Puppy Love

Because today is Valentine's Day, I thought I'd pay tribute to a couple of people that I spend every day with.  A couple, so cute, they deserve their own blog post: Bella and Harley.

Before you accuse me of losing my mind (again), I don't mean that Bella.  I am talking about my English Bulldog, Bella, and her canine bestie, Harley!

Aren't they adorable?!

Bella and Harley are about as opposite as they can be but they love each other, I am sure of it.  Harley was 12 years old when we brought Bella home and, over the past 2 years, he has graciously let her demonstrate her typical bulldog characteristics.  Basically, that means he lets her run all over (or bully) him.  They used to play fight and chase each other all the time but now that Harley is a very old dog, they sleep.  All.  The.  Time.  Here are some pictures to prove how much they love each other.  Or maybe, they are just really lazy!

Bella's first Spring, back when she still had loose skin!

A shaved Harley loving on Bella, who does not look happy to see me.

When Bella's tongue is stuck out like that, she is doing some serious sleeping!

This is how they spend every day...all snuggly and comfy!

I hope you have a had a wonderful Valentine's Day!  Happy Puppy Snuggles to you all!

Spreading the Love!

Let me preface this post by saying the idea I am sharing below is NOT original.  I totally stole it from a friend's friend's blog post last week and tweaked it to fit my lifestyle, meaning I bought bowls from Hobby Lobby instead of mailboxes from Target.  Now that that is all clear, looky at what I've been up to!

Valentine's Day is not a big deal to me.  It is not nearly as important as Christmas and Easter, or even Mardi Gras, are to me.  That doesn't mean I don't like to participate, though.  For the past couple of years, I've been lazy with my Vday activities: buying the usual cards and candies for my family and making the kids pass out those dumb fold-over cards to their classmates.  Usually, the most thought I'd put into the holiday was making a special themed breakfast and/or dinner and that was it.  My family and I are very affectionate and tell each other how much we love and appreciate each other many times throughout the day, not just on February 14th.  This is why Vday doesn't mean much to me.

This year I wanted to do better.  I wanted to put more effort into the holiday and do something special, not just on the 14th, but every day in February leading up to Valentine's Day.  The idea is simple: write down something you love about your special someone and give it to them every day.  In the original blog post, the writer placed her love notes in the cute red mailboxes that you can find in the dollar bins at Target.  BTW, they are still available; I saw them today!  Unfortunately, my neck of the woods does not have a Target less than 45 miles away, so I bought adorable heart-shaped bowls from my local Hobby Lobby.  What you put the notes in is SO not the issue.  Use what works for you and your family.  The important thing is what you put in your notes.  I wrote 14 things I loved about each of my immediate family members, trying to personalize them as much as possible.  "I love the way your eyes sparkle when you smile" is much sweeter than "Your eyes are pretty", don't you think?

If you were wondering, yes, I did buy an extra bowl just in case someone would like to write a note to me but I did not expect them to.  This was something that I really just wanted to do for my husband and children; something special from me to them, letting them know that I love them for many reasons...not just because I "have" to.

I'm not very crafty but, this type of thing, I can handle!  I picked out a "filly" font to type my notes in, along with my family members' names, and printed them out.  I cannot cut a straight line to save my life, so I used craft scissors to cut a pretty edge around the notes.  Voila'!  Simple but sweet!

They immediately loved the idea and wanted to make some notes for me, as well.  I love sharing my notes with my family but I have really gotten a kick out of what they have written to me.  Some of my favorites so far are:

"I love that you hang out with kids (teach)" from Jack.  So sweet!
"I love how your eyes make me feel reassured" from Mackenzie.  Awwwww!
"You've got great legs!" from Scott.  *giggles*

I love this idea so much, I think I'm going to do it throughout the year!  It has definitely become a new Simpson tradition!

So, what are you waiting for?  There is still time to tell your loved ones how special they are to you, so do it!!

My Travel Wish List

2011 was a year full of traveling for me.  I traveled more last year than I ever have in my life.  So much so, I am now referring to it as The Year of the Suitcase.  Or maybe I'll call it The Year That I Finally Started Checking Off My Travel Wish List.  Ok, maybe that's a bit too long but you get my point.

I love to travel.  Love, love, love it!  Road trips, flying, family getaways, and girlfriend get-togethers...I love them all!  If I could (meaning: if I was rollin' in the dough) I would travel all the time!  I love exploring new places, staying in nice hotels, eating out, taking a ton of pictures...it makes me feel free.  I also love returning to favorite locations for the same reasons.

Because I love traveling so much, I have a "Travel Wish List."  This is a list that I've compiled throughout the years of all the places I want to visit, at least once, in my lifetime.  A Bucket Travel List, if you will.  Or is it a Travel Bucket List??

Last year, I was able to scratch off 2 locations, Washington, D.C. and Seattle/Forks, Washington!  I totally just realized I went to BOTH Washingtons in the same year!  SMH!  They were both dream-come-true vacations but, unfortunately, I wasn't able to do/see everything I wanted to, so I can't mark them off my list completely.

So, without further jibber-jabber, here is my Travel Wish List (in no particular order):

1. Washington, D.C. - We didn't get close to doing everything while we were there last summer.  Next time, we have to see the Library of Congress, the Declaration of Independence, a few more museums, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the inside of the Washington Monument.  I also would like to see the White House without my son vomiting in the front lawn.

2. Seattle and Forks, Washington - I'd love to go explore Seattle some more and see the Space Needle.  As far as Forks goes, I really don't have to go back for the Twilight stuff, except for when I take my mom.  She will never forgive me for going to Forks without her!  The next time I am in the Forks-area, I plan on renting a cabin on Second Beach and then take my time exploring more of La Push and seeing the Sol Duc waterfalls.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana - Yes, I have been to New Orleans many, many times but it has been 14 years since I was there and I am dying to go back!  I really want to take the kiddos and show them the beautiful culture the city has to offer...and then I want to leave them with family so that I can meet my NOLA-area Tweeps on Bourbon Street!

4. New York, NY - Of course, it has been a dream to go to NYC...all the sights, shopping, and excitement!  I'd love to go during the Christmas holidays to see Rockefeller Center and the big Christmas tree.  I also want to see as many Broadway shows as possible!

5. England/Ireland/Scotland - These three places have always been at the top of my list.  There are simply too many places to visit and things to do to mention here but, WHEN I go, it will be the trip of a lifetime!

6. Australia/New Zealand - Again, I've always wanted to travel to New Zealand but the desire is even stronger now that The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and both Hobbit movies have been filmed there.  And, since Australia is close-by, might as well mark that one of my list at the same time!

7. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida - I LOVE Disney World and it will always have a place on my list.

8. Los Angeles, California - Being a fan of music, TV, movies, and pop culture all of my life, I have been dying to travel to LA for as long as I can remember.  I have always wanted to see the famous "Hollywood" sign, Rodeo Drive, and movie sets, as well as, anything else that has to do with the entertainment industry.  This is the year that I MUST go.  I mean, REALLY.  As in, I'm gonna throw a very ugly 30-something year old fit, flailing and crying on the floor, if I can't go.  That might be a slight exaggeration but not by much.  For those of you who don't know, this year marks the end of the Twilight Saga.  The greatness that is The Saga will live on forever but this is the last time there will be a Twilight Saga movie premiere and I want to be there!  I know quite a few Tweeps that were there for the epicness last year and even more are going this year!  It will be a week of tents, Tweeps, celebs, and amazing fun!!  I know some of you think I'm crazy, including my husband, but this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that I hope I can take this November! *bats eyelashes at Hubby*

9. Hawaii - because everyone wants to go to Hawaii!

10. Cleveland, Ohio - because I want to see the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and I couldn't leave my list on an odd number.  :-)

What travel destinations do YOU dream about?

An Ode to Mackenzie

In honor of my daughter turning 11 today, this post will celebrate the awesome-ness that is my Mackenzie Drew and highlight some of my favorite Mac moments and traits.  Enjoy!

1. When Mackenzie was just a day old, she would pick her head up and look at me as I held her and talked to her.  I imagine her thinking, "Ok, Mom, I'm out now.  You can highlight your hair again...soon, please."

2. When she was 2 or 3, she asked me why my "tee tee" had a beard.  This is probably be one of my all-time favorite Mackenzie stories ever.  I should be embarrassed but I just can't be...it's funny, pure and simple.

3. "Harry Potter" has been her boyfriend since she was 3 years old.  She would even say his name in a British accent like they do in the movies.  Also, in her preschool class, she had a "boyfriend" named Thomas....who had black hair, green eyes, and glasses!  The only thing missing was the lightening bolt scar, I swear!

4. I have always referred to her as "Scott with a vagina" because she looks and acts just like her daddy.  She does share some of my traits, though, like....umm...hold on, let me think of some....  Well, we both really like music and movies....we love staying in hotels.... Yeah, I'll have to come back to this one.

5. Mackenzie is quick witted and has an awesome sense of humor (there's something else we share!) but I do have to remind her occasionally that not everyone considers sarcasm as a form of entertainment.

6. She loves dogs almost as much as she loves her family.  I fear for when she moves out of the house and can have as many dogs as she wants...

7. Mackenzie loves to irritate her brother but she is very protective of him in that "I can mess with him but you better not" kind of way.  I can't wait for them to be teenagers! *sarcasm*

8. Although she likes watching those annoying Disney shows, her favorite TV channels are The Food Network and HGTV.

9. She says she hates Twilight and thinks Robert Pattinson is ugly.  I can forgive her because I KNOW that will change in 2-3 years.

10. Although, Mackenzie has never "lived" in Louisiana, she bleeds Purple & Gold through and through. That's simply good parenting skills, I'm just sayin'.

11. Of course, she's very tall for her age (5'3" and growing) and is very skinny but that does not mean she is weak.  Let her give you one of her rib-crushing hugs and you'll see what I mean!

12. She set her sights on joining the local swim team, worked hard during 3 months of lessons, and achieved her goal.  I was so proud to see her succeed.

13. She thinks I'm beautiful and should not wear make-up.  This is another trait she shares with Scott and not with me.  ;-)

Mackenzie is a beautiful young lady with an infectious laugh and loving heart.  She has blessed me in more ways than I can count.  I look forward to watching her change and grow and I can't wait to see what's in store for her.

Happy birthday, Precious Angel!!

Thankful

All month I have been reading Facebook posts from my friends that list the things they are thankful for.  I've been meaning to jump on the daily "Thankful post" bandwagon but haven't so, I'm just going to post my list here.  Enjoy!

1. First and foremost, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Without Him, I am nothing.

2. I am thankful for His Will in my life...the things He has done, has not done, will do, and will not do.  His Will is perfect; mine is not.

3. I am thankful for my husband.  He accepts me and loves me unconditionally.  He make me laugh every day and he allows me to indulge in all of my Twilight craziness, even if he rolls his eyes while doing it.

4. I am thankful for my children.  They are, without a doubt, the two best things I've ever had a hand in creating and I thank God for allowing me to care for them while on this earth.

5. I am thankful for my family...the one I was born into and the one I married into.

6. I am thankful for my friends.  I've been blessed with friendships with people from all over the world and I love each and every one of you!

7. I am thankful for Facebook for allowing me to reconnect and keep in touch with my family and friends.

8. I am thankful for Twitter for allowing me to meet so many funny, interesting, and crazy TwiHards!

9. I am thankful for my Bville friends...I'm glad we have each other to vent to! ;-)

10. I am thankful for my good health and that of my family.

11. I am thankful for the talent of singing and the desire to share it with others.

12. I am thankful for my blue jeans still fitting even though I gained back most of the weight I lost last year.

13. I am thankful for our house, cars, and food in the pantry.

14. I am thankful for Apple products.

15. I am thankful for chocolate.  And Diet Coke.

16. I am thankful for Twilight.  Shocker, I know!  The Saga has rekindled my love in books, given me some delicious eye-candy to enjoy in the movies, and lead me to meet some of the best ladies ever!

17. I am thankful for music and movies.

18. I am thankful for my dogs!

19. I am thankful for coffee and, more importantly, Creme Brulee creamer.

20. I am thankful for my country and the freedom that goes along with being a citizen.

21. I am thankful for my part-time job....I get to play with kiddos and make a little extra spending money!

22. I am thankful for LSU football.

23. I am thankful for being a true Southerner.

24. I am thankful for modern medicine.

25. I am thankful for indoor plumbing.

26. I am thankful for pizza, quesadillas, and pumpkin whoopie pies.

27. I am thankful for my two refrigerators.

28. I am thankful for Clorox wipes.

29. I am thankful for the Internet.

30. I am thankful for YOU!!

Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!!

The Thwilla Story - for Dangrdafne

The purpose of this post is to tell my fellow TwiTard and Tweep, Dangrdafne, a story that I meant to share with her while we were in Forks.  If you have zero interest in the 100 Monkeys, you might want to skip this post, unless you like to read stories that poke fun at my husband.  If that is the case...and, really, who DOESN'T like to poke fun at Scott...then by all means, proceed.

Scott and I had the incredible opportunity to see the 100 Monkeys in concert in Dallas this past August.  If you haven't already, feel free to scroll down and read my post about it later.  :-)

On the 100 Monkeys' latest CD, Liquid Zoo, there is a song called The Sound.  It is a very catchy song with a nice groove and Scott and I both love it.  In the middle of the song, for reasons I cannot for the life of me explain, there is a rap.  Yes, a rap.  It is my least favorite part of the song but, even still, it is catchy. The guy who does this rap is not an actual member of the group.  His name is William but also goes by "Thwilla".  I guess that is his "rap" name.  Thwilla travels with the band, doing PR stuff and probably anything else that is needed, so I am hoping that he is not wanting to venture into the rap music business full-time.  *collective sigh of relief*

Some of the lyrics (I think the "catchiest") of Thwilla's rap are:

'Cause you're bad

You know this

Your Dad

He noticed

Let me interject some information for those who don't already know Scott or myself very well: my husband is 7 years older than I am, which makes him *cough* 40-something *cough*.  NOT that he looks "old" or anything....he really doesn't.  In fact, he still gets carded at Buffalo Wild Wings.  I just feel it is important to know this before I finish the story.  A little foreshadowing perhaps??

Sooooo, we are in Dallas, having a blast at the show, when they start playing The Sound.  Scott and I were both happy because we like the song so much but we were also giggling because we knew the stupid rap was coming up.  I was standing in the second row, dead-center, in front of the stage, which is where Thwilla was doing most of his rap.  Scott was standing directly behind me.  Thwilla gets to the "Your DAD, He noticed" part and...wait for it...POINTS DIRECTLY TO SCOTT!!  I don't know if he thought Scott was my dad or some other chick's dad or if he just could tell that he most likely is a dad but it was still freaking funny!  At least, I thought it was funny the next day when Scott finally admitted what happened.  He, of course, did NOT think it was funny and he STILL doesn't think it is funny!  Which makes it even more funny to me!

That's it!  That's the Thwilla Story, Dangrdafne!  I told you it probably wouldn't live up to the suspense and it is probably more entertaining when told in person but, at least, I finally told you!  I hope you were able to giggle a little bit while reading. ;-)

For the record, I totally missed the pointing by Thwilla because I was fixated on Ben G and his beautiful solo that gets trampled by the rap!

This is a pic of Thwilla from the Tulsa show.  Scott wasn't there but I texted him this pic and told him Thwilla was looking for him!  I'm so mean!!

FOOORKS2011!!

I know, I know.  I've been home from Forks for 3 weeks and I am just now blogging about it!  Sorry!

I've been trying to decide how I want to approach this post.  Do I spill the beans on everything that was said and done while I was in Twilight Heaven?  Do I keep all the juicy details to myself and let you squirm until you completely forget about me and my trip?  Decisions, decisions....

Ok, enough squirming!  I'm not THAT mean...usually.  I think I'll just give you a brief review, since most of you follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter and were bombarded by posts and pics as the trip happened anyway.  My next post will be tips and advice for those of you who plan on taking your own trip to Forks one of these days!

What can I say?  My trip to Forks was simply amazing.  I still can't wrap my brain around the fact that I have traveled, not only to Forks, Washington, but to the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  It is unlike anywhere I have ever been and, if you haven't been there, you should plan a trip ASAP!

We (my most-awesomest roomies, JK & M, and I) started our trip in Seattle.  We were only there for one evening and half the next day but we filled that time with as much fun as we possibly could.  We saw the Space Needle (from a distance), some really cool buildings, and Pike Place Market.  We took pictures of, what we thought was, the very first Starbucks.  Then, we took pictures of the REAL very first Starbucks!  And, to make that achievement even better, we realized we were there on National Coffee Day!  How perfect?  Seattle truly is a beautiful place and I would love to go back with my family and spend more time there.

JK & I enjoying our National Coffee Day iced coffee from the REAL original Starbucks!

From Seattle, we rode the ferry to Bainbridge Island.  Riding a ferry was a first for JK and M, which I thought was funny but I'll admit, this ferry ride is much prettier than the one to Galveston.  I'm just sayin....  During our 3 hour drive to Forks, we passed through Port Angeles and stopped to take pictures of Crescent Lake.  My words and pictures simply do not do the scenery justice.  It is just like the Twilight books describe but even better.  Everything really is covered in green and moss and ferns really cover the ground like grass.  I was not a listed driver on our rental car agreement, so I was able to sit in the back seat and look out the windows and into the woods whenever I wanted.  I could almost swear that I saw a vamp or two running through the forest but that could also have been the car sickness I experienced throughout the trip. ;-)

HWY 101 and Crescent Lake...breathtaking..

The girls and I were beyond excited about arriving in Forks.  So much so, that every (and I mean EVERY) sign we passed that had the word "Forks" on it elicited a scream from us that could almost break glass.  Finally, in the distance we could see THE sign.  Yes, the "Welcome To Forks" sign.  The sign that made it sink in that, yes, we were in the Twilight Heartland FOR REALIES.  There may have been a tear or two or, at the very least, some moist eyes... *insert scream!*  See?  It still has that effect on me.  Ok, I'm better now, I promise...maybe.

 Getting closer...

 ...and closer...

...and I'm finally in Forks!!

While in Forks, we did everything a TwiHard should do: we shopped, we visited all of the Twilight-themed attractions, we took pictures, and we even reenacted some of our favorite scenes from the movie.  We also were able to spend some fun times with other Twilight fans at the Elks Lodge when we attended the TwiTarded parties.  It was absolutely incredible to meet so many people from the fandom that, until this trip, I had only talked to through Twitter and blogging.  I met fans from all over the country and even a few from England and Sweden!  These women (and a few husbands) are all ages, races, sizes, etc but when you meet them, it's like you've known them forever.  I've never experienced any thing like it, including my time in my sorority.  I love these ladies hard and I wish we could see each other more often!

In addition to doing all of the touristy things in Forks, we drove back to Port A and had dinner at Bella Italia one evening.  The mushroom ravioli is a must and I'm not just saying that because it is what Bella orders in the book and movie.  It really is delicious!  We also saw a bit of the Hoh Rainforest, LaPush, and Third and Second Beaches.  We never made it to First Beach.  Believe it or not, we ran out of time...in Forks!  Crazy but it's true!

 Bella's truck from the movie!

 Mushroom Ravioli from Bella Italia!

 A moss-covered tree from the Hoh Rainforest!

The Roomies and I on a driftwood tree at Second Beach!

This trip was an incredible experience.  I met awesome people, bonded even more with my new besties, and saw the places that inspired some of my favorite books.  And I cannot wait to do it again!

I know this post is brief...for me, anyway...but if you'd like to see more, check out my fb page!