Wedding Weekend

Here are a few zillion pictures from Stacie and Scott's Wedding weekend.

We Miss You Already!

The Hagans

We love having guests...nothing could have been better than getting to spend time with Taylor,Jessica, and Harper last week. We've known Jess for many many years. She has some good stories about Brad from back in the day. He was her youth pastor after all.

It was great spending some time getting to know Taylor better. He is a cool guy, a good daddy and the perfect match for Jessica.

Harper is such a sweet sweet baby girl. She takes the lead from her momma and daddy and just kicks back and takes it all in. They are a precious family. Come back anytime guys! We love you. Tell Harper that Spicy says hi. :)

Here is the Plan

I have many many pics to get on here- Andy's graduation, Maci's promotion, The Hagans visit, backyard pics, and soon there will be beach wedding pics. So....I'm going to upload them tonight and set them to post over the next few days. Keep checking. Pics are on their way!

My Favorite NYer Strikes Again

There are many complainers in this world. There are many that have valid arguments. However, only a few actually take a stand. Only a few man up and make a difference. My favorite New Yorker, AnneMarie is one of those few. She ROCKED the board meeting last night. She stood up. She used her voice. She made a difference. I love that Mrs. Weber!!! She is one rocking New Yorker and I am honored to call her a friend.

My Favorite Pic

The above is my favorite picture from the beach last weekend. Who wouldn't love the sight of sand dunes? Below is my 2nd favorite picture. Why? Because Ashley didn't want to pose in front of those...whatever they are...but she did anyway because she is that kind of friend. The "this is so stupid but I'll stand here and smile if that makes you happy (and shut up) kind of friend." Thanks buddy. And you were right. It is a dumb picture. ;) PS-It was taken at Broadway at the Beach if you'd also like your pic taken in front of...what was this again?

The List

I have a mental list going of things I must get done over spring break. Things like getting ahead on the TWO grad school classes I'm taking this term, faxing the paperwork over before the kids dental appointments, getting Maci's bazillion pieces paperwork ready for cheer tryouts, planting sunflowers, placing a picture in the adorable empty red frame on the mantel, renting a carpet cleaner, and hitting the gym at least 3 times.

Sure all that is more than enough to keep me busy but still I don't feel like it is enough. I wish I was craftier like this mom and thriftier like this mom. I haven't even kept up with the blog lately.

It isn't for lack of material to write about. It's been crazy busy around here- but in a good way. There have been lots kids at the house round the clock. (just like we like it...having the hang out house) I'm packing boxes and preparing for a new school next year. Possibly new grade? And when I say *new school* I mean NEW SCHOOL! That is so very exciting!

We've had great game nights with friends, gotten involved in a new church (by involved I mean attended regularly and toyed with the idea of really getting involved) and we even pitched a tent and camped out last week. So there has been lots to write about. Why haven't I been writing? Maybe because it wasn't on the list. I'll add it. Keep checking back...I'll get back into the groove...for real.

You Must Pick-a-Lily

If only Maci were still young enough for ruffles and frills... My friend Cherise designs and makes the most adorable, most whimsical, most fabulous clothing line I have ever seen. You simply must check out her site. She takes custom orders as well so I'm sure she'd whip up the perfect outfit especially designed for those tiny ones out there...Harper...Savanna...tell your mommies to pick you up something fabulous!

That Subject We Aren't Allowed to Mention

While I'm reflecting on moving...let me pass out some wisdom too. (Yeah, I know...this won't take long.) We have a dear dear friend that will be moving soon. We aren't allowed to discuss it because the tears start flowing. In fact, they flow just thinking about it. I've been on the "leaving end" and now I'm on the "being left end." This end is much worse. Here is a top 10 list for you...10 things I've learned from moving halfway across the country.

1. Brad said the first six months would suck. But they didn't. They won't for you either.

2. However, at some point it will stop feeling like a vacation and more like the permanent decision that you made. If fear grips you from that revelation, you just push it out by doing something fabulous that is unique to your new area. (for you that might be as simple as snuggling with your husband)

3. When you don't feel like going out and meeting people, go anyway. You never know where or how you will meet your new best friend.

4. Anticipate everything with excitement...trying a new grocery store...exploring a new road...treat it all as the adventure it is.

5. Call your momma everyday if you need to. I called mine everyday for that first year.

6. Yes it is possible to be at home and still call somewhere else home too.

7. But be prepared. If you stay gone long enough, that original home just won't quite feel like home anymore. That's ok. Actually, that's probably good.

8. Your friends here in NC miss you more than you know but we are also happier for you than you could ever imagine.

9. People will tell you that they'll visit and some of them actually will. (like us!)

10. You'll find more strength in yourself than you ever believed possible.

We Rocked the Block

Here is a quick rundown. The boys performed for well over 2 hours- nonstop. It rocked. We stood and danced for well over 2 hours. We (I) will be feeling it in the morning. It was so fun to watch all the girls (30 something soccer moms)...on the light rail complete strangers were talking about which was their favorite and how many posters they had as a kid. Some girls actually wore original t-shirts AND brought their NKOTB lunch boxes and dolls. Thank goodness for these people because they made me look very normal!


Floor seats are ALWAYS possible. You just gotta be persistent. Crystal at Ticketmaster finally hooked us up! I traded in our so/so seats for AWESOME 10th row center floor seats 3 hours before the concert! Between Buble and now NKOTB I am beginning to think this ticket deal is a secret talent I never knew I had.

Maci had soooo much fun and Stacie and I had so much fun watching her. More to come....but tomorrow is actually today and I have to be at scool in under 6 hours. Sit back and enjoy the pics....I'll add more catptions later too. Be sure to refresh the page to make certain you see them all. ;)

Happy Day for You

Ok Tresher. Here is your "paragraph." But just so you know, I was planning this blog long before you requested it!

We had an awesome Mother Goose themed Literacy Night for our kids and parents last night. Tresher (who is our almighty grade chair this year) planned, prepped, and executed the entire event. She did everything including selling the idea to the team, preparing ALL the centers, ordering the cake, getting fabulous goody bags for parents, sending out a feedback survey today, and presenting each teacher with a "Great Job Certificate." It was AWESOME. We had more than 150 people attend!!! She even got Chip to make a guest appearance for family pictures.

Tresher rocks. She is truly one of the best teachers I know. She treats her kids with such kindness and respect. She loves on them. She works her hiney off for them. And to top it all off- she knows her stuff. Sardis is lucky to have her as a teacher and I am lucky to have her as a friend. With all the changes happening next year, I pray that wherever I am and whatever I am teaching Tresher will still be right next door to me. I can't imagine it any other way.

What's That Saying?

What is that saying about a bird in the hand being worth 2 in the bush? What if the the bird is in the HOUSE? That's what happened over here this weekend. We were all at the door as our friends were getting ready to leave. Brad opened the door and in flew a bird! Apparently he had been sitting in my wreath on the door. What followed was pure craziness. Debra, Angela, and I screamed and ducked like girls getting attacked by...well...a bird I guess. Harry and Brad swatted and eventually *strongly tapped* the bird until it finally flew back to wreath. Once there, Brad slammed the door and I choose to believe the bird happily flew away. Let's just say he is now a special needs bird. However, being the dedicated blogger that I am--I was able to grab the camera and get a couple pictures.

Second Guessing My Hair Stylist

Yes, those ARE pinking shears she was planning to use. Her color job was a bit questionable too...I had various steaks and dots of brown in my blonde hair!

Here are some more pictures from the costume party last night...What a fine looking group we were.

Stealing Barbs Floor

This blog should have been written months ago. Seriously. Months ago.This is how it should have been written- last May.

My friend Barb has the best kitchen tile. Brad and I both always loved it and hoped to replicate it someday. Finally that day has come. From the first time we walked through this house we loved it- loved everything except the kitchen floor. It was ugly vinyl flooring. Yuck. Once we got serious about replacing it we started talking about Barb and Kevin's floor again. However, although Brad had laid tile in our last house (2 bathrooms and the kitchen) this project was going to be a little more advanced. Not only was this design on the diagonal but a two tone diagonal. I'm no math whiz but apparently diagonal means quite a bit more computations and cuts. So we pushed it off awhile longer. It was strategically planned for a weekend Brad would have a helper- not just any helper but the helper of all helpers- my dad.

After many hours (or days...hard to remember which) of blood, sweat, and tears the floor was finally finished. Finished and fabulous! I LOVE it. Here are a few pics of the process below. I will have to take a better "after picture" to post as well. This is by far some of Brad's best handywork. Sometimes a stolen idea is the best idea. Love it!

o

Loving the Village

Last night Maci and her friends danced the night away at the concert on the lawn following the Lake Park Fall Festival. How amazing it must be to grow up in this neighborhood. I love being a part of a community that has events like this. The kids of Lake Park will remember these days forever.

Last night we watched Andy and Carter roll down the grassy hill over and over and over. We called in Chinese from the park across the street and laughed because she recognized us by our orders. We painted pumpkins, browsed through the craft vendors, and saw strangers turn in various electronics like blackberrys and cameras. Upon retrieving his lost item, one man was so impressed with the honesty of the crowd, he told us "he knew what where his next move would be." Smart man.

Commentary

Just to add slight commentary on the video below...I think this will explain why we tend to cause such a ruckus at the gym. Coordination isn't a strong point for either of us. I may not have kept the high score but I kept my dignity!

PS- sorry for the shakiness...that would be from my uncontrollable laughter. :)

This Isn't You Tube

I promised this wouldn't show up on YouTube. Promise Kept.

And the night is young so stay tuned...

The Importance of Investing

You know, its all about the laws of investing . Follow me here...It's rainy and kinda cold tonight. I would love to hibernate all weekend long- starting tonight...but...that isn't happening because its QT night (small group). You see QT is a priority in the Horner house. It's a priority because we've made it one. We realize as a couple that relationships are vital to a full life. Therefore, we invest in them. Everyone needs relationships. Many relationships. Work friends, school friends, church friends, casual friends, and most importantly-LIFE friends. Life friends are the ones we share our life with. We depend on them. They depend on us. We bounce ideas around with them. We eat with them. We laugh with them. Sometimes we cry with them. They are the everyday- day to day- can't imagine life without friends. These friendships are intentional. They are ones we value the most. Not all of our life friends are in this QT group but many of them are...and because of that we are happily bundling up, baking some beans, and heading out to QT. We have an investment to make.

A Pop A Day...

may not keep the doctor away but it can cure almost anything! Thanks again for the pop today my friend. Mondays are way better with caffeine and not just any caffeine but vanilla-DP-with-sonic-ice-caffeine. You rock!

Still Raining on My Parade

OK, still in her quest to foil my huge victory- Ashley tells me she went to the gym again tonight and the weight/body fat machine is apparently out of order. Whatthecrapever. I still say she is just jealous of my miraculous results.