Elepantshoe-The blog of Lisa and Jeff

a move of sorts

2011-01-22T05:41:00.001-08:00

It's been quite a while since I've updated...which is how I start all posts on this blog. It's very had to maintain two blogs and 20 week old. So while not completely closing up shop here, I'm sort of putting a notification that the Lisa Bell Photography blog is the blog of choice for posting not only business stuff, but the everyday happenings in our life, and that's where you can find us.

A recent picture of my girl to round out the post

Ada updated

2010-11-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

Elephantshoe!!!

She's here!!!

2010-09-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

As of last Friday our beautiful, wonderful, sweet baby girl is here! SO IN LOVE!!! We're all happy and healthy. Praise the Lord! Of course there will be more pictures of this little one...just as soon as we can catch our breaths.

Since the last post.

2010-06-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I don't update this much.
I'm now 30 weeks into the pregnancy. We still have a lot of things to do to get ready for Ada...a lot of things to get. The room isn't finished yet. The walls are the appropriate colors now. The bedding has been made; I just have the curtains to go. We ordered a glider earlier this week. There are things to be hung on the wall. I still have to get a mirror to fit one frame. I decided to paint a canvas with some of the flowers from the fabric, and hang above the crib....still have to do that. We got a ceiling fan installed. I'm expecting the next few weeks to become busy preparing the final touches.
The garden is doing well. I haven't taken any photos of it in a while, but hopefully will soon. The tomatoes are taller than the stakes. The squash plants are huge (sadly, I think they are starting to produce less and maybe finishing for the summer soon). The eggplant is blooming like mad. The asparagus has ferned like it should. We are waiting on the big tomatoes to start ripening. The grape tomatoes have been for a week or so. We've been weighing everything we get, and so far we've gotten about 25lbs. from our little garden. Plenty of squash and cucumbers.
We've done two weddings in the past few weeks. I'm finishing up the editing of one as I type. We also had a wedding show at the Carolina First center last Thursday.
Jeff had a cold the first part of June, and passed it to me (and his mom). Although I'm feeling much better, I think the after effects might possibly turn into an ear infection, which I desperately do not want. We shall see. I have an OB check up tomorrow. I don't if an obstetrician keeps an otoscope in the office or not, hopefully things will be better before then.
Okay, I'm leaning toward a nap...until the next update.

Lots of stuff

2010-04-21T18:53:00.001-07:00

The garden boxes are complete. All the construction of that area is finished, so now it's just tending to the plants.
A couple of weeks ago we found out we're having a girl. Her name is Ada Kate, and we can't wait for August to meet her. I've been feeling her move around for a while now, but last week she started really kicking...or at least the first kicks. I know it'll get harder later, but it's so awesome!
We've started on her room. We've got it painted....it's extremely bright. I'm actually considering doing a couple of walls in a lighter shade. I don't want to get a migraine from the color.
We are about to have a little vacation in Pigeon Forge. I'm super excited to get away for a while...boy do we need it.

Working hard

2010-03-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

That's what we've been doing the past few weeks. As Spring started to show it's face a few weeks ago, we started to get busy. We wanted to do garden boxes, so we started on that right away. I posted on the photography blog about that. We had some yard stuff to do at the rental places, pre-emergence to start with. In the coming weeks we'll have to do pine straw at a couple. Plus, we'll have that to do at our house. We're still working on the boxes. We had to lay a path to the boxes with the stepping stones, so we started on that, and have still got some leveling to go to get it how we'd like it. A compost box and small asparagus box will be added in a few weeks (late for asparagus-I know). We'll then have to focus our attention to the neglected patio area. There will have to be pressure washing done (front of the house too), we need to repaint our table and chairs, and new covers for the cushions will have to happen. Whew!
We have our big ultrasound appointment on April 8th. So as soon as we know boy or girl, I'll order fabric and get to work on the bedding stuff. We've checked out a couple of baby furniture stores, to get an idea what we want.
Lots of stuff ahead on the Spring agenda. Hopefully we'll have a little rest in there somewhere to prepare for the project arriving at the toward the end of the summer.

another update

2010-03-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

Things are moving right along. I'm 14 weeks 4 days. I don't really feel sick much at all anymore. I did feel a little blah last night, but it wasn't as bad as before, and it's not an everyday occurrence. I'm not as tired as I was, but I still have a day here and there where sleeping more would be nice. Today is one of them. We've been sleeping a lot more since the pregnancy started. Both working from home is huge help to that. The last week or so I've seem to have woken up before the alarm. You know it's really hard to get up before that alarm has gone off...it's like I feel cheated. So most of the time I end up going back to sleep for an hour, 30 minutes, or 12...whatever the case may be. Every time I wish I had just gotten up because it's so much harder the second time around. Plus, then the grogginess happens. Jeff has always been a tough one to wake up in the morning. Sleeping more has not been a hassle for him at all. He continues to blame this on my pregnancy, and while I'm not getting up when I naturally wake up I'll let him, but pretty soon he's own his own. The stomach is starting to stick out. Well, it actually has for the last couple of weeks. This past week it seems to have really started. It still looks more like I overate one to many times rather than a baby in there.
In other things...sort of...I know so many pregnant people. Two from this year that I know have already had their babies. Then there are about nine more...ten including me. Lots o babies!

Update

2010-02-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

Well, we've been doing a lot of the same since the last update. We had the bridal show. I'm busy with this and that. Jeff is busy with work. We've had snow...a couple of times.
The morning sickness has gone to evenings, and thankfully now it's starting to fade then too. I'm still tired a lot of the time. I'm ready for that burst of energy I kept hearing about in the second trimester. Right now I'm 12 weeks 6 days...so we should be coming up on it soonish.
That's about it for now. I have a lot more updates happening on the photography blog.

whew!

2010-02-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

Well, the morning sickness still persists. It's mostly in the evenings, but still pop up at any time. My pants no longer button, which isn't fun. I don't fit in maternity stuff yet, so it's the old hair elastic and long top trick for me.

We've been getting ready for the bridal show this coming Saturday. I must confess I'm not that enthusiastic about it. I just don't feel like it....I feel like a nap. I'm so ready for that second trimester to begin.

That's just about everything that's been going on recently. Fun, huh?

Baby, oh baby!

2010-01-19T18:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while...why? Cause I've the biggest thing that's happened we didn't want to say yet. I'm pregnant! We found out the Tuesday before Christmas. It's been hard to keep quite, and we couldn't completely. Also a reason I haven't posted...nausea! Ugh! It started during the sixth week, and has continued. The last week and a half has been much better, but I'm ready for it to hopefully be gone after this trimester. I'm eight weeks three days right now. So the due date is August 27, 2010...of course how many babies hit that date. Today we had the doctor's appointment, with an ultrasound. We got to hear the heartbeat...what a wonderful sound! Here's our little one:

Happy New Year

2010-01-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas was fun! We did everything we had planned. Plus, we got a visit from my Aunt Linda and her family last Wednesday.
We started taking Christmas stuff down Saturday. Got the outside stuff that day, started on the rest inside. I've got the tree upstairs still to take down, and then the putting away of everything.
Monday was my 31st birthday. It was a good one...not too eventful, just nice.

Christmas time is here!

2009-12-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a merry season thus far. We began our Christmas celebrations last Friday at the Sunday School Christmas party...complete with sleet and a power outage. We had a good time though. Saturday we had the Milde Christmas. It was nice to see Mike, Liz, and Daniel for a little longer than last time. Coming up on Christmas Eve we have my parents. Christmas day will be just Jeff and me watching movies. Then Saturday the Bell cousins are coming up....hopefully all of them (we are waiting on a car to be repaired to know for sure). Time sure does pass quickly!

Merry Christmas people!

This weekend

2009-12-15T18:37:00.000-08:00

This Saturday was A Night in Bethlehem at Lake Russell Baptist. It was a walk through experience with different shops where kids could participate. There was a leather shop, flower shop, glass shop, woodworking shop, cafe, candy shop, blacksmith, candle maker, and a scribe shop (where I cam in). I did calligraphy years ago, so they asked me to teach that to the kids...in Hebrew. So I learned how to write God is love in Hebrew, made a poster, and a pretty nifty scroll, which was a drop in the bucket to the decorations the other had. They staged in in the new building because of rain. Boy, it looked awesome! A good crowd, a good time....amazing.
After the event Jeff and I headed back to Greenville. We had stuff at church the next day. Well, while we were going over the lesson for the next day, Jeff noticed his wedding ring was gone. Oh no, not again. So we looked all over the house, but we both felt confident it was an hour and a half away. We headed back down the next morning, and after church started our search. It didn't take long, it was in the middle of my shop...first place I looked. So back home we came. Then to the jewelry store to get Jeff a winter ring so when his hand shrinks we won't have to look for a ring again. Sunday was a long day.
We have so much to do in the next couple of weeks. Get-togethera and such, but also just other stuff. We are working on changing a few photography things. First of all my booth at the wedding show coming up. I also want to update my site just a touch, as well as the photography blog. Some of that won't happen until the first of the year I don't imagine.

the last half of the month.

2009-12-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

So las time we met we had just done the pigeon forge thing. Well that next weekend we went to CF. The Saturday we went to Connie Maxwell Children's home with our Sunday School class. We've adopted a cottage there. We played some games with them, and visited a while...fun stuff. Jeff and I then headed to my parents' house for Thanksgiving dinner. Then that Sunday Thanksgiving again at Lake Russell.
Let's see...on the actually Thanksgiving we did portraits of ourselves. All the pictures from that and Pigeon Forge are on the photography blog: http://lisabellphotography.blogspot.com/
Friday we started decorating. After a few trips to Hobby Lobby, and stopping at my parents to pick up something (we were in Abbeville for a photo session), we finished decorating Tuesday. Jeff and his dad are expanding our attic a bit. It's not done yet, but I'm determined to put the boxes up from decorating. Hopefully I'll get around to snapping a few photos of the festive Christmas stuff soon.
Tonight is the Milde Thanksgiving. That'll be yummy and fun!

last weekend

2009-11-20T06:49:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we left for Pigeon Forge. We had a great time. We hit the outlet stores, some of the artsy places. Saturday we went to Wonderworks, which is geared more toward kids, but still we enjoyed it. Took a stroll in Gatlinburg. We went on a hike Sunday, and a motor nature trail. Sunday night Jeff's mom and Aunt Betty got into town so we went to dinner with them. Then hit the Christmas Place. Rode around looking at a few Christmas lights (still seems early). Monday we loaded up and headed home. Fun trip, but our own bed is nice too.

as of late

2009-11-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

-Jeff got his insulin pump yesterday. He actually got it two weeks ago...it was attached yesterday. Life is already simpler. It's going to be a great thing.

-I really want to sew. I have a scarf project in mind. No time at the moment.

-Erin and Shane are coming over tonight. They are great! It's going to be fun.

-We are going to Pigeon Forge this weekend. So excited! So ready!

-I'm going to start offering images for digital frames in my photography business. So I've been researching that for part of the day. Lots of cool stuff (products, etc) our there.

-I now really want a digital frame, but then I think that when we have a baby it'll come in handy more, and that by then the technology will have possibly increased. hmmm.

-I have also been cleaning today.

-I also packed a lot today.

-I must get my camera ready.

-Betty Crocker has a new line of gluten-free stuff. We've tried the brownies, and they are pretty good.

-Whew!

-the end for now.

it is NOT Christmas yet!

2009-11-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

I am forced to blog about something because it is just really wearing on me. It is NOT the Christmas season yet. Every year the stores start putting out Christmas stuff sooner and sooner. Hobby Lobby started in July at least. It's nuts to have it out so early. The rest started a few weeks ago...maybe the first part of October. Now don't get me wrong I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of year, but I don't want it now...it's not time yet. It's easy to see why the stores put out the stuff...it's to make you buy more of it. It's all for the money! I understand starting Christmas shopping early. That's so you aren't rushed and stressed last minute. We haven't yet, but probably will while we are in Pigeon Forge next week. Once I even bought a Christmas gift in May, but being prepared and having it out is a totally different thing. Except for years 2005-2007 when I had to put a Christmas tree up early for Christmas pictures, the day after Thanksgiving or that Saturday is usually the day to put up the tree. Last year we started listening to Christmas music the first part of November (because they were playing on the radio), we also watched Christmas movies starting mid-November. By the next month we were sick of it.
I think we need to acknowledge Thanksgiving for what it's for. It is not about stuffing food down your throat, or the fact that sales start the next day. It is a time to be thankful to God for providing throughout the year. That's what the pilgrims celebrated. Although they had an extremely tough year, many many of their people died, they were thankful for God that he brought them through. Shouldn't we give just as much thanks to our creator?
The retailers put up Christmas stuff to sell it. The Christmas season for Christians is the Advent. It begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas...traditionally (like this year) the Sunday AFTER Thanksgiving. The teachings of the Advent is to not only recognize the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, but also to teach of his second coming. Yes, we should celebrate this all year long, but that doesn't mean we leave our trees and light up all year long (that burgeons on something most of us don't want to be). Christmas has become a holiday of commercialism for the most part. Far too few people celebrate it for the original meaning. Even Christians think about the material gifts far more than the immeasurable gift Christ was to us. I'm guilty of it as much as anyone else. What if we took time out of the busy decorating, buying, giving, and did something to serve Christ as He served us? Wait what if we did it outside the Christmas season? Isn't that how we are supposed to live?
My point is that when we begin do the stuff of our now Christmas outside of the traditional season we begin to think about the busyness, the stuff, etc that encompasses that, and we loose sight of so many other things that we should do. I think we all do it. We have all become so materialistic that it's our biggest concern, whether we think so or not. It's so much a part of us we can't even see it. It's not only with Christmas, but everyday. Why do we want to pollute a time meant to celebrate the birth of our King with even more of it?

Don't even get me started on Easter!

Also, did you know the Christmas tree has origins in Pagan beliefs. Trees were decorated first for the Winter solstice. Adopted later into the Christian traditions of the holiday.

The evolution is complete

2009-11-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

The quilt that I began August of 2007 is now finished. The last time I posted about this project I was finishing tying it. I did the first part of the binding a few weeks ago....then put it down for a while. I started hand-stitching the binding to the back yesterday, and now TA-DA:

One Year

2009-11-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our first anniversary.
First, I must say, I love Jeff so incredibly much! I feel blessed everyday that I'm his wife. It's been a good year.

Now as for the anniversary. We had originally planned to go somewhere for a weekend trip. We thought maybe Savannah or Charleston. In the midst of our thinking and slight planning, Jeff's mom offered time share points to somewhere. Everywhere we chose was booked. In fact, the closest thing to being open was Pigeon Forge in a couple of weeks. So we'll have our trip a little outside of the anniversary weekend, but still we can't wait. We still wanted to do something for the day. A couple of weeks ago I got an email about an Ansel Adams exhibit at the Columbia Art Museum. Ah-ha. We are both photography nuts, and icing on the cake the museum is free on Sundays. Then my friend Christen, who happens to live in Columbia, wanted to set up a time for pictures of her kids. So we figured, why not, we'll be down there. So we met Christen, Hunter, and Faith downtown and did a few pictures to start the day. That was fun! Then we headed to the museum, and got to see some great art. We were getting hungry so we were going to find something on the way out of Columbia, but missed the exit. We ended up eating at Zaxby's. Yep, that's right anniversary dinner at Zaxby's....but hey, we had their chicken strips at our reception last year, so full circle. Then we stopped in Newberry to visit my cousin, Spurgeon and his wife, Danielle. We had a good time talking with them. All in all a busy day, not how we originally planned, but still good.

Photo day

2009-10-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I decided that it had been far to long since we've just gone out with our cameras and explored. We couldn't go far because Mondays are a very busy day work-wise for him, so we headed to downtown Greer to take a few. Hopefully we'll have more excursions soon.

Dallas and Laura

2009-10-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Dallas and new cousin, Laura are both creative people. He's a chef in Louisville at Z's Fusion (google him-he's good), she's an interior designer (and incredibly crafty). Their wedding definitely reflected their creative personalities. The venue was the Palace Theatre in downtown Louisville, and it was beautiful! Color on every wall, details abound. Laura's dress has been in her family for years. She was a knockout. Dallas was handsome as well. It was an awesome ceremony, and we were thrilled we got to be there to celebrate with them. I wasn't the official photographer, but had to take my camera along to capture a few shots. Here are some of my favorite:

The Louisville wedding weekend

2009-10-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

Let me first say I'm so excited, happy, and thrilled for Dallas and Laura. They are both awesome people, and even more so together.

My dad didn't get to make the trip because of work, so he brought mom up to our house Friday night. We all left around 8 the next morning. Somewhere in Tennessee Jeff started feeling pretty bad. Since his blood sugar was 50 and we'd gone through some curves, we thought that might be it. We stopped for lunch in Knoxville, but he still was feeling rough. While at lunch he got really sick. I had to make one of many appearances that day in a men's restaurant to check on my puking husband. So undecided on what was causing it we decided to venture on. We had to stop a few other times, but Jeff is a trooper who said to continue on. Somewhere between stops we realized it was a new medication he's on that gave him a bad reaction.
Anyway, we made it to Louisville. Jeff was much better by the time we got there. Saturday night they had a friend and family dinner at the Irish Rover---a nod to our family the McGarity klan. It was great to get to see Dallas' mom, grandma, brother, and sister...we haven't seen them in years. We also enjoyed getting to meet Laura's family. Now we know where Laura gets her kindness from.
Sunday we (Jeff, mom, Linda, Andy, Anthony, Kristi, Carlin, Ryan, and myself) all went to breakfast at Toast on Market--it was quite yummy. Since the three of us were leaving after the wedding we had to go check out, take out bags to Linda's room, and get ready. Jeff and I headed to the Palace Theatre early to start snapping some photos. No, I was the photographer, but I can't go to a wedding without my camera. The wedding was beautiful. Laura wore a dress that's been worn in her family for generations....and looked gorgeous. The venue was very different...in a good way. The little details were great. The food-yum. We enjoyed it!
We headed back over to Linda's room to get dressed in traveling clothes and headed out. We did stop for some food, and a potty break. I was thankful Jeff was able to drive some on the way home. My parent's car has really uncomfortable seats. Our backs and legs still ache. We got in around 2 am. I'm still so tired. We'll be hitting the hay early tonight.
Even with the sickness, and the long painful car ride, we had a good time. Jeff and I are hoping to go back up there sometime and spend a little time walking around with our cameras.

Since the last time...

2009-10-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Let's see...we met with the insulin pump folks. He's decided which one to go with, and we have an appointment tomorrow with the endo to do a follow up and have her do her part for a pump. We also have a class Monday that will help us learn a little more about it all. We're both pretty excited for him to get the pump.
We fixed our mailbox again.
We decided to paint the outside around the door, and including the columns. The columns needed to have the caulking replaced so we had to get rid of the old, put in some new, and it's still drying. Around the door has been painted, and hopefully the columns will be a gleaming white soon.
We decided to do a little decorating outside. We have plenty of fall stuff from an event that took place on November 1st of last year. We've added a little Halloween to it too. Just a couple more things and we'll be finished.
The garage has been organized. We can now get the truck in there. We have an old lawnmower and vacuum cleaner to sell and a cabinet to get rid of, and possibly the car can fit in as well.
Saturday we went to Calhoun Falls. We got to hang out with my parents a while. Then off to LRBC the next day. I love that church. We were both excited to see the progress of the new building...it's looking awesome!
Yesterday we went to the rental places, and planted fall stuff in the pots. Plus, I did a couple here. I'm so ready to do it in the front too, but our summer stuff is still going fairly well.
We've got a few other things lined up for today. Then the doctor appointment tomorrow. Possibly a little yard work Saturday..depending on the weather.

Next weekend we will be traveling to Louisville, KY to Dallas and Laura's wedding. I can't wait!

The past week

2009-09-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

We haven't done too much of anything this week except watching the rain. Monday we finally got to see the endocrinologist for Jeff's diabetes. We made the appointment back in April. We've so been waiting to she what she was going to recommend and say about everything. We knew it before, but we got the firm diagnosis that's it's type 1. He's no longer taking medications that type 2 people take, but insulin only. Because the drugs help the body absorbing the insulin the insulin amounts first recommended....unit/10 carbs has proven not to be as effective, so we've had to up the bolus (meal/snack time insulin). We have an appointment Wednesday to check out some pumps. Whenever he is able to get one of those babies it'll be awesome. Things will be simpler.
Another thing that happened is one day (Wednesday or Thursday) we came back from a quick run to Home Depot and found our mailbox had fallen in the street. The bracket broke in the same spot it did before. This time we not only JB Welded it, but used a screw to keep it in place. Not having a mailbox is frustrating!

That seems to be about it...pretty boring, but that's us sometimes.

The haps and my tale of the cough

2009-09-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well, what's been happening. First things first, coughing. I started coughing probably last Friday morning....I still cough. My worst day was Sunday. Thursday it started to calm down. Then yesterday it got a little worse. Today has been mostly better. I am SICK of coughing. I do not have any sort of cold, flu, etc, but rather sinus/allergy stuff that's caused it. I'm just so so so tired of it...and cough drops.

Other stuff:
Monday we planted grass at one of the rentals.

I spent Wednesday getting all the stuff together for Thursday, which was the Wedding Festivals show at Carolina First Center. Hopefully that will produce some results, or at least I made some contacts.

Friday and today we were kind of lazy. We finished up watching season 5 of the Office. We went to a baby shower. I watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy from May...FINALLY. Can't wait for the new one Thursday.

We are off to bed shortly because we have to be up early for church where hopefully not coughing fits will occur this week.

cough cough.

the weekend

2009-09-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

We rose very early Saturday morning, and headed to Mike and Liz's for Daniel's 4th birthday party. We went to their house first, and got to spend time with them Liz's family and some friends...all of whom I got to meet for the first time, which was great. I've got to say her sister-in-law, who got married and month after us is just really sweet! Anyway, after some gift opening we headed to the real party. They had it at a train museum in Duluth. It was a pretty cool place. They had trains from eras past. I think traveling on train would be fun. I did a little of that in Europe years ago, but not on the ones with the sleeper cars and such. It was sort of neat, yet a little creepy to walk through these old cars. You could imagine people in costumes of the day traveling, reading newspapers, having coffee, chatting with other travelers. It was also very musty on the old trains. They also had some other old means of transportation. There were a couple "party cars" where birthday parties are held. We had some cake, then headed off for a little train ride. I have to say this was a pretty awesome party. The kids loved it, and we had a good time too!

Sunday we headed to BCBC for Sunday School and Worship. We just hung out a little that afternoon. I took the mandatory nap. Then we headed to our SS teachers' house for an ice cream social. It was great to get to know everyone outside of class. We really enjoyed it, and really like the class.

Monday we got a big start on organizing the garage. Other than that we just sort of hung out a bit.

Today has been busy with house work, appts, doing a little rental prop work, and actually work....which will likely be what the rest of the week will contain.

Farmville

2009-09-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

So one of Jeff's favorite things are computer games. He's played a variety since we've been together. I am not a lover of these games...or any games involving a screen for the most part. A few days ago he stumbled onto Farmville on Facebook. Sadly, as of yesterday I too am now a Farmville addict. Now I haven't gone as far as Jeff, inviting random people from the globe to be my friends because they too play Farmville and might want to be my neighbor, but I do check my crops regularly. Gosh, he really is such a gamer! So now I must go harvest, plow, and seed.

Random things

2009-08-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Exercise. Yes, we're still doing that. After hearing some good, yet frightening things about Jillian Michael's 30-day shred I decided to pick that up a couple of weeks ago. I love Jillian, been a fan from Biggest Looser since day one. Watching that show you know this broad is tough. After the first two minutes of this DVD you know why her contestants always do great. I honestly didn't expect that much from a workout DVD; I've never gotten much from them before. Although not as serious a runner as I once was (@ 25-30 miles a week), with running being a pretty intense sport I thought this would be a breeze. WRONG! After the first session I was drenched, and shaking from working out so hard. I could barely lift my arms to shampoo my hair (seriously!). That was just level 1. I started level 2 last week. I've skipped a couple of days here and there. It truly is a good workout. Level two takes more coordination than level one, so I may be sticking with this one a little longer. I even got Leisa in the game. Go Leisa!

Church. Well, I think we've found it. It has been ever so frustrating not having a church here. No where can compare with LRBC, but we couldn't stay. Sure the driving has been done before, but our hope is to have a church near where we can get involved more than just going one service a week and occasional special events. Even more important is to have a great church so that when we have a little Milde they will have a place to go, learn, and make friends. Starting from November we went to Brushy Creek Baptist. We loved the worship, loved the Sunday School, but did feel a little out of place with people who, for the most part, were younger and not planning on starting families soon. We visited with Metamorphosis Church a good bit. We loved the atmosphere of the church, they are incredibly welcoming, but still wanted something a little different. We went to Taylors First Baptist, which is just a huge church. The service, although called contemporary, was quite traditional. We enjoyed the folks in the SS class there. Overall there was a more formality there than we really felt comfortable with. So back to Brushy Creek we went. We decided to go to a different SS class. The members are closer in line to our age, they all have kids (some on the way). We really get a lot from the lessons, and are looking forward to getting to know folks. I'm pretty sure I'm going to sign up for a Greenhouse session on Wed. nights. That's a program where different classes are offered about every five weeks. Jeff's busy time is this session, so hopefully he'll hit it next one. I'm excited about our opportunities there.

Photography. I'm looking forward to the bridal show. Still getting everything lined up for that.

Dad. He's doing great!

Jeff. He's a cutie! Actually, he woke up this morning with a sore throat. I'm sure it's just a drainage thing, so hopefully he'll be better in the morning. We went to bed early tonight...apparently too early since I couldn't go to sleep and now I'm blogging. He should be good as new with the extra rest.

quilting evolution

2009-08-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

I started my quilt in August of 2007. It was supposed to be a project that went along with a Bible study, but the study took precedence. Lee Anne helped me greatly getting started. I worked on it off and on. Beginning by cutting each square and rectangle. Then I sewing those together. By the end of August I was getting ready to assemble the thing. I even sort of laid it out, but then I got frustrated with it. Not sure exactly how I wanted it, I put it away a while. The busy season for me (at that time at least) was upon me before I knew it. I had pictures to take for the Christmas season. Then I met my Jeff. Certainly spending time with my guy was more important than quilting. Time passed. After we got married, and things settled down I begin working on it again. I completed the top, got a fun fabric for the border and back, got the batting, all that was left to do was quilt....uh, yeah. So I had to decide how I was going to quilt it...machine or by hand. Since the thing was so big, and it was reproduction fabric from the 40's I thought hand-quilting would be more authentic. I quickly learned it was a daunting task. This thing is about 95 inches square...that's a lot of blocks to stitch around. After doing a big square, a small square, and two rectangle pieces in about three hours I realized this was going to be a very long project. I put it aside again for moving into the new house. Not long ago I decided I really want to finish, but I don't want to hand-quilt it (even though it would look awesome that way). I tried to use the machine, but being so large it's not easy to maneuver. A thought came to me....why don't I take the easy way out and tie the thing. So that's what I've done. It's not ideal, or not what I'd really like, but it certainly works. I'm not too far from being complete with tying. I have about a row and a half on the main section, and then a few times around the borders, and I can trim it, and put the binding on.

A lot has happened in two years, which has been fun. This quilt has been constructed in three houses (four including Lee Anne's).

My 8/2007 stack of fabric

A layout from end of 8/2007

A better thought out layout

Close up

Main portion of top

Full top

Me tying the quilt....two years after the original conception of quilt

Some pictures from Liz

2009-08-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

Last night my wonderful sister-in-law Liz emailed me a few pictures from the wedding. Gosh, it seems like a long time ago...nine and a half months, which isn't really long in the whole marriage time line, but it's flown by all the same. Of course I love pictures, and I love wedding pictures. I really cherish the pictures from our wedding both Lindsey's and those who weren't on the job. It's fun to see new pictures now, and get to see other's perspectives...things we didn't see, don't remember, or didn't get a chance to stop and enjoy. So here's a reminder from Nov 1:

Yard of the month

2009-08-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so if you know Jeff you know that he is very grass oriented...grass as in bermuda, not the illegal kind ;)...with that comes being very interested in the overall appearance of the yard. If you saw this blog recently you know we've done some extensive yard work. We pulled up the entire front, and replanted, and we also had a big undertaking on the side. Jeff's parents were an invaluable help...they are our gardening gurus.
The neighborhood that we live in has a 'yard of the month.' There's not really strict rules to it...basically there are two ladies who walk a lot and can notice what's happening in yards, and they decide. Like all places not everyone is s into yards as some. There are several yards we quite like in here, but we are proud of ours. One things we're not liking right now is the heat has brought some bugs, which are eating the petunias that were overflowing in the pots too.

Here's some pics:

Fun!

2009-08-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

This week has started busy, but has been good...for the most part. Monday I had so much on my to-do list, but about 10:00 that morning Jeff started feeling really bad. He had a fever and chills, so I didn't want to leave him. That day wasn't busy with what I had planned. That afternoon he started feeling better, and Tuesday was back to normal. Tuesday Liz, Daniel, and Jeff's parents came over. Daniel is staying at the Milde's this week, which is fun. We got to show Liz around the new digs, and talk to her a bit. Hopefully we can hang out with them more soon. Tuesday I ended up getting to do a lot of the things I had planned Monday...including a run to several grocery stores. I'm starting to really get things together for the bridal show I'm going to be doing in September. I ordered several sample albums, which are arriving and looking great. Wednesday we, along with Jeff's dad took Daniel to the children's museum. He had a blast, and did not want to leave. There was so much for him to do there, he was extra speedy darting around seeing it all. He did have a few things he liked the best. The cars that you put together and race was his favorite. He also enjoyed the climbing thing in the middle--I did too. He spent a lot of time playing in the water stuff down stairs, and left the museum soaking wet. We had lunch and dinner at the Milde's. I also got some really wonderful news on my dad. He had a pet scan a couple of weeks ago to see what the first two treatments were doing. The results showed no cancer. Everything looked clear. The doctor called him a miracle. See, prayer works! He had another treatment last week, and they will continue for a while to make sure everything is gone.
Today, as I type I'm making lasagna. I had to run to Wholefoods to get a few things. Make Jeff some cookies, which he requested for his birthday. Also I have to buy his birthday gift--he'll be 30 tomorrow. I'm still unsure about what to get. I'll come up with something...I hope.
Happy Birthday to Jeff! I love you!!!

This week past

2009-07-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we had to take my car to my parent's house. My dad being the big car guy had to have the door painted. It's looked bad for some time and begin chipping a few months ago. While we were down there we got to visit with my Aunt Frieda and Christopher...they just bought a new house. My cousin Spurgeon was there too, and I haven't seen him since the wedding...so it was good to see folks.

Either Sunday or Monday the mac started acting funny. It's nearly five years old, and computers don't age well. So we ended up reformatting, and restoring things with our back up drive.

I decided that I finally have time to devote some to exercise. It's been when we started looking for houses (mid-march) since I've really exercised. Last week I did a bit of running, and set Tuesday to be the official launch of me getting down to business. Jeff started lifting weights too. So we'll both be in shape.

Wednesday I woke up feeling horrible...like pukey horrible. No I'm not pregnant (that will hopefully come in due time-excuse the pun). I think I had some sort of a bug. This was also the day we were set to clean the condo to get ready for our new tenant. So while Jeff and his parents were cleaning, I was sick and napping. About half way through the day I started feeling better, and so far so good.

The other day I ordered a new bag pattern, and some fabric, but I really need to finish the quilt project before I get to work on another thing. I tried the hand quilting route. I did about a square in two hours. That would take forever, plus it's not the easiest on the fingers. I tried a little machine quilting, but with that much quilt it's sort of hard to maneuver. So I decided to do the tying method. Unless I paid someone with a long arm, it's pretty much the only sane way I can do it. I really would love to hand quilt, it would be my favorite look for this quilt, but it would sit unfinished for years. I begin tying it last night. It's really easy to do. I've been working on it more today. Tying still makes the fingers tender, so I'm taking a break now.

This morning the mac again crashed. We're trying some stuff. Hopefully we can get it functional again. We also signed a lease with our new tenant. That's a relief to not have any open at the moment. Tonight we're going to P.F. Chang's to celebrate.

For now, I think a nap may be in order.

Crazy smoke detectors

2009-07-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Last night was loud. Our house has smoke detectors that are wired in, so if one goes off the others do too. We were settling in to sleep...about 12 or so...and BEEP BEEP BEEP. We heard the detectors. Just on and off real quick. So we get up, look..no fire....go to every room sniffing, trying to come up with a reason why it went off. Nothing. Back to bed. About ten minutes later it happens again, but this time it's a little longer. So again we are going around again, double checking. Nothing. Back to bed. Several minutes later, it happened again, but it went off for a while. We just sat there a bit, and finally decided to take the batteries out. We knew that either the one in, or right outside the bedroom sounded like it was the first one to go off, so those are the ones we took out. We discovered that they needed to be changed. Thankfully we had to 9v batteries. Surely that would work. We lay back down...by now it around 1am. Several minutes pass, and again we wake up a loud BEEP. We cut the power to those things...that would definitely work. Back to bed...starting to drift to sleep. BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP. This time for about five minutes. How is that happening? Power is gone. Finally they stop. We are up...figuring out what to do, and the one by our door goes off yet again...but just that one. So Jeff unplugs it from the ceiling. We're about to head to bed...and that little booger (sitting in the floor) goes off again. Battery out. One sad last BEep.... FINALLY around 2am we go to sleep.

Do you remember the episode of Friends where that happened to Phoebe?

Last week

2009-07-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Last week was Vacation Bible School at Lake Russell Baptist. I couldn't help but help...so I made the drive down everyday except Thursday. Jeff was there Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. We had a great time. The workers are so awesome. They really put on a great VBS! The kids were amazing. It was a great time!

Saturday George and Liz were in town. So they came over and we went downtown, and then back to the house to hang out a while. It was really fun. I hate they live so far away.

Monday we got to spend time with Shane and Erin. We met them at Outback, and then came back to the house to chat a bit. I think it's the first time we'd seen them since the wedding, so it was great to catch up.

In other news, Jeff has wanted to build a garden shed in the back since we moved in. A place to keep lawn equipment, gardening stuff, and maybe do a little potting. We've been looking around at some that are already built, but Jeff really wants to do it himself. So we've looked at some books too. We know what we want, how we want it to look. So I've drawn some elevation drawings this week for HOA. We have to send them plans and such, and hope it's approved. I guess we'll be sending all that stuff in soon, although we'll be waiting until cooler weather to start on that project.

LRBC VBS

2009-07-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

There's not another Vacation Bible School around that compares to the one Lake Russell Baptist puts on each year. Yeah, sure it's a small church, but with a huge heart. So I was happy to agree to be part of it again this year. It's been quite a trek from Greenville to Bobby Brown State Park Rd everyday, but, boy has it been worth it. I don't know how it's possible, but the kids just keep getting cuter, and smarter. It's amazing to hear some of their answers. I'm not there today because we moved the last skit to Friday's Family Night, but I'm most definitely looking forward to it, and I'll post a slide show of photos from the week. Until then...blast off!

Trying to do nothing.

2009-07-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

I thought maybe this week we could take it easy...ha ha. Seems like we haven't had a day to do nothing since before we moved. Between packing, painting, moving, unpacking, straightening, yard-working, and fixing up the other house we've not really rested. We started the side yard area last week really. We got the arbor up, got some edging pavers around the edge last week. This week we laid the path edging, then filled it in with pea gravel. We begin planting Tuesday. We dug a partial hole for a tree on the side...discovered very hard red clay. So we filled it with water....the water had not drained as of today. We got some more digging there to do, hopefully later today. There are a couple more pot to plant out there. Possibly change the arrangement of a couple of things. Today has finally been fairly low-key. A trip to the mall to get another pair of black sandals. The ones I've been wearing all summer has very thin soles. Jeff got a post hole digger to help with the difficult hole. Tomorrow Jeff has a little procedure that he will have to be anesthetized for, so that's going to take a fairly big part of the day. We have someone signing a lease on our old house tomorrow....YAY! That means some of the stuff that was left over to merchandise will finally get to come over here and fill a couple of empty spaces. Saturday we will be going to CF. VBS at LRBC (lots of abbreviations for you) is next week, and I'm helping. I'm excited to get to serve...seems like it's been a long time, but there's also a bit of a pain of driving everyday. It'll be well worth it though! Okay, now I'm going to read a bit...I hope.

Hello

2009-07-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

We haven't done too much this week it feels like, but I suppose we have too. One thing that's a work still in progress is our side yard. The way the grading is all the water from our neighbor's side yard drained to ours, and their water nor ours drained. So the grass was really thin and ugly, which is unacceptable for Jeff "Grass Perfectionist" Milde. So he killed it. We are doing a natural area over there. An arbor, a little pathway back to the gate, some shrubs here and there, as well as pots. Jeff filled in the area with pine straw last week. We've moved a pot, which contained a tree, from the old house. Unplanted it, painted the pot, replanted it. We got the arbor, but the stain was a little lighter than we preferred, so Jeff stained it, put it together, varnished it. We managed to get that in the ground Wednesday evening. Jeff planted the shrubs that are line the front yesterday. Oh, and we've put blocks all around the edge to contain the pine straw, and to act as a border. So we still have a good chunk of work to do on that yet. We may work on cutting in a path later today, or maybe we'll go look at some rock for the path.
Jeff's done a lot of the work outside this week, besides laying a few blocks, and helping get the arbor up, it's been all him. I've been at the computer designing some wedding albums for samples. It's been really fun to get to look back at some of the albums. I think since I'm married I have different eyes when it comes to weddings. I've noticed it especially when looking at the pictures of the couples...how they look at each other. It's nice to see the intensity and love that they have. Anyway, working at a computer is not always fun for me. Designing albums is something I enjoy most of the time. The one I worked on a good part of yesterday was John and Michal Franklin's...they are so cute, and it was a fun one.
My parent's are coming tomorrow. I haven't seen them in a few weeks, so I'm ready to spend some time with them. I'm excited for them to see the house. The last time they saw it was Mother's day, and it was still a wreck.
Oh, my dad's treatments....well, they seem to be going well. He hasn't really had any negatives of the chemo. He was sleepy a couple of days, but no sickness or anything. Also, the lymph nodes that were swollen before have gone down. So hopefully that's as good as it sounds, and the cancer cells are dying, and the chemo is doing it's job.

Happy 4th of July!

The past week

2009-06-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

It's been exciting..well for a few reasons. Carrie was our very first overnight guest this week. We really enjoyed having her! She stayed with us Monday and again Thursday night since those were the nights after/before half day classes at Roper Mountain. We got to get back to a little walking (about 2 hrs both nights), and of course it was super great to get to catch up, and have someone to talk to. It's a shame there's an hour and a half between us. While she was here Monday we also watched the first big celeb news of the week...Jon and Kate. We don't normally watch, but did for this one...sad. Tuesday we had our chandelier and ceiling fan installed in the foyer and living room, respectively. It's so nice to have that finally done. I can't even remember Wednesday, so it must have been busy or incredibly slow. Thursday we took Carrie to Milde Central (Jeff's parent's) for dinner, and to check out their garden. We walked again, and then got the biggest entertainment news this week from Brantley (not a guy I would go to for entertainment news)...about Michael Jackson. He, MJ not Brantley, has gotten quite weird and questionable over the years, but I still am sad that he's gone. I remember when Billie Jean became #1...I was four, but I used to dance around on the bed hoping on day I'd get to dance along with Michael...well, that dream has been crushed. Friday the LRBC ladies-Lee Anne, Rena, Vickie, and Holley-all came to do some VBS shopping. I was excited to show off the house, but even more excited to get to laugh with them all day. Saturday we went to Mike's to check out a few things at their house. Then we stopped at Aunt Linda's to see all of them. It is amazing how Carlin and Ryan have grown. We haven't gotten a chance to see them a lot over the past couple of years, and it was great to hang out with them a while. I think Ryan was glad to have someone who knew a little about video games-that would be Jeff. That leads us to Sunday...We went to First Baptist in Taylors. We've gone several times, and to a SS class three times, but honestly we are still unsure where we belong. Then we come home to hear about Billy Mays dying...Jeff liked him. We've been watching Pitchmen on TV...it's really interesting. We met a perspective tenant at Banyan. Went to dinner with Jeff's parents. Somewhere in all that Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett died too. So we've had a pretty busy week filled with guests, celeb news, and visiting.

Afters

2009-06-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

We still have some stuff to do. A couple of light fixtures to be hung. Some things that are at the old house used for merchandising will fill in some empty space. Some stuff we'll eventually have to get further down the road...dining room set, granite counter tops, hardwood, tile....it'll happen in time. Until then:

After a few hot sweaty days of work...

2009-06-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, our first afters are here. This week has been about the yard...the front yard. We have a plan for the right side of the house where water sort of doesn't flow, but we'll get to that another week, and the backyard is a whole different beast. So Monday we dug up all of the old shrubs and plants. We used some shrubs that had been planted on the side right before we moved in, and then a few others that were bought. We put in pots, a bench, and bird bath. Dick and Jeff dug out a Japanese Maple that Nancy had in a pot in her backyard, and planted that on the left side. We also redid stuff on our front door...bronze. I think our front yard is looking fabulous. A month of growing should really bring it out. The only snafu we had was the storm push our tree over, but it didn't harm it. We also have red mud painted on the grass, so after a rain or sprinklers we should be greener. Jeff got the water meters even. There was about a three inch difference in height, so after a lot of looking the perfect part was found to raise them. He's hooking up the watering system for the front stuff now. And as always is thinking how he can get the yard greener, more lush, and thick.
We also made a couple of runs to get some decorative stuff. Our mantle is looking good. We have an end table. We're coming along.

Before:

After:

Right side--our cushions weren't on the bench at the time:

Left side:

My handsome husband goofing around:

Working in the yard

2009-06-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

We've moved outside the last couple of days. The shrubbery was all overgrown, so with the help of Jeff's parents we have removed all the old and are replacing it with new. Nancy and I rode around and checked out some yards we liked in a few neighborhoods last week. We've got some good stuff happening. We've finished with one side...except Jeff has to hook up water to that area. We've got the other side to go. We also plan on doing something like a natural area on the side of the house where drainage isn't adequate...the grass stands in too much water and is dying. So we plan on a path to the gate, and some nice shrubs, pots, and such to make that area look awesome. The backyard is in our thoughts, but I'm sure we won't get that finished anytime soon.
The after pictures are coming, we just have to finish things. We still have little things in every room. Examples...we don't have art hanging everywhere, we don't have end tables, we don't have lamps...some of it is being used in the old house as part of merchandising and making it look good, and some we have just yet to get. Someday soon...hopefully.

Coming together

2009-06-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been at this house thing for about five weeks now. We've bought about 25 gallons of paint, painted with all but two, we've bought lighting fixtures, a couple we haven't put up yet, we've moved our stuff out and in. Our house is coming together. The fixtures we haven't hung will have to be hung by some handyman, who has a tall ladder. We have our bathroom and the other one upstairs yet to paint. I've decided to leave the horrible gold hardware in the guest bath for a while, but will go ahead and paint soon. I'm hoping to get to ours next week. We have yet to put the wanescoating molding in the dining room...maybe next week too. There's a few pieces of furniture we are lacking, some of which we have but hasn't been moved up here from CF yet, some of which we'll have to buy, but we're tired of spending money. We'll get those little pieces soon. I hung our wall stuff today...most of it. It's looking much better with stuff on the walls. I have to get a little more, and something to set on my mantle. The old house is practically finished. We have to arrange stuff in the hall bath, clean the kitchen floor, and do a little yard work, but it's ready to rent. So besides the few little loose ends to tie up, what's next? Well, the yard of course. Nancy and I rode around and looked at some neighborhoods this evening to get some ideas....and we have some. Part of the front near the house is getting totally redone, and the back is a blank canvas. I'm anxious to get started on that. Bring on the SPF 70!

An anniversary of sorts

2009-06-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a year to the date Jeff asked me to marry him....sort of. We had talked a lot about marriage. We both knew that was in our future together...there was no denying that we were meant for each other. Well, we'd talked around about how long should people date, what's the appropriate time to know that he/she is the one. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact we knew pretty soon into the relationship, but anyway, we sort of said one year. Well, one night we were downtown, and Jeff asked, "How long would it take to plan a wedding anyway?" To which I said, "At least six months." That sort of got me thinking...it wasn't going to be a year, but who knows, maybe it will. So we'd planned a camping trip for May 31st. About a week before I got an email that I'd been selected to be a possible winner of a pop-up camper...we'd enter through Shine 96.7. The drawing was May 31st. So how perfect? We thought maybe I'll win and and we would get out of bunking in a tent. Well, as we were about to head out to go to the RV store, then to Table Rock, Jeff grabbed his check book. You see a pop-up camper is something Jeff has always wanted, and he thought, if I didn't win maybe he'd get serious about shopping for one. Well, I didn't win. We went camping. We had chili, made smores, and as we were sitting by the fire, Jeff asked, "How far into dating would it not freak out our parents if we got engaged?" So we pondered, and thought six months or so of dating. We sort of decided...we'll make engagement official in September, and March we'd get hitched. So I was super excited, kind of on pins and needles, he'd basically asked me, but nothing was set. So we got in out sleeping bags, and were laying there talking about things, and Jeff said, "I think we should go shopping tomorrow, and get married in November." I said, "Like what? You want to get married sooner? You want to buy an engagement ring tomorrow? Are you sure?" He said, "Yeah, I think so." I was SO HAPPY! He gave me the option of him picking it out or me picking it. He really wanted me to since I'd be the one sporting the thing for the rest of my life. So we left early Sunday morning from camping, waited for the mall to open, looked around at every ring. I decided to go to other stores the next day, but then changed my mind. So the ring was purchased June 1st, but it had to be resized. June 2nd at about 8:00 pm Jeff called to see if it was ready because we hadn't heard anything, and were super excited to get it. We were the only ones that had a clue all of this was going on...except that Jeff made his facebook status as 'Jeff is in anticipation' which made Leisa suspect something right away. So we got the ring, and went downtown to our spot, and that's when it was made all official. Jeff asked and I said yes. Yay! Instead of the six months I'd said it would take we had five, but that worked out....it wasn't about the wedding it's about the marriage. Seven months today, and it couldn't be better. We're looking forward to many many years to come.

Still going....

2009-05-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

A good chunk of this week was filled with getting the Wendy's Dance pictures finished and ordered. Jeff and his dad did some work at the other house the first part of the week. One thing that needed to be done was a little touch-up painting where we had some stuff hanging....just a little spackle, sanding, and paint. Well, even though they used the same paint the colors were off. So yesterday consisted of repainting the bedroom, living room, and part of the master bath. We still have a few touch-ups to go, but we just painted those rooms last year, so paint should be okay. We're having new carpet put in next Tuesday, we'll do a little cleaning, and then it's ready to be leased. Then we can start back to work on our place. We have arranged our sofas, but we still have the little things to get in place. There's stuff to be put on the walls, things to be set out, and still a little in the office to plug in. There's also all the bathrooms to paint. Hopefully I can get to that next week.
Today we will be going to one of Jeff's parents places to do a little cleaning, merchandising, and ready to show. Then it'll be back to Banyan to paint the garage, clean a couple of things. Hopefully with tomorrow looking like no rain, I can paint the shutters over there. Maybe we'll even have time to paint our front door and get the new hardware on.

Dad update---He's still doing pretty good. Chemo starts Monday. The kind they are doing Monday has to be given extremely slow, so it'll take seven to eight hours. Tuesday he'll have another kind. I think then he'll have another round 28 days later. Everything is still looking good....looks like he'll be around for quite a while, which is nice!

A couple of pictures a week late

2009-05-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, before the pictures an update. We have moved everything except an extra fridge. We also have a pile of Christmas decorations to store either in Jeff's parent's attic, or my parent's storage building. Our attic is big enough to hold about two boxes...if you stack them. Makes me miss the attic at Robert Cann's house...that wide ladder, the nice light, carpet, nice walls, enough room to stand in places...ahh. We have also started to clean, do touch-up paint, etc. at the other house. Today we've put together our bed and the guest bed, and have begun to arrange and store things. Gosh, it drives me crazy to have stuff everywhere. It's hard to think about anything else except that chaos....that's just my OCD playing out.

So pics. Last week while driving back from Gainesville I noticed that my odometer in the mustang (lil blue) was going to hit sort of a remarkable milestone, so we documented it.

Last Sunday Jeff wanted to get the grill, which was on the patio at the other house. We headed to the back, and right as we got to the edge of the back of the house Jeff got this panicked look, and said "Wild muskrat things!" Upon closer inspection...or looking...turns out it's baby fox. A mama has made a den under the deck. There are four little babies. The only camera we had was the little point and shoot, so not the greatest shots. We actually saw the mom yesterday...she's quite pretty, and the babies are extremely cute. Despite how cool it is to watch them they will soon be gone...can't have wild things right off East North street.

update

2009-05-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

Well, we've come a long way. Most of the house is painted..just the bathrooms to go. Most of our stuff is here, and the majority of it is in it's place, or at least the room it's place will be. Busy does not describe us lately. Saturday I had a photography job at East Hall Middle in Gainesville, GA, so we also hit Ikea again to pick up an extra leg for the desk and extra shelves for the bookcase. Monday and today I had/have pictures to do at Wendy's Dance Academy in Abbeville, SC. We will be going early today to also get some furniture that was stored at my parent's storage building...and it's going take a while to get to it. Yesterday we moved more stuff out of the old house with the help of Jeff's dad....and his mom did some touch up paint in the kitchen. I suspect we'll be there part of tomorrow too....clearing stuff out. We then have to head to Atlanta once again for a work related thing for Jeff. I have a couple of pictures to post from this weekend...just a couple of little things we saw, but hopefully in the next post.

So So so SO tired

2009-05-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I have done pretty much nothing but work since we closed on the house. Painting is still going on. Now it's just not a daily thing. We are doing a mock dining room panel on the lower wall of that room, and the paint is being extremely weird. Plus it was a really dark color in there, and some spots on the ceiling and molding which had to be touched up. Then where we taped the paint peeled off...so a retouch of that has to be done. I've got the workout/sewing room to paint, the master bath, the half bath downstairs, and the guest bath. We've been moving furniture more than anything recently. We moved the massive entertainment center, and today the filing cabinet, which you wouldn't think is heavy, but it is quite a beast. Tuesday we went to Ikea in Atlanta and got office furniture. We were given Mike and Liz's that they weren't using, and I was really excited about it, but it just didn't fit what we needed. So we got some bookshelves and a desk "system", which we have just enough pieces to feel the room, hold our stuff, and insure that we aren't bumping into each other. We have got all but one section of the desk added. We decided we need an extra leg, so we'll get that soon, and complete the room. Of course, stuff is still setting in boxes that belong in the office, and that's driving me crazy. Hopefully, we can set a little more up tomorrow, maybe move my china cabinet, possibly paint.
We are just so exhausted. My recent slack off of weight training has been remedied from all the moving lifting. We're both mentally exhausted as well...it's been a constant go go go...and then having to keep track of everything left to do is tiring as well. Plus for me just the clutter makes me tired. I'm so ready to relax. Just lay on the couch and watch TV. I haven't even been able to watch Lost or Grey's in a few weeks...AHH! I'll have to catch it online I suppose.

As for dad, he's got a lot of tests to go through before chemo starts, and he's really anxious to get it started and stop waiting.

Okay, we are actually sitting down and watching a movie...nice!

Moving

2009-05-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well, we've painted and painted, and we still have the kitchen, Master bath, one bedroom (the others are waiting), the guest bath, half bath downstairs, and bottom of dining room to go, plus some touch ups in the hall. Wednesday we had carpet cleaners to come. We moved a King size mattress upstairs that night...ugh. Then most of the bedroom furniture the next day, and that was our first night here. Moved a lot of kitchen stuff yesterday, and cleaned. It's been sort of hard with rain, but today has been different. We've made four trips, but now have the entertainment center, which is HEAVY! Jeff is setting up stuff now. Next week we've have the direct tv people to set us up here. I think we're about to get the couch in a bit, and probably take a little time off for the evening. I hope to do a few things tomorrow...clean some stuff, maybe start painting the kitchen...I know, I know...Sunday, but we have to use the afternoon for something. We net a neighbor today, who helped us do a little lifting...he's a pastor. We may try his church tomorrow.

The before

2009-05-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here are some before shots of the house. The picture of the house, and backyard are realtor's pictures. The rest I took in a hurry, so lights were left off, and angles aren't the best. We've been working like crazy. We had painters do the living room and foyer with the high walls. So far we've painted the office, master bed, dining room, parlor, and hallways. I do have to do a real thin second coat on the parlor, but that will wait a coupe of days. Tomorrow the carpet cleaners are coming, so we won't really be doing anything for a couple of days....maybe.

As far as my dad goes, he's doing pretty well. They put a port in for chemo today, and that was pretty sore. He has the meeting with the oncologist Thursday.

Results

2009-04-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Dad got the test results back today. He does have lymphoma. They did the scan today. Tuesday they are putting a port in, and Thursday he's meeting with the oncologist to discuss chemo. The doctor told him today that he has a mild form, that it's treatable, and he'd be around for quite a while. We hate that it is cancer, but at least it seems like it's something that can be overcome.

Please continue to pray for him and all of us.

We closed on the house. Now begins the work. Painting begins tomorrow.

Thank you all, Love you all!
Lisa

Update on various things

2009-04-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

The move: Well, we are excited. Jeff has gotten pack happy. He actually discovered yesterday that he'd packed some of his work stuff that he needed, so we had to unpack a little. We don't exactly know when we'll move in. We're going to start painting Friday, and we want to finish that before we have carpet cleaners come in, and we can't start moving stuff until after that. So I'm thinking perhaps move in...not everything, but get a good start next weekend. I've been fantasizing about colors, while Jeff has been concentrating on the lawn. He bought a new lawn mower today because his wimpy one he has now won't take the amount of yard he'll have to cut in the back. The front of course is going to get the best with his reel push mower. Anyway, we are anxious to start putting our mark on it.

The diabetes: That's getting more and more under control. Tomorrow we actually have a meeting with a dietician to help us sort of of the food stuff out. Jeff is a special case, being gluten-free, and processing food so fast, the typical diabetic diet is going to have to be tweaked a bit.

My dad: The biopsy went fine. The test results come back on Thursday. I'll keep you posted.

The next few days: Well, tomorrow-dietician, Jeff and his dad are going to Atlanta to pick up part of the desk from Mike and Liz. It just so happens they are getting rid of a desk that will be perfect for us. Nice how that works out. I'm staying home to (hopefully) work on the pictures I took to Morgan and Campbell Grace this past Saturday, and see what I'm not going to use in the kitchen before the move, and pack that up.
Thursday is another walk through before closing, closing, and then meeting the painter for an estimate. Hopefully I'll remember to take a camera so I can get some good shots of before we get in.
Friday is beginning our work...painting for the most part, which will continue onto Saturday and a good chunk of next week. Saturday too I'm going to CF to take prom pictures. Full days ahead!

Quick update

2009-04-25T04:38:00.000-07:00

We are packing. Our house is now filled with boxes. Paths to walk are getting harder to find. We still have plenty left to pack, but we'll get there.
My dad is having some health issues. Some lymph nodes are swollen, so next week he's going to have a biopsy done. One of the possible diagnosis is lymphoma. The doctor said it likely be highly treatable. Still we are praying it's just a simple infection.
Jeff is still getting used to his new way of eating. It's not easy. The insulin seems to be doing it's thing. He's had a couple of mornings of low blood sugar. This one being one of those.
I'm doing Morgan's family pictures this morning. I'm thinking all the Hannas will be there....maybe just Morgan and the kids. Who knows, but it'll be fun!

Good news!

2009-04-22T06:58:00.001-07:00

Well, after about a month of biting our nails we got official approval for a loan. We've been trying so hard not to get too excited about the new house, just in case something fell through. It looks like we're going to be okay. Although we've tried not to think about it too hard or plan too much, we have. I've had wall colors picked out since we signed the contract, I've arranged all the furniture, and started thinking about a backyard garden. Jeff's had his mind firmly planted on the lawn, and thinking of building a storage shed. Now the work will transfer from our brains to actual work. We haven't begun packing--just in case, but now we have boxes waiting to be filled. We not only have to move, and get that house ready for us to do so (painted and carpet cleaned), but we also have to fix up this one to put on the rental market. So our days are going to be full. We'll let you know the progress of everything. Plus, I'm guessing you'll see a few pictures too. Yay--we're officially excited!

Sugar

2009-04-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

We were able to see Jeff's GP Wednesday of last week. He gave him some oral meds to start with, and ran a test to see how much insulin his pancreas was producing. Thursday he got a call saying that the test showed he was producing very little, and that he would need to be put on insulin. We had that appointment Monday. Since we've found about about the problem we've been really monitoring what Jeff eats. He's had to learn, and still is, some of the basics about nutrition...what is fat, protein, and carbs, why the body needs them, and how to balance them. Jeff has never really had to worry about what he's eaten, never had to count calories/fat/carbs, never had to balance what he's eaten. If he wanted a bag of cool ranch Doritos, he had it. It didn't put an extra ounce on him--Yeah, I know..so unfair, most would gain three times what the bag weighs, but not Jeff. So it's been a little bit of a struggle to eat in balance. Plus, he's been extra hungry because of his raised blood sugar, and has wanted to constantly snack. We've been trying to measure his blood sugar as often as possible, it's gotten up as high as 438--that we know of. His first dose of insulin was last night. I gave him the shot, which didn't hurt. It's in the form of a pen...looks like one...tiny tiny needle. Basically I just put it in his arm a press a button...not much too it. The doc has doubled him up on some of his oral meds to see if that can jump start his pancreas into producing it's own insulin. This morning he was at 64, after breakfast 187, and at 4:30 after some balanced snacking 298. So we'll see what happens as we continue this course. It's going to take a while to figure out exactly what his body is going to respond properly to.
Here's a few pictures:
The blood glucose monitor

Jeff about to prick his finger. He HATES this. I admit it does sting, but I think the anticipation of it is worse. He's not smiling here, but grimacing.

The insulin pen...about the size of a large pen, or marker. Teeny needle.

The Mayo Trip

2009-04-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Whew. Let's see a lot to tell...maybe. So we went to Mike and Liz's Tuesday. Woke up early Wednesday. Caught a plane to Minneapolis, then one to Rochester. We didn't really do much Wednesday in MN. We went to a really great Italian place, Victoria's, which is Jeff's favorite restaurant. It's a really good place, very yummy, big menu, and you can get things in a TASTY gluten-free, which is rare. We also sort of walked around the clinic, just for Jeff to get a refresher, and to explore a little. Here's a little info on the clinic and city. Basically the town is the Mayo Clinic. The buildings downtown are pretty much all part of it, even if they are separate hospitals. The downtown area are all connected either underground...subways is what they are called-no trains, though, you just walk, or they are connected with above street walkways. Also underneath is shopping/eating. The slideshow has a shot of Jeff in the Caribou Coffee, which is under the clinic. The main building is the Mayo building and Gonda building, which is really one building. The Gonda is the one with the glass, huge lobby, and that's where you'll see the glass art in the slideshow. The Mayo building, which was built in the 50s is the greyish granite part. Most of what you see at the clinic is very nice. The waiting rooms are very large, a lot of the part you see is covered in natural stone, and as you see it's not like most hospitals you see. Jeff says the patient rooms are like normal, however. You'll also see part of the Plummer building in the slideshow...it's the one with the 2-ton doors Jeff is standing beside. They rarely close the doors, but it's all mechanical when they do. It's also the building that has the lego model in there. We also saw the coolest Barnes and Noble ever. The front was like a theater--probably was an old theather, and the inside was a castle. You should notice the brick work on both the book store and the picture of the church, which is across from the main building. Jeff and I also had a little fun with the Mayo brothers statues. Oh, also about the photos...they were taken after hours....so that's why they are filled with people. During regular hours it's a packed place.

Now for a report...Well, Jeff went for a check on the surgery they did. We really haven't gotten official results, but everything seemed like they would expect. A few weeks ago Jeff started having some changes with vision, and the eye doctor recommended a blood glucose test. So we had gone the Monday before we left. The healthy fasting range is 70-100, his was 270. So we had it tested again at Mayo and 248. They also ran a test that looked at the past four months, and that level was twice what it should be. The GI doc that we were meeting with at Mayo basically gave the diagnosis of diabetes. We didn't have time to talk with anyone at the clinic about specifics of that, but are trying to get an appointment here as I blog. Of course they need a referral from a GP, and Jeff had to leave a message there....so we're hoping today we can get it done.

So back to the trip. We got to eat again at Victoria's Thursday night. Friday we left for Atlanta. The plane from Minneapolis to Atlanta was terrible. A completely packed 737 flying through the beginnings of the storms that brought tornados. We were actually diverted around them, but had bad turbulence the last hour or more. We were both nearly sick, and didn't get our barrings back until a couple hours later. We then had to face the storms with the Atlanta Mildes, but nothing like they had in Abbeville and Greenwood areas. It was great to get a chance to hang out with Mike, Liz, and Daniel a while. It was also great to get to sleep in our own bed Saturday.

I hope everyone had a great Easter! We went to Metamorphosis, and putzed around.

Groundbreaking and other news

2009-04-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Well, first of all the house stuff seems to be going alright. The closing is set for the end of April. We'll have plenty to do with all of that. Not only will we be moving, but we'll be getting our house now set for being rented. So Banyan will get some fresh paint in spots (hasn't been that long since it's been painted), new carpet, and other common touch-ups.

This past weekend we went to CF. We got to visit mom and dad, which is always fun. We dropped off April and Austin's wedding album. We also got a chance to circle through the area that was to be The Sanctuary at Lake Russell. Sadly the land developers pulled out, and I can't believe how many lots have SOLD on them. What happens to those lots? Anyway, the big event of the weekend was the groundbreaking at my home church, Lake Russell Baptist. I can't express what all those folks mean to me, and I'm so excited to see how God is blessing them! Here's a few of the pictures from the day:

Tomorrow we leave to begin our journey to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Jeff had a surgery there about a year and a half ago, and they just want to give him a look-over, and see how he's doing. Basically just a routine sort of thing, but just at a world renown hospital far away. So we're flying from Atlanta Wednesday to arrive back Friday, then we'll be home Saturday.

Busy week, followed by more busy weeks ahead.

A couple of pictures

2009-03-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

I took these a couple of weeks ago. There's a few others on my photography blog. Our friend Scoob wandered over for a visit, which we always welcome.

Too busy

2009-03-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

I'm posting to say I've been too busy with a variety of different things to post. I'm still working on Aus and April's wedding stuff--have to design the wedding album, and plan on getting down to that tomorrow. We've actually been house hunting, which was unexpected, but such a good time to buy. We've found one we like, and have signed papers. We have to go through a few more steps until we get the keys. We're hopeful it will happen by the end of April. So from the looking around, to all the other stuff that's gone (and going) into that, time seems extremely tight!

This week

2009-03-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

We started this week sunny and warm, and now we're back to rainy and cold. Top of my agenda this week was working on photography stuff. That hasn't been the case as much as I'd hoped. Monday, we woke up, and right as I was about to start working on stuff, Jeff asks me to put on work clothes and help in the yard. I didn't think it was going to be a big deal, a few minutes, less than an hour. Nope...all...day ...long. Then that evening we went to a PPSC meeting, to hear a little about wedding photography. Tuesday I did some of what I had to do workwise, but then also had to go grocery shopping. Then Wednesday I was finally able to get down to business. Thursday, got a little done, but ended up having to go to a doctor's appt with Jeff--nothing serious, just an appt to get a refill on a Rx, but since we needed to make a couple of stops at Target and Home Depot together, after the appt proved a good time to do it. So on to Friday. We had separate errands to make that morning. Then I had insurance stuff to read through, which took some time. Then it was time for our date. We went to see 'He's Just Not That Into You'...which is a pretty good movie. Kind of a chic flick, but Jeff didn't mind. After that though, boy, am I glad I've got a super wonderful husband. So on to today. Another run to Target. Now I'm back to working on photography stuff. Hopefully we're lifting some weights a little later. We're visiting with Metamorphosis Church tomorrow. Not really an exciting week, but a good week, productive, but not in the way I'd hoped.

Thawed out

2009-03-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

After our exciting snow encountered we have enjoyed much warmer and sunnier times. I spent part of this week working on Aus and April's wedding. Friday I got to take some pictures of Zach and his new sister Zooey, both are fabulous. Friday evening we went out for some Japanese, then downtown. Saturday warmed us up more. I washed my car that morning. We had to rush off for truck touch-up paint. After stopping by the Milde's for a bit, I went and got ingredients for a birthday cake for my mom, who was 69 on March 5th. We headed down to CF that evening. Chatted a bit, and spent the night, got to go to LRBC this Sunday. Got home, made spaghetti, ate, lifted some weights, went downtown once more, and had a bit of ice cream. So now we're home, just chilling....both sleepy. I've got a busy week ahead. I have pictures to edit. I've got to clean the house...ugh. Plus, all the other ordinary everyday things...groceries, cooking, running here and there.

Church....I was excited to see LRBC pretty packed today (last time too). Jeff and I have been going to Brushy Creek Baptist, just down the street. There are things we like about it, but there's also a feeling that we don't belong. Not that there are people who aren't welcoming, but we just don't feel we have a place there, or at least haven't found it. I think if circumstances dealing with the basic delusion of the singles left us feeling like this. Jeff had been helping at the Vault (coffee house once a month), and I'd helped too. He knew the people, I was getting to know them...there were connections, and we felt we had a place that we were meant to serve. Then that fell apart so we went to several places looking to find a church home. We had felt it was between either BC or Metamorphoses Church. We didn't feel a strong pull to either. There were things we liked about both. We enjoyed the contemporary service at BC, and liked the fact they had SS. We loved the spirit and welcoming feeling at MC. We decided to go to BC, and started going to the Nearly Wed/ Newly Wed class. We enjoyed the class, but didn't feel a connection to the members as we had in the other SS class previously. I felt part of it was because I'm so attached to LRBC, and the people there. We thought if we felt like that was where we were supposed to be we'd join first of the year....we haven't. We've been doing the Andy Stanley series 'Go Fish' and every time we watch or go over a session, I just get the sense BC isn't for us, and Jeff is kind of feeling that too. We've actually haven't been to BC in three weeks...Jeff sick, Me headache, away to CF. We've decided next week to give Metamorphosis another go. We both sort of hate the fact we have to find a church again...we thought we might have covered this, but we'd rather go to the place God wants us to and be part of a body where we fit than a church that we sort of feel like outsiders. We're hoping to also visit Andy Stanley's church, NorthPoint, which is conveniently located near Jeff's brother....so we have a place visit when we visit.

Wedding weekend and snow

2009-03-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the wedding of Austin and April. It was beautiful! There will be more to come on the photography blog.

Sunday we ended up being totally lazy. I actually had a migraine so we didn't go to church. I watched TV...a couple of Hitchcock movies...Rear Window and Vertigo...good stuff! I started to notice folks from CF posting status messages about their snow. So wouldn't you know it...we hardly ever get any while I'm there, I move to Greenville, where they tend to have more, and now it's in CF not here. We'd had rain and sleet all day, and so finally, finally when the snow hit I didn't think it was going to stick, but it did. It was so pretty to see the ground fully covered. I haven't seen that in a while. Jeff and I went for a walk the next morning, which ended up in a snow fight....Jeff got some snow in the face, while I got a snow facial---face planted in the snow. I didn't take in pictures on Monday, but here's some from Sunday night right as it started to stick.

A little later

Ending week

2009-02-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

Wednesday we ended up going to used book stores, and ending at the library. I was looking for the second of the Hannah Swenson mysteries. No luck, however. Thursday Jeff did fertilizer in our yard, and we did some pre-emergence and gutter cleaning at a rental place. Then Jeff took me to Barnes and Noble, and I picked up the second book of the red-headed cookie baker yesterday so I could read that instead of watching reruns of Grey's and Private Practice. I finished the book today. Don't know when I'll get to the next one. We got our cameras all ready for Austin and April's wedding tomorrow. I'm excited about that. We watched a Pink Panther movie, and then headed downtown for dinner at Trio's. We decided to skip our usual downtown walk and coffee/tea/hot chocolate beverage, and head home get stuff ready to go tomorrow, eat a little ice cream and watch the PJs at 11, and turn in.

Little Austin is getting married tomorrow...aww. I'm happy for those two!!!

Beginning week

2009-02-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

I decided to start sewing my bag yesterday, but didn't get too far. Other things just seemed to crop up...grocery shopping, cooking...I don't even remember what else. So I figured today would be the day. I woke up this morning feeling a little stuffed up. The stuffed up feeling reminded me of lyrics to 'Love Is' from Down by the Creekbank, which I think every one my age has done in a church musical in their earlier days. So with "never stuffed up, never, puffed up, never giving up when the going's tough.." running through my head I started the day. I cleaned the bathroom (except toilets, which Jeff got later...that's the deal). Jeff took some books to Greenville Literacy. We watched our devotion video...Andy Stanley's Go Fish. Then I started on my bag. Around 1:30 or so I started feeling sick...like weak, sort of chilly, and out of energy. I took a nap hoping to be revived, but it didn't help much. I think it's allergies...the Bradford pear in the front yard is blooming, and as soon as those guys start this starts for me. I sucked it up and finished my bag. I really wanted to do some exercise today. I haven't done anything, well, Jeff and I walked a few times, but I haven't done my regular sweaty, breathing hard, really working it exercise that I love since last Sunday..because I woke up Monday in serious pain from an injury. So I was hoping today would be the day---honestly I feel so much better in so many ways when I exercise, but with the other stuff happening I skipped today. After dinner I celebrated being lazy by watching Biggest Loser (the best), and making peanut butter cookies with Reese's pieces.

I'm excited about the end of the week. Austin and April's wedding is Saturday, and I can't wait. It doesn't seem like that long ago when Aus was just a little boy accidently dropping gum in my hair, and now he's marrying the wonderful and lovely April. Yay! I not only get to go to this wonderful event, but also get to be the photographer....Jeff is going as my trusty assistant---taking pictures and making sure I eat and drink.

Here's my bag--it's bright:

Lazy weekend

2009-02-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

Friday Jeff woke up with a stuffy head. It gradually improved as the day went along, but he still wasn't awesome feeling. That afternoon we headed out to see Madea Goes to Jail. Went home for dinner, then downtown for Starbucks and hit the loop around Falls Park several times.
Saturday we intended to go to CF that evening and go to LRBC Sunday. Jeff still wasn't great, and I didn't feel super either, so we decided we'd put off the trip a while. We went to a furniture store that was going out of business to see if we saw coffee and end tables (we want to eventually replace ours within the next couple of years). We didn't see anything that fit us, but they did have good prices. For that we'll keep our eyes open for a while. We got back home....I cut out the pattern for the bag I'll be making shortly...Jeff was a gamer. We watched part of Walk the Line...then Super Size Me, and turned in early.
Woke up Sunday still feeling blah. Sunday was filled with reading and movies. Jeff was reading Obsessed by Ted Dekker in between playing his game. I read the first in a series of murder mysteries, which is about a single curly red-head in her late twenties that owns a cookie bakery. It was a book in the donate pile in the garage. Neither of us had a clue until I started reading that apparently the main character was based on me....a curly red-head, who was single in her late twenties and happens to have a weakness for cookies. Anyway...good book. The evening was filled with picking up some gluten-free pasta at Whole Foods, and watching CitySlickers.
The stuffiness is still around for Jeff. Seems like a lot of people have stuff happening. Hopefully, all the babies that I've seen were sick are better soon.

YAY!!!

2009-02-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

Elephantshoe.net is up and running! I started reworking the site last week. We sort of drew everything out and created a logo to start out with. Then we had to figure the specifics of the site, size all the images, size them for thumbnails...then build it. Jeff sort of taught me the basics and let me do the rest. He helped when I hit snags, and taught me as I went along. Hopefully everything is okay with it. I haven't yet clicked each image to see if everything is perfect, but will soon. I'd like to add some pictures that I took in New Mexico and Arizona about seven years ago, but they have to be scanned, and I'm just a little lazy with that right now.

What's my next project? Well, I'd like to do a new site for Lake Russell Baptist....I'm just not enjoying that template anymore. I think I'll get back to sewing first though. I thought I'd finish my quilt, but I think I'm going to do the bag I have, which should be a good day project, then back to ye old quilt.

I'm very tired of being in front of a computer at the moment, looking forward to being in front of a TV in a bit (Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice), and hopefully tomorrow a movie screen (Madea).

withdrawals

2009-02-17T18:50:00.000-08:00

My shoulder is SO much better. There is still some tenderness there, and a little pain occasionally, but nothing like Monday. Under a few peoples orders (Mom-RN, Jeff, Nancy) I can't workout for a while. This is frustrating for me. I was getting the hang of regular workouts again...especially my treadmill time. If you aren't a regular exerciser you may find it tough to understand not relishing in a break. Honestly, exercise is not always fun. Sometimes it's very hard to be motivated to start the routine, but about 99.9% of the time I'm so happy I finished. There's a since of accomplishment from finishing, not only that endorphins are released which give you a little high--hence runner's high, then you feel better overall when you have regular exercise. It also gives me a time to think...I do some of my best thinking while running....I mapped out the better part of our wedding during a six miler. I totally understand that the pumping of my arms is not a good thing while it's healing, but UGH! I miss it so bad! I really wish I had my bike. To make it even worse Biggest Loser was on tonight...one of my favorite shows. If you don't watch it you should...it's very motivating and uplifting. It's awesome to see these peoples' lives transformed. I think it holds a special place for me because, while I wasn't as heavy as the contestants (most began at over 300lbs...my heaviest was 190), I know what being overweight is, and how much it means to get healthy. Hopefully I'll be back to normal in a few days, and can get back into my routine.

Ouch.

2009-02-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

Something is up with my shoulder area. It sort of feels like problems I've had with hips and knees due to running. Perhaps it's something exercise related....swinging arms while on the treadmill maybe. I may have pulled something doing weights or something. I don't really know what the deal is. It's been hurting for a couple of weeks, more when I breathe or laugh. It hurts more the morning after exercise. This morning was the worst. Jeff thought he was going to have to take me to the ER. So it's heating pads and Advil for me. Plus, no exercise, which makes me feel like a total slacker and loser.

The ring.

2009-02-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

I've posted before the story of my engagement ring. One of my very first post, which for some reason the blog isn't going back that far, was a freak out about how my diamond was loose. It was about a month or so after I received it. It's has a warranty, if the stone falls out it will be replaced, still I'd rather have the original diamond. I try to keep check of it. Look closely at it to see if it wiggles, hold it next to my ear and shake...there's a tiny rattle if it's loose. Monday night I noticed it was loose. We meant to take it Tuesday, but forgot. I remembered when I got in the shower that evening after a run. I was a little worried something weird would happen and it would fall out and go down the drain....although, we were told that even loose it was very secure. Wednesday we took it, and likely won't have it back until next Wednesday....they're a little busy with Saturday's event.
It's very strange without my ring. It was strange before when it was tightened. Now if I take my engagement ring off it looks odd and feels weird. What's even more odd is having only the engagement ring on. My hand is not complete without both.

Working on the site.

2009-02-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

We started elephantshoe.net shortly after we were engaged. Just a cute little wedding site, that gave everyone information about the big day. As you probably know, Jeff and I are into photography....me a little bit more. Anyway, shortly before we got married...like two weeks before...Jeff got on this kick to sell some of our photography. We thought about going to cafes/restaurants/etc, and see if they might display them. Jeff actually has some at Brixx pizza. We still haven't fully decided on that...but we did think of switching elephantshoe.net to a fine art site after the wedding. Of course things came up and it got put on the back burner. We still have some technical things to work out, but we started with mock ups today. I'm hoping that we'll have the new site up before the end of the month, and I'm planning on linking it from the home page of my photography site. I'm also hoping to get out the next couple of days and plant my cards in a few hot spots for potential wedding action. After we get this one redone, I'm hoping to revamp the Lake Russell Baptist site.

If I don't blog again this week, I hope everyone has a great Valentine's day. Yes, I know being single on that day sucks. I've spent more alone than with a someone. Jeff and I don't really have any big plans. We'll probably see a movie this weekend. We have reservations at P.F. Chang's Saturday, and I'm sure we'll go downtown for Starbucks and a stroll. We decided not to do gifts. Just spending time together is good enough. Plus, it gives us an excuse to save the money for more important things later.

In addition to V-day, I'm looking forward to see my sweet little nephew, Daniel, and get to experience his new expanded love of planes.

More quilt stuff

2009-02-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

I went Saturday to get a couple of other things I needed for quilting....an embroidery hoop and a thimble...although I haven't really used the thimble. It bugs me. I laid everything out yesterday afternoon, and made sure there were no wrinkles, and pinned it together. I went around one white rectangle, and one patterned block, and that's as far as I got. I just wasn't in the mood. Tonight I did two little solid color blocks, and a white rectangle. I can already tell this is going to be a slow project....ugh. I'm sort of wishing I'd paid someone with a long arm to quilt it, but, hey...at least I'll get the experience. The quilt I want to work on next will be tied with ribbon...that seems a little simpler and less time consuming.

update on the quilt

2009-02-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

I have finished the quilt top, and have the bottom. I went Thursday to H & C in Central, mainly because I wanted to see what they had in the line of Amy Butler fabric. I don't think there's a store in Greenville that has it, and seeing it online or catalogs just isn't the same. So on top of getting the batting, quilting thread, and needles, I got a few fat quarters. I've got a couple of quilt patterns in mind for the use of the AB fat quarters I've collected, but I must finish my current quilt before I start something else.

So the quilt top:

What else have we been doing? Well, for the past three days trying to figure out the health insurance thing for me. I haven't had it since I was on my parent's coverage. Thank the Lord nothing has happened to me. Anyway...planning for the future and possible mini Milde's....I need to get insurance now. Let me tell you folks....not having group is not cheap. Finding a carrier that offers maternity...and that pays decent for it...not easy. So I've been researching, and have a few more questions, and we can decide.

We just got back from downtown...a little walk around Falls Park...made the loop a few times....little trip to Starbucks (Green tea latte for me (forgot to tell them non-fat) & hot chocolate for Jeff). We're just hanging out in the office now....which is what we've done pretty much all day...goofing off a little more now, and we're waiting for the Pjs to come on....then off to bed.

Not much of an update.

2009-02-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

Not too much has been going on in the Milde household. We needed a little stupid movie time, so we saw Paul Blart: Mall Cop Saturday night. Sunday we went to church, and just hung out around the house most of the day. Monday was also spent here...working for both of us. Today I had a list of places to go. I was hoping to get back and work on the quilt, but decided to make sure we had all our tax stuff together instead. Did my time on the treadmill. Cooked dinner....I watched Biggest Loser, while Jeff played World of Warcraft. I'm hoping to get back to the quilt tomorrow. I'd like to go to Heirlooms and Comforts in Central to peruse the fabrics...maybe pick up a few Amy Butler fat quarters to start another quilt, and maybe a charm pack or two as well. I just got a Denyse Schmidt Quilt book which has a pattern for one of her fun quilts...it's the Any Way You Slice It pattern. It looks really improvised, but looking over the instructions I think I could do it. I'd love to use Amy Butler fabrics for it. We'll see what the next project will be after I finish what I'm on now.

Onto other things...Valentine's Day is coming up. Last year Jeff and I hadn't been dating too long. I didn't really know what to get him, but settled on Third Day tickets. I figured that's something he would enjoy, and be a good outing for the two of us. This year I have no clue. Honestly...nothing comes to mind....well, things that aren't a chunk of change....like a Wii or GPS. So I'm taking suggestions. Remember Jeff's a geeky guy...I mean that with much affection. I <3 geeks!

Friday and Mandy's Birthday

2009-01-31T07:50:00.000-08:00

So a good chunk of Friday I spent converting April's bridal's. I still have to go through and look at each one, do whatever in PS...then load them for her to view....early next week is when they'll be up.

As far as the quilt goes....I cleaned all that up Wednesday night. Took the sewing machine off the table. Gathered up the extra fabric, put in back in it's bin, vacuumed up thousands of little strings all over the house (not an exaggeration). I figured I'd have the house looking normal for a few days. Although while some conversation was taking place, I squared up the main piece, and cut the white strips to go around that. I sort of wanted to get the sewing machine out, and start with the next stuff, which is stay-stitching around what I just did, and adding the border. Also, they material I'm using for the back, and big border came in. I'm thinking soon I'll have what I need done to actually start quilting...Yikes and Yay! I'm thinking it's going to happen by hand. I wish Lee Anne were still my neighbor so she could show me how. I guess I'll have to mosey on over to the Viking Quilt and Sew and have a little visit with those ladies.

Another thing that happened yesterday was Mandy's surprise birthday celebration. Mitchell--one of Jeff's friend/was in the wedding--planned for a big group to get together at Wasabi's for the occasion. I was really excited to be with other people. Not that I don't love Jeff...but I get lonesome for friends, and conversations with more than just him. Jeff equates it to stay-at-home moms with babies...who don't get adult conversation. Plus...every now and then I get cabin fever...which I had a big case of yesterday (another reason I didn't do more with the quilt or the bridals). I just get real antsy, and can't sit still, it can lead to extreme moodiness (which didn't come out yesterday-much). Anyway, it was fun. Lee and Nikki were there...I had only met them once before the wedding briefly. They were at the wedding, but I didn't really get too much of a chance to see anyone that day. (Side note on Lee---he's growing his hair out for Locks of Love, which is awesome. I've wanted to do that, but my hair doesn't grow very long...gets to a point and stops. I'd have enough to cut, but then I'd look like Little Orphan Annie. A 30 year old looking like that...hard knock life indeed). It was great to get to talk to those two more. Mitchell and Mandy of course were there. I was just glad to get to see them again. We've all got to get together and go out in a group where you can sit at a table and hear...cause it was a bigger group, and tough to hear folks. So happy birthday to Mandy!

We watched Fireproof when we got home, and if you haven't seen it you need to. We saw it the Thursday before we got married, but we had to get the DVD.

Quilt update

2009-01-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been working on this quilt pretty much everyday. Didn't Sunday since we were in CF. There are of course breaks to do things...went to the dump to get rid of a fridge that didn't work, went to the grocery store, went to Sam's, ran, cooked, ate. Anyway, it's been a process. One that actually started in 2007 when I bought the fabric I blogged about it then. Here's my first layout, which I realized after I finished was not diagonal as it should be...the date on it is August, 29, 2007.

I put it away for a while because I was frustrated. Then pictures kept happening, then the wonderful Jeff happened, and now I've picked it back up.

This is from earlier today.

I really got the swing of it and process picked up rather quickly. We took at little time out...I had to get some border material....the white, which will be about five inches around, then a red that will be about two, and the main border, which will also be the back, is being shipped. I haven't got the binding either. So after going to Best Buy, Circuit City (btw---sales aren't that great...keyboard at CC $180, same at BB $80)...we headed home, made dinner, ate, and then the last bit began. So this it what I've got so far. I have to cut it square, then the borders before the top is complete, but I'm proud of it, and can't wait until Jeff and I can watch a movie all comfy and warm.

I'm putting it away for a couple of days...April's bridal tomorrow, which I'm excited about. Then editing those so she can see them and pick out a portrait before the big day February 28th...also excited about that one.

More sewing

2009-01-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days have been filled with quilting. I started a quilt about a year and a half ago. It was originally part of a Bible Study group, in which we would do our study and learn to quilt. Scheduling didn't exactly work out, so we ended up just doing the study. I wanted to still do the quilt, so my neighbor at the time, the quilting extraordinaire, Lee Anne, helped me get started. We had already picked out a pattern. I decided to use brighter colors...red, yellow, green, blue...and all in 1930s reproduction fabric. Everything in the quilt is square...there are 4.5 in square blocks (the patterned fabric), 1.5x4.5 white rectangles, 1.5x1.5 in solid colors. So I had already made a good start cutting the patterned fabric, and sewing them each to a white piece. That's as far as I had gotten. So Wednesday night I laid the squares out, and got them where I wanted. Thursday I spent sewing those rows together. Today has been cutting out the little squares, sewing them to the white strips, and ironing those. I've got a bit more ironing to do. Hopefully tomorrow I can finish that, and figure out the rows of those, and sew those together. I will then...probably next week....sewing those rows to the others, and since it's all diagonal I have to square that up by cutting the excess, put on borders. That will be the quilt top....I'll need some pointers on the actual quilting. Too bad Lee Anne's not as close. I might actually take it to a place that has a long arm machine, and have it quilted there. We'll see.

My layout before sewing:

Productive week...lazy Sunday

2009-01-18T16:49:00.000-08:00

This week I've been fairly productive. I've finished a couple of sewing projects. The tunic I mentioned in the last blog, and an apron.

I also decided to use the backyard bug pan Jeff got me. Since my parents were coming yesterday, and today is dad's birthday, I let that be the cake excuse. I enjoy baking, and I'm getting used to doing it gluten-free, but I overfilled the bugs and the pan ran over. So, yep, the oven caught on fire, which has never happened to me before. I also decorated them, and I've never claimed to be a cake decorator. I do have some stuff to do it, but the need hasn't come up in years, and all that stuff is at my parents'. On top to have no tips, I didn't want the hassle of making the frosting, so I used canned, which was gooey. I'll make it next time. They're still yummy.

Friday we had fondue at the Milde's. Then Jeff and I went to see Me and Marley...really good....bring tissues.

Yesterday my parents came and for my dad's birthday we took them to the car show at the expo center. We all enjoyed it, but if you know my dad you know he enjoyed it most of all. We spent a few hours perusing all the autos. After my folks left, Jeff and I headed to Circuit City to see if we could score any deals. We didn't...we don't really need anything in that line. Although there's tons we'd like. Not wanting to head home we went to the mall. Looked around a bit....tried out massage chairs at Brookstone. We ended up grabbing dinner at the food court, and just chatting...until it was nearly closing time.

Today we awoke to snow falling...not sticking. We headed over to BCBC...finally after being sick the last couple of weeks.

It was a year ago today that I first came to this house to visit Jeff. We watched Harry Potter, went to Miyabi's, went downtown for coffee and a some good conversation, came back and watched the Blue Collar Comedy tour. I knew I liked this guy, but who knew the next year I'd be married to him? Isn't that awesome?! Quite a good year!!!

Sewing and Sniffles and Workouts

2009-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

This week, for the biggest chunk, has been about sewing. I ordered a couple of patterns before Christmas, one is still backordered, but I'm just now getting to them. I've pretty much completed the Anna Tunic (just have to get felt to finish the flower pin), and as soon as my other pattern comes in I'll get busy on that. I've got a quick one (an apron) that I have to get material for....maybe I'll go tomorrow.
Both Jeff and I are still sort of sniffly. He's pretty much better, just an occasional sniffle. I was not so great this weekend...lots of head congestion, but seem to be doing much better too.
Before all the end of December I was getting into the grove of hoping on my treadmill three times a week for an hour. Then right before Christmas I got sick, then it was Christmas/New Years-so I missed some days there, then I got sick again. I've been trying to do it regularly, but all that put a few kinks in. I still got to do it, just not as scheduled. I even added pilates and a little weights last Monday. It seems though, for now, I can get back in it. I did workout last night. I'm hoping to do the pilates and weights again in a second. I'm hoping that--at least running wise--I can be back at my previous level by the end of March.

The amazing Scoob

2009-01-10T08:12:00.001-08:00

Our neighbor's cat, Scoob, is just plain awesome! (That's me saying this...the highly allergic, non-cat person) He's a very talkative cat. If we come outside, and he sees us he starts meowing immediately, and continues as he walks over to greet us. Occasionally if we are in and out a lot doing some sort of project...we'll leave the garage door open and use the door to the kitchen to go in and out of the house, and Scoob will often be at the door waiting for us. He's made his way inside a couple of times. Once when I went to get groceries, I left the truck door open going back and forth, and Scoob hopped up in to inspect my purchase. If the front door is open he'll come right to the glass storm door and meow and rub against it. We really like him a lot. Well, today I saw some amazing acrobatics, which I didn't know he was capable of-being that he's a heavier cat. This is Scoob up on the neighbor's roof...the very highest peak.

Birthday at last!

2009-01-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

Jeff had given me my lovely gift on my birthday, but all the festivities were on hold until he was feeling better. So yesterday for lunch we went to Sushi Masa. One of our favorite places. We got the bento boxes which are always good. Then we went out with his parents to the Melting Pot for my birthday meal. That was scrumptious as well. Tonight was our date night. I told Jeff he had to win me over. He did a pretty good job. We went to Sassafras downtown, and then headed over to Spill the Beans, for a warm beverage and good conversation.
Tomorrow I have a baby shower for Jennifer Wood's soon-to-be arrival, given by Nancy...so I'm looking forward to the food because it's going to be yum-my!

Sappy movies

2009-01-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big sappy movie person. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good drama, but those ultra tear-jerky flicks just aren't typical for me. Suspenseful, funny, biographical, musical, dramatic (the good kind), romantic comedy, informational, and most definitely classics...these are the ones I stick too. One of my favorites is You've Got Mail....Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan, come on you can't get better than that. I've always enjoyed it mostly for the shop she has....it would be fun to have a little shop like that (the Lake Russell shops perhaps)....the story of them getting together is nice, but not my main reason for liking it. Two that fall into the tear-jerky category is The Notebook and A Walk to Remember. I read the Notebook years ago, saw the movie when I was putting up the tree. It just wasn't as great to me as so many put on, of course I was busy so didn't get to fully pay attention. I remembered the story from the book...the book is better (still not my favorite kinds of books--I like a good mystery). Then A Walk to Remember....I saw this years ago with Morgan and Meg, at Tuck and Mary Jane's the week after Brooks was born. It's a sweet little movie, but still falls into the afore mentioned category. I will say that watching these type movies will other girls makes them better. Anyway, it was on again last night, and I had nothing else to do. That movie just made me think something I've thought many times before....so many times we try equate what happens in movies to life, or we want a life like movies. Now none of us want to end up with Alzheimer's (the Notebook), or die four months after we're married (A Walk..), but those perfect couplings...that relationship we see forming, and the presumed happy ever after we see...that's what we want. We don't see many movies where couples hardly ever see each other because of work, those where they seem to deal with so much other stuff they don't focus on them, those that go through times of hardship that seem to never end, or just a common everyday "why are dirty dishes in the sink?" I've actually read that many younger couples divorce because their marriages aren't movie perfect all the time, which is just ridiculous. I mean come on people...really?!?...you think the movies are real? No relationship is going to be like that 100% of the time, and there may be times when your spouse completely ticks you off, and Jeff and I are no exception. We haven't had many arguments, and when we do we settle them quickly, but we pretty blessed...I couldn't have ended up with a better guy in a million years.

My Christmas Decorations are still up and other revelations

2009-01-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

I have a thing about leaving them up until after my birthday. See, it's sort of depressing to take them down...so leaving them up a short longer isn't a big deal. The intention was to take them down Monday, but I ended up running a bunch of errands, and didn't have time. Plus, the outside stuff was wet....and they are even more so today. I'm thinking I'll get to those Thursday or Friday---give them time to dry a little.

Jeff is still sick. He started with the sore throat, then head congestion, now chest congestion. This little sickness thing tends to take several days to run it's course. So hopefully by the weekend he'll be pretty much back to normal.

Among my errands yesterday I was going to Hancock Fabric to get cloth for linings...one for a tunic, another for a purse. I didn't go, and now I wish I had the fabric so I could start on a project, but don't want to venture out in the rain. I really want to make the bag before the top, but the bag pattern is backordered.

Leisa sent me a birthday card, and commented how difficult it was putting my last name on it...Milde. My thoughts on that. I have only once signed Bell and once typed Bell for my last name since November 1. For as long as I can think people have been called Lisa Bell...so much in fact that LisaBell is one name. People still call me that, and it's fine, Jeff doesn't care/isn't offended, and I like Lisa Bell....Bell is my official middle name now. I told Leisa it's like I finally have a last name.

I'm going to watch That 70s Show with Jeff....maybe a nap.

A new year

2009-01-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

I started 2009 on a mission trip to WV. We had a good time, even with a lack of sleep and cold weather. We got to catch up with our friends...the Pendrys', BB and his family, Benton, among others. I did miss Jeff, and..yep, he missed me too.

He actually started getting sick while I was away. Last night he was running a bit of a fever, so today I've been nursing him back to health a little...chicken soup, OJ, and Tylenol cold. So he's feeling a little better. Today is also my 30th birthday. We had planned to have a nice day, which was going to include a Milde trip to the melting pot, but we'll do that when Jeff is feeling better. I did get my gift from Jeff today....a black pearl and silver necklace....simple yet fun. He did a good job with that one.

Okay...resolutions. I'm not really a new year resolutions person. I think if there's something you want to do, then why wait. I get the fact that it's sort of turning a new leaf in a new year....but so often people go back to their ways. If there's something you want to change...REALLY want to change you should do it, no matter when it is. I begin to think of things I had changed about myself for the better. One was loosing weight. For those of you haven't known me longer than nine or ten years, you may not know I used to weigh around 190. Yep...back in high school that was my top weight. I hated, hated, hated it. I truly wanted to change, so I looked at what I was consuming, and found a several things that could be changed. The main one was regular sodas. I was drinking close to ten a day...that's over 1000 calories from soda alone. 3500=1 pound. So I stopped drinking those the end of my senior year, and begin to loose weight. From there I started looking at what I was eating, and cut out some other obvious culprits. By 2000 I was to the size I am now. That was only from cutting out a few things.

Well, in Oct. 2001 I had a really weird dream (raw chicken sandwich), which caused me to gag at the thought of the texture of chicken. Well, I stopped eating it, and then slowly stopped eating other meat. Red meat was the last thing to go...I had a hamburger new year's eve...and in 2002 became a vegetarian. Not a resolution....just the last time I decided to eat it. I started learning how to compensate for the lost protein. The mission trip that year I thought I'd try a little meat...because people need protein, and I didn't have access to my new stuff. Well, Morgan will tell you...it was a bit like watching a Survivor challenge. It totally grossed me out. Didn't try it again. The more I started learning about meat, and the way we eat in general, the healthier my eating habits got. I did decide to add fish to the mix, but greatly limited fats--particularly saturated. I'm concerned about the additives put in food today---especially all the crap given meat sources, which is why even a couple of years ago when the texture problem went away I remained veggie. Since Jeff and I have been together I've eaten meat a couple of times. It's honestly just a convenience....Less to clean, less pots to watch. Plus, I know when we have babies the last thing I'll have time for is to cook myself and separate meal. I only buy meat that hasn't been given hormones or antibiotics, and that's fed good stuff. So I will occasionally eat a little meat. If at all possible I won't. I'll still cook some things as one meat thing for him, fish for me. When we go out, I'll order something other than meat....if possible. I did get a chicken sandwich from Chic-fil-a the day of our rehearsal...we were hungry, had no time to cook, and it was right there. This past mission trip, because I had to eat something with protein I had several meat items...including a hot dog, which I wouldn't normally eat if I was a full blown carnivore because of the nitrites...but mission trips are an exception. So it'll be rare, but occasionally it'll happen.

Then I graduated Lander December of 2002, so without anything to do I decided to start walking...again not a resolution. It just so happened that my boredom began at the first of the year...so did my fix for that. Walking turned to running, and by the end of the year I was doing between 15-20 miles a week. So I added weights the first part of 2003. From then until the mid part of 2008, on average I ran 20-25 miles a week (for a while over 30 a week), and lifted weights 2 hours a week. Christmas season was an exception because of extra holiday picture work.

Onto 2008...enter Jeff. I started dating Jeff in January....the days I came up here I didn't exercise....except some walking (strolling) we did. June hit, and I started planning a wedding. My time for exercise became less. I haven't really lifted weights since late June, or really ran since mid July. I started walking some in October, and since we've been married I've increased that. I honestly have to build my endurance for running back, and goodness knows...have to build back the muscles. I have gained a couple of pounds, not a huge amount, but can really tell that I'm not as active from the way I feel. So I don't have a resolution...just a strong desire to continue with the cardio, building back to running (three time a week), and adding in strength training again. A lot of it is getting into a new schedule, and we are doing well with it so far. I've done my hour of walking tonight. To think, this exact time last year I was running a 5k.

So I'm hoping for a good year for everyone. I'm excited about being 30 and what's to come.

What a year!!!

2008-12-30T20:18:00.000-08:00

WOW!!! I did not expect the things that have happened this year, and I feel confident to say Jeff didn't either. Last year at this time I had a new friend, who I'd met in person once, and talked to online a lot, and on the phone a bit. This time last year we had a second meeting planned for January 5th, and that's about it. The things I was most thinking about at the end of last year was the 4-H program on Mondays in McCormick, and doing First Place at LRBC....then there was the matter of that guy...aww...who knows where that is going. Honestly, I didn't think we'd go beyond-at best-a few dates. Surely, he wouldn't like me, or I would find something that put me off. Well, my goodness...He liked me-a lot...and I thought he was just the bee's knees. Honestly, I think we both would agree from the time we officially started dating we knew we had a connection unlike any other--that God's hand was in it, and probably in the next couple of months realized that God had put us together to be life-long partners. I learned never say never. I don't know how many times my momma told me that. She said it so many times...specific things she said she'd never do, that she ended up doing...like living in Calhoun Falls. I said I'd never meet someone online. Sure people I knew did it, with great results...but I don't know...for me it's a little creepy. Enter Jeff. I said I'd wait a decent amount of time before deciding to marry someone. I remember last year--the mission trip to WV--Sonya told of how quick she and Jim were married....We mentioned how Kari and Chad dated a month before they were engaged....how Carrie talked about she and Brantley getting engaged after four months of dating....All too soon. But there I was very quickly in the relationship thinking about marrying Jeff, and lo and behold, a little over four months and I was wearing a ring. The wedding came a little quicker than I every thought too. Many brides have about a year...at least six months to plan....I had five. We contemplated waiting for March, but really didn't see the point of putting it off. If we could do it sooner, why not? So we did. Yep...this year...started dating a guy, fell crazy for him (and him for me), got engaged, got married....and because of that moved to Greenville--but little detail is not the main concern. Jeff blows me off my feet everyday. Thank the Lord for him, and for putting us together!!!

Also...I'm leaving Thursday to go to Little Birch, WV for a mission trip. I'll be gone the 1st-3rd. I'm excited cause mission trips are awesome, plus I get to hang out with great people both in WV and those from home, but I already know I'm going to miss Jeff...but I get to come home to him, and my 30th birthday the next day.

Christmas....

2008-12-27T17:04:00.000-08:00

This has been a fun Christmas. Our celebrations started last Friday when Jeff's brother, Mike, his wife, Liz, and their son, Daniel came up. We had dinner, and went to see the lights at Roper Mountain. Then Jeff and I went downtown for a little stroll. The next day was our official Christmas with Jeff's family. So we got to hang out again, eat a yummy meal, exchange gifts, and more hanging out. We had a good time.
I started getting sort of sick during last week, so Saturday night I took Nyquil, so I woke up feeling horrible, and Jeff and I missed church. I felt drugged most of the day, but started to feel a little with it later, and so we saw Yes Man.
Monday I was still feeling pretty rough.
Tuesday started to feel better. We sort of hung out at the house both of these days. I made some baked goods. That night we went to the mall...walked around a bit, and sat in the food court people watching.
Christmas Eve we headed to CF to hang out with my parents. We did some eating, and gift exchanging. I got to see the Cann clan a bit. Gave the Hanna kids a gift. Brooks opened it and said 'cool'...so I guess I did alright (transformers).
We had intended to go with Jeff's parents to Mike and Liz's, but got the call Christmas Eve that both of his parents were under the weather. We ended up staying at home Christmas. Exchanged our gifts for each other...Jeff did a good job, and he liked his stuff...so good for us. We went downtown, hit Spill the Beans, and walked around a bit.
Friday we hung out here again. George came over, so we got to visit with him a bit, and the boys did a little WOW playing, while I went to Kohls--everything was totally picked over.
Today my parents came up...followed by Linda and Andy, and we visited a while, and then went out for Lunch, before the Watkins headed back to Gainesville. Then Christopher and Frieda came up. We chatted a while, and then ate some desserts (our tradition), chatted some more, and they left. Then mom and dad headed home too. I'm tuckered out today.

I guess the season isn't over quite yet. New Year's is next week. I'm supposed to be leaving on the LRBC mission trip Thursday...coming back Saturday. Then my 30th birthday is next Sunday...I'm told from Jeff I'm really going to like that gift.

Here's a few pics from the Milde Christmas.

List completed

2008-12-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

We've absolutely, completely finished Christmas shopping. Yep, Jeff too. I had a Christmas shower for April to attend Saturday. On my way back I called Jeff to see what he was up to. "Nothing" he said, which I believed....until I got home and found the house empty. So I gave him another call. He was out wondering around the mall. He had forgotten that it was Saturday (working from home, all day, everyday will make you forget the days), so he was not enjoying the traffic. It was so cute, though, he was pretty excited when he got home...he wrapped the gifts...carefully hid the bags and reciepts. Sneaky! He even used cash and not the card, so I wouldn't find out. I very much appreciate that because I love a surprise. So I haven't a clue what he got me, and he doesn't know what I got him, and won't until Christmas morning.....the way it should be.

One year ago

2008-12-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

Well, it was one year ago today that I came from Calhoun Falls to downtown Greenville to meet this guy I'd been chatting with and messaging back and forth. I actually wasn't sure what his intentions were. I mean I didn't know if he thought he might 'like me, like me" or if he was just looking for a friend. I still wasn't too sure after our first meeting, and honestly didn't know what my intentions were. I knew that I loved talking to him in the cyber world, and that very, very much looked forward to that little aol ding of a new message coming in. It was a decent meeting, but I didn't have a clue what was to come. I thought he was either a little boring or really nervous....it turns out it was the nervous thing, and turns out very good things were on their way. It's been a really good year!

Bored

2008-12-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

I must say I have been extremely bored lately (this week)....not un-busy, just bored. There's always something to be done...housewise. I mean..laundry, cleaning, cooking, baking...whatever. Not saying I do it all either because Jeff lends a hand, except with cooking. It's just there's nothing to DO. Usually at this time I have Christmas pictures to think of. There's the specials I did every weekend, editing, ordering, usually a Christmas wedding, Santa house every Friday....this year nothing. I hoping to start promoting my photography in the area soon, but until then there's not much happening in that area. I do have April's bridal next week that I'm really excited about. I'm redoing my website..going to start on that tomorrow sometime, and I'm super excited about that too. Then on top of the no work thing, there's the no friend thing. I haven't really met that many folks up here. I mean there's people at church, but I don't 'know' them yet. Jeff's friends mostly live in Travelers Rest, and so we don't get to hang out with them that often. The neighborhood we live in has great people, but they are all of retirement age. In Calhoun Falls I was never far away from a friend...seriously, my neighbors were closest in distance and friendship. I'd go to Leisa's about once a month to visit too. It's really really tough not having those people around. No one to hang out with and just laugh. Again, not saying Jeff and I don't, but he has work stuff, and hobbies that I don't. I've started to walk/jog/run some again, so at least that's one thing I can do. Still you can't run all the time. I've been thinking of sewing, which I enjoy occasionally, but I don't know what to start. My machine sort of stinks, so I don't want to attempt the quilt I begin last year...it sometimes eats the squares. I ordered a couple of patterns today, so hopefully I'll have that soon. I feel bad cause I've been sort of moping around...nothing to do...no one to do it with (when Jeff is busy)....it just stinks. I've discovered I just need to do something creative regularly to feel happy. I'm hoping with the plans of website building, sewing, and bridals I can be sustained until Christmas with things to do.

Savannah

2008-12-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

I just finished editing pictures from Savannah yesterday. Jeff hasn't scanned any of his in---he used his Hasselblad. Well, he also used the little point and shoot we got some too. The ones on the end--they have a different shape--come from that one. Our days were either dreary or really sunny, so lighting was not perfect. Don't know why they had to make the vertical shots so tiny on the slideshow. These are just a handful of the ones we took, but enjoy. Don't miss the self-portrait of us making odd faces, and notice the albino squirrel.

Finally.

2008-12-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

The finally part after the weekend update.

Saturday we went downtown...we were going to eat at Smoke on the Water, and take a little walk. We realized when we got there something was happening. They were having a parade, and parking was no where to be found. Actually and honestly, if Jeff had been a little more patient...yeah, we did look for 10 minutes, but just a few more, and I'm sure we would have found a spot. Jeff hates being in a car and driving somewhere....especially traffic. That's just another sign that God was the one who put us together....Jeff would've never dated a girl so far away. Back to Saturday....we ended up eating at Red Lobster, and watching A Christmas Story. Hopefully next time we can have a real date night.
Sunday we went to SS and Worship and BCBC. Came home ate a quick lunch, and headed to CF, by way of Greenwood. I had to give some wedding albums and such to a client. Then onto the parents' for a little chat, showing them the wedding pictures, and then we went to Northside for their cantata. Jeff got to meet a good chunk of the people I've known my whole life.

FINALLY...
One of the places, the main place, we registered at was Target. Like many other places, they have a policy after you're married you get 10% off the registry stuff. We had several gift cards that I couldn't wait to use, but of course I'm waiting until I get the 10% coupon. I've been expecting it for some time. I already knew what we were going to get. Everyday I kept thinking today's the day...we can get our stuff. So finally today it came. We went to Target after dinner, and picked up the stuff we really wanted that was left on the registry. We were very blessed with all of our shower/wedding gifts....nothing bad, and we got a big chunk of the stuff we registered for. So today was icing on the cake.

A week without blogging

2008-12-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

Let's see what's happened...I designed the wedding album. That was my project starting last Sunday. I did 32 pages, which is more than my normal albums, but Lindsey Mart did such a fabulous job. There were so many great images, and so many of people that we loved...we included a lot. I uploaded that Tuesday, and by Friday it was here...yay.

I've finished my Christmas shopping. Jeff has me and George to go. I've been sending him hints all week...which I was asked to do. I've found it difficult to come up with things. It's almost like I don't really need anything. Jeff said what do you want....again it's tough to nail down. There's clothing, of course, but in that department I can be difficult to buy for unless you know exactly what I want. So I came up with a few things.

Another thing is...I'm looking at a redesign for the photography website. I really would love to get into that here. I just need something to do, and photography is something I love. It's sort of tough when there's not a purpose to your everyday.

Friday was the Sunday School party...which was fun. Apparently we're old. I didn't really think we out aged that many in our class. I do think there is at least one couple older, but hey, we don't look it.

So we're off for date night.

Church tomorrow morning at BCBC, then to Northside to hear their musical.

Christmas decorating

2008-11-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

We ended going over to Jeff's parents' for potato soup, and then we went to see Four Christmases, which was pretty good.

I had really been itching to put up Christmas decorations, and did get the tree up, and some garland on the mantle. Friday we finished the rest. Although we said we weren't going out, we ended up going to Ace and Hobby Lobby (the on on Wade Hampton an area far less busy than Woodruff). We got a few wreaths for the windows. I already had some garland for the door. We also got a small tree for the office to put Jeff's Coca-Cola ornaments on. So here's some pictures.

Outside--taken today, so it's dreary.

Office tree

As you walk in the front door

Side view

Fireplace...yep, gifts are wrapped too.

The last couple..and random ramblings

2008-11-26T19:36:00.000-08:00

Monday was a few errands. Clearing the to-do list a bit. Then...

I finally climbed back on my treadmill after way too long away. I had done a few days of exercise back in October, but I really want to get back in the habit of it being a regular thing. It's difficult. The last several months have been planning the wedding, and working on house stuff. My schedule is completely turned upside down. I don't imagine I can get back into the routine I've been in during previous years. Seriously, I was super organized with that schedule so I could get in the run/workout. Meals would have to be at particular times so food wouldn't interrupt the exercise. Jeff has been in the habit, and consequently I've gotten in the habit of eating dinner at the most inconvenient time for my best workout time. I'm not a good morning runner...evening is my time. So I'd have a snack, then run/do weights, then dinner. Dinner before does not work. Also I've lost a lot of my abilities as far as the level of endurance. I've got the process of building that back up, which just sort of bites...a lot. Jeff wants me to be able to do that. So we're working out meal times. He's getting used to eating later. It's great too because he has a habit of having breakfast, waiting until dinner, and then having a snack later. That freaks me out a bit because he needs to eat more, and it's SO SO SO difficult to get him to eat. This sort of forces him into it. So I can get fit and Jeff can get fat....well, he'll never get fat, but at least he can try.

Tuesday I went Christmas shopping. We're pretty much finished. There's a few left, but not too difficult to buy for. I've even got Jeff's....well, most of it. I'll probably through in another thing or two. He's got to get mine....his first real gift to me. I have full confidence in his abilities to choose wisely.

Today I went grocery shopping before the madness at the market set in. There were a few more than normal there....I can only imagine what it was like later. We took some stuff to Jeff's parents'. We watered some plants at a rental place. I went to the Social Security office to have my name corrected. Not a very long wait....in and out and back home in about thirty minutes, which is unprecedented. Plus, my name is now correct. Then I did the treadmill thing again. I've been itching to put the Christmas tree up. The past few years it's had to go up earlier because there were Christmas pictures to think of. Jeff has a thing about not decorating until after Thanksgiving. Going shopping yesterday really put me in the mood. So tonight I assembled the tree.....it does take over an hour to get it up. I may...may...put lights on tomorrow.

Tomorrow. Not sure what'll happen. I have some stuff to cook. We've already had out official family celebrations. There's a few house things to do. Have some plants to repot.

I do know that, like Morgan (read her blog), I have a lot to be thankful for. Along with the usual things there's some new ones this year. This time last year Jeff and I were online friends, and I was thankful for that. This year I'm thankful that friendship turned into SO much more. I'm thankful that after years of praying, that God sent me the one he intended for me all along. I'm thankful that my family has expanded, and that it includes so so many awesome people. I'm thankful that at every turn Jeff and I can be supportive of each other, that we can communicate about anything, and that we can laugh a majority of the time. I'm thankful that I got to marry my greatest friend, and I'm thankful that he thinks the same thing too!

Back at home.

2008-11-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

Friday night was really nice at the Milde's. The food was really good, and the company was better! It was nice getting to see everyone again, but Jeff and I had to leave soon to get to CF. It was a little weird to pass by my house, and not turn in. It was really cool to see it already inhabited. Austin has moved in...I can't wait to see what he and April have in store. We got to my parent's and got to chat some with them, and look over our guest book from the wedding. Then off to bed cause we had to get up early for church. LRBC had Thanksgiving breakfast, and it was awesome. That's to be expected with Roger serving as chef! We got to hear a great message by Curt. Jeff was excited to get to hear Curt preach.

I'm still getting used to not being at my home church every week. It's tough! They're planning and mission trip for January 1-3...back to West Virginia. We know Jeff couldn't go since he wouldn't have internet access....the work NEVER stops for him. So I'm trying to figure out if I can go. I really want to see all the kids again...those folks are fun! Plus, who doesn't enjoy a LRBC mission trip?!?

Something else we're dealing with....Christmas shopping. So we sort of figure...for this year at least...each sort of pick out for their family. Of course there's input on the other's part. We've managed to get a few, and hopefully I can nail down a few others this week...before Friday (we're not leaving the house this weekend!) Something else that's sort of interesting this year...we have to buy each other gifts. Jeff and I had barely met last Christmas. The bulk of our relationship was carried out in Facebook messages and chatting on AOL...we'd only met the one time at Starbucks. So, of course, we didn't do gifts. Then my birthday was January 4...so he lucked out by not getting me a gift for that either. We only met the second time on the 5th, and that was nearly the last date...yikes!!! We did Valentines....I got us Third day tickets....he got tickets to a play and a frame. I got a gift for his birthday. I know he liked that stuff. Christmas is different for some reason. I guess it's usually sort of the big gift of the year. I have a few ideas. We'll see how that plays out.

Another little note....for the past couple of weeks I've been dealing with name change stuff. I got the new SS card Saturday....with the wrong middle name on it. I mean, my goodness, it was spelled out on the form. How hard is it to read the form, and put that information into a computer? UGH!!! So now I have to deal with all of that once more...super UGH!!!

Family weekend

2008-11-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend is going to be busy, but fun. Tomorrow is the thanksgiving celebration at the Milde's. I'm excited to see everyone again. We didn't get to spend much time with folks at the wedding. Plus, it's a thanksgiving. For the last few years we haven't had a 'real' thanksgiving. Seems like at least one of my parents were working, and it's been a several years since we celebrated with Aunt Linda and her crew. So it's kind of nice to have that this year.
Then tomorrow night we are heading to the Falls. Sunday is the big thanksgiving service at LRBC...including breakfast. Then we'll get to spend some time with my parents, which will be fun....cause they make me laugh....not at them, but with them....mostly.

He makes me laugh

2008-11-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

I still haven't posted the before and after pics of the master bath yet. I don't exactly know where they are. I'll try to find them so you can see what we did. However, this blog does involve that bathroom. We keep several rolls of toilet paper in each BR, and every so often get more from the stash in our garage. Well, I put on the last one last night, and at the time didn't want to go out and get anymore. So this morning same thing, but after I had taken my shower other things were on my mind. Later I thought about it again, but again it slipped my mind. It was no big deal, the roll had just started. So I was about to go get some, and walked into the bathroom for a quick second before I made my way out to the garage, and the below picture is what I saw. I wondered why it had taken him so long earlier to use the bathroom. He was laughing as I walked out. He was just doing me a favor...after all I use more than him. I'm still laughing.

Pictures

2008-11-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

People...visit Lindsey's blog!

Our pictures are up. Holy cow, they're awesome!

If you'd like to see them all go to: lindseymart.com, click on client proofing, and enter password bell110108. She's had a few issues loading, so not all of them are up yet, but should be soon.

Yay! Isn't she an awesome photographer?

catching up

2008-11-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

Seems like that's what we've been doing the last week. We've had tons of stuff from the wedding to put up. Not everything is done yet. I'm still working on thank you notes for the awesome gifts we got. We've had laundry and other house work to do. Floors still aren't done...dishes aren't done (Jeff). I've been finishing up a wedding I had a couple of months ago...getting the album finished...which was fun to deal with a different wedding for a change. I spent a chunk of today setting at the social security office waiting to change the name on my card...and then the bank. I'm ready for that process to be complete. Jeff's been working on emails, leaves (see previous post), other manly work, and dealing with WOW expansion stuff. He's like a little boy with that game...it's kinda cute (just kinda). Just dealing with this and that, which we haven't had time for. We're getting the event behind us, and really starting the married life, which is going to be way better than the wedding.

Freak OUT!!!

2008-11-11T18:58:00.001-08:00

Big news of the day....Jeff lost his wedding band. We got the rings back in July, and at the time he barely wanted to try them on. We had to wait until the wedding. Well, we had them on our hands then less that 10 seconds. So last week when he finally got to wear his, he noticed that it was a little loose, but being colder sometime looseness happens with rings. The thing is his hands wasn't that cold. When they did get cold it could very easily be slipped off. Monday I had to take my diamond in for the inspection (every six months-sooner is better), and we talked then about getting his resized. Although, with the type it is they can't resize the metal (titanium and white gold), they have to order a new one. He decided to wait a bit to see what it was like when his hands really got cold. Well, today he was raking leaves and stuffing them in bags. Neither noticed until we were watching Forrest Gump, and Lieutenant Dan got new legs (made from titanium alloy), that we laughed because his ring is made of similar stuff, and then notice (AHHH!) the ring wasn't there. We looked on the couch, in pockets, in the office, the bathroom, the kitchen, the sink (he did dishes tonight), and then the yard, and piles of leaves. We sifted through 4 packed trashbags full of leaves, we crawled on hands and knees all over the yard, we called people for metal detectors, and we prayed the whole time. Jeff then started dumping each of the bags of leaves on the garage floor. We were into the third bag when we heard the ping. Thank the Lord! Yes, we will be getting a new size tomorrow!

wonderful week

2008-11-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Our honeymoon week in Savannah was great. We did a lot of walking, touring, and looking at old buildings....and of course Jeff and I took our cameras. We did a several rounds of just walking around taking photos. Monday we did take the trolley tour to learn a little about our surroundings. We ate at this really awesome pizza place called Vinnie Van Go-gos. It's sort of a dive, but the pizza is awesome. We ended up eating there another time as well. Tuesday we started the day in line at Paula Deen's to get a spot for lunch, which we did. That food was good y'all. Jeff had a cow over the mashed potatoes, and I quite enjoyed the gooey butter cake. Wednesday we headed over to Tybee Island. Like both Monday and Tuesday ended, Wednesday started with a drizzly cold rain. We went to the light house and walked along the beach. It cleared up a bit later, and that night we headed out for a walking ghost tour. It was okay...parts were interesting, but we thought it could have been better (see Friday). Thursday was a camera day, as was Friday. Thursday we hit the Mercer-Williams house (where the events of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil took place, as well as the movie). One of those days, not sure which, we ate at The Pirate's House, which was pretty good, and had some interesting history. Another place to eat in Savannah is Leopold's Ice Cream Parlor. Not sure which day we did that, but it was the best, and there's a lot of movie stuff in there. Friday night we took our favorite tour....a haunted hearse tour. This time the tour was a driven one...in a back of an old hearse. Yes, it had been used quite a bit in the 80s for transporting bodies. They've taken the top up, and added seats in the back. Our tour guide, Nathan, was hilarious. We both highly recommend that one! My sinuses started getting all weird on me Thursday...I think it was the altering weather that caused allergies, which triggered the sinusitis. Anyway, I walked around with a tissue the last few days, and still have one close by.

We got back yesterday. We got to open more gifts, put away some wedding stuff, do laundry, and try to get back to normal. Normal is a little different now...particularly for me...different name, different house. Plus, the last five months at least at one day was spent going here or there, or doing something for the wedding. I'll have time to finally work on some photography work that came in middle of October, and I have the joy of finding some sort of job until (hopefully) the photo work picks back up. I have some stuff already lined up for next year...so yay!

Oh, about the name change. #1...people who normally call me LisaBell...as if it's one word, it's okay to still call me that. Jeff will not get offended. Hey, Bell is now my middle name. I've been called both names forever, so continue if you'd like.
#2...all the paper work to change your name sucks. First you have to get certified copies of the marriage license, then social security card before you can change any of the other stuff....driver's license, voter registration, bank stuff, credit cards, any other accounts, business licenses. Boy, oh boy.

We'll hopefully post some wedding pictures, and honeymoon pictures soon.