Day 27 - Wedding

In just nine s.h.o.r.t. months we will be at a wedding. That's right our own LilBlue is getting married to the Bud. It's not going to be the easiest day of our life but it won't be the hardest either. There will be joy and sadness.

Because I know you want to know here is what I know. There will be an intimate ceremony at a tiny little church south of the Big O where the Bud's grandmother attended. When I say intimate I mean only immediate family will be at the actual wedding ceremony. The church has nine pews. MiB and I got to see it when we were in the Big O over Labor Day. To find out how many we could seat on those nine pews MiB & I sat bum to bum and came up with the very scientific figure of 54. Which works well since the count for this part of the day is looking like a potential for 45ish. I just hope the AC works well and that it's not too much of a scorcher.

There is only one area for dressing so we are supposed to come up with some sort of room divider. Yeah, not sure how that will work or if it will happen. I'm thinking she will just have to let whoever needs to do their thing do it first then she will take over the area. All others will have to stay out.

Wedding party you say? Notsomuch, just her and the Bud and potentially some Little people. I personally have no issues with this aspect but I'm surprised that others have sort of frowned when they heard it. Hey people, it's HER day so whatever she wants to do I'm trying to do. So I really do feel as though it's all her day, well and the Bud's... so who, what and how she wants to do it is pretty much okay with me. Unless you are going to be an investor- read that pay for it, which MiB and I are, I say you have notsomuch a say-so, she does and that's how we're rolling. I don't need her stressing over this, she has to get through this last year of school successfully and plan her wedding how she would like it be, period.

The reception which will be later in the evening is going to be a little bit of cake, punch and finger food affair. Family will partake in a meal in between the ceremony and reception. Nothing fancy just basic nourishment. LilBlue loves chicken fingers so that's what we are having. At one point I thought she was going to do pasta since the Bud seems partial to that but she said too messy! LOL Come on let's just do pizza and call it good I mean they both love that and so do I!

The reception will be at a hall in the town we used to live in. Mostly his/her friends, little cake cutting, little dancing and call it an evening. Decorating and doing the food for this will be the big job. I think we have nailed down many things but we are still working on some of the finer details. Cake maker is not secured nor is day of help. Hoping the hall comes through with the ceiling decorator (she wants lights and lanterns hung). It's hard to coordinate a lot of this so far away. And because I think I should not plan to do so much myself we will have to have help.

I have to say we have had much success with finding things on Craigslist, I have been uber pleased about that! Table linens and chair covers were picked up this way for way cheaper then renting. Hopefully, she can re-list them to help someone else out. We have also scored some other items in the most unlikely places, which I love! We are still scouring regularly to pick up other items. It's been fun and challenging.

I don't quite have her vision for the ceremony, but I do have a good feel for what she would like the reception venue to be. She has sent me a floor plan and we know the basic table set up and such but we are still acquiring table decor. I love that she is open-minded and the tables don't have to be matchy-matchy! That makes it easier right there. We have been gathering vases, candle holders and votive cups along with some frames. We have been sale gathering items from Michaels and Hobby Lobby with weekly coupons.

Colors are for now sage and eggplant. Nothing settled on exactly what flowers but there is still plenty of time. I do know she is leaning towards lillies and roses I think. Roses would be somewhat symbolic, I think she will go with white ones. Many other things remain to be seen, but again we are chipping away at it every week. I know it will all come together for her day and all is well!

And many things can and will evolve in the coming days and months and that's fine, we will make it work the best we can with what we got to get it how she wants.

Why the Day +# postings, look here to see what's up!

Day 14 - Reading

I love to read, MiB not so much, but reading is definitely a part of my ordinary life. I read all things! I enjoy the newspaper, especially on Sunday. I love fiction, non-fiction, biographies. Believe it or not I enjoy leafing through a textbook if it is a subject I enjoy. I love to read cookbooks. I enjoy reading magazines. Reader's Digest has always been a favorite of mine. Since MiB has been bit by the surfing bug I will say he does read his surf magazines from cover to cover over and over again :)

Right now the easy reading book I'm totally digging is Ninety Days by Sam Yarney and I just got A Same Kind of Different as Me today from a friend and so it is waiting in the wings (by Ron Hall and Denver Moore). I'm also rifling through Nickel and Dimed on (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich. And I'm planning to start looking for another copy of The Wealthy Barber for my own daughter and the Bud by Dave Chilton.

My current books...I love to read...wish I could just take a day and read, read, read!

The reason behind the Day + # postings is here.

Day 11 - Cars

Do you notice the kind of cars other people drive? Seriously, I do not. Now MiB does. Is it a guy thing? Well, I sort of thought so but then my own LilBlue makes comments about other peoples "rides" so maybe it is just a personal observation thing.

Anyway, my point is some people are curious about this sort of thing some are not. Just thought I would share what's being driven in our household. Since 2003 we have had at least one Honda in our fleet. Right now we have two. We like Honda's. MiB is in a Mercedes Benz. Now it's not a traditional waaaaaaay expensive Benz like you might think but it falls under the Benz family name!

 LilBlue with her 09 Honda Accord

 MiB with his '13 SMART which we affectionately call Deuce.

My little red ride '08 Honda CRV

I personally try not to be overly attached or too personal with our vehicles. I mean after all my biggest thing is getting in a vehicle and just wanting it to start to get me from point A to point B. Pretty much I do not have a relationship with my vehicle like some people do. I see them as necessities and not much more. I love when they work and work properly cause NO BODY likes car troubles.

We really aren't car namers either with the exception of  MiBs first SMART which we called SMARTie and now the new SMART is deuce.And I guess we did call our first little CRV LilRed but we aren't so much on the naming thing. Though I do think that is part of ordinary life. Do you name your vehicles?

The Day + # thing going on can be understood here! 

And these made me smile...

I knew they had them done but I had not seen them...they made me smile :)

 

This one too!



 And should you not yet know the date...now you do!

That's all, carry on with your Monday!

New blue for LilBlue :0) MiB gets gray...

Finally after two years of searching we have found the replacement vehicle for LilBue. You do not know because I chose not to blog the crash that Lilblue was in that totaled her car and sent her to the hospital via ambulance. It is the phone call you NEVER ever want to receive. I literally thought I would pass out talking to her on the phone. I was way too far away and my child was hurt and I could not get there fast enough. The next seven days were hell as we worked through all the events of the accident or crash as I like to call it. After two years we have finally seen the end of the mountain of paperwork, insurance claims and did I say lots of paperwork. I am thrilled it is done. I just pray that we never go through that again.

So the last two years we have tried to find a replacement car for the car that was totaled in the crash. Speaking of that crash she likes to make it known that it was NOT her fault a man crossed three lanes of traffic hit her and two other cars. We have scoured the car lots, Craigslist and AutoTrader for a new accord. Finally last Saturday we were at the Honda dealer in Shreveport ordering a replacement park for my roof racks and there sat a blue accord. We were not too excited usually we find them and they just don't meet our standards...this one was promising. It was the right model, interior and mileage. So far, so good, but a bit out of our price range and missing a couple desired wants. Decisions, decisions...hmmmm, end of the month sales were in our favor, after much negotiation and trading in our Mazda we own THE car.

 Finding out that the blue car over there is hers...

 Happy Girl!

 LilBlue with THE car!

Delivery was made today and she was thrilled and so were we! PTL :)

And ohbytheway, we went to Ft Worth a few weeks ago to get the oil changed on LilSmartie and came home with Deuce. I know we are just car buying crazies lately! Don't worry this only happens every four years or so! And after this I'm staying away from the dealership, it's too costly. But again, PTL, we are cash buyers and no payments needed thankyouverymuch cause that's the way we roll!

 MiB w/Deuce!

The added bonus is that we got to see LilBlue unexpectedly due to the fact we drove it up to her to deliver it and we'll get to see her all day today and tomorrow before we head back to LA bright and early Sunday morning. Extra bonus is that we got out ahead of hurricane Isaac, which from what I understand was not nearly as bad as they had thought. And another perk is that we had White Grill on the way up and will be stopping again on the way back. Life is GOOOOOOD!

Thursday Thoughts

Isaac is on his way so we are heading north. Not really to miss him but we are making a quick trip up to the BigO to see LilBlue. Glad we are missing the storm.

Thoughts:

• Thankful for wifi!
• Loooooooong road trip
• Love White Grill cheeseburgers!

That's it cause we still have miles to go...be safe out there if you and Isaac are meeting up!

Thursday, last day of vacation, thoughts...

Last day to hit the beach so off we went while the others snoozed...no worries, MiB enjoy our early mornings on the beach with very few distractions. 

 

 Even with the clouds the sunrise was spectacular...

 This morning I got a little more reading in!

I love the quiet time and ocean sounds while MiB is surfing, no matter if I am down on the beach or up on the seawall the sound of the waves is awesome!

The waves were few and far between but getting on the water is what it's all about so off MiB went for a last session!

 

 Last water therapy for awhile!

  
Returning to the room we met with three still sleeping beauties who soon started to stir. We had to get moving since we were checking out and heading north to the airport. Uncle G had the first flight so we got him squared away before enjoying a Chick-Fil-A lunch. LilBlue and the Bud do not have CFA in the BigO so this was a treat for them. Though LilBlue did consider choosing PeiWei I am glad we "ate more chiken"!

 CFA

 

 MiB and Me :)

In case I forgot to mention it the engagement ring is GORGEOUS...loved seeing it in person, loved that it is now on it's fourth generation. Praying for the marriage that will be here sooner rather then later... 

 BEEEEEEE.u.ti.fulllllllllll

I am still somewhat "pink" today...I cannot believe I did that. I have not burned in eons! Really stinks and honestly hurts a little. the Bud definitely got some sun this week, check out his arm...

 Definitely see the contrast

Back to the airport to drop off Uncle G and hugs all around. I so wish we all lived closer...our time together is always so short but also so precious. Someday, maybe things will change and our lives will intersect more often. I always remember that airports are the setting for the happiest and saddest times...you are usually happy to see the person you are picking up and most always sad to see the person go you are dropping off. That is certainly the case today.

 Hugs all around

Then over to the mall to do a little strolling before the late afternoon flight. We saw some sights as seems to always be the case whenever we do mall walking. I only wish I would not have been so stuffed that I could not enjoy a cookie...well, second thought I did not need a cookie but I really did enjoy smelling them!

Back to the airport one last time and then we are on the road back to LA. The trip was good we enjoyed it and loved the time together which as usual was waaaay too short. Looking forward to next time already whenever and wherever that will be remains to be seen. Plans are being formulated, we shall see what materializes.

Home, car unpacked, laundry started and frozen pizza consumed, life is good!

Beach, Pizza, Movies and Bikes

MiB and I hit the beach early again this a.m. 

While the clouds made the sun's appearance later then usual it was still gorgeous when it did make it's appearance. 

 MiB finally got a few waves in. 

 

Pulling out the board for the first time...he was sooooo ready to hit the waves!

He was thrilled I know and I enjoyed finishing the book I was reading. It was all good until he was coming in and a local let him know he was surfing in an off limits spot...oops! Upon further investigation sure enough he was breaking rule #7.

Rule #7 was on the white sign on the lifeguard stand...pretty small writing; I guess we just missed it!

After we returned to the hotel we went to straight to the pool and  the others came and joined us.

Boys in the pool...

LilBlue catching some rays and Uncle G sitting in the pool in the chair!

Then it was off to find lunch, pizza was the unanimous decision, so off we went to Papa's Pizza. I say it was average but filling. We all did the buffet with the exception of the bud who reported he wasn't so hungry so he would just have a slice of pizza. LOL 

  Hmmmm, who was hungry and who wasn't?????

Then we went and took the dolphin tour aka ferry ride and saw even more dolphins this time around and the boat was way less crowded so it was pretty darn neat!

After a quick stop at Sonic we headed inside for a cool adventure at the movies since it was so stinking hot today. There was an arcade area inside the theater and we dropped a few quarters since we were a bit early for our flick!

 

Movie was ahhhh, there is not much I can say and I will not even be reporting which movie we saw. Mixed reviews from our crew though there were a few laughs not a favorite for sure!

 

Back into the pool we went and also did some hot tub time which we all seem to enjoy!

 

Then it was on to the bikes. Yes, we decided to rent the multiple passenger bike and take a little 2 mile ride down the seawall. We had a destination in mind for dessert so off we went. When we arrived we had to find a good place to secure our rented bike...

Then we headed into The Spot for our long awaited for dessert!

 Dessert :)

Personally, I had carrot cake :/

Others had ice cream...

It was a hoot. Ringing the little bell for EVERYTHING was hilarious and we also raced with another bike which was pretty funny too! WE also took a few detours! 

We returned the cart, walked the pier and returned to the room to bed down for the night. It's been another great day of sun, surf and sand! Can't say I am happy about having to head home tomorrow but we knew this day was coming. I know I will be on the beach first thing in the morning getting those last few minutes of beach time in!

Donuts, Horses & BEACH

If you are seeing a theme here you might be right! We are enjoying the BEACH! Today was awesome! Even though there was no early morning surf, there was early morning on the beach...it was a gorgeous sunrise.

 Sunrise

Then Uncle G treated to donuts, NOT KrispyKreme but Shipley's. Hmmm sometimes GPS are wrong so you take what you can get and we did and the lemon filled were really good and I do know that first hand :/

Like the 5 of us needed 2 dozen donuts...

 LilBlue chowin' down on the glazed!

After we enjoyed our sugar high it was off to Jamaica Beach and riding horses bayside. We showed up early and shared treats with all the horses who were in the pen. 

 

 The horses enjoyed the bread, apples and carrots we brought!

 Then when it was our turn to ride we shared with the horses that were chosen for us. I use "us" loosely since that "us" did not include all of "us" meaning I stayed behind to enjoy a book, the shade and a nice breeze!!!

 LilBlue & MiB getting ready to roll, MiB took the goPro camera

 Lil Blue w/Valentine, MiB w/Quitta

  

the Bud and Trigger aka B.S. (butt scratcher)

Pics from on the ride from the goPro...

 Uncle G & Rambo 

 Group shot on the bay

 Riding along the bay

Still along the bay

 Big smile from LilBlue :)

 Uncle G rolling in on Rambo with the Bud and Trigger bringing up the rear!

 The riding crew with their guide Nicole who just happened to be from Independence MO!

  Rambo needing a rest after doing back to back rides today goes straight in the pen to lay down and roll in the dirt!

After the horseback riding we went to lunch at a decent Mexican place that is out here on the island since driving back in mainland to LaBrisa just takes way too much valuable time and we wanted to hit the beach ASAP.



Beach was great today, no dead fish in sight, however there were some bones you had to watch out for as they did hurt a bit to step on in the shallow waters. LilBlue also had a very tiny jelly fish stings but she endured and a great time was had by all. 

 Beach time :)

Back to the hotel and doing a little pool time topped off our water therapy time!

 

Hot tubbing it...

 

An hour later and still hot tubbing... 

 We were really enjoying that hot tub!

Some of us, the Bud and I, also got a little more sun kissed then we intended and had to make an aloe vera run! But it's all good we got some awesome lemonade treats, little vino and we are back chillin in the room with our evening snacks. Tomorrow will definitely be more beach and who knows what else we will find to do on our last full day in G-town!