Holy Cow!

I bought a few cows last week.  Yes, I said cows!  I like to say I as if its all my idea but really I should say we, as in the boys bought some cows and I just like to include myself in the madness!  Our new venture is Fitchwood Cattle Company.  If you see me cruising down the road in my cityfied Lexus, look again because I have a CATTLE sticker on the back of my car!!!  Yes, I am truly committed to my husband and all that he is. 

In my dedication to the cause, I hiked through acres of potential property this weekend.  It was cold and misty and my pretty white tennies are now completely brown.  I know, I have a brand new pair of boots that I should have worn!  I forgot them.  I am still getting used to this outdoorsy, country kind of life.  I still have a pretty big bump on my knee where a crazy shooting cactus attacked me for no reason out there in the open land! Picture me hiking through the mud and tall, tall, as tall as me, weeds. Funny right? All is well, until Bobby started talking about wild hogs. If you know me, you know my imagination is larger than life.  So here I am, not interested in continuing the journey through the uncharted land because my shoes were getting ruined BUT all I could think of was the wild hogs lurking in the mud just waiting to attack me!  I stood back away from the pack for about 5 seconds when I found myself running after them hoping my swift movement would not alert these supposed wild hogs.  Just when I think I may survive the trek, Bobby makes a pig noise! I almost jumped out of my muddy shoes. Not cool.

One of my cows. I shall take her for long walks.

Steal of the Day

And I am not talking about the bottle of champagne that I may or may not have allegedly stolen from Wal Mart. Yes, I said Wal Mart (whisper). For those of you that know me, you know I really don't like that place but it was on the way....and I got distracted at self check out and I was in a hurry and....anyway, not the point of this story.

Back on track.  Tonight at the grocery store, I found these beauties!! For $1.99!!!! I know, my vase is way too small but how can a girl like me be prepared for tall flowers like this!

Note to self: Always be prepared. Buy an insanely large vase immediately.

Glitter!!

All of my Christmas decorations are finally up and I have glitter in my hair, on my face, on the dogs, in the water bowl, smushed in the carpet, on my husband's face....but its so so worth it!!  I think that everything I have this year had a thick layer of glitter coating on it. Its not fun if it doesn't have glitter, right?  I think its time for some glitter hot cocoa. Merry! Merry!

Centerpiece for Dining Room

Beginning of my Christmas Village collection.

My mother in law gave me the sweet vintage wedding chapel set when Bobby and I got married.

The only presents in my house at the moment! Better get to it!

My original pink and green tree to go in my pink sitting room.

Yes, I have a pink room in my house. Isn't my husband amazing!

My New Tree!!!

Glitter Explosion!! Loverly!!

Snow day?

I am going to be honest with you.  The only reason I took a shower this morning is because Maria, my cleaning lady is coming after lunch.  I really don't want her to judge me.

I also want to let you know that this morning I woke up to a thin blanket of snow on my front lawn.  I am from the desert and when we desert people see snow, that means the city MUST shut down! Snow day is a day of sitting in your pajamas in front of the tv, completely ignoring the ouside world.  We do NOT drive in SNOW!  Since today I am being honest, I guess you should know that the snow is gone from my yard and has been for a few hours now.  But I am still in snow day mentality, its to late to rebound from this! 

Or maybe we can blame it on my vacation.  Either way, if you need me, I am on my couch.  There, I said it. 

P.S. Look at this bird. He should make you laugh. Your Welcome.

Hawaii

I was so busy telling you my highlights of Thanksgiving that I just skipped right over my AMAZING vacation to Hawaii. We went to Maui which is quite possibly the most beautiful place on earth.

Our first day, the boys enjoyed a round of golf and the girls sat beach side.  Perfect.  Another morning we woke up at 3 am to drive up the most windy, scary dark road I have ever been to the the top of Haleakala.  We arrived 30 minutes early but I was so grateful to be alive that the lost 30 minutes of sleep seemed insignificant.  The sunrise was spectacular.  How anyone can think there is no God just amazes me.  His creation is beautiful and his perfect plan for the universe is magnificent. 

We did all the touristy stuff and still had time to just sit and soak it end.  By day 6, I thought I was a local.  Bobby had to force the Mai Tai out of my hand and shove me onto the plane to head back to beachless Texas.

Haleakala Sunrise above the clouds.

Breath taking

Amazing Technicolor Tree

Nakalele Blowhole

Notice the teeny tiny man in the sea spray on the mount.

My hot hubby

Gray and Yellow. God is truly amazing!

Platation House. There are no words  to describe the view.

Giving Thanks

I had an amazing time with all the family in my house this past week.  I forgot how fun a holiday was when there are screaming little children running around the house chasing my puppies and toturing them in dress up clothes.  Amazingly enough, my pups are quite depressed and miss the torture.  My Thanksgiving Tree was a success and I am actually sad to take down all the hand written thank you leaves that are smothering every branch. 

Here are some of my favorites:

• I am thankful for my mom and for bacon. -Austin (He said its his favorite breakfast!)
• I am thankful for my baby.- McKinzi (talking about the baby in her mommy's tummy.)
• LAKE owllolowowowowmow.  -Lake (She thought we could read her leaf and tell her what it meant when she herself was not completely sure.)

And for my cute kid story of the weekend:

On Thanksgiving day, Lake was much more interested in playing than eating her dinner.  She knew that McKinzi was done with her plate and she feared that "someone" would steal her baby and stroller.  Now, I don't think that McKinzi would really steal Lake's baby but I know how it feels to have to clear off your full plate of food under pressure.  My brother told Lake that if she just ate her green beans and her turkey she could go play.  Lake just sat there staring at her plate and tears welled up in her eyes.  I thought she was about to throw a tantrum but she sat there very quietly for a few minutes.  Then she exclaimed loudly, " But Daddy, what IS turkey??!!!???"  Poor thing didn't even know what the urkey was that she was required to eat! Can't blame her, its not really something we eat on a regular basis.

Thanksgiving Tree

I finally made the decision to compromise with my decorations.  The all new Thanksgiving Tree tradition was initiated into the Herbold house last night.  I was not completely sold on my new idea but I knew I needed to compromise with Bobby's ridiculously adorable excitement about our new Christmas Tree.  With a limited budget in mind, I wasn't too confident in my abilities to pull it off but I think it worked out quite perfectly!  On Thanksgiving, I am going to have the family write down what they are thankful for on leaves and we will add those to the tree.  I am so excited to see all my family!! It has been WAY too long! I am thankful that I can look forward to holidays spent with great family.

Our First Thanksgiving Tree

Lexi LOVES it!!

Kickin Fall to the Curb. Maybe?

I thought I would post a picture of one of my fall centerpieces.  I am not too sure how long fall is going to make an appearance in my house.  It seems that Christmas may just run him over and kick him right back into the closet at any moment.  I used to be of the opinion that Christmas decorations happened the weekend after Thanksgiving and not a day sooner but its so hard to think that way these days! I LOVE Christmas and really want to enjoy all my cuteness for as long as possible.  I will only be in my house for about 12 days in the month of December! That is not enough time to spend with my tree and garland and hot cocoa by the fire!!

Just one step into Target and you feel the Christmas spirit! The entrances to my neighborhood already have lights and wreaths!  I saw them putting up the huge Christmas tree in the center of Shops at Legacy today.  I might cave people.  My one dilemma is the fact that we are hosting Thanksgiving this year. I don't want to confuse the children! Maybe I will compromise or maybe just have both up at the same time! Wouldn't that be a site.  I can see it now, turkey top of garland top of snowman balancing a vase of leaves. Oh my!

Magnificent Obsession

We sang Magnificent Obsession by Steven Curtis Chapman at church this Sunday and the words moved, inspired, rooted and grounded me in my purpose in this life.  At times, I find myself focusing on the career I used to have that maybe I secretly wish I had back.  I wonder what level of management I would be by now had I stayed and how much I could have been making.  Of course, the past is most always seen through rose colored glasses.  I forget the 60+ hour work weeks I endured and the countless times with friends and family I had to miss.  Isn't it funny how we just keep repeating that foolish longing to be a success by the standard of this world?

I find myself searching for purpose almost on a daily basis.  I look at other people in the world that are making huge impacts for the greater good.  I forget that God calls us all to walk in His perfect will.  He has a different plan and purpose for each and every one of us.  All He wants me to do is listen and trust in Him.  I was reminded that my focus should be on Christ, daily and in every moment.  My focus is to love others, be kind to my husband, conduct my affairs with justice, give freely all that I have been blessed with and be open to His next step for me.  

Magnificent Obsession  

Lord, You know how much
I want to know so much

In the way of answers and explanations

I have cried and prayed

And still I seem to stay

In the middle of life's complications

All this pursuing leaves me feeling like I'm chasing down the wind

But now it's brought me back to You

And I can see again

This is everything I want

This is everything I need

I want this to be my one consuming passion

Everything my heart desires

Lord, I want it all to be for You, Jesus

Be my magnificent obsession

So capture my heart again

Take me to depths I've never been

Into the riches of Your grace and Your mercy

Return me to the cross

And let me be completely lost

In the wonder of the love

That You've shown me

Cut through these chains that tie me down to so many lesser things

Let all my dreams fall to the ground

Until this one remains

You are everything I want

And You are everything I need

Lord, You are all my heart desires

You are everything to me

My Sad Turtles

I have never really been into Halloween.  I guess its because I have always been a frady cat and the fact that my family never really did the whole Halloween thing.  We would dress up like Bible characters and go to the Fall Festival at church.  I remember bobbing for apples and doing the little fishing game.  It really was great fun and most of the kids had cute costumes rather than Jack the Ripper.  One year I dressed up as Grapes that were in the Garden of Eden, I think that was a stretch!  Another year I dressed up as Void...as in before God creating the earth there was void. That was in my older years, when I was proud that I even knew what the word void meant! 
So, yes I led a sheltered life. But I turned out okay...I think :)

Now that I have puppies, I can't ignore the holiday.  Its just too fun to torture them in their little outfits.  This year they are turtles because they love to sun in the afternoon just like turtles.  As you can see in the pictures below, they do not like to dress like turtles though!

Don't worry, I removed their costumes right after their photo shoot.

They are clearly miserable!!

What do you need?

These portraits were done by Francois Robert. He photographs peoples hands with the contents of their pockets or their purses.  You can learn so much about a person just by viewing what they deem valuable or necessary.  What do you carry around every day? 

Is this a man hand with amazing jewlery?? I wonder if he is a designer.

Oh to be young and carefree again!

She wears gloves and still hurt her finger. Eek!

And here is my portrait minus my hand.  I tried to get my hand in there and take the picture but I am not that talented or that stretchy!

The reasons why carry these items(I do not NEED all of them):

1. Cute wallet to make me feel happy while I am spending or not spending my money.

2. Gum for minty fresh breathe.

3. Umbrella for the torrential downpour today.

4. Two dollars...like that would get me anything these days!

5. Chic cuff bracelet from Wimberly's Trunk Show that I attended today.

    http://www.trunkbywimberly.com/

6. Two chapsticks and three lipglosses. I like options, sort of.

7. Kleenex for my never ending allergies.

8. Hand sanitizer cause I am a germaphobe. You people know that!

9. Hand free ear piece for safe driving.

10. A paper clip in case I need to go Macgyver and create an escape route.

What would your picture be?

Balloon Boy

An incredible hoax gone wrong. I feel like balloon boy, being played into a terrible hoax by none other than Bobby Wayne. You see, I really didn’t know that so many people would actually respond to my blog or care about my baby making abilities. Sure I was entertained, but then my mom cried!! Oh my, oh my!! Mean, mean Emily.

The real truth is that Bobby wants to name our first born child Ted. He says it’s THE perfect name for a boy or a girl. I know he envisions himself yelling Ted across the grocery store just to embarrass the poor child. Tragic! He has told me this for two years and quite frankly, I was starting to get nervous. We aren’t getting any younger you know and I told you about his furniture strike. He most always gets exactly what he wants. So you can understand my dilemma. My plan was to adopt Ted (the couch) into the family as our first born to fulfill Bobby’s lifelong dream. If not handled carefully, his dream could potentially ruin and scar an actual human beings life forever. So, I apologize for all the emotions I have caused and I will try my best not to do this again.

P.S. We are hoping to adopt a new living breathing creature into the family in a few months. It is NOT a baby. I repeat, it is NOT a baby.

We DID IT!!

First of all, I have never received so many hilarious text messages in my life!! I do not know what you all are talking about. As if I would talk about THAT on my blog!! Don’t get me wrong, I am proud of you for believing in me and my abilities. The encouragement felt great and I may send a shout out for it again one day.

I was talking about Ted. We have been visiting Ted every few days for the past few weeks. We had to measure him and make sure he was the perfect size. Bobby had to stretch out and make sure his feet did not hang off the end. We had to go over our budget and make sure the timing was right. We are hosting Thanksgiving this year and that means a very full house for the week. We needed to start keeping the puppies on the floor where they belong and not paws on everything.

Also, Bobby has refused to lay on anything that we already owned. He further pushed his point when he moved all the furniture out of the living room and sat on the floor… for days. If you know Bobby, then this does not surprise you.

So here he is people. Meet Ted.

A new addition to the family

As you all know, Bobby and I celebrated our two year anniversary last week. With this came a lot of questions from family and friends about when we were going to be adding to our little family. Of course we felt the pressure but we also wanted to make sure this was the right time to make such a decision. I mean, they are expensive right!! And once you have one it’s not like you can take it back. Sure, they will repair it if it’s broken or injured but you are pretty much always stuck with this new main squeeze. And we had to take our puppies into consideration. If you have met them, you know they are not exactly well trained. Spoiled might be a good term. They are very paws on and love to attack the face…kisses, is what they call it. So, over the next few months we will be training the little beasts. They will be well mannered before you know it!

After a lot of waffling we have made our decision. Tonight is the night. Wish us luck!!

Moments gone by

This past week was a busy one. I didn't make the time to post one tiny detail!!

So here it is in pictures.

Tuesday marked 2 years of married bliss to the love of my life

Paradise is always where the love dwells. -Jean Paul Richter

A delivery boy came to my door. I was expecting a magician named Gob, he was going to do a few illusions for me....it was the florist, I was pleasantly surprised.

I ate this. It was as amazing as it looks.

I found my puppies a Christmas present. Haha!!

I worked a day at my old job, talked to a CRAZY Mother of the Bride for over an hour about a BOOK!! Do not miss that job.

Went to the air show. Saw planes. Ate a snowcone.


We lived life well this week. I am truly blessed and oh so thankful!!

Weekend Must Haves

Enameled Cuff. Goes with Everything!!
Cutest Cheerleader EVER!!

Bundle Up!

Its 3:33 and OU still sucks.

Crazy Coupon Lady

I wish I was the Crazy Coupon lady. I read an article about a woman that is obsessed with clipping coupons. She was extremely inspiring, especially when she said she bought $65.00 worth of groceries for like $4.00!! It was hard to believe, but I thought, if she can do it then I can do it. So I set out on my coupon journey visiting coupon.com, Kroger.com,printcoupons.com and oh my goodness, so many more!! I found fabulous coupons for cake mix, brownie mix, ice cream, all sorts of items that I didn’t even know I needed...I think you can see where this is going.

After hours of searching and printing and planning what in the world to do with all these discounted items, I was completely over it! We went out for dinner.

Hello World!

Lofty, I know. As if the whole world is sitting anxiously awaiting for me to share with them that my favorite color is pink and that last week I had to monitor my dog's pee schedule. Don’t worry, I am not delusional. I know that most people really don’t care but I also know that my mom might and maybe some bored person trapped in their grey cube.

Over the past month I have been blessed with sweet sweet time to think and sit and think and eat ice cream. You get the picture. While I was enjoying my low fat vanilla cone, I realized that time flies fast, too fast really. I can’t believe that next week I will celebrate my 2 year anniversary with my amazing husband. I am SHOCKED that I am closer to 30 than I am to 20. I cannot believe that I am a home owner. What have I forgotten over the past few years? How about the time I fell face first in the middle of the mall? No, I will never forget that one! I want to remember the little things, the tiny loves, the fleeting thoughts, my fails, my successes, my next million dollar idea, someone else’s million dollar idea…the blogging journey has begun.