Regan Anne

It's Been a While...

2010-03-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in like uh..... well yeah its been that long. Everything is going great. Just got done having Connor's birthday party last weekend and Kirby has pics on her blog so check them out. Thanks to everyone who came and helped set up or make food we really appreciated it. Spring break is next week and I can't wait. Oh and the new Alice in Wonderland with my man Johnny Depp comes out Friday so i'm super excited.

Back to School

2009-08-30T15:25:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow starts my fall semester at TTU. I am excited that school is starting back but not about all the work I have to do or not getting to see my little Conman. I did have a wonderful vacation last week so I'm all relaxed and ready to start the new school year.

Happy Birthday!

2009-06-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Today is my mom's birthday. She is the most important person in my world and I just wanted to take a minute and share how much she means to me. She's the one who is always there no matter what, making me laugh, cry, happy, and sad. Even though I'm not perfect she takes me for what I am and I love her so much. She is hardworking and good and she never complains even though sometimes she should. She is loved by so many and it makes me smile to hear all the wonderful things people tell me about her. She is someone I can hope to aspire to. Mom I love you so much and I wish you a very Happy Birthday.

Wild Weekend

2009-06-01T16:40:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was a whirlwind of excitement. Hannah got married and it was Mrs. Paula's dance recital weekend. Even though I did not get to attend recital I am positive that it was great. The wedding was beautiful and went off without a hitch. Everyone looked wonderful and most importantly everyone had a wonderful time especially Hannah and Brad. I am so happy that they are now married and have joined two wonderful families together. They are on their honeymoon in Charleston, SC and I'm sure they are having a blast. I wish them the best and hope nothing but happiness for them. Lots of love to you Hannah and Brad!

Happy Birthday Callie Brooke!!!

2009-05-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is me and my sweet sister (not technically but pretty dang close) Callie when we went to Germany and the Netherlands last year to see our other foreign family Anneloes and Tessi. Today Callie turns 19 and I just cannot believe how old we are getting. It seems like not too long ago that we were running around Mrs. Paula's dance studio talking about middle school and other things. Callie I love you so much and you are the best friend and sister a girl could ever have. Thank you for always being there for me and making me smile. I'm glad it is finally summer so that we can hang out, and wait anxiously for November to come for New Moon lol. I hope you have the best birthday ever! Love ya lots!!!

Almost Over!

2009-04-30T12:53:00.001-07:00

I am so excited that school is almost over. Tomorrow is my last day of class and I can't wait for summer. Even though I have summer school and a new job I plan on having a great summer at the river. Hope everyone else is getting ready to get out of school and welcome the wonderful season that is summer.

New Additions to the Family

2009-04-16T16:36:00.001-07:00

I would like to introduce two new additions to the family. These two sweet little girls are for Connor and myself (well they are both staying at our house but one belongs to conman). We haven't named them yet so if anyone can volunteer some cute names I would appreciate it. Aren't they so cute?!

Happy Birthday!

2009-04-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mylie Rae! Today my niece is officially two years old. Her party was last weekend and everyone had a blast. Mylie I hope you have a wonderful day and I love you very much.

Back From Break

2009-03-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well first and foremost HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Hope everyone remembered to wear green so they won't get pinched lol. Sorry that I didn't blog I spent my whole spring break at the river. It was wonderful. Instead of a vacation I had a staycation. I got that from the Today Show lol. I would also like to wish Jesse, Anneloes's little boy a Happy 1st Birthday. He turned one on March 12th. I love you Jesse and I miss you. Well I hope everyone had a good break and if your on spring break now I hope you have a great week!

Birthday Wishes

2009-03-03T09:58:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to quickly say Happy Birthday to my cool cousin Salem Wanamaker!
Hope you have a great day!

Happy Birthday Sis!

2009-02-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Jen Jen!
Happy Birthday to you!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I love ya lots!

Who's 2?

2009-02-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Connor!
I love you so much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2009-02-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Paula!

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I love you so much!

ETSU trip

2009-02-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

This weekend me and two of my friends Patrick and Brian went to visit our other friend Phil who goes to school at ETSU. He did go to Tech but had to transfer cause of his major. Johnson City is such a pretty town. There are so many different things to do up there. We decided that Saturday we were going to skiing. It was so much fun! I have never skied before so of course I fell down some but by the end of the day I was really getting the hang of it. It was such a fun trip and I hope we can go back soon.

Bounce Barn

2009-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

A couple of weekends ago Alison, Carrie, and I loaded up the little ones
and went to the Bounce Barn in Tullahoma. They had such a good time.
Connor loved going down the slides and going thru the obstacle course.
It wasn't has fun however for the person hauling him up the stairs so he
could go down the slide lol. Here are a few pics from our fun day out.

Here are Arden,Cayley,and Connor coming down the slide.

This is their crash landing lol.

Arden and Connor at a stand off

Doesn't Channing look so happy? lol

Game Time

2009-02-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

First of all I'd like to wish Mike a Happy Birthday. Second tonight in case you live in a cave and didn't know is the Super Bowl Steelers vs. Cardinals. I am personally pulling for the Steelers cause that is who everyone else in my family is cheering for. We are watching the game at Alison's house tonight and having Mike a birthday party as well. GO STEELERS!

Retraction

2009-01-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

So on my previous post I said that the cold had shattered my window. Someone had tried to break into my car. The car was in my freaking driveway and someone broke into it. What is the world coming to?

Stupid Cold!

2009-01-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

So today I was sitting in my room doing nothing and Wes knocks on my door and says, "Regan, you need to come look at your car." I was kind of suspicious thinking somebody had rolled it or wrote on it but low and behold when I got outside my whole entire passenger front window was SHATTERED! I'm not saying like cracked I mean its GONE. We think that it might have been the cold and the pressure just built up and boom there went my window. Well that has pretty much ruined my week now but what else is new.

Back to School

2009-01-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow we start back to school and I am not excited about that at all because I am going to miss all of my free time at home and hangin out with my buddy Connor. But this could be good cause I'll get back into the swing of things. Talekia and I are taking a slimnastics class twice a week and so our new year resolution is to "slim" down lol. well I hope everyone has a good day lots of love!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-31T16:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. Please be safe tonight and I'll talk to you next year lol!

Twas the day before Christmas...

2008-12-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

Twas the day before Christmas
and all through the kitchen
the stove was a cooking
with dumplings and chicken.
Me in my pj's and mom in her sweats
had just made a very large To Do list.
Presents to wrap and treats to make
will we get done in time for Pete's sake?
"Of course we will," she says
And I know she is right.
So getting to work is what I will do
and wish a very Merry Christmas to all of you!!!

I hope everyone has a good Christmas tomorrow or whenever you are celebrating.

Special Delivery

2008-12-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

So yesterday a special someone came to visit us. Her name is Jenny Hoch, she is best friends with Tessi, and she is in America for a year. She is an au pair for a family in Connecticut. They are such a nice family to let her come and visit with us for a few days.I was so glad when she said she was gonna get to be here for a couple of days! Donald and mom met the family in Cookeville to pick her up yesterday cause I was at work. Jenny is so sweet and too cute. We had a little party last night at my house so that all of my friends could get to meet her and we all had a great time. She has to leave tomorrow morning sadly but hopefully she thinks that maybe she can come back down for spring break.

Thats Stevana,Amanda,Me,Jenny,Callie,and Ashley

Its finally over!!

2008-12-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

I just took my last final and I am so glad this semester is over! I am feeling pretty confident that I did good on all my exams. I know I got an A in Speech and I'm pretty sure I got an A in Anatomy but sadly I got a C in Chemistry. I'm not sure what I got in History but I'll know next week sometime. Tonight I am going to spend the night with Kirby at Alison's house and babysit Connor and Channing. We're gonna watch Fred Claus with Vince vaughn. Well talk to ya'll later.

Ugh Exams

2008-12-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had my first two exams of the week, Anatomy and Chemistry. I am so glad that those two are over. Today I have no exams and so I am studying for tomorrow's exams, History and Speech. As of right now me and my buddy Talekia are watching the new Batman movie The Dark Knight and let me tell you its AWESOME! Well I'll let you know how Wednesday exams go later.

Tag Christmas Edition

2008-12-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

So I got a tagged by my cousin Paula. So here is my holiday quiz!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper

2. Real tree or Artificial? artificial but i wish real

3. When do you put up your tree? sometime between after Thanksgiving and before Christmas lol

4. When do you take the tree down? sometime in January

5. Do you like eggnog? No I prefer GrannyMa's boiled custard

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Talkin Bubba

7. Hardest person to buy for? my dad

8. Easiest person to buy for? Connor

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail--but this year they're gonna be late

11. Worst Christmas gift you received as a child? can't say cause that person might see my blog lol

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Rudolph

13. When do you start your Christmas shopping? This year I haven't got started yet but I am going Thursday

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas gift? no

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mim's haystacks they are my favorite

16. Colored lights or clear on tree? clear

17. Favorite Christmas song? Please Christmas don't be Late by Alvin and the Chipmunks lol

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes

20. Angel or star on top of tree? Star

21. Open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas? Both

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People who don't stop and enjoy the season those who are too busy shopping and not spending time with their family

23. Favorite ornament? any of mine, Ramsey, or Kirby's homemade ornaments

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? Just to be with all the ones that I love. And to watch Connor and Mylie having fun opening their gifts

25. Favorite holiday treat(cake,cookie,dessert)? Nonny's Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Now I tag:
Talekia
Kirby
Tiffany
and Jen Jen

The REASON for the Season

2008-12-02T20:35:00.001-08:00

As many of you know this past Friday has started the shopping season for the holidays. It was kicked off with a bang on "black Friday" which turned out to be a little darker than usual. This year a Wal-mart employee somewhere up north was trampled to death in all the scurrying and stampeding to get to this year's newest hot toy or electronic. Well people I've just got to say that I am so disappointed. There is no thing in the world worth fighting over or running over another human being for that is so important. I mean someone died for crying out loud. And if you were one of those people knocking someone out of the way or pushing, shoving, and fighting then you need a reality check. Your kids don't need that toy that bad and in two months they won't play with it anyway. This big show of having to get everything on your list is NOT what Christmas is about. It's about our Lord being born and recognizing this time as something special. This is when God sent his son to earth to begin his life so that he could save us. Its also a time about learning to give and not to receive. And no I'm not talking about giving your kids toys or other loved ones big expensive presents but if you do that is fine. I'm saying that don't forget about those who are less fortunate around this time of year. So instead of spending boo-koodles of money on yourself donate a toy, time, or some money to a local charity. You can live without some of those "hot" items this year so that another family can have a Christmas dinner or for kids who don't get anything for Christmas. I'm going to take my own advice and buy some toys and spend some time at the Rescue Squad this year. So everyone please remember what Christmas is really about and yes it's Merry Christmas NOT Happy Holidays.

It's here!!

2008-11-20T20:59:00.000-08:00

In exactly one hour I will be going to the midnight premiere of Twilight at the Highland 12 cinema in Cookeville. I am so freaking excited!! I'll let everyone know how good the movie is tomorrow or later. Go Team Edward!

AAAAHHHH!!!

2008-11-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

Just in case anyone else was keeping up Twilight comes out tomorrow at midnight!! I can't wait! The Highland 12 cinema is showing it at three different times : 12:01,12:02, and 12:03 a.m. on Friday morning. HALLELUJAH its finally here!

HoLiDaYs!!

2008-11-18T07:50:00.000-08:00

Seeing as the holidays are just around the corner I decided to add some Christmas music to my ipod. My favorite Christmas song is Alvin and the Chipmunks "Please Christmas don't be late". I hope everyone enjoys them!!

Tag...

2008-11-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

So I've been tagged by my cousin Alison to tell a couple of fun/weird facts about myself. So here we go:

1.) Even thought the Titans are our home team and undefeated at the time, I am a huge Peyton Manning/Colts fan.
2.) I love pancakes. I can eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
3.) I am currently obsessed with the books series Twilight by Stephenie Meyer and even more obsessed with the upcoming movie.
4.) My favorite time of year is of course the fall and winter. I love cold weather!
5.) And finally to me the HOTTEST man in the world is and always will be Johnny Depp.

My buddy and me

2008-11-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Today I got to babysit my little nephew Connor. He is such a mess but I love him anyway. We ate breakfast and played games. We were going to go and visit with so people but as soon as I got him in the car he fell asleep and took a 2 and 1/2 hour nap! Then when he woke up I fixed him a sandwich and we rode on the gator. He loves that thing. I just love babysitting Connor cause he just so precious.

Countdown to Twilight!!

2008-11-06T07:15:00.001-08:00

Ok so as most of my friends and family know that I am completely obsessed with the new series of books by Stephenie Meyer, The Twilight Saga. Now the movie is coming out it 14 days, if you check out my widget at the bottom of my blog lol. I am so excited for the movie to be coming out I just wish it was already here. So for my pleasure and anyone elses I am posting a trailer on my blog. Hope you enjoy I know I will!

Go Vote!

2008-11-04T14:14:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to go out and vote!!

Some Spooky Fun

2008-11-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

Friday night I had a couple of friends up to the cabin to enjoy some food and scary movies. Talekia and I dressed up as 80's chicks and I'm not really sure who Hunter was. Either way we all had a lot of fun.

Here's Talekia doing some karaoke.

Me and Hunter. He looks so funny.

Check out Talekia's ghoulishly cool and delicious cupcakes.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T07:11:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody just want to wish you a Happy Halloween. Please be safe and hope you get lots of treats!

Getting ready for Halloween

2008-10-29T14:10:00.001-07:00

So today after class I was feeling like I needed to get ready for the upcoming Halloween holiday so I decided to go to Wal-Mart and buy a pumpkin to carve. So Talekia and I carved this cute little guy right here and I am going to put a candle in him tonight. I hope my Jack-O-Lantern puts everybody in a good spirit for the rest of the week! Happy (early) Halloween!

Maybe next time...

2008-10-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

So last night Hunter and I went to the Titans game. Of course I was wearing my Peyton Manning jersey and he was wearing his Jevon Kearse jersey. We rode down their with Mom and Donald who also sported Titans gear. We got there and found our seats and guess who sang the national anthem... Hank Williams Jr!!! It was freaking awesome and he even did his "Are you ready for some football!!". So the first half was pretty close we went into to the half with Colts leading 7-6. But the Titans came back and won it 31-21 in the end. I was glad that the Titans didn't mess up their perfect record but I felt sorry for my man Peyton cause I really wanted him to win. Well maybe next time.

Here we are on the way to the game.

And here is the stadium before the game started.

Bob that Head!!

2008-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

WHAT A CONCERT!! Friday night was so much fun! Kirby and I had great seats. It was so great. We got downtown and walked into the Sommet Center and found our seats then we went to find Alison, Arden, Carrie, and Caylie. We took a group picture and then we went to get a concert t-shirt. Some guys had started singing as like an opening act for Taylor Swift

Here's me and Kirby chilling in our seats. Don't we look hot! LOL

So after Taylor Swift there is a short intermission and the crew set up the stage for the main event.

The lights go dim and all of a sudden BOOM! A big explosion Rascal Flatts descend onto the stage shown in the above picture. It was awesome. The best part about this concert was that they raised so much money for the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. They announced that that night they had raised over $700,000!!! I think that it is so great when people work together for a good cause like that and am so happy for all that they do for those kids. Thanks Kirby for getting us the tickets I love you so much!!!

Rascal Flatts

2008-10-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

This Friday Kirby and I are going to the Rascal Flatts concert at the Sommet Center. I am so excited because I have wanted to go for the past two years and have not been able because of the Homecoming game. One year I was nominated and the next year I had to crown the winner. So I was so happy when she called and said she had found some tickets. Allison, Arden, Carrie, and Caylie are going too. I am so pumped!

Tribute to Carter J

2008-10-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

Ok so in my anatomy and physiology class we have to do a paper over any disease or disorder we would like. So I chose to do my paper over Autism and my cousin Carter. I am going to interview Paula and Salem for my presentation I have to give in my lab class after I turn my paper in. I am also going go include the link to the TeamCarterJ website in case anyone in my class would like to find out more about autism and Carter's condition. I love Carter and I am hoping with my paper and presentation that this spreads awareness of autism and encourages more people to learn about this disorder and ways to help.

Fall is in the AIR

2008-10-06T19:47:00.001-07:00

I am so glad that it is finally fall. This is my favorite season. The leaves are changing, its getting cooler, and fall fashion is just great. I found this picture online and I think it is just beautiful. I hope everyone enjoys this picture and I would like to leave this with a poem of this wonderful time of year.

Autumn days are here again!

In autumn when the trees are brown

The little leaves come tumbling down

They do not make the slightest sound

But lie so quietly on the ground

Until the wind comes puffing by

And blows them off towards the sky.

The winds will blow their own freshness into you,

and the storms their energy,

while cares will drop away from you

like the leaves of Autumn.

Fall poem by John Muir

Update...

2008-10-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been up to much lately. Just going to school and coming home every weekend. Kirby finally moved into her new house about 2 weekends ago and it looks great. I miss my little Connor not coming in my room and waking me up in the mornings though. He calls me "Ra Ra" now which I just think is the most precious thing ever. Today is the Autumn Street Fair so Kirby and I are taking the wild child downtown lol. I hope Paula has a booth set up so I can get some of her delicious Molasses cookies yum!

Back To School!!

2008-08-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

So this week we started back at the wonderful institution at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville. My first week back was really good. I have nice professors and my class schedule seems pretty good. Thursday was our first home game and the Golden Eagles pulled in a win for us. So all in all its been a good week. But this is just the beginning so who knows whats in store.

Babysitting for Cissy

2008-08-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

Today I am babysitting Arden and Channing for Alison because she has to go to school for in-service. Channing is so precious! Arden Claire as of right now is still conked out in the bed.

It's Finally HERE!!!

2008-08-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

The day has finally come (praise the Lord), my book Breaking Dawn is being realesed tonight at midnight. I cannot wait to start reading it!!! It is the fourth installment of my new favorite book series by Stephenie Meyer called " The Twilight Series" . They are wonderful. There is even a movie coming out in December on the first book! I will let everyone know how wonderful it is when I finish which will hopefully be by the end of the weekend lol.

Surprise Surprise!!!

2008-07-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

Well as most of you know I am back in the USA. I arrived back in Nashville on the 24th (my birthday), after I was stuck in Philadelphia for a whole day. So for anyone planning to fly let me not reccommend USAirways. They suck. When I got home no one knew that I was coming back except for my mom, sister, brother, and my Aunt Wendy ( kirby let it slip) so it was a complet surprise to everyone else when I popped out. I missed Connor sooo much. He just loved on me and hugged me when he saw me. It was so precious. The birthday party was so much fun. I hid in my mom's bedroom until everyone arrived and then I waited till everyone was in the kitchen singing "happy birthday" and right up until they said "Happy Birthday dear Ramsey..." I popped out and said "And ME!". It took everyone a while to figure out that it was really me. Hunter's face was priceless. I loved getting to see my family again but it also made me miss my European families too. I miss you guys and love you and I will call soon. Lucy Happy (early) Birthday.

4 Days of Nijmegen!

2008-07-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ok so here in Holland there is a huge event every year called "4 Days of Nijmegen". Its where people walk 30,40, and 50 kilometers four days in a row! Its absolutely amazing how strong these people are. So every night in Nijmegen and Cuijk, Anneloes's town, held different events this past week. Tuesday night Anneloes and I went to here friend Linda's for supper in Nijmegen and then walked downtown to watch the fireworks. If you think we know how to party back home you are so sadly mistaken. There are rides, booths, and all sorts of things to do. Its madness but in the best way possible. Wednesday night Guus, Anneloes's brother, and I went to Marianne's house to cook supper for some of the walkers. Her husband Jon was also walking and has been walking in this event for several years now. He and Anneloes's dad are very good friends. It was alot of fun cooking and eatin with the walkers. Afterwards I met up with lucy and we met some of her friends and headed downtown. We went to the Matrix in the park which was pretty much a big concert of house music. Although its not what I'm used too it was very exciting. Thursday night me, lucy, and jeroen made pizzas and then walked downtown to Cuijk because they build a bridge across the river for the walkers to cross and spectators are allowed to test it before they set it up for good on Friday. We listened to an orchestra play which was good and would have been better if it had not rained. Sadly the rain continued for today but we got up anyway and went to see more of the walkers head through Cuijk before they headed back to Nijmegen. We met up with some of jeroen's family who was walking in the event. Oh and I even saw some U.S. soldiers walking but i was too far away to yell for them. I am so glad I was here to get to experience this event because i thought it was truly fascinating. Lots of Love

Trip to the Zoo

2008-07-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Berger's Zoo near Nijmegen. It was really fun. Anneloes, Jeroen, Jesse, and I walked around and saw all kinds of different animals. My favorite exhibit was the Ocean with the sharks and different types of fish. My other favorite were the chimpanzees. When we came around it was time for them to eat and they all lined up and started clapping and waving their hands at the zoo keeper who was throwing them apples and oranges I think. It was so funny it was like they were saying "Over here! Throw it to me!". After the zoo we came back to Anneloes's parents house and ate supper. She made some delicious chinese food ( or indonesian i'm not sure) either way it was really good. Tonight i think lucy and i are going to watch a movie. Oh and by the way its just 10 more days till my birthday!!!! I'm getting so excited. Well TTFN ta ta for now!

All by myself....

2008-07-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

Well today is a little bit depressing. Not that I'm not having a wonderful time but Mom, Callie, and Trevor got on a plane back home this morning. I'm gonna miss thim. I don't think I've ever been away from mom for so long. But with Anneloes and Tessi's help I'm sure I'll be ok. Today we just hung out at Anneloes's apartment and then we came to her parent's house for dinner. Marian, lucy's mom, is a wonderful cook. I think we might go to another museum or shopping since the weather is kind of wet for the rest of the week. Friday Tessi is coming to pick me up and then I'll be back at Anneloes's sometime next week. Well I love ya'll and I hope everyone has gotten their postcards I sent out. Take care of everyone till i get back in three weeks!! LOVE YA

4/7 Amsterdam

2008-07-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Today we got up and walked to the train station with Marion. We met Anneloes and her youngest brother ,Gus, and hopped a train to Amsterdam. This place was amazing. It was bustling with tourists and natives coming and going. First on our agenda was to visit the Anne Frank house. Stepping through the doors was like stepping back in time. It was a mixture of emotions intrigue that people lived like this, sadness for what they had to endure, and remorse remembering all of those people who suffered during that time. After going through the museum we walked down to the red light district. And let me tell you it was an interesting little walk. We passed "coffe shops"that didn't sell coffee lol but marijuana and even got to see a couple of prostitutes with their "red lights"on. Amsterdam is the only place in the world I think that red means go lol.After that we got on a boat and took a tour around the city. Some of us accidentally fell asleep(me mom and trevor) but it was fun. Then we went to McDonald's and some souvenir shops. It was a really fun day. Now we're back at Anneloes's parents house. They fixed us some Dutch snacks, fries, frickadel, crouqet, and some other things and they were all delicious. Well gotta got ya'll will be seeing most of the party in a couple of days. lots of love

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

Its the fourth of July here on the other side of the world its totally different. The streets are not lined with red, white, and blue but Anneloes made us feel at home cause she made us some treats that were red, white, and blue. She made some muffins and m&m's (red and blue) and she put some cute little American flags in them. The past few days we"ve just been laying around at tessi's and last night we made mexican food for tessi's family. It was delicious. Today we're hangin out at Anneloes's apartment with little Jesse. Tonight we are going to her parent's house to eat dinner. I'm excited that we get to spend time with lucy now and she said she's got all kinds of fun stuff for us to do. well i'll update you guys soon. love ya

Fun in the Sun

2008-07-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

Today we got up and went to the Xanten. We visited another cathedral there which was interesting and saw some cool local shops. Then we visited an old town which looked like a scene out of Gladiator. It was so cool. There was a temple like building and even a colliseum but not as big as "the Colliseum" in Rome. It was really fun to get to see all of that history. Then we went to a waterpark. Trevor, Leo, and I tried the waterskiing. It is nothing like waterskiing at home. You're not on a boat being dragged around the water but its on a lake and a cable system is hooked above yous so your pulled around the lake by a rope on skis but you still have to hold on. Man was I nervous because the guide couldn't speak very much english and I don't know enough german so the first time out.... let's just say this horse didn't make it out of the gate. The second attempt however was more promising. I never fully stood up but i was squatting on skis being drug around the lake. Trevor's first time was more successful than mine but his second attempt wasn't so good. Leo was an expert it seemed lapping us about 5 times before he fell off. After the park we came home and had a barbeque and Anneloes, Jeroen, and Jesse came over too. Then Tessi and I did an episode of Cribs 'European Style so i'll have to show everyone when i get home. Well ttfn ta ta for now.

Sorry I left you hanging

2008-07-01T00:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so after the European Cup ( to my dismay Germany did not win) we crashed. We got to meet Tess's grandmother, aunt, and uncle. They are all very sweet. Monday we went to the city of Cologne and checked out the DOM Cathedral. It was huge. The art and history in this place was absolutely amazing. We decided to do some shopping and grab a bite to eat before we went back for the tour. Oh and ladies here is one cool thing about Germany, when we were parking in the garage there were spaces with a female symbol on it... yea those spots were reserved for females only. How cool is that. That would probably never happen in America. So we did some shopping and then took a tour or the DOM. After we stepped outside we saw some familiar gold arches... that's right we found McDonald's. Trevor was so excited! I think he had that look when kid's know Santa came when they wake up on Christmas morning. So we ate at McDonald's and then split into two groups to do some more shopping because we didn't want the boys to be stuck with us. We met back a couple hours later and then visited another cathedral the Grob of St. Martin. It was an older church and smaller too. A lot of these places were completely destroyed after WWII. So that ended our trip to Cologne and then we came home, at supper, and Jenny & Mary brought over some movies. The first one was 'I know who killed me' which was very creepy and weird and not just because it had Lindsey Lohan in it. Then to shake of the scary movie we watched my big fat greek wedding. It was so cute. Well that's all for now lots of love.

6-28: Shop til we Drop

2008-06-29T05:19:00.000-07:00

So for today's adventure Tessi planned us a trip to the big mall in Oberhausen. The name of the mall was Centro and it is exactly what heaven will look like according to Tessi. Anneloes came over at breakfast and then we headed out(While we went to the mall Trevor and Leo decided to go ride go-carts and visit one of Leo's friends. Trevor told me when we got back that he had so much fun.) We got on the aotobahn, and let me tell you that that is an adventure all its own. Callie and I got a picture of the speedometer when Tessi was driving and she was doing 145!!!! My dad would freak out if he got to drive his Corvette here lol. So we got to the mall and there was a huge sale going on (which was music to my ears). Tessi and Anneloes showed us all of the cute stores and I got this dark purple (lila in deutch) top which I loved for really cheap. Then the moment of truth. Ever since Tessi and Anneloes have stayed with us I dreamed of going to their favorite store H&M. I walked into the store and I think I heard the hallelujah chorus (but tessi said it was just her lol). The clothes in there were so cute and priced really good. I got something for Kirby for her birthday that I missed and I hope she likes it. I've got to get Ramsey something for our birthday too. I got this really cute pink tank with black polka dots. I wish I could win like a shopping spree in there cause it was amazing. Then after a couple of more shops we went to the food court and ate lunch. Then we stopped by Starbucks for some coffee. After that it was time for shoes. Oh the shoes here are so so so beautiful "its like art for your feet"-(i think that's from P.S I love you). We tried on all kinds of shoes and I finally decided on some flat purple ones that I absolutely love. I found some white ones with rhinestone skulls on the toes but not everyone approved so I put them back. I have to buy some more shoes before i go back home tho. So we left the mall around 5 and got back home, we ate supper, and then Tessi, Callie,& I got ready to go to Jenny's house for her farewell party. It was so much fun. (and by the way all of the girls here are so pretty its ridiculous) We talked, danced, and just hung out. They are such friendly people here. So after the party we got back home at like 4 this morning and woke up at one to eat breakfast/lunch. Tonight is the the big soccer (fusbol) match between Germany vs Spain. Tessi is going to teach us their fight songs lol. We're pumped up. Well hope everyone is doing good back home. I love you all!!

Today's Adventure!!!

2008-06-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

Well last night after we got to Tessi's house we put our stuff away and got ready for supper. We had spaghetti,salad, and a tomato and mozzarella salad with garlic, basil, and olive oil dressing. It was amazing. The food here is so great. Supper was fun to because we all talked and laughed and they got me to say "alter Schwede" which means old swedish man but it kind of relates to like "oh man" or something like that. Then we sat outside on their beautiful patio. Then Tessi's boyfriend Sascha came over. He is really cool and then her other friend Jenny came over too.Things here are smaller but the architecture is beautiful. Their garden is so pretty, Paula you would love it. I'm going to send picutres as soon as i can. This morning we woke up about 12 and had breakfast which was just as good as supper. Their breads are wonderful. So after breakfast we got ready to go to a water park called Atlantis. It was so much fun. Leo, Trevor, Tessi, and I rode the slides like 10 times!! I kept falling off of the donut that you sit on but is was awesome. We stayed there till about 6:30 or 7 and now we're back at Tessi's waiting to go to her friend Charlotte's house for supper with her other friend Jenny. Trevor and Leo are going to stay here and watch Deja Vu (in English luckily). We were going to go to a club but I think we'll save that adventure for another day. Again I love you all and miss you.

We're Here!!

2008-06-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well we have arrived in Amsterdam right on schedule. Our flight from Nasvhille to Philadelphia was good just kind of uncomfortable. When we got to Philadelphia airport we went and ate at Friday's. It was delicious. Then we wondered around a few stores and went to our gate A4. We met another family that was also traveling to Amsterdam as well. They were really nice and informed us that our gate had changed so we checked it and it had. Our plane was suppose to leave at 6:30 and at 5:30 we saw that our gate changed AGAIN. Then we found out there was a malfunction on our scheduled plane so we had to get another plane which had to go through security check so we didn't board the plane until 6:30. Luckily however we still left on time. Our flight from Philadelphia to Amsterdam was long. They showed 27 Dresses as the movie and the meal wasn't that bad. Callie and I sat together and Mom and Trevor sat in the aisle beside us. We made friends with the guy beside us who was from Florida. His mom works for the Indianapolis Colts and he showed us his SUPERBOWL ring from the year they won. I am so jealous but he was a really cool guy and he even let me hold the ring, my uncle Shannon is going to be so jealous. After we arrived in Amsterdam Anneloes, Jeroen, and his sister Lichelle met us. Jeroen and Lichelle brought our luggage and Anneloes took us on the train. Holland is a beautiful country. Its flat but so green and lush with all kinds of flowers and trees. We got to Anneloes's hometown of Cuijk. Its pretty. Her mom served us "brunch" it was some kind of pea soup, different breads, and fruit. It was delicious. We also had hot tea which is NOTHING close to our southern sweet tea but I hope me and callie can survive till we get back. Well we're back at Ánneloe's apartment so I'm going to get off of her. We are waiting on Tessi to come pick us up and go over to her house. I'm excited to see her. I love and miss everyone back home and let everyone know we made it ok.

HERE WE GO!!!

2008-06-25T04:14:00.000-07:00

The day has finally come. I'm all packed and ready to go. I'm just tingling with excitement. We are fixing to leave to house to go pick up Callie and Trevor and head to Nashville. This is probably going to be one of the longest days of my life but I'm to excited to care. I just want everyone to know that I love them and I will see you in 5 weeks. I'll try to keep my blog updated as much as possible. I'm going to miss everyone so much. Keep an eye on your mailboxes for my postcards!!! Lots of love-Regan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS!!!

2008-06-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

My sister Kirby turned the big 2-1 today!!! I love her very much and hope she had a great day. She is one of the best sisters a girl could ask for (and so is my other sister Jennifer). Kirby is such a special person in my life and I hope that she has plenty more birthdays to come. I love you sis. Oh and Ramsey said Happy Birthday too. lol

Breaking Dawn

2008-06-18T07:28:00.001-07:00

OK my best friend Callie Durham has started a summer reading list and her friend Lacy Pack had recommended she start reading the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. As soon as she told me about the book I was interested. So i borrowed her copy of the first one and read all of it in like 2 days. It was awesome!!! So then I went and bought the second and third books in the series and Callie and I finished them in one week. I seriously think they are almost better than Harry Potter but I'm a total book worm so don't just take my word on that. The fourth and final book of the series Breaking Dawn comes out on August 2, 2008. Callie and I are just dying for it to hurry up and get here. Luckily we both have our trip in a week to distract us. BUT as soon as I get back I plan on locking myself in my room and reading. I hope this makes you interested in reading these books because it really is a wonderful series. The first book is going to be a movie too. It comes out 12/12/08. That's two weeks after the premier of the new Harry Potter movie. I wonder who will win at the box office lol.

Behind the Blog

2008-06-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

In a couple of days I will be traveling half way around the world to see some very important people. They are exchange students who have lived and visited with us the past two years and they are some of the most wonderful girls and boy (can't forget Leo) who I have ever met. It started when I was a junior. Anneloes Berkhout and Theresa (Tessi) Hegger were exchange students at the high school. I had never met them before until Valentine's Day when I went to my boyfriend's house. His mom was their mail carrier and she invited them to watch AMERICAN IDOL and eat pizza. They seemed like two really cool people. A couple of days later they wrote Karen a letter explaining that their host mother was trying to kick them out. They did not want to leave McMinnville because of all of the new friends they had made so she told me what was going on and then I asked my mom if we could help by letting them stay with us. My mom was having a hard time because it had only been 2 months since my grandpa had passed away. She saw this opportunity as a sign of someone new in her life she could take care of. So by the end of the weekend the girls were moving upstairs in our house and my poor brother Ramsey was kicked into my room. Anneloes, Tessi, and I would all room together upstairs. For the next five months I had two more sisters. It was awful when they had to leave but the next summer they came back and Tessi even brought her brother Leo. He was 15 and he stayed with my younger boy cousins. They all had a really good time. I even got the chance to take them to Disney World. As Tessi and I would say "you could feel the 'magic' in the air" lol. Now it is my turn to go and see my foreign family and in just a week my mom, cousin, friend , and myself will be boarding a plane headed for Amsterdam. It is going to be a wonderful adventure!!!!!