Hello Dear Blog

December 13th 2010

Hello Dear Blog,
It's 2011.  Twenty-eleven!  Yes, it's true.  We had quite the journey over Christmas break.  We started with a road trip up to Chicago, enjoyed the snowy climate, a trip to the emergency vet, and a road trip down to Middle TN.  After that I loved being home for the remainder of 2010 leading up the the new year.

Last year was a wonderful  one.  I have so much to be grateful for.  Health, family, friends, a church to call home, rewarding work, and the list goes on. I am so thankful for my own little family, all three of us (the Mr., Gibson, and myself).  I can't imagine my life without those two.  There was something so great about celebrating our 2nd Christmas together as husband and wife.  To enjoy our own traditions for a 2nd year in a row.  To know where the Christmas tree would go, and all the little memories we had as we took things out of storage.

I'm looking forward to 2011 to cultivate more. More in my relationships, more in creativity, more in God, and more in life. This year is about cultivating the foundation.

It's good to be here.

I hope you and yours had a sparkling holiday season, and are full of hope for 2011.

Always an Em

Gratefulness

Thanksgiving is upon us!  It's hard to believe it's here.

I've been thinking about what I'm thankful for lately.  Just spending a few moments in self reflection, thinking about all the little things adding up to that make my life so great.  The word great doesn't do what I'm trying to describe justice.  My life feels peaceful, joyous, and with just the right of challenge. 

I read today that "Gratefulness is thankfulness in action."  I like that statement.  For a feeling with action is just well, a feeling.

From here till Thanksgiving I'm going to show my gratefulness to those around me and give them a glimpse of how Thankful I really am. 

1 year

It's getting darker outside.

Darkness, like a warm winter comforter stretches itself slowly across the sky.  Blanketing the night, I can no longer see the mountains on the horizon.  It's bitter sweet.  Waking up to the slanting light but by dinner no sign of the dawn.

We traveled to New York City for our 1 year anniversary.  Central Park was gorgeous, a date at the art museum was cozy, and ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza at midnight was well...unforgettable.


It was the Mr.'s first time ice skating.  So that made it extra special.  I loved watching as he would observe the skaters, seeing how they balanced and shifted their weight from foot to foot.  I loved watching him gradually become more comfortable until he let go and thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of gliding on ice.  And I especially loved when he became comfortable enough to let us hold hands. 

Snapshots of trip:

1. Promises, Promises on Broadway
2. Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery
3. Getting dizzy over the view from our room - it was on the 37th floor! 
4. Macy's holiday windows
5. All the languages we overheard
6. Watching the NYC Marathon the morning of our 1 yr. anniversary
7. 3 filets at Quality Meats
8. Afternoon nap
9. Side trip to Chelsea and Bill's Burgers
10. The Mr.'s ability to warm my hands

Our days of adventure in the city marked us with chilly hands, but warm hearts. That city is magical at night. 

Thank you to my Mr. for making life so grand.  Here's to a great start, our 1 year, and here's to the many more to come.

Be Still and Still Moving

Our world is fast, crazy, sporadic jolts of information, noise, and beauty. I translate one language to another instantly, breathlessly.  Deciphering email, to google, to letters, excel, to human to heart. How does the mind keep up?

Sometimes when it's quiet there is a part of me inside that echoes "you were made for this."  For the stillness.  I was not made for the noisy, clamorous, clanging world.   Often what is seen as my dramatic reactions to loud noises is actually my inner musician proclaiming to the world to turn off the bass drum.



T.S. Eliot touches on this in his poem East Coker part V.

Here and there does not matter
We must be still and still moving <---(He really gets it right here)
Into another intensity
For a further union, a deeper communion 

...

"We must be still and still moving."
TS (I'm taking a chance calling him that) perfectly describes that dichotomy of  life.  I must be able to carry that quiet, content peace with me as I'm moving, juggling, and seeking in this often cacophonous, slightly out-of-tune symphony directed by Life. Again...

This practice of being still and still moving is probably one of my life's works in progress.   To walk in a way that wherever I go I'm still inside.  Just think about what that really means.  To not be shaken?  To have contentment beyond what you see? How do you remain still inside amongst such a loud world?  I find hope in that as I become better at being still the world will become just another instrument for me to harmonize with.


...interesting enough the bible talks in detail about being still and knowing that He is God.  Sounds like humans have been working at and pondering this for ages.

Spinning

The Mr. and I have recently discovered the art of spinning.  No, not spinning in circles from our busy schedule, but spinning as in cycling.

Prior to the last few weeks, spin class always seemed  to be that intimidating beast that hides in the dark cave of the gym.  A place where only real warriors with courage would go to slay the dragon.  But one day, the Mr. spotted that little entry on the gym calendar "Spin Class" and beckoned for us to venture into this land of the unknown.  Gathering up courage and gusto, with a cute pair of running shorts we wandered into this new territory.

Ever since then, we've been teasing our athletic appetites with this class.  We've found gears we didn't know existed and a gazillion ways to hold the handlebars.  And above all else, we found we actually liked it. Averaging between 15 - 25 miles per class, spin requires our focus, balance, and use of a whole lot of leg and will power. Slowly but surely we caught on, despite that we didn't wear the spandex and probably never will.

As tired as we feel after class, we keep going back for more.  Endlessly spinning our legs in circles, until they feel as if they are about to fall off. We quickly forget about the agony of the 5 minute sprints and stare at the neon calendar hanging on the fridge looking for the next class we can make.

There in the darker cave of the gym, I adjust my seats and handlebars and hop on the bike ready to take on another personal challenge.  I warm up early.  The Mr. arriving a few minutes later makes a game out of trying to catch up to my mileage.  Even though his legs are twice the length of mine, I still got game.  My body aches, but it's the kind of ache that lets you know you've worked. You've finished.  And that dinner is a well earned prize at the end of the night. 

And while I may not be going into any dark caves to slay dragons anytime soon, I know that spin class is a monster I have strength to overcome.

As the class comes to an end and we fall off our bikes and take our spaghetti legs home, I'm reminded and thankful  I have someone to share the rewarding homemade meal with as well as the personal victory.

We are mad spinners.

Thinking About...

Lately I've been day dreaming about...

The quote from Alice in Wonderland

“There is no use trying, said Alice; one can't believe impossible things. I dare say you haven't had much practice, said the Queen. When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

We have to imagine the impossible

The changing Fall leaves and the beauty around us.

What Central Park will look like in November...

What defines Love?

What defines Love?

How do you show love to your husband or wife?  How does a child demonstrate love toward their parents?

Is it merely belief?

Taking this one step further, how do I demonstrate my love for Christ?

What if I told my husband I just believe that I love you, would that be enough?

My love for my husband is not merely defined by my belief, in that I love him, but more so by my obedience in my love. You're probably saying wait a moment - but obedience is not just subordination, it's an attitude of the heart. My obedience is (attitude of my heart) in talking with him daily, respecting, spending time together, cultivating new interests, listening...the list goes on.

And the second example, a child to a parent demonstrates love by following directions, showing respect, listening, and in general being obedient...

The bible tells us that we demonstrate love for Christ in these same ways.  It is not enough to just say "I believe in Him."  The bible urges us to follow his commandments, and in following His commandments we demonstrate the ultimate Love - obedience.  God knows we have a choice, that is free will to choose how we conduct ourselves daily.  But in Love for Him we choose to follow him with obedience. 

Repeatedly we are told to Love the Lord:

Luke 10:27 (New International Version)

 ²⁷He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself."

Matthew 22:37
³⁷Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
And again in Mark
Mark 12:30
³⁰Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

Mark 12: 28 - 30
²⁸One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
 ²⁹"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

So how do you show Love to the Lord?

Joshua 22:5
⁵ ...keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."

John 14:23

 ²³Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

John 15:10
¹⁰If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

Matthew 19:17

 ¹⁷"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
  
This kind of attitude of the heart is something I have to work at everyday.  It's not easy, the selfish, the I, wants to be first.  But this type of love is worth working for.

In the end, we are doing His will or we aren't.  There is no in between.  And we can see examples from the bible that show us the consequences our decisions.

When we are obedient to the word and show our love,  God's love is made complete as seen in 1 John 2:5-6 below.

1 John 2:5-6
  ⁵But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: ⁶Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

So what are these commandments He asks us to obey?  What did Jesus' walk look like?

Beautiful Life

8 Things: Savannah

The Mr. and I just returned from our wonderful vacation in Savannah, GA.  It was **absolutley!!** amazing!  We really fell in love with that little city.

1.  We walked everywhere all the time.  From square to square and secret garden to historic home, hand in hand.

2. The trees are gorgeous.  Long oak branches provide a frame for the city.  It's as if everywhere you look you are seeing fountains, dogs, and buildings decoupaged by sweeping limbs.

3. The food is delectable.  After walking miles all day we certainly rewarded ourselves with decedent meals in little pubs and grandiose homes throughout the city.

4. Dog haven.  Savannah loves dogs, and therefore we loved Savannah.  There were too many restaurants to count that allowed Fido to come and sit on the patio.  Gibson made friends at each corner tree.

5. Charm is Savannah's middle name. Around each corner we discovered a new treasure, perhaps another square with a fountain that the city dwellers basked in when the mercury levels shot up to 99, or the square faces of lions that were actually drain spouts on homes from the 1900s.  We got lost in this cities charm.

to be continued...

Craft Therapy

Our lists of groceries, to-do things, and remembers is taped to our fridge.  Reminding me of the daily up keep required to turn the wheels of the day. 

I've been thinking lately of some projects, crafty projects I'd like to pursue on the side to keep the artistic part of my brain going.  Somehow mowing the lawn doesn't satisfy it.  Perhaps a sewing endevor or a homemade wreath for the front door this autumn?  Or jewelry making!

Sometimes I long for my aunts and mother, who always seem to have a creative side project going on.  They inspire me.  Even though they are a few hundred miles away, I need to set about my own crafty work here.

Cute Email Exchange

I know I sometimes wonder if we've lost the art of old fashioned letters, with our lives being taken over my emails and texts instead.

But yesterday I was kindly reminded by my husband, that we have not.  No he didn't send me an envelope with pen scratch expressing his undying love (although I'm sure he would if I asked him).  Instead he wrote me a cute little email.  Subject line: Would you go on a date with me?

The email followed with a date suggestion.  I corresponded to say that I'd love to go on a date with him, and that I wasn't sure how I ended up with someone so cute to date!

In his email to follow he asked,

Can we date exclusively?  For life?  

(don't forget we are married now) He makes me laugh!

Just a cute little note to share!

Greetings!

Greetings!
I realized summer is truly wrapping up.  The kids were at the bus stop this morning, and the yellow school bus was rolling into the neighborhood.  I smell fresh pencils!

Before Fall is in full swing I hope to capture a few more summer moments. 
Try to:
Make homemade ice cream one more time
Light a few sparklers since we forgot on the 4th!
Picnic in Savannah, GA
Take a few more photos

It's been a wonderful summer, and my love and I have accomplished a few of our goals, including decorating and finding furniture for our living room.  The weather although hot, has allowed for many ice cream dates:)

And we can't beat the sunset over the mountains.  I know that all good around us represents our God, and if so, he certainly is beautiful!

A Mouthful

I've been reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver this summer and was personally challenged to think more about what I put into my body.

The book is all about how her family challenged themselves to grow their own food, eat local fare, and try their best to consume organic food for one year.  As I read more and more about heirloom seeds, the seasonal growing pattern, and just how very far many of the foods we consume and buy from our grocery store travel (millions of miles) I wanted to see what how the Mister and I could shape up our kitchen.

I started by really studying and reading what kinds of produce were available at my local chain grocery store.  I specifically paid close attention to those little stickers you find on tomatoes, bananas, etc.  Sometimes I could find out where the little guys came from, other times there was no sign and one could begin to wonder if it just appeared miraculously...(we know better then that!) 

We also did some comparison shopping between our regular chain grocery store and 2 of the organic grocery stores in our area.  Our comparison focused on quality, if it was locally grown (ie in the US? a state close by?), prices, and generally how the food tasted to us.

So far...the organic market is winning.  We have noticed a significant difference in the taste of the chicken as well as the vegetables and fruits.  The flavors are much more robust.  I also appreciate knowing that my money is going towards supporting local farmers.  In addition, I've been reading lots of labels and found out the the organic market does not carry any product that contains high fructose corn syrup (the yucky stuff!).


Now the big question I'm sure many of you are asking...how do the prices compare?  To be honest, when you are simply a family of 2 and don't have to purchase TONS of food each week, we did not see a huge inflation in our grocery bill.  You will find that most of the cost is from your meats, but for the Mister and I find this is a fair price to pay for getting much greater quality and a much tastier dining experience at our table every night.

And considering how often we cook - which we believe is greater then the average couple ...we are willing to challenge ourselves to see that what we are putting into our bodies is stuff that is actually good for us!

What do you guys do to try to eat healthy??? 

p.s. one last final thought...vegetables and fruits really are little miracles.  have you ever stopped to ponder all of the little processes that take place so that can savor these delicious flavors!  I tip my hat to farmers!!

Faith Journey

I had the blessing of attending the memorial service of a very inspirational man, Dan Kuban.  Although I didn't know him well, his life still had touched mine over a spaghetti dinner I had with his family over a year ago.  Before the memorial service in the evening, my husband and I went to a Habitat House Dedication in his honor.  Him and his family donated their time, talents, and resources to building multiple habitat homes built both in Knoxville as well as in Mexico.

This man was a true example of what it means to be Christ like.  Dan decreased so that Christ could increase in his life.  Whenever people commented on his ever cheerful disposition or the work that had gone into building the homes, Dan always answered "It's Jesus."  In addition to the memorial service, before we departed the church notes from Dan's journal entry entitled "What's the one thing I'd leave?"  His entry was all about  spending time in the bible.  It speaks specifically to how the bible can answer all of our life's questions.  It has the corresponding verses about: how to work, how to interact with our boss, co-workers, how to make decisions, how to handle money, how not to handle money, how to be a spouse, how to raise children, how to pray, how to take sorrow, how to be joyful, how to be healthy, how to preach, and how to follow the Lord.

I'm planning on my own personal bible study with his journal entry and do further reading on the verses he specifically points out.  I may share my reflections on here.

As I continue my journey of faith I am constantly reminded of the importance to read and study the bible.  This is what Christ left us so we can follow his example most closely.  If we love Christ, it is our responsibility to express that love to him through understanding and obedience and continually to strive to live like he did, and there is no better place to learn how to do that then from the bible. Man has certainly taken things and twisted and woven them into his own, and it is my responsibility as a Christian to examine and re-examine what the bible says about how to live and how to worship and praise him and to do these things in the spirit of truth.

I must decrease so that He may increase.   

27 Before 27

So I was inspired by Mytopography to come up with a list of 27 things before 27. 

Since technically that is only 5 months away, I will make an acception to this list, to try to accomplish at least 5 things from it (that would mean 1 each month).  Then the remaining items can carry over to the next years list 28 things before 28, and so on.

I'm going to try my best to just brainstorm some ideas and not get too bogged down in the logistics or the details on how these things will be accomplished.

To start:
1. Go camping with the Mr.
2. Ride a bike
3. Take more photographs
4. Attempt to make homemade cheese
5. Do a little bit of public speaking again -- I have 2 work projects that could provide opportunity for this
6. Weight train
7. Make a homemade wreath for the front door
8. Send a care package to someone
9. Map out a plan for landscaping the backyard
10. Go to the farmers market regularly
11. Attempt to write a chapter for the book
12. Organize our photos and put in album
13. Make s'mores this summer

To be continued....

Long Lost Blog

I am a neglectful blog writer.

It's been quite awhile...hasn't it my dear friend.

Let's blame it on summer and playing.  This summer my DH (dearest husband) and I have been on the hunt for furniture, mattresses, etc.  We have been enjoying organic fruits and veggies, and loving home cooked meals.  Gibson is great as always, and our siblings are all officially done with college and onto the working world!  It's been fun to watch.


Life is good.  I hope your summer is great!
Love,
E

Photobooth Fun

Summer

When summer arrives I conjure up romantic moments filled with walking through the woods, along the beach, and random roadtrips.

I think of spontaneous adventure.  I dream of picnics complete with odd cheese and rustic bread. With my hair in braids, and the dog along side me and my book.  I glimpse the afternoon sun, and a the touch of a cool breeze.  I taste ice cream, complete with sprinkles.  I smell wild flowers.

My dear summer in the south, please grant me a few romantic moments, won't you....

Family is a Gift

Family is a gift that God gave each of us.  For the past few months I've been praying for my sister and her husband as they navigated, thought, and prayed about their next step in life together.

As you may remember, I moved away from home in IL and have been away for a number of years now.  I love my dear home state of TN, but do miss my family greatly.  This being said, my sister just graduated and accepted a position for her first job here in TN!  Both her and her husband are amazing people with kind hearts and unique talents that I know will serve their new home in ways we cannot imagine. We cannot wait for them to share the same home state with us!  Soon they will only be within a few hours drive!  God has blessed them, and in turn blessed us abundantly with more family and bringing my family closer!

God is good.  My heart leaps for joy knowing how good He is.  At the end of the day when my eyes meet the mountains view from our back porch, I remind myself this life is to serve Him and what a privilege it is.

The Case of the Missing Updates

I haven't updated in forever! Things are great!

1.  Spring has arrived!
2.  Summer has practically arrived!
3.  We've accomplished some major yardwork landscaping!
4. My wonderful family is moving to TN! Woo hoo
5. The Mr. and I have planned a vacation for late this summer!

 Have a great day!

Not in Control

We were reminded yesterday we really aren't in control.  As we drove to church yesterday morning a deer ran and hit our car.  We were only 1.5 miles from our home.

We are thankful that neither one of us suffered injuries, but the car did take a little bit of a beating. Headlight cracked and hanging down as well as a large dent.

Take a moment to remember how quickly things can happen, and to be thankful for all you have! That's what I'm doing!

This is Just Like Us

Little Cutie

I love this picture. It's just happiness to the tenth degree.

Thank you.
From Here

The Blessing that This Life Is

I haven't been writing that much lately, more like mini posts here and there.  I want to remember these moments, the first few months of marriage, what we loved and liked, and what our life was like.  I want to *capture* it before these chapters too move on.

In short, marriage is making me a better person.  I've realized that much.

I've also realized the Mister is the one person on this earth that knows me best and will know me the best.  He is exposed to all of me, the good and the bad (the scratchy parts of me that need smoothing over spirtually speaking).  And there's a joy in that. 

There's a joy I've experienced knowing that while now I feel like we are best friends, we are only going to grow deeper and deeper, this is just the beginning. 

This blows my mind.  It leaves me in awe. And it reminds me of what a blessing this life is.

February

February was filled with a few snow moments, days, and hours that we got to spend up on the couch watching episodes of Lost.

Happiness Twin

To have joy one must share it - Happiness was born a twin. 

(Lord Byron)

 

This is such a great quote. The mister is my happiness twin.

Icy

We had a great weekend - the Mister and I!

Surprise dinner date on Friday complete with wood burning fireplaces in each room of an estate where we ate delicious food!

A Sunday complete with nap and Lost marathon.

Followed by a Monday with ice on the driveway and me nearly sliding down BUT

he was there, and grabbed me by the back of the coat, following close behind making sure I didn't slide, slip, or fall down the large hill that is our driveway.

All in a good day's adventure.  I felt like a kid, being picked up by the collar of your shirt. But this time it was more like I was being rescued!

That's love.

Can I wear this Please??

Can I wear this and get away with it? Please!
One day when I have a farmhouse, and I write and take my children to gather the eggs from the chicken cooop I will wear a little dress with golashes and a huge flower.

For now, I will dream:) And wear sweaters but with pink pearls.

from Emersonmade.

Inspiration

from She by Kobi Yamada

Wisdom

From Gapingvoid today:

Valentine’s Day might be corny, it might be crassly commercial, it might be vastly overdone…

But Romantic Love is important. It matters. And by taking the trouble to send your loved one a Valentine’s card or whatever, you’re reminding both yourself and the other person that yes, you haven’t forgotten that it matters.

The Mister and I agreed that a dinner out would be a nice, laid back way to celebrate this year. And I will be baking up an extra special dozen cupcakes.

Snowpocalypse

We got snowed in this weekend.

We live on a hill, in a neighborhood made of hills.

It's beautiful, with a view of the mountains.

We are blessed.

And so we decided not to fight it, the snow and ice, and instead snuggle in for a cozy time.

This is us. Plain and simple!

And I love it.

Snow starts to fall on Friday afternoon.

We both get home from work, early. 

My gibson

and my Mister.

A walk around the neighborhood to check out the landscape.

A funny pup.

Warm meal in the crockpot cooking away.

Playing. 2 mini snow people.

View of the mountains from the neighborhood.

God is Good.

What a great weekend.

The Place

A glimpse into the office place
I'm funny.

striped socks

chicago institute mini calendar

friends

thai shell

lotion for winter hands

gum

sticky notes

water

calculator
I'm ready for the snow....

Grateful List

Things I am grateful for today:

1. Classical music
2. Apples
3. Sticky notes
4. Snow falling, temps falling (it was just 60 on Sat!)
5. Gibson
6. Mr. Miller
7. The Chicago Art Institute Lions (one on my desk calendar, one on our media table)

What If?

From The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron

… “Most of us live with a continual sense of emergency. We have a fear that we are too late and not enough to wrestle a happy destiny from the hands of the gods. What if there is no emergency? What if there is no need to wrestle? What if our only need is receptivity and a gentle openness to guidance? What if, like the Arabian horses grazing outside my window, we are simply able to trust.

When we trust ourselves, we become both more humble and more daring. When we trust ourselves, we move surely. There is no unnecessary strain in our grasp as we reach out to meet life. There is no snatching at people and events, trying to force them to give us what we think we want. We become what we are meant to be. It is that simple. We become what we are, and we do it by being who we are, not who we strive to be.

We are right-sized. We are who and what we are meant to be. All that we need, all that we require, is coming toward us. We need only meet life, not combat it. We need only encounter each day’s questions, not raise a fist at the heavens over the question of tomorrow.” …

This is great.
Found here

A Goal

Find a farmhouse one day, the type with beautiful wooden floors and a wrap around porch.
The type with old house charm and new home warmth.

The type with trees and a window seat for reading.

A place where I can write my books. And the Mister can read the paper.

And the dog doesn't know anything but that squirrels love this backyard.

The Mail

Fun fact about me - I love getting the mail.  I love having mail and opening it.  I usually get it right as I pull in the driveway.  Then take a second to look through it, to see if there is anything exciting before I pull up our driveway (its a small hill) and into the garage.

I hate to confess this, but I'm in love.  With Pottery Barn.

I could look through their catalogue over and over.  I memorize their lines, and styles, the way they use different textures and color.

Take a look yourself, you'll see how you'll easily you'll imagine yourself in their living room.

What's Been Going on Lately

Gibson had to have three teeth removed Tuesday.  He made it through just fine - he's a little champ.  He's already back to trying to scavenge for food, and step over the tile into the kitchen (he's not allowed in) and back to finding his favorite smells in the backyard.

It was too funny bringing him home post surgery.  The Mister decided that we should get him an iv so he could stay hydrated and his blood pressure could stablize during the procedure.  So when I picked him up he was a bit woozy, and fell asleep in the passenger seat sitting up. 

He also had the cutest little blue bandage around his paw where they had put the iv in.  Little did we know that by morning, that bandage would be cutting off his circulation so badly that his paw had swollen up! 

I'm pretty sure he had needles in pins.  We called it his power paw. 

He's a trooper though!

And don't worry...his paws are back to normal size.

I could show you a picture of the three teeth, but I won't.  The roots on those bad boys are huge!

Inspiration for your day!

curlygirldesign.com

Snow Day ****

That's right!!! My office closed here in Knoxville, TN last night!  I'm so EXCITED.  A three day weekend! I'm like a kid!!

We have about 1 inch of snow on the ground BUT with freezing temps its ice everywhere!

Mr. and I tried to go out to IHOP for breakfast this morning, a cute little tradition from childhood on snow days, but alas our neighborhood is made of hills and right now its slick!  We decided to turn around once we realized we'd have to go down these hills and up some others on our way back in.

He's working from home, and I'm bundled up on the couch.  We enjoyed big flaky croissant biscuits (they are like a combination of those two things) with raspberry jam.

But there's something special about this snow.  Check out this picture below.  Seriously, the flakes were like little stars yesterday!  I'm like a kid! With a snow day and full of wonder!

Snow...In the South

 

by jcptalbots on flickr

I'm pretty sure all of the South right now is filled with the same excitment that you get the night before Christmas.  Everyone is wondering if snow is coming, how much, and the *most* important question ---- will it mean a snow DAY!

The Mister and I may have to head into the grocery store to pick up some items for dinner, I wonder if everyone will have raided the milk and bread!? They tend do to that in the south if they hear a snow is on its way....

Cheers! Here's to *snow!

Our Wedding Featured on Classic Bride!

It's true! Our wedding was featured on Classic Bride 

Chris and Emily's Vintage Themed Wedding

We are thrilled and thank all our vendors for making it a great day!

Year in Review 2009

January - We started brainstorming about a future home.  What it would have, what it would look like, and where it would be.  We made little lists.  We sat in front of the fire in his apartment, and began cooking chili nearly once a month in the crock pot. 

February - We drove around a lot in the car on Saturdays, checking out homes we had found that we were interested in.  We laughed, and I sometimes got overwhelmed.  That's when my Mister would turn the music up a bit louder and sing me into silly.  Gibson gets a parasite in his stomach. 

March - We put an offer on a home!  Then we put another offer on an even better home!  We ended up getting it!  We get lots of paperwork together to make it happen. 

April - We purchased our home, and I officially moved in!  We walked all our furniture up the hill, up the driveway. We are so happy and blessed! We learn how to install mailboxes, blinds, and pick up tons of furniture in Lawrenceburg. 

May - My best friend gets married.  We fly to Chicago and celebrate!!  And then later that month......we get ENGAGED!! In Florida, on the beach, down on one knee.  WE ARE SO HAPPY.  I have found my one and only.  Aw Emily can't stop smiling.

June - I fly to Chicago.  We have a bridal shower for my sister, Heidi, and I find my DRESS!

July - Heidi gets married to my most awesome brother-in-law Mike.  We dance the night away.  We are thrilled for them. Our family grows. We go hiking in the Smoky Mountains, sit underneath a waterfall.

August - Mom visits, Heidi and Mike visit.  We have guests in our new home.  Our families meet. We grow a little more. 


September - We fly to Chicago.  We have a bridal shower.  Best friend from childhood gets married.  My best girls surprise me with a visit to Knoxville.

October - We plan, we plan. Our weekends are filled with wedding projects like the post.  We get so excited.  Can't wait for the big day and the days to follow on the beach. 

November - We GET married!!!!  The day was beautiful.  70 degrees.  I'll never forget how the sun shone on us and all the blessings.  We dance, we talk, hug and smile.  Our friends and family surround us.  We head to the Bahamas. 

December - We drive to Lawrenceburg, we drive to Nashville, we fly to Chicago, we drive to Crystal Lake, we drive to Chicago, we fly to Nashville, we drive to Knoxville.  We enjoy our home and a few days of break before 2010 begins. 

This year was a year of great change and great blessings.  We have our first home, and made a lifelong commitment to one another.  I loved every minute of it.  Here's to 2010 and our little family full of love.

Reading a Poem a Day

I'm going to try reading one poem everyday.  I was an English major ya know.

This site seems to offer just what I need.

Here it is:

http://poems.com/

Now my husband wants us to go look at a washer and dryer during lunch.  This is the funny part of married life.

Our Holiday

We are still on holiday, relaxing after traveling.

Our Christmas entailed:

Driving to Middle TN

An evening in Nashville dining

A song filled limo ride

A flight to Chicago

A day playing in the snow with cousins

A snow mobile ride

A Southern Santa.

Loving family time.

It was delightful,

But now we are loving the sun pouring in through our windows, and sitting on the couch.

The dog all snuggled up.

Our first Christmas together, married. The mister and wife.

Happy 2010 to you and yours.

May your new year be filled with blessings.

Love

E

What Was Going on at Our House this Weekend

Cookie making.  Personalized letter stamps.

Burnt chocolate, and cindy lou who hair. 

Fun times.

Jam thumbprints

Cookie dough truffles.

Our Saturday.

Guilty

I'm guilty.  I purchased a deep red bow headband off of esty and will be wearing it downtown tonight.  And no, I don't have the personality of Blair Waldorf to go with it!

Darn, not!!

It was just too festive and fun to pass up. I love accessories like this.

On Hair and Husbands

A funny thing happened yesterday.

I came home from getting my haircut and running a few errands.

My husband was cooking up our dinner.  He came to greet me at the door.  We started catching up on our day.

And then he said,

"Oh let me see you're hair.  I remember that you got it cut."

pause, I turn around.

"It looks professional.  I really like it honey"

I laugh. I continue to laugh all night, because he called my hair professional.  At first he doesn't understand why this is so funny.  He said he loved it, and that it didn't look to youthful but cute and so he choose the word professional.  Great for the office and sexy at night.  I said, professional is a funny word to use to tell your wife she looks hot!

Then we kissed, and I kept telling him I loved him, and his face was very professional looking!

Great Read!

I just picked this book up last night at Borders thanks to A Cup of Jo's recommendation.  So far it's great! I couldn't put it down.

Throughout the story the author weaves in her family's recipes, noting that cooking up these helped her family get through hard times.  Since she recently lost her job, there's nothing better then pulling out the yellowed paper filled with these family heirlooms to help her get through her newest challenge.

She has a bunch of recipes for soup in the beginning, perfect reading for a winter night!

The Home Baked Stuff

I also love the idea of giving something that is usable, and consumable.  I tell my husband this as we walk through William Sonoma, his eyes wide with wonder and confusion. He can't seem to stop staring at the mulling cider or the nutracker apron. He doesn't know what we should get. The ladies there try to help guide us, as we turn round and round their white, bone china tables searching for dirty santa gifts.

Finally I grab his hand, and say honey here's what I think.  Not too long ago he had told me that if he asks for my opinion, and I give it, then he will follow it.  He said there's no point in him asking me, if he is just going to ignore it.  Now in the store, he doesn't ask, but I give it anyway.  Here's what we are going to get.  Before I know it we are up at the register, and have purchased 3 items that can be given for the dirty santa gifts.

We find our way out of the store, even though there are trecherous peppermint bark and cocoa samples at every corner. Next year, I'm going to try my hand at baking some gifts and wrap them in red twine, pretty boxes, and parchment paper. Perhaps my husband will agree!

Make Light

Have fun with life.

More to come on this later!

Have a great day darlings`

The Glitter Stuff

The Christmas season is upon us. Last year at this time we were decorating our little onebedroom apartment, adorning it with little cutouts of nutcracker men and a charlie brown Christmas tree.
Our first Christmas in our own house. We went Christmas tree hunting on a tree farm outside of our city. We found the perfect one. Every evening when I come home the lights are lit, my husband did this as a treat for me. The Tannenboam all glistening in its splendor. We even have a Christmas throw:) My guy wanted one. Of course I use it much more then him!
I'm enjoying this new season. A season filled with old friends, new friends, weaving my and my husbands traditions together, and finding a pretty snuggly fit. I'm dreaming up Christmas cookies, with glitter and raspberry jam. And a warm oven heating up our home as the coolest of days creep upon us.

To you and yours I wish the Christmas tree cookies, and warm feelings that meet you at your doorstep, with a light left on in this winter time.

Movin: AlwaysanEm

please re-route your page from

http://creativegeniusgirlinc.blogspot.com

to

http://alwayansem.blogspot.com

I will be changing the new domain over in just a few days!

Face It

I'm tired of my old template, it's time for a new one. I'm bored with it, and I'm sure you are too! Please bare with me as we develop a new template that fits the new year!
Cheers,
ETM

Our First Song

We wanted it to be different, memorable, and not cliche. My hubs is the one who ended up stumbling upon the song we chose. A The Cure song for our first song, but redone by Katie Melua. Just like heaven.

Perfect.

Little Thoughts on the Big Day

Now that things are slowing down, the last of the wedding gifts has found a new place in our house, and the Christmas tree is set up and trimmed with presents below I want to take a minute to remember the little things about our wedding day. Those memorable moments.

- My grandparents, mom, and fav aunt coming to visit a week before the wedding. It was so nice. My Oma made a german chocolate cherry cake, 3 layers, just for me b/c as they say "we all need a little German."

- Leaving my burnt orange shoes at the alterations place, and realizing this a week before the wedding. Thank God! I had enough time to figure out they weren't at home and find that I had left them there when I went to pick up my dress! Mom picked them up for me, so glad she was here early!

- When I got my makeup done the morning of the wedding, I remember calling myself a "spotted owl" as they dabbed concealer and stuff here and there. All my girls were cracking up.

- Feeling oh so vintage! The birdcage veil, I ended up loving it so much that I left it on the whole day and night! So fun. It's now back in its little hat box, but it took many practice tries in front of the mirror to figure out how to position and bobby pin it down. But then...once I did...oh I loved it!

- The 70 degree weather!!!! Beginning Friday Nov 6th, 2009 (day before BIG day!) it was 65 degrees out. I was wearing my sunglasses at our rehearsal. We had our ceremony take place outside, and were questioning what the weather would be like throughout the month leading up to our wedding. It had just rained every weekend leading up to Nov 7th. And then presto Nov. 7th God smiled on us!! It was 70 degrees and sunny!! My husband jokes that he had to trust it was me coming up to the little stone balcony where we stood during the ceremony, because the sun was so bright!

- Looking at my father-in-law during the ceremony and seeing little tears.

- Right before Mom and I walked down the aisle we started to tear up, as we walked underneath the trellis, I squeezed her hand and said "Mom this is a happy moment, why are we tearing up!" We were just so happy I suppose and had dreamt of this day!

- My shoe getting caught in my dress before the final entrance from the trellis to the green where I approached our "alter" spot. I was like woo hold up, my shoe is stuck! But no one even noticed!

- Our Charlie Brown theme music, we exited to "Lins and Lucy!" it was so fun! Everytime I hear Peanuts music now I think of our wedding day.

- Our photographer, Jennie Andrews, rocks! I want to be her buddy. She has the best energy, and unbelievable skills. She even tied the little satin sash around my waist into the bow as I was getting ready. Like I said, neat little lady.

- Right before Chris and I came into the dance floor for our first dance, we were singing to each other out in the hallway and dancing. Just the two of us:)

More to come...:)

Our Wedding Day! Sneak Peak!