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My Month in Photos...along with Randomness...lol

Hello to all!! So I have been quite a busy bee lately and have had no time for updates....So sorry, but here we go! I'm now in my 3rd month of school and feel stressed, but it's a good stress... I am in a trying to find some sort of balance and routine in my life phase in my life right now....and to most that know me know that it is NOT an easy task... I am not what you would call organized, anal, pulled together....I'm more of .....how can I put it...a "free spirit really"...lol...or just the biggest procrastinator in EVERY WAY I CAN POSSIBLY BE....it's a flaw, a really big one! I absolutely detest that about myself, so I am really trying to turn that part of me around, for those that are not that way(SL....lol)... I know what you are thinking, " What's the big deal...if you have something that needs to be done...get it done" and as easy as that sounds, it's so not!.. I really think that I have some sort of attention span issue, I go from cleaning, to laundy, to working out, to studying, to cooking, to researching stuff for school, to enjoying time with hubby.....and at the end of the day I'm exhausted, my house is a mess, I have nothing to wear, I've gained 5 lbs., I feel unprepared for my test, we end up eating sandwiches for dinner, I have no fundraising ideas, and my husband has gone to bed feeling a bit neglected..(AND WE DON'T EVEN HAVE KIDS YET) ...lol.....like I said...it's a BIG flaw....but I'm trying to really focus and take it one thing at a time....So any suggestions that anyone has for shaking this very disturbing habit....fill me in...how do you do it? Here are some pics of the highlights of the last couple of weeks and I will try to keep this up....

Halloween 2008 So much fun!

Me and my sweet friend Casey! Best Witches in any room!

Rockin it!

My sweet friend Kristy's graduation...

We had an absolute BLAST... I love my girls!

Anyway.... I have been tagged and thanks to my fabulous OCD Bride to Be (Miss Lowry)...I have to share 7 random facts about myself ....hmmmm...let me see...

1.) I'm a HUGE procrastinator .....(lol...SURPRISE) it's a trait that I'm slowly hoping to rid myself of!!

2.) I too have a weird chicken thing....I can't eat chicken on the bone....I know that is sooo odd, but it totally grosses me out... Scott has to peel it off (with no fat or veins)

3.) I will not use bar soap...I hate the slimy texture, and can't seem to hold on to it...I hate it, but my liquid soap HAS TO BE milky and moisturizing, I don't like it when it is more like a gel...?? yes I'm weird..

4.) I'm a salty sweet fanatic....Anything salty sweet (french fries dipped in frosty's, choc chex mix, brownies and cheese (not melted on just followed by) etc...I'm obsessed with cheese..I eat it with everything...

5.) I mute commercials.... all the time..They totally annoy me! Scott absolutely can't stand it! I just don't see the point...most of them a stupid and are a complete waste of my time..

6.) (According to my husband) I never take the end of ANYTHING.... example, if there is a cup of milk left in the jug and a new jug is next to it...I open the new one..lol....same with bread, toothpaste, soap, ketchup...lol...I don't know why I do that, and don't really think that I do, but if he says so... I also will not eat anything even remotely close to being out of date....Sell by date does not apply for me...that is my Eat by date...lol

7.) I can be a bit indecisive...(another one from the hubby)...but usually that is only on restaurant decisions...I think...I never know what sounds good...

Okay so there is some insight into my quirky side...

Thanks Stace that was fun...So much in fact that you have Scott,now running down my list of things that annoy him....lol....I just keep telling him to zip it!!! It's not the "Everything that annoys you list, or things that you like in the bedroom list..." What a typical man...lol

SOOOO......I will tag....

Hailey Lada

Kristi Fortenberry

Noelle Donaldson

Michelle Methvin

YOUR IT! .......lol....... XOXOXOXO

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...ooohhoooohhh

Sorry...to all...yes I have been a bad blogger...lol..but things are going so great!! I have started school and love it! I colored my first client the other day and was a nervous wreck!! She was so brave and very supportive....luckily it turned out AWESOME! I also got a little color happy and the results are in! Everybody loves it but the hubby...he is still riding the fence...You be the judge....

We finally got moved in and somewhat settled in our new place...It is so nice!! Unfortunately shopping for new deco for the townhouse is out of the question...but maybe after the holidays...Yes I said it...the HOLIDAYS....I can't believe that Christmas is just around the corner!!! It is my favorite time of the year by far....For me it means time with friends and family, good food, a break from everyday life... I love the music, the lights, the smells..I think people often get caught up in the gifts and Santa, and forget the true meaning and spirit of the holiday... To me it's a time to reflect on the year, be thankful for all of God's blessings, and start fresh with new goals and aspirations.... I can't wait!!!! I have been itching to pop in my Christmas Cd's ...ll..lol....Do you think that it is still too early.....???..I have found myself wandering around the house singing White Christmas for over a week now...lool...Probably because I could not resist and watched the movie last weekend...but anywho! What can I say... I'm a Christmas Junkie....lol......

Tired but Inspired...lol..

So things have been so exciting and crazy lately.... I have quit my job, started school full time, in the process of moving....(argh!!!)...and about to possibly start a new job!!! Whew....I believe that is all.... School is sooo great!! I have made a ton of new friends and feel that I have finally found my niche!! It has definately had its challenging moments, but it is what I have wanted for so long... I feel so motivated and inspired...everyday means learning something new! I have taken some funny photos of me and the girls! I will get them posted soon...

The move is still underway...just 5 more days!!! I cannot wait... I do feel for my poor husband though!! We can't physically make the move until Wed....and he is going to be all by his lonesome....so prayers and good wishes are welcomed....That's all for now...but I will keep everyone posted!!

They will be missed...

New News!!!! I have decided to go through the entire Cosmetology program, instead of just the Esthetician course!! I have done some research in the field and think that it will be a better move for me career wise, soooo with that decision made- I am starting school at The Salon Professional Academy on Tues!!! It is a change from part time to full time school which means I have to leave a group that I love and pursue something else in the evenings and weekends (ugggh!)(I'm NOT looking forward to that, can you tell??) I will miss them all so much- and while I was stressing this decision, because I had to make it quickly, I am so appreciative to all the girls at Noggins, especially my boss, for being so understanding and supportive- I have enclosed some pics of our group and hope to stay in touch with all of them- We have become friends and I will miss them terribly!

As far as everything else goes- the moving plans are still under way! They laid the carpet and installed our appliances yesterday in the townhouse!!! Just two more weeks!!! They are doing all of the landscaping now, and it seems to really be coming together! We cannot wait!!!

I am trying to turn over a new leaf and embrace living here... I have been homesick for so long, but now - having the opportunity to FINALLY move into a place that we love, and being able to pursue some of my own personal goals, it has made life much happier- I know that probably seems silly to most.... and the quote of the day should be "happiness is what you make it" but I don't feel that is always the case- maybe I just haven't given it a shot- So after 4 years and alot of "hard knocks"- I am now slowly accepting the fact that this is home to me....as hard as that is for me to say... I always felt like we existed here, but didn't live...simply because I had not allowed myself to create a life here- I thought that if I did- we would never get back to the "home" that we have always known and loved...What I didn't realize was that I was letting life pass me by, and wasted alot of precious time with my husband and daughter being depressed and selfish- So for my own sanity(and my husband's)- I can't do that anymore- I still would move back home in a minute, but for now- my life is here- and I plan on living it! Wish me luck!

Tina Fey Rocks!

Tina Fey cracks me up! I am a Palin fan, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share..... The resemblance is uncanny!

GARAGE SALE NIGHTMARE!

As most of you now know we are moving in 3 weeks and even with what seems to be so much time to prepare....I have been so frustrated and overwhelmed! I'm still very excited and am just trying to make this next transition as smooth as possible and driving myself crazy in the process!! There is just so much left to do! Between transferring bills, packing and cleaning simultaniously, getting Madi for the weekend, working full time and having family in town....what's a girl to do??? I KNOW!!! LET'S HAVE A FLIPPIN MOVING SALE AND INVITE ALL THE NEIGHBORS!!! I have been in major fall cleaning mode and have decided that I just want to start over.,.... a whole new look for my brand new townhouse!!! "It will make packing and moving so much easier," I justified to anyone that would listen!! " I could sell it all and make some extra money for bills and moving expenses....and finally be rid of all the crap that you so desperately want me to trash...lol" I said to my husband! He laughed and told me to "go ahead...you go ahead and add one more thing to your list of duties, but when your top blows...give me fair warning!" ..." Deal!" I lovingly said...and set the plan in motion...I pulled out my planner and started making notes...to anyone that knows me.....I'm a true procrastinator...but this move want to be as organized and prepared as one could possibly be....So I made lists of when all bills were due, meetings that I have for school, the moving dates, Madi weekends, and set my moving sale dates perfectly....even with an extra weekend just in case of awful weather....I was proud of myself to say the least....and bragged about everything that I had done to my husband.....mocking him for giving me such a hard time!!!.This was easy...I wish that I was always this prepared!!! I don't know why I was so stressed...( By the way this was last weekend and my sale was planned for 2-3 weeks away....PLENTY OF TIME) So I go to work on Tues...telling all my girlfriends what I had done and felt so proud all week that things were right on schedule....THEN FRIDAY HITS.... My boss suggested that I have my sale this weekend, we are getting busier and this would be the best weekend for me to miss a Saturday to have my sale ...."ok" I thought....this might work out better..."get it out of the way, and spend the rest of the month focused on the move.." So I get home and start working...after a bit..I went upstairs to change into my "sweatin clothes," lay back on the bed in front of the fan to cool off and accidently fall a sleep....( in true Stacy fashion ) just to wake up 3 hrs later....PANIC SETS IN!!!!! I end up staying awake all night to prepare for the "great idea" and toothpick my eyes open the whole next day to work it! Needless to say- I walked with nearly $1000 so it wasn't all bad, but I am sooooo paying for it now!!! On top of that I found out that we owe the city $ 400, to live here...and the bill has been going to the wrong address....arggg!! So before we can transfer anything that has got to be taken care...Cha ching! Just one more thing to add to our very long list of moving expenses!!! My prayer at this point is that everything starts to run smoothly..... Otherwise I think I might just give up....lol...to all the Mom's that juggle with a baby on the hip and one in the stroller....you get my applause....While I long so much for those days.....I think after this weekend I would be straight jacket worthy...lol...My poor husband.....he has his moments....but his patience is soooooo appreciated...without it, my exhausting and moody weekend could have been so much worse!

Crazy Times!

Okay...so I know it's been a while since I have updated everyone, so here we go... Last weekend I had family in town and had a blast!! We cooked out and sang karaoke....

it was hilarious...I'm sure you can tell by some of the pics....

My husband was the chef for the evening and did a fabulous job...it was so great!!! I have been on weight watchers (argh) and though I have been a slow starter....I think I am on track!!! (As I have said before I'm on a mission) It was a good time for all!! I miss my family so much and was glad to FINALLY get to entertain!

This week has been a little crazy! We have decided to move......AHHH....and to those who know us...this is not surprising news, but in this case, for the first time we will have a sense of feeling settled- and it could not come at a better time! Our landlords have recently moved to Maine and have decided to sell the property....so while I was stressed by this news....a client just happened to walk in the salon and mentioned these newly constructed townhomes that were literally right around the corner from the salon!!! I relunctantly went to check them out on Wed., (my husband had his mind set on a house)....and I fell in love! I told Scott about them, hoping that he would be open minded...and he did not disappoint!!! He loved them too!!! They are absolutely PERFECT for us! They have hardwoods, granite countertops, jacuzzi tub in the master... and it is about 250 sq ft larger than where we are now...oh and did I mention that the rent pretty much the same!! We are so thankful to have found it so quick! We are moving October 1st and have so much to do!! I am a true procrastinator at heart, and am trying my best to be as organized and proficient as I can, to make this transition as smooth as possible! I am soooo excited!

Things at the salon are still going great!! I love it! We have a new Esthetician starting soon and I am looking forward to having someone with alot of experience to learn from! The girls and I are still getting to know one another, each one is unique, and everyone has their "quirks", but it has been a rewarding experience developing realtionships, both personally and professionally. Watch out for pics of our crazy group soon!

Things are looking up!!

Hope everyone's weekend went well..... Ours was so hectic and way too short! I took my husband on his first real trip to Sam's.....lol.....adventurous and exciting I know...It was hilarious!!! He was so cute...it was like a kid in a candy store...lol...and $240 later, he was hooked! I love a man that loves to shop! Anyway- later we had a bit of a tiff... and I took it out on the debit card....not a smart move, but I got some cute clothes to show for it and an apology from him....so I guess it worked out well.....for me..lol...

My brother called and was officially declared Firefighter certified!! I am so proud of him! This is something that he has wanted for so long, and knowing what it is like to long for a career that I actually enjoy, it makes me so excited to see his dreams becoming a reality.... He has worked very hard and deserves it! My mom is going on a job interview tomorrow- It's for an assisted living facility as their Activities Director....I think she is a shoe in! She is such an amazing talent with a huge heart, and I could not think of anyone better for the job! Please keep her in your prayers this week!

I sent in my measurements for our bridesmaid dresses today.... that was painful....lol... I am on mission to lose my "baby" fat....lol....(saying that makes me feel better...I look like a mother with no child...lol) before the wedding and am so glad that I am working in a healthy environment! All the girls are very health conscious and it has motivated me to stay on my routine! When you are married to a man that is 6'5" and 280 lbs, its sooooo hard.... He eats for a family of 4 and I am trying so hard to break him of that, but so far with no luck..... He is frustrated with my choice of groceries....I get comments like "soy...WHAT???"....or "low fat???" or "Why did you by whole wheat...when I'm a white Texas toast man???"..... It has been quite interesting and entertaining to say the least......but like I said...I'M ON A MISSION AND WILL NOT BE DETERED....LOL (If you are reading this blog, ask me the next time we talk, about the motivation I received from the comedic display for Mom while in the dressing room...."the belly dance"....It will keep you in stitches...it did us)

My job is still going so well....and I can't wait for school to start.... I have butterflies in my tummy and it is still 2 months away.... I feel like I'm 18 years old and going to college for the first time....lol.... I don't feel intimidated at all just so anxious that I can't stand it! There is so much to do between now and then, but I know once it starts life as I know it, is going to be even crazier...so I should probably just quit stressing....but anyone that knows me knows that I will obsess until the day actually gets here..... I keep telling myself baby steps, but in the "fast food" world we live in, it's so hard to have that mentality.... I WANT IT NOW..... lol...I want it to be over with and on the road doing what I have always wanted to do, and make the big bucks doing it...lol....I know the satisfaction comes when you have paid your dues and put in the work...so with that in mind....I can breathe a sigh of relief, because I know I work hard and will excel in my craft.... In the meantime... I need to sit back and enjoy the ride!

Mom says "Ya gotta crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run"

When that day comes.... WATCH OUT WORLD HERE I COME!

A Positive Change...

Okay...so as most of you know I have been trying to go back to school for....let me see...8 YEARS now...lol... and am finally getting that opportunity.... To add to the good news.... I just started my new job at Noggins Salon... and I love it! Everyone has been so great and feel so blessed to be able to be part of such a fun group of girls! I miss all my girls at home so much, so not only landing a great job, but possibly great friends, is a God send right now!

Anyway- as many of you know, Miss Stacey, my partner in crime is getting married and plans are underway!! I'm so excited for her and Kelly and will be so honored to be standing next to both of them on that day! I have a few surprises in store for the big day and can't wait for January....!!! They are truly two of the best friends anyone could ask for...and I miss them so much!! Hearing about their plans, and excitement has made me reflect on when I was getting married.... That was such an amazing day and it's funny to me how much life changes....in just the last 4 years.. I am so proud of my husband- he has been so supportive- and although we have had our fairshare of problems over the years, I wouldn't trade him for anything- I appreciate what he brings to my life and the things that has done for us! I'm anxious to share those same moments with her.... I was recently listening to the radio and heard this song by Trace Adkins called "Your Gonna Miss This" ..and I found myself in tears.... It reminded me not to take these times for granted and to savor the moment... Scott and I have been trying to have a baby... and I have been so depressed (secretly) because it hasn't happened yet... and have forgotten that once it does- this alone time together will be no more.... so instead of stressing about it... I have decided to let it go...and trust that if it is going to happen then it will in God's time.... Anyway- to all who haven't heard this song I encourage you to listen to it....It will change your perspective on things - especially when the frustrations of the day has kicked in.... Right now I'm going to focus on my career and the plans we have for our future... I have faith that it will all work out! Hugs to all!!

Well, here we go...

Wow! The weekend is FINALLY here! Well I have a ton going on these days! Just returned from my trip home- and had a blast! I got to visit family, shop for bridesmaid dresses, dinner and movies with the girls....etc... It was so refreshing!! Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in daily life, we forget the value of friendships... and the important roles that they play!

Sitting here now, after my husband's gone to sleep, hs given me a moment to reflect on those past relationships, as well as what my future holds. Through Miss Lowry's (soon to be Corcoran) encouragement, I have decided to start this blog, to take a step toward sharing our daily life with the masses...lol... I get so much enjoyment from seeing the exciting changes that happen with all of you... and though sometimes it feels like we are worlds apart, reading about everyone makes me feel as though I am back home, for the moment... In a perfect world we would be surrounded by our close friends and family, with the perfect job and fabulous place to call home...but for now this blog will have to do.... hopefully someday!

So what's happening now??? Well, I have finally reached a point in life where I can focus on my career and goals that I have set for myself! I am so psyched! I have enrolled in Esthetician school and begin classes in October! This has been a dream of mine for 8 years and I can't believe that it is finally coming to fruition! On top of that- I have just landed a job in my field that is close to home, with a TON of growth opportunity! I am so excited about starting this new chapter in my life, and hope that you keep me in your prayers!

My husband just got a promotion at work, so it looks as though Maumelle is where we will call home for a while! He works so hard and I am so proud of him! He is 100% supportive of all my efforts this year and I love him for that! Madi is going into fourth grade and growing up so fast! Scott and I have been trying for a baby, with no luck.... I honestly think that with all that I have planned this year, it has turned out to be a blessing in disguise...

Maybe someday...in God's perfect timing, but for now life goes on...

Being so far away from family for so long was quite a challenge for us for a long time, but I am so proud to say that my brother now lives here with his wife, Kayla, my sweet 5 yr old niece, Aubrey, and my new, beautiful niece, Ashlynn Blayke... They have been such a blessing, and it is so great to have family nearby..... In recent additions, my crazy Mama, has moved in with us, for now, and I'm loving the estrogen!!..lol.. Park Plaza Mall....HERE I COME!

All in all- life is great up here in the beautiful hills of Arkansas...

hahaha...
and we are making the most of it!