Happy LOVE Day

First of all, "Happy Valentine's Day!"

My thoughts on Valentine's Day are this...I like Valentine's Day...I don't LOVE Valentine's Day. I have always thought it is a fun excuse to do something romantic for your sweety but that it is a little over-commercialized and maybe even over-rated. However, my hubby has done such a darn good job of making this holiday special that I am starting to rethink its importance.

Our first Valentine's Day he took me to Savannah!

We stayed at the beautiful Foley House Inn (above). It was directly across the street from the bench Forrest Gump sat on! Probably my favorite trip ever. Seriously. It even gives our honeymoon a run for it's money! We are planning to go back for our first anniversary. Can't wait!

For our second Valentine's Day, Ben surprised me with tickets to see Norah Jones. I love her. Her music is so funky and romantic at the same time. It was perfect for this holiday. Another great gift!

And finally, this year Ben got me antique nest and egg prints. I have been eyeing them for almost a year. We found them while antiquing in Homewood at Tricia's Treasures one day last spring. I loved the soft blues and beiges. There were no prices on them but I thought, "They're old pages torn from a book. How much can they be?" So I picked out six of my favorites and took them to the counter. When they told me they were $60 each, I decided I would wait.I went home and did a little research. They are actually pages from a book by Reverend F.O. Morris from 1861. The nests are Hand-Colored Lithographs. Pretty rare. I looked on EBay to find they were only more expensive there. So I waited some more. But Ben decided I had waited long enough and surprised me with them this year for Valentine's Day! I am so glad he did...now I can't wait to get them framed and hung in my dining room!This is one of my favorites. It is the nest and egg of a Yellow Hammer. Being an Alabama fan, I couldn't resist it! "Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer. Give 'em Hell, Alabama!"


I look forward to many more Valentine's Day with my sweet and romantic husband!

Marley's First Bath

When I walked in from work tonight it was obvious Marley had been sick all day. I won't gross you out with details, but let's just say that he definitely needed a bath. And not a self-imposed "kitty bath" either. A REAL bath.

I wouldn't say he enjoyed it by any means, but he handled it much better than I thought he would. His usual fluffy fur looked pretty funny matted down. I couldn't resist taking some pictures...





He pouted for awhile, but after he started to dry out and I played his favorite game with him, he forgave me. Doesn't he look so pretty now?

Much Ado About Nothing

I feel like it is time to post another blog, but I have nothing to write about. Been a pretty uninspiring week. I was sick from Thursday to Tuesday and am still battling some of it. I guess I could write about the details of my illness, but who wants to read about that? I will say that I feel very blessed to have a husband who loves me and takes wonderful care of me when I am not feeling well. He is the best nurse ever! He doesn't even complain that all the congestion is making me snore. He says he is just glad I am getting some sleep. Too good to be true? Sometimes I worry, haha.

While I was sick I picked back up on an old series I was reading this time last year. It is the Southern Sisters Mystery Series by Anne George. Mrs. George is a Birmingham native whose writings are full of wonderful southern quirkiness, loveable characters and lots of laughs. All the books take place in Birmingham so it is fun to see where the characters pop up: The Vulcan? Birmingham Museum of Art? The Piggly Wiggly?

This is not your tyical murder mystery series. I have always been a fan of suspense novels where you can't put down the book because you are dying to know who the killer is. However, with these books I am only curious about the ending. I am more captivated by the dialogue, situations and characters. The main characters are 2 retired sisters who always seem to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. But they have fun no matter what happens to them. They make me glad I have a sister and look forward to getting old with her!

If you are looking for a good, light hearted read I would suggest picking up one of Anne George's books. She even has one titled "Murder Boogies with Elvis". It's no wonder I love this series!

And finally...just because I haven't posted a photo in a while and I miss my beautiful sister...

Weren't we cute? And yes, I was rocking out with the 80's bangs!

Worship and Wii's

It's been a busy week. Last weekend Ben and I attended "Stream in the Desert" at Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Nashville, TN. Stream is now in its thirteenth year. It is a time for people to come together to experience God’s presence, power and goodness. It is a gathering of families, friends, the hungry, the tired, the broken, those searching for a deeper relationship with Him. It is a time for praise and prayer, fasting and listening, rejoicing and celebrating. It is an opportunity to stop the clock, turn off the cell phone, take a deep breath and sit at the feet of Jesus. This was Ben and I's first time to do something like this as a couple. It was great for our relationships with God, but also beneficial to our relationship with each other.

The theme for the weekend was "You are good..." as in GOD is good. Mike Cope was the key note speaker, Ken Young led worship, George Rowe made a special Saturday night worship appearance and Bruce Marchiano (from The Gospel of Matthew) gave his testimony. It was a good weekend full of amazing praise and worship and messages from our God.

While in Nashville we were also able to visit with some good friends who live there. My friend, Cara Peacock, met us for lunch on Saturday and brought her fiance, Tracey. We had a great time laughing and catching up. It was good to meet Tracey. He definitely received my approval and I can't wait for their wedding in May!

Sunday, we met up with Ben's friend, Robin and her husband, Jeremy. We ate at a really good local mexican restaurant, Garcia's. It was not your typical taco-and-burrito-menu. They offered lots of cool dishes, including one of my favorites: shrimp and fish tacos. Yummy! We had a great time laughing and catching up with them as well and look forward to seeing them again soon!

Sunday night we got back to Birmingham and drove straight to our friends Hal & Maghan's house for CORE Group. CORE Group is what we call our small group Bible Studies at our church. They meet in people's homes on Sunday nights to get into the Word, pray together and build relationships. Our CORE Group is amazing. We really are so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group of young marrieds. They bless our lives every week. This week,after our time of discussion and prayer, everyone joined in on a Wii tournament. Who doesn't like a little Guitar Hero every now and then? Fun stuff!

After lusting after our friends Wii's for months now, Ben found one at Best Buy on Tuesday! He called me so excited and asked if he could get it. Ummm, duh...of course! We've only had time to create our mii's and play some Wii Sports so far, but we are already addicted! This game is so much fun! I love that it is interactive and makes me get up off the couch to play. I am going to be a pro at tennis, golf, bowling, baseball, and boxing before you know it! And hopefully lose a few pounds along the way!

Let us know if you ever want to come over and play! Our living room is open for Wii tournaments any time!

An Old Friend Comes to Town

As most of you know, Alabama is known more for tornado warnings and hurricane seasons than it is for a forecast of winter weather. In fact, the city of Birmingham isn't even equipped to host good ol' Jack Frost when he comes to town. No snow plows. No salt trucks. We don't have snow tires on our cars or snow boots in our closets. I mean when Jack only comes to visit once every 15 years or so why would we? But when rumors start to swirl that Mr. Frost is about to make at trip down South...excitement fills the air! Milk and bread disappear from grocery store shelves. Churches and schools cancel all their events just in case and everyone waits with fingers crossed to see the first flake fall.

All last week rumors of snow had been floating around the greater Birmingham area. Not just some flakes in the air - but actual accumulation! Being from the Midwest I am proficient in snow etiquette. I was prepared for this kind of weather. I was not however prepared for the commotion that was to come...

Saturday morning, around 8 AM, snow came to my town. It was glorious...just as I remembered it. Not a blizzard mind you, but a steady fall of flakes that sprinkled our rooftops, car windows and lawns. Now in the Midwest we would call this kind of snow a mere dusting, but in Alabama the world stopped moving. Local TV stations did non-stop coverage on the "Winter Storm". Shivering reporters scattered all over the area to interview folks on this miraculous event. Parents helped their children make snowmen the size of baby dolls and grown men made snow angels on the ground. It was a sight to behold!

Because I knew only pictures would do it justice I made sure to capture some images of the "Snowstorm of 2008". I am not sure how Alabama survived...

By lunch time "Little Jack Frost Got Lost" and he took his snow with him. In a matter of 5 hours the "blizzard" had come and gone. But, snow had finally come to Alabama. And while it didn't hang around for long...it was nice to visit with an old friend!

Keep on Keeping on...

I love how my last post was all about me being inspired to write more and I haven't posted a blog since. Well, I will say that I have been giving some effort to conquering my resolutions. I am journaling (at home), doing pilates, and reading my Bible. I have also cut way back on coke. I am still in phase 1 of that plan, which means only 1 coke a day, but I think I am well on my way to only having one when we go out to eat. People keep telling me that eventually - if I cut it out long enough - I won't even like the taste of it , but honestly? I mean I can hold my breath for a long time too, but I still like to breathe! haha

Things are good on the homefront. Ben is burning the candle at both ends with work and school. He's usually at work by 7:00 every morning and doesn't get home from classes until after 10:00 that night. I miss him, but I am proud of him. I couldn't do it. And trust me, I would rather be at home missing him while he is class than in class!

Stayed home from work today. Feeling puny. I think most of it can be credited to no sleep because of my stupid carpel tunnel. I have had it for years but it has gotten the best of me this winter. Looks like it is time to have some kind of surgery. It is especially bad at nights. Last night I tried sleeping in my bed, the guest bed, and the couch - none of which were successful. This morning, after Ben got in the shower, I gave our bed another chance and it worked. I didn't wake up until 11:00! For those of you who know me...11:00 is super late for me. I am usually up with the sun. But I'm not complaining - I was glad to finally catch some zzz's.

It has been nasty outside all day today. They even canceled Wednesday Night Classes at church due to impending bad weather. So it was a nice day to stay home,rest and watch lots and lots of cooking shows...actually any kind of day is good for that, if you ask me!

Well, after watching all those cooking shows, I am inspired to have Ben pick up Chinese take out on his way home...I'm off to decide what I'll order...have a great evening!

Resolutions and Goals

This year I am feeling extra motivated! In order to hold myself accountable, I am posting my resolutions for the world to see! Don't forget to hold me accountable too!!!

FIRST...Read my Bible. I am ashamed to admit how little time I spend doing this. I am listing this first because I know if I can tackle this, HE will help me tackle the rest!

SECOND...I had planned to start journaling last year but with the hustle and bustle of the wedding I never got around to it. (Which is sad because that would have been a great time to keep track of my thoughts...oh well, live and learn.) Part of my journaling will be done right here on blogger! So now - not only can I keep record of all the many quirks of being a newlywed, but now so can you!

THIRD...Of course I have to resolve to get in shape with every other American this year. I thought about posting a before picture to motivate myself even further, but I will spare you. My first steps are to cut back on Coke and to start excercising. I think these 2 things alone will make a major difference since I currently drink a disgusting amount of soda and NEVER excercise.

FOURTH...I have got to work on my road rage! :) I used to be very patient in the car, but lately I have become a maniac behind the wheel. Must work on this!

LAST...Flossing. I know it is horrible, and my dentist would be outraged, but I just don't do it. This year, I will make an effort. However, please notice where I have placed this resolution on my list...


Good luck to all of you on your goals for 2008! I pray this is your best year yet!