Lovebugs and Graces

Family and a Newbie

2012-02-02T13:28:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to kick off the new Lovebugs and Graces with a family post. Since I am no longer working on/updating a house, more of my post might be family related. With that said, I want to refresh your memory on all the characters in my life (as well as introduce you to a Newbie)!

My Dad (AKA Pop or Pot):

He is "retired" but still manages to be employed by someone at all times.

My Mom (AKA Gram):

She is completely RETIRED and spends a lot of her time with her grand-kids.

My Brother and Sister-in-Law (Lee and CB):

They are still kickin' it in Pelham.

Their newest addition, JACK:

(Sweetness)

And we can't forget Curt....

Here he is showing us how to correctly use his brother's Bumbo seat:

But this is how he prefers to use it:

He calls this his "Potty Hat".

And now I will introduce you to Jonathan (AKA my boyfriend):

He's been around for a while (almost a year) but since I haven't been up on blogging, I haven't really been able to introduce him to you. Sorry for the delay....

That should do it for the family. Now you can put a face with a name in future blog entries.

Under Construction...

2012-01-31T16:12:00.002-06:00

For 2012, this blog is slowly going to undergo some changes. It will probably include some visual changes (some have already occurred if you didn't notice) and it will also have some content changes. You see, my life is a lot different due to several things, that all started with a new job in 2010, than it use to be when I started this blog. I am determined to start reflecting those changes in this blog!

So this is your warning.....Lovebugs and Graces is now under construction!

Bad Aunt Katie

2011-10-18T15:22:00.000-05:00

I have been such a horrible Aunt! I have neglected to introduce you to the newest Cashion family member.

Meet Jack:

Jackson Lee Cashion

Born: September 4, 2011

Jack came into this world much differently than his brother! Curt was ready to be here, Jack took his time (which allowed his Mommy time to get the drugs).

Also here are some more pictures of Jack and Big Brother Curt:

Happy Fall Y'all!

Such a strange feeling....

2011-10-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I started packing up my house (FYI- This will be my 14 move since I graduated high school in 1999). This past weekend was also the first time in over a year that I left my house on Monday morning and it wasn't "show ready". Let's just say that was a really strange feeling. Every Sunday evening/Monday morning, I clean up the house knowing that it could be shown to someone anytime during the week. Now that it is rented and I am moving, I was able to leave it "As Is".

This should give you an idea of how I left it.......in a mess!

Boxes everywhere! This weekend it should get even worse (and strangely enough, I'm excited about it).

Mom and Dad came down to Tuscaloosa on Friday and we started the packing process. We got a lot more done than I expected! Kitchen....check, dining room....check, living room.......check, etc. Mom and I even had a yard sale on Saturday morning to try and get rid of anything that was no longer wanted/needed. It was a very successful weekend! AND here's hoping to another one this weekend!

Goodbye Tuscaloosa....

2011-10-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

After living out of a suitcase for more than a year, I am finally making a move. No....I didn't sell my house. However, I did find a person that is going to rent it and that means I AM MOVING! Although I love Tuscaloosa, it is past time to move closer to work. So, with all that said, I hope to be posting about the move and getting to start over in another house in the near future!

In a little over two weeks, I will be living in another city.

Wish me luck!

The Penny Pinching Side of Katie

2011-07-26T12:37:00.001-05:00

I know it's been a long time since I have blogged. I have no excuses and no justifications as to why it has been so long. Maybe I needed some inspiration to get started again and yesterday I found that inspiration!

You see, I have dabbled here and there with couponing since the beginning of the year. However, I really never had those mega-deals that you see on TLC's Extreme Couponing (nor will I ever need that much stuff in my life) so I even began slacking in the coupon department. That is until I made my first "real deal" at CVS a couple of weeks ago (I don't really remember the exact amount but I paid $12ish for $42ish worth of products). This past week I went back again with coupons and ExtraCare Bucks (ECB) in hand and once again left with some great products for next to nothing prices. I haven't been buying anything that I didn't need or that someone in my immediate family didn't ask for (yes, my mom and dad are now owners of $0.24 toothpaste and new razors...all brand name stuff I might add).

Yesterday I headed back to CVS for my weekly fix (I actually can't wait to go to CVS at the beginning of each week....kinda sad but it makes me very HAPPY). After three successful weeks, I thought I would blog about my shopping adventures and hopefully you will see what you are missing out at CVS if you are not already couponing at the "Greatest Place on Earth" (hmmmm.....did I just steal that from somebody??). If you are already CVSing then maybe you will see something that you missed! WARNING: If you could care less about the details of my shopping trip please scroll down till you see the totals for the day!!

Here is how it went down yesterday:

Prepped for about 35-40 minutes (looked at CVS's weekly ad online, checked out www.southernsavers.com, cut my coupons, and made my list)
Went to CVS and scanned my ExtraCare Card for any coupons (FYI, they weren't that good this week)
Started shopping.....and as I did this, I double checked everything with the weekly ads
Bought the goods! I made 3 separate transactions yesterday for better savings. Here is a breakdown of the purchases:

Transaction #1:

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle & Aussie Hairspray: 2/4.97 – $3.00 coupon – $1 coupon = 2/$0.97

Lady Speed Stick: $2.79 - $0.50 coupon = $2.29---ECB $1

Softsoap Hand Soap: $2.00 - $0.35 coupon = $1.65---ECB $1

Softsoap Body Wash: $3.00 - $0.75 coupon = $2.25---ECB $1

Crest ProHealth Toothpaste: $2.99 - $.75 coupon = $2.24---ECB $2

Crest ProHealth Mouthwash: $2.99 - $.75 coupon = $2.24---ECB $2

Kotex Panty Liners: $3.49 - $1.00 coupon = $2.49---ECB $2

Total before coupons: 22.23

Total after coupons: 14.13

ECB from last week: $6

TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: $9.91 ($8.13 plus 8% tax)

ECB Back: $9

Also received a $4 off your next $20 or more purchase coupon!

Transaction #2 (needed a few things for the office):

CVS Green Label Paper Plates 100 count: $2.99

CVS Plastic Forks: $2.49 – B1G1 half off = $1.24

Total before discount: 5.48

Total after discount plus 8% tax: 4.57

ECB from Transaction #1: $4

TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: $0.57

Also received a $4 off your next $20 or more purchase coupon!

Transaction #3

L’Oreal EverSleek Shampoo: $6.99 – $2.00 coupon = $4.99---ECB $2.50

L’Oreal EverSleek Conditioner: $6.99 – $2.00 coupon = $4.99---ECB $2.50

Schick Quarto Titanium Razor: 9.79 - $2.00 coupon = $7.79

Total before coupons: 23.77

Used one of the $4 off $20 coupons: 19.77

Total after coupons: 13.77

ECB from Transaction #1: $5

TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: $10.35 ($8.77 plus 8% tax)

ECB back: $5

I know that is a lot of information! But here is the number I really like:

Total Out of Pocket for the Day: $20.83

Total Number of Items Purchased: 13

TOTAL COST PER ITEM: $1.60

Left over for next week: One $4 off a $20 purchase and $5 ECB

That’s right people I have $7 shampoo for $1.60!! CRAZY! Now I just have to wait till Sunday to start planning again.

As promised....

2011-04-21T11:54:00.000-05:00

In my last post I said I would let you know what my brother and sister-in-law are having this time

and

its

BOY!!!

Everyone is super excited for Baby Boy #2! Curt has brought so much fun to our lives, I can't imagine what having another little boy will bring!

Catching Up for March

2011-03-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

March has gone by so quickly! I thought I could catch everyone (the few that read this cause I am such a bad blogger now) up on the fast moving month of March before April is here! And yes, I know....I totally neglected February.

As usual, the family loaded up and headed to the beach for Spring Break! This year it was only mom, CB, Curt and myself. Dad stayed at home to watch over the dogs and Lee had to work. Let me just say that this year was a lot different from last year since we had a toddler to keep up with. Curt wasn't even crawling during Spring Break 2010 and this time he was every where. I think that if we didn't stop him, he would have just walked right out into the water because he LOVED IT!

Curt + Beach = GREAT. But add perfect weather to that equation and you got WONDERFUL! Everyday the weather was perfect. Closer to the end of the week, I actually got out in the water pass my knees to cool down from the sun.

Here are a few pictures from Spring Break 2011:

Here is Curt digging in the sand. As he would dig, he would say "Dig, Dig, Dig".

He loved putting his feet in the water.

The water is always to cold to swim in during March but Curt didn't care at all!

Aunt Katie and Curt on "Picture Night"

Okay, I probably should have blogged about this a while back but better late than never.

So the Cashion family will be growing again this fall!! That's right, Lee and CB are excepting Baby #2 on September 13. This baby and Curt will be a little over two years apart, unless this one decided to do what Curt did back in 2009.

CB, please don't get mad that I posted this picture but I needed visual proof....hehehe!

14 weeks along during Spring Break!

Once they find out what they are having in a few weeks, I will let you know (but I am guessing its a boy).

As for other news/events in my life, the house is still FOR SALE. If you know of anyone that is looking for a home please send them to this website. OR if you know of anyone that would like to rent, I am open to that as well. I just need to sale/rent so that I can start getting my life moved to the Birmingham area. Thankfully, the Prius is really helping on gas cost right now! 48 MPG is REALLY nice!

A few different looks for around the house!

2011-01-20T11:41:00.002-06:00

Over the past few months I have added a few new assessories to the house. Yes, the house is still for sell but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop making it look its best. Plus all the newness (and oldness) will look great where ever I end up next!

So I will get started with the new night stand. The old one was actually a plant stand that wasn't really doing the job. I wanted something taller, wider, and more useful. After months of hearing about Treasure Hunt in Tuscaloosa, I finally made it up that way. Now, I didn't find much, but what I did find was a perfect fit for the guest bedroom and was even a better price than I ever thought I would find. I ended up finding a nightstand with a door and a drawer for $35.00!!

Here's before (sad nightstand):

And here is after:

I have plans to spray paint the basket drawer black or white.....I am not sure which, but this piece fills the space SO MUCH better than the old plant stand (and don't feel sorry for the plant stand yet, it found a new home as well). I still want to find a bigger lamp and I am thinking a white shade would look better but until I find exactly what I want at a good price, this one will have to work.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I went on quick trip to IKEA in October. The first time I ever went there I saw some vases in their magazine but when I got there, they had sold out. Well luckily for me, when I went this past time, THEY HAD THEM! I got 6 of these cuties for $0.79 a piece! And I love how they turned out! I had some random stuff on this shelf in my living room but wanted something more uniform. You can see the old look here!

Aren't they CUTE!

Also while on a Christmas shopping trip, I came across this loveliness. This picture doesn't do the pillow justice because it is so pretty in person with its layers of flowers! I put it on the couch, right under the frames and new vases. The greens are a perfect match! I love TJ Maxx for having cute pillow that I can put in my house.

Next on the list is the new picture behind the sofa. I know, I know, I had plans to put up ceiling medallions on this wall, but I could never get them to stick. Then when I put my house FSBO, I decided I didn't want to nail the medallions up there, so I was left with nothing! However, one day I was walking through Home Goods right before my birthday when I spotted this beauty! I have always wanted something like this but I could never find something that made me say "WOW" till I saw this! I turned the corner of one aisle, laid my eyes on this and KNEW it HAD to be in my house! Perfect colors, perfect size.....PERFECT except being damaged :( ....dang it. But don't worry, I looked at the damage (which was minimal) and got a discount on something that is a easy fix!!

Now to something that is a 2011 Project. This past weekend my parents came down to help me with "Leaf Removal 2011" and a couple of other things around the house (BIG THANKS to Mom and Dad). While in the "get this house looking great mood" I thought I would finally do something to my outside stairs in my carport. You can see the corner of them in this old blog post on the third picture down! Covered in the lovely green outdoor carpet....classy. A while back my mom, ripped that off and I left them bare for a long time. However, I thought they needed to be revamped since this is the door potential buyers will be using to enter the home. After a trip to Lowe's for some much more stylish outdoor carpet (and glue) here is what we did to them. We covered the tops of each step and I painted the facings. MUCH BETTER!

Finally (I know you're happy this is almost over) I finished a mirror that I got from my sweet friend Tiffany. She bought a craigslist dresser for her baby this past summer but had no use for the mirror that came with it. Well, after letting it sit in my house for a few months I finally hung that sucker (of course, after getting a couple of coats of fire engine red paint applied to it). I don't have a before picture but I just had 2 cheap canvases I had painted up on this wall before, but I think the red mirror looks great in the space instead.

Oh and I told you not to feel sorry for the plant stand! It found a new home in the mudroom doing what it was meant to do.....displaying a plant so nicely!

Neglected!

2011-01-20T10:47:00.000-06:00

I am so sorry that I have neglected my blog for so long. For the few of you that actually read this, I promise to do better in 2011!!

My Office Deals

2010-11-29T15:00:00.000-06:00

I thought I would finally put up some pictures of my office....now that I have started decorating it! I guess the official office colors are Apple Green and Turquoise! The Apple Green part was sealed with these purchases that I am about to tell you about but the other color was yet to be determined until the poster was purchased!

I got this poster frame from Target, off the clearance aisle a while back. I thought it would be perfect for the office and last week I finally found a poster on sale to go in it.

$6.80 for the frame (originally $24.00)

$7.47 for the poster ($2.48 for the poster, $4.99 for shipping)

Grand total for 24x36 inch frame and poster: $14.27!

Now these chairs are the "real deal" that I found for my office!

They made the perfect additions to my office. Just perfect for my students to sit in as I talk to them about assignments, projects, grades, etc.

And here is why there were such a great deal!

When I first spotted them, they were $79.99 for the set. But I didn't want to pay that much for chairs that would only be in my office! (Below are the blue version if anyone is interested in buying some now, the green are gone!)

Well about a month after seeing them for the first time, I walked into Target again just to shop around a bit and that is when I found my chairs that I wanted so badly (along with the matching frame above), with that LOVELY clearance sticker on them. I ended up getting the set for......(drum roll please).....$16.24 plus tax! And yes, I said I got the SET for $16.24!

THANK YOU TARGET for mega deals!

WOW! October is already over?!?

2010-10-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it! The month of October has FLOWN by. I cannot believe that next week is November but I'm excited that it is! Yummy Thanksgiving foods, colder weather, chili, Alabama/Auburn football are just a few things I like about November. However, I don't want to jump ahead of myself.....let me talk about the end of October as well!
This past weekend my mom, my friend Lindsey, her mom and myself all headed to Atlanta for a fun weekend full of shopping! IKEA and H&M were the 2 main places we wanted to hit up but we also had good shopping success else where. I didn't have a camera with me but you can jump on over to Lindsey's blog and check out some of her pictures from the weekend!Tomorrow I am heading to New Orleans! And yes I do have a camera, fully charged and in my purse! I am ready for another fun weekend away.

Happy Halloween Y'all!

Happy Fall Y'all

2010-09-27T14:19:00.001-05:00

It finally feels like fall for the first time and I am loving it! Sorry I haven't been the best blogger here lately! The new job has kept me from doing any good projects that I can blog about. Sadly enough I haven't even gotten my camera out to take pictures of ANYTHING in a while. However, to tide you over till my next post, here is a wonderfully fallish picture of the Curt-man!

This is ALABAMA FOOTBALL!

2010-08-24T09:06:00.000-05:00

I don't even know how to describe my feelings when my favorite time of year gets close. I can smell it in the air and I am not talking about cooler weather coming (although that is always nice too). I am talking about FOOTBALL SEASON. But not just any football season, I am talking about ALABAMA FOOTBALL SEASON. I love getting up early on Saturday mornings, watching Gameday on ESPN before heading to the quad to get started tailgating. I don't even mind getting yelled at by my house guest when I get up at 6:00 in the morning because I am so excited and accidentally wake them up as well! I love walking into that stadium and hearing the band play our fight song as the team runs on the field.

I can't help this obsession and I am so ready for the first game!

If you haven't noticed I have been keeping up with how

many days till kick off......

.....and today when I saw that number, I got really excited (if you haven't figured that out already)!

So over the next few months, if you find yourself in Tuscaloosa for a game,

you need to let me know!

ROLL TIDE

FOR SALE!

2010-07-21T12:55:00.000-05:00

Changes coming soon!

2010-07-14T14:07:00.000-05:00

I guess I need to blog about the changes that are happening in my life. Its has been a fast couple of weeks to say the least. Last week, I went on a second interview with a organization and that same day they called and offered me the position! My last day with UA is August 11 and I start with Central Alabama Community College on August 12. I accepted a position as a full-time Speech Instructor! Although I LOVE working for UA, being an instructor is something that I have been wanting for a long time. My new job is in Childersburg, AL. For now I will be commuting (and bumming a night or two with the brother and SIL in Pelham) till I can sell my house. I hope to put a "For Sale" sign up on Sunday or Monday!

Okay, that is all for now. Sorry for no pictures!! Promise to post some next time.

May Update

2010-05-28T15:08:00.000-05:00

So nothing major has happened this month to really post about but during the past few weeks I have been planning a summer full of travel! I really didn't think that I would be traveling that much but work has me going to three different places. Here is a picture from each of the places I will be visiting this summer!

This is where I am going for vacation:

Here is where I will be doing a little networking with some UA alumni and student interns:

Going here to meet with some people about job opportunities for UA students:

I have a conference to attend in this city:

Do you think you can guess all 4??

Rearranging and Wall Art

2010-04-30T16:49:00.001-05:00

For a while now I have been thinking about flipping my living room around. I thought it would be nice to be able to see out the windows and watch TV at the same time. So last week, I did it! Some of you are probably thinking, “But Katie you just finished your living room”. Yes, that is true but I am always up for a change, especially one that only took my “man power” and about an hour of my time. To refresh your memory, here is the the timeline of the living room to what it is today: Most Recent to The Original.

And here it is NOW:

However, this flip left me with a HUGE blank wall!

After doing some internet searching for “inexpensive wall art” and “do-it-yourself wall art” I came across “this picture” and fell in love! So after finding a great website with ceiling medallions for great prices, I decided to go for it. FYI the site is: Architectural Depot

For a trial run, I cut pieces of paper out to match the sizes I had ordered. I wanted to see what it would look like once they came in (You can just say I didn’t have much patience)!

Then they finally came in! I got all different styles and sizes!

Then I purchased some reusable putty. I wanted them to be flush to the wall and I wanted to be able to take them down if I decided to paint them.

Here is the semi-final project. I want someone to come over and help me with the placement of them and also I need to decide if I want to paint them or not.

Nevertheless, like any project I have ran into a small issue, hence another reason why I called it semi-final. The putty is not holding them on the wall. Although they do not weigh more than a few ounces each, the putty doesn’t want to stick to the back of the medallions! I was trying to stay way from something permanent like glue or having to nail them to the wall. SO any suggestions??

Cause the stuff below is not working at all.

Also, I am taking suggestions for color….should I paint them or not. I was even thinking about “pewtering”. Thoughts?…..suggestions?

And while I am blogging, I thought I could throw in a picture of my TJMaxx find. Before I had a broken mirror on top of my dress that I got during move out week close to campus. It was okay for the time but I had too many mirrors in that room and thought a picture would be better. Here is what I had before and this is the new and improved that I got for $10! That’s right, $10 and I still can’t find any reason for them to mark it down from $30. I love when I find deals like this.

happy easter!

2010-04-04T21:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter Everyone!!

Back From The Beach!

2010-03-24T11:30:00.001-05:00

This past week for spring break, we ventured down to Navarre Beach again. Although the weather could have been a little warmer on some days, the trip was a much needed break! We didn't have a schedule at all and I didn't even straighten my hair one time during the entire week....for those that straighten your hair daily know how nice that is.

This year my mom, brother, sis-in-law, nephew, and a friend all got to enjoy some time at the beach. This was Curt's first officially beach trip and he did so well. He loved being outside!

Here is a picture of the little man enjoying the beach.

I will post a few more pictures once mom puts all of them on picasa (hint, hint).

Unfortunately, during the break I did get sick on Monday and lost the ability to taste/smell by Tuesday. But that didn't stop me from enjoying the week. Gotta give a big thanks to Mucinex D! At least the double ear infection didn't kick in till I got back home. Nevertheless, now I will start the count down to summer when the majority of students leave campus and Tuscaloosa becomes a much calmer city!!

New stuff for the house!

2010-02-28T18:06:00.007-06:00

Since I just posted about some of the changes that have happened around the house, I thought that I would post about all the new things I have gotten during the past month. Except for the lamp, I got all this for Valentine's Day from Mom and Dad!

First I got some new frames that match the new placemats. I haven't gotten pictures for them yet but they look so good I couldn't wait till then to post about them. Ignore the putty on the walls. I haven't got the paint bucket out just yet!

Here is the lamp that I mentioned before. I got it this past weekend at Wal-Mart. The lamp shade was $10 but the base was only $4.50! I thought that was a pretty good deal! It is on top of the shelves I bought a while back for the "mudroom".

Here is my favorite new thing! Mom made me a frame to hold all my home football tickets from this past season (Roll Tide)! It turned out great and fits the spot perfectly!

Also I got 2 pillows that match my curtians for the living room! Thanks Mom!!

And this one is reversible!!

Around the house updates.

2010-02-28T17:17:00.010-06:00

Today I was looking at my blog and some of the things I have posted about the house. I realized a lot has changed since I first moved in and I have never really posted any "finished product" pictures. So here are some pictures that I took this afternoon to update you about all the things that have changed in the house!

Here is the living room. I know I just posted about the new coffee table but I wanted to make sure I posted about the living room as a whole. The first time I posted about the living room, it still had a long way to go and look at it now! I love it! Check it out back in 2008.

A lot has changed in the dining room as well. The shelves are now filled. They look so different and fuller since the last post about them!

I also finally found some placemats and napkins that I love!
You can see the ones I had before by clicking here.

Here is the bedroom all complete and finished! This is the last time I posted about it.
I guess you would call this picture the "after, after" picture.

This is something that I added to my bathroom. Mom purchased a machine that can cut this kind of stuff out. I thought this was really cute under the mirror in the bathroom.

Finally, here are the updated door knobs. Over Christmas, when I was buying the new front door, I found these beauties for $8 each!! Can you believe that?? I changed out all 10 doorknobs in the house. To save money in the begining, I actually spraypainted the old doorknobs! These are a major improvement!!

There is still a couple of things I would like to do around the house but nothing major. I am going to try to post about changes when they happen from now on, instead of waiting till a year or so!

Sorry!

2010-02-26T09:48:00.002-06:00

I haven't been the best at posting this month! I have pictures and things to post about but work is somewhat hectic this time of year. This weekend I am going to Hamilton for my brother's "Going Away" party. He is leaving March 21 for 4 months to complete the rest of his officer training. I promise, pictures will be taken and I will have a full month update in the near future!!

I am taking a walk on the wild side.....

2010-01-24T16:14:00.002-06:00

This weekend, I ended up spending Saturday and Sunday at Lee and Carrie Beth's house. Of course I loved on Curt and enjoyed doing some shopping with Carrie Beth and Mom. After finding out that the sale on a particular camera would end Saturday night, CB decided to take the plunge and is now a proud owner of a Nikon D5000! Check out her new pics at http://leeandcarriecashion.blogspot.com/. That camera sure can take some good pictures!

Nevertheless, my big purchase this weekend was a new coffee table. I saw this and fell in LOVE. I thought it would add a little something "wild" to my very traditional living room! I am thinking a red tray would be perfect on it for my remotes and what-nots. Here are a couple of pictures for your viewing pleasure:

The best part about it is the material it is made out of. The zebra is actually a really thick textured plastic that will be easy to clean!!

National Champions! Roll Tide Roll!

2010-01-15T13:25:00.001-06:00

If you weren’t at the National Championship game, the next best place to be was on the strip in Tuscaloosa. What a GREAT game!

Julie came to T-town to enjoy watching the game at The Houndstooth. By the time we got there, there was standing room only which was perfectly okay with us.

The place was packed and it was so much fun!

Our Heisman winner!!

If you didn’t know, WE WON and Julie was proud to tell everyone we were number 1 in the nation!

As soon as the game was over, the police shut down University Blvd and the place went crazy. It was amazing to see all the people come out in the street in the freezing cold weather (it was around 20 degrees outside)! Everyone was cheering and there were even a couple of guys that climb up in a tree!

ROLL TIDE!

Guess what our Christmas theme was!?!?

2010-01-05T14:53:00.001-06:00

Here is the lovely Christmas tree in Hamilton, that my Mom put up, with all the gifts circled around it. Can you guess what theme my Mom decided to use this year? I hope it is not too hard for anyone to pick out….it is quite obvious! I guess since she got new Houndstooth chairs, she needed to match Christmas to them! So our Christmas tree was surrounded by HOUNDSTOOTH! The official pattern for Alabama fans! Not only did she have black and white, but she also had red and white Houndstooth wrapping paper. Although there was a lot of Houndstooth, it was a beautiful tree with great gifts around it! Santa did good!!

I planned ahead and brought my polka-dot shirt home so that I could match the tree!

Carrie Beth wore her Houndstooth coat so she would match everything else!!

And don’t worry, Lee didn’t have on anything matching but Mom took care of that issue….notice the Houndstooth hat.

Mom held Curt so that Lee and Carrie Beth could open gifts. I know she hated doing it ;)

And Dad and Lucy did what they do best…

Gracie and Buddy Fat Pants enjoyed the festivities too:

And my favorite picture from Christmas! You see, my nephew loves to be naked! I think this sums up Christmas the best!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and you are having a great start to 2010!

Oh and ROLL TIDE too!!

Oh what a interesting break!

2010-01-05T14:15:00.001-06:00

Let me tell you just how interesting my break was:

For weeks I had been looking forward to Christmas break! I had been wishing it would could get here faster, and then it finally arrived. My car was packed, I was going to Hamilton, and all I had to do was get Gracie from the house and head north. We got to leave a little early from work so I actually got to H-town before dark, which was nice, and I even had time to unpack my car before the sun went down. I visited with Mom and Dad for a while then we all decided to go to bed. I went back down stairs to turn the TV off and I was just about to go upstairs to my bedroom when Mom’s cell phone rang. I immediately thought “who would be calling mom at 9:30 at night”? Well it was my alarm company!! I was upstairs brushing my teeth when they called my phone and didn’t hear it ring but thankfully I heard Mom’s. The lady on the phone let me know that my alarm was going off at my house and wanted to know if the police need to be dispatched. I quickly let her know they did need to go check since I was a hour and a half away. I immediately put some jeans back on and headed to the car. Mom decided she needed to do to, so off we went to Tuscaloosa at 9:30pm on Christmas Eve’s Eve. (On a side note: we had both take Benadryl about 10 minutes before this call came in…making this drive VERY interesting)

Before leaving H-town, my friend Julie called. She is the second person that gets a call if I don’t answer my cell phone. She asked me what was going on and if she needed to head to my house. After going back and forth on what to do, I asked her to meet the police at my house. Finally around Guin we found out that the robbers never made it in the house! They kicked the door in, the chain I installed back in February held, and the alarm went off! So I assume the robbers got scared and ran off. Luckily by the time we got to Tuscaloosa, we knew pretty much all the details to what had happened, my friend Julie had given the police all the info they needed to fill out a report (and went home), and we had a office waiting on us at the house.

After letting the officer check the inside of the house, Mom and I stayed there that night and the next morning head out for supplies. I ended up installing 2 more chains and screwed the door shut in several places! No one was getting in and I felt good about going back to H-town until Dad could come down to install a new door (which happened this past weekend).

SO THANK YOU FOR ALARM SYSTEMS THAT WORK!!

Nevertheless, my story doesn’t end there! Once we got back home, Mom and I started cooking for Christmas lunch the next day. Then we got ready for our Christmas tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve. We normally eat shrimp, salad and potatoes, then clean up and open gifts. This part of the evening went as planned. Everyone got good gifts! We got to enjoy Curt opening his gift as best a 4 month old can and then we play around with our new things till bed time. However, I was thrown a curve ball. As soon as we got done opening gifts, my stomach started to hurt and it didn’t stop hurting. Around 2:30am I came to the realization that I had the stomach virus! For the entire day on Christmas, I laid in the bed feeling like I had been hit by a mac truck! I was hurting……BAD. Luckily by the next day, I was feeling better but being very cautious about what I ate.

By Sunday afternoon I was hoping that I would be the only person that would have to endure the wrath of the stomach virus but we weren’t so lucky. Sunday night, little Curt started throwing up. Lee and Carrie Beth said he never acted like he felt bad, but he did throw up several times that night. Then on Tuesday BOTH Lee and Carrie Beth got it! I gave it to Curt and he passed it on to both his parents but thankfully it stopped there. My parents never got it but they did catch colds, so needless to say it was a very interesting Christmas break for ALL! Atleast the second half of my break was much better and I got a lot accomplished around the my house (Thanks Mom and Dad)!!

Curt Update

2009-12-17T11:18:00.001-06:00

So my nephew Curt is almost 4 months old now! He is getting so big and his personality is growing as well. I am so happy that the holidays are getting closer and I will get to spend some time with him! I am sure I will have plenty of pictures after the holidays but until then here are a few from the past month or so….

Curt is ready for Christmas and to watch the Tide win the National Championship game!

He likes to look at you!

And he will smile for you!

He loves his bottles and his Aunt Katie!

He will make cute faces for you…

and he will make a serious face for you too!

More of this cutie later!!

HELLO Christmas!

2009-12-17T11:02:00.001-06:00

Each year when I drive home from Tuscaloosa to Hamilton, I get the pleasure of driving by some true Christmas lovers on Highway 107. This year I slowed down as I got close to the Fayette/Marion county line and videoed what we now call the “Hello Christmas” house. You literally turn a corner and there it is, with all its tackiness. So for your viewing pleasure here is “Hello Christmas”. (It's not that long of a video but you will get the gist of it!)

For Lindsey!

2009-11-16T11:34:00.001-06:00

Lindsey, I did it. I didn’t want too but after buying everything for the Christmas tree this weekend, I couldn’t help myself….it just happened! :) So this blog is for you! Considering I called you out about your Christmas tree, I thought I would have to call myself out as well!!

I went for a red and (almost lime) green! This is the first time I have put a tree up in since 2004! Oh and thanks mom for the bow!! You like the green I added??

I know this is not a good picture but I wanted to show the red lights I used! SO PRETTY!

Loving on the “Cutest Thing Ever”!!

2009-11-10T11:23:00.001-06:00

Cute little man!

2009-10-21T12:25:00.001-05:00

These pictures were taken when Curt was 5 weeks old but I just now got a copy emailed to me! Curt, Carrie Beth, and Lee came to Tuscaloosa for the Arkansas game and before we left to go tailgating, I was holding him and mom snapped these pictures!!

Too stinking CUTE!!

Fall Fun!

2009-10-19T16:26:00.001-05:00

I know it has been awhile but with work, school, teaching, football, and a new nephew blogging has been put on the back burner for a few weeks. However I will attempt to catch everyone up in one blog! Here goes:

Baby Curt went from 2 weeks….…to 7 weeks……

…..to 8 weeks!! And he is still growing! TOO CUTE!

Also football season started good and is still going strong! National Championship here we come!

The new parents got to enjoy a game and thankfully it did stop raining before we made it to the stadium! Thanks Mom and Dad for babysitting!!

Lee making crazy faces pre-game…..

What a great sight to see! ROLL TIDE!

My birthday came and went (and I didn’t die of old age)! Yes, that is a button that Julie got me for my birthday. Of course it states that “Aubs eat boogers” and we all know that is true!

And it has rained, A LOT! Here are a couple of shots of some nasty weather coming my way as I left work.

And here is what I found when I got home after the storm came through! So this is my summary of the past few weeks! My parents are coming down this weekend and I am taking Dad to the Tennessee game so I am sure there will be more pictures to post soon!

Don't be jealous...

2009-09-11T14:08:00.003-05:00

Don't be jealous of the "A" in my front yard!(If you look closely at the bottom picture you might see another one)

ROLL TIDE!!!

Doggie Prozac??

2009-09-08T10:13:00.001-05:00

This weekend went really well!! Alabama won their first game and I got to see baby Curt. HOWEVER, When I got home Saturday night this is what I found!!!

Does my dog hate me when I leave her? Why did she act out this time and never before? Gracie has bit at the molding before but NEVER this bad. She actually ate into the wood! So I have to ponder the question, is there such a thing as doggie Prozac?? If so, I need some. She was never like this till after the break-in back in April. I have been laughed at by people when I say Gracie has separation anxiety but now I think I have proof. And on this day I was with her ALL DAY till 4:30 pm. It’s not like she got ignored or something. I stayed at home till 4:30, then went to watch the game with friends. When I came home at 11:30 the damage was done. Yes, I will be spraying the area with something bitter, but I need more than that I am afraid!!

But never fear! Regardless how frustrated I got at Gracie for acting out this little man made it all better!

Isn’t he cute in his new swing all wrapped up!?!

Baby Curt!

2009-08-27T10:38:00.001-05:00

My nephew, Curtis Michael Cashion, made his grand (and fast) arrival on Friday, August 21st. He was 9 pounds and 7 ounces, 22.5 inches long!! He is a big boy for sure. Although he was 2 weeks early he was very, very ready to come out! Around 7:35ish Carrie Beth and Lee went to the hospital. They called to let us know they were on there way there but didn’t want us to head that way until they knew what was going on. Well at 8:13, I got another call from Lee (after they saw the nurse) and he said it is happening NOW! Then at 8:57 pm, little Curt was born!! Carrie Beth had no plans of having a natural childbirth, but Curt had another idea! When they got to the hospital she was already 10 cm! By the time I got there at 9:45, the nurses were filling out her “pre-admin” forms….kinda backwards! LOL! Carrie Beth officially became my hero that night!! I mean, come on, a 9 pound baby NATURALLY!!!

Nevertheless, both mom and baby (and dad) are doing great. They got to go home Monday morning and Curt got to meet his brother “Buddy Fat Pants” on Wednesday. I will be going to Pelham on Saturday and will get more pictures. Until then, here are a few pictures from Curt’s hospital stay.

Me and baby Curt!!

First time grandparents!!!

Lee and Carrie Beth checking Curt out!!

Test Post!

2009-08-21T10:51:00.001-05:00

I am testing to see how this works using word…..

When Roommates Reunite!

2009-08-03T12:25:00.001-05:00

Friday night my former roomies, Julie, came into town and stayed with me for the evening. I even think she really enjoyed getting to sleep in her old room!! Nevertheless here are some pictures of what can happen when roommates reunite!

A Wedding in Connecticut

2009-07-28T09:54:00.001-05:00

This past weekend I went to Connecticut to attend my 3rd cousin Hillary’s wedding! Although my visit was very quick, I had a great time! Here are a few pictures from the trip!

Mom and cousin Lauren (who is showing us her belly), She is way to cute for words but boy can she cut you a stare!!

Me and Mom found a new calling in life! These are the bouquets for the bride and her maids!

This is the “Boathouse” where the reception was held!

The view of downtown Hartford from the Boathouse.

The wedding party arriving at the reception in style.

Me and the Bride!

And with the Groom (Kevin)

The brothers of the Bride (Daniel and Jamie)

The sister of the bride (Emily)

Another 3rd cousin of mine (Arie)!!

I know! I had a theme going of self-taken pictures with my cousins. I didn’t get a picture will all of them but I am sure my mom has some pictures that I can post later!!

Before and After and some more….

2009-07-13T08:38:00.001-05:00

Bad Apple Frames to the rescue! Mom (and Dad) made me 5 picture frames and brought them down to Tuscaloosa this weekend! I don’t think these pictures give them enough justice! And Mom has finally got the website up and running for her business. Check out www.badappleframes.com!!

Before

AfterBefore After

Another frame for the guest room!

This is the frame that Mom made for Lee and Carrie Beth! It is HUGE!!

Steal of the week! I found this at TJ Maxx for $25. It may look small in the picture but it is actually 3 and half feet tall! And of course, here is a picture of Tank (AKA Buddy Fat Pants! He is posing with his new harness on.

New Curtains

2009-07-09T08:15:00.001-05:00

Mom once again did a fabulous job making curtains for my guest room! I thought they turned out great and it was just what the room needed!! THANKS MOM!

I have a new addiction!

2009-06-30T14:25:00.003-05:00

I have an addiction...an addiction to digital scrapbooking. And not only scrapbooking but creating banners and backgrounds for my blog! This has all happened in the past 24 hours and I can't stop. I think I am about to start creating a scrapbook for my new nephew (Curt Cashion), who will be born sometime at the end of August or early September! What's sad is it all started as research for a blog I am creating for the Career Center!

I don't know if I can stop!!!!! But if you have an interest in doing this and have a question, let me know! I have already figured out some short cuts....

Blueberries, Blueberries Everywhere!!

2009-06-26T09:01:00.001-05:00

Last night I went outside to check on the blueberry bush. The past few time I have went out there, there has been a few ripe berries but not enough to pick yet. Well I hit the mother load! I think I picked about 3 plus cups and there are still a ton out there that need to ripen a little bit more. I am going to try making something with them tonight. YUMMY!!!

Too cute not to post and 100,000 miles

2009-06-22T10:58:00.001-05:00

Here are a few cute pictures of Miss Gracie on the ride back to Tuscaloosa from Hamilton yesterday. She loves getting to go on rides and she was so happy to be back in Tuscaloosa! Also on this ride the Honda hit 100000 miles!! Let’s just hope for another 100,000……

“Hotel Katie and Gracie” is open for business!

2009-06-15T08:53:00.001-05:00

This weekend I was also able to get my spare room ready for guest. Before Julie moved out, I have been planning on making that room in to a “hotel” type room. Thanks to Mom, I was able to get both mattress and bed frames brought to Tuscaloosa. These beds are actually my Great-Grandmothers! How neat is that? Needless to say, I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS ROOM! I still have a few things I need to get but for the most part I am done (minus my roman shades, but baby comes first). The curtains you see now are Julie’s that she forgot to get so I will have to post again once the real window treatments are up. Also I am looking for a bigger nightstand and for some wall decor. I am sure one of Mom’s frames will make it in here. Sorry about the dots in some of the pictures, I must have gotten dust on my lens!

Fixing the Sheet Rock and the Door

2009-06-15T08:37:00.001-05:00

So I mentioned that my parents were coming this past weekend to help around the house. Well Lee and Carrie Beth also came and we got a lot done. Here are a few pictures of Lee and Dad working on the sheetrock!So now I am waiting the 24 hours till I can sand and putty again. Then wait another 24 hours, sand again, and then get to paint! So hopefully by Tuesday night I will have the hole fixed!And since the robbery, I have had no molding around my door. We replaced the door but till this weekend all you could see is the yellow spray foam that I used in the cracks. Thanks to Lee and Dad, I have new molding around my door! All I have to do it putty the nail holes and paint. I will probably do all the painting in one night!

Sneak Peak!

2009-06-11T10:24:00.001-05:00

Here is a sneak peak of the guest bedroom!! This weekend Mom and Dad will be here helping me with a few things and I am going to try and get the guest bedroom as finished as I can! Hopefully I will have everything done except the shades (which Mom is making). They are going to be roman shades made out of black fabric with white polka-dots!! This room may end up being cuter than my own room……

New Shelves!

2009-06-08T14:12:00.001-05:00

Myrtle Beach and Monster Will!

2009-06-08T10:42:00.001-05:00

View Full Album

I had such a great time in Myrtle Beach getting to visit Lindsey, Nick, Will and Griffin! I got some good sun, good food, and did just a little shopping. I also got to be there on Monster Will’s 1st birthday. Of course we celebrated with dinner at P.F. Chang’s! Thanks Lindsey and Nick for letting me get away from Tuscaloosa for a week. I HAD A GREAT TIME!!!!

Memorial Day Weekend!

2009-05-25T08:43:00.002-05:00

I went to Lee and Carrie Beth's house for part of the weekend and enjoyed a Memorial Day Weekend cookout. I took one picture that I think sums up the day! This is the hot dog creation that Lee made (and ate)!

Happy Memorial Day!

Not a good week for the Cashion's (except for one thing)!

2009-04-13T11:05:00.011-05:00

First let me apologize for how long it has been since I have last posted. Work has been busy and I have also been working a lot in the yard! I would post some pictures of the new things around the house but I don't have a camera anymore!! Or a computer, or a straighting iron or....well .....a lot more! That's right, my house was broken into this past Wednesday. Both Julie and myself left early that morning and Julie came home to find my house had been broken into. Yes! Gracie is OKAY! She was there the entire time and I don't even want to know what they might had done to her. However, she is okay and spent the weekend playing in Hamilton with Buddy Fat Pants.

So here is what we think happened. We are really sure they have been watching us since February. I had to re-key the house after a key went missing from Julie's key ring. We think they came in and took the key for easy access later but that back fired on them. I changed every lock and chained the doors the next morning after that occurred. Nevertheless, sometime on Wednesday they tried to enter the back door but were not able to. So they came around to the side door (in front of God and everybody) and tried to bust the door in. But when that didn't work they busted out the glass in the door, turned the doorknob, and came on in. Once again I don't even want to know what they did to Gracie, I am just OVERLY THANKFUL she is okay.

Once they got in they took most of our big stuff. We think that they got scared at some point and left cause my room was not nearly as wrecked as poor Julie's was. They even moved her bed to get things in her room.

So in total here is what they got that we know of:

1. 2 laptops and chargers

2. 2 printers

3. Both my cameras

4. 2 straighting irons

5. a TV

6. 2 DVD/VHS combos

7. my hair dryer

8. toilet paper

9. 5 rings and my class ring

10. a diamond necklace

11. a pair of sapphire earrings

12. several bags and baskets to carry stuff in

13. a really nice air mattress

14. a box full of cords and cable

15. CD player with speakers and a remote

16. a battery and charger for a drill but didn't take the drill

I am sure I have forgotten something but this has been a horrible experience. The one thing of value that they really wanted they didn't get! My TV in the living room. Not that they didn't try!

Thankfully my brother did a GREAT job on installing the TV and mount and they didn't get it! But they tried their hardest. They left huge holes on both sides of the TV and bent the mount trying to get it!!

So now I am trying to retrieve receipts and serial numbers for the larger items and for the other stuff I am just writing down what I remember. I do have a new door with no glass and a double key dead bolt (Thanks Lee and Allen). I also put a double key deadbolt on the back door as well! And tomorrow I will be a proud owner of a alarm system! I will feel MUCH better once that is installed!

So hoping that this week would be better instead I got a call from Mom this morning. She tried to call last night but I was already a sleep and didn't hear it. Around 9:30 last night a really bad storm came through Hamilton. They had major tree damage around the house and on it. One tree landed on the house, two just barely missed the deck, and there were a couple more in the front. Here are some pictures she took with her phone and sent to me a few minutes ago.

She has more pictures but they don't have power so she can't send them to me. The power line has been ripped from the house and when I talked to her last she was driving around trying to find a Alabama Power person cause the line is making popping noises and smoking up. SCARY!

So I know this was a really long post but there has been a lot of things going on with the Cashion's! Hopefully I will get the serial numbers to the cops and they can see if anyone has sold them to a pawn shop. If I could tell you the one thing I have learned from this it would be "get serial numbers and keep receipts"! Go around your house and look at anything of value and get the serial numbers! Take pictures of things that don't have numbers and take the pictures and numbers somewhere that is safe!

But before I go I have got to leave you with the good news we got in the mist of the crappiness! Friday Lee and Carrie Beth went to the doctor and it's official!

IT'S A BOY!!

We can't wait for September to get here and meet the newest addition to the Cashion family!

Spring Break 2009

2009-03-23T16:55:00.001-05:00

I am posting this in a hurry and I promise to add more but here is just one of the pictures I took this past week at Navarre Beach!!

Tornados, Floods, and Snow!

2009-03-03T20:32:00.009-06:00

This past weekend brought us some interesting weather in Alabama. First we started with tornados on Friday. I have been sick for several days and didn't go to work on Friday. I am sure if Gracie could talk she would be very thankful for my illness (she HATES thunder) and was happy I was at home when the sirens when off (twice). So after 4 and 1/2 inches of rain in Tuscaloosa, my yard flooded! Usually with large amounts of rain the yard does this and drains off very fast but not this time. The water was still there Saturday morning!

During the day on Saturday it was pretty good weather, then when we woke up Sunday morning we had about an inch of snow!! March 1st and snow on the ground! I LOVE Alabama weather! And the best part was the snow didn't stop. We ended up with over 3 inches of snow Sunday morning!

Our first trip out at 6:00 a.m.

My street!
Buddy Fat Pants (aka Tank) was visiting! He and Gracie had a GREAT time in the snow!

Students on campus made snowmen!

Ah! Denny Chimes!

My house and all the snow!

Words of Wisdom

Lovely Flowers from MY YARD!

2009-02-22T18:08:00.003-06:00

Mom's First Flea Market

2009-02-22T17:22:00.017-06:00

My Mom and Dad have started a new venture in their lives and it is call Bad Apple Frames..... http://www.badappleframes.com/ (the site will be up and running soon)! My Dad makes the frames and the crafty Linda Kay paints them. This weekend we (being Mom, Carrie Beth and myself) went to Memphis to a flea market and tried selling them to the public for the first time. Although the flea market is not where we need to try again (crazy crowd), Mom was still able to do pretty well for a first-timer! Here are some pictures from this weekend and ordering info is below them!So, BAD APPLE FRAMES is now open for business! If you see anything you like on here feel free to message me at katiecashion@gmail.com! Like I said the website will be up and running very soon but until then we are taking order over the phone or through email. These are GREAT gifts for baby showers, wedding showers or birthdays. Each frame comes with the stuff to hang them too and we will mail them for an additional fee! Also if you know of any arts and crafts show that we need to attend please let me know!! And I can't forget to say......GREAT JOB MOM (and Dad)!

Yard Work 101....

2009-01-29T12:26:00.014-06:00

Now that the inside of the house is pretty much done, all efforts have been put on the yard. This past weekend, Mom and Dad came to Tuscaloosa and helped me with my very large yard (over half an acre of just yard). To sum it up: 3 trees were taken out (one was just half a tree but was larger than the other 2 combined), all shrubs are gone, all leaves were bagged up, the funky plants around the deck were dug up, and one light/exhaust fan in the bathroom was installed (not part of the yard but it was on the "to-do" list). Then 5 new trees were planted in the back and the planning is now on for landscaping everywhere else! Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure:

It is kinda bare but there are big plans ahead!

I am bleaching the green off this weekend!

THE BACK VIEW

Where the half tree was! I really wish I had a before photo!

Dad would dig.....

....and I would plant!

What was left for the garbage people!

I will keep everyone updated with new photos as I get more plants in the ground!!

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-01-21T20:20:00.002-06:00

Finishing touches!

2009-01-05T09:10:00.008-06:00

Over my long break from work (and a very successful surgery), I got a lot accomplished around the house. I finally bought a rug for the living room, hung some new pictures, and got new things for the dining room. Also after 6 months, I finally opened up the paint cans and did some touch up work on places that needed it!

New rug (and I don't think I ever posted a picture of the new furniture)

Steal of the Week. I got these two vases for next to nothing at Hancock Fabrics.

I finally got my table decorated! These are my old placemats and napkins that I would like to replace, but they will work for now. I am just waiting till I find something I love.

And after 6 months of sitting in the corner, I got the piece of metal up on the side of my cabinet. It ended up looking better than I thought!!

I will post more about these frames later but this might be my parents new business! Dad makes the frames and Mom paints them! They are too cute!

Hot water......please!

2008-12-12T15:22:00.008-06:00

This past weekend was suppose to be the weekend of laziness. There were no football games on, the last of the students left after graduation, and I had plans to have a "leggings and T-shirt" weekend (these days are usually only on Sundays but I wanted a whole weekend dedicated to my favorite comfy clothes). The only thing I had planned to do was to drive to B'ham to visit Lee, CB, Mom and Dad late Saturday afternoon and have dinner there. However my water heater had other plans!
On Saturday morning, I was about to get in the shower. I turned the water on like I normally do and waited for it to get hot but it never happened! After checking the fuse box outside and the one inside, I felt the pipes on the water heater and they were cold! Of course I called my Mom and they decided to drive through T-town after getting done at Lee and CB's house (Dad and Lee cut several trees down this weekend). At that point my afternoon drive turned in to a over night stay since I had no hot water.
Luckily the water heater was fixable! Dad and I worked on it for about an hour, then went to Lowe's for parts (and to price new water heaters if need be). We found the parts we needed and some we just replaced for good measure (but we didn't know that till later). Nevertheless, I have hot water!! The upper heating element had gone bad. We replaced it as well as a upper thermostat. Thank goodness I have a dad who can fix just about EVERYTHING! So for your viewing pleasure here is a picture that sums up the problem

Old heating element vs New heating element.....Can you tell the difference?

Halloween and Christmas ALL IN ONE!

2008-11-18T08:14:00.003-06:00

I know that it is a little late to be putting up Halloween pictures! However I thought since our costumes were Christmas oriented it would be okay for the tardiness! We are thinking about making this a Christmas card! And if you can't figure out what we are.....we're a Christmas Mantle. (Yeah, we were struggling for last minute ideas!)

So Finally.....(warning: long blog ahead)

2008-11-07T10:00:00.017-06:00

So I finally thought I would tell everyone about ALL the changes that have occurred in my life. This year was a really big year for me. You all know that I got a new house and got a new job (technically it was December of 2007) but did you know I got a new nose? Unless you were around for the surgery and saw the results most people don't even know I had the procedure. However, I thought I would let everyone in on it since I am loving the results! I am also wanting to blog about this because before I had surgery, I looked everywhere for a blog or a post about someone that had been through this and they were hard to find!

Okay, for the most part I was happy with the way I looked. Pictures have never bothered me (I grew up taking a ton of them...thanks Mom) until the past few years. Then I started realizing, I have the CASHION nose! Here are some pictures that will show you what I mean. You may not think its a big deal but I couldn't stand it!

You have to admit, I have a pretty large nose (if you don't wait till you see the after photos)! So this past January I went to a ENT in Birmingham that performs nose jobs as well as other ear nose and throat surgeries. Before I was even able to see the doctor the nurse walked in, asked me why I was there, and informed me I had a really bad deviated septum! Of course, I wanted to talk to the doctor about that and see if that could be the reason that when I get sick, I STAY SICK FOREVER! Immediately the doctor came in looked at me and said lets fix the problem with the nose on the inside and correct the outside as well (per my request). We talked about how I didn't want to look as if I had major surgery done. I just wanted a smaller version of the nose I already have minus the hump. So we set surgery for my Spring Break in March since I was going to be off for a week.

The surgery went very well, other than some timing issues with the hospital. The doctor did find a piece of cartilage that was blocking one of my nasal cavities. For that reason, I had three procedures done that day: a septoplasty, a rhinoplasty, and what he called a nasal cleaning (he pretty much vacuumed out my nasal cavities and made sure the were not blocked). So here are a few after surgery pictures.

The cast was not fun, since I couldn't get it wet!

This is the day I got my cast off! My nose instantly swelled up and was really yellow. You have to admit, I look HOT! My poor nose looked jacked-up on one side of a couple of weeks!

Here is a few days later. I still had a nice black eye! I didn't realize how much the surgery was going to effect me. I couldn't eat anything that was hard or crunchy. My front teeth were super sensitive from the bone being broken and from all the swelling. I wasn't able to taste anything!!Also from the nasal cleaning, I had a surgery induced cold. And on top of all that I couldn't blow my nose for 3 weeks!

This picture is from the day after I went back to work. I was still very swollen and my upper lip was still super stiff. This was as big of a smile I could do without it hurting.

Nevertheless, I started seeing major results after a couple of months. The swelling went down and I started looking much better. Once I was able to smile without look like a pig, things got a lot better. During this time, I didn't take a lot of picture with friends or family. I stayed away from my camera. I also couldn't wair sunglasses or be in the sun (or tanning bed) for 3 months!! So that is why I was so white and obtained a love for spray tans!

So here I am today. I have a lot more picture of pre and post surgery but they are on my desktop computer that doesn't have a working screen. I have tried to put pictures on here with the same angles so you can really see the difference. I am so happy with everything on the outside, but I will tell you that I am having surgery again in December. The cut lines in my nose healed wrong and they curled the opposite way. This left me with no room to breathe...I mean literally! I can't breathe out of my nose. I can for about 10 minutes before I feel like I am not getting enough air. This is no fault of the doctor and we tried everything not to have surgery again. I even had a shot put straight into the scar tissue! I bet you have never seen a grown girl cry like I did that day! I still tear up thinking about it. So nevertheless, I am truly happy with the way my nose looks and can't wait till it is working 100%!

Monster Will

2008-10-27T18:00:00.007-05:00

So as promised, here are more pictures from this weekend. Will is the sweetest baby and I loved getting to hug on him for a few days! I can't wait till Thanksgiving and I get to see him again!

Random Pictures of Gracie

2008-10-27T16:54:00.008-05:00

Over the past few weeks, Gracie has been pretty funny! Here are a few of those moments that I have caught on camera!

Here she is riding down the road! She use to sit like this when she was a puppy and hasn't done it in years until now.....she is so silly and way to big to be doing this!

I have been keeping the windows open all day and night! I think I finally got it too cold in the house. Little Gracie would not get out from under the covers until I was about to leave for work.

And don't worry! Gracie has adjusted very well to the new furniture!

And these are from a photoshoot we had the other day!

"Only a face a mother could love!"

What a great weekend!

2008-10-27T16:15:00.002-05:00

I had a GREAT weekend visiting Lindsey, Nick and "Monster Baby" Will! Here is a preview picture! There are more to come soon!

Before and After......

2008-10-16T07:01:00.009-05:00

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER from the other side

There is still a couple more things to be done, but I have finally got my room together! I think I have even been sleeping better since getting this done!!!

Big puppy! And I mean BIG PUPPY!

2008-10-15T10:14:00.006-05:00

So Capo got back from the trainers this past weekend. I haven't seen him in several weeks and I was very excited when I got to go see just how big he has gotten! Well let me say, it is pretty scary to have a 97 pound, 7 month old puppy running towards you in high gear! I thought he might knock me over, but instead he stopped just shy of hitting me and sat on my feet. HE IS HUGE, but still lazy and pretty as ever! Here is a few pics of the giant!

Also as a follow up to my last blog, I also put my kitchen table and chairs on Craig's List. It took a little longer to sale but I sold it this past Monday! I have also finally got my room cleaned and organized. All that is left to do is hang a few pictures! I will post pictures once I get the finishing touches done!

I am in love with.....

2008-10-01T15:12:00.002-05:00

......CRAIG'S LIST!!! If you read the post below, you know that I am getting new furniture. The only concern that I had about this purchase was getting rid of my old furniture. Well after talking to my sister-in-law about the problem, she suggested Craig's List! I thought I would give it a try. What was the worst that could happen....no one would want it? Anyways, I posted it on Tuesday around lunch and by 7:30 that night it was sold. The only problem now is I will be without furniture till the new stuff comes in cause the guy is coming to get it TODAY!! Oh well, I would rather know that the furniture is gone and one less problem for me later. Moral of the story....USE CRAIG'S LIST!

Okay! I am sorry!

2008-09-30T13:33:00.008-05:00

So it has been a few weeks since a post. I have been EXTREMELY busy at work and this week is my cousins wedding so I am also getting ready to be out of town for a few days. Anyways, I do have some good news! I purchased new furniture! It will be here in 2-4 weeks. Here are some pictures of what I got. I am so ready for it to be here!!

I got a sleeper sofa! It was a must on my list and will be great for guest!

I also got a love seat for more seating!

I loved the rocker/recliner! It was so comfy!

Here is the dining room table that I got! It is countertop height and will look really good in the dining room.

I also got a bed for my bedroom! I have been living with just a frame and matresses for so long. I think I am most excited about the bed and its storage. Click this link to see a picture (http://www.furniturexo.com/Oceanside-Retreat-Panel-Bed-Signature-Design-B240-54-84bed-p-23963.html)!

I will take pictures once it gets delivered. And I am sure I will have some pictures from the wedding this weekend to post before that!

Happenings around the house!

2008-09-08T15:27:00.013-05:00

Okay, so I know that I haven't been very good about putting house pictures up lately. However, my mom and dad got a new camera so here are some of the pictures that were taken!

The Living Room. Red curtains are now up in the living room. What a difference they have made!This is the coffee table that I painted. I know, I know, I need to get a new TV stand but that will come with time. I want something that doesn't have doors!

I am pretty proud of my coffee table. It kinda looks like marble from the way I painted it!

Here is the other side of the living room. It is still hard to imagine that I had all the stuff from this room plus the computer and a dining room table in a room the size of my living room now at the apartment!

Art. It will work for know. I will probably replace this over time.

Al la dining room! Curtains have been put up since this picture.

Here are the new cabinets in the kitchen. This is where the hole was in the floor! MAJOR CHANGES!

New stove and countertops and sink and faucet....and so on!!

Carrie Beth and I in the apple green kitchen. ROLL TIDE

This is the computer nook. Didn't it turn out good? The computer is on the wall that you can't see in the picture.

So there they are, pictures of the house! Are you happy Mom? Once the bedrooms are completed there will be more pictures! I promise. I just have to paint more furniture and get my roommate to clean up her room.....maybe this post will motivate her! (Wink, Wink, Double Air Guns)

DOG DAYS!

2008-09-08T08:51:00.012-05:00

So here are a few pictures of the Cashion Dogs! Gracie, Lucy and Tank (aka "Buddy Fat Pants")have been getting to visit each other quite a bit lately!!

And here is the picture of the week!

Oh Little Gracie!

2008-08-25T08:04:00.001-05:00

I would like to title this picture "Little Gracie in the Mornings"!

Work in Progress!

2008-08-14T09:12:00.012-05:00

So I have been in the house a week and a half and I am LOVING IT! Here are a couple of pictures i took earlier in the week. I will post more as i get more done. The bathroom looks amazing thanks to Mom and her sewing abilities! Isn't the curtain and sink skirt way too cute!?! THANKS MOM! More of Mom's sewing! This is a fix for the problem of the dishwasher and fridge needing to be separated (the fridge wouldn't allow the dishwasher to open if it was left in the spot it was intended for)! So we put a table there and Mom made a table cloth that matched the curtains (that she also made). So the big news of the week is I GOT GRACIE BACK! She is adjusting to her new home very nicely! She loves to sit on the back of the couch and look out the window. She will sit there and watch all the cars go by.

But when she gets tired of that she loves to lay on the couch and watch the Olympics!

And of course I can't forget the Capo man! He is over 70lbs now and getting bigger everyday! I can't imagine when he gets to be 100 plus pounds!
He likes to paw.....it is a bad habit that I taught him!

And don't worry he still has his blue eyes!

House Update!

2008-07-31T09:50:00.002-05:00

Okay, I have no pictures to post on here right now but I thought I would update everyone on the house status (Are you happy Carrie Beth). As of last night the major portion of cleaning and "finishing touches" was completed! We are moving this weekend!! FINALLY! I am going to Hamilton tonight to help pack the truck and trailer, then coming back to T-town Friday morning. That means that last night was my last night to stay at the apt!
I also got my camera back finally! I will take some pictures of the house and post them on Monday! It looks completely different!!! I am so SUPER PUMPED for this to all be over and be able to enjoy being a homeowner!

Flooring! Flooring! Flooring!

2008-07-15T11:06:00.008-05:00

I finished the floor in the kitchen and the computer room this past weekend!

This is me working on the floor! My back was killing me from cutting and placing the tile around the edge of the rooms.

And of course I had help! Gracie and Lucy helped me make sure the tiles were sticking properly!

The highlight of the weekend (other than the floors getting finished and the plumbing in the shower getting replaced) was Gracie's new spot in the kitchen. I looked over at her and she was laying in my pantry! It was way too cute.

Apple Green Kitchen......

2008-07-08T08:30:00.006-05:00

Here it is! My apple green kitchen (no joke, the color is Apple 5). My mom is in town once again this week to try to finish at least the kitchen, computer nook, and both bathrooms. Yesterday she finished the walls in the kitchen. Doesn't it look great! I am in love with this color. So much so that I am painting the computer nook this color as well!!

Also over the past few days, I have decided that I would love to be a dog. Look how relaxed and comfortable they are! This is what I want to do the first weekend after I move into my house! Although I might roll over like this out in the sun so my pasty white skin might have a chance to get a little tan this summer (seeing how I have only laid out 3 time since May)!

Look at the Capo-Man! We think he is up to 60-something pounds now!

This is Hank! I dog-sat him over the holiday weekend. He was the funnest dog in the house. Hank and Tank (Lee and CB's toy poodle) played for HOURS! When we got back to Tuscaloosa, Hank was so tired, he jumped on the couch and did this. He is way too cute!!

What a difference some paint makes!!

2008-06-30T09:42:00.013-05:00

The Cabinets are done!!! Look how great they look! My mom and Carrie Beth were able to get these up in no time. They all look so great and the kitchen doesn't even look the same!

Here is a reminder of what they looked like before!!
So this weekend I had a full house of help. My mom and dad, my brother and sister-in-law, and of course the puppies all came to help! We got alot of things accomplished and hopefully will be done for our August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd moving dates! I still have a lot to do before then, but I am going to make it happen!

Here are some more pictures from the weekend!

This would be Gracie ready to go home! She was tired of being out of her element and was on guard the entire time!

This is a hard picture to see but it is of Lucy and Tank sleeping next to each other! Lucy would not let him near her for the most part, but towards the end of the second day of working, I don't think she cared any more!

I replaced my light fixture in the kitchen! I had a short florescence light in there but I wanted some spot lights! The new fixture is almost blinding if you look up at it, but that kitchen needed more light! Also replaced this weekend were the bathroom lights and ceiling fan in the computer nook! Thanks Dad and Lee!

And no blog would be complete without a picture of Capo man! He is growing and growing and growing!

Still working!

2008-06-20T08:37:00.006-05:00

I am still working on the house when I can. This weekend I plan on being there quite a bit and then next week my mom is coming into town! She is planning on staying Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and helping me with the house. I am going to take off Monday, so hopefully a lot will get done!

Also I would like to tell you about the A/C problems that have been following me around the past two weeks! For 5 days, the A/C was out at my work place. There is some construction going on around the corner and the people working on the building hit a main water line. Considering how old this campus is, the line that was broken caused 3 buildings to be with out air! It was miserable. Two of the days we left early and the rest of the time was spent in our main office in the Ferguson Center.

So while the air was out at work, I went home one day to find the air was also out at my apt. I called for them to come fix it. The unit was frozen over! Of course they came the next day (last Thursday) and it was up and running by that afternoon. Well I get home Friday and it was OUT AGAIN!!! At that point I was mad cause I knew they would not come look at it till Monday! Thankfully, I had planned on leaving for Hamilton anyways, so I turned it off and left. They came again on Monday and said they fixed the problem.

**On a side note: I have been living at this apt for 3 years now. I have personally called about the A/C at least 40 times over the past summers. I have also tried to get them to replace the whole thing cause it does not cool like it should, but they are cheap cheap people that would rather not fix anything unless absolutely necessary.**

Anyways, this past Wednesday it went out again!!! (3 times in one week!) I called the anwsering service that night and called again the next morning. I spoke with a man and told him the situtation and the replied was "Oh yeah, I worked on that unit on Monday. I know what is wrong. The compressor has gone bad. We will probably have to replace the outside unit." ARE YOU KIDDING ME! That man left my apt on Monday and said the air was fixed and 3 days later he tells me he knows what the problem is! Why didn't they correct the compressor problem to begin with?!? Yesterday, they came and charged the unit so it would last until they could replace it. This story ends today (hopefully) with the apt getting a new outside unit! I am going to call around lunch and check on the progress!

On another note, my camera is still broken. I am waiting on Best Buy to send me a PO so that I can send the camera back to the manufacturer. I was suppose to get this PO a couple of weeks ago. Well I call yesterday and asked them for another one. Maybe this time it will get here!!!

Nevertheless, here are some random picture I have taken over the past week with my camera phone!

A sleeping-almost-50lb-ankle-bitter!

Carrie Beth and Lee's new puppy, TANK!! He is a toy poodle with A LOT of energy!

I finally found some time to layout! It had been a long 13 weeks without layout or going to the tanning bed! I got pretty red but within a day or two I was nice and golden! I am not very good at layout by myself because I get really bored! So this is a picture of my feet blocking the sun! (Told you i get bored!)

The kitchen is killing me!

2008-06-10T11:04:00.007-05:00

This weekend I finally got two coats of Kilz on the entire kitchen! It took a lot longer than I expected. I have made a "to do" list for this week and plan on getting a lot done. This Friday I am taking off work to get the list completed and get the house ready for COLOR!!As for a update on Capo, he is doing very well. He is having some kennel issues but hopefully they will be resolved soon. He went to the vet yesterday for his 15 week shots! He weighed 42.5 pounds!
Sorry about the picture quality. I am still waiting on BestBuy to send me a proof of purchase so that I can return my camera to the company to be repaired!

At least two layers. Maybe three....

2008-06-05T11:14:00.004-05:00

So last night I went over to the new house and decided to try out the Kilz on the cabinets! I have decided that I am going to need 2 coats if not 3! That old wood was literally soaking it up in front of my eyes!

Can you tell where I put just one coat and where I went back and put two?

Brett is going to help me get that hood out of there! I can't paint around that large thing. Any yes, that is a old school coffee maker that the previous owns left!

There's a hole...There's a hole....There's a hole in the bottom of my kitchen!

2008-06-04T14:15:00.003-05:00

Okay, I have told you about the new sub floor in my kitchen but I forgot to post the picture of the hole that was created before the new floor was put in!
That is my dad getting the area ready for the new sub floor. In the right of the picture you will see what caused the problem to begin with. That is right ladies and gentlemen! There was an original washer hook-up that had leaked years before. The person that fixed the leak and the problems it caused only covered it up. They had put a layer of wood down over the entire kitchen floor and but a non-matching cabinet in front of the hole in the wall. We, on the other hand FIXED it! I will be covering the hole in the wall with a pantry that the kitchen desperately needs! It is going to look sharp when I get done with it!

He is getting bigger by the minute!

2008-06-03T13:40:00.010-05:00

So here are some photos of the great Capo. It is getting harder to take his picture since he has gotten bigger and more playful!

He loves to bite on me.....

We put him in a t-shirt! He decided that he would bite on the shirt as well!

The next two pictures are of us trying to get a photo of his ears! The floppy ear finally "popped" up like it was suppose to. As you can see, Brett had to hold him for me to get a good one!

This is one of Capo's favorite things to do. When he goes outside, he will find a leaf or a stick as soon as he gets out there. It never fails. The other thing that he likes to do now is dig in the mud!

A week away from work.....

2008-06-02T16:38:00.003-05:00

So I have been in New Orleans this past we and I can say I am happy to be back in Tuscaloosa. My Mom ended up going with me and we had a very nice time. The highlight of the trip was the tour of the city. We got to see a little bit of everything. I have been to NO a couple of time, but never did a tour. It was well worth it and I suggest that if you are ever down that way to take one yourself. Next time I go I want to take the alligator tour. I would have this time, but Mom wouldn't go with me.
I finally closed on the my house. I am a HOMEOWNER! It all happened on Thursday, May 22! So that weekend (May 24-26) was a very long weekend with house work, so the New Orleans trip was a deserved break. Once we got to NO, it took a full day and night for us to get the energy to get around town. So you may wonder what caused this long weekend to occur. After my Mom and I removed the carpet in the kitchen and a cabinet that was not an original, we found major damage! Lets just say I have a new sub floor in part of the kitchen. However, we did have a few things get marked off the list. I now have a new electrical panel (thanks Dad!) and of course the carpet it gone (thanks Mom)! Also I truly believe that the Lowe's people love to see me walk through the doors. I swear I have been there at least 8 time in a week and a half!
So a few set backs have left me a little behind schedule. However, this weekend is going to be a WORK WORK WORK weekend. I plan on getting quite a bit done. I want to at least be ready to paint color on the walls! That means I need the cabinets to be kilzed and painted, all the ceilings to be painted, and the walls to be prepped (tapped and washed off)! I know I can do it! Wish me luck! Oh and FYI, my camera is BROKEN! I am calling the company tomorrow about it so hopefully I can have it fixed soon. I may go buy a disposable one till I get mine fixed!

This is getting old!

2008-05-20T15:14:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I still haven't closed on my house. I know! I am getting very upset at the whole situation. First it was the bank's fault, then I decided to change the loan type, and now we are waiting on the sellers to sign. They are from out of town and refused to give someone power of attorney here. I has been on big cluster and I am sick of it! Hopefully I will get to close SOMETIME THIS WEEK. I will be out of town for most of next week at a conference in New Orleans. If I don't close this week, it will have to wait till June. Nevertheless, everyday that goes by is saving me money. That is one good thing about having to postpone the closing even later. So, I guess I will let you know once the deal is done

All Around the Mulberry Bush!

2008-05-14T08:43:00.006-05:00

My brother, Lee, and his wife, Carrie Beth, has recently purchased a home as well! Last night my roommate and I drove to Pelham to help them move a few thing. After getting the stuff moved in, Lee did a little chopping! The builders left 3 trees in the front yard! Two of them are pretty big but the other one is small and is making a mess! It is a Mulberry tree and it has left its markings all over the concrete walkway leading up to the front door. After moving a few things in, Carrie Beth and I found mulberry stains on the NEW CARPET. We told Lee about it and the tree was cut down! I think he had already planned to do this but the carpet stains gave him more reason to cut it down right then! Here are some action shots of the tree cutting!

The Tree Killer!

And the tree is down!

This is Julie, my roommate! Once she found out that it was a Mulberry tree, she ate at least 6 handfuls! And this picture shows her still eating the berries even after the tree was down!

Playing Around

2008-05-14T08:31:00.006-05:00

So I have been playing around with my camera a bit. I got it after Christmas and really haven't got the chance to get use to it yet. Nevertheless, I have started taking some pictures that I might blow up and use as art work in the new house. Right now I am on a hunt for pink. I have decided to change my room to pink and sage. So I am looking for the right color of pink in the environment that I can take a picture of! Here is a sample of some of the pictures I took this weekend in Hamilton (Mom's yard is in FULL BLOOM and gorgeous)!

Doggie Time!

2008-05-14T08:06:00.010-05:00

Here are some pictures from this past weekend in Hamilton! Capo had a great time and wouldn't stay out of Mom's ivy! Every time he went outside he would run straight for it!

Here is my little Gracie! She didn't like Capo AT ALL! I really thought that she would end up playing with him some, but I was wrong. Although she did let him chase her out in the yard. Who knows, I guess with age she has become less social than she use to be!

This is Ethel! She is a stray that came up to our house about 4 years ago. She is an amazing dog and only has 3 legs, but you would never it know it. I believe that she was some body's dog and they ditched her near our house!

This is Lucy. She is now 8 years old! This was the only picture I got of her this weekend. She was not at all excited about another dog being in the house. Lucy is very set in her ways and it will probably take a day or two to get over the Capo weekend.
So after a long weekend in Hamilton, Capo and I arrived back to Tuscaloosa! We got to Brett's house and he was not there! Capo was so sad.......can you tell?

He was sad but not because Brett wasn't at home. I had actually just got on to him for chewing on the couch. I don't think bite marks on leather is a good thing!

Excitment and Mother's day

2008-05-12T08:23:00.004-05:00

I am starting to get REALLY excited about the house! I know there is a lot to do but I can't wait. I have started a "house" notebook. Yes, I know that it might be cheesy, but I want to make sure everything gets done! I have created a "to-do" list and have put them in the order that then need to be worked on. I have even started a shopping list of stuff that I know I will need. I am ready to get in there and start working. I will officially start this Sunday (May 18th). I would start on Saturday, but I am in a wedding (Yay for Diana and Dustin). I have a feeling that I will be so excited about starting the work on the house that I will have a hard time sleeping on Saturday night. Hopefully, I will be tired from all the great wedding events!
On another note, this weekend was very pleasant, except when we were all woke up to a tornado warning! There were 11 areas of circulation over Marion county at one time. Nevertheless, I went home to spend time with the parental units and celebrate Mother's day. I took Capo home with me and my dogs did not like him at all! It was not that he was mean to them (cause he wasn't). They are just anti-social and he just wanted to play. I took a ton of pictures and will post some later (still haven't found the camera cord).

Now I know its mine!

2008-05-07T15:54:00.009-05:00

So I just found out from my agent the house is mine. I asked him if it was a "done deal" and his reply was YES! I am so happy! May the planning begin! Here are all the pictures from the website the house it listed on. I will add more detailed ones later, as promised! Take a good look cause in a few weeks it will not look the same!

Here is a view of the front!

Here is view of my huge back yard! I have to buy a lawn mower!

Here is the BLUE bathroom. I have decided to use white and dark brown! I think is will end up looking pretty good when I am done!

The is the living room! I am so ready to put my flat panal TV on that wall!

And of course I couldn't let you miss out on the carpeted kitchen! LOL! This will look VERY different when I am through!

This is one of the bedrooms! Just wait till you see what I have in store of this room! It is going to look amazing!

So I think its mine!

2008-05-07T11:11:00.003-05:00

As of Friday, it looks like I am going to get the house I mentioned in a prior blog! I cannot believe that I am going to be a homeowner. That is so weird to say, especially since I have been renting for so long. What make me even happier is the fact I have a project to start working on! I absolutely LOVE painting and decorating. I have already made a trip to Lowe's. I have picked out counter tops, paint, flooring for where that horrible carpet is, and ceiling fans (I am going to need three new ones)!
Over the past week, I have also decided to paint everything in the house that can be painted. Half the house has white molding, the other has stained wood. Half the house has white doors and windows, the other has stained wood. Everything is going to be uniform! I am even painting the ceiling and the kitchen cabinets! Looks like I have my work cut out for me this summer! I am closing on May 16th. So as soon as I get in there and take some before pictures I will post them. My plan is to use this blog to show my progress to everyone and keep me motivated towards my goal!
On another subject, I went to the doctor Monday and I have a bad sinus infection. Since I am only 7 weeks post-op, he is being over cautious and loaded me with meds! The two shots in my hips burnt really bad. Nevertheless, after taking off yesterday to rest, I am feeling much better today! Hopefully I won't have to go back and see him until July!

More of the Capo!

2008-04-30T15:35:00.001-05:00

No, I didn't find my camera cord but I did use my printer, that has SD slots, and saved all my pictures to my computer. I was amazed that I hadn't done that since I got the camera in January. Usually I have so many pictures that I have to save and delete them frequently. However this spring has been a little different with me and the camera. Normally I am a photo- taking-mad-woman, but since my surgery I really haven't taken too many pictures. For those that care I will discuss the surgery on another day and another blog.

Anyways here are the pictures I promised of Capo! Please enjoy!

Race Weekend

2008-04-29T13:49:00.000-05:00

I did forget to mention that on the way to and back from GA we drove through Talledega on race weekend! Here are a few pictures I got from the road......trailer city!

Fat Man Capo and a weekend in GA

2008-04-28T14:06:00.000-05:00

So Friday Brett and I headed to GA to pick up his new puppy. He is a Italian Mastiff named Capo. I think he should be named Rhino, since he looks just like one in person! Right now he weighs in at 18ish pounds and is 9 weeks old. It will be interesting to see how big this puppy is going to get. Here is a picture I took with my phone. I will have more to post once I find the cord for my camera...LOL!

I have to say this is the LAZIEST dog I have ever met. When you take him outside to do his business, he will just lay down! He doesn't care if it is hot or the ground is wet., he will just lay down and look at you! He is LAZY, but way too cute. He has got the biggest blue eyes and he a flirt with ladies.

Oh and the carrier we took for him to travel home in was a little too small. He would try to lay out in it and his face would smash into the door! And on top of all this, he would snore so loud! I got a picture of him doing this! Looks like he is trying to smile!

Anyways, other than picking up Capo, the weekend was very uneventful. I had a great steak (Thanks to Brett's parents) and didn't hear back about the house. Luckily this weekend out of town kept it off my mind, but I will let you know once I hear back! Lets hope everything is a go!

I am not sure about this!

2008-04-25T08:41:00.000-05:00

So, I have decided to start a blog. The main reason is to chronicle my adventures as I buy a house and fix it up. The other and less important reason is to have something to do at the end of the day. Since I graduated with my Master's this past December, I am trying to find ways to take up my free time. For two years I worked full time on campus as well as took a full load of graduate courses each semester. So you can imagine, I have much more time on my hands now (especially on the weekends and after work). To take up some of the time I have painted alittle, cleaned up my apartment in a way that hasn't been done in 2 years, and now I am buying a house that I am sure will take up all my time for the next few months.

Now that I have given you the reason for blogging, I will get everyone caught up in my house buying adventure! Over the past month, I have seen about 5 houses in Tuscaloosa. I am looking for a home that I can one day rent out and make a little profit. That means the house I want will be low priced, in good structural condition and doesn't need any MAJOR repairs. I can handle what I consider small stuff, like flooring, painting, and yard work. However, I do not need to replace a HVAC, a roof or a water heater right now. That can happen later, but not in the next 3 years.

So after looking at a few houses, I came across one that I really liked. It is a two bedroom, one and a half bath, with very large rooms and a VERY nice price tag. After almost making a offer on one the week before (thank goodness that I didn't), I feel like this is the house for me. It has nice hardwoods, a good layout and is just the right size! After looking at it twice, I went for it! I put a offer in last Friday (4/18) and it was accepted by Monday (4/21). Immediately I called an inspector. They came out on the following Wednesday (4/23). This whole process is so nerve-racking for me! Anyone that knows me, knows that I hate waiting and like thinks to get done as soon as possible. I went to the inspection and yesterday I got the report back. There are some things that need to be repaired. Nothing too major but I will not live in there until some of the issues are corrected. However, the good news was the house is structural great, it has a new roof, new hot water heater, and newer HVAC, so it meets my needs in that capsity. I am now to the point that I will be asking for repairs from the seller. I am meeting with my agent today to go over my "list of demands". Hopefully everything will workout and I will be working on a house all summer. On a side note, I know I mentioned the hardwoods that are in the house but for some unknown reason, someone glued carpet down in the KITCHEN! The only room in the house that has carpet! SO GROSS! That will be the first thing that hits the curb. Anyways, I think I have got everyone caught up. I will update again once I hear back from the seller! Lets hope it works out in my favor!!