In it for the long haul!

3 years ago, at this exact moment that I'm typing, I was getting married to the most wonderful man in the world.

During these past 3 years we have weathered quite a storm:  job losses, moving, loss of a great man, leaving dear friends, struggling to make new ones, and trying to figure out what the heck we were doing!

But ya know, I wouldn't trade it for anything.  You know why?  Because, with all the hardships, we have had a fantastic journey!  We grew together through it all, our relationship is stronger than ever, and that man still makes me laugh like no one else can.  AND he gave me the most amazing gift in the process....

this girl

I am so incredibly thankful that God brought these 2 imperfect people together, to form an imperfect life together.

Here's to many more!

                                             

Epiphany!

This story is divided into 2 parts....mainly because it's so disjointed, and I'm not creative enough to connect the 2 stories!


Part 1:
Lately, I have been feeling a little old.  I am now 27, and don't understand how the last 4 years since college have flown by so quickly!


Part 2:
Every week at work I attend a Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board.

Say What?

Think of it as a House episode, where doctors sit around discussing specific patients, and coming up with the best treatment options to treat neurological cancers.

I'm still not to sure why my doctor needs me to go, but it's quite an interesting forum.

So anyways, last thursday I was sitting in Tumor Board, and they were introducing a new patient who happened to be a 26 year old female.

This was about the point where I zoned out, and started thinking about how old I am.  And I was thinking, "Man, I wish I was still 26.  I feel so OLD."

And then I looked at the MRI films of this patient, and noted the birth date.....

3/**/1984

I then realized I was only 15 days older than her.

Which led to my realization that I am in fact 26.

And that made my day!

You see....I have been thinking I was 27 for several months (granted I did realize I was 26 at the time of my birthday, but apparently I forgot that 2010-1984=26).  And I have shared with several people that I am 27.

My family has always said that underneath the red hair, I am a natural blonde....and I am believing them more everyday!

So I will now enjoy the remaining 9 months of my 26th year of life....thank you very much!

What have we been up to lately?

In my blogging absence, this is what we have been up to!

1.  Both of us have been working like crazy people!  Rhett's job is jam packed with things that need to get done.  As for my job, people haven't stopped getting cancer, so I've been super busy as well!  We are enjoying it all for the most part, and are just happy to be employed!

2.  Meeting new neighbors at block parties and game nights!

3.  Fighting off killer bees...well not killer, but they sure were scary!

4.  Spending Memorial Day with our wonderful friends in Albuquerque.  I didn't take any pictures (sad sad day), but some of our sweet friends did!  We definitely miss everyone there, and we didn't want to leave, but it was great to spend time with them!

5.  Eating way to much of this!  Be still my heart!  This stuff is INCREDIBLE!

6.  Painting!  We are on a mission to get our house painted this summer!  It makes sense since Arizona summers are unbearable, and why would we want to get out of the house when it's 115 degrees outside? Not me!

There's much more, but then I wouldn't have any blog material!  So that's all for now!  Have a wonderful Sunday!

Ladies...We NEED this!

I choose Joy!

This is a 2 part post, so bear with me!

1.  At work I have to take a shuttle in because the parking situation is not ideal near the University of Arizona.  As I was getting onto the shuttle yesterday, the driver (who happens to be my favorite) commented to another passenger how I am always smiling.  I quickly thanked him, and commented on the fact that I don't have a very attractive angry face, so I don't want to scare everyone away even if I'm in a bad mood.

But that comment got me thinking.  Over the years, I have learned that a smile can greatly improve not only my mood, but those around me.  It is a conscious choice I make to plaster that smile on my face, because even if I'm not feeling the smiley-ness inside at first, it will quickly spread to those around me and in turn affect my attitude in a positive way.  I want to be a person that can be referred to as "always smiling," because I want to show that I feel joyful even if a situation may be less than ideal (like the partially awake state that is the beginning of every morning).   An old college friend of mine used to say, "Happiness is a choice."  And it truly is, as is Joy.

On most days, I don't feel that I have much to offer, but if I can bring a smile to another person's face, joy to their heart, and show the love of Christ through it all, than I have offered much more than I can ever hope for.

So I choose Joy!  What about you?

2.  When I saw the post title, I instantly thought of my soon to be born niece, Hannah Joy!  Her sweet mama Melissa, has had quite the pregnancy and will finally be able to get off bed rest.  Prayers were definitely answered, and as of tomorrow she will be carrying a term baby!  We can't wait to meet you Miss Hannah Joy!  Will you all just take a moment to pray for Melissa, Aaron, and their precious baby!  Pray for a safe delivery and healthy Mommy, Baby, and Daddy (and that Daddy doesn't pass out!).

I hope you all have a blessed weekend!

Strong work NBC

Fact:
I watch way too much TV

Fact:
Most of the TV I watch is trashy reality crap manufactured to make my brain melt and ooze through my ears.

Fact:
Due to my trashy TV watching, my husband has adamantly refused to watch TV with me.

Fact:
The new NBC shows are allowing us to watch TV together and be entertained in the process.


What new shows am I speaking of?

We are really loving Parenthood.  It's nice to have a good family centered drama on TV again!  

The Marriage Ref is HILARIOUS!  I was a little skeptical at first because some of the panel had a poor marriage history themselves (i.e. Alec Baldwin, Madonna, Martha Stewart), BUT it all makes for a hysterical show!  You must watch at least one episode....you will be glad you did!

I have yet to watch this with the hubs, but I really love it!  These celebrities show us a real side of themselves, and have discovered a pretty amazing family history in the process.  If you can get past the constant Ancestory.com plugs, you very well may enjoy this show!

Alright friends!  Happy TV watching!  Hope you have a wonderful week!

*All images courtesy from Google Images*

Thoughts on a special Friday...

1. The Marriage Ref is a hilarious show. You should watch it....like right this moment. I plan on dedicating a whole post about this....don't you worry!

2. The Beth Moore study that I am participating in has been absolutely wonderful. It makes every Thursday quite a LONG day, but it's always worth it as I reflect on my drive home. It's like water for my parched soul.

3. I love these....

Be still my heart.

they make me happy, and that makes this time of year wonderful in a candy sense....not to mention for other obvious reasons.

4. I'm really excited for the new job. This has been a long week, with only 1 real day of meeting all my new coworkers (the rest was tons of orientation). However, everyone is so nice, and helpful, and I am hopeful!

5. I have a wonderful feeling that my 26th year of life will be better than my 25th! Yesterday marks the end of the "Quarter Year Crisis." Happy 2nd quarter to me!

6. I don't know which flavor of cheesecake (from cheesecake factory) I should choose for my birthday dinner. Suggestions?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I hope it's full of sunshine and happiness for you all!

Something I love!

I'm just gonna say it.

I'm a member of the Small Boobie Club.

I'm loud, proud, and well, small.

That being said, I basically live in sports bras. I mean, when I wear scrubs 5 days a week, there really is no need to wear a normal bra. Comfort is key to me.

I have found the most amazing sports bra! It's super comfortable, and am officially in love!

It's the c9 by Champion Seamless Sports Bra from Target.

The fact that it is seamless is key! I have had some of the same bras with seams, and I start chafing after a few hours!

Now, seeing as I am a Small Boobie Club (SBC) member, I don't know how supportive they would be for non-SBC members. BUT, after reading reviews, it appears that they are quite supportive.

And the best part is they have some super cute colors and patterns!

So if you are in the market for a new sports bra, I would recommend swinging by the athletic section of your local Target and checking it out!

*I have not been compensated in any way for this recommendation. I did indeed spend $16.99 plus tax on my turquoise sports bra, and I am glad I did!*

Rainy Days never get me down!

It's raining in the desert today!

And I love it!

You see, we live in the land of perpetual sunshine. It's a great place to live if you suffer from SAD. Always sunny, and nearly 365 days of "great" weather. I don't consider 120 degree weather for 4 solid months as great weather, more along the lines of punishment, but I will take that over snow every other day for 4 months!

I feel that on rainy days, it's ok to sleep in, stay home wrapped in blankets, and eat warm comfort food. It's even more enjoyable when it falls on a weekend!

Granted, if we had rainy days as much as Seattle does, I may not like them as much, but seeing as they are incredibly sparse here, I just love them!

How do you all feel about rainy days? Love them or hate them?

Now Mondays....I will have to agree with Karen Carpenter there, they do always get me down!

This is why I love my husband.....

EDIT: I don't quite know why no one can see the video...it makes me sad...so I will try reposting it! I know that when I was investigating the matter, I could load it on Safari, but not Chrome and I didn't try Firefox.

Anyone have an idea how I can fix it?

EDIT #2 - Maybe it's fixed?

To fully enjoy this video, please tilt your head or computer screens to the side.

It's hard to believe I snagged such a hunk!

This is why I love our family...

Rhett and his Marmie being friendly to the fellow drivers....while listening to their main man Elton John!

Conversations with my Mother-in-law

or my Marmie as we like to say!

Last night, I was chattin' it up with her and I asked her how Robert (my brother-in-law) was doing. She said that one of his friends had come over and they were upstairs watching Watchmen.

I then proceeded to tell her that they show electric blue penis in that movie.

Yes....I went there with my MIL!

Rhett died laughing and I have to say that both Marmie and I laughed quite a bit as well.

Have you all ever had electric blue penis talk with your in-laws?

Well then....be jealous!

(I have also refrained from posting a picture of the electric blue penis...you are welcome...it scarred me when I saw it...I don't want to scar you)

It's HERE!

Welcome to my beautifully redesigned blog!

I hope you all love it, because I DO!

Special thanks to Krizzy Designs! She did such a great job, and had to put up with me (which means she should get a special award!) If you want to redesign your blog please go check her out!

Get ready....

because....

IT'S COMING!

EDIT: And it's not a baby Lawrence....in case anyone was concerned!

Lawrence Mansion update

So first of all I want to state that we aren't building a mansion....but this is how our family is referring to our new house....and well I like it, so that's what our house will be called!

Now on to the pictures!

Our kitchen! Doesn't it look kitchenly?

The view from our balcony! It looks much better in person!

The staircase

Our Home!

conversations with my husband!

Rhett: (Randomly, in the middle of the movie theater parking lot) Don't drive into puddles!

Me: What?

Rhett:  These monsoons will do ya in!

Me:  random!

Rhett:  I don't want to have to go look for you in the ocean.

**Note to readers**  The Monsoon season in Arizona can apparently be pretty brutal, so you always are supposed to obey the the warnings, and avoid driving into large collections of water.  Rhett was referring to this tiny puddle in the parking lot.  I am also referring to Arizona....no major oceans near by!

And in other news...

RUN, don't walk to see The Proposal.

SO funny!

We LOVED it!