Roses are Red, Families are True Blue

This weekend we met my family in southern Ohio at my Grandma's house. 

It was SO good to see them for the first time since Christmas. 

We saw everyone...not only my family but Grandma, Aunt, and Cousins. Talk about fun!!

We ended up seeing Chase's sister and her husband too! 

They were amazing hosts and terrific company.

 

This is awful but since I didn't blog a lot in the Fall, I have an introduction to make... 

My little nephew!! He's so sweet!! 

If you couldn't tell WE LOVE BEING AUNTIES!!

 

He has grown way too much already but he just gets cuter and cuter!

Now he's making little baby noises and smiling but he's still small enough to like being held. 

For the first time in four years my sister and I saw each other during RED & PINK week!! 

(We're Valentine's Day enthusiasts so we wear red or pink all week!) 

Our mom and sister-in-law joined us this year!! 

It was amazing to start off the week actually being together.

There isn't a lot of face time for the fellas in these pictures

but much love to my dad, brother, and Chase too!!

Recreating Pumpkin Show

Envying everyone's Pumpkin Show Facebook status's then driving with an Adele CD in is a bad combination. It made me sad! So I got to thinking and Chase was so sweet about deciding to spend our evening recreating the greatest free show on earth!!

The pumpkin patch was our obvious first stop. A local church sets out tons of pumpkins in their front yard and sells them as a fundraiser for their mission trip. Willow helped us pick out the perfect pumpkin, not too big, not too small, pretty rounded but not perfectly.

For a fair-like dinner we went to Uncle Bucks where fried food can be found everyday. The next time you're there try the bunless burger with 'mashed taters.' delish!!
The closest thing to the large variety of sweets the pumpkin show has to offer was Sweet Frog, our local froyo shop. Too bad they didn't have pumpkin flavored froyo.

That night we had plans to attend the downtown ghost walk. The tour goes through the historical district, tales of the cities history as well as particular individuals history were shared by our guide who is a local pastor. Our group was bigger than average which made the experience of walking city streets hemmed in by a crowd of people even more authentic for our purpose.

Recreating the Pumpkin Show was a complete success. The Pumpkin Show is a must see so visit Ohio in the Fall and make sure to go the third week of October! If you ever find yourself pinning for some hometown traditions think outside the gourd and recreate.

Big Advice on a Small Miracle

The other night, lying in bed, my heart constricted as an anxious feeling welled up inside of me.  What if I'm never ready to be a mom? What if I'm always too fussy, too nit picky, to insecure to decide it's time to take another human's life into our hands? While talking to a friend, I brought it up and she gave me some really good advice.

Accept your kids for who they are.  Don't try to force them into who or what you want them to be.  If they aren't an A student then they aren't an A student and that's OK. 

The child God creates and gives natural gifts and personality to will be miraculously better than the person I try to contrive into my "perfect" little mold.

For now I'll just have to practice on these too!!
 

Operation Retro {2}

My mother~in~law found this dress for a great deal. She very kindly offered it to me and it just so happens to fit into my Operation Retro wardrobe. Yay!! 

With Labor Day quickly approaching I couldn't pass up wearing these white wedges. They were a Payless find from three years ago, I originally bought them to wear with my wedding dress but decided on pretty white slippers for comfort (an idea I totally recommend even if it's a switch to comfy shoes once the reception starts). 

I paired my summer shoes with some pearls to pull it all together since the dress probably would have looked best with black heels.  My bracelet was gifted from a great college friend and my necklace was a bridesmaid gift from my sister~in~law.

If my dress was browns and reds I'd blend in!!

Garden City 2012

Last week, we vacationed at the beach with Chase's family. To say we had a great time would be an understatement.  It was a blast!! My in~laws exemplify "full of life" they enjoy life, laugh often, and possibly dance like no one's watching.  If in~laws were flowers I'd pick a giant bouquet of the ones I already have!! I just love them. 
 

  

Thanks to my momma for the dress!!

Ingredients for the Perfect Beach Week

1. 1 night of Karaoke with a pinch of Faithfully by Journey
2. A plate full of crab legs
3. Sprinkle in shopping
 












4. 2 helpings of Bocce Ball 
5. Mix with an attempt to fly a kite
6. A dash of Putt Putt

 












7. Add Fro Yo (generously)
8. Stir with a boogey board 
9. Sift out husbands to go golfing 

10. Pour all ingredients into a large bowl of: "where should we go today beach  
      or pool?" 

Finally enjoy with family while listening to a beach week theme song: 

Haters Gonna Hate

One Day Trip to VA

This week my family has been with their youth group in Virginia for a mission trip. Early in the week we were able to drive up for a day to visit. I LOVED seeing my family for the short but sweet time.  We also enjoyed time with their youth group and the youth pastor and his wife!! Not to mention a friend from my days in youth group who coordinates the work projects in Virginia!

One of the coolest parts is that: when my sister and I were counselors together at Nipgen Jr. Camp we had all of the girls who were on the trip in our dorm!! I'm very sentimental and nostalgic so we had to get a picture. Each girl is growing up to be so beautiful. I love to see how their personalities have grown. Seeing them serve Jesus in this way and to spend their week working for God puts a smile on my face! 

The three ladies to my left in the back weren't in our dorm. lol!

Breakfast for Dinner

Who can resist french toast for dinner? 

Definitely NOT us!!

Last night after swimming a few laps 

we cooked up some french toast.

Swimming for exercise and french toast for dinner...

probably cancel each other out but oh well!

My legs were jello but my stomach was full of goodness!!

 

There is just something about breakfast food 

during a relaxing weekend

that puts the icing on the cake! 

Maybe it's because growing up and still when I travel home

we eat an amazing weekend breakfast

or just the word "SYRUP" (say it to yourself a few times)

Weird, huh?

What I do know is I love breakfast foods!

They remind me to stop and smell the rose shaped pancakes.

What do you do to top off your weekend?

Bummin' to Grinnin'

Holidays away from family can be a bummer.  Ohio has one of the most amazing fireworks shows called Red, White, and Boom!  The local radio station, WNCI makes a soundtrack to play along with the show.  In my mind, the whole event exemplifies American Patriotism.  People gather together all over Columbus to see the great show, they camp out all day to get a good spot with friends and family, they play games, have cookouts, and at the end cram in their car and try to cut everyone off so they can beat the traffic.  Just kidding about that last part being patriotic.  Seriously, though, people spend time with one another and just enjoy their company then join with an entire crowd of strangers to sing along to the year's greatest songs as well as our Country's anthem.  Simply Magical!

Just because Ohio definitely knows how to party doesn't mean we totally missed the fun train.  Today, a generous and hospitable family invited us over with several other families.  We've kind of formed our own little family away from family.  If you are ever away from home, boldly step out there and search for good friends who you can party with, shop with, and sometimes... cry with.  It takes some time but God will provide exactly what you need.

After a refreshing pool party we ate some delicious grilled chicken and corn.  Chase and one of our friends started "pickin' and a grinnin'" as my grandpa would say.  As we clapped and sang along the fireworks show started.  Fireworks lit up the sky and the ground, it was a little scary.  Holidays away from family can be a bummer but that bummer doesn't have to last all day.  A phone call back home will heal the heart. Then put on your party hat and enjoy the day!!

In this case our party hats are a sun hat and a bandana!!

I've got friends in low places. LOL!

Two WV boys so we heard Country Roads.

J's Graduation

20 years ago the girls my mom babysat and I sat by my mom singing "baby baby suck your thumb, you don't get no bubble gum." We sang this particular song because my baby brother's ultrasound showed him sucking his thumb. A week ago, I watched him graduate from high school. I can't believe how the time passes.

Most of his high school career I've lived in a different state so I've missed out on some things I wish I could have been there for: cross country and track meets, dances, and your everyday game nights or family dinners. On the other hand, we've stayed fairly consistent at talking to each other on Thursday nights, I attended his eagle scout ceremony, and it even worked out for us to go to his senior award banquet for cross country. The times I come home or they visit we always make the most of it and have a blast.

Last summer, we drove up to VA to meet my fam during their mission trip.

I will always cherish the period of time after I graduated from OCU and November when Chase and I got married because it was just J and I at home. We hadn't experienced this before. I enjoyed getting to know the teenager my little bro had become while I was at college. During those four years, he had gone from an elementary school-er to a high school-er. That's a pretty huge difference. Living with him again, showed me how fun-loving and sweet he still was. After another three years it's crazy to think he has grown, matured, and developed even more into an amazing young man full of great potential. I'm excited for the future God has planned for Him and hold dear the moments we've shared throughout the years!

Smith Edible Creations: Spring Edition

For the family reunion/grad party we went to for Chase's family, his mom saw the idea of making a fruit bouquet.

She cut the bottom of a watermelon off, about the size of a bowl. Then we put a variety of pieces of fruit on shish-kabob sticks. Once it was filled up with fruit we stuck the pointy end into the watermelon so it stood straight up. We stuck the first one in the middle of the watermelon then placed the following sticks around it covering the entire surface of the watermelon.

Final Product:

Daddy-O

Most days I get an encouraging word from my dad through text!

Earlier this year, one of his texts made the difference between me going that afternoon to donate my hair and giving me that extra push to plan Cutting Out Cancer.  

My most recent favorite came last week: 

There is real magic in enthusiasm.  

It spells the difference between 

mediocrity and accomplishment.

Norman Vincent Peale

Three of the greatest guys in the world, lead by none other than my Daddy-O.

Spring in Salisbury: A Visitor's Guide

Easter weekend serves as the perfect visit weekend for my family.  My sister has a few days off from college and my dad and brother have spring break.  Just a note...Spring Break up north means Thursday and Good Friday, no more no less. I'm a big fan of how Spring Break is done down south!!
This past weekend their visit could probably be found in a tourist brochure for Salisbury, we hit all of the highlights!

Downtown Salisbury is home to a variety of antique stores.  Our favorite is near the Amtrak Station, Salisbury Emporium. The whole atmosphere is neat, surrounded by old brick buildings with advertisements painted on the side of them.  Next, we parked by the library to walk by the mural and up Main Street.

As soon as we jumped out of the car, Haps was in the air.  So we window shopped down the block stopping in some Main Street faves.  Anything you like you can find down Main Street from theater to gag gifts and from athletic apparel to books.  Of course, Haps never disappoints as long as you're in the mood for a good ole' hot dog all the way, you can even get a hamburger with chilly on it!

In the evening, we played a friendly game of volleyball at Trinity. If you live in the area you should stop by for some sand volleyball.  The beautiful spring weather makes playing outdoor irresistible.

The blue sky and warm weather made it perfect for outdoor activities.  We took a scenic walk of the trail behind Catawba College.  The wide path is kept very clear and trees frame both sides as you walk as if you're perpetually walking under an arch of greenery. We filled our stomachs with Village Inn Pizza, always a hit if you prefer thin crust.  Then we burnt off some of those carbs by enjoying the Frisbee Golf Course at Kelsey Scott Park.  This nine hole course set among trees and hills, allows for a pleasant walk and makes exercise fun!

Last but not least, our final meal together took place at the delicious Katana.  Katana cannot be beat when it comes to bang for your buck.  The portions are very filling.  The next time you go, try an order of Spring Rolls or Edamame with your entree...yum yum!!  

Our visit was incredible, I loved spending the time with my fam! We would have made fun out of any situation, it's just nice that Salisbury makes it easy for some family fun in the Spring!!

If you know of any Salisbury jewels...or jewels of your own hometown...please share!!

Red and Pink Week!

For the past several years, my sister and I have celebrated Valentine's Day by wearing something red or pink all week.  I'm not totally sure how it started, other than when I was in high school, my mom bought me a shirt with lips all over it.  I loved it so much.  The lip shirt kind of birthed my love for wearing Valentine's themed clothing, that combined with our love for celebrating things lead to Red and Pink Week!!

The legendary lip shirt!!

One of many self timer photo shoots.

Picking out creative outfits, 

accessorizing them for the week, 

and sharing the fun with Andrea

make this week one I always look forward to.

  

Feel free to join us...

I know you have at least one

perfect Valentine's Day outfit.  

We're wearing red and pink from 

Sunday the 12th to Sunday the 19th.

 

  

Xalt joining in the FUN!

I love my little sister!!

Advocare!!

I mentioned Advocare in the post Wow! This past month I have been doing the 24 day challenge. It consists of a 10 day cleanse then 14 days of what can best be described as training.
During this time the diet is restricted from wheat, sweets, meat that isn't lean, and dairy.
It has been a challenge but now I have healthier eating habits.

Advocare Lessons Learned:

• Fruit can be filling for breakfast
• Hummus isn't too bad but warm it up
• Natural Peanut Butter on a Carmel Rice Cake is a great snack
• Chicken and fish are meaty enough for me but not Chase
• I'm more energetic
• Smaller portions make me feel better
• Sliced squash makes a good substitute for noodles with Chicken Parmesan
• I can live without pop...water rocks!
• I cannot live without CHOCOLATE!!!

 

Good thing Dark Chocolate is supposedly healthy for you!!!

Thanksgiving

After 3 thanksgiving celebrations, I'm stuffed full. Stuffed full of delicious turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and pizza! Like pink is the new black, pizza is the new turkey...totally hip.
I'm also stuffed full of great memories. Michigan rummy is now in my repertoire of card games. Walking to the creek on a 60 degree Thanksgiving will definitely stay a top memory. I won't forget the piggy back rides with Alie or "cute face" with Ethan. Buffalo Wild Wings always tastes best late at night with the fam. We never pass up pizza at Dick's with Grandma Wanda and the gang. You never know what cute little Hadlee will say. Today it was "Jeremy Ross you look like an old woman." Sharing all of this with Chase makes it extra special.
What I'm trying to say is I'm thankful for my family...for every encouragement, every prayer, every fun time, every bonding moment, and every part of them that has helped mold me.

Smith Edible Creations

Fruit Christmas Tree
My mother-in-law had the creative idea of making our fruit tray into a decoration. We used a styrofoam cone, green gift bags, toothpicks, twist and peel twizzlers, staples, and every kind of fruit we love.
We cut the bag so that it rolled out flat, wrapped it around the cone, and stapled it. Then we rolled the twizzlers around to look like garland and stapled them in place. Once the fruit was cut into bite size pieces we speared them with the toothpicks and decorated the tree.
My sister-in-law crafted the angel out of pineapple!! So creative and so delicious especially with the fruit dip.