Of all things......

Well....time is flying and is less than 2 1/2 months "Baby Rachel" will be here! Ready or not! Here's a quick update of my life at the Catoe Cabana.

THE Shingles.......I have THE Shingles.......SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?! Who gets THE shingles??? Especially when they are with child???? Apparently Me!
About two weeks ago I notice a rash on my ever growing belly. I talked to my mom about it and her reply was "Oh I had that too! Just mix water and cornstarch together and put that on it and it will go away." Has anyone ever really tried to mix cornstarch with water??? For those of you who have not...it makes a glue like consistency. Let me just tell you after two tries of this B had entirely too much fun getting it everywhere I just decided I would wait until my dr. appointment the following week. So, off to the doctor I go! Everything is looking good and then I show the doctor my rash and he immediately says it's THE Shingles. I think to myself this man has lost his mind as he states he is going to send me to a dermatologist for confirmation.
So, the next day I head to the dermatologist. The doctor takes one looks at my belly immediately states that its THE shingles and proceeds to bring in 3 other doctors just to take a look at it. Guess what...they say its THE shingles too! After they assure me they can treat this without it effecting the child i begin to wonder how in the world I got the "old people's disease"? I am currently waiting for an answer.

I end with a conversation i had with a co-worker this morning:

Me: Good Morning!

Co-Worker: Hey!!! WOW...look at your belly! It's growing. It looks like you ate a whole bird of the holidays!

ME: (smiles) HAHAHA! (Thinking to myself- "lady if you do not get out of my face I'm going to shoot you the bird and its not turkey)!!!!!!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Run Bambi Run!!!!!!!!

Okay, so this happened a while ago and I went back and forth about whether or not to post about it.......I've finally decided to post because I now think it's funny! Hope you enjoy!

I feel assured that most people who really know me know that I am not a hunter. I have never been a hunter nor do I ever want to be a hunter.
The only thing I usually hunt for is sweets. My husband does not hunt however, if he did that would be fine. Also, if he were to be the hunting type and shoot something and wanted it stuffed I would be more than willing to hang it in a "man cave". That being said....

A couple of weeks ago on a Thursday my phone signaled that I had a new text message. YAY! I love getting texts...I looked at my phone and it was a picture text (even better).
So, I open the text and what do my wondering eyes see but a dead deer in the back of a pick up truck, blood dripping out of his mouth and all in the bed of the truck (sorry to be so graphic BUT it was essential).
WHY?????? Needless to say that my brother in law shot Bambi's father (who is apparently a 9 point- whatever that means) and my sister in law was so proud that she had to send the picture to me. OH JOY!
Now, please do not misunderstand me...if someone put that picture on facebook I would totally be fine with that. It would be my option to look at the dead carcass if I wanted to. It is not okay to send me this picture when you usually send me pictures of my beautiful niece and nephew. What was she thinking?!?!?!?!?
That is all I have to say about the horrible picture text I received that morning!

HAPPY HUNTING!

Just Call me Buddah!

Greetings All! Well we are officially 25 weeks down and Lord knows how many to go. Things are going great! Baby Catoe is growing and growing so you know what that means (my belly is growing as well). People are really funny when it comes to a pregnant belly. I have broken it down into the following categories:

1. Belly Rubbers: Obviously most people do fall into this group. Apparently there is an unwritten rule somewhere that states it is okay to go and rub strangers bellies. I am unsure if they think that a genie is going to come out of my belly but I can assure you that I am not going to grant them 3 wishes.

2. Belly Pokers: They just prefer not to rub but poke. I don't know if they are scared of the belly of what. But it is almost as if they believe your ever expansive belly is not real. Then of course by poking the belly it will deflate.

3. Belly Talkers- Some people feel the need to talk to the belly sometimes. Not to say that I do not talk to the belly myself but I do find it humorous when I walk down the hall and people stop me just to talk to my belly (not me the belly). I am sure Baby Catoe will be anxious to meet each of these individuals once she is born.

4. Belly Stares- Most men usually fall into this group. I guess if you really think about it I'm not sure if they are staring at the belly or the boobs (probably both). It's crazy that you can be talking to someone and how often their eyes drift down to the belly. I usually ignore the urge to begin snapping my fingers beside my face to attract their attention back to my face.

Just thought I would share with you my thoughts. I truthfully do not mind when people rub, poke, talk or stare at my belly. I have a feeling that Baby Catoe is enjoying the attention! However, if I do not know you please do keep your distance.

I'm Back!!!!

Well I guess I went through a bit of writer's block with the blog. I could easily write about the joys of being with child but I just have not felt inclined to do so. Hopefully I've been bitten by the writer's bug!!!!

In the world of all things baby...B and I found out we are having a GIRL! We are so excited! Now, we just have to decide on a name. WOW! I never thought it could be quite so difficult to pick out a name. We definitely have a front runner so we shall see!

I would just like to say that even though maternity pants are WONDERFUL some of the tops are most definitely not! I happen to be a plus size girl so that makes finding maternity clothes that much more fun! A couple of weeks ago Columbia had their annual tot trade. My mom and went and were totally bombarded with all things baby. It was quite overwhelming and we tried very hard to keep our chins from hitting the ground until we found the maternity section. we hit the jackpot finding more plus size maternity clothes. Not really my style but they were my size!!!!

One thing that has left me pondering is why in the world do they make maternity clothes have all sorts of crazy prints of them? It seems that the print of choice is flowers. Don't get me wrong I love a flower but I do not want my clothes to be covered with hundreds of them! Nonetheless, when you see my wearing the two shirts I have with the lovely prints on them just know that I think they are as hideous as you do but unfortunately you will have to see them until February.

This weekend I have a wedding to attend. I almost felt as though some stores thoght that pregnant plus size woman should not attend weddings because i could not find a dress or anything dressy enough until I stumbles upon Motherhood Maternity where I found this dress. I was so excited...I even found some purple shoes to match! Watch out Charleston here I come prego and all!!!!!!

It's time to let the cat out of the bag!

Guess what......I'm pregnant! I figured it was time to put it out there since some of you know and some of you didn't. It has been quite a ride so far and I've been told just to hold on because it is only going to get crazier from here on out! Now let's get some FAQ's out of the way....

We are due on Feb. 16th so that makes me 14 weeks as of today. We have known for quite some time and have tried to keep it under the rug for sometime but feel as though now we can shout it from the rooftops. Beginning somewhere between 6-7 sickness set in. HOLY BANANAS! I really thought I was going to die.....okay well maybe I'm being a little dramatic (i know its hard to believe) but I was sick pretty much all day everyday. Everyone says as long as you are sick you know that everything is okay. UGH! It still sucks but I held onto that hope and got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the 1st time a couple of weeks ago. So fair enough....being sick I guess was not so bad. Once I reached around 12 weeks I did feel TONS better. It's crazy how that works.

Another wonderful things about pregnancy is the out of control hormones. WOW! Just recently I had a complete pregnancy meltdown and informed Bryan that I did not think we should be selling out house because of .....then i listed about a hundred things to include: stress, money for daycare, money, packing, money for daycare. See a theme? It just so happened that this meltdown happened after I put our name on several lists for daycare and saw how much it cost. WOW.....So, it is official the Catoe Cabana is no longer for sale!!!! Now, if I can only figure out how to make my pants fit these days I'll be doing well!

TTFN!

~Emily

WOW! I cannot believe that 2 weeks have past since my last post. WHOOPS! Things have been a little hectic in the Catoe household. First things first:

We have decided to put our house on the market! It's a little scary and exciting all at the same time. So, I have been busy trying to keep our house clean. Please let me tell you that with two long haired cats and one dog it is a feat in and of itself. Needless to say one of kitties is now residing permanently outside. Zipporah is now living outside and I think she prefers it that way. She gets lonely from time to time but I send our dog Lucy outside to visit and they hang out on the front porch together. Keep your fingers crossed somebody will come to love the Catoe Cabana as much as we do!

Anyways, I will leave you with a random wedding video from youtube. I'm sure most of you saw it on the Today Show this morning but I LOVE IT! I hope you enjoy!

Foodie Friday (even though its Tuesday)

So, my friend, Kristy, has started a blog roll where people share recipes on Fridays (hence the "Foodie Friday"). I am very excited because I LOVE to cook. Actually B and I both enjoy cooking especially when we are in the kitchen together. I know it sounds corny but I guess that is what you get when you marry someone who went to culinary school.

Along with cooking we also LOVE to entertain. Although our schedules do not allow us to do it as much as we would like we enjoy having our friends over as often as possible. Throw in some cards after dinner and we are destined for a night of fun!

Now, let's get down to business. This week Kristy is doing appetizers. So here is an old stand by:

Pizza Pockets:

-One package frozen yeast rolls (thawed)
-Shredded Cheese
-Pepperoni

1.Take thawed yeast roll and press down the center to make a pocket.
2.Fill the pocket with cheese and pepperoni.
3.Seal the pocket of the yeast roll. Bake rolls according to directions on package.

Variation: You could use any type of pizza toppings you like....I've just always used pepperoni.

HAPPY COOKING!

My babies!

Well I know that I promised this a long times ago but here are some pictures of my precious animals! I started cleaning the house last night and in pure Emily fashion I started looking for a reason to stop. So, I put my Lady Gaga CD in and immediately got distracted. So while I was dancing around the house here is what my animals were doing.

Here is Moses (aka Mosey) ready to get in on the action!


Lucy and Zipporah not really sure what to think of their crazy momma!



Then while cleaning out one of the spare bedrooms I found an old Carolina Jersey that was for Lucy. She is now too big for the jersey but I found someone who fits into it PERFECTLY!!!!!!

Needless to say he was not to thrilled! But it was hilarious! Moses wouldn't even walk in it he just stood there looking pissed off! It was immediately taken off of him and then he was rewarded by having three treats for being a good sport!

I do have an excuse!!!

Here are the top 5 excuses I have for not blogging:



5. Florida- B and I went to Orlando last month and stayed with our friends Travis and Paul. We had a wonderful time. While we were there we made sure Mickey Mouse was behaving himself at Disney World. We were also introduced to Lady Gaga. Evidently she is a new up and coming singer who I had no idea who she was. Travis did not let me leave without a copy of her CD. Bryan is now thrilled to come home and hear her on the radio in the house. I recently had to move the CD to the safety of my car in order to protect Lady Gaga from becoming "misplaced". Also, while we were there we saw the movie Angels and Demons. I highly recommend seeing it!

4. Work- It has been absolutely insane at my office. I tell you what....there are some CRAZY people in the world. I don't know if there is a full moon or if this could be the rapture but it has been insane!

3. Injury- Last week during a walk to support my office I tripped and fell on the sidewalk. It was AMAZING! I skinned up my elbow and have two HUGE bruises on both of my knees. They are still there a week later. I think my pride was hurt more than anything else but it was still crazy!

2. Nerts- B and I work with the youth at our church. Hands down it has been the most amazing experience we have ever done. One of the things we/they love to do is play Nerts. This is a awesome fast paced, highly addictive card game! We have had a couple of marathon Nerts games since the kids have gotten out of school. while they enjoy playing until the late hours in the morning the adults still have to get up and go to work in the morning! But B and I would not have it any other way. I would rather them be hanging out playing cards with us then out doing who knows what!

1. Just plain laziness- I have no other excuse. I get caught up reading other people's blog but do not bother update mine. I'm working on this! Please bare with me.

Memory Lane

Please direct your attention to the picture on the right of your screen. Yep, that's right. I have finally added a picture to this site. As of right now the only pictures I know how to put on her are from our wedding since I have them on a CD. HAHA! I will not bore you with those since it was 4 years ago... but then again maybe I will. Here's some pictures how our wedding even if it was a while ago. Hope you enjoy!









This is me getting ready of course with my best friend K.





Putting the dress on!







This is my honey, B. He's quite handsome if I do say so myself!













The whole gang!

On our way to the reception!

Thanks for walking down memory lane with me. Hope you enjoyed it! I certainly did!

~E

The beloved television!

The topic has come up this week about giving up tv for a week. A fellow blogger of mine has decided to give up tv for a week. Check out When a Duet Becomes a Trio to check out her journey. While Lindsay takes on this challenge I took a few moments to reflect upon my relationship with the tv.

I guess that now is as good of time as any to state that I LOVE TV! My day starts with the Today Show. Meredith, Matt, Al and Ann really know how to make my day! In the evening I love to watch reality shows such as Survivor, big Brother (i know i'm lame), The biggest Loser. Also, there are my crime shows that I watch religiously. Criminal Minds is the best show in the world. It scares the daylights out of me ever time but I continue to watch! I used to love CSI but ever since Grissom left I've had a hard time liking the new guy. Medium and Law and Order SVU are more favorites but it never fails that I fall asleep during the commercial break at 10.30. Then there is the wonderful dramas to include but not limited to Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters. I must admit that Brothers and Sisters is my ultimate favorite and B loves to watch it with me so that he can make fun of me when I cry. I don't know what it is about that show but 9 times out of 10 I end up crying.

Umm.... so maybe I watch a little too much tv. It might be a good idea to go on a tv hiatus. At least for a week. HAHA! maybe I should start with small steps by giving up just a day at a time. I'll let you know if I decide to do it!

Have fun channel surfing today!

Clothes War

This weekend I was home alone. It just so happened that I had to be on-call with work the same weekend as the Catoe Beach Weekend. So, B headed up to North Myrtle Beach this and I was on my own with the animals. I must give B credit he did make arrangements for me to have book 3 of the Twilight series. I was delighted!

After reading half (okay most of the book) I decided that it was time to do the BIG SWAP. Switch out my winter clothes for summer clothes. While switching out my clothes I began to notice something peculiar about the closets in the Catoe Cabana. They were filled with mostly B's clothes! WHAT?!?!?!?! This is not okay......something must be done. I tried to go through his clothes and pick out some that he has not worn in a while and put them in the give away pile. But then guilt washed over me that I might get rid of one of his favorite shirts so I went through my clothes and was done with it.

So the clothes war is on!!!! When B got home I told her that he could not bring any more clothes into the Catoe Cabana until some of his current clothes found another residence. He tried to state that he does not buy these clothes. I would not be detoured and held my ground.

NOW....it's time to go shopping for me some clothes! YAY!

TTFN!

And then Twilight Happened.....

Well friends...I have become one of the many twilight followers. I picked up Twilight two weeks ago from my beloved library (cough cough) and could not put it down. Once I finished it I went on a search for the 2nd book New Moon. Of course it was not in at the library so I put in a request for it and was 5th in line. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? 5th? Is it really that popular? After waiting patiently for 3 days I decided to take matters into my own hands. On my lunch break I braved the town of Camden and went to Wal-Mart. Surely of all places Wal-Mart would have my new obsession. WRONG.......... no New Moon. I came back from lunch defeated. Stupid vampires got me hooked and then I could not finish what I had started.

The next day somehow I got ready for work with time to spare. This just goes to show that there is a first time to everything. I decided with my extra minutes that I would try K-Mart to see if they had New Moon. I drive up to K-Mart and they have just opened. My adrenaline starts pumping...I just knew they would have my beloved book. As I walk in I figure out very quickly that I am the only customer in the store. This does not matter because I am on a mission. I make it to the book section and begin my scan. Nothing......but then separated from all of other books is one book by itself (can't make this stuff up) I take a closer look and lo' and behold it is NEW MOON!!!! It was almost as if God himself put that book right there just for me! I grabbed it up and all put skipped to the cash register. Of course there was no one there so I had to go to the service desk but no matter I had my book! YAY!!!! Off to work I go!!!!!!

Saturday comes and I am flying through my new book. I obviously can't put it down but make myself so that B and I can cut the grass and then go to help the youth with a car wash. We ended up making it just in time. They were finishing the last car when we pulled up. How is that for good timing? Next was grocery shopping. Little did B know that I had a secret plan. We were going to rent Twilight from the red box and since I was so close to finishing the 2nd book in the series I was going to buy the 3rd book.

Once at wal-Mart we go to the red-box. There was a woman in front of us who was obviously having a hard time with good 'ole red (UGH!). So, B being the gentleman that he is offered to help. Stupid lady did not understand that if the movie does not show up on the monitor then the red-box does not have it in. UGH! She then states that she would just get Twilight instead for her daughter. WHAT?!?!?!?! You cannot get Twilight....because if you do then I will not be able to!!!!! Bryan looks back at me (I am sure with a smirk on his face) but I cannot look at him because I'm irritated! then the lady tries to call her daughter to see if she has seen Twilight. What is this woman thinking? This is not "Who wants to be a millionaire" and you can to phone a friend. This is simply the red-box where you can check out a movie for a $1. MOVE ALONG LADY! Well of course she cannot get in touch with her daughter and ultimately leaves. I finally get to move up to the box say a quick prayer and get my movie. On the wal-mart shopping. We get through Wal-mart with no other problems/dilemmas/dramas. Eclipse is there (WHOO HOO) so we leave....side note: I saved $11.25 by using coupons on this trip. It is definitely a personal best!

Once we get home we are fixing to go to eat with friends...I'm reading a bit in New Moon (surprise) when B disturbs my reading by stating that I got the wrong thing. I come out of the bedroom with New Moon in my hand. He has Eclipse in his hand. Conversation as follows:

B: "You got the wrong thing."

E: "NO...I didn't! This is New Moon that is Eclipse. Eclipse comes after New Moon."

B: hands over the book "See"

E: takes book looks at cover closely " Well S*&%!!!!!"

It didn't take long to realize that I had gotten the 3rd book in the series translated in Spanish. UGH!!!!! I was so mad. B was mad as well kicking himself wishing he had not said anything until I was finished reading New Moon and found out on my own. It was a sad day at the Catoe Cabana.

STUPID VAMPIRES!
~E

I have decided to hold nothing back!

I haven't been writing much in my blog lately because:

1. Started reading Twilight- Stupid vampires. I have now finished and am waiting on the 2nd book to become available at the library. Please note that I have returned book one in a timely fashion in order to accrue no late fees.

2. One of my best friends, Emmylou got married. Check facebook to see pictures. The wedding was great. Sorry you have to see pictures on facebook but I am a slacker and do not take my camera with me. I am trying to work on this to I can document with pictures as well as words on the good 'ole blog.

Also, one thing that have gotten in my way is not knowing what to write. I would like to say that I live a pretty exciting life but sometimes I feel that it might not be as interesting to you as it is to me. But then it occurred to me today that it doesn't matter if you do not like it because this is my blog and if you get bored you can simply stop reading (but I really wish you wouldn't).....SO that being said.....I have decided to hold nothing back and write about my life as it happens and will not censor anymore (I apologize in advance). So here goes world........

Ready or not here I come.......................

It's Monday...what are you doing?

Having a "case of the Mondays"? Most of us usually do. No one wants to go back to the work week, especially after a great weekend. But I have found my cure for my "case of the Mondays". Camden Community Concert Band. HAHAHAHAHA! That's right you read it right! On Monday nights I have band!

Last year, I joined the CCCB and was pleasantly surprised by just how many people are in the band. And we're actually pretty decent. Of course when I joined I was(am still am) the youngest member. However, I don't mind it. It's actually kinda fun! As crazy as it might sound, band has turned out to be a huge stress reliever for me. For 2 hours every week I do not have to worry about what is going on in the outside world. People are actually excited when you walk in the door and are quick to give you a hug or a smile! And trust me if you miss a week they do want a signed excuse from a spouse/parent/guardian.

So, I encourage each of you to find what can solve your case of the Mondays. Get involved in your community! You'll be surprised just how much it can change your outlook on life and you're able to see the bigger picture on life and what is surrounding you.

*Those are my thoughts of wisdom for the day*

P.S. Our final concert for the year is on April 19th @ 3pm in Rectory Square. Check us out at http://www.camdencommunityband.org/

TTFN!
~Emily

Bahamas or Las Vegas

That's right ladies and gentlemen...that was the question last night at the Catoe Cabana. Bryan and I officially decided that we are going to take some of our tax refund money and go on a vacation. The only problem was which one to choose.

Trip A: A three day cruise to the Bahamas. Wonderful accommodations on Norwegian Cruise Lines complete with all you can eat food and drink (except the alcohol). We would enjoy our stay with a water view from our room on the ship.

Trip B: A four day stay to Las Vegas. This includes airfare and four night stay in a hotel "near" the strip. Of course a rental car would be needed and only a convertible will do!

So which trip did the Catoes decided??????????????????

Trip C: Which has yet to be determined. We realized very quickly that we had gotten a wee bit big for our britches and that our money would be better spent of things such as credit cards and things for the house (stupid grown up things). Yard man perhaps????? Trash pick up???? Being a grown up sucks at times! However, one day the Catoes will make it to either the Bahamas or Las Vegas. Maybe even BOTH!!!!! Watch out world here we come!!!! Of course that will only happen if we win the lottery and since neither of us play odds or winning are slim to none.

Anyways, you tell me where a place B and I could go to for a long weekend......... Leave a comment as to where we should go!

Lent and the Library

It has been a long time coming, probably a couple of months now but I'm doing it!!!!!! I'm going to pay my library fine today. The whole $4.20. UGH! Who would've thought that just because you were a little late (okay maybe a month late) on returning a book that they would fine you. Not only do I have a fine but then also have blocked me from checking out any more books until I pay the fine. I do realize that this categorizes me into a whole new realm of dorkiness because I go to the library on a regular basis (or should I say USED to go on a regular basis). Yes, I am a bit bitter but you would be to if it happened to you. If you would like to hear about my library debacle read on....

About a month ago......okay maybe three months ago, I started reading a book. Long story short I did not like the book and never finished it. It sat on my desk at work (probably another reason why I did not read it) and I forgot about it. One day I received a kind note in the mail from the library asking for their book back. Bryan being the ever so loving husband would kindly remind me that I needed to return the book. I would reply that I would return it but that no one is missing out by not reading the book. I remember thinking that I was actually doing them a favor as to not waste their time on this book.

So, a month goes by and I realize that I want to read books again. I take the library book back and try again on another book. This time I picked a winner. Read the book in a couple of days and went right back to the library to pick out another one. I quickly picked out a new book and headed to checkout. As I was checking out they reminded me of my late fee of $4.20..WHAT????? I politely asked the woman if I could pay the fine next time since my purse was in the car. Well good 'ole Wilhemina at the library said NO!!!!!!!! And that there was a block on my account and I could not check out any books until the fine was paid. Plus to make matters even worse there was a line behind me so half of the town of Camden now knows that I have a fine and a block on my library account(news travels fast in this town). I quickly left the library heavy hearted and trying not to let anyone see the embarrassment on my face.

So needless to say I went on strike from the library. I made no signs or protests but whenever I would drive by I would think to myself $4.20???? I filled my time with reading books that my friends would let me borrow and so on. It was fast lived!

Well it is now the season of Lent. During this time I have been doing some reflecting and have decided it is time to make amends with the library. I will at 5pm this day pay my library fines and hope to check out a book. I hope that my money will go towards empowering children and adult to read and to return their books timely. For all those adults out there: Harry Potter can change your life! (shout out to Emmylou).

Peace and good readings,
~E

I spend my money on baby shower gifts

Due to my age (*cough cough*) I have found myself being invited to quite a few baby showers. I am happy happy for all of my friends and family who are "with child" however, baby showers are quite a quandary to me. I guess that this is a major topic in my mind because I have two baby showers within the next week to attend.

First of all let me explain that within the first 4 months of Bryan and I being married I started to received invitations to several baby showers for my sister in law. As many of you have experienced being a newly wed the last place you want to be is at a baby shower. It almost feels like just being beside someone who is p......i mean "with child"(i prefer to use this terminology because the p word sounds funny coming out of my mouth) will rub off on you. So, at my sister in law's baby showers I had the wonderful job of writing down the gifts. YAY! Well this is all wonderful and everything until she starts getting butt paste, burp clothes and layettes.....what the hell is a layette????? How do you even spell that? Why is someone giving my sister in law a dress for her son to be??? Where is the opening in the dress for his feet?

Needless to say I had a lot to learn and had to learn it FAST!!!! But my nephew is now 3 and I feel confident that even if he was in a dress with no opening at the bottom he is all boy! B and I actually have a new niece or nephew on the way and I can assure you that we will love him/her even if she/he does need butt paste everyday.
Moving on.....
I attended a friend's baby shower a while ago and it took baby showers to a whole new level. I must however admit that when I went I was a little under the weather (Bryan and I stayed out too late the night before...YAY no more Friday nights playing monopoly!!!). Once I arrived at the shower I realized that we got to play games!?!?!?!?! I can honestly say I do not care to taste baby food or anything else that you think it funny to put in a diaper. I also feel very uncomfortable trying to guess how big a woman with child's belly is. But I will say that I was the only one in attendance that was childless. Does having a child make these games fun???? Again I digress.....

We start to open gifts and guess what I'm in charge of writing down the gifts! WHAT?!?!?!?! I don't even know anyone here AND I don't feel good!!!! As we are sitting around the ladies start talking about breastfeeding. I wanted so badly to put my fingers in my ears and start singing LALALALALA....I can't hear you and go to my happy place! However, once she starts opening gifts everyone quiets down and I think I'm home free. Well, wouldn't you know that her mother in law's gift was her husband's silver baby spoon. Then my friend (who i love near and dear) started crying but at first I thought she was laughing. I immiedately start laughing as well because her laugh makes me laugh. WRONG! She is crying and I mean full blown waterworks. Then I look around and everyone else is crying too boo hooinhg even (the ugly cry). So everyone around me is crying and I'm laughing so hard I almost wet my pants. I think (actually yell) to myself.."get it together, Emily". People start passing around tissues (still crying) and I think oh no! Should I start crying too?! I try to conjure up some tears but then I think of how ridiculous I sound in my head and start laughing again (once I get the giggles it is hard to stop). Thankfully I somehow gather enough strength put on a straight face and get back to my job, writing the gifts down and believe it or not I enjoyed myself the rest of the time.

All this being said, I'm excited about these upcoming showers and I am prepared to participate in any game that is brought forward (even if it is smelling stuff in a diaper, drinking stuff out of a bottle, ect.). Congrats my friends for being "with child" and I pray that each of you will have a wonderful healthy child that will call me Aunt Emma! LOVE YOU!

TTFN!

Residents of the Catoe Cabana

I figured it is only fitting to write a little "getting to know you" post about me. Here goes.....

Bryan and I got married 4 years ago (craziness I know). After we got married Bryan and I lived in Georgia for almost a year and then came back to South Carolina. YAY! We refer to our house affectionately as the "Catoe Cabana." We love our little Cabana and have been known to throw quite a party there whether it be the "Catoe Cup" (that just happened to be held on the same day as the Carolina Cup), Summer BBQ (equipped full of games of boccie ball and badminton) or porch talks/meetings (to be held year round). Enough about the Cabana let's get to the residents of the house.

Right before we moved back to South Carolina, Bryan and I added the first addition to the Catoe family, Moses the Cat. I know some of you are wondering how on earth I came up with the name Moses for my cat BUT it happens to be a very traumatic story which includes Moses going through gender issues. I cannot help it that the sales clerk at PetsMart told me the cat was a girl!!!!

His name has also put me in an embarrassing situations such as one at a work related training where I was participating in a "Introduce your Neighbor" to the class exercise. As I was telling her about my cat named Moses she blurted out "My husband's name is Moses!!!" Wow. Talk about awkward moments which could have been avoided if she has not went into 20 questions about how I named my cat Moses. Oh well, leave it to a preacher's kid to name their cat after a biblical character.

Then one friday night Bryan and I decided to have a game night with just the two of us (we were new to town so don't judge). Anyways, while we were playing monopoly (again we didn't know many people in town) Bryan stated that he wanted a Great Dane (what?!?!). So, the next day we go to PetsMart to get cat food and come back with our dog Lucy. Let me be sure to add that Lucy it about the furthest thing you can get from a Great Dane but Bryan fell in love with her and we "had" to have her. She is supposedly a Boykin Spaniel Mix (I think someone lied to us).

Rounding out this category of pets is our new kitty, Zipporah. I felt that it was only appropriate to name her after Moses's wife in the Bible. She just showed up on our front porch this past November and I fell in love with her! I would like to state for the record that I did all in my power to try and find out if she had a previous owner by contacting all the vets and animal shelters in town. No one had lost this precious kitty so she became a Catoe! She has fit in nicely with the bunch and I must say that she rules the roost.

Pictures to come once I get the hang of this thing!

TTFN!!!

Hello, My name is Emily and I'm addicted to blogs!

That's right I said it! I love to read a blog. I can read people's blogs that I don't even know and somehow find myself engulfed into their life and have to read their blogs almost daily. I actually have a list of several people's blogs that I do read daily. Most of them I do not know and have found them through friend's blogs. I do recognize it as a sickness however I am not willing to stop.

So, I figured that I might as well start my own. I'm a little slow going to please bare with me while I get the hang of all this stuff. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated! So here we go................