From Miss to Mrs.

The Cotton Pickin' Year

2013-09-10T11:24:00.002-04:00

The year of cotton... apparently there is a tradition (whether it be southern or global I know not) in which every year, for some certain amount of years, you get something specific for your significant other in the form of a fiber, a metal, or a substance.

This past year can be summed up affectionately as a Hot Mess. So much change occurred in our lives this past year but through it all we still found the funny, tried new things, were not too cool to be immature, stubbed a few toes, embarrassed ourselves, and got butterflies from time to time. Someone once told us, as we were preparing to commit to each other at the next level, that marriage works when both people come into the relationship being 100%, none of this 50/50 stuff it's 100/100. I think this was one piece of advice I took to heart, that if I wanted to be the best wife/future mom I could be I needed to keep working on me.. continually. As the romantic that I am, some may say even cockeyed optimist (name that movie and my love for you will grow) I thought that one day I would just arrive and my inner Carol Brady and Julia Child would emerge and I would just do it all. When I quickly realized that I was much more like Lucy Ricardo and Maria Portokalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding). If you havn't guessed that reference above here is a hint:

Thankfully my guy totally loved me knowing full well I was a Frankie Heck and not a June Cleaver.

Enough about me.... When someone introduces their person as "my better half" it's not because they are putting themselves down actually they are bragging. I'm totally OK with claiming my hubs as my better half because I (probably like the rest of the world) am quite stunned that he, out of billions of other women, chose this girl knowing full well what he was getting into! I'm quite proud (and quick to) walk holding his hand or taking his arm, this helps me refrain from yelling as we walk together "Does everyone see I'm with him?", "Nothing to see here he's with me", "I married him"! I know I know we are disgusting and I'm totally fine with that, that couple that started dating in high school and just fell head over heels for each other and still do today. Sometimes I like to just sit and stare at him I think he's so cute (which he hates, he thinks its super weird especially when he's sleeping and wakes up to me staring at his cute face). And yes, I stare even more knowing it freaks him out! hehe

That sums up our way of "keeping things interesting" in our marriage.. figure out what drives the other one crazy and do it when they least expect it. (all in love of coarse) It's also those little things that no one else will ever know those funny things that will always be between us, that I'll treasure forever and think about when I need to laugh for a photo.

So happy anniversary to the best thing that ever happened to me, my knight in under armor, my stand up comic, my best fwiend, and my safe place. Here's to many more years of sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows (BK hates this song haha)! I won't play that one since it's not McKenzie Day... here's one that we both love!

Fun Fact: this was the first song I danced to as a MRS.

Short Sweet and to the Point

2013-05-05T11:47:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had a week so compacted with stress, nerves, excitement, sorrow, joy, frustration that you feel as though you just encountered a week long roller coaster? Those weeks that you feel as though you have had zero time to yourself and you are constantly running from one thing to the next?
It's crazy how weeks like this come with no warning and once you have finally sat down you realized you haven't taken a deep breath in silence for about 5 to 7 days. I partook of a series of 3 weeks like this in a row and I have yet to produce offspring! All you mom's out there get ready b/c when it's my turn to incubate, birth, and raise a human I'm coming to you to get all the advice possible! Taking care of myself is job enough sometimes! (insert mom's laughter here)
Citizens of planet earth, have no fear because this little Mrs. has found the cure for these crazy weeks! There are several routes of recovery to choose from and they go as followed:

1. Go into a room. Lock the door. Play the following song. (or the song of your choosing) Activate dance sequence. You're all alone, no one is watching so really let yourself go. I promise this will have one of two affects: One. Laughter will abound (a mirror is usually present when this occurs). Two. You will have to lay on the floor because you are out of breath. Either of these results will rejuvenate you and allow you to click the "Refresh" Button. (for added relief you can imagine this white girl dancing by herself to this song.... I raise the roof and ninja kick #youcanjudgeme)

2. Go to your nearest batting cage. Buy 2 rounds of batting. (the first one you're just trying to hit the ball) Once you begin to make contact with the ball continue to hit as hard as your arm will allow. Frustration and/or anger are replaced with sore arms. *please wear all protective head gear provided *If you do not have a batting cage near you, Whack-a-Mole will suffice (go to your nearest arcade)

3. Go somewhere by yourself. Lay on the floor. Begin dehydration through the eyes sequence. (Crying) Sometimes you just need a good cry and for some reason when you lay on the floor while crying gives so much more relief. (this is known as the adult temper tantrum, the adult part is that you are alone) ** Do not do this where someone you love can find you... it will freak them out (the voice of experience)

There are so many other ways to wind down from a chaotic week. From sitting in silence to taking a warm bath, find your remedy! The worst thing is to stuff it down so it comes out in weird unexpected ways.... kind of like a fart. (why is flatulence so funny!)

If all else fails start your day off with a coffee/tea and one of two songs and I guarantee you "We're Gonna Have a Good Day".

* Warning- only listen to these songs when you are morning happy... if you are not a morning person like me hold off til you are ready and in the car on your way! Playing these too soon will have opposite affects!

Box of Chocolates

2013-03-25T12:08:00.002-04:00

November to March is quite a gap in time.... I do apologize for the partial coma my blog went into, but just like the little daffodils springing up from the ground so is this little blogger.

Life has been crazy these past couple of months... so many new chapters have been started in our lives. I never considered how in life you start more than one chapter at a time but is your life just one book or a series of books? (#brainteaser) Currently it feels as though these past several months are a library in and of themselves! We have relocated to the country.. traded in neighbors for cows, heels for galoshes, and air conditioning for screen doors (relax this girl has enough city in her still to require heating and air). This is the "home sweet home book", the newest addition to this little piece of heaven is the ever growing conflict of woman vs. ant. Currently the ants have it, but the greater the struggle the greater the victory right?!? (insert an Amen!) The heroine of our story has already defeated the "Overflowing Toilet" tragedy of '13, with the praise and love of her person she will be victorious yet again. (Huzzah)

In the family book, affectionately titled "The Little Woman... and their Peoples", a chapter is in the making, The Tie that Binds. Our little Hannah Jane is the heroine of this story, she battled a scary monster which we refer to as The One that Shall not be Named! This scary monster put up quite a fight so far but our little stinker pot has come out victorious day by day! Her journey is much more eloquently expressed by the woman who birthed me, Janet Coates.

This chapter is one that hasn't quite ended yet, but the happily ever after is well on it's way thanks to all the amazing support of family, friends, and friends of family and friends. Its truly been a humbling experience to see all the love and support of my sweet sister and brother as they uphold their little fighter... have you ever considered the parents of heroes? (#thoughtloop)

My fairy tale is still quite blissful. Prince charming is still sweeping me off my feet every day (sometimes more literal than others.... I hate mopping the floor!). Every day I am more and more convinced that there is no other human on the face of this planet that could love, provide for, clean up after, take care of, and enjoy my hott mess like he does! It's the little things really like coming home and all the laundry magically is folded or getting in my car to find new wiper blades have been affectionately added to the jelly bean to make my drives in the rain so much more enjoyable (and visually accurate)! As BK emphatically reminds me, "It's all in the way you choose to see things." Hence why I'm naming the next chapter (or book if it's too big) The Silver Lining.

Sometimes when you think life can't get any better.... it does.

And that's all I have to say about that.

*Disclaimer: I do not endorse Glee but this music mash up is magical! I would have done the original with Judy and Barbara but couldn't find a video with sound quality worthy of tantalizing your ears!

The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing...

2012-11-13T14:15:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas time again at the Kenny house.... that's right Christmas in November! It's never to early right? This Christmas we have a new addition to the line up.. a new tree! Our tree last year was so lonely by itself and I being a "more the merrier" type person just could not stand for that! While bringing out all the Christmas cheer through lights, glitter, and funny Santa likenesses the Christmas music and movies were brought out as well! Here are a few of the movies and albums on the line up this year:

So as I am decking our halls and stretching out my stomach for the feast of Thanksgiving I am "Rocking around Christmas Tree" with Peggy Lee, "Dancing with the Sugar Plum Fairy" with Tchaikovsky, and "Dreaming of a White Christmas" with Bing Crosby! The year we are heading up to good ol' Kentucky for Christmas with Bryce's family so I'm crossing my fingers for some:

Thanksgiving is spent this year here in good ol' NC with my family, and although it doesn't quite seem like Thanksgiving without the whole CoatesNotes Gang with the Suwanee River as our back drop, frustration at puzzle solving, Uncle John's comedic piano show, prayers being sung not said with all harmonic parts present, and a 6 to 8 hour van ride of bonding.... as the song goes, we'll have to muddle through some how.

Family traditions are such funny things which we cling to fervently and feel strange if each tradition is not methodically carried out! Before marriage I just thought everyone did the same things that we did growing up.... I was greatly mistaken, the hubs had his own, all boys family's, Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions which were almost the exact opposite of my all girls family's! That's one thing you don't think about pre-marriage, or at least I didn't. Now our family traditions are up to us to decide what we want to make a yearly staple. Our tradition around Christmas time is one night getting Starbucks coffee, turning up the Christmas music, and driving around looking at Christmas lights! I love this tradition, maybe because it's our only real tradition (at least that I can think of) so far, but I love it all the same just us driving around feeling like kids again! It's fabulous! I'm looking forward to adding to our tradition(s) this year and one day passing these same traditions on to our kids!!

So here's a little something to get you into the Christmas/Holiday Spirit!

Here's to Us

2012-09-10T17:07:00.002-04:00

One year ago today this girl put on the prettiest dress she owns, walked down an isle with my daddy surrounded by friends and family, made a covenant with my best friend, and then danced til I couldn't dance any longer, and officially became a Mrs.

That's right, this ol' gal had officially been a Mrs. for one whole year to the only man who could handle me with such tenacity and tenderness! In reflecting over the past year I've noticed one underlying theme.... that love is committing your life to someone having full knowledge of their weird quirks and odd habits as well as laughing off the newly discovered ones! I must confess I have been caught several times by the hubs doing things I deem as normal, but by his reaction are clearly odd to him! My sweet hubby although perfect in almost every way has also been shocked by what I call oddities that he seems to think everyone does, for example sprinting down our hallway so that he can jump from the entrance of our room and swan dive into bed (usually while I'm trying to read) or randomly singing words in mid conversation. As previously stated I will own up to my own weird flag that occasionally flies, specifically when watching an episode of So You Think You Can Dance and this less than professional dancer has sudden urges to leap or twirl in the kitchen at the specific moment in time that BK walks through the door (and I quickly try to play it off like I was reaching for a pot or burnt my foot usually ending in my injuring a toe or had depending on what I run into). Or perhaps those momentary lapses in judgement when your inner diva breaks out to hit a note far out of your range only to fall flat at the loudest possible volume, and he has the audacity to ask if you were singing or hurt (insert hanging head with red face). The best is when you find common ground, that moment when both your inner nerds hold hands and skip together in a meadow (figuratively speaking of coarse), for example like when you both stay up late man laughing and giggling by watching mascots fall, or when you both are freaking out at the sight of spiders and/or snakes, how bout the times when you both break out dancing in the bathroom/car/living room/kitchen/deck! Those are my favorites those times when our weirdness bond grows where all judgements are put aside and laughter is abounding! The thing you don't realize til you get married is that once you walk down that isle and say "I do" you are accepting that person to now and forever more be there to witness all your weirdness that no one has ever witnessed before!

So here's to us BK you and me babe, to more years of bonding over our weirdness, to growing old together, and to getting better and better with each and every day! I Love You. Here's a little walk down our memory lane:

Here's to the next 25

2012-08-09T13:37:00.001-04:00

You know those days when you just feel like giggling?

This girl just had one of those days and it happened to be a day that I, in no way shape or form, thought I would enjoy so much..... it was the dreaded 25th birthday. Why was 25 so rough you may ask? In my head growing up, 25 was a bench mark of a year; I thought I would have written a book, discovered new places, maybe had my own TV show (I blame "reality" TV), paved the way for a crusade of biblical understanding, speak all over the world (about what I dunno), set up orphanages and safe houses globally, and maybe just maybe have my own action figure all by the age of 25 before entering into my late twenties. (I jest about the action figure, but that would be fantastic!) So here I was on my 25th birthday having accomplished nothing I thought I would have throughout middle and high school! Why did I have 25 in my head? I have no clue it was such a random young age, but that's what I had in my head; I guess because when I was 17 the age of 25 was ancient to me!

Thankfully this is when my sweet husband came to the rescue and lifted my head to see all the things I had missed by looking at what I hadn't done yet.

He reminded me that there was so much life lived in those 25 years I: traveled, married my best friend, am blessed with so many close friends and loved ones, gained a whole new family, became an aunt many times over, have grown so much personally and spiritually, embarked on new adventures, over came some fears, grew up in general (height excluded), tasted defeat and victory, learned to cook, spoke to hundreds (working on the thousands), lived in different places, succeeded and failed, did yard work, and personally I think I just get more witty with age!

There are so many things I have not done yet that are still on the list, but it is good to be reminded of the things you have done and the lives you have touched. It's so humbling to think really of how many people think their lives were better because you were in it! (don't get emo on me) :)

As I sat and read, the sweetest gift my hubby could have given me, precious notes from people past and present that have been in my life and been such blessings to me saying sweet murmurs about our times together I truly am humbled and count myself blessed to have known and know each and every one of them and so many others!

~pause for emotional effect~

In less sweet news, I have declared war on geese!

They are overtaking our yard with their poo and little webbed feet! Yesterday I had it and chased them around the house twice before raising the white flag due to my panting short breaths and cramping left calf muscle. I accepted defeat by temporarily sitting on the front steps while the geese looked at me with judgemental eyes, mocking my athletic ability and stamina. Geese 1 Me 0 but it will not stay that way for long, I know 2 little boys who are quite faster than me that come with accessories such as sling shots! After catching my breath I headed back in to get some water and oxygen, but to my dismay the door was locked. The front, side, and back doors all locked, no phone or source of communication this girl just locked out! Thankfully my cat woman skills came in handy when realizing I had left a window open! Only one or two things may have been broken upon re-entry, but sacrifices must be made! I'm still investigating if it was the geese who locked those doors.... crafty little boogers!

Just a couple of things to be done on a birthday such as mine!

Lawncare, Putt Putt, and Grocery Shopping

2012-07-18T12:22:00.003-04:00

Hello world!

My days as a newly wed are coming to an end with my September anniversary in sight! What a crazy wonderful exciting and educational time it has been being a newly wed! Reminiscing isn't for today though, so the time has come to talk of many things of shoes and ships and sealing wax of cabbages and kings. (if you can reference this delightful quote we just became better friends!)
Shocking developments have taken place in the Kenny house hold, this wifey for lifey has officially done yard work for the first time! (insert gasp) I know I know it's crazy I'm 24 years old and have never pulled a weed or mowed the yard until recently! I not only learned what a weed looks like and that just because it's the size of a bush doesn't mean it is one, but I also surprised the hubs... I gassed, started, and push mowed our entire yard. (insert applause) There were very minor set backs such as dropping the lawn mower off the side of the curb in efforts to avoid weed eating as well as some uneven spots that I may have over looked. All in all it was a success though! From this experience I gained 2 blisters, sore calves, and the opinion that I do not like doing yard work. The result was a happy husband from one of 2 things, 1. the yard was mowed so he didn't have to do it or 2. his eruption of laughter when he actually saw the state of the yard. Either way this girl is happy and ready to hire a landscaper!
I have recently dubbed Harris Teeter in High Point off 68 or Eastchester my favorite grocery stores, and not just Harris Teeter in general just those 2 locations. I have been helped so many times in probably every section of the store accept for the coffee isle (no need), by smiling happy people who are so helpful for a new Mrs. trying to master the art of making her hubs happy and healthy! So if you haven't found a grocery store.... "where everybody knows your name, and they're all so glad you came" try Harris Teeter but only in those 2 locations, don't get it twisted they aren't all the same!
The newest headline in our house hold is that the Mrs. is quite a competitor when it comes to putt putt golf. Hubby wanted to go on a date night and had one specific request that at some time during the night we would trade our fashions for cardigans and play putt putt golf, and although I had some reservations we went! Little known to me I apparently have a golf gene somewhere and started off the night slow (letting the hubs keep up) until we got to the 8th or 9th hole and then it was like the little magic golf fairy sprinkled her hole in one dust one me! 4 hole in ones yes 4! I don't know if that's common or easy but all I know is I sunk 4 and the hubs only 1. You have to realize something I am not competitive I could care less about beating someone or conquering something... however there was for some reason so much satisfaction to be had with each hole in one sunk and although his competitive nature doesn't want to admit it, I know I had one proud hubby with me! Oh the satisfaction of being good and not trying!

Bridesmaid to Bridesmatron

2012-05-16T19:01:00.000-04:00

Weddings are such fun anomalies where you get to dress up, take pictures, and celebrate the people who deem you important enough to share in their special day! Have you ever been to a wedding and been considered single? Regardless of your facebook status and who's picture occupies that "in a relationship" slot, you are still considered the loan ranger with a plus one set to take on a most important mission of your Best Friends Wedding (Pun Intended!). There always comes a moment in your mission where your relationship status is placed on display, and don't worry girls you won't miss it because this moment is cued with the melodic harmony of "All the Single Ladies" and you know it's your time to put your catchers mitt and face mask on and fight the other single gals out there for the chance to capture the old wives tail of being the next to go from Miss to Mrs.

Two of me and the hubs besties in life walked down an isle said "I do" joining together in a covenant and we were so lucky to be there to see it all first hand! I cannot begin to explain how much of a blessing this couple has been in our lives, how can you truly put our kind of history and friendship together in a single emotion or phrase! (embrace the warm fuzzies for a sec) And we're back, this was our first wedding as husband and wife and let me tell you it's definitely the way to go to a wedding....... already wedded (unless it's your wedding obvi!) It was so great to enjoy their day and see how everything that unfolded that day, from the skeet shooting in the morning, the horse bonding in the afternoon, the running back to the barn for shelter from the rain in the late afternoon, and the high energy dancing in the evening perfectly reflected our sweet friends! How exciting to go through life now together as newly wed besties!

Well don't fret "All the Single Ladies, All the Single Ladies" because your day is coming! The day when you no longer are cued by that song which so easily sticks itself into your brain (I do apologize because by this point I realize you're humming it) to jump up and claim your bit of superstitious desire! The day will come when you will wake up and realize, I never have to catch a bouquet again! So enjoy it while you get to do it, make the best of it and knock a girl or two down (it makes for better pictures!) and one day it will be your turn to toss that bouquet and when you toss it remember that you are no longer a girl looking to catch it!

Mmmm What You Say

2012-05-12T16:10:00.002-04:00

Several day ago my day started simply perfect. I rolled out of bed with ease, getting ready seemed to take no time at all, and I was actually leaving the house before my husband! (which for me is quite an accomplishement since it takes him 5.4 minutes to get ready) I went to kiss and hug my husband goodbye (worst part of the day) and wish him a good day! He hugged me and said, "Whatever happens today I'll still love you." Which put sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows morning on hold to question what that meant and did he know something that I didn't?!?!?!? This is something you shoud never do to the femail mind..... leave it to question itself over and over again! Anyways I asked him what that meant and he non-chalantley replied, "Oh nothing just wanted you to know". Instead of overthinking this comment intended for sweetness I decided to hit the "reset" button in my head and go about the morning! (which by the way everyone should have a reset button, it's for all those little unpleasantries that can just pop up out of no where.... when they do just reset and all will be right with the world again, I am aware that when I go from Mrs. to Mommy that reset button will probably get harder to push!) Anyways so I grab my keys and bounce out the door shouting my love for my husband! I got in the car, turned it on began to back out of the garage and WHAM! I backed up right into the hubs car! Stomach goes into throat and I run back into the house and swore that he parked further over than usual...... this did not however justify my case and in fact that peice of evidence was never even allowed to be submitted for review! While hubs runs outside I tried to pull into the garage at an angle slamming my front tire into our brick steps just as my prince charming opens the door, not something that helped my case in any way! I then proceed to stand on the steps while he inspects his car fighting back the tears that typically follow my stomach entering my throat. He then walked up to me put his arms around and said, "well, I guess the Lord is really putting me to the test of loving you no matter what happened today." I smiled hugged him and we both left and now we can laugh about it! (only after a good friend of ours took a look at it and smoothed out some bumps! I owe you KHill!) This all took place within 3 minutes of him declaring that he will love me no matter what happened that day! I told him that I know that to be true, but never say it again!

Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy

2012-04-02T12:19:00.002-04:00

If you know the song then sing along....

I love this song it's currently the theme song to my life, it's my first spring being married and its by far my favorite! Best Spring Ever! (insert brief fist pump) Eating dinner outside on the deck in shifts because nothing is ever prepared quite at the same time and waiting for the entire meal to be done to start eating is absurd! We are fortunate to have 2 horses that live in the yard behind our house which basically means that the hubs and I sit around quoting what the horses are thinking in a voice that adequately matches that of the horses (if they could talk of coarse).... You can blame the movie "Up" for that bit of odd behavior! The oddest thing about being married in spring is that instead of becoming twitterpated just at this time of year, you pretty much exist in this state from the time you say "I do" til.... well I don't know when it ends because I am still caught up in it! Twitterpated is a term in which Disney invented to express people/animals are so crazy in love they tend to do things that go beyond common sense (hence all the roadkill this time of year). It's quite a fun state; if you look it up in the Urban Dictionary it actually recommends people experience this at least once in their life time..... so go ahead give in to the twitterpation! If you still have no clue what this term means please see the youtube clip below because it explains it far better in animal animation than I ever could verbally!

Aside from my twitterpation episodes, I had about a week long obsession with the Hunger Games..... I read all 3 books and saw the movie within a week and a half. I didn't do the Harry Potter thing, I avoided the Twilight saga, but finally gave into the Hunger Games. I am here to tell you if you have not read the books you are totally missing out! I know people always say "the book is better" but seriously if you saw the movie and didn't read the book you experienced an entirely different emotional and visual roller coaster than someone who did read the books! How's about the fact that they never disclosed what winning the hunger games would do... but that is a soapbox I'll save for another day! Personally my highlight of the entire experience, aside from the play by play analysis' with my bestie, would be the moment in the movie where Katniss Everdeen looks at the camera and holds up her 3 finger salute in honor of Rue's death.... at that moment everyone in the theater sitting to my right followed suite and held up their 3 fingers saluting back to the screen! Ahhh thank you fellow Hunger Games lovers for participating in fiction as if it was real life! If you have no interest in anything I just said you can now sigh as you have wasted 25 to 45 seconds of your life depending on your reading speed!

The hubs and I are currently branching out to our local farmers and trying to eat grass fed beef, free range chickens/eggs, and organic fruits and veggies. The key word is trying, we're not becoming vegans or the organic police and I will still shave my legs and I will continue to bathe, I'm learning more about it all. Hubs is trying to find the vendors we like the best at the farmers market to become "our people". You know when someone says I need some good veggies we can say "oh, we got a guy you should buy from him". Feel free to laugh at any time, it keeps ya healthy. (I think) We have not reached the level of raising our own chickens nor do I ever desire to get there, we'll just keep stimulating the economy and supporting our local farmers! (and our local restaurants :) ) So if you have "a guy" or "a lady" you like that sells natural stuff holler at your girl!

Come Sail Away

2012-02-28T23:00:00.014-05:00

My little murmurs have been few and far between and I do apologize I am still working on my blogger status, obvi! Encouragement from readers always helps which is why I write today..... for all who have figuratively scolded my dedication to blogging. Currently marriage has been sweet and sappy, that gross kind of lovey dovey marriage that makes all that haters gag, the kind that makes me have to hold his hand while going anywhere, and that makes hubs get frustrated at my frequent 5 minute stare sessions. I know it's gross, but I am simply obsessed. I guess being apart for 2 weeks does that, it makes you slightly obsessed with one another. I'm ok with that at the moment. Watch out Jane Austen your Mr.Darcy doesn't hold a candle to my husband! (what an odd saying, hold a candle to?)

Ok enough of the gooey mush! I have currently been memorized by the musical genius created by The Staves, thanks to my dear cousin (whom I facebook stalk, Evie) I stumbled upon these amazing ladies! Between The Staves, The Civil Wars, and more specifically the Taylor Swift (don't judge Whitney) and Civil Wars collaboration that created the song of the month, yes I said it "song of the month" Safe and Sound from the Hunger Games Soundtrack. If you don't like T.Swift it's time to open your minds and listen to this amazing song, Taylor is letting her Indie flag fly on this one and it's Ah-mazing! Currently I'm trying to keep my feet on solid ground instead of water and I am glad to announce the cruise season is coming to an end after next week, hopefully staying in one place will allow my equilibrium to finally settle down! (I'll need to think of a new reason as to why my klutz status has heightened recently) Before I bid the cruising farewell we will face the Spring Break crowd, since I am an 80 year old stuck in a 24 year old's body I probably will be hitting the sack early unless my cruise-mate Jennie can somehow encourage me (XS is always good) to stay up and let my fun flag fly (stand by for pictures, my weird flag tends to hang on to my fun flag)! In cuter news, my little nieces are quite the lookers! Hannah Jane is currently walking and sort of talking.... mama and dada we're still working on Weezer (yes I'm the aunt with the stupid name) and Lola Mae is spitting up on me and starting to find her smile and laugh (I'm teaching her to man-laugh). My nephews are getting too big for me to wrestle, good thing they know their aunt doesn't fight fare so I will win in the end! Wil has just moved up in the world by getting his own man cave, giving the new baby some space of his or her own (lets find out what we're having already Krista!) Who can forget sweet little Asa who I have to currently stalk on facebook because I am never home to see him..... I think it's time for a visit, we have a guest bedroom.... just saying (not to call anyone out but... Richard and Lindsey, I know the road travels both ways)! In other developments I have a goal to cook at least 3 nights a week so far I've cooked once this week and that was with my dear friend Ariel who is currently a Paula Dean status cook..... I'm unworthy to be in the same kitchen as she! The newest addition to the decor in our house is a frame with jute rope lines where one can clothes pin pictures, cards, and other eye catching things! Here's a picture idea of what it looks like:

The verdict is still out on whether BK really likes this or not, but he is open which is all I ask! Other than these fun activities I am attending many a baby and wedding shower for dear friends and family! All the babies are currently being had by the former Coates Girls (minus me) along with some friends here and there, and my dear friend Jill is the precious bride to be. It's so enjoyable to celebrate these new beginnings and reminds me of how blessed I am to have these people in my life, and even more blessed that they would choose to involve me in the celebrating of these new chapters! I recently have had the time to reflect on the things of my yesterdays and I am so thankful for all my Creator has brought me through and all the people who have been brought in and out of my life. Currently enjoying the season of life I reside in, winds of change are always welcomed though! So, as I head back to sea for another week keep your eyes peeled I may just get the blogging itch to post again while visiting one of my designated free WiFi spots while in Key West or the Bahamas! (where everybody knows my name, and they're all so glad I came) (if you know the song reference I just used we just became better friends!)

Love and Blessings

P.S. need a good photographer to follow, pick Lik! (Peter Lik that is)

The Biggest Shocker of them All

2011-12-21T22:07:00.000-05:00

There are things that no one told me before I got married, things that either they have never experienced or they just forgot this huge change that occurred post marriage. Things like all laundry must be done by you or it won't get done, the dishes do not wash themselves or magically jump into the dish washer, that this thing called dust miraculously shows up without warning you can't hear it you can't smell it you just all of a sudden see it. The biggest shocker of all came the first time we experienced a bug that swept through our home, this bug was a tricky one that lasted about 24 hours and caused you to rid yourself of your prior meals in an unpleasant and undesired way. This little bug first visited my sweet husband who was such a trooper and showed that bug who was boss, but then the bug visited me who is quite a wimp when it comes to discomfort. This was a knight in shining armor moment, as I was becoming "besties" with our toilet, Bryce sat there holding my hair back and letting me lean back on him to rest in between my violent "conversations" with the dreaded toilet monster. No one told me that even when you are at your worst that he still lovingly takes care of you and selflessly sacrifices personal preference for his wife. So a midst the attack of the little bug a shining moment happened when my husband still loved me, still thought I was beautiful, and still took care of me. This however was not the huge shocker in which we began these murmurings of, the biggest shocker of all came after the bug and toilet monster were conquered and my knight in shining armor and I were yet again living in our happily ever after. The biggest shock of all was....... I was now the one who was left to sanitize the castle. For years and years, the toilet monsters cleaned themselves, the sheets were changed probably by singing birds, and the little chipmunks ran in and swept the house clean of any evidence that the little bug was ever there. *Sigh* I sang and whistled and none of my furry little forest creatures showed up to help clean...... but without a sound my sweet prince helped clean the castle and restore order yet again! Where would the princess be without her prince? I'll tell ya up to her ears in rodents :)

Merry Christmas! Glad Tidings! Many Blessings!
The ever blessed Mrs.

P.S. Thanks mom for always taking care of me when I was sick growing up!

Different Strokes for Different Folks

2011-10-13T16:04:00.000-04:00

There are thing that everyone seems to do differently, like organizing things, brushing your teeth, the order in which you seem to get ready, and so on and so on. Some people do these things the same way everytime others like to switch it up keep the routine keepers on their toes. Point and case my husband and I. Bryce is the routine keeper, he gets up, brushes his teeth, gets in the shower, gets dressed and so on... I on the other hand sometimes like to brush my hair first or take a shower before I go to bed instead of when I wake up I never dry my hair the same way or straiten it the same time, sometimes I make breakfast and sometimes I don't. One key thing that does bring harmony in our house is that neither Bryce nor I are morning people. You could pretty much hear a pin drop in our house in the morning!
The point of conflict finally came though when my sweet husband couldn't fathom the way I did laundry, it wasn't so much the washing and drying but more the folding and where we do the folding. I have always retreived the clothes from the dryer, put them in a basket and folded them in the room in which they are hung, he likes to fold while standing at the dryer. I admit I am a lucky girl the toilet seat is put down, the clothes are kept in our room and closet (mostly) and people always clean up after themselves, but if someone would have told me a year ago that our biggest difference is the way we do laundry I'd say you were crazy! All is well and if that is our biggest difference I am a very lucky girl and owe quite alot to my mother-in-law who raised a boy right! :)
Married life is far better than I ever could have imagined! I am blessed with a great husband who is so good to me and leads me far better than any other man could! I'm begining to love learning the ways of my husband and his routines of each day, I love that he is opposite of me and balances me out! Oh the fun of being a newly wed!
In other news, the home is coming together splendidly!!! I have implimented some great crafty ideas from Pintrest that are not exactly like these pictures but pretty darn close:

Empty Frames

Bought an old heater cover painted it Green

Window with Scrapbook paper modpodged in panes

Lets Start at the very Begining

2011-09-29T12:08:00.000-04:00

How do you express the warm fuzzies you feel when you finally after 5 years of dating get to wake up every morning next to your best friend? I am begining to understand, in the smallest sense, the precious blessings found in the covenant between man and wife! These are my personal experiences and recommendations here and there along the way to becoming a MRS.

The first thing you encounter when you get back from your honey moon is the reality that your name is wrong, on everything bills, car title, bank account, social security number, drivers lisence, passport, insurance, and probably more that I just have not thought about yet! You quickly realize that you are now in name limbo! I heard through the engagement time that this was the biggest headache for most women who are taking their husbands name, so my motto in life typically is to *avoid stress and conflict at all costs*! (seriously ask those who were involved in the wedding planning process and my husband (still weird to say)) RECOMENDATION: take one day and do it all!

When you do this you cannot sleep in, you need to start early, my local register of deeds office opens at 8:30am. That's where I started, then you head to the social security office and here's where I expected to wait forever, to my surprise I hung out for maybe 5 minutes before my number being called, I attribute this to doing it in the morning! From there you go to the DMV, bank, and the rest really is a matter of going online and changing things over, thank you internet you are amazing! Easy Peasy!

Now officially being a Kenny is done I can focas on more pressing items, like decorating our home!

For all you eclectic and crafty decorators that have a somewhat odd taste in decor I highly recommend going to http://www.pintrest.com/ it is AMAZING! You can find all these great ideas for your house and even recipies! Check it out!

I will keep you updated on the decorating!

Here's some ideas me likes: