The Great Road Trip of 2011 - Destination #2 - Charleston, SC

Oh fam and friends, I have SO much to blog! I got sick on Monday morning, Hubby ended up taking me to Urgent Care Tuesday night because I was feeling so badly, so weak, I ended up getting IV fluids, they did blood work, turned out to be a yucky case of the stomach flu. I am definitely starting feeling better today. Thank you for all of you twitter and small group friends who prayed for me!

Alrighty! Onto the second leg of our trip (from July :))! If you missed the first one click - Destination #1: Emerald Isle, NC.

Hubby had business in Charleston and then we got some play time too! Here it is in (mostly ;)) pics!

We adventured at the Aquarium again this time.

{watching the dive show!}

{Little kept standing with his little hands on his back, hehe :-)}

We had some hang out time and dinner at the hotel

Then Erin and I met up halfway between us (in the middle of almost nowhere ;)) for dinner! We closed down the Japanese steakhouse, kept chatting outside, and still had more to catch up on! :) Both of us keep making fun of ourselves in our dinner pic but love the memory, she looks beautiful, and always have so much fun together! :)

I tried to get cleaned up, but my hair, oh my, ma hair, I just didn't have time to do anything with it, I'm still trying to "fix" the haircut, but I love a fun ruffle shirt (blue/white striped) :)

Can't wait to see you again soon for more catching up and laughs!!

Next destination is Atlanta, Georgia!

It's Scarf and Boots Time!

So the first official day of Fall isn't until Friday the 23rd, but it has definitely been fall weather that I like to refer to as pre-fall (and by, as I like to refer to as, is as of the other day :)).

And one of my favorite things about fall, and cool, crisp, cozy, comfort foody, weather, is fall clothes.

I love scarves. This is my current collection from over the years, cheapies, gifts, oldies. :)

You can wear them no matter who ya are. It was one of the items I could still wear while pregnant, while losing baby weight. They can change up an outfit. They are warm, cozy, and cute. You could wear practically the same outfit 3-5 times in the same week, switch up the scarf, and it becomes a new outfit! Ok, maybe not for most people, but it's pretty close for me sometimes ;-). I need help.

So because of this "pre-fall" weather, I have broken trump... errr... scarves, (we need to play some cards, cards anyone?) I have begun my scarf wearing.

{new cardi, Target, less than $10!}

{just don't look at my hair, it's confused, more on that another time :)}

And boot time! I love boots, I don't really own many, but I'd love to. :) That is my one big wardrobe goal for this fall/winter. A pair of cute riding boots.

Call me cheesy and unfashionable (I call myself unfashionable ;)) but I like the classic, jeans, long sleeve t, cardigan, scarf, cute boot, look. I never said I was fashion forward. I've never worn riding boots because I didn't think I was fashionable enough to pull it off. I also need to get a pair of skinny jeans (my 1st and only pair was when I was pregs with HM! hah). But I want to try it this year. :)

Am I too old for the jeans, long sleeve t, cardi, scarf, riding boots, look??

If the answer to that question is no... can you help me find a cute pair of riding boots for a good deal? I am authorized (within our budget :)) and ready to purchase! ;) I have not had the time to do a full research assault on brown riding boots. :) There is a pair I wish I would have purchased last year but just couldn't pull the trigger.

Help! Thank you!! Is it fally weather by you?

We are NOT normal.

We are not a "normal" married couple.

Ok, many may say we're not "normal" in other areas either! ;) But that's a different conversation for a different day ;).

• We never talk negatively about each other in public. And really try not even to joke negatively about the other, either. One can put on a pretty, I'm not affected by that joke, face, but inside it is really hurtful. There are things we can talk about with close friends but we love each other too much to say anything yucky (can you tell we have little ones? ;)) about one another.
• We don't talk about how "hot" other people are. I know most people mean it in a jestful way, but if not careful, one of us could feel undermined and/or not good enough and those feelings if continued can really cause a rift that just isn't healthy in a loving special relationship.
• We don't have lunch/dinner/coffee "dates" or ride in cars with members of the opposite sex. Only in rare circumstances in which we consult each other on. But really try not to.
• We love each other's interests and have taught each so much about different things we love. And have grown closer through those times and more knowledgeable about other things.
• We go upstairs at the same time at night after winding down/chatting and watching our shows or movie together. On rare occasion we don't, but we try to. (ETA: I'm usually the one saying, can we stay down a few more minutes? ;))
• We attempt not to watch a lot of rated R movies.
• We talk as much as we can, all the time. We used to get made fun of, by my mom and sister, all the time about how much we talked when we weren't together. But it is a wonderful thing to know so much about each others days, jobs, happenings, fill each other in on things we've heard from friends if we're apart. We also don't like looking like we're on different pages, tell people different things, like we don't speak to each other.
• We are open about everything. If one of us feels a certain way about something, we share, we talk. We need to be on the same page about everything. Finances, how we want to spend, raising the littles, what type of house to live in, where to live, what we want our family and lives to look like, etc. We can even nicely tell each other if we think the way one of us is acting in a certain area might need to be "tweeked." :)
• We try to remember in "discussions" that the other is a "good-willed" person and there is a deeper reason to just raising voices about a certain subject.
• My hubby loves me to the ends of the earth and shows me in many different ways. And I attempt to show/tell him often how much I respect and am impressed with him. (he is quite amazing.)
• We try to take care of disagreements in a timely manner. We try not to let things fester. We apologize. (Hubby does a better job, I am still working on that :))
• We are honest with other. And he tells me if my dress makes me look... wide(r) ;) I want the truth, I can handle the truth! ;)
• My Hubby has the final say on all decisions. He is the head of our household. I respectfully (most of the time :)) give my opinion, we can seek advice from those wiser than we, and then trust him and God in the decisions. I think this also makes us feel closer. Trust and faith binds. If something bad happens because of a decision, repeat the process, and try again. Don't demean the Hubby, he is your good-willed partner in life.

These are just things that we have found are great for our marriage. I'm not saying anyone is bad or wrong if they do things differently. We just have tug on our hearts and a passion for marriages. And love to see strong, healthy, life long marriages.

We have received some great advice over the years and before we got married, and these are some of the big things that we love about our marriage. We just see, far, far too often, things that make us sad about so many marriages in the world and couples not treating each other well. We want to be built on the Word of God and show that through our marriage and life. We are by no means perfect (I hate to even use that word). I pick, and say things at times I shouldn't but I am aware and trying to cut those down to a minimum. :) But we are striving to have a marriage that glorifies God. Because it is because of Him, that everything is so wonderful, not perfect, but wonderful. We can attest to that.

{9-16-11 Eight years, 3 months, 1 week, 1 day, and counting}

Whether it sounds silly or not, our marriage motto, as I've blogged before, is: Newlyweds Forever! And we intend to keep it that way. :) And we pray that we can demonstrate to our littles how a husband and a wife are to love and respect each other and live life *together* and not just as two people with a signed marriage document. All Glory, in everything, belongs to God.

Hebrews 13:4-7

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

I'm almost there!

May of 2010 we were flooded with smiles, laughs, and excitement over finding out we were pregs with our #3 little.

Little was 9 months old and I had just gotten back down to my pre pregnancy weight. Oh what these sweet little miracles do to a mama's body! I am not complaining, I am so thankful for my sags, flubs, and flab. ;) (I admit that I have been very self conscious about it at times but my sweet Hubby, and I loved Kodi's post about the subject too, help me keep my priorities/thoughts in the right place)

It took me about 5 months to get back down after BabyBoy (I had gained about 60 pounds, eep! partly due to polyhydramios bc of a complication BabyBoy had, healed by surgery the morning after he was born, praise God!) and then 9 months after Little (after gaining 55 pounds ;)). Not going to lie, I was afraid that time to get back down would infinitely grow after Littlest.

I gonna say it. I'm going to tell you. I told some of you already! I gained 65 pounds with Littlest. Eep! I know! :) And only 10 of that came off in the hospital. That's it!

I just gain a lot with each pregnancy. Annnd I love food. ;) When I don't feel well, I crave fried food and sweets. Couple that with being flat on my back, in bed or on the couch, sick for 2-2 1/2 months, and you know what happens. And I am still convinced that being on my back so sick for over 2 months, slowed my metabolism down. Convinced!

BUT....

I am happy and just a tad proud to say that I, at 7 months post non-medicated delivery of a 9lb 14 oz super sweet happy *baby #3!*, only have 5 more pounds to lose!!! It may not sound like a big deal to some, but for me, it is.

It took a good long while for me to feel like any of it was coming off. But I tried/am trying to be consistent and patient. Sounds easy, right? hah ;)

I took a very dangerous leap, a couple weeks ago, and tried on several of my pre-preggy jeans and they fit! Still feeling risky, I tried on a few dresses too, that I didn't even know if I would ever be able to wear again, and they fit! (I had taken this leap a little too soon, several weeks back, it was not a good outcome ;)) They could still fit even better, but it at least doesn't look like I'm 5 months pregnant anymore.

{Lunch date the Saturday before last :) My hair had a better poof earlier and it was no longer by the time this pic was taken! :)}

{the dress and heels! I wore for our dinner date :) It just feels good to put on a dress and some heels, right?}

Now, I need to get back to Shredding so I can lose the last 5 and get toned up! Nothing still "looks" the same (ETA: and not that I don't wear a suck-the-tummy-in tank top, from Target ;), any chance I can :)) but I feel like I'm getting closer now. I've been watching my portions, food (we normally eat pretty healthy but I'd been watching even more closely), and a lil' less on the sweets. And I am so much more active with the three littles. Though you know that I will not deny myself sweets or yummy foods that I love, because I don't want to overdue it because I haven't had it. KnowhatImean?

It's been a lot more difficult since we've been on the market because I haven't been cooking as much (because everything makes a mess! ;)) but I need to get back to it and finish this off. I have a big goal/prize once I get back down and toned!!

A Quick Update (and the giveaway winner :))

Hi friends and fam! Wooowee, things have been a liiittle busy and my mind is all over the place!

I've been saying for a bit now I really want to get a hard copy planner again and not just use my phone. I've always been a writer-things-downer and it does help to have something to touch and feel and physically write in to keep my mind focused, especially with all of the things we have going on, start of fall, new things beginning, woo! :) I'm hoping to get one very soon!

Here are some things I would need to fill in right away:

1. MOPs meetings! I am going to be a DGL (Designated Group Leader) for MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) this year (we start back this Friday!). I even stepped out of my comfort zone and invited a random mommy I started talking to at the store yesterday morning. :)


2. BabyBoy has started preschool of course, pictures are next Wednesday, can't forget that! :)


3. I am playing (violin) on the worship team at church this weekend again! (With rehearsal on Thursday night.) First time since HM was born. Pray for me! I can't believe it. I love playing. I loved playing in my different orchestras, chamber ensembles, with my string quartet (for almost 10 years!) and I love being able to worship God and hopefully bless people in the process. Praying for God to bless my playing :)

The Giveaway Winner: Thanks for all of you who played along in the just for fun chocolatey giveaway! Congratulations toooooooo*.......

tamiv said...

Who doesn't love Chocolate! YUMMY!

Congratulations again and once I receive your address, I'll send your new chocolate lovers book to you!!

And if you missed: My Current Obsession, check it out and I'd love for you to weigh in on the question at the bottom of the post! You can come over and share!!! I'll make coffee with some yummy flavored natural creamer too. :) The NCF Coffee Shop! :)

*winner chosen by random.org

A Little Obsessed - Cake Plate Edition

Y'all know I love food. I have a super sweet tooth (I've tried to stop it but it always returns with a vengeance ;)).

Annnd I have a strong affection for cake plates. :) I don't know why, but I do. Maybe it is that it combines my love of sweets (and food) with a pretty decorative accessory.

I also love a domed cake plate.

The only problem is the only one that I have, has had my wedding bouquet and one bridemaid's bouquet in it (for 8 years! :)). The flowers dried themselves (without the real drying method) and they've been there, as a decoration in our dining room, ever since, and I don't want to take them out because they would get crushed before I could do anything else with them and would have to get thrown out. And it's just sweet to still have them :).

Whoa, sorry for the tangent, loved our wedding and memories of. Such a wonderful, fun, special day.

So I finally bought another cake plate with a dome ($10 from Walmart) a few months ago and I have been (slightly) obsessed with having it filled with yumminess at all times! :)

Here are some of the things I have stocked my new cake plate with (and adorned it with a happy polka dot bow):

1. Granola bars -I sub almonds for the walnuts. (I have made these at least 3 times in the last couple months) ETA: I add a lot more cinnamon :) I also cut down the sugar and we can't even tell the difference! They're also yummy with craisins instead of raisins :)

2. Sugar Cookies - First time practice making and decorating with royal icing (for HM's 1st birthday, not going to be tulips but that is the cookie cutter I had handy :))

3. Of course for the boys' birthday sweets buffet (in addition to the cake cake)

4. Monkey Bread - it was my *first* time making it. I kept trying to hold off because I was afraid (I knew the facts :)) that I would eat most of it myself but I couldn't hold out anymore. It was so yummy :)

5. A quick cake - for our small group kicking off (a few weeks belated :)) new study a few months ago

6. Homemade blueberry muffins - made special for Hubby :)

7. Homemade (semi-sweet) chocolate chip cookies - Made (many diff weeks) special for our small group and more for Hubby and us, eep! :) I did give some of the last batch to a friend whose hubby is currently out on assignment :)

8. Boston Cream Pie (w/ homemade dark chocolate frosting) disguised as a big donut :) - Made special for our small group

9. Scones - made special for BabyBoy for his first day of preschool (couldn't make my usual fuuuuull breakfast w/ being on the market), one of his faves :) I make these a lot!

{this is not my best pic of them, it's a little dark, they are really cooked to golden brown and more puffed like a yummy scone than they appear! :)}

The wonderful thing, and huge problem all at the same time, is that you have deliciousness on the counter that you can just walk by and take a nibble any time you feel it necessary (which you know with me, is quite often ;)).

So I have 9 items that I have baked on this list... What should #10 be??

BabyBoy's 1st Day of Preschool

Our baby boy, our first born, and sweet little "big," buggy, bugster, buddy, lovey, bud, sweet love, bug, lovebug, went to his first day of preschool yesterday. How does 4 years just flash before your eyes?

How handsome is he?? Handsome sounds too old. How cute is he??

He is so proud to have a backpack and lunch bag.

He is so sweet to encourage his little bro to come along on this ride.

He is so excited about this new adventure.

We love that he is going to a wonderful program that happens to be at our church. He already talks all the time about how God is with him, that You live in his heart, that You heal his boo boos and help us all feel better when we are sick, he loves to talk about things that make You happy, and sing praise songs to and about You... they are inspired.

He doesn't even know what this is the beginning of.

God, we pray that you keep this precious miracle in your hands, always, that you guide Hubby and I and give us wisdom in raising him, to be a strong warrior for You. We pray that he can be a blessing to others and be a light to the world in Your name. We pray that he will stay strong in your truths and help others to see them as well. Thank you for giving him to us to raise up on this earth. We do not take this gift lightly. In your Holy name.

Joshua 1: 7-9

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The Great Road Trip of 2011 - Destination #1 - Emerald Isle, NC

Our first stop on the Great Road Trip of 2011 was the annual beach with Hubby's family.

The boys had so much fun getting to spend almost a week playing with their big cousins and fam. So did we. :)

The Beach

{the boys were so brave and loved going in with Hubby, me, Aunt Karen, and their cousins in the waves! they had so much fun!}

Family time. Late night game nights with cousins. Dinners together. Beach games - lots of cornhole. Card games - lots of rook. Putt putt competition night.

{Hubby (left) and his little bro}

{Lots of cornhole - SO fun and so addicting}


{Puzzle competition - guys against girls - girls won! ;) - great idea Uncle Jimmy!}

{lots of time with the fam}

{an extra birthday celebration (Little's actual bday was while we were there) so I had to make cupcakes :)}

{silly girl! :) this was her little athletic look what I can do pose ;)}

Love adventuring with our little fam

Next stop: Charleston, South Carolina!

And don't forget to enter my just for fun chocolate giveaway!!!

Hugs!!