Changes

Wow.. this is my first time posting in almost four years!  A lot has changed in four years. I'm a different person now than I used to be. I'm older, wiser, and I've learned a lot about myself in this time. I think you will see a different me in my new posts, the real me.
When I look back at some of my posts on here I'm kind of embarrassed because they were so juvenile but then again I love looking at some of them and have chosen to keep them on here so I can look back and see how far I've come. I love seeing all the posts about my husband and son.
The old me spent a lot of time trying to keep up with the rest of the world and cared way too much about what people thought about me. The truth is that not everyone is going to like you and life doesn't always consist of "Pink & Green Thursday's" and "Five Question Friday's." Don't get me wrong... all of these things are fun and I enjoyed participating but I want my blog to have more substance now. I don't want to really plan what I share on here. I want it to come from the heart.
I think A LOT, analyze A LOT, and I need a place to share my thoughts and that is why I'm back. I've missed this place.

To bring you up to speed... I'm now 32 years old. I am working at the University again but in a different department. I took two years to do other things. I even worked one job that was on my bucket list but that's a different story for a different day. Anyway, I'm back and extremely happy to be back! Judson is six now! SIX!!! How did that happen? Just look at how much my family has changed! This was us the last time I posted...

And this is my family now...

Love, E

Our Alabama/Mississippi/Tennessee/Arkansas Trip

Hello dolls,
So... last week I told you all about how we were going to travel with my in-laws to Memphis for a family member's wedding? Well, we did and we had a blast! I love going on road trips and this one was a little extended due to a wrong turn. Not sure who's fault that was lol, but I do know that the signal was lost on all i-phones in the car! Lol- that's okay though, because we had plenty to entertain us... tents in the back seat, eating snacks the ENTIRE trip (what is it about getting the munchies while riding long periods of time in the car?), watching movies, and laughing our butts off at each other's delirious babble.

We finally made it there, but not before we had a lemon incident at the "Huddle House".  Long story short- has any one ever heard of having to pay the price of a lemonade when you order a water with a lemon slice? Me either. Until the Huddle House. Kinda silly- just saying.

The next morning, we took Judson to the Memphis Zoo and I have to say, it was very nice! The zoo grounds were really pretty, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and they had a BROAD range of animals. The three of us had a really good time and would not mind going back sometime.

We went back to the hotel, took naps, visited other family members who were at the same hotel, and then went to Kristi and Tyler's wedding. My child is really good- but he was tired and getting hungry as the wedding started, therefore he was cranky, did not want to sit still, began to pick their flowers that were hanging on the end chairs, and wanted to chit-chat A LOT! That's why we had to bribe him with the Mac (his pacifier). He looks really thrilled to be taking a picture with me here.

I felt like a terrible mother after we arrived at the wedding reception and I realized it was so late and he must be STARVING! That baby was so hungry that he grabbed a fork and ran to the back of the cake table..and..was..sooooo close.. just inches...away from scooping out a big bite of the wedding cake! Thank the lord I grabbed him up! I would have died.. you hear me? DIED. Here's a pic of the kids (mine included) waiting for the cake to be served.

Good thing that the Neely's were catering! If you watch the Food Network then you know who I'm talking about!! They were the nicest folks and I sware that was the best BBQ I've ever had. The wedding was beautiful and once our tummy's were full.. we were all HAPPY!! I think Judson even did a little dance :)

 (My in-laws. Aren't they cute?)

Cousin Wendy and I.

We ended the trip with a nice wrong turn (okay, a few) that led us into Arkansas, then we came back for a picture in front of the Pyramid Arena and it was so blinding out there that our heads did not show up in the pics LOL, lunch at the Neely's resteraunt, and of course more snacks on the way home!!!

Seriously FUN trip.

Love, E



April

Happy April everyone! I just love the month of April, I really do- the weather starts getting warmer around here, people hang their Spring time wreaths on their doors, sun dresses begin to be worn, and stores are adorned with pastel and bright colored Easter stuff everywhere you look! Besides the season, here are a few things I'm loving right now!

Birthday pancakes!  I absolutely LOVE my subscription to The Sweetest Occasion so when I saw these adorable pancakes, of course I melted! What a sweet thing to do for your little one or loved one every year when they wake up on their birthday!

My little man (far right) spending time with his sweet little cousins Zachary and Hartleigh. They played outside at Meme and Pop's house all afternoon together. Makes me smile so big when I see them lovin' spending time with each other.

Not yo' mama's Banana Pudding by Paula Deen! Speaking of Mama's... my wonderful Mama made this for me for my birthday! I almost ate the entire pan in one day! Seriously, the BEST homemade banana pudding you will ever put in your mouth. I'm making a pan of it this weekend and can't wait to devour it! Recipe here.

How cute is this Easter egg garland?! Also found at The Sweetest Occasion! It's made from paint color samples! Love it and will be making it for my cute little archway!

Mistic Tropical Fruit Punch & Peach Beach flavored juices! I am unsure of where all they are sold, but I get them from good ol' Wal-Mart. Wonderful!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend! We are taking Judson to Orange Beach tomorrow for a boat tour to see the dolphins- looking forward to spending time in the sunshine and on the water. : )

Love, E

Five Question Friday!

Hey!!!! I feel like I've been gone forever! It's Spring Break for me right now so I have a little free time to do a post. Five Question Friday has always been my favorite so what a great time to say "hello" and catch you up! My little man turned two this past Monday, so we had his party last Saturday and it turned out really cute. A lot of people showed up to celebrate with us and it felt good to see how loved our Judson is. Here are a few pics from the party- his decorations came from here.

And now for Five Question Friday...

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?
No, I have not. But I have always thought it would be kinda fun to be called in for jury duty. I know quite a few people who have been called on more than once, but I have never been asked to come. Most people dread it, but I think it's kinda interesting?

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?
Yes, I do. But I have been thinking about selling it. What's the odds that I will have a daughter who may want to wear it on her wedding day?

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.?
YES! My house! Home sweet home seems to make everything feel better.

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?
If Judson wakes up early in the morning and we still want to sleep, we will put him in between us in our bed and he usually goes right back to sleep. Who would'nt want to snuggle with this butter ball? LOL

5. Do you watch late night TV?
The only late night TV I'm watching is DVR'd episodes of my favorite shows that I did not have time to watch during the week, but usually we are in the bed by 10 p.m. I know, we're old.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Love, E

Update

Just wanted to do an update blog entry- I have been so busy lately that I can't even think! This semester at school is kicking my butt! So much that I actually temporarily deactivated my Facebook account! It took everything in me to do it, but if you are like me and obsessed with your FB friends because you have no time for a real life, LOL, then it can be quite the distraction. I just need to focus on school right now. I will be back- I promise! So, for all of you who are texting and e-mailing me to see if something is wrong and why I deleted my page- that's what happened :) Nothing is wrong- just trying to un-complicate my life for the time being. That's all. Which also means that I won't be on here as much either- I periodically will do posts, but will not be as dedicated as I have been. Sad, sad. :( I know you are all crying right now. Just kidding!

Speaking of studying... bless his little heart, he fell asleep studying his little flash cards the other night. Like mommy- like son. Let's hope those skills stick with him. :) And for our family and friends who don't get to see Judson on a regular basis, check out the video of him last night saying his ABC's and 123's! Please notice the pacifier that is in his mouth (he calls them Mac-Mac's) and how my husband keeps telling him to take it out of his mouth, LOL We told him when he turns 2 (in March) he has to trade all his Mac's in on a prize. We'll see about that.

How was your Valentine's Day? Mine was good. Remember last year's Valentine post? Well, we were moving into my parents and this year we were moving out! So exciting! The husband and I went to dinner and saw the movie, "No Strings Attached" which was really cute! I enjoyed it. Our day was also filled with some of my favorite things- cupcakes, giving my niece Hartleigh, and Judson's best friend Sadie, V-day bags full of goodies, having 2 wonderful valentines, and getting flowers delivered to me at work :) Wal-mart had a lot of cute stuff this year- I especially loved the polka-dot puppies and the chocolates shaped like cupcakes or doughnuts. Of course, we just gave Judson a balloon and he had the time of his life! It popped last night and he was devestated. So funny! Anyway, hope you had a great day and felt as loved as I did. Judson gave me lots of sugars and that has the power to make anything better!

Hope you have a great rest of the week and now I am going to go write my very long paper that is due tomorrow night, LOL. Nothing like last minute.

Love, E

Hello all! School started back this week and I am for lack of better word, pooped. I'm ready to get some sleep this weekend. I'm hoping the little man allows me to do so. This week has been crazy at work and then to add the new semester into the equation- my brain is fried. Time to have a little fun- Five Question Friday!

1. Where did you meet your spouse and did you instantly know it was love?

I met him on MySpace. I sent him a comment because he looked familiar to me. Come to find out we lived within 3 miles of each other. After awhile of talking- we agreed to meet in person. AND yes, I knew in that few moments after meeting that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. I knew there was no turning back.

On our honeymoon in Riviera Maya, Mexico

2. What is your favorite room in your house?

Our kitchen and dining room are combined, but my favorite part is in the dining area. I have an old china cabinet that holds all of my cook books, china, special collectibles, and on top sits a painting of bright green pear and a framed photograph of our family. The cabinet sits beside a window that overlooks our front yard and I just love it :)

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3. Can you wiggle your ears?
um.. I don't think I can. lol

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4. What is your evening ritual?

Usually leave work at 5 and if I don't have class or a chiropractor appointment, I go straight home and love on my little man. I then prepare dinner, clean up around the house, wash clothes if need be, give Judson a bath and get him dressed for bed, play with him and chit chat with the husband until Judson goes to sleep. I then get stuff ready for the next day- like Judson's bag, clothes, and lunches. Then the husband and I usually crash for the evening in our bed and usually watch "Three and Half Men" until we fade out. LOL HOW EVENTFUL!

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5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?

Not enough! Well, I guess we do pretty good- usually 6 hours. Jimbo (my husband) starts his day at 5 and I start mine at 6. Judson sometimes starts his even earlier, but he has been sleeping good lately. We've officially made it to 7 a.m. on Saturdays! Hallalujah!

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Hope you have a beautiful, fun-filled weekend!

 

Love, E

Funny Pics

I can't believe my little baby boy will be two in March. I was looking through some old photographs today and found some pics that just made me laugh. That boy can make some funny faces! :) Hope they put a smile on your face!

Love, E