To Your Family From Ours....

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2nd to Last Post of 2008

I stole this from Rachel's blog. It isn't my fault though.. I just needed one more December post. I promise to do better in 2009!

I HAVE...
1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (A marching band)
4. Visited Hawaii ( I married a man born in Hawaii -- that's gottta count for something)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped (Went Skydiving... Which is cooler.)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightning at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch (Sewing...but, I'm not good).
15. Adopted a child (Well, I take credit for lots of cute kids in the world... but, I gave them back.)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables (and my mom.)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in
55. Been in a movie ... a Comedyworx movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies Top Sales 2 years in a row for my troupe.
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (I was a teenager... I think)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy(Book)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (If you like NASCAR)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (6/9th of one... kind of)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Ridden an elephant


I didn't count them up. I'm cool. That's enough for me.

What are sisters for?

Typically, I nanny one 3 year old little boy who makes me laugh.
This week, I am watching him and his two older sisters (6 & 9).

Here is the conversation I heard this morning.

Katie (6) is playing the piano.
Jacey (9) comes in and says, "I can teach you how to play the piano.
Katie & Jacey sit and the piano and play for about 30-40 minutes.

When they got done Katie was pretty excited and came up to me to report that, "Jacey said that if I gave her my lip gloss I got from Santa I didn't have to pay her for my piano lesson."

Hilarious.

May I... For a second....

Boast of myself. Many of my friends are similar to me... (hmmm.hmmm. Rachel.) We work hard, study hard and have to make good grades.

Here goes my grades from last semester. Remember now, I was pregnant, throwing up and totally worn out during the entire semester. I'm pleased.

CHFD 2111 090 Child Study:Intr Child Behav er A


LBST 1104 003 Arts & Society: Theatre (THEA) A

SOCY 2132 002 Socy of Marriage & the Family A

SPED 2100 001 Intro to Students Spec Needs A

Whoopee! Merry Christmas to me!

Our Cat Loves Christmas Trees....

This is what our tree looks like decorated.



And this is what it looks like when our cat climbs up it and knocks it over.

My Sweet Husband

I went home to Raleigh last weekend without Dan. He had 2 finals on Saturday and was going to be busy from 11 am - 6 pm. I don't know anyone in Charlotte well enough to say, "Wanna hang out ALL day"? So... I went home. The trip isn't bad and I actually had a great visit with my family and my bestest. It was fun.

On the drive home I thought of what Dan would have waiting for me. When we first got married he used to bring me home flowers every couple of months or watermelons (if they were is season. I love watermelon so, it was very sweet of him). Anyhow, I figured it out. When I got home Dan would have flowers and chocolate waiting for me.



And guess what! I was absolutely, 100% WRONG. What did I actually come home too? How about a dirty pan on the stove (not even in the sink), an unmade bed and a husband who hadn't shaved or done his hair for two days.

However, he was watching for me out the window and when I pulled into our apartment complex he did jump on the windshield of my car....

I love him.... even if there wasn't any Chocolate or Flowers.

100 Days (Tomorrow)

So, we only have 100 days left (hypothetically... I'm still rooting for the middle of March so, we'll see).

100 days doesn't seem like a long time but, I've experienced waiting 100 days before. Just a little over a year ago, actually.

Dan proposed on a Tuesday, June 19th 5:00 a.m. (JERK). We got married on Saturday, September 29th Not at 5:00 in the morning. We were engaged for 100 days exactly, 100 long stressful, fun, exciting, seemed like the 29th was never going to get here days.... and now, I'm back to square one. 100 days left.

I know I can do it. I've done it before. I just don't like it. *SIGH*

Church Plays - Shopping - Finals

So, someone had the brilliant idea to ask me to help with the church Christmas program (by help, she meant direct.) Hilarious. With only 3 weeks to practice and one falling on the week of Thanksgiving we probably didn't prepare as much as we should have.... but, we pulled it off. Here is a picture!



Last Wednesday, Tyler and I went to playgroup. Our church does a playgroup every Wednesday and we try to make it as often as we can. Last week, it was at the play place in the mall. Tyler and I were the only people who showed up because it was about a 30 minute drive so, we played and then went shopping. I'm pretty excited. I walked into Dillard's looking of an outfit to bring our baby home in and stumbled upon this..









a blessing dress.

Regular price: $54.00
Price on Tag: $16.40
Price at Register: $11.80

What a deal! I am so excited!
I LOVE IT!

One last thing -- FINALS! I am pretty excited and still debating on going taking classes next semester (I'll explain that later). I probably shouldn't but -- I can't bear to think of taking an entire semester off! It drives me crazy. I have two finals left (actually, I only have to take two.) I just need to say, I'm really smart. :)


P.S. Here is a conversation you'll enjoy Ana.

MC: Hey Fatty.

Me: I hate you.

For those of you who don't know, MC is about 23 weeks pregnant. It was all in good humor -- I just "reacted". :) Fun!

Thanksgiving -- and all that bliss!

So -- Thanksgiving has passed and I don't have much to report. I made my very first apple pie from scrath that was -- Delicious!



Then on Saturday we went to see Christmas lights - via choo-choo train. It was only $2 and...fun.

The first picture is Dan's Parents (And I think it is super cute!)
The second one is of my parents and obviously, the third is of Dan and I... I don't like either of the last two but -- I had to prove we were there! :)

Happy Thanksgiving....

Here's to hoping your pants still fit on Friday!



Happy Thanksgiving!


Love,

Dan & Amanda

Mike (A.K.A. The brother-in-law)

Okay, Dan and I actually adore Mike. Mike is Dan's younger brother and is a pretty funny kid. He is serving a mission for our church in Samoa and well -- we love him for that too! Dan and I (which is really me, forwarding e-mails to Dan and signing both of our names) try to write Mike every week or two because well, we like him. Last week our e-mail consisted of ultrasound and belly pictures and this is what I got back...

"I enjoyed the picture of the baby but I must say my stomach looks about the same as Amanda's right now! haha no im not that fat."

I just hope I remember this when Mike's wife gets pregant... Here's to hoping!




P.S. I'm not mad -- I really did laugh.... Today must have been a good day! :)

Today.....

I want to snuggle under our big soft comforter, in my freezing cold apartment, with my sweet husband.... but instead -- I'm at work.... loving on a cute little boy!

I am not sure which one is better.



P.S. Yes, that is his sisters leopard Halloween costume. :)

40 - 21 = 19.

This means we are over our 1/2 way point. I should pat myself on the back.... this child bearing thing is hard work.

Here is my belly but, just for the record... I don't think I am as big as I look in the pictures.(Here's hoping, right?)

It is okay to have this much fun???

UNCC requires EVERYONE in the College of Education to take a special education class. I love this class -- and if I weren't married would probably have a crush on my 60+ year old teacher (but, if you ask Dan he will tell you that I already DO have a crush on him). It doesn't matter, he is just that awesome!

Anyhow, while learning about communication disorders he had us watch this video. (Oh and I just figured out how to post youtube videos to my blog...)



After that, for "FUN" we watched this one! (You have to take yourself there, b/c I try to keep politics out of my blog)

Oh, and just to be slightly educational: Kids with communication disorders are often confused and frustrated because they don't understand why what they are saying isn't clear and doesn't make sense.

Catherine -- We are the same

... Good thing I like you!

You Are Checkers

You are very logical and rational. You are able to understand what is and isn't a factor. You're able to compartmentalize and focus on the essentials. You appreciate simplicity. You can see the layers of complexity and beauty in anything. You are also playful and good natured. You don't take life too seriously!

http://blogthings.com/whatboardgameareyouquiz/

I'm Mormon

... and I have no problem with gay people. I have not donated any money to Prop. 8 and nobody I know has. I feel like this video just pushes the boundaries of respect a little to far.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q28UwAyzUkE

My Dirty Little Secret

A lot of people don't know this about me but I love

"BLACK FRIDAY".

It isn't one of those things you go around telling people because you either hate it or love it! I think Black Friday is the marketing greatest scheme around but, I also know that there are some very good deals!

This year -- I get to go shopping in Raleigh on Black Friday (and I already have a date) and I am so excited. I wouldn't know where to start if we stayed in Charlotte so, going home is the best option.

Last year Dan and I joined in the glamor of Black Friday to get a Christmas tree. Wal-mart had really spectacular deals on Christmas trees so -- we saw the add in the paper, decided we wanted and we were going to get it. We drove all the way to Brier Creek (b/c they are bigger and we thought they would have a lot more) and waited to get it. We got in, got our Christmas tree and checked out. As we were carrying the Christmas tree to our car I saw printed on the box, $59.95 (or something along those lines) the Christmas tree was not on sale. It was not a black Friday special and though Dan and I laughed at our selves .... and still do I still love Black Friday!

NC Voters...

(A cynical thought I had last night while watching the news...)

Do you realize that your vote for president didn't really count? I was watching the news last night and I just checked CNN and NC still hasn't reported who "won" the state.

I feel like I have kept my mouth shut for most of this election (besides with Dan, some close friends and my in-laws....) but, if you do go to CNN link I have -- Check out how close a lot of the states were. I know Obama drowned McCain but, looking at it on a state-by-state level and you will notice it was only a matter of one percent in some states that Obama "won" them.

Update on Twins

I found out last night (around 7:30) that the other baby had passed away around 3:00 p.m. At 7:30, the mom still had not delivered the second baby although it had stopped breathing several hours ago.

I don't know how a person deals with a situation like this. I especially don't know how a 17 year old girl deals with a situation like this.

I wish I could say the "worst" was over but, I imagine that there is a point where it has to get worse before it gets better.

Just wanted those of you who have been keeping this family in your thoughts and prayers to know what was going on.

I really appreciate your love and support.

Sad News

One of my bestest has a 17 year old niece who is pregnant. She is due 2 weeks before Dan and I with twins, which makes her almost 22 weeks.

Unfortunately, she went into labor this morning and has already delivered one of the babies. It was only about 10 inches long and only lived a few minutes.

She hasn't delivered the 2nd baby yet but, things aren't looking so good.

If you could keep her in your prayers that would be great. I will keep you posted about the second baby...

Baby Claire

My sister-in-law and her family have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their (second) sweet baby girl! She finally decided to face this crazy world -- and her older sister yesterday, November 4th around 2:00 p.m. She weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 20 inches long.

The report I got from my mother-in-law was that she had hair like Audrey (the older sister) a prominent nose, big upper lip and a round head.... I don't know if I agree with all of that but, she's cute.

Here are some pictures (because we all love babies...right?)....

Oh... But, the sad thing is Dan and I probably wont actually see baby Claire until July. :(

Color Me Blue...

Yes, If all my friends jumped of a bridge -- I would follow.

You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors. You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find. On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front. Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

Obama vs. My Drive Home

One more day....

I am SO ready for the election to be over. I got an e-mail today say that Obama was going to visit our school. Yippie....

"UNC Charlotte announced today that its College Democrats student organization will host Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Barrack Obama for an election-eve campaign event on Monday, Nov, 3 at approximately 5:30 p.m.

The event will be held on the Hayes Recreational Fields in front of Duke Centennial Hall and Grigg Hall on the Charlotte Research Institute campus.

ENTRANCE ALERT: Vehicles entering campus on the day of the event, Monday, Nov. 3, should use the U.S. 49 main entrance, the John Kirk Rd. entrance, or the Mallard Creek Rd/Mary Alexander entrance."

There was more but you don't care. My thought.... Really? Today? I think this is just crazy. If I were running for president or any other political office I would not interfere with the traffic patterns of college students who run late for class on a daily basis. I'm just saying, I don't have class on Monday but, we only live a mile or two from the school and I come home from work around 5:30 or 6:00. Here is my thought -- go enjoy a day with your family and your kids. Stay out of my way and please, leave us alone.

(Granted -- my irrational state is not only a reflection of this election... but, its a good excuse.)

Poor Dan has class from 2:00-3:15...

P.S. I would not be any kinder about the subject if it were McCain... Now, if it were Barr --then they may be on to something... (Kidding)

I'm learning so much...

Sidenote: I love school! If there was one thing I could just do for the rest of my life -- I would pick school. A lot of it has to do with the fact that I am a really great student (not that I am the smartest) and I make amazing grades. I have been known to freak out over assignments and cry over grades that I felt were "unfair" but, today... my knowledge has reached a whole new level.

Let me share:

As I was walking to class today I noticed something written in sidewalk chalk (this is not uncommon but, I actually read it this time). I felt like my eyes had been open to the world and this is what it said....

"MONSTERS ARE NOT AS SCARY AS STD'S."

I don't know why I laughed -- but, the thought of it still being entertained in my mind and hopefully one day I can instill that fear in our children....(or not).

Happy early Halloween and remember -- if a monster comes knocking on your door tomorrow don't worry -- it could be worse.

Why I go to the fair...

The Pickles

The Chicks

The Roasted Corn

The (Maple) Cotton Candy

And the bright red candy apples

6 to 11

So, the poll had closed and the guessing is over.

6 of my wonderful faithful readers think the baby is a girl.

11 of my wonderful faithful readers think the baby is a boy.

If we all recall Dan was sure the baby was a boy and I just went back and forth.

Well, our ultrasound went great yesterday -- Um, except for the fact that the baby has feet like Dan's little brother (he wears a size 13)! The heart beat was great 144! No clef lip. Perfect umbilical cord. All looks well! We came home with lots of pictures (6 regular and 8 4-D pictures)!

Oh -- and Dan and the other 11 blog readers who said our baby was a boy... They were......
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
WRONG!

We are defiantly having a little baby GIRL!

Scarowinds

So, as many of our readers know Dan and I have season passes to Carowinds ( a local theme park here in Charlotte). We bought them with our friends Peter and Sofia and (most likely) made our last trip of the year on Saturday.

For Halloween the "scary it up" and add about 11 haunted housed. The four of us hit up about 5 or 6 haunted "things" and it was -- fun... but, not scary. So, overall we had a great time trying to scare everyone else at the park. Sofia does the BEST scary/psycho voice and every time she walked passed a unsuspected person -- she would say something in that voice and then we would all laugh. (Not nice - -but, funny. )

The Capitol Of My Heart!

Dan and I were in Raleigh this weekend!

I love Raleigh -- which is good because it means if we can we will move back. I would LOVE to be one of those people who buy a house and live there forever.

While we were there we went to a BIRTHDAY PARTY! (Okay, so the capital letters were used to make it sound more exciting to the general public.) The birthday party was for a little boy turning 5 who I nannied from the time he was 6 month old until he was 2. I haven't missed a birthday party yet! He's such a cute kid too!

We ended up staying at the party for longer than expected due to craziness (which is always welcomed... ) a missed an open house ( Sorry, Ariel).

Saturday night we headed up to the outskirts of the world ( A.K.A. Dan's parent's house) and hung out with Dan's parents and his totally awesome SINGLE brother Brian!

Sunday we got up and went to church (of course the R2 ward). It was great -- I kind of feel like I big deal in the ward thanks to the YW and I secretly miss them like crazy (Are you having fun yet, Anna?)

After church we headed to my parents and had a great time! I had a friend over from high school and her family! She's got one of the cutest/smartest 2 1/2 year old Dan and I have ever seen. His name is Anthony and he's a brilliant little kid.

My aunt was joking with his and told him that his feet stink and all that fun stuff.... and he looked at her and said, "Well, do you want to come smell my butt"?

We laughed so hard I almost peed my pants -- but, that's another story!

There really is no place like home. Although we are getting along just fine in Charlotte, there is still tons I miss about Raleigh. It will all come together... Sooner or later!

Get A-W-A-Y!

So...

So of my bestest (that means friends) are planning a ski trip. I have known about this for a few weeks and have since decided that I want to do something. I mean, "in my condition" skiing probably isn't the best idea... but, what about a day at the spa.

I think I totally deserve it.

Has anyone ever done this?

Tagged....

I got tagged, and well, I really enjoyed this one so, I have to do it! The way this works is you go to your pictures and post the fourth pic in the fourth file and this is what I found.

MY DAD!

(who really is cool... in his own special way)!

Okay, so I need to tag 4 people now lets go with : Robin, Ana, Cat & Ariel ( do you use your computer at home Ariel? b/c I am sure you don't upload pictures at work.... :)

A Year Ago... When This was a big deal....

I mean, the picture. Today is our Anniversary
and we are totally excited. An entire year has
passed since Dan and I were married. A lot can change in that first year. It is interesting to look back on all that has happened (which really isn't that much) and enjoy the time we've spent together.




- We lived in Raleigh


-Finished School at WTCC


-Drove to Iowa


-Drove to Connecticut


-Moved to Charlotte


-Started School at UNCC


-Got pregnant





We did a lot. People told us when we got married, "the first year is the hardest." Dan and I have evaluated this several times with the idea that we hope it was... because our first year was fun! and really, we had a few disagreements but - -nothing that knocks you off your feet. If this past year was the hardest we have pretty smooth sailing ahead of us for the rest of our lives & eternity!

CONFESSIONS OF A PREGNANT WOMEN....

Okay, I promise that this wont turn into a blog about a developing fetus.... but, I have a confession.

I think this is something that everyone can understand. My whole life, I have imagined having kids. I mean, really -- some people want them, some people don't and I have always been in the first category. I remember telling my mom when I was a wee child that I was going to have 10 kids. I remember she laughed and said, "first have one -- then decided". Being pregnant is not fun (at least, it isn't fun right now for me....). I thought from the second I found out we were expecting I was going to be the happiest women in the world but, that hasn't been the case.

Actually, I don't even know if I am excited. Here is a secret. Dan and I were trying for a while to get pregnant (or not trying not to get pregnant) I know, sounds stupid to some people because we are still in school but -- we are always up for a challenge so the fact that we are actually pregnant is a little unreal. I'm sure the excitement will come. I'm sure that after a while, I will be "into it" but as for now.... I'm just doing what I would normally due with a little more time added in to sleep and throw up. See what I mean, it isn't that great... Yet.

HELP!

Since everyone else was doing it.... I wanted to do it too... But, does anyone know if you can put Private blogs on Google reader? If so, HOW? I just can't figure it out!

Happy to Announce....

That Dan and I are .... (drum roll)...





EXPECTING... (something).

Dan and I are a little more than 12 weeks pregnant and the baby is doing great. We had a Dr. appointment last Thursday and the heartbeat was 164 (which is good). We wont know what we are having until the first couple weeks of November but, are excited for either. Actually, Dan has already coined this baby as a boy -- but, we will have to wait and see. I go back and forth so, I'm not hep with guessing the gender.

With all of that going on, life is crazy. Making an 8 o'clock class and working 10 hour work days kill me but, soon enough we should be done with the whole "feeling sick thing" and moving on to the better part of our pregnancy.

In other news, Dan got promoted with UPS and will be working as a supervisor starting on Monday. We have truly been blessed as we moved to Charlotte and look forward to the exciting adventure that we have ahead of us.

Wow...

Have I really not updated my blog in 2 weeks... I'm not sure how that time passed so quickly and I'm not sure how NOTHING has happened.

Oh well. Hopefully, there will be a worthwhile update sooner or later. Don't give up on me or this blog. I won't let you down! :)

If this indicates the rest of the year.....

I'm in trouble.

Dan and I live about 2-3 miles from campus so we ride our bikes to school. I leave the house around 7:15.

Today... was the first day of classes and this is how it went.

It poured. I was on my bike. I had no coat. I had no umbrella. BOO. :(

Happy - "Late" - Birthday

Dan and I went to Raleigh this weekend to celebrate my dad's 52nd birthday. We had a good time - hung out, went to dinner with some family and came back to the house for cake and ice cream. Here is a picture. I made cake.

What I do...

So, yesterday I got bored, went to Wal-Mart, bought some fabric and made a baby blanket for my friend Desa.

One last thing - I am pretty proud of it and got the idea from a blanket that one boy I nannied had. It was probably 12 x 12 and after some research realized it cost about $25.00.

Anyhow, I made this blanket for about $10.

P.S. I've also made a pillow and a skirt this week....

When I was in middle school...

I remember Nirvana singing a song about "...sex and candy".



I never got that but, it was a catchy song. Anyhow, why do you need to reminisce about the past? To understand the present, of course.


We have an ice cream truck the lives in our apartment complex named Lil' Rina. It leaves around 3 or 4 and always stops in the neighborhood and is frequented by big men with no kids. I mean, I like ice cream as well as other big people... but, I just thought-- if I ever start dealing drugs -- I may have to take that idea.


This is not an actual picture of Lil' Rina.

Do you know...?

Who they call the "King" of Nascar?

Who also played "the King" is Disney/Pixar's Film Cars?

Who has had their picture taken with President Bush and Amanda McEwen?

That's right...

Richard Petty

...Even if you don't like Nascar, this is neat!

Maybe Charlotte does have SOME perks.

The good, the bag and the U-G-L-Y....

A.K.A. Charlotte.

Charlotte has not panned out to be as bad as I first assumed. Here is the good.We live in a really amazing part of town and bike ride to 50% of the places we need to go. The shopping mall (which is basically our neighbor) has live music every Thursday night.... here. On the lake.






The lake is another amenities that we enjoy. There is this INSANE looking duck. We did our research though, it is a Muscovy duck, which is native to Mexico, Central & South America... the ones that live in the U.S. live in Texas. Although, it is neat to have so much "culture" around us -- we don't like it. Every time we feed the "normal" ducks this one actually comes out of the water and follows us ... acting more like one of the geese which we DON'T feed. Oh, and this bird is the ugly.






The bad... Well, Dan's transfer did not go through as soon as we had hoped and so he was out of work for about 2 weeks. Bummer. Me, I have a job.. and pretty great job being a nanny again but, this time it is for a lady who is a member of our church and divorced. I like the lady too. She is young, 31 and has 3 kids but, I'm only watching the 3 year old. It WILL be fun! Oh, but, it doesn't start until August 25th, so until then we will have a really clean house, no dirty laundry and Dan will probably have dinner on the table every night when he gets home from work.... yeah, I LOVE being a wife.


So, that right now is the fun of Charlotte. We did have Jericho (a friend from Raleigh) stop by twice this week-- it was nice because we don't really know anyone yet.... but, I'm still far away from my parents and I DO love them!

1. Answer the questions using only one word.

2. Tag four others. I was tagged by Robin

1. Where is your cell phone? Used.
2. Your significant other? Perfect.
3. Your hair? Short.
4. Your mother? Hilarious.
5. Your father? Honest
6. Your favorite thing? Babies.
7. Your dream last night? Nothing
8 Your favorite drink? Slushies
9. Your dream/goal? Exaltation
10. The room you’re in? Kitchen
11. Your hobby? Sewing
12. Your fear? Anger
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Mother
14. What you’re not? Reserved.
15. Muffins? Blueberry.
16. One of your wish list items? Car.
17. Where you grew up? Fuquay
18. The last thing you did? Temple
19. What are you wearing? PJ's
20. Favorite gadget? A/C
21. Your pets? Insane
22. Your computer? On
23. Your mood? Tired
24. Missing someone? Defiantly
25. Your car? Empty
26. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
27. Favorite store? Thrift
28. Like someone? Many
29. Your favorite color? Orange
30. When is the last time you laughed? Tonight
31. Last time you cried? Tuesday

I guess I should tag four people... but, if you want to do it... go ahead.

What? Amanda's going to update her blog...

Yes...I am.

So, some home time just seems to slip aways (expecially if you are constantly running from place to place with no where to be). It has been a while since a "real" update so... here goes.

As most of you know Dan and I are official residents of Charlotte. It has been a slow transition and I think we have been away from our apartments more than we have been at the apartment, but we like it.

Dan was suppose to transfer with UPS and they have done a really poor job of making that happen so, the last two weeks have been our time to catch up and enjoy each other a little before our lives get consumed with work and school. (Oh, the joys of being broke married students).

Also, another fun thing -- My sister came home to visit for the summer. She has actually been home for about 6 weeks now (she's an awesome high school Latin teacher in Texas) and she has stayed with us for a few nights. It is always fun to spend time with your siblings... especially when you are old.... and we are getting to that point.

OPERATION: FEED THE BRIDE!

Really.... have a cracker.


Dan and I just got home from my cousin's wedding and the girl he married is the smallest thing I have ever seen in my life.... My grandmother told her she needed to gain some weight at her bridal shower and she said, "maybe after the wedding"... GROSS.

And we blog...

It has been a while with ups & downs... but, we are pushing through and in only 3 short days will be relocated to Charlotte. (Are you kidding me?)

Well, since I last blogged Dan and I successfully Treked (only about 10 miles but... still ) with the youth of our church and had the most wonderful, uplifting experience. We were both really grateful that we took the time off work to spend with the youth and look forward to helping out again. It was a great blessing that with over 300 youth out tramping in the woods there was nothing more than a few falls, bug bites and bee stings. I was really proud of everyone when our "family" (the way we were grouped) made it to the end safely. But... the same couldn't be said for me. Apparently, I layed my face in some sort of poison ivy/oak. How do I get it on my face and no where else? That remains a mystery to all of us... but, here are the pictures. Notice the right side of my face? Cute, huh? The pictures are about a day after a visit to the ER on the 4th of July (nothing else is open) and a hefty dose of Prednozone (which they kindly gave a weeks worth of pills.

Interesting ...

For those of you who DON'T read Ariel' blog... You should.

Her most recent entry was about a guys in West Australia "selling his life"... on ebay (which might be the coolest thing in the world).

He literally auctioning off everything.
To quote Ariel, "His house, its entire contents, his friends (not really auctioning THEM but he'll introduce you to them), his vehicles, and his job. Why is he selling his life? He tells you at www.alife4sale.com . The auction is up to $309,300 and has 3 days left."

I think ... this guys has the right idea. I would totally do it if I were in his situation.

As for the Haircut...

You can decide...

Before :

After:As you can see... I totally needed the haircut!

And We Laugh...

Last week was weird (and good).





One of my dear dear friends -- Etienne -- came and slept on our couch for a week. I hadn't seen her in 2 years (permission) and really missed her. Etienne is one of the funnest people I know and the summer she spent in NC was one of my favorite. It was good because most of my friends had gotten married so, to have someone new to hang out with was well needed. Anyhow, Etienne was supposed to stay for a while -- through the summer -- but, due to hear lack of job she found herself on the road heading to DC. What a bummer... but, we did manage to play a little before she left.





On Saturday we went to COMEDYWORX (with and X). It was an amazing show -- but, I previewed the line-ups...so, I had no doubt about that! Let me tell you we ended up having a group of 9 -- and we all laughed and had a great time.

Here we are...

Then a picture of me and some of my BESTEST*! (Rachel, Me (if you are reading my blog,I hope you that that) and Sofia).

You know -- to piggy back on Rachel's post I really do have some of the best friends and defiantly the best husband.

* I know "bestest" isn't a word -- but, I wanted to use it.