Make sure to read all of my posts! I have put up 6 new posts within the last few days! Portland and the beach are up, as requested! Enjoy!

Museum of Life and Science

On Tuesday, I took the boys to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. I LOVE this museum and it has always been my favorite. It has changed some since I was a kid but it still has a lot of the same things that I loved! And they are continually adding new things! It is a great learning environment! We were there for 2 hours and didn't even do half of the things in the museum. We will definitely have to go back sometime because they both seemed to enjoy it (and me too)! The picture above was of the boys and the cloud machine. John was really into the lights though! Nicholas and John in front of the space exhibit.

John crawling through the tunnel in Toddler land.

And Nicholas trying to fit through....

John really liked this Donkey!

In the train!!!

And they were COMPLETELY exhausted on the way home!

Fishing Tournament

Nicholas, Leonard and Leonard's dad were in a fishing tournament on Saturday while we were at the beach. Nicholas caught a 9.9 pound King Mackerel (I think).

AND he won first place for the King Mackerel!!!!

Way to go, Nicholas!!

Surf City!

The day after that I got back from Portland, I headed to the beach! The Thagards were taking their vacation week at the beach so I got go along with them! I had so much fun and absolutely love spending time with them there!

John and Donna on the beach!

Nicholas, John and Leonard on a huge Grady-White boat!

I think this picture is so cute of sweet little John John!

Thank you for having me again!!!! I had SO much fun!

I am headed back to their beach house this Sunday to spend the week with the boys and their grandparents! I can't wait!

Portland!

FINALLY, here is my post about Portland! It took me forever to upload my pictures from Portland so I hope you enjoy them!

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Here is a recap of what I did:
Friday: I traveled 10 hours to get to Portland to visit my best friend! She picked me up, I freshened up and we went to a cookout at her friend's house. It was awesome. They built a firepit in their backyard. We watched a documentary called 'Baracka' on a projection screen in their yard. We made s'mores! I was exhausted afterwards. We headed home around midnight but really it was 3 am for me!

Saturday: I still woke up early despite the time change. We went to brunch at a really cool place called the Tin Shed. We took Sawyear (catherine's dog) and she enjoyed breakfast too because they had a dog menu! We did a little shopping and then visited the part of town where catherine lived when she first moved there. We had crepes in a french restaurant for lunch and had an afternoon snack at the pied cow. We headed home for showers and then went over to another friend's house for another cookout. We only stayed for an hour or two and then headed to doug fir for a concert, which we got into for free. I have no idea who the band was but they were good! I got to meet and hang out with several of catherine's friends. They were super nice and fun!

Sunday: We got up fairly early again for brunch! Then we went to see the waterfalls. THEY WERE BEAUTIFUL. This one definitely one of the major highlights of my trip. We saw 3 different waterfalls and then went to an overlook. We went back to her neighborhood and walked to one of her favorite restaurants called The Matador. We went for happy hour so all the meals were 4 or 5 dollars! Then we walked probably 15 blocks to Powell's.... this is the biggest used bookstore in the US. They have new books too but it is 4 floors and each floor is HUGE. I got lost. It was so cool though and I could have stayed in there for hours. I bought 4 books for about $18. Then we went to a few more shops and Voodoo doughnuts. We took our doughnuts and sat by the waterway and read our books then walked home. We rested for a little while and then got a late dinner around the corner. I don't remember what the place was called but it was neat.... it was a sandwich place that stuffed their fries in their sandwich!

Monday: Catherine had to go to work! :-( I slept in a little bit. Then I ran errands with cate's neighbor and good friend, Jackie (she is the one who has the dog that looks like Sierra in the pictures). She then left me then I went shopping and explored the city on my own! I didn't have a car. I just walked all over the place and found some really cool shops! Catherine got off of work a little early so we went to get Gelato. Yummy! Then we headed to the Mississippi Pizza Pub for the Spelling Bee! That was fun! There were about 20 contestants and it was a real spelling bee. Then we left for the Joseph Arthur concert! That was another highlight, read the post below!

Tuesday: We got up super early so Catherine could take me to the airport and get to work on time. I traveled all day again and lost 3 hours! My plane was delayed and I got back to my apartment 3 hours later than I hoped.

My trip there went by way too fast. I loved seeing Catherine. I hadn't seen her for almost 6 months! That is definitely the longest that we have ever gone without seeing each other. I had so much fun and it felt right being with her. She is family to me and I miss her so much already. She is coming home in October for a wedding so at least it won't be another 6 months before I see her again.

Thank you Catherine for letting me come and visit you! I love and miss you!!!

Joseph Arthur

So, while I was in Portland, Catherine and I went to see Joseph Arthur. A lot of people don't know who he is but Catherine and I have both liked him for a long time. She is one of my only friends who knows who he is and loves him too! Some of you MAY know or recognize his song from Shrek 2 "You're So True." My favorite song of his is "Honey and the Moon." It is definitely worth downloading or buying!

Anyway, it was such a fun concert! Catherine and I got to stand in the front row. I took a lot of pictures and even some videos. I can't get the videos to load. And what is even more fun is that Catherine and I got to meet AND hang out with him after the concert. I got his autograph and we hung out with him for probably an hour!!!!! I was definitely one of those annoying fans though. Catherine kept her cool - her and Joseph Arthur really hit it off!

We went to his concert my last night in Portland and it was the perfect way to spend the night! I had so much fun!
This is a picture of his guitar up close. I accidently kept my flash on for this picture. I was embarrassed when it happened but I think his guitar is awesome!



I will have more up about Portland hopefully soon. I am trying to upload all my pictures on Bubbleshare but it is taking FOREVER. I have too many good pictures to just pick a few. And then I also have posts coming about my time at Surf City!

Happy Birthday John!

This is over a week late but I wanted to make a post for John's birthday. He turned 1 on July 18!!!!!!! I can't believe that he is already 1. He has changed so much since I first met him. He is just soooooooooo much fun to be around! He is on the verge of walking (he has taken a few steps and can walk while holding onto something). He is also saying a few words, waving to anyone and everything, clapping and giving high fives! I was in Portland on his birthday so I missed the celebration but I got to spend some time with him at the beach, which I will post more about later!

Survey

I am stealing this from Ashley too.... I love these things.

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT??
I still have chicken pox scars!

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
random assortment of posters and pictures

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
i have been told on occasion that i talk and laugh in my sleep!

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
lots of stuff. i could go on forever here. i don't really like rap or country anymore.


5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
4:16 pm

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
i want bella to leave me alone and let me sleep but instead she wants to play and chew her bones while sitting on my head!

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
my aunt ilona, my family in kentucky, catherine bush

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
i's not really sure. i value all of my pictures from over the years....

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5'2"

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
yes, actually, sometimes i do. i was a little claustrophobic on the place coming home from portland and then it got bad while waiting for my luggage.....

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
yes, but not as much as i used to.

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
catherine bush...... telling her bye at the airport.

13. WHAT’S YOUR WORST FEAR?
TORNADOES!

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
I don't really care.... I guess brown hair and blue eyes.

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF BEING PROPOSED TO AT?
lots of places

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
coffee... yummy. this mornings paper said that coffee is actually proving to help prevent certain diseases!

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
roma tomatoes, garlic and basil

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
nothing. i have no appetite right now.

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
green

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
ewww NO

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
the first? i have no idea. i appreciate and love all gifts.

22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?
not anymore.

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
in my arms, yes.

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
usually gap

25. WHO IS THE HOTTEST FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?
Jake Gyllenhaal!!! And I think Kate Winslet is beautiful inside and out.

26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?
Yes, my sweet puppy Bella.

27. WHAT KIND IS IT?
a puggle... pug + beagle


28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
probably.

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
7

31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
Brunettes!

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
Yes.... Canada, Germany, Kenya, Belize, England and Italy.


35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
bella's puppy face

36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
WELL, within the past week I met Joseph Arthur AND Elizabeth Edwards (kind of)!

37. FIRST JOB?
Babysitter/ Youth Counselor at the YMCA

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
haha ofcourse.

39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOULMATE?
yes, but i think you can have more than one.

40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
laying in my bed.

41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
no.... i've had several outpatient procedures but that's all.

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
my smile or my hair.

43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
yes.

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
i just had my birthday.

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
between 3 and 5

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
nope.

47. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?
cockiness and laziness.

48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
youth group and some of my old friends

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
i like to switch it up but i always have the grapefruit shampoo from whole foods no matter what.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
usually.

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
turkey

52. ANY BAD HABITS?
biting my nails

53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
i used to be but not near as much anymore.

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
i think so..... i can be fun. i think i would get on my nerves though.

55. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS?.
No.

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
a little bit..... it shouldn't be the most important thing though.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
sometimes i throw things, listen to really loud music or vent to someone.

59. WHAT’S YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE?
to be happy!

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
barbies, my stuffed animals, american girl dolls

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
probably about 40... i used to have a lot more but i lost my phone!

62.WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?
no.... i don't think he was around when i was real little.

63. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
yes.

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
mashed potatoes!

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
humor, sensitivity, ambition in life, cute smile, kind eyes.

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
care bear, carrie bearie, C-Nev, C, Cece, Canaire

68. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
the office, friends, sex and the city, Lost

69.WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH YOUR ENEMIES?
i wouldn't say i had any enemies but i tend to run for it if i'm about t cross paths with someone i don't want to see.

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
it frequently changes. i always love peppermint though! i had some yummy chocolate orange gelato in portland.

71. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES?
yessssssssssssss

72. DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER IN YOUR ROOM?
i have a laptop..... thanks to my dad!

73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?
sleep whenever this is done.

74. WHAT'S THE FASTEST YOU'VE EVER GONE IN A CAR?
not sure?

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
YES.... i tag all of my blogging friends.

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
the live joseph arthur cd

77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
ice water

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
ashley actually!

79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
smile/teeth

80. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
read, watch movies, take bella for walks, read blogs, lay out, etc.

81. FAVORITE THING TO HATE?
?

82. FAVORITE MONTH OF THE YEAR?
i think its july. i LOVE july and it always seems to go by so fast.

83. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY?
i dont really eat candy anymore so nothing is coming to my mind.

84. HAVE YOU EVER REALLY AND TRULY HAD A BEST FRIEND?
yes, i believe i had my soulmate best friend in high school and i have several loyal and pretty amazing friends now.

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
light brown.... used to be blonde

86. EYE COLOR?
Green.... im not even sure.


88. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
Chick-fil-a

89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
just recently, i love The Pit! yummy barbeque!

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
yes but i only do vegetables and crab meat.

91. Last thing you watched?
27 dresses

92. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
not sure that i have one!

93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?
no... i wish i would have kept on with piano. i used to play the violin for like a year as a kid.

94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?
democrat baby

95. KISSES OR HUGS?
Hugs.

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
i liked your answer ashley..... i don't know who would prefer one night stands.

97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
gas for my car.

98. DO YOU HAVE A LOW SELF ESTEEM OR A HIGH SELF ESTEEM?
it varies

99. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer! it's so good! everyone should read it!

It's sunday night.... I just got home from the beach! I will update about Portland and the beach eventually but I have a feeling it will take me a few days so stay tuned!!!

Ashley tagged me so here is this for now!

The Rules:
1. Answer the questions using only one word.
2. Tag four others.

Where is your cell phone? nightstand
Your significant other? none!
Your hair? messy
Your favorite thing? sunshine
Your dream last night? scary!
Your favorite drink? lemonade
Your dream/goal? happiness
The room you’re in? bedroom
Your hobby? movies
Your fear? tornadoes
Where do you want to be in 6 years? family
What you’re not? hungry
Muffins? blueberry
One of your wish list items? car
Where you grew up? kentucky
The last thing you did? nap
What are you wearing? t-shirt
Favorite gadget? computer
Your pets? bella!
Your computer? addicting
Your mood? relaxed
Missing someone? Ilona
Your car? dirty
Something you’re not wearing? jewelry
Favorite store? target
Like someone? nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Your favorite color? green
When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
Last time you cried? tuesday

I tag Jen J., Chelsea, Laura R. and Alison D.

More birthday celebrations

This is my sweet friend Cara and I. She just got back from Peru so we went out to dinner on Friday night with a few other friends.

This is my roommate Ashley and her best friend Erin. Ashley bought me a ticket to the Tom Petty concert for my birthday. This is us tailgating before the concert. We played cornhole and listened to music. It was SOOO hot.

This is a group shot of some of the girls at the concert. We were all SO nasty from sweating before the concert. It didn't get any better once we got in there either. There were so many people and everyone was just sticky.... gross. But it was a good concert and a great birthday present!

bella and george

This is bella and her love, george. She was given a really ugly white and light blue bear that used to be 3 times her size and she adored it. I really didn't like the bear so I bought this big frog the switch out. She loves him even more. I named him george and I will tell her to go get her george - sure enough she will come running back with him! She also cuddles with him and sleeps with him! She was asleep in this picture but when I walked up, she woke up so I will try to take one of her sleeping with him! I just think its so cute and so funny!

Birthday Celebration

My sweet friends Jen, Jessica and Ashley took me out to eat for my birthday at Porter's Tavern! My meal was so yummy and the company was even better. I love these girls so much! Thank you for my birthday celebration, dessert and my presents! You all are the BEST!!!!!

After dinner, we went to Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery for dessert. It turned out to be really crowded so we took our treats back to Jessica's house. It was such a fun time!

Ashley and I in Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery

Our 4 desserts that we did not even eat half of! The picture doesn't do the dessert justice. They were HUGE!!!! The slice of cake alone would have been enough dessert for 4 people. They were so delicious though! We got Key Lime Pie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie, Coconut Cake (my favorite) and some other really rich chocolate cake!

Ashley and Jess back in Jessica's kitchen

Me and Jen. Sorry, Jen, that this picture didn't make the cut for facebook, but at made the blog! YEAH!



****Thank you to everyone else who made my birthday special! These are the only pictures I took so that's why it is just of that night. I enjoyed all my meals and presents so much! I am so lucky to have all of you in my life! Thanks again!!

Museum of Natural Sciences

John trying to touch the butterfly!

John and I in a tree.

The other day I had lunch with my old roommate Laura and we took John to the Museum of Natural Sciences downtown. This is one of my very favorite museums and it was so fun to see John's reaction to everything. He really likes animals right now so he especially loved seeing the fish and turtles! He also really like the dinosaur bones and just stared up at like for a really long time! I can't wait to take him to more places like this!

July 4th Weekend

I stole some pictures from the Thagard's camera! Enjoy!

Baby John on the beach

Nicholas surfing (this is an awesome picture Donna!)

Me and the boys

This is the sweet family I have the pleasure of working for - Nicholas, John. Leonard and Donna.

I got a new camera so I will definitely be back in business!

and I'm back baby!!!!

I finally got my new computer!!! BUT all of my pictures are still on my old computer AND I lost my camera so there still won't be pictures for a while.

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I had a WONDERFUL holiday weekend! I went to the Thagard's beach house (the family I work for). I had such a fun time and could not think of a more fun way to spend the holiday. I got to play on the beach with John, dive in the waves, ride on the boat, lay out, eat VERY delicious food, get a henna tattoo and so much more! I can't wait to go back again! Bella got to come along and she was definitely spoiled. She did NOT like the ocean or the sand. I took her up there one morning and we did not stay long.

Soon I am headed off to Oregon to visit my best friend, Catherine. I cannot wait to see her and give her a great big hug.

I will be 23 tomorrow. I can't believe that.

That's all for now. I will put up pictures as soon as I can!!