Happy Anniversary

When I was younger and before I drifted off to sleep at night, I would think about my future husband and what I thought it would be like to be married. Each night, my mind would center around the same scenario of walking down the aisle, towards the man of my dreams. I would always fall asleep hoping that I would have a dream about it and hopefully see who my husband would be. It never happened.

I still remember the day that Adam & I were introduced. We were at a mutual friends birthday party and immediately we connected. It wasn't until seven months later that we went on our first date. If you don't know the story, I actually blew him off at first. He seemed to good to be true and I was enjoying being single. In February 2005, we went on our first date. It wasn't your typical first date either. My sister had gotten us tickets to a small private concert for Gavin Degraw. Four and a half months later, we were engaged.

It's been four years ago today, since I walked down the aisle and we became husband and wife. Everyone says the day goes by so quickly, and you forget so much of your special day. That isn't the case for me. I made sure to take everything in and I'm so glad I did. It was a beautiful day and more than I could have ever expected.

As a child, my thoughts on a husband and marriage were all fairy tales. Don't get me wrong, we have had some fantastic moments together. But it hasn't always been easy. The best part is, I get to share each day with the love of my life and there is no one else I would rather have as a partner. I thank God daily that He gave Adam to me. And thank you Adam, for choosing me to be your wife and loving me unconditionally. Happy Anniversary Babe!

Adam & I at our Rehearsal Dinner.

First Dance as husband and wife, dancing to Gavin Degraws "More than anyone"

Ten on Tuesday

I really look forward to Ten on Tuesdays. Chelsea always selects the best questions. Thanks Chelsea, for making Tuesdays more interesting.

1. Fill in the blank. Sometimes I wish I was more _______.
Creative. I love to create! However, I haven't been good at utilizing my talents and creativity lately. When I was younger, I took painting classes. I loved it and learned so much. I also used to sew, but haven't since I was in Junior High. I asked for a sewing machine for a Christmas a couple of years ago and I'm embarrassed to say that it is still in the box. I have all of these ideas and plans and have yet to follow thru. I realize that God has given me this talent and ability to be creative and do things with my hands that others cannot and I'm doing nothing about it. That is going to change.

2. How do you cure the hiccups?
I don't get the hiccups very much, but when I was pregnant, both Mason & Taylor would get them in utero. My belly would jump and move and it was quite funny to watch. Unfortunately, this would usually happen almost anytime I laid down. Every time I got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, I had the hardest time going back to sleep because of this. Somehow I thought I could help them get rid of the hiccups by swallowing a teaspoon or sugar or holding my breath. No such luck.

3. What are three of your favorite indulgences?
1. Pedicures - Before kids came along, I was fortunate enough to get them twice a month. Now, I'm lucky if I get two a year.
2. Unsweet Iced Tea from Chick Fil A - Yes, I know I'm from the south and everyone drinks sweet tea, well except my husband who despises iced tea, but I prefer unsweet tea. It's refreshing and just makes me smile.
3. Twilight series - I'm currently rereading this series and I am loving it all over again. And yes, I'm Team Edward!

4. Where is the most exotic place you would like to travel to? The most mundane?
Greece. Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to visit this gorgeous country. Anytime I watch Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, it's only reinforced that I will one day visit Greece.
The most mundane, Garner State Park in Texas. I loved camping and I have fond memories of this State Park. It's in the middle of nowhere, but I love it.

5. Does having your time planned out stress you or relax you?
It depends on the situation. Any normal day, it relaxes me. I feel more organized and better if I know what lies ahead for the day. Now if I'm on vacation, it stresses me out when the day is planned out. I don't mind having an idea of what I want to do each day, but I don't like a set schedule. I'm on vacation and want to go with the flow and relax. I don't like wearing a watch when I'm on vacation.

6. What are your favorite fabrics to wear?
Cotton. It's light and super comfortable.

7. Do you sleep thru the night?
Before I had kids, yes. For the first four months of a newborns life, you don't get much sleep. I would be happy if I got four consecutive hours of sleep. Both of my kids are great sleepers and sleep thru the night. However, lately, Mason has been waking up at the crack of dawn to play. I have tried everything from taking away his naps to putting him down later, no such luck. I'm sure it's a phase, but I don't usually drift off to sleep until about midnight. Waking up at 5am isn't my favorite thing to do, but like I said, I hope it's a phase. It's been about 3 years since I slept in and even if I could, I don't know if my body would let me.

8. When you were younger, what did you think you would be doing at this age? How close is that to what you are doing?
I wanted to be a teacher when I was younger. After my first year of college, I decided to change my mind. I also saw myself as a mom and a wife and I'm thrilled to say that my wish came true. I guess I am a teacher in some ways. Everyday, Mason & I have "school." During this time, we read books, learn about letters and numbers, and work on art projects.

9. What has surprised you the most about growing up?
Age is just a number. I used to think that when I turned 30, I would be so old. It is weird to think that 15 years ago, I was a freshmen in High School. But as I have gotten older, I realize that age is just a number and you are as old as you feel. A few years ago, I never thought that I would be looking forward to turning 30.

10. Are you good at keeping secrets?
Yes. I don't like to keep secrets from people, but if a surprise is involved, it's even more fun. Besides, most of the time, it's not my secret to share.


On another note, I wanted to wish my mother-in-law, Nancy, a Happy Birthday! This picture was taken at our wedding during the mother/groom dance. Hope you have a fabulous day and we wish we could be there to celebrate with you.

It was this big

Adam & I have been together for 5 years this month, and this week we will celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary. Since we have been married, a big screen TV has been at the top of Adam's wish list. After waiting for 4 years, his wish has come true. Because our anniversary and birthdays are within a month of each other, this turned into a anniversary/30th birthday gift for him. He couldn't be happier.

We also purchased a new entertainment center. I didn't want to purchase a new TV only to have the kids touching it or playing with the cords all the time. Mason still can reach it, but he received the warning that if he touches the entertainment center or TV, he automatically has a time out in his room. This has worked perfectly, and he has only had to learn the hard way a couple of times.

I still need to add our DVD's and some decor, but for now, we are enjoying the fact that we have such a crisp picture. There are parts of Cars that I never noticed before. It will come in handy for March Madness, which isn't too far off.

Flashback Friday

This week's Flashback Friday picture is brought to you from March 2006. Since Adam & I have been married, we have celebrated our birthdays together. We are only 15 days apart and yes, he is married to an older woman for 15 days. We celebrated that year at Dave & Busters with our friends. This is a picture of my friend Katy & I after playing the Trivia game most of the evening.

Top 5

Elizabeth did a neat post yesterday titled Top 5 @ Five. I was tagged to do this post as well, so here you go. My top five current obsessions.

#5 Etsy.com

I absolutely adore this site. There are a ton of very talented people out there and I love the idea of homemade anything. It inspires me to use my creative talents to the fullest. I really liked this letter artwork.

#4 Running

Anything that involves running really. Since I have been training for the Half Marathon in May, I have researched and read so many articles regarding running. It's fascinating to me and also very inspiring. Again, thank you to all who left encouraging comments for me the other day. It was exactly what I needed. Here is one of the views I will get to see during my run along the coast in Santa Barbara.

#3 Vacations

I really want to take a vacation and preferably, would love to go back to Lanikai, Hawaii. It was rated the #1 beach in the United States and it's one of the top 10 beaches in the world. I have been thinking a lot about it lately, especially since our 4 year anniversary is next week. For all of you Lost fans, those are the islands that they do most of their filming on. This was the view we woke up to every morning on our honeymoon.

#2 Party Planning

I love entertaining and as of lately, I have really gotten into party planning. It keeps me up at times, when all I can think about are new and creative ideas for decor and food. With Taylor's first birthday around the corner, I have been very busy getting ready for her party. Yes, I still have over a month to get ready for it, but I like to plan ahead. I found this fantastic blog centered around parties. She is so talented and has such a creative talent for party planning.

#1 Candy

This goes hand in hand with the party planning. Taylor's 1st birthday will be centered around the idea of CandyLand. I fell in love with this idea back in November and have been planning ever since. I have a rather large walk-in pantry and the entire bottom shelf (that wraps around) is filled with candy for her party. Doesn't this picture just give you a sugar high?

Ten on Tuesday

This weeks Ten on Tuesday comes from Miss Chelsea. I like the diversity of the questions this week.

1. What is your favorite travel destination?
The only place we have traveled lately is to the wonderful state of Texas! So besides visiting our family and friends in the Houston and Dallas area, my other favorite destination would be Hawaii. We spent our honeymoon in Lanikai, on the island of Oahu, and I would go back in a heartbeat. Anytime I see a picture of Hawaii or a show on the Travel Channel about the best beaches, my heart skips a beat, as I think of all the great memories we made.

2. Cats vs. Dogs?
I am more of a dog girl, but I love cats too. However, we will never have cats in our house, because Adam isn't a fan. They are a lot less maintenance, but dogs are more friendly. Mason really loves dogs and we hope to one day get one, but it will be awhile. We travel too much already and it wouldn't be fair for the dogs.

3. Do you believe in fate?
I believe that God predestined everything to happen, meaning that He knows everything that is going to happen, and that God brings people in and out of your life.

4. Do you believe in Karma?
No, but I do believe you reap what you sow.

5. Everyone has a unique laugh. Do you like yours?
Sure. If I didn't, I probably wouldn't laugh as much as I do.

6. Is love really all you need?
No. Too many people try to find their happiness by falling "in love" and end up hurt and unhappy. God first loved us and calls us to love others. So first, you need God.

7. What's your take on the whole 2012 scare?
I don't know a whole lot about this, but honestly, why live in fear? What kind of life is that?

8. If you won a million dollars and had to give it all away, who would you give it to? (Family and Friends not included)
I would love for it to be used toward adoption. So many children need a home and want a "forever family."

9. Do you believe in God/religion/the power of prayer?
Yes, most definitely! I have a relationship with Christ, which involves time, reading of the Word, and prayer. I don't like the term religion or the term "religious." Do I go to a Southern Baptist Church, yes, but too many people focus on religion and not on the importance of having a relationship with Christ. They loose sight of the big picture. And yes, the power of prayer is very powerful! That doesn't mean that you pray and you get what you want. It means that you have faith that God can move mountains and work his power and will in a situation, and no matter what the outcome may be, God hears our prayers.

10. What New Year's Resolution do you always make but never keep?
I don't make New Year's Resolutions. I make short and long term goals on a regular basis.

Go Stros!

Adam & I both share a love for baseball, preferably the Astros. We have been to countless games together and had the joy of going to a couple of playoff games. Remember the 18 inning game in October 2005, we were there. Actually, we almost left because I was so tired and I remember telling Adam that if nothing happened after the 18th inning, I wanted to leave. Luckily, something happened and Chris Burke hit a home run that won the game. Glad we didn't leave.

Adam & I both grew up watching Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell. Fortunately, we were able to score some tickets to Craig Biggio's last home game. Minute Maid Park was sold out and the lines to get in the doors, were wrapped all around the building. I remember, because it was Mason's first Astros game and it was muggy and extremely hot that day. I loved that Mason's was able to see Craig Biggio play during his lifetime, even if he will never remember it and will only see the pictures.

The picture is so deceiving. I think Mason cried for a few minutes before sleeping his way thru the rest of the game. Atleast he saw the opening dedication to Biggio. Here he is with his Daddy and Uncle Brad.

Biggio at bat! It's still hard for me to think of the team without him. There is no "I" in team, but in my opinion, he was the heart of the Houston Astros.

Although it's still a couple months until Baseball season, we are already preparing Taylor. I only wish we could see or go to more games. If only Dish Network would offer there MLB package, we would get to see our beloved Astros more often.