introduced myself in Mrs. Saucier's class by saying "Hey. I'm Heathuw". In a really quiet, shy voice. Speech impediment and all. She loved me from the start. We were both wearing homemade bubble suits for crying out loud: it was a friendship made in Heaven. Anyway, I can tell I am losing you.

So I was going to go to Nashville to see her (Olivia, if you are out there reading this, my plan was to call you and see you too. a fun time would surely been had by all) . Well once Gustav was on his merry way, my husband, the careful coast-born hurricane ready man that he is, was fearful that once I was away, I would not be able to get back home in a timely manner due to the fact that the interstates coming in would be all be north-bound for evacuees. AWESOME. So I did as I was told. Not wanting to put my husband through any stress, I cancelled the nashville trip.

But I was not going to let Gustav ruin my whole weekend! Oh no. So I packed my bags and made my way to see my little Henry, or Hennie, as he calls himself. Since Trey had plans this weekend and would spend a great deal working and Gustav would not be paying a visit until Sunday or Monday, a trip to see my little man sounded like a plan.

And it was. We played. We ate. We read. We painted. We raced on bunnen-bunnens. Obviously this is the little riding thing for toddlers. I don't know how to spell it. By Sunday, Gustav was knocking on the gulf's doors and I was getting a little nervous. So what did I do? I headed south.

Kristen thought this to be a dumb thing for me to do, but I figured I did not want Trey to ride out the hurricane alone, should it decide to come to Mississippi, so I must go to him. So kissed everyone goodbye and drove home. Since I did not have my camera and do not have a visual, I would like very much for you all to use your imagination here: The traffic on I-20 heading out of Clinton was crazy. Full of cajuns and coasties, I am assuming. Trailers, busses, red cross vans. Everyone prepared for Gustav, who apparently everyone was assuming was Katrina's brother. The moment I turned onto South 49, I was alone. NOT ANOTHER CAR. 49 North was in standstill traffic. Not me. I was cruising at a good 75 MPH. I counted 4 other cars on my way home that day. 1 was a Red Cross van, but I am counting it for good measure.

So I get home on Sunday to see that my sweet husband cleaned the house. Cute boy. But that is besides the point. I started feeling a little woozy. So naturally we went to eat Mexican. We feel that cures all blues. Well, not this one buddy.

A few hours later I was hovered over the toilet ridding myself of all that I had eaten the past 72 hours. It was horrific. Poor Trey.

This lasted hours. Through the storm. There were several tornado warnings on Monday, so my sweet husband pulled the mattress off the daybed in a spare room and put in the hallway close to the bathroom. Easy access.

So that is how I spent my first half of the week. I just hope I didn't get Hennie or his parents sick.

Now you know.

a note to our friend in the gulf

Dear Gustav, 

First of all, I don't understand your name.  

Secondly, please don't.  Just don't. 

Just go away.   

I have plans for the weekend and next week, none of which includes cleaning up debris,  living without electricity, or having trees through my roof.  

There is already a line to get gas here and bottle water is running low at the stores.  I am in no mood for such none-sense. 

Please, for the sake of my sanity and those around me, take you and your friend Katrina and be gone. 

Thanks. 

Your friend, 

Heather