Nix News

Update on the Girl!

2010-09-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Camille is now 6 months old (7 months old on the 20th)! I have been back at work for just over a month. I thought being just a mama was hard--being a full-time working mama is atleast 300% harder.

Camille is such a blessing to us. She is (finally!) out of her swaddle, sitting up, laughing out, eating lots of solid food (so far she hates anything that is a green vegetable), and seems to be adjusting to me going back to work. My biggest struggle with her has been the fact that she is a very shy baby. Who would have EVER thought in a million years, that I would have a shy baby? Certainly not me! Camille cracks everyone up, because if she is meeting you for the first time (or even the 10th)--she will stare a hole through you, and if you are REALLY lucky, she will give you a small smile. Now, if you are covered in fur and bark--she will laugh, giggle, squeal and try to pull your hair out. Callie is her true love. Thank goodness, Callie loves her too, and wants to lick her all over (which Andy hates, I allow it a little bit--but don't tell him:)). I count my blessings every day that that is my biggest struggle--because it could always be something so much worse. And most of the time I secretly love that she only wants me sometimes, because I know that will not always be the case. Hope you are all well, and a BIG shout out to all my working mamas out there. Let's be honest, though, most of you working mamas don't have time to read my blog--am I right?

Top Ten

2010-06-10T07:42:00.001-07:00

Here are the Top Ten Things Every Pregnant Mommy Should Know That I Learned From Another Mommy, a Book, or for Myself

(shout out to Whitney (due June) and Lauren (due September) Holla!!!!)

1. If you plan to breastfeed, put lanolin on "the girls" every day from 6 weeks before your due date on (it softens everything up and keeps things from cracking and drying up)

2. At the end of your pregnancy you cannot reach anything (sorry to be gross, but I'm talking about the restroom here)

3. You don't have to wash the babies clothes in Dreft, you can use a cheaper detergent like All Free & Clear. I have started to wash all of our clothes in it, so even when I just need to wash one or two things of Camille's, it can go in with the rest of our stuff.

4. Soothie pacifiers suck. Even though it is the pacifier that all the books I read recommend because it is more like mom's nipple. Seriously? I can't imagine anyone's nipple shaped like that.

5. Gather up as many menus from area restaurants that deliver or carry out and have them at your house. I would go so far as to store their numbers in your cell phone (actually your husband's cell phone, since he will be the one picking it up!) Some moms who are totally organized freeze things ahead of time (go Rachel!)--but if you are feeling like a beached whale like I was...get the menus.

6. No matter what the Pregnancy Police* says: YOU CANNOT SPOIL A NEWBORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7. The first 2 (I really say 3) months of your babies life--just survive. Don't freak your freak about schedules and sleep schedules, it will make your life a living...well, you know. But, if scheduling makes you feel better, go ahead and give it a whirl, it works for some people.

8. The Fog. For atleast the first 3 months of your baby's life, you will live in what I now call "The Fog". You don't know who you are, if you are nursing--you feel like a cow, none of your clothes fit, you are tired beyond your wildest imagination, you don't know what in the world you are doing, you cannot remember ANYTHING...I could go on and on. When your baby turns 3 months old, it begins to lift (or it has for me). I hear from other mommies that around 6 months old, you really feel alot better.

9. My amazing friend (and Camille's pediatrician) Dr. Kelly Lathem gave me the best advice when I called her freaking out because Camille hadn't slept in several hours (which all babies do:)) and I was quoting one of the 10 books I had read to her. She said, "Bethany, babies don't read the books." That hit me like a ton of bricks and I have quoted her to myself and everyone else since.

10. Don't feel bad about watching your babies eyelashes grow (or anything on his/her body for that matter). Your house could be falling apart all around you, but take the time to play with your baby (or just stare at them, like I do). Like Scarlett O'Hara says, "Tomorrow is another day". Just clean your house tomorrow (or next week, like me).

I really could do a Top 50, but I don't mean to overwhelm anyone--like you don't already feel that way. These things are what have worked for me and you will figure out what works for you and your baby!

*Pregnancy Police: The total strangers who approach you and give you advice about what you should do while you are pregnant or even after. I don't consider myself the Pregnancy Police, because you chose to read my blog, I didn't force it upon you:0)

Naked & Illiterate

2010-06-02T13:11:00.001-07:00

Yes, my friends, I titled my blog, "Naked & Illiterate". When I was pregnant, my father-in-law saw me drinking a cup of coffee at church and he told me research had shown drinking coffee during pregnancy caused women's babies to be born naked and illiterate. I was instantly horrified and just as I headed off to pour out my coffee, I realized that ALL babies were born naked and illiterate! That one took a few minutes for my pregnant brain to grasp. How funny is that? When Camille was born, I looked at the nurses and told them I had drank too much coffee because she was naked and illiterate. It took them a second, too!
Camille is in the middle of her third nap of the day (Go, girl! We are entering hour #3!) and I have been surfing the Internet trying to figure out how I am going to make more money. I ran across Amazon Associates. If you link to products from your blog and people buy things from Amazon.com--you get commission from it. I keep thinking about all these books and products that I recommend to everyone having babies--could I use my blog to make money? Highly doubtful, but I'm going to look into it further and let you all know. Now, on to more important things...the girl is stirring, I'll check back soon!!

Mommy-licious

2010-05-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about changing the name of my blog to "Mommy-licious: Everything you need to know about being a mommy that NO ONE will tell you". I think that is probably already the name of a book somewhere--but since only 15 people read my blog, it is probably okay. Okay, I just took a second to Google that and about 800 things popped up...oh well.

As of today, Camille is over 3 months old. I don't know how many weeks, so don't ask. The fact that I can remember my entire name is a miracle within itself, keeping up with my child's age in weeks is asking waaaaay too much. The experience of having a child has been such a dichotomy. How can one little miniature person be both the best thing in your life and the most challenging? One second she is crying her eyes out because she is hungry and stuck in the car seat--I'm not about to get her out. #1: Unsafe #2: Illegal and I really don't want to have to call the Department of Family and Children Services on myself since I am a mandated reporter...silly counselor job. The next second she is smiling the biggest, gummiest, most beautiful smile in the whole world that melts any frustration I have away (as seen in the picture above!). She is getting more and more fun everyday. I'll admit it, we were not the best of friends for a few weeks. She went through a phase where she would cry like I was trying to chop her leg off with a butter knife everytime it was time to sleep (naptime, bedtime...basically anytime she was a tiny bit sleepy). Thankfully, that only lasted a few weeks, then we were best of friends again. This Mommy thing is so much harder than any job I have ever had in my entire life. It's amazing how I can feel like I have been working my tail off all day, and still be in the same position at the end of the day when Andy gets home as I was when he left in the morning.

Here are just a few of the things I have learned already:

1) I don't think twice about wearing an outfit that has been thrown up on (down the front and back--how do they do this?!?!)

2) I can brush my teeth and 2 minutes later try to remember if I have brushed my teeth. Since I cannot remember, I go feel my toothbrush to see if it is damp.

3) I have had to buy scented deodorant for the same reason, I can't remember if I have put it on and I couldn't smell the unscented kind.

4) I can be ready one hour ahead of time and it doesn't matter, we will still be late everywhere we go.

5) Camille has 150 burp cloths, but I can never find one when I need it.

6) I have never loved before like I love Andy & Camille.

7) I feel sheer joy when I hear one tiny laugh.

Hope this helps some of you mommies out there and mommies-to-be--I've decided that I am not going to sugar coat this new job I have, it is important to be honest so everyone will know that they are not crazy (or maybe I am the crazy one to lay it all out there...). Now that I am off for summer vacation, I will hopefully have more time to update. Blogger takes so long for pictures, it is easier to see new ones on Facebook. HAPPY SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!

I have a 3 week old!

2010-03-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally took the pregnancy ticker off of the blog, because I am not 42 weeks pregnant--I am the mother of a 3 week old precious baby girl, Camille Rae Nix. Camille was born on Saturday, February 20th at 2:55 pm. She weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21 inches long.

Everyone always wants to hear everyone's childbirth story, so I guess I will share mine. On Friday morning, I began having contractions which were very sporadic. Andy took me to the doctor's office to have them monitor me (so I wouldn't have to sit in triage at the hospital). They monitored me and checked me...nothing, so they sent me home to rest. I was very upset at first--then realized that the end was truly near and I would rather have early labor at home than in the hospital. So, I went home for the day, and Andy went to work to tie up a few loose ends (because he was planning on staying with me the first week we brought Camille home). We ate Chinese food that night (because my friend, Marcie, had eaten the same Chinese food the Friday before and went into labor, so I was trying to help things along:)). Well, it worked, that night at 12:30 am, I woke up having a contraction and then felt a POP! I thought Camille had head-butted me, but actually, my water broke. When I got up to go to the bathroom, I had to make a run for it. I went ahead and woke Andy up and took a shower. Off we went to the hospital. By the time we got to the hospital, I got out of the car and had to book it to the Women and Children's center because I was gushing stuff everywhere...just like on TV. I have never met or heard of anyone whose fluid ruptured like mine--it was crazy!

They quickly got me into a room and I was already asking for my epidural (which is a little piece of heaven here on earth, let me tell you). The nurse anesthescist who put it in was amazing, I didn't feel anything but the numbing shots they gave me--I told her that she had extra jewels in her crown in heaven for relieving me of my pain. From then on, we napped and watched the DVD's I brought of "Friends". We were thinking this whole ordeal was pretty laid back, and then I started pushing...2 hours later, Camille was here. "2 hours?!?!?" you ask? Yes, 2 hours. I was such a wimp, plus she was face up and apparently this makes the entrance into the world much more difficult for Mommy when she is pushing. I also had a fever (which Camille had as well when she came out) and she had had a bowel movement before she came out--so things were very interesting there for awhile.

She has now been in our lives for 3 weeks. Andy stayed home with me the first week, my mom the second week, and this past week, I was on my on (sort of--I've had lots of help with my wonderful mother-in-law, Sandra). I am amazed day by day of how much I love this little girl. I was also surprised to find out how much more it made me love Andy--something no one ever told me. It is crazy to know that there is a little piece of both of us in Camille, unreal. I also have to wish Andy a Happy Birthday--he will be 31 years old this Wednesday, St. Paddy's Day. Here are a few pictures of Camille. Enjoy!

38 weeks and counting...

2010-02-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

We are 38 weeks and 3 days pregnant as of today--I cannot believe how fast the time has flown. Chris Anne and my mom came down for the weekend and helped me do some last minute things (like getting a pedicure, eating Mexican food, and shopping at Target--very important!). As the song goes, "My bags are packed, I'm ready to go..." I am fully prepared to have this baby at anytime. Unfortunately, she is not ready to come just yet. I have been checked at the doctor's office the last two Mondays, and no dilation or effacement--I had an ultrasound on Monday and they are guess-timating that she weighs 6 lbs. 15 oz. She should be an average size little bundle. I go back to the doctor tomorrow to be checked once more, I am expecting the same news...no progress. I'm trying to enjoy my final days of getting to be selfish and hanging out with Andy and Callie, it's too bad I feel like a beached whale trying to get around:) February 25th: here we come!!

And Now Presenting...BELLY PICS!!!

2009-12-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, all you belly stalkers out there, here are some (clothed) pictures of my belly growth! You'll notice by the end of these pictures, it is just a belly pic, no face in it--I have now banned belly pictures with my face in them--for any of you that have been pregnant, I'm sure you can understand! I hope you enjoy these alot more than I am enjoying posting them for the world to see!19 weeks

23 weeks--on the beach at Jekyll Island when we went down for the UGA/Florida game

27 weeks: Thanksgiving Day

Me and the grandmothers at my family & church shower in Gainesville
28 weeks

Happy Birthday to my LITTLE brother!

2009-12-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, one day late isn't bad! Happy 27th birthday to Eli (yesterday)! He is quite the old man now. I have an awesome brother who makes me almost pee my pants laughing all the time. You kind of get attached to someone when you have been around them for 27 years. Eli is such a blessing to me and everyone he is around, I'm so glad I get to call him my brother (and that Camille will get to call him "Uncle"). Love you, Eli!!!!!!

26 weeks

2009-11-19T17:10:00.000-08:00

Now, friends, let me explain the lack of belly pics. I have recently changed computers, and have not had the chance to download my camera program onto the new computer. So, sorry! I know I will have to get on the ball before this baby comes (in 98 days, yikes!). We have been busy and I'm looking forward to a break from work--it is too hectic being the only counselor for 750 little ones. I'm excited about eating over the holidays in maternity pants--no unbuttoning necessary! Have a great Thanksgiving week!

I've Joined the Knocked Up Club!

2009-10-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it has happened...Andy and I have joined the Knocked Up Club! I am 20 weeks pregnant with a healthy little girl--it is so hard to believe! Our due date is February 25th--so we are half way there. Everyone has been asking for belly pics, and once I get up the nerve to post these on the Internet, I'll share with you! Please keep us in your prayers! Love to all!

Happy 30th Birthday to Andy...

2009-03-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

...this Tuesday! Andy is a St. Patrick's Day baby! I cannot even begin to write how blessed I am to be married to Andy. Even in the midst of all the tragedy we have recently experienced, he has been by my side the entire time, taking care of me. It is such an amazing thing to be able to say that I love this guy more and more every single day. I'm blessed!

Catch Up!

2009-01-11T13:39:00.003-08:00

I have been downloading these pictures over the past couple of weekends, and keep forgetting to post this blog entry. These pictures summarize our wonderful Christmas break that we had. We spent Christmas from Gainesville to Dalton to Nashville. Now, we have been back to work for about 3 weeks, and we are leaving for a cruise in February with Chris Anne and Dave! Whoo Hoo! It is going to be awesome! I don't have much to say, so just enjoy the pictures!

The Sciortino family at Andrew's birthday party

Andrew and Campbell

Close up!!

Callie and her pseudo-puppies--we gave them as presents to Andrew and Campbell, but they looked so much like Callie I had to take her picture with them!

Our family

Bros and Sis-In-Laws

Eli & Dad

Carrie, Lauren, and me at our shopping excursion to Green Hills mall

My awesome hubby

Callie discovered her stocking and stared at it and cried until I put it somewhere else!

Family Christmas in Dalton

At Junior League Charity Ball with my friends Tess & Kelly

Charity Ball photo op

Christmas at Maw Maw's

Stunned over Thanksgiving Break!

2008-11-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

My dad has taken up SCUBA diving as his new hobby. Over Thanksgiving break, he shared lots of stories and pictures of his training and certification test dives. Very interesting! But, imagine my surprise when he told me about the new bumper sticker he has on his truck to show the world his new hobby. I could not find the actual bumper sticker online, but below is a coffee mug with the picture on it. Please read carefully: OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately, my dad did not realize exactly what this meant--and he had made the mistake of asking my mom if it was okay to put on, and she told him it was fine. Imagine the horror of having to explain to your parents why this was not an appropriate bumper sticker for one of their cars! Eli, Andy, and I laughed until we cried over this! Sorry I had to sell you out on my blog, Dad, but it was too funny of a story not to share!! Needless to say, we had a great Thanksgiving break with our families. I hope all of your Thanksgivings were wonderful as well!

New Pictures

2008-11-26T06:10:00.000-08:00

I've been neglectful when it comes to pictures on my blog posts. Many apologies. I am now on Thanksgiving Break, so I have some extra time! Here is a random montage of pictures. Happy Thanksgiving! Andrea, Alesha, and me tailgating before the UGA/Bama game. It wasn't a great turn out for our Dawgs, but we did have fun!

Dre and Me

This is Perry, daughter of our friends Darrell and Celeste. They were over at our house for our Sunday/Wednesday class get together. I had to take Perry's picture with Callie because they have the same hair! Plus, they absolutely loved each other!

Can you tell where Perry's hair ends and Callie's begins?

Family picture at my mom's birthday party

Andy & his cousin, Scott, after Scott's wedding

Here is a shot of a beautiful rainbow that appeared at our house after a rain shower!

Stuff -n- Things

2008-11-22T17:41:00.000-08:00

I have had a great week! I began my week by going shopping with Kate Hazlewood at the outlets (which is exactly halfway between my house and hers!). It was so good to be able to hang out with Kate, and we only had to drive 20 minutes to meet up! I didn't get much Christmas shopping done, but the company was completely worth it! Of course my week at school was as interesting as always: dealing with kids saying inappropriate comments about their teacher (I don't even want to type any of them out), helping kids, organizing our Secret Santa program, and getting ready for our annual school counselors conference. Carol Ann and I headed to Augusta for our conference and learned lots of fun new things that we can implement. One of the presentations we saw that sticks out in my head was a presentation from the Feingold Organization (http://www.feingold.org/). The presenter talked about how all the preservatives, artificial flavorings, and dyes in our food can affect children's (and adults!) behavior. They are hearing great success stories from parents whose children have a spectrum of medical diagnoses (autism, AD/HD, bipolar, etc.) and from parents who just want to remove this stuff from their diet. I would encourage you to check out their website and do some research of your own to see what you think! It is very interesting. Whitney, this is right up your alley!
When I returned from Augusta, I had a date planned with my sister-in-laws and a friend from church, Emily. We journeyed to the movie theatre for the opening night of "Twilight". We were surrounded by teeny-boppers galore, and they kept us laughing, because they would freak out and yell when one of the main characters, Edward, came onto the screen. I'll admit that my heart did go pitter-patter as well, but I kept my "Whoo Hoos!" to myself. We enjoyed the movie, but as always, the book was better. I won't bore you all with my critique of the movie, but for my fellow fans, let me know what you think when you see it! I hope your Thanksgiving week is great!

Blog Facelift

2008-11-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

I've been playing with this blog for the past hour, and have given it a major facelift! I've added a new fun background, picture, and if you check out the right side of the web page, you can see all the people I check up on/stalk on a regular occasion!

Things have been fairly boring here--which is absolutely wonderful, if you ask me. I thought about borrowing a kid from my across-the-street neighbor to write about. She has 4, so I thought she wouldn't miss them if I borrowed one for a while, but I guess that is not a great idea, huh? Oh, well...maybe next post! I hope your November is wonderful!

Reader's Digest

2008-10-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

I am at my parents' house this weekend, and picked up Reader's Digest (I love how I can chill here!). The article, "Get a Great Deal on Anything" caught my eye, since Dave Ramsey rules my life. The author had some great tips on websites that can save you money! I have been surfing around looking at some of them, and thought I would share them with you all. Here they are: here's to cheap and close-to-home shopping!
www.retailmenot.com : This is the website where you get all the discount codes you can put in at the end of checking out online and they have lots of printable coupons!
www.dealcatcher.com : More coupons!!
www.pricegrabber.com; www.shopping.com ; www.shopzilla.com : comparison shopping to see if you are getting the best price--or to find the best price for you!
www.freepeats.org : Alright all you mamas who love the hand-me-downs! This is a website which gives you access to people to swap baby, kid, and maternity finds in 25 cities for a onetime charge of $4.95.

Happy Birthday to Mama Jan!

2008-10-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my awesome Mom (on Friday)! She is absolutely the best in the whole wide world! Love you mom!

Here is a great picture from our beach trip!

I've got good news and bad news...

2008-09-28T12:27:00.001-07:00

...Let's go with the good news first! Sandra's neurologist called with the awesome news that the only thing that her latest MRI shows is a little arthritis in her spine (no big deal)--so all is clear! I know she feels like the weight of the world is off of her shoulders and she will go back to the neurologist for an appointment at the end of October. So, we still don't know what caused her episodes, but whatever it was, it is gone now! Isn't that awesome?!

Now, for the bad news. My Georgia Bulldogs got a good old-fashioned butt kicking by the Crimson Tide on Saturday night. We were there for the game, and the only fun part was the third quarter. But, the Dawgs did not give up, so that speaks for something...right? We had a great time with Andrea and Hunter (who came down for the game)--and most of the day was a blast! SEC football is crazy!!! Everyone was impressed by how nice and polite the Bama fans were--but I knew that anyway, since half of my friends Roll with the Tide.
Kudos to Alabama...I suppose.

Junior League and The Women

2008-09-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to spread my wings out further in Gainesville--well, actually, to get completely out of my comfort zone, I have joined the Junior League in town. For those of you who do not know what Junior League is (or if you have preconceived notions)--let me tell you a little about it. It is a service organization for women, which requires a 7 year commitment (yes, 7 years, folks!). Each year, each member must volunteer in a charitable organization for a minumum of 40 hours. The first year (my provisional year)--we are not placed, but learn all about "The League" as some people call it in several different meetings. I am really excited about it, and I have met a lot of new women in the community. Our provisional class has about 36 women in it, and I am feeling a little bit like I am back in the pledging world--but a little more grown up. I always thought Junior League was made up of people that could be kind of snotty--but that before I had ever met anyone in it:)! So far, there is not a snob in the bunch! Thanks to Carol Ann for opening my eyes!

Back in the summer, I recommended the "Twilight" series of books--and many people have now gotten addicted to them. I apologize to your husbands and children if you were one of my victims--but they are just that good. Now, I am going to recommend a movie. Last night, I went with a bunch of girls to see "The Women" starring, well, basically half the famous women in Hollywood: Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, etc. You have to get a group of girls together to go see it--it is a total chick flick--and there is not ONE man in the entire movie, I guess that is why it is called "The Women". We all really enjoyed it! Well, I'm off to eat supper, then watch UGA take on Arizona State--GO DAWGS!! You've gotta love college football season!

Still No News

2008-09-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Sandra had her MRI yesterday afternoon--but her follow up doctor's appointment is not until the end of October! Yeah, that is ridiculous! We had another family friend who had the same MRI done, and found out the results by the end of the week, so we're not sure if the doctor's office will call with the results, or just try to move her appointment up (both options would be good!). Thanks for all the emails and prayers--keep going with those. I'll keep you updated!

Not much of an update

2008-09-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess no news is good news so far. Sandra went to the neurologist on Friday, and he said that her MRI looked better than his personal MRI:). She is scheduled for a more in-depth MRI on September 15th. She continues to be episode free, so that is great news, but we are still anxious for the doctors to figure out exactly what is the cause of all this stuff. Your prayers are much appreciated!

On a humorous note, I had to take Callie to the vet on Tuesday because her ear was swollen to about 3 times it's normal size. The diagnosis? BUG BITE!!! I'm not even kidding! The treatment was either a cortisone shot, or Benadryl at home...I chose the Benadryl route. Andy says that she is having sympathy bug bite swelling because of my fire ant episode. Like mother, like doggie-daughter!

I know many of you prayed for my friend, Katie, when she was going through her sickness at the end of last year--and that you continue to pray for her family. A fund has been started in Katie's memory. I have been meaning to post the website so here it is! It's main purpose is to spread the gospel! Please take some time to check it out:
http://khwfund.org/

Love to all!

A New Family Tradition

2008-09-01T16:32:00.001-07:00

It seems that the Nix family has come up with a new tradition for Thursday nights, visits to the emergency room! I don't recommend trying this tradition for your family, since it can be quite tiring and costly, but you do get to see a much different group of people than you ever have before! Two Thursdays ago, I was leaving a dinner at someone's house, when my toe began to burn. I realized that I had been bitten by something, but did not think much about it, until I got home and was itching from head to toe! Everywhere I scratched, hives started to break out, until I was covered in them, and my entire body was beginning to swell! I quickly downed a Benadryl, and picked up the phone to call Andy, who was walking in the door (fortunately). To put it mildly, I was freaking my freak, and looking more and more like Will Smith in 'Hitch' by the minute. I downed another Benadryl and headed for the ER. Apparently, Acute Anaphylactic Shock is not a good enough excuse to be seen in the ER before a 2 hour wait. The nurse told me that if I began to be unable to breathe, to let her know, and they would take me back. Well, I could breathe, but the wait in the ER made me wish just a teensy bit that I couldn't. There were people coming through high and drunk off their rear ends, people with 2 year olds that were not sick, and then there was me, the swollen-blimp-head, who waited patiently. When we were finally taken to the back, I was looking much better thanks to the overdose of Benadryl, but the doctor was shocked and upset that I had to wait--I hope someone got their booty chewed out for that one! So, one EpiPen and IV drug later, I was headed home with a prescription for steroids and an EpiPen. I now have to carry an EpiPen at all times, just in case another ravenous fire ant bites my toe. You read it right, folks, FIRE ANT! Andy wants me to pretend that it was some killer African wasp that got me, he thinks that sounds cooler, but "cooler" is not the story of my life! I have never even been stung by a bee, wasp, yellow jacket, etc., but a fire ant is now my undoing!

Now on to the next Thursday night, and this visit was much more serious: All of Andy's brothers and wives were hanging out watching the opening college football game of the season, when we received a phone call from Chris, Andy's dad. My mother-in-law, Sandra was having a conversation with my father-in-law at home, when she started to have trouble talking and began choking. Chris called an ambulance, and they transported her to the ER, where we all met them. Her vital signs were good, and by the time she got to the hospital, she was able to communicate and breathe with no problems. When Andy and his brothers were in the back talking with her, she had another episode of being unable to communicate. The ER did a CT scan which came back negative (no tumors, bleeding, etc.) so the doctors put her on a blood thinner to keep her from having any more of what they were calling “mini-strokes” and admitted her to the hospital. On Friday morning, she had another episode right before she had an MRI done. The MRI came back clear, the only thing on there was a small bit of calcification and plaque on some random blood vessel. The doctors did not appear concerned with this, and still do not know the cause of her episodes. She was dismissed from the hospital on Saturday morning, and will see a neurologist this Friday to see if they can figure out what is causing all of this. To add to everything, Andy's dad had sinus surgery a few weeks ago, and towards the end of last week and while Sandra was in the hospital, his nose would start to bleed and he couldn't get it to stop. He had to go to the ER Saturday morning, and my dad took him to the doctor on Saturday afternoon to have it cauterized (sp?). My parents and Eli came down this weekend, and Eli went to the UGA game with all of us and my parents stayed with Chris and Sandra to watch the game on TV. We wanted to stay with them, but Chris and Sandra wanted us to all go to the game and get away for a little while. As of this post, things are still going well, we're just up in the air about what is the cause of Sandra's episodes, so we would appreciate your prayers!

I'm going to try to post some promised pictures if Blogger will let me! Have a great week!

Here is my best picture of all The Ones from our weekend in Chattanooga

We had to wait in the boiling heat for everyone to return to the car, I made everyone look ill so that I could take a funny picture!

Annie, Shane, Keyla, and me!

Annie, Maggie, and Merriwether at the shower

The hostesses and Annie (Jesse, Whitney, Annie, me)

Keyla and her baby boy, Cal

Maggie & Merriwether "Cheese!"

Annie and I at the reunion

Andy, me, and Eli at the UGA game

Me and Eli!

Me, Alesha, and Sherry

At the game, the newest UGA mascot, UGA VII, was introduced to much hoopla...here's a close-up

Here is where he stays during the games, in his air-conditioned, iced-down dog house--Jillina, please show Mark these pictures!

Here was our view of the 'dog'-arazzi taking pictures of UGA VII--we were really far away!

The End of Summer...

2008-08-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Of course, the end of my summer is marked by the beginning of school. We are beginning the third full week of school, so you can say that I am back in the swing of things. Since my last post, I have had many out-of-town experiences. I headed to Chattanooga at the end of July to hang with The Ones, Lauren, Laura, Carrie, Andrea, and Brooke. We had the greatest weekend hanging out around town and bonding with lots and lots of girl time! We even had a little surprise shower for Laura and her soon-to-come bundle of joy, Ella Tate! When I returned home on Sunday, Andy asked me where I wanted to go the following week (my last week of freedom before school was out) because he had taken the week off of work...SURPRISE!!! I was so excited, I couldn't stand myself:)! I decided that I wanted to stay close to home, so we had a "Staycation" at home and in Atlanta. We spent the week alternating between the pool (my fave) and the golf course (his fave), then we went to Atlanta for a long weekend. We stayed at a nice hotel, ate unbelievable food, and did all the touristy stuff we never do (Hard Rock Cafe, High Museum of Art, Atlantic Station). We had a blast, and were only an hour from home. I didn't take any pictures of our staycation, but maybe I can find some on the internet from the places we went. Moving on...last weekend, Andy, Callie and I headed to Dalton for my 10-year high school reunion, and a shower for Annie. My high school reunion was a lot of fun--it was so great to see so many people I hadn't seen in ages! I was so glad all of our girlfriends could get together for the shower for Annie and Katie Charlotte, the newest addition to her family who will be here in a couple of weeks. Blogger is not letting me download pictures--but I hope to have some soon!

Nashville, Florida, The Shack, & Twilight...

2008-07-22T06:27:00.001-07:00

The title of this blog is a summary of what I have been up to over the past week. The weekend of the 12th, Andy and I headed to Nashville for golf (him) and picnics (me) with friends. When I returned from Nashville, after a retreat with school, I headed to the beach with my mom, Eli, and my little cousin, Parker. We hung out on the beach for a few days, before visiting my cousin, Heath, his wife, Kate, and their son, Carter, in Jacksonville. We had a blast! While I was gone, I discovered (through the help of Eli and friends) some great new books: The Shack (Christian) and Twilight (young adult Harry Potteresque, except with vampires). Eli let me borrow The Shack and he was also the third person to say something about Twilight, so I had to read it. Both books are a must-read--and Twilight is a series, and I have just finished the second book, New Moon. You have to get them! Two very different genres, but both very good! You can probably tell that I am not much for details in this blog, I just wanted to post some pictures so you can see what has been going on! Enjoy the rest of your summer--mine is ending all too soon!

Our lovely hosts in Nashville: The Sciortinos! Thanks for letting us shack up once again! And right below, Andy and Andrew

Here is Campbell singing "Seek Ye First"--do you think he is listening in church? I think so!

My cousins: Kate, Carter, and Heath Perkins--we had a great time in Jacksonville!

A beautiful sunset

Parker!

Eli and Parker with some short fisherman outside Down The Hatch

Everyone but me (someone has to take the pictures!)

I made Eli pose for this picture--I think it needs to be his new Facebook profile shot. I told him that I put the book in it so everyone can see that he is academic-minded:)!

Summer Fun!

2008-07-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

To borrow a term from Lauren, I have been a total "blog-stalker" and not an actual blogger this summer. I feel as though I don't have as much to contribute to the blogging world (I have no skunk stories or babies stories to tell you about). I'll do my best, though! My summer has been filled with, well, nothing until last week. Callie and I have been lounging at the pool the entire summer, but last week, I headed off to Camp Wetoga, the Bible camp that I grew up going to. I was one of the counselor's of the "G-3" cabin--I was partially in charge of 12-14 year olds, and before I went I was a little nervous. There is a reason that I am a counselor in an elementary school, I don't feel confident enough to deal with middle school girl drama--but ready or not--it was there! I had no expectations of the week, but even if I had had some, they would have been blown out of the water! I was blessed by each and every one of the 21 (yes, count them) girls who were in my cabin. I was even more blessed by the Bible teacher and counselor I was with, Susan Davis and Ashley Perry--we had a blast, even when we had to tell the girls 17 times a day, "You need to go change", "Please don't wear that", "I know it is a song, but you cannot wear the shirt here", and my favorite: "Get your head out of his lap, hand-holding only, please". We were blessed to have 4 girls in our cabin dedicate their lives to Christ--what an amazing week! I could go on forever, but I'll just post some of the pictures from camp and ask you not to judge any of us by how we look--it's church camp!!!!!

This picture is for Whitney, Heather, and Brooke--it's Cornerstone, baby!!!! I tried not to scream like a teenage girl when they performed:)!

Our cabin picture for the week!

Ashley, Susan, and me on Thursday night, I miss you girls already!!

Dress & Speak Like Pirates!

2008-06-04T18:04:00.001-07:00

Yes, this is a flashback to Spring 1999: Singarama, baby! Tonight was the first night of VBS for our church and it is pirate-themed! Of course, I get the shakes when I see someone in pirate costume come near me, I feel as though I should say to them, "Arghh, my name is Bethany, and I am a proud pledge of Pi Delta!", but alas, I hold my tongue and pull myself out of it. Fortunately, I am a storyteller, so I get to dress like a Bible-times person, but Andy has to dress like a pirate, and this is seriously the first time that I have ever seen him dress in costume EVER--pictures will come later, I have to work on his costume so he looks more put together. He told me he doesn't want to be a dirty pirate--I guess I have to figure out how to make him a preppy pirate, that would fit him the best.
On the work front, I have no work! I am enjoying my first full week off from school. I have filled my week with going to the pool and going shopping--my two favorite things! The last two summers were filled with graduate school, so I actually get to have a summer with no commitments to anything else--it is glorious I tell you!
Last Friday, Andy, Andy's brothers, their wives, and me did the county-wide Relay For Life. It was the first time I have done something like that, and I enjoyed it so much. It was so wonderful, and also bittersweet, to see the men and women in their purple shirts that signified that they were survivors of cancer. I was so thankful for their families that they were alive and healthy enough to be there, but I also thought about Katie and how I wished she was there in a purple shirt. I lit a luminary for her and it was very cool to see all the luminaries that represented the people who were victims and survivors of this disease that I wish would just go away. Don't forget to spend time with your loved ones! I hope everyone's summer is going well--look for pictures soon!

Mothers & Cavities

2008-05-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

Odd choice of title, right? Well, the past few weeks for me have been filled with celebrating mothers and having a mouth full of cavities--so what better title than that? First the cavities...a few weeks ago I ventured to the dentist for the first time since Andy and I have been married. I know, I know, it has been too long, and I don't want to hear it from any of you religious dentist visitors, because I used to be one of you. Somewhere along the line, though, I fell off the dental bandwagon. After my visit, and the future follow up to fill my cavities (I'm not telling you how many!) I am back on the bandwagon, and let's just say that I am not planning on falling off any time soon, because I am strapping myself in with yards and yards of floss.
Now, on to mothers...last weekend I went home to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom. Now, for any of you who have met my mom know that she is the best mom in the world. She has had the patience to teach kindergarteners for 20 years now and raise two absolutely fantastic kids:). Well, three if you count my dad (right Dad?:)). Love you, Mom, you really are the best!!! We had a fantastic time hanging out around the house and just chilling. I think I have been a little homesick lately, I was so excited to be at home with Mom, Dad, and Eli--I left Andy and Callie in Gainesville, so it was like I was back in high school or college again, just coming home for the weekend! As an added bonus, I got to eat lunch with Andrea on Saturday--it was so good to see her!
Today, we celebrated my mother-in-law's 55th birthday with a surprise party. We hung out around the pool, but didn't get in because the water was frigid, and the wind was blowing very hard! Chris Anne and I always talk about how blessed we are to have great mother-in-laws, and it is definitely true! Sandra is an amazing woman, and I'm proud to be her daughter-in-law.
I forgot to mention another inductee into the knocked up club, Mandi Hall, who is due in August with Weston Clark Hall--her and Clancy's first boy! Clancy now has a "teammate"! I hope you all have a happy rest of May, this is my last week of school with students, then I'm headed to the pool for the rest of the summer. It won't let me post pictures right now, sorry!

New Inductees Into The KUC

2008-04-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

I must begin my blog by congratulating the newest inductees into The now infamous "Knocked Up Club". Thanks to these fine ladies, I continue to be off-the-hook in the baby department. The unfortunate thing is that none of you live within 4 hours of me so that I can squeeze cheeks (both butt & face). Cristie and Laura K. are due soon with Lola & Colton. Annie is due in September with Katie Charlotte. Laura A., Jillina, & Lori are due in September, October, and November with currently sex-unknown babies. I lovingly will call these tikes (until the gender is released) Fetuses (or Feti?) Alsup, Cabaniss, and Mycoskie. Congrats girls!

Things have been a little interesting in my life lately due to the inappropriate things that children do at school. This week, I have had to speak to 2 kindergarteners about inappropriate comments. One (who has both his ears pierced with one-carat CZ's) told his friend that he was going to pee on him while showing him his private body part (i.e. "penis"), and the other one told a friend that he wanted to kiss his girlfriend on her buttcrack. No lie. Now, please don't move your children to a remote island where they will never step foot in public schools--these kids are not roaming the hallways all the time looking for their next victim, most of the time they don't know what in the world they are saying. I also recently found out that 2 first grade girls at my school have their tongues pierced. I promise my school is actually a really nice one--I almost fell out of my desk chair when I saw the tongue piercings. I couldn't believe it, and I didn't think that much shocked me. But I must say that my day is never dull, and I enjoy almost every bit of it.

One last story before I head off to bed: Last night Andy told me that he needed me to drive his little brother's truck to work the next day. No problem, I thought, until I remembered seeing the truck when I went outside--it was full of mulch!!! Not a small bed full--a heaping mound of tree mulch that flies every where as you are driving down the road. I told him "No way, that is soooo embarassing". Now I realize that I sounded like a 7th grade girl talking to her father who just showed up at school and yelled, "Is that the boy you've been telling me about?!?"--but I don't care, that was embarassing! Long story short, Andy won, and I drove the truck to school, mulch and all. Needless to say, I parked in the back parking lot, and wore a disguise until I was at a safe distance from the mulch-toting truck. I was going to take pictures of me in the vehicle to post, but Andy unloaded it before I got the chance. Maybe next time. Happy Friday!

Spring Breakin'!

2008-04-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

It is the end of my Spring Break, and as Andy watches The Masters, I get a chance to reminiscence over my paid week-long vacation from school! Anyone jealous? I spent the beginning of the week doing absolutely, positively nothing. But you know when you are at home, you always feel like you need to be cleaning or doing something productive? I did that for about one day, and then decided that I needed to get over the guilt and enjoy the days. I read a few books, and chilled out with Callie, then on Thursday evening, Andy and I headed to Nashvegas. We had a great time staying with Chris Anne, David, Campbell, and Andrew--those are some cutie-pie kiddos! There is certainly never a dull moment in that household, Campbell keeps you entertained with his matter-of-fact statements and obsessions with his person of the moment. When Andy is around, Campbell loooooooooooves to always know what Andy is doing and if Andy will play with him. Too cute. Eli came over Saturday night for dinner, and Campbell asked him every 3 minutes or so if he was done with his dinner. I think he kept checking because he was the first one done, and wanted someone else to finish so he could play with them. Baby Andrew chills like no other baby before him. It melts your heart when he smiles at you with his gigantic cheeks, and toothless grin! I also got a chance to hang out with Carrie at Bread & Co right after the typhoon hit Franklin. We sat in the restaurant for a couple of hours talking about everything we could think of--it was glorious! I then migrated to Starbucks in Brentwood to meet Lauren and chit-chat until dinnertime. Rebecca, Abigail, and Ansley met us for dinner, and the girls and Campbell kept us entertained in McAllister's Deli until it was time to leave. Saturday, Lindsay and Rebecca met Chris and I at Puffy Muffin (surprise, surprise!) for brunch. I had a food and friend-filled weekend, and it was so wonderful to meet up with everyone--thanks for taking time out to hang with me! I forgot my camera, so I have no pictures, I'll steal some from Chris Anne when she updates her blog! Happy Spring--isn't it wonderful?

The Flu...Boo.

2008-03-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

It's official...for the first time in my life, I have the flu. It has been a very quick journey. Earlier in the week, I had a scratchy throat and a stuffy nose, but there is nothing new with that, it is Spring, and allergies are acting up (is what I thought). After school on Thursday, I began to get achy & weak. By the time I woke up on Friday, I felt like I had been hit by a transfer truck. I called in sick to work (for only the second time in 2 years, I might add) and headed to my doctor's office. She managed to work me in. But I don't know if you call an over 3-hour doctor's visit as working me in. They swabbed my nose (yuck!) and it was official...FLU! I have been laid out since then, with Callie as my nurse. If I am sleeping in the bed, she is right next to me, otherwise she is right nearby, it is too bad that she cannot go get my medicine for me. Andy has been missing in action, I think he is afraid he is going to catch it. It is no fun. Next year, I am definitely getting the flu shot--no doubt! I'm am definitely sick and tired of laying around and watching E! Entertainment Television--but if you need any celebrity updates, give me a call, I know what is going on with everyone: Brittany, Lindsay, Paris, everyone! I hope everyone else is healthy and well!

Happy Belated Birthday and Much More

2008-03-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that I am a blog slacker, so it should come as no surprise that I am wishing my husband a birthday one week late. Andy turned 29 years old on St. Patrick's Day--and I am so glad that he was born all those years ago:)! I find it hard to believe how blessed I am to be married to him, he has the patience of Job to put up with me. Many thanks to my parents for praying him into my life--God is soooo good! Happy Birthday to my fabulous husband! He might kill me for posting this picture of him from Christmas! I forced him to pose with one of his presents (if you're wondering, it is Monkey Bread--he loves the stuff:)!) I hope you all had a Happy Easter! Love you, Andy!

Friends & Facebook

2008-03-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Since I have been MIA for quite sometime, I have alot to catch up on. The last month and a half has been filled with getting back into the swing of school, and hanging out with lots of friends! Back in January, Andy and I went to a Dustin Overbeek "in the round" concert at the Ragamuffin Cafe in Roswell. We went to supper with Dustin & Lauren before the show, and it was awesome! He shared the stage with 3 other artists, and it was a great array of music (minus one performer, who was a little over the top, but made me laugh, so it was okay...). Andy and I are now the newest fan of Dustin's CD, and we have been listening to it nonstop since we got it. You should check out his website at www.dustinoverbeek.com!

The next weekend we ventured to Nashville to lay eyes on Andrew Sciortino and Ella Grace Fua. I got to see lots of friends, and hang out while holding their sweetie-pie babies. We also got to see Eli's new house from the outside only, he has now officially moved to "Bonerwood" Drive--and no, I am not kidding about the name--he thinks it is hilarious! Let's be honest, I think it is hilarious also:)!

February was filled with my birthday celebration (I'm 28--yikes), Valentine's Day, and then the last weekend in February, Andrea, Carrie, Laura, and Lauren came down for a weekend of talking non-stop and shopping! We had a blast, and we kicked Andy out of the house, while we took over, and stayed up until 1am. All we needed was Brooke and some pizza and we would have been back in the second floor back hallway of Elam! Oh, and we went to Lenox Mall in Buckhead, and saw Chilli from TLC there--we were so pumped, but Brooke was disappointed that we did not get her picture and sing "Waterfalls" to her--maybe next time!

I have no pictures from all of these outings downloaded onto my computer because I don't have the software from my new digital camera on my computer yet. I would promise you all that I will post them soon, but you know how that goes:)! I am a member of the Facebook community now, and I do have pictures posted there from some past events--that is mainly why I have been a blog slacker, because I have been making some new friends on Facebook. You should join me! Well, happy March to all!

Snow Day!

2008-01-17T03:09:00.000-08:00

Downtown Gainesville at the beginning of the snowfall!

I just want you all to know that it is currently 6:10 am in the morning, and I am off of work today! All of metro Atlanta received beautiful snow late yesterday afternoon into the night. Everyone was nutty at school yesterday because we were all excited to possibly have a day off today. We were stalking the Doppler radar like meteorologists, and I was doing my best snow dance throughout the day, and it worked! When I got home from a meeting, we ate dinner, and I put on my ski gear, and headed outside! It was glorious! I wanted to sled, but Andy said there was not enough snow--I guess it was just wishful thinking. Callie thought it was the greatest thing, because she just ran around like a crazy person the whole time. I was so excited about maybe missing school, that I did not sleep very well, I promise, I am like a kid. I needed a kid last night to play with, but since I don't have one, I just looked like a silly Abominable Snowwoman playing in the snow by herself. I am stealing a picture from a local news station of downtown Gainesville, before the snow started sticking to the ground, more pictures may be to come! Oh, by the way, has anyone read Hollee (Huston) Ford's blog lately? Her and Sam are expecting triplets!!!!! Holy Multiple Children, Batman! We definitely need to pray for a long and healthy pregnancy for Hollee. Check out her blog: http://holleeford.blogspot.com/ There is also a teacher at my school who needs prayers for her unborn baby, Addison Leigh. I won't give you all the details, just her blog address so you can keep up--your prayers would be much appreciated for both these families. The Chastain family: http://babyaddisonholdsourhearts.blogspot.com/

Happy Thursday to all!

To New Beginnings...

2008-01-12T11:58:00.001-08:00

Andrew Sciortino
Ella Grace Fua
Happy New Year everyone! I would go back and tell you all about my Christmas holidays, but it is too much to type about, so I'm starting fresh for 2008! First of all, I must say that being in the school system is a glorious thing, especially when you get 2 weeks off to sleep in and lay around in your pj's all day. Andy got alot of time off too, so we got lots of quality time together, it was so nice:)! At the very end of the holidays, Chris Anne and Rebecca did the thing that gives me nightmares to even think about--they went through labor, and had babies! Andrew was born on January 3rd, and Ella Grace was born on January 5th--maybe we should go ahead and arrange a marriage for these two, because they are two gorgeous kiddos!

As I type, Angie is in the hospital having Emily. She was supposed to be induced this morning, so I hope she is done by now, if not--GET THAT GIRL AN EPIDURAL!!

Speaking of babies, I am going to leave you with a funny story from the world of school counseling. No names will be used to protect the innocent. Two fourth grade girls came to me on Friday afternoon to let me know that a little boy had been saying inappropriate things to them that was giving them a funny feeling in their stomach. The kids at my school know this feeling is called the "uh-oh" feeling, and when you get it, go immediately to an adult you trust to talk to them about whatever is going on. Anyway, they told me that a little boy in their class asked them if they knew how babies were made, and then somewhere else in the conversation, he told them (please sit down for this if you are a parent...) that "white stuff comes out of a boy's...". I leave the last part blank because they could not even tell me the phrase, they had to write it down, and then they didn't know how to spell the last word, so I had to repeat the phrase back to them with the "private body part" word filling in the blank. Needless to say, I had to go get the little boy out of class and figure out how he knew this. It turns out that an older brother had blessed him with this knowledge. How lovely. There is nothing like ending your day at school, calling little girls parents to tell them that a classmate had informed their daughter that "white stuff comes out of a boy's penis". I hope you all had a funny ending to your week!

Katie

2007-12-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

I have been writing this blog in my head for over a week, and now that I am sitting down at my computer to write it, I feel completely speechless. One week ago today, mine and Whitney's dear friend from home, Katie Whitlow, passed away. Her unborn son, Bascom, went with her as well. I appreciate so much the thoughts, emails, and prayers that have been sent to me from so many of you. Katie was truly someone who was set apart from the rest. I want to tell you about so much: my memories of her, other stories I heard over the past weekend, how people had to stand in line for over an hour at the funeral home to speak with her family, how our friend, Rusty, spoke the most perfect message at her funeral, how she prayed for each and every one of you, even if she did not know you. I want to tell you about her sweet daughter, Merriweather, and how she is still laughing and smiling, about her husband, Jacob, who is so strong in the face of so much heartache, about how Katie touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of people, both before, during, and after her illness took her life. I want to tell you about her family, especially her immediate family: Curt, Melody, Curt Jr., Annie, Caleb, & Brock, and how wonderful they are. Please put Katie's entire family in your prayers. I could go on and on forever, but I am going to leave you with the email from Jacob when he let everyone know that Katie & Bascom had passed away. I am going to end with an email from Katie wrote last year to somene who is desperately seeking the Truth. May God bless you through these words the way Katie blessed everyone around her.

"I am sitting in Merriwether's room, watching her eat apples and pineapples, trying to explain to her the difference between the two, but all she can say is 'apple appie apple appie apple.' And she's telling me this story about this crazy cat she saw the other day at her memaw's house, except it wasn't a squirrel, it was a cat, and we don't think it was crazy. Katie was at the hospital on Friday getting blood and platelets. It took a long time and she just about had a nervous breakdown waiting for them to finish giving her the last bag of blood. I took her home and from that point her condition deteriorated quickly. She lost a lot of blood over the weekend and on Monday. Her mouth was filled with sores and her skin had little red bumps on it. She was in some pain, but she continued to believe that God could heal her. You are receiving this e-mail because you know my wife and you know that she lived her life with God and for God. Last night, around 3:30 AM, her mother Melody and I watched as Jesus took Katie to Heaven. He took our little unborn son, Bascom (after Katie's maternal great-great-grandfather) Ancil (my paternal grandfather) Whitlow. I do not know why this happened, why Katie died at the age of 26, why we had just two years and three months together as a married couple, why she died one year, to the date, of her being diagnosed with Adult Myeloid Leukemia. I don't know why she won't be there to make my daughters' wedding gowns or sing their grandchildren to sleep. I do know this though, and I know that Katie knew this until she breathed for the last time, because she was, in the midst of horrible pain whispering it, 'God loves me.' And she loved you too, even if she never met you, because Katie loved people. And God commands us to love him and love each other and Katie did those two things like no one else I have ever met. Merriwether is sitting in my lap now, wanting to go play, and she has no idea what is happening. Please pray for her, for my family, for Katie's family. The funeral will be on Saturday, I believe at Grove Level Baptist Church. The visitation will be Friday at some time at Julian Peebles Funeral Home in Dalton. I am an English major, so pardon any bits of the melodramatic in this e-mail and I am sorry if this news seems impersonal in this most impersonal of communication forms, but I hope you know it is written with sincerity and sorrow, but joy too, because Katie and my son are with Jesus. In her first e-mail to me, Katie closed it by saying 'My cup runneth over' and I remember thinking 'Who uses that expression?' and now I know what she meant. And when she wrote her last e-mail a week ago telling everyone the news we were having a boy, she finished that one with the same words, 'My cup runneth over.'" Jacob (written on 12/20/07)

Written by Katie last year:
" I am a Christian. Not because my grandfather is, not because his grandfather was...not because Grove Level planned the best activities when I was in middle school. I am a Christian because I have studied the life of Christ and it is good and it is love...and it is triumphant. I have never thrown my arms up in excitement or run around the sanctuary or shouted out to God during a sermon or fainted or swayed or been “slain in the Spirit” or spoken in tongues…or handled snakes(smile), It’s all I can do to clap in time to praise music…but I can hear Him whisper and I have felt Him only inches away if any at all and He has touched me and my insides stand in attention and my heart is red and it beats hard and fast and if you turn me inside out like an orange there would be some fantastic celebration with parades and ferris wheels and fireworks and marching bands and jelly beans and pinwheels and fire eaters and hula hoops and…..fat ladies in polka dots and lions and popcorn and acrobats. I pray that you might know my insides and realize that although I don't believe as you do...I believe with passion and with love and with direction of thought and purpose...not with a simple, gross obedience to a church or a pastor or a cause....All I know is that in the end it will be as God has planned and man can not interfere. And God is love. Love is everything. - Katie Hammontree [Whitlow]
Amen (smile)"

Have You Ever Prayed For A Miracle?

2007-12-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

Many of you received an email from either Whitney or I about a month ago regarding our dear friend from Dalton, Katie Whitlow. I am just now having the time to post the information onto my blog so that more and more people can see what is going on. If you go back in my blog "archives" to the end of 2006, you will see that Katie was diagnosed with leukemia, and immediately began treatment for it during the holidays. The treatments were successful, and Katie has been being monitored ever since. The doctors told Katie that her treatments would make her infertile, but in the fall, Katie, Jacob, and Merriweather found out that they were going to have a new addition to their family, Katie was pregnant! Please understand that the pregnancy in itself is a miracle from God, the doctors told Katie she would not be able to have children. Unfortunately, about 3 months later, they found out that Katie's leukemia had returned, and have had to make what could possibly be one of the hardest decisions ever: do they treat the leukemia, and harm the baby, or leave the leukemia alone, saving the baby, but leaving Katie sick? They have prayed and prayed about their decision, and have decided that Katie will not treat the leukemia. I wish you all could have the chance to meet Katie and understand what an unbelievable example she is to everyone around her. She is patient, kind, and loves everyone around her. She has a way about her that makes you feel at peace even when there is turmoil all around. In the past, I have asked for prayer requests for this or that, but in this specific instance, I ask that you specifically pray for a miracle for Katie and her family. Thank you to those of you who have already prayed about this and written to me, I know Katie's family appreciates it as well. I'm posting a picture that I swiped from Whitney's blog of Katie, Jacob, and Merriweather. Please tell others about this, and thank you for praying for a miracle for Katie.

Tagged!

2007-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Whitney to talk about "My Man"--so here goes!

1.Who is your man? Andy
2. How long have you been married? 2 years 2 months
3. How long did you date? We dated for almost 5 years before we got engaged--then we were married 8 months later.
4. How old is your man? 28
5. Who eats more? It must be me because Andy has lost weight since we got married, and I have gained it--I don't understand!!!!
6. Who said "I love you" first? Moi.
7. Who is taller? Andy
8. Who sings better? Andy, without a doubt. I feel sorry for anyone within listening distance when I am singing, I can't carry a tune in a gigantic bucket!
9. Who is smarter? When it comes to common sense, finances, and anything having to do with business, that would be Andy. If you are talking about actual grades in school, that would me--and he would agree, so I'm not insulting!
10. Whose temper is worse? Bless poor Andy, that would be me! I have to agree with Whitney's answer about her husband, Andy is very mild-mannered, and thinks before he speaks, so when he opens his mouth, it is meaningful, and you listen.
11. Who does the laundry? Me
12. Who takes out the trash? Andy
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you are looking at the bed, Andy does. But when we travel, he always sleeps on the side of the bed closest to the bedside table--how funny!
14. Who handles the bills? Andy, or we would be bankrupt.
15. Who is better on the computer? I think we are about the same.
16. Who mows the lawn? Andy, I would be afraid to mess something up, he has this whole pattern" thing he does--it has to be a guy thing.
17. Who cooks dinner? I do, but Andy can cook wonderfully as well.
18. Who drives when you are together? Andy
19. Who pays when you go out? We have one bank account, so it is our money--but we have our Dave Ramsey envelopes, gotta love them!
20. Who is more stubborn? Me, me, me.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Andy, remember the stubborn question from above?
22. Whose families do you see most? That would be Andy's because we live in the same town:)
23. Who kissed who first? Me: Gatlinburg, Pi Delta formal weekend-how embarassing!
24. Who asked who out first? I honestly cannot remember, but if we're going along with the pattern, it was probably me. Wait, no, it was Andy! Hallelujah! It did take him a little while though.
25. Who proposed? Andy, and it was movie perfect!
26. Who is more sensitive? Andy is sensitive, but I am most definitely more sensitive in comparison.
27. Who has more friends? Probably about the same.
28. Who has more siblings? Andy: 2 brothers
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Andy does, and he should! Sometimes I try to steal that role, but it doesn't work when I do that!
30. Who is the biggest pushover with the kids? I think it will be Andy--but I'll let you know in 10 or so years!
I tag Chris Anne, Jillina, Lauren, & Lindsay...Go Girls!

Happy Birthday Dear Mama...

2007-10-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true, I am 27 years old, and still call my mother, "Mama"--so what? Yesterday was her birthday, and I'm sorry to be sending blog wishes one day late, but don't worry, I called her yesterday, and had celebrations over the weekend! Andy, Callie, and I went to Dalton this past weekend to have an early birthday celebration, and we hung out with my parents and my grandmother. I was in a hurry to leave, and forgot my camera, so I have no pictures. But, my mother looked awesome, so everyone can imagine her however you like! I'll have lots of pictures as the holidays near, though! Happy Birthday, Mama!!!!

One quick story about dessert. Dessert, you say? Yes, dessert! For those of you who are married to a man (which is all you:)) there is a mystery that I need help solving. How is it possible that two people can eat the exact same thing (and the man even more) yet the woman gains weight, and the man loses it! What is that about?! It is seriously ticking me off. The weird thing is that Andy has a MAJOR sweet tooth, and he would eat homemade dessert every night if I would fix it. His newest dessert fetish is Rice Krispy Treats. They are quite easy to make, I will admit, but when he requested them one night at 9:15 (I like to be in bed around 9:30--I know, totally old fogey bedtime) I was adament that I would not be making them. After his request, I was checking in with everyone's blogs before I headed to bed, and he was watching TV, or so I thought. I looked over at him to tell him I was going to bed, and this is what I saw:

I'm not sure how long he had been "cuddling" with the Rice Krispies box before I looked over--but needless to say, I made him his Treats because his stunt was too funny!

Why I'll Never Have My Own Cooking Show

2007-09-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Since getting married, I have taken up the enjoyment of cooking. I really try to do new things almost every week, and that involves constantly reading cookbooks, and keeping them out when I am cooking. The other day, I was cooking "Broiled Lemon Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce"--sounds absolutely fabulous, right? Well, as always, I had my cookbook laid out so I could know exactly what to do. I was cooking on the back eyes of my stove, and my cookbook was on the front of my stove. You can probably tell where I am headed with this. I was halfway through supper, and Andy and I smelled something funky in the kitchen. I checked all of my dishes, and everything was okay. Then, it hit me: I usually cook on the front eyes of the stove! I quietly (without drawing Andy's attention) looked at the knobs on the stove, and sure enough I had (out of habit) turned on the front eye of the stove, where my cookbook was laying. I wasn't quiet anymore, I grabbed my cookbook up and ran out on the back porch! Thankfully, it wasn't burned to a crisp, it just has a stovetop size burn on the back! Andy was trying to keep his laughs in, and I took some pictures because I knew I had to tell everyone how silly I was. So, if any of you were planning on coming to my cooking show on The Food Network, it's too bad--I don't think you qualify if you burn cookbooks! I'll leave you with the most recent casualty of my absent-mindedness!

The Pictures From My Last Blog...

2007-09-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

Andy and I with our signature pose. Does anyone have any suggestions of how else to pose without it looking like we are about to head to our senior prom?
These are my sister-in-laws, Alesha and Rachel! Alesha is married to Andy's older brother, Jeremy, and Rachel is married to the younger brother, Charlie.
We were trying to get a Christmas card going here, but Andy and I screwed it up by doing another signature pose, instead of seeing what everyone else was doing!
My cousin's wife, Rebecca, and me at the game! This was the only time we stopped talking the whole time I sat by her! She is great!
This picture is for Eli! Since he didn't get to see the game on TV, I wanted him to see at least a little of his Dawgs!

Fall Is In The Air...

2007-09-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the crisp fall air has arrived! It is so nice to get in my car after work in the afternoons, and not suffocate before I can get it cranked! But, on the downside, there is a homeowner across the street from school, who just spread some type of manure on his field. There is nothing like having a gentle breeze waft the smell of nasty manure right into your nose--SICK!
This past weekend, Mark and Jillina came to Athens to watch the Bulldogs play. Mark was back on his old stomping grounds, and Jillina is in the final stages of her conversion from a UT Volunteer, to a tried and true, Georgia Bulldog! Welcome, Jillina! Whenever you miss that ugly UT orange, just remember that it is easier to find cute clothes in red and black! Jillina smuggled me up to club level to sit with them, and then I got the boot at halftime, because someone wanted their seats back, how rude! For some reason, I did not get a picture, but I'll get one at our baby shower weekend festival in a few weeks! After I talked Jillina's ear off, I moved over to the other side of the field to sit with Rebecca, my cousin's wife of 8 months. I did manage to get a picture of her, though!
Unfortunately, last week, we had a big loss in our family. Andy's older brother and his wife lost their golden retriever, Molly, to a freak accident. Now, don't even think about laughing when you read that we consider losing a dog a big loss. None of us have kids, so our dogs are our children. Molly got into some old charcoal that had meat on it, and the bacteria on the meat poisoned her. She was only 7 years old, she has been in the family as long as I have. Jeremy and Alesha (her parents) have been getting cards and presents from people--that was some dog! We all definitely miss her!
I am having a difficult time posting pictures, so I'll have to post later. Happy beginning of fall to all!

Friends, Anniversaries, and Football, Oh My!

2007-09-09T18:29:00.001-07:00

I admit that I start reading everyone else's blogs, and forget that mine is not updated. When I click on someone who has not updated in awhile, I'm like, "What the heck? I wanna know what is going on with you!" then I realize I am a total hypocrite. So, to all my blogging friends, my sincerest apologies, here is the next installment of everything you did not want to know about my life...

Back in the middle of August, Brooke and her boyfriend, Daniel, came to visit us for her birthday extravaganza. We did not see them very much, since they came in the middle of the week, and we had to leave early for work, and they were gone to the Braves' games when we returned! No matter, it was still great to see you both (and to be the first to meet Daniel--yay us!).

Mine and Andy's 2 year anniversary was August 27th. Andy had done things up for our first anniversary, so I was unsure of what to expect for our 2nd. I woke up on the Saturday morning (before our anniversary on Monday), and found a handwritten note containing our agenda for the day (which included shopping, eating, and staying at a fancy-schmancy hotel--three of my favorite things!). We had a blast, and props to my sweet and thoughtful husband for being too good to be true! He even cooked on Monday night since it was our actual anniversary night. Go Andy!

The weekend after our anniversary was the opening game for UGA football! Andrea and Hunter came down to tailgate with us and spend the weekend. We had so much fun, and the Dawgs won their 1st game! I was going nuts cheering, I felt like my son was playing (if I had one:)). We won't even talk about the game last night...I want to keep things positive. Andrea and Hunter, I'm so glad you all came!

This weekend, Eli decided to escape Nashville for a weekend and come down to see us. We were unable to get tickets to the game, but went to the pool, and cooked out yummy steaks. It was so nice having Eli down to catch up on everything going on with him, and to swap stories about crazy elementary school children who make us laugh! Come back soon, Eli, we can't wait to see you again.

I only have a few pictures of our tailgating fun from the first UGA game. So many times I take my camera places, then forget to take pictures. For our anniversary, I didn't want to ask the valet guy if he would take our picture, a little embarassing! And a HUGE shout-out to the newest babe in swaddling clothes--Sam Hazlewood! Welcome Sam, and please sleep alot for your mama's sake! 1 down, 5 more to go!

Andrea and I posing at the tailgate!

I am adding this one, so you can see that we truly do "tailgate" at the back of a truck. We have quite the set-up with a TV set up with a satellite so the guys can keep up with the other NCAA games going on--Swanky!My hubby and me in our UGA colors!I took this picture because this tells you about tailgating...all the guys that are standing are total and complete strangers. They were watching the end of the Michigan/Appalachian State game with us--how funny!Random picture of Callie and her new favorite late night adventure: Playing with frogs. She has figured out that if she lays down next to them, and taps their butts with her nose, they will jump and she can chase them. Or maybe she is looking for her frog prince! Notice her hair cut. This is actually an almost 2 month old haircut that has grown out quite a bit. She is definitely a skinny-mini with a fro-head!

I Published Too Soon!

2007-08-16T13:43:00.001-07:00

I wanted to add to the blog I just published that I know the email was written by someone who had kids and wanted those of us without them to shut our mouths, and realize what parents go through. My utmost respect goes out to you all!

So You Think You Are Ready For Kids...

2007-08-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

I just got this email from Lauren, and I almost cried I was laughing so hard! I'm so not a fan of forwarded emails, but this one is awesome! And you wonder why I cannot decide on having children. WARNING: If you are about to give birth to your first child--DO NOT read this!!!! It is a bit scary!

Thinking of Having Kids? Do this 15 step program first!

Lesson 1
1. Go to the grocery store. 2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office. 3. Go home. 4. Pick up the paper. 5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2 Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior. Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3
A really good way to discover how the nights might feel....
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive) Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4
Can you stand the mess children make? To find out..
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out. Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6
1. Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and a jar of paint, turn it into an alligator.
2. Now take the tube from a roll of toilet paper. Using only Scotch tape and a piece of aluminum foil, turn it into an attractive Christmas candle.
3. Last, take a milk carton, a ping-pong ball, and an empty packet of Cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower

Lesson 7
Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 8
1. Get ready to go out.
2. Sit on the floor of your bathroom reading picture books for half an hour.
3. Go out the front door.
4. Come in again.Go out.
5. Come back in.
6. Go out again.
7. Walk down the front path.
8. Walk back up it.
9. Walk down it again.
10.Walk very slowly down the sidewalk for five minutes.
11. Stop, inspect minutely, and ask at least 6 questions about every cigarette butt, piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue, and dead insect along the way.
12. Retrace your steps.
13. Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbors come out and stare at you.
14. Give up and go back into the house. You are now just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.

Lesson 9
Repeat everything you have learned at least (if not more than) five times.

Lesson 10
Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is also excellent). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 11
1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air. You are now ready to feed a nine- month old baby.

Lesson 12
Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's "Noggin"?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 13
Move to the tropics. Find or make a compost pile. Dig down about halfway and stick your nose in it. Do this 3-5 times a day for at least two years.

Lesson 14
Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying "mommy" repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each "mommy"; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 15 Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt-sleeve, or elbow while playing the "mommy" tape made from Lesson 14 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

The First Day of School...And Prayers Are Needed!

2007-08-09T17:01:00.001-07:00

Today was my first day back at school with all 802 children! I have to admit, I love, love, love my school and everyone I work with! The first few days are tons of fun, because the kids are so excited to see you, and you get lots and lots of hugs and waves (which always fills me up:)!). It is nice to be a little more experienced and not having to say every 5 minutes, "Um, I don't know, let me go ask Carol Ann". Carol Ann is the other counselor, and this is her 12th year, so she knows waaaay more than me, but we are a fun team, I must say! Her little boy, Eli, started kindergarten this year, but she soldiered through the first day knowing he was having a blast. Okay, now for the prayers...I need some prayers on how to handle increased stress brought on by kids who have behavior problems. I can come up with behavior plans, consequences, and creative ideas, but I take everything really seriously, and get upset when things don't improve. And most of you know, if there is a true behavior problem, school employees can only do so much! So, just pray for patience & direction for the teachers and me--we are definitely going to need it! I hope everyone else's work is going well, and for all you preggers people, take care of yourselves, you can only be selfish for a little while longer!

A Trip to the Chiropractor...With My Dog!

2007-08-07T18:14:00.001-07:00

Okay, it is official, I am absolutely nuts about my doodle, Callie! I will leave Andy out of this (although I will say that he was supportive). Callie and I went for her second visit to the chiropractor today (yes, I said chiropractor!). Over the past several months, if her head gets turned a certain way, she will freak out, start crying, and limp on her left leg. Since she only did this very randomly, I kept thinking I was stepping on her foot! As I paid better attention, I realized it was a problem with her neck--but since she didn't have a "fit" very often, I chose to not worry about it. Well, when we returned from vacation, she was having a freak out session 1-2 times a day! Now, let's just say it was so horrible that if she did it around other dogs, they would start barking at her, and I would just cry (okay, another reason I cannot have children, I cry when my dog is hurt!). It was horrible. After talking to our vet, he suggested that we could either treat it with medicine without knowing what was wrong, do a MRI to diagnose the problem, or since I had narrowed it down to a neck problem--take her to the chiropractor. I thought he was on crack, but he assured me that he has sent many dogs to the chiropractor to help with neck, back, and leg problems, with great success. Hesitantly, I called the chiropractor thinking they would think I was off my rocker for even calling. But, no, they welcomed us with open arms. We went to the first appointment last Friday, and the second one today. I am happy to report that she has not had one episode since last Thursday, and the chiropractor just said to monitor her. The visit was cheaper than a visit to the vet, and she has improved! How crazy is that?! The chiropractor told me that he usually works with dogs who are older and having problems getting around. He once helped a dachshund (sp?) who couldn't walk, and the dog left his office walking! So, all this to say, he made a believer out of me! Thank you, Dr. Dellinger! Here is an old picture of Callie--I hate to post without pictures!

At The Beach With Harry!

2007-08-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

No, I have not left Andy for a man named Harry, most of you can probably guess, I mean Harry Potter! I graduated from UGA on Saturday, July 21st--we had a nice ceremony with just my cohort that I have gone through the program with. Andy, my family, and I then hit the road for the beach. We went with my parents, Andy's parents, and Andy's younger brother, Charlie, and his wife, Rachel, to Blue Mountain Beach for vacation. It was wonderful! We had a great time. Everyone was so laid back, we would hang out on the beach all day long, then eat our faces full at night. We had a blast, the weather was nice, and the water was gorgeous! Eli could not come because he was in pre-planning for his new job as an elementary P.E. teacher in Lebanon, TN. Keep him in your prayers as he begins his new career! I read several books over the week, and I got Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as a graduation present. To get ready to read it, I read books 5 & 6 to jog my memory. I began reading the last book on Saturday on the trip home, then finished Monday morning at 1 am--I could not stop reading it! I have seen several other blogs and know that many of you are Potter fans. I am sad the last book is done, and want to re-read it again soon! It will not disappoint! For those who are thinking about reading the books, now is the time, because you can read them all straight through! Enjoy my pictures from graduation and the beach!This is Dr. Pam Paisley, our professor who led us through our entire program. She is awesome! Thanks for all you did for us!In front of the arches with my parents and Andy.

Drs. Don and Donna Davis (yes they are married!)--great professors! They taught us as a team--do you all think you could work with your spouse? They are a great team!

My cohort! We are missing a few of our friends, I had a blast with you all!

My parents posing for picture time!The water was gorgeous!With Andy's family (Rachel left to go home for graduate school, so she missed this pic!)

Andy and Charlie in the ocean--sorry the picture is not the best--I just thought they were so cute!

Andy and I on the walkway to the beach! How cute is my husband?!?

Finished...For Good?

2007-07-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well, everyone, I just turned in my final papers for graduate school, I have one last presentation tomorrow, then graduation on Saturday! So, am I finished? Andy says I must take a break for a little while--but I don't see a PhD. in my future (right now!). So, let's talk about other fun things!

Chris Anne, Dave, and Campbell came to visit us a few weekends ago! We had a blast, and Chris Anne has talked about it in her blog, so I won't go into many details. We ventured to the pool, Jaemor Farm (a local produce market), Andy's brother's house, and even out to dinner and a movie. Andy's parents kept Campbell while we all went on a double date--we almost (but not quite) forgot that we were old fogeys who have been out of college for 5 years. Campbell and Callie bonded. I am including some pictures from Campbell's swim time--he is too cute for words! Friends, line up your daughters, Campbell will be a hot commodity for the marriage market one day!

P.S. We are headed to the beach on Saturday. The area we are going to is Santa Rosa Beach (near Seaside and Santa Rosa) so any suggestions of things to do and places to eat would be most appreciated! Thanks! Enjoy the pictures!

Dave and Campbell blowing bubbles in the water!

Campbell chillin' in his float

Something is cracking him up--too cute!

Campbell was surprised when Andy jumped in the pool--his facial expression cracks me up! By the way, that is not a real snake!

Summer Fun!

2007-07-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

"Wow, I can't believe Bethany is posting again--she usually takes forever!" you might be thinking. But if you will reference my previous posts, you might realize that I am nearing the end of graduate school, and probably have lots of assignments due! The truth is I have two papers and two presentations due in the next two weeks--so I might be blogging quite a bit! The procrastinator in me rules again! Over the summer, I have gone to graduate school two days a week, and helped my mother-in-law 1 1/2 days a week. The other days, I have been lounging at the pool, and playing with my dog! A few weeks ago, I headed to Gulf Shores, AL with some of my nearest and dearest friends, Lauren, Laura, Carrie, and Andrea--we were missing Brooke, but she was there in our hearts. We had an absolute blast! There are too many stories to tell--but I will tell you that if any of you have the chance to see the comedian Jim Gaffigan in person or on TV--take it, he is hilarious! I am going to post some pics from that trip--sorry, no full-length bathing suit shots from us! Maybe I will channel my inner Pamela Anderson when I go on my family trip at the end of this month!

On Sunday, Andy and I (well, mostly me) babysat my friend Amanda's children, Daisy (3) and Grant (almost 6 months). We had them from after church until about 8:00 pm. Let's just say, I have decided that everyone who thinks about having children should be required to babysit some kids for several hours at a time, several different days. I might start a company that I will call "Rent-A-Kid", where people can rent kids of all ages and maintenance levels (high, medium, low, stubborn, laid-back, sleep-deprived, ADHD, etc.) to practice their parenting skills. For some of the fools who have children these days, it should almost be required, yes? Can I get an "Amen!"? For any of you who work in the school system, you know the parents I am talking about. When the kids left, Andy and I just sat on the couch and took deep breaths for awhile. I asked Andy if he was ready for kids, and he said, "No way!" He commented how he enjoyed just chilling with me and the dog, and I agreed. Just moments earlier, I was feeding Grant a bottle, while fixing supper, and wrestling a Capri-Sun drink away from Daisy. Let's just say, I don't know how you mom's do it--y'all are awesome! So here are some pics from the beach and our babysitting day with Daisy and Grant!

Laura and I are part of the Gulf Shores Navy!All of us! This is my favorite picture from the week!Andrea and I--we're so fabulous!Lauren, Laura, and Carrie enjoying yummy ice cream.All the girls watching the beautiful water--it was gorgeous!

Grant hanging out on a blanket, with his guardian puppy watching over his every move.Daisy decided that Callie was the perfect pony. Callie did awesome with the kids, atleast we don't have to worry about her!Andy practicing his baby-wrangling skills.Grant is sooooo adorable!Daisy caught me taking a picture, but right before this, Andy, Grant, and Daisy were watching Shrek! They were enthralled!

50 Things About Me

2007-06-26T17:40:00.001-07:00

Well, Chris Anne tagged me to come up with 5o things about me. I'll see what I can do:
1. I have been married for 1 year & 10 months (tomorrow).
2. I love married life!
3. My husband is my best friend and makes me laugh ALOT!
4. My favorite thing in the world is our goldendoodle, Callie.
5. I am getting my Specialist in Education Degree at The University of Georgia, and will be done in a few weeks!
6. For some reason, I think I'm cool because I go to UGA--weird, I know!
7. I am addicted to shopping.
8. Since we are doing the envelope system with Dave Ramsey, I cannot shop very much, so I took a job 1 1/2 days a week working with my mother-in-law at The Trophy Case for a little extra spending dough.
9. I am a HUGE procrastinator, and I hate it, but it works for me.
10. I hate to clean.
11. I love to cook, and am experimenting with lots of new recipes--baking is my very favorite.
12. My mom told me when I was about to get my masters degree that I needed to be a school counselor, but I said NO WAY! I will not work in a school...I just finished my first year as a school counselor.
13. I love to have people laugh with me, but want to cry when people laugh at me.
14. 6 of my friends are currently pregnant, due within 5 months of each other.
15. 2 of them are due on the same day!
16. I have the greatest parents in the world--they support me no matter what!
17. I think my brother is one of the coolest people--I want him to marry his girlfriend.
18. I love to read!
19. I am a Harry Potter fanatic.
20. Andy & I had the perfect honeymoon--not one thing went wrong the entire time--we did not even give anyone a dirty look:)!
21. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton for our wedding night and one year anniversary. On our anniversary, we saw The Rock--he was much shorter than I thought.
22. The night we got engaged, we saw Charles Barkley at Mortons.
23. Andy wouldn't let me talk to either one of them--I probably would have done something embarassing.
24. I am lazy, I have to force myself to do things.
25. My favorite team is the Georgia Bulldogs! Go Dawgs! Sic 'Em!
26. I wished we lived in Nashville.
27. Sometimes I think I will never make as good of friends as the close friends I have from high school and Lipscomb...
28. But I have found a friend who would fit in well with all of us, her name is Carol Ann, and she rocks!
29. Sometimes I think I would be an awesome mom, at other times I think I would really stink at it.
30. I know Andy will be the best dad in the world. He is truly the best person I know.
31. Tivo is the greatest thing! But I watch too much TV because of it!
32. I hate to exercise, but love the way it makes me feel.
33. I Jazzercise! (when I make time!)
34. My husband has a mistress, it is our yard.
35. I love my job, especially in the summer.
36. I could go to the pool everyday, chill out and read a book.
37. I want to go to Europe before we start our family.
38. I love to travel.
39. I have over 700 pictures on my computer that need to be printed.
40. I think Paris Hilton deserved to go to jail, I hope it changes her (but doubt it will).
41. I wish I could sing.
42. I like my chicken legs.
43. I love the beach.
44. My guilty pleasure show is The Girls Next Door.
45. My favorite store is Nordstrom Rack.
46. I love the creme brulee at Nava (restaurant in Buckhead).
47. Some of my best memories took place at Lipscomb, especially in Elam 2nd floor back hall and Royal Arms.
48. I think having a British accent would be cool.
49. I love learning.
50. I love my husband!

The End of School and Stuff...

2007-05-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

I hadn't meant to be a blog-slacker (again!), but I fell into the trap! It is the end of school, and things are insane. I knew the kids at school would be off their rockers, but I didn't realize that they would need us (the other counselor and I) so much. Lots of friendship problems, and I just have to say, "Y'all, there are only a few days left! If no one is getting hurt, please just try to get along!" I cannot believe it is the end of my first year as a school counselor! I have thoroughly enjoyed my job, BUT...I cannot wait until my summer vacation! I am going to roast myself at the pool, and also finish up graduate school at the end of July--then I will never have to return--YIPPEE!!!!!

This past weekend, Andy and I went to Dalton for Mother's Day. We chilled with my family all weekend, and my mom wanted landscaping done in her yard, so we worked on that. I am going to try to attach a picture! I had forgotten work clothes, so I borrowed old clothes from my mom. So I worked in shorts rolled up 14 times, and Keds with no shoe laces...classic! Being at home was so fabulous--I got to see every single person in my family, including the newest addition, Carter! It was also a celebration of my Aunt Judy's birthday, Happy Birthday, Aunt Judy!

Heads up! I will be in Nashville for a shower the weekend of June 10--let's all get together!

Please pray for my girlfriend-in-law (Eli's girlfriend), Jordan, she is in China with Lipscomb for a class for 10 days (she left a week ago, so she should be returning this weekend!). I hope you had fun, Jordan!

Please stay tuned for pictures...

I just had to take a picture of my cute peep-toe shoes that I got for my birthday from Eli and Jordan! So cute!

Cutie Pie, Carter Perkins!

My sweet hubby and me!

I just had to throw this one in because Callie jumped in the creek at the back of our house! Bathtime!

The manual laborers! Please notice my crazy outfit! Thanks, Mom!

Dad did what he could with his splendidly sprained ankle!

The fruits of our labor!

Procrastinator!

2007-04-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I am currently in graduate school getting my Specialist of Education degree in School Counseling. I already have my masters in professional counseling--but this year, I went into the school system and haven't looked back since. I truly enjoy my job, and love all of my co-workers, kids, and parents that I get to work with on a daily basis. So...here I am on Friday night, staring at my computer screen trying to finish a paper that is due in the morning. Now, I am a procrastinator, but I prefer to call myself an "effective" procrastinator. This means that I do my best work at the last minute. I remember trying to write lit. papers at Lipscomb, and the one time I worked a week in advance, I made my worst grade for the whole semester! Who else had Kimberly Reed with me, Lindsay, that was you, right? In the world of procrastination, I have also noticed that my blog stays jam-packed, and my house is the cleanest it has ever been. It is as if I never noticed my house was cluttered until I have a paper due in a couple of days, and then I clean every nook and cranny I can get to! I hate it while I'm doing it, but I cannot help it! Until it bites me in the butt, I guess I will not change. I take that back, it has nipped me in the butt a few times, but never actual taken off a big chunk! Well, I'd better go work on my paper now, but if anyone wants to call me, feel free, I'd love to talk:)!

To Breed or not to Breed...

2007-04-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

That is the question. Now that Fetus Fever has hit the majority of people I know that are my age, I find myself contemplating children. Not wanting, mind you, but contemplating. For those of you I have had this conversation with, you may now disregard the rest of this post if you choose. I am so ecstatic for all of you who are having babies and have babies. And goodness knows, I love to cuddle up with the Johns twins, chase Campbell Sciortino, and keep up with all the other babies/toddlers I don't get to see that often! But, is motherhood for me? I am usually a follower of those around me. Trendy jeans, fabulous shoes, divine sundresses, painting a room in my house red...are examples of things that I might have seen on someone else and then done myself. But children are a completely different story. I love to think about names that Andy and I might name our children, but if I take 10 seconds actually thinking about having a real one, I don't feel ready. Now, I know I have only been married a little over a year and a half, and know that I don't want a child this instant, but I am beginning to think I may never want to have children. I know that everyone that has children 110% agrees that they are the greatest thing that could have ever happened in ones life--but is raising kids for everyone? For some reason, I am feeling like Carrie Bradshaw right now. Don't get me wrong, I am 85% sure that I want to have kids one of these days, but what if I never get that "maternal instinct" telling me to preheat my oven for one of those buns? Well, I must be off, I'm supposed to be cleaning my house right now, and I get to thinking a little too hard. Just some food for thought!

The Newest Fetus

2007-04-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, don't freak out, it's not my fetus--it's Becky & Nate's! Congratulations to the newest members of the "Knocked Up" Club, as I have chosen to call it! The way I figure it, of the Lipscomb crew, there are 3 new ones on the way, Baby Boy Hazlewood, Sex Unknown Miller, and "Bebe" Kelley--congratulations everyone, Andy & I appreciate you all keeping us off the hook. I am putting up 2 pictures I stole from Becky's blog. One is of a few of us (and there is no hint of baby bump, I might add, so don't even try to find it) and the other is of Becky & Kelee (just because I miss them so!) Love to all. Keep the crackers by the bedside, Becky! Love you!

Title Unknown

2007-04-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it through an entire week of being back at work with only a few bumps and bruises! Throughout the day, I think of lots of things to post in this blog, and then by the time I sit down by the computer, they are gone out of my head. So, this blog should be very random! First of all, congratulations to the Hazlewoods (Kate & Ben) on producing the next heir to the family. Does anyone else think that men must feel so masculine when they can "knock up" their wife? Have we discussed this, Chris Anne?
Now, for a quick soapbox rant and rave. Next week in the Hall County School system, the kids are taking the CRCT test, which 3rd and 5th graders must pass to go on to the next grade. This past week, everyone was going out of their ever-living minds over this test. Now, I shouldn't brag, but it is the truth--the school where I work usually has some of the highest scores in the county (out of 17 elementary schools)--so alot of times everyone fixates on the kids who won't pass (which is very few). Maybe it is because I am new to the school system, or maybe it is because I can keep my head on straight, but I understand that some kids can pass the test, but there are some kids, that no matter how well they are taught, and no matter how wonderful their teachers are (and all teachers are great, I think)--they are not going to pass a standardized test. It is no one's fault, it is just how it is. Don't lose any sleep over it! Geez! Okay, enough of that. I will close with a recipe for the easiest cookies I have ever made (and they are yummy, too!) Enjoy!

Easy Cookies
1 box of cake mix (any kind you choose--I used chocolate)
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 cup chocolate chips
chopped nuts (optional)

Mix all ingredients together, bake on 350 for 8-10 minutes (I had to bake them alot longer, because I put them on my Pampered Chef pans)--but they stay soft and yummy! Bon appetit!

Back to School and Moody

2007-04-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

I had to head back to work today after a most fabulous Spring Break. We spent yesterday at Andy's grandmother's for Easter afternoon. Only a small, frostbitten egghunt was had since most of his little cousins were sick. Then, of course, it was home to finish watching The Masters. Yay for Zach Johnson--he beat everyone! I, of course, was going for him because he has a three-month old baby boy! It was nice to see Tiger Woods actually not come all the way from behind to win it all. Way to be only semi-miraculous, Tiger!

After waking up at 8 am for the past week, today it was back to getting up at 6 am to be at school by 7:15. My school starts at 7:48 (yes, 7:48, not 7:45--it doesn't make much sense). By 12 noon, I was ready for a nap with the kindergarteners--but, unfortunately, they don't take naps anymore! When I got home, I was moody. For no good reason, just moody. I had had a good day, no crises had to be averted, no fights (friendship or other)--everything was peachy! I am not even PMSing--so can someone please help me understand why I am feeling so moody?! I felt better once I went to Target to pick up a "few things"--basically spent $50. Shopping therapy works everytime.

Here are some random shots. One is of The Masters winner (just for kicks!) My brother and his girlfriend, Jordan (who is a Pi Delta girl, by the way!) went to Disneyworld over Spring Break (Eli and I were deprived as children, we never went--so this was his first time!). They sent me a few pictures, so I thought I would share them with you all--I just love Jordan, she is a great girlfriend-in-law!

Here are lots of shots of Eli & Jordan at Disneyworld. In the picture to the left, they are dancing in the street like the little kids do at the parades!

My brother is too funny for words!!!!Go Zach, it's your birthday, go Zach!

The End of Spring Break!

2007-04-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Well, the end is near (of Spring Break). I am truly sad, but I also realize that I only have 7 weeks of school left once I return on Monday, and I do kind of miss the sweet kids' faces, and them yelling out my name across the school hallways, "Mrs. Nix!"--I've gotta admit it, I love it! Tonight we had Andy's family over (minus the youngest in-laws, Charlie and Rachel, we missed you guys!) to celebrate Andy's dad's birthday. I cooked for everyone, and my friend, Amanda, brought her two children over, Daisy and Grant. Daisy helped me cook dessert. Actually, she made a yummy salad made up of leftover lettuce, egg whites, and eggshells for the guys to enjoy! Here are a few pictures of our night, some of them are quite fuzzy due to my camera being on a funky setting. And Daisy's outfit is my version of a small apron, since I didn't have one available! I hope everything has a fabulous Easter. Down here, it looks like we are going to have to bust out our finest Easter snowsuits to wear since this is the coldest first weekend in April since 1886--seriously, this is ridiculous! Here are some pictures of our night! Happy Birthday, Chris!

Here is "Poppy Chris" and Grant, the newest addition to the Strine family!

Me and Daisy posing in our aprons! Smile, Daisy!

Daisy on her newest pony.

Wouldn't you love to eat this salad?"Nana Sandra" and Grant--they really want some grandkids from some of us--Andy and I got married last, so the pressure is on the other brothers' first!

Spanx!

2007-04-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

No, this is not a dirty S&M blog, and I am not saying thanks like we did way back when, I wanted to let you all know of my newest purchase, that I have decided was a gift from above! It is pantyhose that have no feet--a.k.a. Spanx! I was completely under the impression that control top pantyhose were for old women and for those who were, let's say, a little fluffy! But, I was oh-so-wrong! While at Whitney's wedding this weekend, some bridesmaids (who will remain nameless) who are much smaller than me, were wearing their Spanx, or wishing that they had not forgotten theirs at home! And these are trendy girls--so I thought, "What the heck! " I was tired of sucking in my stomach, and many of my honeymoon dresses were fitting a little (okay, I'll admit it, ALOT) too tight for my liking! So today I was at my newest favorite store, Nordstrom Rack (those of you in Nashville do not have the pleasure of this store--it is like Off 5th--but for Nordstrom!) and I saw the huge rack of discounted Spanx--they usually sell for $30, but these were only $9.97! I felt a little silly, but took the plunge and brought them home! I immediately ran into my bedroom, with Callie right behind me, and pulled these little pieces of heaven on! I pulled out the dresses that were a little too tight, and Voila! no more sucking in--Spanx does the sucking in for you! Let's just say that I am no longer a critic, but a true believer in them--thank you Sara Blakely (the inventor) for changing my wardrobe. Now, if I can just get Andy to think they are sexy....

Callie is one and other random pictures!

2007-04-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Callie turned one at the end of March, and she received a birthday haircut! She has been a great addition to our family, and is beginning to convince me that perhaps I can love another (besides
Andy) more than myself:)! And maybe I can even have a child one day--except you can't leave your children down in the basement all day while you're gone to work, can you? I also downloaded pics from Whitney's big day, but somehow lost all but one--so here is one from her bridesmaids' luncheon on Friday! Hope all is well--it is a beautiful day!

Here are Whitney's bridesmaids:

Front row: Erin, Kristy, Whitney, me, and Alyson

Back Row: Robin, Kelee, Amanda, Kingsley, Ashley and Claire

Sw eet Callie Nix on her one year birthday!

Spring Break!

2007-04-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ahh, the beauty of being in the school system...Spring Break! Mine began early when I went to Nashville for a long weekend to be by Whitney for her big day! We had a great weekend, beginning with the bridesmaids luncheon (0thers began the night before at the lingerie shower/bachelorette party) and ending with dance party at the reception. I had to miss Thursday's festivities since I am still in graduate school (will it ever end?). My camera batteries are dead, so I will have to get new ones so I can download my pictures into my computer! I got to see many friends this weekend, but what a blessing to be a part of Whitney and Michael Cantrell's big day! Whitney walked down the aisle by herself, not because she was starting a brand new tradition, but because she got so excited, she forgot her dad! She realized 3/4 of the way down that she was alone! It was classic, and broke the tension of everyone balling their eyes out! I have to get pictures from everyone that took more pictures than me! Whitney was a beautiful bride, and I know she is having a blast in Mexico with her new hubby! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell!
When Andy and I returned home, he found out that he got tickets to The Masters practice round. He left this morning at about 4 am, and followed Tiger around all morning. I am so pumped for him--he has always wanted to go, and finally got to! Pictures to follow so all of you golfers can be tremendously jealous:)! Yay for you, honey! Happy Spring Break!

Snow! & Such

2007-02-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

There has been so much going on that I cannot put everything into one blog! So, I will just start over. We had snow last Thursday, and thankfully, I am in the school system, so I got a holiday! Callie and I played in the snow, and she loved it! Update on Katie! She returned home in mid-January, but now she is back in the hospital for follow-up chemo. She has been cancer-free--from what I understand, this chemo is just a normal precaution! In the meantime, big sister, Annie, gave birth to baby Maggie! I still have not had a chance to meet Maggie, but plan on meeting her when I go home in a week and a half! My February resolution is to keep up with my blog better. I just got wireless internet for my birthday, so I am hoping that since I can blog and watch TV at the same time, I can do better! I can do it! I can do it! Here are some pics of Callie in the snow! She's so cute that she made the "cover" of her breeders website:
www.corinthdoodles.com check her out!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Well, another Christmas has come and gone, and with it the frenzy of shopping for gifts, wrapping them until all hours of the night, then watching people rip open what took you several precious hours to make perfect! Oh, well, it's all about what is on the inside, right?
Christmas is always mine and Andy's favorite time of year, and this year is no exception. We went home to Dalton the weekend before Christmas to celebrate my dad's birthday (the 23rd--stinks for him--the infamous Christmas shaft birthday!) and celebrate with my side of the family. We racked up in Dalton, then headed to Gainesville. Andy gives me a budget with which to shop every year, and so I worked especially hard this year to stay within the budget, and get him everything his little heart desires (even though he never knows what he wants for Christmas!). So, I only went a little over budget, and when I began unwrapping my gifts, I realized that apparently the budget does not work both ways--he blew it out of the water (but will not admit it:)) Even though getting things is definitely fun, it has been so wonderful spending quality time with both of our families, and realizing how very lucky we are that we both love each other's parents and siblings, and our holidays are not a chore--but a blessing! I cannot post any pictures right now, because the site is being ornery! I will post them a little later on! Love to all!

Update on Katie...

2006-12-24T13:19:00.000-08:00

Hi, all! Thank you for your outpouring of support for my friend, Katie, and her family! Andy and I stopped by Emory Friday afternoon to visit Katie and her husband, Jacob. Katie seemed in good spirits, but I know the most daunting task in front of her and Jacob is to be away from Merriwether for the next month or so. I am attaching a message from Jacob with the contact information for them. Katie is no longer allowed to have visitors, since chemotherapy will be doing a number on her immune system. Thank you for your prayers, and I know that Katie's family covets every one! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, and don't take for granted every second that you have with your loved ones! Here is the message from Jacob:
This is a strange message to send at Christmas time, but I do not think there is any time when sending a message like this would not be strange. I used to send group e-mails all the time when I was living in Scotland, and I guess in a way my sending this message from Emory University Hospital is like once again writing from a foreign country. This past Wednesday my wife, Katie went with her mother Melody to her grandfather's (Don Thomas, Melody's father) family medical practice. Dr. Thomas, or Papaw as he is known to Katie, determined that Katie had strep throat. Because Katie also had an extremely high fever, Papaw also took a blood sample from Katie. In doing so, he determined that Katie's white blood count was abnormally high. He immediately sent her to Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton. Melody called my cell phone and left a message informing me that they were going to the hospital. I happened to be finishing some training for my work just as Melody was leaving me the message and I rushed over to the hospital at once. At Hamilton they took some more blood and determined that Katie had some type of Leukemia. We were placed in an ambulance and driven down to Emory University Hospital that evening, Wednesday, December 20. The following day the staff here performed a bone marrow biopsy on Katie and determined what type of Leukemia she has: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_myelogenous_leukemia). Katie's course of chemotherapy started at 8:20 last evening. She will have seven days of chemotherapy. In two weeks Katie will undergo a second bone marrow biopsy designed to determine where Katie's white blood cell and platelet counts stand. If they are at a good level she will have two more weeks of recovery and at the end of January be free to go home. Once Katie is in remission she will have a series of follow up sessions, hopefully at Hamilton Medical Center, designed to track her progress and ensure her recovery is on track. I am staying with Katie here at the hospital and Katie's parents and sister, Annie and brother-in-law Jonathan are taking care of our daughter, Merriwether. Please pray that God will heal Katie. Please pray that he will protect our precious little girl and let her know that even though her Mama and Daddy cannot be with her they love her. The oncologist told us today that we cannot have any more visitors here in the hospital room because Katie's immune system is too vulnerable to outside bacteria and infections (no live flowers allowed on this floor for that reason). We covet your thoughts and prayers. Please let all of your praying friends, all of the intercessors and believers, know about Katie. I know that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Our mailing address is:
Emory University Hospital
Katie Whitlow, Room E617
1364 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30322

The direct hospital telephone room number is 404.712.3617
My cell phone number is 706.260.7351
Thank you for your prayers.
God bless and Merry Christmas.
Jacob Whitlow

Prayers Needed!

2006-12-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I just found out that one of my dear friends, Katie Whitlow, has been diagnosed with leukemia. Katie went to the doctor this morning with strep throat and a high fever, and when the doctor (who happens to be her grandfather) got her blood work back, her white blood cell count was 4 times what it should be, so he sent her to the local hospital to have more tests run. The tests showed that she has leukemia, so the hospital had an ambulance take her and her husband, Jacob, to Emory in Atlanta to begin a minimum of 4 weeks worth of treatments for leukemia. The good news (if you can call it that) is that the leukemia has been caught early, and there is a 70% chance that the first treatments will NOT be rejected by her body. Katie is 25 years old, and she and Jacob have only been married for a year and a half, and they have a 7-month-old baby girl named Merriwether who needs her mama to be healthy! Katie has a love for the Lord that I envy, and I know that He will somehow be glorified through all of this--it's just hard to see it when things are so yucky. I need my prayer warriors to take this and run with it. Get the word out, I know that Katie will be healed, but the Lord needs to hear our prayers and faithfulness! Just so you can see who you are praying for, here are some pictures taken two weeks ago at her sister Annie's baby shower, and a picture of her precious baby girl!

This is Katie's sweet baby girl, Merriwether.

This is a picture of Katie with all of the girl grandchildren in her family. Katie is in the middle in the pink sweater.

Disclaimer

2006-11-30T11:46:00.000-08:00

Before you read my latest blog, take some blood pressure medicine, because it is very long and busy!

Thanksgiving...

2006-11-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

Well, I now realize that I am truly not meant for the blogging world. I take way too long between posts, but here is my latest one! Thanksgiving weekend was absolutely wonderful. Being in the school system totally rocks because I had a super long weekend. Wednesday was spent staring at my house telling myself I need to clean it, but it's my vacation, right? Thursday was my FIRST Thanksgiving away from my family, and it was definitely weird. Of course Andy's family had a fabulous spread, and I stuffed myself full. Later that night, we saw the movie, "The Guardian" with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. GREAT movie, but I am about to spoil it--skip down a few sentences if you want to see this movie. One of the main characters dies at the end! I mean seriously, I know Hollywood thinks it is so dramatic, cool, and Oscar-worthy to kill off one of the head honchos--but it stresses me out, because by the end, I'm loving all the main characters--don't kill them off! This must have been the weekend of crappy ending movies--because "The Break Up" kinda does the same thing (except no one dies, don't worry!!). Friday, Andy and I went to NC to buy furniture--and we got some awesome deals! It's a good thing we bought something, because we drove 3 1/2 hours both ways, and I would have been pretty crabby if we hadn't come back with anything. Saturday, Andy had a friend from work getting married, so we had to give away our UGA/GA Tech tickets (Boo!) to go to the wedding. It was okay (not as fabulous as all of yours!)--but I did see the most amazing wedding mullet I have ever seen. It was truly a phenomenon--it was like the guy never left 1981. Thankfully, it was not the groom, but one of his lifelong friends! Oh, I guess I shouldn't poke fun on my blog...oh well. We went home to watch the game--GO DAWGS!!! SIC 'EM!!!! WOOF, WOOF!!!!! So that totally rocked because we won. We then went to get our Christmas tree. All in all, a most wonderful weekend hanging out with family and my awesome husband! I would go into all that I am thankful for, but I won't. I will say, though, that I am extremely grateful for my husband who is truly my partner in life. Thankfully, my parents prayed for me to have a Christian mate, God definitely answered their prayers! Just last night, he vacuumed the house, and when I got back from class Tuesday night, he was cleaning the kitchen! What did I do to deserve him, I assure you, I did absolutely nothing! Well, I'd better stop yapping. I am lazy with pictures (you all know that by now)--so I will get some posted one of these days! Love to you all!

Savannah or Bust...

2006-11-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

Well, as I type, I am located in the awesome city of Savannah for the Georgia School Counselors Association conference--and thankfully the city is totally great, because the conference is pretty lame. I won't go into details, but let's just say, my fairly organized self is about to pull my hair out due to the unorganization of everyone else! Oh, well! Atleast I am in the land of Paula Dean (bless her heart)--and don't have the time to go stand in line for her fabulous food! I then talked to another counselor who told me she walked right in at lunchtime--dang it! Savannah is beautiful, but I did not bring my camera, since I knew I would be conferencing for quite sometime! Sorry I have no funny stories, but that just tells you how stinky everything is.
In other news, Andy and I (well, let's admit it, mainly Andy) re-painted our master bathroom this weekend. As soon as I download the pictures, I will post them--but I love the color, and Andy was such a sport, he trimmed out everything, then rolled it all! What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man (thank you Salt 'n Pepa for that great quote!) I am going to post a cute picture of catching Andy and Callie napping together on the couch--I hate to say it, but the dog is beyond spoiled. She was fixed last week, so she deserves it, since we had our veterinarian swipe her "doghood" away from her, now she shall never know the joys of nursing 9 puppies at the same time! She wouldn't leave her incision alone, so we had to get her a cone--those pictures to come as well! Sorry to be so slack on the pictures--but I wanted to post before I forgot! Elizabeth, I am also posting a picture of one of Callie's brothers or sisters (I'm not sure which!) Now is the time to get that doodle you want! Love to all!

Ode to Girls Weekend

2006-10-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

It has only taken me a week to talk about last weekend! I constantly think about posting--but then get distracted by millions of other things. I just finished my last homework assignment for a class--yay! Now, on to more important things!
Last weekend was a much-needed escape from the grind! No, not the old MTV dance show (does anyone remember that?)--but just from the day-to-day! My job is great, my husband, fabulous, and my dog...well, she's HUGE! But, I definitely needed to see my girls! We had a fabulous weekend! It amazes me everytime I see everyone, how absolutely blessed we all are! Everyone I saw this weekend has been blessed by loving husbands, great jobs, beautiful babies (and dogs, right Lindsay?), and of course, great girl-friends. Thanks to everyone who came this weekend--a GIGANTIC thanks to Rebecca for hosting a bunch of screaming girls. I had much fun talking, eating, talking, and eating some more! It was hard to go back to work on Monday, but I had fun things to tell my co-workers! Good luck to all who want to begin making babies--and Aunt Bethany will be by to babysit (just as long as I can give them back--right?:)) I will blog about this past week another time. Love to all--and here are some pictures of our fun times!

Testing 1, 2...

2006-10-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, I figured out the stinking picture thing (thanks Jillina!) and I am testing it out with the cutest picture I've ever seen. Most of you have seen this on Chris Anne's blog--but I am going to put it in mine! This is Campbell and Callie--they love each other! Okay, I haven't gotten my pictures downloaded from last weekend--but when I do I will post like a mad woman! Love to all!

Good Touch, Bad Touch

2006-09-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

"Good Touch, Bad Touch"--What!?!?!? You may ask, is this? Actually, it is the program that I am attending this week that I must be trained in to talk to elementary kids about sexual abuse. So far this week, my days have consisted of sitting in on presentations from our trainer (Heather, who is GREAT!) in kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th grade in the mornings, and discussing the statistics and other yucky stuff about sexual abuse. Let me tell you, you haven't lived until you have heard a group of kindergarteners yell out the words, "Sexual Abuse!!!" It creeped me out at first, until I heard the statistic that 1 out of 3 girls, and 1 out of 5 boys are sexually abused (according to recent studies)--now I realize this is a must for all kids to know. Let me encourage you to talk to your kids about Good Touches, Bad Touches, and Confusing Touches (confusing touches are the ones that give you the "uh-oh" feeling--a.k.a. sexual abuse).
Enough about that. I hope everyone is having a happy Wednesday! I surely am, Callie and I are hanging out--and I am procrastinating about studying for my mid-term which is next Tuesday night. This is my first test in 2 1/2 years--I think I have forgotten how to study (fortunately, I have been teaching the 5th graders at my school about study skills!) I love hearing from all of you! Love to all!

Technologically Deficient!

2006-09-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I still have not figured out how to download pictures to this blog. I read the directions--and felt quite dumb! Thankfully, I do not have a picture of myself that I want to show anyone at this time--so this is actually quite convenient. I have just finished my homework for my online class (yes, everyone--I am currently taking 3 classes and working a full-time job!). By Thanksgiving, I have decided that I will probably be checking myself into some private counseling myself. I truly love my job, though, and my classes are quite entertaining--believe it or not, I enjoy going to class 1-2 nights a week from 5-7:45. I'm such a dork! For the month of September, I am proud of myself for how in touch with my friends I have been. Labor Day weekend, I spent the weekend with Lauren (Renfro) Overbeek in ATL. The next weekend, I spent Saturday afternoon in Chattanooga with Andrea. Chris Anne and the Sciortino clan came down the next week and we had a blast, and Friday night, Andy and I went out to eat with some Dalton friends: Annie and Jonathan Chakales (and their bun in the oven) and Katie and Jacob Whitlow. We dined at a restaurant in Virginia Highlands called Two Urban Licks--sounds shady--but the food was good, and it was quite trendy--I felt so "Sex In The City"! Okay, I had better end this blog, so I can go take some pictures to somehow post on this obstacle course that is blogspot!

The Beef is Blogging!

2006-09-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been influenced by all my wonderful friends blogs. I have had so much fun reading them, that I have decided to start one! Now, I don't know what I am doing, nor do I have time to even begin one of these...but here goes nothing!
First of all, let me say a BIG congratulations to my hometown/childhood/college sister, Whitney Hudson, who got engaged two weekends ago! The ring is gorgeous, and I know she is glowing! I have never met her fiance, Michael, but I know he must be awesome. The wedding date is March 31, 2007--and I cannot wait!
We just had a wonderful and busy visit from the Sciortino clan last week. Chris Anne and Campbell came to stay with Andy, Callie, and me for the better part of the week, and then Dave came up after his training in Atlanta to spend the weekend with us. The boys played golf Saturday morning (imagine that!), then they took over Campbell duties (or doodies--whichever you choose!) so Chris and I could go shopping and get a much-needed pedicure. Chris Anne and Dave are amazing parents, and so good with Campbell! He is a precious piece of baby--and I could squeeze him all the time! Okay, I must end this sometime...Welcome to my blog!