Black Friday

The clock on Jaime's car radio while we waited outside JCPenney- WAY-FM was keeping us awake!

Initially, I was supposed to do some shopping with my friend, Jen, on Black Friday. However, since I was still sick, I did not want to risk getting her sweet baby boys sick. Jen was gracious and understood.

Then, last minute, my sister, Jaime, found out she did not have to work on Friday: very dangerous! That means we made our plan quick, and stuck to it. We opened Miromar Outlets at midnight (yikes!), JCPenney's at 4 am, Toys R Us at 5 am, stopped at Walmart, opened Family Christian at 6 am, ran through the drive-thru for some food, and hit Joann's about 7:30. We were back at her house at 8, took a nap, and went back out around 1:30 after a yummy lunch that Gary and Mia made for us. We went to Old Navy and Ulta, and then on my way home, I stopped at Radio Shack.

I have NEVER, EVER been on a shopping trip quite like this one, but it was so fun, even though I was sick and we were both exhausted. I think we started a new tradition in our family, and next year, we are dragging Mom with us (she was out of town this year). Most of my shopping is done, and Jaime made quite a dent in hers. I am very thankful to the Lord that we didn't encounter any problems and that we were safe the whole time we were out. Just in case, we both carried our mace with us! Talk about double trouble!

Thanksgiving 2008

This Thanksgiving was the first we stayed home and cooked for the three of us. The only other Thanksgiving we have been home included about 25 people eating with us (which was very fun, by the way). Drew and I were still sick, and we didn't think it would be wise to be mixing with family who was getting together, and other family members were out of town. While we always love spending time with both families, it was nice this year to stay put and relax a little.

Here are some photos, and if you Facebook, sorry, some of these might be duplicates.

Tired after cooking a lot the night before Thanksgiving.

Dave and Drew making a hand turkey for the placemats.

Close-up of Drew's turkey placemat.

The first turkey I ever made. I followed an Emeril recipe, and WOW, was it good. Very moist and flavorful, and I'm assuming that is from the brine we had it soaking in for 30 hours before cooking it.

FOODIES Section:

I put this at the end so I don't bore those of you who don't care about the food details.

As I mentioned, the turkey was soaked in a brine ebfore we cooked it, and I stuffed it with a stuffing made out of the fresh Italian bread I made two nights before. In the stuffing was Italian turkey sausage, dried cranberries, celery and diced apples.

I made sweet potato casserole from a Paula Deen recipe that I adapted to our needs (I used applesauce in place of eggs and rice milk in place of heavy cream). Then I made the sugar topping but used baby marshmallows instead of roasted walnuts or pecans.

There was also corn casserole, which is 2 cans corn, 1 can creamed corn, butter, and Jiffy cornmuffin mix.

Veggies = Sauteed spinach with green beans and caramelized onions.

Then I made dairy and egg free pumpkin muffins for dessert.

We ate very well, and I didn't break the bank this year on my ingredients. AND, our favorite part, we had (have) tons of leftovers.

Reading between the lines...of my schedule

Some of you know that around mid-June, I was able to once again pursue my love of reading. I was devouring books left and right. A few were even read in 24 hours or less. At the time, I still was working 'hoot-owls' (Erin H. will undoubtedly know that phrase) at Publix, and found reading to be the best way to wind down after I came home when Dave and Drew were sleeping.

I secretly joined my mom and sister's UN-official competition to see who could read the most books in 2008. Well, for someone who started 6 months into the year, I was gaining on them pretty quickly.

After I left Publix at the beginning of September, I was excited as far as my reading because I thought, "Man, this is great. I will be able to read so much more, and at a quicker pace!" Can you believe that I am stuck on three books that I was reading at that exact date? I haven't made ANY progress! How did this happen?! I am amazed that I have found so many things to do, both at home and otherwise, that I haven't even managed to pick the books up!

So, I'm currently in the middle of The Shack, Shepherding a Child's Heart, and The Mommy Diaries. Is anyone reading any of these currently, or have you read one of these? If so, I would love to hear any feedback you have on any of the above titles. I'm hoping you can entice me to make time and finish these books!

Who are you... and what did you do with my child?

I am VERY HAPPY to report, that for reasons I am completely unaware of, I have been able to get Andrew to sleep (yes, you read that correctly) like a normal child the past few days.

I don't know what it is about the situation that promotes his sleeping, but desperate for help, I put him to sleep in his Pack N Play (haven't used that in a LONG time) the other day in the middle of the living room. He was refusing to nap in his room, and after overcoming his cold, was DOG-tired, and NEEDED to nap! Wouldn't you know he slept for an hour and a half?! Many of you may be thinking- why is this news? BECAUSE MY SON DOESN'T TAKE NAPS LONGER THAN 20 MINUTES!!!!

SOOO, after struggling some that evening with his sleep, I put him in the Pack N Play in our room to sleep. HE SLEPT UNTIL 9:15 AM! Folks, this is unheard of in our house- I thought something was wrong with him (you'd think I was talking about a two month old, not a two year old). BUT HE WAS TIRED, and he slept as long as he needed to.

The past few days we have been doing the same thing based on the current success of this 'method,' while interjecting a few attempts to get him to sleep in his crib. Right now, naps are in the Pack N Play, and bedtime sometimes happens in his room or ours. Now, I can just hear some of you thinking next, "you better watch out for this habit you are starting..." Guess what? We don't care if it is a habit- because Drew starts his day so much better, he responds better to discipline, he is rested, he is happier and he is not as cranky. We feel that once he is accustomed to getting the sleep he needs, we will be able to transition back to his room for sleeping. In the meantime, I am celebrating.

By the way, I'm sure now that I've blabbed about this success, my efforts will be doomed and we will be back to the same old routine. Please pray this is not the case!

I Want to Tell You About My Friend, Karen

Karen is one of those friends, who, no matter how little or much time has passed between conversations or meetings, she is ready to pick up with me right where we left off.

I wish I could tell you that we are able to hang out as much as we used to, but that isn't the case. However, everytime I meet up with Karen or talk to her, we are able to purely enjoy our relationship, without any pretenses or silly expectations.

Karen is one of the most business savvy individuals I know. The Lord has blessed her with an astute mind that is full of wisdom and discernment. She is a top-notch professional in her field, and through the Lord's blessing, accomplished so much in her young life. I am very proud of all she has set her mind to do, and am always amazed at her drive and determinination. She has been able to 'take on' numerous endeavors that most folks our age would balk at, and she is a success at all she puts her mind to. Now, she would tell you that this is because of the Lord, and of course, I agree with her. I just know that the Lord can only use the vessel that is willing.

Karen and I used to spend more time together when I was still working. Our time was always special to me for many reasons, and one of those was because I didn't have many female friends who were also involved in the business community. It was a blessing to be able to 'talk shop' with another woman!

Obviously, once Drew was born and I was promoted to stay-at-home mom, my opportunities to have business lunches were not as abundant. However, Karen has never, ever let that affect our friendship. She was supportive and excited during my pregnancy, she was even more thrilled when Andrew was born, and when we are able to get together, she welcomes Andrew as part of our time together.

Andrew and I were blessed to have lunch with Karen last week. True to form, Karen was the Karen I remember. She was even very patient when I had to discipline Drew, a few times. Karen never talks down to me the way some people do after you've walked away from your 'professional' career to be home. She talks to me just the same, and I love it! I will admit that I don't always have something intelligent to say to her, but she doesn't care! The old me sometimes craves the details she handles every day, but the new me knows that I would not be able to keep that pace (physically or mentally) anymore.

Karen is someone I admire, and I am very thankful for God's provision in her life. She is a true testimony to what God can do in the life of a young woman. She is loyal to those she loves and is a loving daughter and sister. She doesn't play games and she is real. She has a very sound business mind and uses that to glorify God. She is a faithful member of her church family and serves in various capacities to futher His kingdom. Karen, I love you!

Oh My- I've Been Tagged!

I have been tagged by my friend Rhonda to share the following information with you about my husband:

Where did you meet? Through David's brother, Scott, and a mutual friend, Suzanne. Suz and I lived together. One night, when I came home from work, Suz had invited Scott, Dave, and Carolyn over to watch a movie. A long kept secret is that even though Dave was in a relationship at the time, and I was SO NOT INTERESTED in dating anyone at the time, somehow, when I met him, I knew that I had met my future husband. I didn't seem to care much, though, then. I just assumed I would probably meet him again 5 or 10 years down the road.

How long did you date? One year exactly; Dave proposed the day that marked our dating for one year.

How long have you been married? 6.5 years (doesn't seem possible- seems like it was just the other day)

What does he say that surprises you? "Honey, I took the trash out." No, in all seriousness, it surprises me that he still tells me I am pretty, because we ALL know I don't look like this photo anymore!

What is your favorite feature of his? He smiles with his eyes. And, strange as it sounds to say about a man, I've always thought he has nice legs.

What is your favorite quality of his? He loves Jesus. He loves his family unconditionally. He has a servant's heart like no one else. He is the definition of hard worker and provider- he doesn't just talk about doing things to make them work for our family- he DOES it.

Does he have a nickname for you? Baby. Sweetheart. Mi Tesoro.

What is his favorite color? Blue.

What is his favorite food? Ropa Vieja, Picadillo, Black Beans and Rice, and his mama's platanos.

What is his favorite sport? Couldn't care less. Not interested. Is drumming a sport?

When and where did you first kiss? October 2000; Dave's parents yard where we sitting outside talking. He was a perfect gentleman, and asked permission first.

What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? No Comment; No, seriously, seeing the light and wonder in Andrew's eyes as he experiences new things. Family Fun Days on Sundays! Also, mundane as it may be, we have great conversations while we are folding laundry together.

Do you have any children? Andrew Steven, 2.

Does he have a hidden talent? He is a very good singer (not so hidden anymore, is it?)

How old is he? 30.

Who said, "I love you" first? He did.

What is his favorite type of music? In this order: Rock, Praise/Worship, Country.

What do you admire most about him? His ability to love me and others when we are not lovable. He is the hardest working behind the scenes person I know. His desire and calling to impact future generations through education.

Do you think he will read this? Yes, eventually. He knows I was typing something about him. I think he's a little nervous.

I now in turn tag Jaime, Jennifer, Kim, and Amy . I'll be checking all of your blogs, girls! I can't wait to read all about you & your hubby! God bless!

The UNITED Tour: An Evening with Two Timeless Artists

For my birthday a few months ago, David gave me two tickets for us to go see Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman on their short but much anticipated UNITED TOUR. We traveled last night to Clearwater for the concert. No cameras were allowed, as we expected and didn't even bring one. But, here is a photo from last night's concert.

I used to be a more avid concert-goer in my late teens/early twenties (oh, my, it is SO wierd to refer BACK to those ages- how OLD am I?). However, though I LOVE live music, I don't usually choose to attend concerts any more, for several reasons that no one reading this really wants to hear about (all very boring reasons, anyway).

With all that said, I am SO THANKFUL to have been able to attend this concert with two artists that I personally consider iconic. And, of course, this was a special point in each of their musical careers that will be part of history as well- both of them on stage, on tour together.

Thanks, Dave, for a wonderful birthday present, that, for me, was a very memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience!