It's a Blog Party!

Three of my blog buddies (Hey, Kristin, Ver and Kate!) are participating in this blog party today, and I thought I’d jump in on the fun, too! Thanks, Amy, for hosting a fun event!


It’s kind of a Getting to Know You party, and we’re supposed to answer these questions.

1. If you could have dinner with any person (past or present) who would it be?

My Daddy. This one is easy today since I dreamed about him last night, he’s really on my heart today. Daddy died 15 ½ years ago, and there are so very many things I’d love to talk to him about. Oh, how I wish he could’ve known Tim. And known being and becoming a grandfather.

2. What is your most embarrassing moment that you are willing to share with the blogging world?

The time with BIG HAIR. . . . As a senior in high school, I was on the Homecoming Court. Tradition was each senior girl was to ask a senior guy to speak for her in front of the student body. The speeches were to encourage the students to vote for you. My friend Jason spoke for me, and I had to stand up beside him in front of everyone while he spoke. Jason was known as a light-hearted, fun guy. He’d run his speech by me a couple of times, but left out an embarrassing detail. So, we’re standing in front of the high school, and he goes through my name and Queen, each letter standing for something. B was something silly like Babe. He said all queens are babes. E was Excellent Friend. T was she Talks a lot! And then there was H. Hair. She has big hair! I. was. Mortified! On the video my mom recorded, you can see me look at him with my mouth gaping open (and yes, big hair) and saying, “Dauber!?!?!” We called him Dauber because he looked so much like the character from the show Coach. I was super embarrassed! People still laugh about that!

3. If you could only use one word to describe yourself, what would it be?

PREGNANT. Very pregnant. But not for much longer!!!!

4. You found a machine that allows you to fast forward your life to a moment or to rewind your life to a certain moment, but it can only be used for one moment. Would you fast forward or rewind and to which moment would you choose?

My knee-jerk reaction is yes. I’d rewind to the last minute I saw my Dad and tell him I loved him. Or anything that may’ve prevented him from committing suicide that afternoon.

Or there are plenty of things I did during my late teen and early twenties I regret so much. The idea of going back and changing my decisions appeals to me sometimes.

But here’s the thing: everything that’s happened in my life happened for a reason. And Praise the Good Lord for bringing me through it! I wouldn’t be who I am today if things had been different.

5. What is your favorite simple blessing in life?

Ellie Grace patting my belly and smiling when you ask her where Molly is! Priceless!

Molly's First Shower

My first baby shower was this morning, and I cannot begin to describe how loved Molly is already!  My best friend Jodi hosted the shower in her home, and my family was there to help shower Molly with love and precious gifts.

My sister and mom were the photographers, and I don't yet have the pictures saved on my computer to show you. 

But I do have pictures of Molly's things!  Here's a picture of everything, as best I could get it.....

Molly got some precious outfits, dresses and bubble suits, a beautiful, soft blanket, a precious sign with her name and a Bible verse, a monogrammed baby pillow, and a water temp duck. . .

books, a baby book, teething ring, a precious lamb, more clothes . . .

a precious hooded towel, bath letters and bath supplies, burp cloths, a soft green frog and blanket, precious maryjane socks, more clothes.......

a bubble outfit for her first birthday and a pack and play. . .

a precious sign, sweet picture frame, and a moses basket that my sister gave me that was filled - I mean filled! - with goodies!  Monogrammed burp cloths and bibs galore, socks, many of the items I have listed and shown above, and even a monogrammed sheet in the basket! 

Tim and I are so thankful to our family and friends who came to today's shower.  It was an amazing morning, and Molly definitely got many, many precious things!

One more thing we received was a beautiful lamp from my grandmother.  I couldn't wait to get it home and set up!  The first bulb I put in the lamp blew immediately.  So, I grabbed a second bulb.  It also blew.  And smelled like it was burning.  So we had to take the lamp back this afternoon ~ bummer!  And an even bigger bummer is that the store no longer carries that line anymore, so I had to pick out another lamp.  The new lamp had to be ordered, and it's just as cute, so I'll be sure to show it to y'all when it comes in. 

Now, I've got some organizing to do!!!

Why I No Blog Lately. . . .

Conversation that happened on my Facebook page last night:




My mother: Why you no blog lately? :(

My sister immediately “likes” momma’s post

Me: I dunno…. I need to don’t I? I so sorry!

A Family Friend chimes in: I keep looking for it, too.

Momma: Yes. You. Do.

Family Friend: I’m cutting the pregnant writer some slack

Me: Yes ma’ams!



And it’s no wonder my mother’s calling me out on my facebook page. It’s been 3 weeks since my last post! Where in the world has the time gone?

It’s so easy for me to just say how busy we’ve been. Because we have been busy. We’ve been out of town a lot, we’ve registered for baby items, we’ve Tim has worked in the yard, I’ve attended a coupon class, we’ve enjoyed some of our spring weather, and we’ve caught up with sweet friends at my alma mater.

My belly is surely growing these days. I’m now 26 weeks pregnant and still loving every minute of it. Well, almost every minute. Pregnancy does some STRANGE things to your body. Let’s just leave it there. Molly is moving more and more every single day, and I could just eat it up! She’s kicked her daddy a time or two, and lately I’m really able to watch my belly move as she adjusts! It’s just awesome!

So, how are y’all doing lately? I hope you’re getting some beautiful spring weather where you are like we’ve had here! I promise I’ll be back with more. Soon. Like sooner than 3 weeks from now.

Yet Another Talented Friend

This has been so much fun, these blog posts! I've had the grandest time highlighting my friends who I know who are so creative and talented! 

So, without further ado. . . . 

Meet Carolyn, Designs with Care.  Carolyn and I have known each other for years.  We went to high schooll together, and although we were not the same age, we always knew each other.  And now, we go to the same church, so I see Carolyn and her precious family often!  I'm new to Carolyn's cute business myself, too.  Amy (remember yesterday?  Purdy Personalized?) actually shared Carolyn's website with me earlier this week!  Perfect timing!

Carolyn creates bag tags

Calling Cards or Gift Enclosure Cards

And, my personal favorite, placemats!  Check out this cute Christmas placemat!

You name the season, Carolyn has the placemat!  And she'll custom make one for you!

Her prices are extremely reasonable as well!  Be sure to check out Designs with Care today!

Stay tuned for more. . . tomorrow I'll be making sure you all know of a few special ladies in blogland who create and sell amazing things!

Titus 2 Tuesday ~ Talented Women

"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:1 - 5, NIV

Many of my friends are so talented!  And today, I'm honoring those friends who've taken the talents the Lord's given them and use them to make beautiful creative things!  The ones who can sew and monogram, the ones who create "purdy personalized" items for their friends and customers.  The ones who create, craft and design! Since Christmas is right around the corner, I'm spending the next few days highlighting my friends who design and create!  Check 'em out!

First, my sister Jennifer.  You've heard all about Jennifer before, and we all know she's the mother of Ellie Grace!  Also, Jennifer is getting started in sewing and monogramming.  SoSewSassy, it is!  Check out her etsy site today for precious ideas such as monogrammed birp cloths and bibs

First Birthday Sassy Panty

Or this precious retro snowflake kitchen towel

Stay tuned for more on my crafty, creative friends this week!  And hey, jump on over to Jenn's etsy site today and get to shoppin'!!!!

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

More Blog Fun ~ 5 Words

So, you guys know I’m always up for a fun little blog game. And Lora recently participated in this and invited her readers to join in. . . . And here I am! Lora assigned me five words. My assignment? Talk about ‘em!


Work: I’m a banker, so in today’s economy, we’re working our fingers to the bone, petal to the medal, nose to the grindstone. You get the drift. But I’m so very thankful to be a tiny part of a bank that’s based on Christian foundations, and we know that our God who brought us into existence is the same God who grew our bank to what it is today. And He’s the same awesome God who’s with us today in this tumultuous time.

Babies: I love ‘em! I am now keeping the babies on Wednesday nights at church, and I absolutely eat it up! Oh how I do pray God’s plan for our lives is for us to be parents!! Like soon!!?!!

Faith: Oh man. . . where do I start? I could go on for days! Faith in my Father is what I rely on, cling to, and stand on. There just ain’t no other way!

Family: My family is my world! If you’ve been reading this blog long enough, you know that much is true! I grew up in an incredibly loving home, and I have so many memories of family times together. And now, my husband and I are a family, and I love every single minute of it.

Embarrassment: I am one of the most klutzy human beings on this earth, so I’m full of embarrassing stories. Maybe Lora included this because I was soooo embarrassed after passing out in the middle of El Azteca Friday night? Perhaps she remembered the time I fell on the treadmill at the gym. Regardless, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my embarrassing moments, it’s that being able to laugh about them is over half the battle!

Fun times! Let me know if you want to play along!

Vacation Lovin'

Jamie over at Oh How Lovely had a love list on her blog. Considering it’s been a whole two weeks since I last blogged and I’ve been on vacation here, there and yonder, I’ve got a lot on my mind. Of all the things flooding my mind, I’m overwhelmed with just how dang good life is. I feel refreshed and rejuvenated. And it’s all because I’ve spent time doing things I love, being with people I love, and just loving. . .

Sharing it all with my best bud

Interacting with other bankers who refuel me and my love for banking. Hearing speakers who broaden my mind. Amelia Island. Group dinners with new friends. Fancy schmancy hotels. Leaving said hotels for a good ole’ regular vacation.

Having such a beautiful view from our porch

The sand between my toes. Feeling the sun warming my skin. Eating yummy food without guilt. The accomplished feeling of a work-out on vacation. Good books. Catching up on People while vacationing. Watching the sun set from the porch. Rocking Chairs facing the shore. Pony tails. Boat drinks. Fripp Island. Library books. Grilling burgers. Comfy cotton dresses. JJ Gray .

New Friends and True Blue Old Buddies

Playing with new friends’ boys at the beach. Deer. Ice cream. Pedicure with my MIL. Hashing out thoughts and what-ifs with the hubby while driving. Yellow flip flops. Shimmery pink lip gloss. Banana nut granola.

Impromptu trip to Columbia. Reuniting with my precious 7 month old niece. Feeding Ellie a bottle. Putting E down for a nap. Picking up our dogs from the vet. Much-needed rain. Forgiveness. Tim’s Dad golfing with him. Faith in the midst of storms. Jumping into the pool.

Fishing in the ocean. Boat rides. A mom and sister to feed the cat and water the plants while we’re away. Returning to life after such a great vacation is always bitter sweet. But I’m thankful to be back in the groove. With my first day back under my belt, I can definitely say I appreciate and love these mentioned things so much more. . . .

So, what are you loving these days?

Fun Giveaway

Remember when I hit 100 posts? I was so excited! I did a fun little giveaway and gave Kristin some great mascara, a book, coffee, and a travel mug ~ all of them a few of my favorite things.





Had I the least bit of talent in me, I might've done something more creative. But, this chick has not artsy genes.





Oh, but she knows who does!!!!





Melissa over at Initial Designs has painted a couple of pieces of art for me in the last year. She painted this precious e for Ellie's room:

And she painted this for my mom.

Melissa has crossed the 100 mark on posts, and she's doing a giveaway! Be sure to jump on over and check it out!!!

My First Blog Award

Yippeee! A little sunshine on a rainy Thursday! Lora awarded me this blog award today! How cool!

Here's how it works:

1. Post the award on your blog, and link to the person who gave you the award.

2. List seven things you love.

3. List seven blogs you love.

4. E-mail or comment on those blogs to let the people know you've given them the award.

So, here goes!!

My 7 Loves (in no particular order):

1. My Savior!!!

2. My hubby

3. My Family

4. Amazing friends God’s given me who continually teach me to be a better woman, better wife, better Christian, and better friend, all while loving me for me!

5. Blogging

6. Taking pictures and scrapbooking

7. Our dogs and Sophie, the cat

7 of my favorite blogs would include these below. Now, I’m trying not to copy ones I’ve listed before, like in the Getting to Know You Game. And I would encourage you to check out Lora’s blog, of course!

1. Kelly’s Korner ~ She is such an amazing girl! Not to mention that her precious baby Harper is something to be seen!
2. Carpe Diem ~ ; This is a friend I met through Tim. And I love her dearly!
3. Lynnette Kraft ~ ; Lynnette’s been through such heartache in her life, but she continues to praise God through it all. She has an incredible ministry through her blog, and I enjoy reading her!
4. Living Proof Ministries ~ Beth Moore. . . need I say more?
5. Baby Bangs ~ Beth’s daughter. . . again, need I say more?
6. Somi ~ Nilsa lives in Chicago. I enjoy reading her musings of running, exercising, being a newlywed, and a dog lover. We’re different in lots of ways, but similar in many as well. She’s a cool girl!
7. Simply Jennsational ~ She’s expecting her first baby and sheds honest light on the pregnancy. She was also my inspiration for last week’s Walk.