This and That

As most of you know, I am a Entertainment Buff. After lastnight's episode of The Bachelorette, I'm confused as to who Deanna should chose. Jesse isn't the cutest of the bunch, but he has a great personality and she seems herself around him. Jason is super cute and has a sweet personality and an adorable little boy, but I don't feel like what we have seen on tv anyway, is as good of a connection as she has with Jesse. I really liked Jeremy, but I think he would have smothered her. So who do you think Deanna will chose?

Jesse?

...or Jason?

Also, I took the kids to see Wall-E Saturday, and they loved it and I really loved it!! I think it is my favorite Disney Pixar movie so far. I even got teary eyed! I highly recommend it!

Oh and Jenny had this on her site, so I stole from her again! haha Thanks Jenny!

Heather
&
Chris

89% Compatible

♥ Heather and Chris have been romantically-together for a long time. That alone demonstrates a degree of compatibility. Similar personality descriptions are a plus. Their shared faith will help form a bond between them. The fact that Chris smokes could be an issue. They both abstain from drinking, so that helps compatibility. The fact that Chris is a big sports fan could be divisive, in terms of how the couple spends their time. Both are brainy, and that is a good thing. Their astrological signs are in harmony, which is a plus. And their views on children are similar. Overall, Heather and Chris are highly compatible. They are capable of having a beautiful relationship together. ♥

The Dating Compatibility Test by Dating Diversions

Slight Change of Plans

Well, we are NOT closing today. In a way I am relieved because of how chaotic it has been at my house trying to scurry everything together for the move. Plus it gives us a little more time to find storage. The loan officer for the couple buying our house has been on vacation for the past two weeks and understandably, needs a few days to get caught up on more pressing issues. We are still having all of the utilities cut off on next Monday and still plan to be out, for the most part, by Sunday night. As the homeowner who is selling, this doesn't bother me as bad as the homeowner to be. She is freaking out because, like me, she likes stuff done now. haha She is definately a girl after my own heart. I'm very impatient. I have calmed down some since we started talking about building because I know the building process is something I can not be impatient about. Especially considering we are doing a lot of the work ourselves. However, I am impatient with this whole process before we can even START the actual building. Anyway, thought I would give everyone an update and hope everyone had a great weekend!

OH, and it was great seeing you Saturday Ms. Bobbie!! Sorry I looked a fright in my PJ's!

Friday Boredom!

60%

Created by OnePlusYou

We are Closing!!!!

As excited as I am to end this era of our lives and enter a new one, I can't help but be anxious about the next week and a half. I found out yesterday that we are closing on our house on Monday and we have 7 days to be out. This is a week earlier than expected, but when you are packing, a week is a lot of time! haha So, now we are scrounging to get things packed and boy, at the things you can accumulate over 8 years! We have like 30 boxes packed now and it is only most of the kitchen, 2 closets and the laundry room! We still have 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room and den to go! You wouldn't believe all the stuff that I have thrown away! I called the storage place today only to find out that they rented out their last two storage thingees yesterday and the other places are either too far away, on a bad side of town or full. We are kind of freaking right now, but hopefully it will all work out! Just wanted to give everyone an update on my insanity! haha

Diet and Update

I think it's time I get serious about my weight. Not just for looking great, but also for feeling great and for my health. I have had a heart arrythmia for going on three years and take medicine for it, but feel that if I could lose weight and get healthy, that I might have to take the medicine anymore and maybe it would go away. My weight has been an ongoing struggle since having my first child. I was 139 when Chris and I got married and I have revealed to some of you what I way now, but don't feel the need to post it for the world to see! haha Let's just say it is well over 100 lbs. more than what I started with! I would love some suggestions on what to do and how to get started, so please share! I just feel that with the moving and all that is coming up, it is time for change all around!

Update on the house....The appaiser came on Tuesday for the folks trying to buy and their loan officer is on vacation this week and next, so we are moving right along. When we find out about all that, we will finally decide which contractor to go with for our house. I had to get an exemption letter from Cleveland County Health Department stating that we didn't have to have a perk test since we had more than 10 acres. He sent the paperwork out yesterday for us to fill out. This is definately taking longer just to get started than I ever imagined!

{Playing at the Park}

I took the kids to the County Park today in hopes of taking some pictures, but after these pics, my camera went dead.

Still playing on the merry go round...fun!

Lauren did not want her picture taken AT ALL!
They do ACT like they love each other sometimes!

Pink Tomato Fun!

Hope everyone is having a GREAT Father's Day Weekend! We celebrated the beginning of the weekend by taking the kids to see Kung Fu Panda (cute, but kinda blah) and this morning the parade was cancelled due to the rain, but the rain stopped and made way for a beautiful day!

Here's Jackson and Lauren ready to go up town!

Here they are digging for treasure in the sand on the square.

Jackson decided to dig with his hands!


Here's our sign on the square.

Jackson was excited to get his face painted!

Lauren wanted a heart on her face.

This is Lauren's best friend from preschool, Maddie.

Lauren's ready for the train ride around the square!

Jackson had to sit by some other girls, he didn't care though! :)

They also got some airbrush tattoos and they spent the afternoon with their Nanny and Pappy while we went to Lowe's to pick out some stuff for our house. Wow, I never realized how expensive cabinets were! haha Anyway, we are off to watch the fireworks which is the official end of the festival! Nighty Night!

{Pink Tomato Festival}

Today is the official beginning of the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival and like always, it is super hot and humid. I just wish for one year to be cool or non humid or something! The carnival started lastnight and I have never taken the kids before. I made the mistake of taking them lastnight. They were great and rode rides and Jackson played a game or two, but then I got into playing this one game and the guy promised me two big toys for the kids and my money back if I could make a ball go in the basket. Long story short, I lost $40 and the kids didn't get a toy at all. Crook, but I do have S-T-U-P-I-D and S-U-C-K-E-R written all over me. Never again, it was definately a lesson learned. Today will be full of Arts and Crafts and high priced junk food and yummy lemonade followed by the parade tomorrow and maybe the fireworks tomorrow night and that will be it. This weekend marks one year since I have been on blogger! You can see this time last year's post here. Time flys when you're having fun!

Happy Pink Tomato!

{Need Input}

Back to the floor plan...

We have decided that we would like the house to be flush on the back end. So we are eliminating the Screened porch and bringing the wall all the way to the back flush with the other two sides. We have eliminated the fireplace and want french doors there, but now what are we to do with all that room? We did want the family room to be bigger, but not THAT big. We still want french doors to go out onto the deck (which will be pushed back farther also). We do not have an attic or a basement and do need storage, but I can't think of a way to put a storage closet or something back there in the corner because I think that might look retarded. Help!

P.S. We do not want to change any other aspect of the floor plan, just this part.

{Our Land}

This is a picture of our land before we start building. Chris has got to get up there and bush hog and there are a few oak trees in the front of where the house will be and a few that will be in the back yard. I talked to two new contractors today. One can start the first of July and one can't start until the first of the year. We definately can't wait that long if at all possible! Our driveway will be to the left of this picture but I wanted to give everyone a general idea.

While the beginning of packing started this weekend, Jackson decided to get my camera and take a picture or two. The one above is one that he took of himself with a gel mask that I found in one of my drawers. The one below he took of his monster truck jeep thingee. Kids are funny.
P.S. Did you notice the jeep has ran over a naked Barbie? haha Lauren would be upset!

{Update}

Our house is almost officially sold. We signed the contract lastnight. I was crying so much because as excited as I am about the new house being built, this is our home that we have had since we got married in 2000. We got married and had our children while living in this house. The kids do not want to move, but I know they will be more excited when the building actually starts and they can see something happening. I showed them the floor plan the other day and let them know which rooms were theres and they are slowly coming around. We are going to live with Chris' parents until the house is finished. I hate to impose on them just as much as I'm sure they don't want us imposing. It is just hard when you get to used to your own space, but look at all of the money we will save in the house payment we would have had and what not. We are going to help them with their utilities and groceries. I know we will probably still be there at Christmas and I have been concerned about Chris' sister when she comes down and about where they are all going to sleep! :) I figure all the kids will sleep in the living room floor and Cindy can have the spare bed because you know my kids will think they have to be with the big kids. We are getting a couple of acres put in our name right now and are waiting on the surveyors to get that going and we have to decide what contractor to go with. I am meeting another contractor today who is actually building a house right next to our land so he is very familiar with the area and knows my mother in law. Wish us luck!

{Picture Post}

Here's my long picture post and I don't know why all of this is underlined, but it will be okay! haha

This is Lauren's new sleeping position. I don't know what started her doing this, but she will not sleep in the bed! Whatever works, I guess.

On Memorial Day weekend, we played Rock Band at Tara's. It was a sight! Sorry for the glare on the TV...

On Memorial Day, we bought one of those fill up/blow up pools at Walmart. We sat and played in it while Chris was filling it up.

Of course, I was hot so I sat in it in my clothes then Chris sprayed me with the water hose. I had my jeans rolled and the cuffs were full of water!

Even baby Diesel loved the water!

So, of course today we played in the water this afternoon since I was off. We have been swimming in it everyday and it is freezing when we get in there. Corie's little brother, Leighton, came and played today too.

This is a video I took of Diesel the other night. He is so cute! Lauren will jump up and down and he thinks it is hilarious! I will really miss seeing Diesel so much if we move!

{Random}

Well, we decided on a floor plan after hours of deliberating. I went through the floor plan book and marked what I liked and then Chris went through and marked what he liked. If we liked the same one, we folded it down and went from there disregarding the others. Out of 1000's, we only liked 7 together. We narrowed it down to this:

I gave it to three contractors yesterday and all three are to get back with me in a couple of days. I asked the buyers if they could wait until Thursday before they went to the bank so we could decide if this is something we want/can afford to do. We do not want the fireplace and want french doors there to go to the patio and make the door it had into a window. After reading everyone's comments on the in laws thing, I'm scared. Makes me think I should stay where I'm at until the building is almost complete if that is what we end up doing. I certainly do not want to rent because our house payment is cheaper than most people's rent price. Decisions, Decisions...

On a different note, I still haven't posted about Memorial Day, I hope to get pictures up soon. Probably tomorrow since I'm babysitter less (she is having a procedure done) and I will be at home all day instead of work. I have been making time to read during all the chaos and have read Something Borrowed, Something Blue and Baby Proof by Emily Griffin. I think she is one of my new fave authors. She just had another book out and it is definately on request with Paperbackswap.com! I also requested The Host (b/c I don't want to buy it for fear it sucks) and Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson.

Something Borrowed is really good and Something Blue is the version of Something Borrowed told from another point of view. Baby Proof is unrelated to the first two and is ok, but no where near as good.

Have a good day!

Another Thought...

Chris comes home lastnight saying that instead of buying, we should build. This is perfectly fine with me, but the land we have is in Pansy, which is about 20 minutes or so from Warren. Chris has long talked about me quitting my job and going home and if we build over there, that would be fine with me because I would need to get up early! haha It doesn't matter, I would have to get up early anyway b/c of the kids going to school. It would be in the Woodlawn school district, but I believe we want the kids to attend Warren and we will continue to do so.

Now, the question is...do we sell now and take our profit to have money up front for starting the building process? We would have to live with his parents for the time it takes to build to save money because I don't want to rent. Or, do we wait until it is about time to be done with the house and sell and have that profit to pay down on the principal part of our building loan? Do we really want to build? Too many thoughts!

Help!!!

Ok, so I send a fax over to our local paper on Wednesday with an ad for our house to be printed in the Classifieds for this next week. The next morning, I have a phone call before I go to work with someone being interested in our house and they want to come look at it. Yesterday, they came and looked at it and say they are very interested. This afternoon, they call and say they want it and will go to the bank on Monday. How's that for super fast? It hasn't even come out in the paper yet! I wondered how the guy knew about it and found out yesterday it is because he works at the paper and saw the fax come through. He and his wife and I went to school together. He is a year younger than me and she is a year older than me. They are super sweet and have two little ones...a girl and a boy. Kinda weird because that is exactly how the rooms are set up. So, now I'm freaking because we haven't found a house yet. I called the realtor about the house that I posted about below and someone has made an offer already (not in writing though) and they are going to their bank on Monday. And thank you goes out to Rosjuane for letting me know about a house on the Pine Bluff highway. We drove by, but couldn't tell exactly which one was their's. I believe it is a grayish two story. I am still in love with my friend, Debbi's old house on North Bradley, but the people that are living there just bought it last year for $205,000 and are trying to sell it for $239,000! They didn't even do anything to it! The house across from that one is also for sale and is huge! It is 3202 sq. feet but they want too much for it too. Plus, the Pecan Grove (i.e. the whole front yard) is not for sale with the house, it still belongs to the previous owner, Scott Richardson. If anyone hears of anything else kinda out, please let me know because I am definately in freak out mode!

BREAKING DAWN!!!!!!!!!!!

As Erica stated, the new version of Eclipse now has the first chapter of Breaking Dawn in it. You can go {here} to read a part of it. It doesn't tell you much, but I am SOOOOOOOO ready for August so I can read it myself. And, then after that she is coming out with a book with Edward's version the first book. I had already decided against reading this, but I know I will cave in to the pressure because these are the best books ever. I don't want them to stop! haha

House Hunt...

{THIS} (look at the 3rd one down, home with 5 acres, beautiful landscaping) is the house that we looked at yesterday. After driving by it on Wednesday, I was super excited about it. It has 5 acres, is about 4 mile out of town, a shop for Chris (to store things, he is not mechanical), a cool pavilion to hang out under, a gold fish pond, beautiful landscaping...I was stoked! So we contacted the realtor and scheduled an appointment to look at the inside. The inside was pretty and although there is no picture of the kitchen on here, it was gorgeous. Beautiful cabinets and appliances. It has an upstairs bonus room that we could use as a 4th bedroom. The only problem is that it is smaller than our house and we need more room. We would have to get rid of some of our furniture to move into this house. I never realized how spacious our house was until now. So, the search continues....

Oh...we have a couple coming by to look at our house today at 5:00. I have no idea how they found out because I haven't even listed it yet! haha

We Need More Room!

We have contemplated back and forth for the past year that we would like a bigger house. We have lived in our home since we got married in the summer of 2000. We have had both of our children who are now 5 and 6 in this house and definately have a lot of emotional attachment to it since if we were to ever finally move, would be our "starter home". We are, I think, officially ready to put it on the market. The above picture is not of our home, but the only pic I could find with a For Sale sign in the front yard! So...if anyone is interested in a house on Hankins Street in Warren...

We have around 1 acre and a half I would say. The lot next to us is empty but included in the house at this time, although we may sell it to our nephew next door. It is three bedroom, 2 bath, den, great room, laundry room and kitchen. The carport could hold two cars if you squeeze, but comfortably one. It is a little over 2,000 square feet. It has an attic over the carport. The air conditioning unit is a Lennox and is only 4 years old. Laminate flooring in the den and kitchen that is only four years old and carpet throughout the whole house except the bathrooms, closets, and laundry room that is only four years old. If interested, please call me at 820-1167.

Also, if you know of any houses within 5-10 miles of Warren that are for sale, let me know...we want out a bit and need at least 3 bedrooms if not 4.

Thanks!

5 years ago...

5 years ago at exactly 7:35 p.m....Lauren Ashton Perry was brought into our lives. She weighed 7 lbs. and 12 oz. and was a breeze to deliver. After having Jackson with no pain medication what so ever, having her with my beautiful epidural was the best thing ever! I pushed for 30 minutes with Jackson and pushed one time with her. My kiddos are only 21 months apart and at times I swear it could compare with having twins! Two in diapers, 2 in baby beds, 1 back in a bottle, then 2 with sippy cups. At times it was challenging, but I wouldn't change it for the world! She loves to color, loves to be a little "mama", LOVES her barbies and Hannah Montana! They say that Gemini's are known to be super sweet one minute and be so mad the next and this definately describes our little Lauren. It is amazing how much she has grown up over the last year, into a beautiful, smart, and sweet little girl...But..She will always be my "baby"!

Happy Birthday Lauren!

**Bottom right photo in collage is courtesy of Stevens Photography.**

Puzzles!!

I am not a fan of puzzles, but when I found this website...I just could not resist. I have the game at the bottom of my blog so feel free to play anytime. And....they have tons of puzzles to choose from!

I {Heart} My Guitar Hero!

What's Your Video Game Match?

My Result: Guitar Hero

Sitting on a couch, hunched over and playing another tired video game? That's so not your style. Even when you're just vegging out, you'd rather use your creative skills to rock out at the same time (and anything that gets you moving is an added bonus). You usually jump at the chance to try something inspiring or original, and Guitar Hero is guaranteed to satisfy that urge.

Whether you're headed to a karaoke bar, an art show, or a concert, you can't hide your love of all things artistic and musical. And more than just getting the satisfaction of a gig well played, in Guitar Hero you can live the fantasy of being center stage whether you're a wallflower in real life or not. Get into the game — you'll be a rock star in no time!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=videogameogt&c=50652

If you have read any of my previous posts on this awesome game, you know I love it! My hubby hates it and hates when I play it! haha So I was super stoked when this was the game that I was when taking this quiz! I'm a nerd who is bored at work! haha

New Old Kids on the Block

Up front, I want everyone to know I am totally for the New Kids Reunion because I was in LOVE with them. I just feel bad for them if they think they are going to get a new, younger audience because I don't feel it will happen. It will be us 25 - 40 year olds that are at their concerts. As you can tell by the clip below from the Today show on Friday, it is mostly older girls/women! haha Still can't help but love 'em! haha




Back in the day:

A Graduation and a Party

Yesterday was Lauren's birthday party (her bday is May 23rd, but I figured with the holiday weekend, I better do it this weekend!) and her preschool graduation. We were up bright and early and had a full day ahead. My mom came up from Louisiana and we headed to her school. Jackson and his dad stayed behind to get ready for the party. I posted a video of Lauren singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider with her class. I don't know how to make it upright. :) After the party was over, we ordered pizza and had an ordeal. Our Pizza Hut is CRAZY! I order the food, wait 30 minutes, go to get it and watched the lady give one of my pizza's to a group dining in. I was giving her the benefit of the doubt and praying that I had mine already ready to go...but no, sure enough it was my pizza and they said I could wait another 30 minutes for another one. Nope, didn't have time for that since I was hosting a birthday party in 30 minutes! They gave me a $27 credit and told me to come back soon. HA! They do this crap all the time. Anyway, so I go to Sonic and it was $27 there. Ridiculous! Anyway, I posted a slide of Lauren's birthday party and even a picture of Jackson in Lauren's Hannah Montana gear. His dad was so proud. Haha....definately one for blackmail one day.

10 Years

These pictures were the first I grabbed. They are not just senior year, but most are of me and Debbi and I found one with Kristy in it too since you guys are the only ones from school that read my blog!! The one in the middle says it all for my charisma in high school. I was happy go lucky and loved to act silly. It was taken in Debbi's room with her crown and trophy from winning Junior Miss Buck Fever! haha

My dreams and goals as written in my Senior book:

Education: I plan to go to college and earn a Bachelor of Science Degree --- Nope, got two years behind me, but that's it.

Career: I plan to be a computer programmer --- Nope, I work at the local hospital helping indigent patients receive help with their medications

Family: In ten years I plan to have at least 2 children --- CHECK!!

Home: Maybe Chris and I will have built a house --- Nope, but we bought a house in 2000 when we got married and still live in it.

Car: Hopefully I'll have something nice --- Well, yeah, I like my ol' Tahoe

Class Data:

Class colors: Orange and Black

Class motto: "Whatever!"

Class flower: Red Rose

Class Sponsor: Mr. Griffin and Mrs. George

Class President: Brooke Pennington

Class Vice President: Jaye West

Class Secretary: Lorri Hays

Class Treasurer: Latoya Tate

Class Reporter: Heather Chapman (that's me!)

I am copying off of Debbi and posting about how today is exactly ten years since we graduated. As I sit here and write this, we were actually on the football field receiving our diplomas. What is ironic is that it is raining right now and we were so worried we would have graduation in the Cultural Center with no room because of the threat of rain that night. It was humid and mosquitos were abound. I remember not being able to hear a thing that the speakers of night said as it echoed throughout the open field. I was not only upset because of the end of a wonderful life spent with my classmates (I loved the social aspect of school so much), but also because my boyfriend at the time (and husband now) would not come to my graduation. And..while my friends were leaving that night for Panama City or Destin, Florida, I was heading home. I went on my senior trip to Las Vegas two weeks later. I loved my Vegas trip, but would have liked to have gone to Florida also. So heres to the Warren High School Lumberjacks Class of 1998!!!

**See the bottom left pic of Debbi, Erica!! That face reminds of me of the pic of Gage!**

New Addition

Lauren's birthday is May 23rd and with the memorial day holiday, we are having her birthday party this Saturday. She wanted a swing set, a trampoline, or barbie car to ride in. We decided not to get the barbie car because we knew her legs would probably be in the dash and she would outgrow it soon. The trampoline will be good for Jackson's birthday in August because he wants that more and she wanted a swing set...soooo I wanted it put together before the party on Saturday and thinking that it would take several hours to put it together, Chris and one of his friends started on it this past Sunday since the weather was so nice. It only took them two hours, it looked fairly easy. I was glad, because I didn't want to have to hear how hard it was to put together for years to come! haha So Lauren and Jackson got to start playing with it early!

I know I haven't posted in forever, but it has been so busy around here. I have been painting, rearranging, and just enjoying the weather with the kids when it isn't tornadic around here. Please pray for this tornadic weather to STOP!!!

Have a good week! Good luck Debbi on the moving and I hope you are feeling better!

Congratulations to Kristy and Matt who got married today while on a cruise to St. Lucia!!