Weekend Wedding

This weekend Mr. B and I took a little {felt like forever} road trip to Maryland for my old roomie's wedding. 

I was so excited to be reunited with my friends, last time we were all together was about 2 years ago for our wedding! It's so awesome when you can not be together for so long, but then when you get together it's like it's been no time at all.  Love that!

This post will be lots of pictures {I hope, if blogger let's me this time!}.

The road trip started off with 

a.  An 18 week growth spurt {just in time to fit into my already tight non-maternity dress} 

&

b. The new traveling essentials. I was nervous for this drive since I usually feel sick, and sometimes get sick by just a 25 minute drive to church on Sundays- but I was prepared just in case!

When we hit NY, we were caught in a giant rain storm. It was raining so hard that pretty much everyone was just stopped on the highway because you couldn't see a thing. When it finally cleared up a little bit, we looked out the window and realized we were apparently in the middle of a flash flood.

This is on the highway!!

So needless to say, that slowed us down for a while and it was lots of stop and go, stop and go.

And....during this crazy adventure I needed to use the previously pictured yellow bowl.  Thankfully it was just fruit snacks, ha TMI- sorry.

A little over 8 hours later we finally arrived, got ready, went out for dinner and met up with the girls at the rehearsal. 

And they were quick to love on our little girl :)

The next day was the big wedding day! The location of the ceremony was at a beautiful bed & breakfast overlooking the water and the weather was perfect. A little hot, but no rain and that's what we prayed for!

We killed some time and took some pictures before the ceremony began.

Yes, I am that short and they are that tall. 

Like I wasn't feeling short and extra round before, put me in pictures next to my tall gorgeous friends! I wanted so badly to be pregnant, so of course this is all so so worth it. It just took some extra strength to stay positive :)

I requested a picture of them at my level so I wouldn't look so short. Apparently that was a lot harder than I thought it would be. 

It was finally wedding time, Jules looked amazing!

The newlyweds!!!

Almost two years ago that was us and now we are expecting and it's quite possible we are even more excited than we were on our wedding day! It's a close call ;)

Having fun at the reception!

It's a tradition to get a picture like this with my gorgeous "giant" friends...

Sad and hilarious all at the same time, I know!

Mr. B even danced with me! This was a successful night! He was thrilled because I am usually out on the dance floor all night, but with the super tight dress, uncomfortable shoes and the new inability to "get low", I spent a lot of time sitting at the table with him watching people dance! 

It was a great trip! Weddings are so beautiful and such a joyful time of celebration! 

I was very relieved to get out of that dress and back into some sweats

and get the 8 hour car ride over with though!

Congrats Jules & Ted!!! We are so happy for you guys and were blessed to be a part of your special day! 

Living For the Weekends.

This summer is different than all our others.

This summer we are living for the weekends.

We are grown ups now.

And when I say grown ups I mean Mr. B works full time and

Roxie and I lounge around the apartment {and I am part part time nanny} and we wait for

Mr. B to get home.

Roxie enjoys her favorite sun spot in the morning and I catch up on some shows.

The days pass by and we look forward to the weekends.

The taste of summer we once experienced every day is now just two days a week

and we try to enjoy every moment of it...

The great helpers when we visit my parents' house.

the extra love and attention {as if she could possibly get any more!}

the acres of open grass to run around in,

the chickens to chase {and their poop to always find and eat!}

the many cute photo opps,

A taste of the sweet stuff {which we seem to be getting every weekend}

30 365 day-eat-junk-and-hopefully-work-out-one-day shred is in action bytheway.

Car rides up north to Mr.B's parents' lake house,

Where someone tries really hard to get comfy...

At least her legs are crossed and she is sleeping like a lady..

the sunny days on the boat

She stays like this when the boat is in motion.

She is not a big fan of the wind...yet.

Note: Roxie and Mr. B -apparently this was an eyes closed photo.

The newest photo of The Smelly Family :)

Yes, her eyes are still closed...she fell asleep like that.

The boat wipes her out.

She chooses to sleep like this.

We enjoy life at the lake.

And time with family.

And we love our weekends.

And we can't wait for this upcoming long weekend!

Failure

I haven't updated my blog in 2 weeks and I've been leaving my poor friends who are addicted to the smell in withdrawals.

FAIL.

Made a delicious, perfectly baked blueberry bread for Mr. B. Decided I would put it on a plate to make the bread that much more presentable. With the intentions, of course, being he would be that much more impressed at his amazing little housewife. I was going to be late for Bible Study. I was rushed. Not thinking I cut the bread in the pan. The bread wasn't ready to be transferred. It was too hot. I tried my best. It crumbled everywhere. On the plate at least. I tried to keep it in on piece. The blueberries burnt my hand. I'm sure he was so impressed.

Enjoy your blueberry bread crumble, babe!

FAIL.

Every morning I burn my breakfast in the toaster oven. I haven't quite figured out what exact position to put the timer on. Apparently my mind can't comprehend "Dark" "Medium" or "Light" .... I kind of miss the toaster where I just had to push the button down and it would pop up when it was done. Not a huge fan of being in control of this situation. Maybe I should stick to cereal...

FAIL.

I had a pretty sage green picked out for an accent wall in our bedroom. Mr. B thought it would be too much green and put his foot down. Of course, being that he is a guy, he said he didn't want that color, but couldn't give me any other suggestions. You know those days when you just disagree to disagree? I think he was having one of those days. Hindsight he probably would've left his foot up. No, I don't think that makes sense or is even a phrase that has ever been used, but guess what, I am back to blogging so just roll with me, ok? We needed something light because our room is small, we needed something to match our bed set...I see a picture of like a fuchsia background with a bright green flower. I have a horrible great idea- let's be daring, bold ad drastic and do something like this. Mr. B agrees. Clearly, neither of us were in the right state of mind that day. I wish I could say we had no choice, we bought the gallon of paint and decided to go with it, but nope. We bought a sample, tried it out, still decided to go with it, went to the store again and purchased a gallon.

FAIL.

We had two different kinds of rooms going on. The wall was not an accent wall it was the BAM-OOOO-YIKES-HELLO-EVERYONE-LOOK-AT-ME-WALL. It didn't go with the whole comforter set, just parts of it. The small bright green parts. It also didn't really go with the other decor we had. It didn't make our room look any bigger. We almost hated it, we certainly didn't love it. We convinced ourselves it would look good if we bought some new decor to tie it all together.

I went shopping while Mr. B was at work, it matched perfectly. I was a little proud. I sent him the pics.

FAIL.

Apparently we are now living in a 10 year old girl's room.

I thought I was crossing the "too girly" line a tad, but it matched and I figured I would give it a whirl and see what he thought. We lived with it for a few days, it was beginning to grow on us, but it still needed something else. That little room was just not meant for that drastic of a color. Maybe, maybe if the room was more spacious it would have flowed together a little better.

Mr. B wanted to relax and had no desire to paint another wall, but I told him how much money we would be saving if we repainted it and I returned all the stuff I bought in an effort to beautify the room. He agreed {I knew that would work, anything to save money!} So I returned all the stuff....

and bought new stuff for around the house. I have a problem where I usually buy things, return them with hopes of getting money back, find new things, buy them and end up paying more.

FAIL.

So we go back to being boring. I use the left over paint we had from the living room and repaint our bedroom.

Primed it, painted it, made a mess, did several coats and let it dry.

I peek into the room to see the final look and...

Oh how perfect, I managed to make a giant shiny streak in the most perfect spot for the sun to hit it in such a way that it sticks out almost as much as the other decor. Way. to. Go. Me.

FAIL.

I am on Day 4 on Day everything-should-be-finished-because-tonight-is-bible-study. {I did really good last weeks, but this whole painting fiasco and the long weekend messed my sched.}

FAIL.

30 Day Shred is nonexistent as is the space between my thighs. They have reunited once again.

FAIL.

At least I am not failing at the important things, right?? :)

We are finally settling in, it feels like home again and hopefully I will keep this thing updated!

New Strategy: Achieve. We will see how it goes...

A little busy

We are a little busy the next few days.

Please excuse the MIA, we have some kind of important business to take care of.

Mr. B graduates and the move to NH begins,

nothing major.

Not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everything major!

I know, that was like a 4th grade joke.

Please pray for safe travels!

Have a great weekend!!

Exciting? You be the Judge...

It's New Friend Friday over at The Creative Girl and today's topic is

"The highlight of your week"

The highlight of my week was...

When Mr. B surprised me and took me to Pizza Hut,

even though we had a little guest that was not invited on our date,

I loved that we actually went there and I also enjoyed my lunch.

Not sure what this tells you about my life if this is my highlight.

Actually, I know exactly what it tells you....plain and simple: I have one heck of an exciting life if Pizza Hut is the highlight. No need to deny that I read your mind and that is just what you were thinking.

My other highlight was going grocery shopping for the first time at Super Target. I know, I know, this is a lot of excitement in just one week. This one probably really knocked you off your feet and you're most likely wishing your highlight could've been as amazing as mine.

Target is my by far one of my favorite stores. ever. I had never experienced grocery shopping at a Target and I loved it. The prices were very reasonable and there is something about Target that just makes me happy. Even if I only got to touch the cute little dresses and instead walked out with nothing fun but milk, eggs and other misc food items, I had a smile on my face. I really wish they would out a Super Target in NH!

I'm feeling a little adventurous today {again, note how very exciting my life is if joining two Mcklinkys in one day qualifies for adventurous} so I also decided to participate in

A Girl in Pearls & A Boy with Toys

Favorite Fridays: Guilty Pleasure Snacks

I decided to focus on sweets, but for the record:

diet dr.pepper + fries= happy girl

I couldn't resist when I saw this one because this morning for breakfast

I was eating a few of these while reading her post....

Mr. B and I love these giant Chocolate Nonpareils. {We bought them last night at Target, it would also be a highlight of my week, but I thought this might push it over the top and become too overwhelming to handle} These are addicting and delicious. I like to suck on them and then chew them when they get smaller. I assumed you were dying to know how I ate them, so... you're welcome.

In the summer, I love eating chocolate jimmies {I don't know what they call them in your town, aka sprinkles}. I buy a container and eat it with a spoon. I like the soft kind, not the hard crunchy ones.

Apparently I have more than one guilty pleasure snack....I'm a big fan of Reese's PB cups. I prefer the mini cups, but either will do. I usually only get the minis during Easter.

In case you were wondering how I eat those:

1. I like them cold so they go straight to the fridge.

2. I unwrap them

3. I bite it sideways so my teeth divide the mini cup in such a way that the peanut butter filled part goes onto my tongue and the ridged chocolate top goes on the other side of my teeth, next to the inside of my cheek.

This is serious business.

Last week, I may or may not have told Mr. B how I eat them just in case that question ever occurs if we are playing one of those newlywed games.

What was YOUR highlight of the week and/or YOUR guilty pleasure snack???

** Happy Birthday to my beautiful little sister who becomes a TEENAGER today!! Birthday post with lots of pictures coming tomorrow {wanted to keep you in the loop in case you were all very concerned I wouldn't have a special post for her- no worries you can relax and feel free to make note in your calendar that tomorrow will be the a post especially for her}**

Free-Write Friday

Sometimes I think coming up with a title is the hardest part of a post. No lie. Is that pathetic? I must type and untype at least 5 times until a come up whatever one I think it best, although I know they are all cheesy. There's a lot of pressure on picking the right title. It needs to be short, but a little informative. It needs to be eye catching and suspenseful making the reader want to continue reading the post. I like it to sometime coordinate with the letter of whatever day it is{Mighty Monday Whatever Wednesday}. It needs to relate to your topic, but you don't always want to give it away....

or maybe I just overanalyze too much.

Today's post is themeless.

Completely random.

Free to write whatever I want.

I know I am free to write what I want everyday, but just roll with me. please.

I like to participate in the themed post, but then I miss out on informing you on the extremely important things like.....

Today is my ONE MONTH anniversary of being a housewife. It has been ah-mazing. I love it so much. I keep feeling like I need to go back to work soon, like my vacation is over and...it's not! It would be a lot more enjoyable if I had a car and money though, but for now, I waste my days away on the computer and watching tv with an occasional basking in the sun by the pool and that is fine with me. It's amazing how fast the days go by though. Somehow they went by soooo slow at work and now before I know it, hours have gone by just by sitting on the couch reading blogs and checking craigslist. I feel ashamed when Mr. B surprises me and comes home early and I am still in my PJs with nothing accomplished. I like when he comes home at 6, and at 5 I shower, get ready, clean and make dinner, giving the appearance of a productive day.

We move in 23 days!!!

We should be getting a new picture of Roxie soon! I am really hoping in the next picture her nose will be filled in a little more. Right now her nose is pinkish with black speckles. I have read that as she gets older it fills in and I hope she is no exception. She is still a cutie and we can't wait to pick her up.

30 Day Shred has been going good. Level 3 is my favorite- who would've thought?! I actually think it's easier, but still pushing me to my limit. I have definitely noticed a difference, my rolls are minimizing (thank you Jesus- that was super uncomfortable) and my arm muscles are getting big. Personally, not a huge fan of the muscular arms, but it's better than jiggly hello-goodbye arms. I would just prefer the toning to be in my abs, but this will do for now.

I tweeted Ashton Kutcher today.

I am stuck at home all day. Why not? I asked him if a new season of "True Beauty" is coming soon. I will admit I felt a little junior highish, but makes me that much cooler if he tweets me back right? Wrong? I won't admit that I keep checking my twitter every 10 minutes.

Does any one watch Jessica Simpson's Price of Beauty?? I am really lovin' this show. First off, I think she is really funny and her and I could totally be friends. Not sure if I should admit that either or what that says about me, but it's true- I have plenty of blonde moments that would allow us to have that special connect. I also love the whole premise of this show. It is so interesting to see how every country as their own view of beauty and at what lengths they will go to achieve this beauty.

This scene from the episode in Thailand was so funny. You know those moments when it's silent and not the right moment to laugh, and you do nothing but laugh. The kind of laugh where you try to keep it in and shoot little boogs everywhere. My friend, Liz, and I were notorious for this and I'm pretty sure everyone hated us for it...it's so contagious and once you start you can not stop. Anyways, if you don't watch this show- check it out!

The girl on 16 & Pregnant this week had twins. Jealous. I want to have twins so bad. My odds are very slim, but I am still hoping. One baby was kicking her bladder, they were out in public looking at new cars and she totally peed her pants. It was hilarious.

Does anyone watch Life Unexpected?? I just started getting into that show (thanks to Mama Grace) and I'm really liking it.

Pioneer Woman is on the The View today. I'm expecting to follow in her footsteps. Ha. I think I am a little off track.

Mr. B and I are going to Naples for the weekend to visit my grandparents.

Mr. B proposed to me there almost two years ago (April 19), we are eating at that restaurant tonight. We have come so far since then-ahh life is gooooooood.

I'll leave you with an example of Successful Marriage 101- The importance of when to play your cards and how to play them right:

{Last night we had already eaten dinner and we were out doing some errands. Mr. B was hungry again and wanted to buy a sub. Sidenote: we are on a tight budget until May}

Me: That sub is too much money, you should get something else instead.

Mr. B: Ugh, but this sub looks so good.

{leaving the line on the search for something cheaper}

Me: Ok fine, you can get the sub if you let me buy a sundress tomorrow.

Mr. B: Ok, deal.

Me {walk away with a big smile}

Compromise. Perfection. Extra tight budget.

Productive Much?

Our short trip to NH went by so fast, but we accomplished more in those few days than we had imagined!

It was so nice to be back with this cute little man again.

I love this kid so much.

I hate living away from my little sibs and I am so looking forward to moving back home and being involved in their lives.

My big man was offered an awesome job. On Wednesday he met with the recruiter, an hour later he met with the company, the next day he met with the President of the company, five minutes after he left the meeting they made him an offer.

They told Mr. B to be sure to wear a suit jacket when meeting the President....so the night before meeting the President was spent at Men's Wearhouse buying Mr. B black shoes (he forgot to pack them) and his first real suit jacket. I also suggested he wear his glasses for the extra oomph of intelligence. Had to dress to impress. Success.

My grammie found us the perfect place for this next season in our life. I will post about that story later this week. God is so good.

Complete with a great backyard for Roxie. That is the fence that divides our place with my grandparents. That is their white house. We are expecting "Wilson" moments like on Home Improvement.

The weather was absolutely beautiful. We didn't even miss Florida. At all. Not once.

We were able to go to C-Man's first flag football game.

My beautiful sister. Can't wait to have our "sister days" again.

Can you believe we are 10.5 years apart??

My family is going through a farm animal phase. I will introduce you to the most recent additions later this week. We went to visit a goat breeder to take a look at the newest additions that will be joining the Grace Family in June. They are getting a 1 year old female and 2 baby males. The babies will be born in the next few weeks, but look at how cute these other ones on the farm are....

This is the size they will be when they take them home

They are actually really playful and doglike. We are excited to see how Roxie and the baby goats will interact with each other.

THE biggest dog I have ever seen in my life. I am bummed because you can't really tell in the pictures I took. I think my sister took one that might show it better, but wow. They have 7 Livestock Guardian Dogs that live with and protect the goats from predators 24/7. This dog was like 4 ft tall. Seriously. I think I was more fascinated by the dogs than the goats.

We celebrated Resurrection Sunday with our home church, it was great to be back. Because our flight left early in the evening we tried something new and went out for brunch with my family and extended family, went home for dessert and a mini birthday celebration for my sister and uncle, had a quick visit and before we knew it, it was already time to go home.

Clearly, we were tired from waking up early for our Easter baskets.

When I as younger our baskets were attached to string and my dad would go all over the house, outside, through windows etc, we would follow the crazy web of strings and find our basket. Over the years, my dad became lazy tried something new and now we do a twenty questions type thing. This was probably our last time finding an Easter Basket from my parents now that we will be living in our own place from now on. I think I can handle that change in life.

We are officially in the homestretch! Only 27 more days til the move!!

I have lots of cleaning, unpacking and packing to do today.

I am resuming the 30 Day Shred today as well. I made it to Day 10, but took a break when we were home. So now that I just had a few mini Reese cups for breakfast I think I should get on that....