30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 21

Day 21: Picture of yourself

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 19 & 20

Is anyone else excited that it is finally starting to feel like fall?! It was actually cold last night while we were out and about.

Dave and I are celebrating our two year anniversary this weekend, kind of just doing some random things here and there. I really want to get motivated and drive to Canton for a bit but I think we will do something else instead. Canton is more of a girl's trip.

Only other thing.........."Let's go Rangers!!!!" I sincerely hope they bring their game tonight. I'm highly disappointed in their performance through the first two games. BUT, I'm optimistic they will get it together.

Day 20: Nicknames

Brook-ie-what my parents/in laws call me

Brooklynn-People from work call me this

Pookie-Dave

Burke-this is another nickname from work. This older regular I guess thinks my name is Burke and is always calling me that. So, to poke fun, some of the bar team call me that too. It's actually kind of funny and I don't have to heart to continue correcting him.

Day 19: Something You Miss

I miss my grandparents terribly. My Mimi and Pappaw were the best grandparents ever. I miss visiting their house, Pappaw hugging me with his scratchy beard, and Mimi's cooking.

I miss the carefree days in my younger years. Not having to worry about bills, work, etc. Although, I would never trade my life now but it was nice to just have fun and just be.

I miss some of my friends. The older we get, the harder it is to stay in touch and see each other.

I miss new episodes of Friends.

I miss being able to eat whatever I want at any time of the day and not gain weight. Now I eat one Reese's Peanut Butter cup and I have to run an extra half mile. Geez.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 18

Day 18: Something You Regret

Things I regret??? Hmmm. There are a few I guess, although I feel like everything works out in the end, just in different way than expected I guess. I do regret........

Not finishing school at Stephen F. Austin and in four years, although, the 8 year

plan worked for me :)

Not getting a Cosmetology license, I LOVE hair

Not keeping in touch with some old friends

A few fights I've had with family

Not continuing to attend church through my college years

Money I've spent on silly, unnecessary things

That's probably it. But I will say, it's funny how life works out. If I would have stayed at SFA, I probably wouldn't have met Dave and married him. If I got my cosmetology license, I probably wouldn't have ever gone to college. If I hadn't had some trying times with my family and friends, my relationships wouldn't the same. And if I hadn't spent money on the "fun" things in life, I'd be pretty boring! HA!!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 16 & 17

Day 17: Something You're Looking Forward To

I am looking forward to the Ranger game tonight.

I am looking forward to getting new living room furniture.

I am looking forward to being an aunt (again).

I am looking forward to celebrating my 2 year anniversary with the hubby.

I am looking forward to Modern Family tonight.

I am looking forward to Christmas shopping this year.

I am looking forward to my car being payed off.

I am looking forward to one day surprising Dave with the news of him being a Dad.

I am looking forward to my next vacation (whenever that'll be).

I am really looking forward to the weather getting cold and winter clothes!

Day 16: Dream House

a formal living room and a family room

4 bedrooms

huge kitchen including an island, lots of cabinets, and two ovens

hardwood floors throughout

big laundry room

built in entertainment center

a dining room and breakfast nook

crown molding throughout the house

guest parking like at my parents :)

Obviously, you can tell this my dream house because Lord knows unless Dave and I win the lottery, this will not be happening anytime soon. Although, we have discussed building our next home and Dave thinks he is going to do most of the work to "save money". Isn't that cute? Ah, wishful thinking.

Ramblings

Sometimes life is hard.

Over the past few weeks, days especially, I have reflected on several things in my life.

We have a girl at work, who last week, was telling everyone how lucky and grateful she felt because she has such great parents. Really, I'm not lying. This girl is just like that. So positive and so genuine. This was on a Wednesday and the very next day we got a phone call from her. "I'm headed to Kentucky because my dad was rushed to the hospital. I don't have details, I'll call when I do."

We heard back the day after and her father had a double stroke and immediately was rushed into brain surgery. He is stable but unconscious and it has now become a waiting game.

I find it inspiring that with everything this family has been through (and it's alot), she is still so faithful and so encouraging. She is so positive. And then I look to myself and know I wouldn't be like her in a situation like that.

I think the blog world is interesting. We, as readers and followers of some very popular blogs, find daily stories of tragedy and mishaps. Sometimes, to be honest, I have to turn it off. Turn off the computers, disregard the pictures, and just be. Ignore it. Because it makes me sad. It makes feel guilty.

I have such a wonderful life. With that said, it's a season; a good season. We all have bad seasons, hard times in life. I'm no exception. There will be a day something tragic happens to me or my loved one, there will be a day I'm utterly depressed about an event taking place in my life, there will be a day I feel helpless and hopeless.

But, I hope with all sincerity, I can rejoice in my faith and love and know that with every bad season comes another good one. That with every job loss there is a job offer. That with every heartache there comes joy.

....................I'm just thinking and praying for those in my life who are experiencing a hard time right now and thankful for the many blessings I have in my life today.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 15

I'll be honest, I'm probably not the best person to spit out bible verses but, with that said, I do have a few favorites that I have listed before and these are a few of them!

Day 15: Bible Verse

".....if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

When I get discouraged or feel as though God has forgotten about me, I find comfort in the verse above. Simply to know that our timing is not the same as his, that he hasn't left me behind, and that I do have a plan and purpose for my life.

Jenna/Avery Shower #2

Jenna and Avery had their second shower today at my mom's and it definitely had a zebra theme!

Are these cupcakes adorable or what?

Leslie and I had to get these. One says "My Auntie is #1" and the other one is "I'm as cute as my aunt." Jenna had seen the pink one and sent me a picture so it was on our list to get.

My mom's friend Kristen made this rocking chair and it is so cute!! She made the cutest stuff for Avery. We keep telling her she needs her own business! She is amazing!

And, of course, my mom made these tu tu's. The shirt says "This is my little black dress"

Jenna and Avery got so much great stuff! And she still has one more shower to go! This girl is going to be set! :)

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 14

Day 14:A picture you love

I have too many pictures I love to just pick one, so here's several!

This is probably my most favorite picture. My friend Amber got this made for me to wear for my bachelorette party. She knew I didn't want some cheesy stuff to wear out so she thought long and hard about what to get. And since fishing is mine and Dave's thing, she came up with this. SOOOOO cute!!

We have another baby shower for Jenna tomorrow so I wanted to make sure I posted this first to dedicate a whole post to that. It's insane to think that in exactly one month and one day, Avery will be joining our family. It will be here before you know it!

On another side note, I learned a valuable wife lesson today. If your husband is the one who vacuums, he will fix the vacuum so that it actually works. I kept wondering why I was having problems with it. Now, what else is semi-broken around the house I can make ask him to use so he'll fix it? Hmmmmmmmm.......

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 13

Day 13: Goals

I haven't thought about my goals in awhile so maybe this will be good a good reminder for me! Hmmmm.

Long term goals

Pay anything and everything off (cars, house, bills, etc.)

At some point, start my Master's degree. That is once I figure out what I want my Master's degree to be in

Build my dream house

Short term goals

lose five more pounds

replace my carpet with lovely tile or wood flooring, ahhhhhh

take a class, just for fun

finally decorate my bedroom

Find a church home that I will actually attend and enjoy

For now, I guess that's all. I'd really have to think about many of my goals and where I want to be long term.

Day 12: What You Believe

I believe that there is some scary stuff is happening in this country.......

I believe that everything works out in the end.......

I believe it always appears better in the morning.....

I believe my husband is the most handsome, awesome guy in the entire world.....

I believe that with age, comes wisdom.....

I believe that time flies by way too fast.....

I believe that God has plan for you and for me.....

I believe Jesus came to die for my sins......

I believe that true friendship is one that is forever, no matter what you go through........

I believe that most times, silence is golden....

I believe in the golden rule.....

I believe in being a person of integrity and doing the right thing.....

I believe not everything is what it seems.......

I believe that you can change what you don't like, it just takes hard work......

I believe in freedom and this country.....

I believe there is always a choice, it just might not be the one you want or like.......

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 11

Day 11: Favorite TV Shows

I have several favorite shows, old and new!

The Office

Modern Family

Sex and the City

Friends

Band of Brothers (even though it's a mini series)

The Real Housewives of Orange County, Atlanta, New York

Bethenny Getting Married

Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood

90210 (old school, not new)

The Simpsons

America Live

the O'Reilly Factor

Felicity

And has anyone seen Boardwalk Empire on HBO? OMG. We don't have HBO so it's one I watch at my parents but it's awesome. Speaking of that, I have a few episodes to catch up on!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 10

I am almost totally caught up on this whole 30 Day Blog Challenge, that will be nice. Not too much has been going on these past few days anyway besides work so at least I have something to write about. I guess I need to get a hobby or something. HA!

Day 10: Something You're Afraid Of

I have several fears. Many of which are totally beyond my control so I try not to think about them but I'll share anyway.

How I will die. Not what happens after death, just how I will go is a little unsettling.

Not being able to have children

Something happening to my nieces/nephews while in my supervision (this, I believe, is due to the fact that I have no kids. HA HA!)

What the world will be like 20 years

Something happening to Dave

Something happening to my parents

Not ever finding my dream job

What I'll look like in 50 years :)

Since this is kind of a depressing topic, I'll leave it at that.

Guess who's 2nd anniversary is only 11 days away?!!!!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 9

Day 9: A Picture of Your Friends

Elizabeth and I met at UOP and she is one of the sweetest people ever. Her and I clicked for several reasons. #1 We were both secretly hoping our then boyfriends would propose soon #2 We both love the Office #3 We both have silly sides and would just laugh and laugh together

Whitney is my neighbor and I'm so glad we hit it off. She is one of my best shopping buds! I can't wait till the end of November when we get to do some Christmas shopping together. She is a nurse at an elementary school so she is also our go to person when one of us in the cul-de-sac is sick. HA!

Katers. My college bud. If it can happen, it will....to her. Kate is one of a kind. Super funny, outgoing, and the life of the party. I have SO many great memories with Kate. She is a kindergarden teacher and so good at it!

Reagan and I have been friends for 10 years! We met at Roadhouse when we were both 18 and have been friends since. We are those friends who can go forever and ever without talking and it's completely fine when we get together.

Amber, Amber. We've been through a lot together. And have managed to come out on top. I think sometimes in life, you have to just accept people the way they are and choose to love them anyway. That's me and Amber. We just like each other for who we are, appreciate the fun we have together, know each other aren't perfect. She is one the best people I have in my life because she shows up to anything and everything. Wedding showers, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, you name it. Gotta love her.

Alex I met at work and she is hoot! No lie. This girl makes me laugh so freaking hard it's unreal. She calls me her old friend, she is only 21 for heaven's sake.

Kristen is my sister-in-law and I'm so thankful her and I get along and have formed a friendship. Being a twin, I know how important it is for your twin's significant other to get along with yours and I'm very thankful we do! She is very sweet and such a kind hearted person who has a crazy side to her at times! :) We have a good time together.

Emily is one of my oldest friends. She and I met in middle school at church and have somehow managed to stay friends throughout the years. She lives in California now but we talk when we can and always met up when she is in town. We just click. I can't explain it. And, I'm so proud that through choices and life experiences we have managed to be honest with one another and still love each other. That's true friendship!

I'll leave my friend's list at that. There will be a quiz later.

Good thing I didn't list all my friends. HA!!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 8

Day 8: A Place You've Traveled To

(at some point I plan on being caught up on the correct day for the 30 day challenge......again, at some point. HA!)

We have been to many places over the past few years. Nothing too far away or extraordinary but I'll take any trip I can, no matter where it may be.

We went to Lake Tahoe in the Summer of '08. It was a family trip and it was beautiful up there. The weather was amazing, our condo was awesome, and everyone in the family went. Sweet.

We were blessed to go to Disney World for our honeymoon. One of the best vacations ever. Period.

We traveled to Mexico last summer. It was lovely, although we never left the resort. Yeah, I'm one of those.

I also got to visit Las Vegas for a work trip and it was so much fun! We were there for about 2 days, that's plenty of time for Vegas. And hey, it was completely free. I can't complain.

Growing up we went to so many different places. I never really knew that until I got older. I've seen the Grand Canyon, Sea World, Disneyland/Disney World, California, Wisconsin, Gulf Shores (in Alabama), South Padre..........I could go on and on. I'm thankful for that. My parents did an incredible job of planning and taking us on trips!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 6 & 7

Day 7: Favorite Movies

I love movies. I mean, love them. And I love Redbox. I wish I would have thought about that idea. I'd be rich right now. Anyway, back to my movie list:

Taken

The Notebook

Tommy Boy

Hope Floats

How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days

Walk the Line

Stepmom

Runaway Bride

Forrest Gump

27 Dresses

The Wedding Planner (yes, JLo has one good movie)

Marley and Me (even though I can't watch this one again, I have a lab)

There are plenty others but those are the ones that come to mind right now. What are your favorite movies?! Go here to see other favorites!

Day 6: A Picture of Something That Makes You Happy

This guy makes me more happy than anything else in the world. And, he's pretty handsome!

"I have found the one whom my soul loves" ~ Song of Solomon 3:4

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 4-5

So I decided to combined the sibling/parent days....they're all family, might as well :)

Day 5: Your Siblings

I have a twin who's name is Leslie. Thank the Lord my parents didn't name us anything like "Candy and Mandy". I think that's part of the reason why I like being a twin, HA!

Leslie and I are very similar in that we have almost the same taste in everything! Clothes, hair, nails, likes/dislikes, food........our taste in men is quite different though. She goes for the outgoing, loud type while I stick to the manly man. We shared a room until we were twenty and then she returned to SFA and left me lonely at my parents. When she moved back, we lived together until Dave and I got engaged. The best roommates are family because no matter how many fights you get into, you're still friends! Well, for Leslie and I it worked out great.

She lives pretty close to me which is great but just got promoted to a job that has her traveling a lot! She is my bestest friend in the whole wide world and I don't know what I would do without her!

Jenna is my older sister and you can check out her blog right here.

My sister is probably the most outgoing, witty person I have ever met. She controls a room when she enters and has a very "Entertainer" personality. She is one of the funniest people I know, we have had some awesome times together (none of which I will share on this blog or tell my niece once she gets old enough, tee hee), and my oldest memory of her is how she used to watch tv out of the corner of her eye.

Her and her hubby married in March and are expecting their third child at the end of November (he has two already who are super cute!). They live about an hour away from us so we don't see them too much anymore. :(

Day 4: Your Parents

My parents are two of the best people I know.

They are both retired (uber jealous) from 30+ years in the education field. My mom doesn't really know how to retire since she still holds two different jobs! My dad is involved in several different things as well so in his spare time he loves to play golf, watch golf, buy golf stuff (finding a trend?). HA! They live in the same house we grew up in, which I think is pretty cool, although it looks totally different from when we were there. My old room was turned into a home theatre room! Go figure.

My mom is one of the most creative people I know and you can tell because everyone asks her help to decorate for all sorts of occasions. She is an awesome shopper and gift giver, does it right on the holidays, is a champion baker, and very "trendy" mom.

My dad loves dry humor, is a very laid back kind of a guy, he is a Yankee (but a cool one!), and used to be a coach. Leslie said yesterday that "Coach" would have been a cool thing for the grand kids to call him. I have to agree. One of my favorite things to do is sit and watch TV with him......sounds funny but we like most of the same shows.

There you have it. My family is pretty small but it's slowly growing.......one new

member at a time.

Jenna/Avery Shower #1

It's that time again!

I attended Jenna and Avery's first baby shower this afternoon and, of course, it was wonderful!

She got lots of goodies and lots of pink clothes!

How cute is Leslie? I had to add this picture in here because that is Leslie's signature pose.

This was the quilt Jenna's Mother in Law made for her!

One thing's for sure! Avery has some great outfits to wear once she arrives!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 3

Day 3: Your First Love

I have to say that Dave is my first true love.

Did I have boyfriends before Dave, yes. Did I think I was going to marry a certain one of them, yes. Am I glad I didn't, absolutely.

I never felt anything close to this kind of love before Dave. I was always very selfish in previous relationships, not willing to change things about myself with previous significant others. And when I say change, I don't mean who I am or my beliefs. What I mean by change is simply looking at who I was, what I wanted, and what type of person I wanted to be for him. A better communicator, more tolerate, understanding, and the willingness to work things out. I know when I said yes the day I married Dave it was forever, for better or worse. I knew that it would be hard and there would be times we would just want to give up on the "work" part of marriage. But, I also know, that I'm glad I waited for Dave.

I look back on who I could have married and know my life wouldn't be near as gratifying as it is with him. He is my best friend and the only person I can see myself with twenty years down the road. I guess there is something to unanswered prayers. I used to pray that I would get married (before Dave) and couldn't comprehend why my previous boyfriend and I weren't in the stage where that was a possibility. As hard as it was back then for me, I'm so incredibly thankful because I got me a keeper. Someone who loves me for me, someone who cares more about my happiness than his own, someone who loves me unconditionally (even though that is hard at times).

I couldn't be more thankful for Dave than I am today.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 2

Day 2: Meaning Behind Your Blog Name

When I started this blog, it was pretty close after Dave and I had gotten married. I had been keeping a personal journal but, like most people, I would go long periods of time without writing it in. So, I figured I would start a blog and when I had to pick a title I thought long and hard (about 10 whole seconds!). I know it's not super catchy or clever, but being a newlywed I knew there would be many "adventures" we would experience together.

There you have it. Not too much behind my blog title. :)

I'm off to run some errands after a long day of being outside, which included two different games of our two nephews. Jordan played soccer and did very well! His team won, which is always good! Braiden also did really well (he plays baseball) and his team won too! I like to think we are good luck charms! HA!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 1

To be honest, I have been in a blog rut for a few weeks now and then I came across this blog and thought I would join in the fun!! Always love something to blog about and I think it's a great idea. You should join in too!

Day 1: introduce, recent picture, and 15 interesting facts

I'm Brooke. I am in my late 20's, I'm married to a wonderful guy, I live in Texas with my family close by and my two awesome dogs. No babies yet, I don't know when that will happen and to be honest, I'm not that worried about it. I have a Bachelor's degree in Management but am currently in a job that doesn't require a degree. Go figure! Ha. I have a twin sister, my husband has a twin brother, I'm expecting my first niece (on my side) close to Thanksgiving, and I come from a family of teachers. My parents rock, I have the best in-laws, and all in all my life is super!

15 interesting facts

#1. Pretty much everyday I watch re-runs of 90210 on the Soap channel either while I'm eating breakfast or getting ready. I've seen every episode about 100 times but for whatever reason, I just can't not watch it. Strange, I know.

#2. I'm addicted to Starbucks.

#3. I love to buy jewelry. My tanning salon sales it and every time I go tan, I literally have to talk myself out of buying something there. Ugh.

#4. I try to watch a little bit of news everyday, simply for the fact that I want to be educated. And know something about what is going on in the world.

#5. I love, love, love Dave Matthews Band. Modern Family. The Office. Friends. Real Housewives of anywhere, and chick flicks of any kind.

#6. I enjoy hunting and fishing. I have my own shot gun, three fishing poles, and if I'm lucky my husband will let me tag along to go fish with him! :)

#7. My favorite colors are brown and green.

#8. I make pancakes every Sunday morning. It's become a tradition since we've been married. We should start a tradition called "going to church" and I do, sometimes. We're bad, I know.

#9. I absolutely love where we live. We have a great neighbors, I love how we are close to big cities but still feel like we are in a small town.

#10. I went to Stephen F. Austin University my first year of college and we made it into the SFA catalogue for incoming freshman. My dad still has it.

#11. I was "Kid of 2000" in my class. What that meant for me was, I got to go to lots of fun things throughout my school life. We buried a time capsule when I was in kindergarden with the other children chosen and then since we were the "Class of the Millennium" we dug it up the year we graduated. Don't ask me what I put it in there, I don't remember. HA!

#12. I love to shop with my mom. I never thought I would say that considering when we were younger we weren't fans of all the things she liked to do but that changes with age. We go to lots of fun places!

#13. Two of my favorite famous people are Bethany Frankel and Tori Spelling.

#14. At some point in my life, I would love to visit Germany.

#15. We got married on the first of November, which meant we had our rehearsal on Halloween. So, everyone dressed up and it was too cute! The week before was my bachelorette party and while we were out a group of dancers performed "Thriller". It was awesome! One of my favorite memories of all time!

Stay tuned for more 30 Day Blog Challenge topics! I'm excited!!

Friday Five

1. I'm mentally and emotionally exhausted this week. It's been one of those weeks. I'm super happy to wake up this morning and it be Friday (I'll be even more happy when I'm officially done with work after a meeting this afternoon). The plan for today, although, will be cleaning my house. It's yucky.

2. The new Katherine Heigil and Josh Duhamel movie comes out today. I'm thinking a date night with the hubby sounds good and it might just be my turn to choose the movie. Chick flick, here we come.

3. I'm down to 138lbs. That's a total of 20 pounds I have lost. Can you believe that?! I can't, it's pretty amazing to me. Every time I get out of bed and don't feel like working out, I think about how much I've lost and it pretty much motivates me to get my bottom in the gym!! I thought about posting before and after pictures but I'm not sure I want to do that. TMI, ya know what I'm sayin'?

4. Jenna got her date for her C-section. November 23rd is the official day for Avery to come join us in the world! That's only like 6 weeks away, I can hardly believe it!!

5. Other than that, not too much going on in our little world. Hope you have a great weekend!!!!

The past few days

Dave made it back late Saturday night from his guy's fishing trip. By looking at his pictures, I'm a little jealous! The lake was absolutely beautiful!!!! And, he's pretty beautiful too!

He had a great time and I'm sure he just couldn't enjoy himself because he missed his wife way too much! HA!

While Dave was sleeping in due to his late night arrival, my parents and I went to the State Fair Sunday morning. We ate a TON, walked around to see all the sights, and even ran into a few people they/I knew. Crazy how in the massive crowd out there we can actually see people we know.

And I found a spot for the pumpkins I grabbed from my mom's. My mom can make the best bow, I haven't quite learned how yet.

Baxter has been quite the house guest by the way. He just makes himself at home no matter where he is! He has become my new sleeping buddy but I think my Buddy is getting a little jealous himself. Hey, that happens sometimes with cousins!

Friday Five

Hey, it's only 11:15pm. I still have time for a Friday Five right?!

1. Dave has been out of town on a fishing trip. I've been trying to upload the picture he sent me this morning but it's not working! Boo. His first fish was a rainbow trout. He was SO proud. Since he is out of town, Leslie has come to stay with me! YAY! I love that. We will be watching Baxter next week so she had to drop him off anyway and we decided to have a sleep over!

2. Going to the fair Sunday morning and I'm super excited about that. I haven't been in like two years so I'll be saving some calories for that over the next few days (minus the White Molten Chocolate Cake we ate at Chili's, oops!)

3. Walk the Line came on tonight and, of course, I had to not only watch it but record it. I love DVR.

4. Thanks to my awesome mother who let me raid her house for some white pumpkins to decorate my house with. OK, really I wouldn't say raid......more like I took 3 medium size ones and a few small ones. But, I love that my mom always has such great things I can shop for at her house.

5. This week has been so emotional for me so I'm glad to see it go. Glad to start another week, fresh and new. Here's to a new week with new challenges. But, a little fun for a few days first!