Sunday, April 29, 2007

"I See London, I See France"



I left to run a few errands this afternoon with my shorts in tact. I thought I felt them catch on something when I got in my car, but never heard a rip, so thought nothing of it.
Went to Walgreens, walked around, got some contact solution and lotion.
Next stop was Schnucks. Got out, parked far away, got my cart and stopped at the flowers. When I bent down to look at a bouquet, something felt weird. I put my hand on my butt and to my shock and horror, felt my UNDERWEAR! I immediately put my big (thankfully) purse over my rear end and walked like I have never walked before right out of that store! I got home and this is the gigantic rip I had in my shorts! I have no idea what happened. I am so stinking mad because I just bought these shorts (full price) from the GAP and they were gonna last me all summer!!!
Oh, how embarrassing- my underwear out there for all of STL to see! And, the bad news is, I still have to go back to the grocery store!

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Ah, Saturday Morning

Normally I wake up and go to the gym on Saturday mornings. My husband isn't working today (he is my trainer), so my normal plans are changed. If you know me, you may know that I have a very difficult time "sitting still". There is always something to be done and if I am not doing it I feel very unproductive. Hence, my dislike for naps. Well, today I need to go through this week's pile of mail and put away clean laundry. I am forcing myself to put those things aside and take a morning for myself. I am actually excited about it. I have a hot cup of coffee and a great book to curl up with.

Here's to relaxing.....

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

With Broom in Hand

I love hardwood floors and I love having the windows wide open in the springtime.

I do not love the combination of the two, especially living on a busy street in the city while renovations surround us.
I CANNOT keep the floors clean, no matter how much I sweep. There is always a thin layer of dust on the floors.
After I sweep or swiffer I will sit on the couch to enjoy my clean floors and it never fails- I will catch a small patch of dust that somehow escaped me!
Ugh! So annoying!

100 Posts!

I just signed on and noticed that I hit my "100 Post" mark!!!
How exciting!

Just Call Me a First Responder

Keith and I got home from Decatur around 4:30 today. (We had a surprise 50th Birthday Party for my mom, which I have been dying to blog about and now that it is over, I actually can. I could never post anything before since she reads my blog!)

We were both so tired from the entire weekend. We had zero motivation to do anything. For those of you who don't know, we live in a second story apartment in South St. Louis, near a very busy intersection. Noise is no stranger to us, especially during beautiful spring days when all of our windows are open. Today was no exception. We could hear loud men talking outside for over 10 minutes.

Oh, it may come in handy to know that I am nosey.

I am standing at the front window, watching the loud men talk outside of this elusive "LOAD" club. Keith and I have lived here for over a year and we are not sure what goes on in this "LOAD" building across the street. There is a simple white sign that says LOAD with a bulldog in a spiked collar between the O and the A. We see men go in and out of this building at all times during the day, 7:00am, 11:00pm and all the hours in between.

Back to the original story.
So, there are two very loud men talking at the sidewalk in front of LOAD, next to a convertible with a woman and 3 young kids in it. After their lengthy, loud conversation, one of the men get into the convertible. He starts to do an illegal(?) u-turn in the middle of our street. He is still turning around talking to the other loud man on the sidewalk. The convertible driver is not looking where he is going. Another car is coming down the road and hits the convertible. It was, for a lack of a more descriptive word, crazy. I have never seen an accident happen from beginning to end like that and right before my eyes. Everyone involved seemed to be ok, including the 3 kids. The kids and the women went into the LOAD building. The two drivers stayed outside, along with the man from the sidewalk. I can pretty much hear their entire conversation. The other car wants to call the police and the convertible man and his friend do not want to call the police, claiming that no one was hurt so there is no need to call. The friend went to work immediately cleaning up the debris on the street. They got the bumper and other car parts out of the road and had the glass swept up within a matter of 5 minutes.

I took it upon myself to make the call. I dialed 911 and reported the accident. I gave the operator my number in case the cops needed to talk to a witness. I wanted to make sure the other driver wasn't at any fault, because from my view, he wasn't.

As I was writing this, I began wondering if I am even allowed to write all of these details on my blog. Does anyone know if I can? I don't know why it started to worry me, but it did. So, if you read this and you know that I should not be posting this, please let me know and I will remove the post.

The end of the story- after all that we forgot all about our tiredness and I even finished unpacking!

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Will Cook for Shoes


I have a shoe addiction. I admit it and am completely aware of it.
I have been eyeing these shoes for awhile now. I found them at zappos.com, but saw them at Macy's (ON SALE!). I couldn't pass them up! I wear heels all the time and am trying to make a conscious effort to buy and wear flats. These shoes are so comfortable and so cute!

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Welcome Ryan Matthew!

My friends Amanda and Matt become the proud parents of a baby boy tonight!

Ryan Matthew Morrow!

Her due date was May 2, but she was admitted on Friday and they induced last night. She had the baby by c-section at 6:15 tonight. He is 8lb 5oz and has tons of dark hair.
Mom and baby are both doing good!

Congratulations Morrow Family!
Welcome to the world Ryan Matthew!
Can't wait to meet you.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

For Better or For Worse?

Ok, something has been bothering me lately. I have been hesitant to put this post out there because I realize it may be a touchy subject for some. Please know that I am not writing this with anyone particular in mind. Like I said, this is just a subject that has been on my mind lately and I would like to hear other's opinions on it.

Marriage- do we, as a society, truly understand the meaning of marriage anymore? Have we become numb to what it actually means to stand up before friends, family and God and pledge ourselves to one another for the rest of our lives? How is it that we allow our marriages to crumble, without ever realizing their true potential? Are we choosing to marry out of feeling of obligation, whether to our future spouse or just societal pressure?

Most wedding vows say something along the lines of "for better or for worse, until death do us part". Are couples realizing the importance of these words when they vow this on their wedding day? Lately, I feel like so many people are forgetting the promises they make to each other and God. I feel like they aren't fighting for their relationships, not doing all they can to honor each other and God. I could be wrong, I don't know the ins and outs of every marriage. But, I do know that in Keith and I's marriage, divorce is not an option. Period. I realize that some people will think I am crazy for saying that, but whatever hardships our marriage endures, I KNOW that with God in the center of our relationship, we can overcome anything that comes our way.

One of the things that saddens me most is seeing a couple in what I call a "marriage of convenience". A marriage that is lacking the love, respect, communication and respect that it so deserves. The two people are somehow making it work, but their marriage isn't reaching its full potential. They are living together, day in and day out, but they are missing the big picture. I truly believe that every marriage has the potential to be GREAT. It is a choice that the husband and wife have to make. Of course, I think it is next to impossible for a marriage to reach that potential without God in the center of it. There is a verse that says something along the lines of "a strand of 3 cords is not easily broken." I am a firm believer in that.

I want so badly to reach those couples whose marriages seem 'just ok' or whose marriages are not working at all. I want to tell them that there is so much more in store for them if they are just willing to work for it. I want to assure them that it can get better, if both people are willing to put forth every ounce of effort they have into their marriage. Aren't our marriages worth fighting for? I want to see all marriages flourish and succeed. I want to see a day where our divorce rate is not 50%! Are we giving up too easily?

I'm reading a book "The Power of a Praying Wife". It is such a good book and shows me different aspects in my husband's life that I need to pray for. We have already seen results since I have started reading this book. The first chapter told me that I needed to pray for Keith's wife (me!). I needed to pray that I be the kind of wife that Keith needs, I needed to let go of my expectations, I needed to put my husbands needs in front of my own. This is hard for me to do all the time because I am a very stubborn, impatient, perfectionist. I have expectations that are probably almost impossible for Keith to reach. I am trying to let go of my expectations. I am realizing that Keith and I are not wired the same way. What is important to me is not always as important to him. For example, I need everything to be in it's place and just a certain way. Keith does not need this. So, is it really fair for me to expect him to fold the towels a certain way? If it is my hang up, it should be my responsibility. I shouldn't expect him to be the perfectionist that I am. I love him for who he is. As I am realizing these little things, our relationship is getting better.

My goal is to be the wife that Keith needs, a Proverbs 31 kind of wife. I pray that we can be a living example of what a marriage should be. I pray that all couples realize the joy that comes from a good marriage. I pray that husbands and wives realize what they have, not take each other for granted, not get caught up in the whirlwind of life and make time for each other.
Again, I hope my post hasn't offended anyone. That was never my intention. If you are married, take a moment to let your spouse know how much you love them, not only today, but every day!

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

The Big 5-0



Today is my Mom's 50th Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday Momma!!!

She is coming down to St. Louis and we have bleacher tickets for the Cardinal game this afternoon. I am so excited for her visit.

I knew I was going to have to post this Happy Birthday entry to her. I knew that I wanted to make it a very special post. I have not been able to capture exactly what I feel in words.

My mom is simply amazing. I can tell you that she is honest, loving, compassionate, funny, thoughtful, wonderfully weird, caring, hardworking, and beautiful, but somehow the words on a page just don't do justice to my Mom. She is all of those things and more! I thank God for my Mom everyday. He blessed me with the most fantastic mother.

I will just end my Mom's 50th Birthday post with this-
"Happy Birthday Momma! I love you like a rock!"

Monday, April 16, 2007

Random Monday Thought

"Peace begins with a smile."
~Mother Teresa

I am going to remember this quote this week. I smile alot at my family, friends, co-workers, people I know. I don't think I smile much at people I don't know and I am not sure why. My mom smiles at everyone, all the time. I love this about my mom.
So, this week I am going to strive to smile more.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Hit the Polls!

My friend Val, at Purple Valley, has another amazing blog- Grandma's Diary.
(you can find it at http://wordsofgrandma.blogspot.com/ or by clicking on my sidebar under frequent visits. Again, I apologize for not being able to provide the direct link, but blogger problems still..)

So, back to Val's blog.
Here is the description I took right from Val's vote page,
"I am one of eight grandchildren. Grandpa passed away in October 2006; grandma passed away July 1994. While sifting through my grandparents' things, I found my grandma's diaries and journals. This is a compilation of her entries, entry-by-entry, day-by-day, in the 1940's. May you enjoy reading my grandmothers thoughts and learning more about my past just as I have."

I am thankful that Val is taking the time and effort to post this blog. It is a little window into history, a chance to take a peek at what life might have been like for my own grandparents.

And, the reason for my post- Grandma's Diary has been nominated for The Best Blog of All Time! You can vote for Grandma's Diary by clicking on the link below or by going to http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/3779

My site was nominated for Best Blog of All Time!

**Please Note: My Blog was NOT nominated for Best Blog of All Time, but with my blogging problems, this was the only way I could figure out how to get a direct link to the voting page**


If you have a free minute, or two, check out Grandma's Diary. After you read it, I know you'll want to vote too!
Hope to see you at the polls!!!

Friday, April 13, 2007

Birthday Wishes

Happy 50th Birthday to my Dad!

It is so strange to say that my Dad is 50! The big 5-0.
Just wanted to post a lil Happy Birthday message in honor of my Dad!

Monday, April 9, 2007

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

You Are an Espresso

At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic

At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung

You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping

Your caffeine addiction level: high

Click on the link above to take the quiz. If you do, let me know what kind of coffee you turned out to be!

Table Talk

Keith and I went to Decatur for Easter. After church on Sunday we had brunch with my Dad and his side of the family. Tucker (my 1 year old nephew) was sitting next to Destiny (my cousin's 3 year old girl). They were getting along and Tucker kept saying "Ak, Ak" (about the extent of his vocab right now, besides "DaDa, Hi, Bye and 'ot (for hot)). Well here is the cute lil conversation that transpired:

Tucker: "Ak"
Destiny: (whispers to Tucker)
Dottie (my sister): "Destiny, do you know what Tucker is saying?"
Destiny: (nodding emphatically) "Yes, I know what he is saying."
Dottie: "What?"
Destiny: "Ak"

We all just about rolled right out of our chairs! I am laughing aloud again, just typing the conversation.
I love these moments!

Contentment

My Mom emailed me this daily devotional. I loved it and wanted to share it with you. I have a very hard time learning to be content, whatever the circumstances. I want to strive to acheive this, but am fully aware that it will be a process, probably a very long process, thanks to my impatience and need for instant gratification. I do love the part where he says instead of "asking God to change the circumstance, ask Him to change you in the circumstance". How many times have I asked for the situation to be changed, instead of trying to wait and figure out what I am supposed to be learning from a certain situation or circumstance? Why do I seem to forget that God has a plan, a plan to prosper not to harm?
Anyway, I loved this devotional.
___________________________________________________
April 4, 2007

Somewhere else
by Jon Walker

“For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11 NIV)

Community — Have you ever been somewhere you didn’t want to be? Maybe it was a job, a town, or a marriage. Maybe it was a stage in life, like singlehood, or a state in life, like a disability. It’s very possible that as you read this, you’re wishing you were somewhere else – anywhere else – living a different life, but you know it’s not likely that anything is going to change any time soon.

God has a word for you. It’s the same word he gave a group of people when they were stuck in another country, exiled from their homeland. They’d folded their arms and said, “We’re going to wait this thing out, and when we get home, we’ll start living our lives.”

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God told them, “You’re not going home any time soon, so start making your lives here. Plant gardens, buy homes, let your children get married, and pray for the peace and prosperity of the place where you’re currently living because, by doing that, you too will be blessed with peace and prosperity.”

To use a modern cliché, God was saying, “Bloom where you’re planted.”

Don’t invest your energy in hopes of leaving; instead invest your energy in the people around you. The Christian martyr Jim Eliot expressed it this way: “Wherever you are, be all there.” Don’t be physically present but mentally somewhere else, thinking of the future or the past, thinking of someplace else. Our journey with Christ requires that we be fully present in the present.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer called it “this worldliness,” and said, “It is only by living completely in this world that one learns to live by faith.” This focus allows you to see that your life is centered in God and not the place you live or work, not the person you’re married to – or not married to – not how you feel or how you look.

Investing in the people around you is exactly how you find life. Jeremiah even told the exiles that God had arranged for them to be in exile. So it was God’s plan all along to push them to the edge of their existence, so they would end up centered solely on God.

You may feel like you’re in exile too, but God is still working in your life; and his message to you is: Dig in and fully embrace the life around you.

So What?
· Center your life in God, not in your circumstances. God is constant; your circumstances are temporary. Ask God, “What do you want me to learn or to do in these present circumstances.”
· Change me, God – Instead of asking God to change your circumstances, ask him to change you in the circumstances.
· Practice being in the present – Today, whenever you find your mind drifting to another place, bring it back to the present, and ask God to help you stay in the present.
· Determine to be a good steward of what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have. Make the most of what God has given you.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes........

A big THANK YOU to my creative friend Valerie over at Purple Valley! You may have noticed my new blog header. Val has created a few headers and she is responsible for mine! She suggested using my last name in my blog title and she was the one who thought of "My Life..As a Book". It is just perfect! Every day should include a good book and a cup of coffee.

So, another big THANK YOU to Valerie.
Check out her blog by clicking on Purple Valley under My Friends section.
(I still am having problems with links and pictures with my blog!)

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

The Last Year in His 20's

*note- Keith I am sorry that this post looks so boring, but I still can't post pictures or even change my font size or color*

Happy 29th Birthday to my amazing husband!!!
I wanted to write a post in Keith's honor on his birthday. He is the most amazing man I have ever met and I always wish I can find different ways to show him just how much he means to me. So, Keith, this is my attempt for today....

Things about you that I LOVE about you, but may not always tell you-
1. the way you look at me
2. how you pack my lunch and make my coffee every day before I leave for work
3. when you wake up with a sleepy head on your shoulders, but still wake up to see
me in the morning
4. how you always let me watch Friends re-runs before bed
5. how incredible you are with your clients
6. that you go to church with me
7. when you laugh aloud
8. your honesty
9. your integrity
10. that you do the laundry
11. that you tell me you love me about 10,000 times a day
12. you always give me my "spot"
13. your willingness to always try new things
14. you know just the right things to say to me when I am worried
15. your dedication to everything you do
16. the fact that I know you are going to be a terrific father someday
17. you never forget anniversaries or birthdays
18. your patience
19. your "wild" fashion sense (does this match?!?)
20. how important family is to you
21. the way you tip your baseball hat up when you are working really hard
22. when you remind me that God has a plan
23. your hugs and kisses
24. that you are the first person I want to share good or bad news with
25. your dance moves
26. that you continue to try mushrooms, even though you don't like them
27. you always tell me which shoe looks best
28. your love of the outdoors
29. the fact that you picked me to be the woman you spend your life with

I hope you have a great birthday Keith! I want you to know how GREAT you are!
Oh, and I will always love the fact that you will always be the older one, even if only by a few months! :)