I have had such a great couple of weeks! A lot of my girl friends who I do not get to see very often have been able to meet me for catch up time. I have been catching up with a lot of familiar faces, and I have loved every minute.
Two week ago I was able to meet Amy for dinner, and hear all the fun and exciting things going on in her life. As always, we never ran out of things to say. Amy always knows how to make me laugh and just look at the brighter side of whatever drama is going on in my life. I really appreciate that about her. She reminds me to be a realist, while always keeping a smile. We are going to have more hang out time this Friday, and I cannot wait to see her again!
This past Saturday, Olivia came into town. Olivia and I played harp together in high school. We used to sit in the harp room and talk for hours (much better than practicing!) I have not seen her since her wedding last summer, because she and Philip live in San Antonio. I went to a movie with her and her brother and sister, and we quickly caught up during the previews and then after the movie. She seems to happy to be married and is looking forward to gradutation next Spring. I pray that she makes it through all the studying, practicing, auditioning, and everything else that is going to happen over the next year.
Monday night, Shelley and I were able to meet up for dinner and enjoy our favorite...mexican food! We used to be pretty good about meeting once a month or so, but life has just been too hectic lately. I had really missed her!! It was so great to catch up and hear all of the many changes that are going on in her life right now. Her and Mike are going to have a lot more changes in the months to come, and I pray that they will lean on each other to make it through. Even though they may be moving, I know we will get together again soon.
Tuesday, Stacey and I went to lunch. Stacey and I ran track together in high school, AND she married one of my best guy friends from high school. I have always loved Ben and Stacey, especially through all the dating drama in high school. I'm so happy that married life has brought them even more happieness. Stacey and I have always been able to relate so well to each other. It is as if God knew we would forever be going through the same things at the same time. I'm so thankful to have a friend who really understands what I am thinking and feeling. I pray that she and Ben are able to make all their dreams come true and begin their new family in God's perfect timing.
My friends have always been such a blessing in my life, and I know I do not thank them enough for all that they do and all they mean to me. So for all you friends out there who read this blog- THANK YOU FOR YOUR AWESOME FRIENDSHIP. I promise, you have all touched my life in ways you do not even know. I love you all!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
What gender brain are you?
***Your Brain is 60% Female, 40% Male***
Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female.
You are both sensitive and savvy.
Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed.
But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve
What Gender Is Your Brain?http://www.blogthings.com/whatgenderisyourbrainquiz/
Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female.
You are both sensitive and savvy.
Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed.
But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve
What Gender Is Your Brain?http://www.blogthings.com/whatgenderisyourbrainquiz/
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
What breed of puppy are you?
***You Are a Chihuahua Puppy***
Small, high strung, and loyal. You do best in the city with a adults - young kids could crush you!
Haha, that's funny.
What Breed of Puppy Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatbreedofpuppyareyouquiz/
Small, high strung, and loyal. You do best in the city with a adults - young kids could crush you!
Haha, that's funny.
What Breed of Puppy Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatbreedofpuppyareyouquiz/
What color should your eyes be?
***Your Eyes Should Be Brown***
Your eyes reflect: Depth and wisdom
What's hidden behind your eyes: A tender heart
DANG IT. I was really hoping for a color, any color, besides brown. I give up. I guess I'm destined to have brown eyes. :)
What Color Should Your Eyes Be?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorshouldyoureyesbequiz/
Your eyes reflect: Depth and wisdom
What's hidden behind your eyes: A tender heart
DANG IT. I was really hoping for a color, any color, besides brown. I give up. I guess I'm destined to have brown eyes. :)
What Color Should Your Eyes Be?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorshouldyoureyesbequiz/
What flavor ice cream are you?
**You Are Coffee Ice Cream**
Energetic and lively, you are always on the go. You're doing a million things at once and doing them well. You tend to motivate others and raise spirits. You are most compatible with chocolate ice cream.
Hmmm...interesting. I'm not a big coffee fan, but I sure do love chocolate (which might explain why I am compatible with chocolate). I do tend to multi-task, though not always "well."
What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatflavoricecreamareyouquiz/
Energetic and lively, you are always on the go. You're doing a million things at once and doing them well. You tend to motivate others and raise spirits. You are most compatible with chocolate ice cream.
Hmmm...interesting. I'm not a big coffee fan, but I sure do love chocolate (which might explain why I am compatible with chocolate). I do tend to multi-task, though not always "well."
What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatflavoricecreamareyouquiz/
What does your birthday say about you?
***Your Birthdate: October 9***
You are a born idealist, with more pet causes than you can count. You prefer be around others, both when working and while relaxing. Generous and giving, you believe you can change the world one person at a time. You're open minded and tolerant. People feel like they can tell you anything.
Your strength: Your go-with-the-flow flexibility
Your weakness: Your flair for the over dramatic
Your power color: Pine green
Your power symbol: Circle
Your power month: September
I dont know if I necessarily believe all this...one, I typically prefer to be alone rather than around others. Two, I don't know that I am always open-minded, though I am working on it. I'm not always a go-with-the-flow person. I do like green; it is my favorite color. Can someone please explain how a circle is a power symbol??
Test it for yourself:
What Does Your Birth Date Mean?http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/
You are a born idealist, with more pet causes than you can count. You prefer be around others, both when working and while relaxing. Generous and giving, you believe you can change the world one person at a time. You're open minded and tolerant. People feel like they can tell you anything.
Your strength: Your go-with-the-flow flexibility
Your weakness: Your flair for the over dramatic
Your power color: Pine green
Your power symbol: Circle
Your power month: September
I dont know if I necessarily believe all this...one, I typically prefer to be alone rather than around others. Two, I don't know that I am always open-minded, though I am working on it. I'm not always a go-with-the-flow person. I do like green; it is my favorite color. Can someone please explain how a circle is a power symbol??
Test it for yourself:
What Does Your Birth Date Mean?http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/
Friday, August 11, 2006
Baby Natalee Anne
Baby #2 has arrived!
(And actually arrived Monday, I'm just late in posting.)
Baby Natalee Anne was born August 7, 2006 at 7:14 pm, weighing only 6 lb. 6 oz. She has a lot of dark blond hair, that looks a lot "straighter" than the curls that covered her head Monday after birth.
Rebecca was induced Monday morning, and was in intense labor all day long. She took the epidural around 4 cm, and yet it wore off three times, and they had to up the dosage. Jesse and I had decided to wait until later to head down to the hospital since we had been there every other time, and we had to work anyway. We left our house around five, and my phone rang. It was Rebecca. She said that when she dialated to 9.5, they went ahead and tried to push for awhile, but nothing happened, so she was resting to begin pushing again. She already sounded exhausted, and I just prayed for her the whole way there hoping that her little one would be safetly in her arms when we arrived.
Well, by the time we arrived, the family was all out in the waiting room and were making bets on the time of birth. Anywhere between 6:02 pm until 6:27 pm. Sure enough, 6:27 pm passed, and we all started getting nervous. Somehow we all conjugated outside her door (even though we were not supposed to be there, and were told to go back to the waiting room), listening at the door to figure out what was going on. One of the nurses kept going in and out, and she would kindly say "she's doing great...but not yet." Well, we started to hear Rebecca crying softly and breathing hard, and all you could hear of Chase was him saying, "you can do it, honey. C'mon!" (Kindly of course.)
When we heard the first cry, the new grandparents were out in the hall with us, and all started crying themselves. It was pretty cool. Natalee has quite a set of pipes on her! We all paced around outside excitedly, and after a bit Chase came out and just quickly handed us his camera then went back in. It had pictures of her, and we all were amazed.
Within 30-45 minutes, we were all allowed back in there to see mom, dad, and new baby. Rebecca was pretty tired, but holding Natalee in her arms, you would never have guessed it. As the family took turns holding her, Natalee was just precious. Her big blue eyes were WIDE open (I have never seen a newborn with eyes open like that), and she was just starring at everyone, soaking them in, as if to say, "ah, you must be ___. I've heard so much about you..."
Rebecca and Natalee had to stay for the full 48 hours at the hospital because she was born with a small temperature and was stuck in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They all came home late Wednesday night, and Jesse and I went to see everyone Thursday night.
Here are some pictures of the new baby and the happy family:
Congratulations Chase and Rebecca! I'm so excited for you, and I know your dreams have come true with the arrival of Baby Natalee. I cannot wait to watch and see how she grows into your own little princess. Congrats!
(And actually arrived Monday, I'm just late in posting.)
Baby Natalee Anne was born August 7, 2006 at 7:14 pm, weighing only 6 lb. 6 oz. She has a lot of dark blond hair, that looks a lot "straighter" than the curls that covered her head Monday after birth.
Rebecca was induced Monday morning, and was in intense labor all day long. She took the epidural around 4 cm, and yet it wore off three times, and they had to up the dosage. Jesse and I had decided to wait until later to head down to the hospital since we had been there every other time, and we had to work anyway. We left our house around five, and my phone rang. It was Rebecca. She said that when she dialated to 9.5, they went ahead and tried to push for awhile, but nothing happened, so she was resting to begin pushing again. She already sounded exhausted, and I just prayed for her the whole way there hoping that her little one would be safetly in her arms when we arrived.
Well, by the time we arrived, the family was all out in the waiting room and were making bets on the time of birth. Anywhere between 6:02 pm until 6:27 pm. Sure enough, 6:27 pm passed, and we all started getting nervous. Somehow we all conjugated outside her door (even though we were not supposed to be there, and were told to go back to the waiting room), listening at the door to figure out what was going on. One of the nurses kept going in and out, and she would kindly say "she's doing great...but not yet." Well, we started to hear Rebecca crying softly and breathing hard, and all you could hear of Chase was him saying, "you can do it, honey. C'mon!" (Kindly of course.)
When we heard the first cry, the new grandparents were out in the hall with us, and all started crying themselves. It was pretty cool. Natalee has quite a set of pipes on her! We all paced around outside excitedly, and after a bit Chase came out and just quickly handed us his camera then went back in. It had pictures of her, and we all were amazed.
Within 30-45 minutes, we were all allowed back in there to see mom, dad, and new baby. Rebecca was pretty tired, but holding Natalee in her arms, you would never have guessed it. As the family took turns holding her, Natalee was just precious. Her big blue eyes were WIDE open (I have never seen a newborn with eyes open like that), and she was just starring at everyone, soaking them in, as if to say, "ah, you must be ___. I've heard so much about you..."
Rebecca and Natalee had to stay for the full 48 hours at the hospital because she was born with a small temperature and was stuck in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They all came home late Wednesday night, and Jesse and I went to see everyone Thursday night.
Here are some pictures of the new baby and the happy family:
Congratulations Chase and Rebecca! I'm so excited for you, and I know your dreams have come true with the arrival of Baby Natalee. I cannot wait to watch and see how she grows into your own little princess. Congrats!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Baby Hayley Grace
Baby #1 has arrived!!
Hayley Grace was born August 4, 2006 at 1:55pm. She weighed only 6 lb. 7 oz. and is just perfect. Her little skin already has nice color and she seems to be a very easy baby. Of course, she was probably exhausted when we saw her yesterday from being born and all...might have worn her out a bit.
Lauren had contractions for about 24 hours (in and out of the hospital- they kept sending her home), but Friday morning she had started to dialate. They went ahead and broke her water and got her on the potosin (spelling?) to induce. By the time she had dialated to 4 cm, she was asking for the epidural, because the contractions had her in tears. Once she received the epidural, the rest was smooth sailing (according to her). Lauren only had to push for 20 minutes, and out popped little Hayley.
Hayden was beaming from ear to ear from the time we arrived at the hospital. It seemed so surreal, and yet it was more real to him that it had been in nine months. Both Hayden and Lauren seemed completely happy and relaxed the entire time we were there. Lauren was perky and talkative and so excited.
The nurses were moving Lauren to another room for the night while we were there, and the nursery was sending baby Hayley to stay with them for the remainder of their time there. So, it was the first time they really got to be with her since delivery (minus a 30 min quick visit earlier; in which I'm sure she was passed all around the room). They did a great job of letting everyone hold her...and finally Hayden asked for her back, since he had only held her about 5 minutes all day! He had been the "passer" and never the "holder." After nine months, it was time!
They are supposed to be sent home this afternoon, since everything went so well. Lauren was ready to leave last night, saying "we should all go to dinner!" Naturally, we thought she was still a little high from the epidural..
I'm so excited for Hayden and Lauren, and I know they are ready for their new life with little Hayley. I'm sure there will be a lot of pictures in the months to come...little girls are so cute!
Hayley Grace was born August 4, 2006 at 1:55pm. She weighed only 6 lb. 7 oz. and is just perfect. Her little skin already has nice color and she seems to be a very easy baby. Of course, she was probably exhausted when we saw her yesterday from being born and all...might have worn her out a bit.
Lauren had contractions for about 24 hours (in and out of the hospital- they kept sending her home), but Friday morning she had started to dialate. They went ahead and broke her water and got her on the potosin (spelling?) to induce. By the time she had dialated to 4 cm, she was asking for the epidural, because the contractions had her in tears. Once she received the epidural, the rest was smooth sailing (according to her). Lauren only had to push for 20 minutes, and out popped little Hayley.
Hayden was beaming from ear to ear from the time we arrived at the hospital. It seemed so surreal, and yet it was more real to him that it had been in nine months. Both Hayden and Lauren seemed completely happy and relaxed the entire time we were there. Lauren was perky and talkative and so excited.
The nurses were moving Lauren to another room for the night while we were there, and the nursery was sending baby Hayley to stay with them for the remainder of their time there. So, it was the first time they really got to be with her since delivery (minus a 30 min quick visit earlier; in which I'm sure she was passed all around the room). They did a great job of letting everyone hold her...and finally Hayden asked for her back, since he had only held her about 5 minutes all day! He had been the "passer" and never the "holder." After nine months, it was time!
They are supposed to be sent home this afternoon, since everything went so well. Lauren was ready to leave last night, saying "we should all go to dinner!" Naturally, we thought she was still a little high from the epidural..I'm so excited for Hayden and Lauren, and I know they are ready for their new life with little Hayley. I'm sure there will be a lot of pictures in the months to come...little girls are so cute!
Our 3rd Anniversary
Jesse and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary this week, on August 2nd. In some ways it seems hard to believe we have been married that long...in other ways it seems we have been together MUCH longer than that! :)
Every time we have a special occasion, I always unrealistically get my hopes up, and am inevitably disappointed. This time, I was determined to not do that to myself, or to Jesse. So we set rules. Since we have planned a "second honeymoon" in September with our trip to Mexico for a week, we agreed that we were not going to get each other gifts for the anniversary. Well, we have said that before (for Christmas or Valentine's Day), but I just can't NOT get him something. It feels wrong! This time, I was determined to stick to my guns, and I had prepared for the same from him, so I would not get my feelings hurt.
On Wednesday, he called me pretty early in the morning to tell me Happy Anniversary and just start the day off right- always a good thing. He was sweet all day long, calling much more than usual, and we excitedly spoke of our dinner plans. I had bought him two cards (I can never pick just one), and had already written them out, planning on giving them to him at dinner or something. Jesse came home from work (I was working in my office) and he had brought me a dozen hot pink roses. I have never had hot pink roses before, and they were beautiful!! He arranged them for me in a crystal vase, and I just smiled. Then I noticed there was a gift and a card sitting on the countertop. I looked at him as if to say, "I thought we said no gifts!" and now it was his turn to smile. He said, "it is kind of something for both of us- go ahead and open it."
So I opened the pretty bag, and pulled out two books: Blue Like Jazz and Rockin the Roles. See, a few months back we were having a bit of a rough patch, and I had specifically mentioned that I missed our devotionals together and I really wanted us to find something we could read together and grow together. I had heard of Blue Like Jazz before and had mentioned I was interested, and I had also told him I wanted to read something with the perspective of Christian husband/wife roles. He not only remembered, but he went and got them for US on our anniversary!! That is pretty sentimental for Jesse, and it got major plus points in my book. I was so happy, and he was beaming.
It was wierd not having anything to give him...normally I am on the other side, giving the gift and not receiving one. Maybe God wanted the tables turned for a reason. It was good to reverse the roles this once.
We went to The Cheesecake Factory in The Woodlands for dinner (we had a gift certificate) and ate more than I have eaten in the past week combined. Both of us stuffed ourselves to the brink, and were HURTING for the rest of the night. It was worth it though- no regrets!
August 2, 2006 was a GREAT 3rd anniversary- one that we both really needed.
Every time we have a special occasion, I always unrealistically get my hopes up, and am inevitably disappointed. This time, I was determined to not do that to myself, or to Jesse. So we set rules. Since we have planned a "second honeymoon" in September with our trip to Mexico for a week, we agreed that we were not going to get each other gifts for the anniversary. Well, we have said that before (for Christmas or Valentine's Day), but I just can't NOT get him something. It feels wrong! This time, I was determined to stick to my guns, and I had prepared for the same from him, so I would not get my feelings hurt.
On Wednesday, he called me pretty early in the morning to tell me Happy Anniversary and just start the day off right- always a good thing. He was sweet all day long, calling much more than usual, and we excitedly spoke of our dinner plans. I had bought him two cards (I can never pick just one), and had already written them out, planning on giving them to him at dinner or something. Jesse came home from work (I was working in my office) and he had brought me a dozen hot pink roses. I have never had hot pink roses before, and they were beautiful!! He arranged them for me in a crystal vase, and I just smiled. Then I noticed there was a gift and a card sitting on the countertop. I looked at him as if to say, "I thought we said no gifts!" and now it was his turn to smile. He said, "it is kind of something for both of us- go ahead and open it."
So I opened the pretty bag, and pulled out two books: Blue Like Jazz and Rockin the Roles. See, a few months back we were having a bit of a rough patch, and I had specifically mentioned that I missed our devotionals together and I really wanted us to find something we could read together and grow together. I had heard of Blue Like Jazz before and had mentioned I was interested, and I had also told him I wanted to read something with the perspective of Christian husband/wife roles. He not only remembered, but he went and got them for US on our anniversary!! That is pretty sentimental for Jesse, and it got major plus points in my book. I was so happy, and he was beaming.
It was wierd not having anything to give him...normally I am on the other side, giving the gift and not receiving one. Maybe God wanted the tables turned for a reason. It was good to reverse the roles this once.
We went to The Cheesecake Factory in The Woodlands for dinner (we had a gift certificate) and ate more than I have eaten in the past week combined. Both of us stuffed ourselves to the brink, and were HURTING for the rest of the night. It was worth it though- no regrets!
August 2, 2006 was a GREAT 3rd anniversary- one that we both really needed.
Catch up
So, after my last post, there were more complications and issues with Chase, Rebecca, and Baby Natalee. Basically, her water did not break, and even after being induced all day last Friday, she still would not dialate (so her body was not ready). They sent them home at about 9:00 last Friday night empty-handed. Pretty tough; especially since poor Rebecca had been hurting and contracting for over 48 hours by that point. They saw their doctor Monday morning, and have decided to go ahead and induce this coming Monday, August 7th, and they will leave with a baby no matter what this time!
Saturday morning, I woke up early and headed up to Dallas for the weekend. My cousin Michelle had a baby shower on Sunday, and since I have not been able to be around her much during her pregnancy, I really wanted to go spend some quality time with her before baby Savannah gets here in a few weeks. Her nursery is adorable (I forgot my camera all weekend, so I have no pictures), and the proud parents seem ready for her to arrive. We had a great time hanging out in the nursery, Michelle showing me all of Savannah's little things, and just catching up in general. Her shower on Sunday was very fun, and I learned a few new "shower games" for future showers. My cousin-in-law Ashleigh, who is also due this month, came to Michelle's shower, and both girls looked ready to pop. I guess that is why they say that last month can be the hardest!
The little girls are all coming...prepare for pictures over the next month!
(Side note: Everytime we hang out with these pregnant people, they always ask, "so what's been going on with you and Jesse?" My answer remains the same: "Nothing; our lives are generally boring, so we are currently living our excitment through all of you!!" And it's true! It is so fun being apart of everyone's joyful and special time right now.)
Saturday morning, I woke up early and headed up to Dallas for the weekend. My cousin Michelle had a baby shower on Sunday, and since I have not been able to be around her much during her pregnancy, I really wanted to go spend some quality time with her before baby Savannah gets here in a few weeks. Her nursery is adorable (I forgot my camera all weekend, so I have no pictures), and the proud parents seem ready for her to arrive. We had a great time hanging out in the nursery, Michelle showing me all of Savannah's little things, and just catching up in general. Her shower on Sunday was very fun, and I learned a few new "shower games" for future showers. My cousin-in-law Ashleigh, who is also due this month, came to Michelle's shower, and both girls looked ready to pop. I guess that is why they say that last month can be the hardest!
The little girls are all coming...prepare for pictures over the next month!
(Side note: Everytime we hang out with these pregnant people, they always ask, "so what's been going on with you and Jesse?" My answer remains the same: "Nothing; our lives are generally boring, so we are currently living our excitment through all of you!!" And it's true! It is so fun being apart of everyone's joyful and special time right now.)