Prayers for Laura Elleby - In Remembrance of Thomas M. Niebauer

"Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled"

Laura & her father, June 2009

Thomas M. Niebauer, a child of God, a father of two children, a husband and a dear friend to many, will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones. Barron's brother's wife, Laura Elleby, lost her father in a tragic motorcycle accident this past Friday evening. Funeral services were held today in West Palm Beach, Florida. From this day on and the months to follow, more than ever, Laura, her husband Ryan and the entire Niebauer family needs your prayers. Please pray for their strength and for God to give them peace in their hearts.

This is a painstaking, yet much needed reminder to each of our hearts that we are merely promised today and need not worry about tomorrow. God has placed us on this earth with a plan in mind, a plan in which we are not aware of and it is only He who knows when our life here on earth will be completed. We need to remember to live for today and enjoy every moment of the time we are able to share with our loved ones. It may sound cliche, but it is something we must continually remind ourselves to live by daily.

This Sunday I heard the most eloquent sermon by guest Pastor Darnell. He spoke of the beautiful place that Jesus has gone to prepare for us. At the time, my heart was very heavy from dwelling all weekend on the sadness of Laura's tragic loss and it was a breathe of fresh air to hear once again about the place that has been prepared for us and the golden streets Laura's father is walking down this very day. While it is difficult when surrounded by an earthly society, to comprehend God's plan for our eternal life with Him in heaven, we must continue to immerse our minds in the truth of God's word. Without the word of God, we cannot focus on what is truly important during our precious time here on earth. 

Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4

Being that Laura's father, was a child of God and follower of Jesus Christ, he has now met his heavenly Father and been greeted as a good and faithful servant. Through this man's life, I am certain God has done many works, some of which are still in motion as his legacy lives on.

"What the heart has once known, it shall never forget".

~Author unknown

Thank You God For Your Creations

Cappuccino taking a curious sniff of the crisp morning air

The flood of these recent days has made me think a lot about God's powerful existence. God shows himself to people in thousands of different ways. He touches, molds, prepares, strengthens and opens hearts every day throughout the world. From miracles to destruction to the sun shining on us once again each and every morning, God continues to show himself to His people.

But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal king. . . . But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with rain and brings out the wind from his store-houses. Jeremiah 10:10b,12,13. NIV

Delicious Heirloom Tomatoes & Mums in my homemade version of a "topsy turvy"

Dwarf Lemon Tree

One of the ways God speaks to my heart the most is through the beauty of His creations, the majesty and intricacy of the nature he has placed around us. Barron and I were blessed with the ownership of our very first home this past spring and one of the greatest joys I have experienced from this new home is the beauty of the outdoor space around us. Many hours this past summer was spent in the backyard and on the back porch, digging, potting, spreading, trimming, clipping and watering. The best part of it all is sitting back and enjoying the fruits of our labor. This past season we have been able to enjoy every bit of fresh basil, rosemary, mint, cilantro and juicy tomatoes. Right now we are patiently waiting on our lemons, jalapeno peppers and red bell peppers to ripen. Yum! Yum!

You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

How joyful and prosperous you will be! Psalms 128:2

White table grapes for my Barron. He loves them! We are hoping they will produce fruit by next year.

One of Barron's patients so graciously brought us clippings from her garden at the beginning of the summer. When I finally found time to plant them they were malnourished and looked like half-dead droopy little specimens. These tiny clippings have now grown into beautiful FIVE FEET TALL Cleome flowers and an EIGHT FOOT TALL Butterfly Vine!! Little did we know what a special gift these little sprigs of life would turn out to be. We think of Barron's thoughtful patient every time we step into the backyard and will every summer as our flowers come back to life. We'd love to share our treasured perennials with other perennial lovers. Let us know and we'll swap with you next year! I love to have flowers from different people throughout our yard, it makes a garden truly special.

If you look close you can see a glimpse of our goldfish named Ginger. Our 2 little koi, Butterfinger and Spike are enjoying their favorite pastime, which is playing hide and seek below the water hycienths and lotus leaves.

Our Humble Little Water Garden

Barron surprised me one weekend this summer with tickets to the Atlanta Tour of Koi Ponds. Following the tour we took a hold of our inspiration and built a small water garden in our own backyard. We made probably fifteen more trips to Home Depot than expected, dropped numerous heavy stone blocks on our fingers and toes, as well as tested the ties of our marital bond, but WE DID IT! In the future, we want to build a really big pond, but for now we are happy with our petite little pond with the relaxing sounds of its gurgling fountain. It is the perfect size for our little fishies, Ginger, the goldfish, and Butterfinger and Spike, our baby koi.

Everyday I thank God for His beautiful creations. It is amazing what He has blessed us with in the world around us. Even on a bad day I can look at His glory in the vibrant color of a flower or in the warmth of the sunshine and realize, "WOW!" what an awesome and powerful God we have.

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NIV

Surrounded by the splendor of the outdoors is one of my most prized possessions, my late grandmother's wrought iron table, filled with irreplaceable memories of true love and homemade biscuits.

Our babies, Bruiser and Cappuccino love to sit on the couch in our keeping room and watch us gardening outside. It's so cute! This is my favorite place to sit in the mornings, to drink coffee and enjoy quiet moments while indulging in beautiful glimpses of the outdoors.

New York, New York

Our romantic date night at Apiary

Devouring Melissa's Mini Cupcakes

Hallway of the old cathedral where Catherine & Jon live

The last week in August, Barron and I spent some time in NYC and a few days in New Jersey for a wedding. One of Barron's close friends from med school was getting married and we decided to make a vacation out of it. We were very lucky that Barron was extremely busy at his practice all summer and I myself tied up working weddings for my part-time wedding planning job. Therefore, other than a 3 day weekend in Charleston to visit Barron's family this was really the first trip of the summer for us.

We started off in Jersey for the wedding. Long story short, being uneducated about the area, we took a $60, hour long cab ride from the hotel to the church. While stranded by ourselves waiting 30 minutes for a new cab and another $60 cab fare, Jessica (the BRIDE) sweet as can be, saw us sitting alone after everyone had left (including the wedding party) and offered us a ride with her videographer. We were so very thankful! He was HILARIOUS!!! He was typical of what us Southerners imagine of Jersey men. Complete Danny Devito look alike, black slicked back hair with his shirt unbuttoned to expose a little hair and his collection of gold necklaces to match all 7 of the gold rings on his fingers. He was so proud to tell us over and over and over again that he was "best" friends with Deanna Pappas (previous bachelorette) from "Neman," GA he called it. He excitedly flashed us his autographed prints and live web chat photos of her he had downloaded from the Internet and uploaded onto his i-phone. Words cannot describe the humor of our 40 minute ride to the reception, but I can top it off by adding that we listened to him sing Kenny Chesney songs in his Jersey accent the whole way. It was Priceless.

The Getaway Car

The wedding reception was beautiful!!!! It was held at Addison Park which was a gorgeous venue. Being a wedding planner I wish this place was in Atlanta so that I could recommend it to my brides. Barron and I took a few pictures of ourselves in the lobby just to capture it all. The band was fabulous and the five course seated dinner was superb. This was definitely a wedding to remember. Jessica if you're reading this I give you 5 stars!

Lobby of Addison Park

Following our stay in Jersey, we headed to meet up with a friend of mine who I haven't seen since 7th grade. What an experience! Catherine and I were best friends in 4th-5th grade and had so much fun in the gifted program together doing crazy projects and visiting Cumberland Island. Since then, we have no history except for a run-in at the county wide Orchestra competition in 7th grade! Now, 15 years later she has 2 beautiful children and lives right near Union Square in an old renovated church that takes you back in time from the moment you walk in the door. The picturesque cathedral is located in the first suburb of New York and has ornate stained glass windows galore that tell stories from centuries ago. It was an amazing place to stay. She and Jon were so hospitable and we considered ourselves very lucky guests. We loved catching up and spending time with the children. I got to ask Catherine a million baby questions since I've learned very little since years babysitting back in college. I have a lot to learn before Barron and I start a family of our own one day!

Catherine & her beautiful children, Grey & Scarlet

While in New York we decided to spend our time strolling streets, shopping, and dining out. What better place to do that in besides New York? Catherine and Jon recommended some great places to eat of which I'd love to pass on to anyone who likes to visit New York. The first is not a restaurant, it is a cupcake bakery that sells mini cupcakes out of a tiny window on the side of the street in SoHo. Melissa's Cupcakes were DIVINE! Even the website will make your mouth drool. http://www.bakedbymelissa.com/ Barron found the "Best French Toast in the World" at NoHo Star. http://www.nohostar.com/ We had a romantic date night at a sexy, modern restaurant called Apiary, http://www.apiarynyc.com/ And truly a night to remember was spent with Barron's Uncle at this adorable Moroccan restaurant called Sintir, http://www.sintir.com. We absolutely loved our experience at Sintir. We dined outside in a courtyard underneath a tent seated on antique Moroccan carved benches. Barron's Uncle Steve lives in the upper East Side and it was so nice to be able to get together with him while in New York. Traveling the world is his passion and he is always filled with great stories of his trips. We fell in love with the addictive Moroccan Mint Tea and melt in your mouth Lamb Shanks. The night was unforgettable.

Before we got on the plane to head home, Barron and I took a walk through Times Square so we could take some pictures since it was our first trip to New York together. We got to sneak a peek at the Naked Cowboy who is currently running for Mayor. I was delightfully surprised to see all the beautiful new pedestrian areas the city has created in Times Square. What used to be busy streets is now walkways filled with a plethora of potted plants and outdoor seating. It was a perfect way to end the trip before we headed home. Goodbye New York, Hello Atlanta!!! We love the city, but at the end of the day, it is always nice to come back home!

Barron loves Times Square!

Admiring all the new pedestrian areas in New York

The Naked Cowboy

Big Night at the Ellebys

Barron watching football and Bruiser waiting for a bite

Yum! Yum! Tom Yum Goong and Chiang Mai!

New found goodies from the International Farmers Market,

including galanga, lemongrass, thai basil, fish sauce and pan fried egg noodles

Last night was a big night at our house. It was the start of the FALL FOOTBALL SEASON and I made my first attempt at mastering Vietnamese/Thai cooking. The outcome was a success! Barron managed to joyfully yell at the tv for several hours while I chopped, mashed, pulverized and simmered. I'm starting to think that this cooking project is a great addition to my other numerous creative outlets especially in time for football season. Barron prefers to watch games at home in a "quiet" environment where there are no other distractions which gives me time to catch up on just about anything.

COBB INTERNATIONAL FARMERS MARKET

For anyone who has never been to the Cobb International Farmers Market I recommend that you make a trip. Even if you go just once, you should certainly go. It is like being in another country and reminded me very much of the grocery stores I went to while living in Mexico a few summers back. If you can overlook the super dirty floors, lack of customer assistance and not so refreshing smells, you will find a plethera of unique foods most of which you probably have never seen in a grocery store before. Very interesting!

My first 2 recipe attempts were tom yum goong & chiang mai, a spicy shrimp soup and a curry beef noodle dish. Both were delish! I spent just under $50, made enough food to last Barron and I for almost a week and had lots of ingredients leftover. These recipes and most others in the book could not have been made without a trip to the International Farmers Market, which I just happen to work 5 minutes from, lucky me!

All in all, it was a success. My Thai Cuisine Expert husband said it was the best tom yum goong he has ever had. Husband's Happy Tummy = Happy Wife!

The Julie/Julia Project & Vietnam Vittles

Barron and I just got back from New York. The brisk fall weather was amazing! Pictures are coming soon as well as details of our trip. We had such a great time shopping, dining and spending time with both old friends and family. While we were there Barron and I finished reading our last novels of the summer. In just the past 2 years I have found a new love for reading novels, especially in the summertime. When it is too hot to go outside I love to curl up with a book in the bed or on the sofa, where Barron in contrast loves to listen to novels on the way to and from work/home each day. Barron just finished a series of edgy, toe curling, spine tingling novels by David Baldacci. This summer I read a handful of novels, including Up Island by Anne Rivers Siddons, Away by Amy Bloom, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and the Julie/Julia Project by Julie Powell. I was inspired to read The Time Traveler's Wife and Julie/Julia Project by the movies that came out this summer, but have yet been to the theater to watch either one.

Finishing up with the Julie/Julia Project was a fun way to end the summer. Julie Powell, cooks her way through 524 of Julia Child's recipes in 365 days. This true story is filled with lots of laughter, marital bliss as well as woes, friendship and the stepping stones of life. The book is light-hearted and inspiring. The language is definitely R-rated and a strong believer must certainly take her total lack of spiritual beliefs with a grain of salt (possibly she will find some in the next book), but other than that I really enjoyed this fun read. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that it has inspired me to cook myself through a whole cookbook, which will be a personal feat in itself. From my mother I gained a true love for cookbooks, but hardly ever use them in my daily routines. Most of my cooking tends to be done with mere instinct or experience and the use of recipes for occasional guidance.

While visiting NY, Barron and I ate at this fantastic Vietnamese restaurant in Union Square called Republic. It reminded me a lot of a Pan-Asian place I used to frequent the summer I spent in London called Wagamama. Both restaurants I truly recommend if you are ever in London or NY. Barron and I both love, love, love Asian cuisine. It's a passion that is equally shared by both of us. Our date nights mostly consist of dining at one of our favorite Thai and sushi restaurants (followed by a trip to the closest book store, we're a total nerd at heart couple), but there is certainly a lack of variety of places in the burbs, as well as an occasional lack of funds for dining out all the time. I mentioned wanting to master some Vietnamese recipes while in NY. I love to cook and most of all I love to make my husband's tummy happy since that is one of the easiest ways to his heart and most men I might add. Last night while I was at home unpacking our suitcases, (just so I can put everything away and re-pack for our beach trip this weekend) my sweet husband returns from a Barnes & Noble excursion with book in hand and smile on his face. He surprised me with a fantastic cookbook called The Best Vietnamese & Thai Cooking by Mai Pham. So by the will of my husbands tummy, my love for Asian cuisine, the inspiration of Julia Child who inspired Julie Powell who wrote her book and inspired me, I will be cooking my way through Vietnam. It is an exciting task to begin in the fall, because who doesn't love a hot bowl of pho bo or spicy tom yum goong on a cold winter day? :)

When in New York: http://www.thinknoodles.com/

When in London: http://www.wagamama.com/

P.S. - To any readers or followers of the Julie/Julia Project: I was so excited today to find out that her original blog from the very beginning in 2002, is still there sitting on the web for all to read. Fun! Fun! http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/

A Mother's Pain, A Daughter's Gain

Thank Goodness for Bunions

Tomorrow, Barron and I will celebrate 7 months of marriage. I decided to jump on the bandwagon and join the rest of the world with my very own blog. Since most people don’t celebrate 7 months of marriage after knowing each other for only 10 months, I thought I would start out by sharing our story.

It all started a little over two years ago, my mother, Debi Dugger had some really sore feet. She had been putting off going to the doctor about her bunions and had finally decided to go. The doctor she had set an appointment with was with the same group of doctors who previously operated on my grandmother’s bunions several years ago so she had heard they were an excellent group of podiatrists. As she sat in the waiting room she was expecting to see Dr. Douglas Elleby, a well-known, experienced doc in the podiatric world. Instead, much to her surprise, a very handsome, young man walked through the door. It was Dr. Douglas Elleby’s son, Dr. Barron Elleby. He looked as though he must have been fresh out of residency, she thought. As they talked and laughed together, the two of them had quite the connection. Debi who never meets a stranger, was warmed by Barron’s sweet smile and gentle touch of her sore swollen feet. After a handful of appointments, Barron had one thing in mind, bunion surgery. Debi had something else on her mind, her young, single daughter J It wasn’t long before Debi was picking up the phone to call her daughter (that would be me) to tell her how much she adored this cute new doctor of hers and how sweet and kind he was.

During November of 2007 it was time for Pie in the Sky to open, the gift shop in Smyrna that my mother and I own and operate together. My mom had coaxed me into sending her cute new doctor a business email through our Pie in the Sky Myspace account because he had said he might need some holiday gift baskets for his staff members. A few professional emails were sent back and forth, ending with the conclusion that Barron would be in to visit the store after we opened. Months went by, Mom’s cute doc never set foot in the Pie. As the first year of the shop goes by, my mother continued to bring up Barron’s name, with the recurrent preface, “I’m going to hook you up with…” This was always a common occurrence with my mother, but usually a joke ending with a name such as, “Kenny Chesney,” “Billy Currington,” or the lastest , greatest country singer on the radio, not typically human flesh who lives and breathes in our community.

At this point, the name Barron Elleby, a face I had never seen in person, had become a legend in our household, something to laugh and joke about when I had had a bad day or even a bad date. October 2008 rolls around. It was the perfect time in my life for new beginnings, even my mother knew it. Moms are good at that sort of thing, sometimes too good. One afternoon I get the phone call, “You’ll never believe what I just did.” Moms can do some really silly things in the lives of their children, but I must say that this silly thing has changed my life forever. She had called to tell me that she emailed her podiatrist to tell him that “she thought he was cute and that her daughter was cute and that she thought they would be cute together.” Straight from the mouth of the world best first grade teacher who seems to have quite a way with words for children’s books.

And that’s where it all began, after almost a month of emails, without a single phone call, we met for our first blind date. During a 2 hour drive to Helen, we never stopped talking. Through dinner in an old house called I couldn’t stop smiling. And after a long walk through a star-filled sky at the North Georgia Corn Maze little did I know my life would never be the same. The rest is history. Three months later we married in Maui on January 27th 2009. From the flowers to the cake, to hula dancers, a butterfuly release and a ukulele player, Barron planned it all. He secretly flew both our parents in to surprise me and so my father could walk me down the aisle. Just 2 days before I had said goodbye to my mother on the way to elope with my wedding dress packed in my suitcase and tears in my eyes. It was a wedding I could have never even dreamed of, perfectly intimate, sweet, endearing and blessed by God. Some I know have called us crazy, but we call it love, brought together by God. We couldn’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together and didn’t want to waste any time. When people ask me how I knew, I tell them the same thing I have been told for years, “When you know, you know.” Barron makes my everyday wonderful and that is how I knew. Each morning I wake up to my best friend and I can’t wait for the day when I wake up to my best friend and the children that I hope God blesses us with. I thank God for all that He has done in our lives to prepare us for one another and for bringing us together.

I even thank Him for Bunions!