Too many options

Yesterday, I had to go to the grocery store. Yuck. I had my list, so I was prepared. It wasn't going to take me 4 hours just to get a few basics. I usually start with non-perishables first. So I go get toothpaste, shampoo, deo, etc., and start to head on over to the food. I know I need to get tissues. So I start there.

I'm standing in the tissue aisle for over 20 minutes. Why? Because there's like, 200 options to choose from. Name brand, generic. 1 ply, 2 ply, 3 ply. Lotion, no lotion. Not to mention, now there's like, 200 different designs. So I have to decide between economical and boring, or cute and sassy. But even then, I gotta find the right one that matches my decor at home. So I'm not only trying to find the best option budget-wise, but now I've got to decide if that color or design will look good in my living room/bedroom/kitchen/bathroom. Ugh.

So I'm interested to know what eats up YOUR time at the supermarket?

I think I need to go yard saling.

So this morning, I take Daniel to work like every other day. I've dropped him off, and now headed back home. I pass by this building right next to D's, and there's tons of people in the parking lot. They're all spread out with tons of clothes and such set out.

My first thought: "Wow! It's a huge combined yard sale!" So I slow down, trying to see what's out, cause I might want to stop.


My second thought: "But it's a Thursday. Don't the big yard sales usually wait till the weekend?"

Realization: This isn't a sale. It's freshmen, with their parents, getting all their dorm stuff ready to take inside to their dorm.

Oops. *Blush*

Angel Pennies

I found a penny tonight. In my dishwasher.

Thanks, Mom.

Your friendly neighborhood spi... skink

We've got some skinks. They're super fast! I've been having a hard time getting any pics of them. But I finally managed to!!! Enjoy these! *Also using my new lens!!* :D

Our "little" ducklings

So... the baby ducks that were born this year are getting SO big! They still travel all together, and they're starting to be comfortable around people. They even eat the food our neighbor leaves out in her yard. Pretty soon, I won't be able to tell which ones are the "babies" anymore!

ps. This pic was taken with my new lens! :)

Eureka!

Last weekend, D and I went to a little town outside of Eureka Springs to help a couple from our team move into their new place. We left a little early so that we could do a little sightseeing in Eureka before unloading their U-Haul. We went to Christ of the Ozarks first. It's this huge statue of Jesus that overlooks the beautiful Ozarks. It's a little creepy, but still neat to say you've seen it.

Outside of the entrance, there was an actual piece of the Berlin Wall. D knows what it says, so I'll have him remind me later.

For lunch, we stopped at this cute little sandwich shop. They had decorated everything in red, white, and black, and Coca-Cola. It was so cute! They had "old fashioned" ice cream and everything! Great lunch!

After lunch, we were off to help unload the U-Haul! Jeremy and Eliza, we're so glad that you're closer to us!

Happy Birthday to me

I've had the most wonderful birthday this year! I got the day off of work, which was a great start. I had a relaxing morning, with nothing to do. I was so lazy; it was great! Then in the afternoon, I went over to my friend Katie's house and worked on my scrapbook. I finished two 2-page layouts, which was a wonderful accomplishment! :) Then we went to my favorite pizza place to eat dinner. It was Daniel and I, Daniel and Amanda, Laura Jean, Josh and Katie, and Scott. We had a blast laughing and eating. Yum! Later that night, Daniel and I and Scott all went to see Harry Potter. I really enjoyed it!

The next day at work, my boss surprised me with a miniature cake and a gift certificate. So I spent the whole day "shopping". :) Then, on Friday, our small group from church got together for a cook out. They all surprised me by bringing cards and birthday cake! They're the best!

*I want to give a special shout-out to my hubby. He's been great with the birthday thing this year! He got me the new cd from Barlow Girl, with an autographed copy of the album cover!! He also got me a new dress! He also made the most amazing ice cream cake ever! He's the best hubby!*

So, a new wallet, dress, and CD, lots of money from family, 4 birthday cakes, and many cards later, I'm a wonderfully content lady! Thanks to all who helped make it that way! :D

You asked for it!

So I thought I'd post some pics taken while using my new lens. They're not the best ones cause I need to save something for my show coming up in October! But at least you'll get an idea of what it can do!! I'm so excited to have it! :D

The first one is of the hermit crab we've been pet-sitting. His name is Hermes. Isn't he cute?!! This picture was taken from across the room!

Next is of a butterfly on the rain gutter. Can you see the rain drops, and the nails in the wood? That gives you just a bit of perspective.

And last is of me. D thought he'd try his hand at photography! Wish he had a better subject to shoot, though! ;) Maybe next time!!

I have the BEST Dad in the whole world!

I love you, Daddy.

New Toy

I took photos for a friend in May. After meeting with her to show her the pictures, I was ecstatic to find a check for way more than I charged her in my purse. *Thanks, Mica!!* Guess what? It was enough to purchase a new addition to my photography equipment!

Yesterday, it came in the mail. My new lens. Ahh. It's SO beautiful! It's a telephoto lens that allows me to see so much from far away. I can't wait to go play and take some photos! Here's a link to the kind I got:

http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=2161

So what do you think?!

Your Blogging Type Is the Private Performer

Your blog is your stage - with your visitors your adoring fans. At least, that's how you write with your witty one liners. And while you like attention, you value your privacy. You're likely to have an anonymous blog - or turn off comments.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

...And the rocket's red glare...

Ahh. July the 4th. It's such a great day, right? Relaxing, grilling, family, and of course FIREWORKS! Usually, we go to the local community display of fireworks that play that cheesy music that we all love. But this year was different.

Daniel's family have introduced us to the annual "Fireworks War". Yes. You read right. A fireworks war! Imagine... saving your hard earned money all year so you can spend it on fireworks. Imagine 2,000 dollars worth of fireworks. Imagine that's wholesale pricing. That's a lot of fireworks. Imagine building a fort. And canons. Huge face shields that the Chicago police use. Lots of body protection. And of course, a fire extinguisher.

A bell rings, and suddenly there are fireworks being shot from both sides. The Mongoose and the Cobras fighting each other. Some of them have put hundreds of fireworks in big buckets and have lit them all... now THAT is quite a sight! Let me just post some pictures. Cause they're a LOT better than my words!! Keep in mind that these pictures are from the first half only. During the second half, there were some pretty awesome sights as well! But I didn't get any shots. Be sure and click on this post's title. There's a link to the official "Fireworks War" website. Bo is D's cousin. They've got tons of pics and even some video of previous wars!


Cobras Fort. Do you see the canon?


Mongoose Fort. GO MONGOOSE!!! (or is it "monGEESE"?)


The small stash at Mongoose. Those tubs are FULL of fireworks! They even had a "secret" stash, probably about the same size! And of course the fire extinguisher. Safety first!

Transform Your Life

We're doing a new series at our church about transforming our lives. Here is a little video to help promote the new series. If any of you are in the area, you should come by and check it out! Today's lesson was great!

Mimicking Caleb

This will only make sense to my New Zealand teammates. But it's hilarious for those that will get it!!! Love you guys!

Drum Circle

This is a drum circle that meets at a local park. They are so much fun to watch! Sorry the sound isn't the greatest... I was trying to be sneaky and unnoticed.