My Favorite "B" Things

One of my favorite blogs, Skinkering Hearts, participated in this fun little Alphabet Game, courtesy of another blog. I was assigned the letter B. Fitting, don’t you think? I do! *GRIN*

You can play along, too! If you want to participate, leave a comment on this post and I will assign you a letter. You then write about 10 things you love that begin with your assigned letter and post them on your blog. When people comment on your posted list, you give them a letter and the chain continues on and on.

Yay!

My 10 Favorite Things that begin with the letter B:

Bags: I am definitely a Bag Lady! I love bags! Purses, over night bags, little bags for make up and such, any of it! I love bags! Here’s the bag my mother gave me for Christmas, which I have enjoyed using!

Buble: As in Michael Buble. His voice is just smooth as silk! I love his jazzy tones in his music. Tim and I danced to Buble’s “Everything” for our first dance, and it was honestly the most fun I’ve ever had dancing to one song! We often still play it on our iTunes and dance in our house!

Baking: Since marrying, I’ve fallen in love with being in the kitchen! I feel complete, fulfilled, inspired while I’m baking! And I love, love, love my Kitchenaide Mixer!

Books: I am such the book worm, and I frequent the library often! I enjoy reading anything from Christian literature to fictional novels to memoirs. My most recent books would include the Twilight series; Manic, a fascinating book written by a lady who battled bipolar disorder; and I’m currently reading Love Dare, a great book for improving the way I love my husband. If I had to name one book that has had a great impact on my life, other than the Bible, I’d have to say Perspectives, by Colin Creel. This is the book that the Bible Study group was doing when I joined and met Tim!

BBQ: I don’t eat it that often, as it’s not the healthiest meat around, but I do love some good ole’ southern barbeque. You’ll never catch me turn it down, and I get it honestly, from my Dad. I remember after he died, we had container after container brought to us. We had BBQ in our freezer for months to come. And I remember for a while, my mother didn’t like to eat it. I think it made her sad. And that made me sad. Still, it’s a favorite of mine, and I love the memories of my Dad that flood my heart while I enjoy a good ole’ BBQ sandwich.

Beach: it just don’t get no better than a warm day spent with your feet in the sand, your head on a towel, a cold drink in your hand, and the sun beatin down on you, all while the ocean’s crashing in front of you! I LOVE IT!

Baby Ellie: Helloooooo. She’s like my most favorite thing ever!!!!

Belle: our black lab who’s 5 ½ years old and full of life! She’s a daddy’s girl through and through, too. But I still love her!

Buddy: also known as Grandpa, Buddy’s our 12 year old mix who’s the sweetest dog ever. Buddy’s been with my family through some pretty tough times. If he could talk, we’d all be in trouble!

Being Lazy: Tim laughs often at how excited I get to have some time to just chill out. laying around in my comfy clothes, watching mindless movies, reading books, and napping. I love it! I need it, too. If I go too long without some Lazy B time, I tend to get quite honery. . . . so don’t say you’ve never been warned!

Fundraising Ideas, Puhhhhhhlease!!!!

Okay, so I know I only have a handful of readers, and I realize some of you might read and never comment. That’s okay! But today, I need your help! We’re preparing to kick off our fundraising efforts for the Relay for Life. Our bank has historically been quite active in the region’s Relay each year, and this year I’m one of our team’s co-captains. I’m racking my brain for creative ways to raise money, other than just emailing all my family and friends and begging them to donate to my webpage. We have folks around the bank who raise money by baking cakes and cookies, brownies and treats. We’ll also have a number of bake sales in our branches between now and May, where I’ll likely make goodies and sell them (not making more than $20 total). And, we hold a yard sale where you can set up your own booth and raise money. Last year, I didn’t sell anything but I came to help and I think raised $40 just by helping!

Here are a couple of ideas I’ve had thus far:

1. Commit to run 1 mile for every $1 I raise between now and Relay (May 1). Now, I cannot and am not committing to run it all at one time! Rather, I’ll log it on my webpage so everyone can see how many miles I’ve run, how many dollars I’ve raised, etc. I figure this is a win-win-win situation: American Cancer Society wins through the donations, my donors win through giving to a good cause and it’s tax-deductible, and I win by running and raising my goal money!

2. Make candles like this one below and sell them for $5 - $8 each. The trick is I haven’t ever tried this before and don’t know how well I’ll be at creating them. I found them online, and the girl gave instructions. She said she had less than $2 in each candle and they were selling like hotcakes. I’ve even thought about branching out beyond Relay themes and doing some monogrammed ones, spring motifs, Easter décor, in addition to the inspirational ones.

Any other ideas? What do you guys think, honestly, about the candle idea? Would you buy one, knowing your $8 went to Relay for Life (I will not hold you to the commitment, although I might remind you of your support if you encourage me to make them and I in turn ask you to support Relay!) Please please please give me your thoughts, suggestions, ideas and support!!

A Great Weekend Getaway

You know it’s been a great weekend getaway when you have this kind of proof. . . .

Naked bath-time pictures and diaper shots with the famous Mr. Seahorse
Shopping in cute little local stores

A new diaper bag for Ellie


The greatest dang malt ever

Tummy time fun

Watching a baby fall asleep in her daddy’s arms. . . and then watching him fall asleep, too

S’mores being made from the living room fireplace. . . which, ahem, we ate for breakfast!

Uncle Tim and Ellie bonding

The chance to wear a new monogrammed dress

Family Time Fun

A visit to a beautiful, quiet chapel on a lake, where the presence of Daddy was definitely felt! As soon as we walked into the chapel, the organist began playing “It Is Well”, which was played at Daddy’s funeral fourteen years ago. Wow! What a God moment!

What a weekend we had! So much fun at True Love’s Cabin!

Smashbox and Ellie

Typically, I'm such a tight wad when it comes to make up. I don't buy anything from anywhere but Wal-Mart. And the occasional tube of lipstick from Mary Kay. That's it. But over Christmas, I decided I wanted to venture out. With the help of Kelli, my future sister-in-law, I discovered my new favorite make up! Meet Smashbox's cream eye liner and eyeliner applicator.
Not smiling yet? Check out this precious smiling angel. . . . She loves her mobile at Lovie's, that's for sure!
Still not smilin'? Well then, you just ain't human.

Dear Patti

Dear Patti,

Our time together is coming to an end. You've been a good car, Patti, no doubt about that! I must reminisce about our experiences together.

You were my new car for my new job. My first real job, the start of my career! Over 7 years later, I'm lucky to still have that great job! Really lucky, in fact.

We've carried the dogs to the dog park and the vet's office umpteen times. I'm sure you love how Buddy and Belle jump all around in your back seat. You know they love riding in you!

You carried my wedding gown to the church just last year, and you carried Jodi's wedding gown to the same church 5 years earlier!

Remember the time I had to take a breathalyzer after driving you from Loco's one evening? Thankfully, I was, in fact, sober as a judge. But scared! And I think you were, too!

I did abuse you a little bit, but never on purpose. I am sorry for the time I backed you into Jennifer's Xterra in our driveway. And I'm sorry for backing you into that girl's truck at the tanning bed. . .

You've driven the family to the beach, the lake, Atlanta, and inbetween. We've packed you so full of luggage, people, dogs, and Ikea buys that we all thought you might pop! Then expected you to get us home safely through torrential downpouring rain! And you did. That's also the day Tim and I became "the gayest couple ever" (a blog for another day)!

Hmm. I better stop telling those stories. Tim's going to be rethinking this new car purchase!!! So long, Patti. You've been a good car. All 115,000 miles I put on you, you were good to me.

Patti, meet Addie, your replacement. She's young, full of spunk (V6 engines will do that, you know?), and she's ready for a good life with the Slocum family. We love you, Patti.

Your faithful drivers,

B & Tim

Healthy Plants and Not-So-Healthy Plants

Someone, please help me understand. . . .

How can these be so pretty and healthy?

and this be so pitiful?

When they're 5 feet away from each other?

How’d I get so Lucky?

I’m the wife of:
A handyman
The workout encourager
My best friend
My number one fan
My prayer partner
A thinker
One heck of a painter
A grilling machine
Belle’s favorite human
My running partner
A focused, determined business man
An Eagle Scout
A planner
God’s best for me


I’m the daughter of
A man who died too soon, too young, too abruptly, and without goodbye
A teacher who’s taught many-a-kids their multiplication tables
The queen of teaching the proper use of may and can. “I don’t know, can you?”
Lovie
A jokester
A banker
Two Christian people who loved each other beyond measure
A 3rd grade teacher
A woman who’s walked a tough road with dignity and grace
The best roast ‘n potatoes maker in the world

I’m the sister of
A brown eyed girl who once had chocolate on her chin
A petite little spit fire
An X-ray tech
An amazing new mother
The most loyal woman around
A beautiful girl inside and out
The mother of an incredibly beautiful little girl who's brightened up our family beyond description

I’m the friend of:
A super-mom who I admire so much
Godly women who inspire me, teach me, and encourage me
Attorneys
Stay-at-home mothers
Amazing fighters
Funny people
Exercise junkies
Fellow shoppers
Chatty Cathys
Women who battle their weight along with me
Artists
Recovering addicts who amaze me every day!
Bankers
Caring, considerate people

I realized this on the way to work this morning. It does take all kinds to make the world go round. How blessed I am to be a part of so many lives. God's been so good to me, and I'm so thankful to Him! And to you for being who you are in my life!