This Unfamiliar Road

July 31, 2011

Summer Days

Whew...what a week!
I worked an extra day (hello overtime!) and it was a good thing because we have been slammed at work. I think the heat is causing everyone to go into labor.
My Mom is out of town, so Ben and I arranged our schedules so we could help my Dad out and watch my sisters for a few days. I forgot what it was like being a kid in the summer time-completely carefree! We had lots of fun swimming, playing games, cooking together, and watching movies.

Pool Time

We went to Ben's country club to stock up on our veggies!

Sister love..Laurel is such a cuddle bug

Building forts inside!

And for the really exciting news...WE ARE BUYING A HOUSE! Yep, the one that was right across the street from the first house we fell in love with! This house is definitely not a starter home- 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a full basement. Right now, I am excited but feeling a little overwhelmed (that's a lot of house) but I love it and it was a great investment-something we will never outgrow!

We have our inspection on Wednesday, so I will get to take lots of pictures. If all goes well, we will be closing on September 15th. We are super excited and I can't wait to share all of the updates!

July 24, 2011

Prayer Request Update

Andrea 11:28 AM 1 Comments

A BIG thank you to everyone who has been praying for and thinking of my friend Ashley! Almost daily, someone asks me about how she is doing. Well, the good news is she is still pregnant! : )

She is now 31 weeks along and hasn't progressed in her labor. Mac & Paisley are taking this all very well (they aren't experiencing any distress). Ashley remains in the hospital on monitors, but may be discharged next week! Please continue to pray for her. The official due date is September 23, but even 5 more weeks would make a HUGE difference! Every day inside helps those little ones to mature.

# Friends # Milestones

July 19, 2011

On the Home Front

Andrea 2:14 PM 0 Comments

Wondering what ever happened with our house hunt? Well, we put an offer on a house about a month ago, and...bottom line-it fell through. I think the sellers aren't quite aware of the current market. Ben and I still think about this house daily, and if it's still on the market in a couple of months, we will probably offer again! Meanwhile, we are off to meet our real estate agent this afternoon to see a house...get this>> RIGHT across the street from the one we love. Though I am not crazy about the front of this new house (no porch), it has a basement and that is something to think about! Although I do wonder...if we buy this house, will I be torturing myself every time I look out my front door and see that first house? Nah...I will probably be in my basement working on a project! ; )

My ideal basement would house the "man cave" (which seems to be a necessity in all homes now...?), a guest bedroom and bathroom, and a craft/project room! I'm not very talented, but I enjoy crafts, and I think this room would be great for other things throughout the year, like wrapping gifts and storing my (many!) DIY's in progress.

Hey...this man cave needs to stay classy

Need those bright colors to accomodate for the dim light

Love this little nook!

In other news, my laptop is not doing so well. I have been trying to troubleshoot for a couple of days, but basically-it won't stay on, and when it does...the screen is black. I have been using our desktop in the office which is older, doesn't have all my bookmarks or passwords stored, and it's SLOW (read: scrolling through Pinterest takes forever). I'm hoping to get my laptop running soon! Any techies out there that want to help?

# Home

July 11, 2011

When a Memphis Girl Marries a Yankee Boy

Andrea 11:22 AM 2 Comments

I was born and raised in Memphis; therefore, I am a barbecue snob. I'm not picky about most foods, but when it comes to BBQ, I won't eat anything less than Memphis quality. I converted Ben over to my side when I took him to The Rendezvous for the first time. He now appreciates the good stuff.
So, last week we were at the grocery store and Ben decided he was going to try his hand at grilling some ribs. I thought he was crazy. But, once he gets an idea in his head, there is nothing I can do to convince him otherwise. So, after 3 days of researching the perfect dry rub, grilling method, and the best supplies...the process began. He asked me to keep this a secret from my parents and other Memphis family (it was a pretty lofty goal) until afterwards.

All spiced up

All the necessary supplies

The Grill Master

Halfway there!

He documented every step

YUM

For the record...this Yankee boy can cook some RIBS! I was pleasantly surprised-he gets my seal of approval!

# Food # Milestones

July 08, 2011

Fitness Friday

Andrea 8:00 AM 0 Comments

Who doesn't LOVE desserts? They are a must for summertime, but a quick way to add on the pounds! Here is a tasty, but healthy (and easy!) dessert:

Red, White, and Blueberry Crisp

-2 cups blueberries

-2 cups strawberries, quartered

-1/2 C uncooked old fashioned oats

-2 Tbsp sugar, divided

-2 Tbsp unpacked brown sugar

-2 Tbsp light butter, melted

-1/2 C lite whipped topping

Instructions:

-Preheat oven to 375

-In a small bowl, toss blueberries with 1 Tbsp sugar; in another small bowl, toss strawberries with 1 Tbsp sugar

-In another bowl, stir together oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Spread mixture on baking pan in a single layer and bake for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally (until lightly browned).

-Place blueberries & strawberries in a glass dish, alternating to create stripes. Top with cooked oats and whipped topping.

*Serves 8; 3 Points per serving*

# Recipes # WW

July 07, 2011

Prayer Request

Andrea 9:08 AM 0 Comments

Hi Friends!
I would love your thoughts and prayers for my friend, Ashley, who is pregnant with twins. Her pregnancy has been very healthy thus far, but she was put on bed rest yesterday for preterm labor. Mac & Paisley are just 29 weeks, so they need to stay put a bit longer! At this stage, every week helps and their little lungs develop more.

Kisses for the Babies!

# Friends # Milestones

July 03, 2011

Happy Independence Day!

Andrea 4:16 PM 0 Comments

The 4th of July is such a fun summer holiday. We get to celebrate our independence as a country in the best way we know how-with lots of good food and friends!
Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow so no picnics or fireworks for me. But, I have enjoyed a fun-filled weekend off and will enjoy that holiday pay tomorrow ; )

My Aunt and Uncle are in town from Memphis. They treated us to a fun afternoon at Stone Mountain Park-train rides, 4D movie and an awesome laser show. It was such a relaxing evening and I loved spending time with the fam, and the hubs was able to go too!

Laser Show, Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, GA

Last night, we had an impromptu happy hour at my parent's house. It was casual and fun. The girls brought out the sparklers and we had to lock Rowen inside the house after she tried to eat one. Guess she thought it was a GIANT laser!

Tonight, we are headed to Bucca di Beppo to enjoy some fabulous, family-style Italian food. I will definitely be slipping into a food-induced coma tonight!

I love spending time with my crazy family-they entertain me, love me and support me. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday spending time with your crazy friends & family!

# Family # Holiday

July 01, 2011

Fitness Friday

Andrea 10:10 AM 0 Comments

I am really struggling to find an exercise program that I enjoy. I need it to be quick, convenient and FUN! I have started plenty of programs but lose interest quickly. I found this...wonder if it works.

I think the progression of activities would keep me on my toes. And there are 3 additional levels beyond this one! To start out with, this is perfect for my work schedule.Especially when I work 2-3 days in a row (leaving my house at 6:30am and returning at 8:00pm...only to sleep and repeat the next day)-I need something quick!

I think this will be great motivation-starting out slowly. Maybe I will start today!

# Fitness

This Unfamiliar Road

July 31, 2011

Summer Days

July 24, 2011

Prayer Request Update

July 19, 2011

On the Home Front

July 11, 2011

When a Memphis Girl Marries a Yankee Boy

July 08, 2011

Fitness Friday

July 07, 2011

Prayer Request

July 03, 2011

Happy Independence Day!

July 01, 2011

Fitness Friday

Profile

About Me

Labels

Blog Archive

Search This Blog