The Aftermath of a Raining Tailgating Day

Tailgating is always fun even if it does rain throughout most of the day.  I always think that the worst part about going anywhere is the unpacking.  Unpacking the car with all of the tailgating supplies and food is something we do every week.  However, this week was a little different.  We were afraid that since all of the tents and chairs were full of water when we put them in the bags to come home that they would get mildew. 

So what are you to do when it continues to rain the next day? Well I will let the pictures speak for themselves – Welcome to our garage!

We hope that everything dries out before Saturday and that we will not be left with any mildew smells!

Sips N Strokes – A little late

Last Tuesday night some people from our Bible Study went to Sips N Strokes for a Girl’s Night Out.  It was so much fun and my first time to do this.  I have never proclaimed to me an artist or even creative – so this was a stretch for me – but was great that the teacher was there to walk you through each step.  At one point in the night – the instructor walked by our row and said how great everyone’s looked and then kept walking right past mine.  Oh Well, I was not planning on quitting my day job.

Here is how my cross turned out.  I am not sure what I am going to do with it yet – any suggestions? Our group after we had all finished our painting!  We will have to do it again so – we had a great time!

Way to Earn More Swagbucks For Everyone

BRAND NEW Swag Bucks toolbar:  the new toolbar was released this morning and is compatible with IE, Firefox and Safari.  

Members will be able to log into to their account through the new toolbar and in addition be able to track their points through the toolbar. 

Additionally, in September, EVERY SINGLE DAY, they will release a special "Swag Code" through the toolbar.   The only way to get the code is by having the toolbar installed.
By the end of the month, those that have installed the toolbar should be able to rack up 30 FREE SWAG BUCKS!

So – What do you need to do?

If you are already a member of Swagbucks – download the New Toolbar and get the free code each day of September.

If you are new to SwagBucks – Now is the time to join.  Go here and sign-up and here to see the benefits.  You can enter the Code: ashleyswag to receive 3 bucks for signing up and 2 for entering my code.  Then download the toolbar and you can earn at least 35 swag bucks this month.  that is almost enough for a $5.00 Gift Card to Amazon.

A Beach Retreat

This past weekend we have the pleasure of going to the beach with The Mims and The McKinnons.  It was such a great time to get away and relax and enjoy the beach.  We took Friday off and headed down Thursday night.  Friday morning the guys headed out deep sea-fishing while we parked ourselves on the beach.  We all we able to read a lot (and it was kinda nice to have a day where the guys did not ask us to get in the water every 5 minutes)!

They caught lots of fish and came home that night to cook the Fresh Catch of the Day. Snapper was on the menu for dinner and it was delicious. Thank you Clayton for cooking the fish!

While being at the beach we celebrated Ted’s Birthday.  He turned the BIG 25 on Sunday and is now a 1/4 of a century old.  Please excuse the cake (long story ordering a cake from the Walmart at the beach)!  We cut the cake after the long day of fishing and the guys were exhausted. Happy Birthday Ted! Saturday morning it was raining when we woke up – but no worries as soon as the rain stopped we were all out on the beach.  Look at the beautiful rainbow that was in the sky, I am not sure how you can look at this and say there is no God. We stayed on the beach until late Saturday and then came in to get ready for dinner.  We headed to Salt Water Grill and then played some Miniature Golf after dinner.

Thanks Mims and McKinnons for a great trip with great friends.  We will have to do it again soon!

** Shealy and Laura Ann have other pictures – but this was all that was on my camera.

An Enjoyable Lunch

Do you ever feel that sometime life just gets to busy to stop and do anything?  Well, I think I have been in that mode for a while but it is so nice to stop and enjoy time with a great friend. 

I was able to eat lunch today with one of my best friends and college roommates, Ashley Jane.  She is still in Auburn because she is about to finish up her last year of Vet School.  It is such a shame that we do not get together more often, but even though we are in the same city we are both extremely busy.  Eating lunch with her today was so refreshing and we always pick up right where we left off.  We talk often – but it is always better to talk in person. Thanks so much Ashley for a great lunch and we need to do it again soon! 

Happy Anniversary

Yes, Ted is in classes all day, but we are planning on going to a nice dinner tomorrow night (a day late) to celebrate. 

I could not have asked God for a better guy to marry.  He has such a good heart and I could not have even dreamed of being able to marry such an incredible man.  God is good and faithful and has blessed me with a Godly man who is devoted to his family and has a desire to serve and to reach out to others. 

Ted balances me out and keeps me in check with reality and what is really important in life.  It has been the best 2 years of my life and I look forward to many, many more.

Since we are traveling I do not have our wedding pictures with me – but I did find a few pictures on a jump drive in my purse. (From our rehearsal dinner)

Happy Anniversary and I love you!

Welcome to …

HOLLYWOOD! Our first stop yesterday morning was Hollywood.  We have fun filled day packed with lots of sight-seeing.  This was as close to the Hollywood sign as we went, but it was still a great view.  

We spent most of our time in on Hollywood Blvd where both sides of the street have all of the stars with names for the Walk of Fame.  We also went to the Grumans Chinese Theater where lots of stars have their hand and foot prints in the concrete.  Below is George Cloney’s and the main cast in Harry Potter.  No, I have not read any Harry Potter books, but I know lots of people have so I thought some people may be interested.

It was very cool to see things like the Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theater where lots of “stars” visit regularly.

   From Hollywood…went went to………RODEO Drive!  We definitely could not afford anything – but It sure was High Class.  The street is not very long, which was not exactly what I had envisioned. 

For good measure, here is a picture of my mom and I in front of the sign. We are heading to Universal Studios today!  Be back then for pictures!

The Beaches are a Little Different

Ted had to go to LA on a business trip this week -- so why not take the family and make this a vacation? I am very lucky that my parents and brother were able to join me so we can sight-see together while Ted is in his meetings. (Sorry Allison that you could not be here -- but thanks for staying at the house and keeping Huck!)

We arrived yesterday afternoon around lunch time (PST) in Los Angeles. We got our bags and headed to our hotel. This would be Ted's only afternoon he was not in meetings, so we headed to the beaches. We drove down Pacific Coast Highway, which runs along the coast. We stopped and got out at Malibu beach. The water was COLD and there was a nice breeze - but that did not stop Ted and Taylor from getting in the water.

After leaving Malibu beach we headed down to Santa Monica Beach. There were a lot more people here. We went to the Santa Monica Pier and boy was it crowded. It was nice to walk out on the pier and see everything. Here are some pictures of the view from the pier.

The beaches are for sure different than our AL & FL beaches. These beaches have lots of rocks and the sand is more brown and dirty looking. It makes me love our white-sand beaches even more. The weather was great and we enjoyed our day. Today we are headed to Beverly Hills and Hollywood!

I will leave you with a picture of the way the houses are built on the sides of the hills. This house overlooks the water. There is no telling what the price tag on a house like this cost.


Have a great day and I will be back with pictures from Rodeo Drive!

Happy Birthday….

Happy Birthday Allison!  You are the best sister that I could ever ask for.  You are always so much fun to be around, but have the sweetest spirit I know.  I love you and I hope that you have a great birthday!

Make sure to get your 5 Swagbucks!

***If you have sign-up for Swagbucks since reading the previous post – You will not regret it!

Please make sure that you enter ASHLEYSCODE where it says “Enter your Swag Code”.  This will give you a total of 5 points.  It looks like some of you who have signed up only have 1 or 2 points – so make sure to enter your code so that you can get your 5 points.

And please let me know if you have any questions!

Swagbucks – Start Earning NOW!

This is VERY exciting!  SwagBucks.com has contacted me and is offering anyone who signs up for Swagbucks and enters this code: ASHLEYSCODE will get 5 Swagbucks (3 for signing up and 2 just for using my code! – Code expires Sunday (6/28)

Why SwagBucks?

How many times during the day do you go to Google and search for things? If you are anything like me - then that is multiple times. Let me introduce you to a site called Swagbucks.com. It is a site where you can earn points (which equals $$ in your pockets) while you search. This site is powered by Google - so when you search here you receive the same returns as you would by using Google.

What are the benefits?
- The main benefit is that you receive points for using this search engine site and then you can trade your points in their 'store' to receive items.

I have received almost 1000 points to date!

What items are available?
- Just about anything that you can think of -- Gift Cards are my favorite

I have cashed in some points and received $80.00 in Amazon Gift Cards!

How do I earn points so I can get free things too?
- Go to this link and register (It's Free) : http://swagbucks.com/- Enter this code: ASHLEYSCODE
- I suggest that you make it your default site to search with so that you will break the habit of going to Google.com
If you have any questions - please ask!

**If you are already a Swagbucks member: I’m sorry but this code will not work as they already giving away a lot codes for them through the blog, facebook and twitter.

Getting Big

I know I have not posted in a while – and I really do not have a lot to report on either – so instead I will share with you some pictures of Huck that we took last night just sitting on the patio enjoying the nice evening (before the storm)!

  He is getting REALLY big – and enjoys chewing on things – hence 1/2 of a football

Hope you have a great day!

Lack of Posts/Need your Input

I apologize for the lack of post lately. 

Work has been busy (a good busy)!  We are preparing for a conference for work, starting new projects, and trying to maintain current systems – It is always exciting around here.

Our weekends have been full with family events, moving Ted into his office, Easter and all sorts.  Life has been busy but I would rather be busy than bored.  I have been posting a good bit at Ways to Save in Lee County and forgetting about my blog. I will try and do better.

So – done with my lame excuses!

I need your help.  I will be going on 2 trips within the next month and a half to places I have never been. 

1. I am going to Iowa State University in Des Moines, Iowa for a conference with work for 6 days and I will have a few nights to see the sights and such.  Do you have any suggestions of things to do in Des Moines?

(If you happen to think of Ted that week – call him – I am sure he will be lonely and hungry :) )

2. The following week, Ted has a business trip to Los Angeles, CA he must take and I have decided to join him.  I will work remotely some during the day (and he will be in his meetings) but I am hoping that we can find some fun things to do at night.  Any ideas or fun things/places in Los Angeles that I must not miss?  I actually think his meeting is about 30 miles from Los Angeles – but I am not sure. It is definitely close enough to enjoy some sight-seeing adventures while we are there.

Fun Game

Try this and please let me know if you are successful!  I was not successful at all!

1. Without anyone watching you (they will think you are GOOFY......) and while sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so.

My Redeemer Lives

God is so Great! God is my strength! God is ALIVE!
God heals all pain and is the reason that we have for living!

Today, on Easter Sunday my Great-Grandmother went to be with the Lord. She would have been 98 years old in June. It is so hard to lose someone that you love so dearly, but what an awesome time she is having right now. How amazing that on Resurrection Day she was able to see her Lord face to face.

Ma was an incredible Godly woman. On Thursday afternoon, one of the last times that she was making any conversations, most of which did not make any sense, she stopped – looked straight up at the ceiling and spoke like she was 20 years old again – and this is what she said:
God, I love you. Please forgive me of my sins. I am praying for all my family, please keep them safe. Please come take me home!

Several times since then some of the only things we could make out were her saying –
I am going home tonight!

She was a godly woman who knew where she was going. Although it hurts us so much when they are gone – she is back with her husband after 25 years– she is working in her garden with no pain - and she is rejoicing in heaven with all the angels.

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to have known my Great-Grandmother. She was such an inspiration and a blessing to be around. I consider myself very fortunate to have had her walk down the aisle at my wedding and that is something that I will never forget.
Please remember my family this week in your prayers as no matter how old someone is, it is never easy to left them go!

Starving for Attention

This past Saturday morning when it was raining pretty good we could not work in the yard and so Ted decided that he would try and get some work done.  He was in the office and I walked by and this is what I saw… Huck laying across his lap trying to get his attention.

I do not think that Huck liked the idea of Ted working on the weekend – he definitely thought he should be playing with him.  I truly think that Huck thinks he is a person!!!

Do your animals do this same thing?

Call Ted for an Insurance Quote!

We now have an Insurance Agency: The Bryant Insurance Agency. Ted has been working extremely hard for quite some time to get this going. We are very excited to say that he is now selling Insurance and building his business full time. Please call Ted and he will be more than happy to sit down with you and go over everything that he offers to make sure that you and your family are completely covered in case of an accident or emergency. Also – Thanks for reading my sales pitch below!

If you want to save some money – one way of doing this is reducing your insurance cost. Call Ted today for an Insurance Quote!

Especially in today's economy,you need to make sure that you have ample insurance coverages so that if you, your house, or your vehicles are in an accident, you are not stuck with a high bill. Call Today to re-evaluate your insurance needs!

Snow Day in Alabama

Sunday, March 1st proved to be a winter wonderland at the Bryant household! It was somthing that we really did not think would happen. We had so much fun playing in the snow! We measured mid Sunday afternoon and we had 6 inches in our front yard. We measured Monday morning before work in the backyard and still had 4 inches there! Enjoy the photos of our snow adventures!

Ways To Save in Lee County - Launch!

The new site has Launched! It can be found by going to: http://saveinleecounty.blogspot.com/.

Please check it out check it out regularly for updates on local savings and entertainment!

Who Wants a Free Sandwich?

I am pretty sure that I am going to start a new blog with ways to save and have fun without breaking the bank in our local area of Lee County. But -- until that is ready to go -- I could not let you pass up a free sandwich from Quiznos.

Go Here and sign up for a free sandwich (no purchase necessary -- so really FREE). All you have to have is an email address. You can sign up each person in your household that has a separate email address. The only catch is that you must use your coupon within 5 days of signing up AND you must show a picture ID to receive your sandwich (it must match the name that you enter).

So, in our case -- I signed both of us up with individual email addresses and we can each enjoy a free dinner in the next 5 days. If you drink water then there is no need to even spend $$ on a drink!

Hurry and sign up as I am sure it will not last long!

I Need Your Opinion!

I am contemplating starting a new blog and I need your help!

I was thinking of starting a new blog that contains all kinds of saving money ideas and coupon tricks. I would like to dedicate this blog to things going on in my personal life and separate my love for finding a good deal into a different blog. Please let me know if anyone would be interested in reading a blog that talks about ways to save and how to find a good deal?

Have a great week!

Why use Google - When you can Earn with Swagbucks?

How many times during a day do you go to Google and search for things? If you are anything like me - then that is multiple times. Let me introduce you to a site called Swagbucks.com. It is a site where you can earn points (which equals $$ in your pockets) while you search. This site is powered by Google - so when you search here you receive the exact same retuns as you would by using Google.

What are the benefits?
- The main benefit is that you receive points for using this search engine site and then you can trade your points in their 'store' to receive items.

What items are available?
- Just about anything that you can think of -- Gift Cards are my favorite

How do I earn points so I can get free things too?
- Go to this link and register (It Free) : http://swagbucks.com/
- I suggest that you make it your default site to search with so that you will break the habit of going to Google.com

If you have any questions - please ask! Have a great Friday!

Afternoon Nap

Do some days you just feel exhausted? Today is one of those days for me. I went to bed at normal time last night and actually slept a little later than normal this morning - but still exhausted. I am continually yawning and wishing I could take a nap.

I was never really a nap person in college and especially now. The only exception to that is an occasional Sunday afternoon nap. However, today I am wishing I could just curl up in a bed like this and take a long afternoon nap.

Too bad the earliest I will get home is 6:30 tonight. Oh well -- one can always wish!

Have a great afternoon - even if you don't get a nap either!

Exciting Weekend Ahead!

I am very excited about this weekend. We don't have anything planned. Hunting season is finally over (after several kills) and we are hoping to do some small projects around the house, sleep in, and REST. It will be nice to stay around the house for an entire weekend without packing and unpacking. If anyone else in town wants to lay low and watch a movie -- let us know. We have lots of movies that we got for Christmas that still have the wrapping on them that we want to watch this weekend.


I am also looking forward to the great weather predicted for Saturday and Sunday. This is great weather for going to the park with Huck or just sitting in the Hammock for a nap.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Ever seen the Police pull over a Tiger Transit?

What about being pulled over due to what was done to you????

A few weeks ago -- there were a few of us girls talking about if we had any Tiger Transit stories. I however did not --- Until this Morning!

This morning I had just gotten onto campus - but had yet made it to the parking lot. I was at a 4-way stop and I was in the left-turn lane and there was a Tiger Transit in the lane next to me (right turn lane). It came my turn to go -- and the next thing I know the Tiger Transit has cut me off and is turning in front of me to the LEFT. It was a good thing that I was paying attention - I slammed in brakes to keep from hitting it (Obviously it would have been their fault -- but who needs that?)! The next thing I know a Police Officer pulls up next to me (in the lane the Tiger Transit was in) and motions for me to roll my window down. He says, "Mam - The bus just turned in front of you from the wrong lane - correct?" I said "yes" -- and he said -- "Let me turn in front of you." --

And so - this is where the police officer pulls over the Tiger Transit!

It just so happens the police officer turning onto the street as the Tiger Transit cut me off -- and saw where they almost caused a wreck with me and -- The officer was not happy!

Thanks AU Police for keeping us safe!

You Know You are Getting Old When...

You get really excited about a New Vacuum Cleaner! You guessed it --

We got a new Vacuum cleaner last night. Our old one gave up on us (it was about time - as it was my Aunt's old one she gave us when we got married)! I know nothing about how to purchase a Vacuum cleaner - my only criteria is that it cleans my carpets. Ted and I walked into the store spent all of 5 minutes before making a decision. We basically pointed and said OK! When we got home - Ted put it together and then did the honors of Vacuuming the entire house (I think I may have just found another hobby for him)! After the 1st go around - I am very pleased considering we did ZERO research!

When do you realize that you are Getting Old?

A New Journey Beginning

Tonight our Girls Bible Study is starting a new study. We are doing Beth Moore's Beliving God study - including the DVD's and Workbook. This is going to be a very exciting time as I have never done a Beth Moore study and I am throughly looking forward to it. I ordered my book from Amazon and it came in yesterday.

I read the introduction and this was a study that God gave Beth when reading Isaiah 43:10:

"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord,

"and my servernt whom I have chosen,

so that you may know

and believe me and understand that I am He."

Believing God examines what it means to believe God rather than only believe in Him.

I am looking forward (and kinda scared) of what God is going to do in my life through this incredible journey that I am about to embark on!

Have a wonderful day!

Great Recipe

A great friend Alicia sent this to me. I am printing one off to put in my office as a reminder each day. Enjoy!

Great Recipe

Take a 10-30 minute walk/run every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,
'My purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for______________.'

Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

Try to make at least three people smile each day.

Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years will this matter?'

Forgive everyone for everything.

What other people think of you is none of your business.

GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

However good or bad a situation is it will change.

Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

Each night before you go to bed complete the following Statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

Christmas - Part 2 - Dothan, AL

We spent most of the days of Christmas on the road. We went to Dothan to see Ted's family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is always good to have time to just relax - and Ted get some hunting in. Enjoy some pictures below:


Ted's immediate family


All of the grandkids on Ted's mom's side!


All of the grandkids on Ted's dad's side!

Family Fun in NYC

We definately had a Christmas that we will always remember. We are so blessed to have been able to go to NYC right before Christmas with my family, both sets of grandparents and my dad's brother! I consider this a real treat and something I am thankful for the opportunity to have been able to do.

We did everything from The Statue of Liberty, Rockettes, Grease on Broadway, Grand Central Station, Times Square, Subway rides, Central Park, 5th Avenue -- I am not sure if there was anything that we missed -- including the LONG airline delays!

I hope that you enjoy just a few of the 300 pictures that we took! I am very grateful that all of my grandparents were in good health and able to enjoy this trip -- as well as no one slipped and fell on all of the snow and ice -- What a Blessing!