Buster

For the past two years we have pretty much been waiting to hear this: Buster's spinal cord has pretty much completely fused together. Let's recap: 2 years ago I was watching Buster play in the backyard and he kept holding up his back right leg. I knew something wasn't quite right. We (my parents and I) took him to the vet and discovered that he has a spinal cord disease, Spondylosis. There is nothing that will cure it. It is very, very painful for him. What pretty much happens is his spinal cord becomes one solid bone and that twice a thick as normal. He pretty much has no movement up and down or back and forth. It breaks my heart every day for him knowing that he is hurting. The vet told me he could be crippled in a year and would have to be put down. He was holding up his leg because his nerves aren't working right and caused his knee to "blow out". To say I was devastated is an understatement. I cried for days. We then contacted a orthopedic surgeon in Memphis and took him up there. He was scheduled for a full replacement knee surgery. After months of no running and lots of healing, his knee seems to be doing great. SO now its 2 years later and hes NOT crippled...HALLELUJAH. My dad took him to the vet today because Buster has been seeming to have some sharp pains and has been crying a lot. That's where the news at the beginning of this started from. He is pretty much fused together. Now it's all about pain management and making his life as comfortable as possible. I would do anything for my little BooBoo. I love him more than words can say...yes, I am a crazy dog lady.

My obsession

For anyone who knows me, knows I have a major (unexplained) obsession with the weather, especially hurricanes. Any time a hurricane is forming, guarantee, I will be able to tell you the most updated information about the storm at any given time. I have been glued to the weather channel. I watched if for 3 hours last night. I can not help myself. I have researched Hurricane Katrina like a crazy woman. I have probably seen every picture from the damage from every area. I don't know where this obsession has come from? No one else in my family is this intense about storms. I feel like a nerd sometimes, but I just can't learn enough information about the weather! I constantly check the radar on my phone. I say all that to say this....with the current active Atlantic Ocean...I have been in hurricane heaven. Its been a good past few days (for me anyway).

Rattlesnake Saloon

So when Tyler bought the motorcycle back in March, I was none to pleased (to say the very least) BUT I can't stay mad about it forever. I actually worked out a pretty sweet deal for myself....you bought that...I'm getting this. But I'm going to keep that to myself for now. ANYWHO- It sat in the shop getting little things fixed for about 3 months...YES THREE MONTHS. The mechanic was a complete moron and apparently screwed up more than he fixed. Its out now and I have rode with him a total of 4 times now. On Saturday I went on my first "bike ride". (I don't really think its for me...but he enjoys it so ya know, whatever, I'll go (sometimes)) When I was told where we were going...I was like "Um..Where??? Rattlesnake Saloon???" All I could picture was a run down biker bar with lots of leather. But to my suprise it was really nice! Its a (family) restaurant in the middle of nowhere in Alabama (near Tuscumbia). It is built into the side of a cave. Very very neat and pretty. The food was good too! So all in all, we had a really good time! Might actually go back! (when its not 1,000 degrees).

This is what is looks like looking into the place. Under the cave are the tables, bar and restaurant. I am standing on the deck.





TT and me!



Chip and Vanessa



Everyone that went!

Our new little family

Tyler, Me, Vanessa and Chip

Its so exciting!! I have always had best girlfriends who I would consider a sister but now to finally "officially" have one! I'm so excited. It is such a blessing to have someone come into your family that you enjoy being around and love so much! My fall just got a lot busier considering they will probably have a short engagement. (December wedding...maybe!?) We are all so excited though! I think I have said the word "excited" at least 100 times in the past 48 hours....but I really am! I love them both dearly. Its like it was all meant to be! Well..Fall...bring it on! I'm ready. I've got 10 things down on my calendar so far of things going on...looks like I'll be adding some more sooner than later :)

Ahhh!!! Yaayyy!!

Meeeeeet my soon to be sister in law!!! It all happened tonight. My brother put the ring aroung her dogs neck before she got there and you know what happened next! So sweet! Love her!!!!
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My Classroom!

I finally took some pictures of my classroom (they are with my bberry so the quality isnt the best!)....I went with a black and white theme. I thought it turned out pretty cute!

The door



Walking in...



















My desk area...

Random pictures

I have been browsing through all the pictures saved on my computer (especially the ones from around the wedding) and I thought i would just share some. I know I love looking at people's pictures (regardless of whether I know them or not, ha)...so here ya go!

My Bachelorette Party- 80s Style!



Bridesmaid Luncheon



My stick legged bridesmaids at the rehearsal



Bridesmaids and I at the rehearsal dinner



The ceremony flowers...I reeeeally loved them, they made me so happy. (good thing considering it was my (and tylers...kinda ;) ) wedding!)



Some of my girlfriends and I at dinner at Las Marg, yumm



Tyler and I out and about




Hope everyone is having a great week! I keep forgetting to take my camera to work to take pictures of my classroom (that I am oh so proud of). Teen Mom is coming on.........see ya lataaaa

FYI....

Just in case you're looking for a good and pretty cheap laundry detergent...I highly reccommend this trio! They leave our clothes smelling SSOOO good and so fresh. I LOVE IT! I just thought I would share :)
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Vacation!

We left for Arkansas last Wednesday and got home yesterday. We went to the White River, inparticular, Rim Shoals. It's such a refreshing place. The water is gorgeous and the air is beyond fresh. It was insanely hot the entire time we were there. Needless to say, I was constantly using sunscreen all day everyday. My brother and his girlfriend, Vanessa, met us up there Thursday afternoon. They weren't able to take off work on Wednesday. My parents and us 4 had the best time. We grilled every night and played card games and drank wine. Such a relaxing end to a wonderful summer.

The view from our lodge balcony





We rode 18 miles up the river to Bull Shoals Dam, it was gorgeous and amazing to see...







Us in front of Bulls Shoals Dam



My brother, Chip and his girlfriend, Vanessa, at the Dam




T and me getting ready to go back out fishing




Riding down the river...





Anywhoo.....
Now its back to business! I start back work on Tuesday and the kids come on Thursday. I'll post pics of my classroom whenever I get back! I think it turned out pretty cute this year. I'm excited! I have a lot of the same kids so I pretty much know what to expect. Maybe they won't have gained too much attitude over the summer. I also have a million things to do this fall! Friends getting married and having babies! So many exciting things going on, can't wait to start them all. I almost have every weekend between the now and the middle of January planned. Literally. OH well, lets do this!