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My Blissdom Top Ten
Posted on: January 18, 2011
- In: Life
- 15 Comments
In one week {ONE WEEK!} I leave for the Blissdom Conference in Nashville. I am beyond excited. Thrilled, actually. I don’t fully know what to expect {it’s my first time going}, but I do hope to get a lot out of the conference. There are so many great seminars lined up, that it’s kind of hard to narrow down just want I want to participate in. But, I’m sure what ever I go to will be great.
1. Knowledge – From search engine optimization to editing your posts, the seminar descriptions look packed with information. And while I want to go to every single one, I’m sure I’ll be on overload before I know it.
2. Community – I’ve “met” some amazing women over the last year. Grown to really know them as they share their lives through their blogs. It’s provided me with a since of community that has been really incredible. I can’t wait to meet them in real life next week!
3. Networking – Along with the women I have “met” there are still so many great blogging women out there I haven’t. Having the chance to meet new women and expand my network is something I’ve been looking forward to for a while.
4. Creativity – I’ll be honest, I’ve been creatively dry for the last several weeks. Almost as though I’m on auto-pilot. I keep telling myself “Make it to Blissdom” because I’m convinced I’ll walk away full of wonderful creative ideas. Or at least I really hope so!
5. Seeing my family – Blissdom is held each year in Nashville – my childhood city. So going this year means I get to spend a little time with my family. Which is really awesome, because I miss them, even if it’s only been a month since I last saw them.
6. Staying at Opryland – Ok, this might be kind of a silly reason to be excited about Blissom, but the conference is held at Opryland Hotel. In all my years, I’ve never spent the night at Opryland. It’s like a daydreamy place – I had my senior prom there, I’ve walked through it’s halls dozens of times with my family – but I’ve never been lucky enough to spend the night. Until now. And as if it couldn’t get better, I get to stay with Alicia from Alicia’s Homemaking. Squeal!! So excited!!
7. Mama vacation – I’ll be gone for five whole days next week. Five. The longest I’ve ever been away from either of my girls. And while that’s a little sad, I’m taking Alicia’s point of view when she emailed me “I’m going to go SIX days without having to wipe down a high chair!” Woot!
8. Having fun – While Blissdom is sure to teach me a lot, I know it’s not just going to be a boring classroom – in fact, it’s going to be a blast. Between the kick-off party and the pj party, I have a feeling there’s going to be a lot of giggling women all around.
9. Being myself – Writing brings out a part of me that nothing else seems to and I love it. So having the chance to spend time tapping that resource is such a great thing.
10. Fashion – Ok, since I made 2010 my year to bring out my fashionista, I’m pretty excited about some of the finds I came across between now and then. In particular, a gold necklace. Which might not seem like a big deal, but to me it’s huge. I don’t wear gold, so to do a gold necklace is a big step. I’ll be wearing it at Blissdom so let me know what you think!
If you’re going to Blissdom, what are somethings you’re looking forward to?
Visit Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
The other day, Jonathan said “You really tricked me about who you are while we were dating.”
Those words might seem to sting, but they didn’t. Because it’s true. Well, at least what he was referring to: My love/hate relationship with Chinese food.
While we were dating, we loved eating at Asian restaurants. One we found while visiting friends in Boston, Pho Pasteur, was amazing.
Madam Mam's Spring Rolls*
We ate there two, maybe three times on a week long trip. When Jonathan would visit me in college, we ate at some favorite haunts: Madame Mam’s and Thai Noodle House. Yum, yum, yum! And since Asian food is one of Jonathan’s favorite, he was thrilled that his girlfriend loved it.
And then we got married.
While we lived in Iowa, we didn’t find one Asian restaurant that we both enjoyed. Not because they weren’t good, but because I am incredibly picky. I am no fan of Panda Express buffet style Asian food. Yet it seemed that was our only real option in Iowa. So whenever Jonathan would ask “Do you want Chinese food?”, I’d sigh and say “No.”
And Jonathan felt duped. All this time I claimed to like Chinese food, when in fact, I didn’t. Or so he thought.
So this weekend when Jonathan said “You tricked me” I had to clarify:
I didn’t trick him. I still love Asian foods, I just don’t like Asian food chain restaurants. There is a big difference. Upon learning this tidbit of knowledge {although I’m fairly certain this wasn’t the first time I told him my pickiness}, he was elated. As in I-don’t-care-if-we-just-ate-let’s-drive-to-Madam-Mam’s-now-and-eat-again elated.
Needless to say, this week’s date will include Asian food.
And we’re both pretty excited.
It’s Really all About YOU
Posted on: January 14, 2011
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
The other night Jonathan and I were working on my website {have I ever mentioned how wonderful it is to have a web analysis for a hubby?? Well, it is!}. Our jaws dropped when we saw this:
Site Stats for A Wife Loved Like the Church
Since I started actively {and intentionally} blogging last February, my numbers have literally tripled. Each month I am blown away. Each month I think how amazing all of you, my readers, are. You. guys. rock. Really. You do. Your comments, your encouragement, your support, it brightens my day. Thank you so much for supporting me over the last year! I love y’all!
Just a little Friday joy to share with all of you… What’s your Friday joy?
- In: Life
- 21 Comments
When we moved into our apartment, we laughed that it had a fireplace. A fireplace. In southern Texas. Now you’re laughing. Even though we laughed, we knew right away, the moment it was cold enough to put the fireplace to use, we would. December came a went. No fire. Then the new year began. Still, no fire. Finally, this last week, we had an “arctic blast” {weatherman’s words, not mine} and the daytime temperatures have been in the high 30’s / low 40’s and slightly dreary. Perfect fireplace weather.
Feel the warmth?
Monday I told the girls I would attempt to build and start a fire. After much coaxing turned begging and finally walking away, I had a fire going. It was slow at first, but then it burned for several hours, using up all our wood. Tuesday we bought more wood, and I started yet another fire. Come Wednesday night, I tried my hand once again. We celebrated my new found ability by roasting marsh mellows. Yummy.
Yes, those are stockings you see. All our Christmas decorations are still up, with no plans of taking them down soon. And it's not from my love of Christmas, just sheer laziness.
Now, it might not seem like a big deal to start a fire all on your own. Plenty of people have done it. But I can’t honestly say I’ve ever started a fire by myself before this week. I’ve always started fires with other people, had help collecting kindling, help coaxing it, and bringing it to life. Never all by myself, where the fire won’t start unless I start it. It was a pretty great feeling!
Up next? Starting a fire without matches! {Well, ok, that might be a bit of a stretch.}
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
I Had Not Planned to Write Today
Posted on: January 12, 2011
- In: Life
- 6 Comments
It’s true, I hadn’t planned to write today. With my crazy anti-hibernation schedule I set up for us this week, we’ve been going like crazy and I needed a break. But then I saw this:
Haitian Soccer Players*
It is a beautiful picture to me. A picture of hope, determination and resilience all in one. A picture worth a thousand words.
Haiti is marking their one year anniversary today of the earthquake that nearly destroyed them. They are still in need of help, in need of support, in need of our prayers and love. How are we going to keep helping? What can we do? How can we help Haiti have more pictures of hope like this?
- In: Life
- 13 Comments
I use to make fun of my mom for all the different phrases she used on my siblings and me growing up. And even to this day {sorry Mom!} I tease her about never getting our names right. Some how I am always transformed from Sarah to MarSarah {my sister and my name mashed together}. My brother’s have it worse, since there are four of them {LinJessFletchJohn}. My mom would always tell us that we’d be the same way once we had our own kids. I never believed her. Until now. The things I never thought I’d say, until I became a mom:
1. Don’t put that in your mouth.
2. Get your hands out of the toilet.
3. Fingers out of your nose/mouth.
4. Wipe that look off your face.
5. This is your side, this is your sister’s. Don’t cross the line.
6. Oh! Someone has a poopy! {Said in either total praise or total disgust – depending on the circumstance}
7. Go ask your dad.
8. When I was your age…
9. I’ll give you a cookie if you…
10. Because I said so.
Are there things you said you’d never say/do that now as an adult/parent you find yourself doing just that?
Visit Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Hibernation Anyone?
Posted on: January 10, 2011
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
Even though the temperatures here aren’t cold enough to warrant snow, I am in my winter-is-for-hibernation mode. January, for me, should be National Hibernation Month, lasting until March. I don’t know what it is, the shortened days, still recovering the holiday life or the fact that my bed is oh so cozy.
This is about how I sleep every night - rear up in the air.*
But, since I can’t hibernate, I’m pushing myself to plan events/outings to make sure that I don’t slack off and find myself half asleep on the couch while the girls “entertain” themselves {which, let me tell you from resent experience, will only result in absolute craziness and painting on the wall… Thank you Hannah!}.
My ultimate solution to fighting hibernation: coffee. So here’s to my third cup of coffee this morning, fun outings plans and an uber clean house on a Monday morning!
My Two Favorite New Bloggers
Posted on: January 8, 2011
- In: Life
- 2 Comments
Between keeping up with my blog and reading my “favorite” list, it’s been a little hard for me to find new bloggers. I’ll read a few posts, like them, but then I don’t read them for a while and before I know it, I’ve dropped the ball entirely. But lately, I’ve been reading some new blogs and I’m loving them. In fact, two of them I’m loving so much I had to stumble them so that all of you can enjoy them too!
Rach of This Italian Family – Rach commented on my blog one day, and I’m so glad she did! I just love her posts {especially the food ones!} and she’s just too cute to boot.
Kelsey of Mrs. Dexter – Kelsey is a friend from Iowa, who I’ve been reading for a while. But, she’s pushing full steam ahead with her blogging and she’s rockin’ it! You’ve gotta check her out.
Hope you’re enjoying a relaxing Saturday!
Visit Mandi at It’s Come 2 This for more Saturday Stumbles.
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
I have always loved animals. Even creepy crawly animals. Ok, ok, maybe I don’t love bugs, but I respect their life cycle and what they are made to do. But with out exception I love, love, love big dogs. Sure, I’ve come across some that are mean, a little scary, but mostly they are just big ole babies.
When we got our dog, Jack, nearly four years ago, I fell in love fast. He was such a cute puppy.
Serious puppy cuteness
Now as a 90 pound lap down {I wish I was joking about the lap dog part} he is such a gentle giant with our girls. Which makes me love him even more. We all still refer to him as “puppy”, though he is clearly not.
As this week’s adventure, I took Jack and the girls to an off leash trail yesterday. It was so much fun, until…
Jack jumped in the creek.
I don’t know if you’ve ever smelled wet dog, but let me tell you, it ain’t good. And since Jack is a “lap dog” that sleeps on our couches and beds, he was in serious need of a bath before I let him roam the house.
Thankfully we have a pretty large tub, and Jack {being the awesome dog he is} actually didn’t put up a fight getting into the tub. He either stood or sat the entire time.
Here he is before his bath:
Not too thrilled, but being a good sport.
He never once tried jumping out and just sat there while the girls and I washed him.
Here he is post bath:
Can you tell he is a little spoiled?
To make up for the trauma, Jack got extra love from the family:
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday and Jill at Diaper Diaries for more Things I Love Thursday.
Winter in Texas {A Picture}
Posted on: January 5, 2011
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
{This was taken in December – the temperature for the day was in the 70’s. I used a very similar shot as our Christmas cards.}
Visit 5 Minutes for Mom for more Wordless Wednesday.
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