Facebook.

OMGosh.

There is a really terrible reason you haven't been hearing from me much lately....and the reason is called Facebook.

Here's how it all went down.

MY BFF-Virginia started talking about how she had joined a couple of weeks ago, how much fun it was, and how I should join. I sort of scoffed it off, and an interesting conversation followed. Summary of my side:

"I don't know...those myspace things just seem sort of weird and juvenile to me..."

(followed shortly thereafter by)

"No, my obsession with Twilight is NOT juvenile in the same way AT ALL!"

(followed yet again by)

"I'm just too reserved. It seems like online dating or something to me....I'm just not the facebook type...."

(which of course led to)

"Well, I don't know exactly what I mean by "the facebook type" .... put it this way, my friend Elizabeth (names changed to protect the innocent)would understand....I guarantee you she is NOT on facebook."

(30 seconds later)

"Seriously, she is? Well, my friend Sarah is not on facebook. No-way, no-how. And she would totally and completely get my point..."

(5 seconds later)

"Really? Wow. Okay, well I promise you that Bethany is ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NOT on facebook. There is no way. In fact, if she is on facebook....then I'll join it tonight...even though I am NOT joining, because she is NOT on there....I just know she's not."

...sooo, two weeks later, I cannot tell you how much fun it has been "seeing" old high school friends, college friends, and workmates I've lost touch with. You know those people you always wondered about? The ones who you remember fondly, and always hped their lives turned out great? Well, they're on facebook. I know this because I am officially the last person in the world to join.

Sooo, feel free to friend me? It's SOOO much fun. And I promise to add some pictures soon. I have uploaditis trying to get the new blog out before Christmas, so I'll do my best.

In the meantime, y'all have a terrific week! The new blog is literally HOURS (okay, maybe a lot of hours, but closer than last week) to being completed, so check back soon. It will be a whole new blog game! (couldn't resist.) - PB

After spending half the morning...

...trying to calm down a two year old who has been writhing in annoyance because he can't get his Mr. Potato Head's Storm Trooper hat to fit properly, I've had to ask myself if that monthly college fund deposit is really going to be a necessity.








Oh, c'mon. I'm just kidding. Mostly.

So, thanks to a couple of my old Shreveport pals, and a few college friends, I am officially the final person on the face of the earth to join facebook, where I've spent half the morning checking out old friends and schoolmates. SOOOO much fun, I'm almost forgetting to get *all* those things done on my "Holiday Break" list....like buying Christmas presents and decorating the Gingerbread house. Soooo, on that note...better go spread a little holiday cheer! Especially before the Hubster gets back from his current trip, so it looks like I've spent time somewhere besides in front of this computer. I'll be getting a new blog soon (assuming everything goes correctly in the technical department, which is a pretty hefty assumption, as my ineptness in that area is legendary) and I'll put the link onto the main site for you all. More photography stuff too, I promise! In the meantime, enjoy!!! - PB :)

Bitten.

Somebody needs to help me.

Sooooo....we're back from our trip to Texas, and of course we had a great time with family & friends (and enchiladas, and tamales, and....)

That being said, we are SOOO glad to be back surrounded by trees and water again. Especially since our current home is set in an area plays so much better into my new freakish, fantastic, obsession: The Movie. The book. The *phenomena* that is Twilight.



So, my adorable teenage babysitter (pictured above), who you'll remember from this post, first mentioned the book to me as something she was reading while we were out on our session a few weeks ago. Being the literature snob that I am, I didn't pay it much thought, but did manage to bookmark the title in my brain thinking I may watch the movie on HBO a year from now some quiet afternoon when I haven't got anything better to do. Over the break, we heard that it was the number one movie out there, so I convinced the hubster to go see it with me while we were killing an afternoon.

FELL - IN - LOVE!!! So, I got the book. Read it in a span of two days. Only reason it wasn't finished in one was b/c of that pesky holiday last Thursday which required my participation and derailed my time spent with Edward and Bella. Then I picked up New Moon, and finished it in one day. And am now sadly, anxiously pacing the floor waiting for baby boy to wake up so I can haul him off to Barnes & Noble in search of Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Both were sold out yesterday on our trip to Target. Dangit.

I am such a 13-year-old.

It's really pathetic when on Sunday evening I was excited to see our adorable aforementioned babysitter (note to self...beg to borrow her copies of Eclipse & Breaking Dawn if Barnes & Noble proves non-productive...) simply to gush about Edward Cullen. Seriously, girlfriends, do yourself a favor and indulge your inner 17-year-old....you'll totally thank me. Read the book. Go see the movie. Then you'll know what we're all flushing and gushing about!

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving...more soon...I have a book to read again. :) PB

Final Family...

...of 2008 - that is "officially" - I'm sure y'all will see some unofficial business posted between now and the new year. This is a *very* special family for me - first met this little guy when he was just a few days old....



...and look at him now...



And, his big sister has always been a riot...





...and I am her "personal" photographer (at least that's what Mom tells me she tells the other kids at the park)...



...and, well, this group has just been a blast all around this year. Thanks so much to Mom especially for letting me share in her baby's first year!




Y'all have a nice night! :) PB

After a *fun* family session...

...a few weeks ago, Mom decided she wanted to do another session with just the kids!

Just the kids sessions are my *favorite* by the way...because they are so - much - fun!!





..but when it got cold, well - that's when the REAL fun started...









...and even the doll got to go for a swing....



....more pics coming soon! - PB :)

Brag.

If you follow this blog, you know I'm married to a marathoner, and I was so touched recently when he told me about Medals4Mettle a unique and inspiring non-profit organiation which helps folks in need by providing them with marathon medals donated by runners. Apparently kiddos who are really sick *LOVE* to go around with medals dangling from their necks - whether it be roaming the halls of a hospital, or while taking chemo treatments, or during their final hours on this earth. Who knew?

And, apparently Disney Marathon medals are in high demand b/c of their kid friendly design. How cool!

Soo...I was really moved when the hubster announced he was donating his. Why is this *Such* a big deal? Well, because marathon medals - to those who earn them - are pretty flippin' important. They serve as proof of the grueling accomplishment which results after months of training & sacrifice. His Disney Marathon medal is especially meaningful to him b/c for various reasons, it was his toughest race ever. So, I was a little suprised when he announced that he was sending it off in order to lift the spirits of a stranger, whom he will likely never meet. And, it's something he can never get back - even though he worked so hard to earn it.

The least I could do was take a picture of it so he'd have a reminder of what he earned and what he gave away. And, hopefully our little boy will see these one day, and understand how great of a guy his Dad is.





DISCLAIMER: My husband has **NO** idea I'm posting this, and would probably be annoyed b/c he is the humblest person on the face of the earth. I'm not. I'm a bragger. Especially when it's about people I love....and besides, it's my blog! I can do whatever I want to. :) Enjoy, PB

Additional Disclaimer: For people who I am related to who are reading this blog and wondering what on earth happened to baby boy's hair....don't ask. All I can say, is hopefully it will grow quickly. :) PB