Brrrr!

it is 24 outside!!

The weekend of Martin Luther King Day, six of my favorite friends from State came to play! They got here late Saturday afternoon and stayed until Monday! Of course, we had lots of food, enjoyed good girl time, and shared a few laughs (especially about unicorns! I miss these girls so much and it is always a treat to see them (especially at my place!) Thank yall for coming to visit!! This past weekend, Luke and I had our first weekend since Thanksgiving to not go out of town or have people here for an entire weekend! We truly did not know what to do with ourselves (don't worry, we managed somehow!) It was so wonderful to be able to wake up on Saturday and Sunday and do what we wanted to, and we chose mostly to sit around and just hang out. Very much needed, and very relaxing!! I am helping host a Couple's Baby Shower in February for a girl at our church. I am in charge of decorations and need some ideas...so Bring them On!! Much appreciated!! Also, I have to spread the news: My cute friend TRACY has started her own Blog!! She has been a stalker (I am sure she can update you on just about everyone on my Friends Lists' Life right now). I told her she would have to start her own when she got married, and she has followed through!! She is still working out the layout and everything, but make sure you stop by and welcome her to the blogging world.

Wedding Cake and Richard Simmons

Luke and I finally ate our cake topper from our wedding....it has been hanging out in my parent's freezer for the last 13 months and taste delicious! YUM! The other night I woke up to Luke saying, "Yeah.....I am getting used to it." I lay there patiently waiting for what would come next, and I would have never guessed what was about to pop out of his mouth...

"SWEATIN TO THE OLDIES!!"

I died out laughing which woke him up. Guess I dont have to worry about him dreaming of Giselle...it's all Richard!

Michael and Katie are Married!

We spent the weekend in Tupelo celebrating Michael and Katie's Wedding! Friday night, we rehearsed and then had a fabulous bbq dinner at FireHouse Bar-B-Que. It is an old-home turned fire station restaurant and is just adorable. The decor all related to fireman and firetrucks, and the food was delicious. Being from Memphis, I consider myself a bbq guru, and I loved it! After dinner, the bridesmaids went to Ms. Amy's house and tried to get some sleep.


Saturday morning, we had hair appts at 8:00 am. We had a fun time hanging out and taking pics before hand, and then the wedding started! They had decorated with lots of greenery and candles, and it looked like we were in a forest. The lights were turned down, and the candles gave the whole sanctuary a romantic feel. Katie looked absolutely beautiful! Her gown was white lace with little sparkles scattered throughout. She was cool, calm, and collected all weekend. She had really been looking forward to being married, and her and Michael are just so perfect together! I cannot describe how pretty she was! Hope the pics give yall somewhat of an idea!


The reception was also beautifully decorated with more greenery and candles. The chocolate fountain was a hit (as always), and the strawberry cake was delicious! We had so much fun, and I was SO honored she chose me to be her Matron of Honor.

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Case!!

Happy Holidays...Oo ooo

"Christmas was thrilling with its carols and candles, brilliant wrappings, cakes and cookies, oranges and spirit of giving, its mystery of birth and lighted trees, and hush at midnight. But it was after the holiday was over, after the tree was down, and the mistletoe and turkey's paw throwed out, the gifts put away and wrappings folded to be used next year, and the last of the cakes and hard candies eat, that the best pleasure come. It is the return to the ordinary, everyday life on New Year's Day, that moved me most. With the decorations put away and the trimmings. there was such openness in the house. There was a spirituality in the absence and emptiness. The morning of New Year's Day the light was different."

The Truest Pleasure by Robert Morgan

Hello friends and fellow bloggers!

The holidays are over, the decorations are put away, and we are still waiting on our lives to slow down! Here is a breakdown time line of what the end of the month of December looked like (continuing from the previous post)

December 18th-Small group Christmas party at 6 pm; Work Christmas party at 2 am
December 22-Bousson-Parsons-Cantrell Christmas Extravaganza; If you notice the bells only Will and I have on, it is because we are still winning at the bell game. Uncle Bucky bought these for us many moons ago, and whoever remembers to wear them the longest to the B-P-C E, wins a prize. It was so long ago, none of us remember what the prize is, but Will and I are the only ones left. And I had a close call this year. Luke and I were walking in when I looked down and realized my bells were not around my neck. I screamed, "Turn around, GO GO GO!" And Luke slammed the door in Trey's face and we ran back to the car. WHEW! Close call!
December 23- Bousson family Christmas at my Mom's; Ms. Amy and Katie came in town for our church's Christmas Eve Eve service. It was awesome. The church had removed all chairs and set up pods of couches. Very intimate and the perfect start/middle/almost end of Christmas! We left from there to go to Mrs. Amy's in Tupelo.
December 24th-8:00 am- Tally (Luke's mom's immediate family) Family Christmas Breakfast at Mrs. Amy's. Delicious as always.
12:00 pm-Cantrell Christmas at Luke's aunts. More delicious food. And his sweet Granny gave us one of her old cast iron skillets, complete with homemade jelly, and beans she canned herself. So fun!
5:00 pm-My immediate family, grandparents, uncle, and stepgreatgrandmother came over for soup and desserts. It was so special having everyone here on Christmas Eve. This spot has always been reserved for the Bousson Family Christmas (see Dec 23), but my grandparents are moving and their house was not ready for company. So, as hard as it is, we made some new traditions, and changed some old ones. I am going to brag a little on my Martha Stewart skills. That beautiful confection you see in the middle is a Peppermint Red Velvet Cake. And it was as delicious as it sounds. After dinner, we had planned on going to the Christmas Eve service at the church where Luke and I got married. It was packed, so we just walked around the square and looked at lights. So pretty!
December 25th-Luke and I got up early to open our presents. He is by far the best gift giver I've ever met! Good job honey! Then we went over to my parents for Santa, and then the whole fam came over for Brunch. After that, we usually go to a movie mid-afternoon and then eat Chinese. Well, the hospital doesn't close for Christmas, and women still have babies, so I went to work while everyone else carried on the tradition. They were sweet enough to all come up to work with some sweet and sour chicken, so my feelings weren't that hurt.
December 26- Street family Christmas at my maternal Grandfather's house. My step grandmother's family always has fried chicken on Christmas, so my step-great-grandmother hand fried every piece we ate that night!
December 27-Much needed haircut and Supper Club
December 28th-The Wilson Lunch Group is back together, and one of us is expecting. Not me, but my dear friend Audra. Please check out her blog for her baby story. Hilarious! It was also so great to see Erin, who moved to Chicago, and Blake, who lives here but I never see!! Luke's fraternity brother, Kevin, spent the night! We also met the Ramsey's, the Keith's, and Saunders parents at Firebirds for dinner. Their food is so freakin good!
December 29th-The Liberty Bowl!! The Butts came to stay, and we also got to eat with Mims, Kate, and Lindsey! SO great to see all of yall...The Game-not so exciting, but we won, so I was happy. We then hit up Beale St and Krystals...I think I had been awake for about 39 hours at this point...ZZZZZZ
December 31-NYE-We went downtown with the Butts, the Wolfes, and Laurette's sis, to eat at the Bluefin! So delicious! We all came back to our house for champagne and fireworks after! I absolutely love fireworks (unlike my friend Heather), so I begged my dad to bring his over for the celebration. He of course obliged, and we had a fantastic show. See the Butt's Blog for more pics! Does this mean we are old when this was a perfect NYE night?
January 5th- Katie's Bridesmaid Luncheon Tea Party in Tupelo. Very fun, and very good food! That night, everyone came to Memphis and we went to Seize the Clay, dinner at BlueFin, and then back to our house for lingerie, games, and food! I think Katie had a good time, and her friends were delightful! Cant wait to see them next weekend for Katie's Wedding!!


Ok, I hope you feel caught up on our lives. Sorry if this bored you to tears, but I realized I had many pictures that hadn't been blogged. Hope everyone is enjoying the first few weeks of the New Year!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

And also the busiest!! I don't think I have posted a "real" post since October! We have been busy, and I haven't really been in a "bloggin" mood...if that is possible!! To catch yall up quickly on our life, since I have posted last: we have


-wrecked a car and had the other one die in one week
-bought a new car

- seen both of our sisters graduate from college with elementary ed degrees,

-celebrated family birthdays,

-watched Jake's football team in the Peanut Bowl,

-spent Thanksgiving in Tupelo with Luke's family,

-ate incredibly good sushi in Starkville w/the Butts,

watched our Bulldogs win over Ole Miss,

-read in Tracy and Joe's beautiful wedding,

-been to two showers for Luke's sister, Katie,

-celebrated our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY in the Big Apple,











-ran a 5K, (notice my dad running in the background)

-decorated for Christmas,



-been to a family Christmas dinner at Harvey's for Luke's extended family,

-enjoyed Jennifer's twins,








-been crying over babies at work, (warning: don't read unless you want to cry! It is a very uplifting site, but also very sad. Audra, this means you...stay away!)


-gone to our Small group Christmas party,










-had Heather & Sophie come for a visit,

-spent the night with Laurette and Travis,








-been hanging out with each other in between!!

Time for the Turkey-eatin pants

'Twas the night of Thanksgiving but I couldn't sleep I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep. The leftovers beckoned - the dark meat and white. But I fought the temptation with all of my might. Tossing and turning with anticipation The thought of a snack became infatuation. So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore. I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes, Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes. I felt myself swelling so plump and so round, 'Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground. I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie. But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees..... Happy eating to all -- pass the cranberries, please. May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump. May your potatoes 'n' gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious, may your pies take the prize, May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.

MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING BE BLESSED!!

Mom Song

2007 Freakiest Fish

The polls are closed, the votes are tallied and the winner is (drum roll please):

the red lipped batfish!

No word if this bottom dweller is doing the Time Warp on the seafloor in celebration of the win, but one thing's for sure, the fish with the crimson kisser would be a shoo in for the aquatic rendition of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.Also known as the Galapagos batfish, this oddball is a poor swimmer that spends an abundance of time "walking" on its pectoral fins. In addition to its freaky walking ability, its body is covered in gnarled lumps, so it's no wonder this warm water species looks like it's wearing lipstick -- how else could it get a date?

And Check out this funny bird!!

Halloween is coming...

Halloween is coming,

Halloween is coming,
We'll say BOO!!!
I know that everyone is so thankful for this cool weather we have been having! We have been enjoying dressing up for Halloween, carving our pumpkin, and being outside! We went to my cousin, Jennifer's, annual Halloween party last Saturday night. Luke was The Beast, and I was Lumiere. Yes, the candle. We were definitely the hit of the party. At least Luke was on the karaoke machine.Toasted Pumpkin Seeds! Yummy!!

On Sunday night, he got his artistry skills out for our Jack-o-lantern.My dad has always done very intricate pumpkin designs and Luke has followed very closely in his footsteps. This year we have a haunted house with a full moon. Aren't you impressed?

I hope everyone has a Happy All Hallow's Eve tomorrow night! I have to work, so I am going to be a flowerbed.Here I am! You can't really see my necklace and earrings, but they fit into the theme as well. Don't mind my tired face!




Bandit enjoying the Fall Weather!!

Start spreading the news..

We are leaving December 7 for NYC!!!

Luke called me early last week during the day, which I knew meant something was up. I have started working nights, and so he knows not to wake the bear during the day. He said, "I just accidently bought us plane tickets for our anniversary!!" He had been playing around on priceline.com, and bid on airline tickets. They accepted his bid, and now we are going to New York for the weekend!!

We went there 4 years ago about this same time of year. We had only been dating a few months at the time, and we had an absolute blast!! I am looking forward to eating alot, ice skating, and getting some Christmas shopping done!

Yea for Wonderful Husbands!!

New addition to our family!

Luke parted with his PS22 (via Ebay), and put his birthday money together and bought a PS3. No, I dont enjoy playing it, nor can I even steer a car. But, he loves it and it gives him something to do while I am working nights...like tonight! Adam & Lindsey stopped by last Saturday (and I am so glad they did!), and Adam played it the whole time. They think the graphics are amazing, and when I told Luke I couldnt tell a difference from the PS2, he truly got his feelings hurt!

I dont think he'll ever grow up...and I love that about him!! (well, maybe not when I want attention and he's playing football, but he's eben very good about not picking up the controller until I am out of sight!)

The War

I know everyone has different opinions of the war, if the soldiers should be there at all, if they should come home, if they should stay. Whatever our beliefs, they are there and need our support. This video was made by a 15 year old girl and is very moving. Grab some tissues!

Update on Ms. June

I want to thank everyone so very much for keeping Ms June and her family in your prayers. We went to visit yesterday, and she has been moved from ICU to a regular room. They did surgery on two of the aneurysms, and they found two more! The doctor was not concerned about the other two, and said they would discuss how to treat those when she was feeling better. She looked awesome and I was so glad to see her talking and laughing!

Needing Some Prayers

I need everyone to pray for one of my mom's best friends, June Trusty. (Her daughter, April, is one of my best friends.) She went to the hospital tonight with a headache, and they have diagnosed as a brain aneurysm. Pray that the doctors and nurses taking care of her are knowledgeable, that her surgery goes well tomorrow, and that her family is at peace. Another one of my mom's best friends (Patti Pruitt) died on a week ago Thursday from the same thing. Please keep my mom in your prayers too.

State football, Luke's birthday, and other fall fun!

We have been so blessed to be back in Memphis and able to attend all the State home games. Luke loves to go to watch the game, and I love to go to see my friends!! This weekend, Blake will be coming from Knoxville to see his team lose (hopefully!). Cant wait to entertain him in the Golden Triangle Metropolis. My darling husband had a birthday last week. (Before you judge me and think I am a bad wife for not posting a sweet note on his birthday, he doesnt read the blog and would never know the difference!) I woke him up with Sister Schubert (who is a KD) pigs in a blanket in bed! We went to Lee Khan's for lunch (where we had a City Pass BYGOF coupon), and then to Harvey's for dinner with his dad. Before he left for work, I gave him new Dwight Schrute pens to use while he was at work, and then I gave him a WOK for his big present! I know that is kind of a random gift, but he has been asking for one since we received our pots and pans last fall. It matches the rest of our Calphalon, and he grinned from ear to ear! He makes the best chicken fried rice, so now he will feel like a real chef with his new gear! We enjoyed Homecoming Saturday from the upper deck, and then stopped by our friend's, Joe and Tracy, Tailgating Shower! We left and headed to Tupelo to spend the night with Luke's mom, Katie, and Michael. We had a wonderful weekend being able to see all of his family!

Lecile

Some of my readers have commented that they did not know there were famous rodeo clowns. My family went to the rodeo a few weekends ago, and we got to see our neighbor. Everyone should be jealous that we know such a celebrity!! The bottom pic is of Luke and two of his best friends. We met up with them after the rodeo at Fox and the Hound!

My Parent's Anniversary

My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on September 24! My dad really outdid himself and surprised my mom with a trip to Disney World, AND an updated version of her ring!! He took the diamond that he gave her when they got engaged (and she was a mere babe at 19,) the diamond my grandfather gave my grandmother on their 15th wedding anniversary, and then he added another diamond to even it out. The result is MAGNIFICENT!!!

What do you think??

I think it is a little ridiculous,myself, but my Mom definitely deserves it. They are such wonderful parents to four wonderful :) kids, and they have truly demonstrated for us and everyone else how to love all the time. Yall know how much I love them, and I could go on forever, but I want to get on to the Surprise Trip!!

My dad and I showed up at my mom's school on Friday and waited in the principal's office. The principal stopped my mom and her class and told my mom they needed her in the office, and that she would take her class back to the room. My mom came into the office and started crying when she saw my dad because she thought something was wrong. We took her outside, and my Dad said a lot of muchy-gushy stuff while I lingered in the background. Nana showed up, and we threw my parents into the car and started driving. While they sipped on champagne, I drove them to the airport. We dropped them off with my mom still not knowing where they were going. My parents had always said they would go to France by their 5th, then 10th, then 25th anniversary, and have never made it there. So, my thoughtful Dad made reservations at Epcot at the French restaurant for Saturday night. They enjoyed three days in Orlando without kids, and I think they wish they had gone without us before now :)

Isnt my dad the greatest?

(Blogger is acting up, so I'll add more pics later!)

The Iraq

I am sure that many of you have seen this, but I wanted to share... I should've been in pageants.

Fall Fun

Nothing gets me in the mood for the fall like THE FAIR!!! And even better this year, Memphis is having not one, but TWO, fairs. The family piled up and headed to the Delta Fair a few weeks ago. We enjoyed the rides, the food, and a John Angotti concert (if you've never heard him, he is Amazing!!). I also saw the woman with no head. Cost me $2. It was ridiculous. I had to see it for myself, though, because of my heritage. That's right, I gave Carny folk in my bloodlines. My great-great grandmother was nicknamed "Tiny." And not because she was the world's smallest woman. More like the opposite! And her husband (my great-great grandfather) and her son (great-great-uncle) rode the motorcycle's in the ball. So if I have any "quirkiness" about me, blame it on the carnies in my bloodline.

Another reason why I like the fall is FOOTBALL SEASON! Now, as a Mississippi State fan, this has been an oxymoron the last few years. And as a True Fan, I attended the LSU game (miserable), and planned a party for Tulane hoping to bring up the spirits of all State alum in Memphis! I was very excited and pulled out all my MSU serving pieces, sent out an e=--vite, and waited for the replies. On Tuesday (before the game on Saturday), Luke sweetly informs me that we do not get the station that the game will be televised on. WHAT?! But I've planned a party, and have out my hand-painted MSU pitcher!!! I even have Bulldog napkins!! Needless to say, I had to pack up my napkins and cowbell and head to Buffalo Wild Wings where we all enjoyed a

BULLDOG VICTORY!!!!

We were able to reschedule our house party for this Saturday! The Ramsey's, Zach, Shatephen, came over to watch us BEAT AUBURN!! That's right...the tigers...or war-eagles, were BULLDOG BAIT!!! After that victory, the Grabowski's came over with Bear, and we watched the Alabama-Arkansas game. Bandit and Bear had fun playing together, and we enjoyed everyone's company!

Another Fall update, Jake turned 10 on September 10!! I cannot believe he is so Old!! We attended his bday party at Putt Putt where we got to play Laser Tag. He had a joint bday party with another friend, and they were divided into two teams of five. At the last minute, Meg, Luke and I joined in. Luke and I were on Jake's team, and we won all 4 games! Megan was on the losing team, but she was a good sport about the whole thing. We came out of the arena, and we sweating...so disgusting considering we had to go to small group after that! Yuck!

Anyway...our Fall has really gotten off to a fun start! The weather has been fabulous, and I cant wait to go to Starkville this weekend for another W!