10 Day Challenge-Day 10

One picture

10 Day Challenge-Day 9

Two Songs

1. Paramore- Misery Business




2. Aaron Lewis- Country Boy

I'm on a nail kick

Another nail polish giveaway that I figured you guys might want to know about!

Scandalously Polished is giving away TWO hard to find polishes over at their blog!  You have until April 13th to enter if you want!

First time nail stamping

I discovered this a few weeks ago and instantly became hooked and just HAD to try it out.  So after looking at a few websites such as BF-Beauty and Wow So Cool, I turned to Ebay.  I didn't need a whole kit since they are expensive and I wasn't sure if I would like it or be able to do it.  So I purchased two different plates, Konad's m57 and m63 and the two-sided stamper and scraper and eagerly awaited them.

I figured that now would be a good time to try and I will have to say that it took some getting used to. You have to find the perfect way to work everything and I knew that going into this so I didn't get discouraged.  I played with all the images and settled upon the Zebra print once I found my groove.

Definitely could be worse but most certainly could be better.  I'll be working on perfecting my technique .  I used Ulta's Life's a Beach and Wet N' Wild Black Creme with Seche Vite as the topcoat.  And I'll most certainly be investing over time in more image plates!

10 Day Challenge-Day 8

Three films

1.  To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar!

2.  Saving Grace

3.  With Honors

Japan

When the earthquake hit and then the tsunami came and the power plant starting having serious issues, I started to worry.  I worried because I spent almost three wonderful weeks there in 2004.  I learned the culture, lived with a family that was more than loving to this foreign girl, and made wonderful friendships.

I know that my second family are safe and that they are doing pretty well during all that is going on.  They lost some family but are coping. 

While yes, I did experience massive culture shock while over there, it is amazing over there.  It is beautiful.  Even in Tokyo, amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy city, there is beauty and history in with all of that.  

We visited Hiroshima.  And I was taken back in awe.  Never once while there did we get disgusted looks.  They  all smiled and waved and threw up the typical "peace sign".  The museum and the memorial were overwhelming.  

The Peace Memorial and the A-Building, what remains of a child's tricycle, The A-building(the only building to survive and closest to the point of impact), a little boy's school uniform

You could feel the sorrow and the tears.  I know that the vast majority of us cried while we were there at some point.  But again, it was beautiful.

They've moved on.  They have rebuilt and started to thrive around what was once nothing.   

 I could ramble on about Japan because I fell in love.  I want to take Brad and the kids there one day.  I want them to be as culturally diverse as I was privileged to be.  I want them to learn.  Instead of rambling though, I will leave you with more pictures.

Skyline view of some of Tokyo, Mount Fuji, A bento box, Me and some friends at Mt. Fuji's 5th Station.

A rice field, Comarant fishing, A shrine, another one of our yummy meals.

The Golden Pavilion, Entrance into Miya Jima, a temple bell, Himeji Castle

10 Day Challenge-Day 7

Four Books

1.  The Count of Monte Cristo

2. The Twilight Saga

3. The Good Earth

4. The Alchemist

10 Day Challenge-Day 6

Five Foods

1. PW's Chicken Parmigiana 

2.  Picky Palate's Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

3. Big Ed's Pizza

Rest in peace, Steve!

4. Mexicali Crockpot Chicken

5. Philly Cheese-steak sandwhiches

Holographic Nail Polish Giveaway!

If you want a chance to win some delicious holo nail polish, pop on over to More Nail Polish and enter her giveaway!  These polishes are only available in Australia so this is a great opportunity!

10 Day Challenge-Day 5

Six Places

1. I want to take the kids and Brad to Rome.

2.  San Fransisco and Wine Country

3. Alexandria, VA

4.  The beach, any beach.

5. Knoxville, TN

6. Tokyo, Japan

2 years ago

The scariest thing in the world happened.  The one phone call as a mother that I didn't want to get.  Especially while I was at work.

I remember that day better than most that year.  I was working a closing shift at Target.  Brad and the kids were going over to a friends house to jam and let the kids mingle.

I remember one of my managers coming to find me, telling me that my husband had just called and was taking Brayden to Crestwood ER.  I vaguely remember being told he had been attacked by a dog.  I rushed to get my purse and clock out and shot out the door to the car.  I got to the ER I believe in record time, went back into the room where he was at and cradled my little boy.  At that moment, still in my khakis and red shirt, I didn't care if he bled all over me.  I just wanted to hold him.  During that course, nurses came in, Brad came in and out but mostly was with Aslynn, we went for a CT scan, Brayden and I cried together.  At one point, I went and called my sister, who I knew would be there in a flash.  She was my rock.  The moment she walked into that room with Brayden and I, I lost it.  I broke down.

Brayden would require 50+ stitches on the top of his head in two places, below his right eye and on his right ear.  But because of the lacerations on his eye and that the couldn't see just had bad it was, they felt better calling in a plastic surgeon to do the work.  So, off to the OR my baby was whisked.  I cried, I picked my nails, I hugged Brad and snuggled Aslynn who wasn't even a year old.

After he was out of surgery, Brad and I went back and I climbed up into that hospital bed with my sweet boy.  I didn't mind when he hurled his popsicle up on me.  As long as he was okay.

I don't blame Brad.  He still to this day feels bad.  I blame his friend because the dog had bitten someone else, his own pregnant wife, prior to this incident.  They pretty much flat out refused to put him down until we started to get legal.

Two years later, all we have are memories of that night, pictures of the healing process, scars on a sweet little boy's head, and a permanent blood stain on his carseat.

The 2009 picture was taken the morning after.  In the 2011 picture you can see the scar in his hair.  He has another in his hair as well.  Other than that, most of them are fading.

10 Day Challenge-Day 4

Seven Wants

1. an AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens and an AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens

2. China Glaze's OMG collection.

3.  A house of my own.

4. 1968 Ford Mustang

5. My children to live happy lives and be successful in life.

6. a Chevy Trailblazer

7. My mother to live closer rather than in Las Vegas.

My oldest obsession

Nail polish.  Ever since I can remember, I've loved nail polish.  Me and my sister used to have one of those Sterilite containers full of polish.  One Christmas, dad got her a bunch of different colors.  Even though he didn't do it on purpose, all of the colors had names pertaining to moving out and such.  It was great.  I remember that morning.  When she moved out, that container and what polishes remained with me.  It moved out with me in 2006.

I had to upgrade containers this year.  That stash had dwindled because they either ran out, dried out or where one of those WTF moments we had.  Now, back then, we didn't know much more than Cover Girl, Sally Hansen, ect.

As we've gotten older, we've discovered China Glaze, Sinful Colors, Orly, OPI, Essie and now Zoya.

We've gone back and forth introducing each other to these.  Our latest is Zoya and I have two colors waiting for me to try them.

We call Ulta and Sally's the "shame shame" stores.

I went to Ulta yesterday.  I had a few child free hours to do whatever.  So what did I do?  I went to look at make-up and nail polish.

And there I discovered the clearance nail polish. Ohemgee!  Score.  We're talking, Essie, Ulta brand, Piggy Polish, China Glaze, ect all marked down.  Serious mark downs too.  I got an Essie polish for $2.99.  Ulta sells Essie for $8.00.

So here are pictures of my recent haul.  These include polishes that I bought earlier this month as well.

L-R: Seche Vite Top Coat, OPI Black Shatter, China Glaze Re-fresh Mint, Piggy Polish  Midsummer Midnights

L-R: Grey-T, Midsummer Midnights again, LIME Alright, Mystic

L-R: Sally Hansen HD in Laser, Ulta Purple Haze, Ulta Grin & Berry It, Ulta Life's a Beach

L-R: Zoya Dove, Zoya Danni, Essie Bordeaux

L-R: Wet N' Wild Black Creme, Wet N' Wild Sugar Coat, Sally Hansen White On, 10  Siren of the Sea

10 Day Challenge-Day 3

Eight Fears

1. Not being a good parent.

2.  The gas light on vehicles.  I try to avoid it like the plague.

3. Losing everything that is important to me.  Especially my children.

4. Tornadoes.

5. Being alone at night.

6. Being hated or resented.

7. The unknown.

8. Flying.  Which is extremely funny considering that I've been across the continent on 3 separate occasions.

10 Day Challenge-Day 2

Nine Loves

1. My family, all of it.  Extended, immediate, in laws.

2. Make-up

3. Taking pictures

4. The beach

5. Napping

6. My friends

7. Knoxville, TN

8. Craft Stores

9.  Singing in the car

50 Things

50 Things You Can Say 
to Make Your Child 
Feel Great
Janel Breitenstein
----------
I’m proud of you. And even if you weren’t so fantastic, I’d still be proud.

I believe you.

The way you _____ is such a perfect addition for our family. God knew just what we needed when He gave us you.

I know you and I haven’t been seeing eye-to-eye lately. But I want to let you know that I accept you whether I agree with you or not, and I’m committed to working on our relationship so we both feel understood and secure.

I can’t believe how _____ you are. I can’t imagine the plans God has for you!

You know, you may not feel very _____, but God knew exactly what He was doing when He made you the way He did, and it was just how He wanted to express Himself. I love you just the way He made you. And I wouldn’t have wanted Him to do it any differently.

No matter how royally you mess up, I’ll always be glad you’re mine, I’ll forgive you, and I’ll love your socks off.

I saw how you _____. I’m so proud of you.

I forgive you. And I won’t bring this up again, okay?

I want to hang out with just you tonight. What do you want to do?

I remember when I _____. I felt so _____. I don’t know if that’s like what you’re going through, but it was a tough time for me.

I’m sorry. Will you please forgive me for _____?

I got you this, just because.
Lately I’ve really seen you grow in the area of _____, like when you _____.

Yes, there is food in the house.

I admire the way you _______. In fact, I could learn a lot from you in that area.

That was a really wise choice.

No chores today.

I trust you.

You’re really growing into a young man/woman of character. I can’t tell you how exciting that is!

Go ahead and sleep in tomorrow.

I had no idea you could do that! You impress me.

What do you think?

I canceled your appointment with the dentist.

I love your dad/mom so much! He/she is so _____.

I love being around you.

I’m so glad you’re home.

Thank you!

I love doing _____ with you.

You are one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. I am so humbled God gave me you.

I feel so proud when I’m with you.

You handled that so well.

I made your favorite _____.

I’m trusting that God will take perfect care of us. He’s always done it before! Can we pray together about this?

With God’s help, your dad/mom and I will never, ever get a divorce.

That looks great on you.

If I were in your shoes, I would feel so _____. Is that how you feel?

Would you turn your music up?

You are so well-disciplined in _____.

I sent you a big ol’ care package in the mail.

That was so courageous.

Do you feel like I’m understanding you?

If there were one thing you could change about me as your mom/dad, what would it be?

You have some real gifts in the area of _____.

Let’s go to Grandma’s!

It is so cool to watch you grow up.

Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you.

I miss you, but I’m glad you’re having a good time!

You make me so happy just by being you.

I love you so much.

Friday Funnies

10 Day Challenge-Day 1

My friend, Breanna, is doing this on her blog and I thought it would be a neat idea. 

Ten Secrets

1. I absolutely despise the heat but love the sun.  Does that make sense?  70 degree weather is perfect for me.
2. I've always wanted to be blonde.  I was born with a dark head of hair and it's been every shade under the sun except black and blonde.
3. I feel that some people resent me and that upsets me because I don't know why anyone would.
4. I'm afraid of the unknown.
5. I hate crowds.  I hate groups.  I would much rather be with just a few people or myself.
6. I messed up my freshman year of college.  Big Time.  I miss that city so much and the friends that are there.
7. While I am thankful for what I have today, I find myself with "what if's".  What if I had graduated from UT, ect.
8. I still regret not going to the airport the day my mother left 13 years ago.
9. I envy people.
10. I'm quick to make judgement.

Wordless Wednesday St. Patrick's Day edition

Wordless Wednesday Spring Edition

Meh

That's how I feel right now.  Meh.  Just Meh.  This could be due to the fact that I have a little boy with an ear ache.  A little boy who was up from 10:30 last night until roughly 4 this morning snuggled on the couch with me,a warm cloth over his ear.  We finally got to sleep and he was up around 6:30 again, only this time he came into the bedroom and filled the void where his daddy had slept.  We slept snuggled there until 8:30 and from there cuddles were spent on the couch.  His sister joined the snuggle party about 9:30ish and a quick glance at the couch and there isn't a spot that isn't covered with pillows, blankets, cups and toys.  Possibly a random cookie here or there.

When sickness prevails and snuggles ensue, movie watching comes full force.  Little man's first pick would of course be his newest favorite.  Iron Man.  We're working on Lilo and Stitch now.  The cat and dog are playing, Nitro still is trying to figure out why the cat is bigger than he is.

The rain is moving in, the wind chimes on the patio are going crazy.  Will the laundry pile diminish today, doubtful.  Will the dishes get done, probably only when the hubs gets home.  Will naps be taken by three of the four members of the house, highly probable.  I'm sure that I'll be joined in bed by not only the pooch but the kitty.

If there is one thing that I do do today, it will be cooking The Pioneer Woman's Pan-friend Pork Chops.

I mean, Hello! don't those look yummy???  Mmmm.

So we'll also add to the list of things that I will do opening the box of stuff that I ordered from Old Navy during their stock up and save sale.  Each of the kids now has two pairs of flip flops, some t-shirts and I racked up on some cami's and shirts.

Friday Funnies