My Pappaw would have loved this man

So, it's no lie that my husband's second love is his boat and the lake. And, since football season is over, we have now entered into fishing season. Never in a million years did I think I would have married someone who loves to fish, just like my Pappaw.

I have very fond memories of my Pappaw and his boat. We used to go fishing with him when we were much younger and he would always fry up the catfish "we" would catch (i.e. he caught). And, I also remember him watching all these boring fishing shows that I hated. But, alas, I have married someone who watches the exact same shows!

And, you know what!!!!

I actually like it!

We have watched hours and hours of the Bass Masters, college tournaments, and fishing shows that has lead us to both really like this guy:

Kevin Van Dam. The World's Best Bass Fisherman. And, he's kind of cute (in a strange sort of way) but a really nice man.

It's nice to have something Dave and I can share together like fishing. And, it's nice to have a small piece of Pappaw still around. Every time we spend an afternoon on the lake, I flash back to seeing my Pappaw in his fishing gear ready to catch some fish.

He'd be so proud of me. And, he would have loved my husband. Almost as much as I do!

Nothing really

I made a delicious dinner tonight and even took a picture, but I accidentally deleted it. Bummer!

I have been watching LOTS of the Food Network lately and made some killer quesadillas! Glad to have found something new to eat in the Petty house.

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Can I just say how utterly ridiculous it is that gas is going up again to an un-Godly amount of money? And, how scary it is to hear about everything happening over seas? I pretty much got to the point where I can't watch any news program because it's all just a little too much. I'm trying to keep things in perspective and understand these are all things you start caring about the older you get. Ah, to be an adult........isn't it just divine?

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I really haven't had much to blog about lately. We haven't been doing anything but working lately and spending time taking care of responsibilities.

Maybe in the next few weeks, we'll find some time to do something a little bit more blog worthy!

Here's to another great week!

Cupcakes and baby

I haven't shown any pictures of my lovely niece lately so I thought it was time! :)

How cute is this outfit?!

This was Avery's Valentine's outfit. She's one well dressed little girl let me tell you!

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So, a few weekends ago my family received some very sad, sad news.............

Our favorite bakery in Arlington CLOSED! No warning, no final goodbye, no final red velvet cake to celebrate 30 years of business! This was the first year Jenna didn't have a Red Oven Bakery cake for her birthday. We were distraught!

But, I found something close (not nearly the same) after my workout yesterday. It kind of made me laugh to show up at Gimme Sugar in my workout clothes to get cupcakes. HA!

This was my lunch yesterday and I was completely OK with it. It was oh-so-yummy!

Anyone have any of other cake place suggestions? I would love to try some new places! :)

Monday Devotional

I read this, after a long day of doubtful thoughts, and for some reason it was very helpful. Just thought I'd share for anyone else who might not get the daily devotional of Proverbs 31.

Proverbs 31 Ministries: Are You a List Maker? 21 Feb 2011 Melanie Chitwood "We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." 1 John 4:16 (NAS) I'm a list maker. At my house you'll see a magnetic notepad on my refrigerator where I keep a running grocery list. By my bedside is a notepad for jotting down writing ideas. I have a notebook where I keep a daily to-do list and a long-term to-do list. And of course the best part of a list is checking something off when completed! For years I kept another list. It wasn't written down. Instead it was a mental running list I didn't even realize I was keeping, until I experienced a perspective-shifting situation. After my second son, Tyler, was born, I went through severe post-partum depression. It wasn't just the baby blues. It was days and days of crying, anxiety and no sleep. I had a newborn baby, a four year-old son, and a pilot husband who would soon go back to work. I was completely overwhelmed with everything. Finally, I called my doctor who prescribed medicine, but it would take a couple of weeks to work. Meanwhile, I had to figure out how to get through each day. Every morning I woke up early, prayed, and begged God to take the depression away. But the depression didn't go away. In fact it deepened as I listened to the lies depression shouted: You're a failure. What's wrong with you? Why can't you do this? You only have two children and you don't even have to work full-time. Other people go through much harder things and you can't even do this. One day when I just got sick and tired of being in such a miserable state, I yelled at God, What is this about, God? You're God. You could make this depression go away with the snap of Your fingers if You wanted to. Why won't You? Finally, I was just still. As I sat there, I realized God wanted me to learn a life-changing truth. I had kept a mental running list of all the reasons God couldn't love me. I wasn't a good enough wife, a good enough Christian, and certainly not a good enough mother. When I was struggling with postpartum depression, I didn't feel like a good anything. So I sure didn't believe God loved me unconditionally. I believed God loved me – but I believed He'd love me more if I could get my act together. I wonder if you're like me, keeping a running list of the reasons you mistakenly think disqualify you from God's unconditional love. Maybe like me you don't feel good enough at anything or you've struggled with depression. Maybe you have a secret that makes you feel ashamed – you've had an abortion, you've been unfaithful, you drink too much, you scream at your kids or husband. Maybe you've been divorced and that makes you feel unworthy of God's unconditional love. When I gave God my list of reasons why He couldn't love me, I finally heard God's gentle answer in reply. Well, it's a good thing My love doesn't depend on you, My child. It's a good thing My love doesn't depend on you. You can scratch all those reasons off the list. In fact you can tear up the list. I did that when I died on the cross for you. Are you ready for a change today? Are you ready to stop beating yourself up for your flaws, shortcomings, or sins? God is not keeping a list of your mistakes, and you don't need to either. Tear up your list and don't start a new one. Choose to believe today God loves you. There is nothing you can do or not do to change His love for you. Dear Lord, thank You for not keeping a running list of my mistakes, shortcomings or sins. Help me truly believe, to the core of my being, that You love me through and through, for now and always. I don't have to help You love me by being perfect. Let today be a defining moment where I tear up my running list and receive Your unconditional love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

February 16

IS MY DAD'S BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy Birthday to the best dad in the whole wide world!!!!!

Dad,

I hope you know how much I love you. I hope you know how much I appreciate you. And, I hope you know how grateful I am to spend another birthday with you!

Seeing you as "Pops" is very special to me as well. I know you are and will be such a great, loving influence in our children lives.

Thanks for being you Dad. And, I hope your birthday week is a good one!!!!!!

Love,

Brooke

Late night Monday rambling

I've been horrible lately at taking pictures. I don't know why, usually my camera is attached at my hip..........I guess I'm getting forgetful in my old age. HA!

This weekend has been busy. Saturday, Dave and I spent the whole day running around taking care of errands and then spent that night with an old friend! It was a good time spent catching up and laughing. And, Dave got to meet one of my oldest and dearest friends. Marcus is a hoot!! We always have a good time together, I'm sad he lives so far away. :(

Sunday, my niece Avery had her dedication at their church. It was a sweet ceremony at this HUGE church in the area. We pulled up and Dave said "Wow, it looks like a mall." It made me laugh out loud. After, we had lunch at Jenna's and spent sometime with the family. My parents also got all the "kids" a Valentine's gift. That is so fun! I'll be carrying that tradition on when I have kids too. I always loved that growing up.

Other than that, just working. Today was SUPER busy! I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep and a good workout tomorrow morning. Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day!

A few NEW favorite things, TV addition

I've given in. I started watching the Food Network. Does that make me old?

At least it's somewhat educational, although Lord knows my husband doesn't eat half the stuff on this channel.

Ok, I like Rachel Ray (sidenote: she's a little annoying in her older shows but this one is good) but, I love how she shows it is possible to take one day out of the week to cook without spending every night cooking. I'd have to adjust the majority of her recipes to include hardly any vegetables, but she does do some great casseroles! I may start doing this once we have kids, not much use now.

LOVE this show. It comes on about midnight (re-runs) when I get home from work, so for one hour I get to see all the cool places around the country offering great food. I'm thinking a road trip is in need to visit some of these places! Plus, there is something oddly attractive about Guy. Don't ask.

So, when I went to Vegas about two years ago for work we ate at Bobby Flay's restaurant. It was good, but over priced. Maybe not overpriced, just not what I want to spend on food. But, I'm LOVING his new show. Last night he threw down with Big Man Bakes and the Vermont Brownie Company. I think Bobby against Big Man Bakes was the first episode I've seen where Bobby actually won. But, I think it's interesting to see all the neat food regular people come up in order to make a living.

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This is a BIG weekend around the Petty/Pecor household. My sister and dad are celebrating their birthdays this weekend, Avery is being dedicated at church, Leslie comes home from her exciting travel life, and IT'S VALENTINE'S DAY!! Geez. I'd better get a move on. Too much to do, too little time to do it. :)

Miscellaneous Monday

Did y'all have a good weekend? I sure did! It was actually pretty laid back. Saturday, Dave was hanging something I had bought at Christmas and made the mistake of asking me "Is there anything else you want to me to hang while my tools are out?" Why, yes honey! There is!

Saturday we took down the ugly light fixture that came with the house and Dave managed to half way hang the pot rack, except we needed some sturdy hooks and new lighting. We also had to leave and go pick up my "nephew", so we decided dinner with the parents was a good idea too.

Sunday we headed off to Lowe's (which is much cheaper and better than Home Depot, if you ask me) and found the perfect lighting! We spent the rest of day almost hanging it. It was a much bigger job than we thought. But isn't it lovely?

I also got this "P" at Christmas time and forgot I had it! Don't you love finding things you forgot about? It's like Christmas all over again!

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We did get to watch the Super Bowl though! We didn't get done with our home improvement project until almost kick off, so Dave ran up and got us a $5 pizza deal at our local Little Caesar's. Love that! I'm SO glad the Packers won too. I think Brett Favre was hating himself last night for leaving Green Bay, I mean all he wanted was one more ring right? Shame, shame.

The dogs have been so tired lately? Not really for any reason, because let's face it, we have some lazy dogs!! I'm hoping the weather gets just a tad bit warmer, these dogs need some major exercise and time outside!

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Hope you have a great week!

I think this says it all

Official Snow Post 2011

Yes, I know. Everyone is well aware that it has been icy and snowing here, but I feel like I need to at least document this whole week.

Like I said in previous posts, Dave only had to work two days this week so he spent much time in front of the fire and TV. Lucky dog! But I was glad he had picked up some firewood yesterday when it was freezing cold.

Dave decided to vacuum C'Mere because after he vacuumed the house and saw all the dog hair, it was needed. I couldn't help but laugh because C'Mere looks so sad and pathetic. Every time I vacuum, I just want to rip up my carpet! We will. One day. When we get some motivation and have time.

We went over to our neighbor's house last night and had some quality time with the cul-de-sac peeps! It was a good time since we hadn't been able to get together in forever. Have I mentioned lately how much I love living in a neighborhood where we actually know the people we live next too? And that we all just happen to be about the same age? Lovely!

I'm off to finish cleaning my filthy house and then maybe some dinner. Happy Saturday!

Books and Pics

I wrote about this book a few days ago and have consistently talked about them for about a week now. I just can't help but share about how great they are! I literally read all three books in about 52 hours, does that tell you anything at all? If you're looking for a great read, start with Hunger Games and read on! You'll be thankful you did. Only, I wish I would have waited till this week because all this cold weather makes for awesome reading weather. Oh wait, I actually had to work in the ice. My bad. {Can you tell I'm over working and driving in this stuff?} HA!

{BTW, I'm done talking about this.......I'm borderline obsessed. Tee hee}

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My friend Elizabeth got married in 2009 and they had a photo booth at their wedding. It was very cool! She finally posted them and I had to share. :)

After we took our pictures, they printed out and everyone put them in a book with a message for Kyle and Elizabeth as a keepsake! Great idea for anyone who might be planning a wedding. The company does delivery and pickup and it wasn't all that expensive either!

Iced in? I'm not.

Look at how cute this outfit is! Avery is one stylish wittle baby.

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Believe it or not, some of us actually do have to work on snow days. Ugh. And you'd be surprised how many people go out to eat when the weather is bad. And drink! HERE'S A TIP, when the weather is bad, STAY HOME! Or if you do go eat, please tip your server/bartender. We did risk our lives to get there. But, thanks for those who do/did take care of us last night by the way. It was surprisingly busy.

Yesterday it took me almost two hours to get to work! After almost half an hour of Dave "defrosting" my car, I was on my way. I packed a bag too because I decided to stay at my parents house Tuesday night, which was a great decision! I woke up this morning to pancakes and coffee. Yummy!!!

I will be getting ready, again, shortly to head into work again tonight. But as of now, I'm going to watch some tv with my madre. Stay warm everyone!