Lately

Yesterday was my follow up with my doctor and she took my bandages off and my stitches have healed well!  We still have one more procedure to go through called an HSG that I have to have done in two months; it doesn't sound all that pleasant.  I am willing though to make sure that we don't wind up in surgery again due to the same circumstances.  If the HSG doesn't show what they want it to, then we have one more option with IVF; therefore I am praying that the HSG results are GREAT when they do it!

Until then I have my second semester of Grad school starting next month, Christmas this weekend with my hubby's family and mine, and my sweet MIL's b-day dinner tonight in Macon.  We are hitting up the local Bonefish; we LOVE the bang-bang shrimp.  I am remembering to count my blessing of which I have many and to remember that everything happens in God's time, not mine.  The pugs are excited to be traveling as well to see all of their fur-cousins in Gray...this will be our Priscilla Pug's 1st Christmas! 

This was Porter Pug last Christmas - It amazes me how much older he looks now-Time flies!

Merry Christmas and safe travels to everyone!!!
XOXO-T

Emotions

I am writing these past few posts in hopes that I can look back on them a few weeks, months, or even years from now and go WOW...things got better and it really did turn out okay.  I know I said on here before that I wasn't going to go into what my surgery involved; but I will say it was emergency surgery, it had to be done, and that it was painful both physically and emotionally.

I feel selfish and sometimes stupid for struggling with my emotions to the extent that I have, but the Mr. and I had been trying for months to achieve what we did, and when it finally happened it felt like it was snatched away before we even really had gotten used to the idea and the excitement.  I feel like a horrible, awful, no-good person when I see people out and about w/ beautiful little babies or those moms-to-be that are so excited; and well, I just can't bring myself to be excited for them...I wish it was us.  I pray it will be us.  In Church this morning I prayed again that God will continually heal my heart and the Mr.'s and that we will again be blessed.  I continually pray to remember that everything happens for a reason and that there is a purpose, time, and place for everything.

Sorry if this is depressing or randomly rambling, but it's helping me right now...

XO-T

Small Things

It is the small things to me this week...I managed to do laundry, drive my car for the first time in a week, pick up Priscilla Pug, clean the shower, and cook dinner.  My sweet, patient hubby will be so happy when he gets home!

We are not even close to being ready for Christmas this year, but the majority of our shopping is done (mom and I did it the day I found out from the doctor for sure I had to have surgery - YES, I'm OCD like that!).  We are having no family Christmas party this year due to it usually being at our house (and lets face it-this lady is down and out right now!), so we are doing Mexican tomorrow night instead.  Nothing says the holidays like chips, salsa, and margaritas, right?!

"that though the radiance which once shine so bright

be forever taken from my sight

thou nothing can restore the hour

of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower

i will grieve not but find strength in what remains behind"

--william wordsworth
Have a blessed weekend!
XO-T.

Recovering...

I had my surgery early Saturday morning at Doctors Hospital...I have to say it never ceases to amaze me how truly blessed P. and I are with such wonderful family and friends.  My family was all there as was P.'s parents and we have had so many sweet family and friends bring us food and calling to see if we need anything and if we are doing okay...again, so blessed!!! 

The surgery brought more pain than I anticipated it would...not just physical pain, but emotional pain as well.  P. said last night that it hit him that we had a loss...One that will stick with us forever.  I won't go into specifics on this blog because I would just like to keep some things private...Mainly just our families and a few very close friends know what happened, but it has been hard this past week for us.  Without our faith, love, support, and prayers we would not have gotten through all of this...

I am also so blessed to have had such wonderful care at the hospital from Dr.'s Tidwell and Dorchak as well as all of the wonderful nurses, etc...Now on to healing.  My poor hubby has to help me stand up, sit down, get dressed, etc...Lots and lots of bonding time for the two of us! 

Hope everyone is having a blessed week...
XOXO-T

Surgery...

I am having surgery this morning and needless to say...I'm terrified.  I am terrified of being put to sleep, terrified of complications, and just terrified in general.  Strangely, I haven't thought all that much about the pain afterwards, just what this surgery means to our little family and how emotional and sad/scared I am. 

If anyone reads this, prayers, please.  I pray for any other women out there that have to have this particular surgery as well.  It is heartbreaking and terrifying. 

I am putting my trust in the Lord that he will please watch over me and my family today.

Off to the hospital we go...At 6:30am!

Terrified,
T.

Getting Stronger...

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

Psalm 139:13-16 ESV

Still Praying...

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will give you strength, I will bring you help, I will uphold you with the right hand of my justice. (Isaiah41:10)

I am trying to remember these words this week...This has been a sad and trying week for our little family...Praying for stronger days ahead.

Prayers, Please

Can't say what for, but prayers, please for me tomorrow...Hope everyone has had a blessed and wonderful weekend and Sunday...

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."- Romans 15:13.

image

Fire in the Office - Literally!

We had a fire in our office this morning.  Yes, our home office, as in right here in our house.  It freaks me out to no extent...It was not major and nobody was hurt...The only casualty was the table cover that was on the table where it started...and the paint on the wall...and my nerves. 

P. had just left for work and I was in the kitchen cleaning the coffee maker...Just normal routine stuff...When Priscilla Pug started sort of barking/howling.  The pugs are in the office...that is their room, so imagine my panic when I walk in and see flames and smoke with my precious babies right in there with it!  I panicked and threw water on the fire...NOT smart, my friends.  It only shot up higher.  It started from a Slatkin Candle from Bath and Body Works and flames started shooting up from the candle as the candle had sort of imploded and caught on fire if that makes sense...Imagine the glass cracking and the candle sort of bursting/melting/flaming there on the end table. 

Needless to say I remembered our fire extinguisher and utilized it...It is MESSY!  However, it did the job and our room/house was salvaged!  So blessed it wasn't worse or that I wasn't in the shower, or whatever...I can't count the times I have lit a candle and just walked off...never again.

Lesson of the Day - Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the house!
XOXO-TB

Boots for Sale

I recently bought a pair of boots that I just loved, but I got them a half size too big.  :(  I was hoping thick socks would make them work, but after a failed attempt, I think I have to part with these!

They are Coconuts by Matisse "Thornbird" boots...They are the tan color in a 7.5...Please message me on here or e-mail to tlk411@aol.com if interested.  Asking $75 as they have only been worn once...Still have box as well.

Very comfy and very pretty in suede...just too big for me!

XOXO-Tarin

Loaded Baked Potato Soup - Crock Pot Girls

My mama has been raving about this website called Crock Pot Girls (crockpotgirls.com).  She has tried a BUNCH of their recipes and reports back that they are all delicious and oh-so yummy.  Some other friends have said the same thing...I checked out their website and I want to try this recipe!  I LOVE Loaded Potato Soup and will be making this yummy recipe this week!  Check out their website...really neat recipes and easy to do!

Thankful and Coming Soon...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I am so blessed and thankful to know I have a God that loves me, a wonderful husband, two sweet (although bad) pugs, and a family that are both here with me and gone that have blessed my life in so many ways...Thankful for all of that today.

Coming Soon is the recipe for this Chocolate Candy Cake that my Grandmommy Kite always had for Thanksgiving and Christmas...It is so sinfully good...Pictures don't do it justice...trust me.

Pinning

I am a confessed pinning addict...I think I could pin away all day!  I made a Christmas board today of things I love for Christmas...We are decorating our house today and tomorrow, and I'm trying to get inspired/motivated!

I pinned this last picture twice by accident...I suppose I really liked it?  I love dark colors with soft lighting...Not one for the all white thing...which surprisingly our master bedroom is a dark chocolate w/ all white bedding...Hope these get me inspired and ready to make my house beautiful for Christmas...

XOXO-TB

all images via Pinterest

What Your Drink Says About You...

I saw this on another blog and had to share...TOO Funny...and I need funny today! I found it funny becuase I normally like whiskey, but I also love a filthy martini and a glass of red or white wine...All very different!

What you order on a date can definitely send a signal, whether or not it's one you're conscious of. Sure, the list below is mainly full of generalizations, but there's some truth to every stereotype...
Martini: If you're a guy, you're trying to impress (and it's probably working). If you're a girl drinking a dirty martini, you're a hot mess: the dirtier, the messier, the hotter.
Vodka on the Rocks: Too self-conscious to actually order a martini.
White Russian: Obsessed with The Big Lebowski, and probably The Daily Show. Or, you just like to drink dessert.
Bud Light: You're easy going, laid back, and at home at a sports bar. If you're a girl, you know how to hang with the guys.
Stella Artois: You have no particular knowledge or affinity towards beer so you just order "Stella" cause it's familiar.
Lillet/Campari/Aperol: You're twee, and possibly like to throw around words like "mixology."
Vodka Cranberry: When in doubt, you stick to what you drank in college.
White Wine: You're definitely a woman. You're possibly a little uptight.
Prosecco: You're often a little uptight, but tonight you're looking to party.
Whiskey, neat: You're hot. Regardless of gender.
Jager: Secretly wishing you were hanging out with your buddies.
Vodka Gimlet: You're a huge dork, but you hope sort of in a cool way?
Appletini: You've left the kids with a sitter and you're ready to have fun!
Pimm's Cup: You're an Anglophile.
Old-Fashioned: Mad Men is your favorite show: you either want to be, or have sex with, Don Draper.
Margarita, on the rocks: You've decided to have a good time tonight.
Margarita, frozen: You're in Cabo.

PBR: You're drinking quickly on your way to a non-profit fundraiser, followed by a poetry reading in a former industrial warehouse.
Tequila Shots: You're either getting laid, or just getting through it.
Long Island Iced Tea: You have a drinking problem.
A beer, while at a Cocktail Bar: Overprotective of your manhood or unadventurous.
A cocktail, while at a dive bar: Insufferable.


http://www.howaboutwe.com/date-report/1549-what-your-drink-says-about-you

My Aunt Pam

We have had a hard couple of months/weeks in my family...They say when it rains, it pours...and "they" are often correct.  Yesterday morning we lost one of the most special women I've ever had in my life...My mom's older sister...My Aunt Pam.  Words cannot express how much we are all missing her and what a special place she had and will always have in our hearts.  My cousin said it well this morning when she said, "we miss you already..."...she taught us how to pull weeds, tease Uncle Chuck (put bows in his hair), play UNO and Yahtzee, and most of all for me...My love of animals. 

My heart hurts for my mother, grandmother, Aunt V., and Uncle Chuck...I can't even imagine how hard this must be for all of them.  I said this morning that I am thankful for God's grace that we had the time that we did with her, and I pray that she is at peace now and in Heaven with our Big Daddy, her dad that passed on years back. 

Here are some photos of a very special lady...We love you and miss you always, Aunt Pam.

Christmas two years ago...Uncle Chuck and Aunt Pam

Aunt Pam, Maggi, Me, Penny, and Austin...Easter Sunday when we were little

I wish I had more photos on the computer....we have so many with her holding us and there for us on all the special occasions throughout our lives...We love you, Aunt Pam!

  

Gallbladder

I have been feeling sort of yucky lately, and this morning it hit me really hard around 8am.  I was at the house doing laundry and making beds, etc, and wham...sharp, sharp pains in my right side.  I though oh gosh...the usual things, but it didn't go away and was getting worse.  Long story short...I went to the doctor and had blood work (again, ick), etc. and it looks as if I have some gallbladder issues.  I am going back Monday for an ultrasound and will know more...praying I make it until Monday morning w/out getting worse and having to go to the ER.  If anyone reads this, please pray for me to have an okay report...no throwing up, sharp pains, or sickness...I would be so grateful. 

Hope everyone else has a blessed weekend...XOXO and Be Blessed :)

Thanksgiving Weekend - GA vs. GA Tech

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and with that comes a fun football weekend for anyone that is a Georgia fan...Like my husband!   Sooo...with that comes a fun weekend trip to HOT-lanta for the game.  I of course could care less about the game and are more excited about the hotel, eating out in fun places, and of couse...What I'm going to wear all weekend!  Is that sad and superficial of me?  Maybe...But I'm not too worried...He has a deep love for football and I have a deep love for fashion, food, and travel.  :)  The only sad part is that we can't take the puppies!  We are eating dinner with my family Thanksgiving day, and then Friday morning we are dropping the fur-babies at the vet and hitting the road!  We are staying at this lovely place...The Ellis Hotel...First time stying here...Will report back if it's worth the hype!

Then the next day is Game Day!  We don't usually wind up going to the game...even when we have tickets...SAD right?!  We tailgate at The Varsity, which is super fun b/c lets face it, the food is to die for (even though it's bad for the arteries!) and then we go watch the game at a super fun Sports Bar called Stats...They have tables with their own beer taps...Neat if you like beer I guess?

Then on Sunday I am hoping I can convince my sweet hubby to go shopping with me at Lenox!  I will just happen to stroll by the Louis store if so! ;)  Then we are going to the Aquarium which we have never been to and are SO excited to visit, and then to the Coca Cola place next door becuase I think it's neat (hubby not so much!)...AND  drumroll...My FAVORITE pizza place ever on the way home...California Pizza Kitchen!  It's amazing...Enough said! :)

We have a full weekend coming up...I need to start planning outfits now so I don't overpack!
XOXO-Happy Hump Day!
images via bing.com

Closet Cleaning

I am cleaning out my closet...I do this about every six months, but this time I'm being brutal...NO MORE holding on to stuff b/c I have a sentimental attachment to it...If I don't fit into it or don't like it/haven't worn it in forever...OUT it went!  I wound up taking 6 bags of clothes/shoes to Goodwill Sunday with the Hubby. 

The only thing I kept was the outfit I had on when I met my husband and the outfit I had on when we got engaged...I haven't worn either outfit since those occasions, but they are too special to toss! :)

I got the cleaning bug and found a fitting Pin on Pinterest...

Do others clean their closets like this...Or am I the only OCD that has to have it just so?

XOXO - Happy Monday!!

English Bulldog Puppy for Sale - PRECIOUS!

We have friends that have an English Bulldog puppy still for sale...They had a litter back in September, and all of the babies have sold except for (in my opinion) the CUTEST one!  He is just precious...He has one little freckle on his forehead and the sweetest temperament ever!  Here is a pic of said precious Bully...

This photo was taken last night...11/2/11

He is an NKC registered English Bulldog...If anyone sees this and is interested please leave a comment on the blog and I will let the owners know...it is a friend and she has more photos to view on her Facebook as well as an ad in the AJC...

Baby Brother is 18!

This sounds so crazy and makes me feel old, but my baby brother is no longer a "baby", but will be 18 years old on Tuesday!  Here are some pics of him through the past up to last night where we went and had his b-day dinner a little bit early being it falls during the week this year.  I love S. so much and am so proud of how much he's accomplished already...Such a proud sister!

S. on the left and me on the right as babies

S. pitching for Glenwood a couple of years ago.

Myself and S. at Glenwood's National Honor Society Inductions.

S. in a photo from Micah Riley Photography this past Summer.

S., his girlfriend, and his best friend at dinner last night - Happy 18th!!

Lumps, Bumps, and Favorites Right Now

So I have this lump/bump on the base of my neck right near my spine...It has been bothering me since June and it has just become really noticeable and sort of painful.  I went to the doctor yesterday and he told me it is a fatty tissue cell lump from what he could tell and referred to it as "buffalo hump".  I am apparently young to have this, etc...

Next week I am going to go have blood work done, b/c lets face it...I am a scaredy cat and terrified of needles, so its been 3 YEARS since I've had blood work done.  I am scared and I hope that this lump/bump is nothing and no big deal...Here is hoping and praying.  I know this seems so trivial compared to what some people go through, but I don't like any foreign lumps/bumps on my body! :)

Praying blood work and everything comes back fine next week.  They are going to check me for thyroid, etc...Mama has a family history, so maybe this is all it is!  I would just like to feel better and have my energy back...

In the mean time...I have discovered Sally Hanson "Tyin the Knot" color nail polish...LOVE!  Such a pretty gun-metal gray.  Also...My husbands beloved lime water...He adores it! :)

Priscilla - Pug Hoarder

Our new baby pug, Priscilla, is shown below in a video I took of her this afternoon while I was working on my research proposal.  I had all of my stuff on the dining room table and had given her and our other pug, Porter, a pig ear each to chew on so they would "behave" while I worked.  No such luck...This is what Miss Priss does with hers...she WILL NOT eat it, but searches for random places to hide hers, and then steals Port's and eats his...Total female, this one! :)

 I have yet to find where she put it, and we are not finding her pig ears in random spots around the house...I have not idea how to make her stop, but it's pretty funny in the mean time!

XOXO
Tarin

Versace=Best Hubby EVER

I kept telling the hubby I needed new sunglasses b/c mine were Tarjay brand and my eyes were hurting the more I was in the sun, driving, etc....I really wanted some nice polarized sunglasses, preferably w/ cat eyes. 

So, to the mall we went...I am now the proud owner of these beauties :)

The picture doesn't do them justice...perfection if you have a round face like mine!  Sunglasshut.com has them too I believe...
Happy Saturday and RTR!
XOXO

MUST Have Boots

I am currently avoiding doing work on a presentation I have tomorrow night, and what else am I doing...Shopping online and watching Pretty Little Liars Halloween episode whilst snuggling with the Pug babies :). 

I found a pair of boots that Pursona in Columbus had last year, and every time I see photos from the BD, all of the girls have them on!  I am literally kicking myself for not getting a pair last year b/c the color goes with everything and they look to-die-for on!  They are from BC Footwear and are the "In the Mood" boot in Mushroom.  I got this photo from revolveclothing.com, but they are Out of Stock! :(

Stalking these lovelies now for a size 7...

Wedding Party Etiquette-Ethridge Wedding Week

The hubby and I are both in a wedding for his cousin and his soon-to-be Mrs. this up-coming weekend.  All of the wedding goings-on the past 10 months for our families has brought back to mind all of the duties, monies, and etiquette rules that I had put on the back burner the past three years since the Mr. and I got married.  Here are a few etiquette brush-ups from emilypost.com for those that are part of the wedding party.  Wishing a happy wedding week to the future Mr. & Mrs. D.A. Ethridge!!

Attendants

Being asked to be a member of the wedding party is an honor. As an attendant, whether you are a bridesmaid or groomsman, you have been chosen to be a loving, supportive witness to the couple's marriage.

Many questions may arise when you accept your role in the wedding party.

•What if you can't afford the associated expenses?

•Can you back out once you've agreed to be an attendant?

•Must bridesmaids throw a shower?

For answers to these and other related questions, check out the Wedding Etiquette section of the Etipedia.

Although attendants' duties will vary based on the size and style of the event, here is a brief overview of certain tasks common to most weddings.

Typical Responsibilities of Attendants

•Pay for their wedding attire and accessories (excluding flowers).

•Arrange and pay for their own transportation. (Wedding hosts should provide the accommodations.)

•Be timely and communicative regarding travel arrangements and acquiring attire.

•Understand the specific duties involved (see below).

•Arrive at specified times for all wedding-related events.

•Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner; attend other pre-wedding events when feasible.

•Give an individual wedding gift to the couple, or contribute to a group gift from all the attendants.

•Assist the bride and groom whenever possible.

•Be attentive to other guests at the wedding and reception.

Specific Duties

Maid or Matron of Honor

•Helps the bride select the bridesmaids' attire.

•Organizes the bridesmaids' gift to the bride.

•Makes sure bridesmaids have their attire.

•Holds the groom's wedding ring and the bride's bouquet during the ceremony.

•Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate.

•Stands in the receiving line, if there is one.

•Helps the bride during the reception (gathering guests for the cake cutting, dancing, the bouquet toss).

•Helps the bride change into her going-away clothes, and takes care of the bride's wedding dress and accessories after the reception.

Nice, but optional

•Helps address invitations and place cards.

•Assists in hosting or organizing a pre-wedding party, if the bridesmaids decide to have one.

Bridesmaids

•Attend the bridesmaids' luncheon, if there is one.

•Supervise flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s) if asked.

•Assist the bride at the reception as requested.

•Participate in activities such as a receiving line and a bouquet toss.

•Contribute to the bridesmaids’ gift to the bride.

Nice, but optional

•Host a shower, bridesmaids’ luncheon, bachelorette, or other pre-wedding party or get-together.

Best Man

•Coordinates the groomsmen and ushers' gift to the groom.

•Organizes the bachelor party for the groom, if there is one.

•Makes sure that the groom's wedding-related payments are prepared; delivers prearranged payments to officiants, assistants, musicians, and singers at the ceremony.

•Sees that the groomsmen and ushers arrive on time and are properly attired.

•Instructs the ushers in the correct seating of guests.

•Keeps the bride's wedding ring during the ceremony.

•Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate.

•Drives the bride and groom to the reception if there's no hired driver; has the car ready for the couple to leave after the reception and may drive them to their next destination.

•Offers a toast to the bride and groom at the reception; dances with the bride, the mothers, the maid of honor, and other single female guests.

•Gathers and takes care of the groom's wedding clothes (returning rental items on the next business day).

Groomsmen and Ushers

•Attend the bachelor party, if there is one.

•Contribute to the ushers' gift to the groom.

•Lay the aisle runner, if one is used, before the processional.

•Greet guests and escort them to their seats.

•Know the seating order; review special seating arrangements prior to the ceremony.

•Hand each guest a program, if programs are provided.

•Remove pew ribbons, close windows, re-roll the aisle runner, retrieve any programs or articles left behind after the ceremony.

•Help guests who need directions to the reception site.

•Be on hand to assist any guests who are infirm or disabled.

•Dance with the bride, the mothers, the bridesmaids, and other single female guests.

•Coordinate the return of rental clothing with the head usher or best man.

Fall Television-Pan Am

The hubby and I love us some snuggling on the sofa w/ the pugs and a glass of vino...Especially during the Fall when all of the great shows come on!  I am in love with some of the new ones this Fall...Especially Pan Am!  I always told Mama that I was born in the wrong era...I should have been a child of the 50s or 60s...LOVE the hair, clothes, cars, and music from that time, and this show has all of that!  I hope this show is around for a while...Loved the pilot episode...Here are some photos from abc.com from last night's episode...

one of the stewardesses with a copy of Life magazine...How glam are those outfits?!

Love the pillbox type hats!

Glenwood Homecoming 2011

My brother and his girlfriend, Madison, went to Glenwood's Homecoming dance tonight...we met all of the other Juniors down at the River Walk tonight to take pics of everyone...Things are so different than when I was in high school!  We wore long evening gowns with full on hair/makeup....we went all out, ladies!

These girls looked just as gorgeous...just more modern with their short dresses and super duper high heels (love!)...

Maddy looked beautiful...And i guess the goofy kid brother looked pretty handsome as well (although he refused to wear the khakis and bow tie like I wanted...rebel that he is he wore black pants! :(  ). 

Here are some pics...

Stewart and Madison-wish I had gotten close up of her nails...super fierce w/ black and multi colored glitter...SO awesome!

One of the groups - all Juniors I think?

Juniors - close group of friends...My poor mother has to host this group + 20 @ her house after the dance!

Bible Verse and Baby Pug

Whatever is noble, bright, pure, and lovely...Think on these things.  Philippians 4:8

Just a picture to go along with this Bible verse...Here is Prissy pug's new sibling that was born just days ago...Still pure and lovely and so sweet!

How adorable are baby Pugs...especially the solid black ones!  We were so  blessed to find sweet Prissy and her breeder...a very sweet military family in our area...they were wonderful and raised a sweet girl.  This tiny baby is from Prissy's mom's newest litter...

Fall, Y'all

These are some pictures that I found via pinterest...They are all soooo pretty and all about the beautiful visuals that fall brings.  I can't wait for crisp and cool weather like we've had this morning.  I took my coffee outside with the pugs this morning and just watched them run, jump, and play...They thoroughly enjoy cooler temps as well :). 

We have a big family wedding coming up in less than a month that P and I are both in...exciting stuff :).  I can't wait to see how the future Mrs. Ethridge decorates everything...should be pretty w/ all the fall colors and pumpkins, etc. 

We are doing chili tonight at mama and daddy's house and watching some football...I don't think either of our teams are televised, but we will have fun watching the others...RTR and GO Dawgs!

Blogging, Picture, and an Update

I read a post the other day about blogging rules/by-lines for people to go by...Say what?!  I thought the whole purpose of blogging was to write about and share exactly what you feel like..nothing more, and nothing less...I don't care how many followers I have, or if I don't have the most blinged out headers, etc...I do this to type my feelings out and vent, share, and mellow for just a second or two by having sat here and shared something that was on my mind or that I was excited, saddened, etc. by...

It's not always grammatically correct, pretty, etc...but it's my thoughts and my life.  :)

My favorite blogs to read are the ones that don't post that silly stuff but the real, pretty, interesting, and entertaining stuff...Yes...I do love FLUFF :)  Sometime we all need fluff...even if its in the form of blogger :)

Switching Gears....This is a photo of me, Nana, and my Aunt Pam at Christmas time.  This is my aunt that has been so sick.  She is now home from Emory and is at home resting and healing.  Praise the Lord for answered prayers...

Have a blessed TGIAF (Thank goodness its almost Friday!)
XOXO
TB

Monday Pretty

I saw this photo and it is just so pretty and simple...I needed to see pretty this morning...The pug bit my finger last night and it is now SWOLLEN up...hubby doesn't seem worried, but then it's not his finger that looks like a stack of marshmallows. :)

Hoping the swelling goes down, and in the mean time...here's a Monday Pretty Photo...If only I could make my eyelashes look like that...only w/ false lashes! ;)

Hospitals

I have not posted any photos or updates from our SSI trip, because the day we got back we were unpacking, cleaning up, and sleeping...Until the midnight phone call...

I always keep my cell phone beside the bed so in case something happens, someone can reach me.  Mom called to tell us that her older sister, my Aunt Pam, was in ICU at St. Francis.  She was upset and crying and asked me to come, so I jumped up and got dressed and met her and my family at the hospital...all 15 of us.  We are a big family and we love each other and are very protective of one another...

The doctor told us she might not make it thru the night...we all prayed and stayed there till 6am the next morning when we knew she pulled through...I went home and slept for a few hours and came back up there b/c they were going to transfer her to Emory where they were equipped to do the surgery she needed...massive tears all thru her aorta.  We cleaned her house for the past two days and got it ready for them to come home, and the great news is she gets to come home today, thank goodness!

Praying for her safe recovery...

St Simons Island, Georgia

This is where we are headed...

It is SO beautiful in St. Simons and the hubby and I joke that as soon as you cross the bridge you are then on "Island Time" and everything seems to move slower...No joke, it really does! :)  We go EVERY year with his whole fam...cousins, aunts, uncles and everything, and we pile into one house together.  Chaos, but we love it! :)  The only thing I will miss terribly back home is Prissy & Porter Pug.  Prissy has her little ladies surgery this morning and I am so worried over her...praying she does just fine.  :)

Happy Labor Day Weekend....Here's to the end of Summer (and wearing white :(  )



2 Songs & 1 Picture

2 Songs

1.  Into the Mystic - Van Morrison...I am obsessed with this song...begged the hubby to dance to it @ our wedding, but we wound up using it for the dance where I was with his dad and he was with my mom.  FAVORITE. SONG. EVER.

2.  Everything - Lifehouse...this was the first song that the Mr. and I danced to...and it was just a simple dance in the middle of the living room.  We think of it as "our song".  So pretty...

The song was on this album called "No Name Face".

1 Picture

This is a picture of the Mr. in I in Destin...we had JUST gotten engaged an hour before hand.  We went here to eat and called everyone from the table during dinner already making wedding plans! :)

5 Foods, 4 Books, and 3 Films

5 Foods

1. Pizza (thin and crispy crust, yes please!)
2. Pasta w/ spicy marinara sauce
3. Sushi
4. Mom's mac and cheese
5. Twizzlers (the tropical flavored ones - which I can no longer have thanks to TMJ)

4 Books

1. True Blood books...yes there is quite a few, but they are all essential if you watch the show! :)
2. Flower Shop Mystery series...so girly, funny, and suspenseful all at same time, but not serious reading here!

1. Aurora Teagarden Mystery series...also by Charlaine Harris...love all of her books...these are kind of scary, but so good!
2. Family Bible...it's special for a lot of reasons...I got this from my MIL the Christmas after P. and I got married...it has a family tree in the front for both our families...very special to us.

3 Films

1. Gone with the Wind...enough said...

1. 

   Father of the Bride - parts I and II
2. 

   
   

   

   My Father the Hero...love this movie so much, and not a lot of people have seen it...I have a tie for third fav...it comes in close w/ Captain Ron, which I think is just so funny.  I love old cheesy funny/romance type movies!

Six Places

1.  Italy...I have always wanted to go and according to my Nana we have Italian heritage, so of course that gives me good reason to go, right?!  Specifically to Sicily and Venice.

2.  Ireland...My mom's dad's family is Irish...blond hair, green eyes, freckles, and fair skin...Yep!  I think it is such a beautiful place and would love to visit.

3.  Killington, Vermont...I went when I was younger for a family ski trip, and I have wanted to go back ever since.  Such beauty it is indescribable!

4.  Columbus, GA...silly I know since I live here, but it's special to me and I can't see myself living anywhere else.  I lived in Phenix City for a few years, but I was born and raised in Columbus and call it home. :)

5.  Gray, GA...it's my husbands hometown where he was born and raised and it's a special place for both of us.  I have so many good memories of fun things we have experienced together there...w/ my family, his family, and friends...cookouts, swim parties, Christmas parties, GA parties, fishing, etc....so special.

6.  St. Lucia...our honeymoon wasn't the smoothest of things...our wedding day was a comedy of errors which to me is funny...limo breaks down on way to reception (leaving us no ride to Atlanta that night), by bustle is busted (twice!), sister in law falls off and is dragged behind a golf cart, mother in law forgot her dress that she was to wear during the wedding two hours away (eek!), fight breaks out between two girls in the parking lot (fueled by alcohol! :(), among other things...but our honeymoon was so wonderful and beautiful and we were beyond blessed to get to spend that week together in marital newlywed bliss!  However, we had a private honeymoon villa, BUT the didn't tell us they would be doing construction right outside our plunge pool or that said plunge pool would not be heated...YEP...freezing cold!  lol...it's funny now, but wasn't funny then when hubby mooned he work crew he didn't know was right outside the bedroom window! lol  We will have such fabulous stories to tell our kinds and grand kids one day! lol

7 Wants

1.  To be finished w/ both my Masters in Counseling and my Doctorate as well :).

2.  To have a newer and bigger home...living in an old house is not as neat as it sounds (tiny closets, and not a lot of storage space).

3.  A baby...we would love to have one...we have got names picked out and everything...but all in God's time. :)

4.  For my hair to hurry up and grow back out.

5.  For Oconee to continue on it's successful path...I am so proud of my husband and the company...He has worked so hard for the success he has gained.

6.  For mom and dad to be able to sell their house this go-round...she would love to be back in town.

7.  For S., my younger brother, to get into whatever college he wants to next year (I think he's leaning towards Auburn, lord help my poor dad!) 

8 Fears

These are in random order...

1.  Roaches...they terrify me, so of course we get the huge ones during the warm summer months...ICK!

2.  Cancer....it is prevalent in my mom's family (breast cancer specifically)

3.  Alzheimer's...watched my grandmommy (dad's mom) pass from it this past October...it's truly an awful thing to watch someone slowly decline like that...

4.  Loss...plain and simple, I can't bear the thought of my husband, mom, dad, brother, etc. not being here every day with me or me with them....

5.  Dark...I am an adult and the dark still freaks me out...I am a huge advocate of night lights :)

6.  Tight spaces...I get very claustrophobic and will FLIP OUT on you if I'm put in a situation where I'm confined!

7.  Planes/Flying/Heights....I think the idea of being that high up, moving at high speeds...yeah, freaks me out MAJOR!

8.  Fire...I am one of those weirdos that's is so afraid of fire...I have to be a safe distance away from it, and even then I have to know I have an extinguisher somewhere close by...this applies to sparklers, fireplaces, fireworks, and even the candles you hold during Church service, like on Christmas Eve...yes, it scares me w/ that many flames in one room!

Stewart-Glenwood Championship Ring

This is a video that I took this past Friday night as Stewart and his teammates on the varsity baseball team got their State Championship rings for the THIRD year in a row.  Stew got his third ring on the varsity team, which to me is a big deal being he's just now a Junior...SO proud of him and the good ball player that he is...I pray for him that his pitching just gets better and better :) 

I am waiting for the day that he doesn't mind me taking pics or videos of him...couldn't get him to do anything but smile at the video!

ALWAYS Try It On!

You would think I would know better by now...One of my absolute favorite clothing stores, The Blue Door, is linked in really well to Facebook where you can always keep track of the latest things in stock...Bad news for this girlie!  I go online or call in and purchase things b/c I'm just lazy like that and don't want to drive across town, plus their stuff is so super cute it sells out so fast! 

Any-who...Lo and behold, I but a cute crimson maxi dress (b/c yes, hubby roots for Georgia, but I am RTR @ heart!)...The dress is sooooooo pretty, but w/ my caboose, it just clings too tightly for me! :(  I know those girlies probably hate me by now, b/c all I do is return and get store credits non-stop b/c I never try stuff on...Lesson to be learned, don't shop online like me if stuff fits funny on you! :)

So sad to have to take back such a gorgie dress! :(  Was hoping to take to SSI w/ me next weekend...Here is hoping all is safe w/ Hurricane Irene...The in-laws will be right down there at the beach house when the Hurricane makes landfall! :/

Here is a pic from last year...Can't wait for quality family time!!!

This was on the casino boat w/ a few family members (l-r - Philip, Me, Alan, Meredith, and Papa Phil)