"Singing in the Shower"

For the past few days I have struggled with a stinky, crummy, lazy attitude!!! Why you ask?? Who knows, cause I have so many things to be thankful for and truly things are really going great in my life. I ran across this verse that my sweet sister gave to me. She has it lamenated and posted in her shower so that every morning she can read it and make a choice. Normally I just sing in the shower, haha, but now I am going to get this verse printed and ready to post in my shower so that each morning I will read it and remember that I have a decision to make on how I want my day to go. Thanks Shelley, you are such a godly woman!! I appreciate the good examples that you set for me and the great influence you have on my life! :) Love you!! I wanted to share this verse hoping that you too may have more going on in your shower than singing!!

Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. Daily I must take up my cross and so today I must make a choice.

I CHOOSE LOVE . . .

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY . . .

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical … the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God. Today I will be joyful.

I CHOOSE PEACE . . .

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live. Today I will be peaceful.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE . . .

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at a new assignment, I will face them with joy and courage. Today I will be patient.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS . . .

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me. Today I will be kind.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS . . .

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. Today I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS . . .

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My husband will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their mother will not come home. Today I choose faithfulness.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS . . .

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. Today I will be gentle.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL . . .

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. Today I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

Oh how the years go by....

Today at 2:00 I decided (with some encouragement!!) that I had been lazy too long and it was time to get up off the couch, out of my pjs, and be productive. I had plenty of errands to run so I was on my way! I have been putting off getting my drivers license changed for quite some time now-- over a year actually! I hate those long lines... it wasn't like it was expired or anything, my name just needed to be changed and for those of you who have never changed your name legally...let me tell you it is a major pain in the butt! (And I should know I have done it twice within the last two years!!) I mean I get it---they want to make sure you aren't lying about who you are but come on must we make a scene at each and every place that I go to change my name?!?! Asking when, why, and to see legal proof AND as if that's not bad enough it always seems like the person behind the counter is yelling so that anyone and everyone around can be hear exactly what I am doing, UGH! Anyway today I bit the bullet and went to change my drivers license and I got to thinking about all my old licenses. I mean why must the pictures be so terrible?? haha Wow looking back at them made me laugh!! I thought I would share them with you. SO here it goes...notice the change in hair styles, height!!, and signatures. Also yeah my whole social security number was on the first three--can you say IDENTITY FRAUD ALERT?? Cracks me up!! Also I think previously when they asked me my weight that I assumed they meant my dream weight--haha-- this time I decided to be honest and truthful...therefore I have blurred it out to protect the innocent! :) ENJOY some good laughs!!

Southern Living at Home

As most of you probably know I sell Southern Living at Home products on the side as a little fun extra money making project. I have been doing this since June 2008 and I really enjoy it. And not only do I make a little extra cash but also I have been able to collect several beautiful things for my house! I haven't really taken the opportunity to have a lot of parties yet just because I wanted to get settled into my new nursing career first...but now I'm ready! :) I am hosting a Southern Living at Home Open House tomorrow night to show off the new catalog and promote my business. Here's your invitation, hope you can drop by!


The Spring 2009 catalog is here and I want you to come take a look! This is a great opportunity to visit with friends, enjoy light snacks, and check out the beautiful new products that Southern Living at Home has added to their already marvelous collection. I will be taking orders and booking parties as well, so if you are interested in getting highly discounted or free products bring your calendar and we can begin planning your Southern Living at Home party. Bring your mom, sister, friend, or neighbor--everyone is welcome!! Hope to see you there!

When: Drop in Wednesday, January 28th
sometime between 5:30pm and 8:30pm
Where: My house (email for directions if needed)

Natalie Bennett

Independent Consultant

NatalieAnnBennett@yahoo.com

Just one little piece of my precious family...

Watch out world he's on his way!! Bennett can walk now...and even RUN a little!! He is moving so fast these days. I can hardly believe that he is already 14 months old!! It seems like just yesterday we were loving and kissing on a tiny little newborn baby and now he is turning into a sweet little boy!

Aunt Nat and Aunt KK kissing baby Bennett in the hospital nursery right after his first bath.

Take a look at this good looking family...Jason, Shelley, and Bennett I love y'all so much!!
Thanks for all the love, support, and encouragement you give me daily!! --Aunt Nat

Show me your friends and I'll show you your future.

Wow! What a profound little statement. So much truth...and conviction! When I think back over the last ummmm lets say six years of my life I realize that there have been lots of laughter and tears, good times and bad, unbelievable accomplishments along with heartbreaking disappointments, and sweet memories mixed in with lousey ones but I also realize that none of those things would have been the same had it not been for the group of people that I call my friends. You see your friends set the tone for your life. They effect your environment, your conversation, your dating life, your habits, your attitude, and hey sometimes they even effect your wardrobe! I currently have the most amazing, incredible, dependable, awesome sweet, fun friends that a girl could ask for-- but it hasn't always been that way. Don't get me wrong I am blessed, satifsfied and grateful for exactly who I am today and where I am in my life. And understand me when I say that I am thankful for the role that each one of my friends have played in my life but I can't help but wonder how things would have been different had some those friendships never blossomed? What if I had been a little more selective in choosing my "cabinet of advisors." I mean after all isn't that what friends are sometimes? Aren't they the ones you often seek for comfort, guidance, and approval?? What if they aren't giving the comfort, guidance, or approval that God desires for you in your life? There have friendships in my life that have come and gone and served their purpose for a time and others remain constant and true. But one thing I have learned is that when I seek God and His friendship I won't be disappointed, let down, or mislead. And if I am obiediant He will provide earthly friendships that are promising and true. So to the friends of mine reading this that have always been there to give me godly counsel and love me through thick and thin-- thank you, I am truly blessed! So I'll show you my friends and you will see that my future looks bright! :)

(Click to enlarge)

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." -E.E. Cummings

If that's the truth then I can officially say that yesterday was not wasted! I went on a little road trip to Calera to visit Ryan. These pictures were our attempts to figure out the coolio setting on my new camera that senses when the person in front of the camera is smiling and automatically takes their picture. YES, I was very impressed!! And as you can tell it not only picks up smiles it also can sense silly, crazy faces as well. ha We realized if we kept moving our faces it would take a series of pictures...yeah it kept us entertained for a little bit and let me tell you there was lots of laughter!

While I was there I checked out his new "home sweet home", went on a tour of his childhood stomping grounds, met his incredibly sweet mom and sister and his adorably precious nieces (Hi Bailee and Brooklyn! It was great to meet all of you!) and we went out to eat at Cocino Superior (Tex Mex Resturant) which was quite tasty!! All it all it was a great trip...so thanks for the invite Ryan! Can't wait to do it again sometime :) Oh by the way we did finally get one really good (serious) picture...I am really loving this new camera. More pictures are on the way!

Come take a walk down memory lane...

Today I was going through some old pictures that I have saved to my computer and came across some funny ones! Here are some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! :)

Me and Katie Caroline, my senior year before I went to cheer at a football game. That is a very small, short skirt!! What was I thinking??

My mom says that I was a very happy baby and that I always loved to smile and laugh...I guess some things just never change!

Here I am getting ready to go to dance lessons--what a pose?! I have always loved to have my picture taken...cheese!


Wow now that's a pink bow...it is as big as my head! Look how sweet and innocent I look...who was I trying to fool?! I was sporting my "Kelly's Kids" kitty cat jumper--ha!

Me and Shelley having a tea party at Grandmother's house. Don't you love our play clothes?? Just kidding we were all dressed up and posed for a picture that a friend of my mom's, Rory, was painting of us. Momma still has the pastel portrait in her dining room today.

And finally this one is probably my favorite! I love the beach just the same as when I was this little, only now my chubby thighs don't look as cute in a bathing suit covered in sugary white sand!! Ahhh the good ole' days :)

Love at first sight...

Exactly twelve years ago today...I became a big sister!! I remember how happy I was when my momma and daddy announced the big news that we were gonna have a new addition to our family and I was even happier the second the nurse plopped her in my arms
-- it was love at first sight!

Me (ll years old) Katie Caroline (several minutes old) and Shelley (14 years old) Sorry the quality of the picture is bad...it is a picture of a picture.

Oh it was so much fun rocking, holding, and feeding her. She was like a little live baby doll! And now that she is all grown up she is one of my BEST FRIENDS :)(Katie Caroline and me at the beach May 2008 for my birthday/graduation weekend...I wish I was there now!)

Katie Caroline, I love you so much and I am so proud of the beautiful woman of God you are becoming! (One more year and you'll officially be a teenager..whoa!)
Hope you are having a fun filled birthday!

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures of Katie Caroline! (Click to enlarge)

Bring on the rain!

This morning Jaime and I went on a little "girl talk" walk and just as my house was back in our sights (about two blocks away) I said, "Hey to be so cloudy, I can't believe we made it the whole way without getting wet!" As the words slipped off my tongue... the heavens opened up and the rain sprinkled down!! We both laughed so hard...it was totally amazing. We thought about running the last little bit but we couldn't muster up the strength ha ha. I never knew that walking in the rain could be so relaxing and refreshing. The time I spent this morning was cherished!! I don't know if it was the sweet and honest conversation between friends, the irony in the timing of the cooling rain (Did I mention it is now a beautifully sunny day out?!), or the knowledge that finally I am doing something good for my health and body. Whatever it was I am looking forward to tomorrow morning's neighborhood walk!

Oh and yes my air conditioning is finally fixed, just in time for this January's cold front! ha

Oh so hot...so very very hot!!

It's amazing how much you can accomplish by 9 am when you have been AWAKE since 5 am...this morning I had already made the bed, done some laundry, emptied and reloaded the dishwasher, vacuumed up a million Christmas tree needles, had a cup of coffee, redesigned my blog page, and gotten all dressed for my exercise "date" with Jaime. I figured after tossing and turning for half an hour, I should get up and try to be productive since it was way too HOT (yes hot in January) to sleep.

Here's the story...two nights ago as I was un-decorating from Christmas (yes I was so sad!!) I realized that it was overwhelmingly hot in my small, little, tiny space but I immediately ignored the thought... I mean after all it is small (have I mentioned that?) and I had been climbing up and down the stairs and step ladder all afternoon so I just chalked the heat up as a product of my very hard work-ha! Also I had thrown some pork ribs in the crock pot earlier, so I figured that it might be putting off a little extra heat as well. But oh NO!! My fears were quickly confirmed when my parents, Katie Caroline, Anna Kat and Brittni all crammed in to my already small (and now stuffy) living room. Yes indeed the air is NOT working. As you can all imagine, I was not a happy camper! (I mean come on my feet were swelling it was so hot in here, ugh!)

I broke down made the oh so dreaded call to the land lord. I just hate to call to tell him that he is going to have to fork out more cash to fix something else that's broken. Last month it was the hot water heater (I don't know which is worse a cold shower or a hot house??)... and now this! I want to be a good renter and for some stupid reason I feel as though when I call to report something that needs to be fixed, that all of a sudden the problem becomes my fault. Anyway after questioning why I need the air in January and me sweetly explaining that it is 72 degrees in Alabama and no matter what the calendar says--I am HOT, he said he would take care of it...yay! :)

So, after sweating it out for a whole day (of which I tried to stay away from home as much as possible) and even worse two sleepless nights, the repair man showed up this morning at 8:30. Within 10 minutes he said, "That should do it little lady!" Oh I wanted to run down my back porch steps and hug his neck. (I contained myself and decided that might not be necessary-ha!) Good choice seeing as though my house is still HOT! Now I am am truly a very not so happy camper! I just called him back in dismay (don't worry I used my sweet voice) Oh will my house ever be cool again?? Tonight I had such great plans of a long, restful night of sweet dreams. I guess I should look on the bright side, at least all the chores I wanted to accomplish today have already been knock out of the way. Talk about trying to make lemonade out of lemons!! Wish me luck for the repair man's second visit...

Happy SURPRISE Birthday Katie Caroline!!

My little sis is turning 12 next Friday so we surprised her tonight with a Scavenger Hunt Birthday Party. Her and a few of her friends were given a clue at the beginning of the night which lead them to the first letter. They had to find six letters at six different places. Each letter came with a clue leading them to the next letter. At the end when they had collected all six letters they unscrambled them to see where the birthday party was taking place.

When she got out of the car we threw environmentally friendly confetti (aka colored cereal) and yelled SURPRISE!!! At first she looked more scared than surprised but once she realized what was going on she had a great time!


The first clue lead them to Star Dust (Katie Caroline's baby horse) where they found their next clue tied to her neck. They found letter "A"


The second clue lead them to the tennis center where most of them have taken tennis lessons together. They found letter "K"



The third clue lead them to Burger King, Katie Caroline loves BK's frozen cokes so much! The girls were supposed to get crowns and wear them before they could get their next clue but Bon Qui Qui behind the counter said they were out of crowns so we talked her co worker into giving us some bags for the girls to wear as crowns instead! :) They found another letter "A"


The fourth clue lead them the cross at Trinity United Methodist Church. This is the church KC was baptized in and this stop on the scavenger hunt was to remind the girls: "Go to the foot of the cross daily and seek Him." They found letter "T"


The fifth clue lead them to the nursery at East Alabama Medical Center. This is where Katie Caroline was born. The girls had to ask the nurses to look in the old record book and see how much Katie Caroline weighed and what time she was born. Jessica and Cassie were very helpful and they even made a pink crib card with all KC's info for the girls to take. They found letter "I"

The last place the girls went was to Target. Here they had to search for "Pet Vet Barbie" and find out what two animals come with her before they could get their next clue. Katie Caroline used to love Barbie and she loves shopping at Target so these two had to be included on the hunt. They found letter "M" and their last clue that said: " _______ means fun!" They knew instantly where they were going......

MIKATA where we enjoyed some delicious Japanese food and entertainment!

I made Katie Caroline a special three tiered birthday cake with hot pink and lime green icing. I was so proud of this cake...it was alot of work but it was worth it cause I really think she like it!

She really thought the initals and filigree on top were cool...so did I! :)


At the end of the night the party was a sucess....now next weekend on the day of her real birthday we are gonna have to come up with something good!

Another Christmas has come and gone...

It's hard to believe that Christmas is already over. It was a great year and the holidays were a wonderful reminder of how much I have to be thankful for in my life. Below are just a few pictures to highlight my fun family Christmas.

My sweet family on Christmas Eve. I am so blessed by each one of them! Every year we spend Christmas Eve with my mom's side of the family. There were 24 of us this year at my parents' house! It is amazing how much the family keeps growing every year. We ate lots of yummy food, played dirty Santa, and laughed alot!

These are all the cousins on my mom's side of the family: Jeff, Jared, Carrie, Me, Katie Caroline, and Shelley. Husbands, wives, girlfriends and kids were not included in the picture...just the originals! :)

Santa made a big trip to the Bennett and Young houses this year on Christmas morning! Bennett was very excited about the dall (aka ball) that Santa put in his stocking at BeBe and Roosters house.

Yay!! Santa brought me a cool camera...now the blog page may be getting more frequent photo updates.

Katie Caroline gave me a new apron with a rooster on it and a cast iron skillet which I needed and love!! KC racked up on good gifts too...she got a lap top, new clothes, shoes, movies, and more! After we opened presents we ate a big traditional Christmas morning breakfast: grits, sausage casserole, cinnamon rolls, biscuits, sausage, and coffee. YUM! Then later Christmas Day we celebrated at my grandmother's house with my dad's side of the family. We ate more food (ugh!) and played more dirty Santa. The crowd was a little thin there this year with everyone having such a busy holiday schedule but it was still fun just the same! All in all this Christmas was a great one and now we have a whole year to look forward to it again!