North Carolina New Beginnings

Body For Life

2011-06-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

I have decided to start journaling about my Body For Life journey. This is an amazing program and the only one that has ever worked for me because it is a LIFE change. There is no magic pill for weightloss. The key is consistency. Once you have the know-how and will power, your will have the key ingredients to a successful weightloss.

I was introduced to Body For Life back in 2001 when i was going through a rocky separation and later on divorce. I was alone and felt that way most of the time. I needed something to empower me. I wanted to feel like I had a place in the world and I wanted to be incharge. I stumbled across BFL online and after reading many Many MANY success stories, I decided to give it a go! I ended up losing 40lbs and dropping dress sizes from an 18 down to a 12. I was playing ALOT of tennis and working out every day~~~!! I felt the greatest I have EVER felt. Then, life went on. As the years rolled by, I stopped eating the BFL way and started eating my way. I now know that that is not the way to go about things, but that is what brought me here today. I am hopeful that this blog will inspire others to getting as healthy as they possibly can. I'm no expert but am doing what I know what is right for me at this point in my life. :)

Go to www.bodyforlife.com and read about their program. There are some wonderful support groups online communities and that will help so much:)

So, lets start at the very beginning. In the last 2 years, I have gained 40 pounds. I was in a car accident in 2008 which left me with lots of aches and pains in my back and hips and working out was out of the question. I have Degenerative Disk Disease in my lower back so that is not helping matters. I have always said, I've got to start doing something. I seemed to say that alot! I believe that you have got to surrender yourself completely when starting a program. For me, this meant going through my pantry and throwing out everything that I knew was not good for me.

In Bill Phillips, Body For Life, book, it goes into detail the foods that you can eat and those in which you can not.

So today is my week 3 day 3.

It's a tough life !

2011-05-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

2 of my favorite kitties like to hang out with me while I'm cozying up on the couch with the laptop and a good movie :)

New Year New Me

2011-02-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

errr, something like that. I'm back in bloggy action. I'm making some changes to the blog and I'll be back at it again :)

It's "What's for dinner?!"

2010-07-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Sesame Beef Stir Fry (Eating For Life, Bill Phillips)

Lean ground beef, brown rice, broccoli and napa cabbage stir-fried in sesame-soy sauce! DELISH!

2 portions brown rice (about ½ cup uncooked)
2 portions lean ground beef (about ½ lb)
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 green onions, sliced
1 cup broccoli slaw (found near bagged salads in produce department)
1 cup napa cabbage, shredded
1 tbsp lite soy sauce

Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Prepare brown rice according to package instructions.

While the rice is cooking, in a medium skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove the beef from the skillet, drain and set aside.

Heat sesame oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and green onions; stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the broccoli slaw and cabbage; stir fry for 2 minutes. Add rice and soy sauce; stir fry for 2 more minutes.

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the rice and vegetable mixture and season with red pepper flakes, to taste. Stir until ingredients are well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.

Divide into 2 portions, serve and enjoy.

Eating for Life is an EXCELLENT book and I have enjoyed cooking from it in times-past. Now that hubby and I are eating right for LIFE, it seems approipriate start cooking from it again. I will post pictures tonight of this dish as well as what we thought about it:)

CHEERS!

Be Still and Know (high quality)

2010-05-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

Please pray for this little girl!

2010-04-30T08:15:00.001-07:00

Bowzart will be donating $2 from every hairbow sold to this sweet family whose little girl has been diagnosed with cancer. Please take a moment to read their blog, pray for them and give what you can or order our new Susana Hairbows.

http://www.howcantheyhear.org/

Thank you!

Things are gonna be a changin'

2010-03-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

My blog is about to get a complete makeover :) whoohoo! I am very excited that Susan, my wonderful miracle blog queen is going to start workin' her magic:)

March 1st

2010-03-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

I can't belief it is already March. I am so thankful though, maybe the cold weather will move out and we will have some nice days ahead. Things have been busy in the PIckering household. My business is going well and I'm entering the 3rd week of organizing in my office. It is not a small task, let me assure you. Last night for the first time ever, I was able to go to the shelf, find the clip that I needed and go back to work. It was simply amazing:) I wlll try my best to keep it like this forever:)

Steve has been sick for the past week with a sinus infection which he so lovingly has shared with me. Now I"m all stopped up and sinusy and just tired. I am at work, however, and am getting some computer work done while the little one sleeps. Which brings me to my next topic. She's almost 1 year old and she's crawling! Not on the hardwoods, but she is crawling. This is a whole new world for us! I can't wait to go to the hands on museum with her. It will be fun.

Pictures to come soon:)

Rachel Ray's 30 minute meals in a year!

2010-01-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

After watching the Rachel Ray show today, I'm convinced that her meals are quick and easy and just what I need to get my new eating plan started for the new year. I was inspired by a guest who she had on the show who started out as size 18, started cooking her meals, making sure that she used the healthiest ingredients and eating the correct portion size and she is now a size 2. She lost 100 pounds in 13 months. What's the worst that could happen right? So, I'm currently making out my grocery list and I'm off to the grocery store this afternoon:) Look out swimsuit season, here I come!

I currently have two 30 meal recipe books and will go through those books in the next year cooking healthy meals for myself and the hubs.

What's for dinner tonight???

Tex-Mex Lovers Mini Meatloaves SUBMITTED BY:
Tracey Seaman

The whole family will fall in love with this complete meal, and kids will have fun helping to shape the meatloaf "hearts."

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 bunch scallions, white and green parts separated and thinly sliced
Salt and pepper
1 cup brown rice
1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed into crumbs (2 handfuls)
6 tablespoons store-bought medium-hot salsa, plus more for serving
1 large egg
1 pound extra-lean ground beef or dark meat ground turkey
1 can small red beans (15 ounces), rinsed
DIRECTIONS:
Pre-heat the oven to 400°F.
In a small saucepan, heat the EVOO over medium heat. Add the scallion whites and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the rice to coat. Add 1 3/4 cups water and bring to a boil. Cover the pot, lower the heat and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat together the tortilla chip crumbs, salsa, egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix in the ground beef. Place a 3- to 4-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter on the prepared baking sheet. Press a quarter of the meat mixture evenly into the cookie cutter; remove the cutter. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture. Wash your hands after handling the raw meat.
Bake the meatloaves until firm to the touch, about 15 minutes.
Stir the beans and scallion greens into the rice and season with salt. Serve with the mini meatloaves and extra salsa on the side.
Recipe by Tracey Seaman, Test Kitchen Director, Every Day with Rachael Ray. Reprinted with permission from Every Day with Rachael Ray.

photography

2010-01-10T19:26:00.000-08:00

FUR-eeeeeeezing!

2010-01-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

Cold feet no more!! NOpe, not gonna have them, because of these new awesome shoes!! I laughed at people when I saw them because it's a little bit ironic that you are putting fur inside shoes with holes, right??

Since this freezing cold weather, I've been looking for something to keep my feet warm, something more than just bedroom slippers. I found these shoes online and just got them in on Thursday of this week and they are the most comfy warm shoes ever!! Put on a pair of socks and it's warm feet heaven:)

Get yours today!

UGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2009-12-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

This letter was sent to me by my adoptive Mary Kay Director, Beth Wright in North Carolina.

Words cannot express the sadness I have in my heart for one of my dear personal recruits who has been a part of this unit for almost 14 years.
I received a call last night letting me know that Lynn and Rick Davis’s daughter –18 yr old Stephanie was hit by a car on the campus of
Emery University last Friday night and passed away Saturday morning around 10am. Stephanie was a beautiful, brilliant girl there as a freshman on a full scholarship and pre-med.

Please lift this family –Lynn and Rick Davis and their two other daughters in your prayers not just today---but continually.
With most of us being mothers/parents, I cannot begin to imagine their grief.

Also-I know there is so much comfort and strength that comes from knowing others care………
Will you PLEASE make the time to send them a letter or card?

Lynn and Rick Davis and family
308 Maverick Trail Dr.
King NC 27021

REAL women Devotion

2009-11-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

I had to share this particular devotion. It is a devotion that you really should check out that is sent every day. http://www.olivebaptist.org/Real/

The Dream

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17
As little girls we all have dreams
Of being a princess or even a queen
Of a knight in shining armor or a prince from a faraway land,
Who rescues you from danger then gently kisses your hand.
As that little girl grows older, those dreams may seem to die,
For the world tries to steal your dream and you unknowingly comply
Yet there's a KING who calls you chosen, you are beautiful in His eyes,
And He keeps that dream of being royalty somewhere in your heart, alive
It all seems like a fairytale - something too good to be true
But there is One who thinks you're priceless, your fragile heart He will pursue
He wants you to know this is not a dream
He is your RESCUER, REDEEMER, your SAVIOR, your KING!
He's waiting patiently, beloved, to captivate your soul.
Run into His open arms and HE will make you whole.
Prayer:

Father, you are my King. Thank you for loving me just as I am. Help me to comprehend my worth in your eyes. Teach me to love others with that same unconditional love. In Jesus name.

Teresa Tucker

2009-10-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to visit Kelly's blog and visit some very CRafty crafters:) Yours truly is #187 !

UPDATE 1 week until Octoberfest!

2009-10-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

Time is drawing near until we leave for my 1st ever festival in Cleveland, MS. Octoberfest is a festival that we would look forward to every year. With food, crafts, entertainment and lots of things for the kiddos to do, there is always something for every age to do at the great Festival:)

here's how it's going so far! Bows are almost made, tutus are getting there and bow holders are getting their final touches :)

pumpkin tutu's

2009-09-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

You have got to get your little one a pumpkin tutu for halloween:) She'll be sure to be the cutest one in the bunch!

$25-$45 newborn and up :) Email me at Bowzart@charter.net

Daily Dose

2009-08-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

This is amazing! If you aren't moved by this, you and I need to chat!

Daily Snippet

2009-08-24T21:46:00.001-07:00

thursday's daily snippet!

2009-08-20T00:41:00.000-07:00

If you want a good laugh, go to my friend Mommy Cracked's blog! It is sure to give you a laugh:)I know I needed one today! Oh yea, and wish her a happy birthday:)

giggle giggle - quack!

I enjoy being a girl!

2009-08-18T12:54:00.001-07:00

daily snippet

2009-08-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

I read a couple of blogs that have daily snippets of what is going on in their lives, so I thought I would do the same. Things at my house seem to stay pretty busy these days so doing this seems really logical to me at this stage in the game. To give you a little understanding of why I must do this I'll let you know what's going on in my world.

I nanny 3 days per week, that’s almost 40 hours in those three days. I've also started a business last October making hair bows and other girly girly things:) Recently, I've discovered that tutus, yes, tutus are very fun and worth my time to create. So, on the days that I'm not caring for a 4 1/2 month old, I'm making hair bows or name boards or hair bow holders and yes my friend, even tutus :)

In October of this year, I'm going to attend and try to sell my goods at the ever popular Octoberfest in Cleveland, MS. I grew up in MS and loved going to this festival every year! I can not wait to go back and see friends and family and pray that my business does well.

I am also a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. I don't think that anyone should be "stuck" in a job or a profession so I am doing what I love to do all because I have a caring husband who loves and supports me in all that I want to do and I love him so very much for that! If you would like to visit my website, you may do so HERE!

I am doing all of these things because I love doing them all. Also I am doing them because after Hubby and I were married, having children was just about near impossible. We went down many roads to try to conceive, but it just was not possible. It was not the Lord’s will for our lives at that time. We are now trying to pay off the debt that we incurred while going down those roads in the hopes of someday maybe trying to adopt a child that God will bless us with. We want to be debt free and be confident that we have the means to start a family.

So, in today’s picture, is one of the things I love doing and will continue to do as long as the Lord leads me to do so

Christmas in July Bloggy give away!!

2009-07-19T02:42:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of a 7 part series to the Christmas in July give away! y'all go give Stacey at Treasures from Life's Garden some bloggy love! She is having a totally awesome give away so go and sign up everyday and be sure to leave your email address so she can contact you when you've won!
To enter today's give-a-way, leave your name and email address in the comment section on Stacey's blog. For a double chance to win, post a link on your blog. Email Stacey and let her know you have posted it. You can also leave a link on your fb page to triple your chances to win. Just let her know so she can verify. You can enter daily.

Good luck!

Go HERE to enter! Be sure to go tell all of your friends and family to visit her web page as well!

loves~!

Leigh

New items!

2009-07-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

3 Initial Hair Bow Holder $45

Child Size Posh Flops $15

Bloggy GIVE AWAY!!!

2009-07-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hey fellow bloggers! I wanted to let you in on a give away that my friend, Stacey, is having over at her blog. It's Christmas in July and every day she will have a give away. There are some great items up for grabs so you'll want to head there directly and bookmark her page to enter her give aways each day!

The give away starts July 18th and will run the entire week! Go Forth and get awesome FREE STUFF:)

Go HERE to check it out!

Leigh

Mr. Linky's Hipity Hopity Blog Hop

2009-07-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hey gals and guys! Every month there will be a theme for the blog hop and this month's is introduction to your blog. This is the first MckLinky blog hop!

Just wanted to give a big warm welcome to my visitors from the MckLinky Blog Hop! I am Leigh from Florida, originally from Mississippi and currently reside in Arden, North Carolina, about 10 minutes south of Asheville. I blog about all sorts of things including 2 of my businesses I am trying to get up and running. I am married to my wonderful husband, Steve, and I have 3 adorable felines: Toby, Maxi, and Bella:) There is always something going on around my house whether it be classes for Mary Kay or discovering new ways of making hair bows. I blog about those things and our many many excursions around our new city. There is never a boring moment here except for here lately, I've broken a bone in my foot so I have time to do things like Blog Hopping which is not boring at all! Thanks for stopping in and please subscribe to my blog...I love new readers!

Redesign

2009-07-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

I'm about to have Susan over at Blog Designs by Susan redesign my blog. Please give me some feedback on which ones are your favorites.

I love Color so these are a few of my favorites:)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Give away winner

2009-06-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Go HERE To check out the bow winner ! She is precious

Picture time with the nieces:)

2009-06-29T07:07:00.001-07:00

Give away on my "other" blog:)

2009-06-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Go check out my give away on my Mary Kay blog:) It is well worth the click over there:)

cheers!

Leigh

Camping trip!

2009-06-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so in a couple of weeks, maybe a week and a half, my husband and I along with several other couples from our Bible Fellowship class from church will be going camping:) yay! Camping is a little foreign at the Pickering house so we are going to have to borrow a few things from friends and neighbors to get through the weekend. I, for one, am an avid camper! Having set up camp in our back yard as a youngin' and roasting marshmallows on the gas stove, how much harder could it be, right?

So, last year we slept in a house which is on the hill above the camping area. With the river peacefully running next to our campsite, what could be better! I have to back up a little here, last year, steve and I were the last ones to arrive at camp, so to speak. Steve has sleep apnea, so he has to use a machine to sleep, therefore, he needs ELECTRICITY for this to happen. SOOO, this year, our dear friends have volunteered an extension cord for him to use. Isnt' that sweet?? We live in the most beautiful area and we have never been camping. I think this will be perfect for us because it's not like we are in the middle of nowhere. We will be 30 feet from a house with ELECTRICITY. I will probably be the one sleeping in the tent. Me and my pillow:)

I can smell it now, eggs on the grill, bacon and coffee, oh the sweet memories we will make while on this trip!

So, i need supplies! So far, we have water and a grill, oh and a cooler! help me in my search to find other things that we HAVE to have. Besides bugspray and citronella candles what more could we need:)

tent
air mattress
flashlight
sleeping bag, which for me and my hot flashes, i will just have a sheet!
food
what else!!???

In the meantime, here are some pictures from last years trip!

Rainy Day

2009-05-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

It seems that I have been lurking on my own blog. I know that my 3 readers don't mind:) My job is going well, little Amelia is getting stronger every day. It's funny that we are trying to figure her out when from week to week, she is changing:)

My bowzart business is going well. I'm working on new projects for friends and family in the hopes that they can spread the word on where to get cute, one-of-a-kind bows, bow holders and name boards.

The Lord has certainly blessed us so I'll just let you check out the new items HERE that I have put on my blog.

That is all for now. I'll post some pictures of our hike this past weekend tomorrow.

God Bless!

Leigh

New Family

2009-05-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am the proud new nanny to little Amelia! Isn't she precious???

Stay tuned for more cutie patootie pictures of Little Amelia in some pretty sassy bows:) Yay! I finanny have a model for my craft:)

Leigh=NC

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!!

2009-04-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

I'm late with Tuesday's meal!!! so sorry, but even though I'm just putting this up, you can make it on the stove-top:)

Here are the crock pot directions:)

4 frozen skinless chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning
1 large jar salsa
1 large bag frozen corn
3 cans black beans drained

Lid on. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours:) Serve with lowfat shreaded cheese, nonfat sourcream and tortilla chips.

I don't have all the nutrition infor on this one, but 1 cup of this is 2 points on the WW counter:)

ENJOY!!!

Go over Here and see the cutie patootie who is sporting her brand new piggie tail holders to match her DSU cheerleader uniform:)

Monday's Meal for lunch

2009-04-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

This chicken and apple salad can be used atop a bed of lettuce and crunchy salad vegetables, or stuffed into a pita pocket for a sandwich.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:

* 2 cups cooked skinless chicken breast, cubed(cooked on the forman grill)
* 1 stalk of celery, sliced ( yuckk0) no celery for me!
* 1 medium unpeeled apple, diced (fugi for me)
* 1/4 cup raisins(i'm using craisins, a nice change)
* 1 tbsp lemon juice(nothing but fresh squeezed lemon juice)
* 1/4 cup low fat yogurt
* 1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
* 1 tsp curry powder

Preparation:
Place chicken cubes in a medium bowl along with sliced celery, diced apple and raisins. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, yogurt, mayonnaise and curry powder. Pour over chicken and toss to coat.

Serves 4

Per Serving: Calories 229, Calories from Fat 24, Total Fat 2.6g (sat 0.7g), Cholesterol 85mg, Sodium 237mg, Carbohydrate 17.2g, Fiber 1.7g, Protein 34.1g

Hubby and I are now working out at the gym in the mornings. I have water aerobics on Monday and Wednesday at 11:30 and we take walks in the evenings when he gets home. The Pickering home is going to be a much healthier place:)

I've had hip and back pain for the last 4 years and I know in my heart that no pills are going to fix it. It may help it for a while but losing weight will make it a much better situation:) I want to feel better on the inside and out and this has made me feel better already:)

I will post Lunch meals and dinner meals if they are different than lunch meals:) Breakfast will almost always be 2 eggs with an apple or orange and a cup of coffee:)

Have a great night and I'll write more tomorrow:)

Leigh!

Mary Kay

2009-04-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Find out why NOW is the BEST time to become a consultant!!

Click HERE For the details!!

Hailey's soccer game

2009-04-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

GO HERE to see the details:)

American Idol Top 8

2009-04-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

Danny Gokey -1980 - “Stand By Me” - I was thinking when he started this song, "oh yea, a song I know." When he started it, I wasn't crazy about it, but it's DANNY so he made it right. I've loved his voice from the beginning so I really thought he pulled through it. I know he'll be around for a while. He's a breath of fresh air and I like him, but that's my 2 cents:)

Kris Allen - 1985 - “All She Wants To Do Is Dance”- I had Kris in my top 4 last week, but this week, I just didn't get it. I was caught up in what the music was doing than where he was in the song. He kind of lost me tonight and I just am not sure if this was the right song for him.

Lil Rounds - 1984 - “What’s Love Got To Do With It" What is the DEAL?? I loved Lil in the beginning but I just don't get where she's wanting to go with her performances. It's an odd thing, but to me, she sounded like another kareoke performance. I want to hear the soul and the passion that she had when she started. I'm not sure about her at all!

Anoop Desai - 1986 - “True Colors”- I'm sorry, but I don't see it. He sang the song nicely, but I've never really loved his voice from the start and to me some weeks, it has been a joke to him, I mean, come on TOP 8. Give me the good stuff!

Scott McIntyre - 1985 - “The Search Is Over” - What can you say about Scott. He's a good guy, but unfortunately, this is not about being a good guy, it's about whether you can stay up with the pack and I just don't believe that he is there. He is much more comfy behind the piano and I love him there. How about some Foreigner, I wanna know what love is:)Never Surrender, Corey Hart, I can totally fee; it:) moving on,,,,,

Allison Iraheta - 1992 - “I Can’t Make You Love Me” come on people, she's 16!!! I could not believe she was singing this, in fact, I could not even look at the screen when she was singing this. I want to believe the singer when they are singing the songs and I realize that they are just songs, but to feel the song is believe it. Other than that, the song was great! I thought she did a great job like she always does and she will be in the top 3.

Matt Giraud - 1985 - “Part-Time Lover” ok, this was not my favorite song, but it worked. I like Matt and I think he had more of a JT vibe going on which was nice, but I could totally see him doing something else. 1985 was a great year and i was,,,,12,,ugh!

Adam Lambert - 1982 - I don't know the name of the song, but Simon thought it was amazing and gave him a Standing Ovation. He is original and all of that. I just don't get him. Adam, it might just be his year.

All in all, Danny is my favorite. NO matter what happens, he's my favorite of all:)

Leigh-NC
You can also find me at
www.bowzart.net

snow in april Nice! Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-07T21:11:00.001-07:00

New over at BowzArt

2009-03-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

Bow Holders ! Get yours now in time for Easter!!

go HERE to check them out:)

One of my three babies:)

2009-03-26T13:31:00.001-07:00

Toby loves his reindeer:)

New Hairbow

2009-03-25T00:21:00.001-07:00

I have been busy over at the BowzArt site. Just Look at the adorable hair bow I created tonight:)

take a look at my other creations:)

www.BowzArt.net

Shoes not for sale

2009-03-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

One of the very best memories in my childhood is the Sock Monkey that my parents gave me when I was a wee one:) My awesome hubby purchased these slippers knowing that it would remind me of my childhood. Once again, he shows me why I love him so very much! He is so very thoughtful and I love him:)

Sinus Surgery

2009-03-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! I had Sinus Surgery today so, i'm going to be out for a few days and as i was typing that, i nodded off. Man, i think the meds are kicking in!

I'll be back soon!

Leigh

Late but here

2009-03-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot that this Monday's are pet peeve Mondays, so I know it's Tuesday but hey, I'm trying here!

I spent all day in my office trying to get things straightened, and let me tell you the oodles and ooogles of samples, products, junk, clutter, paperwork and everything else that was in and around my office was so much work! I hope to NEVER go back there again. What I do need from all 4 of my bloggy readers is some organizational advice/help:) here's a picture of one side of my closet. I'm only showing you one side because the other side looks just the same only worse. I need some help organizing it. Please, come one, come all, out with your help and help me get a little organization IN my life.

Bloggy Give Away

2009-03-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

Go over to my new blog BOWZART and check out my give away:)

Really cool snow pictures

2009-03-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Before moving to NC, I thought, hey, it's is going to be great! It's gonna snow in the winter yay! I believe it has snowed 4 times since we've been here and today it has snowed the most. So, what do I have to do, I have to get out and get some good pictures. This place is awesome and has so many cool places to photograph:) Just take a look see:)

Man, he makes sleep look good!!

2009-02-27T22:39:00.000-08:00

My sweet Toby-cat:) He is amazing:) He can sleep through anything. Here I am typing away on my laptop and I hear this little snoring like breathing going on. Oh man, he's so cute! But don't take my word for it!!

See for yourself!

Pet Peave Monday:)

2009-02-22T22:50:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday while playing with little "H" at the museum, I figured out that lots of things people do get on my nerves:) So, after we played, we went to the local Ingles food Center. I have a feeling this is one of my many videos to come:) Welcome to Pet Peave Monday:)

registered domain name, now what?

2009-02-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

i have waited until 10 at night to register my domain name. This is a big mistake because now there is no one up to help me figure out how to do the transfer, so to speak. I've read the "help" section of "go daddy" and all of that but I just don't get it. I need help people, and this is not in a mental way, well, maybe it is, but I need it HELP!!!

by the way, Mommy Cracked did help me for a bit tonight until she had to go put her child to bed:) So, thank you Mommy Cracked for all you were able to help me with tonight:)

Valentine Breakfast:)

2009-02-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

First off, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's day!

This morning was fun! I woke up with a severe sinus headache, so off to walmart I went to get some Zyrtec D. I,for one, can not function unless I have it:) seriously!

so, whilest in walmart, i get the bright idea to make French Toast which I haven't made in so long. I managed quite well and made bacon, and fresh whipped cream to go with the lovely strawberries:) It was a good breakfast:)

Breakfast in bed would have been lovely, but he made up for it with the loot that I will soon post:) Not that Valentines is all about getting, but part of this is my anniversary gift:) Our anniversary is April 16, but hubby knew that I could use it now:) Enjoy the pictures:)

w

My Valentine's Day Wish!

2009-02-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

Bows and Makeup what could be better!!

2009-02-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

Hi bloggy friends, I would like for EVERYONE to go by and look at my other two blogs. ONe is my BowzArt blog which I am so grateful for. It's not every day I get to meet such wonderful people on my blog.

BowzArt

The other is my Mary Kay Blog. this blog has suffered since the birth of my BowzArt site, but I am trying to make more of it so I've decided to start giving away product:) Go visit each of them and tell me what you think:)

Mary Kay Blog and Website

I will be having a give away every two weeks for each of my blogs:)

Thanks for being my friends:)

PLEASE READ!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-28T08:02:00.000-08:00

If you are cocerned about that small business owner, Please read HERE!

Working Hard

2009-01-23T23:00:00.001-08:00

Hey! I've been working especially long hours trying to get my BowzArt blog reorganized for better viewing. I have also been making bows, clips and streamers for schools and Valentine's Day sales. Please visit my site and let me know if I can help you in any way! I now have monogramming for my bows and am working to get all of that information on the blog. It's a work in progress.:) Please visit my site HERE and have a Blessed day!

I love what she said and How she said it!

2009-01-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

I read this mom's blog daily and I agree with her on what this mom's blog had to say:)

I have also started reading THIS blog recently. What a sweet family who is going through some tough times at the moment. Please lift them up in prayers also as their baby has been and will continue to be in the NICU for several weeks because of a weak heart and lungs.

have a blessed day!

It's 12 degrees outside, feels like -7, now that's just not right!!

To all my bloggy loves:)

2009-01-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

I was sitting here tonight chatting with my sister in Florida, realizing how much I miss her and her sweet family. If you could, drop by her blog and read her post from tonight. There is a very sweet friend of hers who passed away and she is very sad. IN your quiet time, please remember this sweet lady and her family and friends.

Go here to read my sister's blog post.

Have a blessed evening!

Hailey!! We are so proud of you!

2009-01-18T22:11:00.000-08:00

I received a call the other night from my sister telling me that Hailey, my 6 year old niece, had just prayed to ask Jesus to come into her life!!! Tonight we were privileged enough to see her being baptized by her father! The services are always broadcast on the internet for anyone wanting to watch. Tears of joy ran down my face as I watched the service tonight. I know that the Lord is going to do great things in her life~!

We love you Hailey!! We are so proud of you:)!!!!

Fallen Soilder is Coming Home

2009-01-15T21:46:00.000-08:00

Our town is quite saddened with the funeral of Lance Cpl. Jessie Cassada. I've just finished reading about his just finishing boot camp in November of 2007 and soon after that in 2008 deployed from Camp Lejune in November 2008 with the 2nd Division, 8th Marines, L Company. This young man, only 19 years of age died defending the country he loved so dearly.

Not realizing what was going on today, I picked up the kids from school and headed to downtown Hendersonville for our usual icecream cone on Thursday afternoon. About halfway there, one of the charges noticed a flag at half staff and she mention that we should be celebrating Marin Luther King's birthday. That led to the discussion of why flags go to half staff and she kept insisting that she was right. We were almost to our road to turn on and right as we were turning, there it was, the motorcade. 30 or more policemen on motorcycles, firetrucks, news crews and the car that carried that marrine's casket. There was a sudden hush in the car. No one spoke a word, until someone asked, why are we stopped? why can't we go? There was a car in front of me who drove through a bank parking lot trying to get where she was going in too much of a hurry to realize, there was only one way in and out. It is so sad that we are in such a hurry that we put our own business in front of someone elses.

I'm quite saddened from today's experience. I really didn't know about this soldier until actually coming home tonight and reading online about it. It certainly puts things into perspective.

I am so thankful for the men and women who put themselves out there every night and day for our freedom. We are so very blessed as a country that we have the freedoms that we have. We should all get down on our knees and thank God that He allows us these freedoms.

2009-01-12T20:18:00.001-08:00

I am giving away a set of Valentine's Diva clips!!!

Go tell your friends to come sign up for a chance to win these precious clips!!! Diva clips come in a set of 4. 2 with bling and 2 plain.

Go to my BowzArt site. Leave your contact info and what bow you best like on my site:)

New Pictures of us

2009-01-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

A few weeks before Steve and I were married, we had engagement pictures taken. I must admit, the thought of having pictures taken didn't exactly thrill me, but that was something we had to do and I was going to go through with it whether I liked it or not. So, we had the pictures done, invitations sent, wedding came and went and finally waiting to have my wedding photos handed to me in one of those fancy books. 4 years later, we are still waiting. We actually got the pictures from the photographer, if that is what you want to call her. My pictures are sitting over on the shelf waiting for me to finish scrapbooking them. I know SO sad! SOOOO

A few months ago, I joined facebook. I mainly joined because one of my friends said come on you'll love it!! Well, come to find out, I am so addicted and I have found so many friends from high school, youth group, church from a very long time ago and friends from the present. I am thrilled. What's all that have to do with pictures??

I found a friend from high school on Facebook who is a photographer now in Kinston, NC. her work, well, see for yourself, it is AMAZING!! She believes in adding color to photos, not just some bland colors. And her work is different and something that I would want to do if I were a photographer. So hubby and I are traveling about 5 hours on the 23rd to have her do our pictures on the 24th. I've had people say, but you don't have kids, you aren't getting married, no dog, what? why are you having pictures done?? WEll, I don't owe an explanation, but I will give one. Steve and I have been through so much in our 4 years of being married, I feel that we OWE it to ourselves to have a Fresh start. We were new home owners, then were married, then there was the small issue of infertility, then surgery after surgery for me, then Steve losing his job, then we moved to NC, then more surgery. We are tired and need a new beginning and I feel that the Lord has sent us here to North Carolina for just that reason, a New Beginning:)

Snow pictures

2009-01-08T04:33:00.001-08:00

Snow Pictures=They aren't much but they're all I have:)

goofing off on my last night in florida

2009-01-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

bowzArt

2009-01-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

I really could use all of my bloggy friends' help. I created a blog, BowzArt, a few months ago showcasing all the hair bows that I make. The latest creation is baby clips. The little girl on the top of my blog is a precious 1 year old:) She was all to happy to model my clips. Of course, she really didn't know what she was doing but when we said "say cheese" she was right there doing her part.

What I need from you guys is spreading the word:) My hair bows are Made-to-match or I can come up with something by the description you give me. I know a few of my readers have purchased from me and I appreciate that so much. In the near future, I am wanting to expand my blog to a full website and I just want to make sure that I am making the right decision. If you all can spread the word to family and friends, give them my website and have them contact me about ribbons they may need in the future, I would appreciate it SO very much.

A very cool feature I will be adding soon is Monogramming. In fact, one of my very good friends, Mommy Cracked, has a cousin, Jan, who just started monogramming a while back and she will doing the monogramming for me.

Thank y'all for keeping up with my blog and helping me in my real-life business adventure!

Leigh

GA

2009-01-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I are in ATL, GA for the night. The drive here was tough. Lots of rain and fog and nerves and stress.

We will leave tomorrow heading home! Pray that we will have a safe drive:)

Leigh-NC

Do you remember this

2009-01-01T23:29:00.000-08:00

I was sitting here reading over a few blogs and got to reminiscing about the shows I used to watch growing up. I don't know why, but this show, The Electric Company used to be one of my favorites:) What was your favorite show growing up?

No Resolutions

2008-12-31T21:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Got Puppies

2008-12-30T18:48:00.000-08:00

GOT PUPPIES? Well, head on over to my Bowzart site and see all the cute new bows for little pups and grown-up-pups alike.

In the next few weeks there are going to be lots of changes on that blog:) Fire up your engines and race over there. I now have bows that match the 2008/2009 Orient Expressed, Castle and Crowns AND Kelly's Kids lines:) YAY~~!!

Thank y'all so much for being patient while I change things around, but by all means, go on over and look around:)

Leigh

Ellie new bow

2008-12-26T09:36:00.001-08:00

Jammies give away

2008-12-25T18:27:00.001-08:00

Hey gals/guys, go HERE for a great jammies give away!!!

thx!

Leigh

New Puppydog bows

2008-12-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

Hey gals, go HERE to see a VERY cute little puppy modeling BowzArts new line of puppy dog bows:)

I hope you have had a VERY Merry Christmas!

leigh

BowzArt hair Fun

2008-12-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

Hey gang!! Go check out my new hair scrunchie at my BowzArt site. If you have a little girl, She will LOVE these new hair scrunchies:) Best of all, you pick out the colors you want:) PERFECT!!

Christmas Flamingo

2008-12-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm posting every few hours about things we are doing on this not-so-lazy Sunday:) I thought I would highlight one of the VERY CUTE decor in my mom's house:) She loves the Flamingo, but not the plastic ones out in the front yard, these are just some that she has collected over the years and I wanted to post a few of my favorites. There are also some pictures of her house nicely decorated for the holidays:) I think one of my favorite pictures is the Fireplace:) I hope you enjoy them as well:)

I can not forget to mention the ELVIS tree, but that is an entirely different story:)

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

Today, my mom and I are making Christmas goodies, so all through today, i will be posting pictures of our creations:)

In the meantime, go HERE to Elf Yourself:)

Leigh

I hate to break it to you but read on sista

2008-12-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

I really find it appalling that there are so many people out there in this lonely cold world who think it's OK for their child/teen whoever to be reading or watching for that matter, Twilight. Weather you are reading the books or have seen the movie, it's NOT OK. My sister was telling me a while back that she did some research online about it and it wasn't pretty. This book is about vampires people,,,SATAN!!! So, as I logged onto facebook tonight, I found that a lot of people are reading the books, and while I'm not judging these people, I just don't agree and I'm entitled to my opinion.

While doing my research, I found this awesome website which has reviews of movies and found that the Twilight series and movie review was quite interesting! I, for one, am all about doing some research on movies before I go see them. For example, I used to love Tom Cruise until he jumped on Oprahs couch, then, that changed my life. You see, I just don't believe in Scientology. I believe that JESUS is the only way to get to heaven. BELIEVE in him and YOU, my friend, shall be saved:) I'm just sayin' y'all:)

So, go to this website, read all about the movie and books that you shouldn't be seeing and reading anyway and have a lovely day!!

Leigh-still in MS at ma's bed and breakfast:)

PS(I've already had comments left this morning and a very interesting email, which I will not discuss here, This is my opinion, I'm not going to stop being friends with you guys if you leave yours, but please don't email me or leave nasty comments, if you do, your comment will be deleted, but by all means, leave your opinion too:)

3 states in 1 day

2008-12-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

Let's see, I left Asheville today via Starbucks at 10am, late start, as usual, but I did leave! So, I headed to Knoxville for the beef jerky outlet. The beef jerky there is lovely. I snacked on that about the entire way until I realized that hubby had packed the peanut m &M's,,yummo!~ 2 venti Lattes, diet coke, sweet tea, do you sense a theme here? I needed caffeine people and I needed it as fast as I could get it:) So, finished at the beef jerky outlet then started to find Cracker Barrels all along the way. Finally got to Nashville and through Nashville and FINALLY found another Starbucks in Jackson, TN!! Got lost there and got to the end of my journey in Tn, Memphis, home of ELVIS PRESLEY, barbecue and blues:) I just wish I could have had some of that barbecue,,,I'm hungry now. I'll pretend this glass of ice water is something special---ha! It took me a mere 8 hours to go 509 miles,,,shewee,,and I still wasn't done. After that, I had to drive from Memphis to Greenville MS, which was another,,150 miles, 3 hours, because of the 4 lane traffic, so this trip took me about 12 hours. 11 hours of driving and 1 hour of getting out, stretching my legs, filling up my car, and goofing off, finding Starbucks, what a fun-filled day.

Oh, new car, got on this trip an average of 26 miles per gallon,,,AWESOME DEAL!

So, here I am in my nice bed and breakfast, aka, mom's house and here's my room:)

I spy a sleepy head

2008-12-18T08:13:00.000-08:00

We've discovered a new program in the Pickering house:) It's a show called Wilbur on Discovery Kids. you can read all about the show, here.

I snapped this picture during the program:)

Vacation-prayers for family in need

2008-12-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's almost Christmas. Deciding what to do this year has been really difficult and I still haven't made a decision:( I'm leaving Friday(maybe) to drive to Ms, then on to Florida. That Florida part is permanent but the thought of having to drive all that way really makes my back hurt before the driving has even begun,,ick!

I'll take my laptop and keep you updated with what I'm doing because I KNOW it is really interesting. My life is just an adventure!! One right after another. So interesting, in fact, that I need to stop here and go think about what to write because, quite frankly, (and i almost capitalized Frankly, so sad) I can't think of anything to write.

Oh, wait, I know, there is a family in my church who's house just burned to the ground. They lost everything except the clothes on their backs. If you would like to contribute to this family, please email me at LeighPickering@charter.net. I know this family would appreciate your support.

Please read the email below:

I'm writing you to ask you to pray for Debra Drake's cousins family. They had a house fire yesterday. Fortunately, they were able to rescue the family members, but not before some were severely injured. There was a 20 year old, 20 month old, and a 3 year old in the house when in caught fire. Thanks goodness the grandfather was able to rescue them. The two older girls (9 & 11) were at school. They lost all of their belongings including all their Christmas gifts.

Please pray for this family as they try to recover from their injuries and cope with the loss of their house and belonging and praise God they all survived!

Thanks for praying,

Several people are asking if they can help the family. Here's what I know:

DJ is a boy. He will be 2 in April and wears size 2T in clothes, size 5 in baby shoes, and a size 6 diaper.

Breasia is a 3 year old girl. She wears size 4T in clothes, size 8 in shoes, and loves baby dolls.

Keona is a 9 year old girl. She wears girls size 8-10 clothes and size 3 in girls shoes. Her favorite color is pink and she loves Hannah Montana and High School Musical.

Brianna is an 11 year old girl. She wears girls size 10-12 in clothes and size 4 in shoes. Her favorite color is purple.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2008-12-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

As I sit there taking in the newness of that smell, the pristineness of it all, it's amazing! To sit there, taking it in like it's the first day of school, only it's not school at all. Gripping the wheel, discovering dimmer button, finding the adjustable foot petal button, I feel like a kid again. Realizing that the radio is unlike any I've EVeR had before. XM-50+ stations and best of all-NO COMERCIALS! There is a trap door that reveals,,,,,,,,cup holders~! LOoking in the rearview mirror, so Odd that I can talk to someone if I'm lost:) I can call them if I lock my keys in the car and if I have a flat tire and don't know where I am, they can find me and send someone to fix it. I am astonished at the technology these days. And a bonus--------------------HEATED SEATS:) I mean,,who knew??? WE discovered this only after signing the papers to our beautiful new baby:)

THIS IS our "new to us" car:)

Guys, have a great day!! Take time to leave me a message, cuz here I am thinking I only have 2 readers:)

love and joy~

Leigh!

tired and you

2008-12-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

I am home. Sitting on my couch, watching Dr.Phil typing on my laptop. I should be, at a Christmas party with my girls from my BFG(Bible Fellowship Class) at church. For some reason this week has been weird. It's been raining ALL week and all I've wanted to do when I get home from work is hang on the couch and do absolutely nothing. I've also had some type of stomach flu this week, so that makes it hard too. I guess it doesn't help that it's been raining for 4 days straight.

Do y'all have days where all you want to do is hide from the world and do nothing?

I'm having one of those days:(

Christmas Bows

2008-12-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

Hi gang! I am currently making TONS of Christmas hairbows for the little ones! Think "Stocking stuffers". Go to my BowzArt website and order yours today!! I'll be having some buy one get one half off deals starting on Monday:)

Have a great weekend and I will see you at my site!!

Leigh

bella

2008-12-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

Sha came home at 5am. What a restless night that was. Now she's back to being a little stinker head!

thanks to all those who commented:)

leigh

Broken Heart

2008-12-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

I'm not one to display my feelings here on my blog, but tonight I'm in deep deep sadness. In fact, it is hard holding the tears back as I type this. Tonight as I'm coming home from work, one of my neighbors calls me and tells me that she was taking her dog out and noticed that my front door was open. Noticing that our cars weren't here, she was extremely worried that someone had broken in or that I was home and had just left the door open. She called my name and no answer. I had given her my phone number last week in case she needed anything, that was totally God because, Steve and I were planning to go look at cars tonight. When I returned home, I started looking for cats. Maxi, sitting on the chair fast asleep and Toby, on the bed, where I had left him that afternoon. Our baby Bella, nowhere to be found! She had escaped and for all the looking that I did tonight, it didn't matter, because she was no where to be found. Of course, I'm thinking the worse situation ever, but everyone keeps telling me that she will come back. I don't know, I just know that it's 25 degrees outside and she's NEVER been outside, EVER and my heart aches tonight. Please pray for my kitty's safe return and that my broken heart will be mended soon.

Car Wreck Pictures

2008-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

I thought you would enjoy seeing the pictures from my wreck last week. To tell you the truth, I didn't even look at the other guys car afterwards! His looks worse than mine. It's amazing no one else who was around got injured!

2008-11-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

Accident

2008-11-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a little break from blogging for a couple of days. Obviously, with the holidays, who has time to be on the computer, *wink*:) Today, a car turned in front of me and I could do nothing but hit him. Totalled my car:( Airbags, smoke, crashing, baby crying,,,,oh yea, I had the baby with me!! Talk about scary:( Little "H" is fine, just a little scared, though.

We are alright for now. I've got some bruising here and there and I'm not sure about my charge. I think he is fine though. He is at home with the family and they say he is doing well. They even said when they were at the emergency room, he talked a bit about our little experience.

Little H- "mama?"

mama- "yes baby?"

Little H- "Noise went BOOM BOOM!!"

Little H- "EE cried, "H" cried, EE scared, "H" scared

mama- "yes, I know you were, but EE and "H" are just fine now:)"

Little "H"- "EE crying and hold me tight,,,I wub my EE"

They are so precious!! Hold them tight and Love them forever!! I love him to pieces!!

Happy Thanksgiving y'all- I am Thankful that God up in heaven was watching over little H and I today!

God Bless!

New Bows

2008-11-22T17:20:00.001-08:00

Hi there! If you haven't aready done so, Please go and check out my BowzArt blog:) I had a friend help me out with the layout and some other things have changed on the site:) In the meantime, here are the hairbows that I made last night:) I am now taking orders for Christmas, so if you want to get your order in, now would be the time. Thanks for stopping by:)

Our First Snow

2008-11-21T04:05:00.001-08:00

What do you call a husband who has left the door cracked to look at the snow?? In the doghouse for letting the cat out. Oh yes, I'm not lying here, he's opened the door to see the beautiful white stuff, when Maxi make a run for it. Next thing i hear is my husband,,,come here kitty kitty, and door close,,I ran to the door,,oh yea, hubby's outside, (in his skivvies) trying to wrangle the cat inside. This cat, mind you, doesn't really care for him or anyone else. She came to me though and everything is A-OK:) I could just see it, Sir, you have to come with us, as Maxi is moonwalking in the window:) Sometimes, you never now what your animals are thinking and then you wonder what they are plotting:)

Ens Christmas Hair bow

2008-11-17T20:44:00.000-08:00

I am currently taking orders for Christmas Hairbows and clips. Please visit my site HERE to browse and order bows. Thanks!

All I want for Christmas,,,,

2008-11-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

Well, Unfortunately, the weekend couldn't last forever! I had an awesome time this weekend on the Ladies' retreat and I was so glad that I went because I soo wanted to get to know some of my fellow BFGers:)

The weekend started out with a drive to knoxville, TN where we stayed in an awesome cabin on the river. ahhhh

Shopping on saturday and a visit to see ol' St. Nick:) What's a shopping trip during Christmas time without seeing Santa!!:)

This is only part of our group:) We had a total of 14 women and 4 teenagers go along.

I'll write more tomorrow, but I will leave you with these pictures:)

Oh, did i mention the snow that we saw on the way home? With the help of my handy new camera, I was able to get up close and personal:) "It's a Good Thing!"

more pictures from today and tonight Full moon

2008-11-13T20:17:00.001-08:00

New camera new pictures new colors

2008-11-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

No really, the first thing I did when I got home tonight was open the 3 boxes that were sitting on my front doorstep:) I've been in camera-mode ever since. This is so exciting to me because like I've said before, I'm sort of an addict when it comes to taking pictures:) The following are some that I shot tonight:) I mean, the colors, they are ROCKIN'!!! You will see more of my pictures in the near future, I'm sure I will find all sorts of things to take pictures of tomorrow:)

Winning Team

2008-11-11T23:16:00.000-08:00

Go HERE to see the Pace Red Midgets Cheer Team's winning performance;) Of course, I can't tell which one is which, but thy did an awesome Job!! Way to go Girls!!!!

Leigh-a proud EE:)

New Camera

2008-11-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, my husband surprised me with this! Go check it out! I can not wait to get started!! Photography really has peaked my interest since we've been here in NC so I know I will do a lot of photography around our new town::)

have a great week!

Leigh

kitty cat

2008-11-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

Fall Trees Im in love

2008-11-08T01:21:00.001-08:00

These are the most amazing trees I believe I have ever seen and notice, the branches are growing straight up into the air:)

Mary Kay Review

2008-11-06T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hey gals! Hop over to my Mary Kay blog and read about the awesome review I just got from a fellow blogger!!!! :)

So go HERE and have a great day!

cheers!

1ST PLACE

2008-11-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let you guys know that my niece's team took 1st place in the cheer competition~~~! Torey-! I am so proud of you:) You are awesome~!!

When I get the tape of the winning routine, I will post it here:)

love to all~~!

going to crawl back in the bed now,,,:(

Cheerleading and other girly stuff

2008-11-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

My niece, Torey is on a cheerleading squad this year and I just wanted to post their practice from lastnight. They have a competition tomorrow, which I will not be able to attend and I am just sick about it~~:( booohooo.

My sister zoomed in on her when they throw her up in the air and she does some sort of cheer stunt, which is way cool and I'm doing a terrible job of describing it~:( so see for yourself.

Go HERE to see the video:)

Leigh-NC

OH nooooooo

2008-10-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

All I can say is, OHHHHHH NNNOOOO YOU didn't!!!!!!!!!!

For the record, I have a tendency to use multiple Exclamation marks and commas,,,,that's just how I am,,,,when I'm really excited or just have no words, those extra little marks will just start popping up:) ok,,:(

Those who know me know that I am ADDICTED to my digital camera, infact, my family has gotten to the point where they see me pull out my camera, they roll their eyes or run in the other direction, turn away or just ignore me when I try to take their pictures:(. But, my take on it is, if I don't take these pictures, I would never get any pictures, or shall I say, I would hardly get any pictures of my dear family and friends,,,aaaahhheemm! I'm not calling out any names here, but you KNOW who you are:)

I have such sad news for all of you,,,,and even sadder news for me. My camera is,,,,,,,,how shall I say this,,expired!!!!!!!!!

Last weeekend after church, we had decided that we would ride over to Maggie Valley, which just happens to be the prettiest views around, in my honest opinion:) We drove for an hour got there and oh my, the prettiest trees in the brightest colors I've seen in quite some time:) I guess it's good that I never knew what I was missing because there was every fall color you could ever imagine,,,ANYHOO We got through that day with the camera fine, but when we came home, we were torturing,,,errr playing with the cats and the pictures weren't coming up on the screen. They were all dark. None of them were showing up, so our little screen thingy is out,,,which is very saddening because I didn't get to take pictures of all the kiddos in their cute costumes tonight,,,buuuwaaahhh!

So, this brings me to this Camera that I BIG-PUFFY-HEART so very much but don't think I could afford. This not having a camera makes me want to have this camera which is so very awesome and would help me in my dream to become something more like a real photographer:)

Nikon D-80 you can read about it here.

My question for you guys is, have you ever owne a Nikon, and if so, how would you compare it to all of the other ones you have ever owned:)

Sadness here in the Pickering house.