Merry Christmas seniors of SW Florida. You are loved! We will have all the presents delivered by next Tuesday. Thank you for helping to brighten the lives of our greatest generation!
working long hours
not getting things done at home
missing my family
missing my friends
loving my husband, but being too grouchy to show it
and tired, really tired.
Hopefully today is better.
What is going on with Westboro church? It honestly will make your skin crawl.
As a Christian, I am personally disgusted by what this 'church' stands for, and so for them, I apologize, but I did want you to see what is going on there. I think that the worst part about it is that they are pulling their kids along with them, and forcing them into their crazy lifestyle. I would love to know your thoughts.
Sorry for the long title, but here is the recipe that you may not have known that you have been waiting for...
As previously stated, my camera battery charger is mia, so you can pretend that this is the picture that I took. To be honest with you, mine looked even more delicious. 
CINNAMON BUNS
Ingredients:
* 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast (2.25 tsp. of the granular kind= 1 pkg)
* 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
* 1 yellow cake mix
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 T vanilla extract
* 5 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
* 1/2 stick butter, melted to paint on the dough
* 3/4 cup brown sugar - I don't measure, I just spread it all over the top- probably like one small bag's worth
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - I just shake it all over the brown sugar
Frosting:
* 3 cups confectioners' sugar
* 3 ounces cream cheese
* 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in one cup of the warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the cake mix, remaining water, salt and vanilla; stir well to combine. Stir in the flour; mix well. (I used my hands, because the dough is pretty sticky) Cover bowl and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
3. Deflate dough and turn it out onto a well floured surface. Roll dough out into a thin, large rectangle and spread with butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar and the cinnamon. Roll up dough and cut into 1 3/4 inch thick rolls. Place rolls in two lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. (I needed another pan, because this recipe makes a lot)
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
5. Bake rolls in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. While rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, stir together confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, vanilla and milk. Let rolls cool slightly then spread with frosting.
For my birthday, Lindsey and Julie gave me two of the most delicious cupcakes that I have ever had. They were from Whole Foods and came individually in their own package. Adoreable, and Carly and I enjoyed both the vanilla and the chocolate while she was here. This is what they looked like...
Along with that, they also gave me a gift card to Starbucks... and as you know Slim and I are broke. On Saturday morning, before a full day recording session, Slim and I stopped at Starbucks for breakfast. I got the usual skim peppermint mocha twist(except I went twistless, without the peppermint whipped cream), and a slice of their Gingerbread loaf. Now, I love Gingerbread, but had never had theirs. It was magnificent. 
So thank you Linds, and Jules for a most delicious birthday!
I made a new friend this week, well actually, we get to be friends by association.
Slim played a show in North Ft. Myers and met this amazing artist named Jubilee. While they were at the show, she fell in love with the playing of the Slim One. Her manager called and asked Slim if he would record on her new album, and of course Slim was honored.
On Thursday night, Slim, Brad, and I ventured to North Ft. Myers for him to record. It was an awesome time, and when we were done, Slim and I headed to a late night dinner with Jubilee and her husband Devin.
She is totally down to earth, and way too talented. For those of you who know him, she was featured on a few songs with KJ52.
Click here for a free download of one of her songs. Slim isn't playing on this one, but I will let you know when the cd is complete, so that you can all get a copy in hand! Enjoy!
My mom wanted to try a new recipe for sweet potatoes. We love the Sweet Potato Casserole at Boston Market, and so my mom and I tried to recreate it... It was a huge success.
Here is the recipe:
6 sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 stick butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
***Crunch Topping***
1/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Boil potatoes until tender. Remove skins when cooled. Put into a large bowl and whip them until fluffy. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased casserole and top with the Crunch Topping. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Trust me... you won't be disappointed.
... I am back.
There are many reason why I have been gone, but I will not bore you with them. Sadly the biggest reason is that I cannot find my battery charger for my camera. Sometimes I think that it is impossible to post without pictures, but in the mean time, we will have to make it work. Instead of trying to catch you up with life for the past few weeks, I figure, why not move on to Christmas. Thanks Carly, for posting this so that I can get back into the blogging swing.
WELCOME TO THE CHRISTMAS EDITION OF GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FRIENDS.
1. WRAPPING PAPER OR GIFT BAGS ? I love to wrap presents and put them under the tree... unless it is for Be a Santa to a Senior, then bags are best, because wrapping 1000 gifts is a bit overkill.
2. REAL TREE OR ARTIFICIAL ? Well, if you remember my tree from last year... it was gorgeous until it fell over. Slim decided that it is too big for our house, so I am hoping that we can get something smaller, but as of right now we have no money, so we may be going without. :(
3. WHEN DO YOU PUT UP THE TREE? Just after Thanksgiving.
4. WHEN DO YOU TAKE THE TREE DOWN? Just after New Year's.
5. DO YOU LIKE EGGNOG ? More than I should.
6. FAVORITE GIFT RECEIVED AS A CHILD ? I pretty much loved everything that I got, but I always loved getting games, and still do.
7. HARDEST PERSON TO BUY FOR ? People who I don't know very well, but decide to get me a gift and then I have to get one for them... hard.
8. EASIEST PERSON TO BUY FOR ? My nephews and niece. I think that it is way more fun to buy for the kids.
9. DO YOU HAVE A NATIVITY SCENE ? I have three...A precious moment collectible one that my mom had since I was little, a fancy schmancy one that my aunt and uncle gave us for a wedding gift- it was probably really expensive, but it's not really my style- I put it out anyway, and last but not least, the new Willow Tree one that my mom got me this year... I love it!
10. MAIL OR EMAIL CHRISTMAS CARDS ? Cards, I love to send and receive cards... I am trying to get Slim to take a picture with us and the dogenstiens to send out, but again, no camera battery.
11. WORST CHRISTMAS GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED ? When I was in 5th grade, I got a Barbie magazine, A BARBIE MAGAZINE for a 5th grader for a gift exchange, come on people. I brought a gumball machine, the best present ever... (I am still bitter)
12. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE ? It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, HOME ALONE, The Holiday, and pretty much a million more.
13. WHEN DO YOU START SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS ? I usually have it all done by now, but we are broke this year, so we are taking our time.
14. HAVE YOU EVER RECYCLED A CHRISTMAS PRESENT ? only nice ones, but not back to the people who gave it to me:)
15. FAVORITE THING TO EAT AT CHRISTMAS ? CHRISTMAS COOKIES
16. LIGHTS ON TREE ? Is there any other way?
17. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG ? Mary, Did you know?
18. TRAVEL AT CHRISTMAS OR STAY HOME ? Travel, someday when we have kids, maybe people will come here.
19. CAN YOU NAME ALL OF SANTA'S REINDEER'S ? yes
20. OPEN THE PRESENTS CHRISTMAS EVE OR MORNING ? Christmas Eve with Slim's family, Christmas Day with mine
21. MOST ANNOYING THING ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR ? When people get too overwhelmed and forget to enjoy Jesus.
22. FAVORITE ORNAMENT THEME OR COLOR ? All things that bring back memories. Last year when the tree fell, we saved ones that were sentimental, even though they were broken so we will always be reminded of our crazy, first Christmas.
23. FAVORITE FOOD FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER ? Mom always out does herself... so anything she makes.
24. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR ? Nothing really. I am pretty content.
25. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND TO THIS? I hope lots of people do it, because I love reading these crazy things.
26. WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND ? Agreeing with Carly: I'd say Kari, b/c who knows where she went?!?! Someone help us find her!
Tagging: Jenn, Ashley Danielle and YOU!
This year we will be helping nearly 1,100 people with our Be a Santa to a Senior program. It has totally taken off.
We have already been mentioned in "Naples Daily News", I did a radio interview, and we will be on tv at the beginning of December.
Please visit any Moe's in SW Florida, or any Sunshine Pharmacy in Naples, to pick up the name of a senior to get a present for this Christmas. 
Share in the blessing this Christmas!
Ashley Danielle Allbee made me delicious red velvet cupcakes for my birthday. Here they are.
Thank you for the cupcakes and your sweet friendship. I love you!
Today is great. I have the day off because it is my 28th birthday and my wonderful bosses decided that to honor their staff, they would give them their birthday off. Pretty special if you ask me.
Last night my sweet husband planned a picnic at the beach. It was a great time. Some of my sweet friends came to hang out.
My mom sent me an apron that she made herself. Amazing.
OK I am off to shop at the Buckle because my sweet hubs got me a nice gift card. ahh birthdays, love em!
1 . Where did you meet? We worked together at CRAVE youth group, and got to know each other that way.
2. How long did you date? Officially, only 2 months and 2 weeks, but we were engaged for about a year.
3. How long have you been married? 13.5 months
4. What does he say that surprises you? I am daily surprised by him. He usually will say something about how much he loves me, and I blush.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? He has amazing hair- curly and soft
6. What is your favorite quality of his? he is extremely generous... I used to think that it was almost to a fault, but now I know that there is no thing as being too generous.
7. Does he have a nickname for you? Babe, Sweet Babe, LBG, and he said that he was going to try to call me "Muffin Butt", but that never stuck
8. What is his favorite color? green
9. What is his favorite food? I would have to say Mexican, or anything eaten with friends.
10. What is his favorite sport? anything that has to do with guns, and football
11. When and where did you first kiss? We used to spend Thursday nights at the beach, when we were dating. He kissed me for the first time in the parkinglot of Barefoot Beach. He then said, "I think that we both just had our last first kiss."
12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? watch movies, talk, hang out, and go out to dinner.
13. Do you have any children? We are working on that... for now we just have Darby and the Dude.
14. Does he have a hidden talent? He is a magician, he is a pro-video gamer, and of course his non-hidden talent is the ability to write and play music.
15. How old is he? 25, he is just a baby, and sometimes he forgets how old he is, and he says he is 24.
16. Who said, “I love you” first? Slim told me that he loved me before we even had our first date. I knew I loved him, but I didn't tell him until about 3 weeks later.
17. What is his favorite type of music? Slim likes all kinds of music, everything from 'real' country to hard rock
18. What do you most admire about him? His musical ability. I am constantly amazed that anyone can have that much talent.
19. Do you think he will read this? probably, but maybe not for a few weeks, he isn't the best at checking blogs.
I am tagging Ashley Danielle, Carly, Melanie, and Heather.
I am still processing all that I learned about God, from this book. You should all read it.
One thing that I was taken by, right off the bat, was the way that God was described as Papa. He is my Papa, and He knows my every need. Thank you, Lord.
If you have read it already, I would love to know your thoughts.
I thought that I would share a cool website that I heard about recently.
BLURB is a website that allows you to upload your blog and turn it into a printed book. It also has many other options for you so that you are able to make all kinds of books.
Enjoy!
The weather here is starting to cool off. Actually it pretty much went from hot to cold over night. It was 46 degrees this morning, but I was unable to go out and enjoy the nice weather because I am home with the flu.
I wanted to remind you readers that Be A Santa To A Senior starts on Monday.
We will be having 15 trees around SW Florida.
-All Moe's SW Grills
-All Sunshine Pharmacys
-Bonita Health Center
-2 Bealls Outlets in Ft. Myers
-Smoke-N-Pit
-Calusa Harbor
Please stop by and pick up a few ornaments to help seniors in our area. Right now we have 1030 names that will be receiving gifts!!!
My sweet husband's business is starting a new blog to showcase his work.
SLIM | LINE
67 days until Christmas...
40 days until we decorate for Christmas...
39 days until Thanksgiving...
32 days until Carly and Libs come to visit...
27 days until Abby's '21' birthday... (we are just going to pretend she is turning 21)
24 days until I turn 28...
8 days until Greg turns 30...
4 days until Slim and I go to Orlando for a business trip...
1 day until Abby and I see "Nights at Rodanthe"
15 minutes until I have to be walking out the door for a wedding... Will post more later.
Check out these fun cupcake bakeries...
http://www.sweetbyholly.com/ (Orlando)
http://www.mountdoracupcakes.com/ (Mount Dora- Carly... you bet we are going to go here in November)
http://karascupcakes.com/ (San Francisco)
http://www.pinkmooncupcakes.com/ (Columbus, OH)
http://www.sugarsweetsunshine.com/ (NYC)
http://magnoliacupcakes.com/ (NYC)
and last but not least, my fav and yours...
http://www.sprinklescupcakes.com/
Someday when I am rich, I am going to go ahead and open a cupcake bakery. Just you wait!
Who is Make Love Real? from Neil Cowley on Vimeo.
So I found another... plus I went to Houghton with these two. You are going to love 'em. Enjoy!
On Friday afternoon, Slim and I journeyed to Orlando, to visit my parents and help them take care of the kids.
If you aren't a blog stalker, then you may not know that my brother and sister-in-law are in Uganda visiting orphanages and schools, and then coming back to the states to see if they can get churches to help sponser specific ones. While they are away, my parents have all three toddles.
Now these kiddos are my heart. I love different things about each one of them, but together 3 kids ages 2, 3,and 4, can be quite a handful.
I have blogged about these bugs before, but I thought why not introduce them to you again.
Meet Bray- Age 4 
Since Brayden was born, he had my heart. He is the most tender little boy with a compassion for others. He loves playing one on one, but is also a great leader for his brother and sister. He is a strong swimmer, loves music, enjoys playing games, and has the sweetest eyes you have ever seen. I love this kid more than life itself, and would be thrilled if one day when Slim and I have kids, they have some of Bray's tenderness.
Cute Brayden story: Brandi bought the kids a new movie to watch while they were away. It is called Ariel's beginnings (or something like that.) It is basically about Ariel as a little girl. Ariel's mom died and then her dad, King Tritan decided to ban music from the entire underground kingdom, because it reminded him of his wife (similar to Sound of Music, I know). Well in the story Ariel finds this underground club where the animals are playing music, and she brings her sisters there. At this point, Brayden turns to grandma and says "Why is Ariel disobeying her daddy, doesn't she know that the Bible says to 'honor your father and mother?'" Cute huh?
Introducing Gregory 'Davis'- Age 3
As you know, Davis was adopted from Liberia almost a year ago. Brandi and Greg traveled there at the end of November, 07 to bring our little guy home! Instantly Slim and I fell in love. He's a snuggler, a lover, and just a joy to be around. He loves to play ball (this kid's got an arm on him), loves laughing, can definitely be called a tease, and is the perfect fit to our family. Davis is learning more and more each day, and we are so excited to watch him grow up!
Last but not least: Gracie- Age 2
Isn't she a doll? This little girl is just adorable. She has a little raspy voice, the cutest swing in her step, and a love for her family. She has enormous blue eyes and a love of accessories. She's a girly girl through and through! Gracie loves her grandma, and always wants to be with her. My mom eats this up :). Grace is the perfect mix of sass and sweet. I love it! By the way, she must have asked us "why?" 1 million times this weekend. She is at such a fun stage!
Bray, Davis, and Gracie, Uncle Slim and I love you guys to pieces!!!
I am loving right now.
1. Organic break and bakes. The other day I was in Publix, and saw these cookies. I noticed that they were only $2.00, but had no reason to make them. Yesterday, my sweet friend Ashley was having a neck ache, so I decided that I would pick them up and bring them to her house, to try them.
THEY WERE AWESOME. I turned the Vanilla Sugar Cookies into delicious Snicker doodles by adding organic sugar and cinnamon. MMMM.
My number one is Immaculate Consumption Cookies. Check out their website to find out more about this fantastic company. Here are the pictures from the baking adventure. 
2. Things smelling like fall.
When it is fall, things should look, feel, and smell like fall. Right now, I want all things in the office and at home to do that. When Slim and I were in VA, we popped into this cute store called "Sense and Sensibility" and picked up a candle that was on sale. It smells great, and reminds me that we will not be in this 80+ degree weather much longer. We bought one of Carman's fantastic soy candles... and love it.
3. All things pumpkin.
To piggy back off number two. I love the tastes of fall. I have been making the pumpkin cookies like any chance I get. I am going to make them for my dad this weekend, when I am in Orlando. YUMMY! Here is the picture one more time. 
4. MTV online.
This my friends, is one of those things that I don't like to admit, but I love 'The Hills'. Since Slim and I moved to San Carlos Park, we don't get full cable, so I don't get to watch that show all 100 times that they have it on during the week. Luckily, MTV.com lets me watch it whenever I want. I usually check Lauren and Heidi out on Tuesdays when I get home from work. 
BTW, can't Heidi just dump Spencer already?
5. Getting ready to Be a Santa to a Senior.
You may remember this from last year. Home Instead Senior Care, the company that I work for, sets up trees around the community so that people can sponsor gifts for seniors in our area. This year it is our hope to provide 750 gifts to seniors in SW Florida. If you are from this area, stop by your local Moe's SW Grill, or Sunshine Pharmacy, and pick a name or two off the tree and buy something nice for someone in need. The trees go up November 1st and I have been busy filling out the ornaments. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!
6. Cranium
I know that this game has been around for years, but my husband just played for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Since then, Slim and I bring it where ever we go, and try and get everyone to play with us. I love games in general, and this one is just really fun! Slim always wins, but I think it is because he cheats!
7. People's generosity.
As you know, Slim and I have had a rough month, financially. God has blessed us through this time, more than we could have ever imagined. We have had anonymous donations, family members being more than generous, a church family member making us a delicious lasagna meal, friends taking us to dinner, friends having us over for dinner, and so much more. You all mean the world to us. Thank you so much!
8. Photography websites
I could spend all day looking through websites of photographers. I love to check out their style along with the people that they shoot. Slim says I have a problem, and that it is weird to look at people who I don't know, but I like it. Here are some of the recent ones that I have found.
www.coastline-studios.com
http://www.peterhurley.com/
http://www.sarahmerians.com/
http://www.ritzrivera.com/
and of course my all time fav: http://ashleybrockinton.com/
9. Nature Valley Granola Bars.
Ok, so I have loved these since college, but I bought some to send with Slim, on his journey to TN, and my love was rekindled. I love how crunchy and delicious they are... even though Ashley Allbee told me if it has the word crunchy in it, it is probably not good for you... hmmm. Yesterday Slim broke up the bars and had them with milk (semi-homemade granola cereal :))
10. Baked Apples
Again with all things fall, I love apples. I wish I was up north so that I could apple picking with my darling friends, instead I have to buy apples for insanely marked up prices. At any rate, I have been baking Jonagold apples with honey, cinnamon, a little brown sugar, spray butter, and nutmeg. They are so delicious that I would eat them every night. This is a picture perfect NY Jonagold apple. Ooh how I love them.
I must be loving more things 'right now' than last time, because this was much easier. What are you loving right now?
check it out by clicking below.
Obama's middle name
What are your thoughts?
PS I love Mike Scott!
If you are a blog stalker, you may have seen this book on Carly's blog a couple of months ago.
I had been wanting to read it since then, but once I start a book, nothing else gets done. I decided to save it for my trip to TN and VA. I had the book finished by the time I got to TN. It was awesome. As a matter of fact, I made Slim read it to me again, on our drive from Hohenwald to Ashland. (he did the voices.) I cried both times. The people on the plane must have thought I was insane, because of the enormous tears that were rolling down my cheeks.
Here is a video off their website. It will totally make you want to read it.
http://samekindofdifferentasme.com/video.aspx
Go and get your copy today, and then let me know what you thought!
... that I watched this. Carly showed this to me when I was at her house. She had seen it 4 times, and cried the whole way through. It was my first time. I had not one tear.
Yesterday I showed it to Slim, and couldn't stop crying. You may have seen this before, but watch it again. It is a good reminder of God's mercies being new every morning, as well as his faithfulness to us.
It is interesting to think about what your cardboard testimony would be...
Here it is
I just made them again... Just as delicious this time. Dude tried to jump on the counter to eat them, but I caught him just as he was trying to get the top off of the Tupperware.
They are awesome, Heather. Be prepared for perfection!
We are broke, but happy as clams. I thought that I was going to have a nervous breakdown because we have debt, and it seems that we have no money. My husband is a champ, though. He always knows just what to say to make me feel better.
We got things figured out, but are still pretty broke... It makes me feel so much more thankful when we are in need. God always does provide.
Here are some examples of his provision since yesterday.
1. Aaron Thomas- Wachovia manager helped us work through some issues we were having with them. I asked Slim if he kissed Aaron... he said that he did much more :).
2. Slim's parents had us over for dinner last night. (we had no groceries)
3. Brad, Slim's brother gave us a gift card to Walmart for a lot of money, so that we could get groceries.
4. Our darling friends, the Buzzards, are having us over for dinner tonight.
5. Betty Lou brought me a sandwich for the past two days, so I had food.
I am sure that there were a million more things that happened. I need to be better about keeping my eyes open to the blessings that God is giving me.
...when we are weak, You are strong, Lord!
Thank you for your strength!
I went to Tennessee, and met up with Slim.
We hung there for a few days with Matt and Jill.
Slim played with a fun country band.
We drove to VA.
We spent a fantastic week with Carly, Kevin, and Libs.
There is so much that happened, but my camera broke.
I have some awesome pictures and stories... but no time. Heroes is starting now.
Check back soon for an awesome Pumpkin Cookie recipe.
I got these off Car's sister's facebook, but I was definitely promised more tomorrow, and the Joneses will be going home from the hospital tomorrow after the babies morning checkup, so once they are home, I am sure that we will have tons to look at.
I spoke with Car today, finally. She sounded great! She had tomato soup and grilled cheese for lunch- mmm comfort food.
now what you have all been waiting for... Darling Liberty Rose Jones!
I have some news, but not too much.
Libs was born yesterday, 9/15 @1:45pm. She was 7 lbs. 1 ounce, and I think 21 inches long.
I spoke with Carly's mom yesterday, late afternoon. She told me that Libby is a beautiful little girl, with dark hair (for now), and long feet. Betty Jo also told me that Libby has a hearty cry.
I am hoping to get to talk to Carly today, and see if we can get some pictures. The problem of no reception in the hospital is what is holding us up.
Keep checking back for further updates!
One year ago today...
I married a man who is most incredible. It is interesting how God's goodness demonstrated itself in spite of my attitude.
If you don't know me, or how I was in the past, I could rule out a guy or the most measly of little things. For example... I wouldn't date one guy because he ate oreos in a weird way, making his teeth covered with chocolate. One guy, I claimed, had floppy hair, when in actuality it wasn't at all. I would say things like, 'he is boring', 'he is too into himself', 'he isn't motivated enough,' 'he's too quiet', he's too loud', 'he works too much,'... I could go on.
Something happened in my heart when it came to Slim. I heard God's voice, and responded. I could have come up with a thousand reasons to not give him a chance, but I only needed one reason to... and that was that God said so.
This past year of marriage has been so amazing. Everyone always says that the first year is the hardest. Don't get me wrong there have been hard times. IE. Slim's gear getting stolen, best friends moving away, best friends struggling through issues, Dude getting hit by a car, job changes, infertility issues, family passing away, Slim getting hit by a car (be watching his blog for this story), money problems, stress, again the list could go on...
Isn't it so great that God knows our every need, because Slim completes me 100%. When I would worried, he would be calm, when I felt like I couldn't trust God, Slim knew He was in control. When I want to scream, Slim would make me laugh instead.
God, thank you for giving me a husband who loves you, loves me, and loves others.
Slim, thank you for being my very best friend; for being the one who I can sit with and talk to for hours. Thanks for letting me be my goofy self, and for always valuing me before other earthly things.
Baby, cheers and here's to forever...
In other news... Here is the Jones' baby update
1. Last night at 10:24 my phone rang, and it was Carly- her contractions were 3-4 minutes apart. She had to turn the phone over to Kevin because she was about to have another.
2. Kevin informed me that the doula was on her way to the house, and then they would reevaluate when she got there.
3. At 1:45 I got a text letting me know that the midwife was on her way.
4. At 5:58 Kevin called and said that they were at the hospital- in VA there are no stand-alone birthing centers, so if you use a midwife, you are in a room attached to a hospital. They arrived there at 4:45 and Carly was at 7 centimeters. It was now 6am and she was 7.5, so not a huge difference. He said that she was doing great, and was working through the contractions really well! Kev has no reception in the hospital, so in order to talk, he had to go all the way outside. I told him that it was ok if I didn't get a phone call at the immediate instance that the baby was born, being that he would have had to go all the way outside.
That is the only update that I have for now, but keep checking back.
WAHOO!
Here is the countdown for September
1. Slim leaves for Tennessee in 4 days (so sad)
2. Ashley Danielle's birthday is in 4 days (so happy)
3. My mom comes in 5 days (fun)
4. She leaves in 9 days (sad again)
5. I go to Tennessee in 11 days and reunite with my dear love(exciting)
6. In 13 days I see the JONES Family (HIP HIP HOORAY)
(I am hoping that I can update you really soon that there was another exciting thing that happens really soon, for example, the birth of the long awaited, Liberty Rose Jones)
Hope that your September is just as exciting...
By the way, Slim and I have been celebrating our anniversary all weekend, but just spending so much time together. He has the opportunity to go to see family this week, so we will miss the actual day, but we have the big VA trip to make up for lost time. In case you didn't know, he is the greatest husband, EVER!
... on whether or not to confess my addiction on this here blog.
Well here it is.
On Saturday night, I picked Slim up from his brother Brad's home. While we were there, Slim decided that we were going to borrow the dvds of a HBO show that only made it two seasons.
I will let you know that at first I was skeptical of a show that was devoted to the lives of Carnies...
but now that I have spent 24 hours of my life since Saturday night watching the episodes, I will no longer say that I am skeptical. Despite the show having fowl language, and a little too much nudity for my taste, the suspense and battle between good and evil enthralled me.
I have been having terrible nightmares because of the reality of this show, so if you are prone to such things, I would say to avoid, but if you are looking for a different type of show and can look past a bit of the raunchiness, Carnavale just might be the one for you. I am pretty convinced that HBO came out with this show about 4 years too early, because it would have done so well if they would have taken out the nudity along with the fowl language, and put it on prime time.
Here are some pictures of the main characters from the show...
Introducing Ben Hawkins and Brother Justin Crowe
Iris and Sophie
and last but not least, my favorite...
Sampson!
Basically it takes you on a journey through the lives of Carnies and how they take care of their own while you are watching the journey of a preacher.
What I am trying to say is that I confess that I have a problem, and will be detoxing myself throughout this weekend, as Slim and I finished the show tonight when I got home from work. I know... I have issues.
How well do you know your husband/wife?
1. They are watching TV..... What are they watching?
Crazy anonymous people...
Please go check out Slim's blog to see the crazy person who wrote over there. I know that the blog world loves drama, but for real, that is a bit out of control.
www.anickeloradime.blogspot.com
They have them at Vapiano. Sadly I don't think that we will be visiting them again soon. Slim pretty much hated that place. Maybe I can convince him to give it another try.
Until then, I will miss you, gummies.
This past weekend I traveled to Syracuse, NY for a visit to my Alma mater. I am shocked that 1o years has gone by and that so many of my dear friends are all over the country doing amazing things.
Here are some pictures... More will come soon!
The first day that I was there, we went to Heid's, you have read about this before... but I couldn't write about my trip without telling you how delicious the coney was! YOU HAVE NO IDEA how great it tasted!
That night, Jess and I were blessed by a delicious dinner at Outback with her mom and Mady. Even though Slim and I go there all the time, it was still awesome to be together.
On Friday, Sarah joined Jess and me, and we went to the Great New York State Fair! It was hot, but really fun! Here are a few pictures from that outing!
Friday night, I met up with some other friends to go to Chief's game. Tom had tickets, so we got in free, plus it was "cap night", so we got free hats. Totally a fun time, and Tom caught a fly ball, that almost hit me in the face! The picture is not good, but there should be more coming... just waiting for Heather to upload hers.
Saturday started the reunion events. We toured FHS and had a ball just sharing memories and laughing about old times.
After our tour, we headed for lunch at the Brooklyn Pickle! (this was probably my favorite time. ) I hadn't laughed that hard in so long! What a blast!
After lunch, Jess, Heather, and I went to Carousel Mall, which is soon to be Destiny, USA. It will be a 'green' mall! Awesome! Brett met up with us, and we really had a fantastic time! We brought Heather to her house, and then to the hotel to get ready for the dinner. It was at Syracuse Suds...
On Sunday morning, Jess and I went to Missio Church. It was AWESOME! The guys are doing a great job. If you live in Syracuse, you should check it out. It is meeting at the Palace Theater.
Time with the old friends was more than I expected it to be! I love all of them dearly, and can't wait until we can be together again.
This past weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to assist my darling friends as they wed. Ashley and Justin, high school sweethearts, had dated for 5 years when they tied the knot, and it was such a privelege for me to help coordinate their day.
The ceremony was held at the cutest little place on the Thomas Edison Estate, Edison Congregational Church.
Here are some pictures from the rehearsal...
Isn't the Bride-to-be, smashing? She is pretty much the cutest thing around...
Justin's grandfather, who was most precious man, married them. Here he is giving them a blessing at the rehearsal...
Just call me wedding coordinator... clip board and nametags.
This is what the church looked like before the ceremony began.
Here's the groom-to-be, looking perplexed, at the Melting Pot. A delicious choice for a rehearsal dinner.
Here are the lovely maid's of honor: Ashley's twin sisters, Kelsey and Brenna.
Ashley and her dad, walking down the aisle...
Ashley's mom joined her and her dad for the 'giving of the bride'.
After the wonderful ceremony, it was off to the reception at Harborside Event Center.
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Justin Allbee... (aren't they cute)
Their first dance as a married couple.
Ashley and her sweet dad danced to Cinderella
Look at the cute beehive cake... Hooray for the All-BEES
And last but definitely not least, her blue suede shoes. Gotta love em!
