SHOW US YOUR LIFE- Wedding Party and Flowers/Ceremony

On the most gorgeous day in June 2006, I married my best friend! I was very lucky to have 2 of my best friends stand beside on that day.

This is one of my favorite pictures because you can see how beautiful the flowers really were. I love stargazer lillies and roses. I have a finished copy of this photo hanging in my house. The beautiful girls in the picture are my Maid of Honor, Rebecca. She has been one of my best friends since pre-school. My other bridesmaid was my friend, Bethany. We started working together at Arvest and instantly became best of friends. Love them both dearly.

I don't have many pictures on my new computer and am too lazy to find my wedding CD. Ha! I showed this picture last time, but she was a part of my wedding. My neice, Jilian, was the best flower girl. When getting ready that day, she looked at me and said "I want to look like a princess like Nora!" She insisted that I was the only one to do her hair.

This is my absolutely adorable nephew, Jude. He was about Thompson's age in this picture. Now, he is an almost 5 year old that outweighs his almost 8 year old sister. This picture is too cute! He was our ring bearer and did a great job!

I don't have any pictures of the whole wedding party on my computer :( but I think you saw the 2 cutest kids, so that should be good!

Oatmeal Cookies and Mint Tea

For some odd reason, I have been wanting a huge, gooey oatmeal cookie! So as crazy as I am...Thompson and I head to the grocery store this afternoon to pick up some oats and raisins. Mind you, it is the military pay day. For those who have not been to a military commissary on payday, it is insane. Lines 50+ deep. Luckily, I did remember this and got there before it got too bad. AND I did self-checkout, so that way I hurried along with my 6 or so items.

So, I come home and get all the stuff ready and make me some delicious cookies! I also finished making chicken enchiladas. Which is really good feat because I ended up cutting the end off of my finger this morning. Not. Joking. It is never good to pry frozen tortillas apart with a HUGE sharp knife while your thumb is on the bottom. It is still throbbing, but its ok. I took pictures, but now can't find my camera-- thanks to my lovely little man.

Now, back on track. So here is the website for the cookies! Check them out!

http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/02/thick-chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies/


And now for my mint tea. My Aunt Pat, who was probably one of my most favorite people in the entire world, made the best mint tea. Because of her, I fell in love with it when I was really little. My sister Brittany and I were talking about it tonight and how at our old house we use to try and make it like her. We had a huge batch of mint growing right by our back door and we use to go out and just pick a huge amount of it. No matter how many times we tried and tried, it never turned out like hers. Since I am not in the most mint-growing desirable climate, I have resorted to the next best thing--

It is definitely not my Aunt Pat's tea, but it always reminds me of her when I make it. And for that, it is the best!

Potty Training: Day 3

Well, Thompson has went on the potty three times today. He has had a few accidents, but I am just proud he is trying. I just need to keep in mind that he does not know to go to the potty everytime and that he will eventually learn. It will definitely take time.

Right now, I am watching Paula Deen and she just made some yummy looking chocolate chip cookies. I have had a huge chocolate craving here lately. I really hope it passes soon. That or they will kick me out of the dr's when I go back for all the weight I have gained! Gees!!! How come I can't crave broccoli or something healthy (crappy) like that?!? I do like fruit. But there is only so many plums I can eat in a day. And I do believe it defeats the purpose of eating healthy if you have like 6 plums in a setting. I am just guessing tho. :)

I did make a yummy, yummy dish last night. Jalapeno Chicken with cream cheese and bacon! Enough said!



I highly suggest this one and if you want to make it, here is the recipe:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Jalapeno-Chicken-II/Detail.aspx

It's bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S!!!

So Brycen, what are you up to these days???

Here is Babycenter's description of the little guy this week! I think it is so neat that I can compare him to a fruit! Ha! I will try and do this from now on.

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

On other news... I give Thompson a C- on his potty training so far. He went pee-pee in the potty twice yesterday. And each time he was rewarded with M&M's. (Well the first time we had to improvise b/c dad ate the candy the night before, so blueberries was our "candy".) I just really need to trust him that he does need to go when he tells me and not just assume he wants more candy. Oh well. We have a long ways until we are potty trained. But hey, Rome wasn't built in a day, right?! I sure wish it was...

Blah, Blah, Blah!

That is about the way I feel these days. There isn't too much happening here in the desert. I am just waiting on the word of where we might be headed. THEN... I can really start planning and stop worrying about it.

I am trying to venture into a new Mommy territory-- potty training. Today is day #2 and I have high hopes that we will be more successful than yesterday. We went out and purchased some pull ups with the hope that he will soon be needing them. I vowed that I am not buying anymore diapers than what we have, so he has no choice but to learn right?! ;P We'll see. I also bought some candy to entice him. Ha. I will keep you updated on how things are going.

Last night we had a relaxing Movie Night at home. I cooked dinner and we watched movies that my dear hubby picked out. After "In the Army Now", "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story", and "Semi-Pro" I think I have watched my share of stupid movies for the rest of my life. Seriously. Although I will admit, Paully Shore always does a good job of making me laugh.

Today...I am going to work on homework! YAY!!! I really need to get my butt in gear seeing as to how I have less than 2 weeks left of summer school! Eesh!

I will be back hopefully with a picture of the little potty trainer!!! PRAY!!!

SHOW US YOUR LIFE- Wedding Dress

I am participating in this week's "Show us your life" and it happens to be "wedding dress"! I loved my dress and still do. I got it for a bargain (not kidding). It is an ivory, 2-piece with silver embroidery complete with all sorts of crystals.

Giddy? Who me?

So, I am extremely bored right now. Thompson is taking a nap, and I am putting off starting some homework. So... I am participating in a Writer's Workshop I got off of Beth's blog.

This one is "What are you giddy about?"

Let's see...

-I sold my jogging stroller today. I never used it, so I will enjoy the money more than it just sitting there.

-I am still giddy about the boys' bedrooms and bathroom.

-I am SOOOO giddy that on Tuesday, I will be 20 weeks pregnant!!! HALF WAY DONE!!!

-I am giddy that Whitney Houston is making her hopeful comeback and can't wait to buy her album come Sept. 1st!

-I am giddy that I am starting to plan Thompson's 2nd birthday. Thinkin Nemo or Cars party...

-I am giddy that I just ate an amazing hot dog!

-Oh, and one more... I am giddy that the $1 theater is going to be playing some awesome movies starting Friday! Since Robert will be gone all next week, I know what I will be doing at night!

Now, let's talk about something I am NOT so giddy about. My car. First off, I love my car. It is the best thing ever. BUT... I am not happy that I am having to have the battery replaced after only a year. To make things worse, Napa, Autozone, nor Wal-Mart carry the battery. And they look at me like I am dumb when they ask: "Are you sure it is the battery? It's a brand new car." No crap, Sherlock. Do you think I want to give you a $100 for nothing? Come on. So now, we have to take it down to Nissan for them to put one in and look things over. Ridiculous.

Another thing I am not giddy about-- this heat! I am pretty sure that I HATE 110+ degree weather. I am tired that I wake up at 8am not being able to go walk because it is already almost 90*. I am so ready for normal weather. Weather where it rains and where there is humidity. Yes, I know... some of you are probably shaking your heads, but this heat is exhausting. There are many days I don't even see the outside cause it is so dang hot.

Ok, enough ranting! Think I might go raid the fridge again. Ha!

Back in California

We made it back to California and I have been exhausted ever since! Our plane got delayed about 2 hours while we were in Dallas, so that put us in Vegas at about 8:30. We all decided we were starving so we headed down to the strip to eat at one of our favorite places, Margaritaville.

The food is good, but it is the atmosphere that I really love. This is the first restaurant Robert and I ate at on our 1st trip to Vegas. Many memories. We finally got home at about 1:30am!

While back in Arkansas, I started looking for stuff for Thompson's big boy room. We were at Target one night and I saw this collection. It is so cute. So he is now fixed up with a complete bedding set, valances, area rug, lamp, wall stickers, growth chart, and night light. I don't think there is anything missing... I plan on getting some shelves from Hobby Lobby and painting them navy blue to match. So that should be it. Lol.

I do have to tell you about the deal of the CENTURY!!! Before Mom was to drop us off at the airport, Linda, Ansley, Thompson, Mom and I all went to Utica Square to do a little shopping and eat lunch at Queenies. I always love going to Pottery Barn Kids, but can rarely afford to do much shopping. The week before we got all of Thompson and Brycen's bathroom stuff to do the Dr. Seuss theme. Well this time, I was going hoping to find some more good deals. And boy, did I ever! Let me tell you about it....

The week before when we were there I saw this adorable bedroom set that was a floor model. They had it on sale for 30% off. I thought that was a great deal! Well I tried and tried to get them to throw in the trundle bed with the bed and they would have a deal. Well, I guess at PBK, they don't make deals. So I left, still talking about the bed that I wanted for Thompson's room. WELL... I went back on Monday and overheard them telling a woman that the bedroom set was now marked 50% OFF! I couldn't believe it! If you know Pottery Barn, you know that their stuff is extremely high quality and extremely high priced. So I was thrilled to know that I now could afford to buy this bedroom set for Thompson. So after mom dropped us off at the airport, she went and loaded it up to take home to store for us. I am still so happy about that purchase. So now, little man has new bedroom furniture and everything to accessorize it with! Here is a picture of what we got:

I have been majorly slacking!

Well, it has been a week or two since my last post. We have been so busy visiting with family and friends that I haven't had the time to really sit down and sort my thoughts out.


Thompson is asleep and I am relaxing on the couch with my cherry limeade (xtra lime!) This has become my everyday staple item. I am so sad that after this week I will not be able to run down and get one anytime I want :( Seriously, the closest Sonic is 1 hour 15 minutes away. Oh well. I am sure my hips will thank me later! Ha!


Tomorrow, we are venturing to White Water again. I love this place. I love laying in the lazy river. I love eating pretzels with cheese. I love it. I am so excited to be going back. Let's just hope the rain stays away for one more good trip.


A new hobby I have taken up has been fishing. I don't like to toot my own horn, BUT I am pretty darn good. I am probably the only person that can cast the lure, get caught in a tree, pull it out, and while dragging it back-- catch a fish! Ha! My first day, I caught 12. My dear husband caught 2! But, in his defense he was "using a bigger bait to only catch the bigger fish." Riiiiiiiight.

I also have started decorating for our unknown, new house. I don't know where we will live. I don't know how big or small. I don't know anything. BUT...every room will be planned and finished by the time we move. I decided to do the boys' bathroom in the Pottery Barn Kids' Dr. Seuss "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" theme. It is too cute. I painted these adorable stools for them to use that will match. I am going for the primary colors (red and blue) to tie in all of the items. I am excited.

I ordered Brycen's bedding the other day. I had a horrible time debating whether to spend a lot of money on custom bedding or just order some from the store. I chose order some from the store. So here it is:

I love it! It is the same colors I was wanting, so that works out perfectly. I made this cute "B" to hang above his changing table. I am planning on using a vinyl wall quote above his crib. I think they are so chic and cute. Can't wait to get that!

Not much else happening. I shipped the poor hubby back home. He is at work. And not loving it. I think they are a little upset that he is not deploying with them in January. 1) He gets out in November 2) He does not want to sit on a ship for 7 months. I really don't blame him. As of right now, he is re-enlisting. We have put in our package. We are waiting to hear something. I, myself, am not a big fan of the Marines right now. For one, the so-called re-enlistment bonus has dropped around $45,000 (yes...3 zeros!) in the past 6 months. Not kidding. It honestly makes me sick to think about it. I would definitely be all for getting out if it weren't for skyrocketed insurance costs. Our insurance would end in Nov. and the baby is due in Dec. I don't know how much that would cost us, but I am sure it is a pretty penny. I could go on and on about his for hours, so I better not get started...

This is my sister's new dog, Noodles. It is a rescue dog from a crack house, so I am guessing that is why its name is Noodles. hmm... Well, Thompson loves it. I am not sure if it is a mutual feeling, but so far they are good buddies.

I have been following a certain blog for a while now. Little Miss Avery is a CDH baby and is definitely a little fighter. Last night, her parents had to make the most impossible decision to stop her treatments. The poor baby has suffered so much just trying to heal from different procedures. She was a such beautiful baby. I can't imagine the pain they are feeling right now. I pray that I never have to. But, it really makes me realize how lucky we are that we are healthy and that our children are healthy. As much as Thompson can be a stinker, I am so proud that he is here to cause a little trouble. Pray for her family. God bless little Avery!

It's a...

It's a











Baby











BOY!!!



We are too thrilled! Of course, I was holding out for a girl, but as soon as I saw him I fell in love all over. He looked so much like Thompson. I just knew he HAD to be a boy. It was the sweetest thing. Thompson kept saying "Hi, Baby!". We had went to an ultrasound place and they had a huge projection screen that we watched. So just seeing him up there made him feel so real. We have decided on a name, Brycen Matthew Riedel. I am a stickler about names-- I prefer ones that I don't know anyone who has it. Luckily, I don't know a Brycen. But Matthew is my husband's middle name. So I LOVE it! :) Thankfully, Robert did too. He is pretty bad about shooting down names, so I was really happy when he loved Brycen. We actually couldn't decide between just Bryce or Brycen, but I love the extra something in Brycen. I could probably bore you forever talking about names, so I will move on ;P



Ok, since it is a boy, that means our wallet will definitely be a little fuller and we don't have to hardly buy anything for the baby. Thompson and Brycen will both be born around the same season, so that is great! Can we say hand-me-downs? So all I really need to buy is the bedding. I found a set that we like. Tell me what you think?

Happy 4th of July to everyone! We are so glad to be back home in Arkansas. Robert was so cute yesterday, driving to Fayetteville he waved at every car that passed. He said, "I am in Arkansas. I can wave at people!" Too funny. Today, we are spending the 4th down on the river fishing. Shanna and Haili Bug are coming up today. So fishing, camp fires with s'mores and hot dogs is the way to go. My dad and Robert are about to leave right now to get some time in before the kids scare all the fish away. Ha. Then tonight we are going to my Aunt's house for a cookout. I am making my yummy cheesecake right now. Oh, and it can't be the 4th without homemade milky way ice cream! YUM!!! Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th!