the Iron Bowl

Yes, we lost this year, but I can't say I was expecting anything more.  I can, however, share with you this funny sign that someone created.  I mean, it being Christmas-time and all.  Can you name the movie?  

Yes, I pulled these out of the basement last night, and lugged them upstairs (well, actually the husband did, since I'm preggo and all).  And I might have pulled some of the contents out, began rearranging to make way for a tree, hung some garland and strung a few Christmas lights, and started visualizing where everything will go.  Oh, and I'm pretty sure I'll try to finish up what I can tonight.  All while listening to Michael Buble's new Christmas album.  

Just for the record, I love Thanksgiving.  I believe it should be given as much attention as possible and celebrated in great fashion.  

However, I happened to have last night free and have the same tonight, so I'm going to take full advantage of what I can to get ready for "the most wonderful time of the year."   I'll wait til this Sunday to purchase any real greenery we'll be getting (tree, garland, wreath), but I have a feeling I'm going to be so glad that I took the time to handle everything else this week. 

Sorry if you're disappointed in me, but honestly, the older we get the shorter the season seems any way.  So, I'm just stretching it out. :)

Telling the Family

Since this is our first baby-to-be, we really wanted to tell our families in person.  Much easier for J's family who is right down the road, but it was quite tricky to find the opportunity to tell mine.  Schedules were crazy and distance was a factor, but we really wanted to tell them all within a small timeframe (my mom + sisters + I are terrible at keeping secrets from each other!).  With a Labor Day deadline in mind (so that we could finally tell everyone!), we just got creative. See below for how we ended up working it all out!  

Honey + Daddy Big

My parents had been traveling to Madagascar to visit my brother in late August.  Knowing we wouldn't be seeing them before Labor Day, I had to figure out a way to meet them at the airport as they returned thru Atlanta (without causing suspicion).  Somehow I convinced them that it was completely normal for us to want to drive to the airport at 7am on a Monday morning for a quick visit. What a great daughter I seemed to be, huh?!  

Instead of just blurting out, "hey, we're pregnant!"  I decided to a go with a slightly more subtle approach.  We brought them breakfast bread (figured they'd be hungry), and a whipped cream "# 5" on top (this will be my parents 5th grand baby).  

They definitely took us up on the breakfast, but it took them a little while to figure out what # 5 meant.  So, I spelled it out for them on a t-shirt I had hidden under my jacket.

That picture is of us in the security line at the airport!  Ha. We had to deal with the circumstances we were given!  

Sue-Sue + Aunt Kelly

Once Jamie and I found out we were pregnant, I had somewhat been avoiding people.  Between the way I was feeling and the fact that it was SO hard to keep it a secret, I just preferred laying low.  So, we were way overdue for a dinner with Jamie's mom and sister.   We finally got one set for a Thursday night at Flip (one of our favorite restaurants).  

Jamie and I were leaving for Jackson, MS the next day to visit sweet Caroline and her parents.  And, I just happened to have a little goodie basket I was taking to her.  I figured she wouldn't mind if I borrowed the little baby booties for our Hargather reveal.  

When we arrived, I asked the hostess if she wouldn't mind getting our server to bring out the booties (with a sign saying "Baby H, 3.12.12 attached) after we'd ordered.  Well, the folks at Flip went over and beyond.  Besides beautifully "plating" the booties, they also included a little liquid nitrogen for the smokey/dry ice effect.  

It was hilarious.  Kelly and Sue had NO idea what was going on.  "What is that?" - Kelly "Do we eat it?" - Sue "Are they hand towels?" - Kelly  (Keep in mind there was lots of liquid N2  smoking all around it.)  Once it dawned on them what was going on, tears were shed.  But, it was so much fun to share with them!  

Aunt Diddy

Robin Anne (aka "Aunt Diddy") and soon-to-be Uncle Bob came in town Labor Day weekend for the UGA/Boise State game.  Somehow I do not have any documentation of our time with them, but I went one more creative route with her.  I made about a dozen of my favorite iced sugar cookies (that I make every year for our Unbou cookie swap).  And on a few of them I wrote in icing, "Baby H, 3.12.12."  Well, I offered RA a cookie that Friday night, and made her read the text before eating it up!  Was so fun to have them there to talk through baby plans.  

I also used those cookies to tell some friends and other family.  

On our way to Carrollton that Monday (up next), we got to Skype with Uncle Andy and Aunt Betsy to tell them the news.  Unfortunately, it was really hard to get creative over the phone, but was just as exciting to share with them!  

Aunt Jen, Uncle Tee, and the kiddos

Our final trip was to Carrollton on Labor Day to share with the Green family.  I know I came up with all sorts of different ways to tell people, but I thought making a puzzle for the kids would be fun.  Well, let's just say it was much easier to make than it was to put together!  

I gave it to them pretty quickly upon arrival, thinking they could put it together, then come ask me what exactly was going on.  Turns out, I had to sit on the floor and help them put it together, while Sue and Jennifer visited.  It was really hard!  Finally, we figured it out, and the kids were slightly perplexed.  Eventually, Hadley asked if I was pregnant, and I told her to ask her mom.  The kids were so enthralled with the fact that there was a baby in my belly...it was hilarious.  

I showed them the picture from Baby Center's pregnancy app that I had just downloaded on my phone.  At the time, we were 13 weeks, and the baby was still looking a little like an alien in a sak, with a big head, large eyes, and a smaller body.  Hutton thought it was funny, and decided to draw a picture of it on their chalkboard. :)

On the way home from Carrollton, we started calling close friends and getting the word out.  Not only was it fun to share the news with everyone, but it was SO NICE to finally have the word out.  No more secrets!!  

I Ate All Your Halloween Candy

Jimmy Kimmel asked parents to tell their kids that they ate all their Halloween candy, and record the kids' responses.  Pretty hilarious.  Somewhat sad (at least as far as how spoiled many of these kids are!).  The last two are the best, tho.  

ILMC

I. Love. My. Church.

I do.  Jamie and I have been attending Buckhead Church since before we were together.  While we did a little church hopping at one point in our relationship, we have definitely come to realize that BC is home for us.  The College Ministry.  Andy's teaching.  Our community there.  Their ministries for kids (baby H is going to LOVE them all!).  And the Be Rich campaign.  

Every year our church launches an initiative to be the church to our local community.  Lots of money is raised, countless hours are served, and hearts of people in our city are moved. None of this comes back to our church in any way, except in the feeling of gratitude when its people are blessed with opportunities to give and serve.  I am reminded that this is how Jesus moved.  This is how He lived.  

If you're interested in doing something for your community this year (or at least our community, if Atlanta's not your place of residence), you can visit the Be Rich website at this link.  There are opportunities to give and opportunities to serve.  

[Also, I might have heard a little rumor that in one Sunday, the $500,000 goal was already met.  However, don't let that deter you!  We are reaching further than that with a goal of $1,000,000 raised for an even greater opportunity to reach our community.]

I'm grateful Buckhead give us countless opportunities to be the church.