The Wilsons

Lena Catherine's Story

2012-01-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

It is hard to imagine how much has changed since my last entry...though I am still wearing those peep toe heels :) I realize that some people will care less about this post, but I need to get it all down before I forget those crazy moments between being told "your epidural is in - you can rest and take a nap." and "we have a baby, where's the doctor?!" Don't worry - I saved all the gorey details b/c there are somethings I don't even want to remember about my daughter's birth.

Rhyn's due date was November 20th and my doctor and I had discussed that if I did not go into labor beforehand I would be admitted Monday, November 21st (also my mother's birthday) to be induced. I just knew she was going to come that weekend. I had been dialiated for a couple of weeks already and honestly I wanted to have the surprise of her coming into this world when she was ready. Alas, even after an emotional breakdown Sunday night, I was admitted into the hospital at 5:30 Monday morning to be induced.

At 7:30 they began the pitocin drip and broke my water (after sticking me 4 times and blowing out 2 veins with the IV). Nate almost passed out at this point but luckily for him it was the only time. Since I have never been through labor before, I wanted to see how much I could handle before begging for the drugs but I had some issues handling the pain - 1) with 3 sticks and 2 blown veins on my left hand, it was useless for squeezing or being touched for that matter. 2) Depending on my position, Rhyn's heartrate would drop so once we found a side she was happy with I had to stay put. So much for getting to move and handle the pain. I was good until the back labor began and I thought my hips were coming apart at the seams. Guess they kinda were.

At about 4 inches I decided I had enough of the natural labor bit and opted for the epidural. The time that passed between asking for and receiving the marvelous drug was the most intense pain of my life. Ever. I'm not sure how Nate made it out without a broken finger or bruised wrist. At 10:22am they kicked out the fam to prep me for the epidural. My amazing nurse was nice enough to lend me her fingers to squeeze - I can't believe I was nice enough to apologize to her during contractions! Guess I really am a sweet person at the heart of it (aka - I went through labor and didn't cuss a single person out. A fact that even surprised myself). My nurse walked out of the room to get my cathera and uttered these amazing words "When I get back and get you set, you can rest and take a nap." A nap! Oh dear Jesus. That's what I've been needing all day. A nap. It was getting close to lunch so Mama and Jason left out to get Popeyes.

Then Rhyn's heartrate dropped to 60. Nurses ran into the room and quickly checked to see what was going on. I was then at 7 cm and one nurse said "Oh crap. We have a baby." and asked me if I could push. Push?!?! What do you mean push??? I'm suppose to get a nap! Come to find out, Rhyn's head was stuck on my cervix causing her heartrate to drop. Everything was a blur after that first push since the nurse had to keep her hand on Rhyn's head so the doctor didn't miss her birth. Mama and Jason were at the truck when Nate called and told them to turn around. They just about missed it too.

After 4 1/2 hours of labor, we got to hold our Catherine. All 7lbs. 1 oz. and 20 inches of her. She was just about perfect. Seriously - she scored a 9/10 on her APGAR. Just about perfect. All in all labor wasn't a terrible experience and after 40 weeks and 1 day of being miserable it was a breeze. One fact scares the begeezus out of me - how close I came to having a completely natural delivery. Next time I may order that epidural as I walk in the door...just to be on the safe side. :)

Rhyn's first photos - screaming her head off.

Nothing like holding your daughter for the first time.

Just about perfect.

The birthday girls.

Pregnancy goals.

2011-11-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

I think every woman has random goals they want to meet during their pregnancy. Goals that make absolutely no sense to the rest of humanity but are completely logical to the woman with the belly and crazy hormones...so who would argue with her? I honestly believe the only reason we set these goals in our mind is so we keep some sense of who we are - not a growing whale of a baby making machine - but a beautiful woman who God has blessed with life. And for me it's that same woman that has rocked the hot black stilettos and 4 inch peep toes daily. That's right! My random, illogical/logical goal for this pregnancy - to wear my heels with pride. Followed closely by continuing to take the stairs at work.

I think it is safe to say that I have met my goal because today, at 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant, I proudly walked up the stairs to work in my 4 inch peep toe heels. I may not be able to see them past my belly, but they are there along with freshly pedicured toes (that I can no longer reach) and I still feel like me. I have, in fact, not gone completely under the "I'm pregnant and therefore make the decision to look terrible" thought process. *shivers*

Please keep all your "That's so bad for your back" comments to yourself. I've been hearing them for years and I'm that kind of determined person that will continue to wear my heels b/c I love them. And if you are concerned for my back, please know that at this point it hurts. Constantly. Daily. Whether I wear heels, no shoes, orthopaedic shoes, tennis shoes, flip flops - it hurts. I'm having a baby sometime this week - everything hurts.

Except my feet. And they look good, honey!!

What is in a name?

2011-06-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

A boat and a song. That is what's in my name. My papaw's boat, "Little Jeanie" (named after my mother, Bobbie Jean) and Beethoven's Fur Elise. My daddy said every time he heard it that he thought of a beautiful little girl playing a piano. I love it.

Nate and I picked out names for our children awhile back. And not b/c we've been together so long that we have talked about it for the past 9 1/2 years...*gag*. We both believe that names and the reason(s) behind names should be special. We decided a long time ago that we wanted to honor older generations in our family by only choosing family names. That being said...Lena Catherine was chosen for our first little girl long before she was on her way.

Lena is Nathan's maternal grandmother. Nate was very close to his Granny and I love hearing him talk about her. There is just something about having a close grandparent that you can't explain. She passed away when Nate was in the 5th grade and I am so thrilled that her legacy gets to live on through our little girl.

Viola Catherine is my maternal grandmother. (as I start tearing up now and only wish I could blame it on pregnancy hormones...) The truth is that my Grandmother loves me more than anyone else in the world and in return she is the most special person in the entire world to me. To say we are close is a severe understatement. She has always been a rock in my life and I owe so much of who I am today to her instilling time and wisdom into my life. Grandmother is 80 and I cannot express how humbled and honored I am to have her know her namesake. "My baby's baby is having a baby!" That is what she tells people. Now she can add "Little Catherine" to that conversation. She has always wanted me to have that name for a little girl and I would be lying if I denied the fact that having Grandmother know Catherine is the main reason I am so thrilled to have a little girl.

Lena Catherine will go by her middle name, Catherine. Nate and I both go by our middle names...so it's kinda of a mean joke to us. (Haha! That sounds awful, but you just have to know us to get it.) Her nickname will be Rhyn (yes, like the bird - wren). No Cat, Kate or Katie. Rhyn. Because I don't know anyone named Rhyn, and this little girl has the most special name in the world. Honoring two women that shaped her parents into the adults they are today.

Lena Catherine - Now you know what's in her name.

Mother's Day with three-and-a-half generations

2011-05-11T10:35:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Every moment with my Grandmother is one of those b/c let's be honest...at 80 you aren't promised another moment. Between remembering I only call my Mama "Bobbie Jean" behind her back and grabbing smoothies at a hole in the wall fruit stand, it was marvelous.

I don't think that anyone realizes how special my Grandmother is to me and vice-versa. All throughout my life she has been my rock. The only sane person in my family. My own personal well of wisdom. My picture of beauty and grace during all stages of life. A role model of acceptance and love coupled with a deep relationship with Christ that would turn any prisoner's heart. And has. A couple of times. An example of what it means to serve someone and make their day. How giving of yourself to make someone else smile is all that matters at that moment. Without a doubt I would be a completely different person if it were not for my Granny's influence.

I cannot wait for her to come home to Jackson, but as she sits in Texas, away from all of her family to stand by her husband while he is in a nursing home with alzheimer's, I cannot help but still look up to the woman who has shaped my life. It is a hard realization when she starts giving away her "special" things. Those stained glass angels that I have looked at from afar for most of my life are now waiting to be hung in my own window and I just about can't stand it. As if I can push back her leaving me a couple of years by ignoring the truth. I wonder how in the world can my children grow up without having Viola Catherine in their lives. I just don't see how it is possible. Then I remember all she has instilled in my life and know why it is possible...I am an eighth Chinese by her anyway. If I can just have an eighth of her love, patience and wisdom, we'll make it through. Nothing is worth more than love from a Grandmother.

Why my house will always be home to wayward animals

2011-05-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

My mother has this theory that she has always lived by and therefore instilled into my life - "Always allow animals to just come into your life." You shouldn't go out looking for an animal, just wait for them to wander into your life.

William, our first furry child, literally wandered into our lives in June 2007 while visiting a friend. He just walked into her back yard and came straight to me. When he was already biting me after 2 mins, I should have know better but that cute face just had us smitten! We fed him turkey sandwich meat when we got home b/c we didn't have a kibble of animal food around. Bella Jane's story just hit me like a ton of bricks when I heard about her litter through an email chain. Her litter was found in a box in the middle of the woods by some teenagers who were 4-wheeler riding. I don't see how anyone could dump a box of puppies in the middle of the woods (to no doubt starve and/or be eaten by something larger). So in April 2009 we brought home 6 week old Bella J.

Jonah is the only one I did intentionally look for, (thank you petfinder.com!) but only after it was painfully evident that Bella J. needed a playmate. I have never seen a dog so depressed in all my life! One freezing cold day in January 2010 Bella and I drove to Cleveland to pick up Jonah Burt at the Bolivar Animal Shelter. He is truly a perfect little brother for her. However, what do I get for going out and searching for a dog?? A completely innocent sweetheart who can't control his bladder when excited and is one of the dumbest dogs I have ever had. I am certain his mother is his sister.

And next on the list (!!!!) an adorable gray kitten that Mama found at work on Friday. I get to bring him home this evening so the little guy doesn't even have a name yet. I'm not entirely sure that he is even a boy...we'll call him Marty until these factors solidify a little more. A costumer brought the kitten in and said that he had been running back and forth across the street. My step-dad took it to the vet where they confirmed he had a paralyzed tail and wanted to watch him over the weekend. They were concerned that his hind legs were paralyzed as well, however he has made vast improvements over the weekend and gets to come home today!! Marty will have to have his tail amputated in the next couple of weeks and the sweet baby just cries and cries. He is so scared and unsure of everything right now. I doubt his couple weeks of life have been enjoyable.

So here we are...letting animals wander into our lives as number 4 makes his appearance. BTW, my mother has the same theory re having children. "They will happen when they happen." And believe me, all 3 of us were surprises so I know she put that one to practice! We have too and it seems like an extra blessing when God brings these little blessings our way. Furry and non-furry kids alike!

Pup Bday!

2010-11-09T07:33:00.001-08:00

We all know by now that Nate and I love our animals like children (and in this sans human children life we have, I believe that is just fine). Therefore, we celebrate bdays!! Make fun all you want, but if you stay tuned you'll laugh more than just at the fact I make dog-friendly cupcakes for puppy bdays.

Bella Jane's 1st burfday was so cute! She sat there patiently waiting as we sang "Happy Birthday" and then scarfed down her doggie cupcake once it was place on the floor. Now...why in the world would I think Jonah Burt's bday experience would be the same???? (fyi - his bday is actually Wednesday, but since that is church night Monday sufficed just fine)

Step 1: Make dog-friendly cupcakes. Super easy and Nate loves the smell of them (can we say peanut butter?). My little Jonie sat and watched me the whole time and was a great help at cleaning out the bowl (a bday tradition from my mother :)

Step 2: "Ice" cupcakes with cottage cheese (not sure why this is so dog friendly...but whatever. I love the stuff too.)

Step 3: Place candle...no. Nate lit the candle, then placed it, then it went out, then he lit it again.

Step 4: Call Jonah over and begin singing "Happy Birthday". He peed on me. Why does he always pee on me?!??!

Continue singing while pee runs down my leg... Why is the dog so crazy?!?! Chill out, you will get to eat the darn cupcake in a minute!!

I swear. The dumb dog is going to burn his tongue. Forget the singing...I'd rather not rush him to the Animal ER off High St...again.

Wow. That was interesting. What in the world?!?! Cottage cheese on my arm?? How did you manage that, Jonah??? It's like the cupcake literally rolled down my arm!!
And the pee on the floor....
Step 5: Elise takes a bath.

2010-11-08T09:29:00.001-08:00

What a marvelous weekend!! Very very rarely do Nate and I get to actually enjoy an entire day together...much less a weekend without "plans"! I say "plans" b/c you know that I always have plans, whether it's a church event or home project. This weekend's project - reorganizing the master bedroom closet. It's a heavenly feeling to have a closet almost as large as your dorm room your sophomore year in college, but geez that thing can get junky! (Who knew we had 4 garbage bags of clothes that needed to be shipped off to Goodwill) And how much more heavenly is it to have a husband who is ocd with clutter as well (aka - can't stand it!)

My buck slayer braved the cold to try and put meat on the table Sat. morning (*cough cough*), but did not succeed one bit. I, on the other hand, did succeed in sleeping in till 9am (!!!). One wonderful thing about being half blind without contacts/glasses...you cannot see the numbers on the clock unless you are 2 inches away from it. Add a beagle mutt on each side of you, and then you cannot roll an inch in either direction...much less get 2 inches away from the alarm clock on your bedside table. Perfect situation if I do say so myself.

This weekend also allowed me to finish a new book I bought on Tuesday, Falling Home by Karen White. Her books are my equivalent to a good chick flick. Love (even though most of the time I feel like yelling at the main female character b/c she is completely pushing away this wonderful man that has loved her since the 6th grade...hello idiot!!), strife, real life pains..it's all in there. And just like a cherry on a sundae, most all of her books are based in the South and her family is from Indianola, MS. Gotta love that Southern twang! Y'all know I'd rather stick my nose in a book that turn on the tube any day; and this weekend was just that kind of day!

So back to the daily grind and thoughts of how to prepare for the holidays (both personally and events going on at good ole RFC). I am so thankful for a stress free, successful weekend of closet organizing, sleeping in and book reading. Not to mention the cool air that makes me want to snuggle and remember why I love this time of the year so much.

Sweet sweet ALONE time

2010-10-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

I am a die hard introvert. I love ignoring the entire world except one space of grass I happen to be sitting on. Or spending hours not saying a word while having tons of words and images fly through my head as I am reading a book. I'm pretty sure this is why Nate wanted me to come down to Biloxi this weekend while he is working at the SEAWFA conference. He knows me and knows that I not only love my alone time, but need it.

So while Nate's morning began at 6:30am, I slept until 8:10 (!!!!), got dressed and then went on a search for good coffee and bfast...preferably Krispy Kreme :) Found one!! Driving down Hwy 90 you just can't help but be enticed by the beach...or at least a beach junky like myself can't. I don't care if it's MS or FL...it's sand and waves!! And regardless, I'm not getting in the water in Oct so who cares?

Book. Beach. Coffee. Amazing.

Friends.

2010-10-07T13:24:00.001-07:00

Some friends know you; some pretend they do b/c they have had fun experiences with you
Some friends you can disagree with, argue with and come out closer than before; some take it personally and attack you
Some friends admire that you are strong enough to stand up for what you believe in; some call you bad names b/c you have more guts than they do
Some friends love you no matter what kind of mood you are in; some are fake and only want to be with you when you are at your best
Some friends love your spouse b/c you love them; some like to talk bad about your spouse when you are not around
Some friends enjoy spending time with you no matter who is around; some just hang out when it's a convenience
Some friends encourage and help you grow in your relationship with Christ; some believe that you can't change
Some friends want to know your opinion on topics; some use your opinions against you

Meet the kids

2010-10-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

Cool weather and sunny skies tend to make me very introspective so I am sure October will produce several posts such as this one. In an attempt to give you a view into our lives, I'll begin with the ones that bring never ending excitement and companionship. That's right! The first post wholly about the furry kids :) Get ready. It's not often that I write in cat.

First off - William Turner. This cat is crazy and not your normal cat. He plays fetch (if he ever has sans dog time with us). Steals straws from your glass. Pounces on sleeping humans in the middle of the night. Stares at the dogs when they are outside and barking to be let in. And loves to play practical jokes....read about the most recent one here. Will went through all 3 moves during that one year I will never forget (and look back on fondly). He is the only animal that lived in the marvelous Knoxville. He loves to catch falling snow. He loves his "mousey" and occasionally still plays with it. He lived through things that are designated for dogs b/c these acts are a complete disgrace to cats...including wearing Halloween costumes and being walked around MUW's campus on a harness and leash.

Next in line is Bella Jane aka Moe-Bella (and yes, I did name her after 2 vampires. bite me). This pretty beagle/collie mix had a rough beginning as her litter was left in a box in the woods to die at 4 weeks old. As a result she is super needy and hates to be away from her humans. She is totally Nate's dog. Watch dog to the extreme. Cuddle bug. Rub my belly. Let me lick you to death, please. She can destroy a bone in 15 mins flat. Shows loves and loyalty without hesitation. There is no way you can continue to have a bad day when you realize how happy she is to see you in the evenings. Newest passion - playing fetch in the water.

Nate and I had been debating about getting another dog for several months. It was evident that Bella J. needed a friend. After spending a week with her cousins (Dee-Dee a miniature doberman pincher and Ringo a bulldog/basset hound mix), Bella came home to her mean older brother, Will, and became severely depressed. Well that sealed the deal and we knew something needed to be done asap. Petfinder.com is the best site if you are looking for a furry-kid. I found this beagle mutt in Cleveland, MS, and Bella J. and I went on a road trip!!

Bella Jane on the ride to pick up her little brother!

And now enters Jonah Burt aka Joanie Baloney. This dog is on crack. He runs at top speed 24/7 and has since the day we brought him home. He could care less if 2 humans and a 40 lbs. dog are already on the love seat; he's jumping up there too. After helping him through a pretty traumatic event for a boy pup, he became my dog all the way. He sits in my lap...regardless if there is space or if I am even sitting down. He loves and greets everyone. Never meets a stranger. Has issues peeing when excited...which is only about 80% of his day. Loves bones. Correction - loves stealing bones from Bella and carrying them around. Annoying little brother to the extreme to both Bella J. and certainly Will.

Jonah has a slight drinking problem.

Bella belly rub time.

Welcome home Jonah Burt!

Baby Bella Jane.

Mama's little boy.

Walking a mile in my shoes includes stilettos and a dog leash.

2010-09-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

I am married. I do not have children of my own species. I work at a law firm 830-430; M-F. I live in a nice house. I enjoy having doggie dates with my husband. I make lists. I cherish my alone, quite, reading time. I am a leader in my church. I tend to book every single weekend in a month. I enjoy cooking and decorating. I cannot function in a messy home. My family fusses at me b/c I am busy all the time. I am an introvert that thankfully married an understanding extrovert. When I get home at the end of the day, I lay on the floor and play with the pups. Every day this week has been/is booked. I love my life and am completely content. I hate it when people discount my busy schedule just b/c it does not include changing diapers.

My to-do list for this evening is killer, my friend. With a leadership retreat this weekend, I have been planning, writing and putting together resources for 2 weeks. Tonight will include copying all said materials and organizing them in a way that makes sense. Getting our conf room at church up to par. Purchasing and getting materials together. Going to the grocery store. Baking 2 batches of cookies. And completing the normal round of chores at the house for a Thursday night.

My goal is to be home by 830pm, and don't you know that I was running late this morning and forgot to pack a change of clothes. Approximately 12 hours of working and running errands in the same clothes which include my super hot, black, peep-toe, 4-inch stilettos. Lovely.

...told ya you would need some stilettos to understand this woman.

The only thing missing is a mud-pie.

2010-09-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

Subtract 15 years, replace paintings with mud-pies that look good enough to eat, and you have a perfect picture of Kristine and I as children.

Da baby niece and I tried our hand at painting last night and had a BLAST at Easley...I mean Easely Ammused! I'd recommend it to anyone!!

...but I still totally think they stole our [old] last name. What cha think K.E.W.?!?!?

2010-09-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

I hate being judged by my size. One day I will write a book called Discrimination Against Skinny People, b/c it happens. A couple of weeks ago I went to Lenny's for lunch and ordered a #10 - Italian Meatball...mouthwatering. When the waitress brought it out, she thought she had the wrong order. No. I just like FOOD! And happen to be skinny - thank you metabolism that I realize I will probably lose in 3-5 years...let me enjoy it while I can! And don't even let me get started when Nate and I go out and he orders some salad leafy thing and I get real food.

Today for lunch I decided to hit up my favorite place in Mad-town...Beagle Bagel (I mean how could I not love Beagle Bagel?!?!). As the dude brought out my Big Joe Panini (basically a roast beef dripping with pesto mayo, cheese and onions) I noticed something extra on my plate. Could it be?!?! OMG. Dude (Thomas aka my new bff at Beagle Bagel) saw me eyeing the cookies while standing in line. They had these amazing looking gi-normous brownie cupcake things....So he decided to give me a cookie on the house. Yes!!!! I prayed for some extra blessings to come Thomas' way for blessing me with this divine sweet...

One of these mornings...you're gonna rise up singing

2010-09-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

When I look back on my life, I can remember various times that rank as the worst week ever. I remember sitting on the basement steps of Cochran hall at MUW balling my eyes out b/c of a complete screw up with my social club; walking around campus listening my favorite "Mama memory" song (Summertime by Janis Joplin if you're wondering) reminding myself that I've been through worse than the past class time I humiliated myself in. All of these memories were my fault. As in, b/c I completely screwed up. With J.E.W. completely being the blame for this and completely taking the fall.

Did I mention that I hold the personal standard for myself so high that I must go full throttle 24/7 to reach it??? I know it sounds insane, but I am pretty much insane so it works. And I fulfill it...most days.

This week is one that will live in infamy for this exact reason. My brain has not been with me at work and it has shown this week more than any other in my history at MMQlaw. Monday - complete screw up on me. Tuesday - really major screw up on me...the likes of which are not fixed and are not able to be fixed. Wednesday - totally dumb screw up on something so obvious that I should have caught it before today. Thursday - stayed home from puking the night before and thank goodness I did so or there would be more to add to this list! Friday - I seem to be good, however my boss has not been in yet and the day is young.

On a brighter note, my outlook is beginning to change today. It's Friday. I have a wonderful husband who has continued to throw sweet words at me this morning despite my attitude. I have the best baby niece ever covering me in prayer. I have covered myself in prayer. And my Janis Joplin pandora station is playing memories from my childhood as I'm trying to plan something for Mama and I to get into tonight.

Did I mention I haven't seen her in over a month?? Yeah. She lives 20 mins away. I need more margin in my life for sure. (..and if you're wondering about margin, check out my Ptom's blog about it here)

He booby-trapped my toothpaste

2010-09-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Meet William Turner (if you haven't already). Will wondered into our lives in July 2007 and has not been allowed to leave; even though he has made several escape attempts. The cat is crazy. He steals straws. Plays fetch. Beats up dogs of all sizes. Attacks you in your sleep. Demands that you turn on the water faucet in the bathroom so he can get something to drink. Throws up hairballs in the middle of the living room during Bible study. Believes he should sleep on the pillow next to Nate and therefore spends the night kicking me off of my pillow. In my opinion, he needs a girlfriend. (....Petunia...here kitty kitty....)

Last week I went to brush my teeth. As I squeezed the toothpaste tube, toothpaste squirted out the back end and all on my hand. Will chewed the end of my toothpaste! He booby-trapped it!! He planned it out and sabotaged my toothpaste tube. This cat has has no mercy.

Easley women time!

2010-09-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you are aware that I am not much of a family person. College was the best ever b/c I was busy all the time and only went home during holidays. Knoxville was even better...being 8 hours away you can't afford gas to come home but once every 2 months (this was also during the time that gas hit $4/gal). Yesterday I saw my Mama for the first time in a month and I live 20 mins from her. For some reason, I just didn't get the family thing....until a couple of amazing women (re) entered my life.

First, my sister. My only sister. I have 5 brothers. One incredible, amazing, beautiful Sister.

I'm pretty sure God only made me one sister b/c the world just couldn't handle another. We are the best Nature v. Nurture case ever. We have different moms, grew up in different households, different everything (except our Daddy), yet we act exactly the same. This amazing woman is my hero. 4 kids, full time job, owns her own business, kicks butt and takes names while looking hott the entire day through!! I know that her daughters and other sister will agree that she is freaking awesome and the best sister/mother we could ever ask for. In our family, the women have this insane belief that we should be superwoman....and we are. No questions asked, and this one especially is. Don't argue b/c you won't win...against either of us and surely not against both!

Next up is da baby niece!!! Check her out here. This is where you are going to have to pay attention to keep it all straight. Kristine is mine and Angela's brother's daughter. So we are both
her super amazing aunts and she is da baby niece. Even though she isn't at all...she is the oldest niece. Really this is the sister that God decided I could have after my mom decided I was enough and had her tubes tied. Kristine is 3 years younger than I am and I swear she will never let me forget that she is the baby. We will be old, grey headed, having a tea party in the nursing home and she'll be sure to remind me that she is the baby and therefore should have the last blueberry scone. Honestly, I have no idea how I made it through my high school and college years without her. What were we thinking?!?!? You see, not many people understand my thinking process. It's a little off - I'll give you that; but it works. This kid not only understands my thinking process half the time she has it!!! Scary. For real.

She also gave birth to this kid. Which gives her extra cool points. Meet Hayden Lee. Great nephew #1 aka "Lil Dude"

...and this kid is hers too. Axel Lane. Great nephew #2 aka "Lil Punk"

And, guess what??? She has 3 dogs. And loves them. Like they are her kids. She gets my brain functioning there too! Maybe it's b/c we grew up in a crazy world where we felt our only decent companion was a dog. Either way, I know I'm in good company being crazy b/c she is right there with me!

So there you have it! Two of my favorite people in the whole wide world. My Sister and Baby Niece. The only people on this planet who I don't have to explain myself to b/c they already know. I love you!!!

Knox-vegas

2010-09-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

I am always completely stumped about what to get Nate for his bday. We've been together so long that I know him. I know that if he needs anything, he's going to go buy it. If he wants something, it's too expensive for my credit card limit. And if I ask him he's going to tell me "I don't need or want a thing. I have everything right here." Yeah. Sweet. And extremely annoying. I am never going to ignore the fact that you came into the world on this day and I will always get you a present, so how about you make life easier on me and just want something for once. Then the ASAP Printing guy showed up to work with an SEC football schedule...hmmmm...UT v. UT Martin Labor Day Weekend = Happy Birthday Nate!!

Even though he completely ruined his present by being his nosey little self (I can never surprise him) he was thoroughly excited and never expected football tickets as a gift. After sitting behind our desks all day Friday, we headed out after work to stay with Wahnee and Yoda in Tuscaloosa (two amazing friends from MUW...and Yoda would be a dog...not a little green man). After staying up talking entirely too late, Krispy Kreme was perhaps the only thing that could have gotten me out of bed. That and the sweet fact that I was heading to East Tennessee.

Now, to understand our love for Knoxville, you have to understand just a little of the story. Nate and I moved to Knoxville in July 08 after I graduated from MUW. We LOVED it. Other than my terrible job (sales associate at Belk, which meant no coming home for Thanksgiving or Christmas and this woman who hasn't been homesick since she was 7 cried at the age of 22 because she couldn't be with her Mama on Christmas) it was perfect. We had visited the city/school before and knew we wanted to live there. Everything we ever wanted. Then in Feb. 09 Nate was called in his boss' office and told that he may not have a job at the end of the month. After a search on careerbuilder.com, he applied for the job he has now in Jackson and here we are. Hindsight being 20/20 - we were scared and made what we thought was the smart, responsible, adult decision and came home to a steady good job; when we should have enjoyed our youth and stuck around for the ride in TN. So when all is said and done - We didn't want to leave. We forced ourselves to. And just about regret it daily.

Back to the story - If you've never traveled with Nate and I, there's somethings you should know:

we act like we're 15 and 17 again
we like to listen to music pertaining to that time period of our lives ("We're in AL-I feel like listening to dirty rap" -Nate)
I like to yell randomly at things outside of the car
The driver gets fussed at for going less than 10 miles over the speed limit (I know you all think I'm the fast driver but Old Man Nate will be going 90mph before you know it on the interstate)

As always, driving through Chatty called for a lunch date (Donut Sandwich?!!?)with two very special friends of mine from college (Krista, Nate's ex-2nd wife, & Haley) and then began the race to get to Knoxville before all the other UT fans got on I-75...and we lost. Regardless of barely making it to the hotel in time to pee, the game was wonderful!! Perfect weather (78 degrees) and a pretty perfect game with UT beating UT Martin 50-0. (And FYI - I think we've become addicted to attending UT games.)

Smokey is perhaps the best mascot ever and I want Bella J. and Jonah to be members in his club.

The rest of the weekend was filled with friends, live music, eating late in amazing restaurants we miss, and the nation's largest fireworks display on Labor Day - Boomsday.

We were pretty pathetic about coming home and created every excuse to prolong the trip including searching all across Knoxville for UT Volunteer collars for the pups. (which we never found)

So now we're pretty decided on where to go for our anniversary vacation (in case you missed my musings on vacation plans). Fun dog trip to the mountains it is!! I can't help myself. I love that place.

Just to poke fun at Nate - after driving in the car for 7ish hours and sitting in the Taco Bell/KFC parking lot in Decatur, MS, which button would you say turned on the car?? Hint: It is not the radio pwr, A/C, or air flow button. It would be the one placed where a key ignition lives in other cars and says "on".

paint it blue.

2010-08-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

Nate and I moved 3 times within one year of our marriage. And I don't mean like down the block from mama and back. From Columbus, MS, to the wonderful Knoxville, TN, in July 2008; then when the wonderful place turned downhill job, from Knoxville to Ridgeland in Feb 2009; and finally in July 2009 from the apt to our house! Now, Aug 2010, we have been in one spot for over a year. Can I tell you how liberating it is not to have to pack up a box?!?!? Not only did Nate and I move those 3 times, but those moves were preceded by college years which = packing up and moving out of the dorm every summer only to move back again in 3 months. I have to say that I hit depressed mode when May rolled around and I realized we weren't moving. Don't get me wrong - I love where I am and don't want to leave but when you have moved approximately every 8 months for 6 years, you kinda get in the routine of doing so. There is something about that fresh start that is invigorating and re-energizing. I love it.

So my fix...re-decorating!! (or in Nate's view, spending money and creating more work than necessary...but you know he is a trooper and gets completely involved for me!) The main rooms that have been tackled are the master bed and bath.

This is a picture of the pups on our bed (before!). They obviously hated our old comforter since they chewed holes in it till it couldn't be washed, then (as always) our little Jonah peed on it...well we couldn't wash it b/c of the holes! Whatever. So our bed had an assortment of quilts on it for months...including this cute western Looney Toons one Nate's Grandmother made for him. Cute, but not for a married couple. Daffy Duck just screams romance, ya know?
Bed after. :) We painted the room this gorgeous blue and hit up Bed Bath and Beyond minutes after our tax refund check went in the bank. The largest open wall in the room is hung with large gold frames (yes, just the frames), and wedding pics (in other frames, not in the completely awesome, empty gold ones). Now I just need to make up my mind about curtains and we'll reach perfection.

When we picked out the paint for the bedroom, we also grabbed some a shade darker for the bathroom. You see, our bathroom wasn't particularly ugly like the bedroom (which was that normal construction color beige that gets slapped on everything) but the Ralph Lauren brown just wasn't us.

So...after much debate, we painted it blue on Sunday. I found some fabric shower curtains on clearance at BB&B...can we say a steal for curtains?? And pulled out old stuff for a new look...

...& of course enough candles around the tub to burn the house down.

Vacation Thoughts from the Indecisive

2010-07-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

So I had a revelation several weeks back...Nate and I are very busy now-a-days. Between working full time jobs, staying active in our church, and being the MOH and Best Man in our best friends' weddings a week apart in August...this summer has been slammed packed. Seriously, May 1st was the last Saturday that we just sat at the house and that was only because our community service project planned for that day was rained out. So my revelation -

We are too busy and are going to have to schedule free weekends.
For me to have a "free weekend" I can't stay home. (since I don't believe in making excuses I can't just say "this weekend is free" and not plan something just because I say it's free...the world keeps on spinning regardless of how you feel worn out people!)
We don't have kids and should take full advantage of this fact.

Conclusion - Mini Vacas over the weekend!!!! The last weekend of July, Pensacola (Santa Rosa Island to be exact :). Labor Day weekend, taking the Amtrak to New Orleans!!!!

Then comes our anniversary. Nate and I have many little traditions, one being taking a vacation for our anniversary. This tradition makes me LOVE our wedding date. December 29th. You've been forced to be with your family through Thanksgiving and now Christmas...what better excuse to get the heck outta dodge than an anniversary vacation! We have been discussing travel options this week (mainly because I am about to go insane from my life and need an escape, and partially because we want to be confident that we made the best decision for our money) and are completely stumped. Here are the options:

Pay over $3,500 to go somewhere warm during December.
Southern State Road Trip! Knoxville, Charleston, SC (quick detour through Easley, SC on our way), Savannah, Hilton Head...you get the picture. Over 20 hours riding in Alice (my Altima), yelling at Marilyn (the GPS), debate about throwing Marilyn out the window, decide it would not be a good idea since she was a present from Nate's parents, settle on shoving Marilyn in the glove compartment (with a little more force than necessary), pulling out the reliable atlas I keep for times Marilyn lets us down, realize we are in too small of a town and it doesn't exist in the atlas, stop at a local gas station for a map......
Rent a cabin in the Gatlinburg area and bring Bella J. and Jonah!!!! But then again we lived in Knoxville and have done just about everything you can do in Gatlinburg area. Plus the romantic anniversary trip became the fun dog trip.
Disney World! About $2,500 and it's too cold to ride the water rides (my favorite).
Boston. Off season for travel. Nice hotel $119/night. 3 hours from NYC. Ohh!! Take the train to NYC for our anniversary date. Stay in the Waldorf Astoria (check that off my bucket list). Completely freeze to death and do something we said we would never do again....Go to NYC in December!! 20 degrees does not make Elise a happy camper and I will never fly with a sinus infection again in my life!

Who knows where we'll end up for our anniversary...

We should RENT a kid...really??

2009-12-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

Nathan and I have been together for over 8 years now and are almost at our 2 year wedding anniversary. Anyone that has been married for over 5 minutes, and is not already a parent, has heard the dreaded question...."So when are you having kids????" At this point, I am about ready to answer them like Nate, "NEVAH!!"

Okay, that is a little intense...and a lie. To cover my bases: Yes, we want children. I would like at least 2. Yes, we will have them, but chill out for me please. We have many friends with kids, and I love them (both the kids and friends). However, Nathan and I have come to the agreement that we don't want babies running around at this point. Financially, we'd go crazy. Professionally, I am not settled and am not quite ready to put those goals on hold. And honestly, I like going out on dates without calling a babysitter first.

Until now, our parents have not been pressuring us for grand kids. Last night I was informed by my step dad that we need to rent some kids this holiday season, so they can have grand kids over for Christmas. The entire night this conversation went on with my parents! Rent a kid? Really? This is getting a little out of hand. I just think people are ready to see me gain weight. :)

...and leave their declawed cat to fend for himself!

2009-08-28T07:51:00.001-07:00

They pretend they're going to always be there for you, and then one day they pack up and move away and take their love with them, and leave their declawed cat to fend for herself! They leave her, wondering what she did wrong. -Mittens from Bolt.

This is Frances...

We were told he was the "neighborhood" cat, but I've only seen him on our back deck. When I cleaned underneath the washer and dryer, there was a bunch of kitty litter under them both. After loving on the sweet kitty, we noticed that he is not only fixed but declawed.... They left their cat!!

Here's my theory, for what it's worth, the people who lived in our house before had a baby. I think they kicked the indoor cat out because of the baby. Then, they left him when they moved!

So meet Frances, he is the newest addition to the Wilson household and we are happy to have him! I'll be happy to feed and love the little guy. :)

Knox-Sickness

2009-08-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Recently, Nate and I have been doing things that seem to constantly remind us of our time in Knoxville. We get this strange sad feeling that's a lot like homesickness...but totally not...therefore we refer to it as Knox-Sickness. Don't get us wrong, we know that we are where God wants us, (and no worries Mama, we're NOT moving back) but we miss the amazing time and experiences that we had during those 8 months. I mean, imagine driving to the Smokey Mountains for a picnic after work! Or having nothing to do on a Saturday and going hiking to see the beautiful fall colors....and then you make a turn and run into SNOW!!!! Or spending your entire day off on the couch reading.

Things that make us Knox-Sick: Every time we play our Wii (which we bought on Black Friday at 5am...very entertaining Wal-Mart story...did I mention I had to close that night at work...), certain songs (Coldplay's Parachutes album, "Why Does it Always Rain on Me" - Travis, Muse, "Whatever you Like"-TI...), RESTAURANTS, Oh how we miss the restaurants! (Downtown Grill & Brewery...best appetizers and Blonde Ale ever! Oh the sushi options...Nama, Wasabi, Sapphire..not to mention the cosmos at Sapphire...Sangria Sundays on Market Square, Gridiron Burger...), my lazy days off when I did nothing but read and wash clothes (seriously I would not even brush my teeth or take a shower till 30 mins before Nate would come home...amazing days.)

For these reasons, when we are rich we are going to buy a second house in the mountains right outside of Knoxville and spend alternating weeks there. Ha!! Along with the Lotus Elise I want ;)

Closing Aggravation....

2009-07-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here it is...almost a week since our proposed closing date and we still have not closed on our house. The crazy loan people keep going back on forth on who's name they want where, and whether or not they want my information, but they really don't, but they have to verify my employment to make sure we don't make TOO much money (....really...that would be a bad problem?). God is really teaching me patience. Or trying to teach me patience I should say. If I would just hurry up and learn it we could maybe get past this. We have our apartment until the end of the month, so no worries at this point that we won't have somewhere to live. If it does get to that point, we told our lender dude that he has to store all of our stuff and we are going to live with our real estate agent. Seriously.

We should, at the latest, close on Friday. That means Friday night....I get my first bubble bath in 13 years :)

Our New Home!

2009-07-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

In the year and 6 months that Nate and I have been married, we have lived in a male residence hall at MUW (interesting laundry room stories for me...), the cutest and best townhome ever in Knoxville, TN, and the ghetto apartment complex we call home now. Within the next week we will move for the 3rd time this year...into our new house!!!!

July 17th, 2008, Nathan and I hauled all our crap 6 hours away to Knoxville. In February 2009, we packed it up again and moved 8 hours back home to Ridgeland. Now, 5 months later, on July 16th, 2009, we are going to close on our house, pack up all our stuff (AGAIN) and move into our house. I refuse to pack a box for AT LEAST 5 years.