Where Are You Wednesday?

Today... where am I?? Good question..
My brain is going 68,382 miles per hour and cannot slow down.. We had a field trip today, 9 official teacher days left of work, 10 days until we are on vacation, and I am just one stressed out cookie! John tried to say on the way home (from another late day at the good ole' school) "That we are never home! We don't even have time to wipe our butts, let alone water our plants!!" My smart, sarcastic response was, "Well, for your information I ALWAYS find time to wipe." He didn't really find me funny at the moment... and then responded with, "You know what I mean."

Moving on...

So as some of my faithful readers know, I have really gotten into this 'link up'/blog hop thing that goes on in cyber land. Whatever the name is, I find it pretty darn neat that there are all these ways to link up and meet new people! I love it! I have ready some pretty awesome blogs and have started following a few new ones myself.
Now, people, I am fully aware that I am not the best blogger in the world. (This is where I would normally insert excuses of work, field trips, baking jobs, family stuff, busy weekends, etc.)
So I won't do that. I know I need to get better, but sometimes I'm just not feelin' it.. ya know?!?!

I love writing typing. It gives me a chance to clear my mind and just focus--whatever the topic may be. My only problem is actually just SITTING down for some uninterrupted time to just relax. (Mind moving too fast problem, remember?)
Anyhow, I am hoping by me doing these link up/ blog hops on different days it will help me stay a little more accountable. I know... you are probably thinking that it is absolutely ridiculous that she has to hold her 'hobbies' accountable... But, that is just me. I do better when I have deadlines, schedules, agendas, plans... I AM A PLANNER, People!
Those of you that have known me for quite some time (yes, those same that still haven't figured out how to officially 'follow' me. ;) ) know that I have always been one that meticulously plans... for everything.

So, this blog is dedicated to joining a new blog hop, Where Are You Wednesday?
Can't wait to meet some fellow bloggers from all over the world!

To My LiTtLe bRo...

Dear Cade Wyatt,

My sweet, sassy little bro... where do I begin??

The past four years have flown by! You are one of mine and John's greatest joys in life! I love watching you grow, play, and just hang out with the adults. Your conversations have changed so much, just over the past year. This time last year, the word 'sharing' was a new concept for you and you still weren't sure how the whole telephone thing really worked. You would say, "Sissy, I can hear you, but where are you? Can't you come over NOW???"
Your 'Why?' questions are definitely still there, but they are fewer and farther apart nowadays. I didn't think I would actually miss the 5,734 WHY's per day... but honestly, the older you get, the more I do miss them.
More recently, you hung out with John and me for the day and we had some interesting conversations... You have started trying to convince me of what I you really want to do... "Sissy, you are done eating, it is time to leave." "Sissy, you do want ME to have M&M's, can I have some please?" Yes, Cade you said please!
We had some funny conversations too.. about buggers and worms and cat litter boxes!! I will never forget those conversations and I will make SURE to discuss them your entire life! That is, after all, what siblings are for!
We played water guns and then counted the number of feet your 'gun' could shoot... Yes, you could COUNT, to 10!!

The one conversation that we had I wish to never, ever forget though, that is why I am putting it on my blog. So that this next story will be here, where ever 'here' is, forever...

We were walking back to the car, holding hands through the parking lot and I was trying to kiss on you and all you could say was, "Sissy!" as if you were embarrassed by my kisses... I said to you, that I remember when you were a baby and I loved you soo much! That I wish you could be little forever! And as I am buckling you in your 'big boy' seat, you look at me with those big, brown eyes, and said, "I can't be a baby forever, Mama wants me to be a big boy, Sissy!" I then explained that I understood, but I still missed you as a baby. Then, as seriously sweet as a four year old boy can be, you turned to me and said, "Sissy, will you still love me when I am a big boy?"
My answer then, is, and will be the same forever. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!! I love watching you grow, while remembering you as a tiny baby! You are such a 'big boy' already and can't wait for you to start school next year!!  I wish for you to NEVER lose you sense of humor and your imagination, and to of course, never be too old to kiss your Sissy!
I love you, Cade Wyatt.
-Sissy

Sweet Shot Tuesday: My Pop

Recently I linked up to Five Minute Friday and have also gotten inspired to link up to Sweet Shot Tuesday. This link is a way to get all people to get out there and shoot! (Their camera that is!)

And here is my photo of the week: The Peace Lily

I know, to the unknowing eye, it looks like a sad little house plant. But not to me. This is my daily reminder of my Pop, the one plant that I chose to take home after his funeral services.
He was the family's Rock. Stubborn as anything :), but always brought our family together. He was the one who was always willing to say what others wouldn't. He was funny, loving, and above all else had faith.
It is that faith that allows me to count on this plant. Every Winter the old plant dies off, and it is in the Spring that the new plant sprouts and is beautiful and blooming by Summer and into the Fall.
It was on Tuesday that I just happened to go out the door that we never use, to find this. I looked at John and said, "Pop is back for the Spring!"

This little plant makes me smile.

First Time: The Hard Love

So, one of my dearest and best friends, Kelli, has finally started blogging again and I can't even begin to say how delighted I am for her! Yes, selfishly I am thrilled that I have a way to constantly see the happenings of their life with their baby girl, Janie. Kelli has also gave me some inspiration to write for myself. This past Friday, she linked up to the Five Minute Friday and spent 5 uninterrupted minutes of typing. Her post was beautiful. It amazes me what truly flows from our minds when we just take the time to think...
Yes, I know it is Sunday, and I am linking up to Five Minute Friday, but who cares... the point is that I am taking 5 minutes, for MYSELF, to just type.

Here it is...

The Prompt: The Hard Love...

That is just it... Love is HARD. Some days are more difficult than others. Sometimes I feel that it is harder to love than any other emotion. I think, just for a second, it would be so easy to just NOT care.
I'm not talking about my marriage, or family, or any one particular thing.

Just about life.

In life we love so many 'things' whether it be people, possessions, memories, careers, animals... but are any of these things constant? Do we ever love these 'things' the same way, forever?

I think not. That, my friends, is what makes love hard. It is the challenge, the feat, the feelings that rush through one's body that make love so hard, but at the same time so worth it.

So many days, I agonized and worry over things to come... and what 'could' happen.

My goal is to just Love.
Love when it is hard.
Love when it is crazy.
Love when it is fun.
Love when it is Complicated.
Just Love the moment that I'm in.

Let's Play Catch Up... AGAIN!!

I know I know, I am again getting way behind on my blogging. BUT I am NOT apologizing this time. Why would I? No more saying I am sorry when I don't really mean it. Remember, this blog is for me, an outlet of my thoughts, a way for me to journal our bizilife together as a young couple with no children. I am sure that over the years my blog, topics of choice and content at times will change over the years as our life's priorities do... we will see.

Where have I been? Well, BIZI!!! (Get it... the name of our blog...) This is where you say, okay corny joke number 5,397 of the year. I can't help it. :)

We have been doing all those wonderful things 20 something year olds do... No, not party... well maybe a little bit. ;)

Let's see...
We had our very first Teacher's Spring Break together this year. We had an amazing week of doing pretty much NOTHING! We went camping to one of our favorite places in St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park. I highly recommend this place to anyone. It is peaceful, clean, and above all else... BEAUTIFUL! It was just John, me, our little tent, and the campfire. (Yes, you heard me... I sleep in a tent... occasionally.)
Anyways, here are some photos of our month(s)...

 Yes. Oh Yes. Peaceful. Good Music. Nice Weather.

Our FAVORITE RESTAURANT in St. Augustine...

Saltwater Cowboys

We went to the Kenny Chesney Concert with my parents.

Fun oh fun!!!

Tried out a couple new recipes in the month of March and April

St. Patty's Day Guinness Cupcakes

Baby Shower Cupcakes!! Gotta love a baby girl on the way. :)

Petite Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Bliss Icing

CakePoPs!!! Yummo! Or so I heard...

And I seriously think that this is ONE of the most RIDICULOUS things I have ever seen... GROSS!!!

I Found a NEW favorite snack... and it is healthy!

My sister and I took our very first Sister's Beach Getaway... We had a great time!! It was so nice to get to spend time with her. We are just enough years apart that one of us was always in the middle of some sort of 'transition' in life. College, Marriage, working in Hawaii, Having a baby, work, etc. Finally... our lives slowed down just ENOUGH for us to find the time to go away, just the two of us and catch up.

Yes, we talk and text often, but it just isn't the same. 

My mom always told us that we would always have each other, no matter what. "Sisters are ALWAYS there for one another!" She would say after we argued and hit and made nasty faces at each other.  Then my mom would MAKE us hold hands and hug and make up... I used to think how ridiculous... But, now, more than ever, I am so thankful for my mom instilling making us see that kind of bond like no other. I love my sister in a way I love no other person. We share feelings and life experiences that no other person can share with us. We have been through so much and in the END, she is still there. Bad times and GOOOOOOOODDDD... which was exactly what this weekend was! We made so many memories and have many infamous 'quotes' from the time spent together. :)

Yes, I am a little embarrassed to admit that I own a shirt that has this on it... Best part... It says Spring Break '11... haha. Oh memories.

Anyways,
That is it for now... like I said before, I was a little busy. So, no apologies for not being the best blogger in the world. :)
Hope to here from you ALL soon!!

Time Flies When You Are...

So I have come to the realization that TIME.JUST.FLEW.BY.
What do I mean by this? Well... the month of February seems like a complete whirl wind... Where did it go? How did that happen? And why SO fast?!

I have two of theories...
1. Time Flies When you Are Having A Good  Great Time!
2. Time Flies When You Get Older.

Theory Two: Time Flies When You Get Older.

I also had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate a birthday... Yea, yea, it was okay... No big deal. 

But this birthday made me closer to 30 than 20... Yuck. 

However, John and I had a talk recently that time does seem to go by faster and faster with each year that passes. We both agreed that we will indeed get older, because well, it is a fact of life. 

HOWEVER, we REFUSE to get OLD.

If this doesn't make sense to you, well I'm sorry to admit that you might be getting older and OLD.

All this means, for us anyway, is that we don't want to be 'old people.' Never.Ever.Ever.

We don't want our age to affect the decisions we make. We want to continue to live an active, fun, healthy, full of energy life style... no matter how much older we get. 

I know, we are still young. BUT we think it is important to set goals, plans, hopes, dreams for the life that is to come. :)

I feel like this One.Single.Picture. pretty much sums up WHAT I am saying...

Insert: *Sigh* 

I love my husband's dreams... Silly me for thinking he wanted to back to the African Safari at  Disney World's Animal Kingdom. :)

Theory One: Time Flies When you Are Having A Good  Great Time!
I had a FaBuLoUs time in the month of February! I/We did some bit of traveling last month...
-I had an awesome girl's trip in Savannah with my mom, Nana, and Gramma Betty.
-I went and visited my sweet, adorable nephew... TYLER
-John and I took a long weekend trip to Fort Meyers Beach to visit John's parents 'new' home.
-Birthday dinners and celebrations!!
-We flew to Miami and spent an amazing weekend on South Beach! (This will be a total different blog!)

Now for some of my infamous pictures...

That.I.Must.Include.On.Every.Blog.

Yes, we went to Lady and Sons restaurant while we were in Savannah. We also ate at so many other GREAT places.

How Cute?!

Tyler Levi's 4 month photos

I just want to kiss all over that baby boy's face!!! We just LOVE him!

What is this?!? Well, my favorite kind of CUPS! Plus, its proof that we spent some poolside time while in Fort Meyers... Water glass, Wine glass, Chapstick, towel in the background. :)

I found this funny. I know... How immature!?!? Anyhow, this was on the drive down to Bonita Springs Beach. No bathing suit pictures of me... any time soon.

How irresistible? This is Sister... John's parents' cat. She is such a corky little thing. Plus, who takes pictures of people anymore?! How boring. ;)

My Hunk. Enough said.

Before my birthday dinner at the Melting Pot. Yum!!

Birthday dessert at Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse. Thanks for the great dinner, Mom and Chris!!

Somebody enjoyed the cheesecake... :)

This was a handmade birthday gift that I received in the mail. John's Aunt Anne made this wonderful apron for me! This was the most thoughtful gift I have received in a long time! :) What a perfect hand stitched design. Cupcake Girl.

The main reason we went to SOBE... more pictures to come in a future blog update.

Only in South Beach. :)

Can we guess which famous person this is?!?

Another sneak peak at the festival...

What to look forward to from the bizilife blog:
-The SOBE Food and Wine Fest
-Cade's 4th birthday... as a pirate!
-Best foods I have ever ate.
-Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Concert(s)
-St. Augustine Camping Trip
-Update on the 'Baking' Side of Life... Changes, soon.

I KNOW, March is pretty amazingly busy too!!

The Best and Worst Things... of 2011

So I had planned to do a list of my favorite Christmas gifts of 2010... Well, you can probably guess why that wasn't successful.
You Got It! It is now February and I officially stink at staying focused with 'my plan.' Oh well!

Anyhow, I feel that I am somewhat better than last year.. Baby.Steps.Right?

Since the school year is now fully into the 'swing' of things, I am finding myself mentally and physically exhausted at the end of each day. When we get home, the last thing I want to do is sit at a computer and type. I spend on average about 30 minutes on the computer when I get home...
What am I doing you might wonder? Well, I read up on a list of my favorite blogs, maybe one day I will share my new favorites. :)
I check our banking information and lately have been making reservations for some up and coming trips! Yahoo! That is about the extent!

So, tonight, I decided to finally sit down and get all of my thoughts out of my head and on the paper computer.

Favorite/Best:

TYLER

Chelsea, if you are reading this... I miss him, I miss you. I want to need to see him soon, real soon. I need some snuggle time. I need some baby time. I need Tyler.

My new camera lens. Enough said. 

Cupcakes. Or really just baking in general. I have been so blessed to have baking jobs through the month of January and I am now booked through February. I love every minute of it. 

Plus, who wouldn't love a HOT pink cupcake with a zebra print liner and the best chocolate cake you have ever put in your mouth? =HEAVEN!

Of course, this goes without saying...

I think this is the best gift I have ever bought myself. :)

Aghhhhhhh... My life saver in the morning. Enough said.

Oh, and my favorite mug below. The first coffee mug J ever bought me. Now, the whole coffee cup gift giving is literally turning into a big joke. We have the most random collection. I hope we aren't alone...

My Tervis Tumbler... I use it every single day. My friend Mallory gave it to me for Christmas and I LOVE IT! She knows me well, I am a creature of habit and very practical. 

Oh and my iPhone!!! J and I bought each other new phones for Christmas... This was the last bill that our parents so joyfully handed down to us. We are now officially paying ALLLLLLLL of our own bills. Sucks. Anyways I'm getting off topic. 

My phone is my other half of my brain. I love it. I have it with me all the time. I think it is superglued to my hand hand, figuratively of course. Actually my phone is sitting next to me as we speak... AND I am texting my Tervis Tumbler friend, Mallory. (Mentioned above.)

Lastly, my Otterbox. For those of you that don't know, it is my phone case. In case you didn't know, I am really hard on phones... I don't mean to be, I just am. So, my otterbox is the BOMB!

This picture should explain it all. I love my slippers. Call me an old lady if you like, but there is no better feeling than slipping on a pair of slippers at the end of a long day.

I know, I am getting ridiculous here. I don't blame you if you don't read any further. But these boots are  pretty great! I just love them! They are comfy and so incredibly cute with jeans, skirts, or dresses. 

Awwwwwww look, it it John! Well, obvisouly he is one of the best things. Ever.

However, this facial hair he is sporting is new. This picture was taken about a week ago. So, it has filled out even more. But, I like it. I think it looks good on him. Maybe even sexy. ;)

Pillows, oh my!!

That is right folks, I made these alllllll by myself. Well, kinda. My NanaC, has assisted in walking me through the sewing process. She is a great teacher and so incrediably patient with me. We have a grand time laughing at our my mishaps. I am learning. These are some of the throw pillows I made for our home.
BTW: I also know how to thread the machine and the bobbin! Also how to back stitch and turn corners!! Wahoo! If nothing else, I can make pillows!!!

So, this post was a lot longer than I planned.... hmmm. I think I will save the worst things of 2011 for another day. Maybe I will keep a couple of you hangin. ;)