I've Been Thinking...

This past week I've been thinking a lot about the past and what might have been. I don't know if reading other people's blogs is what spurred this thought process...or if me being on Facebook, reading former acquaintances' profiles has spurred it, but it's been there, in the front of my mind...What if?

I think back to high school and college and friendships won and friendships lost and I wonder...what if?

What if I hadn't gotten in that last argument with her?

What if I hadn't decided to live in one room at the Chi O house?

What if I hadn't had my heart broken so badly my sophomore year of college?

What if I never got in that car?

What if I never lost respect for that boss?

What if I had stayed in Baton Rouge?

What if?

Would I be better friends with my sorority sisters? Would I get to be in those group pictures that are all over blogs and Facebook? Would I still be in contact with some of my sisters and even some of my high school friends?

The answer, I've found, is this: I don't know. I honestly don't know "what if" any of it happened. Don't get me wrong, I have my fair share of regrets...mostly with the females in my life. I look back and wish that I had done some things differently. But wishing doesn't get you too far, now does it? Regretting doesn't allow you to live in the present.

With all that said, what I do know is that I have, through my faults and mistakes and through my victories and triumphs, found the most amazing people that I wouldn't trade for anything. I don't need to know what if, or live in regret...because what happened brought me to where I am today:

Four of the best girlfriends a girl could ask for. My companion and best friend, Tim. An amazing relationship with my parents. Amazing girlfriends throughout the country. My two babies, Tyson and Pippi. My niece and nephews. An amazing relationship with family--both in the sense of "blood related" and "associated." My job.

"What if" doesn't matter because what happened is so much better. Can't dwell on the regrets. All I can do is live the life I've been given.

FPU cancelled due to inclement weather...

Well, my Dave Ramsey's FPU was cancelled tonight due to inclement weather. The inclement weather thus far has been nothing but rain (but no complaints here!!).

On another note, Ty has been a bad, bad boy!! We were watching Big Love on DVR and I looked down to see my pup CHEWING on our computer cord. That now no longer works.

Tim was NOT pleased with the results!!

Ty has been spending the rest of the evening sucking up to Tim...who keeps reminding him that he just cost him a computer cord.

Souper Cold Monday

Well...we are in the midst of ice storm #4 of the season...gotta love it. I'm afraid my sister will be disappointed yet again, as there is no promise of snow. Just ice. Ice. Ice.

It's Monday again which means SOUP night! Tonight we had homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. For the grilled cheese I used mozzarella and provolone and it was yummy! The soup was SO easy!

I got the basic recipe from FoodNetwork.com. Click here for the recipe. I omitted the carrots and celery and used a mixer instead of a hand held blender...but it was SO GOOD!! If you're looking for a quick, easy tomato soup (that is not condensed) I highly recommend the above link.

Finally, with the cold weather, we get frantic pups! Thought I'd share some clips of Ty and Pip entertaining themselves indoors.

Oh That Barnes and Noble...

While typically I'm not one to compose a blog about poor customer service (at least here), I thought that you, my blogging pals, deserved a heads up if you ever plan on using Barnes and Noble.com.

I ordered two cookbooks on December 11, 2008--for Christmas presents--for our two moms. (I'm not ruining any surprise as we didn't want them to think we got them nothing, we printed out a picture and gave them a card to open on Christmas).

On January 26, only ONE cookbook has shipped and Lord only knows where it is at this point (it has a shipping date of 1/21 but that's as far as it goes--they can't tell me where it is five days later).

The second order is still sitting in a warehouse.

When I called customer service to inquire--she told me, "well, it says it's on back order." I thought to myself: "Well, yes, I can see that in the automated email I was sent."

I said aloud, "How come one of my books shipped and the other did not?"

CSR: "Ma'am, I don't know." My thoughts (not what I said in italics): Thanks for that detailed explanation of what is going on with my order.

Me: "Well, do I honestly have to pay for shipping for an item that is two months late?" ...

"Yes." --so nothing to make up for me waiting two months for an order...

Third inquiry: "Can you guarantee that I will receive this order by Feb. 18?"

"No. We cannot guarantee that." --WHY NOT?!?!? I was thinking to myself...I ordered the dang book on Dec 11!!!!

Nice. After being told there was nothing Barnes and Noble could do for me about this "goof" I was told to not give up on B&N and that they're appreciative of my business.

Uh-yeah. I can see that appreciation. I don't think I'll be doing "business" with them anymore...as our two mothers are still Christmas present-less, and it's nearly February. Just thought I'd let you know about the wonderful customer service I experienced so you could think twice about ordering from B&N.com.

Blog Addict

So, on one of the many blogs I visit on a daily basis the author had taken a "Blog Addict" test. Looks like I'm pretty far gone....do they have a Bloggers' Anonymous?

75%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Showing Appreciation

One of our New Years Resolutions for 2009 is to "show more appreciation for one another." Don't get me wrong, we try our best to let the other know that we appreciate the contributions made to our relationship, but sometimes it is all too easy to let the routine of every day living take over. Sometimes we forget in our daily routines to show one another how much we mean to each other, so we've made it a point to do so in 2009...

With that said, I have been sick (sick, sick, sick) since Wednesday night and I am very appreciative of Tim taking care of me. He's called me every day to check on me and went to Walgreens to get me medicine and even went to get the pups' food for me today.

Not that I typically write about the ins and outs of our relationship, but I felt he deserved credit out in blogger land...he can be such a sweet guy sometimes.

FPU, Historic Day and More...

Well, today was my third session of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. This week was more intense than the previous two lessons. The homework assignment is definitely the most intense we've had thus far...we're supposed to develop a monthly budget where every single dollar of your income should be allocated to some category. When we're finished with the budget, the total household income minus total expenses should equal zero. Shoo! I'll be working on that for a minute...and hmmm...to even track down Tim to contribute his input?!? Should be interesting.

Some key points of the lesson (because we mainly focused on the actual budget making) were:

• Budgeting is not a method by which you make other people behave. Budgeting is a method by which you make money behave.


• People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan.


• Money flows from those who don't manage it and to those who do.

Next on the agenda...

Today was undoubtedly an historic day. Barack Obama became the first African American man to be come POTUS. Regardless of your political affiliation or views, it is a moment in time we'll all remember.

Finally, yesterday Tim and my brother went to see Bloody Valentine in 3D. Tim brought the glasses home and decided Tyson should model. Thought I'd show off our precious 3D glasses model:

Souper Monday!

Over the New Year holiday, Linda told Tim and I about "Souper Monday." This is a night that one center's his meal around a soup. Tim and I both loved the idea and have done it every week since. We enjoy trying new soups and recipes as well as the tried and true...Each week we think about the next yummy soup we can try (or cook if we KNOW we already love it). We've had several already...

Tonight we had Chicken Enchilada Soup. I'm not sure who the original creator of this dish is, but to me and my sister...it's Mama's.

Here's the recipe. It is SO good and easy to make! Just give yourself about an hour and a half to make it. I made it last night then simmered it for 30 minutes today and did the last step.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

8 corn tortillas

1 small onion, chopped

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tb. olive oil

1 (4 oz) can chopped chiles

1 can vegetable broth

2 cans chicken broth

1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1 can chunk-style chicken

2 tb. steak sauce

2 tsp. worcestershire

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp chile pepper

1/8 tsp. pepper

3 c. shredded cheddar

• Cut 8 tortillas in half, then into 1/2" wide strips; set aside
• Saute onion and garlic in 2 tb. oil in a dutch oven. Add remaining ingredients except cheese and tortilla strips; bring to a boil.
• Cover, reduce heat and simmer 1 hour.
• Add tortilla strips and cheese; simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
• Yields 8 cups.

SUPER DUPER YUMMY!!

If you have any soup recipes, I'd love to try them, so please share!! Thanks!

Lizzy's First Birthday Party!

John John is modeling Sissy's hat for us...

Sissy's Moment...

You can just hear her saying, "I want that cake NOW"

The girl didn't hesitate. She got practice at Baby Briggs' birthday!

Yum. Cake.


She loves it!

John John helped.

Tim and Veronica watching the festivities.



Crazy kid mad house when it was time to open presents! Everyone wanted to help. Doesn't Helen look thrilled?

John John liked Sissy's horse

Happy Birthday Lizzy Lou!!

Oh--twelve months ago today you blessed your family's life with your presence!! It is so much fun to watch you grow --and already wrap all the boys around your little fingers!

We love you so much! Have a very Happy Birthday sweet girl!!

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University

Last Tuesday I started a 13 week program called Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. My company has offered to pay for each of its employees (and their spouses) to have the opportunity to learn how to better manage their finances.

Though I am not sure I'll follow everything Dave teaches us at 100%, but I've already learned a lot in just the two weeks and I truly look forward to the next week's lessons. I'm truly greatful to Vestcom for providing this opportunity for me and my coworkers. I really do work for an amazing company and these days I thank my lucky stars to be employed by such a great company!

With that said, I will try my very best to sum up my lessons on Tuesdays...Dave Ramsey is truly inspiring and I highly suggest you looking into some of his books. I'm reading his book Financial Peace Revisited. It comes with the class kit we're provided.

Obviously, I'm a week behind...so, I'll sum up two lessons (short and sweet) this post and then try to stay on top of things...

WEEK ONE: Super Saving, Common Sense for Your Dollars and Cents
"One definition of maturity is learning to delay pleasure. Children do what feels good; adults devise a plan and follow it."

Develop an Emergency Fund savings account. Dave suggests $1000 to start with then work to saving 3-6 months of expenses.

NO CREDIT CARDS. He stresses this from day #1. Make note, debit cards are NOT credit cards. You can still use your debit card--just make sure to keep up with what you're spending!!

You should save for 3 basic reasons:
1. Emergency Fund
2. Purchases
3. Wealth Building

Finally, we had to develop a "Quickie Budget." It was quite humorous to me that if I were to follow that budget every month, I'd be negative ALWAYS. Fortunately for me, I took an average cost for each item and the average is not always what the bills say I have to pay (exhale).

WEEK 2: Relating With Money
This week really grabbed my attention. Did you know that over 50% of marriages end because of money problems?!? It is the number one cause of divorce in America. Crazy.

Dave talked to us (we watch a DVD since we're here in the Rock town) about learning to work together (as a couple), learning to spend together. Creating a budget (and sticking to it) can help to take the "knots" out of your marriage.

He also mentioned that if you are single, it is important to have an accountability relationship. Find someone that is not afraid to "hurt your feelings" and tell you "no, don't buy it." He suggested parents, siblings, boyfriend/girlfriend, bestfriend, etc.

My favorite part of this week's lesson was "Kids and Money." There were some REALLY great suggestions on how to teach your children to manage money starting as young as two!

My favorite suggestion was the envelope system (ages 5-12). Have three envelopes: Saving, Spending and Giving. You can teach your children as young as five the importance of saving and giving! I love it!

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

So, that's what I got for now...if you want me to elaborate on anything, I'll be more than happy to. Tim and I have begun working on some of what I've been learning and incorporating it into our lifestyle and I feel confident that we'll find a system that works for us--

Sneaky Pippi

I had to share this video of Pippi girl. She always goes into the master bath closet to check things out...even if the door is open. This one particular time, I caught her! I love how she looks around to make sure no one is paying any attention to what she is doing!!

We HEART Brees!!

For those of you that do not know about Tim and I's obsession, let me share...

THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Every August we hunker down and watch the preseason to try and determine what kind of season we just might have. Who should the franchise keep? Who will bring them down (exum...JASON DAVID)?

Every September /October/November/December we treat each game day as if it's opening day, determining when we'll attend Mass based on when our Saints hit the field (yes, even when we lose five games, FIVE, to field goals) . We both teared up on September 25, 2006 when our Saints stepped out onto their home field for the first time post-Katrina...and KICKED ATLANTA'S...

Every October we plan a trip to New Orleans with one purpose--and one purpose only. To attend a game in the Superdome. (Now, don't get me wrong, we love visiting with family and friends, too, but that, of course, is an added bonus to this particular trip!)

Yes, some might call us pathetic, but we can't help we bleed black and gold. We like to think its our families' fault. They made us who we are. (you know who you are!!)

We also LOVE that we share this passion together, as you ALL know we don't see eye to eye when it comes to college ball.

So, with that brief history stated, I'd like to take a moment to say...WOOOOO HOOOOOO BREES!

Saints QB Brees is AP Offensive Player of the Year

I personally thought he should be MVP...but Tim informed me that apparently you have to go to the Playoffs (and lose) to be considered for MVP....way to go DEFENSE.

Brees threw for 5,069 yards, 15 fewer than Marino’s 1984 mark and only the second time someone has eclipsed 5,000 yards passing in a season.

So, I wanted to take the time to share with my blogging pals my secret crush on Drew B. (that's pronounced Drewby)...I'm allowed to have it...so it's not that much of a secret. Heck, I think Tim has a crush on him, too!

Now, if we could only get a defense to match our offense--we'd be headed straight to the Superbowl!

And as we say every year: Spoken like a true 'aint..."we always got next year."

Out with 2008...In with 2009!!

Tim and I flew to Dallas on New Years Eve. If there was any time to fly, apparently it was at 6:30 pm on NYE!! There were only 35 people on our flight (which is usually VERY full)--and we were one of the last flights to leave the Little Rock airport.

Once we got to Dallas we caught a cab to the Melting Pot where we met up with our friends, Amanda and Kyle Martin. We had a WONDERFUL four (or was it five?) course meal and enjoyed fantastic company. I have three words for you: fondue, fondue, fondue! YUM! After dinner we headed back to the Martins to watch the ball drop and drink a glass (or two) of champagne.

New Years' Day brought us to Mike and Linda's house in Frisco with the obligatory pork, black-eyed peas and cabbage meal. After 2008 and all it's experiences, Tim and I both ate lots of pork, cabbage and black-eyed peas to bring in tons of luck and prosperity! New Years Day also brought on some sort of illness for me (and no...it wasn't too much champagne!) and that is about how I spent the rest of the weekend, on the couch in the media room (that isn't bad luck, is it, to be sick on the first day of the year?). Mike, Linda and Tim got to visit and enjoy one another's company, which was nice for Tim, since this was his first Christmas to spend without his parents (he stayed in AR with me and my family).

Because of that, I didn't get too many pictures...but here is what I did get:

The Martins and us at The Melting Pot

Amanda observing the boys playing a wild game of Wii

Kyle demonstrating how it's done...

Not real sure what this is all about...but it looks intense, doesn't it?

While 2008 brought many great memories, Here's to 2009...

And all it may bring...

Biggest Loser Update!!

For the very first post of 2009 I figured I'd give a Biggest Loser Update...since apparently a bunch of people have been interested in its progress.

Tim and Mike did a weigh in together on Saturday, January 3rd. Tim has lost a total of 6 pounds from the starting date and Mike has lost a total of five pounds.

They both decided to extend the contest until the end of February because the holidays slowed them both down (hmmm...).

So...I'm going to try and get Tim to keep me updated more (I wasn't very successful) but thus far...woo hoo Timmy boy!!