Thursday, December 29, 2011

Limbo Week

This week between Christmas and New Year's just kind of hangs in the balance between the memories of the past year and the hopes of the next. It also seems to last for an infinity. It seems like Christmas was ages ago since Chase and I celebrated Christmas together, with friends in NC, and with our families in Ohio and West Virginia. For these reasons I am from here forward dubbing it "Limbo Week!"

Don't get me wrong I love this week!! Working in the school system this week is a much needed glimpse of the relaxation Summer Vacation will bring.

I always have a lot of fun too. We had a blast with our families, playing games and catching up. The end of the week includes a youth conference. We'll be with our Xalt students for an overnight with speakers and musicians. It will be a great chance to really see where I've come from over the past year and where I want to be in 2012.

Limbo Week is a great week. What have you done to commemorate Limbo Week?

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

VOTE!!

I am reposting this because the vote is tied. I need more votes please.

Last week I asked for names for a hair donating event. Thank you for the responses!! Now it is time to VOTE!
Please vote only once.
Voting will end New Year's Day!!
Vote via facebook or the comment section.
Everyone please vote even if you have to tell me when you see me.
Help make this the COOLEST name for a hair donating event ever.
Without further ado here are your options:

A. Cutting Out Cancer
B. Buck Up and Cut Up for Cancer
C. Shear Fun
D. Wig-Out!
E. Cuttin' for Cancer
F. Dig it and Wig it

Thanks for voting! Happy New Year!!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Dear North Carolina,

I wasn't sure if you knew but it's December 23rd.  If you're counting, that's two days until Christmas, but it seems like you aren't so I just wanted to remind you. 

Last year, you didn't have any problem keeping the date.  It was a very chilly, snugly, and snowy Christmas.  I thought some specifics might help you so look at the picture below.  Now, turn the sky from bright blue to grayish white.  Then turn the sunshine on our faces into snowflakes on our tongues. 

Don't worry about us, we'll make sure to put on long sleeves and coats as soon as you start living up to the season.  We've got our sweaters and mittens on hand so bring on the Winter Wonderland!! 

                                                                                                                         Sincerely,
                                                                                                                                   Les


Outside of Haps, a great hotdog place, enjoying my first day off for "Winter" Break.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Xalt Christmas Party

Silent Night by James and John
Dalton using only his face muscles to move a cookie from his forehead to his mouth.
Angel celebrating after winning the Card Cliffhanger game.
Partners worked to keep a yard stick balanced while adding Christmas bulbs to each side.
   
Chase and Jonah leading some "family" time.

One Big Happy Xalt Family!!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Pastries and Procrastinating

Call me a procrastinator but tonight I finally finished Christmas shopping!!! YAY!!! It's a great feeling to have the crowds and spending behind me.  It is also a great feeling to know all of the surprises that are coming for my family and friends.  I love surprises! Chase on the other hand likes to spill the beans so every Christmas and birthday are a challenge for his big mouth. (Just kidding, babe, you have a regular size mouth.)
Anyway, tonight I finished up the last of my shopping with three wonderful young ladies.  We also enjoyed some delicious Panera.  If you get a chance try their Mint Crinkle (I think it's crinkle).  De-lish, besides the fact that their desserts have some strange names, also note the "Chocolate Chip Muffie."  A muffie is just the top of a muffin if you were curious.
I hope all of you enjoy your last minute shopping as much as I did! 

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Event Name Voting

Last week I asked for names for a hair donating event. Thank you for the responses!! Now it is time to VOTE!
Please vote only once.
Voting will end Christmas Eve eve, Friday December 23!
Vote via facebook or the comment section.
Everyone please vote even if you have to tell me when you see me.
Help make this the COOLEST name for a hair donating event ever.
Without further ado here are your options:

A. Cutting Out Cancer
B. Buck Up and Cut Up for Cancer
C. Shear Fun
D. Wig-Out!
E. Cuttin' for Cancer
F. Dig it and Wig it

Thanks for voting! Merry (week before) Christmas!!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Dark Knight does Charlotte

Last night, Chase and I went with some friends to see the prologue for the new Batman movie coming out, The Dark Knight Rises. We watched it in an IMAX dome theater in Charlotte at 10:00 and did I mention it only lasted SIX minutes. You might think it's kinda crazy to drive an hour to see a six minute preview but I'm pretty sure with Chase this is a deal breaker.

The previous movie, The Dark Knight was an amazing movie. During it Batman really evolves into a self sacrificing hero. The surprises throughout the movie along with the great acting of Heath Ledger as the Joker combine to make an epic action packed superhero movie.

The new prologue left me a little disappointed because TDK prologue was so clever and had great lines delivered by The Joker. There is a lot I don't know about the new characters so I think once I see the whole movie it will all come together. Plus you should never underestimate Christopher Nolan especially with a task as important as the conclusion of his Batman trilogy.

I recommend seeing Batman Begins and TDK before this summer so you can join us for TDKR opening night at midnight in full Batman dress!!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Cleveland Browns

Tonight is the biggest game of the season for the Cleveland Brown's!! Brown's VS Steeler's. Chase, a DIEHARD Cleveland fan is being tormented by our company...Steeler's fans. This will be FUN!!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Cut Up and Dye!





 "A Funky Full Service Salon" with a slogan like this and a life size pink cat out front you know this salon sounds AWE-MAZING!!

Inside, you can taste the enthusiasm and vibrant atmosphere. From the asymmetrical furniture to the friendly stylists it is110% FUN!!! Not only are they fun but they're also generous!! They have decided to partner with the ladies of Trinity Church to put on a hair donating event.  Cut Up and Dye generously offered their salon and stylists to transforms the ladies of Salisbury into literal self-sacrifices for women with Cancer who have lost their hair and need wigs.
We only have one problem...Hair Donating Event doesn't sound that appealing so please share creative ideas!!!
I'd love there to be enough entries to hold a vote and then reward the WINNER!!

Monday, December 5, 2011

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure

Or in this case: One Dog's Pillow is Another Dog's Toy Box!!





In an attempt to bribe our dog off of the furniture we got her a comfy pillow of her very own!







Since we gave it to her, here she is sleeping...on the floor!

Here she is playing. Notice all of her toys stored up around her.

At least, she's using it! Even if it isn't to sleep on!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Free Weekend

This was the first weekend in forever that we have had nothing to do!!! No youth events, no traveling, no puppy classes, NOTHING!!! Don't get me wrong I love all of those things when it's time for them but after a while a person needs a free weekend!!
This weekend we peacefully enjoyed
  • Casual Christmas shopping at the Kidz Space Bazaar
  • Fine dining (turkey sandwiches with all the fixins')
  • Movie watching- Steve Carrell and Emma Stone in the same movie!!! Crazy, Stupid, Love is hilarious!!!
  • House cleaning/closet clearing (three full bags for Good Will)
  • And CHRISTMAS DECORATING!!! Our little apartment looks so jolly now!!
I hope you found a moment or two to relax this weekend!

Monday, November 28, 2011

11.28.09

Two years ago I married the most amazing guy, sorry girls, I have him. Actually, we were just talking about how lucky we are that we found each other. Who else could Chase have found to love the Brown's just because he does? Who else could I have found that loves to drive so I don't have to?

As for "peas in a pod" or "soul mates" I'm not sure if I believe they exist. At first, I thought that made love less romantic but as I'm finding out-love is maybe 20% fairytale romance. Again sorry girls!

However, Andrea did say in her maid of honor speech, that Chase is my prince charming! I don't think I could have drawn up anyone better suited for me, I just hope I can be the same for him. Well except the prince part...oh you know what mean!!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Thanksgiving

After 3 thanksgiving celebrations, I'm stuffed full. Stuffed full of delicious turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and pizza! Like pink is the new black, pizza is the new turkey...totally hip.
I'm also stuffed full of great memories. Michigan rummy is now in my repertoire of card games. Walking to the creek on a 60 degree Thanksgiving will definitely stay a top memory. I won't forget the piggy back rides with Alie or "cute face" with Ethan. Buffalo Wild Wings always tastes best late at night with the fam. We never pass up pizza at Dick's with Grandma Wanda and the gang. You never know what cute little Hadlee will say. Today it was "Jeremy Ross you look like an old woman." Sharing all of this with Chase makes it extra special.
What I'm trying to say is I'm thankful for my family...for every encouragement, every prayer, every fun time, every bonding moment, and every part of them that has helped mold me.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Smith Edible Creations

Fruit Christmas Tree
My mother-in-law had the creative idea of making our fruit tray into a decoration. We used a styrofoam cone, green gift bags, toothpicks, twist and peel twizzlers, staples, and every kind of fruit we love.
We cut the bag so that it rolled out flat, wrapped it around the cone, and stapled it. Then we rolled the twizzlers around to look like garland and stapled them in place. Once the fruit was cut into bite size pieces we speared them with the toothpicks and decorated the tree.
My sister-in-law crafted the angel out of pineapple!! So creative and so delicious especially with the fruit dip.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A Positive Attitude is...

Authentic

Tranquil

Tolerant

Imaginative

Transferrable

Upbeat

Dependable

Enthusiastic

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Girls Retreat

Last night was our guy/girl retreat with xalt. We danced the night away with Just Dance for the wii! Playing catch phrase got loud and heated but we had a blast. Before bed, (yes we did sleep) we made t-shirts to represent that we start out a blank canvas and throughout our lives God expresses His creativity in us...we are His workmanship according to Ephesians 2:10. All of the girls expressed their creativity by making their own shirt! They turned out BEAUTIFUL and quite creative!! Those Xalt girls are the best!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

RE: Proposals

This post is in response to a friend of mine with the blog Sew Dysfunctional.  Check her out.
In her post Proposals she asked for stories, so here's mine.

The year after I graduated from college, I went on a mission trip with my family and the church I grew up in.  We went to Cleveland, Oh for the second year in a row.  Chase went with us the previous year but this time he had planned a trip with his three best friends, the Homies. They all had just graduated too and were taking a trip to Florida to celebrate.  My birthday just happened to fall on the last weekend of our trips. Different things had always came up and Chase hadn't been in town for my birthday while we were dating so I was bummed that he'd be out of town again. 
Anyway, the mission trip went well.  We worked on some homes in the city, played with some sweet kids, and I got to spend time with my family.  Chase was having a good time with his friends at the beach even though he had to work on his online masters classes he just started.  The day we scheduled as a fun day, just happened to be my birthday and we went to Cedar Point.  We rode tons of rides and were having a great time.  While in line for the Mantis, I heard a familiar voice behind me.  Turning around I had to do a double take because how could someone in Florida be standing right beside me? It was a great Birthday Surprise!!  Chase flew in early from his trip and drove all the way up to Cedar Point just to show me he cared about my birthday! How sweet?!
After riding the Mantis, he asked if we could ride the Millennium Force in the front row.  Waiting in line, we told each other all about our fun times over the past week.  Finally, we made it to the front of the line and rode the roller coaster.  I kept my eyes closed most of the time, in fear.  We walked down to the end, where the pictures are and all I could think was "why does Chase have his shirt lifted up like some weirdo middle schooler?" Then I noticed there were words on his chest.  The words: Marry Me?
He proceeded to kneel on one knee.  He told me how he wanted to share his life with me and how even though our relationship had kind of felt like a roller coaster at times he wanted to be together for ever and ever.  Then he pulled a ring box from his pocket and I said "yes!"  Since all of my family were at the park we went to tell them.  My brother and sister, had already assumed this was happening, apparently they are more observant than I am.  They noticed his pocket looked fuller than just a phone would make it. What I thought was a GREAT Birthday Surprise ended up being much much better!!  

Seven

This weekend we took seven guys on a seven hour trip to Ohio on a college visit. Here are my top seven moments of the trip:
  1. Our tire blowing on the highway (at least there were 7 guys to help Chase fix it so he didn't have to rely on my little knowledge of tools and limited muscle power.)
  2. Arriving in Ohio so I could be out of the van and away from the boys and their stinky habits.
  3. The worship and drama team in chapel. It was exciting to see the drama team, which started my senior year has succeeded and grown.
  4. Entertaining everyone with a movie for $1.75 in Columbus. Although, Contagion wasn't everything it was cracked up to be.
  5. Both of our families got to meet the boys from Xalt and the boys got to meet our families. 
  6. Ethan's Birthday dinner...YUM! YUM!!
  7. James and John teaching Kaycee and I how to JERK.

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Several girls suggested for me to watch The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.  Searching for it at the library I found that the movie was first a book so I decided to read this young adult fiction story that had been recommended to me several times.  As I read, I thought the book showed a good contrast between a wealthy, powerful German family with a young son and a young Jewish boy. 

The Jewish boy tells how he used to live, that he enjoyed life and his family did well for themselves.  His story goes from living happily with his family, to living crowded in the ghettos, and finally to living with his father in a concentration camp.  The two boys, although traveling different paths and fate intending different lives for them, end up with much more in common than "The Fury" (as Bruno calls him) would have liked or even tolerated. 

The young German boy, Bruno, tells the story.  The author writes with the charm, enthusiasm, and cares of a child.  Sometimes Bruno is whiny, rude, and selfish but he also shows great compassion and loyalty in his innocence.  He follows adventure in the spirit of a young boy up to the last word. 

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Halloween

So I'm a little behind on this post...I apologize.
For Halloween, Xalt has a costume party called Hallelujah-ween, complete with a scare trail through the woods. OOOWWWW SPOOKY!!

I have been waiting to cut my hair so that I could be Belle from Beauty and the Beast, my favorite Disney Princess!! While I've been planning my costume for a year, Chase figured his out the night before.

On one of our fave shows, Happy Endings, a character dressed in a pilot suit and a long beard. He was ZZ Top Gun.  LOL!!! We thought that was hilarious so we racked our brains trying to figure out two opposite things that shared a common word.  After 15 minutes of brainstorming we finally landed on Blue Jean Simmons or Blue Gene Simmons, either way, it was classic!!

Beauty and Blue Jean Simmons
Enchanted Mirror courtesy of Teresa Smith
Two pirates, Rachel Berry (Glee), and Raggedy Ann
Mobster, Indian, and Bat Girl

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Round and Round

We've all sang the childhood song "The wheels on the bus..." This morning on my first bus route ever I learned the often neglected verse which goes like this...
              
               The alarm on the bus sounds and sounds
               sounds and sounds
               sounds and sounds
               The alarm on the bus sounds and sounds
               for 10 minutes straight

And then...

                The driver on the bus doesn't know where she is
                know where she is
                      
You get the point...with it being the week before the time change it's crazy dark at 6:15 in the morning plus I'm not the greatest with directions in the daylight!!
Overall, the route went well. The kids were awesome and very helpful! 






Saturday, October 29, 2011

Starbucks!!!

Shout out to Faith and Sarah Arni for the scarf knot!! LOVE IT!!



Starbucks and Friends!!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Better Run! Better Run!

Since I have lived away from home the last few years, I haven't been able to cheer for my brother at sporting events and different things that I had always been there for while I lived at home.  This past weekend, it worked out perfectly that my brother had a cross country meet while I was home visiting .  This cross country meet was especially important because it was the last one of the regular season and it's his senior year. I have a respect for runners because I think it is terribly difficult and I just don't have the mental toughness for it.  Over the past few years, I've heard about Jeremy working hard for his running goals and improving as a runner.  I felt so proud to be able to actually see him and cheer him on!! He inspires me to set goals and work hard to achieve them while having a ton of fun throughout the journey.



It is so exciting to see the young man he has become but don't worry I'll never forget that curly headed little boy.  I leave you with a few of my fondest memories:
  • "Breadsticks for breadsticks" 
  • cutting money so he would have more 
  • bike rides around town
  • standing up for his friend during the church camp talent show then not skipping a beat before telling a silly joke

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Autumn Air is Bright and Fair

The Pumpkin Show
The Pumpkin Show
I love it so
I love it so

My lovely little town is home of The Greatest Free Show on Earth...The Pumpkin Show!! This past weekend, I traveled home to enjoy some good ol' fashion free fun!! I spent time with my family, friends from high school, and friends from college! Seeing everyone made me so happy! All of my friends and family made for great company, the weather turned out perfect, and the food tasted (and smelled) delicious! Willow recommends the pumpkin donuts but suggests you eat less than five in one sitting. What more could you ask for from The Pumpkin Show?


So take my hand
and off we'll go
We're on our way 
to the Pumpkin Show!! 

Enjoying our traditional caramel apple with M&M's!!

Friends since middle school!




 Donuts and the latest furry fashion...what can I say?
This is what happens when my friends and pumpkin show collide!

Monday, October 17, 2011

That's Entertainment

My love for musicals began in middle school.  The high school choir director also directed the middle school choir.  She loved a huge performance when she directed the spring musical, so she always opened the auditions to middle school students as well.  My first show was Guys and Dolls! I'll never forget dancing our little cuban number while Miss Sarah Brown, the mission worker, fell in love with the gambler.  While in high school, my friends and I were in My Fair Lady, Damn Yankees, The Music Man, and Kiss Me, Kate.  These are some of my favorite memories of high school. My all time favorite number was Too Darn Hot in Kiss Me, Kate!!! (shout out to my partner Chad)
Our director loved a big opening number with everyone on stage by the end of the opening song.  Nothing beats the feeling of standing completely still behind an opening curtain while the lights come up and the orchestra begins to play, not to mention...knowing the crowd is full and ready to be entertained.  "Another Opening, Another Show" opened Kiss Me, Kate and explains that feeling you get only from being part of the theater. Hopefully, one day I'll take the chance to perform in another show.  Our town has a very professional local theater with tons of talent.  
Needless to say, I love going to see the shows.  Many of the students in Xalt are involved with the local theater.  Just this year we've seen The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Grease, and Dreamgirls.  Most recently we watched Dreamgirls featuring the musical and dancing talent of two of our students.  All of the actors in the show did a phenomenal job, they had beautiful voices, great stage presence, and entertaining dances.  

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Silly Willy

Willow with Bo and Tank. These are Chase's parents labs.

Willow really enjoyed meeting Bo and Tank.
Her and Tank really hit it off.  They played and played, you would have thought they were going to eat each others' faces off.  I think Bo thought, "Ugh! another dog, and... it's a girl."
Mostly, we are a happy little family but sometimes Willow has uncontrollable allergies that cause her to use a whole box of tissues!! Oh well...we still have fun.  Oh and that bucket holding her toys...totally destroyed.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Wonderful Weekend with Wonderful People

Friday:
  • I kicked my weekend off by talking to my lil sis in the afternoon, some of my fav times!!
  • Football game at Salisbury High School to support some students who Cheer!
  • Chase's Parents came down to visit!

Saturday:
  • Puppy Socialization Class for Willow.  For Willow it was bring your grandparents to puppy class Day! She was so proud to have them there
  • Antiquing around Salisbury...pics of my finds to come
  • Haps!! (just a counter no stools, hot dogs, and cheerwine in a bottle...nothing says perfect weather like a long line of hungry people leading to Haps)
  • Nap
  • Cookout at the Oggs with S'MORES

Sunday:
  • Working the nursery with help from some great fellas...the Marsh brothers
  • Church service with Chase's parents
  • Football and Volleyball at the church in honor of the Brown's Bye
  • Neighbor kids playing Halo and entertaining the dog
  • Xamine Bible Study at the house, love the discussion on 1 John 2 
  • Chillin' with Chase and a sleepy puppy

Monday, October 3, 2011

Fall and Football!!!

Fall feels like it's finally here.  Friday night we enjoyed a football massacre between two local high schools, final score 54 to 7.  We went to cheer on the students who cheer on everyone else! The Band!! East had a great and entertaining show. West preformed two songs: the hymn "it is well" and "sweet home Alabama." The first, pretty and the second, fun!!  Great job to all of the Xalt Band members!!  Saturday, we again faced the chill in the air for more football.  It was the third annual Champions of Trinity Bowl. A fundraiser for Xalt and a flag football game between youth and adults.  This year the adults reclaimed their title after a defeat last year.  Sunday, we joined one of our awesome students for a birthday fiesta at Casa Grande, where I had the most delicious fried ice cream!! Of course, after lunch came more football. Chase's beloved Browns lost to his BFF's fav team the Titans.  Can't wait to see later tonight how my Fantasy Football team turns out!!! I was projected to lose...but I have hope.  Football owes it to me, after putting in my dues three times this weekend....I deserve an OCUFFL win!!!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Things We've Crossed Off our 25 By 25 List!!

      I mentioned in my Camping post that Chase and I made a list of 25 things we want to do by the time we turn 25, which will be late next Spring.  Some of the things we've crossed off have been finding go-karts, shooting our guns, and of course, camping.  Needless to say, we have a way to go. 
      Our list includes 15 things we want to do together, 5 things specific to Chase, and 5 things specific to me. Even though we both aren't actually doing 25 things, we want to be a part of each others' personal goals even if it's simply through giving the other some space or encouragement. Chase has crossed off 2 of his personal goals and I still have all 5. I guess that means I'm the better encourager! JK! 
Side note: One of Chase's accomplished goals for the 24th year of his life was to get a battery  put in his favorite watch.  You've possibly seen him wearing the watch in the past, maybe even asked him for the time, but he looked at his phone to tell the time because he had been wearing it, sans battery, just for fashion's sake. 
      On our way back up to Ohio we always pass a go-kart track that entices Chase's inner child or...NASCAR lover, I'm not sure which.  Since we travel after we get off work or on the weekends, the go-kart place is always closed. It seemed we would never fulfill our goal of finding go-karts, until this summer when Chase spoke at a camp in Myrtle Beach.  One day, the two of us and his parents went to the NASCAR Speed Park, finally satisfying his need for speed and allowing us to cross the first item off our list.  On Labor Day, we went to a friend's house and had a cookout.  We also shot our guns, it was my first time.  I'm not very accurate at skeet shooting but it seemed like it could be fun with some practice.
      Maybe you're thinking: Bucket List? How about TO DO list! Some of the things we have on our list are kind of silly, some are financial goals, and some are life long dreams.  I'm not sure what your list of things to do before whenever looks like but ours is practical at times and improbable at times.  Who knows how many of the things we'll experience the triumph of crossing off with our pink highlighter?! Wherever we are in life, doing fun, difficult, or life changing things starts with a small step and for us it was go-karts and watch batteries!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Remember...

a frown after a picture that took too long
a lawn mower with a name after staying with grandma
go carts and camping
trips to the creek
teaching me how to catch a tad pole
darts in the barn with Eric
car rides with Julie after she got her license
I sat in the back since I was younger
although for a while you couldn't tell by the height difference
even still your nickname for me was shorty
ski trips with all the boys
drawing names for gifts at Thanksgiving
sharing those gifts at Christmas
Easter egg hunts with quarters to gain
a windy graduation party
weddings and swords
my memories with you are more than a jumble of words
they're a joyful childhood filled with family
I'm glad we shared them together



Monday, September 19, 2011

Fantastic Book

Finally all of my questions have been answered. I know about the Terrible Awful that Minny did to Hilly and that Stuart's ex fiance forget it I can't tell you that! You'll just have to read it yourself, or see the movie.

While reading The Help, I felt pulled into another time and culture that I have never experienced myself.  I'm very thankful that I haven't lived during a time where prejudices kept people from sharing life with one another. I don't think the world is perfect at acceptance and love but I think some amazing strides have been made since the sixties, which weren't that long ago. Of course, these shouldn't have been strides that needed to be made if everyone had been treated equally from the beginning.

I related most to Miss Skeeter, being a young lady myself.  I think we all have dreams as big as hers.  She wanted to do something beyond herself, bigger than a good career, a polished status, or a perfect boyfriend. Lacking some of those things hurt her and made life hard but she still did what she knew was right.  Life occasionally leaves us feeling secluded and rejected, The Help showed how several ladies feeling that same way came together and dealt with their feelings.