2009: It Can Only Get Better

Goodbye 2008!!!! I am GLAD to see you go!!!!!!!

This year has definitely not been one of our better years. However, with every bad thing, there is always something good just around the corner!

Here is a recap of our year: (some won't have pictures since those are all on our mac) :(

January: Dawson Nathaniel Fletcher was born on January 9, 2008. February: Michael surprised me with a new car!

March: I found out I was getting a promotion at work at the first of May!!!!

April: We both turned 27 and we put a fence around our backyard.

May: Found out we were pregnant on May 24, 2008

June: Found out we had a miscarriage on June 30, 2008

July: Went to Destin for five daysAugust: Spent a lot of time with good friends on our new boat.

September: Fell off the boat and hurt my ankle. :(


October: Went to Murfreesboro for a weekend to spend time with Lauren and Dawson!
November: Hosted Thanksgiving, decorated for Christmas, and had my gallbladder out (all in a 24 hour time span!)

December: Lightening hit our house on December 10, 2008 and caused around 50-75% loss of our home. We ended up having our best Christmas yet (even though it wasn't EXACTLY how I we pictured it!)

House Update

Sorry it has been so long since I've given a house update, but there has been absolutely NOTHING to report in. They did get all of our furniture (except our bedroom, because it is safe) out and put in storage and they have cleaned up a lot. Today the electrician, heat/air guy, and the builder all came to do their walk through and estimates. I am anxiously awaiting those results. When I was at the house yesterday I took some new pictures that showed the damage a little clearer (the sun was out and the mess was cleaned out).

The damage in the guest room where the electrical current made it's exit. We did not realize the room was on fire until after it was over.

A light switch on the other side of that room from the window. All the outlets were blow out in this room.




Our kitchen and dining room

Living room from foyer

Foyer

A small section of the burnt are in the attic to the left of the lightening hole

Target, Bookstore and Twilight

I have had a pretty lazy Saturday overall, but I did make a quick trip out to Target early this afternoon. I had to exchange a book that I was given for Christmas that I had already read. I am also wanting to pick up the first season of Dirty Sexy Money, my favorite tv drama right now, but it was sold out, so I am just saving my gift card they gave for when it is in stock. I came home, got back in my pjs and watched a couple of movies in bed with Spencer.


Tonight Michael has gone out with his friends to watch the UFC fight (I could care less) so I got dressed again and my mom and I went to the new Barnes and Noble they just built at the mall. I am in LOVE! It is MUCH nicer than our old Barnes and Noble and it is huge. I got my starbucks then it was off to find a book to keep my occupied this week. I had been resisting the craze, but decided to jump in and bought this book...

We'll see how it goes. I am sure I'll get hooked, everyone else has! I also picked up my schnauzer calendar for 2009! Got to have that for my office!

Now, I am back home in my pjs again! Tomorrow we are planning another calm, quiet day. After all the excitement and drama over the last 3 weeks, it is good to have some down time!

A Merry Little Christmas

I hope everyone had themselves a very merry little Christmas! We sure did! We went to Michael's Grandad's house on Christmas Eve where we cooked dinner and had Christmas with his family. It was a lot of fun and since we don't get to see them very often, it was great to spend some time with everyone.

Some of our food, it was not all out yet when I took the picture.

We slept in until about 10:30 on Christmas morning and then we got up for breakfast. During breakfast you could hear a cell phone ringing, but we thought it was on tv. Michael kept telling me that it was coming from a stocking. So, I pulled my stocking down to find a Blackberry pearl inside!!! I had been wanting one for a long time, so I was so surprised and excited to find one in there!!!! Michael got a cabinet for our garage to help with his garage project he wants to start when we move back in. I got my mom a digital camera to help ease her into the 21st century and my dad a gift card to his favorite store along with some other things. Then in the afternoon, my mom's family came over.

Michael, me, and my Nana (please do not pay attention to the little fat girl sitting in the floor!)]

My uncle, cousin Lindsey, and Aunt opening gifts

Nana opening her gift from Michael and I

Here we are all tired and ready for bed after a fun, but LONG two Christmas days!

Today, I went shopping at the mall with my best friend, Lauren (the one that lives here, I know it gets confusing!). We ate at Abuelo's then went to the mall where we were so overwhelmed and frustrated that everything was basically picked over, we decided to drive about 40 miles south to the outlet mall in Calhoun, Ga. We did much better there! I got a few cute things at the Old Navy outlet and a cute pair of pjs at the Ann Taylor outlet (since all I want to do this weekend is hang out in pjs!).

Michael and I are going to dinner somewhere tonight then I plan on crashing this weekend in my new pjs. I may help my mom take the tree down at some point, but other than that, I will be parking my big butt on the couch or in the bed watching lifetime!

Merry Christmas Eve!

I made it through my check list last night except for wrapping presents. I should have some time to do that between the pedicure and the Ledford Christmas. I estimated that I have made somewhere around 100 cake balls between Sunday and last night. Those things are in demand, I tell you! Thanks for the recipe Kelly! I know our families will love them too! This afternoon we are going to Michael's grandfather's house and then tomorrow we will spend the day at my parents house (our house) with my mom's family. I'll post some pictures Friday.

I just wanted to take a few minutes on this holiday to thank all of you one more time. I don't know what I would do without you. You've all been so encouraging, thoughtful, and caring over the past two weeks. Well, really in the past 6 months since I started blogging! I love you all!!! I know that 2009 can only be better than 2008!

I also just want to add that a girl I have been praying for just emailed me that she has been given a Christmas miracle! She received her BFP this morning!!!! God is sooooooooo good!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Only 11 Hours Until Christmas Eve!!!!!!

Ok, panic is beginning to set in! I still have to...

• see 8 pts this afternoon with the slowest doctor I know
• fill out some FMLA papers
• leave work
• cook a pizza for dinner
• make a potato casserole
• make a broccoli casserole
• cook sausage balls
• make MORE red velvet cake balls
• wrap gifts
• finish the ornament wreath

Are there enough hours left in this day???? I'm sure you are asking why some of this cannot be completed tomorrow morning before we celebrate Christmas Eve tomorrow afternoon???? Well, after all that I have been through, my mom bought me a pedicure for Christmas that I am getting done at 11 tomorrow morning. I am so excited to take a few minutes for me! So, the plan for tomorrow is to get up, get pedicure, come home, cook casseroles, load the car, and go to Christmas Eve at Michael's grandfather's house by 3 where we are going to put his tree up before everyone else comes over at 5:30 or so. Whew, it is going to be a busy 24 hours!!!!

What are your plans for Christmas Eve?

3 More Days Until Christmas, Are you Ready?

AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I have so much to do!!!!!! I just realized that I need to wrap everything (I finally replaced all my wrapping paper Friday night on our date night to Target), cook casseroles and make some goodies to bring to Knoxville for Christmas Eve, and work all day tomorrow and Tuesday! I made a batch of red velvet balls today along with some thumbprint cookies and a cheese ball for work tomorrow tonight after dinner, so I know I can get all that done again in one night. I think my goal is to wrap gifts tomorrow night and cook on Tuesday night.

Is everyone else ready except for me? I am never this far behind!!!! It is starting to stress me out!

Is it FREEEEEEEEEEEEZING at your house too? It is going to 16 in the morning when I leave for work! BURRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!! I think I will need a peppermint mocha for sure!

Busy Saturday

We have had quite a busy rainy, cold Saturday! Of course, Michael had to work and I had to finish Christmas shopping. I am never this late getting finished, but I guess I've had a few other things to deal with instead! My mom and I went out early this morning and did some SERIOUS power shopping, then I had to go by my house and get the presents that came on UPS this week. Luckily the workers just put the box in our bedroom, so it was just waiting on me to come get it.

Tonight, Michael and I joined my favorite family of three, the Fletcher Family for dinner at Big River. It is always good to see Lauren, I miss her so much.

This was our entertainment at dinner. Is he not the cutest baby EVER? Well, I am a proud aunt, so maybe I am a little partial!

Lauren, Dawson, and me, please excuse my crazy tangled necklace. Not sure what is up with that!

Tomorrow I have to spend the day making red velvet cake balls to go with my bosses gift (he loves them) and another ornament wreath that I am giving away as a gift.

Five Years Ago...

Five years ago yesterday, Michael and I got engaged! I was going to write this post last night, but we got in too late. We went out to TGI Fridays (not worth it, they have changed their menu and it wasn't very good) then we went to the martini bar inside the hotel where we got engaged (we were there for a Christmas party that night).

I was hoping for a small miracle that I would actually have a picture from that night saved on shutterfly, and I did!!! Here we are, December 18, 2003. We were so young!!!! We were both only 22!!!!

We have been through a lot over the past five years and I love Michael more today than I did yesterday, the day before that, the year before that, and the day we got engaged. It is amazing to me how much you can change in five years and still love someone more and more all the time!

Michael, I love you and I cannot wait to see what happens over the next five years! It One thing is for sure, we know we can handle just about anything!

Thankful Thursday

Let me start this off by saying that I don't even know where to start. I have so much to be thankful for this week, it is overwhelming (and all of you that cried over my Thanksgiving post, pull out the Kleenex's now)!

First, I am beyond thankful, blessed, and fortunate, that I did not lose everything I own last Wednesday morning. I am beyond thankful, blessed, and fortunate that my husband and my dog are safe. Although I would not have left that house without them! I know God was there with us and looking out for us. I don't have a doubt in this world that is the case. Our house may not be livable, but it is still there and will be repaired in no time (in the grand scheme of things).

Second, I am so thankful for my parents. They were there not long after the fire department got there and then opened their home to us so that we didn't have to live in a hotel (especially since the only hotels that let you bring dogs around here are ghetto crack house hotels!). I could not imagine my Christmas in a hotel. The thought was worse to me than the fact we didn't have a home.

Third, I am thankful to all of my many, many friends, family, and coworkers that have sent prayers, thoughts, calls, emails, texts, and even more prayers our way. Words cannot express how much it means to us.

Next I am thankful for the Catoosa County fire dept. They went over and above what was required of them. Our stuff is safe because they came in and moved it and covered it to get it out of the way. They were there in eight minutes from the time we called. I really don't think I could ask for anything more!

And Last, but definitely most importantly, I am Thankful, Grateful, and any and all adjectives to describe how I feel, to God. Yes, we may have had the worst year we've ever had, but he has also blessed beyond words. We do STILL have a home (just can't live in it at the moment), great jobs that more than provide what we need to live, wonderful family and friends, and the fact that we are still here to appreciate it. This Christmas may not be my ideal Christmas, but we are just so happy to be here, it will be the best one yet!

Christmas Card Carousel

If there is one thing I love other than being with family about Christmas, is receiving Christmas cards! I know I have posted the picture of mine a couple of times, but I am participating in Faith's Christmas Card Carousel! She is asking everyone to show her their cards! I can't wait to see them all!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE FROM THE LEDFORD FAMILY!

Wonderful Wednesday

For those of you who were reading my other blog, I decided to do theme days. In light of all that has happened, I decided to bring it back with Wonderful Wednesday!

Here are the wonderful things that make me HAPPY!

My dogs! Yes, I have two now. I have had my beagle for 5 years, but he has always lived with my parents. Now they are both together...interesting, let me tell you!

My Christmas Card! I could not be any happier with the way it turned out!!!!

Carmel Salted Hot Chocolate from Starbucks! It is WAY cheaper than therapy!

This book: it is about a girl that has had a miscarriage and was told she wouldn't be able to have a baby with out IVF, but also lost her mother to ovarian cancer and must deal all that at Christmas. It is a great story! I got it at Lifeway and recommend it to everyone!

And last, but not least, the love and support of my friends and family. Especially those of you out there in blogville! It amazes me how much those whom you do not know care about you! I am so very thankful and blessed to have you all as my friends!

Pictures of the house

I hate to follow the Christmas tour with these, but I wanted to go ahead and post them. Here are some of the best pictures of our damage.

Front of the house

What is left of my foyer (look closely, next time you see it, it is going to have a stairwell to my bonus room!!!!)

Our ceilings, or lack thereof

Our living room/foyer

Kitchen/Dining Room view from the living room

Hole in the roof made by the lightening from the kitchen. It knocked stone off the house and pulled trim away from the wall
Michael making his television debut!

Christmas Tour 2008

Welcome to our Home!

I have looked forward to Boomama's Christmas Tour since I first heard about it back in the summer when I became a blogger. I LIVE to decorate for Christmas!!!! However, things are a little bit different for us this year. For those of you who may not know, our house was struck by lightening and caught fire last Wednesday (12/10) and suffered a LOT of water damage. We were very blessed to be at home and were able to get out with our dog and a few valuable possessions. However, none of the Christmas decorations were harmed (our own little Christmas miracle!). Also, I just happened to take my pictures for the tour last weekend, about 3 days before the fire.

Here are the Before pictures:

Welcome to Ringgold, Georgia!

Our Front Door, come on in!

Wreath I made hanging to the right of the door in the foyer

Here is my very most favorite decoration, the one thing that I start planning in the summer, my tree:

The tree at night. It was my favorite tree I've ever had (and I've been putting up my own tree since I was 9!)

My favorite ornaments:

This one is an apple green ball with a chocolate "L". My aunt gave it to me for Thanksgiving.
This is where we were married! It is the chapel where I went to school!

I have collected the Dept 56 Original Snow Village since I was 16 years old. I have over 40 pieces and no idea how many accessories, but I only set out a few (thank goodness!!!!). From my initial overview of my things, they appear to still be in one piece. The firefighters covered them on our couch.
I purchased new stockings this year for Michael, Spencer, and myself (they were one of the 1st things I checked on when I went back into the house!!!) Ha!Between the living room and kitchen I have a small bar area. Here are the decorations that I had on the bar:In the kitchen I have a huge island where I always place my favorite crystal bowl filled with red, gold, and brown ornaments and this year a Santa cookie jar: In my dining room I have one of my very most favorite decorations, my red, lighted, ornament tree. I also use my the Christmas accent plates that match my fine china:

In our bedroom I went simple this year (our bedroom was decorated in a clean, contemporary theme) with brown, blue, green, and white ornaments in a large vase.

I debated putting this picture on here, but it is the best after picture I have of our tree. Yes, it is sad, but there is always next year and with the bonus room we are going to put in, we'll have room for ANOTHER tree!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!!!!

Well, that concludes the 2008 Christmas Tour of the Ledford Home! Please come back next year and see our remodled and improved home!
From our home to yours, we wish you a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!