Weekend

Thursday night was our Theta book club. It was a bit small this time (only three of us!) but we had a blast catching up.

Our sorority housemother (our beloved Momma J) suggested this book and we all loved it.  Go read this book. The end was a bit too cookie-cutter for me (but it was also my criticism with The Help so I'm probably a harsh critic).  Without giving anything away,  it involves an English author directly after World War II and is written through a series of letters.  I've been reading like crazy so I promise to suggest some other books I've read this month.

Cam's sister Amy, her husband and their adorable 17 month old baby boy Noah came to visit us this weekend. Bryan (her husband) had never been to Lexington so we wanted to show them around the Bluegrass.  First of all, I was a bum and took no pictures all weekend, so I'm stealing all the pictures from Amy.

On Friday we stopped by Katherine's birthday party and Noah got to play in the pool for a bit.  On our way home, we of course had Orange Leaf.  It seems like every other post on here is about Orange Leaf, so Amy wanted to try it.  Half of why I love the place is because I am addicted to junk food/sweets, with ice cream being one of my worst addictions. I love the idea of low-fat/non-fat yogurt that is still delicious.  Confession: I'll admit that their weird Japanese topping mochi was in my dream last night.  No idea why or how, but I remember hearing the word over and over.  Now that, my friends, is pathetic. But, it sure beats the Bar nightmares or baby dreams I've been constantly having. 

Cam and I borrowed toys for Noah (like a firetruck, shopping cart, horses, blocks, puppets, stuffed animals, balls, etc), but the clear favorite toy was Sophia, our cat.  Noah chased her around the whole weekend and was great about petting her gently.  She took it like a champ as well and was rather intrigued by having a tiny human around her house.

The other favorite toy were the stairs between the living room and kitchen. The firetruck also fared well. 

We went to the farmer's market Saturday morning.  Local ladies: check out Dad's Favorite spreads--we each sampled a different one and they were all delicious.

The kid in the middle-left picture was amazing. He's in middle school and has the courage to sing and play the guitar in a big crowd. He had a great, raspy voice (probably straining his voice to do this, but we all enjoyed it anyway).

He was so good that Noah even put some change in his Sponge Bob bucket (yes, that's me in the background--sorry to ruin your picture Amy!)

Bryan (Amy's husband) made a smoothie by pedaling the bike...

...but someone else got to enjoy Bryan's hard work.

We drove out Frankfort Pike to show them the horse country and ate at Wallace Station (the place in Midway from Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives). 

I'd never been there, and it is AHHH-Mazing. Let me forewarn you-these sandwiches are definitely big enough to split. Cam was certain they were not that big, so we each ordered one.  Completely unnecessary (but they do make great leftovers). And, if the worst thing was too much delicious food, I'll take that problem any day.

We walked around Midway for a bit, headed over to Woodford Reserve's distillery, and stopped by Keeneland on our way home.  Can I just say I am so excited for Keeneland in October??! Sweet Noah passed out in the car on the way home and slept through Keeneland. 

Saturday night we went to the Chevy Chase block party.  Again local ladies: try Valentine's ice cream. It was the second time we've had it and Cam puts it right up there with Graeters. Now that is saying something because he likes Graeter's more than Orange Leaf...

The Herald Leader caught the flattering side of Mason's debut at the hot dog eating contest. Love it.

 Finally, what trip to Lexington would be complete without Spalding's donuts...two mornings in a row?

Diese Woche War Wunderbar.

This past week was wonderful.

Cam's older brother is stationed in Afghanistan for the second year in a row. His wife and two adorable children were in town visiting the states from Germany--I haven't gotten to see them since our wedding (although Cam went to Heidelberg and saw them). We had a great time being the fun aunt and uncle--bedtimes, who needs bedtimes? Oh, you'd like more Gigi's cupcakes dear? Why sure... And you don't know what Orange Leaf is? Let's fix that, twice.

I took his niece to a tearoom for tea and crumpets.  Yes, we played dress-up in dresses and hats. You're only little once :)

The kids and Grandpa (my step-father-in-law) eating my 

fave.

Getting ready to go swimming

The best part: Cam's brother was in DC for training and a few days off so he flew in and got to surprise them.  It was amazing. The three year old made sure to introduce all of us to his daddy--adorable. 

Also, I had surgery this past week.  As I have mentioned on here before, I have endometriosis and ovarian cysts.  Cam and I weren't sure of our chances of having children, but the surgery went well and our chances look good as my doctor believes she was able to remove everything. I've had this surgery before, but the recovery this time has been much worse as it had spread since the past procedure--I just keep telling that our future babies will be freakin' adorable and worth this second surgery. 

I'm only halfway kidding when I say that the stinker better be as cute as the kids in Gap ads.

 And no, we are not ready to be parents quite yet.  I'd like to use this legal degree a bit first, thankyouverymuch.  But, it is such a relief and blessing to think that the possibility is still on the table.

Halfway There...

I have become the world's worst blogger....ever.  I have one final to go until graduation, and I'm ready to get this show on the road (let me correct that--I'll be ready after I start really studying for this test to get this show on the road).  But, I have a lot of other things taking up my time beyond school: 

Except the grass is actually green now...

1. Our house is still on the market.  So, if you want to come buy it, please by all means do and make me the happiest girl in the world! C and I are clean people, but keeping the house ready to show at all times is a lot of work.

2. C's been sick. Poor baby has been on a z-pac for a while, but that hasn't stopped his fever (or his sweating through the sheets at night...or his general grouchiness...).

3. Pomegranate sale.  Okay, this is just what is taking up my time today--I'm getting ready to head out there right now. I'll be sure to share my finds!

4. Eh. I have endometriosis, and I have been able to tell for a little while that it hasn't been getting better (and realized last week that it may be worse).  Well, I finally got in with the doctor and she wants to do surgery...again...the week after the Bar.  Just the way I wanted to celebrate!

5. Junior League. I joined Jr. League this year, and it is a lot of fun--but it can be very time consuming, especially as a provisional. I've loved getting to meet the girls though and getting involved  in Lexington, so it has definitely been worth it.

So jealous they'll be able to go cheer on Big Cous in person :)

6. Sacramento. C's little brother just got a job in Sunny Sacramento! He's excited--and we are so thrilled for him.  He and his girlfriend are embarking on the "Goodbye Tour" so that they can see all of the family before they leave.  Don't worry...we've already started planning wine trips to Napa with them--we've got it all covered.

7. This Weather.  Just call me Dorothy (and pup can be Toto). I live right next to a park, so C and I have gotten little sleep/rest lately because the park's sirens are constantly going off and the weather just keeps coming.  For example, I got stuck in the church basement for 2 1/2 hours yesterday during the tornado warning. Also, Kentucky is being absolutely devastated by flooding--we're over $34 million in damages from the storms already.  I am just thanking God that nothing like what happened in Tuscaloosa happened here (and that all my friends at UA are okay).  Alabama is heavy on my mind today.

8. Royal Wedding. I'm not die-hard about this, but I am excited to see this wedding tomorrow!

I've decided this one was my favorite concoction--pineapple, mango, and coconut yogurts with fresh fruit (and gummy bears). Yum!

9. Study Breaks. I've been taking quite a few study breaks--especially to Orange Leaf and Magee's.  Let's just hope my graduation dress will still fit...

No more excuses though...I'll try to get better!

Lazy Weekend and Giveaway Winner

Hope ya'll had a good weekend! I worked on school stuff all weekend and still didn't get as much done as I wanted. Oyi. 

I also looked up some genealogy when insomnia set in and I couldn't sleep. My mom's family in Maryland is fascinating, and I learned all sorts of cool stuff--including that most of the genealogy has been traced back to 1078 and that several of my ancestors were the original founders of Maryland, one was an early Governor, another was George Washington's stepmother, and we raced horses in the first few Kentucky Derbys (I even had a great-great-uncle named Derby).  Clearly, I'm a big nerd, but I love history.  

We also went and looked at homes to start thinking about backups in case the one we like sells before we can sell our home.  It is frustrating to have a house on the market.  I know, I'm whining and it's only been a month, but I like to be in control and make things happen, and I think our house is great and one people would want to buy.  In reality, there is nothing you can do about the situation and you just have to sit there until the right buyers come along.  Okay, enough whining. We found some interesting backups and are still going to see a few more. It makes me more at ease to think we don't have to rush as much to sell--there will be other amazing homes I'm sure. 

As the promised Monday-pick-me up, here is the winner of the CSN giveaway: 

The 12 comment is from Krissy at Dainty Chef. CONGRATS GIRL :) Be sure to email me at bluegrasslove @ gmail [dot] com so I can email you the promo code. 

Hope everyone had a good weekend and here's to a wonderful Monday! 

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Merry Christmas Eve!  Here's some shots from our Christmas thus far:

Hubby and our festive pup. 

 

Cam and I helping our nephew Brady open up his gift from us. 

 

Cam's sweet nephew, Noah, on his truck.

 Cam and Drew's framed jerseys.

 Cam's brother, Drew, and his girlfriend's big gift from his mom: A trip for two to Dublin, Ireland for Saint Patty's Day--what an awesome present and trip!

Some of my favorite ornaments from our tree: 

 A Christmas Sebastian that Cam and I both had as a child.

 A vizsla ornament.

 What else but UK?

Cam got me this bugler last year because it reminds us of the bugler at our wedding.

My "baby first" Christmas ornament.  I was supposed to be born Dec. 18, so my grandmother got this ornament for me.  I wasn't actually born until Jan. 10, and it having the wrong year makes me laugh every time

 My nephews made me this ornament a few years ago--so cute.

 Surfing Santa.

 Kentucky ornament....love it.

 The first ornament Cam and I bought 6 Christmases ago--a Russian Santa.

 A too adorable engagement ornament. 

Family

My trip home was incredibly sad and yet uplifting all at once.  On the plane, I realized this was the first time I had ever flown and not been excited about the destination or the adventure ahead.  I loved seeing all our family, but it was the still incredibly sad that my uncle isn't there anymore.  He was always the happiest person in our family--it was fitting that he played Santa every year we were growing up.  He is the first person we have lost in our family under the age of 90.  But, the funeral helped  to provide closure. 

The funeral was ridiculously crowded, which was really a testament to him and how many lives he touched.  I am not exaggerating when I say roughly 1,500 people came to pay their respects.  The receiving line at the visitation wrapped down the church aisle, around the exterior of the church, past the school, and to the soccer fields.  The church held around 500 people, and people were standing up and down the sides of the church and packed the back of the church.  My cousin (his daughter) gave the most beautiful eulogy.  She had such strength and poise that I know I don't think I could ever have.  

I took a few pictures while I was there that remind me of Maryland (family and the scenery):

My grandfather (Poppy) and his beagle, Snoopy.

The house I lived in down the road from my grandparents.

A shot of our old backyard from the road.

Close up of the geese under the trees in my old backyard. 

The soybean farm down the road.

Our family parish, Saint Francis Xavier church.

My family priest, Father John and me.  Ignore the lack of make-up, I decided no make-up was better than having it run down my face.

My cousin, my grandmother, and me

Some of our family.