34
There are so many things I've wanted to write about over the last month that it's been more overwhelming than anything. I've realized that I have 2 choices, I can either jump back into blogging and just write and get the words out there OR I can quit. While it would be mighty easy to just quit and leave this blog behind, that's not what I want. I love looking back on where we were a year or so ago and I know that in the future I will be so very thankful that I took the time to write about our lives. As an added bonus, I really enjoy the process of blogging. So here I am! I don't expect that I'll be following any of the helpful blogging tips or rules but I'm going to keep writing and that's what matters most to me at this stage of life. I have so many words and I look forward to using them here - I would venture to guess that hubby will be glad I'm using them here too. So to make jumping back in easier, here's a quick list of what all you've missed.
1 - AG was the most beautiful flower girl ever! On September 26 we celebrated as my last cousin on my mom's side of the family married his perfect match. We were honored that they chose AG to be their flower girl. She did great at rehearsal but she kind of froze when she walked out and there was a large crowd watching her. She did throw some petals but she wasn't really keen on walking by herself. The wedding coordinator walked her most of the way to the aisle and then her new buddy, the junior bridesmaid, met her and escorted her the rest of the way. It was precious. She stood so still and quiet like a perfect little lady during the whole ceremony and afterward she did great smiling and posing for photos. Hubby and I couldn't be more proud of her.
At the reception AG had so much fun dancing! She is still talking about it. Eventually I changed her into her jammies to send her home with my parents and she couldn't help herself but dance more.
After they left to take her home, it was time for hubby and I to party the night away. And we did just that. It was so much fun! We stayed out way too late, went to a questionable country themed *ahem* establishment in downtown, and danced the night away. It seems fitting that the groom and I were the last cousins standing. We've always been so close. We are only 6 weeks apart in age and he's always been more like my brother than cousin. I couldn't be happier for him and his bride. She's a wonderful addition to our family and they clearly know how to throw a party!
2 - I made a really yummy brunch one Sunday morning after hubby's cousin stayed the night with us. The boys deemed them "momelettes" because they are basically little omelettes baked in muffin tins lined with ham. I'd like to post a real tutorial with a printable recipe and everything but I'm realizing that's not where I'm at with blogging at this point and that's ok.
3 - Before the wedding, AG had her first mani/pedi with my mom (Nana) and me. She seemed to really enjoy the pampering but got a little bored waiting on us to finish. She got to curl up in an empty pedicure seat and watch Netflix on my phone so she was content but wasn't really enthusiastic about doing it again. Maybe next time we'll do it after nap time.
4 - This is probably deserving of it's own post but I did mention earlier that I'll be making my own blogging rules so I'm adding it here... I've been selected as a member of the Chick Fil A Mom's Panel for this year! I'm so excited to be a part of this great group. They sent me a welcome gift a couple weeks ago with some goodies including coupons to try the frosted lemonade and Greek yogurt parfait. Spoiler alert: They're both yummy! I've gotten the frosted lemonade 3 times so far. I'm addicted.
5 - I went yard sale shopping with one of my best friends. We do this every year for the first Saturday in October. We get an early start and hit up as many neighborhood yard sales as possible. This year we struck out in the clothes-for-ourselves department so we grabbed a bite to eat and headed to the best consignment store in town. We each got a few items there and then we went next door to Chick Fil A for a couple frosted lemonades and a Greek yogurt parfait. The coupons were burning a hole in my wallet, and I like my wallet so it was the decent thing to do. And you know what, they were so so good! I would totally go out of my way for a frosted lemonade on a warm day and the parfait with cookie crumbles would be great with breakfast, brunch, or just a snack.
6 - oops make that six things.
I had a great opportunity to join Tyndale Blogger Network with Tyndale House Publishers. The first book they sent me to review was "Blessed, Blessed... Blessed" by Missy Robertson. I could NOT put it down. It was so inspiring to read about all that they have gone through with their precious Mia. It really opened my eyes to what parents of special needs children go through. I had no idea there was so much to a cleft lip and palate. I stayed up until the wee hours reading 2 nights in a row and laughed and cried through the whole book. I can't even imagine going into an ultrasound toward the end of my pregnancy and finding out that there's a problem with my baby. They were so strong through the whole process. I don't want to spoil anything so I'm just going to suggest that you get your hands on a copy of the book and cozy up to read it when you've got a good chunk of time because you won't want to put it down.
