Black Friday

It was cold and dark as I crawled out from underneath the warm covers at 4:00am. I was going to give this Black Friday shopping thing a try, and already I was regretting it merely because of the hour it required me to awake.

For many years I had heard tales of people getting trampled, losing fingers, even dying when they ventured out to save big on the latest appliances, toys, etc. So naturally, I was nervous about what I was going to see at the Wal-Mart in the little town they call Kennett.

My only sliver of reconciliation is that we were going to be in the company of my sister-in-law. She doesn't take crap from anyone so I was fully prepared to stay by her side the whole time. I slowly got dressed and Jordan some how managed to get me into the car. We arrive at a half full parking lot 15 minuets later and I feel my heard start to race.

We walked into the store and I was preparing myself for a scene of blood and flying limbs, mothers cussing out employees and children crying. Basically I was waiting to see anarchy at it's greatest.

Was I so pleasantly surprised when we walked in the Wal-Mart and merely received a ticket for the item we wanted and waited in line. People were greeting each other and exchanging stories about how Little Johnny and Little Susie are just dying to have the New Whatchamacallit. It was wonderful. Jordan and I got everything we had on our list (and some more) all while I kept all 10 of my much needed fingers.

All of us left with our goodies and hit the McD's drive through from some sweet tea and coffee. When we got back to my in-law's house, little Shadow was greeting us with smiles. Overall, it was a fun and happy morning. The afternoon, however, brought out my "sleepy grumpies". But I suppose that was worth it considering I can now watch Harry Potter in HD! :)

Why I love November

As I'm writing this, I can hardly believe November has already come and gone. I have to take a moment to explain why November is probably my favorite month of the year. (March comes in a close second due to the epic madness of the NCAA basketball tournament.)

First of all, November is the month where I feel fall has finally arrived. I can bring out my sweatshirts, boots, fleece, blankets, slippers, and hot chocolate and not fret about the next day being close to 70 degrees.

Second-Birthdays! My birthday falls on November 12. My mother's is November 10th. I have a couple good girlfriends that have their birthdays in November. Can I also say that Laura Bush(11/4), Grace Kelly (11/12), Claude Monet (11/14), Calvin Klein (11/19), Scarlett Johansson (11/22) C.S. Lewis (11/29), and Winston Churchill (11/30) all have November birthdays. Do you see the trend? Apparently all brilliant, fascinating, and attractive people are born in November ;)

Third-Thanksgiving. It's such an important holiday and doesn't get all the attention is deserves because Christmas has already run over it. But I like to give Thanksgiving its due focus because I don't want it to feel overlooked. It's such a simple and sweet holiday really. A day to remind us to be thankful and gracious in all circumstances. To remind ourselves that we are blessed to have our friends, family, health, and animals that just happen to taste so good.

And last-but certainty not least-Jordan and I were married in November. This past November 21st marked our 1st anniversary. I never imagined the day I would become someones wife, much less celebrate it a year later. I know time is relative to everyone. A year can be considered long, or very short. But celebrating this 1 year seemed to be the final kick in the head that said, "Yes you are married! Yes you are loved! and Yes it is gooooood! It was as if I could say, "Well we made it the first year, the next 59 don't really seem like a big deal! Bring it!" This short (or long) year seems like such an accomplishment.

This year we celebrated by going out to dinner at The Brass Lantern, a very cozy place near Kentucky Lake. And then we caught the late showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. (It's wonderful to have a husband that supports and enables my Harry Potter habit.) But in all seriousness, it was the best night. To simply reflect on the past year and be in each others company is all I really needed. I am so blessed to have Jordan in my life as my husband and I will love November all the more because of him.

So, there you have it. My reasoning as to why I love November so much. Is there a month you love as much as I love November?

A Short Story.

Since I haven't posted anything in a while I thought I would pull from some old un-posted material. This is from a while ago but still sends a message we all need to hear from time to time.~~~~~~~~

I would like to tell you a story about Dot and the land she called home. Dot loved her school and where she lived. She wanted to tell everyone about it and encourage people to come and explore this place that she so loved. One day she thought she should pay a visit to the Wizard. She wanted to let him know that the land he governed had a special place in her heart, but she was unhappy. As she walked along the blue and gold path, she came across Gossip.

“May I go with you to see the Wizard, Dot?” Gossip asked.

“I’m afraid not.” Dot answered. “You see, if I bring you along, people are less likely to trust me and confide in me. Sometimes the things you say hurt people and they might lose respect for you.”

Looking a little rattled, Gossip went on to ask, “What if I asked the Wizard to grant me honesty, then may I go with you?”

“Ok, you can come.” Dot said.

After a few minutes, Dot and Gossip were met with Favoritism.

“Where are you going?” Favoritism asked.

“We are going to pay the wizard a visit.” Dot and Gossip replied.

“Can I go with you?”

“No, I’m afraid not. If you come along people are going to see that you favor others and don’t let the rules apply to everyone. Then they will feel like they are unimportant or unequal.” Dot said.

“If I ask the Wizard for fairness, will you let me come?” Favoritism asked

“Ok, you can come.” Dot said.

They had almost reached the place where the Wizard lived when they came across Mr. Unprofessional.

“Where are you going?” He asked.

“We are going to pay the Wizard a visit.” The group replied.

“Can I come too?

“I don’t think that would be a good idea. If you come along with us, then others will not respect you or look up to you. They might become angry with the way you handle different situations among our group or may dislike the way you treat others.”

“If I asked the Wizard for morals and ethics, would you let me come?”

“Ok, you can come.” Dot said.

So all three met up with the Wizard. Dot explained how much she loved her home and how much she wanted others to see it likes he does, but that the people in her group sometimes make it hard. So the Wizard granted Gossip some honesty, Favoritism some fairness and Mr. Unprofessional some morals and ethics. And Dot was happy.

The Seventh Month Itch

Apparently there comes a time in a marriage where 7 years down the road, one or the other is just simply growing tired and weary of a monogamous relationship. Psychologists have named this The Seventh Year Itch. This was comically portrayed in a movie of the same name starring Marilyn Monroe in all her buxom blonde glory. If the movie is anything close to reality, I guess I have 6 years to practice my skills for an a** whooping if some Marilyn comes Jordan's way. But this post isn't about us, it's about Shadow.

Now, I'm still new at this mother thing, but I have discovered that there is a certain time in a baby's new life where they are just simply unsatisfied with being a baby. Blowing spit bubbles, playing with plastic keys and having a limited menu consisting of formula and baby food just isn't cutting it anymore. So, I think I could appropriately name this as "The Seventh Month Itch."

I can see it in his little face everyday. Shadow would rather say hi mommy than "ahhh". He would rather have chicken then pureed bananas. He would rather get up and walk into the kitchen than crawl there and he would rather play basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks than push a little ball around on the floor. (OK that last one is mine.) But seriously, he is just over being a little baby and I'm not sure what I can do to help him get over this "itch."

If only I could convince him that being 8 months old is going to be so much cooler than being 7 months old. If only he could understand me when I say "be patient little one." But since he is still a baby, he doesn't. And I think that is OK. After all, if I had my choice, he would be 7 months old a lot longer than he would like to be.

No final roses here

The final rose ceremony during the season of The Bachelorette. Reality TV at its finest if you are a fan. I always got a chuckle at how stressed the woman was on the final episode. She would usually say things like, "How do I choose? I'm in love with two guys at once!"

Seriously? In love with two people? Please. The show makes you say that to bring on the drama. I, for one, didn't think it was possible to be in love with two people at once. Until now. I can honestly say I relate to the feelings of Bachelorlettes past, present and future. Yes, I am in love with two different guys. However, I don't have to choose. And instead of anxiety, I find that it is truly the best thing in the world.

I get to come home to them everyday, knowing they love me unconditionally and that they need me just as much as I need them. One completes me (Yes, I just pulled a Jerry Maguire on you) and one makes me want to be a better/stronger person. One understands who I am, where I come from, and the other thinks it's heaven when I make goofy faces. One strengthens me and challenges me in good ways, and the other can just smile at me and I melt. One is my best friend and the other my little buddy. One loves oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and the other just discovered peaches are OK.

Jordan and Shadow are my world, and my heart grows bigger each day for each of them. Yes, being in love with two different guys is bliss in my opinion. Miss Bachelorette, what are you really complaining about? :)

Drive there, sleep here, and start all over again...

Most of you know my husband and I work as Admission Counselors for Murray State University. We have the privilege of recruiting potential new students to attend one of the best universities in the South. Of course I'm bias when I say this, but if you come check us out, I think you will agree. But, what is also a privilege is also very stressful on the mind and the body. And Jordan and I have found this to be even more so, since we are away from each other and Shadow.

The whirlwind of hotel rooms, college fairs, schools visits, fast food drive thru's that is travel season has consumed our lives for the past month, and will continue for the next month or so. Jordan will be in Missouri, or I will be in Tennessee for weeks at a time, and little Shadow will be in Murray. Crazy.

I might start my day with a couple school visits then call the babysitter to check in on Shadow. Drive another 30 minutes to get to my next school while talking to my husband. Grab something to eat and drive to my college fair while talking to my mom (who has been staying with Shadow for the weeks both of us have been out of town, God bless her), then remind myself where I need to be tomorrow so I know which hotel I am staying at. Check in, call the hubby, check email, and try to get some sleep while convincing myself I don't hear Shadow crying because he isn't there. Then start all over again for the next day. Although I can't really say this because the next day's schedule is going to be nothing like what I mentioned above.

But, let me tell you, we are Troopers. Yes, being a married admission counselor with a small child is not for the faint of heart my friends. It's bittersweet. I'm thankful that I have a job and that I work for an institution that I truly believe in. But, being away from my family has been hard. Did I mention I'm taking a Grad class during all this..............?

Anyways, despite the craziness, I have come to appreciate my friends and family. They have offered help to us to get us through this travel season and it has meant a lot to have their support. I'm also reminded how much I love my family, and just how wonderful they truly are. So, I can totally see this as a positive thing. Recruit new Racers to a great university, and be reminded that I am very blessed. I'll take it.

Bye Sophie :(

If I were to fill out a profile on Match.com (hypothetically), it would most definitely say that I love dogs. I mean, I LOVE dogs. I have never been a cat person, although I will say there are a handful of those that I do like. I grew up always having a dog in the house. We were never without a pet, until now.

Sophie was my most special dog. She was very much a part of the family. In fact, I am convinced that she was more human than animal. I will confess that Sophie was actually my "baby", until precious Shadow came along. For those of you who love dogs as much as I do, I know you understand!

Sophie had been with our family for 14 years. She was there for every move from one home to another, every birthday, every holiday and every "meet-my-new-boyfriend-dinner". We all grew very attached to Sophie, and we are all so sad that she is gone now.

I will always have fond memories of days when I stayed home from school sick. It seemed like Sophie just knew I didn't feel good and she would lay in bed with me. When I went to Murray State for school and only came home for weekends, she would be so excited to see me come through the door. Sophie was a miniature schnauzer and I swear she could wag her little tail so fast it might look like it would fly off any second. And goodness, what funny tricks she could do. Sophie brought lots of laughter, joy, and comfort into our home.

I know dogs can be very intelligent so I like to think that Sophie knew exactly how much she meant to me and to my family, how much she was loved, and that we needed her as much as she needed us.

I will miss Sophie greatly, but look forward to the day where I can have another little puppy for my new family. I hope Jordan, Shadow and myself will be blessed with a wonderful pet someday that will give us many happy memories, just like Sophie has given me.

Bye Sophie :(

A word from Shadow Smith

Hey everyone!

I thought it was time I said hello. I'm still too little to type so mommy is doing that for me. I have to tell you about my horrible day!

It started off just fine. I woke up, watched TV while mommy and daddy got ready for work, and then went to my babysitter.

It was just a normal day but mommy and daddy came to get me at 10:30! I was so excited! I never get to see them during the week at that time. I felt so special, I knew we must be going to have fun. Why else would they come get me early? Well, we went to the doctor and I got to play and play and smile at the nurses. The doctor lady was so nice. She kept saying how cute and strong I was. She said I could start eating some cereal! Yay!

Then daddy was making funny faces at me. He is so funny! I was laughing so hard and having such a good time then...Ouch! Something poked me! It did NOT feel good. Now I see that I had been betrayed. Mommy and Daddy did not have fun times planned at all. I had to get my shots! After the first poke, I had enough! No more laughing at daddy, I screamed and screamed in his face! After the poking stopped I was just so sad, nothing mommy sang to me would make me feel better. Well, OK, after a while it did. (I do like it when mommy sings to me.)

I finally calmed down and they took me back to my babysitter. Boy, it was just awful. From now on, mommy and daddy can just stay at work all day. No more coming to get me early and make me feel special, just to have me get poked! If they do that again, I am going to insist that I stay with the babysitter forever!

The family begins

Growing up, I was never one of those girls that dreamed about her wedding day. I didn't sit and plan and fantasize about every detail. As I grew older and started dating and having serious relationships, I realized that I wanted a marriage more than I wanted a wedding. So, when Jordan and I were faced with the endeavour of planning a wedding in just over 3 months, all while traveling every week for work, I never felt too daunted by the task. Of course I wanted us to have wonderful day, a memorable time with family friends, and I wanted to look very pretty. But what I wanted more was the every day that would follow after we said "I Do."

Jordan and I were married on November 21st in Murray, KY. We were blessed to have all of our family and our close friends in attendance. My colors were black and white as I am always a fan of the simple, practical, and classy. I actually found my wedding dress in under 30 minuets. It was the fifth one I tried on and I was sold. Plus, it had pockets, which was a great perk since I always like to have my chap stick close by! The reception was held a block off the court square in a restored ballroom. I wanted a lot of candlelight and a chocolate fountain :). We had dinner, dessert, toasts, and Jordan and I shared our first dance as a married couple. It was a lovely night, and I always knew it would be.

We chose Cancun as our honeymoon destination. I love the beach. Again, I LOVE the beach! The resort was fabulous and all inclusive. We had a great time just laying outside, enjoying the sun and the water and the unlimited amount of pina coladas. After our first couple of days there, the bartenders would see Jordan coming up and immediately start pouring "one alcohol, one non-alcohol." Our trip to Cancun ended and we headed back to Kentucky, ready to start our life together and to enjoy the last few months of it being just "us."

Baby Shadow Reagan Smith was born March 29th. There are no words to describe the amount and intensity of emotions that followed after he arrived. I could sum them up by saying they were all some form of love, but I'm afraid that doesn't even do it justice. What a place to be in, emotionally and physically. It was wonderful and almost horrific at the same time. I remember feeling so relieved that I wasn't pregnant anymore, so happy to finally meet this tiny little person that had been growing inside of me. I was finally face to face with the human being that started to change everything for me, for Jordan, for us as couple, and still does today. The challenge had officially started. And not only the challenge of a new marriage and a new role as a wife, but the added challenge of being a new mother. Someone shared a quote with me,"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." - Elizabeth Stone

I never made the decision to have children, someone that knew me better than I knew myself made the decision for me. But that quote really hits home to what I'm trying to say. So, there you have it. The Smith family was finally complete.....for now.

Summer 2009

I'm inviting all of you to gag at any moment, but the Summer of 2009 will forever live in my memory as the summer when I fell in love with Jordan Smith. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so I will let them do most of the talking. Jordan and I were busy making plans, having adventures, going out on dates or choosing to stay in. It was perfect, and way too good to be true.

We would take several trips to KY lake

We took a trip to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina......

and to Kansas, my homestate. We would visit my grandparents farm, Wichita, the Eisenhower Library....

and we made a stop at the Bob Dole institute for Politics.....

My favorite trip that summer was to New York City. (I could go on and on about how much I love New York, but maybe later.) I had never been and this was Jordan's third trip. We had an incredible time touring the city and I remember thinking this was "it". "It" as in something life changing. I had found the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, and it was scary. I figured it was too soon to really start sharing these feelings with him, but apparently this was Jordan's plan from he start. During our trip to New York we thought about other places we could go to and experience together. Places we wanted to live one day, things we wanted to do, jobs/careers we wanted to pursue, things we wanted to buy, etc, etc, etc!! We were very much in love and we felt unstoppable.

God must have been looking down on us laughing so hard, because he had other plans for Jordan and I. When the summer ended, He handed us challenge, a surprise. This little plan B would be a perfect wake up call to remind us that God is in charge of our lives, no matter what plans we make for ourselves.

It was like shooting a sitting duck

Dating a co-worker isn't easy. At least it wasn't for me, in the beginning anyway. But it would be one of the best decisions I had made. A Broadway production of Mamma Mia came to Paducah and Jordan asked me if I would be interested in going. I jumped on it because I love musicals, I did happen to be free that night, and Jordan was asking other co workers if they would like to join. Excellent, a group outing. But, it ended up being just myself and Jordan going to the show. A date in Jordan's eyes, a night out with a friend in mine.

Regardless of what I thought, it was a date from the start. We had a great time and as the night progressed my mind was going crazy analyzing mine and his every move, every word said, every look. After all, I am a girl. I wanted to let myself get swept up in my emotions and the moment, but I also wanted to think about things logically. The cynic in me would keep saying, "just a night out with a buddy, no worries." But deep down, I knew this was something more. Jordan and I had made a connection long before we went to see the show and frankly, it was only a matter of time until our friendship would evolve. As cliche as it sounds, we were meant for each other, and there wasn't any getting around it.

After the show I was dead set on going back to Murray and calling it a night, but Jordan had other plans. After a very convincing speech in a booth at a Steak and Shake, we started dating. This was hard for me because I wanted so badly to remain completely professional at work. Jordan and I always had a good working relationship and a great friendship. What if things don't work out? What if one of us gets hurt yet we still have to face the other at work? What if our bosses find out!! What if, What if, What if. I was freaking out. (Which seems so silly now). There were a lot of factors to consider. But as the days went on, I began to see that this was going to be completely worth it. This was wonderfully different and was definitely worth a try.

Eventually our office did find out (it's hard to keep stuff from them anyway! love you all.) and there was nothing left to hide. And I think most of them would tell you they knew all along.
And so I found myself dating my co-worker, something I never thought would happen. But oh how happy I am that it did! Many thanks to Mamma Mia and Steak and Shake!

And we begin...

How many times do we ask ourselves the question "Where do I start?" Julie Andrews answers it best in The Sound of Music. "Lets start at the beginning, a very good place to start." So when I thought about what I would write about to begin my blog, I immediately thought of Murray.
For those of you not from the Western Kentucky region, you will find Murray nestled nearly in the Western most part of the state. It's only about 20 minutes from the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region. It is here that I call home. Of course, I will always consider myself a Kansan at heart.
Murray is a welcoming community of about 16,000 people. A charming mini-metropolis of churches, restaurants, businesses, the most hospitable people you will ever meet, and home of Murray State University.
Murray State University is what brought me to Murray in the first place. I decided to attend Murray because it truly is the perfect balance between the big and the small. It was a small enough to make my education personal, and big enough to offer me numerous option to learn, get involved, and meet a lot people. Yet, it wasn't so big to where I was distracted from the main reason I was there, which was to graduate of course.


And graduate I did. I took 5 years (changing majors will do that) and wound up getting hired to work as an Admission Counselor in the Office of Recruitment. Wonderful! I would get to recruit for my Alma Mater and stay in a town that I had grown to love. Life was good! And it was here, in Murray KY, at Murray State, in the Office of Recruitment, that I began to get to know my co-workers. One I would get to know extremely well. Indeed, Murray would be very good place to start!