It's ELECTRIFYING!

We're praying for all those without electricity at the moment! Praying that you somehow find warmth, a full belly, and something to do without television! I just got off the phone with my parents who have been without electricity since early yesterday and are about to spend another night without it. You'd think since my dad works for the power company, he could pull a few strings. No such luck.

They're playing cards to keep busy and mom mentioned something about needing to take a sleeping pill if she was going to have to go to bed at 9:00 - ugh, I would go crazy. How strange that we only live 20 minutes from them and have not had the heavy rain, snow, and tons of ICE that they have. Thankfully, we are fully electrified here.

My sister's household is without power, 2 hours away in Richmond, KY and several of my relatives in Louisville, ~4 hours away are in the dark as well. Thank goodness we aren't in the same boat... you know that history has shown a huge spike in births approximately 9 months after large power outages... Count us out!

Recall how I was "biting at the bit" to change my newly blonde hair back to its original color? Well, I got bored and as always, I am in desperate need of patience. My hair, as of Monday, is once again

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

...or "May Prosperity Be With You!" in this Chinese New Year moving on from the Rat to the Ox in 2009.What a coincidence that I'm finally posting my New Year's pics the day after Chinese New Year.

We've been through a lot with Nick's *new* computer recently, and since his laptop was the one set up compatible with the camera these pics were on, I'd put off blogging this post since I had no idea how to work the technical magic of connecting the camera to a different computer. Plus we had hope his laptop would be fixed soon, but alas, our hope has diminished. Thanks to Nick, the pics have finally made it to the blog. SO WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU, HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2009!


Our night started out at Kristen (my ex-preceptor) and her husband Charlie's place in Pikeville where a rockin 70's theme party was happening.

Nick & I on Kris's indoor swing. A super cool idea that I'm sure I'll have to steal someday for my own.

Jenny, me & Elizabeth. They were super decked our with the era's finest in fur vests and glittered up dresses. I, however, just wore some clothes from my closet that had a 70's feel... I did my best.


Kris, the hostess with the mostess in the middle.
Of course, we're imitating Charlie's Angels.

Not sure if we were still being Charlie's Angels here or if we were coming down with disco-fever?

After hanging out for a while, we party hopped over to the YMCA where our church was celebrating. We finished the night up with lots of basketball, chasing little kids around, and watching the ball drop while sitting around on ellipticals and treadmills in the work-out room.

By 12:30 a.m. we packed it back in to celebrate at home with the puppy for a few minutes before falling in bed exhausted. Seems our married status has changed us from raging-party-maniacs into early-to-bedders. Except that we never were the former, but now, definitely are the latter.

We had fun and had a great start to 2009!

25 to Suffer Through

I'd been tagged to do this on facebook, but I would rather put it on the blog. I don't know 25 people... so if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged!

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. (Yes, Kara, I totally copied and pasted that from your own "25 Things" post. It perfectly explained my exact same situation. Lord forgive me for stealing.)

(#1) Given name: Stephanie Michelle. Origin: My dad wanted a boy, Stephen Michael, but he got me, thus the feminine alterations. Namesakes: Stephen, my dad's older brother and Michael, my dad's name. BUT what did my dad start calling me at birth and ever since - Steph Marie. We have no clue why and they even mulled over possibly officially changing my middle name when I was a baby, but no dice. Still Stephanie Michelle, still referred to as Stephanie Marie.

(#2) Nick and my first encounter was actually freshman year at Georgetown College. We both took the class "Freshman Seminar". My mom made me sign up for the class which I had deemed useless. Thanks, mom! Nick and I briefly sparked - he was a good sport and watched Legally Blonde, Moulin Rouge, and other chic flicks until he couldn't take it anymore =) Actually we remained friends and didn't date until Junior year when I was at UK and he was still at G-town. Weird road we went down.

(#3) Shortly after meeting Nick in freshman seminar, I told my friend that I thought blonde hair and blue eyes were "my type". Girls with crushes say such silly things.

(#4) I "need" the pillowcases on the bed to be arranged just so - the opening that you slide the pillow into the pillow-case must be facing the edge of the bed, if that makes any sense.

(#5) I like my red hair. NEVER ever did I despise it. Got teased, laughed along. I love changing the shade of red, but I want it red. I was going for subtle blonde highlights in December and the beautician covered me in blonde. I am biting at the bit to buy a box of red haircolor right now, but since it cost so much to get it highlighted barely over a month ago, I'm going to let it ride out as a blonde until the roots are too much - then it's fire truck red again, baby!

(#6) Addicted to chapstick. I mostly prefer Carmex. There is a tube in my make-up bag, on my nightstand, in my purse, on the coffee table, by the eliptical, in my coat pocket, in the car... I make sure I'm never caught without it.

(#7) I have NO CLUE how Nick puts up with me. Or how anyone does it for that matter.

(#8) I'd love to have 4 kids. Nick wants 2. We've compromised at 3. We know God's plans are not our own. But it's fun to pretend we can plan these things.

(#9) I can't (but CANandWILL!) wait to experience pregnancy. I am in awe of this miracle. I once thought I wanted to be an OB-GYN. I was naive and knew nothing of the dedication and hours I'm not willing to commit to. Pharmacy is a much better fit for Steph Marie!

(#10) While I'm in awe, I don't think I want to experience it as many times as I want children. Plus there are so many children out there who need a loving home. I plan to adopt and Nick's on board as well. Can't wait to look back on these little words in a decade and see what pans out.

(#11) As random as I normally am, this is getting difficult!

(#12) I'm an awkward person. It stems from my early dorkiness and my huge growth spurts without hardly in weight gain in early life, leaving me leaps and bounds taller than my classmates, gangly arms and legs I didn't know how to control, and hunching over to fit in better. Gaining a few hundreds pounds helped a bit, but I will always be awkward. I embrace it.

(#13) I use to just KNOW I would be famous one day. Again, naivety. I am thankful, now, that I didn't chase such. It doesn't seem to make for the lovely life that I enjoy now. I would definitely miss being nobody.

(#14) I've danced since I was at least 5 years old, maybe earlier. Ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and then dance team in high school. I wasn't good - too awkward to be a good dancer. But, dude, do I love to dance. I dance all over the house, and thank goodness I found a husband that will break into spontaneous dance sessions with me. I love our moments dancing!

(#15) Paranoia. Of sounds, of being alone, of strangers, the fear is constant. I try not to let it affect me and it doesn't stop me. But it is there. A huge reason I sleep with the fan going even during the winter, it drowns out the weird sounds that would keep me up in the middle of the night if I heard them. SuchafreakIknow.

(#16) My heart's a little tender. Often, I wear it on my sleeve. Animals and the mistreatment of them or their poor fortune can throw me into lots of tears. I DO NOT CRY AT MOVIES - seriously. The exception: Marley & Me a few weeks ago. Darned dogs.

(#17) I love music. LoveLoveLoveLoveLoveLoveLoveLoveLove music. Lots of genres. I especially love the classics, if the radio is on, it's usually an oldies station.

(#18) Phew, are you still reading this junk?

(#19) Nick and I would love to travel. Europe especially. Next on my list after Europe, probably some type of African safari. Then China- the Great Wall! Japan sounds cool. Indonesia. And of course, just exploring our great United States.

(#20) I plan on taking care of a part of the urge to explore with mission work. A cross between aid through my pharmacy degree and Christian ministry. Good for the physical body and the soul!

(#21) I'm really taking an interest in decorating lately. Must come with age and the recent house hunting adventure. I think decorating on a budget seems more fun than the unlimited budget. Call me crazy, but there's nothing more invigorating than a great find for the $. Craigslist.com is pretty fun for some of that as well.

(#22) I pray for forgiveness, patience, wisdom and the souls of my family and friends constantly. They are my top prayer requests.

(#23) My mom told me long ago, probably around the age of 10, to pray for a Christian husband that would live the life we are guided to live. I did, and God answered my prayers. I love my husband.

(#24) I am not afraid of color. Not in my clothes, the paint on my walls, or the red on my Kitchenaid mixer. You can keep your beige. We haven't even looked at houses yet, and still I'm agonizing over which room I can paint a shade of turquoise. My new favorite color that I own nothing in and use to have no interest in.

(#25) It's almost 12 am and I'm watching a Grey's Anatomy re-run at the moment. (I'm "scheduling" this post to appear for a different time of day if you're confused.) The dog is chewing on his rawhide bone beside my feet. Nick has already gone to bed. Without going to work everyday during Christmas break and then this awesome rotation, I've hit a bad habit of staying up late and sleeping even later. I really don't like it, but I'm not fighting it, and Hendrix is loving it. But now I'm signing off. Bless you, if you made it this far!

Sister Sister

Happy birthday, sister!
Last night, the families gathered round at my parents' home to celebrate my sister's and her father-in-law's, Howard, birthdays. Their birthdays are actually today, so we got in a little extra early partying. I made the cake for the night - a very messy, kinda ugly, but extremely CHOCOLATELY chocolate cake. I'll let you guess which numbers go with which birthday boy or girl...

Below, one of Melissa's favorite gifts of the night, her letterman-esque jacket from when she was just a wee little one. My dad framed it in the shadow-box, but I think we determined we'll be turning it around, since the back of the jacket is more appealing with the "CLARK" lettering - which is where she went to elementary school, where my mom use to teach for quite a few years, and I attended for one year in first grade, the ONLY year my sister and I were in the same school together.

My bro-in-law, David, thought it would be funny for Hendrix to walk his teddy bear. They're always abusing my baby.

Happy birthday, big sister! You've mothered me my entire life, and while some of the time it was thoroughly aggravating, I've enjoyed having you there for the advice I needed. You have been a HUGE help, especially in the past year, instrumental in putting together the shower and wedding, lessening lots of the stress that comes with such a year. I have loved being your little sister and am so happy for you and the tremendous life you have put together in 29 short years. We are so proud of you and love you so very much!

6 months of the Ball and Chain! YAY!

Today is the big 6 month anniversary of our little old marriage that started way waaaaaaaaay way back in July of 08! I have never seen a 6 month period of time fly by like this one has. We have had so much fun, been blessed beyond dreams, and are looking ahead to a blindingly bright future that I am more excited about than I believe I have ever been about anything. I remember looking ahead to the wedding and how time seemed to just creep by - after the engagement, that was the longest 10 1/2 months of my life!

Seeing as how we stiiiillllllllll do not have our wedding pictures (or video) back yet, they will not be posted today as I would have loved to do. (I would also love to SEE them, let alone post a couple.) MAYBE, we'll have them for our 1 year anniversary and I'll get them up for that post. =)

What luck that Nick has the day off with me, due to the MLK holiday. I also requested snow for our day together, and God so politely obliged me. To celebrate, at this very moment, I am listening to the soundtrack of songs we used at the wedding - including the bridal march. And at the very same moment all this delightful music is bringing back our precious memories, Nick is playing the video game "Halo" and is blasting people away with machine guns and grenades.

Oh, the sweet life. I actually started playing the music so I could listen to something other than machine guns while blogging this post.

In other totally unrelated and odd news, Nick and I attended a swimming party last Friday night. Yes, Friday night, when it was 9 degrees outside and a record for cold temperatures in this area since I don't know when.

Anywho, it was an INDOOR swimming party at the Hampton for my 10 year old cousin's birthday. Taryn and her friends swam and stayed all night in one of the room's at the hotel with her parents in a completely separate room - a huge SCORE for a 10 year I suspect.

Even though, if you saw their amazing house and the whole second story that is Taryn's and only Taryn's and how she has almost every form of entertainment in the way of gaming that even Nick and I would enjoy... you would wonder why they would prefer to be cramped in one of these hotel rooms without all the extra bells and whistles of being at home would provide. Kids...

Taryn is the cutie in the navy blue:

And as for Hendrix and his surgery... the sweetie pie is doing awesome. When we brought him home the night after the surgery, he was pretty weird. Instead of being drowsy from the pain medicine, he just STOOD and STARED for 8 hours before we finally made him go to bed.

The little guy was high as a kite, but from the looks of it, I'm not sure he was having any fun. The next morning, he was back to his normal self and has been ever since. I haven't even seen any change in his personality in the least. He's still the fastest little dog I've ever seen run, jumping higher and higher every day, he's still "loving" on his teddy bear multiple times a day (which I thought may decrease but apparently not) and still as cuddly and loving as ever. Thank goodness, I was really worried... I wouldn't trade his personality for anything!

A pic of fuzzy and me after the swimming party:

Funny Friday

It's never too early to plan ahead.

We were thinking this could be the Roberts' Christmas card next year.

They could send it to people they wouldn't normally send a card to, like, their least favorite people would get a card, which is nice, because hey, it's Christmas.

{To explain our Scrooge faces on Christmas Eve - Nick was being annoying and taking 30 pictures in a row with flash after flash. I think you can tell how we all felt about his actions.}

Nothings

Dude, I can't believe it's been over a week since I've posted. Even bigger DUDE, I really don't have much of anything to share, no pictures, no real news. All has been quiet on the home front (except for Nick jamming out to Rock Band II as he is at this exact moment while I grin and bare it and decided to blog since the TV is being held captive... I got this loud obnoxious gift for him for his birthday... say it with me, people... WHAT WAS I THINKING?!)

I should have started back to my rotation this past Monday, but at this point, the only schedule I've been given is to be in Lebanon, VA every Thursday with SMTW_FS completely free. I would understand if you had a just a hint of jealousy about my predicament.

Seriously, SERIOUSLY, luck has this way of hunting me down and attaching to my forehead so that I just get picked for all these ridiculous blessings that I never have or will deserve. God has SPOILED me - must remember, to whom much is given, much is expected. Gotta keep that in mind....

Back to the point, this is a research type of rotation with coal miners and others beginning a tobacco cessation program that I will have a hand in helping them out with. I will put together charts and data and a little presentation in the end showing how effective or ineffective treatment was for the 5 weeks I'm on the case. At this point, I will be training and only seeing patients, like I said, on Thursdays.

So anyway, with all this downtime, I've really got to work on my New Year's Resolution of catching up on the Zzzzz's.

What?

That wasn't one of my resolutions?

Oops. Maybe I should go back and edit that post because I have got some MAJORLY nice sleep lately. Another big DUDE, it's nice to be unemployed for the moment (though a paycheck would really come in handy right about now).

Actual resolution progress... a bit of bible study, a bit of pharmacy study, LOTS of working out, and no healthy eating what-so-ever. I believe "baby steps" and "one day at a time" have become my motto lately. The working out has been pretty easy so far with that whole not-having-to-be-anywhere-at-anytime schedule I'm on right now. The dog and I go to a local hiking trail for about an hour and a half each day - then we both come home and collapse. I park my, on the verge of getting toned though still a little bit mushy, tush on the sofa with my laptop and he curls up and sleeps for hours after our enjoyable, semi-frigid, walks.

On a final note, little Hendrix will be undergoing surgery tomorrow (the kind that will keep us from becoming "grandparents" anytime soon). So if you're in the habit of praying for those on the lower end of the food-chain, however non-important it may seem, we in this little family would really appreciate you mentioning our pup in your chat with God, asking that all will go smoothly.

Here's hoping that I will continue to have absolutely nothing to blog about. It has been quite a relaxing, non-eventful week. I would love to enjoy another one.

Quarter Century

After a dinner at Fiesta Mexicana, a stirring tribute to Nick's birthday sung by a nice Mexican gentleman and his guitar, and a huge fried ice cream, we all headed back to our apartment for some cake and a little present opening by the birthday boy himself.

Mom and Dad Roberts

(and Hendrix trying to steal the attention)

Mom and Dad Dye

One very old 25 year old man and one very young 24 year old little lady

Mostly scared of the balloons on the floor that were invading his space, Hendrix barked at many of them and when he could finally get a hold of one and bite it, he popped them. What a guard dog.

Nick's mom, Karen, brought over Nick's baby book too. I finally got to go through it today, (while I am currently laying on he couch with a head cold and a roll of toilet paper since I blew all the Kleenexes away), and WHOA. Karen - what dedication!

This lady filled out every detail of our little Nick's book. It was so cool to read about all the moments I wasn't around to witness. I think I may be mostly in awe because he's a second child, and from my own experience as a second child, they usually don't get the detail that the first child did. Mostly because that first child is an overly hyperactive trouble maker coloring an entire wall with crayons before anyone notices (my sister).

So kudos to you Karen! My favorite part of the book - Nick's first smile at 4 weeks old. Do you know who was being born when Nick was 4 weeks old? That's right, ME! Little Nick smiled on February 4th, knowing somewhere out there, his future wife was pushing her way out into the world. (Getting ahead of myself and my imagination? Yeah, but it's a total blast.)

~Stephanie

Happy Birthday, Nickster!

I've been so busy planning a few birthday surprises that I haven't had the minute to stop and post a little dedicated to the one I love. Today is the most glorious day of the year - it's Nick's birthday!

I am so glad this guy of mine was born. I could not picture my life without him and often wonder what I did before him. My world definitely revolves around him, our little family and our dreams for the future.

Nick is my rock and my support. He goes to work everyday, the sole bread winner while I'm in school, and never complains for one second. He is sweet, lovable, and the best cuddler a person could be (cuddling was in my Top 5 for things I needed in a future husband). I am constantly calling or messaging this guy whenever we aren't together, I love to share everything in my life with him and always love to hear about what's going on in his. In so many ways and for so many tiny reasons, he makes me laugh and love him 100 times more than I did the day before.

He deserves a very happy 25th birthday (quarter of a century - whoa!) and I hope that he has one today. Hopefully I'll have a few pics of the birthday boy from tonight's celebration to share with you tomorrow.

I'd Rather Read a Picture Book...

http://www.photoworks.com/photo-sharing/shareSigninBook.jsp?shareCode=A6CC4A2C740&cp=ems_shr_alb_emb&cb=PW

Click the above link if you'd like to see the book I made Nick (mentioned in the previous post) for our two year anniversary... Now onto our next book... March 21st - 4 years!

(Click the link above, it will bring up a new page where you'll then press "View This Book", onto the next page where you can view it there, though I recommend clicking the words under the picture that say "VIEW LARGER" with the magnifying glass.)

That's all for today. Enjoying the Saturday with my boys, Nick and Hendrix. We're going to the Saturday matinee of "Marley and Me". Can you imagine how excited I am? Anyone remember my ridiculous response to the book?

Scrapblog

I've attached a little slideshow to give you a glimpse into the book I created for my parents and gave to them for Christmas. It's called "The Dye Family; From Humble Begginnings" and contains pictures of my family from the very very very beginning - lots and lots of scanned pictures, mostly in chronological order starting with photos from my parents' dating years, through their wedding, honeymoon, anniversaries, then Melissa's baby pics and mine, lots of sister pictures and pics of us as kids up until I was around age 6 or 7.

It's the first in a series of photo books I'd like to make to preserve our family pictures and memories. I had been working on this one since my parents left for their 2 week vacation out west in October. I snuck in their house and stole lots of old pictures so I could get to scanning already. I can't wait to make a book from pictures that don't have to be scanned - lots of time saved and will be much better quality as well (as you may see on some of the photos that are "speckled" or "orange washed" with age and the developing skills of the olden days).

The website I made it on is called Scrapblog. It's a pretty cool place to make lots of different things with you pictures. I've also used Photoworks in the past to make a book for Nick on our 2 year anniversary back in the day. It's almost been another 2 years in March and time to get to making an updated book!

I hope you'll enjoy this look back. Just click the play button and it should start. If it happens to go too fast for you, you can always hit pause at the bottom left to stop on one of the pages. Sorry it's so small! The book was 12"x8", so you can imagine that it was much easier to see in person.

2009

I don't like the word resolutions. I never use that word, or say that I've resolved to do something, it's just not in my vocabulary. So, GOALS. Goals is the word I'm using for 2009. No pressure, I didn't resolve to do something, just aiming high, going for the gold, or the goal, if you will. =)

In no particular order (seriously):

1. GET TO KNOW THE BIBLE BETTER. I've been in the church my whole life, the Church of Christ . We are BIG on the scripture (not that others aren't...) and we take our faith and belief and God's rules for our life straight from the pages of His book.

I've heard the verses many of times, and can paraphrase them (bad!), but to tell you EXACTLY what they say or WHERE they're located, well that takes some looking up on my part and I would much rather be able to talk to someone about Christ and give examples and answer questions without having to take 5 minutes to look up the exact verse on the tip of my tongue each time it comes up. Not to mention I would have more confidence to talk to others about what's really on mind.

The most fun of it all - Nick and I are pursueing this goal together. I'm excited to find a good couple's bible study out there somewhere or just figure out how we would like to go about this. Any ideas are welcomed!

2 Timothey 2:15-16 "Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase to more ungodliness."

2. GET HEALTHIER - generic I know. I hated to even list this one, or to put it #2 for that matter (remember... these goals are in no particular order... well, except for #1). But I don't feel as good as I use to. There's little energy, more headaches, and lots of stress. I'm not so much talking about downsizing (though a few of my jeans can't be buttoned any more - ummmm yikes?), but I'm sure if I could just eat better and get moving (the dog helps with that one!) that I could feel better, physically and emotionally.

I already started this one a few days back and I'm feeling pretty optomistic. I've gotta say, I hate what the coffee does to my usually crisp white smile, but it sure kickstarted this goal in the pants! And as for feeling better, #1's goal I know will help tremendously with feeling better from the inside out, not to mention giving me encouragement and stamina for my daily life. There is a verse (or 10!) that can be applied to any event taking place in your life, and the peace when His plan is applied is eternally priceless.

Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

3. The rest of the goals are just a whole lot of things that are always on my mind at some time or another. Such as.... read more (at least a book a month this year - which is pressing it for me), become slower to anger, increase the virtue of patience (increase? How about I just have SOME patience for ONCE) and THINK before I speak. I think if I could just stay strong with #1's goal, the rest should take care of itself.

Oh and one more big goal that is new to the year 2009 - STUDY FOR THE PHARMACY BOARDS SO I CAN PASS AND ACTUALLY BECOME A PHARMACIST.

I guess you could say that one is pretty important as well. I hope I get around to it sometime this year...

Good luck with all of your goals as well! I'd love to hear about them sometime. And don't forget to check in on me - one reason I posted a few of my goals is so that I could be held accountable. I'll keep you posted on my progress - I promise. (Ugh, I hope I don't regret that one.)