Let's Talk About Moms...Shall We???

It would only be fitting that I posted about Mommas today.

This year especially, 

it has been at the forefront of my mind, 

that so many people are without their mother's physical presence today.

Whether it be that she has joined The Lord,

or that you live a great distance from her,

and for some, may not have even met her.

It humbles me.

I am reminded that I have been blessed. 

My mother is here with me.

I live a great distance from her now.

But, this year, I am here.

And, every year, I get to spend a lot of time with her.

Here are a few things you should know about Mamma Johnson.

 She did my hair for me until I was prolly 15....

I'd still let her do it today.

She made sure my sister and I always had the cutest clothes.

She was there for the skinned knees, broken hearts, and days gone wrong.

She will continue to be there, in good times and bad.

She accepts me for everything that I am,

and all of the things I am not.

There aren't enough words,

nor enough space

to do her justice.

The relationship between a mother and a daughter is irreplaceable.

And, do you know what this momma did for me?!?

This momma endured labor,

played taxi driver,

and cheered on 

this precious gift.

(good LAWD he's handsome!!)

and for that, I am forever grateful.

And how about this one,

She's my memaw, 

she taught me everything I know about letting a child be a child,

and a person be un-perfect, 

because that makes them perfect.

I owe huge Thanks to this next lady,
(my Memaw Emmons)

she gave me

my love for the smell of books,

the serenity of a library,

and my appreciation for a good read.

Guess who this is?

This, 

is my beautiful,

precious,

younger,

(because she's not little or a baby anymore)

Seester.

See, she has grown into a 

generous,

loving, 

compassionate,

and kind woman.

Who will someday, 

be like a second Momma to my kids.

And the best Momma to her own.

And that friends, is only a fraction of the women that make a difference in my life.

 I am taking a wild guess here.

But, I think, that even if your mother is not with you today.

She is there in spirit and in heart.

She was once the one who 

kissed your ouchies,

hugged your neck, 

gave you sugars,

(that's kisses in memaw speak)

wiped your tears,

cheered you on, 

bailed you out,

jumped for joy,

read to you,

braided your hair,

and

loved you
FOREVER.

So, today, 

go out and celebrate that woman,

whoever she is,

wherever you are.

I have to leave you with this video about "Muthas" from a Mom who will make you laugh!

Happy "Mutha's" Day!!!

Until Then....

Thank the Lawd

(that's Jess speak for Lord by the way!)

Hey ya'll!

Comin to you straight from Generator Land!

We are going on hour 53 of no electricity!

Yoinks!

See, my folks have an electric water heater so that means COLD showers! 

But, no worries.

The most important thing is that everyone here is safe, sound, and healthy.

We were able to get my parents garage and shop cleaned out today enough to fit all of our cars inside.
(why yes, we are still unpacking boxes, but that is of no great concern!)

That makes for much less worry of hail damage (yucky)

While straightening up we found the gas powered generator my daddy has! 

Woopie!!

We filled her up

and went to pluggin in the fridge and a lamp right away!

Oh yea and my precious wireless modem!

My dad is good to me! 

Check this out.....

This tree is RIGHT behind my dad's shop!
Lightening struck the poor thing sometime during all the chaos!
Bless it's heart!
(I really just wanted to bless somethings heart!)

The down side to all of this.
What does one do when there is nothing else to do?!?
EAT!
Wait, is that only me?!?
No?
It's you too! Okay good!
I had Whataburger and Cinnamon Donuts!
YIKES!

But, I am getting very creative now!
Because once I'm done here I am going to get my daily pinning addiction on.
The iPad's charged and fully downloaded.
The iPhone is ready to roll.
and if all else fails I still buy books in hard back too :)
oh! or I could paint my nails!
They are looking a little shabby!

(Whoa I can't believe I just let you see that!)

Then, when the sun comes up,
I'm going to run until allllll the calories I have eaten fall off.
(okay, maybe not that far-but FAR I tell you! ;)

Until Then....

Friday Fun Numba Dos: The ABC's of Me!!!

If you haven't noticed yet, I like to have fun!

Source

But, I REALLY like to have fun on Fridays!

So, today I'm going to link up to a couple of blogs and let all the lovely readers who come my way know a little bit more about me!

The cool chick who gave me this idea is Lindsay, the writer behind

Scenic Glory!

Such a cute blog!

If you stop by you should let her know I sent ya!

OK
Back to Business
Here goes Nothin!!!

Age:28 with 29 fast approaching

Bed Size: king baby!

Chore you hate:  folding laundry, cleaning toilets, and emptying old Tupperware (I feel a dry heave coming on!)

Dogs:  LOVE!
We have a black lab mix named Houston
and
a yellow lab mix named Cosmo
(I think they are both more mix than anything!!haha!)

Essential start of your day:  I need to be woken naturally
alarm clocks are my mortal enemy

Favorite Color:   I could never pick just one!!!

Gold or silver:  Platinum, Gold, Silver...Love em all!

Height: 5'2 (I like being short!)

Instruments I play (or have played): o lordy!
I was a band nerd!
I played the flute and then for the love of boys I tried the cymbals one year!
Bahahahaha!

Job Title: Bad A** Wife?!?
I think that's what they are calling it these days!

Kids: not yet

Live: Good ol' Pennsyltucky

Mom's Name: Jacque if you must know.

Nickname:  Jess
(how boring right?!?)

Overnight hospital stays:  NEVER had one and I'm great with that!

Pet Peeve: rude people
( I totally agree with Lindsay on this one!)

Quote from a movie: (talk about puttin me on the spot!)
Help me Oprah Winfrey!
I'll take you to Applebee's!
(Love me some dumb movies starring Will Ferrel or Vince Vaughn)

Right or left handed: righty and hubby is a lefty!

Siblings: I have one awesome seester!

Time you wake up:  When my body wakes up usually.

Underwear: Can we skip U?!?
Ok Thanks!
I knew you would understand!

Vegetables you dislike:  None come to mind...I love ALLLLL the foods!!

What makes you run late:  Not waking up on time!

X-rays you've had done:  I guess teeth ones!
Oh yea and I had to have my foot x-rayed in 8th grade when my mom didn't believe me that it hurt!
It was broken!!
;-)

Yummy food you make:  everything I though turns to gold
didn't you know?!?
JK!
But, seriously I cook alot!  

Zoo animal:  eh....I think Giraffes look sooo elegant with those beautiful lashes!!

Phew, that was kinda tough!!
Anyway, I'm also rollin by FTLOB to participate in
Fab Friends Friday!

Okay guys, look out for the Giveaway Announcement this evening and an update on the ol' weight loss goals!

Until Then....

Friday Fun and How I Shine

Ello Pretties!

Did you know something crazy?!?

The very next time I post I will have reached 100 blog posts!!!

Wowza huh?!?

I'm thinking a give away is in order!

Check back to see what fancy schmancy I'll be giving away!
(Maybe it will be hand made cards, maybe it will be my first try at the cutesie head bands I see in blog land! I just don't know!)

I decided to have some fun today and link up to a few of my favorite blogs.

You should just know that I read A LOT of blogs!

They make me happy and inspired!

The first blog par-tay I'm joining is a BIG one!

It's the FIFTH annual UBP 2011 from 5 Minutes for Moms.

Shout out to all the peeps stopping by from 5MFM!

So that all of the newbies stoppin by can get to know me better I'm going to give a little background.

Here's a secret-I'm not actually a Mommy yet.

But, I will be, when The Lord's willin.

I was born and raised in TEXAS and have a very special place in my heart for all things Southern.

Right now, I live in the Nawth (North) and I have to say, I'm a lil out of my element!

It's April and it snowed today.

(Cue scrunched up concerned face)

I am married to Hubster for almost two years now.

We met when I was 18 and spent the next 8 years on the roller coaster of love.

In June of 09 we were married in the Houston heat and have been having a ball ever since!

Isn't he HOTTTT!!!

I'm pretty new to blogging, in the grand scheme of things anyway.
So far I have been hesitant to categorize myself.
Hence the name! :)
I love so many different things and this is THE perfect outlet to share them all!
Here are a few of my passions:
Cooking/Baking
Photography
Crafting
Shopping
Music
Reading
&
Traveling

Here are a few of my struggles:
Eating healthily
Exercising Regularly

I'm so very excited to keep meeting friends in the blogging community and you all should know that you inspire me on a daily basis!

Blog Stop numba 2!
The ever so beautiful (inside and out) Ashley over @ The Shine Project is having her first Shine Project Link-Up!


Ash challenges her readers to step outside their boxes and become a role model by paying it forward with random acts of kindness!
I think the world could use a few 10 bajillion more Ashleys!

So, although I didn't get out of the house much this week I did my best to meet the challenge of paying a compliment each day.
I paid compliments to other bloggers through posting on comments and bragging about them in my posts.
While dining out, a mother got up to take her daughter to the restroom and the bus boy assumed they were leaving. He was about to clear their table but I politely spoke up and let him know they would be back! I saved their food!
I ALWAYS say yes ma'am, yes sir, no ma'am, no sir, please and thank you no matter WHAT to everyone!
(I can thank my Southern up-bringing for that! :)

Thx so much Ash for starting this fabulous party!!!

My last, but certainly not least stop today is Fab Friends Friday @ For the Love of Blogs!

Who doesn't like making new friends?!? I'll take that chance any day!

FTLOB really creates so many fun opportunities to do that!

THX ladies!!!

I hope you guys have enjoyed learning a lil bit more about me and visiting all the beautiful blogs that I have mentioned here today!

Until Then...

Plea

Please do not leave me friends...I am having a VERY busy, but, VERY exciting few weeks.

I have TONS to share with you in just a few short days.

Not much longer...I promise!

Short Preview:

Make Your Own Chocolate Bar

That's What Friends are For

Week 11 Photo

Best-Ever Cupcakes

Waiting for Superman

Washington, D.C.

That's What Happens When You Play Around in the Metro Station

PA, MD, DC, VA all in one day

To Be Continued: 

MCP Project 52: Week 10 Childhood Toys

This week's theme was really fun!

I'm pretty glad that I haven't moved all of my childhood toys to my new house in "tucky", because if I had, I would have had SUCH a difficult time choosing just one!

I mean, the result would have been a pile of toys that were bursting out of the frame!!! Photography vomit, if you will!

I had such a blessed childhood. Don't get me wrong-my family was not rich-my sister and I did not get every single toy that we asked for when we walked into the store. But, the ones we did have were really special! Filled with memories!

Plus, I was the kid who was content playing with adult "hand me downs" rather than toys! Some of my most treasured things:

An OLD rotary telephone!

Used up purses (the glitzier the better)

Costume jewelry (missing a gem here and there)

HIGH HEELS! (any and all)

Fancy jammies and clothes (the ones that no longer fit ur mommy!)

A hand-made apron at my Memaws.

Old skeleton keys on a string (if you have the thing they unlock you get bonus points)

Yep, these are the things that fueled my imagination as a child!

This week I decided to take a old well loved suitcase from my childhood and portray something that I couldn't get enough of:

DRESS UP!!!!

Some of my most fond memories as a girl are the times my sister and I would use our imagination and our Memaws things to have the most fun.

For example, when we were at Memaw Ione's we pretty much ran the show! (not in that bratty Verruca Salt way...but the lets kids be kids way)

I remember grabbing old paper bags and cleaning out the pantries to play "grocery store".

My sister and I once took out the screen window that led to the back porch and served snow cones (pieces of ice wrapped in napkins) and pickles through it to all of our relatives.

My Nanny (great-grandma) had this really cool tray from Las Vegas. She would let us use it to play "restaurant". Our menu consisted of spam on saltines with cheese and water or tea!

By the way, did I mention my first car was a riding lawn mower with the blade removed?!? I'd cruise around memaw and pepaws backyard like I was the coolest thing since sliced bread!

I could go on for days!

Just typing this warms my heart and makes me feel so close to my family, even though I live so far away. It also makes me miss my memaw (who was taken from us, by Cancer, 7 years ago in November) A LOT!

What kind of fond childhood memories do you guys have stored away??? Try digging some up, you will be pleasantly surprised at how it makes you feel!
Just submitted this week's photo to the WhipperBerry Friday Flair Linky Party!






Until Then...

TV Talk

Was anyone else as entertained as I was by Gary Busey on The Celebrity Apprentice tonight?!?

When I first heard that he was on the cast my brain only had two thoughts: HOT - MESS!!!

But, I was I was pleasantly surprised and definitely not disappointed!

Surprising to me..Did Lil Jon and Nene seem sorta quiet in the board room?!? I expected nothing less than a ruckus from those two!

Not surprising to me... Richard was arrogant and rude and LaToya was a lil on the strange' (pronounced strha-n-jai) side! Did you see those board room thigh high boots?!? Oh my! And I do believe she may have been the first person to ever call Mr. Trump "Donald" in the board room!

In other television news...my bff and I will be having a Bachelor finale party next Monday! And, in spite of what In Touch says, we still love Emily!

We are going to make tee's that say "Team Emily"!

Wanna join?!?

I'm bummed cause my "starries" (pronounced stories) are all on hiatus.

Grey's Anatomy

(which I can't get enough of)

&

One Tree Hill

What are you guys watching on Monday?!?

Or any other day for the matter??

What are your TV faves??

Happy Monday my Peeps!

Until Then...