It's been a pretty crazy week so far, and I'm feeling a little out of touch. I apologize if this post is all over the place! Besides work piling on top of more work, we have a few fun things going on this week.
For starters, I went to the county fair for the first time in YEARS. We have an exhibit booth set up for the office, and I worked it on Monday night. It was an adventure...the fair has a way of bringing people out of the woodwork! We had fun watching everyone file in toward the ferris wheel and funnel cakes. It was cloudy and overcast on Monday, so the babies didn't get to go. If tomorrow is pretty (which it probably won't be since it has rained every day for about two weeks now), I might stroll them through to see the lights and people.
Coming up this weekend is my ten-year high school reunion. (How is that possible?!) We will ride in the homecoming parade on Friday, then go to the football game. Saturday is a family picnic, which I hope will be lots of fun. On top of all that, my sister (Aunt Laura) will be home for a visit and her 21st birthday this weekend! Busy, busy, busy...
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In honor of my 10-year reunion, a little retrospective...
--Ten years ago, I could not imagine that I would be a mother of TWO by age 27!
--I had some pretty bad taste in boys back then, and I had yet to meet my amazing husband. Thank goodness, we found each other just a couple of years later! Back then, I had no idea about this wonderful man I ended up marrying. We met each other at just the right time, so I guess God was preparing me with all those bad choices!
--I thought I would be a practicing attorney by now. Somewhere along the way, I traded the idea of law school for graduate school and political science. Instead of a cushy job in a law firm, I am a government employee (still in the legal field, interestingly enough) and I teach part-time at a local college. I don't regret the change in plans.
--I didn't know that I would still have the same best friend ten years later, and that we would be closer than ever. I had no idea that Kelly and I would attend three different colleges together, join a sorority, be bridesmaids in each other's weddings, and now, raise our babies together. We are more like family than friends these days, and I'm grateful for it.
--Others I thought I might still be good friends with have drifted away. Thanks to Facebook, I am in contact with many people from those days, but some of the friendships I thought would never change did not survive the last ten years.
--I have met many, many amazing people and made some new friendships that I never saw coming!
--Overall, I am much more confident, outgoing, and comfortable with the person I have become than I was ten years ago. God's hand has been in every step of the way, but I can say it has been a good ten years, and I love the place I'm in today!
And, um, I have blog...who could have seen that coming ten years ago?? : )
9.23.2009
9.17.2009
Old School
I found this clip from the Jimmy Fallon show a few weeks ago from a link on Facebook. Mark-Paul Gosselar appeared on the show in character as Zack Morris from Saved By the Bell. I cracked up the first time I watched it, so I had to share.
I finally remembered to show it to Jeremy the other night, and it got me thinking about the old school shows we obsessed over growing up. Jeremy and I were (are?) Saved By the Bell fans, and we can both remember watching episode after episode after school and on Saturday mornings. We have without a doubt watched every episode of the high school years...I won't even go into the tragedy that was the attempt at the "college years." (We may or may not still turn on TBS in the morning at least once a week to get our Bayside fix.)
Another show I remember watching over and over again, particularly in the afternoon after school, was The Brady Bunch. I would get off the school bus, get a snack (honey bun and Dr. Pepper...my eating habits have not changed much!), call up my best friend Sarah, and settle in to watch 3 or 4 episodes of The Brady Bunch. I could also be found flipping over to Full House during commercial breaks.
My college years were marked by a hard-core devotion to the Golden Girls. I watched it most every morning, afternoon, and night back when it was on 20 or so times a day. There was a marathon on over Labor Day weekend...GG might have played on our tv for abou 12 hours or so. Is it bad that my favorite part of a sick day is watching reruns with my favorite old ladies?
I'm always looking for shows I might have missed, then watch the series on dvd (love me some Netflix!) What are your favorite old-school shows? Any I might have missed out on?
I finally remembered to show it to Jeremy the other night, and it got me thinking about the old school shows we obsessed over growing up. Jeremy and I were (are?) Saved By the Bell fans, and we can both remember watching episode after episode after school and on Saturday mornings. We have without a doubt watched every episode of the high school years...I won't even go into the tragedy that was the attempt at the "college years." (We may or may not still turn on TBS in the morning at least once a week to get our Bayside fix.)
Another show I remember watching over and over again, particularly in the afternoon after school, was The Brady Bunch. I would get off the school bus, get a snack (honey bun and Dr. Pepper...my eating habits have not changed much!), call up my best friend Sarah, and settle in to watch 3 or 4 episodes of The Brady Bunch. I could also be found flipping over to Full House during commercial breaks.
My college years were marked by a hard-core devotion to the Golden Girls. I watched it most every morning, afternoon, and night back when it was on 20 or so times a day. There was a marathon on over Labor Day weekend...GG might have played on our tv for abou 12 hours or so. Is it bad that my favorite part of a sick day is watching reruns with my favorite old ladies?
I'm always looking for shows I might have missed, then watch the series on dvd (love me some Netflix!) What are your favorite old-school shows? Any I might have missed out on?
9.11.2009
Where Were You?
September 11, 2001...As cliche as it may sound, I doubt any of us will ever forget where we were on that morning. I wrote a letter about it to the babies in their book of letters, and it was a little emotional to go back through those memories.
I was in my second year at our local junior college and living at home with my mom and sister. I worked at a local realty company, where I was headed that morning. I didn't have to go to school first, and I don't remember going later that day. I'm thinking maybe I didn't have class on Tuesdays that semester.
Anyway, I got up and was getting ready for work as usual. I was alone in the house, since my sister was in school and my mom was already at work, and I did not turn on the radio or tv. When I got in the car to leave (which would have been just a little before 9:00 central time), I turned on my favorite morning radio show. I could tell the tones of their voices were very serious, and I was only halfway down our street when I heard the host say, "It now seems that the United States is under attack." I really will never forget those words, and the fear and dread of that moment.
I was the first to arrive at work, and I quickly turned on the tv in the office. My co-workers and I pretty much spent the rest of the day in front of that tv. We were watching when the second tower fell, and we were watching when President Bush addressed the nation. In fact, I remember being glued to the news for the next several days, afraid I might miss something important if I stopped watching. I guess I was one of those people who got even more stressed by the round-the-clock coverage, so it was a bit of a relief when there was a call to decrease the coverage after a few weeks.
What I will remember about 9/11 is the way we, as Americans, suddenly felt so vulnerable. To me, the general public attitude in this country can be viewed as "before 9/11" and "after 9/11." Before, we did not worry about terrorist attacks and we did not see every public gathering or major event as a potential target. For most of us, I would say fear had no place in our day-to-day lives. After 9/11, it most certainly did...and for many, still does. We were shown a harsh reality-no, the United States is not invincible and is not exempt from threat.
One of the positives that came in the days and weeks following 9/11 was the feeling of community in this country. We came together to cry, to mourn, but eventually to stand strong and persevere...to prove that we will not be defeated (aww, look at me being all patriotic and stuff!) Unfortunately, I have seen that spirit of community fray around the edges again, in the face of fear and anger. The hatred that has taken root in the aftermath of that day is a whole other topic in itself, so I won't go there. How nice would it be, though, if we had managed to hold on to that feeling? If we all cared as much about one another and supported each other like we did in the weeks after that awful day?
Eight years later, as the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have a special place in my heart for the families who lost their loved ones when they rushed in to save others. I often selfishly pray that I never have to know what that feels like.
I was in my second year at our local junior college and living at home with my mom and sister. I worked at a local realty company, where I was headed that morning. I didn't have to go to school first, and I don't remember going later that day. I'm thinking maybe I didn't have class on Tuesdays that semester.
Anyway, I got up and was getting ready for work as usual. I was alone in the house, since my sister was in school and my mom was already at work, and I did not turn on the radio or tv. When I got in the car to leave (which would have been just a little before 9:00 central time), I turned on my favorite morning radio show. I could tell the tones of their voices were very serious, and I was only halfway down our street when I heard the host say, "It now seems that the United States is under attack." I really will never forget those words, and the fear and dread of that moment.
I was the first to arrive at work, and I quickly turned on the tv in the office. My co-workers and I pretty much spent the rest of the day in front of that tv. We were watching when the second tower fell, and we were watching when President Bush addressed the nation. In fact, I remember being glued to the news for the next several days, afraid I might miss something important if I stopped watching. I guess I was one of those people who got even more stressed by the round-the-clock coverage, so it was a bit of a relief when there was a call to decrease the coverage after a few weeks.
What I will remember about 9/11 is the way we, as Americans, suddenly felt so vulnerable. To me, the general public attitude in this country can be viewed as "before 9/11" and "after 9/11." Before, we did not worry about terrorist attacks and we did not see every public gathering or major event as a potential target. For most of us, I would say fear had no place in our day-to-day lives. After 9/11, it most certainly did...and for many, still does. We were shown a harsh reality-no, the United States is not invincible and is not exempt from threat.
One of the positives that came in the days and weeks following 9/11 was the feeling of community in this country. We came together to cry, to mourn, but eventually to stand strong and persevere...to prove that we will not be defeated (aww, look at me being all patriotic and stuff!) Unfortunately, I have seen that spirit of community fray around the edges again, in the face of fear and anger. The hatred that has taken root in the aftermath of that day is a whole other topic in itself, so I won't go there. How nice would it be, though, if we had managed to hold on to that feeling? If we all cared as much about one another and supported each other like we did in the weeks after that awful day?
Eight years later, as the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have a special place in my heart for the families who lost their loved ones when they rushed in to save others. I often selfishly pray that I never have to know what that feels like.
9.08.2009
Wishlist Wednesday
I saw "Wishlist Wednesdays" on another blog a couple of weeks ago, and I like the idea. I don't see the link up this week, but I'm playing anyway! : )
The first thing on my wishlist this week is the big one... I really, really want an SUV again. Specifically, a Honda Pilot at the moment. Isn't it pretty? With the commute I have right now (45 minutes each way), an SUV would break the bank in gas. BUT, hopefully we will be moving sometime in the next couple of months-which could be the subject of a whole new wishlist-and maybe I will be able to get my dream car then. At least a nice used version. : )
The second thing on my list is a really great pair (or two pairs) of boots for fall. It's been a few years since I have invested in new boots, so I will probably get some this year. Although it probably won't be these, it might be a slightly less expensive comparable version.
The first thing on my wishlist this week is the big one... I really, really want an SUV again. Specifically, a Honda Pilot at the moment. Isn't it pretty? With the commute I have right now (45 minutes each way), an SUV would break the bank in gas. BUT, hopefully we will be moving sometime in the next couple of months-which could be the subject of a whole new wishlist-and maybe I will be able to get my dream car then. At least a nice used version. : )
The second thing on my list is a really great pair (or two pairs) of boots for fall. It's been a few years since I have invested in new boots, so I will probably get some this year. Although it probably won't be these, it might be a slightly less expensive comparable version.
Okay, so maybe one more "wish" for this week: I've been following the blog of a sweet family from Alabama for a few months now. Brittany, the mom, was in Washington DC for work back in March when her water broke only 24 weeks into her pregnancy. She was unable to leave the hospital there in DC after that time. A few weeks later, her baby boy Gaines was born. He was kept in the hospital up there for a few months, but finally got to be transferred to Montgomery several weeks ago. Finally, after a long, difficult journey, it looks like little Gaines will be coming home this weekend!! So my final wish is that you will join me in praying for a smooth transition and a happy homecoming for this family. I am sure they will take all the extra prayers they can get. : )
9.07.2009
Giveaway Winner!
The winner of the Summer Blog Party Giveaway is Cecilia of Keeping Up With the Joneses!! The winner was chosen using random.org. Thanks to all of you who participated...it was a lot of fun to read all the comments! Congrats, Cecilia, and be sure and let me know how you would like the notecards personalized.
Happy Labor Day, everyone!
Happy Labor Day, everyone!
9.05.2009
Saturday's Snippets
Some random updates on a lazy, perfect Saturday...
Although it may appear we've had lots of rest today, this was actually the only halfway decent nap today. It lasted about an hour. At 5 pm. Needless to say, we've had some pretty fussy girls on and off all day. Teething? Gas? Who knows...
Even with the fussiness, it's been a great day. I love when we all get to be home together and we have nothing on the agenda for the day. Jeremy has looked forward to this day for at least a month now...the first Saturday of college football! He has not been off on Saturday in a few years, so he has big plans to fully enjoy this season. We dressed the girls appropriately for their first day of college football (and yes, we are a "house divided"...at least we have two babies to dress so we don't have to argue too much!)
Although it may appear we've had lots of rest today, this was actually the only halfway decent nap today. It lasted about an hour. At 5 pm. Needless to say, we've had some pretty fussy girls on and off all day. Teething? Gas? Who knows...
Even with the fussiness, it's been a great day. I love when we all get to be home together and we have nothing on the agenda for the day. Jeremy has looked forward to this day for at least a month now...the first Saturday of college football! He has not been off on Saturday in a few years, so he has big plans to fully enjoy this season. We dressed the girls appropriately for their first day of college football (and yes, we are a "house divided"...at least we have two babies to dress so we don't have to argue too much!)
Mackenzie in Alabama; Addison in Auburn
Labor Day and college football means another season is close also...the return of all my favorite tv shows! Sadly, I put much thought and planning into my tv-viewing schedule, and I've been using EW's guide to season premieres to make my list. Of course, with the addition of our two new family members, most of my viewing will be done online, after the fact...but it's still fun to plan. What shows are you most looking forward to this fall?
I'm off to bed soon, before I look like Addison just a little while ago:
Mackenzie says Roll Tide!! (and also, I really, really love my toes)
**Don't forget about the giveaway if you haven't entered yet! I'll accept entries through noon tomorrow**
9.03.2009
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...Giveaway!
In case you haven't heard, it's Summer Blog Party day over at Multiples & More! I am excited to be hosting my very first giveaway today. I agonized over what to give away, and finally decided just to go with a couple of my favorite things! (I should also mention that both items came from my favorite local store, one that's near and dear to my heart. Check out Talk of the Town's website and feel free to browse around! If you see anything you're interested in, let me know and I will help get it to you.)
I'm a romantic at heart, and I think there's no better way to say hello than a cute, handwritten note. With email, twitter, blogs, and Facebook, we seem to get more caught up in technology and think less about personal touches. I can't resist bright, colorful notecards, which I stockpile, just in case I ever run out! For the first part of the giveaway, I'm offering a set of personalized Whitney English notecards. The cards can be personalized pretty much any way you want, including a name, monogram, or a simple "thank you" or "hello".
The second part of my giveaway is an all-natural, 100% Pure Soy Heirloom Candle (in a cute little travel tin!). The scent is Lemongrass Verbena, which is pure bliss...seriously, I can't even describe how good this candle smells. Even better, these candles can also be used as a moisturizer! As it burns, the candle will leave a pool of soy oil. Just dip your finger in and rub on your skin anywhere you need a touch of extra moisture! It won't dry and harden like regular candle wax.
How to enter this giveaway, you ask? Simple...just leave a comment on this post! For an extra entry, follow my blog (or tell me if you already do). I will draw a random winner on Sunday evening.
By the way, you don't have to be a Multiples Mom to enter...everyone is welcome! : ) Good luck on all these amazing giveaways!!
I'm a romantic at heart, and I think there's no better way to say hello than a cute, handwritten note. With email, twitter, blogs, and Facebook, we seem to get more caught up in technology and think less about personal touches. I can't resist bright, colorful notecards, which I stockpile, just in case I ever run out! For the first part of the giveaway, I'm offering a set of personalized Whitney English notecards. The cards can be personalized pretty much any way you want, including a name, monogram, or a simple "thank you" or "hello".
The second part of my giveaway is an all-natural, 100% Pure Soy Heirloom Candle (in a cute little travel tin!). The scent is Lemongrass Verbena, which is pure bliss...seriously, I can't even describe how good this candle smells. Even better, these candles can also be used as a moisturizer! As it burns, the candle will leave a pool of soy oil. Just dip your finger in and rub on your skin anywhere you need a touch of extra moisture! It won't dry and harden like regular candle wax.
How to enter this giveaway, you ask? Simple...just leave a comment on this post! For an extra entry, follow my blog (or tell me if you already do). I will draw a random winner on Sunday evening.
By the way, you don't have to be a Multiples Mom to enter...everyone is welcome! : ) Good luck on all these amazing giveaways!!
9.02.2009
Five Months
Five months for my baby girls is full of:
-huge grins (I just love seeing those little gums!)
-giggles and belly laughs
-Mama & Daddy doing ridiculous faces, voices, etc. to entice those grins and giggles
-wide-open mouths and flailing arms when a bottle is in sight (fun game for Mama)
-Baby Einstein DVD before baths
-baby food (current favorite: bananas!)
-"talking"
-yelling, from Addison
-reaching for toys and pulling them straight to the mouth
-sleep-about 9 hours a night and roughly 4 hours of naps a day (praise the Lord!)
-trying so hard to sit up
-not wanting to lay down for fear of missing what's going on elsewhere
-occasional attempts at rolling over
-the pacifier game (they pull the pacifier out and spend 30 minutes or so trying to work it back in their mouths...getting it in right about 25% of the time...my favorite is when they put it back in upside down, but suck on it anyway and look so proud about it)
Five months of new adventures, amazing discoveries, memorable moments, and above all else... five months full of LOVE like we've never known before.
Here's to a million more months.
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