Re: The Winning Bowtie

Didn't believe me about my previous Vineyard Vine's post?

When checking online to see if we won the raffle (we didn't), Trey found this instead:

GO HERE (post win)

AND HERE (article about the win)

AND HERE (pre win)

this is what I live with.

They have created a monster

Virginia Tech

I am sure you all have heard of the horror story that took place today at Virginia Tech.
I am so upset about this on so many levels.

I work in Residence Life at Southern (I am the Marketing Manager...website, graphic design etc...) and my husband works in Student Affiars here. You just don't think of COLLEGE school shootings and if you do think of it, you never think it could happen to where you are.

My best guy friend growing up, Sam, (Claire's brother) is in grad school there. I just got off the phone with him. He and his wife were in Starkville this weekend for a wedding and, due to bad weather, their flight was cancelled on Sunday. So they are still in Starkville. Thank heavens! What a scary situation.

I can not imagine what that school and the families of those students are going through.

To read more on this story, click here.

Sip and Be Seen

I have a few things to discuss in this post.

1) What did you do Saturday morning? Hope it was fun. What did I do? Glad you asked:

I GAVE HIGHSCHOOLERS THE ACT TEST.

Yes, Sat. morning Trey and I were at the university at 7 a.m. to give the test. You may be thinking "good! she is marking off volunteering from her list!" NO. I did this for the money.

Yes, I was paid to sit in a classroom on Sat. morning.

I was immediately labeled a nerd by these highschoolers, but i don't care. I am getting a purse with my money.

A tornado hit in the middle of test 3 (Science Reasoning) so we had to go to the hall for an hour. Really. Not only was I up early and hanging out with 16-18 year olds, I was stuck in a smelly hall with them as well.

I don't care...my purse will be great.

2) I really need someone to back me up on this: Sip & See parties are normal, right? Trey could not grasp the concept of throwing a party for women to come "sip" punch, and "see" a baby, but I was quick to justify his confusion with the fact that he is a) a boy and b) didn't grow up with any sisters. Alot of things I do are new to him.

But then I get to work eager to share Henry's Sip and See photos with my co-workers. And they laughed. They had never heard of such. "A party for people to look at a new baby?" they asked with disbelief. YES! Dessert was involved as well. Come on, people. This is normal.

People in Starkville always throw these things. The majority of the time they are thrown by the grandmommie, in this case my mom. Yes, she sent out precious invitations to her friends in Starkville...co-workers, church friends, neighbors, etc....


In the words of Trey: "I can not imagine anything more borring than a bunch of women drinking punch and starring at a baby."

Whatever

I, sadly, could not go. But my mom and one of her friends, Ms. Debbie, sent me pictures this morning. So cute. Henry was so good, or course, and laughed and "talked" to everyone.

I miss him.

So please, someone, reassure me that everyone does this, not just people in starkville. and that it is just a fluke that people in the burg and my hubby and my cousin, Adelia (yes, I contacted her to see if this happens in Collinsville and meridian. she laughed) do not know of such a shin-dig.


Thanks.

Enjoy the pictures!

The Vines in the Vineyard

Have you met my husband? If not, you should know one thing about him: he loves bowties. He is sometimes refered to as "the bowtie boy" around campus. He averages two or three bowties a week. Bowties of all colors. He has perfected the art of tying a perfect bow.

When we (and by "we", I mean "I") were planning our wedding, he tried to convince me that the he, the groomsmen, and the ushers all needed tuxes with "real" bowties, not the kind that comes already tied. "I mean how cool would that be? We could all tie our own bowties!"

nerd.

Can you imagine the pictures? Bowties going everywhere. NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT. Everyone must match. And so I won that wedding planning battle. (Heather-100, Trey-0)

Anyway, back to the story: As Trey, in all his bowtie glory, and I were walking through the union on campus earlier today, we spoted a Vineyard Vine's booth set up. Trey's eyes immediatly lit up. (Are you familar with this company? Think preppy and think the beach. Mix it together and you get Vineyard Vine's lobster and sailboat print bowties. huh.) Anyway, the ties and bowties start around $100 a piece, so this was like me spoted a Prada booth in the union, I suppose. (I don't know, I am trying to relate)

They had a raffle....$500 gift card to Vineyard Vines. We both signed up. Wish us luck.

Back to the story: They also had tie tying competitions, the prize: a tie. How original. Trey (in his bowtie) wanted so badly to participate in a BOWTIE tying competition, but the Vineyard Vine's people told him that he was the only one that knew hwo to tie one. (added to his bowtie ego, I am sure.) Dispointed, Trey walked away.

BUT WAIT....

He went back to his office to find himself unable to work due to think about the nonexisting bowtying competetion. So he marched back to the union where he talk the Vineyard Vine's people (yes, the people that work for the company) into compteting against him.

Trey vs. The Vineyard Vine's people 2007

Trey won. He won a Vineyard Vine's bowtie. He immediately changed from his existing bowtie to the winning bowtie.

And what does this winning bowtie have on it?

RACECARS.
(see picture below *actual tie*)

geez.

Immitation is the highest form of flattery

Ok, so I am copying my sister, MSKS, Anisa, Claire, and Lacey. But I think this is such a great thing to have. My friend, Amy, that I work with has had "her list", as she calls it, for years, and she tells me when she accomplishes items on it. What a great thing. I can see that this would bring great satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

My 43 things is super random, like me, I suppose.

Here it is, in no particular order:

1. be satisfied with my body - this is a tough one...'if only i was darker, thinner, taller, shorter, blah blah blah' I want to be happy with what God has given me!
   
   
2. be less self-conscious - again, a tough one. On one hand I don't care really what others think of me, on the other hand, I am always worried that people are judging me. I don't want to care anymore.
   
   
3. have children - one day. Healthy children...what a blessing. and I want them to be well-mannered and respectful. Oh, and smart and cute.
   
   
4. paint more - painting relaxes me. I should do it more often.
   
   
5. take a dance class -don't laugh. As a USM employee I get one free class a semester. They have a GREAT dance program here. I just have to get the courage to join a class with girls actually MAJORING in dance.
   
   
6. learn to garden - my mother-in-law has an amazing talent for this. Her yard is always beautiful and has been featured in magazines and newspapers. I would love to have a yard that I can be proud of. But right now I tend to kill anything I try to grow. Maybe it will come with time.
   
   
7. Read more - Trey and I both love to read, but I find myself distracted in doing other things when I have the time to read.
   
   
8. own an expensive purse - don't know why this would make me so happy, but I feel like it would. Ahhhh....one day.
   
   
9. be a fabulous hostess - and have many parties People will line up to be able to come to one of my many soirees.
   
   
10. stay young, even when I am old - for example, my Nana. She refuses to think or act old and I admire that so much. She is active, fun, and young, which I think keeps her healthy and strong. I want to be like that.
    
    
11. adopt a chinese baby girl - Ok, I know Trey says no to this, and I can't really explain why this is so important to me to do this, but I have for years. Really. I realize that this one may not happen since it takes two, but I can still dream.
    
    
12. Travel alot - and take many pictures. Trey and I want to travel all over.
    
    
13. go to NYC again - and see it like a local. Go to all the local spots. I went and did all the "touristy" things (i.e. I climbed to the top of the Statue of Liberty) now I want to act like I live there. Maybe I can get my expensive purse there? I can handle a Chinatown knock-off.
    
    
14. see my girlfriends more. - We live all over and I miss them so much. I want to make the time to talk to them more and see each other as often as possible.
    
    
15. Run in a race - I ran cross-country in high school, and since then I have only run in one race. I think I got a little burned out when I was in college and slacked in the running department. I want to pick it back up and run a race for a good cause.
    
    
16. Volunteer - It makes me feel good when I do it, so I want to do it more.
    
    
17. do foriegn missions - I have never done this. Trey talks about his trips to mexico and how he showered in filthy places and ate terrible foods, but the rewards were so great. He has amazing pictures of little children holding on to every word that he says. I want to expereince that. To be that much out of my comfort zone...
    
    
18. play an organized sport - tennis, softball, golf...does golf count? I want to do something. I cheered and played soccer in high school and I miss the practices and team unity. Maybe I will join a tennis league. I am awful at tennis. I will have to practice.
    
    
19. make sure my husband knows how much I love him every day - I know he knows this, but I want to show Trey through my actions AND words just how much I appreciate him and adore him.
    
    
20. be stylish. always. - enough said.
    
    
21. learn about wine - I like wine and I think it would be fun to know which kind goes with what, etc...I would be a wine connoisseur.
    
    
22. Join a church - I am a member of FBC in Starkville, but I live in Hattiesburg! Trey and I have visted many churches here, but have yet to make one our church home. We are really enjoying this church. I want to be involved in the church.
    
    
23. be better at remembering birthdays - Laura has a scary gift of remembering ALL birthdays. Even people that we haven't seen in 15 years. I have to have a "birthday box" from hallmark to remember them. and even then, I forget to look. So, if I forget your birthday, know that I love you and I am trying.
    
    
24. always have fresh flowers in my home. - Laura said this too. What a fun thing. This could brighten any room.
    
    
25. be known for something great - be it little or large
    
    
26. always be in love - as much as I am now.
    
    
27. always be grateful and always count my blessings - I am so blessed and I should constantly be thanking God.
    
    
28. learn how to sew - My mom sewed our clothes when we were little, and let me say, we were cute in our little smocked dresses. Maybe one day I will learn to smock, but for now I would settle for learning how to hem.
    
    
29. Get my Master's Degree - I am 9 hours deep. Why can't I just keep going?
    
    
30. Get and stay organized - you should see my closets.
    
    
31. be outside more - I love being outside, but when you work 8-5 in an office, it can get tricky to spend time outdoors, especially in the winter when it gets dark at 5:15. I want to find the time. Maybe this will come with my soon to be fabulous gardening skills.
    
    
32. always have a dog - Sophie has brought so much joy!
    
    
33. stop judging - It's a nasty habit.
    
    
34. get and STAY in shape - I used to be. Again, with my running a race, maybe this will happen.
    
    
35. recycle - seems like such an easy way to make a difference, even if it's a small one. I should do this faithfully.
    
    
36. celebrate life - I love birthdays and think that they need to be celebrated big time(when I can remember them), but I want to celebrate life everyday. It can easily be taken away.
    
    
37. Read my Bible more - I hate to admit that this sometimes gets tossed to the side. Should be a priority.
    
    
38. Be great at my job - Whatever my job is, I don't want to just DO it, I want to be GREAT at it.
    
    
39. go back to Maine - Trey and I worked several summers in Maine at a camp. I miss it and want to visit again. So many great friends and memories were made.
    
    
40. make a difference - In some positive way.
    
    
41. always stay positive - even when it is easy to be negative, I want to be the one to remain positive.
    
    
42. visit nursing homes often - I LOVE old people. Love them. You can learn alot from them. My Mamaw is in one in Meridian and I hate that I don't make the time to drive there more often to see her.
    
    
43. hate alarm clocks less - I hate them. Really. Ask Trey. Every morning is a battle.

Hi. My name is Heather, and I have a problem

Yes, I have a problem.

I change the layout to my blog at least once a week. I am not sure why I do this, it is as if I am searching for that perfect template or something. Perhaps there is an underlining meaning to all my indecisiveness.

Or perhaps I have ADD at work.

You decide.

hippity hoppity

I love Easter. Love it. Love the colors, love the meaning, love the music, love the little kid's all dressed up at church. Love it all. I even made Trey dye Easter eggs with me. (He said no to the Easter egg hunt, however)

We had a GREAT Easter.

It started on Saturday when Trey's parents and brother (Adam) and Adam's girlfriend (Nikki) came to our house for dinner. So fun. Nikki brought her new puppy, Bassel. Only 7 weeks old! Oh my. So cute. Sophie wasn't so sure about this new thing at first, afterall, IT was in HER territory, but she warmed up to him and they played. I love him.
Look how cute:



(1.Nikki and her new baby, 2.Adam and Bassell, 3.the little fam)

Then on Sunday morning, Trey and I woke up early and drove to Clinton to see my mom, dad, Laura, Kristen, Rob, and of course, Henry. So fun. Henry's outfit was adorable and he was SO good in church!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Easter as well! I know we did!

(Sophie, not to be out-done by the new puppy, in her Easter attire)

View full size

Ode to Boo

In honor of my dear friend, old college roomie, bridesmaid extraordinare, and partner in crime, AMANDA BOUSSON CANTRELL'S birthday, I have composed a short piece of poetry.

Oh Amanda, what words should I say
on your special day

to make you understand
how life without you would be bland.

Today, in 1983,
born to sweet little kathy,
the oldest of what would soon be four,

all life was changed forever more.

You came to state, not knowing of me

who would have thought great roomies we would be?

Two years in the KD house was such a blast
I can't believe it went by so fast.

You, oh blonde one, were so much fun

cruising in mexico and getting some sun.

Road trips we went, and parties we threw

It wouldn't have been near as much fun if I didn't have you.

Yes, we were Kappa Deltas right from the start

and when it came to Derby Day's, we really took it to heart.

Swaps and parties and watermelon fest,

you, fun amanda, are just the BEST!

You found "mr. right" and I am so happy that's true,

but he took you away, now I'm far away from you.

The Lone Star state is where you now reside,

and i miss your face, many tears I have cried.

See, you, dear amanda, are no ordinary friend
you are the kind that will last until the end.

from the top of the hills to the depths of the sea

you forever will be a dear friend to me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU NURSE AMANDA!
I LOVE YOU!

Oh the places you go!

My previous post was about the shower that I helped host on Sunday afternoon. Well, I can not throw the blogging towel in today without mentioning the rest of the weekend, as I am sure all of you are dying to hear about.

So I start:

Friday began with heading to Clinton after work to keep Henry. Have I mentioned to you all that he is THE cutest, most huggable, loveable, little bundle of chunk EVER?

Well, he is. I kept him BY MYSELF (this is permission to be selfish. when others are there, fights break out amoungst the Tomlinsons as to who gets to hold him next) on Sat. morning, until my mama (Mama Lita) and Nana (great-nana) showed up at 10:00 am. So much for alone time with Henry.

Anyway, he is just precious.

I decided to leave Clinton and head on to Starkville to spend some QT with the sis, Laura, and to cook for the shower on Sunday. It was a pretty day, so I decided to go down the Natchez Trace. I have never driven from Clinton to Starkville on the Trace, but come on, how hard could it be? So I fixed a cup of coffee and headed out.

It was beautiful, really, and Sophie and I enjoyed the absence of the 18 wheelers and Jackson drivers found on I-20. So all-together, the trace was looking pretty good. Plus, according to Laura, taking the trace cut out at least 10 minutes. Perfect!

It wasn't until I reached The Golden Moon Casino in Philadelphia that I realized I was lost. Not lost in the sense of not knowing where I was, but lost in the sense of knowing I was not where I was supposed to be. I was in Philadeliphia and I should have been in Starkville. Huh. Not real sure how that happened, but regardless of how it happened, it did, so my 2 hour trip turned into a 3.5 hour trip. Just me and Sophie. During the trip I thought a lot, listened to music, and sang out loud to all songs. I sang lead, back-up, and the occasional instrumental sounds. I sounded good.

I have compiled a list of a few things worth mentioning from my detour route to Starkville:

1) in a small town outside of Carthage there was a little old man on the side of the road selling his motor chair. No really. I thought it would be awkward for to me take his picture, but this happened.

2) "No-diggity" from 1997 came on and I was pleasantly surprised by how well I remembered the words, especially the ever-so-popular line "play on, playa."

3) Never underestimate the power of Celine's "I'm your lady, and you are my man".

4) Outside of Philadelphia, there was a group of young native americans playing in their yard. None wearing clothes. Only underwear, exluding the one nude 2 year old girl.

5) I really do have an amazing sense of direction (I have been told that I have an internal Tom-Tom) seeing how, even through trials such as a wrong turn, I was quickly able to navigate through downtown Carthage.

A new chapter begins...

(the hostesses with the mommy-to-be....Me, Ashley, Jordan and Morgan)

Part of being a woman, I suppose, is throwing showers and parties for the people you love. I, for one, LOVE this part of being a girl. I can not wait to throw the best parties on the block for my un-born children, as well as our little Sophie. (She will, indeed, be given a party)

But for now, showers and parties for friends are it. For about two years, I suppose, the theme of showers has been "wedding". I have helped throw all varieties, including Bachelorette (always a good time), Tailgating (Go Dawgs), Lingerie (Oh-la-la), Christmas ornament( Deck the Halls), among others. By the last few, I considered myself a pretty good party-thrower, if you will.

But now a new chapter has begun. BABIES. Are we old enough for this? I guess we are. Besides my sister's (who, I shall add, has adorable little Henry), this new theme for party throwing is new to me.

And so it begins. Yesterday I help throw the first, of many to come, baby shower.

Is it ironic to anyone else that the three girls (Jordan, Morgan, and myself) that threw this baby shower for Ashley also threw her a lingerie shower two years ago? hmmmm....

Anyway, Ashley's shower was a hit. She is, I must say, a precious mommy-to-be. Ivy Kate is due May 6 (day after my b-day, I will add) and Ashley looks great. A little more than a month and it will be official: My first close friend will be a mommie. strange.

She tells me that Ivy Kate will need friends, as she elbows me suggestively. I just tell her that I hope she makes them in Day Care.

Enjoy the pictures!