Maybe I should – go help my husband finish hanging sheet rock in the kitchen.
I love the smell of – sunscreen, coffee, and sugar cookie candles.
People would say that I- am outgoing.
I don’t understand why – my husband is more stubborn than I am.
When I wake up in the morning – I have to let the dogs out.
I lost my willpower to – avoid chocolate last night.
Life is – good.
My past made me – very thankful for all that I have in life and realize that time with family is so much more important than money.
I get annoyed when I – can't have my way. (Hey, at least I'm honest.)
Parties are not a good time to – argue with your significant other.
Dogs are – cute, fun, playful, and a lot of work.
Cats are – furry little things that sometimes purr and sometimes plot to kill you.
Tomorrow is – church day!
I have low tolerance for – people that don't pay attention to their children.
I’m totally terrified of - snakes.
I wonder why I thought my life would be – just like it is now?
I always knew I would –get married young.
Never in my life have I – had surgery.
High school was – a great time in my life.
When I’m nervous- lose my appetite.
One time at a family gathering – I was tricked into falling on my butt in the front yard by my uncle.
Take my advice – don't tell your husband, "I'll be right back. Don't hurt yourself while I'm gone." He will.
Making my bed- is not something I do often.
I'm almost always – not wearing my contacts lately.
I’m addicted to – the message boards on the knot, blogging, my BlackBerry, and sweeping my kitchen (odd? Yes, I think so too.).
I want someone to – give my husband a job closer to home.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
A little about me
I found this little questionnaire on a friend's blog and filled it out here about myself.
Day #170: My Hero!
I have been meaning to post this story and these photos for a while, but I kept forgetting. Every time I would remember, I couldn't find the photos!
On the way home from our honeymoon in Nashville, I pulled some lotion out of my purse to put on my hands. I looked down and thought, "I just had my engagement ring cleaned. I'll take my rings off." Well, I should have known that was a dumb idea. Just as I slid my wedding band off, I dropped both rings. My engagement ring landed in the seat next to me, so I slipped it back on and went searching in the floor for my wedding band. I couldn't find it!
At first it wasn't a big deal. It was obviously in the Trailblazer somewhere. I dug around between the seat and the console and in the floor under my feet for a while, but still couldn't find it. Steven started teasing me that, "we hadn't been married a week and you've already lost the ring." Yeah, not the thing to say. I started crying, and I know it made him feel horrible. He pulled off the interstate at Marion and assured me we would find it. I had stopped crying at this point, and got out to help him look under the seats for it. Still no luck. I was really starting to panic now. We got back on the road, and he promised me that worst case scenario, he'd go buy me another one as soon as his next paycheck came. Well, then I just started crying again. I didn't want a new one; I wanted that one. (I'm pretty sure at this point, my husband was beginning to wonder what kind of crybaby/nut-case he had married.) When we finally made it home, I started unloading our luggage while Steven tore the car apart to try to find my ring.
Half an hour later, I walked outside to see this...
He had to take the console completely apart, remove the passenger seat, and pull the carpet back to find my ring! Somehow it had made its way under the carpet under my seat to the middle of the floorboard beneath my feet! I was so happy to have it back I squealed, hugged Steven, and cried for second more. I told him that he was officially "My Hero for Life!"
On the way home from our honeymoon in Nashville, I pulled some lotion out of my purse to put on my hands. I looked down and thought, "I just had my engagement ring cleaned. I'll take my rings off." Well, I should have known that was a dumb idea. Just as I slid my wedding band off, I dropped both rings. My engagement ring landed in the seat next to me, so I slipped it back on and went searching in the floor for my wedding band. I couldn't find it!
At first it wasn't a big deal. It was obviously in the Trailblazer somewhere. I dug around between the seat and the console and in the floor under my feet for a while, but still couldn't find it. Steven started teasing me that, "we hadn't been married a week and you've already lost the ring." Yeah, not the thing to say. I started crying, and I know it made him feel horrible. He pulled off the interstate at Marion and assured me we would find it. I had stopped crying at this point, and got out to help him look under the seats for it. Still no luck. I was really starting to panic now. We got back on the road, and he promised me that worst case scenario, he'd go buy me another one as soon as his next paycheck came. Well, then I just started crying again. I didn't want a new one; I wanted that one. (I'm pretty sure at this point, my husband was beginning to wonder what kind of crybaby/nut-case he had married.) When we finally made it home, I started unloading our luggage while Steven tore the car apart to try to find my ring.
Half an hour later, I walked outside to see this...
He had to take the console completely apart, remove the passenger seat, and pull the carpet back to find my ring! Somehow it had made its way under the carpet under my seat to the middle of the floorboard beneath my feet! I was so happy to have it back I squealed, hugged Steven, and cried for second more. I told him that he was officially "My Hero for Life!"
Day #169: May Bunco!
First of all, it is sort of hard to believe that tomorrow will be 170 days since our wedding. Wow.
Second, tonight was May Bunco! Yay! I had a lot of fun playing Bunco with the girls while Steven hung out with Scotty, playing Wii. Unfortunately, I did not win a prize this month.
Here's our first group pic from Bunco. We had 15 ladies present tonight(!!), and our theme was luau.
Stay tuned for next month's bunco blog post. The theme is "Superheroes." There is one catch though. You can't buy anything. You have to make your costume from things you already have or borrow.
Second, tonight was May Bunco! Yay! I had a lot of fun playing Bunco with the girls while Steven hung out with Scotty, playing Wii. Unfortunately, I did not win a prize this month.
Here's our first group pic from Bunco. We had 15 ladies present tonight(!!), and our theme was luau.
Stay tuned for next month's bunco blog post. The theme is "Superheroes." There is one catch though. You can't buy anything. You have to make your costume from things you already have or borrow.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
13 Thursday
Today I'm posting 13 photos that I love. This is mainly because I'm too lazy to come up with something to actually list. I took all but two of these.
1. A panda at the Memphis Zoo. He was tired from playing.
2. The view of the sunset from my favorite place on Earth, the cliffs at our campsite, just as I always see it- through the lenses of my sunglasses.
3. Yoda and a little chicken are just too cute to leave out.
4. I didn't take this one; Tim Rand did. It will always be one of my favorite photos.
5. The Barrett Girls.
6. Hanna hanging out in my kitchen, enjoying bananas.
7. Emerald, trying to get Roush to play with her and her toy.
8. Trinket
9-12. Steven, Emma, and Eva Grace. These pictures make me smile.
13. My sister and I. Obviously this is the other one I didn't take.
I heart my Wii Fit!
Last Friday I talked Steven into buying a Wii Fit. (I had extra money because I had *forgotten* to deposit one of my last paychecks. =) I'm pretty sure we now agree that it was money well spent. Steven hogged it the first night for an hour! We have finally found a video game(s) that we both enjoy and can actually compete with one another on. I usually have no chance at beating Steven.
I was a bit surprised at how much of a workout I actually get from using it. I love the yoga and strength training exercises. The balance games and test actually work, too. This week I have been catching myself standing with bad posture and correcting myself. Tonight will be the 7th day I have used it! That's seven days of work outs for me! That has rarely happened in my life. :-) As of last night I had lost about 2 pounds from my starting weight.
It also tracks your BMI. However, because it only calculates BMI using height and weight, it probably isn't that accurate for a lot of people. (I know mine is fairly accurate only because I've used other methods to have it tested, and it always comes out nearly the same.) I would recommend relying more on the weight tracking feature.
For someone (like me) that has a hard time forcing themselves to go to the gym, I'd say the $89.99 + tax is worth it. Not only is it cheaper than a gym membership, but it's more fun, too. Also, when it is sitting in your living room it is a little harder to find excuses not to work out.
It's Official...
I'm a housewife. Today is Day #6. Well, I guess technically I'm a "WAHW" a.k.a. "work at home wife," but since my business is just starting I'm not doing a whole lot of working right now.
This is going to be an interesting transition. I had a page long to do list for this week, and unfortunately most of it is still not done, due to the ceiling issues in my kitchen. (No point in grocery shopping if I can't cook, can't mop/bleach kitchen floor, straighten living room, etc.) I have accomplished a few things this week though.
-returned books to library (and got more!)
-washed dishes
-laundry (still in progress actually)
-got clean sheets on our bed
-cleaned the dogs' bedding
-paid bills
-vacuumed the living room (as much of it as I could get to anyway)
-took my car to the shop (I have to take it back tomorrow though. They had to order the part it needed.)
-put my husband's requests on our Netflix queue
-deposited checks at the bank (This is a small miracle in itself. I NEVER make it to the bank during the week, and I went twice this week. My husband will be impressed.)
- Swept the kitchen floor. (Again, thanks to our little problem, I have done this more times than I can count this week. haha)
- Made an appointment with the eye doctor for my husband
-Researched our insurance company for a list of in-network providers (This has been on my to do list for over two months now. Their web site was rather confusing until they recently changed it, and I am SO thankful to finally be able to cross this off.)
- I updated the church blog!
I also got some work-related things done this week. I got Jessica's bridal photos to her over the weekend. I also updated my photography blog, and got some more images ready to go up on the web site. I also did some studying for work.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
10 Things Tuesday
Well, if you have read the first post from today, you may be wondering what on Earth I will find to be thankful for. I have lots though!
Today I am thankful for...
1. My husband and I aren't one of those couples that argues the entire duration of every home improvement project. To those that know us, this is probably a bit shocking. :-)
2. My kitchen floor has not been ruined.
3. I'm finally getting rid of that stupid popcorn ceiling in my kitchen.
4. My husband did not get angry when I cracked up about our ceiling situation.
5. I have a home. It may have issues at the moment, but it is a home, has running water, electricity, and a roof over our heads (sort of).
6. I have the summer off! Woohoo! No school, and not much work.
7. My pets are healthy. (I accompanied my sis and brother-in-law to the vet today, and my sister's kitty had to be put to sleep.)
8. I can't use my stove this week! Yay! Now I don't have to have an excuse to eat out.
9. My husband is ok with me being a 'fraidy-cat'. I am afraid of lots of things: snakes, large spiders, one-sided ladders, high places with no hand rails, etc.
10. My sister! We are about to go have lunch together.
D is for...
Here you go. Our weekend that is award-worthy...
is for...
On the brighter side, we did REALLY hate that popcorn ceiling. :-)
is for...I had been trying to come up with a really good "D" entry for my alphabet blogging, and finally gave up and started an entry about our dogs. Boring, but it was all I could come up with. I kept hoping something better would come along before I posted it. Well, this weekend things got interesting and I now have a good one for D! I also figured out how when something goes terribly wrong, a person's first thought can be, 'Quick...Camera! Blog!' haha
D is for.... DEMOLITION!
First, how about a little story?
Back in March, a huge storm blew through and tore up our roof. The next week, we called to have the insurance company come look at it. Four weeks later, we still had not heard from them. My dad called back, and so did I. Two weeks later, they came to look at it. About a week after that, we finally got a check. Then, my sweet husband insisted on doing it himself. He's done roofing before, so it shouldn't have been a big deal. But oh wait, we live in Arkansas where the weather is insane all year long and he works out of town a lot. Sooo, it started raining in April and continued into May. Not much roofing got done. This weekend, KAIT was calling for a sunny and warm weekend, and Steven was off an extra day. Yay! We could actually get some roofing done.
Day #1: Saturday morning he got up and went to work on our roof. Then he realized he couldn't find his knife and needed a new one for cutting the shingles. Off to Lowe's we went. What happened while we were there? RAIN! Lots of it, too. We came home to discover some leaks in our kitchen. Fun stuff, but not a huge deal, right? Um, no. We couldn't get that lucky. We went to a cookout that night, and when we returned home, we discovered that part of the ceiling had fallen in our garage. Again, not fun, but it wasn't a HUGE deal because it was in the garage, and honestly I am surprised it didn't fall a long time ago just from the moisture in our garage.
Day #2: After church, Steven went into the attic to pull back the insulation to let it dry, but before he could finish that it was too late. The ceiling in the kitchen cracked! Our goal was to get back at the roofing and worry about the inside stuff later. He started doing more roofing. Thankfully, I checked my e-mail. I had gotten an e-mail from the local tv channel that a storm was headed our way that night. Crap. Off to Wal-Mart we went for some better methods of covering our half-shingled section of roof. I climbed up and helped him cover everything with plastic. (It was actually kind of nice up there. We talked a bit, enjoyed the light breeze, listened to some coyote pups whimpering as they settled down for the night. We had no idea of what was to come.) We even nailed the plastic under the shingles, and he hauled plywood up to the roof to be nailed down on top of the plastic. When the rains came, they came hard! (By the way, when it started raining at our house, the news was saying that it was still 30-45 minutes away from us. Huh?) More leaking accompanied the rain. Back to the roof he went (in the rain) to try to fix the problem. Nothing worked. At about 10:30 p.m. we gave up after a huge bolt of lightening hit a little too close while my husband was on the roof. I pulled out some pans to catch the water and avoid ruining the floor, Steven took down the light fixture, and we started the demo on our kitchen ceiling. :-) We finally went to bed about 1 a.m. on Monday, after each of had taken our third shower that day!
Day #3: Steven had planned to get as much done as possible on the roof that morning before going back to work, but guess what. More rain.
Now for some pictures of our lovely weekend project...
Back in March, a huge storm blew through and tore up our roof. The next week, we called to have the insurance company come look at it. Four weeks later, we still had not heard from them. My dad called back, and so did I. Two weeks later, they came to look at it. About a week after that, we finally got a check. Then, my sweet husband insisted on doing it himself. He's done roofing before, so it shouldn't have been a big deal. But oh wait, we live in Arkansas where the weather is insane all year long and he works out of town a lot. Sooo, it started raining in April and continued into May. Not much roofing got done. This weekend, KAIT was calling for a sunny and warm weekend, and Steven was off an extra day. Yay! We could actually get some roofing done.
Day #1: Saturday morning he got up and went to work on our roof. Then he realized he couldn't find his knife and needed a new one for cutting the shingles. Off to Lowe's we went. What happened while we were there? RAIN! Lots of it, too. We came home to discover some leaks in our kitchen. Fun stuff, but not a huge deal, right? Um, no. We couldn't get that lucky. We went to a cookout that night, and when we returned home, we discovered that part of the ceiling had fallen in our garage. Again, not fun, but it wasn't a HUGE deal because it was in the garage, and honestly I am surprised it didn't fall a long time ago just from the moisture in our garage.
Day #2: After church, Steven went into the attic to pull back the insulation to let it dry, but before he could finish that it was too late. The ceiling in the kitchen cracked! Our goal was to get back at the roofing and worry about the inside stuff later. He started doing more roofing. Thankfully, I checked my e-mail. I had gotten an e-mail from the local tv channel that a storm was headed our way that night. Crap. Off to Wal-Mart we went for some better methods of covering our half-shingled section of roof. I climbed up and helped him cover everything with plastic. (It was actually kind of nice up there. We talked a bit, enjoyed the light breeze, listened to some coyote pups whimpering as they settled down for the night. We had no idea of what was to come.) We even nailed the plastic under the shingles, and he hauled plywood up to the roof to be nailed down on top of the plastic. When the rains came, they came hard! (By the way, when it started raining at our house, the news was saying that it was still 30-45 minutes away from us. Huh?) More leaking accompanied the rain. Back to the roof he went (in the rain) to try to fix the problem. Nothing worked. At about 10:30 p.m. we gave up after a huge bolt of lightening hit a little too close while my husband was on the roof. I pulled out some pans to catch the water and avoid ruining the floor, Steven took down the light fixture, and we started the demo on our kitchen ceiling. :-) We finally went to bed about 1 a.m. on Monday, after each of had taken our third shower that day!
Day #3: Steven had planned to get as much done as possible on the roof that morning before going back to work, but guess what. More rain.
Now for some pictures of our lovely weekend project...
So tell me, Mr. Weatherman, what happened to that "sunny & warm weekend?"
Next weekend, we'll be headed back to Lowe's for more sheetrock for the ceiling and praying for dry weather. I am rather proud of us though. We can do home improvement projects together, even when they go terribly, terribly wrong. We don't gripe at each other and throw fits. I actually busted out laughing about it and pretty soon had Steven goofing off too while we worked.
Next weekend, we'll be headed back to Lowe's for more sheetrock for the ceiling and praying for dry weather. I am rather proud of us though. We can do home improvement projects together, even when they go terribly, terribly wrong. We don't gripe at each other and throw fits. I actually busted out laughing about it and pretty soon had Steven goofing off too while we worked.
On the brighter side, we did REALLY hate that popcorn ceiling. :-)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Stay Tuned...We deserve an award!
Tonight, Steven and I have decided that we could probably win an award for our interesting weekend. Pictures to come.
Post #100!
My 100 List!
This is my 100th post, so here is my list of 100 things about the Mr. & Mrs. that you may not know.
Emily (Mrs.)
1. In the 21 years I’ve been alive, I have had at least 11 dogs, not including the offspring that we gave away.
2. I have had at least 9 cats, not including the offspring that we gave away.
3. I do EVERYTHING with the radio or iTunes on – eat, sleep, cook, drive, shower, laundry, etc. It cannot be done without music.
4. I get in the most horribly ticklish moods where everything tickles, everything.
5. Steven and I dated for over two years before he ever saw me run.
6. I collect rubber duckies.
7. Growing up, I always said I wanted to be married before I turned 22.
8. I love all things pink.
9. I cry over everything.
10. I have a small collection of antique cameras.
11. I first became interested in photography when I was about 8 years old.
12. I have taken over 2700 photos this year.
13. I got my first perm when I was only 5 years old.
14. I have been to a Hanson concert.
15. I’m terrified of hurricanes.
16. I’m addicted to blogging.
17. I’ve had the same best friend since the 2nd grade.
18. I acquired 3 black eyes before I turned 3 years old.
19. Last Fall, I went the entire semester without ever meeting one of my suitemates.
20. I like big dogs.
21. I am a bed hog.
22. I am a blanket hog.
23. I sometimes talk in my sleep.
24. I have 3 different recurring nightmares. They are never exactly the same, but it is almost always one of the three types and very similar.
25. On more than one occasion I have woken up standing. That's a creepy feeling.
26. In the third grade, a boy that had a crush on me asked for my phone number. He called a few times then asked me for it again a few weeks later at school, claiming he ate the paper it had been written on.
27. I'm hooked on CSI: Las Vegas. Steven introduced me to it when we first started dating, and I was quickly addicted.
28. I knew within the first 5 months of us dating that I would marry Steven.
29. I am addicted to my BlackBerry.
30. I would be completely lost without my calendar.
31. I love making lists. - Can you tell? - I make to do lists almost daily. It's even worse now that I have a To Do List application on my phone.
32. I am rather outspoken. (Who would have ever guessed that?)
33. I'd love to live on the beach, but as I mentioned earlier I am terrified of hurricanes.
34. I LOVE personalized stuff. I think embroidery machines are one of the greatest inventions ever. My poor kids will never be able to borrow each other's clothes. It will all be labeled with names and initials.
35. I get really annoyed when people that have no knowledge of photography/are say things like, "Why did you take a picture of that?" (Because I thought it was pretty and stinkin' felt like it! That's why.)
36. It drives me crazy when people hand their children off to grandparents as "free baby-sitters"every weekend so they can go out with their friends.
37. I went as a country singer on Career Day in kindergarten, big hair and all. (I was a bit obsessed with Trisha Yearwood. haha)
38. I took piano lessons for 7 years.
39. I once lost my glasses on Mt. Nebo.
40. I like fast food. It's not a convenience thing; I actually like the taste of it. - This is a major problem for my waist, so I try to avoid it.
41. I'm pretty sure I sent some people two thank you notes for wedding gifts, and some people may not have gotten them at all. I had a huge mix up problem with my lists, lost one, found it, ran out of cards, lost another list, never found it. Then my dogs decided to eat my address book. I still feel bad about this and find myself looking for that list every time I clean my kitchen and office. If you are one of those people, THANK YOU! I'M SORRY, I'M A HALF-WIT! YOUR GIFT REALLY IS APPRECIATED!
42. I would like to one day own a reception hall/wedding venue business. After planning my own wedding, I learned that there is a huge need for this in our area.
Steven (Mr.)
43. He talks/walks in his sleep. Once I woke up to find him digging in his “toolbox” (the floor of the closet) for some sort of tool.
44. He went to kindergarten in Germany.
45. He also went to kindergarten in the U.S. because when they moved back he was the same age as kids starting kindergarten in America.
46. He has owned at least 13 vehicles, maybe even 15.
47. He currently has 5 vehicles.
48. He gets weirded out when I tell him he was in 3rd grade and almost the oldest kid in his class when I started kindergarten.
49. His favorite way to get me to do things is to say, “But you do it better.” It works.
50. He used to have a pig named Piggy Sue.
51. When we’ve been arguing about something and I prove him wrong, he likes to say, “I told you it was _____ (whatever I said it was)____.”
52. Steven has expensive taste.
53. He still has the stuffed monkey he got as a baby. Its name is Pee-pee. ☺
54. When he was little he had a mullet. To this day, his mother swears it was cute.
55. He has lived in California.
56. He has lived in Kentucky.
57. He has lived in Kansas.
58. He likes to catch snakes in our yard before he kills them. - This would be okay with me if he didn't seem to think that I want to see each snake while it is still alive.
59. After more than 4 years, he still whines when I take pictures of him.
60. He has a piece of metal from a hammer stuck in his arm.
61. He once wore a cast for a week or two because the doctor told him his elbow was broken. When he went back they said it wasn't ever broken in the first place.
62. There is at least one other Steven Anderson in Jonesboro. He's apparently in his 50's, and they have a lot of the same doctors.
63. Steven wants to homeschool our kids.
64. He would be perfectly happy living 20 miles from the nearest town.
65. Steven has been skydiving. - This was ok with me until a random plane flew into the restricted area just as he was about to jump.
66. He looks just like his dad. He also acts just like his dad. Their personality resemblances are pretty eerie considering they haven't lived in the same house in almost 16 years. They even say a lot of the same things.
67. He is a great carpenter. He can do the calculations in his head and everything comes out a perfect fit.
68. Steven tells me there are three things women should have lots of: nice jewelry, nice underwear, and shoes. He came to this conclusion on his own, and I will never ever tell him anything different.
69. He thinks it is awesome that I like to shop with coupons.
70. Do not EVER have "Happy Birthday" sang to him in a restaurant. He would actually prefer if they didn't sing to anyone at his table also.
71. Steven picked our wedding date.
72. He also picked the song we left the church to, "Guys Like Me" by Eric Church and our first dance song "Waitin' on a Woman" by Brad Paisley at our wedding.
73. Steven loves Johnny Cash.
74. When he introduced me to his mom, he grabbed my hand to show her that I had "long, real nails."
75. He names every stray dog he sees, even if he doesn't pick it up. There are always dogs wandering up to his job sites, he gives them all names.
76. He was once trampled by a bunch of goats. Needless to say, he hates goats.
77. Steven doesn't like rabbits either.
78. He didn't want to call me when we first met because he thought my parents would be mad at him for trying to date their daughter.
Us
79. We only have 2 television channels at our house. We don’t care either.
80. We are both extremely hard headed.
81. It isn’t unusual for us to go to bed by 9:00.
82. We want a large family. By “large”, we mean at least 4 kids.
83. We went to the same high school, but never officially met until after he graduated.
84. The day we got engaged, Steven told me pretty much point blank that morning, that I wasn’t getting the ring I wanted. I was really upset and tried to pretend I wasn’t, but a few hours later I realized he lied.
85. Our cat, Roush, was named after a car.
86. We like working on our house, but projects tend to get drawn out a lot longer than they should.
87. We have already decided on several baby names we like.
88. We eat at Salsa’s Grill WAY too much. The waiters even know that I don’t want guacamole on anything I order and to bring at least two menus anytime one of us walks in the door.
89. We used to have a black lab-mix puppy named Michelin, yes, like the tires.
90. We like to watch animated movies together, especially Disney movies.
91. We both like fun musicals like Moulin Rouge.
92. This will be the first year for either of us to vote in a presidential election.
93. Our first date was to Taco Bell.
94. We can't say no to stray dogs.
95. We both love small towns.
96. Our favorite place to camp is Section H (spots 19-22 only) at the Dam Site on Greers Ferry.
97. We both bawled when we saw each other for the first time on our wedding day.
98. We don't have one song that is "Our Song," but rather we have a whole soundtrack for our relationship, a list of "Our SongS" I guess.
99. We set at least two alarms every night, mainly for me.
100. Steven moved from Batesville to Jonesboro to be with me (on his 20th birthday, also now our wedding anniversary) when we had only known each other 2 1/2 months.
This is my 100th post, so here is my list of 100 things about the Mr. & Mrs. that you may not know.
Emily (Mrs.)
1. In the 21 years I’ve been alive, I have had at least 11 dogs, not including the offspring that we gave away.
2. I have had at least 9 cats, not including the offspring that we gave away.
3. I do EVERYTHING with the radio or iTunes on – eat, sleep, cook, drive, shower, laundry, etc. It cannot be done without music.
4. I get in the most horribly ticklish moods where everything tickles, everything.
5. Steven and I dated for over two years before he ever saw me run.
6. I collect rubber duckies.
7. Growing up, I always said I wanted to be married before I turned 22.
8. I love all things pink.
9. I cry over everything.
10. I have a small collection of antique cameras.
11. I first became interested in photography when I was about 8 years old.
12. I have taken over 2700 photos this year.
13. I got my first perm when I was only 5 years old.
14. I have been to a Hanson concert.
15. I’m terrified of hurricanes.
16. I’m addicted to blogging.
17. I’ve had the same best friend since the 2nd grade.
18. I acquired 3 black eyes before I turned 3 years old.
19. Last Fall, I went the entire semester without ever meeting one of my suitemates.
20. I like big dogs.
21. I am a bed hog.
22. I am a blanket hog.
23. I sometimes talk in my sleep.
24. I have 3 different recurring nightmares. They are never exactly the same, but it is almost always one of the three types and very similar.
25. On more than one occasion I have woken up standing. That's a creepy feeling.
26. In the third grade, a boy that had a crush on me asked for my phone number. He called a few times then asked me for it again a few weeks later at school, claiming he ate the paper it had been written on.
27. I'm hooked on CSI: Las Vegas. Steven introduced me to it when we first started dating, and I was quickly addicted.
28. I knew within the first 5 months of us dating that I would marry Steven.
29. I am addicted to my BlackBerry.
30. I would be completely lost without my calendar.
31. I love making lists. - Can you tell? - I make to do lists almost daily. It's even worse now that I have a To Do List application on my phone.
32. I am rather outspoken. (Who would have ever guessed that?)
33. I'd love to live on the beach, but as I mentioned earlier I am terrified of hurricanes.
34. I LOVE personalized stuff. I think embroidery machines are one of the greatest inventions ever. My poor kids will never be able to borrow each other's clothes. It will all be labeled with names and initials.
35. I get really annoyed when people that have no knowledge of photography/are say things like, "Why did you take a picture of that?" (Because I thought it was pretty and stinkin' felt like it! That's why.)
36. It drives me crazy when people hand their children off to grandparents as "free baby-sitters"every weekend so they can go out with their friends.
37. I went as a country singer on Career Day in kindergarten, big hair and all. (I was a bit obsessed with Trisha Yearwood. haha)
38. I took piano lessons for 7 years.
39. I once lost my glasses on Mt. Nebo.
40. I like fast food. It's not a convenience thing; I actually like the taste of it. - This is a major problem for my waist, so I try to avoid it.
41. I'm pretty sure I sent some people two thank you notes for wedding gifts, and some people may not have gotten them at all. I had a huge mix up problem with my lists, lost one, found it, ran out of cards, lost another list, never found it. Then my dogs decided to eat my address book. I still feel bad about this and find myself looking for that list every time I clean my kitchen and office. If you are one of those people, THANK YOU! I'M SORRY, I'M A HALF-WIT! YOUR GIFT REALLY IS APPRECIATED!
42. I would like to one day own a reception hall/wedding venue business. After planning my own wedding, I learned that there is a huge need for this in our area.
Steven (Mr.)
43. He talks/walks in his sleep. Once I woke up to find him digging in his “toolbox” (the floor of the closet) for some sort of tool.
44. He went to kindergarten in Germany.
45. He also went to kindergarten in the U.S. because when they moved back he was the same age as kids starting kindergarten in America.
46. He has owned at least 13 vehicles, maybe even 15.
47. He currently has 5 vehicles.
48. He gets weirded out when I tell him he was in 3rd grade and almost the oldest kid in his class when I started kindergarten.
49. His favorite way to get me to do things is to say, “But you do it better.” It works.
50. He used to have a pig named Piggy Sue.
51. When we’ve been arguing about something and I prove him wrong, he likes to say, “I told you it was _____ (whatever I said it was)____.”
52. Steven has expensive taste.
53. He still has the stuffed monkey he got as a baby. Its name is Pee-pee. ☺
54. When he was little he had a mullet. To this day, his mother swears it was cute.
55. He has lived in California.
56. He has lived in Kentucky.
57. He has lived in Kansas.
58. He likes to catch snakes in our yard before he kills them. - This would be okay with me if he didn't seem to think that I want to see each snake while it is still alive.
59. After more than 4 years, he still whines when I take pictures of him.
60. He has a piece of metal from a hammer stuck in his arm.
61. He once wore a cast for a week or two because the doctor told him his elbow was broken. When he went back they said it wasn't ever broken in the first place.
62. There is at least one other Steven Anderson in Jonesboro. He's apparently in his 50's, and they have a lot of the same doctors.
63. Steven wants to homeschool our kids.
64. He would be perfectly happy living 20 miles from the nearest town.
65. Steven has been skydiving. - This was ok with me until a random plane flew into the restricted area just as he was about to jump.
66. He looks just like his dad. He also acts just like his dad. Their personality resemblances are pretty eerie considering they haven't lived in the same house in almost 16 years. They even say a lot of the same things.
67. He is a great carpenter. He can do the calculations in his head and everything comes out a perfect fit.
68. Steven tells me there are three things women should have lots of: nice jewelry, nice underwear, and shoes. He came to this conclusion on his own, and I will never ever tell him anything different.
69. He thinks it is awesome that I like to shop with coupons.
70. Do not EVER have "Happy Birthday" sang to him in a restaurant. He would actually prefer if they didn't sing to anyone at his table also.
71. Steven picked our wedding date.
72. He also picked the song we left the church to, "Guys Like Me" by Eric Church and our first dance song "Waitin' on a Woman" by Brad Paisley at our wedding.
73. Steven loves Johnny Cash.
74. When he introduced me to his mom, he grabbed my hand to show her that I had "long, real nails."
75. He names every stray dog he sees, even if he doesn't pick it up. There are always dogs wandering up to his job sites, he gives them all names.
76. He was once trampled by a bunch of goats. Needless to say, he hates goats.
77. Steven doesn't like rabbits either.
78. He didn't want to call me when we first met because he thought my parents would be mad at him for trying to date their daughter.
Us
79. We only have 2 television channels at our house. We don’t care either.
80. We are both extremely hard headed.
81. It isn’t unusual for us to go to bed by 9:00.
82. We want a large family. By “large”, we mean at least 4 kids.
83. We went to the same high school, but never officially met until after he graduated.
84. The day we got engaged, Steven told me pretty much point blank that morning, that I wasn’t getting the ring I wanted. I was really upset and tried to pretend I wasn’t, but a few hours later I realized he lied.
85. Our cat, Roush, was named after a car.
86. We like working on our house, but projects tend to get drawn out a lot longer than they should.
87. We have already decided on several baby names we like.
88. We eat at Salsa’s Grill WAY too much. The waiters even know that I don’t want guacamole on anything I order and to bring at least two menus anytime one of us walks in the door.
89. We used to have a black lab-mix puppy named Michelin, yes, like the tires.
90. We like to watch animated movies together, especially Disney movies.
91. We both like fun musicals like Moulin Rouge.
92. This will be the first year for either of us to vote in a presidential election.
93. Our first date was to Taco Bell.
94. We can't say no to stray dogs.
95. We both love small towns.
96. Our favorite place to camp is Section H (spots 19-22 only) at the Dam Site on Greers Ferry.
97. We both bawled when we saw each other for the first time on our wedding day.
98. We don't have one song that is "Our Song," but rather we have a whole soundtrack for our relationship, a list of "Our SongS" I guess.
99. We set at least two alarms every night, mainly for me.
100. Steven moved from Batesville to Jonesboro to be with me (on his 20th birthday, also now our wedding anniversary) when we had only known each other 2 1/2 months.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Ten Things Tuesday
On this Tuesday I am thankful for...
1. Books! I love to read. While classes are in session I don't have much time for pleasure reading, but as soon as summer hits I read every chance I get. I am currently reading two books. I will finish one tonight and the other probably this weekend.
2. The public library. Most summers there is no way my bank account could keep up with my need for something to read. I also love that our library not only has books, but also books on CD, DVD's, music CD's, cookbooks, and a used bookstore!
3. My Wii! Steven finally let me get one a couple of weekends ago, and I love it! Not only do I love it, but so does he. I'm thankful for the little things we like to do together like playing board games and video games.
4. I am so thankful for the wonderful weather we have been seeing recently!
5. My sweet husband, who calls me every morning. I love starting my day like that.
6. Almyra, Arkansas. Google it. :-) You probably won't find much though. The town population is around 300. I lived there when I was young, and went back for a visit this past weekend. Every time I visit, I am shocked at how much it feels like "home." Such a wonderful little town, full of wonderful people.
7. I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I am so thankful to have enough money in my bank account that I don't have to sit and worry about whether or not to put gas in my car. Even as fuel and food prices skyrocket, God keeps on providing.
8. The December '07 message board on TheKnot.com - We keep each other entertained. :-)
9. I'm also thankful that the dove finally took the hint to get out of my flower basket and make a new nest in one of the many trees in my yard, before my flowers died.
10. My puppies have been so well behaved lately! Emerald even let a stranger (Steven's co-worker; stranger to her, not us) get in our car a few weeks ago with out going berserk!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Where in the world is Mr. Anderson?
I have no idea. He doesn't know either.
He is somewhere in Louisiana. Some town east of Shreveport.
I got the dreaded "storm call" yesterday morning about 9:30 when I was in the shower. I didn't see that I had a voicemail until about 10 though. All he said was, "I'm goin' on storm. Call me back." I love how he's so gentle in telling me he has no idea when he'll be home, haha.
Anyway, apparently they had a bad storm there, wherever "there" is. They worked from the time they got to "there" yesterday until about 7:30 last night when they stopped for supper. After eating they went back to work until about 2 a.m. I think they headed back out about 7:45ish this morning.
He is somewhere in Louisiana. Some town east of Shreveport.
I got the dreaded "storm call" yesterday morning about 9:30 when I was in the shower. I didn't see that I had a voicemail until about 10 though. All he said was, "I'm goin' on storm. Call me back." I love how he's so gentle in telling me he has no idea when he'll be home, haha.
Anyway, apparently they had a bad storm there, wherever "there" is. They worked from the time they got to "there" yesterday until about 7:30 last night when they stopped for supper. After eating they went back to work until about 2 a.m. I think they headed back out about 7:45ish this morning.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Ten Things Tuesday
Here's what I am thankful for today:
1. I am thankful that I have the day off tomorrow. I'm going to help with an event at my dad's work. I much prefer volunteering at the nursing home to sitting in front of a computer for a paycheck.
2. I have a very supportive husband. When I said I wanted to make the jump and pursue a career in photography/graphic design full time he was perfectly fine with it. He had no worries about it.
3. I am thankful that God has a plan for my life and is showing it to me a little more each day. I was worried when I put in my notice that I was making a mistake and wouldn't be able to pursue a career in photography. I handed my life over to God though and made the leap. I'm so glad I did, too. I have not even finished my final two weeks at my current job and have already been asked to photograph a friend's wedding this summer! I'm so excited about this. Shay and Quinton are such a sweet couple, and I'm very happy for them.
4. I am so very, very thankful for the wonderful women at my church. There is no separation of age groups; we are all there for each other, and I consider each and every one of them my friend.
5. Tomorrow is Wednesday! Church day! I always look forward to our Wednesday night bible study. I have learned so much from that class and made some wonderful friends.
6. I am so thankful that when I checked the Adoption Coalition website today, I saw hearts next to many photos, meaning the children had been adopted since the first time I viewed the site several months ago.
7. So far (knock on wood!) we haven't had the horrible spider/snake problem in our yard that we had last spring/summer. This is a HUGE relief. I don't deal well with either species.
8. My cat has finally decided to be a part-time outside kitty. Why am I thankful for this? Less kitty litter duty! Woohoo!
9. I am very thankful that God is such a wonderful provider. My husband and I are not wealthy by U.S. standards, but we are rich compared to people in other areas of the world. Today I noticed gas prices in our small town are up to $3.67/gallon. (This is crazy, and I refuse to purchase gas there when it is much cheaper in Jonesboro .) I am thankful that we have not had to choose between putting gas in our car or paying bills or putting gas in our cars instead of food in our stomachs. No matter how much things have increased lately, the money always seems to be there. We get back and forth to church and work, we do not go hungry, and we have a roof over our heads. Even when you write out the budget, sometimes the money doesn't seem to exist, but it's there when we need it. God has blessed us and continues to do so everyday.
10. It rained today in Texas. This meant that my husband had the day off. Why would I want him to have a (mostly) un-paid day off work? Because it means it is one less day he is high above the ground working with dangerous, high voltage electricity.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Thirteen Thursday
Anyway, that's unrelated.
Steven was recently switched back to being home every weekend. This schedule is a lot better for us. We still miss each other, but it's much easier to handle four days at a time, as opposed to 9 days. This week, a lot (more than usual) of people have asked about his job and said thinks like, "Oh it must be hard," or "Wow, linemen have a dangerous job," or "You must really miss him." The answer to all of those is "YES!" However, there are some good things about being the wife of a lineman. These are a few of the things we remind ourselves of when our guys are out on the road.
Thirteen Reasons it's Great to be a "Line Wife"
1. My husband values his time at home with me.
2. I don't have to cook all week
3. When I want to cook, it can be pasta and he's not around to complain that he doesn't like it.
4. I have plenty of time to hang out with my girlfriends.
5. It makes me stronger person. It's not possible for me to become completely dependent on my husband.
6. Knowing my husband has a job he loves.
7. Doing whatever I want for 4 days.
8. Storm pay. The worrying for weeks isn't fun at all, but when the paycheck comes in, it does make it a little better.
9. Always knowing the weather forecast - Want to know the weather? Call a lineman.
10. The conversation. It is nearly impossible for a lineman and his wife to become one of those couples that "doesn't talk." When your only form of communication several days a week/month is the telephone, talking is unavoidable.
11. All the random/interesting stuff you learn! Just last night I learned some rules of owning/operating a generator.
12. Eating out. He can't complain; he does it all week too.
13. Having a happy husband. Knowing that he loves his work and comes home tired but content is what makes it all worth it.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
A Journeyman's Wife
I came across this last night. It made me smile to know I'm not the only one.
A JOURNEYMAN’S WIFE
Written by: Denise Moreno
A Journeyman’s wife of Com Ed-Chicago North 6/00
Dinner’s been ready, it’s gotten pretty cold,
when a call she gets, not surprised of what she’s been told.
“Gotta work late again honey, I won’t be home.”
She sighs, knowing that again she’ll be alone.
The money is good, but it can’t compare,
to the love she has and she doesn’t want to share
with a company that has become his life, the one
she teases him about being his second wife.
Usually alone to events she goes, where everyone asks
for him, oh don’t they know, there’s a storm tonight,
he’s out in the cold, braving the weather, always so bold.
And no one thinks of her when they call in for service,
she knows of the dangers, bites her lip ‘cause she’s
nervous. The weather gets worse, but he’s on his way
home, he’ll greet his wife, she’s no longer alone.
A kiss on the lips and a really tight hug, it’s time
for bed, she’s ready to snug. And with his arms around
his wife, dreaming about the good things in life,
the telephone rings, glancing at the caller i.d., well
what do you know, it’s the power company.
So off he goes to work on your wires at all times
of the night and late into the hours. She lays in their
bed and prays for his life, that he’ll be home soon
and safe tonight. She tosses and turns, clicks off the
light, God give her strength...She’s a Journeyman’s wife.
A JOURNEYMAN’S WIFE
Written by: Denise Moreno
A Journeyman’s wife of Com Ed-Chicago North 6/00
Dinner’s been ready, it’s gotten pretty cold,
when a call she gets, not surprised of what she’s been told.
“Gotta work late again honey, I won’t be home.”
She sighs, knowing that again she’ll be alone.
The money is good, but it can’t compare,
to the love she has and she doesn’t want to share
with a company that has become his life, the one
she teases him about being his second wife.
Usually alone to events she goes, where everyone asks
for him, oh don’t they know, there’s a storm tonight,
he’s out in the cold, braving the weather, always so bold.
And no one thinks of her when they call in for service,
she knows of the dangers, bites her lip ‘cause she’s
nervous. The weather gets worse, but he’s on his way
home, he’ll greet his wife, she’s no longer alone.
A kiss on the lips and a really tight hug, it’s time
for bed, she’s ready to snug. And with his arms around
his wife, dreaming about the good things in life,
the telephone rings, glancing at the caller i.d., well
what do you know, it’s the power company.
So off he goes to work on your wires at all times
of the night and late into the hours. She lays in their
bed and prays for his life, that he’ll be home soon
and safe tonight. She tosses and turns, clicks off the
light, God give her strength...She’s a Journeyman’s wife.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Day #144 Ten Things Tuesday
1. I'm thankful for getting to have a night out with the girls from church for coffee and dessert.
2. The Bryant Family - They are moving to Australia and will be greatly missed! They have been such a blessing to all of us at South Caraway.
3. I am SO thankful that Ellen arrived to work on time. I was ready to leave. :-)
4. My snobby puppy, Emerald, and the way she only wants to sit in my lap. I know, it is kind of mean, but it makes me feel special that I'm the only one she wants to hold her.
5. That my phone at work isn't a video phone. Again, not something nice, but I'd rather roll my eyes and keep my thoughts to myself, while still making the customer happy. ("No ma'am, we are not asking you to pay $7.00 for a photo with a watermark printed across the middle.")
6. My husband and the fact that he realizes I live in this house too, therefore I have say in who comes over, when, how often, and for how long. Our home is not a hotel to his friends that refuse to grow up.
7. My list of favorite blogs. They keep me entertained and smiling.
8. Craft stuff and that I have an entire room to devote to it! I have always wanted my own craft room, but never thought I'd get one. Photos, beads, fabric, paint, scrapbook supplies, silk flowers, coloring books, old magazines...Oh I am so thankful for that stuff! I can never be bored in my house.
9. I am very, very, very thankful that the Spring 2008 semester is over!
10. Almost more than any other thing on this list, I am SO VERY THANKFUL that I shut my kitchen door about 10 minutes ago. I had it standing open with just the storm door closed, letting cool air blow through the house. Well, the dogs just started barking and I went to the kitchen to make sure the door was closed. Then I smelled it. I'm pretty sure a skunk just sprayed outside my back door.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
My newest Pink
In the last week I have added three pieces to my pink collection. I think Mr. is beginning to think I have lost my mind. :-)
No, you aren't imagining things. That really is a pink garden hose! I am so very excited about this purchase! It being pink does actually serve a purpose, too. It makes the hose more visible to my husband when he is mowing, and I will not mistake it for a snake in my yard. The latter is a problem I have had more than once with my other, black hose.
This adorable bag was a deal! I found it at Rue 21 for only $5.00!
No, you aren't imagining things. That really is a pink garden hose! I am so very excited about this purchase! It being pink does actually serve a purpose, too. It makes the hose more visible to my husband when he is mowing, and I will not mistake it for a snake in my yard. The latter is a problem I have had more than once with my other, black hose.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Wedding Pictures
Here are a few more photos from our wedding. Some are professional, some aren't.
Our First Dance - One of my favorites
L-R: Johanna, Lauren, Ashley, Jessica, Heather, Whitney, Allison, Jennica, me, Steven, Scotty, Lloyd, Michael, Gene, Josh, Dustin, Zach
Our First Dance - One of my favorites
Thirteen Thursday
In honor of my husband coming home in less than 24 hours, I will make my list about him.
1. He works VERY hard. While he loves his work, he doesn't love the traveling. He does it anyway so that I can have a house, a car, food, clothes, a nice camera, etc. and so that I don't have to work 40+ hours a week while I'm going to school.
2. It doesn't bother him one tiny bit to hold my hand or say "I love you," in public. In fact, he thinks, "Couples that don't hold hands are a little weird." Those are his words.
3. He has NEVER complained about watching The Notebook with me.
4. He let me decorate the kitchen in pink and register for pink dishes. (I swear he's perfect!)
5. He's encouraging. He has never told me I can't do something. When I mention something I want to try his response is always, "Do it. If that's what you want to do, go ahead, Babe." It doesn't matter if it is a new exercise program, job, craft, or just something random that I want to learn - he's always supportive.
6. My husband is incredibly funny. He doesn't care if you are laughing with him or at him, as long as he is making you laugh.
7. He likes kids.
8. He knows how to deal with me. When most people would say I'm being mean, he just roles his eyes and dishes it right back out at me! He knows when I just want to argue for the sake of arguing and plays along.
9. He is constantly making sacrifices for me without me even asking/knowing about it. He chose to re-roof our house by himself instead of hiring someone else to do it, so that we could go ahead and buy my new camera instead of waiting a few more months. At the time he told me it was because he was "too cheap to pay someone" to do what he could do. Only later, after the camera was bought, did he admit the real reason.
10. He doesn't wake me up on Saturdays.
11. He doesn't "allow" me to mow the yard. He insists this is because he enjoys doing it and our mower is cantankerous. I don't care what his reason is. I'm just glad I'm not expected to do it!
12. He believes women should have lots of shoes and nice jewelry. (I told you, he's perfect.)
13. He likes my cat Roush, really. (See? He really is perfect.)
13 Reasons I Love My Husband
2. It doesn't bother him one tiny bit to hold my hand or say "I love you," in public. In fact, he thinks, "Couples that don't hold hands are a little weird." Those are his words.
3. He has NEVER complained about watching The Notebook with me.
4. He let me decorate the kitchen in pink and register for pink dishes. (I swear he's perfect!)
5. He's encouraging. He has never told me I can't do something. When I mention something I want to try his response is always, "Do it. If that's what you want to do, go ahead, Babe." It doesn't matter if it is a new exercise program, job, craft, or just something random that I want to learn - he's always supportive.
6. My husband is incredibly funny. He doesn't care if you are laughing with him or at him, as long as he is making you laugh.
7. He likes kids.
8. He knows how to deal with me. When most people would say I'm being mean, he just roles his eyes and dishes it right back out at me! He knows when I just want to argue for the sake of arguing and plays along.
9. He is constantly making sacrifices for me without me even asking/knowing about it. He chose to re-roof our house by himself instead of hiring someone else to do it, so that we could go ahead and buy my new camera instead of waiting a few more months. At the time he told me it was because he was "too cheap to pay someone" to do what he could do. Only later, after the camera was bought, did he admit the real reason.
10. He doesn't wake me up on Saturdays.
11. He doesn't "allow" me to mow the yard. He insists this is because he enjoys doing it and our mower is cantankerous. I don't care what his reason is. I'm just glad I'm not expected to do it!
12. He believes women should have lots of shoes and nice jewelry. (I told you, he's perfect.)
13. He likes my cat Roush, really. (See? He really is perfect.)
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