The Big Apple

Last week BL & I made our way up to NYC for reasons I cannot yet discuss on a public forum a really fun quick trip!

We made it to Central Park for a nice stroll....

Then on to Rockefeller Center to watch the ice skaters.....

After we had walked up and down 5th Avenue doing some very unsuccessful shopping, we had worked up an appetite and a visit to Magnolia Bakery was a must! 

Once we'd stuffed our faces silly had our fill of cupcakes, we walked on over to Times Square.  Have you ever been?  Holy Moly, all the people!!!

are you noticing a theme?!  I take a picture of BL, he takes one of me & we ask someone to get one of both of us...oh, the joys of traveling with just your husband :)

The next day was a whirlwind and I simply canNOT wait to share more about that later...but we did have fun! 

Believe it or not, we headed back to Atlanta after just two nights in New York City!  Good news (for us, at least) our vacation was not over & we drove straight from the airport up to North Georgia for another two nights away ... more on that later.  Until then, make it a great day :)

My How We Grow

After looking at our family photo taken yesterday, it occurred to me just how much we have grown over the last 4 years! As you'll see from the progression of photos, we've added not only spouses, but kiddos as well.  That being said, don't get too used to the last photo [from yesterday] because we will add another niece or nephew in a week, one more nephew in 4 weeks and yes, ONE MORE niece or nephew in November.  WOWZA.  

Here we are in December 2006:

And now in September 2008:



Finally, in April 2011:


Yes, that is two parents, five children, five children-in-law, six babies and three babies in the tummies of one sis-in-law and both sisters.  God is so good :)

Show Us How You Live - Book List

I love books.  I wish I actually read as much as I would like to but I do love books.   Today's 'Show us How you Live' Friday over at Kelly's Korner is focused on your book list, and since I do love books I was very excited to participate to share my list as well as read others (as if I really need more books to add to my list - ha!).

My Reading List:

Just Finished: This book had a big impact on me for a number of reasons, the biggest being the peace and reassurance of how God takes care of us.  It's a quick, easy, MUST READ.

Currently Reading: I little raw but a really good story.  I'm sure the movie will not be as good as the book (they never are) but none-the-less I am excited about seeing it soon.

Stacked Next to the Bed (waiting to be read):  Ok, truth be told, there are so many books stacked up that I can't even list them all.  I would venture to say I have at least 15 books stacked....2 Vince Flynn books (one of which I am half way through), 2 Jodi Picoult books, The Shack, a few borrowed books from my friend Becky, Twilight (I was going to read it again)....the list goes on!

What I'd Like to add to the List: I have heard good things about this book...can't wait to read it!

On another note, can you believe it's the middle of April?  Wowza, time sure does fly by when you're getting old having fun!!

Guess Who?

I'm back!  
for a minute...

Back home, back to the routine, back to my seemingly normal schedule...

What a crazy few weeks this has been!  On both a person and professional front, I have been challenged and pushed to the edge; needless to say I am happy to be home :) 

 

 

Final Four was a blast and certainly a successful program with a happy client!  We stayed at The Houstonian Hotel and it was outstanding!  If you're in Houston and need a beautiful place to lay your head, this is your spot!  Staff was great and super helpful, rooms were wonderful, beds were cozy (if only I actually got to enjoy sleeping more hours here!) and guests have access to one of the top 5 fitness clubs in the US while you stay!

While in Houston I had a lot of great food, and by a lot, I mean A LOT including this lovely BBQ feast!

yes, that is half of a chicken on my plate!

One of the very best cupcakes I have ever had, in fact my mouth is watering just thinking about it.....


...NUTELLA :)

However, there was one food item I did not try, and although I love this food I can't think eating it in this fashion is really to my liking.  Maybe it was the price for something so simple or maybe the fact that MAYO was their topping of choice?  Either way, I did not shell out $5 for this.

Is this common where you live?


It was a really special treat to have seen both my parents and my husband while I was on program!  This made the trip so much better!

We arrived back home late Wednesday and headed out again Thursday for Bobby's aunt's wedding.  Stay tuned for pictures of that trip soon...

Make it a great day!