XL

I haven't been a very good blogger lately. These past few weeks have flown- I've been taking extra jobs whenever I can before summer starts & rands has been busy working on a website project. And for the first time I have an evening to myself. So on a Saturday night I am doing things that I may be judged for since I am sans husband (he's photographing a friends wedding- such a versatile man). This evening includes: Country Strong, pretzel M&Ms, and vegetarian chicken. Sue me.

Anyways, instead of writing long boring things about what our weeks have been filled with, I'm just going to post some pictures and make this an Xtra Large random post with minimal captions if I can.

I have been taking advantage of the promo classes at barre54, which are now over, so I need to figure out what I can do before I hit the workout wall again. I would highly suggest this studio if you're looking for a new way to workout/have the $$$ to do so.

Mothers Day was great, we grilled out and had some fresh veges from my Dad's garden and had a dinner picnic on the dock.

We've been using our juicer with all these fresh fruits & veges we've been getting, and love it. It's the one way we can both eat almost 6 large carrots in one sitting. I feel so accomplished. 

I have started a girls bible study with some friends that has been so awesome and fulfilling for me. Great girls and this great study by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

My amazingly talented Randycands has been working diligently on finishing a website, which I hope to post it on here real soon so you can take a look for yourself if you're into that. He's also had some really great opportunities to use his photography and recording skillz. So I'm happy for him and excited to see which route God wants for him/us.

He also decided that with new projects he needs a new hairstyle, I suppose. Maybe it's the almost one-year-marriage-change? Either way, he surprised me with this when I came home from work this week. I feel like I have a new man. I think I'm getting used to it. And even like it.

My mom and I had a delish scone & muffin (and some great coffee) breakfast at Bluebird Bake Shop.

We also continued her birthday celebration with special guests, The Dixon gang, on park avenue with yum french pastries from croissant gourmet. Obviously had pastry overload this week, which isn't really a bad thing. OliverKate was primarily concerned with the balloons staying grounded.

Finally, I have to express how excited I am about this up and coming week. It feels like Christmas. I was telling my sister that the excitement from last years week-before-wedding-prep is filling my soul again. Remembering how much I thought about him, our wedding day, honey moon, the unknown, while having my amazing girl friends and family around us supporting and loving us. And they've continued to do that. Even though we aren't getting married again next week, I love nothing more than to celebrate this first marriage anniversary with my best and truest friend ever. I'm also excited to try and be creative and plan something for him. I just have to tell the blog world how much I love him and am blessed- I can't believe how we have both changed & I believe grown in a year, and pray it continues as we try our best to follow God. My husband is amazing and he is such a gift to me.

(I promise I will only be mushy when it comes to him, my family and my future children. And maybe just a few others).

We are also off to Austin next week for my cousins wedding. Can't wait! If you are reading this and have any tips on restaurants, coffee shops, short activities to do there, don't hold back.

My Mom♥

Here is a small photo tribute to my babe of a Mom. She is the best & loveliest person I know and these are just a few trips down memory lane of motherly love to prove it. Happy Mothers Day Mom, I love you!

Gifts & Love

With Easter being later, May was sneaky. And it's already Mothers Day. Oh life & time- so fast. This weekend was great, relaxing, time off and the beautiful wedding of some sweet friends. Rands was off doing bachelor boy stuff, so I had some time to work and hang with some gurlz & myself which was pleasant. We watched the Royal Wed when it wasn't as cool anymore, but I still thought it was quite enjoyable. I was also gifted with a few things, but these things make me feel like it's Christmas time & I feel spoiled.

My dear friend Christie had a rummage sale for Habitat for Humanity, and managed to find/snag this awesome vase for me before the masses came. She knows me- what a gem. I've already put some of my wedding flowers that are still going strong in it, and I love it. Thanks gurl! 

Another fave, as mentioned in previous blogz, is my Dad's garden. He doesn't use pesticides and it's fresh & -free. I have been waiting, and finally got the first pick of the crop this morning. It's one of the perks of coming from a city family who pretends they're in the country.









Another great freebie, was an exercise class I was invited to, which was an infusion of pilates, yoga and ballet. It was one of the best workouts I've done yet (I don't have a lot to compare it to as of late- kinda slacking), and I guess it's starting to make it's way from the West Coast & Nashville to Florida. They're about to have their grand opening, which you can read about on their website. Very interesting technique (comical for me at times), but a total body workout- maybe I should work for them. Anyways, if you're interested their website is here.

Lastly, I got that great groupon for the BOGO movie ticket. Since gas is taking majority of our pay checks, going to the movies is never a thought these days- so we had to jump on it. It was perfect timing, because this is almost out: Something Borrowed. If you are a girl (which I'm sure 99.9% of you 2 readers are), you first need to quickly read the book, which will probably still be better than the movie, of course. If not, read the books by Emily Giffin for a mindless & funny gurlie read. You may lose brain cells, but you'll laugh which is all that matters sometimes. You may if you are a dude as well. They're quite enjoyable. So this better live up a little to the book, I'll let you know. 

Here are just a couple shots from the lovely union previously mentioned. Iphone photos limit detail, but I work with what I got.
Happy May!