Dishes and baby

I woke up this morning and headed over to my sister's house! Leslie was going to be over at Jenna's today and tomorrow to spend a little quality time with her and Avery, so I invited myself along.

It was a great visit. We talked and laughed and took Avery on a walk.

You can tell by the picture she enjoyed herself. The life of a one week old, sleep......eat......potty....and repeat. She's so cute though we don't mind!

************************************************

I was busy this past weekend decorating the house and enjoying some quality time of my own with my husband. We pretty much did the same thing Avery does daily. You know, sleep......eat.....we'll leave it at that. HA!

I love this ornament. Mom found it and every year I put it up, it's like a brand new surprise because I don't ever remember we have it.

Is my table setting cute or what?! I am my mother's daughter. Dave said "So, this just sits out on our table till Christmas?" Yep, pretty much. It's so I can enjoy them everyday! I'm thinking we should have a dinner party at our house so I can use them.

Anyone want to come over for dinner and use my beautiful new dishes?!

Holiday Movies

The tree is up, the house smells like apple cinnamon, and the stockings are hung. I'm sitting here watching one of my favorite Christmas movies. Ah, such a good feeling to have things decorated in time for the season (pics to come later on).

So, in the spirit of Christmas, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite holiday movies with you!

{one} How the Grinch Stole Christmas

{two} White Christmas

{three} The Family Stone

{four} Elf

{five} Four Christmases

{six} The Holiday

{seven} My all time favorite Christmas movie? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I laugh every. single. time. And, it's an annual tradition to watch it with my dad. He loves Chevy Chase.

So, what other holiday movies do you love? Would love some new suggestions to help me stay in the holiday spirit!

Thanksgiving Recap

Our Thanksgiving was a little different this year.

It started off at my in-laws for a short visit and then we had to head off because

{one} Dave was headed to see his beloved Cowboys play at the Death Star

{two} I was going to visit my niece for her arrival home! Jenna, Jason, and Avery got to come home today!! What a great Thanksgiving gift!

We had lunch first but opted to bypass our traditional afternoon nap........

because this little sister was already at home waiting on us to come hold her!

Don't worry, we found her sock. Her foot wasn't cold for long :)

Proud Aunt!

Proud Gigi

Proud Pops

And, of course, proud Daddy!!

I also had to include pictures of her nursery because it's just that cute!

Everyone is settled in, well kind of, but her night at home was spent with all the people that loved her. Or, almost!

Unfortunately, Dave's boys lost today. But, he had a blast at the game and hurried home to grab all the Thanksgiving fixins'.

I debated on battling all the crowds for 4am deal busters but, I'm not that crazy! I think sleeping in a bit and maybe a trip to the gym would make for a better morning for me. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving too!

Thankfulness

Yes. I am going to jump on the band wagon and list a few things for which I am thankful. You know, with it being Thanksgiving and all!

Yesterday was such a blessing. I left the hospital, not in the best mood (for reasons that were not important what-so-ever!) but my mom said "Brooke, remember, this is a time to be thankful." Ouch. She was right.

Sometimes, we just forget.........but, not today. Not right now. So, I have a list of almost everything I am thankful for!

{one} My incredibly family. My husband, my parents, my in-laws, my sisters, my S-I-L/B-I-L, my aunt, my NIECE, my dogs, and my friends. Friends are extended family, especially since I have plenty of people in my life who are there for me no matter what.

{two} Movies. Great movies. Sometimes, you just need a good storyline or chick flick. I guess I would sound like a more educated person if I said books, but let's be honest......I'm not the world's best at reading.

{three} My house.

{four} My health.

{five} My job

{six} My marriage. I am so lucky to have found my soul mate. We have trying days, I'm not the easiest person to please, and Dave can push my buttons on a daily basis.....but I love him. With my whole heart.

{seven} Another Thanksgiving holiday spent with everyone I love.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving day! Be cheesy and go around the table to share with your loved ones what you are thankful. Sometimes, it helps to share so you can remember too!!

The moment we have all been waiting for...

Introducing.......

Avery Grace Whitehead

6 lbs. 4 oz.

11/23/2010

Jenna and baby are doing wonderful! As for the rest of us, we are all enjoying being new aunts and grandparents!!!!

The tea and a wedding.

This weekend has been busy, busy, busy!

The tea turned out wonderful! The tables were so beautiful and there were a ton of great auction items (all of which I kept biding on and lost!). HA! My mom had found a ton of great things for the auction so maybe someone will inform Santa how much I loved a few of them ;)

This was one of my favorite tables! Tammy has winnie dogs so she decided she needed to set a table in honor of them.

Madre's table. Guess who got to take those dishes home to her house? ;)

And Whitney came!!! A big thanks to her for taking some time to come and support Brighter Tomorrows.

**********************************

After the tea, I went home and got ready to head off to the Baker wedding of the century! The wedding was at Stonegate Mansion in Fort Worth and it really was beautiful!

I didn't take too many pictures at the wedding. But, I did think the center pieces were absolutely gorgeous! One of the coolest ideas though had to have been the pictures included on the table settings. We had assigned seating but at every table there were pictures of that group of people. For example, our table had pictures of all the guys in the group throughout their years of being friends. We even got to keep them! Well, I convinced the others we could!

And, Raidy even made an appearance! He did very well too! I ended up with him during the blessing and told him before hand "No crying Raidy!" HA!!!!

Today, I'm enjoying some quiet time and rest. I feel a nap coming on too!!!

A Sappy Friday Five

{one} I had lunch with my dad today. As I drove away, I couldn't help but think how grateful I am to have one on one time with him. My dad is such a great guy and days like today are sometimes needed. I can't help but think these spur of the moment lunch dates are going to become far and in between. I'm one lucky daughter.

{two} Jenna has been keeping us posted on Avery's arrival. I can not comprehend how much everything is going to change in such a short period of time. My sister will be a mother, my parents will be grandparents, and I will be an official aunt.

{three} Leslie is MIA and I miss her. Sometimes, I just need my twin around to hang out with.

{four} I miss my husband. By Thursday, he and I are just about ready to see each other again. HA! As for now, a little snuggle time in a few will have to do until tomorrow.

{five} Thanksgiving is just a week away. There are so many things I am thankful for this year; the possibility of a new job, my family, and my health are just a few of the major ones. It seems like 2009 has been kind of a hard year for many people I know, so I'm thankful for a year in the Petty household we can say wasn't too bad!

Mama's Song

I just love this song. I wish she had come out with it when I got married.

Lately, I have been so thankful for my mom. The older I get, the more I learn about her and the more and more I get a glimpse as to how hard being a parent can be. I've thankful for my mom's ability to serve others and being a great example of how serving other's can benefit your own life.

I remember when I got married, I was so happy. Although, part of me felt guilty, like I was leaving my parents behind and starting this whole new life. Slowly, I began to understand that even though you do start a new family when you get married, they are still a huge part of who we are and a great explanation as to why we are the way we are.

I love that Carrie named this Mama's Song.

Mom,

Even though I'm married off and turned into a "wife", I hope you know how much I love you and how much you mean to me. You're my best shopping bud, my friend, but best of all, my Mommy.

Today, I am thankful for you.

-Brooke-

Stream of Consciousness

I have done nothing today. Nothing. And for no reason. I was going to hit the gym but I've been the past few days and tomorrow, I really want to go to Pilates so I bypassed it today. The UVerse guy was suppose to come install our new cable but, they (AT&T) sent an email stating it would take four hours to install. Are you kidding? Good Lord. And I couldn't do that so I had to reschedule.

So I woke up, make some pancakes, turned the tv on, and sat here. I am so lazy. I need a hobby.

Random news, did anyone else read that Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey are both now engaged? I still have episodes of Newlyweds. Ah, I loved that show.

I have an appointment this afternoon and I'm hoping to hear some good news. No, it's not the baby doctor. I know that's what most people think when you mention appointment. BTW, I'm baby showered out. Jenna and Avery had three showers and at every shower someone asked "So when are you and Dave going to have one?" I don't know. I guess whenever God decides for us too. It's always such an awkward question because people tend to ask without any regard to maybe what else is going on with us. And I don't really want to give a whole story behind when we want too or whatever. That's a little too much information to share.

I have eaten horribly the past few days. But, sometimes food is just. that. good. I made a roast last night and it turned out delicious! There is plenty leftover for a certain someone to eat for dinner a few nights week but, we'll see if that happens.

Happy Monday y'all. Hope your day has/is a little more productive than mine! :)

Couple's Shower

I went to the last shower for Jenna and Avery before Avery's arrival and it was a blast. The "Hood" threw this shower, which always makes for a great time! My parents, like myself, live in a great neighborhood with an awesome group of people. They named themselves the "Hood" several years ago and it just kind of stuck.

We ate............

And played games..............and celebrated all the babies!

How awesome is this cake?!!! One of my friend's girlfriend made this cake. It was strawberry and oh so yummy!!!

Since it was a couple's shower, all the men were invited forced to come. Three of the "Hood" kids are expecting. Can you believe that? Above is Jay, Christina, Jason, Jenna, Cory and Meredith. Jay and Meredith are siblings and both having boys. So much fun!

Probably the best baby game. Ever. They made these head pieces with each babies' name on them and the mom's had to feed them applesauce blindfolded. It was so funny. Applesauce was everywhere and we were all dying. Might be the most entertaining thing to watch in the entire world. I highly recommend it to anyone who might be throwing a couple's shower.

This rocking chair is awesome! It's a "learning" horse. There are buttons on his head that sing about shapes, letters, and sounds. Such a great gift!

I have very found memories of "Hood" get together's. They are always so much fun and even more fun now that we are older. It's so enlightening to hang out with your parents as adults. You realize how funny they are and how your parents might just possibly be real people with real personalities.

So, now it becomes a waiting game for little Miss Avery to arrive. I'm hoping she decides to come on one of my days off, otherwise, I'll be trouble! :)

Brand Spankin' New

Can I just say how much I LOVE my new page?!

A BIG thanks to Tricia for doing such a great job! If you are wanting a fresh new look, let her know. She's a breeze to work with and does awesome work!

Happy Saturday y'all!

Friday Five

1. I must say, yesterday was one of the worst days at work.......ever. It's amazing that we were offering 50% off for all Veterans and active military and I spent the first hour at work apologizing for not a) giving free entrees b) feeding every family member who also decided they should eat for free with their Veteran family member. Ahhhh. I literally wanted to cry by the end of the shift last night. I was emotionally exhausted.

2. Dave and I got some really great news yesterday and I couldn't help but give thanks to God. Long story short, we were told he would be loosing part of his "pay" at work but low and behold, he didn't. Thank the Lord!

3. We are watching my sister's dog for her while she is out of town on business. I love my little nephew dog, although he likes to snuggle a little too much for me. I've learned to sleep on the very edge of my bed without falling off the past two nights.

4. Is anyone else going to watch Sarah Palin's Alaska? I think I am.

5. It's finally getting cold here! Well, maybe I should rephrase. A cold front came through and now it's very cool outside. I'm loving it. I made taco soup tonight simply for the fact that it felt appropriate.

A little update

Well, since the 30 Day Blog Challenge is over I guess I'll have to go back to blogging about boring stuff! HA!

We have actually been very busy lately. And this weekend is no different. But, I am going shopping with my mom Saturday and definitely looking forward to that!

Dave was (is) so nice. I came home the other night to a very sweet note from him and a teeny, tiny bundt cake from:

Now, why didn't I think of these things?! They are so yummy. And since Dave works right down the road, he has been telling me for some time he would bring me one. That only took about 3 months. Go figure! It's the thought that counts right?

I also had to share this! Kristen, who I have blogged about before, made this! It is a photo book and one of the many gifts she made for my sister Jenna and future niece Avery. Kristen made each lady in the family one, so it will come in handy when I want to show pictures off of my little niece!

Isn't this cute? It's part of my decoration for my table setting at the tea. I'm not quite done with it but it's close. I'm super excited and can't wait to see how my table turns out!

On a totally different note, have you told someone today Happy Veteran's Day? I bet there will be a few military people who visit us at work today and I'm looking forward to saying thank you. It's surreal to me thinking about what those military persons have seen, gone through, and survive daily. I'm so thankful to live in a nation like the United States. Freedom is a gift and we would not be able to enjoy that freedom without the service of countless of men and women who defend it. Say thank you to someone in person today!

Happy Thursday y'all!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 30

Day 30: A Picture

I am so glad I participated in this 30 Day Blog Challenge. I appreciate all the comments and words of encouragement!

I have found some really blogs and will continue to follow each one of them!

I hope everyone has a great holiday season!

-Brooke-

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 29

Day 29: 3 Wishes

Oh. My wish list could be forever and ever long. But, I guess we only get three so these are my top few wishes I continually think about.

I wish I didn't have to work, at all.

I wish we didn't have to any bills to pay for.

I wish I were a more patient person, especially when driving.

If I had it my way, when Dave and I do have kids I would be able to stay home, which still might be a possibility. Maybe just working a few hours a week........I would rather be poor and stuck at home than rich and never spend time with my husband, children, or family.

Funny how our wishes changes the older we get. I used to wish for money all the time, even though, a little extra money would be nice right now. There are a few clothing items calling my name :)

Cindy Tamplin Memorial Tea 2010

Do you like dishes? What about super cute place settings?

If so, you need to come visit November 20th for the Annual Holiday Tea and Christmas Tables Show. This benefits the Cindy Tamplin Memorial Fund and all proceeds go to Brighter Tomorrows, a shelter especially for battered women.

This was my table last year. It was a huge hit, mainly because I have a mother who has a love of dishes and luckily, I have come to love too.

And my mom's table. She is so creative! She always has the cutest table!

Cindy Tamplin was a close friend of my mom's who sadly, died tragically many years ago. Cindy loved dishes! So, my mom along with her Sunday school class came up with a great idea. In honor of Cindy, they would help raise money for other battered women by sharing Cindy's love for dishes and place settings. This is a great cause so if you aren't busy November 20th from 1-3pm I encourage you to come out!

It's only $10 to get in (donation which goes towards Brighter Tomorrows). There is a silent auction, all sorts of yummy refreshments, handmade Christmas Santas for sale, and you are helping a cause close to my family's heart.

If you are interested in details (i.e. location), email me at bep0507@yahoo.com and I'll make sure to fill you in.

P.S. I'm setting another table this year, it's going to be SO adorable. :)

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 28

Day 28: Something That Stresses You Out

Money

Work

Finding my dream job

obligations

not having enough time

not getting enough sleep

people at work

holiday schedules

making everyone happy

I have learned, the majority of things which cause stress, are all things we shouldn't worry about. I do stress about money, on the other hand, I don't. I know it all works out and money problems are usually temporary. I do stress about my job because I deal with a whole herd of 18-21 year olds who could care less about their jobs. And I do strive to please those around me, and that does cause stress. But, I have learned that is an impossible task so that one stress causer appears to be less and less with time.

TODAY, I am not stressed. And I'm going to spend some time with my parents.

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 27

Day 27: Pets

I love dogs. We have two! Dave had C'Mere and I had Buddy when we first met. Quickly, they each became our "dogs". I was very worried they wouldn't get along but they became great friends!

C'Mere is such a good dog. He is very hyper and has lots of energy. He is so sweet and loves attention! I feel like because he is a big dog, 90 lbs., Buddy gets more attention but that's probably just me being silly. C'Mere is the best dog with kids, other dogs, and is a great running buddy. Although, he hasn't been able to go "running" for quite sometime. He pulled his ACL and it's an expensive surgery to have done. :(

C'Mere is protective, especially of me. When Dave is out of town he sleeps right in front of my bedroom door. He has a mean bark so I know he'll wake me up. :)

Buddy is our little snuggle bug. He will sit and let you rub his belly forever! He is very independent though and is so sweet.

When I first thought about getting a dog I wanted one who a) didn't shed (didn't know I would marry someone with a lab) and b) was small. I started looking and found Buddy. He was so little and cute! He potty trained very easily and didn't bark much so he was a perfect fit, especially for apartment living. Buddy is my baby. I love him so much!

Dogs are, like I have said many times before, the perfect example of unconditional love. They are always happy to see you when you come home, they are comforting, and truly man's best friend. After having our two, I just can't imagine life without a dog. Buddy and C'Mere definitely make our lives brighter!