Redneck Fest

Like I mentioned a few posts back, Dac's brother had a little shindig. He has welded this jumbo smoker and he smoked/grilled steaks and lots of other goodies. We ate and drank and had a boy-howdy-let's-get-rowdy good time. I enjoy getting my redneck on every now and then. =)


Austin acts like a total tough guy but clearly he's a major softy. He's also taught me a lot. I've learned lots of new phrases and use them somewhat frequently. Some of them, I'm sad to say, aren't necessarily all that family friendly. =| One day I'll write a book. (I have lots of books I'm most definitely going to write in my lifetime.)


A couple of Austin's friends from out of town were here and this was the first time I got to meet them. They seemed cool.


Matt and Krystle - we just so happen to be photographing their wedding next year and. oh. my. word. I. can. not. wait. It's gonna be off the charts.

Told you.
Terese, Val, Krystle, and I. Boop Boop, thaaaat's right, that's right!


Ah, aren't the cute?



We even roasted marshmallows in the fire pit of the smoker. Yeah, it's multi-purpose.


Seester time.



A great time was had!

So Fresh and So Clean, Clean

It's a big day guys. Peety went to the spa. And by spa, I mean vet. He got a bath, a pedi, and his teefs clean.

He's walking around (barely) like he's been drinking margaritas all day. Poor guy... keeps falling down and obviously isn't feeling good. He looks soooo sleepy too. BUT - he's sweet and cuddly as can be. =) Perfect TV snuggle buddy.

Plus - he's so soft, clean, and smelly-good. AND there's not even a hint of stank coming from his mouth. AND he got an A+ report from the dentist. His teeth are perfect!! =)

Just like him. See?

Midweek Randoms

• So, it's been a while since I've posted some deep thoughts... I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting. =) Over the past couple months I've really been noticing how judgmental parents can sometimes be towards other parents. Sometimes it even seems to happen unintentionally - and I know we can all be like this about anything - not just parenting. I've just noticed it a lot in that area. We (human beings) seem to compare ourselves to others way too much (Guilty as charged) and I think that perpetuates the cycle. Example: I feel insecure about something, I feel like you notice and judge me for it, I begin to judge you as a defense mechanism. It's vicious and can be never-ending. I also think for some people - and probably all of us at different times - being heard is equal to being loved. We like to talk and we crave confirmation that we're smart, good, doing what's right, etc... but in the process of us talking - we can miss God's confirmation and our words can sometimes be downright hurtful.
  
  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 1 Corinthians 1:25

I think that means sometimes it's wisest to keep our mouths shut.

• Besides - what's there to judge anyway? We're all genius' in our own right. =)
  

• Work has been CUH-RAZY this week. We have a former staff member who is being sought be police for alleged child sex crimes. I'm the district's PR person... I think your imagination can probably paint a pretty clear picture of what my week's been like.

• After 2-3 weeks of weight struggles - I had a loss this week. I'm at 15 lbs lost now. Holla. Let's get this train movin' full steam again! I'm a little behind schedule (I'd hoped to lose 18 by September 12 and clearly we've missed that) but still excited to be moving again. Choooo-choooo!

• I fell down our porch steps Monday. I was leaving for work and it was the weirdest, most slow-motion thing ever... but I couldn't stop it. I fell. It hurt. Neighbors saw the whole thing. My pride hurt even more. Now - I'm still super sore and my ankles hurt BAD. I prooooobably need to go to the chiropractor. We'll see if I actually get around to doing that. =) My shoe broke in the process. They were my comfy black wedge sandals... strap pulled out of the bottom. =|

• We did some senior pictures last week. We don't usually get to do a lot of seniors (for some reason weddings and families seem to take the majority of our session times) but we LOVE shooting seniors. They're so much fun. Can't wait to share that session and can't wait for the others we have lined up this fall. =)

• I finally scheduled a hair appt. for next week. I'm thinking something along these lines. What do you think?
  

• Facebook changed its layout again guys. I know. Again. Things are always changing though... so I'll just chalk this up as a "first world problem".

• Tonight is the premiere of Criminal Minds!!! Can. Not. Wait!! AAAAAHHHHH.

Five

That's five years Dac and I have been married as of September 16. Total - we've been together for more like 13 years. Crazy, huh? =) I just can't really even imagine life without him at this point... he's pretty much always been there in some capacity or another.

I wasn't feeling good on our actual anniversary and we didn't have any exciting trips planned or anything but, all-n-all, I'd say the weekend was pretty alright and it was the "at ease" that I know both our hearts needed.

Friday, we got up and went to Ike's for donuts. We usually don't see much of each other in the morning - even though we have to be at work at the same time now. We're usually doing our own things. I had a fresh glazed doughnut and a chocolate long john while Dac had a sausage egg and cheese roll and a glazed. Like I said, I wasn't feeling good, and I just flat didn't think to take a picture. After work we went out to eat (with apparently everyone else in the county) at Montana Mike's. Then, because College Hill was close (boo), we picked up a couple of toasty drinks from the gas station. First hot chocolate of the season! That night we lounged on the couch and watched 24.

Saturday, we woke up and headed to Stillwater (God's country). Dac and I both really love it there and I honestly think we'd be happy living there if the opportunity ever came about. When I was finished with college I probably wouldn't have said that - but the town has spread out, added lots of great shops/restaurants, and it's just a lot less hectic feeling. Anyway, love Stillwater, love all the orange, love being there with Dac. =) We ate at Joe's... shared a plate of THE cheese fries (with a side of ranch w/ ketchup mixed in) before our meals came. I also got a t-shirt. =) Don't judge - my t-shirt addiction is fierce and hard to shake.




After lunch we walked around downtown, ran into Summit Co (for being so incredibly inactive - I sure do love all the stuff in there. I could create a whole wardrobe out of that stuff and be content), played disc golf at Boomer Lake (sure do miss that place and wish we had something like that here) and did some more casual shopping. We finished off the date at Aspen Coffee for a quick treat before heading home. By this time it was rainy and storms were moving in. It continued to rain, thunder, and lightening the rest of the night - whatd'ya know? Perfect 24 weather. =)

The next morning we got up, listened to a great lifechurch.tv message (which really made me wish we had a real small group to be a part of) while we cleaned house. I clean regularly (honest) but the thing is - we have so much shtuff laying around because it doesn't have a home since we're remodeling a couple rooms in the house. We got quite a bit done that day too so it's definitely an improvement. We were supposed to have a session that afternoon with our friends the Cassidy's. Little miss got sick though so we have to reschedule. So - I cleaned and did more laundry and Dac edited photos. We re-convened for another episode of 24 before heading off to bed.

That was our big 5-year anniversary weekend! I know it doesn't sound like much, but it was a chance to be 'us' instead of worker bees on the brink of major stress-induced breakdowns. We laughed and played and talked and life was good.

Just for kicks and geegles - here's a look at us at our first dance in 1998 (right before we officially started dating). It wasn't our first date per se - because that was when we went to the movies with Val and Tarl. Haha. I sat with Val and Dac sat with Tarl. =) I kid, I kid... no, but seriously. It was awwwwwwwkward.

Oh to be that size again... that in shape again... and that tan again.

Here's us not long after getting engaged in 2006:


Here's us on our wedding day - also in 2006.:


Here's us on our 5-year anniversary: =) Thankfully, still happy!

Branson Trip

Like I mentioned a few days ago, My cousin Courtney and I took our moms on a mother-daughter trip to Branson, MO for their 50th birthdays!

We all left from our respective states Saturday morning (Labor Day Weekend) and after a few pit stops and lots of winding roads, we made it to our hotel that afternoon. Once we got there and squealed and hugged a lot - we went for a walk. It was a toasty trek too, I might add.

Anyway, we kind of just explored the the strip around the hotel, perused a few tacky t-shirt shops (even found some ROCKS like old times), and then decided we'd better stop and eat/drink before we had heat strokes. So - we landed at Charlie's. We were greeted by a singing (or maybe lip syncing) lady and while our waiter was nice, the food was just mediocre and they put us back in a corner behind the sound guy (oh yeah... she was totally mouthing the words...knew it!) For Pete's sake - nobody puts baby in a corner!! Clearly they didn't realize who we were. Clearly.


Courtney and I lookin' like a couple of hot messes after drinking like 3 whole pitchers of water... each.

Mom and Aunt Cindy

With our rocks. Listen ya'll... I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. Courtney and I were... huh hmmm... total dweebs. =) We would go to Bonnie-n-Clyde Trade Days and beg our parents to buy us the little pouches of polished rocks. Then, we'd proceed to wash the rocks in the bathroom sink because we were both experts in how to care for those priceless stones. I'm pretty sure she also convinced me she had a book about how to turn regular ol' driveway rocks into gems. Wait, now that I think of it... I may have had a book too. =)
We continued back to the hotel after supper and found ourselves at the Montana Mike's bar having a drink.



The next day we got up, ate continental breakfast, and headed to the outlet mall. We spent several hours there picking up all sorts of bargains! I NEVER shop like that and I got some great finds for Fall - including my most exciting purchase - a $25 Banana Republic pullover that is so soft and so cozy and so perfect. I also got some work shoes and some sweaters. We just ate lunch there at the mall (jumbo hot dog for me... yum) and then once we were done shopping we headed back to the room to get ready for DIXIE STAMPEDE.

Aren't they purdee?

Mom sportin' the 50th crown.

=) You all wonder where I get it... Exhibit A.

Me workin' it... haha

Dixie Stampede was good. Honestly - better than I expected. Sure it was totally cheesy and hoaky - but it was pretty dang entertaining anyway. I ate practically my whole meal too (maybe I shouldn't admit to that). The meal consisted of a rather chunky cornish hen, a slab of pork, half a potato, a mini corn cob, cream of vegetable soup, a cheddar biscuit, and an apple turnover.

My boo.


Aunt Cindy sportin' the crown. Court bought this crown and they only had one... so the birthday girls had to share.The adorable little squishy fuzzy butt piglets from the show.

During the pre-show.After the show we went on an adventure (ie: I was driving). We had a heck of a time getting up this awful hill. I was willing to sacrifice my cool facade for some good laughs. That's me - always taking one for the team. =) Annnnnnyway... we decided to drive around and check out the downtown area. After catching a glimpse we decided it'd be fun to skip Silver Dollar City and hit up some shops, check out the Branson Landing, and eat our weight in snackages.

The next morning things took a turn for the worse... we had an issue at our hotel. I've contemplated even mentioning this... it's that bad... but this is my scrapbook. Not that I'll likely ever forget this... but still... I feel it's worth documenting. Ya'll - there. were. bed bugs. What!?!?! I KNOW!! It was sooooo unbelievable. Sooooo gross. Sooooo haaarible. =( To make an uber long story short - we got a full refund, all our stuff laundered, and a new hotel room. And a lot of itching. Eeewww. Even though we were upset and it certainly put a damper on things - we were not going to let it ruin our day!

There were several little five and dime shops downtown... this one wasn't all that little.

We weren't out long before we had to stop for a coke.
We got some delicious old fashioned cokes (vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper for me).


Then we made our way down to the landing.

We ate lunch at the San Francisco Oven. Then shopped. Then ate again.
Then shopped. Theeeeeen ate again. =) This time, at the Rowdy Beaver.


It was fun and our waiter was from Kansas so that was cool. Aunt Cindy and her marg. Can you blame her? After the day we had?
The responsibles with our sweet tea.
And - then we ate. Andy's frozen custard. Yum! And we used a coupon. For the win!The next day we got packed up, ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel, hugged goodbye, and headed back.

We had such a great time and while we would have done some things differently I think, the important thing is that we got to spend time together and as always... had fun!

Midweek Randoms

• I fully intended to have already posted about our Branson trip AND this past weekend AND our dates... but obviously I'm lagging behind. =|

• On the bright side, I do have this picture that Dac took of our adorable pug licking his chops. Does that make up for it?

• I guess since I don't have a whole lot to chat about today, I can just go ahead and tell you about our dates this past weekend.

• We had a little extra free time this past weekend so we were actually able to each plan a date. It worked out since the week before didn't allow for an "official" date. I picked first. Friday night we ate Subway then went to the high school Cowley Cup football game. We got rained on quite a bit but we won - Go Bulldogs! We were sure to celebrate by grabbing an ice cream cone on the way home. =)

• Saturday we got up and grabbed a drink (Diet Dr. Pepper for me and an iced coffee of some sort for Dac) on our way to Wichita for a family session. I'd been pretty excited for this session for a few months because even through our e-mails back and forth, I knew we'd hit it off! =) It was one of those sessions where you feel like you've known each other a long time. We took pictures at the park then went our separate ways. Dac and I grabbed Panera for lunch right after, bought me a couple discs, then went to play disc golf! Dac loves disc golf and that was the date he planned for us! =) It was a lot of fun! It started raining on us as we were finishing up the 9th hole, so we headed to Cherry Berry to complete the date.

• Once we got home, got ready, and got the cooler and chairs packed up, we headed out to my brother-n-law's customer appreciation party (he's a great welder). I think it was Val that lovingly dubbed it redneck fest... and it was just that. Don't be fooled though, I can kick it with the redneck crowd. =) I have tons of pictures from that, so it'll have to be it's own post... BUT... here's a quick glance at the fun we had. haha.
  

• Guys... listen to this. We had this big honkin' spider under our door when we opened it this weekend. SO - I had Dac step on it (I'm a pansy) and, yeah, it gets worse, get this... BABY SPIDERS went EVERYWHERE. *Gags* Hundreds of them... I'm at least 99.8% positive they all went outside but STILL. UGH! We killed as many as we could. I hate to be like that ya'll. You know I love God's creatures. Really, I do. BUT, I draw the line with spiders, babies or not. I discriminate. Forgive my sins. Now, had the spider been out in the yard or at the nature center for example, I wouldn't have dreamed of killing mama and her babies. Never. But practically in my house? You better believe it. *Shutters* Furthermore, I don't understand how when you step on the mom - how the babies even survive? I mean, the little creeps hang on her back and if you step on her back, I'd think that'd do it. I shutter. *Scratches head for the up-teenth time since starting this paragraph*
  

• I'm still t-totally sucking at my diet. I've gained a couple pounds and REALLY want to get some more weight off before more holidays and fall eating extravaganzas come my way. Unfortunately, my will power level is barely even registering on the will power-o-meter. How can I fix this!?!

• Our anniversary is Friday! It's a big one... FIVE YEARS! I'm excited. Don't know why exactly, we don't really have any major plans yet. No second honeymoon or hot date planned... at least no plans yet. We kept Friday and Saturday open though so there's definitely time for dates. =)