Blessings All Around

What a busy, but fun weekend. I got to be with my beautiful grandmother as she celebrated her 89th birthday and I received some big news from Derrick.

I just got back from Arkansas yesterday afternoon and I couldn't believe how exhausted I was. That eight-hour drive really took it out of me, and I only drove three hours! I thought I was going to get a run in, but I could hardly move. So it's definitely back to the workout grind this evening as I start week two of training. But on to more important stuff.

Friday evening, I met my cousin Shani in Fayetteville so we could head down to Marvell. The drive didn't seem long at all. We had so much fun talking and laughing. I always have a great time with her. By the time we got there, there wasn't much to do but get ready for bed. Saturday, my aunts threw my grandmother a party in honor of her 89th birthday. I couldn't believe how many people showed up. Some even traveled from as far as California just to be with her. Guests told stories about how she's touched their lives and the lives of others. Through the power of Facebook, Shani was able to read expressions of love and gratitude from some of the cousins who couldn't be there. It was wonderful hearing all the kind words about my grandmother. There are a lot of us as my grandmother is the proud mother of 15 children. Grandmother looked stunning in her pink suit and hat, and she even had her nails done. I am so proud to have such a beautiful and strong grandmother. I know my grandfather is looking down and beaming with joy for his wife. She's an extraordinary woman.

Some of the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

My grandmother and her daughters.

The blessings continued as I learned my darling husband got a promotion on Friday. He's worked so hard and often wondered if it would pay off. Well, it finally did and we couldn't be happier. What's even better is there is still more opportunity for growth with his company. I wish I could have been around to celebrate with him, but we'll certainly do some celebrating in the near future. I'm so glad things are working out for him, and I know there are many great things to come.

There are time when life gets a little busy and I fail to truly take stock in all the wonderful things me and my family have been blessed with. I am so grateful. What are you grateful for?

Where Did My Summer Go?

Um, whoa! Where did July go? It seems the weeks have just flown by. This summer has been a busy one and it’s time to get caught up on some much needed blogging. Let’s start with July 4 weekend.

We spent a fun couple of days with Derrick’s family in Topeka. Remember that quest to make the biggest slip-n-slide? Well, that didn’t happen. The weather was pretty crappy that Saturday and the in-laws were having company over that evening for a cookout. So the slip-n-slide plans were scratched. The rain did let enough to let us see some fireworks. Now, I am not a fan of explosives, but I have to admit, there is something about watching fireworks sparkle against the night sky. There is something about watching children watch fireworks. They were amazed.

My sister-in-law and nephews playing with sparklers.

That weekend was also the first time I attempted to bake apple pie and it was quite a success. Derrick’s parents made homemade vanilla ice cream and it didn’t take long for my pie to disappear. I made one for my parents, too.

Just call me Betty Crocker.

The following weekend, I headed to Rogers, AR and Fayetteville, AR with my mom and her sisters. I also saw my cousin Shani. We had a wonderful time just hanging out and we ate a ton. I’m definitely feeling the post-wedding weight gain, but more on that in a minute.

Last week, we added a new furbaby into our home. Derrick and I had been discussing getting another pet, but we weren’t sure if wanted a cat or dog. We decided since Beasley is such a handful, we’d try a cat. Last Tuesday, we brought home the cutest female kitten. A family’s cat had gotten loose and knocked up so they were trying to find good homes for her litter. Her name was Hope when we got her. Then we initially named her Yoshi, then she was Frankie and now she’s Stella, which is the name I wanted all along. Poor kitty. I hope she doesn’t have an identity crisis since she’s had so many names in less than a week. She certainly has changed. When we brought her home, she was shy and a little evil towards Beasley. Now she thinks she’s running things. She’s everywhere and she’s a sneaky little thing, too. But she’s so much fun and Beasley is starting to get used to her.

Stella playing with her new toy.

Stella and Beasley.

Back to that post-wedding weight gain I mentioned. I’ve noticed my clothes are fitting little more snug than usual. I tried on one of my outfits from my honeymoon and it was not a pretty picture. So I am now determined to get in shape. My first goal is to run the Rivalry Run, which is a 5k and at the end of August. Now that may not seem like a big goal to some, but it is for me. I used to run in junior high and high school. Since then, I’d run on occasion but never enough to get my endurance back to the way it was. Derrick and I did a 5k a few years ago, but we walked/ran it. My goal this time is to run the whole thing. I eventually want to get up to a marathon, but baby steps first. I started training last night. I nearly died, but it felt good to actually do something instead of lying on the couch and pigging out. Tonight was a rest night. Tomorrow it's back to work.

The next three weeks are going to just as busy. I'm heading back to Arkansas to celebrate my grandmother's 89th birthday, the following weekend we are going to visit Derrick's family and the weekend after that is the lake. If I'm not too careful, I might blink and summer will be over. Has your summer flown by?