WHY!!??

I don't know what I was thinking! I have never shopped black Friday...EVER. But for some reason I felt the need to go to Old Navy at 3 am this morning (like I need another $5 polar fleece jacket) and then over to Target. This was my first and last time to shop black Friday. I can check it off my list of things to never do again. The crowds were crazy and the lines were miles long. I am seriously lucky to be alive. Insanity! I was able to snag a special deal on a certain requested Christmas item for a little boy who has been very good this year, so I guess it was worth it...kind of.

Hair Update:

Don't you hate it when you put up your pre lit, piece of junk Christmas tree and this happens?

I think we have a few bulbs out. I seriously want to take this thing and throw it in the street. We usually get a real tree, but I tried to pull this thing out of the attic and make it work this year. Mistake.

Some Accountability Please...And a Barbie Story!

(not me...but very similar)

I was HORRIFIED after seeing myself in our recent family photos. I mean, I realized that I had not lost much weight since having the baby. But when I actually saw myself in the pictures, reality hit hard. I am the biggest I have ever been in my life and have realized that as you get older the pounds don't just come off as easily as they used to. I got mad at my sisters and husband for not telling me I had 6 chins, huge thighs, massive upper arms... and if that was not bad enough I chose to wear a big puffy sweater to just add to the bigness. I realize that I only have myself to blame! Something must be done but I HATE to exercise. I have decided to do the "From Couch to 5K" program. This takes you from being a couch potato to running a 5K in 9 weeks (I think it might take me 9 months and I will be happy with that). I am only posting this because I thought that by saying it out in the open it would give me some accountability in knowing I told everyone I was going to do it and I don't want to look like a big loser. If you love me you will HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE! :)

**Dont feel like to have to leave a sweet comment telling me I don't look that bad or that I am crazy. I am not fishing for a compliment. I looked in the mirror and saw the pictures. I saw hthe evidence and know the truth and it is not pretty!**

On another note: Mark told me that he was watching TV before going to work this morning and something was on the news about Victorias Secret models. (He says he was not really watching or paying attention...hmmmm...) Adam had just woke up and walked in the room and said to Mark "What is that woman wearing? A Barbie costume?" Ah, my sweet, innocent, funny boy! Sadly, that is no Barbie costume!

Sometimes it is better to RECEIVE than to give!

I love to give gifts. It makes me happy and I honestly do believe it is better to give than to receive. But today, I had some wonderful surprises delivered and I am thinking maybe it is better to receive! :)

First of all, I had a knock on my door and saw a Edible Arrangements delivery car in my driveway. The first thing that came to mind was that they must need directions to another house. I was shocked when she said she had a delivery for me! "WHAT? Are you sure?"...It seems our blog shower guest of honor, Denise, sent me the following goodies for hosting the blog shower. Honestly, I feel guilty for accepting this gift because I really have not done anything for this shower. It has been the easiest shower I have ever hosted. I didnt even have to clean my house!

Cute little bag it was delivered in
This beautifully packaged box was inside
Then...the best part...Chocolate covered Strawberries & Apples! Oh my gosh! Can I just tell you how good these things are. I think Mark was just as excited as I was! THANK YOU so much Denise. You did not have to do this, but I sure am glad you did! Cant wait for the shower.

Then if that was not enough, my mail arrived. There was a nice big package from my good friend Jaime. I could not believe my luck today. Inside was something I have been wanting for so long. I have been green with envy every time I would see other people carrying these adorable purses (like Dawn R). I cant believe I actually have one of my own! how did you know Jaime? You are so sweet and such a wonderful friend! I miss you so much!
And for my blogging friends who dont know Jaime (she doesnt have a blog, but I am working on her. She is hillarious and would be such a good blogger). Jaime used to live in Lynchburg and worked with me at World Help (while her husband was a kicker for Liberty's football team and later also came to work at World Help). She had a surprise pregnancy and since they did not have any family close by, I jumped in and assumed the role of her mother/sister/friend and bossed her around for her entire pregnancy. Telling her what to eat, how to take care of herself, what she needed to get and what to expect. I am sure she wanted to smack me. I was honored and shocked when she asked me to be in the delivery room with her when she had her sweet baby girl. It was a special day and I will never forget the experience. So many funny stories I will save for another time. Shortly after Addyson was born, they decided to move back home to Mississippi so they could be closer to family. I had become so close with Jaime & Baby Addyson, it was hard to see them go. Here is a recent picture Jaime sent me of Addyson wearing a pillowcase dress I made for her. Isnt she the cutest thing?!
Denise and Jaime, I have had a very stressfull and difficult week (I wont bore you with the details) But let me tell you that you both made me feel special today and put a smile on my face. Thank you so much! It could not have been better timing.