Thursday, December 15, 2011

Echinoderms, hot cocoa, and dental implants.


All 3 of those things are very random, but what I'm currently thinking about. Here's why:

Echinoderms: I thought both hippos and rhinos were those. I was wrong. I thought of it because my twitter background is cutie hippos and my brother's is rhinos. We love big animals apparently. Also, I love polar bears, but yes, I know they'll rip my face off. Thanks for shooting my dreams down to hug one.

Tell me that's not cute. You can't. 

Hot cocoa: I don't really like hot cocoa mix unless it's in milk. Also, I don't really use hot chocolate mix. I use sugar, cocoa, vanilla, salt, and, duh, milk. 

Dental implants: I've been researching them a lot for work. Random, but true. I lovey love my job, y'all. It's random, but so great. I'm so thankful. It's so neat how God provides. 

Family Christmas this weekend, Justin's birthday on Monday, and our work Christmas party on Monday! Woo! Speaking of work Christmas, here's something I do at work: http://www.nwahealthandwellness.com/office-parties-101 Random. 

Lovey love. 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Thoughtlessness, moving, and a Christmas party


Y'all, let me preface this with I'm not fishing for compliments with what I'm about to say. Please don't think I am.

Anyways....One thing I've had to come to terms with about myself is that I don't have the gift of thoughtfulness. I wish I did, y'all. I think I always thought I had it, but I'm not so sure. I'm actually pretty sure I don't. I'm also kind of ok with it. While it's a bummer, I'm glad I at least know, so I can work on it. Don't know what I mean? Here are some examples:
My friends/fam/husband are so good at birthdays and gifts. Justin swears he got me the best Christmas presents ever this year. (I don't have his or anyone else's gift and won't for a couple weeks). Chelsea is so great writing me letters, and she's the one in India. My sweet girlies always get me something I love or have mentioned for my bday and for everyone elses, and I'm lucky if I remember the day of much less the week of their birthdays. It's not like I think of stuff and don't do it, I simply don't just think it. I have to put a LOT of thought into stuff like that. Gift giving - also not my strong suit. That's it. Just a revelation I thought I'd let y'all know.

In other news, we're moving in 20 days! Just down the road...literally about 200 yards. Our current apartment has other creatures living in it, and I just can't deal with it. We're breaking our lease and moving on. (Thank you Jesus that we found a place that would give us the first month free). That makes me think that I've never shown pictures of our first home on here. Here are a festive few.





Sorry I didn't clean off the table from the party...

 Our tiny, but useful kitchen. Not much to see other than the pot rack. 

Our tiny but useful bathroom. 
I love our shower curtain, and it's called Jaipur. Bonus. 

This is us with John, Justin's bestie and our current roommate. He's on furlough from India and is staying with us while he's in Fayetteville. (Yep, we both have besties in India). 

On another Christmasy note, we had a Christmas party here last night! We went to the Square (which was lovely) and took pictures then came here and ate, hung out, and played games. Y'all there was at least 46 people in our apartment at one time. Yea. Wow. Didn't know that was possible. It was great though! People made and brought delicious snacks and dressed festively. It was so great. Here are a few photos from that. 

With sweet, Sarah. Love love love her. 

It was our (Rachel left - Natalie right) 3 year friendiversary! 3 years ago when these girls were wee little freshmen (they're seniors now!) they came over to my apartment and we went to the square to take pictures. (Nat brought Rach. That was when we met.) I have had the privilege of discipling these girls and being their friend for 3 years now. Words can't express how dear they are to me. 

Y'all. Last time Jusitn and I took pictures on the Square it was for our save the dates. Now we've been married for 6 months. Wait, what?!? Who am I?! Happy, that's who. 

This is Sarah and Jason (and Josh pretending he's not in the picture even though he knows he is, and Tim really thinking he's not in the pic). They're sibs. Sarah's my bro's age (and they're friends) and Jason's my age and we have worked together for the past year and half or so. He actually played a part in getting me my current job. I like you Biggs (how do I make that plural?)

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Saturday Sweets

So I skipped a week. Already. Oops. Please forgive me. It's been a weirdo week.

Y'all. It was my birthday. If you know me, you know I l.o.v.e. love birthdays. I had a whole thing planned out this year how my birthday was going to be called "CElection Day" because my birthday was on election day! I mean, it's been on an election day before, but I think the presidential election day (let's be honest, the real one) only once (the day I was born - the first George W. I believe). Well, I'd been talking about it forever, since Sarah's birthday actually, but it wasn't until late October our friend Tim gently informed that my bday was not a presidential election day this year. Bumm-er. Seriously. I was so sad. I didn't know what I was going to do (because again, I lovey love birthdays), but I did know Justin was taking me on a surprise date. He does that a lot, so it wasn't super fishy, but y'all I had another surprise party! 3rd one in my life and the second year in a row! Wowie. My friends/fam/hursband are so good to me! Y'all. I was so blessed by it. Check out this video if you haven't yet.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=980898749087
Look how decorated our after-party apartment was!


And, here is my surprise party from last year. Awesome right?!

Pretty mail is another one of my faves this week.

 Technically, this wasn't mail. John brought it back from India for my birthday from Chelsea, but I count it as mail. They're already on the desk....that will hopefully have a top soon, so I can show you!

Mail from Chels and my grandma. I got 2 other mails from Sara and Sarah. They both also involved pink. One was a preshy/weird birthday card, and the other was the cutest little birth announcement I've ever seen.

Another super big fave this week is traveling not in the rain. Y'all. Justin and I drove to Cabot from here in a storm, from Cabot to Hot Spring in a storm, and from Hot Springs to Fayetteville in a storm. We're so thankful to drive in normal weather.

Another fun thing this week is that I got to deliver pies for work. Y'all, who doesn't want to be the bearer of a pie? Who's going to be unhappy about getting a pie? No one, that's who. I lovey love my job y'all. Praise the Lord. I almost took (well, did a second interview) with a degree-related, child-centered job, and every single day I am so thankful I didn't. I'm so glad God is bigger than me.

We had family Thanksgiving today, and that was super. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas food. I love the holidays.

Happy Satur-almost-Sunday! 

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Saturday Sweets


Y'all.....all 26 of you.....sorry I'm a blog failure. Not that I think you're spending all your waking moments waiting on me to blog, I just feel like I should be better at it simply because the few dear ones to me that do read it do genuinely care about what's going on in my life. (And, I especially care about those that are dear to me, but not so near. I can't tell them *ahem-Chelsea* to blog more if I don't.) Anyways, I've been thinking a lot about why I blog. It seems sort of vain and prideful doesn't it? I mean I'm generally talking about me and my life and what I do, and really, it's not that exciting. But, while thinking about that, I also thought about my (Lord-willing) future children. Y'all. I would love love love love to be able to read what my parents did before they even knew I'd be their daughter. So maybe so sweet 22 year old girl (or boy, or hopefully girlS and boyS!) will love  at least get a laugh at reading these very sporadic, random ramblings one day.

So, I've decided I will write something at least once a week by posting a few fun/random/favorite things on Saturday. I shall call it Saturday Sweets...because I love alliteration...and sweets (and obviously ellipses). And also that I can also do it on Sunday and it still be alliterated. :)

Here ya go! Volume 1 Issue 1 of Saturday Sweets. (PS, this whole idea is sort of a mishmash idea that I stole from Sara's  instafriday posts and Lauren's (yes, we're on a first name basis) Friday Favorites posts.

1. I just found out Justin is off Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve. Woo-hoo. Y'all, he works at a hospital. That is not common.

2. I got to Skype with Chelsea, and that is always one of my favorites.

3. My birthday is this week! I LOVE love love love love birthdays. Not just mine. Everyone's. I still need to plan something, but I love an excuse for everyone to get together (and on my birthday that means not playing games I hate playing at other parties.)

4. Y'all this video makes me sad, but the last kids on it are SOOOOO funny. They make all the whiney kids before worth it. Let's be real, that's totally what I would've done.

5. This recipe I got off of Pinterest. Y'all. I luuuuurrrrrvvvvveeee Pinterest (like everyone else in the world) and this soup. (They call it chili). It's so easy and so tasty. I'm making it for our Community Group tomorrow.

 6. Halloween's over. Thank goodness. I'm not such a fan of that holiday, but I do love Thanksgiving and Christmas. Did I tell you our tree was up? It is. :)

Happy Saturday, lovies!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Blog fail


Y'all. I am a blog failure. So sorry. We've been pretty busy the last couple weeks. I've what feels like a billion weddings/showers. Who knew fall was wedding season?! Not me. I think after the next wedding we are officially half way through our weddings for the season. Whew. And I have 2 baby showers in the next two weeks...not for me, like, I'm going to them. When did I become so grown up?

Anways, Justin ran a half marathon last weekend with Sara's husband (whom he uh-dores). In Kansas City. He got 91st in his division (age 25-29 I think) and 699th overall (there were like 7,000 people there). He finished in an hour and 49 minutes.

 The guys pre-race...very early in the morning. 
 Soooo many people got up sooooo early in the cold to run. Crazies. 
 There they are, about 2 miles in.
 This sweet boy looked up when I said, "This is for Miss Chelsea." So, Miss Chelsea, this is for you. Sara, I'm obsessed with your kiddos.
I didn't get a picture of the guys crossing the finish line, but this is what it looked like. 

Sara and her mother-in-law are a pro at these, so I was happy to have someone tell me when I needed to be where all weekend and play with some of my faves. 

Subject change: We bought a Christmas tree yesterday!!!! And it's already up. Don't judge me. Don't you dare judge me (that's for you Sarah Allen). Anyways, we live in an apartment. Without an attic. Or much storage at all. So, it was just easier to put it up. It's not decorated or anything, but it's up.


Guess what else? We got a new couch a few weeks ago for $40 on craigslist. Y'all. I love craigslist. I could look at it forever. Plus, we sold a ton of stuff on it, and that's how we paid for a lot of our honeymoon. Anyways, the couch isn't fancy, but she's clean and comfy. I am so thankful for it.


My job's going great (that's what people typically ask me about these days). I love it. Really. It's so fun to just be a little helper all day. My bosses seem super grateful, so that's encouraging too. Most of what I do (since people usually ask that as well) is schedule, call, email, social media (yep, part of my job is facebook and twitter), and a whole bunch of other random stuff. Currently, I'm trying to find Dallas area style blogs. Cool? I think so. Not everything is that fun, but I do get to google/research a lot of stuff and that's neat. And, I'm learning a TON. That's always good...especially for non-school learners like myself.

No one likes to read a novel (well, on a blog that is), so hopefully I'll keep you posted better in the next few weeks. Here's a preshy picture of my husband as a baby to make you smile. Y'all. A sailor. So great.





Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Oops


Sorry y'all. I've sort of unintentionally been on a blogging hiatus. Ya know who hasn't though? Mrs. Yocum, my cheer coach/photographer. Take a look!

Justin and Celeste Engagement

I know, we've been married for 4 months, but it's on her blog now!

Lovey

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Grown up job


Wanna know what I did at work yesterday? A lot of stuff, but here's one thing my boss showed me. (please note the emphasis on boss, I'm not YouTubing things at work.)




Isn't this incredible?! This was actually filmed at these people's wedding. I. Love. It.

Yes, my job is so draining. Ha. Kidding. I love it!

Happy Saturday, y'all!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Book Review


Yep. Well sort of a book review. More of my thoughts on books. BUT it's not required for a class for the first time in forever. I used to love to read, but then I think late high school and college sort of ruined it for me. Between class and different Bible/book studies, who wanted to read a book just for funsies? Not this girl. Now though, Justin has been reading the Hunger Games books, and after being urged by him and my friend, Ashley, I started them too. (Don't judge the books by the website. It looks way goofy. Or do. Whatever.) Y'all. I read the first 2 books in like 5 days. They're 300something pages each. Now, I'm waiting on Justin to finish the 3rd, so I can. It has been so long since I've gotten caught up in a book, but I love it. It feels more productive than Pinteresting things all the time, but really it probably isn't. At least I use the stuff I pin. I'm writing this to tell you that if you're a reader, or if you're not, read the Hunger Games. I cried 3 times in the first book (I'm an emotional reader.) Let me tell you why I love/hate these books: they are tragic and scary and lovey and unable-to-be-put-downy. What's so catching about them is that they could, to a certain extent, be real. Reading them is horrifying because people are killed intentionally where others can see to make a point, and this is a part of our history. It's not as if this hasn't happened in the past and is still happening other places in the world, and that is chilling and infuriating. It also makes me thankful that by the grace of God I don't live in an era where that is normal. How blessed are we to be in America in the 2000s?

Reading these books now has made me think of all the books I loved in the past; Are You There, God It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume, all the Boxcar Children books, The Babysitters Club, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Y'all, kids books are so fun. Is there anything you've read or are reading that I should check out? I'm determined to become a reader again and not stop once I finish this series. I hear there's a book called Justin Morgan had a Horse...might have to check that one out just for kicks. :)

Happy Labor Day, y'all! 

Monday, August 29, 2011

My New Smarty-pants Phone

Well y'all, it is done. I now have a big girl phone. An HTC Inspire to be exact. I like her. I'm still getting used to her, and currently I'm typing this with only my right index finger. Efficient I know. Justin says I need to start using my thumbs, and I don't really know why I don't. That's how I texted on my old phone. Pointer Finger just seems like the best choice right now. It's pretty neato that I can blog on here though. She doesn't have a name yet, buy I'd like to shoutout to my old phone Zena- You were a trooper and made it through 2 years of drops, babysitting, being dropped in vom while babysitting (not joking), being run under water, being caked in hairspray and face oil, and of course much calling and texting. You're my backup now, but it's time for you to rest. Live strong Zena.
You're touched, I know.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Grown Up!


Welp, even though I just got a new job, I just got a different one. I put in my 2 weeks notice at Boingo Bounce (which I LOVE working at by the way) to jump into the business world. Yep. I, who loves children and studied them, am going to become a power-suit and pump wearing business machine. Just kidding, but I do love women's suits. Don't hate. How cute is this?
Thanks, J.Crew
How unique is this?! Just kidding. I think it's really weird. Sorry Alexander McQueen.
Anyways, I'm sure I'll be learning a lot. It was a weird decision to make because I was still interviewing with an organization I love, but after much thought and prayer I decided that this decision was right. This was immediately followed with a lot of questions as to whether or not I'm being irresponsible, but I've already told the other place (Children's House if you were wondering) no, and committed to my new boss, Steve. Now, I will let my yes be yes and be a business lady, and I am thrilled (irresponsible or not).

This also leads to another big change in my life. I'm getting.....a smart phone. Yep. That's right, y'all. This hater  lover-of-not-always-being-accessible is getting one. My boss suggested it and someone (Chelsea) really wants me to get an iPhone to FaceTime her. I don't know about that because I can Skype her from my compy, but her chances have greatly increased. Any smartphone suggestions/advice out there?! I'd love it. I'll be making a purchase soon because my old contract just ended! Before I jump on this bandwagon though let me just point out that it isn't smartphones I hate. Nor do I hate the people who have them. I hate that I will always be accessible, and I extra don't like seeing people on their phones all. the. time. If I ever do that, please rebuke me. Seriously.

Happy almost weekend, y'all!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Baked goods


Y'all. Wanna know what I'm doing right now? Baking chocolate chip cookies before I go to work. Shocker. I'm using this recipe from BunsinmyOven because I love puffy cookies. I didn't actually know anyone preferred flat cookies. Huh. To each her own I guess. Here's what they look like.

 The left half was the first batch. I thought they were too done, so I shortened the time a little for the second batch. Generally I love burnt things. Cookies are the exception. They should be smooth and chewy and now crumbly. Hopefully the second will be better. Also, yes, that is a Darth Vader spatula. No, I did not purchase it. Thanks, mom.

The look beautiful, but I don't think they're a winner for a go to recipe. I do LOVE love love love love these. I made them last week, and they are wonderful. They're not super peanut buttery, but you can still taste it. Everyone who had them seemed to like them.

Bagels-another baked good that will now be a regular part of my life. Know why? A bunch of us camped out over night at the new Einstein Bros. in Fayetteville. The first 100 people got 1 free breakfast bagel/week for a year. I don't know why I decided this would be the one thing I'd ever camp out for, but I did. Justin and I got there around 10:15ish the previous evening. We joined about 8 others (not including 2 babies) who were already there. Most of those people were our friends anyways. In the first one hour we were there, more excitement occurred than in the rest of the night/morning. Almost immediately after Justin and I got under the covered porch it started raining. Then it started pouring. Then the wind blew so hard it knocked a sign over into the road from the gas station across the street. Then cars started running it over. The group decided it was not safe for the sign to be in the road, so Nathan, Ben, and Justin drove across the street to pick it up. Except they dropped Justin off then came back. I didn't really understand the logic, but whatever. Boys. THEN we heard a sound and noticed a power line hanging about 6ft off the ground in the road. Ben called 911, and cops came and redirected traffic. About an hour and a half later Cox showed up and fixed it. During this whole time everyone had opinions about what the cops were doing wrong with directing traffic and why they were doing what they were doing. Y'all. I hate situations like that. I for some reason have always stuck up for other people when I don't necessarily know their side either, and that tends to annoy the snot out of people I know. Seriously, I remember someone in high school telling me it was annoying. Maybe I'm being devil's advocate? I don't know. I don't think it's intentional. If they can't defend themselves and their actions, I might as well. Anyways, I felt bad for the poor cops and were certain they had dealt with these situations much more often than we had, and I strongly believe they are not idiots. (Have I ever told you that in my mind being an RA made me think that I knew what it felt like to be a cop? No. Maybe I'll tell you later, or maybe I'll forget.) Anyways, I don't know whether or not 52 bagel sandwiches was worth sleeping a car for an hour, staying up all night, smelling beer and pot, watching people be rude, watching people not follow rules, or watching people fight about where in line they were. Our friend, Tim, says it's worth it, but we shall see. I don't even know if I would've stayed there all night for the cash equivalent of 52 bagel sandwiches, but I don't actually know how much that is.
Here's us before we left our house. Yes that's a head lamp. Yes I had a much better attitude then.

Hey. Praise the Lord it's raining. Thank you Jesus. My parents field caught on fire in all this drought. More on that later. Go play in it! (Rain, not fire)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

See ya summer


Y'all, first off I want to say that although it is 100andsomething degrees outside, I still, undoubtedly, love summer one trillion times more than winter, and I would prefer this weather over freezing any day except Christmas. So, all you haters wishing it were winter and complaining, I'll be doing it when we have 12 feet of snow. Bleh. That's all.

On another note, I GOT A JOB! Well, a part time job. At Boingo Bounce! Even better, with my friend Ashley! I'm so thrilled! I'm obviously still searching since I need a full time job ideally, but I'm thrilled! Bonus: I start tomorrow. Double bonus: it takes 4 minutes to get there from my house. Neato, huh? Thanks, Jesus. So, now I will be a grown up, and work. #notreally

This is a super random post because I haven't posted in a while, but if you weren't at New Heights Sunday, you must must must listen to the service online. There are few sermons/talks that I would listen to multiple times, but this is one. That one isn't on the website yet, but you should absolutely listen to this one. It's so wonderful, and Chels gives her testimony at the end. She was "for real a rebel". :) Hope you're not mad I did this Chels. :)


Thursday, July 21, 2011

Welp, she's gone

Chels is safely in India and getting settled. That makes me happy. Her leaving wasn't super easy (I might've cried a little....or a lot.), but she's there now and doing grown up things like getting her classroom ready, and that makes me way excited for her. We probably weren't as prepared as we should've been to say goodbye (Meaning, we didn't really talk about it at all because it made us sad) which probably made it more difficult on our part. Whoops. But, I've skyped her twice since she's been there, and just seeing her face makes me happier! Anyways, thanks y'all who've been praying for us. I super appreciate it, and now that I know I will at least make it without her being in the same state, please direct all your prayers towards her. I mean, not towards her, but about her. Don't pray to Chelsea please. She and I do not support idolatry.

I'm still job hunting, and here's one thing I've noticed. Kind of a lot of the jobs I've applied for have a "Don't call about this job" somewhere on the application/listing. What?! Why do they teach us to do that in school then. It's super lame I think, and I'm kind of torn about whether or not to obey the command. Anyways, that's that update.

In other news, I've started painting our desk the same color as the table (Vintage Scotch Yellow-BHG from Walmart if you were curious. I love that name..or really anything with the word 'vintage' in it.) I really wanted it to be a different color, but I couldn't decide, and that's probably not what we need to be spending our money on now anyways (more paint, I mean), and it'll be in a different room. (wowie, I love conjunctions and run-on sounding compound sentences. Sorry.)
Here she is before. Missing hardware and all. We have to get a new top too. I'm so ready for this to be done, so we can put all of our stuff that's lying in the floor in it.


Also, sorry about the frequent blog changes. I can't decide what I like. I thought I liked this current an older one that none of you probably saw (red, chevron-y), but then I saw it was called 'Big Top', and that made me like it less. I don't like circuses. They're kind of creepy. I might stick with this one. I'm not too sure about this automatic centering. I love left align. 

And for your entertainment, here are some pictures that I forgot about:

After we floated the Elk River!
I made a Mississippi Mud Pie. It was ok, I thought. Justin loved it.
We went to the Rodeo!!!!! I. Love. The rodeo.
There was a NASA booth there. I don't know why.
Our 4th of July cake.
Pre-Harry Potter with Autumn's wand she found....in the bathroom.

Tomorrow's Friday!! Wooot! Justin's off, and I'm babysitting some of my faves. Bonus. Happy weekend!



Friday, July 15, 2011

How's married life?

This is the question I get asked most frequently...maybe 2nd most frequently. The other is, "How's the job search going?' Well, let me tell you.

Married!
Married life is so fun! I love spending time with Justin and living with him and getting to know him more. I get to bake and cook a lot, and I LOVE that. It's really great. One day, Chels asked me if Justin did stuff that reminded me of her, and he totally does. Not like he's girly or anything, but just some of the things they say and how I respond. It's kind of like I married my best friend she said. She's totally right. I think that's a good summary.
     *I just learned the difference between summary and summation. Summation refers to numbers being added together, and summary is words. (That's my concise comparison from my research. Ha.)
Anyways, this isn't to say life is perfect all the time, but it's fun and sweet, and I love it.

Unemployed
Currently unemployed at least. I have no doubt that I will find a job. God has always provided for me some how whether it be through my parents or my own work. I've applied for 5 different jobs within DHS. I am qualified for all of them and basically have heard via email "You're qualified. Thanks for applying. We might call you for an interview. No further action is required on your part." I applied at Vista Health, but our friend Ryan made me nervous about working there. I've turned in a few other applications, but at this point they're all jumbled in my head. So, yea. There ya go. :)

On a totally different note we went to THE midnight premier of Harry Potter part 1 billion. Just kidding. It was movie 8 but part of book 7. I'm not a super Harry fan, but Chelsea and Justin are, so I went. It was good. It was faster paced than all the other movies, so I liked that, but also more fighty. Didn't really like that. Did I mention that I hadn't seen 5 of them, so we had to watch the first 7 within the past 2-3 weeks. Whew. I'm Harry-ed out.

Lastly, my bestie moves to India Sunday. I have very mixed emotions. You'll hear more about this later for sure. I. Love. Her.

And you. :)
Bye.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

She's done!

You probably don't know who 'she' is yet, but I'll fill you in.
She was at my wedding.
She stood behind me the whole time.
She watched us take communion.
She gazed at us from afar during the reception.
She's the door from the wedding. Sorry, that was probably a let down.
In case you forgot, here She is right after I snagged her from Fayetteville Trading Post.
Here can see her standing tall in all her glory.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=858566773347&set=t.1029750082&type=1&theater

I love her and knew I wouldn't want to get rid of her after the wedding, so long before I prepped Justin with the idea that we would use her in our house or make something out of her.


 We stripped the paint off like 5 million times and this (down) is what she looked like.
 We bought some legs from Lowe's and stuck them on, and then we painted after much deliberation over color. Some of you are probably gasping that I'd paint over that because I know it does look distressed and cool, and it is, but those new legs didn't match at all.
Here she is now, finished!
Isn't she cute!?

Friday, July 1, 2011

Hungry

He was sitting cross-legged in the median with a cardboard sign that read "hungry". I glanced and noticed him, but continued my conversation with Chelsea and Finley as we pulled off the interstate into Russellville.

We drove to the gas station/Wendy's/Subway because no one wants to travel with someone hungry. A hungry person is a cranky person. I ended my phone call with Chels before we pulled up to the order box.

I told Justin what I wanted and he recited it back to the Wendy's order box and added an additional 2 orders of chicken nuggets, a frosty, an order of fries and 2 jr. deluxe burgers. I flipped as we drove to the window asking him if he was really going to eat all of that food. That's a LOT of food. (1,540 calories and 176 grams of fat to be exact. Sick.) He told me to hold on as he paid. I asked him if I could tweet that. I was blown away and impressed and grossed out. The Wendy's worker handed him back his card, and he told me it wasn't all for him. He said it was for the man.

A man? What man? Then I remembered the man we passed as I was having my phone conversation with my best friend inside my nice, air-conditioned truck. Oh yea, that man. I responded in a way that I don't remember and stopped making a big deal about all of the food I thought Justin was about to consume. We got asked to move to a parking spot because it would be just a few minutes on our spicy chicken nuggets. Who knew spicy nugs were such a hot commodity?

We left Wendy's after we got all of our food and Justin went in to get the man a bottle of water. We headed back toward where we saw the man, but he was no where to be found. We drove around the surrounding area to make sure he hadn't moved, but we never found him.

I would like to think that someone beat us to it and fed the man, but I don't know that that's true. I'm going to pray so.

Things like this are what makes me thankful for my husband. (Husband! Ah!) 

Monday, June 13, 2011

Mexican Chicken

So, if I've ever cooked for you, I've probably made you Mexican Chicken. It's nothing special really. My mom has made it for as long as I can remember, but everyone who eats it seems to love it. And, it's super easy to make. So, if you're at Kaleo for example, your group will love this. :)

You need:
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can rotel
Chicken (I use boneless skinless chicken breast, but I've also used rotisserie chicken or canned chicken too)
Cheese (I don't measure, but I'd say 1 cup-ish)
Doritos (I've used tortilla chips when I didn't have Doritos, but it's not as good)
     *Sometimes I also use half a can of black beans and some cilantro, but it's great without it.
     *This is also for 2-3 people. Maybe 4. I just cut it in half from how I normally make it. Side note: since being married people told me to learn how to cook for more than just Justin and I, but I'm finding that I only know how to cook for at least 4 people. Not really important, just interesting.

First, if your chicken isn't cooked, cook it. This part takes the longest. I usually just boil mine. I've sauteed it, but honestly you can't really taste the difference since there's so much other stuff in it (hello, Dorito spice!). Boiling it is easy, quick, and you can do the rest while it's cooking. You can also cook it way in advance and then leave it out or refrigerate, so you can just tear it apart instead of having to cut it up. I hate cutting chicken. Maybe you don't. Oh yea, don't just throw a big piece of chicken in there. Cut or chop it into pieces you wouldn't mind stabbing a fork with.
Preheat your oven to 350ish then mix everything except the Doritos and 1/2 to 3/4 cups of cheese together. (You mix a little bit of the cheese in and use the rest to top it. Use as much as makes you feel good about yourself as my mama would say). It will look gross.
Line your baking dish with Doritos like above. Your mix will look close to that on the left.
Pour the mix onto the Doritos, cover it with cheese, and bake it until it's slightly brown and bubbly!
Eat it with more crunchy Doritos or sour cream or both!
It's usually better if you let it stand for a little bit too.

On a totally different note, remember the burlap aisle runner from my wedding? Probably not, but here it is in a big pile.
I'm making something out of it because I love to recycle things! Get excited. I know you're thrilled.



Thursday, June 9, 2011

Sorry about the delay

I've been getting married, honeymooning, and being a wifey! Hard life, I know.

Y'all. I'M MARRIED! Eeeeeek!

I love love loved my wedding despite the location change. That actually made me love it more. It was beautiful and exactly what I wanted. It would not have been so without my incredibly awesome bridesmaids/wedding party/family. Seriously, I feel like I did nothing day of and they set everything up and took everything down for me. If there were bridesmaids wars, mine would dominate yours anyday. Promise. Ha. Sorry, that was a little intense, but seriously, they're super. Also, not a bridesmaid, but my dear friend SarahJo was a super wedding coordinator day of. I have such super friends!

Really, I don't even know where to begin, so this is simply an announcement that I am back, and for your enjoyment a video of a spider that I took. Chels, don't watch it, but just listen to the audio. I recorded it for Justin, but it's pretty entertaining, so I'll share with y'all.



Wednesday, May 25, 2011

We just like to keep you on your toes

Well, y'all, if you haven't heard yet, the location of our wedding got changed. 4 days before. This isn't a joke. It obviously wasn't what we planned, but how the heck do you plan for monsoon season when you get engaged in December?! You can't, so we adapted! Instead of getting married where we planned, we are getting married at my parents house, and y'all, I am SO excited. When we were first choosing a place to get married it was mentioned, but seemed unrealistic. I thought it would be sweet and romantic to get married at my house in my parents yard, but 250ish people?! That's unreal. Welp, now it's real. And I'm. Thrilled.

So, if you didn't know, you do now. We're working really hard to make sure everyone who was invited knows, but I just don't know how possible it is. We don't even have time to mail stuff out again! Check out the website for my address and a map. Thanks for being so flexible everyone!

Now, we get married in 3 basically 2 days. Wanna know what I've been up to? Lots. Lots and lots of fun stuff.
 Yep. That's a torch.
How great are my bridesmaids diggin' in the dirt to help me out!?


Is it Saturday yet?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

9 days!

Y'all! I get to be Mrs. Justin Neal Morgan in 9 days!! We're in the single digits. I feel like I have tons to do, however I am currently taking a break from organizing and planning and making lists to 1. eat and 2. catch up on other non-wedding related things. (It's sort of like life still goes on even when I'm way busy. Huh. Weird.)

I just finished eating one of my favorite things, spaghetti noodles with a little bit of butter and Parmesan cheese. Seriously. It's probably so bland to you, but don't knock it 'til you try it. I love it.

Also, here are some pictures to prove I graduated! Or at least that I have a cap and gown. :)
That's my grandpa with his kids and his kids kids.

 I. look. just. like. my. mom.



My cousin Piper. She's rotten. 
Barefoot with my besties!

On the wedding side of things however, I just ordered 35 packages of sparklers from an online magic shop. How goofy is that? They were way cheaper than anywhere else. That's random.