I Might Have A Problem

Ever since the first Toy Story movie debuted my family and I have been slightly obsessed with the Planet Pizza aliens. "You have been chosen," is a regular phrase lobbed at one another and yes, in the exact alien-like voice of the movie. I know you're impressed.

So when I was shopping today I found the above box containing three aliens. I about hyperventilated. I speed dialed my Mom and asked where I could find a brown bag. But really it is just too perfect. I have never seen the characters in a size that they would actually be in real life! So I bought it, yes, don't act surprised.

I ALSO found a mini Lego set including the alien. I promptly purchased it and built it within two minutes of reaching home.

So that's it, I love cute, green, three-eyed aliens. I love them a lot.

Happy

A spur of the moment conversation prompted my big brother to send me this Be Happy bouquet. Little does he know that I got on the computer right away and sent him the exact same one. Hopefully a moose or bear doesn't come along and eat it or else! We both agree that we needed those amazing yellow smiley face mugs for our coffee in the morning. How cute is he? (The mug I mean, but my brother's pretty sweet too. ) Thanks Steve, for making my day. And for the message on the card, "Get ill foo!". You're the BEST!

The Summer

I've been slacking again, but this summer has been a busy one. With CMA Fest, a new job, a family visit and a week home I find myself starring at my Blackberry screen emblazoned with "Thursday, July 29th". Oh well, it's been a hot and lovely month.

The first photo is of a giant atomic bomb-like thunderhead that I just had to pull over and shoot. It left us alone this evening, which I appreciate.

The second photo is of mom and I at Arrington Vineyard in (surprise) Arrington, Tenn. Great wine, music and company made for a splendid evening. Kix Brooks, of Brooks and Dunn fame and part owner, was even there though we never saw him.

Here's to more frequent updates and to summer treating you wonderfully!

Handmade

I decided to crank out a couple of handmade cards today. I snagged a clearance corner punch/embosser from the store and put it to use. I think it makes for some lovely detailing!

Top of North America

You know my brother? The one who lives in Alaska? He climbed North America's tallest mountain. All twenty thousand and three hundred and twenty feet of it. He is absolutely the most incredible human being that I know. He and his team battled extreme cold, wind that would knock them to their knees and 70 pound packs to summit the tallest point in the continent of North America known as Mt. McKinley/Denali. I religiously followed the cybercasts and prayed. He was extremely lucky to have summited as many climbers in earlier expeditions never got clear weather to make it to the top. God kept him safe and provided the opportunity to achieve his goal. We are all so ecstatic!

Oh and see the second picture from the bottem? He's holding a note that says "Nicole Rocks". He took the time to make and hold that up and take a picture at the top of the mountain. I told him he doesn't have to get me a Christmas gift, ever.

A New Favorite

Ever since we traveled to Jamaica, I have been listening to the legend of reggae music, Bob Marley. I am obsessed with his powerful, yet hypnotic melodies, perfect for a hot summer day. This is a bit outside my normal music preferences, but that is what is so wonderful about music, you can always discover something new. Another important post to come...

Belle Meade Plantation

A few weeks ago I finally made it back to the plantation to tour the actual Belle Meade house. Pretty spectacular! They have done an excellent job of preserving the home and keeping it true to its 1860's glory days. A guided tour and walk around the property is a must!