Look Up Theme: NaBloPoMo May 2010

This month has been a great month for me to have such a theme of "Look Up!" to blog about.  I didn't always stay on topic, but that's not to say I was constantly thinking about it everytime I saw my blog.  This month brought about fun outings around BR such as The ART HOP, or the Parade of Homes.  I also got to go to Natchez, MS for the first time which I think I've expressed my love for the quaint city/town.  I've had lots of fun new projects come my way, some of which I've explored on this blog with my new hair, sewing machine, etc.  But I have way more projects in store and surprises to come :)  Anyone who knows me and my busy-body self knows that I will ALWAYS be up to something!  Looking forward to June.  Hard to believe it's almost here.  So thankful that the last day of this month I am off from work.  Can't get much better than that, right?  What did you have to look up to this past month?  Anything fun, exciting, new?  I know I did :)

FYI: BYE!

I love my sisters.   Wish we could all live close together, but it isn't always possible.  Stephanie is moving to Miami, FL today.  I know right, how glamorous!  Well we are all sad to see her go.  I just got the message she was moving (officially) a week ago!  I will miss the kids terribly and all the attitude Lydia brought to every family outing.   So I hope Miami is everything they think it will be and that their hopes and dreams come true.   We will miss yall!  Don't forget about us here in La when you become famous!

Surprise!

Oh aren't these kind of surprises fun?  I was doing laundry the other night and this is what I found :)  $14!

P.S. I'm rich!

Patience

I spoke today in church. It was an especially great and personal talk. One that I struggle with, but that I felt impressed to share.  Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf in his General Conference address, "Continue in Patience" is where I took my remarks. These were my favorite parts:

"There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!

"The work of patience boils down to this: keep the commandments; trust in God, our Heavenly Father; serve Him with meekness and Christlike love; exercise faith and hope in the Savior; and never give up. The lessons we learn from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our happiness. They will help us to become worthy and faithful disciples of our Master, Jesus Christ."

I obviously couldn't have said this without tearing up!  I've been immensely blessed by being patient in which I haven't always endured well, but my Heavenly Father sure has proven to me He will bless us and we WILL learn something. I'm so grateful for the lessons I've learned from being humbled, patient.

Parade of Homes

I always love going to our Parade of Homes.  They have the most beautiful houses on there.  We went to this one house in Carriagewood Estates that was so pretty.  Nothing Markus and I could afford or anything but had the nicest features in it.  I had him snap this picture with his phone cause I thought the ceiling in the master bath (pictured above) was so unique.  It was such a different shape.  Course all you can see is the chandelier but hopefully you get the idea.  Had I been with  my mom we would have seen more houses, but Markus got burnt out after like 3 or 4.  We saw some nice ones though.  I just love getting ideas.  In the first house we went to they had the zebra chairs I had picked out years ago.  Man I love those chairs!  Overall it was a fun day filled with great ideas.  Now if I can just finish my bedroom, then I can start on another room in my house.  Oh I love house projects :)

Panchos!

We went to eat at Panchos Buffet last night.  I must say I wasn't terribly crazy about the idea but I was still open to what they would serve.   I kept hearing about these saippeas (sp?).  Ok those things were everything and more than they were talked up to be.  Yum Yum.  Best way I know to describe them is like a beignet only without the powdered sugar.  Instead you put honey on them.  Actually we were with Mike McCartney and he had a certain technique he used.  It went a little something like this, you take your saippea and stab it with the honey container and fill it up with honey until you are satisfied it's a sufficient amount then drizzle the honey all over the top and indulge.  And that is just what we did.  The buffet was okay.  I think I liked there sweet stuff better than their real food.  Surprise surprise.  But they did have this fried cauliflower that was amazing.  I just want those saippea things for breakfast this morning...

Oops!

I guess I missed posting for 2 days on this NaMoBloPo thing.  I don't think I will ever get that down to everyday.  I swear I had a good excuse.  Ok Thursday when I got home from work I decided I needed to just relax and take an evening off.  So I did just that.  I got my book and started reading.  Next thing I know I was waking up to the phone ringing around 10:30 with Markus telling me he would be home in an hour.  Then it was 11:45 when he got home and I was still passed out on the couch.  I apologized to him that I didn't have dinner made.  Poor baby.  He said it was ok.  I saw myself to my bed and off for more sleep.  He took a shower and was off to find something to eat.  This is where the poor baby comes in, he went to McDonald's- Closed, to Wendy's- Closed, then he was on a hunt to find a place that was open around midnight.  Finally on Siegen he found Whataburger {Gross!} and there is where he order his double with cheese.  It must have taken him over 30+ minutes to find something to eat.  Gosh I could have had  meal made in that time.  Good thing Bogey was in the car to keep him company.

1st time for Everything

Had my first sewing lesson.  Or so you could call it that.  It was more like orientation.  Like machine let me introduce you to the person who has no clue about you and what you are capable of.  You know that kind of thing.  A meet & greet of sorts.  It was quite hilarious.  Mom and I had a trip trying to figure things out.  I think overall she thought it was a good little machine, so for someone who knows a thing or 2 about sewing that was promising to me.  She loves the automatic needle threader.  I think we have that down to a T.  I think that is a great feature even for young people like me who can see to thread the needle.  I really like what I know of it so far.  The buttonhole thing is a bit of a pain, but hopefully we can master that after 500 attempts.  We had to start and stop that a LOT.  But I'm very much so excited about all the projects I have in my head and seen on blogs.  I found a blog today that called "Homemade by Jill" that I absolutely love and can't wait to start on this one project that I found on her blog.  It's so incredibly clever.  It's a surprise so I will just have to display that later when I get the hang of this sewing business.  Long story short... I'm freakin' excited for my sewing machine.  Can't believe I've waited this long.  Now I just have to make room in my office/scrapbooking/craft room.  Should be another fun project.

Natchez, Mississippi in Pictures

I love this little town.  It's so Southern :)

Tomorrow Tomorrow I love ya Tomorrow

You're only a day away!!!!  I get my sewing machine delivered tomorrow :)  For this I am very excited.  I don't know where to start.  But tons of projects await.  I guess first order of business will be how to use the silly thing.  Oh I can't wait.  It should be a fun, annoying and excited adventure to embark on.  Wish me Luck!

A day trip to Natchez, Mississippi

I went with Fritz and his mother to Natchez today.  It was looking like a very dreary day at first.  It seemed like the further north we went the better the weather appeared to get.   We toured 3 Antebellum homes.  They were all amazing in their own way.

Stanton's Hall

This was our first stop.  It was beautiful!  We had a spunky little lady as our tour guide and she kept throwing jokes every time we turned around.  I think she played the Southern thing up too much.  We were tired of her by the end of the tour.  I was sad we couldn't take any pics on the interior.  But it was amazing.  So detailed.  I love that about these old homes.

Magnolia Trees were everywhere and in bloom!  They had the sweetest smell.  We had one in our front yard growing up, and I forgot the aroma they give off.  Such a pleasant surprise.

Melrose

I was excited to find the blue hydrangeas in front of this house.  Apparently the park association or something owns and runs this one so it wasn't as fussy as the others.  But I could take pictures inside so I was happy about that!  This wasn't our favorite home, but nonetheless a pretty one in its own way.

Longwood

This octagonal beauty was my favorite by far.  It was a site to see inside and out.  I'm still amazed at this house.  I want to go back through this one.  It had something like 5 stories but only the basement was finished.  Crazy!  We were able to take pictures at the unfinished parts of the house.  It took my breath away.  Lame, but so true.  I am truly a carpenter's daughter/ and granddaughter!

Dunleith

I really really really wanted to go inside this one!  It appeared when we trespassed the grounds they were setting up for a wedding or something, unless they keep the white tents up year-round.  Simply beautiful.  This is Markus' kind of Plantation.  So we are going back, I decided.  This is one we will be going to see the inside of.

St. Mary's Cathedral

The locals (tour guides) were talking about the cathedral and I knew I had to see the inside of this "Gothic" Cathedral.  Don't you love the blue ceilings?  It was so unique as most of these are.

Awesome random house.  How about living in this in Natchez?  They had so many cool houses there I would kill to live in or how about just look at the interior of.  I had to take a picture of this house.  It had on the entry gate "This house has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places".  WOW!

Overall I had a great time.  I can't wait to go back.  I told Markus we should really try to make this little town our vaca spot to spend our 5 yr anniversary weekend.  It made me think a little differently about small towns.  We were told by one of our tour guides that everyone there is related.  I just loved this little quaint place.  What a great day!

Tunica Hills

I didn't bring my camera to Tunica Hills yesterday, so I have none to prove what I endured.  It was fun, but I'm not 16 anymore... bottom line.  I forgot what it was like.  Oh it's nice and hilly at first and you are up and down a lot.  Then you get to the part where it says continue on at your own risk.  Wow... um OK.  I didn't know what we were about to get into.  Climbing over rocks wasn't exactly my favorite part, but the natural born leader in my lead the pack and we did just fine.  Now the way back was hard especially since it started raining on us.  But it was fun and a great way to get some exercise and then some.   It made up for me missing my walks 4 days this week.  Sad I know, but I was being too lazy.  But back to walking on Monday morning.  I just have to remind myself to get into bed earlier.  It would be much easier to wake up.

Happy Visit!

We got to visit our friends Tank & Anne tonight who just recently had their little guy Carson. Boy is he precious! I got to hold him of course and rock him and all the fun things you do with babies, like smell of their sweetness and touch of their delicate skin... I could go on, but I'll spare yall. Check out Baby Carson HERE!  He sure was a doll.  Can't wait for one of my own!  Thanks Tank & Anne for letting us invite ourselves over :)  We really enjoyed our night with you.

It's About Time!

I'm so excited! I'm finally getting my sewing machine I was promised last year. Only I ended up picking a different one out. Instead of a Kenmore I'm getting a Brother. I hope that was a good choice. Both had great reviews. Best part is I used my points from my debit card rewards to get an Amazon GC and between Markus and I... didn't have to pay a thing and he still has money to get him something too! I can't wait. Need to go get some training with my Mom or Granny :) Looking forward to a new craft/hobby! It's gonna be great... and probably hard to, but I love a challenge!

Hair Cut= Happy Jenn!

I think I will never have long hair again.  Just throwing that out there!  Oh best part, FREE!  Helped my BFF's mom out by cutting on her hair and she insisted I not pay her.  *(I think I still owe her)*  Thanks Karen!

I love Spring!

I love this time of year... when I can walk out on my patio deck and soak up the beauty of my plants,  the wind blowing in my hair and the sunshine heating up my bench.   What can I see I love to see things grow and the beauty and happiness it brings to my days...  Thank you Lord for blessing me with such an awesome world :)

A Mother's Day Gift {for me}

I got 2 shephards hooks for some hanging baskets around the deck.  I love love love them.  Markus actually spotted them when he got the stuff for the "sprinkler system" and passed them up.  I went back the very next day and they were out.  So went back the next day and they had gotten more in.  I love them!  and @ $4.99/ea I thought it was a steal!  Looking forward to a "Mother's Day" I can share with my child :)  Until then, I'll just keep buying myself presents... hahaha!

Happy Mother's Day

Just wanted to tell the mom's in my life how much I love them {Publicly}.
To My Mother,
You gave me life and for which I am very grateful for.  You also raised a daughter with the determination to do ANYthing I set my mind to do and I'm so happy for the drive, especially on those projects I don't always want to finish right away.  You also raised a daughter with the same love and appreciation of a garden that you have and that a little hard work can give you more than you even imagine!  I don't know what my house would be like if it didn't have a garden.  For that I thank you for all I've learned from you.

To My Granny,
Even though you won't read this (cause I know you don't know how to use a computer) I want you to know how much I love you too!  You are a very strong person.  Your strength is amazing to me.  So is your stubbornness but now I know where I got that from too :)  I think I've watched on as you have created the most beautiful masterpieces to fill your walls with and I can only hope that I will be as talented as you are.  You have talent that people, young people specifically only dream about.  I hope you can teach me a thing or two about sewing.  I would be more than happy to learn from you!

To My Mother-in-Law (aka: MIL),
I also have much to be grateful to you for.  You gave my husband life.  I wouldn't have him in my life if it wasn't for you!  He learned to be a lot like you, being sweet and kind, observant, non-judgmental, and passive.  Qualities at times I wish I possessed but at times I try to just emulate.   You taught him how to treat a lady and he is great at it (though you keep telling me he will learn some things).  You have accepted me as a part of your family even though I'm sure at times you wished he'd just have married a Catholic girl, and for that you will never know how much it means to me.  You are an amazing person and I'm so glad to have you as a MIL!

Love to all of you.  May you know how precious you are and may you be blessed for your efforts and be noticed for all you have done for me and for my wonderful husband.

THE END!

Mom Brunch Saturday & Sunday

It's been busy in my kitchen!  We've had my MIL over yesterday and my mom over today for Brunch.  Very successful I must say.  I served Eggs Benedict with a side of fresh fruit & avocadoes over salad greens and shrimp on the side.  Yum Yum!  It was my first time doing poached eggs, but it proved to be ok for a first shot.  Thanks to my sister's bf Brack and Martha Stewart they turned out to be awesome.  I didn't think I like hollandaise sauce either, but apparently I do!  Maybe I just haven't liked the ones I've had in the past who knows.  I just love brunch.  Thanks Esther and mom for coming over and letting me/us share and celebrate Mother's Day with you.  Yall are very special to Markus and I and if nothing else you were able to be waited on for one meal.  I hope you liked it just as much as we did. 

Love Jenn

Mid City Art Hop

I was so excited to for today.  My sister Natalie and I went to the Mid City Hot Art, Cool Nights event and it was AWESOME!  We had a blast and even managed to get a few cute pics along the way.  Here are some she took with her phone.

They had a flamingo part in one of the boutiques we were in.  I had to try these on.  When I brought them close to my face to put them on I think a little kid tried them on before me cause they smelled like baby.  And yep you guessed it I smelled like baby for the rest of the night :)

Then I found this "2 Carat Mug" there too and had to get this thing on camera!  Crazy believable huh?  

I was so happy to get to go into boutiques that I probably wouldn't otherwise go in.  It was a great success.  I even ran into a lady I worked with and some old friends I had not seen in years!  I snagged a Mother's Day gift for my MIL and even managed to get me a pair of earrings :)

Almost a Dozen

If there is one thing I love about my husband and gardening, it's the fact that almost every time we are at the nursery he is pushing for me to buy roses.  I don't know if it's because by me buying roses he won't ever have to get me flower again (because I grow them people) or because he knows of my love of roses.  But anyway, pictured here are my first 2 rose bushes I bought last year that haven't disappointed!  I have half a dozen of "Double Decadence" which is the pink/yellow roses and 3 (I have 2 more that haven't quite opened up enough on the bush) of "Mister Lincoln" which is the red rose.  Both of which have about the sweetest and best smell ever!  As soon as you walk out on my patio you can smell the roses!!!!  To me this smell is better than baby powder :)  So just taking some time to stop and smell my roses :)  These are coming to work with me today!

Markus I love you so much and I'm so thankful you push me towards the things that I love, like roses.  If only you knew how happy these flowers make me.  Here's to my sweet love, Markus!

Wordless Wednesday!

Awesome Hunny!

So I forgot a day of NaBloPoMo.  Oh well.  Today I'm going to post twice to make up for it!  My husband is so great he installed a sprinkler system (Thank you MIL & FIL) and it works!!!  VERY well :)  I'm super excited about it.  I think he knows how much I treasure my garden and how annoying it can be to water everything.  Now I can put even more plants in my front bed!  So see how it looks now... well it will be lookin even better once I fill a few things out and get her all cleaned up.  This front bed is always a work in progress.  I added my variegated hydrangea from the back yard and put it in my front bed and with the freezing winter, it didn't come back with full force.  So I hope it does better as time goes on.  It's one of my favorite plants.  So there you have it!  Stay tuned for more pics to come in the near future... with my new awesomeness sprinkler :)))))

Pedicure

Is there anything better than freshly painted toes?

A Good Sunday

Markus was off today.  He is rarely off on Sunday so I was super excited that we could go to church together.  I even remembered to call my sis to pick up my niece, but she didn't answer the phone.  It was so cute, after Sunday School was over an older lady sitting behind Markus and I says, "I saw you getting those love taps".  I laughed and said, "What love taps".  She was so sweet about it and went on to say how cute Markus was and how sweet he was.  I told her that I don't get to have my husband at church with me hardly anymore and was eating it all up.  She smiled.  I sure felt like a lucky girl!

While my heart was surely open this "fast" Sunday this scripture spoke to me:
Doctrine & Covenants 4:7  ^aAsk, and ye shall receive; ^bknock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

And today that is just what I did.  But also of course requesting if it be His will.  I know the Lord has a plan for Markus and I and I pray that as we ask we can be ready and willing to receive His blessings and not expect our version of His blessings.

"Look Up" Theme for May 2010 NaBloPoMo

I thought what better of a theme than "Look Up" to participate in posting on my blog for 31 days than this. I will probably work more toward the Looking forward of things, but it could really be equated to me "looking up". I did a lot of looking up today as I stared into the sky and wondered when it would rain. Markus and I went downtown to eat breakfast at Paul Wong's. Believe it or not, I actually tried something different than my standard waffle with pecans, with whipped cream, topped with fresh fruit (from the Farmer's Market) and syrup of course! I had their triple decker sandwich which could basically pass for a breakfast club sandwich. It was awesome. Then we went to "Fest for All" which was like an Arts festival around the Shaw Center for the Arts. It was nice. There are so many talented people out there. Below is one of the many cool displays we saw there. Want to take a wild guess at what one of these 7x7 boxes cost? $225!!! I told Markus take a pic of this. Love the idea, but refuse to pay that for it. Cool huh?

I looked all over for my girl Beatrix Bell and couldn't find her anywhere. Ok so she isn't really my girl, but she makes some seriously BEAUTIFUL and unique jewelry! One day I will own her pea pod necklace, but I just don't feel right buying it unless I have a baby/child/kid. Overall it turned out to be a much better Saturday than originally planned. I love it when that happens.