Twelve Days...

I read this blog on a regular basis. I love it because she reminds me to keep things simple and to make the most of the "ordinary" moments with my family.

I loved the idea she gave about adding my husband to my Christmas list this year. Yes, he's already on my list but she encouraged her readers to do a little something extra for their husbands this year. As she put it, "is there a way you can keep this most important relationship – this man God has given you, in the forefront of your thoughts, maintaining your friendship even in this hectic season?"

Alex is my heart. He is my best friend. He loves me better than anyone else ever could. He works so very hard for our family and I want nothing more than to make him feel loved every single day, but especially over the holidays when things can get a little stressful/hectic. I want him to know that my relationship with him is more important than finishing my shopping, baking for neighbors, lunch with friends, etc.

She calls it “Twelve Days” but it has nothing to do with Partridges and Pear Trees. The idea is that I give him a little gift on each of the twelve days leading up to Christmas. The gifts are not big, often just a favorite cookie or candy (or on this day - our favorite gum), but the value of the gift lies in that I’ve thought of him. So I'm adopting this tradition and today is the first day!

On the First Day of Christmas, I Gave My Sweetie Pie...



I love you, Alex!

15 things I love about him...

15 years ago today, I said "I DO." It's hard to believe we're celebrating 15 years of marriage! Even though it has been 15 years, I still look at Alex and see that young, gorgeous, dark-haired man I married. Sure, we both have a little grey hair, a few added pounds, and a few more wrinkles, but I still think he's gorgeous and he still has the same huge heart that I fell in love with over 15 years ago. He has always treated me like a princess and now that we have our own little princess, he treats me like a queen. He might love a good deal but when it comes to me, he spares no expense. He makes me feel beautiful and says "I love you" many times a day. We often laugh about how young and naive we were. We had no idea what marriage truly meant. We had very little but that was okay - we were livin' on love!



15 things I love about my sweet husband:

1. I love your love for God and for His Word.

2. I love that you believe in second chances.

3. I love the father you are to Amelia.

4. I love how quickly you forgive.

5. I love your salt & pepper hair.

6. I love that you always open the door for me.

7. I love how smart you are.

8. I love that you can make me laugh like no one else.

9. I love how well you take care of our family.

10. I love that you don't just say "I'm sorry", you say "will you forgive me?"

11. I love that you're patient with me during an argument and speak kindly.

12. I love your gorgeous eyes.

13. I love that you have a heart to serve.

14. I love that you care what God thinks more than what others think.

15. I love that you chose me 15 years ago and still choose me today.



Alex, I love you with all my heart. I've learned so much over the last 15 years. Most importantly, I've learned that our marriage is worth fighting for. YOU are worth fighting for. I'm looking forward to 15+ more wonderful years together. I love that I get to grow old with you by my side. You are my love, my best friend. I'm blessed to be called Mrs. Alex Averitt.




"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." -Song of Solomon 6:3

TGIF...

I asked several people which cups they recommend that are truly spill-proof. Pretty much everyone said there is no such thing. I've started buying some of the ones recommended and so far - this is Amelia's favorite. She thinks she's so big to have a cup with a straw. She's not allowed to drink out of this one unless she's in her high chair or sitting on the red rug.

That's our deal.
She sticks to it.
We're both happy girls. :)



We hosted homegroup last night. This is what I made for dinner.

I mean called in for dinner.

The spicy veggie was my favorite.



Joy came over yesterday morning. She brought a pan of brownies so I shared them with my homegroup. They were so good. We had vanilla ice cream too. If you're making anything other than Ghirardelli brownies - just stop.



Alex has the day off today. If you could see my face while typing that sentence...I'm beaming!! A day off is precious to us. They are few and far between. I'm going to enjoy the day/weekend with my family of three. I think we'll have brunch at Mimi's and then run some errands together. Oh, and it just started snowing at our house! It's so pretty. Amelia is still asleep but we'll take her out to see it when she wakes up. :)



Love to all,

Lingerie Shopping...

I'm writing this post...while wearing glasses. I now need to wear them all the time, I suppose. I've been living with headaches and it hit me today (after putting my glasses on) that I need to go to the eye doctor and have my eyes checked again and get some newer, cuter, stylish glasses. It stinks being old, but it's nice being able to see without your head throbbing. Oh, speaking of eyes. I'm looking for a good eye cream. To fight wrinkles and aging and stuff. Any of you use an awesome eye cream that you would love to recommend?? I can't even believe that I'm so old that I need to start using eye cream. I may go drown my sorrows in chocolate cake.

Amelia and I had a fun day. She woke up around 9:30. I didn't get out of bed until she did...I needed the sleep. We had breakfast, cleaned up, and then headed to playgroup with Jen & the girls. We love hanging out with them. Amelia thinks the girls are funny and they all seem to play well with one another. We've been so sick over the last few months, this was our first play date since last year sometime! After leaving playgroup we headed to get a gift for a lingerie shower that I have tomorrow. I knew it wouldn't take me long to pick something out, so I just put Amelia on my hip and walked in. Every saleswoman in the store stopped to stare at me - all at the same time. Looking at me as though I had three heads or something. Once I checked my head to make sure that I didn't grow two extra on the way in, I realized it was the 15 month old baby on my hip that was getting the stares. That's when I thought to myself, "are lingerie stores off-limits to babies?" Amelia did really well...we were in and out within 10 minutes. I probably won't take her with me if there's a next time though. I don't think she felt welcome. :)

After shopping for lingerie, we headed to Sam's for diapers. I also picked up a few spring/summer outfits for Amelia. They always have little Carter's dresses for $5 and you can't beat that price for play clothes. I had no idea what size to buy her, since she's already in 18 month clothing. If they don't fit, we'll find someone to give them to.

After Sam's, we came home and I made Amelia some dinner. She played for about an hour and then we started bath/bedtime routine.



She no longer wants me to rock her while being held like a baby. She wants to lay on my chest/facing me. She's getting so big, but I love that she still wants to be rocked to sleep. I just sit and kiss her and pray over her and then kiss her some more.

After baby girl was sound asleep, I decided a bubble bath was in order. I bought a new magazine at Sam's today. Sam's really is the best place to buy magazines. I bought this one in a combo pack with another for only $4. Quite a deal, huh?



And now I'm trying to stay awake while waiting on my husband to arrive home from his business trip. I'm looking forward to having him home. I think I'll make monkey bread tomorrow morning - just to show him he's my favorite.

Have a happy weekend!

Love to all,

34 years young...

Alex was out of town the first part of this week. We miss him so much when he's away. When he arrived home Wednesday evening, he had Chili's-to-go and flowers in hand. The man knows my love language. Food & Flowers.



Today is my 34th birthday. It has been a very restful day - thanks to my husband. He let me sleep as late as I wanted, which ended up being 10:00am!! We got around and headed out to lunch. We snapped a few pics with Amelia before leaving the house. By the way, this sweet girl looked her Mama in the eye yesterday and said, "Hi, Mama." Can you believe that!?? It's the first time that she has put two words together like that. Oh it melted my heart. I love her so much.



Alex and Amelia took me to Mimi's for lunch. Even though it was lunch, I ordered breakfast and a mocha latte. It was delicious! Amelia wasn't really in the mood to smile for pictures. It was her nap time, so she was a little solemn.



After lunch we headed to DSW and Anthropologie - where I tried on some fabulous boots, but didn't find exactly what I wanted. Since having Amelia, my foot has grown a half size, so I only have a few pairs of shoes that actually fit! I think I'm going to put my collection of size 9's on eBay - maybe I'll make enough to buy some new shoes. :) After trying on boots - we headed to Maggie Moo's. Amelia and I shared an ice cream cupcake.



We headed home after a trip to Sam's and Walmart. We chose to eat leftovers from last night. Pecan crusted chicken, red potatoes & salad. It hit the spot. Alex and Amelia gave me some precious birthday cards after dinner. They're so good to me. The perfect day with my sweet family.

I wanted to ask those of you who read my blog, to do me a favor? Faith's sister is engaged to be married next spring. They're on a budget and have entered a contest to win a free Wedding Photography package! I just love Faith and her family. It would be such a blessing to Grace if she could win this. Would you go to THIS SITE and vote for Couple #1 (Grace & Josh)? I would greatly appreciate it. It only takes a few seconds. You scroll down to the bottom of the page and just push on the button for couple #1...easy-breezy!! :)

Have a great weekend.

Love to all,

Happy Birthday to Alex!!

It's my sweet man's birthday!

Look at that sweet face. I love seeing pics of Alex when he was a little boy. I think it's funny that Amelia has the same hairstyle now that he had in this pic. She even has a cowlick in the exact same spot on her head!



Amelia and I got up this morning and took Daddy a Starbucks mocha and breakfast to his work. She was happy to see her Daddy for a few minutes...she always smiles so big when she sees him coming. :)

Alex, you're the best Daddy to our sweet girl and the best husband in the world. Thank you for loving us and taking care of us so well. Happy 34th Birthday!!



We love you so much!

Holiday House 2010 & more...

Every year, our local Junior League sponsors Holiday House. I mark my calendar every year and I don't miss it. Last year, I was VERY pregnant and swollen beyond belief. I had already started worrying about how I was going to walk around Holiday House being 9 years pregnant and all. Amelia decided to help a Mama out and come 5 weeks early. She was two weeks old when she experienced her first Holiday House. She was tucked away in a sling right next to her Mama the entire time. I remember women coming up constantly, asking to peek into the sling to see her. She was so tiny. Unless I knew them, they weren't allowed to peek. So hardly anyone was allowed to see her. I was insane enough to take my 2 week old baby out in public, but not insane enough to let complete strangers breathe on her. (LOL) Going to Holiday House with Amelia is something I plan to do every year. I love Christmas and I want her to love it just as much as I do! The story of our Savior's birth, the music, the decorations, the smell of cinnamon & cider, the movies, making Christmas cookies & candies, the warm/fuzzy feeling you get while shopping in a crowd.

You may experience a panic attack.

I experience warm fuzzies.

I love EVERYTHING about it. We've already started watching Christmas movies and I have to say, my girl is showing great promise in the I-LOVE-CHRISTMAS-AS-MUCH-AS-MY-MAMA department. We watched White Christmas (a classic and favorite of mine) and she was glued. I emailed my Momma immediately...I just had to share the happiness with someone else. She wrote back, "she's our girl!!"



Here we are at Holiday House this year. She was such a good girl. Just sat in her stroller, ate her snacks, waved at people, tried to pull ornaments off trees, etc. I usually find one thing at Holiday House for my home and this is what I found this year. It sits outside of our front door. I'm going to add some garland to it for Christmas. I love it because it flips over and has a Christmas greeting as well!



On Tuesday evening, I planned a date night for me and my sweetie. We've been trying to do better about taking time, just the two of us. I didn't realize just how hard that would be, once kids came along! Seems like there is always something to do and then we also have to arrange a babysitter for Amelia. Our church had given Alex a treasure chest full of gift cards for Pastor Appreciation Day. We had dinner at the Butcher Shop and it was delicious. Filet & twice baked potato? Yes, please. We were so thankful for our S-I-L, Elaina. She came over and watched Amelia for us. It's amazing how just two hours can "recharge your batteries." We had the best time together. We were laughing after dinner because Alex asked me where I wanted to go and I said, "TARGET!" Like I never get to go there. I just never get to go there without a baby to get in and out of a car seat, to change a poopy diaper (never fails) and to keep happy all through the store. I love the life of a Mama, but a break is needed sometimes.



Yesterday, Amelia had her cousins over for a play date and it was great fun! We've been trying to do this once a week. I have noticed that with older kids, Amelia does really well. She sits and watches them and will try to do whatever they do. I've also noticed that with kids her own age or smaller, she is more likely to take things away and is constantly wanting to touch their face, their eyes, their hair, etc. These play dates are teaching her to share and to not poke other kids eyes out. A very important life lesson. I just want her to play well with others and I know that she can't do that if she's never around other children. Of course, I love having some adult conversation during the day with Jen!



Amelia was begging for a "DAT" (bath) and "Nigh-Nigh" (night-night is her crib) by 6:30 last night. We usually don't start that process until 7:00 or after, so that Alex can have time to play with her when he gets home from work. He had stopped to pick up dinner and wasn't home yet, so I called to tell him that she was having a meltdown and asking for a bath and to go to bed. She would not stop saying, "DAT-DAT-DAT." He said to go ahead and that he would just give her a bottle and rock her when he got home. She was in bed asleep by 7:00pm and didn't wake up until 9:15 this morning! The girl was tired. She has been waking up at 7:00 every morning (since time change) and this Mama has been trying to adjust. I'm hoping she'll go back to sleeping until 8-9am, once her body gets used to the time change.

I bought the ingredients for french toast this morning and it was a hit! I made Joy's recipe and Alex said it was the best french toast he's ever eaten. Amelia agreed. It's actually the only french toast she's ever eaten, but the girl knows good food when she tastes it. She gave it a "YUM-YUM." That's equivalent to two thumbs up!



And now my two sweeties are napping and I'm going to grab a shower. Since it's after 1pm and all. :)

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Alex said we might put the Christmas tree up tomorrow afternoon. *fingers crossed*

Love to all,

Lead Me...

It's Labor Day and Alex had the day off! Alex and I were both up before Amelia this morning. She slept until almost 9am. I got up and made Alex some cinnamon rolls. By make them, I mean that I took them out of a can. Thanks to Pillsbury.



We've had the best day as a family. Amelia played so hard with her Daddy. He has chased her all over the house. She took a couple of really good naps because of it!

During Amelia's nap time, Alex and I sat and talked and just shared our hearts with one another. Lots of laughter. Lots of tears. I've had the sweetest time with my husband. While we were talking, he wanted to share a song with me. A song that I had never heard, but that he listens to often. It's called Lead Me by Sanctus Real. It really reminded me of how big of a responsibility he has in being the leader of our home. In being a husband, a father, a pastor.

I love my man. He has the sweetest heart.



The Hogs played on Saturday evening - our first game of the season! I went to put one of Amelia's Razorback outfits on her and it was too big. They were all too big! We're going to have to pick up a few things for game days. We were going to run some errands, so we all had to wear some red in support of our Hogs. I grabbed this hat and as you can see by her face - she didn't like it one bit. (LOL) She's not like her Mommy...I love to wear a ponytail and ball cap!



She was much happier with a red & white bow, which went with the outfit better than a ball cap. :)



We watched the game from home and ate frito chili pies.



I'm making a point to cook more. We had gotten into the habit of eating out a lot during the summer. So much money can be saved by me cooking every night. I made a menu for the week and we went to the market on Saturday. I bought an entire week of groceries for around $70! That's what we spend on eating out just a couple of times.

Last night was Chicken Quesadillas. They look a little burnt because they WERE a little burnt. Alex said they were perfect. Like I said, he's a sweet man. I thought they were okay. I won't be putting them on the menu every week. Maybe every other week. And I won't burn them next time.



Tonight I made pan-fried hamburgers w/a side of roasted potatoes.



What's on the menu for the rest of the week?
Tuesday: Baked Sour Cream & Onion Chicken Strips
Wednesday: Tacos
Thursday: Stuffed Bell Peppers
Friday: We have a rehearsal dinner to attend
Saturday: Kitchen Closed - Eating Out!

I've been looking for some new snacks for Amelia. What do/did you give your 10 month old to snack on? I've tried giving her diced apples and carrots that are really soft. She's not a fan of those yet. She does have a new one that she loves. They're called cinnamon-maple crunchies. After eating them, she smells like pancakes for the rest of the day. :) The last pic is what she does when they're all gone-gone. So sad.

Click on picture to enlarge



I hope you had a relaxing Labor Day and enjoyed some time with your family.

Love to all,

Anniversary Weekend in Dallas...

Alex was all over Texas last week on business. We had plans of celebrating our anniversary over the weekend and since he wouldn't have been home until Friday evening, we found it easier for me to meet him in Dallas to celebrate. So on Friday afternoon, I took Amelia to Aunt Joy's house and jumped on a plane to Dallas! This was the first time that we've both been away from Amelia. I have to say that my sister knew how to keep me from calling every hour. She would text me updates regularly on what Amelia was doing. Ya know, important stuff like napping, eating, playing. :) I only called her once and that was when I landed in Dallas. Otherwise, it was a phone-free weekend!

We had the best time. We vowed to make more time for just the two of us. It's so easy to get caught up in work, Amelia's schedule, church responsibilities, etc. I think in order for us to do any of those things well, we need to "reconnect" with one another on a regular basis.

I will warn you that the pictures taken were all taken with my phone. They are terrible quality, but I didn't want to carry around my huge camera all weekend. I didn't take any pictures Friday evening. I was just so excited to have some time alone with my husband!!

I asked some blogger friends for some restaurant recommendations and I have to say, every single place was EXCELLENT.

We made reservations HERE on Friday evening.



From the appetizer to the dessert, it was by far one of the best meals I've ever eaten. We chose the Beef Croustades, III Forks Salad, and Filet Mignon which is served w/duchess potatoes, sugar snap peas, off-the-cob cream corn and ripe tomatoes and spring onions. I was told the cream corn was to die for. It certainly was. We ended the meal with fresh blueberries topped with a chocolate mousse. They even served it to us with a sparkler on top, since we were celebrating our anniversary. :) This entire meal spoke my love language. We give III Forks, four thumbs up!!

I had plans of sleeping in on Saturday morning, but I guess I'm so used to getting up with Amelia, I woke up at 8:00AM, bright-eyed and ready to go! Our hotel had a Starbucks, so Alex grabbed us some lattes while I was getting ready. Our first stop was the Galleria. It had been quite some time, since I had been to the Galleria. I had forgotten how LARGE and spread out it was. I found it a little overwhelming. We walked around for a bit and then decided to eat lunch. We had a couple of people tell us to try the Grand Lux Cafe, so we did. It was yummy!






Their portion sizes were GINORMOUS. I ate half of one of these chicken breasts and had to leave the rest. It was definitely big enough to split with one or four people.



While at the Galleria, Alex wanted to check out The Westin Hotel. He's thinking we might stay there next time. Have you ever stayed there?



After leaving the Galleria, we headed to Alex's heaven on earth. Heaven help. I sat and people-watched, while Alex drooled over rods & reels. :)



Then we stopped at Orange Cup and had the best yogurt I've ever tasted in my life. Alex looked at me (with a very serious look on his face) after the first bite and said, "they've been telling us that TCBY is yogurt...I think they're lying." I laughed so hard. Orange cup...you rocked my world.



After cooling off at Orange Cup, we headed to NorthPark to do a little more shopping. I enjoyed this mall. It was large, but everything wasn't terribly spread out.

And let it be known....I *heart* Kate Spade. It has been forever, since I've walked through one of her stores. From the clothing, shoes, handbags...it's all fabulous. I've already started making my birthday/Christmas wish list!



To end the day, my sweetie took me to get a longer chain for my Mother's Day necklace and then we were off to the airport!



Once back at the airport, we couldn't wait to get back to Amelia. I had only been away from her for less than two days, but Alex had been away for an entire week! We needed to squeeze our baby girl! My sister and her fam took such good care of her. Thank you Gerry & Joy, for loving Amelia like she's your own. We didn't worry about her for one second and without you guys, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy this wonderful weekend!!

Love,

I Will Be Here...

Tomorrow morning if you wake up and the sun does not appear...

I will be here.



If in the dark we lose sight of love, hold my hand and have no fear...

I will be here.



I will be here, when you feel like being quiet...
When you need to speak your mind, I will listen...



And I will be here, when the laughter turns to crying...
Through the winning, losing, and trying, we'll be together...



Cause I will be here.



Tomorrow morning if you wake up and the future is unclear...

I will be here.



As sure as seasons are made for change...
Our lifetimes are made for years...

I will be here.



I will be here, and you can cry on my shoulder...
When the mirror tells us we're older, I will hold you...



And I will be here, to watch you grow in beauty...
And tell you all the things you are to me...



I will be here.



I will be true to the promise I have made...
To you and to the One who gave you to me.



I will be here.



Happy 14th Anniversary, Babe.

I love you with all my heart,