"More" Than You Ever Wanted To Know

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-29T13:18:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was very busy but so much fun!

On Wednesday it all got kicked off with cooking and then Noah's 15 month checkup and then Gabby's first birthday party. Noah was pooped after all of that!

On Thursday we loaded up early and headed to Mawmaw's house in country. We had a great time playing with the donkeys, taking the family picture and stuffing ourselves silly. Great memories!

Friday we attempted some shopping but decided it was too stressful with all of the people out and about.

On Saturday morning we headed to Oil City for Uncle Charles's 80's birthday. Noah had a blast meeting family members!

Rez Cruise...

2009-07-25T13:44:00.001-07:00

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?...

2009-07-11T03:13:00.001-07:00

...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...

2009-06-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-04-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-03-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-27T06:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-08T16:31:00.001-08:00

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...

2009-01-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-05T18:05:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-01-01T11:53:00.001-08:00

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!

Wind, Grills and Buttons

2008-12-27T13:24:00.001-08:00

I can't believe how windy is it here today! I feel like I am in Chicago or something. Steven and I have had quite the eventful afternoon. We actually slept late and planned to lounge around today since I shopped until I dropped yesterday and Steven finished the second level of our deck. We were both exhausted. So, we lounged around this morning and by lunchtime I was craving a six inch turkey sub with tons of veggies so we headed to Subway for lunch, where I was satiated with exactly what I was desiring.

Then we came home and went out back to discover that these winds had knocked over Steven's pride and joy - his huge, new grill. Apparently the wind had blown the cover off of it, rolled it off of the first level of our deck and down to the second level and then knocked it over on its side. Steven was horrified when he saw it. He ran around like a banshee picking it up - I was no help, not being able to lift heavy stuff at this moment in this delicate situation - cleaning it up, washing it off. There was a dent in the front of it that he had to bang out with a mallet. It looks good as new now, though, thank goodness.

After the grill debacle, I went on the back screened in porch and was cleaning up back there when I noticed that we had a furry, dead visitor. A mouse. UGH! Steven had said a few weeks back that something kept chewing through our water hose and he suspected it was a mouse. We kept having to go buy new water hoses. So, Steven had put out some rat poison and low and behold....we got it! HA!

Other than that, I have just been cleaning, doing laundry and trying to organize today. I think it is supposed to be bad weather tonight, so it sounds like it will be a great night to stay in and watch a movie or something.

Oh, also Steven and Cicily and I went to see the Curious Case of Benjamin Button last night. I really liked it. In short, the movie centered around Benjamin, who was born as an old man and then ages in reverse. The movie is not only a love story but a story about all of the people that this Benjamin meets along his journey through life. He goes through many trials, many because of the was that he is, but he also experiences many, many joys in life. I loved all of the characters and I thought that all of the actors did a great job. I also appreciated the setting - New Orleans. I think the Big Easy provided a very romantic setting for this movie. And I loved the way they tied the movie into Hurricane Katrina. It also made me think - I love movies that make me think - about how different our lives would be if we grew young instead of old. It is hard to imagine the way that would change our perspective on things. Good movie!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-26T15:37:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Eve was great, starting with the entire family going to the Christmas Eve service at church. I mean the whole family. We took up three pews. After church we dashed to my parents house to eat a delicious dinner! Right before dinner we broke the news to the rest of the family (my parents already knew) that I am pregnant. We had a yummy meal including my mom's heavenly gumbo, red beans and rice and salad. Then the family surprised us December birthdays with a surprise party. We had two ice cream cakes! Only in Mississippi on Christmas can you eat an ice cream cake!

Then we opened a few small gifts and went home. Christmas morning at the House of Densmore, Steven and I got up early and opened presents. Then we got dressed and tootles over to my parents house where we opened presents with them and ate freshly baked cinnamon rolls and breakfast casserole.

After that we headed to my brothers house where we prepared a huge Christmas feast, ate like kings and then opened more presents. After leaving my brother's around 9:30 or so last night, Steven and I drove around and looked at Christmas lights and then came home and went to sleep! It was such a wonderful day. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful family!

(Pictured above right is my sweet Lois Lane posing in front of the tree and presents!)

Hey BABY!

2008-12-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Well, the secret is now officially out! I'm pregnant! Working on seven weeks now. Due in August. Steven and I are, of course, just beside ourselves, as is everyone in both of our families. We don't care if it is a girl or a boy, although, yes, we do plan to find out.

I can't wait to be a Mommy and I know Steven can't wait to be a Daddy. He will be such a great Dad. We are calling the little bebe "Peanut" right now.

Merry Christmas!

GNO 2008 to the Big Apple

2008-12-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

Well, it is official. I'm the big 3-0! And to celebrate this extremely momentous occasion, Cicily, Bekah and I went to New York City for several days. We had the best time! It was such a great way to celebrate the start of a new decade in my life in the very same city where America celebrates the start of each new year. Here are just a few of my favorite pictures from our trip. Thank you so much Cecil and Beak for helping me celebrate my next decade! I love y'all!

Let it snow!

2008-12-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

Wow! Not only did we get snow last week in NYC, we are getting it here now! I think we brought the snow back with us! Pictures of our house in the snow!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

Steven and I had a great Thanksgiving in Hot Springs! It was so nice to see my mother-in-law and to spend time with our friends up there. It was very relaxing and a much needed get away during what has been a very stressful several months. I am now looking forward to my New York birthday trip this week! (Pictures above include: me in my Santa hat - it's pink, of course; the giant gingerbread house at the historic Arlington Hotel; Steven and I in Arlington Park; and Steven and I at a yummy German restaurant, which we really enjoyed!)

Twilight

2008-11-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

Just a few quick words on the movie.

I was weary about going to see it after finishing the book this week because I was doubtful that the movie could stand alone and that there was enough substance to it to translate well from book to movie. But it did. I read some reviews on the movie before I went to see it, most of which bashed the acting and proclaimed the flick "just another boring vampire movie." I don't agree with these critiques.

I do think that the movie most likely held a lot more meaning and significance to those who have read the book and/or entire series and have an attachment to it. I really enjoyed the movie mainly, I feel, because I had just finished the book and it was all fresh in my mind and the movie so closely followed the book. I liked the actors who portrayed the characters in the book and I felt the movie was true to the book.

All that said I, much to my surprise, liked and enjoyed the movie and feel that it plunged me further into the pop culture Twilight phenomenon. Heaven help me....I am about to start on the next book in the Twilight series: New Moon.

The photo in this blog is one from Twilight the movie!

Thanksgiving...

2008-11-25T18:18:00.000-08:00

... when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present--love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure--the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.--Sarah Ban Brethnach

There is no time like Thanksgiving to express our thankfulness and gratitude. With the day to day grind and this economy and gas prices and just the price in general of everything, it is sometimes very hard to feel grateful and thankful these days. When I am trying to come up with my five things that I am thankful for each day, sometimes it is definitely harder than others. But I always manage. And today I am just very thankful that God has blessed me with a thankful heart, as redundant as that may be. I am grateful that God has given me this ability to step back and appreciate the things that really matter in life - not necessarily on a daily basis, but on a consistent basis, at least.

Yes, I have bad days, but as long as I can come up with those five things that I am thankful for each day, then I am okay. While my life is far from perfect and there is one huge aspect that I am currently very unhappy with, the things that I am so thankful for this Thanksgiving week far outweigh the unhappiness.

Five things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving:

1.) My marriage. I've said it before and I'll say it again: my husband is my rock, my best friend, my world. My life would not be complete without his love. God has given me an angel to spend my life with. The photo in this blog is a picture of my sweet hubby and I!

2.) The unconditional love of my parents who have become two of my best friends as the years have gone by. They are always there for me and have been the best role models anyone could ever have.

3.) Good friends who are more like family than friends. Sometimes a girl just needs her girlfriends and no one else will do.

4.) That I can do all things through God who strengthens me. I am so thankful that I know the Lord who gives me the strength I need and who carries me through when I simply don't have the strength to do it myself. I need his strength a lot these days and I am thankful he gives it at the exact time when I think I can't take it anymore.

5.) To steal a line from a Martina McBride song, "This world's gone crazy, and it's hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today. Believe it anyway. " I am so thankful that I really do believe that tomorrow will be better than today. And today was pretty good...

Dreaming of a "Pink" Christmas...

2008-11-23T18:42:00.001-08:00

Okay, so, this may be verging on the obsessive side, but then when have I ever cared about what people thought of my pink obsession?

I absolutely LOVE this Christmas tree, however, my husband has put his foot down on this one. I guess I shall just have to settle for my small, baby pink flamingo tree...for this year.

Pucker Up!

2008-11-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago I went to Mistletoe Market Place where I purchased an amaryllis kissing ball. I love it. Apparently it works the same way as mistletoe - you hang it in a doorway and when two people get caught underneath it, they have to kiss. I have it hanging up between my living room and kitchen. It looks precious. I told my hubby that every time he walk under it, he has to give me a kiss! The one in this picture is white, but mine is read. I love it!

Gratitude

2008-11-23T18:10:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I read a book about being grateful and thankful for the good things in your life rather than focusing on the things that were difficult or unpleasant. The book suggested that each and every day, if you can list five things - no matter how big or small - that you can be thankful for, then there is no reason why you should not be a happy person. The book is called Simple Abundance and I highly recommend reading it. So, ever since reading this book, I have - off and on - tried to keep up with what I call my "gratitude journal." So, here are the things I am thankful for today on Sunday, November 23, 2008:

1.) My husband - he is my rock, my best friend, my world, my everything. His mere presence makes me happy and whole. I am so thankful that God put us together.

2.) A week off. Those who know me well, know that the past several months have been...well...nuts. I am thankful for this week off to rest and rejuvenate.

3.) Pink flamingos. I have purchased about three or four pink flamingo Christmas ornaments this year. I plan to have a small flamingo Christmas tree this year displaying my collection of pink flamingo ornaments. They make me so happy.

4.) Traditions, great and small. I love the holiday season. The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is just such a fun time of year. I have little rituals that I have become accustomed to that have to occur every year. For example, it isn't the holidays unless my best friend and I watch Little Women or unless I purchase my Twisted Peppermint Body Wash from Bath and Body Works. I just love it all!

5.) Quality time with family. I have spent most of the weekend with my mother and it has been so much fun!

Welcome and Twilight

2008-11-23T17:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my brand new blog! I mostly like to write about the books that I read, movies and TV shows that I have watched and places that I have visited.

I have just recently finished reading a pop culture phenomenon book called Twilight. I started reading this book because many of my students bombarded me telling me how great it was and then my best friend demanded that I read it.

Before I began all that I knew was that it was a book about a girl who feel in love with a vampire. "What's new?" I thought to myself. But I purchased it at Target for $8 and began reading anyway. I am not sure if it is all of the hype - the movie came out this past Thursday - or if I actually enjoyed it, but I must say, the book did entertain me. Now, I am actually demanding that my hubby take me to see the movie. I have even borrowed the second book in the series and plan to start reading it on my Thanksgiving trip to Hot Springs this week.