Challenge Results

Well it's been two weeks so I'm giving up on any additional challengers starting a blog. I did have 3 takers though! Please check their blogs:

The Emily Jackson Blog

The Jackson Family

The Howell Family

 It's so fun having 3 new blogs to follow! I think they are enjoying it as well. Mission Accomplished :)

Saturday I was lucky enough to have a "mini girls night" out with Candice & Alicia. We went and saw "Dear John". I swear we wanted to talk more than watch the movie. It was great to see them. We've decided that there will be 1 girls night every 3 months. I think that's a great idea!

Brent found a suit today- he got a steal at Belk. I'm happy we can cross that off the list. I was able to find silver shoes for Jennifer's wedding (I'm a bridesmaid) and she decided to tell all the other girls to get them since they were great. I'm glad I was able to knock that off her list. She's got less than 2 months to go and I completely relate to how stressful those last miniscule decisions/details can be.

If photography class gave a grade I would get an F tomorrow. Bad girl did not do her homework. I had no one to take a portrait of. I kept trying to take one of Brent and he said "I'm going to break your camera if you don't stop" so I stopped. We spent a few hours at the nursing/rehabilitation home visiting his grandmother today. I really wanted to wheel her out in the sunshine and take her picture but the wind was too chilly to take her out. Oh well, maybe Paris will forgive me.

I am excited to share that Brent & I have found a Church here in the Birmingham area that we love. We've been visiting Church of the Highlands all year and we feel very comfortable there. It feels like a place where we can grow closer to the Lord and each other. Please check it out online. You can even watch services live on Sunday morning. The services are fantastic. I think I could sit and listen to Pastor Chris for hours. Check it out! I promise you will be moved. 

With that I hope everyone has a great Monday!

Weekend To-Do's

1. Gym (Friday night for the 3rd workout of week two couch to 5K) CHECK!

2. Dinner with husband (Panera with TV tray's and Olympics) CHECK!

3. Showers before watching our weekly Netflix (will get to that after this post...)

TOMORROW: We must go buy Brent a new black suit. His brother is getting married on April 3rd and he's yet to purchase/ have it altered for the wedding. The man owns approximately 8 suits but lacks a solid black one. Hopefully Jos A Bank can knock that off our list. I personally need to pick up gifts for both the sister-in-law to be's showers. They are not until next weekend but it is so hard for me to find the energy to venture anywhere after work. I also have to take pictures for my photography class. This weeks assignment: Portraits... I have no kids! I have a husband who says "NO". I have no idea who I will take a picture of. I may call Brent's mom and see if she will have Connor (Brent's cousin) with her tomorrow. If so, Calera here we come.

Olympics update: I've really enjoyed the Olympics. Many people find them boring. I Just love yelling "GO USA!!!!" Brent and Charlie think I'm bonkers and truth be told I probably am. Short track speed skating has me captivated. I am a new Apolo Ohno fan. I like how they always show his dad on tv with his notepad before and after he races.  I really missed out a few years back on DWTS. I didn't even know he did that. Is Apolo married? If not, let's put him on the next Bachelor. I bet he'd be smarter than Jake and not pick a "Vienna". UPDATE: Apolo just won his heat in the 500m as I was typing (well I took a break and watched). He stuck his golden skate on the line and here he comes to the final. YAY AMERICA!!

I will be in photography class Monday night so please, no spoilers about how Reality Steve was right. I want to watch it DVR'd with my own eyes and see sweet Tenley be the first to exit the limo. Brent won't admit it but he's been suckered into that show too. I love how he says "I'm going upstairs" and then continues to stand in the doorway watching until a commercial breaks.

The next few weeks are going to be busy for us. We have three family members getting married over the next 3 months. Tons of Showers & Parties coming our way.  I hope this weekend goes slow so I can catch my breath and breath before it all starts over again Monday morning. Hope everyone has a good weekend. Maybe I'll get all 100 things crossed off my Saturday to do list before meeting the girls for "Dear John".

What I'd Give For Warm Weather

Today at work I caught a huge spring fever bug. I work in an office without windows but am lucky enough to have a radio. Kenny Chesney's "It's Summertime" came on and I just couldn't stop thinking about how ready I am for Spring & Summer. Funny how songs can trigger emotions! Well it's still freezing. Charlie and I are bundled up in our house.. trying not to burn the heat and give our Mr. Brent a shock when the power bill arrives.

I'm also still tuned in to the Bachelor. I know he is going to pick Vienna (check the earlier post regarding Reality Steve) but I can't help but watch the train wreck. This season is neat because the final girls were taken to St. Lucia. That is where Brent and I went on our honeymoon. We've seen our resort (Sandals Grande St. Lucian) on their a few times.  I never shared these photos so I thought today was a good day to do so. Brent wanted to snorkle. I do not like fish. perfect example of "compromise" the 1st week of our marriage.

ready to kayak

new name in the sand

"no pressure no problem"

brent stayed under a little too long...

"take my picture!"

With that I'm off to cook dinner: Chicken Alfredo (whole grain penne noodles) wonder what fitness pal will think of that. Who cares! I love carbs!!!

Shape Up

Hilarious story...
Last Saturday night my family got together for one of my Memaw's famous cooking nights. Let me tell you, Fitness Pal on the iphone can't stand for me to eat at Memaw's. It turns all my numbers red and basically says "You really blew it today!" Everyone was enjoying desert when I made the following announcement: "I'm going to run a 5K! My grandmother said "Where at?" I said "Well, I was thinking Depot Days". My dad busted out a "Nuh Uhhhh... Me to" followed by many confused looks around the room. My dad, running... much less a 5k? No joke he would smoke me back in High School. He used to make me race him around the bases in our back yard. I actually was more nervous for that race than the ones that ended high school softball practice. I had a thing about being the fastest. If I wasn't watch out because it was about to be ticked off land for me. I wasn't always but I managed to be in the top 2% most of the time. Okay back to the story. Apparently my dad wrote down his goals for the year. He's big on Writing them down so you will actually see them and know that you're setting your mind to do it (I'm trying this..) and he wrote down "Run Hartselle Depot Day's 5k". So here we go, we will race again. I can't wait. His business can sponsor me. I will run for "Benjamin Franklin Plumbing" and maybe we will sprint it out at the end for a "Photo" finish as Brent said. I can't wait to see the look on Brent's face when we actually finish the race. He thinks we will never stick to this!

With this goal (keep in mind I have months to prepare) I've started Couch to 5K. It's a well laid out weekly running plan. I came across it while I was blog hopping a few months ago but just never put it into action. Currently I'm on week 2. It's going good. Who knows if I will be able to keep up because I've never been a fan of distance running nor have I kept myself in the best shape since my high school athletic days ended.

Here's to me and my dad... finishing the race. Let week two of training continue!

Good Weekend

I'm happy to say that two of my ten have decided to start blogging. You can find their blogs by clicking along the left hand side of mine. "The Jackson Family" & "The Howell Family". I think it's great that they are going to give this a whirl. We had a mini blog teaching tutorial last night at my Memaw's house while the men watched the olympics. Memaw & Lori were very fast learners!

Today Brent & I went to visit Jessica & Michael. Their new home is so cute! I'm so proud and happy for them. I can't wait to get back up that way and visit a little longer.

Yesterday we ventured in to a land of manure. Seriously. Grandmother Carol, Brent & Myself all went out in the pasture to capture a few images for my photography class. Our mission was working on depth of field. Well sure enough I had the wrong lens on my camera for that! Instead I have a ton of Donkey photos to take to my teacher. I'm sure she will be a bit confused. No worries, I was able to change lens and take a photo of a strawberry bird feeder today. What an interesting subject... Here's a sneak peek at what I'm taking to class tomorrow:

(*Side note: The donkeys were obsessed with Brent. At one point he was carrying around a huge stick and the donkeys were following him..hence he was their leader. You can only imagine the dirty joke I told Brent at that point..but since this is a PG blog I won't go there!) 

On that note, If you would like any free photos please contact me! I'd love to have better subjects than donkeys, old junk & bird feeders.

Try it, You'll Like It...

With this post I am officially calling out all you guys who have fabulous lives but do not share them with the blogging world. Don't be offended... I love text messaging with you but I think your life and day to day activities are too entertaining not to share. In no particular order here we go...

1. Melissa: You read the blogs; You may even stalk a few (due to boredom at work) so use that creative energy to share your life! You're a fabulously entertaining 20 something woman with exciting things going on in your life. Two jobs, a new apartment, living here on your own.. Come on, Share!

2. Dad & Lori: I want to read about everything that goes on. I haven't lived at home since 2003 and I miss the things that go on there. I know you guys could text each other what to write.. make Lori do the typing!

3. Emily: Hello I want to know about your first big girl job, college, and your boyfriend. You have such a beautiful heart and I know you could share words of wisdom with your daily Bible verses and devotion. (I miss You)

4. Candice: You are a fellow newlywed with a very dramatic cat. You have a job that is sure to generate good people watching stories. I know you have entertaining things to write about. I hear about them from time to time on the phone. Come on and update me weekly!

5. Moriah: Easy reason- your two sister-in-laws blog so join the fun. I know you are terribly busy planning a wedding and working 6 days straight.. but trust me, You will actually find it relaxing from time to time. Hope to see a 3rd "Thomas" Family blog pop up in the near future.

6. Jenna: Basically I don't get to see/talk to you enough because you live so many miles away in McCalla. You are bound to have sweet stories about the children in your class. You also have a cute dog named George that the world is dying to get to know and Garrett's got to do some funny things too!

7. Meagan: You could post photos online. Let us know how life in Tuscaloosa is. I'm tired of hunting you down on facebook to find out how your life is. (I miss you as well)

8. Grammie: You can write all about the adventures you and your friends have. I'm sure you have beautiful pictures you can post and funny stories to share.

9. Memaw/ Papaw: I almost left you off the list; I'm pretty sure you will say "I don't know how to use this thing!" No worries, I can teach you.

10. Jennifer H: You can share things about Connor. It's easier than Facebook--much faster and less Farmville (whatever that is). It'd be great to keep up with you guys since we don't get to see you as often as we'd like.

Well now you all have your reasons. If I left you off it's because I didn't think I could recruit you into the blogging world. I'm no Nick Saban...

So take my advice.. try it.. even if it's only 1 post a week. You will ultimately make someones day, I promise.

(and if you think this is to overwhelming to take on email me and I will send you a step by step tutorial on how to make blogging easy)

***Be sure to click "Follow" on the left to keep up with us***

Special Thanks

I emailed Lauren (click her name to see her awesome blog) and asked how she's been so successful at customizing her blog. She suggested the best link on personalizing with fonts. Tonight I undertook this task. It actually worked! (I've got a feeling that one special sister-in-law will be trying this ASAP). Thanks Lauren! I love how kind the blogging world is. Ask and you shall receive :) On that note I'm hitting the sack- Hope everyone has a fabulous Saturday.

"Thunder in January means Snow in February"

Well the above statement is what Brent told me last month when it was storming outside and we were trying to fall asleep. I said "Where on earth did you hear that?" He proceeded to tell me that his dad told him on the phone earlier that day. I shrugged it off with a "I wish it'd snow but I'm not holding my breath" comment.

Well one month later here I am off from work early and a yard full of snow. I'll happily take my 1 inch. I love snow. I'm taking a "Intro to digital photography" class and my teacher gave the assignment to bring in 20-30 images taken over the week for her to critique. I'll probably get a bad score but I think they are pretty. Enjoy!

A Love Story...

Since Valentine's Day is around the corner I guess I will give you all something to read that is more personal than my shopping habits or my canine companion. I'll tell you about how I met the love of my life, Brent.

During college I dated... several people but none of them ever felt right. There were always struggles, arguments and serious drama. I always tried to force things to work. When it didn't I would feel like something was wrong with me. Boy was I wrong- The BOYS were all wrong. (If you're reading this and have felt that way just trust me, it's not you, it's THEM!) Well fast forward to 2007. I'd graduated college in May but did not have my first big girl job lined up yet. I'd been on several interviews and actually thought I was about to receive an offer from a pharmaceutical company in Nashville. It was June and I was sick of working at the Aquatic Center. I'd just started seeing someone but really felt like I needed to get out of Alabama. Just for a while, explore a new place and I'd always loved Nashville and had a good time when I was there. A few days before a 3rd interview with the company in Nashville I applied for a job with a company called Aerotek. It was an Admin position which I felt I was over qualified for but applied because I knew my family was starting to wonder why I hadn't found anything yet. Aerotek called the next day. I remember doing my phone interview in the car in the parking lot at an apartment complex swimming pool. I'm sure I was focused then... I literally threw on my cover up and went to the car five minutes before the recruiter was supposed to call. During that same week I got a delivery from FedEx: A letter from the Nashville company explaining how they had decided to go with the other candidate. I was crushed. That was a "dream" first job. I think the title was like project coordinator or something along those lines. It was a job with an office, not a front counter with a main office line. It was a new city. But it wasn't meant to be. Little did I know that the same week I would meet my future husband. I went to interview at Aerotek at the end of June. They called me in immediately for a half day and that's when I actually accepted the position. During that half day several of the girls took me to lunch. One of their first questions was "Did you think any of the guys at the office were cute?" I remember explaining to them that I was dating someone and how I still lived in Tuscaloosa and would have to commute for the next year because my best friend and I had got an apartment because I refused to move back to my hometown and didn't want to find some place on my own in a city without having a full-time job. Well fast forward a few months. Aerotek was completely boring. My job was so easy but the people were really great. Especially one guy named Brent who spent a lot of time at the front desk. I mean sure he had to walk in and out of there every day but he didn't have to come up just for mental breaks. I think people in the office started catching on. Several of the girls hinted around that he had a crush on me. This I thought was unbelievable. Here he is a successful older guy (he was 28 at the time) and I'm some drama filled 22 year old spending the majority of my time at work online shopping! It all started falling into place at the end of that September. I went to Jacksonville, Florida for the Alabama/ FSU game. Brent & his friend Darm went as well. Brent had asked for my number prior to heading that way and I did not think he would call. Well he did...several times! Our conversations never made much sense and most of the time I didn't answer because I couldn't hear my phone or couldn't hear him on the other friend. It was bad enough that Darm said "Dude, she's not worth it..don't waste your time" (thanks Darm! you could have ruined a relationship before it began...Kidding) We make it back to Alabama and the next month I gladly swing by his tailgate and hang out before going off to be with my friends and the guy I was still seeing. Fast forward to November.. Brent finally talked me in to going to have dinner with him after work. It was top secret. I had a boyfriend and we worked together... to most of you this may sound like a recipe for disaster. It wasn't. I had the best time with him that night. I ate chili cheese fries and to this day he kids me about how unladylike I was. I guess that shows that when it's meant to be you are automatically completely comfortable around each other. The next week we were inseparable. After a few long late drives back to Tuscaloosa I resorted to shacking up at my good friend Melissa's house because I did not want to be away from Birmingham & Brent. I would get off work and go pick up dinner so we could eat at his house. . I was living a lie! I finally told the big "it's not you, it's me" speech to the nice guy I'd been hanging out with because I was completely smitten with Brent. I think that was the first day of the rest of my life. Since then I've never felt insecure or nervous about the future of a relationship. I think I've always known that Brent was the one. Even when we weren't together because a sense of calm always came over me when he was around. We took our first trip as a couple that New Year's. We went to Charleston. I think our co-workers realized we were seeing each other because I was given the "It's you or him and he's more valuable so you need to find a new job fast" speech a few days after returning from our trip. Luckily I found a job (upgrade as well!) and our first year as a couple was bliss. Fast forward again to December 2008. One year after officially becoming a couple he proposed. You can read that story by clicking our wedding website link. We got married on August 29, 2009. It was the best day of my life. Married life isn't what I thought it would be. I've expressed this to Brent before. I'd imagined it to be more glamorous. It's actually simple: pj pants, no makeup and glasses. I'd describe it as being with your best friend all day. You don't always have to be your best just be yourself. Sure we argue over silly stuff like me being to glued to the TV or him wanting to spend too much time reading a book but when the day is over and I count my blessings I know that my life was not meant to be spent with any other person. I'm so thankful and blessed for each day I get to spend with this amazing man, my husband- Brent.

Quick Update

New Bedding is complete (well maybe). I purchased 4 pillows today (with gift cards from the wedding-- LOVE Pier 1) and I think it looks good. The coloring is a little off because my camera makes the gold pillow look REALLY gold. It matches in person.

Charlie Loves the new bed!

But he also enjoyed the old bed.. but I think this new look is much better!

Okay we are off to Calera. It's family game night at Brent's parents house. We are taking Mellow Mushroom pizza & Charlie- It's going to be a good night!

TV Junkie...

So I've been sucked into another season of The Bachelor. Reality Steve ruined it for me.. It's catch 22. I want to know what he says...but I'd like a bit of surprise while watching the show. No surprise here-- He's been right all along. He says the final three are Gia, Vienna & Tenley and that he picks.... Vienna! Ouch!!! What a crazy dude... what's in his brain? oh well.. two hours of my life wasted each Monday night.

Tomorrow night my favorite show of all time returns: LOST. I can't even tell you what all happened last year. It is all a blur. I just want to know why they are on the island and who Jack will be with when they get off.

On a personal note, I plan on using February to update/spruce up the house. Our new bed is here and our comforter looks great! Now I'm working on accent pillows and curtains. Oh the life of a wife!

Charlie is back home. He had been at Memaw & Papaw's while we were in Mexico. I guess I forgot to mention that. We were in Cancun for Brent's work trip last Tuesday until Saturday. I miss the sun & sand already. I was able to get a small tan but it will surely fade by this weekend. It's so nice to go on a trip where you pay for nothing! Thanks Brent for winning it :) (I would say "Love You" but Lord knows he isn't reading this.. I doubt he's ever laid eyes on this blog)

Pictures from Cancun will be posted soon. I just have to catch up on tv, housework, and my job before I can do so!