Where is he????

Not gonna lie... "Where is he(Mr. Right)???" ... this question has been flipping through my mind more often than not lately. I am 26 years old and still haven't come across him! In my dream world I had already married myself off by this age.... The pressure of this world tells me "you're strange! you're weird! something is wrong with you"... as if I need a relationship to prove my value or worth. When I begin to feel overwhelmed I find myself going to the word, going to the Lord and praying for his peace, his purposes, his direction and his will. I constantly have to remind myself that my timing is not his timing, nor are my ways his ways. I also hold fast to his word that it is not good for man to be alone... and if his word is true, if his word is unchanging.. surely he hasn't forgotten about me.

I guess I've been thinking about it again- because of the article I read in the Chattanooga Times Free Press about Lee University's "ring by spring" program, my parents just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary yesterday and I have a wedding of childhood friends to attend tomorrow night.

In the mean time, shallow-cheesy or not! this is a list I started in high-school of my dream guy. Yes- over the course of 8+ years it has been edited and updated... hey- my philosophy... it's good to know what you want. If you don't have standards- you'll settle for less than the best!

1. Actively pursuing a relationship with Jesus Christ
2. Funny, Witty
3. Smart
4. Good communicator
5. Patient
6. Taller than me
7. Southerner
8. Has a solid job
9. Pretty, clean, white teeth
11. Dresses well (i.e. polo and khakis)
12. Enjoys kids and wants to be a dad at some point
13. Traveler
14. Goes to church regularly, even by himself
15. Is NOT racist
16. Enjoys and likes different genres of music
17. Social
18. Optimist (I can NOT handle cynisism!)
19. Clean, takes care of his things
20. Semi-organized
21. Athletic
22. Passionate
23. Loyal
24. Good credit score
25. Handles money well
26. Confident
27. Good family/ family oriented
28. Hard worker
29. Romantic
30. Selfless
31. Trustworthy
32. Benevolent
33.Empathetic
34. Does not plan to have alcohol in his home, especially when he has children
35. College educated
36. is a Leader
37. has a disciplined prayer life
38. handyman
39. Honest
40. doesn't watch/dvr tons of tv shows

**Bonuses but not required:

*no school loans
*good cook
*avid reader
*UNC/Tarheel fan
*conservative political views
*good singer

**Deal breakers:
*DUKE fan...
*Smoker/Drinker

Know any guy that meets ALL those qualifications? okk... most of them??? keep your eyes and ears open! and send 'em my way!:)

Quote of the week...

I'm a writer. I'm a quote kind of person. I came across this one today on a friend's facebook page and liked it so much I had to snag it. Simple words- yet powerful truth!

"You know it's been said that we just don't recognize the significant moments of our lives while they are happening. We grow complacent with ideas, or things or people and we take them for granted and it's usually not until that thing is about to be taken away from you that you've realized how wrong you've been that you realized how much you need it, how much you love it".

"Ring By Spring"

So... I'll be the first to admit... I just knew that I would graduate from Lee University with 2 things, a college degree and a husband. Well 4 years post graduate- I have the first but have yet to find the second. If you don't believe me- I'll pull out my high-school senior scrapbook album we made in Honors English- and I'll turn to the "10 years from now page..." and show you. I really thought I would meet the man of my dreams while in college. Alas- I didn't. I was afforded many male friendships at Lee and a few dates- but nothing that transpired into anything serious. Do I regret this, no? Would I have married someone had the opportunity presented itself, maybe? Would I change the outcome of my marital status graduating from Lee, NOT HARDLY. In hine-sight I can truthfully say I was too young as an undergrad at Lee to have every been married- some days I still question rather or not I'm old enough to be married... in fact I'm still praying for God to put Mr. Right in my path.

There is a point to my rambling... recently my college roomate Amy Beth posted this link to her facebook... http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jul/25/lee-college-marry-me-u/

Lee University, as most private Christian universities, is the perfect ideal place for couples to meet, fall in love and marry. Lee is known as the meeting place for many a couple. One of the mantras around campus is "Ring before Spring ".

"It's not watcha know, it's who you know!"

After church this afternoon I was checking my facebook status updates- when I noticed a coworker of mine posted a status offering free tickets to tonight's American Idol Summer 2010 Tour at Verizon. Lacey works at Verizon on the weekends and is able to get free tickets every once and a while. Most of the time it's last minute when concerts aren't sell outs- so its spur of the moment and you just have to be spontaneous and go. I went through my list of people to call who I thought might want to go- most of them laughed at me because of how hott it was outside. I finally convinced Emerald (it didn't take much twisting of the arm) to meet me there. It worked out perfect as it was about half-way driving distance for both of us. We had decent seats- and were able to move a little closer- this concert was by no means a sell out. So- while I wouldn't have paid to go to this concert- it was very worth the free ticket. The weather cooperated nicely- at first the humidity was less than desirable however a quick storm blew though cooling things off just enough. And no- we didn't get wet!

Old friends... are the best friends...

Growing up in my church afforded me many life long friends.... as we grew older inevitably time and distance has split us in different directions...however I am thankful that in our case, we share that kind of friendship where- no matter how long we go without talking or seeing each other we are able to pick up right where we left off... we also know that we can depend on each other to be there for the good and bad times... today Melissa and Ricky were in town so we made a gathering out of it... we also had something to celebrate... Sara's engagement!!! Last year we married Melissa and Amanda off... Sara's next. Of course that leaves me- Miss Bachelorette... you can bet they good naturedly kidded me about that too!

Red Neck fun at its finest!!

I told Ashlyn- this morning when I woke up "I told myself I was going to go for a walk." Her reply "Good, you can come and walk Buddy with Ayden and Weston."

I had the bright idea to take the boys and Buddy to the park. Knowing it was going to be a hot day I thought it would be fun to cool off in the creek and to see Buddy play in the water. We had the best time! It was hysterical watching Buddy "swim" and play in the water for the first time. Ayden put on quite a show himself as he slipped and slid every which a way...

Who needs the pool? Who needs the ocean when you have this at your back door...






Fun was had by all ... and we didn't pay a cent! I think it's safe to say we'll be visiting again!

This evening we had to take Mom and Dad back to share in the fun!

Here are some videos...

Super Heros...

We nick-named Weston "Superman" and Nana nick-named me "Wonder Woman" because I just happen to be there when I'm needed most! I was there when the accident happened, I came and took care of Buddy when he ate chocolate and then again when Ayden cut his finger....

"Hippo Hurray" it's Ayden's 4th Birthday!!!

Remember last month's "Let Me Hold You Longer"

"Hippo Hurray it's Ayden's Birthday!"

Four years ago today a little piece of heaven was sent our way, you stole our hearts the minute you arrived

You're the apple of Jesus' eye and our eyes too

Though sneaky, curious and daring as little boys are- we love you through and through

You make our world go round Ayden Thomas!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:)

Rescued Hawk!

This morning I was driving to my Saturday morning grad class when Mom called, kind of frantic, she had found an injured hawk on her morning walk. She asked me if I would call our vet's office and talk to Jen or Kendra to see what the protocol was for dealing with such. I called and talked to Jen. In the meantime she called Tyler and Tyler happens to have a friend Adam who is a bird fanatic- in the literal since. Both Jen and Adam suggested we take the bird to the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville. Adam interned at the Carolina Raptor Center during his undergrad in college- he happily volunteered to come and take the hawk to the CRC. Look at the pictures and you'll see Adam knows his stuff!

Adam called after dropping the hawk off. After an examination and observation they it was concluded that the hawk had been struck by lightening and electrocuted in the storm last night. The lightening entered under its wing and exited through its claw shooting off one of it's talons- how wild is that! If the electricity didn't damage too many cells they believe it will make a full recovery. If Adam hadn't taken him when he did- it probably wouldn't have survived. Once the hawk recovers they will release it in the same area it was found. They also gave us a tracking number to call and check on it- how cool is that?

What's that I Smell?

Isn't crazy the associations we make with smells? Like, when you smell an odor - sweet or sour- it reminds you of something. Here are a few of mine...

Red Door perfume- Maw Maw Dancy

Beautiful perfume- Ashlyn

Tommy Hilfiger Girl perfume- Jennifer Pittman

Pear Glace by Victoria Secret- Lisa Porter

White Shoulders perfume- Aunt Bev

cedar- the lake house

smoke of bon-fire - mountain house

Love Spell by Victoria Secret- Kendra Holder

Love Spell mixed with cigarette- Sandy Holder

Gardenia- Maw Maw Butler

aftershave= my daddy

passed gas= my Paw Paw Butler, Weston or Ayden

plastic beads + hot glue = Maw Maw Dancy's florist

Clinique Happy perfume= my college roomates

water treatment plant= Cleveland, TN

What Summer evenings are made for...

Emerald was up for a visit today- while the crew went to the Y to workout we decided we would plan dinner and make a grocery run. Now that their grill is a working grill- our menu has been "movin' on up". For dinner tonight we grilled bar-b-q chicken

and veggies,

I made a broccoli casserole and Emerald made a noodle dish.

Desert was to die for! We cut up fresh fruit and broke-in my new fondue pot I had been given as an end of the year gift from a student.

3 months..

April 7, 2010 - July 7, 2010

A lot can change in three months...

then you were fighting for your life...

now you're running around setting off fireworks and loving on Ayden.

I wonder if it's hot enough.... to fry an egg?

Looking at today's forecasted temperatures my curiosity got the best of me... "I wonder if it'll be hot enough to fry an egg on the asphalt this afternoon?"


When I thought the temperatures had reached their peak...


...and my car thermometer read a blazing 107 degrees

it was time to give it a try...

Before...

cracking it open...

during...
after

FAIL! Apparently it was not hot enough to cook an egg.

I came inside to google my failed hypothesis.. it seems temperatures must reach around 150ish degrees before an egg will begin to cook.

Guess you'd have to find a desert first!

EDIT

***tonight's news said that this was indeed the hottest day of the year this far!

Cheerwine Krispy Kreme....

Two of my favorite things... Krispy Kreme and Cheerwine. Last week they were joined together. I'm not sure what I thought about the union! Honestly- "I could take it, or leave it." Erin a glass bottle Cheerwine conasuer had this to say, "I just ate a Cheerwine doughnut. Cheerwine was fine on its own and so was Krispy Kreme. I hope they signed a prenup before they got married." This craze will only last the month of July. Dad stopped by the Salisbury Krispy Kreme Friday afternoon- they had sold over 400,000 Cheerwine infused Krispy Kremes... crazy!!!

Let Freedom Ring! Happy 4th!

The 4th started out bitter sweet as last year this time Maw Maw Dancy slipped into a coma on the 4th before passing away on the 7th.

We started the day out right at church. I loved the patriotic melody we sang at the opening of the service. Pastor Greg preached a great sermon on "People Under Renovation".

After church we headed to the lake for some fun on the water.




Coming off the water we were good and hungry for some hot dogs, hamburgers and homemade ice-cream; a standard 4th of July meal.

After filling our tummies we headed home to watch redneck fireworks at their finest produced by none other than the Edwards' crew and neighbors.

Ayden and Mommy light a sparkler

Buddy was not a fan! He wanted nothing to do with the fireworks!

We'll make this little wolfpacker a Tarheel yet!


CHEESE!

Ayden with Nana and Paw Paw

I thought this was a neat shot- moon in the background hint of fireworks

A little bit of this, a little bit of that = a whole lotta nothin'!

This week has been filled with a little bit of this, a little bit of that... and a whole lot of nothing. A carefree week- just as summer should be!

I saw two movies on my "to see list":

1. Karate Kid- honestly can't tell you how I would compare it to the first one cause I never saw it. (it came out the year I was born) I had to see this when I realized it was filmed in Beijing- exactly where I was a year ago! It was neat seeing familiar places and being able to say "I've been there! or seen that!"


2. Eclipse- no I wasn't in line to see the midnight premier. No I'm not a die hard fanatic. I've only read up to Eclipse in the series. Haven't gotten around to reading the last one, Breaking Dawn. The movie was good. Not one that I have to rush out again and see like several crazed movie goers I heard today. I walked out of the theatre thinking to myself... I'm team Jacob...yes.. it's taken me 3 books and 3 movies to decide.. I'm team Jacob.



This week was also VBS at church. Theme "How it works... the Bible." The purpose of this VBS was to learn how to navigate the bible and memorize the books of the bible. I assisted in the 2nd grade classroom.





Thursday I kept the boys so that Jan and Ashlyn could have a mother/daughter day out shopping. We had fun splishing and splashing in the pool!