Things Never Done Before

I am quite proud of myself. I have done 2 things today that I have never done before. They were pretty simple, but still, it's fun to push yourself. I have decided that I should start making dinner more for my family. Isn't that like the first step into becoming a better wife and mom?? So I got on my friends food blog and was reading and one of her posts made me want to make this soup. So, there I go first thing never done I do, make homemade soup. It turned out REALLY good and REALLY spicy. The next thing that I had never done was cook using my computer as my cookbook. Seeing as I just got a new computer I was a little nervous but all fared well and it's nice to not feel like I am going to mess up this book with my wet fingers, etc. So there you have it. My 2 new things. I told you they weren't exotic. But I did it.

Do I Begin Again??

Ok, I know it has been about FOREVER, since I updated my blog. Did I have my second kid in my last post??? I really have no idea. With the increasing popularity of Twitter (@stephanietlee) and Facebook it has been easier just updating those and letting the thinking part of my brain kill this here blog. You know we live in a quick and easy world. That is what I feel these other social platforms are. Quick and easy. So, I am considering starting up my blog again. Just for those family and friends that really want to hear what is REALLY going on and not when I am going potty and what I am having for dinner!!!

I have been doing a lot of making my life simpler this year. The big thing is that I have closed down (or am in the process of) my children's boutique The Pink Elephant. It has been bittersweet, but I have decided to be a better wife and mommy. I really don't want to look back at my grown kids and have regret. My mom tells me all the time that she used to long for the ability to stay home and be with us as kids, but she could not. We have been blessed beyond measure and I feel it is my job and my duty to the Lord to be the best caregiver and friend to my kids and Mark as I can be. With that said, I will NOT by any means be perfect, but I will have more time for my family and for ME!!!

Besides helping at Abbie's school, working out (as much as I can), and playing tennis that is all that has been going on. I am sure there is more, but for now that is all I can think of. I am tired of feeling everyday that I did nothing but time got away. It is time to focus and GROW UP!!! Here's to my New Year's Resolution about 1 month early. Let's hope it works. It's time to have purpose, a Christ centered purpose.

I hope to include all of you in the journey, but if I decide to ditch the blog again for now, then.... I guess check me out on twitter or Facebook, or just call me!!!

Love,

My Random Things

It's all the rage on Facebook, but in case you aren't my friend (no offense) here it is:

1. I am married to my best friend.

2. When I was little I used to clog.

3. It is on my 2009 to do list to obtain some ink. IE: get a tattoo

4. I have the uncanny ability to memorize lyrics to songs very quickly.

5. I always thought I would marry someone famous. I guess I kinda did.

6. I don't really like my hands.

7. I really like fashion, wanted to go to fashion design school, didn't believe in myself enough to do it.

8. Due to #7, I have a MAJOR addiction to Project Runway

9. When I was a little girl I lost my Miss Piggy shoes in a river, it still makes me sad

10. I am a cry baby, I cry at commercials, movies, sweet letters, ANYTHING.

11. When I was younger I thought I was cute in my braces, see for yourself, there are some GREAT photos of me in them on Facebook

12. When you become my friend, it is for life- just ask Shaun, Aimee, C.Rae among others.

13. I have the best mother, father and brother a person could have. I love them!

14. I have watched "The Young and the Restless" for about 20 years.

15. I love that my 2 princesses are named after family members.

16. I have run 2 half- marathons and have become addicted.

17. I LOVE tennis and could play everyday.

18. I desire for my girls to understand how blessed they are and see the injustices of the world and love the Lord w/ all their hearts.

19. I don't think I truly understood the love of Jesus until I had my own children.

20. I am left handed, thereby very disorganized, chaotic, forgetful yet creative

21. I desperately miss living in Franklin, TN, but now know that the reason I moved home was to meet 4 very special friends!!!

22. My husband has a really cool job that sends me to places like: Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, the Grammy's and even Idaho

23. I remember big events by what I wore (remember #7)

24. I love to SHOP (again w/ #7- I think it's a problem!!)

25. I love Jesus, he is my all- I am by no means perfect, but I do try!!!

Congratulations, Mr. President

This has been an historic moment in our country. Whether you voted for him or not it is pretty amazing that a day after MKL, Jr Day we, the American Public, swore in the FIRST African American President.

This will rank up there with the days in my life that I will always remember where we were. My other days that stick out are the explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle, the start of Operation Desert Storm, and 9/11. I know these other days are pretty catastrophic, but they are still memorable. Now to add a happy occasion into the list.

I did like that President Obama made mention that we all got ourselves into this economic mess we must ALL work together to get out of it (this is my interpretation at least!!)


Did I mention how adorable his girls are!!! OH MY GOODNESS, it will be fun to see them have fun in the white (or will it be the pink) house!!

Nature and ME

I love to be outside. I enjoy the things that the outdoors offers. What I don’t love is being too hot or too cold. I say I don’t like to hike, but I realized the other day when we took our “big” hike that it isn’t the hiking it is the weather that make me not want to do it. It was so terribly cold and I didn’t have the right “gear” to keep me warm. I still had a ton of fun but if the right clothing had been on my body it would have been so much more fun. So this is my thought. Get the right clothes, whether for hot or cold and I will be able to enjoy the outdoors and hiking even more.

Yeah, I know I totally look like a professional rock climber!!! NOT


This is what happens when you are not prepared. YOU FREEZE!!



Coming down the mountain.

New Year’s Week

The week after Christmas is usually a really fun one for our family. For the last few years we will load up and head to Gatlinburg for about a week. A lot of the time Mark will have shows for some type of youth conference. We go and enjoy nature, the lights and some good ole’ redneck fun!!

This year we took our friends the Whittaker’s up there with us. We had a great time. There were 5 adults, and 5 kids in the cabin and surprisingly very few tussles between the little ones. It was what you might describe as glorious.


One piece of fun we had was going out toAlewine Pottery. Here the kids got to make some real pottery. It was really neat to see how much fun they had at the real potter’s wheel. I was pretty jealous, I wanted to do it but the line was long and I didn’t want to hold it up. Maybe next time.

Abbie's Pot

Seanna's Pot

Sohalia's Pot


Of course Mark had to document the day via twitter.


We even got to be in a bluegrass band


Fun family times

I feel like I'm in Narnia

This snow on the trees and the scenery in Alaska is so beautiful I cannot even express it. The snow that just sticks to the branches of the trees looks almost fake. Like a set in a movie. I totally feel like I have just walked through the wardrobe and into Narnia. Maybe I should add meetingMr. Tumnus to the "wish" list.

Water, Ice, Alaska & Boys

My husband is still such a little boy at heart. I just love him!!!