Finals

We are now officially members of Faith Baptist Church.  It's a happy/sad feeling.  It's exciting to have completed the process, but it's also kind of sad to not be a member of First Baptist Church any longer.  I had been a member there forever, and Robert joined about a year ago as well. 

Other highlights of last week:

• Shane & Shane and Phil Wickham Christmas concert
• Blackboard Christmas party

Robert is SO close to finishing his first semester of grad school.  He had a final last Thursday and one yesterday.  Tomorrow he will turn in a paper and a take home test.  Then he's completely finished.  He's done so great!  It's a weird dynamic to only have one of us in school.  Our entire relationship we have both been in school.  We spent countless hours studying side by side.  We could assist each other as necessary.  My main role was proofreading Robert's paper.  Robert's main role was helping me with research and helping me with frustrating computer problems.  But now that I'm no longer in school it's so different.  I definitely want to support Robert in his academic endeavors, but I also want to come home from work and relax.  I feel bad saying, "Can you go to the office to study?  I want to watch tv."  I certainly want to offer my skills and assist Robert, but at times I feel like you know what?  I've paid my dues.  I've finished grad school.  I'm so over it.  Wives of student husbands, how do you balance this role?

With the semester almost over Robert will be able to work quite a bit more at The Tea Room for the next few weeks which will be super nice.  He will start up with his winter term class on January 2.  He will be taking Greek I for three weeks.  Then it'll be time to kick off the spring semester.  Two more years two more years two more years!  Can't wait til the day that we are both out of school and both working full-time.  Just two more years!

My Favorite Christmas Ornaments

Not a Christmas ornament, but Robert picked me up from the airport with such beautiful Christmas flowers

I mad this ornament approximately 15 years ago.  I colored it with Crayons on wax paper, and it's so pretty when the Christmas lights shine through.

This is my baby's first Christmas ornament.  The stork used to fly around town.  Sadly, it no longer does that, but it's still a great ornament.

Celebrating my college graduation

I LOVE this ornament.  The roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and carousel go round and round.

A lovely wedding present

Angel by Aunt Pam

Who doesn't love a good nativity made out of peanuts?

And who doesn't love an adorable Robert?

Jim made me this ornament for my first Christmas.  How thoughtful!  Note the fact that he spelled his name backwards: MIJ

The front of the ornament Jim made me

What are some of your favorite ornaments?

417-land

This weekend I had the pleasure to visit Bolivar for a weekend away and great time with my family.  We planned this trip back in June or July.  I had been looking forward to it for such a long time.

My flight on Friday was so early.  I took off at 6:50 which meant we woke up at 4:30 in order to leave at 5:00.  I need to take a second to brag on my husband.  He willingly woke up at 4:30 and made me a delicious hot breakfast - a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito - and drove me to the airport.  He's the best.  My flights were just fine.  I had a layover in Atlanta.  It was a little less than two hours.  When Mom came about two months ago her flight was cancelled.  In order to compensate for the inconvenience the airline gave her a $10 coupon to any airport restaurant - not exactly equal to a cancelled flight but better than nothing.  She kindly gave the coupon to me, and I was able to enjoy a free smoothie while I waited.  I landed in Branson where Dad picked me up to take me home.  He had an awesome SBU coat and a kind card waiting for me.  We enjoyed lunch at Culver's and dessert at Andy's and heading to Bolivar Intermediate School to visit Mom.

It was so great to see Mom at school.  Her students are getting ready to put on a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.  I so wish I could be there to see them perform, but the props and set look wonderful, and I know they will do great.  Break a leg!

I love Mom's idea of taking the flowers from my reception and making an adorable pillow

My next stop was Tea for Two at The Tea Garden Cafe with Memaw.  Memaw and I have had a Tea for Two date around Christmas for nearly two decades.  It's such a sweet time, and I know I will always remember that tradition fondly.  We caught up on all the latest news and enjoyed tea, muffins, scones, and crumpets.

On to Bank of Bolivar to see Jim.  He is so great at his job!  He does a wonderful job at explaining  all the loan details in a way that makes it easy to understand.  If you need a loan, go see Jim!

Memaw got me an appointment for a facial which I got to enjoy Friday evening.  Bolivar people, if you want a facial/massage see Donna Parke at The Gallery downtown.  It's technically a facial, but she massages your hands, arms, feet, legs, and neck while your mask sits.  She starts by washing your face, then exfoliates it, and then puts on a facial mask as well as a lip mask and cooling pads for your eyes.  It's such a relaxing atmosphere - nice music, candles, a hot wrap for your neck.  After the massage she rinses off the mask and finishes cleansing your face with toner and applies moisturizer and lip balm.  She sends your off with a smile and a bottle of water.  For $25 you get a 1 hour facial/massage.  Definitely worth it!  Added bonus: She prays for you the whole time.

On Friday night all four of us had dinner together.  We also decorated the tree which was wonderful.  My parents had decorated the whole house - outdoor lights, nicknacks, and set up the tree - but waiting to decorate until I got home.  Every year Santa brings my family a new game.  We got to open the game early this year, and Santa did a great job.  The new game is 5 Second Rule.  I won. :)  We also took a ride through Lights in the Park.

On Saturday Mom, Dad, and I took a walk to the park to feed the ducks.  We haven't found a place to feed ducks in Wake Forest which is such a shame.  Mom and I made a trip to Wal-Mart where I got to see half the town.

I had the pleasure of eating lunch and having a play date with Samuel and his parents.  Rest assured, he confirmed that I'm still his best friend and he still loves Miss Amy.  What a load off my shoulders!

Angry gorillas

Other highlights of the trip included church at the Encounter, lunch with Memaw and Pepaw (biscuits and gravy, omelets, baked oatmeal, and fruit), watching Snowball Express and What About Bob, and lots of family games.  I also got to catch up with Tiffani and go to the Festival of Christmas with her.  I enjoyed some catch up time with Tarah and James at El Rodeo and at church too.

On Monday I had to take care of business and get to cavities filled.  I had gone to the dentist in North Carolina, and he found two fillings that he wanted to fill for more than $300.  I thought I'd be able to get it done for cheaper in Bolivar, and I knew I would be making a visit soon.  Sure enough, the two fillings were less than half the price, and I was in and out in 45 minutes.

On Monday I had the pleasure of eating lunch with Carey.  She's one of those great friends where you can go months without seeing each other and then feel like you were never apart.  We gone some great catching up to do, and I thoroughly enjoyed our time together.  When I got home I got a text from Carey saying her boys were very upset that I hadn't come over - what a complement!  So I set aside 30 minutes and went over to play for a bit.  I sure love that family!  It's crazy to think about how when I first met them Miles couldn't even walk to talk yet and now he's in per-school and Cooper is a big kindergartner.

I wrapped up my time in Bolivar with a Sonic date with Dad and a quick goodbye to Jim at the bank.  Mom had taken a personal day so she could be with me and help Dad take me back to the airport.  No tears were shed, although I did get a little lump in my throat when the security lady said, "Your parents sure seem sad to go," and I had to say, "Yeah, I won't be home for Christmas."  Actually, that lump just reappeared.  I didn't cry at all whenever we were by ourselves for Thanksgiving, so I think I certainly deserve the right to cry a bit around Christmas, right?

My flight landed at 11:30 and I got home at about 12:30.  I woke up this morning rather tired, but replaying sweet moments from my trip to Missouri.  What a great weekend! 

Prepping for our First Christmas

Growing up, my family typically put up Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving.  It was nice to enjoying Thanksgiving without skipping it and going straight from Halloween to Christmas.  But this year is obviously different.  I'm not in Missouri for Christmas.  Robert isn't in Kansas for Christmas.  It's our first Christmas together in our own house, and I guess it's time to create some new traditions.  We really don't have any fall decor, and I was getting antsy for Christmas so we cracked out the decor this week.  I'm really not looking forward to Thanksgiving this year.  Honestly, it sounds like it's going to be kind of depressing.  I get off Thursday and Friday, so it's not really enough time to travel anywhere.  We had planned to do Thanksgiving with a bunch of friends from our complex, but it doesn't look like that will turn out.  Once again, Katie and Jered have come to the rescue.  We'll be having Thanksgiving with them and two of their friends from Durham.  It's clearly not a normal Thanksgiving, but I am thankful that we don't have to spend it by ourselves eating turkey sandwiches and chips.

Because of all of this, I am totally ready to move forward to Christmas.  When packing away all the decor last year, Mom put my items in a separate box so I could take it all to NC with me.  Serina did the same for Robert.  We ended up with a nice stash of ornaments, crafts, and decor.  I wanted to take a second and highlight our precious treasures.  So many wonderful memories.

One of the many many many traits I love about Robert is his ability to take instructions (or even work without instructions) and figure out how to create/work something.  I simply cannot do this.  Serina had given us some great Christmas ribbon before she moved last year.  This wire ribbon is velvet-y and has sheet music printed on it in gold ink.

I have had a vision for about a month for how I wanted to decorate our little kitchen window, and I am very pleased with it.  We bought the wreath at the SEBTS craft fair, but it was a little plain, so Robert spruced with up with a bow.  The angels were made by Robert's Grandma June.  When Serina was getting ready to move last winter she did some downsizing and let Robert and Bethany choose items that they wanted.  One of the items Robert picked was the set of angels. 

Who doesn't love a good school craft from the 90's?  And what's on the inside...

5 year old Robert.  Is he not the most awesome 5 year old you've ever seen?

We love love love our hand-carved olive wood nativity that Mom and Dad picked up for us while they were in Israel this summer.  What a unique and special present!

Gotta represent my Ozarkian roots - jean fabric door hanger with "Merry Christmas, ya'll!"

A close up of the adorable angels

Silver Dollar City has a candle shop, and I got to deep these Santa Clauses back in the day.

This picture is just too much.  Top left - Bet you don't have a Santa Claus painted onto a ping pong paddle.  Jealous?  The snowman lamp has a springy carrot nose, and turning it on makes the room feel so cozy.  I think you'd agree that the homemade snowman that Robert made in the mid 90's has held up quite well.  And who doesn't love a nice Santa nicknack?

This "tree" is one of my absolute favorite Christmas decorations.  I think it's because it's so unique - I've never known anyone else to have one - and it came from such a sweet friend.  My friend Vicky Ellis loves Christmas more than anyone else I've ever known - the woman keeps up one Christmas tree year-round!  She gave me this beautiful gift about five years ago.  And you also have to note the bowl of coal on our coffee table.  My iPhone made it look super washed out, but this stellar idea was Robert's.  It's definitely a conversation piece.

Robert and I had the distinct honor of receiving his Grandma June's first Pinterest craft last year - the candle in potpourri with a pretty gold bow. 

Another unique decoration that not many people have - I homemade nativity scene made by Pepaw.  When you're storing it, all of the pieces fit inside of the frame of the nativity.  Perfect!

A VBS craft from years ago.  Anybody else have one of these?

A Christmas Choir that Robert made out of an egg carton back in the day.  He's one creative kid!

We are very excited to get a live Christmas tree this year.  My family has never gotten one before.  We've had the same awesome artificial tree my entire life, and literally every branch gets an ornament.  I have fond memories of going with Pepaw to chop down a tree for his and Memaw's house.  We just went alongside the highway and chopped one down.  I remember him saying, "They want you to do this.  If we didn't chop down a tree the city would just chop it down anyway."  Hmm... :)

So what are some of your favorite Christmas decorations?

Being an Adult

Being an adult definitely has its perks: No bedtime, picking what you eat, having a car, making money at a real job, etc.  But then there are lame parts of being an adult.

1. Going to the dentist - Basically every single time I go to the dentist the hygienist says something like, "Wow!  You're teeth are wonderful.  You must have had braces (no).  Do you bleach your teeth (I did before the wedding but not on a regular basis).  You're gums are so healthy (why thank you).  You must brush and floss every day (yes)."  The dentist comes in and says the same thing but adds, "You have five million cavities."  How on earth does this happen?  Is it like lice where people say you get it from having a super clean head/hair?  You get cavities from having super awesome teeth?  How can I have an awesome mouth but have cavities?  I went to the dentist last Friday.  I had made the appointment for 8am.  I got to work at 7:57 - super proud of myself for getting to work early.  I sat down, turned on my computer, and oh my goodness I have to be at the dentist in three minutes.  Of course the dentist was 20 minutes back in the direction where I came from.  I was late.  As my punishment they made me wait 90 minutes before seeing the dentist.  I had a coupon for a free exam and x-rays.  I didn't even think about that not including a cleaning until I was charged $97.  Seriously?  What kind of nonsense is that?  So I have two cavities.  How much will that cost?  $300.  Of course I don't have dental insurance because I'm not a permanent employee yet.  Good grief.  I think I'll wait to get those filled until my teeth fall out.  Also, I have a bone spur in my mouth.  What the crud?  I had noticed a hurty hard thing on my gum above my top canine on the right side.  I asked about.  So I've always known I had an overbite.  Apparently something that comes along with that is having my bottom teeth hit my top teeth really hard each time I chomp down.  Over 22 years of doing this has caused a fracture in my bone.  To repair itself it created a scar on the bone which is now trying to shoot through my gum.  I could get it taken care of - cut open, shave off the bump, stitch it up.  But if two fillings equals $300 I can only imagine how much a minor surgery costs.  We'll be waiting for that as well.
2. Car recalls - I got a letter in the mail last week saying there was a recall on my car.  Apparently the passenger side airbag doesn't go off unless there is somebody in the driver's seat.  I called Ford to set up an appointment.  They don't do recalls on Saturdays (GRR).  I said that's fine but I would need a courtesy car to get to work.  They don't have those.  What on earth?  But I could ride a school bus that leaves each day at 8:15.  I have to be at work at 8:00.  My job is 45 minutes away from Ford by car.  I can only imagine how long it would take by school bus when you have to stop to drop off other people.  I told her that simply would not work.  "Uhh...hang on...Okay.  How about Saturday at 8:00?"  Boom!  Fixed.
3. Car taxes.  Nuff said.

Visitors Galore

In case you haven't picked up on it yet, we LOVE visitors!  Friends and family - if you ever want an east coast vacation, Hotel Varner is always welcoming guests.  Since my last post, Mom came to visit, Memaw and Pepaw came to visit, and Serina will be here this weekend.  I absolutely love hosting overnight visitors and entertaining guests.  Robert said last night, "I like when we have visitors because otherwise you'd get bored with just me."  Silly Robert.  He is definitely not boring, but I certainly get an extra energy from being around guests. 

Mom's visit was delightful!  We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, but everything is more fun with Mom around.  We enjoyed lunch at the tea room with our favorite server - RCV.  We all got to go to church together, enjoy delicious food, and go for a couple of walks.  Plenty of laughing and talking occurred as well.

Memaw and Pepaw's visit was amazing, too!

Pepaw's dream came true - a day with the Wright brother.  We enjoyed lunch at The Black Pelican.  It was delish!  I got my go to - chicken salad sandwich.  It was the bomb!  And it doesn't hurt that the Wright brothers went to the land where the restaurant now stands in order to send the telegram to let the world know about their first flight.

The view from the memorial hill is gorgeous!

Again, we enjoyed delicious food, time catching up, showing off our little town, and just being together.

A couple of weeks ago we also enjoyed a trip to the state fair.  Robert and I had never been to a state fair before.  It had really been built up a ton for us.  It was fun!  Definitely overpriced, but a memorable experience.

Isn't my husband handsome?

The one ride we rode - $5 a pop

Deep fried Oreos

Loved the produce art

The garden art was adorable!

Does anybody have any idea what this is?

Disappointment

Remember how excited I was to have a visit from Mom?  That hasn't happened yet. :(  Friday was such a long day.  I worked from 8:00-4:30 (which means I was gone from 7:00-5:30) and went immediately to the tea room to waitress for art after hours until 8:30 (which ended up being 9:30).  All in all, I was doing job stuff from 7:00-9:30 - 14.5 hours.  I was utterly exhausted, but I drove home really quick to change clothes and make the bed before driving back to Raleigh to pick up Mom from the airport.  Of course this happened to be a day where I accidentally left my phone at home - the day where I was gone for 14.5 hours.  When I got home I checked my phone and saw a text from Mom saying here flight was cancelled.  I kind of thought she was trying to be funny.  I gave her a call and she wasn't kidding.  Her flight was cancelled because of fog.  You would think that in 2012 plans and airports would be sophisticated enough to handle big time fog.  Of course I'm glad they didn't fly and take the risk of being injured, but it was still incredibly disappointing.  Needless to say, I began to cry and cry and cry.  Giant tears running down my face onto the bed.  I know it sounds dramatic, but living here has been so difficult.  Nothing has come easily.  The list of icky things just seems to multiply.  Now add "Not being able to see my Mommy" to the list.

She rescheduled her flight for this coming weekend, but she isn't able to stay quite as long.  Her flight gets in Friday night at 11:30, and she heads back home Monday morning at 8:30.  Two days just isn't enough.  All I want to do is see my mom.  Why does everything have to be so difficult?

I am so very thankful for my dear friend Katie.  And for my loving husband.  Sweet husband went and told Katie right away that Mom could come.  Robert came back with a handwritten invitation from Katie requesting my presence for a date on Saturday from 12:00-5:00 while our husbands work.  She ended it with "RSVP Immediately.  You must say Yes."  Of course this made me cry even more.  I don't deserve such a loving husband and thoughtful friends.  God met my need for compassion and friendship. 

So on Saturday, Katie and I had our girls' day out.  It was perfect!  The boys both had to work so it was infinitely better than being at home by myself thinking about how I wasn't hanging with my mom.  We went to Smithfield's BBQ, Good Will (Katie snagged some Christmas decor), grocery shopping (because it's so much more fun together), and a walk.  Katie is the perfect shopping partner.  She didn't complain while I took 10 minutes to pick out moisturizer.  We helped each other find stuff in the store.  We didn't feel rushed.  And even though I know having a friend to go grocery shopping with doesn't seem like a miracle, but at that moment it was such a gift from God.  We ended up the day with a 4 mile walk to say hi to the boys at work.  It was absolutely perfect.  It definitely wasn't how I had planned the day, but it was absolutely delightful.

My Mom is Coming to Town!

I feel like nothing too excited has happened recently.  We do so much of the same - Robert goes to school and studies; I work.  Robert is on fall break for 10 wholes days - so jealous!  I deserves it though, and he's making dinner tonight, so I guess it's a win-win.

Mom is coming to town this Friday!!!

Who wouldn't want to spend a weekend with this wonderful woman?!?

I only wish she could stay even longer. :(  Robert keeps reminding me that I get to go to Missouri in 53 days.  So unbelievably excited!

A Stitch in Time

Robert got his stitches taken out yesterday!  I wish I could've gone with him, but alas, no paid time off means I had to stay at the old salt mine.  He said 11 of the stitches came out with ease - only 1 hurt.  We both agree that his wound actually looks even more gnarly without stitches.  He has a scar from the actual incision as well as a little scar from each stitch.  He has more flexibility now that the stitches are out and his skin isn't being pulled quite so tight.  He'll go to the doctor again in 4 weeks to get the all clear.  We're are so  very thankful that the surgery was a success.

I started working at The Olde English Tea Room on Saturday.  My first day was great!  I loved learning from my wonderful husband.  He said I was a fast learning and everything came naturally to me.  I'm hoping he's not just saying that because he has to. :)  I'm just working on Saturdays, but it'll be nice to get some extra cash from 4 hours of work each week.  Plus, it's a great way to spend time with Robert - and get paid for it!

Robert is doing such a great job at school.  He got a test back this week - 100%!  His hard work is definitely paying off.  He's about to start his first paper.  He's picked a pretty cool topic - The symbolism of water in John. 

Guess what!  My favorite Mommy is coming to town in just two weeks.  I am beyond excited!  It will have been two and a half months since she's been here.  I am so thankful for airplanes.  Nuff said.  We're going to paint the town! 

Paying it Forward

Sunday night I saw this post from Going with the Flow. I thought this was a great idea and was excited to participate.

It was started by Mandi @ Debonair Bandit and the basic premise is that the first three people who comment on this post will get some sort of item from me as long as they agree to do the same for 3 more people.

The rules:

+The first three people to comment on this post will receive a little gift - something personal from me to you.

+I'll create something unique to share with the first three people to comment on this post.

+But in order to receive your present you have to play along. Spread the love on your own blog promising to send a little special something to the first three people who comment on your post. 

+You get 72 hours to re post, or I'll have to move on to the next person.

+Please only comment if you're willing to pay it forward.

-If you want to receive something unique and self-made from me in the mail and if you're willing to do the same for others, leave a comment below! Please leave your email address so that I can contact you directly! And blog URL so that I and others can visit your blog!

Happy Monday!

The Start of Fall

Fall has started off with a bang!

Mom's birthday August 26 - Wish I could have been there!

Dad's birthday September 5 - Again, wish I could have been there!

Birthday flowers and balloon from my wonderful parents

Robert took my to Beaufort for the weekend to celebrate my 22nd birthday

Enjoying a day at Shackleford Island

Our beautiful room at The Old Seaport Inn

A weekend trip to DC to visit Serina and watch the Cardinals beat the Nationals

The view from Robert's hospital room after his back surgery

• Labor day - Paid day off/no school for Robert!
• Ray's birthday September 9
• Biblical Women's Institute - Every Thursday evening
•  A free class for wives of seminary students.  So far we've had an introduction to theology by President Akin, Mrs. Akin's testimony, a guest speaker talk about orphans and trafficking, and an introduction to counseling.  Love this class and time with some great ladies!
• Serina came to visit after Robert's surgery.  She was such a big help!