loving life!

So I have been slacking on writing on my blog everyday... I skipped yesterday. But you didn't miss much. I went to Bible study. We talked about a man's need to be the provider. It was very insightful. After dinner we had dinner with our neighbors, Josh and Lauren. It is nice to finally have some friends on our street. We have lived here over 2 years and not known a soul on Ponderosa. They are about our age, and we're looking forward to getting to know them better.

Today after work, Brooke, Lyndsey and Bekah came over for dinner. Gary grilled us burgers and we ate on the back porch. (It has been so warm here!) We planned our friend Meredith's bachelorette party. I am looking forward to it!

I talked to Meghan on Skype tonight. It is fun, we are addicted to talking on the webcam even though we live 2 minutes from each other! I love it!

Now we are gonna get packed to head to Dallas to visit the Grant's for the weekend.

Today we enjoyed the new setup at the salon. It still feels a little weird, but I think it is going to be more functional.

Tonight after work I went to the beauty school and let Laura practice on me. She waxed my brows, trimmed my hair and gave me a conditioning treatment. It was nice to be in the hair for once. She did a fantastic job!

We watched Idol at my parents house tonight with my mom. (My dad is in China for the next 2 weeks.) Kris had another stellar night! He is doing Arkansas proud. We are still ready to see Lil go home, and hopefully Anoop.

Monday is my Saturday.

This morning I got up early and went to breakfast with Gary at McDonald's before he had to go to work. We were talking about how we never get to do things like that since I work on Saturdays. Maybe some day down the road we will be able to sleep in together on Saturday mornings and get up and go to breakfast. It gives us something to look forward to.

I worked on the salon some more today. I rearranged the retail to make room for some new items. I also got a pedicure this afternoon, that was a nice treat.

This evening I went over to Amy's house for a girl's night. We had tacos and watched The Hills. I can't believe Heidi is even bothering with couples counseling... Spencer is a lost cause.

We went to the gym for the first time in months. I'm gonna be sore tomorrow!

Salon spring cleaning.

Yesterday was another busy day at work. I am loving the rush of people that have been calling over the past week. Business is great, and I am so thankful! After work Gary and I had dinner with Kirt at Senor Tequila's, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. It was good to catch up with him over chips and dip. After dinner he had to head back to Arkadelphia, so we went over to Laura and Caleb's apartment to catch up with them. Laura has been so busy with school and work, I have hardly seen her. She only has a few months left until she graduates. I am so looking forward to having her work with us at the salon.

Our Church had Dr. Bob Harper come in view of a call for associate pastor. Dr. Harper is my good friend Lyndsey's dad, so we were super excited to have them there today. I am looking forward to having them at our church! After Church, we went out to lunch with my grandma (Sowle) for her birthday.

It was raining when we got home, so I cuddled up on the couch with Maggie and watched Twilight. I didn't make it through the whole movie...I upheld my usual Sunday ritual, and slept for 3 and a half hours. I don't know why I always waste the day like that. I guess the busy week just catches up with me.

This evening Gary and I grabbed a Little Cesar's pizza and went up to the salon to do some spring cleaning. We rearranged the front of the shop to make it easier for clients to check out the retail. We are wanting to really grow our retail business this summer, and I think the new layout will help with that. We did a lot of much needed cleaning. Things are really looking good now.

Prom day.

Today was prom day. Kate and I were busy all day with updos, makeup, and mani/pedis. It was fun to hear who was going with who, and what everyone's dresses looked like. It's such an exciting day when you are in high school. Good memories.

Tonight we went to dinner and a movie with Brooke and Jonathan. We ate at Copeland's. I had crab cakes and shrimp pasta. It was yummy. But, dessert was the best part! We had a huge slice of cheesecake with white and dark chocolate on top. After dinner we saw "State of Play". It had me on the edge of my seat the entire movie, but it was one where you really had to pay attention to keep up. I think I prefer chick flicks. Either way, it was a nice double date.

Busy bee.

Worked until 8 tonight. This week has been so busy at work! I'm not complaining, it's always good to be busy. After work we did something we love to do. We drove through Mexico Chiquito, got a large cheese dip, and 2 large fruit punch drinks and ate in the parking lot of the Kroger next door. Exciting huh?

We finished painting the bathroom tonight. It looks so much more clean. In Gary's words: "it looks pretty good for a hairdresser and a sales rep!"

Chillin and grillin!

So, I fell asleep last night before I could post. So I will fill you in on yesterday and today. Yesterday, work was CRAZY busy. That's a good thing though. I ended my day with Meghan. We had fun catching up and playing hair. After dinner I met up with some old OBU friends at US Pizza Co. We had dinner and laughed for a few hours. It was a fun time. Idol was good. Loved that Kris sang a Swell Season song! Love them!

Tonight I skipped Bible Study (I know, bad right?) Gary and I grilled steaks and ate on the back porch. The steak was excellent! Lola got a few scraps and she was loving it. I love spring, such a beautiful time of year. Now, we are watching Idol, to hopefully see Lil Rounds kicked off. After Idol, I think we'll hit the sack early.

A woman's work is never done!

It is rare that I get to just chill on my day off. Today was no different. I got up early and headed over to help Gary decorate his office. We hung some shelves and put up some pictures. It is starting to look more cozy, but we still need a few things to finish it off.

After helping him, I came home and got to work on odd and end jobs around the house. That took me well into the evening. Gary repainted the ceiling in our bathroom. We have had a bit of a mold problem with our bathroom being so small. We think we have it under control now. After putting in a fan, we decided to buy some mold free paint and re-coat everything. I realize more everyday how much work it is having a home!

He is risen!

Happy Easter! What a happy day. There is such freedom in the resurrection. Knowing Jesus was victorious over death and sin has lost its hold on me!

After a beautiful chuch service, we went to my grandparents (Jenkins) for lunch. This Easter was especially fun because there is a little one again. My cousin Mark and his wife had their 3 month old little boy, Towns, with them. He is super cute. Looks just like his daddy. He was the center of attention. Every Easter after church we go to my grandparents for lunch and family pictures. Today the tradition continued.

It was rainy all day. The perfect day for an afternoon nap. I took full advantage of that oppertunity. After my nap, I went to church for another goodbye party for the Fitzpatricks. Today was Joe's last Sunday to lead worship at PHBC. The party tonight was for youth choir and alumni to tell Joe their favorite mission trip memories. It was a really neat time with him and Mrs. Gwen.

The new Death Cab EP was avaliable today on itunes! We already bought it and love it! Check it out.

A day at the races!

Today I only worked a half day! This is a first. I almost always work all day on Saturdays. We left at noon and went to Oaklawn in Hot Springs with Amy and Ryan. We won $7.20, but then we lost it. Oh well, all in all in was a great time! Afterwards we grilled burgers at the Friedman's. The weather was wonderful for hanging out at the races.

Good Friday.

Today I have been thinking and reflecting on what my Jesus did for me on this day so long ago. I am so unworthy, yet he died for me! Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.

Work was super busy today. Everybody getting beautiful for Easter. After work I went on a date with Gary. We had dinner at Mimi's. I love love love their banana chocolate chip muffin! After dinner we went shopping for Gary some office decor. We found some shelves, picture frames, a lamp, and a globe at Target. I think I will go in on Monday and decorate while he works.

We went to see "Sunshine Cleaning," with Amy Adams and Emily Blunt tonight. The previews made the movie look kinda funny. They were misleading. It was very depressing, but I could still appreciate it. It's worth seeing, but be prepared, it won't be the feel good picture of the year.

Tornado Thursday.

Right now I am sitting at home with color on my nappy roots, watching the tornado warnings on tv, listening to the storm outside my window. No worries, our little family is safe inside. Ready to put Maggie and Lola in the bathtub with us at any second! I hope it chills out soon.

Today work was very busy. Did my Mom's hair too. So cute! After work we got a pizza and watched Slumdog Millionaire. It was so good. Tate called and we got to catch up for about 40 min. It was great. I miss her so much!

Glad tomorrow is Friday!

Ultimate Retreat.

Today work was busy. We did our first Ultimate Retreat package. We have sold several gift certificates for Ultimate Retreat, but this was our first time through one. It was fun. I enjoy working on one client head to toe and seeing the end result. My client today was getting married tonight. I did her manicure, pedicure, brow wax, updo and makeup. Jill also gave her a massage. That is the fun part about have a full service salon. You can do the job start to finish.

Tonight I went to Bible study at church. We talked about how men value their wives respect even more than their love. Crazy huh? Women are the opposite. We value love more. So, this week I am going to focus of being respectful to Gary. It's harder than it sounds. I tend to want to be in control.

Kris is still on Idol! I am hoping he will make it all the way to the top 3. Scott went home tonight, it was sad to see him go, but it was his time. Looking forward to next week. Goodbye Lil!

Going to get to sleep early tonight for once.

Lola and me.

Work was busy today. We watched "Marley and Me" last night. I cried. Marley looks/acts so much like our sweet Lola. I am vowing to be a better dog owner. So, after work we took Lola for a walk. After our walk, we grilled chicken. It was oh so good.

American Idol was a let down tonight. I wasn't really a fan of any of the preformances. I don't know who will go tomorrow. I hope either Scott or Lil.

My day off.

Today was my day off. I went to Jenkins Enterprises this morning for the opening celebration for their new building. Everything is so nice. I am so proud of my family! Above is a photo of my parents, aunt, uncles, and grandparents in front of the new building. These are the "key players" for Jenkins Enterprises. And this is the whole staff:

I helped Gary unpack his office. It's kind empty, but we are hoping to go pick up some shelves and decor items at Container Store later this week to fix it up.

After the grand opening Brooke and I went to Conway to check out their TJ Maxx. They have a huge selection of home decor! We were there forever taking it all in. We had lunch at Market Place. I've always seen it, but never eaten there. It was wonderful. I got the chicken wrap. But, the best part was the dessert! We split the "chocolate peanut butter mess." It was to die for. The chocolate and PB covered the outside of the glass and the entire plate it was sitting on. So good!

Tonight we made tacos at home. It was nice to have an evening in. It got cold outside today, only a high of 55. Now we are gonna cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie before bed. It's back to the daily grind tomorrow.

New beginnings and saying goodbye.

After church I finally got to go by the new location of Jenkins Enterprise. It is huge! Everything has come together really nice. They now have room to house all of the new teams they were licenced for at last year. They also can now house their fixture business under the same roof. Tomorrow morning will be the ribbon cutting ceremony. We are all so proud of how far the business has come since my grandpa started it 30 years ago.

This weekend has been a weekend of showers. I dropped by Katie Dacus' bridal shower this afternoon. She is getting married next month. Katie and I grew up at church together and were baptized on the same day. Time flies!

Tonight our church had a farewell party for the Fitzpatrick family. Joe has been our music minister for 20 years. As far back as I can remember! He has been such a blessing to our church. He also led the youth choir at Park Hill and I went on 4 summer mission trips under his leadership. He will be hard to replace.

Change is in the air!

The weekend that wasn't a weekend.

This morning I helped host a baby shower (that is a first) for a girl we go to church with. They are having a little boy. I brought petit fours. I wish I could say I made them, but I didn't. I picked them up at Community Bakery this morning on the way. Those are little baby booties. Cute, huh?

After the shower I had to head to work until 5. Not much of a Saturday, and it was so pretty outside too. I love my job, but I do wish I could be out and about with my husband on Saturday like the rest of the world.

Tonight Gary and I went to Gadwall's for dinner. One of our favorites! Then we came home and watched Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest."

Gary has to work again tomorrow. I'm hoping to swing by and see the new place!

The weekend is here!

Yay for Friday. I guess I still have one more day before my weekend really starts, but Friday's still feel like the end of the week for me.

Tonight our Sunday School class had a party. We ate dinner and played "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" I don't think I am. Most of the questions I could easily recall learning about and the answers were on the tip of my tongue, but they just weren't coming to me. But, we played boys against girls and the girls won. We are beginning to get to know the other couples in our class a little better and are really enjoying the group.

Gary has to work all weekend... still moving. They hope to be finished Sunday afternoon. He got upgraded from a cubicle to his very own office! So, I am excited about helping him set it up.

This weekend will consist of work, a baby shower, a wedding shower, church, and hopefully some rest!

Rain, rain go away.

I normally like rainy days, but today the rain kinda had me down. Work was busy, so tonight we decided to take it easy. We went to Wing Stop for dinner, then came home and caught up on the last 4 episodes of The Office. It was nice to just not think about anything I needed to be doing for a night. To top it off I am gonna go to bed before 11:00.

Happy April Fool's Day!

This evening we started our new Bible study at church. It's called "For Women Only". It's about understanding men. I'm excited, because who wouldn't want to know more about understanding their other half? So, maybe next Wednesday I will have some insight for us ladies.

We found out we are getting money back on our taxes. That's the best news we've had all year! I'm looking forward to having the salon completely paid for by the end of the summer. Such a blessing! Then I am hoping we will be able to do a little remodeling around the house. We have been wanting to update our bathrooms and kitchen since they are the only rooms we didn't get to completely redo when we moved in.

Big news! We are gonna have a baby!





APRIL FOOLS! (I wanted to do that to Gary, but decided it was too mean.)