A Day In The Life...

Second Time's A Charm.

2010-06-10T10:31:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite people in the whole world, Courtney, just got married to Pete, another one of my favorite people in the whole world.

They met at my TV station a little over 3 years ago & got married about 2 months ago.

A few months before Courtney moved to Arkansas, she ended her engagement to her boyfriend of 6 years. She wasn't really looking for love...& she explains why.

"When I called off my wedding in the fall of 2006, I actually had a friend say to me, "you know, it takes half the amount of time you were with your ex to get over your ex." Um, I wasn't liking that. I was with my ex for 6 years, did that mean I had to bench myself for 36 months before I was ready to jump back in?"

But...

"I met Pete about six months after I called it quits with my ex. I had gone on a few blind dates in those months and entertained a few worthless flirtations, but I wasn't ready for a relationship until I met him. As our courtship got going in earnest, I started to worry that it was too soon to dive into something serious, but the only thing holding me back was what I had been told, not what I was feeling. As soon as I gave in and let my heart do the driving, it was like throwing open the curtains and letting the sun in. So ladies, trust me... and just trust your heart."

So, friends...please welcome Courtney to the wonderful world of blogging! I know you'll love her just as much as I do!

Here's a link to her blog: Second Time's a Charm.

Crazy 8's.

2010-05-13T09:19:00.002-05:00

I was tagged by Shanna at Moody Musings to take part in Crazy 8's.

Here are the rules:

1. Go to your photos files and select the 8th photo folder

2. Select the 8th photo in that folder/album

3. Post that photo along with the story behind it

4. Then challenge 8 blogging friends to do the same

This is my picture...

It's my niece, Riley & Matt. This was Matt's 32nd birthday celebration in October 2008. We had our families over to our house for his birthday dinner. My niece LOVES to help open gifts & she LOVES her "Mop" (what she calls Matt.) I love this picture of them both. Isn't it cute?

Ok, so I need to tag 8 bloggers now... (which I will do shortly...so please...check back soon...)

FINALLY.

2010-04-24T21:13:00.013-05:00

Well, folks, it happened.

Finally.

I got to meet K*ris Allen!!!!!

He went to Rwanda with TOMS shoes & Bridge2Rwanda in late March, early April to hand out shoes to kids who are in desparate need. After that trip, he flew home to Arkansas to participate in TOMS Barefoot Bash & "A Day Without Shoes."

On Wednesday, April 7th, he spoke about his trip at Heifer International's Barefoot Bash. A bunch of my friends (the ones I've met over Twitter) & I went.

DUH.

K*ris & his friend/band mate, Cale, performed 3 songs: "Live Like We're Dying", "Man in the Mirror" & "Send Me All Your Angels."

Afterwards, he greeted fans & took pictures.

And, I think I finally feel comfortable enough to tell you guys what I've been wanting to tell you for almost a year now.

I'm doing K*ris' American Idol scrapbook!!!!

(And, if I'm being honest, I actually met K*ris the night before this event at his parents house. But, I don't feel comfortable blogging about that. Not because it wasn't FABULOUS...because it was. It's just that when this all started, I promised his mama that I would keep any conversations, meetings, etc private.)

I will tell you this. My life is so much different now than it was this time last year. A good different. A kind of different I could never have imagined.

Meeting Danny Gokey. Again.

2010-04-12T20:37:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I guess the title of this post is wrong. I guess you can't really "meet" someone after you've already "met" them.

But, I don't care.

My friend, Laurie & I took a last-minute trip to Tunica on March 27th to see Danny Gokey perform at Bluesville, a club inside Horseshoe Casino.

We left my house at 3:30pm, got to the casino at 6:45pm.

The show started at 8:00pm.

It ended at 9:15pm.

We stood around & talked to Danny & some other people til 11:00pm.

We got back on the road home around 11:30pm & pulled into my garage at 2:00am.

It was a crazy night, but SO MUCH FUN.

While there, I met one of my Twitter friends, Lisa, who had front row seats. Her husband was kind enough to switch seats with me for one song, so I could take some good pictures of DG.

Don't you just LOVE him?

I do.

Back at my seat...which were actually really good seats.

Me & Danny after the show.

Me & Laurie.

Danny signing autographs.

Me & my Twitter friend, Lisa.

Me & Brandon (one of his bandmates, who likes to blink when the camera flash goes off.)

Lee Ann, Reba & George...5 Hours of Entertainment.

2010-03-07T21:27:00.008-06:00

On Saturday night, I went to see Lee Ann Womack, Reba & George Strait with two of my friends from work (Shannon & Sonseeahray.)

We had a BLAST! All 3 were amazing!

2 Video's from Riley's 5th Birthday. Enjoy.

2010-03-01T13:07:00.000-06:00

Some Random Stuff.

2010-02-22T19:23:00.004-06:00

Do y'all remember when I got to meet Danny Gokey?

(I'll pause for a moment so that you familiarize yourself with the story...)

(Are you up to date now?)

Ok, so...after I interviewed him, he asked if I was on Twitter.

WELL, OF COURSE I'M ON TWITTER, DANNY GOKEY AND MY TWITTER NAME IS ROBINT1978 AND I LOVE YOU AND I WANT TO HAVE YOUR BABIES.

(Ok, no...I didn't really say those last 2 things. Seriously. I'm not THAT crazy...)

Anyway, a few days later, I'm on Twitter & I see I have a new direct message.

AND OMG IT'S FROM DANNY GOKEY.

DANNY FREAKING GOKEY.

A MESSAGE TO ME FROM DANNY GOKEY.

Has that sunk it yet?

If not, here's proof: (You KNOW I had to take a picture.)

See? A DM from Danny Gokey.

Ok, ok...I'll stop now.

But, only because I want y'all to watch these 2 commercials with the eTrade baby.

HILL-FREAKING-LAIR-E-OUS.

I watch these video's at least 3 times a day. Especially if I'm stressed & need a laugh.

New Designs Project.

2010-02-18T19:45:00.002-06:00

My friend, Melissa, asked me to design the invitations for her bridal shower in April.

40 INVITES. As in like 4-0.

She paid for the blank invites & is paying me $45 dollars ($15 in materials + $30 in labor.)

I'm also going to do "schedule cards" for her bridesmaids for the day of the wedding (hair appointment times, picture times, etc) & little booklets for her out-of-town guests that explain what to do in Massachusetts. I have never done either of these projects, so I'm excited to see how it all turns out.

Snow, More Snow & Valentine's Day.

2010-02-14T19:39:00.012-06:00

Here's what the snow looked like on Thursday. (When you watch it, turn your volume up so you can hear my new FAVE song, "American Honey" by Lady Antebellum.)

And, here's a random snowman in downtown Little Rock (on Tuesday.)

Another snow video from Thursday.

Matt & I were NOT supposed to give each other gifts on Valentine's Day. You probably won't believe me when I say I don't really care too much for the holiday. I don't need flowers that cost $60 dollars or a dinner that costs $75. I'm not saying those of you who do like that stuff are wrong...it's just not me. I would rather spend the $60 dollars on new clothes or save it to help pay for a weekend away. However, my husband is the sweetest & took it to heart when I mentioned I'd rather have new clothes. When I woke up this morning, I found the above present on the kitchen counter.

It was this shirt from American Eagle. Too cute! I love it!

And, instead of that fancy dinner, I bought some pork chops at Walmart for $6 & we cooked dinner together at home.

It also snowed again today. Here's a quick :03 second video of it. I know....it's not like you haven't ever seen snow. But, humor me & watch it anyway. Thanks.

I have had a webcam & been a "member" of Skype for over a year now, but I never used it until today. (I guess because most of my family is here in Arkansas, so I haven't reallly had a reason to use it...however, Brad & Tiffany, if you're reading this...I think you guys have a webcam. Now that I know how to use mine, let's talk...I would love to see Emma & baby Drew.)

Anyway, I used mine to talk to my friend, Alissa. I'm about 8 years older than her & I've known her all her life. In fact, she was my first babysitting job. I was 10 & she was 2. I made $6.25 for 6 hours & 15 minutes. I still remember Anita (her mom) counting out the dollars & handing them to me. I thought I was rich! Back then, $6.25 actually went pretty far! And, to a 10 year old, that was pretty cool.

OMG SNOW GO AWAY.

2010-02-11T21:29:00.003-06:00

We're on DAY FOUR of snow that fell on MONDAY.

The interstate's are are mostly dry, except for the on/exit ramps & bridges. There are still slick spots. Plus, the snow that's melting is then turning into thin sheets of ice.

Our neighborhood is still CRAPPY. The snow is FROZEN...like you-think-it-might-puncture-your-tire-when-you-drive-over-it frozen.

That's some serious stuff.

There are areas around my neighborhood that don't get a lot of sunlight & NOTHING has melted...the snow is still 6-8 inches deep.

Snowpeople that were built on Monday are still perfectly in tact.

And, as I type this, we're waiting on more snow to come in overnight....at least another inch or so. PLUS, MORE SNOW ON SUNDAY.

Three snowfalls in less than a week.

NO MORE SNOW.

Now, don't get me wrong.

I don't actually mind the snow.

When we can plan for it.

Sunday night, one of our meteorologists was AT OUR HOUSE for a Super Bowl party & he assured us we'd only get rain. ONLY GET RAIN.

Imagine my surprise when I woke up at 3am to go to the bathroom, looked out the window & saw about 1 or 2 inches of snow on the ground.

Ok, we can handle that.

When I got up a few hours later, I immediately turned the TV on us...to watch the weather. I'm told we're just going to get snow & maybe another couple of inches.

I can drive on snow. I'm not worried about it.

Matt & I go to work, where it promptly starts snowing VERY LARGE FLAKES & very fast. Then, it starts raining. And, the rain starts freezing on the roads.

The latest weather data comes out & it predicts we're going to 10-12 inches.

HOLY COW.

This is where I start to freak out because Maisy is at home by herself. If it keeps snowing & raining & FREEZING ON THE ROADS OMG, we can't get home to her.

Normally, had we known this was going to happen, we would taken her to Matt's mom's house, in case we had to stay overnight in a hotel (it's happened before...remember Christmas of 2000?)

BUT WE THOUGHT WE WERE ONLY TO GET RAIN.

I know it's bad out there when Matt comes in & says, "Wow. It's almost undrivable out there."

Great.

Around 2 or so, it stops snowing/raining & we start to see a little melting going on. Enough to where I feel pretty confident that I can drive home after my show.

I do okay...only feeling myself fish-tail once or twice.

I make it all the way home, only to get stuck in my driveway. (See picture in previous post.)

So, thankfully, Matt & I both made it home safely to Maisy.

Speaking of Maisy, this dog HATES THE SNOW TOO.

She can't walk in it.

Parts of it are frozen, so she can actually walk on TOP of it, but some spots are soft & her little paws fall right through. I have been so scared that she's going to break a leg or something.

I cleared an area for her, but she does use it? NO.

Stubborn dog.

Anyway, we'll see what tonight & Sunday bring...hopefully Old Man Winter will STAY AWAY!

Snow Day.

2010-02-08T12:29:00.004-06:00

So. We're getting A LOT of snow right now in Arkansas. We could get 10-15 inches of it before tomorrow morning.

And, where am I?

AT WORK.

While everyone else is out playing in the first REAL SNOWFALL in at least 20+ years!

SUCKS.

I made it all the way home, only to get stuck in the driveway.

Almost 6 inches in the front yard!

Maisy just wants to eat the snow.

An Update.

2010-02-07T10:48:00.004-06:00

So, I guess it's been about a month since I last blogged, huh?

I feel bad that I've put my blog on the back burner because it's because of this that I've been able to meet so many new people & do so many new & fun things.

And, I am sooooooo thankful for that.

I think about blogging everyday, but by the time I have time to sit down & do it, it's 10:30 at night & I'M SO TIRED CAN'T I JUST GO TO BED ALREADY?

My new goal is to take 5 to 10 minutes each night (or every other night) to blog...whether it's just a picture or an observation or something funny I want to remember.

That starts NOW.

********

You guys know what a huge K*ris Allen fan I am, right? (And, I am currently working on a very special project for/with him that I'll tell you more about later...)

Anyway, his wife, Katy, is starring in a new web series called, "The Bloodstone Diaries". The pilot episode premiered at a local bar last month & I was able to go.

Carole, Katy, Risa & me. Carole & Risa are two KA fans that I met via Twitter. We all live in Arkansas & we all went to the premier together (Risa knows Katy's mom...they used to work together.)

The opening scene in the webisode was filmed in a local restaurant called "Bobby's Cafe." After we saw the premiere, Carole, Risa & I made a date to have lunch there. AND GET OUR PICTURE MADE WITH THE BOBBY'S SIGN IN THE BACKGROUND OF COURSE!

Carole, Risa & I have formed an awesome friendship that goes deeper than just being KA fans! It just proves that friendship knows no age limits!

Another big thing that's happened to me is I'm now the Morning Manager for American Idol Now or AINow, a website solely devoted to American Idol. And, I love it!

It just kind of happened & not many people know about it (to my family members who are reading this: SURPRISE!)

On Thursday, I GOT TO MEET DANNY GOKEY. He was a Top 3 finalist on this past season of American Idol.

My TV station has a partnership with some local radio stations...KSSN being one of them. I was in the room when our promotions manager asked my boss if we could cover a private concert with Danny. YES WE CAN. AND, I'LL VOLUNTEER TO DO THE INTERVIEW.

My photographer & I got there kinda early, so they let us be in the "booth" with Danny, while the DJ interviewed him live. We got to hear Danny & his band sing 2 songs live on air.

Afterwards, I interviewed Danny AND THEN GOT MY PICTURE MADE WITH HIM DUH.

I didn't initially cover this for the website, but I did end up writing an article about it & posting the interview I did with Danny (thanks to my sweet husband who helped edit the video.)

You can read & listen here.

I realize this post has been all about AMERICAN IDOL. My life is not all about AI, I promise, although after reading this, that might be hard to believe. But, it's not.

I'll be back...

Flip Share Videos.

2010-01-01T19:30:00.015-06:00

One of my Christmas gifts from Matt was a FlipShare camera. I had been hinting for one for a few months & much to my surprise, he actually listens to me because I got one.

Yay!

I love it because it has TWO HOURS of recording time & the USB port flips out & plugs right into my laptop.

And, it downloads super fast.

I brought my camera with me to dinner with my stepbrother, his wife & daughter who came to visit us a few days after Christmas.

Emma, who's almost 4 & absolutely ADORABLE took these videos with my Flip.

Brad & Tiffany: We had a great time with y'all at dinner & really enjoyed watching Emma & hearing her sweet little voice! We're also very excited about baby Drew's arrival!

Christmas 2009.

2009-12-29T11:49:00.009-06:00

What Happened Over Thanksgiving Break.

2009-12-04T17:44:00.004-06:00

The day after Thanksgiving, around 11:10pm at night, Matt & I were sitting on the couch playing Super Mario Bro's for Wii (which is super fun, by the way.)

Anyway, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the reflection of a red light flashing through the glass in our front door. I got up & went into our guest bedroom to look out the window.

AND, FLAMES ARE SHOOTING UP OVER THE TREES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

I yelled at Matt: "A HOUSE IS ON FIRE!!!!"

He thought I was kidding, so he came in to look.

Then, he goes: "GET IN THE CAR!" (He drives a company car with a camera & even though we were on vacation, he knew that our TV station would want this video.)

At this point, we're still not even sure what house is burning...if it's in our neighborhood or if it's a house across the street from our neighborhood entrance.

Turned out, it was the house DIRECTLY across from the entrance.

When we pulled up, the firefighters (from 4 different departments) were just setting up the big hoses to try to get control of the flames.

IT WAS CRAZY.

Matt was shooting video & I stood around watching the fire with about 10 other people from our neighborhood.

No one was inside the house. (But, I found out later, that the home owner's dog died in the fire.)

The woman who lived in the house actually died that morning after spending 2 weeks in the hospital. Her son lives in a trailer behind the house, but he wasn't there when the fire started.

(And, no...as far as we know, the fire isn't suspicious.)

I took these pictures from Matt's phone, so the quality isn't very good, but you get the idea.

I have never seen a house fire before & I hope I never see another one.

The house.

Here's a shot of all the firefighters & trucks that were there to help out.

**Updated: To see the story our TV station did on the fire, click here.**

Girls Weekend 2010.

2009-11-22T11:02:00.002-06:00

You in?

June 24-27th, 2010.

Nashville, Tennessee.

So far there are about 15 girls going. We know enough about each other's personal lives from blogs, facebook & twitter that we decided it's time to meet, face to face.

If you want to join us, go to our facebook group for more information.

**ALSO, PLEASE GO HERE & VOTE FOR LITTLE ROCK. You guys know big of a K*ris Allen fan I am & right now, we're only ahead of NYC by 300 votes. At one point, we were ahead by 500. Thanks!**

Ouch.

2009-11-08T19:45:00.003-06:00

Matt plays softball with a group of guys on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

Technically the season's over, but because so many games were rained out in October, they've been making games up by pretty much playing every week night for the past 2 weeks.

I don't go to most of the games because they're usually at 8:30pm & for me, that's late.

Last Wednesday, he left our house around 7:45pm for his game. At 8:40, our phone rings. But, it's a number I don't recognize, so I didn't answer it.

The caller didn't leave a message, so I figured he or she had the wrong number.

About 2 minutes later, the phone rings again & it's Matt's number on caller ID.

I KNEW something was wrong.

I answered & our friend, Paul, says "Hey Robin. It's Paul."

I said, "What happened? Where is he? Is he okay?"

Paul tells me that Matt got hit in the face with a softball, but for me not to panic because there was a nurse in the dugout with him stopping the bleeding.

Bleeding.

OMG.

HE SAID BLEEDING.

Paul says he doesn't think Matt can drive & probably needs stitches.

I get off the phone with Paul, run around the house turning lights off, put on some real clothes & pack a bag for Matt (he was wearing his softball clothes, so I packed him some pants & a shirt.)

I throw Maisy outside & tell her to pee FAST. Thankfully, she does.

After getting lost once, I finally get to the softball field at 9:20.

Paul had stayed with Matt til I got there, so we thank him & then we head to the ER, where Matt's mom is waiting (I called her on my way to pick him up from the field because at that point, I didn't know how bad his injury was...if he was going to need surgery or something, I didn't want to be alone. And, he's her son, so I figured she's probably want to know.)

Because his face is still bleeding, the staff moves quickly getting Matt through triage & into a "room" to get stitched up. At this point, his poor face is swelling up pretty bad.

(By the way, the people we're sharing a "room" with are a mom & her teenage daughter...who has swine flu AND mono! Yay. Not.)

An hour later, the doctor comes in to stitch Matt up. Six stitches total. The doctor numbed him up first, but Matt said he could feel the 6th stitch go in. He says if he needed a 7th, he was going to make the doctor numb him again. Poor guy.

After that, he gets a tetanus shot.

Followed by a CT scan to make sure nothing's broken in his face.

Luckily, no fractures or broken bones.

We get home around 1:00am and crash.

Besides a little light sensitivity, a black eye, 6 stitches, some swelling, he's okay. And, that's all that matters. It could have been A LOT worse (don't get me wrong, it was bad, but the ball could have hit his eye or worse...)

I'm pretty sure he wasn't telling me the truth about the amount of pain he was in on Thursday & Friday because I think he thought if he told me how bad it actually hurt, I would tell him to stay home from work. He didn't want to stay home because he was shooting football both those days & he LOVES shooting football. There's no way he was going to skip it.

Now, though, I think the pain is gone, but he is really sore still.

He can take his stitches out tomorrow.

AND, HE WANTS TO PLAY SOFTBALL ON TUESDAY!

What?

Yes.

He bought some protective clear glasses today so that I would feel better about him playing.

How sweet.

The injury.

The stitches.

How it looked Saturday night. Ouch.

"Where's the Bathroom?"

2009-11-03T18:57:00.002-06:00

Every year at the state fair, my TV station has a booth for people to come & "do the weather."

And, every year, everyone in the newsroom is asked to volunteer for at least 1 3-hour shift.

Even though Matt & I would rather get root canals than go to the state fair, we suck it up & do our volunteer duty.

(We do not like the fair because several years ago, when we were dating, we went to the fair together & rode the "spider"...at the end of each "leg" is the little car thingy that you sit in. The car thing spins around & around, as does the spider "body" that the "legs" are attached to. When the ride started, we were like "wheeee...this is fun"...AND THEN IT WAS FUN NO LONGER. It started spinning so fast, that both Matt & I were yelling at the guy to STOP THIS RIDE. We got so dizzy & so nauseous...that right then I vowed to never ride a ride again. You guys, it was AWFUL.)

So, that's why we prefer not to go to the fair.

Anyway, in October (2007), we worked our shift on a Saturday or Sunday, I can't remember. Well, a few nights later, Matt & I were asleep in bed & I started dreaming that we were at the fair (it's bad enough that I have to go to the fair...now I have to dream about it?).

In my dream, I had to go to the bathroom. BAD.

So, in my dream (or at least I thought I was still dreaming), I asked Matt where the bathroom was.

Except that Matt says I sat up in bed, looked over at him & asked, "Hey! Where's the bathroom?"

Matt didn't know I thought I was dreaming.

He thought I was fully awake, asking him where our bathroom was. In our room. The place I go to several times a day.

He said he didn't know what was going on & he asked me to repeat my question.

So, I did.

And, he goes, "Um...right over there...the door is on that wall." And, pointed towards the bathroom.

By the time he was telling me where it was, I was starting to wake up & realized what was going on.

Kind of embarrassed, I quickly said, "Oh, ok. Sorry."

I got out of bed, went to the bathroom & when I got back in bed, I told Matt about my dream.

And, we laughed.

For a loooooooooong time.

That happened two years ago & every once in a while, when we're laying in bed, Matt will roll over to me & sheepishly ask "Hey! Where's the bathroom?"

FUNNY GUY.

What I've Been Up To.

2009-10-28T19:21:00.003-05:00

So.

I haven't really updated this blog in a while.

I don't have a good reason, except that I've been spending most of my time lately working on a few projects...one of which is BIG...HUGE...but, I can't tell you about it til I finish it.

(No, I'm not pregnant...that I know of.)

Anyway, I just wanted to let y'all know that I'm still alive...just busy!

But, aren't we all?

Here's a few pictures to show you what's been going on in my life.

After our trip to Chicago, my sister, niece, nephew & I drove to Tyler, Texas to visit my aunt, uncle & cousins. We had a picnic in the park one day while we were there.

I said goodbye to one of my best friends (we also worked together), who moved back home to Texas to help take her of her daddy, who has cancer. (He's going to be okay...thank God.)

We celebrated Matt's 33rd birthday...old man.

Maisy dressed up as a turtle & was part of a pet Halloween costume fashion show for the TV station that I work for. She loved it. Not. But, she did make a very cute turtle.

My sister in law, my 2 niece's Suzanne & Madeline & I went to Miley Cyrus this past weekend.

Wendy & I may have been the only people over the age of 30 who actually enjoyed the concert.

Because Wendy (well, the girls) is a member of the Miley Cyrus Fan Club, she got to pre-order tickets. AND, WE GOT REALLY GOOD SEATS. See?

October 15, 2009.

2009-10-15T22:09:00.002-05:00

July 7th, 2006.

February 15th, 2008.

The two WORST DAYS of my entire life.

Those are the dates Matt & I lost our babies.

With our first loss, I was 11 weeks along.

With our second loss, I was 6 weeks along.

Today is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

And, on this day (well, really...EVERYDAY), I think about my babies.

Babies that Matt & I created out of so much love & so much want.

In the days after both miscarriages, I didn't want to get out of bed.

There were times that I had to remind myself to breathe.

The pain was so raw, that I thought I would never feel happy again.

Your life never goes back to normal after you lose a child. You just learn a new normal...where your baby is never far from your thoughts or your heart.

So, on this day, if you've ever lost a baby/child, I'm praying for you.

Know that you are NOT alone.

There are people out there who understand.

Chicago 2009.

2009-10-06T18:44:00.000-05:00

Matt, our friend, Greg & I flew to Chicago at the start of September for 4 days!

We went to TWO Cubs games, walked around Navy Pier, shopped along the Magnificent Mile & ate at lots of fun restaurants.

I also got to see my friend, Jenni (we went to junior high, high school & part of college together), whom I haven't seen in many years & meet her 2 year old son, Parker.

I also got to see an old swimming buddy of mine & meet his beautiful wife & their 1 year old son, Ben.

As always, I want the pictures to tell the story.

So, here you go.

On the plane.

Greg took this. See me? Yep, still reading.

Annnnnnnd, now we're in Chicago. After checking into our hotel, the next order of business was LUNCH...at Panera. I had a delicious turkey sandwich. But, at this point, dirt would have tasted good to me because I WAS SOOOOO HUNGRY!

After lunch, we made our way (thanks to public transportation) to the Navy Pier. Here we are the end of the pier. Ocean Michigan is in the background. (Yes, I know it's LAKE Michigan, but it's huge...so we called it an ocean.)

The end of the pier with the flags.

Matt & me in front of Ocean Michigan.

Chicago skyline.

Matt & Greg on Lake Michigan.

These guys were crazy. I asked if I could take my picture with them. The guy on the right said only if he could wear my purse. Um, okay.

Here we are on the "El" making our way back to our hotel to get ready for dinner at Harry Caray's.

The infamous Harry Caray's.

HOLY COW.

Matt & me acting silly.

Now, it's Sunday...we're at Wrigley Field.

Matt & me waiting for the game to start.

Matt caught a home run ball from practice. He & a 3-fingered man fought for it & Matt won.

Game started. Cubs won.

Me & two guys.

The crowd...plus people on the bleachers on top of the apartment buildings.

These guys were on the street outside Wrigley playing drums on empty buckets. They were very good. Do you see the little kid? He was sooooooo cute.

Here we are "riding" a bike to a bar by Wrigley to meet my swimming buddy, Jonathan & his family for a beer & appetizers.

This was our driver.

Here we are leaving the bar. Jonathan's son started running to the car, so Matt joined him. Ben was CRACKING UP at Matt. It was too cute.

Me, Ben, Jonathan & his wife, Katy.

The next day, Monday, we met my friend, Jenni & her son, Parker at a really cool breakfast place for....BREAKFAST. Duh. It was so great to see Jenni again...but, 2 hours is not enough time to catch up! When Matt & I go back to Chicago, we'll have to hang out more!

Jenni gave us a ride to the Magnificent Mile. I thought this picture was cute because Matt & Parker are making the same face.

My Mecca.

Yummy!

Can you see the plane? It's flying very low. Or at least we thought so.

Matt wishes.

This is where I fell on my face the night before. We were walking back to our hotel & I tripped. I caught myself on my hands, which hurt really bad.

Monday afternoon/night...our 2nd Cubs game.

Matt & Greg.

Practicing.

The 3 of us.

I just liked this sign.

The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus sang the National Anthem & Vince Vaughn threw out the first pitch.

A Cub.

The game. The Cubs won again.

The teams shaking hands.

See? Cubs win.

We all 3 had on jersey's with different names on them. So, you know I had to get a picture of it.

Now, it's Tuesday...and, we're on our way home.

Matt & Greg at the train station waiting on the "El".

This is at the airport. See all the train tracks? That train system is crazy...but, we were able to map our way around pretty quickly.

Greg, Matt & me on the "moving" sidewalk or whatever it's called at the airport. I almost always fall when I step off those things. I'm very coordinated...NOT.

Tuesday's Tribute

2009-10-06T10:27:00.002-05:00

What fun!

A good friend of mine, Kelli, asked me if she could feature my design blog for today's Tuesday's Tribute. And, of course, I said yes.

She wrote such a great post & I want you to hop on over & read it!

Please & thank you!

Arkansas Law Blog.

2009-10-05T19:33:00.003-05:00

My brother-in-law, Matt, who's also a lawyer, is now the newest member of the blogging world.

His blog, "Wealth Wars: Arkansas Estate, Trust & Probate Litigation Blog", can be found by clicking on the link.

Here's a little bit about what he plans to address:

"Commentary, News And Analysis From A Little Rock Lawyer About Estate And Trust Battles, Will Contests, Accounting Actions, Claims Against Fiduciaries, Interpretation Of Wills And Trusts, Fights Over Trust Expenditures And Management Of Trust Assets, Disputes Over Missing Assets And Property Ownership, Family Business Litigation And "Corporate Divorces," Questions Regarding The Competency Of An Elder, Rights Of Beneficiaries, And Similar Issues"

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in reading about, click on the link above & take a minute or two to read what he's posted so far.

If you have any questions about what you read, all of his contact information is under the "About" tab.

However, it's important for me to note that his blog is for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY & may not be relied upon for legal advice.

The Year of Concerts.

2009-09-30T18:11:00.007-05:00

Wow.

It wasn't until last night during the Dave Matthews Band concert at Dickey-Stephens Ballpark, that I realized HOW MANY concerts I've been to this year...(so far.)

Let's review, shall we?

In January, we went to Brad Paisley.

In May, my sister, Matt, Jackson & I went to Kenny Chesney (even though we've seen him 3 times already.)

In July, I went to the American Idol Tour concert with a bunch of friends from work.

In August, Matt & I went to see Keith Urban (even though we saw him a few years ago in Memphis.)

In September (last Saturday, actually), my sister & I took my niece, Riley, to see Taylor Swift.

And, last night (September 29th), Matt & I saw Dave Matthews with a bunch of friends from work.

If you count concert-like events, Matt & I saw Jeff Dunham (a comedian) in February.

I know that's a lot, but some really, really good memories were made! So, really...that's priceless, right?

I'm Still Here!

2009-09-28T19:40:00.004-05:00

I hope all of you (all 3 of you who probably read this blog) haven't given up on me!

I have SO MUCH to blog about, but I just haven't had time! Work kicks my ass so hard during the day, that when I get home, I just want to crawl in a hole for a while.

Plus, I have to do laundry, clean my house & WATCH TV, obviously.

It doesn't leave much time for blogging.

BUT, I will have TONS of updates for you guys later this week!

So, check back soon!

Our Annual Trip to Branson.

2009-08-27T18:55:00.015-05:00

Last weekend, my dad, stepmom, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, niece, Matt & I made our annual trip to Branson. This year, we were there from Thursday to Sunday.

We had a total blast! We stayed in a very nice condo that had a full kitchen, spacious living room, big bedrooms & a screened in porch.

The weather was BEAUTIFUL the whole weekend. Not too hot, not too cold. Just about as perfect as you could get.

On Friday, we spent most of the day at Silver Dollar City. We ate dinner at pizza restaurant called Luigi's & then did a little shopping at the Outlets.

On Saturday, we went to the Titanic Museum, shopped at the Branson Landings (an open air mall) & then went to the Dixie Stampede for dinner & a show.

On Sunday, we went to a different outlet mall, where we shopped for a few hours. Matt & I had to be home at 6:00 for a friend's birthday dinner, so we left Branson around 12:30.

The only not so perfect part of the weekend was when my stomach started hurting SO FREAKING BAD on Saturday. The pain went from off & on to constant to I thought I was going to die.

By the time we got to the Dixie Stampede that night, it hurt to walk, sit or stand. I don't think everyone knew I was in such pain...I didn't want to ruin anyone's fun, but there was a point before the show started that I almost asked Matt to take me back to the condo.

Thankfully, I started feeling better during the show, but my stomach didn't really feel normal again til at least Wednesday. I guess I just ate something that didn't agree with me.

Anyway, I have lots of pictures to show, so I'll just let them tell the rest of our weekend.

Riley played some games at SDC & this was the first "prize" she won. A fox she named "Foxy".

We all won!

Jackson has a monkey on his back.

My sister with her dolphin & Riley with Foxy & Quackly.

This was a big step for me. I don't ride rides. They scare me. But, I told myself I would 2 on this trip. I did the swings & the elephants.

Riley & Jack.

How cute is this picture? Matt (Mop) did the kiddie roller coaster with Jackson.

The swings.

We can't tell if Jackson liked the ride or not.

The elephant ride. That's my dad.

Me getting ready to ride.

My stepmom!

Holly & the girl on this really fast mini pirate ship ride.

Riley popped 3 balloons with each dart. Seriously. She was queen of the dart throwing.

The big pirate ship. Can you see my dad in the way back?

Jack & Miss Thang.

On the Flooded Mine ride. Oh, wait...I guess I did 3 rides.

Holly & Riley.

Don't ask.

Riley wearing her new cupcake nightgown.

Eating cupcakes.

The Titanic Museum.

My lunch at San Francisco Oven. Yum.

Matt's lunch.

Us after lunch & before shopping!

Riley Grace.

My sister & Matt.

Sisters.

Dixie Stampede. Matt & I have now seen all 3 DS's in the country. Piegon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina & Branson, Missouri.

Our waitress asked Jackson to be a part of the show. He & 3 other kids got to chase chickens.

Jack's chicken didn't win, but he still got a medal & a book.

Another picture of the show.

Look how big this cupcake is?

Update In Need Of...

2009-08-24T12:17:00.003-05:00

THREE Taylor Swift tickets for Saturday, September 26th at Verizon Arena in Arkansas.

They went on sale this past Friday & we didn't think they would sell out so fast.

If you have tickets to sell or know someone who does, please let me know!

**Update: I appreciate everyone telling me to check Stubhub & ebay! Thanks for the suggestion. But, before I posted this, I checked those websites first. Yes, there are PLENTY of tickets for sale, but they are WAY MORE than face value & I really don't want to pay $100 per ticket. That's why I was HOPING someone who reads my blog & might have tickets to sell, would be kind enough to not charge me double what they paid.**

Snippets of a Conversation.

2009-08-19T21:42:00.003-05:00

My 8 year old niece started 3rd grade today.

My 5 year old niece started kindergarten today.

They live a few hours away from us, so I called them when I got home from work to see how their day went.

Here's some of my conversation with M, the 5 year old.

Me: "What did you wear for your 1st day?"

M: "Pants, a cowgirl shirt & a cowgirl jacket."

Me: "Did you get kinda hot?"

M: (pause) "Maybe a little."

Me: "Tell me what you did in school today?"

M: "I got there, played, colored, ate lunch, went outside, came back inside, colored & came home."

Me: "Did you see your sister at all today?"

M: "Yes, when we driving home."

Then I asked her what Harper was doing (their 9 month old Beagle) & she says, "Sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor, looking at me."

Oh.

Here's part of my conversation with S, the 8 year old.

Me: "Did you wear a new outfit today?"

S: "Yes."

Me: "What was it?"

S: "A purple shirt & a vest...well, it looks like a vest but it's attached to the shirt. And, jeans with purple hearts on them."

Me: "Do you like your teacher?"

S: "Yes." (She's very forthcoming, isn't she? Ha!)

Me: "What's her name?" (this is me assuming she has a woman teacher).

S: "Mr. Clark. He's a boy teacher." (Wendy...forgive me here. I really couldn't remember what S told me...but, I know she said he's a boy).

Me: "Isn't this your 2nd boy teacher?"

S: "Yes, my 1st boy teacher was in 1st grade."

Me: "Do you have a bunch of friends you already knew in your class?"

S: "Yes." (Again, so forthcoming with information! Hee hee).

I was so glad to talk to them. But, I have to admit, when I was talking to M, I kinda teared up because listening to her describe her day, made me miss her & her sister a lot!

I'm glad they had good first days!

*****

Jackson started 2nd grade today. When Riley realized he was going to school, she asked my sister if she got to school today too. Holly told her no, she was going to stay home with her.

Riley said, "GOOD!". Ha!

Busy, Busy, Busy.

2009-08-18T22:14:00.003-05:00

This summer has FLOWN by.

Faster than any other summer that I can remember.

We didn't do much in June.

July was busier.

And, so far, August has been pretty quiet.

But, still...it's just gone by sooooooo fast.

However, it feels like things are just getting started!

We'll be in Branson this weekend with my dad, stepmom, sister, BIL, nephew & niece. We've got lots of fun things planned! And, I'm very excited.

Then, when come home, only to fly to Chicago a week or so later! We'll be there for 4 days!

After Chicago, my sister, niece, nephew & I are going to Texas to visit my aunt, uncle & cousins for a few days.

The next weekend after that is the Taylor Swift concert that my sister & I are taking Riley to...followed by the Dave Matthews concert 3 days later!

It seems as though September is shaping up to be the craziest & most expensive month yet.

But, SO MUCH FUN!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

My 31st Birthday.

2009-08-09T18:29:00.013-05:00

I turned 31 on July 31st.

My golden birthday.

And, what a birthday it was!

It started at the beginning of that week when my friend Avie told Matt that I needed a "poppin" outfit for my birthday party.

I didn't have time AT ALL to even think about going to the mall to try to find something...my week was super busy.

On Thursday at work, Matt asked Mallory (Avie's SIL) what she was doing that night. When she said she didn't have plans, he asked her if she'd help him find me a "poppin" outfit.

So, they met at the mall a little while later & started searching for an outfit. Our other friend, Drew, was also with them because he had to return a shirt.

They started searching & had several outfits picked out, but couldn't decide on which one to buy.

So...

They called Avie...who, I'm told, got to the mall at the speed of light.

She walked into Forever 21, saw the outfits & I'm told immediately picked out this dress (which was one of the choices) & some cute dangly earrings.

If you know me, you know I don't do dangly earrings. I always thought they didn't look good on me. Matt told Avie that I don't wear dangly earrings, but she said I'd have to for my birthday.

She & Mal also picked out a bangle bracelet to go with my new dress (except that when they told Matt & Drew I needed a bangle, Drew thought they said "bagel").

When Matt got home from the mall, he let me open my gifts & then told me the story about his adventure at the mall with Mal, Avie & Drew.

I heart presents.

Wii Sports Resort. Yay!

My bangle (bagel) bracelets.

The dress.

The earrings.

When I got to work on Friday, this is how my desk looked. After they left the mall, Mallory & Drew came back to work & decorated my desk! Such a nice surprise!

Chelsea, another friend & co-worker, made me some "Chocolate Chip Dip". OMG, y'all...this stuff is GOOOOOOOOOD.

Friday night was my big party! My friends, Matt, my sister & my brother-in-law met at Gusano's for dinner. Avie gave me my birthday present: a yellow purse & cute "R" key chain.

When I opened my present, we realized that several other girls were carrying yellow purses.

PHOTO OP!

My sister & me.

Taking a shot!

After Gusano's, we went to The Attic for some dancing. This is Josh (friend & co-worker) about to take another shot.

What a face!

Josh & Lauren.

Avie & Scooter "breakin' it off" on the dance flo'.

Me & the Jello Shot girl.

Cecillea, Pete, Shannon, Lauren, Courtney & me.

Me, Mallory, Avie & Jessica.

Jessica, Josh & me.

On Saturday, we went to my mother-in-law's house to celebrate my birthday, as well as her birthday! Here we are with our cake as everyone was singing "Happy Birthday" to us.

Make a wish!

Presents!

Yay! MONEY!!

Then, on Sunday night, we went to my mom's house to celebrate my birthday & my brother-in-law's birthday. His birthday is the day before mine!

Blowing out the candle. Can you see Riley in the background trying to blow it out too?

Matt, Riley & me.

My wonderful husband & me.

Presents! A cute purple beaded necklace from my dad & stepmom.

Yay! More presents.

My sister & Matt.

My dad & me.

What a GREAT 31st birthday I had! And, thanks to Avie, I am totally addicted to dangly earrings! In fact, she cleaned out her jewelry box & gave me 19 pairs of earrings!

American Idol Tour, July 2009

2009-08-01T19:00:00.015-05:00

I had been waiting for this night for what seemed like FOREVER...but, was really probably only like 2 months.

Being that K*ris A*llen is from Arkansas, we all knew it was going to be a CRAZY night!

And, it was.

It was sooooo hard not to get emotional when K*ris too the stage & the crowd gave him a 5 minute long standing ovation.

I went to the concert with a bunch of people from work: Lindsey, Melissa, Chelsea, Greg & his wife, Lauire (who I scrapbook with).

Earlier in the day, the girls & I got manicures & pedicures. I got my toenails painted green because each American Idol contestant has their own color. K*ris' is green.

Since I was basically gone all day, Matt took advantage & did some shopping for my birthday. While he was driving to the mall, he saw this limo pulled over on the side of the interstate.

A guy was standing outside of it with a video camera.

As Matt got closer, he realized it was K*ris! But, by the time, Matt was able to take a picture, K*ris had gotten back into the limo.

We had FLOOR seats...row 17!

Melissa & me at the concert.

M*ichael S*arver

S*cott M*acIntyre

A*NOOP! You guys, he was AWESOME. I didn't really like him that much on the show, but he was A-MAZING in concert.

M*att G*iraud

L*il Rounds & M*egan. And, no, M*egan did not squawk like a bird. But, I did leave to go to the bathroom when she came out to do her solo performance.

The Top 10-5

A*llison I*raheta

D*anny G*okey

A*dam L*ambert. OMG, you guys, A*dam was HOTTTTT. I didn't really like him during the show, until we got down to the Top 3. I couldn't stand his screaming.

But, during the concert, he was OTC...(off the chain).

Here he is singing "Mad World".

And, the MAN of the night...K*ris A*llen.

Love him.

He was AWESOME x 1,000,000.

K*ris doing "Bright Lights" from Matchbox 20.

His guitar duet with the band's guitarist.

The Top 10.

Dueling piano's.

The Top 10 again.

What a show! This was THE BEST concert I have EVER been too. Better than Kenny, better than Rascal Flatts...but, not better than Keith Urban.

All the Idol's were wonderful. You could just see how much fun they were having. I could have watched the show 20 times in a row. Man, it was good.

Here we are after the show: Lindsey, Melissa, me, Chelsea & Laurie.

We want to be the next American Idol.

See, we're cool enough...aren't we?

Us plus Greg...and, some random guy in the background.

See our pretty toes. Mine are green!

A Little Help For My Friends!

2009-07-28T09:59:00.002-05:00

Two of my really good friends, who are getting married in April, are finalists in a major wedding competition.

They could win $10,000 for their wedding & a trip to New York City if they get the most votes.

Imagine planning a wedding in THIS economy? GAH!

$10,000 would definitely go a looooooong way for them.

If you would, please go vote for Courtney & Pete by clicking on this link.

You can also click here to see Pete propose to Courtney...it got worldwide media attention!

Thanks guys! I'll be sure to let you all know if they win!!!

A Wedding Weekend.

2009-07-23T19:41:00.012-05:00

Last weekend, Matt, his mom & I (and, my MIL's dog, Donut) traveled to Northwest Arkansas for Matt's cousin's wedding.

We left our house around 9:45am & got to Matt's sister's house around 12:3o or so. I love the drive to Fayetteville. It's soooooooo pretty.

Matt's sister just got a new dog...an 8 month old Beagle, named Harper. We were a little nervous about how Harper & Donut do (because Donut's not as young as he used to be & we were afraid Harper would try to jump on him or whatever she thought she needed to do to get him to play).

Thankfully, Harper was just about perfect! She would dart in front of him every once a while, as if to say "Hey! It's me. I'm still here...you know, in case you want to play!"

Friday afternoon, Matt & I had to go to the tux place to make sure Matt's tux fit (he was an usher) & then we went to the church for the rehearsal & then to the dinner afterwards.

When we got back to Wendy's house, the WHOLE family played Rock Band. Matt, his mom, Wendy, Jim, Suzanne, Madeline & I all took turns playing the drums, the guitar, even singing.

I don't think any of us went to bed before 11pm! But, it was a blast!

On Saturday, Matt & I met our friends Tom, Sydney & baby Stella at the Red Robin for lunch. Matt & I had never been to a Red Robin & we LOVED it! Bottomless fries? Oh yeah!!

After lunch, we checked into the hotel in Rogers. (We could have stayed at Wendy's house again...for free, but I LOVE hotels & I never can pass up an opportunity to stay in one. Plus, we got a discounted rate because that's the hotel everyone from the wedding was staying in).

We went to the Promenade...mainly to go to the University of Arkansas Razorback store. Matt wanted to get a new shirt & of course, I found a few things for me, too!

After that, it was time to get ready for the wedding.

We had to be at the church at 4pm for pictures! The wedding wasn't til 7pm, but there was a Mass at 5, so we had to take some pictures, then get out of the sanctuary until after 6pm.

The wedding was perfect! Jennifer looked beautiful & Richard was beaming! I always tear up at wedding's during the vow exchange because of the whole "in sickness & health" part. That line means everything to me because of the car accident & our 2 miscarriages. So, cue the tears!

After the wedding, it was time to PAR-TAY!!!

The reception was at the Pinnacle Hills Country Club. It was gorgeous! The dinner was FAB! And, we all had a great time out on the dance floor.

Our 8 year old niece wasn't too interested in dancing (and, actually, I'm not sure where Madeline, our 5 year old niece, got her energy to dance because both girls were exhausted after staying up so late the night before & with all the build up to the wedding), but Madeline danced & danced & danced. She wasn't too sure until I picked her up & danced with her first. After that, you couldn't bribe this girl off the dance floor. She had a blast. Big sister enjoyed watching!

We didn't leave the reception until 11pm or so! We got back to the hotel & CRASHED. Seriously. I don't even remember putting on my pj's or getting into bed!

Sunday morning, I got up at 10:15am to go downstairs for the free breakfast while Matt slept! After that, we checked out of the hotel & met Matt's mom, sister, BIL & our niece's for lunch at AQ Chicken. YUMMY! We had to go back to Wendy's house to get Donut before heading home!

It was a GREAT weekend. I am so thankful for such a wonderful family, who I love spending time with. We don't see Wendy, Jim & the girls as often as we'd all like, so times like these are so special! I'm also very thankful for such a wonderful mother in law. Not every DIL can say that!

We are sooooooo happy for Jennifer & Richard. We think they're great people & we feel so blessed that they found each other & are starting a life together.

You know I have pictures, right? Right. So, here you go!

Donut & Harper.

The rehearsal.

Me with the Red Robin at Red Robin.

Me, Syd & Stella after lunch on Saturday.

Wedding Day! Madeline & Addie were flower girls. Suzanne was asked to hand out bubbles after the ceremony.

Jennifer & Richard with the flower girls.

The wedding party.

Matt & his mom.

My sexy husband!

The flower girls & ring bearers.

The groom, groomsmen & ushers.

Matt & me.

Wendy & me. We were both readers.

Leaving the church in a sea of bubbles.

The dinner.

The first dance.

Dancing with her daddy!

Me & Madeline. This is when I carried her onto the dance floor.

This is after I carried her onto the dance floor! She wouldn't stop. She was a dancin' fool!

The bride & me!

Loss.

2009-07-07T18:59:00.003-05:00

At 38 weeks pregnant, a friend of mine gave birth to a beautiful & perfect baby girl on June 25th.

What should have been a joyous occasion, was anything but.

That's because Baby M was stillborn.

My friend went to her regularly scheduled OB appointment on the 24th. I don't know all the specifics, but something prompted her doctor to do an ultrasound to check on the baby.

There was no heartbeat.

No movement.

Baby M was no longer with us.

My friend was sent straight to the hospital to be induced to deliver her sweet baby girl that she & her husband had prayed for so hard & for so long.

She wasn't dilated at all & her labor lasted more than 12 hours.

Baby M came into the world surrounded by so much love, prayers, sadness & grief.

My heart's hurting so much for my friend & her husband. They had her little room set up & a closet full of little clothes for her to wear.

There was never any reason for them to believe she'd never sleep in her crib or wear her clothes.

It's just not fair.

And, I'll never understand why things like this happen.

Today, my friend posted this article on stillbirths on her blog.

Please read it.

I did.

And, I learned that 1 in every 160 pregnancies ends in stillbirth. And, stillbirths are not frequently talked about between doctors & patients.

You can read why in the article.

I'm curious to know your opinions about this.

I know what it's like to experience loss. Not of the magnitude of what my friend is going through, but enough to know a little bit about what she's feeling right now.

As soon as you find out there's a baby growing inside you, you fall totally & completely in love with that baby. To lose the baby at any stage in pregnancy is devastating.

A Weekend with Family.

2009-07-05T21:21:00.012-05:00

A week or so ago, my sister, niece & nephew drove to Tyler, Texas to visit my aunt, uncle & cousins for 4 days. I have TONS of pictures to share, so why not let them tell the story.

Thursday night, cousin Ty spent the night at my aunt's house, so he & Riley had a sleepover.

On Friday, we went to a splash park. It was awesome! We all had a great time.

Cousin Maggi checking it all out.

Cousin Maggi splashing her mommy...my cousin, Shelley.

Ty with the football ball & Riley with the princess ball.

We always go swimming at my aunt's neighbor's pool whenever we visit.

While we were swimming, Jackson said he kept seeing something peek out of the drain. We didn't think anything of it, until he screamed, "A bird is in there!"

We lifted off the cover & wouldn't you know it?

There was a bird just sitting in there. (No, the bird isn't in this picture because it all happened so fast, I didn't even think about grabbing my camera).

The bird let my sister pick it up out of the drain & set it on the rocks.

The bird was so wet, that it couldn't fly right away. Jackson, my sister & Riley all pet the bird. It was the sweetest thing.

After it was dry enough, it flew away into these trees.

Jackson was SO PROUD of himself for saving the bird. My aunt's neighbor said she had found 2 other birds in that drain over the past week, but they were both dead. Jackson saved this one!

My sister & me. When we were younger, we always did this with our hair. You go underwater, flip your hair over, come up from underwater, then flip your hair back over. You get this.

My sister jumping off the board.

I love this picture of Jackson.

Me jumping off the board.

Holly giving Riley a ride in the pool.

Just a cute pic of the kids ready to go swimming.

Big Brother & Little Sister.

On Saturday, a daughter of a family my cousin's used to babysit for got married. Holly & I would always play with Molli (and her other sisters, Katie & Maggie) when we came to Tyler.

In this picture, Riley was eating Hershey Kisses. I think she ate about 30.

The bride & groom's first dance.

They took dancing lessons.

My sister & me.

Jackson's 1st, 2nd, or 3rd ice cream sundae. Whenever we weren't looking, he'd go get another one.

Me enjoying my ice cream sundae.

All of us dancing to "We Are Family."

My sister, me & our cousins: Shelley, Karen & Cheryl.

Another Hint.

2009-06-21T21:48:00.002-05:00

The ball is rolling, but nothing is set in stone yet. I hope it will be soon. Once it is, I will feel more comfortable sharing it with y'all.

Bullets on Wednesday.

2009-06-17T20:16:00.002-05:00

*TV: Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this show. One thing I find kind of odd is how MUCH they talk about poop. However, they don't say poop, they say "poo". Even in both of her books, Tori says "poo". On last night's episode, Tori was telling Dean that her stomach was in knots of her return to 90210. Their conversation turned into having "poo babies." Yeah, I know...kinda ICK, but it was funny.

*Babies: One of my besties, Lauren, is going to have her very first baby tomorrow. Lauren & I have been friends since 4th grade. I so wish I could be there for her tomorrow, but I'll just have to wait for her husband to call or text me saying little Anabelle is here, safe & sound!

*Summer vacation: We're going to Chicago in September to watch the Cubs play. Well, Matt's going to watch the Cubs play...I'm going shopping. However, we are BEACH people & we're thinking of driving to Gulf Shores for a few days in August. Have any of you been to Gulf Shores? Did you like it? Or is there a better beach within 100 or so miles of Gulf Shores?

*BIG, BIG, BIG project: Some of you know about this, most of you don't. Only because I'm very hesitant to tell too many people, for fear that it might not work out. I hope to be able to spill the beans in a few days, once I have a conversation with a certain someone. And, I know...I HATE when people post stuff like this ("I have a secret, but I can't tell you...")...so I'll give you a hint: KA. And, for those of you who do know, please refrain from giving it away in the comment section!

Hmmmmm...whenever I start a post like this, I always feel like I have so much more to say...but only end up finding a few things to talk about. Does this ever happen to you?

Jackson & Riley are staying with us on Friday. We always look forward to those times when we get them all to ourselves! I'm sure I'll have some fun stories & pictures to post on Sunday.

Next weekend, we're all (me, my sister, Jack & Riley) are driving to Texas to see my aunt, uncle & cousins. We always have so much fun when we visit & the time passes too fast. Our husbands are actually coming too, but just for one night. You might remember my uncle is the one who had a stroke in September 2007.

Well, I think that's all I've got right now.

Golf.

2009-06-14T20:07:00.002-05:00

Matt got us media passes for the St. Jude Classic golf tournament for this weekend. I only went on Saturday, but Matt & his friends went on Sunday as well.

It was sooooooo HOTT & at times, almost miserable outside. Each time I got hot enough to feel like I was about to pass out, the sun would go behind the clouds & I was able to cool off a bit.

I was wearing flip flops & thankfully, remembered to put sunscreen on my feet, but failed to do so anywhere else. I am now sporting a sunburn in the shape of the shirt-sleeved shirt I wore.

Lovely.

In the pictures, you'll see John Daly & Bryce Molder...both are from Arkansas. Phil is not, but Matt's a huge fan of his.

Phil's wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. He took about a month off the PGA tour & returned just in time for this tournament. Matt's wearing a pink shirt in honor of Phil's wife.

11 Years.

2009-06-03T18:36:00.009-05:00

11 years.

11 years ago, Matt & I met for the first time.

You guys remember the story, right?

How we met at a stop sign?

Yep, it's true.

Click on the link above to read a post I wrote 2 years ago.

I believe, with my whole heart, that our meeting was planned out WAY BEFORE June 2nd, 1998.

I know it was.

There were too many things that were "supposed" to happen that night, that either got canceled or postponed, that could have prevented us from meeting each other.

It's crazy, really, when I think about it.

One of the parts about our story that I love the best was when we both got out of our cars to exchange phone numbers, I knew THAT VERY SECOND that he was the one for me.

I knew right then that I was done.

I knew right then that I would never look back.

I had found the man I was going to marry.

And, I did...marry him, that is, one week shy of our 4 year dating anniversary.

After 11 years together, I STILL get butterflies every time I see him.

Matt's my best friend; he's what HOME feels like.

I won't bore you with a sappy letter to him or anything. Instead, let's look at some pictures, shall we?

Most of these were taken during our first year together (dating).

Our 1st Christmas together (dating): December 1998

December 1998: We spent 4 days in Kingsport, Tennessee at Matt's aunt's house.

March or April 1999

March 1999

January 1999

Our wedding day: May 25th, 2002

And, now...11 years later!

I love you, babe!

I Guess He Knows What He's Talking About.

2009-05-31T17:38:00.002-05:00

My husband saw my previous post, where I asked if anyone was still reading this blog.

He says, "Maybe if you posted more than once a month, people would read it."

Smart, huh?

I think I'll keep him.

And, coming soon...a post on our 7 year wedding anniversary!

Also, thanks for your comments, letting me know that people still do look at this blog. I know we're all busy...and, I know sometimes there's just no time to comment.

I understand, I promise!

I need to do a better job of commenting on all of your blogs, too.

Hello?

2009-05-26T20:37:00.000-05:00

Hmmmmm...

Does anybody read this blog anymore?

Paws on the Pavement & KENNY CHESNEY!!!

2009-05-20T18:53:00.015-05:00

Saturday was a BIG day in our house.

We got up at the crack of dawn...okay, 7:30am...to participate in Paws on the Pavement.

Our friends, Avie & Scooter (along with Meg, their dog) were supposed to do the walk with us, but poor Meggy Bone cut her paw on a piece of glass Friday night & had to skip the walk.

Maisy was SO SAD because she, Meg & Ellie (Mallory's dog...Mal is Avie's SIL...if you read my blog, you know this already) got matching pink with rhinestone letters collars.

Meg was SO SAD too because her doctor put her leg/paw in a cast for 3 days. However, it was a PINK cast, so she looked HOTT.

Mallory & Ellie still came...even though I had to wake Mal up! And, then she almost didn't come because it was supposed to rain. But, it didn't rain.

Maisy had a blast. She was in "dog overload" from the second we got there to the second we left. All new smells & stuff to see & places to go!

Here we are about to start the 1 Mile Family Fun Walk.

We decided Maisy was a loaner because she wanted to walk by herself on the other side of the road.

She's actually walking on the right side of the road here, but only because she's trying to get to the grass.

About a quarter of a mile in the walk, Maisy just sat down. She had had enough. I'm sure if we hadn't of walked around a lot before the walk, she probably would have made the whole way.

Matt, me & Maisy.

Ellie & Maisy = BFF's. Can you see their matching collars? We even got Maisy a new pink harness & leash to match!

Me, Maze, Mal & Ellie. At this point, Maisy was so tired, she didn't want anything to do with Ellie. But, little Ellie was the sweetest & kept trying to get Maisy to play with her.

She had pretty much given up by this point. She was exhausted. She wanted to lay down right here, but it was concrete & heaven forbid the "princess" touch concrete.

She sacked out about 2 minutes after we got in the car. We all had a total blast & can't wait to do it again next year...this time with Avie, Scooter & Meg! And, Mal & Ellie.

Saturday night, we went to the KENNY CHESNEY concert: me, Matt, Jackson & my sister went. That's me, Jack & Matt getting ready to go into the arena.

My sister & me waiting in line to meet Lady Antebellum. We heard they were going to be signing autographs, so went out to the lobby to get in line. We were SECOND IN LINE!!!

I took this picture of the band as they were sitting down. Right after that, the security guards yelled at all of us to put our cameras away...no pictures! Bummer. But, they did sign an 8x11 poster picture of themselves & I got to shake Charlie's hand!

Matt & me waiting for KENNY!!!!

Y'all I swear, he's pointing right at me. Isn't this cool, though? He came out on this lift/chair/type thing & "flew" around the arena.

My man. So HOTTTTT.

I love KENNY!!!

Jack & me being silly.

Jack fell asleep with his hand over his mouth. He made it through 2 opening acts & half of Kenny before he called it quits. Poor guy!

Kenny was awesome & sang all his old songs that everyone knows all the words to. We had the BEST TIME!!!

Random Blog Post.

2009-05-11T19:25:00.009-05:00

This is a picture of Avie & me taken last Saturday at my house. We invited some friends over to watch the Ricky Hatton v. Manny Pacquiao boxing match.

(And, boy, what a fight it was. It lasted 5:59 seconds. Pacquiao knocked Hatton OUT!).

Anyway, if you are a faithful reader of my blog, you probably know that Avie was the person I was talking about in my Mother's Day post.

One year ago today, she found out she & her husband were pregnant. She developed Pre-eclampsia & went into early labor. Baby Girl H was born at almost 23 weeks.

She lived for an hour or so...enough time for Avie & Scooter to hold her & kiss her.

Knowing that today was going to be a hard day for her, I surprised her at school (she's a kindergarten teacher) with a little gift & a card.

Her kids are A-DORABLE. Omigosh, y'all, if you ever need a little cheering up, spend 60 seconds in Avie's classroom with these kids. They'll lift your spirits INSTANTLY.

I can see why Avie loves her job so much!

Some of the kids even drew me pictures. How incredibly sweet is that? It made me feel so good!

This one says, "Love you Robin! You are beautiful (beflieen)!!"

Avie says when I left they started calling me "Deebow". She told them my name was Robin Teebow (obviously my last name isn't spelled that way, but I'm too paranoid to type it out the real way, even though plenty of you who read my blog know how my name is spelled), but I guess the way the kids heard it was Deebow.

Avie, you're the best. And, I know one day soon we'll be mom's to little HH & HT (one day soon, maybe I'll blog about our nicknames for what we want to name our boys!).

**************************

On Friday, Kris Allen (one of the Top 3 on American Idol) came back to Arkansas for the day, to put on several concerts & a parade.

My friend, Sydney (who used to work with us, but now works for our sister station in NWA) came into town to go to one of the concerts. She brought her sweet little baby, Stella.

If you can't see her little t-shirt, it says, "Kris Allen is Kick Awesome". An American Idol patch is on the back of the shirt. How adorable is that?

You can barely see him, but Kris Allen is the one in the middle on stage, wearing a white t-shirt & a leather jacket. He sang 3 songs....2 of them are my absolute FAVES from him: "Falling Slowly" & "Ain't No Sunshine".

Kris performs tomorrow night on AI, along with Danny Gokey & Adam Lambert. If you're around, perhaps you could watch & exercise your right to vote (for Kris, that is...).

********************

Poor, poor Maisy!

Friday night, she jumped off a chair in our bedroom & hurt her leg (again). This time, it was really bad. She wouldn't put it down for a long time. When she finally did, she just limped.

It was so sad.

So, I took her to the vet Saturday morning to get checked out.

Thankfully, it's not broken...most likely it's a sprain. Her doctor gave us some pain medicine, along with puppy Xanax. Yes, that's Xanax.

We had SO MANY NIGHTS IN A ROW of thunderstorms these past few weeks, that I think it's traumatized her.

On or around Night 3 of storms, she started waking up & barking FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT. She sleeps in her crate in the kitchen. There's a night-light in there for her, but I think that when it lightnings, it lights up the room & it scares her. Especially when a VERY LOUD "boom" follows.

Anyway, I decided that while we were at the vet, I'd ask her doctor what she thought we could do about it. She wants us try giving her one Xanax on nights it's supposed to storm to relax her.

We haven't given her one yet, because I started having second thoughts. So, we'll see!

I took these 2 pictures to show y'all what she does when she's in the car. She sits on my lap or Matt's lap (whomever is driving) & puts her head on the steering wheel.

This is how she spent Saturday night...her pain medicine makes her sleepy. But, she climbed up on the chair (even though she's not supposed to be jumping) & curled up with her head on the pillow. It was sooooooo cute!

Then, on Sunday, when I went to get her out of her bed, she was wrapped up in her covers & walked out of her crate with the blanket still around her.

************************

And, finally, this is my mom's dog, Cassie. My sister & I gave her to my mom 11 years ago. However, she is almost totally blind & has diabetes. She hasn't been doing well for a while & my mom had to put her to sleep about a week ago. Isn't she sooooo cute?

I miss her, but I know she's in a better place now...where she's not sick anymore.

The Dreaded Day Is Here.

2009-05-09T22:55:00.003-05:00

Mother's Day.

It's the day I put on my bravest face for my mom, mother-in-law, step mom, sister & sister-in-law, but inside my heart is breaking.

Because it should be MY Mother's Day too.

And, it's not.

Not yet.

But, it's not just hard for me.

Mother's Day is a hard day for any woman who's lost a baby or child.

Especially for one of my besties (you know who you are!).

This should have been her FIRST Mother's Day. But, it's even more difficult for her because she found out she was pregnant the day after Mother's Day last year.

But, just like me, she has an awesome support system in her husband & both their families. We've also found a support system in each other & that's been so comforting.

Because it'll be my first Mother's Day where I don't feel so alone. I know there's someone else who understands EXACTLY the sadness this day holds.

I don't have to hide my feelings from her. And, that feels good.

A: I thank God everyday that He put you in my life. Our friendship means soooo much to me. I know that our losses brought us together, but I love that we have so much more than that in common. And, I believe that one day soon we'll both be blessed with babies & it'll be so much fun to be mom's together (to HH & HT...ha, ha). Love you!!!!!

Add This To The List of Things I Will Never Do Again.

2009-05-07T11:08:00.002-05:00

Eat an ENTIRE BAG of Dove Chocolate & Carmel Bites.

In a matter of 3 hours.

O-MAH-GAWD.

My belly was so full & bloated by the end of the day yesterday, that it was hanging over my pants that I had to UNBUTTON them.

Gah.

So Much Cuteness in One Little Post.

2009-05-03T17:52:00.005-05:00

Omigosh, y'all.

How cute are these dog collars?

My friend, Mallory, got her dog Ellie one a few weeks ago. When me & my friend Avie (who is also Mallory's sister in law) saw it, we knew Meg & Maisy HAD to have one, too.

Especially since we're all doing Paws on the Pavement together on May 16th.

And, you know Maisy, Ellie & Meggy Bone HAVE to match!!! Because they will be the ultimate BFF's...they just don't know it yet! Ha!!

The collars & rhinestone letters are all the rage in the canine fashion world. They're all sold separately PetCo. I think my total for Maisy's was about $35 dollars.

Won't these 3 be SO CUTE at Paws on the Pavement?

A-DORABLE.

It Was a Big Day. Not For Her. For Me.

2009-04-25T22:13:00.005-05:00

Look who's sitting in her brand new pink & purple booster seat.

In my car.

We kept Riley & J-Man for a few hours today & when I picked them up from my mom's house the first thing Riley said to me was "Rah-Rah, you still have to get me a booster seat."

(Well, okay, the FIRST thing she said was "Hi Rah-Rah. Where's Mop?").

Anyway.

I was planning to take Riley to get pedicure's (but, she changed her mind), but before we went to the mall, we went to Target & I let her pick out a booster seat. (Sniff, sniff).

She got the same one that she has in my sister's car, only because that's the only one they had. But, she told me it was okay since she doesn't ride in both cars at the same time.

(How smart is she? Seriously).

I took out her car seat & set up her booster seat for her when we got back to my car. She was SO excited. She smiled the whole way to the mall.

We had pretzels & Diet Cokes when we got to the mall. When she decided she didn't want a pedi, we went to Old Navy & she picked out a new bathing suit & purple jelly shoes.

(Remember jelly shoes? I had a pair in EVERY color).

It's so sad knowing we're done with car seats (until I have a baby, that is), but seeing how happy she is, makes me happy. (Sniff).

Jackson & Mop had a big day. Mop took him to the sports store & Jack got 2 golf clubs & a golf glove.

Then, they went to the driving range & hit golf balls.

Jackson's been asking for a while now, for Matt to take him golfing. They would have played a few holes, but Matt wanted to make sure Jackson was going to like it.

And, by the smile on his face, you can bet he had a blast.

A Conversation with a K-Mart Checker.

2009-04-24T18:28:00.002-05:00

I hope I don't offend anyone by telling this story. It's just too funny to keep to myself.

Ok, so.

One day last week, I ran to K*Mart after work because I realized I was out of Diet Cokes.

GAH.

I know, right?

It's so much easier to find a front parking spot at K*Mart than it is at Wal*mart (mainly because NOBODY shops at K*Mart anymore).

Anyway, I took my Diet Cokes up to the check out line (where I didn't have to wait in line because remember, NOBODY shops there...except me on this particular day).

The checker lady scanned them.

I paid with my debit card.

She asked to see my driver's license to make I was who it said I was.

I was.

Er, am.

Er, is.

Whatever.

She looks at my last name & asks me how to pronouce it.

I tell her.

(FYI: It's pronounced Tee-bow, but that's not how it's spelled).

AND, THEN.

And, then she asks me: "Is he black?".

It took me a second to realize she was talking about my husband & asking if he's black.

I say, "Who? My husband?".

And, she replies, "Yeah. Black, Chinese or Asian or something?".

I respond: "Um, no, he's white. His last name is French-Cajun. From South Louisiana."

She thinks about this for a second or two & asks me where South Louisiana is.

I tell her New Orleans & Baton Rouge are in South Louisiana.

She asks, "So, is he from France or Louisiana?".

I'm really at a loss for words here, so I pretend like I'm getting a text & start digging in my purse for my cell phone.

When I put my phone back in my purse, she hands me back my driver's license.

While I am putting that back in my wallet, she says: "Sorry I asked if your husband was black. It just looked like a black name."

I wasn't aware that names had a color.

Anyway, I smile at her & tell her that's okay...not to worry about it.

I've had some strange conversations in my life, y'all, but this one just might have been THE craziest.

Arkansas Derby Day 2009 & Some Other Stuff.

2009-04-12T17:26:00.014-05:00

Wow.

Has it really been TWO WEEKS since I last posted?

I don't think I've ever gone this long without writing SOMEthing.

I wish I had some big excuse to explain my absence, like I've been on a fabulous beach vacation for 2 weeks or I won a million dollars & I've been decorating my brand new mansion for 2 weeks.

But, alas.

None of that would be true.

So, moving on...

It was Derby Day at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs on Saturday. Matt & I went with several of our friends: Greg, Avie & Scooter & some of their friends.

The weather couldn't have been better...sunny & warm, but not too warm, thanks to a breeze.

We had a total blast.

(Although towards the end of the day, my legs were KILLING me...too much walking around).

Anyway, I bet on some races, but I think my total winnings only added up to $7.00. That's fine because I only bet $2 per race. Big spender, I know. Ha.

The BIG winner of the day was Scooter.

The 11th race was the 73rd running of the Arkansas Derby.

Horse Number 8, Old Fashion, was the favorite. So, naturally, I bet on him to win.

And, naturally, he didn't win.

He came in 2nd.

Papa Clem won...which means he has the option of running in the Kentucky Derby.

Matt says Old Fashion will also race in the Kentucky Derby. I guess because he got 2nd? I don't know...I didn't ask.

A big crowd.

Scooter with his winning ticket.

Avie & me. If you read my blog, you know Avie has also suffered loss like I have. I just have to thank her for listening to me yesterday. I am so thankful that God put her in my life. Our stories of loss linked us in the beginning, but as our friendship has grown, it's now not the only thing that connects us.

The horses are nearing the starting gate.

The horses are in the starting gate.

And, they're off!

Greg & Matt. How cute is Matt's hat? I love it.

Did we win anything? Greg did. We didn't.

The favorite horse. You know, the one that DIDN'T win.

When we were leaving Oaklawn, the guy was already painting over last year's Derby winner.

This Rolls was parked in the car wash parking lot where we parked. Matt wanted his picture by it.

*********

Last Saturday, one of my very, very good friends that I've known since 4th grade had a baby shower for baby Anabelle.

Lauren is due on June 21st. And, I am so excited for her. She's going to be an excellent mom.

It was great to see her, as I don't get to see her very often since she lives in Texas. But, that's where cell phones & e-mail come in handy.

**********

Earlier this week, an old co-worker of ours, Mark D., came into town for a night.

He used to do the weather at our tv station, but now does it for a station in the northeast.

A bunch of us went out to dinner. The weather was perfect, so we sat outside. It was great seeing Mark again.

Laurie, Mark & me.

Me & Alice. We also used to work with Alice. But, then she got a really cool job working on Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign.

Me, Mark & Greg.

Greg, Mark & Matt.

*********

Last weekend, a bunch of us from work went out to celebrate our new producer's 21st birthday.

Yes, I know. How freaking OLD does that make me feel? Pretty darn old.

Here's Josh handing over his driver's license for his first LEGAL drink.

Mallory made cupcakes!

This is one of our meteorologist's, Greg D. He is crazy, y'all. But, good crazy. And, an awesome dancer. Here he is multi-tasking: dancing, taking pictures & texting.

Matt, Greg, Greg & Casey just getting warmed up.

Party people, put your hands up.

Josh's 3rd shot of the night.

Me & Josh. Producers rule.

A group shot of the girls: Lauren, Lauren, Melissa & me.

I Rock. According to My Nephew.

2009-03-29T21:19:00.003-05:00

I rock.

Obviously.

If you can't tell, this is a drawing of me, courtesy of my 7 year old nephew, Jackson.

I have an egg-shaped mid-section.

Stick arms & legs.

Only 3 fingers per "hand".

And, flipper-feet.

But, you know what?

I LOVE IT.

Besides hugs & kisses, this drawing means more to me than anything Jackson has given me. EVER.

Jackson made this yesterday, while he & Riley were over at our house, hanging out & playing Wii.

Riley's OBSESSED with coming over to our house.

Ever since the last time she & Jack spent the night with us (about a month ago), my sister says she asks just about everyday if it's time to go back to Rah-Rah & Mop's house.

(If you're not a faithful reader of this blog, "Mop" is what they call Matt...although now, they also call him "my Moppie" or "Moppie". It started when Riley was 18 months old. We were trying to get her to say "Matt". She had a cold & her nose was stopped up, so it came out sounding like "Mop". We thought it was so cute...and, it just stuck).

Anyway, I love the fact that she wants to come over & play with us. I never knew it was possible for a 4 year old to make ME feel so special.

And, here I thought I was supposed to make HER feel special?

Amazing how love works.

Yesterday morning around 11:30am, I get a phone call from Riley.

"Hi Rah-Rah. Can I come to your house today?"

"Hi Sissy! You want to come to my house?"

"Yes. Can you draw a rainbow?"

(Here is where I must the rainbow business. For the past 2 years or so, every time she has come over, we always get out the markers & paper & sit at the kitchen table & draw. The first thing she ALWAYS asks for is a rainbow. She tells me what colors she wants & what order & I draw it. And, then she usually asks me to write her name by it...each letter in a different color).

How can I say no to her?

I can't.

So, Matt & I pick both Riley & Jackson up & we went to the mall to get Matt's hair cut. While we were there, we had to get pretzels. It's a tradition. Go to mall. Get pretzel.

They also got balloon animals. Riley got a purple teddy bear & Jackson got a black & grey sword & belt. Except that the sword popped in the car, so Jack turned it into a hat.

Riley is holding the popped sword. She made it into a "jumpy thing" for her bear to bounce up & down on. (Yes, she's in a car seat because I haven't had time to get her a booster seat yet. But, she didn't complain).

Jackson's trying to be very still so that his new hat doesn't fall off.

Anyway, when we got to our house, Mop & Jack played football on the Wii, while Riley & I drew...you guessed it: a rainbow! We also drew a birthday cake with candles & balloons.

We also played checkers & a muddy game of touch football in the backyard.

They had fun playing with Maisy & trying to get her to chase them around the house.

We must have worn Riley out because on the drive back to my sister's house, we did everything we could to keep her awake...which included playing Kenny Chesney's new song over & over.

The kids were disappointed they couldn't spend the night with us, but Matt & I already had plans to go to a local bar & watch his friends' band play.

Which, by the way, they ROCKED! If you have iTunes (which, who doesn't?), search for Fundamental Elements. The lead singer's a guy Matt graduated high school with.

Anyway, it was awesome to get to spend the day with J & Riley. We sure do love them!

Growing Up.

2009-03-26T18:40:00.002-05:00

I knew this day was coming.

I knew I'd be sad when it did.

I also knew that when it did, there would be nothing I could do to stop it.

My precious, beautiful, wonderful 4-year-old niece, Riley, is now the proud owner of a brand new purple & pink BOOSTER SEAT.

No more car seat.

She's got BIG KID status now.

My sister called me this morning & said Riley wanted to tell me something.

She got on the phone & with sheer excitement, said "Rah-Rah!! Mommy got me a new pink & purple booster seat!!".

She's so proud of herself because now she gets to be just like her big brother in the car.

When we moved Jackson from a car seat to a booster seat, I was sad, but not as sad as I am with Riley. Because Riley was still in a car seat.

I knew there would be at least 3 years before she moved to a booster.

That day is today.

Oh, so sad.

This means that this weekend, Matt & I will have to go buy her a booster seat for her to use in our car. I can just feel the lump in my throat.

And, if that's not enough, I also realized today that my oldest niece will be EIGHT in May.

If only we could just freeze time for a little while.

Our (Almost) Finished Entryway.

2009-03-22T21:17:00.009-05:00

Well, Matt & I decided on a color that wasn't one of the 2 (3) choices. We ended up picking "Pastel Sage" (thanks to the help from Matt's mom). And, it's very pretty. We like it a lot.

We bought the primer & paint last Friday night after work. It was rainy & stormy that night, so it made for perfect painting weather (inside painting, that is). We started priming at 9:30 or 10.

I don't think we really thought we'd finish the priming that night, but we did.

Er, actually we finished about 1am Saturday morning.

On Saturday, we ran some errands, then came home & starting painting. It only took us about 4 hours to do the whole entryway (it's not that big of an area).

Matt's feet. He spent the majority of the time on the ladder painting the top half of the walls & it was hot up there, so he took off his shirt. He thinks he's fat (which he's NOT) & he wouldn't let me take a picture of his upper half. So, I got his feet.

There are no pictures of me painting because I'm the "picture taker", so I took one of my hand to show that yes, I painted.

On Sunday, we went shopping around town to find pieces for the entryway. This is the view of the front door if you're standing in the living room. I have had that vase looking thing for a few years now...I bought the fake grass stuff at Target.

The picture we found at Kirkland's. My picture of the picture doesn't show all the green that's in it. You'll just have to take my word for it that it matches & really brings out the green on the wall.

If you walk towards the front door, this little area is to the left. I've had the lamp for a while, but Maisy chewed the cord off, so Matt had to buy a new cord/plug kit to fix it. There's no outlet in the entryway (why, I don't know), so we'll have to get an electrician to put one in. The frame to the left is our "bargain" deal we found at Target. It was on sale for $9.99. The pictures in the frame are ones we have taken on some of our vacations.

This is the same area (see the lamp?). The table (that you can't see very well) is an antique. It's been in my family for years. I got the table runner at Kirkland's, as well as the thing on the wall (which is Matt's favorite purchase). I need to put a small candle on that little ledge. I'm also not finished decorating the table. I plan to put a framed picture, as well as a small plant or something on the top of it.

So, there you have it. What do you think?

Hopefully, we'll do the hardwood floors in April...that's when the place we're buying it from is having a big sale.

Not A Good Day.

2009-03-12T10:56:00.003-05:00

I don't have much time to write, but I have two MAJOR prayer requests.

The first is my mom's best friend's husband, Bud.

He was having horrible stomach pain Sunday afternoon & went to the emergency room. Doctors ran test after test & diagnosed him with Stage 4 colon cancer, as well as liver cancer.

He's 47 years old.

The second is for my mom's family. Her aunt passed away last night. Well, she's my aunt, too. I guess my great aunt, right? She's my granddad's sister.

Anyway, she's been sick, but was getting better & then she fell. While in rehab, she was unresponsive. But, a few days later, she woke up & was doing really good, or so we thought.

My mom, sister & I were even planning a trip to Houston to visit her in a week or two.

So, please pray for Bud & for my mom & our family. This is a lot for my mom to handle at once & she's really upset.

I'll write more later, especially about Bud.

Thank you!

Pie, Anyone?

2009-03-09T19:20:00.002-05:00

Would you like some pie?

Well, you'll have to ask my husband first.

Because he bought all 5 boxes (with TWO slices of pie in EACH box) to eat all by himself.

He found these when we were grocery shopping at Wal*Mart on Friday night. However, not sure he would like it, he only bought one box of the peanut butter pie.

Much to his delight, he liked it.

He ate one piece Friday after dinner & the other piece Saturday night.

And, when I got home from shopping yesterday, this is what I found in the freezer. A HUGE stack of pies. 3 peanut butter (or really 6) & 2 key lime (or really 4) pie boxes.

In case your math skills are like mine (i.e.: they suck), that's TEN PIECES OF PIE.

It hasn't even been 24 hours & 2 boxes are already gone.

But, to be fair, he DID share one of the peanut butter pies with me.

Narrowed Down.

2009-03-01T16:08:00.004-06:00

Ok, people.

It seems we have narrowed down our choices for flooring & paint to 2 (each).

And, WE HAVE DECIDED NOT TO PAINT THE WALLS RED OR PINK.

Here are the two pictures of the floors.

This is called "Tobacco Road".

Not sure what this one is called. I tried to zoom into the picture to see what it says on the label, but I couldn't read it. So, we'll just call this one brown.

Here are the paint choices. The one on the left is called "Sea Grass" & the one on the right is "Apple". I really like the Sea Grass, but I included the Apple to get your opinion.

The one we like on this sample is at the top, "Aloe Essence".

We have a guy coming out on Friday to give us an estimate on how much it would cost to do hardwood in the entryway & kitchen. We're probably not going to do the kitchen right now, UNLESS he quotes us a really, really good deal. I don't see that happening though.

So, what do y'all think?

Check Out My Cousin's New Venture.

2009-02-27T19:27:00.002-06:00

You guys remember when my cousin, Alice, got married in November in Dallas, right?

Sure you do.

It's the same weekend I got to meet Laura...(a.k.a. My Name is Boom).

It's all coming back to you now isn't it?

Alice put together a wonderful picture montage with music that played during the rehearsal dinner. But, her creativity didn't end there.

She also put together "Welcome to Dallas" goody bags for her guests, among other things.

After her wedding, she decided she wanted to continue doing these crafty projects for other brides (maybe even kid birthday parties)...and, thus her new venture came to life.

She even has an adorable website, detailing some of the projects she did for her wedding & would love to do for you...or someone you know who's getting married.

All you have to do is click here to visit Alice Monroe.

Even if you're not in the middle of planning a wedding, or shower, or birthday party, check her out anyway! At the very least, maybe you could add her site to your blog? For me? Please?

If you have any questions, you can find her contact information on her site. Or, you can always leave a comment here or e-mail me. I'll be sure to pass along your questions/comments!

So, go here now.

Advice Wanted: Hardwood Floors.

2009-02-22T20:09:00.006-06:00

So, I think Matt & I have decided to tear out the tile in our entryway & put in hardwood flooring.

We're also going to paint over the yellow walls...(sorry, dad...I know you love that color).

We know we want a dark hardwood floor, but because our front door is so dark, we don't want the floor to be too dark, you know?

That's where you guys come in, my wonderful, kind, better-decorators-than-me bloggy friends.

I want to know what you think.

Here is the color of our door.

Here is a full picture of the door...yes, I know the picture looks dark, but hopefully you can get a good idea.

Now, here are our 3 choices of flooring. The picture kind of makes the middle one & the one of the right look lighter than I think they actually are. So try to imagine a little darker.

We'll call this one: Floor Choice #1. (I think this is the one on the left in the picture with all 3).

We'll call this one: Floor Choice #2. (I think this is the one on the right in the picture of all 3).

We'll call this one: Floor Choice #3. (By process of elimination, I think this is the one in the middle of the picture of all 3).

And, this is the current wall color. I am thinking I'd like to paint the walls a color in the red/pink family. Maybe mauve. But, maybe lighter than mauve?

The color can't be too dark because then it would blend in with the dark floor & dark door. I think the walls need to POP.

******

What do you think?

Decorating is not my speciality AT ALL. And, I am not ashamed to admit it.

So, help me. Puh-leez.

In the comment section, please tell me what color floor you like better (Choice #1, #2 or #3).

Also, please give me some paint color suggestions.

Once I get the paint color picked out, I can shop for artwork & things to put on the walls. And, I'm sure I'll need your help again, deciding what would look good where.

I appreciate your opinion!

Meeting Kassie.

2009-02-17T20:45:00.003-06:00

I got to meet another bloggy friend this week!

Kassie & I live very close to each other, which we've known for a while, but just haven't actually met in person until last night.

We ate a yummy dinner at a local mexican grill.

Our conversation was very good. We talked about our husbands, college days, living in Arkansas, our pets, our families & babies.

We also discovered that my geography skills SUCK. (Ok, inside joke!).

I was SO nervous about meeting her, though. I was worried she wouldn't like how I talked or that she would think I was a big dork (which I am) or that she just flat out wouldn't like me.

It almost felt like a first date. Ha!

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. I think we hit it off very well. We had plenty to talk about; we laughed a lot; and, we definitely want to hang out again soon.

We MIGHT even include our husbands next time!

I am just SO THANKFUL at the friendships I have formed from blogging. When I started my blog, I never would have thought I would actually MEET some of you, in person.

From Kim, to Laura, to Chris & now Kassie, I just feel so fortunate to know such an awesome group of girls.

Interview Me..Er..Let Me Interview You.

2009-02-15T20:38:00.002-06:00

So, my bloggy friend, Kassie, who I get to meet in person tomorrow night, answered a 5-question interview on her blog & as part of the game, we're supposed to ask her to interview us.

(If you want to...it's not required or anything, but it's fun...and, a different way to learn new things about each other).

And, of course, I asked her to interview me!

THE DIRECTIONS:

1. If you would like me to interview you, leave me a comment saying "Interview Me" & I will email you the questions (I pick the questions).

2. You update your blog with the answers to the questions.

3. You include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

4. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Okay, here we go.

1. What is your favorite thing about Matt?

Wow. Do I have to pick just one? I have so many. But, ok. I guess it's the feeling of HOME that he gives me. We don't even have to be in the same room...just knowing he's HERE with me is comfort. It's kind of like when you're really frustrated & nothing's going your way & you're about to lose it...AND THEN, you see that one person who you KNOW can make you feel better instantly & you just start crying because it's just a relief & so comforting just to SEE that person. That's what Matt is to me. He's my home, my best friend.

2. Tell us about the person from your childhood who most influenced who you are today.

Oh, let's see...It would have to be my aunt Lauretta (my mom's sister). Not only did she influence me when I was younger, she still does today. She is the most Godly person I know. She loves you no matter what; she judges no one; she doesn't push Christianity on a person...she simply gives you her opinion & then lets you decide for yourself. If there is such thing as a "perfect person", she's it. For reals.

3. I know you guys love to travel. If money and time off were no object, where would you go?

HMMMMMMM...where wouldn't we go? I would love to go to Paris (for the obvious reasons), Switzerland & back to our honeymoon spot: Paradise Island, Bahamas. But, this time, we'd rent the $200,000 a night suite that includes your own butler, driver & maid.

4. Who is your celebrity crush?

My celebrity crush is 100% most definitely KENNY CHESNEY! And, no, he is NOT gay, so don't even think it.

5. You are at Sonic during happy hour. What drink to you get?

What's funny about this question is that I LOVE Sonic milkshakes....but, you can't get those during happy hour. No fair.

We're On TV!

2009-02-12T19:40:00.004-06:00

Matt & I were asked to tell our story about how we met (almost 11 years ago!) for a promo that our TV station was doing for Valentine's Day.

It's called the "Sweetest Love Story".

This promo played during commercial breaks, to get viewers to go to our website & tell their love story. The winner gets a Valentine's Day prize package. Of course, we couldn't enter or win since we work for the station, but that's okay!

If you live in Arkansas, you may have already seen it, but if not, take a look. I HATE my hair & I hate the stupid smile I give Matt when he's talking, but what can you do?

Anyway, enjoy.

Super Bowl 2009.

2009-02-02T19:11:00.009-06:00

So, Matt decided about 3 weeks ago that he wanted us to host a Super Bowl Par-tay! I think he was thinking about 10 or 15 people.

But, um.

I invited about 30!

And, most everyone came!

Which just made it that much more fun. I got to see one of my best friends from college, whom I haven't seen in a few years.

I also got to meet one of the sweetest girls EVER...who I will write about a just a minute.

Anyway, back to party planning.

After I sent out the invitation (via Facebook), Matt told me he also wanted to grill hamburgers. He asked me how many I thought we'd need...10, 12, 15 perhaps?

Nope.

TWENTY-FIVE + a few extras just in case some of the "maybes" showed up.

Being the most wonderful husband that he is, he not only had our friends' appetites in mind, he also considered the weak economy & went to Hoggs Meat Market where he purchased 40 hamburger patties for the small price of $14.

We had hamburger patties coming out of our ears, people.

I think we're down to 10 now. And, with that whole bad economy thing, I will be taking a hamburger in my lunch for the next ten days. Whoa.

And, again on this economy thing...if you ever throw a Super Bowl party & you want to buy decorations, go to Party City the day before & it will all be marked down 80%.

I spent $20...when I would have spent $80.

I guess we had about 25 or 30 people...not all at once though. People came & went. But, a core 12 to 15 stayed through the whole game.

The spread. Isn't my table skirt so cute?

The griller.

The griller's back side. Like it!

"I smell hamburgers!"

"Oh, here they are!"

I set up a "kids station" in one of our spare bedrooms. I printed off coloring book pages & got some of my old scrapbook stickers & paper & markers & let the kiddos draw to their hearts content. This is Lindsey & Mary.

Our good friends from Sunday School....Chris & Emily.

This is Abby (and, Elmo).

This is Abby & her brother, Tyson (who is a Steelers fan).

This is Robyn (or "Y"), Abby (her daughter) & me ("I"). We met almost 10 years ago at Hendrix College. We have so many memories together! I haven't seen her in a few years, but we've kept in touch. I was super excited when she told me she, her husband & kids were coming to the party! It was so great to see her again! I love you, "Y"!!!!

Matt, me, Avie & Scooter.

Ok, folks. Me & Avie meeting was seriously God's work. Avie & Scooter lost their baby girl at 22 weeks, back in the late summer. Avie gave birth to her & she & Scooter & their families got to hold her & love on her before the angels took her to Heaven.

I work with Avie's sister in law, so I knew all about the pregnancy & then the loss. I asked Mallory how Avie was doing all the time. Because of my similar losses, I knew how how she was feeling. I kept telling Mallory that I wanted to talk to Avie...but, then the holidays started & passed & I never contacted her.

Until one day about 3 weeks ago. I pretty much had a breakdown after another friend told me she pregnant. I sent Avie a message over Facebook & thus our beautiful friendship began.

Avie & I totally understand each other. We know exactly how the other is feeling. And, it's SO comforting to know that I am not alone in this. And, neither is Avie. I just can't explain it.

It's just really awesome!

Ok, on to more pictures.

Here's Lauren. I think she only comes over to read my US Weekly's. (Just kidding!).

This is baby Emma.

About half of the people who were here. Sorry for the lighting issue.

Drew & Annette won the "door" prizes. We just drew names out of a hat!

And, here is Miss Maisy, sound asleep in Matt's chair after everyone left. After I took this picture, I covered her up with a blanket & she stayed that way until Matt put her to bed about an hour later.

*****

This picture is one I took today. She was just hanging out on the foot part of the chair. We thought she going to fall off. But, she didn't.

Happy 5th Birthday, Madeline.

2009-01-24T14:23:00.003-06:00

My niece, Madeline (Matt's sister's daughter) is 5 years old today.

FIVE.

That means she starts Kindergarten in the fall.

I keep telling her to stop growing & be a baby forever, but she doesn't seem to be listening to me. I told her older sister the same thing, but she's still growing (8 years old in May).

This girl LOVES chocolate! When she was 2 years old (I think. Wendy, correct me if I'm wrong), she learned where Grandmother (Matt's mom) kept the chocolate (in a bowl or jar on the kitchen counter) & would pull over a chair or stool & climb on top of the counter to get to it.

She also LOVES to play dress-up. From dresses to costumes...whatever! She also loves to wear hair things (headbands, bows, etc) & skirts, making her a total girly-girl, which I love!

Her birthday party is today, but we have a lot going on at work, plus I'm sick, so neither Matt or I could drive to NW Arkansas for big day. We feel awful about it.

But, we know she's having a FABULOUS time & I know her mom will post lots of pictures on her blog tonight (ahem, Wendy!).

Happy 5th Birthday, Madeline.

We love you!!!

If One More Person Tells Me They Are Pregnant....

2009-01-22T19:07:00.004-06:00

...I am going to scream.

Really, REALLY loud.

And, I totally HATE feeling this way, I do, but I can't help it.

I hate that when I tell a friend of mine that I am happy for them (which I truly AM happy for them, I promise), that at the same time I am so jealous, I could just cry. I really, really could.

Why not me?

Why not me?

WHY NOT ME?

Does anybody know?

Because I feel like it's a big secret....something everyone knows, but me.

I want nothing more than to be a mom. And, if I don't make my husband a father, then I have failed.

Failed at giving him the one thing I want so much to give him.

You should see him with our nieces & nephew. He's wonderful with them. WON-DER-FUL.

Anyway, tomorrow, I'll probably regret saying all of this. Because I don't want my friends who are pregnant (and, you know who you are) to think that I'm not happy for them, because I am.

You girls are going to make great mom's & your babies are some of the luckiest babies in the world. And, I can't wait to meet them.

So, please don't think for a second that I'm not completely thrilled for you.

Because I am.

But, just know that I'm also a little sad, too.

My Weekend, Just a Few Days Late.

2009-01-21T19:32:00.002-06:00

Friday night, Matt, my sister, her husband & I went to see Brad Paisley in concert! He was AWESOME. Saturday night, we celebrated my step dad's birthday at a local catfish restaurant. Here are some pictures of both events!

Well, At Least He Has His Priorities in Order.

2009-01-15T10:44:00.004-06:00

If you don't know by now, I love country music.

Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban....just to name a few. (Coincidentally, we're going to see Brad Paisley tomorrow night!).

Anyway, my sister called me Tuesday & said she heard on the radio that a big country concert announcement would be made on Thursday (today).

We were crossing our fingers that it was either Rascal Flatts or Kenny Chesney. (Even though we've seen both like 4 times!).

A friend of mine, who works in radio, gave me a website to go to that usually lists concert tour dates before they're officially announced.

And.

KENNY CHESNEY IS COMING TO ARKANSAS ON MAY 16th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I immediately called my sister & we made plans to go & take Jackson (my nephew) & Riley (my niece) with us. This will be Sissy's first concert EVER. We said we should make her a "Riley loves Kenny" t-shirt!

I'm sure many of you will remember Jackson's first concert. It was also Kenny, back in 2007. Jack was SO EXCITED!!! However, he fell asleep half way through!

When my sister picked Jack up from school yesterday, she told him about the concert & he told her HE DIDN'T WANT TO GO!!

What?

She called me after he said that & I asked her to ask him why. He said he'd already seen Kenny & fell asleep in the middle of it. Holly told him he might be upset when he sees us going to the concert without him.

Jackson asked, "Do they have popcorn?".

My sister asked, "Will who have popcorn?".

"Kenny Chesney".

My sister told him yes, there would be popcorn at the concert.

"Oh! Okay. I'll go to the concert!".

Jack & me: May 2007

New Designs Added to My Website.

2009-01-13T18:51:00.002-06:00

Check out my designs website!

I just added some personalized to-go mugs that I made for Matt's aunt & cousins for Christmas, plus a name frame I made for Kim's son, Bowden.

(Kim, you haven't seen it yet...tell me what you think!).

While you're on my website, browse around & let me know if you'd like to place an order. Or, if you have any questions, send me an e-mail or leave me a comment.

i.am.so.tired.

2009-01-08T19:02:00.002-06:00

Why am I so tired, you ask?

I'll tell you.

Because I have worked EVERY SINGLE DAY THIS YEAR!

Granted, we're only in Day Eight of 2009...

New Year's Day was my 1st day back at work after my vacation. I also worked the next day (Friday).

Then, it was the weekend...and, I was looking forward to having Saturday & Sunday off.

Well.

We have an "on-call" system at work & this past weekend was my turn to be the producer "on-call". But, the chances that I'd have to work BOTH days were slim to none.

Or, so I thought.

Turns out, our weekend producer (who's really our 10pm producer, but volunteered to work weekends while our normal weekend producer is on maternity leave) woke up Saturday with strep throat. You can't work with strep throat...because you feel like ass & you're contagious.

So.

I had to work Saturday.

And, Sunday.

All day.

Yes, I will eventually get time off for working both days, but because of the producer on maternity leave, our schedules are NUTS & my only choices were Monday, Tuesday or Friday.

Except for the fact that "strep throat" producer also called in sick Monday AND Tuesday. (And, I call her "strep throat" producer in the most loving of terms...I know she couldn't help it!).

Which meant that I had to work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. After working last Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

OMIGAWD.

Around 2:30 this afternoon, I realized I was totally, completely & utterly DRAINED of any energy. My head was spinning, my vision was blurry...and, I thought what's wrong with me?

Oh, wait.

THIS WAS MY EIGHTH DAY IN A ROW OF WORK.

Duh.

A very stressful 8 days for that matter...several of those days, I was pulling double-duty because a few other people also came down with strep throat & called in sick.

But, don't worry...I sprayed Lysol EVERYWHERE in the newsroom...on computers, phones, chairs, TV's...anywhere & everywhere.

So, I'm crossing my fingers that I don't get sick BECAUSE...

I AM OFF WORK TOMORROW!!!!!

But, don't get all excited for me & think I have a 3-day weekend.

I don't.

I have to work Sunday for our weekend Assignment Manager...and then work my normal job (producing our 5pm newscast) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.

But, I do have to say that I am thankful I have a job in this economy...a job I LOVE for that matter, so I don't have much to complain about.

Except that I'm exhausted.

So, goodnight.

A Post About 2008.

2009-01-01T21:30:00.007-06:00

Now that 2008's officially over, I can officially sit back & reflect on the year that was.

There were many high's & low's...plenty of fun times & not so fun times.

One thing's for sure: many, many memories were made over the last 12 months.

I put together a list of the highlights, both good & bad. I had fun looking back over my blog & reading past posts...I hope you enjoy reminiscing with me too.

Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first, shall we?

Part of life is death & unfortunately, I suffered 2 great losses this year.

The first: My second miscarriage in February; and the second was the brutal murder of my friend, Anne in October.

Now, to the really good.

In April, I found out I would get to meet Kim in August. We had our first phone conversation in May. But, finally meeting her in person in August was THE BEST!!!!

Throughout the Spring, many home improvement projects were completed: We replaced our fence, tore up & re-did our flower bed & even replaced our kitchen sink.

In May, Matt & I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary, as well as our 10 year dating anniversary in June.

I turned the big 3-0 in July.

Also in July, Matt ran his first 5k race.

In August, we found the cause of all my 3-month long stomachache: a burst appendix that walled itself off & attached itself to my colon.

Turns out that that surgery led to my Crohn's Disease diagnosis.

Matt & I went on lots of fun trips including Columbia, South Carolina, & Dallas, Texas, both in November...as well as Branson, Missouri in August.

My sister, niece & nephew also made several trips to Tyler, Texas to see my aunt, uncle & cousins (March, July & October).

And, last but not least, besides Kim, I also got to meet 2 other bloggy friends: Chris & Laura.

I couldn't even try to guess what's going to happen in 2009, but I can't wait for all of it to unfold.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T20:05:00.002-06:00

Here's a little slideshow of pictures from Christmas 2008...not all of them, of course, because you'd just be bored...but, enough to show you we had a good time!

I hope y'alls Christmases were wonderful as well!

One Christmas Eve...A Long, Long Time Ago.

2008-12-24T23:06:00.004-06:00

I have to thank my cousin, Alice, for sending me this picture. She's the girl on the left, my sister's in the middle & I'm on the right. And, yes, we have ribbon wrapped around us.

(I'm probably 4 or 5, which would make Alice 5 or 6 & my sister 8 or 9...the year would have to be 1982 or 1983).

Every Christmas Eve from as far back as I can remember, my mom, dad, sister & I would go the Christmas Eve service at our (former) church & then go to my dad's cousin's house for dinner.

Alice is a year older than me & 3 years younger than my sister. But, age didn't matter...the 3 of us always had fun playing or talking...(& maybe a few things we weren't supposed to be doing!!)

Anyway, as we got older, our families changed...divorces, marriages, deaths, new babies...but, that never changed the relationship the 3 of us shared.

We always had something to talk about & we were always happy to see each other...in fact, my sister & I always looked forward to Christmas Eve because we knew we'd see Alice.

The last 2 years have been different. My dad's cousin hasn't hosted Christmas Eve dinner, so last year & tonight, Matt & I have gone to church & then come home to open our gifts to each other.

However, you probably remember me posting about Alice's wedding last month in Dallas. While she was planning her wedding, my sister, Alice & I had numerous conversations over e-mail & I'm so thankful for that because I feel like our relationship grew even more.

And, who's to say that Alice, Holly & I (together with our husbands) can't create new Christmas Eve traditions? Hmmmmm, Alice...if you're reading this, let's think about this!!

AND, TO ALL OF YOU...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Just A Preview...

2008-12-22T11:18:00.002-06:00

We had Christmas with my dad & stepmom this past weekend. I have lots of pictures to post, which I will do after tomorrow...

BECAUSE...

after tomorrow I am off work until January 1st.

I will have lots of time on my hands to blog!!!

So, to tie you over til Wednesday...the cutest picture in the world.

My niece & nephew each got their own digital camera to take with them when they go to Disney World in May.

Our Company Christmas Party.

2008-12-21T22:15:00.004-06:00

We had our company Christmas party tonight at a nice restaurant here in town. It was a buffet-style dinner & afterwards our business manager drew raffle tickets for prizes.

I won a day off! How cool is that?

Anyway, it's late & I'm tired, but I haven't posted anything in a week & a half, so I wanted to show you these pictures. But, stay tuned for more...I promise.

Cecillea, me & Lauren.

Matt & me.

Kat & Jay. (They're a family of 3-letter names...their baby is named Ace & their dog is named Doc).

The guys.

The guys, again.

It's a clock in a box! This will only make sense if you've seen the SNL skit/music video with Justin Timberlake.

Kat, me & Lauren. Yes, I am wearing a name tag on my chest...Kat's husband put it there...but, don't ask.

Us without the nametag on my chest.

Group shot (of only half the group)...except no one told the girl in front (i.e. ME) that we were doing 4-1's.

Another group shot!

Ready For Christmas.

2008-12-11T16:24:00.009-06:00

It's hard to believe, but Christmas is TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!!!!

Where does the time go, people?

It really snuck up on me this year, even though I've been buying gifts since April.

I turn into a kid around Christmastime, though. I get SO EXCITED about picking out our tree, decorating it & decorating the inside & outside of our house.

I also LOVE to look at all the presents under the tree & coming home after Matt's been shopping to see newly wrapped packages sitting there for ME!

Whenever I see a new one under there, I BEG him to let me open it, but more often than not, he makes me wait until Christmas.

When it's finally time to open the gifts, I usually set mine aside & watch everyone else opens theirs first because I LOVE to watch their expressions, especially my niece's & nephew.

Christmas through their eyes looks so different...a better kind of different.

Anyway.

Here are some pictures from the past couple of days of our tree, decorations & the making of our Christmas card.

Our finished tree with presents underneath.

A close up of presents...this isn't all people...I have lots more to wrap.

Matt on the roof stringing the lights on the house.

Our inflatable santa & penguin.

Maisy watching us through her designated spot.

My Christmas flag & wreath.

Matt on the roof again.

A picture of me...because I'm always the picture-taker.

My butt. Matt was practicing with the lighting & such for our Christmas card & snapped this one just as I was sitting down. Thanks, sweetie.

What would you do if you found THIS in your mailbox?

Maisy's NOT cooperating because she knows we have marshmallow's on the kitchen counter.

A little tongue action, if you will...

"I see marshmallows! I see marshmallows!"

Practicing with lighting...again.

"Marshmallows?"

Maisy looks perfect, but Matt didn't like his smile & his head is kinda cut off.

You caught us. We just brushed our hair & put on nicer shirts.

I really liked this one, but Maisy looks evil. And, she's not evil.

This was the one we picked. Except that I forgot to fix Maisy's glowing eyes, so if you get one in your mailbox, my apologies!

Happy 7th Birthday, Jackson.

2008-12-07T15:24:00.004-06:00

I cannot believe that my nephew is SEVEN YEARS OLD today.

You guys, he is my baby...he just can't be 7.

Because you know what this means, don't you?

HE'S GROWING UP!!!!!

Next year, he'll be 8 & then 9...and, so on.

And, really, I'm just not so sure I can handle that.

Although, I have to admit, it IS fun to watch him grow up. And, over the last year or so, he's really grown into a total BOY.

Shopping with my sister & me is no longer fun.

He'd rather play with his friends in the neighborhood than me.

And, hugs & kisses are few & far between because let's face it...I'm a GIRL & he's a BOY & girls are NO FUN at this age. Especially a 30-year-old aunt.

Right?

Right.

It makes me wish, though, that I had bottled up all those hugs & kisses he gave me when he was younger. It also makes me cherish the ones I am lucky to get from him today.

And, I admit, those times when we're walking in the mall or we're at the movies & he reaches for my hand without me asking or telling him to, my heart swells up so big, it might explode.

And, I smile.

Because I know, no matter how old he gets, he will always be that brown-hair, blue-eyed, football-loving, beautiful baby boy to me.

Jackson: We think the world of you & we love you always & forever. Love, Rah-Rah & Mop!!!

Sometimes...

2008-12-03T18:34:00.001-06:00

I will say a complete sentence in my head & Matt will ask, "What did you say?".

Does this ever happen to you?

Tagged.

2008-12-01T20:45:00.005-06:00

I've been tagged by my BFF's, Kim & Chris.

What to do: Post the 4th picture in my 4th folder.

So, here it is...Matt with all of his Hard Rock beer steins.

It's funny, though, because I took this picture back in March, with every intention to blog about our obsession with Hard Rock beer steins & t-shirts, but I never got around to it.

The story is that every city or country we travel to, we have to get a beer stein & t-shirt from HR, if there's one there. We don't have to eat at the restaurant, we just have to buy the goods.

In this picture, there are 15. But, since then, he's gotten one from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina & Houston, Texas...bringing the total to 17.

And, yes, I also have t-shirts from the 17, plus 1 from San Antonio, Texas that my friend, who's from there, bought me after my surgery in August as a "feel better" present.

List of HR beer steins in the order we bought them:

*Chicago, IL

*St. Louis, MO

*Memphis, TN

*Nassau, Bahamas

*New Orleans, LA

*New York, NY

*Baltimore, MD

*San Diego, CA

*Las Vegas, NV

*Louisville, KY

*Destin, FL

*Nashville, TN

*Atlanta, GA

*Atlantic City, NJ

*Kuwait (courtesy of Brittny, who used to live there)

*Houston, TX

*Myrtle Beach, SC

So, now it's MY turn to tag: AND, I pick Alissa, Kelli & Wendy.

Answered Prayers.

2008-11-27T11:17:00.003-06:00

Police made an arrest last night for the murder of my friend, A*nne.

You can read the latest here or here.

He's charged with capital murder & police say their case is solid.

Finally.

Justice for A*nne.

Thank you, God.

Happy Anniversary!

2008-11-25T18:45:00.003-06:00

Our wedding day: May 25th, 2002

Matt & I were married SIX AND A HALF YEARS ago today!

Wow.

60 years wouldn't be enough for me, though.

I still remember my sister telling me I was the calmest bride she'd ever seen.

And, she's right.

I was VERY CALM.

Until it was time to walk down the aisle.

I started getting really nervous...but, only because I was scared I'd have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the ceremony. (Thankfully, that did NOT happen!).

I also remember telling my dad to walk slowly down the aisle because I wanted to look at all the guests & ingrain (is that a word?) their faces into my memory.

It was my wedding day after all, I wanted to remember EVERYTHING about it.

However.

When the music started & the chapel doors opened, I practically RAN down the aisle to get to Matt...I was so excited!

When it was time to say our vows, my heart literally melted when Matt leaned over to me & whispered, "You're beautiful!".

I also remember my dad's face when he saw me in my wedding dress for the first time.

That was probably THE SWEETEST moment the 2 of us have ever shared. I almost wish the photographer had been there then to capture that special time.

Happy 6 & a half year anniversary, Matt. My life wouldn't be nearly as fun, entertaining or full without you in it. I love you!

Las Vegas, Nevada: December 2005

Panama City Beach, Florida: May 2006

Nashville, Tennessee: August 2006

South Padre Island, Texas: September 2007

Dallas, Texas: September 2007

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: August 2008

Columbia, South Carolina: November 2008

Dallas, Texas: November 2008

And, just because I thought this one was cute...

My 5th Blogging Award. Yay!

2008-11-23T22:18:00.004-06:00

Kelli at "Writing" the waves of motherhood gave me this award almost a month ago & I can't believe I'm just now getting around to posting about it.

Here's what she wrote about me on her blog:

Robin @ A Day In The Life - This gal loves life. She has a great smile, loads of talent, and is one tough cookie. She's been through some crazy ordeals lately such as enduring a burst appendix for THREE months and she didn't even know it! Talk about "Grin and Bear it!" She loves her nieces and nephew to bits and has a mother's heart. I know she and her husband Matt will be wonderful parents, hopefully soon!

Kelli: Thank you for the "Smile" award! It definitely made me "smile" when I read this on your blog...(almost a month ago...ha, ha!). I'm a huge fan of your blog & I love reading about the latest happenings in your world (as well as what's going on with your gorgeous kiddos!).

So, the rules say I am supposed to award 5 bloggers...but, because all the blogs I read make me smile...I can't pick just 5. If you read my blog, feel free to post this award on YOUR blog!

Um? Busy Day, eh? UPDATED

2008-11-19T20:39:00.003-06:00

While I was driving home from work last night, I realized my stomach was growling like crazy.

Like the kind of growl that if you don't eat something RIGHT THEN, your stomach must just jump out of your body & just start eating stuff.

Do you know that growl?

I was searching my car for ANYTHING I could eat to take the edge off & I found one of those bite size Kit-Kat bars in my purse, that I believe I put in there on Friday.

Whatever.

I ate it.

And, it was THE BEST Kit-Kat I've EVER eaten.

Ever.

It managed to calm my crazy beast of a stomach until I got home a few minutes later.

Then, I started wondering WHY I was so hungry. I'm one of those people who eat like 6 small meals a day. Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. Right?

I remember eating breakfast...a bagel with cream cheese.

And, I remember THINKING about a morning snack...

And, I remember THINKING about lunch...

Then, it hit me.

I never ate ANYTHING ELSE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY...with the exception of 3 Goldfish crackers.

And, I know I my stomach MUST have growled at some point during the day, because let me tell you...it HATES missing a meal or snack. I am a person who HAS to eat....or else.

But, I guess I just got so busy that I must have ignored it. Or, just didn't notice it.

I made up for it when I got home, though, by eating enough to feed a family of 5.

Seriously.

But, today?

Oh, today was equally as busy at work, but I knew I had to eat...something.

My lunch?

6 mini chocolate donuts from the vending machine.

And, yes, I could bring my lunch, but I'm always in such a rush in the mornings, that I forget or just don't have time to make something.

However, tonight I vowed to turn over a new leaf & FORCE myself to get up 5 minutes earlier to allow myself time to fix something for lunch.

But, if I know myself, & I do, getting up 5 minutes earlier will probably last for 2 or 3 days, before I realize that those few minutes are better spent wrapped up under the covers in bed.

**Day One of "Bringing My Own Lunch To Work": DIDN'T HAPPEN!!! Yeah, I know. But, thank goodness I work with my WONDERFUL husband...he brought me Chick-Fil-A!!!**

A Day In The Life...

Second Time's A Charm.

Crazy 8's.

FINALLY.

Meeting Danny Gokey. Again.

Lee Ann, Reba & George...5 Hours of Entertainment.

2 Video's from Riley's 5th Birthday. Enjoy.

Some Random Stuff.

New Designs Project.

Snow, More Snow & Valentine's Day.

OMG SNOW GO AWAY.

Snow Day.

An Update.

Flip Share Videos.

Christmas 2009.

What Happened Over Thanksgiving Break.

Girls Weekend 2010.

Ouch.

"Where's the Bathroom?"

What I've Been Up To.

October 15, 2009.

Chicago 2009.

Tuesday's Tribute

Arkansas Law Blog.

The Year of Concerts.

I'm Still Here!

Our Annual Trip to Branson.

**Update** In Need Of...

Snippets of a Conversation.

Busy, Busy, Busy.

My 31st Birthday.

American Idol Tour, July 2009

A Little Help For My Friends!

A Wedding Weekend.

Loss.

A Weekend with Family.

Another Hint.

Bullets on Wednesday.

Golf.

11 Years.

I Guess He Knows What He's Talking About.

Hello?

Paws on the Pavement & KENNY CHESNEY!!!

Random Blog Post.

The Dreaded Day Is Here.

Add This To The List of Things I Will Never Do Again.

So Much Cuteness in One Little Post.

It Was a Big Day. Not For Her. For Me.

A Conversation with a K-Mart Checker.

Arkansas Derby Day 2009 & Some Other Stuff.

I Rock. According to My Nephew.

Growing Up.

Our (Almost) Finished Entryway.

Not A Good Day.

Pie, Anyone?

Narrowed Down.

Check Out My Cousin's New Venture.

Advice Wanted: Hardwood Floors.

Meeting Kassie.

Interview Me..Er..Let Me Interview You.

We're On TV!

Super Bowl 2009.

Happy 5th Birthday, Madeline.

If One More Person Tells Me They Are Pregnant....

My Weekend, Just a Few Days Late.

Well, At Least He Has His Priorities in Order.

New Designs Added to My Website.

i.am.so.tired.

A Post About 2008.

Christmas 2008

One Christmas Eve...A Long, Long Time Ago.

Just A Preview...

Our Company Christmas Party.

Ready For Christmas.

Happy 7th Birthday, Jackson.

Sometimes...

Tagged.

Answered Prayers.

Happy Anniversary!

My 5th Blogging Award. Yay!

Update In Need Of...

Um? Busy Day, eh? UPDATED