The Big Three-One!!!!!!

Last week, Andrew turned 31! I'd kept him in suspense over his birthday surprise during his birthday week, and it almost killed us both! Finally, on Friday (his birthday), I was able to let it out!

We went to...

We stayed at...

We ate at...

(except we were in Charlotte, of course!)

Andrew normally HATES his birthday. He doesn't really care to make a big deal about himself, which is exactly why I wanted to do something special for him. Morton's was amazing. My cousin, Jan recommended it to us. I think it's safe to say that it's the best steak I've ever had. The asparagus was the size of cigars, and we had an amazing piece of key lime pie for dessert (complete with a candle for Andrew's birthday). The servers were so sweet, and they took a picture of us when we sat down. Later, they put the picture in a card signed by the staff. Overall, it was a great experience, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone!

So...Happy Birthday, Andrew! You are a wonderful husband and my very best friend. I am thrilled to be sharing this life with you and can't wait to live all the great times in years to come! Love you! ;-)

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!!!

Dear Life: Please Slow Down. Thank you.

If there's one thing that's certain right now for Andrew and me, it's that our life together is crazy. Although Andrew has some flexibility and routine to his schedule, my work schedule is always shaking things up just a bit. This past week, I worked Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights--which kinda stinks, because you never feel as if you have time to recover or get anything done before you're right back in the swing of night shift again. When I woke up on Friday, I felt as if I hadn't even slept since 0830 that morning. Sad...

Well, since waking up, our lives have stayed busy. We ate dinner and had game night with some friends last night, grabbed Andrew's hunting stuff from his parents' basement, and finally came home. Today, Andrew left for hunting around 0530 this morning. Would you believe that I couldn't go back to sleep?? ARRGGH! I remembered that Old Navy was having certain sweaters on sale for $10 from 7am-10am. So, you guessed it. I did something that I've NEVER done before...got up early to shop. I kid you not. I've NEVER done that before! My sleep has always been more important than a sale. Besides, I just convince myself that I can live without it. Well, not today. I was the first person in the store. I felt so weird walking around with my coffee. I needed an IV hooked up with some caffeine infusing. I may have been awake, but I was still kind of out of it. I did get some pretty cute things...and saved $98. Feels good...but I don't think I'll be doing that again any time soon...make that ever! At this point, I was in Old Navy and on the phone with my mom...which I continued to do as I ran errands for about 2 hours. After Andrew got home, I ran and grabbed Jersey Mike's (which we LOVE), then we ate and took a long nap...almost 3 hours. Yeah, we were tired. After I finally got up, we did some house hunting and spent a little time over at Andrew's parents' house with Manning and Wyatt. I bought Wyatt a cute little light blue jacket at Old Navy for $2, and of course, I wanted to see if it fit. Now, we're both sitting on the couch watching the Carolina game. Man, they better not lose this one!!!!!!!! I go back to work this week :-( ! Then, we go to the SC State Fair on Thursday. I am so excited that we have ride tickets, even though I'm an old woman and can't ride all the cool rides like I used to. Who am I kidding? I used to ride those every year when I was a kid, and every year I threw up. Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!

Andrew killed a pretty nice deer a couple of weeks ago, and I have been instructed to provide you with pictures. He recently decided to get it mounted, so I decided to go shopping ;-) We like to keep things even around here. I have a few more hundred dollars to go. He says, "At least my deer will feed the family, and your purchase won't." I say, unfortunately mounting a dead animal is no different than me going out and buying a $300 beanie baby and hanging it from the ceiling fan. We have differences in opinions as you can tell. Honestly, I don't mind as long as those deer never make it into our living room. This just in: they never will.

Other random tid bits:

1. My best friend Camille is ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for her and Chris, and can't wait for the wedding and fun trips to Charleston. More to come on this over the next few months.

2. Our new favorite show: Undercover Boss. Unfortunately, I cry every time. You should really watch it! Sunday nights at 9pm...unless football is still on (which it always is) and you'll have to wait until it's over.

3. Speaking of favorite shows: We are so behind on Grey's Anatomy, since I've worked a lot Thursday nights lately. We'll also miss this week's episode because of the fair.

4. Last week's Carolina game vs. Alabama was AMAZING, and we were able to be there! I was running of 4 hours of sleep (of course), but Andrew was so sweet and brought me Coke to help me make it through!!!!!! Andrew made sure to save his ticket and pass on the free Rush's sandwich. He thought it was more important to keep the ticket from the first game where we beat a #1 team. Can't say that I blame him.

Ok, I need to go now. Carolina is not handling this game as well as we were hoping. More updates coming soon...bye for now!

Guess what we did today???

So, we did it. Andrew and I finally joined a gym. I am so excited, and even though Andrew is probably not as excited...he's still acting like it! When I was at Carolina, our workout center was incredible. Camille, Jennifer and I used to do aerobics at "the Strom" all the time. I remember those days (and situations) fondly...

1. There was the time where I had to leave the class in the middle of the jump rope session because my bladder control is that of my mother's (which isn't saying much.) I haven't even had kids yet, and I'm doomed. I think it's from holding in so much during high school. You don't use the bathrooms in high school unless you smoke. At least, that's how it was at Greenwood High.

2. There was the time to where "Wanda Workout Queen" was all in our personal space, and I almost had to deal with it. Well, I did ask her to move. I'd like to say that I asked her nicely, but sadly she had me so annoyed that I failed. She was mean, too! Oh, I wish I could go back in time and not be so annoyed...oh well, you live-you learn!

3. There were the times where Camille and I were all about our Kickboxing and the instructor, Bronwyn. We just loved her. She was in law school, and so athletic, and we just wanted to be just like her when we grew up. Well, three years later...and (drum roll) I, at least, am still out of shape. Her influence didn't work as well as she'd hoped. I bet Bronwyn's not out of shape. She was the best kickboxing instructor ever.

4. There were the times in kickboxing where Jennifer did the most awesomely hilarious shoulder rolls in warm ups. That's all I'm going to say.

5. There were the times where we completely blew our workouts by eating poorly afterwards. Yeah, that was fun!!!!!!

So, I'll keep you posted as to how the "shape up" process works out. Andrew has to go over to his parents' house tomorrow to find "work out" shoes. Yes, it's been that long for him! Also, he informed me tonight that he had some "And 1" shorts that he could work out in. Seriously? I think I was in middle school the last time that brand was sported! He said tonight, "What are your plans for tomorrow? Cause, I'd like to be able to walk the next day!" Precious! So, here we are-- the 26 year old, washed up, haven't-played-sports-since-college-intramurals girl and the 30 year old, washed up, preacher who has started to go gray since the last time he pumped iron. Well, all I can say is that this should be interesting. Stay tuned, my friends.

P.S. Andrew wants you all to know that he's still underweight for his height, which I'd like to add is easily accomplished when you're 9 feet tall and nothing sticks to you. I would also like to add that underweight does not equal healthy. Thank you, that is all!

almost fall...

Tonight is just a lazy night for me while Andrew's hunting, so I thought I'd catch up on some blogging. Actually, I've been cleaning and doing a little organizing, so at least I'm not completely lazy! And...I'm going to turn off the show "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" because it's really annoying me. Their rings cost more than what I make in a year. Wow....

Life is still steadily busy for Andrew and me. Andrew now has a new office, so he's not having to do everything (including weekly meetings) at the apartment, which is nice for both of us. We have faithfully attended all the home games at Carolina so far, but I'm really looking forward to watching tomorrow's game against Auburn from the comfort of a couch! Well, we're watching our nephews during the game, so I may not be sitting too much. Nothing could excite me more though!

Andrew has already started hunting again, and he got a 7pt buck the other night. His next mission is to take me with him.

Recently, we bit the bullet and shelled out some bucks for a new mattress. All I can say is: Tempurpedic mattress, where have you been all my life?????? We are so happy with it, and we even moved up to a king size...yay! I'm just as excited about the fact that we now have a bed in the other bedroom, which is still Andrew's office! So, bring on the guests! (Hint hint: Mom and Dad!!!) It's a little cramped in there, but it works! Also, Andrew still has his deer and fish mounted in there!

Family update:

Dad is still working away in Cayce as their interim city manager! I don't know if I blogged to announce before, but Mom was selected Ninety Six Primary's teacher of the year and also as Greenwood 52's district teacher of the year. I just couldn't be prouder of my parents. They work so hard and with such integrity. I just want to be like them when I grow up! ;-) We have been able to see them a little more lately, since they have season tickets to the Carolina games now! I'm so glad we all got to see Carolina beat Georgia!!!!!!!!!! Gavin is busy training at Starbucks and playing gigs during the week and on weekends at churches.

Well, it's time to go. Hopefully, I'll keep being a good blogger....we'll see!