Where's the Beach?

On this day, 14 years ago, Jason and I both said, "I do." It was not a lavish affair. But we did it our way. We catered it for 78 people - sit down meal with salad, homemade manicotti (which I haven't made since), and of course cake for dessert, which I also decorated. I picked up my favorite cake, an Italian Cream cake from a local bakery for $13 each and adorned them with lace, pearls and white roses (hard to see the details). My mother custom made my dress and even made all of the flower arrangements, all white silk roses which I later took to the grave of a dear friend who would have and should have been there. My cousin officiated the ceremony on my mother's property on a hot summer evening. It was just over 100 degrees that day (but the hottest day of the year came after we were on our honeymoon at least). We giggled during the vows. I even temporarily lost my wedding ring after we walked back down the aisle. We were worry-free. Again, not...

13 years ago I made one of the most sound decisions I've ever made. I said, " I Do " to the person I truly believe completes me. I won't pretend it's been 13 years of rainbows and glitter. But it's been a wonderful journey, one I wouldn't trade for the world. He's been patient beyond imagination, encouraging, supportive, and kind. I couldn't ask for much more than that.

12 years ago, I married probably the only man on earth who can possibly put up with me. And while we've had our ups and downs, all relationships do, the good far outweighs any of the bad. Source: determineduncensored.com via Jess on Pinterest I am blessed every day and am sorry I don't say it enough. I love you Jason. 

I wish I could say that I'm getting tons of restful sleep here. Not so much unfortunately. The bedroom only has blinds so once the sun starts coming up, that's all she wrote. Also, the walls seem to be very thin or we just have very loud neighbors. But, I won't complain too much because I'm having a very good time. Today we decided to run a trail along the lake front. It ended up being 4.6 (rolling hills) miles. So, 4.6 actually felt more like 6. It wasn't an easy run, but it was scenic and it was nice running with Jason. After the run, we found ourselves a nice spot to go hang out by the lake. Jason floated in the water and I sunbathed on the shore. The lake is gorgeous, but it's a lot different than what we're used to. There are no sandy beaches at all. It's very rocky - hence Table Rock Lake I suppose. But, it was nice and relaxing.  We brought a picnic lunch to enjoy. Here's what we gazed at while eating.     Not too bad huh? I...

Since tomorrow is our 11-year wedding anniversary, I thought today would be Fun Facts Friday - Anniversary Edition . We met just before St. Patty's Day in 1995 at a party that I had to chauffeur my sister to. We pretty much only met because Sarah was dating Jason's friend (also named Jason). Jason and I didn't exactly hit it off like love at first site. I just happened to be the last girl standing anytime we were around each other. We stupidly moved to AL together within 6 months of meeting - somehow that seemed better than AR.  We lived together for 5 years before deciding to get married. We actually bought a townhouse together before getting married. Jason "proposed" after a long night at the restaurant (he cooked in a fancy schmancy French restaurant). Basically, sitting in his stinky chef clothes, me in my PJs, both with Bud Lights in hand he just asked if I wanted to go ahead and get married and use our vacation package as the honeymoon. Sure......

Anniversary Follow Up From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for you kind words from yesterday's post . Big cyber hug to you all! I was really excited about eating out last night. We really don't go out to dinner often, and we rarely go all out and splurge on a high-end meal dolled up in our best duds. Last night (well, 6pm) we went all out. I knew what I was going to wear and was planning on wearing the pearls and pearl earrings I had worn on our wedding day, which Jason had actually bought for me. But to my surprise, Jason bought me diamond earrings and a diamond pendant necklace!!!! I cannot even describe how surprised I was and then the thought he put into it....amazing. He was planning on an anniversary ring - 3 diamonds for past, present, future. Plus, my engagement ring is very very simple. We had it made, and he has always thought I should have something more. But I am not a big bling bling ring girl at all. I love that it's simple, and I never have to ta...

10 Years Ago Today... 1.  My father walked me down the aisle. 2.  I married this man. 3.  It was a record high of 105 degrees and the wedding was outdoors on my mother's property.   4.  We threw the whole wedding for under $1200 (that also included dinner, wine, champagne, and beer). 5.  Jason and I catered the sit-down dinner for 78+ guests making homemade manicotti (and sauce), side salad, baguettes (those were frozen & heated). 6.  I have not made manicotti since. 7.  I decorated my own cakes: I bought four Italian Cream Cakes for $13 each from an awesome bakery then decorated with silk flowers, lace, and faux pearls. 8.  My mother made my dress, veil, and bouquet (she also made my sister's who was married in June of the same year, hence only having $1200 for the wedding). 9.  There was lots of dancing. 10. There was lots of drinking (and more dancing). 11.  We had friends (who happened to be photograph...