Messy Tessie

Yard Greetings

2009-08-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Flock your friends with a yard full of flamingos or surprise a loved one with an "over the hill" yard greeting! More pictures coming soon! gobananasjumping.com

New Inventory!

2009-08-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

Check out our new units available to rent just in time for back to school events or your fall festivals! Check us out at gobananasjumping.com!

Baby Bonds

2009-07-23T19:24:00.001-07:00

Baby Bonds is due on March 17th!!!! We got to see the little heart beating today at the Dr. It made it so real after seeing the little peanut on the big screen and getting to bring its first picture home to hang on the fridge. Yea!!!!!

Maybe Baby?

2009-07-21T07:38:00.001-07:00

After 7 years of marriage...I would like to announce the upcoming spring arrival of "Baby Bonds!" We did it! Were having a baby! Finally! Can you believe? Me either!

Super Ruff

2009-05-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

They say time heals and I'm not crying around the clock today so we have made some progress. I just can't believe he is gone and gone forever. I never imagined it would hurt this bad, but he was with me for half my life. He slept in my bedroom, followed me to the bathroom and even hung out with me while I did laundry in the laundry room. Wherever I walked in the house he was right there to go with me. The first night was harder than having to let him go and walk out of the vet. I didn't hear him snore through the night and I never realized how comforting a sound a snore could be. I cried so hard during the night that I never could have imagined I would hurt so bad. I knew he was old and God couldn't have been kinder in the manner he was taken from us, but the hurt from loosing my bestfriend could never be explained. There is a void, a hole, a missing part of me know on this earth and the quiet, empty house is a constant reminder. I know when everyone leaves and Chris goes back to work the days will be lonely and a huge part of my days missing. Forrest Gump was a gift that will forever be treasured.

RIP Forrest A.B. Gump

2009-05-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

RIP Forrest A.B. Gump

Feb. 1995-May 21, 2009

Forrest went to home to be the Lord at 12:08 today. Saying goodbye to my "velvet ears" was the one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. Thankfully, this had to be a quick call and Chris and I didn't have much time to think about it. He was suffering and had went down hill from 7:30 am this morning till 11:40 so bad that I just knew it was time. God really does give you a peace because I would have never been able to let my "old man" go if he didn't. Forrest never complained one time and had been very sick for a very long time and we didn't know it. Rest in peace Bubba, you will be missed more than words could ever express! We love you, are hearts will forever be broken without you. I trust you are running in the fields as I type...

Monkey Business

2009-05-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! Just a little quick update...new bouncers arriving this week! Check out the website gobananasjumping.com We also have tables and chairs for rent too! Book your event today as dates are filling up fast!

Wanna Bounce in the best BOUNCE HOUSES in Birmingham??

2009-04-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, Monkey Business is up and going! Call or email today to go bananas jumping in the best bounce houses Birmingham has to offer. Visit us at gobananasjumping.com. We offer inflatable moonwalks, slides, stork rentals and yard greetings. Tables, chairs and tent rentals coming soon! We will also give any SEBC peeps a price break as well as church/school/minstry discounts. Don't forget about our special weekday rates...perfect for daycares or mother's day out programs. Need to rent for VBS...CALL TODAY! We have had a great response and slots are filling up fast for spring and summer so go ahead and make your reservation today! We serve all of the Birmingham metro area and surrounding cities such as Leeds, Moody, Trussville,, Pinson, Springville, Argo, Ashville, Pell City, Liberty Park, Irondale, Gardendale, Greystone, Hoover, McCalla, Pelham, Alabaster, and Helena...just to name a few!

Really?

2009-04-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Do we all really live in a yellow sub? Just food for thought! Hope you all had a great weekend!

Congrats Papa Pokey!

2009-03-27T20:50:00.001-07:00

So finally excited that my dad blew the dust off the new dell he purchased a few years back to keep up with his kids and is now on the dot com ladies and gentlemen!

So a special shout out to my dad for knowing just enough to be dangerous with his Dell! Way to Go DAD! WHooo HOOOO!

An Abstract Wish

2009-01-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

A wish...I happen to flip and see that Paul McCartney (I'm a big fan) was on The View and they showed his new album cover of his new CD. This cover was very abstract. As an artist I'm very conflicted with abstract art. I have never been able to understand nor see the beauty in abstract art. I'm probably speaking for my husband, but he is an artist too and I think he struggles with this as well. I appreciate so many medias and art forms, but a silly non important wish is to someday understand and see the beauty in abstract art. I feel like I missing something and I feel guilty because as an artist I love to appreciate others work, but I just can't with this form. Maybe one day God will open my eyes to this form of art!

Happy New Year

2009-01-14T07:34:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! Sorry, its been so long, but I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. I have bombarded you with new posts, please note that some are over on the side because I posted so many. I still have to post Christmas pics with the fam. and also stay tuned for sneak pics of the new store coming soon to the historic district of downtown Leeds. Love you all!

Christmas Dinner Table

2009-01-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

A Real Live Reindeer!

2009-01-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

Even though it was like 70 degrees right before Christmas...gosh I miss the North sometimes! So we were doing our weekend sign job and came across this "Reindeer Farm" so we decided to check it out. We got to feed the animals and see a real live reindeer. The duck were so funny and the bear was pretty animated himself! Ok, Ok, most of you know I hate Santa, but I have a pretty funny share so hear it goes...Santa was getting dressed and preparing to leave on Christmas Eve and he asked Mrs. Claus to look out the window and see what the weather looked like and she turned around after looking and said to Santa, "Look like Rain Dear." Ok, Ok, corny, but you have to admit its pretty funny!

Itty Bitty Ornament

2009-01-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

Everyone at Chris's work had to decorate a little wooden star...I got commissioned to do this from my husband. I painted a little itty bitty snow scene, inked the edges for the vintage look that we love so much, tied a little tag with a Christmas verse and a gingham ribbon and off she goes to be put on the EWTN tree!

Getting all Festive

2009-01-14T07:17:00.001-08:00

We had lots to do with the company coming and everything...

To Grandma's House We Go!

2009-01-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

We went to Asheville, N.C. to visit my 94 yr. old Grandma for Thanksgiving. She loves Jesus so much and is such an encouragement in my faith. Of course...Grandma loves Chris more than anything...he is such a ladies man! Grandma's favorite candy is Reese Cups so I made and decorated this mason jar and filled it with these special little treats. It was so nice to get to spend some time with this amazing women of God that I get the blessing of calling Grandma!

Martha Eat your Heart Out!

2009-01-14T07:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Decorating is what I look forward to from about July! This is just a little taste, there is much more...I even decorate the bathrooms!

The Prettiest Hot Chocolate this side of the Mason Dixon Line

2009-01-14T06:57:00.000-08:00

We went to eat dinner at Ihop one night and as you all know I love hot chocolate...our waitress made the most beautiful hot chocolate I had ever seen, so I asked if I could take her picture for my blog. She was kinda shy, but flattered. You can tell people have design talent just the way they make a hot chocolate. There was even a doile underneath the cup on the saucer...it made me feel loved and special that she took the time to make it so pretty for me!

Bye Bye Monte!

2009-01-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

I sold the, "Black SS with the Navigation." This sweet girl bought it from local area. She was really excited and it made selling it less painful. I hated to see it go, but it had to be done. Bye Bye Monte!

Straightened Toofers

2009-01-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

Chris got his braces off...Bless his heart, his toofers had shifted and made it hard for him to bite down. Chris's cousin is Dr. Phillips here in Birmingham and does amazing work! Check out his new Before/After straightened bright pearly whites pics!

Chris and Ester

2009-01-14T06:41:00.000-08:00

Ester was one of my special education students long ago, but became family! Ester enjoys hanging out with us whenever we can go get her. Ester loves Chris and even calls him, "daddy!" Ester would rather wait all day for Chris to get home instead of going somewhere afraid she would miss getting to see him. Too funny! Chris is loved by all the women! Seen here in this picture is Chris and Ester riding the carousal at the mall. Chris would have not done that for anyone except Ester!!!

Forrest A.B. Gump gets a New Puppy Bed!

2009-01-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

Forrest is our old man...for those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting my 15 year old brother...May I please introduce to you, Forrest Ankle Biter Gump. Forrest is a 15 year old German Shepard/Lab mix who I have owned over half my life! He relocated to the Birmingham Metro area approx. 5 years ago. Once nestled into his new home he made a bond with Chris, a bond that I could not even be a part of. So in other words...he is a trader and loves my husband more than me! Forrest is very smart, but also pretty dumb all in the same hence the name Forrest A.B. Gump. Forrest in his earlier years used to enjoy long walks in the wood, a good swim around our pond and would never turn down a good cat, catch me if you can game around the property. Now in his later years, he enjoys the finer things...waiting by the door in the afternoons for Chris to get home, eating a good meal, and most of all his new bed pictured below. Forrest has very bad arthritis and after a few years without a good bed, we decided to bite the bullet and get him this fabulous $100 puppy bed. You can see it didn't take him more than 10 minutes to claim it! Forrest is going deaf and is almost blind, but never the less he will always be my bestfriend and to see him enjoy his new puppy bed was priceless! I guess that is the trade off for the snoring that has accompanied the REM cycle he hits on his new bed!

So, first I need to say "I'm sorry" that I have not blogged in nine million years...I have been getting complaints about my lack of updating. So I will take this opportunity to get you all up to date on the messy life of Tessie!

Need an awesome cake?

2008-10-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

My fabulous friend Delilah is an awesome "Cake Maker Decorator" and if you need a cake shes your woman! Go visit her at cakesbydelilah.blogspot.com ! I'm so blessed with such talented friends! Li makes beautiful cakes, Virge is so artisitc, Heather can sew, Traci could skate circles around "my" Marth and Abby can cook like Paula Dean! My husband thinks he is truly blessed! Virge sends him crafts, Heather mends his pants, Traci cooks him breakfast, Abby makes him dinner and now he is just waiting for his cake from Li....hint hint (from Chris)!

Inspired

2008-10-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went and visited my dear friend Virge and her babes. It was raining and seemed fall like. There is no place I would rather be than Virge's on a day like yesterday! Her house is so calm and inspirational. When I walk in her awesome vintage green scrapbooking room I just want to craft! Its like an art gallery that tells a story, the Tillery story. I always leave inspired to draw, paint, craft and most of all Scrapbook. Em was busy changing outfits as if she had a major run way show to produce and Atticus was busy taking care of the house. Baby Elle, who looks just like Shaun was very happy trying to keep up with her brother and sis. Virge made this fabulous pumpkin to hang up for the season and gave it to me upon my visit. Chris was as excited to see it as I thought. There is nothing like being able to share in and appreciate each others God given talents. Thanks for the fabulous Punkin Virge! While I would be friends with you anyway, I just love that we share an appreciation for beautiful paper, design and vintage...wait, skull and crossbones too!

Wonderfall!

2008-10-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

As fall weather approaches I am reminded of the seasons we go thru in our Christian walk and want to encourage us to embrace the season God has us in, learn and trust him thru it. So many times we want to rush thru seasons of our lives...just to get thru it. Maybe we are missing something beautiful that God is trying to teach us in this season. As fall and winter comes nye, I want to remind you to slow down, take some time and ask God to speak to you thru this season. Almost everyone I know is having trouble making ends meet with the economy, but I want to remind us that God is always working for the good in our lives and he does have a purpose in our struggles. Don't miss God's kindness thru our difficulties. Ask Him detailed questions, get a new journal book, set some time aside to converse with your father. He loves you and is always going after your heart! Just like the plants loose their leaves and quit blooming during this season, let me remind you that this is just for a season. As we all know how time flies, this season will be over with before we know it and spring will soon be here. Just like fall brings winter and then winter brings spring, our spiritual seasons bring forth growth as well.

Come Back, I miss you!

2008-10-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Hower family came to visit from Mexico! Heather and "Brock Brock" are total VIPs in my life! Words can not express how much I value and love this family! I have felt so lost with there move to Mexico. It was such a huge blessing to get to spend some time with them the past few days! Heather, for 10 years been that person that loves me unconditionally and always speaks truth into my life. I miss our phone calls and knowing she is just a phone call away. Brock Brock called me yesterday after they got on the road headed back and asked, "Stephie, do you miss me yet?" While Brock Brock and I joke around all the time, it was different this time! They werent just headed back to the Big Easy, but to Mexico where I can only communicate via email and that is few and far between for them because of where they are located. So Brock Brock's words about brought tears to my eyes. Please pray for this family has they are serving God in Mexico and with that comes many obstacles. This family loves Jesus and is committed to doing his will at whatever the cost! God Bless the Howers!

Annie and Uncle Chris hang out after eating some yummy ice cream! She is such a wiggle worm...I totally think she will be walking within days!

My sweet nephews are spending some much needed time with Vinny. He sure does miss them when they are gone! You should have seen Vinny at the window when he realized his Aunt Heather was here! Talk about freakin, thats what this silly puppy did!

This couple is so sexy and I just love them! They are sexy for so many reasons!

I'm so excited that Tucker is so into reading. I got the honor of reading to them a few times while they were here. Tucker just brings Aunt Stephie a book because he knows Aunt Stephie loves for him to read!

Annie got a couple new outfits from Aunt Stephie. She had to have something to remind her of her Aunt while she is in Mexico! What a sweet, beautiful baby girl! Her brother's think the world of her too! When we were all in Walmart, I was talking to Annie and Ruben told me, "No, No, Aunt Stephie, Hannie is Mommie's baby." Annie is going to have her hands full when its time to date!

Where Did I Go?

2008-10-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

SIMON BONDS

RIP

10-17-08

RIP

Simon Bonds

As some of you already know Simon Bonds has gone on to be with the Lord. He had gotten up in my truck last Friday morning when it was raining and I didn't know it. I was a VERY sad day and words can not express how much we miss our little guy. He made me fall in love with him and my life was much fuller by knowing him. His paw prints will forever be imprinted on my heart! God took him quick so he didn't have to suffer, but the Bonds family will forever be a member short! I LOVE YOU SIME SIM!

I made this gigantic princess cake for Natalie for her first birthday party! I had fun cutting all those little itsy bitsy flowers and leafs out, really!

This was her personal cake to eat that I decorated to match and included her monogram. Bum deal, she was still so sick on her b-day that she didn't really have a clue what was going on..bless her little heart!

I kept my sweet friend's baby "Natalie" while she was sick. She just wanted to be held and snuggled, Aunt Stephie sure can take care of that!

Getting these new fabulous machines was truly a family affair! The dogs were even excited!

I'm sure you all read my posting about my washer and dryer...well, I ended up with the wiz bang #1 washer and dryer after all. God blessed me with front loaders (soooo much better on my bad back and is energy efficient)! I was planning to buy just a basic white set, but Abbey and I searched all over and found this heck of a deal. They quit making this color "tuscan sun" and I was able to get a huge discount on a floor model! Did I mention it matches my house PERFECT and you all know that matching washer and dryers are important to me!

I surprised my niece and picked her up from after-school care. She is now in the 4th grade! She is starting to wear a bra cause its the in thing in 4th grade...I'm going to have a stroke when she turns 14 if this is how fast it goes! Where does time go, just yesterday I got to put her hair in pig tails, dress her in little gurly girl outfits with big bows. Now she tells me what to wear and what goes together...did I create a little fashion monster? Oops, sorry Ron...my bad!

After taking her to Sonic, SHE took me shopping! I sing that Christina song that says something about spending all your money, money...and thats exactly what she does. I'm sure I'm to blame, good thing I learned on her before I have a little girl...again, sorry Ron! If you noticed she is decked out in the latest t-shirt/vest combo sporting a total rockstar assemble from head to toe (literally)! I was convinced that she needed new plaid pants (please keep in mind these are wide leg), new flip flops and matching hat to complete the Rock Star makeover. Gotta love her!

I'm convinced that once little girls hit 3rd grade the transformation to DIVA begins...

What happen to my baby, maybe I happened to my baby? She was so sweet, I just didn't realize I was creating this little fashion rock star monster. Mental Note!

This is Kyla's sweet sister. I got to go see her for her birthday! She has always loved her Uncle Chris so much and was so bummed he had to work. She did get to call him and it was so sweet to hear them talk for a while. I miss her sooooo much! Her and my nephew share the same birthday and are the same age. I forgot to do a posting to wish these two a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you both!

I dug up all my summer flowers (its amazing how stuff multiplies after a few years), planted new mums and mulched.

I finished my fall decor when Chris found hay...he is so good! He got the first shipment from Lowe's on the other side of town while also purchasing pumpkins and gourds to complete the Bonds' fall decorating tradition. I knew I married him for a reason :)

Things have been pretty messy around Tessies! I'm going to give you a fast pictorial of the last few weeks since I haven't blogged in forever to catch you up. Some days were fantastic and some you will see were hard! But I'm gonna give you the Reader's Digest version of the last few weeks so here it goes....(just for my BFF Shuls...gosh I love you)!

100 for Schuls!

2008-09-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

I made a one hundred on my test...YEA! See what happens when you buckle down Traci and do your school work?

Traci, Where Has Your Nose Been?

2008-09-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Traci...My nose has been in the books, what about you? Happy Learning! I love You!

Homework vs. Giant Cupcakes!

2008-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, I made these yummy gigantic cupcakes yesterday for my hubby to celebrate the first day of FALL. In the meantime I should have been doing my homework and my hubby knew this. While he appreciated his gigantic fall cupcakes very much, I woke up this morning to this sticky note on the fridge! So, high ho, high ho, off to do homework I go! Happy Fall Yall!

Bama Man, Go Blue and Shut Up!

2008-09-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

Why are you people so mean? Next time your gonna get a BIG HOUSE, M GO BLUE all up on ya!

Do I really have to get harassed every time I go out in public with a Michigan shirt on? People here don't just want to strike up conversation, they are really being mean and nasty. Whats up wit dat? I have been gracious to all you mean folk for too long now and now I've got game so bring it on! See the following situations to decide if you want not just sing, but bring it...

1. Man in Lowes comes up and says, "Why would you want to wear that shirt out in public?"

My response: "Well, first off Mr. Poopie Old Man Pants, if you really have the time I would love to tell you, Do you have the time? Well, great then here is my top ten reason I would wear this shirt in public here in Alabama proudly

#1. I am a Wolverine, I not only claim to be a fan, but I actually attend the University of Michigan and will be gaining a graduate degree from this fine upstanding institution that I will hang on my wall proudly!

#2. I LOVE Michigan, I love anything to do with Michigan! Probably everything you dislike about it I LOVE! I love the cold, I love the snow, I love the people, I love the flatness of the state, I love the lakes, I love the sports (there are other sports other than football, ya know?), I love going to the U.P., I love fall there, I love being close to those crazy Canadians, I love the shopping, I love that I love it!

#3. We have really talented people in Michigan wether it be sports, music, medicine, etc. I would ask him if he was a Bama fan then I would proceed to remind him that Mark Ingram is representing Flint town (my hometown) in T-town and your welcome for my little gift!

#4. I love the way people talk in Michigan...I can actually understand them without asking my husband to interpret for me which is rather common during my stay here in Alabama.

#5. My super awesome family lives in Michigan...my grams totally rocks and she is a Michigan native!

#6. People in Michigan drive WAY BETTER than people in Alabama!

#7. Have you ever been to Frankenmouth which is a super cool German town and ate at Zenders (Home of the famous family style chicken dinner) or shopped at Broners (the world's largest Christmas store)?

#8. We have the best donuts...this Krispy Kream crap that melts in your mouth is a waste of money...try a real donut from Donna's or Dunkin's!

#9. We have coney Islands and Kogels Hot Dogs...oh, and Vernors and Squirt!

#10. All of our establishments are open 24/7, like the grocery market, restaurants, oh and we have a Meijers so you don't have to shop at the over rated, too expensive box you people call Wally World!

So, Mr. Poopie Old Pants, Aren't you glad you asked? Now you know and you can go home and hang a Michigan flag on your house and call AAA and get the route to Michigan mapped out for your next R.V. trip! And we do have the Michigan International Speedway for your convenience!

If you put lipstick on the washer...its still a washer!

2008-09-18T12:06:00.002-07:00

IF YOU PUT LIPSTICK ON THE WASHER...ITS STILL A WASHER!

Well, since I turned (cough, cough, 26) I mean 29, I am officially a grown up. When you have to spend birthday money on a new washer you are a grown up. Remember when you could save your birthday money, go to the mall and buy some fabulous expensive shirt, dress and even a pair of matching shoes? Not these days ladies, it's a brand new washer! Yea...NOT! Does everything really have to break at the same time (and no it couldn't of been the vacuum so I could of upgraded to the new dyson)? The T.V. went out (during football), we have had a major leak from the air in our wall in the laundry room, the Tahoe air went out, and now the washer!

Then my fabulous BFF and I went price shopping for washers. Did I mention on top of everything else she is moving far away. What the? Anyway, so I run into this fabulous front loading washer and dryer that is lipstick red. This washer/dryer was just calling my name, saying, "wash me big gurl, make me wet and suds me up! And in the middle of this temptress seducing me the financing guys comes up and is harassing me about why I'm the idiot for not financing it. He told me it's like they were giving me money. Again, Mr. washer man, I am NOT interested in your financing, I will pay with CASH! So, with all this being said. The sexy front loading washer/dryer will not be calling 4013 home. We couldn't afford her rates!

With all this being said, I will be bringing home a boring white washer/dryer that has no bells, no whistles and it does nothing for my love of design. In the words of Richard J. Seeland, "You do what is right, not what you want!" Thanks Dad!

My Christian Walk seems like a trip to Six Flags Sometimes!

2008-09-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we feel no direction, confused, and hopeless at points in our Christian walk. When the world seems like it's spinning out of control and God's too busy getting everyone else off the ride safely. We try to be a big kid and be brave, but deep down were scared to death and about to throw up from the spinning motion. But as I get older I see why these places are often good for our souls. A wise periwinkle princess reminded me that sometimes during these hard times we are right where God wants us. Her simple sentence reminded me that these issues are trivial and God is always going after something bigger and that bigger thing is our hearts. Instead of buying a ticket for the emotional roller coaster God wants nothing more than for us to turn to him, lean on him and trust. Trust when it doesn't make sense... So while I'm off throwing a pity party celebration for my worldly woes I'm missing the bigger picture. The worldly woes are so trivial and by focusing on them I'm missing huge opportunities for growth in my faith and becoming more Christ like. Through our worldly woes and looking back on how we handle them we are confronted with our sin. EWWWW, that nasty sin word! When I say sin, I'm referring to this question..."What am I believing about God?" So the next time you are going through a trial or hard time in life remember that the circumstance is not really about the situation it's about God going after your heart! The way we react reveals much about our beliefs of who God is to us. Thank God for his grace and may we all grow and have a deeper understanding of who God really is!

Scrap Etc. Wrapper's Delight Holiday Event!

2008-09-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Join us at Wrapper's Delight for a weekend long crafting time, fabulous classes, make and take, prizes, and much more! Visit scrapetcevents.blogspot.com for more information!

Tagged, 6 Weirdoramma Things about ME!

2008-09-14T21:25:00.001-07:00

Li tagged me, so here it goes...

6 Quirky Things about ME!

1. I LOVE to vacuum as I'm sure you have already read in my post. Vacuuming brings much joy to my life and I firmly believe that this should be done a daily basis.

2. I believe that regardless of who you are and what kind of style you like you should and could always incorporate some type of animal pattern into the design wether it be fashion or decorating! Notice exhibit A: My mom has incorporated a zebra print into her daily wear, if she can do it, ladies anyone can!

3. I'm really a number crunching nerd bomber who loves school even though I like to dress stylish while doing it!

4. I think farting is HALARIOUS and even funnier when people fart on other people!

5. I think my dog is really my son trapped in a dog body.

6. I would buy every car or truck I purchased in my life time in Black!

Bonus for Li...7. I can't spell worth a hoot (as if you all hadn't noticed)!

Fall Treats

2008-09-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

As you all know I LOVE FALL! I wait for it all year long and decorate way too early for it. This is one of my crafty projects to hold Chris's fall candy. I bought a mason jar from Michael's along with some different style fall ribbon. I used a black hair tie and cut pieces of ribbon and tied them on the black hair tie then put the hair tie around the jar. I also cut a piece of decorative paper for the top of the lid. Then fill with your favorite fall candy. I used a mixture bag of kit kats and reese cups for a gift jar, but filled Chris's with a mixture bag of candy corn and candy pumpkins. Happy crafting...tis the season!

Vacuumer's Anonymous

2008-09-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

Man! I just love to vacuum! I love the way the floor looks after I use my fabulous Dyson vacuum cleaner that sucks up anything within 10 miles. After I vacuum I feel complete and that the world is a better place...I even sleep better! I just the love the lines on the carpet that the sweeper makes. I find myself just staring at the carpet after I vacuum and feeling joy. Since I'm home more I find myself vacuuming everyday. I even vacuumed twice today...once before church then this evening again. I wonder if there is a vacuumer's anonymous? After I vacuum I feel the yard needs to be mowed as well. I feel loved when Chris mows the yard at an angle so it has that "I love yard work look." I feel myself getting angry if he leaves a stripe or doesn't mow straight. I am starting to wonder if I'm OCD? This evening after I vacuumed I mowed. I was doing this to help Chris out since he is very busy, but I'm beginning to wonder if I just had to mow because I vacuumed? In some sick and twisted way my mind has connected the two tasks and they must be done together. I sweep in straight lines and re-sweep after Chris because he doesn't sweep in my obsessive compulsive manner. I feel violated when he goes to plug in my precious yellow Hum V of a vacuum cleaner. I haven't even began to share with you my passion for dusting either, thats a whole other posting in itself! My dream room mate would be "Danny" from "Full House." While some would go crazy living with such a nerdy, OCD, Mr.Clean freak, I would be in heaven! So to all you peeps who leave vacuuming to someone else, next time you get stressed grab a Dyson and cut loose!

Afrocon..not sure of the spelling!

2008-09-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Elizabeth and her daughter Natalie. While Elizabeth just looks like your everyday American chick, she is actually from South Africa and speaks "Afrocon." Friday I got to spend some time with her and Natalie and got the pleasure of meeting her family in South Africa via web cam. Man, technology is smokin! This picture shows how her and her family stay in touch all the way across the world. I didn't realize how important the international super highway was until this day! This piece of technology isnt just a way to do business, send a letter, or look up information or even buy something, to Elizabeth this is her life line. I can't imagine the distance she must feel living so far away from home, but the little camera that fits on top of her monitor gives her the opportunity to share her life and share in her family's life being miles and miles apart.

Elizabeth's family is native to South Africa, but that didn't stop the redneck jokes. Jeff Foxworthy must be famous world wide. While her family does speak English as a second language, Afrocon is their native tongue. Afrocon sounds like a twist of German and Dutch. It sounds so complicated and she speaks it so fast! It almost sounded like she was making up a fake language. She shared with me that she feels a little uncomfortable speaking it in front of people (I remember how I felt with a northern accent here in the south, can you imagine you guys being acceptive of a language that sounds like the umpa lumpa's made it up?). I did learn a new awesome word that I thought I would share with you all..."Swinkies." Swinkies in Afrocon means "Kisses." What a cool word, so my challenge is for you to use "Swinkies" at least once today!

Happy 7th Birthday to our Wonderful Furchild, Vinny!

2008-09-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Vinny's Favorite Things!

1. His "babies" are his #1 favorite thing, which you see in the pictures. His favorite is here to the right which is a spotted leopard that has a fierce growl when shook just right. Vinny chooses to store his babies in a decorative leopard basket that fits in with his mommy's decor. Sometime we come home and it looks like we had a stuffed animal explosion right in our living room.

2. Vinny would tell you that is #2 favorite thing is to go for a R-I-D-E. We do have to spell this in our house when discussing our plans so in case we can't come thru for a R-I-D-E he is not too bummed. He enjoys long trips to Michigan to visit his grandparents and play in the snow and short trips to get a treat when doing his banking.

3. Vinny loves to snuggle and spoon with his mommy and daddy. His favorite spot is in the middle of us nestled beneath the covers snug as a bug in a rug on our bed.

4. He enjoys time in the sun as well as spending relaxing time looking out the window just waiting for someone to visit him.

5. Vinny also enjoys his company. He is a great entertainer and host. He has a welcoming ability to make people feel loved and right at home.

6. Vinny enjoys sleeping. While he has many spots he enjoys napping his favorite I would say is our bed. We come home many nights to a warm spot on our bed where he has been oh, I am assuming for the last 8 hours. This is a great in the winter for us!

7. While Vinny enjoys his walks, he would much rather be driven around to take the most in since his schedule is so crammed. This is why you will see walks towards the bottom of his list.

8. Eating makes the bottom of the list too. Vinny watches his weight and realizes the importance of not being a cow to keep his sexy figure.

9. Playing with Daddy in the backyard. Since Vinny is a pretty easy going puppy and enjoys doing the entertaining himself, he enjoys his time of play, but loves making people feel welcome more!

10. Vinny time. While he is a people dog, he enjoys his alone time to re-coop, ponder and think about the next amazing thing he will do.

Happy 7th Birthday Vincent Axel Bonds!

Our baby boy turns 7 today. Our furson has brought so much joy, comfort and companionship to our lives for the last 7 years. I have never had a dog that would talk (he says momma), let you dress them in anything, take countless pictures of, pose, understands english, loves babies and kids and welcomes everyone to our house by making them feel special. This dog can even hear my dad's truck coming down the street before he gets here from Michigan. This dog is like some supernatural person living vicariously thru a handsome furry dog body. Chris and I truly feel blessed to have such a wonderful furson to share the past 7 years with. Vinny has been with us thru many ups and downs and has never judge us. He always greets us with a "baby" (his soft plush stuffed animals) when we arrive home and always fits some mommy and daddy snuggle time into his hectic schedule. We thank God for his blessing of the most wonderful dog on earth. Happy Birthday Vincent Axel Bonds, Love Mommy, Daddy, and Forrest A.B. Gump (the ole' man)

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-09-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great "chill" birthday (this word has been coined by Abbey and I'm trying to incorporate it into my vocabulary)! In the midst of much craziness I had a SUPER birthday. It wasn't fancy, but it was such a beautiful day. It started with the engineers who had to check out our massive air conditioning issue then I swept Abbey away from work and we had a great girls lunch. No we didn't do Olive Garden or even Applebees...we totally got our eat on in the fabuous food court at the Mall and it was sooo yummy! I received these beautiful flowers from my sweet hubby later in the day. I had so many phones all day long from my friends and family and even a special phone call from my 2nd grade class who sang Happy Birthday to me over the phone. Once Chris got home from work I got to open my birthday presents from him. Much to my surprise he remembered comments I had made about a couple things I wanted months ago and these were not even birthday hints. Man he did good! I was so surprised this birthday from him, he totally had me thinking I was getting a T.J. Max gift card. Hey, ladies, men can really listen! I got a pair of the Nike dry fit shorts that are AMAZING! If I was rich I would own a pair in every color. They fit so awesome...it's like an updated pair of Umbros for all you from back in the day like me. I also got a kickin' black Northface jacket. I can't wait to go home to Michigan so I can actually wear it. People, is it ever going to cool off here? Will we ever be able to wear a sweatshirt? Anyway, after this Chris and I went to Backyard Burger. By this time it was dark outside and we got to sit outside. The funny, crazy backyard ladies sang Happy Birthday loud as they could and hooked me up with one of their famous Oreo Shakes on the house...which was totally the reason we went there! I was still getting birthday calls at midnight. I literally heard from everyone! What an amazing "Chill" birthday! Abbey, did I use this right? I can't believe that I've only got one more year in my 20's. Thanks everyone for making my day soooo special and a VERY special thank you to my sweet hubby who made my birthday AWESOME in the midst of a storm! I love you Chris!

So this is what Oprah calls....MULTITASKING!

2008-09-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, I really posted a picture of my husband in his boxers...sorry, honey! So, down girls, try to hold back while I tell my tale. My sweet husband on Saturday graciously offered his presence at my favorite restaurant, "Stix" for my birthday dinner (he would rather eat a ham sandwich than Japanese food). If you look close at this picture besides noticing him in his scivies, you will see him ironing his shirt. If you look even closer you will see Saturday football on the T.V. I thought this picture was a true representation of what Oprah calls multitasking!

Happy Birthday Sis!

2008-09-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister, Angela! We are 20 years and 1 day apart. I hope you are having a great day! I wish we could be together to celebrate our b-days together. We have decided to cruise for her BIG 50th and my BIG 30th next year and celebrate together. This way our birthdays won't be depressing next year! :) I can't believe tomorrow I'm turning 26 ;)!

Happy Birthday to the Coolest Beanie Baby Collector I Know!

2008-09-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

My nephew Max is turning 17 today...where does time go? It was just yesterday that he was yelling for his "Aunt Buba" and his life goal was to own every beanie baby ever made! I miss the days that he just wanted to sit in my lap and be held. He was easily entertained with my funnies and I was cool cause I was young...now I'm old and outdated! So, with that being said, "Max, I hope you have a great birthday and your Aunt Buba loves you!" "Oh, and thanks for making me feel old!"

This Too Shall Pass

2008-09-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

While it seems like everything that can possibly go wrong has over the past few weeks, I am still reminded of God's faithfulness. I am learning that when I feel myself starting to go into "freakmode" I need to remind myself of God's faithfulness and this too shall pass. Not only will this pass, but God is teaching me something huge in the process of this trial. Since I am a visual person I started posting notes in my house for reminders. Yesterday's note that was taped was simply, "Chill Out!" "You serve a mighty and faithful God!" While it sounds ridiculous, it works! I even started posting notes on the inside of the front door when we pay off a debt for encouragement that we are making progress. The hours are long for Chris and the days and weeks run together, but praise God for his faithfulness and conviction to be out of debt! So for all you that are weary know that God uses these trials to mold us, teach us and purify us in his likeness. A good friend JoAnna wrote a note that reminded me to praise God in our trials. Our attitudes change during our praise and we walk away refreshed and reminded of what a mighty God we really do serve! Hope you all have a fantapulous weekend!

Mrs. B called and wants her 2nd Graders back! :)

2008-09-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

These 2 girls are from my 2nd Grade class last school year. They called today and in their biggest 3rd Grade voices they filled me in on their new experiences this new school year. I was put on speaker phone so each of them didn't miss a thing and I was informed of how hard 3rd Grade was, but that they were loving it too! I sure miss seeing my class everyday. I miss hearing all their stories and about the important events that take place in their lives. I even miss hearing their thoughts about lunch. So, heres a big shout out to Mrs. B's Big 3rd Graders..keep working those times tables! Love you all and miss you!

2008-08-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

While I always want to be up on the latest hair doos and high fashion. I am learning whats really in style from my friend Abbey's daughter EG (Emma Grace). In this first pic you will see EG has created a perfect style for LaLa this fall. It shows she is cutting edge while maintaining functionality for day to day fall play. This style is perfect for those who plan to carve pumpkins with style. In the next picture you will see EG's latest creation...Who said bangs were out? This fall folks they are in and bigger than ever. EG has swept her bangs to the side for the modern approach to having bangs in fall 08. The back is swept into two pony tails and these are uneven which also gives a modern twist and update to the ever so classic pig tails. While the next picture isn't EG's creation I am sadden that I didn't consult her first before I picked a new hair color for this fall. I went with low maintenance and plan to seek out EG's professional opinion for whats hot for this winter before I step foot back in the salon!

Happy Fall Yall!

2008-08-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok! I know I'm early, but lets be real people...I'm already in the phase where I'm dreaming of a snow blizzard so cut me some slack. The smell of fall is in the air and I wish too as Tom Hanks wished in "You Got Mail" that I could give you a bouquet of brand new sharpened #2 pencils. I am probably the only one in the state of Bama that is waiting in anticipation to sport my favorite Michigan Sweatshirts and sip hot chocolate while waiting to say the words to Chris, "I'm cold, turn the heat on." I am already on the look out for my corn stalks, hay, pumpkins and fire red mums to complete my fall decor. So you say, "its too early, but from the Bonds' household let us be the first to wish you a "Happy Fall Yall."

Vacation Bible School

2008-06-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

This VBS was a blast! We were on the Island of Hawaii, so SURFS UP DUDE! Jessica and I taught 2nd grade Bible Activities. We had 5 classes a day and we played so many cool games. The kids asked great questions about salvation and I even got for the first time, "Where do babies come from?"

This is Jessica and my soon to be niece Michelle (14). She helped so much and we had a great time. Did I act that way when I was 14?

2008-06-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

Can you find Vinny?

2008-06-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

Getting to do something creative is so refreshing! This is a new address book ready to go. Please email me your address people...I lost mine. Probably why you didn't get Christmas cards this past year, sorry!

2008-06-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

4 days to go and I will be finished with my class.