Farewell 2009

I've been doing a lot of thinking about the past decade. 10 years ago, I was a 15 year old girl. I had no idea who I was. I had no idea if I even wanted children or not and I definitely had no idea who I wanted to be when I grow up. When I started college, I still had no idea who I wanted to be and would often ask my mom," Can't you just TELL me what I am supposed to do with my life?!!?" I met John and the crazy thing is, he knows exactly what I need. He had no idea what I should be when I grow up or what kind of person I should/would be, but he has always known what is best for me.
I've been thinking a lot about the person I was then and person I am turning into be. I like the new me a LOT better. She isn't as loud(although, still sort of loud and highly opinionated), is a fierce friend, has found the passion for photography that grows everyday, loves her children more than anything, has a husband who is her rock, has a newfound relationship with her dad that she treasures, her sister is one of her best friends, has married into one of the most fabulous families ever, she isn't near as crazy as 15 year old me, is re-discovering her love for fashion, and is developing a love for running( who would've thought!).
I'm not sure 15 year old me would recognize me now, but who cares? She was slightly crazy anyway.
2009 was a year of discovery for me. Discovering how crazy life is with two small children. How sleep deprived one can actually be. How it's okay to need an anti-depressant everyday to not be a crazy person. How awesome I feel behind a camera. How right it feels for it to just be me, my iPod and a pair of running shoes.
I'll miss you 2009, but I have GREAT things planned for 2010.

Guest Posting!

Hey peeps! Just thought I would let you know that I am guest posting over at B is for Brown. If you haven't checked out Summer, she is absolutely amazing! And for those of you that remember this story.. it was a hard tie between that and the wedding dress story!

A Movie Date.

I realize that I have yet to blog about the holidays, but John was sick on Christmas, and I didn't take a whole lot of pictures. BUT I wanted to share this with you. Since I am off from my job that pays bills( AKA the Pain Center) and Addison is out of school, I have wanted to soak up every little bit of cuddliness with the girls.

I have been wanting to take Addison to see The Princess and the Frog and was looking at show times yesterday. There was one at 2:50, but I worried that it would interrupt her nap time, so I didn't say anything about it. As luck would have it, she woke up at 2:00 and was a MAJOR cranky pants, so I asked her if she wanted to go see it. We had a mini battle over clothing but she scooped up her drink and her Princess Tiana doll and was good. We dropped Claire-bear off at MeMac's house and off the the "movie show" ( that's what Addy calls it) we went. We got there right at 2:50, which was good b/c I didn't want to try to wrestle her too much before the movie. She wanted to sit in my lap and was immediately entranced in the previews.( Which, by the way, Disney had way too many of. HELLO? Everyone seeing this movie is under the age of 10, so let's keep the previews under 25 minutes.. Thank You!) There weren't a lot of people in the theatre which was good b/c she kept screaming out, "It's blue!" or "Look! Disney World!" but she was in good company, because so did the other little girls. The story was very good, but had some scary parts in it. At one point, she was kind of crying and hid her face in my shoulder. What do you DO when one of the characters dies?!!!? Hello, Disney?!!? What was that about?!!? A 3 year old doesn't understand that the bug is going to Heaven to be with his Evangeline. The music was great, but I am so glad to have this memory with her. I sat there cuddling her, as she clutched her Princess Tiana doll and watched her very first Princess movie on the big screen. She kept turning around and kissing me on the cheek and rubbing my cheek. She is so sweet and loving, most of the time. Her innocence is so incredible to watch.

My Grandmother always talks about taking me to see my first Princess movie, The Little Mermaid and how I cried and I can't help but think, "Aww... Addison cried at her first Princess movie, too!"

The music was fantastic too! I highly recommend taking any little girl that has a Disney Princess obsession. They will love it!

I DID IT!!!

That's right, biatches! I ran my first race! It was awesome! I know you want the story, so here goes.

Saturday morning, we woke up at 5:00 because we had to get the girls to MeMac and then get to Huntsville, which is about an hour away and of course, John wanted to stop at Panera Bread. Can I just say, it was about 40 degrees and slightly raining. Fun times! My dad is the ONLY person to call and wish me good luck! Thanks, Dad! I will give MeMac credit too, since she was still giving me some tips this morning and she did call during the race to see if I was finished and she did keep the girls so I could do this. Thanks, MeMac!

Any first time runners? ME!

(Can I just say how old I look? Botox is definitely in my future!)

As I was standing out in the cold, waiting on the race to start, I could just think, I am really about to do this!! The guy tells us they had to re-route the race so it's a little bit longer than a 5K. What would you think it meant? A couple hundred yards? How about a whole MILE longer? Thanks for the warning, dude! It bottle necked pretty bad around the construction area, but it wasn't too bad. Most of the course went through Historic Huntsville and there were people outside their houses clapping and cheering us on. It was so awesome! I did walk some, and as Ermitrude( my Nike + girlie) told me I only had 200 meters left, I was still in great shape and running and feeling good. I realized when she said that I should be finished with my race and we weren't back in downtown, that I had no idea how much longer this race was going to be. I had e-mailed a girl from high school that runs all the time( she just finished her qualifying time for the Boston Marathon!) and told her I was running and she came back after she finished and found me and ran and pushed me through that last mile. It was so awesome. I thought I was going to pass out once I saw the finish line and actually uttered the words, "I can't do it anymore!" Linda said, "Listen to that negative attitude! You can see the finish line!!" and some of the people around me started telling me that I could do it, and I did!! I ran across that dang finish line and it was awesome and I hot and sweaty and wet from the rain.

( I'm struggling!)

YAY!! I did it! This is me crossing the finish line!

Tired and hot!

All in all, it was awesome and I can't wait to get out there and do it again! I officially finished in 35:13. Which, I say, isn't that bad! So, thanks for all of the encouragement and well wishes from everyone. I truly appreciate it!

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

I went to lunch with my in laws and hubby yesterday and Linda was giving me all kinds of tips for running on Saturday. We talked about how I wasn't sure what I was going to wear and it was brought up that I might want to wear running tights. Since I run in shorts on the treadmill and get so hot, I hadn't really thought about it. John suggested that I might want to do a run outside to see what the difference was. So, I elected to go home after lunch, put on my running gear and hit the pavement. Did I mention it was 40 degrees outside?

Yes. It was 40 degrees outside. And I was in shorts and a jacket. The first two hundred yards it felt like an elephant sitting on my chest every time I took a deep breath. My jaw ached. My nose starting running. My legs were COLD. I started to get used to the difference in air, but it made a BIG difference in my endurance. I wasn't expecting that. I ran about 2 miles and my legs were ridiculously red and frozen. So, I called it quits. And ran to Hibbetts to try to find some running tights. They had 3 brands. And I didn't like any of them. My butt looked especially disgusting. I would feel sorry for the person running behind me. It was THAT bad. Plus, I'm having a hard time justifying a pair of $50 running tights the week before Christmas.

Anyway, I'll be doing the rest of my runs outside this week, but I don't hold any illusions of grandeur about running this entire race.

Any suggestions on the cold weather running gear?

It's official. I'm running.

Well, I did it. I signed up for my very first race. It's official. It's Saturday morning. And I am not ready. I cannot run 3 miles straight. I am extremely nervous. Are the other runners going to laugh at me because I will have to stop and walk? How do I sign in? What DO I DO??? I have no idea how any of this works, all I know is that I want to cross the finish line.

I bought these new head band elastic things to keep my hair out of my face and all it does is get on my nerves. So, I'm not sure what I am going to do about that. And what do I wear??? I mean, obviously, running gear, but do I do a long sleeve shirt or short sleeve since that is what I am comfortable in? But what if it's too cold?

Maybe I am too OCD about this. BUT, I WILL CROSS THE FINISH LINE. I am just hoping that pure adrenaline can get me there. I'm not completely out of shape, mind you, but I am most comfortable running at a 9:00 min pace, but my lungs just can hang with that. *sigh*

I definitely am needing some encouragement.

My mom is against my running. She has arthritis and has made it very clear that she thinks I am stupid for doing this because I am ruining my joints.

but... I WANT TO!! So, I will.

I found this on someones profile and now I can't remember where it was, but it gave me some encouragement this morning: " Let us run with endurance, the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1.

How awesome is that?

Anyway... wish me luck!

The Nesters Tour of Homes!!

It's that time again, folks! The Christmas Tour of Homes! My house is a mess, but please don't judge me! Also, these photos are in no particular order, just however they decided to upload to blogger.

One of my favorite ornaments...

My Christmas chicken... who doesn't need one of these?

My ribbon topiary.. I'm quite proud of it!

My Christmas tree... I did something new this year with the ribbon, but I think I like it!

My Christmas china... I heart M. Bagwell

Oops! We have our first boo-boo. Claire decapitated my reindeer candlestick

One of the 3 presents under my tree... I need to wrap presents!

An M, for McPhillips!

It's our Buddy the Elf... our Elf on the Shelf

My feather wreaths.. I made these a couple of years ago with a styrofoam wreath, two feather boas and some spray glue. Easy, peasy!

My snowman! We've never actually used him as a drink holder, thingy.

My windows...

It's nothing too spectacular... but I like it. And every year I try to add something else, otherwise I would be one broke woman without a husband! Also, apparently, the picture of my dining room table didn't make it on here. Whoops. I guess it really is Monday! Hope you enjoy my home! Merry Christmas!

Party in the USA- Crimson Style

Addison's favorite song right now is "Party in the USA". I've got to admit, I love it just a little more than I should. So, when we were in Atlanta last weekend for the Championship game, and we heard it, I said, "This is our song! We're going to win today!" And since we did win, on the way home, John, Brandon, and myself decided to make up all new words, but about our upcoming trip to Pasadena. Don't laugh, I spent the majority of the Tuesday, writing this when I had much more important things to be doing. So, here is our version of "Party in the USA" Crimson Tide style.

I hopped off the plane at LAX with a dream of a crystal ball

Welcome to the game of Texas Fight, whoa, Is Alabama gonna win?

Jumped in the cab, here I am for the first time,

look to my right and I see the Rose Parade sign,

This is all so crazy, Texas seems so cocky,

my tummy's turnin' and I'm feeling kinda homesick

too much pressure and I'm nervous

That's when the taxi man turned on the radio

and a Rammer Jammer song was on

and a Rammer Jammer song was on

So, I put my hands up, they're playing our song

I want the Longhorns to go away

I'm noddin' my head like, "Yeah!"

shakin' my shaker like, "Yeah!"

Got my hands up, they're playin' our song

the game's gonna go our way

YEAH! Alabama's gonna win today!

YEAH! Alabama's gonna win today!

Get to the game in my taxi cab

everybody's lookin' at me now

like, "Who's that chick thats rockin' houndstooth?

she's gotta be from T'Town."

It's so easy with Julio and Ingy,

don't forget about Mt. Cody and Javy,

It's a sea of white and crimson,

don't wanna sit next to a steersman

my tummy's turning and I'm feeling kind of homesick,

too much pressure and I'm nervous

that's when the announcers dropped my favorite tune

and it's Sweet Home Alabama

and it's Sweet Home Alabama

So I put my hands up, they're playin' my song,

Make those Longhorns go away

I'm noddin' my head like, "Yeah!"

Shaking my shaker like, "Yeah!"

Got my hands up they're playin' my song,

the game's gonna go our way,

YEAH! The Tide's gonna roll today!

YEAH! The Tide's gonna roll today!

We're gonna get that crystal ball, crystal ball

and our 13th National Title, number 13

'cause Ingram won the Heisman, won the Heisman

and Colt McCoy's gonna get sacked everytime!!

So I put my hands up, they're playin' my song

Make the Longhorns go away,

I'm noddin' my head like, "Yeah!"

Shakin' my shaker like, "Yeah!"

Got my hands up, they're playin' my song

the game's gonna go our way,

Yeah! The Tide's gonna roll today!

Yeah! The Tide's gonna roll today!

So I put my hands up, they're playin' my song

Make the Longhorns go away,

I'm noddin' my head like, "Yeah!"

Shakin' my shaker like, "Yeah!"

Got my hands up, they're playin' my song

the game's gonna go our way,

Yeah! The Tide's gonna roll today!

Yeah! The Tide's gonna roll today!

Claire and the Christmas Hat

I get the question, "I bet your children love the camera, don't they?" Truth be told, Addison runs from it, but Claire does great. Look at this smile.

Those beautiful baby blues.

Those 4 teeth.

But beware...

I've had this Christmas hat since Addison was a newborn. I have always thought it was adorable. Hello? It looks like a Christmas tree!!

Whatever you do... Don't put it on Claire's head!

"Mama? I can please take this thing off?"

"Let me get just a couple more pictures of you!"

"Please, Claire? Just a couple more, then I'll pick you up!"

Photo session=over.

I promise I don't torture them too badly.

And The Ruling On The Field Stands...

In case you live under a rock, Alabama dominated over those Florida Gators Saturday night to win their 22nd SEC Championship and get to play for their 13th National Title! Whoa.

We are headed to Pasadena, baby!!!!!!

"...Remember the Rose Bowl we'll win then!"

(On a side note, PEOPLE! It's "Yea, Alabama! Drown 'em Tide!" It's a pet peeve to hear people say, "Yea, Alabama! Crimson Tide!" Get the lyrics right, people. No wonder Auburn makes fun of us.)

Hey Gators!!!!

It was a phenomenal game! I can't even describe the feeling our actually winning that game.

I may or may not have been extremely ugly about Tebow crying on the jumbo-tron.

You will probably get extremely tired of reading my blog over the next month,

because it is going to be a Crimson Tide love-fest.

Brightening Your Monday...

Brightening your Monday, one picture at a time....

....Your Welcome!

Fashion Friday!

Hey guys! Here is my first Fashion Friday post of myself! (And look, honey! I used my tripod that you yelled at me about last night!) We are gearing up to head to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Roll Tide! Super excited, we HAVE to win, so we can go to Pasadena and win a National Title and of course, so I can meet Molly.

So... let's beat those Gators!

Sweater I have had forever! It's Liz Claiborne. I think I stole it from my Mom.

Jeans- Target skinny jeans for $20!

Boots- Rampage- Macy's- I paid $70, but Molly got a much better deal on hers!

Earrings- Tiffany-Anniversary present!

Also, A Big Happy Birthday to my Mama!!

Sickly

In case you haven't read my tweets. I have been sick. My car had to be serviced on Monday, so Claire and I ventured to Birmingham and did some Christmas shopping, which, I am almost finished with! Whoo! Since the stroller wouldn't fit in the loaner car, I was destined to hold her as we walked around the mall, which I didn't think through very well, because she became extremely heavy and I also had to hold bags. Birmingham has apparently gotten a new Target that is the biggest in the U.S. or something like that, so we went to check it out. It was quite massive. But not massive enough to hold a size 2 1/2 pair of black Chuck Taylors with the white tips for James birthday. Anyway, at that point, Claire and I were tired of Birmingham and they couldn't tell me anything on my car so we headed back home. Which is a good thing, because they didn't call me until 6:00 to tell me that they needed to keep my car. Anyway, I hadn't eaten anything all day, so I scarfed down some goldfish crackers and headed to the gym. When I got home, I ate a lean cuisine and took a shower. ( Have I mentioned that my $160 hair dryer died on me two weeks ago? It started blowing cold air, and of course, the warranty was out. Grrr.) I got to use my new $200 T3 hair dryer and ohmylordisitamazing? Best money I have ever made my husband spend. Plus, it was a lifetime warranty from Sephora. Anyway, I woke up around 2:30 and was just nauseous. I was able to go back to bed but an hour later, I woke up again and knew I was going to vomit. And I did. It was gross. When I woke up about 6:30, I felt awful. My hips were killing me, I was extremely tired and weak, and I was still having some nausea. I ended up starting to run a fever and had to have John come and take me to the doctor. They tested me for flu- have you ever had that done? It felt like they were trying to scrape my brain. I pretty much screamed the whole time and poor Claire was sitting in my lap and I was squeezing her arm. It was negative, so he could just treat the symptoms. I ended up passing out when we got home and felt a little better after I woke up, and I tried to eat a sandwich for supper and ate about 4 bites of it and had to stop. I was in the bed at 7:15. I feel better this morning but my head is killing me. I have an occipital trigger point, which causes these AWFUL headaches that make me want to stab my eyeballs out. So, I am going to get that injected today. On the bright side, I have lost 4 lbs!

Sorry for the pity party, but this is what my life has been for the past 48 hours.