Market We Go!

I am really excited about what this weekend holds! With Craig's job he travels to various markets throughout the year. I, just so happen, to have the pleasure of joining him "on the job" this trip! Tomorrow morning we are headed to Tupelo, MS to buy artwork and furniture! I am really excited to see for myself just how extravagant these events can be. Craig says that they do their best to wine and dine you and catar to your needs while you are in their showrooms! More than getting to go to market, I am really excited about spending the entire weekend with my hubby! One on one. Fun time together. Even though on work, it is away from the store, and this is always a great thing!

This week we attended our first small group meeting. Several weeks ago we started attending Christ Community Church and have been taking our time with plugging into a small group! We were a little hesitant on finding a group of young marrieds that share in the same things in life.

Sorry a short post but I must get to packing! Oh and checking the weather to see just what to pack in the first place! Have a wonderful weekend!

2005 Honda Civic FOR SALE

Ok, so here's the deal pickle! Back in June Craig bought me a Tahoe because he couldn't fit into my Honda Civic! So, that leaves old Pearl, sittting in my driveway taking up space! READY FOR A NEW HOME! All the stats are listed below. Asking price is $10,000 but will take the BEST OFFER! If you know of anyone that is looking to buy a great car please let me know! We can talk about the price and details in greater depth!

Just give a call if anyone has any questions! 773-5666

One Owner Vehicle. Used to drive back and forth to work in Shreveport, LA. All interstate miles. White Exterior with tan cloth interior. Owner upgrading, mint condition. Great student vehicle!

Mileage: 76,600
Engine: 4-Cyl.
1.7L VTEC
Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: FWD
Air Conditioning
Tilt Wheel
Dual Front Air Bags
Power Steering
Cruise Control
ABS (4-Wheel)
Power Windows
AM/FM Stereo
Alloy Wheels
Power Door Locks
Single Compact Disc
Sunroof

New Beginnings

A new year, with new adventures. 2008 ended with lots of food, family, and fun! The last couple of weeks of the year, I learned that I had a week of vacation that I had not taken. Guess I knew it, but just haven't used it. So, The week before Christmas, I took 2 days off. The week of Christmas I worked Monday and Tuesday, and the week after Christmas I work Monday and Tuesday! I was great, staying up late, sleeping in late. Getting to hang around the house without a thing to do. Craig and I headed to Natchitoches Christmas Eve to spend with my mother's family. This is a family tradition to do Eve with her family. After that, we headed to my dad's house to spend the night. We took our girls with us. What fun to see 4 doggies in the backyard playing like crazy! Apparently, Anna Catherine was up and going around 7am Christmas morning, and by 7:30 she was in our room telling us to get up, Santa had arrived! We spent the day at my dad's house hanging out and playing the Wii that Santa has brought!

That Friday, Craig and I and the girls headed back to Ruston to unload get some sleep and head out the next day to S'port to spend the evening with Dan and the rest of the Holman crew. We had dinner with Lindsay and John, uncle Dale, Dan, mom, and Big Ed. Wonderful steaks and the such. Great way to end to Dan's trip home for Christmas.

Sunday morning Craig and I woke up and went to FB Bossier for church. The service was wonderful and uplifting. It has been a long time since I have been to a service where I felt like I was able to feel the spirit and worship the Lord freely. For the past several months Craig and I have been praying about switching churches. Under the Lord's guidance, we have finally made the decision to leave the church that we have been very active in for the past 2 and half years. This has been a really hard decision for the both of us. We have made several friends and I have grown very close to several ladies through the Beth Moore studies I have done. But the Lord is good and just because we have left this church doesn't necessarily mean that the friendship will die. We are very excited about what the Lord has in store for this year. Not only through a new church body, but with what he has to teach us.

Anywho, when Craig and I returned home Sunday afternoon, we were surprised to see the gate to our fence wide open and no girls anywhere in sight. The neighbor's had a dog sitter and he said they had been playing around the neighborhood but by this point no where in sight. I drive up the road and find Bella, Abby, and our other neighbor's dog Harley walking along side totally covered with mudd and soaking wet. How they got out is a mystery. What I think happened is that Bella jumped up and her head it the latch to the gate and it opened! All in all, they are ok and alive that is all the matters! But you talk about making your heart race. I can't even imagine what it will be like when we have children. I have been thinking of new things to set in place for 2009. One being back to eating healthy. Another exercising on a regular basis, and third seeking the Lord with what He has in store for us this year. We are praying through the idea of trying to make a trip to Africa. One of my heart's desires is to have the opportunity to serve through medical missions in Africa, or where ever the Lord leads.

Craig went to the Sugar Bowl with his dad to see Alabama get stomped! Needless to say the fans showed up but the BAMA TIDE didn't! Next year we will be at the National Championship! I can feel it! ROLL TIDE!

This blog is all over the place. I have to say that at one moment in my life I use to be very good at making posts and sharing what is happening in life, but since not doing it for such a long time it is taking a little time to work out the kinks. Bare with me as I get back into thist stuff!

Good night to all! And happy 2009!

Happy Labor Day

Monday morning. . . people all over Louisiana are waiting out hurricane Gustav to come and go. Some in New Orleans have not fully recovered from Katrina over 2 years ago. The supermarkets were packed yesterday. The streets of Ruston were busy. Passing vehicle after vehicle with bags packed miles high on top of them. Everyone trying to escape what could be a tragedy and only memories left from the previous. What usually is a fun filled relaxing long weekend for most, is just a long agonizing time this year. Prayers are with all of the families enduring the storm.

Onto happier thoughts. . . the Rush household had fun visitors. Dana, our friend from Memphis, and her dog Toby came to visit on Saturday. Their plans were to stay through Tuesday but due to the storm and traffic contra flows already in place, their trip was cut short. Craig grilled some steaks and we caught up on movies. Great time with good friends, and definately good food! Dana we love you & miss you already!

August Fun

It's been a couple of weeks since our last post. We have both gotten back into work full swing, and all the summer fun is coming to an end. Dan, Bethany's brother, made a visit to Louisiana for a week. He started a new job with a golf course in Sarasota, FL the second week of August, so he had a little down time in between. Dan went from being the Asst. Superintendent for Baco West Golf Club, to being the Superintendent at Laurel Oak in Sarasota. This was a big deal for him. He has been out of school a little over a year. Most supers are assts for at least 3 years before making the promotion. Dan is good at what he does, and more than that he LOVES it! We (Craig & Bethany) surprised him by picking him up at the airport. But little did he know, that mom had planned an even bigger surprise. Shanna, one of his good friends, and contacted all of his college buddies and they started arriving at mom & big Ed's house shortly after we made it back. I think the last of his friends pulled in around 11pm. Then out on the town for the night of fun! It was a great week for him and we really enjoyed getting to catch up. Hated to see him go, but he was ready to start the new job!

As for life on the homefront in Ruston, we have ended this year's teaching adventure with the 6th graders at Cook. It is always fun to see the kids turn into preteens and move up to the youth, but it is sad too because we have invested so much time and life into them the past year. The girls ended this year with a sleepover at the Rush residence! 9 6th graders and me(BK) for a night of fun! They were great. We made homemade pizzas, painted toes and nails, watched movies, and played with the dogs. All in all, they were out like lights around midnight and I was shortly behind. Made pancakes Saturday morning and parents started arriving around 10am. I would call my first sleepover a major success!

So, that's it for now. I am on to cooking and cleaning! Till next time, have fun!

Back to the grind from vaca. . and boy does it hit hard! Craig and I took off to the beach for a few days with a couple for some relaxing moments on the beach. Poor Craig burned even under SPF 58, an umbrella, and a t-shirt, but he still enjoyed sitting under the umbrella and reading a good book! As for me, I truly enjoyed the sand, sun, and the ocean. We found a place to eat, Gulf Shores Steamer! If you have not tried steamed seafood, I highly recommend it! And of course, had to stop at Foley Outlet mall!

I survived my first week of Boot Camp! Thought it was going to be a lot worse than what it was, but thankfully it was great! Legs a little sore, but after the burn wears off it feels great to see muscles shaping back up! Now if I can just keep it up even after Boot Camp is over!

Here are a couple of pictures from Gulf Shores!

Our Favorite place to eat, Gulf Shores Steamer

Me, after a fun day at the beach!

Craig sporting his Panama Jack Hat & Aviators!

Our dear friends Robyn & Dustin St. Andre

Happy Memorial Day

I guess you could say that I am not the greatest at this posting thing. . . looks as if it takes me about 4 months in between to recover from my previous post. Life around the Rush Residence has been busy but nothing major out of the ordinary. Craig is still busy with Bodie's Furniture and I am staying busy with Peach Tree Dental. Our house has come along great. Over the past couple of months we have totally reworked our front flower beds. Expanding and adding new shurbs and flowers. We also added 3 magnolia trees. Two are doing great, and one is in shock from being transplanted. It looks as if it's going to die but when Craig scratched the bark it was bright green underneath. . this means there is hope and should bloom next year!

We are really blessed with the neighbors that we have met and really amazed at how small of a world we live in. Our neighbors to the left of us is a couple from about an hour and half from here. Funny thing is, the guy played football for Alabama Crimson Tide! ROLL TIDE! Couple to the right of us is from Oklahoma City. Amazing couple and good friends! No kids and they love to have fun. The couple across the street is originally from Florida, but he played for Auburn and is now coaching for TECH. Come football season, the rival will no longer be Tigers vs. Tide in our home it will be a block rival between all three. Tide vs. Auburn vs. Tigers!

Happy Summer!

It's Time!

After 4 long months of waiting and making decisions, it is finally coming to an end. . . or should I say a new beginning! As one of my friends has said, opening a "New Chapter". I will begin moving in all the "Itty Bitty Pretties" tomorrow & Sunday Craig and one of his guys from work will start moving in all the furniture! Closing should occur on Monday and hopefully have the fence completed by the end of next week! The girls will be so excited to have a yard to play in, but I am sure they will not understand why they can't come inside. That's right, we will be back to a dog free home. . .

That's it for now. Hope you have enjoyed the jounrey with us. We are very thankful that the Lord has blessed us with 2 great jobs, our health, and a place to call our own. We are excited about the new opportunties our place will bring. The neighbors we have already begun meeting and sharing our Lord with the ones we come in contact with on a daily basis!

Signing off for now!
~ The Rushes

Rush Resident in Progress

Here's the latest on the house. The attic insulation has been blown, the tile around the fireplace has been completed. They have started doing all the little touch up work around the baseboards and what not. The columns out front have been set and the vinal siding has been completed. Only things left now, are the finish the touch ups, stain the wood on the counter tops, paint the columns, seal the floors, and lay the carpet in the 2 guest beds. The carpet will be done very last because I picked "perfect lace" or WHITE carpet! Enjoy the pictures

This is a picture of one of the guest beds that will actually be used as a guest bed. This picture was taken sometime ago so all the wood work is not completed in this picture. The color is "Bronzed Beige". The 2nd guest bed will be Craig's office/study with a club chair and ottoman, TV, and his desk.

This is a picture of our bedroom and the doorway leads to our bathroom and closet. I dont know the exact name of the color anymore but it is like a light celadon green color. Very relaxing and our new furniture is a dark expresso wood finish!

Pictures of my kitchen. The stove goes underneath the microwave ventahood and it is already in place. Just haven't gotten a new picture.

These are pictures from both baths. The one on the left is off the cabinet in the guest bath and one on the right is the vanity in our bath. Same color stain on the cabinets and same countertop in each. It is similar to the kitchen but the cabinets are darker and the countertops are lighter. Same colors as in the corresponding beds.

The fireplace without the grout. Picture is an upclose look at the tiles.


Columns have not been painted and once we close on the house a different door will be added. The door I have selected is a four pane glass and wood door. It will be a cherry stain. The shutters are black. Last thing for them to do is the landscaping

Sheer Anticipation

So I have been extremely occupied with work and house stuff that I forget to post anything on this blog anymore. I do have picture updates, but I am too lazy right this second to get the camera and upload them. . so you'll just have to wait until I get a minute.

The latest on the house. .
* Walls are all painted and completed
* Kitchen cabinets and countertops are completed
* Bathroom cabinets and countertops are completed
* Shutters have been hung outside
* All the plumbing is completed
* All doors hung and hardware in place.

Only things left. . .
* Blow the insulation in attic
* Seal my stained concrete floors
*Touch up little things
* Lay the carpet in the 2 guest bedrooms

Anticipated closing date: end of next week!!!!!

Look for more soon!

The most recent picture of 2412 Old Creek Road
Taken Jan. 7th 2008

New Year. . . New Day

2007 has come and gone. . . and now 2008 is ready to start a fresh! We have ended 2007 with a full last month. I have been working in S'port with Dr. Walker while both of his hygienist have been out on maternity leave and Craig has been crazily busy at Bodies. We spent our 2nd Christmas together in Boyton Beach, Florida. Dan was not able to come home for Christmas, so we took Christmas to him. The three of us had a great time just relaxing and loving the 85 degree weather! Not what you would think of as the Christmas season!

Now for 2008, we are looking to move into our new home sometime around the beginning of February. I started packing things up yesterday and have left just the bare necessities for cooking! I start teaching Preschool at Temple on the 8th and I am still working with Peachtree Dental mainly on Fridays. I have a couple of additional contract hygiene jobs that I am going to be doing in S'port. Bella and Abby are looking forward to their yard at the new house, but I am not sure they are aware that they won't be able to join us inside! We are looking to add another family member once we move. her name is Prissy and she is my 6 1/2 year old Rat Terrior/Whippet. My aunt and uncle have had her since I was in hygiene school. Three female dogs and a wife. . . I think Craig is out numbered!

Until next post, stay warm and Happy 2008!

She's a Brick House . . . .

Brick is done, siding almost complete.

Beds & Baths have been painted.

Just waiting for cabinets and all the little bitty stuff. . .

Little behind time!

Sorry for the delay in posting new pictures of the house. Alot has occurred since the last post. The roof is on, half of it actually has shingles, the driveway has been poured, all the duct worked is in, all the electrical wires have been run and boxes set. Next thing should be bricking and vinal siding! Here's the latest picture! Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving.

The house has been framed, and we are praying for no rain the next couple of weeks. Looks like things are starting to move along rather nicely. We have been looking at color samples, trying to pick out countertops and cabinets for the kitchen, and trying to decide how we would like the bathrooms to look. Oh yeah, and before anything else needs to be selected we have to select the brick and vinal siding we want to use!!! So many decisions but so much fun!

Fun Finds!

We now have plumbing and a slab. This building thing is alot of fun. . . in the process of looking at siding and materials for our fence, we discovered some really fun finds. . one of which made it home with up. Couldn't have found a better deal than a box of mosaic tiles for a grand total of $3.90. Think I might use it as a backsplash in my kitchen! Enjoy the pictures!

Creekwood Estate

Ok, so 2 posts in one day! YEAH! The house was officially started today. Ground was broken. Framework laid, dirt work done, and plumbing to be put in tomorrow, Wednesday. Here are some pictures to follow the progression of the house!

Before our lot was cleared. . .

After our lot was cleared and framework laid. . .

Long Time. . . No Post

By looking at the date of the last entry, it has almost been a year since I last posted anything. Guess I might need too. Since November of 2006, Craig and I have had our first wedding anniversary, added two new additions to our family, and are getting ready to break ground on our very own first house!

Bella is our first child. She is a golden retriever and was born March 8, 2006. Some of Bella's favorite things are crawling up in her daddy's lap and having her belly scratched. She also loves to eat ice cubes and grapes. Bella knows how to play fetch and really enjoys eating bones and rawhides! Bella's little sister Abby is a britteny spanial. Abby was born April 2006. Being the baby, Abby is always seeking attention and does everything she can to push her sister out of the way when mommy and daddy get home! Abby also likes ice cubes and grapes and managed to take Bella's bones and rawhides away and eat them as well as her own. She is a hyper dog and pretty small for her size. But don't let her size fool you, because her bark is big! Both girls love to take walks and they are both looking forward to moving into their new house at the beginning of the year. This means they will have their very own backyard with lots of room to play!

That's a little about our girls. Craig is still with Bodie's Furniture in Ruston, LA. He has recently returned from High Point, North Carolina where he and Bodie bought this years furniture. They got alot of really pretty things! If your in the market, stop. And if you want to browse through the internet world check out http://www.bodiesfurniture.com/. Thanks to Josh Vaughn out of Montgomery, AL Bodie's Furniture launched it's very first website September 2007. As for Bethany, I have been keeping my hygiene skills up to par while working part-time with Peach Tree Dental practice in Ruston. Along with that I randomly do temp work for other area dentists and of course spend lots of time working with the Children's Ministry at Cook Baptist. We have been teaching a 6th Grade Connect Group for a little over a year! Through this the Lord has blessed us with an amazing asortment of youngens' we like to call our own. He has also been molding us into becoming parents of our own! Starting a family is something we look to be our goal for 2008.


The Rushes
(Craig, Bethany, Bella, and Abby)

Enjoy!

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Bethany & Craig

Thanksgiving is coming up, what are you thankful for?

Enjoy the slideshow.

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Get Your Own! View Slideshow