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Welcome! I invite you to join me on this journey we call Life. It's crazy, fun, silly, sad, happy, loony, dull, exciting and everything in between

Monday, September 30, 2013

Pre-Order the NEW Kindle Fire HDX!

Christmas is right around the corner. If you have a new tablet on your list for yourself or someone special, check out the newest Kindle, the Kindle Fire HDX. 
It's available for pre-order now!
Go to Amazon for details.



What's new
HDX display, faster processor, improved battery life... See 5 more
*Perfect-color HDX display, plus powerful quad-core processor for fast, fluid performance and immersive entertainment
*Exclusive 7" HDX display (1920x1200), high pixel density (323 PPI), and perfect color accuracy (100% sRGB) for vivid, lifelike images that go beyond standard HD
*The fastest processor on a 7" tablet—powerful 2.2GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM for fast, fluid multi-tasking, gaming, and video
*Introducing the "Mayday" button—revolutionary, on-device tech support, exclusive to Kindle Fire HDX tablets. Connect for free to an Amazon expert 24x7, 365 days a year
*Stay productive on the go with ultra-fast web browsing, built-in OfficeSuite, and updated e-mail and calendar support for Gmail, Outlook, and more
*Immersive entertainment experience—see trivia and character backgrounds with X-Ray for Movies and TV, follow along with lyrics with new X-Ray for Music, fling videos to your TV with Second Screen, and more

**  
In addition to Free Two-Day Shipping, Prime members enjoy exclusive digital benefits, including the ability to download Prime Instant Video titles on the all-new Kindle Fire family of tablets. Learn more

DISCLAIMER: The Happy Clown With A Frown was not compensated for this post however it does contain affiliate links.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

A Letter To My Husband On Our Anniversay

My Dearest,
 I never thought I could love someone so much. I never knew that love that already felt so big, would grow more and more with the passage of time. I never thought I would find someone I would willingly give my whole self to. But then I didn't know you. I don't know where I would be today if we hadn't met that rainy night on the school bus, but I know that I am right where I am supposed to be. We have experienced so many firsts together. Marked so many milestones. Each one so special, so dear. 
We have had some rough times and I recognize that sometimes it has been because of me. In spite of that, you have held on. I hope you have felt my unending support. I hope you know I stand will stand by you in any endeavor you undertake. I hope I have been helpful to you in you past goals and that I can help you reach all your future goals too. No matter what goal you set or what you want to be successful at, I want you to know I am here. What ever path you choose, I support you. Always. I want to be the positive energy that blasts away any negative that tries to invade your space. You have always supported me in my little adventures and endeavors and I want you to know that you have the same in me. I am your biggest fan and cheerleader. I am not so naive to think that the outside world will not interfere, but I know as long as you are by my side, it doesn't matter. You are my warrior. You are my rock. Your strength supports me and carries me through the tough times. And during the good times the joy you bring to my heart makes me feel as if I float on air. I know that even as you let me stand as an individual, you stand with me as one. My heart beats for you. Where ever we are, as long as we are together it is home to me.
I hope I have made you feel special. You have certainly done that for me. I have felt very special. Very blessed. I have felt like we have something so rare and precious. It's one of those things that only comes around once in awhile and to have found you (or having been found by you!) and been blessed with the years we have had is simply miraculous to me. I turn to you and you're there. I need you, and you're there. You make me proud to be you wife and I pray that you are proud to be my husband. I look forward to the anniversaries to come as each will mark another year that my love for you has continued to grow. 

Happy Anniversary, my Love. 

Forever Yours, 
Lisa         

My love for you is eternal and burns brighter with the passing of  each second. ♥      

Our Little Love Story Part V: The Honeymoon


........ So we were a little late getting to the hotel where we were to spend our first night before continuing up to Gatlinburg TN. We checked in went to the room and as it was already late we began getting ready for bed. I was in the buff when someone knocked loudly on our door! I jumped into the bathroom to hide while hubs went to see who it was. The hotel had sent a guy to our room with a platter of fruits and cheeses with a bottle of champagne in the center and two glasses. It was lovely! Not that I was totally innocent where alcohol was concerned (He was!), but neither of us had ever had champagne so we popped the cork and gave it a whirl... YUCK! Neither of us like it so we put the plastic cork back in and set it aside. We enjoyed munching on the fruits and cheeses. They were very good..... 
The next morning we repacked our suitcase and gathered our things. I don't remember taking any of the fruit but we kept the champagne for a souvenir. We didn't want to break it so we wrapped it in Hubby's black leather jacket and stashed it behind his seat in the truck. We proceeded to hit the road. We were just rolling right along having a great time. At some point we began to smell something odd. We couldn't figure it out but it kept getting stronger and stronger..... We decided to pull into the Tennessee Welcome Center for a short break and by the time we got there the smell was very strong. When we got out of the truck, we noticed the smell was only INSIDE the truck! We started looking through our things and Hubby picked up the leather jacket.... it was wet. Very wet. The champagne bottle! It must have broken! We began to unwrap it... it wasn't broken, but it WAS nearly empty! And the cork was missing. We finally found it all the way down one of the sleeves. We had wrapped the bottle into the body of the coat and crossed and TIED the sleeves around it and it blew that cork all the way into one of the sleeves! There wasn't much we could do for the coat at that moment so we rounded up a paper sack to put it in and put in it the back of the truck. We had to let the cab of the truck air out for a bit to get the alcohol smell out. We certainly didn't want to get pulled over by a cop and have that odor waft out into his face!  

After letting the truck air out for a bit, we got back on the road and had a great trip up into the Smoky Mountains. We spent our Honeymoon weekend in a Honeymoon Hideaways chalet at the edge of Gatlinburg. 



Looking back it seems a little cheesy.... hearts on the front doors, bright red heart-shaped tubs, mirrors on the bed.... but we didn't care. It was perfect and we had a perfect weekend.  It was mostly care-free, just spending time together, exploring a new place, and dining on great food. 





Exploring Gatlinburg for the first time was thrilling. The people were so friendly and helpful. I don't remember having a single negative experience... not sure if that's a fuzzy memory or just the "honeymoon high" we were on. We walked and shopped, explored the attractions. The chair lift up the mountain was fun!





Every morning and every evening we got to step out onto a little balcony and watch the ducks swimming in the creek that ran by our hotel. They were so playful!  And sometimes LOUD when they wanted a bit of bread!




We had such a great honeymoon! So great we returned to Gatlinburg every year to celebrate our Anniversary for five years. When life started getting a little crazier, we broke our streak and haven't made it back since. I hope to get back very soon. I love it up in those mountains! 


Oh and remember that jacket and the champagne bottle? Well, we didn't! The bag stayed in the back of the truck the whole weekend and for the ride home. It endured rain mixed with heat during the days and cooler night time temperatures. We were on such a honeymoon high all the way home. When we began to unload our things from the truck, everything was brought in and dumped on the floor. After unpacking our clothes and things that we needed right away, we unpacked our souvenirs and treasures over the next day or so. I finally came upon a paper bag and when I looked inside, I could not for the life of me figure out what it was...... I did not remember any green fuzzy lump! If we had lived in a science lab we would have had a years worth of cultures in that bag! The ENTIRE jacket was GREEN with mildew! It was leather! I called around and none of the dry cleaners in our area would do leather because they wouldn't guarantee the results. Whatev!  I figured the jacket was ruined anyway so I cleaned it myself. I wiped it down with Tilex Mildew Remover (This was before I used natural products!) and then rubbed it with vegetable oil to keep the leather moist for a few days to make sure the mildew didn't come back. I had to wipe it with the Tilex one more time and by then I had bought some leather conditioner and I used that. Over the years I have periodically had to wipe it down with leather cleaner and conditioner...... but it still looks pretty good! Our son will probably be ready to wear it soon!
:)





Now you know some of our story. I'd love for you to share your wedding and/or honeymoon stories! Was there a catastrophe? Hilarious moments?


Our Little Love Story Part lV - The Magical Day

Today marks the day that we said "I Do"! 



It's funny what we remember and what we don't. I remember the two of us planning our wedding together. He was very involved in choosing what we wanted. We had so much fun doing it all. we didn't want the "normal" so we chose a Troll theme. We found Troll Bride and Groom dolls for our cake topper, little miniature trolls for the stairs connecting the satellite cakes to the main one, a liquid and glitter-filled pen for guest to sign the guest book and troll lace biters for my shoes! My traditionalist Grandmother was absolutely horrified and tried to get my mom to make me change it. 
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The day itself, was a blur for me. I remember being afraid I would fall down the stairs during the processional, but I don't clearly remember going down them. I remember riding in the car with my sister, but I don't really remember getting into the car with her. She was taking me to get some things from the house after having been to town to get our hair and nails done. I remember a dog on the side of the road catching my eye and making her stop so I could check to see if it was our dog that had went missing.... I ran back down the road hoping it was and ready to put him in the car with us... it wasn't him. I don't remember getting to the house retrieving the things, or even leaving again. I just remember that before I knew it we were at Harry's house where our wedding was going to take place. I don't remember getting into all the under clothes and crinolines. I just remember being in the dress and putting the finishing touches with jewelry.


  


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As a surprise for him, I had the Groom's cake made to resemble his (our) Toyota pickup.

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I held it together pretty well until we were doing the last minute hair and make-up checks before going back upstairs for pictures... My mom brought in a bride doll to give to me and I lost it. 
















To anyone else this doll would probably mean nothing. To mean it meant so much. It had been given to my great great grandmother. She had hung it on the wall in her little house and it was there until she died when she was 103 years old. She lived in Alabama and I had lived in Wyoming and we spent some time with her I think about a year before she died. I remember loving being around her old home place. She was one of those awesome old women. She smoked a pipe, chewed tobacco, tended her cows, pigs and chickens way up into her 90's. She was a strong minded, strong willed woman and I adored her. So getting a doll that she had treasured for so long meant so much. Of course the water works came on in full force. And wouldn't stop. I managed to stifle them for photos but in between they just kept coming. It must have been quite the site as I bawled my eyes out as I walked up the aisle to the man I was about to be joined with... That must have filled him with so much reassurance!



My Mother-In-Law wrote and sang a song for us during the ceremony. I KNOW she did this, but I was crying and I can not recall her actually doing it! I know at some point I handed my bouquet to my sister. Don't remember doing it. Got them back from her. Don't remember getting it back. Before the wedding, we had decided to recite some vows, but didn't really know what we wanted to say. One day shortly before THE day, he told me what we should say. It was a simple one line vow that said all that needed to be said: I betroth myself to you....  or some thing like that. I don't remember saying the actual words! I had not heard the word in that context but when he explained that it meant he was giving me all of him and all he had, I knew it was all that we needed.

The preacher finished his words and pronounced us (I think!) and I only vaguely remember kissing my husband. I am quite frankly surprised I did not faint at some point. I do not remember walking back down the aisle with him. I don't remember cutting the cakes, doing the toast and drinking the fizzy apple juice that looked like champagne. Thank goodness there are pictures! 

I do sort of remember talking to some of our friends and finally getting a bite to eat. I do remember while I was talking to some guests they came to get me for pictures or something. Our reception was fun and felt pretty relaxed. The cake tasted GREAT. It was one of the best tasting wedding cakes I had ever had or have had since. I only sort of remember our "getaway run". I do remember getting into our decorated truck to find my sister-in-law and her boyfriend had put several condom packs in various places for us to find. 





~~*~~*~~*~~
We drove back to the house and we changed our clothes. I remember him helping to unzip my dress and about a pound of birdseed fell onto the carpet!  
Then we did the totally normal thing newlyweds do....... we drove back over to Harry's house and helped his Moma and my parents clean up the house a little. I had to actually retrieve my little "getaway bag" before we headed out for our honeymoon because I had forgotten to put it in the truck earlier in the day.......

Continue To Part V





Tuesday, September 24, 2013

I Got Nominated for A Leibster Award ! Thank You Krista!

My friend and fellow blogger, Krista over at Savory Savings nominated me for a Leibster Award! It a recognition of up and coming blogs like mine that don't have a Bazillion followers... yet!  :)  Thank you Krista! Be sure to check out her blog at Savory Savings! She has a great blog with lots of variety to enjoy and explore!
Now there are some rules to this..... I know ... rules shmules!  But sometimes ya just have to follow them! Soooo here they are:

1. Thank the person that nominated you and link to her blog.... Did that!
2. Answer your nominator’s ten questions...... Did it!
3. Share the love and nominate 10 other bloggers..... Got 'em!
4. Think up ten questions for your nominees...... Whew! That was tough!
5. Let everyone know you've nominated them!.... Hey guys!! Nominated ya! :)

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1. What is the best blogging advise anyone ever gave you?

    So far there have been many many great pieces of advice from my fellow bloggers, particularly from the blogger mafia. They help me anytime I wander into the group bloodied and battered from hitting my head against the wall trying to figure out something that has me stumped. I consider them friends and am so thankful for all the help the give.

    2. If you had a genie, what would your last wish be?

    Yikes! I think I would wish for all my hubby's dreams to come true and for him to happiness and joy for the rest of his life... and then hope to goodness I am part of that happiness and joy!

      3. What is your favorite song?
      Well I love music.I am a singing-off-key-in-the-shower kinda girl who lives among many really talented musicians, singers, songwriters and performers.  Music has alsways been part of my life and I have favorites from most genres...I love the music of Journey. Don't Stop Believin' is my favorite. I also love Pat Benetar. Hit me With Your Best Shot is a fav. Other favorites 
      include Martina McBride, Goo Goo Dolls, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Trisha Yearwood, Motley Crue.......  

        4. What was your favorite blog post ever?
        Right now it's a series of posts reminiscing and celebrating our 21st Wedding Anniversary. It's fun to recall the crazy things that happened and the things that make it so special 
          5. Do you watch reality TV? If so, what is your favorite reality show?
          I don't generally watch reality shows. However, just a few weeks ago my son and I stumbled across Airplane Repo and watched several episodes. Most of these type show bore me, but I was on the edge of my seat and my heartbeat was crazy wild. So we have watched that one a couple times since. 

            6. How do you prepare to write a blog post?
            Sometime a topic is just on my mind. Other times when there is a holiday approaching I try to write some relevant content relating to it. I don't have any set formula. I just try to write from my heart, from my perspective and in my words.

              7. What is your favorite time of year and why?
              I love Christmas time. I love our family get-togethers. I love the chaos of having all our close family in one place. As much as I stress myself out when I am making things to give as gifts, I love giving them! I even like to go to the mall, even if I don't get to do any shopping myself. Everything just feels magical. All the lights and holiday decorations, even people seem a little nicer. 

                8. Who do you admire most in the world?
                That one is tough. I admire lots of people for different reasons. I admire my husband. He is a hard worker, honest, trust worthy, goes above and beyond... I admire my parents, his Moma and Step-Dad his grandparents, Our step-grandparents.... As for well known figures, I admire Marilyn Monroe, Gregory Peck, Princess Diana, Prince William and Princess Catherine.... 


                  9. If you were offered $10 million to move to another country where you knew no one and did not speak the language, would you go and why?
                  As long as I could take my husband and son, probably, depending on the country. These days so many are very hostile I would definitely pause on that one. 

                    10. What is the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
                    Go pee! :)

                    ~~*~~*~~*~~*~~

                     Okay, so It's my turn.... I'd like to nominate:



                    And my questions for you are:

                    1. What led you to start blogging?
                    2. Who has been the most influential person in your life?
                    3. What is your favorite plant, tree or flower and why?
                    4. If you had to give up all but one of your devices, which one would you keep (cell phone, laptop, tablet, etc)? Why?
                    5. If you could choose a famous person to follow your blog, who would you want it to be and why?
                    6. How many states have you lived in? Which was/is your favorite?
                    7. What is your favorite movie? Why?
                    8. Describe yourself using no more than five words.
                    9. If you were offered $1 Million for your blog with the stipulation that you could NEVER blog again, would you take it? Why or why not? 
                    10. What advice would you offer to someone that wanted to blog but had never done it before?


                    Be sure to let me know when you post so I can come read your answers! I can't wait to learn more about you!

                    Saturday, September 21, 2013

                    September Fiber Workshop Project

                    I have mentioned in the past that I belong to a local Fiber  Guild. we usually meet once a month for our regular workshops with some extra activities thrown in as well. Members often do demonstrations at local Frontier Days, Founder's Day and Oktoberfest type celebrations to show others fiber crafts. 
                    I attended my monthly Fiber guild meeting today (Saturday) and we learned how to wet felt wool fiber. We made a little pouch and a geode type ball.


                    When the geode ball is completely dry, I'll be able to cut it open to reveal the colors and it can then be used as a pin cushion or a decoration.


                    I'll probably add a handle of some sort to my bag.


                    This is the layers of my pouch just before I began the process of folding it together, adding the colors and felting it. This is a craft I definitely want to do again!

                    The purpose of fiber guilds is to help keep the techniques of fiber working and fiber crafts alive for new generations. A lot of the techniques taught offer a glimpse into the past as we learn the basics of how pioneers made the things they needed or wanted for themselves and for others. I love creating and I love being able to make things to give for Christmas gifts. I have painted and crafted for years, but until I found the Fiber Guild nearly two years ago, I had never worked with fiber other than store bought yarn. I have learned about washing, dying, carding and spinning fiber along with weaving, basket making and other ways to use fiber to create. And I am having so much fun learning! Our guild has some wonderful, super helpful ladies and gents (YES we have a few men that regularly attend too!). It's great because some of these people have been working with fiber for many years and they don't hesitate to share their knowledge and techniques with the rest of us. If you are looking for a group to join or like to learn new things, you may like to join a fiber guild in your area.  

                    Wednesday, September 18, 2013

                    Our Little Love Story Part lll

                    As I have been counting down the days to our Anniversary I have pondered  relationships. Mostly ours, but relationships in general. Why do some last? Why do others not? Why do some seem so happy while others have the appearance of being merely room mates?  I don't know. I mean I know there are circumstances where the the sheer cruelty or betrayal by one, or even both ends a relationship, but  there are others that just slip away like the night slips away silently and mostly unnoticed as the sun returns to claim the day. Again, I don't know.
                     I know what I value in a relationship. There are some key elements that I believe are required to maintain a relationship. In no particular order:
                    1. Trust. You must be able to trust your spouse. This is the one person in the whole world that you should be able to talk to, share your secrets, your fears. The one person that you should be able to count on to stand by you.
                    2. Honesty. You should be able to be honest with your spouse in all things. I don't mean brutal honesty that hurts their feelings, but honesty in concert with kindness.
                    3. Faithfulness. In mind, body and spirit. In choosing to share your life with this person, you also choose to keep yourself only for them.
                    4. Respect. We should show respect to every deserving person but to perhaps even more so to our spouse. They deserve to be respected as an individual even as you stand together as one.
                    5. Communication. You have to keep the lines of communication open. Talking openly and honestly is a must because none of us is mind readers.
                    6. Appreciation. Let them know you appreciate them and the things they do for you.
                    7. Compromise. You can always have every thing you want and everything doesn't always go your way.Be able to graciously compromise or let go.
                    8. Live, Laugh and Love!
                    9. Remember the "little" things - saying " I Love You" for no reason, compliment and praise your spouse. 

                    There are probably more. I don't think anyone has all the answers and the "experts" are as clueless as the rest of us. I think we do the best we can. I just know it all works hand in hand. Sometimes there will be more of one element than of the others and it's guaranteed to flip and flop every which way over time. I don't have the "perfect" marriage. Far from it. I continue to learn more about myself and about our relationship. We have had easy times and tough times. I have felt the greatest of highs and the lowest of lows over the course of these many years. I have had those moments of doubt and thought we were over. I don't doubt that I may feel that way again in the future. The difference is that as we continue to grow and build this relationship, when the low moments hit, we look for the solution. Giving up or quitting is less of an option. We have so much invested. We have weathered so much. But we have also had so much fun and laughed so hard! I think of the elements of relationships as threads. When you weave them all together you create a beautiful one-of-a-kind tapestry that no one else can replicate. With care and attention the tapestry gets stronger and holds together. If you stop paying attention to the details, the threads loosen and begin to unravel. The stronger your tapestry is, it will be able to weather the tough times.
                    Others know how smart my husband is and sing his praises, but I am his biggest fan. No matter what, I try to let him know that I always love and support him. We're a team. Our hearts beat as one.

                    Our marriage isn't perfect, but he is the perfect one for me!

                    ~*~*~*~

                    Read Our Little Love Story Part I
                    Read Our Little Love Story Part II

                    Monday, September 16, 2013

                    Sunday, September 15, 2013

                    Going To The County Fair



                    Saturday night we took our son and two of his cousins to the Fair. I usually get to take the Little guy to the fair once or twice, but I usually grab one of his other cousins and it's the three of us. This year we had a crowd! The Big Guy is a Lion's Club member, so he was working in the snack bar for a few hours so Granny, PawPaw, the three kids and I hit the rides and the midway to play games.

                    Granny and the kids

                    ~~*~~ Fun & Games ~~*~~







                    Waiting for our turn to ride the Ferris Wheel











                    Looking out from the Ferris Wheel

















                    Arial View from the Ferris Wheel

                    Taking a break to eat

                    My Blanket won first place!
                    Second place for my woven bag
                    (if there is no other entry in the category,
                    second place is awarded) 

                    Waiting to go.....
















                    Lifting off!



















                    The YoYo through my 3-D lens


                    LEAN!!! Trying to make it really spin!

                    Playing the Ping Pong ball game, trying to win fish
                    Throwing darts at balloons
                    They got me to ride this!!!!







                    Fish, Funnel Cakes and we were finished!

                    The Ferris Wheel With my 3-D lens




                    We had a lot of fun, but were a little disappointed that some rides we were looking forward to riding were not there this year. I was really looking forward to riding what used to be called the Round-Up. It was there last year, but they didn't bring it back. :(

                    Do you go to the Fair in your town? What's your favorite ride?