And it starts!

I started it. Tonight. And I was SO proud of myself!

I ran 2 miles. I did it in 22 minutes and 30 seconds.

Is that a long time?? Yes. Will it get shorter?? Yes!

In March I am supposed to run a HALF marathon!

Am I worried?? Yeah. But I believe I can do it. A couple miles at a time!

I'll do it again tomorrow too! Woo hoo! I am going to run Monday-Saturday. Saturday will be my LONG runs. Yikes! Sunday will be my day of REST. Because He KNOWS I'm going to need one!

Also I have lost 17 of the 20 pounds I wanted to lose! YES! My new goal is 20 more! I am hoping that with all the training I can make that happen!

So is this one of my New Year Resolutions?...sure. But more of just something I really, really want to accomplish for ME! And Money. I need to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE.

I will check in every once in a while with posts that have updates! I KNOW you are excited!

A Little Help, If you'd Be So Inclined...

This morning at 5 AM, I got a phone call from Mr. S! He is on his way to St. Thomas. We are not sure why exactly. He has court scheduled for January 7th, and usually they would transfer him the Tuesday before...so he's been transferred a week early.

My thoughts are (though I have not yet heard from the attorney) that maybe they bumped his court date up to tomorrow. My high hopes are that they have decided to dismiss Mr. S's case and they brought him to St. Thomas to tell him.

Would you mind saying a little prayer? I am focusing mine on softening the judge's heart to our plight, asking for help for our attorney (He knows that the lawyer needs it), to protect and comfort Mr. S, and if it be His will, that this case would be dismissed and we can move on to the next step. St. Thomas is a lot rougher than Puerto Rico because there is a lot more corruption. I worry continually while he is there....and he can not call me as often either, if at all. Boo.

So, if you wouldn't mind sending one up for us...We would really appreciate it! I will let you know what I find out! I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel...


**Edited to Add**
So I have not heard anything yet. I have not been able to talk to the lawyer just yet. I did call and talk to the secretary, and she said they may have just brought him over early with others because of the holidays. So I think we may just be waiting until January 7th as originally planned. *sigh* But I am just really grateful for a court date at all. Thanks so much for everyone's comments and prayers!!

The Switch

So lately I have been talking to Mr. S (that's right, code names, explanation in progress) more and more about my little blog community. Mr. S is very concerned. Here is what he is worried about:

#1- Our names are out there for the whole world.
So he has a point. Point taken. Hince code names. Except I am not too creative, so this is all I got-- Mr & Mrs S.

#2- He doesn't want me talking to any guys. In blog land or real life. That includes business lucheons (did I mention I work in construction?)
Please excuse the Latino macho jealousy imminating out of my husband. Usually it's not bad.

#3- Our pictures are up. He is VERY concerned that my face will be taken, put onto a naked body, and be out there for all the sickos.
Not to say this wouldn't happen, but I laugh every time he says it. I can't help it. I don't even know why, it's just funny.

So after having discussed this at length, I wanted you all to know that the URL will be changed on this blog. So if you are subscribed in the reader, please I beg of you, don't leave me! I love you all and want you to stay!

Pick me up and take me home! I promise I'll be good!

I will be switching over our code names and all that jazz over the next week or so. I am going to do the switch tonight at midnight. I have set up a blank blog for now so that you are able to subscribe to me--though I'm not sure how it works exactly. If you follow me, you will be fine, it will update itself, I believe. Well let's try it out anyway and see if it works! Just keep me in mind okay??

So to recap: If you need to steal my identity, you don't have much time. If you need me for your naked pictures, I'll still be around--Mr. S compromised with me on that one... And if you are male, well, that one is still up for debate, but I am hoping my husband won't be so sexist when he comes home!

Much Love.

PS Ignore my last post. *SIGH* It's just one of those days.

**edited to add** I realize this is the wrong week to do this kinda thing. Therefore I will be switching next week! Stay tuned!

Warning:

I am in a FOUL mood. I don't know why. It may have been that I have just battled six horrendous hours of going home after Christmas traffic on I-95. It may have been that I got home only to find out that my room was used as a guest bedroom while I was gone only NO ONE bothered to call and let me know. And maybe that doesn't seem like such a big deal to some people, but I don't like it when other people sleep in my bed. It smells different. And it REALLY bugs me. Especially since this past week since everyone has been home they have taken it upon themselves to help themselves to wahtever they want in my room--games, dvd's, etc. Does anyone feel the need to call to ask, even text for heaven sakes? NO. I'm funny about my privacy. This is widely known to all my family. Just not respected. Ugh.

But I am blogging in the hopes that it will make me feel better, lighter. Let's hope so. For your sake...and mine. And the rest of humanity as well.

Christmas went well. I spent Christmas morning at my Dad's!



Then I left and drove the 5 hours to Virginia to go to my Mom's!

Christmas was wonderful! I got spoiled rotten as always! And I really enjoyed being with my family! Here are some pictures from this weekend!

Lil Sis, the boy toy, and the Aftermath

Mom and Gary

Me and Lil Sis

Gracie had a good Christmas too!!



Debbie this is for you!! My gorgeous jewelery!!


I got a new hair straightner for Christmas! Works wonders don't ya think?


Reppin' my sister's school!


Starbucks Run!!!




Ashley this is for you! I fit twice as much as normal and I was SO excited!!


This morning after walking the dogs with Mom!


I hated to leave Virginia!! Back to work tomorrow.

PS- I'm feeling a little better. But I think I'd better just get in the shower and try again tomorrow!!

I've been reading everyone's blogs! Glad everyone had a good Christmas! Time to gear up for New Years! Anyone got any good plans??

A Christmas Funny

Okay, so I might be on the only one that thinks this is funny, but I thought I would share anyway! I was talking on the phone with Mr. S when I was reading it (which he did not appreciate..sorry honey)and busted out laughing! Hope you all have a good laugh too!!

The Christmas Dolly


This is an article submitted to a 1999 Louisville Sentinel contest to find out who had the wildest Christmas dinners. It won first prize.


As a joke, m y brother Jay used to hang a pair of panty hose over his fireplace before Christmas. He said all he wanted was for Santa to fill them.

What they say about Santa checking the list twice must be true because every Christmas morning, although Jay's kids' stockings overflowed, his poor pantyhose hung sadly empty.

One year I decided to make his dream come true. I put on sunglasses and went in search of an inflatable love doll. They don't sell those things at Wal-Mart. I had to go to an adult bookstore downtown.

If you've never been in an X-rated store, don't go. You'll only confuse yourself. I was there an hour saying things like, 'What does this do?' 'You're kidding me!' 'Who would buy that?' Finally, I made it to the inflatable doll section.

I wanted to buy a standard, uncomplicated doll that could also substitute as a passenger in my truck so I could use the car pool lane during rush hour.

Finding what I wanted was difficult. 'Love Dolls' come in many different models. The top of the line, according to the side of the box, could do things I'd only seen in a book on animal husbandry. I settled for 'Lovable Louise.' She was at the bottom of the price scale.

To call Louise a 'doll' took a huge leap of imagination.

On Christmas Eve and with the help of an old bicycle pump, Louise came to life.

My sister-in-law was in on the plan and let me in during the wee morning hours. Long after Santa had come and gone, I filled the dangling pantyhose with Louise's pliant legs and bottom. I also ate some cookies and drank what remained of a glass of milk on a nearby tray. I went home, and giggled for a couple of hours.

The next morning my brother called to say that Santa had been to his house and left a present that had made him VERY happy, but had left the dog confused. She would bark, start to walk away, then come back and bark some more.

We all agreed that Louise should remain in her pantyhose so the rest of the family could admire her when they came over for the traditional Christmas dinner.

My grandmother noticed Louise the moment she walked in the door.
'What the hell is that?' she asked.

My brother quickly explained, 'It's a doll.'

'Who would play with something like that?' Granny snapped.

I kept my mouth shut.

'Where are her clothes?' Granny continued.

'Boy, that turkey sure smells nice, Gran,' Jay said, to steer her into the dining room.

But Granny was relentless. 'Why doesn't she have any teeth?'

Again, I could have answered, but why would I? It was Christmas and no one wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance saying, 'Hang on Granny, hang on!'

My grandfather, a delightful old man with poor eyesight, sidled up to me and said, ' Hey, who's the naked gal by the fireplace?' I told him she wa s Jay's friend.

A few minutes later I noticed Grandpa by the mantel, talking to Louise. Not just talking, but actually flirting. It was then that we realized this might be Grandpa's last Christmas at home.

The dinner went well. We made the usual small talk about who had died, who was dying, and who should be killed, when suddenly Louise made a noise like my father in the bathroom in the morning. Then she lurched from the mantel, flew around the room twice, and fell in a heap in front of the sofa. The cat screamed. I passed cranberry sauce through my nose, and Grandpa ran across the room, fell to his knees, and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

My brother fell back over his chair and wet his pants.

Granny threw down her napkin, stomped out of the room, and sat in the car.

It was indeed a Christmas to treasure and remember.

Later in my brother's garage, we conducted a thorough examination to decide the cause of Louise's collapse. We discovered that Louise had suffered from a hot ember to the back of her right thigh.

Fortunately, thanks to a wonder drug called duct tape, we restored her to perfect health.

I can't wait until next Christmas.



Funny Right? Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

Where are you Christmas, why can't I find you?

I have been trying really hard the past couple of weeks to find Christmas spirit. I just can't. I have watched movies, sung Christmas songs, put together a Gingerbread house, decorated sugar cookies, wrapped gifts. What the heck? Usually I am the one going all out making sure everyone else is feeling it too. This year it is just not happening. Last week I gave myself the excuse that it was because of the warm weather. It just can't be Christmas when it is 75 degrees out. But now that it still has not gotten over 40....I have no excuse.

So yesterday I was reading in my blogger, and I ran across this post from Kerri @ Messes and Mudpies. Then I realized it. I don't feel it because I have not stopped all the running around to recognize the full meaning of the Christmas Spirit. It is not in the movies, gingerbread houses, cookies, or gifts. It is our Savior, and His birth. It is recognizing that He was sent here, to fulfill his mission, that I may return to our Heavenly Father. So now, please join me in watching this video , called Reflections of Christ.


It truly made my heart full. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father, for giving me a Brother, that loves so truly, so deeply, and so openly. I am eternally indebted to Christ for the sacrifices that He has made for me. I am grateful everyday for the opportunities to find Him in others around me, for being able to shine His light and share his message with others. I am so humbled to be taught the lessons of what I am going through now. I am humbled to know how much I need Him in my life and I am forever grateful that He is always with me. He surrounds me with His love continually and never leaves me alone. In this I find the Christmas spirit that I hope to share with all of you.

My love to you and all your families. Merry Christmas my dear friends!

Not Me Monday!

I did NOT eat nothing but crap this weekend!

I did NOT even drink WAY too much Mountain Dew.

I did NOT start reading a book that made me cry within the second chapter.

I did NOT start thinking of names with my little sister for her VERY own blog!!

I did NOT build the cutest gingerbread house with my sisters this weekend this weekend. And the roof of said gingerbread house most certainly did NOT slide off!

Don't worry those peppermints are definetly NOT falling inside the house.

I did NOT decorate sugar cookies (badly) this weekend. And I most certainly did NOT eat a ridiculous amount of them.


I did NOT take embarassing pictures of my little sister expressly for the purpose of posting and I definetly did NOT get her permission. Hehe.



Lil Sis is so NOT addicted to comments as well. She definetly did NOT enjoy those one bit, nope not at all!

I was NOT surprised, not one bit, when my puppy was SO good on the way to Columbia this weekend.

I was NOT surprised when my 3 black hammered style vases that were really freaking adorable that I should have kept for myself were NOT the hit of the yankee swap! WTH?

I did NOT get this chaffing dish on the yankee swap. And I am NOT excited to host a party one day!


I do NOT wonder why my commenting numbers have gone down, even though my subscribers have gone up...I do NOT crave love and affection and attention...nope, definetly NOT.

I do NOT think, not one bit, that Not Me Monday, is SO much fun!!

I also do NOT promise to be better as time passes!!

Coming OUT

I have been outed. I don't know what I was thinking. One minute I was reading some of my favorite blogs on my reader and giggling, the next minute my little sister was on the bed wanting to know what all the fuss was about.
Background Info:
My only "biological" sibling. All the others were gifted to me. She is my best friend and she always makes me laugh. Or makes me want to beat her. It's usually one or the other. And she now reads my blog. Now here is her "cute" picture, because the others I have used of her previously are "horrible" and how I could choose those pictures??



OOPS!

Wait for it...




That's better! Oh No??
Alright, alright already!!



This is my sister and her boy toy, Craig!



So I read her something I was reading (I can't remember what now) Lil Sis proceeds to tell me to read her the blog about(because she knows that I do use a reader, just not about my blog) crotch grabbing and I could NOT figure out what she was talking about. And then I remembered...while I was in Puerto Rico, I had read Lil Sis, Laural's post from that weekend. It was really funny. So she wanted to her more of Laural's blog, which is great, because she is one of my favorites and I laugh every time. So we are reading along until we come to this. My name is on it. I didn't even realize. I was trying to show her the video complaining that she NEVER checks her email since I had sent it to her, when all of a sudden, practically yelling mind you, she says "MRS S?? IS THAT YOU??" I, uhhh, well, ummm, no. I can't believe you have a blog and didn't tell me! I want to see it RIGHT now. So of course, I showed her the video hoping in four minutes she would forget all about my blog. No such luck.

We proceeded to read my blog. A LOT of my blog. You should have heard her voice. She said, "you have a whole different life. You are leading two different lives. I can't believe you! I can not believe this. You have a whole network of people. You do GIVEAWAYS? And you didn't tell me? You swap with strangers?? I don't even KNOW you." I laughed. Told her she needed to start a blog. She said she's not interesting enough. I told her none of us were really that interesting, we just posted about life, the highs the lows, the funny, the sad, and we shared. She just looked at me.

Seriously though, my sister is one of the funniest people I know. I think you would enjoy her commentary. SO, in your comments, make sure you tell Lil Sis--who will be an avid follower from here on out I'm sure--to start her own blog! I promise you'd love her!!

So that my dear friends, is my official "coming out" Well I guess I'm only part of the way out as I have pinky sworn her to secrecy or face an untimely death.



sorry dont know how that sneaked in there!! sneaky, sneaky blog...

Friday Finale

JSue at Long Story Short Tagged me, so since I have nothing better to say, here goes!

Crazy Eights!! (Did you all ever play that card game?? It reminds me of my Granma!)

Eight shows I watch

1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Ugly Betty
3. House
4. Reba
5. Law and Order (any of them)
6. LOST!
7. Bones
8. I WANT to start from Season 1 of Desperate Housewives and see what its all about

Eight Favorite Restaurants

1. Anything Mexican
2. PF Changs
3. Chic Fil A
4. Carrabba's
5. Cheesecake Factory
6. Costa Vida---oh how i miss you
7. Gordon Biersch
8. Carolina Roadhouse

Eight Things that Happened to me today

1. Today is early yet, but last night I could NOT sleep
2. My husband called me to say Good Morning :)
3. I drove the 50 minutes to work
4. I paid a vendor with an awful big check
5. Trying to get out some last minute Christmas cards
6. Texting old friends
7. Wasting time until I have to go see a customer (which I'm dreading)
8. Took my cute little puppy dog to go potty this morning

Eight Things I Look Forward to

1. Weekends--for sure #1
2. Bringing Mr. S home
3. Getting calls from Mr. S
4. Spending time with my sister and my mom
5. Sleeping
6. Traveling
7. Starting our Family
8. Spending time with friends

Eight Things I Wish

1. That Mr. S and I will be able to stay here in the states
2. That we will have the money to pay everything
3. For Mr. S to be here by my birthday--- are you noticing a trend here?
4. I could start scrapbooking
5. To find a job I love
6. I could get a camera to start photography
7. That I was healthier
8. That all my friends and family get everything their hearts desire

Eight People I Tag
1. Amanda
2. Dari
3. Jeannie Hope you're feeling better!
4. Kori Hope the MRI went okay today!
5. Ashley Did you leave already?
6. Bia I need a pair of Havaiana's!! :)
7. Vanessa How is obtaining Kyle's diploma going??
8. Shannon My new friend, I laugh every single time I log onto your page and look at your header!


What does your Christmas say about you? I stole this from Blissful Babe

Your Christmas is Modern

Your wish for the New Year is more happiness. For you, Christmas is a spiritual holiday. You can't separate it from your beliefs. You are patient when it comes to Christmas. You don't celebrate too early, and you don't like seeing holiday decorations in October. You like Christmas traditions, but you're not uptight about them. You do things your way. You have some preferred ways of celebrating Christmas, but you're open to compromise. You enjoy Christmas more than anyone you know. Some might call it an obsession! You try to give as much as possible during the holidays. You are quite generous.

What Does Your Christmas Say About You?

Hope everyone is doing well! My little sister came in from Utah last night and my other little sister is driving down today from Virginia for the weekend!! I am excited! We are going to build a ginger bread house, bake cookies, play monopoly, and whatever else our little hearts desire! I'm excited to just to have a little fun!! Hope you all have a great weekend!!

Christmas Past

OK, so you know all those email forwards that you get...you know the one about how the woman says one thing, but in reality this is what she's really saying?? And it puts you to shame because you SO do those things even if you would NEVER admit it to your husband...Come on! I cant be the ONLY one...oh alright, fine. Here's my story...

Mr. S and I started dating end of January/ beginning of February 2007. We had just missed Christmas. By the time December 2007 came around, we were engaged and heavily involved in making wedding preparations. Meaning: We had been spending a lot of money. Too much money. Shameful in fact. I'm mad for not having saved some of that money. But hindsight is 20/20, we were really excited to be planning(and by we, I mean I..), etc etc.

So we are Christmas shopping, taking care of our families, and here comes THE QUESTION. "Mrs. S, what do you want for Christmas this year?" And trying to think as I am paying way too much money at Costco (like always), I say "Mr. S, you know, we have really spent so much money on the wedding and for other people, let's not worry about it. Don't get me anything, I have everything that I need anyway." Did I really mean that?? Well I thought so. I meant it when I said it. HOWEVER, let me give you some background info on Mr S. The boy is thoughtful. Thoughtful to the point of ridiculousity. And yes, that is a word. Kimora uses it. Anyway, I mean the first present he ever got me, before we had ever even been on a date, before we'd barely talked, was a gorgeous diamond heart necklace from Kay Jewelers. It was beautiful, but I thought he was nuts. He's the guy that brings home flowers just because or goes and picks up my favorite pint of ice cream because I've had a bad day.

So of course, I am thinking--unfairly to him--that he'll still take care of it anyway. Don't worry, lesson learned.

So Christmas Eve comes around. We are at my Grandma's house in Virginia and I am wrapping presents before everyone gets there. I tell him he needs to leave because I am wrapping his presents. "What? What presents? Why did you buy me presents? I didn't think we were doing presents!!" To which I replied, "Why wouldn't we?" To which he replied, "Because you said so!" To which I replied, "Mr. S, why in the WORLD would you pick Christmas of all times to start listening to me??? You didn't get me anything? (Shakes his head) I can not believe that. Good grief."

So we are driving home to South Carolina that same night so that we can be home in the morning to be at my Dad's for Christmas morning with his family. We stop at a BP gas station. Mr S is in there FOREVER! I was thinking what in the world, is the boy sick? Oh NO. He comes out holding this HUGE BP gift bag looking thing. I didn't even know they had anything more than a regular plastic bag!

He got me a Christmas Present! A few actually. One was a little crystal plaque that said "I Love My Wife" with a rose on it. The second one is this:



A little snow globe tree that changes colors!

To which of course I replied, "why in the world did you spend money on that? I told you it was not that big of a deal!"

Crazy boy, he said, "Because I love you."

And that ladies and gentlemen, is why I have no idea why Mr. S loves me. Through all my impatience, my craziness, and irrationality, he loves me. I will always keep that little Christmas tree snow globe. It is by far my favorite present he has ever given me.

We were laughing about this story the other day and I really wanted to be able to share it with you, it makes me laugh!!


This year, I will miss him so much. Though I love my family and I am so glad that I have someone to share Christmas with, it will not be the same. But I really appreciate everyone who has volunteered to send Mr. S a Christmas Card. I know it will truly light up his holiday and bring him some cheer. Thank you all SO much for your support and willingness to do this for our family! Merry Christmas!!!

MEMEMEME...how unusual...

Paula gave me this award!! How sweet is she???

Thanks Paula! I am sorry it has taken me so long to get this up, but I really appreciate it! You are too kind!!

Bia from The pages of my life... tagged me for this meme!

The rules are: I have to list 10 honest things about myself, and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers.

So, here it is!

1. I am scared to DEATH of spiders and snakes. When a spider is in the vicenity I literally start to shake...and scream. Usually at the same time. Just ask my friend Meagan (who needs a blog) or Amanda who lived with me in Utah during the attack of the HUGE spiders. *shudder*

2. I want a different job. This is my BIGGEST secret. I work for my Dad. I'm not ready to tell him yet, as he may want to end my life. We own two flooring companies, one that I run. I do not like being the boss (my little sisters may be SHOCKED by this), I do not like stressing out, and it's just not enjoyable. I want to be able to do something creative. I don't know what yet. But I am looking. Particularly in the Richmond, VA area. If you know of anything ANYWHERE, I'm open. Seriously.

3. Another BIG secret. I want to live closer to my mom and granmda. Again, I don't want my Dad to know. It will hurt his feelings. As of now, I am living with him. And while I am grateful for the support and everything that he had done, I need to move out. For me AND for him.

4. I am not good at saving money. I need help. Calling Mrs. Newlywed! That's right. I read your post on budgeting, different savings accounts, etc...but do I know how to implement those things? No. Can I save more money and shop smarter? I sure hope so. It's going to be one of my 2009 goals.

5. I have become ADDICTED to LOST. And Real Housewives of OC or Atlanta.

6. I buy DVD's...a lot of DVD's. A lot of time they stay upopened for a LONG time.

7. I am a planner. I want to plan. I can not. My future is uncertain and it drives me crazy.

8. I really want/need to learn Portuguese.

9. Despite this list and the way it sounds, I am a relatively happy person. Life is not perfect, and it never will be. I have tried my best to grow and learn to be happy wherever I am in life, to always give people the benefit of the doubt, and forgive, forgive, forgive.

10. I love my dog Gracie. But she drives. me. crazy. I cant seem to housetrain her and I know it is because I am not with her enough. It was a lot easier when it was two of us. I dont know what to do. She has ruined the carpet. I feel guilty. I am a bad dog mom. But there are some days when I want to beat her (dont go all PETA on me, I don't, I just want)...For example:

a. She loves Hershey Kisses. I tend to make them for favors, for like the birthday shower. I had leftovers. She climbed onto the dresser, where i put them so she couldn't get to them. Ate them. Sick. For days. Ugh.
b. Loves to get into purses. She has figured out that purses hold a few key items: phones..which are yummy to chew. Gum...she can eat an entire pack...or 3. Pens...white fur around mouth turns black/blue depending on which pen she busts open. Pepper Spray..thats right, pepper spray. And it went off in her mouth, but do you think that stopped her?? NO. But she licked her chops all night and it was soooo funny. Lesson learned? Nada.
c. She loves to lick...EVERYTHING. It drives me crazy. Me, the floor--tile, carpet, whatever it doesnt matter, the fridge, the dishwasher, her cage, the list goes on forever.

Like I said. I love her. But she drives me bananas.



I love you all. I don't have the energy to pass it on. I still have to go Christmas Shopping, go to church to put in some information in the system, wrap presents when I get home, and a million other things like clean, etc. And it's quittin' time, which includes an hours drive home. I'm a lucky girl (and I mean that sarcastically and literally..I am... despite the whining)

So take the award, but if you do, you have to take the meme! So ha!

Kori's Secret Santa Swap!

So I signed up for Kori's Secret Santa Swap


And had SUCH a good time!!! I am so excited for my partner to get her package!!

I got mine in the mail yesterday!!! I was SO excited! Look at what I got! (of course I couldnt take a picture of the cute wrapping, I forgot my manners, so you get to see the aftermath!!)


Aren't they gorgeous??



I was so excited because I was just thinking I needed to find something to wear to the family holiday party and voi la (or however you spell it)! Gorgeous new jewelery!

And you want to hear the BEST part????

Guess who my partner was??? My little sneaky friend Debbie! YOU KNOW! Debbie from This is the life AND Blog Around the World! I was SO excited!! She has been so sweet and it has been so fun to get to know her!

So Debbie THANK YOU! I absolutely LOVE my new jewelery!! It is fabulous and I will make sure to take a picture so that you can see it when I go to the party!! How do you know me all SO well?? How did you know that I LOVE jewelery?? Seriously, I need to take a picture and show you just how much!!! And Macy's?? A girl after my own heart! You are the best!!

Kori I do not how you pull off all that you do, but I am so happy to have participated in the swap!! It was so fun!! Thank you for all your hard work!! You are the bomb and I just love ya!!

Christmas Cards***

So today I was talking on google chat with Kori! If you don't know her (and I assume there aren't many who don't) please go and visit her! She is so wonderful! Probably one of the kindest, gentlest, helpful, strongest, the adjectives could go on forever, people have I have ever met! Anyway she asked if she could send a Christmas card to Mr S! And of course, I told her Mr S would love that! He knows all about my blog, all of you, and particularly Kori and everything she has done to help me!

And then her brillance, she suggested that I post and see if the rest of you would mind sending him a Christmas Card as well! Which I thought was a great idea! I would love it if you all would be so kind as to extend some holiday cheer to my man! Absolutely not mandatory in anyway!

So if you would like to, please leave me a comment letting me know, email me. I am going to email you his address. I don't want to post it all across the internet for saftey reasons.

Thank you all so much in advance again for being there for us!

***edited to add:
No extra postage required, unless your cards require some! Just put a regular stamp and send it on!! Puerto Rico is a US territory and USPS delivers there like continental US! Thanks again!

Puerto Rico

My trip was absolutely everything I expected it to be and more!! I really had a great time! My little sister came down Thursday night and got on a plane with me on Friday morning at 8 AM. We arrived in San Juan at 2:30 PM local time (1:30 PM EST). As you can see she is excited to be on this plane!We got a taxi that cost a small fortune took us to our hotel! We were anxious to get there and put away all of our bags so we could go explore!

We were staying in Old San Juan District. You know, cobble stone streets, beautiful architecture, etc. We get to the hotel and the lobby is BEAUTIFUL! It is all decked out for Christmas and the staff was really friendly! We get upstairs to our room and we are greeted by a room that smells like 50 old men were sitting around with brandy and a cigar (in our non smoking room, mind you)! YUCK. (and the smell NEVER got better.) But nevermind that, I looked out the window and what did I see??? PETER PAN! (the marina was right outside our window...it made me laugh...I actually had NO idea what this guy was doing!

So off to exploring we go! We went down to ask the concierge about some things to go see in walking distance on the island. He went through a lot of things, showed us a map, confused the heck out of us, and off we went! So really we just walked. A lot. And ended up nowhere. But we had a lot of fun in the process! We came across this overlook, with about a 50 foot drop into the ocean. Dangerous yes, but beauty comes with a price my friends!




We went into a few stores, walked around the town. Called it a night, but not before we found a Cold Stone! And of course had to get ice cream! We went to our rooms, tired and worn out, and decided the rooftop pool and hot tub was the night cap we needed!

I was so excited I could barely sleep the night before! I had trouble sleeping that night too. And despite the smell, the bed was REALLY comfortable. I loved it! I have a lot of issues going and sleeping in other places because of my back, but there were no problems!

The next morning I got up at 6 AM to get ready! I wanted to take a picture of me before I left to see Mr S, so I could show you the outfit (though it is hard to take a body length picture of yourself, so this is all you get!) and so I could send him a copy this week too!!


The process to getting in to see Mr S was quite the hassle interesting. It is a different experience to be in a place where all the social rules are different (and I mean this is just standing outside with all the women and children waiting to get in) and not being able to communicate at all well with others.

I arrived at 6:50 AM to begin the processing, and finally saw Mr S two hours later. I was watching all these different people walk in and I was so nervous! I kept thinking, oh my gosh, is that him? Am I going to recognize him? Why I was worried about that, I have no idea.

The minute he walked out, my heart leapt into my throat. He walked over to me and wrapped me up in the biggest hug. I cried my little heart out. (it makes me cry just remembering it) I have to tell you, even if some of you think it's sappy or mush or what have you...in that moment, everything was righted again. Literally I felt whole again.

We sat down, he was crying, I was still crying. Let me tell you, it was so odd, for the first few minutes to look at Mr S while he talked to me. When you talk to someone for nine months on the phone....well I just don't know how to explain it except to say that I sat there thinking, there he is. I knew he was there all along, this is how it's supposed to be. My God, I have missed that face.

I got to stay with Mr S for six hours. We talked, we laughed, we cried, laughed some more. The one thing I can tell you is everything else melted away. The other people, the noise, the guards, and for those few hours (despite the fact I had to sit across the table from him) everything was right. I was SO happy. Except there was to be minimal kissing (at the beginning and at the end), which does not suit me well at all, but I got a few in here and there. HA.

Leaving was terrible. It was so hard. I just wanted to stay with him, to be with him. It is so hard to walk away from someone you love, and leave them in such a terrible place, knowing that you are going back to your family, to safety, to life. I tried to be strong. I didn't cry a lot in front of him while leaving. I bawled the entire way home in the taxi (well except every other minute that I feared for my life--crazy drivers) and in the hotel. Mr S called me later and of course he could tell I had been crying. But he had good news! They had more visitation tomorrow from 12-3! I was so excited! My plane didn't leave until 4:45! I would have to leave early, but I'd be able to come!

I didn't actually get to see Mr S until almost 1, and I had to leave at 2:30, but I was so happy to have that little bit of extra time with him! It was like a little bonus! We really had a wonderful time together. We talked a lot about the future, our lives together. It is my deepest hope that we are going through this now and are able to find our happily ever after. That we continue to have the kind of love that they talk about in stories.

I know this has been a long post, but thank you all for being our cheerleaders and following along! I hope that I am back next month and that I can finally bring him home and start our lives!

Lastly, let me say this: I love my husband. He is by far, the best thing that has happened to me. I love him more than I day I married him, more than I did yesterday, and I will love him more tomorrow than today. I always feel a little guilty, but he is my strength. He guides me, he lifts me up, he tells me to be strong, to pray, to continue because it will all be over soon. He makes me want to be a better person every day so that I can be the kind of wife and mother he knows me to be. Whatever challenges we face, I know that we will always conquer them together, and that he will always be there for me, no matter what it might be. If I walk to the ends of the earth, he will always walk right beside me. He is my heart, my best friend, my eternal companion.

Excitement! And a whole lotta nothing...

For all those who have asked, I definitely can NOT sleep!! I have been so active tonight! I have done everything but wrap christmas presents! I even re-arranged my entire bedroom!! Which I am glad! I need to take a picture of my new duvet I got on sale from Target!! It is beautiful. And white. Which was kinda dumb...but I loved it. I'm sure Gracie will too. Ugh. I'm trying to train her to stay OFF the bed now, but we'll see!!

I am so excited! My sister got down here tonight, I got everything all packed! I checked the weather, it's supposed to be in the upper 80's! And I am SO glad because of course here it is going to only make it to 50 tomorrow!

I can not believe I am FINALLY going to go see Mr S. I know I say it continually...but we NEVER in a million years would have guessed it would have gone on so long, which is why we have waited to see each other until now. I am so, so grateful that we have a court date in January. I hope that everything comes out like we are hoping and that all this time away from one another finds its purpose in a good outcome!

Let me ask you all a question: I have really been having a hard time feeling the christmas spirit. I dont know if it is because I am stressed out at work...or because I have been so busy with work and with personal that I just haven't taken the time to try and feel christmas-y. Maybe once i start to wrap presents I will feel that way. I don't know. I have sung my Christmas Carols. I bought the new Faith Hill on itunes and Josh Groban. But I'm just not there yet. Does it just come with being older? Is it just because i am away from Mr S? Who knows? But I do think that once we are back together, next Christmas I will be excited to have our own little house and decorate and all that jazz!

So what do you to do get yourself in the Mood?


The Christmas Mood that is.

1 More Day!!!!

There is no feeling more comforting and consolingthan knowing you are right next to the one you love.

And I will be carrying my laptop to Puerto Rico, so I can give you all the scoop!!

Orlando! And Mr S..of course!

Last weekend was my trip down to Orlando for a trade show! It was a VERY filled weekend! Busy, busy, busy. The show was great and we went to a lot of different meetings. We got some great ideas and I am hoping that we can implement them to make our business a successful one! These are some hard times we are facing and I am hoping we can make it there!!



So you all know about the hotel issues that we faced...but Gaylord Palms DEFINITELY made up for it! The next morning the reservations manager came over to see us, made sure we were happy with our rooms, and apologized over and over. Our rooms were FABULOUS by the way! The hotel is seriously the nicest I have stayed in! They have 6 different restaurants, a HUGE atrium, 4 different shops...seriously just amazing! I loved it!! They more than made up for their error! We got our chocolate covered strawberries! (Minus the two we ate :) hehe!)

They left these for us everyday...and seriously I felt like I was two, but look how CUTE!How could you not love them?



And among some of the other things they gave us tickets to ICE!


Here a few pictures! My bonus Mom has a majority of the pictures! When I get them from her I will send over more!!

TWO MILLION POUNDS of ice! 9 degrees!! Seriously what they do with ICE is amazing!!

Isn't this Nativity scene amazing?

My little Elf throne!
It was sooo cold!!


Saturday Night I got to steal away to Disney for a while! I don't have pictures right now, but I promise to show some!! I LOVED Disney! It was great! I saw two parades and the fireworks and thought I was in heaven! It was so fun! I got a picture with Mickey and Minnie and Cinderella waved at me! At first sight of Cinderella's castle my heart flutter! *sigh* I cant wait to go back! Preferably with Mr S!!

Speaking of the devil...! Just kidding, but seriously...are you all tired of hearing me talk about him?... GOOD! Me either!

We have had a really good week this week! (Some weeks are really difficult!) I think a lot of that has to do with being able to FINALLY see a light at the end of the tunnel! But as Mr S and I have conversations about life, future, love, etc...I swear I fall more and more in love with him. A lot of people that know us personally I'm sure wonder why in the world we got married. I know that there are people (my father) that think we are too different for things to work. We may be different culturally, but we have the same goals, dreams, ambitions for life. I am so very blessed to have married a man that thinks the most important things in this life are God and Family. He pushes me every day to make sure that my relationship with my Heavenly Father grows. He wants us to be close to God, close to one another, and to be happy. I am so excited to start our lives, talk the talk, and walk the walk TOGETHER! Mr S makes my heart pitter patter! I can not wait to see him again! Thanks for letting me get all smushy, mushy on you, you're the best!!

2 MORE DAYS!!!