I'm not even sure what an heirloom tomato is.....

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! His brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that he may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to him, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. His kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on his skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _


We're off to the mountains for the weekend for some necessary R&R. Though Christmas week was more fun than we could have imagined - it's just not the same as getting away to the mountains with nothing to do! What an adventure this year has been! I need a break from it....don't you? Enjoy some black eyed peas and collared greens tomorrow and I pray many blessings on your 2009. Can't wait for my kiss at midnight......

Too much good stuff

I am sitting on the couch. Just Amos the Famous Dog and me. Dad's away hunting with my brothers. It's raining outside and it is earlier than I had hoped. Amos was choking on something this morning so I jumped out of bed to tend to my child. My coffee (and yes I still drink a half a cup daily! I think baby likes it....) is perfectly flavored this morning and the house is 95% clean which I think is pretty good after week of travel and Christmas. I started to type about the events of the last few weeks and I felt huge rivers of tears well up so I had to delay for a few minutes. These are good tears - no worries.
Yes, circumstances were wonderful. Brad and I had such a sweet time with both of our families. I was surprised with the mother of all surprises - a new king sized bed! Amos was able to play and run in South Georgia for 3 days so he is the happiest he has ever been. Mr. Brad broke our $35 stocking limit and surprised me with another huge surprise - an awesome necklace. What's better is he left the note in my stocking telling me my stocking present was in the bathtub! Who uses the bathtub in their surprise but Brad who knows that is my most favorite place! We found out this week that the little mango in my tummy is a boy - and that was such fun Christmas day news! The weather has been in the 70's and warm. We are headed to the mountains this week to enjoy some down time with some of our favorite people. I could go on and on.....things have been pleasant this week. Oh, and I actually enjoy my new "career" at the mall. I hope those sentiments last - I can't take anymore job changes until May when my job really changes. Oh, and, I have spent a whole 23 hours away from Brad and it makes me crave him! Why is that so???? I can't stop thinking about him walking through the door tonight smelling like a camp fire and smiling ear to ear. I've certainly learned that a little time away is good for the soul and the marriage.
But really what has made my heart swell is just that - my heart. The condition of that thing inside of me that helps me to really feel any emotion at all has certainly been "feeling" lately. For me - that is the thermometer. It's not really whether my outlook is rosy or slightly grey - it is more a question of whether it can feel at all. To me, numbness of the heart is much more threatening than a few gloomy thoughts. Since we learned we were expecting unexpectedly back in September my heart has seemed to just stand there - still - waiting for something more to "shock" it back to life. I know, you say, how can the news of a child not cause your heart to flip? But I don't know that answer. I just know God in His perfect timing has started to pull at the strings and slowly "feeling" is seeping back in and oh my - it do feel so good! I noticed the increase in feel-e-mones in my body a few weekends ago. Jeff Henderson, the Buckhead Church campus director, spoke "live" at church the Sunday before Christmas. Brad and I were 7 minutes late as usual. We live 1.25 miles from church and we are consistently 7 minutes late - usually causing us to miss the first song or two. We'll tackle this issue in the New Year. We both were so hurried to get there because we were needing a good dose of Christmas tunes. We rush in the door only to be greeted by the end of the last song. Needless to say, I could sense a little frustration between both of us...you see, the crazy events of the last month had just pushed the nearness of Christmas miles away and that morning we were just hoping for a little Christmas cheer. . . just a touch. So, admittedly, the first 20 minutes of service I was only half way there. Luckily, about half way through Jeff really caught my ear or my heart I should say. The bottom line is that God saw it fit that He should send a savior for me. We know He did because that is what happened. My numbness of heart comes when I forget this simple statement. I begin to forget my need for "saving" everyday. And if you grew up Catholic like I did that word just makes you cringe and think of the crazies on the sidewalk in Athens screaming at you to be saved or burn! But really I think if we all thought back about our day or even our morning - there are little things that we need saving from. I need saving from my temper all to often. I didn't even know I had a temper until I got a dog and a sweet husband. I usually need saving from my selfishness. Selfishness just doesn't leave anyone feeling anymore full...it just seems to make me feel empty and alone. Mostly though I need saving from my pride. Oh how I hate those little feelings of "rightness" that spring into my head at every turn in marriage. I wasn't created to be "right" and even if I were it just never leaves me feeling as good as I thought it would when I started out on my plight to be right! So on this particular Sunday Jeff spoke right to me. He spoke right to my need for a Savior and though He never came out and told me I needed one because I was crummy alot of the time he did ask me to just consider whether I agree with God's assumption. You see, God assumed I would need one. So He sent one. Do I agree with His assumption? Yes. Fully. And on this Sunday for some reason I felt it more than ever. And this is the day my heart started "feeling" again. I miss the intimacy with my Savior that I have known for so many years. I miss my full heart that comes from just knowing someone came so that I might live a vibrant life. I love the word vibrant! Who doesn't want to live vibrantly? Who doesn't want more than mediocrity?

My prayer for my family and yours is that we might fully know the gift given to us this Christmas season. I was sick shopping for a few presents this year that I had to find because I knew a few people would have me something. I love to give to others so it isn't that.....actually if I could spend $100 dollars a month I would take you to lunch and buy surprises for people but I just hate it when it seems so automated......so forced. Really, my heart just wanted to recognize the ultimate gift that had been given on my behalf and for some reason it took 3/4's of a Christmas season to pass before my heart couldn't take it anymore and it broke. It broke that Sunday and has since felt so good not having to be closed tight. May God be near to you and your heart this week and may you, too, question whether you believe God's assumption about your need for a Savior is accurate?

It's a......

LINEBACKIN, SMELLY CLOTHES WEARIN, DEER HUNTING, STAND WHILE PEEING, BUG CATCHING, BALL LOVING, HEART BREAKING

BABY BOY!!!!!!

I thought this news deserved it's own mini-post. And, yes, we waited until Christmas morning to open our bundle of news. There was no peeking before Christmas morning even at the request of much of my family. We are so excited about this first child being a boy. But, what do I do with a boy???? Someone mentioned a "peepee-teepee" and I thought that word alone was enough to affirm that I am clueless when it comes to little boys. Anyway, all is well and the little kiddie-poo is growing a few days ahead of schedule.....8 ounces as of Tuesday. Brad's already researching little league football in the area for his studly son!

Boy or Girl???

We'll have a little envelope in our hands in two hours with the big secret! I am drinking a gallon of sugary apple juice and eating chocolate for breakfast. Oh, please little baby...dance around today and wiggle and move freely. We want to see you!

We plan to not open our envelope of news until Christmas morning so you'll have to refrain from asking until then. I have every hour planned for the next 48 so I am not tempted to peek at our Christmas present. Happy anatomy day! Wear something pink or blue!

I love surprises! My husband and my mama.....

spent Saturday morning in bed.

This is what mama said to me as she was later explaining the planning of their biggest of surprises. This is just what every daughter longs to hear I am sure.

You see I headed out to start my most usual and most favorite of Saturday mornings. A Pilate's class at 10 and kickboxing at 11. I'll watch umpteen hours of football or help repair a car or clean toilets or go sit in a deer stand all day with my hubby as long as I first get to do my favorite of Saturday routines. I know...I should give unconditionally and on many things I do but rarely do I give in on my Saturday rituals and if I do Brad says he always has regrets. Even though my belly is growing and my body is getting soft everywhere I still like to try to kick and punch my way to increased endorphins on my Saturdays.
Brad was extra anxious this particular Saturday to get me out of the house. Usually, B-rad pulls at my t-shirt to get me to stay just a little longer and soak in the lack of routine on the weekends but as I mentioned I rarely budge. Not this morning. Brad was up and at 'em and tying his tennie's like he has somewhere to be. This is when my suspicion began. Brad loves nothing to do on Saturday as much as I love hitting the gym. He said he may be home by lunch and gave no further details. This was clue number uno for me. Brad rarely leaves me guessing especially when it comes to his whereabouts. Maybe it is that we are still newlyweds but Brad and I do not suffer in the communication column...if anything maybe we over communicate. Last month I had nearly $200 of cell phone overages. When I did my inquiry to find the problem for this unwanted surprise I saw that Brad and I used 852 minutes last month just talking to each other and that doesn't include the hundreds of text messages. And we LIVE TOGETHER!!! Ultimately, this lead to Brad getting a new blackberry as we figured it was time to be on the same network since our last names our the same. Anywho, this morning Brad left me hangin.
So on my usual way out the door I rang mama as I usually do. If there is another person that maybe I talk too much too though I would never dare admitting that - it's my mama. Luckily, we can make unlimited calls to each other...anytime - anywhere, baby! Well, mama had planned to meet me later to look over baby clothes at a friends "baby clothes" party (I didn't know in my pre-pregnancy days that they had these). Mama was extra quick on the phone this morning and with little explanation said she probably wouldn't meet me later.
I sort of start to add up all the weird behaviors of the morning but luckily I was late to Pilate's and quickly jumped into my Series of 5 and soon forgot about Brad and mama's where abouts.

After about 800 calories spent and the little endorphins dancing all through my head I headed home but was stopped by hubby who says I have to call first. WHAT??? Then I get a fun text saying there are surprises for me at home. I really didn't want to start guessing about these surprises because the truth is.....I LOVE surprises but I can NEVER be surprised. I was going to let Brad have this one...mostly for my own enjoyment. I did have a thought or two though that started to get me nervous. What if Brad went and bought my 4 new tires that the Explorer needs? I am not sure how this would have gone over and I didn't even want to think it through. Knowing that we are on a tight budget right now I then thought maybe my "surprise" was a clean guest bedroom and a freshly vacuumed floor. I was okay with that but trust me - I was expecting nothing more. Expect little and then be surprised much, right?

As the elevator door opens to our floor I run into Mr. Brad stuffing some sort of large trash down the trash chute. He runs ahead of me and comes back out the door with a scarf. He ties the scar around my eyes and asks me to trust him. I am never good when someone says that....I am fairly independent especially when it comes to my body and my sight - I like to rely on no one! As we walk through the door Brad turns me into the guest bedroom slash office slash soon to be nursery slash storage room. Who knows what he could have been storing away in this room? All of a sudden I run into a plush wall or something and I rebound back. I pull off my blindfold and see a beautiful KING size mattress leaning against the wall. WHAT??? OH MY GOODNESS??? AGGHHHH!!!! NO MORE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? These were just some of the emotions taking over my body. Apparently mama and Brad had been conspiring all morning to go try out mattresses to put an end to my nights of no sleep. Go ahead and pity Brad but the truth is I can't sleep if Brad even breathes heavy in bed. I need complete silence and complete stillness. No squeaks, no deep breaths, no creepy toes touching my leg....nothing. Don't worry - I cuddle too but the rule is cuddle and divide. Now in our new bed we can do mattress angels and still not touch eachother! Oh, this is such a dream come true and such a perfect early Christmas surprise from mama and daddy. I told her she was just wanting to protect my marriage and the hope of more grand children as I think she thought soon enough I'd be sleeping in my own room if another elbow hit me or wondering toe woke me up. So mama and Brad spent the whole morning in bed they say. They found the perfect mattress and more so, pulled off the perfect surprise.

Off to a splendid night in my new bed with my cute husband and a good foot of space in between! Sweet sweet dreams.....

On the 4th day of Christmas...

My mother gave to me.....4 rolls of cookie dough, 3 extra pounds, 2 tired legs and really really fun memory!

Mama and lil sis and I have picked up an old tradition. Of course, my rose colored goggles remembers us doing this every week before every Christmas but I am quickly reminded that it's been a while since we spent a day baking with the mother hen. And she is just that in the kitchen! You see, she doesn't normally like me in the kitchen. She has always fed a family of 6 every meal for 27 plus years. She easily entertains a crowd of 10 or a crowd of 75. The one rule we all know though is to not linger around the kitchen 'til she is ready. So, a day of cooking was certainly a stretch on sweet mama's patience. Maybe it was the Christmas tunes in the background and the perfect smell of Christmas in their home but mama was especially calm through this cooking experience.
Mamas' mama aptly named mawmaw had originated this perfect pinwheel cookie recipe. Maybe it is because I grew up nibbling on these things around Christmas time or my baby's recent love for chocolate but I love these perfect wheels of chocolate and orange flavored shortbread! I have now had about 3 after every meal. Yikes! I am sure my doctors appointment on Tuesday will confirm some weight gain and I don't think it has anything to do with a baby! Needless to say, mama handled the chocolate filling while I tackled much of the yummy cookie dough. Mary....well, she was mostly moral support but that is necessary when you spend 4+ hours in the kitchen just preparing the dough...not including baking time.
Anyway, I had such a fun day in the kitchen with sweet mama and ML. We talked over babies and colleges and marriage and Christmas traditions. We had flour everywhere and ML looked especially stunning in her apron (see picture). I am just happy we brought back an old family tradition (or started a new one!) My baby's happy that I like to eat cookies all day long. Amos is happy that I keep dropping crumbs on the floor as I eat and type. See....when the girls get in the kitchen - everyone comes away happy!

My little turnip green!

First....you vote on the side.....Do you think this little thing will be a mini-Brad? (A boy) or a mini-me (a little girl)???


Your pregnancy: 17 weeks

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.
(**Again, they say "she" but I am not sure why???) We find out the big news December 23rd but we won't actually read the results until Christmas morning with the fam'!!!

I am so anxious! (PS....last week it said it was the size of an avocado. Isn't a turnip smaller than an avocado or do I not know my veggies?)

Love,
Betsy and turnip!

TAG! I'm it!

My favorite person living on an island has tagged me for some Holiday fun. I love anything cheesy having to do with the most splendid time of year so here it goes.....6 quirky things about me during the Holidays.....

1) Even before there was a bun in my oven I loved to walk over to Phipps Plaza across the street and see all the little toddlers scream on the real Santa's lap. Did you know the Phipps Plaza Santa is the real Santa? Last year for my first Christmas as a Bagwell we walked over with our Starbucks and sat on the spiraling steps above Santa's chair just watching the 5 years olds leap onto Santa's lap while the little 2 year old pig-tailed girls wailed and kicked their legs as long as it would get them away from that scary man. It was sad.....we couldn't leave the spectacle despite the embarrassment of the young parents.

2) My mom used to truly dress us in puff painted sweatshirts that I had made and attempted to sell at a garage sale..with no luck. We would also pack some eggnog and grab a candle and hit the streets of Oaklanding...our neighborhood in Tampa, Florida. Now, I was in the choir and I sang in the shower thinking there was promise in my ripe new voice but soon I would discover that singing was not a talent I had been given. Nonetheless, I would carol along with my younger siblings and our next door neighbors. I won't lie....every single year I have the itch to round up some buddies and knock on the doors in Brookhaven. I loved this tradition with my mama....and maybe it only happened a time or two but it has stuck with me! Fa la la la la la la la la!

3) My memories of my childhood Christmas's are all seen through rose colored glasses. Last year my sweet brothers quickly put out the fire in my eye as I told stories to Brad of our lovely Christmas traditions. I remember mommy singing all season long as she baked cookies and pecan pies while dad hummed to the "winter wonderland" as he hung the gleaming star from the tree. Meanwhile, the kiddos and I were playing happily with our train set and watching the 18th hour of a Christmas Story. CRASH....BAM! Ruined......Last year the boys truly tried to ruin any merry memory I had stored in my happy memory bank. They recalled our hatred for going to mass as a family Christmas morning. They reminded me of my grumpiness in the morning when I was old enough to know a thing or two about Santa and they were busy leaping for joy in their onsie pajamas with feet on them. They said I pouted when I didn't get what I wanted and that the beautiful breakfast that I remembered dad making every Christmas morning was really the result of mom and dad arguing over who made better grits. Ouch! This year I will leave my memories tucked happily inside let them warm my thoughts and my heart. No more bah humbug for me!

4)Wassail. 9 out of 10 of you do not know what I am talking about. You'll have to find out. All I know is my sweet granddad used to have himself a cup or two and sit with a huge smile in his big chair. Wassail is dad's concoction. He never really tells the exact measurements of all the spices but he says he is the perfect wassail maker. I loved the smell even when I was a mere tweenager. I knew there had to be some "happy sauce" in the steaming pot of joy and I knew a 12 year old probably should stay clear but I never did. And that's the thrill of a big ole family.....no one ever knew and I guess if they did they never cared. Dad used to sing (or maybe this is one of those "rosy" memories....) "Here we go a wassailing - a wassailing we go!"

5) I am anal about Christmas lights on the tree. Last year we had an 8 foot tree and I think we had 20+ strands of lights. This year our tree is a little shorter (and for some reason doesn't smell like last year!) and we probably only have about 15 strands. The little lights aren't twinkling, Russ! I like to wrap each branch with lights and then stuff them back in the back and wrap the next one. I want you to see my tree from across Peachtree and think wow, that tree has a whole lotta lights! This year I was feeling a little first trimester queasiness so I wasn't as involved with the lighting of the tree. I left these duties to my little elves, Brad and Amos. I can't complain because I was half present during the tree trimming but everyday I wonder if Brad would notice if I stuck another 10 or so strands on the tree?? And I don't like colored lights. Will I have to have a tree with colored lights that blink when the little ones come along? Is that a necessity?

6) I secretly have a hard time not spending the night with my family Christmas night. More so, I have an even harder time knowing I won't be here most of Christmas day this year. And, even more secretly, I was bummed that my fam left me out of the Christmas picture this year! I am sure this "quirk" will drop off the list next year as Brad and I have our own little family but for now I just can't let myself think about Christmas lunch without me and Christmas day without me! I thought Christmas doesn't go on if I am not there! You see.... I love watching the boys play with their electronic toys and watching ML as she changes into her new outfits throughout the day. I love watching pieces of a Christmas Story throughout the day while dad sneaks in a nap in the background. I love picking at the leftovers from breakfast until mama gets her perfect lunch on the table. I love going to the movies that afternoon or night and I love seeing all the mess and the paper and bows lie around the whole day while mama attempts to straighten our new things into our own happy piles. I will miss dad's video taping of every possible embarrassing look and I will miss more ML's eyes rolling as dad makes "dad type" comments. Many of my friends know this....I have not been your model wife for learning to "leave and cleave." I have my foot in my new family but I just hate to pull the other one out of my family. This gets easier, right? They say kids help. I am hoping this is true. Luckily this year Brad and I will go over to mama's for breakfast and then hit the road to South Georgia so I'll get a little taste of a Nicholson Christmas.

Thanks, Katie! Love you! The sad thing is I don't have anyone to tag because I don't think too many people but the three of you (who have already been tagged) read this blog (and have a blog, too!) But I'll try....give it a whirl CHARLSIE. (No one make fun of me if she never reads and chooses not to participate.)

Whirlwind of a week!

Among other things....Amos got a haircut. The barber loves to put a bandanna on him after he is freshly cut. I have let him keep the bandanna on this time. Brad threatens to put toothpaste in my socks if I don't relieve his dog of my insanity. I actually like the bandanna this time. I am certainly not one to dress my dog in any type of clothing....though I did think he made a good Rudolph for the 45 seconds he wore his antlers....Nonetheless, Amos got a bath and tidy last week and I am so happy for him. When he is all clean and neat I let him cuddle with me (even on the bed sometimes! Don't tell!) and you can just tell he feels a little better about himself. He can't stop looking in the mirror in our bedroom when he trots by....just like his daddy. I love it!


It was a good thing Amos had a busy week with friends and hair cuts though because it was a mess around the household. I will have to spare the specific details but within a 24 hour period Brad really had some big decisions to make regarding his career. I sent him away to the mountains in the middle of the week so he could get to his happy place where he could think. This he did...he went and he thought and he forgot to sleep (which came in to play as the week intensified). I was really praying this whole week that he would find clarity and peace in a decision. This was one of those weeks that I know we will point to years down the road. It was also the first time we really had to make the best decision for our family. In our young age it is easy to be swayed by everything around you and everyone around you. This was one of those times where we just couldn't look to what was around us but we had to trust that God was before us and that He had a plan....even though it seemed so foggy. The whole scenario still just blows my mind.....since we found out we were expecting we have said that "there is more to come." We both knew it. We knew God would be right before us aligning our foot steps. Admittedly, in the midst of a growing belly and a failing economy it seemed hard to trust what we had been saying. Sure enough....as He would God threw some opportunities in front of us when we least expected. I am truly blow away by God's hand in the details of our lives. My heart is so full yet so light.

We ended our crazy week in the booming town of Selma, Alabama. Brad was in a wedding of one of his dearest friends. He was a hot groomsmen I tell you. I am not sure if it was the new found confidence coming from a week like I just described or his new haircut but I loved watching him march down the aisle in his tuxedo. Don't you just love a boy in a suit and a bow tie? We had such a good time catching up with old friends from Athens. Irnoically, 90% of the wives of the weekend are expecting a little kiddie poo in the spring, too, so that was fun to talk about babysitters and diapers and growing belly's. I was happy to be able to be a part of the conversation. What is happening to me??? I am growing so attached to my morphing middle. I love seeing my body change and I can do nothing to stop it...nothing! This is a completely different tone than a month ago but a welcomed tone. Oh, God is so in the details of our lives! After a week like last week Brad and I are ready for some hopefully peaceful few days before Christmas....the kind of days where you turn the cellphone off, heat up some spiced tea, and just watch the lights twinkle on the tree and feel at ease.......

Lemon to an apple to an avocado!

From my most recent babycenter email:

Hello, Betsy!
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length . Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too.

**And PS - they say "he" sometimes and "her" sometimes but they don't know yet either.

I am ready for a little belly. Come on little belly....bring it on!

Brad, please employ me as your housewife!

I must be quick. The chili is cooking and the muffin timer is about to ding. I thought I would start my campaign early in hopes of a successful outcome....
You see....I have grown to love doing chores around the house. Today I have some of my favorite tunes on the ipod speakers. I am still in my pajamas (well, Brad's over sized t-shirt if that counts) and I am cooking and cleaning. I just love having things to do around the house and having the time to do them. I know often you hear of many women talking about needing 25 hours in a day. I don't necessarily need more hours - I just need to stay unemployed. This week is my last week before I start working again. I have had 6 weeks out of the working world and sadly, it took me 4 to just to realize that I had nothing to do and to start to enjoy it. I am on my 3rd load of laundry. The tree is mostly trimmed and I have been making some of our our favorite chili this morning (compliments of my dear friend Meredith). I've done half of our Christmas shopping and when there are chores to be done I have myself scheduled to volunteer at the front desk of the church. I know this job doesn't pay and, yes, I feel uber guilty about not contributing to the family budget right now but can I just confess....I am happiest at home...making it cozy, hanging things, mixing things and planning things. And, this my friends is a HUGE statement! 5 years ago when I was fresh into the financial sector you couldn't have paid me to stay home by myself and clean the toilets or cut coupons. Thankfully, this little thing in my tummy and God's goodness in just helping me be content right where I am have contributed to this welcomed mind shift. So, for your enjoyment....here is a pic of me at home....doing what I do....cutting onions with ski goggles on. Hey - does anyone know a better way to keep from crying when cutting onions? Please share. And...lastly, a recipe from sweet Meredith. Yummy!

Sincerely,
Happy at home

Mere'sTurkey Chili

1 lb ground turky

1 med red onion diced

3 cloves garlic/minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 red pepper chopped

2 cans diced tomatoes (w/green chiles)

2 cans pinto beans

1 tsp cumin

2 tsp chili powder (I usually do 1 1/2 cuz 2 is really spicy)

pinch of salt & pepper to your taste



Saute onion, garlic, and red pepper in oil for 2 mintues. Add ground turkey until all turky is cooked through. Add tomatoes, beans, and all spices. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add salt and pepper.

Bored in substitute land so posting funny videos

Thanks to my sister who showed me this 4 minutes of joy. I did this stuff, too, when I was 12. Really, ask my mama...I took videos of me doing flips on the trampoline for hours. Oh gosh, and I made people watch them! I'll post one someday. Then I would video myself acting out a part in a book. I loved Cecily from Ann of Green Gables. Even better, I would make up dances in front of the camera but somehow the level of the camera only caught me from my knees to my neck. The most humiliating was my video tape of me practicing my toe touches for cheerleading in middle school. I wasn't really a flexible little girl but I thought I was and my whole family told me I was great. I stunk. I mean, I stunk bad. I could barely get my feet off the ground so of course there was no way I was able to bend down and touch them 3 inches off the ground all while jumping. Anyway, I don't blame my mom though....what cheap entertainment for a 'tweenager. Give her a camera and let her go.

So, in honor of my years in front of the camera.....Check this out!

My 2nd trimester goal

I may have never had or lost the curves that Beyonce has in her newest video but nonetheless, mama, buy me a black suit and get me a video camera! I am just slightly obsessed with the dancing in this video. What girl wouldn't be? You don't have to be single to hear this jingle and want to jiggle! I know about three moves from this video just from seeing it played over and over on the today show (the men of the Today show had a strong fondness for Beyonce's latest creation too. Funny, even men like this video.....hmmmm) So, every 3rd day or so when I am feeling spicey (meaning the sun is shining and I wouldn't mind dancing the day away) I will drop a few of these moves in the living room just to get Brad's take. I think he is a fan. Anyway, seriously, I won't let a little growing abdomen stop me from this goal! Mark my words....by the end of the 2nd trimester I'll be singing to all the single ladies, too, or atleast to Brad. I am sure he loves getting to be my cheerleader for all of my sporadic endeavors. That's what husbands are for, right?

I need a few back-up dancers. Anyone?

Oh My Darling, clementine!

Take me to Spain. Take me to the land of the most perfect cousin of the orange family! Take me, take me, take me! There is a commercial that tells me my latest joy comes to me straight from the orchard's of Spain (I can't find the commercial but it's so catchy. You'd like clemmy's too if you saw the commercial). I've been to Spain...many a time...but ne'ry do I remember my dear clementines adorning the trees. Needless, I hear they are from Spain and that makes me love them even more. I have an unusual fondness for Espana. I love the people, the pace of society...just a few steps slower than en los estados unidos. I love the food and the sangria and the nightlife. I love Dani and Tamar and my other amigos from Villanova.
Before Mr. Brad swept me off my feet I had some extraordinairy-not-from-me type desire to live in Spain for a season. I told Mr. Brad from date one that I would be leaving him soon for who knew how long in order to live in Spain and be as much of a Spaniard as I could be. At the time, my church, had began a partnership with a small church outside of Barcelona. I just knew I should go and live and be a part of this church. Well, you know the rest of the story....Brad swept me off my feet and I did get to visit Spain with 12 other amigos but only for a short time. Since then, my heart belongs in Spain.

Anyway, I love clementines just as much. I am substitue teaching today for hopefully the last time ever. Sorry, kiddos...."Mrs. Bagwell" just isn't cut out for babysitting all day. Anywho, all I can think about is the bittersweet smell of my clementine friends. So easy to peel....so easy to eat. Yesterday I ate 5. Today I have none left. All I want for Christmas is endless orders of clementines straight from Espana. Brad has been waiting on me to have a pregnancy hankering. He says it would be much easier to go out and get me what I am craving like a super hero than to try to guess at something that might sound good to eat. You see, the pregnancy hormoneys have made me hate food.....all but the clementine and mashed potatoes that is.....
Literally, I have a food aversion to food. But baby's gotta eat so I eat clementines all day. Now, I know this isn't the most hearty snack for the growing "apple" in my belly but it is all I can swallow. So, Mr. Brad....listen up.....clementines are what my heart desires. Muchos y muchos clementines!

The bell just rang and I see that I have a 45 minute planning period. I know just the planning I will do. Clementines to the rescue! I'll be back! Oh my darling....oh my darling....oh my darling, clementine........