hIS dReaM mY rEAliTy

You Put the Devil Out, But Did You Let Him Leave His Bags?

2011-04-29T12:30:00.001-05:00

You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad, but you are still resentful and angry.
You got out of financial debt, but you still can't control the desire to spend on frivolous things.
You got out of a bad habit or addiction, but you still long to try it just one more time.
You said, I forgive you, but you can't seem to forget and have peace.
You told your unequally yoked mate that it was over, but you still continue to call.
You got out of the horribly oppressive job, but you are still trying to sabotage the company after you left.
You cut off the affair with that married man/woman, but you still lust after him/her.
You broke off your relationship with that hurtful, abusive person but you are suspicious and distrusting of every new person you meet.
You decided to let go of the past hurts from growing up in an unstable environment, yet you believe you are unworthy of love from others and you refuse to get attached to anyone.

When you put the devil out, please make sure he takes his bags!!!!

Couch to 5K

2011-04-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

After my first run! ;)

I've never been a runner, and have not really had any interest in being any type of real workout buff. But I have to say that being married to a professional athlete is motivation to keep your self pretty tight. In high school I was a cheerleader and in the color guard ("flag girl"), so this whole idea of lifting weights is pretty foreign to me. Two years ago I did boot camp with my NFL BFF and it was worth it! It was the "buffest" I had been in years. So now that it has warmed up and I pulled some spring/summer clothes out of the closet to start wearing, I figured I may want to get toned and lose a few pounds. So my goal is to lose 10 pounds and keep up this fitness thing long after the summer.

Neish, Ginny, and I have committed to doing the Couch to 5k programs to get started. Now, I'm not saying we're going to run any type of marathon, but we'll how this progresses. So, here's to becoming summer fly and fit for a lifetime! ;)

Locked Out, Part 3

2011-04-27T12:35:00.002-05:00

image: www.technorati.com

Well, we're not really Locked Out any more! But we're not really back to normal yet either. The guys haven't returned to their teams, they haven't resumed working out, they're not practicing.....so they're still kinda locked out! Even though a judge has ruled on the injunction against the lockout in the players favor, the NFL and the players are still on two different pages. Matter of fact the owners are filing an appeal on the ruling and are saying that it is out of this judge's jurisdiction to even make a ruling on this matter. So basically, in boxing terms this was just Round 1 and who knows how many rounds there will be before this is over. Thankfully, there are still 4 months until this interferes with the season!

Memphis Grizzlies

2011-04-26T12:05:00.001-05:00

Image: www.best-nba-wallpapers.blogspot.com

Who are these Memphis Grizzlies?!?!?!? Mister is originally from Memphis and I have adopted as my second home town, so the Grizzlies versus Spurs series has been on at our house. For many years Memphis' biggest basketball team was the University of Memphis Tigers because there was no NBA team. So to say that Mister and his family is excited about the Grizzlies in the playoff is an understatement. Don't mention the fact that they are leading the series 3-1! Memphis is such a "small, big city" so it's normal to hear people talk about the guys on the team as though they are related to them. Mister has been pretty excited to see the home team come alive this year, especially against a team that was picked to win it all! So I had to take a timeout from documenting our regular life and mention that the Grizzlies are definitely making their city proud!!!! Go Grizz!!! ;)

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T21:07:00.000-05:00

I thought that this weekend would be very relaxing and low key...but it was everything but that! Friday I thought I was going to do a volunteer project through our church...it didn't happen. Instead it was a slow day for me, I got up late and never quite recovered! So instead we, like everybody else in the city, went to the Galleria to get some last minute accessories and stuff! Then Saturday I washed my hair, got a polish change, and then headed out with the crew to take pictures for my Grandmother's Mother's Day gift!

The gang in the waiting room waiting for the photographer.

Sunday was a typical "get to church" kinda Sunday! We got dressed and hit the door. It was a pretty day, but very windy! All in all, it was a good weekend...I mean nothing I can say we did can compare to the fact that years ago they found an empty tomb! That's what we're smiling about ;)

He Is Risen!

2011-04-24T21:31:00.000-05:00

Our church choir sang this on Easter Sunday my senior year in high school and I danced with the praise dance ministry to it that year. That was the year that it became "real" for me that Easter was really not about eggs, candy, dresses, or speeches. Now every time that I hear this song it takes me back to that place and it makes me think of the cross and an empty tomb! That is EXCITING to me. ;)

Locked Out, Part 2

2011-04-20T11:32:00.001-05:00

What's it like to be locked out?!?!? So glad that you asked. Today is 4/15/2011.....this is what a typical day looks like:

8:00
Mister - wakes up
Me - turns over

9:00
Mister - eats breakfast and does his quiet time
Me - wakes up

10:00
Mister - work out
Me - starts working on my "Things To Do" list

11:00
Mister - still working out
Me - maybe reading blogs and emails

12:00
Mister - still working out
Me - probably headed towards the shower

1:00
Mister - still working out
Me - finishing lunch headed out to run errands

2:00
Mister - finishing up the work out
Me - probably dropping by to see Bryce and Daylen

3:00
Mister - home to shower and eat a late lunch
Me - checking to make sure I have everything for dinner

4:00
Mister - checks his email and handles his business (www.SoSportz.com)
Me - helps Mister with his "Things to Do" list

5:00
Mister - telling me about his day
Me - listening to Mister talk about his day

6:00
Mister - back to working (www.SoSportz.com)
Me - start dinner

7:00
Mister & Me - eat dinner

8:00
Mister & Me - watch tv

9:00 - 12:00
Mister - watching tv
Me - knocked out on the couch

Usually by now Mister with his team for off season workouts. Or what the football world calls OTAs (Organized Team Activities). My days would typically be the same...with some slight variations. All in all, being locked out is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because Mister is around for a longer period of time and we get to spend some QT together. A curse because of the uncertainty of this season. I, like most other folks, love football so I hope to see both sides come to an agreement. But I do know the importance of the fight and I support the players in all that they are fighting for. So if that means no football for a few months so be it! My prayer is that the money goes where it's most needed and the game is safer once this is all said and done.

The NFL is not just a game of football that is being played on Sundays every fall, it's a business. It is the way that thousands of men support their families, risk their well being, grow as men, compete as warriors, bond as friends, and play a game that they so passionately love. The funny thing is that every man who plays the game at this level will tell you it's not what they thought it was, that it was their dream to play in the NFL. But very few walk away from the game because they love it and they have played since they were boys. So this lockout is not to take away the game but to enhance the it as well as the lives of the men who give so much to it!

Out of Commission

2011-04-19T19:29:00.000-05:00

This morning I had to take a time out!!!! My eye was not right....it was red, swollen, and ugly!!!! It all started yesterday morning when I was washing my face. Last week I started using an exfoliate on my face since the weather here is warming up and my face gets pretty oily. Well yesterday when I was washing my face apparently I got some of the beads from the face wash in my eye. Of course I tried everything to get it out, so I rubbed and washed with water. All day my eye felt like there was some grains of salt sitting underneath my eyelid! I tried to wash it out again last night and nothing significant happened. This morning when I woke up I looked like I had fought Mayweather in my sleep. Ridiculous!!!!!!

This morning I was officially out of commission! I went to the eye doctor for some relief. She said that I scratched my eye with the beads from the exfoliate. After a few drops I'm feeling much better and my eye is looking a lot better!

Mad WoMEN

2011-04-18T22:32:00.000-05:00

Image: www.flickr.com

I have spent the last 6 months watching Mad Men on iTunes on my computer trying to catch up and now this foolishness! This is the first time that I've been all the way up to date on the show...I am completely ready for Season 5. Now the producers want to fight with the production company to get whatever it is that they want....and as the result no Mad Men until 2012!

I'm not going to hate on the Mad Men folks...they are going through exactly what the NFL is struggling with. So I'm going to patiently wait for season 5....because I totally understand what it's like to be the guy fighting the big boys to get what you deserve.

Weekend Recap/Monday's Menu

2011-04-18T19:03:00.000-05:00

We had quite the lazy weekend! It was good to just sit back and kinda take things slow. We've had a lot of visitors this offseason. Almost every weekend that we've been home there's been some one staying for a few days. Friday night I had the evening to myself, so I read some of the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan and watched a few episodes of Oprah. Then Saturday I stayed in my pajamas for most of the day. Mister got out and ran some errands and I stayed home and did some cleaning and laundry. That evening we went bowling with some friends and then stopped by Whole Foods for some fruit. That evening my Aunt and cousin came to stay the night and I made blueberry muffins and a pound cake. Sunday we went to church and afterwards I had a 2 hour nap. I also talked Mister into going to Pappadeaux's so I could get my salad. I ate half yesterday and half today for lunch. ;)

I'm usually not into watching NBA basketball but this weekend I kinda got into it. I usually only watch during the Finals or when it's very close to the finals. Mister is a big fan of Derrick Rose because he went to the University of Memphis. I happen to like Rajon Rondo because he went to the University of Kentucky when I lived in Kentucky. Since we were home hanging out on the couch we watched the Bulls and the Celtics (they didn't play each other). The Bulls game was really good and then the Celtics won at the end! Last night Mister and I put some salmon on the grill so that I could try out this new recipe. It turned out really good! So here's what will be on our table this week:

Sunday and Monday: grilled salmon gyros and salad
Tuesday and Wednesday: tacos and mexican rice
Thursday and Friday: grilled chicken breast, sauted green beans, and corn on the cob

Here are some pictures of my test ride of the grilled salmon gyros.....

Mister gave them a thumbs up ;)

My Everyday Life - Reading List

2011-04-16T12:09:00.035-05:00

This is what my nightstand looks like!!! It's not very decorative ;) But this is what I need everyday....and I really use almost every one of those books everyday! Reading is something that I really enjoy, but I'm never caught up. I really wish I was the type that would read instead of watch TV, but there's something about reality TV that has me hooked. I envy the people who are sitting in Barnes & Noble with their cup of coffee really enjoying their book. Whenever I'm there I'm in a rush to get back to my TV with all of the shows that I've missed on dvr. ;)

So here's what's in my book stack:

1. Crazy Love by Francis Chan - a book I'm reading with some other ladies ;)

2. The Spiritual Journal - for my quiet time every morning

3. The Life Application Bible (NKJV) - my Bible

4. a spiral notebook - because I ran out of room in my spiritual journal

5. Sony Reader - it has a lot of my books that I read for pleasure

6. some random pamphlet from church

7. my journal - I write interesting things at interesting times...not everyday!

8. God's Promises - when I need a pick me up

9. Esther by Beth Moore - the Bible study I've been trying to finish since training camp ;)

See

2011-04-15T21:52:00.000-05:00

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." -- Psalm 19:1-4

Not on Monday Menu

2011-04-13T22:37:00.000-05:00

I needed to put this up here even though I'm 2 days late. The funny thing is that I actually go back through my blog and other people's blog when I'm makking my menu each week. So here it is....

Monday & Tuesday: spaghetti & salad
Wednesday & Thursday: chicken pot pie
Friday & Saturday: tacos & rice

I don't have a clue what we're going to do this weekend....so I don't know what we'll be eating! This past weekend I went to a baby shower at Pappadeaux's, usually I'm not a fan of them, but I had a really good Seafood Cobb Salad. I've been wanting it again since Saturday. I tried to convince Mister to go there with me on Sunday after church...it was a negative!!!

To top off the fact that I'm late posting the menu I have to include these pictures of my chicken pot pie that I've already killed. And the oven where I forgot to put a cookie sheet under the pie....so of course my house smells like a camp fire! I was in a rush and completely lost my mind....so now I have to endure the 5 hour self cleaning oven. Hope you're having a wonderful week! Happy Hump Day!!! Blessings ;)

Relax

2011-04-07T19:10:00.000-05:00

I really just need to relax!!!! My BIL and SIL have been here for the past 5 days hanging out and celebrating her 27th birthday.....so we've been having some fun!!! Now I'm EXHAUSTED! But I have a few days to kinda recover from all of the sightseeing, video game playing, cake eating, grilling out, eating out, Final Four watching, horseback riding, ice skating, bowling, and Bible studying that we've done!

They just called to say that they made it home safely. Now Mister and I are off to have a burrito at Chipotle!!! ;) Maybe tonight I'll catch up on some of my TV shows that I've missed...and the Kennedy mini series!!!!

Blue!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-02T13:34:00.000-05:00

Image: www.nationofblue.com

All I can say.......C-A-T-S Cats!!! Cats!!!! Cats!!!!!!

1

2011-03-31T03:03:00.000-05:00

Somebody turned 1 today ;) It's was a happy day!!!!

Locked Out

2011-03-31T02:57:00.000-05:00

Image: Orlando Sentinel

I know I haven't been updating regularly...but we are officially LOCKED OUT!!!! I'll explain in greater detail what being LOCKED OUT has looked like around these parts ;) Give me a minute to gather my thoughts and I'll fill you in.....I can say that because we are LOCKED OUT, it left our schedule open for Mister's brother and sister-in-law to come visit for the very first time!!! So hopefully now I'll have something exciting to blog about!

"The Assistant" & "The Assistant to The Assistant"

2011-03-19T21:22:00.005-05:00

Elisia pulling weeds and Mister giving orders.

Giving Mister love for his hard work.

Priceless moments

Checking for frogs.

Enjoying the day while the wind blows in my hair.

The first professional photo.

Being goofy just having a good time.

Trying a new pose.

Using the sunlight through the windows.

Experiencing new angles.

Capturing the love in the family room

It's Spring time! Up close and personal with Designs by Charles Taylor.

We love the stairs.

Preparing for Easter.

Family comes first

Thanks for stopping by!

Love the Assistant and the Assistant to the Assistant

Compassion

2011-03-03T12:31:00.000-06:00

This past week Mister and I were in Orlando for a conference and the first night that we were there we went to a Gloria Estefan's restaurant Bongos. While we waited at the bar for our table I looked up and saw a bottle that said Milagro....the name of our Compassion child!!!! I had to take a picture....just because we've never met her and she's so many miles away but she's always in our hearts and prayers!

Dinner With A Little Lady

2011-03-03T12:26:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago Mister and I went to Memphis to visit his family and hang out during the offseason. While we were there I took Ms. Autumn on a dinner date....just her and me! I asked her what she wanted and she said a cheeseburger...so we had Wendy's and for dessert we had Baskin Robbins ;) She is such a little lady and she reminds me so much of myself at this age.

She has so much personality! She is very inquisitive and so smart!

She can carry a conversation like she's 15! She was a little upset with the people at Wendy's because she specifically asked for no pickles and mustard. So we had to go back and politely ask them to fix her burger. A little life lesson along the way!

She's such a little lady....she had her Mommy curl her hair and she wore a skirt and boots for our date! I had so much fun hanging out with her...I just can't believe that she's 5!

Out of this World

2011-03-03T10:57:00.000-06:00

Image: www.placesaroundflorida.com

I'm sitting here watching the Space Shuttle Discovery make it's final launch....and my first thought was there is no way I would get in anything that would literally take me out of this world!!!!! This was the first time I really wrapped my head around the fact that these people get on something man made and go out of this world!!! Forget the comforts of your home we're talking about the comforts of gravity!!! Talk about AMAZING!!!!

A Mess!

2011-02-18T11:52:00.000-06:00

You ask why I haven't been blogging..... because I am a mess!! We've been home for a week and 3 days and while I have finally gotten the house back in working shape and knocked a few things off of my "Things To Do" List.....this is what I look like!!! A MESS!!!!!

The first major problem is my hair!!!! I washed it Monday night and it's Friday and it's still a mess....I have an appointment at 9:00 in the morning! Don't get me started on these eyebrows....they need a revival ;) And since we're being honest here...I came on my cycle and I've been whooped ever since!!!!! I haven't even thought about working out...and let me say that we celebrated Valentine's Day on Tuesday! Talk about a day late and a dollar short! I was at the mall on Tuesday morning looking for Mister's gift and we just scrapped the plans for a nice dinner and went to Chick Fil A and got a salad. Oh and to top it off...I went by Kroger and got a white cake with butter cream icing.....oh my soul!!! My plan is to be back to the regularly scheduled me by Sunday....I'll keep you posted! The weather is beautiful here so I have some motivation to get myself together ;)

20 Saturday Morning Thoughts

2011-02-05T12:50:00.000-06:00

1. I'm still sick

2. I'm still drugged up

3. My hair is a wreck

4. I need to wash it...but really I'm not in the mood for that

5. Besides my Grandmother told me not to since I'm sick

6. I woke up at 11:56 a.m.

7. I ate leftover O'Charley's for breakfast/lunch

8. I baked a pound cake with my MIL and half of it's already gone

9. I've been away from home for 2 weeks!

10. I've concluded that I need to go home to get better

11. I'm working like a slave for our company right now, today I'm taking off

12. Is excited about the Super Bowl! Go Packers!!!

13. Better yet, Go #38!!!!!

14. I have the best family in the world

15. This morning I called my parents in Boston just to check in

16. It's snowing there....of course!

17. Mister and I have seen some old high school buddies

18. I can't believe we've been out of high school 9 years

19. Mommie and I had a good belly laugh over how "old" I am now!

20. Even though it's gloomy and cold here....and I still have a cold....I hope it's a great day ;)

SoSportz.com Is Official

2011-02-04T12:55:00.001-06:00

Mister's web business is officially open for business! Check it out!

SoSportz.com

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:3

Sick Pt. 2

2011-02-03T22:10:00.000-06:00

I'm still sick....2 weeks later!!

Friends!!!!

2011-02-02T21:39:00.001-06:00

I miss my buddy! We're never at the same place at the same time....she's in NYC being a big girl and I'm everywhere! We are overdue for a visit ;) The last time we saw each other we were in NYC celebrating my birthday and we stayed up late in our hotel room laughing like 2 teenage girls! The funny thing is we're nothing alike and like high school girls at one point we hated each other's guts....but we're friends and we have been for a very long time!!!

Us at Madison Square Garden

Us in Brooklyn at Grimaldi's

Us in the subway...after walking across the Brooklyn Bridge

Miss you so much Ru....sure wish you were here ;)

Swag

2011-01-26T10:49:00.000-06:00

A few months ago I was catching up with a friend from my childhood and the topic of spiritual growth came up. We just reminisced about how young and naive we used to be and what certain points in our lives we decided that just maybe we should pursue a relationship with God. Somewhere in the conversation I mentioned the word "swag"....and he immediately corrected me saying "swag is haughtiness and God doesn't like prideful people." He was referencing Proverbs 18:12, which says:"Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor." - NLT. So of course it took me a moment to catch everything that he was saying....because I didn't mean it in a disrespectful way.

According to Urban Dictionary the definition of swag says:
"The way in which you carry yourself. Swag is made up of your overall confidence, style, and demeanor. Swag can also be expanded to be the reputation of your overall swagger. You gain swag, or "Swag up", by performing swag worthy actions that improve this perception. A person can also "swag down," by being an overall p**** and garnering negative swag for their actions. Swag is a subtle thing that many strive to gain but few actually attain. It is reserved for the most swagalicious of people. Swag can also be quantified, with point systems existing in some circles of friends."

Now when I hear someone mention swag it makes me think of this quote :
"Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."

I realize now that it is so easy for us/me to get caught up in the rhythm of the way things are done in this world. Whether it's our actions, our thoughts, the music we listen to, what we watch on t.v., etc. but we tend to just fall right in the mix. Not ever questioning what it all really means and if it lines up with what we really believe. We all know that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21)...but do we really practice that. It took a friend to make me look at what comes out of my mouth. And by no means do I want swag/haughtiness to be my destiny......so I stand corrected!

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer." -- Psalm 19:14

Cold

2011-01-25T20:02:00.000-06:00

once the snow started melting

I went to the Doctor/Nurse Practioner at Walgreen's Take Care Clinic today, just to see what is going on with me! I'm been feeling crazy for the last 4 days....so I just needed something to get me back on track. Yesterday I took a 4 hour nap and last night I got 10 hours of sleep. Then this morning I woke up and 2 hours later I was yawning like I had been up all night. Whatever this "sinusitus" thing is, is kicking my butt!!!!! Even the "Dr." said I looked whooped ;) Well on the way home today it started snowing! The wintery scene was so pretty because the snowflakes were huge....like big pieces of lent on your shirt. I love the cold...there's something about curling up on a couch and cleaning out my DVR, eating soup and cookies, and wearing scarves and hats ;) Because we live down south.....this is not the norm so it makes me happy.....even if I already have a cold!!!!

Menu Monday

2011-01-24T19:55:00.000-06:00

Monday and Tuesday : salmon, rice pilaf, corn on the cob, and sauteed green beans
Wednesday and Thursday : chicken fettucini with broccoli and Texas Toast
Friday and Saturday : taco soup with Tostitos

I cooked salmon the other night and the house still smells like it! Ugh!!! But it was sooooo good!!!! I've opened windows, lit candles, opened doors, cleaned the stove area three times and it still smells like fish. If I could find a way to get around the smell and still get the same great taste I will ;)

Twins!

2011-01-23T22:31:00.000-06:00

Every time Neish and I are together it never fails that someone will ask if we are twins! We are 5 years apart and to us we look nothing alike. Right before Christmas we were in the mall shopping and ran into so good deals that we both really like and wanted....so we bought matching shirts. On Christmas day we dressed alike to take family picture by the tree...here's some pics from us just joking around!

Now that I'm looking at the pictures....I kinda see it! To me my sister looks so much like my mom and I look a lot like my dad. Thankfully we both turned out pretty cute, so even if people do think we're twins it's always a compliment ;)

Temporary Home

2011-01-22T22:43:00.002-06:00

Today Mister and I moved out of our temporary home! Now that the season is over....we're going back to our permanent place to enjoy our home and each other during this time off! I loved our little place while we were here but I'm really looking forward to sleeping in my bed ;) Here are a few pictures of our little spot all empty, it reminds me of the song Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood...click on the link to see her video ;)

Sick

2011-01-21T22:35:00.007-06:00

In the last two weeks I've been in 3 different cities in 3 different states....and now it has caught up to me! I'm running a low grade fever, my head is pounding, I've got black circles under my eyes and one of nostrils is stuffed to capacity!!!! I'm so EXHAUSTED!!!!!! Hopefully over the next couple of days I can get some rest and start feeling better. Right now I'm a HOT MESS :(

JFK 50 Years Later

2011-01-20T22:26:00.000-06:00

Image: www.answers.com

"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what can you do for your country." - John F. Kennedy

Nephew

2011-01-19T22:16:00.000-06:00

Had to throw this little guy in for good measure ;)

Niece

2011-01-18T21:49:00.000-06:00

Can you tell that being 5 is total bliss!!! ;)

Something Special

2011-01-17T23:55:00.001-06:00

I just think they are so cute!!!!

Image: www.readthespirit.com

There is something special about a man with a vision and some ambition and a women who will support that man while he seeks to accomplish something great!

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Bycie

2011-01-06T13:54:00.000-06:00

The week before Christmas a little guy came to visit. He's teething so he wasn't all that happy....but he still was a lot of fun ;) He's such a sweet little boy and I can't believe he's already 9 months!!! Here we are playing around while his Mommy, Daddy, and big brother took a nap!

Destination: Atlanta

2011-01-06T13:49:00.000-06:00

Over the Christmas holiday my family and I took a trip to Atlanta to visit some friends and family and also to go to a big game! We had a blast.....it was a quick trip. We spent less than 48 hours in the "A" but it was worth it. Here are a few snapshots from our 2 days there...

A few of my friends from college came to the hotel....I can't believe it's been 5 years!!!

Keyta and me catching up....I hadn't seen here since 2004!

The Mister and his college roommate Marlin

Kaletta and me...we went to college together, she and Marlin were in our wedding, and now they're married and have a baby girl!

Neish at dinner.....it was so late. We were to busy hanging out and catching up!

Aunt Karen and Neish....it was freezing cold in Atlanta!

Mommie and her Big Sis...having a good laugh!

Daddy and Uncle Slim....laughing too!

My little cousins...Lacy, Elexis, and Ma'Kari

Daddy waiting on us to go to the game

Mommie and Neish after we did make up!

Neish and me....so many people ask us if we're twin!

All ready for the game!!

Riding the train to the game!

After the big win!!!

Not a big game without ESPN!

The Married Woman's Proclamation

2011-01-04T19:42:00.000-06:00

I thought it might be a few women out there who needed this for their own marriages, because I sure did!

The Married Woman's Proclamation

Lord, I thank you for my husband, and I cherish the years that we have had together. Bless his life abundantly. Bless the work of his hands, his labor for us and his children. I thank You for all of his good qualities. He has been a good husband, a good father, and a good provider.

Show me the ways to let him know how much I appreciate him. Father, bless our marriage. May my husband treat me with respect, loving me as Christ loved the church. As a wife, may I have more worth than rubies to my husband, bringing him good and not harm all the days of our lives. Thank You for this man who is my life partner. Help me to express how much I revere and trust him.

Father, teach me how to pray more efficiently for him. May he walk in health, having his strength renewed as an eagle. May You, Father, pour out Your blessing on him and our relationship together. May we together bless Your name, and may You always come first in our lives. I proclaim this in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

--Diana Hagee, The King's Daughter

Menu Monday

2011-01-03T17:26:00.000-06:00

Without further ado....here's what will be gracing our table this week :

Monday: leftover spaghetti, salad, and Texas Toast
Tuesday and Wednesday: chicken stir fry and rice
Thursday and Friday: pan seared salmon and steamed veggies

I'm adding photos of the chicken stir fry....this is when I was still learning how to make it!

I cook the chicken first

Then the veggies

Add the stir fry sauce

Cook some rice

Dinner is served!

No plans for the weekend because it's Wild Card Weekend and I've learned to never plan dinner when Mister is out of town....sending up lots of prayers for a win for Mister's team!

End of the Regular Season

2011-01-02T19:36:00.002-06:00

I'm sitting here watching ESPN recap the playoff schedule and waiting for the Rams/Seahawks game to start. But I cannot believe that the regular season is over....really....where did these 17 weeks go? This season has been very interesting....definitely not what I expected it to be. It's been a mix bag, but that's life, part disappointing and part exciting. I can honestly say that the biggest lesson that I learned this season is to not have any expectations and that minimizes the rate of disappointment and maximizes the chance of surprise.

So, since we're being honest here....if you would have told me in Week 1 of the regular season that we would be in this new city with this new team I would have been like "nah, we're not on their radar." But I'm proof that you never know what God is up to. I'm so thankful for the opportunity that this new team has offered Mister but somewhat disappointed that it wasn't more. Nevertheless, by Week 5 when this new team called Mister and told him to come on over I was excited to go. More so excited for him and the change of scenery.

But I say all of this to say that Mister absolutely loves his teammates and has enjoyed playing for this organization more than any other. For this I am so grateful, there is nothing like seeing your boo leave with a smile on his face and returning home the same way. In this thing called the NFL....you have to constantly remind yourself that this is a blessing. No matter the struggles, injuries, contracts, instability, pending lockout, crazy coaches, FANatics, and insane media.....this is Mister's dream come true! I'm pinching myself as I think about the fact that Mister has been doing this for 5 years and so thankful that this is the 1st season since '06 that he's heading into the offseason completely healthy (being "injury prone" has been one of the knocks against him).

So kudos to the Packers, Saints, Bears, Patriots, Colts, Eagles, Chiefs, Ravens, Jets, and whoever wins the NFC West tonight! Let me not forget the wives and families who have made it through this season too....they definitely deserve a pat on the back because I'm giving myself one! ;) As of now the 2010 season is officially in the books and while some teams start their offseason tomorrow...the playoffs are just beginning! Mission: Go Big Or Go Home

**Updated - Seattle Seahawks won the NFC West.

2011 - Refresh and Refocus

2011-01-01T23:27:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that it's 2011! When I was in elementary school the 2000's seemed so far away, almost unimaginable. And now we're in the teens of the 2000's (if that makes any sense). I'm not a fan of New Year's Resolutions because I feel like they will never be kept or by June I will have forgotten all about them. So I look at the new year as an opportunity to refocus and refresh.

It's funny because I always feel like it's a new year when Mister heads to training camp. Kinda like how children start a new year when school starts. But I try not to always deal with life in football terms, although it dictates so much of our lives right now. When I think back to NYE 2009, 2010 was not exactly what I thought it would be. So here's how I plan to remember 1/1/11.....it's the day that I "hit the REFRESH" button on my perspective and really start to REFOCUS my priorities.

Last night I wasn't feeling well so everything that I would normally do on NYE had to wait until today. So tonight I cooked dinner and while eating dinner Mister, Neish, and I shared how we planned to refresh and refocus in the new year. And after we toasted with some sparkling grape juice in hopes of holding each other accountable and when we're reviewing this year (2011) next NYE having made some bold steps in a new direction.

I hope to really grow deeper in my spiritual relationship, give back more than I take away, embody the Proverbs 31 woman for my husband and my family, and enjoy this thing called life! So here's to a healthy and prosperous 2011!!!!

Being Human

2010-12-08T23:19:00.000-06:00

“The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren’t able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact on the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.” --- Elizabeth Edwards

Menu for the Week

2010-11-30T13:34:00.000-06:00

Today is Mister's day off....so we're not doing anything exciting. I'm actually going to get a relaxer and he had to have his car serviced....so let's just say it's a maintenance day! I put a load of laundry in the wash....which reminds me that I need to pick up some detergent. But it's cold and rainy that I just want to wrap up in a blanket and catch up on Mad Men from iTunes. Thankfully Mister did the grocery shopping for this week while I continue to recover from my sore throat. So without further ado....our menu!!!

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: Tacos and Mexican Rice

Wednesday & Thursday : Spaghetti, Salad, and Texas Toast

Friday & Saturday : Chicken Stir Fry and White Rice

November Recap

2010-11-29T20:58:00.000-06:00

Let me say now.....I have only taken a few pictures...and my camera is dead....so I'll add them later! (Run on sentence) So I'm going to document the month in blurbs! Hopefully I can resume blogging on the regular this week. I know I've been saying that for awhile...but I'm really going to try. Just don't expect a lot of pictures ;)

*Mister and I celebrated a birthday at the beginning of the month. Mister turned 27 and I turned 26. On my birthday we moved into our new apartment. Mister had dinner reservations for us and it was a very simple day. Mister's birthday was over the weekend so we did a bit more. We went to see the local team take on King James and friends, we had dinner, and just really relaxed! Now everybody is asking when are we going to get this baby train rolling. In due time ;)

*During the "bye" week we went to Memphis to visit my inlaws. While we were there I threw Mister a surprised birthday party. He was actually surprised! I was so excited because I rarely surprise him....so I finally got him!! It was fun celebrating his birthday with his family...and to relax for a hot minute.

*Two weeks ago I went home to see my NFL BFF run a half marathon. I needed to make the trip to get a few things from home so I stayed 2 days to cheer her on. I told her afterwards that my marathon watching days are over. I applaud the runners out there....there is no way I would run further than 2 miles. And i definitely wouldn't run for longer than 30 minutes! I was so happy for her...she had trained and really worked so hard (not to mention gotten really skinny)!

*For Thanksgiving Neish and Ginny (my cousin) came to visit during their break from school. Mister's team played away on Thanksgiving Day so we just hung out and went to dinner at our cousin's house. Thankfully they won!!! Mister got home late that night so we had Thanksgiving dinner on Black Friday. Unfortunately, my dressing didn't turn out well but everything else was very good.

*With tomorrow being the last day of November I'm super excited about Christmas. I already have our Christmas cards! I've started generating gift ideas for our family. Within the next day or so I'm going to get out and find a little tree for our temporary home. Just to make it feel festive around here! By the weekend I hope to have a good dent in my shopping.

That about wraps up November 2010!!! Here's to the beginning of the Christmas season and all that it means. I hope that I don't get to busy or stressed between now and Christmas that I lose sight of the true meaning of this season!

20 Monday Notes

2010-11-15T18:09:00.000-06:00

1. Still in my pajamas at 5:31 pm
2. Just watched The Color Purple Reunion on Oprah
3. Actually finished all of the laundry today
4. Went to bed before 1 am last night for the first time in over a week
5. Don't want to eat what I was going to make for dinner
6. Sitting here trying to find something to order for dinner
7. Glad last week was a "bye" week
8. Can't believe Thanksgiving is next week
9. Really want to finish my Esther bible study that I started during training camp
10. Can't get over the fact that this guy butchered my eyebrows last week
11. Haven't watched a full episode of Y&R since August
12. Really miss watching my cooking shows
13. Really miss my NFL BFF
14. Trying to figure out if it's ever going to consistently be cold
15. Need to go to church....guess I need to find one to go to
16. Wishing I could consistently keep in touch with some of my friends
17. Loving all of my friends babies pictures on Facebook...such sweet little people
18. Excited about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity
19. Wishing I didn't worry so much
20. Hope tomorrow I will want to be more productive than today

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T18:40:00.001-05:00

Since Mister and I are stuck in a hotel in our new city and didn't really get to celebrate Halloween, I'm posting pictures of all of the cutest little trick or treaters in our family. I wish they could have come to my door!

Super cute Batman (Daylen) and Super sweet Robin (Bryce)

Darling little Princess (Autumn)

Sweet Star Wars Yoda (Shane)

Sweet Baby Giraffe (Jaxon)

Transition

2010-10-25T16:45:00.000-05:00

Mister and I am in the midst of yet another transition! Fortunately, Mister has been picked up by another team. We are so excited and so thankful....but it definitely adds so many things to my "Things To Do" list while Mister spends his days with the Pigskin. So needless to say I have had little time for blogging, emailing, or much of anything other than settling here in this new place.

So, even if I were blogging it would be no fun! I forgot my camera at home so I haven't taken any pictures in almost 3 weeks. I should be back on track in a couple of days and I can really sit down and recap what's happened over the last 3 weeks....it's been quite a whirlwind...but such a blessing! ;)

P.S. -- Just to put it on the record, we lost yesterday. :(

Bear With Me

2010-10-09T16:46:00.000-05:00

I know I've been on quite a hiatus...but this blog hasn't been far from my mind! I should be able to sit down an catch up tonight or tomorrow. Here's what I have on deck:

1. Welcome Home
2. Stir Fry Dinner
3. Show Us Your Life - Master Bedroom
4. Show Us Your Life - Kitchen
5. Family Birthdays - October
6. Breast Cancer Awareness - Tribute to Aunt Karen
7. Update on the Mister's NFL stuff

So please bear with me...I'm going to come alive here!

October

2010-10-03T20:23:00.002-05:00

October, you have no idea how happy I am that you are here!

Designs By My Father In Law

2010-09-28T13:00:00.001-05:00

Over the summer my inlaws came to visit us for a few days. Decorating is my MIL's hobby! She has an amazing eye for color and she's always looking for new ideas. Though our styles are very different, I enjoy browsing stores and looking at model homes with her. She always notes the details, while I'm keeping my eye on the "big picture".

My FIL on the other hand has a thing for all things floral! When the Mister and I started dating he was an avid yardman. He really enjoyed planting flowers and would spend many Saturdays in Lowe's and Home Depot. Then he tried his hand at floral arrangements to add to the decor of their home. Let's just say the MIL and FIL make a great decorating team. Now he's turned this hobby of his into a business, Designs by Charles Taylor. And I happened to be the beneficiary of a few of his pieces!

This one sits in a niche in our entryway...while they were in town I found some iron pieces that matched the vase perfectly. Now they hang on the wall about the niche going up the stairs.

My favorite! It sits in a niche in one of our hallways.

My runner up! This one matches our kitchen perfectly...it usually sits on top of our fridge.

In a little niche on our bedroom...the splash of yellow comes from paintings hanging above our bed.

Mister's favorite.....our mantle piece! It ties together all of the different colors in our rug and the throw pillows on our sectional.

Mister's parents during their visit this summer.

Many, many thanks to Mister's mom and pop for adding an extra touch of love to the humble abode!

TV Update

2010-09-27T20:49:00.000-05:00

What's on my DVR? I'm glad you asked!

The Young and Restless - I'm finally all caught up! I'm glad they are over the dark story lines...and it's starting to make a little bit more sense. We'll see if they keep it up....in the mean time I keep watching!
Oprah Winfrey - This is her last season.....
Down Home With the Neelys - They are about to lose me! I used to love them, but I find that she's a bit much sometimes. I'm also not really finding the recipes appealing.
The Good Wife - Season 2 starts tomorrow! I watched the last episode of Season 1 this morning and I hope the writers can keep it up.
Undercover Boss - I've always wondered it the execs really knew what they were asking of their employees. After watching this last season....it's obvious they don't. I liked it!
Mad Men - I don't know how you couldn't like it!
The Real Housewives of D.C. - They are definitely not my favorite cast...but I can appreciate a classy African American woman! Especially since there are so many that aren't and they get plenty of TV time.
Barefoot Contessa - At first I thought she was boring and then I started to like her music. Some kinda way I've grown to love her!
LaLa's Full Court Wedding - I had to support the "Athlete's Wife". I didn't know much about her away from MTV...and I think I really like! She seems so down to Earth!
Keeping Up With the Kardashians - I had to throw some trash t.v. in there somewhere! Not to "hate" on them, but I'm still trying to figure out what you call their "career"?
Fantasia For Real - A HOT MESS! That about sums it up!
Biography on CNBC - Mister watches this....it jolts his entrepreneurial spirit!
American Greed - See "Biography on CNBC"

I'm trying to get away from watching so much trash t.v. and really watch some shows that have story lines. I was just telling my Momma the other day that I have fallen behind on so many of the dramas that I loved to keep up with "reality TV circus". So I guess I'm trying to wean myself from so much r.t. and get back to Grey's, Private Practice, and the likes. Maybe before this TV season is over I'll latch on to The Undercovers....it looks like it may have lots of promise. We'll see what kind of reviews it gets! Happy t.v. watching!

6 Years

2010-09-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

the day before we became official - 2004

We were juniors in college, 19 and 20 years old, who had been doing the long distance, talking on the phone thing for the past 8 months. So I flew home for my sister's birthday and we all went to the Indiana-Kentucky football game. "We all" meaning my family and his family....interesting! It was there that the Mister and I decided that we would likely become a little more than friends. The next day he asked me if I wanted to make it official...making September 21, 2004 the start of this little love story!

I still can't believe that it's been 6 years....before we started dating I had never had a boyfriend for longer than 6 months. He really got me! The past 6 years have been a lot of fun...here's a timeline of some of our milestones.

2004 - the start

2005 - celebrated our 1st Valentine's Day, Mister graduated from college

2006 - I graduated from college, Mister started his NFL career, we got engaged

2007 - I moved to Houston and started my first "real" job, Mister had knee surgery, we bought a house

2008 - we got married, Mister was released from his team, Mister turned 25,

2009 - Mister signed with a new team, Mister had shoulder surgery, I turned 25

2010 - hasn't been nearly as eventful as the others...but it's only September

Happy Birthday Neish!

2010-09-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

21 Things About Neish:

1. She's the athlete of the family

2. She's crafty

3. She was short as a kid...and somehow grew to 5'6

4. She's a wild sleeper

5. She loves to bake

6. She is so strong and she doesn't even know it

7. She is very spontaneous

8. She's a dog lover

9. She bites her nails

10. She loves the country (Fairfield)

11. She's really good with little kids

12. Mister says she should be a dj because she loves music

13. She loves to drive...and it drives me crazy

14. Everyone thinks she looks like Lisa Turtle from Saved By The Bell

15. Now people thinks she looks like Zoe Saldana

16. She cries when she gets sick

17. She's moody when she's hungry

18. She thinks she can save the world...one good deed at a time

19. Her nicknames are Tootie and Fufi

20. I picked the name Karneisha

21. I love her soooo much!

Today is my little sister's 21st Birthday! I can't believe she's a junior in college, legal, and becoming a little woman! I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday...I was a little bitty 4 year old who was anxious to have a baby sis. I got exactly what I asked for! Hope you have a super FAB birthday Neish!!!!

Teal Toes

2010-09-18T21:35:00.000-05:00

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Teal Toes aims to spread the word about ovarian cancer awareness. Ovarian cancer is also known as the whispering killer. Teal is the ovarian cancer awareness color.

Why raise awareness?

* Too many women with ovarian cancer do not get diagnosed until their cancer has spread. Their survival rate is 45%.
* The survival rate improves greatly - to 93 percent - if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage before it has spread. Only 19 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at this local stage.
* Approximately 75 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage after the cancer has spread beyond the ovary.

More info can be found at Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

Mary S. Banks

1928 - 2003

Today Mommy, Neish, and I went and got pedicures and in honor of my Grandma we had our toes painted teal!

Smiley Bycie

2010-09-15T19:43:00.002-05:00

I got a message today from Colorado from the cutest little smiling baby! He's away from home nursing his Daddy back to health. This was his way of saying his Daddy's surgery was a success and they had a good day post-op! I'm sure Bycie is holding down the fort, big brother Daylen is leading the troops! So many prayers going up for Bycie's Daddy...for a fast recovery! And plenty for Bycie's Mommie too! ;)

A Kid Who Watched TV for 25 Years

2010-09-13T10:08:00.001-05:00

I can't believe this is Oprah's last season, she was a staple in my childhood! When I think back to being a kid I always remember her show being on when I got home from school. My momma used to watch her while she started cooking dinner. Anybody around my age associates Family Matters and Full House with T.G.I.F. on ABC. You know how a specific smell or a certain song can take you back to a special place. When I hear the music for Monday Night Football it reminds me of the Cowboys, the Emmitt Smith, Michael Irving, Troy Aikman Cowboys! Or when someone parts my hair it makes me think of Dallas...the t.v. show because my mom always watched that while she combed my hair at night before bed.

Image: www.art.com

Oprah is one the few things that survived all of the network shuffles, year after year. It's one of the few things that I can say has been around longer than me. Unlike, cell phones or laptop computers. When E.R. wrapped 2 years ago...it was sad! My momma and Aunt Princess used to have weekly Thursday night phone calls to recap what Eric LaSalle, George Clooney, and Juliannna Margulies were up to. A few weeks ago Mary Hart from Entertainment Tonight announced that she would be retiring. It never dawned on me that she was old, and definitely not old enough to retire. She too has been on t.v. forever, and she and John Tess were the excitement that came on after the evening news. Channel 8 in Dallas was always on at my house. I even remember the news reporters!

Image: www.workingnurse.com

But it has hit me that I'm am getting older! I'm no longer a kid who watches whatever my momma has on tv when I get home from school. I get that what is on t.v. now hasn't really been on that long. This Oprah thing is kinda like the changing of the guard. That what I grew up with will be considered history for my kids. (I still haven't gotten over the fact that I'm married and old enough to have kids.) Kinda like phones with cords or televisions with a big back. I'm only 25 but when you're a kid everything is new and you haven't been around long enough for anything to happen. Saturday I was watching the replays of the September 11 reports and it dawned on me that Katie Couric was on the Today show then. That September 11th, 2001 was really 9 years ago....I was a senior in high school.

Image: www.weratethings.com

I say all of this to really say that I'm going to miss Oprah! Not because I won't have anything else to watch....but this ends the chapter of one's said childhood. I'll be 26 in November and although I do adult like things (married, homeowner, etc.) I'm still a kid trapped in the body of a grown woman! Thanks to reruns of the Cosby Show, Fresh Prince, America's Funniest Home Videos I can still take myself back to that place. Oprah's Farewell Season has made me realize that I need not be so nostalgic when it comes to my past but really embrace my future! Not really think so much as to how much t.v. has changed but really look at how much I have changed!

Just A Thought

2010-09-11T16:16:00.000-05:00

"Character is what you really are. Reputation is what other folk think about you." -- Dr. Tony Evans

Nature

2010-09-10T17:31:00.000-05:00

Daddy, Mister, and I were outside this afternoon watching our Thanksgiving turkey out in this open field. I'm all for organic...I just haven't gone this far yet! The weather here has cooled off so they were just out for a brisk stroll through the woods. It was interesting to see the biggest turkey lead them all.

Every time I see nature in motion...I think...."if you didn't already know,there has to be a God"!

Waiting

2010-09-06T15:19:00.001-05:00

"Whenever God closes one door He always opens another even though, sometimes it's Hell in the hallway." --Unknown

As I mentioned before it's "cut" weekend in the NFL...and well....we got CUT!

So now we WAIT!

Wait for the next TEAM.

Wait for the next CITY.

Wait for GOD to turn the page to the next chapter in our book.

So while we believe that He has a plan...we just don't know what....so we'll WAIT!

"...then you will know that I am the Lord, for they shall not be ashamed who WAIT for Me."

-- Isaiah 49:23 NKJV

Lazy

2010-09-05T22:44:00.001-05:00

This is what our Sunday looked like ;)

Maxed Out!!

2010-09-04T13:47:00.000-05:00

The Mister is sick! I'm running on fumes! And it's cut weekend in the NFL.....we're whooped!

This is the "sick station"!

Sick Station Contents:

2 bags of Ricola Natural Cough Drops

1 bottle of hand sanitizer (for me)

1 ear thermometer

1 cell phone

1 bag of Luden's throat drops (because he hates the real thing and these taste like candy)

1 box of DayQuil and NyQuil caplets

1 bottle of Sunquist soda (because he's not a fan of orange juice)

1 box of Kleenex

Happy Labor Day Weekend....we'll be in recovery mode!

Scenes from Preseason Game 3

2010-09-01T16:14:00.000-05:00

Pregame Warm up....I can never get him facing me!

The crowd after the LOSS....not too happy.

Daddy, me, and Momma after the game! We were heading home....it was a long night!

Hopefully we get a win this week!

Lunch and a Movie

2010-08-30T14:27:00.001-05:00

This weekend the Mister had a day off...so we decided to get out for awhile. It was a beautiful day....it's been extremely rainy here for the last week. So the sunshine was nice! We got dressed and went to have cheeseburgers and fries for lunch. A little Five Guys did the trick...it hit the grease spot ;)

Afterwards we just walked through an outdoor mall. I was looking for a case for my computer....unfortunately I'm not a fan of the Mac store. It's always so many people and it's just a bit much for me. Therefore, I didn't stay long and I didn't find what I was looking for either.

Then at 4:25 we went to see Takers! I'm not a fan of what I call "Thugs & Drugs" movies....but I actually liked it. Mister loves this kinda stuff...I think it hits a cord with his inner bad boy. I'm a fan of crime shows and movies and Takers was a good mix of both....we enjoyed it! T.I, Idris Elba, and the rest of the clan did a really good job. I'm just so used to seeing Idris Elba on The Wire with his accent hidden that it was funny hearing him with his English accent.

After the movie, we spent the rest of the evening watching football. I think around half time I went to watch all of my Food Network shows that recorded earlier! All in all, a good day off!

Peace

2010-08-29T12:37:00.000-05:00

Peace: It doesn't mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. -- Unknown

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 4:6-7

Reading List

2010-08-28T10:59:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to say that I'm an avid reader but I do like to read. I should really sit down and make time for it in my days....because I really enjoy reading. That would call for substituting TV for books....I don't know! I can consistently read for a few days go a week without and then pick right back up.

But here are a few books that are on my fall/winter "reading list". Hopefully I will finish these by the end of the year...basically before the start of the Christmas holidays.

Image: www.turnbacktogod.com

So many people have told me that this is a must read!

Image: www.bible-guide-online.com

I was reading the book of Esther as part of my personal Bible study and figured I needed a companion to guide me...who better than Beth Moore.

Image: www.newsbird.wordpress.com

I think she's a woman with so much grace and I'm sure her story is interesting. After seeing her on Oprah promoting the book I thought it was worth a try.

Image: www.mardel.com

Before I started blogging on the regular I was an avid blog reader, and this lady's blog was one of my favorites. Her strength and her faith is so encouraging!

I guess I should have said that I'm not really into fiction!

Photobooth

2010-08-27T14:27:00.000-05:00

When I first got my Mac I had no idea what to do with it. Thanks to Neish, I'm officially a Mac geek!

Evidence 101

Evidence 102

Scenes from Preseason Game 2

2010-08-24T17:23:00.000-05:00

This week was an Away game, so we stayed home and watched on t.v. Teddy is pretty big fan!

Another good night....another WIN!

Faith

2010-08-21T12:58:00.000-05:00

When you've come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, FAITH is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly. -- Patrick Overton

New Recipe

2010-08-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was out grocery shopping with my mom, I usually go to the grocery store once a week. I'm notorious for making a menu on Sunday that last through the week. I was a little behind....because usually I do the shopping on Mondays. Before I got to the grocery store I "stopped" by Target to pick up a few things and ended up staying for over an hour browsing.

By the time I got to the grocery store I was exhausted and ready to go home. When we got to the store she and I split up the list, I had all of the dry goods and dairy and she had meat, produce, and bread. Momma was planning to cook a roast with carrots and potatoes, cabbage, and cornbread....but I knew that would be all night.

On my way to meet her at the check out counter I walked past a Cooking Light magazine that had a chicken recipe on the cover that looked so good. So, of course, I stopped and glanced over it and what do you know....it was a magazine full of 5 ingredient 15 minute recipes. Poof....problem was solved I could get out of the store and dinner would be ready in no time!

It turned out really good and we had leftovers.....so I had to share the recipe with you!

Grilled Rosemary Chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon minced garlic

4 (4-ounce) chicken cutlets

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

cooking spray

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, and add to bag; seal. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare grill.

3. Remove chicken from marinade, discard marinade. Place chicken on a grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill 3 minutes on each side or until done. Serve with the Tomato-Avocado Salsa.

Tomato-Avocado Salsa

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

2 cups grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 (2 ounces) crumbled reduced fat feta cheese with basil and sun-dried tomatoes

1 ripe peeled avocado, chopped

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add tomato halves, cheese, and avocado; toss gently.

P.S. - If I find some pictures I'll be sure to post them! I couldn't find any...not even on the Cooking Light website.

A Day Off!

2010-08-17T11:12:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend the Mister had a day off...so we went to the beach! We started off the day with some much needed R&R, then we had lunch at Panera, and then decided to make the trip to the water. It's was kinda chilly so we didn't stay long....just long enough to get wet, take a few pictures, and have a candy apple!

Mister and Neish headed toward the water

Neish, Mister, and Daddy in the water

Momma hanging back....it was cold!

Mister running from the waves

Getting some sun

Mister and Me

It was pretty breezy...someone was flying a kite

Headed out to exfoliate our skin ;)

Our little friend!

It was a good day ;)

A Warrior's Prayer

2010-08-16T12:12:00.000-05:00

Heavenly Father,

Your warrior prepares for battle.

Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on

the whole armor of God!

I put on the Girdle of Truth!

May I stand firm in the truth of Your Word

so I will not be a victim of Satan's lies.

I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness!

May it guard my heart from evil

so I will remain pure and holy,

protected under the blood of Jesus Christ.

I put on the Shoes of Peace!

May I stand firm in the Good News of the Gospel

so Your peace will shine through me

and be a light to all I encounter.

I take the Shield of Faith!

May I be ready for Satan's fiery darts of

doubt, denial, and deceit

so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.

I put on the Helmet of Salvation!

May I keep my mind focused on You

so Satan will not have a stronghold on my

thoughts.

I take the Sword of the Spirit!

May the two-edged sword of Your Word

be ready in my hands

so I can expose the tempting words of Satan.

By faith your warrior has put on

the whole armor of God!

I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory!

Amen

I woke up this morning needing this prayer for today and thought maybe someone else did too!

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. -- Ephesians 6: 11-13

Scenes from Preseason Game 1

2010-08-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

It was a good night....we WON! ;)

Something Different

2010-08-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Green Nails = Summer Nails

I had to do it before summer is over!

Babysitting Brothers ;)

2010-08-12T11:31:00.002-05:00

Two weeks ago Mommy and I babysat 2 of my favorite little guys! They came to hang out with us for a few hours while their parents went to the movies....and we had a lot of fun. I love little people....they are so cute and cuddly!

The older brother is our Godson Daylen! He makes frequent trips to our house...he knows exactly where everything is and has his on own little games that he plays with the Mister. Now that he has a baby brother he rarely comes alone....but Bryce is always welcomed. We love him just as much!

It's so sweet to see him as a "big brother"...he's only 2! But he's so protective of little Bryce and takes such good care of him. I can't believe my Daylen is growing up so fast....seems like yesterday we were holding his hand as he walked down the stairs.

This was Daylen last summer! He was an only child and such a little guy himself....so much has changed in a year.

Daylen and Bryce remind me so much of another pair of brothers that I love...Drake and Drew!

This was them in 2005 when Drake was new at being a big brother...

and this was them this summer when they came to visit!

I pray the Mister and I can have a pair of brothers that love and adore each other as much as these brothers. They all mean so much to me...they are the sweetest little guys! Their Mommies and Daddies are doing an amazing job ;) So in about 20 years, if you have a daughter who wants to meet an amazing man....I'll know a few!

Since we're talking about brothers...I had to include the Mister and his brother! ;)

Road Trip!

2010-08-12T10:33:00.001-05:00

Last week my Mom and I went to Dallas to visit some of family. It's funny that I live so close to family but rarely get to visit them and just hang out. We probably make 4-5 trips to Dallas every year but it's always for something specific and the trips are so rushed. Our family isn't huge but large enough that it's hard to get everybody together. Aunt Karen lives in Atlanta, my Mom lives in Boston, Uncle Harold lives in on one side of Dallas, and Aunt Princess lives on the other side of Dallas.

My mom, Cousin Brandi, Diva, and Aunt Karen

My mom, me, and Aunt Karen

Cousin Brandi, my Mom, Uncle Harold, Aunt Karen

Mommy and I spent 5 days hanging out with "la familia". We did all of the things families do: we ate, stayed up late talking and laughing, played with all of the babies, and took lots of pictures. Unfortunately, I was not the one doing all of the picture taking. These are the only pictures I have from the trip....but they'll definitely go down in the Memory Book for Summer 2010!

Training Camp Pt. 1

2010-08-08T10:21:00.002-05:00

Since Elisia is still in Houston dealing with things with the house my Daddy and I are going to support the "Mister." I told Elisia that I would be her guest blogger for a day since I was filling in for her at the stadium.

It was a beautiful day outside, nice breeze, sun shining, and training camp has begun. My dad woke up very excited for camp. He was so excited that we would leave at 2 so that we could go and get the car washed before we headed for the stadium. Training Camp was scheduled to begin at 3:45 and we had about an hour drive. (Which means we really didn't need to leave at 2.) But we did!

The night before, I read through all of the rules and regulations as well as the directions for the family and friends of the players upon their arrival at the stadium. So when we arrived, I knew where we were going, but of course he tried to tell me otherwise. So we checked in at the friends and family tent and interns proceeded to drive us around to the practice field where they had a tent set up with water, Gatorade, and seats. And right at 3:45 the players began walking on the field. I turned to my left and there he was an angel, like Angels in the Outfield. He kneeled down in the End Zone before he stepped in between the lines and prayed; he was the only one. At that moment I was so proud to be his sister in law!

As noted on the itinerary for the afternoon, warm up and stretches began at 4:00. After that the offense and the defense separated for drills. This was the first time in 2 years that I had seen "Fufi" (that's my nickname for him) back on the field. I was so excited but nervous as well. As expected, he did awesome! Practice was like clock work... no time for water breaks or chit chat nothing but running, throwing, and catching. (Of course they had time for a few squirts here and there.) The last drill was at 5:20 and at 5:25 they stopped for conditioning and cool down. And at 5:30 he was headed to the locker room. On his way, he got a chance to stop, say hello, and take a picture. Overall, he looked good, felt good, and can't wait for the first game. We thank God that Fufi has made it this far and that we know He will continue to guide him through the remainder of Training Camp.

Neish

Worn Out!

2010-08-07T13:58:00.000-05:00

My Mom and I have been visiting my family in Dallas before we prepare to head back to the northeast. We've had so much fun hanging out and visiting friends and family....but I'm exhausted! We haven't been to bed before 1 am. I just want to get home, get a good night's sleep, and prepare for church in the morning.

I'm excited about the Hall of Fame inductions tonight.....I'm cheering for the running back from "Big D"! Speaking of football....Neish is going to do a guest post soon about her recent trip to training camp. I'm looking forward to having a guest blogger.

So please forgiving me for being absent, I'm going to try to resume regular posts by the end of the week.

Tuned In....But Really Tuned Out!

2010-08-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

For some reason I cannot catch up on The Young and The Restless! I have been watching the show since I was in 6th grade. My Mom has always watched it but I started watching it with my best friend Sheramie. When we were in middle school her mom would tape them during the day and watch them at night. Here it is 14 years later and I'm still watching....but barely! I can't stand some the story lines...I despise some of the new characters....and I it barely keeps my attention now! I find myself watch, trying to catch up and midway through an episode I think of something else that I need to do or browsing the internet while it's playing. Which let's me know it's not as "good" as it used to be. I don't like that fact that they've made so many of the story lines so dark!

Through our Bible Study group we were challenged to take note of the TV shows that we watch that have gay/lesbian characters. Some of our group has even so far as to stop watching the shows...and we've realized that the majority the shows that we all love (Grey's Anatomy, The Good Wife, etc.) have introduced these types of characters! As a Christian I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman....but how do you approach/discern what you watch as entertainment and what you take into your spirit?

I realize that this is one of these "in the world but not of the world" conversations, but it got me thinking. Maybe this is why I can't stay focused long enough to finish an episode of Y&R? Maybe this is why I don't really care for the story lines? I've just reached a point where it's so far out of line with what I believe that subconsciously I just tune it out.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/13/glaad-media-awards-glee-m_n_421387.html

http://www.glaad.org/tvreport

A Week In Pictures Pt. 4

2010-07-28T17:24:00.001-05:00

Sunday afternoon a few of our friends from our old team/couple's Bible study got together to celebrate their baby girl! Everybody else from our group has boys, so I'm super excited that Suzy and Pitt are having a girl....we needed a little pink mixed into the group.

The cutest cake...and the favors in the background!

Some of the decorations...

The head table with the guest book and program....

A.D. - I thought he looked cool with his hat on ;)

The 3 hostesses...Janelle, Steph, and me. I apologize for my appearance, it had been a long week!

The guys with the Mom-to-be....they were playing the "In Her Shoes" game.

All of us prepping to play the "Dress Your Baby" Game

All of the girls : my mom, me, Janelle, Suzy, Steph, and Neish

Snow White and Prince Charming, the Expectant Couple!

A Week In Pictures Pt. 3

2010-07-27T22:40:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday we celebrated the Mister leaving to start his 5th season in the NFL and the upcoming launch of SoSportz.com! It's crazy that it's been 5 years already...I remember when he was a rookie and we are so anxious and excited for everything that we thought would come with "being in the NFL"! I'm so proud of him, he's worked so hard this offseason to come back from his shoulder injury. So much has happened in these 5 years....it's been a whirlwind of good and bad. We've been blessed tremendously and have survived some trials....but by God's grace we're still here. That's why we had to celebrate!

Our Godson, Daylen! Isn't he a cutie!?!? Sorry it's fuzzy...he must have moved!

Neish and Bycie!

Team Guobadia - Joshie, Nathaniel, and Anthony (our little Warrior - Ephesians 6:12)

Treci playing with Bycie! I need to borrow that top!

The Mister and me toasting each other! He looks handsome with his fresh cut!

Treci and Trey minus Little Milton with their Sparkling Grape Juice!

My NFL-BFF and her hubby cheering us on...love them!

Up next....the Baby Pittman's baby shower! Then I'll be all caught up!

A Week in Pictures Pt. 2

2010-07-26T15:49:00.001-05:00

Last week we celebrated my Dad's 51st Birthday! The guys went for a round a golf and the girls just hung out around the house. Later that evening we grilled steaks and had a Baskin-Robbins ice cream cake.

Before they hit the course!

The three of them in action!

A friend that they made while golfing!

The food fresh off the grill!

The birthday boy and Little Milton

The cake....it hit the spot!

My mother in law, me, and my mom

The end of the night!

Up next is the Mister's "Back to Training Camp" party!

A Week In Pictures Pt.1

2010-07-24T11:31:00.001-05:00

I have been M.I.A. for the week because I've had a house full. It's been a lot of fun, but extremely busy. Both sets of parents and a few other guest have been here hanging out and celebrating with us. During the course of the last week we've celebrated my Dad's 51st birthday, hung out, did a little decorating, and celebrated the upcoming launch of the SoSportz site and the Mister going away for the start of his 5th season!

It was sad to see everyone go but as the Mister says, it's "back to the real world." Now I'm sitting here trying to catch up on the blog and The Young and the Restless. I'm always working from a deficit....it's 12 episodes behind! So instead of trying to put it all in 1 post I'll just break it up into a few post over the next few days!

Last Thursday we drove to Huntsville to meet my Grandmother and Uncle to have BBQ! It was so good!

This is what we did most of the time....while everyone else talked and ate!

Neish and Daddy

Nice to see this in a restaurant instead of a deer head....let's know where the owner's stand and they're not ashamed!

Momma and Grandmother chatting over some baked beans and ribs ;)

Next up...my Daddy''s birthday!

Dumas, Texas

2010-07-16T23:56:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to send a big huge shout out to Dumas, Texas tonight! Someone there is a true follower of mine....and I appreciate it so much! Every morning the Mister checks my blog and everyday he tells me that someone in Dumas, Texas is "waiting on you to update"! So thank you so much for checking in on me everyday...it means the world. You inspire me to keep this blog thing going....I'm still struggling to find interesting things to post about! But I'm still trying! ;)

Photo courtesy of Pligg.it

Fish Fry - Play Day!

2010-07-14T22:38:00.001-05:00

Yesterday my mom arrived and today my dad arrived. The house is filling up...and I'm loving it! This morning we slept in late and lounged around for a few hours. She and I sat there for 2 hours watching Paula Dean episodes off of our DVR. Today is the Mister's day off from working out...so we did a little work on putting the finishing touches on the SoSportz site.

Then around 1:30 one of friends came over to visit for a little while! She brought four little guys to play...ages 3 months to 6 years. We had a lot of fun....they bring all of the fun to my laid back/quiet house. I love it when little kids visit. They have so much personality and character...it's so cute! Because my house is not "childproofed" something was bound to be broken. But no one was hurt....so it was a good day! I, of course, was having so much fun playing that I forgot to take pictures of the kids..no worries they'll be back next week!

The Mister and Bryce aka Bycie

Before

After

This afternoon my mom and I went to a cake tasting for a shower that I'm co-hosting. I had been craving Kroger white cake and Haagan-Daaz ice cream all day. Just so happened the bakery had an opening for me to go in and taste the cake! It reminded me of my wedding planning days ;) I'll include a picture of the cake after the shower!

Tonight I planned to fry fish....I'm not a fan of fried food, and especially not fried fish. But the Mister loves it and he doesn't get to eat it often. My mom spoils him.....she always cooks him "Southern" food! I always cook pretty light. So tonight my mom and I broke out the deep fryer and fried up some catfish and tilapia. We made coleslaw and tater tots to go with it!

Monday Madness

2010-07-12T20:21:00.001-05:00

This is what my day/things to do list looked like:

1. Take the Clothes to the Cleaners
2. Take the Recycling
3. Get Vehicle Registration Renewed
4. Send off Compassion kid letter
5. Reserve LaMadeline for baby shower
6. Order baby shower invitations
7. Get Vehicle inspected and serviced
8. Update blog
9. Don't forget Dr.'s appt!
10. Order drapes for master bedroom
11. Get Daddy's B-day gift
12. Take guest room comforter to laundry mat
13. Call Mr. Handyman about window

I started the day with all of this and this is what I crossed off at the end of the day. Tomorrow my mom will be here and she'll take over all of the regular stuff...like planning the meals, doing laundry, and washing dishes. It's so nice to have someone to come in and "take care of me"! Right now I just want to get the list completed so I can get back to sitting on the couch watching The Young and The Restless and eating Pirate's Booty!

All Is Quiet

2010-07-11T00:18:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here on the couch watching shows on my DVR! I'm 10 episodes behind on The Young and the Restless...and I already know that LeBron is going to Miami so no need to watch that now! Tonight is the first time in over a week that I've been able to just sit on the couch, eat Pirate's Booty, and watch all of my trash t.v.

For the past week we've had 2 sets of visitors...first being my God-Sister and her family, and then the Mister's cousin and his girlfriend. When I say it was busy around here....the second group arrived 3 hours after the first group left! So Monday Neish and I washed towels, changed sheets, cleaned bathrooms, and mopped the floors before Narris and Channing got here. I was exhausted!

It's always so much fun to have visitors and entertain! It's just something about knowing that there are other people here to talk to and laugh with. Don't get me wrong...the Mister and I have a lot of fun together; but we love when our family comes to visit. We always order food and get out and about throughout the city.

But I'm going to enjoy this peace and quiet while it lasts because on Tuesday my Mom comes! The best part is that I can turn all of the cooking over to her ;) I love a full house and all of the fun that it brings...but I must say that it's nice to sit here on my couch in this peace and quiet!

I had to throw this one in just for fun...the radio was playing some throwbacks! So we just had a little moment in the car on the way to the mall! Hope you're not embarrassed Narris ;)

Narris, Channing, and Sushi

2010-07-07T10:24:00.001-05:00

The Mister's cousin Narris and his girlfriend Channing came to visit us for a few days. It's so fun showing people around the city. It's make us get up and venture out....the Mister and I are usually home bodies! So last night we went for sushi....or should I say sushi rolls because none of us eats raw sushi!

Channing and Narris right before we left home!

Some of our friends introduced us to sushi and now every time we go out for sushi this where we go!

Mister and me at the restaurant

Our hot rock beef! It was so good...Channing and Narris tried it for the first time and loved it!

Our group shot....my hair looks a mess because I got rained on! Good times, with good people!

P.S. Sorry for my blog hiatus...we've had a lot of company over the holiday weekend! So I'll do a post about our 4th tonight!

Day of Blog Silence for Cohen

2010-07-01T13:47:00.000-05:00

www.inthiswonderfullife.com

2 Years!

2010-06-29T21:58:00.002-05:00

The Mister and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary yesterday! I can't believe that it's been 2 years already....it went really fast ;) He really is my best friend and the best husband that a woman could ever ask for! We started dating in 2004, got engaged in 2006, and were married in 2008. Just the idea that I've spent 6 years of my life hanging out with this guy is just beyond me! ha! If you would have told me in 2004 that in 2010 I would be married... and for 2 years I would have thought you were crazy! It's amazing how God's plan is so much bigger and better than yours ;) We're living proof of that!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Happy Anniversary Mister...."and we lived happily ever after"!

June 28, 2008

June 28, 2009

June 28, 2010

A Week Late, $10 Short

2010-06-27T22:43:00.001-05:00

Last weekend Neish and I took a road trip to the country to visit our Grandmother and our cousins. The country brings back so many memories for us. We used to spend every summer there until I was in high school None of us have ever lived in the country but that's the universal meeting spot for our family.

Leah and Ginny

It's absolutely nothing to do there so you just sit around and eat cornbread, shell peas, hang laundry, and sit out on the porch and talk! So last weekend we went to one of the little mom and pop restaurants to talk and laugh ;)

Neish, Me, and Eric

And because last Sunday was Father's Day and I had to include a picture of my Daddy and us ;)

Uneventful Saturday

2010-06-27T15:20:00.000-05:00

New Design and Our Favorite Things this Summer

2010-06-25T21:38:00.002-05:00

I'm super excited about the new design! Jennisa over at Once Upon A Blog did a fabulous job...so many thanks to her ;) I finally decided to take this blog thing seriously...I'm going to give it a real shot! I've been a blog reader for over 2 years and so many of them are so interesting and entertaining. So this is my second attempt at being a real blogger ;)

"The Interviewer"

To kick off my return to the blog world I asked Lil Sis to interview Mister and me. Our 2nd anniversary is around the corner so in the spirit of celebration and summer, here are our "Favorite Things" for Summer!

"Us"

Neish: What's your favorite summer fruit?

Me: Pineapple...and it has to be ice cold

Mister: Green Grapes

Neish: What's your favorite book this summer?
Me: Having A Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver
Mister: UnCommon Man by Tony Dungy

Neish: What's your favorite t.v. show this summer?
Me: Basketball Wives...a.k.a trash TV
Mister: Good Times...it's good year round

Neish: What's your favorite place to go out?
Me: Town Square and people watch
Mister: Movies

Neish: What's your favorite pastime during the summer?
Me: Eating on the patio....and drinking lemonade
Mister: Grilling and Working Out

Neish: What's your favorite movie this summer?
Me: Sex And The City 2
Mister: Karate Kid

Neish: What's your favorite Wii game?
Me: Just Dance
Mister: Mario Bros.

Neish: What's your favorite food for the summer?
Me: A fresh salad with grilled fish or shrimp
Mister: Anything on the grill

Neish: What's your favorite outfit for the typical summer day?
Me: Maxi dress and sandals
Mister: Anything Jordan

Neish: What's your favorite weekend getaway location for the summer?
Me: Miami
Mister: Miami

Neish: What's been your favorite song this summer?
Me: Unthinkable by Alicia Keys and Israel's the Power of One never goes out of season
Mister: Good Morning by Dirty Money

Neish: Just for the record....Lakers or Celtics?
Me: Celtics...it's sad!
Mister: I had the Celtics

Thanks Neish for helping us out...it was fun we'll have to do it again! What's some of your "favorite" things of the Summer?

Who Doesn't Love Bethenny?!?!

2010-06-24T21:15:00.003-05:00

I'm a sucker for "trash" tv...it's something about reality tv that I can't get enough of! I think it's the fashion, the cat fights, and the fact that it's nothing like my life ;) So like many others, The Real Housewives are among my favorites...and the New York cast happens to be my favorite. They are like a bowl of Haagen-Dazs....I can't get enough and they make me smile when I shouldn't! Shame on me!

I, like so many others, thinks Bethenny is just hilarious and reminds me of myself in so many ways. Her gruff exterior, soft interior, and off the cuff comedy is just so me! In a nut shell...I love her! So of course I ventured over to her website to check out some of her recipes...and there it was....the Frittata from Bethenny Getting Married? that she cooked for her in laws.

So in typical Elisia style I had to try it out...and here's what I got!

I used ham, spinach, tomatoes, and onions; and I paired it with some fresh fruit and a glass of apple juice. It was so easy and yummy!

Try it out....it makes for a great start to your morning ;)

Drew's Party

2010-06-23T09:17:00.002-05:00

A few weekends ago my sister and I made a trip to Dallas for a special little guy's birthday party. Drew is our little god-brother and he and his brother are like our little brothers since we don't have boys in our family. I never put up the pictures from all of the fun. Now I have a moment to catch up the blog and organize our electronics (Ipods and digital cameras). Here we go!

My sister being silly! We almost got lost on the way to the party because we're so dependent upon our good friend "Nuvi". That GPS takes me everywhere....especially when we're away at our temporary home. The "Nuvi" had us driving on some road and then all of a sudden she had no idea where we were. It's because they've built new roads and re-routed roads all around the stadium and "Nuvi" must be the last one to know!

A glimpse of the stadium! I had to pull over to a Jack in the Box that was right across the street just to get a drink before we got there. I was dying of thirst and I didn't want to be that adult who goes in the kids party and eats all of the food! ha!

The birthday boy and his older brother! I can't believe that he's 5! It's seems like yesterday that I was holding a chubby little baby with no teeth on Thanksgiving. He was born the summer before my senior year in college....how old am I! It just doesn't seem like he should be 5 and I remember college like it was last year.

What the stadium looks like from a suite. Talk about some excited kids...you would have thought it was game time! The Cowboys were having an open practice for fans on the day of the party and there were quite a few fans there taking tours and watching.

Happy Birthday Drew! That screen is huge...I wasn't impressed by it until we went down on the field and I looked up.

Another hit among the party goers! Just to see their lockers, where they sweat, bathe, and keep their "personals" was like seeing an exhibit in a museum. I actually thought it would be disgusting...but they keep it clean. It helps that it's the offseason and the team isn't using it right now.

The cake...my favorite part of the party! Talk about good....and they had vanilla ice cream to go with it! I'm not a fan of fancy cakes, just good ole fashioned store bought vanilla cake with butter cream icing. It makes me feel good inside ;)

I had to add this picture just because it was the cutest thing! The birthday boy with his Daddy....so so sweet! It's nothing better than a little boy who just loves and admires their dad. And this pair are so special. I hope that if I have sons one day that they will love and admire my Mister as much as this little guy and his brother do their dad.

Summer!

2010-06-22T22:36:00.002-05:00

Summer can officially begin because the Mister is home for a few weeks! Which means we can get in some grilling, yard work, and a few family visits. This should be an exciting summer...it will definitely be busy. I worked on our family calendar and for the next 5 weeks we will have visitors! With Training Camp starting the last week of July, I have a lot to stuff in the next few weeks. Which should be lots of fun! Please forgive me for not including pictures...things have been chaotic so here's a rundown of some blogs that I have on deck (and I'll be sure to include pictures;) :

1. My Dad (Father's Day tribute)
2. Babysitting Bryce
3. New Blog Design
4. 2nd Anniversary
5. Guest Blog (The Mister)

So excited...that Jennisa over at Once Upon A Blog (she really is the best!) is redesigning the site and I can officially "relaunch" this blog campaign! This time I'm going to take it seriously (not really) but really have fun with it. Hang on for this ride the world calls the summer and I call vacation before the start of football season!

It's Hot!

2010-06-17T10:21:00.002-05:00

I typically love all of the seasons! I really believe that there is something to enjoy in every season. Last fall the Mister and I went Apple Picking for the first time...and fall always means football season!

There's something about the winter that I absolutely love! It has to be the holidays, hot chocolate, wearing coats and snow boats, and of course the snow!

Then when Spring has finally sprung I'm always anxious to get some pretty flowers for our back yard. I love a good trip to Home Depot and Container Store for Spring Cleaning ;)

By the time it's warmed up for Summer and I'm feeling swimsuit ready, it's already to hot here in Texas to do much of anything during the day! So I wait around indoors until the evening for a nice walk/run but the air is so thick!

So here it is on June 17 that I am so looking forward to days like these! Where I can put on my hat and scarf and stop through Dunkin Donuts for a nice cup of hot chocolate on my way to a playoff game in early January! Don't laugh...I'm just trying to cool off here...I mean it's already 86 degrees at 10:05 a.m. So just bare with me these next few months....I won't rush your summer! Hope you're enjoying it...I'm just trying to stay cool!

Tired and Crazy

2010-06-13T22:44:00.001-05:00

This weekend was lots of fun but I'm exhausted! My sister and I went to Dallas for our little God brother's birthday party and to hang out with some friends and family. It's always so hard for us to visit Dallas because there are so many people we would like to see, but there's never enough time. Between friends and family we always miss seeing someone.We leave super "whooped" from staying up so late just hanging out and talking! But it's so much fun ;)

Usually sometime during the off season the Mister and I make a trip to Dallas just to hang out and we still don't see everyone. This past off season we stopped through there on our way home from Memphis (yes, we drove!) but ironically it was Drew's older brother's birthday weekend.

So, Friday Neish and I ventured out and sat in good old Houston traffic as we traveled up I-45 North. The trek from Houston to Dallas is usually 4 hours door to door, but we never make it on time. On the way we always stop in the country to visit our Grandmother. We got to the country at 6:30 just in time to eat dinner with her. Thank goodness her little city is right off the freeway and not way back in the woods!

Friday night after dinner with her flew to Dallas to see my best friend Sheramie and her new little guy Jaxon. I was so excited to meet him and he's sooo cute! Unfortunately I forgot to take any pictures...I had no idea were the camera was in the car! We just sat and talked and laughed...it was so much fun. Sheramie's little sister Whitney is the same age as my sister and we've known them for 15 years! I can't believe it's been that long. Neish and I didn't leave there until 1:30 a.m.

Then Saturday was the day of the party and we were already exhausted and the excitement hadn't even started. This was Drew's 5th birthday and his party was at Cowboys' Stadium! He's a huge football fan...and I can't blame him ;) A little guy after my own heart! At 2:45 all of his guys started arriving along with thousands of Cowboy fans. The exciting part was the Cowboys were actually having an open practice. So we toured the stadium, ate pizza and cake, and watched practice from a suite and on the field. Talk about a 5 year old Cowboy fan's dream! It was a lot of fun...and it lasted for 5 hours. When we got back to the hotel I fell out!

This morning Neish and I met our cousin Brandi for brunch at a Dallas favorite, Breadwinners. It was really nice to catch up with her. We haven't seen her since December...so it was fun just to chat with her over blueberry muffins and orange juice. It was so hot in Dallas I felt like my moisturizer was melting like butter on my face. By the time we were done having our girl talk it was 2 and Neish and I needed to hit the road.

We are so happy to be home again! We had so much fun over the weekend but we're exhausted! I wanted to get this out...and I'll add pics from the weekend in the morning. Getting super excited that my boo is coming home soon ;) Hope you had a fabulous weekend as well!

Home Is Where The Heart Is

2010-06-08T13:59:00.001-05:00

I'm so glad to be home! Having been gone for 10 days just the smell of my sheets brings a smile to my face. Home represents a place of peace, quiet, and lots of happiness. Although we only spend a few months here I never forget all of the joy that it brings.

I miss my love so much! With our anniversary coming soon it was really sad to say goodbye. We really are best friends and to be apart for an extended period of time makes us both really sad. Both he and I can function, but we truly enjoy each other's company.

Being home brings a certain amount of hustle and bustle! Where our temporary home is far less fast paced, partly because it's still rather new to us. So today I resume my "Houston life" as my Mama calls it. A schedule that consists of a Women's Bible Study, boot camp, pilates, road trips throughout Texas, and just hanging out! I better enjoy because only a few more weeks before the Mr. returns and our summer kicks in to full swing. Lots of visitors are coming our way this July before Training Camp at the end of July ;)

Sprinkles on Sunday

2010-06-06T19:39:00.001-05:00

It has sprinkled here literally all day long! Talk about staying inside, curling up on a couch, and reading a nice book...to bad I had to get out. The hubs and I participated in a Walk for Cancer at Franklin Park here in Boston. We really enjoyed it, despite the constant drizzle. I always thought that in order to get a good workout you had to have a nice jog going. Boy was I surprised...we had a nice pace going with our walk and my calf muscles are going to feel it tomorrow. Those 2.7 miles started feeling like a journey by the time we hit the 2 mile mark.

We got home around 2 and I grabbed some leftovers for lunch. Then I spent 3 hours working on blog designs and catching up on some shows on the DVR. Speaking of shows....talk about behind! I don't know that I finished any show this season. Meaning I didn't see every episode...how pathetic! Usually I follow Greys, Private Practice, and Mad Men. I fell for a lot of the reality shows and "gossip" shows (i.e. Basketball Wives, Keeping Up With The Jones, etc). Now I have to rely on itunes and reruns this summer to catch up.

Tomorrow I head back to Houston for awhile...so sad! I'm going to miss my boo...but it won't be long before he's home again (temporarily). He'll be there just in time for our 2nd anniversary...how exciting! I dread security at major airports...and Boston Logan is no different. So wish me luck and safe travels.

Please say a prayer for my friend's son Anthony he has a tumor at the base of his brain and spinal cord and some complications from it caused him to lose his sight. His doctor's don't expect him to regain his sight but we believe Jesus is his healer! John 9 says so!

Have a fabulous week, I intend too!