Sweet Tea in a Pink Glass

2010-08-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I was listening to a segment on The Today Show as we were completing our morning feeding that really stopped me in my tracks and made me think. The segment that many of you have probably heard of by now was that of The Wall Street Journal article, that spoke of being a target for extra jobs, duties and such because of simply being a SAHM. I can't say that I totally related to the article because my duties aren't always "favors" for others, it's expectations that I put on myself.
In the recent weeks I've really been fighting an internal battle...you see I'm not technically a SAHM, I do work about 16 hours a week still at the hospital at night since Abby was born. But it leaves me with a lot of free time or what you would think would be a lot but for weeks or probably closer to a month I'm left at the end of the day feeling that I didn't get what I needed done, Abby didn't get enough therapy at home, the list could go on and on. To the point, that it was really getting to me. So I did what any good type A personality would do... I got my "to-do list" in order and put it into action...
And it went a little like this...
Meal Planning~ I believe this has been the biggest most beneficial change, I make my list on Sunday for our meals for the week, this has saved me money, I'm not running into the store every couple of days and buying items that I already have at home. Saves time, I'm only at Publix once a week and the market once a week. And I've lost more weight planning and not eating on a whim. I know how long each meal will take to prepare, so I give myself plenty of time, even making some things ahead, so I'm not rushed...Can we all take a deep sigh of relief. I'm enjoying cooking again ( and my husband is loving it too).
Schedule~ Each night before I go to bed I put together a time line of how our next day will go, every day is different for us, with therapy, md appt.'s and special plans. The list has helped me to get the things done that need to get done and at the end of the day, I feel accomplished! I was driving 30 minutes away to go to the gym with some friends, instead of going to the gym 5 minutes from my house, that has changed I pick one class a week to met them. The other days I go near home, saving time in the car. Little changes have helped me feel free and I'm loving it!

I'm the type a person that hates to say "no" and I'm slowly learning quality over quantity, by spreading myself thin as left me feeling not so good but I'm hoping those days are behind me.

" Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever"~ Keri Russell

Down home

2010-08-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

The car was piled high with toys, diapers, formula, a play yard, a bath chair, a high chair, her clothes, her shoes, her things and then there was two small bags for us, you know the mom and dad. The gas tank was full and we were on our way to Mississippi! This was going to be Abby's first of many trips to Mississippi and we couldn't be more excited! We knew we had a long road ahead of us but we would make the best of it, stop often, spend the night, do whatever it took.

As we crossed into the Great State of Mississippi, I had aspirations of stopping and getting Abby's picture at the state line but she was sound asleep and who was waking this baby for the last hour of our drive...not I! She was great, it wasn't bad at all. We had a week of visiting and showing off our lil pumpkin. Granny just ate her up and we just ate up Granny's food. Yum...I aspire to be as good as she is. And after a week I gained every bit of weight that I had taken off but it was so worth it, one of these days I'm going to miss that and I don't want any regrets... We spent a day in Germantown, Tenn., with family and had such a great lunch. It was so nice, my cousins have two girls also, so it was sweet to see all of them together. I just love this picture, I would like to think that Abby is going after Ella Kate's bow. This picture look forever to get and this was as good as it got.
One of my favorite memories of growing up of my summer's in Mississippi was going to church, after church having a big lunch and playing outside all day until Sunday night service, though the day my grandparent's friends, neighbors and family would stop by. I still love those days, after church, we had a great lunch and sat outside while the kids played and enjoyed a hot Mississippi summer day. After pumpkin's nap she joined us, notice my new Ole Miss tumbler in the background that Granny got me filled with sweet tea, I wasn't kidding, one of my favorite days! And she got lots of love from another cousin. Sweet Carlie.

And it wouldn't be a trip without our pumpkin and a water melon from Granny's garden and a picture of our little family.
Are flights are booked and we're going again in less than a month...

"Down home where they know you by name and treat you like family
Down home a man's good word and a handshake are all you need
Folks know if they're fallin on hard times they can fall back on
Those of us raised up down home"
Alabama

Sip and See

2010-08-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

If Abby had anything to do with being born 3 months early, it must simply be that she didn't want to miss a party, especially this party in her honor.

After Abby was born, we decided to wait and have the shower in Tampa (where I went to middle/high school and where some of my VERY good friends live) after she came home and was doing well, we would make the trip.
So we finally did.
And it was great.
Being the guest of honor is always a special feeling but having Abby there after everything she had been though to celebrate with many of those that continued to pray for us, was amazing.
The party was hosted by a very dear friend.

This was the invitation sent out, it sets the theme...
(It was Abby's Sip and See, not Taylor's 3rd birthday)

The entrance
The food table, mexican my favorite,

The cake, it was so good, my two favorites, chessecake and red velvet. I didn't realize it at first but it's a beach towel.
And the beachball cookies
The favors, so cute and so sweet of her.
These are many of my very good friends, there were six babies born since Abby, it was so nice to see everyone and met their babies too!
And of course getting to met my girlfriend triplets, together these babies weighed 9 lbs at birth. Crazy huh?!? Together we have had each other to turn to though the NICU stays, development delays and everyday ups and downs, although I don't know how she does it with THREE!
Abby looks so long next to these little ones...

We had such a great time with everyone and it was so cute, I loved every bit of it!

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
- Sent by Donna Roberts

Apparently the Chinese really like me.

2010-08-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

Yeah...so can someone explain all the Chinese comments that I receive!?! I must be like the pop star that struggles over here in the United States and becomes a huge star over seas. Well then I would like to send a "shout-out" to my peeps over Seas, thanks y'all!
I'm turning over a huge blog leaf, I'm back in the game, I miss it, I love it and I'm commited. I have a lot to say and to tell you about. I know it's been awhile, I can explain...it's been so long, so much as changed Abby got her license and has become another driver in the state of Florida that can barely see over the wheel.

She makes me laugh.
I just love her so much.

I now know where the saying " I could just squeeze you to death" comes from, I just can't get enough of her.

Stay tuned more to come very soon, like tomorrow!

The longest journey begins with a single step, not with a turn of the ignition key. ~Edward Abbey

Yummy!

2010-06-27T08:14:00.001-07:00

I've been waiting a whole year to make one of these too cute for words fruit pizza. Last year The Luckiest Mrs. posted a tutorial on how to and I've been super excited to share with you with her permission, of course. I wanted to try it out before I actually served it (that's the insecure chef in me) it turned out so cute and good. I wish I had a picture to share but I totally forgot to take one. But I got to thinking...I love chessecake and this would be super cute and tasty on a chessecake as well. Head on over here for the complete post! Enjoy!

The United States is the only country with a known birthday. ~James G. Blaine

I've so missed you...

2010-05-24T12:56:00.001-07:00

Just hitting the icon "New Post" felt blissful... Oh blog how I have missed you. I don't even know where to start we have been on the go, to the point where I'm not sure if I'm coming or going. We went on our first family vacation to Charleston and loved it! Lesson learned when you have a baby, stay walking distance to everything, we would put her to sleep with the stroller flat and were able to walk and eat not waking Abby it was so nice to have some alone time, I want to go back! Abby is growing... to me at least! Premiee mommies seem to be overly obsessed (my name is Erica and I have a problem) with their babies weight. She is 7 months and 13.5 pounds...Woohoo! Give the girl some credit she weighed less than 2 cans of diet coke! She is starting to show some delays (that's another post) so we are at PT 2x a week and OT once, lots of time in the car. I think maybe in the last 2 months there has been 3 or 4 days during the week that either her or I haven't had a doctor's appointment, Crazy! And with all that being said, we're doing great! We've been spending our free time in the pool and outside when we can, it went from Winter to Summer in about 2.5 hours here and it's almost so hot, you can't stand it! We've put our house up for rent, pray we can rent it out SOON and are starting to look for a new house, I'm trying not to get too excited, this could take awhile but I'm so happy! Did I tell you all that I missed you! Really? I did. I took sometime away from the house today and left my pumpkin with daddy and told him I was going "surfing" for a couple of hours. Aka, I'm going to McDonald's where the fountain diet coke is flowing for a dollars these days and enjoying some alone time and catching up on some emails and surfing the net. And as I'm sitting at the 50's diner style McDonald's, next to the jukebox (the only plug-in) playing Elvis, it's not exactly what I had in mind. I'm thinking next time Panera.

You know I had to show pictures of my little one...

"A goodbye isn't painful unless you're never going to say hello again." ~Author Unknown

I feel like I need to explain myself...

2010-03-01T21:26:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how many people have said to me (after seeing the picture of abby in her closet) she has too many clothes, "she'll never wear all of them". It was mainly people that don't know me or anything about us. Yes, she has a lot. We were blessed with so many awesome gifts including clothes. And yes, I did buy some. But I want to share with you a little secret ...shh. I'm only going to say this once and then it is between you and I only. It's called consignment shops. There I said it, now my secret is out.
My mom is to blame she introduced me. And now I'm hooked, I just can't see spending lots of money on an outfit unless...I'm totally in love (which as happened a time or two).
Here are a few of my steals...

These beauties...I paid 15.oo dollars for each. Aren't they sweet. We all know that smock dresses are super expensive, so I couldn't pass them up.

Yes, Burberry. The dress was 10.oo and sweat suit 25.oo, how can I pass these up.
But to be honest, I get a lot of things for like 2.oo-7.00 dollars. And then I don't feel so guilty about spending 50.oo when I see what all I leave with.
I live in West Palm Beach, Florida, so if your ever in the area stop by one of my favorite consignment shops and tell them I sent you. There is one in Boca Raton called Will and Emma, they have a ton of Ralph Lauren and Lilly. And the other in tucked back in a court yard in the Town of Palm Beach, ABC's, they have a little bit of everything, I've seen everything from Target to Gucci . This is where I got 2 of the smock dresses.
And the best part is that if you wash them well and have them wear a bib, you can sell them back.

Happy Shopping

"A bargin is something that you can't use, at a price you can't pass up"

Batteries not included.

2010-02-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Before we left the hospital I worked with the physical therapist on some exercises I can do with Abby when we got home, other than just tummy time until she starts physical therapy to help improve her neck muscles etc. For weeks I've been sitting her in the bumbo for a few minutes at a time and helping her to control her neck muscles and finally on Sunday she sat there for about 3o minutes, I was so proud. And now when I'm in the kitchen I prop her up in the chair and when we eat dinner she's on the table with us. I'm loving it! And another great thing...it doesn't run on batteries. I never thought of batteries as a great baby shower gift but we have gone though so many batteries.

"A baby is born with a need to be loved -- and never outgrows it."
Frank A. Clark

2010-02-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, was our first "family photo session". I was so excited but nervous too. Even though Abby is only 9 lbs, she is stronger than a newborn making it harder to put her in "newborn" positions that you usually see in newborn pictures but she isn't quite sitting up or able to push herself up all the way, we are somewhere in the middle.
But I think I had nothing to worry about...

She was a perfect little model.
And the photographer Eve Greendale was great, she knew just how to keep her in a position and made it so stress free and fun! I can't wait to do another session when Abby is a few months older. Who am I kidding, we're going to be doing alot more of these in the coming years!

You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this
~Trace Adkins

A love connection

2010-02-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

So on this eve of Valentine's Day, I can feel the love in the air, actually it's too darn cold to go outside so we are staying warm in the house with the heat on, but there's a whole lot of love in this house.
And I think Abby has her first crush...

This handsome little man, Baylen. I think we all fell in love with Baylen and his daddy's love for him Sunday night. I'm so happy New Orleans won, it was exciting and all but this is what brought tears to my eyes.
And even though Abby was asleep before the end of the first quarter, I caught her checking him out on Oprah yesterday, I think she likes him too.

Don't you think they would make such a cute couple?

I just had to add this to my ever growing list...

2010-02-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

There are so many great esty shops that it is hard to find them all but my husband thinks I'm on a mission but I found these super cute "play houses" though a giveaway last night and thought I needed to share. Go over and to Mary Jane and Galoshes and enter to win one of these...

Good luck the deadline is Feb. 15

Homemade and Wholesome

2010-02-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

I have a love for most all things homemade whether it's a good meal, decorations, clothing, home decor and the list goes on and on. I can't tell you how many times I've looked at something and thought I can do that, then I try it and it's anything but what it was suppose to be. But every once in a while, something actually turns out nice and it never fails every time, my husband says "you should sell those" but that's the thing with homemade items, I don't think others (including myself) realize how much time goes into these items. And just because it's "homemade" doesn't mean it cheap to make.

But with that being said I love the uniqueness of all things homemade.
I love the doors that esty has opened up for those lovers like myself.

I thought I would share with you some of my favorite esty shops...

First, Little fish in a big pond

It's a DIY shop, that sells the pattern, fabric (all ready cut), thread and ribbon for pillowcase dresses.
About a year ago, before I was even pregnant I purchased a few patterns and with the help of my grandmother (which makes it even that much more awesome) we got them done and I have to tell you they were so easy!

Excuse the picture lighting, Abby was sleeping and I was trying not to wake her but I can't wait for her to fit into them as a dress and then as a shirt when she's older.

Then there is And Jane, she has so MANY cute and unique bows, this is what I ordered Abby for St. Patty's Day

The next lady, I'm yet to order from but I can't wait for the day, I seriously went though all her "sold" items a few nights ago and fell in love with so many things, I love the detail in all of her work. She makes one dress at a time and this is the Easter dress she has now.
BitsyBear

Tell me how cute this little girl is...

And then on Saturday I got the sweetest gift for Abby from She She Made.
I LOVE IT!
Thank you so much Ashley for your kindness.

But my favorite "homemade" gift of all...

“Just as there is a trend toward high tech today, there is another trend toward high touch - homemade and wholesome.”

Meryl Gardner quotes

** Edit**

Realized me links aren't working, if you go to esty, go to shops and enter the shop name, if your interested.

BFF

2010-02-04T18:50:00.001-08:00

You know the friend that I was talking about in the post prior to this...well I got these pictures from the rehearsal dinner we were at and I want to surprise her with these....

Surprise.

I love this one and I love her too.

Holiday Cheer for next year...

2010-01-29T19:26:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we met up with friends in Key West for a wedding and my BFF IRL was able to met Abby for the first time, I was so excited! Although, I wasn't able to be there for their first meeting (I was at the rehearsal), it was special. I love any holiday, any reason to celebrate, I had Abby's Valentine Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter and even Cinco de Mayo outfits picked out before she was even born. Yes, I'm that girl, sad as it might be, it's the way I roll. I don't buy outfits unless I have a place or event in mind that I can wear it too. The good thing is I don't have many items hanging in my closet with tags on them. But getting back to my story, I love, let me repeat love the day after any holiday sale ( can't wait to get the heart shower curtain at Target on Feb. 15). But the day after Christmas I was feeding, changing diapers, and trying to figure out what it is I'm suppose to be doing and bearly knew it was Christmas, let alone go anywhere the day after Christmas and do any shopping. But this is what BFF's are for...

She brought all these super cute outfits for Christmas next year. Aren't they cute? She will have an outfit for every Sunday in December, the parade, the parties and seeing Santa.
She's an amazing friend and an amazing auntie.

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month."
-- Harlan Miller

A little peak...

2010-01-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

As I've told before I hadn't finished Abby's room prior to her being born and though I was "nesting" though our 10 week stay in the NICU, I never seem to beable to get my thoughts together enough to put it into action and so now slowly but surely (by the time I finish, we'll be ready to move on) I'm getting it together. Here's a little sneaky peak at what I've been working on.

I've been looking for a mobile for awhile, I wanted something bright and cheerful with birds, to go with my "early bird" theme.
I saw this mobile at a thrift shop (Goodwill) for 2.99

And I saw these cute birdie Christmas ornaments on Esty
Lovahandmade

And together this was my end product.

And she will have outgrown it by Christmas next year and we have some cute ornaments for her tree!
Not too bad for less then $30.oo.

I don't have a before and after picture for my next project but you will get the idea, I have a real love for ribbon and saw a basket at one of my favorite stores in Delray, but it was $120, I loved it but couldn't see spending that kind of money on a basket for toys. But I kept thinking about it and while I was Homegoods I saw the perfect basket for $19.99 and cut up some ribbon I already had at home and this is what I got.

And my Granny made these cute curtains for her room.

This picture doesn't do them justice when I do a picture of the whole room, I'll get a better shot but they are sheer white with ribbon bows at the top, I love them but love them even more that my grandmother made them for her.

Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep.
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I spy...

2010-01-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

I've had my eye on these goodies from Old Navy since I received a email with their new spring line, this is something I look forward to every year, I always love their Spring dress and this year is no different. I love the bright colors and because the price is usually right and I always have a coupon, of course. So I went yesterday, hubby said he would watch Abby while I went and did what I needed to do, more or less, what I wanted to do...hehe. But I was disappointed when I walked in and didn't see what I was looking for. The sales lady said maybe next week...Uggg. Thought I would share what I'm loving.
And I can wear it with these
And this cute top
With Jeans or leggings
And this dress

And I've been waiting all Winter for these bad boys to go on sale and I'm still waiting, they aren't that expensive but I knew I wouldn't need them this Winter, so I'm waiting...
So if any of you see these items in your Old Navy, let me know, so I don't have to call everyday next week. I feel like I'm on house arrest!

Carrie: "Honey, if it hurts so much, why are we going shopping?"
Samantha: " I have a broken toe, not a broken spirit"
~Sex in the City

Happy Shoulda coulda Birthday, Abby!

2010-01-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

Some time in the last day or two or next day or two, I should have been walking the halls of Boca Community Hospital...waiting. And then pushing and screaming til my little buddle of joy arrived. I have to be honest, I couldn't have imagined pushing a baby out... the thought still scares me. Guess I'll never have to worry about that.
But instead...I spent the days loving on this little lady.

On Sunday she was 6lbs and 19 in, exactly what I was when I was born.

And as of
Saturday we are completely off the oxygen and only the monitor at night.

I'm so amazed, she would let me put the cannula in and out of her nose and never cry or pull away, she takes the medication so well and loves the nebulizer, I think it was harder on me than her. She "took one for the team".
And tonight we put our first "newborn" outfit on!

I really think that God gives us children to better understand his love for us. There is nothing in this world that could have prepared me for the love that I feel. We are so blessed, I think more than we will ever know. We said a special prayer for the other babies in the NICU tonight and those waiting to become mothers.

Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you and had a purpose for your beautiful lives ~ Jeremiah 1:5

It won't be like this for long...

2010-01-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Today we got a call from Abby's doctor explaining that the newborn screening test done before every baby leaves the hospital, showed one of her test levels high and they needed us to come in then go to the hospital to have some labs drawn. So we went the office, they tried to make us feel better, stating that she was doing so well that it could be a bad collection, made me feel a little better. But then they weighed her and she was 5lbs 10 oz, then I really felt better. I'm not sure the name of the test and the condition, but it had something to do with enzymes that break food down and because of her continued weigh gain they weren't too concerned. We went to hospital, had the test drawn, she is such a trooper and headed home to wait for results....

The only test that came back today was the one that would be elevated if it was bad and it was ...NORMAL.
Thank you Lord.

Here are a few pictures of the last couple of days and I have to tell you, she is almost too long for most of her preemie outfits, I just can't believe it, it seems like just a bit ago, I was waiting for her to fit into them.
I've got her oxygen down to somewhere between the lowest level and off, I need your prayers, I worry so much about it that I'm checking her levels all day long, worried about her, tomorrow the oxygen rental company's nurse is coming out to the house and I can't wait to get her opinion, you would think that being a nurse, I would have this all under control...yeah...no. I think it makes it worse. Hopefully this time next week, we are done with it. I don't know if there will ever come a time that I don't worry for her but I hope that these days of being on pins and needles, worried about her getting sick, her oxygen levels and every other little thing don't last too long.

"It won't be like this for long
one day soon
we'll look back laughing at the week
we brought her home.
This phase is going to fly by,
So baby just hold on,
It won't be like this for long"
~ Darius Rucker

Hotty Toddy

2010-01-02T12:05:00.001-08:00

This is about all that's going on around our house today, making pulled pork sandwiches and watching the Rebels play.

Abby's getting to watch her first Ole Miss game!!

We need a win.

Hotty Toddy starts with the simple question - "Are you ready?"

The crowd responds:

Hell yes!
Damn Right!
Hotty Toddy, Gosh almighty
Who the hell are we?
Hey!
Flim Flam, Bim Bam
Ole Miss, By Damn!

Love is in the air

2010-01-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

The Christmas decorations are down and time to get the Valentine's Day decorations out.
Here are some ideas I have planned to do...
I have a white tree branch "tree" that I use at Easter decorated with eggs that I'm going to use as a Valentine tree.

And decorate with felt hearts.

A banner such as this that says BE MINE.

And I love these.

Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. ~Author Unknown

This was not my birth plan.

2009-12-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

Almost a year ago, I think most of us fell in love with a little girl named Harper, I saw a button on someone's blog, checked it out and was hooked, I checked her blog everyday for updates and prayed and prayed for Harper. I was so touched by Kelly though that time (still am), her strength, grace and love for the Lord is an inspiration. After Abby was born I went back to read of her time in the NICU with Harper, there were many times, when I was searching at 2 am for stories of other babies and their journeys, I wanted to know if they felt the way I was feeling and how their stories began or ended. Well, we all know how Harper's began and are privilege to see her as she grows up. And now that time as passed and Abby is doing so much better, I wish that I had kept better accounts of our days whether it was in a journal or though my blog of that time in our lives. But to be honest, I couldn't even get my thoughts together enough to write them down. But wanted to share in a nut shell (if that's possible) what happened to me. Hubby and I were packed ready to go to Mississippi for the Alabama/Ole Miss game, we were so excited, Wednesday (the day before we were to leave) I went for a routine checkup (26 weeks) and was scheduled to do the glucose testing, got there had my blood pressure checked and it was high (140/94), they checked it again and got the same. Sent me to the triage area in L&D, did labs, everything fine but I had a "clot" (this won't be the last time I hear the word clot) in my placenta and needed to see a specialist the next day, being selfish and thinking this was all "crazy", I was more upset about missing our trip, so I decided after we go to the doctor's appt., if everything is fine we are going to Mississippi. I called got new flights, we loaded our bags in the car, we were still going to make it. Nope. Went to back to OB office on Friday, labs were "creeping" up, sent me to L&D again, this time for a steriod shot to help mature Abby's lungs, if we were to deliver...deliver...what...is this a joke. Went to hospital, labs were even higher. Got the shot, went home. I remember getting in the car and just breaking down, this was really happening, this was real. Went back the next day to get the second shot and was feeling hot, I was bright red and didn't feel good, the first time since all this happened and asked them to check me out, I'm so glad, I was having a reaction to the steriod which was a blessing because they decided to keep me over night to watch me and do more labs. Two hours later, the OB specialist came in and told me that I was here til the baby was born, which could be 24 hours or 6 weeks. After he left we were waiting for my 24 hour urine results to come back and when they did, they were off the chart, an L&D nurse with 24 years experience said she had never seen a level that high, I was so scared, scared for me, scared for Abby. They sent the NICU doctor in to speck with me of what to expect with a 27 "weeker". The next morning at 4am I started having contractions, but not knowing that's what it was, I waited an hour to call the nurse, she put me on the monitor, had me drink lots of water and wait for the doctor, who was already on her way to do rounds. She walked in the room and said, I'm not too worried about it, you made it though the night, let's make it though the day, the door didn't even shut and I started bleeding VERY heavy (ruined 2 nurses shoes), my placenta had abrupted, they did an emergency c-section. Abby Virginia was born on 10/ 15/09 at 9:32 am at 27 weeks, weighing 1 lb and 13oz, 13 inches long. The recovery was great, I took motrin a time or two but was focused on Abby. About a week after going home I was having flank/back pain, waited til it was so bad, it was getting hard to breath, went to ER and ct scan results showed that I had not one but two clots in my lungs. I had never been so scared in my life...I remember asking the doctor if I was going to die. My poor husband had a wife in the ICU upstairs and a baby in the ICU downstairs. We made it though it, with support of friends and family, doctors and nurses that were amazing and trusting in the Lord. I still can't believe all this happened, it's just crazy to me. I went for a check up last week and the doctor that delivered Abby came in to say hello and was telling me about all the things that I kept saying to her and it was so funny to hear, she said I kept telling her that this was NOT on my birth plan...he...he. After I delivered I was on high dose of Magnesium and for those that have ever experienced it, it makes you or at least me HOT. She said I kept saying, "I'm a HOT MESS"! Abby's story still to come...

"If pregnancy were a book, they would cut the last 3 chapters out" unk

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a great New Year's Eve

I just put my new pj's on, husband got a bottle of wine and we're going to hang out with the best thing that happened to us in 2009.

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." ~Oprah Winfrey

Welcome home Abby

2009-12-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

Last Monday I spend all day running around to get medications for Abby that you can't get at the CVS or Walgreens around the corner, met the medical supply nurse at the house to get everything we needed for Abby to come home, which included oxygen, a nedulizer and a monitor. Got all the meds, went over them with her nurse and left the NICU at 11:45 pm and just cried and prayed that this was the last time that I was leaving without her. And the next day at 4 pm, everything that we have been though seemed so far away as we got to take our little girl home.
There are so many levels of emotion that I have felt though this journey, some days I just couldn't get words out though the tears, other days I laughed about it and some days I was scared of what our future held. There were times when I asked myself "why" but then I thought "why not", we are never really sure why things happen the way they do but this is our journey, this is her story. In the beginning hearing stories of other (micro) preemies brought me comfort and I hope that we can bring comfort to others though our experiences.

I think it was Thursday afternoon that Oprah was on the TV and I wasn't really watching but Tim Mcgraw was on and I really like him and Faith, so I was listening to him sing and I heard Oprah ask him what was the best Christmas present he ever got and his response was that his second little girl was born 2 months early and came home from the hospital a few days before Christmas and he said it didn't get much better than that and I'm here to tell you IT DOESN'T!!!!

Hope you all had a VERY Merry Christmas, I got a few really nice things but nothing is better than having Abby home.

This picture was taken in the NICU before we knew if she would be home for Christmas or not and a girlfriend talked me into doing a Christmas card either way, so this was the picture that we used. She was off the oxygen here but had to go home with oxygen (another post).

And this is Christmas Eve, when our family came to met Abby for the first time, no one was able to come into the NICU other than Brad and I and my mom, so it was nice to share her with our family but we have to be very carefully...no germs, so contact was limited.

Her first Christmas, everyone brought her a first Christmas ornament for her tree, notice there is still nothing on the walls, I do have almost everything and that's on my list to get done very soon and I will share with you.

"Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it has finally come together. What you have always wished for, has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... how did I get though all that."

Daddy's girl...

2009-12-10T21:53:00.000-08:00

On Monday we walked in to this blooming little girl...

Her daddy walked right over to her, sound asleep and all. Picked her up and loved on her. Other parents, nurses and even the doctor came over to see what all the fuss was about. We are so in LOVE. I think hubby liked the bow more than I did. He loves showing her off.
I've been told that when you see your husband with your child, you gain a whole new love for them. I've found this more true than I could even imagine. He can't keep his hands off of her and talks on and on about the things we are going to do when she comes home and is able. I can't wait for the day when we can lay a blanket on the living room floor and get down on the floor and play with her and make her smile.
Things are going very well, she is getting bigger and bigger, starting to take the bottle and is in an "open crib". So now we are working on getting the oxygen off, she is getting a course of steriods to help develop her lungs, so keep us in your prayers.

"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle". ~Albert Einstein

One HOT mama

2009-11-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Like many women before me and many to follow one of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant was google and read everything I could get my hands on and of course, sign up for my weekly updates from "The bump".
And as you know, I now have a 6 week old preemie and find these updates a little... well annoying. It's not your fault "bump" how are you suppose to know that my precious little girl couldn't wait any longer to met me and came early. When I got home from the hospital and finally checked my email, you were there and I was mad. But now I'm seeing the brighter side. Week after week as I read your updates, I'm starting to think that maybe there's a good side to missing the last 3 months, triedness, more weigh gain, pains, hot flashes, etc. Your not making it sound like much fun!
Today I would have been 33 weeks and this is what "The Bump" had to say...

Your Pregnancy: Week 33

You are one hot mama -- literally. A 20 percent metabolic rate increase throughout pregnancy can leave you begging for a cool breeze no matter what the weather is like. Distract yourself with an exercise in blind identification. Try to distinguish between baby's feet, fists, knees, and elbows -- all doing some major pushing and nudging inside of you.

So this Thanksgiving Eve, after visiting with Abby (now 3lb 3oz, by the way) and having to leave because they were getting an admission I went across the street to Target and got myself a fountain Diet Coke and enjoyed some shopping time. So 3 refills later (yes, I really did refill) I had found some good stuff.
A dress for tomorrow

I might not be literally one hot mama but who says I can't look like one.

A new Christmas movie, so funny saw it last year and they JUST released it on DVD this week.

"Think of stretch marks as a pregnancy service stripes" ~ Joyce Armor

The Early Bird

2009-11-23T21:27:00.000-08:00

These days I spend a lot of time staring at this little girl...

and dreaming.

At night I go in her room and stare at the empty bed and envision what it's going to be like when my little girl is lying there so peaceful, the afternoons when she'll be in there laughing and playing instead of napping and all the morning/night time kisses that will take place there.

I rock in rocker and dream about the moments that we'll share here, bedtime stories, prayers and sleepless nights.

I can't wait, but I am.

When I first got home from the hospital I thought that her room would be hard for me to go into, a reminder that she's not home with us, but instead it has become a place that I find peace and hope. I look in her closet and pick out her first Church dress, her Valentine's Day outfit, etc. Her stroller reminds me of the many walks that we'll take together.

When I first started planning the nursery and after I found out I was having a girl, I thought I would do something a little different, like a yellow and green color scheme but later changing my mind, thinking that this could be my only girl and I might not ever get the chance to have pink everything again...so my colors became light pink, bright pink and of course green. And I'm glad I did, now knowing that we won't be able to have anymore.

Here is the bedding
(my BFF got this for me and I'm so grateful, I love it)

And anyone that knows me IRL knows that wall decorations are almost impossible for me to decide on, so of course, this is the last thing I have to do in Abby's room. And I need help, what do you think?

And this...
The designer can change the colors to fit my scheme, I love the verse, I think it's a good reminder that he's the creator , he had her birthday planned before she was even conceived.
And the second print, will have our names on it. I'm thinking that I will put these over the changing table and I was thinking I would put this over the crib

I'm going to see if the designer can change the Big letter to something not so curly.
Do you see my bird theme.
My early bird.

" Life is always a rich and steady time when your waiting for something to happen or hatch"
-E.B. White (Charlotte's web)

Edit** Just realized that the links aren't working, if your interested the name of the esty store of the first 2 prints is emrick123
and the decal is also from esty the store name is decal monograms

2009-11-17T13:39:00.000-08:00

Every time I begin a post, I never really know where to start. My feelings, thoughts and emotions are all over the board. They tell you that the NICU is a roller coaster, they aren't lying. Every time you take 3 steps forward, you take 2 steps back. She is back on high flow oxygen, after she was having a difficult time breathing. But other than that she is doing well. She has become so much more alert and is starting to smile and follow us with her eyes, every time she smiles Brad and I start yelling and snapping pictures, the nurses probably think that we are crazy! I like to think she's going to be such a happy baby, a happy little girl. She is now 2lb 7oz and about 16 inches long. She is starting to look like such a big girl and not so much like a preemie anymore. Every time I walk in to the NICU and they have Abby all dressed up, I want everybody around to come see her and how pretty she looks, so I must share with you too.

I could just eat her up!!!

When my girlfriend Jane's five year old was looking at Abby's pictures with her mom she wanted to know why Abby gets to wear a bra and she doesn't...
I have laughed about this for over a week now and shared this with all the nurses, she thought the monitor leads were a bra.

This week I have vowed to myself to get out and go for a walk at least once a day and to do something I enjoy for a least an hour a day, so given my love for crafting, I'm going to start making headbands and sewing again, making things for Abby, it will give me some time to clear my head and time to do something I enjoy. It's hard to find things preppy and monogrammed for such a small baby, so I'm going to make them. So what for my crafts to come!

The moment a child is born,
the mother is also born.
She never existed before.
The woman existed, but the mother, never.
A mother is something absolutely new.
Rajneesh

Moving right along...

2009-11-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to write this post but every time I go to to so, something changes and I give up, I think I have about a dozen drafts. So where to start...first thank you for all your prayers and thoughtful words. Second we are doing great...now. After I wrote the first post, we had a few setbacks, they tried to take Abby off the ventilator but she wasn't having it and after walking in and seeing how hard my little girl was breathing, I wasn't having it either! They reintubated

( breathing tube inserted) her and told us they would try again in a few days, two days later they told us that her chest xray showed a "cyst", a pocket of fluid in her lung and they were going to "watch it". These are all hard words to hear when you want your little girl to be the one that "flys" though everything. The next day I started having back/flank pain and went to the ER thinking (hoping) that I just pulled a muscle. This pain was aweful, the C-section was nothing, I took motrin twice, but this pain was doing me in....after a CT scan was done, I heard the doctors talking about me outside the room, how the nurse needed to put me on the monitor and I looked at my husband and knew it wasn't good. Diagnois: bilateral pulmonary Embolus, yeah, my OB told me that she had only seen this once before in 11 years and I could tell in her voice that the other mother didn't have the same outcome. I went to the ICU for 3 days and was scared to death. But the morning after I was admitted the NICU nurse and doctor came to see me and brought me a picture of Abby to put up in my room ( but hubby had already taken care of that) and told me that the "cyst" was gone. There is a song that I've grown up singing at church that goes a little like this..."I just want to shout thank you Jesus...."I have sang that song almost everyday, it's funny what comes to you at different moments in life. Here I am lying the in the ICU and my 1 lb. baby girl one floor below me in her own ICU, and we had so much to be thankful for.
I went home 5 days later, with a Rx for high blood pressure medication and a blood thinner called Coumadin, CVS must have thought it was for my 80 year old grandmother...hehe
AND
2 days later Abby was off the ventilator and on nasal cannula and 2 days after that she is breathing on her own and taking the max amount of feeding that she is able to. We went from 3cc every 6 hour to 24cc every 4 hour in a week. She had her first eye exam today and they told us that it was "perfect", which I find crazy, considering one nurse had told us a few weeks ago to be prepared, most premiees fail the first test. She is now 2lbs 3oz.
We still have a long rode ahead of us but as of this hour ...we are VERY good.
Please keep us in your prayers.

And I promise to post more often and share lots of pictures!

On the day that they took Abby off the ventilator, we walked in to see her in this cute gingham dress.
Here she is off the oxygen, I was trying to catch her smile but I kept missing her.

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things, hope, a dream of possibilities."

Welcome Abby Virgina

2009-10-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

Last Monday was the start of something that I thought would never happpen to me, I went for a regular check up with my midwife and my blood pressure was elevated, I thought it was nothing, we were gettting ready to leave and go to Mississippi for a visit and I was trying to get everything done, turns out that it wasn't just "anxiety", something by the way, I've never had. To make a long story short, they drew blood work and sent me to a specialist. And thankfully they didn't take anything lightly. For 3 days my labs became more and more elevated, they gave me the steriod shots to help mature Abby's lungs and I was in the hospital on bedrest until Abby was born, which they told me could be in 24 hours or 6 weeks. At 7 am on Thursday morning, the doctor walked in and told me "No, baby today, labs look better". As soon as she walked out the door I started bleeding and having contractions. Abby was born via c-section at 9:24 am, 12 weeks early, weighing 1lb. 13oz. 13 inches long (original due date 1-13, strange with the numbers huh, oh yeah and our wedding aniversary 1-13). Shortly after her birth, they wisked her away to the NICU and I wasn't abe to see her for 24 hours. My husband, Brad, was able to see her and took lots of pictures for me to see. They had me on medication that left me feeling "out of it", so the first 24 hours were a blur, as I'm sure when I look back I will think that all this is a blur.

Today is day 5 and she is doing great! She is still on the ventilator but on Room air and breathing over the settting, she's tolerating my milk via a tube in her nose. They did an ultrasound of her head and looked for bleeding, and there have been no signs, they did a ultrasound of the heart and everything looked great. We are taking this day by day and know that this is going to be a long rode but we are surrounded by good friends and family and an amazing God, who I know is in control and had her birthday picked out long before she was conceived. Please keep my little girl in your prayers....

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11

The Blind Side

2009-09-30T06:50:00.001-07:00

Last year Mr. Tea and I went to the "the Egg bowl" Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State, which also happens to be Senior day in which they introduced Micheal Oher with his Ole Miss family and left me wondering what was his story. Some may call it noisy but I've always liked to hear a person's "story", everyone has one. I'm always asking my patients what they did when they were younger, how long they were married, etc., I'm always left feeling like wow, what a great story. Well, after we got home Mr. Tea googled Micheal Oher and we read he's story and then before the Cotton Bowl last year ESPN did a story on Micheal and his family....and now this!

Micheal's story is truly amazing, Mr. Tea told me that it was coming out in a movie awhile back but I never thought it would make it to the big screen or have such amazing cast, I can't wait to see it. It comes out Nov. 20., and I can't wait, I think I'm going to have to bring a box of tissues with me, You can check out the trailer here.

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"

Philippians 4:13

2009-08-27T16:11:00.002-07:00

It's really hard to get excited about Fall when you live in South Florida but I want it so bad I can taste it... At least 80 degrees would be great.
Here are a few things about Fall that I love.

Decorating for Fall/Halloween

Ole Miss Football and Saturdays in the Grove

And all my cute cooler maternity outfits that are just hanging in my closet.

This is when us Floridians get jealous of you guys up north.

One man's daydreaming is another man's day. ~Grey Livingston

A girl after my own heart...

2009-08-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

So we found out about 2 weeks ago that we were having a little girl! I can't be any happier, for many reasons, but mainly because this whole time I was thinking it was a girl and to find out it was makes me think that I really do have motherly instincts. My first conformation that I might be okay at my new job. But the most important is that she looks VERY healthly.
So that brings on so many decisions...
As far as I can remember I've thought about the day I would find out I was pregnant and the day that I became a mom and all the details in the middle, like names and the nursery. I can't describe how much I love this little girl already! And I know this is just the beginning.
But in the last week I've really started thinking about the nursery. I thought I knew what I wanted which was this...

But then I thought about it and what if this is my only girl, would I regret not sharing with her my love for Pink and Green. I knew I didn't want to do anything in pastels but looked on every website for bright pink and was left wondering what I was going to do...until Saturday, when my girlfriend and I went into the Snappy Turtle's Harvey's Store in Delray Beach and I saw this bib and loved the pattern...

After a couple of attempts to find the artist that had made the bib...I had success. She proceeds to tell me that it is a Lily pattern, I think to myself, of course it is, I would pick it out of a haystack. She has found the fabric and is working with someone to make me a bumper and bed skirt. I just love it! It is exactly what I was looking for, so I really hope that it all works out and as soon as I get permission to put her website on my blog to share I will because she has some really cute stuff. I can't wait to share with you my newest project.

(By the way, does anyone know the name of this pattern?)

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. Eda J. Le Shan

Stolling right along...

2009-08-07T08:33:00.001-07:00

I know it's been awhile and I have to say that I really do miss it! I still read and keep up with everyone but I have had so much running though my head, couldn't pick just one topic to blog about... so I did none...lame huh! But I need some advice.
I went with my mom to the mega baby store Baby Love in Ft. Lauderdale, I was told they were the baby experts and had great advice. I went into the store thinking that I would just get a carrier/infant carseat, use a snap -n -go for the first couple months then go to an umbrella stroller such as this Maclaran.

Boy was I wrong, the salesman convinced me otherwise. The Maclaren's all have two handles, making it hard to maneuver, no place for my drink or a baby's drink and little storage. I was totally againest a travel system but now I'm in travel system love. You think you know what you would do, until you have to do it.

So this is the bad boy I chose...

I didn't get it yet, I needed to make sure that I was making the right decision, so I have spend the morning going over reviews and found it to be very well liked.
So this where you come in, does anyone have any experience with Chicco? Or any suggestions regarding strollers?

"Having a child is the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit" - Bill Cosby

All knocked up...

2009-06-29T08:54:00.001-07:00

I know it has been awhile and I believe me, I have missed all of you.
I have signed on many times and had to walk away after only getting though a blog or two to head back to the place that I have come to know very well in the last 5 weeks... the bathroom.
So yes, as of today I'm 12 weeks pregnant and no I wasn't one of those people that wanted to wait before telling, it is actually the first time that sitting in the computer hasn't made me ill.
I need to first say, that we are very excited and nervous all rolled into one. Hearing the heartbeat for the first time, is a sound I will never forget. We had been trying for really only about a month and it happened way faster than we expected. We feel truly blessed for what God has given us. Sometimes it does not even seem real.
Second, I'm sending high props to all the women that have been though this whole pregnancy vomiting thing...WOW...I had no idea. And then there are women that have little ones at home and still have to function. I'm fortunate enough that I only work 3 days a week, so I just stayed in bed the others and we took a 2 week vacation in the worst weeks, which made for a very non-exciting vacation but lots of well needed R&R. My husband has been great, I'm so blessed for him. He's done EVERYTHING he could to make this easier for me.
As for now, I'm starting to feel better and I'm so ready to join society again.
"A grand adventure is about to begin." -- Winnie the Pooh

I have a good feeling about this...

2009-05-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

I feel like it's been forever since I posted...
I guess I have been MIA.
But I have been a very busy girl.
I've been spending a lot of time with my head over a toilet and sleeping when given the opportunity ( which I have been making a lot of time for) and trying to function when the previous two obligations have been met.
But I think I'm getting things under control, I traded my diet coke in for Segrams caffeine free ginger ale and trying to keep my tummy full and it seems to be helping because yesterday I felt better and I can tell today is going to be better too.

Any idea what's going on my my world????

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps" Proverbs 16:9

Oh Yes...it's ladies night.

2009-05-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of months we have been planning a "girl's night" complete with a room with a view. One of my favorite things to do here in South Florida is to lay by the pool at the Delray Marriott, I love their pool. They have a live band playing tropical music and "cabana boys" taking drink orders and it's just so relaxing. So we soaked it all in for 24 hours! We got there at 11am on Friday and walked up to the desk and said we needed to know two things, can we get upgraded and can we check in now, there is nothing like the power of 5 girls "batting" their eyes. And we got both...
"Our room with a view"

We enjoyed a nice dinner out and dancing for some, I wasn't feeling well (maybe too much sun) and headed back early.
And prepared for another day in the sun!

Hope you had a nice weekend!

"A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." ~Lois Wyse

2009-05-11T01:17:00.000-07:00

It's 4 am, Mr.T had to get up early and go into work and I can't go back to sleep...

This is not usually a problem for me but I tossed and turned for about an hour and gave up. This is going to make for a long 12 hour shift today!!!
I'm in search for this dress, have any of you seen it in your Gap? It's so cute and looks so comfortable.

I want it in Green of course, I going to seriously do a post on all the dresses in my closet, it looks a little like this black, orange/apricot and green. Black is a must, orange is my new obsession and green has always been "my color". I'm a creature of habit.
I can order the dress online but I'm that girl that always does the surveys that come with the receipt and I can save 20%, but you can't use them online. So I'm waiting.

Hope everyone had a great Mother's day! We went to Church and then to Lunch at Prime Catch, a nice little place on the intercoastal in Boynton Beach, which is one of my mom's favorites. I had has been so hot here!!!
I usually don't go in to NY and company but last week I was walking by and saw that they had lots of dresses and I stopped in and found some cute stuff. I picked up these 2 dresses, it was buy one, get the second half off. They are so soft and cute, so for 45 dollars I could not pass them up.

I can dress them up or dress them down...

"Dresses for breakfasts, and dinners, and balls;
Dresses to sit in, and stand in, and walk in;
Dresses to dance in, and flirt in, and talk in;
Dresses in which to do nothing at all;
Dresses for Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall."
~William Allen Butler, "Nothing to Wear"

Happy Nurses Day

2009-05-06T03:52:00.001-07:00

Happy Nurses Day
to all my fellow nurses.
This isn't really helping my diet, I counted six cakes yesterday but I didn't have a bite of any!

"Nurses are the heartbeat of health care." ~Author Unknown

Yo VIP let's kick it.

2009-05-01T04:42:00.002-07:00

I have hit by all time weight high, truth be known I've been here for more than a few months. And I'm finally taking the plunge and joining weight watches, I have my first meeting at 9 am. I've very excited and very ready! So now I'm joining the ranks, I just need to figure out how to put one of those trackers on my side bar, like GRITS. I went to the library and got a few healthy cookbooks to get some ideas from and my fridge is full of water and fresh fruit/vegs.
So in celebration I went to dinner with my mom to Bonefish, my favorite place to eat. We were sitting in the bar area, at a large table in which multiple parties can sit at, well getting to the point. I realized it was Vanilla Ice sitting at the end. I'm trying to tell my mom and I swear she was so loud saying you mean Ice..Ice...Baby? Oh lord. He just looked down the table and smiled. As a kid, I can remember my brother and I having dance offs outside on the trampoline to Ice Ice Baby, he always won, he's always been a better dancer. Good times!
Then I went on a mission for a bathing suit, I guess Spanx isn't making bathing suits anymore so that was out. I opted for this super cute green one at Old Navy that I couldn't find online to share with you...sorry!

I did get the light fixture up and it's growing on me, tonight Mr. Tea comes home from a work trip in Key West (Yeah, I was thinking the same thing) and I'm scared to see what he thinks. I did put it on a timmer that has a remote, so I'm hoping that he is captivated by the gadget. My camera's battery is dead but I promise pictures tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great weekend it's Sunfest here in South Florida and the weather is suppose to be great. This is always such a toss up of what to do, you have Sun Fest here, Jazz fest going on in New Orleans, Memphis in May and the derby. Next year hubby says that we are going to Jazz Fest...I say the derby.

"All right stop collaborate and listen
Ice is back with my brand new invention
Something grabs a hold of me tightly
Flow like a harpoon daily and nightly
Will it ever stop yo I don't know
Turn off the lights and I'll glow
To the extreme I rock a mic like a vandal
Light up a stage and wax a chump like a candle
Dance go rush to the speaker that booms
I'm killing your brain like a poisonous mushroom
Deadly when I play a dope melody
Anything less than the best is a felony
Love it or leave it you better gain weight
You better hit bull's eye the kid don't play
If there was a problem yo I'll solve it
Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it"
~Vanilla Ice

Let there be light.

2009-04-29T12:05:00.001-07:00

Ya'll, I'm crazy! When I first saw this fixture, I loved! I had to have it! Well...I'm now the proud owner and I'm very afraid. I opened the box and this thing is huge, long and the light bulbs are the size of my head. Mr. T is outta town on a work trip (thank God, he would die) and I have a electrician friend coming over to install and ya'll he's going to know that I'm crazy and tell others. Oh he's calling me now...he's here. Gotta go.

"Who is more foolish, the child afraid of the dark or the man afraid of the light?" ~Maurice Freehill

FYI

2009-04-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

As much as I want to keep this to myself, I know that just wouldn't be right so let me tell ya'll...

My Monogram Tahoe
is having a great summer giveaway, that you might want to get your hands on, check it out!

Aren't they the cutest things ever...

And then over at Be write there
she's hosting a fabulous giveaway, that I love kill for.

Good luck!
Both end at noon Saturday...

One more thing that I've been wanting to pass along,
While I was exploring the aisles of Target the other day I saw that they had all of Emily Griffin books on sale for $10
They are great reads and perfect for summertime by the pool. When I was done reading them, I'd wished that I hadn't read it so I could read it again....

— Emily Giffin (Love the One You're With)

2009-04-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

Heading to the pool today with the latest People and Us, a diet coke (its been 2 days!!!) and SpF 30. There isn't a cloud in the sky, it's already 75 degrees at 10 am. I have my iPod set to Jimmy Buffet and I'm going to let my mind relax. But I was sure wishing I had this bad boy, you'd have to drag me out of the pool, I'd stay til I was a prune or lobster... or both.
Frontgate

H2O: two parts Heart and one part Obsession. ~Author Unknown

This little light of mine

2009-04-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

I love anything that smells good, especially candles. I believe firmly that burning your favorite candle(s) and wearing your favorite perfume are ingredients to happy life. I can go into little gift shops and smell 100 different candles until I find that right one. It usually is a clean airy scent and I have found a few candles that I'm totally loving right now.
The restoration Hardware Honeydew Quince.
I was first taken to them because they are the same color as my living room but now it's the clean scent that takes the prize.
So I have a few in my Living room/Dining room.

When I was in Mississippi I was in a gift shop around the courthouse and found these great soy candles.

Auuiesse Rioja candle
I'm saving this one for my new bedroom and I can't wait, I think we are about a week away from it being all done.

"When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing - just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park? "
~ Ralph Marston

Praise you in this strom.

2009-04-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

In the midst of everything going on with my family, I tried to enjoy my weekend as much as possible. "Praise you in this storm", was my theme song for the weekend, I haven't purchased a CD in like 5 years and I had to go get it, they just weren't playing it on WayFM enough.

Saturday morning Mr. Tea had to go into work so mom and I headed to Delray Beach for the annual Delray Affair. It's the largest Art/Craft show under the sun in South Florida. I always enjoy myself every year, in fact, I met my husband for the first time at the Delray Affair. We met up with my girlfriend from work and her twin girls. They are super fun! There is such an innocence about these girls. They saw a girl that they knew from school and started to YELL her name until she saw them and then they all ran and gave each other a hug...it was so sweet and was followed by this conversation...
Girls: You came to my daddy's work today (there dad is a police officer and was working the event)
Friend: Oh.
Girls: He must be so happy you are here (dad never met friend)
Friend: Oh.
Friend: I really like your shoes
It was then proceed by all three girls telling what they liked about each others shoes.
Even at 5, shoes are a common bond.

And specking of shoes, I finally got a pair of Bonanno shoes.
Notice I left the Stephen out...
After I bought the shoes and walked away I was looking at them and wondering why it was just the last name...so being the curious person that I am, I went back and ask.
And her response was I divorced Stephen a year ago and I got 50% of company.
I didn't know what to say, I told her "sorry, to hear that", smiled and walked away.
They are usually 95.oo dollars and I got a post divorce...I mean show rate of 70.00 dollars.

And what would it be without a trip to the park.
It turned out to be a great day even in this storm.

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
~Casting Crowns

2009-04-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

I guess it's safe to say that every family has there trials and I've been dealing with a lot this last 4 days with my father and uncle. Without going into details, I'll just say that no matter what we think the decisions that we make effect everyone around us. I've had many questions running though my head, trying to figure how to fix this and make this better. After 4 days of sadness and trying to understand, I've handed this to the Lord. Please keep me in your prayers, I need them!

Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything ~ Philippians 4:6

2009-04-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Did anyone happen to see Oprah today? I was at work but luckily I was recording it! I don't really watch Oprah much but will watch re-runs when nothing else is on. But a girlfriend called and told me about the show and I just got done watching it. I just love Country music! And loved today's Oprah. Today she had my favorite things...
It has me so excited for August, I'm going over to Tampa with my high school friends to see Kenny and Sugarland.
Can't wait.

"Sometimes I think God can dream a bigger than you can dream for yourself" ~ Oprah Winfrey

He Lives.

2009-04-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

And a great Easter Sunday it was. I could not have asked for a better day. We woke up early went to church, this was our new pastors first Easter at our church, so I was so excited for him and to hear his message. The worship was great. The message was awesome.

Here are a few pictures after church...

My mom and I

Mr. Tea and I
After church we went to eat at Charley's crab in Palm Beach, it was so good!
Then to the pool to lay out and relax.

Hope you had a great Easter Sunday!

He is not here; He has Risen, just as He said. Matthew 28:6

Thankful Thursday...a bit late

2009-04-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a super busy week, I had a list a mile long of "things-to-do" but Thursday afternoon I look some time and did some things I love and I'm ever more thankful.

Of course my friends, family and God, I'm the most thankful for but here are a few other things that I'm thankful for...

First, my new found hobby of rollerblading or one I've picked up again. It's a whole better with a view like this...

Here is a picture of us going over the Boynton Inlet (yes, like a good blogger I always have a camera)

Then to the beach.

Second, my new sewing class, I had such a great time and I'm so glad that I finally am doing this.

And last but not least, my new hair oil treatment. With the Florida humidity, thick curly hair and years of trying to tame it, I think I've found the best product yet, Moroccan oil.

After my Chi of course, this is my favorite hair solution.

Learning to live in the present tense, one that's free from failures of the past
and the anxieties of the future,
is a wonderful gift and one you always should be striving for.
~ Rick Pitino

Easter on my mind...

2009-04-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

I had the perfect outfit picked out for Easter, I was all set to go and then I saw this...

I went to the mall with my friend "M" so she could get a few things she needed and while in Ann Taylor Loft, I decided this was a better fit for me and now I have a new Easter dress. The good thing about it is that I had seen it a few weeks ago and it was 70 dollars but today it was on sale for 49 dollars, which meant I had to have it! It will look really cute with my new pearls and I have the perfect shoes. So then it was off to Macy's to find a tie for Mr. Tea that would look good with my dress. So both of our outfits are pressed and ready for Sunday.
I painted the bedroom today, it looks so good. I can't wait to share with you when it's done. It's going to be the best room in the house, as well, it should be. Tomorrow's agenda...gym, baking for Sunday then my sewing class!
My girlfriend sent me this picture of her daughter (the little one I took to pick strawberries), She insisted on bringing her dollar bin hat and purse from Target and I'm so glad she did!!! She looks like a little old lady. How cute is she???

Can't you just eat her up...

"You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!"
~Dolly Pardon

Weekend on the go...

2009-04-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

After getting back from Mississippi, I've been super busy! I worked 2 days then Saturday afternoon we headed to the West Coast to Clearwater for a very good friend of ours Engagement Party. We arrived about 5pm after a wrong turn onto the wrong bridge and you ask how this could happen, after all we have made this trip 1000 times, yeah, we were day dreaming of the things we could do if we won the lottery (considering we don't even play) it truly is a dream. We arrived safely after having to change clothes in the car. It was a great night for the party.

The soon to be Mr. and Mrs. are super cute and tan...

It is alwasys nice to see my high school BFF's

Here with the bride and a few of us bridesmaids

We woke up early Sunday and headed home. We had tickets to one of the last hockey games of the year, we had been trying all season to get to a game and this was our last chance. I had never been to a game before and really never had any interest in hockey...until I went to a game. It was so much fun! I really got into and couldn't take my eyes off of the game for a minute. Next year we will definity have to go to more games!

We had such great seats, it felt like we were right there.

I'm so thankful to have the next 3 days off to get organized after being gone the last 2 weeks. Plus we sold our furniture on Greg's list within the first 30 minutes and I need to do some ordering and painting!!!

"The only reason why we ask other people how their weekend was is so we can tell them about our own weekend." ~Chuck Palahniuk

It's better to have gone and left then to have never gone at all...

2009-04-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

So on Monday morning I woke up and headed South towards home. I've never been good at good-bye's, let me restate that I'm REALLY bad at good-bye's. It usually takes me a good 24 hours to get past the tears. When I was at my Miss BFF's house the night before she gave me a card to read that I had written to her oldest son when he was born, she had kept it and now he keeps it in a special place. I wish that I would have made a copy, I was a 17 year old who nothing about a baby, but I told him I wanted to be the first person to ever write him because I knew I wouldn't be there for a lot of his firsts and that it made me very sad. But that I loved him so very much and he would always be in my heart everyday. I hope those two little ones know how much I love and miss them. I pray everyday for them and God's plan for them. Thanks to texting being the cool thing to do, they have no problem giving me a "shout out" almost everyday and I love every minute of it.
Leaving Granny is even harder... it's been a week and I'm still fighting the tears. She is my greatest supporter. Words can't express how I feel for her. When I was a young girl, I stayed the summers at my grandparents house from the day school got out til the day before it started. I can remember growing up every Sunday morning while getting dressed for church they would listen to Charles Stanley, a well-known preacher in Atlanta. I never thought much of it at the time. But now that I'm older as I'm flipping though the stations getting ready on Sunday mornings (or lying in bed when I should be getting ready) I turn to Charles Stanley and watch. A few years ago, he was preaching a sermon on the value of telling your children about Christ and how that was the most valuable inheritance you can give them. I sat on the bed listening and weeping. And I had the opportunity to do something I will never regret and I hope one day will bring me comfort. I picked up the phone called my grandmother and asked if she was watching Charles Stanley and of course she was. And I said "thank you". I was 13 years old when I gave my heart to the Lord in the living room of their house. I wasn't a perfect child/teenager but I knew I always answered to someone much bigger than my mom or grandparents. I knew there was someone who loved me more than they could. And I praise him everyday. We talked til we both missed Church. I told her everything that I appreciated about her and my grandfather and told her stories of things that I remembered about their love for their family and each other, that she didn't even realize I'd noticed. I feel so blessed that I was able to tell her how I felt while I have the opportunity.

This was going to be a post about my trip home but it brought me to another place. But thank you for listening.

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"
~ Dr. Suess

Burp clothes, veils and pure happiness

2009-04-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight I just had to stop and buy a camera after work to show you all my goodies that I've been working on, I just felt like a piece of me was missing without a camera, so I got the new version of my old camera a Cannon powershot.

So on with my trip...

Friday was Granny and I day, we sewed our little hearts out, well at least I did. It's really hard to look at the work of someone who has been sewing their whole life, I wanted to be just like her (more ways than one). She is so talented. I watched her every move. I think she was very proud to know that I wanted to learn from her, it was such a wonderful time we had. She gave me all kinds of scraps to start with, I made more dish towels than anyone would ever need. I practiced...practiced and she made me practice more.

Until I made these...

My first burp clothes. I know the pictures are large but I'm very proud.

This is my next set...

I also worked on a project that has been running though my mind awhile. I have tried many different ways to make veils and I think that I finally got it right.
I wanted to start making veils for Bachelorette parties that didn't consist of plastic penis's and condoms. Being the classy girls we are, we need something that displays just that but fun at the same time. These aren't actually the best ones that I've made but maybe you can invision where I'm going with this.
And tell me what you think...

Saturday I was able to met up with a few old friends for lunch in Corinth at the Pizza Grocery, I really had a great time. It's always so nice to spend time with old friends, They both are mommies now and it's hard for all of us to get together, so it really meant alot to me.

Sunday was the big housewarming party for my Miss BFF. I really wish I had pictures but it was a great time and she got so many really nice things but I have to say that I think Alanna Grace got the best gift.

Didn't it turn out so great! Kim did such a great job.
Check her website out at smallwords.

And there is still more to come.

"Love the moment,
and the energy
of the moment
will spread beyond
all boundaries."
~Corita Kent

There's no place like home...except Granny's.

2009-04-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

I'm finally home from a wonderful trip home! Sounds kinda funny huh? I had a great time, there is so much to tell but my camera decided it wasn't into this whole picture taking thing anymore and went on strike, so I have no pictures to share :( What's a story without pictures.

Last Tuesday morning my girlfriend and I started our roadtrip home. We looked long and hard for a chick fil a north of Palm Beach and folks I have to tell, someone needs to open one along I 75. My girlfriend suggests we stop at Wendy's but says it's in a gas station "do you mind", Girl some of the best restuarants in Mississippi are gas stations, that is the least of my worries. We jammed out to old school the entire trip, I dropped her off in Gulf Shores and headed to Jackson to spend some time with my crazy Cousin Bill and Aunt Judy, we went out for mexican, my favorite! I had a really nice stay and enjoyed seeing them. The next morning I headed on up to Tupleo, to visit with my dad and met Granny at the mall. Dad was good, actually not so good but we will get to that on another day. Granny and I met at the mall, got me some warmer clothes, wasn't expecting 50 degree weather, I brought shorts, for crying out loud! Then headed to the Singer store where I purchased my very first sewing machine, I wish I could show ya'll this bad boy! (Pictures soon to come) and then on to Hobby Lobby, if you have one in your town, consider yourself very lucky. It is the ultimate craft store, I can only dream about the aisles of ribbon and gift wrap until my next visit home. That was the start of our many projects and I got all my sewing materials on my checklist for my class, I start one week from tomorrow! After finishing up at Lobby Hobby, which wouldn't be my last time this trip, we headed to Abners.

For the best chicken tenders around.
Then north on 45 to Corinth.
I had been talking to my Mississippi BFF thoughout my day, she asked me for a round-about time of arrival, I responded with around dinner, 5ish. When I pulled up in her driveway, I was greeted with two large hugs and big smiles from my BFF's children. We decided about a year ago that we would only tell then that I was coming a week in advance, for BFF's sanitity. BFF's husband said that AG (5 year old) had been asking all day if it was 5 yet. She decided next time, it's going to be a surprise. There is NOTHING in the world that thrills me more than those two kids. When B(12 year old) was younger he was always right under my feet and now it's AG's turn. B told me that he understood but he knows I loved him first! We spent the rest of the evening laughing and playing.
More to come tomorrow, plus, I think I'm going to go get a new camera tonight so I can share all my sewing projects.

“To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi”
William Faulkner

Good times here are not forgotton...

2009-03-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Being back "home" always brings back great memories.

I just love being here.

I can't go down a road that doesn't make me think about a good time had.

Run into a old friend that doesn't bring back a good time had.

Spending time with Granny is the best time in the world,

and the good memories here are still in the making.

O, I wish I was in the land of cotton

Old times there are not forgotten

Look away! Look away!Look away!

Dixie Land.

Mississippi Girl

2009-03-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning I've picking my girlfriend from work up and we are head north to Gulf Shores, Ala., I'm droping her off and then I head on to the great state of Mississippi. I'm so excited! I love going to Mississippi. I have big plans with my Granny and I'm having a housewarming party for my Mississippi BFF. She has two kids that I just adore, she can never tell her kids that I'm coming because she says for weeks they ask, "Is today when Erica comes?", so tonight she texted me and told me that Alanna Grace prayed for me a safe trip, she's 4. Blaine her son, (who is now 12) had to fill out questions on the first day of school, like who his best friend is and he said ME. He knows how to get to me. Every time I have to leave Mississippi to come home, we both just cry. I dread the day he's too cool for that.
Granny and I are going shopping in Memphis and Oxford. And of course sewing, cooking, canning and anything we can get into.

And some people seem to think that I've changed
That I'm different than I was back then
But in my soul I know that I'm the same way
That I really always been

Cause a Mississippi girl don't change her ways
Just cause everybody knows her name
Ain't big-headed from a little bit of fame
I still like wearing my old ball cap
Ride my kids around piggy back
They might know me all around the world
But y'all I'm still a Mississippi girl
Faith Hill

Thankful Thursday

2009-03-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's Thursday already...
I'm given some big thanks to Target this week for such cute clothing.

At good prices...

A big huge thanks goes out to Mr. Ice Tea maker

No lie, when I was in first year in college I traded my roommate for her Ice tea maker for my hair striaghtner (this was before the Chi) when we moved out. And I still have it, missing a few parts but works like a champ.

The Sunshine
After two days of much needed rain, the Lord gave us our Sunshine back.

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”
Anthony J. D'Angelo quotes

Sewing 101

2009-03-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to tell you about my big news...I finally after a year and a half of trying to get into a sewing class at the Palm Beach adult learning Education Center,I got in. They only allow 12 students in each class and it fills quickly but I was on it this time or at least Mr. Tea was. I had to work Monday( The first day of sign ups, at 2pm) but when Mr. Tea got off work he went right over and got me signed up. I was so excited! They gave him a list of "things I will need", I can't wait to fulfill my list. Sewing is a talent that I always wished I had and now I'm going to get the opportunity to learn how.
I called Granny right up and told her, she was so excited for me. She said she was calling the Singer store owner in town when we got off the phone, to have a machine picked out for me. And told me not to buy the things on the needs list, we would do that while I'm in Mississippi next week. She is an amazing sewer (is that what you are, when you can sew?) My grandparents owned a couple factories when I was growing up. She has two huge sewing machines in her craft room and can make anything... She made a lot of my clothes growing up and though the years has done things for a designer in New York and even made dog clothes (before they were, what they are now). Once I get my machine she's going to teach me a few things. This is the basis of my trip to learn tools of the trade from Granny. We're going to sew, make jelly, cook (southern style, fatback included) and sip sweet tea. She is my hero for more reasons than I can write about and I want to know everything I can, so one day when she is in heaven, I don't say I wish I would have learned this or that from Granny. I'm going to do it. She has been going though recipes and is putting them together for me in a cookbook, I can't wait to one day pass this along.

I maybe getting a head of myself but these are my first items to learn how to do...

Burp clothes...for the thousands of showers I've been going to.

Pillowcase dresses

Aprons for my friends...

My ultimate goal is get to an embroidery machine but that calls for working some overtime...one step at a time.

So wish me luck with my adventure, if you have any suggestions to get me started let me know.

“Crafts make us feel rooted,
give us a sense of belonging and connect us with our history.
Our ancestors used to create these crafts out of necessity,
and now we do them for fun,
to make money and to express ourselves.”
~ Phyllis George

Happy St. Patty's Day

2009-03-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

We had a very green weekend! So tonight we are going to sit this one out. On Saturday we went to the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Delray Beach. It's nothing like what goes down in Savannah or New York but every year it gets better and better. Here are some pictures from our very long day...

Mr. and Mrs. Tea

He plays Santa at Christmas too!

All my "work friends"

What we resorted to by the end of the evening...

We had a great time and can't wait til next year!

What's going though my mind...

2009-03-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

In case you were worried I might have killed someone at work yesterday...I didn't. It was actually a really good day. There is never consistency in the volume in an ER. I've tried for years to figure it out and the only thing that I have come up with is that Monday is the worst day to be there. But now I'm off til Monday, so I'm super excited! My weekend has begun...and I have lots of great plans.

First, did you see that Kelly from the Real Housewives of NYC got arrested, yeah, I guess she hit her boyfriend or something. Crazy. She's making the housewives of Atlanta look classy.

Well anyways, I got a new pair of roller blades and my Girlfriend and I are heading over to a local park to "tear it up", it's not the best looking day out but we going to make the best of it.
Check out these bad boys,

They were originally 200.00 dollars, I got them on clearance for 70.00!

Starting today, is the big Old Navy/Banana/Gap sale though the 15th.
If you didn't get a coupon, leave a comment with your email address and I will send you one.
My mom and I are heading over this evening.

I have to-do list a mile long, we are going to the annual St. Patrick's Parade in Delray Beach on Saturday and I'm super excited
then
Sunday I'm having a baby shower for a good friend, pictures of my crafts to follow.

Hope you are having a great Thursday!
Oh... wait Thankful Thursday..ekk
I'll get to that later.

You have to be kidding me???

2009-03-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

I'm going to make this short and sweet (much unlike my day)
I got to work at 6 45 am to leave a 810 pm
My feet hurt, my head hurts.
No lunch. No pee breaks. Just lots of PATIENTS.
And I have to go back tomorrow.
Please pray for me.

I think I might kill the next stupid person I come across.
I have no tolerance for this,
My first patient of the day was a 45 y.o drunk lady.
Who had a piece of steak stuck in her throat since 6 am.
Mind you, she is telling me that she is choking.
(your not choking if you are talking and talking a lot to top it off)
But I'm the professional and explain the situation and what we are going to do about it.

Drunk lady isn't so professional and is darn right rude!
That is until the new good looking doctor walks in,
then she is sweet as pie.
Drunk lady says to me what are you "15", actually I'm almost 30, but thank you.
Then she says some things that I don't care to repeat but considering the source....
Then pulls her IV out...
Just for me to restart 10 minutes later.

I thought about giving her something to really choke on. Yes, I may look young but I'm not so much.
And remind her that the smokes and booze have made her look OLD.
Knowing if I do this all in the name of the Lord, it will be alright.

I'm really not mean and would never do anything to hurt someone but it doesn't mean I don't think about it. This job can be trying at times, seeing parents not taking care of their kids, people doing harm to one another but what really kills me is that so many men and women take no accountability for their choices.

"Being a nurse is not just a job, it's an adventure."
-- Anonymous

If I'm not here...I'm at the beach.

2009-03-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to let the pictures speck for itself...
Hope you had a good weekend as well.

Springtime is nature's way of saying "Let's Party!" ~ Robin Williams

Brunch anyone?

2009-03-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

Pottery Barn is hosting

Just in case you don't get the emails, I wanted to pass this along.
I have a shower that morning and I'm very disappointed I can't go :(

If you can't live without it...put a ring on it!

2009-03-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

Last night I got a call from a girlfriend that I've been friends with since middle school, we had English class together and became really good friends and have remained friends ever since. She says I saved her from the nerds that she had been hanging out with and made her life way more interesting. Truth is ...she probably would have been better off with them. Our senior year she was voted "Craziest personality" and myself "Most fun" but truthfully we came by it honestly, we were good kids! Just always having fun and still do. No matter what I'm doing I like to have fun and she and I share that trait. But about 1 1/2 months ago she called me and told me that she was engaged! Of course, I was super excited, seeing how she has been with her boyfriend for 13 years, almost more than half her life.

So last night she called me and asked how I asked my bridesmaids to be in my wedding and I told her how I wasn't quite sure, I would have to think about it...

Bride: Is there a proper way of doing it?
Mrs. Tea: I think you can just ask.
Bride: Yeah, well I've been thinking of different ways.
Mrs. Tea: I will ask my blog friends and do a little research (she always makes fun of me for this)
Bride: well how about I just ask you " Will you be in my wedding?"
Bridesmaid: Scream (Loud) Yes, Yes, of course.
Bridesmaid: What color is the dress?

You would have thought that she was asking to marry me. I am so honored. It really means alot to me. So she is getting married Jan. 2010 (that sounds so far away) in the keys. And I'm wearing Yellow. Here is a picture from our ski trip in Feb., she is the third girl friend the left and we are all in the wedding, plus two other girls.

“A happy bridesmaid makes a happy bride.”

Thankful Thursday is Grand..

2009-03-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Luckiest Mrs., sent me this award
Why life is Grand award and I thought I would tie into my
Thankful Thursday...

List five reasons why Life is Grand

1) Because as far as I'm concerned today is Friday, no more work til Tuesday!
2) Friday I'm having lunch at one of my Favorites, Baja Cafe then going to Town Center for some Spring Shopping with my girlfriend M.
( this is us out celebrating my b-day last year)

M. is getting married in the keys in October, I'm super excited for her!

3) The rest of the weekend is left to do what ever we want!

4) I got my new Arbonne products and I'm in love.

I used them last night for the first time and woke up this morning and even my hands were soft from the product, plus, the new daily cream as spf 20...music to my ears!

5) My IRL BFF has a blog, check it out! I'm just a girl...

Life is Good...

Tagged...

2009-03-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

I only have a minute tonight, I got home from work late, ate dinner, catching up on the blog world, enjoyed everyone's comments from the Bachelor last night ...sure crazy! And the best might be tonight. So I have to make this quick. But I wanted to get caught up on my tags, knowing that people think about you and enjoy your random thoughts are so sweet. Tonight's tag comes from Ramblin mama.
In this one, you must post your 4th picture file on your computer and blog about it. You then tag 4 others to follow suit.

Mr. Tea's bithday is on Halloween, so we always make a big deal. This picture was about 3 years ago, we dressed up as Elvis and Priscilla. We had so much fun! Halloween costumes are something I think about all year, in fact, I already have next year's picked out.

"As a person, he was wonderful. He really was a great person. He was full of life. He had a great sense of humor. Very talented, of course, but very caring to his parents. There was a very endearing quality about Elvis." Priscilla Presley

Weekend recap

2009-03-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

My weekend was spend working...

I'm an ER nurse in a hospital about 20 minutes away. I started working here when I was in nursing school in the nursery, my first job was to give the babies their first bath, take footprints and feed babies. It was probably the best job I ever had. Midway though nursing school I went on a trip to Phily with the school and got an internship at Bayfront medical Center in St. Pete, Florida. I was suppose to be in Labor and Delivery but when I got there they put me in trauma, I was scared to death. I only wanted to ever take care of mommies and babies. But I loved it! Talk about everything happens for a reason.
So when I got back to school in the Fall I transferred to the Emergency Room, never intending to stay 7 years but that's where I still am.
I love my job. I take pride in what I do.
There are times when my patience are tested to the end but there are times when you get the opportunity to help others and made a difference. I've learned so much working in a place like this, I count my blessings everyday.
But the best part of my job is hanging out with all these great ladies...
We have so much fun!
When you spend 12 hours with people you are forced to get along but I got a lot more than that with these girls. We are each others councilors, open ears but most of all we support each other.
We have become great friends at work and in our personal lives. I'm watching all their children grow up and they are always giving me advise for when I have kids. The girl on the far right, is the newest addition, I trained her and we were instant friends, she's from Alabama and is my SEC pal. We are taking a road trip at the end of the month to Alabama and then I'm going on up to Mississippi. The girl to the far left daughter was one of the flower girls in my wedding.
Oh by the way, there is a new nurse that is working with us that came from Mount Sinai in Beverly Hills and she said she was there when Brittany Spears came in, being that it is against the law, she would not tell me anymore than that but I was asking a million questions but she said the nicest famous person she took care of was Tori Spelling, I was not surprised she seems down to earth, considering.

When you're a nurse you know that every day you will touch a life or a life will touch yours. ~Author Unknown

Strawberry fields.

2009-02-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

My very good friend L is due with her second baby in May and wanted to take a little get-a-way with her hubby before the new baby comes, which meant I got to hang out with the soon- to- be big sister for the day. Being the mommy that I'm not, I had the day planned from start to finish with all kinds of fun stuff. I learned the last time she isn't quiet ready for crafts so we skipped that this time. First, we did a little shopping (Old Navy has all there new dresses out, as of today) I got a few things and so did she. All dresses of course. Then we went to lunch, chick-fil-a of course, complete with a play ground.
But the best part of the day was picking strawberries. There is a produce stand...no wait, that doesn't do it justice. There is the, mother of all fruit/vegatable/ meat market in Delray Beach called "The Boys", I heart this place. It is insane. Everything is so fresh and good. On every row there is someone cutting the fruit so you can try it before you buy it, so fresh. But the down fall, I'm usually the youngest person in there by like 30 years and it's always packed (except on the Jewish holidays), they even have a police officer at the door. But anyways getting back to my story...they have a u-pickem called "The girls ".

Rows and rows of strawberries.

I just love her.

If you only knew how hard it was to get this picture between the 80 year old taking the picture and the 1 year old not looking at the camera, but do you see the strawberry car?

We had a great time picking the strawberries, she loves them as much as me. But I learned a big lesson today, as one day I hope to have a little one (or two) of my own...bring a stroller everywhere! Carrying a 1 1/2 year old was Heavy. They also had birds, turtles, donkeys, swans there. After that we then headed to the park for a little more fun time, then I dropped her off at her grandparents and put her down for a nap. My friend L, text me and said her father had to wake her up at 6 pm from her nap, she hadn't slept like that in "months" and wanted to know my secret but I just got the message I was napping!

Mr. Tea and I went out for "Happy Hour" with a friend and her new friend, we had fun. I have to work all weekend...not fun.
Hope everyone has a fun filled weekend, gotta run Friday Night Lights is coming on.

Summer...I can almost feel you.

2009-02-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

The weather has been so nice down here in South Florida, you might want to skip this post if your still experiencing less than 60 degree weather. But if you have, then your probably getting the summer time blues too. I actually gave the thought of putting on a bathing suit today and it didn't seem so bad (thought might change once I actually perform this task). Here are a few beach goodies I threw together:

Vera Bradley beach bag $85

A coin purse for the meters $15

I went over to bath and body to pick up a tanning miracle,
it really does work and has SPF in it so I put it on before I go out in the sun. I had a 20% off coupon and got it for $10, not too bad

I know you Gator fans will like this suit but that isn't what I was thinking when I first saw it...
trust me!

Super cute from VS and it's onsale.

I got this cute necklace at Target $15

So here's to wishful thinking...

A make over in the making...

2009-02-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

This project has been running though my head for quite sometime. First, I'll give you a little history, I brought my condo about 5 years ago before I was married or even thinking marriage, I didn't have a lot of money ( still don't) to do the things that I wanted to do, so I moved in and piece by piece have put rooms together. Now I'm down to my last room, the most important room in the house...our bedroom. After we got married we had planned to sell this condo and buy a home but with the housing market the way that it is, we have opted to stay here, travel and save money. But now after all the work that we have done, I love it! It now feels so "homey". Well that is every room but our bedroom. The walls are still painted pink from my single days and the furniture is to big for the room. So here is a before picture and though it might be a month or two before you see the after I will show you my ideas and feel free to give me feedback...

I've all ready taken every thing off the walls and have listed the furniture on Greg's list, I think I might go by a consignment shop and see what they think. I'm sure they are filled with furniture at this point. So here goes my ideas, yes , I have all these clippings on a board at my house, I watch to much HGTV.
First, the walls

I'm choosing between the two bottom colors from restoration hardware, they have the best colors.

I wanted this light fixture from Pottery barn, in my dining room but it wouldn't work right and then I saw a make over show on Oprah a couple of months ago where they used it in the bedroom, I love it!

Then I found this bed at Ballard designs and thought it would be perfect.

With this bedding

I love all white bedding and I was thinking orange and brown throw pillows and lots of them.

With a large mirror like this one above the bed

I want a dark brown dresser

We have our tv in an armoire and I want to get one that hangs on the wall with a constole table under it for pictures and things, like this one

So what do you think? I have only ordered the bed and lighting at this point because I have to do something with my old furniture first. I was thinking that I could find the bedding, pillows, mirror and side tables at Homegoods and I'm going to Memphis next month and will go by the pottery barn outlet and see what I could find. I also had them come measure for new flooring, I love the look of wood but went with a shag carpet. I'm super excited!

Throw me something mister...

2009-02-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Mardi Gras!
I couldn't even watch the news today and see chips of all the madness that was happening over there in the Big Easy this past weekend, I knew that I would just get upset that I was not there with my beads on and a daiquiri telling to everyone "Happy Mardi Gras". I really wish that we would have gone. I just talked to my mom, they went up for the weekend and just got home and she was so excited to tell me the stories of the great parties and being arms length from Kid Rock, I totally didn't even know she was a fan.
I'd like to share with you my favorite part of Mardi Gras...it's the Saturday before Mardi Gras Day, Endymion Day. We lived in New Orleans for about 4 years after leaving Mississippi and I had an aunt that lived/lives right near City Park, the start of Endymion. Every year someone in my family goes the night before and reserves an area, in which case means has to sleep in the area. They really go all out, the food, drinks, complete with a port- a -potty ( for anyone who has ever been to Mardi Gras, they can appricate that). It is just a great day of throwing a football, line dancing in the street, and since this area has become so popular in the last 10 years they have a giant stage set up for entertainment, which is how my mom some how ended up in VIP listening to Kid Rock, she says to me, he sang that Sweet home Alabama song...:) The parade lasts like two hours, it's unreal. The floats are beautiful, the middle/high school bands are amazing, these kids walk a parade route that is like 20 miles long and during Mardi Gras they do it MANY times, The best part is watching someone who has never been to Mardi Gras, enjoy it. You think that you wouldn't go crazy over a bead but in the moment ...you would. It's not all like what you see on TV, this is about tradition, family and having a good time. In my 29 years, I probably have been to Mardi Gras 15 times from the time I was a kid and I can't wait to bring my kids one day and let them sit up on the ladders and yell at the top of their lungs "throw me something mister".

"If no tourists came, we'd still have Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a state of mind." ~ Ed Muniz

Not too late...

2009-02-23T15:46:00.001-08:00

You still have until Thursday to enter Whitney Caroline designs giveaway, so go on over and check it out! She also just got some new grocery bags in and they are super cute.

Thankful Thursday.

2009-02-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

Things that I'm thankful for this Thursday...
Friends, Family and God, will always be on the top of the list.

This week:
Kenny Chesney
Listening to his music always puts me in a good mood, I have a few favorites, Back Where I Come From,is one, it always reminds be of "back where I come from".
She thinks my tractor's sexy, I don't care who you are, there is something sexy about a man getting off his John Deere hot and sweaty in his overalls...
Every time we go to Mississippi, I always ask Mr. Tea, to go ahead and jump up in there.
This is my last favorite song, he's singing with Mac Mcanlly, who just happens to be from Mississippi, he writes alot of Jimmy Buffet songs and every time I've seen Jimmy Buffet in concert, he has been with him.

Not to mention his concerts are so much fun!

Dave Ramsey

Two years ago, a friend gave me a book called The Total Money Makeover, it's a financial teachings based on Christian beliefs. I was reluctant at first, I thought I know about this stuff and the truth is that we all know this stuff but he puts it in terms that make you want to put it into practice. I am now debt free, minus my house payment. I have one credit card that I use for the things that have to be on credit, I don't even have a debit card, I'm cash only. I'm living with such peace and with the state of the economy, there is a lot to be said for that.

This bad boy has helped me lose 3 lbs. in the last week. I get on it and I'm in a zone, focused on the butty. Today I was sweating so bad when I got off, it looked like I peed in my pants. Maybe that was too much info.

"Be thankful or what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never have enough" Oprah Winfrey

Giveaway...Galore

2009-02-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

There are some great giveways out there right now and I'm hoping I can scoop up at least one.
My flip flopz is hosting a fabulous giveaway of her super cute signs, this one just happens to be my favorite, I wonder why?

or this cute sign to hang on my front door for Easter

She has an esty site, so head over to her blog and check it out.

I love serving dishes, I can never seem to have too many, my dream home would consist of a walk-in closest for dishes, serving pieces and glass pitchers. But there is one thing missing in my collection and it's this...

Miss Monogram is giving away this beautiful tray, I love it! I think I would do a brown tray with lime green writing. It would look super cute in my Granny's pie safe with my others, what do you think?

(Yes, those on top are the dishes that I registered for when I got married from Pottery Barn that won't fit in a standard cabinet, just in case this happened to you too)

And last but not least, my friend over at A southern girl in the city.
She is always doing something crafty over there, I love everything that she makes. I have a pair of her earrings and always get complimented on them, so go on over and check her out and she is also giving away a cute memo board and the best part is, even if you don't win, she tells you how to make one.

Good Luck!

"You can have it all. You just can't have it all at once"
~Oprah Winfrey

Lilly comes to swoozies

2009-02-17T18:24:00.001-08:00

Swoozie met Lilly, Lilly met swoozie,
now we can all be friends.
And I'll have a party for us...

And I can use these plates to serve on

And we can sip our sweet tea in these tumblers complete with a umbrella

And don't forget to sign my guestbook

And I think I feel a giveaway coming on and it might look a little like this from the outside

What great friends we will be....

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures"
~Kanil Gibran

"Every goodbye makes the next hello closer."

2009-02-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

Tuesday nights just won't be the same without the ladies of the OC. I can't exactly explain why it is that I anxiously await Tuesday's with the wives, but it's one of the highlights of my week, for sure. This season has been the topic of every "lunch with the girls" that I have attended. I think sometimes when I get to talking about the ladies I forget that I really don't know them, that they don't care what I think and that we really aren't friends. Ladies,I will miss you (and so will Mr. Tea, but we will keep that between us) in the off season and can't wait until we have our Tuesday night together again, in the meantime, I have TiVo'ed every episode.

For the love of it all...

2009-02-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is always one of my favorite days of the year...I know everyone says it all about Hallmark making money but to me, it's more than that. It's a day to get creative and show those you love, how much you love them. Friday night, Mr. Tea surprised me with some goodies (neither one of us can ever wait to give gift on the day they are suppose to be given) and he got me these cute pink goodies.

When we were in Tahoe, I had mentioned that I wanted a pair of slippers to wear around the house and I guess Mr. Tea over heard us girls talking about UGG's and I was the only one that didn't have a pair, I guess he took that as I didn't want to be left out, so this is what I got. I have to be honest, I didn't want UGG's, I didn't see what was so great. But I'm now in UGG love. We went out for lunch today and I was trying to figure out how I could wear them with shorts in 80 degree weather and not look crazy but they are the most comfortable pair of shoes that I own. If anyone has any suggestions how I can pull this off let me know.

Mr. Tea knows me all to well. I'm all about comfort and he has out done himself in the comfort area this year, I love them!
Mr. Tea had to go into work on Saturday morning and wasn't feeling well, so he decided to come home and get some rest before we attended an Engagement party that evening. My girlfriend, my mom and I headed up to Jupiter for Arti -Gras, an annual art show, it was a beautiful sunny South Florida day, I picked up this cute belt for 20 dollars...

The name of the company is Palm Beach Ribbon design.
Check it out they have some really cute things at a good price.
When I got home these were waiting for me...

My favorite.

Valentine's night we went to an engagement party for our good friends, a couple that we have had the privilege of watching their relationship grow and we can't be more happy for them. And can't wait to head down to the Keys for their wedding in October. It was a great way to spend a day about love.
By the way, I got these super cute pants at Gap, I love white pants and these might be my favorite. I had a 20 percent off coupon that I got for filling out a survey online and then I got another coupon at check out.

And wore it with this cute top, a perfect pink top for V-day.

Hope everyone had a great Valentine's day!

“Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.”
Sex in the City

Tagged...

2009-02-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

My very first tag:
My friend over at Southern Savvy sent me a tag here are the guidelines...

1. Go to your pics, choose the 6th folder and the 6th picture
2. Tell who and what
3. Pick 6 people to do the same.

This is my good friend's baby Lauren Grace.
She was only two weeks old in this pictures and was having her first experience having lunch with the "girls" at Chipolte.
She doesn't look to happy about it! She is super cute and has a super sweet mom!

"A baby is God's way of saying that life should go on" Carl Sandburg

Life of a Savannah bride
The Luckiest Mrs.
I'm just beachy
The Pink TuTu
My flip flopz
40 pink piggies

An excuse for Red Velvet cupcakes...please

2009-02-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

For the love of Red Velvet Cake, do I need an excuse really?

There are many reasons why I hold Red Velvet cake dear to my heart,
First, it's a southern thing, who can argue with that?
Second, It is the most loved dessert for Mr. Tea and I (the only one we agree on)
Third, I have flown home from Mississippi with a Red Velvet cake as carry on luggage.
Fourth, was Mr.Tea's groom's cake.
Fifth, my mom's mother introduced me to Red Velvet when I was a little girl, she always had one cooked when she knew I was coming over, after she passed, my dad's mother kept the tradition going and always has a Red Velvet for me!

So I enjoy sharing this southern tradition and made cupcakes tonight to bring to my co-workers tomorrow as a Valentine treat.

Here is my Granny's recipe for Red Velvet cake

I cup oil
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 large bottles of red food coloring
2 cups self-rising flour
2 eggs
1 tsp vinegar
1 cup buttermilk
1 Tbsp cocoa

Cream oil, sugar and red food coloring together. Add remaining ingredients until moist. Beat well. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until it springs back when touched in the middle. Ice with cream cheese icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

1 stick real butter
1 1/2 box powdered sugar
1-8oz plus 3oz cream cheese softened
1 tsp lemon juice

Cream butter and cream cheese together. Mix in lemon juice. Slowly add sugar until mixed well, spread over cake, you may sprinkle pecans if want.

My granny's recipe was published in the church cookbook, how about that...

"You can't have your cake and eat it too"

A heavenly week...

2009-02-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

It's safe to say we made it home intact and happy to tell you about it. My brother is currently living out in Tahoe, so Mr.Tea (as he is now called) and I, my friend S (from high school) and Mr. Tea's uncle stayed at my brother's house. This was the view from his front porch..

If you look hard enough, you can see Lake Tahoe.
The others stayed in the Village.
This trip was all about good friends, family and having a good time and I can safely say it was even better than I thought it would be.
In case you did not know, I'm not the best skier but ladies, I have to say, I impressed myself this year. I was the only skier other than my brother's girlfriend (well at least of the first day) everyone else thinks they are too good for skiing and opted to snowboard. And after my second trip down the slope I was good to go. My friend S, decided to take snowboarding lessons because it was her first time, everyone else decided to go out and explore but I stayed behind and skied a slope near her class, in case something happened. My brother has warned me that the ratio to girls/boys in this town is 1 to 10, so as I'm watching my friend S, this guy that works for Heavenly comes up to me and starts talking to me, no big deal, then I decided to go inside the lodge and get a Diet Coke, all they have is Diet Pepsi (disappointed) then I went to the cashier 4.75, good God! Folks, I'm in the wrong business (I'll get to that in a minute) Then boy comes inside to sit with me, okay. At this point I'm thinking to myself "I've still got it, oh yeah" then boy asks for my email address, in case he comes to Florida. What?? I said to boy I have a husband but my friend S is single, maybe I can introduce you to her. Boy says, "I've been watching her and I think she needs to try skiing, she's not doing so well" How rude! So I just walk away but he was right.
My girlfriend, who happens to be beautiful and funny all rolled into one, is on a lunch break and and informs me that her instructor is very good looking and she is so nervous around him, it's affecting her snowboarding. I'm laughing so hard at this point, feeling like I'm in high school again, boy asks girl for number at lunch, friend has a crush on teacher...all to funny.
Friend decides she isn't going back to class and here's me teaching her how to ski ( by this point, there are 4 skiers now)

It was so cold!!

It was a blast! We skied 3 of the 5 days, I'm was so sore by the 3rd day, there was no way I was going to make it down the mountain another day. There is a lot that the sport of skiing can learn from the game of golf, first, there needs to be a "beer/diet coke guy", someone who sells drinks, hand warmers, etc., on the slopes. Getting from the slope to lodge is a hard push and lugging all that equipment around is hard, which brings me to the other point at which the sport can learn from Golf, a caddy, skiers need a caddy, someone to carry all your stuff and when you fall, will help you up and when you drop your pole from the lift can provide you with another (yes, I did that).

Mr. and Mrs. Tea

Needless to say, I'm happy to be home! When the pilot said it was 70 degrees when we were landing, it brought a big smile to my face.
I missed all of you so much, I have alot of messages to go though, I've very excited!
Hope you had a good week.

Wednesday is my Friday...

2009-02-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

At least this week...I'm off to Lake Tahoe! We're super excited! This is my first vacation as a blogger and I'm a little concerned how I will do without you all for a whole week. I already decided I'm not bringing my computer. Know that you will be missed. Pray I don't break a leg!!

Weekend Recap...

2009-02-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

Hope you ladies had a great weekend! My weekend was short seeing how I had to work on Saturday but there after, was great! Hubby called me at work on Saturday afternoon and asked if there was any way that I could get off work early to go to dinner. I could hear the excitement in his voice and knew I was going out to dinner regardless of this seconddayinarowwithoutdietcoke headache (actual medical diagnosis), as it turns out I was able to get off early. When I arrived home, hubby was dressed to impress, I was a little taken back. He says "put something nice on I want to take you out tonight"...and away we went. A true addict can rationalize her addiction, as soon as we sat down I asked for a Diet Coke (and then 4 more, yes I said 4) and the headache went away and we had a great night. These are things that hubby would do when we started dating that seem to fade but I made sure to tell him how nice it was and how special it made me feel, in hopes that it would happen more often.
Sunday we were bad and slept in and watched Charles Stanley on TV (that's a whole other blog, I love him) instead of going to church. Hubby played in a golf tournament and I met up with my mom at TJ Max/ Homegoods. Everyone knows I heart TJ/Maxx, Homegoods and Marshalls but this trip was extra special...are you ready?....J Crew found it's way to TJ Max and I got these cute things...

The picture doesn't do it justice...only it was 9.99

This super cute dress was 19.99, I think I'm going to dress it up and wear it on Easter Sunday!

I also got a few Easter items, I know I'm getting a little ahead but if you don't get it when you see it at Homegoods, it WILL be gone when you go back...for sure.

My mom always made the cutest stuff for Easter, including an Easter tree, so I got the pot and eggs to hang on the tree, I have a few more items to get and as time gets closer, I'll show you how my tree turns out. She also makes the cutest cupcakes ever and I will share!
Sunday night we went to our good friends L and A's house to watch the super bowl, I was disinterested in the game and found the kids were way more interesting until hubby told me he had won 125.00 in one of those block games and if the scored didn't change it would be 125.00 more and I was suddenly very interested. He ended up winning 125.00, which was pretty cool and very good for our trip in 2 days!!!!
Tonight should be a good Bachelor and I hope The Hills kicks it up a notch or else...who am I kidding I'll still watch it.

Tag...Your it!

2009-01-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

I got tagged... so here we go!

THE RULES:
Step 1: respond and rework—answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.
Step 2: tag—eight other un-tagged people .

Make a list of things you can see without getting up: TV, a window, my husbands clothes on the dresser, notice I said on the dresser not in the dresser.

Favorite football team: Ole Miss Rebs and the Gaints

What are you wearing now? Workout clothes, yes I went to the gym!

What color is your bedroom? My new color is about to be Cappuccino from Restoration Hardware ( the best paint colors ever)

What’s the last thing you read/are currently reading? Food labels.

Do you nap a lot? Never.

Who was the last person you hugged? Hubby

What’s your current obsession/addiction? blogging and Diet Coke

What was the last thing you said aloud? I was at Publix and some guy yelled to me "go rebs", I realized I had an Ole Miss shirt on. And I yelled back "hotty toddy"

What was the last thing you bought? groceries

What are you listening to right now? Dr. Phil

What is something you wish you could do more? Relax

What is your favorite weather, and why? Spring, for sure. I love the wheather, the clothes, there is always so much going on here during that time.

What time do you usually get up? 5:30 on workdays, 8 when off

What is your most challenging goal right now? Losing weight

If you could have any job, what would it be? A floral designer
Say something to the person who tagged you:Thanks for wanting to get to know me better.

If you could have a house–totally paid for, fully furnished–anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? About 10 miles east of where I live now

Favorite vacation spot? An vacation spot, as long as it a Va-K!

What is your favorite children’s book? The giving tree

Name one thing you just can’t resist no matter how bad it is for you: Diet Coke

If you could meet anyone famous - dead or alive - who would it be? Jackie O

Who is your hero? My grandfather

Social Wednesday

2009-01-29T06:36:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to dinner with my mom at a new restaurant in Downtown West Palm called Clematis Social, the ambiance was cool, I love when old buildings are restored. This was the inside.

The menu are items inspired to promote sharing and socialization. I had a nice time with my mom, she moved here about 4 years after myself. It means a lot to me to have her here with me, I could not imagine it any other way. There are lots of shops too in the area so we just walked around. They have a Maine Cottage, if you've never seen there stuff, it is beautiful.
Then we went into Ann Taylor Loft and I fell in love with this dress

I love dresses, you can dress them up or down, wear them to church or around town and I always feel so lady-like in a dress. I didn't get the dress, everything in the store was on sale, so I figure it's only a matter of time, but I went on the website and saw where they have a new teacher discount, 15% off. I'm not a teacher but my mom is.
Hope you are having a great end of the week!

"The best cure for an off day, is a day off" - Frank Tyger

Are you serious...

2009-01-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

Who started these nasty remarks about Jessica? As I checking my email today, I see as Yahoo's headlines, "Jessica Simpson's weight gain". A headline in the news...are you serious?? The media won't give her a break. I've always been a fan of Jessica ,all though regardless, if your a fan or not, this is rude and uncalled for. What she's a size 4 now, what kind of message are we sending to young people?
Jessica, you look good! All the "real" people have been there and this just goes to show that you are real.

"The real me is a southern girl with her Levis on and an open heart
Wish I could save the world, like I was super girl
The real me used to laugh all night lying in the grass just talking about love
But lately I've been jaded life got so complicated"
-Jessica Simpson

Mercy me

2009-01-27T18:52:00.001-08:00

I was so bummed! When we got to the fair this afternoon, I heard hubby say "oh no" and then I saw the sign. I was really looking forward to seeing Mercy Me tonight, hubby had taken the day off and everything. The lady at the booth said that something had happened to a family member, so when I got home I went to the website and it looks as though Bart's daughter is in ICU with RSV, so please pray for Sophie and her family.
But we made the best of it and ate everything in site.

These are the fried oreos, they were great!

Of course, it is only custom that a man wins his lucky lady a prize

Yes ladies, that thing is living in my car right now, hubby doesn't understand why I won't let it in the house. So as for now, I'm the new owner of a 4 foot pink monkey.
I hadn't been to a fair in years, It was fun! We sat and watched a demonstration on Americarft cookware, it was awesome, it's waterless, butterless cooking, I really liked it but after 30 minutes of sitting there we found out it's like 3000.00 dollars, no thanks!
But we had fun!

"I can only imagine, what it will be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine
What will my eyes see, when your face is before me,
I can only imagine"
Mercy Me

MIA

2009-01-27T07:16:00.000-08:00

I've been a bad blogger...I had to work four days straight! I know when I say that, I usually don't get much empathy. But I work 12 hour shifts in a very busy ER, in which, I go in and it's dark and I come out when it's dark, so for four days I didn't see the sun! Now do you understand a little bit more. That is the down side of my job, the good side (besides helping people...of course) is that I now have four days off, love it. Tonight hubby and I are going to the fair! We are going to see a concert and to eat. There is no way I would ride those rides...for sure! But I heard they have a booth that "if you bring it they will fry it", I'm bringing my oreos for an experiment. I"ll let you know how it goes. Hope everyone is having a great day!

"would you like some cheese, with that whine"

Bride Wars

2009-01-21T18:55:00.001-08:00

Went to see Bride Wars with my good friend "L" tonight, she was in my wedding and I was in hers. I really enjoyed the movie. It was better than I thought it would be. It was more about friendship than weddings. And the son- in -law from Reba (lifetime) was in the movie, I was glad to see him get a big role. I love watching Reba.

By the way...

2009-01-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

I was at TJ Max/Homegoods this afternoon and the cashier who just happens to be there every time I am, told me that tomorrow was Customer Appreciation Day and all sale and regular priced items we 15% off. I asked if it was just that store or nationwide ( I was looking out for ya'll) and he said he thought it was everywhere. I went on their website and it wasn't posted nor did they have anything posted in the store but it was in the newspaper today.
Happy Shopping.

Random acts for Wednesday

2009-01-21T06:41:00.000-08:00

All week they were saying that today was going to be the coldest day in South Florida in "years", I was super excited, I love a few cold days here and there, or so I thought. When Hubby left this morning (I'm off today), he said he turned the heat on, it wasn't! When I woke up, which wasn't easy getting out of bed on a morning like this, I went straight to the thermostat and it read "60" degrees, in my house! What! After about an hour of trying to put the heat on, I got it, now it reads "75" degrees, that's what I'm talking about. We are having a hot summer day in my house today!

I am going to adventure out at some point today because I got this great coat at J. Crew back in September and haven't been able to wear it, so I'm going to take advantage of the opportunity, I might freeze but at least I look good.

But mine is in sea foam white.

I had ordered a new cookbook for my BFF and I (were domestic divas in training) and I got them yesterday and thought I would try a recipe from the book, it didn't look the way it was intended to but it was good. I showed hubby a picture of what it was suppose to look like and then mine, he it ate it all the well. I don't usually buy cookbooks for many reasons 1) you can find everything online 2) I have so many cookbooks from my grandmother, southern baptist churches publish the best cookbooks. But my new cookbook is full of easy (or so I thought) ideas, it has tips on entertaining, full of beautiful pictures of food.

Katie Lee Joel, yes, she is Billy Joel's wife. She is from West Virginia and writes about times when she was younger cooking with her grandparents (dear to my heart), I'll let you know how my next try goes.

I didn't know KellysKornerblog.com, but I heard about Baby Harper and have been captured about by this story. Kelly went in to the hospital with a normal pregnancy but when Harper was born she had breathing problems and they had to intubate her and transfer her to another hospital, every day she seems to be getting a little better, I really hope she had a good night last night. I have been praying so hard for Harper and her family. I was talking with my BFF and my hubby last night, at the AMAZING support they have. I showed my husband Kelly's page and all the comments she has received, I have only been blogging for a couple of weeks but I was very proud to be in such good company and be surrounded by such loving, caring people.

There are a few giveaways over at Preppy Southern Princess and Well that's just Fabulous, some really great giveaways and great blogs, check it out!

By the way, I still don't know about you Gretchen!

Hope everyone has a Wonderful Wednesday and stays warm!

I very first award

2009-01-21T06:27:00.000-08:00

Thank you Pink Sass for my very first award

Here are the rules of the award:
1) Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design
2) Show the 7 winners names and links on your blog, and leave a comment informing them that they were prized with "Honest Scrap." Well, there's no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon
3) List at least 10 honest things about yourself

1) I wipe booty and push drugs for a living, I guess it's a little more complicated than that.
2) I'm a control freak...I pray about this everyday. I have a vision of how something should be in my mind and when it's not, it messes me all up.
3) I love road trips! Most people want to fly, I love going though small towns and just seeing all new places. My next road trip is March 25,my girlfriend is from Gulf Shores so we are going up together and then I'm going on to Mississippi, I'm excited! Then in May hubby and I are going to drive up to Savannah then on to Charleston, we have been to Savannah but never to Charleston, as time gets closer I'm going to need help planning my trip from you ladies up that way. Plus, with a road trip your limit to what you can bring home is way larger.
4) I love to clean, really. My mom would be so happy to hear that. But it has to be when no one is home, just me. I put my ipod on and have a diet coke and get to business.
5) Diet coke is my drug of choice. Honestly, I've been trying to cut down and so far I'm down to one a day. All those chemicals, it can't be good. I can honestly tell you that I know how hard it must be for alcoholics to quit drinking alcohol because I feel that way about Diet Coke.
6) I love concerts, hubby and I go to about 10 a year. There is an amphitheater about 10 minutes from our house, there is nothing like seeing a concert under the stars. My favorites last year were Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffet.
7) I have staple clothing, I where a lot of solid shirts and jeans, but I'm really trying to mix things up. But if you wear simple clothing you can wear over the top jewelery.
8) I want kids, a couple of them. A boy and a girl.
9) I'm not a shoe person, I know, crazy. I have a hard time picking out shoes. It takes me forever to find a pair I like.
10) I know this is bad and it's all part of that control thing that I have going on. I already have planned what my children's nursery will look like, I even already have clothes. God is dealing with me right now. Hubby says that we WILL NOT find out the sex when we do get prego because we would have a house full of stuff, he's probably right. I think it's more fun not knowing anyways...lol (yeah right).

Hope you all don't think ill of me now.

A stroll in Palm Beach...

2009-01-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

Last night Hubby and I decided to go for a nice exercise walk over in "Palm Beach", we live about 10 minutes West of the Island, and as much as I would like to say that the neighborhoods remind me of my own...it doesn't! Palm Beach is a small town filled with beautiful greeny, historical buildings, mansion after mansion and "very important people". My husband being born and raised here, is always willing to tell me stories about people who live on the Island and how things became the way they are ( he feels for Palm Beach as I do Mississippi, anytime I hear a southern accent, I have to ask "where you are from?" Often meeting someone from Mississippi, is enough to make my day). There is a lot of history on the Island starting with the Kennedy's, Donald Trump and we all know Ms. Lilly herself is a resident, actually this is where it all started.

As we started our journey, it went a little like this:
Hubby pulled into a parking space and this was my first view.

Yes ladies, the ultimate Lilly shop.

Now remember this is an "exercise walk" not window shopping but I asked if I could take a peep and this is what I saw...

Those would be the sale racks, six long, very long racks.
But we continued our journey, as I walked away, I was thinking to myself, as I'm watching the famous people (which is why I have my camera) come out with there pink and green bags, I had Lilly envy!
And then I hear my hubby say there's a purse over there in the park. So we walked over, sure enough it was a bag filled with a Louis Vuitton wallet with a VERY large amount of cash, two VERY nice cameras and a man named Antonio from Italy's passport.
At first, I'm thinking "no one would ever know", that dress was calling my name. But we did the right thing and walked it over to the Police Station and turned it in. I was really hoping that someone was doing a reality show and we were the stars, we passed, so now we get to keep it right...Wrong.
So Mr. Antonio with ALOT of cash, I really liked the dress in the window, if you want to say thank you for our honesty.
So back to our exercise walk we headed down Worth Ave., which is Palm Beach's version of Rodeo Dr., in Beverly Hills. It is so beautiful! They have every high end store you can think of. Here are a few pictures, maybe you can appreciate it has much as I do, but trust me pictures don't do it justice.

And

Then we headed down but the intercoastal

What nice view on a perfect January afternoon.

The beach in "Palm Beach"

I was going to tell you that this is Ms. Lilly's house but the truth is, I have no idea which house is hers.

As much as I love Mississippi, living in South Florida isn't too shabby either.

"If you live near the beach, they will come"

That's what I love about Sundays...

2009-01-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

Everything.
Even more when I don't have to work. Ever since I was a young girl, Sunday has always been my favorite day of the week. Maybe it has something to do with everyone being home (of course, I pick a profession that never closes), families getting together or it's just an okay to be lazy day. On my Sundays off work we go to Church then always go somewhere after to eat lunch, getting up and making something to eat before going to church to eat when we get home, sounds impossible to me but, believe you me, my grandmother did it. I guess that's where my love for Sundays started, I stayed with my grandparents quite a bit as a child, getting up on Sundays to good smellin southern food, then getting on your "Sunday best" for church...awe the good ole days. Still to this day, with our church a little causal, I love getting dressed up. When hubby was outta town about a month ago, my mom came over to ride with me to church and was completely surprised I had jeans on, not something I would normally wear. In the morning before church my hubby always says to me as were walking out the door "you sure look nice", as corny as it sounds, I love it. Getting dressed up on Sundays is something that I have always enjoyed. Plus, it makes shopping "all in the name of the Lord", which makes it okay right?
The rest of the day is spent doing whatever we please. But at some point, I chip my coupons and organize my coupon holder, coupons have become quite a game for me, "how much can I save". If I don't have a coupon I don't need it. Specking of coupons...I had a coupon for Old Navy and hubby informed me that he over heard that they were closing too, I couldn't let it go to waste, so after church we headed over. I don't really think that they are going under but it was worth the trip I got these cute items...

I can dress it up with a cute necklace or belt.

It's a beach cover up!
Which I plan on doing a lot of if I don't get to the gym.

Then this afternoon I went with my very good friend "N" and her beautiful girls on a walk, "N" and I met a couple of years ago at work and she has been a blessing to me. I just love her and her family so much. I'm so thankful for her!
So that concludes my favorite day of the week.

"A Sunday well- spent brings a week of content"

One of those days..

2009-01-17T18:44:00.001-08:00

Boy, am I glad today is over...I have just had one of those days. There is only one thing that I dislike more about my job other than working on Sundays and that's working on Saturdays, so at 5:30am when my alarm went off, I hit "snooze" like three times just to wake up 15 minutes before I need to be walking out the door. I made it there in one piece with a walking out the door make -up (or therefore lack of) job and the heat in my car as a blow dryer. The day didn't get any better but instead of focusing on the bad stuff, I'll tell you about the good things that have happened in the last few days, minus today.
I got my new earrings that I ordered from A southern girl in the city
I love them! Got lots of great compliments yesterday when I wore them to work, of course, today I forgot to put any earrings in.

She called them the "love knot"

I have been looking for some cute Spring/Summer dresses for the upcoming season, actually in Florida it's probably something I can wear next week, I found this one at Boden, I love it. Should get it within the next two weeks.

To keep things positive here are a few more things that I'm thankful for:
My family
My friends (from Mississippi to Florida)
A great J-O-B
Health
I roof over my head and a home filled with my favorite things
And a God that loves me despite all my flaws.

“On a bad day, I have mood swings - but on a good day, I have the whole mood playground” Charles Rosenblum

The Real Housewives of the 1950's

2009-01-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

I read this article a few weeks ago at work and we all got a kick out of it... Sometime in the 1950's allegedly Good Housekeeping wrote this article on being a "good wife". Ladies we have come a long way. I had my meal planned for a couple of days, the house was spotless and I was ready. So tonight when hubby arrived home from work, complete with a bow in my hair, I handed him a glass of ice tea, had ESPN on for him (usually it would be Oprah at around this time) and had his favorite meal, chicken and dumping cooking ( recipe to follow tomorrow). He got a kick out of it! He said he thought he was being "punked". Dinner proceeded with his favorite music on the iPod speakers. Actually, it was a great night!

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.
During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see him.
Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.
Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
A good wife always knows her place.

Tomorrow business as usual.

Say it ain't so...

2009-01-14T17:34:00.001-08:00

Dear Gretchen,
I'm really hoping that next week, you prove what I think to be true, wrong! Last week my husband and I had a heated debate about you and your actions, and last night you helped him built his case. From the beginning you have been my favorite, your always smiling, sport the best outfits (loved the dress and hat at the derby, great choice) and the hair is perfection. You are making all the other girls look boring but I think you may have over stepped the boundaries last night. And Ryan? You must have had your beer goggles on, for sure. I understand you are going though a lot right now, but maybe you should put the bottle of te-kil-ya down and go home. And when you finally sober up (this could take awhile, by the looks of you, you don't eat much) you really need to re-evaluate your relationship with Tamara. As she was, the "wing man" for Ryan last night. Please know that all this comes from concern for you and your bank account!
Love, E

P.S.~ In the midst of your disaster you still looked HOT!

I'm glad to see someone finally gave her a water!!!

Happy Anniversay to Us...

2009-01-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

Two years today we vowed for better or worse, for sickness and health, richer or poorer that with God's guidance we were one...Today my husband and I have deeper meaning of what it really means to get married. I wish that I can say that we have been in "marriage bliss" for two years and everyday gets better. But I would be lying (at least about the first part). We have been though a lot in the last two years. Marriage shows us our need to grow and deal with our own issues and self-centeredness. We have had to sort though our pasts, our differences and our expectations, to see the good. There were days when I thought the easiest thing to do was to walk away (and it probably was) though God's word we have found unconditional love, devotion and respect. Today we led our relationship and deal with situations without the "crazy cycle" and we are so much in Love and having so much fun doing it. I praise God everyday for this.
A few months after hubby and I "reconnected" as I like to call it, we went to see Fireproof, a movie based on Christian principles, I can't tell you about it, you just have to see it, but I can tell you that it made a HUGE impact on our marriage. When my husband and I left the theater, we just sat in silence. On January 27, it comes out on video. Please go to the website and check out the trailer.

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”

Toss up!

2009-01-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Here are Vera Bradley's new patterns for 2009, due in stores any time now, what's your favorite?

Shopping is my cardio...

2009-01-11T05:42:00.000-08:00

I've been looking forward to Saturday all week, my BFF came into town with her mom for a "little getaway", they live on the West Coast of Florida. We started our day in Downtown Delray Beach, it's older area starting at A1A extending west a couple of miles with lots of cute shops and great restaurants. There is always something going on down there, they have lots of great art shows, parades and is just a great place to spend the day. One of my favorite stores is The Snappy Turtle, I found this great pink and green decor.

Wouldn't this be a great set up for a "tea party"!

And then I went upstairs and I was in ribbon heaven, I love ribbon, it completely changes the look of everything. They were selling it by the yard at a price that wasn't in my budget, so I wrote down the name So good inc., and going to do some research.

Then we headed next door to C. Orrico, Lilly heaven. I got a pair of cute white shorts at 50% off, I love them, going to wear them today on my day trip with hubby. I went to the website and they had a lot of great sale items, check it out!
Then we headed over to the Boca Town Center, the mall of all the mall's.
My BFF and I got a pair of Tory Burch sandels, actually she got two.

Then as we are leaving the store she informs me that they are the shoes of the season, so in case you didn't know either. Aren't they cute.
I picked up this great cover up at Gap, it was 25% off and I had a coupon for an extra 35% off full price items and 15% off sale items, and it only cost me 19 dollars!

I had a great shopping day and the company was even better. My BFF's mom and my mom joined in on the fun. It was such a beautiful South Florida day and we soaked it up! Hubby and I are heading up to Stuart today after church for some quality time, its another downtown area like Delray but not as large...Hope your having a great weekend too!

"The quickest way to know a women is to go shopping with her" Marcelen Cox

Are you kidding me....

2009-01-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

Last night I stayed up way too late watching the BCS title game, but it was well worth the lost sleep. Actually, I had a hard time falling asleep after we turned the T.V. off, related to the joy that I felt for Tim Tebow. First and foremost, I'm a rebel (as you know) but cheer for the SEC, especially when the championship is up for grabs. But last night I enjoyed watching two great football teams battle it out. And, as if, Florida didn't already know, the broadcasters brought up the only Florida loss to Ole Miss, not once, not twice but five times though out the game (yes, I counted), I was diggin the "shout outs". Tebow even mentioned the loss in his offensive player of the game speech. So Congrads to Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators.
But what I was most impressed with and have been for the last two years, is Tim Tebow's devout christian walk. When he painted Phillippians 4:13 under his eyes at the SEC championship game, I thought it was so remarkable and it just happens to be my favorite Bible verse. And last night I thought John 3:16 written under his eyes in black was even better. And as I went to bed I thought what a great way to extend his message of faith. After reading many articles online this morning, they were calling it an "unholy controversy". Tim Tebow is one of the most professional athletes of this time, his ability to play football, display such enthusiasm for life and give to others,in God's name, is so inspiring. And I can only hope that Tim is getting the reaction that he wanted, John 3:16 was the most searched phase on google today.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

UPS ?

2009-01-08T09:16:00.000-08:00