They've got the moves!

And the most awsome Wedding/1st Dance ever! I agree with Tara, I wish we'd thought of this!!

The 24th Annual....

It's that time of year again! This week kicks off what is usually my busiest & most favorite time of year (Thanksgiving-Christmas). Not only is it Autumn which brings Thanksgiving, but this week every year Knoxville hosts The East Tennessee Children's Hospital's Fantasy of Trees. The Fantasy of Trees is the hospital's largest fundraiser. This year, all proceeds go to purchase equipment and other needs for the hospital's inpatient units, Surgery, and Radiology departments. I love service, no matter what kind! But this fundraiser is particularly close to my heart. My family & many friends work the event as volunteers. I've been almost every year since I was born, & this will be my 11th year working the event. I have seen how many lives have been touched by this incredible venture. Including my own niece (by marriage), Jalene, who battled cancer at the young age 2yr old & won with the help of ETCH.
The event begins the day before Thanksgiving & ends the Sunday after (Nov. 26-30th). There are crafts for children(free & $), lively shows, beautiful displays, & even Santa Claus! Most definitely something for everyone...even the "Scrouges". Check out the links for more info, times, & prices. There will also be a link on my sidebar for information year round! I invite you to come kick off the holiday season with something you will never forget & is sure to become a family tradition.

I must admit, I do feel really odd this year. Normally, I start working as an recruiter for this event in August or September. But this year, things are so topsy-truvy that I haven't done any recruiting at all. Also, last year, pregnant & sick, & worked all but 4 shifts & loved every minute of it. This year, I'm working only 1. I keep being told I shouldn't feel bad, but I can't help it! It's odd, not like me, & definitely not my typical routine this time of year. I can only hope that next year will be more settled & I'll be back to my normal. At any rate, we will definitely be attending & working so expect pictures!

Catching up on "first's" #1

I included in the title of this "#1". Why you might ask? Maybe it's because I know myself enough to know that I will more than likely be behind on updating everyone on "1st's" at some point in time again. I know, hard to imagine. But things happen!

First off, on Sept 29th Livvy turned over for the first time! Only from belly to back though. Back to belly wasn't until Oct 16th.

On Oct 9th we took Livvy in for her 6mo check up. She was 17lbs, 15oz & 27in long. She had grown SO much in just 6mo!! We also got the clear to start her on baby food other than cereal, which we did that night. Her first food was green beans & she loved it! Now she has tried all the veggies, most of the fruits, & is working on the meat combinations.

In between all this Livvy has been trying to crawl, pull up, stand, & even take steps! She's not quite got the whole crawling thing down yet. She rocks though! Maybe she'll be like me. I barely crawled any time, just went straight to walking at 8mo. Oh no, if she does take after me...look out! She's still a little wobbley when she stands, but she gets really excited about it! If the notion hits her, she trys to throw your hands away & take off on her own. Then she realizes, she's not sure how & flops down on her toosh. She's very proud of her new shoes too & loves to walk in them! She's not content just to sit still anymore, it's time to be in the floor and on the move!

Then, on Nov 6th Livvy cut her 1st tooth! She had been having trouble sleeping for a couple nights & now I know why. Coincidentally, she also got sick for the first time that night. We figure it was because her saliva was so acidic that it just upset her stomach. Poor baby! Oh! And she cut her 2nd tooth on Nov 17th.

Last & most recently, she seems to be attempting to say names. While Grandma (my mom), Mamaw (my mamaw), & I have been trying to get her to say things like "Momma, Mamaw, Grandma", Grandpa has been trying to get her to say "Grandpa", Joey has been trying to get her to say "Daddy", & when we visited a couple weeks ago Nanny & Papa (Joey's parents) & two of our nieces, Jalene & Janele, were trying to get her to say all of their names too. But she opted for "Di-di", which we believe to be "Daddy". On, Nov 15th Joey was playing with her when we got home from a date night. They were laughing & playing, when she started to rub her eyes because she was sleepy. Joey looked at her & said "Oh, Livvy!" Sympathy apparently makes you fall asleep faster, so she quickly tried to stand up & start jumping agian. After a minute she was getting sleepy agian. She decided she needed snuggles, so she looks at him & said something that sounded like "Oh, Di-di!" & reached to hug him. It was too cute!! Joey was really proud & excited that she apparently said his name first, of course. She said it a few more times that night even. Then the next day after church, Joey had a meeting, so Livvy & I sat in the hall waiting for him. She wasn't very happy he was gone, so I was trying to distract her with her picture album we made. When we opened the book to the picture of Joey she grabbed it & patted the picture & kept saying "Di-di! Di-di!". I know they aren't supposed to know what "Dada" & "Mama" really mean or associate them with people yet, but it seems like she does. Who knows! I attempted to get it on film, but all she did was smile.

We're a little proud...can you tell? I'm sorry I don't have any pictures now. If she's playing & I get the camera, she won't turn over. If she's smiling & I get the camera, she clamps her mouth so I can't see her teeth. I haven't gotten anything of her standing up or walking yet. And good luck getting her to say "Di-di" on video. I'll keep trying though...I promise!

LDS Blog Buttons

Just thought you might be interested in these websites. They offer LDS link buttons that are way cute!

Cutest Blog on the Block
Check out the Link on the left, "Accessorize Your Blog", & have a look!


Check out the link on the left sidebar for the buttons ( the link at the top isn't working right now). Too cute & a really nice way to share your faith!

These links are always on my sidebar under Websites. You can also see examples of their stuff on my side bar as well.

By the way, I'm trying to clean up my sidebar so it looks decent & not so cluttered. If anyone knows how to make a blog button so I can make a link to my lists of people & websites, please let me know! I have no clue how to do the whole HTML & cute graphic stuff. Notice my sad attempt>> Haha! Thanks!!

Random Boredom Tag

Yet again, I'm playing tag. What? It helps eat up time at work while there's nothing to do & I'm bored! It's Erin's fault this time. She tagged me. So, I'm spreading the love to Tara, Crystal, Farrah, Savvy, Mayemma & Jessica...& anyone else who would like to (see question 23). Have fun!

1. Do you like blue cheese? Sometimes.
2. Do you own a gun? Um, no. I’m really afraid of them actually. You should have seen me the first time I held & fired one!
3. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Usually vanilla, if anything.
4. Do you get nervous before doctor Appointments? Nope
5. What do you think of hot dogs? I only eat them like once a year. I can live without them. I prefer the Kiabasa/Bratwurst (like I’m supposed to know how to spell it) thingies, but still only eat them like once a year.
6. Favorite Christmas movie? I don’t have just one! All the cartoon ones, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Santa Clause movies, etc.
7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water or juice
8. Can you do push-ups? If I must.
9. Age? 20
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My engagement & wedding rings, & my locket.
11. Favorite hobby? Making blankets, making crafty stuff with pictures, & cooking.
12. Favorite Actor? Tom Hanks, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Matt Damon, George Clooney…can you tell I like movies a little?
13. Do you have A.D.D.? No
14. What's one trait you hate about yourself? It's hard for me to make decisions.
15. Middle name? Elizabeth
16. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: 1-I’m so ready to be at home. 2-I’m loving my playlist of random stuff! 3- I have so much to do before Christmas!
17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday/today: Well, it was actually two days ago (Saturday) 1-Lunch, 2- cute Christmas slippers, 3-Slimfast Snack bars
18. 3 drinks you regularly drink? 1- Water, 2- Juice, 3- Sparkling water
19. 3 Current worries? 1- Affording to move out again. 2- Not being able to please everyone. 3- Way too much I should be doing before Christmas!
20. Favorite place to be? At home, at the beach, or in the mountains.
21. How did you bring in the New Year? Joey & went out to eat & then we went to my parents to watch the countdown. I was pregnant & sick so we didn’t do anything too wild & crazy like church parties or anything.
22. Where would you like to go? Back to the beach, Utah, places with snow, places with lighthouses, Europe, etc.
23. Tag three to six people: Tara, Crystal, Farrah, Savvy, Mayemma & Jessica…but anyone can do it. I don’t want anyone to feel left out! Leave me comment & I’ll definitely check it out!
24. Do you own slippers? Yep
25. What shirt are you wearing? White tank under a pink & white stripped shirt
26. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I've never done it before, am I missing out?
27. Can you whistle? Used to. Not so much anymore. Wonder what happened there.
28. Favorite color? Periwinkle
29. Would you be a pirate? “Absolutely! I would love to sail in the open ocean. Though, the stealing and fighting are downsides for me.”- Erin, I agree!
30. What songs do you sing in the shower? Depends on what is stuck in my head that morning. A lot of times it’s Christmas songs….no clue why.
31. Favorite girl's name? boy's name? Girls: Olivia! Lol Samantha, Molly, etc. Boys: Thomas, Cole
32. What is in your pocket? No pockets today
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Livvy giggling this morning!
34. Best bed sheets as a child? Little Mermaid
35. Worst injury you've ever had? I’ve been lucky not too have anything terrible happen. Although, I am very accident prone. I suppose any of the injuries to my hip & knees while figure skating, which I still have issues with. I’ve dislocated & chipped the bone on my hip, & dislocated & otherwise injured my knees numerous times. I’ve had arthritis since I was 14.
36. How many TVs do you own? 1
37. Who is your loudest friend? Um…probably Robyn, Mary, or Alice.
38. How many dogs do you have? One, but he’s technically my parent’s now. His name is Tucker aka “Tuck”
39. Does someone have a crush on you? Joey. No one else would have me!
40. What is your favorite book(S)? A Walk to Remember by Nicolas Sparks, The Perfect Day by Richard Paul Evans
41. Where were you born? Here in Knoxville!
42. What is your favorite candy? Tootsie rolls
43. Favorite Sports Teams? The Vols, Colts, Titans
44. What songs do you want played at your funeral? Never really though about it, honestly.
45.What are you doing at 12 A.M.? Falling or already asleep usually.
46. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? “It’s too warm under the blanket to get up. And seriously, is it already 6am? Time to say prayers.”
47. Do you live away from your home town? Where are you currently? Nope. I’m still here.
48. Do you like to celebrate the holidays? Absolutely!
49. Do you own/use exercise equipment, if so what kind? My legs to walk,& my baby as a weight.
50. What do you think of this long list of questions? It helped me use up some time at work while I’m bored. Thanks! haha

Joey's New Hobby

This semester in school Joey had to take a Photo Journalism class. We bought a new, fancy camera & he started clicking away. He loves it & he's gotten really good! I've posted a few of my favorites in an album. Feel free to browse these pics & the other albums, comment, & enjoy!

Joey's Art

I'll be posting more in the future. So, always check back by using the link on the side bar!

Make it happen!

So there's this super talented signer/songwriter I know. He is the oldest child of a family we have gone to church with since I can remember & I've grown up with all of them. Well, Derek found out this week that a video of one of his songs is in the CMT Music Madness Contest on CMT.com! The song is "My Hero" & it is amazing! Click this link to see the video.
Please, go to this link & vote for Derek Hinckley so he can move on to the next round. (Click on VOTE on the left hand side) You can vote as many times are you like, so the more the merrier! He has already gotten enough votes to move on the the 2nd round, which is currently going on. But he still needs all the votes he can get to put him in the Top 16 next! The 2nd round ends on Nov 10th.

This is a great opportuinty for Derek & we wish him all the best! How great would it be to know you played a part in helping further someone's career & in turn put good, wholesome music on the radio?

The whole Hinckley family is uber talented! For more information on their music & talents check on these links (always on my sidebar):
Air Tight - The Hinckleys band(The parent's)
The Hinckley Brothers- The boy's band
Lindsay Jane Photography- Derek's sister's company. Amazing!
Seven Mile Buliding Co. - Derek's company

Have a laugh...

And a stroll down "Memory Lane"!
My uncle told me about this video the other night, & I thought it was too fun not to share. Everyone knows I love The Fonz!

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Now, we all know I don't do politics. I'm not a democrat or a republican. I simply vote for who I believe will be the best for our country. I pray about my decision & if the spirit confirms it, then I go with it. So, I don't want to hear any bashing or belittling of any candidate. It only makes people lose respect for you if you have to stoop to the same levels that many politicians do. There are no high horses here. Everyone has their own opinions! I just thought you might enjoy how quickly time can reverse!

More of Livvy's 1st Halloween

Trick-or-treating at Mamaw's with Daddy "Oo...Candy!" "Nom nom nom" Punkin & Daddy Punkin & Mommy

Happy Halloween! 2008

Ah...Halloween. The only day of the year when you can see Cruela DeVille, Godzilla, the clown from It & a few choice others on your way to work. Ok, with the exception of "rush hour" each day...

This year was the first year I've worked at a place that asked us to dress up on Halloween. And what do I do? I put my hair (mind you it's short right now) in pigtails, put on some pajamas, slippers, & my robe, & made freckles on my face with my eye liner. I know, I'm terribly lame! Look, I ran out of time & energy to mess with it. Besides, this is the most comfortable anyway. How many days do I get to come to work in my P.J.'s? As the president of the company said to me this morning, "I bet this is your favorite day of the year to come to work!" Only downside, it makes it hard to stay awake!

As for Livvy, this is her 1st Halloween! I didn't intend to take her trick-or-treating this year, especially with Joey working & not being able to go with us. I kinda think she's a bit young. She can't even eat the candy! Joey was all for it though! (Who would have guessed?) Yeah, we did pick out a costume for her. Nothing too involved. She's not too crazy about the hood on the little jumpsuit, I couldn't imagine her enjoying an actual costume. But I didn't really buy it for trick-or-treating. I mainly bought it because it would be cute in pictures, & I'm a sucker for cute stuff for pictures. But, when a couple of our closest friends asked if we wanted to take Livvy trick-or-treating with their kids, I couldn't say "No". It's a photo opportunity, duh! Livvy loved watching the kids running around & was dying to go with them! Afterwards, we came home to visit with my family & take more pictures. Then when Joey got home, we took pictures in front of Mamaw's door. Here's a few of our favorites. Enjoy!

Livvy's our little Punkin!

She even had her little candy bucket! Grandma finds the cutest stuff!

Fun with our friends! John & Becca's littlest, Emma, & Livvy matched.

Livvy at her 1st door! She traded her bucket for the lollipop....