Why Kiawah Island?

This will be the last of my vacation slide show. Although I have tons more pics, I'll spare you. (Jack on the plane on vacation! Jack playing with toys on vacation! Jack eating food on vacation!))

So my husband loves golf. Watching it, playing it, shopping for it, researching it, loves it. And the Kiawah Island Ocean Course happens to be the site of the PGA Championship in August 2012, so when our friends invited us along, he/we jumped at it. (Me? I just like to go anywhere.)

That is the ocean in the background--hence "The Ocean Course." I love these people!
The last day we were there, the gentlemen played The Ocean Course. After breakfast, we headed over there with the babies to check out the clubhouse and do a little shopping ourselves. The clubhouse was this beautiful traditional southern building with wide porches, rocking chairs, and of course, a haint blue ceiling. I'm disappointed I didn't take a better picture of it. They have just finished a little clean up in preparation for the tournament. It was really pretty!

On the practice green just off of the wide back porch.
I love dropping random sports knowledge into conversations that make Mr. G and the guys I work with think I know what's going on. Also, this trivia knowledge comes in handy when one is playing a game like Battle of the Sexes. So now ladies, when your man turns on the PGA Championship, you can say, "Oh yeah, they're playing the Ocean course this week."

And I think to myself...

what a wonderful world.
--Louis Armstrong

Happy 6th wedding anniversary, Mr. G.
I love you.

More of Brad's 30th Birthday.

Our last couple of weeks have been so fun! As per my usual MO, we celebrated Brad's birthday for several weeks. Now it's June, and time to move on because seriously everyone in my family with very few exceptions has a June birthday--including my parents who are born on the same day, a few years apart.

But back to Brad! He's THIRTY!

When I started brainstorming a fun group activity for B's birthday, the first thing that came to mind was something I had remembered a couple of our friends mentioning a few months before--indoor rock climbing. There is a great place over in Arlington called Dyno Rock where they had climbed. The folks at Dyno Rock were wonderful to work with and let me set up the party wherever I wanted in their warehouse/rock climber's paradise.


I thought it would be fun to throw him a surprise party since it was a big birthday. Let me just mention here that I am terrible at keeping surprises. I have such a hard time at Christmas not just coming straight out with what I buy my people! The venue was not far from the Ballpark at Arlington, so I had high hopes I could have a friend faux-invite him to the Ranger game, but they were out of town. And I knew Brad would check out the schedule and figure out that something was up. So, I punted and just had them swing by the house and kidnap him a couple of hours after I left to go "shopping."

When my accomplices stopped by, they had him convinced we were going somewhere that he would need a swimsuit, so he had no idea what was going on. So awesome!

I ordered pizza delivered to the location to save some foot work and had cake along with trail mix as snacks/favors. It seemed appropriate for the night's activity.


Some of our awesome friends gathered with us to celebrate Brad's thirty years. One thing that is cool about Dyno Rock is that kiddos can climb with a parent (and a signed waiver, of course) so we had all ages.


I love that guy so much and am so thankful for the day he was born. He's my best and favorite.

Hiking Adam's Canyon

On my last day in Utah, my dear husband suggested we go hiking. Let me first say, "Hi, my name is Emily. I do not hike, and I do not like dirt. I prefer leisurely strolling in climate controlled shopping centers." But I knew it would make him so happy because, like most boys, he's into that kinda stuff, so I threw my hat in the ring for Wife of the Year.

He had done his research and decided that Adam's Canyon would be our destination for the day. After stopping by Del Taco for some jalapeno rings (YUM-O) and a gas station run for bottled water, we parked the car and got out for what was described to me as a "moderate hike."

At the trailhead, the path was immediately a steep incline. We could still see the neighborhood where our car was parked when I started asking, "how much further?"

After 3/4 a mile, it levelled out a bit, and we stopped so I could take a few pics. Of course, our stop had nothing to do with the fact that I was completely winded. Some senior citizens came by and pretty much made fun of us for resting so soon. After that, we saw some people trail running, so we decided that clearly we had not adjusted to the altitude and that must be why we were having such a tough time. My pics from there were worth the humiliation. Gorgeous!

Anyway, onward and upward. Finally the path took us back into the wooded area and up the side of the mountain. The sights and foliage were amazing. I tried to limit how many times I asked, "how much further?" unsuccessfully. Everyone we passed on the trail would say it was only 15 more minutes to the end.

Finally, I had reached my limit. I was actually scared to go any further. There was some climbing involved, and I'm not that graceful, nor can I pull myself up, and I was convinced I would fall off the ledge and die. So my knight-in-shining-armor did exactly what you would expect him to do: he left me right there, by myself, in the Utah Wilderness.

[insert huge fit right here]

I calmed down after about 15 minutes when I saw a little girl around 10 come hopping down the wall that I refused to climb, one-handed. ONE-HANDED. At that point I was all, "I will show Mr. Gentry who can climb a mountain!" And y'all, I climbed right on up, rounded a corner to find another huge ledge, got scared again but kept right on going. I even surprised my man who met me as he was coming back from the end.

He turned around with me, and we went back to discover a beautiful waterfall that trickled all the way down through Adam's Canyon. Here are some pics from the end.

Just call me nature girl.

Four Years Ago

I woke up that Friday morning and drove from my north Dallas apartment to my office. I moved to a new cube that day, my Team went bowling, and I got off work early that afternoon.

I ran 3 miles on the treadmill and took a long bubble bath because I had time to kill before dinner with my boyfriend.

I thought we were meeting up with some friends of his from high school.

I was surprised when instead he picked me up all dressed up.

I was shocked when a limo picked us up and took us to Thanksgiving Square where he proposed. (And where he first told me he loved me several months before.)

I said yes (because I love him too.)

I decided that I ♥ February 11th way more than I ever did the 14th.

Things To Do: Take More Friday Road Trips

Today I took the day off from work to go on an adventure with Brad. It started on the open road westward-ho (but mostly northward.)


This was our destination.


We ventured to Archer City (near Wichita Falls) to visit Larry McMurtry's bookstore, Booked Up. (In case you're not familiar, Larry McMurtry penned the novel Lonesome Dove, on which the mini-series is based.) He has since opened up a large rare and used bookstore in his hometown. When I say a large bookstore, I mean TEXAS-SIZED. The business is comprised of 4 separate buildings on the square in this small town. It took us 2 and a half hours to go through all the stacks, but we were rushing to make it through them that fast. I was amazed at the number of books that I've never even heard of, much less read. There are easily over a million books. Here's a peek at Booked Up #4--one aisle of about 8 in this particular building.



Mr. McMurtry is at his bookstore a lot, and we saw him today but didn't ask for a pic. He doesn't sign autographs or even sell copies of his own books in his store. But of course, we didn't go all that way to come home without a souvenir. I found an old volume comprised of 3 or 4 of Jane Austen's works which will now be at home on my bookshelf, and Brad picked up one about Texas history.

We rounded out our road trip with a loop through Denton to meet Drew for dinner. Now I'm ready for the weekend.

Furry Friends

I've never been much of a Dr. Doolittle. I mean, I think puppies are cute and all, but they're just not my thing. (Probably has to do with my dislike of nature or other situations that would involve such substances as dirt or grime.)

I make an exception for these guys though. Biscuit is a big ol' faithful lump of a friend. One day, he fell asleep under my dad's deer stand and didn't wake when my dad climbed down. When he wasn't home as the sun went down, Dad went back to the deer stand, and there was Biscuit, sitting there waiting on him because he thought he was still up in the tree. Good boy.



Penny lives on the edge. She is a wild woman. If the back door opens even a little bit, she's like a rocket in the house, running back to our bedroom and grabbing one of my pink slippers. In less than a minute, we are chasing her around the house trying to recover one of my favorite house shoes and attempting to capture her and put her back outside. It takes both of us. Sometimes we are ready to wave a white flag and surrender. Then we remember that she is a less than 20 lb. PUPPY, and we resolve that she will not win. But I have to say, she's a little furball of fun when she is asleep most of the time.

Surprise, Surprise

Wednesday, when I got home from a long day at the office, Brad mentioned that he wanted to take me out to dinner Thursday night downtown and to look at the city Christmas tree. Fun and romantic, right?

I got home from work (late again) Thursday evening, and we loaded up for P.F. Chang's. He had put Michael W. Smith's Christmastime album in the cd player, and we were singing along when he reminded me that it was the 5th anniversary of our first date. I thought that was incredibly sweet of him to remember. On that first "official" date, he took me to the Michael W. Smith Christmas concert over in Dallas. Such fun memories.

As we were talking over dinner, I made a joke about getting him a present, but that it was wrapped and under the tree. (I have been trying to get him to let me open this one package early, which is a scheme I try every year, and I thought this might work if I let him open one.) Well, to my surprise, he had something for me in his pocket: Celine Dion tickets!


Because I would never subject him to a Celine Dion concert, I am taking my mom with me on January 5th. (I think he is a little relieved.) I can't wait! I'm definitely going to see Celine!

Home Sweet Home

BWG has been out of town on business for almost two weeks. It's been a challenging few days, but I feel like I've done a million things while he was gone to pass the time more quickly. I have missed him and can't wait to pick him up at the airport this evening!


It is no secret to anyone that knows me that I'm a big chicken and can't stand to stay by myself. I hear every noise in the house like I never have before. I had made up my mind to be a big girl and stay alone the whole time, but I quickly persuaded myself otherwise. By 10:15 the first night, I chickened out and called Alisia. Almost every night she came and stayed in my guest room. If that's not a wonderful friend, then I don't know what one looks like. And it was so much fun to see her almost everyday! Thank you, girl! I owe you big time!

Saturday after the Ladies' Brunch, I went home and visited my parents. That also means I saw my grandparents (since they live right across the pasture), and for lunch on Sunday, one set of aunts, uncles, and cousins were there. I can't tell you how much I love Sunday lunch at my grandparents.

Of course, I have had little Penny Lane with me the entire time. Taking care of a puppy alone is some hard work! I think ours might be what is considered a "strong-willed" dog. Also, I can't be certain, but I think she thinks her name is "NO" or "STOP IT". I see obedience training in her future. But she has been a great little companion, especially when she is tired and will lay in my lap. (This occurs only about 5 minutes a day, but it is really cute nonetheless.)

Drew drove down Monday to babysit me while the installer put in my window stuff, and then we went to dinner. Thanks Drewdy! So many others have called and checked on me, and I have appreciated it so much. I am blessed with a great group of friends and family and friends that are like family. Love that!

Other than working, I've been busy shopping, meeting up for dinner or sewing, shopping (Amanda, I have my bridesmaid shoes!), doing church stuff, and shopping.

But my honey comes home today! Yay!

Why do birds suddenly appear?

Everytime you are near?

Just like me,
they long to be
close to you.

Happy 3rd Anniversary, with extra cheese. You are my favorite.

Love,
Emily

Happy Birthday Brad!

Totally badical at any age.
I love you.

My Valentine

Valentine’s Day is a Big Deal where I work. Almost everyone wore red or pink yesterday to celebrate. Most of the day we ate heart-shaped cookies and various forms of chocolate. Not a bad way to spend your day, if you ask me, although my legs will not like me this weekend when I get on the treadmill for damage control.

At home we celebrated low key. Between our trip to Mexico in a week and the fact that a new episode of LOST was on last night, we decided to keep it simple. I woke up to beautiful flowers from my sweet husband, and these fortune cookies pictured below. Very appropriate, I thought.


After starting off at Pappadeaux where we couldn’t find a parking spot anywhere in the near vicinity of the restaurant, we decided to try Joe T’s. We figured if any restaurant could handle a large crowd on V-day, they would be the pros. And they most definitely did not disappoint. They had opened up two of their large party rooms for Valentine diners, complete with roses and candles on the (always) tableclothed tables. We lingered over chips and salsa and talked for a long time. It was quiet and romantic, no waiting in line, and we had a great time. Two thumbs up for Joe T’s!

We weren’t going to do gifts this year, but somehow it happened anyway. I can’t really remember how. I got Brad some new kicks, and he found me an awesome wallet for my passport. Good job, BWG!

I’ll leave the LOST commentary to Brad, but you should know that our Valentine’s wasn’t complete without watching it. We had so much fun on our mid-week date night. I am so blessed to have such a thoughtful and wonderful Valentine for these past 5 years. He's such a sweetheart!

Stick a Fork in It

He's done, y'all!

My hardworking husband has completed his graduate degree, a Master of Science in Engineering. Graduation was this past weekend, and the relief in his face, in his life, and in his wife has been immediate.

The most noticeable difference so far came on Sunday. We attended the late service at church, ate a leisurely lunch with friends (shout out to the Sloans and the baby dedication celebration), drove home where we both took nice long naps instead of Brad doing homework, and went back to church for the Christmas celebration since we had nothing. else. to. do. Can somebody say glory?


The handsome graduate after he BTHOtu.

Shout Out to My Husband

When I got home from Bible study tonight, some Christmas decorations that I wanted to put up but hadn't had the energy to were exactly were I wanted them. The boxes of other stray decorations were out of sight, and even the laundry was put in its proper place. HUGE, HUGE blessing.


Thank you BWG!

Breaking News

Mr. G has finished his Masters report.

The Hallelujah Chorus is playing on repeat in my head.

It is a brilliant paper, and I'm so proud!

Way to go, Mr. G!