Becky Crocker

The past couple days have been great. I have been in a big "baking frenzy". No one in the house, especially Sam, Seth and Sam's friends, seem to mind tho. It keeps my mind busy and I feel it is good for the soul. Not as good as Jesus, nothing can come close to that, but it still does me good. I find myself very comfortable in the kitchen now. Don't enjoy cooking as much as baking, but I will take either one. I found a ton of great recipes to try on Pinterest. Looking forward to being able to bring some goodies into work when I return. But for now, I will show you the two that I have made and were a great succes.

Jello Cookies

I made what jello flavors we had, which were orange and strawberry banana. They were also sugar-free jello's. Everyone seemed to like them without the extra sweetness. The orange was compared to a starburst and the strawberry banana was compared to a pop tart. Just so you get an idea.

 

 

Pistachio Cupcakes

These were just SO pretty and appealing in the picture that I HAD to try them. Not only do we all love pistachios, but that cool lime green color was just calling my name saying "Bake me! You know you are going to love me!" So I did. And they were devoured before I ever got to make the icing to go on them. I still would like to make the icing and have the "whole" cupcake one day, but they are delicious by themselves. Very moist and exactly what you would want a cupcake to taste like.

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday was a big day for me. I got to leave the house for a little while!! First time in a month and a half, other then going to the doctor. I went to work and stood outside as healthy people came out to give me hugs and to catch up. It was great to see everyone. Mom ran some more errands and I stayed in the car for most of it. Then we had Sonic for lunch. I love that place! Blue coconut slush, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. By the time we got home I was exhausted. It was definitely worth it tho.

 

Been doing my daily devotionals through theYouVersion app on my phone. I tell you, it feels like the Lord is speaking directly to me each day. Like each one was written just for me. If I feel myself start to lose patience or getting irritated, I can just read the devotional again. God is good.

 

Well, for today I'm hoping I can do some sewing. I'm absolutely horrible at it, but the only way to get better is to practice, right?? Sooo, I'm going to work on the Secret Santa gifts for the girls. Hopefully they turn out alright. If not, we have some new cleaning rags :) Hope everyone has a blessed day! Keep God first!

 

 

 



Born again

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Patience

So it has been a little while since my last post. I have been a busy lady. Working the usual 40 hours a week and on my days off I have my little man. He wears me out more than the 40 hour work-week, but none-the-less, I love every second of it.

This post is basically to all my Aunts, cousins, friends, etc.....that I have played with or watched their kids or grandkids at some time. I never knew how such small things could test us. I have always loved kids, always wanted to be around them and most definitely can't wait to have my own. However, Anthony has been a perfect "trial run" to the future....

I always remember doing whatever I could to get the little ones to laugh. Never thinking about the time that I was trying to do this in. Example: making a funny face or playing hide-and-seek while they are trying to eat, or tickling them while they are getting their diaper changed. To everyone, especially Jenny, I'M SORRY!!! It has come to my attention that this makes the task at hand EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. How did I find this out? My mother, that's right, Mom. You see, I am solely responsible for Anthony when I have him. This doesn't stop the whole family from loving and spoiling him, but feeding, changing, bathing, dressing, etc.....are all my job. Everyone plays with and entertains him. So one day, I was feeding Anthony his lunch. He, out of nowhere, starts laughing and moving all around while I had a spoonful of whatever. I tell him to settle down and open his mouth. He finally eats that bite. Then guess what? He does it AGAIN! What is going on? Turns out it was Mom. She was playing with him. He thought it was just great. Mom thought it was just great. I, on the other hand, wasn't too thrilled. I had nap time in mind. That comes after lunch time. This "game" was slowing down the process. So now, every time he is ready to eat, Mom and him look at each other and give this grin. Then Mom turns away and says "Alright! I'm getting you in trouble".

It's funny to me now that I can look back and see how he has grown to be so close with all of us. He is an extension of our family. But he does try your patience at times. All you can do is love him. He is a hand-full but still my little love bug. I don't know how Mom had 5 of us!! Forget doing anything on your own, you have a shadow. Bathroom, kitchen, laundry room....yea he is everywhere. Try to cook or do dishes, he is going between your legs, yelling into your legs, then trying to climb up your legs. Laundry, oh he helps alright. Takes every piece out of the basket and then puts them back in. One. At. A. Time. Vacuuming, yea he pushes the canister around. Heaven forbid it gets stuck on something! You would think somebody pinched him! He helps with everything. But patience, is what he helps me with. If you don't have any.....don't have kids. That simple.

ChAnGeS

So it has been a while since I last blogged. The computer decided to never work and crash on us. A lot has happened since then. So I will attempt to fill you in.

Christmas came and went. It was a great time spent with family. New Years followed. It was also a great time spent with family. I can't believe January is almost over already. Time sure does fly. Most of my time has consisted of working and having my little boy Anthony. He has gotten so big and very smart. He is practically a part of this family. He has learned "buh bye" and waves both hands as he says it, "thank you", high five and "shut". It is to the point if we are in the cabinet or fridge getting something out, he comes along and shuts it saying "thank you", while we are still in it. It is pretty funny to see. February 3rd, he will be 15 months old. Grow up way too fast.

Work on the other hand, is a little different story. We were informed of some "changes" being made this past Tuesday. They eliminated 3 senior manager positions, meaning 2 people were fired out of the blue. It was a big wake-up call. They say there are more changes to be made this coming week, but they won't tell us what kind of "changes". Until then, I am thankful to be employed. McDonalds is always hiring if push comes to shove.

I'm sure I am forgetting some things, but they will come up in another blog. I have to work early in th morning. Hope all is well with everyone. Until next time....

LoVe <3

Couple Days

So the past few days have been interesting. I had off on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday I went over to a firends house and played some pool. After that, the plan was to make some Christmas cookies. So over to the house we went. Exactly 7 hours and 31 dozen cookies later....we were exhausted. It was a lot of fun. Lots of laughs.

Wednesday consisted of going to the dreaded stores to even TRY to do some Christmas shopping. Then we sat around, ate dinner and wrote out 60 Christmas cards. All while watching "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". Oh my goodness! Who thought of that movie?!? Yes....I did think I would have a permanent indentation of the pen on the end of my finger. Needless to say, it went away.

I worked from 6-3 today. It was a long day. Very dragged out. I seem to be taken from one end of the store to the other. At least I know I get my exercise in. I get to work 7-4 tomorrow and then its 2 overnights in a row! I can tell you know, I may be a tad grouchy on Tuesday if I don't get at least 6 hours of sleep. Consider this fair warning :) Nah, it should be all good.

I don't know what else to say for now so "Peace, Love and Grits" Until next time...

LoVe <3

Whispers

Yesterday morning I woke up to "Bekah...Bekah", I opened my eyes, "it snowed last night!" My response, "no it didn't Sam".  Sam- "Yes it did. Look outside." I rolled out of bed as Sam came into my room. I opened my blind, and sure enough, the ground was dusted with snow. Sam- "See, I told you. Alright, I gotta go to my CPR class". This whole conversation, was done through whispering. You could tell the excitement in his voice. Like he just couldn't wait to tell someone.

So he woke me up just to tell me. Then memories flashed through my head. The times that we would listen to those superstitions about wearing your pj's inside-out. The whole time crossing our fingers that school would be cancelled. Sam, Seth & I all piling into one bed and sleeping sideways so all 3 of us would fit, on Christmas eve, and non-stop talking until we passed out. Just to wake up at 6:30 and know that we still had to wait for Mom & Dad to get up.

Or even farther back, when we were at the old house on Hickory Mill Rd. Oh how I loved that place! When we had nothing but each other, our cousins, our FAMILY! On Christmas morning, Matt or Dan, would sneak downstairs and take a peak around. Then come up and talk about the presents they saw. Sometimes even giving hints when the presents were too big to be wrapped. I will never forget the morning that Dan went down and came back up, his eyes as big as could be and said "Bekah, you are going to LOVE it!" He sat down on the floor and started "air pedaling". Instantly I knew I had gotten a bike. I remember jumping up and giving him a big hug, as if he had gotten me the present. Or the Christmas I got the big dollhouse. I was so upset when Sam started playing with it before me! I can laugh at it now. Then there was the Christmas that I got the leash and dog bowl. I remember ALL the excitement from every one of us! We sat there in the living room floor, building legos and thinking of what names we would pick for the dog. Never knowing that we would get Frosty. He was a pain, but very much a part of our lives that we will never forget. That dog was loyal and a little snappy, but he was a part of our family.

As we get older, the tables turn. We could care less about what we get. We even say we don't want anything and can literally mean it. Just spending that time with family is the best. Talking about those old days and sharing those memories, makes my heart all warm and fuzzy. It's irritating to me that people make it about worldly possesions. You can't take it with you! If thats all your life has mound up to, it's going to be lonely. So just to set it straight, its CHRISTmas, not x-mas. Don't take the reason out of the season! He gave us all another chance at life. Whenever you want it, just ask for forgiveness. He is why we are all here! Just a thought. Until next time...

LoVe <3

Home

Thursday night was a blue night...literally. Mom & I decided to paint the brown accent wall in my bedroom blue. We did this successfully and laughing at each other having our blonde moments. Friday was moving day. I can't even tell you the number of times I went up & down stairs. Mom, Dad & I got everything moved, completely unpacked and situated within 10 hours. Not too shabby huh?

I can't tell you the relief I feel. I don't think reality has even set in yet. It feels SO good to be HOME! I have passed out every night since I have been here. Sleeping like a baby. As I sat in my room last night, I was almost in tears. As we finished the final touches, I heard "welcome home Bekah Boo". Moms words ran through my head until I fell asleep.

I am so fortunate to have my family. Without them, I would be nothing. I can't believe it takes such stupid mistakes to make people finally realize what they have. I love these people with my whole being. I am truly blessed. Here are a few pics of the final product...

After we got everything cleaned up, we ordered some chinese for Sams birthday dinner. He didn't feel too well so we all just chilled. Work went crazy as usual. Mom & I went to the mall and did some Christmas shopping for Sam and Seth. I realized, I don't really have a tolerance for teeny-boppers. Sorry, but I have just outgrown that phase. Tomorrow I get to work yet again. But I will be home in time for the football game. Ravens vs. Steelers.....it's going to be crazy.

I'm going to help Mom with laundry, then jump in the shower. Who knows, maybe I will dream tonight. Until tomorrow....

LoVe <3

* Life isn't about the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away *

Catchin' up

So, yet again, it has been a little while since I have written. Thanksgiving here was great. I spent all day with my family. Mom, Dad, Ganny & I were in the kitchen until dinner was ready. Keeping up with the dishes as we were finishing with them. Once the boys got to the house, it really started getting fun. It was a good day to sit around, laugh and eat WAY too much.

Work has been the usual. Doing my my job and everyone elses. But it is a job. A source of income, I have no reason to complain.

Then comes the most crazy news of it all. I officially moved back home (for financial reasons). It feels good to be home, but at the same time, I feel like I failed. Mom had to give up her spare room that we spent all our time setting up and making it look nice. I have goals though. I am going to pay off all debt. Save up for Matt & Amandas wedding. Then I am going to go back to school and save my money!! I am officially never moving out again until I get married. Luckily I have a family that welcomed me back. I love them to death. Now it is my turn to do them proud.

I hope all is well with everyone. I will continue to write. It should be more frequently now because I won't be going back & forth. Until next time...

LoVe <3

First steps

Oh my goodness!! It feels like ages since I have blogged! I have been as busy as a person could be. There are sooo many things to catch up on.

Work has been hectic as usual. Doing the normal chores, like cleaning, dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, etc. And then of course, having my little love bug. Spending lots of time with the family. Just been here, there and everywhere. But amidst all this running around, one of the most exciting things happened!!

Anthony just turned 1 on November 3rd (I have no clue where the year went). He is growing too fast! I decided that we would stay at home for the couple days I had him. By home, I mean HOME! Not my townhouse, but with my family. Of course they welcomed us with open arms. And might I say, packing for a baby is DAUNTING! I had one bag with everything and he had 3 bags. I still felt like I had forgotten something! I had closed the night before. Not getting in bed until 12:30. Woke up at 5 to go pick Anthony up, and headed back home. He was a little out of it at first....

So we got him in a bath, changed and fed him some breakfast. He was a happy camper. Such a little cutie. Happy as can be. He took a nice nap and we went about the rest of our day as usual.

I get him bathed and in his pj's. Feed him dinner and totally expect him to fall out. WRONG! He had this last burst of energy, as usual. It was 9 o'clock and I couldn't believe he was still awake!! Mom, Dad, Anthony and I were all in the basement watching the CMA's. Anthony was dancing away to the music. He crawled over to the steps and I grabbed his hand. He stood up next to me and started walking beside me. Then he threw my hand down. He took 12 steps on his own, fell down on his butt, got up and started walking again!!! I was SOOOO excited! Mom & I were yelling. Dad was cheering him on. By the time I got my mind together I only caught the last 4 or 5 steps on video. I got to see him take his first steps!! It was an amazing feeling!

Needless to say.....we tried to get him to do it again. But little man was tired and finally fell asleep. He couldn't seem to get comfortable and wound up sleeping on me all night. So I didn't get any sleep because he was causing me to sweat to death. He woke up in his usual way, talking and with a big smile on his face. We started day 2.

Not a single thing in the house went untouched. Drool and slobber were everywhere! He is my little window licker....

He is my little love bug. Blows kisses to everyone....

It was a great few days! Yet again, spending time with family. If only work could go as easy! Hope all is well with everyone. Hopefully it won't be as long until the next blog. I plan on blogging again tomorrow. Until next time...

LoVe <3

Laughter...

....is the BEST medicine.

So this past week was my week to open. Of course, it had to happen when I was sick. Waking up at 4:30 every day and not getting nearly enough sleep. But I somehow made it through. Wednesday after work, I went home to see my family. Mom & I decided that we were going to move the plants from the foyer and put them in the family room. Basically just swap them around. We get this done. She had already decided that she wanted to move some of the bird feeders down to the back porch.

We go outside to do this. At this time, it is dark. I had NOT been informed of all the "details" before I said I would help with this project. The way she made it sound, it would be easy and done in no time. LOL. SO very wrong. I go out back to see that we were putting a shepherds hook in a big garden pot. No problem right? Wrong. In the 2 big pots were 2 trees. Naturally, they had to come out first. Mom asked me to go get a small shovel from the garage. She said it was hanging on the wall. So I went and got a small shovel aka a trowel and bring it out. She starts laughing hysterically and says "Could you have gotten a smaller shovel?" I had just done what I was told. I didn't know that the shovel was supposed to be used to dig holes in the ground to replant the trees!! I thought they were going "buh-byes" for good!

So we cut the trees out of the pots and I "lovingly" throw them on the ground. We get the shepherds hook in the pot and fix the bird feeder. Mission accomplished....right?? Wrong. We had to plant those trees now. I figured this shouldn't be too bad. I figured wrong. Of course, Mom wanted them planted down by the woods in front of this HUGE tree. So it was inevitable....I was going to hit those roots! After almost falling off the shovel, scaring myself with my own hair and throwing some of the "good" dirt away.....I finally had one tree in the ground. Oh my goodness, I have to do this again?!? After a hysterical laughing spell. We (when I say we, I mean I) started digging again. It struck me. We are outside in the dark, digging holes by the woods.....our neighbors probably thought we were burying somebody!!

Finally, that nightmare was over. We went inside, Dad had come home from work. We ate dinner and sat around for a little bit. Dad decided that he wanted to bring some firewood up before it rained. We grabbed our jackets and gloves and out we went. Mom, Dad and I all out in the dark again.  I thought we would be using the "old" method. A wheelbarrow and our legs. Well yet again, I was wrong. Dad grabbed the tractor and the wagon. I started laughing hysterically. If our neighbors thought it was weird that Mom & I were digging holes, they definitely think we are burying somebody now. We dug the holes and Dad took the body down in the wagon. BAHAHAHA!!! Finally the wood was done.

We then headed to the garage to empty off the pallets for the pellets to be delivered on Thursday. That was done in a jiffy. By this time it was 9:40pm. It was time for me to head to the house. It had been decided that I would get off of work on Thursday and stay the night at my parents since I had off Friday. Great plan.

I got to the house, showered, went to bed, went to work and back at home. Mom & I ran some errands. We had left the mall and I noticed there was a stink bug about 3 inches from Moms head!! I decided it would be best for me to wait and tell her after we were parked at the grocery store. I kept watching it to make sure it didn't fall on her at any time. We get parked and were about to eat a pretzel when Mom saw me glance over to her side with a smile on my face. She immediately looks out the window, "What are you looking at? Whats so funny?" Of course I said nothing. The she glanced up and let out a hysterical scream. Of course she was demanding to know why I hadn't told her. I had my reasons. For one, I wanted us both to live. For two, I couldn't imagine trying to explain to Dad how Mom totaled the brand new car because of a stink bug! I just couldn't see that going over well. So she went to get it to "crawl" onto a piece of paper. She knocked it right onto herself and let out this horrified scream. I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. I don't think I even took a breath for a minute!! Utterly priceless!!

We finished at the grocery store, came home and started making dinner. It was scrumptious. And then we made a new bread pudding. That was delicious WITHOUT the rum sauce. It was a very relaxing night. Slept great. Today will make many more memories I'm sure. I will keep you posted. Hope all is well with everyone. Until next time....

LoVe <3

Little things

So the past few days have been trialing. Work is unforgiving. Sickness deepens. Life seems to slow. It is then, that the "little things" in life, seem to be the best. The numerous inside jokes, or handshakes, or nicknames that I have with everyone at work. The chance to stand around and talk about the days events. This makes it easier to get through work. Even being wrongly accused of something, can't stand up to this. I know the truth. And luckily, I have witnesses. They have my back.

Times like these, family is great. Mom & Dad came into work today. We hung around for a little bit. They met some more people and talked with ones they already knew. It's like a burst of energy to get you over the hump. To continue the rest of your day.

And it's always a great feeling to have associates come up to you and tell you how cool your parents are!! DUH!! This, I already know. I am fortunate. Don't really have much to say. Tomorrow is Halloween and I have off. Going to try to relax. Hand out cavities to little kids and take some medicine. Hope to see the family sometime too. LOVE YOU ALL!! Hope all is well with everyone. Until next time...goodnight.

LoVe <3

Lil Mason

So this was my weekend off. The only thing I had planned was going to my parents for the Ravens game on Sunday, and of course the usual things, like cleaning and going to the store. Well, I suddenly had more plans. Keshia called and asked me to babysit Anthony for the weekend. Anthony is my godson and I love him like he is my own. I hadn't had him for about a month so I was excited to see him. He is growing so fast. It is hard to believe that he will be 1 on November 3rd. Where did the time go?? He looks so different even from a month ago....why can't they stay little? A month ago, he looked liked this....

I got him around 5:30pm. Had all my errands done and the house clean. As soon as he saw me, he reached out for me. Instant happiness. He is the happiest baby. I just love him!! So we played for a while, he ate, then he acted like he was going to go to sleep. PSYCH!! He closed his eyes for 5 minutes, then woke up with a crazy energy. He was "talking" away and I was talking back. I taught him how to drink out of his cup and he was still talking....

....next thing I know, it is dead quiet. I was checking for a pulse and thinking to myself "Oh God...it was only water". Once I made sure he had a pulse, I just started busting out laughing. He must have given his last Hoo-Rah before he literally passed out....

I picked him up and layed him in his playpen, all tucked in. At this time it was 9:30. I cleaned up his toys, wiped them down and got his diaper bag packed for the next day. Then I was in bed. I woke up to him "talking". I rolled over and looked at the clock....it was 4:05am!! I clearly remember thinking to myself "Dear God....please not this early? Not 4am". But I looked at his playpen and he wasn't moving. I know better then to get up, once he knows you are awake....then it's time to play. So I layed there and next thing you know, it was dead silent again. Looked at the clock and it was 4:15am....exactly 10 minutes later. Thank you Lord!!
I fell back asleep. I woke up by him talking yet again. This time it was 9am. We slept almost 12 hours.....that's my boy. Goes to bed happy and wakes up happy.

I got him up, changed his diaper and started to get my clothes out. Then it hit me...."What am I going to do with him while I was in the shower??" I decided to bring up his bouncy chair and sit it in the bathroom. However, it wouldn't fit through the dang door. Soooo I did what i could. Sat him in it with his cup of water and some strawberry-apple puffs. He was fine UNTILLLLL he couldn't see me. He screamed for the 2 seconds that it took me to stick my head out. I instantly thought "Oh my...this is going to be the shortest shower of my life". Yay motherhood. LoL. So I started talking to him and I remembered what Mom used to do with us ALL the time. She would make up songs. Then I was like "Oh great. I can't sing and I can't write a song". But the words just came to me. The most ridiculous song you would ever here, but it worked. He was quiet the whole time. It went like this...

Anthony is a big boy,

sitting in his chair.

Eating his puffs and playing,

waiting for me to be there.

Anthony is going to get a bath,

so he can be all fresh and clean.

And hes got a jersey,

to support his favorite team.

I must admit, I felt ridiculous singing this over and over. But also a sense of accomplishment because he wasn't crying. He then got his bath and all dressed up in his jersey. My lil Mason...

We headed over to Mom & Dads. I gotta tell you, the first grandkid in our family is going to be SPOILED ROTTEN!! Anthony isn't even ours and he is sooo loved by everyone. He is my little love bug. He loves Sam to death....

We all had a great time watching the game, playing with Anthony and eating WAYYY too much. Love being with my family. Its just great. Can't get enough of it. After everything was over and almost everything was cleaned up, it was time to get on the road. Had to get Anthony bathed & ready to go back home to his parents. Instead, his mother decided to text me & ask me to take him to her sister. Fine, whatever. What happened next, brought up nightmares. Makayla loves Anthony and didn't want him to leave to she rode the 5 minutes up the road with me to drop him off at the Shop-Rite. As soon as he saw his soon-to-be-uncle, he started screaming bloody murder. I got him out of his car seat and he was fine. As soon as his Aunt grabbed him, he screamed louder than I have ever heard. It broke my heart. He obviously doesn't want to be with them. Oh well, he is loved when he is with us. That little man has a special place in all of our hearts. Thank you everyone for loving him!!

Today was just another day at work so nothing special there. All the highlights of my life are with family. I LOVE YOU ALL!! I guess I have run out for now. Hope all is well with everyone. Until tomorrow... goodnight.

LoVe <3

P.S. Mom- sorry for all the handprints and drool on the door and all your appliances. LoL. Forgot how that could be. He doesn't sleep all the time anymore.

My Favorite Song

by Mom

5 little monkeys on the wall,

what do you think we should call them all?

Matt, Dan, Bekah, Sam, Seth

5 little monkeys can't you see,

those little monkeys belong to me.

Matt, Dan, Bekah, Sam, Seth

<3 <3 <3



Home

So I came over to my parents on Monday afternoon. Every intention of working my overnight and going back to my parents by 6am Tuesday morning to sleep for a few hours. I worked my overnight, got off at 5, took a hot shower and climbed into "my" bed. I call the spare bedroom "my" room because I frequent it often. Once I layed down, I swear I never moved all night. I woke up exactly 6 1/2 hours later at 12:30pm. Realizing I had left my contacts in all night. No wonder my eyes hurt so bad!!

Mom and I spent the day sitting on the couch, reading our books and doing a whole lot of nothing. Somewhere around 3:30, I snuck back up to "my" room and curled up under the covers. I fell asleep for another 2 hours. Next thing I hear is Mom saying "You little stinker! Get out of that bed right now! You won't be able to sleep tonight!" I hadn't intended on staying Tuesday night also, but as dinner time rolled around, I had no desire to get in my car and go to my house. Soooo....another sleepover it was.

The plan for this morning was to go to Moms haircut appointment with her and then who-knows-what for the rest of the day. So yet again, I was pretty much in a coma. Oblivious to the outer world in a nice deep sleep. Moms appointment was at 10:45. I hear shoes coming down the hallway. I know it is Mom. I can just tell by the walk, the sound of her steps. Each placed perfectly, not loudly, but on a mission. My brain halfway kicks on as the door opens. "Good Morning!! (way too chipper) If you still want to go with me you are going to have to get up. It's 9:30". What?!? I slept another 11 hours without ever moving? Wow! I guess my body needed it, as well as my mind.

As I get out of bed, the pain in my leg almost shoots through me. I thought I had just pulled a muscle by going up & down while working my overnight. But something was definitely different. I try to shake it off as I get in the shower. I get myself together and I am driving to the hair place before I know it. We are waiting and waiting.....and waiting. Tiffany (the girl who cuts Moms hair) never takes this long. Keep in mind it has only been about 5 minutes. Tiffany comes out in a sort of whirlwind. "Donna I have you down for NEXT Wednesday". The look on her face saying "Oh God PLEASE let me have written the right date on her appointment card!" Mom digs her card out of her wallet and sure enough......it was next wednesday. Gotta love it. Oh well. What were we off to now?

We then went to Marshall's and TJMaxx and Target and even the mall. All the while I develope a nice little gimp. My leg is on fire. What the heck did I do to it?? So as we were getting ready to go home, we decided to get a salad from Qdoba. We are walking back to the car and some ignorant teenager, driving WAY too fast, has the nerve to blow his horn at me!!! This sends Mom into a laughing frenzy and me into an utter rage. I wanted so badly to fly over there, put my hand out and give those obnoxious teenagers the "butt-whooping" of their lives. However, I kept my composure and finished hobbling across the street. We got home, ate our salads entirely too fast and watched "Cool Runnings".

After it was over we headed out to Kohl's. Once we made it home, it was understood.....I was staying the night again!! I have to work tomorrow morning at 8. But I can leave from "Home". It does the heart good to just have these past few days that I have had. Spending the days with Mom and the nights with Mom & Dad. The stress of work, the stress of everyday life disappears when you are around the ones you love. It has done me much good. Now if it could just mend wounded knees. We are making dinner, which consists of spaghetti and salad and some italian bread. And drinking yet another glass of hot tea. I think I have a new favorite thing. The brand is called "Bigelow" and the flavor is Vanilla Caramel. Absolutely Divine!

It's just about time to get off of here. I think I have run out for now. Going to spend some time with the "rents", eat some dinner and ice my knee. Hopefully it will feel better by morning. Hope all is well with everyone. Until tomorrow....goodnight.

LoVe <3

P.S.  Mom.....even though you sound like Frankenstein when you clear your throat, I still love you! ;)

Quince (15)

This is my 15th post. Didn't know if I would even write this many when I first started. Hopefully I can keep it going. So Mom and Dad are back from their mini vacation. They had a blast. They brought me back the sweetest gift.

I absolutely LOVE them!! It is a set of coasters for my bedroom. It means so much to me. I LOVE YOU BOTH!!

I got an update on Carls Dad. He received 7 staples in the back of his head. Carl told me that they want to move hospice in to help him with his Dad. I know that's not a good sign. Please keep Carl & his Dad in your prayers. I also talked with Bob. He is doing well. He said his foot hurts but he is taking it easy. Keep him in your prayers too please. Hopefully his foot will continue to heal.

Don't have a whole lot to write about. Made it through another day. I work an overnight tomorrow at work. It should be interesting. Hope all is well with everyone. I will talk more tomorrow. Until tomorrow... goodnight.

LoVe <3

P.S.  Parents go from people we have to listen to.....to being the first people we ask for advice. The shoulder to lean on. Best friends. Your biggest fans. Just your whole world. I love you Mom & Dad. Thanks for everything!! XOXOXO

Instincts

Today started like any other day.....waking up, showering and heading into work. It was another day at work. Not bad, but also not amazing. One of my associates, Carl, is 64 years old. He is like a grandfather to me. Reminds me of Chesty. Will stand up for me and bend over backwards to help me. He has been with the store since we opened. He doesn't ever take all his vacation time. And he has over 500 hours of sick time! He had to call out today. He is taking care of his 93 year old father. When I got the call, my heart sunk. I knew something had to be wrong. Not even 5 minutes after the store manager informed me that Carl called out, the hardware phone started ringing. I answered it & it was Carl. He was apologizing for calling out!! I told him it was fine and asked if he was ok. He said "Dad fell again today. He cut his head open and I can't get the bleeding to stop. I have to take him to the hospital to get stitches". I told him to be careful and to call if he needed anything. To stop worrying about Lowe's, his father was way more important. Please keep them both in your prayers. To keep Carl strong and to keep his Dad healthy.

By the time my lunch had come around, I had pretty much made up my mind that I was going to stay at my parents tonight and hang out with Sam & Seth. So I went home, packed up my stuff for the night, work clothes for tomorrow, ate some left-over spaghetti and headed back to finish my shift. When I got back, I was joking around with some of my fellow associates. Another associate came around the corner and said "It's so great to see a smiley Bekah. Just makes my day great". That was touching but also struck me....Do i really look that serious all the time?? So I'm going to work on tryin to stay positive. Things can always be worse, remember?

So I'm on my way to Mom & Dads. As soon as I walk in the door (literally) I hear Seth saying "Are you serious Mom? Really? I have no clean underwear!!" I bust out laughing hysterically!! Couldn't have entered at a better time. I had every intention of making them a nice dinner. But Seth left and Sam wouldn't tell me what he wanted. So taquitos it was. Bad idea!! I made some brownies with peanut butter M&M's in them and thawed some cool whip.

Ummm, I think Sam likes them. But he is just like me, cuts out of the middle. LOL

I took a shower and then guess what? I found myself doing the dishes, doing their laundry and cleaning up the house. Not that it was dirty. Just instinct. Not that I would never help out but I never imagined that I would just pick up and start doing my brothers laundry. Good 'ole mother instinct kicked in. I gotta look out for those boys. I love 'em too much!

Lol. He is crazy....but definitely an Ayers!

Don't worry....we aren't in the basement. Just needed a picture of Sethie-Poo.

Mom says they are having a blast. She sent a few pictures and they are incredible. So glad they are having a good time. They deserve it. Love you guys!!

This was entering the Yankee Candle store...

This was inside the store!!

I hope that countdown is wrong!!

 All-in-all it has been a pretty great day. I am getting ready to put the clothes in the dryer and head up to bed. I am tired. For some reason I slept awful last night. Just couldn't get comfortable. Hope everyone is well. Until tomorrow....goodnight.

LoVe <3

Challenge...

Sooo, family is everything! Why is it that they are the ones we take everything out on? Why is it that we hold a grudge against them? But yet, they are the ones to always stay by your side & support you through everything. Thank God for family!!

I am challenging everyone, to get together with their families. Maybe you need to get closer with your immediate family or maybe everyone needs to get together just to catch up. Like the old days. I am extremely close with my parents and my brothers. I couldn't be luckier. But I miss spending time with Aunts, Uncles, cousins, grandparents. Just everyone. I would love to see us all get together like we used to do when Deda was alive. Every Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl....we were together.

The cousins were like brothers and sisters. Now, we barely know what is going on in each others lives. Yes, I know as we get older and everyone works, that our lives change. People get married, have kids, have demanding jobs....but it doesn't mean we should lose touch with those that we were raised with. I am challenging us to all be able to get together sometime by the end of the year. It would be a blast for everyone to catch up and just have fun. So lets plan something!

That's pretty much my bright idea. I slept in until 11 today. Felt like I slept my day away. Still got a lot accomplished tho. Mom, Dad and the Johnsons made it to Williamsburg successfully and safely. I'm sure they will have a blast. I think I have run out for now. Give everyone a hug & kiss. They deserve it! Until tomorrow....goodnight.

LoVe <3

"That looks like you....you want it?"

The plan was to sleep in today. Instead, Jay decides to text me at 8am. Why is he up that early on our days off?? And if he is up that early, he could let me sleep. He could talk to his girlfriend. LoL. So since I was awaken, I decided to do some laundry and make my bed. Shortly after, I heard footsteps running above my head. So I would have been awake anyway. Mom calls me & wants to swing by and see my room. I go to jump in the shower and there is a surprise upstairs. BRAYDON!! He is Michelle's nephew. Just turned 1 and he is a cutie. No bigger than a minute. She says "Go get your Bekah" and he walked to me!! I was so ecstatic. They grow up too fast!!

Mom stops by and then we had to Kohl's and Marshalls to make some returns she had. While we are in Kohl's and getting ready to leave....Mom sees a shirt. She says "That shirt is really cute. It looks like you. You want it?" Something about this struck us both funny. We were in hysterics. I think it was just the way she said it without taking a breath. I love her!! Then we went and got lunch and headed to her house. Luckily Sam was there to share my Arby's with. I didn't need that stuff anway. We chilled there for a little while. Sam & I were tossing pillows around at each other. Then Mom & I decided to go to Rack Room Shoes. She got a nice pair of clogs and I got a pair of cute clogs too.

Shortly after we got back to Moms, I had to leave. Tonight was "Family Night" at the Towson Lowe's. Chelle asked me to go with her. It turned out really nice. They had Coldstone Creamery ice cream, edible arrangements, cakes, pit beef, drinks,mints....pretty much everything there. Store is very nice. Smaller than mine, but still nice. Then the firetrucks came. Kayla got in and put the hat on. Very cute.

Once we got home from that, we made dinner and sat down to watch a movie. Im exhausted. Just sitting here listening to music while I type this. Mom & Dad leave in the morning to go on a mini vacation with the Johnson's. Hopefully, Mom will get better and Dad won't get any worse. I'm sure they will have a blast. Hope they make it safe. I think I have pretty much run out for now. Count your blessings...most of the time they are right in front of you! Until tomorrow....goodnight.

LoVe <3

Ugh..

So I hit snooze on my alarm this morning 3 times.....this translates into 30 minutes. I somehow was able to get myself together and out the door by the regular time I would have been leaving. I am driving to work and realize....today is the 12th. The new traffic pattern for 24 started today. UGH!!! Talk about the most retarded, unnecessary thing ever. A man definitely had to think of that! Instead of getting to work 15 minutes early, I punched in at 8 o'clock on the dot!!

Work went like any other day. Lots of drama and hardly any customers. Hopefully things will improve soon. Once I got off, I went home and took a shower. Next thing on the agenda was to clean and re-arrange my room. Once I got started, I instantly regretted it. I was supposed to be off and relaxing, instead I was sweating and swearing under my breath. Not to mention, I was doing laundry during all this. After I almost tipped over my bookshelf, I realized I had to take half of everything off in order to safely move it. I got everything situated to where I wanted it to be and decided I could put my sheets on later.

I go upstairs to start dinner. I was GOING to cook some park chops on the grill. I defrosted them enough to separate them, headed out to the grill to get it started and it didn't start. NO BUENO!! So I got out the magic pot from pampered chef. Thank goodness for that. Whipped up some pasta and and heated up some corn. I had a hot dinner ready in no time.

After I ate, I went to empty the dishwasher. And guess what?? The bottom drawer wouldn't open. And on top of that, EVERYTHING smelled like sour milk. DOUBLE UGH!! So I then proceeded to take everything out and hand-wash it. While doing this I noticed what was keeping the bottom drawer from opening....one of the beaters had dropped underneath. Finally got all this done.

Then Chelle, Kayla and I all sat down to watch DWTS results show. Which is entirely wayyyy too drawn out. As this was going on, the basement door aka my bedroom door, started creaking. And creaking. And it creaked some more. I must admit, I was scared to open the door. I finally did and everything is fine. I finished the laundry and put my sheets on my bed while I watched the season finale of Teen Mom.

Definitely been an interesting day. At least I won't have a whole lot of cleaning. Planning on sleeping in, but we will see how that goes. Oh yea....I received one of the funniest texts ever today. I asked how my friends night at work was going. His response was "I rolled down a hill into a pond today". I was busting out laughing. Just think about that. At least that wasn't me. No matter what is going on in your life, there is always something worse. Just keep that in mind.

I think I have run out for now. I have the next 2 glorious days off. Tomorrow night is "Family Night" at the Towson store. Chelle asked me to go with her to meet everyone there and just walk around her new store. It should be interesting. Hope all is well with everyone. Feel better soon Mom!! Love you! Until tomorrow... goodnight.

LoVe <3

Another day, another dollar....

Oh boy! What a day. I'm glad it is over. Started out by waking up and literally feeling like my brain was trying to ooze through my ears. My head was throbbing. And what is this?? My throat hurts and I have junk draining down my throat! EEWW! I then received a text message from one of my friends, Jay. He asked how I was doing. He apparently was getting the same thing I was. I told him to just call out. He never calls out. I told him it would be better for him to call out and get better instead of him coming in and giving it to someone else in his department. Most of the people he works with will call out in a heartbeat. So that would just be worse for him in the long-run.

One o'clock rolls around....then 1:30....then 1:50. Nobody has seen Jay, he hadn't told me he was calling out. He is never late. His department is genuinely concerned at this point. They had called him & left messages, they had text him.....no response. So I went up front to the "call out" book. He wasn't in there! Odd. So I text him....no response. Ok....something is wrong! The first manager I see, I ask if Jay had called out or if they had heard from him. The managers response was "Yes, he called out". I was like "Oh ok, because nobondy has told his guys in his department. They were worried". The managers response at this point was "They will figure it out". WOW!! I told his guys. They were grateful and asked me to tell him to get better. I just can't believe what the manager said. Blows my mind.

So with all that being said......we had very little coverage for Zone 3. My closer for Hardware & Tools wouldn't be in becasue he had his toe amputated, Jay called out for the night....spells disaster. That left 1 person to cover Hardware, Tools, Millwork & Lumber after 9pm. I helped cover Millwork after 7....but after that Barry was on his own. I felt bad for the poor guy. At least he only had to deal with it for an hour.

Work was finally over!! I missed most of DWTS but I caught the last 3 dances. I really am hooked on that show for some reason. Not looking forward to working tomorrow. I work 8-5. I'm hoping I will wake up a lot better than today. Then I will have 2 glorious days off. Thinking I am going to do my laundry, go to the grocery store, re-arrange my room and change over my bedding. Who knows though. Hopefully I will see my special friend sometime during those 2 days. Also, I NEED to get "Just Wright" from redbox and take it over to Moms on Wednesday to watch with her. Before her & Dad leave for the weekend.

Not a whole lot to write about today. Just kind of tired and ready to knock this stuff out of my system. Hope all is well with everyone. Until tomorrow...goodnight, sleep tight & don't let the bed bugs bite.

LoVe <3

Catoctin Colorfest...

After getting less than 4 hours of sleep, I got out of bed and got ready for the day. By 7am I was on the road to go get Amanda. Today was the day....Thurmont!! After picking her up we headed to Mom & Dads. Everyone was here. We ate some banana nut bread and zucchini bread. Then it was time for everyone to pile into the cars to get started on our adventure. As soon as I got in my car & ready to drive away....my car didn't go anywhere.....ummmm. Dad had put my emergency brake on and I had no idea where it was to release it. LoL. Finally, we found it and were on our way. Dan, Amanda, Mrs. Denise and I were all in stitches. What a great way to start our trip.

After 1 1/2 hours of driving, we are finally in the "sea of people". I wasn't even interested in looking at the stands....I was "people watching". We saw some pretty crazy characters. So crazy that I just have to share a few with you...

He is here every year......but come on, honestly??

Orange & black toe socks to top it off.

Then there was the witch......

...and the poodle girls...

...and lastly, we can't forget this guy. What the heck did you do man??

Watching these people was hysterical. There were many more that I wasn't able to take pictures of. It was very hot too. The heat was starting to get to me just a little bit and I was hungry. So we went to get some lunch. We decided on a pit beef stand. I ordered a pit ham sandwhich and a sweet tea. The total came to $10!! Unfortuantely, they gave me a dry pit turkey and a big glass of dish water. Very disappointing.

After this, we decided to go walk through the stands in the park. That way we would be in the shade. It was even more crowded in here. We are walking along and Amanda & I decided to get something from the Rita's stand. We waited our turn in line and the woman asks "What can I get for you ma'am?" As I am trying to place my order some dude says "Theres a line back here". I ignore him and place my order. He repeats himself even louder "There is a line back here!" I am irritated at this point and turn around and say "And there was a line over here too!" The woman at the stand then says "Yes we are working from both sides". The only thing this obnoxious redneck could say at this point was "My bad, my bad". Yes sir, it is your bad, maybe you should think before you talk next time. Please and thank you.

After I get over this near meltdown, we continue walking through the town. Laughing harder and harder at everyone that we are seeing. We ate so much junk that was so unhealthy. I never want to eat any of that again. As fun as it was to get a good laugh in, it was time to go. People were too much in my bubble. It was time to say goodbye to the "sea of people".

The drive home felt like it took forever!! I could barely keep my eyes open. All I wanted was sleep! We get back to Mom & Dads and I had every intention of taking a nap. This did NOT happen. Instead I got up and threw the football around with Dad & Dan. Then Aunt Crickett and I sat down and she helped me "bling" my blog. THANKS A BUSHEL!! I never would have figured it out. We then sat down to eat dinner. Beef stew that had been cooking in a crock-pot all day. REAL food. After this, you could tell exhaustion was setting in. We started to get crazy. I swear a song came on the radio and it sounded like they were singing "baked potato, baked potato, baked potato".

Then we were talking about the macarena and doing our own versions of it. Things just went downhill from there.

It was a great day with everyone. We are getting ready to eat some ice cream and then I will probably pass out. Still have to drive home. Many memories were definitely made. Lots of laughs. Thanks everyone for coming and being a part of these memories. I love you all!! And to those of you who have no idea how many laughs you gave us, thank you! It made our trip well worth it. Until tomorrow....good night.

LoVe <3