Russ and I have been together for a few years now...12 to be exact.  After 5 years of dating, we exchanged vows on June 4, 2005.  It was a day I will never forget!  It would be cute for me to say those were the best days of our life, but the truth is that our days are getting better and better the longer we have been married!  We are still having fun and enjoying each others' quirks, humor, and odd interests.  The longer we are together, the more we realize how unimportant the "small stuff" is.  There are things that are just not worth arguing over.  After seven years of marriage and going through the ups and downs that we have faced, there are a few lessons I have learned.  I'll share a few...

Our anniversary picture

1. Settle arguments quickly.  Holding a grudge is a waste of time.  We are not promised tomorrow, and I sure would hate to waste any of my valuable time giving the silent treatment.  Russ and I are pretty quick to get over arguments or disagreements.  Sometimes the argument is resolved, and sometimes we just go on with our day and transition with some goofy joke or "you know you love me" statement.  Get the ugly stuff over with!  Don't let it fester and become a source of resentment.
2. Say "I love you" a lot.  You can never say it enough.  I'll admit that Russ probably initiates it more than I do, but it never loses its impact.  There is nothing better than when Russ walks up out of the blue and gives me a big hug and says, "I love you."  Of course, I know my husband loves me...but I still like to hear it.  And it doesn't hurt to tell each other how "hot" you each are!  Ha!  We have always done that too...whether we are 30 pounds overweight or not.
3. Hold hands.  Holding hands is probably the first "act of love" you ever showed your boyfriend.  That doesn't mean that you don't need to hold hands anymore!  Holding hands is still an important act of love.  If you are not into PDA, hold hands while watching a movie, while riding in the car, or while praying together.  After seven years, we are still holding hands and I hope we never stop.
4. Embrace your differences.  For example, Russ is a much more carefree and "go lucky" person than I.  I am more logical and very careful about what others think.  I'm perceptive on how others feel about what I'm saying and I know when to drop a topic.  Russ...not so much.  Now, you should know that Russ doesn't have a bad bone in his body...so nothing he says is ever hurtful.  It's just goofy sometimes.  Ha!  I used to try to help him out, but now I just join in and laugh.  I guess I've grown to think like him.  That's scary!  I laugh at his jokes and think he's so cute...bless him.  Ha!  I've learned to embrace our differences...because, in actuality, we would be one boring couple if we were both like me.  Russ is certainly the life of our little party!  Granted, there are some differences that are much more difficult to embrace.  But our life gets better and much more enjoyable when we try to embrace each other's differences.
5. Be on each others' sides.  Whether I'm right or wrong, I know Russ is on my side.  Now, he may not agree with me, but he will always be on my side...supporting me...helping me.  When it comes to me venting about a situation between myself and another person, he always helps me see the other person's side.  But in the end, he is on my side.  That's the kind of partner I need.  Someone that I can depend on through life's poopy moments.  Someone that I can count on to be on my side, never make me feel like an outsider, and love me no matter what my viewpoint, attitude, outfit, or interests are.  He just loves me for me.

Although seven years sounds like a long time to me, it certainly doesn't feel like it!  I know we have much much more to learn about marriage and each other, and those lessons will come in time.  There have been many times when we both got this marriage thing wrong a time or two.  But, I can honestly say that God knew exactly what he was doing when He planned our family.  He knew that these past six years of "praying for more" was exactly what we needed to become a stronger and closer couple.  It took a while, but we are now loving our "Party of Two" life and living up every moment we have with just the two of us.  I'm so thankful for the last seven years, and I can't wait to see what the next seven bring!

Happy Anniversary, Dr. Russ!  I love you!

Ten Months

Baby J,

Here it is.  Another month has come and gone!  Time is flying by, and I am more and more anxious and excited...because I know that each day brings us closer to you!  This month has been a whirlwind of activity, fun, and our first beach vacation.  All our plans have kept our minds super busy.  This time last year, I just knew we would be headed to the beach with you in tow.  However, God has other plans!  I can't wait to see what they are.  So instead, we headed to the beach as a "Party of Two" and embraced every opportunity we could...just in case it was our last. 

We also spent our Memorial Day weekend at Pickwick with your aunts and uncles.  We are doing as  many last minute things as we can before we switch our roles to parents.  Your dad and I aren't known as "planners."  We get an idea that sounds fun, and we just go with it.  I know that as our family grows, we will need to plan better.  Ha!  Or maybe it's accurate to say we will need to plan a LOT better.  We are more than happy to plan for you!

You would have loved the beach, Baby J!  It was beautiful!  I watched so many families with their little ones playing under umbrellas or dipping their little toes in the water.  I noticed how different each child was, and it made me wonder what you would look like in your little swimsuit.  I daydreamed about how different our trip will be when you join the fun.  It will be a good different....the BEST kind of different I can imagine.  I prayed for you as I sat along the beach watching the waves rush over my feet.  I know that you are coming, and I pray that you feel the love so many have for you!  While we were gone, I noticed another placement on the agency's website.  I was so excited, because it has been a LONG time since I had seen one.  I am always encouraged when I can see things happening.  I can only imagine the joy that family feels this summer.  It will be a summer they will never forget!  Our time is coming.

It's hard to believe that it is June!  Wow!  Your dad and I celebrated our seventh anniversary this month.  I am so incredibly blessed that your daddy chose me!  Your daddy is a strong man.  He is the spiritual leader in our home.  He is compassionate, kind, and sensitive.  He makes me want to be a better person.  Everyone loves him...and his goofy comments, jokes, and interests.  He makes me laugh every day!  I just know you two will be best friends.  I am also fully prepared for your daddy to be "that dad."  You know, the one that waves a goofy wave and yells "I love you!" while dropping you off in the car line.  I'm fully prepared for him to knock on the car window with a huge smile when you are on a date just to remind you that he's there.  I'm fully prepared, and I want you to be too.  Hehe!  Try not to be embarrassed, because you will come to learn that he is the greatest person on this earth.  You will cry for him to hug you because he has the best hugs.  You will call him just to hear his voice because he always loves to talk.  You will ask him to tell jokes because they are incredibly corny!  You will want to be around him because he is so fun.  I am so grateful to be seven years blessed with a wonderful marriage!  I pray that you find a strong, Christian spouse that makes you laugh and feel special every day.  I pray that you listen to God as He guides you to that person.  I am praying for that person too...even though it will be a very very very very very long time before you even think about marriage!  Ha!  I am still praying for God to prepare that person to be your best friend and partner in life.

We have a couple more vacations planned this summer...unless you want to surprise us with your arrival.  We have another beach vacation in July with your dad's side of them family.  It is always fun to vacation with children...eight of them to be exact.  Well, I'm not sure we can call your older cousins children...one of them just got engaged!  Wow!  But, I can remember when they were definitely all children for sure.  Sometimes I wish time would just slow down for a minute, because I look and they are grown.  I'm sure I will only feel that feeling more and more as I watch you grow.  In August, we have another fun trip planned.  For their anniversary, your SuSu gave your grandaddy tickets for the whole family to see the American Idol tour in Nashville.  I'm very excited about seeing a few of my favorites: Skylar, Colton, and of course Philly Phil!  I wonder if American Idol will still come on by the time you are old enough to realize it...  I wonder if you will be a good singer...or a good dancer...or a ball player...  See how my mind wonders?!

I may not know many things about you right now, but there are a few things I know for certain.  I know that God has His hand all over your story.  I know that your dad and I already love you more than you will ever know.  I know that God loves you even more!  And I know that my heart will be overflowing with joy at the very sight of you...or at the very sound of our social worker letting us know about you.  I know that I will want to study every inch of you...your toes, your toenails, your fingers and fingernails, your elbows, your baby fat rolls, your little knees, and your little nose.  I will study your eyes and eyelashes.  I will run my fingers across your little bald head...unless of course you have a head full of hair.  I will shower you with kisses and I love you's.  I'm also pretty sure I will shower you with tears.  Get used to it.  I'm an emotional crier.  All these things I know for sure...yet so many I can't wait to learn!

As we inch closer to our one year update, I never stop thinking about and praying for you!  You are so very loved.  You are so very wanted.  You are so very special!  We cannot wait for you to share your life with us.  We are waiting...

I love you,
Mama

Birfday Partay!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear Farley!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Farley turned 7 years old today!  In dog years, that 49...such a little old man!  Last night, Russ and I took Farley to our hometown so he could be boarded today while we are on vacation.  When we arrived, Farley had a birthday gift waiting for him.

He was very excited as shown by his complete lack of interest in anything we tried to get him to do.  We did manage to snap a few pictures of him reading his birthday card.  Ha!

Farley's grandparents gave him a card and a wonderful gift!  A week of FREE room and board!  Yay!  I absolutely hate taking Farley to be boarded.  In fact, I've only done it once.  Never again!  When we went to Disney World a few years back, Russ wasn't able to get off work in time to drop Farley off...so I had to do it.  Let me just say that I barely made it out the door before I burst into hysterics.  I literally cried all the way from Jackson to Hattiesburg.  It was just so sad.  His little tail was tucked, and he was shaking.  Pitiful.  Having my parents board him for us takes that hard part away.  I'm so thankful!

This morning we all woke up telling Farley it was his birthday.  He was elated!  Don't believe me?  Take a look at this....

"Let's PARTAAAAAAAY!!!"

See?  I told you!  He was screaming with enthusiasm.  Hahaha!  We gave him treats all morning and made sure to pet him and hold him as much as possible.  We knew what his plans were.  He didn't.  We knew that soon he would be locked in a kennel at our local vet's office.  Probably whining and barking.  Brodie, his cousin, will be with him...so maybe that will help a little.  We are thankful that our vet takes very good care of sweet Farley, and we trust him completely.  While he is there, he will be groomed and have his teeth cleaned.  I'm looking forward to a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed puppy when we pick him up! 

Sweet baby boy!

I had a fun surprise today at work!  I heard the bell ring, and I looked to greet the customer when I saw Matt and Leah walking in.  Leah and I were block partners in college, and she became a precious friend!  I haven't seen them in forever!  Leah actually sent Baby J a package a while back.  You can see that here.  She and Matt have a 14 month old sweet little boy who I have yet to meet.  It's ridiculous really since they live in Tupelo, and it's not that far.  Totally my fault!  After this sweet surprise, I am motivated to make a better effort to visit my friends more often.  They also made sure to tell me to say "Happy Birthday to Farley!"  Ha!  They are animal people too.  SOOOOO great to see you two!

[Sigh.]

I hope Farley has had a wonderful seventh birthday, and I hope he has fun this week.  Maybe Brodie will teach him how to play "I Spy" or something to pass the time.

Memorial Day Weekend 2012

 How did you spend your long weekend?  Did you spend it on vacation?  Did you spend it working around the house?  Did you spend it cooking out with friends?  Or did you spend a quiet weekend at home doing exactly what you wanted...nothing?

Well...Russ had his first day off in three weeks...and it was for the entire long weekend!  So we spent our weekend at the lake with friends and family!

Captain Leeroy

 Kristin, Lee, Russ, me, Dustin, and his girlfriend spent our long weekend at Lee's aunt and uncle's cabin and played on the water during the day.  As always...it was a fabulously fun weekend!

Party of Two

 I couldn't decide which pictures to use.  Trust me...I've narrowed them down!  But, every time I started to take some out, I remembered something fun or funny about that moment, and I didn't want to forget.  So...you may be on picture overload in a minute.  Bear with us!

Dream Team

Just like any time the Smithites get together with our crew, there was goofiness all around.  Fun times abounding!  And things that "happened at Pickwick that will stay at Pickwick!"  Ha!  

Sheila

Dustin and Sheila

 Any time these three guys are together, it can be scary.  You NEVER know what will happen, what dance moves will show up, or what stunt will be pulled.  The girls?  We are just around to take pictures, eat pizza, lay in the sun, and warn them of danger right before they do something crazy.

Not quite sure what this jump is called....  Hmmmm....

This one looks to be a swan dive...

 I LOVE how much fun our family can have together...originals and newcomers!  There aren't many of us who use our filters....it's all fair game!  We laugh together.  We act silly together.  We dance together.  We play together.  In fact...Russ, me, Kristin, and Lee actually even slept together in the same bed all weekend.

Is that too much information?  Ha!

Kristin and her favorite brother-in-law

 We are so thankful for Alisa and Richard for letting us...and all the others take over their cabin!  We had a blast!  NEVER a shortage of stories, laughter, and just plain FUN!

Lee and his grandmother

Kristin and Lee's Aunt Alisa...aka "Sissy"

We literally spent all day every day...as long as the sun was up...on the water!  We loaded up on whichever boat was available and basically just took over!  Ha!  When it was time for the sun to begin setting, we loaded up a few more for a "sunset cruise".  Quite heavenly!  Perfect time for  napping, visiting, swimming, or just admiring the view.

"The Skipper" and his wife!

Sheila, me, and Kristin

Russ and me

Dustin and Sheila

The whole crew

While the days were loads of fun, the nights carried their own category of fun times.  Russ and Jerry played a little...no, a lot...for all of us.  Russ actually ended up with pretty impressive blisters on his fingers.  But, it was oh so worth it!  Russ loves to play the guitar!  For those of you who haven't known us long...Russ was in a band in high school.  He enjoys "jamming out" and just playing around with it whenever he gets the chance.  When we lived in Jackson, he enjoyed playing at restaurants or bars every once in a while too.  He's very good, if I do say so myself!  Jerry played several songs he had written, and Russ just joined in like he knew them.  It amazes me how that can happen!

Yes, our nights were filled with THE GOOD...

THE BAD...

and THE UGLY!

While the guys made music at night, we let the new stereo make our music during the day.  We all relaxed and enjoyed the sun.  Some of us a little too much!  Ouch!  Nothing a little Aloe can't fix though.  We're just preparing for our upcoming family beach trip.

"Sisters"...me, Sheila, and Kristin

Lee taking a break from being our Cap'n!

Three beautiful ladies...inside and out!  (Lee's mom, grandmother, and aunt)

Yep.  Fun times at the lake never stop!

Sheila and Dustin

And the fun times didn't stop until the sun set on the final day. 

Me, Russ, and Kristin

Russ and I arrived back home to Southaven around 1 o'clock this morning.  Our alarm clocks went off at 7 a.m.  And we are officially back to reality!

But not for long!

Panama City Beach...we're coming!

Farley Friday

As I was looking back through the blog, I realized that sweet little Farley Man has gotten the shaft.  So sad!  Farley is our first born, and I do not want him to feel that I have neglected him with blog appearances.  So...here he is!  Isn't he SWEET?!  In honor of this "Farley Friday," I figured I'd give you a few fun facts about our little boy.

1. Farley is full of energy...most of the time!  Lately, he cracks me up because he's not a little puppy anymore.  I usually get up around 7 or 7:30 in the morning.  I go into the living room, hula hoop (Don't make fun!), eat breakfast, and watch the Today show and Live with Kelly.  By the time I head back to the shower, I look over to the bed and Farley has not budged.  He is still fast asleep!  So funny.  And a little sad, because it's another reminder that he's getting to be a little old man.  But other than that morning laziness, Farley ALWAYS wants to play!  He barks and chases most any dog or child that walks past our apartment...and the child that stomps around upstairs!  He brings us his little monkey over and over and over again.  The goal is for us to play tug-o-war until we win...then to throw it so Farley can go get it and bring it back.  Then it starts again.  Full of energy!
2. Farley is very intuitive.  He knows the second Russ and/or I decide to go somewhere.  His tail tucks as he freezes and watches us intently.  Then, as we gather our belongings he starts to get real close in hopes of joining.  When we are packing the car for any kind of trip, Farley will literally jump as high as our waist trying to get us to pick him up.  He doesn't want to be left out of anything!  If I start crying, Farley is always the first to jump in my lap.  He knows.  When Russ pulls his car into the parking lot, somehow Farley senses he is here and starts barking or goes to the door until Russ comes in.  He used to do this at our house too.  I still haven't figured it out.  But, his ability to intuitively know when someone is coming to our apartment makes me feel a little safer at night!  Ha!
3. Farley has LOTS of tricks.  Except one.  We taught Farley at an early age to sit, lay down, shake, roll over, and turn around.  Somehow we failed to teach him how to "come here" when prompted.  Don't get me wrong...he comes running when he wants to.  However, any chance he ever had of roaming free outside of a fenced in area is long gone.  He will forever be on a leash when not in a fenced in yard.  Bless his heart!  All he had to do was come when called! 
4. Farley's birthday is June 1.  He will be SEVEN years old!  Oh my!  I can't even think about it!  Farley was born the same month we were married.  He has been with us nearly our entire married life, and I couldn't imagine how lonely we would be without his company, love, and fun.  He has endured 7 years of us dressing him up, talking baby talk, showing off his tricks, traveling everywhere we go, weekends and even weeks with his grandparents, and probably a little too much clingy-ness.  We are usually already at the beach for his birthday, while he is at the vet being boarded.  I feel so guilty.  Don't make me feel worse!  However, this year he will be with us.  We need to make him feel special.  We don't leave for the beach until the next day, so hopefully we will shower him with "Happy Birthday" songs and fun!
5. Farley will always be a blessing.  He was my companion and friend when Russ spent countless late nights and overnights at the library or hospital during med school and residency.  He was my cuddle buddy during our fertility struggles.  He kept us smiling and laughing even when we felt like crying.  He will always be our "first baby."  If you are not a dog person, you will never understand the bond between a dog and humans.  But, in my family, dogs are family.  Literally.  I truly believe that dogs are God's way of showing unconditional love.

So, enjoy your Friday!  I think I'll go rub Farley's belly and talk baby talk to him today.  Right now he is perched on his spot on top of the couch by the big window...with his little eyes looking at me.  I love it when he looks around and I get to see the whites of his eyes!  Ha!  He doesn't know it yet...but he is going to spend the weekend with his grandparents today.  My parents treat him as their own.  In fact, when we visit Russ says, "When we are at your parents' house, Farley is their dog."  Ha!  So there is no discipline from us.  We just let my dad take care of it all. 

Happy Friday!

Hula Hooping

Well, I finally did it.

I've been meaning to stop by Target and pick up a hula hoop for some time now.  Last night, I finally did it.  I am quite excited about this initiative.  That's what I'm calling this experiment...an initiative.  You see, I have never enjoyed "working out."  I am no good at following through with going to the gym or walking in 90 degree heat...much less running.  My last running spell lasted until mid-July when the temperatures rose into the 100's.  So, I've been struggling with how I would tone up without the exercise.  I know!  I know!  It's not possible.  Until now...

Excuse the no make-up!

I have begun my Operation: Abs!  I have salvaged the one swimsuit that still fits...which meant that I had to go out and try on swimsuits to find the ones I like for the summer.  I am thrilled about the weight I have lost, but I also quickly realized that six-packs and toning happens with exercise.  Oh well!  I obviously wasn't bothered enough to do anything.

Until...

Let me introduce you to Miss West Virginia, Andrea Rogers.  She is my inspiration...I guess you could say.  I was lounging around one morning watching Live with Kelly, when the Miss USA contestants paraded across the screen.  Kelly joined them with her own tiara to look for hidden talents.  Miss West Virginia was first.  Her hidden talent?  Hula hooping!  I'm not sure what the conversation was, but I remember hearing Andrea say that it was a great ab workout.

Insert light bulb moment.  Aha!

So, I'm gonna try it.  I'll let you know how it goes.  I did a little online research and found that 30 minutes of hula hooping equals about 200 calories.  I was very surprised and pleased!  I can do that during one of my TV shows!  Russ is amused by the whole ordeal and took a picture of me hula hooping this afternoon.  He just sits and laughs.  But, I'm thinking, when I grow that six-pack from hula hooping...I'll have the last laugh!  Ha!

It's worth a shot!

Praying for More...

...at The Square Cupboard during A'fair

These sweet Delta Gamma friends really took one for the team...wearing OWLS in public! Thank you so much...Mary Gates, Caroline, and Jamie Lou!  Anyone in the Hernando area can still pick up "Praying for More" t-shirts at The Square Cupboard during the week!  There are a few short and long sleeve shirts left.  You can also still email me pictures of you all "praying for more" to mssmith_14@yahoo.com!  I LOVE the sweet book we are making for Baby J!  Thank you all, again, for joining us in praying our sweet baby home!

May JOY Dare

Thanksgiving produces JOY!  During the month of May, Ann Voskamp (author of One Thousand Gifts) has produced a May Joy Dare.  During the month of May, we are challenged to list three gifts a day...in order to complete 1,000 gifts in 2012.  Below are the suggestions she gives as guidelines to list our gifts.

1. 3 Gifts Tasted 
2. 3 Gifts Flat
3. 3 Gifts Found in Difficult People
4. 3 Gifts Before 9 AM
5. A Gift in a Sign, a Smile, a Snack
6. 3 Gifts Found in Christ
7. 3 Gifts About Your Home
8. 3 Gifts Inside a Closet
9. 3 Gifts Found in the Dark
10. A Gift Outside, Inside, Upside Down
11. 3 Gifts About Your Parents
12. 3 Gifts Held in Hand Today
13. 3 Gifts Found in Your Mother
14. A Gift Picked Up, Put Away, Put Back
15. 3 Gifts About You
16. 3 Gifts Found in His Word
17. A Gift in a Box, a Bag, a Book
18. 3 Gifts Unexpected
19. 3 Gifts From Your Childhood
20. A Gift Sweet, Sour, Salty
21. 3 Gifts Found in Little People
22. 3 Gifts That Made You Laugh
23. 3 Gifts Found in a Community
24. A Gift in a Plate, Pot, Package
25. 3 Gifts Hard Giving Thanks For
26. A Gift Worn, White, Whispered
27. 3 Gifts Found in Church
28. 3 Gifts in Today's Work
29. A Gift at 8 AM, 12 PM, 8 PM
30. 3 Gifts Blue
31. 3 Gifts You Gave Today

What are YOU thankful for?  How many gifts can you count?  Get more JOY!

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  1 Thessalonians 5:18

Relaxing Mother-Daughter Spa Day

To celebrate Mother's Day, the Smith ladies decided to do something memorable.  We had our very own SPA DAY!  Let me tell you how it all went down: Kristin received generous gift cards to Gould's Day Spa for Christmas.  Since spa days aren't that much fun alone, Mama and I somehow ended up joining in.  Let me just go on record as saying....SO WORTH IT!  And I'm even more thankful that my parents footed my bill! 

Our spa experience began with our private "lockers" complete with facial wraps, spa robes, and slippers.  We changed our clothes and locked all our valuables in our "lockers."  Of course, I stuck my camera in my spa robe pocket!  I never go anywhere memorable without my camera.

Once we had our spa look ready, we moved to our first spa experience: Pure Fuji pedicures.  We lined up in a series of pedicure chairs and began soaking our feet.  There was nothing quiet about our pedicure time.  We spent that hour laughing, joking, and talking with our manicurists.  It was quite the fun experience for sure!

Mama and me ready to soak

Sisters

Kristin got started a few minutes after we did, but she was A-Okay with that!

I don't care what anyone says...every girl deserves a pedicure now and then!  I've had my fair share of pedicures over my life, but this one was definitely the best so far.  I'll have to really think hard about spending a few extra dollars for the extra attention for sure.

Mama loves a good pedicure!

When our pedicures were complete, we moved over to the manicure stations.  We all opted for a shellac treatment so our nails would not be damaged in our upcoming spa treatments.  So, our Pure Fuji spa manicures began with an added shellac touch.

Once all our nails looked perfectly shiny and bright, we all moved into our individual facial rooms.  Ahhhhhhhhh...the facial.  BY FAR the most relaxing experience I've EVER had!  Our murad signature facial consisted of a personalized skin assessment, deep pore cleansing and exfoliation under steam, massage of the face, neck, and shoulders, and a therapeutic serum and mask.  The ladies left us for a few minutes "to mask" before returning to complete our facial with a moisturizer.  We all left our facial rooms feeling out of it!  I'm wondering if it is possible to get drunk off relaxation.  If so...I was drunk!  Ha!

We were led from our facial rooms to the "Quiet Room" where our lunch was waiting by candlelight.  We preordered our meals.  I had a yummy chicken Caesar salad while we compared notes and discussed how wonderful our day had been so far.  I'm not gonna lie...we looked rough!  But, we didn't care one bit!  We were feeling fine.

Mama and Kristin

Mama and me

Our spa day ended with a 90 minute full body massage.  Oh my!  In case you don't know me very well, I should tell you that I'm like a dog.  I will back up to anyone who wants to rub on me.  My masseuse asked me how I preferred the pressure, and I just told her..."You can't hurt me."  And she didn't.  I was trying so hard not to fall asleep so that I wouldn't miss a bit of the fabulousness.  At one point, I woke up just seconds before I drooled on her foot!  At least it felt like that was near.

Needless to say, we all met back up with oiled hair, red faces, and completely relaxed muscles.  It was a divine appointment for us all!  We finished the day with a little shopping at Steinmart and Dillard's followed by dinner with Russ at a local restaurant.  It was, most definitely, a memorable and relaxing mother-daughter spa day!