SWEET Tea!

My most favorite thing to drink is sweet tea! Seems like there's always some brewin' in the kitchen. I'm not alone, I think everyone here likes it, just not as much as me. We've perfected the recipe and it's the best. Now remember, I said SWEET tea....we use 6 regular decaf tea bags (I'm hyper enough on my own without the extra caffeine). Add approx. 1 1/2 cups of sugar to the water before brewing (I know, I know...that's a lot of sugar). Stir it all up and YUM! It's even better with a smidgen of sweet tea vodka...now that's good stuff. ;)

SHOW US YOUR LIFE - Flowers, Wedding Party and Rings

This week we're sharing our flowers, wedding party and rings. It's a blog carnival on Kelly's Korner.

The flowers in our bouquets were silk - yes, that's right silk. I wanted to be able to keep them - (that's so me!) and so I did. The bouquet I carried stays on top of our TV cabinet in our bedroom. It's made of off white roses adorned with pearls and ribbons. I still love it. The attendants had peach flowers with green accents. Silk boutonnieres for the guys and fresh flowers at the church.


















Our friends and family stood by us on our special day.

We found our rings at a local jewelry store. I knew as soon as I saw them, they were the ones! They're timeless to me and I love them as much today as I did in 1992. It's been said that I'm a little sentimental, well when it comes to these I'd have to agree! They've been through a lot in the past 17 years. None more than Duffy's though - there was the time he was working and decided it would be best if he placed his ring in his pocket for 'safe keeping'. When he got home and reached for it, that sick, sinking feeling took over. It was GONE! The most discouraging part was that he'd been working outside and quite some distance from home. A few days later though he returned to the same spot, full of faith. After a little searching, there on a leaf of a dandelion sat his ring...almost like it had been placed there for him. It should be said that the grass was being mowed and we're sure at least a couple of folks passed it by during it's stay, but in the end it found its way back to where it belongs! Now that's favor and we're grateful for the blessing. A few years ago on our anniversary, we had our bands engraved with 'Forever I promise'. It took a long time to decide on what they should say, I think it was worth they wait....

Wordless Wednesday

Brave Bugs!

She woke up on Wednesday with 4 wisdom teeth and went to bed without them! Yep, she was nervous but did great! Good medicine is helping a lot but considering she had all 4 removed at the same time, who can blame her!? All in all, she's coming through like a champ...chunky cheeks included. =)

She also has had lots of loving care to help her get through! Jon decided that he would stay with her...so like the great brother he is, he waited at the dentist office and didn't leave her side until Friday evening when she was on her way to her old self! Isn't that what brothers are for? Good job Jon!

He's lucky he's so darn cute!

I should've known when Mason was so quiet that he was into something..but I was too busy to check. (I was blogging! ;)) When I finally looked for him, here's what I found. One less pillow for us! I honestly think he was proud! Have we hit the terrible 1's? Do puppies go through that!?

SHOW US YOUR LIFE - Wedding Dress

So for those who follow http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/, you know that there's a new request to 'show your life'. This week is sharing pictures of your wedding dress.

I dug in the archives (not really, but it feels that way) and found this picture. I have to ask that you ignore the really big hair and sleeves! While I still love big hair, I've come to terms with the fact that it's not in style. The only excuse I have for the sleeves is that it was 17 years ago!

Honestly, I loved this dress. It's ivory with lots of beading and frills - so me...at the time!




But, if I were going dress shopping today, wow - the picture sure would look different! Something a little more elegant and sophisticated. Something more like this...

A little bit about me...

A few months back someone suggested I write random things that told a little about me. Well I did and when I re-read them today, I thought I'd share them here. It really does sum me up! Here it goes:

Looking back over the years, I’ve been blessed in more ways that I can even begin to describe. I’m so thankful for each of them! Speaking of blessed, I have three of the most amazing God children a girl could ever wish for. To each of them, I want nothing short of the best! They so deserve it. God has a plan for each of us…it’s following it that’s the choice. I hope He knows I’m trying!

If I can’t be home, then I want to be near the water! Any kind will do…as long as the sun is shining and the boats are floating.

I really do like being tan…why does it have to be bad for me? Who got to decide that? LOL

I get asked all the time, ‘are you two sisters?’….the answer, of course, ‘no', but it's another example of God’s plan. We wouldn’t appreciate each other as much if we had grown up together too!

I believe people come into your life for a reason. I try to learn something from each of them.

I love when the seasons change – doesn’t matter which one, I always like it.

I try not to borrower trouble. If it needs me, it knows where to find me.

I’d wear flip flops everyday if I could!
I can water ski! If you know me, you know that’s almost impossible to believe! Jim deserves all the credit for that! Thanks Duffy!
I don’t think I remember life before a puppy…funny how things you think you never want in your life can make you smile so much!
There’s nothing better than a new outfit! After all, you never know when you’re going to see someone for the first time.
I like surprises, even though I say I don’t. Not the ones that scare me, the ones that make me feel special. Why don’t they happen more often?
I LOVE my birthmonth. Yes, that’s right, the entire MONTH! If you were born on the last day of yours, then you understand. We get the whole month!
I really like cell phones. Lots of reasons why…but really, I think they’re the greatest invention ever!
I twirl my hair when I’m tired or thinking. I’ve done it for as long as I can remember. There’s something so comforting about it.
I’ve known my husband for longer than I was alive before I met him and I’ve worked for the same company longer than that. Guess it could be said I’m getting old, but I like to think it’s that my settled....and Blessed!
At the end of it all, I want to make a difference to someone! Really, that’s all I want from life…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUANNE! =)

The Mason Boy is 1!

When we got Mason he weighed in at a whooping 2.5 lbs. One year later he's grown to 5 lbs. Still the runt, he's feisty and tough! But,truth be known he's a sweetheart and I don't remember not having him! He's 1 today!

Nickelback rocked it!

Last night, Duffy, Julieanne, Jonathan and I went to Hershey, PA to the Nickelback concert and it was great! Wasn't your typical Kenny Chesney crowd, but still a good time. We knew every song and danced the night away!

(Sorry, no pics - it was raining until the minute we walked in the stadium...literally!...serious favor!)

Is it just me?

Jacob's been at the beach; today is the first time we've seen him in a couple of weeks. I swear he grew up in that time. He looks and sounds (his voice changed) like a different kid!

Tickets in hand...

God help the Jonas Brothers! 3 more screaming girls headed their way.

With their schedule and route mapped out, they headed to the metro...destination - Verizon Center. From the sound of the call from the concert, everyone 'singing' Sweet Caroline, a good time was had by all!

We had a blast!

Wow, what a great weekend! We're grateful to have spent time with our niece, Morgan. We don't get to visit with her often but each time we do is a lot of fun. It was an action packed two days! From Baltimore, to Wii competitions (all of which Morgan won!) to crabs out back, we did it all. Morgan, we hope you had as much fun as we did. We love you and are very proud of you.

Here's a few of our favorite moments!

We miss you already!

Crabs for Morgan!

When in Maryland....! There's a first for everything and this weekend was Morgan's first experience with 'picking' crabs. She's a quick learner and even made a little cash helping Grandpa and Uncle Jim.

Thanks Morgan!

Thanks for the beautiful butterfly picture Morgan! It's perfect and I love it!

Our day at the Aquarium

We enjoyed the beautiful weather and had a great time at the National Aquarium in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. We hadn't visited there in years and had a great time seeing lots of different creatures. My favorites were the dolphins and jellies! Oh yeah, there was the 4D show also...complete with squirting water, random puffs of air and pokes in the back - all at the 'perfect' time. I think I spent a good part of the show holding my feet up in the fetal position - yes, I'm easily scared! But, it was fun and everyone (Duffy, Julieanne, Morgan (our niece), Mom and Dad Herrmann and me) thought it was great. Here are some memories we captured from our visit.

Bye Bye Birdies!

So they haven't flown the coup quite yet, but I think (and hope) it's getting close! They're starting to look creepy to me and their mom is getting aggressive about their nest. I know she's just doing her job....well, good job! =)

Happy Anniversary Holly and Bill!

Happy Anniversary and congratulations on 11 years!

The miracle of life

After discovering the nest of robin eggs last week, I've been holding vigil awaiting their hatching. So, I'm sure you can imagine my excitement yesterday, when i stood on the wall of the patio and leaned over to peek - there they were with their little beaks searching. One had literally just left his egg! Birds are still not my favorite, but I have to admit that I kinda like these little ones. I'm amazed by them. Stay tuned, I'm going to try to get pictures until they fly away...

A round at Congressional Country Club

This week is the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club. So, up with the sun, Jim and Jon were out the door and on their way. Although they didn't get to play a round of golf with the pros, they were able to walk around with them. Here's a couple of pictures from their day. Today was the pro am so they were able to see some local sports celebrities as well as some not so local. You'll find a lot of Tony Romo shots in here - yes, you guessed right, Jon was in charge of taking pics. (Gotta love those Cowboy fans!...I take that back, gotta love Jon! =))