What's kept us busy...

Rachel graduated from Pelham last Tuesday night!

She's headed to South Alabama in a few months.

Dale had a vet appointment last Wednesday night.  I found some lumps on him recently and was scared he had the "c" word.  I prayed, cried, had a little break down.  In that order.  For close to three days.  Thankfully, they were just cysts.  The vet said he was healthy, had a healthy heart and...shockingly...she didn't even say he was over weight!  Yeah!  My healthy little nine year old is doing just fine - and that makes this mommy feel GREAT.  I call him the heart beat at my feet.  He's the best side kick I know.

For those of you who enjoy giving your pup treats but don't want to fatten him up, the vet said Cheerios and plain vanilla yogurt are great options. 

For those of you looking for a vet, I highly reccomend Vestavia Animal Clinic.

For those of you who don't have a dog, that's just weird.

Friday hubs and I induglged in a little fiesta.  We had our margaritas and fajitas for the first time in a couple weeks.  What a very pleasant way to end the week and start our three day weekend.  Ahhh, there is nothing like a margarita and my hot husband in front of me on a Friday night!

This weekend was relaxing.

We spent a lot of time lounging poolside with family.  Saturday we had all of CJ's sisters, his mom, neice, nephew and brother in law over.  It was a blast! 

Sunday night we took Dale to Cafe Lazio for 'pups on the patio' and although he was the only dog there, he still had fun.  He ate plenty of pepperonis and pieces of bread.  I think he enjoyed getting out of the house. 

Oh, and I forgot to mention one little bitty thing.

Literally, ONE LITTLE BITTY THING.

Polly.

Active.  Sleepy.  Strong vocal cords.

The dudes have had fun getting to know their new sister.

This is how we spent last night:

(please excuse the chair turned backwards, a certain overweight dog enjoys lounging in it when we aren't home so we found a way to 'one up' him)

how long do you think she can stay back there?

i give up.

i go get her.

lets stare at her until she's uncomfortable.

works every time!

I've been cooking up some yummy goodness in the kitchen.

CJ's mom made us minestrone soup and brought it over, so I made my mom's skillet cornbread.

Delish!

Tonight I tried a new recipe from Skinnytaste.

Chicken rollatini stuffed with zucchini and mozzarella.

Divine!

Hubby said this is one of his new favorites.

Then I made the no bake peanut butter pie...also from Skinnytaste.

YUM!

Goodnight.

Our beach vacation was perfect!

I had the absolute best time with my best friend.

We ate breakfast every morning together on our 13th floor balcony...and I painted my toes!

We spent every day on the beach relaxing in our chairs, throwing the frisbee, playing catch, talking about life and simply enjoying the beauty that surrounded us.

I made it a point to look for any sort of wild life swimming in the water before entering it.  Ha!

I also made it a point to check out my HOT husband.

CJ snorkeled and brought me back some pretty shells.  Is he not so stinkin' adorable?

We waded our way to a sand bar.

We noticed every afternoon sting rays would swim and play in the waves.  They were really fun to watch.  Hubby, being the brave and curious man that he is, even swam with them a couple of times!

After our gorgeous, sunny days on the beach we would head up to our condo for a quick nap.  The weather was impeccable.  We would leave the balcony door open every second we were at home to feel the breeze and hear the surf.

Once we felt recharged, we headed out to dine on seafood and sip frozen, fruity cocktails.

We ate at Live Bait, Flipper's, and Lulu's.  Each place was yummy.  At Flipper's, I'm not sure which we enjoyed more - the frozen margaritas or the ice cream for dessert!

I had such a wonderful time with my sweet husband!

We got back in town Sunday and were both excited to see our little fur babies.  

Although life here isn't as care free as it is as the beach with work, laundry, cooking dinner, etc - it's still pretty darn good if you ask me.  Beach trips are just the cherry on top.

Later Alligators.

Hey May!

My youngest SIL had her senior prom recently.
She'll graduate in a couple weeks and attend school at South Alabama...on a scholarship, no less.
Beeeautiful!

We celebrated Cinco de Mayo at Cocina Superior in Brookwood Mall with CJ's sister and BIL.  We had so much fun!  Staci has pictures of me and the hubs - I'll add those just as soon as she gets them to me.

My cousin Loren and her husband Brandon had their first child last week.

Hadley Elizabeth Lang

6lb 1oz
20 inches

May 9, 2012

Isn't she precious?  God is so good!

Mother's Day!
Sunday we had a feast of a lunch at my parent's house.  Hubs and I picked up Golden Rule BBQ and my little brother, John, cooked two whole chickens on the grill, collard greens (or "greens" as we call them), sausage, potatoes, and carrots.  My dad bought my mom a cake for dessert.  It was all so wonderful.  I had no idea my brother was such a grill expert!  After lunch, mom opened her gifts and we all had cake.  She got two sets of flowers, one from John and one from my dad.  I think she felt pretty special yesterday.  I love my mom so much and feel blessed to be her daughter.  Every time I see her, it's never long enough.  Whether we're shopping or chatting at the kitchen table, I have the best time with her.
She's my best friend.
   
Next, hubs and I went to dinner at New York Pizza in Homewood with CJ's family.  We had so much fun with everyone.  My MIL seemed to enjoy herself - although she liked her gifts, I know she would have been just as happy having her kids (minus Kayt, she was sick) and grand kids together.  We ate pizza and laughed for a couple hours.  It was such a good time.
For the record, I had my camera at both celebrations.
For the other record, I didn't take any pictures.
For the last record, I could kick myself for that. 

Next up is our beach trip!
We are within mere HOURS of relaxing at our most favorite sandy spot in the world.  I am so excited for us to spend our days on the beach and our evenings indulging in steamed seafood.  I have to admit I'm not excited about being away from Dale for so long, but I know he'll have a blast being pampered at my mom's house:)

We have the most gorgeous hydrangea bush outside and I snipped a few flowers off to enjoy indoors.  I think from now on I'll always be sure to have hydrangeas close by.  So lovely!

Alright, it's way past my bed time. 

xo