Monday Funday!

Not so much. Mondays are blah. I do tend to look forward to Monday evenings because of the Bachelor, but that's just about it. What is it about Mondays? I think Mondays are bad because we are all so bitter about them. Monday is the official end to the weekend and I think we're all grumps.

This week should be nice. Tomorrow I fly to Houston, spend Wednesday and Thursday there and fly back Thursday night. So my work week should not be so bad!

We had a nice weekend... lots of time resting and relaxing. I tried yet again to find a swimsuit. I'm feeling like it's never gonna happen. I hate looking for a swimsuit. They are a pain to try on and whenever I am in a fitting room and I look at myself in the mirror, one of 3 things happen: 1. I laugh and immediately take it off 2. I feel like crying or 3. I get really angry and say "Forget it!".

Saturday Grant and I went out to lunch at Copelands, then Grant played golf while I went to Target. :-D I got a new purse/bag and a cute pair of black crop pants which I am currently wearing.

Good news: They are building a Target by our house! The Target I've currently been using is 25 minutes away. I'm really hoping that they are building a Super Target. Those are the best. It's like Wal-Mart without wanting to kill someone. Am I the only one who can't stand going into Wal-Mart? I think I become an angry, mean person when I'm in there. I don't know what it is.

Alrighty, I've got some work to do. And some Cheez-Its to munch on. Yum!

Coming Soon: Grace Parker

Grace is my future niece. Today is her actual due date, but she is still not here. :( Grace is just like her mom, she enjoys cozy, dark places where she can sleep! She is quite comfortable and content in her current surroundings. But I can't hold her while she's in there, so she needs to come out!

My sister Jaclyn is going to be a mommy for the first time and I know she will be amazing. She was born to be a mom and she is anxiously awaiting her first day on the job. Baby Grace Parker is a miracle child, we were all shocked when we heard she was coming. So we know that this little girl is a wonderful gift from God.

Grace is going to make her grand entrance on Wednesday morning, May 2. Jaclyn will be induced that morning. And guess who gets to be there? Aunt Jen! I am flying to Houston on Tuesday night and will fly back to Baton Rouge on Thursday night.

My new niece could possibly come earlier on her own, but I am so thrilled that I am able there for this wonderful event. I already love her!

As Promised

Here are a few honeymoon pictures... GORGEOUS views of Puerto Rico!

Our hotel room is somewhere in this picture...

This was a resteraunt

I apologize for my sunglasses in the above picture. My sunglasses were yet another thing we forgot so I had to buy a cheap pair in the hotel gift shop! We had a wonderful time. It's weird to think it was that gorgeous when we were there the first week of January! It was a much needed vacation and I loved every minute of it!

Coming Soon: Honeymoon Pictures

The morning after my wedding, Grant and I were on our way to the airport to fly to Puerto Rico for the honeymoon. It was at this time that I realized I had not packed my camera. :( So when we got to our hotel in Puerto Rico we bought a cheap disposable Kodak camera. Sad. You never realize how much you've come to depend on a digital camera until you don't have one. I have no idea if these pictures have turned out. I'm so unexcited about these pictures that today is the day that I finally dropped the camera off at Walgreens. I'll pick up the prints at lunch time. I'm afraid they have all turned out horribly. We were in our swim suits in them and we are both pale because it was December and the sun was in our eyes so we are all squinty. Maybe we'll have one or two frame-able ones. Can you believe I'm just now getting my honeymoon pictures developed? And we didn't even use a whole roll! Sad..... I dissapoint myself. I'll post a few if they look good.

And I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing......

Good morning! It's Monday (blah) and I am going to do my best to make the most of this week. I am constantly waiting by my phone with anticipation. This could very well be the week that I get that wonderful call! My sister Jaclyn is going to give birth to baby Grace any minute now and I am beyond excited! My prayer is that everything works out in a way that I am able to take off work and spend a few days in Houston with my new niece.

Grant and I had a wonderful weekend. Friday night we got to see our friend Andrew. He is the manager of the track team at A&M and they had a meet at LSU, so we had dinner at Sammy's. It's always nice to see Andrew. He was Grant's roommate when Grant and I first started dating, so he was with us every step of the way!

Saturday morning we drove into New Orleans. Grant, his brother and his Dad got to fish! They took the boat out. Meanwhile, my sister-in-law Ronda and I had a nice girls day! We had lunch at LaMadeleine, did some damage at Target and went to see a movie. We saw "In The Land of Women". Not the greatest movie ever, but not the worst. It had alot of nice little moments. I'd rent it.

Yesterday morning Chase & Ronda gave me a ride home. Grant stayed in New Orleans to watch the Zurich Open (golf tournament). I'm so glad he got to go see that. He really enjoyed it. And after his very tiring weekend, my husband came home and cooked me dinner. So sweet.

So now I'm at my desk at work. I felt a little down this weekend. I feel like I'm missing out on alot back home. My twin nieces were in Houston this weekend and I missed it. Joanna had her bridal portraits and I missed that. The HCC gala was Friday night and I missed that. It's hard sometimes, but I always remember that God has a purpose for me here as well. I think I've been so focused on what I'm missing at home I forget what I'm supposed to be doing here. I am slowly and surely beginning to feel a little more settled. I am beyond blessed and I have made some wonderful friends here. I have a wonderful job that I enjoy. I am learning so much about sacrifices and compromises. And I'm learning how to be a good wife and love Grant. I really love my life and I have absolutely nothing to complain about.

AND tonight the Bachelor comes on and for that I'm very thankful! :-D

Justice!

Wow. I think yesterday's post worked! Sanjaya has been voted OFF American Idol. It was quite funny though, because I was Tivo-ing the show cause I was on the phone. Jaclyn beeps in and I click over and say "Hey" and she just says "JUSTICE!". What's sad is that immediately I said "Oh my gosh, did Sanjaya get booted???". She and I know each other so well! Haha.

Anyways, this morning on my way to work, I started thinking about birthdays, etc. In August I will be 23. But then I started thinking about age itself. Grant and I sometimes think we are 22 going on 40. When did we get so old?? Let me explain:

*We go to bed around 10:00
*We spent last Sunday at Lowe's looking at patio furniture
*I get excited when my sister mails me recipes
*My "Spring Break" was me going to work everyday, just like the week before and after
*Most of the CDs in my car are classical or instrumental
*I shop at Ann Taylor

These are just a few examples of how I don't act like anyone else my age. It's quite sad actually. Truth is, I love my life. I have no desire to go out partying every night. I'm much more content being with my husband and just hanging out with him.

On another note, I would like to ask all of you to say a very special prayer for my dearest friend Joanna. Joanna is getting married on July 7 to her darling John. John's nephew (soon to be Joanna's nephew) Carson is 4 years old. In August of 2006, Carson was diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver cancer. He has beat all the odds and has been cancer free for several months. Just this week though, his parents have been informed that his cancer is coming back. Please pray for little Carson Richardson, that the Lord will show his power and wisdom.

Have a wonderful day my friends!

American Idol

Okay, I'm getting a little annoyed. Sanjaya has got to go!! He is no good. What has been most disturbing is that he hasn't been in the bottom 3. There is only 7 people left so if he isn't in the bottom 3 tonight, I think I may stop watching the show. Not really, but that's what I feel like doing!

I'm really starting to like Jordin. She's adorable and perky and she has an phenomenal voice. I like Blake too. I know Melinda has the best voice in the competition, I don't deny that for one second. She just isn't the whole package. Her personality doesn't shine through like Blake and Jordin's. I pick them for the final 2.

Down with Sanjaya!

Take Heart

I am unable to concentrate at work today. I am surfing through all the major news websites, searching for answers as to how and why this could happen. 33 people have been killed. 15 more have been injured. A doctor at one of the local hospitals said that every single gun shot victim had no less than 3 bullet wounds. And for what reason? Why does this happen?

I worry. I think about how one day I will have children of my own and send them off to school. Are we just sitting ducks everywhere we go? Where are we safe? Where can I take my children that is a safe haven for them? What can we do to prevent this?

I search for comfort and peace. And I only know of one place to turn to when I need comfort and peace. This verse came to mind today:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33 (NIV)

Remember that our God has already conquered all of this for us. He is above all. He allows things to happen for reasons we don't understand. He'll explain it to us someday. But for now, take heart. Our God reigns with wisdom and love.

May God surround the families of the victims of Virginia Tech with his peace.

Grant

I'll post more pictures of Girls Weeked later... but I just had the urge to post a little about my husband. I need to brag on him a little bit! :)

Friday, I rushed home from work to get the house ready for the girls. When I got home, the house was cleaned already!! Grant stayed with all us girls Friday night, but Saturday he sacrificed and went and stayed with his parents. He is so sweet to give me all that girl time! Sunday morning he drove all the way back home from New Orleans so we could go to church.

Bottom line, the man loves me very well. Does that make sense? He just knows what I need and when I need it. He uses tough love sometimes (sadly, I need that more often than not) and other times he can be so gentle with me. He's my problem solver, my fighter, my partner in crime, and my listener. We LOVE to mess with each other.

Last night, we were going to bed and a lamp was on. I asked him if he would turn it off and he said "I'm so tired, I could go to sleep with the light on". I said "Ohh Reallllly????" So I got up, turned on all the lamps in the room, the closet light, the bathroom light, and the bedroom light. Then I climbed back into bed. We playfully argued about who was going to turn off the lights, and he said "If you don't turn them off, I'm sleeping in the guest room". I playfully pulled the covers over my head and said good night. Grant got up and went to the guest room. Now it was playtime. I got up, turned off all the lights, and I knew he would come back. So I snuck into the living room and laid on the couch. Sure enough, just like I knew he would, he comes back to bed and lays down, thinking I'm in bed with him. I hear him roll over to cuddle me, but I wasn't there! He just laughed and said "Come back to bed babe".

I love how much we laugh together, how I know what he is going to say. I love that he takes care of me and sometimes he lets me take care of him. People always ask me if I like being married. My response? "It's so much better". I know we're still in the "honeymoon phase" but I just love being with him everyday. He's my best friend.

I thank the Lord everyday for blessing me with such a God-fearing, loving, handsome husband!!

CLAM STRIPS, ya Big Idiot!!!

YAY! Girls Weeked 07 was a total success. I had a blast! :) The girls got here Friday evening. We went to Carrabba's to celebrate the birthday of Sally Ann.
We got a free dessert, so I'm very appreciative of Sally's birthday! She's such a hot mama. I'm so glad Sally got a break from her precious little baby boy and got some girl time! Saturday morning we got mani/pedis and had lunch with my sister-in-law, Ronda. (Ladies, we forget to take pictures there! Silly us!)

Then we went SHOPPING! We went to the Mall of Louisiana (which everyone agreed it felt like The Woodlands Mall back in H-town) and found Sally some fabulous jeans for her birthday. After that we went to the outlet mall and I think we all bought a $5 tank top or two from the Old Navy Outlet.

For Saturday night's dinner we went to Chimes. Here is where we totally got the creepies from an OLD man who was trying to hit on us. We had the doorman walk us to our car. :) We are safe!

And then we did something I haven't done in Lord knows how long. We stayed up till 5:00. In. The. Morning. And all 4 of us slept in me and Grant's kingsize bed. We were very cuddly! Here's a few more pictures.

These women are some of the most amazing people I've ever known. All 3 of these girls are so different from one another. They are encouraging, honest, HILARIOUS (She sure sounds Dumpy!) and true friends. When they left I was little sad. :(

Here is my Lindsee with the famous Girls Weeked misspelled cake. Good thing you added water Linds! ;) I thank God for these girls!

Oh, and one more thing: Grant's arm is actually okay. Grant fractured his elbow over a year ago and the doctor thinks he may have aggravated/enflamed the old fracture. They don't think he tore anything so it looks like he may be able to heal on his own in just a few weeks. Praise God! Thanks for praying for him! I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

The Injury

Sigh. Here we go. Yesterday I was at work and Grant called. He very non-chalantly told me that he thinks we should go to the hospital. Nice. Insert Jenny's panic attack here. :)

He's fine. Grant was drilling a hole in a wall at work and the 3 foot long drill bit snagged and it torqued his arm really hard. He fractured this same arm over a year ago and now they are thinking that he's torn some ligaments. Today he is going to an orthopedist to see if this will require surgery. Regardless, Grant will not be working for a few weeks. He will be sitting on a couch all day. (My idea of relaxation, his idea of torture).

He's not in too much pain, but his right arm is totally immobile and he is just frustrated. For those of you who know my husband, you know that he is freaking out about golf. He is worried he won't be able to play anymore.

We are really praying that these ligaments are in a position that won't require surgery. If he gets surgery, he is out of work for a few months at the very least. If it is no surgery, we're looking at about a month. Goodness gracious! Occupational hazards are the worst.

Moxie is very excited that he doesn't have to be in his pin all day. So Moxie is really getting a good deal here! The girls are coming up for GIRLS WEEKED 07 tomorrow so I've gotta get the house ready tonight and also take care of my handicapped husband. I'll update after his doctor's appointment today. Love you all!

Traffic and a Diet Coke

Well, it's been quite the yucky morning so far....

I left the house around 7:30. We were out of Diet Cokes and I really needed one for work. I figured I'd stop by the convenience store by the office. It normally takes me around 45 minutes to get to work, so if I leave at 7:30, I'm there by 8:15. I open the office at 8:30, so by getting there 15 minutes early, it gives me time to go to the above mentioned convenience store or put on my make up if I was in a hurry. I open the office a little early and check my email, make a phone call or two, etc. I like getting there early.

When I left the house it was pouring down rain. Not a good sign. Traffic was okay for awhile, but then I saw the sign: 2 Lanes closed on MRB. (Mississippi River Bridge). That oughta do it. I left at 7:30 and got to work at 9:00. Half an hour late! I called my boss, and she was watching the traffic on TV and she said she figured I would be late, she was cool with it.

Needless to say, I did not get a Diet Coke. The office refrigerator had a Dr. Pepper in it. Dr. Pepper isn't awful but it's not my Diet Coke. Sad. Hopefully my day will get a little better!!

This is the good stuff. I have a Diet Coke first thing every morning. I know you all may think that it is gross. While others are drinking a hot cup of coffee every morning, I am enjoying a refreshing Diet Coke for my morning pick-me-up. Let me explain to you how this originated. It's my dad's fault.

When I was little, I'd come downstairs for breakfast before school and my dad would be sitting at the kitchen table reading the paper and drinking a Diet Coke. I'd always ask for a sip. Hence, my obsession with a Diet Coke in the morning. Sorry if you think it's gross, deal with it.

Because of this, Diet Coke has become kinda like my trademark. My senior year of highschool, the juniors did a Senior Send Off where they acted out a skit, each junior imitating a senior. The girl that portrayed me was carrying around a Diet Coke the entire skit. I thought it was cute.

Anyhoo, I plan on getting me a fat Diet Coke for lunch. I'm pathetic, I know :)

Spectacular!

Happy Easter everyone! Grant and I went to Cypress this past weekend for Easter and had a wonderful wonderful time. We left LATE Thursday night and didn't get to Houston till 2am. Friday I had lunch with Lindsee and Joanna (it was quite the lovely picnic, wasn't it ladies?) and then I did some shopping with Linds. And by shopping I mean 6 cookies from the Great American Cookie Company. 3 for me, 3 for Linds. Triple Yum!

Friday night the Eddy's and the Snow's came over. We grilled out and ate lots of food. It was nice to see all the family friends again!

The weather was soooo blah on Saturday. Mom, Dad, Grant, me and Mamaw went to go see Blades of Glory. We all loved it. My dad said it should've been rated R for Retarded! :) He loved it though. We've all been quoting it.

And Saturday night was my favorite. For those of you who are not aware, I'm a little obsessed with musical theater. I'm pretty sure you all know that. For Christmas, Grant bought me tickets to see Wicked. We saw it Saturday night, and it went above and beyond my expectations! Grant loved it too. Seeing shows like that gets me all emotional. Not just because of the story line, but to hear a song being performed with perfection just gives me chill bumps. If you ever get the chance to see this show, do it. You won't regret it. I've been replaying it over and over in my head a thousand times.


Fabulous. It was well worth the wait. Extra thanks to my hubby for going the extra mile to get us such great seats. WOO HOO!

Sunday was Easter. I love Easter. I was supposed to sing in the choir but I didn't have a whole lot of a singing voice left, both Mom and Mamaw have laryngitis and I'm pretty sure I'm getting it too. No good. I saw alot of old faces at church. We sat with Jonathan and his new girlfriend, Tara. She is a doll. It was so nice to finally meet her. After church, Jonathan and Tara and Jonathan's mom Cyndi came over for lunch.

Easter is a wonderful holiday. I heard someone describe Easter as "pointless" and it made me so sad. Easter is the day that Christ rose again. It gives me chills just thinking about it. I love Easter because of its importance. I love Easter because I am reminded of new beginnings. I love Easter because I know that the Lord will come again. Can I get a Good Lord! :-D Haha.

It was a Spectacular weekend, and I will be singing the soundtrack from Wicked till I am blue in the face. Or until Grant smothers my face with a pillow! :)

Rainy Days and Wednesdays

It's a rainy day in spring time! I actually enjoy the rain (if it's not a terrential downpour). It's relaxing to me. And it gives me a reason to lay on my couch all day! :) I'm at work right now. The phones have been ringing off the hook, but there seems to be a lull in the telephone traffic so I thought I'd update!

Did ya'll watch American Idol last night? I pick Blake and Jordin as the final two. I'm getting more into this season now. It took me awhile. I'm also preparing myself for my upcoming addiction to the Bachelor. I watched the first episode and I'm already hooked!!

This weekend is WICKED! Grant is so wonderful and is taking me to see a musical. I really think he'll like it too. This weekend is Easter Sunday at Cypress as well. I think I've been at Cypress Bible Church every single Easter Sunday in my entire life. Pretty cool! Also, I'm singing in the choir too that morning. Lindsee is singing with me! Holla back to 9th grade ya'll!! Haha...

I'm using my crock pot for the first time today. It is on at home and I am kinda freaking out about leaving it on all day long. I told Grant I was worried and he said "Well, if we come home and it's burned down the house, we just won't use it again". Sounds like a plan to me. Cooking has been hard for me. Well, cooking itself hasn't been hard. But coming up with something new and different for dinner has proven difficult. I have a very unvaried diet. I kinda eat the same 10 things over and over, and I'm happy with that. Grant needs variety. He's not a picky eater like me. Growing up in Louisiana, his mom made him shrimp and gumbo and etoufee. I just never learned how to make all that stuff. I can make lasagna, etc, and chicken and potatoes, but all that spicy stuff just isn't what I want for dinner. But I want Grantley to have what he wants too. We have very different appetites and it's hard to cook for both. My precious pregnant sister Jaclyn sent me some recipes, so maybe those will help!! (Thank you Jaclyn Renee!)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day, I will update after Wicked! YIPPEE!!