Where does she get her good looks from?

Is this not just the cutest thing?

Everyone in my family likes to make fun of me because I'm famous for saying things like "Don't I look cute in this dress?" or "Doesn't my hair look good today?" So, it was fitting that when Jenna found this for little Miss Avery she immediately bought it. I just figure, no one else will make you feel good about yourself so why not be confident. Right? HA!!

Oh, the things I will teach my niece once she arrives............(muah, ah, ah)

Weekend Wrap Up. Yes it's early.

This weekend has been good. No, let me rephrase. Great. It was great.


Friday morning I woke up and headed to meet my mom for some yummy lunch at PF Chang's and a little shopping. We went to lots of fun places but my favorite place to visit with my mom is Hobby Lobby. They already have all their Christmas stuff out so needless to say, we spent much time in the Christmas section.

After, I came home, said hello to the hubby and headed back out to Michael's to find some scrapbook paper because...........my mom sent me home with her cricuit! Yep, my Friday night was complete. That was all I needed to keep me entertained.

This was one of my projects I had been wanting to do forever. It's not quite finished but almost.

Saturday morning I got up and went to Zumba. I love zumba. Two of the highlights of my week include pilates and zumba. And my other favorite thing to do? Starbucks after the gym, I'm sure it defeats the purpose but whatever.

When I got home, Dave and I looked at each other for a while because it's been so long since we haven't had anything scheduled, planned, forced upon us each weekend. I cleaned, he mowed, we watched tv, showered, and then headed off to Light the Night in Grand Prairie. Have I mentioned my dad is on the Park Board? Yep. He's pretty important. I must say, the firework show they had was the best fireworks I've ever seen. Very entertaining.

Today, I will be heading back to work while Dave gets to go the Ranger game. Some regulars of mine brought tickets for us to go but I have to work. Boo. But, never fret. Dave is taking my dad.

I'm a wee bit jealous.

Wife Lesson #5

Well. Today it started. Fantasy football. Ugh.

Let me clarify. It it not that I dislike fantasy football, it's not even that I mind Dave enjoys fantasy football; it's that fantasy football seems like the never ending hobby that consumes my husband. It starts today and won't end until January. Again, ugh.

I know, I have my hobbies too. Scrap booking is one of them. Imagine if I were to take over a television (up to three times a week) teaching me how to scrapbook while Dave sits and watches. Lord, that would probably last a whole 5 minutes before Dave says "Where's the remote?"

Besides the take over of our television and computer every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, having to hear Dave consistently talk about his fantasy team and how well or poor they are doing wears. me. out. Am I a bad wife or what?!

So. Moral of the story? Find something else to do on those days and let the man have his hobby. I have a great shopping partner I know is always up for a trip to Canton! :)

**This, in no way, is me complaining about my husband. I love my husband. I just know how many other wives out there can relate to football season and the fantasy football thing. Here's to a great season ladies! HA!**

Projects and Updates

There are a few things going on at the moment.

The first being this:

Dave decided since he had extra wood laying around he wanted to board up the garage. Not the whole garage, just the back wall and by the door. He started and got the door done but still has a ways to go. Looks pretty good though huh? I think he is going for a cabin feel.....
My project? To tackle my unorganized, no furniture, miscellaneous office that desperately needs to be taken care of and put together. I need to get bins and shelves and a new desk chair. Ah, the things on my to do list just keeps getting longer and longer.

But, these will have to wait for a few weeks. I'll be working a ton over the next week to get ready for some one's birthday I know that's on the 6th of September. Someone who will be 31 this year, someone who just happens to share my last name and live in the same house as me.

Any guesses who that someone might be?

Monday Ramplings

Ah, gosh. Monday already........this weekend was spent mostly at work. Unfortunately. But those are the ways of adulthood, like my father says "......bills come every month" therefore need have to be paid. Poopie. I need to invent something and make a ton of money. Thinking, thinking........

Saturday, Dave and I ventured out to Famous Footwear (yes, on tax free weekend) because we both were in dire need of some new tennis shoes. Although, like most shopping trips taken with Dave, we each left with a new pair of Chuck Taylor's too.

Guess what? With the buy one, get one half off and an additional 20% off coupon we saved $96! Yep. That's right. Pretty good if I say so myself.

Yesterday, work was brutal. Too many young people trying to call in, grumpy people who claim they just came from church (hard to believe that though), and a long day of walking around. Some days, I really enjoy my job and then others I have to talk myself into going. I know mostly everyone feels this way at some point or another.

Dave's birthday is just around the corner and he has chosen to take a trip to Georgia to visit with family for a few days. Best news? We scored some awesome plane tickets so, goodbye 13 hour drive. Thank the Lord!!! I'm way stoked about that. And, I'm looking forward to a few days off work...........far away from work............in another state. HA!

BTW, everyone I know is pregnant! My ten year reunion (which is in September, majorly depressing) should be interesting because I know many of my friends who are attending are expecting. Isn't that exciting?

And no, I'm not making Dave go if you're wondering. I think he is grateful about that too.

Being Twenty Something........

It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn't know and may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now.

You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you don't recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren't really cold, catty, mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you.

You look at your job... and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you.Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn't.

One minute, you are insecure and then the next, secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life, but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward.

You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you. Or you lie in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Or maybe you love someone but love someone else too and cannot figure out why you are doing this because you know that you aren't a bad person.

You go through the same emotions and questions over and over, and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future and making a life for yourself... and while winning the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!

What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out.

**This was something I came across many years ago and knew that most people could find one (or more) of these things that fit into "their" category. Just thought I would share........isn't it funny though how many of these are relevant on a daily basis?**

A few reasons I know I'm getting old..............

I have found myself lately saying "It's too hot to go outside." This, to me, justifies sitting on the couch or finding things to do inside because let's face it........the older we get, the more grouchy we become when out in 100+ degree weather.

I would rather go to sleep early than stay up late. It's not even that I can't stay up late, I just value my sleep and like my routine. Being up early makes me feel more productive and I have a routine during the week, usually.

Having a messy house drives. me. nuts. I can't stand it. I know this doesn't really have to do with age, but I think the older you become the more pride you take in the things you buy, you pay for every month, you spend time living in.

You get excited about buying fabric softener, after having been out for quite sometime.

You actually use sunscreen and try to prevent getting sunburned.

I make snacks to take to work, simply so they won't be in my house for me to eat.

I watch the news more than anything other show on television and find myself telling other young people they should be caught up on current events because it's important.

I care about who builds what house where in my neighborhood and what zoning changes are taking place, who would have thought?!

Every time I pass a baby in the store, restaurant, nail salon, etc. I have to stop and look and smile. Ahhhhhhhh.

Growing up. It happens.

Wishful Wednesday

I wish it were fall..........

Can you imagine? A crisp, cool morning with a slight breeze.........the need for a light jacket...........going for a brisk walk along a country road............

HURRY UP FALL!!!!!!!

The Weekend

Geez. Weekends around here are too busy! I can just imagine once you add kids in the mix how busy it becomes. Yikes!

Friday and Saturday I worked, which was good, except for the storm that blew through Friday night. I always wish when it's raining that I was home under the covers!

Sunday we met my parents for lunch and then enjoyed the best mini Blizzard ever. We had a great time visiting, we always do. After, I came for a little cat nap because later that night we were meeting up for our TRH reunion!

Years ago, we had a special group of people who worked together. It was such a fun time in our lives and as the time passes and people move away, we try to stay in touch with one another!

Even Jenna and Jason came for a few minutes!

Friday Five: New Favorite Things

Friday Five today is ALL about my new favorite things. Most of them food, I'm learning to find some really great "healthy" items to eat since I'm on this whole work out, get in shape kick. I have a major sweet tooth so I've found some awesome low calorie sweets that hit the spot!

If you're looking for some type of ice cream that is semi-healthy, Weight Watchers has the best ice cream choices around. All of them are yummy, I love the fudge bars, toffee bars, and ice cream sandwiches.
I have my mom to thank for this one. 100 calorie flat bread, it's actually pretty good. I prefer mine toasted, I think it tastes better that way. These are a great alternative for sandwiches, especially if you live with someone like Dave who hates anything wheat or kinda healthy. I buy his bread and buy mine and every one's happy!

#3. I learned this recipe from a friend awhile back and it's become one of our favorite meals. Take a tortilla (I use wheat ones), a can of ranch style beans, an egg, and shredded cheese. Turn your oven to broil (hi), fry your egg to your liking (I do mine over medium, you want it a little runny) and heat up your beans. After you fry your egg, lie your tortilla flat and pile on your egg, ranch style beans, and shredded cheese on top. Place in the oven until cheese is melted. I like to toast my tortilla first but it's up to you, it's a yummy, easy dinner or go to breakfast.

#4 Bethenny Getting Married. I'm sad about this one because it's over! Boooooo. But the finale was great and I'm definitely a Bethenny Frankel fan. I just can't help it, I know those Bethenny haters out there are saying "really?" I think she is hilarious, I love her hubby Jason, and Bryn is such a cute baby. I do enjoy me some reality TV. I know, I know.

#5 Have you tried the new Special K fruit crisp bars?? Oh. my. goodness. They are delicious! Tastes like a healthy pop tart. It's a good snack before an early morning workout class or just something easy to carry in your purse in case there isn't anything healthy around to eat. I love fruit but it just doesn't do the deal for me all the time. Plus, they are 100 calories!


Any other healthy options are greatly appreciated, I'm always looking for some new recipes and ideas to keep eating fun and healthy! And any modifications you may have to deal with you know are helpful as well. HA!

Sad day

My heart is just breaking for a previous co-worker of mine. Last week I had requested a few prayers for my friend Denise and her daughter Amber. This morning I received word that Amber had passed and is now with Jesus.

Amber was experiencing complications after a kidney transplant she had awhile back and had been in the hospital for quite sometime. Amber was heading into her senior year of high school, she was in band, and very active in her church.

I simply can not imagine how hard it would be to loose a child.

If you have a spare moment today, will you please say a little prayer for comfort and support for Denise in this extremely hard time? I know she would appreciate it, as do I.

New Restaurant, Old Friends

Friday (after being in bed all day) I got a text from Leslie telling us to go visit the newest concept with Texas Roadhouse that was opening up this Monday.

Friday and Saturday were VIP nights, which is awesome because they bring endless amounts of food and everything is free (YAY!). Aspen Creek is the newest thing to come out of Texas Roadhouse, imagine a Cheddar's but everything is made from scratch, a "cabin" feel environment, and literally everything from pizza to pot roast, even meatloaf. Yummy!

Jenna, Kate, and Phillip met us out there for dinner and we had a great time visiting! I did tell you Jenna is expecting right? They decided on a name since they are having a GIRL!!! Avery. I told her that was a good choice, especially since another little girl named Avery I know is super smart and very cute.

Afterward, we went over to my old stomping grounds to say hi to everyone I used to work with back in the day. Reagan joined us and we had a great time. But don't worry, Dave came too and we were on our way home by 10pm! Funny how things change the older you get.

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Today I will be enjoying a day full of grocery shopping, visiting the gym, and cleaning. Anyone care to come help?!