Life as the Hitchcocks

I'm back....

2011-12-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

Back...

Yes.. back..

I have missed out on documenting my baby girl's life.. yet honestly been quite busy. It's hard to believe she is 9 months already. Where has time gone??

Since I've been gone, Blogger has changed how post are made etc... and I must say it's going to take some time getting used to it. I do need to give my blog a face lift and I really want to start a new blog about DIY crafts, cooking, baking and other tips and tricks. So be on the look out for it.

It is December 15th and half the month is gone, yet I have completed all my Christmas shopping and wrapped all but a few gifts. Now it's time to start cooking and start the celebration of the Christmas season. For the reason to celebrate is usually forgotten, I am trying to keep my focus on Jesus this year, His birth, His grace and His blessings!

One in particular being this precious child Jesus blessed me with.. and I am so thankful for her presence in my life! As I am reminded of her birth, I think of Mary - pregnant and I'm sure scared yet comforted by the Spirit. The wonder of what her life would become, how it would change after birthing God's son Jesus. Thinking about having to raise God's son, making choices for His life as He grew.... I cannot imagine! I am so thankful that Mary had God's care over her just as I have God's care over me as I bring up Hayleigh. I pray that I am able to glorify God by daily giving Hayleigh into His care. For there is nothing I can do to... it is all Christ.

Another being an inward look at myself... for I know I am the reason I sin. Through no one else's fault but my own, I self destruct myself. I get caught up in the worldly game of life, find myself fighting for survival yet honestly I am causing more damage. By stepping back and realizing it isn't all about me, my wants, my needs, my selfishness is broken down, my pride is killed and God shows me who I am to live for.. Him and HIM alone. It's amazing how when you give into the fear (any fear), you completely forget you are a daughter of the King... you completely forget you have been saved by HIS grace.... and you self-destruct. Yet, when God shows us how selfish and "me" centered we are (this world is), we are able to break that self destruction and are able to be FREED by God's GRACE! Thank you Jesus, for loving a sinner like me... and for forgiving me through your grace to be free!

I pray we all experience God and Christ blessing of grace this Christmas Season!

Merry Christmas!!!

Hayleigh's First Beach Trip...

2011-06-08T08:32:00.008-04:00

First time in the pool! She seemed to like it..

it was late in the evening and the pool was nice and warm. Had to get a picture with Daddy too! Went to the beach too.. in our cool beach pod ..

First time in the ocean.. cried a bit.

But we know she'll like it and be a beach baby like her parents!!

Cousin Caitlin took amazing care of sweet Hayleigh.

A full day at the beach makes you tired!! (Daddy too)

Another pool day.. like my hat??

Special thanks to Nana and Papa for taking me to the beach!!

And letting me experience the pool, hot tub, sand and ocean for the first time!

Family beach photo!! My parents even got a dinner out!

Another thanks to Nana & Papa, Aunt Elizabeth & Uncle John, Aunt Kyle & Uncle Andrew, Abbie Kate, Canon, Evan and Caitlin for watching me while my parents had a date night of crab legs!

I liked the hot tub the best.. it was nice and warm!

Spent lots of time in it specially with my cousins!
I loved watching my cousins play in the ocean!

I had a great time!! Thanks again Nana & Papa!!

Late Spring/Early Summer Bulk Blogging....

2011-05-30T14:03:00.011-04:00

Just a few things have happen over the last 2 months... starting with the most recent..

Hayleigh started smiling!! They are such the cutest smiles too. She is happiest in the morning and usually after she eats before she gets tired she is smiling and cooing.

We have also been to a few baseball games.. or should I say Tee Ball. Canon, Abbie Katie and Evan all played.. and I must say Abbie Kate displayed great skill! And Evan improved tremendously since last summer.

What's neat about going to the ball games is Hayleigh gets to see her Nana & Papa as well as cousins and Aunts and Uncles.

Also my bestie Rachel graduated from college with her Masters degree. We are so proud of her! She is also expecting a baby... we are hoping for a girlfriend for Hayleigh... even though she is moving to DC after the baby arrives in October.

We celebrated at our house after she walked the stage and got hooded!! :)

Here is Hayleigh all dressed up for Rachel's big day!

Hayleigh is changing daily. Growing longer and starting to be awake more. She started noticing the bears on her mobile.

We started giving her baths.. and she seemed to like them.. most of the time.

We took Hayleigh on her first road trip. We went first to Atlanta, and then up to Nashville.. then over to Asheville.

In Nashville, Paul ran the Country Music Half Marathon with Michael and Mallory. We were also able to visit my high school best friend Jennifer and her husband Keith.

We got to see Mimi and Grandpa in Asheville.. as well as have all my NC friends meet Hayleigh!

We celebrated Hayleigh's first holiday.. EASTER!!

Such a cutie!!!

Next post.. Hayleigh's first beach trip!

Through the Eyes of Hayleigh

2011-03-14T21:28:00.006-04:00

Hello World.. My name is Hayleigh..

and the day I was born I had many many visitors..

Here is Abbie Katie, my 5 year old cousin holding me tight..

Then I was able to sleep in the room with Mommy and Daddy..

here is the view of me in my crib from the first evening...

Mommy kept a close watch as I slept.

She was to my right and Daddy was to my left.

Then the next day, I had many many more visitors.

One was Caitlin, my 10 year old cousin.

She LOVES holding me.. and gets jealous when her brother gets to hold me.

I love getting fought over.. it makes me feel so special!

Here is Caitlin's brother, Evan. He is 5!

And he was just so sweet when he held me.

I think he's smitten!

Oh and Daddy was still there too. He never left Mommy's side.

He was so excited to meet me.. and it was super sweet how he waited with Mommy to meet me the first time.. since she couldn't hold me.. he waited until they could see me together. It was very sweet of him.. even if Mommy told him to go see me.

This is where Daddy slept all weekend. It doesn't look very comfortable.. and it wasn't, but he didn't want to miss any moment. He would help Mommy at night by getting me out of my crib when I needed to be fed as well as burping me when I was done.
He is quite cute too.. I've been told I look alot like him!

Nana & Papa came to see me every day.. as well as Mimi & Grandpa.

One day, I had to bathe in this blue light. It was kinda fun since it kept me all warm..

But I'm not a huge fan of not being swaddled.

I had to tell one of the nurses to show my parents how to swaddle me properly because she did it so tight... it was the best swaddle ever!!

Then after 24 hours of my blue light sun bathing..

I was released to go home.

My favorite nurse (Miss Rachel) wheeled Mommy and me out of the hospital.

I cried at first when I got put into my car seat.. but once it was all snug

I feel asleep fast.

Once home, I found lots of fun goodies. My Aunt Kyle put this fun pink wreath on the door.. as well as balloons on the mailbox.. and lots of pink flowers awaited my arrival inside.

I had a few more visitors on my first day at home.. but I quickly got into the routine.

I enjoyed sleeping in my pack & play by the window.

Daddy tried to introduce me to Cassie (our cat)...

While Mommy just let Skyler (our dog) sniff my head..

So far both seem to like me.. which is good, cause I'm not going anywhere.

Can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!!!

I'd Like to Introduce Hayleigh Elizabeth!

2011-03-12T12:17:00.002-05:00

On Thursday at my normal appointment, my blood pressure was higher than it has been.. and I had high levels of protein... so my doctor strongly encouraged us to go ahead and get Hayleigh here. I didn't object.. I only requested an hour to pack my bag.

So around noon Thursday, we checked into the hospital and the fun began. I didn't actually start active labor until 6 am on Friday. And seven hours later at 1:05 pm, Hayleigh entered this world!

It was such an amazing experience and I am so thankful for my nurses as well as my "nurses" as well as my coach, photographer and my doctor!

I didn't go all natural as I had originally wanted... but with being induced, it is a little different. But I must admit I did appreciate the drugs. :)

As you can read, Hayleigh weighed 7 lbs 9.5 oz, was 20 inches long and had a pretty big head at 13.5 inches. (For those Hitchcock brains, Paul would say!)

She also had a head full of hair. It looked black upon arrival, but today it is looking more like a dark brown like mine. Her eyes are a slate gray (which we know will change.) She has long fingers with beautiful fingernails already too. Most people believe she looks most like Paul (which she does have the Hitchcock mouth too)... but to me she has my brother's nose. She is just beautiful.. and I love all the coooing sounds she makes.

Hayleigh's Nursery... and GA Baby Shower...

2011-03-09T17:11:00.005-05:00

Hayleigh's (finished) Nursery!!

Lots of pictures.. with little words.. :)

Hayleigh's GA Baby Shower...

These fabulous ladies threw Hayleigh and me a beautiful shower..
We both got lots of goodies...

We also got to see the newest baby to our Bible Study group, Hayden..

We also ate lots of yummy food!!

It's Time.. for another update..

2011-02-25T10:38:00.003-05:00

Well we have made it to 36 weeks.. and honestly almost 37 (on Monday!) I honestly can't believe it. There were times when I didn't think I would make it to 35.. so this is just amazing! Thank you Jesus for getting us to the "safe-zone." I kind of have a feeling I'll make it to 40 weeks and all the fuss/stress/drama etc was all for nothing as God had us in His hands the whole time and He knew we would make it to full term no problem!

But here is the latest on Hayleigh & me.

Last Friday (a week ago today) - an idiot decided to not pay attention and as I was stopped waiting on a car in front of me to turn left onto a side street, railed into the rear of my car. Thankfully, we were both ok. I wasn't injured during the accident and nothing hit my belly area - just a little shaken up. Because I've had a blood pressure problem etc, I called the doctor's office and made an extra appointment to see a doctor that afternoon. Once there my blood pressure was up (surprise surprise) but what was weird was Hayleigh's heartbeat was irregular. This was specially weird since twice a week since January 6th, we have been listening to her heartbeat and she hasn't had an irregular heartbeat. But Friday she would miss every 4th beat. Well my doctor called a Fetal Heart Specialist and explained all the findings etc and he said it wasn't anything to worry about. (course how does this stop one from worrying??)

Well Monday & Thursday this week, I had my normal appointment and Hayleigh's heartbeat is still irregular but the pattern is different. It has been explained to me more that it is common for an unborn child to have an irregular heartbeat so again not to worry. My doctor also explained that it may not go away until after she is born. There is a very slight chance that she may have a heart problem but it is very slight. All of her ultrasounds and NSTs are all showing excellent activity and no problems with her heart - so in other words all other signs are good!

My car on the other hand is currently not drive able and in the shop. :( I need a new bumper and muffler as it was completely crumpled. I must admit I think I was in an excellent car to withstand the impact. The guy didn't slow down at all! I saw him coming, pumped my breaks and then knew he would hit me so I braced myself. I didn't jar at all. I was sore on Saturday but nothing that a few Tylenol couldn't help. Hopefully I will get my car back before Hayleigh arrives but if not no big deal.

Now I am just thinking about Hayleigh's arrival/birth etc. Praying that God will give me peace about it all. I've been stressing about insurance/money/bills/c-section vs natural etc etc etc. I don't know if you know but I have always wanted to do it naturally without medication... after reading this book it ignited me even more to do it that way while focusing on God and how Jesus saves us from the curse (the curse for women being in pain in childbirth) and knowing that if we live in faith and not fear - God's glory is revealed. I am just praying that I will live in faith and not fear!

The CRUD...

2011-02-10T12:12:00.002-05:00

Yes.. I have it.. and it's horrible! I made it to 33 weeks without being sick the whole time (other than nauseous or sickness from being pregnant) but this is just the pits! I also made it this far without stretch marks.. total bummer!

After being home for 3 days from work.. I returned today, still not feeling 100% but needing to be at work and feeling better than I have all week.

Thankfully, my last 3 appointments at the doctor's office have gone well. My blood pressure has come down and so far it has been in the normal range. So that is great! And.... I lost 3 pounds since my last visit! (wahoo!) Gotta find the good in everything right!

This past weekend was a blast and I hope to have pictures to post soon of my Milledgeville shower. It was just wonderful! Many thanks to the ladies who threw it! I was very overwhelmed with love!!

Are you too sick?? Or not sick enough??

2011-02-02T11:11:00.002-05:00

This is what the doctors are trying to figure out each time I visit these days. Going every Monday and Thursday, the doctors are collecting as much data as they can about myself and Hayleigh to see whether I am too sick to stay pregnant... or not sick enough and can stay pregnant for four more days (until my next appointment).

With that being said.. every four days I am wondering what the verdict will be.. wondering if Hayleigh is coming really really early.. really early.. or just early.

Either way, I am not scared or fearful about an early arrival. Which is a huge blessing from God, as I know this peace is only from Him.

As of now, I am 33.5 weeks.. and if I were to be induced now I would be sent to Macon to a hospital there, where there is a NICU and Hayleigh would most likely being in the NICU for about 2 weeks tops. If we can hold off and wait until Valentine's Day (I'll be 35 weeks) and I can deliver here in Milledgeville with my own doctors & most important my special nurses (& friends) Katie and Rachel could be present in the delivery! It would also mean Hayleigh wouldn't need to be in the NICU.

Either way, I am leaning on God for comfort and strength and I know He is keeping me at peace about the whole "waiting" period before Hayleigh's grand arrival!!

Check Up and Ultrasound...

2011-01-26T09:55:00.004-05:00

On Monday, we had our 32 week check-up!

Can you believe it!! 32 Weeks! Wahoo!! 8 Weeks left!

I wouldn't say it has flown by, because it has felt like forever to me, but I am so excited to be 32 weeks now.. with 8 weeks left! Though I am wanting Miss Hayleigh to take her time and be ready to met us when she does!

Monday, I had a great check up. Things are still the same (elevated blood pressure and trace of protein) but those levels aren't rising, so that is good! Paul came with me this time since we had an ultrasound.

During the ultrasound, we learned that Miss Hayleigh is in the 75% of weight.. and is weighin' in at 5 lbs and 3 oz. She is about 2 weeks bigger than the "normal" size 32 week baby. So she is measuring like she is 34 weeks. This may sound like a large baby to you - but I am excited because it means that if she does come early (and they are making me think she probably will be) she won't be this little bitty thing!

It's hard to believe my niece and nephew were both around 5 lbs ? oz when they entered this world.. and Hayleigh is already that size! So I took this as good news.

The ultrasound nurse said Hayleigh could be around 8 lbs at 40 weeks. Which again may seem large to some of you, but it doesn't to me. I was 7 lbs 8 oz or so when I was born.. plus the ultrasound is usually a few oz higher than they actually are.

The ultrasound showed that Hayleigh is already positioned in the correct position to be delivered (though I know she could still move around some) and we saw lots and lots of fuzz on her head... which explains (old wives tale) why I have been having so much heartburn.

We were unable to get some good photos of her due to where she was positioned so I don't really have any to share. :( But we did check.. and she is still a girl! Good thing, since her room is all PINKED out now.

I am still going to the Dr twice a week and getting Non-Stress Test done. And I am feeling great about the care I am receiving. I know Hayleigh and I are in good hands.

NC Shower & Hayleigh's Nursery...

2011-01-23T16:45:00.003-05:00

Earlier this month some of my amazing North Carolina friends "showered" Hayleigh and me!

It was an amazing day and I felt very blessed and overwhelmed by their love.

I came home with lots of wonderful goodies for Hayleigh's room and for Hayleigh herself. Opening gifts...

My shower hostess! You ladies did an AMAZING job!!!

Hayleigh will love her "piggy" bank.. that was decorated by all the ladies who attended.

Special thanks to Niki for having it at her house!

Even with the beautiful snow fall, everyone made it and we truly enjoyed ourselves.

Now... welcome to Hayleigh's room...

Goodies from the shower!!

More goodies on her shelves!!

Her bedding arrived this week as well as her curtains

Another shot of her glider chair and dresser.

It's hard to believe we just have 8 weeks left!

MILK & COOKIES...

2011-01-14T14:10:00.003-05:00

Today has been a good day!

I had my 2nd NST (Non-Stress Test) this morning, with routine blood pressure and urine at the doctor's office this am. First my blood pressure was back to normal (Thank you Jesus), I had a reading of 128/82... which is much lower than it has been. My urine had some traces of protein but with my blood pressure being low (under the high mark of 140/90) they don't worry about the protein anymore unless it's alot.. which it wasn't.. so (Thank you Jesus!)..

But.. my glucose was high.. really high.
So I go into a room to begin the NST and while I'm there I get a blood sample taken to double check my glucose level. It comes back at 140. Well when I finally get to see the doctor, she ask me what I had for breakfast... and my response was..
"cereal .. and then some milk & cookies!"
So she continues to say.. so what did we learn about that.. and I said "not to have milk & cookies before coming to the doctor?" with a laugh.. The doctor being a little more serious asked me again and I said "not to eat milk & cookies". And she said, right!
Then she addressed my lower blood pressure.. and said "well whatever you are doing it is working because it has dropped tremendously... so what have you been doing??"
And I said, "eating milk & cookies!".. laughing again..
And she made a face and I quickly apologized explaining that joking around is a copping mechanism that I have.

All in all.. I know this.. whether it was the milk & cookies that calmed me down or not.. I know the prayer of my family and friends is improving my spirit and my "living in fear" is turning back into "living in FAITH".. and for that I thank Jesus!

Misconceptions...

2011-01-06T15:05:00.004-05:00

I am finding that pregnancy is full of misconceptions. And usually when one assumes something, it has a tendency of making a fool out of yourself and the one you are assuming about.

Well now, I am finding that I'm not necessarily making myself a fool.. I was just blinded by this idea that pregnancy was going to be easy & breezy.

I have always thought pregnant women were some of the most BEAUTIFUL women around. I have ALWAYS thought this.. yet, when it's yourself.. you don't feel so beautiful. Course it is much easier to see our own faults so when I'm looking at myself in the mirror that is all I see.

Then in high hopes, I assumed I wouldn't have any morning sickness... yet my "morning" sickness was really an all day sickness. Searching to find something to eat that would comfort my tummy and nausea and not make it worst was very difficult.

I knew nothing about the tests and possibles in pregnancy. So far we have been faced with Hayleigh's kidneys being too large. Then they thought I had gestational diabetes.. and now I am getting double checked for gestational hypertension or worst yet preeclampsia.

Though all of it, you have to constantly look to Jesus for support. Without Him, I know I would be a complete mess. It's a scary world and even with something as natural as having a baby we are faced with complications and scares.

As I reflect on these misconceptions and complications... I know it is only to God whom my peace and joy can come. It is only Him who is ultimately in control of my body and Hayleigh's as well. I must find rest and comfort in the One who made us both.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. - 1 Cor 1:3-4

Test and Ultrasounds...

2010-12-13T10:30:00.007-05:00

Hello blogworld..

Where has time flown?? It's hard to believe I am 26 weeks today.. and still I haven't posted a belly photo.. maybe I should do that in the bathroom at work and post it via cellphone.. just so everyone can see I do have a belly to go along with my "rounder" face. :)

I have been really slack on taking photos lately, but Hayleigh and I have been moving around alot. First earlier this month, we travelled to Birmingham, AL to attend Deeper Still with my Soul Sisters and my mom joined us too. Then we threw are soon to be friend (Hayden) a shower by showering his mom with gifts... he should be arriving after New Years.

Next, the week of testing began. I came down with some bad side pain while in AL and the doctors put me on an antibiotic. I also got tested for gestational diabetes. My first test came back positive... so I had to go through a second test.. much longer time without food and more vials of blood drawn. But Lord willing on Friday, I was deemed normal and I do not have gestational diabetes. Thank you Jesus!

Today, I have my second ultrasound check to make sure baby Hayleigh's kidneys are not still enlarged. So be praying for a healthy kidney check at 4:30 today.

Later this week more fun begins when my brother and his wife Sara find out the sex of their baby! Can't wait to find out if I'll have a niece or nephew on the way!!

So excited about spending Christmas in the mountains... if any of you bmt girlies will be around I would love to see you and your families! We are coming up late Wed evening, so I'll be around Thurs - Sun!

______________________________________________________

Update (Dec 14) -

Hayleigh's kidneys are doing really well. They are still measuring the same as our last ultrasound, but she is growing and the kidneys stayed the same, which means they are starting to function properly. I also had lots of fluid around her, which means her kidneys are producing this fluid properly. (another good sign)

She has grown alot since our last ultrasound. She is now 2 lbs and 2 oz.

She still likes to hangout with her feet up over her head (like she is doing a pike). We got photos of her profile (shown) as well as her foot print, her hands, and the dr checked to just make sure she is still a girl! :)

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us!

Also here is a little 4D preview of her face. My cellphone photos of her ultrasound pictures are a little grainy but still, you can see her face really well.

Rockin ' Around

2010-11-22T08:43:00.004-05:00

Looking back over the past couple of weeks and I realized... we have been busy.

First, Paul and I attended the UGA vs ISU game.. where my darling husband who attended both schools, proudly wore and Idaho sweatshirt with a Georgia hat.. at the game too!

Needless to say, we got a lot of weird looks.

Then we hosted a UGA vs. Auburn party at our house. I have been planning this party since August and was so excited about it.

We borrowed a jump house (which the kids loved)..

And Joe made this amazing corn hole game himself, he painted it too.. and it was a hit as well in the back yard.

Paul smoked a pork butt as well as 2 racks of ribs, while everyone else brought appetizers and side dishes. We moved a tv to the deck, used the wine barrel for drinks (Caprice Sun for the kiddos) and sat around the fire pit roasting marshmallows for s'mores.

The fire was a nice addition as it cooled off quite quickly once the sun went down. It was a comfy 70s degrees until then.

Three of us are prego below in this photo.

Erin, Heather and myself. Heather is the one who is really showing, since she is due first in Jan. Then myself in March and then Erin in early May. Fun times ahead!

Leia - Erin - Heather - Rachel - Courtney - Tiffany

Also, we finally finished painting the dressers for the baby's room.

Here is a photo of the finished product with the new hardware. The hardware was the most difficult. I couldn't find the 2 sizes I needed in a matching design, so I had to go with something different. But I think it still looks nice. I'm not sure if you can tell in the photo, but they are distressed. You might have to click on the photo to enlarge it to see it better.

Hayleigh Elizabeth!

2010-11-08T13:39:00.011-05:00

We had our official 2nd trimester ultrasound today. Today would have been the day we would have found out the sex of the baby... and the baby is a GIRL! YAY! She was moving all around and had her feet up over her head for the most part of the ultrasound. She weighs 15 oz which is right on track! The due date for this ultrasound was March 19, so we are sticking with the 22nd due date.

One slight problem was her kidneys are dilated, but the Dr assured me it isn't anything to get too worried about. 99% of the time, the problem goes away. So I will get another ultrasound in about 6 - 8 weeks to check on her kidneys, but everything else looked great.

So please pray for baby Hayleigh and her kidneys. Hopefully they will decrease and everything will check out fine at the next ultrasound.

Grove Park Inn - Anniversary Trip

2010-11-02T14:00:00.007-04:00

Paul and I went to Grove Park Inn for our 2nd Anniversary with some of our friends. None of us had been before (other than to the bar in the lobby) so it was an adventure for all of us. We stayed in the historic inn (which is the middle or main area). The elevator was behind the HUGE fireplaces and they were maned by an actual person who closed the gates and hit our floor button.

One the first day, the ladies had spa appointments at 8:30, so we met for an early breakfast. While at breakfast, Meredith and I convinced Paul & Michael to get a day pass to the spa so they could enjoy the hot tubs and mineral pools with us after our massages. They agreed!

So Meredith and I headed to the spa... once we finished our massage, we were given a tour of the spa and who did we see enjoying a mineral pool? None other than Michael and Paul. Once we were able to join them pool side, they began to share with us what all they had done that morning. During the 1.5 hr massages, they boys tried out every pool/room in the place, from the steam room, to the sauna, to the lap pool (which they actually swam laps), to the cave hot tubs, and even the outdoor hot tub! They were so cute! Like kids in a candy store. They loved it so much, they wanted to return after they played golf that afternoon for another round of hot tubs and pools before dinner.

If you have never used the spa at GPI before... I would definitely recommend it. Not that I am a spa connoisseur, but I have been to several and for the longest time the spa at the Wynn in Las Vegas, NV was my ultimate favorite, but this one surpassed it! LOVE it!

You can only use it on the weekends if you stay at GPI, but you can make an appointment during the week if you aren't staying at GPI. I would so recommend this. And get an early appointment, because then you can enjoy the rest of your day in the pools, hot tubs and steam rooms!

Later that afternoon, Meredith and I went "window" shopping, while the boys played golf. Then we met back up at the spa for our afternoon round in the hot tubs. Then we had dinner at the Sunset Terrace.

The next day, after breakfast, Michael enjoyed a free spin class offered at GPI and Paul enjoyed the amazing weight room at the Sports Complex, we all headed into downtown Asheville for lunch and a little more shopping. We took Michael and Meredith to Mass General and got ice cream at Marble Slab.

Afterwards, we headed up on the parkway to see the leaves and check out the beautiful mountains.

You can see a little belly here! :)

That evening, we were originally going to take Michael and Meredith to Tupelo Honey, but all of us were pretty beat. So we decided to eat at GPI again, this time a different restaurant. But before our reservation, we headed down to the back porch area, got some cocktails (or virgin drinks) and watched the sunset over the mountains.

What's in a Name....

2010-10-25T16:55:00.009-04:00

I like family names and the heritage it brings with them...

Paul & I (like most people) think of names in relation to people we know with those names... and sometimes it's hard to agree because one of us might have known someone with a name one of us really liked but other didn't like that person..

So we struggled some...

Finally we decided on ...

Hayleigh Elizabeth

Leigh comes from several people..

First.. it is my middle name. Courtney Leigh

It is my cousin's middle name.. Laura Lee

It was the second part of my grandmother's name.. Rosalie

It was also the middle name of a woman whom I adored and mentored me.. Laura Leigh Swinger

And her daughter, my bff's middle name... Rachel Leigh

Elizabeth also has some meaning..

First.. it is my mother's first name. Elizabeth Ann

One of Hayleigh's Aunts is named Elizabeth

It is one of Hayleigh's cousins' middle name.. Caitlin Elizabeth

It is also Paul's Aunt's name.

Paul also has two cousins named Elizabeth, one on his Dad's side

And one on his Mom's side.

It's all PINK...

2010-10-19T12:09:00.005-04:00

Well one disadvantage of having a girl is everything is PINK... not that I'm opposed to pink, nor dislike pink.. but I don't want a PINK EXPLOSION in her room.. or on her clothes. But I know, it's hard to get away from.. since they really don't make much for girls that isn't PINK... so I guess I just have to accept it and roll with it.

Rolling with it.. I have chosen option #1 for her bedding..

The inside bumper (yet hard to see in the photo) is this precious pink polka dots.. and it will have piping in black with black ties. Oh and the pinks will match.. Jess used her computer to do the mock up and the pink she chose isn't exactly the same, but she will purchase fabric that is exactly the same color for the solid pink.

I'm excited about her room, since it is all coming together quite nicely. We have painted the dressers (I keep meaning to get a photo and I keep forgetting). The rug has arrived. Paul's parents have graciously ordered us a glider chair for the corner. (I got a white one with a slip covered... I figured this was smart since baby's tend to throw up and have all kind of explosions, so I can wash the slipcover and bleach it too!). I am now on the hunt for some handles for the dresser and chest. The old ones are very outdated and ugly (and not the same color anymore) so I am wanting a fresher more modern look. The dresser and chest both have 2 different sizes of handles needed.. 2.5 inch and 3 inch. My struggle is to find ones that match in both sizes. So far no luck. I may just have to match in color but not in style.

This past weekend I did some Christmas shopping.. and I bought the first thing (from Paul and I) for our daughter... She won't be able to wear it for a hole year after she is born (since the smallest I could find was 12 months) but I thought it would be perfect for her 2nd Easter dress. Isn't is pretty??

In other exciting news.. Paul and I are celebrating our 2nd Anniversary a little early this year by going to the Grove Park! I have never stayed there, but I am looking forward to it. Plus the spa appointment is going to be INCREDIBLE!! Can't wait!

1, 2, or 3

2010-10-11T09:22:00.005-04:00

In my last post I mentioned designing my own bedding with help from Jess from Nursery Dreams on Etsy ... well these are the 3 designs we have created.

As you can see, there is a skirt, a bumper (with two fabrics inside and outside)

and then the bed sheet in the middle.

Keep in mind that my furniture is black with distressed edges and

I have this cool new rug from overstock

which is black with white star burst (that have flecks of silver sparkles)

Any thoughts...??? It's a hard decision...

IT'S A GIRL!!

2010-10-07T11:06:00.008-04:00

Last week Paul and I headed to Macon (in secret) to pay a lady to do an ultrasound to see if she could tell us the sex of the baby.. and she did!

It's a GIRL!

Profile pic!

Super excited! Here are some photos from that ultrasound experience. I left off the "girl" shots since I don't want to expose her on the Internet. :) Course I guess she isn't clothed in there.. but you know what I mean. There is still a slight chance she might be a boy and just not developed yet.. but we are about 98% sure, she is a she and not a he.

Here you can see her full body in 4D... and I think her little legs are the cutest!

Here she is looking directly at us.. she looks like an alien to me..

I am currently 16.5 weeks.. and feeling tremendously better than I have been feeling. I have decided to still not bake since I have noticed after baking a little bit here and there for family that standing that long kills my back, so I'm still planning on breaking from baking.

We have done so much in the last month! First I cleaned out my "art" room and it is being transformed into the baby's room.

We have been graciously given a baby bed to borrow (thank you Aunt Kyle and Uncle Andrew .. and Canon). We have put it together.. and just for the feel of it, I put Canon's old bedding on it (since I am a visual person). Canon was so cute the day Andrew brought it over.. he was so excited that the baby was going to get to use his old bed.

We sanded and painted the dressers for baby girl Hitchcock's room (thanks Mom and Dad for the help!).

And now I'm trying to design the baby bedding. Since the crib is black, I have had a hard time finding bedding that doesn't clash with a black bed... so then I stumbled upon this Etsy store that has TONS of fabric and you can put together whatever fabric you want.. and she is cheaper than most bedding I have found online!

Also the crib doesn't have slats on the corner, so she is able to move the ties to fit better. (you'll notice on the picture of the crib with Canon's bedding, the ties can't tie in the actual corner because of this) but Jess from Nursery Dreams can move the ties for me! Another reason I'm so excited about using her! Plus she has just been awesome and we are working on 3 different designs. So cool!

Here is my crayon "drawing" that I sent Jess..

And here is what she put together to send back to me.. to help me visualize it! How cool is that?
This isn't the final, but it is one of he options I'm looking at.

I have also done a few cakes and cookies (not recently) but I have been very slack about putting the pictures on my blog.. so head over to Confections by Courtney and check them out!

IS THAT DOGS BARKING???

2010-09-17T15:02:00.005-04:00

NO.. IT'S THE BABY'S HEARTBEAT!!

End of First Trimester check up went really well.

Paul and I were able to hear the baby's heartbeat.

Beating at 155 per minute

It kind of sounded like dogs barking to me..

Big Decision...

2010-09-07T13:52:00.002-04:00

Paul and I are expecting.. but we have 2 other babies about to be born.. and we have a decision to make... which one do we chose??

These two babies... are not children in human form... one is a new contemporary worship service at my "home" church... and the other is a new church plant coming to Milledgeville from Macon. The new church plant starts Sept 12... and the new contemporary service starts Nov 7. We have to pick one.. we can't be apart of both. We have to decide... what do we decide????

Here is more background:

Paul and I were asked about a year ago to be on a new committee at my "home" church... it was a sub-committee of the Worship Committee. The main purpose of this group was to investigate other contemporary services and help implement & start one at my "home" church. This is the church that I grew up in... the church that I really haven't attended faithfully in several years. Before going off to college, I attended it faithfully. I was in every activity possible for my age, I sang in the choirs, did hand bells, attended youth group, I had even been on staff at this church etc etc. Even during the first couple years of my college, when I came home I still attended. My parents were very active as well, it was where we went. I was baptised there and I assumed I would get married there, but I didn't because I moved to NC.

While in NC... I grew in my faith, I learned more about denominations and God opened my eyes to more Bible knowledge not only through my studies at school, but also through the church I attend in NC. When I would come home and attend my "home" church, I felt like a foreigner.. I felt like I didn't belong. I also struggled with the theology that was preached and the method to which it was presented. I struggled with people on staff and how they were allow to get away with so much. It became so refreshing in NC to be involved in a church environment where people were real and theology wasn't so liberal. I ended up not wanting to attend my "home" church, because it wasn't filling my cup.

When Paul and I got married, we began our search for a church in my hometown. We both grew up Methodist, but we aren't Methodist anymore. We attended several churches in town. We even ventured to the surrounding towns in hope of finding a place were we felt we could not only worship God, but be active in their programs and see our children growing up there as well.

Through this search, we ended up back where we began, thinking my "home" church was our best option. Not perfect, but we could make the best of it. Plus Paul's brother and his family attend, so we would be attending with family (which is was a pro).

At our first service back, after probably a year of attending other churches the sermon was on the Matthew 14: 13-21 (Jesus feeding of the 5,000 with the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish). The pastor went on to explain that the miracle was not Jesus blessing the food and making it enough for the 5,000 but that they were able to meet with Jesus. He went on to explain that the 5,000 had food that they didn't originally want to share (hidden in their back packs), but much like a "Wednesday night supper", decided to share and that's why there was so much food left over.

I was in total shock! I mean, hello, talk about twisting what the Bible says. Needless to say, this made Paul and I rethink our decision to stick it out at my "home" church. It definitely put us back in limbo of not having a church to call home.

Fast forward a year... and we are approached my a dear friend to be apart of this sub-committee. We still hadn't found a church, we were still searching.. and after prayer we felt like God provided this opportunity to us to help my "home" church reach the unchurched and dechurched through a contemporary service.. and maybe it would be exactly what we needed also.. So we joined up and were faithful in attending meetings, as well as other churches to see, feel and breath what a contemporary church service is like.

About 2 months ago, I was told by a friend about a new church heading to town. It is a church plant from Macon. To met my curiosity, I had some email exchanges with the pastor and we met him and his wife for dinner. We absolutely adored them... and we have found their theology to be in line with what we believe. We started attending there current meetings (at the home of the pastor) and began praying for this church and it's plant to Milledgeville.

This church reminds me so much of the church I attended in NC. It takes it's focus on the arts and it's desire to be real. Plus it's focus isn't about being a church, but a community of believers who not only love Jesus but love each other where you are. It wants to be present in the community (not tucked away and hidden from the world, but visible). It is going to be downtown on the main square within 100 yards from bars and clubs. It will look and feel more contemporary due to it's music and style. It won't look or feel like a typical southern church (no columns or choir, or fancy fixtures or ladies in dresses with hats). It's like a 180 degree difference from my "home" church.

So now the time has come.. and the services are set. The church plant will have it's first official service on this Sunday, Sept 12... and the new contemporary service at my "home" church will be Nov 7th. We have the come to the place where we must decide and choose a home church to be faithful and support not only with our service but our prayers and our tithe.

What to do... how do we decide...

11 Weeks and counting...

2010-08-30T10:34:00.004-04:00

And the fat comments have already begun...

Do people not realize it's impolite to say things you might be thinking out loud?

Here's what happen:

A good friend of mine had her second child baptised at church this Sunday. I haven't attended this church in a while... but I attended it for this special occasion. Upon my arrival one of the older ladies in the church (whom I shall keep unnamed, who's daughter was in high school when I was) said to me "are you getting fat or are you pregnant?"

Then today at work, I found out that someone asked one of my co-worker "Courtney is looking pretty chunky... is she pregnant? or just gaining some weight?" Also someone who was at church.

Seriously people.. is this really necessary?? And most of these women who have said things have been pregnant before and most likely remember what it feels like to be getting bigger.

My closest friends here say you really can't tell... but I do think my face is rounding out some. And I know my belly is bigger since my regular pants just don't fit anymore. And I don't want to gain a ton of weight, but please don't mention my weight to me.. trust me I know I'm gaining weight!

Paul is on a gain weight diet and he has gained 6 lbs in 3 weeks.. do you think anyone has noticed??

Anyway...
I've still been sick on and off. It seems to be different daily. It's usually an all day sick feeling and nothing seems to help. Sweets are far off the radar! I can't smell them or see them without my stomach starting to bother me. So I am not baking for a while. Plus standing on my feet after working 8 hours isn't fun either... and I'm pretty exhausted by the end of the day.

Someone mentioned eating lemon drops or sours... and that seems to be the best thing I have found that works. I also read if sours work.... you are having a boy... but I'll guess we'll have to wait and see.

Hopefully the sickness will go away in a few weeks once the first trimester is over.

It's Official....

2010-08-20T09:58:00.004-04:00

We are having a baby!!!

Baby Hitchcock... 9.5 weeks

His/Her head is at the bottom, facing towards the black area (or my uterus).

Feet (or tadpole like feet) are up in the right hand corner.

Baby was measuring around 8 weeks and 3 to 5 days.

We were able to see the heart beating and

blood flowing to the baby's brain.

We also were able to see it move... it kind of jumped!

It looked cooler on the screen at the office...

I just felt like you could see more detail.

Next appointment is in 4 weeks..

Our little peanut is roughly the size of a

medium green olive right now!

Official due date is March 22!

Busy Life...

2010-07-24T18:57:00.004-04:00

I can't believe July is almost over...

Life has been so busy.. and it's so Hot here in GA. I wish I had a pool!

Paul and I just returned from the beach with his family and we had a ball. And yes, he is tanner than I am! And I'm ok with it. We played putt-putt and I was WAY ahead... but in the end we tied. I totally lost it on the last 3 or 4 holes and messed up my lead.

Now that we are home... I have cakes to bake and life to get back too. Plus I need to catch up with alot of my friends.

Planning a visit to NC first weekend in August.. I hope you NC girlies will be around! I would love to see you all and your babies!

We are training for a 10k... and another half marathon in November... so training has begun. I'm glad since my running has been really slack lately... but running 13.1 miles in November seems crazy. Course we ran that in March so you would think I would be ok with it... but it's that mental hurtle I have to get over. "I think I can.. I think I can."

August is going to be packed as well. And I hope I can update the blog more as well as my Confections blog!

My Birthday... Landscaping... Half Birthday... River of Life

2010-06-28T12:16:00.010-04:00

First up... Courtney's 29th Birthday Party!!

Heather, Rachel & Tiffany
Curt, Jason, Paul & Jason
Birthday girl... and her sweet hubby!

Carrie & Tiffany

Rachel, Lindsey & Courtney

Of course we HAD to play games... since Courtney LOVES games!

Her team won too (FYI)!!

Her team was not Paul's team.

________________________________________________

Next was the

FAMILY CELEBRATION!!

Abbie Kate and Canon helped me blow out my candles.

Notice the beautiful flowers my cousin Laura Lee sent me on the table!

AK & Canon also helped me open presents!

Thanks Mom & Dad for the clothes and Coach purse!

Even Skyler thought she was a present!

_____________________________________________

Then the weekend after the birthday weekend...

We landscaped our ENTIRE YARD!

Here are some before photos.

Back right.

Back left/side

Front left.

We actually got up several mornings bright and early to move this grass from this area to a couple of other spots where we needed grass since we were going to make this a flower bed. So we got up and moved grass before work in preparation for the landscape weekend.

Front right/side.

We installed this fence about 2 months ago.

Front right flower bed. Biggest eye sore we have had!! I have been so embarrassed whenever anyone came over because this is usually what they saw first.

The FINISHED PROJECT!!!!!!

Front right side by new fence!

Front flower bed!!

Front entrance! Now doesn't it look so much better!!

_____________________________________________________

Finally (on my really long blog post)

Paul's Half Birthday!!

For those of you who don't know, Paul's birthday is December 25th (aka Christmas) and he always and I mean ALWAYS complains that he never gets to have a real birthday because not only does he have to share it with Jesus, but he has to share the present opening time etc with family and friends. He also complains that is isn't fair that people like myself, who have a summer birthday, get things they need for the summer in the summer, where he has to wait another 6 months until Christmas or his birthday for anything.

So...

I planned a half birthday celebration for him. I invited about 20 of his guy friends from his high school, college and law school years. I also invited some of his current buddies here in GA. I sent out invitations over a month in advance and planned the whole party (without him knowing a thing!). I acted fairly normal in my causal suggestion to go to dinner at our favorite restaurant in town and when we walked in our hostess took us up to a private room at Aubri Lanes where everyone was waiting on us.

He was so surprised!

The Half Birthday boy all surprised!!

What a sweet wife he has!!

Paul's old college roommate Jonathan and his wife Kate came!

Something funny about them is when we walked in Paul was so overwhelmed that he didn't even notice them. Then after a minute it registered to him that they were there! He was super surprised and excited to see them. We don't get to see them very often so it was a special treat. We also had planned on them staying with us so Paul could get in some more quality time with them! It was so fun to have them stay with us!

Everyone at the table!

I even had a cake made! His sweet mother made it for me. And his sweet brother and sister in law brought it to the restaurant for me. It was so perfect!

His favorite too. Vanilla cake with chocolate icing!

He even opened presents! And not just one... but lots!

_______________________________________________________

Then this past weekend, Paul and I volunteered with River of Life!

Here is our site.

Our mission was to build a wheelchair ramp in 3 days!

We had 4 full time and 1 part time kiddos...

This picture is the end of day 1!

They were AWESOME workers!

Here is what we completed by lunch time on day 2!

Since we finished early, we went swimming in the lake.

Skyler came that day too!

She loves the water!

Finished ramp... all cool from the lake!

Good job!

Since we last talked...

2010-06-08T09:34:00.007-04:00

So much has happened..

The cake/cookie world is so busy that my personal life is falling by the wayside...(sorry about that). I'm trying my best to make sure I keep a focus on my husband and the rest is slowly coming around in the midst of my busyness.

First off...I had a HUGE month of orders in May for Confections by Courtney. I had my first official wedding cake (with groom's cake and cookies), plus several birthday party cakes and cookie orders...and then I ended the month with my second largest cookie order for another wedding as favors! So needless to say I've been working 9-5 all day, then home on my feet baking, icing and icing some more. I've iced so much that I have done something to my thumb. I'm not sure what exactly, but my right thumb is swollen and has been since June 1. I've taken medicine and iced it...and not iced cookies for a while...but something in squeezing the icing bottles that I used did something to it. I guess I need to see a doctor. The swelling flows all the way down into the palm of my hand.

Also during May, Paul and I went to the beach with my parents...lots of great pics I'll post tonight once I get home. We definitely enjoyed the vacation. And we did go to the Gulf...and thankfully, no oil yet (at least when we were there)...but I've heard it is there now. :-( We ate a lot.. drank a lot.. and got lots of sun! (what any vacation should be right!!)

Once home, we celebrated my Mom's birthday, and then Nick and Sara came down to GA for a visit! It was so great to see them! We enjoyed having them visit us. We ate lots of good meals and laughed a lot. Plus Sara braved the heat with me one day for a walk (with the dogs) and afterwards she goes "how do you do this?", and my response was "we just don't go outside unless it involves a pool...'cause it's always this hot and it's just June 5th!"

This week...is my BIRTHDAY week. I've got a few cakes and cookies to make, but not too much...and then it's party like you're 29 all weekend long!! Wahoo! I can't believe I'm about to turn 29! And honestly, I couldn't feel any better about myself and where I am in my life! I'm happy, healthy, in love, have wonderful friends and family...life couldn't be any sweeter!

Then...next week...there will be HUGE changes at the Hitchcock house! For any of you who have seen our house, you would notice the lack of shrubs...well next weekend we are inviting one and all to come help as we dig holes and plant shrubs on the front, sides, and back of the house! I will take some before and after pics! Right now, Paul and I have laid out our "flower beds" with string and flagged where we want each plant to go, etc. (with labels)...and sometime this week we'll start digging up the existing grass and killing weeds in preparation for the shrubs on Friday!! I can't wait! It's going to really complete the outside of our barren-looking house...

Stay tuned!!

I cannot get over how much my herb garden is growing..

check out these before photos!

I'm SO behind.. catchup time..

2010-05-18T11:00:00.005-04:00

Well.. it's been so long.. I don't even know where to start. I have been so busy baking since the last week in April that I have been unable to post much about my personal life.

First off.. my Soul Sisters and I attended the Beth Moore "So Long Insecurity" conference in Atlanta. It was AWESOME! Beth is just amazing and she is so vibrant in person too. The music was also wonderful and very uplifting! I am still not completely finished with the actual book (since we are doing a chapter a week in Bible Study) but it's incredible.. and a must read for any woman who might or doesn't know if they struggle with insecurity. You know honestly, I didn't think I did.. but through this both I have learned I actual do and I have been masking my insecurity with perfectionism.. and my insecurity has effected all my relationships.. and I am currently working with God to be security and get my dignity back!

Carrie, Rachel, Erin & Tiffany
Horrible pic of Beth on the screen..

Pre-show excitement..

You all should have seen me running towards the "frontest" seats I could get... it was hilarious.

I almost took my shoes off to get a good run! But we did well. We were about 4 rows back in the second section (which was the section our tickets allowed for us).

Then over Mother's Day weekend.. Paul and I spent a night at the Ritz in Lake Oconee..

Isn't it beautiful??

It was in celebration of Valentine's day.. and we just celebrated a few months late.

I enjoyed a day at the SPA.. which was amazing.. I also cut 4~ 5 inches off my hair.. and not one person I have seen since has noticed!

We had dinner in a nice restaurant..

We had the best dessert.. Soufee' yummy yummy!

Orange with dark chocolate!

Here is a view from the pool...

We also stopped at a wonderful resturant called Filet's to celebrate Katie's 30th Birthday.

Happy Birthday Katie!

Courtney, Kyle & Katie

Katie is Paul's cousin.. and she is awesome!

5 Weeks Till the Beach!

2010-04-19T09:29:00.002-04:00

I am soo excited that this year I am going to be able to go to the beach with not only Paul's family.. but also mine! YAY!

My parents are hitting the beach for 3 weeks in May.. and Nick & Sara are joining them the first week.. then my parents have a week to themselves.. and then the 3rd week, Paul & I will be joining them! SO EXCITING!

Other than that.. I can't believe I haven't blogged in over a week. Man time flies.. specially when you are sick! Yes.. I had some kind of ugly stomach virus last week.. from about Wednesday through Friday.. thank goodness I am finally feeling better!

I also bought the Cricut Cake last week (YAY!) so excited about that.. and I can't wait to get it in about a week!

My parents also celebrated their Anniversary last week.. and tomorrow is April's birthday! So Happy Birthday and Congrats to both of you!

And this weekend.. I might get to meet BETH MOORE! So exciting! A group of my girlfriends from GA are going to Atlanta for a Conference with the speaker BETH MOORE! So very exciting indeed.. I hope to sit close to the front and on the aisle.. so I can maybe shake her hand! So cool! PUMPED!!

EasterGoodies.... PisgahRunning...

2010-04-09T08:14:00.008-04:00

Easter Weekend was full of fun good times!

First it started off with the 3rd Annual Greenway Challenge.

Niki, Nick, Paul and I all ran the 10k this year! (last year Paul and I did the 5k)

Jeremiah and Richard ran the 5 k.

It was so much fun to run with Niki. She is person I ran my first race with back in 2007. So it was like old times running this race with Niki. We let the boys run on ahead and we took it nice and easy. It was a fairly nice easy run for me. I think I pushed Niki a little more than she would have liked...

but we finished and we finished strong.

(yes.. I took the camera.. which I'm sure Niki LOVED!)

Of course afterward we enjoyed our beer!

On Sunday.. the Stillwell's & Hitchcock's took the dogs on a hike..

To an amazing waterfall behind my parents house. Skyler was so cute. She LOVES water.. and she and Harper were well ahead of us rushing towards the falls.. as soon as Skyler could get in the water she was. She actually found a nice pool about ten feet off the bottom of the falls (it reminded me of a natural stone hot tub, yet it was cold water) and she was just relaxin' in it with the falls spraying on her head. I would have loved a photo of it but Paul had our camera above where she was so he couldn't see her.

Then we got home and had some drinks on the deck over looking the view in the wonderful weather.. 75 sunny with a light breeze! It was so relaxin!

Mom made my favorite! Leg of lamb!

And Jen & Jess were able to join us for Easter dinner! It was so great seeing them both!Happy Easter!

Oh my GOODNESS!! So exciting!

2010-04-08T16:19:00.004-04:00

In 5 days.. the Cricut Cake Professional Electronic Cutter is going to be available..

and

really

want

one!

It will make it's first available appearance on HSN at 12:01 am on April 14th..

and though I have NEVER bought anything from HSN before..

I just might have to start on the 14th!

Look at all the cool things it does!

And the possibilities are unlimited!

It will make decorating cakes so much faster and talk about straight lines too!

Or not so straight! ha!

Yes! I'm a WINO!

2010-04-07T13:04:00.009-04:00

Some of you know this already, but I used to work in a wine shop.. The Merry Wine Market actually in Black Mountain, NC.

(This reminds me of a funny story actually because one of my best friend's dad, Mr. Gary, used to laugh about how I have a degree in Bible & Religion with emphasis in Youth Ministry.. and I was a youth director for a while there.. but then became a lover of Jesus' first miracle and worked in a wine shop in the middle of the Bible belt no less...)

But anyway..

When I met my future husband for the first time, he had NEVER drunk wine before.. but in trying to impress me.. he agreed to get a bottle of wine, letting me choose of course, and our first wine was Erath Pinot Noir from Oregon.. I choose a pinot because to me, it is a good introductory wine. It usually isn't too sweet or too dry that most people LOVE Pinot Noir.

Well years have past since that first dinner with my sweet hubby.. and we are still ordering wine.. and now Paul is doing some of the ordering also. (Sometimes I make him since I don't like being stared at when you do the "tasting"). But we have discovered some REALLY good wines that I would like to share with each of you!

The first one is called Van Duzer, Estate Pinot Noir from Williamette Valley, Oregon. We enjoyed this at the Atlanta Fish Market, Atlanta, GA. It was their special wine of the evening.. and it really was spectacular. It has a whiff of violet and fresh picked basket of red and black fruit flavors. The smoothed tannic structure seems perfectly proportioned to the subtle play of floral notes, fruits and sweet spices that slowly reveal themselves to the senses. A beautiful dark red garnet color meets the eye as the nose detects aromas of ripe red fruits and a subtle interplay of blackberry and black cherry. Complex spice notes derived from the Dijon clones and French oak barrels mingle with floral notes of violet and purple jasmine. This is not an astringent or aggressive wine, rather, soft textured and smoothed tannins greet the mouth. Integrated spicy oak marries with the fruit to carry through on a moderately long finish.

The second is called Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon from Colchagua Valley, Chile. Root: 1 is known for its elegant, lush, ripe fruit flavors. A rich red wine with black currant, mocha and chocolate notes. It is actually a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Syrah. Rich ruby color with aromas of ripe berries and soft plum are followed by tastes of black cherry, soft vanilla and dark chocolate. The silky tannins, strong balance and good structure support a long complex finish.

The third is Casillero del Diablo Carmenere from Concha y Toro, Chile. It's bouquet has luscious flavors - dark plums and chocolate with hints of coffee and toasty American oak. It has notes of dark plums and spice, generously framed by toasty American oak with a soft and well structured mouth filling texture. It would be excellent with fresh light dishes based in meats, vegetables and fresh herbs. Also a good accompaniment to ripe cheeses such as Gouda, Gruyere or a dry goat cheese.

"A very ripe and ready style of Carmenere. The big berry aromas mixed with spice and herbs are just what you need to get into the juicy, forward palate of plum and blackberry. Round in the mouth, not tannic, yet still a force to reckon with. From $10 this is a lot of wine." 88 Points,Wine Enthusiast

Trees ....

2010-04-02T10:01:00.004-04:00

So we planted our trees yesterday.. well I guess you could say we hired a guy to do it.. since the holes needed to be about 5 feet wide by 3 feet deep..

During the digging we hit a PVC pipe that supplied water to our sprinkler system.. so I had to call in Andy (my boss) to come help us. He knows a lot about sprinkler systems.. and he helped us install one in the back yard.

So the guy we hired planted 3 of the 4 trees.. and Paul and I finished the 4th one.

We planted 3 in the front yard.. and one in the back. All 4 are Trident Maple trees.. currently they are about 10 feet tall.. but should grow to 25 to 35 feet high and 20 to 30 feet wide.. Since we really don't have ANY trees in our yard currently (or shrubs for that matter) since our builder pretty much cleared the lot before he built our house.. we are hoping these will provide us some nice shade in the next 20 years! = )

At about 8 pm, we were almost done. We had to head to get some pine straw for around the bases. (still without having dinner by this point)

I also planted my herbs in our herb garden box. I have rosemary, oregano, lemon balm, lavender, basil and thyme. I am looking forward to watching them grow in our herb garden. We ended up getting some nice dirt (aka cow manure from Paul's dad's cow pasture) and so I am hoping the herbs like the nutritious dirt! = )

Happy Spring!!!

Week in Review..

2010-03-31T11:36:00.005-04:00

This week has been rough..

It started with a weird rash on my body.. turns out I'm allergic to something.. but not sure what..

Paul is sick..

Skyler is in BMT with my parents..

and I'm not sleeping well..

and I'm taking LOADS of medicine...

Plus today is my official annual "weigh-in" day.. and sadly I'm up from last year.. but not as high as I have been before but I'm not letting this get me down.

I did squeeze into some capris from last summer.. I was able button and zip them.. and I can still breath.. but losing 5 pounds would definitely help.. but I'm not letting this get me down. I have finally come to that place in my head where I am comfortable in my own skin. Would I like to be a little thinner, sure.. but I'm not going to drive myself crazy about it. I am just going to stick to running, exercise and eating as good as I can.. staying away from sweets and simple carbs.. and filling up on good fats and complex carbs and protein. And I must admit.. it's feels great!

I am excited about coming to BMT this weekend. Paul and I are suppose to run in the Pisgah 10k. Hopefully he will be feeling better by this weekend. It looks like it is going to be a beautiful weekend.. and running and beer in the sun on Saturday is going to be amazing!!

The weather is nice.. and I'm working on my herb garden.. plus we bought some trees we need to plant.. so spring is in the air..

Things are looking up!

Registered!!

2010-03-22T16:19:00.004-04:00

So.. I have registered for the

2010 Peachtree Road Race 10K..

and (thanks to Niki's detective skills)

the Black Mountain Greenway Challenge 10k!

Bring on the running!

We are running roads..

day and night..

Running..

Running!!!

JOIN US!

Insecurities...

2010-03-18T10:29:00.004-04:00

So in my bible study group right now we are reading this book on insecurities. It's been really interesting, because I am finding that I am more insecure than I originally thought I was, though I think deep down I have always known I was insecure.

It's amazing how they hide inside and then pop out their ugly heads from time to time. I'm amazed to see how my insecurities effect all areas of my life.. I'm learning how I apply pressure to my husband to help me not be as insecure.. as well as to my friends and family. I know this pressure isn't fun for them.. and I hate that it happens.. but I find myself starving for "secure" moments (something that makes me feel secure). When in all reality, I should find my security in Jesus... and Jesus alone.

Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me

and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue

you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;

you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me

were written in your book

before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand.

When I awake,

I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!

Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;

your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,

and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;

I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Jesus knows me.. knows the real me.. the deepest part of me.. and He loves me!

He is the one whom my security comes..

Seaside Half Marathon!!!!!

2010-03-13T15:27:00.009-05:00

Our house in Rosemary Beach, FL!
Beach at Seaside!
Paul's parents joined us!
(as well as Michael and Meredith)

Pre-Race in the car at 6am

The roads closed at 6am and we stayed about 7 miles from Seaside in Rosemary

so we got up at 4 am to "wake-up" and get there.

It was 34 degrees out when we pulled into our parking spot.

By the end of the race it was about 50 degrees out.

Sun starting to come up...

Standing at the start..

GO!

First town is Water Color...

Between mile 1 and 1.5

Oh no!! Not our turn around.. BUMMER!!

Still Smiling!

Doing good..

Nuf said!

We have past the half way point by these ladies signs..

And Paul loves The Office!

There were several porta-potties along the way..

We liked this one because the sign reads

"Quitters Exit here"

Probably mile 9, 10, or 11 (ha!)

Entering Seaside now, closing in on mile 13!!.. almost done!!! YAY!

FINISHED! With finishers medal and water!

I was soososoosoo thirsty! I drank 2 whole bottles while we waited in line for bananas, oranges and our VERA BRADLEY BAGS!

Paul's finisher photo!

We ran the race in 2:25:21

1st half time 1:10:44; 2nd half time 1:14:37

We stopped only once (not really stopped since we kept walking)

While we drank some fluids,

It was after mile 10 (I couldn't remember at first, but I just checked the map of the race below and a water station was after mile 10 and before the 5k turn around and that was when we got some poweraide!!)

Our average pace was 11:06.

WE DID IT!

Big Weekend Ahead....

2010-03-03T12:06:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow Paul and I are headed to Seaside, Fl for our first Half Marathon! (and probably only, who knows). Seaside is where they filmed the Truman Show with Jim Carey. It is a cute very picturesque town on the Gulf of Mexico.. with crystal clear water and lots of yummy seafood. If you aren't super familiar.. it is between two Spring Break hot spots (Destin and Panama City). It is also in a great location for shopping!

We are headed down tomorrow! And we have several days to relax and unwind before the race on Sunday. Michael (Paul's Best Man and Best Friend) and Meredith (his wife) are joining us as well as Paul's parents for the weekend.

I plan on taking some wine (that I got from the Merry Wine Market the other weekend) and some good books.. plus some $ for shopping! Paul is taking his golf clubs since they are playing golf on Friday. I'm sure it will be a great time and I am really looking forward to the weather (highs in the 60s and SUNNY!) as well as just a nice relaxing time!

Not so much the 13.1 miles on Sunday.

Speaking of the race.. I am feeling a little worrisome about it. The longest I have ran is 8 miles. Paul has done 10. I have also been suffering from an ankle injury.. so I am hoping it doesn't become a shooting pain during the race. But one thing I know for sure is.. slow and steady finishes the race! I am not trying to beat anyone or anytime.. i just want to finish! Wish us luck! Look back in a few days for more photos (that I actually took.. and not ones from the website)!

Bobcat 5K

2010-02-22T18:35:00.004-05:00

Paul and I ran in our 2nd race for 2010 this past Saturday.

It was a chilly 30 degrees.

We ran around downtown Milledgeville.

We ran mile 1 in 7:42

We slowed down for mile 2 and ran it in 9:33

Then kicked it up a little more for mile 3.1 in 9:29

Finishing at 26:44

We ran it faster than we did last year.

But where last year I got 2nd in my age group, I got 3rd this year.

Crazy thing is.. we ran this fast.. really fast.. and I was ready to slow down at the end, but Paul wanted us to keep going.. so he pushed us to the finish line.. and I thought I was going to throw up! I know it's gross, but I've never experienced that before and I did! Thankfully I didn't.. but it was close! (yuck)

Redos & Redos..

2010-02-17T10:45:00.005-05:00

So about a month ago.. (for a while I've been thinking it though) I mentioned to Paul that I wanted to redo our dining room. For those of you who know or don't know, our dining room is/was red with a chair rail.. and even though I love red.. it felt like too much red .. for even the red lover that I am. It also hindered my ability to decorate for the seasons since red walls clash with the pastels of Easter.. and true colors of summer.. though looked beautiful in fall and Christmas. But.. it still was too much. So in my thinking and pondering of what to do... I got to know a friend.. a builder.. a carpenter who needed some work. And a light bulb went off in my head.

So we had a few things done.. or redone .. at our home.

First, Todd removed a cabinet (placed there by our builder) in a weird spot over our laundry. Thankfully he removed it, patched the wall and repainted it for us! It makes the room so much brighter. I didn't realized how much it was blocking the window.

Then, Todd fixed a hole in the wall that I made one day. I was cleaning the floors and I pushed our sofa over and bumped it into the bull nose side of our wall.

Third.. Todd did a complete remodel of our dining room. He covered our VERY RED walls..
and primed and painted them as well as put up wainscoting. I got the idea of wainscoting from my brother's house. He did some in his dining room.. and I loved it. So I showed Todd a photo of Nick's and he went to work. We added a few more details to ours, applying a baseboard and base caps. It is just gorgeous! I love the slate gray top with crisp white wainscoting. Our dark furniture looks great against the walls.. and all my "table escapes" will not clash, but blend well! I am looking forward to bringing out my pastels!

And finally, Todd is putting my old tv up in our bathroom. = ) I am so excited about this. We have this wonderful tub.. and now I can soak in it and watch my FRIENDS reruns! ha! This is something Paul and I have been talking about doing since we moved in.. but we didn't know how to do it.. but Todd did.. and he is installing that today! So tonight after Bible Study, I can soak up in a bubble bath and watch tv! (Well maybe not tonight, since we'll need to get the cable people out there.. but you get the picture.)

We also FINALLY got our builder to send someone out to fix our front door. You may or may not remember me telling you that the paint or stain peeled right off it, within 2 months of moving in.

He sent the painters (after telling us over and over that he would.. 6 months later) and they painted our front door. It is now a dark chocolate brown.. looks black from the street.. but up close it is dark brown.

____________________________________

In other news.. we competed in our first (and probably only) newlywed game at Paul's parents church on Valentine's Day. It was originally suppose to be a battle between Ellen & Bo Boyer and Paul's cousin (also Katie's Mom & Dad) Norman & Gretchen Hitchcock.. and another couple.. but Ellen and Bo were sick.. so Kyle and Andrew stepped up. It was quit hilarious.. and we were all really nervous. Kyle and I just knew that Andrew and Paul would embarrass us.. but luckily they didn't.

And we won! Yay! Paul was very happy! He really likes to win (for those of you who don't know this already) and beating his cousin Norman and brother Andrew were icing on the cake!

I must admit.. if we hadn't practiced.. I don't know if we would have done as well as we did. But we spent a few days going over questions and ideas of what they might ask, making sure we knew all the right answers.

__________________________________

We also were suppose to have another race in NC. We went up for a visit Valentine's weekend. But the race was cancelled due to snow. We have another 5K this Saturday.

NC was alot of fun also. We were able to see some great friends.. and went to Becky's art show. Plus Sunday had her sweet baby!

And we got our butter dish from ANNIE! We love it! It's beautiful!

________________________________

Next on the busy February.. is more cakes, cookies.. and confections.. as well as several paintings! Now that my art room is free from dining room furniture, I can finally get back in there and paint!

Plus Jennifer & Keith are coming to visit from Tenn this weekend! So excited about that!

And.. Paul is hosting the annual WOMANLESS "something" at his high school. 3 years ago it was a Womenless Wedding.. and that is where Paul and I first met. This year it is a Womanless Beauty Contest.. and Paul is hosting as a man! Though I was hoping I could dress him up as a woman this year.. oh well.. so look forward to seeing those photos!

The BEST NEWS!

2010-02-10T10:49:00.001-05:00

I just hear the best news!

And I am so thrilled..

YAY!!!

And.. someone is posting again!!!

WAHOOOOOOO

this day is getting better and better!!

Chattachoochee Challenge..

2010-02-09T10:30:00.004-05:00

Our first race of 2010 was a 10k...

I think we were/are kind of crazy.. to jump right into a 10k.. but we did it.. and we survived! Excited about running in 2010, Paul and I started training in the middle of December to get a head start on 2010 running. Are main goal is the half marathon in less than a month now. (March 7th) We have 3 races in February.. and then the big half!

Well this past weekends race was in Atlanta. We drove up on Friday and stayed with some good friends of Paul's (Nate & Tiffany's). Nate was running also.. as well as his good buddy.

We all started together.. but Nate's friend broke off almost immediately. Nate stayed with Paul and I for about the first mile. Then Paul and I left Nate and continued our pace.

The first mile was kind of slow at a 10:27 pace. Our second and third mile were almost exactly the same at 9:27. We were making up time for our first mile. To me the first mile is usually the worst. It's like I have to get into the rhythm and the zone. But once I'm past that first mile I am usually ready to go. Also at the start of the race, I have too many things on my mind.. set the ipod.. set the watch.. both at the right time when you cross the start line so your time is as accurate as possible.. and then put your ipod in the sleeve so you aren't running with it.. hoping the music isn't too loud but loud enough that it pumps you up etc.. Lots to think about.

So after mile 3, I was starting to feel like I wasn't going to be able to keep up the pace we were running. (Little back ground, we had been running at 11:30 pace.. so this is almost 2 mins faster than that). So I told Paul to leave me cause I needed to slow it down some.

So around 3.5 or so.. Paul split from me. For most of that mile, I wasn't too far behind him. I could see him about 10 people or so in front of me. Hitting mile 4 I was right under 40 minutes total. It seemed at ever mile marker, I was hitting the time right under the 10 min per mile pace. And I was satisfied with that.

Somewhere in the next mile.. Paul took off.. and I lost site of his neon yellow shirt..

Paul did speed up.. his last 2 miles he ran in 8 min something miles.. finishing the whole thing in 58:17.59! He was the 334th male to cross the finish line.. and the 509th overall.

I crossed the finish line at 1:01:18 . I was the 232th female.. and the 607th overall.

There were 922 total.

I was satisfied with my time. My goal is always to finish... and finish strong, try my best not to walk. I did walk twice.. but probably only for about 30 seconds each time. And I also beat my Peachtree 10k (which was the last 10k I did in 1:10:53) by almost ten minutes.. so I am happy about that.

I was planning on taking my camera but I left it in the apartment.. so here are two photos of us that were taken by the photo people at the race.

Coming up for Air...

2010-02-03T16:41:00.002-05:00

Hello Blog world.. friends and family..
It has just been a crazy week.. and crazy month.. I can't believe January is already over..

I baked ALOT.. and ended it was making about 300 cookies!~ Thanks to my husband, mom and sister in law Elizabeth for helping me!

It also included my first official wedding cake.. and I have my second on the books! yeah!

February is looking pretty full also.. but not only with Confections by Courtney.. but with runs!

Our first run of 2010.. is this Saturday.. in Atlanta.. we are running the Chattahoochee Challenge 10k. It will also be a pre-qualifier for the Peach tree.. since Paul and I have been training so much more this year in preparation for our half in less than a month.. we are more than ready for the 10k.. but I don't want to get cocky.

Though.. I must admit.. I have finally learned "how" to run. And it's so much easier.. my chest doesn't hurt.. my heart rate is consistent.. and isn't sky rocketing.. it's such a blessing to know how to run. I ran 5.75 miles the other day and I felt like I could easily keep going.. I wasn't tired.. not to say your body doesn't feel it. cause it does.. but I'm not out of breath.. it's so cool! I wish I had learned this years ago.. I used to hate running and would say "I can't run".. but it was because I would always get out of breath. And more than half that was because I wasn't running correctly.. so I was over exerting myself.. ..

Anyway.. so race this weekend.. 10k!
Then 2 more races in Feb.. plus a visit to NC! YEAH! (Feb 11 - 14)
And then Paul and I are preforming in a Newlywed game on the 14th!

So.. this month will have some great highlights! stay tuned!! = )

SOMETHING TO SHARE..

2010-01-20T14:41:00.003-05:00

I know there isn't much we feel like we can do for Haiti.. but I found these two things today and I wanted to share..

First, this is the Living Proof Ministries Blog (Beth Moore's Ministry) and her daughter Melissa was able to get Pam (a Christian Missionary in Haiti) to give her recounts of the earthquake here.. http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2010/01/real-deal.html

Then if you are interested in more information on Pam and her family and ways to help.. check out their blog here:

http://highwaytohaiti.com/

New Toys for 2010!

2010-01-16T07:47:00.006-05:00

My parents gave us a "skinny" wine cooler for Christmas.

They do individual gifts and then couple gifts..

this was our couple gift..

and we both love it!

Miss Mary Ann & Mr Franklin, also, gave us a "couple" gift..

though I think I'll get more usage out of it than Paul will..

My 6 quart Professional Mixer!

love it!

The new vacuum vs. the old vacuum

The dirty rug.. vacuumed first by the old..

then by new...

LOOK how much was still there!!! YUCK!

New Single Cup Coffee Maker
Cool little single cup serving ..

Make coffee, cappuccino, chai, hot chocolate, espresso and tea!

Before the month is over...

2010-01-06T15:11:00.003-05:00

I need to make my resolutions...

I know last year I made one post in January.. and it is the famous Just Do It post.. and it's really good to read if you ever need to be motivated.. And I'm shocked that I made it half the year too.. started running.. ran several races.. and did fairly well.. then I just quit.

Well this year (actually back in December of 2009) I started back.. and I'm proud to say, I am back to running.. and I've really missed it! It's so nice and refreshing.. and unfortunately so darn cold at 5:45 am but I am making do.. and I am really enjoying it again.. I just hope it becomes more ingrained into my life.. since I want it to be a life goal.. not necessarily a 2010 goal..

But alas.. here are my plans for 2010:
1. Run again.. or keep running... make it a lifestyle, live it, breath it, work it, be it!
2. Focus on eating right without making a "don't eat or drink this" list. Moderation is key.
3. Be open to God moving, growing and expanding your Confections business. I must say, I have been so surprised by it already.. and it is keeping me busy. I have been so blessed to be asked to make cakes, cookies etc.
4. Learn more about cakes and confections to continue to perfect my skill. I am self taught.. so it's a process for me. I am by no means perfect but I hope I can continue to learn and grow in my skill.. and be better at this by this time next year. I hope I can be patient with myself also.. since when I do make mistakes I get really stressed out.. and I have to take a deep breath, relax and try again.
5. Find a church Paul and I both feel comfortable in.. a place were we can invest ourselves and see ourselves raising our children.
6. Get back to painting..

Well they don't seem like much.. but I have a feeling these are things that can/will happen! = )

One Day I will catch up!!!

2009-12-30T10:02:00.007-05:00

Christmas at the Hitchcocks! Come on in and warm up! I'm so proud of my wreath.. (my bow is pitiful) but

I learned how to attach ornaments to wreaths this year! yeah!

We celebrated Christmas at our house this year..
first time in our new home on Christmas Eve and Day.
We had Paul's parents over for Christmas Eve dinner..
and my parents were down from BMT to celebrate with us,
since Nick and Sara went to her parents house.

We woke up not too early to start the day.. had a yummy breakfast.
I made something from Giada off Food Network and
tried to make cinnamon rolls (but had bad yeast)
so I bought some store bought ones (and they were excellent!).

We started with our stockings...

Mom & Dad gave Paul and I some wine!!

Mom got a cool book.. the study of Jesus by Beth Moore..
(I think I might have to get myself one of those)

Skyler even got something from Santa.. a new stuffed Duck

(that only lasted "stuffed" for 2 days) and a chuck it..

Paul's gift from Santa was new running shoes!

(We are training for a half marathon.. so these are much needed!)

Dad got a box! (ha, just kidding)

Mom got some soft shirts and a vest!

Skyler enjoyed the B-A-L-L from the chuck it for most of the morning!

Santa got me a new Coach Purse!! So exciting!!

Merry Christmas!

___________________________________________________

Then we headed over to Paul's brother's house (John)

for the Hitchcock Family Christmas.John and Elizabeth's tree.. (look at all those presents!!)

Evan stacked his up!!

My parents came to join in the fun!

4 kids + 10 adults = lots of fun!!

Caitlin or Evan (not sure who) got this neat Jedi toy.

You wear this headband and it reads your brain waves..

Your brain waves then make the ball float up in the tube.

Paul couldn't do it at first!

(notice the picture of the tree.. he is sitting there trying to make it float).

Caitlin, Kyle and I didn't have any problems with it though!

(we must have better brain waves!)

Then we opened presents there...

I got the 6-quart professional line Kitchen Aid Mixer!!

In RED Very exciting!!

Caitlin was loving her gifts!

Evan too!

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Then, for those of you who don't know this.. Paul's birthday is also Christmas Day..

So on the 26th, we celebrated Paul's birthday.

My new table cloth! Isn't it pretty!

Unka Paul playing with the kids..

"Me next! me next!" was all we heard for a good 30 mins!

They sure do know how to wear out a 34 yr old!

Paul showing off his new cameo... wait is he even in this photo??

The nieces and nephews made Paul's cake read.. 43.. nice touch for the old man!

Opening a present.. Henry Winhart Root beer!

He made this gift last year, last almost the whole year.. talk about restraint!

We hope you all had a Merry Christmas.. and a safe New Years!!

The GA Aquarium... The Rockettes.. And Our Christmas Tree!

2009-12-18T08:35:00.005-05:00

I am still playing catchup.. so welcome to another bulk blog!

I should change the name to bulk blogging!

Two weeks ago Miss Mary Ann & Mr Franklin (Paul's parents) took us all to see the Rockettes!

We went to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta (really cool theatre by the way)

And I really enjoyed them!

This was the first time I have seen them in person (not on tv during the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade). When I was younger I wanted to be one.. though I was never tall enough. = (

The whole Hitchcock crew came.. as well as Kyle's (my friend and Paul's sister in law's) family.. her parents, sister and her family as well as her aunt and uncle.. we had about 22 people!

You aren't allowed to take any photos during the production

so we snapped a few before it started!

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Then the next day the Hitchcock's all headed to the GA Aquarium.

Here are all my nieces and nephews!

Evan, Canon, Caitlin and Abbie Kate.

Canon didn't want to go down the fish slide alone.. so I rode with him!

Canon also loved taking rides on Unka Paul's shoulders
I managed to touch a sting ray...

And all the others did too!

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Then sometime between the Sunday after Thanksgiving..

and the weekend later.. we finished our Christmas tree!

We went with a taller one this year, since we have such high ceilings in our great room.

Cassie also found it to be a great place to hide...

We also hung our stockings with care..

I know you are probably wondering why 6 stockings?

Well Paul, Courtney, Skyler, Cassie, and my mom & my dad will be spending Christmas with us!

That silly cat.. all she wants to do is be outside.. so this is the closest she gets!

Football and Thanksgiving!!

2009-12-12T09:47:00.009-05:00

We went to the UGA vs Kentucky Game..

Several of my friends went too, so we rode together.

We set up camp... next year I think we need either a black tent or a red one!
Rachel & Jason came!

Curt & Tiffany too!

And we were there too, of course!
Paul has season tickets to all the Georgia games..
and usually his brother John goes with him..
but luckily he couldn't go this week.. and so I got to go..
and it worked out really well that so many of our friends were going too!

We spent some time in the bookstore.. and found this cool "hats".

Tiffany is one of the newer girls in our Bible study group.

We love her! She and Curt have been such a blessing to all of us!

They also own the Chick-fil-a here and we all love Chick-fil-a!

Oh Miss Carrie! Love her too.. she joined us as well..

And my girl Lindsey! Don't you just love our G tats? They were actually stickers!

Even Kyle came!

Unfortunately our seats weren't all together..

And man did we freeze!

And yes I had on flip flops..

And unfortunately we didn't win either.. = (

We ended up having some empty seats beside us, so we called Kyle and Andrew over to join us.

I love how Kyle and I knew what I was doing, but Andrew and Paul didn't!

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Then we had our Soul Sister Thanksgiving!

The kids came too! Kristen, Conner and Hanna are enjoying there chicken tenders!

Erin & David.. Erin is also a newbie to our group.. though we realized she has been coming for over a year now! Man time sure does fly by!

Kyle and Andrew

Me and Carrie!

Jason and Heather

Tiffany and Curt

It was also Jason's birthday.. so we had some Ice Cream Cake!

Trey (who sat with the adults) came over to visit the "kids" table..

And baby Jackson too! Such a cutie!

_____________________________________

Then we headed to North Carolina for Thanksgiving with my parents.

Nick & Sara got a new puppy.. Harper..

He is such a cutie.. and each night he got more and more active!

Nick wanted to fry the turkey this year.. so we were all bundled up outside watching him!

And we even had a few snow flurries!

Sara and I! (Happy Birthday Sara!)

Even Skyler wanted to get close!

CRUISIN & ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-09T20:44:00.011-05:00

So we boarded... and enjoyed the take off from the top deck..

Our fancy room.. with love seat area, closet and bathroom
On day 2.. we landed in Coco Cay, Bahamas.. which is a small private island owned by Royal Caribbean.. so it was like a play ground for us only!
We tried to enjoy a few drinks on the beach there.. but it was so windy that sand was blowing on us that we decided to cut our losses and head back to the ship.
See our BIG SHIP.. it was the largest ever until Royal Caribbean launch the Oasis (which we saw sail by us, which was cool) Our ship has many neat features.. here below is one of the two hot tubs that hang off the side..
Our trip SUPER WINDY!! I would leave the room with a fairly smooth ponytail.. and end up looking like this...

Semi-Formal night.. we had two on the boat.. but skipped the 2nd one..

Day 3: We sailed all day.. Paul was in class (Continuing Ed Class to keep his law licence up to date) This was actually the main reason we did this trip was that Paul could get all his CE hours.. and I could drink fruity drinks and tan! ha! = ) Plus it fell the week before our anniversary.. so that made it ever better!

Day 4: We docked in St. Thomas. We signed up for an excursion to Christmas Cove and Honeymoon Beach.. we were going to get to go snorkeling and then have dinner on the beach watching the sunset before sailing back to our boat.
Here we are on the sailboat "Bones".. our Captain and his 2 mates acted like pirates.. but were really good ole American boys livin it up in the Caribbean.. (sounds like a good life right!)
Gear ready? check!

See the cool turtle? Check!
Get out of the water with a cool dent in your face and drink some RUM? Check!
Curl up together after sunset cause your a little wet and cold.. and possible feeling the rum rum rum!? Check! Check! Check!
Our Boat also had an ice skating rink.. we didn't skate though.. or go see the ice skating show.
And the Royal Promenade.. which to me was like an indoor mall.. several shops along the strip with different restaurants (Champagne bar, English Pub, Pizza Parlor, Wine Bar, Ben & Jerry's ice cream & Seattle's Best coffee shop) Some interior rooms looked into this area also.. you can see there room windows in the top of the window.
Day 5: We docked in St. Maarten..

We walked around some.. did some window shopping.. had lunch and then headed back to the ship. Didn't see anything in particular we wanted to buy.. well that we could afford! ha!
One of the several cool sunsets we were able to witness.
Day 6 & 7: Were both days at sea.. both days were SUPER WINDY.. 50 mph winds..

Here we are trying to play putt putt on the back of the ship in the wind..

You can see that my dress is sticking to me..

The boat also had this thing called the WaveRunner.. we didn't try it.

I was a chicken.. and didn't want to make a fool out of myself.. or flash anyone! ha!

Here's a nice shot.. you can't see the wind.. but imagine a nice sleek ponytail.. and then the wind blowing your hair so hard it looked like this after about 5 mins.. I even bobby-pinned it.. and it still wouldn't stay out of my face. When the sun went behind a cloud it was kind of cold since the wind was blowing so hard.

Here's Paul.. his hair didn't move like mine!

I did get smacked in the face by the chair one day.. that wasn't fun.. But overall the cruise was a blast! We really enjoyed it!

Then once we got home on Sunday, we celebrated our Anniversary..

Blissfully Married for one year! 11-15-09

Since we hadn't been home for a week.. I had to kind of throw together something to eat... so it was a random collection of rejects from our pantry.. minus the WINE (La Crema Pinot Noir!) and our Wedding Cake topper..

(yes, there is chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, almonds, crackers with cream cheese and pepper jelly)

Then we opened our presents.. we decided we would follow the "rules" and first anniversary is paper.. so I got Paul tickets to the Falcon's game.. (we'll actually be going this coming Sunday)

And Paul got me a photo of us from our wedding!

And then we ate our cake!

SURPRISE.. it had one layer of vanilla.. was suppose to be all chocolate..

Wasn't too bad either.. Paul had 2 pieces..

Well that was our cruise and anniversary..

sorry I'm so behind..

things have been crazy busy here..

Who says you can't bulk blog whenever you want?!?

Best GIFT ever!!

2009-11-17T09:36:00.005-05:00

Well.. maybe not a gift, since I won fair and square..

but those who know me well know I LOVE PUTT - PUTT!

And every birthday I used to play.. and every summer Paul and I play..

and every time we have played together, it has been a wonderful game.. a close game.. with good competition (which we both love) but he always beats me.

Usually I freak out and just loose it on a hole and "screw" myself in that respect...

But this time I didn't only BEAT PAUL! I KILLED HIM! heheheheheheheheh....

Best Anniversary present EVER!!!

So how did it happen you might ask?

Well it started off neck and neck.. and everyone was happy!

Then Paul didn't have the best hole.. it wasn't horrible but I took a fair lead here..

Then on the 17th hole.....

Courtney had her FIRST HOLE IN ONE in that nights game!

Then.... on hole 18th!

Courtney got her SECOND HOLE IN ONE!!

Go me! It's my birthday!! (ha ha ha!)

Paul didn't have ANY hole in ones! (rub rub salt in that wound)

Ending score.. Paul 49.. Courtney 43! Won by 6! WAHOO!!!!

(we played putt putt on Saturday night, before we boarded the ship on Sunday.. so more cruise and Anniversary photos to come!)

GA/FL Game

2009-11-01T15:49:00.005-05:00

We got there bright and early..

Paul had to put together the $15 dollar grill we bought..

We had TONS of food!! Tons and tons of food! Way too much!

Lindsey & Carrie came too.. with the Cornell's (Lindsey's parents)

John & Johnnett Cornell!!

Now this was an excellent way.. cause it was sooo hot!

We saw some interesting outfits..

And watched the Dawgs LOOSE!
It was 88 degrees.. and the sun was beaming on us for most of the day! I drank 1.5 liters of water and could have had so much more!
But we had a good time!

Fall days are a blurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2009-10-25T10:40:00.003-04:00

Well.. it has been one of those weeks.. or months.. I just can't say exactly but life has been really busy. I am just thrilled as of why, but feeling very overwhelmed.. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon.. but right now (today) I am glad I can sit on the couch and get lost in the nothingness of today.

I did that yesterday too!

I was suppose to be painting (something I need to do) but the day was so nice out.. that I just couldn't be locked up inside painting.. so instead I sat on the back deck and enjoyed the sun. Got burned actually! Stupid me didn't think about sun screen in October.. but my chest is hurting today because of it! Oh well.. I needed some sun.. I was getting ghostly white.. my husband was even darker than me.. which usually doesn't happen. So I needed the sun.. but not to be blistered.. hopefully it will go away and not peel.. since i still need the color.

I was reading while I was out there.. and I finished the Twilight series.

I can't tell you how wrapped up in that story I got. I lived, breathed and dreamed it. It was one of those book series that you just have to know what happens... how it ended... etc. If you have never read it.. you might or I would strongly suggest it. It was really good! I wish now I had saved it for our trip in November.. but I guess I'll have to find something else.

My side business (Confections by Courtney) has really picked up.

I have been baking up a storm! So much, that most evenings once I am home from work.. I am cooking, baking, decorating etc.. almost every night. This was why I just couldn't paint yesterday.. I had to relax, do something else.. just for me. I'm not complaining about the business picking up.. I actually feel VERY BLESSED by it.. and I do enjoy it (please don't misunderstand..) but with State Farm.. and then straight home to bake every night.. it's been a little exhausting. And you think back and mention the reading... well I was doing that at State Farm.. ha! We had/have been so slow.. i read alot then.. and in the car to and from NC last weekend.. and I read some while standing over the mixer! ha! Paul did take a photo.. but I don't have it to post. (my sweet husband emailed it to me!)

Anyway.. business has been great.. and I've been super busy.. but as it turns out.. October is almost over.. and we haven't even carved a pumpkin... oh well.. it's the time in our life with a business growing.. and no kids to get dressed up all cutely on Halloween to worry about.. so it's the way our lives are now. And I'm okay with it.. I am. I just really am enjoying this break today.. and a way to vent (even if it is through blogging) about this crazy October.. and trying hard to not miss the fall.

Reminding myself.. just how blessed I am. I have a wonderful caring husband, who supports me in every way.. he even helps me in the kitchen with washing dishes! = ) And I have a job, that even through the crisis America is facing, I have a job.. a job that pays... and helps support this family, our life.. I started this new adventure and it is off and running! I couldn't have ever imagined it would so quickly (not that it is enough to quit State Farm, but it's keeping me busy).. and I just couldn't be more excited about it all! I have wonderful friends, whom I love dearly and couldn't get through life with out them either!.. it's just a wonderful life.. and I don't want it to fly by so quickly!

But I am surely blessed!

A NEW RUG!!

2009-10-19T16:50:00.005-04:00

I have had my eyes on this rug forever now.. probably since we moved in. (which for Paul was over a year ago).. I found it on overstock.com and if you don't know about that site, you should check it out. Sometimes (most of the time) I can find some really great deals.. and shipping is always $2.95 (no matter the size or weight!)

This rug.. I got for just a little a hundred dollars..

and it's a good size too.. and shipping was 2.95! Horray!

If you will remember.. my good friend Becky painted a cool canvas that is over our tub..

and the reds & blacks look fantastic together!!

Jackson is here!

2009-10-15T17:30:00.004-04:00

Sweet William Jackson is here!

My sweet friend Tiffany had her baby on Monday!

He came a few days late.. but we didn't mind.. maybe Tiffany did.. but he is so precious!

We got to see him last night! He's such a cutie!

I just got done with the busiest week ever for Confections by Courtney! I hope this is a sign of more to come! Check out the blog or my facebook album to see photos! A special thanks to those people who asked me to make things for them! = )

Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs?!?

2009-10-09T14:56:00.003-04:00

Need a cake for the premier.. never fear Courtney is here!!

Yes, this is a cake.. this was our final during my cake class..
it's a chocolate cake, with white chocolate butter cream icing,
with chocolate butter cream meat balls..
and raspberry preserves as the sauce
with shaved white chocolate as Parmesan cheese!

Dig in!
HA!

CAUTION!!

2009-10-02T12:06:00.003-04:00

DRIVING TOO FAST MAY CAUSE

I was on my way to class.. I had assembled this three tier double chocolate cake with a peppermint icing. I was planning on decorating it in class.. but once I was parked, I looked it and it, this is what I saw!

Oh well..

It won't make the cake blog.. since I never got to decorate it.. but I am calling it my

Inside Out Peppermint Patty!

I love FALL!

2009-09-27T17:33:00.004-04:00

Last weekend I spent a good bit of my free time decorating for fall. I just love fall.. and though fall here in Georgia is different from fall in North Carolina.. I am trying my best to make the best of it. The leaves haven't changed yet.. or even started.. but today.. it only got up to 80 degrees outside.. and it was accompaniet by a cool breeze without any humidy in the air.. (after all this rain we've had it's nice to have little to no humidy.) But alas.. I want to share my fall decorations with you, my dear friends.

Not much happenin'

2009-09-25T08:21:00.004-04:00

Sadly.. nothing to wild or crazy is happening.. but then when things do, I forget my camera.. =(

Something we have had done is our deck. We had the whole thing stained. It's a reddish brown that actually matches the red brick on our house quite well.

It is complete but I don't have one of those pictures.. you can also tell that our grass is growing in the backyard.. it was a dirt pit for a while.. but finally we do have grass! Yeah!

We did celebrate Kyle's birthday this week.. today is actually her birthday!! (Happy Birthday Kyle). Here she is with her son, Canon. She is a wonderful mom, photographer and most importantly friend!

Another one beats the dust!

2009-09-13T17:14:00.005-04:00

Don't you love Bulk Blogging!?! I do!

First off the list is the Women of Faith weekend. My Bible Study group went to Atlanta for a weekend of fellowship and some Good Word from the ladies at WOF. It was an interesting experience, we all enjoyed it.. but we might try another group (instead of the WOF) next year. To me, it seemed like all the ladies that talked "plugged" there books.. and it worked (cause I bought them) but now that I am reading them, most of the stories and "advice" etc they gave is in the book.. so I could have not bought a book and STILL known the stuff.

Friday was better than Saturday to me, since on Friday it was more like a Bible study application where Saturday was all testimonies.. and don't get me wrong I don't mind testimonies, but just a testimony with hardly any scripture and then plugging your books.. just didn't equal a great spiritual weekend for me.

Then after WOF.. Shelley and Nate were in town so we hung out at the house. Paul made his in and out burgers.. and we played boardgames. It was a great fun night!

I really enjoyed all the fun!

Then over Labor Day weekend.. we celebrated Evan's 5th birthday.

And my dad's 68th! We went to the Atlanta Braves game to celebrate Dad's!

Where even the Chick-fil-a Cow does the "chop"!

Enjoying our great seats! (thanks mom!) I was really pleasant for a September afternoon game. I didn't sweat as much as I thought I would. And we were in the shade, which helped a lot!

Then, this weekend.. we celebrated my friend Tiffany. She is having her 2nd baby.. Another boy.. and I made these for her nursery. She is having a Dr. Seuss nursery and had been struggling to find something for the walls.. so I thought this would be perfect.

She loved it!

Check out her baby block cake..

and diaper cake at Confections by Courtney!

My Hubby the hunter..

2009-09-04T11:12:00.002-04:00

I know I've done this before.. but he got to be a slacker on blogger (I know we've all been there).. but now since Hunting Season is upon us.. and I'll become not only a football widow but also a hunting widow.. my husband has started posting again..

Check him out..
http://ramblingsfromasouthernboy.blogspot.com/

May the best hunter win! ha!

Move Over Next Food Network Star

2009-08-27T08:16:00.005-04:00

I don't know about you.. but Paul and I love the Next Food Network Star.
We enjoy watching it together and we doubly enjoy cooking some of the creations they come up with. This year from the beginning we both picked Melissa to be "our" winner.. and she did win! (yay!)

Well on her "mock" show on the season finale Melissa made this 4 step Chicken. I LOVE this recipe.. every time I've made chicken this way, it comes out so moist and yummy!

Melissa d'Arabian is so cool.. because she didn't go to culinary school.. but she is a mother and has found ways to get her kids to eat well. I really loved her idea of a show (not the Ten Dollar Meals) so I am hoping everyone else likes her so she'll get her own show permanently.

On her first show, "Ten dollar Meals" showing on Sunday's. She made this Bacon Potato Tort. Once we saw it, I knew immediately I would be trying it, since it has potatoes (which I love) and bacon (which Paul loves). So last Sunday, I made the tort.. and it was delicious.

Then this week (Tuesday night actually), I had fun with the recipe and changed it up some and did a Sweet Potato Tort.

This was the first time I've ever made a pie crust.. and I love it.. it's easy (a little messy.. flour goes everywhere) but it's super yummy and flaky.

Thanks Melissa for sharing your love of food with us! My husband thanks you also! Here is her original recipe.

Bacon Potato Tort:
Ingredients
4 strips bacon
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2/3 cup heavy cream (I used fat free half & half)
2 Pie Crusts, recipe follows
3 medium baking potatoes, peeled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
1 egg yolk, whisked with a splash of water
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until just crispy. Drain on paper towel lined plate and set aside. Crumble the bacon when cool to the touch.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the thyme and cream over low heat to a bare simmer. Turn off the heat and let steep for about 5 minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs.

Remove the pie pan from the refrigerator. Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and then finely slice the potatoes. Working in circles, arrange the potato slices in the pie crust, stopping to season each layer with salt, pepper, and about 1/4 of the crumbled bacon. Continue layering until the pie pan is nearly full. Top with an even layer of the cheese and gently pour cream around and over the entire pie, allowing it to seep down between the potato slices. (You may not use all the cream.)

Roll out the remaining disk of refrigerated dough. Cover the pie with the dough and crimp the edges closed. Brush the top and edges of the crust with egg wash. Make a few slits in the center of the top crust, for the steam to escape, and put the pie pan on a baking sheet. Bake the torte until the crust is browned and crispy and the potatoes are cooked through, about 50 to 60 minutes. If the crust edges get too brown, cover them with some strips of aluminum foil. Remove the pie from the oven and let rest at least 15 minutes before cutting into wedges and serving.

Pie Crust:

1 cup butter (2 sticks), cubed and chilled
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
8 to 10 tablespoons ice water
Put the butter, flour, and salt in the food processor, and pulse lightly just until the mixture resembles wet sand. Add the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing briefly after each spoonful of water. Keep adding water until the dough just begins to gather into larger clumps. Transfer equal amounts of the dough into 2 resealable plastic bags and pat each into a disk. Let rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Remove 1 of the disks from the bag to a flour coated surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to a 10-inch round. Gently fit the rolled dough into a 9-inch pie pan, and refrigerate while you prepare the torte ingredients.

Yield: 2 (9-inch) pie crusts

Courtney's Sweet Potato Tort

I took out the bacon and cheese.. and seasoned each layer of sweet potatoes with oregano and curry powder. (These two ingredients give the sweet potatoes a really yummy flavor). I followed her directions for the rest, still using fat free half & half.

We are ONLINE!

2009-08-25T13:05:00.000-04:00

Hey ya'll..
At work here at the good old Farm.. we have decided to get with the times.. and do an overlay. What this is, is a video over your web page. Well in searching out, I found several different ideas.. and sadly most State Farm agents in our area, do this boring script with little to no movement. So I decided to do some research and create a video that fits not only Andy's personality and his likes and dislikes.. but also is different, catches you attention and fills you in on all the information you might need.

So check it out:
www.andycowart.com

Maybe I should have gone into marketing! ha!

To see some others that aren't so cool:
www.larrycowart.com (Actually, Andy's brother)
www.karenrowell.com (One of our main competitors)

And to see some that inspired me:
www.deborahbecker.com (she really grabs your attention.. and maybe too much)
http://www.3redcircles.com/
http://www.jeffflaig.com/

You may be curious to see if your Agent has an overlay..
Search by zip here:
http://online2.statefarm.com/b2c/sf/AgentLocator

I'M DIVING IN!!

2009-08-21T10:01:00.001-04:00

Well I have taken the plunge...

I started a Cake blog. Well not just cakes.. but cookies, brownies, tarts and other goodies. I have been dabbling in making cakes and other sweets for years now.. and I have finally decided to jump in with both feet.

Honestly, it's really nerve racking.. and at times I think I am completely crazy cause I honestly don't feel like I'm all that good yet.. but the more I bake, the better I'll get.

I hope Confections by Courtney will grow into a business I can do from home once we start having little ones! (Don't freak out, it won't be for another 3 years or so.) But I want to be that stay at home Mom.. and I know I'll need to bring in some kind of income.. so this is the direction I hope (God willing) I'll be moving.

So check out the start of my new business blog: http://confectionsbycourtney.blogspot.com/

Let me know what you think.

I am also going to start baking even more (doing some test cakes) over the next couple of weekends so if you are in my area and want to be a taster let me know! I need all the help I can get. And if anything.. please add this to your prayer list, cause I know I need it. And only with God's help will I be able to do this!

Trip to Silver Bay

2009-08-10T18:52:00.002-04:00

This last week Paul and I went to upstate New York with my family.. my parents, Nick & Sara, my aunt, Uncle, cousins Ben, Laura Lee & Tom and 2nd cousins, Madison, Kaleigh, Maxx & Isabella.

We really enjoyed it. We did everything relaxing.. we went sailing, swimming, we jumped off big rocks.. and spent lots of fun time with our little cousins.

Paul.. who thought the water was too cold to swim.. slowly.. and I mean slowly got in.. some.

Maxx doesn't mind the cold water! He LOVED it!

Here is Kaleigh. She swam out to the raft for the first time this summer.. a HUGE deal at Silver Bay. She went 3 times on Friday.. and we celebrated with ice cream from the Store Friday night.

Here she is on the raft looking back at the beach!

Reading to Madison on the last night! She is just so cute.. and she has the curliest hair!

Here is Nick jumping off the big rock!

Sailing.. we sailed 3 times.. we LOVED it! My Uncle is a HUGE sailor.. and he was so great to take us and other family members out several times throughout the whole week. I'm sure he was exhausted after we all left. We are super thankful for his gift of sailing.

Isn't it beautiful!

Here are the twins.. who turned 1 on last Tuesday.. eating their birthday cupcakes!!

Did anyone notice what named I used when I spoke to Isabella?!?

Here I am jumping off Divers rock! Good times!

Here are Paul and I! Paul FINALLY decided to swim out to the raft with me.. It was also his FIRST time at the raft also! = )

Oh so much fun.. and it's so nice to get away where cell phones don't work.. and we didn't have a tv.. it was just us and God's beautiful nature!

Peachtree Road Race

2009-07-27T18:27:00.001-04:00

So during the entire Peachtree Road Race a company takes photos.. then afterwards they send you an email matching your race # to your email sending you all of your photos. Here are mine.

As you can see in these first two.. I am struggling.. I didn't know the camera was flashing so I wasn't smiling. ha!

In this one you can see Michael (in the white) and Paul behind him in the red.

Then at about 6.1 miles (the race is 6.2 total) they set up this red/blue design on the road to resemble the finish line with a ladder across the road with TONS of photographers snapping shots.. so that would be why we were smiling! We knew we would be photographed! But it's a great shot of both of us.

Then at the end (in Piedmont Park) you can get your photo taken with the finisher sign.. so here we are all done! It was a lot of fun!

I'm so bad at this..

2009-07-20T12:42:00.000-04:00

Posting during the summer is causing a total slacker of myself. It's like too much is going on.. and too little time to explain.. that I am feeling like a failure when it comes to blogging. I'm sorry I'm so bad at this. I hope to post something interesting soon.

We do have grass growing in our backyard. It's a little spotty, but it's coming.

We got a new bedspread for our bed. It's for spring and summer.. and it isn't red. I felt like I was having a red overload since every room in my house had the accent color of red! ha! You can tell what color I like to accent things with!

Paul and I ran in the Peachtree road race. You can see photos on facebook. We had a ball. It was our first 10k and I must say, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I think we'll be doing it again. I ran it in 1:10:52. Which is roughly an 11 min 30 sec mile pace. It is slower than I normally run, but I must say, it's hard to run with 50,000 other people.. but we had fun so that's all that mattered!

Paul's friend Nate got married, so we attended his wedding.

I've slacked off on eating right.. (given into summer with wanting ice cream alot!) and I've been putting exercising on the back burner.. so I've put on some weight. Which frustrates me. I have tried to refocus and I've already lost 2.5 pounds in a week. Sounds good right?! I am just so frustrated with the emotional ups and downs of weight. I just know it's a lifestyle change.. and you can't let summer or ice cream ruin it.. but it's moderation.. and continuing to make good choices.

I am really wanting to be a runner.. so I am trying to run outside every other day... but I need HELP! I need some good songs for my ipod. Something upbeat so that it helps my tempo in running. I can't stand the workout remixes.. so any of you other runners out there have any suggest songs??

In 2 weeks, Paul and I are headed to Silver Bay, NY with the WHOLE family! My parents, Nick & Sara as well as my Uncle Ralph, Aunt Julia, cousin Ben and his little girl Kaleigh, Tom & Laura Lee and their 3 munchkins are all going to be there too! It's going to be interesting but I'm sure a lot of fun! We'll be celebrating the twins 1st Birthday as well as my Aunt & Uncle's 50th Wedding anniversary.. as well as the twins baptism! A very full eventful week.

I also have a handful of friends going through a lot of heavy stuff. Myself included. It's amazing how when you get older your realize the problems you had as a child/teenager were so insufficient in comparison to what is/can happening now. I'm just so glad I have Jesus to lean on and get me through it. Cause most of the time the only thing I know to do is pray.

Anyway.. that's what's happening with me. No fun photos.. but lots going on. I hope everyone else is doing well. I hate that I live in GA and can't see all the babies growing up in person, but I appreciate seeing them online!

Summer Bulk Blogging!

2009-06-28T17:19:00.002-04:00

Oh where to begin..

First (about a month ago)

I made a Lemon Tart.. it was made from a WHOLE lemon.. and very very very tart. Paul liked it.. but I found it too sour. And what is funny about that is I love really really tart key lime pies and he doesn't. So it was weird.

To me the sour wasn't a good sore but a "I'm eating the white part of a lemon". I did peel the lemon zest, then peel the whit part off as much as I could.. then I put the rest of the lemon (minus the seeds) into a

Here it is baked tart. I do also think I overcooked the crust. It looked good at first but then here you can tell it is a little too brown. But it tasted okay.

Ta-da! It does look yummy. I think I am going to try this again and do with with a lime.. or with some key limes. and make a super sour key lime tart instead..

But it was my first tart.. and it was okay for a first.

Second.. I started a herb garden.

We are also planning on actually making an in the ground herb garden, but we are currently working on the back yard first before we put them in the ground. But we do have fresh herbs!! Yeah!!

I do have questions about our herbs garden once it's in the ground. Does it matter the heat of the sun? We have two places we are thinking of putting it and one will get morning sun and be in the shade in the afternoon.. the second will be in the shade in the morning but have TONS of afternoon sun.. which is also the heat of the day sun.?? Which would you do?

Also with SUMMER comes BASEBALL!!

watching Evan play tee-ball!!

Miss Mary Ann and Caitlin!

Evan.. after the game!

Alot of our free time this summer so far has been on YARD WORK!

For those of you who don't know, we planted winter rye in our backyard soon after we moved in.. this was beautiful throughout the winter.. but soon died off.. so we need grass in our backyard.

Oh and Skyler LOVED the kubota! She had to ride with us EVERYWHERE.. what was bad is she wouldn't ride like this photo.. she rode laying down behind the driver (so you couldn't sit all the way back) it was cute.. but kind of annoying.

Paul and I started working on it.. every chance we could get.. from raking, scraping, picking up sticks and rocks.. mowing the old rye grass etc.. it has been hard work. And just this weekend we finally put in the Bermuda grass seeds.. so now we wait.

Then.. we CELEBRATED my BIRTHDAY!! Yeah for 28 years!!!

The girls came with their beaus.. and we played HIGH COTTON.. from Peach & Love.

Rachel won Miss High Cotton!

Myself with Heather.

We played Pop 5 with everyone.. and it was alot of fun also. The boys won!! =(

Tiffany and Kyle

Lindsey and Carrie.. (who had to play as a boy since we were short one and had an extra girl) .. I'm sure she was glad cause her team won!

Kyle and Rachel

Then.. we headed to the beach.. and celebrated my birthday there with the family!!

The cake!! Miss Mary Ann planned on making me a cake, but it was accidentally left at their home on the porch swing.. it somehow never made it into the car.. BUT.. we all conglomerated and came up with this cake..

It was like a trifle.. the layers were.. brownies, marshmallows creme, chocolate pudding, heath bar crunch, and a cream cheese icing.. to say the least it was DELICIOUS!!!

Then at the beach.. as usual we played miniature golf! I must say I love to play it..

We had a lot of hole in ones..

First one was Abbie Kate on the FIRST hole!!

Uncle Paul had one too!

As well as Aunt Kyle (who had 4) and Uncle Andrew (I think)...

I had a couple myself and one of mine was a "winner" hole so I got a free round of mini golf!! yeah!!!

All this fun.. and we are only one month into the summer!!!

It's over 100 here in GA! Can you say hot!

COUNTDOWN!!

2009-06-09T16:17:00.000-04:00

2.5 days.. .. until my

BIRTHDAY!!!!

3.5 days... .... until we leave for the

BEACH!!!

YEAH!!

BMT here I COME!!

2009-06-02T11:03:00.000-04:00

YEAH!

I FINALLY have a free weekend

(no yardwork or 5k's)

when I can come up and

see all my BMT friends.. and

FINALLY meet JULIA!!

I can't wait!

I'll be up late FRIDAY evening..

and I'll leave on Sunday!

Paul can't come..

but my girlfriend Lindsey might be joining me!!

Lastest 5K..

2009-05-24T08:41:00.001-04:00

Old Capital Classic 5K In Milledgeville, GA.. around the hospital...

We got our Starbucks pick-me-up...

I've also started taking the camera on the run with us.. this is fun for action shots.. so here are a few from the road.

Leaving Lindsey.. who is suffering from horrible shin splints...

HURTING!! (Rachel was working and she saw us at about this point..)

Then after the race.. while Lindsey and I were drinking water and eating bananas and oranges.. Paul was eating donuts!!

Sweaty "after" shots..

And.. I got 2nd for my age group. Though.. I don't feel like I ran my best.. if I had.. i think I would have gotten first. But we didn't train for this race.. actually i haven't run AT ALL since the Vidalia race which was at the end of April.. so 3 weeks off no running doesn't equal a good time or the ability to run without needing a breather!

But who can complain about getting 2nd! = )

5 NEW Favorite Things.

2009-05-15T09:49:00.001-04:00

Okay.. so I feel like I'm in a blogger hump.. so I need to kick start myself and try to do something fun.. so I am starting a blogger game.

Rules:

List with photos 5 New Favorite Things. This cannot be something we already know and it should be something new (not old something).. you know the drill.. and I'll just encourage anyone who wants to to play to join me! And hopefully those of you who haven't blogged in a while.. will be encouraged to share 5 new things with us and blog!! (April, Heidi, Paul, Jen and Jess)

1. Diet Dr. Pepper w/ CHERRY! Can you say YUMMY!!

2. Watching Cassie (Paul's cat, whom I don't like to claim) sleep in the sun, wrapped around Skyler's food bowl! It's just makes you heart smile. Even more funny is that she doesn't seem to like Skyler.. Skyler won't do anything but walk by her and she hisses at her. But she'll sleep hugging her bowl!

3. Having my own office!! (This may not be "new" but it is still recent!) Pros: Privacy is really nice! Not having anyone looming over my shoulder as I type.. being able to have a more private conversation on the phone..

Cons: not being able to spy on everyone else ie. know when they are on the phone or not, not being able to see everyone, and customers not realizing I am over to the side now. But over all ... it's a new fav!!

4. Terrapin's Summer Wheat Beer! It's really yummy.. specially with an orange.. but no orange needed. I would suggest trying it to anyone who is looking for a clean crisp refreshing summer wheat!!

5. P90X! Yes.. that infomercial you see on tv. It's works! It totally kicks you butt.. and I think my arms and legs are getting more sculpted. We are only on day 19 and I can already tell.. You do something different each day, so you never get bored.

** If you don't believe me, check out the 11th picture down in the tile post below. Shelley pointed this out to me.. see my calf! WOW! I couldn't believe it either!!**

6. Okay, I know I originally said 5.. but I am really getting into Food Blogs. They are becoming my new fun thing to do at work. I don't have a photo here.. but take a look on the right side of my blog list and I have a Food Blog column. There is some really cool, awesome looking food.. with recipes that I can't wait to try! You can search and narrow down you choices too.. really really cool!

Happy Posting!!

So cute!

2009-05-11T11:25:00.000-04:00

I have some of the cutest nieces and nephews! I wonder/hope my kids are as cute!!

Here is one of them.. Abbie Kate who along with my other niece Caitlin danced in a recital this past week. I don't have any photos of Caitlin on hand.. but she did a great job as well. As an old dancer.. I was so proud of them.. it's like they are following in my foot steps... ha! It makes me want to bring out so old photos of myself in fluffy tutus!! My first dance recital I was wearing pink.. Abbie Kate looked like a princess in white!!

Look at that perfect pointed toe!!

During the recital, Evan climbed into Uncle Paul's lap to watch the dancing. During this time, he made some great observations. First, that we (Paul and I) didn't have any girls. I said, "no, Evan we don't.. we don't have any boys either." And then his second observation, "then why do you have flowers?" He had noticed we brought two sets of flowers for our dancers (Caitlin & Abbie Kate). Such a smart boy!

Then his third observation... 'if I sleep in Uncle Paul's lap, I'd be the most comfortable!!' He didn't say this.. but he did fall asleep in Paul's lap!

How cute is that!??

TILE!!

2009-05-06T08:08:00.001-04:00

Man, what a full weekend! Nick came down from North Carolina to help us put up a tile back splash while he also went to a wedding of a high school friend, Julia.

Paul and I started by hanging "paper" tiles on the wall in the design we thought would work.. so this is paper.. not white tiles.

Then Nick got in a helped us tweak the design specially above the stove making it fully symmetrical..

DAY 1

On Friday, I left for work while Nick and Paul stayed home and worked on the tile over the stove. First making the center design.

First cut!!

Working on the center design!

Hanging the first piece!

You always start at the center and work your way out.

Measuring around the outlets..

Paul and Nick both got really dirty/dusty.. the saw has water below it and it spits off the water/dust.. covering them! I never used the saw... I'm not much of a saw user!

DAY 2

We started over the sink.. not the true middle.. but the visual middle.

Being Saturday, I could help.. not wanting to get in Nick and Paul's way.. I tried to stay back.. my job ended up being gluing the tiles onto the walls..

They would cut and measure.. and I would glue.

We worked very well together.. getting the majority of the tiles on the wall quickly. Then Nick focused on the smaller cuts.. while I worked on putting the outlets back connected to the wall.

DAY 3

On Sunday, after a yummy breakfast.. we started the grout.

You actually rub the grout over the whole tile.. let it dry some, then you clean it off.. and then you have to scrub the hazel that appears off the tiles.. lots of arm work.

Working hard... rubbing in the grout on the bottom next to the counter top was definitely the hardest.

The final product!!!!

Thank you Nick for all your help! We couldn't have done it without you!

Tile is going up!

2009-05-01T13:34:00.001-04:00

Thanks so much for everyones input.. but Paul and I went with a completely different choice. We struggled ALOT trying to decide.. but ended up going with this one. To me it looks more orange in this photo than it really is.. and these are cell phone photos so not the best quality.. since Nick and Paul are at home while I am at work, Paul is updating me with photos.

The tile has a reddish/orange (deeper than the photo) that goes

well with our cherry cabinets.. it has a creamy cream that matches our counter tops.. and a lite accent of a silver/blue-gray color that will pull in the stainless steel appliances. The grout will match this silvery/blue-gray color!!

The first step was the design that Paul and I did with paper that I had cut to the 6.5 by 6.5 square tiles. We ended up taping it all to the walls... trying to figure out what design would look best.

Nick then arrived last night and shared his insight and corrected a few things we had done.. making it even better than before.

Then this morning, Nick and Paul started the work first assembling it on the garage floor..

Then they placed it on the wall..

And now they are building off of it..

I can't wait to get home and see all that they have accomplished in one day!! So very exciting!!

All you need is LOVE

2009-04-29T13:58:00.000-04:00

This video just made my day.. so I must share it!

Isn't Canon just the sweetest!! I hope this brightens your day too!