Sweet summertime!

*Before beginning, I’ll let wandering minds rest -- I did go with the Camry!

So as we all know summer is in full swing. Hot and muggy days that make you scream until you can get the AC pumping in your car, even before even buckling up! Summer just hasn’t been exactly the same since I finished school and started working fulltime. You work year round and seasons seem to mesh together, and the years roll by much faster for me now. Currently, I’m anxiously waiting July 10th…… BEACH TIME! One week at the beach with about 11 other people, all under one roof sharing the same toilets (YIKES-for all those that know my toilet phobia this good be interesting). >>>INSERT SHORT PHOBIA DESCRIPTION<<< The family beach trip will be tons of fun I’m sure of it, but will also bring back bitter sweet memories of my dad’s routine for us all to take turns lathering up his back with sunscreen before we even leave the beach house, walks on the beach, coffee on the beach to watch the dolphins, washing the cars before heading home (since they were clean when we left home they should certainly be when we head back home!), and many more fond family beach trip memories. We now have new memories in the making, including the boys & their many beach toys-A MUST!, naptime in the middle of the afternoons, earlier bedtimes for all, (this year) Miss Lyla on the move and many more to come!

>>>INSERT SHORT PHOBIA DESCRIPTION: Ever since I’ve gotten married and my own place I seem to cringe -like it’s almost painful- when I go to use my bathroom after another male has been in there. Tyler doesn’t bother me a bit but we all can understand why, however, other males come over and soon after I will be cleaning the toilet. Weird, I know, and you say I don’t understand, I know and I do not expect you to because I do not myself!<<<

I did have a brief flash back to my high school summers, where there was not a care in the world beyond that day/evening. This is Laura’s birthday “week,” yes Stokes County style everybody thinks they deserve a whole week—HA HA! She made a few birthday requests and one of them was to go fishing at a pond other than the carp pond (you know like normal people)! So Tuesday evening we made a plan to venture off to the Tesh Farm in Germanton (this is <3MY LOVE’s<3 great-grandmother’s farm) and fish to our hearts content. Laura and I took full advantage of her fishing trip and we caught 10+ fish each, one after the other. <3MY LOVE<3 was the worm putter-oner and the fish taker-offer for both of us until “Crawlspace” (Justin’s new nickname) decided to join the party. We had an absolute BLAST! This evening of acting silly, letting loose, being only who I wanted to be, getting dirty, chewing a HUGE piece of bubblegum—brought me to a place of serenity! I enjoyed not worrying about what we were having for supper, switching the laundry, or any other household/wifely duties. All I had to be was ME just they way I like and having <3MY LOVE<3 and good friends right there with me topped it all off.

Ok….onto the funny stuff as you all LOVE! There is a fellow blogger (check her out HERE) who I do enjoy reading, however, this should be seen as a tribute to her blogging ideas, not to been seen as “put down.” (Ha ha I know you all were laughing at me bringing back the “put down” phrase-old school) Here it is a full description of this lovely, well thought through outfit that I rocked out to Laura’s fishing excursion.



The Way I Wore

Tank tops: Old Navy layered tanks (Pink over Brown example shown here)

Jeans: Old Navy old school (meaning over 3 years old), rocking them tucked in the boots

Shoes: Ariat Fat baby Boots--gReAt investment!

Fishing pole: Zepco, pink edition hand-picked by <3MY LOVE<3

***Please do not insert too much jealousy after this post ladies. Anyone that has known me for any amount of time knows I strive VERY hard to be completely different from anyone else and I rock it out oh so perfectly!

Goodbye and Hello

Goodbye is in order for my first official car (bought by MYSELF alone-that’s another page long post about the mistake that I made as some say, I call it a lesson learned!). Judy, the Jeep is no longer a member of the Stultz family but do not be mislead, she will NOT be forgotten. She was a good vehicle and she definitely earned her keep this past winter with the random amounts of snow that we got. She hauled my tail to work for 2 and half years up and down 52, a few times barely missing the drivers not paying attention. I will never forget the time she kept me safe crossing #8 out of our neighborhood last October and we (I’m sure by inches) missed another car coming that I swear did not have their lights on while it was still dark out that morning. She loved to blow her horn and slam her brakes on tailgaters (ok well maybe I was in control but it sounds better if she did it!) To all who knew her, knew she was NOT <3MY LOVE’s<3 bestest friend because he called her a “jip” and 98% of the time resided in the passenger seat of Judy. She upheld her end of the dealer in what I call being a faithful and good vehicle, but she is now gone to where I do not know. The story of her departure day from NC was one that will NEVER be forgotten. She was bought by someone from WV and it was very obvious she was being bought to resale (I guess I priced her too cheap…insert a tablespoon of sadness here). The gentleman (strike that immature 20 something year old male) was disrespectful to the bank when doing the title transfer (short details: tells us he didn’t bring his license and wanted to leave it blank because it might end up going in someone else’s name), but after about 15 minutes or more with that issue (total time at bank-2 hours), the deed was done and Judy was his. So, here’s a toast to Judy for being good to me…. THANKS JUDY!!!



Hello is in order for my new vehicle. Whatever that may be has not completely been determined, but the specs will most definitely include 4-doors and 22 plus city gas mileage (meaning at least 28 highway)-YAY! Tonight will possible make day 3 at the Toyota dealership, so here it is…… the potential:



Although we have not yet purchased the vehicle, we have weighed out other options of different makes and models but we keep coming back to this one. If you have a car you love, let me know… I can be a persuaded person at times!

Until next time or new car status---PEACE OUT!

Do NOT drink and read this!

"She is border line about to bust out and go crazy!"

"It isn’t just for me to buy something; I need to be seen at this event to maintain my social status in the community. You just don’t understand how women work!"

"Some days are like scrapping somebody else’s gum off the bottom of your shoe but that makes the good ole days even better!"

"Do you think I’m still at liberty to discuss the crazy drama that has ever so greatly now blessed them?"

"I think a new shirt should be made “Burt just foreclosed on Tim’s house!”"

"I wish they would jump off a bridge and SWIM!"

"It may cost you to maintain your status!"

"She thinks she pees excellence so I guess all of her followers do too…. I doubt it!"

"Sherry, don’t come in talking about your twitter!"

"She needed to slow down anyways, this is a busy intersection!" (After pulling out in front of somebody)

"Do you wanna take one for the team and taste it?"

"I refuse to engage in a battle of wits when the other party is unarmed."

"God answers prayers everyday but in order of actual importance, sounds like you need to go to the back of the line!"

Shout out time! (Long overdue)

I have been trying my hardest to get to this blog but have obviously failed miserable…. that is until now!

I believe the current total is 22 for the running list of blogs that I try glance at on a regular basis. I hate to admit it but I do frequent about 4-5 of this total number for sure on a DAILY basis (no specific names will be mentioned). I know we all have a day full of an endless “to-do” list, but if you ever get to that “ugh I want to do NOTHING” time especially when evening T.V. has nothing to offer and you have been through all possible gossip on Facebook, give them a try!

Here is my blog followers list (listed by those I know followed by random blogs that I follow but GREAT, (some) SILLY reading!), along with a little background on what the blog is about:

*petals from a wildflower:
Jamie Miller Craig (Tyler’s cousin, Patrick… she’s his wife!) writes about deep, but very great topics. She often writes about their journey thru Patrick being in medical school or hot topics that everyone else wouldn’t dare to bring up. Jamie’s blog is great for deep thought provoking reading.

*Insight :
Meredith Watts (Tyler’s second cousin (on his mom’s side) is in the Marine Corps and currently in Okinawa, Japan. She is sharing her journey with all of us here back in the US. I’m secretly convinced that her mother, Beth, has strongly encouraged Meredith’s blog and often Facebook-ing so that she will help to ease the time they are apart. (Smart thinking Beth!)

*Williams Family Blog:
Patrice & Matt Williams live locally and their blog was started last year when their son, Jonah, was born. Jonah has a very rare genetic skin disorder called Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (shortened to EB normally throughout her blog). Please take a minute to read “Our Story” as well to give you a little more history.

*EBing a Mother:
This is blog I found through Patrice & Matt William’s blog. Tripp is a handsome little guy that also has the rare skin disease that Jonah has. Tripp & Jonah’s blogs will definitely tug on your heart strings… BEWARE!

*Writing is Cheap Therapy:
Jessica Byerly Hatton is someone I went to school with and I stumbled across her blog on her Facebook page. She is a great writer and it also falls into the category of great reading material!

*Wandering Mouse
Amanda is someone I grew up with in church and she is now doing ministry work in New Orleans. Alert for great reading!

*Shoulders:
From what I have read on this blog, I would call it a prayer blog. They feature someone that is doing great things for other’s or just simply going through a rough time and need words of wisdom and encouragement from anyone that is willing to give.

*For the Love of Shoes… and Baby, Too :
I found this blog from the “shoulders” blog. I often think to myself, “I couldn’t imagine what someone that is not able to conceive a child has to deal with on a daily basis.” It is a horrible thought that the people who have so much love to offer a child can not have one, but we see way too often people who are given a child and for one reason or another that child is neglected. You can read through her blog that she is truly thankful for her new blessing and has been through the struggles of what it would be like if she couldn’t have one of her own.



SILLY AND/OR RANDOM ALERT… prepare yourself for these are random people to me but great, funny reading!

*Martinis or Diaper Genies :
SILLY & RANDOM reading alert… I can’t even tell you how we in NC heard about this blog, but I heard about from a friend. There is honestly absolutely NO telling what you will read about on MODG (the writer often refers to her blog as that-FYI) and there beware there may be times you don’t care to read her topics. Read with caution and a very open mind!

*Make Mine a Mojito:
Here is another blog that I heard about “through the grapevine.” She has just recently returned from a “blogging hiatus,” but is back in action now!

*The Daily Julie :
This girl is a TRIP!!! Check it out frequently because she has so much time to share the crazy and random thoughts that most of the rest of us (like me) only have to time to think about driving down the road where there is no easy blogging access…. insert sadness here for me please! I wish half of the time she puts into her blog into mine.


Although I am not a daily blogger I do tell myself each day you need to blog about this or that, I just never make the time. Don't forget about me here to get your dose of Honesty because you all know I have mastered the art of being honesty (even though sometimes that is not a good thing)!

"Influenced by BGS"

I promised my husband (even if it was in the midst of adrenaline & loud racecars in the background) that my blog this week would be “influenced by BGS.”

I mean seriously people where can you get the thrill of so much excitement, drama, good racing, wrecked racecars, (and the list goes on and on) for ONLY $10?! You’re right, you can’t find that anywhere else! Bowman Gray was a packed house again for week #2, no one was sitting in the aisles this week, but the empty seats were few and far between.

Quick run down: Burt Myers qualified on the pole (YAY!) and then drew 16th (BOO!). After everyone drew for the race, no other than the oldest driver at BGS gets the pole (Jr Miller-another BOO!). First few cars were: Jr Miller-1st, Zach Brewer-2nd (outside pole). Expecting no more or less from the old man, Jr Miller goes into turn #3 on the first lap and gives Brewer a nice shove towards the guardrail. Cars jumble up and the caution comes out for a restart of the race. However, unlike NORMAL restarts (but what’s normal about BGS?!?!) Brewer is not given 2nd place back even though one complete lap was never made. Brewer finally gets back to Miller (who’s leading the race) and beats the back bumper off of him until he finally gets him loose. GO BREWER!!! The battles continue and cars are shuffled from one place to another. The “choose cone” is set out on the last lap before going back to green flag racing each time a caution is out. This let’s drivers choose which lane they prefer. Example: if the cars 1, 2, and 3 choose the inside line, car 4 can pull up on the outside putting car 4 on the outside pole (2nd place). It makes for GREAT racing at the “Madhouse!” Cars are shuffled around and the cone comes out. Tim Brown has made it to the lead through the shuffle and Jr Miller is sitting in second. Come to the green flag for the restart, Jr starts pushing down on Tim (since he was on the outside) and Tim turns right on him and pushes him down the front stretch guardrail---YAY!!!!! Although, I agree with <3MY LOVE<3 completely when he immediately says “OH NO, he’s started a war he will not win!” Of course, we all know how this one ends, Jr gets the last lick and Tim gets the shove to the wall similar to the one Brewer got in the beginning of the race. Truthfully, Jr stopped the whole field pushing Tim against the wall, allowing Burt to get to the front also!!! Burt held onto the lead and won the race-YAY!!!

I’m sure I missed small details so don’t shoot the messenger, you get the gist:) Now onto my view of the race! Zach Brewer was getting my vote for the “scaredy- cat award” but then I soon realize he was out to get pay back for Jr’s first lap shove! Tim was second in line for this award until he gave his shove back to Jr! Jr Miller still gets the award for “can’t beat them, just wreck them” for the most attempts at wrecking anyone who tried to pass him. That is almost every time, except of course when he was on the WRECKER!!! It took 3-4 attempts from various people, but the night didn’t end without his ride on the wrecker:)

Next time you want a good show for $10, come to BGS and I promise you will not be disappointed! Oh, I almost forgot… <3MY LOVE<3 wanted to make sure “The Mayberry Bullet” got a plug in here too. Come this weekend and see the “The Mayberry Bullet,” himself, John Smith. He makes a few appearances at the stadium throughout the year and if he can keep enough gas in the car and luck on his side, he could be a contender for the win!

Picture this.... (a preview of the weekend to come!)

Our weekend will be filled with crazy fun & oodles of time with our family and friends! Check it out through the picture gallery and see if you can figure out what we're doing:)






AND.... they go hand and hand now!







HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO EVERYONE!!!

Weekend Re-cap....

We celebrated our ONE YEAR anniversary (OMG it really hasn't felt like a whole year) on Friday night by eating dinner at The Depot in Dobson and spending the night in one of their cabins. It was great to get away and spend the evening/night just the two of us and no one else (in person or on the phone)!!! We came home around lunch on Sat and spent the afternoon enjoying each other's company. Sat night we couldn't dare miss the "MADHOUSE." It was def a MADHOUSE... 20,000 people easily crammed into 10,000 seats/aisles/walkways/bathrooms-you name it there we're people there. That was the same ole crap show- -Tim Brown won and managed to use his entire victory speech talking about Burt Myers! Ha ha can't even enjoy the win, without thinking about Burt... too funny! We finished our anniversary weekend off with dinner at Olive Garden-YUMMY!

I hope everyone enjoyed the freak show at BGS. Fat men with their belly and cracks falling out, large women who need to buy MUCH bigger clothes than they do and showing us their pale, nasty body parts, fights on & off the track, drunks throwing beer cans on the track to stop the race (and it didn't work), and much much more!

"Weekly Shot" (something new I'm trying out):
*If something doesn't make you happy, quit doing it.