arte y pico. its not salsa.

I won a blog award!

My super duper bloggy friend Hot Tub Lizzy gave me the Arte y Pico Award. While it might sound like a menu item from Baja Fresh, its actually this little lovely...



Here's the rules:

**You have to pick 5 blogs that you think deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.

**Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

**Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given
her or him the award itself.

**The award-winner and the one who has given the prize must show the link of the “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.


So without further adue (I never know how to spell this)...

the recipients are...

**Karin at 6 By His Design - Karin is extraordinary. She runs, she blogs, she's a mom to 4 precious children (including a set of twins), she makes cards, she plans slammin' partays, and she makes really, really cute t-shirts. I don't know how she finds time for all of this, but somehow she does. And I forgot the mention that she leaves the best comments!

**Ainsley at Chattahoochee Mama - Ainsley and I went to college together, but we've just reconnected through bloggy land. Ainsley is the mother of two precious boys and just ventured on a 10 hour (one-way) road trip ALL BY HERSELF with the boys. Makes me sweat nervously just thinking about that. Anyway, her blog is full of variety - starbucks, parenting resources, pictures of her cuties, and every Thursday, she writes about things she's thankful for. Three cheers for being grateful for the little things in life!

**Nan at Joys of Boys - Nan and I go waaaaaaaaaaaaaay back. What I like about Nan's blog is that its real. Nan also does Thankful Thursdays and shares funny quips from her two little tykes, her desire to take better care of her body by eating healthier, and savvy home decor ideas. She's a pocket full o' goodness. Love you girl!

**Sissy at Out on a Limb - I secretly (well, I guess not anymore) covet Sissy's blog design...it's SOOOOOOOOOOO great! Sissy is a wealth of information. Recently, she's done some great home re-decorating complete with pictures. Like Nan, Sissy is real and is not afraid to share her heart. She's witty, sweet, and sassy all in one - not to mention a great read!

Last, but certainly not least...

**Sarah, my seestar at Sprout Cultivator - While she isn't able to post as frequently as I, she always writes fabulous posts. From stories about things her kids (she teaches first grade) say, to more home re-decorating, to the beautiful landscaping her wonderful husband does, Sarah is always a good read. What can I say, she's my seestar and I love her.

Now, congratulate all these girlies and shower them with comment love.

your questions answered - part 2

If you haven't already, check out Part 1!


Jennifer P. asked:

I'd love to know if you continue wearing aqua and lavender?

Um, not exactly. Those colors were more popular in the 80's. You're an interior decorator, you should know that one! DUH! =0)


Hot Tub Lizzy asked:

What's your favorite comfort food?

That would be....................................CHEESE PUFFS!!!

Did you go to summer camp?

Why yes, yes I did - once! I attended Camp Marietta in Marietta, SC when I was in the 4th grade. I went with a group of little girls from my cousin Jennifer's church in Greenville (also SC). I don't remember much of my experience except that another girl in the cabin whose name was Candy was quite - how shall I say this kindly - well endowed for a 10 year old. Candy was not at all modest and liked to display her lovelies at unannounced times while we were in the cabin. Needless to say, I got an education. Probably not what my mother was envisioning would come from a week at a Christian camp.

Do you pronounce your name Carolynn or Caroline?

Thank you for asking this question. You will be my friend for life because you asked me first how to pronounce my name instead of assuming to know the proper pronunciation.

I pronounce my name (cue drum roll)....................................Caro-line (with a long 'i', i.e. Caroline Kennedy). I have been called "Carolyn" about forty-hundred times and not that its a bad name, its just not my name!

If you're still confused about the pronunciation, please, just call me Caro (as in Karo Corn Syrup).


The Queen In Residence asked:

Your best day, what was it and why?

Well, the obvious would be my wedding day or the redhead's day of birth. Other than that, I would say it was the redhead's day of birth and I'll tell you why. Its because I looked like this (and actually, this picture was taken a MONTH before he was born) -


At the risk of sounding shallow, I was excited because I knew I could then lose the miserable amounts of fluid I gained from the preeclampsia that started at week 33 and the 50+ lbs I gained throughout the pregnancy. I was absolutely miserable the last 3 weeks. I was taken out of work, put on bed rest, and was in and out of the hospital 4 times in the 4 weeks before his birth. Needless to say, after he arrived, I was relieved!


Sarah @ The Wonderful Life That I Live asked:

Favorite color?

Green

What is the meanest thing you ever did as a kid?

When I was in the 5th grade, I hung out with two girls, Rachel and Carrie. Rachel and I were BFF's and Carrie was kind of a 3rd wheel. Rachel and I ganged up and decided we would start "Friday Fights", where we would pick a fight with Carrie. Carrie, if you're reading this, I'm so sorry.

Children can be so cruel.


Ainsley asked:

What are some of the other things that put you out?

Good question Ainsley! I think I better compose a list (not all-inclusive...we'd be here a while).

1) Most things about Wal-Mart (with the exception of the cream-cheese covered cinnamon buns)
2) People who cut across parking lots and neglect to look out for the people who actually follow the rules
3) Impatient drivers (I really get put out a lot while I'm driving. Its really insane the amount of stupid people who are granted a license to drive)
4) the constant whining of an almost 2 year old redheaded child
5) telemarketers
6) door to door solicitations
7) loose dogs who come out at me while I'm walking
8) rude people in general
9) Ruby from "Max and Ruby" - its on right now and not only is her voice annoying as all get out, she's way too bossy to Max, poor little lamb.


Wilson Ramblings asked:

What's your favorite part of being a mom?

Knowing that I (and sometimes his daddy) am the only one who can "kiss it and make it all better" when he's hurt or just wanting a snuggle. I love snuggles (or "nuggies" as we sometimes call them)


Strawberry Blonde asked:

Who was your favorite NKOTB?

I'm all for the underdog. EEwwwww, not Danny (a.k.a. Monkey Boy). I preferred Jon, Jordon's older and more mature brother. I put his poster from Teen Beat on my closet door and would kiss it. Yah, that's probably more than you needed to know.

Favorite date with Mr. Baseball?

We've had lots of good ones, but my favorite would probably be the time he took me to Grandfather Mountain (near Boone, NC) for my 26th birthday. We hiked, took in some beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and had dinner at Storie Street Grille in Blowing Rock, followed by ice cream at Kilwin's. It was wonderful! Some of my favorite memories with Adam are from trips we've taken to the mountains. I just love spending quality alone time with him.

Where do you want to retire?

I'm not really sure. As much as we love the NC mountains, that would probably be our first choice. Really, I'll go anywhere, as long as I'm with Mr. Baseball.


Octamom asked:

In 50 years, what is the most secret desire of your heart you hope to have accomplished (and not just great wife, great mom, etc)?!?!

In fifty years, I'll be 81. I hope by then that my life would mirror Philippians 1:27 - "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."


Laurie asked:

What about your life as an adult would have most surprised Caroline the kid (interpret that time as anything pre-college graduation)?

That I could actually grasp finances (thanks to Mr. Baseball) and not fall into a crying heap while opening a checking account (yes, I have done that before). AND - that I would grow to like baseball (thanks again to Mr. Baseball) and watching golf on tv.

If you could relive one perfect, but technically "ordinary" day (this ruling out your wedding or the redhead's birth, since they definitely weren't "ordinary" days) of your life, what would it be?

I would want to relive my family's trip to Ireland. More specifically, the day we went to the Cliffs of Moher. It was beyond breathtaking.



How someone could see this and still deny Intelligent Design is beyond me. There's only one other time that I have stood overlooking landscape (or ocean) and truly realized how vast the world is. Its very humbling.


Rose asked:

What is your favorite memory from UNCG?

Geez, that's a toughie. I still consider those four years I spent there to be some of the best years of my life. While I have many many great memories (and a whole scrapbook full of pictures), one particular one comes to mind. When I was a junior in high school I went to visit my sister and she took me to an InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) meeting at UNCG (where she was a freshman). During one of the songs, God got my attention. He didn't speak in an audible voice, but in my heart, I knew He wanted me to follow Him. I didn't make a decision at that moment, but I believe that was a turning point in my faith.


Veggie Mom asked:

Does red hair run in your family, or is the red-head the first one?

The redhead takes after his great-grandmother (my mom's mom), who in her younger years had bright red hair. We also think someone in Mr. Baseball's lineage was a redhead also.

and...

Kari so kindly reminded me of my most embarrassing moment post-childhood.

My senior year in high school, my best friend Stephanie and I sang a duet to Twila Paris' "The Warrior Is a Child" at our youth group (which was not small). I completely FORGOT ALL the words to the first verse I was supposed to sing SOLO. Gone. Nothin. DEAFENING SILENCE!!! Yah. Not one of my most stellar moments.

Oh yeah, I should mention that Kari's husband, Mike (long before they were ever married), also happened to go to this church and be in this youth group. HE GOT THE ENTIRE THING ON VIDEO!!! super. Pretty darned embarrassing.

But I'm over it.

So there you have it. Your questions - answered! Thanks for comin' out!

the afterglow

WOW! Double WOW! Wowzers! I'm basking in the afterglow of my SITS stardom. What a day!

You guys are AWESOME! Here's what I looked like this morning. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face all day long. (disclaimer: I did get around to taking a shower, but the hair and makeup - not so much. Speaking of glowing, take a look at that forehead, geez. But don't I look exuberant?

Here's my reaction to seeing my name in lights...

Super!


I had a great day. The redhead behaved, even though he didn't eat breakfast until 9:30. He was in tv heaven and watched his DVD of the Little People about 4 times. He totally understands my addiction. We're tight like that. I don't normally neglect him to this extent, but you understand - I have to have my day in the sun now and then.

A few weeks ago (when I was a Saucy Blog on SITS), I composed an acceptance speech that I would like to share with you (in case you missed the awesomeness that it is).

**AHEM**

First of all, I would like to thank God. Without him, I might not have appendages with digits to type with!

I have to also thank my sister (Sprout Cultivator). If not for her, I wouldn't even have a blog!

Thank you Heather and Tiffany for believing in me in enough to make me the "Featured Blogger".

Thank you to my agent, my stylist, my makeup artist, my manager, my maid, my nanny, my chef, my personal shopper, and my driver, without you I don't know how I would have the time to blog!

Thank you to all of you who give me comment love. I need you, I love you, and I'll try to get back to each of you and personally leave a little comment love for you too!

Finally, I have to thank my baby daddy and my redhead, because without them I wouldn't have much to post about.

Thank you so much SITS. I love you!

your questions answered - part 1

I got such a great response to my q & a post that I'm going to split the answers up over two posts (that way you won't get bored and you'll still come back to visit).


You wanted to know my bid'ness so here it is...

Lula asked...

Other than being a wife and mother or working at a crisis pregnancy center, what would be your dream job?

I have a couple that I think would be dreamy. 1) to sing with or backup for a worship leader such as Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, or Travis Cottrell - I love me some contemporary worship music, 0r 2) 911 dispatcher.

Right now I'm laughing at the vast difference between the two jobs. I have been interested in dispatching ever since the days of Rescue 911 (remember that one?). Something about it intrigues me.


Melissa @ Another Day In Paradise asked:

When you were pregnant did your belly button stick out towards the end, and if so did you ever draw eyes and a nose above it and pretend it was whistling?

Unfortunately, my bee-bo (as belly buttons are known around here) did not stick out. My bee-bo is like a cavern, dark and vast, and didn't even get completely flat - can you believe that? I was kind of hoping it wouldn't stick out because I've heard that's kind of painful.


Kari asked:

What is your last name? And also, where exactly do you live?

Kari, did you not learn to follow directions in elementary school?

Just for being a smart a$, I'm going to do this (its all in love)...


Folks, this is Kari her freshman year in college. We were on a beach retreat and I just so happened to snap a pic of her showing off her raw talent. What talent might that be? Kazoo playing. Kari, America's Got Talent called - there's a shortage of kazoo players this year and they need you! And you make up the "I" part of "IV" (InterVarsity) in my scrapbook.

Are you signed up for any more races?

As of right now, no. I wanted to do a 10K in October, but I haven't been running lately because its been so crazy hot. I've had to find alternate forms of exercise until it cools off a bit.


John Deere Mom asked:

What's your favorite fast food restaurant?

That one's easy...Chick-Fil-A. Anyone who says differently is selling something.


If you could have dinner with 3 famous people, who would you choose?

Wow, that's a tough one. Would it be "dinner" or "supper" cause you know they're different depending on where you live?!

I know these are questions for me, but Mr. Baseball said he would dine with
1) Mark McGwire 2) Nolan Ryan and 3) Jeff Foxworthy.

My choices would probably be:

1) Paul (from the Bible) - he had an unbelievably challenging life and never wavered in his understanding of grace and his faith in Jesus Christ. I'd love to learn from him.

2) Travis Cottrell, Charlie Hall, and Chris Tomlin - we'd have a jam session and then they'd hire me to sing with them on their worship tours.

3) Katie Holmes - only to find out why in the world she married this looney.

4) I'd also invite Matthew McConaughey, but he wouldn't be able to come in because at most restaurants...shirts and shoes are required.


If you had to eat the same thing every day for eternity, what would it be?

Baked Parmesan Chicken (I'll have to share the recipe sometime soon), texas garlic toast (check out my ode to the texas garlic toast), caesar salad, and cream cheese covered cinnamon buns from the Wal-Mart deli (quite possibly be the only good thing that comes from Wal-Mart)

...and Cheese Puffs (I lived off these when I was pregnant with the redhead. Hmmmm, that might explain the extra 50 lbs I gained.)


Swirl Girl asked:

Did either grandpa have red hair?

Actually, no. But my mom's mom (my grandmother) had red hair. I have never known her as a redhead - she's always had white hair as long as I can remember. When I was pregnant, she told me that I had better hope I didn't have a redhead. She didn't like her red hair, but I certainly like the redhead's. We also think someone in Mr. Baseball's family had red hair too.

Do you like jello?

Negative ghost rider.


Missy @ Roots and Wings asked (several questions):

Are you and Mr. Baseball planning for any more redheads?

Well...unfortunately we don't have much control over hair color, that's up to God. You can put in a good word for us though. We like redheads.

Top 5 songs that you can listen to over and over without EVER getting sick of them?

(all of these are on my playlist)

1) We Belong - Pat Benatar

2) Nothin's Gonna Stop Us Now - Starship (Mr. Baseball and I used this as our recessional when we were married)

3) Glory - Nichole Nordeman and Selah

4) Heaven - Brian Adams

5) Rainbow Connection - Kermit the Frog; Mr. Baseball played this for me when we were dating and I knew it was true love if he could have this song on his computer.

I kind of have a thing for 80's music and muppets. Glory falls under neither category, its just good.

Do you have a favorite Bible Study book for beginners?

I feel very inadequate to answer this question, but here are some resources that I have found helpful:

* Going through the book of John (Christian bookstore often have studies on individual books of the Bible)
* Focus on the Family website - they have a wide array of resources to choose from
* Anything by Beth Moore (I have done The Patriarchs, Stepping Up, and To Live Is Christ - all of which were EXCELLENT, but could be a little intimidating to a new believer)
* Priscilla Shirer - He Speaks to Me: Preparing to Hear the Voice of God
* Pursuing Spiritual Transformation: Growth; Zondervan (publisher) - found this one at a christian bookstore

** I also would recommend getting involved in a bible study through a church. I participate in a study every Thursday morning (follows the school calendar) and love it. There is childcare available and I contribute a little money to help with that as I can. Many churches will have Bible studies at different times to accommodate moms/ladies who work or stay at home. Check with your church, or with some of the larger churches in your area to see if they offer such studies.

How's the jogging stroller going?

The stroller itself (Baby Trend, approx. $120 and rated a good buy by Consumer Reports) is golden. The redhead loves going for walks in the stroller. As far as running with the redhead in the stroller - yah, not so much - not because it doesn't run well, just because its a beast to try to push a 25lb stroller carrying a 28lb toddler.

Most embarrassing moment that you feel comfortable sharing with the blogosphere?

Wow, I don't know. Most of the memorable moments happened when I was younger - mostly because it takes a lot more to embarrass me now than it did in years past.


One time when I was in 4th grade, I wore my really pretty aqua/lavender sweater vest and paired it with an awesome pair of aqua corduroy pants. I picked out this outfit after changing outfits twice already that morning. I didn't realize until I was on the bus that I had on RED socks with my aqua/lavender outfit! I had forgotten to change my socks when I finalized my outfit for the day...Oops. I was mortified and immediately took off my socks. I looked like a tool wearing just my tennis shoes and no socks, but at least I wasn't clashing!


I also let my dad cut my bangs when I was in the fifth grade - bad idea. He says he only "trimmed" them, but it was a major WHACK JOB. I think my bangs were half an inch long. Seriously.


Coming tomorrow:

* How I pronounce my name (this is really important is we're going to be friends)

* What my best day has been so far...

* My favorite date with Mr. Baseball

* What makes me very "put out"...and more

caro's q&a

Here's your opportunity to delve into the mind and life that is mine.

Several other bloggers whom I frequent have done q&a's and I thought it was good idea.

(I'm also suffering from a well-known disorder commonly known as writer's block)

So, now is your chance to pose any question (let's keep it clean though) to moi. Questions regarding my last name, exact location in NC, and other personal information (SS#, bank account, credit card numbers, etc.) are not allowed for security reasons - you understand. You have until the end of the day Monday to submit your questions.

This is gonna be fun - as long as I actually get some questions, if not, then I shall be very put out.

child's play

Yesterday, the redhead and I broke out the Play-Doh. The dough came from Aunt Sarah and Uncle Grande, who kept the redhead last weekend while Mr. Baseball and I went to the mountains.

The Play-Doh went over really well. Redhead didn't really know what to do with it, but he liked it when I made snakes and dough balls. I even got out a plastic knife with which to make the eyes on the snakes and cut the dough.

Then I got the brilliant idea that it would be really cute to spell out "I Love You" with the play-doh and take a picture of the redhead with the love message to send to friends and family. After all, he was being really sweet and having a fun time.

While I ran to grab the camera, he turned on me, and this is what I got...



A paradox of sorts isn't it? A knife-wielding toddler saying "I Love You" doesn't quite give me the warm fuzzies.

So - don't call Social Services yet - I took the knife away and finally got a sweet picture to send to my friends and family.

my dilemma

See this...?

...and this?

those are pictures of our beautiful (and enormous) back yard. Half an acre of lush lawn inside the city limits. The perfect yard for...

Also the perfect yard for a swimming pool, swingset, and baseball games with daddy. Perfectly perfect in every way.

Except one. One thing stands between me and my perfect yard.

These little pesty pestersons keep the redhead and me from playing outside. The minute I go outside, I look like this...

Well, I don't exactly look like an old wrinkly man with no shirt on, but you know what I mean. You think I'm kidding? Nope. It really is that bad. Its miserable. I have some bug spray, but it. does. not. work. Evidenced by the bajillion mosquitoes that still land on me even when I'm covered in repellent.

So, I pose to you a question. Does anyone know of anything (preferably natural/organic) that does work and won't harm the redhead's or my skin?

That way, I might be able to enjoy this...


again.

kind acts of randomness - vol. 16

In light of recently writing my love story with Mr. Baseball, I thought this photo was particularly interesting. There may have been just one thing that Mr. Baseball could have done that would make me love him even more...

Nothin' says lovin' like a back-hair valentine.


(**please note this is NOT Mr. Baseball as some may have been led to believe. I definitely would have addressed this issue in our marriage before now)

i only have eyes for you - the proposal

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five

In the course of dating, NG and I talked about many things, including high school proms. He had the opportunity to go to both proms (he had two dates his junior year), and I was unfortunate enough to go to neither of my high school proms. Actually, I did ask a friend our junior year, but he never answered me...how rude. But I'm over it.

So, due to the prom misfortune, NG and I decided we would hold our own prom, now that I had a more than suitable date to go with. We set our prom date. NG would take care of all the details, I just had to show up.

I had convinced myself that this was not to be the proposal night for several reasons:

1) It would be waaaaay too obvious and I had prayed that I wouldn't know when the proposal would happen

2) He had convinced me that he in fact did NOT have the ring yet.

3) I was just convinced this would not be the night - enough said.

I dressed in my best dress - a little black number, very hot. I had a handful of bridesmaid dresses (hot pink, periwinkle, seafoam, , etc.), none of which seemed appropriate, and my sister had loaned me a beautiful shawl she had purchased in Spain that went exceptionally well with my little black dress.

NG arrived at my door right on time. He had a bouquet of flowers in his hand. I took them and he whisked me away...next door, where the prom was being held (in his apartment).

He opened the door for me and was blown away. Balloons and streamers hung from one corner of the room to the other, candles danced and flickered, white rope lights outlined a dance floor in the middle of the living room, and soft music played. I felt like I had just walked in to a Candace Olsen divinely designed room. It was breathtaking.

We put the flowers in water and then he ushered me out to the veranda (commonly known as a balcony on non-prom nights) where there was a little table with two chairs. It was a lovely October evening. The sun was just setting as he brought out dinner - Baked Parmesan Chicken, rolls, and something else I can't recall. I remember being amazed that he had taken time to make this just for me. We sat out on the veranda and ate our delicious meal while the stars appeared one by one. Eighties tunes - one after another played on the stereo - part of a collection of cd's that he had burned just for that night.

We finished dinner and enjoyed dessert (some type of pastry from the infamous Wal-Mart deli). Following our meal, he put away the dishes and suggested we do a little dancing. We danced for a good while and I was ever so content to rest my head on his chest (he's 6'4"). I was only halfway paying attention when I heard "I Only Have Eyes For You" by the Flamingoes playing softly in the background. It was then that NG said, "I have another surprise for you."

Honestly, the first thought that crossed my mind was, "Wow, more flowers?"

He asked me to go stand in front of the linen closet door, but not to open it. I obliged, even though I had no idea what was going on.

NG then said, "Okay, I'm going to turn the lights out. Put your hand on the doorknob, but don't open the door until I tell you to."

He walked back into the living room where he could still see every move I made.

I heard the "click" as the room went pitch black.

"Okay, open the door..."

My heart was pounding wildly. Who or what was he hiding in this closet? I had to ask him if anyone was going to jump out at me. He said there was no one hiding in the closet and told me to just open the door.

I turned the knob and opened the door.

I heard the "click" again as the light came back on.

In front of me was a completely empty linen closet with the exception of a barstool that stood on the floor under the lowest shelf. Clipped to the stool was a desk lamp, its light shining directly on the most beautiful engagement ring nestled snugly in its velvet box.

I gasped and put my hands over my mouth.

I felt NG's hand come around my waist. He reached for my hand as he dropped down to one knee.

"Caroline, will you marry me?"

Of course I said yes. Who wouldn't after all that?

He placed the ring on my finger and gently kissed me.

It was so much to take in and I didn't ever want to forget it. I was ENGAGED!!!!!!

At that point, we basically forgot about the prom and called every member of our families that we could think of. We celebrated the rest of the evening, doing a little more dancing, making a lot of phone calls, and staring at the ring on my finger. It was surreal.

That was October 10, 2003. Five months later, on March 13, 2004, we were married and Neighbor Guy (NG) became my husband, Mr. Baseball.

Our wedding ceremony was beautiful and I would not change a thing about it. God's presence was so abundant in the sanctuary as we sang worship songs and said our vows to one another. It was the perfect day.

As I look back over the four years of marriage, I can't help but see God's plan in all that stuff with Blonde Guy and the heartache I went through. I don't regret it because if it had not happened, I might not be where I am today, married to the love of my life and mother to a beautiful little redheaded boy.

bless the beasts and the children

Good ol' Discovery Channel.

They feature the likes of Mike Rowe and his ability to fail at every disgusting job in the world on Dirty Jobs. They bring us hours and hours of crab fishing with The Deadliest Catch. They allow reformed thieves to break into willing participants' homes just to show them how easy it is (It Takes a Thief), and they also bring us Bear Grylls doing naked calisthenics on Man vs. Wild.

Can it get any better?


Why yes, yes it can. I bring you....VERMINATORS. A show where the best and brightest of exterminators enter uncharted territory to eradicate the most unsavory of creatures. You name it, they maim it - pigeons, roaches, bed bugs, mice, rats, snakes, squirrels - you get the picture.

On one particular episode, a couple has a little problem with mice. Heather, you can relate to this can't you? The husband wanted the vermin G-O-N-E. Dead. Pushing up daisies. The wife on the other hand, has eaten a little too much P.E.T.A. bread if you know what I mean and didn't want the mice killed. Not only that, but she didn't even want to check the traps to see if they were full.

Now, I can totally relate with her there. When I was pregnant with the redhead we had three little mice make nice and cozy in our living room sofa. They were actually stealing our dog's food and hiding it in their nest inside the couch. Gives me chills just to think of it. Anyway, we went away for the weekend and set 4 snap traps. When we came back, they were all "sleeping" peacefully on their little wooden beds. Made me want to break into song...

Three blind mice, three blind mice...

**Ahem**. Sorry, got a little carried away. So my point is that while I don't want to touch their lifeless bodies, I want to make sure they have lifeless bodies so that they won't enter my residence again. Can I get an AMEN?

So, back to Verminators. The head exterminator comes back to this couple's home to make sure the traps have worked their magic. As he is coming out of the basement with two snap traps containing little dead mice, the wife catches a glimpse of the carnage. She promptly busts into tears, falling into her husbands arms. Honestly, I'm surprised I caught anymore dialogue due to my uncontrollable laughter, but I settled down in time to hear her say, with tears streaming down her cheeks...

"We're murderers."

BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

Are you kidding me? I mean, I love animals too, but let's get a grip here. Mice are cute in their proper place. Take Fievel from An American Tale (1986). He's adorable. And the Rescuers. Daring. Courageous. Kind. But mice in the house - that's a whole different ball game sister. If you don't kill 'em, they'll come back, and bring more little friends with them.

I think she should concern herself with much more important matters. For instance, fighting hunger in her town, helping educate teens about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, finding out what Brangelina named their twins. I'm just sayin'.

i only have eyes for you - part 5

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

...asked if he could give me just a little kiss.

I wanted to be obliging, but instead I said, "no, I'm just not ready yet - can we just hug?"

What a moron! I'm not ready yet - what kind of answer is that? Like how was I supposed to get ready? Oh, too bad I threw my Jonathan Knight (from NKOTB) poster away, I always liked practicing on him!

Anyway, I was actually super nervous because I had (in my entire life) only kissed one person (when I was 18) and I guess felt like I needed practice or something. Geesh.

So, we didn't kiss, but we did have a nice warm embrace.

My family and I departed for Ireland the next day and planned to be gone about 8 days. I was on such a high from the 24 hours prior, I probably could have flown myself to Ireland without the help of Continental Airlines, but my parents paid for my ticket, so I felt a smidge obligated.

The week in Ireland was so much fun, but I couldn't stop thinking about what (or should I say) who was waiting for me back at home.

The day of our departure dawned and we awoke bright and early, packed the tiny vehicles they call cars and drove to the airport. Upon arriving at the airport, we discovered that a massive snowstorm had pummeled the eastern seaboard of the US. Normally, that would be all well and good, except that we were flying into NEWARK, NJ - which, I might add, was blanketed with at least 2 feet of snow. Not only that, but there were no flights going to states east of the Mississippi. Hmmmmm. All we could do was wait another day. Since NG was supposed to pick me up from the airport, I decided to check my phone messages to see if he had called. At this point, I still didn't have his phone number, so I had no way of getting in touch with him.

I dialed my phone number, entered my password, and voila - he had left me a message. He had also called the airline and found out that the flight had been cancelled. The best part of his message was when he left his phone number. I quickly dialed it, neglecting to think of how much this phone call would set me back. We spoke briefly, and it was so good to hear his voice. I told him I would keep him updated on our flights and let him know when we would be arriving back in NC.

The next morning dawned and we were able to leave Ireland and fly into Newark. However, our connecting flight to NC had been cancelled. Being the finagler (sp?) that he is, my dad got us on another connecting flight only a few hours later that would arrive in NC around 11pm.

NG met a very tired Owen family at the airport, long enough to meet my parents, get my bags, and drive home. Oh, I should mention that there were flowers and a card waiting for me in my seat of his Jeep.

From that point on, it was a go with our relationship. We did share our first kiss in early March (about a month into our relationship) and many more kisses after that. He was wonderful to talk to and we actually joked about never wanting to watch tv because we always had something to talk about.

One of the sweetest things he ever told me was that he wanted to thank Blonde Guy personally for breaking up with me because if he hadn't, I wouldn't be with him (meaning NG). I melted.

In mid-May, after dating 3 months, NG and I were cuddling one night when he looked directly in my eyes and said, "I love you, Caroline." I looked directly in his eyes and said, "Thank you." In my defense, I only responded that way because I had this grandiose expectation that I would only hear that from the man I would marry and I was afraid because I didn't know if NG was my future husband or not.

Over Memorial Day weekend, I spent time with my friend Stephanie (who really needs a blog) and decided that yes, I really did love NG. I had no other words to describe our relationship and "I love you" seemed to be the best next words. I went home and shared with him that I did love him too.

We began discussing our future and where we thought the relationship might be going. That was pretty daunting because I wasn't quite sure if he was thinking marriage, or if I was just crazy. Once we were on the same page for sure, we purchased a book, Preparing for Marriage, and worked through it.

Around August/September, we went ring shopping. I knew the cut I wanted, and that I wanted white gold, but other than that, the ball was in NG's court. He kept me totally in the dark about when and if he had purchased a ring. I pressed him from every angle, but he was unrelenting.

Little did I know the surprise he was cooking up...

(**stay tuned for i only have eyes for you - the proposal)

i only have eyes for you - part 4

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3


Four hours later, I left his apartment and went home to go to bed. (Get your minds out of the gutter. I'm not that kind of girl. We talked the entire time. Girl Scouts honor.)

Right before I left, he had invited me over for dinner and a movie that Tuesday evening.

Tuesday came and as I left my apartment, I breathed a little prayer.

"Lord, I don't know if this will amount to anything beyond friendship. Help me to first and foremost be a good friend and represent You well if he doesn't know You."

I knocked on the door. NG opened the door, greeting me with a smile. His house smelled of lasagna. We made small talk while the lasagna baked. I noticed it had been a while and I was getting hungry. He checked the lasagna and it was still completely frozen. That's right - turns out NG was good friends with Mrs. Stouffer and she was doing the cookin' that night. We decided that we were too hungry to wait and eat when the lasagna was ready, so we ate our salad and french bread.

Then, we watched Castaway. Talk about awkward first "date" movie - there's no talking for like the entire first hour. If I was any kind of talented, I would have done the cricket sound effect, that would have been hysterical.

By the time the movie was over, the lasagna was done.

Before I left that night, we had set another "date". This one was at my place - I was cooking - and we'd watch another movie - preferably one with more dialogue.

The night came and went. I think we built a fire in my fireplace. I had him build many a fire in my fireplace (literally, not figuratively - yet, anyway) because I always got a good view when he would bend over to place the logs in the fireplace.

The next month we spent a lot of time together. We took trips to Wal-Mart, went sledding, we even bought puzzles to work instead of watching tv. I know, it sounds so cheesy and retirement home-esque, but whatever. We spent hours talking about our families, our spiritual beliefs, our previous relationships, and many other rousing topics. I always looked forward to the end of the day when I would come home. Often, we would leave notes on each other's doors, telling the other one if we'd be late or something. He would always leave his on some kind of baseball post-it notes and I would leave mine on one of those medical pads with a picture of a dinosaur whose name was Sniffasaurus.

Inside, I questioned how he felt about me, but I never voiced that to him. I wanted him to be the one to make the first move. One night in late January, I felt more sure that things might be taking a turn toward a relationship. NG had come over rather late to hang out. We ended staying up until 3am drawing on each other's faces with eyeliner. **I swear I'm not making this up, and we weren't drunk or high - just good, clean fun**. As he was leaving, he grabbed my hand and told me how much fun he had that night and how "sorry" he was for keeping me up so late.

I really don't know what he said because at the moment he grabbed my hand, I was buttah.

The next day was a Friday and I had plans to travel to GA for a conference. I worked half of the day and went home to pack for my trip. Hanging on my door knob was a plastic bag. Inside the bag were two cd's and a note.

The cd's were of 80's music (cause that's how I roll) and the note said:

Hey Caroline,

I am really sorry about keeping you up so late last night. I really didn't mean to do that, but I have so much fun around you and its hard to leave. Well, I hope you have a good trip this weekend. Drive safe today because I know you will be about dead on the drive down. Just play my cd's and maybe that will help. Also, as I write this, I am eating those biscuits you gave me last night and they are really really good. It tastes like they were cooked in a wood-fired thing. Oh, and by the way, my side still hurts a little today, but that can be forgiven. I'll see you next week.

NG

We did see each other that next week, and with Valentine's Day looming, I wondered if he would do anything. There was one small hitch however. My family and I had plans to travel to Ireland to visit my sister who was serving as a missionary over there. We would be gone from the 8th to the 17th, meaning I wouldn't get to spend Valentine's Day him.

NG was on top of his game and invited me out to lunch the day before I was to leave for Ireland. We dined at a steakhouse and returned to his apartment - he had a surprise for me. I waited patiently on the couch in his living room while he worked furiously on a culinary masterpiece in the kitchen. He emerged with Valentine's Day themed slice n' bakes.

The conversation turned serious when he began talking about a "girlfriend" he had in Raleigh. She was a manager at the Gap and sounded really intriguing. Moments later, I found out the Gap girl was merely fictitious and made up to keep a stalker at bay.

Alright NG, you throw a curve ball at me, here's one for you.

"So, if you have a girlfriend in Raleigh, then where does that leave me?"

Boo-Ya.

NG proceeded to launch into a lovely monologue describing his feelings for me. He told me he had never met anyone like me and that he felt more than comfortable when he was with me. I told him I felt the same way about him. We both agreed that we should take the friendship to the next level.

A short while later, I was leaving his apartment when he grabbed me in his arms and....

i only have eyes for you - part 3

Part 1

Part 2


I moved into my apartment the last weekend of October, 2002. I should mention that when I checked with this particular apartment complex in September regarding the availability of a one bedroom/one bath unit, there was nothing available. I returned to the complex once I was sure I was moving to town and they had one unit like the one I wanted.

One afternoon I was removing boxes from my trunk when a guy around my age walked to a Jeep parked next to my car. He said hello, I responded back and continued moving my boxes.

I loved living alone and was enjoying a new phase of young adulthood. I had met a guy at a Bible Study and had spent some time with him, but didn't really see things going beyond friendship. I had also met Sue, a wonderful Christian woman who became my local "mom". Sue and I would walk the track at the middle school 3-4 times each week and she got an earful when it came to my desire to be married.

One afternoon in late fall/early winter, Sue and I were sitting in my apartment and she just came out and said, I think your husband is within a 30 mile radius. I totally balked at this statement and told her that maybe he was within a 100 mile radius because then that would include several large cities. Larger cities meant larger prospects.

Turns out, it wasn't the size of the city that mattered - but rather the weather. Enter the Icestorm of 2002. December 4, 2002 to be exact.

I awoke that morning to sounds of crashing tree limbs. Looking outside, I saw the world covered in inches of ice. The sunshine reflecting off of the trees made for a sight to behold. It was beautiful, and the best part - I knew I would have at least a day off. I was about to go back to bed when I noticed another sight. The guy who said hello to me as I was moving in was walking around in the parking lot surveying all the damage.

Since moving in, I had checked him out through my peephole a couple of times (our doors - about 8 feet apart - faced each other) and noticed that no girls where coming or going out of his apartment. I thought, "Now's my chance to meet him".

I threw on some clothes (no time for a shower and the power was out anyway), a baseball cap, and my coat and gloves and walked nonchalantly down the stairs to the parking lot. Once at the parking lot, I quickly thought to get into my car, retrieve my ice scraper, and commence scraping the three feet of ice off of my car. Neighbor Guy (as I'll refer to him for now) was still walking around the parking lot and hadn't noticed me at this point.

I felt rather sheepish trying to scrape off my car. For starters, my little front-wheel drive Honda Accord was going nowhere on the skating rink that was our parking lot. Still, I pressed on and continued to attempt to clear the ice off my car. It was then that I noticed Neighbor Guy was headed my direction. Oh, shoot! I forgot to brush my teeth! Note to self: Don't stand too close to him.

NG: "Hey, how are you?!"

Me: "Hey. I'm fine, how are you?"

NG: "Good. Just thinking that we don't get weather like this where I'm from."

Me: "Oh yeah? Where are you from?"

NG: "Wilmington (NC), where its hardly winter."

Me: "Yeah, I'm kind of used to this somewhat, growing up in Charlotte and all. By the way, my name is Caroline."

NG: "Hi, I'm NG, nice to meet you."

Me: "I don't know what the point of me scraping my car off is, I'm not going anywhere today." (except to meet you - now I can check that off my list!)

NG: "I'm going to Wal-Mart in a little bit, wanna come?"

**At this point I heard the voice of my mother warning me never to go anywhere with strangers.

Me: Um, I think I'm good, but if you get cold over at your place (remember the power was off = no heat), I've got a wood-burning fireplace you're welcome to. (Geesh how forward of me!)

NG: Okay, thanks. (Goes back into his apartment)

Me: (walking back into my apartment) Doh! Stupid!

Okay, so that didn't go so well. But hey, we talked...I got to see him up close - very cute. He was about 6'4", well-built, light brown hair, goatee...yummy.

We didn't have another face to face encounter until after Christmas. It was dark and I was preparing to summit the mountain of steps going up to my apartment. NG was coming down. We stopped on the stairs, asked each other how our Christmases went, you know, awkward small talk between members of the opposite sex. He was headed to work and I was returning home from work. That was it.

That weekend, I was spending a quiet night alone, wishing that I had the money to rent a video from Blockbuster. All of sudden, I had an epiphany. I would go over to NG's house and borrow a video. After all, he's a guy, he's bound to have a vast array of films.

I knocked on the door, half expecting him not to answer, even though he was home (I had made sure his car was in the parking lot). He answered and I asked to borrow a movie. He invited me in and again I heard my mother's voice cautioning me not to enter a boy's home alone.

I perused his video library, selected Terminator 2 and was about to leave when he invited me to sit down...

water, water everywhere

So, I go to pay my water bill today and I see a sign on the door of the office that reads something like this:

The Water/Sewer Billing Department is temporarily closed. Please proceed to the 2nd floor where you will find representatives to accept your payments. We are unable to accept credit cards at this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The reason the office is closed?


It flooded.


Oh the irony.

i only have eyes for you - part 2

Part 1

Six weeks later, I sat on my front porch with Blonde Guy as he told me that he needed a break from our relationship. I was dumbfounded, even though I had felt like something was up for a week or so. It was the proverbial punch in the gut. He said that he just needed some time apart to think about things. From my perspective, things were left it open-ended and I was hopeful that maybe, just maybe he would change his mind. Even though I was in a state of shock and bawling my eyes out (yes, in front of him), I felt a strange peace.

Blonde Guy left and I retreated to my room to wonder what had just happened and where we went wrong. I thought and rethought my behavior and my words - thinking that something I had said or done had caused this somehow. I cried. I cried some more. And I praised God for His presence with me that evening and for the peace that I felt in my soul.

For three days following the break-up I praised God. I really can't explain why, but I just had a sense that this was right.

On the fourth day, a Saturday, I didn't want to get out of bed. I think it was 12:30pm before I dragged myself out of my bed - mostly out of guilt for sleeping in so late. I was at the lowest point I think I've ever been in my life.

Looking back, I see that I had wrapped up so much of my identity in Blonde Guy. Just the fact that I could say "I have a boyfriend" made me so excited. I can see that I sacrificed a lot of who Caroline was to please Blonde Guy.

In the weeks that followed our break-up, I was struggling. I can't tell you how many times I heard people say, "There'll be other fish in the sea", or "You're young, you have plenty of time to settle down." UGH. That is not what I wanted to hear. I wanted someone who understood me and would listen without trying to make things better.

I didn't find that in a human being. I love my family and friends, but they couldn't be there for me in the deepest way. They didn't fully understand the hurt in my heart.

I spent many nights in my room, Bible open, just crying out to God. I told Him everything (or so I thought). There were moments I felt like life wasn't worth living and I told Him that. There were moments where I hated myself and I told Him that. But there was one thing I was holding back on.

My boss was really understanding and listened to all of my break-up woes. She said one thing that I have never forgotten. She told me not to hold back telling God anything because He was big enough to take it.

That night, in the comfort of my room, I poured my heart out to God again. I thought He might strike me with His lightning for telling Him this and as I spoke it, I cringed, awaiting the punishment that followed His shock and awe (yeah, right) at what I would say.

"God, I don't believe that You are enough for me. I don't believe you want to give me a husband. I don't believe you really want the best for me."

I waited. No lightning - I was still alive.

What followed my confession was the most incredible thing ever. As I sat on my bed, I literally felt like I was sitting in the lap of my Father and His arms were wrapped completely around me. I felt comfortable. I felt understood. I just sat in His lap and cried.

It was then that He began to show me in tangible ways how He was enough for me.

One of the feelings that I experienced was extreme loneliness. Loneliness so deep that it was physically painful. The only salve for my loneliness was the knowledge that Jesus had felt that deep loneliness as he hung on the cross dying for my sin. Knowing that He was the Only One who could totally relate with how I felt drew me closer to Him.

God also used two precious little girls to demonstrate His care and concern for me. I always had a hard time viewing myself as God's daughter prior to this point in my life. In my head I knew it, but my heart hadn't quite caught up. Over at a friend's house one day I watched as her two year old followed her daddy through the yard, literally right on his heels. My friend said, "She is so in love with her father and wants to do everything he does."

God also used the daughter of our church's youth pastor to speak to me. I was attending a meeting at their home (Blonde Guy was also there - how awkward) and we were all sitting around in the living room. "L" walked in, sat in her dad's lap and exclaimed "I love my doddy!". "J", her daddy, did not seem the least bit annoyed that she had interrupted our meeting and loved on her a minute before sending her to her mom to get ready for bed.

I then realized that that is how God sees me. I am His precious child. He is enough for me. He is sufficient. The hurt was still there, but so was His presence. I could run to His lap anytime, for anything.

My heart was beginning to heal and God was changing me.

In the fall of 2002, I received a promotion and became the Executive Director of the non-profit organization that I had worked for since 1999. With the promotion came a raise and much more responsibility - speaking engagements, later nights, more networking in the community, and so on. For the past three years, I had been commuting about 40 minutes each way to work. When I took this new position, I realized that to truly be effective in my job, I needed to move to the city where I worked.

The city where I was living has a population of around 200,000, and includes single men, and several Target stores.
The city where I was working (and still live) has a population of around 25,000 in the city limits, has only a few quality single men, and no Target.

At the time, I was single, so the idea of moving to this small city was not appealing. However, I did feel that the Lord was leading me there, so I went obediently. I recall laying in my bed one night prior to my move thinking, "Okay Lord, it would be so cool if I moved into an apartment and next door was a good-looking Christian guy. Nah, who am I kidding? That will never happen."

I should learn not to limit God...

i only have eyes for you - part 1

I always knew I wanted to be married.

According to my plan, I would meet the man of my dreams in college, get engaged our senior year, and marry the summer after graduation.

Four years of college came and went without so much as a boyfriend. I graduated, began my career, and moved into an apartment with two girlfriends.

Since my first plan didn't work out, I launched another plan - to be married by the age of 24 and have my first child by the time I was 27. After all, I wanted to be done by the age of 30 because I thought 30 was old. Little did I know.

Shortly following college graduation, the onslaught of weddings began. I have always loved weddings. I love the girly-ness of them. I love how radiant a bride is. I love to watch the face of the groom as she is coming down the aisle to meet him. I love the fact that God loves weddings because they (along with the marriage) are a picture of our relationship with Christ. They are deeply significant and beautiful. They were also a constant reminder of what I didn't have - a husband.

Now, I know that I would and could have made it without a man in my life, but I believe God placed a desire for marriage within me and I believed I would get married. I just thought God would work on my timetable.

In 2001, I met Blonde Guy. I spoke of him briefly here. I feel the need to talk about him to set everything up just so. You understand. I'm building your curiosity by just mentioning him aren't I? Now you want to know what happened. I know you do.

My first outing with Blonde Guy happened to be on my 24th birthday - July 4, 2001. He picked me up in his truck and we went to the Fun Fourth Street Festival in our city. We strolled around, listened to some good music, he ate a polish sausage thingy that dripped mustard on his feet (he was wearing sandals), and pretty much sweated our tuckuses off. Following the festival, we went back to his apartment for a cookout with several other friends. He had gotten a cake and some balloons for me. At this point, we weren't anything except friends.

He didn't exactly come out and tell me his feelings for me, and one night I remember feeling a bit anxious about what was going on. We had been spending some time together and I knew I had "more than friend" feelings for him, but I wanted to know where he stood. I called him and drove over to his apartment where I expressed to him that I was definitely interested in being "more than friends". He was also interested in me, but didn't want to put a label on our relationship yet.

Blonde Guy and I continued to hang out well into the fall and winter and my feelings for him grew. We would go mountain biking after church on Sundays. We'd talk on the phone several nights each week. He would surprise me with notes on my car windshield some mornings when I would leave for work. Things were going well. Several people, including my new roommates (who knew him) warned me that things had not ended so well with his previous girlfriend (who we also knew). Still, I was convinced things would be different this time - he would be different with me.

I was constantly left wondering where we stood. I wanted the DTR (Define the Relationship) talk, but he was mum. One evening (several months after our first date), I wanted to know what we "were". Were we girlfriend/boyfriend, just friends, or what? He told me that while he still had feelings for me, he didn't want to put a label on our relationship because that might mean people would expect certain things from us (i.e. holding hands, kissing, etc.). The relationship definitely wasn't physical as he never really held my hand and we never kissed at all (even though I would have been a willing participant).

My emotions were a constant roller coaster. I had convinced myself that he was the one for me, even though inside I had an unsettled feeling.

At the end of March 2002, we were invited to a couple's bridal shower for one of Blonde Guy's roommates who was getting married. Right before I left the shower, I was talking to the bride and she said, "So, you and Blonde Guy are boyfriend/girlfriend?...Congratulations!!! I'm so excited for you".

At that moment, I could have caught a million flies in the gaping hold that was my mouth. This was news to me as Blonde Guy never made mention of us "being" anything. Now he was putting a label on it and he neglected to tell the one person that really should have known. I wasn't mad - to the contrary - I was quite excited that our relationship was to this point. I had a boyfriend! WHEEEEEEE!

My joy, however, was short lived...

all in a day's work

**Update: Mr. Baseball got the camera to work finally, so I've added pics of what I scored on my shopping excursion. Enjoy**

AAAAAAHHHHHH. I'm so frustrated! I have some pictures I want to post from my big day on Wednesday, but my stupid camera won't download them to my computer. The whole point of doing this post was so I would have pictures.
Since I don't know when/if my camera will choose to cooperate, I guess I'll just have to tell you what transpired. Maybe I'll try one more time to get the pictures to download...

Nope. That didn't work either. I hope we don't need a new camera.

I guess I'll just have to tell you and you can picture it in your head.

You know my birthday was July 4th right? That's really nothing of consequence, I'm just setting up the story. Prior to my birthday, I wrote an urgent plea to Ann Taylor to ask if she would be willing to lower some of her prices so I could shop there again. Well, as luck would have it, I received these babies for my birthday...


Along with the gift cards, I got an additional $125 in cold, hard, cash. Cha-ching! So, on Wednesday, my sister and I headed to an Ann Taylor Loft in undisclosed location to do our thang. Actually, Sprout had recently done some shopping, so she was just along for the ride. We started out with lunch at Q'doba, partaking in some tasty burritos, nacho chips, and diet Cokes. Nothing like a full belly prior to trying on clothes. Then, on to the LOFT to burn some cash. I do have to say that the reason I won't disclose the location is because this particular LOFT has some great, and I do mean great sales. Actually, all ATL's have the same sales at the same time, but because this particular store is not exceptionally busy, they have more fabulous items on sale (and in all sizes). I would share the store's location with you, but there are already several people, my sister included, who have discovered it, and in the event that I receive more gift cards to go shopping with in the near future, I wouldn't want to find the inventory lacking because some of you got there first. I mean, I want you to look nice and all, but some things just need to stay on the down-low. I'm just sayin'.

Okay, on to the loot that I scored there. Here's where the pictures would have been really handy. I'll try to download them again...




Nothing. *$&#!!!!


Okay, I found(now I can insert pictures thanks to Mr. Baseball):




I could have spent $244 (which was the original total, I think). Instead, the nice sales girl heard through the grapevine that I was birthday shopping and threw in a 20% discount on the entire purchase. BTW, thanks a ton girlfriend! With the discount, I saved $46.19! The equivalent of another shirt or pair of pants!

With my gift cards and extra cash, I didn't have to spend any of my money, and I left with $25 cash still in my pocket. CRAZY!!!!!

After my success at the LOFT, I was ready for more. Sarah had to go home, and our cousin Erin, who had also met us at the LOFT, had to return to work, so I headed over to JC Penney. Go there, cause they're having some crazy sales too. I found a shirt originally $18, marked down to $6.39 - BOO YA! And I found a white strappy top to wear under things - also originally $18, marked down to $10. My total spent - $17.49 (curse NC sales tax). My total saved - $19.62.

Wait, what? That's right, I saved more than I actually spent. I don't think I've ever done that before!

I was spent and my money was spent after that, so I headed home with 7 new shirts, two pair of pants, and a pair of shoes. It was a great day. Oh, I almost neglected to mention the best part about it. Mr. Baseball had the day off and stayed home with the redhead. Thanks baby!

I also feel the need to mention (particularly to Lula) that Talbot's is having a gi-normous sale (up to 60% off. High-tail it over there girls.

fun on the fourth, fifth, and sixth

Over the fourth, we traveled to Waynesville, NC to have a reunion of sorts with the Owen family (my dad's side). As long as I can remember, we have met for the fourth at a farmhouse in Brevard. As we began to graduate high school, attend college, and get summer jobs, our annual reunion fizzled out. After my grandmother's death in January, the family decided to revisit the family reunion idea. My dad is one of four children, and I am one of eleven grandchildren (5 girls, 6 boys, born in that order). We always have such a great time together, and now that the family is expanding to include spouses and the "great-grands", its even more fun. On Friday, we got together in my aunt and uncle's backyard for a cookout. Now, those of you in the mid-west and west coast may refer to this as a "barbecue". That's all well and good, but we southerners know that barbecue isn't a verb (as in "to barbecue"), its a noun, and its very tasty, especially with slaw and hushpuppies.

So we ate, ate some more, and then ate some dessert. Meanwhile the redhead and his cousin MC were just happy to be outside. Here's MC and the redhead. I forgot to tell him it was a little early for the fireworks.

Our family in front of the apple tree. Notice we are quite color coordinated in our red, white, and blue. Totally not planned. We just roll like that.

Here's Mr. Baseball demonstrating his magnificent whiffle ball skills. I know, I married a good-lookin' and athletic man. Rrroooowww.

The redhead loves anything with wheels, including MC's baby doll stroller. He was so cute and so in touch with his sensitive side. I think he tossed the baby right before this picture was taken. Like I said...sensitive.

Thought I'd throw in a piece of family history for you. This is a picture of my great-great-grandparents, Robert Lafayette Owen and Margaret Elizabeth Murray Owen, born circa 1830. She has great eyebrows. I did notice, however, that she looks really peeved - probably because of something he did. He is totally oblivious to this fact. He's probably thinking about how he needs to feed the hogs and milk the cow.

So, I didn't explain that much of our weekend was spent at my grandmother's home. It is quite spacious (several of us stayed there) and holds an infinite amount of memories for all of the "tuzzins" (cousins). My dad and his siblings are facing the difficult task of going through the house and dividing up the contents among themselves and the grandchildren. Thankfully, there has been no strife, only fun. The pictures below are what transpired after my Aunt Mary brought out some of Nana's old jewelry, gloves, scarves, and the ever-popular "dicky".

(L) Jennifer sports the belt
(R) Tyson sports the "dicky" with some lovely beads

(L) Laura shows off her "jazz hands"
(R) Erin strikes a pose after she's gotten all gussied up

Here's Erin and I with all our goodies. The purse and the gloves are a good addition, don't you think? I actually got to keep those.

(L to R) cousin in-law Laura, Erin, me, Jenn, Tyson, and Sarah
**Please disregard the fact that I look gi-normous in this picture. Remember, the camera adds 10 lbs. I think three people had their cameras on us.**

You'll notice that we are all wearing our "dickies" and sporting lovely beaded jewelry courtesy of our lovely Nana. She had very good taste - well, except for the dickies - and we will get good use out of the necklaces.

Just so you know, no dickies were harmed in the making of these photographs, but many a joke was made about the dickies. Jenn had a "dusty dicky", someone's dicky got in a twist, and so on and so on. It just went downhill from there. I think I peed myself a little laughing so hard. Yes, I did just admit that.

Owen family, thanks for all the memories. I can't wait until next year.