Monica & Joseph Meadows

2010-06-03T10:44:00.001-07:00

It's Thursday ladies, and downtown at Mojo's that means it is Ladies Night! Ladies, come see the city's one and only Dueling Rock & Roll Piano Show with no cover charge, we have drink specials and plenty of fun. Also, bring your Sex & the City 2 ticket stubs (stub date only) in June, and pay no cover charge any night... of the week for your movie party!

823 Garrison Ave
Ft Smith, AR
Mojosivoryhouse.com

Rehearsals at MoJo's

2010-05-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

Dueling piano players performing "Careless Whisper" by George Michael with a little "Gin and Juice" mixed in. This is before the sound system is in...you can imagine what it will sound like when everything is all done! Fort Smith, get ready to have some fun!

MoJo's Ivory House..Coming Soon..Very Soon

2010-04-08T09:50:00.001-07:00

So...I have been M.I.A...well Ihave had a pretty good reason, even though I have missed the blogging world, we have been busy with our current project.

Tah Dah!

MoJo's Ivory House Dueling Piano Bar and Lofts, coming along fast and we are so excited!

This Summer's hot spot...a bar like Fort smith has never seen! The talent will have you dancing laughing, and singing along to your favorite hits of all time! The dueling show will be every Friday and Saturday night, along with various other entertainment events throughout the year. At MoJo's Dueling Piano Bar, you control the show! Every night is unique as guests request their favorite songs. A private roomis available for your next event...great for birthdays, bachelorette parties, couples showers, etc.

MoJo's is located at 823 Garrison Ave in Ft Smith, AR, next to Rib Room. The completely renovated historic building will contain 14 lotf style apartments. All of the units will be equipped with washer and dryer, free wi-fi internet and many ther amenities. Some of the units will contain spiral staircases leading to the 2nd bedroom and bath, others will have amazing views of downtown, You can have the convience and prestige of living downtown...all at an affordable price.

Joseph and I, along with our family and friends have been working day and night to bring a fun, enjoyable, unique, top of the line atmosphere to Fort Smith, AR.

We hope we have you support when those doors open..we promise to show you a good time!

visit http://www.mojosivoryhouse.com/ for updates, rates, etc.

Ciao for Now

What to wear? That is the question

2010-01-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the things I know I will be bringing on my trip. I am leaving tonight to stay with my mom in Fayetteville, and then we are heading to Tulsa first thing in the morning, hoping we can fly out before the ice storm hits. I hear it is going to be quite CHILLY here in Arkansas...and it will be a low of 20 degrees at night in NYC, which is perfectly fine with me! I love a cold winter day, all bundled up in scarves and boots and jackets...walking around the most beautiful city in the world! I havent even started packing, except for in my mind. I thrive on procrastination...at least I tell myself that!

These are the things that are already in my suitcase in my mind...

Classic burberry quilted jacket

warm, toasty, puffy jackets and vests

Rachel Pally dress, can be worn on or off the sholders
%50 off here

Joseph bought me these wonderful, comfy MIA boots for Christmas

Im sure there will be lots of leggings, skinny jeans, dresses and cardigans in tow!
I will bring back lots of pics!

ciao for now
Mo

I'm in an Empire State of Mind

2010-01-20T07:33:00.000-08:00

I booked tickets for my mom and I to NYC on Jan 28th and I am so excited. We have not been on a vacation together since I was a pre-teen, and we are long over due for some serious mom/daughter time. I can't wait to get a week of just the two of us, no real estate, no distractions. Plus, I fell madly in love with this city about 3 and 1/2 years ago. We went several times in a year long period for our Amazing Race promotion events. I admit, I really wish I could share this trip with Joseph as well, it is kinda "our city," because we truly have had some of the best times of our lives in this spectacular city.

Here are a few pics of our NYC adventures.

Out and about n the Meat Packing district

Eating breakfast at about 3:30 a.m. after a night out at Marquee
There is a whole fabulous after party scene at these amazing sit down breakfast spots in the city

Central Park
glad I threw this raincoat away...

Erika, the producer that recruited me for the RACE and someone that was on Survivor...they were trying to do the "bump"

This club overlooked the city, the girl on the far left is Danielle from the RACE

At a comedy club

Pre TAR flies party with our cast

(TAR flies are avid Amazing Race fans who throw the Racers a red carpet event..very surreal)

the Double D's and I (that was the cast's nick name for them)

Eric and the Double D's and MoJo

at CBS headquarters after the Early Show

the interviewers and Joseph and I

Can't wait to share new experiences with my mom. It is restaurant week in NYC...very exciting. I am looking forward to amazing food, wine, entertainment and shopping.

ciao for now!

Best Dressed- Golden Globes 2010

2010-01-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

Here are my picks for Best Dressed

Emily Blunt, ethereal and gorgeous

Hotter than ever, true movie star

Olivia Wilde from House...always hits the mark, this was stunning on stage when she presented

Toni Collette won for "United States of Tara"

she looked stunning, from everything to hair, makeup, dress

Overall, I was very under-whelmed by the fashion at this year's Golden Globes 2010..especial with all of the royal purple. Some of the classic looks of past Globes such as these...still have the bar set high

ciao for now!
Mo

My new obsessions

2010-01-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

I always love to know what works for other people before I buy...considering I am the take back queen. I have learned to not give a sh** about what the tellers think about me returning an item. I want what I want and I don't what I don't..it's not my fault their product sucked...anyways..little tangent there.

Here are a few things I have purchased and adore.

David Yurman Aviators

they are the best sunglasses I have ever owned, I know they are pricey, but I am not big on multiples, so I like to invest something and really love it

I am a total MAC convert

this quote...I have it on my desktop to remind me of how bad it sucks to feel like my clothing is tight...so therefore I have one less cookie..or no cookie at all.

Wii. We have so much fun kicking each other's butts on Mario Kart (just like back in the day with Nintendo 64 but much better...and you can actually use a wheel like you are really driving. The tennis is amazing too, I actually break a sweat b/c I get so into it. I haven't plugged in my Wii fit Plus, but super excited about it. Although I heard that it makes little comments when you get on and you have gained a few or haven't been on in awhile...that thing might be going through the window. I am not having some little cyber butthead tell me what's up! :)

Last but not least, the new Express Illustrator pants. I have always been a big Editor girl, but now I have switched to these. They are more tailored for a longer leaner look.

Hope you like these suggestions, I know I love reading other people's fashion experiences!
ciao for now
Mo

One last Christmas

2010-01-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

Yes..I said Christmas with my family. ...three weeks after Christmas. We are cool like that. We just we all so busy with the crazy amount of family functions, and my step mom always feels so badly having another one with just her kids, she decided to put it off until after everything calmed down. It was nice to see everyone and chow down on some food food(she is an amazing cook)

We all have so many fun stories to tell and always ended up laughing our a**es off at each other. Like me asking if Clamato juice meant it had "clam juice in it"..I mean, I know it is clam and tomato, therefore "Clamato" but really? sick! I love that stuff but I am never drinking it again.

I mean, who thought one day, I think I will mix the juice of a clam and a tomato together....someone very disturbed.

I find myself very wiered out lately with the Holidays being over, my schedule on the weekends is fairly clear...so strange. Guess Im gonna have to start planning some events...the beach....

The One and Only, Cabo

(really want this to my my next beach vacay)

or Vegas sounds nice!

ciao for now!

2009 is so last season

2010-01-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

Pics from our NYE night out at Fix night club in Fayetteville

Well, hello long lost friends! I have been a bad little blogger lately. Honestly, I got a little burnt out, and I don't even blog as much as some! This has kinda made me realize that I never wanted to sit down and spend my free time uploading pics, telling the stories that I already have told aloud a million times and then arranging the pics to where they are in chronological order...which for some reason my computer is highly difficult.

So I am making a New Year's resolution to blog more often, however, I am not going to feel the pressure to make every entry perfect. My blog will be, just like me....highly imperfect.

So first off, I am going to put a few of my resolutions out there, mostly to keep me accountable!

1. Continue to become more organized...this one was last year's resolution and I have made some major leaps, and I still have a long road ahead to make this a lifestyle change. Now that I have my own office at Ramona Roberts, instead of a little cubicle, this is going to be much easier.

2. Go to bed earlier. This is going to be a big struggle for me. I seem to never want the day to end..oddly, I get my splurge of energy at night, I will start a new project, start a movie, start research on the Internet, or some other random journey at 10 o'clock at night. This has got to stop..I am going to set my goal to be in bed by 11 pm every night...last night was 12...I'm winging myself into it. I know that that will in turn allow me to wake up earlier..hopefully by 6....where as now I am up at 8. I think this bad habit stems from years of all night-ers in college, whether that was for a test or party....mostly for the party.

3. Remember to love what I already have...sometimes I get so caught up in my (our) goals for the future and what I want that I do not already have...I forget to love what I have right now and be happy RIGHT NOW..in this moment in my life I am so happy and sometimes it takes a look back on your year to see how blessed you are. I want 2010 to be the year I realize how happy I am while I am happy....make sense?

4. Get some kind of designation...whether it be personal training or real estate (GRI, CRS, etc), both things I have wanted to set goals for.

That's it! There are other things I could improve on, but I am cutting myself some slack (there is another resolution I should do as well..cutting myself some slack that is)

Hope all of you out there will forgive me for being so boring and come back!

Happy New Year

Much love

Ciao

Thank You

2009-11-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

Your dedication, commitment and sacrifice will never, NEVER be forgotten. My heart is filled with gratitude for what you are doing so my family and I have our freedom and a place to call home. Yet my heart aches for the families who are missing the ones they love. How will we ever repay you? We will live our lives in your memory.

Thank you.

No words....

2009-11-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

I was a groupie for Halloween..but the real stars of the show were Joseph and Eric (of the Frats from our season of The Amazing Race, season 9 and The Amazing Race, AllStars). They were not Brett Micheals and Tommy Lee, like many people thought...oh no, they were their own rock 80's Hair Band, like no other.

The jock straps were the absolute highlight of the costumes. We bedazzelled them with iron on guitars and crosses and then tye died them with spray paint. Joseph wore my Patrick Swayze t shirt and that shirt is tight on ME, much less my husband! Their pants were women's "liquid leggings" from Hot Topic. I never thought I would hear my husband say, "Are these pants tight enough on my butt?" ..that was a new low, or high..not sure which!

As soon as Eric and Joseph got into costume, they entered the world of hair nation and rock and roll. They played the part ALL NIGHT, and they were lovin' it! Me..sometimes, not so much....

We had the time of our lives, two nights in a row, started out in the Fort and then onto Fayetteville.

Needless to say, Joseph has some serious battle wounds...the rockstar has turned into a big baby. He ripped his leggings when he did a power slide across the stage and has the biggest scrap I have ever seen. Poor thang!

ciao

I need opinions, I am having trouble making the leap..fashion leap that is.

2009-10-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to jump on the "jeggings" bandwagon, yes that means jeans + leggings= jeggings, ridiculous, I know..but we all need a little lesson in fashion mathematics 101.

I want to know everyone's experiences with these (if any). I dont know if they are only for the ULTRA skinny girls on the runway, or if us normal girls can wear then.

I never tuck my jeans into my boots, even though I always want to...I think it is b/c I am soooo picky about how flattering my clothes are and I always feel like, no matter how skinny my jeans are, they stilla are too thick, and my legs look lilke really straight up and down (tree trunks I guess you could say). So, you would think these would be the perfect solution, huh?

but what if I pay $115 dollars for them (b/c I really love the James "twiggy" jeggings that are all the rage by the celebrities...and I look like a complete idiot!

Help!

For the anorexics of the world or okay for girls like me?

ciao for now!

http://www.jamesjeans.us/new-arrivals/twiggy-china-doll.html

The perfect warm, snuggly and yummy food!

2009-10-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

I am telling you, this will be a staple in your kitchen for year's to come! It is something you can throw together for dinner, parties, whatever..and people will think you SLAVED over it all day!
I don't know about you... but I know I want to do the least amount of effort for the most amount of praise!

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/mandi-foresters-white-chicken-chili/

Ingredients
1 32-ounce box chicken stock
3 cans white beans, left undrained
5 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
1 16-ounce jar salsa
1 8-ounce block pepper jack cheese, grated
2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
Black or white pepper to taste
1/2 cup finely crushed corn chips (optional, if you like your chili thicker)
Sour cream, for garnish

Preparation
Place all ingredients except the corn chips in a crockpot. Cook on high until the cheese is melted.
Chili may also be cooked on the stovetop over medium-high heat until cheese is melted.
When the chili is ready, add the crushed corn chips, if using, and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken. Garnish with more chips, cheese and/or sour cream and serve. Serves 6-8 people

Happy Birthday Daddy. I miss you. I hope you know.

2009-10-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here on this day, wishing I was going to the bakery to get your birthday cake...

wishing I had been fretting for the past few weeks about what in the world to get you....

wishing I was driving to Rogers and taking you out to dinner, and arguing with you about where to go b/c you would have rathered Sandy make dinner at home....

wishing you could see me now, so happy in my life, yet so sad, on this day, the day your were born, and from that day on, you brought joy to everyone you met...not many people can say that...you could...

I sometimes see men out on the lake fishing...and I think of how much you loved it, how talented you were. Hunting season is here again, I always think of how much fun you would be having.

I think of how happy you would be to see the life I have created.

I miss you every time I accomplish something, every time I see fathers and daughters having fun together..and every time I see daughters taking their fathers for granted...It makes me sad that my children will only know you through my words and not through your smile and laughter.

I will go through many milestones in the future, and they will all be bittersweet.

It never gets any easier...and I will never stop missing you.

I have all of these people in my life because of you.

Happy birthday Daddy. I love you. I miss you deeply.

Moni

You never fail to make me laugh...

2009-09-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

Three years ago on this day, you set pulled off the biggest surprise of my life. I had never been as happy as I was in that very moment.... I saw the ring, I saw your face, and I knew we had the ride of a lifetime ahead of us. You are truly my best friend, my love....my JoJo. Daddy had a feeling that you were the one for me, he knew the second he met you, that you would take care of his little girl, and I know he is looking down on us everyday...and I know you have exceeded his expectations.

Thank you for all you do everyday to make our lives better. I hope you know how proud I am of you; you never cease to amaze me with your drive and hard work.

I am so lucky to have you by my side for the last seven years.

Here is to the next seventy.

"Whatever it is souls are made of, yours and mine are the same."

Love, Mo

I seriously googled 'how much does a pair of jeans weigh?" today...

2009-09-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

Ok. Googling "how much do a standard pair of jeans weigh" is a problem..at least I can admit it. I have never been one to weigh myself on a regular basis. I work out almost everyday and eat really well, so I dont fluctuate enough to really worry about my weight. However, I went for a routine checkup with Dr. Callaway today, and of course...the nurse weighs you on one of those AWFUL balance, non digital scales, with all your clothes on, all your jewelry on....it's dreadful.

Needless to say, it wasnt that bad, but I found myself obsessing over if it was accurate or not...I think that might be a symptom of not ever know what I ACTUALLY weigh. I am about to start my period also, so that is never a good time to weigh. And dont get me wrong, it wasnt a lot or anything, and I know I am not over weight, but I just want to know what I really weigh...guess I am going to have to break down and buy a scale!

So...yes, when I got in my car I actually googled "How much does a pair of jeans weigh..." seriously Monica?? you need to calm down!

I am saying this..and yet I still am wondering how much everything I had on weighs....STOP! I know! ugggghh! Damn docotors appointments, I knew there was a reason I never went to the doctor!

Ciao for now-

Please help me help those in need this Christmas!

2009-09-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

I need auction items to help children in need! PLEASE!!!

The Jr League of Ft Smith's annual Holiday Market has raised over $100K in past years, please reach into your heart and donate an auction item to help the children of the Children Emergency Shelter, as well as Buckle up and Be Safe, Adult Literacy Center, Kids in the Kitchen and many more!

I am the auction chair for Jingle Bell Ball live and silent auction, so please comment or message me if you are willing to donate an auction item.

This is an absolutely fabulous event, and this year it is going to be better than ever. We have moved it to Saturday night, therefore you can feel free to stay up later, party a little harder, and spend a little more money! Boom Kenetic will be providing the entertainment and let me tell ya...they are the best when it comes to creating a party!

This is one of biggest events of the year, and not only is it a way to help those in need, but it is a wonderful oppurtunity to promote your business. I cannot tell you how many donors from past years have conveyed to me how they were able to secure a new customer from donating their item. Not only are you giving a tax deductible donation, helping someone in need, you are promoting you business..what a wonderful world! Holiday Market 2009! November 20-22nd 2009

Ciao-
Mo

A few finds I forgot...

2009-09-20T14:13:00.001-07:00

David Yurman aviators, they have the most amazing lenses that cut the glare but are not too dark...all with the classic yurman roping and buckle..its jewelry for your eyes!

Grey Biker Jacket from BeBe, perfect topper for that little spring dress to go into fall!

I love Fall! Football, the wonderful musk smells of the colder air, new candles, soups, hot drinks from Starbucks, and all the fun events that are in the works!

Happy Fall!

ciao-

In the search for fun fall finds...these are my new purchases

2009-09-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

William Rast Stella Bootcut jeans...my absolute favorite purchase for Fall

American Apparel leggings and t shirts in EVERY color..so fun, casual, comfy and chic

Forever 21 (Love 21 contemporary) tunic, perfect with leggings or my new jeans...work or play

Louis Vittoun damier NeverFull bag, the perfect accessory

a great animal print cardigan goes with everything

Cole Hann with Nike Air technology...OMG I can walk around all day in these with out DYING.

In real estate I am constantly in and out of the car and in and out of houses and my feet really suffer...but since I bought these in bronze mettalic patent leather I have been soooo relieved!
I DONT DO FLATS so I really needed these shoes for work!

I mean....so cozy

I thought this little slip dress was perfect for layering and for those oh so short dress or shirts you want to make into dresses...feminine and flirty.

I still feel like I havent even scratched the surface of all the new fall trends, some I think I will tackle and some are better left to the super skinny Nicole Richie's of the world

What I want to find:

Purple shoes/boots

biker boots (I need them before Bike Blues BBQ next week!)

faux fur vest

sholder pads (I just havent seen anything modern enough to not look like a complete idiot!)

Not so much:

Over the knee boots (I think I would look squatty)

patent leather shiny leggings ( I just think I would look like a hooker)

Here's to the constant quest for the next fun find!

Happy Shopping!

ciao-

P90X...Its What's For Dinner!

2009-09-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

My gym for the next 90 days!

Me: before (now..ha ha)

Joseph: before (now)

So it's official- Joseph and I are starting P90X tonight. We have gotten all the equipment and are ready to go! I thought it would be a great way for us to workout together, even tho we have completely different schedules. Joseph has really been wanting to get back into working out ( I know its disgusting that he is fit and he dosent work out regularly.) He has always been the type that is really active and has always played sports. Recently he joined a softball league and he is discovering that he isnt in as great of shape as he once was. So...here goes nothing...

I have heard several things about the program..good and bad. I have already done a few of the yoga workouts and they are definately intense for yoga..so I am guessing I can assume that same for the rest of the workouts. I love a good workout though! I work out almost every morning with my Triple Threat class and I think I really cannot stop going to that...so I am going to be extra tired.

I am forcing myself to put up a before pic just so I have to stay accountable for keeping up with the program. (I cant say the same for Joseph tho...but I am going to put up a before pic of him too so he feels a little pressure!)

Love you honey! Now lets get RIPPED!

wish me luck!

ciao-
Mo

2009-09-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous trip to Destin a couple of weeks ago. Things have been INSANE around my household so I am just now blogging about it! I just love the Destin vibe, fun, family, sun, beach, seaside houses, wonderful restaurants, and lots of shopping! What more can a girl ask for?

Joseph and I at Marina Cafe...my favorite restaurant in Destin

Joseph and Jubal "christening" the boat...or borderline getting arrested

before dinner and Rum Runners

with the fam at Rum Runners Piano Bar in Baytowne Wharf...we have to do market research for our new piano bar!

with my fav father in law...thanks for a fabulous trip we always look forward to!

my brother in law being his crazy self

love ya!

Kenneth, Jubal, Joseph and Jim on their charter boat

my honey (thats what he says when he loves you!)... Jude!

storm coming in...B.E.A.U tifl

my honey

We had such a relaxing trip full of good memories, good conversation, quality time with grandma, lil Jude, sister and brother in law and the Parents.

I basically read (Breaking Dawn..amazingly good), ate, drank, and then started all over the next day! What a life!

cant wait till next year!

caio

A fabulous weekend at Beaver

2009-08-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

Kristi and I

Joseph and I had a fabulous weekend! We finally took our boat up to Beaver to go to Jeff and Kathy's lake house. They have always been our official lake buddies on Ouchita but now that they have thier OWN house, they are always trying to get us to come up to Beaver! We are soooo happy we did! It was a beautiful weekend...a little chilly when the boat was cruising, but once we stopped, it was just perfect! We got to see a good friend of ours..JJ and his new wife. He never fails to impress all of us with his crazy wakeboarding skills and Joseph was happy to see that he can still hang with the best of them...even though he knows he isnt quite as good (according to Joseph he isnt as good...but I think Joseph is amazing)...he loves to learn new tricks and it is nice to ride with someone who really knows so much about the sport.

I also got to see my bestie Kristi, who just returned from her honeymoon. She is officially a married woman and I am so excited to share our lives with all of our wonderful friends!
We always laugh so hard when we are all four together and this wkend was nothing but halarious. I just love how easy it is to be with them and I know we will all four be friends forever! We love you Jeff and Kathy! Cant wait until St. Louie!! wooo hoo!

my hubby after a long hard day of wakeboarding

we made him ride to "Soldier Boy"

it was halarious

best buds

best buddies

We are so lucky to have yall in our lives!

get down, get down! Dont ask...

Kathy and I enjoying one of the last few weekends of summer!

Jeffy and I

I mean she has legs for DAYS! can I borrow those please?

This was our version of "Soldier Boy" ..we are so lame

Joseph about to go for a "snail fish" I believe that is a rayliegh with a twist and a grab...somthing like that

YOU! Joseph's signature move

...I will leave you with that.

your welcome. ha!

Next weekend is the last weekend of "official" summer! May all of you have the best weekend yet!

ciao

Lazy day at oauchita

2009-07-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

I am trying out this bogging on my new blackberry and I don't know if it is going to work. But I am sitting at the lake house with jeff n kathy, jo, and my father in law, waiting for the rain to go away. Jo just made all of us pancakes and they were so yummy. What a good ill hubby. My mom spent the night with us in the fort two nights ago and jo was doing the laundry and she just sat there in amazement at his domestic abilities. She made sure I knew how lucky I was to even have a husband that was aware the laundry was going much less take the initiative to wash, dry AND fold! However sometimes he goes a ill bit overboard..like the day I loaded the dishwasher and he came in and reloaded it bc I didn't do it right. Ridiculous. I still love em the..but sometimes I wanna kill him.
I'm sure we all feel that way sometimes. But I try not to let myself forget how lucky I am to have a domesticated, anal retentive, lovable husband
Well I'm gonna finish watching tom watson choke in the playoff of the british open. Let's pray he pulls it out. Then its off to the water. I lug sundays on the pontoon on oauchita!
CIAO
MO
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

More of Africa

2009-07-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

So here are some more pics from Africa, again out of order. I need some serious help with blogging!

chillin the back, chillin in the bush

this is us with Clayton Morar, he works for the "People or Us Weekly" of South Africa

The Amazing Race just aired there and it is a pretty big show in Africa

Joseph and I went out to a bar on Camps Bay, looked alot like South Beach in Miami. fabulous
It was crazy, you could by a bottle of Grey Goose (table service) at this club for $350 Rand which is about $40 US dollars! In Vegas it would cost you $400 or more! love it!

Mama Tau's lion ranch

the garden at our lodge

our digs

about to go out for the day

Anna and I

so funny

Blesboks

sunset in the bush

our fab ride

our room

these trees are about 1000 years old and they are made of about %97 water

the photography ranch we visited

hippo hideaway

random snapshot of me...glad I dont have anything in my nose

the patio and bar area

Africa is an amazing place. I think everyone should try to visit at some point in their lives. There is so much to see and you definately cannot do it all in one trip. The people are worth the visit in themselves. People are soooo appreciative of you choosing their place of business and they are truly kind and gracious people.

Although the poverty is apparent and extremly sad, there is a lot of hope amongst the people and they truly appreciate the simple and important things in life.

I will visit again and hope to get more in depth with the lifestyle and a better perception of what truly needs to happen to make a difference in these wonderful people's lives.

Africa, thank you for a trip of a lifetime.

ciao

My head will not stop spinning!

2009-07-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hello, is anyone out there? I am sure that anyone who once was, is loooong gone! I am back and ready to start blogging!

Okay, These are not in order by any means. I am having a hard time moving pics once they are downloaded. I need some serious help organizing the pictures to where they are not reversed...Sarah Greer? any thoughts?

Joseph and I at Table Mtn. in Cape Town South Africa

sitting on the edge of the world

okay, see what I mean, this is our first pic in Africa, we stopped for a pee break in the middle of the Limpopo region after a 14.5 hr flight and another 4 he drive...soooo tired!

a photography ranch in Limpopo

Joseph and Hank spot and stalking

riding around in the land rover

at the photography ranch, searching for Hippos

being silly, as always

Anna and I, the expert photographers

not for the faint of heart, but tough if you dont like it (sarah and angela) haha!

blue wildabeast

African Kudu, 56.5 in, which is a very big trophy, Gold status in the SCI book

In the past 5 weeks, I have been home for a total of 4 days. I came home from Africa on Tuesday the 23rd of June, left for my fabulous girls weekend in Vegas on the 25th, back from there on the 28th, home for 4 days, then off to the lake for the fourth of July...went straight from the lake to Searcy, AR (whooo hoo) and Little Rock to work on the club house at our new apartment complex for three days...then straight to the lake for the weekend. I am finally home today and boy does it feel good!

I remember a couple of months ago, I prayed that I would get busier...boy did He answer my prayers....be careful what you wish for! ha!

Africa was the most incredible, unique experience I have ever had. I absolutely loved the thrill of hunting in the bush with my husband and our good friends Hank and Anna.

The lodge was amazing...it was far from roughing it. it was equipped with a full staff to do our laundry, cook three meals a day, and clean up after us..what more could you ask for??

Everyday we would put on our gear...lots of layers b/c it started out cold and got really hot. ....and we would go out on the beautiful ranches in search for the wild game.

It was not easy , let me tell ya....we would sometimes walk for miles in search for the perfect hunt. It was adrenaline pumping excitement followed by hours of driving through the south african wild looking for the perfect target.

We not only went to hunting ranches, we went to a few photography ranches and a lion breeding ranch.

We left the hunting lodge a few days early and headed off to Cape Town for a fabulous 4 day weekend!

I have never seen more beautiful terrain in my life!

I will have a more as the days go on about Africa, we had so much fun and so many pics, I cant do them all in one post.

Stay tuned for pics from Vegas! woo hoo!

Papas..wild night on the chopper

2009-06-06T22:38:00.001-07:00

Monica Meadows
King Realty Group
MonicaJ711@aol.com
479-629-4455

Dolce Vita! ...Salud! ...Cheers!

2009-05-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been in the mood for wine! I am so intrigued by the "art of wine" and the fabulous art of drinking wine. I feel like a know a thing or two, however I have sooo much to learn. It is one of those "hobbies" that you can never get enough of and there is always another wine to try. I wanted to share a few of my favorites...some newbies and some old trusted friends.

We first tried this one b/c of the name of course, we wanted to put something personalized in the baskets for the out of town guests at our wedding, but we wanted it to be a good wine. We have been hooked ever since. It is blend of 5 grapes and it is "MO Betta wine" as they say at Spann Vineyards...and by the way the owner has Arkansas roots! Drink some to get your mojo pumpin...

One of my new favorite grapes is from Argentina. They have a wonderful selection of wine for a budget friendly price. It is less expensive to harvest and therefore that reflects in the wine cost.

The first one is a Malbec. The Gascon is a great one to try. It was about $15 or under and it is very full bodied, but very smooth with rich fruit inspired flavors. It is bold enough for both brawny men and ladies who love a sophisticated wine.

Now we are all looking for a great white for the summer, and I love a sauvignon blanc. The ones from Chile are inexpensive and very yummy. Again, they have less cost to produce, and you have less cost to buy and drink....heavily hopefully!

This is a Chardonnay from Washington State and has won many tasting awards. Support American Wines...God Bless America...another way to be patriotic. woo hoo!

Waterbrook Chardonnay

If you are willing to shell out a little dough, maybe for a special event, I would have to say some of my favs are....

*Cain 5

*Vintage La Colina Pinot Noir 2004 (this might be my all time fav...hard to find though)

*Cakebread

Hope I inspired you to try some new wines...let me know what you think and let me know your favs!

"Dolce Vita!"
(sweet life)

ciao

testing

2009-05-12T10:20:00.001-07:00

Sorry..testing b looger mobile on my new phone

Monica Meadows
King Realty Group
MonicaJ711@aol.com
479-629-4455

Mobile tryout

2009-05-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

Trying out blogger mobile

Monica Meadows
King Realty Group
MonicaJ711@aol.com
479-629-4455

South Africa..here we come

2009-05-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

So, soon Joseph and I will be traveling to South Africa on a hunting expedition and safari. I am excited beyond words. This truly will be the experience of a lifetime and I cannot wait to take in all that Africa has to offer.
We are staying at a safari camp, Adansonia. Our hosts will be Minnie and Mof, South African natives, along with their two young girls. Here are some pics of where we will be staying.

Some past hunters and their trophies

Now...for what I will be wearing...

I soon discovered there is not a lot of women's true safari gear out there, so one company pretty much has the lock down, when it comes to safari wear that is actually functional

Eddie Bauer also has an Expedition Belize line that is fabulous..this jacket is super cute and I will be able to wear it again

It is nice to have shirts that roll up and are vented...it is winter in Africa in June, but it will get up to high 70's or low 80's

here is me in a about a month...except with blonde hair of course.

what I wish I could wear....dont think that will work out in the wilderness
I have suggested a few fashionable items and I soon get my head bit off by Joseph..."this is NOT about looking cute!"
I do want to be prepared and not look like a prissy little city girl, but never hurts to look cute at the same time!

ciao!

A visit from some great friends & a new appreciation for my new home town

2009-04-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Fran and Barry, our best buddies from the Amazing Race, came for a visit, and we were so excited to see them. We all talk often, it is hard NOT to stay in touch considering these are the only people who know exactly what you went through, and had the same unique experience on that crazy, over the top, around the world trip of a lifetime.
It was really nice to show them around the Fort, it is funny how sometimes you don't appreciate what you have until someone points it out to. I think they thought...oh, "Fort Smith, " nothing to write home about; They just came for some quality time with Joseph and I. However,I think they left with a new appreciation for Arkansas. They thought the downtown area was wonderful, intriguing and had tons of potential. It was nice to show them all the renovations to our ongoing downtown project. I am actually really amazed myself how well it is coming along, it doesn't look like much right now, but the bones are definitely there...I can see it all so clear now, through the blueprints, engineering and architecture plans, it is going to be incredible...like no other place in the Fort, or Arkansas as far as I am concerned! I'm a lil biased..

Joseph showing Fran and Barry his vision. I am so proud of you baby!

soon this will be full of booths, tables, flat screens, drinks, food and lots of peeps!

I love the exposed brick wall...it dates back to the 1900's, when Fort Smith was the prime spot in the westerm Frontier

the upper two levels, will be 14 loft style units

so long Davis, hello ????_______ no name yet, but it will be a Meadows' vision

We have BIG plans for the look of the exterior

Fran and Barry with Lake and Michelle, at their home in Mississippi, that was the stop after our home

We love you Franny! You will always be welcome in our home and we hope to see you back for the grand opening!

woo hoo!

ciao

Mid Season Tennis Tournament

2009-04-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the State mid season tennis tournament in LR. It was a really good tournament, especially to get ready for State, coming up in June. It was my first time to compete on this kind of level, and I am officially hooked. A lot of that probably has to do with my team...the girls are soooo much fun, the husbands all got along so well, and all of them kicked some serious booty on the courts. We won as a team every single match we played, and therefore we won our division. I know State is going to be a lot harder, so I am going to be LIVING on the courts until then. The pressure is too much..and I dont want to let my team down.

Katy and I giving each other the eye...match point

Me (left) and Katy (right)

Katy (left) and I getting ready to play Little Rock Raquet Club

Mid Season State Champs

My partner, Katy Ward

My other partner...and cheerleader

the hubbies

always has to be the center of attention..thank you line judge Joseph, but I think you might be a little biased

Me, Amy, and Kelsea

There was quite a bit of down time, so we went to dinner and to have a few drinks on Saturday night. Willy D's was a blast, but we had the most fun downstairs, where we danced all night.

Willie D's

Gusano's

some of the crew after a long night of dancing, sweat much

I was rapping, old school style

luv him, luv it!

again...sweat much

you wouldnt think we had a match the next day, but we actually were way too sober to be around that many people for that long, but the dancing was too much fun. I am a sucker for old school rap, I cant resist.

I am so lucky to be part of such a wonderful team and I know we will all stay friends for a long time.

Go Team Fianna 2!

It's been awhile...let's play catch up!

2009-03-29T17:30:00.001-07:00

Bowling is always more fun when betting is involved....I had a lucky night and bowled a 120 or something like that. I think that is good....?

Joseph and Jeff getting serious about some bowling

beau-ti-mous Kathy

naughty

YOU!

he looks scared...Kathy what did you do to him?

I never knew bowling could be so much fun

So...I had a mini reunion with all my besties from Doe's! This is Monique and I at Fix

Mom and Jo came....our mini family pic

So, we thought it would be a great idea to take a shot...like back in the day...I brilliantly decided on Yager, b/c that was the shot of choice at one place in time...

here goes nothing

I think we have officially gotten old! ha!

I have the cutest mom ever!

We gave Doe's the best 3 years of our life! ha!
Now, we are married (me and Monique) , getting married (Kristi..to a guy she met at Does), and living in Dallas (Emily)

Shogun......tradition for mini reunions and bdays

I love you girls...Vegas here we come!

Ski Trip

2009-03-11T13:23:00.001-07:00

Kelly, Sarah and I at the Westin

it was a loooong day on the slopes....I need a afternoon toddy

yes, this is me with no makeup. I couldnt seem to keep it on...my eyes were watering so bad!

we took a snow sleigh to Zach's Cabin for dinner, after drinks at the Ritz. is was breathtaking

I found sking to be very frustrating at times....so much crap to put on, take off, put on, adjust, blah blah
all while I cant move b/c I have a million layers on! I needed a vacation from the vacation!

I look like the abdominal snow man

the girls

but once we got it all together, it was all worth it!

So, this was the only night we stayed up late, b/c we were so tired everyday after the slopes. You only need a few glasses of wine b4 you are feeling good in the high altitude!
My skin was sooo dry, every morning I would wake up and look like I aged 10 years. I could not live there!

The hot tubs at the Westin Riverfront www.westin.com/riverfront , where we stayed we fabulous! I hadnt really seen an infinity hot tub before...but it looked like it went right into the river, which was at the base of the mountain range where we skied everyday. so fun!

Ok..so let me explain! Everyone chickened out the first night we got there, but Joseph and I were so excited and feeling frisky! So we decided to go down to the hot tub. I turned around and he had my new pink Oakley ski goggles on! It just escalated from there. I admit, I definitely set the camera timer for this one!

At least he still cracks me up after all these years!

I dont know if this is supposed to be his model pose, I think they call it blue steel

It was such a wonderful trip! I dont think we will ever stay anywhere else when we go skiing! The resort had the ski valet, rental, and gondola all right there at your door step...soooo spoiled! I dont know if I could do it otherwise though, I was seriously annoyed by the hassle of it all! I definitely am a beach girl. But once I got up on the mountain and started to ski, there is nothing like it. I think I need to go to one of those places where you can ski in your summer clothes! Perfect!

I love this time of year..the races, which means spring is near!

2009-02-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

Kathy and I

Jeff found himself a dancin partner

Give me your best 80's rocker face

dont ask...this is my monkey face, i guess we were feeling very animated

Porther house bar

We had a blast at the races this weekend. We ended up staying the night in Hot Springs, and stayed at the Embassy Suites, had dinner at Bella Arti with a bunch of friends. I cant say Hot Springs was the most happening place to go out at night, but there were a lot of people in town and we have fun whereever we go!

Its so nice to have the kind of friends that you may not see everyday, but as soon as you do..its like you have missed a beat.
This was the first time I have ever won at the races...I hit two trifectas! yeah me!

We had not been to the lake house in months! I was starting to have serious withdrawls, but I could feel spring coming on and I cannot wait until summer on the lake! What would my life be like without the lake....OMG I cant even think about that!
ciao

Mrs. Amethyst and Alby Stichin in the conservatory with the candle stick

2009-02-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Amethyst and Alby Stichin in the conservatory with the candle stick

Joseph and I as a principal and the town tailor at a Murder Mystery party

my partner trying to figure out the clues

all of us playing our "roles"

Jude's 2nd bday

Aunt Mo and Uncle Jo

Jude was shocked by his new gift

Fire Truck theme

right before his big bday song

We started to sing and he wasnt so sure about it all

He got really embarrassed. how cutie pat-toot-ie

Here are some pics from this past weekend. We went to a murder mystery party for the Fort Smith Classic. It is a PGA tournament that comes to the Fort at Hardscrabble Country Club and really brings a lot of revenue to town. I am helping with some fundraising and day of stuff, so we went to a pre party to get the word out. It was basically a real life clue game. It was so much fun. I was the town principal and Joseph was a tailor. Neither of us were the murderer or the victim...even though I really thought they would make Jo the bad guys since he was pouting all day about how he had to "dress up" and how the party was gonna be "lame"...haha! He actually ended up having fun. Love it when I am right.

Then Sunday we went to Jude's 2nd birthday. I cant believe he is already two. He just gets cuter everyday .

He is kind shy sometimes and dosent always love all eys on him, so I got the perfect pic of him when we all started singing to him. So precious.

When we opened presents. ...Becky, Joseph's mom had brought about 30...not kidding. We were all like "what the heck! he dosent even know how many presents he is getting...all he wants to do is play with the box anyways.!" She said that the lady at Toys r Us told said to her " Let me guess, this is your only grandchild....?" Out of control.

Hope yall have a good week.

ciao

Recipes from last weekend

2009-02-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

Low Cal Margarita

Such a hit!

1 quart Crystal Light lemonade (only make it with half the amount of water suggested)

1/2 cup Grand Marnier (but I just used cheap triple sec b/c I was making a big batch0

1/2 cup Amaretto

fresh lime juice from one whole lime

1 cup golden tequila (or maybe a little more if I am making it)

*when you get done making this recipe, just taste it and add water or more crystal light mix to your tasting.
Just play with it until it tastes good!
I made two batches, to the second batch I added pure POM pomegrante juice (about a cup) to make low cal pomegrante margaritas.
The really neat thing about this recipe is you can change out the liquor type and the crystal light flavor and make low cal punch or low cal martinis!

enjoy! (but not too much)

Black Bean Soup

Ingredients
10 slices bacon, finely chopped
2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
6 garlic cloves, pressed
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups canned chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
4 (15 1/2-ounce) cans black beans, drained but not rinsed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch cilantro
juice of 1/2 lime
Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
Sour cream, for garnish
Grated cheddar, for garnish
Directions
Put the bacon into a large heavy pot and place it over medium heat. Cook until it starts to give up its fat, about 4 minutes. Stir in the onions and cook, stirring, until they start to turn translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until you can smell it, about 1 minute. Add the broth, tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire, and chili powder. Stir in the beans, turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat so the soup is bubbling gently and cook 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, pick off all the thick stems from the cilantro. Wash it and shake dry. Chop the cilantro coarsely and stir it into the soup when it has been simmering 10 minutes. cook until the soup is thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice. Serve with the garnishes.

*Tip-
I added an extra can of Refried black beans to the soup, it makes it creamier and thicker. I also used a crock pot instead of a regular pot and let it boil and then left it on low for a couple of hours. I also didnt use as much bacon, but that is just me!

enjoy!

ciao
mo

So glad to be busy again!

2009-02-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

MoJo

Go Steelers!

At Steve and Amanda's watching the game

Their airdale, Roxy, such a doll

Joseph and I in the "garage" at Steve and Amanda's. wow! I need to go to Taylor (dead swanky) ASAP!

Our little Jude, such a ham

Liz and Jeff, luv ya!

I had quite an eventful weekend. Friday we went to dinner with James and Sarah and Andy and Ruth at Gourmet Gallery in Fort Smith, it is special thing they do once a month and we had about 5 courses and it was fabulous. I got to see Andy and Ruth's new baby William and he is such a precious lil boy! I cant believe they are already the parents of tow little boys!

Saturday afternoon, my sister in law Amanda and I went to look at houses for her to possibly buy and then we had lunch with little Jude and Joseph! He loves his aunt Mo! He is finally at the point where he wants to come to me and hates when I leave....I love it!

On Saturday night we had our monthly supper club, and this weekend it was at David and Sarah's new house in Brighton Place. It is sooo beautiful! They have so much going on with their little boy due April 1st, and the new house and work. I was so glad they still had us all over. It was a Mexican fiesta night. I brought low cal margaritas and black bean soup. I am posting both of the recipes b/c they were such a hit! Sorry, I have no pics of either night. I am not used to pulling out the camera all the time yet. I still feel a little awkward when no one else is taking pics!

Yesterday, I was just suppose to have a showing on my listing in Barling, but it turned into a offer! The people looked at the house yesterday at 2 and wanted to make an offer right then and there! So I had to rush bac to the office while they waited and get a contract..silly me didnt have one with me! (my mom has always told me to be prepared with a contract in my car!) now I know whyy!

Anyways, we are going back and forth now so we will see what happens! I didnt get to our superbowl party until about 430, and we played a game where everyone bought $10 squares, and someone won $500 at half time and $500 at the end depending on the score and where you square fell....anyways Joseph and I won $500! yeah! ski trip attire, here I come!

all in all it was a busy busy weekend and hopefully this is sign real estate is picking up!

call me if you know someone who is in the market to buy or sell a house! ha! (no really...do!)

ciao
mo

It's ON one night...and majorly OFF the next

2009-01-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

me and Sar-ie at the wine bar before Paint the Town Red...really I dont know what the heck my hair is doing in this one!

had to get a girlie shot before all the chaos begun

me and Kathy enjoying the festivities...taking a little break from the front row of the Boom Kenetic mosh pit

So I am sitting at home on a Saturday night, all by my lonesome...well (I have my bestie dog, Lola Bear). My hubby Joseph left me on Friday morning to go to a friends ranch in South Texas...once again. After the ranch he is off to Reno for a big outfitters convention, SCI. It is basically the biggest, most manly, most rough and rugged compilation of hunting vendors, booths, retailers and outfitters that one could possibly imagine. So basically- my worst nightmare.

I (and lola) was off to Fayetteville yesterday and met up with Sarah at Maude...where I found a fun fab dress that I ended up NOT wearing...TYPICAL!
We preceeded to go to her house to figure out what we were going to wear. She MADE me bring basically everything in my closet for her to try on. When I was walking out of my house I was glad Lola was my only confindant b/c I was really embarrased I had all that crap for only one night! ....

Sarah- we are NOT good influences on each other's closet space or wallets!

Joseph had to leave earlier than expected..so I was left with an extra ticket to Paint the Town Red, and a ninth (or eleventh) wheel with all of our friends! No biggie though, a girl dosent need a man to have fun! Kathy was definatley my dancing buddy all night! We have always loved dancing to Boom Kenetic (formerly Molten Lava) and we always have to make sure we get right up front...which was not the easiest task. The dance floor was PACKED, and I ended up wearing most of my red wine instead of drinking it, which today I am thankful for..considering I am hung over without the extra wine in that cup! I really dont know when my body decided it was sick of tolerating alcohol, but it has definately made the transition!
I have this really, really annoying eye twitch....if anyone knows how to fix it, I would LOVE to know some remedies!

Another thing I realized....
In a weird way, I feel like I can get a sense of how much my life will change when I have kids.....b/c of Lola. I mean, my in laws were gone so they couldnt watch her while I went to Fay...Joseph is gone, so I brought her with me. I had to leave her all day in a strange place, have my girlfriend Lindsey check on her while I was drinkin it up at PTTR, and then I had to haul her to Jeff and Kathy's, which you always feel bad bringing your DOG, b/c you never know how they will react to their dog and blah blah blah.
It's amazing how much more I have to plan and strategize due to have another living thing in my life that depends solely on ME! I know! I know! All you moms out there are going PLEASE..you have no idea how that doesent even compare to a child but I am just starting to realize the magnitude of it all! All I can do is appreciate the time I have with my husband...a life with only a few strings attached...but a life where we can do anything at anytime and we really need enjoy each other during this special time in our marriage...and then hopefully one day we will be blessed with children..until then I am taking today to APPRECIATE MY FREEDOM TO LIVE SPONTANEOUSLY!

Considering tonight I am enjoying my self A LOT, cuddled up in my PJ's with Lola Bear, is a major step for me. I can tell I am changing my metality towards what is fun and what is important.

Yes...I took a picture of us cuddling on the couch.
I had to get the full impact how freakin cute she is!

She's going "Mom! Stop blogging and pay attention to me!

love you all
ciao
mo (and Lola Bear)

Post Holiday Fun

2009-01-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to show a few pics from the post holiday events. The week after Christmas, Joseph went on his annual hunt in South Texas with Hank, Scott, and Jeff and I was left by my lonesome...which usually means I am off to Fayetteville. Sarah and I hung out all day and shopped and then that night Lindsey and I went to dinner at Bordinos. It was so much fun to catch up with her. We hardly see each other anymore but when we do get together it's like there hasnt been a day in between. We decided after dinner to go for a few drinks at Brewski's..that usually means you are going to run into a few old buddies from high school. We ran into David Bassett and Freeman Wizer, it was great to catch up and see how things are going in their lives. Like the good ol' days.
The next weekend was new years. There was seven couples with us and we all got rooms at the A Loft hotel and went to dinner at Bordinos. We ended up walking out of there in an outrage (LONG STORY) I will tell later, but we ended up eating dinner at Taco Bell! Hey- I am not above some Taco Bell!
The A Loft had a DJ set up and we had a table reserved. It all made for an intereting and very entertaining new year! If you have some good friends and some cocktails...you can have fun no matter what!
Happy New Year!
ciao
mo

Our true life "Five Christmases"

2008-12-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

Kathy, me, and Liz at West 21 end

my bestie and I at her Christmas Party. It was rockin!

me and my hottie husband...he is so over pictures after all the festivities

My mom's house on Christmas eve morning

me and my mom. I love you mommy!

My family. I love you all so much!

Josepha and I at the Disney tree

Me, papa, and Grandma Martha. Dosent he look handsome..we are so blessed to have him with us this Christmas

Santa (Jim and Becky) went a little crazy at Joseph's house

The annual scoul from Santa with his whiskey. I would drink if I had to put up with all of us too!

Christmas eve night at Joseph's house. I love this one.....family, good wine and presents, what more can a girl ask for?

Becky (my mother in law) and Jude ( my nephew) with his new fire truck. He was so embarrased b/c everyone was watching him. He was thinking.."what did I do to deserve all of this?" so sweet!

the best present ever. our little Jude!

Joseph's dad suprised him with his new custom German made "Blaser". Supposively it is really hard to get one. ....he was soooooooooo shocked and excited.
I'm just glad he will stop obsessing over it! ha!

Joseph's grandmother's house on Christmas morning

some of the cousins and aunts and uncles looking at the ancestor book that grandma created for her kids. so special

Joseph spying on his old house he grew up in. so many funny stories were told about this house!

Our new drapes

our new chandelier and pendants

our new pendants

I guess we have a one up on the "Four Christmases" movie...I don't know if that is a good thing or not...but it's our life and we love it! We started out the weekend before Christmas at my step mom's house for her immediate family's Christmas together. Sandy, my step mom, was my dad's wife for 14 years when he passed away 5 years ago. She has never remarried and she and I have remained extremely close. I consider all of my step family my true family. Its really special b/c we choose each other and I feel blessed that they love me even though they do not have to.

That night we went to Jared and Sarah's xmas party. It was a blast, needless to say the gangsta rap came out and the dancing was on! Would you expect anything less when Sarah and I get together?

The next week the festivities began....on Christmas eve we went to my mom's house at brunch time. She had homemade quiche made that was out of this world! I wanted the recipe so badly....I was so happy to see one of my presents was the Cooking Light- best of book, where she got the recipe... with a special note from mom. I will always cherish that book, and I know one day I will cook for my kids out of it and pass it down to them.
Joseph and I got mom her first ipod at age 60....she already has it down pat! so tech savvy momma!

we had to rush off after mom's to my Aunt Jodi and uncle Steve's house (step family)...where the entire extended family gathers, eats and does dirty Santa. We always have a blast, but we couldn't stay long b/c we had to rush back to Fort Smith for Joseph's parents Christmas.. to get there by 7.
This one is a blast. Jospeph's dad is Santa, with the hat and all..and he is always accompanied by his toddy (Gentlemen Jack whiskey). There were tons of presents, b/c Becky always goes a little crazy. Our big present this year was Joseph's gun and our custom made bedding....which I splurged on, but I thought "hey....this is something that we will have for a long time and why not if it is going to be a gift!" The sheets are the most amazing thing I have ever felt! I'm so excited. Thanks Jim and Becky! Joseph sister and her husband were shocked to open an envelope and see that her parents were paying for their planned trip to Barbados in April. That is where Amanda is planning on starting to try for another baby! yeah!

Joseph and I Christmas to each other was our new custom drapes and a new chandelier and pendants in the kitchen. The house is really coming together! Jo surprised me with a kitchen aid mixer which I have been wanting forever. I got him a DVD burner so we can start a fab collection of movies and our fav shows.

I also surprised him with a vintage 40 years of Playboy book that I found last summer at an estate sale. He was so excited...I didn't expect that to be his favorite gift. haha....I told him, as long as he realizes what a cool wife I am!

The next morning we went to Joseph's grandmother's house for lunch and to open presents with the cousins and aunts and uncles. I got another cookbook from grandma Beverly. A southern living book from 1988, she has cooked from it for years and cooked for Joseph's grandpa Jim who passed away. I will cherish this one so much as well!

Looking back at the week, I wouldn't take back one of the Christmases. I love the hectic times and being around so many people we love.

I am sad to see it come and go but I am happy to look forward to the year ahead.

I love my life!

ciao

Vegas Baby!

2008-12-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

The Fix at the Bellagio

Christmas card for next year?

Jim and Becky (in laws)

The Bellagio Tree

Joseph and I at Mesa Grill

I just got up from sleeping for about 11 hours, recovering from my crazy weekend in Vegas. Joseph's parents, our friends Steve and Amanda, and Joseph and I all hopped on a plane Thursday and headed for Vegas for my 26th birthday. We stayed at Ceasar's, the same place I stayed for my bachelorette party and it was fabulous, as always. I really think we will be going back to the Bellagio next time, we just love it there.
The first night we were there we kinda took it easy and ate at Bobby Flay's restaurant, Mesa Grill, it is one of my all time favs.
The next night we shopped all day at the Fashion Show mall, when we got back we just got dressed and went over to the Bellagio and ate at Olives, Todd English's restaurant. That night we ended up at the Black Jack and roulette tables until about two in the morning. We found a spot in the Pussy Cat Doll Lounge, where the girls are dancing in the middle of the card tables, it is so much more fun than the normal tables...much more energy and the girls dealing are fun and outgoing.
There was a girl named Grace, she was our fav dealer of the trip, she was sooo cute and nice, I figured she was about 25....however, one night we were talking to her and she was telling us how she had to get back home to see her 5 kids and husband of like 15 years. She was 40 years old! I was shocked, and told her she had to give me her secret....she said she has tried everything under the sun, from Lancome to Chanel and she is using now, Wei East, it is imported from China. I might have to check it out.
The next day was my birthday!
I got up that morning and had breakfast in bed, fabulous I know...and then I was going down to the Qua Spa at Ceasar's to have my facial and spa day. I love the spa so much at Ceasars I had to go almost everyday and get something done! They have the most amazing sauna and steam room with eucalyptus....and when you are done in there, you can go into the roman baths that look like natural hot springs bubblying over, and then to the artic room, where moisturizing bubbles snow down on you.
My facial was so awesome....I got to talking to the girl and she had just done Bette Midler right before me, you know she has that new show there...so I asked her what celebrities she had done. She said she did Britney right before she had her second baby. Of course I had to know details....she said she was sooo super sweet and that she felt like she was going through a little post pardum depression at the time b/c the way she has been acting is not like her at all. and she knows this also b/c she danced with Britney, Kevin, and Chris Judd when she was a professional dancer in LA...fascinating
However, she said that JLO, whom she also danced with and even went to her wedding with Chris Judd, is a total diva, and absolutely off the wall and over the top! She said she was awful to Chris and just totally into herself....crazy!
So later....we went to Mario Berttoli's new restaurant at the Palazzo, CarneVino. I did some research and it was supposed to be one of the best new restaurants in Vegas, and it was AMAZING! I recommend this one to everyone, you will love it!
The show we saw that night, Rodney Carrington was hilarious. I almost pee-ed my pants it was so funny! The National Finals of the Rodeo was in town, so there were cowboys everywhere, so much fun!
The night before we left we did more shopping and went to eat at the Fix at the Bellagio, and then we stayed up to 3:30 in the am playing blackjack with Grace. I had to get up at 8, hence me sleeping 11 hours today.
We had so much fun and I cant wait to go back.
Now more fun to come with all of the holidays!
I gonna need a vacation from vacation! ha!
ciao
mo

Deck the Halls!

2008-11-25T12:19:00.001-08:00

I have definitely fell of the "blogging" bandwagon, but for good reason. I have been so busy with Holiday Market that I haven't had a second to think straight. I am so glad it is over and that I don't have to think about it again until May...and then I will be the CHAIR, rather than the CO-CHAIR, which scares the living crap out of me. To think I have to be solely responsible for the entire auction, considering how complicated I discovered it all is, is terrifying. Oh well....I will be fine. I guess I just need to get pregnant so I have another excuse not to work! haha, just kidding...well - kind of.

Here are some pics of the Opening Night Gala, where our company bought a table for all of our friends. It was so much fun!
Kristi and Monique came up for Holiday Market Girls Night on Friday. We got to take a limo to the event, it was a blast.
After four days of being at the convention center from about 9 to midnight everyday, I was really excited to see my step mom on Sunday and start to get my Christmas up!
She is so amazing at holiday decor. She used to have a flower shop in Bella Vista and so she is very talented at arranging things. I saw a $350 arrangement at Sign, Sealed, and Delivered in Bentonville. I sent her a pic and she stopped by to see it so she could replicate it. She did such an amazing job, I even like hers better.
I am so lucky
I don't think the pics our work justice, but here they are.
PS....if anyone has any fabulous, signature dishes they make for the holidays, I would love to have the recipes. I need some unique recipes for a party I am having
ciao for now
mo

Liz and Jeff at Opening Night Gala

Joseph and I before the chaos of the auction started

Me, Kristi, and Monique in the limo at Girls Night Out

the horrific mess we made decorating the house

the arrangement Sandy made for my dining room table,

sign, sealed, delivered has nothing on her!

My lola bear

the mantle

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

Hugh Hefner and a lioness

Hugh and mario

Princess peach and lioness

arent we cute!

this was like pulling teeth

Halloween '08 was so much fun! In a rush to go to all the fab holiday open houses and then off to Hot springs for a fun few days with my mother in law! I just love her!

Hope you have a great day!

ciao

Joseph's Big Buck

2008-10-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

Joseph is so excited about his trophy buck for this season. I just had to post his pics. Jo- you are my hottie mountain man! love you.

ciao

We are so workin the Martha thing...

2008-10-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

she is so ornery

me and sarah at War Eagle, never thought I would have so much fun!

an "interesting" sweater

Our 4 shopping carts full of CRAP

Sarah can barely fit in the car

my new wreath, cant wait to show it off!

Mom and I ..lunch at Common Grounds

We walked there from her house, it was a perfect fall day

It is not good when Sarah and I get an idea, b/c as soon as we get something in our heads, its no holds barred from there! This weekend Sarah and I went to lunch and on the way we stopped at Sign, Sealed Delievered in Bentonville. I was in aw of all of the fabulous Christmas finds, it was definately system overload. They had the most beautiful wreaths and garland. We started to get a little bit of anxiety...especially Sarah..but that is not unlikely. It is just overwhelming the mass amount of trinkets and it makes you feel like you dont even know where to begin. So, we decided that we wouldn't just bow down and whip out our checkbooks, we would take pics and recreate that fab designs!

So Saturday morning Sarah, Jessica, Angela (sarah's sister and mom) packed in the car and headed out to War Eagle. We didnt find much for our wreaths there, but we did see some "interesting" crafts. My favorite part was the people watching and the mass amount of absolute JUNK. However we did discover 3 booths that were worth the drive. I bought the same frame as Sarah with the quote "Whatever our souls are made of...yours and mine are the same." so cute!

Then I found some pottery that match my kitchen perfectly.

The third booth was the best. There is a lady out of Huntsville that travels around the country to old cemetaries and takes pictures of angels. Sounds creepy, I know but they are very touching. If you want to check them out, the link is http://www.silent-echoes.com/. The little ones are $20, and would make great xmas gifts.

After the fair, we went to lunch and Sarah was getting antsy to make her wreath so we went to Hobby Lobby...I dont think we expected to do quite so much damage! The whole "we are in a recession thing" went right out the window!

So, Saturday night, after we all recovered from our craft fair/hobby lobby extravaganza, we went to Mark and Jess's and started on our wreaths.
We made an absolute mess of Jess's house, but we had a blast and our wreaths turned out fabulous.

For a moment we were getting a big head and thought "OH! we can sell these!" however for all that work that goes into it, they better pay a hefty price!

Being crafty is not easy people!

After all our hard work, Sarah's dad comes in the room and sees her MASSIVE garland mantle peice she created. He promptly told Sarah's mom that she could NOT have those! She said "if you dont watch it, I will have TWO of these!" and he comes back and says "you dont need any of that JUNK-A!"

Sarah was very offended, but we were all laughing so hard we were about to pee our pants!

awww...poor Sarah, I love your garland, and it is not JUNK-A to me!

And, Sarah- every weekend I spend with you I have a blast, your are the bestest BFF!

ciao
mo

PaPa is gonna pull through

2008-10-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

This has been my home since Thursday afternoon. My family and I have been spending every waking hour at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville where my PaPa (grandpa) is in ICU. He went in for a fairly low risk surgery on Tuesday afternoon, to get his pace maker adjusted, and he came out of surgery doing well. Then he started to show signs of major distress soon after. His kidney's were failing and his liver and lungs were in bad shape.

See, if you ever knew my PaPa, you would be here every waking moment also. He has emphazema from years of smoking and running his cabinet shop (Latham Cabinets) and inhaling all of the fumes. In the last couple of months he has had a hard time getting around because he gets so winded. He had to get a walker and then to a wheelchair. I had a really hard time with this b/c my PaPa was never one to act like and "old man". He spent years of his life playing the guitar in a band and I have so many good memories of listening to him play and thinking he was the biggest best musician I had ever seen.

Yesterday he started to produce more urine, which indicated that his kidneys were functioning, and his blood pressure is doing well, but we are still not out of the weeds.

So until we know if we can take him home, we will all be right here waiting for his every move and every improvement. In the mean time, we have managed to have a little bit of fun. There is something about coming together in a time of crisis and trauma, that brings you closer together and gives you quality time that you could never have otherwise.

We had about 35 people in the waiting room last night and the nurses came out and said how they had never seen anything like it. We are a big family and we always are there for one another b/c in the long run, we are all that we have, and we are all that matters in life.

Papa always jokes when we are at family gatherings about how 'I started all this'. So when I went into his room today to see him, I made sure he knew the waiting room was full to the brim, so full the other families couldnt even get a place to sit! I said PaPa, its all your fault...."you started all this"!

I love you papa....I am praying every second of the day that we will get you home safe for the holidays!

ciao

moni

My husband the Pilot

2008-10-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

So Joseph has taken up another hobby, among his many... like wakeboarding, golfing, fishing, hunting (almost everyday of the week) and with the hunting comes deer season, duck season, quail season, bear season, and elk season. Not only does he hunt, he goes on major trips to hunt in exotic places. I mean seriously...I need to think of a hobby that is that time consuming and that expensive! Maybe I will just become obsessed with destinations spas like Miraval and Canyon Ranch...or taking up professional shopping...after all it is my HOBBY...
ok, I got a little off track there. So Joseph has been taking flying lessons and he is now far enough along that he is SOLO flying. He is always calling me and telling me run outside right that second and look up...and then there he is flying high above me in his little Liberty two seater plane. It really makes me happy to see the joy and sense of accomplishment that he has in his eyes everyday when he comes home. He is so excited to tell me exactly how his flight went, how he landed that day and what our pilot Jack had to say about his performance. There have been a few days where his landings were not exactly something to write home about, which yes SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF ME. But he says I have nothing to worry about and then starts spitting of statisitcs about how many people die everyday in car crashes compared to private or commercial planes...blah blah blah.
I am starting to feel much better about it all b/c I really do have confidence in him, I always have. He was always amazed me at his incredible knack and ability to figure things out and to be really good at them. I just dont know if I am ready to be a passenger on that plane quite yet.
I have flown in small planes for years now, so that has never bothered me, but that was with Jack and he has about 8000 hours in a plane.
When Joseph goes flying, we will go up just to get some hours for his license. He will sometimes fly to lake Ouachita and back in about 20 minutes, and it takes us an hour and a half by car. I have to admit it will be nice to just hop in the plane and head to the lake one day....or where ever we feel like...we could be in Dallas in about and hour!
So, I will keep you posted on how the flight lessons are going and in the mean time, keep Joseph in you prayers! He would say I am stupid for saying that but do it for me!
ciao!
mo

Matron of Honor? oh no- Im old...

2008-10-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I hosted a engagement party for Kristi and Matt at Randy's house in Fayetteville. Crandall, Randy's g-friend and one of my friends from high school (Go Bulldogs..) was the mastermind of the party and made the whole thing fabulous. We had margarita machines, smoked pork and tons of other food and goodies!

Kristi and Matt are getting married next summer on the same weekend (except 2 years later) as Joseph and I, July 25th (we were July 28th). We can have some fun anniversary trips together!

It was the same night as Bikes Blues and BBQ. My husband, once in a random while will hop on his bike and ride, so he was down there all day and I was running around like a mad woman getting ready for the party and never made it down there....darn. ha.

Kristi looked at me while we were in the kitchen, and randomly goes "hey, you want to be my matron of honor?" I basically had already taken the job, knowing I would be in the wedding, and Kristi was my maid of honor....but I hadnt thought about being the "matron" of honor! I know, i know, I am married so that means matron, but someone should seriously reconsider that word.

Anyways, I guess I will just have to out do her and be the best matron of honor ever!

ciao!

Hogs, hangovers, and haute couture

2008-09-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Joseph and I went up to Fayetteville for the Alabama game and we had so much fun. We started off at the Harper's box with all of the Harper clan, which is always fun! I cant help but having a blast with all of them, they are just such great people, and we realize every time we see Scott and Lyndsey again, how much we truly miss them. Lyndsey and I are always having a moment where we almost pee our pants b/c we are laughing so hard. It usually isnt really over much, we just crack ourselves up I guess.

After the terrible Hog performance, we went straight to Sarah and Jared's for a post game BBQ. As always we had a blast. I love seeing baby Charlie and all of the Lehrens, who I miss so much.

Considering the game started at 11:30, I had had a few beers before the BBQ, and then continued sipping throughout the night. Im so glad I stuck with the Ultras b/c although I feel a little lazy today, I am happy to announce that my eye is not twitching! yes! I think it is a miracle when I do not have an eye twitch post drinking, b/c it has become a staple in my life, whether or not I am drinking, just simply when I am tired. However, a few glasses of wine always seems to irritate and enhance the chances of it happening. I have discovered with a lot of water, more sleep and sipping beer slowly helps my chances of having a non twitching day much better!

ok, enough about the twitching!

Now, I am watching the Emmy's in my PJ's and feeling very under dressed! There are some gorgeous dresses on the red carpet tonight. Teri Hatcher's was fab, but my fav I think is Eva Longoria, the big bow was gorgeous!

Well, I am going to sit on my comfy couch with Lola and keep watching the self indulgent stars and coveting all of the haute couture gowns....even though I think there are just as fabulous girls and fashion right here in Arkansas ( and we dont need stylists!) hah!

ok, see ya later!

ciao

Our new project!

2008-09-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well, we closed on the old Davis furniture building last month and now we are in demolition mode, which Joseph is REALY enjoying..what's up with boys and tearing stuff up? This building was built back in the early 1900's and it is so cool! The last picture posted is of an old livory stable, which I had no idea what that was until I resarched it a little. Back in the day when families would come down town in their horse and buggy to shop and have dinner and such, they would park thier horses at the livory stable...not sure about the spelling. The arch way has been bricked in, but we plan to keep it in tact for some character in the restaurant/bar we are planning on doing. We definately dont want to get into the restaurant business, so we want to find an established restaurant to come in and we just do a commercial lease. Most of the use of the building will be condos and studio apartments.

We have great plans for the bar and cant wait to do a little market research around the country in plenty of other hip and up to date places.

The building transforms everyday as we tear more and more of the old furniture displays out and we are so excited about the potential of this building and invest in downtown fort smith, it truly is a beautiful and historic place!

Family trip to Destin

2008-08-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

Joseph and I at the Baytowne Wharf

The Meadows Clan

having dinner at Run Runners

getting ready to go out to eat

daddy Jubal with lil Jude

hanging out in the ocean with Jude...he just loved it

The Crap Trap having a daytime cocktail

Joseph's dad chartered a private boat...the boys were so excited

Jude buried in the sand

Uncle Joey!

first day on the beach

Well we just got back from our annual trip to Destin FL and I am sooo tired. My eye has been twitching the entire day, I guess it must be from all of those day time cocktails that then turned into night time toddys and rich food, just to do it all over again the next day! I think I am never drinking again...well, ask me again on Friday.

The weather was so perfect, which was kind of ironic, considering everyone, including me thought we were totally screwed when hurricane Fay was on it's way. It actually made the weather so nice. It never got over 90 degrees the entire time we were there and there was always a cool breeze.

I felt like I really got a better experience this time, I discovered a new place called Baytowne Wharf, it like a replica of the french quarter but much cleaner I think. We had dinner there several nights and it is such a neat place to take kids. They have a piano bar echoing through the streets and live bands, as well as movies playing and shopping. so quaint.

It was great to spend time with the whole family, esp Joseph's grandmother who we do not see enough. She was so funny..she loves her margaritas and she drank them by the jug! haha, dont tell her I told you.
my nephew Jude just loved the beach, it was so much more fun this year for him...and we all loved to be around him for a week straight. I think i am going to get withdrawls! but its probably good b/c he gives me the baby bug!

well, basically it was a great trip with good food and family and here are all the pics

cant wait till the next vacay...this weekend is Labor day ..yeah!

ciao

My favorite things

2008-08-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.giltgroupe.com/

This is my new favorite obsession. It is a website with designer clothing lines for AMAZING prices! They have some of the hottest new lines that you may not have heard of, but you will love. Anything from Vera Wang to Dolce and Gabana to Philip Lim. Their stuff sells out crazy fast, sometimes I dont even know who is buying this stuff everyday b/c a $500 coat that was originally $6000 will sell out in literally seconds. Not everything is in that price range though. I have gotten fab shirts and such for less than $100.

you have to sign up but it dosent cost anything and so worth it. plus, if you invite friends you get a $25 credit per friend that buys something!

you have to check it out.

http://www.hautelook.com/

This is another website like giltgoupe, but not quite as great....still really fun tho.

Aus10 Photography
http://www.aus10.com/

you just have to check out their work for yourself

George Michael

I know...totally lame, but I really cant help but love his music. I dont go a day with out listening to Father Figure and Faith on my ipod. It is totally fun and gets my day going.

Biologique P50 toner

This stuff works miracles, at least it FEELS like it does. I found this at a local Ft Smith spa, New Life Beauty. It is really one of their best selling items, so I thought I would try it out and now I cant live without it. It exfoliates your skin so well and really gets everything off your skin. It kind of burns a little at first but you get used to it and I actally love that it burns b/c I can feel the alpha hydroxy acids working. Many skin experts believe alpha hydroxy acids are the best way to younger looking skin.

try it, you will be hooked too

Tennis!

When I first moved to Fort Smith, I have really never played a day of tennis in my life. But, it is all the rage in Fort Smith and I thought I would try it out....now Im hooked. I play on a league on Monday nights and I take lessons every week with Brent from Fianna. I have come a long way, but I still have a LONG way to go. I get so frustrated b/c I know I am capable of being good, and as soon as I take a week or so off from playing, is like it all goes to crap!

It definately gets really addicting!

It really is great exercise and it is fun so you dont even notice that you are getting such a good workout. Plus, the outfits and gear is so cute. This is my favorite new bag. It is Maria Sharapova's new line of gold Prince bags and they are fab.

well, thats about all I have to say

hope you try and love my favorite things!

I feel like Oprah.....with out all the people passing out and crying. ha

-caio

Our little babies

2008-08-07T11:35:00.001-07:00

Lola's cut and stiches from her surgery

Joseph and I's little cocker spaniel puppy, Lola just was spayed (not sure about the spelling) yesterday and she is acting sooooo pitiful. She naturaly gets excited about everything, but it hurts her so bad to get excited that she is whining and wagging her tail all at the same time.

We are so protective over her b/c we lost our chocolate and white cocker spaniel, Fergie about 3 months ago. She was only 4 1/2 months old and we tragically lost her in a car accident at the lake. I have to say, it may sound dumb, but it was one of the hardest few months of my life, next to my dad dying in August of 2004. The day we had to come home without her was the worst. We walked into our laundry room where she slept and we just lost it. We ended up driving around town for about 4 hours crying and laughing as we told stories from her short little life. She was our little child and we truly fell head over heals in love with her in such a short amount of time. We fell like she was an angel that entered our lives for a short amount of time and taught us how much animals can impact people's lives and what a great addition to a family they are.

It was difficult for us to get a new dog, but I just really missed having an animal in the house. The day we went to get Lola was a very bittersweet day. Joseph was okay with everything until we got all the way to BFE to get her and he just froze up. He wouldnt even have anything to do with any of the dogs. I just bonded with Lola and knew I had to have her. Joseph felt so bad, kinda like he was cheating on Fergie, but he has had time to adjust and he is so in love with Lola now.

Here are some pics of Fergie and Lola.

Dutchess Fergie of Dunston DriveFeb 3, 2008 - June 15, 200

till next time
ciao

2008-08-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

Kristi and I at Stir

We have the best friends ever!

My best friend Kristi just got engaged! I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I just want to do everything myself! I guess I get to plan a wedding all over again..fun fun! We are planning a trip to Chicago for her bachelorette party. I have been trying to call the Oprah show b/c the ticket office just opened back up for the new fall season, but I have been reading some blogs and it seems like I might be up for some serious waiting, calling, waiting and calling some more. I have read some comments that say they have tried for years and cannot get tickets. OMG! I dont know if I can handle it. I love you Oprah but seriously....you are not the POPE!

I will keep you updated on how that goes.

I gotta go, headed to the lake once again! so excited

Ciao!

Monica

The Lake

2008-07-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

Joseph, me, Kathy and Jeff at Ouachita

Me, Sarah and Kathy at Beaver

Like I said before, Joseph and I are completely obsessed with going to the lake. If we ever have a free weekend, which we seem to make sure we do, we are at Lake Ouachita. This past weekend we went to Beaver for a wakeboarding tournament and we had so much fun. It brought back so many memories of getting out of class in college and heading up there everyday to get a few hours of wakeboarding in before it got dark.

Joseph has so many good wakeboarding buddies up there and they are so amazing to watch. JJ, one of our good friends, runs a boat shop, Arrowhead, so he was helping with the tournament. It was really nice to see him again and I could tell Joseph missed all of his hard core wakeboarding days.

It was so funny b/c all of these guys are trying to sell us a new boat, you know, the new souped up Malibus with all the hardcore wakeboarding technology. We are so happy with our boat I dont know if we will ever sell it. Joseph got an all black Crownline for his highschool graduation and it is the most gorgeous boat on the lake. He has kept it in immaculate condition....which I wouldnt expect anything less from my perfectionist husband! sometimes wonderful...sometimes annoying...haha

Sarah and Jared went out with us, and like always we had a blast. They are such important friends to us, we are so lucky to have them so close.

Jeff and Kathy were with us too. We pretty much hang out with them every weekend, whether it is at Ouachita, Ft Smith or Fayetteville. It is amazing how close we have all become in such a small amount of time. I told Kathy the other day that I wish we would have known each other as well when we were planning our wedding b/c they definately would have been in the bridal party. They are just so much fun and easy to be around, which is hard to come by.

We are headed back to the lake this weekend with Jeff and Liz and maybe Kathy and Jeff (hopefully).

Im sure it will be as fun as always! Cant wait!

till next time

Ciao!

Celebrating our 1st anniversary with our new blog!

2008-07-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Mom and I at Brewski's

Joseph and I on our honeymoon in St. Martin

My step family

My brother, Bryan and my mom, Marilyn

Joseph's family

I have enjoyed all of my friends blogs some much that I decided I would start one myself. Even though we do not have any children yet, we are always keeping busy with work, our new baby cocker spaniel Lola, keeping up our new home, traveling to new places, and spending all of our extra time at the lake. We are completely obsessed with the lake actually. I really can't imagine our lives with out the fun and relaxation we find at Lake Ouachita.
I am married to my wonderful husband Joseph and we just had our first anniversary last night. (sorry so many wedding photos, but these are the best pics of all of my family)

We drove up to James at the Mill in Johnson, where Joseph took me on our first date. That date will be 6 years ago on September 7th of this year. Wow. I truly cant believe it has been that long.
But what a wild ride we have had together.
In November of 2005 Joseph and I went on the wildest ride of our lives, season 9 of the CBS television show, "The Amazing Race". It was the hardest, yet most exhilarating experience of our lives. We always joke about how we have already seen so much, everything is boring from here on out! haha.
I cant wait to share our lives with all of you who we love. And I cant wait to share in your adventures along the way!
Ciao!
Monica Meadows