Giving Thanks

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There is so much that I am thankful for this year. This year has been filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. This year has been a learning year, filled with the people closest to me. This year, I've...

...had the pleasure of marrying my best freind
...planned a wedding, which took more than a little support from family and friends
...had a car blow up and had family and friends help us every step of the way during that time
...helped my boo thang through a major surgery, with his family supporting us every day
...gotten moved around at work, which led to meeting new and amazing people because of it
...fixed the house up so much, with tons of help from our family
...seen friends have babies and get married
...spent time with family and friends, sharing innumerable fun times (and bottles of wine)

What are some of the things that you give thanks for this year?

Mondays are For...

Catching up! I always feel like I spend Monday catching up on what everyone did this past weekend and catching up on shit I didn't get done the previous week. So, in the spirit of catching up, here is what I have been up to... this past week since I didn't blog :)

I decorated for Halloween, my fave of fave holidays! I love to see the kids all dressed up and the creativity that goes into costumes. Last year, we had an older boy, probably 12 who came wearing a wrapped box and the tag said "God's gift to women". I LOVED IT! The easiest and most creative costume I had ever seen!

I also made the dogs try on Halloween costumes... Tigger, he totally doesn't mind. Ginger? 100% stank face. She doesn't have time for my bullshit and lets it be known. Fun hater. 

I decided that since most festivals and fairs are free and there are a TON of them within driving distance, that would be "our" new hobby. I LOVE to go to them and G is learning to like them, so it's a win-win. We went to Cider Fest in Louisburg, KS. There was live music, craft booths, and a pumpkin patch. We got fresh cider, apple cider donuts, I got a carmel apple, and G got local root beer. YUM!

Monday night football. Need I say more? Last Monday, we tailgated from 2pm-forever. It was pretty glorious. AND the Chiefs whooped ass, which made it even better! I have to say, even though it was a 10 hour event, I made sure to keep my sunscreen on and behave like a responsible adult. Well, as responsible as you can be at a Chiefs game.

Our siding is FINALLY going up!!! YAY! There were layers of shake shingle underneath the siding and they found rot in some places due to the improper care of the house, so we got all that fixed. Our house is going to be totally legit once this is all said and done. Notice the photo bombers in the door?

Enrique and Pitbull happened. Or should I say Mr. Worldwide? Bahahah I love that Pitbull performs with a big screen of all the singers playing behind him, it just makes me laugh and I can't help that! I looked super cute, but took 0 pictures. Bad blogger. 

AND

 THIS HAPPENED!!!

 The Royals swept the ALDS!!! We all know I heart me some Royals, so I have stayed up watching every extra inning and screaming at the tv. Not only did they win, they rocked the face off the Angels. They played some of the best baseball I've seen in a really, really long time!

Go Royals!

How are you rooting for?

What is a friend?

 

Totally random, but I was thinking about all the things that I do with my friends, that if I haven't done with you then I'm not sure I can truly call you a best friend. Ya'll know what I am talking about, those things like accidently farting that if you did in front of someone you aren't REALLY, TRULY friends with might make you turn bright ass red and mumble then walk away? But, with a true friend, you laugh and say, "My bad."

 

If I've done this in front of you (or with you) then you are a purple, sparkly heart friend.

• If I 've not worn pants in front of you.  I like to not wear pants and if I have gone pantsless around you we may just in fact be friends.
• If I've taken a road trip with you. And not killed you. Or you not kill me. If you can get through more than a two hour car ride with a bitch, than you are homies for life. Because I usually want to cut a bitch after a thirty minute car ride.
• If I've crawled into your bed in the middle of the night. Now, this may sound creepy as an almost thirty year old, but back in the day I had a habit of getting a little white girl wasted and crawling into people's beds. I prefer being the big spoon, just an FYI.
• If we've talked about poop. Or other bodily functions. Pretty self-explanatory. While I am open, I am generally not that old lady with a walker who tells anyone who will listen about what her stool looked like today.
• If we've talked on the phone while peeing. For me, I'll even Facetime you while peeing. I do have some boundaries though and talking while pooing is a no no.
• If we never need to pay each other back for anything, because we are always spotting each other money so we know in the end it will even out.
•  If we've taken care of each other while incredibly drunk. I mean, who else but a friend would do this? Becuase when I don't like a bitch, I usually just watch and laugh as they make a drunk ass of themself.
• If we hate the same people, we have to be friends. What is that saying? Your enemies enemy is your friend. 

 What are some things you only do with friends?

March Review

Hmm... what did I do this month? I took a bunch of selfies, duh! I am that girl that takes stop light selfies, and I don't even care if you judge me.

 

 

 

 

I had Spring Break and didn't do much of anything that week. Holla! I attempted to drink a Raz-ber-Rita and a Mang-o-Rita. They are so gross it's not even funny, but I attempted. I still hearts me some Straw-ber-Rita thought, it just reminds me of college and putting vodka in my Sonic chery limeade. I still have some of that Bota Box left, which I was surprised by, then I realized I also drank bottles of wine. Yay, Spring Break!

 

 

 

I took both dogs to the vet. Why? Because dogs are stupid and have to be up to date on their shots. Oh, and Tigger has a tumor that has to get checked on the regs. Meaning, I spend hundreds of dollars for them to tell me he's still going to live. This time, I got smart and paid extra to not have to follow the boxers around to pick up the correct boxers poo, instead they totally did it for me at the vet. I don't ask how they did it, I just know that they did. Totally worth it. I do have to take the boxers seperately to the vet, because I can't handle two dogs in the waiting room by myself.

 

 

I also spent two entire days hanging out with this guy and his fabulous momma. I know I've mentioned Baby L before, but here he is right about 2 months old. He is as addicted to Scandal as me and his momma! We went out for sushi one day and then ordered pizza the next. They were the most relaxing 2 days ever!

 

 

Lastly, I saw a fox! Like, a legit fox! It ran out of my backyard and across the street in front of my car. I totally parked the car and sat there staring at it going, "that's a fucking fox. In my yard. A fucking fox is BOLD enough to be in the boxers yard?! He must want to die." The boxes are not especially friendly with unknowns in their yard, so I can only imagine what would happen if they all crossed paths. It would be like a pay-per-view WWE death match. Or look like Michael Vick's backyard.

 

 

What all did you do in March?

 

 

I am so late to the Scandal party

I am totally late to the Scandal party, but at the encouragement of my bloggy friend Dara I have started watching Scandal. I can't stop. Somebody help me. I sit in bed and watch it on my Ipad likes it my job. Thank sweet baby jesus I have Spring Break next week to binge watch Scandal.

Cara Box Reveal!

I again participated in the Cara Box exchange hosted by Wifessionals. I love the fact that the exchange is now over a 3 month period versus a 1 month. I felt like I got to know my partners so much more! The theme was Shine and we were encouraged to find what makes our partners shine and carefully craft a box around this. I loved this theme! I felt like it made it so much easier to make a personalized goody box, versus having a nautical or some other "theme" theme.

In the past, Kaitlyn has matched up partners based on whether or not they have a blog. Starting with this exchange period, the swap is now based around Instagram. Therefore, to participate, you must have a way to post to and follow people on Instagram. The requirement was also given that you must post at least once a week to Instagram. I loves me some Instagram, but I can go days with no posts, then go selfie crazy (becuase yes, I consider pics of Tig and Ginger to be a form of a selfie) and post 5 times in 24 hours. I like this requirement only meh.  I feel like my blog says more about me than my Instagram account does.... and  it's easier getting to know people by reading their blogs.

Not only was there a theme, but we were paired by STATE! I felt like this was almost a theme in and of itself.

I sent a box to Shelbey who lives in Haviland, Ks. Now, don't go asking me where that is. I could tell you for like a day (cuz I googled it, duh.) after we got paired. Shelbey is the sweetest ever! She is a stay at home momma of 2 (both of whom are adorbs), a pinterest addict (like me), and runs her own etsy business! She is busy, busy, busy! Her etsy shop, ShopMissyMoo has the cutest headbands! The toddler/adult sizes even fit my big bobble head! Once I saw how cute the headbands are I had to get some! I put pictures of the greatness up on Instagram so go look there!

I also got paired with Dara who lives, like, 5 seconds from me. I can go all creeper status now. LOL! Totally joking, I just say that because both her hubby and my future hubs said that we were going to meet a serial killer. Yup, you heard right. We met up! It was my first "blate" and in bad blogger fashion, we took no photos. We spent time talking, laughing and getting to know each other in real life. I was so nervous, but we had a ton of laughs! I can't wait to meet up with her again! We had so much more in common than I think both of us realized. I mean, you can't always tell a sense of humor via email. We both love to knit (I am still a total beginner but I love to try), are social workers, love to watch tv, like to try beauty products, and enjoy life.  I did take photos of the box that she gave me. I got such good stuff! All of my friends love my new wine opener and tags! And the candle has gotten good use!

 



He's Here!!!

In my group of friends we all pretend to be adults. I mean we're all closer to 30 (or are) than we are 21. And we have to chekc that horrible box that says 25-37 age group. But, none of us has had a baby. As of 1/27/2014 at 10:10pm that is a lie. One of us now has a baby. Baby Lanning was is here now! One of my best friends from college, Lucy has had her baby boy. I am super, duper excited. And against what I would have ever expected, so is Gabriel. He has been obsessed over Baby L since we found out Lucy was having a baby. I mean there was this little human that lived inside Lucy for 9(+) months and now he is here. He is real.

 

 

 

 

And this happened. Gabriel is so obsessed with Lanning that he has called him "his" baby since we felt him kicking. Just to clarify, Lanning's father is named Steve. Steve is Lucy's husband. Not Gabriel. Gabriel is my fiancee. This ain't no sister wife shit. There, now that that's all cleared up.

What I Did On My Break...

and other fun stories. I have to admit that what I did on my break consisted largely of this:

I'm just keeping it real up in here. I wore no bra, dry shampooed the shit outta my hair, and put a pillow on the couch so that I could watch all of my Lifetime movies with no shame. The dogs loved it. I also had the very disturbing realization that SoapNet is no more. Why, God, Why?! Apparently their parent company decided to go with more children's programming because it draws a larger audience base. Man, don't kids have enough channels to call their own? How else am I supposed to get my re-runs of the original 90210?! Riddle me that!

This also happened:

I re-tweeted one of my besties and then it got favorited by Alex Newman. Now, we should all recognize this name... crickets, crickets. Right. It's a rookie that was drafted 10th round by the Royals. I really, really understand his excitement about being a member of a Major League Baseball team, but I also do not know how he can't recognize that he is signed to the best farm team that the MLB has. Just sayin. Also, how do you not recognize WHAT is being said in that tweet?! If I played for the Royals I wouldn't be favoriting that shit. 

Truthfully, I didn't do the couch potato thing the entire time. The week of Christmas, I had my family December birthday lunch and got birthday presents. We also had Christmas with my family on Christmas day, where I got to see my family for the second time in one week and eat too much. I had Christmas with my friends and watched K-State play in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, which is the worst name ever. Unless you're giving out coupon codes for free shit just call it a normal name. I can get down with the Fiesta Bowl (although that sounds like something from Taco Bell) sponsored by Tostitos. That makes sense. 

Then, came the week of New Years. This is where shit got real and the above picture actually transpired. I swear, the week before I was so busy I was forced to shower every day and put on a bra. This week? Hell, nah. I did go do another walk through of my wedding venue with my parents, so that we could finalize a few details and I scheduled a wedding gown appointment, but other than that? I really did zilch. And loved every second of it. We did nothing on New Year's Eve except sit at home watching all the tv specials. Well, I drank a bottle of champs and a bottle of red. 

NYE started like this

and the bitch ended like this

Now, it's back to the real world for me. I did manage to check my work email over the break, so I sorta kinda know what I am walking into. But, you never know with kids. 

What was your favorite part of this holiday season? Did you do something great for New Year's Eve?

Christmas Glory

I am officially on Christmas Break. It is a much needed break from the kids (and adults) I work with. While I heart them lots and lots, sometimes it is hard to handle working in five different schools. As a special education social worker, I work with the 5-10% of students in each school that are considered to have the highest needs and I also have a self-contained program for students with developmental disabilities and severe behavior. I am all over the place every single day and love it, but it does get exhausting.

Sorry for the verbal vomit. What I actually wanted to talk to you about was Christmas Glory.My friend who lives in Oklahoma City and I love, love, love the Christmas season. I love how everyone gets peppy and festive. There seems to be hope and happiness in the air. Then, there are the Christmas lights! A few years ago, I went home with Jes to OKC and she took me to see this house. It is the most glorious creation of Christmas Glory I have ever seen!  She took me to see this six or seven years ago. I have never seen anything like it since. Well, yesterday she posted this picture on my facebook. It was a much needed reminder of how much I love and appreciate the holiday season. I want to be the person who does something like this, so I can give someone as much pleasure as this house gives me! My goal in life is to decorate my house like this just for the sheer pleasure and joy of it!

You Shoulda Been There...

You totally shoulda been there for my birthday weekend! It was the most jacked up shiz in the world. On Friday (my actual day of birth anniversary) I had planned to take the day off, but instead I called in sick since I had the worst sinus infection and my neck was swollen. But, let's be honest everyone thought my ass was faking. I so was not... Proven by the fact that I took Amoxicillin... Does anyone know what one of the side effects of Amoxicillin is? No? Nobody? Well, let me enlighten you. A side effect is the cha-chas. Yes, I accidently made myself have diarrhea by taking medicine for my sinus infection. Happy birthday to me bitches.

 

 

Saturday was better. Saturday was waaayyy better. I felt glorious!

 

I went with my boo thang and friends to a Japanese Steakhouse (because that's what everyone does after having doing the cha cha slide all day, right?). You shoulda been there for this shit. If you were a fly on the wall you would have heard multiple conversations about people getting slapped in the face with d***s becuase they're dating som many people at once (Match.com=Money well spent!), a comparison of working as a train yard manager to working the polar express (nowhere near the same), and how the boys of the group were the best at having things fly into their faces... Amongst other conversations of course.

 

Overall, another birthday to remember!  

Fun Filled Adventures

 

While I don't have photographic evidence (at least none in which I look attractive), I did do stuff this weekend. My friend, Kala, celebrated a milestone birthday while in Mexico with her bf, so we did an easy birthday celebration at her house on Friday. She was dogsitting her bf's dog, Dock, so I spent most of the evening giving that big boy some loving. Dock is a brindle boxer, just like my Tigger, but he is normal size not a famine victim like Tig. I also find it amusing that Tig is considered small, yet weighs 50 lbs. He’s just special.  

On Saturday, Big T came over to teach the Mr. how to add crown molding to the ceiling. We are adding cabinets, bookshelves, and re-building the fireplace mantle. My Dad is a jack of all trades and is not only doing this project for us, but teaching the Mr. how to do these things well. I white washed the bricks on the fireplace and the plan is to paint the ugly gold doors black. I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!  

While the boys were working on the fireplace project, I was working on a gift for baby LRD.  After Big T left, we went to my friend Lucy’s house so that I could give her the gifts. I love giving gifts and I try my hardest to make them as personal as possible. The colors of baby LRD are gray, navy, and orange and the theme is owls. I ordered the cutest vinyl monogram a few weeks ago of Sassysteals and I adore it! I came out beautifully and all I had to do was rub it onto a picture frame. I also embroidered an owl print “L” on a fleece blanket, which is one of the easiest ways to personalize something. What are some easy ways that you personalize gifts?  

Overall, it was a pretty chill weekend. The only sucky part is that while on the way to Kala’s house on Friday the Neon got hit by another car trying to edge past us into the turn lane at a stoplight. I couldn’t be mad about it though because the driver was just a baby and didn’t know any better. She was crying and crying and her car was worse than mine, which is funny since her car was a Honda CRV and way bigger than the Neon. If I can say one thing about the Neon I would have to admit it’s a sturdy sucker. It’s better than a bumper car in accidents.

Fall Carabox

I participated in the Carabox exchange again. I loved getting to know my ladies last go round, so I thought I'd do it again. Again, it was a blast! This time around instead of having only one month to get to know my two ladies I had almost two full months, as Carabox is now 4 times per year instead of monthly. I think that this gave me more time to be thoughtful about what I was picking out for my girl. The theme this time was Fall, which I had to try really hard not to make Halloween (since that is my fave fall holiday!).

 I sent a box to Tiffany at In Pursuit. She is a lovely lady expecting her first baby (whom she calls Charlemagne), has the cutest fur baby, and takes amazing photos! I have loved getting to know her over the past few months. 

I received my box from Abby at Always Abby. Abby is a super sweet girl who I have a ton in common with! She works with kids, loves playing with hair and makeup products, and we also share a love of books. Abby took the time to get to know all about what the Mr. and I were up to around our new home and all the little things going on in my world. I received the cutest dish towel that I set out immediately, the cutest pumpkin patch decor block (it also got set out immediately), pumpkin spice smell good stuff (which I LOVE), a big mug that has a lid (perfect for work), nail polish, and a cute Halloween headband! Thanks, Abby!

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My Week in GIFs....

This has been a long week. Not only did The Mister and I have a crap ton of stuff to do, it was long at work as well.

Monday---

I realize Mondays are the worst day of the week intrinsically, but this one gave me the run around. I had one of my fave kiddos give me the stank eye at 8am. I knew the day was starting well. I went to meet a family for an evaluation at a hospital, they were a no show. I went to the mall to buy new jeans (fyi express has jeans bogo 50%, totally worth it they make your ass look fab) with my bff Jen. I am also currently obsessing over leapord print shirts. One day you will see me all Snooki style in a leopard shirt. By the end of the day....

Tuesday---

I almost had to shank someone at work. Do not interrupt me when I am doing my fave part of my job (i.e. providing counseling to kids) by lurking in the doorway. Also, do not interrogate me about a decision you wanted to be no part of, then misquote me via email. Do not send said email WHILE I AM STILL IN THE ROOM.  But, then my cable goes ot. Fuck my cable company, if I didn't have a contract you wouldn't be getting my hard earned cash money. Tuesday was a bad, bad day all around. I need my Biggest Loser.

I did go get my hair cut, which was a plus. Always got to look on the positive. Gigi, thank you for giving me a new fresh and clean look.

Wednesday---

Was just long, I had a last minute parent teacher conference scheduled for the evening and it took FOREVER. Like Sandlot style FOREVER. I was tired, cranky, and hangry by the time I got home. The Mister was awesome, took one look at me and said let’s eat out. He’s totally a keeper. I then proceeded to watch Biggest Loser on my computer.

Thursday---

I co-taught a class at work on crisis prevention. I am a really, really quick presenter. I am down and dirty style, where participants get the info with no wasted time on their part or effort on my part. It is a 6 hour training. I was scheduled to teach approx 2 hours. I let me co-presenters (one of whom is a control freak) know I only needed an hour fifteen for my parts. She didn't listen, we were running early and I got done waaayyy early… And we couldn't break for lunch at 10:30, so instead of starting a small section from after lunch... she wait for it... SHE FILLS THE SILENCE WITH INANE CHATTER. Who does that?! That is so not cool. Then we give everyone the longest lunch in the history of lunches and make them stay until the scheduled ending time. We are doucheholes.

On the positive, The Mister and I took photos with our wedding photog so that we have some for our wedding website. I guess they could technically be called engagement photos, which is funny because we totally didn't plan to do them. If they are as awesome as I think they will be, I really want her to do some of us with our horrible dogs.  

 

Friday---

 

My alarm didn’t go off. I have no issues with sleeping in, but shit really?! My phone was dead, so that’s why it didn’t go off. I manage to forget to put on deodorant, but hey who cares no one will smell me at work right? I did stop by the double arches for breakfast, where the attractive window worker told me I look nice. How did I know I needed that this morning? Man, McDonalds I must say I really can have it my way there. I have to also testify their egg white sandwiches are good. I mean as good as my Jimmy Dean at home, actually better though because I get the hash brown there. Sooo… Friday can either go one of two ways for me. Hopefully, nobody fucks with me today and my cable works.  

 



Who Doesn't Love Presents?

This was the first month that I participated in the fabulous Cara Box exchange hosted by Wifessionals. It is an amazing way to get to know fellow bloggers. If you haven't tried it, you def should. I got to know some amazeballs ladies! You are paired with two women, one of whom sends you a gift and the other you send a gift. Who doesn't like getting pretty things?

 

I was paired with Stayc over at Lacy and Crew, whom I sent a gift.  She is a wife, mother, student, and all around awesome person! She is super creative and has her shiz together in a way I wish I did! Stayc has the most cutest baby Oliver, he is so cute that even if you don't like babies you'd like him. No joke. Stayc blogs about life and everything it entails and is so positive it brightens your day.  You should go check her out and see what awesome shiz I got her :)

 

I was also paired with Brandi at Life with Collins.  Brandi is Mom to Collins, a beautiful 16 month old girl, lives in Alabama with her hubby, works as a nurse, and has a doggie named Turner. Like me, Brandi loves to thrift shop and upcycle furniture. Go check out her blog, where she has some awesome DIY projects and gives advice on being a momma.

 

Brandi sent me the most awesome gift ever.

gummi bears, which I had to hide from myself so I wouldn't eat them immediately

socks that will be perfect with boots this fall

purple zoya nail polish

the best measuring spoons and recipe cards for when I am attempting to make healthier recipes

 a notebook filled with sticky notes (it's like she knew I have a small obsession with them)

 a Bath and Body Works candle that makes you want to roll around in it

 

I have burned the candle in the kitchen everyday since getting it and The Mister keeps asking what good shit I was cooking. It also made him crave candy, but I wouldn't share my coveted stash of gummis for anything.  

Jowler Creek

Me and my homies went to a winery on Saturday! It was tons of fun. We went to Jowler Creek in PLatte City, Mo. It was my very first winery tour ever, so I was so excited I had ants in my pants. Good thing I wasn't wearing pants.

 

On the way there our preggo DD had to make a quick pitstop, where girl was so focused on Arby's that we almost died in traffic. That would have been a travesty, as we had yet to cosume any wine. #fetusfoodstop

 

I don't know if you knew this shit, because I totally didn't, but there are mowing sheep! They go around eating grass so that your man friend doesn't have to mow! They smell like ass, but apparently get the job done.  They also have chickens that eat all the nasty ass bugs of your good as wine grapes. These chickens were not for playing though, as they kept running from me. I think they knew I had dreams of fried chicken in my head.

 

 

 

 

Jowler Creek has a beautiful sitting area/patio where you can take the wine you've bought. If you're Lucy and preggo this is torture as you drink water while everyone has glasses of wine #fetusproblems

 

Have you been on a winery tour before? Where did you go? I loved Jowler Creek!