Saying Goodbye Part 2

Back in June we said goodbye to my sweet golden, Callie. I thought she had been tired from the new baby and late nights and finally decided to take her in for a check up. Little did I know that would be the last visit to the vet. The doctor so kindly let me know that she was basically dying from the inside out with cancerous spots all over. It was so sad! I was wearing George in the Boba for the appointment and was crying all over him! I never thought Callie and I would only have 8 short years together. She was the most gentle, loyal and loving dog. If I had to guess she's probably laying in the sun right now chewing on a stick. 

The last picture of George and Callie before saying goodbye

Monday's Ramblings

Hello and how do you do last week of September? When did you get here?? Mr. B and I are going to be living up this week because come October we are challenging ourselves to Whole 30 and Sobertober (sober + October)! If you know me and I have a cocktail in hand or a giant piece of bread no judgement please as I'm sure I've already had enough self talk for all of us. 

--Any van mom's out there? Does yours have an onboard vaccum? Isn't it life changing? Am I old for getting excited over that and volunteering to handle that chore?

--Peekaboo! Look at this cutie. Yes, what you see is basically an 80's style play pen. We caved and are those people now. It's actually a lifesaver, but a serious eye sore for obvious reasons. And don't overlook that lil tongue!

--Run, don't walk to your kitchen and make Ina Garten's Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes. Now! For dinner! Tonight!

--Went to Kohl's looking for picture frames and was smacked in the face with a full-fledged Christmas section. There are so many things wrong with this! First and foremost it's still 80+ degrees in NC. Let's get through September before we're singing Deck the Halls.

--We've decided to cut the cord. The cable cord! After a quick search for best streaming services we went with Sling TV. We're waiting to completely iron out any issues before truly cancelling our cable service, but we're moving in the right direction! The only thing is NBC isn't live in our area and CBS doesn't do streaming services, so we may have to get an over the air antenna. Any ideas about those? Anyone else cut the cord and have any pros/cons?

--Basic girl things: Autumn Wreath candle from Yankee Candle and a Venti Iced Coffee with 3 pumps classic and soy milk from Starbucks (thanks Dad!). 

--I previously professed my love for Radio Andy on XM, but I also love Channel 109 - Stars. Wake Up with Taylor. Financially Fearless with Alexa von Tobel. Just Jenny. Plus, Bobby Flay is going to have a new limited series!

--Currently loving this picture from our last 2 girls weekends. Top picture is last October versus the bottom a couple weeks ago! Since last October we've welcomed 3 new babies to the group - all boys too! Love these girls. Who's your tribe?

--Anyone heard of Lipsense lipsticks? Go over and follow Smooch by April! Basically it's a long lasting, kissable, smudge proof lipstick/lipgloss. What you do is put the lipstick on 3 times top/bottom then apply a gloss to seal it in. I'm not a huge lipstick person, but I like that with the gloss it's less lipstick and more lipgloss feeling. I currently have the Aussie Rose color with the clear Glossy Gloss and I just ordered a new color, Roseberry, which is a matte color and will be great for fall!

 What are your Monday ramblings? Until next time... have a great day, ya'll!

Saying Goodbye

Its been 9 years since the last time I said goodbye and that was to my grandfather. It never gets easier. It doesn't matter how much older or wiser you are the heart is still tender. On August 26th we said goodbye to my father in law. Though he was ill for awhile, the timing was unexpected yet serendipitous in a way. We had just come off of a beach week with Mr. B's family where a lot of quality time was spent with him. In a way it seems God knew his plan. To have everyone together. For him to meet his grandsons. To spend time with them. See their smiling faces and learn a little bit about them. It will be an amazing memory for years to come watching him with George, laughing and smiling ear to ear. I feel blessed to have even known him and to experience the outpouring of love and hear his stories from friends and family. He was a kind, loyal and hardworking man just like his son.

Every night since the funeral we make sure to say our prayers with George and thank our angels above who watch over us and who have left a lasting mark on our hearts. Even though George will never remember his Granddaddy, we will make sure his spirit continues to live on in our family forever.

Life's Afterglow

When I am gone, release me, let me go

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,

Be thankful for our many beautiful years.

I gave to you my love. You can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust,

It's only for a time that we must part

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear

All my love around you soft and clear.

And, then when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home!"

Well, hello!

It's been a crazy 8 months (to the day) since I last posted. For one, we have the sweetest, most handsome 9 month old that has stolen our hearts more and more with each passing day. That's an obvious update, but let's get down to the real things that matter (wink, wink)! Let's see if I can get everyone (really myself) up to speed on what we've been up to!

What we've been eating... everyone knows I love to cook and if I could really spend my days doing something fulfilling part of that would be with cooking. But, the dinner hour has proven to be a challenge the last 9 months. I think we're finally getting into a good groove though. You know I love my homemade pizzas and the one below did not disappoint! This was sort of a chopped version as I was trying to use what we had on hand and it turned out delicious. Basically it's fresh mozzarella, ricotta, sauteed broccoli, and diced chicken - yum! 

I feel I would be doing everyone a disservice if I didn't pass on the two recipes below as well. I can't remember if we've talked about these carrots before, but I've never been a fan of plain ol' carrots for dinner. The glazed carrots from Cooks Illustrated are anything but and will make you an instant lover.  I've made them so many times my cookbook basically just opens to that page! Last, everyone needs something sweet right?? Do not pass up these chocolate chip cookies from the Pinch of Yum blog. They look basic, but who doesn't like an oldie but a goodie?

Glazed Carrots - Cooks Illustrated
1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch *I use the bagged baby carrots and it works perfectly!
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Bring carrots, broth, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt to boil, covered, over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until carrots are almost tender when poked, about 5 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to high and simmer rapidly, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to about 2 tablespoons, 1-2 minutes. Add butter and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar to skillet, toss carrots to coat, and cook until carrots are completely tender and glaze is light gold, about 3 minutes. Off heat, add lemon juice and toss to coat.

What we've been reminiscing about... pretty simple - the last 9 months! All of a sudden it's really hit us that we have a 9 month old, and looking back on that time I feel like I had amnesia for most of it! Just thinking back on those long days and nights it feels like years ago. It's crazy how different developmentally babies can be from day to day! The only way I know how to slow the time is by letting G fall asleep on me sometimes. It's just the sweetest and I know that is also quickly coming to an end as well. How do I bottle up the last 9 months so we never forget each step we've taken together?

What I've been loving... tea! You heard it right from the previously self proclaimed Starbucks addict. My current fave is the Blueberry and Aloe Herbal Tea from Bigelow. So yummy and perfect for cooler weather!

What we've been up to... we have been everywhere! Let's see, first we were at the beach with Mr. B's family then we were off to another beach with my family which were both much needed time away. We took family pictures, we went to a wedding and we recently had a weekend away with my college friends and all of their husbands and sweet babies. We basically packed a summer's worth of activities into the last 2 months! 

Atlantic Beach, NC

Holden Beach, NC

my forever date
Leesburg, VA

all the kiddies from our girls weekend! ages 4 months - 5 years
Cherry Grove, SC

What I'm dreading... is it too early to say cold weather?? Ice. Snow. Blah!!

What I'm working on... G's birthday isn't until December, but I've already started thinking about decorations and presents and cake, oh my! First time mother, first born baby problems. Oh well, I guess there could be worse things right??

What I'm excited about... Fall is really a fun time in our family! September is Mr. B's birthday, our anniversary is in October, my birthday is in November and now G's birthday in December. It's crazy, but I'm really excited to celebrate all of those things plus the holidays and all the festivities that come all with that. Is it too early to start listening to Christmas music??

What I'm watching/reading... I've been obsessed with Younger on TV Land this summer! It's such a good show that's reminiscent of Sex and the City. It just ended, but you can catch it on demand. They are already renewed for another season!

I thought with all of our beach time recently that I would have time to read a few books. Um... no one told me I was loco for thinking that. I maybe read 10 pages of Crazy Rich Asians. I've heard such great things about this book, but who knows how long it will take me to read it... ya know between baby duty and all! For real though, of the few pages I did read it's been good so far plus they are making the 3 book series into a movie!

What I'm listening to... 2 things - Radio Andy on XM and Saltwater Gospel by Eli Young Band! All.summer.long!

What we're doing this weekend... considering we've been gone almost 2 months we will be home getting it back in order and enjoying some quiet quality time together!

What we're looking forward to next month... our 2nd anniversary! Maybe we'll get a date night out of it - wink, wink!

If you've made it this far, thank you for sticking around! We all know this is purely for my benefit to type this out, but I've enjoyed revisiting this space of mine and I hope to continue again on a somewhat regular basis. Hopefully, you'll keep coming back!

Happy Wednesday, ya'll!