tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362445512024-02-27T23:31:02.329-05:00Growing up GirlsOur adventures with 2 sweet girls keeping us on our toes!Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-68117127811929664382011-08-22T22:27:00.000-04:002011-08-22T22:27:09.799-04:002nd Grade - already? So what does baby sister think?It's hard to believe but my sweet Lauren has started 2nd grade this year. It seems like yesterday we were preparing to have a Kindergartener. She is very excited to start the school year, but I think that's mostly so she'll have plenty of kids to play with everyday. We have some great kids here in the hood, but nothing like school friends that play everyday. <div><br />
</div><div>Sweet Lexie is lost without her big sister. Every morning she comes down saying "Hey" to a sister that's already gone to school. So far, we've played blocks, called on the pretend phone, climbed into chairs and pulled stuff off of the counters and table, defeated the baby gate and made it upstairs into rooms that are not designed for babies. My challenge is presenting her with enough to do during the day, yet not so much as to bore her quickly. I have noticed in the last few days that she seems to be picking up words much faster than before. You can't really understand what she might be saying, but I think with a little context you can get the gist. She definitely likes to fuss at you if you tell her "NO" or take her away from something she really wanted to be doing. It's actually quite funny.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Lauren came home with her first homework - real homework since 1st grade was a month's worth of suggestions that did or did not have to be done. So far she has jumped into it and finished it right up when she gets home. Let's hope this trend continues so she'll be good at getting it done and then go out to play and wear out some of that extra energy. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I can't believe how quickly Kindergarten and First Grade went by. While I enjoy quick and easy days, I do find myself trying to make each one count with the girls. They will only be little this one time and so on days that are hard, whiney or extremely difficuly I try my best to be thankful for my sweet little ones. I kiss them everynight and tuck them into bed. I pray over them constantly. I am so proud of my girls. They are good friends and very smart. I look forward to everything La is going to learn this year. I hope she masters the art of Math and continues to keep up with her reading. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-25051711564429371502010-09-10T10:14:00.003-04:002011-02-04T11:01:40.389-05:00BabiesBetter late than never, but our sweet Lexie was born on December 21, 2009. Our best Christmas present ever!<br />
<br />
This sweet girl that has come into our lives is amazing. Not just the "she's the cutest thing ever" way, but how god answered my prayers with her. She has the sweetest disposition. She is always smiling. She is amazingly patient. LOVEs to sleep. Is a great nurser and overall eater. Amazing. Have I told you? : )<br />
<br />
Babies are truly a gift from our father in heaven. I love waking up to her talking (babbling really) and just delight in the fact that it's a new day. Recently she has started playing while standing up and holiding onto something. It's hillarious and extremely scary. But she's ok. I find that with the second child I'm not as crazy about her falling down or trying things out for herself.<br />
<br />
Her big sister is in total heaven. Loves this little baby as if she were her own most days. Wants to hold her all the time. I am really enjoying my front row seat in the relationship that is developing between them. I hope they will always love each other and truly want to spend time together.Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-83573763841399839672009-12-16T22:00:00.004-05:002009-12-16T22:43:08.097-05:00A new baby, A new title, and hopefully a LOT more posting!I can't believe I've been away from this place for so long. I'm sure the few of you that actually looked to see a new post have long given up. Please come back! LOL. My hope and plan for this year is to post more about what is happening with us so our friends and families can keep up with our girls as they grow before our very eyes!<div><br /></div><div>As for the latest news, I am due to have a new baby today. But so far, she's not ready to join us. This will make baby #2 for us and a whole new way of life! Blake finally graduated college today - I'm so proud of him! It's been a long, hard road, but he's been very diligent and tried to make sure everyone was taken care of, school attended and grades made so he could get to this final point in his life. We are SO proud of you!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Lala is now in Kindergarten and growing like crazy. At last check she was somewhere around 42 lbs. She is over 3 feet tall and getting taller and prettier with every moment. God has been so good to us. We are now anxiously awaiting the birth of "little sister" as we refer to her and hoping for Christmas as a family of 4. </div><div><br /></div>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-26740876015645764622008-11-12T10:39:00.003-05:002008-11-12T10:43:18.259-05:00Give aways!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZrRlu1Vhu5rn25WYX0DyNfp-7QYh7wEg5yqO91kgpT1w4-Ulcht-gfryoPM8zA23vFQHj8YTWr81qdb3fD2SZYCE1l_frMqCqKBFO8Ro5sSolOomJ64TluMe7Kt5hDpbwhg4Ig/s320/skiptomyloubutton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267796917396668114" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">One of my most favorite blogs, <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip to My Lou</a>, is hosting a fabulous give away. She always has great creative ideas and tips for you and your children. Today, she is having a give away for some fantastic photo postage stamps, and a Lil Sprout Greeting Cards. Go check it out. And get ready to get creative for the holidays!</span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-30420689486319564362008-08-27T10:49:00.003-04:002008-08-27T10:55:50.228-04:00A return to blog land<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I realize that I've been absent from this place all summer. It has been a great summer and I really enjoyed being able to do lots of fun things with my family and spend some extra special time with my daughter. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I'm still sorting through photos and what I want to update on so for now, I'll leave you with some of my favorite links.</span><br /><a href="http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/"><br /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/">http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://weewonderfuls.typepad.com/">http://weewonderfuls.typepad.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/randi/">http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/randi/</a><br /><br />Scroll down to the previous post and you'll see <a href="http://www.vanillajoy.com">Vanilla Joy</a>. They are a new discovery to me but it looks like I'll enjoy that blog for a long while.<br /><br />There are so many more that I love to check in on everyday. Hopefully you'll enjoy these 3 ladies and their fun crafts, stories and photos. I'll be back with more links and hopefully a fun post of one of our summer adventures.<br /><br /><br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-11813373837007133572008-08-27T10:39:00.004-04:002008-08-27T10:47:33.516-04:00A Fun Give Away!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://vanillajoy.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHeO31d56EHb0Yq4KaT-DmRK7h9hCHKh-rIJA8DQoLkBCMIOfFf4xFgvk7tJjw-wK5JarTjZgN0MTGO3c0mGLnGVQ2FfgYCte_xQafAHtc1oCMwMmD-AYM0VfiYcffV4wlvw7Yg/s320/vanillajoy_giveaway_small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239207283028547938" border="0" /></a><br />Vanilla Joy is having a fantastic giveaway this week! You should click on <a href="http://www.vanillajoy.com/blog-giveaway-cricut-by-provo-craft.html">this link</a> or the above button to check out all of the fabulous things they're giving away. Lot's of luck. I'm hoping for the cricut so we can have loads of <a href="http://www.vanillajoy.com">family fun</a>!Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-71680965044744148362008-06-23T21:25:00.002-04:002008-06-23T21:28:28.973-04:00Summer time<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sorry to be an ever absent blogger. Life is busy. But you all know that. There is too much going on and I just can't seem to keep up with Lala being out of school and lots of work to do. I'm going to be taking a break from blogging (as if I haven't already) to enjoy time with my daughter, afternoons at the pool, trips to visit family and of course my regular work load. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;">I do hope your summer is fun and exciting. I will be back. Take care internet friends.</span></div>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-65539446171722831812008-05-12T18:37:00.007-04:002008-05-14T09:55:31.936-04:00Wedding Fun<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGPtmWv3eC4Pt7ugxclltYJ4BDW0aEgHlVXpG0ToTKoSSzo1OUNTJX44lRWIF89rOJaKi_LVPKXdvNikKlrzKl0iaCV3yb7_lZydG311q-zLgbs3Y32xcnmCD3hLWOG90kps_9A/s320/cc_vines.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200230931928498082" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">H</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">oly Smokes! I didn't realize it had been so long since I'd posted anything. We have been very busy at our house and just returned home from a wonderful wedding weekend. My best friend got married up at </span></span><a href="http://www.brasstownvalley.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Brasstown Valley Resort</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"> in north Georgia this past saturday. She looked absolutely amazing and we had so much fun. I'm going to post some of them so you can see just how much fun was had. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Our weekend started by going up early on Thursday s</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">o the bride could relax and we could finish putting together her goodies for her guests stay and the reception. After that we spent plenty of time relaxing and having a good time without children present. It was a fun night.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Friday was a busy day. It began with a light breakfast and then getting ready for the bridesmaid's luncheon. Held in the tack room at Brasstown Valley Resort, we were treated to a delicious lunch and fantastic gifts from the bride. My daughter, the flower fairy, was able to check out the horses and run around without bothering too many people. After the luncheon we had a few hours to relax and see more of the property. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">The rehearsal began promptly at 4 in the afternoon with the bridal party wearing the shirts given to us from the bride. Pictures were taken, laughs exchanged and a bit of crying as the maid of honor (sister) stood watching her older sister practice her vows. It was a bitter sweet moment and I'm so honored to have been a part of the entire process. After our tears were dried, clothes changed and moods lightened, we all headed to </span></span><a href="http://www.cranecreekvineyards.com/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Crane Creek Vineyards</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"> to enjoy a fabulous dinner accompanied by delicious wine. Blake and I had been there before for another one of our friends' wedding. We were amazed at all of the changes that had taken place since we'd last been there. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">The children played in and around the vines, took in the view at the lake and picked the flowers (sorry guys!). They were cute and pretty well behaved considering it was bedtime. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For now, I'll leave you with some pictures from Crane Creek and I'll work on a wedding day post for tomorrow. </span><br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;font-size:13px;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbOJUSXE_44oJvZRmj5sKygtFTDpUvYNwGqoXa67dKwqFyMwsw_fQGtKRbHG2NNjwIqfAPHPRNJVhCA167VtVQ2FWz3idc1anwLNKV5UGOPQOOPXwWvbDlM7YMnE8EaSVkuEJDg/s320/w_lala_cc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200231580468559794" /></span></div></div>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-41084307351370454032008-04-14T14:38:00.002-04:002008-04-14T14:42:17.498-04:00Updates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SE_dTAKGoTVyCNO55yIfi0WZ7xzCqqXyHnefgwWju1xUZkuS__klnHzLmgKsqT334ecYA-oz4CwSb6Gvm64HkZS26j3CrJ1qPS_2PRvJhjoNUU3rLJEFLLPDz5BbPBUz493LmQ/s1600-h/Photo+26.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SE_dTAKGoTVyCNO55yIfi0WZ7xzCqqXyHnefgwWju1xUZkuS__klnHzLmgKsqT334ecYA-oz4CwSb6Gvm64HkZS26j3CrJ1qPS_2PRvJhjoNUU3rLJEFLLPDz5BbPBUz493LmQ/s320/Photo+26.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189173128901050914" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Well, I had planned to post a whole bunch of stuff about everything going on. We've been so busy that I haven't been able to keep up. I do have so much to tell you all about. For now, I'll just leave you with a fun picture. Hope you are all well!</span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-34116036713265958792008-03-19T21:33:00.000-04:002008-03-25T21:47:24.848-04:00Preschool Easter Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3165hXx6QX87nPsmRgjV2svmIKdR89fsjtTP3aUiX_RI05hqZTm12L-oCvxpJ2BLpzrie80FJvV65n_uSsEln_tMZ2EKqVnA8gUPuJaR9KKC9jwDgjzZ2jZ7jNi-Cqw-Bf2DKA/s1600-h/lala_bunnyface.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3165hXx6QX87nPsmRgjV2svmIKdR89fsjtTP3aUiX_RI05hqZTm12L-oCvxpJ2BLpzrie80FJvV65n_uSsEln_tMZ2EKqVnA8gUPuJaR9KKC9jwDgjzZ2jZ7jNi-Cqw-Bf2DKA/s320/lala_bunnyface.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181860724068481602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Easter party at the school went very well this year. All of the kids were excited to hunt eggs inside. Our weather was very raining looking and the teachers didn't want to risk getting rained on. I'm not sure the kids would have noticed!<br /><br />The party mom's brought in some yummy food and continued the tradition of shaped sandwichs. The kids really seem to love them. One boys mom even brought in face paint and bunny ears for all of the kids. They looked so cute. I'm sure you'll agree. Who couldn't resist a sweet bunny face?<br /><br />More fun to continue this weekend!<br /><br /><br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-21343413122525170212008-02-25T20:03:00.004-05:002008-02-25T20:12:39.094-05:00A Loss<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My grandma, Irene Benefield, went home to live in heaven today. She lived a very long and somewhat complicated life. She was the oldest of 12 siblings. She and my grandpa had 7 children, 5 girls and 2 boys. I used to visit her every summer and spend the week. I loved every minute of it and have missed those summers for quite some time. Her house was a place that was unlike any other that I visited. She did not have air condition and her heat was supplied by a gas burning heater.<br /><br />She had a crazy cuckoo clock that would chime just as you were trying to fall asleep. She never remembered my name, but knew exactly who I was and gave me the nickname "ladybug". She used to put bleach on our mosquito bites so we wouldn't itch. She had crazy feather pillows that weighed 25 lbs. She used funny names for body parts and carried a jar of water in her car before water bottles became popular.<br /><br />She did not love conventionally but was very loved by us. When she would hug you, she would pat your back so hard, you'd think she was trying to help clear your lungs. She was truly a great woman. When my brother and I would visit, she would take us to the store and tell us to pick out what we'd like to eat and then allow us to pick out every sugary thing available. She took me to my first VBS at her church and then had me visit every year so I could continue to go.<br /><br />I will miss you grandma. I love you. Alisha.<br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-47134772158786618862008-02-24T20:21:00.010-05:002008-02-24T20:30:14.908-05:00Tea Party / Bridal Shower<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0KUQgaejb_Zf43R_NroH_WtwhzF09DH4pXHgDIatXAyZdj2fXfvopStg0I-eS08rLfxrFtuO2OdNUK9_UyEebfAu1fs1IdX6KP8kJkl6EQtqPRV8BmLIcI6EtK9XKNK9vQbkuw/s1600-h/teacups.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0KUQgaejb_Zf43R_NroH_WtwhzF09DH4pXHgDIatXAyZdj2fXfvopStg0I-eS08rLfxrFtuO2OdNUK9_UyEebfAu1fs1IdX6KP8kJkl6EQtqPRV8BmLIcI6EtK9XKNK9vQbkuw/s320/teacups.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170722198812077282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">My best friend (since w</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">e were 12!) <a href="http://www.mywedding.com/jamesanddanielle/index.html">Danielle</a> is getting married in May. So, the girls and I (Cole, Courtney and Serina) decided we'd like to throw a tea party shower for her to kick off the wedding fun. Here are a few photos of our fun morning and the rest are posted at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alishat/sets/72157603949683132/">Flickr</a>. I'll try to sum it up for my next post. I'll also have to tell you about the toilet paper brides. They were so fun!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2IXTMqIqoOD7IBhJqnGzOjyYjNNokspIUxPdhcsBdLvFTKwjuPJJAkd7D8uRHglFpdsKOVXa9Dv87jy7Mzg-6Mi378waKy1I9DpkSR7TO44ff0ZdQQa9_3etaaM_Ps8ftah-gA/s1600-h/bride.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2IXTMqIqoOD7IBhJqnGzOjyYjNNokspIUxPdhcsBdLvFTKwjuPJJAkd7D8uRHglFpdsKOVXa9Dv87jy7Mzg-6Mi378waKy1I9DpkSR7TO44ff0ZdQQa9_3etaaM_Ps8ftah-gA/s320/bride.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170722246056717554" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mywedding.com/jamesanddanielle/index.html">Danielle</a> (aka. The Bride)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4PNfJtsTlElxega5Gzo1EapXLejyvnq5CoLL7jbKwhM1GzyQ9gneQnUVyN4qdCVqS0cb19Q1Rp2QNgDmfQBIsURLrtfK3dCXkFgnHra-yng_42bjx0TZC6g39BNADiWwryPzGA/s1600-h/dani_lala.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4PNfJtsTlElxega5Gzo1EapXLejyvnq5CoLL7jbKwhM1GzyQ9gneQnUVyN4qdCVqS0cb19Q1Rp2QNgDmfQBIsURLrtfK3dCXkFgnHra-yng_42bjx0TZC6g39BNADiWwryPzGA/s320/dani_lala.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170722293301357826" border="0" /></a>Dani and Lala<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG7_2chpWoK4KQ7HkjUf0dtjKmGUYliSBlhYGl-u8i_dMcklljCcX9grDCZrYYtM6oK3m8fioePn41KiAa3IUjUPGCcJTj2VnPtBfvsdwkVXqa1y21GRPreNDxHAoMmp0m6YgIw/s1600-h/tea_brides.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG7_2chpWoK4KQ7HkjUf0dtjKmGUYliSBlhYGl-u8i_dMcklljCcX9grDCZrYYtM6oK3m8fioePn41KiAa3IUjUPGCcJTj2VnPtBfvsdwkVXqa1y21GRPreNDxHAoMmp0m6YgIw/s320/tea_brides.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170722383495671058" border="0" /></a>The toilet paper brides<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbU7U5utRL2RfcWns8Urbr5IvLEWB_vq9Cqm3BUBKAuFH0lWxEysFN77auNbWudbt6A3rYdO-J98FEbU7DPcTjacWInnlerpKscDUzw0cfZOLz9N86dMvp_gUb3MVbDd6_eDA0ng/s1600-h/bridal_party.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbU7U5utRL2RfcWns8Urbr5IvLEWB_vq9Cqm3BUBKAuFH0lWxEysFN77auNbWudbt6A3rYdO-J98FEbU7DPcTjacWInnlerpKscDUzw0cfZOLz9N86dMvp_gUb3MVbDd6_eDA0ng/s320/bridal_party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170722151567437010" border="0" /></a>The wedding party girls (minus Jill)<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-24652556531849677252008-02-14T15:00:00.000-05:002008-02-24T20:10:15.862-05:00Just some photos to catch up<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sorry I haven't posted in a while. It's been a crazy year so far. So, I'll just leave you with some Valentine photos till I have time to write a proper post. We had a cookie decorating craft for the kids as well as the bracelet craft I brought for them to make. Once I get some photos of that, I'll post them. It's a great afternoon project for the kids if you need to get something done.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7apRPeS2fXq9fL_ftn7wSwneXdSOicTyzNc5iWOYD6zMhpdw4iXjyb4jMkirFuMA7wDJO6QeMtx33G74lBp0dspS3ji1yf4VRpHe5LnNVA_cl-wx2sYozKDv_vELhOc9idiHxA/s1600-h/08_valentine_party.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7apRPeS2fXq9fL_ftn7wSwneXdSOicTyzNc5iWOYD6zMhpdw4iXjyb4jMkirFuMA7wDJO6QeMtx33G74lBp0dspS3ji1yf4VRpHe5LnNVA_cl-wx2sYozKDv_vELhOc9idiHxA/s320/08_valentine_party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170718157247851634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J3wakfC69QYRPhFFEcbI-Al8zVmT_DRu9tM0FkrjtL5FrLITPIX9RFhMEK98FsbJnKXtKlONtgnFXVexssSVbPaHpgz5dQOH4tm6A4trVU_DV2n8L7iTOrcXLdHBfWCslpvwcA/s1600-h/val_snack.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J3wakfC69QYRPhFFEcbI-Al8zVmT_DRu9tM0FkrjtL5FrLITPIX9RFhMEK98FsbJnKXtKlONtgnFXVexssSVbPaHpgz5dQOH4tm6A4trVU_DV2n8L7iTOrcXLdHBfWCslpvwcA/s320/val_snack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170718449305627778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq5KjQaB5vz8gT8Nj7Fkuu149COMTuz9a5W_Hh9hy90w-CxYLbpz43dQyyR0B5mjVqJS_Qy4bk_Oyd-rPHQYOFfo8syBLnXuWTn4lp3tqWt13YJ_va83Fqq1kOB19TTm6C0UfJQ/s1600-h/decorating_cookie_valentine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq5KjQaB5vz8gT8Nj7Fkuu149COMTuz9a5W_Hh9hy90w-CxYLbpz43dQyyR0B5mjVqJS_Qy4bk_Oyd-rPHQYOFfo8syBLnXuWTn4lp3tqWt13YJ_va83Fqq1kOB19TTm6C0UfJQ/s320/decorating_cookie_valentine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170718552384842898" border="0" /></a><br />Hope your Valentine's Day was great!Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-37279682403528737262008-01-21T13:06:00.000-05:002008-01-30T13:15:19.847-05:0010 Random Facts About Me<p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I was tagged by Brittany, so here goes:</span></p><p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Rules of the Game:<br /><br />Once you have been tagged, you must write a blog containing 10 weird, random things, (facts, habits or goals) about yourself. At the end, select 10 people to be tagged, listing their names and the reason you chose them. Send them a message ("You're It") and instruct them to read your blog. You can't tag the person who tagged you. Since you can't tag me back, let me know when you've posted your blog so I can see your answers. Thanks for playing and have fun!<br /><br />10 Random Facts About Me..:</span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">1. I met my husband at a Thanksgiving party in 1998.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">2. There was another guy at that party who thought I was coming to meet him. He was drunk and confused.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">3. I have known my best friend since I was in 6th grade. We're still best buddies.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">4. Yellow is generally my favorite color. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">I look better in pink.</span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">5. I love to read. So much that I'll stay up all night just to finish a good book.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">6. I originally wanted 4 kids.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">7. Someday I will live on the beach or on a tropical island.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">8. I am a graphic designer. And I love packaging design.<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">9. I love spending time with my daughter and husband.<br /></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">10. I am not great at spelling, in fact, I'm quite horrible at it.</span><br /></span><p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">My 10 Friends I want to answer:</span></p> <p style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/jblakethomas">Blake</a><br />2. <a href="http://www.lsnjd.com/blog">Laurie</a><br />3. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/davidwrstallings">David</a><br />4. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/missystallings">Missy</a><br />5. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/tinsley17">April</a><br />6. Dani<br />7. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/tigreeyes">Carey</a><br />8. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/jodistallings">Jodi</a><br />9. <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=33757070&MyToken=57b44deb-71ac-486b-8270-96c40f7e07df">Rachel</a><br />10. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/stoli03">Nessa</a><br /></span></p>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-9456045763224659172008-01-16T10:19:00.000-05:002008-01-16T10:34:48.733-05:00Beginning the New Year<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dU7cNYoKM3ZY9hEdScDeLnyEACoVNAp-VlioflCtQ3s5EHy38TJGXxbkWNSbgqfrPE8_VYRyNqOnrku4hYNbmsd-ZrRs473ba0aLgjNttiOCAOMl8-nf3syuCIqPaTbzF2Sjfg/s1600-h/david_game.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dU7cNYoKM3ZY9hEdScDeLnyEACoVNAp-VlioflCtQ3s5EHy38TJGXxbkWNSbgqfrPE8_VYRyNqOnrku4hYNbmsd-ZrRs473ba0aLgjNttiOCAOMl8-nf3syuCIqPaTbzF2Sjfg/s320/david_game.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156097809075295810" border="0" /></a>(David at Chic-fil-A bowl)<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Well, the end of 2007 was quite busy. Luckily, Blake was off and was able to be home to entertain Lala. I on the other hand was busy with the Chic-fil-A bowl. I worked once again with Bob on the photography team and it was a bit more fun this year. Since it was our 2nd time around, Bob was a bit more comfortable letting me see and do some of the activities I didn't get to do last year. I was still the Jedi and had to maintain the files and organize them, which is no big deal, but I also had a blast. The same guys plus one were there shooting and everyone was more relaxed and easy going.<br /><br />We were stationed at the Hilton with the Auburn team. They were gr</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">eat. The coach was so friendly and the players were pretty nice, when you saw them. The Clemson team was across the street and the players were more friendly, but their coach wasn't so much. I can understand that, being that he's at a bowl game, trying to keep his team in line so they can play well.<br /><br />Everyone knows at this point that Auburn won, but it was still a great game. My brother and his wife used the tickets we gave them for Christmas and sat in the nose bleeders - sorry David and Missy, but Missy did say how awesome it was to be able to see the entire field and be able to actually follow the ball! Anyhow, I was on the field for most of the game, and even got to take a few shots. They are in the books we published and will soon be available for purchase. I'll put up a link once I have it. So, there we are. Game over and the work after it almo</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">st done as well.<br /><br />So, 2008. What's in store? Well, B was offered a different job with the bank that pays more (yeah god!) and will be moving over there in Feburary. I'm hoping he'll still be close enough to come home for lunch, but maybe not, though it's been so much fun while it's lasted. I have been working on books for the bowl and have a potential opportunity to do more work with one of the wedding photographers I work for. That would be another answer to prayer. Now, to figure out what to do about housing.<br /><br />I have been getting that "move to another place" feeling for quite some time now, but I know that God has a plan and purpose for us and I'm waiting for him to move us.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> These last couple of days have been a bit of an answer and so I feel that it's ok to move forward with at least looking. If the financial aspects continue to back us up, God provides a place, then we can get this place finished and on the market. It is so scary to actually type that. I've been thinking it for quite some time, and we've slowly but surely been working on things here and there. I am finally seeing just how much we need to do now and it's a bit overwhelming.<br /><br />So, now that you know what's up, let me get back to what I should be doing! Have a great day!<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQsNtIXq8MJzJh8TvUfbygyrFLcbPJ4wqLUG0_Cpl4GHvnCu4Q8RNNVGuXOfnLST5VB7N4ewSOB-OiRrql2-8dlWeyu2y29aF2ecC19skkW4k8emYAI3qjSfJGb8rRyll-njiag/s1600-h/missy_game.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQsNtIXq8MJzJh8TvUfbygyrFLcbPJ4wqLUG0_Cpl4GHvnCu4Q8RNNVGuXOfnLST5VB7N4ewSOB-OiRrql2-8dlWeyu2y29aF2ecC19skkW4k8emYAI3qjSfJGb8rRyll-njiag/s320/missy_game.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156098092543137362" border="0" /></a>(Missy at the bowl)<br /></div>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-63840934044618908172008-01-06T17:31:00.000-05:002008-01-06T17:37:58.559-05:00Happy New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHaagPbYKlLxjNWYQHA_4gfBKj-RGANd_I7AGRBS9Yn7rLHTWD_LD5nILmQJzBSIx1lxoNVUgSpgXht4sE5RE73BkzVGBhwGmB4It6VURowgsbpFgRwsb77bmmQJli6WvEmcbng/s1600-h/pinkpig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHaagPbYKlLxjNWYQHA_4gfBKj-RGANd_I7AGRBS9Yn7rLHTWD_LD5nILmQJzBSIx1lxoNVUgSpgXht4sE5RE73BkzVGBhwGmB4It6VURowgsbpFgRwsb77bmmQJli6WvEmcbng/s320/pinkpig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152496122515314210" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Happy New Year blogland. I've been away and quite <a href="http://www.chic-fil-abowl.com/">busy</a> the past few weeks. New Years was great. I have much to tell. It will have to wait though, as I'm still playing catch up. I hope yours was great. Here's a picture to tide you over until I can post about our adventures.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhsTHojPkB3PXDcUElW59igL7QHMhSrF9uSrSVnPmD2dGpijglX4zf13JcFBLekN4LLziNsApUlIYItmmcGut5ILRLBX5AqihQSM6D8Nf42WABfi6DvfyexjshEq_DW2WFtca8Q/s1600-h/pinkpigride.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhsTHojPkB3PXDcUElW59igL7QHMhSrF9uSrSVnPmD2dGpijglX4zf13JcFBLekN4LLziNsApUlIYItmmcGut5ILRLBX5AqihQSM6D8Nf42WABfi6DvfyexjshEq_DW2WFtca8Q/s320/pinkpigride.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152496272839169586" border="0" /></a>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-76418572299843486842007-12-10T22:12:00.001-05:002007-12-10T22:19:59.170-05:00Game time is a comin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ts6JjBGqv1y1wrNqItRW36_oJ8Y3G_GD91xH9RJRaSGaN9r2kJFaCqXxA2lNf4qXOg5rUFejnpmDI2IQc1sgUJICNgH3WfirQzsRSN42ijgv3FTUwNc2mA-sp3jKpPV4Cd1v3w/s1600-h/cfabowllogo_fulla.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ts6JjBGqv1y1wrNqItRW36_oJ8Y3G_GD91xH9RJRaSGaN9r2kJFaCqXxA2lNf4qXOg5rUFejnpmDI2IQc1sgUJICNgH3WfirQzsRSN42ijgv3FTUwNc2mA-sp3jKpPV4Cd1v3w/s320/cfabowllogo_fulla.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142549409668191762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am fortunate to be working the <a href="http://www.chick-fil-abowl.com/dnn/">Chicfila Bowl</a> again this year with one of my clients. <a href="http://www.brilliancephotography.com/">Bob</a> is shooting for the 2nd time and he's bringing back the team from last year. <a href="http://www.georgiadogs.com/">My team</a> went and won the bowl, but this year it's Clemson vs. Auburn, so I'm excited but not as excited as last year. Trying to figure out what to do with my tickets will be the hardest part. I know so many Auburn fans it's not even funny.<br /><br />Right now the plan is for Blake and I to go to the game, but I'm thinking of letting B go and take a buddy so he can have a really good time. Not too sure how the boss will like that one, but maybe he'll be ok with it since B will still be going. Tonight I worked on a prelimanary game book for the bowl. Bob is going to run it by the comittee to see if it's something they want to do and if so, then cool! I'll get to have a credit in the back showing that I worked on this book. How awesome will that be? Naturally I'll have to order a copy to keep showing I actually got published somewhere big.<br /><br />Now, my hope is someone else will need my handy graphic design services. I can only hope.<br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-82308709546722960172007-12-05T14:20:00.000-05:002007-12-05T14:37:46.710-05:00Feelin that Holiday spirit<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Husband bought me the new <a href="http://www.joshgroban.com/">Josh Groban</a> cd <a href="http://www.myspace.com/joshgroban">Noel</a>. I'm loving the songs on it. It would have been nice if he had included "O Holy Night" on there as well, but no big deal since I bought it on I Tunes.<br /><br />I love this time of the year. Family and friends visiting, putting together Christmas cards and adding our special touches, talking about Jesus with Lala and enjoying her reaction to the Christmas trees and everything that goes with it. There's just something about the Christmas carols, listening to the choir in the sunday service, shopping for our Angel Tree child, and going to the women's Christmas dinner that really warms my heart.<br /><br />This year is tough though. I find myself thinking an awful lot about my aunt. I really miss her. It's almost like I don't want anyone to ask about her because it makes my heart sad that she's not here this year. It's all I can do to keep my composure when someone asks my cousin </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">or my grandmother</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> if they're doing ok. I don't think there is an adjective out there to describe how they are. I think most days my grandmother runs the gamut of feelings. I don't know about Rachel. I really just don't know what to do for her or how to help her, so i'm hoping that support and love will do for now. I know how much I miss her mom and so I can't even bear to think about how much she misses her.<br /><br />Well, so much for a happy post. It's just that sometimes I get so caught up in the busyness of life that I don't really think about what is actually happening. I pray for all of you that your Christmas season is filled with Christ, love, time to remember and reflect on those you love, peace in your hearts, and a joy that's unending.<br /><br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-59450732359409605752007-11-28T11:15:00.000-05:002007-11-28T11:32:34.336-05:00Photos<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvS3Cs0Lp5jybsp35kR-tJDtPJF6NJn7gqqEkomqFlHrdK7Lw4gLPd30w2xcYwOW38cAj4gl6VCa2mebos_a3U1XZqol9nmqkL52cWOmGUPfbCqX4ceMkBSNG5cP4pyzdI5JyMZw/s1600-h/uga_aub_lala.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvS3Cs0Lp5jybsp35kR-tJDtPJF6NJn7gqqEkomqFlHrdK7Lw4gLPd30w2xcYwOW38cAj4gl6VCa2mebos_a3U1XZqol9nmqkL52cWOmGUPfbCqX4ceMkBSNG5cP4pyzdI5JyMZw/s320/uga_aub_lala.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137929139353174994" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I'm so behind, forgive me. For any of you that would like to see <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alishat/">pictures</a> from our UGA vs. Auburn game day at the lake, check my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alishat/">photos</a>. Sorry there weren't any "game" photos. We were too busy hanging out by the fire pit. It was a lot of fun. Some people drank a bit much and were tossing up entire trees for us to burn. I wonder who that could be? I'm just sayin.....<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRWuQuZD-dEmki7EZJfLxAY2P8F7ClRJ-Becvt7NUTkYBYKsJQDLSEWtFpYLqs71fdUSwsXOHAfOLs8CdEK0qD240afudW0Hd-YpWiP3g5LJRICz1TN5KHI66sTQdm1iOZh6gTA/s1600-h/rachel_david.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRWuQuZD-dEmki7EZJfLxAY2P8F7ClRJ-Becvt7NUTkYBYKsJQDLSEWtFpYLqs71fdUSwsXOHAfOLs8CdEK0qD240afudW0Hd-YpWiP3g5LJRICz1TN5KHI66sTQdm1iOZh6gTA/s320/rachel_david.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137928946079646658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHcqxToC8Wo0x8G-Mby0Q6RQLwo532PqIRm4B0_JegOgKEar5Rb4fAx7dLGnI6Eh8VZc-Jje-quGj3t_Y4NhkrIJ0Fo6pjGtSNUJredX3eShmzM0ZBCPIbGEYHXrcbmsn9hbAQA/s1600-h/baby_brother.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHcqxToC8Wo0x8G-Mby0Q6RQLwo532PqIRm4B0_JegOgKEar5Rb4fAx7dLGnI6Eh8VZc-Jje-quGj3t_Y4NhkrIJ0Fo6pjGtSNUJredX3eShmzM0ZBCPIbGEYHXrcbmsn9hbAQA/s320/baby_brother.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137928735626249138" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-88601072353306809822007-11-28T11:06:00.001-05:002007-11-28T11:13:12.976-05:00Lizary :: our new friend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx2afBabeGPCERIYzLypCHlhmqfdzCwQ0mRXIBvrYIDbk47KFUrO9KWv9G-nBKpn9xesoGmSKzd_Db2M1j355rhA3KlJU2xSzf-04ySJraMxc51olG4Lt9DFW4pzk6m-ZESs7OQ/s1600-h/lizary.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx2afBabeGPCERIYzLypCHlhmqfdzCwQ0mRXIBvrYIDbk47KFUrO9KWv9G-nBKpn9xesoGmSKzd_Db2M1j355rhA3KlJU2xSzf-04ySJraMxc51olG4Lt9DFW4pzk6m-ZESs7OQ/s320/lizary.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137924977529865122" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Well, as some of you now know, we have a Carolina Anole living at our house. In a cage. He chose us as his winter vacation resort this year. We were just as suprised as he was. Anyhow, we've gotten him a larger cage and some food from Petsmart. I don't know how long Lizary will be living with us, but we've already bought the book, gotten the crickets, pimped out the cage, and we're thinking of getting a more permanent place for him to stay. At least while it's cold, or that's what we keep telling ourselves. Lala thinks we'll have him forever. Oh dear!<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidEyThJi4zwf7Bt0qit5SoxsBQ-mOiyyuMOqVtbp2gR-DpRkkHUXY7YNojRcEyMEkfdIy76CXwUH2PWYTGd6gW_xvBn0tE936v9Faf_biBwgSRRyVmTMlkd3vRnvkZ_iI75TNtQ/s1600-h/carolina_anole.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidEyThJi4zwf7Bt0qit5SoxsBQ-mOiyyuMOqVtbp2gR-DpRkkHUXY7YNojRcEyMEkfdIy76CXwUH2PWYTGd6gW_xvBn0tE936v9Faf_biBwgSRRyVmTMlkd3vRnvkZ_iI75TNtQ/s320/carolina_anole.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137923792118891410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span style="font-family:verdana;">So far, Lizary (lala's name for him) seems to be a pretty happy camper. I'm worried that he'll get too cold in our house, but my husband says all he needs is a desk lamp and some leaves and the occasional cleaning of the cage and he'll be just fine. Does this mean that I'm in charge of all of this? Ummmm, no. I won't touch a cricket and you can forget cleaning lizard poop. I can't imagine there's all that much of it but people I have done my duty. I saved the little guy from our Jack Russell's. The husband? He can do it.</span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-64612284855119841302007-11-24T11:34:00.000-05:002007-11-28T12:03:49.271-05:00Thanksgiving<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmlRFMIdt4oqNF03kaxCrko95AhkLNnvBjYgPf6vfWJxMyQOmh6_MbFMja6EqGlB5aUbWCTUlK8RMRti6KAmeEmlLKbme_RfFX0vmiejH9pStqoVM-mbqYVPreYAsfZbgHCrmew/s1600-h/stallings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmlRFMIdt4oqNF03kaxCrko95AhkLNnvBjYgPf6vfWJxMyQOmh6_MbFMja6EqGlB5aUbWCTUlK8RMRti6KAmeEmlLKbme_RfFX0vmiejH9pStqoVM-mbqYVPreYAsfZbgHCrmew/s320/stallings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137937458704827362" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This year Blake and I celebrated Thanksgiving with my side of the family. It's our first one in a long time. We always go down to south Georgia to see his extended family and cram all 10 of us immediate members into his mom's house for sleeping. I was happy to be home in my own bed this year. It also freed both of us up to do a few things we haven't been able to do. But before I get too far ahead.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">How was your thanksgiving? What did you do? Did you have a big family lunch or dinner, or did you just have a quiet day at home? The entire Stallings clan, save for one cousin, gathered together at my uncle Brian's house for turkey day. He cooked 3 different turkeys. One was a trash can turkey, the other deep fried, and the last one was marinated and smoked. They were all so very delicious! The other food was fantastic and as usual, they went all out! It was truly fantastic. Thank you uncle Brian and Aunt Stephanie!<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBCfRGZw0IB4appXkmvNsO2Z-7Pvpzur2ILsyP5NKbiA4Aob7t50GceYNCzDnoGtQKEPvU-aupmtkc7GCi7cGRKaTdHCa65dIBmfUrdbNvomnBypOcEz_z5JDiArkk0N9yUyGjg/s1600-h/DSC07636.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBCfRGZw0IB4appXkmvNsO2Z-7Pvpzur2ILsyP5NKbiA4Aob7t50GceYNCzDnoGtQKEPvU-aupmtkc7GCi7cGRKaTdHCa65dIBmfUrdbNvomnBypOcEz_z5JDiArkk0N9yUyGjg/s320/DSC07636.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137937901086458866" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">While it was a happy time, we were all thinking of my aunt Leslie. It is the first set of holidays without her. It's really tough, but we're doing our best to get through it. In honor of her, we all walked around the neighborhood after lunch in our first ever Thanksgiving Turkey Trott in memory of Aunt Leslie Stallings Currie. It was bitter sweet. We had fun and laughed and got our exercise. But it wasn't without a very real thought of how much we love her and miss her. Every day.<br /><br />We were extra blessed to have my cousins Ken and Theresa and their children Hannah, Taylor, Kenzie, Emily, and Austin down to celebrate with us. It was wonderful and I always love seeing them. The children are amazing and growing up too quickly. Hannah is learning how to drive and will all too soon have a driver's license. She is beautiful and very smart. Ken better start worrying about the boys. And girls, let me tell you about Taylor - handsome! He is very sweet and quiet. But watch out, he loves to kid around too! Kenzie is amazing and beautiful. She can knit, something I hope to learn myself, is an avid reader and can light up a room. Emily is also beautiful and looks just like her mom. Austin is a very small version of Ken but looks just like Theresa. He has a fountian of energy and loves to play. Lauren really enjoyed playing with all of them.<br /><br />ok, back to Thanksgiving. So, once we had all stuffed ourselves, took a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alishat/">picture</a>, and trotted around the neighborhood, we had desert. Yummy. Too much to choose from, so I had chocolate covered strawberries. Thank you Angela for brining those. If I haven't said it enough, I love my family.<br /><br />After we left uncle Brian's, Blake and I had enough time to come home, pack a bag for Lala and take a very short 30 minute nap. I know, only 30 minutes? Well, we'd been invited to the Falcon's game with my dad, and I really wanted to go. So, we dropped Lala off with my mom and headed to the GA Dome. The game was a bit exciting even though the Falcon's lost. It was nice to be with my dad and my uncle Mike and other cousins that have season tickets to the game. Thank you to Missy and David who gave us their tickets.<br /><br />Anyhow, we didn't get home until 1:00 am, and I wanted to go shopping to get Lala some gifts. I'll have to go into that at a later date. Thanksgiving was great, we had so much fun and got to hit the Falcon's game, go shopping with the other crazy people on Black Friday and B got to go golfing with the men in the family. Great fun for us all!<br /><br /><br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-5385049136283326132007-11-19T15:31:00.000-05:002007-11-28T11:05:37.918-05:00Carolina wha?<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">UPDATED ** Check out the photo of Lizary. Yes, Lala has named him. At least, we think Lizary is a boy.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6K2Olr6fBN1Sc3VBm4o2zbshXT5TwnSIRoSQUPxqyvv3wnGu7_wlqW_tT3o1koLCSJHVyXQrz52WkEWD3dNuI1jG_O8SmV2n3e4BU8y_y7Wmyd9KnpORDyyFNQOf-sfkUgIilA/s1600-h/lizary.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6K2Olr6fBN1Sc3VBm4o2zbshXT5TwnSIRoSQUPxqyvv3wnGu7_wlqW_tT3o1koLCSJHVyXQrz52WkEWD3dNuI1jG_O8SmV2n3e4BU8y_y7Wmyd9KnpORDyyFNQOf-sfkUgIilA/s320/lizary.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137922946010334082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />This is how our lunch started out today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">me: Honey?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">him: yes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Lala: Daddy! Daddy! Come. here.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">him: sighing, ok.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">me: can you help me get the lid off of this box so you can capture Lala's lizard.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">him: her what?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">me: Lizard. You know, the thing with the tail?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">him: oooook.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">*we are looking around to find the elusive lizard that's been living in my office since last thursday. Our 2 Jack Russell Terriers kept wimpering at the wall, and I just thought they were high or something. No, turns out they had cornered a lizard and I was just too lazy to investigate it. Back to the conversation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">me: now, make sure it goes in the box, Lala really wants to look at it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">him: I don't know if I can get him in the box, but I'll try.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">me: ok. (backing up)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">him: Oh, this is just a <a href="http://www.bio.davidson.edu/projects/herpcons/herps_of_NC/lizards/Ano_car.html">Carolina Anole</a>. Harmless.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">me: A what? Carolina who? Aren't we in Georgia?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">him: (a bit exhasberated) Carolina Anole honey.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">me: Whatever, did you get him?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">him: yes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Lala: Cool! I'm going to keep him. Forever.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">So now, for the moment, we have a <a href="http://www.the-lizard-lounge.com/content/gallery/lizard-pictures/green-anole-pictures-1.asp">Carolina Anole</a> in our kitchen (in a bug box). I'll post the picture in a bit when the little one has calmed down a bit more. Now to find out what they eat.<br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-59344480544813937652007-11-17T23:24:00.000-05:002007-11-17T23:26:50.410-05:00UGA vs. KentuckyUmmm yeah, I'm just popping in to quickly say "GO DAWGS, sic em, WOOF WOOF WOOF"! Way to go, great effort in the second half. We're hoping for another great game against GA Tech next week.Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-85934601166578025732007-11-16T15:22:00.001-05:002007-11-16T15:53:25.999-05:00UGA vs. Auburn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfhpj6zu_HR2kv6JAK-EvHmQ16sQ_-LjkFiS72OmNcR9D5WM67FjIJH-HBU-szBkvq5izA38CFnIWhtkSfgXW3F0wrri088Fh63X0Mor0N-RoXR3KS1NJqDEoY1wpwZ6oqybP3g/s1600-h/UGA$!logo.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfhpj6zu_HR2kv6JAK-EvHmQ16sQ_-LjkFiS72OmNcR9D5WM67FjIJH-HBU-szBkvq5izA38CFnIWhtkSfgXW3F0wrri088Fh63X0Mor0N-RoXR3KS1NJqDEoY1wpwZ6oqybP3g/s320/UGA$!logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133540077913654130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">What a fantastic game! My brother (david) and his wife (missy) invited us up to their lake house along with some friends to watch the game and have fun. Boy did we have fun too! Lala was the only child and center of attention when Uncle Kevin and Aunt Amanda arrived.<br /><br />Everyone brought something to share so we ended up with a great variety of really yummy food. We snacked and snacked and gained some pounds which were quickly worked off watching the men light a fire and haul up the wood. They were great sports and we really enjoyed the treat of having a small fire outside in the firepit.<br /><br />I'll post some pictures when I find the camera to download the ones I took. Oh and final score? UGA<br /><br />Happy weekend everyone.<br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36244551.post-53572383309267171692007-11-06T13:47:00.000-05:002007-11-06T14:29:47.746-05:00A Wicked Good time<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well, we made it through Halloween. Just as we thought Lauren had gotten over the stomach bug, it hit her again. We were able to make it to a few houses before finally calling it a night. She was so happy in her Red Queen costume and had a blast this year with trick-or-treating. Our next door neighbors lavished the candy on her, they are really very sweet, and she ended the night with a full pumpkin!<br /><br />Blake and I decided to put on our costumes from the party we went to the weekend before to help make the night a bit more magical for Lala. She's been trick-or-treating before, but never really understood what was happening until this year. It was so awesome to watch her eyes light up and tell everyone thank you.<br /><br />I am treasuring every moment of her childhood knowing it's going by so quickly. We had made some fun Halloween cards for friends and family memebers that we mailed. I found some foam peel and stick shapes at the dollar store and then cut some cardstock paper down to a 4 x 6 shape to fit into our envelopes. We already had a witch stamp, so lala stamped everyone's envelopes and then embelished the cards with stickers and a fun note.<br /><br />Hope you had a Happy Halloween!<br /></span></span>Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542020111619273583noreply@blogger.com0