Boys and Their BB Guns

I woke up from a nap today, and saw Chad and Darren by the gun cabinet.

They had their bb guns out looking like they were 5 and 7 again.

And then it was time to go shoot bb's at squirrels and leaves and whatever other things they found in the yard.

Boys and their toys...

One Day "Ja-mericans"

Okay, so I am just going to start off by saying that I LOVE Jamaica.

LOVE.

I'd go there again in a heartbeat.

Coming in to port

Tish, our guide

Chad being Bob Marley at the rest stop on the way to Ocho Rios

Getting lunch at Dunn's River Falls

LOVE the view.

Jerk chicken, salad, and rice and red beans.

Jamaicans are crazy drivers.  

There was about 10 inches between our bus and this one as it passed.

And on the other side of us?

A steep drop off.

So at that point I stopped looking out the window for a while.

Tish told us to do this when we got worried about driving:

1. Take a deep breath

2. Turn away and close your eyes

3. And say "no problem"

Yes, they actually say that. All the time.

I have tons to say about going to Dunn's River, but I have to wait until we get pictures developed! 

Getting There is Half the Fun!

Here's the snapshots of our hotel the night before getting on the cruise and in the airport.

We were able to walk along the beach after dinner, which was awesome!

The strip that lined the beach is what I think Jersey Shore would be like.

Not a huge fan!

Finally through security in STL!

Ready for dinner and a walk on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale

Our hotel room

The view from our room! It was rainy that day!

Finally on the shuttle to the cruise!

Back to Reality

So here we sit on the Lido deck of the ship.

We're back in Miami waiting to debark the ship.

I'd be lying if I said I was happy to be back.

I'm gonna miss being treated like a princess ;)


In other news, Chad finally found out about his internship!

We will be living at the lake this summer so he can work in an office here.

LOTS of logistics to figure out in the next few weeks.

Yep, back to reality...

Virtual Postcard: Key West

Today we ported in Key West bright and early.

No, seriously.

Room service breakfast (free!) was delivered at 6:30am. Seriously, I have no idea when the workers sleep!

We did get to see the sunrise from our room, and it was beautiful!

Anyways, we were some of the first off the boat and we picked up a map and started wandering!

In the three hours we were off the boat, we went past the Hemingway House, lighthouse, Duval Street, Whitehead street, and the island's oldest house.

We also took a picture at the Southernmost point in the USA.

I'll post that when we get home.

It was very fun, but very hot and humid.

To cool off inside, we stopped at the "Six Toed Cat" cafe for a snack.

What else would we have eaten but Key Lime Pie?

It was SO good.

My goal is to perfect it this summer at home!

Then we came back to the boat for lunch and sun and pool time.

Its almost time to set sail for Grand Cayman, which means I need to wrap this up while we're still in domestic cell service space!

Life Is good on the Lido Deck!

And We're Off!

Here's the big adventure luggage shot!



We are now headed from our room:

Down to the lobby for a cab back to the airport to meet up with Carnival!

I somehow don't have my phone charger (sad face) so who knows how much longer I'll be in touch for the week!

Later y'all!

Love, the Honeymooners

In Airports...

In airports, you meet the neatest people. As we were sitting in line for security, we met a lady who was flying back to Raleigh.

Her mom had just passed but she was the happiest, sweetest thing with an adorable southern accent!

She found out we were on our honeymoon and she was so excited for us. SO excited.

Even though her mom passed she said its wonderful because life carries on.

She has been married almost 32 years.

And the advice she had to give?

The Lord is the foundation and the glue.

She's so right. We know that already :)

She was running late for her flight, and I really hope she made it home to her family.

You really do meet the neatest people in airports :)

She vs. He Part 2

Yep.

5 days in and there's already MORE.

She: is a quick, efficient packer.

He: is still working on packing, 2 hours in.

She: likes to take her time packing and unpacking house stuff into closets.

He: gets into "go" mode for moving boxes and furniture.

She: packs quickly and chooses clothing and outfits without asking help.

He: ASKS. FOR. HELP. ON. EVERY. CLOTHING. ITEM.

She: had a little homesickness last night after leaving her parents' house.

He: has basically NO idea how to deal with the emotions of his new wife. And was therefore very confused.

She: is very good about folding and putting away camis.

He: was folding clothes and when he got to the cami, said "Can you come fold this thing? I don't know how."

The Faces of the Graduate.

Yes, even after all these crazy faces, they still let him graduate 8th grade!

She vs. He, Part 1

Well, I think its about time I resurface into the blogosphere!

Since we've been married for 3 days, I think it is time to share the vast amounts of knowledge I have gained about marriage in that time.

We're practically experts.

Note to reader: I am totally kidding. I hope you read the two above lines with sarcasm.

I would like to share the things I've learned in a little series I'm starting today called "She vs. He".

I plan on making this series about observations on things you don't know about the other person until you live with them!

She: gets tired more easily when loading up the trailer and wants to rest.

He: sets out to load the trailer and car and not stop until its perfect.

She: doesn't care as much about toothpaste foam drying on the sink until the next morning when it gets cleaned.

He: does.

She: apparently makes funny faces while brushing her teeth.

He: feels the need to point this out!

She: definitely prefers when he drives.

He: is a blanket hog.

She: likes to sleep in normal temperatures.

He: likes to open the windows, turn on the fan, and sleep in Arctic Tundra temperatures.

That's all I've got so far, but I'm sure there will be more soon!

Love,
The Newlyweds

Wedding day!

Getting ready! 

To get MURRIED!

Wedding Weekend Part 1

Okay, so I am sitting in my room, Friday night, and all festivities are over for the night.

I should be sleeping, because Diana is coming at 6:30am to start hair.  Ouch.

But my brain is SO wound from such a busy day that I can't even begin to rest.

So I'm writing.

The rehearsal went great and so did dinner.

Landon LOVED the "amazing boat"!

And here is my shameless plug for Half-Sauced Barbecue in Osage Beach, MO.

If you're ever in the area, go eat there.

For sure.

And then you can call me and thank me.

ITS SO GOOD.

They surprised us with a photo slide  show that they put together on the sly.

It was cute.

Good job brother in law!

Then everyone went to hang out in the suite.

It was so fun seeing everyone talking and laughing and getting to know each other!

Absolutely blissful.

Tired, but blissful!

Not So Looney Anymore!

I'm writing from the blogger app on my phone.

I LOVE that they finally came out with one!

Anyways, I'm poolside waiting for the kiddos to be done swimming, or the pool to close, whichever comes first.

I was in the hot tub but that thing was overly hot! So now I'm just hanging out.

Bed soon and then the craziness officially begins!

Oh, and I need to do my nails at some point. Whatever.

It's fun to just sit and watch Jenna and Josh swim.

Everyone says to enjoy every moment, so I'm trying my best!

Even though sleep sounds the most enjoyable.

I'll be in the lobby from about 11:30 to 1 tomorrow greeting people and giving hugs and directions.

I absolutely can NOT wait to see my grandparents.

Everyone else too, but you know...they're Grandma and Grandpa

The guys golf at 10:30, and hopeful at some point I'll get to take Landon to feed the fish on the dock.

That's another thing that I'm SO looking forward to; Landon's excitement and awe as he sees the lake.

This is my third post from today.

I know it may get annoying for people to read, but this is kind of like my way of remembering and processing.

So yeah. Haha

Looney Bride Series, Being Still {Bonus Post}

About an hour ago, I dropped Chad off at Tan Tar A for his "Mega-Manly-Man-Fest" Bachelor party.

No, they aren't calling it that, but I am.

I helped him carry his stuff up to their room and as soon as I came in the door the testosterone was so thick that I had to get outta there.

Fast.

So I kissed him goodbye, and high tailed it out to the car!

As I was driving back to the house, I was trying to think about what else I needed to get done tonight.

And then it hit me.

I needed to do....*drumroll*

NOTHING!!!

NOTHING AT ALL!!

School is done, work is done, everything is set in motion for the chaos of the next few days, and now all I have to do is sit back, relax with my Diet Coke, and wait for my family to make their arrival so we can head to the hotel.

Sheesh.

This whole "relaxing and being still" thing is WEIRD!

But I'm trying to enjoy it!

And I am so thankful.

Thankful for all the thousands of miles being traveled,

Thankful for the time, effort, and energy everyone has put in.

I am so excited, so ready to enjoy the weekend!

Looney Bride, Part 4

So it would make sense that the closer we get to the wedding, the more looney I'd become.

But ya know, that's just not true.

Its kind of the opposite!

Today has been fun.

I went to get my eyebrows waxed and to talk to Diana about our game plan for beautifying on Saturday morning.

Then we headed to Tan Tar A and picked up the flowers that we stowed there.

And then for a couple more errands.

But then, we came back for our lunch date.

A picnic at the same spot we got engaged at!

Awww...cute!

It was fun and we got to feed our leftovers to the fishes!

Looney Bride, Part 3

Nothing says "going on a big adventure" like a luggage shot!

(and that's not even counting what I loaded yesterday!

And boy, are these next few weeks going to be just that!

I think I have packed everything but the kitchen sink.

Oh, wait, maybe that's somewhere in there too...

Kidding.

I am normally a very efficient and organized packer.

But given the busyness of the past few weeks, not so much.

But I guess as long as I have my wedding dress, I'm good right?

3 days out from the wedding, and we are on part 3 of the Looney Bride series.

Are you convinced I've got a few screws loose yet?

Anyways,

CHEMISTRY CLASS IS DONE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!!!!!

THANK YOU JESUS!

And right now I am stuffing some food down my throat before heading to Rolla to unload some house stuff and head to the lake with Chad and his Dad.

Let's do this!

Looney Bride Part 2

See this little number with the semi-wierd eyes?

I feel like this little guy looks how I feel.

Excited for 4 days from now,

But wierded out about getting there.

I've heard many people say that marriage teaches you a lot about yourself.

I have only been married for negative 4 days,

And I have learned something.

I am now a professional procrastinator.

I didn't used to be like this.

If you knew me in high school, I always got my homework and projects done right away,

and turned in on time.

But that is no longer me.

I have been studying off and on all day.

By that I mean look over a few chemistry equations and then find 2 or 3 things SO important that I had to put away my studying and tend to it.

Is it important stuff?

Mostly.

But it says something about my level of dislike and procrastination of Chemistry when I would rather iron my dress for the wedding rehearsal than study.

I HATE IRONING.

But I hate chemistry more.

On the plus side, it will be ALL DONE tomorrow around 1!! 

PTL!

In other news, we are only $500 away from my trip to China being fully supported.

Wow. I am so thankful.

And as Mom said, "Man, it must mean that you REALLY need to go if almost all the money is raised already!"

The final amount is due by the beginning of June.

I'm praying it comes in sooner, so that this Looney Bride doesn't become "Looney Wife"

4 DAYS!!!!!!!!

Looney Bride, Part 1

Okay, so we are 4 DAYS away from saying "I do!"

I am so excited.

Like, I just drank 10 lattes from Mokka hyper.

My brain isn't shutting down for sleep tonight, so I figured I'd post about my last day at work.

With posting this, I am probably opening myself up to tons of ridicule and jokes at my expense, but I think it's important to learn to laugh about myself.

I am looney. And I intend to let you all in on that in these few days coming up to the wedding.

Lucky you.

Thursday was my last day of nannying for "my kiddos".

I've been working for them for two years.

Ever since Luke was a smiley 3 month old.

And I've seen him grow into a funny, personality filled toddler.

And Allie...wow.

She's growing TOO fast.

In the time I was caring for them, she had grown from a shy, quiet 7 year old to a mature, intelligent, sweet, and funny friend of mine.

Who will also be our flower girl.

So, anyways, on my last day of work I was in DENIAL.

So bad.

And it was SAD.

So, what did I do while Luke was sleeping and Allie was in school?

This:



If you couldn't tell, I was steaming carrots for Luke to eat.

Like I was worried his parents ans new daycare workers wouldn't feed them.

Which is ridiculous. They are fantastic parents, and now, friends of mine.

I think it was some REALLY twisted form of nesting.

REALLY really twisted.



Little buddy has gotten so big. I remember when he was too small for the chair, and now he's almost grown out of it.

When Renee got home, we both started to get teary eyed.

And that continued through talking and making plans for me to see them this summer.

Which I am SO looking forward to!

And then it came time for one last goodbye hug from the kiddos.

Luke did his normal "bye bye 'Mimi'!"

He had no clue what was going on.

But Allie seemed as sad as Renee and I.

So I got into my car, drove away, and cried most of the way home.

I can't wait to see them this weekend!

Wow. Part 2

So this morning as I was getting ready for church I was looking at the calendar.

And I realized that at this time next week, it will be Mother's day, and we will be eating breakfast with everyone for celebration.

Wow.

And after breakfast we embark on a CRAZY busy week before we head off to Florida for our cruise on Saturday.

The week goes like this:

Monday: 10 am hair appointment for me, driving to Camdenton to file and get our official marriage license so we can get on the cruise boat. To Rolla that night

Tuesday: Stop by the furniture store and pick up the furniture we bought while playing grown up. Head to STL to celebrate Josh's 8th grade graduation.

Wednesday: Head from my parents house to Edwardsville to get the last few things from the girls' apartment. Then head to the health dept. for me to get my last Hep A shot for China. (I want to cry thinking about it! I HATE needles.) Back to Rolla.

Thursday: Hang out in Rolla and organize things for moving in.

Friday: Head BACK to STL to babysit our nephews that evening and stay at the parents' house for our flight out in the morning.

Saturday: Head to the airport, and hop a flight to Florida, stay the night in Ft. Lauderdale.

Sunday: FINALLY get on the cruise ship!

Wow. I am SO ready for a vacation.

What do we do...

...One week to the hour before the wedding?

Get a little windburn, a little sunburn, and some funky tan lines of course!

We LOVE the jetski!

Days until we are man and wife(y)

Wow. Part 1

Wow.

How did it suddenly turn into MAY?!

May. As in the end of the semester.

As in WE ARE GETTING MARRIED IN NINE DAYS!

Holy cow.

This came up quick!

But I am SO excited.

With the whole "wedding" thing is the whole "a week after that we get to leave on a cruise" thing.

And I can't wait!

Watch out Key West, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica!

I suppose I should warn Ft. Lauderdale too because we have a night on either end of the cruise there.

Its going to be a BLAST.

But getting to that "blast" thing?

That's the hard part.

I spend my waking hours nowadays doing school work, wedding planning, work, and packing up my room.

And since there is a week in between our wedding and honeymoon, I am going to have to pack a bag for that week as we travel between Columbia, Rolla, and the Lake.

My room is in various states of packed.

In one corner, there is household stuff that needs to be taken to Rolla for our apartment.

In another, wedding party gifts that are going to the Lake this weekend.

In the third, a half-packed suitcase of clothes/shoes/etc for the week between the wedding and the honeymoon.

In the top of the closet, my also half packed honeymoon suitcase.

In the bottom of the closet, clothes, shoes, makeup, nail polish, jewelry, and hairpiece for the wedding week itself.

It looks like a bomb exploded in there.

My OCD tendencies HATE that.

And so does my momma.

So I just told her to keep the door closed and not go in.

Because it will all be gone in 9 days.

Wow.

May!

The flowers and decor for this month all fall along the lines of the wedding!

Because we get married in 11 days!