Monday, February 28, 2011

At Home Date Night

The sweet husband decided to surprise me with steaks on the grill tonight!
(He loves having his picture made!)

As you can see, Ally and I were so very excited!

We had steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

With, way to bad for me, pie for dessert!

Our grill had been out of gas for months now.  So Patrick got our tank filled and got some steaks.  I love when I get home from work and don't have to worry about what we're going to have for dinner! 
Now I'm watching the Bachelor...how about Chantel and Brad staying in a tree house in the middle of nowhere for the fantasy suite?  Not sure how I'd feel about that!

Dinner is Served

and I didn't have to do a thing.
Day 59

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Fam-Wii Time

Typical Sunday afternoon at my parents house...
Day 58

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Blast from the Past

We all have things we hold onto from our childhood, high school and even college days.  I'm a very sentimental person.  I still have all of my cheerleading uniforms from when I cheered at the park through high school.  It was such a big part of my life and some of my best memories from growing up.  When I graduated from high school there were in the process of building this Jim N Nicks restaurant.  They used local "stuff" to decorate with.  The entry was filled with jerseys and uniforms from various sports teams in the area.  They wanted a megaphone and some pompoms so they contacted the athletic club at Gardendale.  They said they wanted the best cheerleader's megaphone.  I was the one selected.  Someone called me and I said sure.  So for 5+ years my megaphone has hung in the entry way.  I was so proud!  Well a few weeks ago it was brought to my attention that my megaphone had been taken down.  At first I was sad but then I was concerned that they'd just tossed it.  Last night we went in to eat dinner, after our meal I asked to speak to a manager the conversation went something like this...

ME: "Um you know the megaphone that used to hang over the door?"
Manager Woman: "Yeah"
Me:  "Do you by any chance still have it?"
Manager Woman: "Yeah, somewhere..."
Me: "Really?!?  Can I have it back?  I'm Maggie!!!"
Manager: "Um sure, let me go see if I can find it." looking at me weirdly and almost feeling sorry for me that I want to hang on to the past so tightly.

It was at this point I realized how pathetic this all seemed.  But my friend Brittany reminded me that those things aren't free and I deserved to have it back.
I was so excited when she brought it out to me.
Here I am in all my glory posing so proudly with my megaphone.

After dinner we went back to Kristen and Brittany's house to watch a movie and enjoy cupcakes.  We watched Dinner for Schmucks.  It was pretty funny.  (I have to admit I didn't watch all of it.  Most of the time was spent letting Brittany help me set up my google reader!)  Brittany also built us a little fire outside in the fire pit.  It was a bit cool out so we didn't stay out long.   

Warming up by the fire.

Brittany enjoying her fire. She was so proud.

Pretty good for our first time.  (I've built fires before but usually with adult supervision.)

Glory Days

Day 57

Friday, February 25, 2011

Cupcakes Anonymous

My boss was heading to Vance, AL today (about 15 miles outside of Tuscaloosa) I convinced him we needed Gigi's cupcakes.  He didn't disappoint!
Day 56

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Spring is in the Air

We're starting to see it and feel it.
Day 55

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Gettin Our Hair Did

Wish I had a before...
Thanks Daddy!
(Yes, my dad is who I turn to for all my color needs!)

Day 54


Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Happy National Margarita Day

It's a faux  Margarita.  Just limeade...trying to be festive.
Day 53

Sunday, February 20, 2011

New Stuff

One of our new products at Signs of Sophie.
Day 51

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Tuscloosa Love

I love Tuscaloosa.  Like really love it.  Which is kind of funny to me because by December 2007, I could not wait to get out of that city.  I'd been there for 4.5 years and I missed home.  It wasn't until I actually got home that I realized how much "home" had changed.  My sweet little 13 year old brother had turned into a 17 year old high school senior that was counting the days until he headed to Tuscaloosa.  My pesky sister was not there anymore she'd firmly planted herself in Tuscaloosa.  My older brother was three children richer (or poorer depending on how you look at it. ha!) with one more on the way.  My parents were still crazy as ever but had already started adjusting to an empty nest (and didn't appear to be the least bit sad about it).  Finally, I was finishing up planning the wedding of my dreams and decorating our first home together.  It was hardly the "home" from August 2003 when I first flew the coop.  Not that it was a bad thing it was just different.  I knew all those things were happening but when I thought of home I only imagined how it used to be.  I quickly realized all the things I was so anxious to get back to were no longer there and they'd never be back.  These are all things that I didn't realize right away but over the course of that first year I was back.  It really hit me during football season when I was back in Tuscaloosa that I realized that it wasn't so bad that I'd actually {gasp} missed the place.  It was then that I rekindled my love for Tuscaloosa.  It was like an old relationship where all you can remember are the good times.  All you think about are the flowers and perfect dates, you don't remember the fights and tears.  All I thought about were the tailgates and springtime on the quad.  I, for the life of me, couldn't recall walking to class in the rain (and the way Tuscaloosa floods when it even sprinkles) or the parking ticket for my bumper hanging over the sidewalk at my house.  I remembered how I loved my morning runs around the neighborhood on the sidewalks, something I will always regret not taking full advantage of. 
This is all nothing new.  I talk about it each fall when I head down for the first game of the season and my mind is flooded with all the great memories of my favorite time of year in Tuscaloosa. 
I was reminded again last night when I took my sweet niece Ava for the gymnastics meet.  We made it a Girls Night Out: Aunts/Nieces style with Kristen and Kaley.  Elizabeth came along for the fun too.  We had a blast!  We had dinner at Mugshots and then drove right through the heart of campus on the way to Coleman Coliseum.  We went by Bryant-Denny Stadium, the Quad, the Presidents Mansion, and the newly renovated Foster's Auditorium.  Ava had been to this part of campus during football season but Kaley hadn't seen it.  It was fun to share that with the girls.  Some things look completely different and some things will always look exactly the same. 
We finally got parked and started the long walk.  All the lights at Coleman were pink in honor of Breast Cancer.  It was beautiful.  We go to our seats to catch the very end of warm ups.  The cheerleaders and Big Al came out to get the crowd pumped.   They recognized the alumni (I got to see Ashley Miles one of my favorites from when I was there) and the 1991 National Championship team who were celebrating their 20 year anniversary.  We loved seeing the footage from the '91 season.  The hair was amazing and Sarah Patterson's dress was over the top.  Finally, it was time for the team introductions and the competition to start. 

Lit up all pink. 

Kristen, Kaley, Me and Ava. 
Me, Sister and Ava. 
The girls as we were leaving Mugshots.

Kaley and Kristen waiting on the meet to start.
The 91' team.  I should have taken my better lens in I'm mad at myself for not.
Cheerleaders and Big Al.  I loved the pink poms. 


The team coming out.  This is my favorite part.

The girls sitting outside.


We had so much fun.  The tide won which is always exciting.  Kaley fell asleep and she was really out.  She had to be carried to the car.  We couldn't wake her up enough for her to walk.  We dropped Elizabeth off and headed back home.  Home to my house.  I feel like I have so many "homes".  I still call my parents house "home" and my house.  The girls slept the whole way.  Ally was so excited to see Ava when we finally got home.  We put on our pjs and hit the sack.  But not before a little cuddle time with our favorite poodle.


As much as I love Tuscaloosa.  I love home too.  I still love "home" at my parents even with all the emptiness.  I love my own "home" more than I ever thought was possible that first year.  I thought I'd never adjust.  I thought I'd never appreciate home for what it is not what it was.  I do appreciate it now.  It makes the past that much sweeter and my home that much homier.

They totally love each other.

My view most every morning.  Aren't they precious.
Day 50

Friday, February 18, 2011

Think Pink

Bama gymnastics goes pink.
We went to the 7th annual "Think Pink" meet in Tucaloosa tonight.
Day 49

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Toes in the Sun

First pedicure of the season...
Day 48

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A State Divided

If you're from Alabama you know exactly what I'm referring to.  From a very early age all Alabamians are taught to cheer for either The University of Alabama or Auburn.  Most of you know I'm UA all the way but my husband is Auburn through and through.  I'm not going to lie it puts a strain on our marriage especially during football season.  (I know what you're thinking...we need to get our priorities straight if football strains our marriage..and you are right, we working on it).  Today is a sad day for the Auburn family.  I would even go as far to say that its a disappointing day for the Bama nation as well.  You see, Auburn University has a long standing tradition of Toomer's Corner.  There's a drug store with really good lemonade and after each win everyone gathers at Toomer's to roll the 2 huge Oaks that make the corner.  It's kind of a big deal.  Okay it's a really big deal.  They've even started rolling the trees for other significant events in the Auburn Family. 
Well as most of you local people have heard some ignorant Alabama fan has poisoned the beloved trees and they are going to die.  What makes this story even more sad is the fact that the idiot called the Paul Finbaum show last month bragging about what he'd done.  I am mortified that someone would do this.  I hate Auburn but I still have respect for their campus and their tradition.  It makes me mad that someone would do this.  It also makes me mad that Auburn fans are lumping this guy in with all Bama fans.  I really am scared at what may happen next.  UA has installed surveillance cameras around the stadium.  I'm just waiting for someone to destroy the Bear's statue.  It is going to turn into a civil war in the state of Alabama. 
I agree this is a terrible act and this man should be punished.  This is where Patrick and I disagree, he thinks the man should go to jail.  I think the man should be punished, but I think jail is not the answer.  I think this man should have to complete community service on the campus at Auburn.  He should have help replace the tree all while the students stand around and heckle him.  (okay maybe that last part was harsh).  I think this punishment will teach him more about respect than sitting in a jail cell. 
I'm also saddened that the state of Alabama has won back to back National Championships and Heisman trophies but will now be remembered for some stupid vandalism by one fan.

Side note...this time last week I was showing pictures of the beautiful snow falling...today I'm wearing shorts and flip flops...this is why I love Alabama.

We are the Champions

All of us...
Day 47

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Most Romantic Valentines Day Ever...

I'm only kidding.  But it was one filled with lots of laughter and it made my heart smile.  We ordered Chinese take out.  We love Chinese food but never order it so we couldn't decide what we wanted so we got one of everything...okay not really but it sure seemed like it.  We exchanged gifts nothing to extravagant but a little something to say we care.  I already showed you what I got Patrick and he got me a gift certificate for a pedicure and manicure.  I am so excited!  I want to use it this week but I also want to wait till I'm wearing flip flops on a daily basis.  (I'm still paranoid that the fabulous weather we're having right now is just a tease).  After dinner I promised Patrick I would but his hair.  He had not cut it since before football season.  It was getting ridiculous to say the least.  I thought I could just trim it up so we wouldn't have to shave it...well that is harder than it looks to do.  So we just shaved it.  We ended the evening watching the Bachelor.  I really like Brad.  I didn't watch his first season so none of that really matters to me.  I haven't read any spoilers but I think he's going to pick Chantel.  I love Emily but I think they're "grooming" her to be the next Bachelorette.
Sweet & Sour shrimp, Mongolian Beef, Sesame Chicken, and Chicken Lo Mien.  I told you we couldn't decide. 
Our fortunes.  Mine was the one on top.

Before.  This was after we wet it.  It looked like a lot more hair dry.

Yep...it's ashame he can't grow those luscious locks to cover his whole head!

Half-way.  I think this is when we realized that we were going to need to just go ahead and shave it all.


Finished product.  Not a great shot.  You can't really tell what it looks like but trust me...it's a lot better!

It was a fun night.  Now if I can just make it to the weekend.

Good Fortune...

Can you guess which fortune was mine and which was Patrick's?
Day 46

Monday, February 14, 2011

The things he loves...

Patrick's Valentine.
I also got him an Auburn National Championship sweatshirt blanket (like the one my mom got get last year see it HERE)  and tervis tumbler but they aren't here yet. 
Day 45

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Saturday Surprises

I'm listening to my sweet nephew Porter snore as I type this and it is the most precious sound.  My brother called me on Thursday and asked if Porter could come spend the night this weekend.  He said that Porter asked to come stay with me.  He's been here since about 1:00 and we've had a ball.  We mostly played outside because it has been beautiful today.  It was a little cool but I wore shorts and a sweatshirt.  We went to the grocery store so I could get a few things.  On the way home from the store we stopped by Lorie's house to drop off a little surprise I'd made for the baby.  She was asleep so we left it in the mailbox.  (I just heard from her and she got it and loved it!)  We had corndogs for dinner and watched SpongeBob and iCarly.  He says some of the funniest things.  He loves trucks and when we came back from the grocery store I put my car in the garage and he told me I needed to move it out so Uncle Hort could park his truck inside.  Just a few pictures from the day...






Apparently our house is kind of cold.

My best friend, Kristen, is awesome she came by and surprised me with this.  I saw this fabric last night at Hobby Lobby and decided my next camera strap cover was going to be this print.  She was feeling crafty so she whipped this up and brought it by.  I love it, it looks so good!  Although I'm still trying to figure out how she managed to complete it without my assistance!

Now this precious angel is sleeping (and snoring)!

I love these nights.  I love getting to be an aunt.  I love getting to spend one on one time with each of them.  It is such a special time that I cherish and one day I hope they all will know how much they meant to me!

February 12th always makes my heart heavy.  Nine years ago today a friend of mine was killed in a car accident.  She was 3 months away from her high school graduation.  We cheered together and she had this contagious smile.  The one thing I remember her daddy telling me at the funeral was never forget her.  I actually think of her often we weren't that close we just cheered together so we spent a lot of time together.  I say a prayer for her sweet parents everyday when I pass her gravesite.  My heart still breaks for them nine years later.  I wore pink flip flops today (pink was her favorite color) and tried to smile as much as I could to carry her memory. 
HV23~We'll always remember.