Life as a new Mrs.-AGAIN

UK Cheer 2012 Champs!

2012-01-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

Love my Cheer Cats!
19 National Titles!
Way to go!

Friends from the Blog-o-verse!

2011-11-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

I search the internet daily for bloggers that I feel like I connect with,

but rarely do I find any.

I am too old,

or too young.

Sometimes, not religious enough,

or maybe not cool or hip enough.

I don't have a gaggle of sorority sisters to follow me,

and I haven't been featured anywhere for a slew of people to start following, either.

Honestly, I have been blogging for nearly 4 years and only have 77 followers.

...and of those, I am 99% sure only 10 read on a regular basis.

I want to say I am discouraged, but really...I am not.

I write for me.

It warms my heart putting my words out there.

Knowing I am blessed in so many ways;

Sharing happiness, sadness, adventures, everything.

Every friendship, I have ever had, I feel like I have given my all...all the time.

I guess, that is why I am devoted to this thing--followers or not.

In the end,

it appears,

it has turned out to be one of my best friends.

Language Lesson from myself...and Jen

2011-11-17T09:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, after I posted the story about my hubs, I kept looking at the title.

For some reason, it looked wrong to me...it looked long to me, as well, but that is how I write.
I decided to ask a friend of mine about it,
I was pretty sure what needed to be changed,
but I didn't like the way it looked either...LOL.
Thus started this convo:

JEN:1. PIZZA IS BETTER THAN CHICKEN!

2. Thank Goodness you scratched CALIGULA!

ME: LOL...piizza is just about better than anything!!!!

...and I am sure names will change again...LOL.

I think there should be a comma after hubs in the title????

what do you think?

JEN:Commas are for pauses. I do not think there should be a comma.

ME:dang it...I meant apostrophe...LOL

JEN:Should be hub’s face as it is a possessive

ME:http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/621/01/

this was great!!!

:I call him hubs...so I think it should be hubs' face????

JEN:In that case hubs’ lol

However you said my hubs in which case I would think it would still be hub’s as opposed to I want to say to hubs’ face. :P

Also following the rules

add 's to the singular form of the word (even if it ends in -s):

so it would be hubs’s

ME:but that would be saying my hub and then making it poss...

since I said "my hubs"...I think hubs' face would be OK

but now I am thinking it would be hubs's...LOL

maybe i should blog about this...LOL

JEN:Well there is only one of him! So the singular would be hubs’s but are intending hubs here to be the plural of hub (husband). I’m going with my hubs’s face on this one lol

ME:I am leaving it alone...and using this as tomorrow's blog post...LOL

I guess, maybe...

I found this funny because,

I am a total English/Grammar snob, and if someone corrects me( "Thank you, Former Alice Lloyd College President, Jerry Davis"),

I feel I should learn from it.

However, I think we own our own language, too.

I pause. I inflict. I pronounce. I enunciate. I write the way I talk.

(Hence, many ellipses for good ol' me.)

I know I use the word THAT waaayyyy too much, but it is what it is.

I don't write for the Washington Post, New York Times, or the New Yorker...

and probably never will.

My biggest lesson though, is to let it go...to an extent.

Never will I let there, they're, or their go!

EVER...LOL.

Christmas Ornament Exchange

2011-11-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas Fun

So, I follow quite a few blogs that are about, well...nothing. Just gals that like to talk, type, and live life to the fullest. Today I was catching up with Claire over here and came across this great idea.

Turns out, I was too late to sign up...so, I thought I would host my own. I commented about it being a great idea and 10 minutes later I got an email saying there was another girl wanting to do it, too. That quick, I was in like Flynn.

I am so excited about doing this, but really excited about my swap partner. A bit nervous, too. She is about the same age as my eldest daughter...and you have no idea the struggles I have when trying to make or buy her something. However, so glad to see a young lady chronicling her life and times in this busy, fast-paced, uber high-tech world we live in:

http://somethingforsarah.blogspot.com/

She has 2 middle names, as do both my girls. Studying education, what is better than the teaching profession? She LOVES pinning...don't we all? But as great as she is, I am struggling with 2 known facts about Sarah. One, she is a GA Bulldog 4life; We are a UK Cat family for basketball and an LSU Tiger family for football, I guess I can let her "sports" affiliation slide during this Christmas season. Second, this girl loves the treadmill more than running outside...who loves machines over the great outdoors?...Kids these days...LOL.

Anyway, just wanted to share today's event...and how it has truly put me in the Christmas spirit.

Things I want to say to my hubs face, but can't...it would be too weird, but I want him to know.

2011-11-14T10:44:00.001-08:00

When I eat an apple, and I twist off the stem...I always hope it comes off on the letter "C".
I like looking at his butt when he has on blue jeans! I mean, I really like to stare at it...LOL.
I secretly like that it upsets him, when the girls haven't called, text-ed or Skype-d me for a few days. (He knows how heart broken it makes me.)
He REALLY needs to try pizza...not just bread sticks.
Getting email at work from him makes me giggle like a school girl.
I trust him more than anyone in this world...and for some reason, it worries me immensely.
Love that he sacrifices his wants for me and the girls.
I can only hope that we do have twin boys named, Churchill and Chamberlain--to go along with my girls, Catarina and Claudia.
Thinks it is amazing how he has stayed true to his roots without compromising his integrity.
Wish that he would NEVER have cancer again. Life without his love would be a very long road.

LSU vs Auburn...what is truly important.

2011-10-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

LSU, baby!

This may be just another picture to you, but for me...

it is a moment in time I get to share with my lil' LSU gal!

For you, it is a national sports story at NBC.com...(click the link under the pic)

and you get to share it with her, too, but that is not the point of this story...LOL.

See that cutie with the "magenta-a form of purple" shirt on?

Holding up we're #1?

You see her?

I was so excited for this...I went frame by frame on my DVR to look for her in the end zone of the LSU/Auburn game...

and you know what?

I found her.

What a great story for her college scrapbook!

Geaux Tigers!

Geaux Catarina!

Couch to 5K

2011-10-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

My hubs has started the Couch to 5k with me. I am already a W-unner, you know a person that will walk-run-walk-run until they reach their destination or time runs out...all depending on why and where they are running. Know what I mean?

I would like to think he has chosen to do this to keep me from being a sad, pitiful soul.
However, turns out he thinks he needs to "get rid of a few pounds".
I am running for that reason too, but also because I LOVE to run...
and I want to do a marathon one day.

Let's see how long this lasts?
LOL

2 gifts...1 week. What gives?

2011-10-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last week my hubs surprised me with 2 presents,
and last night we marveled at them both.
One was a new spice rack.
He didn't think too much of the rack,
but liked the look of the bottles..I did, too.
We put all the spices in the bottles and then displayed them in our sweet, little kitchen.
Funny thing, My hubs eats NO spices...NONE...not ever!
I was having a ball just smelling them.
Imagine how I will feel when I use them?!!

The other gift was Madagascar vanilla beans; to make homemade vanilla extract.
This was a lovely time for us; slicing beans and filling jars with vodka.
Christmas gifts in 8 weeks.
We were so excited about making this stuff.
Probably like kids do when they start putting chocolate into milk,
but without having to wait 8 weeks.
(*Side note, I ask if he bought the Madagascar beans instead of the Mexican ones simply because of the movie Madagascar...he said, "you know I did". He likes to move it, move it!)

Anyway, I really love my hubs,
yet sometimes I just love "being" with my hubs.
We had a great weekend together.

Mrs. B

Workout Tunes

2011-10-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

I have to listen to music when I work out. In fact, if no one is around, I sing when I work out! Music is vital when trying to get your booty movin'.

When making a play list, keep in mind what you will probably do during the workout. For my warm-up, I like "happy" songs: I Gotta Feeling-Black Eyed Peas, My Hallelujah Song-Julianne Hough, and Airplanes-B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams.
However, when I start to really get the blood flowing and the calories burning, I want music that reflects that: Don't Stop Believin'-Journey, Save a Horse-Big & Rich, and maybe something from the Top Gun soundtrack...LOL.

My cool down music is normally something that reflects a pay-off for my hard work: anything from Wicked, Coming Around Again-Carly Simon, or my fave...One Hot Mama by Trace Adkins!
Truly, it does not matter what it is. It just needs to inspire you!
Post a song here...that does just that:
Inspires you!

Mrs. B

Hair bows and old age????

2011-09-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today, I was so tired from yesterday's events,
and I knew I had Zumba today,
that I put my hair up in a ponytail.
(Yes, a ponytail like high school.)
I took my dress-down day at work
and sauntered in with yoga pants,
a t-shirt,and a sweat shirt on.

I was OK rockin' the pony,
but I one-upped and tied ribbon around it.
It looked cute and youthful,
but then I started thinking,
"for the love of God, I am 38 years old,
should I be wearing a ribbon in my hair?"

Don't get me wrong,
I would not come out of the house in a cheerleader bow.
(Well, I would try not to...LOL.)
However, I think ribbon is different than a bow...
or is this a bow?
And am I too old for this?
LOL
Just wonderin'.
What do you think?

CBB

PS. I love this pic b/c it looks like I was poppin' my collar or something, when in actuality...I was just talkin' with my hands...LOL.

The Christmas Creep

2011-09-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

I think it rather funny that there is a term for stores putting out "holiday" stuff months before the holidays. (I have already seen it.) They call it the Christmas Creep. That term is hilarious, and I have used it every day since I heard it. Surely though, you have noticed it. You know, the Christmas tree by the spider web stuff and Santa by a jack o' lantern?

Years ago, we were astonished to find stuff before Thanksgiving.
I mean, I was.
Then slowly, Halloween got meshed with Christmas.
Before we know it, we will be spending our Labor Day holiday off shopping for Christmas. (I managed a Hallmark for 3 years and the third weekend in July was ALWAYS ornament premiere...yes, Christmas ornaments.)

However, there is one retail chain fighting back.
Nordstrom.
They have declared war on the Christmas Creep.
How refreshing?
I think I know where I may do some of my shopping this year!

Thank you, Nordstrom!

Sons of Anarchy

2011-09-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

So, had to decide on a new Netflix series to watch,
and after seeing some posts by this gal
decided to give it a shot.
OMG!
I am hooked.
My hubs is hooked.
WE are hooked.
(Now, I will say, it is probably for different reasons secretly, but we both love the show in general.)

Once you start watching it, you more or less get sucked in by all of it.
The love stories, the bad ass-ness, the fight between good and evil.
The following 2 reasons...LOL.

I am not ashamed to say it,
after watching 3 full seasons,
this could be the best CURRENTLY produced show on television.
For today,
I am ready for a tat,
a biker man that looks like JAX,
and an unlimited amount of money for the 2 of us to spend,

BUT only for a month or 2,
after that,
it would get tiresome being called someones old lady.

Billy Elliott

2011-09-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Billy Elliot

Tonight, I watched Billy Elliot.
I started to watch this movie years ago,
but just kept putting it off.
(Kind of like The Hurt Locker presently.)

So glad I watched it now,
instead of then,
because now,
it is like watching a movie
that could have been written about
where I live in this day and time.

It is a mining town, full of manly men,
little boys learning to box (any sport would be the same idea),
little girls learning to dance (insert something girly here),
and the line between girly things and boyish things is defined with a
bold, black line.

However, when one boy defies the life set in motion for him,
he changes those around him,
not just himself,
and his family,
but a whole town!
I cried and laughed and thought of this town I call home...and wondered...
how would it respond?
...and then I laughed and cried again.

Not sure why, though.

"Doctor's Appointment Date" ...and Antarctica.

2011-09-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

King Crab

Today cracks me up.
My hubs and I had a date...we both had to go to the doctor at the same time.
We got weighed, then BP, then...really? Does anyone care?
I'm not sure WE cared.
I just know we felt old and actually laughed together, and that was good.

Afterwards, we went to dinner.
Please, don't make me tell you where.
Arrrggghhhh.
OK
It was this place. (Y'all know he loves that place...LOL.)

We sat and talked about sea food,
when my hubs tells me there is going to be a "major" abundance of king crab,
and that the price is going to plummet.
Really? I need to know this why?
Was he thinkin',
maybe I should call my broker,
and sell all my shares of Red Lobster?

Turns out he is correct.
http://www.livescience.com/15941-king-crabs-antarctica.html
How funny is it that my mountain man would know this?

He is "Chad B., the science dweeb".
Makes me so proud.

And if that wasn't funny enough,
we started talking about the South Pole,
to which I responded,
"I never want to go there, I feel like I would be upside down,
and that I would fall off."
Oh, how I wish I had a camera at that moment!
My hubs looked at me and grinned and said,
"Please, tell me you do not mean that,
and that you understand the concept of gravity?"

I had to tell him I did not mean it,
but I kinda did.
I mean,
in the way you thought the couch was surrounded by infested shark water
when you were a kid.
(You know you did.)

Convo went on to include another gravity lesson on Jupiter,
and how it would save us,
and that I should know that because it has so many moons.

I was really turned on by my man's intellect...
and it was one of those days,
where I realized how lucky I am,
to be married to this guy.
...King crab lesson and all.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/memorial/lists/by-name/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,62151,00.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_September_11_attacks

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,

The power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

Our Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of the womb,

Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Phineas and Ferb (P&F)

2011-09-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

I could probably break out in song right now,
b/c you know in your mind you hear the theme play whenever you see P&F,
but I will remain silent
and tell you about why I THINK I really love Phineas and Ferb:

I AM CANDACE.

I spent my summers with my brothers, this was our time together. They were younger than me and opposite of one another. I'm not sure which one was the smart one and which one was the silent one...they were either of these at any given time, but me...I was always Candace. I knew more. I was older. I was cooler...and I didn't see what I had in front of me; Two, out-of-this-world, awesome little brothers!

I am also 99% sure I was always trying to "bust them". No matter, what they were doing, I am sure I was running to find my mother to tell on them. Boys are boys; and regardless of what my lil' bros were doing...they probably shouldn't have been doing it!

Time flies and now 30+ years later,
I wish I had spent more time in their world of trucks, mud, bugs, and God only knows what...LOL.
Just so thankful that a cartoon could come along, instead of therapy,
and remind me just what I had and how lucky I am to still have it..

Millenium Trilogy by Steig Larrson

2011-08-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Watched this trilogy with my hubs over the last few days and it was amazing. Each of the movies were wonderfully crafted stories on their own, but all together, they were mesmerizing. (We did have to read 2 1/2 hours of subtitles per movie, but please don't let that keep you from watching. **I have read that the US will be doing versions of these movies, as well. Watch them in Swedish before Hollywood ruins them.)

Sad to hear Larsson died,
because if these movies are any indication of his books,
he would have had a prolific career as a mystery writer.

A special text

2011-08-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

LSU MOM

My baby started classes today @LSU.

7:30am Chemistry.

On my phone, this is what I awoke to:

Catarina-Bo-Bina: Hey Mom, thanks for getting me to this first day of college.

I'm so glad to have you and I want to say thanks for prepping me to be the woman

I will be after these first years at LSU.

I love you so much.

Catarina, you are greater than anything I could have done on my own.

You make the world a better place and great, GREAT, things lie ahead for you.

I pray.

I love you,
Mom

Kingsport Mall

2011-07-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Truly,
it no longer looks like this,
but rarely is,
where you are,
as important as,
who you are with,
right?
(Wow, that was a lot of commas...LOL.)

Took Claudia-loo shopping today for school clothes, uniforms, dinner, and a movie.
However, didn't seem right buying for one child when the other was not there.
Mr. Chad even came along, as well.

Buying uniforms is never a big deal:
khaki or navy bottoms,
red, white, or navy polo,
socks,
undies,
shoes,
hair bows,
school supplies.

This year, though, 7th grade--something happens to the "tween" brain and it slowly starts morphing into the "teen" brain. Leg shaving, name brands, iPads, I think I got queasy when I bought 2 bikinis and an off-the-shoulder shirt.

Anyway, we watched The Smurfs, and to be honest, it wasn't that bad...and it made me remember, after all that I had been through that day...I still had a 12 year old!

Gnomeo and Juliet

2011-07-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

Watched this adorable movie tonight.
Well, I fell asleep somewhere near the end,
but I have read the story it was based on (a time or two),
so I do not feel like I lost anything from the movie.

However, the cuteness of it all was to die for.
I think they are the most adorable gnomes.
Makes me just want to eat'em up.

I noticed while "google-ing",
Hallmark has a Christmas ornament of this adorable couple this year.
I just want to take this time to say to my hubs and kids...
HINT! HINT!

MERLIN

2011-07-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

If you have not seen the show Merlin, you are missing quality television. Of course, it is another BBC show brought to you by the wonders of Netflix. My hubs and I are addicted to this series. It is serious, yet humorous and the acting is perfect for the genre. I actually, feel like I am in Camelot...LOL.

We have noticed some minor continuity issues, but nothing that affects the show itself. It has, also, made me realize there is a tiny bit of "cougarness" in me, because I love the young Prince Arthur played by Bradley James {insert raawwwrrr cat sound}!

Be warned, though...it only plays with the characters of the saga that is King Arthur, Guinevere, the Round Table, and Merlin himself. The story lines are not identical to the legend we know such as Mallory's Le Morte d'Arthur and my former professor, Dr. Ken Tiller would probably stroke out at the inaccuracies, but it is telly and from my point of view...darn, good telly!

I just hear words...

2011-07-20T20:37:00.001-07:00

cherry-picker
receiver
node
amps
router
RF changes
HD
optical lasers
CCAP
Tony

Yes, at my new job...the only real word I understood today, was Tony...LOL.
However, I actually like working at a place where my communication degree may be utilized...or it may not. Considering, my degree covers rhetoric and theory and will never be used in the real world, "thanks UVA-Wise, what a way to spend $40k"...I can only hope that I will learn something on the technical side of communication and develop my skills on a whole different level.
Here's to a new chapter for me.

Wealthy in my Friends

2011-07-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

I think we ALL have hard days.
The days where,
we may not need Cymbalta,
but we need a shoulder to cry on.

I am really weird about this.
I like to be the shoulder,
but rarely ask for one.

I know I need to sometimes.
Yet, I feel if I reach out...I am saying,
"Poor me, I am weak and need help".

Lately, I have had so many friends, many that are family, to just reach out to me.
I haven't asked for anything...they have just been there.
Inviting me to swim,
calling and asking about my day,
making fun of my "works in progress"...there are several,
praying for my job search,
and my addiction to spray painting everything...LOL.

Anyway, today...I am very wealthy in my friends.
And I am thankful.
CBB

-ing Randomness

2011-07-13T09:28:00.001-07:00

Things I am always up for:
singing back up for the Stones on Gimme Shelter
riding in the Cash Cab...it is going to happen!
watching infomercials
crying at sci-fi movies
cooking mac and cheese for eldest baby
making Manwich (on little buns) for youngest baby
acting out WICKED when no one is around
baking homemade angel food cake or any kind of cupcakes
driving to LA for the weekend...just to smile...and see smiles
going that extra lap to make 2, maybe 3, miles
blogging about my life
having those I love laugh
laughing with those I love

Really try-ing to get back into the swing of things.
Today's randomness was courtesy of me half awake and half asleep...
think-ing about my blog!

Google +

2011-07-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

Got my invite to Google+ and am super excited about using it. Roughly 10 million users are on board, but I am still having issues with finding people to add to my circles, and knowing just what to do...LOL.

I am a total Google addict, along with FB. I love FB, but I really just use it now to creep on pictures, play games, and keep up with my kids. I think it is over crowded with ads and non-sense.

Everyone knows about my SUPER-crush on hoodie-wearing Zuckerburg, so I don't want to abandon him, but I am really looking forward to something new...and hey, I hear he uses Google+, too.

Me, the bestie, and the kids...minus 1.

2011-07-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Today we hiked the beautiful Natural Bridge in Slade, KY.
It is one of my favorite places in the state and this was a great day to do it.
The weather was hot, but not too bad since we hiked somewhat early in the day!
Plus, I got to spend it with some of the people I love MOST in this world: my bestie and her 2 babies and my little buttercup. (None of which are at the age that they would allow us to call them babies or buttercups in public.) However, my other baby wasn't with us, (We missed you, Catarina!) but we pretended she was there in spirit.

I love the top pic of the youngest ones, both 12...going on 16!
I have to believe, in this moment, their little minds reveled in all that was not technology
and just allowed themselves to be consumed by the beauty of their surroundings!!!!
In actuality, they were just concerned with the paddle boats below...LOL.

Which then brings us to lunch after the hike...
and the fact that C2 was the 1st to pull out the phone to text...LOL.
Awwww, what has apple and Steve Jobs made us into?
I know...putty in their hands.

Finally, our homage to Catarina.
We saved her a seat @ the table with us...and quietly, to myself, I thanked God for all my blessings!
What a wonderful day!

Cut-Thru Adventures

2011-06-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Start of the Adventure

Getting ready to "tube" through the

Cut-Thru.

Our "Helm's Deep" pic of the Cut-Thru...LOL.

(We are total nerds.)

Love this pic of Claudia looking at the scenery.

My hinky foot, Mr. Chad's knees, Claudia's foot...

and the beautiful Big Sandy in front of us!

Mr. Chad chillin'.

The Cut-Thru.

(The water below is where we were tubing earlier.)

Claudia and mr.Chad...wwaaayyyy above sea level!

Catarina wanted to go kayaking/canoeing when she was here last month, but the Cut-Thru Adventures place was closed on Memorial Day, so we had to issue her a rain check. We, of course, joked with her about how Claudia would love to do it this summer while she was here and how sorry we were that we could not take her...LOL. We were really trying to rub it in just to tease her.

Well, Claudia's turn came up and we drove to Pikeville to take her canoeing. When we got there, we were informed that "innertubing" was an option. Really? You can inner tube down the Big Sandy?...Yes, you can!

It was wonderful and bizarre at the same time!

First, let me explain what the "cut-thru" project it.
According to the Kentucky Tourism website:(http://www.kentuckytourism.com/things_to_do/featured_attractions/pikeville-cutthru-project/4365/)
The Pikeville Cut - Through Project was conceived by visionary and former Mayor William C. Hambley, a life long resident of Pikeville. The Cut-Through Project began in 1973 and was completed after 14 years of constant construction. The project created over 400 acres of usable land for civic expansion and growth by the 18 million cubic yards of earth that were moved. The Cut - Through Project has freed Pike County from the floods that plague so many Eastern Kentucky counties and is to date the second largest earth moving project in the world.

Wow, who knew?...and right here in my own backyard!
Anyway, all you locals, if you get a chance...this is well worth the money!
Just $10 a tube for almost 4 hours of water time!
It was a fun, family day.

Life is good floating in a river..on an inner tube!

Happy Anniversary, Chad Boyd!

2011-06-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

Three years ago today...
I married the man of my dreams.
A stand-up guy to all.
Someone that loves me no matter what...
Mr. Chad,
you are a kind and loving person.
I know I say that all the time,
but it is always true.

Our everyday life is not easy.
We are opposite in ways that people can only imagine,
but marriage is a job.
One that each of us has to work at daily.
Thanks for being there, kid!
...and giving it all that you've got.

CBB

Come Monday...it will be alright.

2011-06-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

Spending some much needed time catching up on my blog.
Well, mainly reading those that I follow...LOL.
Have decided that it isn't worth throwing away...and I will pick things back up on Monday.
June 20, 2011!

I have been editing posts that I have written, but not posted.
(Should have just left them alone...they weren't half bad.)
So check back with me soon...
Read...
follow...
enjoy your life and who you are...
and blog yourself.

CBB

Catarina's Grad Party

2011-06-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

Celebrated my daughter's graduation today with an Open House/Party.
Lots of family and friends spent the day with us
at The Garfield House in Pikeville, KY.
It was a glorious and sunny day.
Perfect for good food and laughter.

My heart is so appreciative to all those that chose to spend the day with her.
A very BIG thank you to Robin of Robin's Cakes
for letting Catarina's cake be one of her last before her retirement.
Oh, and a special "shout out" to my hubs for doing a video at the last minute.
The Girls and I love you!
Again, thanks to everyone for celebrating with us!

FAB cake...tasted like a little piece of heaven.

Molly, Karen, and Callie

Nana and Uncle Jamie

Ty, a few hours before his own graduation!

Aunt Fern, Sissy Rhonda, and V

Peg, me, Gina

Papaw Jeff

Mr. Chad, me, Catarina, Charles, Phil, Junlina, and Ty

Karen, Catarina, V

Catarina and Peg!

JD, Catarina, and Miss Mary

Catarina, Ms. Christie, and Chris

The Buettners

Grandma Nona, Charles, Catarina, Grandpa Bob,

Emma, and Uncle Ray

Aunt Jamie, Catarina, Uncle Bunny

Catarina and Aunt Black

2011-06-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

http://pinterest.com/cbboyd/

I can not say enough about this site.
For years,
I have clogged up my computer with bookmarked things that I forget about days later.
Now, I can put them all in one place,
separate them by boards,
and gander in and see what I would like to do, eat, drink, or just look at...LOL.
I love it.
You have to have an invite to join, but any member can do that for you!
(email me...I can invite you.)
I "highly" suggest you visit and see for yourself.
You will not be disappointed.

CBB

My 1st love graduates...from HS!

2011-05-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today, my beautiful and wonderful, 1st born child graduated from HS.
Catarina graduated with honors from Lafayette High School in Lafayette, Louisiana.
She was president of both the National Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta and will be attending LSU in the fall studying chemical engineering...and hopefully minoring in anthropology. (Go, Bones!)
It was such a wonderful day.

A heartfelt thank you to those that shared it with her.
Please, enjoy the pics.

Catarina getting ready to receive her diploma!

Catarina and Leah...friends forever!

Catarina with her dad and 2 sisters.

Here with her grandparents, Bob and Nona...

and a sneak peek of Ella!

Three Generations: My mother, Catarina, and I.

Getting love from little sister.

Hugs from Ms. Diana!

Woo Hoo! Diploma!

With her other grandparents, Jeff and Gwen...

and another surprise from Ella.

My little family: Mr.Chad, me, Catarina and Claudia

Ella-Bella and Grandma Suzie!

She was so happy that Bri was there!

Kissing Grandpa Bob and then on to kisses for Jess.

Hiatus

2011-05-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,
I know it has been a while.
I have had some issues with my desire to write,
and I am trying to get back into the swing of it.
I have about 10 posts written that I haven't edited.
After my beautiful, 1st born child graduates from high school this Saturday,
I will try to return to my regularly scheduled writing.
Thanks for the patience...except for the one follower that quit following while I was on break...LOL.

christy

Derby Day 2011

2011-05-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

On Derby Day, we always do the same thing. My hubs takes us to a hole-in-the-wall "off track" betting place... where they run out of cold drinks(beer) and NEVER have mint juleps, but it's our thing...and since we can't go to the derby--this just has to do. So, I am always overdressed, but who cares. How can it be Derby Day and you not want to sport a hat????

It, normally, is one of our best dates of the year. We drink, gamble, and then come home and drink and snuggle...LOL. Does life get any better than that? Let me answer for you...it does not!

Look at the 2nd pic closely, though. Yes, that is smoke. My non-smoking husband thinks it is OK to smoke when you drink. I do not agree, but it is what it is...and it is better than him being a chain smoker.

BTW, we bet on EVERY horse in the race (we bet for others that couldn't go with us) except for one. Wanna guess which one we didn't bet on?...LOL...the winner. Way to go Animal Kingdom! Never saw you coming!

Hiking at Natural Bridge

2011-04-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

First hike of the year--Natural Bridge.
Beautiful weather and beautiful company.
Great day for everyone!

She is Queen of the World,

but not of the sky-lift!

:o(

Top of the mountain,

with the Allens!

Fat Man's Squeeze I.

Fat Man's Squeeze II.

The family, without Catarina,

with Natural Bridge in the background!

Amazing rock formations!

Natural Bridge

A proper Arisaema triphyllum,

"Jack-in-the-Pulpit",

on our descent.

...and they lived happily ever after!

2011-04-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a commoner,

Today royalty.

Every parents' dream.

Congratulations to Kate Middleton...

and the lucky Prince William.

Catarina's Senior Prom

2011-04-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

My baby went to her Sr. prom this weekend

and was stunning, to say the least!

(Don't you love how they all looked so wonderful in white?)

She gave up "her" date to one of her friends,

just so "she" would go.

She, then, still went solo,

b/c of her affection for a boy

that could not make it at the last minute.

...and she let me, do her hair and make-up.

She wore my wedding dress,

and a yellow rose in her hair

from her father/stepmom's garden.

It was a magical time,

until she started back talking

b/c she thought she was going to be late

and didn't really let us take any photos!!!!!!!!

Oh, to be 18!

Mood swings, but only in front of Mom and Dad!

LOL

At the restaurant,

her check was picked up by the manager,

she babysits for him every now and then

and they are very appreciative of her.

(I thought that was a beautiful gesture

and a great reflection on Catarina's character.)

Overall, it was a great night per Catarina.

I was just happy that I got to share it with her!

An Ode to C2

2011-04-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

2186

No Joke.

Promise.

Oh, HAIL NO!

2011-04-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday--Biblical Hail Storm...here are a few pics!

This was an hour after...so it had melted some.
Truly, the size of baseballs!

Knocked the umbrella out of the table...

then destroyed all parts of it!

The hail was so sharp,

it ripped through the plastic grill cover

and the canvas on the swing!

The hubs lil' car

that he loves so much!

Both windows were broken out, too.

Poor Civic.

Look at the holes put in the ground.

It was horribly amazing!

WR4W...all about ETSY

2011-04-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/

I am sure most of you are aware of Etsy.
Handmade by "real" people for "real" people.
It is one of my favorite places on the web to shop for the perfect gift.
I truly believe, you can find most anything there...
and some of the wedding stuff is to die for.

Invitations:

Hand stamped invite

There is nothing I like more than the perfect invite.

I think the invitation, wedding or otherwise,

sets the mood for the whole event..

For me, it tells me what is ahead,

and how much thought has gone into the event.

ETSY has some of the best invites on the web

Yes, they may cost more,

but people should notice the quality.

For instance,

my wed invites were printed on white linen paper.

Very classic.

However, it was a casual, chic wedding...

and to reflect that,

I punched out polka dots to add a lil' pizazz to them.

They were perfect for us!

Regardless, of what type of wedding you are planning,

I am sure you can find something you like on ETSY!

ACM...great show...lots of Rock 'n' Roll!

2011-04-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

Loved the ACM awards this year...for the most part.
My fave performances were the collaborations:

Brad and Alabama

ZBB and James Taylor

Jennifer Nettles and Rihanna

...and what about

Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler!?

AWESOME!

What did you think about it?

CATS v. UConn

2011-04-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

Great day--momentum wise.
Not a great night.
Cats were off their game,
and it will keep them from playing in the championship.

Still love all the players, Coach Cal, etc.
but they may want to work on free throws
over the summer.
Again,
they are called free throws for a reason.

Good luck to the Butler Bulldogs
on Monday night...
and sorry,
Jim Calhoun,
I will never like you. EVER.

Fridays are for Crushin'

2011-04-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

Ain't no April Foolin' here.
These are my crushes for today:

blog:

Craft Goodies

Great ideas and easy crafts and home decor.

A great DIY site for casual crafters.

music:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_(album)

Is there ever a time when the Beatles failed?

Not for me,

and this is one of their greatest masterpieces.

I never get tired of listening to it.

outfit:

summer dresses by Old Navy

cheap and easy...

these type of dresses are great for everything,

Wear them to the beach,

or running errands,

or lounging in your own back yard.

place:

Roswell, NM

Just want to take my "space" family

to the home of the biggest cover-up in history...

LOL.

Area 51, baby!

celebrity:

Emily Deschanel and Kathy Reichs

Since the hubs has been feeling under the weather,

we started watching Bones on Netflix.

We love it.

It is soooo up his alley,

and I'm surprised that I really enjoy it too.

No post for WR4W...oncology report on Mr. Chad.

2011-03-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Spent the evening at the docs.
He believes the hubs could have suffered a TIA.
(A TIA is a pre-cursor to a possible major stroke.)
Now, that may seem odd with his age, but since Mr. Chad has had both chemo and radiation for his Hodgkins, his chances are higher than others his age to have something like this to occur.
Strike 1.
His father also has high cholesterol which means it is likely Mr. Chad will have it, too.
Strike 2.
Along with a 30 pound weight gain over 18 months, primarily in the stomach.
Well, you know what I am trying to say
Having an MRA and a 2D echo next week.

TIA

Keep your fingers crossed and your hands to heaven.

The Voice of Truth

2011-03-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today is a sad day.
A family will bury their 10 year old only child.
A pain that no parent should have to go through.

I hope that in all the heartbreak suffered by these two parents,
they will get to see their child live on in the happiness
that she brought to others.

Today, I can only offer prayers and condolences.
May this child rest in peace with the angels.

God Bless and keep this family.

UK...Final Four bound, baby.

2011-03-28T06:19:00.001-07:00

Yes, JORTS.
We love you.
We appreciate you,
...and you have made your team come together.

The team, as individuals, are one of the best in the NCAA, but you, sir...you complete them.

The country, cause you know your state has, finally noticed what we are all so crazy about. Your drive sets your team and your fans on fire!!!!

This ride to the final four makes us proud, but you...you make us even prouder. C-A-T-S...cats, cats, cats!

*thank you goes out to Knight, Liggins, Miller and the rest of the Wildcat basketball team, too.

Saturday

2011-03-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday started well.
It ended horribly.
Would rather just move on.
Leave this day in the past
where it belongs.
We all have these days, right?

*I think it is this melancholy weather...LOL.

UK v. OSU...what a game!

2011-03-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Coach Cal,
Not sure what you said...
or what you told them to do...
but those CATS were plain ol' awesome tonight.

Beating OSU was great,
but can we not make the game against UNC so close...
I only have 4 fingernails left.

Cat fan 4-ever,
christy

WR4W...wedding dress code.

2011-03-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

Today I will be short and sweet (very busy last 2 days.)
Sometimes, when I start to write for WR4W,
I look back at my wedding pics for ideas.
Today, was one of those moments,
but it wasn't a good thing...
it was a bad thing.

There are 2 places one should never wear jeans and/or a cap...
weddings and funerals.
Jeans, I can even handle, but NEVER...and I mean never, a cap.
I think it is disrespectful to the bride and groom or the deceased,
and in most cases, the church.

For me, weddings are a chance to get all dressed up.
New shoes.
New dress.
Maybe a hat, if it is outdoors and sunny?
Regardless, RESPECT the situation...
and leave your cap in the closet--at home!

:o)

PS...I didn't want to show pics from my own wedding, I mean, how rude would that be?...but when I googled to find a pic that would even fit this story...none could be found...LOL.
To me, that is an "I told you so" kinda moment!

He can see...Dancing With the Stars!

2011-03-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Just trying to cover everything here, folks.
Mr. Chad's eye appt. went well. In fact, he was told he had eyes like an eagle...that is super good. She, also, believes it was a migraine and nothing major. Oncology next week, but not as scared since 2 out of the 3 docs think it is a migraine. Will keep y'all posted.

Now on to my biggest guilty pleasure.
It's back and I am excited beyond measure!
(Did not mean for that to ryhme...LOL)
DWTS was hot tonight.
I already have my faves.
Do you?
I loved Hines Ward, Ralph Macchio, and my gal Kirstie Alley!
(I liked Kendra and Chris Jericho, too.)
Can't wait for next week!

when the hubs gets sick...

2011-03-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Very scary day.
My man calls me from work
and tells me that he has lost his vision.
Not completely.
Peripheral and sections, but still frightening.

We spent the day at the doc having blood work and a CT scan.
All was normal.
Now, eye exam tomorrow and oncology next week.
(He had Hodgkin's before
and was treated with chemo and radiation.
Panic comes easy.)
Brain tumor is unlikely,
but have to check for it anyway.

So far, possible migraine.
Yet, when he gets sick or minor things occur,
due to his past illness,
nothing is just a passing thing.
We all start to worry.

Just praying for the best.

Crushin' this Friday on...

2011-03-18T11:40:00.001-07:00

blog:

Eighteen25

cute blog with lots of easy crafts.

me likey!

music:

Lady Gaga

Love the new album.

Born This Way has some FAB lyrics...

i sent them to my 18 year old as advice...LOL.

outfit:

Have no idea who designed this,

or how I found it...

I am into tailored suits

(more so when I was a tad bit thinner),

but I am also in love with

shirts that have that BIG bow in the front!

place:

There's no place like Oz.

I love Australia.

It has to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

...and the people are so laid back and hospitable.

celebrity:

Sandra Bullock

Classy lady.

Puts her money where her mouth is...

donated 1 million for Japan disaster relief...

and has done similar for Haiti

and New Orleans!

I love you, Ms. Sandy!

WR4W...venues.

2011-03-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

I like church weddings more than I can tell you,
but outdoor weddings,
they are the best.

Yet, in today's world,
I love the originality of getting married
somewhere that has great meaning to the couple,
or has some sort of historical relevance.

For example my hubs and I got married at this place:

Doermann Memorial Presbyterian Church

Blackey, KY

Look familiar?

Maybe not,

but it is from the movie,

Coal Miner's Daughter,

one of my fave of all time.

(Who doesn't love Tommy Lee Jones?)

It is not a major part of the film,

yet it is in one of my fave scenes.

It is the moment where Loretta tells Doo,

" I'm gonna have a baby."

I hope to use this

same place

to say

those same words

in the next 12 months.

hint...hint...

wink...wink...

Now back to venues,

which I hope to us on my

5th,

10th,

15th,

20th,

and 25th wedding anniversaries

to marry my little hubs

all over again:

Thorncrown Chapel Eureka Sprinks, AK

This is one of the most original chapels

in the US,

in my opinion.

The architect knew exactly what would look great in the setting.

I am in total awe of it!

The Biltmore Grounds Asheville, NC

The Biltmore...do I need to say anything else?

Such a beautiful place inside and out.

The Foundry NYC

I could just see

an uber-chic modern wedding

and reception at this place.

Anything NYC makes me green with envy...LOL.

However, if money was no object and I could do as I please...

this would be my wedding venue.

It is one of the most beautiful homes,

on one of the most coveted streets--

anywhere in the world.

The Wedding Cake House St. Charles St, New Orleans

*For those of you

that may have noticed that I left out

one of my favorite cities...Savannah.

I did not.

My 12 year old has already told us,

she will be married here:

http://savannahcathedral.org/

and her reception will be here...LOL.

I am going to hold her to it!

Weekend at a glimpse!

2011-03-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

Watched this happen:

University of KY--2011 SEC Champs!
Woo Hoo!
C-A-T-S Cats, Cats, Cats!

and these 2 movies:

Pretty good TV weekend!

Today, I'm crushin' on my own kid!

2011-03-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Eighteen years ago,

at 8:32 am,

my life changed forever.

I became a mother.

My first daughter,

Catarina Paige Jae Buettner,

was born!

(This is her at around a year...couldn't find the pic from the hospital.

I think SHE threw them away...LOL.)

For me, it seems like it was just yesterday,

yet here she is working,

driving everywhere (except out of state...LOL),

registering to vote,

getting ready to go off to college,

she is now her own person,

not an offshoot of me or a tax credit for her father.

She is a "legal" American.

Amanda Compton Photography

Happy Birthday, Catarina.

I love you very much!

Happy Birthday, Chuck Norris!

2011-03-10T05:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday

...to the man that invented the c-section

by round house kicking his way out of the womb!

WR4W...Bridesmaids' dresses!

2011-03-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants to be able to wear that dress, again...but we all know it never happens. (Well, I hope it happened for mine because I let people wear what they wanted as long as it was black, or black and white!) However, doesn't it just irk you when the bride makes that promise, you know the one, "I have picked out the most beautiful bridesmaids' dresses. They are totally ones you can wear again."...LOL.

I have never seen it happen, or been in a wedding where the dress I wore, was able to be worn again...anywhere. Today though, I have picked out some great dresses that I would wear again and again.

Hope you agree,
if not,
may you be subjected to something pink, frilly, and itchy...

and the pic comes back to haunt you!

grey dresses

This one on the right...

I love.

I would wear it now...maybe not in that color,

but something close to it!

stylish short dresses

I love all 4 of these,

but the brown one is 100% me!

outdoor dresses

I would wear all of these,

except that little one in the front.

LOL

party or formal dresses

I am trying to buy the yellow one,

right now,

as I type.

I swear.

...and if I had somewhere,

on the creek,

to wear the coral one to...

I'd be buying it!

mismatched dresses...my fave!

This is the type of wedding that I love.

People are happy,

no one looks the same,

and so much personality is spoken with each dress...

and I would totally wear them all...

even the wedding gown.

Love my WR4W post each week!

Hope y'all do, too!

CBB

Sidebar

2011-03-07T06:01:00.000-08:00

*After asking the hubs if I could have a new camera soon, this was his answer:

"When I can get this...

You can get this, OK?"

He made his point!

Monday, Monday...Can't trust that day!

2011-03-07T05:34:00.000-08:00

Please, tell me y'all concur!
Monday is a dreadful day.
If I didn't know better, I would say it has waaaayyyy more than 24 hours.
Seems like there is always a million things to do...
and that they never get done.
Which then, makes Tuesday almost as dreadful as Monday.
Aarrrggghhh!

However, this past weekend wasn't too bad.
(After the scare of a lifetime on Friday.
We thought we had lost one of my treasured uncles,
but he pulled out of it. Yeah, Devon! We love you)
Had a little bit of snow.
Finished my fabric cornice.
CATS won!
...and had to go to Wally World.
Here are a few things that I bought:

Dirt Devil Mini Vac

Farberware V Blade Mandoline Slicer

Black and Decker Hand Mixer

For the most part, it was a pretty good weekend...
Just not the one I had planned.
Hubs feels better, though...
just as 13 got sick...LOL.
The girls are off for Mardi Gras break for a few days...
and I am (ALWAYS) working on the house.
Back to the grind!

Monday, Monday.
Can't trust that day!

Charlie, did you find the map to Candy Mountain?

2011-03-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

I always cheer for the underdog...and this time is no exception. My friend is on a "train wreck waiting to happen" and all I can do is watch it. (Kinda like we all did with Brit Brit...but hey, she came back swinging!)

His deplorable habits,
ungodly ways with the ladies,
too much money for one man,
it all adds up to some good viewing.

The more
he talks...
the more
I can't believe what he says...
the more
I want.

Maybe I'm the addict?
Wonder if Dr. Drew will see me now?

Happy Crush Day...and National Grammar Day!

2011-03-04T04:52:00.000-08:00

Blog:

tatertots and jello

It's really tatertots&jello,

but the ampersand

makes the link look all hinky

when I type it in!

This site is a FAB place for DIY-ers.

Everything from framed prints, free printables,

major decor ideas, clothes, jewelry, etc.

This is one site that I visit EVERY single day!

Music:

Wicked the Musical

Everyone knows I want to be "Ga-linda",

but since I'm an average singer...

and would always be resigned to the chorus...

by listening at home,

I get to be ALL the leads!

It is, also, one of my fave cds to sing with the kids!

Catarina and I are perfect as E & G!

Outfit:

Versace Spring 2011

OK, so I am not out buying Versace everyday,

but aren't these short "suits" uber cool.

I would totally rock these in a metro work place.

I love the sandal boots in the middle,

but not sure I would wear them...

maybe Versace worthy,

but a little too stripper-ish for me!

Place:

Uptown New Orleans

WAITING FOR THIS:

(Random Mardi Gras Pic...link is not working.)

Celebrity:

Colin Firth

One of my biggest crushes ever.

I gave you the run down on when I fell in love with him

earlier in the week,

but was on such a natural high

over him winning the Oscar

for Best Male Actor

that I wanted to highlight him-

AGAIN.

These are my weekly crushes.

It is National Grammar Day, too.

If you found any mistakes in the above writing...I was testing you...LOL.

Otherwise, Happy NGD.

Visit SPOGG.

Write a thank you note to an English teacher.

CBB

WR4W...Weddings and Hats.

2011-03-02T14:45:00.001-08:00

Anyone that knows me, knows that I love hats. The bigger the better, but I am also, pretty conscious of when and where to wear them, too.

My main rules are: If they're big-outside...if they're little-indoors is OK...and day hats should not be worn at night. For example, if you are at a wedding at 2pm wear it until dusk...this would mainly be in the summer and dusk would be close to 9, at this point you would probably be home already or re-dressed for a night time event. Hats for men are different, but baseball caps are NEVER acceptable for a dressy event...NEVER, NEVER, NEVER at a wedding!

Recently though, I have been reading up on the Royal Wedding and "hats and hat etiquette" are a little different "across the pond". It seems almost that NOT wearing a hat makes you stick out at a wedding...kinda opposite of the good ol' US of A. (I'll get to that in a minute.)

I think for a bride a hat could only be pulled off by the trendiest of gals...very modern with possibly a short dress, maybe a vintage themed wedding, 2nd marriage weddings...definitely not for the traditional girl, but I do love the idea of the bridesmaids in a hat for an outdoor wedding!

Summer Bridal Hat

Trendy Hat for the Modern Bride

Second Marriage

Vintage Inspired

The bridesmaids' examples below...I LOVE!

Vintage Chic and an Upcycle

Flapper Bridesmaids

Modern Bridal Party

Preppy Bridesmaids

Now, since I started this post about how I love hats and just kept going and going...LOL. I need to go back to my "across the pond" reference . The Brits love hats. They wear them to all weddings! Yet, their hats may differ a bit from ours at times. I like to consider them headpieces, not always hats. So here are a few "hat" moments from the Royals.

The Queen and Camilla

The Royals in Hats

Princess Anne in a Re-do!
Please, click here for a story that is shocking, but amazing.
Does her dress look familiar?
She is one of my fave of the Windsor bunch.
*She wouldn't take titles for her kids from her mother
upon their birth...
I love that!

Autumn Kelly Phillips and Zara Phillips
This pic was made at the Queen's 60th wedding anniversary!

The lovely Kate Middleton

and the most wonderful Royal of them all,
a lady that inspired me and others,
one of the most philanthropic people
to have graced this earth...

Diana, Princess of Wales

Hope you enjoyed today's post.

It makes me want to go out there and become a milliner...like I didn't want to already...LOL...

Or just crash some wedding where I can wear a hat!

Oscar Loveliness 2011

2011-02-28T05:57:00.000-08:00

To start, I love Hathaway and Franco, but last night's Oscars were a tad bit boring...just sayin'.
With that out of the way, here are my fave dresses from the red carpet.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

This was an amazing dress for this young lady.

I thought it was age appropriate

and was a natural look for her.

Turns out...she helped design it!

Amy Adams in L'Wren

I love AA and I thought she looked FAB.

I loved the green jewels.

It made this "plain jane" dress stand out!

...and the jewels,

that's another story:

1.35 million dollars worth!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein

I loved her look, tres' chic!

However, I think she should have

either darkened her hair a tad,

or wore the same dress

in a darker tone of this color.

Does that make sense?

I thought she kinda looked washed out...

but I loved it...

and her!

Reese Witherspoon in Armani Prive

I didn't love it,

but I thought she looked nice and comfortable

...and I own this dress.

OK, so not the Armani version,

but one very similar,

that I wore for Mardi Gras

several years ago...LOL.

I'm not even joking.

To end though, I must say, "NO ONE stood above Hathaway".

I loved EVERY outfit she changed into for the night!

(Except, maybe, the tuxedo.)

Anne Hathaway 2011 Oscars

That pretty much sums up what I thought was the best dressed.

All in all though,

pretty boring overall.

What did you think?

CBB

P.S. Congrats to The King's Speech.

I love Colin Firth.

I have loved him since he was Mr. Darcy

in Pride and Prejudice

over 15 years ago.

*In fact,

Helen Fielding said that

Colin Firth as P&P Mr. Darcy

was the direct inspiration for her Mr. Darcy

in Bridget Jones's Diary.

Don't you just love that?

Christy is Crushin' on...

2011-02-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

For my birthday week,
my post of what I'm really crushin' on:

Blog:

Royal Mail

Marianne over at RM,

is the sweetest thing on the World Wide Web.

She is part of the internet posse

that I follow

made up of such characters as:

Claire, Faiza, and Karina.

They have not let me in, yet...but I am working on it.

I am pretty cool,

but they do seem cooler...

or maybe just younger!

Go check them out!

Music:

Adele

This "super lady" is awesome.

I love her last album,

but the new one is even better.

Head over to Ellen

to see her performance of

"Someone Like You"

from the new album, "21".

I cried.

Outfit:

Jeans, Heels, and a White Shirt

This is my "go-to" outfit.

I add jewelry, a belt, and a big bag,

but I love nothing more,

clothes wise,

than a crisp, white shirt!

It goes with anything!

Place:

Vancouver, BC

OK, so maybe it has to do with this show,

but when I visited Seattle years ago,

I missed getting to journey up to Vancouver,

and have always regretted it!

The Olympics renewed my yearning for this majestical city!

Good thing is...

I think my hubs and kids would love this city, too!

Celebrity:

Nathan Fillion

You know, you're all watching Castle,

but I have loved him since

One Life to Live,

2 Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place,

and now...

everyone is loving the cult classic,

Firefly.

Nathan, I love you...

if for no other reason but this one:

Kids Need to Read.

WR4W...and birthdays, like mine!

2011-02-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

Since today is the glorious day that I arrived, not so long ago, I am going to try and keep with the wed theme, but showcase a birthday-ish idea, as well. I thought I would provide ideas for table settings. Regardless, of the amount of money that one puts into a wedding, a dinner party, a birthday celebration, etc. there is always room for class, presentation, and fresh flowers. These are some examples of great table settings that I think are "somewhat" easy!

yellow table
This table reminds me of waking up with sunshine on my face...LOL.
...and what do you do right after you wake up...
you go eat a healthy, hearty breakfast.
Most important meal of the day, right?

red table
This is so easy and yet so elegant.
I could see this table done in any color
and still look Fabulous!

white table

This is the perfect table to me.

All the different flowers for the centerpieces

are so inviting and goes perfect with the light blue tablecloth.

brown and green

I love these 2 colors together.

There were lots of settings,

using Brown and Green,

that really inspired me.

simple setting

This link shares great "simple" settings.

I love them,

but I would say that...

I am a big fan of Real Simple.

If you look for table settings online, be specific!

It is unreal.

The more descriptions you use,

the better the search.

Now to close, here are my table setting rules:

NEVER use plastic tablecloths. (I loathe them.)
Centerpieces should never block eye-contact.
Mix couples/guests up. How else will they meet other people?
Good food. Good wine. Good fun.

Cake stands

2011-02-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

Vintage Inspired Cake Stand

Am I the only person crazy for cake stands?
I love these things.
They really are an asset to any kitchen, baker, or decorator.
These days, I'm a bit obsessed with them.
I have made nearly a dozen,
mainly for gifts,
but how easy is making a cake and putting it on something pretty?

There are many different styles,
with a wide price range,
of these stands out there.
However, you can make one in 3 easy steps!

Buy a plate and something to put plate on.
Get out the E6000(or any epoxy)
Put them together

Repurposed Cake Stand

Not a lot of rules,
but remember,
if something heavy is going on the plate,
the base has to be able to hold it up!
I have seen many, many stands:
round, square, cupcake, wood, glass, etc....you get my point.

Below, I am going to share a few that I like,
and the link for you to go see what they are
...and how to do it!

A word to the wise, though:
cake stands made from wood, may need more steps than three
...sometimes a drill may be required!

Wood Cake Stand

Christy is Crushin' on...

2011-02-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

I have enjoyed having a theme for the last 14 days...and LOVE the WR4W that kristi started, so now I am going to use Fridays as my CRUSH blog posts day.

Every week, I'm going to give a shout out to blogs I'm reading, music I'm listening to, outfits that I just have to have and some place I'd like to be that weekend. Oh, and who I'm crushin' on celebrity wise!
Here goes this week's crushes:

Blog: Bicoastally

Claire is an amazing writer and person.

Who she is, comes off in what she writes.

100% talent!

Music: Bruno Mars

I love this guy.

The way he sounds and his style,

2nd to none.

Outfit: One-Shoulder Dresses

I love these dresses.

They have been around forever,

but I still like them!

Place: Portwenn

The real name of the city is Port Isaac.

It is in North Cornwall, England.

The city is from the PBS series Doc Martin.

One day,

my family and I will "summer" there.

Celebrity: Liam Neeson

Met this awesome guy in Hazard, KY.

I was 15 years old...

and he has done nothing, but get better with age.

Class act!

WR4W...Photography.

2011-02-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Today, I want to talk about wedding pics and photographers. First of all, I do not like staged wedding pictures. I am a huge fan of wedding photojournalism.

What I mean is, I like great pics taken of an event

without telling anyone

what to do

or how to look

or how to pose.

From what I read and see on most wed blogs, lots of folks are doing it.

It is a trend that will be around for a while.

Therefore, just wanting to show some great examples of wedding photojournalism

on the blog for this Wednesday's post.

These were from my big day.

None were taken by professionals...at the time.

CBB

P.S. Not a fan of the backside photo, but it was a wonderful moment shared with my daughters!

Making a quilt

2011-02-15T04:59:00.000-08:00

I AM pretty crafty, but I have never "completed" a quilt and I have trouble tying fancy bows. As many of you know, I am working on a t-shirt quilt for the hubs to give to him on our anniversary this year (I started this project on our anniversary last year)...after I see how it comes out, I am doing one for my eldest daughter, too. I am using all of her "spirit" shirts from school. So, today, I will not talk about bows, but come back soon and I'll go off on that as well.

Now, the t-shirt quilt is coming along, but it brings me back to a quilt I started while living by myself in Winchester, KY back in 2007. I decided that I wanted to make a BOW TIE quilt. Unless you are a professional quilter, this seemed like an easy quilt...well, it was...is not. I have one strip sewn together for a king size bed...LOL. I have most, if not all of the fabric cut out...just haven't sat back down and started on it. That is getting ready to change, my friends. I am going to make this quilt and I have been on-line hunting down ideas, directions, and motivations.

I loved the directions given over @ http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2011/02/sweet.html

They were simple and true. You may have to do a little research, but the steps are about right.

She says:

pick color scheme
buy fabric for top
wash fabric
cut squares
sew squares into strips
sew strips together
trim edges
iron top of quilt
read about how to bind layers together
buy binding supplies
pin back, batting & top together
sew, sew, sew
trim edges
read about how to finish off
buy fabric for final binding edge
cut fabric
read again how to finish off because it seemed ridiculously hard
iron fabric
machine stitch binding on
pin binding
hand stitch into place

I am not putting a time limit on this quilt, but I am going to dedicate the next few weeks to putting a little more of it together. Today, think about something that you could leave as a legacy and attempt to do it. Future generations will thank you AND you could share it on your own blog.

CBB

Day 14-- I love my little Family!

2011-02-14T05:41:00.001-08:00

On the day set aside for love, I have to dedicate my post to the 3 people I love more than anything in this world: Claudia Buettner, Catarina Buettner, and Chad Boyd. I could have nothing, but their laughter, and would be the happiest person on the planet.

Everyday, I feel so blessed knowing I have the opportunity to love such amazing people. As time goes by, and I realize how important "loving and being loved" is...I make a conscious effort to let these 3 know that my life would be nothing without them in it!

Happy Valentine's Day, my 3 Musketeers!
I love you all.

Day 11--I love Peace.

2011-02-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

Today marks a special day for those in Egypt and a day our family will not soon forget, either. Just after midnight, we got the phone call from the hospital that my husband's grandmother, Desta, had passed away. His mother was by her side...just as she has been for the last 9 years.

Both of these situations, though not alike and miles apart, have something in common. The hope for Peace. There is not much I can say for Egypt except this time of change, I pray, will be one that alters their fates, futures, and destinies in a positive way. A nation at peace can do great things.

In the last few months, Chad's grandmother fought a very hard battle with her health. She had to be fed through a tube, she was confined to a hospital bed, and she could barely communicate; a shell of the vibrant and spunky woman that my husband remembers.

Now, I like to think, she is at peace.
And with peace , I like to think, comes happiness.
There are moments when happiness and sadness are very similar and when you are forced to choose which you feel most...please, remember to always, always choose happiness.

Where there is faith,
there is love;
Where there is love,
there is peace;
Where there is peace.
there is God;
Where there is God,
there is happiness.
~Sri Sathya Sai Baba

**I have always said that when it's my time to go, I'll make peace and let go and I just assumed all "old" people believed that, too. However, the day they took her to the hospital, this time, I think she knew she wouldn't be coming back home. While waiting for the ambulance, Carolyn(Mr. Chad's Mom) ran around trying to get all her of Mother's paperwork, meds, etc. I just stood there with his grandmother and held her hand. She was already having trouble catching her breath and with each inhale, she would hold my hand--tightly. You could see and hear her trying to breathe. I believe she wanted to let go, but I think in our final hours, we still want to fight to live.

Peace means, to me, non-warring, calmness, harmony.

Day 10--I love NOLA!

2011-02-10T16:36:00.001-08:00

I can hear the music in my head, Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans? I miss it both night and day. I know that it's wrong...this feeling's getting stronger...the longer I stay away. Ah, nothing like a little Louis to conjure up the deep emotions I have for my old hometown.

The best place in the world for food and hospitality:
Red beans and rice on Monday and a crawfish boil in all the months without an "R". Mardi Gras parties and Jazz Fest. The Gambit. Drive-thru Daiquiri stands...with samples. Jackson Square. Haunted cemeteries. Gris-Gris. The mighty Mississippi River. Cooter Brown's. Street cars. Purple, Green, Gold--Gold & Black. Dirty Rice. Dirty Politics. Catholic school. Lent-Fish Frys. Humidity. Beads and "Second Line" umbrellas. Dr. John. Newcomers.

You know they say, "You don't know what you have 'til it's gone". I have been fortunate enough to experience that only once, but I'm gonna get her back someday.
I do know what it means to miss New Orleans.

WR4W. Day 9--I love the color Granny Smith Green.

2011-02-09T06:29:00.000-08:00

First, I coined the abbreviation for our posts each week...WR4W
What do you ladies think?
It was hard typing all that in the title and then adding what we were ...LOL.

Last week, Spring weddings were the theme and I missed out. So, to catch back up, I want to talk about my fave Spring/Summer color for weddings. I am in love with Granny Smith Green. I love it with red, black, blues(almost any shade), brown, and yellow !

Above are some lovely pics, showcasing this amazing color in action!

Could not get links to work...so here are web addresses for pics:

red:http://gallery.weddingbee.com/photo/a-summer-picnic-wedding-apple-green-038-red

brown:http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/changing-colors-to-chocolategreenivory

blue:http://www.groomsoldseparately.com/weddings/gss-inspiration-board-apple-green-navy/

black:http://formerms.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/black-white-and-green/

yellow:http://weddingstoriesri.blogspot.com/2010/06/wedding-wednesday-color-trend-green.html

Day 8--I love my cricuts.

2011-02-08T05:05:00.001-08:00

Yes, I have multiple Cricuts, many cartridges, and the Gypsy...and "Gosh, do I love them". (Not really, the Gypsy so much-yet...I haven't figured it out.) You guys are aware that I have my own room...just for crafting, right? Although, I have been told recently the dining room table, the living room coffee table, and my side of the bed looks like crafting areas, too.

Back the the Cricut, I remember back in the day when I first started scrappin' and everything had to be traced, or printed, or copied...and then cut out by hand! Wow, does this machine save time! I really don't use it that much, but when I get one of them out...I go on a binge like a half-rehabed wino...or Charlie Sheen on a normal weekend.

Currently, I am on a binge.

Valentines.

Wall Decor.

Notes.

Postcards.

Art work.

You name it, I am probably attempting it right now.

Hello, my name is Christy.

I am a Cric-aholic!

Day 7-I love wine and their labels.

2011-02-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a wine snob...go ahead and quit reading, hit next, or just turn off your computer. I am not a wine snob. I do not drink what some magazine, catering to people who have never lived within my budgetary restrictions, tells me to drink.

Good wine is good wine.

When I drink wine, I am almost always surrounded by those I love...family, friends, neighbors, but I have been known to drown my sorrows in a good, cheap bottle of wine, too...and sometimes with no one else but Jane Austen and Mr. Darcy.

Buying wine for me is an experience. I sometimes read reviews, but only if they are in one of my "foodie" mags. I listen to friends suggestions, or I buy the bottle 'cause it's PURTY! (that is hillbilly for lovely label/bottle.

Regardless, as I stated above "good wine is good wine". It is not always what the bottle holds, or the pretty packaging, many times it the who, what, when , and where you share it with that makes it good.

Day 6--I love the SUPER BOWL...ads!

2011-02-06T12:34:00.001-08:00

Sure, I love the Super Bowl, but come'on, you all know we wait for the commercials all year, too. You always hope they are going to be better than good b/c these people, corporate buffoons, pay ungodly amounts for us to see them!

Last night I was not too impressed. There were about 4 or 5 that really stood out! So today, I am going to showcase the commercials I LOVED from last night's game...which I was OK with regardless of who won...my hubs on the other hand, who likes the Packers on any other day except when they are playing the Steelers, was hoping for a different ending.

5. Chrysler 200/Eminem...absolutely loved the whole idea of rebuilding the city and actually using one of their own to represent.
4. Coca-Cola-"Border"...wonderful message in these times of turmoil.
3. VW-"Black Beetle"...loved the concept, the music, the visuals.
2. Bridgestone-"Beaver/Karma"...this commercial spoke for itself...you get back what you give. I loved it!
1. VW-"The Force"...you can not tell me this commercial did not beat out all commercials by a landslide. It had it all; kid in costume, nostalgia for the adults, magic and wonder for everyone. This was the best commercial of the night!

I love commercials, but this one night of the year...I wait for b/c I love Super Bowl ads!

Day 5--I love thoughtful gifts.

2011-02-05T18:01:00.001-08:00

Giving thoughtful gifts is a trait I think you have to be born with, and very few people I know have this trait.

My hubs has it, so does my best friend, C2. (*I like to think I have it a little, but not like the listeners in the world. Sometimes, I think if I talked less I could give more or at least better gifts.)

However, this weekend a friend gave me my "late" Christmas present (her words not mine) and I was overwhelmed with thankfulness.

Just the gift, a beautiful, personalized bag with my name on it, was great, but the reason she gave it to me with the personalization it had, Mrs. Boyd, was due to a conversation we had about my last name at school. It moved me that she bought this gift for that reason. I mean, isn't that wonderful? She didn't just remember me at Christmas, but she remembered us talking one day and THAT set in motion what ultimately help choose my gift.

I have loved this friend since my children went to school where she teaches, so many years ago, but now I love her even more for just being who she is--a kind, wonderful human being.

I am very blessed with all of my new friends, but Can you really made my day--Thank you!

Mrs. Boyd

P.S. Princess Sexton, I love you, too!

Day 4--I love mail.

2011-02-04T06:05:00.000-08:00

I love getting mail. I love sending mail. There is nothing better than knowing someone took the time out of their busy life, and we all have busy lives, to write a letter to you!

I try to send notes to my children, letters to my family, thank yous to just about anyone...and you don't want to get me started on Christmas cards.

Truly, don't you just LOVE opening your mailbox and seeing an envelope addressed to lil' ol' you? I love colored envelopes, stickers, beautiful stamps and just seeing my name, Mrs. Christy Boyd.

Today, I challenge you. Write someone you love a letter--mail it. I promise the results will be wonderful. You will love doing it and the person you send it to will love getting it!

I LOVE MAIL!

Day 3...I love the Ballard Designs catalog!

2011-02-03T06:27:00.001-08:00

I love catalogs!

There are so many that I just love to browse through: Crate and Barrel, IKEA, Pottery Barn, Horchow...but there is one that totally stands out for me, Ballard Designs!

Any home DIY-er/decorator has to love this catalog. It is packed with page after page of beautiful, classic home design. Well, it does lean toward the European influence, but stylish nonetheless!

I would give up all of my catalogs (there is on-line catalogs, you know...LOL) just to have this one by my bed, in the bathroom, or dog-eared on my kitchen table.

Some of the items are a bit out of my price range at times, but good design is always within every person's budget. Just ask Nate Berkus.

Go by and visit their website:
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/

You can request a catalog, too. You can thank me later!

If there is a catalog that you love, please leave it in the comments. I would love to check it out!

Wednesdays are for Weddings (Feb. Day 2--I love Bridal showers!)

2011-02-02T05:19:00.000-08:00

To stay true to my I love series, and to stay in the fold of Wednesdays are for Weddings, I decided to write about bridal showers. I love them. My favorite are the themed ones held out doors with beautiful flowers and colors, but I really LOVE them all. I love everything from getting the invite, to picking out the couples' gift, to finding the right outfit to wear. It is a social event for me.

I am easy. If you want a nice gift for your wedding, send me a beautifully addressed envelope with my name written in calligraphy...I'm a sucker! Now, I do honor bride and grooms and not bring a gift if requested, but I normally try to donate in their name somewhere or plant a tree.

My fave gift to give is a scrapbook or an "Our 1st Christmas Together" ornament. I feel that folks sometimes get so caught up in what to buy off of the registry...they forget about the little things. One of my favorite wedding scrapbooks, that I made, was for my Ex-husband and his wife. (I knew there would be plenty of pics with my children in them.) She sent a thank you, but I can't guarantee she used it...some folks just aren't scrapbookers!

Anyway, I am sure I will play host to, at least, 2 bridal showers or luncheons. (Thank God for little girls!) Yet, I am very sure they will be very different from each other...LOL. I would say, "I can't wait", but I can.

In fact, I hope I have to wait quite a while.
CBB

A special thank you to Jennifer Jude.
Mary and I loved our co-bridal shower.
It was thoughtful, sweet, and had the yummiest finger foods ever!

February-Day 1 of things I LOVE...

2011-02-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

I don't LOVE Valentine's Day, but I do love LOVE and how different people interpret it. Over the next 14 days, I am going to share things that I love with you. I don't normally do these theme-y things, but since I'm in on Wedding Wednesdays...I though I'd try this!

Now, I created this idea(would love for some of you readers/bloggers to join in) so I get to make the rules...LOL. There are none...LOL. Just take a quick moment and write about something, someplace, or someone that you love! Oh, and link back to me, in one of the post--if you can!

Today, I love seeing and saying I LOVE YOU in different languages!

Check out this page to see what I mean:

http://www.travlang.com/iloveyou.html

CBB

Wise Words...and MY choices.

2011-01-31T12:52:00.001-08:00

First Lady Michelle Obama has stated: "We should always have three friends in our lives—one who walks ahead who we look up to and follow; one who walks beside us, who is with us every step of our journey; and then, one who we reach back for and bring along after we’ve cleared the way."

I am very sexist when it comes to this statement, I seem to just think of my close "girlfriends" when thinking this through...LOL. (Although, my hubs is my best friend, too.)

I know, above and beyond, the friend that I look up to; her name is Kathy Randall, KR. She lives in New Orleans and since meeting her and seeing the life she lives--through actions, not words, my life has become a better life. I have learned that you do not do things to get credit for them...you do them because it is the right thing to do or to make a change--a change for the better--for someone, something, or someplace...or just for yourself.

My friend that walks beside me will always be Christie Arnold, C2. All the things in my life that have mattered for the most part, good and bad, we have shared. She is the best friend that all of us want and so few of us ever get. I am honestly blessed! Time between our chats and visits may be long sometimes...but we pick right back up where we were, as if no time has expired.

Picking someone I reach back for was hard. I like to think since I have 2 hands I can reach back for 2 people and those would be my 2 girls, Catarina and Claudia. I like to think that all the mistakes that I have made gives me the wisdom to share with them, so that they never have to make those mistakes in their life. I know they will stumble, but if they learn anything from me, I hope it's that one can fall, but is only a failure when they don't try again.

I am very fortunate to have many friends, a lot with in my own family, and I learn so much from all of them. I believe, in all aspects of our life, it takes a village...and that we should all work on ours.

CBB

Sunday date with Mr. Chad

2011-01-30T05:43:00.000-08:00

Today was a great "date" day!

We always start with breakfast @ Bob Evans.

Then a quick stop at Walmart,

(where there was a 2 hour wait for an oil change)

for some home necessities...

but not an oil change!

Also, am I crazy that I totally love buying cereal and cleaners in the same place!

...and look at that 1st pic, Kudos to the Coke man!

We then stopped at the Pauley Bridge,

which I had no idea had a name until we stopped.

It was a beautiful day, so we walked, talked,

held hands and kissed,

as we strolled over the bridge.

It was a wonderful and happy time!

I love spending time with my ol' pal my hubs!

It was a good day!

Psych

2011-01-28T05:36:00.000-08:00

Rarely, do I ever start watching a series 5 seasons in, but since December, I have done just that for 2 different shows.

Catarina and I, got totally into Dr. Who over the Christmas break and now, I am 3 seasons into one of the funniest shows on TV...Psych.

I, also, have Desperate Housewives and The Rockford Files (Yes, that show from the 70's) waiting in line. This Netflix thing is a blessing...or a curse. I am not sure, yet.

However, I do feel lazy because I should be working on the house, but it's just too cold for that...LOL. Currently, I'm hooked on Shawn and Gus and it's just going to have to do for now!

Wednesdays are for Weddings!

2011-01-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

Jen and Kristi are doing a Wednesdays are for Weddings blurb each week, and since this little blog started as a countdown to my wedding...I have decided to join them.

If, and when, I remember to post on this day each week, I am going to share ideas about colors, themes, flowers, cakes, centerpieces, etc...or just any ol' thing the other gals are talking about that day.

Today, I want to remember our cake. I loved it! It was one of my fave things from the day...so simple, yet it summed up everything we wanted out of this marriage and our future life together!

Results

2011-01-25T07:28:00.000-08:00

Since January 3rd, I have lost 12-13 pounds. I know that is a great weight loss, and I am not denying it; I want to see it, though. I want to be able to stand in front of the mirror and see it.
My clothes are already getting a little looser and I definitely have more energy, but I want to see a more svelte me looking back from the mirror...not the struggling girl who really wants a cookie--a whole pack of cookies(Oreos) to tell the truth.

I hear all the time, and read it too, lose weight for you. I understand that...I want to be healthy, but having no thyroid makes it hard to lose, but easy to gain. After my cancer and radiation, I still thought I would maintain 150-160, but I haven't and it is very hard to do.

For no reason, do I just want to be thin! I just want to be the "usual" size me. A good size 8-10...any bigger than that and my clothes start looking like Sue Sylvester's--a warm-up for every day of the week...LOL.

This is a hard journey, but I'm not giving up; but I also wish, they made magic beans to fix it over night. I'll let you know if I ever run into Jack...LOL, but then again, if I did I'd probably bake his golden goose.

CBB

Netflix to the Wii

2011-01-23T16:04:00.001-08:00

If you do not see me or hear from me, you can thank my husband. He decided we needed Netflix on the Wii. Oh, how wrong I thought he was, but...I was wrong! This is the greatest thing to come along since sliced bread! Over the next few weeks, I plan to watch movies and TV from, as far back as, my early childhood. I plan on watching complete series of shows that I have wanted to watch over the last year. I am addicted to this thing. I am thinking...my elliptical will fit right in front of my TV. This Wii thing really is good for workouts...LOL.
CBB

Chad, Karen, and Chris Bailey

2011-01-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

I really have never been concerned with the weather. Of course, that has lead to some problems for me in the past. (You live in New Orleans and see people packing their cars with pictures and family heirlooms...you know a hurricane is coming.)

Over the past month and a half though, we have had some "HINKY" weather to say the least, but it all has pretty much been predicted correctly by this guy over here.

Chris Bailey is a KY boy, born and raised not far from my hometown, who has a weather blog. (He is, also, the chief meteorologist for WSAZ in WV--which is the home of the former Mr. Cartoon and Beeper show--a little shout out to my younger days.)

His blog:http://kyweathercenter.com/
is a spot-on, break-down of what is happening in your neck of the woods. He knows his stuff!

As many of you have read before, my hubs is a weather buff. He likes knowing all that stuff about clouds, moisture, fronts, etc. My cousin Karen must be into weather, too. In fact, I guess Everybody LOVES Chris because these 2 are quoting him ALL the time and now so are others.

So here is today's story:
This morning, Karen calls and wakes me out of a beautiful slumber with these words, "We are getting a foot of snow Monday-Wednesday." Now, first off, I was half asleep and thought she said "8 foot" not "a foot" of snow, but then realized she would have said "8 feet". Regardless, I was like, "where did you here that?"...and what do you think she said...
CHRIS BAILEY!

So, I just want to get it out there, I do have my weather info down these days.
Thank you Chad, Karen, and Chris Bailey.
I now know when to run and get bread and milk!

CBB

Wordle

2011-01-20T08:47:00.001-08:00

Where have I been? How did I not know about this website? It is unbelievable! A friend of mine posted on my FB page about Google's "doodle" commemorating the 50th anniversary of JFK's inaugural speech. (Everyone knows I love me some Google doodles.)

The link that she sent gave a comparison to the "doodle" being like something from Wordle. I was like, what the heck is Wordle?

Thank you, Jennifer Jude!

For years, nah, my whole life, I have been obsessed with words and here is a site that can take anything written and highlight words and make ART! They have some great examples, like the one I have shown in this post, but anyone can create their own.

I urge you to go check it out. It is a great site and I can't wait to see what I come up with over there!

CBB

Happy Birthday, Claudia Ilse Marnye Buettner!

2011-01-19T10:09:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy Birthday Dear Claudia-Loo!

Happy Birthday to you.

Claudia, We love you very much and realize that as you get older, you may find it weird that ALL of your parents seem to always be in your business. Please, know it is only because we love you more than you could ever imagine and only want the best for you. Hold on tight to this 12th year, because your teenage wasteland is just around the corner.

Love,

Mom, Mr. Chad, Sister, Dad, Ms. Trish, and Ella

*Picture courtesy of Amanda Compton Photography

4 Fave dresses of Golden Globes 2011

2011-01-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

I love the Golden Globes!

It is my fave award show...

and I love Ricky Gervais as host!

The show was good, but on to the fashion!

Some of the dresses this year were just awful!
I liked the above 4 most of all,

but would modify most of them a tad, as well.

The #1 Rule(for me): No fishtails at all...or whatever they are called.

Why in the world would you wear a dress that everyone could

...and will...step on?

If I wanted to get crazy I would wear a sleek dress and maybe some

funky-colored shoes,

but not 2 different shoes like Helena Bonham Carter...bleck!

Fashion was weird last night, but about the same as year's past.

Kudos to some of the men, though:

Kevin McHale from Glee and Robert Downey, Jr. really stood out for me

and Jon Hamm, but he would look good in a towel

...or even better IN just a towel...LOL.

Hope you enjoyed the Globes.

Thank you HFPA.

True Grit

2011-01-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

Wow.
It is all I can keep saying in my mind.
What a beautiful movie.
One so masterfully crafted, it could have only come from the Coen Brothers. (One day soon, I am going to dedicate a whole post to these amazing movie makers.)

I am not a western watcher, but have seen several in my life that, I feel, were the top of their genre. For example, Unforgiven and Pale Rider. You can imagine it was a tad weird for me to see a western without Clint Eastwood then...LOL! I must say, though, Jeff Bridges was dynamite. Matt Damon was even pretty goody as a smarmy Texas Ranger. However, the show stealer was no doubt, Miss Hailee Steinfeld! This child was "out of this world" good. If they overlook her for an "Oscar" nod, shame on the industry!

So to sum it up, The weather has been bad and I was glad to get out of the house for this, but if you are snowed in somewhere, and can still walk to the theatre to see this movie...do it. It is well worth the time, energy, and $7 popcorn. I promise.

CBB

Astrological change, my butt!

2011-01-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

For 37 years, I have been a Pisces. I have one daughter Pisces and another that is a Capricorn, and my husband is a Scorpio...and they all fit their sign, perfectly! Now, someone comes along and adds a 13th sign for 6 days in November and changes all of us except for one. I DON'T THINK SO!

First of all, I don't believe in a lot of this crap, but it does give me something to read in the paper and to share with another human being, if for nothing but a conversation starter. I could meet a million people that have never been to KY and have nothing in common with me, but I'm gonna say it's possible that 1 in every 12 could be a Pisces. You may not travel, or like wine, or knit, but you had to be born.

According to CNN this morning, it is really a bunch of nonsense.(http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/13/no-your-zodiac-sign-hasnt-changed/?hpt=C2) As they put it:

But before astrology fans scrape the ink from their arms because they think they're now a Virgo instead of a Libra, they should consider this: If they adhered to the tropical zodiac - which, if they're a Westerner, they probably did – absolutely nothing has changed for them.

So, today, I am still a Pisces. My family are still the same, too...and all is right with the astrological world. I wonder if today's horoscope for everyone was, "signs--they are a changing", because that, my friend, would have been funny!

Prom dresses already?

2011-01-13T13:03:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, Kristi over at http://kentucky-girl.blogspot.com/ was in the mood to share her love for weddings. I totally agree with being in love with weddings, but while looking at those beautiful white dresses, a reality came upon me. My daughter needs a prom dress.

Now, not just any prom dress, but a white prom dress. At her high school all seniors must wear white. I love this idea, but it does make it hard to not wear the same dress as someone else. So one must shop early! Well, I never got the early memo on the dress bit. (Although, I do have her grad Open House scheduled, cake ordered, SR. pics finished, and decor planned out!...LOL)

However, she has fallen in love with the dress above, and I love it, too. Problem is...it is ivory, not white.

Wanna know what I have to do today? Call the school to see if ivory is allowed. No joke. Ivory is a shade of white, right? Wish me luck.

Just Dance for Wii! OMG!

2011-01-10T11:31:00.001-08:00

We're getting another snow storm this week and I knew it would be unlikely that I would be able to get out to do Zumba, so what do I do to help with this conundrum?

I Just Dance (2)!

Last night, I ran to the grocery to grab some fruit. I had dinner at Subway, too...and I had been wanting it for a week, so thank you to my cousin V who drove because I am a chicken to drive when there is ice on the road--anywhere!
(That sentence seems way too long.)

Anyway, had to stop at Wal-ly World and for some reason I was drawn to the video games.There it was, not the one I wanted really. I mean, with my minor OCD, how could I buy part 2 before doing part 1. However, I opted to go for it and OMG was it a great purchase. The hubs wasn't/isn't quite on board with it, but I believe he will come around.

Got back to the house and V and I jammed! It was hilarious. Almost a better work-out than Zumba! I am sure you Kinect people will weigh-in on how much better it is on your system, but since I don't have that system...I don't care!...LOL. All I can say is, if your gaming system has a dance game...run, run as fast as you can to get it. It rocks!

CBB
P.S. I can not wait to do this with Catarina and Claudia!

Happy Birthday, Miss Olivia!

2011-01-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

A year ago today, my baby brother and his wonderful wife gave our family one of it's most treasured joys--my niece Olivia! She shares this special day with another icon, Mr. Elvis Presley.

I am currently, sitting at my computer watching what was to be a light snow, come down in blizzard form. I am already looking at 4 inches and I don't see it stopping anytime soon. With that being said, it is unfortunate that I will not get to be a part of her 1st birthday. I do want her to know, though that my whole heart is with her as she celebrates her big day. I love you, Miss Olivia!

Please Help Milton Elem win a grant from Pepsi!

2011-01-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

http://www.refresheverything.com/helpmilton

My youngest daughter's school is in the running

for one of the wonderful Pepsi grants!

$50,000
They are in the Top 10,

and if they stay there all month...

they win!

Please readers, I kindly ask you to vote for this outstanding school.

Mrs. B

Happy New Year 2011...Resolutions.

2011-01-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

I am a horrible "resolver" ...for New Year's anyway.

I like to think when I want to get something accomplished,

I "resolve" to do it right then.

I read that the #1 resolution for our country was to lose weight/get healthy. I suppose I want to do that, but technically, I want to do that everyday.

Who doesn't want to be healthy?

So this year, I am resolving to do something different and daring...yet, something I have wanted to do my whole life.

I am going to learn to play the violin!

Now, at my ripe old age I don't foresee playing with the Philharmonic anywhere. However, I can see playing for myself and my own enjoyment...so I can not fail at this resolution! I am not setting myself up for a career in music, just some fun on my own time...if I can do this, maybe next year, I'll learn to play the fiddle...LOL.

Get it?

CBB

scrapbook room does not equal junk room!

2010-12-28T08:53:00.001-08:00

This post is a simple rant!

I always hear people say they have a junk room.

It annoys me.

Every usable space in a house...

needs to be used:

guest room,

craft room,

music room,

game room,

"scrapbook" room,

etc!

Whatever you want...just use it!

Somewhere between summer and Christmas,

my scrapbook room disappeared and a junk room appeared.

OK, so it is not a hoarding episode yet.

And, it really isn't junky...

just piled with THINGS.

(I can not handle piles.)

I am going to fix this issue...now.

I will post before and afters!

Wish me luck!

CBB

*Pic above and other examples of before/after shots,

can be found here:

http://simplyorg.com/beforeafter.html

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Buettner-Boyds:

Chad, Christy, Catarina and Claudia

Life as a new Mrs.-AGAIN

UK Cheer 2012 Champs!

Friends from the Blog-o-verse!

Language Lesson from myself...and Jen

Christmas Ornament Exchange

Things I want to say to my hubs face, but can't...it would be too weird, but I want him to know.

LSU vs Auburn...what is truly important.

Couch to 5K

2 gifts...1 week. What gives?

Workout Tunes

Hair bows and old age????

The Christmas Creep

Sons of Anarchy

Billy Elliott

"Doctor's Appointment Date" ...and Antarctica.

Remembering 9/11

Phineas and Ferb (P&F)

Millenium Trilogy by Steig Larrson

A special text

Kingsport Mall

Gnomeo and Juliet

MERLIN

I just hear words...

Wealthy in my Friends

-ing Randomness

Google +

Me, the bestie, and the kids...minus 1.

Cut-Thru Adventures

Happy Anniversary, Chad Boyd!

Come Monday...it will be alright.

Catarina's Grad Party

Pinterest

My 1st love graduates...from HS!

Hiatus

Derby Day 2011

Hiking at Natural Bridge

...and they lived happily ever after!

Catarina's Senior Prom

An Ode to C2

Oh, HAIL NO!

WR4W...all about ETSY

ACM...great show...lots of Rock 'n' Roll!

CATS v. UConn

Fridays are for Crushin'

No post for WR4W...oncology report on Mr. Chad.

The Voice of Truth

UK...Final Four bound, baby.

Saturday

UK v. OSU...what a game!

WR4W...wedding dress code.

He can see...Dancing With the Stars!

when the hubs gets sick...

Crushin' this Friday on...

WR4W...venues.

Weekend at a glimpse!

Today, I'm crushin' on my own kid!

Happy Birthday, Chuck Norris!

WR4W...Bridesmaids' dresses!

Sidebar

Monday, Monday...Can't trust that day!

Charlie, did you find the map to Candy Mountain?

Happy Crush Day...and National Grammar Day!

WR4W...Weddings and Hats.

Oscar Loveliness 2011

Christy is Crushin' on...

WR4W...and birthdays, like mine!

Cake stands

Christy is Crushin' on...

WR4W...Photography.

Making a quilt

Day 14-- I love my little Family!

Day 11--I love Peace.

Day 10--I love NOLA!

WR4W. Day 9--I love the color Granny Smith Green.

Day 8--I love my cricuts.

Day 7-I love wine and their labels.

Day 6--I love the SUPER BOWL...ads!

Day 5--I love thoughtful gifts.

Day 4--I love mail.

Day 3...I love the Ballard Designs catalog!