Fall for Family Part II

Wow, what a beautiful, jam-packed weekend!  It all began on Friday at the Cliffs of Glassy for my cousin's wedding.  The view of the mountain landscape was the perfect backdrop for her vows.  After the ceremony, we snapped a few pictures before heading to downtown Greenville for her reception at Larkins on the River.

  My boys...aren't they just precious!

Side note...these might be my favorite pair of pumps!  I cannot tell you how long I've had them, but they're super comfy and still look great!

Her reception was an intimate affair with unique touches of fall.  You know I love burlap and fall colors, so this reception was right up my alley!  After hors d'oeuvres and dinner, Ham and Allie hit the dance floor.  They were adorable!  My Ham even went to get his "princess," the bride, for a dance.  He's really too much!

When the kids were ready for a change of scenery, we walked around downtown to hit up a coffee house and ice cream parlor, Spill the Beans.  It was the perfect spot for us; they'll mix coffee into your ice cream!  Score for tired parents!!

The next morning, we left for Tiger Town to celebrate Clemson's homecoming.  With the game being at 7, we knew we were just going to tailgate and come home when everyone went into the game.  I was pleasantly surprised that the kids did so well.  Tailgating for a night game can be a long day for adults; add four kids to the mix...things could go down hill really fast!

The kids love seeing the displays each year to see what kind of new perch on which they can have their picture taken.  While the gang was viewing the displays, we got to catch up with Hannah, a former youth group member from church.  It's funny to see Jared go into Daddy mode with her, making sure she's safe and happy on campus.  He truly thinks of them all as his own!

After tailgating, we took my sister Leslie and brother-in-law Philip back to the airport near campus to fly home.  Philip offered to take us up with the kids to see the stadium from the air.  I was so impressed with the kids.  Of course, Allie loves to fly with her daddy, but Hamilton and Parker loved it just as much.  Ham giggled the whole time and Parker fell asleep.  You know I trust the pilot when I take my whole family up in a personal plane!  Just to brag on Philip a bit...yes, he's a military trained pilot who has flown overseas, but to see him in his element is so neat!  He even cut the engine and glided us in for a landing!

On Sunday we drove up to Asheville to visit my sister Julie and her husband Erik.  Hamilton wanted to go to church with his DeeDee and Papa, so we headed up early to do some shopping with Parker.
They cooked us a heavenly Southern meal of BBQ, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, grilled corn, and coleslaw.  For dessert, we had a pumpkin bread trifle and s'mores over the fire pit.  I think I ate like it was going to be my last meal!

Julie, Erik and Lucy

 Her house was festively decorated and she had gift bags filled with goodies for all of the kids. She's so thoughtful and loves to spoil her niece and nephews; they're lucky to have Auntie Jules in their little lives!  Here are Parker and Walt in their new hats.

Leslie and Walt

We spent the afternoon talking, laughing, and playing with the kiddos in the backyard.

DeeDee walking Parker around...he's starting to really test out his balance.  He's taking more and more steps each day!

Erik, that's what little Parker thinks about your Bulldogs!  ;)

Papa and Walt relaxing on the deck

Making Momma proud...

It was the perfect ending to the perfect weekend, and I'm pretty sure my shirt captures the day exactly!

One Step at a Time

I remember being assigned a huge project in school and feeling myself shutdown in my desk. However, after dissecting it, I was able to accomplish it in manageable chunks.  This mentality has not been limited to only my life as a student; it follows me today in all facets of my life.

I have a fitness goal.  I want to feel confident in my pre-baby (babies) clothes.  I don't really care about the number on the scale anymore; muscle weighs more than fat!  I crave to feel strong again; I want my athletic body back.  Here's my inspirational pic...I can't believe I'm sharing this with you!  This picture was taken when the hubby and I were consistently working out together and making healthy choices (minus the beer!).

I know what it takes; I've lived in my body for 31 years.  I know down to a T what I need to do to get there, but when I think about all of this at once, it's overwhelming.  Therefore, I'm using my dissecting technique.  If I can add one thing to my daily routine that will get me there, that's manageable.  If I can lengthen my route, if I can sprint a little longer in my interval training, if I can add weights after my cardio, if I can stretch before bed, if I can add Pilates, if I can drink more water, if I can start my day with a protein-packed meal, if I can consume a shake at lunch instead of a sandwich, then that's a step in the right direction.  These little changes over time will impact my lifestyle in a huge way.  Before I know it, I will be doing longer, more intense workouts, and my body will be craving healthy foods instead of high-sugar indulgences.  After all, I put on my baby weight over time, so taking it off will require time as well!

Here's a picture I snapped on my walk yesterday as I was preparing my plan of attack.

P.S.  Danica, if you're reading this, I haven't forgotten about you!  :)

Fall for Family

It's finally starting to feel a little like fall around here. The air is fresh and crisp on the mornings; the temperatures are maxing out around 70. The leaves are wearing their vibrant coats of yellow and orange. Pumpkins and mums adorn front porches. It's a beautiful time of year with lots of fun events and traditions for the family.

Saturday started in the most glorious way.  The hubby whispered that he was getting up with the kids, so I could get some extra rest. After rolling out of bed at 8:15 (yes, that's sleeping in!), the aroma of coffee and pancakes beckoned me to the kitchen. The kids had already eaten and were playing in the den. I got to enjoy every sweet bite without interruption. Pure heaven!

After breakfast, Parker went down for his nap, and the big boys took off to the grocery store for some ingredients we forgot the day before (can you say mommy brain!).  You would think I'd sit down to enjoy the peace and quiet, but that didn't happen. It was time to start laundry for the day and to start some monogramming.  The morning came and went tying up loose ends around the house. After a family walk, we got cleaned up for my sister, BIL, niece, and nephew. They came up to let the kids play, watch Clemson football, and eat!

For those of you who don't know, Jared is an awesome cook (and most likely the reason P's weight is hanging on to my hips!). He got up early to start cooking his annual batch of apple butter.  Then, he put Venison Chilli on the stove to simmer all day.  This chilli is so full of flavor with just the right amount of kick. He topped it off by making his Momma's cornbread in the skillet. 

On Sunday we went to church and then headed to Spartanburg. The boys had some time with Daddy while I visited with friends. We all gathered to celebrate the adoption of Weston. Out sweet friends Derek and Karilyn have the sweetest, most previous little boy. He is the answer to many, many prayers. You can tell he knows he is SO loved; he's just so content and snuggly. If you'd like to read their amazing story, check out Parker Baby or Bust.

I just love these girls to pieces!  No matter how much time goes by in between visits, we pick up like we haven't missed a beat. Laughter abounds whenever we get together!

After Weston's Sip-N-See, I met back up with the boys at my grandmother's house. We visited for a bit before making a pit stop in Gaffney to see Kelly and her family and finally arrived back at home to crash!

This time of year is crazy busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way!  Life is short; spend it with those you love!

Our First Date...A Memoir

I've had a few readers contact me and request that I share more of my writing.  As with any piece of writing, the author is sharing the depths of his or her life, so please be kind.  This is a piece I wrote some time ago to encapsulate our first date, the beginning of our love story.  I'm old fashioned in a way; I like to capture memories through writing and pictures so that my children and other descendants will be able to get a glimpse into the life that came before them.  May this piece make you chuckle at its cheesiness and fondly reminisce about your own first date (And I hope my husband doesn't kill me for sharing it!  Surprise!)

“So, Do You Like Football?”

As I am browsing the endless racks in search of the perfect orange ensemble for the following day’s game in Tiger Town, my phone begins vibrating from the depths of my oversized bag. “I’m with my closest friends shopping. Who could that be?” I wonder.

“Hello,” I answer cheerily.

“Lindsey, I have met your husband!” my college roommate, Catherine, shouts.

“Well, it’s nice to talk to you, too,” I respond facetiously.

“Be quiet. I’m serious. He’s one of Jeff’s friends from Iraq; you two are perfect for each other.”

“Catherine, I'm not ready for anything serious yet. Can’t a girl be single for a while,” I plead.

“You two have GOT to meet. Meet us for dinner Monday night at 7:00 at Hickory Tavern.”

With that, I hear the click of the line. “I guess that’s settled,” I joke to myself. Now, I need two new outfits!

The rest of the weekend flies by as most weekends do. The dreaded Monday arrives and passes without incident. After working all day with my fourth graders, I speed to my next shift with my second family, the Ike’s. The afternoon and evening hours blur together as I run the taxi from activity to activity. At 6 o’clock, I realize that there is no plausible way that I am going to make it to dinner on time; Hampton’s Boy Scout meeting has run over by thirty minutes.

Reluctantly, I reach for my phone to notify Catherine that I will not make it. The Boys Scouts of America are going to ruin my chance at meeting my “husband.”

“Hey Cat, it’s Lindsey. I’m really sorry that I’m not going to be able to make it tonight. I’m running behind at the Ike household. I hope y’all have a nice dinner,” I rattle off as fast as my mouth will move. Catherine, however, is not going to let me off the hook that easily.

“That’s no excuse. You’re still coming. Thank you for the courtesy of a heads up,” she replies.

“But I have not seen a mirror or make up since 6:00 this morning,” I implore.

“Stop being a drama queen. You’re coming. End of story.”

“Dinner it is,” I mumble. I have thirty minutes to get the kids fed and homework complete before I’m finished at the Ike’s. I tune into my inner superhuman powers to conclude the job at hand. During the five minute drive to Hickory Tavern, I do my best to salvage my day old make up. With only gloss available, unfortunately, it is a lost cause.

After securely parking and locking my Solara, I nervously begin the walk to my awaiting dinner companions. Glancing around the restaurant, I notice two familiar sets of eyes and make my way to the table. My first impression of my blind date is that he is tall, really tall, with a traditional Marine high and tight hairstyle. As he greets me, I notice the crease at the edge of his blue eyes, the sign of a genuine smile. Fresh from the desert of Iraq, his skin has a warm glow and freckles tickle the surface of his tight forearm when he shakes my hand. This man has been trained for war as evidenced in his burly physique. I think I can stand to look at him over my salad!

While the zing of attraction is ever present, the flow of natural conversation is missing. “I know I’m not looking my best this evening, but was my mirror distorting just how bad reality is?” I wonder as I pick at my tangy grilled chicken salad.

My silent blind date, Jared, is enamored by the Monday Night NFL game. Eyes glued to the TV, I try to give him the benefit of the doubt. I remind myself that four days ago he was in a war zone. Of course, adjusting to civilian life (and dating life) must be difficult!

The conversation between old friends rambles on until the waitress brings the check, signaling the close of the date. After paying the bill (hey, at least I got a free meal), we walk as a group to our cars. Anxiously anticipating his next move, I try to remain as calm and smooth as possible. Jared approaches with open arms to give me a warm embrace. I wonder if he feels the same electricity as our skin briefly touches.

“I’ll be in touch,” his southern draw promises as I fold my long legs inside my convertible and drive off into the clear night.

Leather and Plaid?

I know the title of this post may seem like they do not go together, but these are two items that I'm obsessing over for this fall/winter.

I'm kicking myself for not picking up the black leather jacket I found last winter on mega sale.  Of course, now that I'm dying to have one hanging in my closet, I can't find one at that price!  That's always the way it is!

My husband likes to joke that one of my talents is scouring the internet for deals.  It's a game to see the best deal that I can find.  And of course, it also helps the clothing budget immensely!  These are some that I've found that are genuine leather with a not so genuine leather price tag!

Black Rivet Multi-Zip Leather Cycle Jacket

Black Rivet Leather Stand Collar Scuba (in black)

Wilsons Leather Contemporary Exposed Zip Leather Cycle Jacket

Stand Collar 3 Pocket Scuba Jacket

The other item that I'm trying to find right now is the right plaid button up shirt.  I know what you're thinking...That can't be hard; they're everywhere!  True, they are everywhere; however, they are not all made to fit my 6'0" frame.  While I most likely will roll the sleeves, I cannot stand for the shirt to not fit in the shoulders or fit to the waist.  I love the tall line that GAP, Old Navy, and J. Crew offer.  I just wish they were around when I was in middle school!

J. Crew Classic Button-Down in Flannel

Old Navy Plaid Flannel Shirt

GAP Plaid Oxford Boyfriend Shirt

30% off with HAPPY

I also love gingham and want this shirt for layering.

J.Crew Classic Button Down 

GAP Fitted Boyfriend Gingham ($19.99!!)

I need your help!  Which ones are your favorites?