life lately, according to our iPhones:

[1] mama pia's birthday [2] time to drop the crib [3] teeth 

[4] homemade baby food for a month [5] caught red handed 

[6] sweet little kitty [7] lazy sunday [8] e at play [9] supper

[10] standoff [11] some tunes for the road [12] vegas airport bathroom 

[13] walking' [14] pushing the babe [15] puppy dog kisses [16] double duty daddy

Snowpocalypse 2011.

We got more snow! The North Little Rock School District has now had a total of 5 snow days this year.  That's pretty unusual for us, and it's been all anyone has been talking about for the past few weeks.  But this snow, was the granddaddy of all of the 2011 snow days, with a whopping 6 inches here in NLR, and up to 2 feet in some areas of Northwest Arkansas.

Gary and I have been stuck at home for 2 days now.  We've been catching up on DVR, sleeping, eating too much, planning our upcoming European vacation, unsuccessfully attempting to sled down the hill in front of our house, and playing in the snow with Lola.  While these two unexpected days off work have been fun, we're looking forward to getting back to work and out of the house tomorrow.

This is the snowiest winter in Arkansas since 1988.  Hey Al Gore, what was that about "global warming"? Oh, we're calling it "climate change" now, I see.

Snow Day #2!

Yesterday we had another snow day.  Gary worked most of the day, but all of my clients moved to next week.  So, I got some things done around the house, redesigned my blog's header and created a blog signature.  I hope you like it!

When Gary got home we enjoyed some time in the snow with Lola, made chili, and caught up on Vampire Diaries.

 

  



Last snow day it was just me and the pets, while Gary was snowed-in at a hotel in Alabama en route to Atlanta for work.  I was glad we got to spend this snow day enjoying some time playing and relaxing together. 

They are calling for more winter weather tomorrow and Monday.  I'm beginning to wonder if that groundhog knew what he was talking about...

Old to New.

We've had an eventful week, but also enjoyed spending some down time together this weekend.  Saturday Lola went to the "beauty shop" to get all cleaned up.  When I picked her up, they had a cute Halloween bandanna on her. I can't get her to wear anything, so I was obsessed with how cute she was and proceeded to have a mini photo shoot.  Here's one of my favorites (she was worn out from her spa day):

Saturday night I gave our china cabinet a make-over.  This china cabinet was given to me by my parents when they downsized to their new house this past August.  They had this antique china cabinet in their home for years, however, at their house it served as a humidifier for my dad's cigars, rather than a home for fine china and crystal.  I was thrilled to take it off their hands when they moved, because now all of my beautiful wedding gifts can be on display in our dining room! 

One problem: the antique look didn't quite match our modern kitchen table.  I debated painting it and changing the hardware, but I couldn't bring myself to destroy its original look.  So, I decided to Mod Podge a print on the inside walls of the cabinet to give it a modern twist.  I'm very pleased with the outcome:

old.

 

new.



This new twist has brought added intrest and sentimental value to our kitchen.  It was easy and best of all, cheap!

On Sunday I went for my last "long run" before the race. I made it 10 miles, now I just need to squeeze out 3.1 more on Saturday... I'm hoping to finish in 2:20.  I plan to let my legs rest until Saturday, so I'll be nice and fresh.

Yesterday I followed my mom to Conway because she had to take her car to the shop.  While they were working we shopped to pass the time.  I got 2 new tops and Gary a new shirt, but my most exciting purchase was this pair of Toms:

In my line of work, I spend long hours on my feet, so comfy shoes (that still have style) are a must! I've found my favorites are Toms and Uggs.  And, the best part is they were on sale!

On a more serious note, I've been going through a new Bible study with 3 friends on idols, called "No Other Gods."  Tonight we met to discuss this past week's study.  1 Peter 2:9-12 was one of the many passages we looked at this week.  In this passage, Peter refers to his audience as "aliens and strangers in the world."  This really convicted me.  Our study pointed out:

"he is saying we will be strange and alien-like because our lives [should] stand out as so breathtakingly good in comparison with others.  As a result those around us will want to glorify God.  Not a goodness that comes from self righteousness or legalism, but a goodness that is the fruit of obedience.  I would love for it to be said of my life: The goodness of Jesus Christ burned so brightly in her that people glorified God; she almost seemed from a different world.  That's the kind of stranger I want to be." 

That's what I am wrestling with as I write to you tonight, updating you on all the silly details of my small life.  I Thought maybe someone out there reading this might find it as convicting as I did.  Tonight I'm praying for goodness that stems from an obedience to the Lord.

Lola's New Toy.

I came home from work tonight stressed. You know, one of those days where you let yourself think of all the little "what ifs" until you are all worked up? I talked to my mom, talked to Gary, talked to my dad. But I finally let it go when I saw Lola carrying my bra through the house in her mouth, plop down on the floor in front of me, and claim it as her new chew toy. She's so care free, content to chew on a bra instead of the $20 "Kong Ultra" toy we got for her a few months ago. Oh the things we can learn from animals.

Weekend Update.

We had an eventful weekend. So I was pretty worn out today. Here are the highlights:

Friday:

We went to Meghan and Andrew's apartment. Meghan and I got to video chat with Lauren and Kristin, who are all the way in Korea! Kristin is visiting Lauren for 3 weeks. It was awesome to all four be able to see and hear each other. We got to talk for about an hour. It sounds like Lauren is having a lot of fun living and working in Seoul.

Afterwards we played an intense game of Taboo. Girls vs. Boys. Girls won!

Saturday:

After work Gary and I headed out to the country for our Sunday school class party. A couple in our class have a beautiful home in the woods on 15 acres of land. We had dinner and the girls had fun playing with all the babies, while the guys shot skeet. Gary finally got to shoot the shotgun he got for his birthday, and he was pretty dang good too!

Sunday:

Sunday was a long day for me. I left to head to Mt. Magazine in Paris, AR to work at a wedding at 7:30am. I got there around 10, started on the first bridesmaid's hair at 11, and 9 bridesmaids later finished right before the ceremony at 5:15! The ceremony was beautiful! The view was amazing! I got to see a lot of OBU alumni. After the wedding and reception I left and headed home. I pulled in the driveway at 11. I was pooped, plugged in the heating pad and went straight to bed.

Monday:

I got to sleep in today, and it was oh so nice! Gary and I went to the dentist. We left with a good report, no cavities! So, we went and celebrated and got ice cream. Is that bad?

Tonight Gary and I grilled out. We made shish-ka-bobs and grilled corn. So good!

After dinner, Meghan came over and brought Tillie to play with Lola. They didn't get as crazy as they did on their last play date, but I think the had fun. Lola also got a bath. She smells so good!

It has been a busy weekend, but a fun one. Not ready for work again tomorrow.