7 Random Questions

1.  What's your favorite holiday? 
Now that I have a child, I LOVE Christmas.  I could not wait for Thanksgiving to be over this year just because I wanted to decorate and get into the holiday spirit. 

2. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was young, I think I wanted to be a teacher.  I remember having a classroom all set up in my bedroom complete with dry erase board, stuffed animal students and grading homework.

3. What hobby would you like to take up if you had more money/time?
 I would love to become a legitimately good cook and baker.  Also: grow and can my own vegetables, read A LOT more and learn to sew.  That's my short list!  Ha!

4. What TV shows do you currently watch?
Frasier, Nashville, The Big Bang Theory, Shark, Amazing Race (most of these start at 8, right after Finn goes to bed.  This is not an accident. )

5. How long do you spend getting ready on a typical morning?
 Probably 45 minutes, average.
 
6. What does your name mean?/Why did your parents choose your name?
I think my name means white island.  Both are true. ;)  I think my parents chose it because they both liked it.  Actually, I think my mom liked the name Brooke (my middle name) and dad liked Whitney.  Dad always called me "WB".  Especially when it came to sports.

7. What's the best gift you've ever received?
 I think the most meaningful gift I ever received was from my dad on Christmas.  He gave me a guitar.  I will learn to play it one day.  Some of my best memories of dad were when he would play guitar and sing and  I would play piano.  We played "Silent Night" together the most because it was really beautiful.  To this day, someone playing an acoustic guitar and singing brings me back to listening to dad play when we were growing up.  14 years later, that guitar sits in my closet.  I fully intend to continue our jam sessions when I get to heaven.  Everyone's invited.

Thanks Kayla!  That was a lot of fun!  (Hope the last question didn't depress anyone.  This book helped me a lot to heal.  I highly recommend it.)

First Family Portraits and a Surprise!

We also took this time to announce Finn's new role coming May 2013.  He'll be a big brother!  Clint and I are very excited to become a family of four.  And even though Finn doesn't understand yet what is going on, I know he's going to be great.

Kansas City Vacation

My second friend reunion for the year took place in Kansas City Missouri.  I was so looking forward to spending time with our friends from medical school but was also concerned about going on a vacation without Clint.  I really didn't have to worry though.  Finn did so well and everyone helped out in watching him.  We spent the 3 days hanging out, eating at yummy restaurants and spent one day at Shawnee Mission Park.

 Finn and I waiting at the airport.  Our first time to fly alone!  I was so nervous but Finn did great and the plane ride went very smoothly.

 Everyone at the dog park!

 Daniel holding Finn at Glace, an upscale ice cream shop.  Yummy!

 Fall color!

Finn, Brad, Daniel and the dogs playing at the dog park.

Grandmom's Day

 Uncle Justin showing Finn the acorns on the roof.

Grandmom and Leddy.  Leddy loves snuggling with her great grandmom.

This past weekend we went to Corsicana to help clean up some of the trees and land around grandmom's place.  She lives on 3 acres so it can be quite a job!  It was a lot of fun seeing the grand kids play together. 

Reunion Time!

This Labor Day was one of the best.  I got to meet up with some of my oldest and best friends from high school days.  We had a lot of fun playing games, swimming and talking, talking, talking!  This year, Kayla and Darby, Stephanie and Jon, Jessica and Chase and me, Finn and Clint (some) were able to make it.  Two couples even came from out of state!  What a blessing they were able to make it!  We rented a house near Lake Whitney.  Honestly, we didn't spend much time at the lake.  We mainly relaxed and just enjoyed each others company.  We've all changed a lot but in some ways, we are just the same.  It's nice to be able to pick up where we left off and to have the comfort of good friends is such a blessing, especially when life feels like it's changing faster than you can keep up!  I can't wait for our next reunion!

"Our" Favorite Things

 Playing.  Hard.  By the end of the day the house looks like a toddler has been through it.  Here, he has pulled all the laundry out of the basket and has a dog bowl on his head.

 Going to the park.  It's been cooler outside and I found a park with lots of shade.  We both enjoy this activity.  He loves going down the slide and swinging. (Notice the super dirty shoes!)

Playing with blocks. I thought these were too old for him but I was wrong, he loves them.  He is learning to stack but for now, knocking them down is oh so much fun!

August's Recipe

 Artisan bread.  Doesn't that make your mouth water?  I was so excited to try this recipe from Mother Earth News.  They claim it takes 5 minutes.  Not quite.  But the recipe is still very simple.  The dough sits in the refrigerator for a few days and makes four one pound loaves.  This is nice because I can take out enough for dinner one night and have more dough sitting in the frig waiting for me.  

Warm bread, fresh out of the oven just makes me feel like I'm at home. 

This recipe was nice to make and to eat just for the comfort of it, and the warmth.

I served it alongside eggplant pasta and salad.  I can't wait to make my next batch.