Red light-Green light

What a beautiful weekend I had. I spent the weekend in Georgia. It was a blast. I visited an animal safari. Which I loved. The animals were fabulous. For some reason...the critters with extremely long tongues and slobber came to my side of the truck. That part got a little scary at times. Overall, it was a neat deal. This is a picture of one of the animals at my window. The tongue was on its way out and it was coming straight towards me. He was my favorite though. I do not remember what type of thingy he is but I do remember he is from Europe. He was full of hair. Precious!

I also went hiking at Providence Canyon State Park, while in Georgia. It was gorgeous. We were blessed with great weather. I enjoyed doing this. There really are some amazing places you can visit and have a good time. I love being outdoors. God's creations amaze me. This is a picture of the canyon. I know you cannot tell much about it...but believe me, it was pretty!

Just a little taste of what my weekend was like, for your viewing pleasure. Now, get outside before its 107 degrees in March!

Does your heart ever get heavy? Anything and everything is sitting on top of your heart. You can't stop thinking about it all. Today, I had to go out to my car and sit. It was a beautiful thing. I prayed for everything and everyone that was on my heart. The clarity after doing this is amazing. Sometimes...it is hard to make yourself stop and focus on things other than work, life, and family. Stopping is good. My stop today was for a reason.

When God tells us to stop. Do it. You'll be glad you did. Red means stop. Listen and following His will. Green means go. Not always easy or easily understood. But is a must. Life is scary. That is why we have a Savior. Amen. He has pulled me out of things. He's also rejoiced with me. He is in love with me. And you. Grace.

Enough preaching! Excuse me. April is almost over. Man, that was quick. I'm booked and ready to fly to Denver and see my nephew in July. I am very excited about that. It will be so good to visit with Leslie and Ryan. Sightseeing and exploring the mountains. Many good things will happen on this trip. Not to mention the wittle one I'll get to love on!

Tucker has officially lost his mind. That is all I'm saying about that. He is a wild child. Oh, how I love that yellow knuckle-head though.

Have a great and safe week. Laugh! It does the soul good. Listen! It works. Use your gifts.

Psalm 25: 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Attention Jackson...

Coming to a pothole near you....asphalt. I believe Jackson is receiving $200 million to fix the roads. This will make for such a smoother commute, so they report. Have you driven down a road in Hinds County? Once you do, I promise, you will get out of your car to see if you lost a muffler or bumper or person. They are bad. However, I cannot report that the driving will be any better. Mississippians cannot drive. The Magnolia State ranks 6th in the nation in the worst driver’s poll. The only state in the south that beat us, Georgia at #5. If it isn't wide open...they panic.

I have been told twice in the past week that I should change my opinion on one of previous blogs. That would be the statement saying: If you are 25+ do not live with your parents. I was told this because my dad is living with me. Well, I refuse to change it. It is not healthy. I am not living with my parents. He is living with me. Difference. I am a good daughter. Yes, he is still around during the week. I'm not sure where my parents stand on the housing situation. Please keep them in your prayers. The quicker the better, for all.

Another request came to me after my last post. It was brought to my attention that I did not mention Tucker's favorite thing...to trail deer. Let me assure you, I had nothing to do with his talent. I have only seen him do this once. I do know that he has found many deer for people that I work with or friends. So, you go Tucker. Keep up the good work. We're proud!

Lauren, Krista, Tiffany, Nancy, Christy, Krista and I are throwing around different places to go for our girl’s trip. Krista is a cruiser. Lauren is NYC. CJ is L.A. all the way. Nancy and Tiffany have not voiced yet. And me, well I said the Grand Canyon. We'd love to hear your suggestions. We're up for anything. Well maybe not the Canyon because I'm pretty sure everyone turned their noses up to that one. I might get stuck doing that one alone. Whatever may happen, I can promise that by fall these 7 amazing ladies will be somewhere other than the south!

Lately, I've found myself overwhelmed with attitudes that others have. Maybe towards me or just life. Turn that frown upside down! I say, let people be who they are. If you don't like something they do or the way they are, then don't hang with them. It is very important that we build people up. Help others become better. Sometimes doing a little more than we want to can put a smile on someone's face. And that is important.

My eyes have been wide open to see those who truly care about me. The ones that are proud of the work I do and the life I live. You guys know who you are. Thank you for being in my life and investing so much. Great friends and an amazing family are just a few blessings God has given me.

We had dinner club this week. Oh boy. The memories and stories that were told. How we laughed. It was a wonderful time. It is scary at how my memory is not near as good as others. These girls remember things I did years ago that I have completely forgotten about. Amazingly we are still here! Stories. I love them!

Some of us are hoping for the rain to push on through this weekend. We've planned a day at Rocky Springs. It will be divine. I'm not the girl that sits inside. I like to be outside. Take it or leave, it matters none to me. I'll be waiting outside for you! Pictures will follow of our trip to the springs that are rocky.

Happy Friday kiddos! Be safe. Laugh. And enjoy!

Amanda's Big Tucker

How do you sum up three years? Today, I sum it up in one word. TUCKER.

Yes, today I celebrate 3 lovely years of having Tucker in my life. The poor fella woke up this morning to me singing 'Happy Birthday'. It was 5:40 and he wasn't sure what was going on. He quickly realized he did nothing wrong or that I had not lost my mind when he was served his birthday breakfast that consisted of 2 hot dogs, 1 pig ear and a large ham bone. He probably has a tummy ache now.

Tucker has been a best friend. Just like a human best friend...we've had our moments of thinking I was done with him because he is so bad but we've also had our moments of laying beside one another relaxing. Tuck has a keen sense of knowing when I am sad or upset. He also can tell when I am ready to play...he takes full advantage of these times.

It all started in Texas. Everything's bigger in Texas. This is a true statement about Tucker. He is a large 119 lbs (losing weight) and full of energy. A couple from Louisiana decided they needed a dog. They made the trip to Texas and brought a yellow lab home with them. They named him Tater. After a month of having Tater the couple decides to split, leaving Tater homeless. A man in Louisiana asked an old friend of mine if he would like the dog. He knew I wanted a dog. He told the man yes.

I get a call..."I found you a dog. I'll bring him to you today. He is 5 months old." I was pumped. A little pup that was all mine. When Tater was delivered to my house, I thought the age thing was a joke. He weighed 60 lbs. The vet said Tater's papers are correct. "Amanda, you will just have a big dog on your hands." Little did we know...

Tater quickly changed to Tucker. Tucker ate a lot and grew a lot. He has never made a mess in the house, unless he was sick. He has never bitten anyone, unless by accident. He has been a great companion. But I can't say that for everyday we've had together.

I love shoes. If I could buy one thing, it would be a nice pair of stilettos. I found the perfect pair. So did Tucker. I walk in the house to find my new shoes mangled. They didn't even look like shoes. The heel was the only thing left. Tucker got to know that heel pretty well for the next 10 minutes.

Tiffany comes over for a visit the week before her wedding. She is excited. We start talking, only to soon realize her Rainbow flip-flops she just purchased were now Tucker's newest chew toy. The next day I run to the store to buy her a new pair.

Tucker went through a period of throwing up. To cure this I was told to give him an Imodium. Bad, bad, bad. I accidently gave him one too many on a Sunday. We had to rush to the Pet ER in Jackson because Tucker couldn't breathe. Not to mention he had HUGE whelps all over his body. No more Imodium for him. Also, if by some strange reason the elderly couple with their grandchildren who were taking a Sunday stroll that most awful day read this...I apologize for being so rude to you on the interstate. I was in a hurry. You were in the way.

Tucker has disappeared for a day or so. He has been running down the busiest road in Clinton. He has pooped just about everywhere his feet have landed. He has had one report of disturbing the peace on his record. He has eaten one wax machine, one phone cord, and many other items that may be lying around. I got mom a chimanaya for Christmas. Within a few days, Tucker managed to get his head stuck in it. To save himself from carrying it around for the rest of his life, he busted it on the patio. He had a black head for weeks.

Now, reading this you may think Tucker is bad. Bad is not the correct word. Mischievous is. He can't help himself. He is full of life. If he were human, he'd be like me...full of questions. He also, never gets in real trouble unless it is super bad. I just let him be himself. I know many do not think this is the best form of parenting but I can't help it. He is adorable!
Tucker had a girlfriend. They had babies. It was the proudest moment of my life! He loves girlfriends. This is a picture of a few of his children. Note: His girlfriend at the time was chocolate!

The puppy to the right was identical to my sweetie. Tucker wasn't real sure about a mini-him! He was as gentle as a 2 year old, 115 lb, male lab could be. It was entertaining!

Tucker has been with me through so much. He has given me kisses when I cried. He has crawled in my lap when we're both quiet. Overall, we've been great for one another. Tucker loves people and attention. When no one else is around and I think no one cares...Tucker does. He doesn't have to have the best of everything. He is simple. I like simple. I get simple. He makes me smile and laugh. It is never a dull day with him around. So cheers to sweet Tuck! Happy 3rd Birthday! May we enjoy many more!!

Come on over!

I have a few sweet neighbors. I have a few odd neighbors. I am fine with this. Across the street lives an elderly couple. I'm going out on a limb by saying they have lived in their house for 30 years, give or take. We do not have coffee together, nor do we do the tea thing. We do wave and say hello. However, today was a monumental day. Easter. Yes. Also, the first time they came over to visit.

I love visitors. Come by, if you choose. I will welcome you. So they walk over. Knock. And enter. Upon their entrance, they hand me a paper plate wrapped in foil. My large imagination starts thinking. Yes, they brought me a slice of strawberry cake and a cupcake. Amazing! Two of my favorites. We visit. They leave.

As I'm scoffing down these delicious treats, I stop and smile. How great is our God. How great that people who serve Him, go out of their way for others. How often do you go out of your way for someone? A simple gesture, such as bringing your neighbor a cupcake, could be just what they need. I didn't need it but it is the thought that counts.

The strawberry cake was yummy. Cupcake? Not sure. I stood strong and did not eat it. Now, I can say that I had an Easter yummy treat. I did not go to my parents. I choose to stay at home. I hear I missed out on good fun and food. I'll make up for that somewhere along the line. Church was an amazing time of worship. The thunderstorms held off so the kiddies could hunt for eggs. Did you dye an egg? I did not. Should have.

I have glorious news. Earnest, my chicken, has made the journey back home. I'm not sure where he went for over a week. I am just glad he is back. Earnest made his homecoming announcement in a LOUD way. The silly chicken clucked for an hour. Tucker was not happy. For the first time, he wanted to eat Earnest.

Do something good for someone else. Be nice! Smile! Be happy! I watched a movie this weekend. A writer was told to not use exclamation points because it shows that he laughs at himself. That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Periods are boring. Use an exclamation point! (This could be why i am not a writer.)There is nothing wrong with laughing at yourself! Enjoy your life!!!

Coloradoan

This is a hoot! Ryan does not have a belly in real life. He has gained weight during this pregnancy, however, not this much. Leslie, on the other hand, is not forcing her belly out! They went to the mountains last weekend with a few friends and took this picture. I am so proud of both mommy and daddy. They will be great parents. This picture expresses their personality. So funny! Wouldn't you love to be on that mountain right now? I would.

This is my favorite picture. It is so sad that I can't rub that sweet belly, but I know her friends out there are taking great care of her. Leslie would die, but many times I have prayed for this baby to be BIG! Big babies just seem like they will not break as easily. Stupid, I know. Jaime, Leslie and I were all big babies. So, obviously being a big baby is not so bad!

Easter is here. What an amazing thing that happened so many years ago. I cannot fathom the magnitude of the events that occurred but I graciously accept His love and selflessness. With a heart full of thanksgiving, reflect this weekend on life. What a gift. On a lighter note, I hope Easter B. will bring you much unwanted but secretly wanted candy!

Best dressed...

Goes too...Carrie Underwood. I am a fan. Loved the red dress she performed “I Told You So” in last night. I would love to wear it for a day. I'm pretty sure that dress was made for me. Amazing. This picture does not do it justice. The award show was good. Great entertainment. Hilarious jokes. Good fun. Too much Taylor and not enough George. Lots of talent in one room. Great thing.

I had the pleasure of being out of the office last week. I was turkey hunting. I met some pretty cool dudes and caught a big fish. The tragedy of the story? No turkey. Between people telling me to be still or be quiet…I am now left with 3 strands of hair on my head. People getting angry at me because I had to scratch my face or I dropped a cushion are things I cannot handle. Since Kindergarten, I have been a firm believer that the person yelling “Be still” or “SSSSHHHHHH” is MUCH louder than the individual ‘causing the ruckus’. Chill. Life is still good.

I enjoy being outdoors. I gain much needed peace and serenity. While sitting uncomfortably against a tree last week, I had time to think. It was a beautiful thing. Oh, if only we could all take time to just sit outside and think. Great ideas are birthed. My creativity is not at the highest level of potential in a cube. Whose is? Get outside. Think. Like milk, it does the body good.

I did go down the Natchez Trace 4 times this weekend. Windows down. Music loud. Good company. It was fabulous! Also, Tucker is home now. Welcome home! He was greatly missed. You can find Mr. Hyper in the backyard because my new roommate does not want Tucker in MY house. My patience is being tested and I am proud to say that I am doing well with the changes that occur during the week at my house. I humbly accept the fact that my way is not always going to happen. This is OK.

Nothing much else going on. Fine with me. April 6th and we have a freeze warning tonight. Crazy. Bundle up. Bring the dogs in. Build one last fire. I'm pulling for North Carolina tonight. In reality, I could careless. Happy Monday!