Today, Tommy and I celebrate 13 years of marriage. He's written some beautiful notes to me on anniversaries past, but I have not really ever done that, opting instead to reciprocate with a video or photo collage- more my style.
I surprised him with a little written history this year; he gave me a beautiful journal. So this is what's printed out and tucked away in my new journal...
Us
If I think back to high school and you… mostly I remember a big smile on your face… the cutest brown wavy hair… an untucked golf shirt… a Sundrop bottle dangling from your hand…a sarcastic sense of humor… I remember giving you my phone number in Weaver’s driveway the summer between our junior and senior year… then days later… riding down a gravel road- corn a mile high on both sides- to my grandparents’ house to pick up my cousin… for what I don’t know… but there you are with that smile again…and then flash forward to weekends during my freshman year at UTK… when you and Bobby and the rest would converge on my apartment …we were all just the best of friends then…I remember mornings…sitting on the living room floor of that apartment with you and laughing in front of the TV… and the next thing I know…we’re back in Winchester…it’s winter break of my junior year at UTK …you were on break from UTM… and there we are together again…riding back-country roads in my Mustang and talking and laughing….and snow delayed me in Winchester an extra day… and there you are on my back steps… to extend winter break with one more night of hanging out…and I went back to UTK and told Teresa that I didn’t know exactly what was happening… but I liked it… then I spontaneously invite you up for the long MLK weekend… and we hang out with Andrea and Paul and Teresa and Matt… (funny how we are all old married couples now)… and a year and a half later I’m walking down the aisle and there you are at the end of it… and everyone else is wondering how in the world this happened so fast… and all we know is… we don’t want to miss one single second of us…and we start our lives… together… in Nashville and spend evenings after work at the driving range or the racquetball court… and there’s Charleston and Vegas and Gulf Shores…and I nickname you ‘Famous Tommy’ because suddenly you know everyone in Brentwood…and then it’s our first anniversary and I’m in the middle of two knee surgeries… and I make that bride and groom quilt while you sweetly, lovingly wait on me hand and foot…you are waiting tables at Outback to save money for golf tournaments and I hang out at the Outback bar after work just to be in the same room with you…and strange as it sounds…next thing you know… my sis and her hubby and also your mom have apartments in the same building with us while your dad hikes the AT… and we laugh a lot and drink lots of wine and then all of us pile in one car for bowling on Thanksgiving… and other shenanigans…and we travel all over for golf tourneys…and somewhere in the middle of this part…your cousin Josh spends the summer with us and we ‘parent’ a nine year old and we love every minute of it…and then we bought our first house… on the way to a movie because that’s just us… then there we are… teeing off first thing on Saturday mornings, walking 18 at Legends, eating pizza on the back deck afterwards…we would round off the weekend at Adelphia Coliseum on Sundays…watch those Titan miracles live… and suddenly we’re on a plane to Hawaii in shock because we found out just hours before that a baby is on the way… and then we’re back from Hawaii and you lock yourself in the baby’s nursery-in-progress to study for the CPA exam (thank heaven you passed the first time)… and you take up mountain biking…and one day I’m hitting golf balls with your dad while you are at work and the next day I’m holding Blaine in my arms… all 8 lbs 4 oz of him…born just before our five year anniversary… and he’s absolute perfection… you change your first diaper and learn to Martha Stewart swaddle him…tightly… and I am an insomniac for 4 days just marveling at this little thing that looks just like you… and then you buy me a Gary Fisher and teach me to mountain bike…. and our life revolves around baby milestones…and we turn around one day and we’re in a beautiful little cabin near the Ocoee for rafting and biking and we’re praying the sale of a certain piece of land doesn’t go through because it’s going to be OUR little some place special…and magic happens…then a miniature pony runs across what will be OUR front yard- to Blaine’s absolute delight…and someone calls and wants to buy our townhouse out of the blue…and we move in with your parents for a little spell and start to build this some place special… and then it’s a cold February and we’re back from Disney and eating McDonald’s in this unfinished house…the house that now lives and breathes ‘us’… and then suddenly I’m dying for baby #2 and he’s on the way…and you read all of Narnia to Blaine while I lie exhausted and pregnant on the couch for a few months… and then we learn together what sorrow and delight feel like mushed up together… the week we lost your mom and Drew was born… and the next thing I know my house and my life are full of men who love football and golf and bikes and anything rough… anything to be like daddy…and tomorrow we will spend our 13th anniversary at pee-wee football training camp…chuckling to ourselves because we don’t want to be anywhere else…because it’s just one more moment of us…
Monday, July 27, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Brentwood Goes Camping
What a time we had at Land Between the Lakes!
The first tent at Camp Warmbrod
All tents up at Camp Warmbrod! We have a 2 man and a 4 man; we can all fit in the 4 man, but we pitched both since the weather was balmy...
The kids arrived ready to camp! Sidebar: It took me a few shots to realize that all throughout May, the problem with my camera was Drew's finger prints on the glass. This is why his birthday photos turned out so badly. I finally figured it out after this shot... Hey, I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box, but I do okay...
Skipping rocks and wading was a favorite with the kids when they visited Campsite Warmbrod.
It's almost sundown on the first night and the kids were really excited! So were the adults!
Steak dinner at Camp Warmbrod....YUM!
Piper and Drew, early Saturday a.m.
Camp Howard and Lori.
Camp Dave and Lynn.
Camp Chuck and Co.
Dave, Camper Man. We knew Dave was in his element when we crawled out of our tents very early Saturday morn and found him like this while the rest of his crew slept.
Biker boys get ready for a evening out on their bikes- it's really cool that they are old enough to roam around and make mischief that we'll never know about.
Drew loves his boots...
and Drew loves his camelbak. Drew hates that he's not old enough to bike the trails. He's dying to get his training wheels off his bike. The entire time that mom or dad are riding the trails with Blaine, Drew is riding his bike up and down the road, preparing for the day that he can tear it up on the trails.
An unexpected treat... we could see the barges go by from our campsite... looks like the ocean, doesn't it?
The first tent at Camp Warmbrod
All tents up at Camp Warmbrod! We have a 2 man and a 4 man; we can all fit in the 4 man, but we pitched both since the weather was balmy...
The kids arrived ready to camp! Sidebar: It took me a few shots to realize that all throughout May, the problem with my camera was Drew's finger prints on the glass. This is why his birthday photos turned out so badly. I finally figured it out after this shot... Hey, I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box, but I do okay...
Skipping rocks and wading was a favorite with the kids when they visited Campsite Warmbrod.
It's almost sundown on the first night and the kids were really excited! So were the adults!
Steak dinner at Camp Warmbrod....YUM!
Piper and Drew, early Saturday a.m.
Camp Howard and Lori.
Camp Dave and Lynn. 
Camp Chuck and Co.
Dave, Camper Man. We knew Dave was in his element when we crawled out of our tents very early Saturday morn and found him like this while the rest of his crew slept.
Biker boys get ready for a evening out on their bikes- it's really cool that they are old enough to roam around and make mischief that we'll never know about.
Drew loves his boots...
and Drew loves his camelbak. Drew hates that he's not old enough to bike the trails. He's dying to get his training wheels off his bike. The entire time that mom or dad are riding the trails with Blaine, Drew is riding his bike up and down the road, preparing for the day that he can tear it up on the trails. 
An unexpected treat... we could see the barges go by from our campsite... looks like the ocean, doesn't it?
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Drew's 3! Welcoming Tom's New Bride!
We had a great time entertaining family this weekend. However, we are absolutely horrible with event photography- I get so excited and caught up in living the moment that I forget to photograph. I'll start with the pre-party photos- I tend to make more photos while I kill time until the crowd arrives...
This shot taken by Blaine...Drew's pirate cake. His only birthday cake request was 'sprinkles' which I tried to include. Please note, I do not decorate cakes because I enjoy it; Audera made these gorgeous cakes for Blaine and I am trying to keep the tradition alive. But cake decorating is hard and multiply it times a kazillion if you try, like I did, to do it with a shortening free, trans fat free icing- yeah good luck with that...
And here's the dining room table ready for Tom and Vicki's celebration. My first red velvet cupcake tower complete with monogramming....
I've loved this tea pot for so long and it's the first time that I have used it as a vase. It turned out lovely! And it's sitting on my quilt-for-a-table-cloth which is probably my favorite decorative fancy in the whole entire house.
A recent photograph of said quilt-for-a-table-cloth in the breakfast nook... this quilt came from Honey's house (Tommy's grandmother).
Vicki and Tom, married in FL on Valentine's Day, confirmed their hitchin' with a cut of the red velvet cupcakes. This makes it official.
There were about 20 'Warmbrods' serenading Drew with the Happy Birthday song as he listens with 2nd cousins Taylor and Hannah and big bro Blaine. The Mayor (as some of our friends refer to him on account of his outgoing personality) was a bit overwhelmed by the crowd and attention and was noticeably timid for the first time ever.
Drew is already a natural at photography at an early age- see how he captures the essence of his subjects- our little artist.
Blaine made these photos of mom and dad in the yard today...I've been terrified of this picture and have somewhat avoided it since I gave up my addiction to 'the bottle.' Tommy is forever young and I am sure that one day I will be mistaken for his grandmother, but not quite yet...
Thirteen years and a zillion gray hairs and I'm still his best girl.
And he's still my hero.
This shot taken by Blaine...Drew's pirate cake. His only birthday cake request was 'sprinkles' which I tried to include. Please note, I do not decorate cakes because I enjoy it; Audera made these gorgeous cakes for Blaine and I am trying to keep the tradition alive. But cake decorating is hard and multiply it times a kazillion if you try, like I did, to do it with a shortening free, trans fat free icing- yeah good luck with that...
And here's the dining room table ready for Tom and Vicki's celebration. My first red velvet cupcake tower complete with monogramming....
I've loved this tea pot for so long and it's the first time that I have used it as a vase. It turned out lovely! And it's sitting on my quilt-for-a-table-cloth which is probably my favorite decorative fancy in the whole entire house. 
A recent photograph of said quilt-for-a-table-cloth in the breakfast nook... this quilt came from Honey's house (Tommy's grandmother).
Vicki and Tom, married in FL on Valentine's Day, confirmed their hitchin' with a cut of the red velvet cupcakes. This makes it official. 
There were about 20 'Warmbrods' serenading Drew with the Happy Birthday song as he listens with 2nd cousins Taylor and Hannah and big bro Blaine. The Mayor (as some of our friends refer to him on account of his outgoing personality) was a bit overwhelmed by the crowd and attention and was noticeably timid for the first time ever.
Drew is already a natural at photography at an early age- see how he captures the essence of his subjects- our little artist.Blaine made these photos of mom and dad in the yard today...I've been terrified of this picture and have somewhat avoided it since I gave up my addiction to 'the bottle.' Tommy is forever young and I am sure that one day I will be mistaken for his grandmother, but not quite yet...
Thirteen years and a zillion gray hairs and I'm still his best girl. 
And he's still my hero.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
We Heart Ms. Ashby
Today, Blaine and I, along with Samantha and Walker Wigand, surprised 2nd grade teacher Ms. Ashby with a camera crew visit to her room! We, along with several other scales parents, nominated her for the county's Teacher Feature because we love her so! And she won! Here are some photos and copies of our letters. Thank you Ms. Ashby for being such a great teacher! And Congrats!
LETTER #1:
Good teachers are appreciated by parents; great teachers are also liked by students; Exceptional teachers are loved by parents and students. Miss Sarah Ashby is one of those truly exceptional teachers.
The students and parents of Ms. Sarah Ashby’s 2nd grade classroom at Scales Elementary wholeheartedly and enthusiastically nominate her for the Teacher Feature Award. The reasons are numerous, but undoubtedly the most important reasons come from her students:
“Ms. Ashby is the best teacher ever. She teaches us how to write better. She taught us how to retell and that a reader’s most important job is to understand the story. She lets us play math games which help us learn.” –Blaine Warmbrod
“I like reading now; Ms. Ashby makes it fun!” -Walker Wigand
Ms. Ashby has an infectious passion for education that permeates her classroom and is carried by her students into their homes. From the classroom to the homework to the promptly returned email, it is immediately evident that each of Ms. Ashby’s students is important to her, not just as a student but as a young person with interesting ideas and important feelings. Students are contributors, not just sponges meant to absorb, making her classroom a vibrant, exciting place to be. For Ms. Ashby teaching is beyond a job or even a calling—it is her joy. And her 2nd grade class feels fortunate be part of that.
In closing, a few words from parents:
“She truly makes every child feel that he or she is special and has something special to offer.”
-Nancy Tirrill
“While many blessed hands have laid the foundation, the desire to read has come alive under the techniques and style of Ms. Ashby. There is an environment of comfort, support, and equalization in her classroom. When a child chooses a book over a TV that is success!”
-Beth Mangrum
LETTER#2:
“What did you do at school today?”
Since my 7 year old, Blaine, joined Ms. Ashby’s second grade class room, the response to this probing question is now routinely delivered with enthusiasm and vivid detail. This year, Blaine has learned to share his reading experiences through retelling, and this skill has carried over into our daily conversations. He is inspired by Ms. Ashby, who enthusiastically approaches her days in the classroom armed with a love of reading and learning. In turn, she inspires her students to approach learning and sharing their experiences with equal zeal.
Under Ms. Ashby’s instruction, my son has moved from simply reading the words on a page to devouring a storyline. Blaine has always enjoyed reading, but there is sheer joy in the experience now. I honestly never knew that a love for reading and learning could be cultivated at such a level with second graders and in the first nine weeks.
“Mom, I have already laughed more in Ms. Ashby’s class this year than I did during the whole year in first grade!”
During his first six weeks in Ms. Ashby’s second grade classroom, Blaine shared this thought with me. I already knew that he was responding to Ms. Ashby’s teaching style, but I was thrilled to hear from him just how much he was enjoying it along the way.
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Ashby for the outstanding teacher award, and I want her to know that she gives her students gifts will linger for a lifetime.
LETTER #1:
Good teachers are appreciated by parents; great teachers are also liked by students; Exceptional teachers are loved by parents and students. Miss Sarah Ashby is one of those truly exceptional teachers.
The students and parents of Ms. Sarah Ashby’s 2nd grade classroom at Scales Elementary wholeheartedly and enthusiastically nominate her for the Teacher Feature Award. The reasons are numerous, but undoubtedly the most important reasons come from her students:
“Ms. Ashby is the best teacher ever. She teaches us how to write better. She taught us how to retell and that a reader’s most important job is to understand the story. She lets us play math games which help us learn.” –Blaine Warmbrod
“I like reading now; Ms. Ashby makes it fun!” -Walker Wigand
Ms. Ashby has an infectious passion for education that permeates her classroom and is carried by her students into their homes. From the classroom to the homework to the promptly returned email, it is immediately evident that each of Ms. Ashby’s students is important to her, not just as a student but as a young person with interesting ideas and important feelings. Students are contributors, not just sponges meant to absorb, making her classroom a vibrant, exciting place to be. For Ms. Ashby teaching is beyond a job or even a calling—it is her joy. And her 2nd grade class feels fortunate be part of that.
In closing, a few words from parents:
“She truly makes every child feel that he or she is special and has something special to offer.”
-Nancy Tirrill
“While many blessed hands have laid the foundation, the desire to read has come alive under the techniques and style of Ms. Ashby. There is an environment of comfort, support, and equalization in her classroom. When a child chooses a book over a TV that is success!”
-Beth Mangrum
LETTER#2:
“What did you do at school today?”
Since my 7 year old, Blaine, joined Ms. Ashby’s second grade class room, the response to this probing question is now routinely delivered with enthusiasm and vivid detail. This year, Blaine has learned to share his reading experiences through retelling, and this skill has carried over into our daily conversations. He is inspired by Ms. Ashby, who enthusiastically approaches her days in the classroom armed with a love of reading and learning. In turn, she inspires her students to approach learning and sharing their experiences with equal zeal.
Under Ms. Ashby’s instruction, my son has moved from simply reading the words on a page to devouring a storyline. Blaine has always enjoyed reading, but there is sheer joy in the experience now. I honestly never knew that a love for reading and learning could be cultivated at such a level with second graders and in the first nine weeks.
“Mom, I have already laughed more in Ms. Ashby’s class this year than I did during the whole year in first grade!”
During his first six weeks in Ms. Ashby’s second grade classroom, Blaine shared this thought with me. I already knew that he was responding to Ms. Ashby’s teaching style, but I was thrilled to hear from him just how much he was enjoying it along the way.
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Ashby for the outstanding teacher award, and I want her to know that she gives her students gifts will linger for a lifetime.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Before and After- the Hair Journey
Okay, so as of mid January, my full head of natural hair color is exposted. Going from bottle brown to naturale has been a long process, but it hasn't been as hard as I had expected. This process required a huge wardrobe adjustment- I am still mourning the loss of earth tones cashmere sweaters and gold jewelry. For now, though, I am just happy to not be 'in the chair' at the salon every four to six weeks. Thanks to all of those who helped me navigate the transition and endured my insecurities along the way!
Here's the before and after...to have a little fun with it, you can vote using the polling tool on the right hand side of the screen- so humor me, would ya?
BEFORE- 2 years ago- bottle brown, compliments of Clairol #36
AFTER- embracing the gray, just a few months shy of my 35th birthday...
Here's the before and after...to have a little fun with it, you can vote using the polling tool on the right hand side of the screen- so humor me, would ya?
BEFORE- 2 years ago- bottle brown, compliments of Clairol #36
AFTER- embracing the gray, just a few months shy of my 35th birthday...
Wedding 1996
Now that I think about it, my wedding was the last time I was photographed with my natural hair color, so here's the video- there's a little bit of hair history in the slideshow at the end.... and isn't Tommy just the cutest ever? I love this video because it's just the two of us focused on each other- without kids to interrupt.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Disney College Program- Grad Ball 1994
15 years ago...young, living for the moment. The video speaks for itself.
More Oh-Eight Holiday Photos
Christmas Day Fun
The lights went out for about 4 hours on Christmas Eve, so Pappy made good use of his camping headlight to read bedtime stories to Drew...
Monday, January 5, 2009
Bye, Bye Oh Eight!
As I look back on 2008, what a wild ride! Life is full of peaks and valleys, and through it all, the Warmbrods were blessed to make some wonderful memories in 2008. Blaine had a great year at flag football and ended the season Super Bowl Champs. Drew learned to pedal his trike like a pro and potty trained. We spent 10 great days at Disney as a family.
And here are some holiday photos and other 2008 memories (more to come; I am posting pictures between client support calls):
Santa visited early this year and brought the boys new bikes!
Janey's new 2008 look- who knew all that gray was hiding under Clairol #36?
The new dining room was complete just before Thanksgiving- this furniture was in Tom and Audera's Brentwood dining room and it's been in our basement for over 2 years. I am very proud of my homemade drapes which really brought the room together.
And here are some shots of the Gatlinburg cabin where we spent Christmas:
And here are some holiday photos and other 2008 memories (more to come; I am posting pictures between client support calls):
Santa visited early this year and brought the boys new bikes!
Janey's new 2008 look- who knew all that gray was hiding under Clairol #36?
The new dining room was complete just before Thanksgiving- this furniture was in Tom and Audera's Brentwood dining room and it's been in our basement for over 2 years. I am very proud of my homemade drapes which really brought the room together. 
And here are some shots of the Gatlinburg cabin where we spent Christmas:
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