Ash Wednesday- The First Day of Lent

Yesterday was the first day of Lent. For those of you unfamiliar with Lent, it began in the early church as a time of preparation for the coming events of Holy Week and Easter. Way back in the day, Lent was observed by the process of fasting, as in not eating, for 40 days. During this time, one would replace eating with a holy activity such as prayer, good works, etc. Now, (Thank God), Lent has evolved to include other modes of "fasting". Most people give up something that is keeping them from living a Christ-centered life. This year, I have decided to give up negativity. This is especially hard for me since I am a natural pessimist. I do want to point out that there exists a fine line between pessimism and realism. I am trying to state things in a positive way and let things that bother me go. This is especially hard in the Weaver house since Steven and I both love to debate and argue with one another for nothing else but for the sheer enjoyment of it. So, if any of you have any venting, complaining, or negative thoughts for the next 40 days you would like to share with me, I would love to hear them! However, the traditional Whitney response filled with sometimes a little too much of the glass being half empty won't be available. Instead, you will get the other side from me. I don't really know why I am such a pessimist. I feel sometimes it seems more realistic and less denial-like to look at the negative side. However, what I am finally learning at this junction in my life is: Good posibilities exist just as much as negative ones. Well, here's to the next 40 days. Hopefully, I will emerge a more prayerful, loving, humble, serving person. We'll see........ Rock on, everyone!!!

It's a girl!!!!

Well, today was our 16 week appointment. We found out we are having a baby girl! She is measuring exactly what she should be, which is 16 weeks. Steven and I were both convinced that the baby was a boy. I had a gut feeling that it was a boy and I really think it is easier to prepare for a boy. They just seem more independent by nature. Well, we are excited and surprised!!! Yay! Now, the name game begins. We have a few names we like but none are the name yet. Here is a picture of Baby girl Weaver. I really think it's out of control when people put the u/s picture on cards and such but since this is a blog, I decided to put the evidence that she actually exists. Yay for Baby girl Weaver!

Back in School...

I am completing my last semester of coursework at The University of Montevallo in the Master of Education Early Childhood/Elementary Education Program. I can hardly believe that I am almost finished with this degree! I know that Education is a far cry from my Bachelor Degree, which is Accounting. However, I love Education and can't wait to start teaching. I won't do my internship until next January due to the fact that the baby will be here around the end of July. I think I will be too brain dead to return so quickly after Baby Weaver is here. Anyway, school started back this week and I don't know if I am dumber now that I am pregnant or what. I don't feel like I have the edge anymore when reading or focusing in class. Ladies, please let me know if you felt this way when pregnant. My sister in law ( a nurse) told me a recent study showed that the grey matter in a woman's brain actually decreases when pregnant. How horrifying!!!!

Recommended Reading

As you all know, I try to read a good bit. My sister reads way more than myself but I try to read a book a month or so. Since December was so busy, I didn't have much time to read. The first night we were in New Orleans I could not go to sleep so I went to Walgreens to get a magazine or book. No magazines looked interesting so I ended up getting the book, The Reader, which is now a major motion picture. (I didn't know about the movie at the time). This book is a short read and has a wonderful story. If you can get over the soft porn at the beginning, you will fall in love with the characters in this book. The Reader is about a woman who cares for a boy that is sick. After several years have passed, the boy learns of a great secret the woman has kept for her entire life. The story takes place in post WW11 Germany. I love when I get to read books where I can picture the scenes and descriptions in the books. Without giving too much away, ( consider my lack of detail in the summary of the book) The Reader is a book you will not be able to put down. A wonderful, quick read that has so many things going on. Read this book! It will only take you a few hours. (if you read fast)

A Bun In The Oven

Well, we have a baby on the way! Most of you know by now, but since today is 12 weeks, I decided to blog about it. The official due date is July 29th so the bad news I won't be able to be in Tori's wedding. Boo hoo. I really wanted to be there. Maybe I'll have the baby early and be able to go to the wedding at the very least. Anyway, we are finding out the sex which we will know in about 5 weeks. I'll keep everyone updated on any exciting baby news. One more thing...... I've had several ultresounds due to some early issues but the Ultrasound today was amazing!! We could see the entire baby and it was moving its little legs and arms. It also had a fat tummy and head. We even saw the face for a moment. It is so strange to see the baby actually look like a child instead of a tadpole.!!! We are excited!!! Yay!!!

Renovating The Kitchen

As you all know, Steven and I bought a 1962 rancher almost three years ago. I can best describe the decor and a mixture of 60s with a lot of 80s updates. (Imagine Country Blue and Pink everywhere. The carpet was blue and pink in all the bedrooms. The kitchen even had low profile carpet. That brings us to now. We FINALLY are replacing the carpet in the kitchen and getting new appliances and countertops. The tile guys are almost finished with their work. It looks spectacular and I don't know how I lived with that carpet for almost three years!! We will complete the rest of the redo in March as funding permits. Steven doesn't authorize any projects except those that qualify for the Dave Ramsey plan. I wish we could do it all now. I've waited this long so what's another two months!! Check out the pics of progress on the floor. By the way, yes, we're keeping the cabinets. We can't afford to replace them. Something comparable would be several, several thousands and they probably still would not be as nice.

New Orleans

Steven, Ms. Sally and I went to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. We had a great time and I enjoyed the food very much. We ate at a fab restaurant Friday night called Stella! after the shout in A Street Car Named Desire. It is owned by a chef and has about twenty tables. The food was divine and so was the dessert. We did the standard New Orleans stuff and some other stuff. We went to the house where William Falkner lived in the early 20s and where he penned his first novel, Soldiers Prey. Check out the pics.