Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Haire's.

We hope you enjoy our our first Christmas card!

Picture taken by Image Forward Photography

Marriage and Compermise (or NOT)

I spoke on my last post about me compromising for a real Christmas tree and I also mentioned an issue that Justin and I were having that I am just not budging on. I'll share hoping that others can relate and make me feel like I'm not a crazy wife, just a maturing wife. :)

From day 1 of this little relationship Justin didn't make his bed with a flat sheet. Nor did I. I was known for actually sleeping on top of the comforter with a quilt. We had multiple discussions about having this in common and making note that we liked it that way. We felt that a flat sheet made things complicated and messy and often made sleeping difficult.

But I have had a change of heart. Is that so wrong? When we got married we got a new bedding set that I love. It looks like an adult bedspread, not something from college. We have nice sheets and I am liking the idea of my bed being made nicely and keeping the comforter clean! Justin could care less....and every night when we straighten the bed he says, "Hey, I have an idea....why don't we just take this sheet off?" He is hoping that one night I say, "YES!" But I just keep responding with,

"We are grown-ups now and grownups sleep with a fitted sheet."

He is so over being "grown-ups!" Is it really worth it? I'm not sure. He really seems to think this is effecting his sleeping. I personally think it is all in his head. I can always replace the set if it is going to upset him so badly, in fact....

that may just be a good compromise.....

No flat sheet=New bedding set more regularly.

SOLD. ;)

We will see what he thinks about that deal!

'Tis the Season for Compromise...

Being married gives you many opportunities to compromise with your spouse.

This year was the first year for Justin and I to decorate and have a tree. I mentioned in my last post that my family came to visit. When they drove out, they packed an artificial tree for Justin and I. See I never had a real tree, we always had fake. Justin, well he always had a real tree.

The moment my parents pulled away, I began to cry. In an effort to distract me Justin mentioned going to the Christmas tree farm to get a real tree. I weighed my options....

1. go to our storage closet, drag out a fake tree.

2. Drive to the Christmas tree farm and pick the "perfect" tree with my husband and then watch him cut it down.

Ding! Ding! Ding! #2 was the winner it just seemed like it had the potential to help us build a number of traditions. However, I hope to someday be fortunate enough to be able to have multiple trees so I can have 1 real and 1 fake tree.

Take a look at our day at the tree farm....

It was a beautiful day and we got to search for the perfect tree....

My husband cutting down our 1st tree. There were men to do the work for us...but he wanted to do it, he even brought his own saw.

The shaking process. They shake out all the dead stuff and wrapped it for us. This was a neat process for me because I had never seen it.

The moment of truth....Will it fit??
It fits, just by a smig. We have done some trimming, decorating, and admiring. We still need a topper and a skirt...then I'll show you the finished product.

I'm happy about this compromise.

Next post I'll be telling you about an on going heated discussion at our house. It happens every day and I'm not ready to compromise.

Thanksgiving with the ones you call "Family"

This year more than ever I realized your family are the group of people you choose not always the ones you are given. Although I was blessed to do both I love them each family just like they were my own. My mom, dad, sister and nephews joined my sister and our families and friends here in North Carolina. We all pitched in and made a fantastic Thanksgiving spread. We were fortunate enough to out grow each of our homes with a number of 25+ so we met at our church for our Thanksgiving meal. My mom and I decorated to give it a "Thanksgiving-ish" feel.....and we had a blast.

The centerpiece for the adult table....

Next is the kids table....a little festive yet realistic....they were able to color and be messy!!

The drink table...with the many drink dispensers from our wedding.... :)

Check out the A-mazing food...

And more....FOOD. :)

Candace, My sister LeAnn, and My sister Jill hovering over the food while it is warming....it was nice to have 2 stoves to warm the food. It made for easy easy setup.

Last but not least GAME NIGHT!!!!! It is a tradition with my family that we play games on Thanksgiving evening. We started with a board game...Trivial Pursuit. Just for the record...Justin, Vicki and I kick tail. Then we ended the evening with a little card game....who cares who who that. ;) ;)

It was an amazing Thanksgiving. Having my family here and spending time with close friends made the most perfect combination for Thanksgiving.
I am so thankful for family and amazing friends!!!

And the WINNER is....

Just to clarify: I am a two time giveaway hostess and I don't have a fancy system to draw a winner, yet. So I chose the next best thing available.

My husband. I am totally harshing his mellow during the game, but he was a great sport.

This was our method. I gave him the list of names and number of entries and he wrote them all out and I cut them.
We have outstanding teamwork in our house!!

Enough about those details...I know you are ready for the winner.

The winner is....

Julee over at Matt. Julee. Romeo
Go check Julee's blog out. She has the sweetest puppy, is always attending some fun event, or just having a real life kind of day.
I promise you won't be disappointed.

Thanks to everyone for entering the giveaway.
I am already attempting to line up the next giveaway!

Pumpkin Patch/Update on Lucy

Last weekend Justin was home and he promised me weeks in advance a trip to the pumpkin patch. I only require a few things regarding holidays and attending the pumpkin patch, purchasing pumpkins, and taking pictures is a must each year.

Justin was not thrilled about the weekend we picked because it was 91 degrees out. He said it didn't feel like fall. But we didn't have many open weekends a head of us and I couldn't bare the thought of skipping the pumpkin patch this year. So he put a short sleeved shirt on...and took it like man!

Our first trip to the pumpkin patch as Mr. and Mrs.

We got our "perfect" pumpkins.
1 for him. 1 for me. 1 for Lucy.
If you will notice we chose a mixed breed pumpkin for our mixed breed dog.
We put a lot of thought into it. :)

I heart this picture and this little red bench. Last but not least....Lucy with our pumpkins.
She is thrilled. Can't you tell?

Speaking of Lucy. It is time for an update on her.
We went back for her blood test following her heart worm treatment and it came back NEGATIVE! So, the vet cleared her to exercise. Which was awesome because she has been confined to leash walks for 4 months. And for a dog that loves to be outside this was torture for EVERYONE involved. She would just cry and pace the floor. SO SAD!
We will go back in March for a second blood test and hopefully be cleared for good.
WooRay for a healthy pup.
Please make sure and give your dog heart worm preventative. I would be happy to field any questions you may have, it is totally worth it. Heart worm treatment isn't cheap. The preventative is worth the bill and your pups life!

Remember to participate in my giveaway!
It will end on Wednesday! I'll announce a winner on Thursday

Tuesday's List: Slow Cooker Recipe

Turkey Chili

We eat chili a ton in the winter . I have basically made this fool proof and a little more healthy.

I buy a chili kit called "2 Alarm Chili Kit". I don't follow the directions, I make my own. (Welcome to my life)

Combine the following with the chili kit:

• 2 lbs of ground turkey meat
• 2 cans of tomato soup
• 1 can of chili beans (or beans of your choice)
• 1 handful of wheat elbow noodles (noodles at my husbands request...wheat at mine. It's all about compromise)

It makes a ton and the two of us can eat on it for days and after each day it seems to get better.

I am currently hosting a giveaway on my blog, please go check it out. It is perfect for a large recipe like this.

Giveaway Time

It's time for me to announce my giveaway choice from CSN.

I thought with the upcoming cool weather and time with family and friends...

many of you may need this.....

Doesn't this scream...Make chili in me!?!

And you can't have a new pot without a new spoon. :)

Each item comes in a variety of colors. I'll let you choose which best fits your kitchen when you WIN.

Speaking of winning...this is how you can win!!

1. Become a follower of my blog (1 entry)

2. Re post on your blog about this giveaway (1 entry)

3. Comment about becoming a follower, re posting, and well...just comment! (1 entry)

If you follow, comment, AND re post you get 5 bonus entries!!!!!!!

Don't just do 1 do them ALL!!!

READY

SET

GO

*available to US and Canadian readers only.

Free Goodness on the Horizon

Get excited....

there is a giveaway on the horizon here at A Work in Progress!!

Every time I get the opportunity to do a giveaway with CSN stores I jump on it and start to think about what goodness I will choose for my readers! If you are not familiar with CSN stores you are missing out. They have all sorts of goodness from an ottoman coffee table, pet paraphernalia, other decor for you home, and baby goods. Really the variety is endless.

The rules and entries are going to be super simple so be checking back for the

CSN FREE GOODNESS!

Who's excited??

I'm a Junkie

Hi, My name is Lindsey and I'm a TV Junkie....

It's time for another list and this week its a list of my favorite shows! The fall has a pretty intense line up! I watch them all. This list will only give you a few of my favs! Apparently I have quite the soft spot for the whales. Whale Wars is a little extreme at times...but I am absolutely fascinated!
It's amazing to see the transformations of the contestants. I usually pick a favorite and cheer them on throughout the show. Plus Bob and Jillian are BEASTS!

You would think I have outgrown MTV. But Teen Mom just sucks me in! I personally like Macy, she seems to have it together!

The Real Housewives of OC, ATL, NC, DC, and NY...I do NOT discriminate. They are basically the definition of trashy TV and I LOVE IT!!!

Grey's, I am still watching you because I am faithful. But you better step it up.

I LOOOOOVE CASTLE!!! I'm sure you are thinking, "Oh, not another crime show!!" But in all seriousness...you HAVE TO WATCH! Justin and I live for Monday's just to watch Castle. It isn't like all the other NCIS blah blah blah....it is hilarious and mysterious all in 1 hour. It is a must watch.


If you have a MUST SEE..please share!!

Be looking for a giveaway soon, I am ironing out some details as we speak!

Tuesday's List: Christmas List

This week I am going to try Tuesday's List hosted by Love from Texas. As you know...I heart lists and this will give me something to look forward to each week.These days I feel like everyone has an Ipod or some music gadget. Well...not this girl. I am not big into music or very hip in that department, but I am starting to THINK about exercising, and I feel like this would help distract me from the thought of....OMG, I THINK I'M GOING TO DIE. :)
A new laptop is defiantly on the list. I have had my laptop since my freshman year of college (6 years ago) and it is still kicking but just barely, it is temperamental. I can only have so many things open, if it goes in to hibernation it takes 3 days to come out, it has to have the battery plugged in, and this list goes on and on. I'm not picky about what kind...I just need a new spring chicken that can make it through an entire blog post without randomly shutting down. :)


I would love a kitchen table. Everyone that comes over think it is crazy that we don't have one. We make it just fine without...it is just the two of us and we aren't fancy. But I am ready to join the adult club and get a table so we can enjoy family meals face to face rather than shoulder to shoulder on the couch.

I would love to have an elliptical machine. I have had 3 knee surgeries and it is much easier on my knees than the road or a treadmill. I would really like to take one of our chairs out of our living room (The chair I'm currently sitting my backside in) and replace it with this machine. I feel like I could work out for hours instead of sitting!!! Hey...a girl can dream! :)

Last but not least a trip to Vegas to see the 2010 Miss America Pagent !! My friend and sorority sister, Alyse Eady will be representing Arkansas in the Miss America Pagent. My closest friends are planning a big trip to Vegas to support Alyse!! Plus, I need to be there...she is going to WIN!

None are necessary just fun to think about!! :)

I cannot believe that Christmas is almost here, just 3 short months away. So get your list ready!!

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend was an eventful weekend for us and one of our outings was to see the Durham Bulls play. I use to work for the Bulls and I haven't been back in almost a year. I was so excited to go back, see some old faces and WATCH a game rather than WORK a game.

There is nothing better than a minor league game, always some sort of entertainment. And this is a wonderful stadium to watch in, nice field, great shade, breeze, and good food!

So we know the food is good...because we may have tasted it. :)

I also got this while I was at the game. The Bulls won this during the 2009 season and I got to pick up my ring while I was there! It's strange to wear because it is so big and manly, but pretty cool to have. It is a nice way to remember my time with the Bulls.This is my good friend Mary Beth. She and I worked together and the Bulls and became really good friends. It was SOOO good to see her while we were at the game!

And this stud was my date and we had a blast! No mater the scene, I'm just glad we got to go on a date!

The Big 24

At the end of August I celebrated by 24th birthday. It was really anticlimactic however, it was an excuse to eat cake, buy a new dress, go out to dinner, and spend time with friends.....ahhh, if only birthdays were more often. :)

The Stewart's joined us to celebrate my bithday. We started the evening at their house with appitizers and cake. (It gave us time to wait on Justin...he had to work late, but I won't complain, it is the first time in two years he has been in town for my birthday.)

Yellow cake with chocolate icing is my cake of choice made by Julianne. YUM!

I stopped by Target (love that place) on my way home from work to see if they had anything I needed for the evening. I ended up leave with the dress you see above. I went straight to the Stewart's and was showing Julianne my new dress! She then gave me my birthday gift...earrings and a bracelet that matched my dress perfectly. Basically, we were meant to be friends. :)

Last but not least, my Husband. This was our first birthday as a married couple. So now I'm officially an "old married woman!"

Me+Ouachita=the best years of my life

Today my Alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University is having a Blog Day for founders day! I think it is such an awesome idea and I love an excuse to talk about my OBU days. There are so many things that I love about those years, I don't know if I can do it justice with one blog. You can look back here to read a previous post about OBU.

My mother was an OBU graduate and so I grew up hearing about this place. I wanted a small university, a place where I did not have to have community bathrooms, and I wanted to go someplace "different". After visiting multiple local universities, I was ALMOST sure that OBU was the place for me.

I have to say me ending up at OBU, finding friends, and actually graduating in 4 years was ALL a God thing. I guess you could say I was a "social butterfly."

Below are a FEW of my favorite things about Ouachita....

1. Social Clubs-

Social Clubs are OBU's version of Fraternities and Sororities and this was the turning point for me-BID Day 2004 when I pledged EEE and becoming a Rho Sigma Sweetheart. These days were the days that changed the "ALMOST sure" to an ABSOLUTELY sure that Ouachita was the place for me. Pledge Class 2005

Rho Sigma Sweetheart

2. Friends

There are no friends like OBU friends. (That's my motto) My best friends came from my years at Ouachita and continue to be my best friends today.

3. Outings, TWIRP Week, and Mixers....Again, I was a social butterfly so any time to get out, dress up, and meet new people I was in!

TWIRP Week-EEE 50's Night with Gus!

Two of MANY tacky Christmas sweater parties

2005 outing to Austin Texas-We hosted Dave Barnes

RUSH-Rho Sigma Saloon

Find Your Sister A Mister Outing (but who needs Misters when you have SISTERS?)

EEE-Haw

3. My Husband Justin. We met my freshman year of college (2004), started dating my sophomore year (2005), and got married August 7, 2010!!! I am so lucky to have found him at OBU.

4. And then.....I GRADUATED....look my name is even in the concrete. :)

In all seriousness. The four years I spent at OBU were the best. I would go back TODAY and do it all over again!