Cheers to the Freakin' Weekend

Drink to that, yeeaaaah.

How about a flashback for ya on that song?

Okay so this weekend flat out ROCKED my socks off. Gosh I just love weekends that are relaxing, filled with awesome people, and getting a few things knocked off of the to-do list.

I guess it always makes things a little better that I had off two whole days from school. It was pretty glorious. No really, like it was something that I needed so severely bad.

It's been a rough go at times this year and I think these few days off are just what I needed to recharge. Get back on track. And ready to go go go again.

I filled the days off with deep cleaning and just enjoying putting my ever thinking mind at rest for a few days. Oh how that is good for my soul. And sanity. And complexion. And a million other things I'm sure.

On Friday night my parents came to town and got to hung out with us for the weekend.

Somehow we always have some kind of project going on and on Saturday Jeff and my dad put new doors on the main level of our house. The doors are finally gone that have driven me absolutely INSANE since the day we moved in.

I feel a sense of relief now that the horrid things are gone. ha ha ha. No, but really. It's awesome.

I think it made a HUGE difference. The left picture is from last year when we were painting the entire upstairs. It wasn't completely painted in this picture, but you get the idea. I am pretty much in love and they aren't even painted yet.

While they were hard at work, Jeff surprised my mom and I with a manicures and pedicures. Mani/Pedis/Shopping > Hanging Doors.

It was a beautiful thing and I really loved that I got to spend that time with my mamacita. Just relaxing, having fun, doing our thang. Now my fingers and toes are ready for some KU football (and basketball) and Christmas. Too soon? No...never too soon.

We also went to a Japanese Steakhouse, Kobe, and it was de-flippin-licious.

Nothing like watching your food get cooked right in front of your face by someone else. Thank goodness my hair is all still intact from the big fires.

Unfortunately all of the other pictures were completely blurry, but what can ya do. All I know is it was the bomb and I can't wait until we can go back again.

It's weekends like these I wish I could just bottle up because they are just so awesome. Simple weekends with good company tend to be my absolute favorite ones. It almost makes me sad when they are over. Okay, it totally does. But I GUESS I have to go back into the real world now.

Okay now I'm ready for the next one to get here :)

little things

Sometimes (most times) it's the smallest of small things that fire me up and make me happy.

It is summer time so obviously school is out, which means I get a couple of months to breath.

I have had a lot of time on my hands and I finally have a few minutes to really take everything in instead going one hundred billion miles per hour every single day. It's quite heavenly. I'm pretty sure I've already noted that though.

So today I just wanted to sit back, kick up my feet (well, not really, it would be quite hard to type with my feet on my desk), and talk about the things that just tickle my fancy on a day to day basis at this moment in time.

I could go on for days on things that make me smile but here are a few that may be a little out of the ordinary.

Yellow Flowers + Turquoise Pot

I love the fact that now that I am all sorts of grown up, or something like that, that I can finally plant flowers of my own at my own house. It's a beautiful thing that clearly I am not very good at.

However, my mom and I found these flowers and I just love the yellow vs. turquoise. And if you know me, I am in all sorts of lust with turquoise right now.

I would have posted the hanging basket my dad got me for my birthday, but the wind storm decided to knock it over while we were out of town and now it is no longer with us. Sorry dad. I still have it on our deck hoping for a miracle.

I did love it though and most of all loved that you got it for me. Hey, our crazy flower addicted neighbors even complimented it. That just....doesn't happen.

Our Freshly Mowed Green Lawn

Jeff and our lawn have a thing going on. He takes some pretty great pride in our lawn because when we first moved in it was entirely dead. And now, well, you can see that it is pretty perdy.

For some very odd reason I love watching him mow that lawn and make our house look a million times better. Something about a freshly mowed lawn just makes me smile. Or maybe it's because he looks so good doing it? Who knows.

Morning Coffee

During the school year I was never able to drink coffee and actually enjoy it. 

I was always running late so I always had my coffee on the go. And chugging coffee before you get to school isn't exactly my idea of relaxing. It was mostly survival.

Now that I can wake up whenever in the world I want, it is pretty much the best thing ever to get to enjoy my coffee in peace and take my time doing so.

 If I want a whole pot? Sure, why not, I have all the time in the world. Okay I would probably die, but two cups sitting on the couch watching TV with the coolest dog in the world... Not bad. Not bad at all.

TV vs. Alarm Clock

Speaking of mornings, I am pretty much a big fan of morning TV now. That makes me sound old, but well, what can ya do? And sorry if you are not a feet fan, but this is part of why I love the mornings. I can literally put my feet up and wake up the right way, not the alarm clock way.

Kelly and Michael are the best way ever to start your day. Is it just me or is Kelly the coolest person you have never met? I freaking love her.

Hanging Out with My Baby Girl

While the husband is away, the girls will play. Or if you are a dog, then sleep all day. Oh man what a rhyme. 

This dog is something else. I know I talk about her far too often, but I don't have a kid so Piper is everywhere instead. She sure feels like a kid to me.

Whatever I am doing, wherever I am doing it.....she is there. Right there. Like, two feet away. I cannot even go to the bathroom without her following me in there and laying on the rug.

If I am in my little office doing who knows what, she sits right outside the door sleeping until I am done. If I am working out in the basement she lays right next to the treadmill or on the couch watching and waiting.

I love it and had no idea what the impact of a dog could be like. Well, my own dog that is. It sounds unreal crazy, I realize this, but she just makes us so flipping happy it's silly.

Anyway, there ya have it. 

Now I'm off to actually get something productive done. 

Happy Wednesday to you all!!

just a man and his dog

Last night was just one of those nights you can't help but soak up. After having quite a rough start to the day/week, I think God must have known I needed a good end to the day. Like, really really needed it.

The day started getting better when our secretary delivered one of the perdiest flower arrangements I have been sent yet. I was seriously beaming.

It was actually quite awkward. All of mystudents were staring at me and asking me who they were from. I wasn't sure if I should tell them, but I told them Jeff. And they were so confused who Jeff was. I forgot I had never called him by that and only by my husband. I totally should have told them my secret boyfriend. But needless to say, I needed it and it couldn't have been more perfect timing.

After we both got home from work we just kind of slowed life down and enjoyed each other, which is hard to do when two people are so busy. It was so nice. And so very, very needed.

It wasn't anything crazy. Nothing fancy. Just two people, with their furbaby, some country music, and steak. Sometimes. Okay, most times it doesn't take something extravagant to be happy. It takes those small little moments. Those moments that make your heart so entirely happy that you can't quite smiling. Those.

And to top it off, this gal saw a falling star. I am so darn in love with the sky. To me it was a little sign God was giving me to let me know it was all okay and everything was going to be juuuuuust fine. Funny how that man works. He is very perfect in his timing.

where I've been

Since Jeff & I have gotten married we have had exactly one weekend in town. One. Uno. 

That one weekend was right before I started my new job. So needless to say we haven't really been home. And our house is screaming for some attention. And I'm just screaming because it was looking all crazy-like.

This year Jeff, my parents, and his mom all decided to get some season football tickets. That made me at least on cloud nine. Possibly ten. The whole fam bam tailgating for all the home games? Count me in.

So the past three weekends we have been rocking, chalking, and getting our game faces on to watch none other than the Kansas Jayhawks. Of course.

Even though we are currently 1-2 and looking a tad rough around the edges, I'm praying that they get better and get at least another W this season. I love my Hawks, but I really reallllly hate losing. Take the good with the bad though.

This is definitely my very favorite time of the whole year and I'm soaking it all uppppp. Fall weather + football + family love = a big thumbs up. Just wish the weekends would last a little (or a lot) longer.

movin' & cakin'

Well, it's official...I am 92.55% moved out of where I currently am and into my house at home.

I don't think it's really hit me yet that I'm leaving my "home away from home". This town has given me more than I ever even dreamed of and it's crazy that it all comes to an end in just three short days.

I'm Excited. Sad. Anxious.

Just yesterday I remember bawling like a baby when my parents pulled out of my dorm driveway, leaving me behind to start a new chapter in my little book. And now I am going to be bawling like a baby as I close that chapter behind me.

However, I'm excited to move on and ready for the things to come in the next few months. Very excited. I mean, I'm getting married! Holy Mama! And little brother is graduating. My cousin is getting married. We are going camping to my favorite place on earth for a week. And much more that I have to look forward to.

So anyway...yesterday Jeff and I got to meet with our cake lady. As we were greeted at the door with cake, I can't say it was too bad! We got to sit down and try out the chocolate and vanilla cake, with whatever frosting was on it. I have no idea what the name was. All I know was Jeff was loving it because he ate his and most of mine.

I knew what I wanted our cake to look like so it was a done deal in just 30 minutes. Jeff's grooms cake was also a quickie. A Jayhawk. Obviously. Oh and of course he wanted some chocolate s'more filling! Too bad I can't bake with a darn because that would save an arm, a leg, and maybe even a kidney!

something very similar to this  beaut. seriously love it.

It's so fun to see everything coming together piece by piece and getting ready for the biggest game day of 2012. And in 3 short days, the real planning will begin!

P to the S....How handsome does little brother look on his very LAST prom day ever?! He can stop growing now. No but really.

Much love,

friday never gets old

One weak from today I will be done. done. done. done.

Done with my internship. Done with all these papers. Done with all this stress.

I will be moved. And hanging out in the place I have called home since I was born.

I can't believe it's all moving so fast. Last I knew I was in grade school, and now I'm moving home to prepare to marry my best friend and start a life with a new last name.


It's absolutely bonkers to me how time truly does fly.

One thing I want to do this summer is to treasure the moments, each and every one of them with my family. My last summer at home. I can't wait for the memories I will share with them before I get married, and I'm honestly blessed to be able to share this time with them.

Cheers to being 7 days away from the headaches and craziness.

I can't wait to be back on the ol' blog. I really do miss you guys.


Love you long time.

and I will be reunited with my "dawgs"

break time

This is how not happy I am to be gone from this little space (and especially for a no fun reason!)

brain fart

Well lately I've been having a real brain fart. Yes, a  brain fart. I just cannot think of anything to write for the life of me. Nothing. Not a thing. Even though I did like Katie's suggestion of writing about Jeff's cute butt. Sadly, I couldn't find the pictures to back it up. Too bad.

So instead I thought I'd just share why I was having these brain issues and lack of time. You see, right now I kind of feel like I'm in the swimming pool treading water for more time than I'd like, and pretty much...exhausted.

the promise of the pinky...now he has to love me at my worst :)

That, in a sense, is kind of how I'm feeling. Just, exhausted. All the time. I praise you mommas and wives (and many other of you out there super duper busy all the time). But right now I'm just feeling like my plate is kind of extra full. I feel like I should be doing so many things that I'm half assing most of the things I do, and really not getting anything done. These all do not make me all sorts of happy inside.

I am trying to finish my internship, find a place to live, find a job, pack all my stuff up, plan a wedding, and finish my grad classes.

But do you know why it's okay?

Because I have a family who supports and does everything they can to help me, have a fiance who motivates and loves me, and have a God who gives me strength in this small storm I feel like I'm in.

These moments of exhaustion and hopelessness have really shown me the beauty of the people in my life. Even at my very worst, they love me still the same. It's hard to even fathom sometimes. Especially when my mood gets the best of me. Yikes.

I just feel extremely blessed. And extremely ready for May 2nd. 

easter at the lake

So this past weekend ended too soon. Or maybe I just always say that on Monday? Probably. Either way, it ended and I sure didn't want it to.

We spent the weekend at a lake near my home town camping Friday - Sunday. There is just nothing like camping to me. Maybe it's because I've grown up going every year since I was in the ol' diapers, but I just love it so darn much.

The weekend consisted of eating, fishing, lounging, church and more eating. We had a fish fry Saturday and the best ever Easter meal on Sunday {cooked by none other than the best Momma Easter bunny}. Just because we were camping she was not about to let Easter slip by without some home cookin', even if it was made inside the camper.

Summed up, it was a big ball of happiness that I want to do over and over and over again. I think we should keep this whole Easter camping thing. Nothing like spending time with the people you love doing something that makes you smile mile wide. Nope, nothing like it.

Friday- Grilled Shrimp + Asparagus + Baked Potato + Wine

Mr. Pro Fisherman on the right!

My brand spankin' new pink lover.

How was your Easter?

HAPPY MONDAY!

I'm blank because...

I saw this on some blogs back in the day & thought I'd use it for this very blank day. I original saw it from Little Miss Momma (who I adore).

Ha ha ha. We found this laying in a cooler when we were taking our engagement pictures. Hilarious! Of course we had to take a pic.

I'm weird because....
-I eat ice cream in a cup.
-I buy way too many planners, notebooks, pens, or anything colorful.
-I straightener my hair just to put it up an hour later.
-I tend to buy clothes only to take them all back a few days later.
-I am a paper/card hoarder.
-I lose everything. Seriously. Good thing my head is attached.
-I clean my room only for it to be a tornado the next day.
-I can't watch the end of close sports games. I literally hide.
-I pick my mascara off when I'm tired.

I'm a bad friend because....
-I text instead of call.
-I don't always say what's on my mind.
-I let my busy schedule get in the way of my friendships.
-I'm bad at thinking of doing something really nice and then forgetting.

I'm a good friend because....
-I love my friends to death.
-I would do anything for any one of them.
-I only wish the greatest success to all of them.
-I will listen any time, any day, any where.

I'm sad because....
-I have a fiance that lives two hours away.
-My family also lives two hours away.
-I cannot keep up on this blog most of the time and especially reading and commenting to y'alls. Sad.
-That I feel like I cannot financially assist in the wedding like I want to.
-That I don't do enough, when I could always do more.
-I'm lonely every night by myself.
-School is killing me smalls.

I'm happy because....
-I love and have the most amazing family, friends, and fiance in the world.
-I got an interview for a job I would love!
-I am growing closer to God.
-I will be married in six months.
-I have this blog that warms my little heart every day.
-School is almost over.
-I am alive and healthy.
-This weather is flipping fantasical.
-It is time for March Madness.

I'm excited for....
-My peeps to get their Save the Dates.
-Some very exciting news I recently found out from a friend.
-The ideas that are accumulating in my mind for changing the lives of others.
-My birchbox to come.
-Grilling out.
-Spring Break. (Going skiing in Colorado!)
-Going to the lake.
-Camping.
-The smell of the campfire and country music.
-All the presents I  (we) got at the bridal shower to get some use.
-August 4, 2012

Three days until SPRING BREAK, baby!

the weekend the casino showed me who's boss

And that it did. I had never been to a casino before this weekend. I guess I've never really desired to go somewhere just to flush my money down the toilet. However, I always did wonder "what if" I went and won. I would pee myself most definitely. But then I remembered I was the most unlucky person on planet Earth.


So this weekend my family and myself went to where Jeff lives to watch little brother sing at state {which by the way was uh.maz.ing}.

Every day I wonder where in the world his voice came from and why I didn't get it. I would show you proof I didn't get it but then you'd probably never come back. I'm so proud of him though and he totally deserved that beaut of a medal he is wearing! {He made state every year!}



So we went to the casino Friday night after a few glasses of wine and Jeff's homemade tongue on fire stir fry. When I walked in it was definitely what I expected. People everywhere. No seats. Straight craziness. What I wasn't prepared for is what was about to happen to me.

Scene I:

Me: I'm playing the penny machines! Where are the penny machines?!

I find the penny machines and two open seats for Jeff & I.

I put my 20 dollars in and hope for the best.

I click on random buttons that I have no idea what they do and I watch my money go down down down in the matter of seconds. #$!%. Is that even physically possible? Yeah it is in a casino I guess.

Seriously, I think it took me a whole 2 minutes to lose 20 dollars. BOOM. gone.

I was done. I evil eyed the machine and told it THANK YOU for the .18 cents.


Scene 2:

Dad: How's it going over here?!

Me: I hate the casino. I just lost 20 dollars in 2 seconds.

Dad: Here let me try it.

In the matter of minutes Dad wins $45.

Really?! Really. That happened. Oh and then two seconds later the lady next to us won 300 dollars. THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS. And I won .18 cents. It was a pretty BS moment. However, they provided pop so I made sure to drink my 20 dollars worth I had just lost.


We all ended coming out 20 dollars under, which I say wasn't too bad in the book of gambling. It was a lot of fun and next time I'm definitely either going to just watch or save my change and be prepared to lose.


I must add another key event of the weekend.

My JAYHAWKS whooped up on our college rivals for the best victory in college basketball I've ever seen. However, my heart is steal recovering. If you follow me on twitter I'm sure you were cursing me in your head. My apologizes.


I wish I could repeat weekends like this one because I loved every little second of spending so much time with my family and Jeff.


Let's get this week started off RIGHT!