Parents Visit Revisted..(the first few days)

Lets travel back in time.. to my parents visit two months ago. I keep saying I will recap their visit and just have not made the time to do so. Now that I am in a writing groove I'm going to try and keep the ball rolling with an update of their visit! Whoo hoo. Plus it's like I get to relive it again!

We are a bit out of order but I'm positive no one is going to mind. The day they arrived they got in around 3:30 pm, putting us at our apartment with two tired travelers close to five. I fixed an easy meal of beef bowls and then we tried to keep them awake to kick the jet lag.

The following day we headed into Sannomiya, a giant city center, to shop, look around, and pretty much not do any crazy sightseeing on their first day. We went to a rooftop nursery. I introduced my dad to the bakeries and his favorite, cheese bread, and then we decided to go catch the Buffaloes game at the outdoor stadium. On our way to the field we stopped at another shopping area where my parents delighted in some crepes. Then they experienced their first Japanese baseball game.

 

The following day we were greeted with rain. I had not planned ANY activities for rain and had no idea what we could do. My dad, Ken, found a couple sake breweries not to far from our apartment so we headed out to those. It was a wet nightmare but after my dad stopped and got directions, with my assistance, we set out to find the brewery. If you've seen one you've seen them all but it was neat to see just how it used to be made.

 

 

Then the days start to mix together so it gets confusing. We went to have a Japanese dinner one evening at a Yakiniku. There is a grill built into the table and you order your meat choices or vegetables and cook them yourself. At this particular restaurant it is timed and you can eat all you can in 90 minutes. At this point, I don't believe we had shared the news that they would be grandparents. I was super nervous that the raw meat sitting in front of me was going to make me sick, but I enjoyed the entire meal with no problems. I even had tongue for the first time and it was pretty good.

 

 

The first few days allowed them to get a feel for traveling by train and the general idea of our life here in Japan. Our first all day excursion was to Awaji island which you can read about here and then we will be ready to move on to the next big travel days of Hiroshima, Kyoto and around Kobe.

 

But first...a special video. We decided to tell my parents the night before Mother's Day because Brandon was busy all day that Sunday and wouldn't be around. A little back story behind the gift. There was some sort of pop up sale  in our building that had all sorts of Japanese goods. My mom spotted this really pretty lazy susan she wanted but didn't buy it. When she told me about it, I told her not to get it because it would be to hard to get home. The next morning we walked right past the sale again, she had a massage, and it was still there, which is when I got the bright idea to buy it and use that to surprise her with our news. While she was getting her massage I hurried, bought the plate and got it back to the apartment, hid a special surprise inside, and kept it until after our dinner pictured above. She thought she was just getting her lazy susan but ended up with so much more! I love that Brandon captured her reaction because they are the only two people we got to tell live in person.

 

An Honest Pregnancy Update

Here I am, 16 weeks pregnant and I've hardly given this baby the attention it deserves here on the blog. I used to write here because I loved to create and make things and then share them for anyone who stumbled across them. Now I write more or less to share with everyone back home in the states some of our daily life and adventures we are experiencing in Japan. But our baby is both something we've created and want to share with everyone plus a very huge part of our daily life.

I've been apprehensive to share much about the pregnancy because at times I wonder, 'does everyone really need to know x, y, z?' And because I am not one to handle criticism and unwanted opinions about such a touchy subject very well. Brandon and I are both believers and we have already been in prayer for God's guidance to be the best parents we can be and will rely on our faith to guide us in this new and exciting journey.

So here is a little bit of our story and the beginning of our little one.

It was our decision to start trying for a family at the beginning of this season, this was no surprise. Since January we discussed it on a regular basis and felt based on travel plans and the off season we would try to have a baby between mid November and January. Once I made it to Japan we prayed about it to make sure we were both ready and to ask God if he wanted this for us then we were ready. On May 2nd, we found out that God was in fact ready for us to be parents. This is the note I used to tell Brandon. He was speechless and yes that is a Japanese pregnancy test.
 

If you remember, my parents came for a two week visit just six days after we found out a baby was on the way. It was obviously very early in the pregnancy but I knew that we had to tell them while they were here in person. I would wake up each morning wondering when I would feel sick and if I would be able to make it traveling and sightseeing with my parents. There was one afternoon where I couldn't get out of bed, I never got sick, I just had zero energy and zero appetite. The next day I felt fine. Back when I remember that I first knew I wanted to have kids, I began praying then each time pregnancy would cross my mind, for no morning sickness - an answered prayer.

Then started my free boob job. Because I'm being 100% honest here this was and is still quite a shock for me. I knew that the ladies became sore, what I didn't realize they would grow. And grow. And grow. And there is one of us who isn't complaining. Slowly but surely my clothes are shrinking. For a few weeks my belly would grow all day and then shrink back up while I was sleeping. Today, the belly is almost always out or at least it only takes until after breakfast for it to show up and I'm becoming quite fond of it.
 
Having a growing body is a challenge for a pregnant woman at least for me it was/is. I know that each and every kilogram I gain is for the best reason in the world. As a woman, and being at the I look like I ate to many cupcakes phase will take a small toll on your self esteem. At the time I was feeling really guilty about feeling bad about gaining some weight so I decided then I would make sure that I would feel as healthy as I could and make sure to get exercise for the both of us. I bought some goggles and a swim cap and started hitting the pool after a gym workout. And I finally started to feel confident and healthy as I continue to grow. Although this past week I have slacked, but know how to simply fix the problem, as soon as I get my doctors approval for $30. I know, ridiculous.

I began eating the same thing for breakfast for about a week, then the following week it would be something different, and this pattern still follows. This week it's frozen waffles. Last week it was Frosted Flakes with fruit on top and the week before it was scrambled eggs and cheese. For lunch my favorite has been tomato + cucumber + avocado salad or sandwich. I also have lots of nights were I want to have a glass of chocolate milk before bed or a handful of M&M's. There haven't been too many cravings. Mostly because I know the things that I would really like are 5,000 miles away so I try not to let my mind wander there and it's been working. Oh and cherries, I have LOVED cherries even at almost $5 a pack. Blame it on the kid, expensive taste already.
 

 
 
In the beginning, I continued to drink soda and coffee but I would try and limit myself to one a day. But it was hard and I failed miserably. I also had lunch meat and a hot dog or two but couldn't convince myself that these things would hurt our baby. I also had way to much candy, which led to a toothache, which led to me realizing I was making bad bad choices. Sorry baby, momma is a first timer. I know in my heart that God is protecting this child and that if there is something going to happen to our baby I know that it is His plan and not mine. I would simply ask that while I did those things that he allow them to not hurt our son or daughter. I still feel this way today however you'll be glad to know I have adjusted my habits and try eat and drink things that will help our baby grow but I'm not a drill sergeant either, it's about moderation. Lesson learned.
 
Our doctor visits are every four weeks and each time we visit we get to see the baby. The first visit we got to see the heartbeat. On our second visit we got to hear the heartbeat and this past visit we got to see it's little legs and arms moving. We have a DVD that they add each visits ultrasound and this past visit has been my favorite thing to watch. I thought the first two visits were great but this past one blew me away because it actually looks like a baby at this point. Our doctor speaks very little English but he knows how to say everything looks good, which we LOVE hearing. I think I mentioned before but we are not finding out the gender of our baby. Check out this little sprout! Each week I will read to Brandon what our baby is said to be doing. So this week he or she can hear our voices and it's not weird at all having someone talk into your belly. It has probably heard us laughing a ton at night because we are on this strange Jimmy Fallon kick where we watch video after video until way to late. Other than that we just pray he/she is healthy.
 

8wk/11w6d/15w6d

 
Don't get me started on the amount of toilet paper I've been going through. I think the placement of the bladder in a woman may have been a tiny joke BUT I'll take it because I know it's only going to continue for the next five months. I have to get out of the pool and use the bathroom more times than the old folks, a tad embarrassing.
 
That is our pregnancy through the first 15 weeks. I have been blessed with zero nasty symptoms, a boob job, shrinking clothes, the ability to hold it like no ones business, a tiny baby with super cute little bones and a thankful heart for this wild ride of an experience that is going way to fast already. And I almost forgot a super supportive and excited husband which has made this experience even better.  
 

12w4d/12/5d/13w4d/13w6d/14w2d/15w1d 

Christmas Memories 2012

Merry Christmas friends! It's been so nice to be away and enjoy the holidays with Brandon's family and my own. We are so grateful for our awesome family and the (over) abundance of gifts we received. Each year I say that if I didn't get one thing I would be happy. After moving ten hours away spending time with family has become something I cherish so much. I would take more visits over gifts any day, especially with our upcoming move out of the country.

 

My favorite thing about this Christmas was sitting by the Christmas tree hearing my mom tell stories of Christmases when we were little and how hectic playing Santa was.

 

 

The funniest thing was our annual game of Balderdash. My brother-in-law comes up with the most hilarious/ridiculous definitions and then we quote him for the rest of the year.

 

With all the joy comes a little sadness. This might be the last Christmas with our dog Rudy that we got 15 years ago on Christmas Eve. I hate to think about it, but we all know that his days are numbered. Christmas also makes me miss my Grandma Norma. She made our stockings and I love their uniqueness. I feel like it will be wrong to ever split the four of them up.

 

 

I realized during the holidays the different little joys the internet brings. I gifted two handmade items from a shop that I found through Instagram and I received one from the same shop from my brother. It makes me so happy because I love supporting handmade. Note to self: Next year be sure to take advantage of the cyber Monday deals handmade shops offer.

 

True Love Ring via Amy Cornwell

 

Subtle Mini Necklace

 

I also made the BEST buttermilk pancakes from a recipe shared by Shelley. Not kidding. If you stop reading now to jot down this recipe and forget to come back, I don't care. Go write it down, and then make them. Now. It blows my mind the little joys internet friends bring. They just make your life better and the people in your life too if you make awesome recipes they share.

 

 

Of course Tag man loved playing with his cousin Buoy all weekend but he sure was worn out when they left today. That little man is wiped out.

 

 

I'll be flying solo for five weeks while BD is overseas for the start of our new adventure in Japan. Thank goodness Japanese Santa stopped here. He brought jet lag medicine, chopsticks, and chopstick trainers. Yep, going to need those.

 

 

I also felt like I needed to break in my new toy from BD with a post. He is way to good to me.

 

 

So here I am again documenting some of our life for anyone interested. To all of my new friends made through the world wide web, THANK YOU for sharing your life with me and so many others. I hope you ALL had a merry Christmas and that the new year will be full of great memories for you and your families.

 

Lauren

TAG!

Hi, Tag here. My mom obviously has been slacking on her blog. I offered to take over some of the duties until she can get it together. But before we go any further let me tell ya bout myself. My name is Tag Dickson. My birthday is July 12, 2012 so that makes me 59 days young. They say I'm sable colored but you can just say teddy bear brown, easy enough right. I weigh a whopping 1.5 lbs and stand about six inches tall. I'm little but you'll love me. 

first car ride with new family

I first met my new mom and dad on a rainy Thursday afternoon. There was loud noises and bright flashes in the sky. My three brothers and I were getting soaking wet while they were oohing and ahhing over us. She picked me up, looked me in the eye, then turned to the man and with a pitiful face she said, "I want this one!" 

I was pumped because I was cold, shivering, and a little wet when she wrapped me in the snuggest of blankets. What I didn't know was I was about to leave my little brothers. I miss them a lot but boy oh boy have I gotten a lotta love in the last four days. Then we hopped in 'big blue' and rode for what seemed a really long time. The sun came out and she cuddled me the entire trip home. When she wasn't cuddling me she kept taking pictures of me. Just wait and see I'm sure I've been posted up all over the interweb by now. She and my dad kept throwing out name after name but none of them sounded right, seriously I could have been called Pickles, they actually said that, they were getting ridiculous. I tuned them out and snoozed. I love napping, I hope they are okay with that.

cuddles with mom // napping with dad

I'm pretty sure my mom and dad have never owned a puppy before. I'll just go ahead and say that I am a really really good one for them to start with and that I'll forgive them for the mistakes they make. I have peed on the floor just a few times but they didn't get mad. Actually, I'm just going to go ahead and say it, I haven't had many accidents at all, except a funny one I'll get to in a sec. Mom is really on top of taking me outside. She is so thoughtful, or crazy, she puts a red jacket on me in the mornings so I don't get cold in the dewy grass. I think my celebrity doppelganger is Alvin the chipmunk when I'm sporting my snazzy jacket. I'm sure she will show you that eventually. 

We had a great first night. I slept soundly in my cage and I woke mom up at six a.m. I think she tells you all that she isn't a morning person and sleeps past 11 most days, but I'm here to change that. I don't love that box thing, they call it a kennel, why get fancy its a cage and I know it. I know it's for my own good and won't have to always sleep in it. It's kinda nice in there she can't snap any photos. Can you say paparazzi. I try to eat that stupid phone. She doesn't let me.

There was lots of commotion on Saturday, they kept making trips in and out of the house carrying stuff and talking about a place called Alabama. I now know what, or where, Alabama is and I think I'm gonna like it okay. It was a long car ride. I slept most the way, then they tried to see how long I could hold it so I taught them a quick lesson in puppy bladders. They are small and when you gotta go you gotta go. I went. I peed right on my moms lap on my fuzzy blanket. She wasn't mad and Dad just laughed and laughed. He laughs a lot, I think he likes me. 

helping mom pack

So they tell me this is home for now. After all the traveling I'm excited to stay in one place, and I think I heard my mom and dad say they are glad too. I'm gonna go find a lap to curl up on now so I'll talk to you all again real soon because I'm sure mom is going to continue slacking. I know she is so happy though she tells dad how much she loves me bout 800 times a day. I'll do my best to keep her happy. 

Much love my new friends,

Tag

A Baseball Update - Behind the Scenes

Hey guess what... we've moved again/are still moving/never stop moving. I don't really know how to describe it so I'm going to do my best. 

I left you yesterday telling you I was going to New York until Monday. It's Thursday night. I've already been to New York and I am back at my parents house in Missouri. My husband on the other hand never made it to New York, is in Memphis, and leaves for another long road trip Friday. 

The thing with our life is that it is on a day-to-day basis. We thought that we had at least until mid June until we would be rejoining the Memphis team. We thought wrong. Brandon was temporary filling in for a teammate that was on the disabled list and we assumed we had more time. 

It's hard to explain how baseball life works sometimes but I'll keep going...

I arrived in New York yesterday afternoon and got checked into the hotel. When the ladies travel they are usually allowed to check in on arrival. Sometimes the guys don't get in until the early morning and they accommodate for the wives/girlfriends. The hotel was one block from Times Square - I promise I'll write some happy posts with touristy photos soon. I walked around with one of the other girls that had been to NY before. Then we headed back to the hotel to rest up and just do whatever. I got hungry around 9:30 and was nervous to go walk around in the big city alone, but me being the huge rebel I am decided to go. 

My husband finally called me and I was so excited to hear from him. Our conversation went something like this:

L: Oh my gosh -- you are not going to believe how big it is! I have been wanting to text you pictures since I got here but I know you'll be here in about two hours so I'll just let you see it in person. You're going to drive right through it all on the way to the hotel. 

B: Oh, well you should probably go ahead and send them cause I'm not going to be seeing it.

L: What?! How come?

B: I got sent down tonight. They told me after the game.

L: Are you kidding me?

He wasn't. Were we really having this conversation while I was already there waiting for him to arrive? I was crushed. He was crushed. We were going to have a whole day of sightseeing in a new city together. Instead I'm staying in New York, alone, and he is flying to Memphis. I wasn't ready to go back to the room and be alone and ponder over everything that just happened and all that needed to happen. I stayed out in Times Square until about 1 am. Mostly just taking in the little time I had left in NY. 

I went back to the room, showered, and cried. There was no point holding it in. I cried because I could hear the disappointment in my husbands voice on the other end of the phone. Because I couldn't be there to comfort him. Because I know how much he loves what he does. Because he wants to live his dream. Because he loves supporting our family. Because I won't see him for ten days. I needed and wanted to be there for him and I was hundreds of miles away and stuck. We were both helpless. We can't control and had no say in the matter. It's hard.

I made the decision to head to the airport as soon as I woke up, after not falling asleep until after four, and cancel Monday's flight and schedule a new one. After a hour and a half delayed flight after boarding...I made it back to St. Louis to my parents house. 

Did I mention that we gave our 30 day notice for our Memphis apartment on the 29th, scheduled for our rental furniture to be picked up, and the rented washer and dryer to be picked up. Also, Brandon's bags were on the plane already and ended up in NYC without him. Fortunately he has a hotel room for the evening and his bags will be there soon. 

I like to think I'm handling this all very well, maybe I'm not. I don't know. How do you prepare for this? I know it's complicated for those who don't fully understand how it works. Basically they just tell my husband which team he is playing for on any given day and that's where we go. Right now its between Memphis and St. Louis but... if a trade happens, well, I don't want to think about it.

Since he is leaving for a road trip, I'm staying in Missouri with my family, who has been awesome and them living here has made our life so much easier. We'll try and let the dust settle before our lives change again unexpectedly. I have a sleep over already planned with my favorite munchkins and a trip to see all siblings next weekend. We don't know why this happened, but we are trying to focus on the fact that we don't know what will happen tomorrow or the next day, or the next and that it could be so much better than today. 

Times like these make me realize how much of a rockstar my husband is. He used to be a bachelor and could handle this all on his own, now he has to worry about me too, and he does it the midst of all he has going on. I'm learning to be adaptable and always ready to roll with the punches even though some days they are sucker punches. Luckily we can rely on each other through the chaos. He apologizes for me being stranded alone. I apologize for him and his bad days at work. We pick each other up and sympathize for the other, we love each other through it all. I guess that is the lesson in today's crazy events. We're gonna be okay because we'll always have each other. 

Vintage Darlings Are Born

Me: I think I'm going to pick up a new pair of some color skinny jeans, they are in right now.

Brandon: Who says?

Me: It's all over right now. It's just in.

Brandon: But why? Who decided that its 'in'?

Me: I don't know I can't explain to you how fashion works. It's just popular right now.

Brandon: Who says that though? Which person decided that and told the whole world?

We go round and round. I can't convince him if it's in or not, and if it is, he will never jump on the bandwagon. He will stick to his greens, blues, grays, browns, and of course Camo for the rest of his life because to him, camo is always in.

I'll admit my closet is not real up and up with what is in as far as fashion goes. I wear what is comfortable to me and what I think is cute, and of course things Brandon likes and sometimes things he doesn't. 

As a tiny shop owner of some clutches and wristlets I try to follow the current trends. Maybe that isn't a good idea and maybe I should make what I like instead. If I did that though, I would probably hoard all my new designs and not be able to share these with everyone else.

It has occurred to me that thrifting and vintage clothing are a hot item right now. Brandon if your reading, don't ask me why or who decided this, it is what it is. The last time I went shopping for fabric all the pieces I picked in some way reminded me of my grandma Norma. She liked to quilt, owned a farm that my siblings and I reminisced about all weekend, and could cook something fierce. 

Today as I was shopping for fabrics, I ooh and awwed over pretty much the entire store. I spent the first fifteen minutes documenting my new-found obsession for fabric. Years ago my mom couldn't drag me into a fabric shop. Anyways, I kept finding myself being drawn to some of the most classic old fashion and some pretty ugly pieces. Don't get me wrong I loved all the new bright color and geometric shapes and patterns but before I knew it I had several bolts of the old fashioned looking stuff in my arms.

And that's how my next little project was born. Tonight I worked on a prototype and brainstormed to see if this was going to work the way I planned in my head all afternoon driving home from shopping. I'm super giddy about it. So much that I knew if I didn't just write out how excited I was, I'd be up all night thinking about it. Now instead I'm up late writing about it. 

I completed my first clutch, that I have to keep for myself because it's to live for cute, (I'd never die for a clutch's cuteness, just saying) Then, we started going through my mom's fabric stash. Some good, some bad, and some just uggggaly. I ended up with this whole stack of fabric perfect for my new vintage line. Love love love.  

Until I can show you more, I'll leave you with a sneak peek. I'm so in love already. I have very high hopes for the new clutches and I hope you will love them. These mean more to me already than any of the other things I've sewn because they have so much meaning behind them. They remind me of my grandma and quite a bit of the fabrics are from my mom. I think know my grandma would be proud of her little quail. 

Visitors & More

Wow! For the last ten days straight we have had family here. It's been so nice and as of this afternoon its just the two of us again.  Yes we are going to the movies tonight. Hehe.


When his family was here the rain was our biggest enemy. For both the games we went to there was a rain delay. The first game resumed after almost a two hour delay. The second they called early. Making plans with family always seems to be a challenge, especially with mine. Trying to coordinate eight people with three vehicles in three different hotels gets tricky. Golf, beach, Brandons hectic schedule, Mizzou game,spring training, meals, -- I'm exhausted rethinking all of it. My parent's rental car was a Cube and everytime that little blue box whizzed around the corner we couldn't help but laugh. It was like a circus car. We love our families so much and we are lucky they came to visit. Now that they are gone it seems lonely. We didn't get a single pic while Brandon's family was here. This is my family at dinner this weekend. For once we were all happy at the same time.

On top of having visitors we had some pretty significant changes take place as far as baseball and the upcoming season. If you need some background on that process read back over this to get caught up. Thursday we found out BD will be starting the season in Memphis. He is no longer training or playing with the big club. It's very hard news to take even when you know it's coming. Hearing him say the words, "I got sent down," never gets easy and I'm sure he hates saying them more than I hate hearing them. It's only a shock for the next day or so until we figure out that it's going to be fine! No matter where we are this year we get to be together so that makes it easier. 


Now I get to start setting up housing in Memphis and we have NO clue how long we will be there. It could be days, weeks, months, and maybe not even all consecutive. I believe we will be making several moves from STL to Memphis and back throughout the 2012 season. And I finally get to meet Alyssa from Ten Feet Off Beale and I'm super excited about that. She can show me all the awesome things to do while we are there.


On a totally different note we are currently fasting sweets,desserts, and candy!  The church we go to here is doing 21 days of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter and we decided to partake. Today is the third day and I never realized how much I think about and crave candy. If you need any prayers let me know... we have 19 more days to go. It's an awesome challenge, sacrifice, and learning experience and we are loving every minute of it, minus the twitching from lack of sugar.


Finally, I made my sister and brother's girlfriend awesome messenger bags with pockets (yay me) and totally forgot to take pictures. As soon as they take some for me I'll show you. I almost couldn't part with them, but I love making things for the people I love! I'm also making Brandon's mom and sister bags with fabric they picked out while they were here. They get the family discount - free. I will take custom orders, if you're interested email me for details - laurendarlings@gmail.com. I'm also thinking of adding a simple reversable beach tote to the shop, but I haven't commited yet. 


Needless to say its been a busy ten days. 

March Gladness

Remember on Monday when I told you not to worry because Friday would be here soon? Here it is. It's Friday people! And March. How did that happen so fast? Technically we even got an extra day this year but that isn't helping slow things down.

I'm excited for the month of March because...

It's full of birthdays. My older brother Jake turns 27 -calling all my single ladies. Just kidding, but seriously. He is SO funny! Other birthdays include my brother-in-law Chris, my younger brother's girlfriend will be 21 the end of this month and Brandon's grandma celebrates a birthday in a week and half.  The best part is that I get to see these wonderful faces this month!! Both of our families will be visiting and I'm SOOO excited.

Source: wherethesidewalkbegins.blogspot.com via Six on Pinterest

It's St. Patricks Day. I used to obnoxiously wear green. In high school I used to wear this bright green long skirt. Not my best fashion choice. I've also been eyeing this awesome green nail polish from the one and only Essie. Navigate Her. It's the only day I can really convince myself to have green nails. 

source: essie.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Spring training games start! I've loved baseball even before the mr. came along. For the last few weeks it's just been morning practice with the afternoons off. It has been so nice. We've went to the movies a lot. I guess we are cramming in lots and lots of dates now because once the season starts they will be few and far between. Nothing like the empty matinees. 

The first day of Spring. I love this season, just like I like all seasons, each for their own uniqueness. Especially ones with warmer months. Since I've moved south I can't stand the cold. It's weird how that has changed. I do love a pretty snow fall but I've discovered I like warm weather more. It's especially nice when things start blooming and turning green again. 

Hunger Games. March 23. Enough said.

Source: tumblr.com via Brittani on Pinterest

There is so much to look forward to in March. What do you have going on?

2011 in Review

Can you believe another year has flown by?

I have taken the time to look back through some of my favorite posts and share them with you again for a second time.

We got married! It was an interesting adventure but we tied the knot. I still owe you a real wedding post.

Brandon's ultimate dream came true. He was called up on July 2nd. A dream come true and I got to be there for all of it. 

I got my job back. Then I left it again. But not a moment before I fell in love all over. 

I posted my first tutorial. It was a LOT more work than I thought. Now that I have a new camera I hope to be doing a lot more of these in the new year. 

I shared two of my favorite recipes. 

Lasagna & Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

I learned a lesson in marriage early on.

I cannot even believe all that I've been through this year. Especially all of the undeserved blessings. I am so thankful. Normally I get really sad between Christmas and New Years. The post holiday blues set in and we have to say goodbye to another year. Although this year as I look through all the wonderful memories, I become excited and curious as to what great things will happen in the months to come. 

Here's hoping 2012 is even better than 2011. 

Feel free to post your favorite moments of 2011 

in the comments below! I'd love to read them. 

Christmas in Photos

Merry Christmas everyone! Here is a tiny recap of my holiday.

Blue Steel on Christmas Eve

My new camera

His new wheels

Scavenger hunt...

for his Blake Shelton tickets.

Christmas Day at Cades Cove, one our favorite places and annual trip we take each year.

Family photo and I am sporting my new posie from Nest of Posies that I'm in love with. A little Christmas gift to myself and I love all four colors I picked!

More than anything I enjoyed playing Balderdash with my siblings.   I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.