Rez Cruise...

Last night we went out on the boat on the rez for a little evening cruise. We put in at Pelahatichie Bay and then cruised over to Castaways where we docked and ate a yummy dinner. I had hot wings and the catfish poboy. Everyone else also really enjoyed the food. We sat outside and enjoyed the band and the tiki torches and it was just like be on vacation. It was great. By the time we got back in the boat it was dark and so we just kind of cruised around the main part of the rez. Close to 10:00, we got tired and packed it up. It was great fun. That was my first time to go out at night. And Castaways was fabulous. Oh, we all shared a piece of the cheesecake for dessert. O.M.G. You have never eaten cheesecake until you have eaten their cheesecake. I will go back if nothing else, just for the cheesecake.

5 weeks, 5 days, but whose counting?...

...Well, I am of course! It is hard to believe that it is only 5 weeks and 5 days until "D" Day!

Steven and I have been so busy trying to finish up all of the last minute things that we can before baby Noah is born. It is such an exciting and scary time!

I have started to get a little nervous about the delivery, but all of my "mommy" friends have been so good about sharing their experiences with me and giving me guidance.

The nursery is almost done. We hung the curtains tonight and all we really have left to do is hang up the stuff we bought for his walls. I will be posting pictures very soon!

Steven's coworkers threw us the most wonderful shower this week. They are all so sweet! It was so much fun.

Basically I have just been in pregnancy and baby lala land all summer long. It has been GREAT and a much needed vacation and rest from work. Tomorrow morning Steven and I are going to a car seat safety class to learn how to properly install our car seat. That should be interesting.

And that's it about it from the Densmore house for now. I have posted a belly pic for your enjoyment!

5 Things...

Five things I am thankful for today are:

1.) Some energy! I know that the whole fatigue thing comes back with a vengeance during the third trimester in most pregnancies, but I have just been shocked at how exhausted I have been. Granted, a lot of this might be the heat in addition to nearing the eight months preggers mark, but I have been struggling to get anything done! Today I had a little burst of energy, though, and was able to get a good bit done!

2.) Farmers. I was craving fresh fruits and veggies, so I headed for the Farmers Market this afternoon. Fresh fruit and veggies for us for dinner tonight!

3.) For having the summer off. It has been so nice, especially since I am experiencing the third trimester insomnia thing right now. Between the heartburn, trips to the bathroom and crazy dreams, I can't sleep! It is nice to be able to sleep in and not have to be on my "game" each and every day.

4.) For books. They are getting me through these sleepless nights. I finished a really good one at about 4:00 this morning. Eat, Pray, Love

5.) Air conditioning. I am so happy to live in an era where we are blessed with this great creation.

A Reminder from Julie...

I was reading my friend Julie's blog the other day when I came across her "intro" blog and it really struck me. It just really made me stop and think about my own life and how easy it is to let your life slip out of God's control and into someone else's control. What a great reminder that if we just let go and give our lives to God to control then everything will work out as is his will. I need practice at this myself.

Below is Julie's story about the struggle she went through to conceive. And how when she finally let go and gave this "problem" to God how things worked out - rather quickly, I might add - for the best.

Thanks for the reminder, Julie.


Julie's blog:
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

How it all began...
I started this blog for everyone to keep up with Ashley Ryan and all of the funny things that she does everyday. But, I thought I would give you a little back ground on the long road that led me and David together and made us parents to this precious little girl.I will never forget the first time I met David. It was basically in passing. Just someone saying "this is Julie" and he said "hey, I'm David, nice to meet you." We chatted for a few seconds at most and he left. I remember that very day thinking, "wow, he is just sooooo nice." We ran into each other a few times after that and I even ended up at a get together at his apartment. We ended up talking most of the night. Then a few weeks later I ran that fateful stop sign. David pulled me over and we just started laughing and talking. He did get my phone number that night but did not call me for an entire week. I understand that in boy time that's like 2 hours. But, in girl time, that's like 4 months!!! I did not call him. If there is one thing my mom taught me that I actually listened to, it was that girls do not call boys!We went to lunch just as friends. He even talked to me about an upcoming date he had with another girl. He asked me for suggestions on what he could do on his date. I tried to help because we were just friends. Deep down I was devastated. Who was this girl? Why did he want to go out with her and not me?? The night of his date I had night class at Hinds. I remember leaving school and he called me. I asked him how the date was going and he said "I cancelled." I was shocked and said "why?" He said "I would rather talk to you on the phone than go out with some other girl." I was so excited. That's how I knew that he liked me. We dated for 3 months and on July 3, 2001 David asked me to marry him. I have never been happier. We were married September 29, 2001. The strange thing is, earlier that year I did not even know David. I certainly did not think I would be married before the end of that year. I had basically given up that there were any good ones left. God knew better than me, thank goodness. He certainly saved the best for me! David and I were both raised with the same values, morals and character. We had the same beliefs on everything. I could not believe I had found someone that was as good as my daddy. We were married for a year when we decided we wanted to have a baby. I thought this would be so easy. I mean, it can't be hard, right?? Think again. We struggled with infertility for years. I saw my fair share of doctors and cried many of nights thinking that we were not meant to be parents. Finally in August, 2007 I went to church and Brother Steve preached a sermon I will never forget. He made the statement "are you putting something in your life in someone elses hands, when it should be in God's hands?" I knew right then that God was talking to me. I was trusting a doctor to help me have a baby. I felt so bad for losing the faith. I called David at work as soon as I left church that day and we decided to quit seeing the doctors and leave it to God. God is faithful. 8 months later, I found out I was pregnant. Praise the lord! I can still remember how I felt when I found out. We were so thankful, and we still are. God is good and he is faithful. We have to LET him be in control of our lives. It's not enough to just say that He is in control. I firmly believe that God had a hand in bringing me and David together. I am not worthy of the life that I have been blessed to have, but I am grateful and humbled.Ok, i just wanted to give you a little back ground of where we have been and where we have come from. We have both come from loving homes who praise God and we are so thankful! Our parents raised us to be the people that we are today and we only hope that we can do them justice while raising Ashley Ryan.

The Best Day...

I have had the greatest day today. I would even venture to say that this is the best day that I have had in...hmmmmm....oh, seven months. It was perfect.

It started with me sleeping in a bit and then getting up and doing a few little things around the house. By 10:30, I was on my way to the mall to do a little maternity swimsuit shopping. I not only found two decent maternity swimsuits, but a really cute sundress to wear to my friend Erin's baby shower this weekend. As my mother says, "We still need to look good when we are pregnant!"

After scoring big at the maternity store, I then headed to get a long overdue pedicure. It was so wonderful and relaxing. And now my toes are the very lovely OPI shade, "The Lifeguard Makes Me Blush." Plus my poor neglected feet feel so soft and happy!

After the pedi, I headed to the movies. Now, this may seem very strange, but I have never been to a movie by myself. And, this may also seem strange, but I have always wanted to go by myself to a movie. It has been a goal of mine for a long time. And let me just say, I really enjoyed it. I went to see the 1:10 showing of Confessions of a Shopaholic. I really enjoyed eating my small popcorn and I drank a large cherry icee all up!

Then after the movie, I headed to Target where I picked up a few oddities, which included the Mamma Mia soundtrack, which I blared all the way home. Sunroof open, good music, spring break...I felt like I was in high school again.

Now, I am just waiting on my hubby to get home so we can go eat Chinese! Then my great day will be compete.

It was just really great being by myself all day and being out in this beautiful weather. I feel refreshed and more like myself than I have felt in months. It is good to know the fun lovin' Liz is still in there somewhere.

Happy Girl

That's right - I am a very happy girl today! I have this whole day all to myself to do whatever I want to do! This is my first day off in 17 days! I have been living at work lately and I decided that today I needed a day to relax and revamp.

I do plan to run by the school and pick up my paycheck, but then I am off to an event that my mother has been helping to plan. I shall hang out there for a while and eat lunch and then I may actually go buy some maternity clothes.

Much to my shock, yesterday I tried to put on a shirt that I bought recently and it would not go over my belly or my tatas. So, I think it is time. Time to bite the bullet and get some of the dreaded maternity clothes.

I have no idea what I will do for the rest of the day, but that is all part of the fun - and I know for certain that it will not include work! I may even take a nice long nap!

Ten Commandments for Pets

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

Busy, busy, busy!

Whew! It has been a while since I have posted, but that is because I have been one seriously busy chica! Rehearsals for the musical are in full swing, I am teaching all day, I am doing some contract PR work on the side and running back and forth to my baby doc appointments. I have no earthly idea where January even went! I still can't believe it is gone!

I am almost out of my 1st trimester...t-minus 3 days! I already am feeling less tired and nauseated. I hear that the 2nd trimester is the best, so I am looking forward it to.

All I do these days is work, work, work, so I have no real exciting updates. We will find out the gender of the baby in six weeks, so that is something! I am trying my hardest to relax and rest as much as possible. Last week was really busy, so I have been resting all weekend. This week looks like it is going to be even busier.

I am excited about Valentine's Day this coming weekend. Steven and I normally go out to dinner for VDay, but I decided that this year I want to cook for him. Not exactly sure what all I am going to cook yet, but something yummy!

Lois Lane fell off the couch and has injured her foot. She spent the day at the vet on Friday and came home with pain meds. She is doped up and has slept all weekend. The doc says if she isn't better by Monday then she will have to have a splint put on her little paw. My poor kitty.

Well, that is it for now! I am about to go spend the rest of the evening laying around gearing up for this busy week ahead!

My Life...

This is my life. It is made of tears both of happy and sadness. Its where I spend a vast majority of my time. Its not perfect. But its mine. (Stolen from Grant's facebook page. What can I say? It makes sense to me.)

Goodbye my sweet little friend...

This morning my little Bailey dog passed away. It was not a surprise as he has lived a long life and was getting old. But it is still so sad to lose him. He was getting on in age. He was almost 13 years old. That is pretty old for a Pom.

He went the way anyone would want their dog to go. He just lay down and feel asleep. No pain. No struggle. No long drawn out process. Steven buried him with his favorite thing in the whole world - his ball.

He was such a sweet little doggie. Always happy to see me. Always waiting for me when I got home. Always wanting to play ball. That was the thing that made him so happy. He always looked as though he were smiling at you. I will miss his ferocious little bark. His boundless energy. His furry little face. He sweet, kind eyes. His furry little paws jumping up on me for a pat on the head. I will miss his sweet face waiting to greet me every day. I will miss him so much.

All animals belong to God (Psalm 24:1).


A DOGGIE PRAYER
So do not grieve for me, my friend, as I am with my kind...
My collar is a rainbow's hue
My leash a shooting star
My boundaries are the milky way
Where I sparkle from afar.
There are no pens or kennels here
For I am not confined
But free to roam God's heavens
Among my special kind.
I nap the day on a snowy cloud
With gentle breezes rocking me
I dream the dreams of earthlings
And how it used to be.
The trees are full of liver treats
And tennis balls abound
And milk bones line the walking ways
Just waiting to be found.
There even is a ring set up
The grass all lush and green
And everyone who gaits around
Becomes the "Best Of Breed".
For we're all winners in this place
We have no faults you see
And God passes out the ribbons
To each one--even me.
At night I sleep in angels' arms
Their wings protecting me
And moonbeams dance about us
As stardust falls on thee.
So when your life on earth is spent
And you reach heaven's gate
Have no fear of loneliness
For here, you know I wait.
Author Unknown

Liz's Bucket List

As you may or may not know, I recently turned the big 3-0. While I still feel like a spring chicken and by no means think this makes one "old," I do think that it is a milestone birthday and a chance to take stock of where you are with your dreams and goals and a chance to maybe even revamp them. I do believe that goals change as you change and as your life changes. And in recent years, mine have changed drastically due to many wonderful (and some not as wonderful) things that have occurred in my life. So, in celebration and honor of my recent leap into my 30's, I am going to create a "Bucket List" for myself. Some of the things on it are big goals. Some of them are tiny. But they are all important. And they are not in any particular order... except for the first one.

1.) Be the best wife and mother that I can possible be.

2.) Travel the eastern coastline and see the lighthouses.

3.) Take a second honeymoon.

4.) Sing in a band for an audience.

5.) Own my own business.

6.) Find time to do more sewing.

7.) Go back to Disneyworld.

8.) Go horseback riding.

9.) Sail on a sailboat.

10.) Learn to play the fiddle.

11.) Make a difference in one person's life.

12.) Swim with dolphins.

13.) Have a bathroom with one of those old claw footed bathtubs.

14.) Love my job.

Okay, that is all I've got for now, but I am sure I will add to it as things develop! I have included a picture of myself in NYC for my 30th birthday trip blowing a kiss to Steven off of the Empire State Building. I guess you could also think of it as me kissing my 20's goodbye!

In full swing...

We've been back in school for almost two weeks now and everything in my life is in FULL SWING - full speed ahead! I posted the cast list for Beauty and the Beast this morning and the kids are so excited. We start rehearsals next week. I must say that I am getting excited myself....their enthusiasm is contagious. Steven is busy working on the set, Cynthia will be starting with the music rehearsals soon and I am organizing, working on schedules, costumes, parent meetings, fundraisers, etc. My classes are also in full swing and seem to be going well thus far.

Our little Peanut seems to be doing very well. I am sitting right at week 9 now. It is hard to believe that we found out about Peanut a month ago! I have been nauseated a lot lately, but mostly I am just EXHAUSTED. I do not ever remember being this exhausted in my life. I wake up exhausted, I am in bed at 8:00. Nothing helps. But, all of my books say that will let up soon as I head into my 2nd trimester. They say the 2nd trimester is the best. You are supposed to not be nauseous and have more energy. I hope that is the case! But I am willing to endure whatever I have to as long as Baby D is happy, healthy and safe in my belly. I read that this week is the week that the baby is building muscles. Bekah says he or she is using my belly as a gym and no wonder I am so tired. I am really trying to watch what I eat and drink these days. I haven't had coffee or coke in about a month now. Baby D has now graduated from a embryo to a fetus! I am so proud!

Last weekend the family (Mom, Dad, Justin, Amy, Aunt Shirl, Uncle Bob, Nene, ET) and Steven and I went to New Orleans. For my dad's birthday we got him tickets to see his favorite performer - Celine Dion. He loved the concert. We all stayed in NOLA on Saturday night and had a yummy dinner at GW Fins and then went to the show at the New Orleans Arena. I must admit, it was really good. On Sunday, we had a fabulous Southern breakfast and then Justin, Amy and Steven and I hit the streets of NOLA. We walked around and shopped and ate and had a good time. On the way home we stopped at Middendorf's and ate yet again. It was a weekend of food! I have included a picture of the fam waiting on Celine to come out and sing to us! HA! My mom looks mad - maybe she was jelly cause my daddy never put down his binoculars the whole concert! My mom calls Celine my dad's "other woman." You can also see Nene and Aunt Shirl, Uncle Bob and two family friends, Quint and "little" Amy sitting directly behind us. The empty seat between Amy and my mom was Justin's - he was taking the picture. Great memories!

The Friday night before I went to NOLA, Caroline (who is getting married next weekend!) and I went to see Bride Wars. It was really cute. I enjoyed it and I know she enjoyed it as well. There is so much that I should be doing at this moment, but I think I am going to take this afternoon off to rest! I deserve it!

Music to My Ears...

Today Steven and I went for our first sonogram. It was AMAZING! I was more nervous than I can even begin to say. When Mrs. Katie took my blood pressure, it was way up. She reassured me that it was due to my nerves, which apparently even she could tell were on edge.

But it ended up going great! Pretty much as soon as we started with the sonogram, the nurse looked at the images on the computer and exclaimed, "I see a baby and I've got a heartbeat!" I nearly cried - with relief and happiness, of course. Then she turned up the volume and we could hear Peanut's little heart beating 90 to nothing as plain as day! The nurse told us Peanut's heart was beating at 162 beats per minute, which is right on target at eight weeks.

Then we got to look at Peanut on the computer screen. We could see Peanut's head and arm and leg buds. Even though Peanut is so tiny, he or she is just precious!

Then all of the sudden Peanut MOVED!!! He or she shook its little bum at us! How funny is that? I had no idea Peanut was already moving around, but he is! Dr. Cook told me today that they do move this early, although, I of course won't feel it yet.

Steven was so cute during the whole time. He was nervous and unsure about being in this "woman's doctors office" at first, but after seeing all of the other daddies there and getting to look at Peanut, he was just amazed! He asked Dr. Cook a ton of questions about Peanut. Dr. Cook was pleased with how everything looked and said that we are right on schedule for August 20th!

It was just such a great experience. I pray that our next appointment in four weeks will be just as wonderful. I am going to scan the sonogram pictures and post one soon! Thanks for all of the prayers!

Beauty and the Beast

Well, tomorrow are my auditions for my spring musical, Beauty and the Beast. There are about 60 kids signed up to audition, which is just great! Our auditions start at around 5:00 tomorrow and won't be over until about 9:00. Then we have to audition another group of kids on Thursday night. Again we will start at 5ish and go until about 9:00. CRAZY! I am starting to get a little bit excited about the production, though. I will be especially excited once we get the cast nailed down. Steven is my Assistant Director/Set Designer. Cynthia Stuart is going to be our Musical Director - for which I am so grateful. She is so talented. She just finished a show at New Stage Theatre as the musical director. One of my best students, Kimberly Russell, has been selected as the student director for the production. Show dates are April 16th - 19th! I am sure I will have plenty more blogs to follow on the topic of this musical!

Also, all six of my classes will be presenting a one act in the spring. I have no idea what I am thinking allowing all six of my classes to do a one act (I am positive I will be going nuts and regretting this), but I do have a pretty good plan, though. All six of the class will be presenting three different shows. So, two classes will each do the same show. My three upper level classes will present on one night and then my lower level classes will present on another night. So, we will have three one acts during two night of performances. And each of the shows that I have selected have very, very minimal sets, so I am not too worried about being stressed about sets. I figure we will present the one acts in early May, but I have to nail down the exact dates. So, we will have the entire semester to work on these one acts and get them ready. More info to follow later on the spring Night of One Acts.

Okay, since I shall be working so late tomorrow evening, I plan to relax as much as possible tonight! I go for my first sonogram on Wednesday and I am so nervous and excited. I pray that everything is as it should be with Peanut and that he or she is happy and healthy.

A New Discovery!

I have recently made a wonderful new discovery. Preggie Pops. This week I have started being nauseous pretty much 24/7. I am not complaining because I know this is what my body is supposed to be doing, but..whew...it can be difficult to feel seasick 24/7. And I have been off work for two weeks now, so I am just wondering how in the heck I am going to actually make it through a workday and then direct a musical on top of that.

While they don't totally get rid of all of the nauseousness, these Preggie Pops do help a lot. I am sure anyone who has been pregnant before has tried them. They are great. I highly recommend them. They sell them at that Motherhood Store at Dogwood.

So, if you see me out and about and I am sucking away on a lollipop....you shall know why!

PS: I am now into my 7th week and according to my books, Peanut's arm and legs are starting to form!