I'm A Sucker For...

I like to think that I make pretty rational decisions most of the time, but I guess I will always be a sucker for some things. Aaaand it doesn't help to be in the home stretch of pregnancy where my will power is slightly diminishing. Don't judge me.

Anything 'Cake Batter', and if you want to know what heaven is:

Donuts on National Donut Day and taking Will to Krispy Kreme for the first time. He's had a Krispy Kreme donut, but we all know that unless you have them hot off the line it's not the same. Although, he still didn't even want one, so that meant more for me! Seriously though, I don't know how you can watch the freshly glazed jewels come down the line and say no.

A good deal, and even better, a good deal on an iPhone. Yeeaaaahhhh, I know I wanted to break up with Apple, but most of you told me you were happy with the 6's and I already knew I liked the camera from trying a friend's. What sealed the deal, though, was the sale that Sam's had last week. I got the 64GB for a whopping $197, which is unheard of. That's a HUNDRED BUCKS off, and I can get minimum $115 for our old phone. We also save money by using Lifeproof cases instead of buying insurance, but since it's not here yet I've had the phone since Friday and it's just sitting on my dresser. I'm telling you, Will gets on to me if I even look at it longingly. Hurry up Mr. Postman! Oh, and anyone need an iPhone 5?

Tubing down the river against my doctors advice. Technically, he never said "don't tube down the river", but I'm pretty sure it was implied when he gave me a long speech about not traveling at this point, staying near the hospital, taking it easy, etc, etc. Sorry doc...we had to get one trip in this year, because we probably won't be here next summer.

As usual, it was an absolute blast to leisurely float down a river on a warm Alabama day with some of our best friends. It's sad that we've got the whole trip down to a science now that it's probably the last time we will go, but oh well. We will most definitely end up stationed here in the future, and it will be a whole new adventure we can share with Charlie. Perhaps a little more G-Rated when she comes, but fun nonetheless.

This. Weekend. Was. Perfect.

Will got off early and we made it to PCB in time to check in, soak in the beautiful condo, and get ready for the maternity pics. I might have struggled with the new falsies I tried to put on and spent a little too much time on my hair, but all that matters is we still had to wait on the lighting to cooperate negating my lateness. Sadly, I don't have any pictures from the shoot because we really maximized our two hours of sunlight with tons of poses, three outfit changes (I seriously hope no one looked close as I straight up changed on the beach while Will tried to hold a towel), and the 500+ pictures we did manage to take.  The wind was TERRIBLE, so let's also hope she got some where you can see my face in spite of the wind whipping it around. Hence why my hair had no curl by the time we went to dinner:

But yeah...the real fun was Saturday when we hit the beach! 

Carrie drove down to enjoy the fun in the sun with us and it couldn't have turned out to be a better day. We laid out, I took them to a few of my favorite spots: Pompano Joe's for lunch, Hook'd Up for beverages, Kilwin's for ice cream, and even got some pool time in back at the condo before we finally called it a day.

I envisioned brunch, shopping, and another day of fun on Sunday, but let's be real...we couldn't hang that much in one weekend if we tried. Instead, I woke up to flowers, a delicious breakfast, and we spent the rest of the day watching Disney movies, napping, grilling wings, and calling all the maternal influences in our lives to send them our love.

It's weird to think that this could have been the last time we catch some zzz's on the couch as just a couple. I thought for sure we wouldn't fit or that I would be too uncomfortable in my state to sleep, but I think that was the most comfortable I have been in months; snuggled up and wrapped in his arms. Pretty soon it will be Charlie snuggling on the couch with him, and I guess that's okay too ;) She just better recognize he's mine first! Teehee

My Pet Goats

It was wishful thinking when I mentioned we were going to the beach for Thanksgiving. Yes, we were technically in a beach community, but it was Novemburr and cold which kept us hanging with the livestock on the in-laws farm. I use that term loosely because it's mostly goats, chickens, turkeys, and some exotic birds, however we were tromping around the mud and hay in our wellies, which totally counts as farm life to me.

What I didn't know was all their goats were preggers, and two were born Thanksgiving morning! Baby anything is cute, but baby goats are a whole 'notha level. I was NOT joking when I said if they stayed these little, I'd want one. Matter of fact, I think I want to keep goats when we eventually settle down. Maybe I'll start making Goat Milk products or something.

Other than that, we went to the Orlando Auto Show, , took Momma for her first Sweet Tomatoes experience, dined on Venison, and sang by the bonfire. Actually, the dude singing was from season two of The Voice, but I didn't catch his name or picture. #bloggerfail.

On the way home, we stopped at one of my favorite places in the whole wide world! We passed through St. Augustine, so I begged Will to take me to The Conch House. They are off the beaten path, have amazing food, and you just can't beat the view. You can sit in private elevated gazebos, and it's like eating in a tree house. so fun!

All in all, it was an amazing Thanksgiving, and made me realize how much I have to be thankful for. It sounds cheesy, but it's true...every day is a blessing. Even the bad ones make the good seem that much richer. I don't want to hear that on a bad day, but it doesn't make it less true. Seasons Greetings!

Just Like Riding A Bike

It is true that you can never forget how to ride a bike, however, it isn't near as easy as when you were young, energetic, and fearless. If anyone tells you different...they're liars.

I've been wanting a bike for awhile now, so when my dad offered me one I jumped at the chance. Since I had a bike, that meant we needed one for Will too, and two weeks later we had two bikes for a total cost of $25 bucks. You know how we roll. We are ready to hit the trails, bike around town, and more importantly...we can now go hang out with our friends and I won't have to DD! Just kidding, I still probably won't drink, but it's nice to have the option.

But just so you know, the first day on that bike KILLED my ass...literally. We went about ten miles, and it was aaaaall hills. I expected a lovely afternoon ride, indicated by my casual outfit, and instead I was huffin' and puffin' trying to keep my hat on. In spite of that, we laughed as we walked up a few of the steep ones, edited our route when we needed to, and really enjoyed the smoothies we picked up along the way.

I now think everyone should have a bike!

Kickin' It Old School

In Colorado we had a secret place of sorts. It was a park off the beaten path that Will found near our house. We would take the pup and walk the park to clear our heads, get some fresh air, and spend quality time unplugged. This weekend, I think we found our new unpluggin' spot, and it is quite a pretty one. I'd tell you where it is, but I'd have to kill ya.

But that was the ONLY respite we had the whole weekend. I helped Will study, we went to the local Drive In theater, and we started clearing the brush from the woods behind our house for the Haunted House that is totally going down in a few weeks. It's going to be epic.

We made some bangin' food, as usual, so I also thought I'd throw in an awesome dinner we had. It was easy and A-Mazing, so it could be a last minute dinner or even to wow some guests. Let me introduce you to Steak Pinwheels and  copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad a.k.a. the only Bleu Cheese I will EVER eat. I normally HATE Bleu Cheese, but it is mmhmmh good in this salad.

Steak Pinwheels

2 lb Flank steak (trimmed)

Seasoning (options: S&P, Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper, Molasses Bacon, etc.)

Fresh Spinach

Cheese (options: Mozzarella, Gueyere, Feta, Bleu, etc.)

Butcher's Twine or Skewers

Assemble, Roll, tie, slice, grill, DONE.

(Four minutes each side)

Fuji Apple Salad

Thinly Sliced Apples

Chopped Red Onion

Bleu Cheese Crumbles

Crushed Pecans

Bacon Bits

Panera's Fuji Apple Dressing

Spinach and/or Romaine Lettuce

As you can see, these are pretty customizable, so sub in your favorite seasonings and cheeses. Although, you really should try the Bleu Cheese for the apple salad. I mean it when I say that this is the ONLY dish that I will ever enjoy Bleu Cheese in. Will seconds that, and he hates it just as much as I do. Either way, try this real soon, because it's some good eats!

Mustard and Plum

I know everyone has been all "Pumpkin spice this, and apple cider that...", but somehow Fall still snuck up on me. Other than a 10 degree difference during the twilight hours, it's a far cry from the beautiful Colorado change of season that I'll always miss.

However...I am not complaining that I got to kick off the first day of fall in a sleeveless top, while some states have already gotten snow. I think it will be some time before I actually miss the snow. Maybe by the time a sweltering Southern Christmas shows up, I'll be retracting that.

It's funny, I found that top in an antique market and my dad looked at me like I was crazy when I just had to have it. Little did he know, I would get compliments on it all day! I think Mustard really is an amazing, versatile color, and I have a feeling you will be seeing a lot of it from me.

What are your go-to colors for fall? Would you rock mustard?

Happy Fall!

We Conquered The Choctawhatchee River!

As soon as I heard we were moving to Fort Rucker, summertime tubing was the FIRST thing that came to my mind. Yep, even before family. I've spent a lot of time with family since high school, but my life has been lacking in tubing time. Those of you that have been...back me up...it really IS one of the best pastimes on Earth. Am I right or am I right?

Originally, I thought we'd have to go all the way to Blackwater River or Marianna, but the boys are AWESOME and found the Choctawhatchee River runs right by us. They are so good that they planned rides to and from, scouted the river, Will called the Game Warden to assure us we weren't going to be eaten by gators, and we got REAL tubes from an 18 wheeler dealer. All I had to do was mention that I wanted to go, and the next thing I knew...

It was the first time we outnumbered the boys, and only one of us cried the whole day! I'm going to plead the fifth on who was the one to cry...it happens. I will say that no one saw said tears, and I, I mean 'she' was bleeding at the time. You would be right to assume that alcohol was involved, and dingdingding, I'm NOT pregnant!

While we sipped our beverages and took lots of #selfies, the boys bungee corded our convoy together. It was toolegittoquit with eight tubes, a floating couch to hold our dry stuff, and three coolers full of booze. We were livin' large on our redneck barge.

We all agreed that the best part of the whole day was the rope swing we came across, and it basically appeared out of nowhere like a gift from the man upstairs. Sure, we could have died in the shallow water, but it would have been soooo worth it.

I know, Will's backflip was more exciting, but he was Captain of our barge and had to show us all how it was done. Captain, Oh My Captain...lead us to more fun.

After four hours, we came to a bridge that wasn't the best stopping point, but we all knew that it was time to call it a day. We had another six miles to the next bridge, and six more miles floating lazily down the river would have taken far too long. We called our ride, hoped he could find us, and found ways to kill time. Will and I happened to take a 'walk' in the woods, which is where I got most of my bug bites, but it was so worth it. I'll never forget that 'walk', although I'll leave that part out when I tell this story to the grandkids. Either way, we came back in perfect timing to catch our ride and call it a day.

Technically, we all came home with massive bumps, bruises, bug bites, and hangovers, but there were no ER visits, zero lost phones-keys-wallets, and our ride managed to find us in the middle of nowhere with beer to spare, so I call it a win. Let's just say, we all agree that we will wait a bit before going again. Our livers and bodies in general need a break.

A Perfect Thanksgiving

Last year, I spent Thanksgiving alone eating Cheez-Its, and Will spent it in Afghanistan. Obviously, you can put that in the "worst" Thanksgiving category.

This year? We made up for lost time. We didn't travel, we didn't go out for a fancy dinner, and we didn't celebrate with the masses. Instead, we spent the whole day together, gathered wood to get us through until we move, had a movie marathon, and filled our kitchen with more yummy food than we knew what to do with.

*Side note: Mix Apple Cider with your red wine for the holidays. Hello.

Would we have loved to spend the day with our families? Yes, but we have our own {albeit little} family now, and it is more than enough. It's funny how this man who used to be a stranger, is now the most precious member of my family, and after five years... that still has me in awe. The simple fact that I get to share Thanksgiving with him, is all that this girl truly needs to make it perfect. I hope you all had a great and meaningful Day of Thanks. We need to be thankful everyday, of course, but I'm happy that we have a reminder every year, and that we get to kick off the holiday season with thanks and blessings. 

Now, you are probably getting your Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping on, while I will be slangin' wangs. I asked off for the long weekend, but duty calls and I can't say no. At least I'll be making money instead of spending it. I say bring on the holiday tips, and I wish you amazing deals without any physical altercations. 

~UPDATE~

If you want a chance to WIN stuff from the safety of your own home, then you should go visit Chantal @ Scattered Seashells. You will find yours truly helping to give away some swag, so get'on'it.

If You Don't Appreciate Romance Or Beautiful Scenery...

You should look away.

The rest of you can enjoy the beautiful Colorado backdrop that we will miss when we move. For those of you that asked, we are moving to Fort Rucker, Alabama, and it will probably happen within the next six months! We are still waiting for orders {instructions and dates for our move}, so now we are just soaking up  every last drop of Colorado that we can.

Colorado, you have treated us well the last three years, and we promise to make the most of you in our remaining time! Now, we need a whole new bucket list for Colorado...

+A Colorado Blogger meetup

+At least one more trip to Denver to see Sami.

+I want to try out these Hot Springs I keep hearing about.

+Seven Falls, weather permitting

+The Broadmoor for the tree lighting and brunch, of course.

+Uwe's German Restaurant

+My FAVORITE little bistro, Coquettes

+Mona Lisa Fondue

+The Sunbird. We just went, but we have a $50 GC left.

And I'm sure I will add a few more as we go along.

Now I just can't wait to spend another surprise weekend with Will coming up! You see, there is a big possibility that he will, in fact, miss my Birthday for the fourth time in a row. I may have already cried a few times about it, but he's going above and beyond to make this time special for me. He will be gone for a month again, so this last week is dedicated to us. I even told him that if they make him go to work on Friday, I will be working right along with him. If they think they can take him from me for a month for no gosh darn reason, then I won't give up the days that he's supposed to be off. Don't think I won't. They are just lucky that I'm not planning to stow away on the bus, and boy would that make a good story for the blog. Hmm...I'm pretty sure I could fit in his duffel bag...