26 = the age of forgetfulness

This week hasn't been good in one particular way. It's safe to say that I'm either losing my mind, extremely fatigued or going into a state of pre-mature alzheimer's. This is not a joke. Today, I managed to buy a loaf of bread...just like I did on Monday! Seriously, two loaves of bread within a few days of each other??? Just when I thought my brain couldn't get any sharper, I arrived home and my sweet hubby helped me unload groceries. As I popped the trunk open, I totally failed to remember that I had one of Andrew's birthday gifts "hidden" there! At least I got to see the expression on his face when he saw it. He was surprised!!!! It's just unfortunate that it had to be today instead of February 4th. I think I did something else forgetful today, but if you'll believe this...I've forgotten. Andrew is giving me a bed time curfew of 9:30 tonight.

Fortunately, I was able to use all remaining brain power to "coupon" today. I did extremely well between Publix and Bi-Lo. 15cent sour cream, free mustard, free pizza (aka dinner) and Blue Bell ice cream were some of the highlight buys. The ice cream wasn't free, but it's Blue Bell ice cream, so it's normally $7. Any time I can get Blue Bell for less than 1/2 the price, it's a win!

In other news (and very random news at that), Andrew had a great experience at the gym on Monday. I probably shouldn't get into all of the details, but here we go. Andrew was doing more sets of reps on a workout machine than normal. A sweet little older man came up to him to ask if the exercise put strain on the abdomen. When Andrew said "no," the man told Andrew that he was glad because he'd just had hernia surgery. Andrew politely said, "Oh, yeah. I know that's not fun, because I've had hernia surgery before." Out of nowhere, the man leaned down closer to Andrew and asked, "Does your OTHER testicle hurt??" Now, I was not there to witness this interaction, but knowing Andrew as I do, I think it's safe to say that his face got a little red as he made the jaw-dropping reaction to this question. Andrew quickly responded that his hernia surgery was not in "that location," and the man let Andrew know that his "other testicle" was indeed hurting. After telling the man that he ought to have that looked at, the conversation sort of died from there. Thank goodness! I knew I shouldn't let Andrew go to the gym by himself. It's not the girls in short shorts that I'm worried about. It's Andrew getting involved in a testicle conversation. That, I don't think he can handle again! Ok, I can't believe that I just typed this. To be honest with you, Andrew made me. In fact, he is sitting here beside me crying laughing! It is a funny story though, and I'm sorry if anyone feels that this was inappropriate.

Well, it's after 9:30 now. We're watching American Idol, and Andrew has given me permission to stay up until 10. Ok, time for bed.

Because Andrew said so...

So, here I am...blogging. Andrew suggested that I start getting on here every other day just to update people on the randomness of our lives. Well, on a random note, I don't know if any of you remember, but I used to have a cute little signature at the conclusion of each blog--"Meagan" (of course), since I'm the only one who actually writes on this blog. However, Andrew got a little jealous of the signature. So, the signature is no more. I am going to suggest that he contribute to this blog occasionally, because he's very funny and...it would just be awesome!

Today after church, Andrew and I joined some people for Mexican. We drove about 15 minutes to this hole in the wall place. I probably couldn't tell you how to make it back there, but oh my goodness. The food was great! A few of our friends who went are full-blooded Mexicans, and Andrew scored the "quote of the day" saying, "I just love going to eat Mexican food with Mexicans!" Classy, babe. I do see where he was coming from, though. Mark and Teresa knew exactly how to order for everyone there based on what their tastes were. I, the boring and predictable one, got my usual combo (cheese dip and chicken quesadilla). It was one good plate of boring and predictable though! The best part of eating today was probably the conversation. We were there with a few couples who've been married for 20+ years and at some point, the conversation turned to marriage. It was interesting to hear how "all women are the same," and "how difficult it is to buy women gifts." I guess married men of all ages share the same struggles involving women. And...without taking this any further, I would think the same thing is true for women!

This week, we received our year end giving statements from the church. I am not bringing this up to brag in any way, but prioritizing giving to church is extremely important. We gave much more than I ever expected we would/could. It is just great to see how God allows us to put our money where our mouth is...literally. Andrew and I both agreed that we hoped to give even more next year. Personally, I don't feel that giving stops with monetary contributions. I feel that we can all give more, especially in the areas of our time, energy and talents. God is faithful, and he will use our contributions far better and for far greater things than we could ever imagine or do ourselves!!

We hope to hear some news this week with the house. We are waiting specifically for the seller to give us a response that could potentially make or break the sale. I guess that the gravity of all the unknown stuff could be stressful, but honestly Andrew and I are comfortable with whatever happens at this point. Hopefully, we'll be sharing some good news about the house in one of our future posts!!!

My friend since high school, Jennifer "Young" Peace is pregnant with Baby #2, and we are so thrilled for the Peace family! I can't imagine a happier or more precious baby than Bradford, but I'm sure he or she will be just as adorable. Bradford just turned one year old this week, so they are surely in for a treat this year. I can't wait!!!!!!!! Congratulations, Eliot, Jennifer, and Big Brother Bradford!

Ok, I think that's all for now. Until next time...

We're still here...

I'm not quite sure if anyone even reads this blog anymore, since I've become pretty lazy about updating it. Call me crazy, but I just haven't thought that our lives have anything worth blogging about. Well, the other day I started thinking about how busy we've been. So, I decided to bring you up to speed--that is for anyone still reading!

Work: I've taken a new position in the newborn nursery. I absolutely love working with babies and their parents. I don't think that I'll ever be able to work with another age group. Babies are just better! Think about it-- wouldn't you rather change a diaper on a baby than an adult? The best part of the job change for me is the fact that I no longer work the weekend!!!!!!!! Ahhhh!!!!!!!!!

Church: Church is still going well, and we're in the middle of contemplating another move...to a better location. We have added some new families and things are really starting to fall into place. We sent a great offering to the Oliver Gospel Mission in downtown Columbia for Christmas, and it was so great contributing to such a wonderful organization! I am still singing every Sunday and Gavin even plays drums for us occasionally. Andrew is continuing as the main teaching/preaching pastor, and I must say that he's doing a wonderful job. He tells partially un-true stories involving me (the innocent wife) at times, but it's okay. I know he's just trying to make a point.

House!!!!: We have put and had an offer accepted on a house. Nothing's final yet, since we are in the process of inspections and all that jazz. We are hopeful...more to come on this later! I don't want to say too much at this point.

Random:

1. We just bought a new camera, and we love it!!! No more waiting for 5 seconds from the time you hit the button til the camera actually takes the picture!!!!! Andrew and I both got some money for Christmas, so we chose to combine it for an even better gift. Thanks to all who contributed the funds!!!!!! Hopefully, you'll see a lot of pics on here now...since picture taking will be fun, new and exciting!

2. We are becoming faithful members of the gym. You know you're going regularly when the people at the desk know you by name...before they scan your ID card! ;-) I can feel myself getting healthy again...and I like it. Now, if I could only give up the sweets. Cannot.do.it. :-(

3. I am currently killing my husband in Wii basketball. Yes!

4. I am currently killing my husband in Wii frisbee, table tennis, and most other Wii sports.

5. Andrew is barely beating me in Wii bowling and archery.

6. I accidentally was playing with Darcy (Sara Lynn's new dog) and not balancing correctly on the Wii fit board recently. Now, my Wii fit age is........drumroll...........39 years old. Wow, didn't see that one coming.

7. Olive Garden's unlimited soup and salad on Sunday for lunch has currently been one of our #1's. The chicken gnocchi rocks. Please, go try it!

8. Andrew got Mike Holmes' "Holmes Magazine" subscription for Christmas. He's so excited...you should see his face right now! I really hope we get this house. It seems as if he may have some projects to tackle right away! ;-)

9. This Christmas, we were able to spend time with both sides of my extended family. We spent Christmas afternoon with Andrew's family.

10. I hope this doesn't sound like a rant, but if I hear one more teacher (or anyone for that matter) complain about going back to work tomorrow (after being out of school for the past six school days)...I will scream. Well, not really scream...but I would like to say "Come on, people!" Yes, South Carolina did just have the Blizzard of '11 which crippled our state. However, some of us having been working every day through the whole thing. I love my job, but some of us don't even get national holidays...or three month summer breaks. That's all I have to say ;-)

On that note...I think I should go to bed!!!