To Grandmothers House We Go

James, Molly and I have spent the past few days with my parents house and it's been lovely.

All ready to go to Nannie and Popa Morgans house!

Josh is on a business trip and I had a bridal shower for a dear friend, so we decided to stay for a while.
Kristin had a beautiful shower at the beach, it was so fun to catch up with old friends and literally see her showered with love. I'm so excited for her and her awesome fiancé. They make the perfect pair. I thought she looked very Kate Middleton, no?

I tried to edit the picture in iPhoto, but I have trouble with that app. Kind of neat, but not exactly what I was going for.

I had fun wrapping her present and tried to be a little shabby chic, while using a template I had pinned on Pinterest.

I've been going 'homemade' on wrapping and cards lately. Mostly because I don't want to bring James shopping with me. I have mental images of him yelling until I let him take every card off the rack. I'm probably imagining the worst, but still he likes to be very hands on. So I take out some scrapbook supplies and go to town. I'm really missing Paper Source these days, but wouldn't dare bring James in there-ha!

We are enjoying our time with Nannie and Poppa Morgan. James and Molly just got back from their third walk of the morning. So I'm off to play trucks.

Pumpkin Patch 1.0

We had our very first trip to the Pumpkin Patch this past weekend.  It was a little more than a pumpkin patch - maybe more of a fall festival at Cox Farms.  I should have realized when I hit bumper to bumper traffic a mile out on a 2 lane country road that what was in store was much more than pumpkins in a field...

I've been dying to go with my bestie Jen every since I saw her son's pumpkin patch pictures years ago, so we joined a few thousand (yes thousand) other families on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  A little overwhelmed by the swarms of people I left my good camera in the car, that in addition to our pumpkin outfit not in just yet and daddy being at the Redskins Games, our first visit to the pumpkin patch, most certainty won't be the last.

The pictures I did capture on my cracked and fading faster than I can update my apps iphone were pretty darn cute.

We baby bijorned through the corn maze.

 James was a little uncertain at first on the hayride.

How do I get off this thing?!

 He hung onto momma pretty tight

 My new facebook profile picture - thanks to our fall adventures

 James started to warm up to the hay- he had lots of fun playing with it.

 Hey, I like hay.

 Despite all the fun around him, what was the only thing he was interested in?  Hay.

 He finally found the pumpkins to be slightly amusing.

 Then the pumpkin hat got passed on from Jen

 I died a little bit

 We both had so much fun

 I love this profile.  He just has every last bit of my heart

Can't wait for more fun at our next adventure...
Pumpkin Patch 2.0

Family Game Day

I'm really loving game days with my family.

 A few weeks ago, while watching a game at a friends house, I commented how you really can't beat watching a game lounging on a sofa, sitting in AC, hearing what happened during the play on the hi-def TV and eating ice cream. 

My younger self WOULD HAVE DIED.  I can't believe how things have changed.  When we are at games, we usually are in the shade, have a TV to look at and even ice cream during the third quarter - thanks champions club.  Still I can't believe I actually said out loud that I really like watching games on TV in the comfort of home (at someone's house vs a game viewing party). 

The social aspect of going to games and tailgating all over the SEC, has always been my favorite pastime of mine and Josh-heck it's how we met and fell in love. There hasn't even been a time in my life until now that I haven't been on the board of the Gator Club in whatever city we were living in-which entails watching games with all the other Gator fans in the geographic region.

But things change...

Babies don't go to bars, and jet setting throughout the south eastern (and now kind of western) conference seems a little more daunting with a baby on board.

Although my taste in game-viewing has matured evolved, one thing is still the same.  The Gator Games I've enjoyed the most are the ones watched with my very best friends.

I'm glad James has already learned this lesson.

Editors note: they were not actually watching the game, we still honor the "no TV for babies" guidelines at our house.  Luckily bed time was about 30 minutes after kick-off so mommy only missed the fist quarter, and daddy "owes me one."

-

Ring My Bell

or chime in this case...

At church this morning, the handbell choir debuted their new hand chimes, and boy was it beautiful!  It set the stage for an amazing sermon on Discipleship, and growing.  Over the next few weeks our pastor is going to go more indepth on four categories of discipleship: Contemplation, Character, Calling and Community.  I put them in that order because that's the order of my weakness to strongest.  I'm sad we'll be driving back from the FL GA game next weekend and I'll miss the message on Contemplation, but will be listening when it gets posted.  In the meantime, I plan to address this area post haste. 

A few weeks ago on Show Us Your Life - Friday the topic was favorite devotionals and bible studies.  From doing a little research, reading various posts, and seeing posts from my blog buddies, I'm planning to order and read the following:

Nine Months to a Miracle: Spiritual Preparation for Moms-to-Be by Mari Hanes

 

Expecting: Praying for Your Child's Development-Body and Soul by Marla Taviano

 

Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker 

I've got a pot of my favorite soup, Gingered Squash and Pear, on the stove.  Although it's been a pretty productive weekend, there's still a LOT to do today!  

I just noticed my open back door has let a bee into our house, always an adventure-ha!

Some quite time

Ok Friday afternoon and I finally have a moment to sit down and breath.  I have the makings of apple and butternut squash soup on the stove and a trip to the American Art Museum with my parents on the docket for this afternoon.  Immersion Blender and Monet all in one day-yes please?!?

What's been keeping me so busy?  Well two back to back mini vacations that covered the entire eastern seaboard made the past two "long" weekends set our schedules off just a little bit.  Hopefully I'll actually write about our amazing trip to Maine

and time in Florida.

Considering I haven't posted about our trip to Greece four months ago or most of our summer adventures (post pregnancy coma) chances may be slim-ha!

My life should have plenty of free time, but once I began to recover from my extreme pregnancy exhaustion and sickness, I loaded up on the extra curricular.  Probably not the best idea.  Like when I tried to do what I have set to be delegated to five overachieving volunteers all myself yesterday for our first literacy night with my junior league committee.  Good thing my parents are visiting for a bit and both helped me out!  I know I'm going to have to start phasing my pastime of professional volunteer down big time, but I'm really loving it now.
I also have to add prepping the house and nursery for baby to my list.  I haven't done anything, but the list keeps growing.  Hopefully I can find some time on my husband's even more hectic schedule to get ready for baby because ready or not-he's coming.

An End of an Era

In doing my best to motivate Josh to go to the Farmer's Market with me on Saturday morning, I told him we only have about 20 more weekends of our life to be able to do this!  Let's get out of bed and go! 

I was later informed by one of my best friends husband that we in fact only have about 20 more weekends to sleep in.  Sooner than we know it, we will have done more on Saturday and Sunday by 11 am than we used to in the whole weekend, having kids means no more sleeping in-ha!

Well, I'm still glad we went to the Farmers Market down the street in beautiful "downtown" Falls Church. For some reason, that I do not approve of dogs are not allowed at the Farmers Market.  Much to Josh's opposition (he is a big rule follower), I put Molly in a huge LLBean tote and carried her around with her little head poking out of the top-she LOVED it!

My mission at the Farmers Market was two fold.  Stock up on some fresh tomatoes (tomato sandwiches are my mainstay survival food right now), and a get a savory crepe.  Mission accomplished!

Josh picked up some sweet hot pickles and an eggplant to round out our trip.

Later in the afternoon, we went out to our friend Jen and John's house.  The boys went to the driving range while Jack took his afternoon nap, then we all headed downtown for the DC Gator Club's night with the Nationals.  It was so fun!

Of course we only made it to the fourth inning-way past a two-year-old's (and two preggo's) bed time.  The funny part is he fared much better on the metro ride home than I did-ha!

Hope y'all had a great weekend, too!

Springing Forward

Friday night, I decided it was high time to treat myself to a new pair of shoes.  I'm really ready for Spring to finally get here, so I figured buying a pair of nude peep toe pumps with a little bow would bring it to me a little faster.  So far my hypothesis has yet to be proven, but I'm still holding out.  I may need add some variables (more fun springy shoes in various shades) in order to reach a valid conclusion.  Ahh, the labor I must endure in the name of research and warm weather.

Speaking of the scientific method, research, statistics, etc- Weight Watchers has a new points algorithm, based more on the structure of food and as far as I'm concerned more focused on the glycemic index.  I was volunteering at the American Heart Association's Heart Ball at the Ritz a few weeks ago and one of my fellow Junior Leaguers was telling me about it.  I was intrigued.  When one of my friends asked me to join with her two Friday's ago-I decided to give it a shot, and drug Josh along with me.  He's mostly just interested in meeting Jennifer Hudson, and I can't really blame him, but I doubt she will be showing up to our meeting anytime soon.  I have to say I am thrilled with the new Points Plus Structure, the system combined with the work I have been doing with my nutritionist for the past year is really clicking.  I lost 10 pounds my first week!  Woo Hoo!  Anyway, we went out to lunch after the meeting and this is what I had:
Apple and Butternut Squash Soup, Corn and Crab Salad and sauteed veggies-YUM YUM YUM.

Later that night I was off to Baltimore to see Bethenny Frankel at her Skinny Girl Night Out Tour.  It was so fun!

I was up before dawn to volunteer with the Phi Mu DC Alumnae Group at the St. Patrick's Day 8K.  I think all this craziness has messed up my internal clock.

I'm not going to lie, I haven't been able to get straight on springing forward just yet.  I am totally out of wack and keep falling asleep on the sofa and have no idea what clock is telling me the right time in the morning-ha!  I hope to get it straightened out and fix all the clocks in my house after Junior League tonight.

Have you been able to successfully Spring Forward?

Don't you love

spending time with friends you haven't seen in a while and being able to pick up right where you left off?  I'm one lucky girl because I am blessed to be able to do this with all of my fab friends.  Life's journey has lead us to live hundreds of miles away, but the friendships we built (sharing pitchers at the Swamp and Grog House's beat the clock) have continued to thrive.

KMK, Keiper, K Pierno, K sara sara came to DC a few weekends ago to participate in a Human Rights Summit.  She flew in a day early so we could dance party USA, have a big ol slumber party, and try to eat as much cheese and chocolate as humanly possible.  Lucky for us Mother Nature decided to extend our party and gave us a snow day aka adult recess. 

A snow storm was rumored to hit DC in the afternoon she arrived.  I was able to slip out of work about the same time as all the Federal Government employees, but I guess ran to my car faster than everyone else and was a step ahead in traffic.  What should have been a 20 minute car trip, took us 2 hours, but took those who departed a few minutes behind us 8-10 hours.  I spent the car ride impressing Keiper with my mad snow driving skills, singing Ke$ha and entertaining both of us by fish-tailing on 495 one too many times.

Josh welcomed us home and built us a fire and broke out the Vino and snacks.  It was a fun filled night.  Just as Keiper introduced me to Gossip Girl a few years ago in Nashville, I returned the favor and introduced her to The Real Housewives of Atlanta-and her love affair with NeNe began.  We had a great night singing, giggling and all out laughing by the fire, but the real fun began the next morning with the snow day!

Playing in the snow!

 making snow angles

"leaping" into snow banks...

We had a great time together.  The next night we went out in DC.  There was this place I'd been wanting to go to right by her hotel on Embassy Row called ChruchKey.  Turns out the upstairs is the club/lounge Churchkey and the downstairs is Birch and Barley the restaurant.  As we begin climbing the stairs and the music and noise get louder, we turned to eat other and with just a glance knew we would rather be in the quieter restaurant area.  Once again my limiting my nightlife experience to revolve around food, I find it funny that I have only been "out" in DC once.  Don't get me wrong I'm in the city a few times a week.  I've been to countless happy hours and dinners, just never out after 10 with the sole purpose of grabbing a drink, dancing, etc.  We sampled a few wines and beer and share some amazing appys.  Include Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts, which I recreated the following evening.  Best of all we talked and talked and talked some more!  We even had a mini photo shoot with my iphone.

I love knowing that we will be there for each other through life's ups and downs.  It's great to know you have a tried and true friend that will be there to sunbathe in the tropics or just be on the other end of the phone line when you are facing one of life's challenges.  We both miss that life isn't one big slumber party at the sorority house anymore, but are glad that we'll always have the memories and the chance to make many many more.

Soooo

Is it really Friday?  Wow-what a crazy busy week!  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Lots of awesome things happening, means crazy busy right?

So last weekend was slightly dedicated to the Junior League, then my sorority pulled ahead and will probably remain the front runner for time commitments until after recruitment in January...because....I was asked to be the Membership Adviser!  Decorations, bump groups, skits, songs and video's?  YES PLEASE!

So my weekend kicked off at the March of Dimes Heroines in Technology Event on Friday night.  It was beautiful.  The silent auction was awesome and I did want to bid on a few items, but of course the things I liked everyone else did, too.

Saturday morning, my alarm went off at 6:30 and I was off to help set-up for the CFF's Breath of Life Gala at the National Building Museum-it was sooo beautiful!

I headed up to Maryland to meet up with two fantastic bloggy buddies The Preppy Pink & Green Puppy and I Do Declare for lunch at Victoria's Gastro Pub.  Oh my it was fantastic!  After our awesome lunch, we hit up Hobby Lobby.  My first trip to this crafter's superstore didn't disappoint. 

Josh and I met up with Jen and John to watch the Gator, Gamecock Game.  We were not thrilled with the results, but if anyone had to win we're glad it was Spurrier.

Sunday, was brunch with my Phi Mu DC Alumnae Chapter - it was so much fun!!

Then I did some serious house cleaning, Josh and I were ships passing in the night-ha considering he was on a boat fishing.  I headed up to American University's campus to help with chapter elections, a fun filled four hours!  It was so great getting to know the ladies of the chapter, and I really felt the amazing impact that I can offer as an adviser.  It was so neat to mentor and encourage these young women-I'm looking forward to getting to know them even more!  I'm looking forward to another weekend of Gator Games, Junior League and Sorority Advising!  Oh yes and prepping for Thanksgiving-we are having about 10 friends over for the big dinner!

Back to the Grind

Oh Monday, how you come so quickly.  I am in recovery mode from this weekend.  And by recovery, I mean I am still in physical pain from all the food I consumed at Robyn and David's wedding and rehearsal dinner.  Wowzers!  I don't think I should need to eat for a few days.  AND don't even have room for coffee in my tummy this morning-that's saying something.  Considering I had three speciality coffees at the end of the reception I should also have a caffeine buzz that lasts another day or two.  How could I turn down multiple personalized peppermint mocha's made with Godiva liquor and Creme de Menthe?  Considering I don't know the definition of will power, I couldn't. 

Monday's mean the commute to work is back on.  And I have switched mine up a little in the past few weeks.  Luckily I live fairly close to my office, so my 4-5 mile commute shouldn't take that long, but seeing I live just outside of DC-one of the most trafficy spots in the country my 4-5 miles translates to 45 minutes up to two hours, yes, two hours.  For the past year and a half I have driven the same city streets to work every morning.  Although the inner loop is a straight shot from my house to my office, I have never really taken it to get to work.

I have always been a city street kind of gal.  When we stayed in the hotel this summer, I discovered I could take a few less traveled highways and get to work lickety split.  So once we moved back home, I decided to give 495 a go.  Although it is pure chaos coming and going, it has shaved some serious time off my commute.  So, I've traded my 45 minute leisurely drive chatting on the cell to a 20 minute run of pure adrenaline.  If I don't pay 100% attention, I would end up flipped over in a ditch on the side of the road.  Gosh I love DC traffic!

Is It Friday Already?

Oh my how this week has flown-by.  I have to excuse myself because I have been knee-deep in boxes all week. 

I'm talking 6-midnight every night of unpacking, organizing and cleaning.  I am so proud of the progress I've made.  To tell the truth, I wouldn't have been as motivated and maybe would have been able to spend some quality time with my DVR and big screen TV for premier week, but my in-laws arrive this afternoon.  I wanted everything to be in tip-top shape for their visit. 

I'm looking forward to a wonderful weekend with family as we celebrate the union of Josh's cousin Robyn!  Looking forward to the lavish affair and the Viennese dessert table at the reception-yay!

We're hoping to be able to sneak in the second half of the Kentucky game after the rehearsal dinner, as always:

Finally Friday!

What a week!

The movers are moving our furniture back in today-it's going to be so great to be home tonight!!

This week, responsibility trumped my social calendar.  I'm still not 100% sure how that makes me feel, but I'm pretty sure it means I'm growing up. 

So, I didn't make it to a happy hour on Georgetown's Waterfront or at The University Club.  But I was a good homeowner, good wife and a good friend.  And the latter two are probably the most important things I could possibly be. 

Not only did I give up happy hours, but I'm also giving up a Gator Game road trip - which is an extreme rarity.  No Neyland Stadium or tailgating on the Tennessee River this weekend in Knoxville. For the very first time since I was a freshman at UF, I will not be sitting in the stands as the Gators take on the Vols.  I will be unpacking boxes, while watching the game on TV.  Sigh.  With that, there's only one thing to say:

Cheering on the Gators

Gator Football is a big deal for us.  We met going to a game, we re-met eight years later at various post-game activities in various SEC cities.  Needless to say going to Gator Games together is one of our favorite activities.  Although we had big plans for this season, due to weddings and the Great Thompson Flood of 2010, we quickly realized that we would only be visiting the Swamp and tailgating in Gainesville once this season.  Needless to say we were going to make it count.

Tailgating Thompson style takes a little bit of pre-planning.  We leave coolers and other game-day gear at our secondary headquarters, Josh's parent's house.  Josh also coordinated to have our needed supplies delivered to their house for easy pick-up.  This year that included special order grits and tickets to the game (two VERY important things).  If you've ever had Georgia Ice Cream, then you would agree.  If you haven't then you need to and fast!

Now, we needed to focus on the rest of our supplies.  Which also entails a trip to our favorite store Publix, gosh I love and miss that place.  So on our flight down I made our list and checked it twice.

So after a brief stop, and an overflowing shopping cart we were ready for Cheese Grits and Egg Sandwiches pre-game, and Cheese Steaks for the post game tailgate.

Josh cooked up a storm by 9 am.

The beautiful sights of early morning tailgating.

And don't start to think for a second that we aren't set up with Bloody Mary's in hand by 8:30 am every game day in Gainesville whether the game is at noon or 8 pm.  We get there as soon as the RV lot opens and let the good times roll.

Sadly with the early kick-off, it made it difficult for me to tailgate hop.  Luckily, my friends had a parking pass in the same lot, making it much easier to meet up with the besties!

Game Time, nothing like it I tell ya!

Walking to the game my dad did make the comment that he could tell I'd been gone for the past two years because we were actually able to walk to the game with out stopping 200+ times to say hello or talk to a friend of mine.  That kind of made me sad, guess I've lost my title of Honorary Mayor of Gainesville.

We had a great time at the game, so glad to be able to spend time with my #1 gator girlfriend.  We've been going to games together for the past 13 years-wow.  I do have to say I much prefer sitting in her seats now in the shade and air conditioning of Touchdown Terrace than with the sun blaring down on us with no room to move in our block in the student section!  But I wouldn't trade those days of Lemon Ices for anything, well maybe a TT cookie or two. 

The post game tailgate.  Part of the crowd due to Josh's famed Cheese Steaks the other part due to tailgating with the quarterbacks parents.  I'll leave it up to you to decide which drew the larger crowd JT or JB - ha!

We topped the day off wishing Robey at happy 21st with the largest sheet cake I've ever seen.  By then soaring temps pushed me to the sidelines and I was ready for some AC and H20!  Josh did tell me he knew I was officially old when I wanted to be home and in bed before 10 pm on a game day. 

It's true, although I may not recognize as many friendly faces as I walk to the stadium and may want to turn in when the post game party is just getting started.  I still love my Gators and all the wonderful friends, family and memories this team has brought me.