Friday Five

1. I'm exhausted and mentally drained. I am also extremely ready to get rid of this congestion which decided to invade my body about a week ago and for whatever reason loves me! Back to a normal life of minimum nose blowing and less medicine would be divine.

2. Anyone watch Modern Family this week? What about the Office or Parks and Recreation? Love them all, especially when they are new. I mean, who actually expects new episodes in spring time?

3. My house is beyond dirty and in dire need of some cleaning. I'm debating on hiring a girl from work (who loves to clean) and has everything needed to clean it from top to bottom. Although, I'm unsure how I feel about a co-worker seeing my house dirty. Isn't it funny how you talk to someone who does have a maid and they share with you the need to clean before their maid comes? That would be me too.

4. My birthday is in one week exactly. Nice. Although, it means I'll only be two years away from thirty. Boo!

5. My mom made reference when she came to hang out last weekend that Buddy was getting a little chunky. Dave and I swore up and down it was because he needed to get groomed; he was a little shaggy. Well, I'm sad to report that after picking him up from the groomers yesterday I saw what was the reality of my precious little doggy. Buddy is overweight and will be going on a diet. Geez. Poor dogs, first you are forced to eat nasty dog food and then your owners don't even give you enough to satisfy the hunger. Ah well. Better him than me!

Not Me Mondays

It was not me who was getting ready this morning, watching the news, and began yelling at the news anchor about the story they were reporting. My poor Shih Tzu was terrified at 7am this morning. While he was probably dreaming of running through a beautiful green field, his peaceful dream was interrupted due to his mama who thought yelling at the TV would change what they were saying. I would never yell at the TV. Especially when I'm alone. Getting ready. With no one else around to discuss the issue. Not me.

Who owns a lab and hasn't vacuumed in over a week and a half? Not me. I would never, ever wait that long to vacuum a house with a 100 pound dog that sheds. Ew.

After a long talk about "getting healthy" with her husband, it was not me who opted to have a bowl of ice cream last night and blamed it on her throat hurting. A good wife always encourages her husband to make smart food choices, not encourage ice cream for dessert (especially after eating tacos for dinner). Poor Dave. His lack of self control to say no when it comes to sweets sure does give me the advantage to swoop right in and mess things all up. But my throat was hurting yesterday, and it still does today. I'm hoping it gets better. I have a busy week and not feeling great isn't helping.

Go here to read all the "Not Me Moments"

Weekend Wrap Up

Where do the weekends go?! They just fly right by and before you know it, it's Sunday night. Without LIFE to watch might I add. Boo. But this weekend was wonderful.

Friday we went to see my nephew Braiden play baseball. Which the weather was absolutely beautiful that night so it was super. He is a natural and the team is extremely talented for a bunch of six year olds. Although I will say, I believe I came down with a bug that my niece shared with us because I have felt like doo doo all day. Yucky!

Saturday my mom came over and we went to this place to have lunch and did a little shopping!We walked all over the square and had a great afternoon visiting some cool clothing stores and boutiques. We also went to our city's Spring Fling, although didn't really find a whole lot worthy of our dollars. But it was another beautiful day so it didn't really bother me spending sometime outdoors. After Dave's friend Pat came over and they headed to the lake. I had a nice little nap, along with some study time, and then enjoyed a nice dinner! It was off to bed after that!!

So now it's Sunday night and I'm dreading getting ready for this week. It's going to be busy one!

Wife Lesson #3

I was trying to be nice. I was trying to help carry the load. I was trying to surprise my husband................

I think I'll leave the yard work to Dave. That poor grass never saw it coming. I think I scalped most of the yard. Don't worry Heather and Whitney, Dave will be fixing it when it gets off work. HA!

Tuesday's List: Favorite Movies

OK. So today's list over at love from texas is typical grocery lists and I've already done that. So, I'm doing last week's. :) Which I had forgot about until I read Heather's blog and I LOVE MOVIES. LOVE THEM! Mainly love stories, like an red-blooded American woman but they don't have to be love stories. Anywho, onto my list!

I wasn't really a Sex and the City girl when it was on TV. I watched it but not obsessed like other people I know (Jenna). But I loved the movie. It make me cry. And we made a girl's night out of it with my mom, aunt, and sister.

Can't help this one. Even the cheesy lines, bad acting, and bit of silly story line. I haven't read the book yet come to think of it. The soundtrack is awesome too. Actually, my friend Amber had her bridesmaids walk down the aisle to a song from this movie. Good memories.

Harry Connick Jr. and Sandra Bullock, check. Good country dance scene, check. Sweet love story, check. Hey, all the elements are there people.

Ryan Gosling. Enough said.

Ok, so your probably like "Really Brooke. Tommy Boy?" Yes. I admit it. But I like it for more than the awesome one liners and funny entertainment. Jenna and I (for some strange reason) watched this movie every weekend for like two months at one point. And we laughed every. single. time. That's when you know it's funny.

Probably my all time favorite movie. I LOVE the singing, I LOVE Reese and Joaquin, I LOVE that it's a true story (well even though it's Hollywood-ed up I assume), and I LOVE that it shows how true love happens. With all the nitty gritty dirt included. I literally can not pass this movie up if it's on and Dave hates it. "We've already seen this like a million times." is his normal response. I just can't help it. And by the way, Joaquin should have best actor along with Reese. They both did their own singing in the movie. Simply wonderful.

Introducing.....

Raidy Jay Baker. Is he not just the cutest thing ever????
We went to see Addie and Jared today (but really to see the baby, tee hee). Addie, of course, looks gorgeous and Jared was glowing. But seriously, Addie looks so amazing for just having a baby last week. Very rested and relaxed. We had a great afternoon visiting and got our fair share of baby holding.
Just melts my heart to see Dave with this precious little miracle.
And remember yesterday how I said we had nothing planned for today??

I forgot we decided to head out to this place for Ethan's fourth birthday! For parents in the area looking for something new and fun to do for kid parties, it sure was neat!

Anyone recognize who that is? Jason Witten!! That's right, as soon as we walked through the door my brother-in-law runs to us and tells us Jason Witten was sitting on the bench next to our hut. Dave about died! He LOVES Jason Witten. It was all he could do not to walk over there and tell him just how awesome he is. We were trying to respectful since he was there for another birthday party and had his wife and son with him. Pretty cool surprise though! We all did a little sneaky picture taking and video as to not be super suspicious.

The agenda for tonight? A little movie watching and dinner of some sort. I'm thinking cereal sounds pretty good. :)

Friday Five

#1. Today was a whopper! I subbed for not only the Assisted Choir Director but the Choir Director as well and let me tell you........WOW. My fourth period class had 54 students in it. 54!! I must pat myself on the back though for keeping them all in the classroom and under control. That is quite a task for a, uh um substitute.

#2. Has anyone seen Everyone's Fine? Good movie but so not what I expected.

#3. I made a killer meat loaf tonight. With some potatoes and corn. And let's not forget the brownies and ice cream for dessert. Delicious.

#4. My kitchen sink is still broken. I know. Pathetic.

#5. I have a big fat nothing on the agenda for tomorrow. WOOHOO!! I can't tell you how excited this makes me. It's been quite some time we have nothing to do. Maybe a little quality time with the hubby is just what we need...........or maybe a trip to the shopping mall. That sounds good too!

Wife Lesson #2

This week for me has been exhausting. Just exhausting. And Dave got the back lash of it.

I, for some reason, was just not in a super mood when Dave called me on his way home from work. Which, usually when I'm not in a good mood for whatever reason I really try not to take my frustrations out on him. I just did not succeed today.

I had heard some valuable advice not to long ago in church about how to deal with husbands, especially right when they get off work. Men typically need some down time, just time to get off work and let all the things from the day go away. I specifically remember our pastor saying "Try not to immediately jump on your husband when he walks through the door with to-do lists or occurrences from your day. Give him just a bit to come in, change clothes, get situated, whatever his routine is and then the talking can begin." Some women might look at this as a bad thing and that's okay. I like to see it as someone speaking from experience.

My lack of self control got the best of me today which made for a quiet evening. But I will say I did apologize when he got home (knowing shortly after our phone conversation I did not use the best judgement) but we still had one of those awkward, silent evenings which gave me time to reflect on how I can handle myself better in the future.

I guess there is something to be said about actually listening during church sermons. Tomorrow is a new day and like my father always says "Things are always better in the morning."

That father of mine sure knows what he is talking about.

What have I been up too?!!

I think 5 days is the longest I have ever gone without blogging. But to be honest, just not to much going on in the Petty household. Lots of working, that's about it. The weather has been gorgeous lately! I have tried to do a little something outside everyday just because the weather is so wonderful. Let's face it, it's going to be a HOT summer and Lord knows I will not be hanging outside much.

We did get the chance to celebrate a friend's birthday last weekend. We went to this little piano/improv bar which was way too much fun! Imagine Pete's Piano Bar but smaller. We only got to stay for just a bit but I'll be sure to go back for other fun occasions!

Leslie and I do think alike. When we arrived and I got out of the car Leslie said "You have got to be kidding me." We wore the same style dress just different colors. Everyone thought it was hilarious. Hey, at least we are twins and can get away with it. HA!

With the wonderful spring season comes two of my most favorite things! Flip flops and cute pedicures!!! During the summer season I live in flips flops and summer dresses. There is this amazing salon here in town that does sick toe art. Sounds a little weird right? It's called Downtown Digits and if the 2-4 month waiting period isn't a testament to the work they do I don't know what is. Can you believe that? Needless to say, I haven't been there yet.

In other exciting news, our friends Jared and Addie had their little boy last week!! Raidy Jay Baker was born on Thursday April 8th. We have yet to be able to make it out there and see him but we are SO excited for them! Jared said the funniest thing the other day. Little Raidy was not ready to come out and meet the world so they had to induce and Addie ended up delivering by C-section. Well, Jared was getting anxious and told Addie "Come on! It's my turn to hold him already."

Too cute.

Free Entertainment

Have you had the opportunity to watch a group of 3 year olds play soccer? When I first worked at TRH I had a couple that would come see me all the time. Steve and Jaime have been regulars for sometime and while I was on an extended leave of absence gone they decided to have a baby! Although he isn't a baby anymore, but he is a cutie!!! Garin is playing soccer so I told him I would come watch one of his games. Man, watching three years old run around kicking a ball, pushing each other and scoring in the wrong goal is just a hoot!!

Garin would raise his arms up and run back towards Jaime so proud after he would score (many of the goals for the other team). Too cute!! I look forward to having a little boy one day to play soccer. They are just so fun!

Friday Five

1. Yes it's Friday, but not my Friday. I am working all weekend. Boo. Dave was suppose to go out of town but due to work I don't think he will be able too (which is why I volunteered to work all weekend). So should be an interesting weekend, but hopefully a busy weekend.

2. I finally got a chance to sub again yesterday. Due to holidays (Good Friday) and the wedding there has been too much going on to sub. But I did get to sub for a coach, which I love. Subbing for coaches is like the best, you get to leave a period early and they usually have a conference and another different period for athletics. Easy day, it was lovely!

3. I need laundry detergent desperately. The laundry pile is just growing! That is on my to-do list for the day.

4. Ok, so I haven't really had the chance to watch American Idol but I caught up on most of the episodes last night. Lee and Casey are my favorites. Actually Lee (he is super cute!). And I LOVE Ellen on there, such a good comic relief.

5. I made the best Chicken Parmesan last night. I mixed bread crumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder together, dipped the chicken in egg and then in the mix and baked at 375 for 35 mins. YUMMY!!! Dave even loved it (and when I try new recipes he usually isn't too thrilled about it). I served it with angel haired spaghetti and of course Ragu Traditional. That is the only spaghetti sauce will eat. Usually. Sometimes I try to be sneaky and try out new sauces. Shhh, don't tell him ;)

Check it out

I really try not to use my blog to speak about anything of "super importance" and I won't start now but if you do not follow or ever visit MckMama's blog, I highly (and I repeat highly) encourage you to go visit her post tonight. Click here to check it out. I know many people who read my blog follow MckMama's which is great cause she is just a hoot but if you don't jump over there and check it out.

Just because I do not talk about politics doesn't mean I can't lead you to some interesting reading. :)

Easter Recap

Today we spent this morning with the Petty household for lunch and an Easter egg hunt! The kids had a blast and everyone failed to mention there was money in some of the eggs, Aunt Brooke would have been searching too!! HA! Just kidding. We had a nice lunch and snuck away with a few pieces of candy.

Ethan is way too precious. I imagine him growing up to be such a handsome polite young man. He is very, very cute.

Miss Brenna Boo in her Easter outfit. All pink, her favorite color.

Big Chris and Ethan.

All four grand kids: Ethan, Brenna, Braiden, and Bailey. We made them take a bajillion pictures.

They began loosing interest very quickly.

Chris and Kristen

Jenn and Bailey

We are the only ones in the family without kids so holidays are a little different for us. We have spent the rest of the day cleaning, doing yard work, trying to get rid of the black widows we have found living in our garage (eek!!), and now resting and planning for dinner.

Hope everyone had a blessed Easter!

Wife Lesson #1

So. I learned a valuable lesson today......that my husband's hobbies do not always have to be mine. Now. Let me clarify.

Since going back to work at TRH mine and Dave's schedule is complete opposites. On one of the few days we have off together I try extremely hard to spend quality time with Dave (by quality I mean, actual time where we are not in front of the TV, doing chores, running errands, etc). I think it's important in marriage to spend time with your mate doing things they and you enjoy. At any stage of your marriage. Now with that said I understand the longer you are married the less you care to do those things. I'm trying at this stage in my marriage to do the things my husband enjoys because I think the habits we create now will help us later in life. (stepping off my soap box now.......)

But! Today was just "one of those days". Dave wanted to spend the day on the lake (go figure!) so I of course obliged and said okay. It was a beautiful day! Just beautiful. But my type of day on the lake is out for a few hours and then head in. I just can not stand to fish for a full day nor can I stand being on the water for that long without a bathroom break! HA!!

The day started off a little late, we forgot the paper work to the boat so after turning around 4 miles from the lake we drove home and got the boat title and we were back to unloading the boat 30 mins. later. We didn't catch any fish, mainly just kept getting hung up on sticks and trees. After 3 hours, a nap, and surfing the net on Dave's IPhone I was hungry and ready to go.

Moral of the story: Just because Dave wants to go fishing every weekend doesn't mean I have too as well. I'm thinking we will come up with a compromise of some sort. Maybe the first half of the day we spend doing whatever we want to do and the rest of the day will be set aside for our quality time. Because one thing is for sure, this girl is all fished out! :)

Easter

If you haven't checked out MckMama's post today, I highly encourage you to go there right now and read it.

"We will be closed April 4th, Easter Sunday in honor of our Savior and Risen King Jesus Christ"

How nice to see this sign in many of the stores in our little town. It's also nice to know that many business leaders in my area do not conform to the "politically correct" terms and jargon that have taken over in the past years. What a way to witness to the guests/customers that walk into these stores everyday and share who their Savior is. As I was eating lunch today in one of the 5 (not really but close!) restaurants we have here and saw this sign I couldn't help but smile and be proud for the fellow believers I live amongst.

Happy Good Friday and Easter weekend all!!!! Let us all remember the true meaning of today and this weekend. That the debt of our sins was paid long ago by my Savior and Risen King Jesus Christ. That through his suffering we are forgiven. That Jesus died on the cross for me and for you so that we may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that who so ever should believe in him shall not parish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

Friday Five: New Favorite Things

There isn't just too much going on in our little lives, so for this week's Friday Five I'm going to share five of my new favorite things. Hold on tight guys, this might too exciting for some.



I never thought I would turn into a Starbucks junkie. I have always been kind of "Plain Jane" when it comes to coffee. But I have been addicted to the Skinny Vanilla Latte. I mean like, wake up and want to drive there immediately and get one first thing in the morning. It's insane. I have for sure kept it in check though. I would never allow myself to spend $5 every morning for a cup of coffee.

I said this awhile back but Circle E Candles are the best. I also make this a daily habit of burning my Circle E Candles through out the day to make my house smell yummy and clean. I always relate a clean house to candles burning. Strange much? Bird of Paradise is one of my favorites but not currently what I have.

Never heard of Xango? Well. My in-laws have been independent distributors for Xango for some time and always give us free samples. It's one of those "long term" benefit kind of drinks but is extremely high in anti-oxidants. They come in daily one ounce shots that I have been taking but also come in large bottles (I'm not sure of the price difference). So, moral of the story? I feel like they are making a difference and they also have daily vitamins packs. I'm a fan. Never thought that would happen, mainly because I am definitely skeptical of things you can't buy at the store.

Sonic Happy Hour. I have been addicted to getting one before work for a few weeks now. Route 44 for $1.13? Um, can we say great deal? I'm a fan of the Strawberry Limeade myself but any of the drinks will do. Except vanilla. Gross.

And I know I have shared with you about my new favorite show "Modern Family" but as I watched last night's episode I was reminded how much I LOVE THIS SHOW. It has all the wonderful aspects of what makes a great TV show. Dry humor, great actors, funny story lines, and hilarious writing. If you haven't watched it yet, I highly encourage you to check it out. If you are a fan of the Office or Parks and Recreation you will LOVE this show. Very entertaining.

I would love to hear some of you new favorites!!