The McLemores

Back to the Beach

2011-02-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun at the beach, we decided to go back in May. This time Stella Cate was 6 months old and sitting up (still wobbly, but sitting up). The weather was perfect! It wasn't too hot, but definitely warm enough to swim. Stella Cate loved the water. She loved kicking her little baby legs in the water like a little frog. It was so funny to watch her splash in the pool like she does in the tub. I have a baby fish on my hands. She is the sweetest thing in this whole wide world.

Adventures in baby food making

2011-02-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

Stella's well baby checkup went very well and we got the ok to start baby food. I still had wedding credit at William Sanoma so I bought a baby food maker that I had my eye on along with a cookbook for babies and toddlers. I made my grocery list and then we headed to The Fresh Market. I love love my Beaba baby food maker and I really like making Stella Cate's food. I feel good about the fact that I can purchase yummy organic fruits and vegetables to feed SC healthy foods with out all of the added preservatives. We are trying one thing at a time to make sure she does not have any allergies. Although I tasted the sweet potatoe puree and it was yummy, I decided to start with squash and it was a hit. I wish I could say the same a about the sweet peas, haha!

Beach Baby

2011-01-30T15:46:00.001-08:00

Stella Cate and I were really getting cabin fever from the long winter months and cold weather so on a whim we decided to jump in the car and head to the beach. We met my sister-n-law, niece, and mother-n-law. Stella Cate was 5 months old and my niece was 3 months old. It was definitely an adventure but we got the hang of it and really enjoyed the change of scenery.

Enjoying the beautiful weather

2011-01-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

Stella Cate's Baptism

2010-08-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Stella Cate was baptized on March 28th at First United Methodist Church in Florence, AL. This is my church at home where Gere and I married. It was a very special day. She was so sweet in her beautiful christening gown (which I love!!!) and did not make a peep during the entire service. Our families and some very close friends came to share in the occasion. The service was very sweet and I could not help but cry during her baptism. The little children had a song to sing to her at the end. God has certainly blessed us with such a precious little girl.

Stella was surrounded by special people that love her. She was so so peaceful that day like she knew what it was all about. I really felt my mom's presence during the ceremony and I cannot begin to express my love for this little girl. I am very excited bc/I know that the lord has wonderful things planned for her.

I'm attaching the few pics I have and then I will add the pictures of her in her gown that the Jeanelle took when I place my order. I've seen the proofs and they are so so beautiful!

The Gown

2010-08-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Stella Cate's Christening gown. She was so so beautiful in her gown.

Sweet bonnet.

Beauty pin engraved with Stella Cate's name. I hope I will have other babies with their own engraved pins as keepsakes.

Stella Cate's Name and birthday hand embroidered on the slip. Each baby baptized in this gown will have their name and birthday added to the slip. So special

The slip and bloomers

Stella Cate's monogram hand embroidered on the bloomers. I love, love, love these bloomers. SC wears them with her dressy dresses.

Happy Easter

2010-07-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

We were very excited to wake up to see what the Easter Bunny brought Stella Cate. Papa Jack sent her some prizes too. After she posed for some pics with her Easter happies we all got dressed up and headed to church. I think we lasted a good 30 minutes before we had to leave. I'm not ready to leave her in the nursery and she was too loud for big church. At least we tried. She sure looked pretty in her pink Easter dress and bonnet. We met our neighbors John and Claire Windsor and Paul Watkins at Char for lunch. The Windsors were very kind and patient and took some family pics for us after lunch. It was a wonderful day.

Rice Cereal

2010-07-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Stella enjoyed eating rice cereal from her pretty porringer and new baby spoons. What a big girl

4 Month Check Up

2010-07-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

This round of shots seemed worse than the 1st. Stella Cate just didn't feel well after she got them.
She weighed 14 lbs. 12oz

Happy Heart Day!

2010-07-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

Sweetest Valentine in the world!

Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-07-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

Stella Cate's 1st snow. Brrrrrrr!

2010-07-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

2010-07-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

2 Month Check Up

2010-07-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Stella had her 2 month check up and her first round of shots. The shots were not fun for baby or mommy.
She weighed 11 lbs. 9oz.

Happy 30th Birthday Daddy!

2010-07-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Gere's birthday is on Christmas Day so we tried to change gears by blowing up some balloons and making him a birthday sign. Happy Birthday Dada! We love you very much!

Christmas in Jackson

2010-07-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

We really wanted to go home for Christmas to see family and friends, but we also wanted to have Stella's 1st Christmas in our own home in Jackson. Santa came to see SC in Jackson and it was fun to see what he brought.

Baby's 1st Christmas

2010-07-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Stella Cate turned 6 six weeks old and we decided to head home for Christmas. Jackson is 5 hrs. from Florence so it was a major undertaking to get her home. We packed for 3 days and you should have seen the car. Honestly, a U-haul would have come in handy. It took us 7 hours to get home but once we arrived it was worth it. We got to see lots of friends and family and I kept thinking about how blessed we are to have Stella with us. She is such a sweetie pie and this Christmas was just so wonderful.

2010-07-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Little Outing

2010-07-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Stella at the the Spa aka bathtime

2010-07-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Stella is now starting to like her bath. She used to scream the whole time but now she seems to be enjoying having her hair washed and soaking in the warm water.

Hello Hadley! Nice to Meet You

2010-07-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends the Rhetts came to Jackson to meet Stella Cate. Stella Cate was not feeling very well that day. Poor baby was up all night screaming bc/her sweet little mouth was bothering her from the thrush. She wouldn't eat so we celebrated the morning of her 4 Week Birthday in the After Hours Clinic. If you are wondering why her mouth is purple in these pictures, it's bc/we were told to get some crazy purple stuff to treat her thrush. It stains and ruins everything it touches and DOES NOT WORK. Stella's mouth was purple for 4 days. Luckily the Dr. at the after hours clinic prescribed us something that really works so it wasn't long before she was feeling better and able to eat again. Don't get me wrong, it still took almost 6 weeks before the thrush completely went away. Anyway, we were relieved to be back home and so glad to see Parker, Libby, and Miss Hadley. The Rhetts have been such good friends to us. I bet I call Libby ten times (maybe more) a week for advice. We enjoyed their company and it was really fun to see Hadley with SC. We are very blessed to have such wonderful friends.

2010-07-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2010-07-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

My dad took us to pick out our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. It was pretty chilly and SC was so tiny that we didn't go far to get it. My dad sat in the warm car w/Stella while Gere and I found the tree. We got her out just long enough for a quick family pic beside her first Christmas tree. Maybe next year we will do it up right and head to the Christmas tree farm.

Stella's 1st Thanksgiving

2010-07-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

We have so much to be Thankful for this year! Stella Cate is such a blessing. I love her so very much. I'm am so happy that she is here to spend Thanksgiving with us. She is 3 weeks old and I keep thinking about the fact that her original due date was just 3 days ago.

My sweet dad came back and cooked a huge Thanksgiving dinner for us. Have I mentioned that he is a saint? He cooked for two days straight. I am so so thankful to have him in my life. Gere, my dad, and I enjoyed the delicious meal and SC slept.

A Rose On the Alter

2010-07-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

Gere and I have been going to Galloway Methodist Church for a while now. They have been very sweet to us since we had SC. There was a rose placed on the alter at church for her birth and the congregation said a prayer of blessing. We received a very nice card of encouragement, dinner, and they offered to put a big stork in our yard but we already had one. I thought the rose was very special.

A Visit from Aunt Ash

2010-07-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

My very best friend that I have known my whole life came to see Stella Cate. She drove all the way from Birmingham (in the rain). I think of her more as a sister. It meant so so much to us that she came. She was so sweet to bring Stella a duck hooded towel and the cutest bunny hat and mittens. I wish we lived closer bc/I feel like we do not get to see each other very often. Stella Cate loved her very much.

2010-07-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

2 Week Check Up

2010-07-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

Our 2 week check up went really well and we liked our pediatrician. She weighed 7 lbs 3 oz. at this check up.

2010-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Life with a new baby

2010-07-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

Life at home with a new baby is like living your life in fast forward. I have no idea where the time goes. Everyone tells you to sleep when the baby sleeps, but I always felt like the house needed to be cleaned again, the laundry couldn't wait, I could finally shower, etc. Don't get me wrong, I have no complaints. Honestly I loved the teeny tiny baby stage so so much. It was over way too soon.

Stella Cate's first 6 weeks were pretty eventful. The first full day we were home, I noticed her skin looking quite yellow. Eventually the whites of her eyes were even yellow. We ended up going to the doctor to have it checked out. If you have ever had to have your baby's billirubin levels checked then you know how painful it is to watch. They slice their little heels and squeeze until they can fill up two little tubes. She had to do this 9 days in a row. Fun times. I understand that a lot of babies have jaundice but my goodness packing a new baby up and going to the dr. everyday to have those test done is no fun. Her levels kept getting worse and worse until they sent us home with a billi light. Our next step was admittance into the hospital under the lamps. Thank goodness we did not have to do that. Ok, so about the jaundice...I am the biggest worry wort on the planet. Now once I became a mother, it has escalated to the point where I am exhausted at the end of each day just from worrying about SC. Well, about a week into this jaundice episode she had a night when she was so lethargic that we couldn't hardly get her to wake up to eat. It was very scary and a good thing Addie was with us. So, I get out my "What to Expect The First Year" book and look up jaundice. It says in the very first paragraph that if jaundice levels get too high and it goes untreated then the baby can have permanent brain damage. Well I absolutely loose it. I mean I was sobbing crying. I'm sure Gere, Dad, and Addie thought they were going to have to admit me to Whitfield. The Dr. had us bring her in and that's when we got the light. Needless to say, she does not have brain damage and I threw that book away. After about a week on the billi light her levels were down and we didn't have a little orange glow worm, just a sweet little (slightly yellow) Stella Cate.
In the mix of dealing with jaundice, we figured out that SC is also allergic to baby wipes. I don't know what we would do w/o a Babies R Us bc/were were able to buy these little organic cloths that we had to use instead of wipes. Each diaper change, we had to wash her little bottom in warm water and phisoderm baby wash and then let her air out for like 10 minutes. We had to buy diaper cream that is $17.00 a tube. That's right, $17.00. Just when you think there couldn't possibly be anything else you could add to our routine, well guess again. SC started having reflux pretty bad so we were told to keep her elevated for 45 minutes after every feeding. Oh and how could I forget that she got thrush and we had to swab her mouth after every feeding for 6 weeks. So here is our our schedule went: feeding, swab with thrush medicine, diaper change, wash her, air out for 10 minutes, and elevate for 45. Mommy goes to sleep for like 45 minutes and then it's time to do it all again. Too bad I didn't know about the Nap Nanny until we really didn't need it anymore. SC has grown out of the wipe allergy (for the most part) and we no longer deal with bad reflux. Those days seem like so long ago. Even though I was so exhausted during those times, it makes me really sad that those days seem like a distant memory.

November 7, 2009

2010-07-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, today marks the first day of my attempt to get my blog up to speed. Back tracking nine months to the day Stella Cate was born. As I posted earlier, it was the most amazing day of my life. Call me crazy but I even liked labor. I might be singing a different tune the next time, but I'm very thankful for the experience. My water broke at around 7:30 in the morning and we got to the hospital around 10:30-11:00ish. Gere was real jittery but I was strangely calm. I showered, dried my hair (which we all know is a long process in itself, haha), and painted my toenails. Painting your own toenails when you are extremely pregnant in almost impossible but I was determined to get it done. Gere kept telling me I was being a diva bc/I would not just get in the car. I made everyone pose for pictures and clean the house again before we left. By this time the whole crew (Dad, Gere, and Carter) were pushing me out the door.

We got to the hospital, checked in, hooked up to the monitors, started having contractions, got the epidural a little bit later, rested (I think). There is a little bit of that day I can't remember so I asked Gere if I took a nap. His reply, "I don't know...I went to Wendy's." REALLY????, my husband left me alone at the hospital to eat. Anyway, Gere's mom and dad got into town just in time. Luckily my dad was already here. By 6:45pm we got to meet our daughter. And the rest is history. Bless her little heart, she didn't have a name until the day we were discharged. They wouldn't let us leave until it was official. We had it narrowed down to 3 names so we would practice calling her the different names and writing them. Stella Cate was our first choice and now I cannot really understand why we couldn't commit. When I went into labor early it was just a lot going on all at once. Our bags were not completely packed, her nursery wasn't ready, I didn't feel like my house was ready, and we hadn't officially decided on her name. They called our room everyday for a name and all I could say was, "call back tomorrow". Finally, the lady brought the paperwork to our room.

So picture this scenario...The day were were trying to leave the hospital this is what was going on in my room.
The girl discharging us was a nurse in training. She followed me everywhere I went telling me a million different things. The people that take the baby pictures came in with the big photo cart. They put SC on top of it and then wanted me to decide which picture package I wanted to order. My Dr., who I hadn't seen the whole time I was in the hospital bc/ she wasn't on call that weekend, came to see us. She brought her daughter w/her. Seriously, and she was eating a freaking footlong subway sandwich, we had a visitor stop in to say hello, the birth certificate lady was in the room wanting us to give her a name for the baby, and the whole time Gere kept asking me if he could go get something to eat. Finally, I almost lost it and told him if he didn't go tend to the pictures so I could deal w/the nurse in training, I was going to let him have it and then they might think I was crazy and not let me take my baby home. We ended up getting home at like 5:30 pm. I'm glad my dad was still in town to help us get settled in. It was exciting yet a little scary to come home w/a tiny new baby. What a blessing she as been to our family. It's hard to remember my life without her.

To blog or not to blog...that is the question

2010-07-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

So, once again I am up too late and cannot sleep so I decided to blog. I have wanted to do this forever, but I have so much catching up to do I would get overwhelmed and then change my mind. Gere and I decided last minute to head back to the beach tomorrow and now that Stella Cate is at the age where she REALLY needs her 2 good naps a day I figured I could spend that time blogging. I will be heading up to the condo for each nap time so instead of pacing the floors waiting for her to wake up so we can head back down to the beach, I think I will try to get my blog up and running again. I'm kinda weird about keeping the flow of the blog in order so bare with me as I post about things that may seem like old news. I really enjoy blogging so I maybe I can get my creative juices flowing and let the posting begin. This can be my blog marathon. A little disclaimer though...8 1/2 month olds are very unpredictable (hehehe) so I hope I can walk the walk and not just talk the talk. So here we go! On your mark, get set, POST!

On our way to the hospital!!!

2009-11-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 7,2009 was the most amazing day of my life. We welcomed Stella Cate McLemore into the world. Everything about that day was wonderful. It was really a neat story actually. My original due date was November 23rd, but we were set to be induced on the 19th. We had just been to the Dr. that Tuesday and she was confident that I would still be waiting around and she would see me on the 19th. My dad and brother came into town Friday afternoon to help me with some projects around the house. I was in the nesting stage of pregnancy and my "to do" list was a mile long. Gere was planning to drive home to Corinth for the weekend bc/we all felt certain that it would be ok, especially since my dad was with me. Well...Dad, Carter, and I head to Amerigos for dinner and Gere hits the road. I was at the table for about 20 minutes before I started to really miss Gere. It was kind of a homesick type feeling. So I called him and told him I missed him already. When we returned home from dinner, Gere had was there waiting. He had gotten 30 minutes down the road and turned around. It's a good thing he did bc/my water broke at 7:30 the next morning. It was weird that it just so happened that my family was already in town. We packed our bags and headed to the hospital. I loved the Dr. that was on call and delivered Stella Cate. The nurses were great too. Our daughter was born at 6:45pm!!!!!! It was love at first sight!

Prego pics

2009-11-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, we have been super busy lately. Why you ask...well we had our precious Stella Cate 3 weeks early. I have a lot of back tracking to do to get everything up to date. A week before our daughter was born, Gere and I had the car seat installed and then decided to take some pregnancy pics. It was fun taking pictures of the "Going Home" outfit I smocked for little miss. I'm glad we took those pictures bc/it was the very next week that she decided she was ready to meet us.

Car Seat Safety

2009-11-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

Gere and I went to lunch after church yesterday and then to the Madison Fire Department to have the car seat installed. Of course we couldn't leave with out a photo session to document the event.

2009-11-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

Daddy working in the nursery and Mommy playing with all of the fun baby stuff.

Sweet Soiree

2009-11-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

My Sweet friends hosted the most beautiful baby shower for little Miss McLemore and me. Everything was so precious and decorated in sweet pink. I had so much fun and truly enjoyed visiting with all of the girls. I can't wait for this little girl to meet all of her mommy's precious friends.

Getting Ready for Baby!

2009-09-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

The nursery is gradually coming together. It is already my favorite room in the house. Right now everything has been ordered, we're just waiting for it all to be delivered. I'm very anxious to get things in place and just perfect for her arrival. Gere put all of the crystals on the chandelier and he helped my dad install it. I think Daddy Jack was on the ladder for 2 days. He said he might have to see a chiropractor after it all. Then the bookshelf was delivered, so our good friend and neighbor Bob come to help move it into the baby's room. Thanks Bob for allowing me to snap some pics. Gere's comment..."Welcome to my world Bob". :)

2009-09-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

So I have been having a hard time staying cool. I usually freeze everywhere I go, but lately it's been a different story. HA! Gere and I were watching a movie one night and I kept talking about how hot it was in the house. We paused the movie so I could turn the fan on high and I wanted to crank up the air. When I returned, this is how I found my husband. Keep in mind it was the beginning of September.

Fun times with friends

2009-09-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

We had such a nice time at our friends Hunter and Lori's amazing house for a little get-together. Their new house is so pretty, the food was delish, and the company was wonderful. I avoided pictures at all cost, but we got a really cute pic of the guys. What a cute class! I think they will be really cute doctors one day too!

Growing baby

2009-09-02T19:48:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I'm posting this, but for memory sake I am.

Childbirth classes, fun times

2009-08-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

Gere and I just graduated from our childbirth classes. We went every Monday night for four weeks. I have to say that I really did love going to class. We met some very nice couples and our teacher was great. She was pretty funny and kept the class light. I was kinda sad when it was over. Gere had to try on the "pregnant belly" (backpack) and play "Diaper Change Derby" complete w/a recording of a screaming baby. We laughed A LOT! The husbands had to undress the babies, change the diapers, put on new outfits, swaddle the baby, and then feed them. He actually did a great job and I got some fun action shots. One night he won us a back massager. I think Gere is going to be an incredible daddy!

Party time

2009-08-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Yay for wedding parties! About a month ago we attended a really great party in Oxford in honor of the soon to be Dr. and Mrs. Jay Shipp. We had a great time visiting w/everyone and Laine's house was so so cute!

It's a Girl!

2009-08-31T20:44:00.001-07:00

Gere and I had so much fun opening our envelope together to find out what we were having. He wanted to find out for sure and I was a bit undecided. When it was time to go to our ultrasound, we decided not to find out while we were there, so the sweet tech sent us home with a sealed envelope. We could then, think about it a little longer. I couldn't stand it so I decided it was a fun surprise anyway and it was really special to open the envelope together at home, just Gere and myself. I will remember it forever. My dad came to visit shortly after, so I surprised him with pink balloons and of course I had already gone out and gotten a sweet pink gown w/a matching bonnet. I already love this little girl so much!

Sweet Baby

2009-08-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

Baby McLemore is on the way!

2009-08-26T20:45:00.001-07:00

2009-08-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

I really want to fix my blog up. I have no idea how to do it and I need help. I want a cute layout and header. How is this done? HELP!!

Britney Spears!!!!!!

2009-04-09T19:23:00.001-07:00

Words cannot describe how AWESOME the Britney concert was!!!!!!! She was amazing! I wish I could have followed her to Atlanta, D.C. etc. I left w/a program and a T-shirt. I have to say that the Britney concert ranked right up there w/Disney World.

New Orleans

2009-04-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Britney Spears concert was in New Orleans. My BFF and I stayed w/a friend on St. Andrews and ventured to Bourbon Street the day of the concert. We had some time to kill so we had lunch, frozen drinks, pictures made with The Silver Man, and then on to Harrahs Casino. Ashley of course put $5.00 in the slot machine and won $15.00 on the first pull. I on the other hand try to put my $5.00 in the machine and it is too wrinkled sio I tried to make is smooth for the machine and Oops, the stupid bill ripped right in half...What? I lost $20.00 dollars at the casino. It was ok because we got a good laugh out of it and a funny picture. Plus we were headed back to the apartment to get ready for the Britney Spears concert. Whoo Hoo!

The Crawdad Hole...Fun Times!

2009-04-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

Some of our favorite people came to Jackson to visit from C-town several weeks ago. That Saturday was beautiful so we all hung out at the Crawdad Hole. Crawfish! Yummy!

Jade's Baby Shower

2009-04-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

It was nice to visit with the girls at Jade's baby shower in Tupelo. Jade was so cute and recieved some really precious gifts for baby Presley. We can't wait to meet him.

Class Picture 2009

2009-04-09T18:18:00.001-07:00

Valentine Party

2009-02-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

This is a little late, but oh well. Just a few pics. from our Valentine party at school. It was an ice cream sundae party. We made froggy Valentine card holders out of giant fruit/vegetable cans from the cafeteria to hold all of our cards. They turned out pretty cute. Our party was a lot of fun.

Kelly and Phil's Engagement Party

2009-02-16T20:28:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we celebrated Kelly Kirk and Phil Smith's engagement! It was a lot of fun getting to see everyone. Kelly was the beautiful bride-to-be, Stacey's house was lovely, Jade is the cutest pregnant girl I've ever seen, Hillary was on top of her game as usual, just returning home from market and kept everything running smoothly (what would we do w/o her?!!!), Emily kept us in stitches reminiscing about our college days,and Kerri is still just as sweet as ever. I am really looking forward to the wedding festivities in New Orleans in May. We will miss Jade, but will be happy to welcome a new little Anchor Man that same weekend! It won't be long Kelly...You will soon be Mrs. Phil Smith!!!!!!

Tacky Christmas Party at Bo and Prentiss's

2009-01-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

Our friends Prentiss and Bo hosted a Tacky Christmas Party. We had so much fun. The decorations were adorable, the food was delicious, and everyone looked great in their tacky Christmas attire. (I made a Christmas tree dress equipped w/real lights that worked! Those battery packs added major major inches to my waist! A friend of ours won 1st place for the tackiest outfit, but Gere won 2nd! Woo Hoo! He won a lovely can of Vienna sausages, yummy!) Thanks Bo and Prentiss for such a fun night!

What did you get for Christmas?

2009-01-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess that would be a new roof...We have had a pretty busy holiday. The week before Christmas our ceiling fell in! It all started w/a minor repair in our bathroom which led to tearing out a wall in there and then the ceiling fell in the back of our house. The next thing I know, we are advised to get a whole new roof!!! I am still recovering. I guess those guys wanted some Christmas money because they had that sucker up in 3 days, ha! We are still not able to live out of the back of our house bc/the ceiling could not be fixed until after the 1st of the year. And let me tell you plaster walls are no easy clean up. The mess is absolutley stressing me to no end. At least our roof looks nice.

All Aboard!

2009-01-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

If you have not read The Polar Express or seen the movie, you simply must. My all time favorite. My students love it too. We had a Polar Express themed Christmas party at school that was tons of fun. Everyone wore their PJ's to school including me. I made "I believe" bell necklaces for each child to ring. We blew a train whistle and literallyshouted "All Aboard" and then I punched their tickets as they entered the room. It was too cute. They all brought their blankets to get cozy while we ate doughnuts, drank hot cocoa, and watched the movie. After that, I let them make and decorate Christmas cookies. It was a fun day.

I Got Tickets!!!!

2008-12-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh! I got tickets and I am going to the Britney Spears concert in March. My best friend Ashley is going w/me so I am SUPER EXCITED! I know, I know....I am 2? years old and entirely too old to still have this ridiculous obsession, but hey I'm not ashamed. I was so excited about my purchase and so I called my Dad to share the good news; this is how the conversation went...

Me-"Dad!, guess where Ash and I are going?"
Dad-"Where?"
Me-"A BRITNEY SPEARS CONCERT!!!!!!! In New Orleans! Isn't that so fun?"
Dad-"Why?" "Are you really going to see that crazy girl?"
Me-"Ugh...Dad, why aren't you excited w/me?"
Dad-"I dunno, maybe because she's wierd."

Anywho, I can't wait and Ash is just as pumped as I am. Who knows, our seats are probably so far away she will probably look like a little speck. Maybe not. I'll be practicing my moves until then. :)

She's Back...I hope!

2008-12-05T15:50:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I have a confession to make.

I have remained a Britney fan all this time. I was really pulling for her and hoping for a "come back". I think this may be it and I am out of control EXCITED!!!!! I watched her documentary, missed her appearance on Good Morning America (but found it on the internet, so I'm ok), and now I'm on a mission to get tickets to her concert. She announced her tour and is supposed to be in New Orleans on March 3rd. I HAVE GOT to get tickets to this and I started a major diet today. I don't know, I may need to go in costume or something. If anyone wants to go w/me just let me know:) BUT, you can't be embarrassed by my actions! I saw her mom and sister a long time ago in Destin at Brusters Icecream one night and started crying, (psycho, I know). I better start learning the dances so I am fully prepared by March. I attached her "Circus" video so if anyone wants to start practicing too, they can be my back-up dancers! (It may not play correctly, not sure I knew how to attach it)

Choo Choo!

2008-12-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

The cutest 3 year old I know celebrated his birthday with a train theme. He is into Thomas the train, etc. I made his birthday cake and let me tell you, that thing was a disaster from start to finish. Don't get me wrong, I would do it again in a heartbeat esp. for this little guy, but my oh my. By the time I had delivered the cake, I had sworn to myself I would never bake again.

1st, after I had iced the cake, I decided to taste a little of the left over icing. Sooooo glad I did, bc for some unknown reason (and I mean this has never happened) it tasted like burnt rubber or at least what I would imagine that to taste like. So I scraped all the icing completely off and made a new batch of icing. This time I tasted before I put it on the cake. It was just as bad as the 1st batch. I threw it out and by this time I had gotten rid of 4 lbs. of icing. It was pretty late so I opted not to go to Walmart until the next day. I set my alarm (it's Saturday) and head out at 7 am. I Buy all new ingredients, new bowls, and a new mixer just in case bc/at this point I still have no idea what went wrong. This time the icing was good. I ice the cake, destroy my kitchen, and deliver the cake just in time for the party. But on the way, the train engine and cars start to slide down the cake leaving smudges where they should have been. I always bring emergency icing w/me, but do you think I did this time. Well...no. I was so embarrassed. Anyway, everyone said the loved the cake and the little guy didn't even notice. I went straight home w/a headache and went back to bed. I mean...what in the world? The turkey cookies are the only things I have made since.

P.S.-I tried to edit the pictures (ha) to hide the smudges if you are wondering what the random lines are on the pic.

2008-12-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

This post is so old, but still significant so I wanted to add it anyway. Our dear friends Bo and Prentiss got married in Corinth and we were honored to attend. The entire weekend's festivities were a lot of fun and the decorations were gorgeous as was the bride. This is the only picture I have and that is only bc/someone else took it. We can't wait to see the cute couple during the holidays!

Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas! & Happy birthday Jesus and Happy Birthday Gere!

2008-12-01T15:19:00.001-08:00

We have been doing a lot of decorating around here!

Gere's birthday is on Christmas day, so he really gets into the holiday spirit. I have become a lil obsessed myself. These pictures are still a work in progress and the picture of my "topsy-turvy" tree is from last year. I am going to fix it differently this year, so I will have to update when we get everything up and running. I was trying to move that thing last year (after it was already decorated) and bc/it is so top heavy, the whole thing fell on top of my back and pinned me to the floor. Gere was at the library (surprise, surprise) and Drake just kept running circles around me under the tree. I was fine and surprisingly none of the ornaments were broken when I got it back up. My dad ended up wiring it to the wall, so no one else was injured by my Christmas tree.

2008-12-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Ashley!!!

2008-11-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

My best friend Ashley turns 26 on December 1st! We have been friends our whole lives, literally. Well, I guess her whole life. She is 18 months younger than me and my parents took me to see her the day she came home from the hospital. We have some very funny stories and some very fun memories. We got to celebrate her birthday early since we were all home for Thanksgiving, but once again, I have no pics. to show for it bc/of my camera issues. (hint, hint...Gere.) Anyway, I wish you a Happy Happy Birthday Ashley! I hope you have a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-30T18:26:00.000-08:00

We had our Thanksgiving feast at school and I helped my students make their pilgrim hats and collars. They were super cute. I would love to post pictures, but I'm not sure about the rules for that. So instead I will just post the pic. of me from my Thanksgiving feast when I was young. I found this picture when I went home to visit my Dad. While I was there, I decided to make some turkey cookies for friends and family to snack on.

Congratulations Sailor!

2008-11-30T15:23:00.001-08:00

This is long overdue, but better late than never.

My Dad and I went to Chicago for my brother's graduation. He had completed basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Station. My dad is retired now, so he drove and I flew. (me flying all by myself is a story in itself. I made it though and did not have any panic attacks, yeah me!)

It was a such a neat experience to see the sailors marching, saluting, etc. We are very proud of Carter and couldn't believe how distinguished he looked in his uniform. I will say however, that I had no idea what to expect when we got there and I was blind-sided by the seriousness of it all. I really know very little about the military and cried for almost 3 weeks after we left him. All of the new recruits were very solemn and "conformed", so to speak. He has tons and tons of rules and everything has to be done exactly right. I guess the discipline is a good thing, but I wanted to rescue him instead, ha! He is in Pensacola, Fl now training and I think it is much better. He will get his orders soon and there is no telling where he will be stationed, so please keep him in your prayers. He is going to be fine I know, I'm just being my normal self and worrying about my lil brother.

2008-11-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

I am going to post again soon. I've been in a blogging rut lately and our lives just cannot seem to settle down lately. Plus, our 4th camera is broken. Not sure why I am surprised considering I keep buying the cheapest digital camera they sell at Walmart. If I added it up, I could probably afford professional photography equipment by now. Ha, anyway, as soon as I get that squared away, I will get to posting. Be back soon! :)

Jon & Kate Plus 8 Marathon!

2008-09-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

WooHoo!!! I am so excited to be out of school today! I am completely obsessed with the show Jon & Kate Plus 8 and the marathon starts today at 4:00. This is the most entertaining family and I absolutely adore those children. I will be glued to the TV all afternoon. I finished my lesson plans early and planned ahead for dinner, so I will minimize my interruptions. Probably won't be answering the phone either. Yay for the marathon!!!! Oh, the season 1 & 2 DVD comes out this month. I can't wait.

Go Away Gustav!

2008-08-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

I may be over reacting, but I feel like "It's better safe than sorry".
As soon as the news began all their warnings of this hurricane, I have been making sure we have some of the things we may need to help us to remain a little more comfortable in case we loose power. It was a week and a half before we received power after Katrina.

Gere was completely brushing this Gustav thing off at first and then, out of left field, he decided that we NEED a chainsaw. He said that his truck was blocked in during the last storm. Hmm...This makes no sense to me and I put my foot down on the matter, but he just had to have it. He has been wanting to try it out since he got it and I am just waiting for him to crank it up at any minute and just start cutting things. I swear, boys are so weird. But, don't think that in the back of my mind I am not already thinking of how I can bring this up the next time I want to buy something, ha.

On a more serious note, I really hope that Gustav is not as devastating as Katrina and I am really praying for those poor people who had to go through all of this only 3 years ago. We are all hoping and praying for the best.

Aloha

2008-08-22T21:44:00.001-07:00

Did you know that Hawaii became the 5oth state on August 21, 1959? Well now you do.
This week in class we read Luca's Quilt, Junie B. Jones Aloha-ha, and other books on Hawaii.
We learned Hawaiian words and made our own leis. Today we tasted Hawaiian foods at our own little luau. Our menu consisted of Hawaiian punch, Hawaiian bread, ham cubes, pineapple, bananas, and coconut. We cracked open a real coconut and a whole pineapple for them to see and taste. It was a lot of fun (and very tiring). I think my students really enjoyed the festivities though. They loved doing the hula! I decided yesterday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. to make a palm tree for our luau and I am so glad I did. I think I'm going to keep it up all year in my "Wonder and Discovery" center. It was so easy to do: cardboard tube from upholstery fabric, umbrella, green butcher paper, & and a bucket of sand or rocks. Hmm...I wish there was a need for "Birthday Party Planners". I think I could start a business. Ha!

Here's the scoop...2nd grade is a real treat!

2008-08-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

I am back at school and getting back in the swing of things. I am getting to know my new students and still trying to adjust to getting up so so early. (We start school at 7:00a.m.) "Meet the Teacher" was a two weeks ago. I had an ice cream theme complete with a super sized milkshake for my class roll and I treated each new student w/an ice cream cone cookie. I think everything turned out pretty well. Sarah Brashier painted the cutest name sign for me. (You've got to go to her blog...The Painted Wren . She is so talented.) So far, we have gotten off to a good start. I do however already have a sore throat and stoppy nose. I pretty much stay sick throughout the entire school year.
Anyway, please help me pray for a wonderful year.
It is always so amazing to watch them learn and grow.

Back To School

2008-08-19T19:58:00.001-07:00

I am back at school and getting back in the swing of things. I am getting to know my new students and still trying to adjust to getting up so so early. (We start school at 7:00a.m.) "Meet the Teacher" was a two weeks ago. I had an ice cream theme complete with a super sized milkshake for my class roll and I treated each new student w/an ice cream cone cookie. I think everything turned out pretty well. Sara Brashier painted the cutest name sign for me. (You've got to go to her blog...The Painted Wren. She is so talented.) So far, we have gotten off to a good start. I do however already have a sore throat and stoppy nose. I pretty much stay sick throughout the entire school year.
Anyway, please help me pray for a wonderful year.
It is always so amazing to see in May how far they have come, how much they've learned, and grown.

Hola from Mexico!

2008-08-13T17:47:00.001-07:00

Wow, I have been seriously M.I.A. from the blog world. School started last Friday and I have been out of sorts trying to get ready for the new school year. I cannot believe summer is over. I'm kinda depressed about it. Boo Hoo.

Anyway, on a happy note, I had a gr-r-r-r-reat summer and we decided to go out w/a bang. The last week of our break, Gere and I went to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. It was wonderful. Very relaxing and just what we needed to get ourselves pumped up before we both headed back to school. Mexico was a lot of fun and very romantic. Kinda like going on a 2nd honeymoon.

Oh, I almost forgot...As we were going through security in Memphis, barefoot (you know, the whole bit) and I am holding up the entire line (surprise, surprise) (Gere and the security people rushing me)and quite flustered I might add, Gere stops like he's seen a ghost and tells me to turn around. He is gazing at the man right behind me. I have no clue who he is, so I just go about my business. It was Archie Manning. That guy is so tall, by the way. Now every time we see him on TV, Gere reminds me that we saw him in the airport.

Florida Road Trip

2008-07-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

We just got home from our Florida road trip. About 2 weeks ago, Gere and I headed south to Naples, Florida. Probably the most relaxing place I have ever been. Gere loved the golf and I enjoyed the shopping. We are already joking about moving there in a hundred years when we retire, ha!

After a week in Naples we headed a little further north to Destin, Florida to spend a week w/our families. Gere's family and my dad and brother all stayed together and had a blast. We had several "Griswold moments", but isn't that what makes family vaca's so much fun!

Naples! Here we come!

2008-07-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

Not sure what the big deal is w/these cars, but apparently they are awesome bc/we had to pretend they belonged to us and take pictures w/them. We kept seeing Bently, Aston Martin, and Mozerotti (sp?) cars in Naples. Every time we saw one, Gere would rush home to look them up on the internet. Must be a guy thing.

Gere in Naples

We are off to Naples, Florida for a week. Woo Hoo!

The Magic Kingdom

2008-07-04T10:01:00.001-07:00

Our favorite park was The Magic Kingdom. We went 3 times. This place is unreal! If you know me, then you know I was in heaven. I wore sequin Minnie Mouse ears and forced Gere to wear a top hat w/Mickey ears sticking out of the sides. And don't think I didn't make him pose for a thousand pictures in front of the castle. At one point during a parade, I decided I was going to quit my teaching job , lose 100 lbs., and get a job as Cinderella! Why-O-Why did I not think of this when I was in college???? Needless to say, we had a blast. I am already trying to figure out when we can go back and when we do, I am going to get us MATCHING FANNY PACKS w/our monograms! (just kidding!)

Epcot

2008-06-30T22:52:00.001-07:00

Gere and I had a lot of fun at Epcot. It was fun traveling around the world in one day. We had lunch in Italy and then ate dinner in France. How wonderful. I tried to get pictures of us in each country, but half way around the world that got a little bit old. Plus, I ate so much in France I did not really feel like having my picture taken. I was full for 2 days. Crepes is all I have to say about that!!!! Yummy!

Hollywood Studios and The Animal Kingdom

2008-06-30T22:16:00.001-07:00

Loved both of these parks. I talked Gere into riding The Rockin Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. It is extremely fast and goes upside down a few times. Let's just say he was a little green and unhappy after that. I thought I might be riding solo for the rest of the trip, but he grew a wild hair and I inducted him into the "coaster club". :)

Animal Kingdom is pretty amazing. We were able to see and do everything by mid-afternoon and then head back to The Magic Kingdom.

Disney's Boardwalk Resort and Villas

2008-06-30T13:29:00.001-07:00

Where dreams come true!!!!!
Disney World truly is a magical place. Gere and I drove to Orlando several weeks ago and had an amazing time. I highly recommend The Boardwalk Resort and Villas!!!! Funny story actually, we get there to check in and they have overbooked so they upgrade our room to a Garden Villa/Honeymoon Suite. Ha! (This is the 2nd time this has happened to me while traveling, and this is only the 2nd time I have traveled. ) Our resort was on Disney's Boardwalk where there are shops, restaurants, bars, bakeries, and activities. It is a great family place, but we felt like is was perfect for a young couple. We really enjoyed the restaurants near us and we were able to walk to Epcot. I kept the little Disney toiletries from our room. Not sure what I'm going to do w/them though bc/it's not like I can add them to my scrapbook, ha. (Does anyone else do that?)

Pickwick

2008-06-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Every summer, I look forward to our Pickwick weekends. Pickwick lake is one of my very favorite places. It is where I spent my 21st birthday, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and even where Gere and I got ENGAGED! Boating, swimming, sunbathing, eating, reading, "flip cup", eating, eating...Ahh. I have so many wonderful memories from that place. I just wish we lived a little bit closer.
Anyway, we were able to spend the weekend w/some of our good friends and we had just as much fun as we always do. I made FISH COOKIES along w/some other yummies to munch on while we were there.

Walkin In Memphis

2008-06-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

I'm backtracking a little bc/I have gotten a lil behind on my blogging lately but, Gere and I went to Memphis for a mini celebration of our 1st Anniversary. We flew out of Memphis for our honeymoon, so we stayed at the Peabody on our wedding night. It was fun to stay there one year later for our anniversary! We had a lot of fun shopping and hanging out on Beale Street. 'Memphis In May' was underway, so Memphis was "Jumpin"! On Sunday we got to visit w/Libby, Parker and sweet Hadley. What a great way to end a wonderful weekend! I want to make this an annual "Anniversary Trip"!

Anchors Aweigh!

2008-06-01T21:48:00.001-07:00

This is my little brother, Carter. (Years ago and now) Isn't he the cutest thing you've ever seen? We are very proud of him!!!!!
He has joined the UNITED STATES NAVY!
He leaves in August for basic training in Chicago and then he's off to Pensacola, Fl for training. Not sure where he will be stationed yet, I'm sure it will be awhile before he finds out. Please say a prayer for him as he begins this new chapter in his life. I know he will be an outstanding sailor. And won't he be super cute in his uniform?!!!!!!!! Congratulations Carter! We love you very much!

The United States Navy

2008-06-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

Something frilly, Something Sweet, Something Sexy to knock him off his feet!

2008-05-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

One of my really good friends at work is getting married in two weeks! Her lingerie shower was a lot of fun and the decorations were very cute. I made this lingerie cake to go along w/the theme. I think Tiffany had a really nice time.

Little Bunny Foo Foo AKA The Neighborhood Pet

2008-05-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

So, I'm driving out of our neighborhood one day and I see this big white "Easter" bunny sitting in someone's front yard. I start worrying that someone's pet has gotten loose and might get in the street or eaten by a dog or cat. Turns out, this bunny hopped into our neighborhood one day, people made posters for it, and no one ever claimed him/her. It just hops around the neighborhood wherever it desires. It was just chilling in our neighbors yard tonight when we got home from dinner, so I walked over and took pics. of it. He/She just let me walk right up to him/her. I keep worrying about this sweet bunny and I'm thinking about kidnapping it, but Gere is seriously opposed to this idea. He says that it is enjoying living a free bunny life, but it just doesn't seem safe to me. I think Drake would love having a little bunny sister or brother :)

Happy 1st Anniversary to Us!!!!! May 12th

2008-05-13T20:10:00.001-07:00

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Us!!!

2008-05-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Wow! I cannot believe it has been a year already. Time really does fly when you're having fun!!!!
This year has been absolutely amazing! I have loved everything about being married to Gere! I cannot imagine my life w/o him in it. Being in love is so fun! I am so very excited about spending many many more wonderful years together and celebrating many many more anniversaries! Last night we watched our wedding video and ate a piece of the top teir of our wedding and groom's cake. I cried ("happy cry") through the whole thing. (I am the worst about crying in movies, I mean, I can barely watch "Finding Nemo". ) Gere and I enjoyed remembering our wedding memories and the people that were a part of those memories. What a wonderful way to begin our lives together. Happy Anniversary Gere! I love, love, love you!!!!

This is what I've been up to lately

2008-04-01T23:01:00.001-07:00

I've been sort of M.I.A lately. Not much to report. I have made several cakes lately and I celebrated w/my Dad for his birthday(see slide show below), but that's about it in a nutshell. I really am a grandma these days. Oh, and I did make my first wedding cake last week.

I am counting down the days until summer break. If you are a teacher, I know you feel my pain, ha. Only 8 more weeks! Yipee!

Patty Cake, Patty Cake

2008-04-01T22:47:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T14:00:00.001-07:00

The "Q and U" wedding! See slide show below...it is too cute!

2008-03-04T19:38:00.002-08:00

The pleasure of your company
is requested at the
marriage ceremony of
Q
and
U

Reception immediately following the ceremony

Have you ever thought about the fact the the letter (u) always follows the letter (Q) in words. (random thought, I know, but when you start to make a list of words w/the letter q, you will always find a u. Because these 2 "love birds" are always together, they thought it was about time they made it official. Q and U have tied the knot!!! and I have to say, the ceremony was just beautiful.

Ok, are you confused yet? Well, let me explain...
To teach children this particular spelling pattern, a wonderful teacher at my school helped her students plan the "wedding of the year". They made their own arch, isle runner, reception decorations, etc. Each student got to put a q or u on the wedding cake and they each had a role in the festivities. All of the bridesmaids and groomsmen were letters of the alphabet and they were taught how to escort a lady properly. The bride and groom said their vows, the bell ringers sounded, and the wedding party sang "Here Comes the Bride". The bride and groom left the ceremony in their decorated "get-a-way" car as wedding guests blew bubbles. The groom whisked his bride down the school hallways and guests followed to a lovely reception complete w/punch, cake,and wedding mints. It was definitely an event to remember! Watch the Wedding Slide show below.

(just a quick list to show you what I'm talking about:
queen, quick, quiet, quack, quiz...)

Q and U Wedding

2008-03-04T19:38:00.001-08:00

TAG You're it!...This goes w/my Tag below...hilarious! It should've been me! :(

2008-02-20T22:29:00.001-08:00

TAGGED, TAGGED, TAGGED! This should be interesting, to say the least!

2008-02-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I was tagged by my friend Christi a lil' while back (sorry it has taken so long) to list 7 random facts about myself. I have enjoyed reading other tags and have laughed out loud at a few of them. I'm not sure if mine will be funny, but if you know me, you know that everyday of my life is pretty much random and "out of control", so I will give this a try. Sorry it is so lengthy, but my life could be a sitcom...

1. When I was in 3rd grade, I practiced everyday to go on Star Search. (and I mean everyday!) I had two other girls in my "dance group" and we were going to win it all! We even had our
costumes picked out. I designed them myself and I think there were definitely biking shorts
involved with some sort of sequin hat. I still remember the routine and I am not afraid to perform it to this day!

2. My mom bought me this really great ice cream cone eraser at the Hello Kitty store. It was so
cute and it really smelled like ice cream. In fact, I thought it smelled so good, that I stuck it in my nose (a lil' too far) and it got stuck. We had to have the pediatrician remove it. This was not the first time he had to remove an object from my nose either. I got a hold of a tea bag once (totally random) and stuffed little pieces of it up there. I don't know what my deal was?!!!

3. I am the biggest "fraidy cat" "worry wort" ever. My dad says that I did not walk until I was 18mos. old bc/ I was too scared to let go of his hand. This has followed me through the years. I worry all the time. I even check my pulse bc/ I always think I am having a heart attack. I convinced my doctor to let me wear a heart monitor for a while. My high school friends still laugh hysterically about this. This fact takes us to #4.

4. Because I was afraid to do anything to where I might possibly get hurt, I had never broken a bone...UNTIL... I was 22 years old. And get this, I broke my elbow roller skating! Yep, I said roller skating at 22. When Star Search didn't work out, I took on roller skating as a child. I was good too. Had my own skates w/pink wheels and totally thought I was cooler than the kids with the stinky brown rented skates. You know...the ones w/the frayed brown laces that went all the way up to your knees. Well, while I was visiting Gere's family in Corinth over Christmas break (in college) a group of us decided to go skating one night. I was showing off some of my tricks from my younger years and mid turn, I "face planted". Being the hypochondriac that I am, no one believed I was really hurt and I went all night w/a broken elbow. It was broken in 2 spots and I had a cast all the way up to my shoulder.

5. We had high school sororities in my home town. Lead-out is the event of the year (bigger than prom, by far). We're talking beaded dresses, tanning bed, french manicure, the works. I was preparing for my first Lead-out. My friend and I skipped lunch to get our eye brows waxed for $5 at Caster Knots in the mall. Something went wrong and I left there w/both eyelids and above my nose bleeding. I had huge scabs and you know what happens when you try to put liquid make-up on a scab. I was so attractive for my big debut.

6. A couple of years ago, Gere took me to see George Strait in concert. This was only my 3rd concert ever so I was a total amateur. Gere was obsessed w/George and I think we tried to claim one of his songs as "our song", ha! Well, somewhere, I convinced myself that I was going to get engaged @ this concert. I just knew Gere had something wonderful up his sleeve & George Strait was going to call me up on stage. My outfit was planned out perfectly and I quit biting my nails for this. We had a great time listening to the 2 opening acts. (I had no clue who they were.) Then...the lights started flashing, the drum rolls started and George Strait was making his grand entrance. THIS WAS IT...I WAS ABOUT TO GET ENGAGED RIGHT THERE ON STAGE!!! I was so worked up that I got sick and spent the whole entire concert in the "1st Aid" room. Never even got a glimpse of George. I forced myself to go back to our seats just long enough to tell Gere where I was (just thinking my boyfriend might be worried or wondering where I was) just to find him waving his lighter in one hand and his cowboy hat in the other. He was having a large time and certainly not worried. I missed the whole concert and I guess you know how this ends...He had absolutely no intentions of proposing at that concert and I'm not sure why I thought that he would have some kind of serious connections to get me on stage!

7. I had a temporary case of amnesia once. I had a car wreck when I was 16. I hit the windshield and smacked my head pretty good (maybe that is what's wrong w/me?). Anywho, I had a concussion and was unable to remember certain things. The thing is, I was really concerned w/very serious and important things, such as: if I had gone to the prom, If I was 16, did I have a date for the Lead-out?, etc. You know the truly pivotal moments...Ha. I woke up the next day in the hospital and everything was back to normal. Well, as normal as they can get w/me.

Oh, I could go on for days, but will spare you! I will however, leave you w/one last thought...

#8 I loooooooooove MULLETS! love, love, love them! I am pretty much obsessed. I can
spot one from a mile away and when I do, you better believe I take pictures. Thank the
good lord for camera phones! I have mullet cheers and have been known to make up
a song or two about mullets. My friend Hillary gave me mullet shampoo/car wash, mullet
chap stick, and a mullet magnet for a "happy" once. Ya gotta love that "business in the
front...party out back!!!!!!!

Now, I tag Libby again bc/she has become a blog party pooper, Jade, and Hillary .

I am "tutu" excited about my new hobby!

2008-02-10T14:16:00.001-08:00

I have updated my cake slide show! I am still having a great time with my new hobby!

Updated Cake Slideshow

2008-02-10T14:14:00.001-08:00

Ode To The Good Ole Maxima

2008-01-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

If was finally time to say goodbye to the good ole Maxima. After 5 or so fender benders, a fish pond, no antenna due to a car wash incident, and at least 3 new sets of Walmart hubcaps; she had to go. (I so wish I had a picture of the Maxima after I knocked both hubcaps off of the right side and did not realize it until a week later when someone asked me about them.Ha!) Santa would bring me new (plastic) hubcaps every year bc/ I seem to eat curbs every time I turn a corner. Anywho, she was passed down to my younger brother, Carter, who wrecked her as well (after a mere 2 weeks). At least we were able to save my Vanilla Ice cassette tape!!!! I had to replace the Maxima, but that car will always hold a special place in my heart.

Gere's White Coat Ceremony

2008-01-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the school year, Gere was presented with his white coat for medical school. This was a very special and private ceremony in honor of Gere's med school class. It's sort of a secret thing, so I was not able to go to take pictures while he was receiving his coat, but I took pics. afterward. He will get his long coat when he graduates. Congratulations Gere!

While he was in his ceremony, I was invited to the Med School Wifes Auxiliary "Meet-&-Greet). I met some really sweet girls and had a very nice time. We tied "Good Luck" messages onto Blow Pops for the med students. It was a surprise for them to find that following Monday as they were starting this new chapter in their lives!

Ocho Rios, Jamaica...Yea Mon!

2008-01-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

Our Honeymoon

2008-01-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

Our Honeymoon! Jamaica Mon!
It was like a dream...The wedding and then being whisked away to our honeymoon. We are dying to go back. It was very romantic and I would recommend it to anyone. If you have not seen the movie "License To Wed" with Mandy Moore and Robbin Williams, some of the movie was filmed at our resort. This was not going on while we were there though. I think it was done months before we married. The people there we amazing. Everyone was so friendly and happy.

Our honeymoon was my first time to fly and everything worked out ok. The flight attendant gave me a pin (a pair of wings)! Ha! Now that I have a lil flyn experience under my belt, I am ready to go anywhere. (Well, almost anywhere. Don't know if I'm ready for anything too, too long just yet.)

Our resort was beautiful w/amazing restaurants. My favorite thing was snorkeling. I was obsessed. After the first go round, Gere was pretty much over it, but he put on a smile and agreed to go on the shipwreck excursion. :)