Ten or 15...

My precious friend Carrie tagged me. I am supposed to write a list of ten things that you (whoever YOU may be) don't know about me. I thought this would be really hard but, today I read Ashley's list of 100 on her blog. So I can do ten!

Here goes...

1. I eat the same thing for breakfast every day. Activia Light (I alternate strawberry, peach and blueberry) and a Fiber One bar (oats and chocolate).

2. My husband makes my lunch every day and puts it in a cute little lunch bag. Yes, I am 27 and still carry a lunchbox. Today I had PBJ and grapes.

3. I worry about money. Like finances. Since Justin owns his business, our monthly income is never the same. I don't deal well with uncertainty... I know that we have always been provided for and I trust that we always will, but I still worry. And I am not good at sticking to the budget. So basically I make myself worry.

4. I host a Bible study at my house on Monday nights. My job is to make the coffee.

5. I don't know how to make coffee. I don't even drink coffee!! But I really like to have the women in my home. Justin makes the coffee...

6. I don't really like to talk about my faith on this blog. I would much rather have a face-to-face conversation with you about the Lord and what He is doing in my life. I really enjoy talking about God and even debating theology, but I would hate to have my written words misunderstood or taken out of context. Especially since everything on this blog is completely unsolicited...I won't get a chance to correct any impression that I could mistakenly give. I hope that makes sense. But you should know that I have been a believer for as long as I can remember. I love the Lord and enjoy ministry.

7. I have a hard time being serious. The above paragraph took like 20 minutes to write.

8. I haven't had a pedicure since September. My feet are disgusting. Mom, please send money. (See #3)

9. I still talk to my best friend from high school at least once a week. Her name is Dusty, and she has the most beautiful (almost) 3-year-old little girl, Allie. I wish she would get a blog, but she has no time for such things. She is a special ed teacher and in school full-time to get some other kind of degree. She already has like two. I admire her ambition.

10. In college I once bought a new TV with my loan money. It was a necessity. We still have it in our bedroom.

11. I DVR Days of our Lives every Friday. I figure that if I make sure to catch it once a week, I won't really miss anything. I've been watching it since elementary school.

12. I always wish my hair looked differently. I have the "grass is greener" syndrome.

13. I have never cut grass in my life.

14. I love my dogs like they are people. It really is sick. You probably already knew that.

15. Most high school girls intimidate me. When Justin and I were filling in in the youth ministry at church, I was terrified. I have really good relationships with most of the girls in our youth group, but the other ones just scare me.

I think I could keep going! Maybe this is a sign of narcissism... I shall stop.

I am going to tag Lindsey. She is my roommate from college, and I think her list will be very funny. And she needs to write about something other than Mr. Clean. JKLK. I love your post on the Magic Eraser.

I will also tag Sally. Last year I learned that her name isn't Sally at all, so I'm sure she has some other secrets I should know.

That's it for now... I'm off to Disney World with the in-laws. Pray for me, my friends...

Easter Weekend Recap

We have been so busy. As in so busy I need a vacation to recover from the weekend. And I will be getting one next week, so don't concern yourself too much with my state of mental health. We are going to Disney World with Justin's family...

On second thought, maybe you should concern yourself with my state of mental health...I'll have much to blog about upon my return.

Anyway.

Kristen and Mitch rolled into town about 11 (as in p.m.) on Thursday. I spent most of the day cleaning my house and washing clothes and rugs and towels in preparation for their arrival. Not to mention the hour that I spent at the church because my part of the bulletin had disappeared from the network (it magically re-appeared as soon as I got to the church--an Easter miracle!), and the two hours I spent at Wal-Mart buying fruit and such for the 300-person brunch on Sunday. Oh yes, and I spent an hour in the yard in my tube top... just needed a little color, you know? Needless to say I was not really awake for their arrival, and neither were they, having been in the car for 12 hours.

Friday morning I had to be at the hospital at 7 a.m. for a CT scan. I am not going to die, so don't worry. Just trying to figure out why I've had a sinus infection for nine months. I had to pay them $300, so I really hope that test is conclusive. On my way home I picked up some Chick-fil-A biscuits for our Chick deprived Missouri residents. Yummy!! I do not think I could live in a place with no Chick. Or Moe's.

Then we packed up and went to the beach, even though it was pretty cold (meaning high 60's with a fierce breeze). This is the first thing we saw when we got there.And Charlie said, "Hey Justin, there's your family over there!" And that was probably the funniest thing I have ever heard in my life. God bless Charlie. And God bless the rednecks for making me laugh.

The Baxleys brought Harrison for his very first beach trip. The kid loved it. At least I think he did... he didn't exactly vocalize his love, but he appeared to be pretty happy. He sure looked cute in his swimsuit and matching hat.Krista and Finn also came to hang with us for a bit. Here is a pic of me, Courtney and Krista. I'm not really sure how I managed to be at the beach all day with Kristen and not get a single picture with her. I am concerned about that.We had to leave the beach a little early because Justin had a role in a little drama for the Good Friday service at church. Kelly and Matt came over from Mobile to watch him. Then it was back to our house for coffee. It was just like old times in the Brown House (minus Katie and Lee). They stayed until past midnight. It was a long, very fun night. Single Emily was in full effect. Please notice how FRIED Kris is... I told her to put on sunscreen, but she did not listen.We got up early again on Saturday to host a baby shower for Jill at Kelly's house in Mobile. It was a crazy day!! Kris, Nicole and I were in charge of opening and displaying all of Jill's very nice presents. It was a great job for us becuase we knew no one at the shower, so we didn't have to make small talk with perfect strangers. And we could pretend that the pretty things were ours. Not that Kris nor I are in need of any baby things. Here is a picture of some of the hostesses. I look like the baby shower should have been for me in my orange dress... I swear it's not maternity. It's the one my mom bought me from the Gap. My hair looks really dark here, too. I got up early AGAIN on Sunday. I had to pick up some items at Wal-Mart before heading to church. Justin surprised me with a very well-thought-out Easter basket. It had my favorite things in it: Coke in a bottle, Snicker's eggs, peanut M&M's and an US Weekly! We got to the church about 7:45 (as in a.m.) to set up for the brunch that was to take place during our Sunday School hour. Let's talk about crazy. Our church is pretty small, but when you have Panera bagels and muffins to share, people appear out of the woodwork. There were folks everywhere. I did not get to attend the service because of all the craziness, and I am still sad about that. It takes me awhile to get over such things...

Justin and I hosted a Easter lunch for some friends after church. There were eight of us... the Chappells, Carrigans, Millers and Nebrigs. It was a very nice meal, if I do say so myself. We had grilled pork tenderloin (it was quite fabulous), roasted red potatoes and broccoli with buttered walnuts. Sally made a really good trifle and some peanut butter cookies. I wish I had some of that trifle right now...

I finally got to take a nap after lunch. I slept very hard. So did the puppies. We were worn out from all the company! Justin woke me up and wanted to go down to the pier to watch the sunset. It was so cold and windy, but what a beautiful day!! It was a perfect ending to a beautiful Easter... and a very crazy weekend.

Ramblings of a Tired Wife with Sick Husband

It has been a slow week at the Chappell household. If you’ve read Lucy’s blog, then you know that old Ju-C has a nasty virus. He’s lost 13 pounds since Saturday.

I am trying very hard to get said virus, but so far, I am as well as can be. Not even a rumbly in my tumbly.

So.

We’ve been watching lots of TV. Lots.

And I have a question.

I know all three of you are waiting on pins and needles to hear my question...

What in the world is Kristy Lee Cook doing with the clothing allowance she is given each week???

She must be saving it to buy back her horse.

Because she sure is lacking in the fashion department.

And I can say this because I am WAY fashionable.

Amen

The Lord, He doth hear our prayers. For He has answered mine in the form of low-fat, yogurty goodness.

With cookie-dough (which is not-so-much low fat).

Yes, my friends, after almost three years of faithful pleading, Fairhope is now home to its very own TCBY. Which I am pretty sure God created on the eighth day when Eve started complaining that she was fat...

And it has a drive-thru.

And I had some today.

And it was wonderful.

And I am so glad that I won't have to drive to Gulf Shores just for yogurt.

Amen.

Baby Brother

This post is for Caroline, who has an unhealthy obsession with the baby bro.

Justin and I went to Dothan last weekend for a little visit. We ate at Conestoga, shopped at the Gap... all the normal things you do when in Dothan. And might I say... Praise the Lord for the Gap. I do miss having one around.

And praise the Lord for mothers who feel sorry for daughters and buy them dresses at the Gap.

On Saturday night, the whole family went to Time Out to hear Aaron play. Oh yes, me, Justin, Mom, Dad and Sandi all sitting together at a bar.

At 9 o'clock. Wide awake. Ready to par-tay.

We had the most fun making fun of drunk old people and some drunk young people, too. I feel pretty sure they were wondering what in the world we were doing there, but it soon became obvious by our embarrassing whooping and hollering for the band.

My brother is extremely talented. And I'm not just saying that because he is my brother. He has that "does everything well" gift that I for sure do not have.

Not that I am jealous or anything...

Warning

Q: What happens when you forget to add cream/milk/other random liquid to melting chocolate?

A: Your Rice Krispy Treats look like somebody pooped on them. Oops.

Happy Anniversary!

Today is mine and my Ju-C’s third anniversary. I can’t believe it has been three whole years since being pronounced husband and wife and promptly falling down the stairs during the recessional. My new, sweet husband kept me from busting my face or losing my dress. Ahh... marriage.

It’s so fun to think back over the last few years and realize how much we both have changed. I love to think about Single Emily vs. Married Emily because they are definitely two different people.

I shall elaborate.

1. Budget:
Single Emily lived in the Brown House with Kristen, Katie and Kelly. (I was KEmily) I had a good job and lots of disposable income. Low rent, roommates, split bills… that is the way to live! I thought nothing of going into Saks and spending my entire paycheck on a skirt and a pair of jeans. My dad would die if he ever read that statement. I’m pretty sure that I saved ZERO dollars during my time in Birmingham, but I sure had some cute clothes to show for my hard work.

Married Emily is somewhat of a tightwad. I’m not sure how that happened, and when I think about it sometimes I get sad! Justin is a serious saver and has forced his lifestyle upon me with no lenience. I have succumbed like a good little wife should. Fairhope is such a casual town, so I have worn very little of the too dressy clothing that I have racked up over the years. Which is probably good, since I had a moment of insanity and gave a lot of it away to Hurricane Katrina victims…another story for another day. I can’t even spend $39.99 on a lamp at Target without really thinking about need vs. want, and let’s just get it out there… I don’t actually NEED anything. (But if anyone wants to buy the lamp for me, that is totally different.)

2. Bedtime.
Single Emily didn’t have one. Me and Kris stayed up watching VH1’s America's Top 100 Hottest Hotties. The friends were always hanging out in the living room, eating, planning parties, reading InStyle and discussing boys. I would beg Justin to "please don't go home yet" at 11 p.m. on a weeknight! It amazes me that we functioned on those little amounts of sleep. I remember very clearly the day that I went to work after staying out at Banana Joe’s until an ungodly hour with Kris and Justin and some other people that I don’t clearly remember. The music kept beating in my head all morning as I talked to ad reps about why their client hadn’t sent me their ad and the deadline was yesterday. So professional.

Married Emily is dead to the world promptly at 9 p.m. It is really very sad that this has happened to me, becuase I used to be so much fun. Now I simply cannot function after 9. It is like the Sand Man has dumped his whole bag on me, and I'm out. And let’s face it…it’s not because I work really hard. Or because I have children.

3. Beauty Regimen.
Single Emily cared very much about her looks. I spent time on makeup and even tried new colors. I ended up giving said new colors to Jill, but I did branch out. I blow-dried my hair, then flat ironed it, then flipped the ends with a curling iron. This took time, people! I went to Richard Joseph to get my locks cared for. I used only salon hair products. I planned out my wardrobe. We would try on outfit upon outfit to make sure we looked just right, and with four closets to choose from, this could take hours. And it was very fun because we always looked good in pictures.

Married Emily has reverted to the college days. It takes too much effort to do the whole hair/makeup thing on a daily basis. I only “fix up” on the weekends and for church. People are surely scared when they see the marked difference in my appearance from Wednesday night to Sunday morning! Today I am wearing yoga pants and a Kanakuk sweatshirt TO WORK. I have on zero makeup. I won’t even try to describe my hair.

4. Definition of FUN.
Single Emily needed to be entertained. Movies, nice restaurants, parties, etc… We were always doing something and going somewhere. The Brown House was constant madness with people coming and going, and I loved it.

Married Emily really likes a night on the couch watching American Idol and eating tater tots and Justin’s grilled hamburgers and loving on the puppies. I long for those rare weekends when we have no plans and can just BE.


After reading this over, Single Emily sounds like a spoiled brat and Married Emily sounds like a big fat loser. Life as Single Emily was fun and exciting, but mabye not so much reality. So after really thinking about it, I’d rather be Married Emily. I have finally grown up a bit.

And I think I am glad.

I loved life before marriage, but life after marriage is really living. I could not ask for a better husband. He puts up with all my crap and loves me anyway. He lets me have a pile next to the bed even though he is a neat freak, and I know it bothers him. He has taught me so much, and not just about budgets. He is really smart and has great ideas. We have the most fun watching Dirty Jobs and eating for $5.13 at Moe’s on Tuesday nights. He puts me in my place when I turn into a control freak. He makes my lunch everyday. He is the best person I know: funny, charming and real. I am so thankful for him and for our three years together. Happy Anniversary Ju-C! I love you!

Attention! Attention!

I have two major pieces of news to share with you all:


1. My fabric is here!! Apparently "a week to 10 days" really means 48 days. And "we'll call you with an update" really means that they won't call until it's in, even if you show up at the fabric store in a tizzy and speak with the manager.

I called Mr. So Nice Upholstery Man, and he said he could take my couch in three weeks. So I must wait again, but I am crossing my fingers that his "three weeks" doesn't really mean 48 days.

Because that would be very sad.


2. I have decided that I don't want to be Jessica Biel anymore. She is just not a realistic role model for me. She's too short and just too tight. I just make myself sad when I think that my rear will never look like hers.

So, my new aspiration in life is to be Katherine Heigl. I think she is a more realistic goal. She's tall and has huge boobs... both attributes I already possess. I just need to work on the Barbie-sized waist and toned arms. And the perfect smile and gorgeous hair... I have a lot to do.