Friday Five with Mama M

It's Friday Five

Rules: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog, answer them, grab the MckLinky Blog Hop code, and link up! I would be ever so grateful if you'd link back to me...Mama M.
 1. What is your favorite "eat" on Thanksgiving?

Ohhh Goodness. Geez, I love everything! But, if I had to pick one dish that is a "must eat" on Thanksgiving it would be Turkey Dressing. Ohhh boy ohhh boy! It's CrAzY good!



2. What is the name your best girl friend and the best trait about her or how you met (or heck, both!!)
-I don't have just one. I have many outstanding girlfriends, & they all win different awards. But, my number one bestest friend would go to my Mom. Clique right? Well, seriously... We are Mom & Daughter... & best friends too. Best Trait - She's Super Woman!


3. What would you say is one of your "weirdest" quirks?
- Haha, I'm with Mama M. I have bazillion strange quirks. Many that My Love has to hear all the time. A new quirk that I've just discovered about myself is... All our electric outlet covers & Light Switch covers... the line in the screw have to be horizontal. My Love put all of them up & I was quick to follow behind him fixing them.


4. What is your favorite genre of music? (Hip hop? Classical? Rock? etc.)
Oh, I love most genre. Like most, I'm not into the Heavy Heavy stuff. I'm in LOVE with 70's & 80's music. If anyone wants to bring a smile to my face, play 80's. I also love Country. Carrie Underwood's is just out of this world. All eyes & ears on her when she appears to be heard or seen!
- And Yes, I'm a BIG fan of Christmas Music too. It's not Christmas without Christmas songs playing in the car!!!


5. Are you a Night Owl...or an Early Bird?
Hmm? I'm gonna say a little bit of both. Depending on what's going on. I don't like to be out too too late, or get up too too early. I am a happy camper in the morning though.

Thursday Five with MannLand5

 Thursday FIVE with MannLand5


Happy

Joyful

Excited 

 Jubilant

Grateful



My Five

1. For once in a REALLY long time, I actually had a week where I get to come home and just... be free. Do whatever I want. Every week & weekend I have a million + 1 things to do, but this week it was so relaxing.  I loved it. I was able to cook a good dinner everynight! :) I love that.

2. Aaron & I are into American Idol. This year wasn't the greatest, but was still able to hold our attention. I was a Casey James Fan! His voice was amazing. Watch Casey. He was great! Aaron on the Other hand, Loved Lee Dewyze from the start. Lee has come a long way, and I believe he will go far. Watch Lee. Last Night, was the Final Night where the winner was announced. Lee DeWyze!!! Yay, we were excited, and yes I was Happy for Lee!

3. Our House!!!! Oh it's coming along. The painter is DONE! He only has to come back to paint the base trim after our floors are put in. [Which should be next week] We're beyond Siked! Also, All of our lights and light fixtures were installed!

4. Memorial Day Weekend  is this weekend! Boy oh Boy am I excited! Of course, I have to work tomorrow, but I do get a four day weekeend. I'm stoked! We are headed down to Fort McAllister [Richmond Hill, GA - Right where I grew up as a kid] to camp for the weekend. That means No make-up, No Blow drying the hair, Flip Flops & relax clothes. There will be a bunch of our friends & family that are joining us. We usually Eat a whole lot, Ride Bikes, Go Boat riding, Hang out at a Sand Bar, Play Cornhole, [Click HERE to understand the Game] Sometimes throw Horse Shoes but Corn Hole has overruled our gang, Play Cards, Whatever we want. It's very relaxing. Sitting on a Sand Bar w/ a cold one in my hand, soaking up the Sun, surrounded my the wonderful people in my life just makes me Smile.

5. Cooking & Baking - Of course, in the time of Celebrations, Holidays, or Just get togethers... I love to Stir something delicious up in the Kitchen. It brings me great Joy. Usually, I bring my Buffalo Chicken Dip. Everyone usually Raves over it, but this time... I'm changing it up some.
Anyway, this year I'm making homemade Brownies, Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos, & Bacon Wraps. Hmmmm, Yummy! I'm so excited about baking/cooking it all. Visit My Recipe Book

Beach Bum'

My Weekend was WoNdErFuL!!!!
Aaron & Myself went on a Double Date with Friends of ours, Holly & Matt. We decided on having Mexican for Dinner at  La Napolera, which is my favorite Mexican Resteraunt. It's delicous. Then we went to see Robin Hood in the Theater. It was pretty good. I sometimes have a hard time keeping up with whose French VS. whose English... but it was  pretty good.
Me & my sister -N- law, Bridget took her 6 month old, Reid to the Beach. They went for MOther's Day, but the weather was not the greatest. Reid got to really enjoy his day in the Sand, & laugh hysterically at the crashing waves!


                                                              Reid Eating pounds of Sand

Me & Reid - Soakn' up the Sun

Isn't he the Cutest little Beach Bum you've ever seen?

Two out of Three.. Very Niiice!

... Very rarely do I get the chance to get on once I clock out at 6, but this week we've been able to relax a little, && we LOVE it. I was disappointed to this morning when Aaron text me to say that our Floor Guy wasn't coming today to start on the floors, AND what we've picked out is on BACK ORDER! [tears] HAHA.. not really, but I was disappointed! So two more weeks and we are able to start moving in. Yay! [One not so good moment.. CHECK!]

I clocked out for lunch, only for my boss to tell me that I had the rest of the day off. Yes, that means it's my weekend to work, but... I completely forgot it was my half day today. I didn't know what to do with myself. MOst of the time, I have somewhere to be, being I never thought about it, I didn't squeeze anything in. Niiice. Therefore, I came home, changed, and headed to the house to clean windows. Which were VERY much needed.
[One surprising moment.. CHECK!]
Once I got to the house, I realize a lot more had been done. Our walls & trim/crown moulding is almost finiished. This is great! && I must bragg... It looks amazing, which put the biggest smile on my face.
[Another surprising moment... CHECK!]

Here are some photos of the house!

Our Bedroom

One of the Living Room walls

The Guest Bedroom/Craft Room

A glance of the Craft Room & Aaron's Man Room

Two out of three ain't bad!

"Even though we ain't got Money, I'm so In Love with you Honey..."

So, I'm not sure how I used to work 60 hours a week and still manage to make it to most every occassion and get everything done. Did I? I don't remember! I bring alot of my "have to make it to everything" on my self, because I like to help out, and I really do enjoy it. I HATE not attending things I am invited to. But come Monday, it catches up with  me.

"Dannys Song" - Loggins & Messina
[A Song that goes WAY back for us]


Friday Night - After emptying mine & Aaron's wallets to pay the painter for the week, Aaron decided he'd hang out w/ his work buddy, Danny! While I attended our Monthly Game Night w/ our friends. This time the Hosts were Daniel & Candice. They made delicious Low Country Boil, while the rest of us fattened everyone up with high calorie desserts! Yummy! It was the first time seeing their home [that they've been in a year now] I know, I'm bad.. but it was beauitful.
Saturday - After Sleeping in a bit, I got up to get ready for a busy busy day! I help a friend of mine, Holly with her Dance Studio. Whatever she needs me to do, I try to be there. At 2:00pm they had a walk through dance rehearsal.  I had to stop and pick up a wedding gift, in order to leave rehearsal, pick Aaron up at 3:30 and be at The Stewart Wedding in Pembroke at 4:00pm. Allen Stewart [The Groom] was a childhood friend of Aaron's. The wedding was beauitful. I LOVED their vows! Then of course, we atteneded the reception afterwards.
Sunday - Got up. Aaron went fishing with Patrick, while I got ready for the recital. I had to pick my niece, Chloe up from my Parents house... to bring her home to my Sister. We saaaang the whole way there to Carrie Underwood! Chloe said I sound JUST like her. Ha! THank you Chloe, I love you too!
No one in the world can sing like Carrie Underwood. I remember when I thought my mom sounded JUST LIKE Faith Hill. :) So, I made it to the Statesboro Theater, in order to help set and calm nerves. The recital couldn't have turned out any better! The girls were too precious! I loved everybit of it! I can't WAIT to watch the DVD.

STEPZ live

This doesn't even show the full effect of the stage! Each letter is Glitter!

Click Below to see Stepz Studio Pictures;

Click - Client Proofs

Click- StepZ Studio

 Michelle Seger - Photography

[Recital Picture are not up yet.. Will be shortly]

Got home around 6:15 in order to rest on the bed for about 10 mintues to changes and recharge for Bridgets Birthday Dinner at Miyabi's Japanese Steakhouse! Yuuummmmy! But I was falling asleep at the dinner table! :( No good! It's Monday, and I feel alright.. I gotta cut my girlfriend Karen's kids hair today on my way home! Life goes on and never slows down. It only gets faster! I love every mintue of it!

Three Things!

I'm so grateful in the way I was brought up. I might have hated hearing her nag, or stay on my butt, or complaining about participating in family events when I didn't want too, but It all comes together now.  There are three things my incredible Mother [ & was taught by her incredible Mother] that were always must haves in our lives. Whether we learned it or carried it on.

• Nursery Rhymes
• Etiquette [Manners/What to do & What not to do]
• Family Traditions

Nursery Rhymes - Wow! They were hugh growing up. "Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes", It had an older woman on the front cover with a goose, I believe walking down a path. The book had a black & white checkered boarder around the outside of it. I'm pretty sure I know most all Nursery Rhymes [give or take a few words]. If I don't know the exact words, then I know the story. This was important for us as a child. A lot of people I know, don't have a clue what they are, or they story! I'm years away from having babies, but I'll betcha my children will know them. They will be read to them daily. [& Aaron] He will be taught as well.
Etiquette [Manners/What to do & What not to do] - 
Now, not necessarily were we taught "Etiquette", meaning that wasn't the term used. A better choice of words are, " That's Improper". All my life, I just thought it was the way Mama wanted us [& the way Ganny wanted her Children]. But here recently I've realized, My grandmother [Ganny] was taught, Etiquette of Emily Post. Since I've been old enough to host parties, give showers, be a bridesmaid, be a maid of honor, write my own thank you cards, etc. I've always looked up the etiquette way to do something. Thanks to Mama, I follow her footsteps. Mama has always talked about Emily Post, but I never really paid attention. My girlfriend, Rachel and I were talking the other day, and she mentioned Emily Post. The next day, I bought her book! [Or one of her books, but rewritten by Peggy Post] I'm completely addicted to it. Aaron knows how I am about doing something a certain way, but now he gets to hear it as I read him things. Example: I've gotten a lot of laughs out of this one, [Especially from Aaron] was how to eat your spagetti. Strange right? Not in Emily's eyes, or mine, or my families. We were taught that you use a fork & a spoon. As you pick the spagetti up with your fork, you twirl it on your spoon, to keep the spagetti from running down your chin & you making that awful, disgusting slurping noise. NEVER was it okay to suck the noodles up. When reading the book, [with my Mother] we realized Ganny was taught Etiquette Emily Post Style. Mama said my grandmother always mentioned of her.  Other examples we were taught that was also in the book was excusing yourself from the dinner table asking, "May I please be excused?", Thank You notes for most everything, Proper Attire for certain occassions, etc. The book has it all. I plan to get every Emily Post book there is. You should too. It's interesting to read.
Emily Post says, Etiquette is not; A set of rigid rules, Something for the wealthy or well-born, A thing of the past, & Snobbishness. Because you choose to live this way, doesn't necessarily mean it's the right way.
 Family Traditions - HUGH in my family! We have a million plus some. Not on every holiday, but the majority of the ones where we get together and sit down as a family to have dinner! The holiday that requires most traditions is Thanksgiving. This has to be my favorite, because of the traditions. Food : [If you read our History blog, you know that my [blood] family is from the North. They are Yankees] When half of then ventured down to Georgia, 33 years ago life was a bit different. Food was a BIG change. They married southerns. SO when THanksgiving came, Ganny would have a FIT because Macaroni & Cheese was unacceptable. She had never heard. Vise Versa. So now, we have Northern food & Southern Food. We have Stuffing [cooked from the inside of the Turkey] & we have Dressing. We have Greens and we have Brussel Sprouts. Blah Blah. The Table: This plays a big part of our Thanksgiving Feast. On all holidays ACCEPT Thanksgiving, we make our places and sit to eat. Thanksgiving, every dish goes on the table, and we pass it along to each person sitting next to you. Oh, I forgot... We all sit together at one table. A festive table clothe over the table, two long candles, & everyone has a name tag sitting in front of their plates. You have a choice of Tomato Juice or Fruit Cocktail [that go in a certain glass cup].. Noooo, this isn't your drink. You can have anything you want to drink but it has to be in a glass. Wine should always be available. Dessert : Pumpkin Pie [w/ a pumpkin made out of the leftover crust to go in the center], Blueberry Pie, Pecan Pie, Cherry Pie, Apple Pie.. I believe that's it. We have to have a fruit bowl, a bowl of mixed nuts, & a small bowl of Butter Mints!  Most of the food dishes have particular ways to be made/cooked/baked.
The other thing we do, it have a Hat Competition. It had to be made my hand [by you] & should be festive. If you look in our Pisca photo gallery, you will see Mine & Aaron's of last years. And last but definitely not the least, we make "Turtles". We take the Walnuts, crack them in half, clean the inside out.. and melt wax from a candle to fill the hollow shell. Once that is done, we make a head, a tail, and four legs! Ta-Da! That's our Family Tradion for THanksgiving! I love traditions, and will continue to do the same as the years pass by.

Thank you Mama for raising us well. Life makes more sense as you get older every year. I didn't understand a lot of ways and reason, but... it comes together now, and I like the person I am. [I'm a mini me of you]. THanks to my Amazing Grandmother, Ganny... She was one of a kind, but a genuis in this families eyes! I can't wait to have my own children and teach them everything I've been taught.

Surprise Surprise!!!

This weekend was A-MAZING, but I feel like I have weights sitting on myeyelids this morning.  NOT GOOD!  Friday, Aaron and I both took the day off. We spent that morning getting things some things done for the house. After our errands, & eating at The Omelette House we headed back to Ellabell. Aaron was leaving for Santee to go "Serious" Fishing. [Serious defined Sleep in the Jon Boat... bring your own TP fishing!] I had already packed his bags the night before.. but I was really sad this time. I secretly packed Oreos & Chocolate Chips.. We had every kind of medicine [incase he was starnded], extra water and a picture of US to go along with it. [HAHA] I was completely fine with staying back until that morning. My heart hurt. He was coming back that Sunday, but this time... I was s0o0o sad. It isn't usually like that. To tell ya the truth, I cried as I walked away... I went inside and lifted up the blinds a tiny bit and watched him leave... because he knows me so well.. he was waving good-bye, knowing I was peeking... that made it worse. - I then went shopping w/ Danni & later hun out w/ Rachel & Lacey Howell!
Saturday morning - I packed my bag! I couldn't stand it. I knew Aaron wouldn't be staying on the boat all night. In fact, that night we would be joining his parents at their place in Santee. Aaron orginally asked me to come up Saturday, but I declined being I had to work & MOthers Day was the next day.
So, I worked until 2 o'clock and then helped my girlfriend Holly at her Dance Studio.We finished at 5:35 and I was calling Mrs. Kandi informing her I was on my way.   It takes two hours to get there, which would make me arriving at 7:40. Traffic was wonderful, and I made it in an hour & fourty minutes. :)
                                     

"Come give J a Kiss!"

[my key to him, to let him know I was there]

He was surprised, and I must say.. he was wearing a HUGH smile [& called me sneaky]. He thought I was going out for a Bachorlette Party! Later that night, After dinner... Aaron hands me his Ipod, telling me he wants me to listen to this song. [I smiled big...knowing something was up]



                                                    Whenever We're Alone - Brantley Gilbert
                                            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNnUGDZ8wNg



Did it not just give you the most Amazing chills & make your heart beat 10 times faster? Because that's what mine was doing... only I teared up too! He's incredible!

Sunday - MOTHER'S DAY! :) Mama & Aaron were coming home from the races. So, I played 9 holes of golf w/ Mrs. Kandi, Mr. Paul, & Aaron that morning, and then headed back to meet my parents, Kim, Tommy & the kids for Dinner at Cheddars. Mama didn't know we were going to be there. We surprised her as well. It was a great turn out! I got home, just enough to change clothes and head to Paul & Amandas. It was actually their ONE YEAR Anniversary! They asked us over for Steaks! [Delicious] . We also watched them eat their Wedding cake, which apparently was nasty. They made some pretty awful facial expressions. We ended the night playing Mario Brothers! :)
As for Aaron and I, we are PASSED exhausted today! Both of us agreed to bedtime EARLY. Of course after we cut hair & do some house work! :)

NO MORE Stages!

It's that time again... Monday! The weekends just fly by too fast. Were do I even begin?
- We had a extremely eventful weekend, [as always].
Friday-  Leaving work at 6pm, I rushed home to leave immeditately for Tybee. My good friend, Heather just turned 23. Due to my grown up life, I had to work while her, and the rest of our friends stayed in a beach house. :( Although, We were able to go down there to celebrate a little friday night. Me, Aaron, & Joe Howell loaded up and headed that way. We stopped to grab a bite to eat at Applebees. Who ever knew we'd have loads of fun at Applebees. I had Heather a gift, and brought a card for the guys to give to her. [i believe in birthday gifts] As we ate dinner, we decorated the entire card with different suggestions she should do or advise she should know at age 23. It got pretty hysterical. There were graphic pictures drawn as well. After Dinner we met up w/ Heather, Brett [her bf], their friend... DArn I forgot, Brandi, Derek, Kevin, Danni, & Nic! We danced the night away. Well, until 12:30 when the three of us had to leave. :( I had to work at my grown up job the next morning.
Saturday - 5:30am came early for Aaron & Joe. They were partners in the First Baptist Church of Pembroke Fishing tournament! Aaron lost a few fish he was a little disturbed about, but caught a 7lb bass. They got second place & won the Biggest fish award. How it works, is they add up ALL the fishes weight... The first place winners beat them by 2lbs. Aaron said they had some nice looking ones! :) - While they competed, I worked! :( We were SUPER busy, and I was there by myself. Working Saturday aren't bad, but I was past  EXHAUSTED.. I treated myself to a Pedicure! My feet needed it, and my body needed relaxation. I actually fell asleep in the chair! I NEVER do that!
I got home, about the time Aaron walked in the door. I wanted a nap S0O00O0O badd, but I knew I'd be worthless. Aaron napped, as I curled my massive head of hair! It took me an hour & a half. ANNNNND.. I set the curling iron right on my chip! Who does that? I didn't drop it.. I just kinda placed it right there. I freaked.. but was able to cover it up with makeup. My chin was caked with foundation. [It now looks as if I have a hugh hickey on my chin] Saturday Night - Seven years ago... I was crowned. [An Amazing night, I will NEVER forget] They decided to ask all the past Queens [20 years] to be apart of this years pageant entertainment. When I got the call from my Ex Cheerleading Coach.. I was a little nervous, but said sure, due to then getting the past 20.  to make a loooong story short. I was never informed on what was going on. THanks to COach Clark, I had a bit of an idea. The night before the pageant I found out I was supposed to turn in a biography. No clue! Wrote it in seconds, just introducing myself, & where I've been since graduating.[OTC/Comestology/Insurance/Good Luck]
 Arriving to the pageant, feeling a little akward, they direct me to back stage.. and once again, ask me to rewrite my bio! [I tried not to let my nerves get the best of me!] So I through the second bio together, and kept it simple.: Jessica Arendes / Crowned 2003 / Property & Casulty Insurance Agent for First Acceptance / Would like to wish all the contestants Good luck & to always remember, It's the Beauty on the inside that Counts! Waa-La! The Pageant starts.. intermission is here... Our turn! [Butterflies] I'm not the stage kinda girl anymore.. So as they announce me, I'm escorted across the stage, and my legs are shaking. I see bright lights! All I wanted to do was stare at my love! [and I did] My Dad Aaron, Mama, & my love Aaron were smiling.. Watching.. and talking to me. Yes.. Talking to me. Apparently I looked "PISSED" or "upset" [were their words] But I wasn't.. I was nervous and felt akward. 
After the pageant, I was very comfortable to kick off the heels, and put some jeans on.. We ended the night playing Cornhole at the Chavis'!
SUNDAY.... Slept in, Fished by the pond, a little house work, and Ended our day with Hooters with friends. I think we've become addicted to Fried Pickles & Daytona Wings!

         Catching a Monster!



 Aaron's 12 pound Catfish

Our Living Room Windows are framed! Aren't they beautiful?