Entertaining Angels

because i need something to blog about.

2011-11-21T22:55:00.000-06:00

"You will pay for this picture."

A. Age: 24.

B. Bed size: queen sleigh bed. love it.

C. Chore that you hate: folding/hanging/ironing laundry. i'd rather scrub toilets and floors. and i do so to avoid laundry.

D. Dogs: my parents' furbabies: lily, a mini dachshund; phineaus, a mini dachshund mix.

E. Essential start to your day: going to the bathroom. opening the curtains to let the sunshine in.

F. Favorite color: purple. red. pink.

G. Gold or silver: gold. i'm sure it will change next season.

H. Height: 5'2"

I. Instruments: the marimba. and all things you hit with a mallet that looks like a piano.

J. Job title: assistant general manager of the #1 hotel in town.

K. Kids: nope.

L. Live: south Mississippi.

M. Mother's name: Terry. she rocks my socks off.

N. Nicknames: lyd. lydja. lydster. cappuccino.

O. Overnight hospital stays: none for me. i've stayed with other peeps though.

P. Pet peeve: incorrect punctuation.

Q. Quote from a movie: "Life's a banquet, and most people are starving to death!" Name that movie.

R. Right or left handed: right.

S. Siblings: 2 sisters.

T. Time you wake up: depends on the work schedule. lately it's been in the 7-o-clock hour.

U. Underwear: every day, y'all.

V. Vegetable you hate: brussel sprouts.

W. What makes you run late: talking myself into just 5 more minutes of sleep that i don't really need.

X. X-rays you've had: only ones of my teeth.

Y. Yummy food that you make: everything. haha! i made a killer pecan pie last week.

Z. Zoo animal: i saw a white alligator at the New Orleans Aquarium this weekend. it was wicked.

FREE COFFE{Y}

2011-10-02T14:21:00.000-05:00

My friend and fellow W alum, Elysa, is having a giveaway on her blog for FREE coffee!! Check out her blog to enter. You have 2 hours and 45 minutes to enter and WIN!!!

Lydia and Elysa

Four years ago.

2011-08-11T15:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Anniversary, Love. ;)

Miscellany Monday.

2011-05-23T22:29:00.000-05:00

1. Pray for Jared…he's spending a few days at TSUN. ;)

2. Don't know what TSUN stands for? The School Up North.

3. We've lived in our apartment for 17 months and still have not put artwork on the walls. I'll add that to my ever growing list of things to do. Or beg Jared to do it.

4. I think my tendonitis is acting up. And it's worse than ever. :(

5. I started week three of the Couch to 5K training plan today. YAY!! I ran for 3 minutes straight, not once, but twice! The longest I've run in about 5 years. Ouch.

Five Question Friday {on Saturday}.

2011-05-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

1. Do you and your spouse go to bed at the same time?

Hahahahahaaa!!! No. Except for when we're both on days. Which is every other month, but even then I could be nights and Jared be on days. We do go to bed at the same time when we can. If we can't, we can't. No biggie.
2. A question for the ladies....Do you like facial hair on your man?

When I first met Jared, he had a goatee. And he looked good with a goatee, if I do say so myself. But when he went to the police academy, he shaved it off and it hasn't made an appearance since. When kissing him, I prefer no facial hair though. :)

3. What's the worst vacation you've ever taken?

I don't think I've experienced a bad vacation. I've been on trips where bad things could have been better, but never a bad vacation altogether. Traveling to Washington DC/New York via charter bus with a million middle schoolers was rough. (Did I mention I was one of them? lol) Then there was the beach trip where it rained all day, every day so we cut the trip short.

4.What's the first ever blog you followed?

Probably Funk Junk Donna and Miss Mustard Seed. I love them both!!

5. Do you enjoy amusement parks?

Does a one-legged duck swim in a circle?! In other words...YES! I love amusement parks!

VIP.

2011-05-18T21:09:00.000-05:00

Our hotel had the pleasure of hosting Laura Bush and her entourage while she was in Hattiesburg speaking at a Spirit of Women event.

Now we are used to hosting VIPs…we just had Jim Kelly at our hotel the week before Laura. (Don't know who Jim Kelly is? Me either, until I asked!) We've also had Morgan Freeman, Adalius Thomas, Deuce McAlister, and the entire cast and crew of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

But this was the first time to host anyone of "American Royalty!"

To prep for her arrival, I gave daily tours to the Secret Service. All of us were smitten with one agent in particular. Jen even had to have her photo with him!

Mondo, the bomb sniffing dog, had to check everything out as well. I called him a puppy (all dogs are puppies, right?) and was quickly corrected by his handler. Seeing a bomb dog all over the hotel did weird some of our guests out. Do you know how hard it is to answer, without really answering questions, like: "What's going on?" "Is everything OK?" "Should I be aware of something serious that's happening?"

Hard. Very hard.

Laura (yes, we're on a first-name basis now. lol!) arrived late Wednesday night. There was this awkward pause when she was escorted inside. So what do I do? Embrace the awkwardness and say "Welcome to Hattiesburg!" in my best Mississippi Southern Belle accent. No one else said a word!

Kat, Jennifer, Neecee, Laura, Rhonda, Merrily, Lydia

The next morning she allowed us to take a group photo with her before she headed to the event. She shook everyone's hand and was very gracious. She has the bluest eyes, (although I think she may have a little help with contacts in that department….) and was just so classy.

I really enjoyed working with her assistant, Betsy. The best thing about her is she's from TUPELO. Yes, the same Tupelo where my sister lives! Small world, eh?

Lydia and Betsy.

Don't tell me Mississippi girls aren't the BEST! :)

miscellany monday.

2011-05-16T09:06:00.004-05:00

[1] Working all weekend really throws off my days of the week. I'm off today so it's like my Friday on Monday, but I go to work tomorrow, so I guess today is really my Sunday...?

-2- Jared is back on day shift starting today. YAY!! We'll almost be like a "normal" family. Almost.

{3} I've neglected posting on our blog. Don't really have a reason why. I read my blog reader daily, but choose not to write. Call it blogger's block maybe?

*4* 2011 is the year for babies. I have 41 friends that are preggo! Not close, BFFs...but friends of friends and people Jared and I know. Still....isn't that crazy?! Forty-one women! I'm not drinking the water... :)

~5~ Jared's cop friend has a dachshund that is preggo...which means we could have a lil puppy soon! YAY!!

Living Room - Brown and Teal Green

2011-01-30T16:08:00.002-06:00

I'm finding that I like a basic neutral color with an oddball shade to contrast (or is it complement? Art Scholar, please explain this to me! Thanks.)

Once again, I like books! I like the lines found in the framed art, willow branches, and furniture. I love the patterns found in the easy chair. The vintage trunk catches my eye and how it's bring used for storage and a table.

I haven't figured out how to add depth to my rooms like some I've seen. That's next on the list.

Check out www.polyvore.com, but be aware…it's addicting!! :)

Living Room - Brown and greenie blue by coffeypierce on Polyvore.com

Fun with Polyvore!

2011-01-30T14:23:00.002-06:00

I've discovered Polyvore! The site where anyone can create anything with images found online. They are mostly used for fashionistas, but I've seen several DIY bloggers used Polyvore to design rooms.

I've been exploring my decorating style; apparently, I have an eclectic style. Eclectic meaning I have a knack for mix and matching textures, patterns, colors that don't normally go together and making them flow.

I played around with our dining room. We own nothing like what you see below, but maybe one day… :)

I'm loving chandeliers these days! And lots of typography and books. I've been mixing black and brown in our home as well. (Something I never thought I'd do! Black with brown…fashion no-no! lol.)

BW with blue Dining room by coffeypierce on Polyvore.com

Ramblings & New Year's Goals.

2011-01-16T23:18:00.000-06:00

WARNING: Below are ramblings and goals that might not make any sense to anyone except for the blogger. Proceed with caution. :)

Is it really 2011??

Am I really a big girl with a big girl job with big girl bills and a big girl home to clean?

Some days (most days really) I can't believe how quickly time has flown.

I can't believe we're in our 4th year of marriage and working on my career. (I have a career?! Only women have careers and I'm still a girl.)

I can't believe I'm looking for houses to buy and calculating how we can save half my salary in one year in order to place money down for said house.

And where did 2010 go? What did I do during 2010?

You know what's really sad? I don't feel like I can answer that last question sufficiently.

Yes, we celebrated 3 years of marriage and our first year in Hattiesburg. Yes, I got promoted to my first big girl job. Yes, I crossed off one thing on my bucket list (driving cross country!).

Yet, I don't feel like I've made a huge accomplishment in any part of my life.

I need focus. I need something to work towards. Something tangible or intangible or whatever.

So.

Instead of making a New Year's Resolution, I decided to make goals. Resolutions seem so final; goals are something to achieve, accomplish. Goals stretch you to your limits and then push you a little further. I definitely need a push.

There are several scriptures that I've come across the past few months that spoke loudly to me. So I thought it would be cool to incorporate scriptures as part of my New Year's goals.

Goals for 2011 as well as life there after:

"Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, buy try to understand what the Lord wants you to do." Ephesians 5:16-17

"Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love." Ephesians 4:2

"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Ephesians 6:7

I think I have a crush on Ephesians! :) Those verses are pretty self-explanatory when it comes to goal settings. It sets the goal plain and simple.

The last verse is one of my favorites, especially the last verses:

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. "They are plans for good, and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest , you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you," says the Lord.'" Jeremiah 29:11-14

This goal is to remember that God knows my future. Not to fret over life, yet turn to Him in prayer. Seek Him and He will always be there.

(Now, I know this. I've known this for a long time, yet isn't it funny how we can be head or heart smart in things and we can always use a reminder to not worry and just trust God?)

So if you've made it this far, those are my goals for 2011 and to carry these verses for the rest of my days. Hide it in my heart and all that good stuff. :D

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-06T22:48:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving was originally planned to be held at our home because of our crazy work schedules.

Then we realized we'd actually have the weekend after Thanksgiving off leaving us time to travel north to Columbus and enjoy dinner on Saturday once everyone was home. (Kaite had to work Black Friday.)

Then we realized the Egg Bowl was also on Saturday, playing on channel ESPNU. Mom and Dad don't receive that channel, but Marianna does!

So Thanksgiving was moved to a third location, Tupelo! Marianna was a wonderful host in her new house. (Her house is gorgeous! It's going to get its own post.)

Mom and Kaite working on Italian spinach and realgreasyfloured gravy.

Marianna setting the table. She made that tabletop with ceramic and glass pieces.

Her choice of china for the dinner was Fiestaware.

Jared carving the turkey while Kaite supervises and instructs.

Dad, Mom, Lydia, Jared, Kaite, and Marianna before the meal that was a huge success!

The Coffeys don't have many holiday traditions, but naps after any holiday meal are definitely a tradition!

Christmas Greetings 2010

2010-12-06T22:20:00.001-06:00

Cinnamon Damask Christmas Card

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Blogger Spotlight.

2010-11-30T00:49:00.003-06:00

This is the first BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT held every Tuesday. Unless I have a granny-memory-moment and forget, then it will be held whenever I post it. :)

**************

I know this girl named Katie. She's a real cool kid. Katie and Jared went to school together back in the day. Katie was also the first person we saw after we got engaged. I don't think we even told her! We wanted to tell the parents first.

Anyways.

Katie blogs and tweets and always has something important to say. For example,

And she's almost a bigger Mississippi State fan than me. I guess she sorta is since she's an MSU alum and I'm not.

I really fell in love with Katie after this tweet. (Notice that I retweeted it!)

Katie is real in her blog and tweets. She's upfront and transparent with what she's experiencing in life. I really like that…it makes me feel normal knowing there's someone else questioning career paths and life in general. I feel ya, Katie! :)

I really wish she lived closer. We could totally be BFF and beat up on Jared all.the.time.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-25T11:19:00.000-06:00

We are thankful for . . .

1. Skype so we can continue the Coffey Family tradition of watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade together even when we're apart on the day of.

2. Family that are willing to move holiday celebrations so we can all be together.

3. Jobs that we love even if we have to work Thanksgiving.

4. A husband that makes me laugh even when I'd rather cry.

5. A promotion at work!! My first "big girl" job.

6. An entire weekend off to go to Columbus and Tupelo to see family and friends.

7. Puppies that always make me smile.

8. A husband that cooks! And a wife that cleans up behind him.

9. Most of all, Jesus, that continues to provide for us because of our faith and trust in Him.

What are you thankful for??

Guess what?! Another GIVEAWAY!!

2010-11-24T22:27:00.000-06:00

The awesome sisters at Shanty2Chic are giving away a SIHOUETTE machine, too!!

Check out the post and enter the giveaway! :) Yay for FREE stuff!

Tatertots and Jello GIVEAWAY!!

2010-11-24T22:16:00.000-06:00

Tatertots and Jello is giving away a SILHOUETTE machine!!

Click here to enter and check out what a Silhouette machine is. :)

FiveQuestionFriday.

2010-11-19T01:04:00.000-06:00

1. What Christmas song do you loathe?

Hmm…I don't really loathe any Christmas song. I like them all! One that makes me sad when I hear it is Newsong's "Christmas Shoes." I usually turn the channel when it comes on because I alwaysalwaysalways tear up.

2. Do you and your significant other cuddle at night or sleep on opposite sides of the bed?

We cuddle at first then end up back to back. I can't sleep cuddled up on him unless I'm super exhausted. And he doesn't care for it either.

3. Have you ever had surgery?

Do wisdom teeth count? I had a pretty good experience with that. The worse part was that it took them several times to find a vein to put the IV in. Then I was out and woke up facing the opposite way than when I went to sleep. Which means I walked to another room and sat down in another chair. Weird. I do sleep walk sometimes… :)

4. When do you typically have your holiday shopping done?
A week or two before Christmas. Traffic is CRAZY in this area starting the day after Christmas so I do a lot of it online due to my road rage tendencies. :)

5. If money were not an issue (and you HAD to pick something), what would your ultimate luxury item be?
A vacation around the world. And I mean all over! Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Morocco, Sicily, Scotland, Ireland, Russia, Peru, Brazil, etc. I'd probably break it up into several vacays!

To send or not to send? Send!

2010-11-19T00:33:00.001-06:00

Every year I always consider sending out Christmas cards. I love receiving Christmas cards. Especially the ones that have the page long letters about what each family member achieved in the past year.

I'm not nosy…just interested in other people's lives. :)

I have yet to send out Christmas cards since we've been married. But this is definitely the year.

Wanna know why?

Because I can't resist a good deal!

Shutterfly is offering 50 FREE Christmas cards for bloggers! YIPPEEEEEE!!

They have 805+ styles. I narrowed it down to 3 favorites, which was super hard. You can choose a flat card or a folded card. Cards with one photo or 6+ photos. A card with lots of color or black and white. Lots of choices!

My 3 faves:

I prefer a card that says "Merry Christmas." None of that "Happy Holidays" stuff.

I love the untraditional brown and the red bird.

I like that I could write a small paragraph here. A lot of cards have a character limit…not this one!

If I choose a folded card, it will probably be this one:

Shutterfly also offer greeting cards for any and every occasion you can think of.

Baby Announcement and Stationary

Birthday Cards

Or if you are looking for a gift, calendars or photo albums may be the way to go!

I love personalized calendars! *hint hint, Jared!*

How cute is that baby! I know grandparents would love a "brag book" of their babies.

So Shutterfly rocks. And is the place to go for Christmas cards, stationary, calendars, photo albums and anything else you may think of dealing with photos.

And that's that. :)

*All images courtesy of Shutterfly*

Blogger Spotlight

2010-11-16T23:24:00.000-06:00

I've been pondering with the idea of spotlighting one of the bloggers I follow once a week. I would select a blog and tell about him or her and why I follow, what makes me come back to the blog, etc.

(Does anyone else follow blogs and sometimes unfollow later because it's not as interesting as before? I do!)

Thoughts? Ideas? Cries of outrage?

Now. Which day should I do my Blogger Spotlight? I like Tuesdays because I think they are the most forgotten day of the week! People dread Mondays. Look forward to "Hump Day" which brings Thursdays, which puts us one day closer to Friday and the weekend. At least for the majority of people.

I need to figure out a "button" for my blogger spotlight too! YAY for projects! :)

fivequstionfriday.

2010-11-12T01:18:00.000-06:00

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?

The dentist filing my teeth. I hate that feeling! I haven't had many physical things happen to me. Never even been to the ER. *knockonwood*

2. How much sleep do you get at night?

Last night was 10 hours. Technically, it was this morning. Night shift throws me off so I didn't go to bed til 2am and woke up at noon. (See the time stamp? Yes, that's AM. And I'm just now getting sleepy!)

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?

Until I was 8 or 9 years old. I remember laying in bed with Mom and logically explaining to her why there was no way Santa could be real. "No one but Jesus could visit every child all over the world in one night!"

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

Geez….Avatar? No…there's been one since then. I don't remember though. Jared and I go about three or four times a year. We'd rather rent a movie and have the ability to pause it. And it's cheaper!

5. What do you wear to bed?

No comment. :)

Ode to Xena.

2010-11-10T06:12:00.000-06:00

Xena is my first real car. Real as in she was bought specifically with me in mind. She had 7500 miles on her and the most comfy seats you will ever sit in.

I didn't want her at first. She only had two doors! I knew this car was going to have to last me to marriage and maybe even my first kid. There was no way I would be hauling a baby seat (with a baby in it!) in and out of the back seat.

But then I sat in her. And those seats. Xena, you had me at your comfy seats.

Six years and 70,000 miles later, it was time to say goodbye.

Her air was gone. She had dings and scratches from all the good times we shared. And memories, sweet memories.

Like Kaite, my sis, falling out of the backseat onto the ground because her legs got tangled in the seatbelt.

Or playing S-Stop with a bunch of Lockheart pledges.

Remember Marianna changing your flat tire on the interstate in downtown Nashville?

Or belting made-up lyrics to the latest song because I have no idea what they're really singing.

And driving all around the Golden Triangle because we no longer want to sit in the dorm and study.

Our last drive was exploring Lamar County. We hit I59 with Taylor's latest hit blaring and tears streaming down my face.

I keep thinking how silly it is for me to be upset over trading you in. "It's just a car, for crying out loud, Lydia!"

But, no. She's not just a car.

Xena was the last big purchase my grandmother made for me. She gave us soo much over the years, both tangible and intangible. In my head, letting go of Xena means I'm losing a part of Grandma.

So is it silly for me to be so torn up over saying goodbye to Xena? No. I don't think so. Because she's more than a car . . .

Miscellany Monday.

2010-11-08T05:45:00.000-06:00

{one} I'm crafting (probably more like nesting, but nesting in my head means I'm preggo and that's so not true) a lot lately and I am LOVING it. I really want to decorate the entire house for Christmas/Winter this year. Here's to hoping it forces me to clean our guest bedroom/office/Mary Kay store/catch all room.

[two] I pray I receive really great news later today. Or at least news that will point me to the next path God wants me to walk. Sorry for the vagueness.

*three* After being on 2nd shift for awhile, I'm on night shift for 3 nights in a row with 1 off night in between and then working a 1st shift this coming weekend. My sleep is all messed up. Madness, I tell you, madness.

-four- I will get to see my husband for more than an hour today! Yippeeeee!! I have lots of plans for us…walmart, laundry, dusting, hanging art on the walls…

|five| I have about 80 more minutes of work and I could crawl on the floor and go to sleep right now. This is so not good.

Fall Wreath

2010-11-07T22:19:00.001-06:00

I found a really cool, easy-to-make wreath at Craftaholics Anonymous. I'm not a huge fan of Halloween like Linda is so I decided to make mine more autumn-friendly.

She used tied strips of black burlap around a wreath. Then added the wooden letters B-O-O to the wreath and hung it on her door. Simple!

{{ Remember that I live in an apartment complex so taking great pictures of our door are pretty much impossible unless I have portable spotlights or really high-tech camera equipment. Since I have neither, my pics are bleh. I did my best with what I had. And that's what counts, right, Mom? :) }}

{With flash}

I chose brown burlap and the word FALL.

{No flash}

I mod podged the letters in pretty fall leaf scrapbook paper.

{No flash}

I used a orange ribbon to hang it from the door hanger.

{No flash}

Whadaya think? These pics really don't do it justice! I love it. :)

linking to:

Change is on its way...

2010-11-05T01:01:00.000-05:00

Bear with me while I go through some blog changes. I like change. I just can't make up my mind! Thoughts on this design?

I've finally decided on a blog name! Entertaining Angels. I loooove the verse it references. And I've always been a fan of the Newsboys song, "Entertaining Angels." (And, yes, it took me several months to find one I liked. :)

It hit me how Jared and I both live out this verse in our daily lives, especially on the job. When we treat people we meet as if they're the most important person at the moment, it can make a difference in that person's day.

Mary Kay Ash said it best, "Treat everyone as if he or she has an invisible sign hanging from his or her neck saying, 'Make me feel important.'" Do it for just a day and see the difference. :)

fivequestionfriday.

2010-10-29T00:34:00.003-05:00

1. If you could be a fly on any wall, which would you choose?

The White House. I want to know if all the secrets about the US government is true.

2. Do you budget your Christmas shopping or just get it done without budgeting?

I sorta budget. I have a roundabout figure in my mind per person and usually stay within the lines. Make sense?

3. What is the craziest fad diet you have ever done?

I haven't really done any fad diets. I tried South Beach with Mom once. I really do my best to eat healthy and stay active.

4. Is there a TV show that you have seen every episode/season of?

Friends. Gilmore Girls.

5. What one song always pulls at your heart?

Eye of the Sparrow. It was sung at my grandma's funeral. I can't hear it now without crying. I miss her.

Sometimes I gotta "feel" it.

2010-10-16T22:27:00.002-05:00

Ya know those days when you don't "feel" like wearing the outfit you've picked out? Or something's just not right with your hair? Or "insert-situation-where-you-can't-put-your-finger-on -what's-wrong?"

That's what happened with me and these burlap canvases. They just didn't "feel" right with the things I wanted to do with them. So I put them to the side.

Until tonight.

I saw Funky Junk Donna's picture frame post, and a light bulb went off.

I know what to do with those canvases!

Make them into picture frames! I wrapped jute around the canvases and placed a picture inside. These are engagement pics that have been unframed since we got them. {Yes, we celebrated three years in August.}

On the wall in our newly decorated guest bathroom. Reveal coming soon!

Linking to

Dryer Hose = Pumpkin

2010-10-16T22:09:00.002-05:00

I'm a practical girl.

I like giving gifts that have a purpose. I like turning everyday items into something unique.

For example, crafting a dryer hose into a pumpkin. Yes, you read that right!

I first saw the craft at House of Hepworths. {Click the link for a tutorial.} I was blown away at how an everyday, boring item could be turned into something cute. And that smells good! I didn't think I'd follow through with it because, as Allison pointed out, dryer hoses aren't cheap.

BUT.

I saw a used dryer hose in our utility room. It must be a sign! I hit Hobby Lobby to buy the rest of the supplies. And TADA! My pumpkins. I was able to eek out two pumpkins with the hose. Thank you, Jared, for never throwing anything away. ;)

The bigger pumpkin sitting in the bathroom.

The smaller pumpkin sitting on our TV stand.

Linking to:

FiveQuestionFriday

2010-10-15T00:01:00.002-05:00

1. What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Candy Corn, but only in small doses. It's so rich when I eat and eat and eat it.

2. Do you fold your socks?

I pair them up and roll them into each other. {Does that make sense?}

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?

Don't rush things in life. You have your entire life to live and do and be. There's no need to be in a hurry. Slow down and enjoy each season. Smell the roses, if you will. :)

4. What is the most significant difference between you and your significant other?

He jumps to conclusions, while I tend to stop and ponder before I draw a conclusion. But I guess with Jared being a popo, it's his job to observe and conclude.

5. What are three words you would use to describe yourself? (And, just for fun...if your significant other is around, ask him/her what 3 words they would use to describe you!!)

I say:

1. Encouraging

2. Forgetful

3. Willing to improve

Jared says:

1. H-O-T-T HOT {He says this after saying, "Hot….headed!" And then I gave him the look and he took it back. :) }

2. Supportive

3. Accepting

Miscellany Monday.

2010-09-06T06:15:00.003-05:00

{one} My husband showed ultimate love this weekend by buying tickets, attending and cheering for his rival college team, Mississippi State. He was even willing to wear a maroon polo I bought for him! Unfortunately, the polo was sized wrong and looked more like a dress on him than a manly polo. He opted to wear his green polo, a nice neutral color. He wasn't giving up his USM hat though.

{two} Whenever the day comes and God says, "Bam! You're going to be parents," I will be ready for little to no sleep. I woke up Sunday morning at 9am after sleeping a solid 8 hours. Took a 90 minute nap on the way home from Columbus. Visited with friends, ate dinner with Jared, and took a 15 minute power nap before working for 8+ hours. all. night. long.

In other words…I've been up almost 24 hours with maybe two hours of sleep. BOOYAH! Bring on the crazy hours of motherhood. Just hold the screaming infant. I'm not ready for that. Yet.

For now, I'll settle for my best friends' kids.

{three} It's getting darker earlier, and I really don't care for it. But on a brighter note, last night we officially experienced "fall-like" weather! I even got goosies when walking outside!

My BFF, Ally, and me taking a pic with our senior class gift to our beloved alma mater.

{four} I have today off. But not really. If Monday "officially" begins at midnight, I've already put in 7+ hours of work. Therefore, do I really have Monday off?

If I didn't have to work on Sunday/Monday, I would still be hanging out with my favorite ladies. :)

fivequestionfriday.

2010-09-03T09:39:00.000-05:00

1. What do you do when you have time to yourself?

Read. If I'm feeling artsy, I'll do some crafts.

2. When you look out your kitchen window, what do you see?

We don't have a kitchen window. :(

Growing up though, we did. Looking out that window, I saw two big trees, one oak, the other pine, houses across the street, and a field where deer would roam behind the houses. Pretty cool to be doing dishes and see deer in the middle of the city! That's Mississippi for ya. :)

3. Who/What would you want to be reincarnated as?

A dolphin. They are so pretty and graceful!! I want to swim with dolphins one day. {hint hint, Jared!!}

4. What is your biggest pet peeve about other people's kids?

My biggest pet peeve is more about the parents and the lack of discipline they have with their children.

Granted, I'm not a parent, but I know it's tough to discipline kids. We've watched and helped our best friends do it with their 3 year old. BUT it is soo worth it! Parents will give in to their crying, whiny kid instead of "manning" up about it and sticking to their guns. Geez...

5. Regular or Diet soda?

First off, it's coke. Not soda. Not pop. Definitely not sodapop.

When it comes to coke, I'll take the regular stuff over the diet. Unless it's Diet Dr. Pepper. That stuff is fabulous. Hands down!

Are dining rooms a dying breed?

2010-09-02T14:34:00.003-05:00

Donna @ Funky Junk Interiors posted about dying dining rooms recently. {Check Donna's blog out! I love her "blog voice," and she always has an awesome project going on. She's pretty much amazing!}

It got me thinking about our dining room and how we use it. She posed the question, "Do you use your dining room for a dining room?"

Well, Funky Junk Donna....you might be surprised at how we use our dining room....

In our dining room, we have a small, four person table with four chairs and one small in-the-corner shelf that houses my china. That's it! Nothing on the walls. (Even after this post and all the great suggestions...there's still nothing on the walls. I'll explain that soon...) Not even bar stools at the kitchen bar or a pretty table topper.

We only eat at the table when friends or family are joining us. This is one thing that will change when kids come along. Some of my favorite childhood memories are spent around the dining room table at dinner time!

But our dining room, eh...I don't know if I have the strength to tell you what our dining room has become over the past year...

Ok....here it is....

Our dining room has become a dressing room. Yes, you read that right, a dressing room! With our oddball schedules, there are many days and nights that when Jared or me get off work, one of us is sound asleep in the bedroom. In order to not disturb the sleeping spouse, we change clothes in the dining room. And then in the mornings, we'll dress in the dining room.

Is this odd? Probably. But sleep is precious. And when I get home at 11:30 at night and Jared has to wake up at 4:30 the following morning (or vice versa!), I don't mind for my dining room to be used as a changing area. :)

Maybe if I get brave, I'll post a picture...maybe....

Today I am . . .

2010-09-01T15:46:00.000-05:00

{I borrowed this from Sweet Nothings.}

Today I Am: Thinking.
Listening: clickity clack of the keyboard in the office, phones ringing, AC running.
Reading: Golden Days: Reminiscences of Alumnae, Mississippi State College for Women
Obsessed With: overthinking about the future...what do I want to do/be when I grow up??
Planning To: make a grocery list and ToDo list for the rest of the week/weekend
Praying about: Life. Future. What is my passion??
Dreaming Of: My actual dreams have been crazy lately...last night I dreamed we (me and sisters and friends) went to a local Mexican restaurant that we apparently frequent often. The owner of said establishment was upset we were taking up a couple of tables for over two hours. I overheard him venting in Spanish to his employees about us. I replied in a cool, calm, and collected voice, "If it's that big of a deal, sir, I'll take my business elsewhere." Odd thing is that 1) I understood his Spanish, 2) replied to him in English. If I understood Spanish, why not reply to him in Spanish??
Enjoying: A cool office. I do love that they keep it chilly in the office. I'm wearing a cropped, denim jacket today and I am not hot! Or sweating! Anyone who is hot natured understands how much of a feat this is. *fist pump*
Vowing to: exercise today!! It seems that when I take a "rest day" from exercising, that one day turns into multiple days. Not good for someone who needs to become healthier...aka...drop some poundage from the waist.
Excited About: The weekend! Thursday kicks off college football...USM vs. USC...Southern Miss TO THE TOP! And Saturday we'll be cheering for MS State...MSU v. Memphis. Or at least I'll be cheering for State. Jared cheers for Ole Miss, SEC, or the underdog. Yes, folks, we watch all teams during football season. Even the puny high schoolers!!

Miscellany Monday.

2010-08-30T10:41:00.000-05:00

[one] It's a sad day when I think I have Monday off after working all week and weekend. It's rare to have a weekend off nowadays. Even when requested, I'll still end up working Saturday or Sunday. Be thankful for the j-o-b, right? I am thankful, I am thankful…

[two] The wedding I directed this weekend was wonderful! Despite having to work with a crazy, controlling church wedding coordinator, it was fabulous. The rain held off until all outside photos were taken. No one forgot their words to say. The cake didn't fall over. Both families were very loving towards each other. It was great!!

[three] I'm battling a bad case of "What do I want to be/do when I grow up?" I need a full time job with a full time salary with full time benefits. But I don't know what field to conquer….???

[four] I've started using Google Reader, and I love it!! It's become part of my morning routine…check email, check reader. It's one of those things that I don't know why I haven't used it before!

five.question.friday

2010-08-27T21:55:00.000-05:00

1. How many pets do you have? I have a furbabyniece and furbabynephew that live with my parents. They are both miniature dachshunds, Lily and Phinnaeus. Adorable!! I'll post some pics one day.

2. If you could switch places with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be? Gosh. I have no idea. Maybe the Queen of England. I'd love to play in her jewels.

3. What is your favorite money saving tip? Yikes. I need some tips in this area!!

4. What do you want your kids to be when they grow up? Whatever they want to be.

5. What is your favorite quote? I have several. If you're friends with me on Facebook, you can read them all on my profile. A couple of my favorites are:

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." -T.S. Eliot

"Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!" -Rosalind Russell

Misc Monday

2010-08-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

I found a new linky party for Mondays! It's called Miscellany Mondays. I found it at lowercase letters. Just list miscellaneous and random things. Fits me well, don't ya think? :)

[one] Mondays aren't so bad. I actually looked forward to today! Mainly because I have the day off. (Although I'll probably go in later this afternoon!) There's just something about not having to go in to work...

[two] In 20 years, when I watch movies from today, will I make fun of the hairstyles like I do when I watch movies from the 80s?

[three] I miss my family. Yup. Lydia, the independent trailblazer that never needs anyone misses her loving parents and drive-me-crazy sisters. And those oh-so-adorable puppies! Miss you all.

[four] I believe the pool is calling my name. Definitely the best way to spend 100+ degree Mississippi days!!

5?friday.

2010-08-20T06:14:00.021-05:00

1. Do you have any nicknames and if so how did it come about?

I have a few nicknames…
Lydja: Dad's always called me this.
Lyd: This one seems self-explanatory.

Michie (meaning kitten): my godmother is Peruvian and gave me this nickname when she first heard me cry as a baby. She said I sounded like a little kitten.

Maverick: I got this name from summer camp. See the left sidebar for complete story.

2. What is your birth order amongst your siblings?

I'm the middle child that acts like the oldest. Apparently, when there is 4 or more years between the first and second born children, the first child tends to act like an only child while the second born takes on characteristics of the oldest. Makes it tough sometimes!! But I love my sisters no matter the order. :)

3. In a movie of your life, who would play your significant other?

Hmm….someone tall, short hair, ruggedly handsome…Brad Pitt comes to mind, but I don't like how he treated Jen so he's a no. George is too old. Or maybe Eric Dane, better known as "McSteamy." Nah. Wait. What about Paul Walker? He's played a cop in a few movies which fits the bill. Yes, I'll go with Paul to play Jared in the movie of my life.

4. What is currently your favorite song?

Anything that gets the blood pumpin'…"I Gotta Feelin'" by Black Eyed Peas or "Party in the USA" by Miley (let the records show, it took me awhile to give this song a chance. Now, it's my ringtone. :) or almost any good oldie.

5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase?

Our best friends are moving to Arizona so we've started an "Arizona Fund" to visit them in about six months. We need to save more in general. Anyone have any good tips on saving?

The God we serve is absolutely amazing...

2010-08-17T18:03:00.000-05:00

If you don't believe me (or if you do!), check out my fellow W alum's blog, Musings from Graceland. She tells a story that gives me chills. Why do we doubt our dreams that God places in our hearts? He provides our needs, always!

(Said in my best Scarlett O'Hara voice)

Two posts in one day…I don't believe it myself! :)

Bad Case of the Mondays...???

2010-08-17T14:06:00.003-05:00

Ever have one of those days where you'd rather lay in bed all morning only to get up at noon and move to the couch?

I've been having those days for about six months. And I do.not.like.it.

But I don't seem able to break this "Bad Case of the Mondays." During the winter, I self-diagnosed myself with SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Mainly because I was another person on sunny days than grey, cloudy days. I was happy and cheerful and up before noon tackling my to do list. Grey days I was just that...grey. Gloomy. Dreary. My mood matched the weather.

And then April came. I knew that the green grass, blooming flowers, increase in temperature, and the sun shining more often than not would help me come out of this funk.

I was wrong.

What bothers me the most about this case of the blues is that I'm ok with laying around. I'm ok with only doing dishes when there's no more counter space for the dirty dishes to sit. I'm ok with only doing laundry when Jared runs out of socks and undershirts. I'm ok with only tidying our home and vacuumming when guests are coming over. *Really, Lydia? Really??*

What is wrong with me???

This is not the Lydia I want to be or ever thought I would become. Eck.

fivequestionfriday. onMonday.

2010-08-16T14:26:00.000-05:00

Yes. I know it's called fivequestionFRIDAY. Yes. I know it's Monday.

1. Have you ever visited another country?

Yes. Mexico! I loved haggling with the market people. So. Much. Fun!

2. Where is the strangest place you have ever been?

Strangest? What about smelliest? That would be USM's football locker room! I visited during the off season, after a deep cleaning, and it still stunk. Yikes.

3. What is your favorite season?

I love each season when it's supposed to be here. Make sense? When the leaves start turning, I love autumn. When I can see my breath, I love winter. When the grass turns green and the cherry blossoms are blooming, I love spring. When the weather is warm enough to jump in the pool, I love summer. Right now, I'm trying to enjoy summer and not wish it away. 100+ degree days make it hard, especially when your car has no AC!

4. What one song will always cheer you up?

Pretty Woman. When I was little, I would dance around the house to that song. You and Me by Lifehouse cheers me up too. And just about any Dave song!

5. What Disney character do you resemble most?

Resemble? Probably Ariel. Even though she's the youngest daughter and I'm the middle, I can relate to just being different from your siblings.

Happy Anniversary to the One I Love.

2010-08-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

Happy 3 years!! Any many, many more to come. :)

Photo courtesy of Amber's Photography

fivequestionfriday.

2010-07-30T21:19:00.001-05:00

1. Did you have a favorite blanket or toy as a kid? If so, do you still have it?

I had a glow in the dark purple teddy bear. I think it's still at Mom and Dad's!

2. Do you dream in color?

Oh yes! Some things are more vivid than others. Like I remember this bright green bookshelf in one dream. I don't remember ever dreaming in black and white. Although that would be cool!

3. How tall are you? Do you wish you were shorter or taller?

I'm 5'2". I wish I was a little bit taller because pants are alwaysalwaysalways

4. If you could have anyone's (celeb or other) voice as the guide on your GPS, who would it be?

Morgan Freeman. Or Julia Roberts. Or Kermit the Frog.

5. Do you return your shopping cart to the corral or leave it wherever in the parking lot?

Return it if at all possible! When it's pouring cats and dogs, I tend to leave it. Oops.

I'm having a MEGA CLEARANCE ON MARY KAY!! :)

2010-03-09T13:19:00.000-06:00

I lovelovelove a good clearance sale. (Who doesn't?!) Today is your LUCKY day!! My St. Patrick's Day sale is starting early…it's starting TODAY!!

30% off any order $20-$50

50% off any order $102 or more!!

[That's $51 for $102 order!!}

Visit my website: www.marykay.com/lydiapierce to order OR email me: lydiapierce@marykay.com!!

Sale ends Saturday, March 13th.
{Pic belongs to Mary Kay, Inc. www.marykay.com}

Andrea's Attic GIVEAWAY!!

2010-03-07T00:45:00.000-06:00

I was blog hopping one day and discovered Andrea's Attic. Andrea is a sweet, southern gal who blogs about newlywed life, DIY projects, and life in general. She's only been blogging a couple of months and already has 50+ followers! YAY for Andrea!!

To celebrate her success, she's having a GIVEAWAY. Ladies and gents, this is F-R-E-E on your part. Go check out her blog. Then leave a comment, become a follower, and/or post about the giveaway, and you are entered to win a pretty awesome, hand-painted sing!! How cool is that!? Let me know what y'all think!

The only question I have for Andrea is…Is Oklahoma really considered a part of the South?! :)

fivequestionfriday.

2010-03-05T00:27:00.001-06:00

1. What's your guilty pleasure[s]? (I added the "s!" -lydia)

Blue Bell Banana Split Ice Cream. A mani/pedi. KitKat bars. (Yes, it's plural, because I can't stop at one!)

2. What is your favorite TV series?

On which network?? I work nights at a hotel which means I "watch TV" online while folding about 300-400 towels. I rarely watch shows on the actual television. The TV is usually on ESPN…I wonder why. :)

I'll break it down by major networks:

NBC: The Office; The Biggest Loser is #2.

ABC: Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice (PP is a spoof of Grey's so they're somewhat the same…); Castle is a close second.

CBS: NCIS/NCIS:LA (Spoof again.); The Good Wife is becoming a fave too.

FOX: House; Bones is a runner-up.

BUT! If I MUST pick only TWO of my all time favorites, they would be…drum roll, please….Friends and Gilmore Girls!! Before we had cable we always had one of these in the DVD player. We can quote every episode! It's sad when we refer "real life" situations to a Friends or Gilmore Girls episode. :)

3. Can you speak any foreign languages?

Define speak.

I can speak Spanish, and then I would be laughed at by the entire staff of the local Mexican restaurant!

I can speak a few phrases of French. I usually butcher them, and Mom corrects me. (For an Italian lady, she pulls off French pretty well. :)

So if you mean speak as in blurt out a few phrases and maybe a sentence or two, then yes. If you mean speak as in hold a conversation with a native speaker, then no. Heck no. But I can charm them with my smile. :D

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

I actually went to my closet to count! Not counting flip flops, (are they really shoes anyway?), I have about 30. Not too bad for a shoe-lovin' lady! Jared does his best to keep my shoe collection under control. But even he can't resist a good sale. :)

5. What's your favorite kind of M&M's...peanut, almond, straight up regular, etc.?

PEANUT!! Love 'em. Then plain or "straight up regular" (<---I like that!). Then probably almond, I don't think I've had them, but I like love almond Kisses so I'm sure I'd like almond M&M's!

First Project. Many more to come!

2010-03-02T01:56:00.000-06:00

I found a wooden trash can at Hobby Lobby for $5. Pretty blah, eh?

I spray painted it Espresso. This was taken before I applied the second coat. Two coats were needed to cover it well.

I bought a cheap wooden fleur-de-lis applique. I painted it white and attached it to the trash can with Gorilla Glue. (Love that stuff!!)

And voila! Super cute, super easy. That's my kind of project! :)

"I'm ready for my close up, Mr. Demille."

I'm very happy with my lil project.

I'm linking with Shanty2Chic. Check out their blog for lots of craft ideas and inspiration!

fivequestionfriday.

2010-02-26T00:58:00.001-06:00

I'm linking with MyLittleLife for 5 Question Friday. :)

1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song?

I karaoke only when I'm with a group, usual girls for some reason! ;) I think the last song I sang was "When God Fearin' Women get the Blues" by Martina. Fabulous, heel stompin', girl power song!!

2. What is your favorite coffee drink?

Yes, my maiden name is Coffey, and I do not like coffee. BUT I have found one drink I can tolerate. Peppermint Mocha. Mmmm. Very good. So good that you can barely taste the espresso! That's the point, right? :)

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be?

When I was little, I would have answered this question with YES!! Let me be Samantha or Charlotte or Lindsey. But, now, I love my name, Lydia DiCristina Coffey Pierce. It's unique and represents me and both sides of my family. Lydia is from the book of Acts in the Bible and was a seller of purple cloth (My fave color!). DiCristina is my great-grandmother's maiden name. She was French and married into an Italian family, Gargano, (Mom's fam). Coffey is the Irish side of my family. Hence the strawberry-blonde hair and fair skin. Now Pierce has joined my name. Maybe it's Irish too?? I need to do research on that…

4. Were you ever bullied?

Yes. By my sisters. I love them, but they still pick on me! And, no, I'm not bitter… :)

5. How often do you eat fast food?

Too often!! Jared and I both work crazy shift schedules so eating out is just plain convenient. We need to plan meals better in order to cook and pack dinner before we go to work. Any tips to help me succeed in this area?? I always feel like we're eating the same meals over and over and over again.

HappyBirthdaytoMe!

2010-02-21T12:46:00.000-06:00

We came to Columbus to see family and friends. We had a wonderful dinner last night and a dessert extravaganza at my BFF's house. Lots of pics coming soon!! :D

Decorating 911!!

2010-02-18T02:00:00.000-06:00

I need help. Decorating help. I have a huge blank wall in our dining room and I have no idea what to do with it. None. Nada. Zilch.

Here are pics from every angle. What would you do if this was your dining room?? I need ideas, peeps! Please. and Thank You. :)

Here's the frontal view. I'm standing in the living room.

Another angle.

From the foyer/front door hallway.

Another angle. That's the kitchen by the way…

Taken from the bedroom door.

I don't know what style I have. I like a modern antique look. Vintage, but not "old," Jared's not such a fan. I like the antique maps/old ship look complete with luggage and a rustic feel. Does this help any? Any and all suggestions/ideas/cries of outrage are greatly appreciated! :)

I need a name. Technically, the blog needs a name.

2010-02-07T05:15:00.001-06:00

Our blog needs a name. A one-of-a-kind blog name that no one else has. I've thought and thought and thought and even googled adjectives that start with the letter "P." And all I've come up with is...

nothing.

Absolutely nothing! So I need your help. Help me think of a trendy name for our blog. Something catchy. Something that involves our name, Pierce; or our occupations, popo and wedding planner; or our love for college football, he's a Rebel and I'm a Bulldog (they don't always get along! :); or how I'm the author and Jared's merely the subject of my musings. {Haha! JK. I'm sure he would write if I showed him how. :)}

I work best when I brainstorm with other peeps so let's get to 'storming! :)

Found a new favorite.

2010-02-05T22:57:00.000-06:00

Shanty2Chic is a blog written by two sisters that explore cheap ways to decorate their homes. I was blog hopping tonight and found this blog and fell in love with it!! I love to bargain shop so I am all over turning something cheap into something tasteful. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Have you found cool blogs like this one? Share the love and let me know! :)

5QF.

2010-02-05T22:42:00.001-06:00

Doing it twice makes it a tradition. Look for it again next Friday! :)

1. What are you most afraid of?
18 wheelers, bridges, drowning. CLOWNS!! I can't even watch that WalMart commercial. They're just. plain. scary.

2. Do you use a flat iron or curling iron?
Flat iron now that I'm rockin' the short hair. I loved my curling iron when my hair was long.

3. Hands-free or phone to the ear?
Phone to ear unless I'm driving then it's on speaker. One con of my iPhone is its speaker stinks compared to my Blackberry.

4. Do you have a matching bedroom set?
Working on it! We have the bed and new mattresses. Jared has a hand me down dresser and my dresser matches the guest bed.

5. Do you believe in the paranormal?
As in ghosts? No, not really. Although there is a ghost that lives in Callaway Hall on the campus of MUW. Just spend the weekend there; Mary will say hello! :)

Real leaders follow.

2010-01-29T22:52:00.000-06:00

Following Becoming Briggs, here's Five Question Friday! It may become a weekly event, so get excited! And leave me some thoughts. :D

1. Would you ever vacation alone?

Although I enjoy time by myself, vacations are meant to be experienced with someone else. And life is more fun with the hubby!

2. Do you go the speed limit?

I'm married to the popo. What do you think? ;)

3. Why did you start blogging/following blogs?

I like reading about other people's lives. And I like seeing the small world connections between us all and how we all seem to struggle with the same issues, yet in different ways.

I'm getting better about blogging; I read more than I post!

4. Where do you shop for yourself?

NY&Co., Old Navy, Charlotte Russe. I always head to the bargain racks wherever I shop though. And I've been dubbed the "Fashion Muse" in my family. My mom and sisters won't shop without me. They say I bring all the good bargains to them. They're weird, I know, but they're right. ;)

5. What was the song that you danced your first dance with your spouse to at your wedding...or...what song would you like your first dance to be to?

The First Dance. That was the only "issue" we had while planning the wedding. I asked. Jared said no. I begged. Jared said no. I submitted and dropped it.

Until the rehearsal dinner.

My parents gave us an iPod with our names and wedding date inscribed on the back. {I've wanted an iPod since they came out!} I burst into tears because that's the first thing with our names and wedding date on it, and reality really hit home. Jared leaned over and said, "I'll give you your first dance." I screamed and gave him a huge hug.

We danced to Dave Matthews' Crash. It was fabulous. :)

Jared's BIG gift.

2010-01-28T10:11:00.000-06:00

Story Time: A week before Christmas I went into Best Buy to look for a portable DVD player for Jared. For whatever reason, I took a detour to the TVs. Jared's been window shopping for an HDTV for almost two years now. So I thought I would see if there were any good Christmas sales. And there were! This TV was previously purchased and brought back, probably because the wife freaked and threatened the poor husband. So his misfortune is my super sale! I bought a Sony Bravia TV for about $200 less than the original price. Because it was a return, it didn't have a box, and I had to have a box! The salesman was super nice and wrapped the TV in bubble wrap and black saran wrap. Then he found a box for a 50 inch TV and wrapped that in black saran wrap too. Here are the pics that captures how excited he was about his gift. :)

I made him wait til the very end to open his BIG gift. He was happy the time finally came!

"Why is the box upside down?"

"A TV wrapped in black saran wrap and bubble wrap!!"

"Jared, are you excited?!" "Uhh, YES!"

Unwrapping the TV.

Dad and Jared place it in the armoire while I pray it fits!

It's a quarter of an inch too big. 1/4 of an INCH!! I need to learn how to measure better. Ooops!

Jared's still excited. Check out all the remotes. He's syncing them together so we only need one and occasionally, two.

Marianna had the brilliant idea to swap the armoire with the dresser in the guest bedroom. It really opens up the living area and gives a modern antique feel to the room. Jared is super happy with the end result! As am I. :)

Time to Catch Up.

2010-01-27T06:06:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2009! Held at our house because our schedules were too crazy to go to my parents' house. Enjoy the pics! :)

Kaite got Doctor Who. Doctor who? Haha! :)

Jared fights with Lilly.

Christmas morning. Yes, that big gift is Jared's.

Kaite's excited about Christmas!

SuperDad!!

Marianna gave Mom a loaded compactPro.

Fiestaware!

She loves weird books.

Jared's mom wrapped our stockings for us to open Christmas morning since we weren't able to be with them. Too funny!

Dad and his cool coffee mug.

Marianna made me an original cowbell with MSU on one side...

And USM on the other! Now I have a cowbell to ring at both games. :)

I just love her facial expressions.

"Do not pass Go! Do not collect $200! Go to Jail!"

Marianna excited about her big gift. What could it be??

A winter coat to keep warm on those cold bus duty mornings!

Time to Catch Up.

2010-01-26T20:02:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving 2009 was held at our house. Lots of family, food, and fun!! :)

My grandmother's china she gave me when I got married. She loved magnolias!

View of the table from Dad's end.

View of the table from Marianna's end.

The table set with food: turkey, dressing, Italian spinach, and pecan pie.

Five Things Survey

2010-01-22T08:18:00.003-06:00

Beth, from "Sweet Babies," tagged me in this survey. Check out her blog about raising two adorable children. And they're twins! Thanks, Beth, for giving me something to blog about! :)

Instructions:

1) Answer 5 questions with 5 answers.
2) Tag five other bloggers.

Questions:

1. Where were you 10 years ago?

1- I was about to become a teenager (13).
2- I was loving my new school.
3- I was living it up in middle school, staying busy with Jr. Beta, FCA, band, and church.
4- I was going through the terrible years...worse thing happening was sharing a room with my messy little sister that I love so much.
5- I think this is the year I wrecked two of my parents' cars...I totaled one of them. We don't talk about that...

2. What is on your to-do list for today?

1- Workout with Jillian and Bob.
2- Finish packing for Columbus.
3- Clean out my car. A vacuum would be nice.
4- Pick up Jme and head north.
5- Do Beans and Cream for our Coffey family Friday afternoon ritual and head to the Kari Jobe concert!

3. What 5 snacks do you enjoy?

1- Apples and PB.
2- Almost any fruit.
3- Granola bars.
4- Goldfish.
5- Peanut M&M's.

4. Where are 5 places you have lived?

1- Columbus, MS
2- Waukaway Springs, Vossburg, MS
3- Callaway Hall, Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS
4- Faculty/Staff Apartments, Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS
5- Hattiesburg, MS
(I had to stretch a few of those! Haha!)

5. Name 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire:

1- Give away moneymoneyandmoremoney. If I am a billionaire, there is more than enough to go around!
2- Set up accounts for my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
3- Buy Dad his red sports car. Probably a Corvette Sting Ray.
4- Buy Mom her red sports car. And my sisters too.
5- Build Jared his "man cave" complete with big TVs (yes, that's plural), gaming systems, and sports decor.

And now I am going to tag 5 people:

1. Mom
2. Ruthe
3. Delene
4. Sally
5. KatieW

I don't like to do things out of order but...

2009-12-26T10:03:00.003-06:00

If you know me, you know I am a left brained, linear person. I like to do things in order, especially chronological order. But not today!

My next post was going to be about the USM game I attended with Marianna, and then the one I attended with BFF Allyson and Marianna. And then Thanksgiving. And then Christmas. But no. Today I want to tell you about LENEY'S COOKIE CREATIONS!!

Delene Carter in Columbus, MS has started a side business of baking and decorating delicious cookies. Granted, I have yet to taste one of her cookies, but I know Delene wouldn't sell anything that's not absolutely divine. Check out her site and place an order as soon as possible!! I'm trying to figure out a way to ship cookies to Hattiesburg... :)

Brittany and Daniel Merchant

2009-11-05T21:35:00.005-06:00

I directed my first wedding October 17th at Carrier Chapel on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. My high school friend, Brittany Paschal, married the love of her life, Daniel Merchant. I helped Brittany from beginning to end. We planned a simple and chic wedding and reception. Somehow I ended up with no pics from the reception. It was a cake and punch reception held in the historic Puckett House on campus. The bride's cake was white, three tiered with real flowers on each tier. The groom's cake was a two tier chocolate cake with a houndstooth hat on top. (Yes, they are Alabama fans!) Enjoy the pics! :)

The Maid of Honor, Paige, styling the bride's hair.

The bride and her girls.

So pretty!

Gorgeous flowers and candles.

Daniel removing the garter, Alabama, of course!

Daniel throwing the garter.

Brittany and Daniel.

Thank you both for allowing me to share in your special day!! :)

We're Moving!!

2009-09-02T13:15:00.003-05:00

Jared has accepted a police officer position at the University of Southern Mississippi!! This has happened very quickly, three weeks to be exact. We will be moving to Hattiesburg September 16th. 2 weeks!! We've joked that Southern will be good neutral ground for a Bulldog/Rebel household! :)

If you're in the area, I'd love to hang out with you! We have some friends in the area, mostly Jared's since he's a graduate of William Carey.

And as they say in Hattiesburg...Southern Miss - TO THE TOP!

The Strawberry Cake Experience.

2009-06-05T19:16:00.003-05:00

Anne Franklin, a dear friend of ours and one of my Lockheart sisters, and I decided to bake a (semi) homemade strawberry cake complete with real strawberries. Needless to say, we had loads of fun and learned to write every direction down!! Just for your info...you drain the strawberries you put in the icing, not the batter. Or you'll get icing that is too thin to stay on the cake. Enjoy the pics!! :)

Lilly!!

2009-06-05T18:14:00.002-05:00

Lilly, my furbabyniece.

Lockheart Events!

2009-05-31T22:04:00.006-05:00

Songfest and Parent/Daughter. Lots of fun, food, and memories!! :)

Snow in MARCH!?

2009-05-31T21:54:00.004-05:00

Yes, it snowed in Mississippi on March 1st. Check out the pics if you don't believe me! :)

The back of our apartment complex.

Xena, my car.

Tree in front of our porch.

Cromwell Communications Building, in front of our apartment.

"Jefuhfuh DunHAM dot com!"

2009-04-19T20:05:00.012-05:00

We celebrated my 22nd birthday three times this year. The Wedesday before my Bday Marianna treated Jared and me to a night of Jeff Dunham in Tupelo. We ate at Logan's Roadhouse, then headed to the concert to laugh and laugh and laugh!! (If you've never seen Jeff Dunham, it's time you did so!) Friday my family and I went to Old Venice Pizza Co. in Starkville to eat. Saturday (my actual b'day!) friends and family went to Mi Hacienda for dinner and then to our house for cake and ice cream. Enjoy the pics! :)

Jared and me snapping pics before Jeff came out.

Marianna and me posing before we laughed to our hearts' desire!

Jeff and Achmed the Terrorist.

Peanut, Jeff, and Guitar Guy. (aka Brian Haner)

Opening Jared's card. It was from the Lady and the Tramp. Fabulous movie!!

We like to take funny pics!

Welcome to Lockhearts!!

2009-04-19T19:30:00.005-05:00

At the beginning of February, Lockhearts initiated 12 wonderful ladies into the club. My little, Brittany Herndon, was one of them. She is a junior from Tupelo, MS and she is fabulous!! She shines with Jesus' love everywhere she goes, and is willing to do anything for anyone. I love you, Little! :)

Brittany and all her goodies.

Brittany and her red and white striped cover up.

Brittany and her insignia; she's waited a long time to wear it!

Brittany and her "aunt," Mary Beth. (In social clubs you have families. Mary Beth is my twin, so she is Brittany's aunt.)

1ooth Night.

2009-03-28T10:44:00.006-05:00

A W tradition is honoring the seniors of student organizations 100 nights before graduation. This event is sponsored by Class Council so being Vice-President of our class, I read a poem. Yay! Haha. :)

Anne Franklin Lamar, our president.

Me reading the poem.

Lockheart Pledge Class 2005 and Seniors 2009!!

My Lockheart little sister, Brittany, and me.

Jared's Birthday - 1.20.2009

2009-03-28T10:33:00.007-05:00

We celebrated Jared's 26th birthday with a surprise party at Mi Toro! Friends from Jackson came up to see Jared as well as his family and friends from around Columbus. He had a wonderful birthday!! :)

Opening gifts.

Checking out the gift I gave him, a collage of our engagement pictures.

Jared looking at the photo album Mom and Dad gave him. It was pics from the beginning of our relationship...the summer at Waukaway that started it all!

Blowing out his candles!

Jared and me. Yay for birthdays!! :)

Christmas 2008!!

2009-01-03T07:59:00.011-06:00

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents and sisters. We opened our Christmas Eve gifts, which is always pjs to wear that night while you wait on "Santa." :)

For Christmas Day Jared made a breakfast casserole that we brought to my parents. After eating we started to open presents. Two hours later we finished. {Mom likes us to take our time and go around the room opening one at a time. I hated this when I was younger, but understand why she does this now. :)

Marianna, Jared, and Kaite eagerly waiting for the GO.

Kaite's face after opening her "big" gift. A drawing tablet for her computer complete with PhotoShop and some other cool software.

Guitar Hero!!

Mom crying after opening Jared and my thank you gift from the wedding.

Daddy laughing at his toy, a remote control truck!

Marianna and her hanging jewelery box mirror. She was quite excited!!

Jared and his NYPD shirt. This was a successful surprise!! Yay! :)

Favorite Christmas Commericials.

2008-12-24T20:41:00.002-06:00

My family and I were talking "commercials" at dinner tonight, and I thought that would be a cool post to do! What are some of your favorite holiday commercials? Leave them in the comments! :)

Now. In no particular order. Some great holiday commercials. Enjoy!! :)

36 Wonderful Years.

2008-12-23T11:55:00.008-06:00

Today is my parents' 36th wedding anniversary. They chose to get married two days before Christmas because my dad was drafted into the US Army and was leaving soon. They've had their ups and downs, but with God as their rock, they have survived it all! I am grateful for such great role models in my life. We love you, Mom & Dad!! :D

This is when they went to the Motley High School Class of 1988 Reunion. My dad was the guest speaker.

A Pierce Family Christmas.

2008-12-21T11:40:00.009-06:00

We went to Taylorsville, MS last weekend to celebrate Christmas with Jared's family. Jared's youngest brother, Travis, also graduated from lineman school at MGCCC so we were able to attend his graduation.

Jared's dad, Mickey, putting more wood on the fire before beginning to open presents.

Susan, Jared's mom, opening her gift from us.

Jared received a Ole Miss camo shirt...he's excited to say the least!

Eric, Jared's younger brother, gave me 2 CDs: Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Two of my favorite artists. Yay!! :)

On the way to Lucedale for Travis's graduation, Eric and me.

Travis is graduated! Yay!!

Travis and his proud Mama.

Jared and Eric.

Travis and his Great Dane, Tex. He's huge!

See how tall he is?

Travis is close to 6 foot, by the way.

Allyson's Birthday!!

2008-12-21T11:18:00.008-06:00

Jared and I took Ally out for her 24th birthday. {Her family has 5 birthdays within 5 weeks of each other!} Ally chose Chili's to eat for dinner. Afterwards we went back to our apartment and had cookies instead of cake. We all had a good time! :)

Excited about presents!

Yay!! We gave her some children's books she can use next semester when she student teaches.

"Now...how does this thing work??"
A 2-strand necklace can be tricky.... :)

Serious pic.

Not so serious pic.

Blowing out her cookie cake candle.
Happy Birthday, Allyson!! We love you lotso! :)

SURPRISE!!

2008-12-21T10:23:00.010-06:00

My BFF Allyson (along with her mom and sister) threw her Dad a suprise birthday party earlier this month. The theme was the 50's since that's the decade he was born in. Denny was quite surprised, and he was only told one lie through the whole process! Haha! :)

Denny is a huge Betty Boop fan, so one of his cakes had to be of Betty Boop.

The second cake was of a guitar. Denny is a huge musician and owns his own music studio, Backyard Studios. {The studio is in his backyard...cute, eh?}

Walking in the door...SURPRISE! :)

Blowing out the candles.

The amazing hostesses! L to R: Allyson, Elsie, Emily.

Allyson and me. BFFs!

We like to take silly pics. And the ice cream was delish! :)

Me, Mom, and Ally.

Egg Bowl!!

2008-12-07T21:15:00.008-06:00

We enjoyed our first Christmas present this year...tickets to the Egg Bowl. {Thanks, Mom and Dad!} Jared was covered in blue and red from head to toe, while I was supporting the maroon and white. Although my Dawgs lost, it was still a fun day! :)

In the Grove waiting to see Jared's Rebels walk. I was amazed at how much security was surrounding Coach Nutt; you'd think he was the President!

We watched the drumline warm up before the game. I have a heart for any drumline; I was on New Hope's drumline for four years and enjoyed every minute!

MSU Bulldogs warming up.

Ole Miss Rebels warming up.

Enjoying the game despite the cold sprinkle!

The Rebels win the 2008 Egg Bowl! Just wait 'til next year, Rebs. We're coming back!! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-27T12:42:00.002-06:00

My family came over this morning to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (a Coffey Family tradition!) and enjoyed breakfast cooked by yours truly. They headed home to start cooking afterwards.

This year's menu includes smoked turkey breast, shrimp, dressing & gravy, Italian spinach, sweet potato casserole (I'm cooking that!), pecan pie, and dessert made by Kaite. (I'm not sure what it is.) Our tradition is to be non-traditional, hence the shrimp and Italian spinach; although the Italian spinach is a family tradition (Thanks Papa!).

We hope you and yours are enjoying this fabulous holiday as much as we are!! Happy Thanksgiving once again! :)

Good Friends. Good times.

2008-11-22T11:06:00.010-06:00

Our bestest friends from Waukaway Springs Christian Retreat Center, Jason and Joye McInturff (and kids: Hogan and Gracen) are moving to New Mexico and Joe and Jaime Harris (and daughter: Hannah) are moving to Hattiesburg. We went down last weekend to help them one last time and to say goodbye. We will miss you!!

Jared (aka Uncle OP) and his niece, Hannah, hanging out.

Jared WeSkiing on the Wii.

After seeing her Uncle OP ski, she had to try too!

Jared, me, Joye, and Jason - one last picture before they move to New Mexico.

The Boys: Jared, Jason, Joe, and Hogan.

The girls: me, Jaime, Hannah, Joye, and Gracen.

Gracen and me!

A Lockheart Christmas

2008-11-17T18:24:00.004-06:00

The serious one.

The funny one.

ROAD TRIP!!

2008-11-11T22:08:00.011-06:00

Jared and I visited my cousin, Lynn, and her husband, Steve, two weekends ago in Clarksville, TN. We had a blast! It was nice to get out of town and do nothing. We ate well, slept in, and enjoyed catching up with family.

Thanks for letting us get out of town for a weekend, Lynn and Steve! We love you guys! And Dylan too!! :)

Lynn and Steve at Old Chicago Pasta & Pizza. Their pizza is addictive!

Jared and me at Old Chicago.

Jared means business. Check out that bib.

Cousins by birth, sisters at heart. Seriously, we're so much alike it's scary!

For example, we even have a matching overnight bag and koozie with

our initial "L" embroidered in pink. How crazy is that!?

Dylan is Lynn and Steve's golden retriever furbaby. And he looves his cousin Jared! He's trying to grab the gloves Jared is wearing.

And he's got 'em!

Feeling Thrifty?

2008-10-26T15:06:00.007-05:00

For the Lockheart Semi-Formal this year, we decided to do a Thrift Store theme, where attendants buy clothes from a local thrift store and are admitted to the dance by bringing clothes to give to a local charity. Pretty cool, huh?

I found my dress, an 80's original, at the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Columbus. I did my best to make my hair say hello to heaven. I wore blue eyeshadow and bright pink lipstick, even my nails were hot pink!

Taylor and I with our 80s originals!

Brittany rockin' out her "Josey Grosey" dress from Never Been Kissed.

Some of my favorite girls!!

This couple, Jillian and Sam, definitely win the Best Dressed Award. Sam's wearing Jillian's dad's plaid suit from his days as a bouncer at Cash McCool's. That's what you call true thrift.

The few that survived the whole night. What a crew! :)

WHOOPEE!!

2008-10-26T10:36:00.008-05:00

Every year the pledge class of Lockhearts has a Halloween Party for the actives. (Growing up we didn't celebrate this holiday so the first time I dressed up was my freshman year in college!) This year I was a whoopee cushion. Yes, a whoopee cushion. The party was loads of fun. We painted small pumpkins to be given to the children at Palmer Home (a local foster home). There was a pinata to hit and we went "trick or treating." The pledges had candy in plastic pumpkins and the actives went around "trick or treating." We had a fabulous time! :)

My little sister, Brittany the ladybug, and me.

Brittany sitting on the whoopee cushion (me!).

The whole group! Check out some of those crazy costumes!!

Merry Christmas in October!! :D

2008-10-19T09:27:00.006-05:00

Mom and Dad gave us Christmas in October...tickets to the EGG BOWL!! (For those of you who don't know, Jared's a huge Ole Miss fan and I bleed maroon and white!) Mom (and me because it was a surprise for Jared) wrapped the tickets in the bottom of a box with an egg in a bowl on top. (Get it?) Needless to say, it only took Jared a moment to figure out the surprise!

"What's this?? Christmas in October??"

"An egg. In a bowl. Egg. in a bowl. Egg Bowl?!"

"We're going to the EGG BOWL!!"

I can't wait to experience MSU and Ole Miss Football with my hubby!! Thank you, Mom and Dad!! :D

Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers

2008-10-19T09:12:00.008-05:00

Jared looves to grill. If he's off work, he's grilling something for dinner. This week he found a recipe for Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers on the Food Network's website. And let me tell you...they were FABULOUS!! They will definitely be a regular around here! Mom and Dad came over and ate with us before we headed to Annunciation Catholic Church to hear Kaite sing with the MUW Chorale. The pics of Kaite singing did not turn out well and there's an issue with uploading the video I recorded. I'll try to figure it out! :)

A close-up of the burgers on the grill.

Jared and his masterpiece.

Jared.

2008-10-13T21:55:00.010-05:00

So I gotta brag a bit on the man God has blessed me with.

Jared is my best friend and will be for eternity.

He knows how to calm me down when I get stressed, mad, upset. He knows how to make me laugh and the best times to do so. He is willing to give up College Football to help me with Lockheart Recruitment, fundraisers, Chili Cookout, and too many functions to name.

He is so amazing and eager to help because he has my best interest at heart. He loves and cares for me so because he has Jesus in the center of his life.

He is my heart. He is my love. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me with an amazing Godly man!! ( Even if he is an Ole Miss fan :) )

Jared and me on our 1 year anniversary. We ate at Olive Garden in Tupelo.

Jared and me on Bid Day 2008. He was our official photographer.

Jared manning the dessert bar and keeping an eye on the buffet at Chili Cookout.

Jared, me, and my (or our) Lockheart little sister, Brittany!!

Jared and me at Chili Cookout after serving almost 90 people chili! :)

I love you, Jared!! :D

I have TWiNS!!

2008-09-27T00:35:00.003-05:00

Within social clubs and sororities, there are "families" made up of big sisters and little sisters. I have picked up two little sisters in Lockhearts, meaning I have TWiNS! Yay!! :)

From the Top: My Big Sis, Liz. Me. My Lil Sisters: (L toR) Brittany and Kelsie.

My littles are Liz's grandbabies...confused yet? haha. :)

LOCKHEARTS!!

2008-09-12T18:31:00.008-05:00

This past week was Recruitment (aka Rush) for my social club, Lockhearts. We received a wonderful group of girls; all 14 of them are absolutely amazing! Below are some pictures from the crazy week. :)

Lockheart Social Club plus our mascots, Raggedy Ann and Andy!

Jillian, our President, and me, the Vice-President.

Sally Wells Black, a Lockheart alum and the guest speaker at the Preference Party. I am dressed as the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. Our skit is called Alice in Lockheart Land.

A group shot of the skit characters, complete with Tweedle Dee and Dum,

the Queen of Hearts, the Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter! :)

A Double Birthday.

2008-08-24T19:47:00.005-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIANNA & AUNT CRIS!!

Marianna and her tiramisu birthday dessert at The Olive Garden in Tupelo.

Aunt Cris, me, and Uncle Steve on my visit to Columbus, Ohio.

(I like taking funny pictures!)

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

2008-08-16T21:06:00.003-05:00

Today is my mother's birthday. We celebrated by having the family over. We grilled steaks, baked taters, and ended a great night with key lime pie and watching the Olympics. It was fabulous!!

We love you, Mom!! We hope your birthday was amazing!! :)

Happy One Year, Love!!

2008-08-12T23:05:00.005-05:00

Happy Anniversary to Jared and Me! We survived the first year and will survive many more together. Yesterday (the 11th, our actual anniversary) we traveled to Tupelo to shop and eat at our fave restaurant, Olive Garden. It was fabulous to just get out of Columbus with no cell phones ringing or business to take care of.

I finally have a better understanding of people loving each other more than the day they married. I love you, Jared. ;)

2008-08-01T21:28:00.002-05:00

Check out my parents' blog to read all about Jared's new job!! Yay for dreams coming true!! :) ...I love this photo of him!

OHIO!

2008-07-31T19:54:00.016-05:00

I {Lydia} spent the past weekend in Columbus, Ohio for the Mortar Board National Conference. Mortar Board is a national senior college honor society. I'm the president of the MUW chapter.

While I was in Buckeye Country, I spent some time with my mom's side of the family, the Cavanaughs! I only get to see them every 5ish years so it was a well deserved visit. :D I wasn't able to see Jeff (the oldest Cavie child) and his wife Andrea. I missed them by 2 days! But I got to know Scott, Emily's husband, a little better. He fits right in with the craziness. :)

Stephanie, the youngest Cavie, me, Abby, the next to oldest Cavie girl, and Emily, the oldest Cavie O'Neal! We ate at Schimdt's, a German restaurant located in German Village. Delish!

Cream Puffs, a German tradition. We ate vanilla and peanut butter fudge, which was my favorite!!

Uncle Steve, Helga, and Aunt Cris. Helga is a hostess at Schmidt's and attends the Cavies' church. She came from Germany with her husband in the 60s. How cool!

Steph and me in the German cut out outside the restaurant.

A typical house found in German Village. Very cute!

Can you imagine 32 rooms of books?? Me either!! Until I visited the Book Loft. One word: AMAZING! Abby thought so, too. :)

Aunt Cris headed down the garden alleyway that leads to the front door of the store.

Enough said. :)

Abby deciding her next move while playing LIFE with Steph and me.

Uncle Steve roasts his own coffee beans. He's cooling them off after taking them out of the hot air popcorn popper. Totally cool.

ABS and LYD. crazy girls!

Steph and Lyd, even crazier.

Some people have said that Emily and I have the same eyes. What do you think?

We don't like to take serious photos. It's the Italian in us. :) I love you lots and lots, CAVIES!!

4th Of July

2008-07-09T19:23:00.010-05:00

This past weekend was full of food, fun, family, and friends. Friday we grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch with our friends Liz & Aaron Sanders and John Showers. That night we went to my {Lydia} parents' house for steak. Saturday night we went to Jared's best friend's, Brett, house. He had a get together and grilled hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob and other veggies. Later that night we met up with one of my two best guy friends from high school, Greg Jones. He's in the USAF and stationed in California so we don't see him that often. Sunday we hit the road to see the Mississippi Braves play the Chattanooga Lookouts in Jackson. That night we crashed at Rich and Erin Price's apartment; they're old friends from our days at Waukaway Springs CRC.

Hope you and yours had a fabulous Fourth!! :)

Liz and me at her 4th of July cookout.

Greg, me, and Jared at Greg's Welcome Home Party.

Jared excited about the Mississippi Braves game.

I lovelovelove sunsets!

Jared and me enjoying the Braves play.

Jared won several free items during the game, a National Guard shirt, a frisbee, and a bag of peanuts. Free stuff, especially food is always a plus!

Sloan Family Reunion 2008

2008-06-30T20:22:00.007-05:00

This weekend Jared and I traveled to Morton, MS to the Sloan Family Reunion. It was (and is every year) held at Roosevelt State Park. Mrs. Susan (Jared's mom, my MIL) is a Sloan. This has been a tradition of her family for at least 35 years, if not more! We fished, swam, rode the boat, tubed, skiid, fished, rode the motorcycle, played card games, and ate, ate, ate!!

Jared and Eric fishing and goofing off on Friday night when we arrived.

Jared and the biggest fish he caught all weekend!

A picture of the lake and Jared fishing.

2008-06-02T22:00:00.002-05:00

Jared and I at Market Street Festival the first weekend in May. We were hanging out with friends and enjoying the sounds of SwingShift, a local cover band.