Who Killed Tangerine?

Move over Chris and Odette, there is a new Raposo couple taking the world by storm. And we are doing it baseball style. Who would have thought my tiny EB tot would love baseball? She becomes entranced when it is on the TV. So we spent the morning at the ball park. She was in hog heaven. Which was the best feeling. 

The second best thing? Frankie isn't recovering surgery. He is trying out a new treatment. Which is such a blessing to me. He is so happy and that my friends is what makes me beam like I just seen Ian Somerhalder naked holding a billion dollars and glittery cupcake. Just seeing Frankie sing and dance like a moron makes my world spill on it's axis a million times faster. 

He said he loves baseball more now. And that makes me so happy because I understand basketball but I care nothing about watching. Baseball I am all on board for with our tiny little family. We are thinking getting season tickets. Yep we are becoming our favorite live action movie together. 

I just keep singing "And when you think it's all over, It's not over, It's not over."

No More Miss Nice Girl

I will always love Matilda. I would beg and cry to go rent it from Movie Gallery. I connected with the movie better than the book for once in my life. That movie was me. Okay minus the super powers.

I was the kid that literally walked herself to library (and got in trouble for it.) I would spend hours upon hours reading. I knew the workers by name. Some even felt bad for me and would bring me snacks and would let me eat at the counter because I would stay so long and miss meals.

I started school and I thought I would be able to spend all day in the library. My teacher was amazed I could read already in kindergarten so I skipped to first grade. Then I skipped first grade too because I was so advanced.

I fell in love with chapter books at the age of six. They weren't big. It was the boxcar children though. I read and read and read. Books A Million had all 150 of them and I would go there some too.

My Miss Honey was my fourth grade teacher she really embraced my love for reading. She showed me how to speed read and I loved it so much. I would spend even more hours locked away and gone to some far off land fighting for the Confederate side of the civil war.

That's why this movie spoke to me. I felt like her and lived a lot like her.

Fresh Start Challenge Day 25: To Whom It May Concern

Top 5

1. Elle

2. Madame

3. Ke$ha

4. Odette

5. Frankie

Dear Elle, 

I looked up to you all of my young life. You were amazing sister that always looked out for me. I wish it had stayed that way but we both started growing up and moving on. I guess I thought you were going to stay the sweet and good Elle. But you started going wild and I didn't approve and then it came my turn. You got angry at me for going wild. You started ignoring me and not looking out for me anymore. We basically became enemies.

It wasn't until I moved that we realized how stupid we both were getting. I don't regret flying to see you January 2013 (you probably do though.) I know some bad things came out of that trip and I am really sorry for that. Though, one amazing thing came out of the trip. You and I are close again. I love seeing you so happy! You have really blossomed into one amazing person and I know you will be a fantastic mom!

You influenced me to be wild and conquer the world.

Love Mary Ann

Dear Madame,

I have never had someone intimidate me like you did when I met you. I was shocked at how polished and put together you were. Because let me tell you the other people that interviewed me I was happy I didn't get a call back from them. There was even one person I told her I changed my mind. She looked frumpy. 

But getting onto the good things. You influenced me in so many ways. You made me believe in myself. You made me take my passion and love it more and more. I never knew that teaching little ones would make me so happy. However, it really helped me see a purpose with my life. It showed me that the smallest little kid has an opinion that matters. And that teaching hygiene and manners are so important that's why I stress that so much. 

So thank you for believing in me and giving me a chance to grow and love what I do.

Love Mary Ann

Dear Ke$ha,

You know that craze in 2002 when Avril Lavigne made it onto the scene and all the girls wanted work skater pants and ties? Yeah when you hit the scene in 2009 that was it for me I knew I found my music soulmate. I  was already smashing bottles of glitter and you just made it twice as bad. And it has literally taken over my life. You have said and sung so many things I agree with about guys and life.

I cannot tell you how many times those songs have changed my whole day and basically my life since they came to my iTunes library. You have been an inspiration to me with your outlooks on life. Because I know you don't put up with people and your past is what you are rising above as well.

"Just because I'm sassy and have a mouth on me doesn't mean I'm coming from a negative place." I agree. Some people mistake having a mouth to being completely rude.

"When you're around me, you're going to get glitter on you." 

This is just how I greet people.

I love Kate Middleton too but something about you stands out to me. And meeting was a dream come true.

Love Mary Ann

Dear Odette,

Do I really tell need to tell you how you have influenced me? I mean I talk about it all the time. 

1) You are a Godly woman.

2) You handle everything so well.

3) You have a huge heart.

4) You made me want to be a better person.

5) Your relationship is the model what I want for my relationship.

6) You have desire and passion for life.

That's how you inspire me. You have always inspire me. You have always pushed me to see my self worth.

I love you forever & ALWAYS

Mary Ann

Dear Frankie,

I know you are freaking out trying to figure how you inspire me. But let's be honest. I was much like the thing back in the day. (Yes people I just went there.) I wanted attention for the wrong reasons. Odette helped me see the errors of my way but baby the biggest person to help me with that was you. You helped me see how I could change my ways for the better. I didn't have to keep whining or crying. I could say it once and cry once. The quote you gave me has really helped me with moving on from things in my life. "Cry as hard as you want but once you stop you are not allowed to cry about that subject again." I have loved living by that quote. 

I feel inspired by how courageous you are and how you find inspiration to move on day to day when your body basically tells you to sit down and be quiet. You fight with a fierce determination that not only inspires me but others as well. You are a huge inspiration to me now. You give me hope, inspiration, and love. You are the most amazing person. 

I love you,

Mary Ann

Honorable Mentions: Hunter, Jessica, and Momma

Momma,

I know we are just getting to really know each other, but I love how you are so crazy. It really helps me see that it's you that I get that from. You and you're flashy self.

I love you, 

Mary Ann

Hunter,

The loud one that moved into my house a year ago and totally flipped my world upside down. Thank you for being there for me and helping me move on from all the negativity people send my way.

Hearts N Glitter,

Mary Ann

And last but certainly not least.

Jessica,

What do I say about you? You are one heck of a woman. Books, nail polish, and beaches. That's where it's at babe. We got many years ahead of us doing crazy things from really wild water parks, to making you go 461 feet in the air on roller coaster (don't shake your head at me), to putting our toes into the sandy shores of Hawaii. We got this life together and we aren't going to waste it.

Love you bunches,

Mary Ann

Fresh Start Challenge Day 24: Welcome Mat

I have dogs so this was hilarious to me!

I wasn't raised in church. We went to church around Christmas and that was it. I was always amazed at people thinking I was this good little Christian girl just because I was reading and didn't curse a lot. In reality I was reading porn many times (You know before it became cool with Fifty Shades of Grey.)

When I became a teenager I really lost my way. I started researching other religions. None of them really fit me and what I was seeking. I want people to accept me. Sadly, I didn't feel like the Christian kids at my school would accept me because of my status and my past. It was a worse feeling as the hard parts of my life went on.

When you've been raped and the result is pregnancy. You seriously question who do you turn to and will anyone ever accept you. Even my parents will admit that they turned their backs on me when I was going through that. I had a daughter and she was snatched away from me before I was ever allowed to hold her because she had so many things wrong with her.

Moving on with my life was not easy but my parents insisted that my daughter was better off without me hindering her life. I went on to college and finally moving away because I was forbidden from seeing her so I decided to move on start new. It's a decision I regret and love at the same time.

I have written about this on several occasions and you will see it in the future, because this is a day that forever changed my life. Just a regular Tuesday morning and pulling into work. Madame is greeting at the door like usual except there this was there was a blonde, with eyes I swore were freaking contacts, helping her greet people. I hated the girl she was too quiet and soft spoken. Yeah, I changed that; me and the guy that is now her husband totally changed that.

She became my best friend. She started making me watch my language, stop drinking as much and finally stop smoking. You want to talk about being scared of gaining weight but I actually lost weight instead. I know you can hate me. And trust me for who smoke I seriously felt different when I quit. But there was one day after I quit that I had a serious craving and need for one.

"Will you go to church with me please?" Staring at those almond colored eyes is a dangerous especially when the word please is used. I agreed but regretted it instantly. I hadn't been to church in years and knew I wasn't going to be accepted. However, I got in her car desperately wanting a cigarette and opted for furiously chewing on gum. Getting out of that car was like walking on jello.

Imagine my shock when the preacher was dressed in cargo shorts, sandals, and polo. I was greeted by everyone. The preacher had tattoos and was extremely easy to talk about things. I said my first prayer in many years when we prayed that night. "If this is where I belong, let me know please." God did just that.

 The Lifehouse song came on and I as I sang the words I started crying and grabbed Odette's hand. I knew that I was finally home. These people accepted me including my past and I accepted them for theirs. I was saved and baptized at the beginning of 2013 after Frankie and I got together.

Then February 1st, 2013 I received two text messages that sent me crumbling. My daughter's heart gave out. My church family came together and helped me get through the grief and pain. They still support me and give daily comfort. Even with the help of my church family, I am for once in my life close to my family. It feels amazing. Even though I still regret coming to Huntsville, and I may leave it one day, I am glad that I was in Huntsville when I was.

Fresh Start Challenge Day 23: Kiss and Tell

1. I find villains like Gothel, Frollo, and Gaston very scary. They are much realistic - the type of villi ans you see in real life and in history.
2. My biggest day dream is wearing a sun dresses and being pushed on a wooden swing off of a tree. 
3. My oldest sibling is 27 and my youngest one is 3 weeks old. 
4. Lip prints make soooo happy. Especially when it's my own or my best friends. That's why the idea from Pinterest I want done but doesn't have to be my bridemaids just my best friends. (Pictured below)
5. I want to spend a night in a furniture store... Thanks Hallmark Christmas movie.

Fresh Start Challenge Day 21: I Am Willing to Do Anything for You

She was having a horrible night with a different so called "friend" and I kept trying to make her feel better. But I lost it when she said she wanting to kill herself. This is a girl who brought sunshine to my life. The one that literally lights up a room when she walks in.

I was devastated that she was wanting to end her life. It brought me to my knees because I would do anything for her. Lord knows she's been there for me for the past few years. Even when she can't physically be there for me, she talks to me.

She is fine now. Nothing a little retail therapy and a new outlook on life couldn't help. She is always going to be the knock girl. No matter what happens. And I will promise you payback is coming to the ones that hurt her. Mark my words.

Fresh Start Challenge Day 20: Just So You Know

Because you live and breathe

Because you make me believe in myself when nobody else can help

Because you live

My world has twice as many stars in the sky

_________________

"My dentist once told me that letting go is like pulling a tooth. When it was pulled out, you’re relieved, but how many times does your tongue run itself over the spot where the tooth once was? Probably a hundred times a day. Just because it wasn't hurting you doesn’t mean you didn't notice it. It leaves a gap and sometimes you see yourself missing it terribly. It’s going to take a while, but it takes time. Should you have kept the tooth? No, because it was causing you so much pain. Therefore, move on and let go"

“Never underestimate a girl’s love for her favorite band. Never think even for a minute, that she won’t defend them to her death. Because it’s not just the music that makes that band her favorite. It’s the guys, the gals. It’s the fans. People whom of which she has interacted with thanks to the band. That band might of saved her life, or just made her smile everyday. That band has never broke her heart and has yet to leave her. No wonder she finds such joy in her music.” 

― Alex Gaskarth 

If someone can't appreciate your presence,

let them appreciate your absence.

He takes my hand & leads
me along paths I would not have
even dared to explore alone

I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well. - Diane Ackerman.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. 

– Eleanor Roosevelt.

We are not held back by the love we didn’t receive in the past, but by the love we’re not extending in the present. - Marianne Williamson.

There will always be the girls you can't believe

you were once friends with. ; ` the boys you can't

believe you kissed & ; the one [ boy ] you can't

believe you ever lived without. 

(Yes I stole that from my middle school blog)

i love you. i love you not because you're adorable

or because you're sweet, or because you're my 

best friend. i love you because you make me step 

outside myself & look at who i really am. you 

make me want to be a better person, just because 

you are who you are. i can tell you absolutely 

everything, & i know you will listen. and you're one 

of my best friends

the best kind of kiss

is the unexpected

unplanned ones 

the ones that come naturally

like in the middle of a sentence

Point of the story, I believe in payback. Letting people screw you over is just lazy & uncreative

Damn baby
You frustrate me
I know youre mine all mine all mine
But you look so good it hurts sometimes

There are two types of mints you never turn down in life:

breath mints & compliments. Either way, someone is trying to tell you something.

Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get. - Ingrid Bergman.

A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. 

– Eleanor Roosevelt.

“A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want." — Madonna

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West

When a man treats his woman like a princess, it is proof that he has been raised by a queen.

A boy makes his girl jealous of other women. A gentleman makes other women jealous of his girl.

( +Chris Raposo )

I may love to shop, but I’m not buying your bullshit.

Fresh Start Challenge Day 18: Take My Hand

+Hunter and +Odette were the ones that inspired me the most to start blogging.

Odette was the one I used to watch that would spend hours blog planning when she went for walks. Come on the girl has a planner for her blog along. Some people don't see the small changes that go into her blog. But to the trained person you can see how she inputs ideas into her blogging and slowly. Which is really better than just a dramatic change.

Hunter, OMG this girl took the blogging world by storm. She is amazing with her blogging. At first she did a lot of make up and beauty things and I have to agree with Zach Holland. Her personal blogs are fabulous and a lot of fun to get to another layer of Hunter. I do believe we need to do a Southern blog challenge for her!!! Score idea for me!!!

Fresh Start Challenge Day 17: Seasons Change

Spring

• Kentucky Derby
• Spring Break
• Asparagus and mushrooms!
• Things become alive!

Summer

• Popsicle season
• Sprinklers
• BBQs
• Shorts

Fall

• Watching Hocous Pocus
• 13 Nights of Halloween on ABC
• No Shave November
• Halloween oreos
• Caramel Brulee lattes
• Pecan pie
• Smell of burning leaves
• Candles (I always burn more during the colder weather)
• Cardigans

Winter

• Peacoats
• Decorating the Christmas tree
• When the tree is the only light in the room. (God I love that!)
• Ice skating
• Snuggled up by the fire and read.
• Skiing
• Christmas cookies

Fresh Start Challenge Day 7: Grow Old

In my family you would think I would be the loudest and the most outgoing in my family. Well you'd be wrong. Reality is I'm the quiet one. I have two older brothers, a sister who is 9 months older than me (I was a premie, I came really early.) Then I have four younger sisters, a baby brother and new sister on the way. In addition my parents also adopted my cousin when she was just 3 months old. She's only a year younger than me.

Out of my siblings my older sister gets my vote for my favorite sibling. Elle and I just click. Sure we fight like sisters but that's what they are there for right? We always have a blast together.

My mom hasn't always been the best mom. We hated each other for a few years. But the past year we have really gotten close. This is the first time in my life of me getting close to her. The advice she gives is awesome. I never realized how much she and I have in common. And we have talked about the fact that us being so much alike is could be a base for why we weren't able to live together long.

As for my dad well he works all the time. He is constantly gone and I think I see him a handful of times a year. He is one of those parents that on your birthday hand you a plastic square thing tells you to have fun and that they are proud of you. That's my dad.

My grandpa (my mom's dad) is awesome too. His exwife sucked and everyone in the family hated her. But he is so much happier with his new wife. They are all smiles and laughs. They go on adventures all the time. They laugh and are just totally cute.

I love my cousins. So many of them are my friends. We laugh constantly and sing and dance. Well the ones on my mom's side.

My stepdad's family is freaking awesome! They are rowdy and hilarious! They are all southerners and it's fantastic.


My future family is promising. Lots of laughs with Frankie, Chris, and Odette. I am ready for the naked Frankie army!