Confessions - 3.30.17 -

Do I dare participate in Confessional Thursday?!

You betcha.

I've loved reading some of these posts and if you know me, then you know that I love a good rant. In this case, confessing is just another way of ranting. Ha!

I confess

... that I hate shaving my legs. I obviously do it, but realized I missed a patch on the back of my leg when I could feel it blowing in the wind during our trip to the playground last weekend. #chewbacca

... that my husband's new to him, old in reality, Mustang is in the shop and it makes me happy. My house isn't shaking from the rumbling engine and I have more room in the garage. #sorrynotsorry

... that my neighborhood drives me crazy, but I love the majority of our neighbors. I have made many great friends here, but could do without the people who can't park in their garage. #finethemall

...that I HATE when people don't use the garage to park in. Maybe it's my Type A personality, but cars in the driveway/on the street clutter the look of the community. #myhusbandstruckdoesn'tfitinourgaragethough

... that sometimes I get really jealous/homesick that I don't live as close to my high school/college friends, family, and shopping opportunities as I would like. #peaceupAtowndown

... that I am on round five of Whole 30 and keep thinking about cookies. #cookiemonsternomnomnomnom

... that I may lose my mind over strep throat. It absolutely terrifies me that we are dealing with this continuously and it doesn't help when articles start popping up on Facebook where strep has turned into cancer, mental illness, and amputation. #stopstalkingmeFacebook

... that we met with the ENT for said strep and a tonsillectomy has been scheduled. #sendwineandxanax

... that work has truly frazzled my brain. At the end of the day I change into my gym clothes in the bathroom at my office. One morning I realized that I couldn't find my bra or my shirt from the day prior. Turns out I left it in the bathroom stall with my bra on top and out in the open for all to see. Thankfully, no one decided to turn it in to the (mostly male) managers in the office. #nofreeingthetatashere

*Linking up with Sparkles and Lattes and Home of Malones 

What's Up Wednesday - March 2017

Eek! I'm somewhat excited (and intimidated) for my first WUW post! For whatever reason, I typically shy away from Wednesday posts.

Buckle your seatbelts, readers - we've got a lot to cover.

WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK.....

It's another round of Whole 30 for me so clean eating is what's happening this week...and for the next three weeks. So far, we have feasted on two new Instant Pot recipes and unfortunately, they were not worth sharing.

For the remainder of the week, Sloppy Joe Meat and Paleo Shepherd's Pie are on the menu. Don't forget you can check out my Whole 30 library for tips, meal plans, and results. And, if you need a meal planner, click on the graphic below where I talk about Plan to Eat.

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT.....

This weekend.

It was so nice to have absolutely ZERO plans. Sometimes you really need time to relax and do nothing.

WHAT I'M LOVING.....

My Instant Pot.

I joined a few Facebook groups for Instant Pot lovers and it almost seemed like a cult. Now I fully understand their passion for this kitchen device. It helps reduce the number of dishes, cooks without tasting "crock pot" like, and is relatively quick. It's like my best friend during the work week.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO.....

Dealing With Loss
Adventures & Birthday Parties
Going to War With Strep Throat

That pretty much sums it up for this month. As you can see, we've had a lot going on and don't get me started on work. It's been cray cray.

WHAT I'M DREADING.....

Work.

For the most part, I like my job, but there have been a few projects that have become VERY frustrating. It will pass, but thank goodness I am going to the gym after work. All the experts say that it helps with stress and I absolutely notice a difference when I don't go.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON.....

Being a better blogger.

I swear I think of all these different great ideas, but never have the time to follow through on them. The potential for what one can do with a blog is limitless, truly. Unfortunately, I cannot clone myself. In reality, I need to draft a post or make a note in my phone with specific ideas for my blog. I do enjoy to-do lists!

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT.....

Remember that time I was able to pet Dierks Bentley?!

Well, Thomas Rhett (and Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Lynyrd Skynyrd and David Ray) are coming to Auburn for the Music & Miracles Superfest in April. I ADORE Thomas Rhett, the concert is being held in my favorite place, and it's another chance for date night - hurry up, April!

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING.....

I'm sad to report that I only finished one book this month.

If I'm going to be perfectly honest, it's actually fantastic that I was able to finish a book! I love to read for pleasure, but don't get to read very often. I'm still trying to complete these two as well:

I'm still making a valiant effort to keep up with all my shows and since Vampire Diaries is over, I've added Sweet Home Oklahoma to my weekly watch list. It's a hot mess and I'm thoroughly enjoying another show where I can zone out and not need to think.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO.....

Ed, Ed, and more Ed!

I downloaded his album last week and am trying to listen to it as much as possible. Any favorite songs?

WHAT I'M WEARING.....

Sometimes I feel like I am one of the few bloggers who doesn't focus on fashion. However, I did try something new this month and cannot wait to share the results with you!

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND.....

A lot of nothing, hopefully!

Since I was lazy last week, I really need to start working on the new bedroom. I hope to catch up with my sister and BIL for lunch and go see Beauty and the Beast with one of my friends. 

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH....

April is turning into a very busy month. Thank goodness for my planner!

• Easter - our church has a LARGE Easter service and it quickly has become one of my favorite things about this time of year. Instead of multiple services at the church on this weekend, they have one service at the local civic center.
• Music & Miracles Superfest - Thomas Rhett + Auburn #swoon
• Marriage Retreat - our first weekend away from E. I'm excited to spend time with J and be in the A!
• Possible tonsillectomy - more about that tomorrow. 

WHAT ELSE IS NEW.....

Please,  no more new things for a while! 

MY FAVORITE SPRING WARDROBE PIECE.....

I must not tell a lie, I am not a big fashionista. 

I will say that I have been LOVING the cold shoulder looks and may even like a few floral prints. :gasps:

I also have my eyes on this tee, which I think is perfect for dressing up or down:

Whew! That was a lot for Hump Day.

Cheers to being this much closer to the weekend!

*Linking up with Mix & Match Mama and Going the Distance 

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My Story in 5 Pictures

It may be only Tuesday, but it's Show & Tell Tuesday!

Since I've recently started joining link-up parties, I assume a few new readers may have stumbled upon my blog. If so, welcome! Today's topic will be a great way to introduce myself.

Let's begin, shall we?

This is one of my favorite pictures of all times, although I can't take credit for the shot - it was actually taken by one of my sorority sisters. As a proud alumna and fan of all things Auburn, I just had to share THE image that makes me happy. 

At each of our home football games prior to kick off, our eagle takes flight around the stadium while the crowd yells, "WARRRRRRRRR EAGLE" as the eagle lands in the center of the field. It is by far one of my favorite traditions and reminds me of all the precious Auburn memories that I hold in my heart. #cheesybuttrue

Did you happen to read my love story? If so, you may have seen the picture above. This was my all-time favorite photo from our wedding day. All the way back to our early days of dating, giving "noses" became our thing. This was a candid image shot during our special day and I'm proud to say that E needs a "nose" from each of us before bedtime - which we lovingly give her! #mommyIneednoses

When we were stationed in Texas with the USAF, my family decided to plan a trip to Hawaii. It was a fantastic, beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime (but I hope not) vacation that I treasure to this day. My mother is somewhat of a hotel snob and we stayed at the most gorgeous resort, the Grand Wailea. Our vacation last ten glorious days and I swear that if we ever go back, we won't be staying anywhere else. Guess we better start saving now.... #gomakethatmoneymoneymoney

Once upon a time B.K. (before kids), I joined a running group and trained for a half marathon. Much to my surprise and probably many others, I completed the half. Even more surprising, the race wasn't until November which meant long runs were on Saturdays during football season. Thankfully and unfortunately, this was in 2012 when Auburn had the WORST record, EVER. Still, I only missed one game for training and still wobbled to the game as it was the oldest rivalry in the south. And yes, I wore that medal to the game. #willrunfortailgating

Obviously, this picture is one of my favorites. If you've read this far then you understand that this was the PERFECT baby announcement for us. I was beyond thrilled when I found the little tiger chair at the grocery store, of all places! Special thanks to my BFF, P, who was able to use her Photoshop skills to make the beauty above. Our baby anouncement was our gender reveal and very fitting on so many different levels. Now I have a sweet and sassy toddler who runs around with those shakers and can sit in that chair. #alwaysbemybaby

Who would have thought that choosing five photos would be so hard?!? 

Although I have collected a ton of pictures over the years - you should seriously see all of my albums on Facebook - these are definitely my top five. Each one symbolizes something that is important to me: Auburn, J, family, goals, and E. God has truly blessed me in those departments and really, starting from the time I was born. 

Maybe one day I will share my top five silly photos. 

Fun fact: I invented the "duck face" before "duck face" was even a thing. There are probably like 1,000 kissy face pictures floating around in cyber space. 

Well, that's me in a nutshell. Thanks for stopping by! 

*Linking up with Lindsay's Sweet World and Momfessionals

Weekending + An EXCITING Announcement

Boo hiss to Monday, but cheers to nothing short of a relaxing, lazy weekend!

Last week was very tiring between work and keeping things tidy around the house so I completely failed at blogging last week. The only post that went live was my last weekending update. Oops. I promise to do better this week!

After I left work on Friday, I headed to the gym for a quick circuit workout, picked up E and Chipotle, then had a lovely dinner date at home with E, Chipotle and me. It was glorious. The evening consisted with J and I watching "Meet the Millers" - it was funny, but not something I would watch again.

On Saturday we hung around the house for a while, then headed to the park to run out some energy.

Even after multiple days on medicine, my mommy instinct told me E was still not 100 percent. After her complaining that her mouth hurt, being a bit lethargic, and having an actual accident at the playground (which NEVER happens), I cancelled our plans for the night. Instead we grilled burgers for dinner and introduced E to Shrek.

I think it's the same director as Trolls? Maybe?

During our family movie night, E turned my first born into a pillow.

Please ignore the tacky "fire" in the background - a certain little toddler is obsessed.

Sunday morning we headed to church followed by a trip to the grocery store, where I angered more Publix employees (not quite like last time though). If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already seen this....

Yall. This pound of GreenWise ground beef was priced at two cents! TWO FLIPPING PENNIES!!!

Naturally, I did what any person would do and grabbed ALL of it.

When I checked out it did not ring up as marked (i.e. $5 or $6) so much to my husband's dismay (because he does not like confrontation and can get embarrassed easily), I asked the cashier if she would honor the price. Grudgingly, she did....After she called over the store manager who then called back to the meat department. I wanted to tell them that all was well since every package was thrown in my buggy, but decided to keep my mouth shut.

Needless to say, my beautiful, but small, counter-depth fridge was packed full after our outing.

After lunch, laundry, nap, and meal prep, E and I headed over to the neighbor's house so our little ladies could hang out. Apparently I forgot to tell J we were headed out and he wandered over as well since his search for us in the house was not successful. A couple of hours later, we headed home when this exciting announcement was finally official....

Since it's Facebook official, I can finally share that I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!!

Having my sis and BIL move closer to home was one of the best things about 2016. Now, they can be around their families as they grow theirs. Words cannot express how thrilled and excited I am to have a nephew (my opinion - the gender isn't known yet) to spoil! Since my sister is infatuated with breakfast from Chick-Fil-A, this announcement seems fitting, doesn't it?

The only big item on this week's agenda is our visit with the ENT to discuss E and her strep. Five times in five months is no bueno. Keep us in your prayers, please.

*Linking up with B Loved Boston, My Glittery Heart, and HoHo Runs

  

Weekending + Strep

Whew! This weekend flew by way too quickly for my liking. Why is it that I always need another day to recover from the weekend?

If you read my Favorites On A Friday post from last week, then you already know what big plans were in store for us this weekend. 

Friday evening began as a girls night with E and Foxie. We went to dinner and a show - Peter Pan at one of the nearby schools. 

I was a bit nervous wondering how E would handle it, but she did okay. As a lover of dance, she threw up her hands and popped her hips during each song and loved clapping and screaming when each scene was finished. We left before intermission (over an hour in) since it was near bed time. I thought it was nicely done and some of the kids had some really good vocals, which is always helpful when singing is involved. 

We started off our Saturday morning with a girls breakfast and ended the morning at the pediatric urgent care.

You may recall our battle against strep throat. All week I have had a feeling that something wasn't right with E - it's hard to explain, but her behavior is just "off." She becomes fussier, disobedient, and lethargic. Unfortunately (and fortunately) we can assume strep is rearing it's nasty head before it becomes severe (fever, vomiting, etc.) simply by noticing her behavior. After an hour and a half wait, the test came back positive meaning E has strep for the fifth time in five months.

We met with the ENT in January to inquire about tonsillectomy, He advised against it as a small percentage of kids will bleed after the procedure and it's hard for a munchkin to lose blood. However, he did say that if it continues on a monthly basis then we will need to see him again. I guess I know who I will be calling this week...

Are there any doctors, nurses, mommas, etc. reading this who have experienced anything like this?Please comment below and share your advice!

The rest of the day was spent napping, catching up on The Blacklist: Redemption, and getting ready for date night! 

J and I headed out for a delicious dinner downtown that consisted of crabmeat fritters, filets, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, and cheesecake. It was phenomenal! 

Following dinner we headed over to see my second musical production for the weekend, Grease! It was held at the historical Springer Opera House, which was so charming. 

Our seats were very close (fifth row from the stage) and it was a good performance although it didn't stay true to script the entire time. However, they definitely missed the mark in the wardrobe department - that was a disappointment as I think it should have been the easiest part to replicate. Regardless, it was a great to have some alone time with J. 

Due to the illness we had to skip church so we said our goodbyes to Foxie and decided to prepare for the week. I took advantage of the free morning and attempted a run. 

But it's hard to run when your pants are falling down so I did a little over a mile and headed home. E and I ventured to the store where we bought all the toothbrushes - cheers for Barbie on clearance!

We ended the evening grilling dinner, washing all the things, and trying to rest before the week begins. I hope your weekend was healthier than ours and if you read this entire novel, then I am shocked. This may be my longest weekend post ever. 

*Linking up with B Loved Boston, HoHo Runs, More Pieces of Me