My dedication to marriage...

I am guilty of not always telling those around me how much they truly mean to me; especially in my marriage. So today's post is dedicated to my beautiful husband.

To me, Marriage is a like delicate flower-- beautiful in every sense. Something God has created. In marriage you have to be careful not to bruise petals; taking special care to always give your partner the love, care and support you've promised.

Sometimes in the Kettering Cottage life takes over and we may take each other for granted, forgetting to create the warm & fuzzy moments we both need.

So this is my reminder to myself, and anyone else who may need a moment of reflection:

Memorize the reasons you feel in love for at any moment they could be taken away.

LOVE like there is nothing else to do and do not let life get in the way.

Tell your spouses how much they really mean to you and mean it.

Touch their hand before they touch yours.

Smile at them when you've had a bad day.

Commit daily to the vows you took together and honor Gods word.

Hold your tongue at times being sure to never scrutinize your loved one.

Care for your marriage as you would a delicate flower; giving it the care and nutrition it demands.

I pray that we are never too caught up in daily life to pause and reflect on our marriage and show it the respect that it deserves. When you have let your guard down your marriage has ways letting you know. I pray that we will always be strong enough to see these signs and have the ability to mend any frayed edges. Thank you God for providing me with a husband who loves me for who I am and who we make together. I am grateful.

I Love you, MK!

She's Still Got it...

The need to keep her mind busy and hands dirty that is!!!

The last 12 weeks or so have just been well...you know. I am happy to say my self proclaimed DIY Friday fun has returned - WATCH OUT KETTERING COTTAGE!

This week started with an idea & trip to Michael's for styrofoam and moss.

Then "Gussy the Glue Gun" got involved.

Suddendly styrofoam and moss were flying everywhere!

Now we have this sweet little square mossy wreath hanging above our kitchen sink.

sorry about the glare--not a self proclaimed photographer :)

I could easily see it hanging on a wall, propped on a shelf or plate easle or just hanging out in the Kettering Cottage. Be sure to keep your eye out for it as I'm sure it won't be still long!

Happy Fall Y'all!!!

Here's a sneak peek at how things are starting to transform around the Kettering Cottage. Autumn is our favorite time of year so we've started to cozy up the nest and get settled for the cool fall nights and warm chicken stew to come! Even the boxer babies are loving it!
More to come soon...

Sunday was a Good Day!

Not sure if was the candy corn vampire, lazy dogs watching football with Dad or the fact that I didn't get out of my PJ's all day- but none the less- Sunday was a good day! Hope yours was too!

First Trimester Visits Complete

Today we had our final first trimester visit. We are almost 11 weeks into this experience now and everything is going well. Dr.Reynolds seemed pleased.Today's visit consisted of lots of questions on both ends, the normal urine sample and 1 of 2 scheduled PAP tests I'll have through out. We also got to hear the heart rate via doppler - 171 BPM today. I had blood drawn to test my thyroid since I have a history there and it wasn't checked at the first visit. Otherwise everything I've experienced thus far falls into the " Yep, that's normal during pregnancy" category and we are moving right along.


A special thanks goes out to Mr. MK. I love him! He's right there to be with me. He holds my hand when the table goes back and congratulates me on the good days. I can't imagine going to appointments alone and the fear of receiving any less than perfect news without him there too. I am so thankful to be married to such a caring husband and loving Father that I know he'll be. Thanks, Babe!

Care Packages

Baby K is so spoiled already!!! Last night when I come in from my exercise group this was sitting on my kitchen counter....
We couldn't wait to open! Mike & I opened it together- each with scissors in hand, careful not to cut too deep. It was a baby bounty! There were shirts for Mama, Snacks for Daddy, Books for both - you name it Granny KK & Papa Bill thought of it. (not sure if that's really what they would like to be called but sounds good for now) They're so on it & never miss a beat.

We can always count them to brighten our day. The phone calls, cards and messages mean so much during this joyful time for our family. Thanks Karen & Bill for all you do! We love you!

Panthers vs. Eagles

The Carolina Panthers need help. They looked like a team of pop-warner school boys at their end of season cookout! Seriously- Jake Delhomme? They're going to continue to start you? Wow. Never mind the outcome of the game we had a great time pulling for everyone. M & M ( Mike & Meena) especially loved the fact that the Eagles flew in, kicked ass and took names. We celebrated before the game with BBB burgers, beer and birthday cake. Fun times for all!

Happy Birthday, Meena

10 Week Belly

This is me & baby. 10 weeks to the day. No sucking in - No pushing out :) ( 9/11/09).

Baby Don't Like Moe's....

Can you say----You're not "Welcome to Moe's?" Not that I don't have a ton of things to post here because I am way behind; this is what's on my mind now. Right now. Present.

Now y'all all know I love my Nachos and Mexican food but we have this issue here at the CCR/CPI. Our bosses are in love with "fake" Mexican food. I said it, Moes- Qudoba- is fake! (That is me going out on a limb risking it all from fake Mexican lovers everywhere) Well, all of our medical reps know about this love they have for fake Mexican and usually try to please the big dogs by bringing their favorites. Well, I usually go in there and eat it up too even though it's never been my favorite. When it's free it doesn't have to be my favorite. Today...Nachos, cheese dip, chicken, black beans, lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, etc... all made it's way onto my pile of chips. Not sure how? Then preggo here sat down and ate like a MAN. A LARGE MAN. I admit, the fake Mexican was good for about 15 minutes while I crammed it in as though someone was over me with a gun.

Friends, needless to say - no more Moe's for me. Free or not- baby don't like it. It is all sitting in my newly formed duodenal pouch ready to blow a gallbladder- medical terminology; thanks to the funny fat chick- I promise to bring more blog entries soon with something other than food and in a more positive tone. Meanwhile ~ Happy Day to you!

Craving? No- I think I love it that much!

Another Southern Favorite...Down the Hatch!

STAN'S PIMENTO CHEESE!

Hellllooo? Can you say that is some good shit? I bought the large tub at Wally World on Sunday afternoon- it's gone. All gone. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner- grilled or plain. Love it. That and some Stacy's Naked Pita Chips with Sea Salt - I'm good.

Give me a blanket and tuck me in on the couch, I'm here to stay!

Thank you "Lawd" for making me a southern pregnant girl!

Got Wine?

Oh my friends on the Craggy Range how I miss you so...it is times like these that we would bond. Do not fear as we are only apart for a short time and do not wander as I promise our friendship will last. This too shall pass...

Baby Room Eye Candy

Just thought I would share some boy room inspiration photos with you. No choices have been made for either gender but here are a few things that catch my eye as I cruise around the web. I'll post some girl ideas later on.

1. Henry's Room ( Holly Mathis)