I LOVE my job

Ladies!  I know you have facebook. Follow me here by clicking "like" and I will keep you updated on the specials from Premier Designs and specials I am running as well. 

I am always happy to mail you a catalog.

Have I ever mentioned?  I love my job! 

Premier Designs is a direct sales jewelry company founded in 1985 by Joan and Andy Horner in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. They created the company as a way to support ministries here and around the globe, as well as provide a home-based business opportunity established on biblical principles, such as integrity and unselfish service. Through our non-traditional approach of putting people first — before profits — Premier Designs has grown into a more than 350-million-dollar — debt-free — corporation with Independent Distributors (we call them Jewelers) in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Premier Designs Jewelers market quality high fashion jewelry to small groups through Home Shows. We are members of the Direct Selling Association, but our emphasis is on serving rather than selling.

Our Philosophy

We believe God created every person with value.

We believe life's priorities should be God, family, and then career.

We believe in America and the free enterprise system.

We believe people are our most important asset.

Our Purpose

To enrich every life we touch;

To provide people a way to find identity, achievement and success;

To meet the personal and financial needs of all who become a part of our Premier Designs family.

Our Objectives

God demands fairness in every business deal. He sets the standard and we desire to honor Him.

To grow wisely and profitably.

To enrich every life we touch.

To provide excellent service.

All over the place!

You know how sometimes you just have so much going on that a list won't help?  I am all over the place this morning. I didn't sleep well.  Ever notice how the temp in the house, if off by a few degrees can throw off your sleep pattern?  Woooo!
Coffee, check!
Emails, check!
Jewelry to do list - check!
Mail prep - hmmm...must do...
I started to organize closets last week.  Well, that has started the ball rolling on all my closets. I had quite the humorous moments last night as I cursed the bathroom closet, since I couldn't get the new organizer in. Thank goodness Pants can think out of the box because she got it in!
Speaking of organizing...am I being unreasonable to have the expectation that my 9 year old Minny can clean and keep her room organized.  It's the same fight every time. Is your room clean? No. Is the floor picked up? No. I will about once a month go up and deep clean her room. I make her help, and her room is clearly organized. But I can't get her to keep it up.  Maybe I'm unrealistic?  Last night I did it again.  I told her, from here on out, she would be grounded from extracurriculars if she couldn't keep her room up.
I need a printer.  Maybe not a printer, but to find the cords for the one that I do have, since it's really nice and not even used a handful of times.  Hah!  Now what? I wouldn't even know where to find the cords. I've lived here...13 1/2 months.  Yep, no idea.  But I need my printer.  And don't want to afford a new one.
Chief has been gone working for a week now, and now I remember about deployment what I didn't like.  Hah!  I can't just randomly text or call him to hear his voice.  Due back soon tho, patience, right?
DOWNSIZING.  Okay ladies, taking suggestions, ideas, etc.  We will be moving after the wedding, say...October.  How did you do this? What do you reccommend?  I have a lifetime of items, some I of course don't really need and am not sure why I have. BUT...any ideas are welcome!
Time to get the Minny to school.  Have a great day my bloggy friends!

MILS Friday Fill In #27 Back in Business!!!

All of my bloggy friends - I can't say I'm not excited to be back participating, because I most CERTAINLY am!!!!!

Link up with Wifey here

1. What do you usually want to know about someone when meeting them for the first time?

Their name, where they're from, what things make them smile and tick.

2. Would you rather know everything about your spouse, or be regularly surprised?

I have to tell you, no matter how much I THINK I know, he continues to surprise me all of the time.  We have a lot of the same views and values, and most times he could answer questions of me and I of him with out thinking twice.

Big thing on the list of upcoming surprises, our Honeymoon.  I told him I just need to know how to pack.  Seems simple, right? 

3. If you could live in one city for the rest of your life, where would you live?

Somewhere warmer than here in Minnesota, I'm frrrrreeeeeezing!  Somewhere with seasons.

4. When you go out of town, what one material thing do you ALWAYS take?

Man......My wooby.

5. Using no more than 10 nouns, and ONLY nouns, describe yourself.

 - Fiance, mother, friend, daughter, sister (in law!) Princess, military, independent, home, city.

5QF! I'm baaaaack!

Be sure to link up with Mama here

Yes, yes, yes...My favorite Friday ritual has started again.

1. Where did you meet your spouse and did you instantly know it was love?

Band Class. High School.  NO!  We had no idea what life had in store for us all these years later.  Fast Forward to January 10, 2010 - he's home on leave, we meet out for drinks, and the rest is history!

2. What is your favorite room in your house?

Bathroom HANDS DOWN.  Tan tiles = Sand, Blue walls = the beach ahhhhhhhhh

3. Can you wiggle your ears?

If I do that thing, you can't see me doing it, but those of you who can do it know what I'm talking about!

4. What is your evening ritual?

Dinner, cleanup, shower for the Minny, bedtime for the Minny, and then whatever sucks me in next.  It will be blogging if the COLD continues. Woooooo!

5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?

Need?  6.  Like?  8.

A New Year, A WHOLE NEW World

Hey all my bloggy friends!  I know, I know, it's been awful.  November came, my fathers passing kind of sucked me down and things have been such a rollercoaster since.  I won't bore you all with the awful details of the bad, but will accentuate on the GREAT!

Timeline

December 10th, I was let go from my day job, the place I've worked over six years, loved and was pretty bummed out about. 

December teeeeeens, Chief was back in port, after his deployment.  This was one of the best days!

December holidays, came, were fabulous and spent a lot of time with my family.

December 31st, I worked, spent the night with my great friends and had Dennys afterwwards because I was SURE there was no way going to bed was an option.  So we headed home, I showered, got ready and fetched Chief from the airport.  I have to tell you, as I waited at the baggage carousel, my eyelids were begging me to look for the cracks in them, but I said NO WAY!  Instead, I opened my eyes up really big, and....There he was walking towards me!!!!  Me?  After all this time!  That first embrace was fantastic.

So, if you've seen my pages, I have updated my to-do list for 365 and crossed some things off.

We had breakfast with his siblings and mom after I picked him up, then a much needed nap.  We got ready for a NYD party at a friends and went to celebrate. 

some of the crew at Rach's that day

We headed to my BFF's after for some fun times and "Guam Bombs" 

GUAM BOMBS!

We all were out smoking around 11.30pm and I was SO exhausted and knew he was too, so I suggested we go home.  So we went in the house to gather our things, when...

HE PROPOSED.  Oh.my.GOSH.

Why did they ALL come in AFTER he proposed?!

I am blessed, loved, and so excited.  There is so much to share, and plans to be made and and and!



Cheers!

2010 has been amazing. 2011 will be even more so.

The girls and I are preparing for a night out. I am working at a club in the cities hosting karaoke for a favorite group, and we plan to ring the new year in right.

And then off to the airport at 6am to pick up my love. I am beyond ecstatic.  To begin the New Year with my ABS girls and then Chief and his family for breakfast.

Ahhhhh...Life is good.

Wishing you all more in the New Year.

Cheers to 2011

PEEP!!!

How about a little post from the missing Bella?!  How are you all?  Did you have a nice holiday?  NYE is just around the corner, which means so is Chief!  He'll be here Saturday morning at 6am.  And while I promise to write more faithfully since there have been so many changes, please be patient and kind. Like love. :)
I can't wait to start catching up with all of your blogs.  And share the things happening here.

I wish you more and Happy New Year!

xoxo, Bella

Just Keep Swimming

I woke up with no alarm this morning, early, and decided today Minny and I needed to stop at church before we went about our day. And the other thought that crossed my mind, "Just Keep Swimming" 

Yep, just like Dory. 

But after having such a perfectly smooth morning getting ready and quickly, did we get to the church to light the vigil candle for my dad, did we realize the rectory wasn't open to purchase the vigil candle. Ohferstupid.  Ugh.  So I looked at Minny and said, Papa knows we're thinking of him all day today, we'll have to come back after school/work.

I've cried numerous times today. What is it that makes it so simple to cry at the thought of him. 

Dad-isms:

1. What's an illegal?  Yep, it's a sick bird.

2. Do you know what a Paradox is?  Nope, it's two doctors, come on kid.

3. I'mma knock your head so far up your ass I'll make a pygmy out of you.

4. You know what this is?  It's a knuckle sammich.  (as he would swing his other hand around and hit you in the back of the head - got me EVERY time)

5. Do you know what a Parallel is?  It's two lell's of course.  (I can't tell you the number of friends that my dad did this to.  One night we even went thru the dictionary and went thru all the Para words - good times!)

6. Hey kid, go practice your French and "mow d'lawn" 

7. WORK!  in the highest pitched voice my dad could get. I loved it. I could be having a horrible day and this would make me laugh. Along with him singing "I owe I owe, it's off to work I go"

8. That guy was a Dickweed. (Why did I NEVER listen?) 

9. Singing. Whistling. My dad did both so fantastically. Bing Crosby eat your heart out. But it's funny, every time I hear Bing I think of my daddy.

10. The way he smoked and told a story. My dad quit smoking a couple years before he passed.  But the way he would would take a drag, start telling a story and exhale just...cracked me up. 

I really dislike this time of year. September thru the Holidays have been really tough the past few years. I can't believe he's not here. I bought my first car with out his help. Purchased a home. Fixed it up. Reconnected with the most amazing man who ... I wish could have met my dad.

I have the most fantastic memories of the man that raised me, loved me and would have done anything for me. He was so smart, funny and my father. He instilled so many great qualities in us kids, and I admire him for so many things. I know my mom misses him incredibly.

Sorry for the debbiedowner post, I just needed to purge today.

Rest in Peace Dad.

In memory I had this done - my dad had the tats done in Japan while in the AirForce, and one on each arm, so I had them combined.

p.s. my friend Didi says that you can't smoke and cry at the same time...maybe I'll try that today. 

Five Question Friday! & MILS Friday Fill In #21 & Randoms

Because I love to follow these awesome ladies, every week and play along, and wanted to share with the others that may not already participate in both. So here we go!!! 

Hook up with Little Mama here!

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?

Most painful...Childbirth was ridiculous, but even more ridiculous that less than a week later you would do it over and over and over again. I think that stems from the lack of sleep after having the baby, so go on and do it again ladies!

But even more so than childbirth, bunion surgery. They say if you have them on both feet, if one isn't as bad as the other, you should do them both at the same time, because you'll never go back for the other.  Well needless to say, I had asked the doctor to remove my pinky toes because my feet are SO wide. He said, to my dismay, how about we remove the bunion on your foot.  OH. That's my problem? I have a bunion?  Hmmm...I wish he would have done that and still removed my pinky toes.  Jussayin!  Now, 7 years after having my right foot done, I need my left foot done. BUT!?  Having the one foot done was AWFUL. A baby, and crutches DOES not work well. And anytime I would move my stupid foot would hurt. And then learning to wear a shoe again on that foot and bending my foot was out of the question. Running again?  Hmmm, wait, I never ran to begin with!  High heeled shoes ARE MY FAVORITE, and I will tell you I had to have the screws removed after the surgery because I couldn't wear my heels.  If you ladies have any idea, you'll know that heels are very naughty when you have or have had bunions. Wow...Anyways, in closing, bunion surgery was the most painful for me.

2. How much sleep do you get at night?

What night of the week is it? Is there a weekend? What's the schedule look like?  I'm in MN, do you know how dark it gets here? And when in snows, do you know what people want to do? SLEEP/Hibernate.  I can get anywhere from 5 hours - 10 hours a night. Majority of the time I get about 6 hours. Chief is back out to sea, so I will be getting more sleep.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?

Ummmm, still do! 

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

Step Up 3D with the ABS girls!

We NEVER get to a movie together, so this was REALLY momentous.

5. What do you wear to bed?

lately, nini pants & a tank. when it starts to get colder here I will start adding layers!  I'm sure this is not the hottest thing ever but, until I live on a deserted island, it works!

 

 

And now link up and follow Wifey here!

 

 

1.Were you named after anyone?

My mommy. She's BettyAnn Audrey & I'm BethAnn Audra. I know I know, snicker away.

                                          2.What color, if any, are your toenails usually painted?

toenails?  I haven't seen those...in days.  It's cold, I have to wear socks!  But I do know that they need a hug!  And I plan to give them, well get them a hug Sunday at the Charity event at Ta's Salon here in town.  POMPEI PURPLE!  Or...maybe one of the awesome new Burlesque colors that OPI has come out with...hmmmmmmm....

                               3.How do you flush a public toilet? Hands? Feet? Something else?

                                    With my knee!!!!  Ish, I amn't touching that.  Or I will flush with my foot.

                         4.When you were a little kid, which TV character did you have a crush on?

Zach from Saved by the Bell!  Maybe Kirk Cameron....

 5.Let’s say you had to lose one of your five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell). Which one would you choose? Why?

Taste!  Then maybe I would eat some really healthy things that don't taste good? 

 

 

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world this week. Talking to Chief on the phone this week and getting his flight itinerary for when he's back from deployment, and being blessed with Premier and sharing it with ladies, and for being able to say life is good, spending time with my godchildren on Thursdays and for Minny's speech therapy to be going so well she doesn't need one on one time.  I am blessed.  We have a weekend full of jewelry, celebrations and ... housework!  I am looking forward to having my family over for Thanksgiving in a couple weeks and need to start preparing for that too!!!

 

 my Thursday night snugglers

Whatcha Say Wednesday

Yes! Another fabulous edition of Whatcha Say Wednesdays! Remember copy and past the questions to your post, add the answers, and link up with Stash Mama HERE!! Have fun!

1. Do you think you are a good friend?

I do! I do!  I have had my moments where I haven't been, but yes, I do know I am.

2. What house chore do you despise the most?

The one where I have to clean!  No really I hate cleaning the bird cage. I know, right? Sounds silly. I just hate it.

3. What was your favorite board game as a kid?

Oooooooh!  Good question! I loved Battleship!  Not really a board game, but still one of my faves!!!

Bonus!

Look around the room can you find something starting with I, J, and K?

I - Idiots.  Oh wait, they're not in here. hmmm...an INVITATION!  Or the invoices I'm ignoring. lol

J - Jewelry Catalog - Premier Designs of course!

K - keys for just about anywhere I go!

Can I get a Pulse?

Holy hannah! I am SO excited.

This has been an awesome week while Chief's been in port. And even prior. We have talked so openly about so many important things.  He's still in negotiations with Mr D and right now it sounds like New York. Not our first choice but there's a lot of great things about it. And who knows, he could end up somewhere completely different!

With that being said, we have talked about living together and moving, and we are both so excited to be together. 

Countdown for Chief to be in Minneapolis - 51 days! 

Oh.my.goodness I am ecstatic about this.

We've talked about seeing a couple of shows while he's home and a hockey game. Go MN WILD!  (they're having a better season than the Vikings!!!) 

Has anyone ever been to a Burlesque show?

I would really like to go to one and am just wondering what you thought of it?  

I am ecstatic that possibly today we'll be able to talk on the phone, and hear each others voices and YAY. I am thankful for technology such as Skype.  I am in the process of scheduling an appt to have some fun boudoir photos taken for Chiefs birthday.

Premier Designs continues to be so amazing for me. I love enriching womens lives and sharing fun jewelry. I gave away $496 in free jewelry at my last show!  I look forward to sharing Premier with many many more ladies before the holidays. 

Have you ever seen something you love and then find out a place doesn't carry it anymore?  Yep,

AVON LADIES I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!!! 

There's a cupcake apron. And I NEED it. I don't just want it, I need it. It symbolizes everything about me. Okay, maybe I'm being a lot dramatic. But I have a super cute cupcake on the wall in my kitchen, I love to make and decorate, and

I NEED THIS CUPCAKE APRON!!!!!!! 

But it's not in the catalog or online anymore.

I am SO very saddened by this.

I even plan to bedazzle it.  THAT'S how badly I need it. 

 Did you know it's National Vanilla Cupcake day?

Do you know that yesterday I resisted EVERY single temptation while at the grocery store when these were begging me to take them home?

Enough about my ranting about cupcakes and aprons and stuffeses. 

I know some of you ladies who lose your husbands/boyfriends to deployment know about the rollercoaster. The weight rollercoaster. How do you deal with this? How do you with less than 2 months go, OMG, I need to drop a few pounds!!!  It hit me. My weight hasn't changed but, where'd my body go?!  Ummm helloooooo?  I am wearing the same clothes which is a plus.  I'm still looking for 150, somewhere.  I'll get there. But...not yet!  I've cut soda considerably, the eating out has cut back. But...I'm not seeing any changes?  BLAH!  Thanks for listening.

I have so much to be thankful for today. I always do. I hope you know what you're thankful for.

MILS Friday Fill In #19 & #20

Wow!  Yipee! YAHOOOOOOOOOO!  It's FRIDAY! 

Link up with Wifey and share your answers!

1.A different twist on last week’s question. This week, the first question is: what’s the nicest thing a MILSPOUSE has ever done for you? (brought to you from navy_smurfette)

The super sweet Allie @ My Marine and Me sent me a fantastic Fall Swap package.  There are many of you who have shared your advice too! 

2.How often do you drive faster than the speed limit?

Ummm, see officer what happened was this song came on the radio and I got lost in it. Damn Pink gets me everytime!  I would say at least 5 miles over DAILY. >>>>to the corner

3.Did you have a nickname in school? If so, what was it?

BA, BaBa, Hogie, Princess

4.If your life was a book, what would the title be and how would it end?

5.Look back (in your planner if you have one) to September 14th… what did you do that day?

It was my friend Tonya's birthday. We were still settling into our new schedule with school... I know I worked that day.  

GUESS WHO is playing catch up this week?!  Yup!  MOI. 

1.What’s the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?

Wow, there have been so many random acts of kindness thru out my life, I can't pinpoint just one. One of my favorites is pay it forward Fridays, where you buy the person behind you in the drivethru at Starbucks their coffee. :)

2.If you are having a hard time going to sleep, what do you do to help yourself?

Lately it's been me and SarahPants laying in bed (across the hall from one another) giggling and contemplating life.

3.Name something that makes you wish you were a kid again.

Having to get up and go to work in the morning!  But it makes me truly work harder to keep my Premier business on track!

4.What is something you never believed until you experienced it?

That home ownership was more than just your name on a title/deed.  That actually doing the work yourself in your home, whether it be mowing your own yard, shoveling your own driveway, weeding  - can you really call it yours.

I never believed that you could feel like your heart was beating outside of your body, until you had a child and the love you feel for them.  WOW.

5.What can’t you say “no” to?

Depends who's asking the question...a cup of hot coffee.

Time with a friend, whether on the phone for a few minutes or just a quick hug.

Sharing Premier.

Hosting karaoke.

Minny.  Most of the time........  When she looks at me just right, I know for a fact I can't tell her no.

Whatcha Say Wednesday

Link up with Stash Mama!!!

1. What actor/actress do you think looks most like you? or that people have told you.

Hmmm, I don't have a match!  When I had shorter hair, I was told many times that I looked like Pink.

2. What do you secretly want for Christmas this year?

To be in Hawaii when Chief gets home from deployment!!!  Realistically - new luggage. Black/white animal print with Hot pink accents!!!

3. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

Not a single thing. Okay fine, maybe they should have bought me that unicorn I asked for.

Bonus!

1.What's the worst pick up line you have ever heard?

Nice shoes...Wanna? 

 

LAST WEEKS questions....shhh I am behind!  ;)

 

 

1. Do you have any birthmarks? If so where?

Yep!  On my neck, mistaken as a hickey several times...And on my shin.

2. Where did you last go on vacation, where are you going next?

Last vacation, like got on a plane?  To Hawaii. Next vacation, to Hawaii! 

3. What is your favorite physical feature on yourself?

I can't pick just one!  My eyes and smile. :)

Bonus!

Look around the room find something that begins with an A, B, and C. What did you find?

A. Air freshner

B. Body lotion

C. Coffee cup and cell phone!

If you had to…skydiving, or bungee jumping?

OR!  Oh...that's not an option is it.  Hmmm...Skydiving.  I would much rather be shot up into the air tho!!!

99 Things

99 Things


Found this over at  NavyGirl blog....Hmmmm....

Instructions: The post is a list of 99 things you could have done, and you are supposed to bold the ones that you yourself have done.



1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disney World

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris - on the list for summer 2011!

13. Watched a lightning storm - Saturday night even!

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - again, on the list!

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - see number 12!
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - this year!

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Got a tattoo


94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee


Woooo, there's a few things on here I should get crossed off!  43 out of 99.  Hmmm...

Five Question Friday!

Link up with Mama here!

1. Who is the better cook, you or your spouse?

I got the kitchen, he has the grill.

2. How often do you talk to your mom?

Sometimes everyday, sometimes every other.  Sometimes...we just don't want to talk, so then once a week.

3. Are you adventurous in the kitchen or stick to the recipe?

Little bit of both. After the first time or two with the recipe, I will start to switch it up.  Or sometimes YOU JUST KNOW what will be better.

4. Is your second toe longer than your big toe?

On my right foot, yes!  Know what it means?  I'll tell you.  The nice little ladies that do my feet say - it means you wear the pants in your relationship.  AHAHHAAA.  I love how they think.  Guess it's a superstition, or maybe even wives tale?

5. Do you dress up for Halloween? (Bonus question: What will you be this year?)

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. This year, I'll pass!  Going to a wedding on Halloween eve instead. Maybe I'll sport Black and Orange tho!

MILS Friday Fill In #18

It's Friday ALREADY!?  I am doing this weeks AND last weeks since I ... was missing...

Head over to visit Wifey at Wife of a Sailor!

1.Are you a night owl or an early bird?

Both!  Early bird because I have to be during the week. I love when I can wake up with the sun. Night owl because I never think about being tired the next morning - until it's the next morning!

2.What makes you jealous?

Ooooh, the dark ugly side!  Jealous -
I am jealous of nothing!  Make it possible for yourself!

3.Have you started Christmas/holiday shopping yet? When will you finish? (There’s only 63 days left!)

I have started. I will finish the week before Christmas.

4.What would you have a personal chef make you tonight?

Right now? I want turkey and stuffing. I would love stir fry with zucchini and eggplant. Umm, an apple pie. I could really keep going...Cake with buttercream frosting.

5.Where was your first kiss?

I was 5. Kenny. On the tire mountain at school during recess!  Really tho...Ummm as a teenager, hmmm, I can't remember.  That might be a bad thing!

Questions from last weeks MILS #17

1.What are some things on your bucket list? (from New Girl on Post)

2.How long have you been a MilSpouse and where have you been stationed so far? (from Raising Roscoe)

3.What is a list of songs that sums up your life so far? (from Confessions of a Sailor’s Wife)

4.What is your favorite kind of pizza?

The kind I can eat!  Mmmm, Za sounds tasty right now... White pizza, chicken, onions, mushrooms.

1. Premier - sharing the awesome jewelry & the business

2. We're under the 2 month mark!

3. I have great health, family and a happy life.

5. What are 3 good things in your life right now?

List of songs?  WOW!  I got all kinds....

Taking Chances - Celine Dion

Freedom 90 - George Michael

Thnks fr th Mmrs - Fall Out Boy

Lip Gloss - Lil Mama

I Decided - Solange

I Could Not Ask for More - Sara Evans

Angel - Natasha Bedingfield

Three Little Birds - Bob Marley

Just Dance - Lady Gaga

Here for the Party - Gretchen Wilson

There are SO many more...but...I'll stop here!

Chief and I reconnected back in January and got serious in May. He's been in Hawaii just over 2 years, less than a year to go!

Learn how to garden. Take golfing lessons. Visit another country. Share family traditions. Build a home for habitat. Become a jeweler full time - quit my day job.

Happy House-iversary to Me!

I can't believe it's been one year since I closed on my house. And to think of all of the changes that were made in SUCH a short time. And to think I have so much more I want to do to the house. Here are a few of the updates. It's funny even looking back at these, knowing how much more has been done since this!

The banister/steps on the back deck were added last November. This is USS Back Porch. Many nights have been spent on the deck this summer.

This is Minny's room  - she has a ton of closet space behind me along with a huge sitting room that you can't see. Painted in Heffalump Purple with Sparkles

I wasn't kidding when I said I brought the beach to my house. My favorite room in the entire house. The bathroom.  The blue is the sky, the tan tiles, the sand. the bright white fixtures. This is my little slice of heaven when it's -20 outside!

From the front of the house...no more flag pole, shrubs or bushes in front of the house...Steps/Brick repainted.  All new doors and windows. Phase 3 - remove all rock and make grass only. I sure would like something diff than black trim, but, it will do for now!

This was the start of the awesome floors I did in the house. Refinished the hardwoods DARK, I love them!  So warming.



Just getting started in the kitchen!  This will be the one room I completely redo someday.  You can't see it but, the breezeway/soon to be dining room is behind me...I will post pictures after it's complete next week.

Minny "grilling"at the new house.

And last but not least, my favorite addition to the new house, a puppy to love. We missed him so much!!!!

I love my home and am so happy life unfolded the way that it did. How amazing. <3

Role Call!

Here I am! 

Things have been busy and I am still trying to get used to this schedule I have created for Minny and I. I know Minny is struggling with the hours we're keeping now too, because once we hit the weekend, she is ready for bed!  I have the kid who refuses to go to bed until she is forced to. Why?  She's her mother's daughter!  She can't miss a thing!  Needless to say, Minny was asleep on the couch by 9pm Friday night, but I had nothing to do with it!

Last week I received my "Fall Swap" package from Allie at My Marine and Me.  Thanks Allie!  How cute is she?  2 super cute plates, cups, a frame, fall towels and canny!  How fun was this swap? 

Last week we watched KickAss. Oh my goodness!  Note to self, do not watch with little eyes and ears around. Thankfully Minny was already in bed.  Definitely a great movie, certainly NOT what I expected.  Yesterday we watched....Stomp the Yard 2!   Love the steppin movies. 

Saturday was a day for the ladies!  I signed Elise up with Premier and am excited to have her for sure!  Looking forward to her training show coming up. She has been a customer since I started as a Jeweler, and has always talked about doing it, but...never did, until Saturday!  Saturday night Sarah Pants, Mavin and I had an ABS outing. Why is it when you get together with your best girlfriends you are always guaranteed a laugh or more?  Heavens. I had to work at Tailgate hosting karaoke that night. And who knew a cowbell could bring so much entertainment?  We got lost on the way home, laughed a lot and created more memories.

Minny and I were driving along last week when she said, hey mom look.  Dangit. Why does she have to just tickle me like this....right over top of her glasses even.

Pat - Maivin's hubs - and his parents for YEARS have always had the "who found the eggnog first" contest. So I love finding it...Can you believe ALREADY yesterday it was found at the grocery store?  Sprinkler Girl just had to bring it home already!  Sure glad I sent her off to get Biscuits for me last night!

Pants and I hit Target last night after I returned my karaoke equipment, I spent $22 and saved... $49!  Right?  Crazy, I know!  I was SO excited. Picked up a bunch of stuff we needed for the house.

Do any of you have a guilty pleasure?  What is it?

shhhhh....this is mine.  and since it's getting colder here, I will be in the "Happy Capsule" more.

Five Question Friday

Link up with Mama over at My Little Life

1. What do you listen to while driving?

Turn it up loud, sit down, LET'S GO!  I love all kinds of music! Right now it's the local Top 40 station. Love the old school funk most! 

2. What is your least favorite thing about Fall?

Here in MN it means that WINTER and SNOW are around the corner. I was kind of hoping that shiny thing they call a snowblower was just for looks...damn.   

3. What does your dream house look like, inside and out?

I live in my dream house. Sounds funny, eh?  I bought my first fixer upper, forclosure home ALMOST a year ago. I have put in new windows, doors, painted from top to bottom, refinished hardwoods, new carpet upstairs, deck railing, tore out and had a contractor come in and make a whole new bathroom. Carribean blue walls, tan stone tiled shower and floors with bright white fixtures, and a sun on the ceiling.  See where I went with that?  Yep, the beach. Even in the middle of winter here.  Needless to say, it is my first home, and I did it as a single mom, and rocked it out!  I would be happy here the rest of my life. If Chief decides to retire back to MN, we have a comfy cozy little place. :)

4. Would you ever own a minivan?

Ahahahhaa, oh. ahem. No. Bless the hearts of the people who drive them. I won't even own a conversion van. No. That's my final answer.

5. Do you wash new clothes before wearing them?
Depends what it is, really. Underwear, socks, yes. I don't think so about anything else. New sheets - FOR SURE

MILS Friday Fill In #16

Link up with Wifey at Wife of a Sailor!

1.What is the longest road trip you’ve ever taken?

Longest...I went with my mom and my grammy out to British Columbia one summer. We left Minnesota, drove thru the Dakotas, and then the mountains, stayed a few places along the way. Stopped in Washington to visit a family friend and then many places along the way in Canada where we had family. Saw lots of really aweseome things, went across this bridge - where my mom and I were scared to pieces...

Shopped in Chinatown where we got a lobster, that stayed in the trunk over the course of the HOT day, and then into the freezer, that proceeded to snap out at my mom over dinner!  Was priceless. I was all of 13 on this trip. Certainly something I will remember the rest of my life. We stayed with a Phillipino lady in Vancouver who was a friend of the family. Introduced my to cellophane noodles and tofu. YUM!  We visited Victoria by ferry, and I was in love.

2.Do you collect anything? Tell us a bit about it.

Dollheads.  I know! Sounds crazy!  Here's my favorite post of things I collect....

3.What is your favorite part about being an adult?

Responsibility, even if sometimes it is overwhelming. Watching my daughter grow into the most amazing little lady. Reconnecting with Prince Charming "Chief" of my dreams and being in love.  There are days I'd throw it all in to be 5 again tho!

4.What song brings a tear to your eye?

Anything Bing Crosby sings. Reminds me of my daddy...RIP dad.

5.Describe your first plane ride (how old you were, where you were heading, etc).
Does it count if I was 2 weeks old? My mom was the Queen for Daughters of the Nile here in Minneapolis. We went to ... Santa Fe, New Mexico for a huge convention. My mom was pretty important!