Drum Roll Please

This picture may not look like anything more than a living room. That's because it's not, I suppose. It is indeed simply my living room. But what this picture actually depicts is 7 months of hounding, pleading, and begging for new carpet, as opposed to the "creatively" placed vinyl tile lied there once before. In December we picked out, finalized, and purchased new carpet and Voilà; mid June it's finally installed.  No more sweeping and vacuuming every single day. Yes, I'm aware that I should clean it daily, because I know that the same amount of ever-loving dog hair still graces my floor...it just means that I'm really good at picking out the most camouflaged carpet there was. 

As for these pictures.... 

just shows you why I live where I live. Look at that sunset. 

Crayola headquarters lives in my front yard.

Strong Genetics? Hopefully!

Last blog was my lame attempt at quickly documenting an amazing weekend just so I had some sort of recollection of what happened (thank goodness for pictures).  My vague writing didn’t actually tell you that every day was go-go-go, and every activity planned perfectly by my momma our tour guide.  I acted oblivious to the fact that I know Park City inside and out. But it’s okay, because I just pretended to be on vacation right alongside my visiting family.  Like I said, Brent had to play grownup and I missed him dearly, but the good company and the scenery made up for it. 

My family; Aunt Mona and Uncle Denny and Cousins Hillary and Lucas live in California, and sadly I don’t get to see them a whole lot.  The last time I remember seeing Hillary was at my brother High School graduation in Florida.  She was newly engaged to her super cool surfer boy Sonn, and I remember thinking how awesome they were.  Fast forward 9 years and my opinion hasn’t changed.  Thankfully, I’ve gotten to see Lucas a bit more often at weddings and reunions, but I wish everyone lived a tad bit closer. And/or had a million dollars to just travel as we please. Either one.

It’s neat getting to see how even though we don’t see each other regularly, how strong family traits can be.  Personalities, mannerisms, commonalities, etc… love it! Can’t wait to see them again soon.  Trips to California are a must if Lilly Bird is going to be a surf bum.

Anyway, I learned over the weekend that my 5 year old cousin has a larger vocabulary than I do. He also has a better understanding of dinosaurs, physics, and road kill.  And when spending large amounts of time with my Pop who has the ability to intimidate the most secure adult in the world, little Wyatt will embrace the hippy hair, aviator glasses, and vocal grunts and inevitably grow up to be just like him. Sorry Hill.  And, after much consideration, I’ve decided that Lilly Bird will be just like baby Hazel.  ‘Cause that’s one pretty darn cute baby; very eager in life. Here’s to family traits lasting one more generation! And I can’t forget to mention Denny and Mona. I enjoyed getting to spend time with them and how amazing they are!

Thanks Momma and Pop for always keeping family important to us….and allowing me to come party crash. :) 

Destinations Of All Kinds

This was a week that never ended....for all the good reasons.  Ya, I remember my Negative Nelly attitude on Friday, but like it promised; the evening totally trumped the grunge. And, of course, our weekend in Flaming Gorge never disappoints.  

Friday-Sunday: Tradition continued in Flaming Gorge with the Grandies, plus the added bonus of my family who was camping nearby.  

Sunday-Wednesday: Down in Park City with Momma and Pop and my family visiting from California. Hiking, eating, swimming, shopping, and playing. Loved it all.

Somewhere in the mix was Father's Day and my Pop was happy enough just celebrating it with a glass of Jack and a missing tooth. We all sat out on the porch, listening to kids play, dogs bark, and family chatter. He's the best Poppa. Love you Poppa Gator. 

Distracted.

I was thinking this weekend about how amazing my husband is. Guys, I seriously love him.  The kind of love that stays with you a lifetime, and then some.  So, as we shared our anniversary weekend with family, Father's day, and random drives, no matter what we were doing, I couldn't help but get distracted by him.  He's just a bundle of perfection all wrapped up into my husband. I'd like to say that finding him was all sorts of luck, but we all know that the chance meeting on isle three-fishing supply was no coincidence. The time we weren't deeply involved in our game conversation of life's "what if's", I reminisced of all (okay, some) of the reasons why I think he's pretty amazing. 

-I can buy a pair of $8 shorts that actually fit Lilly and me, and he makes me feel as if I just made the most important purchase of a lifetime.

-I hate when I start a project only to find out I'm missing something imperative half way through, and he runs to the store just for me. No questions asked.

-How he is so willing to share. His things, his food, his time...me.  

-He's endured six and a half months of nothing but mommy and baby.  It's been mood swings, bad hair days, maternity undies, and bags of baby clothes.

- He always has the house spotless for me when I come home from a trip...even if it means hiding the laundry.  

- He allows me to relentlessly refer to our dogs as our sons, even with the addition of the human child.

- He nests. 

- He humors my obsessive need for childlike sweets....like Slurpees, snow cones, and Fun-dips. And always brings back something of the sort when I ask for a surprise upon his return. (even if it's just a trip to the gas station or walking into the kitchen)

I'm down in Park City while he stayed behind to work and clean and whatever other grown-up things life demands.  He's so good to me...to me, for me, with me, everything. He's done it all for me and has changed my life is so many ways. Love that kid. 

Impressed, not.

I am not impressed with today. 

For a Friday, ya know, it kinda sucks.  It started too early, my students were off their freakin' rockers a tad naughty, the weather is crummy, and on my way home I saw a dead cat much resembling that of our Frankie (Who, I am happy to report, was found snoring soundly in his lounge chair instead). 

I'm ready for a break. Our break. 

What I am impressed with, are the people in my life.  I have some pretty amazing people who are always there for me. My Momma and Sadie just always seem to know how to fix everything. 

I'm packing for our belated anniversary weekend. It's been two years since the "I do's" and I still sorta love that kid, maybe even more than before. I won't get too deep into it, but I don't mean to brag when I say I have one of those insanely perfect husbands. That's all.

Keeping with tradition, we're on our way to Flaming Gorge. Don't ever expect anything different; we're creatures of habit.  Anyway, this will be exciting trip with exciting things to do and exciting people to see.  I just have to get over Friday, because Frinight on the other hand, is going to rock.   

not dead

not stressful

very much alive

i adore being pregnant. 

Some Like It Hot

I sit here with a belly full of Chinese (and a big helping of baby).  It’s roughly 140 degrees here in pregnancy land, but the thermometer is reading a mere 80.  My excuse this entire pregnancy has been that the summer heat won’t bother me a bit because I’m such a Florida girl.  Well, Florida ain’t got nothin’ on Wyoming.  My current pregnancy uniform consists of spankies and a sports bra.  Needless to say, it’s hot.

The boys think so too. 

Brent claimed tonight Chinese dinner night.  Complete with Chow Mein, pot stickers, egg drop soup, and Ashley. Nothing tops off a hot evening like hot Chinese food cooking in a hot kitchen, but it surly satisfied the cravings of Lilly. We defeated the heat with homemade Italian Sodas and basketball playoffs.