What's Up Wednesday

How is it that July is almost over??  This summer has flown by, but I feel like we've enjoyed every part of it!  This is the first summer ever that the girls have not done softball.  I have very much enjoyed my evenings at home, not gonna lie. 

And dare I say that I'm ready for school to start??  Actually, I think the girls are too, especially mouse.

What We're Eating This Week:
Monday was Ground Beef and Snow Pea Stirfry
Tuesday was Cheeseburger Biscuit Bake
Wednesday was Chili in the Instant Pot (we had a cool front come through, so chili was acceptable!)
Thursday will be leftovers and Friday we are gone

What I'm Reminiscing About:
How my itty bitty first born is now a senior in high school, ugh....


What I'm Loving:
The book "Body Love" by Kelly Leveque.



I seriously think she made this book just for me haha!  Everything makes so much sense and I have enjoyed my healthy smoothie every morning this week and just feel so much better!

What We've been Up To:

Just over here summering.  Going out on the boat, hanging out in our pool...

What I'm Dreading:
All the hustle and bustle with having a senior.  We haven't done any college visits yet and of course everyone on Facebook has done like 4.  Ugh.  And the pictures?  I need to try and organize all the pics from over the years...

What I'm Working On:
Last weekend I sat on the patio all morning and meal planned for the rest of the year.  It feels so good to at least have a plan in place!
I also finished school supply shopping for all 3 girls and clothes shopping for Alayna.  Feels so good to have that DONE!

What I'm Excited About:
We rented a cabin up north with 2 other families for a week.  We cannot wait to go!  Unfortunately I have to work that Thurs/Fri, but that also means I will be home alone for 2 days!

What I'm Watching/Reading:
We've been having the Hallmark channel on if the TV is on, it's s till their Christmas in July!!  We love it!  I am currently reading 2 books: PS I Love You and Living Danishly.  Love them both!  I also read Body Love in 24 hours.  :)

What I'm Listening To:
Pandora still, I have my shuffle on Bluegrass, Fleetwood Mac and Country Pop

What I'm Doing This Weekend:
I surprised Brad on our anniversary with tickets to see Def Leppard/Journey on Friday night, we can't wait!

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month:
A week at the cabin!

20 Years!

July 11 we celebrated our 20 year anniversary.   20 YEARS!!!!!  I can't even believe it's been that long...  I can honestly say those 20 years flew by!

Look at what babies we were....

I am so incredibly thankful I get to do life with this guy!  Sure we have our ups and downs and sometimes we want to strangle each other, but honestly, it's just been so natural with him.  We truly enjoy each others company, and many times we pick staying home to hang out rather than going out with friends.

Marriage isn't easy.  It's definitely a give and take.  Sometimes it's apologizing even when you think you're not in the wrong.  Sometimes it's putting his needs before mine.   Sometimes it's shoving the kids in his face and him realizing without a word said that mama needs a break.

Sometimes you just gotta roll with it....

I am so thankful each and every day that God gave me him.  We were meant for each other and I cannot wait to see what the next 20 years brings!!!

4th Of July 2018

Another perfect July 4th is in the books!  Although, I still can't wrap my head around the fact it's July already, ugh...

I think we're all a little messed up with having the 4th on a Wednesday!  Brad and I both took Thursday off so going back to work on Friday felt like a Monday, haha.

Our town always has a huuuuuge July 4th celebration.  It's starts on the 3rd with a concert, food, games and beer.  We always go to my sister and brother in laws for supper then head up to the grounds.  Unfortunately the festival on the 3rd has gotten so big it's almost not fun anymore.  There was 20,000 people there this year (our town is 7,000)!!

If you've read my blog at all, then you know why I love the 4th so much.  22 years ago Brad proposed to me at the parade on the 4th!  He had my dad make the sign which they attached to the side of the firetruck.

I was completely taken off guard by this, he did so good!!

Our church puts on the festival and always asks for donations.  

Emma always bakes a cake and this year she baked this awesome red, white and blue tie dye cake!

We did walk up to the grounds around 9 so that we could watch the fireworks with the kids.

We were all wiped when we got home.  We were closely watching the weather and it wasn't looking so good for the parade.  We were up bright and early to check the radar and there was a huge line of storms coming.  We thought for sure the parade would be canceled and Alayna was devastated.  We decided to go anyway and it ended up being a PERFECT morning with no rain!  The sun only came out for a bit which was perfect because it was warm and muggy.

After the parade we played a few games, got some food and watched one of our favorite bands play.  The rain finally came around 1:00, so we headed home.

Brad's family was coming over in the afternoon to swim and hangout.  It rained for about an hour and then the sun ended up coming out for the rest of the day.  We couldn't have planned it better!

Emma and I made some patriotic snacks!

It was a  perfect (hot) afternoon/evening.  Typically we head to the farm for a campfire since they have such a huge bonfire area, but with all the rain it was too soggy.  We ended up staying here for a fire and it worked out perfect!

Brad lit off some fire works and the kids did some sparklers.

Such a perfect day, I'm always sad to see the 4th go.  Hope you all had an amazing week!!