Once Upon A Time...

Once upon a time… a boy and a girl fell madly in love. Eventually, when this said boy and girl decided to marry, the festivities began and much merriment ensued. Balls and parties were thrown to celebrate the young couple’s nearing vows and many gifts were given and received with much anticipation. One gift, however, was unique from the rest. This gift, you see, was toiled over for many months and presented by Saint Linda, the fairest fairy mother-in-law of them all. The bride and groom opened the gift, excited and expectant, knowing Saint Linda always prepared something special. Finally, there it was in their hands, the most splendid wedding gift of them all, the Fuson Family Favorites, a magical recipe book sure to be passed down from this young couple to their children and to their children...for generations to come!!

Perhaps this vignette was somewhat silly, but no normal run-of-the-mill introduction would suffice. You see, I am beyond excited and more than a little impressed by the newest addition to our kitchen. Within the pages of this home-made recipe book, created by Linda Fuson and illustrated by the talented Brittany Fuson, are not only recipes but complimentary stories as well. From the kitchens of friends and family such as Kristi Warren, Julia Vaughn, Dianne Dudney and the late Joan Gaylord, just to name a few, these recipes not only offer the how to’s of certain beloved creations but the why to’s; i.e. “Christmas morning favorite of Bubba’s” or “brought to Chad after his knee surgery… he LOVED!”

Below, I’ve included a sneak peek of the Fuson Family Favorites, simply a mere glimpse into the pages of this private book. For those of you whom either knowingly or unknowingly contributed to the content of this masterpiece, THANK YOU! Chad and I will cherish this gift immensely and are excited to one day add many of our own traditions and concoctions to its pages.

cookbook on the right, BF thank you's on the left. incred

I felt so honored to make the cut!!

Duh... these are ridicuolous

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead

I know. I know, people. The blog has been neglected. The funny thing is, I can't decide if I care. This whole world of blogging is still new to me and, while I love to catch up on my friend's lives on here, simple journaling still serves as my most comfortable medium for processing thoughts. In recent days, however, I find myself composing mental blogs. You know, like driving in the car subconciously working through a possible posting. That kind of nonsense, ladies and gentlemen, is more than a little strange and ultimately exhausting. That reminds me.... what movie is it when the girl says, "my head is all full..." to which someone responds, "um.... I think that's called thinking. Go with it." Someone pleeaaase help me out here. ANYway... yea... that's how I feel.

So, rather than actually completing a fully-mentally-processed blog (or thought for that matter) I will fill you guys in on all of the craziness that's been going on in a fragmented, good-enough-for-now format.

Thoughts: Life is so great right now... I've had one of the best weeks of my entire life... I actually love my job... My fiance is seriously so sweet, and I want to eat him up most of the time.... I really hope he doesnt get too full of himself over his undefeated softball schedule...My future inlaws continue to blow my mind with how sweet and welcoming they are to not only me but my entire family...My friends, wow, you ladies hosted a to-die-for shower amidst flooding and chaos... Nashville really is the BEST place to call home. really. but i"m SO ready to go on my honeymoon.... I need to order some bathing suits...I have 13 dresses hanging in my laundry room to disperse to all my maids... I forgot to keep planning my wedding, crap.... Who is going to plan my wedding in my mental absence... Who really cares, let's just go with it... I need more sleep... My easytones are getting dusty.... Bedtime....

Thank you to all of you who have made this last week so wonderful. To my mommy, I know we get frustrated at eachother over envelopes and camera chargers, but I love you very much and think you are probably the best mommy ever. I mean, afterall, look how good your kids turned out?!? Sorry, couldnt resist. night night world.

mommy/daughter love

perfect evening

schmooosch face

Happy mother's to-be day!

only a few more weeks!

Let's Go Play!

Less than 2 months away from the big day, I’m glad to annouce that the hubby-to-be and I have NOT lost the lovin' feeling. Sure, after almost 5 years together, we no longer feel the need to plan “dates” every evening; after a while, you just assume the pleasure of each other’s company and are excited even about grilling out on the “porch” for the third night in a row. Yep. Togetherness is enough. And eventually, you find yourselves as comfortable together as you once were alone. I guess that’s love. In fact, I know it is.

Lately, however, perhaps in response to the warming temperatures and commencement of cut-offs season, Chad and I have been enjoying many evenings of outside fun. (Obviously, not in reference to the last 48 hours of torrential downpours) You see, as luck would have it, I truly believe I’ve found in my future hubby, the perfect combination of maturity when necessary, balanced by an I-don’t-want-to-grow-up attitude, which we share. While many of you out there (ahem, CiCi) might object to the declaration of necessary maturity, I was convinced this past Friday, more than ever, that I’ve truly found my soul mate. Yep. He’s a keeper. How do we keep it fresh? Good, solid, red-neck fun. Allow me to include a short vignette to explain.

Standing in the rear of Murfreesboro’s finest establishment GO U.S.A, two evening ago, I anxiously scoured the crowd of families and tattooed teens, looking for my date. In the much-anticipated heat of this Friday night, I cautiously returned my attention to Sophie, my neurotic puppy, every few minutes, as she growled and leapt after every shiny golf ball hit from the driving range. “Where the heck is he?” I thought to myself as I reached for the calming security of my blackberry. Finally, after my bbms refused to turn from “D” to “R,” I’d had enough. Failing to heed the warnings on the door, I scooped up my excited pup and entered the inside arcade. My stare quickly identified an over-sized child at the basketball machine, greatly resembling my fiancé. Surrounded by a group of 8-10-yr-olds, who were captivated by his “skills,” I soon realized this “big kid” was my fiance, in heaven. There he was, fun personified. Looking closer, I saw sweat beads pouring from his head beneath his crooked sunglasses, and what was that all over his mouth?! Blue slushie?! Yes, he was in heaven. Walking towards him, I felt like one big buzz kill, and soon, made uncomfortable by my presence, his band of gawking fans began to disseminate.

Turning around to look for his missing ball boys, my boy smiled a smile I never tire to see. Suddenly, it was clear to me, he didn't want to grow up, and just like many times before, I felt myself falling a little more in love. Over our years of dating and growing in a deeper relationship with one another, Chad and I have had some of our best moments remembering how to simply play. Whether fishing on Mill Creek, going on sea doo adventures, playing tennis or by simply riding around in the rain just for fun, I am always reassured during these times; we must be doing something right. So what did I do with my blue-faced, 10-yr-old celebrity? Well, we marched right back up to the counter and purchased $5 more of tokens... best $5 we’ve ever spent.

After an hour or so of skee ball and other games, I, too, was returned to a competitive, juvenile oh-my-gosh-that-bratty-kid-has- more-tickets-than-me state of mind. Finally satisfied after amassing a considerable amount of yellow tickets, we returned to the counter to pick our prizes. Judging from the pictures below, I am confident in our selections. What a fun night. What a fun boy. I think he was the best decision I've ever made :)

Why not take a break before putt putt and down some cheese muffins from Jim-N-Nicks?. Those things shoud be illgeal. yum yum yum

Conscious Cops

As promised, I have decided to enjoy a hopefully-extended hiatus from the serious talk. Venus and Mars has certainly evolved in tone and content over the past month, but so far, I’m pleased and not surprised by the randomness it entails. First things first, and then a little story. To the astounding number of you who have offered my family encouragement over the past week, THANK YOU! Truly. My sister is currently staked out in her high-rise hospital condo amidst an overwhelming display of affection from many of you. I mean, we are talking every hostess cake, salty snack and dvd money can buy! Witnessing Rachel’s transformation over the past week has been amazing, and watching her belly grow a little each day is both encouraging and just downright exciting! Seriously guys, thank you.


In other much-less-significant news, I am WANTED in the state of Tennessee. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. I admit. My tags are EXPIRED (gasp!!). I think it goes without saying, I’ve been busy. And believe it or not, two days in a row, Middle Tennessee’s finest have validated this excuse. You see, for the past two consecutive evenings, I have been pulled over. Yep. Blue lights and all. In neither instance, however, was my typically-heavy right foot the culprit. Instead, the problem derived from my hectic schedule and my complete lack of desire to ever visit the vehicle testing center. Still, come Monday morn, I promise to be a changed woman. Finally, a day off… and a trip to the county clerk’s office. I’d say it’s high time. You think? Two close calls… I’m not risking another friendly warning on the third try. Good night and good riddance.

Me on  Monday night... if i don't get my act together. :(

Wow

Today was a good day. Yep. Today was a really good day... despite all odds. As I lay down for a much-needed good-night's sleep, I am overwhelmed but far from conquered. You see, I am overwhelmed by feelings of gratitude and thankfulness. I know, I know, enough with the cheesy, sappy stuff, but remember that perspective I talked about last time? Well, it'll do it to you; it'll turn the most dry, even cynical, wit into an unencumbered sap, gushing with emotion. So, for now, I guess that's me.

Throughout the course of this day, amidst learning modules at work and 2,000 calorie meals with the boy, I found my mind momentarily drowned by the much-needed distractions and joys of life and laughter. Still, a solitary notion continued to rise to the surface of my thoughts. “How the heck do people go through life, good times and especially the bad, without God?” Have you ever really thought about that? For many of us, familiar with the peace and inexplicable calm that faith affords, the idea of facing life alone seems foreign. We forget, all the while, that this isolated existence is the means by which most people live. Considering this, how much more should we delight in not only our salvation but also, the body of Christ?

Not once today did I look at my phone without an asterisk (*) alerting me to my email, text messages or bbm. What an absolute joy it is to experience the body of Christ in times of trouble and perhaps even more so, in times of waiting. Thank you to all of you who have offered everything from words of encouragement to Full House DVDs! My future mother-in-law, the saint that she is, is even planning to visit Rachel tomorrow night armed with her trimming scissors, nail polish and manicure tools. I mean, how cool is that?

While I promise to return to Venus and Mars’ more light-hearted, quirky content soon, I want to leave you with the words to this song, as they spoke so perfectly to my thoughts and to my heart on the drive home tonight. Sleep tight, world.

I’m waiting, I’m waiting on you Lord
And I am hopeful, I’m waiting on you Lord
Though it is painful, but patiently I will wait


And I will move ahead bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting I will serve you
While I’m waiting I will worship
While I’m waiting I will not faint
I’ll be running the race even while I wait
---------------------------------
John Waller “While I’m Waiting”

Some Sleepy Perspective

Have you ever noticed, growing older in years, how the “little things” seem to just simply fall away? Well, I hope so. And I truly mean that. In hindsight, I would love to go back and give myself a chill pill for every afternoon I spent scouring Birmingham’s Brookwood mall for the perfect cocktail dress with Daddy’s credit card in hand. Or perhaps just a slap on the face for every hour I’ve spent flipping through some random’s facebook photos. (we’ve all been there) Yep, hindsight is 20/20. But what about now? How can I purpose to prevent myself from wasting more time, you know, sweating the small stuff?

How about a little perspective? I know I need just about as much as I can get. Sure, somedays, it’s easy to wake up and fix myself a nice big helping of perspective, accomplished only by spending some time with my Bible and writing down my thoughts. Oh how I wish I would have the discipline to commence each new day in this way. Other days, however, I sleep in, both literally and figuratively (if you’re following this analogy at all.) On those days, it might be noon, dinnertime even before I recognize that familiar feeling of “empty,” realizing I’ve wasted an entire day, making mountains out of molehills.

Today was a day like perhaps none other. I got my dose of perspective so early it seemed even the sun was choosing to sleep in. When my mom woke me up around 5 to tell me my sister and brother-in-law were on their way to the hospital, I felt myself swallow the pill of perspective, sticking in my throat all the way down. After fully emerging from my state of shock, however, I resorted to my security blanket of sorts…prayer. The power of knowing others were doing the same and knowing there was nothing more I could do, was relieving, and soon, I was at peace. Sure, I continued to sit by my phone in anticipation of the next text or call, and admittedly, I offered God a few, “really? What the heck is this about-s?” But by noon, I had what we all so badly need, a little perspective.

I know many of you have been prayerfully lifting my sister and her baby boy up to the Lord for weeks now, and I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement our entire family has received. Right now, Rachel and baby are doing well, resting in the Centennial Women’s Hospital. Please continue to intercede, however, as she will be staying in the unit until the baby is born. In the meantime, we plan to make her new high-rise condo the most happenin place in downtown. If you’ve obtained any box sets of TV shows, we will rent. And if you like board games, bring it. For the rest of you, pray. And if you’ve never considered yourself a praying person, try it…seriously… you don’t know what you’re missing out on.

In other news, and because this picture makes me happy and because I think postings without pics are boring, I'd like to add that I have the best fiance ever. Not only did he sit in the hospital all day, but he managed to entertain and cut some tension with his uniquely-chad wit and charm. I mean, look at this face. Don't you just want to eat it up? No?! But I KNOW you're jealous of those hats. It's cool, can't blame ya. Good night everyone.

Be Jealous, Be Very Jealous

Look what came in the mail yesterday! I've never looked better. Thanks Boo

**Excuse the distorted lighting. This was taken outside on a camera phone.**

What's that?! You want a custom invite too? Don't blame ya. For more info, visit http://www.brittanyfuson.com/