Home Sweet Home

Welcome to our home!!!!!

I realize I have lived here for exactly 2 months and have yet to do tours of our fabulous home. So I'm working on it! Starting with the outside!


This is our patio/balcony. We worked really hard one Sunday afternoon out here to make it so "home feeling" and I just love it. To the left is a garden flad that says Welcome and to the right is a fern that thankfully I have not killed yet!

This is my flower tea cup pot. I couldn't decide what kind of flowers I liked best, so I planted an assortment. The tea cup is yellow and white with red, yellow, and orange polka dots. The hummingbird feeder you see above in the picture matches the tea cup. I know. Its so me!

This is a view of one of the 3 ponds on the property. Unfortunately for Keith, no fishing in them! He is determined he will one day though!


This is where we get our mail! There is a pretty odd story to go with this mail kiosk. Let's just say we didn't know where our amilbox was located during the first week of living here. There are only like 7 of them on the property and it's easy to get confused! (especially when you grew up in a town with no red lights, where the mail lady would just hand you your mail at the supermarket)
Outdoor kitchen area. Keith's "grill master" location. Complete with grill, sink, fridge, and all the utensils to grill up a great meal.

Upper pool area. This is about ankle deep and has chairs in the water. So you can lay out and still be cool in the water! I love to sit in these chairs and relax with the water fall behind me, or it makes for a great spot for reading Twilight! As you can kinda see, the upper level has another waterfall that falls into the lower level. I didn't take a picture of the lower level because people were swimming and I didn't want them to think I was stalking them or something! Our pool is also salt water, which means its great for you skin and hair too! :)

Outdoor fireplace and sitting area (not shown). We haven't used this much, usually we are around the grill or in the pool. But hey, its nice to have!

Theatre room. I think Keith was watching America's Got Talent. It has seating for 20 I think, also contains a PS3. Which means nothing to me but apparently in man world that is the greatest. Also has BluRay DVD and surround sound. Going out of this room is the billards room with pool table, poker table, and resident kitchen. They keep the fridge stocked with popsicles, drinks, etc. Didn't include a picture because I couldn't mess up the guys game.

Fitness center! Love it. 3 treadmills, 2 bikes, 2 stair climbers, complete weight set, complete work out equipment. The coldest air conditioning in the world, awesome sound system, multiple tv's. Its so nice. It also looks out of the pool area so at least its something nice to look at while you work your butt off!

Well that's it! Basically. Some stuff got left out, I really wanted to post a picture of the trash compactor, but hey, who hasn't seen one of those! However, starting tomorrow, they are doing "valet trash service!!!!!" That's right! They are coming to pick up your trash from outside your front door and take it off for you!!!! It doesn't get any better than that!!!! Also didn't include the gates, but if you ever do come visit, just call us from the main gate and I will buzz you in!

Well, Sophie says it's to call it a night!!!!

Have a good Wednesday everyone! Its technically "Thursday" with the 4 day work week!!!!!!


Much love and all of God's blessings,

Monday Blues

Good morning everyone! Here we are at another week, thankfully a 4 day week, but none the less another week. I do love my job. I have made some fabulous friends, the work load is pretty easy, and I absolutely love when a "frequent visitor" patient comes off the elevator and brings me presents. I have had flowers, candy, homemade honey candy from a bee farmer, Saha's Snickers, and more. They come off the elevator and I am just so happy to see them and they always say, "Hey Renee', you having a baby yet?" I always laugh and say that the world can't handle a little me yet.

This weekend was fabulous. My brand spanking new camera came in, and I am so regretful to say, I didn't even use it once. Oh well, I will start today, I need to take pictures of my patio. Tomorrow they will name the winner of the "Prettiest Patio" contest. I hope I win! Anyway, Friday night was low key. Keith and I went to Olive Garden, he has only been one other time, so it was a real treat for him. After a good dinner, we went home, got on the couch, and watched some tv. I think we watched The Bucket List on HBO for the millionth time, but I just love that movie. Saturday, Sophie and I (in my pajamas) stayed sooo lazy for most of the day, before hitting the pool. I swear, getting in the pool to "cool off" is just a funny thought because the water is so hot that I am pretty sure its 1 degree away from boiling! Saturday night, Keith and I spent time with some friends, lounged and drank by the pool and called it a night. Sunday, Keith made homemade breakfast that was fantastic. I love our Sunday mornings. Just us, no phones, no other people, just us. We then took a little trip to see my mom in New Roads. Had some pretty fantastic lunch, visited with her, and then came back home. We also went to see The Proposal. I laughed so hard! It is such a great movie!

And here we are again at Monday. It's gonna be a great week. I hope! We are not confirmed on plans for the 4th yet but hopefully soon! I think we might have a pool party...and then maybe fireworks on the levee...I think we might actually can see them from our house, so if so, that will be good so we all don't have to get on the road and drive. Anyways!

Have a GREAT week! I am gonna take pictures today so I can post them from my NEW camera!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my Dad!

Father's Poem

When I scratched my knee,
Or if I bumped my head,.
When I was afraid of the dark,
Or that thing under my bed,
When I cried in the night,
Or even in the day,.
You were there for me,
To make it all okay.
You tickled my feet,
And laughed at all my jokes.
You taught me to believe,
In having high hopes.
You are my father
You did what you had to do.
But more than a father
You are my friend too.
You made everything good,
That was once bad.
I just want you to know
I love you Dad.

This is my dad. Charles Sansing....affectionately known as Chuck but to me it's just "daddy..." I could spend all day posting pictures of all the things we have done together, but I dont have all day! My dad and I did make the front page of the People section of The Advocate this morning with "Dadism's" It was a total surprise to him and he loved it. We also had a pool party today at our house. I would have taken pictures but I don't think I was ever out of the water for any longer than a minute! Liz has some though, so I will steal them later. We grilled burgers, muched on boiled shrimp, grilled shrimp, corn dip, and had plenty of drinks! It was a great time. Dad and I were lounging in the water chairs and discussing just how great life is to have family around you. It truly was a great day. I was glad we were all able to come together to celebrate our wonderful dad. Thankfully, there were no holes knocked the walls, and no windows busted out of the whole house!!!! Ha

This is Dad and I at a recent LSU game. I think it was the State game. We also discussed today the big tailgate parties we are going to throw this year and we had some pretty good ideas so we are for sure looking forward to football season and we haven't even finished with baseball!!! On a side note, BE SURE TO WATCH THE TIGERS PLAY FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP TOMORROW NIGHT!!!! GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!!!

I love this picture of my dad looking like he belongs in the mafia. This was in NYC my senior year. It was alittle birthday, senior, all together trip that we took. New York truly is my favorite place and I hope we get to go back one day! This of course, was on the ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty.
And this is daddy and his girls. People say that I am the spitting image of my dad and I have to say that in this picture. I will agree. We do look alot alike!!!!

Needless to say, my dad has always been there for me. Sure we have had our ups and down and sideways, frontwards, backwards, or whatever. But he is my daddy....and will always be MY daddy...I am very protective of him and I will tell anyone who ask.

To sum it up....... "I'm the damn pater familias!!!!" <-- that is what dad always say to anyone who tries to tell him he is wrong! It is hilarious to hear him say it and I can hear it now as I type this! I love you dad!!!!!

-Tootie (Sweet baby loving beautiful heart)

Last night we also celebrated my grandparents 60th anniversary!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!! Paw Paw gave me a little glimpse on how to survive 60 years with Keith. Never go to bed angry, remember the vows you took, and remember he has a hard time dealing with you, just as you have a hard time dealing with him! He also told me that taking a frying pan to his head would straighten him right back up! The picture above is of the WHOLE family...minus Darby who had already left. We almost didn't fit in the frame and you can barely see everyone but there we are! It was a nice party and it was great to catch up with relatives I had not seen in some time.

I will post tomorrow on Luke spending the night Saturday night with us but until then I must go...Keith and I are having Papa John's for supper tonight then heading to catch The Proposal!!! I need to put alittle lotion on the sunburn that has taken residence on me as well!

Have a great Sunday night! And remember to hug your dads!!!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just a few things to hit on today!

Also, Happy Anniversary to my grandparents! They have been married 60 years! WOW! I hope Keith and I will share 60 happy years together! THAT is truly a milestone! Tomorrow night we will celebrate with an anniversary party. It will be great fun as we continue to celebrate their commitment to one another, 60 years later.

Look forward to my special post about my daddy on Sunday!

This weekend, I will return to McComb to have my hair done by my favorite stylist Lisa. She is fabulous! It's well worth the trip there!

Have to go "Wal-Mart'n" tonight to make groceries....It's a weekly thing. My sister goes every 2 weeks but I prefer to give them all my money in smaller increments! Plus, she has like 5 pages to my 1 everytime! If you ever consider buying stock but it in Great Value Apple Juice...you will be rich....

Last night, we had company over for our first dinner get together! It was so fabulous! The food was great if I do say so myself (considering I made it) and everyone had a great time catching up. The chiefs (Aunt Lou, and Mom affectionately known as Cheif Red Hair and Chief Mommason) and us chiefettes (Liz and I) sat around the camp fire (table) and Ya-Ya'd up to plan Paige's baby shower...we even said "Itcheegooma"...all that was missing was the head dresses....we need to make some....We also took a walk to the pool, and Luke almost jumped in fully clothed. Zach even stuck his feet in and I hope that Sunday when we have Father's Day Fun at our house that maybe he will float in the pool with us!

And lastly, GGGGEEEEAAAAUUUUXXX Tigers!!!!! Everyone is clad in Purple and Gold today in support of our boys and we hope they beat the razorbacks of Arkansas in the game today in Omaha!

Adventures of Sophie

Happy Thursday Everyone!!!

Sorry for the Blog Hiatus but I have found that these last couple of days, I really didn't have much to say. Which is rare for me. I guess the hustle and bustle of city life got to me for a few days and I just didn't know which direction I was headed! Plus my life is not nearly as interesting as my sister's but I try. I titled this blog Adventures of Sophie because it truly amazes me what a small kitty like my Soph can get in to while Keith and I are not home during the day! It makes me wonder what goes through her little kitty mind all the time! Tuesday night I picked up the house really really good and then before Keith left for work Wednesday morning, he made the bed, and did the breakfast dishes and left the house in perfect shape. I came home yesterday afternoon to a disaster zone! Sophie has tipped over the bathroom trash and taken the empty paper rolls out the trash and scattered them everywhere. All her toys I had picked up and put in her toy box were scattered EVERYWHERE! There was a mouse in the kitchen, a bird on my bed, a mouse in the tub, and then the full ROLL of toliet paper had been taken out the holder and she ROLLED our house! I think she needs a babysitter. Or a leash...Hmmm....

Anyways, this weekend is Father's Day, so be sure to hug your dad and tell him you love him. And remember those dad's fighting for our freedom over seas that can't be with their families this important day. Send up a special prayer for them.

Also, please pray for the Kimery's as they try to pick up the pieces of the recent tragedy they faced. Keiths sister, Katie, is married to Marlin Kimery so this story really hits close to home. PLEASE PLEASE hug your babies and kiss them and tell them you love them! You can read about little Carley here http://hamptonroads.com/2009/06/chesapeake-girl-kept-box-denied-food-warrants-say

Have a great day everyone!!!!

Renee's Weekend Wrap Up

Good Monday Morning everyone!

It has been a rough couple of days but Saturday morning, I felt much better. I guess it was just a bad bug or something I ate but boy was I sick! I feel much better though! I sure am glad I did start feeling better because Keith and I had a great weekend! Congrats to the Tigers on their big win against UVA on Saturday! It was a great game! Let's see what I did this weekend...

Friday, I "made" groceries. Ugh...That is the worst part of being a "grown" up. Oh well, gotta eat. After we did that, Keith and I called it a night early since he had to be at work the next day.

Saturday morning, Soph and I slept til 12:30!!!! It was great. We stayed hidden under the covers of our cold house all snuggled up. She is the best snuggle bunny. She crawls up next to you and purrs and loves on you and it is just so comforting. We got up eventually! I ate a quick lunch and got to work cleaning up the house. See the picture below to see what Sophie did while I cleaned...Spoiled rotten baby! Thankfully we have been keeping the house really clean, so it was just a quick dusting, clean the tub, wash the sheets, and do a few loads of laundry and I called that job DONE! When Keith got home, we loaded Sophie up and took a family outing. We drove through LSU campus, which is soo different to look at when it isn't bustling with a million Tiger fans! They are doing alot of construction too and it is really going to make the campus pretty. We stopped and saw Mike the Tiger too! He is such a beautiful tiger and alot of fun to watch. Keith will tell you we had a little scare. I was standing next to the fence he was laying by and as I went to take a picture, he turned towards me and sneezed! I was covered in Mike the Tiger snot! It startled me and I jumped causing Mike to get startled so he growled alittle and needless to say, it was alittle much! It was fun though. Keith kept telling Sophie that Mike would eat her like a chicken wing in one bite! After we left the Tiger cage, we went and got some Cold Stone. Yes, it is my favorite.

Sunday, was church and another great Homily, which this Sunday was spoken by Father Chris. It was his last Sunday at St. Jude as he is going to St. Thomas Moore. Keith and I had some lunch after church and hit the pool! We didn't stay long because the Sunday nap started creeping up and I couldn't resist the urge to take it! After we got back up though, we hit the pool again. It is so nice to be able to come and go to the pool at our own will. It's like a permanent vacation! I do have one small thing to say about my sister's blog about church. God doesn't care what you wear to church, as long as you go! It reminds me of one of my favorite movies, Steel Magnolias, Truvy is picking up Anelle to go to church and she says that she can't go to Truvy's church because it's not hers...and Truvy says God doesn't care which church you go to as long as you show up! Some people may not have nice clothes to go to church in, but that shouldn't stop them from going. We certainly won't be wearing Gucci, Prada, and Louis in Heaven as we stand before God! And what makes me even more angry is that the priest most likely insulted and embarrassed not only my bro in law but other people who were maybe not dressed to impress and could have therefore turned them off to the going to church period! It seems to be alittle hypocritical to me to have a "man of God" put down on people he is supposed to be a spiritual leader to. The same thing goes with children, children are a miracle, and a gift from God. Let them be kids in church! They have plenty of time to be grown up when they ARE grown up! That's all I am going to say about this, since I realize this blog is becoming quite long, but I couldn't help but mention it. It will surely eat at me all week.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and I hope everyone has a fabulous week as well! God bless! Oh, and remember this Sunday is Father's day so be sure to think of all the father's this week who are defending our country and can't be with their families. Pray that they know the love and support they do receive back home. So hug your dad and tell him you love him!

Finally Friday

Happy Friday Everyone! My posting has been off for a few days, due to me being sick. I am still not feeling great, so this post is sure to be short and probably not creative. I do want to wish the Tigers luck as they begin the World Series! I just read on Twitter that during practice today that Chad Jones blasted a homerun at least 450 feet over the right centerfield NCAA baseball sign during their batting practice! We definitely hope to see some of that action this weekend!

My Plans for the weekend are pretty simple. If I start feeling better, I am gonna be lazy by the pool all weekend long! Sunday we will go to church but the rest of the weekend, I plan on napping by the pool, drinking by the pool, swimming in the pool, and just relaxing and trying to stay cool! I am hosting Father's Day Festivities at the pool next Sunday so I am definitely looking forward to that and having everyone over to see our beautiful home and complex!

I also was able to buy a brand new digital camera (ours doesn't work anymore after being getting wet during the snow this year) but now I have a new one of the way and I am so excited to get it and start taking pictures!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!! GGGEEAAAUUUXX TTTIIGGGEERRRRSSS!!!

Heeelllloooo Darlin!!!!!

This is what the security man here at the clinic says to me each morning...he is always sooo cheerful and really gets my day started off with his big, loud "hello darlin!" You can practically feel the enthusiasm he has for the day. And as I am not a huge morning person, it does seem to put alittle extra pep in my step after hearing that each morning. So I say to everyone..."HEEELLLLOOO DARLIN!!!!"

It is Wednesday! Work week is half way through! It's ALMOST the weekend! I'm so excited I can barely stand it. A whole weekend of laying by the pool, grilling, and just hanging out until another great day at church on Sunday.

College World Series begins this weekend!!! So GEAUX TIGERS! Bring one home to Baton Rouge! I'm sure all the Louisiana flavor that our fans bring is flowing through Omaha with the smell of jambalaya and purple and gold Mardi Gras beads. I printed out my bracket to keep up with all the action. LSU will take on Virginia Saturday at 6 PM on ESPN. Be there!

That's about it for today. I would like to close with a picture of my angel Sophie. She and I cuddled up on the couch yesterday afternoon to unwind. She is soo funny. I need to video some of the things she does because the camera just doesn't capture it. She has been hiding stuff in Keith's shoes! Each morning he has a new surprise, it may be her bird, a ball, or her toy mouse, but something is waiting for him! She has also been taking the toliet paper down and rolling the house for us each day, but this morning was the best. I woke up to find Keith and I each on a very small edge of the bed and Soph laid out in the middle like the Queen. I don't know how she is able to wiggle us to the edge like that but sure enough, she had overtaken the entire bed. She must get that from me!

Have a great day everyone!

~Renee'~

Number 89!!!!

Happy Monday everyone! I hope everyone got their week off to a good start. I know I did. I got soo much done at work today. Not necessarily work "work"...more like "personal" work! I made Keith a dentist appointment, changed some addresses, did some photo ordering, and more.

I mentioned that I started my 101. Let me be clear that I already started it somewhat by sticking by my commitment to go to church and such as that. But today, I really kicked it off by knocking off number 89 on the list which is getting Keith a haircut.

Check out the before and after pictures!

That is 4 MONTHS of hair growth everyone!!! And it's all about to come off thanks to the wonderful Adrian at Wonder Cuts on Siegan Lane!

This is the floor AFTER the hair cut...I am pretty sure we had enough to make wigs for at least 20 people.

AFTER!!!!! It looks so great and I know it feels good for him too to be 10 pounds less of hair! After a readjustment of his hat, we were back home cooking tacos....dinner was great and as I close tonight I am getting ready to take a walk around the community and maybe hit the pool for alittle bit.

Thanks for reading!!!! Hope everyone has a great Tuesday!!!! 1 down and 100 to go!!!

~Renee'~

Luau, Baseball, and the Holy Trinity

You may be asking yourselves what these 3 things have to do with each other....I will tell you...EVERYTHING! These 3 words pretty much sum up our fabulous weekend here in beautiful Baton Rouge.

Saturday was a great day. I had to go "make" groceries at Wal-Mart which to me is always a pain, but I will say this. I have never before been to a WM where they have so many checkout lanes open! I for the first time in history of Wal-Marting did not have to wait in line! It was fantastic, so shout out to the WM on Siegan Lane! After the trip, I came home and welcomed some visitors...Luke and my mom! It was sooo much fun having my main man here! He played with Sophie, we went swimming and they even stayed for our luau. Yesterday afternoon the community manager Jennifer sponsored a luau for all the residents. We had catered food by a company here in Baton Rouge that provided us with fried fish, boiled shrimp, boudin balls, pulled pork sandwhiches, and chicken ka-bobs AND a strawberry and pina colada daquari machine AND 2 kegs of beer! At 6:30...one keg was floating and we had sucked the machines dry! Thankfully, Jennifer went over budget for us and got us some more beer. We were having a blast! Also, LSU was playing game 2 against Rice in the road to Omaha and they pulled it out and WON! What a way to celebrate! GEAUX TIGERS! I wish them good luck in the World Series and hope they bring the title home to BR!

These were given out at the party...Luke got 2..he was definitely the ladies man and sang Apple Bottom Jeans and cut a rug...AND flirted with all the girls..by the end of the day they were taking pictures of him and talking to him and everything! So funny!

This morning, Keith and I got up and went to church. We attended mass at St. Jude Catholic Church on Highland and I will tell you that if you have never been there, you should go. Father Allen and Deacon Chris were wonderful and the music is great. Keith and I definitely felt welcome as the newcomers and we will hopefully be joining the parish soon. Keith is also looking into joining the Catholic faith so please pray as he takes his classes and goes on this journey. I am so proud of him. He says he wants to be able to go to church one day with me and our kids and be able to participate in the services rather than just sit there. This warms my heart to no end. I love him so much and it makes me so happy to see him embracing our future just like I am. I want to share alittle bit about mass today. Today was the feast of the Holy Trinity and during Ft. Allen's homily, he discussed how we can never fully know everything about the Holy Trinity, that we as humans do not contain the mind set needed to fully understand. He did say however, that this abbreviation can give us some glimpse into what it is all about. MJCT. Mercy, Justice, Compassion, and Truth. That is what it's all about. He spoke on how even though what we are on the outside, such as the tragedy of flight 447, we don't know the stories of the people who lost their lives. D-Day was yesterday and as we know what the day means, and what was lost in this battle for our freedom, we don't know the stories of the 20 something year olds that gave their lives for it, they were brothers, sons, fathers, husbands and more and we don't know it all. We only get to catch a glimpse of their essence. This is what we get of the Trinity as well. Just a glimpse. Just an essence. I found that very powerful today as I listened to his homily. What glimpse am I giving people?

As I wrap things up for today, I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend and I pray everyone has a wonderful week at work. I ask that you please pray for the families of flight 447 as they continue to recover more bodies from the sea, that they will hopefully find a sense of closure, and for the families who may never get to bury their loved ones body, that they are filled with a strength to get through this tough time. I can not imagine the devastation that must be filled in them right now. A disaster so absolute that we might not ever quite comprehend what happened in this tragedy.

Thanks for reading! Check back soon! Peace!

~Renee'~

Days go by...

I can feel em' flying, Like a hand out the window in the wind as the cars go by, It's all we've been given, So you better start livin' right now, As days go by..m

I love that lyric. Time sure does fly! I haven't posted since Thursday and I have a lot to cover so let's just get right to it!

You will notice on the right hand side of my blog there is a "Bucket List." This project was inspired by my friends down on the second floor, Denise and Ginger. Basically, you have 101 things you want to accomplish in either a) 1001 days, or b) sooner rather than later. I chose sooner rather than later, because I have been blessed to do so much in life at my age, but there is so much more I want to do and alot of it is traveling so it will definitely take longer than 1001 days. I encourage you all to think about what you would want to accomplish in 1001 days or even just before your time on earth is complete. I will blog about my progress with my list and even post pictures as I complete things. I am truly excited to start. Wish me luck!

Friday I had a class to attend called Give em' the Pickle, which to sum it up, it means that if you encounter someone and they ask for something so small such as a dollar or for an extra cup of ranch dressing (this happens to me all the time at resturants) that you should just do it and not give them grief about it. You should GIVE THEM THE PICKLE! Get it? It was a neat seminar. After that I took the rest of the day off. Sophie and I took a much needed nap on the couch. You can see her sleeping here...

She is so spoiled. I was also lucky enough to meet some of our newest neighbors. Twin brothers and their adorable Lab puppy Emma. I meant to take a picture of her, but I was having too much fun playing with her! She is a ball of sweetness.

Keith and I have been spending ALOT of time at the pool. We love spending the afternoons there just swimming, having a few drinks, mingling, and just relaxing. It is the perfect way to end the day. Here is a view of our fabulous pool.

You would think we were at a 5 star resort all the time! We also have been taking afternoon walks around the complex. There are lots of lakes, and pathways that go through all the complexes and its just a great way to exercise and meet new people. I like walking around to look at how people have decorated their patios...Because I must have the prettiest one or I will just die! I'm working on mine, and will post pictures upon its completion.

By the way, GEAUX TIGERS!! What a great comeback last night against Rice! Keith and I ate Walk Ons last night, which is across the street from Alex Box and the fans were there in hundreds to cheer on the Tigers! The food was great too!

Tonight we have our pool party. I can't wait. It should be great! Tomorrow is church, and then Monday starts another week. Like my opening, days go by, I can see them flying like a hand out the window in the wind as the cars go by.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Renee'

Hanging on til the weekend...

It is a overcast Thursday here in the city. As my title implies...we are just hanging on for the weekend. It has been a sluggishly long week! Yesterday, Hump Day, was a good day. I was able to leave work early which was fabulous and took a quick trip to the mall to do alittle shopping, and then went home and hit the pool. It was a great day for a swim! We really enjoyed being around the pool with everyone and hanging out. We then made our way back home and ate supper. I completely forgot to take a picture of our supper last night but let me tell you it was great! We had pot roast and veggies and a fresh pitcher of sweet tea. After watching some tv for a moment, Keith and I took advantage of the nice weather and took a walk around the complex. It was truly a great way to end the day.




Sophie is settling in quite nicely. She has taken over the house...she has 2 parents that spoil her to no end. Here is a picture to show just how spoiled she really can be. She is sleeping on the couch covered in a blanket taking alittle "cat" nap! Lets all say SPOILED! Sophie really is apart of our family. Many people pick on us for treating her like a human. My Uncle Kenny says..."Doo, she is a CAT!" I can't speak for Keith, but I can speak for myself when I say to me, Sophie is not just a cat. We got her last summer before my most extensive knee surgery. During the 2 weeks I was on bedrest, puking from the pain medicine, not sleeping, crying, screaming, having to have "babysitters" during the day to fix my lunch, help me to the bathroom, and more. (I will NEVER be able to thank Chelsie and Autumn enough for being there for me those weeks) and even more, having Keith help me wash my hair and bath me!!! I was going through a really down, tough, and difficult time in my life being helpless like that and Sophie never left my side. She sat with me the whole time. I think I may have even gotten alittle vomitus on her a couple of times. But she never wavered and she was there licking my fingers at night as I cried and would snuggle up on my neck to help my rest by purring gently and soothing me. I am crying now remembering this, but it is the truth. She was there for me, and now it's my turn to always be there for her. That's why I rush her to the vet for the littlest things, make sure she has fresh water, and try to give her the best. Because she is like my best friend and I love her. We should all be so lucky to have a pet like that that you can honestly say is there for you and helped you through a very tough time. So for all of you who think I am seriously off my rocker now after reading THAT, you still love me or you wouldn't bother reading my blog to begin with!

I just got a new book yesterday at the book store. It's called "Love the one your with." Now it's not a book on marriage or anything. Keith and I are great. We are so fabulous with each other its sickening. Honestly, I'm not really sure what it is about, it just called to me in a round about sort of way. I couldn't seem to get anywhere in the book store without seeing a random copy of it laying around and to me, that was a sign. So I bought it. The back says its about this girl that is married and happy, and then sees an old boyfriend and it stirs up her love for him and she kinda goes through this...did I make the right choice and what not. I will let you know how it goes.

One last thing before I wrap this up. I want you to think about this today. I had a patient a moment ago ask me if I was standing in heaven before God right now and he asked why I thought I should be allowed into heaven, what would I say. Interesting thought for the day... I will leave it at that...

Have a great Thursday and until next time...Peace in the East!

-Renee'

A everyday Betty Crocker!!!

Well...It is almost Wednesday!!! This week has been dragging! We had some showers pass through the area today which was great because we all know in South Louisiana how rare a good afternoon rain shower during June is! It cleared up by the afternoon and was pretty nice outside. Not too humid, not too hot. We had a visitor today, Uncle Kenny, who is the greatest uncle in the world! He also provides my car insurance and as of today, our new insurance on our new home! Big shout out to Uncle Kenny and BIG MOMMA!



Now on to more important things. I have been seriously trying to be a better wife, friend, and person in general. I have made some great new friends recently that I love and don't know what I would do without. Keith and I have found a church in Baton Rouge we are going to attend and grow in our marriage with God, and as far as being a better wife...well I am "trying" to cook! I am in no way as talented as my mom, my sister, and my dad at cooking. It's because I came from Lowe's and my family just adopted me...(kidding) but nonetheless the talent just escaped me. BUT that is not going to keep me from trying. Not only have I been cooking EVERY night but I have also been branching out from my normal chicken everything and trying new and exciting things to cook which pleases Keith to no end. He swears I'm one chicken tender away from sprouting feathers and clucking! Tonight I made a delicious meal. An old friend who recently passed away used to make this for me when I lived in my first apartment in McComb while in college. He also made me Hamburger helper but that is not to my point, other than that he was an excellent cook and I miss him very much. So what I now refer to as Josh's Chicken Poppyseed Casserole is what I made tonight. I also made "Mayo Beans" which is just Lima Beans that I cover in mayo because well thats what my dad does and I tend to act like him alot!!! LOVE YOU DAD! And of course, yeast rolls. We will be finishing off our meal tonight with some ColdStone. I like Cookie Doughn't you want some. Its great! Below are some before and after pictures of our meal.

Before going in oven...YUM YUM

Masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was sooo good too!!!

Of course, the night wouldn't be complete without having to call my mom and sister to ask what could and could not go in the dishwasher but that's just a small detour!

Thats all for now! Have a great Wednesday!

-Renee'

First weekend...

Good Morning everyone and Happy Monday! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I know I can safely say that I did! This weekend was our first weekend in our new home! It was a great move, very smooth and I can officially say everything is unpacked and put away safely! Keith and I are sure enjoying the city life so far. Sophie had a little tougher time adjusting to it, but by last night. She was definitely starting to warm up to her new home as well. Lets start this weekend wrap up!

Friday! First off, let me say GEAUX TIGERS as the baseball team advances on to the Super Regional Tourney! I was able to catch the game Friday afternoon and it sure was great to watch! Friday was a good day, work was good, beautiful weather, and moving to the city was well under way. All my before shots didn't come out to well as I was having to take them from my Blackberry because my Digital is on the fritz. Friday night I cooked Keith and I dinner ONLY using the microwave...our pots, pans, dishes, etc. were not unpacked yet so I had to improvise to the best of my abilities BUT I was able to get a rotisserie chicken that was ready to go, a bag of microsteamable veggies, and some mashed potatos, and we were good to go! It was very good and clean up was a breeze!

Saturday morning, Keith got up for work and I was up as well! For those of you that know me well, I am sooo not a morning person but at 4 AM Saturday morning I was running circles around our apartment. The energy was just bursting...I guess it was the excitement of getting everything done. I met my dad, Burger, and Quiet in New Roads at about 7:45 and we went to the storage building...they were able to get all of the stuff in the storage building out in 1 load! After a quick trip to mom's to pick up a little load, I was off to wait for the cable guy to come hook us up! By noon, the cable guy was working, dad and the boys had came, unloaded, and were long gone, and mom and I were busy unpacking and of course relaxing on the fabulous new furniture! Keith was off at noon and came on home to help....he had no other choice! My interior decor team ( Mom and Liz) were there ready to put him to work! Let me say, they made it beautiful!!!! Luke and Zach came to visit too and Keith took Luke to the pool. When they got back, Keith was exceptionally excited and informed me that "the apartment people bought KEGS for everyone today and they are out by the pool!" It's official, we live in a community of young adults who love to party, but more on that later! After a loooonnnggg day Saturday, I cooked enchilades for Keith and I, and we watched some tv, I took a bubble bath in my huge new tub, and we called it a night.

Sunday, oh what a fun day! We were up pretty early, and treated ourselves to McDonalds pancakes! After that, it was back to work to get things ready for our company Sunday night for everyone to see our new home and just hang out. It was a great night and we hope to have many more nights like this. We had grilled hamburgers, pork loin, corn, potatoes, dips, chips, and more! The grilling took place at the pool, where Keith is now known as the "grill master." He loves that I assure you! We also got to meet some of the people who live there. We are really going to enjoy living here...the grill was going, there was enough liquor to sanitize a gym building, the water was cool and the grill master was showing everyone how it was done. After a good meal, Ginger and I watched The Hills season finale and then tuned in to the MTV awards to catch a sneak peak at the New Moon movie that is coming out in November. It is apart of the Twilight saga which we both love to read! Needless to say, it's gonna be a great movie, and Twilight swept the movie awards winning EVERYTHING! It was a great night! I was sorry that Monday rolled back around but we are looking forward to another great weekend already!

I know I haven't mentioned Sophie and her uncomfortableness with the new place. She hid under the bed most of the weekend refusing to come out. Alot of commotion scares her. Sunday afternoon though she started coming around and even started getting her toys out of her box and scattering them all around. She even really took to Ginger and played with everyone all night long. She definitely made herself feel right at home on the new furniture. You can check out a picture of that below.

On to the pictures!

Dining area....the new hightop table is so nice and the smaller table was handmade by Keith. Its beautiful!

Shot to get a look at the dining area, kitchen, and some of the living room. Excuse the laundry baskets, I meant to move those!

And that's a wrap for today! Sophie says to come visit and play with her on the new furniture! Have a great week! Need to do some work now....maybe!

Peace, Love

Renee'