Notes from the Weekend

It was rainy heading home from the office Friday, but these guys were in no hurry to let me get home. They weren't budging.

The only thing that could get me off the couch Friday night. I heard carbs go directly to plumping up baby. I doubt this is backed by any scientific fact, but I'm currently participating in the 2014 research.

Exhibit A.
Buffalo chicken sandwich and onion rings on a romantic date night.

Exhibit B.
Pancakes round 2.

Exhibit C (not pictured): First round of weekend pancakes at Cracker Barrel. I'm not ashamed. Ok, maybe just a little.

I did a little retail therapy. Found these pillows, but they only had a set of 2. Sad trombone.

I made up for it with this vase. I can't decide if I'm sold.

Namath slept off his disappointment of the Georgia defeat.

MS was kind enough to join him. Twice.

Hope your weekend was restful - or more exciting. Whatever your heart desires.

Three Years

Three Years of marriage, or 156 weeks, if you are getting used to counting in weeks...

Such a happy day!  God blessed me beyond what I deserve when he brought you along.

 I think this next year will be one of our most challenging but best yet.

Praying for many more years with you by my side.

On Your 32nd Birthday

The love of my life turns 32 today. I'm so glad he was born!

I just love what you bring to our family - a sense of calm, and a lot of fun.

There's not a doubt in my mind you will make the best Daddy for Sunburst. People already comment on what a great dad and a help you will be. It makes me so proud to call you mine. I know Sunburst will feel the same!

I know I've said this a million times before, but I'm always blown away by what a servant you are. Without one complaint, you are always doing for me and Namath, and most of the time without even being asked.

This year I've seen you use that gift even more as you take on roles outside the home - leadership roles that require a lot of serving. It's such a joy to see you use your gifts.

Love you so much and so thankful you are mine!

MIA

There has been a lack of blogging. Mainly because there has been a lack of things to blog about.

We've hosted two showers in the past 8 days, so there's been a lot of vacuuming of the fur.

MS was out of town for work for a week, so there was a lot of watching of the Lifetime and Netflix. Specifically season 3 of Private Practice. Which led to wondering why I can't dress more like Addison Montgomery. Sigh. Also, gratefulness that she's not my ob/gyn, because...how. depressing.

Lest we not beat this dead horse - the ROYAL BABY. I've been on front row watch and am nothing short of obsessed with all things Kate, William and nameless babe. The blue polka dot dress? The rolled up sleeves on the blue button up? Will driving the Range Rover himself? I tip my hat to their stylist and publicist. Well played.

We love the royal family around here.

And this English Bulldog was proud of the motherland this week.

I think that about catches us up.

Chicago - Day Three - Take Me Out to the Ballgame

One of the things MS was most excited about was going to the Cubs game/seeing Wrigley Field. Like a good wife, I went along, and like a smart wife, I bargained for some shopping time at H&M.

First, Wrigleyville.

We had to eat at the Houndstooth, being Alabama fans and all.

We won't talk about the fact that our waitress didn't know what a yellowhammer was. Sigh.

 Me and MS, and an action shot of a local runner. Just keeping it real. Yes, MS is wasting away.

 They did figure out what a yellowhammer was, luckily, since that was MS' drink of choice. I documented mid-sentence. I take those liberties as blog writer.

  A collage - aka I'm trying to figure out Picasa.

 I wore the closest I could to Cubs colors. I may should have accessorized with some red. Hindsight is 20/20. We sat in the outfield bleachers, because you are supposed to for the experience. It was a great view, but got a little warm.

View of the skyline from the bleachers.

Deep thoughts on beer number two, or three.

  A quick snapshot of our hotel between stores.

I promised I would be back to the Hershey store for this smore treat. It was worth every calorie.

We had a great time in the Windy City and would definitely go back - if for no other reason than the food. If you get a chance to visit, pack your stretchy pants and jump on a plane.

Summertime, Summertime

 After two weeks of Spring, I think Summer has arrived. I was really hoping for more days of perfect running and porch weather, but I don't foresee many 70 degree days hitting now that we've flipped our calendar to June.

Batters up...one of our favorite summer activities is the Baron's games with friends. Bonus points if it's Thirsty Thursday. Double bonus since they have an awesome new stadium smack in the middle of downtown - and walking distance from Momma G's.

Thankfully, MS didn't have to be at warmups too early, and could join me for a Momma's Love, Momma's Nachos and a pitcher of PBR.

Sidenote: We sat next to a table of med school residents swapping stories- and apparently that whole "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant"  thing happens frequently. Very frequently.

You can't beat a beauitful night at the ball field.

Namath was still thirsty on Friday. File this under 'dogs who think they are human'. He's spent a lot of time alone lately. In the guest bathroom. With the door closed. So we've welcomed any time he feels like he wants to be part of the family. He only got a little sip of beer.

MS says I take too many photos of Namath with a cocktail sitting in his chair. But it makes me laugh, so I'll keep snapping away.

 Can you blame me? He may be the most handsome dog in all the world. At least top 10. If I'm the only voter.

I've seen a lot of Summer Bucket lists floating around blog world and have thought about making one of my own. Maybe while sitting by the pool. Don't hold your breath.

Cheers to Mental Health

Last week we decided a day off would do the soul good. I was hoping for a day reading by the pool, but
1.  The forecast was rainy
2.  Appparently our pool doesn't open until Memorial Day weekend.

I'm still nursing my hurt about both of these. We made the best of it.

MS was tasked with bringing home a treat Thursday night to kick off the long weekend. He did good.

 Naturally, since I could sleep as late as I wanted Friday, I woke up at 6:30 and couldnt go back to sleep. Sigh.

I always wonder who the people are drinking at lunch on a weekday.

Friday it was us! It was a nice lunch in the sun with my boo. Who is looking super skinny these days.

Pizza was much deserved after this 5 miler from the day before. Who is this person?

After being dragged to buy makeup and maxi dresses, we went to one of his favorite places. Also much deserved.

It's amazing what some good beer and retail therapy will do for the spirit. I almost don't mind it's Monday.

How to Enjoy Spring

 Slooowly wake up to watch the sun rise.

Perk up and survey the backyard. Legs crossed, preferrably.

Do some spring shoe shopping. Avoid asking if these are too high for your age. Sigh.

Rehydrate outdoors.

Try to stay awake for the two hour season premiere of Mad Men.

Repeat this cycle as needed.

It's Almost Spring...

 Coming to you live from Alabama...where we are hoping to be seeing the last few weeks of winter. Here is documenting the last bit of our hibernation (I hope).

MS cooked an excellent chicken picatta for Valentines Day. Does anyone go out for Valentines anymore? Staying in is so much more enjoyable, and I don't miss my 9 p.m. bedtime. I'm not kidding.

 Namath did his best version of "McKayla is not impressed". When I first took this picture, I thought his bone was his leg, and I was REAL impressed with his flexibility.
 

 We had a showdown of sorts. It was inevitable. There's a cat that stealthily frequents the hill behind our house, but Namath's sharp vision was not fooled. Five months after we moved in, he caught wind of it and chased him into the storm drain. Good work, Namath.

 We spent an evening enjoying views of the Magic City. Isn't she pretty?

 A fancy drink at a laid back evening with some friends. Strawberries and champagne should be a regular part of my life.

 Namath has taken to eating rocks out of the fire place. This includes hiding them under his bed for later snacking. The loud crunching and cracking is not discreet, buddy. Nor is he when you try to take them away from him. Yikes.

 MS headed for a night in the woods last Friday. Namath was left with me for a night of DVR'd girl shows. He was so excited!

 In an effort to bring on Spring, I've painted my toenails "Ate Berries in the Canaries" and started back running after work. Yesterday, MS did the same across town.

Move over, JT, the Searson's are in sync. I'll end on that lame joke.

They Say It's Your Birthday

 This weekend, we celebrated Matt's birthday. How did we celebrate? Glad you asked, since I was sure to take photos.

 Namath was super thoughtful. Or he knew Matt would need a drink when we looked up and saw him WALKING ALONG THE TOP OF THE WALL. I may have had a mild panic attack. Guess that knee is feeling better. I didn't document this, in fear that I would miss the opportunity, if it presented itself, to catch a 55 lb bulldog.
 

 We enjoyed some wings, french fries and cold beer.

 Despite the fall weather, we did some sunbathing. I use the term 'we' loosely. 'We' also did some mopping of these dirty floors that 'we' have slobbered all over. 

 'We' smoked some victory cigars.

 We got some glittery artwork from the nieces.

 We ate cake.

 Decorated with candy corn. Brilliant.

 All in all, we celebrated Matt, and what a joy he is to all of us. 

Wishing you the happiest of days, on your real birthday. So proud of the man you are, and continue to  become.

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."