Life Rolling along,

   It's funny how life manages to keep rolling along. So much has changed for us since I posted the last time.

   Jerry and I are both working at a job we love. The best part is we're working together (www.armstronglamb.net). No more long hours of him at the carlot and me really not doing much other than house work and spend time with Chase.

   Chase is in Kindergerten and Loves it. He went on a field trip last Friday to CornDodgers Farm (www.corndodgersfarm.com)
He spent all Friday afternoon telling me about everything he did. Kind of makes me sad that I wasn't able to go on his first field trip with him. However, I know there will be plenty more that I will be able to go along.


   Jerry and I have both become more active at our church, it is such a joy to be there (www.harvestdothan.com). Becoming involved with the Children's Ministry is probably one of the smartest things I have ever done. I have made a lot of great friends going to that church. I wouldn't change it for the world.

   I love knowing that my son is being raised in the church. That is something that means a great deal to both Jerry and I. It also doesn't hurt that Chase adores going to church. That is one of the main things he asks about everyday. "Is today a church day?"

   This past Friday night he got mad at me because he found out I was going to church without him. I went and spend a few hours with some of the ladies from the church. We had a night of "Fire and Worship". Bon Fire, Chili, S'mores, Brownies, Music, God, Jesus, and because we're in South Alabama boiled peanuts. Seems like you can't do anything around here without peanuts involved somehow.

   I also did something I never thought I would be able to say I did. I joined the Choir. Jerry and I both did. We're getting ready to sing next Sunday for the congregation during both services. I'm nervous, but I'm excited. We did sound check last night and one of my friends who heard said we sounded "Awesome". It's definitely nice to hear. We've put sometime into getting it ready.

   I know we are blessed, and I know we will continue to be blessed. Giving our troubles to God has helped more than I would have ever believed. It's nice to not have to worry because I know God will provide. That is an amazing feeling.

There's No Place Like Home

   There really is no place like home. After being gone from my hometown since 2005, we have come home. Being gone for so long has taught me several lessons that I know I personally will never forget. I have seen tons of the country. There are still places that I would some day like to visit. Notice I said visit, not live. One of the main things I learned in this journey is roots matter.

   Another valuable lesson: Be careful who you trust. We trusted someone who claims to be a "best friend". Turns out they were never a friend in any sense of the word. We have been home for almost a week and in that time I have spent just about everyday with my true Bestie! 23 years later and she is still the little sister (by almost a year. HA) I always wanted and never got.

  That old saying is true "You find out who you're friends are"! We have discovered over the course of the last week or so we have some very awesome friends and family. It's amazing that sometimes friends make better family than blood, and with the exception of the "friend" I mentioned in the first paragraph we have surrounded ourselves with some pretty exceptional people. I love you all more than you will ever know. As for that one exception my life is so much more peaceful without the drama.

Getting to know me survey #2

I originally did this in July of 2010. I am doing it again because a lot has changed!

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey
Name: Suzanne
Birthday: 2-10-1980
Birthplace: Dothan, Al
Current Location: Lake Charles, La
Eye Color: Green
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 5'3
Right Handed or Left Handed: Left
Your Heritage: American
The Shoes You Wore Today: Flip-Flops
Your Weakness: My hubby and kiddos
Your Fears: spiders
Your Perfect Pizza: Cheese, bacon, and pineapple
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year: Finding a place for just the 3 of us to be.
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger: LMAO
Thoughts First Waking Up: Loving my life
Your Best Physical Feature: Legs
Your Bedtime: Still Not early enough
Your Most Missed Memory: Chase as a little one
Pepsi or Coke: Coke (Pepsi now gives me heartburn)
McDonalds or Burger King: Depends
Single or Group Dates: Single (when we get a chance)
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Neither ( I make my own)
Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla
Cappuccino or Coffee: Cappuccino
Do you Smoke: Yes
Do you Swear: yes
Do you Sing: yes
Do you Shower Daily: Bath Yes
Have you Been in Love: Yes and I still am
Do you want to go to College: Will finish one day
Do you want to get Married: Very happily married
Do you belive in yourself: Yes
Do you get Motion Sickness: No
Do you think you are Attractive: Yes
Are you a Health Freak: no
Do you get along with your Parents: yes
Do you like Thunderstorms: no
Do you play an Instrument: Clarinet
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol: Yes
In the past month have you Smoked: Yes
In the past month have you been on Drugs: No
In the past month have you gone on a Date: No
In the past month have you gone to a Mall: No
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos: No
In the past month have you eaten Sushi: Yes (I have discovered I LOVE IT)
In the past month have you been on Stage: No
In the past month have you been Dumped: No
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping: No
In the past month have you Stolen Anything: Kisses
Ever been Drunk: yes
Ever been called a Tease: yes
Ever been Beaten up: no
Ever Shoplifted: no
How do you want to Die: Peacefully
What do you want to be when you Grow Up: Own my own bookstore
What country would you most like to Visit: None
In a Boy/Girl..
Favourite Eye Color: Blue
Favourite Hair Color: Blond
Short or Long Hair: short
Height: Tall
Weight: who cares
Best Clothing Style: Jeans (love my hubby in jeans)
Number of Drugs I have taken: 2
Number of CDs I own: Too many
Number of Piercings: 2
Number of Tattoos: 2
Number of things in my Past I Regret: No regrets. The things I have done have made me the person I am now.

Survey from: My own blog

A Father's Day Gift That I Was Unable to Deliver Before Now

Anyone who actually knows me, knows I bite my nails.
Well, actually I used to bite my nails.
One of the earliest memories I have of my Daddy is him
telling me to stop biting my nails.
As I grew older that line changed to "Stop biting your
Damn nails."
Even after I had kids of my own.
One of the last conversations I had with him before he died
he told me again to stop biting my damn nails.
Believe it or not I miss hearing it!
In honor of Father's Day even if it is 4 1/2 years too late,
here is picture proof that I have indeed finally quit biting my
damn nails.

Daddy, I love you and I miss you. 

Happy Father's Day.

WhoDo Nickel Nickel

Blog block

Why is it I have really great ideas for my blog, until I actually sit down to blog? Several times a day I think about something, and then immediately it is followed by "I should blog about that." Then I sit down to do that very thing, and can't think of a single thing to say on the blog. It never fails. I do have a couple of ideas for posts. However, they have to wait until I feel like finding everything I need to go with them.

Life here is great. I think if he's off this weekend we're going to take Munchkin to play at the beach. There is no sense in being less than 10 miles from the water if you're not going to take advantage. Chase is definitely my kid. He loves to look at the waves.

I am enjoying being on the Gulf Coast in Texas. We are only an hour from Houston, and less than that from Galveston. On our trip down here from Louisiana my awesome husband took me on my very first ferry ride. Chase and I both thought that was amazing. Especially since we got to see dolphins in the process.

Since it looks like we might be here for a bit we are thinking of taking Chase to a Houston Astros game one of these days. I think that would be awesome. If I have ever been to a major league baseball game before I don't remember it. I know it would have been the Pittsburgh Pirates though (thanks Daddy)!

Check this Blog out!

http://deliecehofen.blogspot.com/2013/01/scanxiety.html

I want all of my readers and followers to go check out this blog. Please read and feel free to share with others. One of the things she wants is to get their story out. Reading this blog will make you smile, grin, laugh, cry, and everything in between.

Senseless Tragedy!

My heart is broken right now. My thoughts and prayers are with the families involved in this senseless tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.
I am completely floored that someone could open fire on a bunch of children.
A bunch of very small children.
My baby just turned 5 on Tuesday, these kids were in that age group.
While I will pray for the shooters family, I honest hope the shooter rots in hell.
20+ families sent their children to school this morning, expecting them to have a good day at school today. Those families are now being told their child will never be coming home again. I can't even begin to imagine how those families feel.
I am with the rest of the country awaiting answers...
I will update more later......

Sometimes Life Is Funny

http://tv.yahoo.com/news/ashton-kutcher-tops-our-list-of-the-highest-paid-tv-actors.html


Charlie Sheen has been replaced as the number one paid actor, by none other than Ashton Kutcher. The very same person who replaced him on sitcom "Two and A Half Men".


Personally I am a Charlie Sheen fan. I have not watched "Two and A Half Men" since Kutcher has been a part of the cast. However, I will go out of my way to catch one of the reruns with Sheen in it.

Lack of Parenting.

    What in the world is up with some parents these days?? Between going to the store, watching TV, or just reading the news on "Yahoo" I can't help but notice that some people should have a license to even think about having kids.
    So my questions for today are,
  1) Do pre-teen kids really need tattoos? No
  2) Should a person be able to give their own child a tattoo? Again No
  3) Why are there 8-9 year old girls at Wal-Mart with no shoes on??
And don't even get me started about "Honey BooBoo".

Sore Throat Remedy

I have coughed so much that now not only do I have a nasty headache, but I have a sore throat as well.Tonight I have found a solution that works for me. Coffee/Hot chocolate/ Sprinkle of Coffeemate creamer. It's not quite as painful now to swallow, and the caffeine is working on my headache. Promise to update more later, going to enjoy my drink!

Finally Feeling at Home

Well this past Saturday we technically said good-bye to hotel living. I say technically because even though we are now in a 2 bedroom apartment, the building we are living in is named The Kirk Hotel. They do offer nightly rates, however, they are looking for more long term guests.
We love this place. The staff is all super friendly. They serve a hot breakfast 5 days a week, getting ready to try Saturdays as well. This is the most pet and kid friendly place I think we have ever been. Chase loves being able to spend time with all of the dogs. He also loves getting to watch cartoons on the big screen TV downstairs.
The downside?? It's a walk up. No elevator. Why do I say this is a downside, because it has shown me just how out of shape I really am. Going up and down the stairs several times a day has a way of pointing that out. So now I'm working on losing a few pounds and getting into better shape.

I am so glad we decided to do this. I have always loved this building, and now I am in my favorite apartment in the building. I can't wait for the first good snowfall so I can just sit in the living room and watch it come down. Plus we have one hell of a view of the mountains.

Glade(TM)

As all of my 12 (YAY! Hi new follower) readers know, I am a BzzAgent, what this means is I occasionally get picked to receive samples, coupons, etc to try out, and then give my opinion on (And we all know I have an opinion about everything. LOL).
This BzzCampaign is one of the best I have laid eyes on lately. They are giving me a Glade Fragrance Mist, AND, not or AND an oil diffuser. They also gave me a ton of big money saving coupons, the products are for me, however, the remaining coupons are up for grabs. I have several of each item left, Just drop me a line. Right now these products are available in 4 difference fragrance combinations. My choice in scents was Cotton and Italian Mandarin. I guess next trip to the store I'll have to buy a different one, not because I don't
like this one. But because I can't wait to smell the others in action.










Disclaimer: I am a BzzAgent, I was given these coupons as a Thank You for trying out the product.

UNREAL(TM) Candy

Trying Unreal(TM) candy was a nice experience. It's nice to know that people are making candy, without all of the not so great for us stuff in it. Also, as a plus my son likes it. To me that is definitely something to talk about in my book.



Disclaimer: I am a BzzAgent and I was given coupons to try this product.

USADA to strip Lance Armstrong of 7 Tour titles

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/usada-strip-lance-armstrong-7-tour-titles-031949504--spt.html


Check out this link.
I am beyond disgusted with this decision from the USADA. Lance Armstrong is a hero for so many. His fans, cancer survivors, people who are currently fighting that dreaded disease, and countless others. He has passed EVERY drug test he has been made to take. Not only during his 7 Tour wins, but during countless other races, and events. These people have lost their minds. This man, this athlete, this cancer survivor, will ALWAYS be the best cyclist the world has ever seen. He managed to do something that HAS NEVER been done before. Winning the Tour de France 7 times, IN A ROW! That's amazing.
I honestly don't blame him for saying enough is enough. He has fought these charges for years. He has beaten these charges time and time again. The proof is in the drug tests he has passed. Just because the morons at the USADA refuse to see it doesn't make it any less true.
I hope with everything inside me that the USADA is blocked in their attempt to strip his Tour titles. However, even if they are successful his true fans will ALWAYS know what he accomplished!!! I know I will, and I promise to share that knowledge with my children, and God permitting with my grandchildren.
This man has done so much to help so many. He doesn't deserve to be treated like this.

A Quick Update

Wanted to take time to update my loyal followers (all 11 of you LOL) about the happenings around here. We have moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Jerry was offered a job that we just couldn't pass up. I can honestly admit that moving across country is both exciting and overwhelming. We are 1850 miles away from the families. Which is a downer. However, we are out here with some really great friends.
Chase is adapting well, as usual. I'm really glad that he takes things in stride as well as he does. He is honestly the most easy going kid I have ever met. He was great on the drive, he never complained once. He rode with me for a lot of the drive, but he rode with Jerry some as well.
I am happy to report that I made it all the way to Wal-Mart and back by myself today. Without getting lost. Those who know me, know I hate driving in big cities. I don't do it if I can get out of it.

My poor blog

My poor, long-suffering blog. Unfortunately my blog takes a backseat to.........well everything. I find myself sitting down to write, and then I get distracted. It doesn't take a lot to distract me the hubby, the kiddo, something shiny.....Or I end up with a case of blogger's cramp. I have 90 million different things I want to blog about, and I sit down at my keyboard. Suddenly my mind is a blank page. I have no idea where all of the ideas have gone, except of course they are not magically entered into my blog. They are just gone. Until I get started on something else I need to do, then all of a sudden the blog ideas are all back, right where they were supposed to be. Still not on my blog, but luckily back where I can think about them. Until I sit back down at my keyboard again, then the nasty cycle starts over.

My blog today is dedicated to potty training...As moms/dads we've all been there. The kiddo is just about 100% day time potty trained. I say almost because he is his mother's child, and sometimes he gets distracted.  Ah well accidents happen. Luckily for me they are few and far between. Once we have this down I'll worry about nighttime. He sleeps so heavy that he doesn't wake up to go, and when he gets woke up he's ready to be up for the duration. Unfortunately that doesn't work for me. I need sleep, or I'm known to get slightly (don't giggle that's not nice) grumpy. At least we're making progress in the right direction.

Other happenings include the fact that most nights the kiddo sleeps in his own bed. Definitely a win for the grown ups. Now when he does try and get in bed with us, we can send him back to his own room. Not only does he go back to his room, he actually gets in his bed, and goes back to sleep. WINNING!! There is nothing like trying to share a bed with a 4 1/2 year old bed hog. I'm glad he's finally grown out of the need to sleep with us every night.

Something A Little Different

Today I'm talking books. One particular series specifically. One of the three best series of books I've ever read. I'm talking about the "Scarpetta" series by Patricia Cornwell. I absolutely love this series of books.

They are about a woman forensic pathologist and her life. Covering her personal life, as well as the cases she handles as the Chief Medical Examiner for the state of Virginia and beyond.

As of right now there are 19 books in the series. I have found this is a series of books I can read over and over again, and never get tired of.

Check it out.

I would like to give a shout out to a new Blogger. She is a super great person, with an awful lot to say. She is also a very dear friend of mine. So please click the link provided and check her out. I know all of my awesome readers will give her the same support you have given me!!

http://whinymommy.blogspot.com/ 

Changes

Change happens. I am looking forward to the new job. The hours will be better than they were at the other dealership. Getting off at 6pm ensures more time for the family. It also means he will get to come to several of Jean-Luc's ball games. First game was last night, it didn't go the way we hoped it would. We lost 2-10. Practice tonight at 7pm. Next game Thursday night at 7 pm in ValleyHead. Fingers crossed it goes better.

Finally got all the furniture in Chase's room, and got it straightened up. Let's see if it stays that way. I'm not holding my breath, that child has issues with his room being clean. Now to get our closet straightened out. That's a job within itself.

Life Happens

   As so often seems to be the case, life happens and my blog suffers for it. Between school, Chase being sick, and baseball practice it seems like there is never enough time for everything.
   The 3rd nine week grading period just ended. According to the school website it looks like Jean'-Luc will be bringing home 1 A, 1 B, and 2 C's. Definitely an improvement.
   Last week we had baseball practice on two nights. This week we have practice three nights. Coach decided they need more batting practice, so practice is at 4 tomorrow. The only catch to that is he doesn't get off the bus until 4:10. We told the coach tonight he'll be late, but he'll be there.
   Chase is over his bug, thank goodness. He's a lot like Jerry, he hardly ever gets sick, but when he does, he does.
   We're going to Enterprise this weekend to help my mom empty her storage unit. Should be fun. I'm happy we're getting a chance to go see the family. She is sending us home with all kinds of goodies.