It's Official...

My flight has been booked!  NYC here I COOOOOMMMMMMMEEEEEEEE!

My Christmas Wish

If you know me, you know that I LOVE Christmas. I love everything about it.

     1) REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS with the birth of my Lord and Savior.

     2) Seeing the Nativity Scene

     3) Christmas Plays at different churches

     4) The lights (white are my favorite though)

     5) The smells (pine, cinnamon, hot chocolate, etc.)

     6) The Christmas trees decked in all their splendor.

     7) Family gatherings

     8) Being with Friends

     9) Picking out the perfect gift for each person on my list

     10) Wrapping gifts and taking the time to make them beautiful on the outside

     11) Stuffing stockings

     12) Going to the store and being surrounded by people….the bustle, everything!

     13) All the Christmas Baking (that I usually do NOT do…but I love to enjoy it!)

     14) CHRISTMAS MUSIC!

     15) Going Caroling with the church

     16) HALLMARK MOVIES as well as any other Christmas themed movie!

You name it, I LOVE it when it comes to Christmas.

Since I could remember, I’ve always enjoyed watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I will watch every second until the Radio City Rockettes come on…then I will allow myself to help in the kitchen or do whatever needs to be done. Until then, don’t bother asking me b/c I won’t do it. Watching the parade makes me giddy. I just feel that NYC is the epitome of a Magical Place during the holiday season. And knowing how much I love the season, I want to do during the holiday season. It just has that magical feel. So needless to say, I am super duper totally excited about this trip. And I am very excited about the company that I will be keeping. It will be Kellye, her mother (Debbie) and her friend (Tammy) and myself.

This year, my dream is coming true!  I am SO very excited! One of my very best friends and I are planning a trip to NYC during the Christmas Season! Woo Hoo!

On December 6th I will be flying out of Charlotte and meeting up with the other 3 at LaGuardia. Kellye and the others will be flying out of Nashville. We’ll then travel into the city and get to our hotel and THEN IT IS ON!

Kellye and I have talked extensively about this in the last couple of days. We have made a mental list of the things we want to do/places we want to see. We are looking at staying up the entire time pretty much. We’re not going to have time to sleep. That’s just how it is gonna hafta be. And we are AOK with that! Haha

I have been to NYC once before. But it was a very short trip. I think we were in the City for about 33 hours total. My parents have been involved in the building of the Graffiti Ministry. They helped build the church and we went up for a dedication service. So the sights were very few but still it was a fun time.

Here is my NYC Bucket List:

• Statue of Liberty

• Empire State Building

• Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

• NYC Movie/TV Tour

• Radio City Rockettes

• Wicked

• Santa’s Lap at Macy’s

• Bobby Flay’s Restaurant, Mesa

• Arrojo Studio (What Not To Wear Studio)

• Bloomingdales

• Lord & Taylor

• FAO Schwartz

• The MET

• Times Square

• Wall Street & The Financial District

• Every Starbucks in the City

That is a lot to see/do before December 9th at 4pm when we have to head to the airport. We are going to see it all, regardless of how long it shall take.

Have any of you ever been to NYC? Anything suggestions? Anything you would advise that I do not worry about wasting money on??

I have a co-worker who was in NYC the same time of year I am going. She said that it was freezing! Kellye also went to NYC last year the same time of year. She said it was about 14 degrees the entire time.

I am definitely going to be dressing warm. I already purchased a new “NYC Hat”. Its super cute! I’m taking toboggan, scarf, neck warmer, gloves, thermals, tights, pea coat (for when we have to dress up), Columbia jacket for everyday wear, good boots for walking that will be comfy and yet warm, warm sweaters/turtlenecks.

For the NYC Veterans reading...what did you do about a purse? I do not want to carry one around the entire time. That would completely stink. I was thinking of taking my Vera Bradley or Life is Good back pack. That way I can put it under my coat and it won’t be “accessible” while walking around. I’ll probably keep a small wallet of some sort in the inside pocket as well as my camera.

Anyone have any suggestions for how to dress for the NYC weather??? I don’t want to be cold, but I don’t want to burn up when I am inside a store/building either.

Kellye has suggested that I ask for Starbucks gift cards for my birthday. She said that she spent a small fortune last year buying hot chocolate to stay warm while walking around. Haha But I will say that I already know I’ll spend a small fortune at Starbucks. I LOVE that place!

My birthday is the week after I get back from NYC, but I am treating it as my bday gift to myself.  It will be a great 28th Birthday for me this year!

Birthdays!

Today is my dearest sister's birthday. Nancy turned 25 today. 

I love my sister to death.

We have our "moments" like any other siblings would have....but we get along great.

Although there are times when Nancy can make me madder than a hornet....she can crack me up and make me laugh hysterically.

I love it when we send each other stupid emails/text messages that bring a smile to the other's face.

I also love that we can talk about the serious stuff without judgment from the other.

I love that she wants me to play "dares" with her at random and most inconvient times.  Most often I never partake of the dare, but still...its is hysterical just thinking about it. 

Nancy is a wonderful Christian woman.  She is a fabulous sister, a great wife, and one day I know she will make the perfect mother.

She is passionate about everything that she does.  Whether it be scrapbooking or whether it be volunteering in a third world country as she spreads the Word of God.

I love my sister.  She is my best friend.

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Today is also my nephew's birthday.

Lucas was born on 9.22.05.

Lucas stole my heart the moment I first saw him.

Over the last four years, this kid has continued to make me smile in so many ways.

Yes, he definitely can make me want to pull my hair out and sometimes I second guess as to whether or not I want children of my own....but it never fails that he says something that makes me melt.

This child has been a blessing and has helped to heal the sorrows of losing my brother 3 years ago.

I know that he has been a God send to my father.  He will always be "Papa's Little Boy".

My prayer is that Lucas will know that God comes first in everything.  That he will always have someone to turn to in his hours of need as he grows into a Godly Christian man.  I also pray that I can always be a positive influence.  That he can always see the Love of Jesus through my actions.

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Tonight we had took Lucas to see The Jungle Book, by the Overlook Theater.  It was fabulous and Lucas had a great time.  He was slightly scared at times of Shere Khan.  But he enojyed it nonetheless.

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Tomorrow after church we are having cake and ice cream for Nancy and Lucas.

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I count my blessings everyday that I have such a wonderful family and for what they mean to me.  I am a lucky girl!

A Rainy BBQ

I know that we really need the rain that we have been having for the last 2 weeks, but really, it can put a damper on the weekend plans. 

We still went forward with our BBQ dinner last night, regardless of what Mr. Weatherman was saying.  It rained off and on pretty much all day long.

Luckily for me, I had prepared the majority of my sides on Friday evening, or I had at least started the process. 

I had volunteered to make 24 cupcakes for the Kick off of Operation Christmas Child through the Samaritan's Purse.  We gave one cupcake to each person as they left the morning services today.  I was going to put little shoes and purses on the cuppycakes but I didn't feel like getting that serious about it.  To help out, Friday night I baked the cuppycakes and let them cool.  That way all I had to do Saturday morning was ice them and get them out to the church. 

On my way to the church, one of the carriers slid off the seat.  I was able to catch it from falling completely....but the actually cupcakes slid on the inside.  Yeah...I had a couple of sad looking cupcakes, but I was able to salvage them.  O-well.

I helped Matt make his BBQ sauce, let me just say....YUM!  The best BBQ sauce I've ever had.  I was very proud of him. I failed to get a picture of the sauce.

I also made Deviled Eggs.  I had never done this before.  I was very concerned whether or not I had let them boil long enough and was worried that they would be all soupy when I took the shell off.  I cracked open my first egg and to my astonishment it was COMPLETELY DONE!  Boiled perfection.  I was so excited that I kept showing Matt my beautifully boiled eggs.   As for the filling, I actually used one of my cake decorating tips to pipe the mixture into the eggs.  It worked and they looked deli fresh. 

I showcased these beauties on my Southern Living at Home Tuscan Appetizer Tray.  Gorgeous wouldn't you agree?

I also made the tri colored pasta for the Pasta Salad.  Matt helped by chopping the green pepper.  I tossed together with Zesty Italian dressing.  Then put into the fridge for chilling.  Saturday morning I tossed in the cheese cubes.  (You don't want to put the cheese in until the pasta has completely cooled or the cubes will melt.)

The pasta salad looked wonderful in the Southern Living At Home Brio Bowl.  I definitely do not use this bowl enough and I was glad that I was able to put it to good use.

Saturday morning, I made the banana pudding.  YUM!  It was delicious.  I knew it would be, because it is my sister's recipe and it is my favorite.  It was definitely a hit. 

I also made Baked Beans, but failed to get a picture of them.  But they were simple and delicious.  Just take my word for it.

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By noon-ish I was beat and decided to treat myself to a little retail therapy....consignment therapy that is.

First fabulous find, was a SUPER cute yellow sun dress.  I know it's not really the weather to be wearing sun dresses anymore, but still...it will be perfect for next spring/summer! Always thinking ahead.  It was only $6.  I technically got it for free b/c I had credit at the store and was able to purchase it that way. 

Then I found this adorble canister for puppy treats.

I've been looking for something like this to put Birken & Mimi LaRue's doggie treats in.  When I saw this at another consignment store I stopped at, I couldn't help but to purchase it!  It's adorable!

While at Suzie's Savvy seconds, I also purchased a sweet little teal dress.  Perfect for the office.

I then had a much needed visit with my Mamaw and Papaw.  I really enjoyed the hour or so that I was at their house.  They are two very special people.  If you think of it, please keep my Papaw in your prayers, he is simply aging and it is beginning to show.  He would appreciate any prayers that are lifted up on his behalf.

I then went to Cashiers to drop off some of my own consignment pieces at Victoria's Closet. 

I made a quick pit-stop at Buck's Coffee to get the most wonderfully delicious White Chocolate Mocha.  It definitely hit the spot.  Especially since it was still raining pretty steadily and I was slightly chilled.

On to Cashiers I went...I dropped off 2 bags of clothes and I CANNOT wait to get credit at the store so I can go and make some purchases.  I've never saw so many great prices for designer items!  I am stoked and can't wait to go back and actually purchase!

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Then to Tilley Creek to finally meet up with everyone and have some much awaited BBQ. 

Overall, a fantastic feast with fabulous friends and family.

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On a random note, Matt and I have decided to can several jars of his Perfect BBQ Sauce.  It will be a wonderful Christmas/house-warming/thank-you/Birthday/Just-because-you-are-You gift for our friends and family.

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Still to come...pictures from the TeamKid Trip.  Still haven't been able to download those pictures.  I'll post as soon as I get them onto the computer.

Decisions, Decisions....

About three weeks ago, Matt decided that he would like to trade in his truck for a Jeep.  By the time the day was over, he had decided that he just as well build a house.....this leads us to this: 

Here you will see some of the exterior pictures of the home.   As of right now, Matt is not going to do the carport.  But he will be adding the deck. 

Below are the plans for the home.  The upstairs won't be finished, but for now, that will be ok.  I love the layout and there are other options that can be added or taken away to make it more customized to meet Matt's needs. 

All in all, it will be very interesting as the process moves forward.  I am hoping to capture each step on camera.  Today, Matt met with the builder at the house site.  Which I might add is WAAAAAAAYYYYY out in the sticks but the view will be worth it all when its said and done.  I hope to get up to the site this weekend to get the "before" pictures.  The builder will be coming back in a few days with the grader and well digger.  Then as soon as the loan is approved and the paperwork is signed, ground breaking can begin. 

Please keep this "next step" in your prayers.  I know it may be viewed as a silly thing to pray for, but I believe that you still MUST look to the Lord for guidance when making big decisions such as this.

I can't help but be a little excited that Matt has given me the priveldge of picking out the interior color schemes and such.  I'm keeping my eyes peeled for some amazing deals!!!  :)

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In other news, Matt and I are having a little BBQ dinner on Saturday evening.   Again, I am excited.  I will be making mama's baked beans, cole slaw (anyone have any good recipes?  I don't eat the stuff so I have no idea....), pasta salad, hush puppies, deviled eggs and sis's banana pudding.

I'll try to get pictures of my presentation...I've never had to make so much stuff for one meal...but we'll see how it goes.  It could be VERY interesting! 

Matt will be master of the smoker.  He will be smoking boston butts and ribs.  OOOOOOH yum.

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I have some photos from last Saturday when I went with our TeamKids from church to Fields of the Wood in Hiawassee Dam, NC.  I can honestly say that I had a blast and I had a little rendevous with the Lord while at the Place of Prayer.  It was AW-SOME! 

I was so overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit that silent tears were streaming down my face.  I will definitely post about my experience as soon as I am able to download the photos.  Which will hopefully be this weekend.

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I wil leave you with a couple things that I enjoyed about today:

1) I went to the County Fair and had a good time looking, visiting, and checking out the local talent.

2)  Lucas told us that he saw God at church, and he colored him green. (he colored a coloring sheet during children's church)

3) I enoyed a delicious Grilled Apple Butter Sandwich and it made my day, er night.

4) The smell of fall is lingering everywhere and I am dumping pumped about it!

Second Wind

I was about to say "as you may already know" but the fact is, you don't already know...b/c I've not blogged in F.O.R.E.V.E.R! So I will begin with this:   I have received my "second wind." What does that mean? you ask.

In mid-January through mid-April, I went to the gym religiously. I was working out 1-3x/day at least 4-5x/week. I was really on my game. During this time frame, I lost a total of 12 inches and 25lbs. I have continued to maintain the weight. However, I've noticed that the last month or so, I've began to lose my toning and what muscle I had achieved.

But as my title indicates, I have gained my second wind and I am hitting the gym again full force. I felt so great while I was working out. I was wearing clothes I hadn't worn in ages, my skin was clearer, I actually for the first time ever kinda liked the way my legs were beginning to look. I want that again. I want to achieve so much more than what I had attained originally.

One of the first things I will be doing is not only going to gym, but walking during my lunch hour. AND I will be participating in the Smoky Streak 5K/10K on October 3, 2009. I've slowly been picking up jogging, but I'm no where up to 3.1 miles. I am going to try and run as much as I can but walk if I need too. My main goal will be to beat my time in the next 5K that I participate.

If you are interested in the run/walk, let me know and I'll send you the link.

I will try to be better about my blogging. As long as you don't mind reading about my slow progress to my goal weight. Which I would LOVE to reach by the end of the year. We shall see how well I do. And if you see me falling off the workout wagon....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep me accountable!

I know it has been approximately 10 months since I last posted. I promise that I will do better. I have recently moved into my parents cabin and I am slowly getting things as I like them. I am sure I will be posting with the new and fantastic things that I do. haha (yeah who am I kidding???) I do, however, promise to be better with my blogging abilities. I sorta fell off the wagon but I'm jumping back on. Writing really has theraputic qualities. We'll see if I can continue to actually remember to write so I can feel and enjoy the effects that releasing my thoughts, concerns, jubilations, etc can bring.