:)

Oh man, talk about blog withdrawal. I am at Justin and Michelle's house and have glanced longingly at this computer each time I've walked by. My vacation laziness has kicked in, however, and I've always walked past. I've been able to read all of your blogs and emails due to the gloriousness of the iPhone, but that's about it.

One thing I really don't enjoy doing is writing about a trip without including pictures. None of them have been uploaded to the computer so I am going to wait until I get home on Sunday before I tell our tale. It has consisted of Evan, naps, great food, Evan, downtown Chicago, Evan, more naps, and even more Evan. So basically--an awesome week.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! One thing I've been so grateful for this year has been the ol' blog. I've always loved writing and this has been so much fun for me. I have been able to connect and re-connect with many of you. Thank you for your sweet comments as they are always a highlight of my day. And to all of you blog stalkers out there, I am thankful for you! I take it as a compliment that some part of our life is meaningful enough to you to hold your interest.

I am so thankful for 2008 in general. What an amazing year. I hope I've in some way or another let each of you know that I am especially grateful for YOU.

Thanks for letting me be me on this public diary and loving me all the same (or at least judging me in secret).

My one picture captured on the phone. He's going to be an awesome dad one day... :)

Hiiii

I spent most of yesterday loathing late nights, red wine and 6-hour car rides. Now that I've had some time to recuperate, I can admit this past weekend was fabulous. I drove to St. Louis Friday afternoon for Kait's bachelorette party weekend. We stayed at Emily's house Friday night and had wine, cheese, and many good conversations. The night ended with a push-up contest (please see "red wine" above). I received last place by completing 1/2 of one push-up. I know you are all shocked by my lack of athleticism.

Saturday morning we had brunch at a place near Em's house and then some of us went to Kaitlin's reception place to check out a few things (it's beautiful by the way). We lounged around the house for a bit until it was time for quite possibly the highlight of the weekend: the pole-dancing class.

It. Was. Awesome.

I'd no idea what to expect but had said a quiet prayer that we'd each have our own pole and could mind our own business. Perhaps this was God's way of telling me to never again pray for something so foolish, as there was one pole in the middle of the room and plenty of space for everyone to sit and stare at you as you strutted your stuff around the torture beam. Our instructor was really nice and we ended up having a fabulous time once the nerves wore off. Many pictures were taken and only one will be shared. She did give us quite a performance at the end of the hour and we all applauded enthusiastically. Now I fully appreciate the time and talent it takes to do such...er... creative things (insert any preposition) the pole.

Afterwards we checked into our hotel and started getting ready for the cocktail shower/party at Kitchen K. I was mercilessly made fun of for my 3-ring binder complete with maps, excel spreadsheets, checklists, and confirmations. Did I mention I also brought a pair of scissors just in case? Make fun of me all you want, I can't wait to be an event planner one day. I think it is the only thing I can say I'm pretty decent at doing (along with multiplication and long division, with or without remainders).

The shower was so much fun. We had a few games, delicious food, a great cake, and many fun gifts for the bride-to-be to open. The night continued with several bars in downtown St. Louis. We were all doing great until about 2:15am and then we were reminded we are no longer 18. The mood suddenly changed to somber and sleepy so we grabbed a cab back to the hotel. There were more than enough leftovers from the shower so we all sat in bed and ate chicken satay, shrimp spring rolls, and steak & blue cheese crostinis at 3am. GLOOOORIOUS!

Sunday I drove back and made it home just in time for small group. I do NOT like driving long distances by myself as I can't stop my stupid head from thinking so much. Not bad thoughts, but constant thoughts. Is it possible to get annoyed with yourself for constantly thinking? And is it considered schizophrenia when you are begging the voice in your head to shut up for a minute so you can order a cheeseburger at McDonalds? And should I really be admitting this to any of you?

In regards to the past few posts about Christmas, there is one thing about Christmas that I do NOT feel needs to wait until after Thanksgiving and that is all of the limited time holiday treats at the grocery store. This includes but is not limited to: white chocolate covered Oreos and the fabulous Little Debbie Cake Christmas trees. Presently we have both in our pantry.

I'm only posting a few pictures. For the rest of them, CLICK HERE!






A few more days of work and then it is off to Chicago to visit the new family of three!!! WOOHOOO!

Movin' On Up!

Well, Michael and I have a big announcement to make. We wanted to wait until we were sure everything was going to be ok, and we've hit that mark!

We are moving to Los Angeles and pursuing acting careers.

Don't believe me? Well if that's the case, you would be correct. (Although me being pregnant is about as likely as that statement above so if you were thinking that was my big news, think again my friend!)

A member and friend at our church owns his own amazingly awesome advertising abusiness (alliteration--always an answer). He and I have been working on our church's capital campaign dinner and he asked Michael and I to be extras in one of his latest commercials. I was a little iffy on the idea since the filming would be taking place this week and both Michael and I were already busy with work, but he gave me a dollar amount and I suddenly found the time. So Tuesday night we showed up at St. Francis' new heart hospital with no details as to what we would be doing. We found out that Michael was going to be a doctor (hellooooo McDreamy!) and I was going to be his nurse. (I guess I could play the part of Meredith since I already have her name...) They weren't able to find a lab coat for him so we became visitors that walked in the background of the shot. Yes, that means there is a chance you could watch this commercial eleventy-jillion times and never notice us. At one point someone pulled us aside and told us we had serious walking skills and should consider becoming the next Brangelina. Ok, I made that up as well, but whatev. The great news is that Doug said we were so minor in this commercial that he could use us again for other future commercials. That equals more furniture for our house. Thanks to our 30-minute participation on Tuesday, we will be proud owners of a neat console table next week. We're wanting a complete bedroom set so we have about 6 more commercials to go. That might take a while.

In other news, I've been working on the aforementioned capital campaign/celebration dinner for months and we finally had the dinner last night. Attendance was about 500 and I think it went really well! It felt like planning a wedding all over again, albeit a much larger and much older guest list this time around. After working a 14-hour-day I decided today would be better spent at home so that is where I am at the moment. But I shall not stay here long--this weekend is Kaitlin's bachelorette party in St. Louis! Her sister and I have been planning this for several months as well! I'm so excited to see everyone and I hope Kait has a blast. She will be a Mrs. in 2 short months!!

I guess that's it from me. Michael has been busy at work this week so we haven't seen much of each other due to the long work days for both of us. Next week we can rememorize each other's faces. I've forgotten if he has brown hair or blonde. Hardy har.

UPDATE! I'm a wee bit terrified our neighbors read my blog! (Not a chance, but keep reading...) Ever since I wrote my last post, they have yet to turn on their lights or blow up the snow globe! It is still in a pathetic heap on the ground and the rest of the decor is unactive as well. Maybe they have Miracle Ear?! (Does anyone else remember that commercial where they're at a restaurant and two ladies are talking about the man at a nearby table who has a creepy smile on his face?)

Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful (Speaking Of Frightful...)

I'm driving home yesterday and as I turn onto our street I notice the house directly across from us. And there it is. You all know "that house," the first one in the neighborhood who boldly steps out and proclaims, "Christmas is upon us and it is time to decorate." (Just a reminder, yesterday was November 9.) I have a big problem with those who break the unwritten rule and decorate before Thanksgiving. I'm just now coming up with my list of things to be thankful for and you've already made your home a landing pad for Santa.

But it's worse than that. Ohhhh it's worse. WARNING!!! If you have a sensitive heart, bow out now.

I'm not a fan of multi-colored lights. They don't go with anything and they make me think you couldn't make up your mind so you just circled (D) "all of the above" in hopes you might get lucky. You answered wrong, pal. I could probably look past the festival of colors but our neighbor's lights have already blown a fuse or something. One or two of them are blinking and about 15 are just burned out completely. Classy, eh?

Moving on. They also have a giant inflatable snow globe. Yeesh. Alright, I am going to admit something that I have never admitted before. I don't mind the snow globes. I actually think the idea is kind of cute. However, I have discovered that these giant beach balls are like tattoos--no one can stop at just one. The first year the family has their fun little snow globe, and then comes year two and and oh dear Lord there's another one. Apparently they need to start separating the girl and boy snow globes. My parents can attest to this--one of their neighbors has 5 (possibly 6) inflatables in their yard. It is quite humorous, albeit tacky, during the night but it looks like pure hell during the day. Each globe lays there all pitiful and deflated and I have to wonder if the neighbors realize their lawn looks like a Christmas graveyard. Say it with me: YEESH.

Alrighty, I am done being Scrooge for the day. I will let you know when Michael and I have put up our decorations and then you can drive by and make fun of our terrible taste. I'm tough, I can take it. :)

(Corny Patriotic Song Goes Here)

I keep wanting to say, "I can't believe it's over!" when I guess I should be saying, "It's only just begun..." (cue music.)

Last night was incredible. The turnout. The results. The concession. The acceptance. It was clear who I supported, but I felt John McCain's speech was fantastic and I am so appreciative to him for reminding all of us what being an American is all about. And as my good friend, Obama, says, "There's not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America." I hope as the days and weeks continue, we will keep in mind the simple statement, "Together we stand, divided we fall." There have already been so many discouraging comments about Obama's victory last night. Some have said he is the anti-Christ, some want to move to Canada, some are ready to purchase bumper stickers stating, "It's not my fault," but the worst, which absolutely broke my heart: "...now my hard earned money will go to someone who doesn't deserve it...you clueless ignorant Obama supporters."

I realize, and am so grateful, many of those who voted for McCain refrained from saying such things. Some have offered nothing but support. I understand disappointment, frustration, and fear. I'm fearful too. I wish I could say I'm 135% confident Obama will succeed but I can't say that (and neither can anyone else). We are in some tough times and his job will not be an easy one. Can you imagine your first day of work being told you have a national crisis to fix, a war to end, and oh by the way, 45% of your constituents did NOT think you were the best man for the job? I think I'll stick to my cozy job as communications director at a church, thanks.

I will admit that I failed the past two years. I never gave up on our country, but I did give up on our president. I'm not proud of it, but it's the truth. That being said, I don't think it's right to give up on Obama before he's even begun.

I live in a very, very red state. I'm pretty sure Oklahoma turned red before the polls closed. But I voted. My husband voted (he still won't tell me if he went red or blue). We both received the free Krispy Kreme donuts and then proceeded to order an extra dozen (gah I HATE when marketing works)! And I am so proud, SO PROUD, that we were a part of it all.

The next four years will be exciting. I hope for everyone's sake we can unite together in prayer and support for our amazing country. I mean seriously, when's the last time Canada gave you a free donut, coffee, and ice cream just for voting? :)

Smartest Kid Ever! :)

Evan said his FIRST sentence today at the tender age of 3 days. It sounded something like this...

"Vote Barack Obama!"

Just kidding--he only said "Vote." :) You can choose the candidate!!

Exclamation Point Overload!!! (!!!!)

It's a BOY!!

Evan Laymon Besancon
6.4 pounds
19.25 inches

They went to the hospital early this morning and I think he was born at 8:20 pm (give or take a few minutes). :) I have ZERO pictures at the moment but he has 10 fingers, 10 toes, and is a healthy little Besancon boy!!

Michael and I were at a wedding tonight so I had my phone next to me the entire evening. Michael left my side for two minutes to get us some wine and as soon as he walked away I received the text. I was a little bummed but it was fun to break the news to him as soon as he returned.

We are so happy for them! I'm not sure we can wait three weeks to meet our nephew!! Have I mentioned how excited I am to finally be able to SHOP for the little guy?!!

ps. NO MORE SLASHIES!!!