Defrosted

We are one week shy of our first anniversary.  That means... eating that frozen wedding cake or, in our case, cupcakes!  However, as with many things Jenny and Doug, this tradition did not go exactly as planned!

PLAN A: Have a wedding 'cupcake cake' with three large cupcakes as the cake topper.  Eat one at the wedding.  Freeze the remaining two large cupcakes to have on our first anniversary. Perfect plan!
RESULT: Random wedding guests ate the remaining two large cupcakes! I never figured out who it was, but I bet they enjoyed them!  We then moved onto Plan B.

PLAN B: Freeze a few of the remaining small cupcakes and the decorated large groom cupcakes, decorated with Ohio State, Iowa and Purdue emblems.  Eat these cuppies on first anniversary.
RESULT: Cupcakes make it home from the wedding safely.  My mom and I take great care when wrapping cupcakes.  They have a special spot in the outdoor deep freezer all year.  They are safe and sound.  UNTIL, two weeks prior to the first anniversary, I unplug the outdoor deep freezer to plug in a small shop vac to clean a very messy car. I totally forgot to plug the deep freezer in all my clean car glory.  DH discovers the unplugged freezer several days later.  Oops.  Everything was melted in the freezer, including the cupcakes.  Darn.

So, as with many things Jenny and Doug, we made the best of it.  Then moved onto Plan C.

PLAN C: Throw gross cupcakes in the trash and place order for some delicious fresh anniversary cupcakes!

RESULT: TBD, but I'm thinking this plan will finally work!

Details!

Sarah is getting married in less than TWO WEEKS!!!!  I am so excited for her I can hardly stand it!  It was this exact time last year that I was all a hustle over the small details.  She asked about some details in this post... and I've had a details post written as a draft since the wedding.  I just never posted it.  I've changed it around a bit to answer the wonderful bride's questions.  Here it goes...

1. What was your first dance song?
We danced to the old Kenny Rogers song, "You decorated my life."  Doug sang the whole song to me as we danced.  I don't know if I'd ever heard the song before we picked it.  We were frantically looking for a mother/son song and this was on a list of suggestions.  We were sitting together, the song started to play and Doug teared up.  He said, "That should be our song.  It is exactly what you've done to my life."  How could we not dance to it after that??  It was perfect.

1. What was your father/daughter (or mother/son) song?
First, Doug and his mom danced to Stevie Wonder's, "I just called to say hello."  Doug's mom picked it, which was great because we had NO IDEA what to pick.  I was very anti-"Wind beneath my wings" and such.  I can't help it!  It always reminds me of the movie Beaches!

My dad and I danced to "It's Your Song" by Garth Brooks.  I had made a CD of possibilities that always made me break down and start crying in an instant.  I kept going back to this one and he loved it too.  It really fits his personality and he loved it.  We went to a Garth concert together too, so it made it extra special.  Dancing with my dad was something I had looked forward to for so long and it was one of my favorite moments of the entire day.

I had really considered "Daddy" by Kendall Payne.  It is how I felt about meeting Doug and having my dad give me away that day.  Talk about a tear jerker!  I had emailed my dad the lyrics and my mom said he was crying in front of the computer.  But in the end, the Garth song fit my dad better and I'm glad my dad and I picked it.  I was also able to hold it together a bit more with that one, for we were both crying fools!  Ha!  I love the lyrics so much... here are just a few of them: 

How long have I been dreaming? Who forgot to wake, to wake me up?

I know it sounds crazy but daddy now I think that I’m in love 

'Cause when he steps in the room, my heart begins to pound.

You said, “Never settle,” you promised there was one out there for me.

It’s true. I might have doubted, but he’s standing here and now.  Now I believe.

Yes, I know you’ll be proud of the man that chose me.

I will always love you and I will always be your little girl.

None could come between us, you’ll forever be the first man in my world.

But when he smiles I can see how much he reminds me of you.

A man of faith, a man of strength, who loves me like you do.

It’s elementary to the wise, for the fool in full disguise

Beggars bow and poets kneel, and as for me… it’s finally real!

How long have I been sleeping? Who forgot to wake, to wake me up?

Daddy, he’s amazing, he’s everything that I’ve been dreaming of

And now he has become my very best friend…

It's worth all the time I've spent in tears. 

Worth the heartache, worth the fears. 

To stand beside him on this day after you give me away.

3. Did you exchanged gifts with each other?

No, we did not.  However, we did exchange letters.  I also sent some snacks along with my letter.  I love the letters and I know we will cherish them always.  I had always thought I'd send my groom some socks... for the cold feet and all.  But I knew Doug never ever had or has cold feet!

4. How did we do the head table?

We did a sweetheart table.  Every member of the wedding party had a spouse, kids, friends or parents that were also attending.  I really wanted everyone to sit with who they came with and their other friends.  We had the wedding party at tables up front, but they sat with other guests.  Our table was off to the side, not front and center, so it didn't feel like everyone was staring at us.  But it does not matter where you sit, people will be staring at you, taking your picture and hitting their glasses so you'll kiss!  They moved the table right after we were done eating.  

5. Did you do the bouquet/garter toss? Anniversary Dance? 

We did the bouquet, not the garter.  We had not planned to do either one, but I had three tiny little flower girls change my mind.  They really wanted to try to catch the bouquet.  After they asked, I couldn't say no!  The song "Party in the USA" played during the toss... another flower girl request!  One of them almost caught it too... but at the last moment, one of my single friends reached in and grabbed it from her!  That friend is now married, so I guess it all worked out! 

We also did an "Anniversary Dance."  It got everyone out on the dance floor.  We didn't even bother going to the dance floor... used it as a much needed restroom break instead!  Ha!  This is my parents favorite part of every wedding, so it was a must for us.  My aunt and uncle were actually the winners - married over 50 years.  

6. Did you have a bridal portrait displayed at your reception?  

Nope - I didn't have any taken before the wedding.  We did not have any engagement pictures around either, but we did have our engagement video (see side bar for video) playing on a small tv during cocktail hour.  

Side note:  The bridal portrait session was included in our photography package, but we traded it in for a session at a future date.  We are planning on using it next year to get some great pictures of our parents and some of us as well.  My parents never get their picture taken and we thought that would be a great use for the photo session!  I'm really looking forward to it!  

7. What was your favorite detail about your wedding?  

This is such a hard one!  There were so many little things I loved about our wedding.  I really loved everything about the Nuptial Mass!  Big detail, but it was filled with little details I loved.  I LOVED how the procession was the Litany of Saints, with saints that we had selected.  I loved the sign of peace.  My dad and I do a special handshake and I'm so glad we could do it on that day.  The sign of peace was  banned in our diocese at that time due to the swine flu, but Fr. Richard said we could do it!  Funny story: During the sign of peace, Fr. Richard looks at Fr. Dan and as they are exchanging the sign of peace, says, "She wanted it.  She begged me.  I'm a pushover!"  I don't think he thought that would end up on our video!  I love it!!  For the record, I sent him one email... there was no begging!  Hahaha!

Non-nuptial mass details were there on the wedding day as well.  Here are some of my favorites.  

The invitation, which could also be my something borrowed.  I 'borrowed' the wording from Beth.  The first time I saw her invitation, I knew I wanted that wording! 

The rings and my necklace.

My other something borrowed and something blue. 

My mom's garter from her wedding day and my grandmother's hanky.

My Mrs. Hanger and veil.

Some jewels on my dress.

My shoes.

My mom made this patch and put it in my dress.  

It has our names and wedding date on it.

My bouquet with my favorite rosary, one my dad gave me.  

It has a Knights of Columbus emblem on it. 

Bridesmaid flowers.

Guest book images.  

I made it online with photos from our engagement pictures.

Programs.

Place card/picture frame favors.

My favorite appetizers - shots of tomato soup and mini-grilled cheese sandwiches. 

Our reception activity.

And... last, but not least... our Thank You card.

What is it about Beth??

Has anyone else noticed how bloggers flock to Beth??  Like here and here and here and here... and there are more... I just can't list them all!  Seriously, I love Beth and all... but she's like a magnetic blogger force.  People drive and fly to come see her and her crew.  I don't blame them... I sure like hanging out at her home too!  This week Brenda is back in town!  Yep, people like Beth so much they come back to see her!!  It's a great thing that bloggers come see her... because then I get to meet them too!  Here are some pics from last night!  We had a great time!

Excuse the quality... everything is looking yellow or green in my photos lately!  Oops!

Best buds.

All the ladies.

How cute are they??!!

Clarity and a little prayer request

Tonight my DH and I went to a fundraiser for some friends of ours, who happens to be our former realtor Ron and his wife.  She is fighting breast cancer that has metastasized to several parts of her body.  They are young -- their only daughter started college this year.  There were a ton of people there and it was so touching.  Ron was very surprised to see us and was so grateful we had taken the time to stop by.  He, of course, asked us how the house was.  We gave our standard answer of 'new floors, frozen pipes, lightening strike', etc. He laughed and I felt horrible.  I know we were just making small talk, but his wife is fighting for her life and we just had to get our floors replaced and unfreeze some pipes!  We gave him another hug, bought some raffle tickets and went on our way.

What a moment of clarity.  I don't know what I'd do if I was faced with such a tragedy.  If I had to fight so hard to simply make it to the next month.  It really makes all our mishaps seem pretty trivial.  Granted, they do matter, all the mishaps were just that, but they do sting.  We've been through a lot this year -- a lot good and some not so great as well.  But at the end of the day, I've got my DH.  I am so grateful!!  I was suppose to work tonight -- I called a coworker and said I needed to be at home and asked her to cover my shift at the homeless shelter.  I could not even think of being anywhere else than right here with DH.   I think I'll hug him extra tight tonight.  I might even pet his cat, just to show him how much I do love him!  Please keep our friends in your prayers as they go through this battle.

And... if you can think of it... while even this seems a little petty... there will be some announcements made at work (my 'real' 10 year day job!) over the next week and I AM A BALL OF NERVES.  I am jumpy and stressed out! Literally, when someone was walking by my desk today, I jumped!! If you could same some prayers for some peace within me... I need some calmness to make it through the day without going a little crazy.  Any prayers would be so greatly appreciated!

Thanks ladies!  Have a great Friday!

Pain

Pain.  That is something that I've been experiencing lately.  I'm not a fan.  I think I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I feel as if my physical pain and my emotional pain are tied so closely together that I cannot tell where one starts and the other one begins.  They both have made me a bit of an emotional mess as of late.  I need to sort them out, so I can start of move on.

Physical Pain.

I spent the majority of the past week curled up in a ball in bed.  I thought it was a combination of cramps, some cysts and dare I say a few bowel issues.  I expected it all to go away when I was a little further along in my cycle.  Nope.  It did not change.  All week.  The pain was intense and always there -- looming in my lower right side.  It did not matter how I sat, how I stood, how I curled up in bed... it was there.  It felt similar to when I had gallstones - dull pain followed by lots of shooting, stabbing excruciating pain.  Ouch, in an understatement.

I assumed it was a cyst.  I've had this same pain before -- always in the exact same spot, right around the beginning of my cycle and possibly around ovulation.  I've obviously had cysts in the past and they have always been confirmed via ultrasound each time this pain would come around.  The pain had become unbearable.  So, I went in for an ultrasound at Dr. G's office.  I fully expecting to see one hellofa cyst on the screen.  Even the ultrasound gal was surprised when everything was all clear!  I thought there had to be a mistake... and so did she.  So we took a second look and not a thing.  This is actually a good thing!  However, it doesn't explain the pain.  The nurse and Dr. G think there is a possibility that there could be some endo in there ... so does Dr. Sew.  I'm not sure and we won't be until I get a lap... so we will watch and see what happens with said pain.  We will keep a lap in mind for a later time.

Since there was no cyst and the pain kept increasing, I went to my PCP and then headed to a fun filled night at the hospital to confirm it wasn't something non-ovarian related.  Appendix? Kidney stone? Bowel obstruction?  After lots of waiting and tests, they all came back negative.  Nice.  While that is great news, it left me with no explanation of what this could be.  My PCP's recommendation: "Relax this weekend, lay on the couch and watch the Colts win."  Ha.  I do love the guy.  It drives him crazy when he cannot find the problem, so he said he'd be working on this some more this week.

So, in the meantime, I blame any crazy comments or middle of the night emails that make little to no sense on the pain pills.  :)

Emotional Pain.


This has been tugging at my heart the last few months as well.  This is why I have been so quiet on this blog and quiet from commenting and even emailing at times.  The past months have been difficult, to put it mildly.  I'm not a crier and I've cried more these two months then I ever remember.  Pretty much anything will make me have a break-down.  DH and I can be having a great day and boom... crying.  We can be having a bad day and boom... crying.  I can be watching TV and boom... crying.  It's crazy!  Big-fat ugly tears!  And lots of them.

A lot of it has to do with a variety of situations that I have no control over in my career.  I've been questioning what I am truly meant to do in life and that is a hard subject to tackle.  If I cannot be a mom... then what should I be?  What would give my life real meaning?  Should I go back to school?  What do I really want to study? What are my talents and how could I use those gifts at a job that really matters and I would love going to each day?  I like solutions and finding answers to these questions are not easy.  It feels like there are constant roadblocks at every single corner.  When this happens I get anxious and my mind starts spiraling out of control and it all come back to the first question:

If I cannot be a mom... then what should I (or really) what can I be??  

It's like a circle of fear, anxiety, pain, then some more fear, anxiety, pain.  I know it's early in our journey to be thinking like this.  We have not even given ttc a real go.  We are waiting to start actively trying with meds and such until next year.  There is a lot hope on the horizon for 2011.  I honestly do believe that when some other health problems get worked out, we will conceive.  I really do and I am SO excited about what the next year will bring.  It's just a long process to get there.  Even along with all the hope I/we have for the next year, it comes with it's own set of anxiety and fear.  I try to tackle that and then the "mom" question always comes back.  It is always looming and it's just hard to even think about.  I try to cover it up with random humor and act like everything going on doesn't bother me... but as we all know, it does.

I know that this is not new.  I'm not the first or last to experience both types of pain.  My pain might seem small or simple to some, it's still pain to me and it cuts deep.

Throughout it all, I am trying to stay positive.  I am praying more.  We are praying more as a couple, which I LOVE.  I try to be upbeat, especially around DH.  He knows me better than I know myself and he can always sense where I'm at -- even if I'm all smiles, but hurting on the inside.  He just knows.  He has been the most wonderful supportive guy through all of this.  He held me while I cried over and over.   He was at a loss of what else to do... he had NEVER seen my eyes so red from all the tears, tears that would not stop.  He has been there to remind me that no matter what I am feeling, no matter if I'm sad or mad or a little crazy, that he loves me and he always will. Whenever I look at him, I feel so blessed ... so very very blessed... and some of the pain subsides.  When he holds me, the pain melts away.  When I hear him pray to God that all the pain will leave... it makes me feel like the luckiest girl... and it makes me cry... but in a good way.  I think that is a step in the right direction.

Blog Missing!

Gwen??? Where did your blog go?? :(

A New Day

My car on a tow truck. Not the start of the day I was hoping for. :)

My Day

Today started out great -- I woke up right before my alarm, said my prayers and thought, "Today will be a good day!"  Ahhh... I should have known better!  It's the 4th Wednesday of the month!  For the past several months, something not so great has happened on the 4th Wednesday of the month!  So here is my day (so far!) in a nutshell...

 1. Driving home from my overnight shift at the local homeless shelter for pregnant women and their children.  It's 4:30 am and I run over some type of animal (not a cat) with my car.   By accident!

 2. Can't find anything that fits to wear to work.  Common occurrence these days.

 3. Off to work.  Not so great driver almost hits me and forces me into the shoulder on the interstate... but make it to work safely... praise God!

 4. At work... pregnancy announcement, pregnancy announcement, pregnancy announcement.  An hour of solid pregnancy, baby, va.gina, birthing talk at lunch.  Lunch bunch also talk about recent kid birthday parties.  I'm confused... did I miss one? Then say that DH and I weren't invited... "because we don't have kids."  Insert knife in heart now please!

 5. DH and Ann cheer me up with some great emails!  DH suggests we might need to drink a little tonight!

 6. Doctor appointment for weight loss.  I love getting weighed!  Actually... I kind of do just to check where I am...  it's just not a lot of fun!

 7. Come home.  Walk inside our house.  Something is a little off.  Lights are flashing, the ceiling fans are on.  They weren't on when I left for work!  Hmmm.... They won't turn off!  The TV, Internet modem, all the phones, the DVR's and about everything else electronic won't turn on.

 8. Start thinking our house got struck by lightening.

 9. Start laughing.  Start crying.  Start praying.  Smokey starts meowing.

10.  DH arrives home.  Whoo hoo!  Lightening strike confirmed!  Still can't get the ceiling fan and lights to turn off!  How funny is that??  It just keeps going faster and faster!  AHHHHHH!

11.  Head out for some much needed adult beverages with my wonderful DH!

I know this isn't a tragedy.  This to shall pass.  But, Seriously 2010!!!  I could smack you!!!!!

10 Things about ME!

1. I once knew a guy who was on America's Most Wanted.  He was a computer guru and I happened to call him for some computer advice right before he robbed a bank and went on the run.  Soon after that, the FBI was at my door.  Thank goodness my apartment was clean and I had no idea where the guy was.  He is still serving time in federal prison.  True story.

2. I took dance lessons for almost 10 years while growing up.  I took ballet, tap and jazz.  My parents have all my recitals on video.  They are, ummm, a sight to see.  I might just have to scan in a picture or two or three. :)

We all look so talented.  I'm on the far left.

You can see me on the far right this time... the only one doing the right move.

Ahh.... little Jenny.

3. I have completed two mimi-marathons.  I walked the first time.  I ran the entire 13.1 miles the second time around.  It was fantastic and I'd love to do something like that again.  

4. I day dream about taking our very cute imaginary baby or babies to Doug's school someday to show them off to his fellow teachers and his students.  I think about this everyday.  It always makes me tear up... because I cannot wait for this to happen... and because I have a fear that it never will.

5. I was sorority president in college.  I lived and breathed all things De.lta Gam.ma!  I even had DG socks!  I loved loved loved every minute of it.  My very best friend was one of my pledge sisters and we had the best of times.   Oh the stories she has on me!

6. I watch our wedding video ALL THE TIME!  I love it and cannot get enough of it.  I also watch our nuptial mass video over and over and over... and over some more.  To clarify... I don't really "watch" it.  I have it on my iPhone, so while I am at work, I listen to the prelude music and homily and it instantly makes any bad day I'm having at work all the better.  The music is just too beautiful!  I love it! Even more interesting... I NEVER watch either video at home!  NEVER!  See... it's not all that bad!

7. I do not dislike all animals.  Yes, cats are not my favorite.  I grew up with two adorable dogs that I loved so much!!  Our family got B.J. (Bob Jr.) when I was in kindergarten and he lived until I was almost finished with college.  My brother and I went and got a new puppy when I was in 7th grade.  My parents knew nothing of this until we presented the adorable Dee Dee to my dad on his birthday... with a red bow and everything.  Everyone instantly loved her and she was the best dog ever.  We had her until a few years back.

Me and my first pup... B.J.  He was a mix between a dachshund and bulldog.  

I carried him around like that ALL THE TIME!  

B.J. all grown up.  He was a funny looking dog. 

My super sweet Dee Dee.  She was the best.  

8. Making big decisions usually do not bother me.  I'm a wreck when I have a little decision to make.  Buying a house??  No problem! I made an offer on our house without Doug even being there!  He hadn't even seen the house!  Taking a little time off work or leaving early??  Oh my goodness... I can never make up my mind when I should leave, if I should leave, what I should do if I leave, etc. etc.  It's nuts.

9. I was an extra in the movie Rudy!  It was filmed at half-time during a game my family attended.  It was awesome and very fun!  You can't really see me in the movie... but still!  My one line was shouting, "Rudy! Rudy!"

10. I'm obsessed with hair.  I swear my hair is thinning at an alarming rate and I will go bald by the time I'm 35.  My main hair obsession - eyebrows.  You can't see mine they are so light... so I don't care about them.  But my poor, poor DH.  He has thick red eyebrow hairs that are like large neon signs to me that say, "Pick me! Pick me!"  I can't stand when his eyebrows get all crazy looking.  He has learned to dodge me and my giant tweezers like an expert now!!  I still manage to pin him down and pluck them from time to time.  Yep, I'm weird and I know it!  My DH loves me anyway... even if he often runs when he sees me coming!

Fortune Cookie

Hmmmm.... Interesting message for a fortune cookie. What is up with that? I'd never seen one like this before! Hehe.

Back to Reality...

Can it be??  Is summer really over??  Say it ain't so!  I have to admit... I did NOT have high hopes for this summer!  Yep, I'm not exactly the optimist in this bunch.  I dreaded summer with a passion this year.  I hate the heat, the humidity and I started counting down the days until fall way back in May!  Now... it's officially over in our house and I am going to miss it!!  I never thought I would feel this way! 

DH went back to teaching this week.  He worked up at school getting his awesome classroom ready all last week.  Sigh... this is why I miss summer already.

He had been home all summer and I loved every (well, almost) minute of it.  At the start of the summer, I was pretty resentful at the fact that he would be able to sleep in, do everything at his leisure, watch tv, read blogs, etc., etc.  That's what I want to do after all!  I was insanely jealous that he had the summer off. 

But... turns out having him home was FABULOUS!  It was like I had a wife!  And a good one!  Way better than the wife I am!  Sure... I got up early and headed off to work while he was snuggling with the cat in bed.  That wasn't my favorite time of day.  I just wanted to stay home too!  But man, while I was at work... household magic would happen!  I would come home and dinner would be hot and on the table! Fruit would be cut.  Dishes were done.  Laundry was put away.  Grocery shopping was complete.  Clean sheets on the bed.  My lunch was even made for the next day.  Ahhhh.... it was fabulous! FAB.U.LOUS!!  

We seemed to have so much more 'balance' this summer -- this was the best part of him
being home.  Our time together was not spent running around town running errands and such.  Everything was done.  In the evenings, we could talk about our day, connect, watch a little tv and/or work on the computer.  It was so nice!  I loved it!!  Nothing felt rushed.  It was calm.  When we are both in knee high with work during the week, it's so different.  It seems like everything is rushed.  It's a rush to cook dinner when we both get home; a rush to eat the dinner; a rush to do the laundry and dishes and run errands and get to bed in good time so we can get up early and start it all again.  

This weekend, I went to the grocery store (with DH).  I did the dishes.  I did the laundry.  I vacuumed.  I want summer back!  I know... insert eye roll right here!  Hahaha!!!  I still haven't cooked much... I'm holding onto summer for just a tiny bit longer.  DH is way better at meal preparation than me... so I think that even with teaching, he will still be doing a good share of that!  He did so much of it right after we got married too!  I think after a few meals... he figured he was better off if he was the chef in the family!   I admit... I can be a little lazy when it comes to domestic duties... but I'm working on it!!  

Right now we are getting back to reality and into a new school year routine. I'm going to try to stay ahead of things this fall.  I love coming home to a clean house.  It's been ssparking clean ever since certain bloggers came to visit!  It's nice to have everything done and in order.  I know the craziness of life won't always allow me to do this... but it's worth a try! "I like housework... I like housework... I like housework."  Maybe if I say that enough times it will come true!  Ha! 

What a trip!

It's been almost a week since my blogger-vacation... and I am now just getting to a post on going to the Nest!!  Like Ann and Sew said... it was a total fluke how we all ended up together at the Nest.  And I'm so glad we did!  It was so much fun!  Ann and R are perfect hosts!  We felt totally at home... Sew even brought groceries with her! We literally talked and talked and talked and talked until we feel sound asleep every night.  No subject was off limits.  I'm sure R heard more about his house guests cervical mucus and ovulation patterns in one weekend than he ever really wanted to know.  Ha!  He was a trooper!

We talked... we laughed... shed a few tears... shopped... got our nails and toes done... had real southern BBQ... went to a shrine... went to confession... went to mass... talked and laughed some more... and then eventually, after 4 great days, went home.  It all adds up to one great blogger-vacation!  I can't wait to do it again!

Some of highlights:

1. The Shrine.  Sew and I got busted for taking pictures.  Yep, busted!  We just happened to miss the HUGE sign in front of the church that said "NO PICTURES"!  Yep... we had no clue!  We had gone in a side door due to some rain... so we hadn't even seen the sign! ACK!  The second we raised our cameras a very nice and respectful worker came and told us to put those camera's away.  We were mortified!  But in the end... it was all good.  The shrine was SO BEAUTIFUL!  I had never really seen anything like it.  It was quiet and peaceful and you could just feel God's presence there.  Awesome.

2. Confession.  Having just been reprimanded at the Shrine... We headed to confession.  I love going to confession at a parish where the priest has no idea who I am, so I was all for it!  Ann and R assured Sew and myself that it would be a quick line... in and out.  Ummm.... not so much.  We had ample time to prepare for our confessions... because we were in line forever.  As soon as I headed into the confessional... I discovered why.  I said one little sin... and the priest started talking and talking and talking.  It was all great stuff... but in the back of my mind I kept thinking, "Man, Sew and R are totally thinking I killed someone, I've been in here so long!" He stopped talking after about 10 minutes... I said another little sin... and he was off again.  Oh man!  Again, all great stuff... but I still had a few sins on my mental list and I didn't think he'd let me get them in.  Eventually... I went down my 'sin list' real quick and it was all good.  Sew was up next.  After she came out... she indeed said that my dear friends had given each other a little look during my confession, since I had been in there so long!  Ha!!

3. Mass.  I had never heard the term "Y'all" at mass!  It was a first for me!  I didn't laugh... but I sure wanted to get my phone out and do a voice recording!  But I didn't!

4. Cooking.  Man... there was some great low-carb/gluten-free food in the nest!  Sew has pictures of everything we ate to prove it.  Ann and R can cook a meal!  De-li-cious!

5. Scrapbooks.  Ann and R do one fabulous job at capturing their years together.  Ann puts together several scrapbooks/memory books and some videos that highlight any given year.  I looked through them all and am determined to do the same!  The video recaps were so good -- I loved watching them!!  Looking through all the pages gave me such a wonderful glimpse into the pair that is Ann and R.  They are amazing together and it is so obvious to see that just by looking at them.

6. Speaking of  scrapbooks... I totally made Sew and Ann show me their wedding pictures!  I begged... I pleaded... and I loved them!  And... I only made Ann watch my wedding video and the nuptial mass highlights!  Hahahaha!  Sew had gone to bed... plus, Sew has already seen the the video when she was up here visiting Beautiful Day!  Hahahaha!

7. Pictures.  For a girl who is always taking pictures... I was shocked when I got home and hardly had any.  Sew had such a crazy wonderful camera... I just let her take them!  I'm sure she will post some soon!  :)  She got some really good ones too... we had a little fun with the famous soap from Leila and a few other things while Ann left us alone in the house!  He he!

8. Friends.  Man, it is so wonderful to be part of such a wonderful community of friends.  I NEVER imagined that I would become so close to so many wonderful people through the blogs... let alone go on a girls weekend to hang out with them!  Y'all are the best and I love y'all!  I'm trying to talk a little Southern... he he!

So... here is why I have no photos to post! 

Yep... It clearly says no pictures.

Prayer Buddy Reveal!

This prayer buddy round, I had the honor of praying for This Cross I Embrace.  TCIE is well known to all of us.  I am a regular reader of her blog and am often inspired and in awe of her writing.  She was already so often in my thoughts and prayers.  I was so humbled when I received her name.  I honestly did not feel 'holy' enough to pray for her.  I thought she was so worthy of a better prayer warrior.  Someone who could REALLY pray.  I quickly got over those thoughts and was determined to prayer as hard as I ever have for TCIE and her husband.

Praying for TCIE gave my prayer life some much needed direction.  She was in my constant thoughts and prayers.  When I say constant, I mean constant (but not in a weird stalker way!).  She was one of my first thoughts in the morning.  Whenever I opened my phone to read the blogs (which is often!  Ha!), I said a prayer for her.  I would be sitting at work and she would come to mind and I'd stop and say a quick prayer.  And of course, she was in my nightly prayers.

I joined TCIE in her novenas to St. Raphael and St. Anne.  I had already planned on praying a novena for her and her husband to the Archangel Raphael, with a focus on healing.  So when TCIE mentioned doing a novena to the Archangel on her blog, I decided to do it at the same time!!  It was perfect! St. Raphael is one of my FAVORITE SAINTS - EVER!!  I think I have said more novena's to St. Raphael (especially in my single days) than any other saint!  I hope St. Raphael was a powerful intercessor for her.

There were times in the prayer buddy season that I knew TCIE was down, sad, frustrated, hurt, etc.  I pleaded for God to be with her during these times.  I have such a hard time understanding why someone so wonderful has to endure so much suffering.  I honestly do not understand it.  I know there is the redemptive value of suffering... but still... WHY??  Why TCIE?  Why can't I carry her cross for her and let her receive bountiful blessings??  I asked a priest about this without giving any specific details.  He reminded me that Christ was a wonderful person as well.  Yet, he had to suffer on the cross.  It was an answer I expected and left me still struggling with the 'why' of it all for weeks.  He encouraged me to pray with all my might for my friend, to offer any suffering on my part for her.  That I did.  The priest reassured me that my prayers are heard... even when I feel they are not.  I'm not sure if any of my prayers were answered for TCIE, but I know I tried my very best.

As this prayer buddy round comes to an end, TCIE, please know that I (and all the bloggers) promise to stand by you, pray for you and support you.  Thank you for inspiring me by your willingness to take this journey, not just today, but tomorrow and the next day.  I pray that in the worst and best of times, that God too, will be with you, bestowing his grace and love upon you always.

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Thank you so much, Some how, Some way, Some day, for praying for me!!!  Those prayers mean the world to me!!  I cannot thank you enough!

Look who I've been hanging out with...

Fabulous girls weekend!!

Prayer buddy reveal coming soon!

Surprise Blogger Meeting!

Another reason why you should always have your house clean??  You might just have a blogger show up on your doorstep!  I had a surprise blogger visit tonight and it was SO MUCH FUN!!  I was just chilling at home working on a few things for work and got an email from Thankful from Always Giving Thanks saying that she was in town for work!  Crazy!  So we exchanged a few messages and within an hour she was at our house!  Crazy!!

We chatted it up like old friends!  I kept her up way to late... but I couldn't stop gabbing!  I still couldn't believe she was at my house!  She was so nice and it really did seem like we had known each other for a long time!  It was great!!  And FYI... she has one cute baby bump!  Thank you so much, Thankful, for coming over!!  Doug and I loved having you here!

It is definitely a blogger week!  I have a feeling I might just bump into a few more bloggers before the week is up!  I can't wait!

I love meeting bloggers!

She brought these beautiful flowers with her!  So nice!

Side note:  Big meeting at work today at 9:30am ... If you could, send a few prayers my way, that would be great!  Thanks!  And... Doug's back is feeling MUCH better today!  Thanks for all those prayers!

Good Deal and Great Friends

Wow.  Our house is clean.  It's NEVER this clean.  It's never this tidy.  Everything is in order and in the proper place.  Well... most things, just don't open the bedroom closet.  :)  Actually, even that is pretty clean! DH and I spent the majority of last week cleaning our house top to bottom!  It had needed it for a long time and it now feels wonderful to relax in a clean and tidy home!  We even trimmed trees and pulled weeds!  We were on a roll!  I love a clean house!  Love it!  I just hate to clean! So... why were two people who hate to clean on such a cleaning spree?  Well... we had more company this past weekend, than we have had our entire time we've lived here!!  It was the perfect motivation we needed to get this place in order!  The house looked great and having company was even better!

Friday night we hosted Doug's aunt who was in town.  She had only been here once, around wedding time, so the house has changed a lot.  It was great to see her and show her how we have made this house our home.  On Sunday, we had Doug's mom, dad and sister over for a few hours.  They have also not been here much, so it was great to host them.  

But the real motivation for the trimmed trees and deep cleaning... Ann and her husband R from Building a Nest were in town!!!!!! Whoo hooo!!!  How exciting to met some blogger friends!!  We all met at a little restaurant for lunch with Beth and crew.  It was so fun! Then, we all headed back to our house for some delicious cupcakes.  Delicious because I did not make them.  :)  It was so wonderful to meet Ann and R in person.  Ann and I have spent hours and hours on the phone, so it was great to talk to her in person!  R was so easy going and anyone can tell he is a great DH.  Ann was just like I imagined... a genuinely warm person who is funny, caring and a blast to be around.  Man, I wish I could spend more time with her.  I might just have to go visit her someday! ;)  

It was great to show Ann and R around my hometown and have them see where Doug and I live as well.  They even got to spend some quality time with Doug's beloved cat Smokey.  I'm sure that was the highlight (not!) of their entire trip.  I was going to give him them as a souvenir, but it didn't work.  Ann and R were a hit with Beth and crew as well.  Madeleine and John Paul loved playing with both of them (and Smokey, too).  It was crazy cute! Now... if Ann could only come back and help me decorate and hang up some pictures, we'd be set!  Don't you all remember this?  Yep, she is good!  

Here is a preview... more pics to come on Ann's photo blog, I'm sure.  :)

So, right when Ann and R were taking off, we were chatting about our house.  I told them the only thing I really wanted to change (about the living room) was our ugly tv stand.  I hate it.  It's old and too small, but it's all we have for now.  It's not a huge priority to replace and really no big deal.  

About 20 minutes after they left, my MOH Mary stopped by.  See, tons of company!  She said she had seen a great looking tv armoire on a porch in our neighborhood.  I jumped in her car and we went to take a look.  I loved it!  I told the lady I would bring Doug by after we had measured our tv to take a look!  We headed back deal and bought a beautiful piece of furniture!  For $25!!!!  Whoo hoo!  What a deal!  They even delivered it right to our living room!  We spent the next few hours cleaning it up and polishing the wood.  It looks brand new!  I LOVE IT... just as much as I hated the ugly old stand!!  It makes the room look so more finished!  Whoo hoo!!!  All in all... a great weekend!!!!!!

Ugly old thing.

Beautiful new look! For only $25!!

Side note: Prayer buddy... Can you say some extra prayers for DH?  He has hurt his back something fierce and is in a lot of pain!  Thanks in advance!!

Anyone??

My good friend Mary.... has a question.... here it is.... Anyone know the answer??  Do tell! Either here or on her blog!

Here is goes...

"who said: "Adoption is not "plan B," it was always God's "plan A"

I saw that quote (or something similar) on another blog and I responded to it...and now I can't remember who wrote the blog/where that was?!?! Can anyone help me out here? :)"

Thanks everyone!!  Mary's sister and brother-in-law just adopted the cutest little baby boy Michael!!!  He is beyond adorable!