Babymoon with a Lobster Theme

Standing by the Big Lobster in Islamorada Key, Fl. There is a curse on this famous picture spot for us, we both lost our camera cases at this spot? I lost my in 2004 and Scott lost his this year 2007, the only 2 times we've taken our picture here?

Anyways, we had a great time again this year. This year I stayed off the boat while Scott played on the boat, fishing and lobster diving. I did make it out on the water for a boat cruise on a 38 ft Cabin Cruiser and also another day to do a little snorkeling. I read the book The Testament by John Grisham, sat by the pool and under the Tiki Huts on the beach and even took a nap under tiki cover during an afternoon rain storm. It was FANTASTIC! These are the newly built docks after a hurricane destroyed them 1-2 years ago. We did make it to a Par 3 Golf course up in Marathon Key, the course took less than a hour for 9 holes, but that was enough for us...it was really hot! On the golf course there were iguana's running back and forth through the fairway, it was really cool! Sorry no pics of the golfing!

Scott says he learned a lot fishing and had a great time keeping busy. We ate well every night with plenty of snacks to go around. The best was the lobster! My favorites are steamed lobster and Lobster Pasta. Thanks to everyone who dove down and tickeled those little creapy things out of their rocks! Scott said he was close snagging one, while just snorkeling!

Doesn't that look good? Just the other day Scott said 1lb of Lobster was $29.99! I'm glad I got my Lobster fill for awhile. Overall it was a really relaxing vacation.

Carrie

Off to the Keys!

Tomorrow Scott and I will take off for our "babymoon" to the Keys for a week of fishing, beach, lobster diving and boat rides. I am really looking forward to getting away! Here are a few memories from last years trip where my brother came with us!

Me and John-E at the Southern Most Point in the Continental U.S.A.

Scott and John-E fishing.

Me and John-E snorkeling, watching the others dive for lobsters.

Scott cleaning off the diving gear after a full morning of lobster diving.
Scott preparing the lobster for the lobster feast!





We'll update you again next week on how this years trip goes!
Take care!

Breakfast at Wimbledon

Yep, it all started 3 years ago (not the Tournament's tradition of breakfast at Wimbledon, but Scott's tradition of breakfast during Wimbledon) when Scott and I were just dating and he came with me to Iowa to spend the 4th of July with my family. The Sunday that the men's final was on fell on the 4th of July (2004). Scott decided to make this big extravagant breakfast at my parents house and invite my grandma over as well. (he knew how to win my family over!) Well, it worked! Since then every year we've had our annual breakfast during Wimbledon. 2005's location was at my Aunt Chris's in Des Moines and 2006 was in Annapolis with my brother. This year as you can see it was just us, but what a morning it was! We even blew a fuse a few times as Scott was trying to microwave, toast and cook on the stove, at the same time I was trying to clean the dishes in the dishwasher. We figured it out and soon enough breakfast was cooked and the 3 hr 45min. match was beginning.
It was a great match too! We were both pulling for Federer, but Nadal never ceased to amaze us with his quickness and persistence in each and every point. We were happy for Federer in the end...now next year we want him to win the French as well!

Molly and Sam's visit!

Our friends from Annapolis that moved to Charleston at the same time we moved to Savannah spent the weekend with us last weekend. First stop was Savannah's Famous Vinnie's Pizza by the slice at City Market. The plan for the weekend was to hang out on the boat, waterski, wakeboard and enjoy lovely Savannah on the water. AND that's exactly what we did! Saturday morning we got up and I made french toast for our guests. We then went out on a quick morning boat ride so the boys could try to fish. Unsuccessful yet again, however on the way back to the house I was inches away from catching our first trout, as one just about jumped in the boat! What a story it would have been if I was able to grab that fish with my bare hands and officially caught the first fish in our new house! Next, we were off to Scott's brother dock to spend the day on his brother's boat. It took awhile for the boat to be lowered from the lift, but with Sam's strong fingers he was able to get 'er done! Only to find out the boat had a dead battery! My handy husband was quick on his feet, while under a little bit of pressure as we had 5 friends anticipating a day on the water, by removing his Jeep's battery and borrowing our friends jumper cables to get the battery charged up, and we never had a problem with the boat all day! Molly and Sam were pro's on the water and Sam won the award for hardest fall on the wake board.

There they are out on the boat for round 2! I stayed back on the dock to give my belly some rest and soak in the sun and a magazine.
They were finally able to get our friend Rob up on ski's (for about 5-10 seconds before he leaned on back and fell. He was really a trooper, we thought for sure he would get the hang of it...maybe next time!

We had a great time with Sam and Molly and it was actually the first time all four of us were able to hang out together. We hope they can come back again before they leave for their next destination.

It's My Birthday!- UPDATED!

I have the most romantic husband in the world! Early Tuesday morning we got up and he offered to make me my favorite breakfast-french toast. I insisted on making it myself (I'm very particular about my french toast!) however, we were out of milk and with no hesitation he was out the door to the grocery store to get some milk and vegetable oil. Later that day I came home before an afternoon meeting with my teammates and there was a present on the kitchen table. The card was from my cat, Chance. The card stated that Scott and I should go out to the beach to enjoy a romantic picnic, so he could have the house to himself and invite some of his new friends over (we've been letting him go outside to attend the community cat meeting). Anyways, there was also a new maternity swimsuit from Old Navy.



Once we got out to the beach we stopped by Arby's for some take out. As we were headed out to the beach Scott pulled out another bag of presents and we walked out to a romantic spot on the beach for our dinner and birthday celebration. After we ate I opened 2 more presents consisting of more maternity clothes. The 1st card was from Scott and the 2nd card was from our son. Yes, I said our son, he said that I need to keep eating well and that the grape nuts I've been eating are real good. Also, that he likes the walks so keep that up, and that I should name him really soon.

Oh, and the night is not over yet, we went on a walk on the beach and out to the Tybee Pier to watch the locals try to catch some shark. Then headed back home where he made me my favorite desert, strawberry shortcake w/angel food cake and cool whip. He even presented it with trick candles and sang to me.


What a creative, sweet, loving husband I have. He always knows how to make me feel so special! I will never forget my first birthday here in Savannah and being pregnant! I love you hunny bunny!



My mom also sent me some awesome maternity clothes from a store in Iowa that we don't have here. My parents and grandma also sent me a gift card to Target. I'm sure I'll be making plenty of trips there in the next few months as we prepare for the baby. My parents-in law got me the best pregnancy pillow ever. I couln't find the exact picture, but it looks something like this:



We are still thinking of names, but may just have one picked out. It's so hard picking out a name that he is going to have to live with for the rest of his life! Oh, and our next appointment is Tuesday July 3rd.

Just for a laugh

Does anyone know who this is? (Pregnant and barefoot in the kitchen at 17 wks) Kind of scary huh?


Anyways, we recieved our first baby gifts (or at least Scott did for fathers day from my mom). My mom is a baseball fanatic and wants to make sure her grandson is decked out in Iowa Cubs Baseball attire. They are so precious. She also sent me my first maternity wear! Once I put on the pants and shorts I never wanted to take them off, they were so comfortable! They are so perfect. Thanks MOM...You are the best!! Oh, and I think Chance can tell something is up, he's already playing the role of jealous brother.

2 Year Anniversary Night

I can't believe it has been 2 years already! Scott and I were talking about our white water rapids adventure last year seems like a long time ago! We have had a fun and exciting 2nd year of marriage. A lot of new changes are coming especially with a little baby boy on the way!

Last night we treated ourselves to a Dinner Theatre at the Pirates House in Savannah.

It was a great time, the actors were really funny and the food was really good (except the bread pudding).

We got each other cards, mine sang "How Sweet it is to be Loved by you!" when he opened it. I think those are so funny! He got me some kool-aid pitchers and a foot pedal garbage can (so when I have the baby in one hand, garbage in the other I can just step on the can and it will open). I know, the simple luxuries of life!

Scott reminded me on our card that total we have been together 1265 days (from dating, engaged, and now married!) My husband is so much fun! It's fun to be so much in love!

Love, Carrie

Chance's Annual Haircut

Friday we took Chance in for his Annual Hair Cut. It always gives us quite a laugh. He doesn't know it yet, but it is for the best. He's getting used to it, but for some reason he won't go through the cat door anymore? Maybe he's just used to some padding?

We love you Chance!

The Results are in.....

I'll let you all figure it out: OK....I'll help out a little. This is the baby sitting on the picture...two thigh bones and a surprise in between. The dark spot is the bladder forming.

In case you haven't figured it out, our baby BOY is doing great and he is squirming around inside my belly. I guess we'll have a fun couple of years seeing how long it takes to get another girl in the family!

Here he is with his feet up in the air. I think he's going to be an athlete? Maybe?

Love you little baby!

Mom and Dad

The BIG Announcement!

Yep, I did it...finally work knows that I AM PREGNANT! It feels so good, for those that know me well, I don't keep secrets very well, I am sometimes too honest to a fault. So, I made it 15 weeks (well, really only 11 weeks because you don't even know you're pregnant until you're already 4 weeks!) without having to spill the news earlier than I wanted to. I have to admit, some of the offices I call on either figured me out or I gushed the news a little early for some OB advise!

So, now I can give updates on how everything is going. I'm finally over the morning sickness (knock on wood!) my appetite is coming back and from what I hear it will come with furry! I'm kind of showing kind of not. We can't really figure it out. I am going to ask my Dr. tomorrow. We have our 3rd appointment and 3rd ultra sound tomorrow at 4:00pm. I will be 15weeks and 3 days or so tomorrow so we'll see if she can tell the sex of the baby or not. If she is pretty certain we will let you all know...because we want to know. We are hoping for a girl....but anything healthy will do of course! I have a feeling she won't tell us and will wait until we are 19-20 weeks along. Keep your fingers crossed!

Maybe I'll be daring enough to even post my growing belly next!

PS-we finally got rain here in Savannah...rained all day Saturday...and NO ONE in Savannah complained!

Love,
Carrie

Memorial Day Weekend FUN!

The plan was for me to do a weekend beach tour, a different beach for 3 days straight. Well, it started with a trip to St. Simon's Island, GA. I met my friends Sarah and Kenny and they took me to a secluded beach with only about 15 people and it was so peaceful that after they left to go to a wedding, I fell asleep. When I woke up the tide had come in over the rocks and was approaching my spot. Also during my nap, I forgot to put sunscreen on my feet...OUCH. Because of this, I could not finish my weekend beach tour to Hilton Head Island and Tybee Island. I had to stay out of the sun and let my skin heal. Here is a picture of the one beach I did get to:

Scott had a friend come in town to entertain him while I was attempting my beach tour. They stayed busy helping Scott's brother get his boat off the lift at his house and took his boat out on Saturday...they said they saw 25 or was it 15 dolphin having a feeding frenzy. They then were able to get Scott's dad out on the boat to help them spot as they both wanted to water ski. Both successful...the next day they were able to put our new boat (used that is) in the water and get it running smoothly with steering and everything. Here is a picture of them coming around to the dock.
And then finally the sun went down on Sunday night and I was able to enjoy a sunset tour of the Forest River. It was gorgeous! I hope you enjoy my feet in these shots...gives it a little spice!
Scott, Ron, and his parents rounded out Monday with a trip to the golf course and then back on the boat later in the afternoon. I did make it to Hilton Head with Rob and Amy and the kids to a little pool party...where I stayed in the shade with covered feet. It was a nice weekend, but went by way to fast!!!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Love,
Carrie

A prayer from Jesus for YOU

This prayer is taken from The Frazzled Female by Cindi Wood, a bible study that I completed last week. In the conclusion there was this prayer from the Bible formatted so we put our name in to help us see how much Jesus loves us. It is verses John 17:9-10, 13, 15-19, 25-26, NIV.

It is powerful.

"I pray for ________. I am not praying for the world, but for ________ you have given me, for _________ [is] yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through _______. I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that _________ may have the full measure of my joy within [him/her]. My prayer is not that you take _______ out of the world but that you protect [him/her] from the evil one. _______ [is] not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify _______ by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent ________ into the world. For _______, I sanctify myself, that ________ too may be truly sanctified. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and ______ know[s] that you have sent me. I have made you known to ________, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in ________ and that I myself may be in _______" (John 17:9-10, 13, 15-19, 25-26, NIV).

Trickeling Water/Mother's Day Tribute

Chance (our beloved little cat) has been spoiled to say the least. He has trained us to turn on the bathtub water at a trickle so he can get his hourly fix of water. Yes, he has a water dish...a special filtered fountain streamed dish from Petsmart. This dish however was not good enough because it did not produce a real fountain out of the spout trickle as the bathtub faucet gives him. So, for the past few years we have listened to Chance whine everytime we're in the bathroom (to do our thing) for us to turn on the tub water at just the right trickle so he can drink out of it, but not get wet. Then after we finally give in and turn the water on...we come back hours later (next bathroom visit) only to realize we left the water running for the cat for hours. This was all very frustrating as you can probably tell....so today we hopefully ended it! We bought him the trickle water dispenser and placed it in the bathroom and so far today we have been bathtub water trickle free and he seems to be really enjoying his new water device.

On another note...last weekend we celebrated Mother's Day at our house with Scott's parents and Uncle Greg. Scott made up the menu and we had filet, garlic chicken pasta, 2 kinds of bread, spinach and strawberry salad, and brownie sundae for desert. We sat in the front room with a better view than any restaurant could have had. So to my mom and Scott's mom....Happy Mother's Day AGAIN! Because every day is Mother's Day! A special note to my mom and my grandma...I missed you all so much. I have been realizing that I have not been home for Mother's Day in many years...maybe even since high school! I love you both very much and thought I would attach some pictures of all of us over the years as a special tribute, since we don't have any official Mother's Day pictures. Anyways, I am so lucky to have you both in my life and even though we're far apart you are both so close to my heart all of the time!

Potting Flowers

Last weekend, after a few coaching experiences from my mom and grandma when we lived in Annapolis, I accomplished my first solo potting experience here in Savannah. Meaning that I got up, felt like getting some flowers from Wal*Mart, picked them all out by myself, organized them and potted them! However, after I finally completed these 8 pots, I fell into a deep sickness w/100 degree fever and was out for 3-4 days with a cold. Does this mean something???

No! There is a lot more yard work to do. This weekend I spent some time trimming up some Azelea bushes (sp?) some raking and oh my...so much more to do with our yard...but first we are in desperate need of rain down here!!!!

Fish or Ski?

I always thought that living in the coast meant never going hungry. I see people fishing from bridges, from boats, from the beach, from rocks, once I even saw someone fishing in the aquarium at the bass pro shop (I think he was selling a fishing lure however). Therefore, with the fishing a plenty I really have been looking forward to throwing in the old pole and hookin’ up with some fresh catch and filleting that baby up right.

Well, I didn't have an old pole. But remember that trip to the bass pro shop (pole acquired). With pole in hand and a few interesting articles to be used as bait; I am fishing. For me however, each fishing trip is nothing more than a casting practice. I must say at this point I am probably one of the best fishing pole casters on the water. I can cast the line and make the line stop and drop in a spot so tight the fish should just strap themselves to my line and surrender without hesitation. My fishing gear and casting techniques have gotten so refined that last weekend on a boat with friends a buddy was convinced that I could catch fish.

With that said, I have caught no fish. And while fishing on my friend’s boat I made him stay out on the water too long and the boat almost sank. We had to call Sea Tow ($149 per year for unlimited tows)(Awesome). Finally after trying for weeks, I had my first HUGE fish fry. We must have had about 15-20 "nice" sized fish filets grilling at once! Thank goodness they were on sale at the grocery store on the corner. There’s just no fishing here for me. I did drop some chicken necks off in a cage for 48 hours and hauled in about 30 blue crab, but they are too small and it is too early in the year.

With fishing a hopeless cause, I have made the decision to become actively involved in aggressive water sports. Since the boat barely works and uses a lot of gas, I decided to buy a jet ski. The only catch (no I didn’t catch a fish) is I don't have a jet ski budget. Well remember the "red paperclip" story. That was the plan. I searched the internet for three months. I finally found a non-working jet ski for $150. The dude selling said it ran GREAT!.... 5 years ago. It had been camped out in the back yard of his parents’ house since then. You know, a person leaves home, goes off to college, and suddenly they'll sell their soul for $150! or in this case their Jet Ski.



I was convinced that I could just take the old bear home, clean her up, maybe charge the batteries, and talk nice to her and get her engine running. This always worked before I got married so it should certainly work now (yes it is true; I once had a jet ski before I got married). So, once home, batteries charged, I put on my safety glasses and hit the green start button. "kachunk!" everytime I hit the button. Nothing but a clicking “kachunk!” noise. The motor was completely locked up. Well, I figure I have to do something about this. First, I took the spark plugs out and sprayed some engine fogger in the spark plug holes as well as the carberator. The fogger is what you spray in the motor BEFORE letting the motor sit for 5 years. It prevents the motor from locking up. After spraying some in I rapidly hit the starter button a few times hoping to jar the motor loose. I just got a "kachunk!""kachunk!""kachunk!""kachunk!" every time nothing. Then I pulled off the impellar plate and tried to turn the drive shaft by hand. It would not budge. It was completely seized. BUT THEN...

The heavens were watching that cool Saturday afternoon. While just a week earlier I was sinking on a friends boat with the long reach of the "Sea Tow" racing to get the boat to land I now, merely a week later, am in the good hands once again from a higher power ensuring success on whatever daily activities I choose to sporadically incur. So like a sparkling pile of GOLD at the end of a rainbow I noticed that the impeller had a place on it to put a wrench. With eagerness and excitement I took a really big crescent wrench and positioned it so that I could push on it with all my weight. No luck. Wouldn't budge. That motor was LOCKED UP TIGHT. With nothing to lose at this point, I got some leverage and kicked it pretty hard and even hit it with a hammer a few times. Suddenly, the wrench moved. With disbelief in the almighty power of WD-40 and duct-tape I was sure that the wrench must have just fallen off. But it did not my friends for the truth be the truth and that is why you CAN get it your way right away because you just have to choose your drive throughs diligently and once you have found your mojo you can, once again, put on those safety glasses and hit that green start button and sit back in shock, in complete amazement, in utter disbelief when your $150 jet ski starts up like the old Delorian in Back to the Future III with smoke and backfiring and everything that indicates that you are having a successful day of glory and productivity... but I digress.

St. Patty's Day 2007

What can I say, another fantastic St. Patty's in Savannah! I have been in Savannah for this day 3 years in a row. The first year (2005) was freezing cold and raining. My brother was with us and we barely made it to the parade. The second year (2006) was absolutely beautiful, 80 degrees and sunshine. The square we camped out in was comfortably packed and the food and drinks plentiful, it was also very easy to get to a restroom. This year had its own characteristics. It was sunny and about 60 degrees and slight breeze, the square was completely baracaded off, it was packed full, it was tough to get across to go to the restroom. River street smelled like a giant porta' potty, and there was no getting into a restaurant to eat. We did get to see the famous 5 gallon bucket drummer down on river street. Of course this is all contributed to the fact everything fell on a Saturday this year (~750,000 people). My mom blessed the children and nighted the men with her magic wand, my dad went to the bathroom, Tim posed as Russel Crowe for some Australians, and little kids were shocking their parents with a miniture toy gun. Anyways, after a fun filled day we ended up at Loco's Sportsbar watching the basketball games, which was quite refreshing even though 3 games went into overtime as I was trying to leave and go home! Obviously, my parents made it to Savannah really late Friday night in time for the festivities downtown and then my brother and Jenny left Saturday night really late. We had a great family day here in Savannah! This may mark the end of my desire to be downtown for St Patricks Day, but who knows we'll have to see who is visiting next year!