Let's go Old School

Time and time again, I tell Bob that our society is going to end up like the people did in the book, Brave New World. Did you have to read that in high school? The characters in the book led mindless lives, lacking self-worth, completely dependent on a totalitarian government.

Don't worry... this post has nothing to do with politics. This post is more about how mindless, and numb I have become to the overkill that is now Facebook, Twitter, blogs (!), TV, and everything else in between. I see commercials with tags now. What the #heck is a tag, anyhow? Fortunately, (or, maybe not) the only mind-sucking social media outlet I have become interested in, as of late, is Facebook. Well, after months (I mean, months) of debating in my head of whether or not I should keep my Facebook account; I deleted it today. As much as I love to see pictures and updates on my family, and close friends - it has become way too much of a distraction to me. Ok, ok..., it's an addiction. (Don't judge... I know you too, are addicted.) I tried to "cut back." I tried to limit myself. I just couldn't. I have never had a lot of will-power. So, I pulled the plug. Out of sight, out of mind. And, of course, the most important reason for my decision - Bobby, and my family. I felt like it was taking away too much time from them. Boo.

So, if you want to know what's going on with my family, in our little neck of the woods - bookmark my blog! If you want, you can even pick up the phone, and call me. I know, weird, right? It's SO old school! And, if you aren't used to getting phone calls from me very often - that's about to change. I'm not going to be desensitized anymore, to the basic need of human to human communication. In all honesty, I just wish it was 1986 again... :)

Ok, I'm off my soap box now! xoxoxo

Valentine's Proposal

We had the honor yesterday of witnessing a marriage proposal of one of our best friends!

Bob's friend, Mike (or, as he says "a brother from another mother") proposed to his girlfriend yesterday. In Birmingham, each year, the Mercedes Marathon always falls right around Valentine's Day. Mike, and his girlfriend Brandi ran the race together. The big plan was for Mike to propose to Brandi at the finish line.

Bob received an email from Michael earlier in the week, with very specific plans and details about the proposal. It was a special email, in that he included us with his family (which drove from SC to witness it), and her family. We've known Mike for five years, and it is strange (but cool!) that he is now living in Birmingham. He lived just a few houses down from us in our old house, in Orlando.

Once Bobby was born, Mike became "Uncle Mike." Now, it looks like he'll be welcoming a new aunt into our family. We love you Mike and Brandi! Congratulations!

In a Nutshell...

Wow, what a week!

I am amazed at how fast this past week went by. Seriously... I can't believe my beloved blog has been neglected for so long. I was on such a roll too! Between Christmas shopping, spending a day hugging the porcelain goddess (yes, ewww), sending off my good friend Claire back to England, and partaking in more Christmas festivities, it's been a whirlwind of a few days.

So, what have we been up to? In a nutshell...

I did receive my gorgeous ornament from Lauren of Life with a Lab at the beginning of the week. This was due to the the fun Ornament Exchange I participated in with numerous bloggers across the country. The exchange was hosted by Shannon of Webbisodes, and Karen of Karen at Home. And, while I would have liked to have showcased the ornament on a tree, we didn't put one up this year (I know, I know... shame on us.) With all of the traveling we'll be doing (ATL-ORL-MIA) {Can you guess all three cities?}; I seriously could not fathom a tree. Plus, I have a busy body 19 month old! So, here's the ornament! It'll have a place on our tree next year for sure!

As previously mentioned, one of my best friends Claire moved last week. She was moving back to England. I didn't want her to go (and, neither did she); and it was a very sad time for us, and our friends. We did some fun things the last few weeks she was here, as she had an American/Alabama bucket list she wanted to complete. I babysat for her a few times, so she could get organized for their move. Here are some pictures of Bobby and Cameron's last play date together. Sad.

Bobby and Cameron looking out the window.

Cameron gives Bobby a push on his favorite toy.

The boys sharing a sippy cup!

Playing with Bobby's tool bench.

On Wednesday night, Claire's closest friends went out for one last dinner together. It was an emotional night for all of us. I have become so incredibly close to these girls over the past several months. They all have my heart. And, I think watching their kids grow up, alongside my own, makes it that much more sentimental. We laughed, and we cried. This picture was taken by my friend Jenny.

Claire and myself.

I finished off the last of the week miserably sick. Let's just say I lost about 5 lbs. in one day! We did manage to do one fun thing though on Friday, which was to have lunch at Bob's office. They hosted a Christmas pot luck for the employees, and their families. I worked my last ever shift at Fleet Feet on Saturday. We were so busy, I had no time to be bittersweet. I plan on doing a post about my experience there soon. Sunday was spent going to church, having lunch with our neighbors, and finishing up some shopping. Later that night, we headed to our friends', the Harris's for dinner. We then made our way to the Birmingham Zoo, for their annual holiday festival, "Zoolight Safari." It was fun, and neat for the kids - but, oh so COLD!

Bobby, Luke, and Cooper.

Lastly, yesterday morning, Bobby and I headed to a Cookie Exchange/Craft party in the neighborhood. It was a lot of fun, but pure chaos - ha! The hostesses did an amazing job though.

Bobby at his craft table.

And, as if those pictures aren't cute enough... I'll leave you with two more! I snagged these from my friend Jenny's blog. Her son turned one a couple of weeks ago, and she hosted a party for him. I thought the pictures of the kids on the couch was to die for!

And, this one is just too dang cute of Bobby...

Ok, I'm officially exhausted from this recap! I'll be back again tomorrow, to wish all of my readers a Merry Christmas!

"My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me." ~ Winston Churchill

Have you seen the below article?

If you have seen this, then you should know that it is a hoax. However, it is still fun to read, and I get a kick out of it each time.

Lately, I have been thinking of what my life will be like as a stay-at-home mom. Being at home is something I have dreamed for myself since I was a little girl. Yes, I know... it's not for everyone, but it's for ME.

Anyhow, here is my take on the article above:

1. Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish!) is part of the warm welcome needed.

What I think: I plan my menus each Sunday for the week. So, yes, if I am not working late, I typically cook each night. Granted, it may not be ready when he's home, but it will get done. And, I am concerned about both of our needs. I don't want either of us to starve!

2. Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people!

What I think: I don't think Bob considers his co-workers to be work-weary people! As a matter of fact, he enjoys his job and the people there. Oh, and I don't have any ribbons, so no help there. If I'm home all day, I do usually try to shower before he gets home though. And, how does one be "fresh-looking?"

3. Be a little gay and a little more interesting to him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

What I think: A little gay? Geez! Ok, ok... this one is kind of easy. If my husband comes home in a bad mood, or has had a bad day, then yes, I'll be gay for him! I know he lifts my spirits up when I need it; so, why wouldn't I do the same for him?

4. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.

What I think: I DESPISE clutter, so I am constantly doing this anyways. Enough said.

5. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables.

What I think: No kids yet, but see #4.

6. Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too! After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

What I think: Does handing him a nice, cold beer count?

7. Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize the noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

What I think: Again, no kids yet... but, I would hope that I would wipe the boogers and crust off the baby as soon as I notice it! And, goodness, if one of us can live under the illusion that our children will be treasures, more power to us! As for minimizing the noise, most household appliances these days are quiet. And, he does the vacuuming - whew!

8. Be happy to see him.

What I think: Ha! I AM happy to see him. What an easy "request" to fulfill.

9. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

What I think: Again, if one is happy, one will smile. As for the desire to please him... I think the labradoodle has that one under control!

10. Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

What I think: Ok, ok...this one is a toughie. I am not going to start nagging him the second he walks in the door. I know what it's like to come home from work exhausted. However, I don't think his topics are necessarily more important than mine.

11. Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

What I think: Other places of entertainment? Like what? A strip club!?! Ha ha! I encourage Bob to have "guys night" or activities, and he does the same for me. If anything, it's a chance for me to do what I WANT for the evening. However, we both know that this is an every once in awhile thing. Hey, we're homebodies. What can I say?

12. Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order, and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

What I think: Well, d'oh.... who doesn't do this? For themselves too, of course!

13. Don't greet him with complaints and problems.

What I think: Again, I hardly nag him, and I certainly won't do this the second he steps in the door. Perhaps, over dinner?

14. Don't complain if he's home late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

What I think: Bob stay out all night? When hell freezes over.

15. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

What I think: Ok, ok, who's the pregnant one here?

16. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing, and pleasant voice.

What I think: I can barely take off my shoes, let alone his. Oh, and if I changed my voice, I think it would freak him out.

17. Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and, as such, will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

What I think: I might get slack for this, but I actually trust his judgement over my own. So, no, he's not necessarily the master of our home, but I certainly trust him to make most of the big decisions in our life. However, I do question him all the time!

18. A good wife always knows her place.

What I think: Couldn't agree more - right by my husband's side, as his equal.

So, what do you think of this list? Has the role of the wife changed over the years? Are you a June Cleaver, or a Claire Huxtable?