Fall. Literally.

It seems as if I've gotten into a routine of humiliating myself on a weekly basis these days. First it was with my hands with an embarrassing email blunder, last week with my mouth and this week it seems my feet wanted in on the action.

While running this morning - on some very uneven sidewalk, I might add - I propelled myself off the ground. Not sure if it was sheer luck or sheer athletic stamina, but I somehow managed to turn in mid air so as to land and skid on my shoulder and back instead of doing a total face plant, as evidenced here. Sorry to the person who's yard I went skidding through, and you're welcome to all the runners who saw me and got a good laugh.

Like a trooper, I turned up "Like A Prayer" a little louder and went about my merry way.

Because it is a GREAT day people. Temperatures may still be soaring in the high 90s, but by God, it's fall. You know why?

That's right, the return of fall Thursday night TV. It may or may not have been the very first thing I thought of when I opened my eyes this morning. There's just something about two full hours of good, albeit overly dramatic, TV to propel you into the weekend.

In other efforts to drag fall in by its heels kicking in screaming, I've decided the all important time has come to lose the summer nail polish colors and move to dark. On the recommendations of my twin nail polish experts, I think I'm going to venture down this route.

Verdict is still out for toenail color. I'm taking suggestions.

Did I mention today is my Friday? More on that Monday.

Have a great weekend. Roll Tide!!!!

The Low Country

Saturday night, the Searson's very best friends graciously hosted a "His and Her's Low Country Boil" for us. If you're like me and didn't know what a low country boil was up until a couple of years ago, let me enlighten you.

The term "low country" generally refers to the the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia. Low Country Boil refers to a one-dish meal consisting of shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn all boiled in a large pot of spicy, briny water.

Matt's dad is from the low country - Georgia edition- so I've become familiar with their delicious cuisine over the years.

Yes, I googled it. I did not google the image. The food, beergaritas and yellow hammers were excellent.

We had such a relaxing time with our closest friends and family. I'm finding it hard to believe we're close to a month away. It seems as soon as I scratch something off my to do list, I think of something to add. But, we are enjoying every minute of it! I know it will go by way too fast.

We won't be soon-to-be for too much longer. Which reminds me, I need to add 'change blog address' to the to do list.

We're Going to Party Like it's Your Birthday

Despite the heat,

we did a lot of celebrating this weekend.

Especially this cutie.

She loves her Uncle Mac. Makes me so happy!

This was her first year to have a big girl birthday party with all her friends from school. She had such a good time, and was sure to thank all her guests for each present. Maybe the terrible two's are behind us?!


Dive right in! I asked if she wanted me to take the wrapper off, "No, my hands might get dirty." Did I mention she's a clean freak?

"It's a backpack! Thank you Joseph!"

Sunday we had the family celebration. One of her favorite presents was her new pink Hello Kitty CD player. She learned how to work it in NO time.

Some pink Hello Kitty boots.

Some things for her baby doll.


Even baby sister got a few goodies.

Then it was time to go downstairs and see her surprise! She closed her eyes "REAL tight!"

Checking out her new pink princess golf cart!

I just love this picture. She is one proud girl.

Dad and Uncle Mac helped her learn forward and reverse.

But soon she was cruising on her own...

and pretty darn excited about it.

Girl after my own heart...get every bit of that icing.

Nostalgic

Tomorrow marks the THIRD birthday of my sweet baby niece. It has been so fun to watch her grow into a little person. We laugh all the time at her personality and quirks. Each little stage I think is my favorite..until the next one. (well, to keep it real, I could have gone without a lot of the terrible two tantrums.)

This child cannot stand to be dirty. When she discovered the little birthmark on her arm -she about had a come apart when she couldnt scrub it off.

She loves to play in the car, turn up the radio and open the sunroof. I've started letting her "drive" around the neighborhood with me. I have a feeling when she turns 16, we won't see much of her. She is I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T.

Girlfriend loves shoes, purses and cell phones. Anytime I have something new, "Aunt Erin, where'd ya get that new purse? I like it!" "Oh, you got a new pone! Let me see." Doubt I'll forget when she asked me to unlock my blackberry so she could call "Mac" (Matt).

Taking a stroll down memory lane today.

I love this sweet girl and can't wait to see what the next year brings! We are excited to celebrate her little life this weekend!

Priority Check

I'm a worrier. A worrier and a planner. It's a double edged sword, but I'm trying to work on dulling the negatives that come along with those traits. It's not wrong to show concern, plan to to meet your responsibilities and prepare for the future, but too much can rob you of peace, the joy of living in the moment and shift your focus from what matters in this life.

I saw this quote a few days ago, and it made me stop and think - and want to share.

“Overheard countless times in the last two months: “I am concerned about the poor performance of my investments and savings. Not heard even one time in the last two decades: “I am concerned about my poor performance in laying up treasure in heaven.”

Splish Splash

Do you ever feel like as you're cruising through the highway of life you don't really know where you're going, or where you'll end up? I think this is pretty much how Namath goes through life. It thrills his soul to get to go on an adventure, and when we arrive and I open his door, I feel like the host of Let's Make a Deal. Let's see whats behind door number one!!

Sunday, as he saw what was behind door number one, he took no time in letting us know he wished he had stayed in bed.

We got brave and gave him his last bath, but he was in desperate need of a mani-pedi (Matt had nicknamed him FloJo) , so we took him to the pros. While he was there, I figured a shampoo would do wonders for his smell make him feel better.


Sidenote: I used to also be brave enough to cut his nails. Did you know there's a lot of blood flowing to keep that tank of a dog alive? And did you know if you cut even a smidge too far it will end up everywhere and your house will look like it belongs on an episode of Snapped? We'll file that under 'Lessons learned the hard way.'


While he was getting gussied up, we grabbed some sushi and hurried back to pick him up. Look what was waiting on us...


How glad was I that they didn't check "Skunk free's the way to be"? Even though maybe they should have. Also really interested to know what merited "not too fond..." I can imagine, though. Vividly.

As a reward for his supposed sweet behavior (do these people think I haven't met this dog?), he got a snazzy new collar.

Wouldn't you know there was a coupon for that snazzy red collar? That's what we call a win-win.

Vogue. Strike a Pose.

I think I mentioned before that our engagement pictures were coming up. Sunday was the big day, and it took a small village. With some bright shirts borrowed from Mrs. Smith, some assistance from the Pet Smart grooming department, a new bright red collar for Namath, a bag of treats (maybe my dog is more high maintenance than I allow myself to believe) and a little bit of hair spray, we were ready.


Obviously, I didn't take the pictures, so you'll have to go here to look at them. Amanda did an incredible job of putting us at ease. We had such a good time, we were sad to see our session end. We are looking forward to working with her again in a mere 46 days soon! I have no worries that I'll love those as well!