The Straggler

Tonight I was outside letting Bailey do his business when I saw it-one last lightning bug.  I don't know where this one has been hiding out but he must be reluctant to go to wherever the little guys mysteriously go around mid-July.  I guess this means summer is winding down.  Don't get me wrong-here in Tennessee it will probably be 90 degrees until around October.  However, school starts in about 3 weeks and I'm just not ready.  Not ready for the tests, papers, clinicals, or sitting in a classroom for 8 hours.  Good-bye freedom, hello responsibility.  Well, August 18th is not here yet.  Here's to holding out like the little straggler who is stubbornly sticking around and making the best of the last days of summer.

Just a Thursday

Whew, it's been a tiring week and I'm just about delirious tonight thinking about everything coming up in the next few weeks.  Weekends, softball, beach, project, school prep, school.  I'm tired thinking about it!!  However, I feel that I've worked hard this summer and am prepared to face this school year head-on.  So looking forward to the beach with my favorite girls and hope to get some relaxation in.  Hope your weeks have been good and that you have wonderful weekends full of joy and family.  Adios!!

Snapshot Saturday (I know it's Monday!!)

Yep, it was hot.  No, we did not win the tournament.  We made up for it, though, with good ole family fun time.:)  I had a blast playing softball with Brian and Emily.  My mom and uncle came and I saw cousins and lots of people from the town where I grew up.  So thankful for family and time spent together.   

Peanuts and Cracker Jacks

Well, this weekend I'm trading my nursing shoes...

For my softball cleats...

I'm playing in a softball tournament this weekend with my brother in Pleasant View.  I've played softball since I was about, well, walking and my brother has played since he was breathing I think.  However, I'm pretty sure in all those years we have never played softball TOGETHER.  I'm super excited and hoping this thirty-year-old can keep up with those young whippersnappers.:)  It IS supposed to be about a hundred degrees on Saturday.  Hope I make it.:)

July 22, 2006

On this day I married my best friend.  We've shared a lot together.  Lots of things have changed since that day 4 years ago.  I love you Christopher Wade Hughes.

(I wanted to tell our story but after a day of working 7 to 7 I am exhausted.  Stay tuned for more!!)

Running?? Nope, More Like Jogging.

Well...I'm no marathon runner...

I'm 99.9% positive that I never will be.  I'm OK with that.  However, I know running, er, jogging is such good exercise and requires no equipment.  I have been trying to get back into a routine of jogging a little each week.  I did tonight and it actually felt good!  My Bailey Boy is a great running partner.  He even helps me up the hills sometimes.:)  OK, so here's a challenge...I always do better when I set a goal, so anyone want to set a goal with me?  I ran in the Buddy's Race Against Cancer 5K last year.  Chris and I finished but we didn't run the whole thing.  My goal is to run the whole thing this year, crazy East Tennessee hills and all!  Anyone want to come run with me?  If not here in Knoxville, do you have another race (around November) that you could run in?  Consider yourself challenged!!

Monday Monday...

I hope your Monday has been marvelous and wonderful!

Snapshot Saturday

So I know I post a lot of Bailey pictures, but isn't he just so darn photogenic?  He's just helping Chris out with his hand in Rummy.

Summer Weekends...

Summer weekends remind me of...

Nutty Buddies,

Jelly Shoes,

Bike-riding until dark,

Grandaddy grilling hamburgers on the back deck,

Days at the lake with family,

and wearing Itsy-Bitsy Polka Dot Bikinis with not a worry in the world. 

What are some of YOUR summer weekend memories?

A Weekend Getaway...

Chris and I went to North Carolina last weekend.  Our anniversary is coming up (July 22) and we wanted to get away for a little while.  We took a little camper up to Boone, North Carolina.  We took Bailey who was less than confident about his "rolling bed".

Bailey thought he would ride shotgun.  He was wrong.:)

We camped right beside this creek. 

Watermelon and Rummy.  We had a fire going and could hear the creek.  It was a good trip.:)

I've been married for 4 years to my best friend.  I pray for many, many more years together.

Snapshot Saturday

We're on a little weekend getaway for our anniversary.  Chris borrowed a little RV from work and we are at a little campground in Boone, NC.  What you can't tell from this pic is that the bed is about 5 feet from the floor.  Also, it is a full-size.  What you also may not be able to tell is that the ceiling gets closer and closer to the bed as it goes back.  Let's just say I'm not sure how this is going to work out.  For one, I am a little claustrophobic, so the inside is not an option.  For two, the outside is five feet from the floor.  Well, we came up here for adventure!!  (I'll let you know how it works out.)  :)

The Little Things...

I LOVE good haircuts.  They make me feel lighter and "swishy". :)  I go to this guy named Roy over in the strip mall who does a perfect job every time and charges me an absurdly low price for partial highlights and a haircut.  Yes, sometimes the little things are what make a girl smile.

Top 5 Reasons Why I Am Ready for the Weekend...

5.  I've got a four-day weekend on the way.

4.  My laundry is D-O-N-E.

3.  Did I mention I don't have to work for 4 days?

2.  I'm getting my hair done tomorrow.

1.  Chris and I are getting ready for an early 4th anniversary getaway this weekend.  ~Me, Chris, an RV, and the North Carolina mountains~  We might come back. 

Happy Independence Day!!

It's been a good day around here.  Church this morning, a restful afternoon, a movie, and FIREWORKS!  We saw the A-Team which was pretty good.  (It was even better because I had a free movie ticket!!) Then we went to see the fireworks at Pellissippi.  I'm thankful for our freedom and for all those who have fought for our country.  Thank You!!

I hope that you had a wonderful 4th of July yourself!

Snapshot Saturday

We've had kind of a low-key week.  Not too much going on.  Looking forward to our anniversary excursion next weekend!  Chris and I went out tonight with our Bailey-boy and stopped at Sonic for a little nighttime snack.  Bailey is upset because we didn't order the extra-large cheese coney that he wanted.:)

Thankful Today

So it hasn't been the greatest day today.  Generally I try to have a positive outlook and make the best of things.  Today it's been hard to find a bright side.  Nothing really has happened.  Certainly nothing bad has happened.  Have you ever had the doldrums at times and can't really pinpoint a reason? 
So my friend Kristen has a blog that I have been reading for years.  She usually writes entries on Thursdays called "Thankful Thursday".  I have been tempted while writing this blog to "borrow" that idea.  However, I wanted to be more original and not copy her idea.  Right!?  Sorry Kristen, I'm borrowing.  I've decided I need to count my blessings today and focus on those instead of this stinky mood I've been in.  OK, here goes...these are some of the things I am thankful for:
~My husband who loves me and always takes care of me.
~My puppy who ALWAYS greets me at the door wagging his tail like he hasn't seen me in a month.
~My family who loves me even when I'm stinky.
~4th of July fireworks!! 
~Upcoming anniversary trip that I have to look forward to.
~The blessing of having a decent job this summer.
~My in-laws who, I have to say, are pretty darn cool.
~The fact that I get to sleep in tomorrow.
~For friends far away and near.
~For a Father who is always near and makes His presence known in even the small things.

I rejoice in the hope of the glory of the Lord!