Old blog.

Going Private

2009-02-21T10:59:00.001-06:00

My blog at http://mckeefamilylife.blogspot.com is going private. If you want to be invited, leave a comment on the new blog.

2008-06-15T18:44:00.003-05:00

I have officially moved! Go visit me at http://mckeefamilylife.blogspot.com/ !

2008-06-13T15:56:00.002-05:00

my blog is moving to http://mckeefamilylife.blogspot.com
i won't be posting anymore on this blog until i have officially set the other one up for public viewing. so go ahead and change your links! the new page is private until i am done setting it up (aka...making it pretty!)

.......until then!

TV Talk

2008-06-09T09:05:00.002-05:00

--Army Wives. Season premiere last night. LOVED it. Incredibly sad but loved it, nonetheless.
--The Real World. My favorite season so far. Anyone else out there watching it?
--Design Star. Season 3 started last night. LOVE that they have to build their own shelter. LOVE that it is in Nashville.
--The Next Food Network Star. Love the really young guy.
--The Mole. Love the show, but the suspense kills me.

There are more, trust me.

I realize that this post is random, and I also realize that my use of punctuation is incredible horrible and didn't write in complete sentences. I don't care.

Anyone have an input on these shows or any others I didn't list?

2008-06-05T14:37:00.001-05:00

The test was....ok. I should know the results in a few days. Thanks for the prayers and support!

Quick Note...

2008-06-05T08:01:00.003-05:00

I am off to take my TExES 4-8 generalist test this morning at 9:00. If you have time, throw in a little prayer for my friend Lauren (she is taking is as well) and I this morning. Wish us luck!

2008-05-24T19:48:00.002-05:00

Meet Max.

We adopted him.

With our failed attempts at a healthy pregnancy, we have gone another route to parenthood for the time being.

2008-05-15T15:58:00.003-05:00

After Michael decided not to pursue the military career anymore (most of you probably had no idea about this anyway), I decided to start working on my teaching certification again.
So...here is the plan.

Michael "says" :) he has 2 years left of school. Note: He has said he had 2 years left when we first started dating! That is beside the point. He has changed his major to something that he is really interested in (for the time being :) )...so he may actually be done in 2 years!

I, on the other hand, am working 1 full-time job, 1 part-time job and 1 teaching certification program. Am I crazy? Probably...but once again, that is beside the point :)
I will be taking the TExES at the beginning of June and will be done with my online courses by early August! I am extremely nervous but extremely excited as well.

Wish us both luck!

2008-05-07T08:16:00.005-05:00

This past weekend, my friend Erin and I took off to the Austin area for a girls' weekend. Thursday night we stayed with my sister Misti in Bastrop and hung out most of the day Friday so we could see Jordyn when she got out of school. Erin and I took Landon with us for a little while so Misti could get some of her work done at home. We got a few pictures in even after I accidently whacked Landon in the face with my huge camera! No tears :) Friday afternoon, we headed to Pflugerville to see our friends Jennifer and Jeremy. You may remember me posting about them back in November. Jennifer went into labor and had her triplets 16 weeks early. Mallory and Kelby spent 108 days in the NICU at St. David's and have now been home for over 2 months, and sweet baby Evan passed away just 5 hours after birth. It was so wonderful to spend time with all of them this weekend. We got plenty of cuddle time with Mallory (now named Mal Pal) and Kelby. They are so sweet and tiny!

Photo session with Landon :)

Precious Mal Pal...I can't believe I didn't get ANY pictures of Kelby! You can visit Jenn's blog on the right under "Jennifer C."

Jennifer and Erin

2008-04-23T16:46:00.003-05:00

Isn't this the cutest little bow-head you have EVER seen??

2008-04-17T09:12:00.003-05:00

My dreams last night were quite bizarre.
Dream 1: Michael and I were in Paris. I was standing under the Eiffle tower trying to take a picture and there were TONS of birds, and I kept getting pooped on! ugh.
Dream 2: I was back at the house I grew up in. We grew up on 7 acres of land but when I pulled up, all of the land had been stripped. There was a huge hole in the ground and the house was in the hole. It started raining and the whole filled with rain. I had to swim down to try and get inside the house. I couldn't catch my breath.

I woke up and I couldn't breathe. I have been congested since Saturday.
I actually had more vivid dreams last night that consisted of being in the Campus Center at ACU with my 8 year old sister-in-law. I don't know. Sometimes I wish I didn't remember my dreams.
Do you ever wake up and that is ALL you think about all day? ugh...

2008-04-08T08:59:00.007-05:00

I have a major problem....
I think I am addicted to reality TV. I admit it. My name is Melody McKee, and I am a reality TV addict.
Here is a list of shows that I have or currently watch.

Survivor
Big Brother
Biggest Loser
The Bachelor
The Bachelorette
Keeping up with the Kardashians
Little People, Big World
Real World
Road Rules
Real World/Road Rules Challenges
The Hills
Newport Beach
Laguna Beach
High School Reunion
Make me a Supermodel
Project Runway
Top Chef
America's Next Top Model
So you think you can Dance
The Amazing Race
The Apprentice
Beauty and the Geek
Hell's Kitchen
Here come the Newlyweds
Age of Love
The Real Housewives of Orange County AND New York
Rob and Big
Average Joe
Celebrity Fit Club
Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants
Engaged and Underage
Gene Simmons Family Jewels
The Girls Next Door
Hogan Knows Best
Kid Nation
Maui Fever
On The Lot
The Osbournes
Sunset Tan

I told you I have a problem! AND the list could go on! I know there are more....

Does anyone else have this obsession?? Tell me I'm not alone!

2008-04-07T16:27:00.003-05:00

Many of you know that Michael and I went through a miscarriage in August. Since then we have been trying to get pregnant again...with no luck. I finally made the step to call my doctor today. This is only the first small step...but to me, it was a big one. I won't go into detail, but we are going to try something for a couple of months. If this doesn't work, then we will move to fertility medication.
Please keep Michael and I in your prayers. We just long for a baby. I know a lot of you have been there or are currently experiencing the same thing. It sucks. That's all I can think of to describe it. It just sucks.

2008-04-04T08:20:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Husband today! I love you.

2008-03-22T23:51:00.011-05:00

So...

I go to get gas at the same place I had the "mishap" I mentioned a few blogs ago. I am working on getting out of my car and reminding myself to put the nozzle back when I am done :) and I see an old man with a walker hightailing it around the corner and passes right between my car and the front of the convenience store. About two seconds later, I see a nurse running from the back of the neighboring nursing home towards the old man. I guess he was trying to make his escape...

Man...I should have taken a picture.

2008-03-20T08:18:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Momma today!!

2008-03-17T23:08:00.002-05:00

March 17th will always be bitter-sweet for me. Today marks 2 years since our first date. Though the 2 years have gone by so fast, I feel like we have known each other forever. I fall more in love with Michael every day.

Today was the due date of our first baby. I wish I was wide awake because I had a precious little baby to take care of but instead I am wondering what it would be like to be a mom.

I will always remember this day....St. Patrick's Day. I guess this day holds different meanings for everyone.

Embarrassing story for today...

2008-03-06T08:27:00.002-06:00

It has taken me a couple of weeks to gather the courage to write this, but I figured...every one needs a laugh at my expense once in a while, right?! :)
So...picture this....
I drive my little Grand Am up to the gas pump to fill up. I swipe my debit card...while I am waiting for authorization, I go ahead and put the pump thingy in my car. Machine is beeping...."Please see Attendant." WHAT? Ugh....I walk into the convenient store and greeted with "Can't get gas...pump computer is down." Umm, ok. I walk back to my car. I am distracted when a motorcycle pulls up. I am nice enough to tell them the computers are down...sorry buddy. So I get in my car and start to back up.
MAN...what was that noise? OH CRAP! I left the pump in my car! Yes, I did it. Yes, I felt like a complete moron. I get out of the car. I PULLED THE WHOLE HOSE OUT OF THE MAIN PUMP THING. OH. MY. GOSH.
I hang the pump back up and leave.
Wow. That was completely embarrassing.

2008-03-03T14:39:00.004-06:00

I don't have much to update...so here is a list of randomness.

I LOVE Big Brother this season. The reason I love it, you ask? I think there is a BIG twist coming. I think they will start playing as individuals instead of couples and bring back some people who have been evicted. Just a thought... :)
High School Reunion is coming back!! This was one of my favorite reality shows in college. J-Walk and I watched it all the time together.
If you are wondering if I am addicted to reality TV...the answer is yes.
I am so ready to move out of Lubbock...we are hoping this will happen by this summer. If Amy, Andy and Charlie are leaving, there is NO way we are staying here!
Did anyone else LOVE the cold snowy weather this morning and then walk outside to the sunshine and become totally depressed? Ok, maybe that was just me. I LOVE cold snowy days.
I still have a couple of blog layouts to complete for people, and I keep putting it off. Sitting on the computer on the weekend after spending 40 hours on it during the week just doesn't seem appealing.
As I type, my cubicle neighbor is talking about her pregnancy that wasn't planned....quite depressing.
I wish I wasn't at work right now, knowing when I get off at 5:00 I have another job to go to.

The end.

2008-02-25T08:59:00.004-06:00

I can't help it. Since I'm not able to see this baby until this summer, I am forced to overload my blog with pictures :)

Riley Forest Lyda

2008-02-21T11:57:00.003-06:00

She is HERE!!!!
8:05 AM
6 lbs 3 oz
17 1/2 inches long

Jason, April and Riley are all doing great! She sent a picture to my cell, and she is precious! She looks JUST like April.
I just wish I was there to hold that precious baby!

2008-02-20T11:59:00.007-06:00

My sister April is having her baby tomorrow! Riley decided that being upside down wasn't as fun so now she is breech. April is scheduled for a c-section tomorrow morning! I just wish all of us sisters lived in the same area. We want to be in GA with them so badly!

On somewhat of the same note, I am ready for February and March to be over with. I would have been about 36 weeks pregnant right now. It is hard to imagine that right now, but it makes me incredibly sad. I wish I was packing my bag for the hospital stay. I wish I was washing all of the baby's clothes and putting them in the dresser for the arrival. I wish I was decorating a nursery. I wish I was having people ask me when I was due. I wish I could feel the baby moving inside of me. I wish a lot of things...

Even though I just felt a lot like Debbie Downer, I needed to be real just for a second. I go all day thinking about having a baby but have to go about my daily routine as if I'm not constantly sad.

I can be real on here.

2008-02-15T08:20:00.009-06:00

My sister Amy posted on her blog about how she misses ACU. It made me really sad and brought all of the emotions back when I was packing up all of my stuff after graduation that I had accumulated over 4 years of college to move. I didn't know where I was going to end up from that point so I'm sure those emotions were mixed with anxiety and fear. Here is a list of things I miss from ACU.

1. i miss my best friends and ALL of the memories that we shared (and will share) together
2. my first two years of chapel (it seemed to change after that...)
3. Chucky T (one of the most loving and incredible men I have ever known)
4. working in the Sociology/Social Work office
5. going into the campus center right after chapel
6. staying up all hours of the night, knowing I had an 8:00 the next morning, and not caring
7. the whole week leading up until Sing Song
8. Homecoming festivities
9. random road trips
10. Anson lights :)...(Can I get an AMEN...KIM??!!!)
11. "Making costumes" and "Circle of Friends"
12. club on Wednesday nights (even though I hate to admit it)
13. seeing all of the random stray cats around the campus center
14. Chapel being cancelled because of BATS in the colliseum!
15. running to class while trying to eat a breakfast bar

What about all of you other Wildcats out there? What do you miss about ACU?

2008-02-10T23:20:00.000-06:00

Photoshoot with Alexa (Michael's little sister)
Isn't she beautiful?!

Seriously???????

2008-02-08T16:17:00.001-06:00

Only ONE person has hit me up for a **FREE** blog header and layout???? Come ON people!

2008-02-05T15:41:00.000-06:00

So I have finally figured out how to design my own layout and header!!! YES! Thanks to the inspiration from Kelly @ Fabulous K Designs...(click on her link to the right).

Anywho...if anyone wants a fun layout and header, let me know!

2008-02-02T17:11:00.000-06:00

I love Photoshop, but I don't know how to use most of it. It makes me sad. Anyone want to teach me? Awesome. Meet you at my house.

So I was reading some of my posts from when I first started my blog. Man, I was funny! I don't know what happened. Whatever.

2008-01-25T23:54:00.001-06:00

We taught my mom the "That's what she said..." game over dinner tonight.
Awesome.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2008-01-07T07:25:00.000-06:00

So, I am 26 today. I don't know why...but that sounds SO much older than 25. I have already had many birthday dinners over the weekend :)
Amy, Andy and Charlie took Michael and I to Johnny Carino's Friday night. It was, of course, fabulous.
For lunch on Saturday, my good friends from college, Jamie and Dee Dee came into town with their spouses and we went to Cheddar's and then to Main Event! I was so pumped. I won another HUGE ball from the huge claw game.
Saturday night, my good friends from here, Chrissi, Erin and Jessica took me to The Cotton Patch for dinner. I used to think it was "one of those places" but have grown to love it :) Yesterday, Michael and I went to lunch at Rudy's and then over to Dustee's so I could pick out my birthday present. He bought me a new purse and matching wallet. LOVE it.
So tonight...we are going to dinner. I haven't decided where but I'm sure it will be fabulous.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

And here is an old school picture, for your viewing pleasure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2008-01-01T11:42:00.000-06:00

I don't think anyone's New Years Eve was as exciting as ours! Ok maybe....but did you get spanked at Wii by a 5 year old? I didn't think so. Shout out to the Carrasco's for hosting! We had a blast!
These are the only pictures that I got from the party....miracle baby, sweet Emma Kate. Isn't she precious??

2007-12-28T20:03:00.000-06:00

After taking pictures of Charlie, I couldn't leave out my other two favorite little people.

P.s...I pulled a cage from my sister's attic tonight...containing a baby 'possum. Not cool...not cool at all.

2007-12-15T18:12:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite little men.

We thought it was funny...apparently it wasn't.

2007-12-08T20:35:00.000-06:00

Here are just a few pictures from the past month.

Thanksgiving in La Grange.

Our niece, Hailey. She is so funny.

Sweet baby Reagan! She is already 6 months old!!

(Hailey's little sister)

Pictures of the babies and an update!

2007-11-21T10:37:00.000-06:00

Mallory and Kelby went into heart surgery yesterday morning to close a valve that was pumping too much blood into their lungs. Mallory opened her eyes right before surgery. Only the nurses saw, but she has been trying to open her eyes today. Both girls came out of surgery with no complication. PRAISE GOD! Here are some pictures of the girls after surgery. If you look at the bottom corners of the pictures, you will see which is Kelby and which is Mallory!

2007-11-19T16:31:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of Jennifer and Jeremy at the hospital and pictures of their sweet babies. I am not sure which is Mallory and which is Kelby but they are both precious. I can't believe they are only a foot long!

2007-11-19T13:48:00.000-06:00

Here is some more information I received from Jennifer’s sister about the babies.

"Last Thursday, she started running a fever. She called her doctors and they told her to run up to the hospital for a quick check. When she got there, everything looked fine and the doctors thought she was either dehydrated or had a mild kidney infection. The plan at that point was to put her on an iv to rehydrate her, keep her overnight and then she would go home. Late that night/early Friday morning, she began dilating very quickly and they could not stop her contractions. An emergency c-section was performed and the three girls were delivered around 2:40isham on Friday, November 16th.

Mallory Kate and Kelby Grace both weighed 1.5 lbs and were almost 12" in length. They were stabilized and immediately transferred to the level 4 NICU at Saint David's downtown (Austin). Evan Reece weighed just under a pound. They could not stabilize her for travel to the higher level NICU. She slipped back to heaven 5 hours after she was born.

Jenni and Jeremy got to hold her and we all got to spend time with her before she died. She was so precious. Jenni is doing really well. She was released yesterday (Sunday) and got to go see Mallory and Kelby. The girls will be in NICU for at least 4 months and so it will be a long journey for all of them. Jenni is home now. She is planning a memorial service for Evan on Tuesday, November 20th at their church - Hill Country Bible Church at 11 am. She will be buried in Lubbock sometime in December. I know they would appreciate your prayers for the girls and for them.”

Prayer Request

2007-11-16T17:32:00.000-06:00

My good friends, Jeremy and Jennifer Cheatham (for those of you trying to figure out if they know them, Jeremy was a groomsman in our wedding) just gave birth this morning to triplets (all girls), Mallory, Kelby and Evan. Jennifer was only 24 1/2 weeks and Evan passed away at 10 this morning. Mallory and Kelby continue to hold strong but as you know, only time will tell. This is the only information I have at this time.
They live in Pflugerville and are at one of the Seton Hospitals in Austin. Both Jeremy and Jennifer are from Lubbock so I am unsure if their families were able to be with them during the birth.
Please please keep this family in your prayers. I will update as soon as I know more information.

2007-11-10T21:51:00.000-06:00

So I know these are about a month late but here are the pictures from the LiveSTRONG Challenge 5K in Austin in which Michael and I participated.

The race started in the front of the Capital building.

The sign I wore on my arm :)

Michael finishing the race!!

Lance speaking about Prop 15.

My friend, Andy Roddick :)

Lance after finishing the race. Yes, I was a stalker photographer.

The REAL reason we went down there was to celebrate my niece's birthday!

Cute little Jordyn. I can't believe she is 6 years old!

Time to get real

2007-11-06T10:25:00.000-06:00

Do you REALLY want to know what goes on in my head? Everywhere I turn, someone I know is finding out they are pregnant. WHY does this have to be so hard? I WANT to be happy for those couples that are blessed with a healthy pregnancy but I just can't right now. If this wasn't normal, I would feel bad about it...but I don't. I think I have a right to be angry and hurt and ask questions like "why me?" I refuse to believe that it was "God's plan" for us to lose a baby. I just don't buy it.

My sister April is pregnant and we were due 2 weeks apart. For her situation, I am completely peaceful and happy for her. They have been trying for years to get pregnant and have finally been blessed with a precious baby due in March. I thought I would be ok if I was in the room when she called my parents to tell them "the news." Nobody knows that I left the room to cry.

I didn't write this blog for anyone to feel sorry for me. That is the last thing I want. I just wanted to be real, for once. I am not ok with what happened. I don't think I will be ok until we get pregnant again and deliver a healthy baby. So for all of you that asked me how I was and I said "ok" or "fine," I lied. I am not "ok" and don't expect to be anytime soon, so bare with me.

2007-11-02T13:08:00.000-05:00

It has been a while, and I don't have any other excuse besides I just didn't feel like posting. Michael and I moved out of our tiny 1-bedroom apartment last weekend into a much more spacious duplex. We now have 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and a HUGE yard! The spiral staircase up to the master/loft almost took my life a couple of times but I am still here :) We finally got our cable and internet hooked up today which means I have to go to Amy's house (my sister) tonight to catch up on all of the shows from this week before the next episode!

Last month Michael and I went to Austin and we participated (and by "we" I mean..Michael ran and I waited at the finish line! ) in the Lance Armstong Foundation Livestrong challege 5K. It was a beautiful day downtown by the capital, and we got to see Lance Armstrong and Andy Roddick! I will post pictures when I have enough energy to upload the pictures from my camera.

Working 2 jobs again is going well. I work from 8am-9pm (8-5 at my full time job and until 9 at BodyWorks) usually Monday thru Thursday and sometimes on Saturday and Sunday. It is definitely tiring, but I am somewhat getting used to it. That is about all I have. Check back later for some pictures of our Livestrong challenge!!

2007-10-24T08:42:00.000-05:00

Click on this fabulous site!!!! :: http://fabulouskblogdesigns.blogspot.com

She is so talented!

2007-10-04T08:28:00.001-05:00

Hung seriously won Top Chef? I am so sure.

2007-09-22T16:47:00.000-05:00

Please read my friend Katey E's blog on the right. She and her family are in need of constant prayer right now. Her brother Jamie and his wife Amanda are parents of Trae (3 years old) and 2 month old twin boys, Dillon and Dixon. Sadly, Dixon Reed Earles, passed away suddenly early Friday morning.
I spoke with Katey today and they are having grave side services for Dixon in Abilene on the morning of Monday, September 24th.
Please keep this family in your prayers.
Jamie, Amanda, big brother Trae and baby Dillon
Katey
Brodie and Molly (Katey's younger siblings)
Eddie and Cindy (Katey's parents and baby Dixon's grandparents)

**Here is a sweet picture of Katey with her precious nephews, Dillon and Dixon
(Dillon is on her left, Dixon on her right)

Charlie's new haircut!!!

2007-09-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

Before: aka Shaggy

AFTER: It is mandatory to get a haircut when you spend the night with Aunt Melody.

2007-09-19T16:16:00.000-05:00

So. What has been going on in my life? I started working at Bodyworks about a week and a half ago. I LOVE it. There is one little girl that is almost two who will throw a fit and cry if I am not holding her the whole time. Awesome. I was, unfortunately, diagnosed with impetigo today after waking up yesterday with a swollen lip. I have never in my life had any kind of cold sore or anything like this. It is HORRIBLE! Dang kids...

And now THIS is what my face freakin looks like! GROSS.

2007-09-06T09:35:00.001-05:00

***Updated***

Not too much has been going on since my last post. Michael and I went to Oklahoma for Labor Day weekend to see my family (aunt, uncle and lots of cousins). We were able to visit Bricktown (downtown Oklahoma City) to eat at Toby Keith's restaurant, see the River Canal and the Memorial.

Jesus weeping with His backed turned toward the memorial (with my cousins Tanner and Trevor)

This is the fence that has been up since the bombing with original items left from that day.

One of the workers spray painted this on the wall and this was left to be an addition to the memorial.

There is a chair for each life lost in the bombing including smaller chairs for the children.

This wall is infront of the museum with tiles painted by children from all over.

Precious little Kimerly, my cousin

I had an interview yesterday at BodyWorks (local gym) to work in their Kid's Club part-time. It will keep my mind occupied and hopefully be able to save more money while Michael is in school. My full-time job is still going, and I am still learning something new everyday. I am also almost halfway down with my teaching certification. I will be done by the end of December at the latest. We still plan on moving out of our apartment at the end of October to something bigger. I am very excited about having more than a living room and bedroom! A friend from work is moving out of a great townhouse around the time we need to move, so hopefully it will work out to where we can move in there.

Like I said, nothing much is going on!

Update*

2007-08-10T10:11:00.000-05:00

Please keep Michael and I in your prayers Monday morning. I go in @ 6AM for a D&C.
Thanks :)

Prayers Please

2007-08-06T19:38:00.001-05:00

After an ultrasound today, Michael and I learned that we are more than likely going to miscarry this precious baby. My body has already started the process, but my OB is doing lab work again on Wednesday just to make sure. I know this is blunt but most of you that read this know already. I know that this is God's plan and only in his timing will there be an addition to our family. Today has been really hard for both Michael and I but with our trust in God, we know we will be blessed one day in the future with a healthy pregnancy.

We just ask for you to keep us in your prayers as we wrap our minds around this. I wanted to let everyone know as soon as possible so we won't be approached with questions while we are still in our healing process. I know A LOT (unfortunately) of you that read this have delt with this loss and know exactly what I mean by this post.

Thank you to all of our friends and family for your thoughts and prayers.

Definitely a Blessing

2007-07-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

Most of you that read this already know, but Michael and I just found out on 07/07/07 that we are going to HAVE A BABY!!!!!!! At first we were in shock, but I think it is starting to set in :) On 7/09, I had blood work done to check my HCG levels. My doctor said that we were definitely pregnant! I had more blood work done on 7/16 and she said my numbers were going up just like she wanted. She is sending me for more blood work this Monday 7/23 to check my levels again and THEN finally schedule me for the first ultrasound.
We don't know how far along I am because we have no acurate way of measuring....(draw your own conclusions). In my mind, I can be anywhere from 6 to 9 weeks.
So that is the news! We will be moving out of our little one bedroom apartment in October and can't wait to start decorating!!

4th of July

2007-07-05T18:45:00.000-05:00

I know, I know....2 posts in one day....blah blah blah

For the 4th of July, Michael forced me to join Amy and Charlie at the parade. Once I got there, it was ok. The whole waking up early on my day off was the horrible part. The best float by far: KCBD News Channel 11 with Karen & Abner :) Here are a few pictures from the event.

Sweet Baby Taylor

Amy and Charlie
Mike and Kole
Ashley and Carley
Michael and Charlie

Amy, Charlie and Andy

We went over to Michael's dad and step-mom's house for a cook out.

Michael's little sister, Alexa
Our niece, Hailey.

Sweet Baby Reagan (our niece and hailey's little sister)

2007-07-05T11:35:00.000-05:00

I have officially made the payment to start working on my teaching certification!! I hope to be done by the end of October and hopefully be able to find a job starting in January. I am nervous but very excited. I have always wanted to teach but just didn't have the time to work on it or didn't have the money. I really believe that God has blessed me with the ability to work with children and would love to be able to use this gift. I don't know what the future holds as far as my career, but I pray that I am blessed with a job that I really enjoy,and I am able to positively influence lives.

2007-06-26T19:23:00.000-05:00

I found an old school pic of my good friend. This post is for you :)

2007-06-06T19:03:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, Michael and I headed town to the big town of Brady, TX to watch one of my best friends from ACU, Kendall (Bailey) Harrison, get married. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and of course the bride was too. America's Best Value Inn--Not so cool. Knocked Up--REALLY not cool.
BUT.......drum roll please....another one of my best friends, Rachel, is PREGNANT!!!

After the wedding, we drove to my sister's house in Bastrop to play with Jordyn and Landon. Michael and I took Jordyn to see Shrek the Third and loaded her up on video games and candy. I gave Landon a cute haircut.

Here are some pictures from the weekend.

2007-05-30T22:51:00.000-05:00

Michael and I have a new baby niece, Reagan born to Aaron (Michael's brother) and Sara...and Big Sister Hailey.

2007-05-26T20:19:00.000-05:00

No pictures for today. Charlie pooped in my bathtub! GROSS!

2007-05-25T21:20:00.000-05:00

Night one....Chuck E Cheese!

Bath time!

2007-05-23T19:44:00.001-05:00

First picture with my new camera

So tomorrow (Thursday) I am having spinal injections again. Yipee. Can't wait.

Michael and I are keeping Charlie all weekend from Friday until Monday!!!! We are pretty pumped...even though he tries to mess with Michael's big expensive TV...and pull all of the books off the bookshelf....and try to eat the rocks from a table decoration....and mess with the strings on the blinds...and smack the brand new coffee table with the glass coasters...and mess with the lights on the computer...and pull the papers off of the refrigerator. BUT I still love to squeeze his chubbiness! Maybe it will be warm enough and we can go swimming. If not, I am sure he can talk us into going to the park....or Wal-Mart. Whatever.

2007-05-20T04:26:00.000-05:00

It is 4:30 am and I am wired on hydrocodone (yes, it has this affect on me sometimes), therefore, I will fill your head with nonsense that is floating around in my head.

1. My wonderful husband is managing to get me Adobe Photoshop CS3 to edit my photos.
2. I just watched the E! True Hollywood Story on The Osbournes and I am reminded of how my I love them. I even teared up at some points.
3. I love playing Guitar Hero with Michael and beating him numerous times in a row.
4. I am almost 4 weeks late and after taking about 5 pregnancy tests over a 3 week time, it is confirmed that I am NOT pregnant. (tmi I know)
5. I am constantly disgusted about the weight I have gained in the last year, let I still don't go to the gym.
6. Just watched Because I Said So and LOVED it.
7. Have to get injections in my spine again on Thursday and am completely terrified all over again.
8. My sister in law is having her baby sometime in the next couple of weeks and can't wait to hold her precious baby girl, Reagan.
9. I was babysitting Charlie tonight and he choked on a piece of his chicken and proceeded to throw up all over himself and the highchair. I had to fun to the trash can and throw up myself. It was completely horrible.
10. I really should go to bed.....

2007-05-14T10:44:00.000-05:00

A present to myself! Michael said since I never get anything big for myself, I could get the camera I have been wanting! He gets to enjoy his 50" flat screen plasma tv....so I can enjoy my new EOS Digital Rebel XTi Black 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera!!!!!!!!

Free Hugs Campaign

2007-05-10T03:15:00.003-05:00

This video made me cry for some reason.

2007-05-07T23:43:00.001-05:00

Check out the side tool bar under "Links" about the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

2007-05-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

Does anyone have any suggestions for a mortgage company that helps people with low credit scores? We also could go the route of a VA loan.
Any suggestions??

2007-04-25T12:08:00.000-05:00

Jordyn Alexis von Minden

My baby niece is growing up! I can't believe she will start kindergarten this next fall. Everytime I talk to her on the phone, she sounds so grown up! I just can't believe it. She is such a sweet and precious little girl.

A pic when she was little :)

And now with her grown up hair cut! She is so cute!

And then there is her little brother Landon, aka Tasmanian Devil :) The name speaks for itself.

2007-04-23T16:06:00.000-05:00

Wow. I can't believe this didn't happened until 2007. It makes me sad.
CNN Article

All I can say to the students who wanted to make this happen is....Way to stand up and do what is right.

Quote from an Alumnus...
"There was not anybody that I can remember that was black," she said. "The white people have theirs, and the black people have theirs. It's nothing racial at all."

She may not think it is anything to do with the color of your skin NOW, but I can guarantee that the people who started what they called a "tradition" back in the day had different reasons.

It is about time someone took a stand. It just floors me that it didn't happen before now.

WARNING............

2007-04-17T19:59:00.000-05:00

The following is the most recent experience I have had with eBay. I LOVE ebay and will continue to use it, but I am smart and take caution in certain instances as this...here is the story that I told an ebay representative in a live chat tonight.. My eBay ID is maf00b

And YES...this was my wedding dress that I was selling!! (Don't worry...I already relisted it and sold to a valid eBay member)

maf00b:
I listed item number 130093433195 on March 22, 2007 and on the morning of March 23, 2007...member "feliad8" selected the "buy it now" option. She sent me an email saying she lived in SC (but she was registered on eBay with a FL address) but she said she was flying to the Philippines for her wedding. She said she would send me a money order.

I received an email from her stating she mailed the payment on March 26, 2007 for $2000.00 (ummm....HELLO the item was $199.99!) and as soon as I receive it, cash it and subtract the money for the amount of the item and the shipping costs and send the excess money via Western Union money transfer to a completely different name than what was registered with eBay (an address in the Philippines).

So...I realized this was a little bizarre and went on to eBay to report the item unpaid and feliad8 was no longer a registered user. I relisted the item and sold it to a valid eBay member.

Ruth (eBay rep):

Please go on. I am carefully reading your concern.

maf00b:
Today I received a money order (mailed from the Philippines) via www.moneygram.com for $2000.00. This money order was dated for March 12, 2007, which was BEFORE I even listed the item on eBay.

I called the money gram customer service and entered the money order number and the automated system said that this money order number had been cashed at the end of Jan 2007!!! Soooo....the money order is obviously a fraud.

I just wanted to inform SOMEONE of this! I KNOW this happens a lot and I would hope that everyone else that would be in my situation would take the same precautions.
I watched Oprah the other day about these scams :)

Ruth:
I understand you very well. Thanks for bringing this to us.

This is the money order I received. I was refunded listing fees and finance charges from this transaction through eBay. They were very helpful in this.

Also...the name on this money order is the 4th name used in this whole transaction :)

DON'T BE SCAMMED PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-06T23:47:00.000-05:00

On Michael's birthday, Andy, Amy and Charlie took us out to Texas Roadhouse. This is Charlie lit on icing.

So Michael just fell asleep a while ago watching TV (lying on his back). I tell him to go to bed and this happens. Looks like I'm sleeping in the middle tonight :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2007-04-04T23:14:00.000-05:00

Today is my husband's (still sounds weird to say it!) 28th birthday, and instead of falling asleep with him right now (and being up WAY past my bedtime)...I will just let you know why I love him.

1. loves me more than anything in the world.
2. protects me from the evil in this world...even though he knows I can take it on myself.
3. tries to cuddle with me during the night even though he says I yell at him in my sleep (I still don't believe him)
4. puts me first (second to God) in every decision he makes
5. watches my ridiculous reality shows with me (including The Hills and The Real World)
6. can't wait to have kids with me
7. loves playing with nieces and nephews
8. sent my mom an email on her birthday
9. just takes care of me and is always concerned if I don't feel well
10. admits when I am right and he is wrong :)

2007-03-27T15:54:00.000-05:00

I SOLD MY WEDDING DRESS ON E-BAY!!!!!!!!!

Get ready to be in shock...

2007-03-21T11:33:00.000-05:00

I LOVE MY JOB!!!

Let me just tell you...I hate working in general but I really love my job! I get to talk with all kinds of people...and I mean ALL kinds!!
I work for Tyler Technologies INCODE Division which is a software company targeted towards city and county governments, municiple courts, utility companies, cemetary records and others. Our customers are the employees at the above departments...so it isn't just random people calling. Our customers use our software for things such as payroll, accounts payable/receivable, business licenses, business permits, action center (complaints...like a street light is out, the neighbor's tree is growing over into my yard!)....
Anyway, I LOVE it!
I am now a certified software support specialist and it feels GREAT!

These are the perks..
1. free cokes from the coke machine. All you do is push the button!
2. my own little cubicle where I don't have to look at anyone else.
3. necessities such as tampons in the bathroom! (trust me..this is good)
4. no dumb people (thus far..that I know of)
5. an inside chat room with the INCODE employees...gets pretty fun sometimes.
6. no internet filtering!! (woohoo myspace!)
7. outlook email (I LOVE IT!)
8. quarterly bonuses!!! (you have to earn it)
9. It makes me feel smart!! As opposed to my last mindless job!
10. We get to wear jeans!!!! As long as we dont "abuse" it :)

2007-03-15T18:05:00.000-05:00

For those that keep complaining that I never update my blog...

I dedicate this entry to myself.....
and THIS is why Michael and I will have some dang cute babies!

And this is me....

And this is Michael....

2007-02-25T19:07:00.000-06:00

So we decided to keep my car. We got the fuel pump replaced and I had a little talk with my car...and she promised me to last at least two more years without a problem. So I guess we will see...I told her that it is back to the dealership if she misbehaves.

2007-02-23T13:28:00.000-06:00

Turns out we are too poor for most vehicles :) If we can get approved for this Dodge Stratus and the payments are low enough, it looks like we will be getting that. 2005 Silver...blah blah blah. Buying a car is so frustrating.

2007-02-22T22:18:00.000-06:00

So we got my car towed to Pollard Friendly Ford. An embarassing situation...
Anyway, it was 6:30 by the time we got there and after 7:00 by the time he started looking through their inventory to see what we could get. Looks like we will have a new (to us) vehicle tomorrow. Since we are able to get an SUV under 15k that is what we are shooting for...so here is what we are looking at...any comments or suggestions??

Ford Escape
Chevy Trailblazer
Jeep Liberty
Ford Explorer
Mitsubishi Outlander

PS....NEVER EVER EVER buy a freakin Pontiac vehicle!!!!

2007-02-22T08:12:00.000-06:00

I am convinced that my car is from the DEVIL! It died once again yesterday. The whole electrical system is shot. HORRIBLE! Michael and I are going to have to go look at cars this weekend. If we can't get approved, we are screwed....VERY screwed.

2007-02-15T21:41:00.000-06:00

So...I was looking at my site meter on my blog and realized that A LOT of people read my blog....like 20,000 hits....so who ARE all of you people?? PLEASE leave me a comment! I don't even care if you don't know me! I just want to know :)

2007-02-03T15:07:00.000-06:00

I GOT A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!!!! I am putting in my 2-weeks notice in at work on Monday and I start my new job on Feb 19th! The company is called INCODE...they write software for local governments, cemetary records, municiple courts and utility companies. My job is software support. SWEET! Not to mention a sweet raise, bonuses and awesome benefits!

2007-01-21T19:20:00.000-06:00

Pastor Paul, the wonderful and Godly man that performed our wedding ceremony, passed away lastnight. We are so saddened by the news but know that he is in a much better place. Everyone at our wedding loved him and thought he was SO funny.

This is right after the kiss and he told Michael very loudly infront of everyone..."You could have done better than THAT!" :)

2007-01-17T18:51:00.000-06:00

I probably should NOT be posting pictures of myself while I am drugged up...I will probably regret this later.....

The injections went well. I am really sore at the moment, but the drugs don't let me care too much right now...
The IV hurt worse than any of it. I was awake through the procedure and remember everything except how bad it hurt..so I guess thats how they get patients to have this done multiple times...

Wedding Pictures!

2007-01-15T10:56:00.000-06:00

So finally, here are some of our wedding pictures :) I LOVE my husband by the way.

2007-01-12T17:35:00.000-06:00

I have MORE excited news for you people! (the 2 whole people that read this blog)

I went to a Pain Management doctor this morning and after the examination, he decided on 2 Neuroplasty injections into my Lumber 4 and 5 discs. These shots contain a couple of different medicines that will reduce the swelling of the discs and help them to move back into the space between the vertebre and it will also create an appropriate amount of fluid in these 2 areas.
I go in Wednesday morning (17th) and will have an IV sedation for the procedure. (thank God!) If the shots don't relieve the pain as they should (75% success rate), then I will be sent to a neurosurgeon.
So lets pray the shots work.

So I leave you with pictures of my wonderful husband and I :)

Carnival Cruise

New Years on the cruise

Our ship at the Cozumel Port

2007-01-06T00:30:00.000-06:00

Let me just give you a little run down of what has been going on the past couple of weeks...
From my most recent post, I obviously got married. The wedding was beautiful and everyone in my family managed to get a stomach virus. I kept having to throw up while I was getting my hair done...nice :) So here is the rest of the story....

I went back to work on the 26th and I got sick that night and had to call in the next day. I went to the Dr. and got complete lab work done and have an MRI scheduled this next week. Just what I needed...miss more work. (I should probably mention that we were threatened with our lives by the boss if we missed work the last week of the year)

...Friday came along and Michael and I were to leave for our honeymoon right after I got off of work at 5:00. He had my car for the day so he could get it ready for the trip...he came to pick me up for lunch and when I met him outside, my car wouldn't start....
...I went upstairs to my office to see if I could take a longer lunch to figure this out and I ended up crying to my boss and she let me just leave (once again....missing work on the last week of the year)
...got my car towed to the shop.
...had to go to Enterprise and rent a car just to get to Galveston to leave on our Cruise the next day (a HUGH unexpected expense)
...get on the cruise and something goes wrong with the water supply on board and we leave 8 hours later than expected from the Port of Galveston.
...arrive to Cozumel at 4:00 PM and we were supposed to leave on a shore excursion at 9 that morning...cancelled....
...we go to Senor Frogs for dinner and my credit card wouldn't process the international purchase so Michael has to go all the way back to the cruise ship while I wait in the restaurant to get money to pay for our dinner....(great times in Mexico)
...Did I mention it has been raining ever since we left Galveston and haven't been able to even wear a swimming suit??
...Get to Progreso, Yucatan and decided to take a shore excursion to the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins....2 hour bus ride there...step of the bus...it starts pouring (I mean POURING)...complete the entire tour soaking wet....2 hour bus ride back to the boat.
...miss our 5:45 dinner time and miss the Lobster. VERY disappointing.
...get back to Galveston and wait with our luggage for 3 hours while we get through customs.
...this has been a GREAT trip so far.
...Also I had to visit the infirmary on board the ship for reasons I would rather not disclose on a public blog :)
...get to my sister Misti's house, play with the kids, Michael checks his tuition for the Spring and it says he owes $1700 by the 5th (Today) or he will be dropped from his classes (this was suppose to be only $25) SURPRISE!
...wake up at 8 to call Tech and get things figured out.
...decided to drive back to Lubbock today instead of Saturday to get the rental car back earlier.
...pick up my car from the shop..he banged on the gas tank and it started. $65.
...went to my sister's house to see the poopie pants (Charlie).
...Almost home and get in a wreck.
...Morons stopped in the middle of the road because they were lost and didn't know where to go...so they decided to pull onto our street out of side and stop in the middle of the road so me (an innocent driver) can hit them and mess the crap out of my car. We exchange information but the morons decide to leave (because they were cold) before the cops get there...
...the cops don't file a claim. (after waiting for them for an hour..it is below freezing outside)
...I file a claim with my insurance and my car is going in the shop tomorrow.
...have to come up with $500 to pay the deductible.

No really...let me tell you how I REALLY feel.

OH...I forgot to mention the Sunday the 7th is my birthday. So Happy 25th Birthday to me!

2006-12-23T15:09:00.001-06:00

So I'm married now :) I have to go take care of some business....

2006-12-20T23:58:00.000-06:00

It is Wednesday night. I am getting married in 53 hours. My wedding dress zips. I can get married now.

2006-12-12T14:01:00.000-06:00

My sister Misti emailed me today. Her 5 year old daughter, Jorydn is a flowergirl in my wedding next weekend and this is what she said....

"Jordyn informed me yesterday that she is suppose to sing a song at the wedding, but she said that she has to remind you about it because she said you probably forgot.......She said that she was going to make up a "love song" to sing, but I am not suppose to tell anyone....So when you talk to Jordyn, don't tell her that I had told you about her plan!"

2006-12-11T13:14:00.000-06:00

11 more days.

2006-12-07T15:21:00.000-06:00

We got our Marriage License today. 16 days....to get everything ready. Good goo.

2006-12-01T11:02:00.000-06:00

So incase you aren't counting.....
3 more weeks until my wedding!! I can't believe it!

2006-11-29T15:19:00.000-06:00

I think I'm going to quit my job and become a "Secret Shopper." It sounds reasonable to me. Then I can have babies and take them to work with me :)

2006-11-14T16:46:00.000-06:00

If you know me at all, you know I have little patience for repetition. I can't sit still most of the time. I need to be moving. This is why I have realized I hate my job so much. Every day is the same. I am completely bored. I am not challenged at all. The job could probably get done if I left my head at home. If I stay until June, I get a monetary bonus....but I keep asking myself if it is worth it. I am coming to the realization that it isn't. I have been unhappy here for a while....because of boredom. How am I supposed to live life to the fullest if I have to subject myself to this for 8 hours a day? I can't help but think that I can't fully live the way God wants me to live if I am stuck here. (I am at work obviously....and yet I have countless hours of time to surf the internet)
UGH....I just ask for your prayers as I seek my place in this world right now. I know what my passions are but it seems like so many things (mostly money, time and lack of experience) are getting in the way. I need Him.

GO VOTE TODAY!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-07T14:28:00.000-06:00

Our Troops are dying over seas, fighting for people just like you and me in other countries to have individual rights ....
So use your right to vote. Be a responsible citizen and vote.

2006-11-02T08:16:00.000-06:00

Here are some of our engagement pictures that were taken by my maid-of-honor/best friend, Brittany. She is incredibly talented :)

Ok...this one isn't for real, obviously.

This is my favorite.

Second favorite

2006-10-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

ACU HOMECOMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GATA Breakfast

En Fuego pledge class at breakfast

Michael and I were in Abilene a total of about 18 hours. We left on Friday and had to come back on Saturday after the Parade. We had a great time with friends and I realized how much I really love ACU, even though I would have never admitted that while I was there.

2006-10-10T10:12:00.000-05:00

Things that have made me incredibly happy today...
1. Using my heater on the way to work because it's freakin cold outside!!
2. I went to the post office this morning to buy stamps for my wedding invitations and they had cute little snowflake stamps that fit my winter wedding theme (as opposed to ALL of the other VERY tacky designs) :)
3. Only 10 more Saturdays until my wedding. (ok..not counting the actual wedding day)
4. I get to see my best friends in 3 days!!!!!!!!!

Ok...I thought I had more than that.

Onto the things that are annoying...
1. Though I love cold weather, none of my long dress pants fit me.
2. The 200 stamps that I bought this morning cost me $78.
3. I left my cell phone at home.
4. I can't find my paycheck from my part-time job at the moment. (I have an "idea" of where it may be)
5. There aren't a lot of California King size beds made anymore...and I need one.
6. The guys in my office think it is necessary to talk about football for the first 4 hours of work.

I could go on...

2006-10-04T16:23:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the pictures from the La Grange Shower....
We received a ton of wonderful presents and it was great to see everyone that came!
Brittany (my Maid of Honor) and her mom, Lori did an awesome job with the shower.

The Cake...obviously.

Little Karen (my mom)

Michael missed watching the Tech/A&M game to be with me at the shower.

Brittany

The McKee Family....which I will soon be a part of....

2006-10-02T14:49:00.000-05:00

Let me tell you a little story about the family I am marrying into.......

Maybe you have seen this on TV...maybe not.

Michael's aunt and uncle, Charles and Sandra Mckee, built an exact replica of the Munster Mansion in Waxahachie, TX. They have a charity event every Halloween to raise money for the charity of their choice. This year it is for the Parkland Burn Unit for Kids. Pat Priest (Marilyn Munster) will even be there to sign autographs. So if you will be in the Dallas area for Halloween this year, maybe you should stop by the McKee residence :)
www.munstermansion.com

2006-09-28T11:05:00.000-05:00

I have to admit....I cheated.

There were several years during Christmas that I waited until I was the only one in the house and I would unwrap some presents and wrap them back up before anyone would notice. Misti, remember that time when Winn's was closing and you bought me a HUGE box of crafts stuff?? Well, I unwrapped it....and wrapped it up again.

It is happening again. I have a shower this weekend in La Grange and I find myself looking at my registries online to see what gifts have been purchased thus far. I think it's an illness. I just can't help it. I blame it ALL on my job. If I wasn't stuck at my computer all day and forced to look on the internet, there wouldn't be a problem.

I tried to convince my niece to tell me what they got me on the phone lastnight. She wouldn't even tell me where I would use it in my house! Not fair. I told her that her mommy already told me what they got me....it didn't work.

2006-09-26T16:50:00.000-05:00

I need a new job. Any suggestions? I need serious ones.

Saturday Night Boredom

2006-09-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

I have a great idea for you people that have nothing better to do on a Saturday night....

Gerianne, Terra, Michael and I decided to have a little fun in the expense of our really loud and obnoxious college (guy) neighbors. For some reason, they thought it was really cool to play "The Monster Mash" and "YMCA" blasting out of their car in the driveway while they sat outside drinking with a bunch of girls at 12:00 am. HELLO!!! I was trying to enjoy "Dog: The Bounty Hunter" marathon.
So, Gerianne called and before the cops showed up, the other neighbors on the opposite side of the house went over and told them to turn the music off....so we didn't get to see any excitement when the cops showed up. VERY disappointing....

On another note....
I booked my hair appointment for my bridal portraits at Davidson-Taylor Salon. I hear I booked the best girl there...so we will see. My roommate works there...so she knows the inside scoop.
Thanks for everyones suggestions....even though I didn't use them :)
AND yes, Kim.....SuperCuts is wonderful :)

QUESTION FOR YOU LUBBOCK PEOPLE

2006-09-13T15:46:00.000-05:00

I need to find a place to get my hair done for my bridal portraits (Oct. 22nd) and my wedding (Dec. 23rd). They will have to be early appointments since my portraits are at 10:30 am and my wedding starts at 1:00 (with pics starting at 11:30 am).

ANY SUGGESTIONS?????????? I need help here people!

2006-09-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

Shows I am VERY excited about this Fall.....

1. Survivor (umm...hello! Have you SEEN the previews???? Diversity in a WHOLE different spectrum!)

2. The Amazing Race

3. Desperate Housewives

4. Grey's Anatomy

5. The Office

6. The Bachelor in Rome

7. The Biggest Loser

8. The Class

9. How I met your Mother

Anything I missed that I should be watching??????????????