Day #216

Can you believe that 2009 is over? So much has happen in the last 365 days…I got married, moved into a house and moved into a new office. It’s been a great, spontaneous year and I’m excited to see what 2010 will bring our little M family.

I hope you all have a great and Happy New Year!

Day #214

Our First Christmas

Part Two

Christmas day was full of activity as Mr. M and I drove from Manning to Tennessee for lunch at my grandmother’s home. It was great to catch up with her, my parents, sister C, uncles, aunts and cousins as we arrived when presents were being opened. Then of course, Mr. M and I enjoyed a delicious Christmas feast. I hope one day that I can cook as half as good as my grandmother.

Sister C. and me in Tennessee.

After that we traveled back to my parent’s home in South Carolina where immediate family had Christmas dinner. I think my dad was amazed by hustle and bustle of all of his four daughters working in the kitchen to get dinner on the table.

Then Mr. M and I headed back to our cozy home for our own Christmas and finishing the 600+ mile trip of family visits where we cooked dinner at home (salmon and crab cake pinwheels), drank champagne and opened gifts. It was truly a blessed weekend and I’m thankful that we were able to celebrate Jesus’ birthday being surrounded by loved ones.

Also, today is “I love you day” for Mr. M and I and guess who won – ME! Happy 7 months!

Day #213

Our First Christmas

Part One

Happy Holidays! What a busy week – can you believe we only have two and half more days left in 2009? Sorry for not posting sooner as Monday was one crazy day at work.

Our First Christmas was great as we decided to travel 674 miles around the state of South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Even though we were in the car for 7+ hours, it was a chance for Mr. M and me to be alone and just talk {besides listen to the radio and watch the weather radar on the blackberry}.

Our first stop was in Manning, SC where we spent Christmas Eve with Mr. M’s family. It was fun to shop downtown {by the way – make a stop at Donna’s House downtown. Way cute store} and see the sights.

The photo is a little dark but this cute restored area called the The Horse Stables that's right across from the court house.

This was the pharmacy that Mr. M’s grandfather and uncle use to own….

Which made for a cute photo opportunity.

I also love the fact that Manning is pro-local shopping which is a new project I'm working on at work. Yeah for local businesses!

Day #207

Some people worry about how to decorate their house –

I worry about how to decorate a whole city.

Part of my job is to handle the placement of the city’s Christmas

decorations and last night Mr. M and I walked through

downtown to take in the holiday season.

As we get ready to celebrate our first Christmas together,

I hope you and your family have a great holiday weekend.

Merry Christmas!

Day #206

Last night Mr. M and I traveled to Charlotte, NC to celebrate the fabulous birthday of our dear friend (and fellow Delta Zeta sorority sister) Leslie. It was great to see her, her husband Brad and our Twyla for dinner. We even celebrated Christmas with a mini gift exchange.

I love this time of year!

Day #205

Christmas is definitely in the air with all the festivities. Saturday, I hosted a brunch at my home for my Delta Zeta sisters. It was great to get together and share stories while making plans for 2010. That afternoon, Mr. M’s dad traveled up to the ‘burg and we both went to the Wofford v. University of South Carolina basketball game. An early Christmas present for the T-dogs as they won 68 to 61. It was a very exciting game to watch and my fingers are crossed that this might (might) be the season for this team.

Sunday, Mr. M and I had our friend Twyla over for brunch as she and a friend made their way to Asheville to visit the Biltmore House. It was great to just sit back, relax and catch up over chocolate chip muffins.

That evening, we traveled to a great little Mexican restaurant in North Carolina to have “family dinner” with our friends Kim and James. I love this place because no one really knows the name of it but will call it, “that-Mexican-restaurant-that’s-in-the-old-Hardee’s, and near-the-Interstate-in-Columbus”.




Kim and I used to be roommates before she and I got engaged. We called our apartment a lucky charm because as soon as we signed up to rent there, we both were engaged within a year. The food is great and the beer is cheap (my kind of place) and there was SNOW. So we had dinner in a little winter paradise.

Day #202

Last night was a flurry of parties, one being with the Junior League Sustainer (aka women who have served 8 or more years in the Junior League) Christmas party. It was so much fun to see all of the women that I work with in the community come together for a great night. My fellow supper club gals, Elizabeth and Jennifer, serve on the Sustainer committee and we were able to get a quick photo during the evening.

Day #201

Last night I hosted book club at my house and had a fabulous time. These girls are the greatest and I’ve enjoyed hanging out with them at least once a month.

We had several huge announcements as not one but THREE of them are pregnant and will have their little ones within a month span of each other. Yeah for all the upcoming baby showers!

Day #200

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Today is 200 days! Can you believe? Where did 2009 go?

A lot has changed for me as a married woman.

* I’ve learning more and more each day to be a better homemaker. Notice – not a great homemaker but I would say I’m at least a “B” in the whole cooking and cleaning section.

* I’ve become a morning person as in wake up at 4:45 a.m. morning person. The reason that I get up at before the crack of dawn is so I can make it to my work out routines, which leads me to my next accomplishment.

* I’m now a runner. Not a good one, I’m still the fat kid in the back of the line but I will say I’m trying at least 5 days a week. The unfortunately part is that I still enjoy food and so during this Holiday season, my mantra is to loose or maintain but not to gain.

*I’m now a coupon addict. If you have not visited Southern Savers or Coupon Mom.com , please do. I’ve become this insane planner when it comes to the grocery store which is a 180 from the girl that I once was that just randomly bought items while I was there.

Of course with any marriage celebration post comes a wedding day photo. Enjoy!

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Day #199

White Christmas - Click here for funny video clips

As Christmas approaches, one of my top holiday songs is "White Christmas" and thought this video was way to cute not to share. Enjoy!

Day #193

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I saw this photo today and got a good chuckle.

My final is due this week and I so feel like this little dog - tired and

about to fall asleep on my computer. 2 more days to go!

Day #191

I now appreciate this movie more than I did when I watched it in college. Enjoy the stapler scenes.

Day #187

What an insane week. So far in the last eight days the following has happened.


Have a great Thanksgiving with the family in Tennessee. Mr. M and I had a scare on Thanksgiving night as our alarm went off in our house. We thought at first our cats set the darn thing off (their large and by large I mean like 19 pounds) but after the second alarm – we knew we had a problem. So we packed up early, said good-bye to the family and headed home in lightning speed. Luckily, both were false alarms but it hit home how lucky we were that was just that – false alarms.

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USC beat Clemson 34-17. Totally fabulous!

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We celebrated six wonderful months on Monday! I can’t believe time has flown by so quickly. Mr. M did win “I love you day” at 4:30 a.m. when I was getting up to go to boot camp so now our score is Me: 2, Mr. M: 3 and Tie: 1. He was a total sweetie the whole day by bringing me lunch, buying me roses and my favorite dessert to come home to last night.

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And boy did I need a pick-me-up on Monday. So on top of all the holiday festivities, I was also finishing up my research project on teen pregnancy. Now all I have left is the final exam!

Day #179

I can totally relate to this commercial and the thought of having the "perfect Thanksgiving" with the family. Luckily for me, I don't have to worry about all of those details (thanks Grandma!) as I'm not the one cooking this year. I will say it's pretty neat to celebrate our first Thanksgiving as a married couple and that I truly have so much to be thankful for: a roof above my head, my family, a job, friends and the list can go on and on.

Have a GREAT weekend and don't get to crazy with all the Black Friday sales this weekend.

PS. I love her husband's face when he holds the paper Turkey. Classic.

Day #178

The best cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody" I've seen in a long time and who doesn't enjoy the Muppets?

Day #177

Thanks to Leslie for my OVER THE TOP award!

Her blog is pretty awesome - check her out!

Now for the details:

1. Thank the person who gave it to you – Thanks for thinking of me Leslie!
2. Answer the questions below using only 1 word answers.
3. Pass it on to 6 other bloggers you think are Over The Top!


1. Where is your cell phone? charger
2. Your hair? curly
3. Your mother? creative
4. Your father? funny
5. Your favorite food? pizza
6. Your dream last night? music
7. Your favorite drink? tea
8. Your dream/goal? progressing
9. What room are you in? office
10. Your hobby? sick
11. Your fear? alone
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? overjoyed
13. Where were you last night? Hendersonville
14. Something you aren’t? blonde
15. Muffins? Yes!
16. Wish list item? patience
17. Where did you grow up? everywhere
18. Last thing you did? E-mailed
19. What are you wearing? jacket
20. Your TV? on
21. Your pets? feisty
22. Your friends? lovely
23. Your life? fabulous
24. Your mood? hungry
25. Missing someone? totally
26. Vehicle? red
27. Something you’re not wearing? bracelet
28. Your favorite store? H&G
29. Your favorite color? red
30. When was the last time you laughed? afternoon
31. Last time you cried? Ummm…
32. Your best friend? sweet
33. One place that I go over and over? Publix
34. One person who emails me regularly? Hilary
35. Favorite place to eat? Chick-fil-A

Here are 6 ladies I think are marvelously OVER THE TOP!

Our Little Haus
MA Belle
The Bentley Family
Confessions of a Martha Stewart Reject
Mrs. Grits
Pink is Not My Favorite Color

Day #172

Where has the week gone? I can't believe how zany life has been in the last few days with the Junior League fundraiser, sorority conference in Dallas and oh yeah...working. Tomorrow and Friday, I'm teaching classes at a local high school on why its important to get an internship.

Wish me luck!

Day #165

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Happy Veterans Day everyone! So thankful to those who chose to go above and beyond and defend our country.

It’s a great day to be an American.

Day #164

Happy Tuesday! We had a busy weekend – my midterm was due, a busy wedding weekend and we celebrated Mr. M's birthday. I'm now getting into the swing of things,trying to survive my to-do list and prepare for a visit from the in-laws.

I have no idea how working mothers handle it all.

I will say in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, it was pretty surreal in the fact that I purchased my first “husband” card…as cheesy as it sounds.

Day #159

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This morning in my sunrise yoga class, we had to pick something to focus on: wisdom, patience, energy and communications. Since I was schedule to be apart of the MDA Lock-upand needed to raise money this morning, I chose communications.

Ironically, that’s not really what God, had in store for me today.

While I did participate in the fundraiser (raised enough money in an hour to buy a kid wheelchair. Whoo!), that’s not the communications I needed to focus on.

Later in the afternoon, I got quite a scare. I saw on Twitter of all places that there were shootings at Fort Hood. The same place where my dear friend Hilary just moved to and where her husband is stationed.

My heart dropped and I ran to find my cell phone.

Thankfully after a call and text, I got a hold of her and she was okay. Her husband was on post (and now on lock down) but she had just left Fort Hood twenty minutes before the shooting. As the afternoon wore on, we kept text messaging each other updates - on my end, what was going on cable TV, twitter and Internet news stories and on her end, what was happening through military messaging.

Its insane now how one communicates with friends these days but yet the bond is still the same.

I pray for the families and friends of the 12 deaths and 31 injured soldiers. This is such a sad, sad tragedy for America.

Day #158

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And the winner is...CATE with 72% of the votes! Yeah for her and her family.

Day #157

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Did you vote today?


I love election day. It's a chance to express your voice, your ability to have a say in what goes on around you. The problem is that most Americans don't feel that their local elections are important so they don't bother to vote. Which frankly, is sad. Who picks up your garbage? Your local government. Who decides what books are read in your child's school? Your local school board. Who decides how much of the budget to put towards your police and fire? Your local city/county council.


Not to be on a soap box, but these elections are the ones that really affect us close to home. So if it's before 7 p.m. and you're reading this...go vote!

Day #156

Sometimes I just have to remind myself to "keep swimming"...especially on a Monday.

Day #151

Miss you Emily.

Day #150

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Apparently I have been living under a rock and missed the announcement of Hallmark's Mobile Greetings. While I get the concept - send a cute, fun message to family and friends, I feel that nothing beats getting personalized mail. Like today, when I came home at lunch, I had two cards waiting for me in the mail (thanks Laura and Leslie) and it jazzed up my whole afternoon.
Not sure a happy phone message would have done the same thing.

Day #149

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I heart Dave Ramsey. Thanks to my dad, I've been listening to him for years and following his plan on how to tackle debt and saving for the future. I look forward to the day when my husband and I are debt free (including the house) and can call Dave up to celebrate. If you haven't heard of him, try listening to his radio show. Here's the link: http://beta.daveramsey.com/

Day #146

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I had a post ready for today. Seriously...it was all planned out,

typed and ready to go.

And then my Internet ate it.

Yeah for slow-not-so-great-internet connection. So instead,

here is a "Happy Friday" cartoon. Have a great weekend.

Day #145

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It’s amazing that a year ago, Mr. M and I were taking our engagement photos at the Lake Lure this month. The beautiful, crisp fall day reminded me of that fun afternoon of us just hanging out and enjoying each other’s time. It’s funny how fast a year can fly!

Day #144

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I ordered my Christmas Cards!

I know… I know…I’m a nut but I adore this holiday and all of its quirky traditions. One tradition is that you send Christmas cards during the holiday season. For me, that means putting them in the mail day after Thanksgiving. If I do not send them on that day then they seriously won’t go out. I ordered them on Monday and they should be in my hands next week! So excited!

Now all I have to wait for is the Holiday stamps to go on sale…

Day #143

I heard "Rocky Racoon" by the Beatles on my way into work today and I've been humming it ever since. Enjoy!

Day #142

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I have a midterm today that's all on-line. I haven't taken an exam of any kind in at least a year so the idea of taking one completely on the Internet is a little nerve wracking. Keep your fingers crossed for me at 5:30 tonight!

Day #139

After yesterday's balloon fiasco on TV, thought you'd like to know that "Up" arrives on DVD on Nov. 10. I mean, if it can happen in the movies then it must be real.

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As my friend Jessica said this morning,"How about those strange parents? Whew! Move over, Jon and Kate." My thoughts exactly.

PS. Ironically this was the first movie Mr. M and I saw as a married couple.

Day #135

A must watch.

Day #132

It's hard to believe that in the last month that I've "lost" two of my dear friends to Texas. They both have decided to pursue a new chapter in their lives and leave the Carolinas. Ironically, telling me within 48 hours of each other. So, over the last few days there were the "Good-bye" soirees and the last dinners so to speak but I know that it won't truly be the same.

While I know they'll be successful - one at her new job and the other in her new home with her husband, I will miss them but at the same time, I'm excited for them. Moving always allows you to get a fresh start and a new perspective on life. So to those in Texas, FYI - you're getting a great set of girls coming your way.

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Day #130

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Day #129

Happy Tuesday! It’s been a busy couple of days and it’s early in the week. Homecoming was fabulous and our gang had a great time. I even ended up with winning a gift certificate to a cute boutique downtown at the Terrier Ball auction. Such fun!

A huge thank you to Short Southern Mama for this delightful award! You should check out her blog – it is way cute. It was such a nice surprise and wonderful way to end the weekend.

Here are the rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award"

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

lmstoehr
One Cupof Crazy
A glimpse into my life
The Crafty Law Student
The Erbachers
Grits
Redscovering Rocky Top
Elder of the Sweetbunns Brigade
A Bread Winner Wife
Philly Gal
Life is Better With Mayo
Connor and Grayson
This is the Story of a Girl
Traveling Amber
Mermaid and Sailors

Day #125

Busy, busy weekend for the M household – it’s homecoming time at Wofford. Normally this means the Street Party on Friday, Farmers Market, Yoga, Football game on Saturday, Terrier Ball on Saturday night and sports on Sunday. The days are compact and full of fun which is exactly how I like it.

This year I’m skipping the Street Party to heading to a sorority retreat at lake near Clemson. Fingers crossed that it does not turn too cold tonight for the girls. Should be a blast!

Photo: Homecoming 2008

Day #124

Today I went home from work sick which is a rarity on my end. Normally I try to “power through it” and just wait for the day to be over but that was not the case this morning. With a busy weekend planned, I hope this is one of those 24 hour bugs.

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Day #123

Yeah! 4 months! I won ILYD this morning so now Mr. M and I are tied 2 for 2.

In other worldly news, I’m not sure how many people actually watch Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo but the show is the epitome of T.V. trash and as my friend Jill would say…all the better.

So when I heard the release of Kim’s single “Don’t Be Tardy to the Party” today, I had to post it. Thoughts?

Day #122

The idea for the title of this blog came from my parents, who for the last 30+ years have played the “I love you game” every month. The rules are simple. The winner is the first person to say “I love you” on monthly anniversary of your wedding. So our “I love you day” is tomorrow and so far Mr. M has beaten me…twice.

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