Shock and Awe

Last Friday night Scott PROPOSED!!! I didn't want to bury the lead;) Here is the story:



I called him on my way home from work on Friday and he said he was already at my house. We had 6:30 dinner reservations and it was around 5:15 so I didn't think much of it. On some level I thought that he has purchased this army truck he has had his eye on and I was fairly consciously preparing snarky comments about the purchase. Not because he had purchased a big truck-but because he purchased something that looked like it should be on MASH, literally. Anyway-that's what I thought he was doing there. My imagination even went so far as to think he might have bought me flowers to ease the blow:)



I walk into the kitchen and am greeted by Bailey....wait for it....in a tuxedo. I thought that was odd...i remember thinking-where did he get that followed by how damn cute is he??? So I was puzzled. Then I noticed he has a note on his back. Scott was in the kitchen doorway and told me to look at the note. This was my first inkling that something was up....

Bailey after we removed the hat. Nice view of his shirt and tails...



The note was a poem, from Baileys perspective on why we "Bailey, Molly and I collectively" should keep Scott and go so far as to marry him. I was floored. Then Scott got down on one knee with a spectacular vintage ring and asked me to spend my whole life with him. I said YES!!!!

Someone is not happy to be in a dog tuxedo with a hat!

I really thought we would get engaged this summer, so the timing totally threw me. I didn't see it coming AT ALL. I also am so extremely excited and happy with how he did it. Scott and I talk all the time about how Bailey taught me the patience and humor that is needed to deal with someone that is a bit grumpy sometimes. Bailey can be a total sour puss. Scott has his moments too. The fact that he included Bailey in such a very special moment reminds me how lucky I am to have him...and of course Bailey and Molly too.

And because everytime someone finds out I am engaged they feel compelled to ask-NO, i don't have a date yet;) I need to sell my house first then on to wedding planning...

Molly trying the hat....tiny hat...big head.

Food Network shows-anytime, anywhere, Bailey gets shorn, HHI, and Windrock is AWESOME!!!

Its been a bit busy around these parts. Because I care-and worked HARD on this I want to share that Food Network long form is now available on iTunes. Check it out. We have some great content available-and will soon be launching a Thanksgiving and Holiday special. You don't want to miss it!
http://iTunes.com/FoodNetwork



Senor Bailey got his autumnal hair do-but first he had to get a bath. I do that at home to keep the trauma to a minimum. After the bath he does on a bit of a frenzy-I think to try to get back at me. I took these pics as he calmed down.

HUMPH!!!!

I can't even LOOK at you!

What? You control my hair cut schedule-not ME?

Seriously-put the camera DOWN. This is not funny. I am tired of looking cute!

You are DEAD to me!

Then it was off to Hilton Head for family vacation. Our first whole family vacation in 17 years. Yes you read that right- since I was a sophomore in HS. We have taken family vacation but not with the WHOLE family. Scott got to join the first part of the week. The dogs got to go and are just now recovered from their adventures. Scott and I took a morning in Savannah too. It was his first trip and he was impressed. Fun times had by all;)

At dinner in HHI....

The iconic HHI lighthouse.

Scott and I at Harbourtown.

One of the gorgeous home in Savannah.

Statue along the riverfront in Savannah.

Last-Scott and I have been talking about taking the ranger up to Windrock mountain, near Oliver Springs, since we started dating. I had never done it and thought I would not enjoy it-but I was WAY WRONG. It is beautiful. We had perfect weather. I cant wait to try it again.

This was the view almost everywhere. It was so peaceful and pretty.

East Tennessee fall colors.

The windmills up close. You can actually see these from pellissippi, so its really amazing to think how far away they are and how BIG they are up close.

Scott and I in the ranger, on the edge of the bluff

View of the mountain below.

the cobalt, molly is a boater, bailey does it shih tzu style, and a wedding in ATL

It is officially fall. The summer is over, even though temps are hovering in the
80's. Scott and I have spend ALLOT of time on the boat. Weekend dinner cruises. Afternoon lunch trips and a variety of fun in between. Here are some pics of my newest toy.

The cobalt.
Another profile shot.

I wanted to make sure both Molly and Bailey could get out and see how they liked the boating experience. Scott and I waited for some cooler days and took them out one at a time.
Molly on her first boat ride. She actually loved it. She doesn't like the sound of the vacuum cleaner but the unstable boat rocking and sound of the engines were totally no issue. She was at ease, like she had spent her whole life on the water. Maybe its because she likes being in the water so much?

Loving life. She ended up falling asleep she was so relaxed.

Enjoying the ride. Shih tzu Style!

Bailey enjoyed hanging out right near Scott's feet. I don't think he is going to be the master boater that Molly could become.

It's fall which means its football time in Tennessee. If you have been watching you know the season has not been super optimistic so far.

Scott and I after the first football game. Notice we are in orange, but we have yet to get near the stadium. Hopefully October will be our month for actually attending a tailgate in person;) I really like this picture but my hair is kinda messed up. Does anyone know how to photoshop out my hair?

Scott and I went to Atlanta for his cousins wedding. It was one of the most enjoyable receptions I have ever been too for people I don't know too well. The bride was lovely. The wedding ceremony was lovely. The bm dresses-well you can decide on your own about those;)

Scott's cousin in her bridesmaid dress. I will reserve comment on the bm dress fashion selected by this bride. She is with two of the groomsmen, obviously twin brothers. I have comments about them too-but will also hold my tongue;)


Scott and I are the wedding. He would have been rocking out his bow tie if he could have gotten it tied. He gave it a valiant 30 minute effort. Thankfully there was a normal tie back up.

Monkey does hard time, Dresser Before and After

Here is a quick catch up via pictures. Enjoy!!

I come home to toys all over the house almost every day. I find them on my bed, under the bed and in all spots in between. The other day I came home to his. It appears Monkey was misbehaving while I was at work and was put in a bit of "time-out" if you will.

Here he is in relation to the other toys in the basket. It appears his punishment worked since he has not made a peep since this infraction:)

Bailey got this sweater for Christmas as well and I think he looks awfully dapper in it.

I bought this dresser a couple of years ago with every intention of refinishing it. Time slipped away. About 6 months ago my mom and I went and picked out paint...which is step one. I didn't really want to change the color much because I liked the weather grey...I just wanted it cleaner looking. This is the before.

I started sanding it by hand and realized VERY quickly that I was going to need some tougher tools. I knew paint stripper was the best solution so after an hour and many pieces of sand paper off I went to pick up some caustic chemicals. Woohooo I heart chemical assistance!

I made some serious progress, but soon realized this thing had three coats of paint over an oil based paint which was layer four. I really only needed to get it smooth enough for a new coat of paint so I wasn't to be deterred.

The drawers lined up like soldiers.

Here is an after of the same dresser with shiny new grey/blue paint and wonderful knobs. The official AFTER:

Here is a close up of the knobs...please excuse the minor crookedness. I didn't realize that until the pics hit my computer. By this time I didn't care so much. They are a clear swirled knob from Antropologie. I love them.

The entire process of fixing the dresser took HOURS. But its done and I love it. Bailey and Molly spent most of the time I was working curled up on the chair. They do have it rough;)

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

Bailey and Molly tolerate one another. They do not play together or snuggle together really. They will sleep in proximity to one another on occasion. I have had a contractor in for a few days finishing up some small projects. He came with a very loud nail gun. The dogs HATE IT!! So much so, that they have banded together until its over. Here is a shot of them from an hour ago-sharing a small dog bed. I guess they have decided to put their differences aside until all the scary power tools have left the living room;)

A September catch up

Um-what happened to the month of September?? I haven't blogged since AUGUST? I know, remiss of me. Lots has happened. Here is a run down of all the highlights.

We had a baby shower for Jen which she covered very well on her blog:

http://mowrerfamily.blogspot.com/2009/09/homegrown-baby-boy-bbq-shower-marty.html

I do have a couple pics to share from my perspective:

Megan's mom took care of the flowers for the event. They were lovely. I sent Chris G out to take some photos and I thought he did a wonderful job. If that doctor thing ever falls through I think he could have a real career in photography-look at the composition:)

The ladies enjoyed the food and company.

Matt was in charge of photos from his perspective, I saw allot of this during the evening.

And then he got to have a hand in opening gifts, something rarely enjoyed by dads at baby showers. Mostly because they are not typically invited:)

A side view of Jen opening gifts, baby belly and all:)

Let's see-then Jen had the baby-William Rowdy, whom they will call Rowdy. He was born about a week ago. I haven't visited yet (have had bad sinus infection and want to be completely non-sick when I get to hold him:))

I went to the opening game for UT which is fairly unusual since I am a classic fair weather fan. I only like to go to games that are cool (like football was intended to be in you are from NW Ohio.) But-I had the chance to join the Vol Navy and I could not pass it up. Here are some pics from the water.

Scott and I before the game.
All the ladies on the back of the boat.

And then one of the boys.

The weather has been a bit odd here in E. TN. It went from summer with highs around 85 during the day to fall with highs around 70 during the day overnight it seems. I think this drastic temp change led to my aforementioned sinus infection. I did have a chance, while stuffed up and quarantined at home, to decorate for Halloween. I am fairly proud of my mantle this year. Take a look:

Here is one of the corners of my long living room mantle. This year I used books for height. I like how it turned out. The middle of the mantle. The crows are a recent addition this year. Molly thought they were a toy so I had to put them up while she was outside so she wouldn't notice where they went. Feel free to make comments about my Martha Stewart-equness;)

Speaking of Molly, and Bailey too. They are doing very well. I have some cute, recent photos of them:

Molly lounging on my new quilt. I will have finished pics of my bedroom to share later-so more on that quilt and the wall color to come.

Bailey, sleeping wrapped in a different quilt on the couch.
And then awake after the flash went off. Adorable.

Ok-all caught up. I will do better in October!!!!