Tweet Tweet Turning Two is Such a Treat

 

 On March 14 our little girl turned two. 

It is amazing how fast time flies. It seems like just yesterday we were coming home with our little bundle of joy unsure of what to do to take care of her. 

 Somehow we figured it out.... And now we find ourselves parents of a two year old, independent, stubborn, smart, silly, little red head. 

On Saturday the day of her party had arrived. I myself was running around like a chicken with my head cutoff. While Marine... well of course he was as cool as a cucumber... and he had the common sense enough to make himself scarce while I, in last minute fashion, tried to make everything just perfect. Perhaps years of marriage have taught him it better to be cussed from afar.... In reality a Marine buddy was passing through town and he evacuated the house to go eat a quick breakfast with. 

 That is how I found myself day of the party cupcakes un-iced, the princess's birthday cake in the oven, balancing on a chair trying to extended my short five-foot nothing self tall enough to reach to tape up the streamers. Imagine that with a little red head chasing a cat around with extra streamers. At that point I'm not sure who was more frazzled... me... or the cat. Probably the cat.

 

 

So it is time for a confession. I confess that I am addicted to Pinterest and truely believe that I to can be crafty, super-mom, Susie homemaker. In reality I cannot quite live up to all that. And that's ok. Even though I have confessed this to myself many times and now for the first time to the universe I can guarantee that in the future I will continue to be knee deep in denial telling myself that I can do what I see on Pinterest.... I tell you this so that you will understand that is how I found myself at the kitchen table hot gluing the pendant banner at 9:00 am while Maddie at her breakfast. I admit though. I'm a details kind of girl. Not a perfectionist... just details. I like the simple touches. So after the banners were made, the cake was out of the oven, the streamers were hung, and the princess was bathed I still had to get ready myself...... oh and make the princesses skirt. Did I forget to mention that little detail? I promise I am usually not this last minute. Ok I'm lying. I work better under pressure. But I normally have a good excuse for waiting till the last minute. And this time is no different. This time my BFF had made the princesses birthday shirt and she had the fabric still from that so I couldn't start on the skirt yet. So there. Scapegoat averted. Ok I would have still probably waited till the last minute anyway. Po-tay-toe, Po-ta-toe. Either way I have to say I may not be Susie homemaker but I am the last minute Queen! Exhibit A: The scrap tutu Thanks to my mother and mother-in-law answering the bat call for help everything was done by the time the first party guest arrived and everything turned out fantastic! I had prayed all week for the rain to hold off and for it to be a pretty day. Thankfully my prayer was answered and the day was gorgeous. What to do for a two year old's birthday? I wanted the kids and adults alike to be entertained so that everyone could have fun. On the porch I set up three stations. One a bubble table, another a play-doh table (cause really what kid doesn't like play-doh), and a coloring station with several books and abundance of crayons. This was a big hit with the kids, even the older ones, and I think it is safe to say all the kiddos at the party had a blast. Now for the dad's. Cause let's face it as the hubs always says, "Do I have to go?" I mean this is a thing the dad's get dragged to but not always willingly. I wanted them to have fun as well. And I must admit they are much easier to entertain. A 12 pack of beer, a grill, couple packs of hot dogs, and they turn into men with a mission. So they all escaped to the carport where they grilled hotdogs for everyone while drinking a beer and laughing with each other over non-sense stories. It was a wonderful day and a wonderful party. It was great getting together with all of our friends and their kids. It's amazing to see how much we have all grown over the years. Yet nothing has changed. We are all still friends. And now are kids are friends. What more could anyone really ask for. Sigh. I really do love my small town life.      

Hello 30

Tonight I had dinner with the girls to celebrate Giggle's 30th birthday. Of the first generation she is the last one to turn the big 3-0. Next will be Vivi, Blondie, Red, and Hollywood but those lucky whores still have a few years of their 20's left to enjoy.

After a long day at work it was nice to meet up for dinner with the girls. We are a large group so when we get together we tend to take up the biggest table in the restaurant. And I must admit I'm sure we are rather loud. I mean a table full of 10+ women all trying to talk at once is a bit much. But hey that's us! At least for the first ten minutes as everyone exchanges greetings and discusses what drinks to order with dinner.

Once the food arrives the table quiets and one person at a time is allowed to talk as we all try to catch up on the happenings that have been missed since our last gathering.

As we sat eating dinner another group of girls we know came in and said hello and then were seated in a small corner booth. Now I admit I have a good looking group of friends. We may not all rank a 10 but I guarantee no good looking guy in his right mind would kick any one of them out of bed.

But these girls....

They all looked perfect. Stylish almost to a fault. Imagine all those clothes that you pin on Pinterest but never actually break down and buy....well if your like me anyway.... yes that is what these girls were wearing. All four of them looked like they stepped out of a magazine. Perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect shoes, perfect accessories, perfect manicures. Flawless.

On the way home for some reason my thoughts drifted to those girls, sitting there in their booth with their perfect store bought tans and designer labels. What must it feel like to be perfectly put together?

For some reason the word that came to mind was plastic.

I couldn't help but smile thinking about my group in contrast. Some of us were in workout clothes, having fit in a few minutes at the gym between work and dinner. Others were in semi-causal clothes coming straight from work and the rest in just jeans and t-shirts.

Maybe that is the difference of 30's and 20's. In your 20's you still want to run with the "in" crowd. You want to be noticed. You want to be the one that turns heads and that everyone else envy's. You blow your paycheck on clothes, purses, and shoes you really can't afford. But hey what else do you have to spend your money on? Your only young once.

At 30 you realize that none of that stuff matters anymore. You admit or realize you aren't perfect and you have no desire to pretend to be.

Maybe that is the real difference between 20 and 30. It's not just growing up, it's growing more real.

Cheers to 30! For me and my friends our 20's were a blast. So many fun times and memories made. I look forward to the 30's and the adventures they will bring.

Rachel: You know? I'm still 29 in Guam.

Ross: Hey, 30 is not that old! Do you know how old the Earth is?

Rachel: Late 30's?

~ Friends ~

Look Whoooo's One

On March 14 Maddie turned one year old. Of course this was cause for a celebration! Not only was our little baby no longer a baby but full fledged on her way to one year old toddler status, but Marine and I the baby dummies had also succeeded in raising a healthy, happy, terror, of a little girl!

We held Maddie’s first birthday party at the restaurant on Sunday, March 17^th. I of course went overboard on the DIY and trying to make everything just right and special for Maddie. Needless to say Marine teased me relentlessly and kept reminding me Maddie was one not ten. But when it came down to making the cupcakes who do you think was in charge of icing at 10:30 the night before? Yep that would be good ol' Marine himself! And he did a mighty good job, much better than I would have done I admit!

The theme was Look Whooo's Turning One and just springy fun colors. Nothing over the top, just simple finger foods and cupcakes. And punch. I even made punch! The girl who can barely do anything when it comes to cooking or mixing. Thank goodness for Pinterest and easy recipes is all I got to say! lol

The guest list was composed of our family and friends and their kids. Of course the guys were all to meet and than since it was St. Patty's day they were all going to walk down to the pub for a beer. Needless to say grown men just can't pass up cupcakes! All of us girls had to laugh as the stood around for the whole party watching the shenanigans unfold. 

For the day I did have one big epic fail...... I found a smash owl cake on Pinterest that looked easy enough to make. So being the DIY money saver I try to be I figured easy enough I can make that myself. So my mom and I attempted to make it.... However the icing would just not hold up the eyes and nose like the picture and easy directions showed. Oh well Maddie was going to smash it anyway so nothing to stress about. And oh did she love smashing into it!

She had so much fun! All the bigger kids helped her open her presents which at times she wasn't sure she liked that idea. But then realized she could be in the middle of all the chaos and loved that. She was so funny looking in all the bags and unwrapping the gifts. 

We are so blessed to have such an amazing family and group of friends. I am so happy that our kids will get to grow up together and I hope they will become just as good of friends as we all have been throughout the years. 

It's hard to believe a hear has passed. She is no longer a baby but this tiny little person with a mind of her own and a determination that I did not know could come in that small of a package. I have always heard people say that you can't imagine your life with kids but once you have them you can't imagine life without them. That is oh so true. Maddie has forever changed our lives and Marine and I both awake each morning excited to see what new things Maddie will do that day. 

Now time to enjoy her being one before the terrible two's strike!

Chandler: Emma, how old are you? How old are you today? (He holds up his index finger, and she holds up her finger too.)

Rachel: Oh! Emma, that's right! You're that many!

Ross: Oh my, God! Our daughter's a genius! Rach, this means--

Rachel: No! No science camp!

~ Friends ~

Knocking on 30's Door

So today is my birthday and I am officially on 26 round 4..... a.k.a 29.

That's right 29. The last year of the 20's. 

Looking back I really can't recall my 19th birthday, the last birthday of my teens. More than likely though I was excited about that last year as a teen. Official grown-up and legal drinking just around the corner.

At 29 though what's around the corner? 30? Yeah just not as exciting. 

Taken From Google Images

I did have a wonderful weekend though!

Marine and I went to Chattanooga for the weekend and had a wonderful trip. Friday night we went and ate at a small local pub. The food was good, the service was good..... and the crowd was interesting to say the least. Marine and I had seen it on a past trip and had decided we wanted to try it. I mean the building just peaks the curiosity. 

Saturday morning we got up and went to see Ruby Falls, which is America's highest underground waterfall. After walking thru the caves we arrived at the waterfall. 

It was spectacular and beautiful!  

 Afterward we walked to the top of main building and looked out at the beautiful view of Chattanooga.

After that we went downtown for lunch and to walk around a bit. Chattanooga is a beautiful city and if ever given the chance to visit..... DO!

My mom and Marine's parents were meeting us for diner so we had some time to spare downtown. We were going to go see Rock City (another local attraction) as well but were afraid we may not have enough time.

So instead we decided to see a movie. The only thing starting at the time we arrived was Contagion so we decided to see it. It wasn't quite what I expected it to be but it was definitely a movie that made you think. I mean everything we touch on a day to day basis has germs. 

Think of going to work and opening the door, going to lunch, getting gas, etc. Everything we touch all day has the potential to spread germs to us from the last person who touched it.

Yeah the movie was a little to slow paced but it did make you think about how easy it would be for deadly disease to pass quickly through a population. 

You know it was just the type of movie you wanted to see before going out to eat. lol

The movie ended about 20 minutes before we were set to meet everybody, so perfect timing!

We met up with my mom, Marine's parents, my uncle, and Giggles and her hubby for diner. The food was delicious! And the company was great. Even baby Marine seemed pleased with my choice of the Hawaiian chicken, and let me tell ya that's saying something because baby is not easily pleased when it comes to food. 

After diner the rest of the group bid goodnight but Marine, Giggles, Giggles Hubby, and I went down to the river where there bands playing in a free concert. The night was one of those perfect nights where summer is coming to an end and you can feel the first hints of fall in the air. The night is warm but with a slight breeze. 

We listened to music for awhile then walked to Coldstone for ice cream before heading on the drive home.

It was a wonderful birthday night out.

And today I took the day off from work since originally Marine and I planned on going away for the whole weekend. But this past week we house sat for my old co-worker...... you remember the one with the dogs and cats that each time I SWEAR I'll never do again cause the cats almost kill me? Yeah that one.... Well we spent last week house-sitting because I can't turn down extra money, and I like the little dogs.... well some of the dogs. lol

So after a week away I'll be honest I was ready to come home. The date night away though was a perfect birthday trip and spending my real Birthday at home is perfect!!

Another year older..... but a another year wiser....... that may still be up for debate!

Junk to Treasure

Friday night after work Marine and I went to the pub for diner and a beer (YUM). Then in our typical date night fashion, as of lately, we took a trip to Lowe's. We needed another gallon of red paint along with a few other things....

And then our big Friday night consisted of me taking my online final. Another class down!! I am one class away from getting my Website Design Certification. But truth be told this last class I just did enough to scrape by since things have been so hectic. I'm going to wait till after the honeymoon and things have settled down before I take the last class. And I plan on going back over my notes from this previous class and really learning it once things settle down.

Saturday was so much fun!!! Marine, Marine mom & stepdad, my mom and I had a fantastic day! We went to several estate sales --- I had never been to an estate sale before.... they are very interesting! One man's junk is truly another man's treasure!!

Marine and I came home with a few treasures that I will be sure to post pictures of later. I know I should have already had them to put in this post, but lets face it I had to much fun this weekend to pause to take pictures! Sadly but true. The picture fanatic in me surely has been a slacker lately for some reason!

Ok I can't stand it, I have to share! So here are a few Blackberry Pics (love the phone but the camera sucks).

First up I thought I had hit the jackpot when at the first Estate Sale I see a table with 2 large mason jars. I am getting all the jars for the wedding from Marine Mom's canning stash. But all of her's are the medium size quart jars. I have been looking for a few large jars to use as centerpieces on the food tables. I have been looking on etsy and ebay for these and guess how much the cheapest ones I found were? $16 before shipping. Outrageous, right?! Of course you know I wasn't going to pay that...... but I was more than willing to snatch up two for $2 each.

And yes that is my treasure box in the background.

This beautiful dish cloth also caught my eye. Call it crazy. I know. But for some reason I just fell in love with it knowing that it would look perfect hanging up in my red kitchen above the sink next to the window. Just wait and see it will add a great decorative flare to the kitchen. Even if it doesn't it gives me something pretty to look at while I wash dishes........

Marine and I bought several other things that I will post pics of later. We left for a box full of stuff and spent less than $25.

At the last sale I found several things I wanted. They were priced a little higher though and I am all about bargain shopping. But I was able to bargain a little and was able to get this soon to be beautiful piece thrown in for free :)

I loved the design on this old door knob. I'm wanting to collect a bunch of random knobs and make a coat hanger something or similar to this:

Or I may paint it and put it on mine and Marine's bedroom door. 

For the first time in my life I may actually be in style! *Gasp* Hey, I know it shocked me to. I have very little fashion since..... I like to lie to myself and think I do but really I don't. Shirt and Jeans. That's my style. 

I love vintage decorations. And think about the word vintage for a minute. I love that word cause if you think about it it has so many meanings. I typically think vintage as in early 1900's to maybe the 50's.  Others may think of different time periods. 

My favorite score of the day though was this Graflex 22 camera.

It needs a little cleaning and polishing but I love it! I have several cute ideas for it..... but in the end I plan on putting it on my picture table. I think it will be a nice decorative piece. Plus a fun prop for a few photo ideas I have. 

Here is what the camera looks like opened up:

Taken From Google Images

Yep it was my favorite find of the day. I was grinning from ear to ear upon finding it piled under a bunch of junk. I think Marine could tell also because he says that I don't show excitement very much, especially over something that isn't a horse. 

For a late lunch we ate at a wonderful restaurant called The Boathouse. It was wonderful! I had Voodoo Chicken that had a little kick to it. Everyone seemed to have a great time. I enjoyed spending the day with our parents. Our mom's have definitely hit it off and have a lot in common.... They especially like to remind us (when they are together) they are ready to be grandma's. And they aren't subtle. Other than that though they a quite the hoot.

Marine Step-Dad tells them they are like hens cackling because they laugh so much. That makes me happy though. It's great to see my mom smile. 

Saturday night Marine and I fought the urge to go home and crawl in bed but instead went out to meet up with  Marine's best friend Ford and his wife.

We met them to have a drink with them while they ate diner - we were still full from our late lunch. After diner they suggested we go for a drink. The night was still young so Marine and I agreed. 

One drink, turned into two, two turned into three..... and well you see where this is going. Ford wife and I drank way to much as we chatted and the guys visited. Our early night turned into walking in the door about 1 am. But it was a great way to end such a fun day.

I definitely owe Marine a night as D.D. though ;)

Sunday we worked awhile and then went on a trail ride with Mom. It was a beautiful day and we couldn't have asked for better weather. 

Overall I think Mom and Marine both had a wonderful Birthday weekend!

Oh I almost forgot!!! At a last stop on the way home Saturday Mom wanted to stop at this store to look at bathroom vanity's and Marine and I found a couch. Things are coming together slowly but surely! Couch picture coming soon. 

Phoebe, "You bought your sheets at a flea market? Come on, Ross, you gotta loosen the purse strings a little!"

~ Friends ~

Happy Birthday To Me!!

Today marks the beginning of 26 round 3. Yes you say 28. I say 26 round 3.

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

I had a wonderful birthday!

First it started off with a good morning call from Marine, which of course made it a great birthday. Counting the days and not much longer till he is home.

Then my mom and I met Marine-Mom and Marine-Sis for lunch at a small downtown cafe.

It was a beautiful day so when asked what I wanted to do for my birthday of course I wanted to do something outside..... So the four of us went and looked and even MORE wedding locations.

We saw several beautiful locations but none had that "the one" feeling.

The first place we visited was unique.... and beautiful. The setting was kinda ordinary but what made it stand out were the colorful tents where everything would take place.

This is the main tent where the reception
would be - notice
the deck on the outside

The Ceremony would be held in front
of this smaller tent

Entry to the Reception Tent

After Dark...... How pretty is this?!

I like this just because it's different.....

This place was beautiful..... but they said they could only accommodate 75 people and we are expecting about 100. And one thing Marine and I agreed on is we are not going to limit numbers. If people want to come the more the merrier, we are not picking and choosing who can come and who cannot. 

Now the second place I also loved! It was very picturesque. It would be perfect for the ceremony, but there is no place for the reception....

I mean seriously how pretty would it be fore me and Horse
to come riding across this bridge?!

What is flowing under the bridge

This is what on the other side of the road
Call it crazy but I like the cows and natural
beauty of it

Waterwheel 

Beautiful Fenceline

Mom, Marine Sis, Marine Mom and Me in the Front
This was also at the second location --- so many pretty spots
for photos

We went to two other locations but these two were my favorite. I love the farm feel of the second location and think that it suits Marine and I well. If we don't get married here it would still be a pretty place for engagement pictures or something. 

Overall I had a great birthday my family. It was fun getting out and enjoying the beautiful day.

Today I also came up with a decision plan of action. If you've been reading for awhile you know that I've been saying that I feel the need to accomplish something before 30 [ which is starting to look closer everyday ] if you're clueless as to what I'm talking about read this post.

So I've decided to come up with a list of 30 Before 30. I haven't come up with a complete list yet, but I'm working on it and hope to have it posted soon. 

This is the kick off of Birthday week ~ Next celebration is Wednesday diner with the girls!

Robin: What the hell are you doing?

Barney: I'm birthday suiting up!

~ How I Met Your Mother ~

April Showers ~ Where's My Umbrella?

April is the month for showers.... In my case baby and wedding showers.

Saturday: Giggles Wedding Shower

Sunday: Vixen's Wedding Shower

I am lucky enough (or cursed) to be both brides Maid of Honor. I love my two best friends dearly, but I think I speak for my whole group of friends when I say that we are about wedding-ed out!

Saturday evening was Giggles and her fiancée's couples shower. It was held in the banquet room of a nice Italian pizzeria. The menu was comprised of pizza, Blackened Chicken pasta, and an amazing looking salad (amazing looking because I don't eat salad ---- **Shock**, **Gasp**....... I know).

The food was delicious and all my favorite girls were in attendance: Vixen, Vivi, Babbles, Conscious, Blondie, and Nurse Betty.

Conversation was unfiltered and no topic was off limits. Just the way we like it!

I loved the center pieces - I really like hydrangeas, may have to consider them for my wedding.

After the shower Vixen, VB, Babbles and myself met up with a different group of friends to celebrate Marine1's Sisters birthday (again I have never given her a name ~ to many people to keep straight).

We met the group at a restaurant I had never been to before. The food looked good but we had just ate at the shower so I passed on diner. Afterward we went back to Girlfriends house and sat around visited and ate cookie cake.

Most people were enjoying hunch punch... and I was tempted to have a glass -- but my bed was calling my name and my house was a 30+ min drive.... so no drinking and driving.

The birthday shindig was a total blast from the past! Girlfriend had decided it was going to be a birthday party like those of our past. Many of us in attendance had been friends since pre-school and the birthday parties of our youth are quite infamous --- and unfortunately on video-tape.

In the basement Girlfriend had set up pin the tail on the donkey and a pinata. All the girls were required to be blindfolded and play while the guys watched and laughed. The winner won a special designed wine glass.

Definitely unexpected. But a change from the norm and made for a fun night.

Sunday was much of the same. Wake up. Feed horses. Let Harley out for some exercise. Then off to yet another shower!

Sunday was Vixen's family shower.

It was a different atmosphere; but the food was great and Vixen and VB got a lot of great gifts.

After the shower Vixen, VB and myself headed out side to take pictures by the river and the train tracks that ran behind the building where the shower was held.

The afternoon was beautiful and taking pictures of Vixen and VB made me miss Marine and the simple things, like enjoying the beautiful afternoon. But he will be home soon and once home I plan on taking him back to this spot and getting some cute couples pictures of us!

Monica: This is a great picture!

Chandler: Yeah, but I'm not in that one.

Monica: I know, but look at me, all tan!

~ Friends ~