This past Thursday, Jan. 27th, we celebrated our four year anniversary!
When I was in the dating world, people used to say to me, "when it's the one, you'll just know". I thought these people were crazy. I had never felt the "I just know" feeling....until I met Greg! We were friends for a few months before we decided to start dating. I was so nervous to start dating Greg because what if it didn't work out, that was a good friend I might lose. But, I listened to my heart and went for it!
About two weeks into our relationship I told him he would be my husband someday. Now, I said this with full confidence, not worried that he would think that I was a crazy psycho. And, I didn't mean get married right away, but that he "is the one" and someday we would be married. He completely agreed!! :) Eight months later we were engaged (on his birthday) and ten months later we got married!
It's kind of funny how we met. I had been hanging out w/ my friends Katie and Trey (The Smiths) and they were friends w/ Brian and Missy (The Heftys). Keep in mind, I've known Katie since we were in 3rd grade, we lost touch in college and reconnected when I moved to Dallas. The Heftys kept telling me that I needed to meet Greg Hodges. It seemed like forever before I ever met Greg. I thought to myself, you keep telling me how wonderful this guy is, so let's see it! haha (In fact, I even met Trey and Jennifer before meeting Greg...this was at Katie's baby shower for Hailey).
Finally, Greg and I met at the Smiths for poker night. Greg said three words to me that night...."Hi, I'm Greg". Yup, that's it, nothing more, nothing less. Afterwards, they all wanted to know what I thought of him. To be honest, I didn't think too much - I only had three words to work with! Soon after that, we all started hanging out more and Greg finally came out of his shell! I thought he was so funny (and still do)! That was one thing I always wanted in a husband - someone that can make me laugh!
God completely brought us together. So many things had to take place at just the right time for us to meet and I don't question any of it. Greg is my best friend. He's my go-to person when I'm having a horrible day and when I'm having a great day! I know he'll listen, give me his opinion and love me no matter what at the end of the day. I can't wait to see what lies ahead of us but regardless of what it is, I wouldn't want anyone else by my side!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
This little piggy went to market...
Carson has discovered a new sound and it's so cute! Snorting! It's hard to catch it on video so this clip isn't very long but you get the idea!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Just another day at the beach...in January!
We visit the beach quite a bit for walks but never to actually hang out on the beach. Today we thought we would give it a try. The temperature was in the mid 70s and not a cloud in the sky! My biggest fear was Carson eating the sand. He's in that stage where EVERYTHING goes into his mouth. Setup was quick and easy - we bought a huge umbrella that looks like half of a tent. Super easy to setup and creates a lot of shade!
Carson enjoyed the sand but after a few minutes he tried putting it in his mouth - lots of the word NO and slaps on the hand. Of course some sand got into his mouth but we did as much damage control as we could! :)
Now the important part - Carson looked SO cute in his beach wear!! Take a look!
There were a lot of people enjoying the beautiful weather today, but it wasn't too crowded. Here's a shot of the beach. I love the striped umbrella and bicycle (this type of bike is called a beach cruiser)!
Overall, I would say our trip was a success! It'll take a few more times to teach Carson not to put sand in his mouth but I know he'll get it soon!
Carson enjoyed the sand but after a few minutes he tried putting it in his mouth - lots of the word NO and slaps on the hand. Of course some sand got into his mouth but we did as much damage control as we could! :)
Now the important part - Carson looked SO cute in his beach wear!! Take a look!
There were a lot of people enjoying the beautiful weather today, but it wasn't too crowded. Here's a shot of the beach. I love the striped umbrella and bicycle (this type of bike is called a beach cruiser)!
Overall, I would say our trip was a success! It'll take a few more times to teach Carson not to put sand in his mouth but I know he'll get it soon!
Big Smile!
I'm thinking this boy loves the camera (like his daddy)! Look at all of those teeth - so far he has 6 (4 on top and 2 on bottom).
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Trying to get discovered
I was at the Warner Bros. studios on Friday. Big meeting. Huge opportunity. May be my only chance to get in front of these people.
Who am I kidding, I have no acting talent - this was a work meeting. We booked a meeting with Warner Bros. We always meet at the clients office so it I was really excited to see the inside of Warner Bros. I was like a little kid in a candy shop as we pulled up to the offices in Burbank. We watch the tv shows and the movies on the big screen but to actually go where these shows are filmed...awesome!
I snapped a few shots with my cell phone. The first one is the outside view of the studio where Ellen is filmed. I looked for her once we got in, but no luck...
This is the view once we got through security. I was a little surprised at how they just let us roam on our own once we got through security. Lucky for them, I'm a rule-follower so we drove straight to our meeting location. :)
This is just a shot down one of the side streets.
The meeting went well and I learned a lot about the tv and film industry. Afterwards, they offered us a tour. Of course I took them up on the offer! Brent w/ WB drove us all around the lot and explained all that goes into making a tv show. I had no idea. We saw some generic sets they can use for different shots, depending on the need, we saw the construction department, costumes, props, etc. It was definitely a great experience and hopefully we got our foot in the door with a new industry!
Who am I kidding, I have no acting talent - this was a work meeting. We booked a meeting with Warner Bros. We always meet at the clients office so it I was really excited to see the inside of Warner Bros. I was like a little kid in a candy shop as we pulled up to the offices in Burbank. We watch the tv shows and the movies on the big screen but to actually go where these shows are filmed...awesome!
I snapped a few shots with my cell phone. The first one is the outside view of the studio where Ellen is filmed. I looked for her once we got in, but no luck...
This is the view once we got through security. I was a little surprised at how they just let us roam on our own once we got through security. Lucky for them, I'm a rule-follower so we drove straight to our meeting location. :)
This is just a shot down one of the side streets.
The meeting went well and I learned a lot about the tv and film industry. Afterwards, they offered us a tour. Of course I took them up on the offer! Brent w/ WB drove us all around the lot and explained all that goes into making a tv show. I had no idea. We saw some generic sets they can use for different shots, depending on the need, we saw the construction department, costumes, props, etc. It was definitely a great experience and hopefully we got our foot in the door with a new industry!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
My little sister isn't so little anymore
Well, I feel old. Erica is 21 today! I CANNOT believe it....21. I remember her as a baby and now she's 21.
Here are some stories about Erica. I always wanted a baby sister. Every year when mom would ask what I wanted for Christmas, "a baby sister" was my response. Finally, I got my wish! Erica Anne Strange was born on January 6, 1990 (for those trying to do the math, I was 11 1/2 yrs old). She was so tiny and so cute. She kind of looked like a turtle! haha
Her first night home from the hospital she cried and cried and cried and cried. I finally got out of bed, went into the kitchen where all 3 of them were sitting, and asked mom if they could just take her back to the hospital until she stopped crying. I was dead serious. She didn't cry in the hospital so there had to be something wrong w/ her. Bad news (at that moment) - they didn't take her back to the hospital. Good news- she finally stopped crying. I even had mom write a note to my teachers that I may be a little tired due to the fact that I didn't get much sleep because my baby sister was crying all night! haha
I helped out a lot w/ Erica when I was in high school. I soooo appreciate that now! Mom and Chet had to be at work early so I would get Erica up each morning, feed her, dress her, fix her hair and take her to daycare. There were also times I would pick her up after I got out of school and took her to dance class or gymnastics. I remember the daily fights we would have. This one sticks out the most: she wanted to wear her new swimsuit to daycare (please note there was snow on the ground - weird Kansas weather when it would snow in April). She said she would wear tights and her coat (she didn't have the fashion sense back then that she has now) but I kept saying no. She was screaming at me! Mom called to check in and had to remind Erica, daily, that I was the boss! She would get soooo mad at me! haha
Erica was my baby - she wanted to do everything sissy did. In fact, I think she's left handed because of me. When I was doing homework at the kitchen table at night, she would also do "homework" (color or draw). I would catch her moving the crayon to her left hand, just like me.
Driving in the car we would sing to The Lion King soundtrack, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin....you name it, we sang to it! It was so much fun!! I think it was a nice break for mom. When I was little I made her watch Mary Poppins, Annie and The Sound of Music over and over and over. Secretly, I didn't mind watching movies with Erica.
And, then I moved away to college. I was heart broken to leave my baby and she had a hard time too. She came to visit from time-to-time. I remember trying to help her with long division over the phone (I probably wasn't much help though). Now she is no longer a baby, although she will always be my baby sister. I will always give her my opinion, be a second mom to her and boss her around. :)
One of our songs we used to always sing together once I was away at college was, "If I had a Million Dollars", by the Barenaked Ladies. When I turned 30 she sent me a singing birthday card w/ that song. I started bawling - Greg couldn't understand what the problem was. No problem - just tears of happiness!
So, Happy Birthday Erica!! I am so very proud of you. You inspire me in so many ways, you have no idea. You are your own person and I love that about you! We are different types of people but that's what I love. I am so proud to call you my sister. Give life your all and even though you'll get knocked down, get back up and keep pushing. I love you rat tail!
Love,
Sis
Here are some stories about Erica. I always wanted a baby sister. Every year when mom would ask what I wanted for Christmas, "a baby sister" was my response. Finally, I got my wish! Erica Anne Strange was born on January 6, 1990 (for those trying to do the math, I was 11 1/2 yrs old). She was so tiny and so cute. She kind of looked like a turtle! haha
Her first night home from the hospital she cried and cried and cried and cried. I finally got out of bed, went into the kitchen where all 3 of them were sitting, and asked mom if they could just take her back to the hospital until she stopped crying. I was dead serious. She didn't cry in the hospital so there had to be something wrong w/ her. Bad news (at that moment) - they didn't take her back to the hospital. Good news- she finally stopped crying. I even had mom write a note to my teachers that I may be a little tired due to the fact that I didn't get much sleep because my baby sister was crying all night! haha
I helped out a lot w/ Erica when I was in high school. I soooo appreciate that now! Mom and Chet had to be at work early so I would get Erica up each morning, feed her, dress her, fix her hair and take her to daycare. There were also times I would pick her up after I got out of school and took her to dance class or gymnastics. I remember the daily fights we would have. This one sticks out the most: she wanted to wear her new swimsuit to daycare (please note there was snow on the ground - weird Kansas weather when it would snow in April). She said she would wear tights and her coat (she didn't have the fashion sense back then that she has now) but I kept saying no. She was screaming at me! Mom called to check in and had to remind Erica, daily, that I was the boss! She would get soooo mad at me! haha
Erica was my baby - she wanted to do everything sissy did. In fact, I think she's left handed because of me. When I was doing homework at the kitchen table at night, she would also do "homework" (color or draw). I would catch her moving the crayon to her left hand, just like me.
Driving in the car we would sing to The Lion King soundtrack, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin....you name it, we sang to it! It was so much fun!! I think it was a nice break for mom. When I was little I made her watch Mary Poppins, Annie and The Sound of Music over and over and over. Secretly, I didn't mind watching movies with Erica.
And, then I moved away to college. I was heart broken to leave my baby and she had a hard time too. She came to visit from time-to-time. I remember trying to help her with long division over the phone (I probably wasn't much help though). Now she is no longer a baby, although she will always be my baby sister. I will always give her my opinion, be a second mom to her and boss her around. :)
One of our songs we used to always sing together once I was away at college was, "If I had a Million Dollars", by the Barenaked Ladies. When I turned 30 she sent me a singing birthday card w/ that song. I started bawling - Greg couldn't understand what the problem was. No problem - just tears of happiness!
So, Happy Birthday Erica!! I am so very proud of you. You inspire me in so many ways, you have no idea. You are your own person and I love that about you! We are different types of people but that's what I love. I am so proud to call you my sister. Give life your all and even though you'll get knocked down, get back up and keep pushing. I love you rat tail!
Love,
Sis
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A New Year
I remember when mom used to tell me, time flies when you get older (I think this conversation always happened when we were approaching my birthday and Christmas - those days couldn't get here fast enough). I never believed her back then, but now I certainly do!
2010 was an amazing year for us! Two things that stick out the most - the birth of our son, Carson and moving to California. Two words can sum it up - LIFE CHANGING!
1. Birth of our son
Carson is amazing. Everyday is something new. He has taught us so much about ourselves. What pressure it is being a parent - our job is to teach him about life, God, values and then send him on his way and hope and pray that we did a good job. One day at a time - that's what I tell myself. Everything I say and do, I think about how it will affect him. Having a child opened my eyes to everything my parents went through to raise me - I can't thank them enough!
2. Moving to California
What a crazy concept, huh?! I never thought I would live in California, especially right after having a baby! CRAZY! But, God has his ways of pointing us in the right direction at the right time. What a great opportunity for me professionally and for our family. Carson will learn to walk on the beach, we can see the ocean and mountains everyday and even the lights at night are beautiful, with the outline of the palm trees in the background.
Now, for the New Year Resolutions. I prefer to call them goals. I learned at ISN that by writing down your goals, you are more likely to accomplish them. I believe this to be true! Of course we didn't make all of our goals for 2010, but we did pretty well! Here are our 2011 Goals, so far....I always seem to add to them throughout the year.
1. Lose weight/be more fit (isn't this everybody's goal?)
2. Save money
3. Be more positive, in general. I can really get down on myself at times and I don't need to do that anymore!
4. Call my sister more (she'll be 21 on Thursday - OMG, and I need to be a better big sister)
5. Move up the career ladder
6. Find a church in California
7. Watch less tv (I feel like I don't watch a lot of tv, but then I realize I could be doing much more productive things when I am watching tv)
8. Go outside more, even if it's sitting in the backyard
9. Become a better cook. Since living in California, we cook a lot more than we used to. It's actually fun! Greg is teaching me that I don't have to measure everything and playing with the recipe is ok. haha
10. Portion control - we eat way too much food (this will likely help w/ #1)
11. Find friends to hang out with (don't we sound pathetic??)
12. Volunteer
Now that you all know my goals, I feel the pressure to really stick to it. I have no idea what 2011 has in store for us but I can't wait to find out! I thank God everyday for the blessings and lessons in our life.
Here's to a wonderful new year!
2010 was an amazing year for us! Two things that stick out the most - the birth of our son, Carson and moving to California. Two words can sum it up - LIFE CHANGING!
1. Birth of our son
Carson is amazing. Everyday is something new. He has taught us so much about ourselves. What pressure it is being a parent - our job is to teach him about life, God, values and then send him on his way and hope and pray that we did a good job. One day at a time - that's what I tell myself. Everything I say and do, I think about how it will affect him. Having a child opened my eyes to everything my parents went through to raise me - I can't thank them enough!
2. Moving to California
What a crazy concept, huh?! I never thought I would live in California, especially right after having a baby! CRAZY! But, God has his ways of pointing us in the right direction at the right time. What a great opportunity for me professionally and for our family. Carson will learn to walk on the beach, we can see the ocean and mountains everyday and even the lights at night are beautiful, with the outline of the palm trees in the background.
Now, for the New Year Resolutions. I prefer to call them goals. I learned at ISN that by writing down your goals, you are more likely to accomplish them. I believe this to be true! Of course we didn't make all of our goals for 2010, but we did pretty well! Here are our 2011 Goals, so far....I always seem to add to them throughout the year.
1. Lose weight/be more fit (isn't this everybody's goal?)
2. Save money
3. Be more positive, in general. I can really get down on myself at times and I don't need to do that anymore!
4. Call my sister more (she'll be 21 on Thursday - OMG, and I need to be a better big sister)
5. Move up the career ladder
6. Find a church in California
7. Watch less tv (I feel like I don't watch a lot of tv, but then I realize I could be doing much more productive things when I am watching tv)
8. Go outside more, even if it's sitting in the backyard
9. Become a better cook. Since living in California, we cook a lot more than we used to. It's actually fun! Greg is teaching me that I don't have to measure everything and playing with the recipe is ok. haha
10. Portion control - we eat way too much food (this will likely help w/ #1)
11. Find friends to hang out with (don't we sound pathetic??)
12. Volunteer
Now that you all know my goals, I feel the pressure to really stick to it. I have no idea what 2011 has in store for us but I can't wait to find out! I thank God everyday for the blessings and lessons in our life.
Here's to a wonderful new year!
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