So much has happened in the past month that I don't even know where to begin.  The last time I posted it was about Thanksgiving and how much we have to be thankful for.   Well since that time, Christmas has come and gone and here we are at New Years Eve!  So many times I sat down to post, but since my home computer died, and my work computer was all I had, and I didn't have time to post at work in the last month, so well here I am, doing what I always do, play catch up.  So once again, here goes!

 Since we last left off, Matt and I attended the Ole Miss-LSU game, to which my Rebels won!  Thank the Lord that Les Miles has clock management issues, b/c LSU sure made a play for it at the end.  I mean, the whole crowd was shocked when the team started celebrating...it took a few seconds to figure out just what had happened.   But as always that was a fun weekend in Oxford.  Keith, Tracey, and the twins spent that weekend with us in Oxford and we had a blast.  Here are some fun pictures from that weekend!!

After our trip to Oxford, we headed to the lake for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We spent Thanksgiving with Matt's family.  On Thursday, it was Marsha, Jessica, Matt and I, which was really nice to have a low key weekend.  However, the coming days were anything but low key.  Matt's dad's family joined us for the weekend.  What a fun time we had!  I had a picture of the entire group somewhere, but now I can't seem to find it. 

The next weekend brought Martini's and Mistletoe, a fundraiser benefit for Cheekwood.  Matt and I served on the host committee for Cheekwood and we enjoyed seeing our hard work come to an end :)  The event was held at Cheekwood with a band, food, and open bar!  Last year, I definitely partook in the open bar, but this year it was Matt's turn.  I served as the designed driver for the evening.  A position I am getting used too!  Here we are at the party!

The next weekend, we went to Chicago for a long weekend.  Just the 2 of us.  It was so nice to get away and spend some quality time together.  We haven't been on a trip just the 2 of us since our honeymoon!  and it was great.  We did so much while we were in Chicago.  We ate at some amazing restaurants and saw lots of sites.  We froze too!!! When our flight landed in Chicago, the temperature was 1 degrees...that's right, this southern girl was in 1 degree weather with a windchill of -14 degrees.  But we still ventured out and tried to see as much as we could in the amount of time we could.  Of course, everything was all decorated for Christmas so that was so much fun seeing everything all done up!  We stayed at the Omni on Michigan Avenue and couldn't have picked a better location.  Literally you walked out our door and 2 of the 3 restaurants were right there and so was Michigan Ave.  We did shopping, went to the Field Museum and watched ice skaters at Millennium park.  We bought Christmas presents too!  SO MUCH FUN!!  The pictures below are from all over Chicago.

Dinner at Harry Caray's!

 Pizza at Giordano's Silver Bean in Millennium Park

That brings us to the weekend before Christmas!  Can't you see how time has flown by...We finished up our Christmas shopping and started a new tradition.  We had dinner with the Maxcy's and the Kaeser's and exchanged gifts for the kids!  Since Johnny and Emily are the only one with a child, Chappell was the only one who go toys.  Baby H and Baby K got sweet blankets and Baby H got an outfit from the Kaesers and Baby K got a Sleep Sheep from us.  We had such a good time playing with Chappell and then had a great time having dinner and adult time....kind of a crazy thought of having "adult time"...when did we get to be the adults??!!  I guess when we starting having babies....obh well..It was such a fun night and tradition we look forward to every year going forward.  On Sunday afternoon, we spent the day with Marsha and had out Christmas with her.  It was nice to spend some quality time together before Marsha went to Charleston to spend Christmas with Jessica and we headed to Jackson to spend Christmas with my family.

On Wednesday, we headed to Jackson to spend Christmas with my family.  We had such a good time getting to see everyone.  We got there Wednesday afternoon and stayed until Sunday.  On Thursday, we ran some errands and just hung out.  We had prime rib for dinner and it was delicious!  Christmas morning rolled around and we opened our gifts.  My big present from Matt was and iMac.  and I was thrilled.  As my 2 faithful readers know, I have been in need of a computer for awhile, so I am now proud to say that I am sitting at my new computer happily typing away on the blog.  This thing is awesome.  and now if only I knew how to use it!  I guess I will figure it out with time....After Christmas morning, we all got dressed and started our holiday party.  All of my family came over and the party started!  Something around 30-35 people at my parents, eating, laughing and enjoying each other's company.  We missed my sweet cousin Reed, who is deployed to Okinawa (sp?).  The best part was when we were able to talk to him  on Skype.  I had never used this before and it was amazing. We were able to see Reed and talk to him.  It meant so much to us to be able to celebrate with him in even the tiniest way.  We all wanted him to know how much we missed him and how proud we were of him!  So at least he got to be included for a little while!  The party eventually closed down about 1:30...I'm not sure the last time I saw 1:30 but we had a good time :)  Saturday night, Matt, Adam, Carmen and I went and hung out with Keith and Tracey.  We always have such a good time together and a trip to Jackson would not be the same without seeing them!

Well, that about closes out December!  In the midst of all the crazy partying and traveling we were doing, we did manage to work and attend a few other holiday parties I forgot to mention.  All in all, it's been a great December.  I am still feeling good.  Just ready to know what you are Baby H!  Speaking of that, Matt and I had our 18 week appointment on Tuesday.  The doctor said everything looks great and we got to hear the baby's heart beat.  That's the 2nd time we have heard it (the first time was in early December).  Let me tell you what a great sound that is!!  When we first heard the heart, it was a faint sound and it took Dr. Cox a minute to find it.  Cut to 4 weeks later and geez, that heart beat was loud and easy to pick up! She had no trouble finding the heart beat and said it would only get louder and stronger with each visit!  On our 18 week appointment, Dr. Cox ordered our 20 week sonogram!  I can't believe we are half way through this pregnancy.  REALLY????!!!!  our 20 week sonogram is scheduled for January 11.  Only a week and a half before we know what Baby H is and then we start playing the naming game!  We can't wait!

I hope you had as a great a holiday season as we did!  We are headed to Dallas in the morning to cheer on the Rebels!  I hope to take lots of pictures with my new camera and have lots to share when we get back!  Hope for a win!!!  Have a happy and safe new years! and here's to 2010!  May it be an amazing year for all!!

So much to be thankful for...

I've been thinking today about all of the things I have to be thankful for....and there's a lot this year.  So here's everything I am thankful for (and I'm sure I've forgotten something)..my husband Matt, who is the most patient person I know; our families: my mom, my dad, Marsha, Adam and Jessica, and our extended families; I am thankful for all of our friends who are amazing; the servicemen and women who protect and serve our country, especially my sweet cousin, Reed, who is about to deploy on his first tour (God Speed Reed, I am so proud of you); I am thankful that Matt and I both have jobs and are able to provide for ourselves; our sweet dog, Shelby, who always puts a smile on my face and loves us unconditionally; I am thankful the Rebels are playing good football (finally); and most of all, I am thankful for this little life in my tummy.  I can't believe Matt and I are going to be parents and I am thankful for this gift from God!  Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Pregnancy so far...

So as of today, I am 12 weeks and 1 day pregnant. A lot has happened in the past 12 weeks, and we couldn't be more excited. Matt has been amazing in his patience with me, but the quote of the week at our house has been, "This emotional roller coaster may drive me to drink", and WOW! have I been an emotional wreck. More on that later....

For most of my pregnancy, I have felt great. TIRED, but not sick. I'll take that any day. Things are starting to get better energy wise and I am very thankful for that. However, as mentioned above, the emotions aren't great. An example:

Matt graciously decided to hire a painter to paint our nursery. So over the course of several weeks, we looked at paints, decided on a color, and hired the painter. Well he was at our house over the past weekend (when we were out of town). Matt was very thoughtful and hired the painter to come when I wasn't home, so I wouldn't have to smell the fumes! However, when we got home, the room was painted and I lost it. I mean break-down! I hated the color...the color I had chosen. I like it now, but wow, that was a moment!

The man will have earned SAINTHOOD by the time this baby gets here! There are many more instances where I've gone from happy to upset to angry to back to happy in 60 seconds, but I can't think of them at this time.

We have also received a couple of baby gifts so far! Our first baby gift came from Marsha (aka Mar-Mar or Marsh, she hasn't decided yet). She got us a precious angel daygown and a sweet stuffed bear. It's very cute! My friend Marie got us a green polka dot burp cloth! Also, my Nana and Pappaw sent us a baby gift.  Apparently Nana bought this when we got married and I am so glad.  I now have a baby spoon in my silver pattern.  It's so tiny and precious! and the baby couldn't go without a present from Daddy either. During my birthday dinner, Matt sat next to our good friends, Johnny and Emily. They had precious Chappell in May and told Matt the best thing they had for her was a sleep machine. So Matt pulls up Amazon.com on his phone, Emily shows him which one and it arrived at our house a couple of days later! What a sweet Daddy!

This past weekend, we were in Oxford for the Ole Miss-UT game! (HOTTY TODDY REBELS!, what a great win!) Mom, Marsha and I, of course, did some baby shopping. Mom (Deb, Debo or Deba, she hasn't decided either) and Dad (Gar, we're pretty sure he's going to stick with this, since this is what Adam and I call him) got the baby a Colonel Reb onesie, a blue and red tu-tu (if it's a girl), a super rebel cape (in case it's a boy), and some Col. Reb pacifiers! I hear there is other stuff, but it's for Christmas! Marsha also got the baby some precious Ole Miss stuff. So come Grove time next year, we will be all set!!!

I think that's about all for now on baby stuff and pregnancy. I'll be sure to post more from now on!

A journal...

So a friend of mine (who is also pregnant and due around the same time) has started keeping a blog as a journal of her pregnancy. I thought what a good idea??!! I have always used our blog as a place to post fun pictures of what we are doing, but now, since I have had so many people ask a lot of the same questions about how I'm feeling and what's going on, I thought I would keep this blog as my journal and everyone will know what's going on!!! So here goes....

BABY H!

Matt and I are so excited to be expecting a baby! Baby H will be here on June 2! and we can't wait. We had our 1st sonogram and doctors appointment on Tuesday. It was so neat to see the sonogram with the babys heart beat. It was 172 beats per minute and measured right on schedule at 9 weeks! We also got to see Baby H move on the sonogram and I couldn't believe how tiny it actually was when the sonogram tech told us. A little less than 2 centimeters, I mean really??!! We are so excited and feel so blessed to be having a baby! Please keep us in your prayers for a smooth pregnancy. So far we have been lucky with no sickness or nausea. Only sleepiness....I feel like I could sleep 23 of the 24 hours each day, but hey, I will take that over sickness anytime. I've posted our sonogram pictures too. I can't help myself but stare at them. It's really a miracle!

Happy Birthday Matty!

Tomorrow is my sweet husband's birthday. Since we will be at the lake, enjoying wonderful food and the beginning of football season, I thought I would go ahead and post a happy birthday to Matt! Matty, Happy 29th Birthday tomorrow! You're getting old!! haha! Just kidding, I'm not too far behind you. Shelby and I hope you have a wonderful day and get everything you want! I love you! and Shelby loves you too!

Happy Birthday Adam!---a few days late

Monday was Adam's birthday! He turned 25! Happy belated birthday Adam! I wish I had gotten this post up earlier, but my week was crazy with work! We love you very much!

Paul McCartney in Atlanta!

In August, we went to Atlanta for the weekend to see Paul McCartney in Piedmont Park. It was a blast! He played for hours. It poured down rain on us, but it made it all the more fun!

A little hype...

Let's hope the Rebs can live up to the hype. But ya just gotta love a cover of Sports Illustrated. Twice in less than a year. Can't wait for football season!

Late night snack

Shelby enjoying a late night snack at 2! Mashed potaotes!

A little catch up!

So I haven’t been the best blogger in the world in the last six weeks. I always say I am going to do better, but I never do. I am so busy at work and when I get home, well either I’m too tired to get on the computer, OR my computer dies. Yes, my home computer is dying a slow and painful death. I am taking my time getting the valuable pics and things off my computer so that maybe it will work for a little bit longer, but I just don’t see that happening. I think it’s almost dead! Oh well, time for a new one and I know just what I want...an Apple MacBook Pro. The 13” to be exact. Now we just have to save up the money to buy it!

Oh well, since I haven’t filled my 2 faithful readers in on what’s been going on here, here goes!

In May, after our anniversary, we had kind of a sad month. Matt and his mom had to put their 2 beagles, Pudge and Lucy, to sleep. It was really sad, but both dogs were sick and had lived long lives. I think they were 14 which is amazing, but Marsha took great care of them! We do miss them when we go to Marsha’s, but we know they are in a better place.

We had Memorial Day, which was kind of low key and nice. We went to the lake for the weekend and went out on the boat once. However, it started raining like crazy and was supposed to rain all weekend, so we decided to head home and relax... Relax we did! We cooked out and went to the pool. It was nice to be home for a weekend and sleep in our own beds!

Also in May, our best friends had their 1^st baby girl. I did a whole post about that below...so check it out...

“bout then, June rolled around. June was a busy month at our house. For the first weekend in June, we went to Oxford for the Super Regionals. After watching the game on TV on Friday and watching Matt Smith’s walk off home run, I just new this year was our year. Well we must be bad luck or something, b/c once again the Rebs lost a heart breaker on Saturday, and then again on Sunday to end the season. While the baseball was sad, we had a blast being in Oxford for a fun weekend that wasn’t “football crazy”. We got to see my parents new house they are building, (which we are thrilled about!) and enjoy a cook out. The one thing that was bad....we thought it would be a good idea to take ole Shelby off her leash and let her run in the yard. Ya know, burn off some energy...well Shelby found her way out of the yard and ran around Old Taylor Road. She almost got hit by 2 cars with Matt and I chasing her. I could have killed her and almost had a heart attack watching her run in front of cars on that busy road....Geez! we learned our lesson!

The next weekend we spent at home cleaning out closets, ya know, the fun stuff. We cooked out with the Maxcy’s and relaxed!

The 3^rd weekend in June was my high school reunion. See another post for those details!

The last weekend in June, we worked in the yard in the 100 degree heat (that was smart) and bought Shelby a dog house. At first she hated it, now she likes it. I’ll get a pic of her in it and post soon!

This past weekend, we had the 4^th of July. We went to the lake and had a crowd! It was so much fun. Adam and Carmen joined us, as well as Art and Jessica made the trip from Charleston for the weekend! We loved having everyone and probably had a little too much fun! The Core’s and the Hendry’s had a house full too! So you know when 20 people are on the lake together a good time is had by all! I hope everyone had a great 4^th!

I hope you enjoyed my little catch up! Things are kind of slow today at work and I was able to organize my thoughts a little! Once again, as I always do, when I post these long obnoxious posts, I promise to do better! We’ll see....but hey at least I’m honest about it!

Has it really been 10 years?

A couple of weeks ago, we had my 10 year high school reunion. I can not believe it’s been that long since we graduated high school. While many things have changed, somethings never do! We, of course, had a blast together! On Friday night, we had drinks at Julep. It was a very casual night and a great way for everyone to just come by. Afterwards, we of course couldn’t go home, so we headed back over to Liz and Percy’s house for late night. While the venue changed from high school, many things hadn’t! We laughed and laughed! On Saturday, the day started with a baby shower for Ashley Collins’ (see somethings do change. In high school there is no way we would have been up before 10 after being out all night :) After the baby shower, we had an ice cream social at the school. We took a group picture and got to see everyone’s children. And WOW! I didn’t realize how many of my friends have kids until they were all in the same room. BUT, they were adorable! Saturday night, we had a cocktail party at the Yacht Club. I had never been out there and it was really nice. You didn’t feel like you were in Jackson anymore with the water and the sunset! We watched our Senior Video and had trivia, followed up by a performance by Elvis. At our high school grad night, Elvis performed and it was great to see that he hadn’t aged a day! Here are some pics that my friends took! My home computer is broken, so I haven’t uploaded my pics!

Meet Baby Chappell!

waiting for Chappell's arrival!

She's here!

On May 28, our best friend’s Johnny and Emily had an adorable baby girl, Chappell! She is a doll and we just love her! Aunt Leslie and Uncle Matt can’t seem to get enough of her. We were at the hospital when she was born and I got to hold her when she was just minutes old! That is something I will never forgot. Both mom and baby are doing great, and sweet daddy too! I can’t believe that when I am posting this, she’s already been here a month. Here are some precious pics!

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

OUR WEDDING DAY!!!!

So, today is our 2nd anniversary! Wow! Where did the time go? I can't believe we have been married for 2 years! It's been an awesome 2 years and I look forward to many, many more wonderful years! I love you Matt! You're the best husband anyone could ask for! Love you!!

Rainy days.

It has rained so much lately we had to let Shelby have a little fun!

You just gotta love it...

Being an Ole Miss fan & not having a whole lot to cheer about until last year, you gotta love when the National Champion puts out their Championship banner and their only loss is to the Ole Miss Rebels! It just makes my day! Hotty Toddy!

Another boring day at work...a little catch up....

Simmons Harrell- isn't she precious?!!?!!

So today has been the most boring day at work...not too much work to do and not too much going on here. Matt and I went to Jackson this past weekend to see my parents and for the annual St. Paddy's Parade. Well we got to Jackson on Friday night about 9:30 and had a great dinner my mom cooked. She did pork tenderloin in the oven and with Shapley's seasoning and it was delicious! I'll have to remember it in the future! So Friday night we went to bed with the intent of getting up to go to the parade. However, oops! we slept in...we were so tired. So instead of going downtown, we went and ate crawfish! and boy were they good. they were spicy and big! YUM! So, then we went and met up with Ashleigh and Ross at the Cherokee and to hang out...it was great to see them...it has been way too long! Then we went to see our friends, Madison, Chris & their 3 kids. Madison had a baby 2 weeks ago and we definitely wanted to see them all. We got a good visit with them, but poor Chris had just had his appendix out...he was a trooper and put up with us! Saturday night we had dinner at Tico's and Ashleigh, Ross, Fratesi and Shannon came out to meet us for drinks. We had blast getting to see them too! All in all it was a good weekend. We were very tired when we got back to Nashville. Finally the weather is beautiful and I really would love to be outside, however, I am stuck inside sitting as my desk....geez....oh well!! life as a grown up!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my sweet Daddy's birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day & we can't wait to see you this weekend to celebrate! You are the best! We appreciate everything you do for us! We love you!

Cotton Bowl 2009

As I mentioned in my last post in November, the Rebels were bowl eligible! Well believe it! They weren't only bowl eligible, they made it to the Cotton Bowl...one of the best non-BCS bowls. (BCS sucks anyway)...Matt and I thought long and hard about going to Dallas. We really wanted too. But really there wasn't a good way to get to Dallas from Nashville. It was like $300 per person for a plane ticket or 11 hours in the car. Either way wasn't a good option right after Christmas! So what's the next best thing to do??? THROW A PARTY! So that's what we did. We took the day off work and threw a party for all of our Rebel (and wannabe-Rebel friends)! The game started at 1, so friends starting coming over at 12! Needless to say, the party kept going through the evening as Art made jumbalaya and we were all sad to see Alabama lose (really, us Rebels weren't that sad, I mean they beat us!) It was great party with great friends and great food! One of the best highlights of the party!!! Emily and Johnny came in a little late, but were so excited to tell us they had just found out they were having a GIRL! (In case I forgot to mention this, our best friends, Emily & Johnny are pregnant). Needless to say, Matt and I are so thrilled for them! Baby Girl Maxcy due May 16th! Aunt Leslie and Uncle Matt can't wait!



and the Mom to be!!!! Smiling for the Camera!!!