Nashville Babymoon 2012....

1. We're home from our Babymoon, and it was so much fun.  More than anything, it was so nice to spend time together without the usual distractions.  I cannot tell you how much we needed that.

2. The drive through St. Louis on the way there was STRESSFUL!  I'm just glad Jon was driving!  {in fact, he drove the entire vacation.  Yeah, I'm spoiled!}

3. We had to stop at Whitehaven in Paducah, KY.  My family used to go there often when I was a kid.  My great aunt lived in Paducah.  It's funny how places you went as a kid look so different as an adult.  It also made me miss my Aunt Andree.

4/5. Our first stop in Nashville was the Parthenon.  It was pretty impressive.  Plus, we were super pumped about the cooler weather!  {it's been HOT here in KS}

6.  Next we headed to Broadway, A.K.A. Music Row.  Jon bought a cowboy hat, and we came across these little dogs just hanging out on a motorcycle accepting tips.  Totally hilarious!

7. That night we tried Jeni's Ice Cream.  Don't kill us, but we didn't really see what all the fuss was about....

8. Sunday, we headed to the Zoo.  Lots of walking....I'm definitely out of shape.  We fell in love with this little goat, and think they need one on the farm.  ;)

9/10. Monday we explored J. Percy Lake.  We would have loved to have gone to the water park, but being preggo and all, we thought we better not.  That evening we headed back downtown for some bbq and live music.  That's where our 22 showed up!  Hi Grandpa!

11.  Tuesday was quite possibly the most exciting day of all.  We met Dave Ramsey!!!!  I was so nervous, but it ended up being totally fun!  It's not everyday that you get to meet a celebrity, much less one that has impacted your life in such amazing ways.

12/13/14.  Wednesday was perfect.  We started the day with breakfast buffet, then spent some time at the pool...so relaxing!  {we vowed to spend more time at our neighborhood pool for the rest of summer} Then, we headed to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.  If you go to Nashville, this is a must see!  It's absolutely amazing. {We did get suckered into parking in the $20 parking lot though, don't do that....park at the mall and walk over!}  We had some dinner and wandered the conservatories.  Then we walked over to the Grand Ole Opry where we took in the show, including Rascal Flatts.  At first, I thought I might have a panic attack.  Our seats were literally at the very top of the nosebleed section, and I had to crawl over some people to get to them, which had me a little nervous, since my balance isn't what it used to be.  Luckily, I made it through the show without having to pee, and ended up having a great time!  We learned who Lauren Alaina is, and we loved her!  She was a total doll face.

All in all, great trip!  We're excited to be home and to get ready for this little baby that is kicking non-stop now!  Lots to do, and only 14 weeks to go!  Eeeeek!  :)

Some time...

                     Source: everythingfab.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I've mentioned a couple times here on the blog lately that my well is running dry.  I'm getting a little crispy around the edges.  My creativity is waning.   think it's time for some time.  Some time to soak up the summer before it's all gone.  Some time to refocus my thoughts and prepare for what's ahead. Some time to rekindle my fire.

That being said, I'm going to take some of that time. While I'd love to spend a week in that little cabin on the sea, it's just not in the cards right now.   I am, however, going to take some time from the blog.  My plan is to post one photo a day with little to no commentary for the next week or so.   I hope you all don't mind, because I really need this.  Will you all still be here when I get back?

Did you take a summer vacation this year?  Where did you go?

No vacation for us.  Our girls/guys weekend was as close as we got.  I can't wait for the day we get to go on family trips every year.

Have a wonderful week, guys!  See you on the flip side.  {hopefully refreshed and brimming with great ideas!}

Postively Effort-ful....

via on Pinterest

Well, vacation is over, it's back to the grind.  I'm trying to stay positive.  {Even though I feel like 10 days off went by way too fast and now it's January, and January and February are the most excrutiating months of the year, cause now it's just cold and dark and there aren't any Christmas lights to distract you.}  Hey, I said I'm trying.

I got up early this morning to give myself ample time to get ready, eat breakfast, and read today's reading from the 365 day Bible that my friend loaned me, and still make it to work on time.  Well, I did all that except I still need about 10 minutes more.  Ugh.  {I'm sure it has nothing to do with my having to say goodbye to my cats and check the stove.  No, not at all.}    

Things are looking up, though.  I just found the most magical bicycle photo for this Friday's post.  

I suppose my grind isn't all that bad.  I mean, you can't live in your pajama's forever, right?  

In an effort to be positive, what is your favorite month of the year?  

I think mine is May.  Summer is just beginning, flowers are blooming, but it's not too hot yet.  There's the whole promise of long, lazy days and everything just seems happy.  


p.s. Today is my blog-birthday!  jdavissquared has been kickin' it for 2 years!  Who knew that New Years resolution would stick!?  Gives me hope for some other ones!  ;)

Fantasy World...

via on Pinterest

Before you read any further, go enter the giveaway!  There is a 3 month subscription to E-Mealz up for grabs! 
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I completely missed posting yesterday.  You'll have to forgive me.  I'm living in a fantasy world right now.

I've been sleeping until 9:00, eating fudge for breakfast {well, not really, but sort of} watching at least one movie every day and a whole lot of the Office, staying in my pj's as long as I like, snuggling with my sweetie, and pretending that I get to do this forever.  Oh, how I could get used to not working.  Wouldn't it be marvelous to just get to spend time doing whatever you see fit?  I think so.

I haven't accomplished much of what I wanted to this week, but that's alright.  There's still time.  And besides, the only thing I really wanted to accomplish was getting a break!  It's been a long year!  You know, I was looking back over the year, and we took our vacation to Texas in April, and since then I took one day off, my birthday, to go to a funeral.  That's it.  I really needed some time off.  I'm going to be better about that in 2011.

Speaking of things to do differently in 2011, have you been thinking about your new years resolutions?  I have.  I'll share them with you soon.  {well, most of them.  ;)}  I still have a couple days to get that in order.

There also should be a little re-cap of 2010, like the 2009 one from last year, don't you think?

I hope you all are having a great week.  You've been really quiet lately.  I miss you.

Tell me something.  Anything!  What was your favorite gift on Christmas?  What's the weather like where you are?  Any vacations planned?  What are you resolving this year? 

Loving myself...

                                                                         -William Sloane Coffin

No list this week.

My heart is heavy this morning.  I had a fight with my mother.  The kind of fight where things you've been holding on to for a long time come spilling out and splatter all over your world and you're left to clean up the mess.  

I guess you could say that mothers and daughters do this.  I agree to an extent, but this runs a little deeper than that.  I've been holding on to things for a long, long time.  I do my best to forgive and forget, but I'm internalizing alot, and I'm coming to a point in my life where I don't want to do that anymore.  I want to change. 

I want to know that everything doesn't have to be perfect.  That the world won't unravel if I don't keep a tight grip on it.  That there is such a thing as freedom from the past.  I want to live.  I want to banish worry from my world and relax in the comfort that God is in control...not me.

I'm hoping that this can be the beginning of something new and better.  For as long as I can remember, I've been trying to fix things, things that aren't mine to fix.  The scars run deep, and it hurts, but I know that I have to let go.  I have to, before it seeps in and destroys me, and my marriage and everything that I hold dear. 

I have to tell the little girl inside me that it's not her fault.  She didn't do anything wrong.  She deserves to be happy.

My first instinct after a fight with anyone I love is to run to them, and try and mend it.  This time, I'm doing the very best I can to mend myself first.  I have to.  If I don't, then all I'm doing is what I've always done.  Nothing will change, and I'll find myself right back here again, and I don't want to come back to this place.  

I guess at this point, I'm not as mad at my mother, as I am determined to change my own perspective.  I know that our relationship will be okay.  We love each other too much for it not to be.

It's high time I become the woman I'm supposed to be.  

I know that within me is a woman, who possesses the best attributes of both her mother and her father, and some that are all hers.  She's kind, and confident.  She's real, and she doesn't pretend to be anything she's not.  She's not quick to anger, and she knows when to say no and how to say it assertively.  She loves herself first, so that she can love others to her full potential.  She adores her family and enjoys every day of her life.  She doesn't take things for granted, but she also doesn't take things too seriously.  She laughs alot.  

I'd like to be her friend and stop beating her up so much.  I'm also going to stop talking about myself in third person...it's starting to creep me out.  

In some ways, I'm already her.  In others, I have some work to do.  

I'm going to start by loving myself more.

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I'm sorry for such a serious post the day before a holiday.  I hope you all have plans to spend this weekend kicking off summer with friends and family, and that you find peace in remembering those who have passed before us.  I wish you sunny days and ice cold drinks, and most of all lots and lots of love.  

I'm off to spend a couple days visiting my Dad's old stomping ground.  It will be a mini version of our trip last year with just me and my sister and my dad.

Happy Memorial Day!

{photo credit:  JenniPenni}

Ketchup, Mustard!

Oh Hai Mustard and Ketchup Art Print by theBungaloo on Etsy 

I did it!  I finally caught up on my blog list!  Hooray!  It's only taken me a month to finally be up to date on my blog reading after a week long vacation in April!  

Am I the only one who has this issue after being gone?  

I know I could just pick up the day I'm back, but I just hate to miss anything!  I am officially up to date, and it feels awesome!  Now, maybe I can concentrate on something else!

other things we've caught up on lately:

• The Amazing Race.  I cannot believe those mean brothers won!  I was rooting for the Cowboys...how 'bout you?
• Dishes.  They were out of control like last time.
• Project Runway.  I know, I was really behind!  I thought this finale was the best ever!  
• Housework in general...my plan is working!  

Here's to being caught up!

{I kinda want a burger and some fries now.}

Fort Worth Stockyards...

We spent a day at the Fort Worth Stockyards.  It was such a neat area.  Looked like you stepped into an old western.  I, of course, didn't take any pictures of the surroundings.

We grabbed some Texas Barbeque at Risky's .  I opted for the chopped brisket sandwich, and it did not disappoint!  It was delicous, but I am still a Kansas City Barbeque lover, through and through!

The kiddos rode the automated horses and we watched them drive the longhorns through the street.  {apparently this is a daily occurance} I wouldn't want to go up against one of those suckers, no way!  Those things are gigantic!

We visited Billy Bob's , which for those of you who don't know, is a huge bar where everyone who's anyone in country music {and rock} come in concert.  It's actually where Bo and Amanda reconnected when they started dating.  ;)  They have walls of handprints in concrete of all the stars and everyone had fun seeing how their hands fit into the molds.  I'd love to actually go for a concert sometime.  I'm sure it's amazing!

There was so much we didn't get to explore in the stockyards.  Plenty to return someday to experience!
It was another fun day in Texas with great friends and great food!

{I've had some questions about my collages.  Tape strips are from here .  I cannot remember where I got the polaroid actions.  If you know, I'd be happy to add a link.}

Texas de Brazil...

Amanda and Bo took us to the most amazing restaurant, Texas de Brazil.  For those of you who aren't lucky enough to have been to one, it's a brazilian steakhouse with a killer salad bar, and all the meat you can eat.  I suppose if you're vegetarian, the salad bar would be quite satisfying alone, but the meat is really where it's at!  The Gauchos bring it freshly grilled on skewers to your table and load up your plate.  We feasted until we could not eat another bite!  My favorite was the filet mignon.  So tender and delicious, melt in your mouth...oh I want some more right now!

{click to enlarge!}

Amanda and I enjoyed dessert while the boys were in their meat comas.  Bananas foster for her, key lime pie for me.  mmmmm.

I highly, highly recommend this to all my meat eating friends out there!  Seriously folks, d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.

Jon and I think we might just have to check out Fogo de Chao in Kansas City now.  I'm not sure anything can possible hold a candle to Texas de Brazil, but it's all we have!  {really, I've heard it's excellent as well}

Thanks so much again, Amanda and Bo!  We had such a great time, and the food was delicious!
p.s. according to Texas de Brazil's website, there is now a Texas de Brazil Express in Dallas...you guys should really check that out!  ;)

Fort Worth...

Our destination was Fort Worth, Texas!  We went to visit some of our favorite people!  Amanda and I have been the best of friends for about 24 years.  She and her wonderful husband have the two cutest kids on earth and we were long overdue for a visit.  {almost 3 years!}  We finally got to meet sweet little Hollis, and Ava has gone from a tiny baby to an all out kid since we last saw her!  They are both absolutely darling and made us anxious for the day that we will become parents ourselves!  ;)

Our first outing was to the Fort Worth Zoo.  It was awesome!  I really haven't been to a zoo in a very long time, so I don't have a lot to compare it to, but I thought it was really fantastic.  It didn't hurt that it was the perfect weather that day.  Not hot, not cold, just right!

...more vacation fun to come! {also, if you click on the collages, they'll get bigger!}

Do you like zoos?  What's your favorite zoo animal?

My favorites are always the big cats.  It's amazing to me how similar their mannerisms are to my kitties!  I just want to snuggle them!

What we've really been up to...

Well, good morning everyone!  I have a confession to make...I was up to something last week....

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! 

Yes, it's true, I did not tell you...I'm sneaky like that.  {call me paranoid, but I wasn't up for broadcasting our absence to the world} Some of you may remember me being a little stressed week before last and feeling like I had too much to do ...well, now you know why.  I was getting ready for a trip!  Make sense?  

Today it's back to work, and back to reality.  Vacations certainly make you appreciate your "norm" though, don't you think?  I mean, don't get me wrong, I LOVE  vacations, and I enjoyed every second, but I am all refreshed and ready to go back to my life with a new zest!

Saturday before last, we set out on a little road trip, armed with 88 ounces of iced coffee goodness...

We enjoyed that "we're on vacation" feeling.  You know, the one when you're just starting off, and you have a whole week to look forward to.  Ahhhh, so wonderful.

We passed through the Flint Hills.  Such beautiful country.  It seems to stretch on forever!

They were burning the fields, and it was awesome to see.

{Don't anybody get your green panties in a bunch, this is an essential, and controlled process in this land's ecosystem.}

{if you enlarge this picture^ you can see the flames!}

Any guesses where we were headed?

harry...

Do you guys remember the movie Harry and the Hendersons?  

It was one of my childhood favorites.  

slacker...

I know, I know, I've been a total slacker...I'll try and make it up to you.  

I have so much to share with you all!   Week before last I went on the road trip with my dad and sister, and we had a marvelous time!  I wasn't able to update you along the way like I had planned, so I have lots and lots of pictures from the trip to share with you over the next couple weeks...among other things.

Let's just take it slow, okay?  That way it doesn't seem like such a daunting task to catch back up. I'll just share a snippet at a time, until I run out of material, or you beg me to stop.  {I'd hate to be that person that makes you look at their vacation photos to the point that you want to gouge out your own eyeballs just to make it stop.}

update...

I am writing this tonight from Salt Lake City, Utah. I have been unable to update due to some computer problems, but my dad decided to buy a new laptop today! {gotta love Dads!} I don't have any way to load pictures at the moment without downloading software, and digging out cords, and lets face it...I'm just too tired for that! I promise I will share pics soon!

Yesterday we went to Yellowstone, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The last time I was there I was 4, so it was like a whole new experience. The scale of the park alone is unbelievable.

If you haven't been...GO!

We're now in Salt Lake visiting my dad's aunt and cousins. Tomorrow we're venturing downtown to see the Tabernacle. We're also going to go to the copper mine and to Park City and on a train ride over the next couple of days...I can't remember what it's called. If anyone has suggestions of things to do in Salt Lake City, please let me know!

I am so very tired now, but I promise I will update again....hopefully with pictures! {I hate entries with no pics!} Goodnight everyone!

{Jon, if you're reading this, I love you and miss you bunches!!!}