A Week Full of Surprises!

First off, Phil kept a secret from me for almost 24 hours earlier this week...and it was a very good one!

Twenty years ago this fall, I was tapped for Delta Zeta Tau, a social service club at Lee (or sorority to non-Lee people). I didn't make it through induction - I quit because I was scared, and I have always regretted not finishing what I started. I am not naturally the most social person in the world, but once I get to know someone I will be your trusted friend for life. Being around Phil for the past 20 years has been such a huge blessing in that he has forced me to come out of my shell, so to speak. For that, and much more, I am so grateful. :0) Okay...so I guess that was a little tangent...

So back to my first surprise...Over the past few years I have developed some very close relationships with several of the students and young alumni in DZT. They are girls I will always consider as a huge part of my life. Tuesday of this week was moving along like any other day. I was waiting for Phil to finish up at work at the end of the day, and we finally packed up and went out the back door of the Admissions house. Before I knew it, there was a sea of red coming my way! I was asked to be an honorary member of Delta Zeta Tau. What a complete shock and honor. I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me. My hope is to be able to pour into the lives of these girls and be a good example in every way possible.

The next surprise was extra special...Phil completely surprised me by planning a night away for Valentine's Day. Our world seems so busy with both of us working full-time, his doctoral program, and the kids' crazy schedules that we don't ever get a date night. So, he called his parents to watch the kids overnight. We made reservations at our favorite restaurant, P.F. Chang's, and stayed overnight in a very nice hotel in downtown Chattanooga. It was so wonderful to just relax and enjoy each other's company for 24-hours. :0)

I just love my husband, and am extremely impressed with all his secrets and surprises this week. There's never a dull moment! :0)

Way To Go Steelers!

Well, Sunday was a very big day in the Cook house, to say the least. We are the hugest of Steeler fans, and enjoyed about 12 hours worth of football related TV leading up to and including the Super Bowl. Yes, we did go to church, but thank goodness for the DVR...we didn't miss a thing. I figured I'd share a few photos from the official Cook Family Super Bowl Party that we had at Phil's brother's house. There were about 30 of us there...including a few friends.

My Striped Friends

Okay, so it all started at about 1:00 AM on September 10th. I couldn't sleep and was reading a book all cuddled up in our bed when I heard a sound coming from the laundry room area. I thought Drew had been sleepwalking - as he often does - and called out his name. There was no answer, but another huge racket. At that point, I go toward the laundry room, certain that we had a rat (of which I am terrified). I proceed to carefully open the laundry room door and turn on the light. Then, I peered through the door to see the vent cover completed removed from the floor and about a foot away from its proper place. At the same time, I see a huge skunk meander by...no kidding! I proceed to close the door and scream for Phil. I was literally shaking - and I think he thought I was crazy. Of course, I bug him until he calls every number in the yellow pages for an animal control person. We finally reach a guy who has a 24-hour service. Over the next three weeks, we caught 7 skunks and a possum. They were digging under our porch and climbing through a hole leading to our crawl space. After we were sure they were all gone, we repaired the hole and had the a/c guy come repair the damage to the ventilation. While he was at it, I had him screw down all the vent covers in the house, so I wouldn't have to worry about any critters ever getting in the house again.

Here are a few pictures from the first time around. Phil was brave enough to take them. :0)

Well, guess what...last week we hear a horrible racket coming from the air vent by the tv, and over the past several days "something" has been hissing and screaming at us from the vent. We have found and repaired another entrance, and hope to lure the skunk out of the house. Oh yeah, we know it's a skunk because it's spraying. Yikes! I don't know about critters... We live in the city, but are being invaded!!!

Christmas 2008

Meridieth (12 years old)

Megan (9 years old)

Drew (8 years old)

So, I've never done anything like this before - and wonder who would even care to read it - but I thought I'd give it a shot! We had a great Christmas this year. The kids are growing up fast, and I love watching them enjoy the holidays. My mom came up for a week, and then we celebrated on the 26th with the Cooks. There are 22 of us now, and it is always so much fun when we get together. It's especially entertaining to watch the younger cousins open gifts and have fun. More to come...