Re-post of South Carolina Cousins

Here is a repost of an entry that I did awhile back to help you better understand my relationship with Jeffrey. Years ago, I met my South Carolina cousins through an old boyfriend of mine. They are actually his cousins, but once I met them and we had the connection we did- I adopted them as my own. Jeffrey, Brandy, and Brandon are the ones of the family that I was closest to. There was just this overwhelming feeling being around them that they were meant to be my family… and they have been ever since. Charleston, SC is my favorite place to visit. I find myself longing for their company and visits to their historic town. Everything there is lovely. Jeffrey and Brandon have always had their love for the fire department and I thought it was so neat how much their town is involved with their fire departments. When I think of Charleston, I think of an old timey fire station with a fire wagon and Dalmatian out front. I know it sounds silly, but that’s how it really is there in downtown Charleston (maybe minus the Dalmatian).
On June 18, 2007, there was a flashover and structural collapse that contributed to the deaths of nine Charleston firefighters. Brandon was one of the fallen. I will never forget the next morning as I logged on to my computer and pulled up the internet; it was one of the headline stories on MSN and they were not listing any names yet. I somehow knew that either Jeffrey or Brandon were one of the nine. I received a phone call later that day from Jeffrey confirming it was, indeed Brandon.
I made my way to South Carolina a few days later for the memorial service and Jimbo, my sister, and I were overwhelmed by the love and support that the thousands of firefighters from all over the US showed on that day. We drove through the night to make it on time and I can’t tell you how many fire trucks and police cars traveled along the road with us. After everything was over with, we visited the historic district and the picture below is what I saw in a window display while walking down one of those streets. I will never ever forget that day. They saved a life that day and for that- they are heroes.


Today, I ask that you honor not only my South Carolina cousin and the other fallen firefighters, but honor their families as well as your local fire department. I left that ceremony with an appreciation that I never had before. They risk their lives everyday for us.


Above Pic: Brandon's brother Jeffrey at the Dedication Ceremony.
You can read Brandon' story by clicking here.
We miss you Brandon Thompson.

Jeffrey

I am writing this right now because it's all I know to do right now. I feel like I can't breathe. I am shaking and this all seems like a bad dream. I have been trying to go to sleep for over an hour and can't seem to get there. My heart is heavy. I found out tonight that my cousin Jeffrey from South Carolina (you know my sweet South Carolina cousin who I love with all my heart) died this morning from a heart attack. I just don't even know what to feel right now. I am heart broken. I just need to write this and say... I love you my Jeffrey and I will miss you so much. The world will not be the same without you. I will miss your big bear hugs, funny jokes, and contagious laughter every time you called me.
Jeff was a railroad conductor, deputy chief for the fire department, and the most loving teddy bear you could ever meet. He was also a wonderful husband to his wife Brandi. Please keep her in your prayers right now.

Here was his most recent status on facebook:
Jeffery Thompson says: rest in peace to my uncle julian..a unique person..he passed away yesterday after fighting cancer for three years. My thoughts are with my Aunt Linda...wishing I could be there in Alabama....(the greatest state in the US) to comfort her. I hope all my facebook friends remember this little message...life is short...it's better to regret the things you did..then to regret never doing things!! on Friday

FQF

Hey little ladies! Thank goodness it's Friday! School started back this week so things have been a little crazy- still getting used to the new schedule. Here is this week's FIVE QUESTION FRIDAY! You should click here and play along.

1. How many pets do you have?
We have -O- pets at this time. I have a soft place in my heart for sweet little chihauhau's and we had one named Charlie, but after we had our little one and things got chaotic, we thought it was in his best interest that we give him to someone who could love him and spend time with him more than we could.  :(
Here is Charlie the Chihauhau.

2. If you could switch places with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be?

Oh so many to choose from... I have often wanted to be my husband just so I could see what he is thinking lol, but right now I may have to go with Lauren Conrad just so I could see if "The Hills" was real or fake. The series finale left me disturbed. LOL! Oh.. and so I could look this hot in a swimsuit!

3. What is your favorite money saving tip?
I don't really have any "tips" but I would recommend clipping coupons every week like I do. I print tons of them off the internet and I clip my Sunday paper coupons. Here are some of the sites I visit:
http://www.couponmom.com/
http://www.redplum.com/
http://www.rightathome.com/
http://www.athriftymom.com/
http://www.frugalfairhope.com/

4. What do you want your kids to be when they grow up?
I think everyone wants their kids to be something great. A doctor or lawyer would be awesome, but you know what? I just want my kids to be happy and I will be happy. One thing I do request of them is to get a college education.

5. What is your favorite quote?
May sound silly- but I love it!
"You can pay to go to school, but you can't buy class." :) haha

and speaking of school- I am about to head to class, so have a great weekend guys! I am so excited... we are giving my future sister-in-law an adorable little bridal shower tomorrow. Pics to come!

Be blessed!

Pink & Green Thursday

I love how everyone is having fun with Pink and Green Thursday’s! I had a co-worker of mine come to me last week, show me something Pink & Green, and say that I should use it for my blog! She also said that she loves reading my Pink & Green posts! Thank you Sharon- I am so glad that you enjoy reading them.

After looking over what she had to show me- I decided it was indeed a great idea! We live in Mobile, Alabama and there is a charming little magazine that is published here for our county as well as our neighboring county. “Mobile Bay” magazine always has such neat little things in it such as a gallery section featuring local artists; bay tables where the magazine features a local family’s home and what they eat; a history section about buildings, property, or events that took place here so long ago, and lots more!

This month, the bay tables section exhibited the adorable bay home of Lyons and Michelle Bousson. The husband wanted a rustic, comfortable fishing camp, while the Mrs. longed for a bright, cheery beach house. So they put two and two together and this is the great little house they built! I wish it showed the inside of the house- I bet it is really cute!

Here is the recipe that the Bousson’s shared in their article:

Lemon Cups
Ingredients:3 large lemons
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
½ cup butter
2 15-count packages frozen mini phyllo shells, thawed
Directions:
Grate zest from lemons. Squeeze lemon juice into a small bowl. Combine zest and sugar in a food processor and mix well. Add lemon juice and eggs, and process until ingredients are combined. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the lemon mixture to the butter, stirring until well blended. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the filling thickens. Pour the lemon filling into a plastic bowl and cover; let cool. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the thawed shells on a cookie sheet for 3 minutes. Allow shells to cool before filling. When ready to serve, spoon the cold lemon filling into the shells. Makes 30 cups.

The following pictures were NOT in the Bousson’s home, but they are from bay houses and they were too cute not to share!

What a great way to show you what we southerners here on the Gulf Coast love!

Happy Pink & Green Thursday!

WW Wed.

Welcome to Weight Watchers Wed!!! I'm down 18 lbs now and loving it! I'm becoming obsessed with WW now- maybe that's what you have to do in order to completely change your lifestyle of eating. My only problem this week seemed to be my cravings for something sweet. I just wanted a candy bar so bad- but when I go to eat one, all I can eat is a couple of bites. That's so good! I hope everyone is doing great and if you are at a stand still with the weight loss- keep up the good work because sooner or later it will come off. There have been weeks when I did not lose anything or even gained a pound, but eventually it came off. Also, measure yourself once a week. I have seen more of a difference in my measurements than anything. I keep up with my bust, waist, arms, hips, and thighs.

Be sure to check back every week to see what snacks or ideas I put on my sidebar. I like to share new snacks or drinks that I find that are low in points.

Here is a new dessert I have tried and love it. If you love cream cheese as much as I do- you will love this dessert!

Creamy Grape Dessert
Picture and recipe can be found here.
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1/8th • Points: 4 ww pts
Calories: 171.2 • Fat: 7.9 g • Protein: 5.3 g • Carb: 33.8 g • Fiber: 1.6 g

What you will need:
1 lb green seedless grapes, washed and dried well
1 lb red seedless grapes, washed and dried well
8 oz fat free Chiobani Greek yogurt
4 oz light cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup agave (or sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
Cut grapes in half and set aside.
What to do:
Mix yogurt, cream cheese, agave and vanilla until blended well. Stir grapes into mixture, and pour in large serving dish.
Combine brown sugar and crushed walnuts. Sprinkle over top of grapes to cover completely. Chill until ready to serve.

Have a blessed week ya'll!

Today

Today I start school...again. Another semester of working hard and studying to work towards my dream. Today I also start another semester of not being able to see my family as much as I would like. Last night as I gathered my school supplies and laid out my clothes, I wanted to quit. Why do this to myself?! But then I was reminded of how far I have come and it will be over before I know it. I saw this quote on sweet little Trishy's page and fell in love. It's perfect for today.

 "Everyone has inside him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!

- Anne Frank

So... to all of you hard working, school going mommies... congrats to you! It takes a lot out of you and you should be proud that you are bettering yourself therefore bettering a life for your child.

P.S. I so wish I could be a stay at home mommy sometimes, but I can't. So... no offense to stay at home mom's.. that's a full time job in itself!!! You should be proud too!

FQF

It's Friday and you know what that means!?! Casual work days, better attitudes, smiling faces, and payday!!! oh.. and Five Question Friday! Link up over at "My Little Life" and play along!

1. Do you have any nicknames and if so how did it come about?
Well... my name is Emily, but I have been called Emma for short, honey (bc of my eyes) and my favorite of all "Emmy". My sweet little niece has always called me Aunt Emmy and I think it is adorable.

2. What is your birth order amongst your siblings?
I am the oldest of three- I am 27, my brother is 24, and my sister is 20.

3. In a movie of your life, who would play your significant other?
Probably Wentworth Miller because he and my husband share the same classy/sophisticated style and they seem to have the same personalities plus the shaved head ;)

4. What is currently your favorite song?
Travie McCoy's "Billionaire"

5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase?
YES MAM- these little "Bowtied Beauty Boots" from Antropologie. I heart them.

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend!

Pink & Green Thursday

Hey ladies! My all time favorite hobby is painting but I have not had too much time to do so the past couple of years. Life has been busy to say the least. Every once in a while I will paint a little something, but nothing significant. So, when I was hired this past weekend to do not one, but two baby nurseries, I was delighted! I am so excited and even more excited that one is a boy and the other a girl. Makes it more fun to mix things up a bit. In ode to me investing time into my old hobby I give you Pink & Green Thursday artist style :)