New York, New York!

What a FUN trip!

I can't believe how it flew by!

I'm ashamed to say my constant picture taking raised a bright, red flag over our heads that said "Tourists . . ." And, as you would imagine out of the 200+ pictures taken, it was quite hard narrowing down our trip for you, but here are a few highlights . . .





One of my most favorite parts of the trip was touring the NBC studios . . . and making it on the "Today Show!"



If you were watching Friday morning (a little after 9 a.m.), you would have seen us right behind Willard Scott as he interviewed some tourists out on the Plaza.

(Of course, I believe my parents were the only ones who caught us!)

Our carriage ride through Central Park

We were lucky enough to see the Broadway show "Wicked."

Ferry ride to Staten Island

To continue our tradition of purchasing artwork as a souvenir, we found this fun artist right outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

It's hard to imagine such a life even exists back in little 'ole Cola . . . where we are so far away (. . . in more ways than one). But, it certainly was neat to be a part of it even for just a few days!

Off We Go!

It's hard to believe it's already here! I'm sorry to say that I haven't yet had the opportunity to post any Christmas pictures, but with all the family rounds and preparing for NYC, it's been more hectic than expected!

However, after this weekend, I imagine I will be most excited to post (way too many) pictures!

Wish us luck . . . and maybe you'll catch us next to Matt Lauer . . .

Spur of the Moment . . .

. . . I decided it was time for a kitchen back splash change!

. . . Spur of the moment because both sets of parents were coming for dinner that night! The problem is, once it's in my head, I can't stand it! I have to do it right then and there!

(Patience is not one of my strong suits.)

Recently, I've been thinking about how much I'd like to do something with black chalkboard paint . . .

Here is a before picture (from this year's Thanksgiving) . . .

Here is now . . .

I am extremely happy with the change! And I totally recommend the paint. It's easy to work with and only required one coat! Which means there's plenty left over for even more projects!

Merry Christmas . . . to us!

For a change, Grady and I decided this year for Christmas we wouldn't do gifts . . . but instead go on a trip!

We knew it wouldn't be for an extended amount of time, so we didn't want to go too far away. Nor did we want to take our usual trip to the mountains or the beach.

Finalized just today . . . this year for Christmas we're giving ourselves a trip to New York City!

Of course, I immediately went out and bought "Fodor's" most recent guide to New York and have been reading nonstop.

But, then I realized that many of you have probably been to New York City and YOU might also have some good advice . . .

So . . . ? Anything?

Christmas Time . . . Here Again?

Can you believe it's already here?
65 degree weather doesn't seem to help . . . nor does the fact that I still have a few boxed up presents from last year out that I haven't yet put away . . . hmm.

The older I get, the more I realize it takes me longer and longer to even realize it's the month of December. Even with all the Christmas lights and cheery music in stores (before Halloween), I still don't seem to get in Holiday mode.

Nope, it doesn't fully hit me until tree hunting time, which is exactly what we did this weekend!

As usual, Salsa stays a safe distance away . . .

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Thanksgiving with the Fams!

First with one side . . .

. . . and then the other!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Quick Change

I don't know what I'm going to do. I'll be the first to admit, I'm never quite satisfied with sticking to one decoration or keeping something in one place. I shop, shop, shop and steal idea after idea looking for that something new that will hold me over for the next few months.

Bored with the wine bottle paintings I had hanging in the kitchen, I found (okay, stole) some other idea for the walls . . .

Hmmm . . . quite satisfying . . . for now.

Baby Cate has arrived . . .

NATURALLY!

Wait a minute . . . you may not have read that right . . . I said NATURALLY!

No drugs, no meds, no NOTHING.

And let me tell you, I now understand why many father's faint . . .

Even through all the IMMENSE pain, Jennifer was incredible! She totally hung in there.

It really was amazing.

I always imagined myself getting an epidural, but after being with Jennifer in the delivery room and watching Cate appear with no epidural . . .
I will FOR SURE- be getting an epidural.

For the record . . . unless there are unforeseen circumstances . . . no doubt, no way, no how will I ever attempt such a thing.

EVER.

And that's all I have to say about that.

2 1/2 hours before the birth

Cate- seconds after she was born

All warmed up and settled . . .

Sweet, baby Cate!

Yet Another K Quote of the Day!

Maybe a little redundant, but they've been funny this week . . .

Scene: lunch time in the cafeteria . . . a new lunch item is discovered . . .

Student A: What's that?

Student B: Potatoes!

Student A: No it's not.

Student B: Mrs. Marsh, what is that?

Teacher: It's sweet potatoes.

Student B: Yeah, sweet potatoes. I told you.

Student A: Oh . . . well . . . it won't grow hair on your chest.

Teacher (surprised): Really . . . so what does?

Student A: Broccoli.

The Kindergarten Quote of the Day

Student: "Mrs. Marrrrsh, Jordan's tattling!"



hmmmm . . .

Colbert for President?

Could be . . . if people like us and the other hundreds (with their blasted posters!) continue to show support at his South Carolina campaign rounds!