the cards are in

I had a night in tonight and decided to rent a movie. Mr. P was out with a friend, so it was just me, popcorn and some Coke. I also painted my nails. It was surprisingly a lot of fun, and I forgot how much I like to just sit and watch a movie.  It was my first time actually using pay per view, and I got...

I still have some MAJOR wedding fever, so am trying to soak up all the bridal bliss I can. I need a good wedding to go to soon. Anyways, it was a funny movie.. but not the funniest thing ever like I've heard. It's a 48 hour rental so I'll probably watch it again at least once before the weekend is up.

Have you all seen this movie?! What did you think of it??

It has been one long day.

My wake up call generally is about 5:30 am each morning when the alarm goes off for Mr. P. This means, at least 30 minutes of poking and prodding for him to wake up, shower, and get out the door to work. As fast as I can I'm back asleep soundly in the middle of our bed. Getting a king size bed was the best thing we did for our marriage. Space, space, space.

Today however, I got another call.. about 7:20 to be exact. I've  been on the sublist most of the school year now and finally got a chance to go in and work today. I was beyond excited for the job, not to mention a tad bit nervous. It was third grade, and just my luck my wonderful neighbor was off today and gladly let me use her car to make the trip. It was a little stressful, but otherwise great. I am hoping to get another call very soon. So glad my teacher pants still fit and I still have somewhat of my teacher touch. A few more jobs and I'm sure I'll be a pro and one step closer to a full time job in a classroom. I find it beyond my wildest imagination that I'm even considering that.

Jeremiah 33:3 written all over it.

I was particularly excited for today though because Christine was coming to visit. So after a quick nap I made dinner for us. Green beans, scalloped potatoes, and BBQ chicken. The chicken was on sale this week at the grocery store which made me EXTRA excited. I am trying to get my coupons organized and stock piled so I can start taking better advantage of those deals.

Anyways, our mission for the night was to create this.. Again another pinterest.com finding.

Directions for it are here... http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/05/how-to_one-shoulder_ruffle_shi.html

It turned out really cute. It will take a few attempts with different fitting shirts to get the right look, but it's definitely very easy. WalMart of all places had NOTHING to choose from, so I ended up with a men's small tee shirt. I will advise, you cut the ruffle from the bottom of the shirt, make sure you get a long one. I also used the sleeve from the open shoulder to make my  ruffle extra ruffley, and then I decided that the  man sleeve was too long/big, so we took that out all together. Christine suggested a possible tee shirt dress. Leggins, a belt and some flats and I think we might be in business.

Anyways, for future crafting I'm hoping I can find an easy Christmas stocking pattern. I'll be needing two of those this year, and am desperately ready to get our couch and chair downstairs in a more presentable state ASAP.

Happy Friday everyone!! Tomorrow I'm tackling mac n cheese in the crock pot.

parents

We all have them, whether they physically birthed us or adopted us or whatever..  most of us have two people we call Mom & Dad, or something else of the sort. Some of us have only one or even more than two, or look to our "parents" as other figures in our life.

Now, I know I don't have children and will probably get some flack from this post, but I don't care. Isn't that what a blog is for!? It's my opinion, I respect how you decide to raise your children. Please do the same once that times comes. Which ain't in the forseeable future for us.

I was blessed with a great set of parents. I didn't always agree to this statement, but overall I can say it's been nice. They've instill great values in me that I know will take me a lot further in life than any material possession.

What I love the most about my parents.. they've told me no. On more than one occaision. They've done a great job at keeping me in check with reality. I've gotten everything I ever needed, most of what I wanted, and the rest they were right about or, if I wanted it badly enough.. I went out and got it myself. A safe home, car to drive, food to eat, and college tuition were a much better trade off than a new car, designer clothes, and the latest greatest whatever..

In the world I've lived in thus far I think that's a really good thing, and in today's world, a great one. I haven't seen where a lifetime full of yesses gets us anywhere productive. With uncertain times the power of  the little words no and yes can make a HUGE impact on how we all make our future decision. I also know now that I'm married and out on my own, just how lucky I am to still have them in my life and am ever grateful for the decisions they made raising me. They really are wise. I also love how they still put their two cents in (respectfully) in the decisions I make today as a wife and adult.


So my question is.. why don't parents say no? You tell me. I see it in so many of my friends lives, and those friends with children of their own. Do they think they are going to win some award for being BFF with their child!? From my perspective all telling your kids "yes" gets you is up shit creek without a paddle. They turn into greedy little brats, then when you really should be helping them out.. you can't because you've exhausted your resources, or they are rebelling and you can't even speak to them. I've seen it happen, we all have.

This economy sucks, we know it, but hey.. like everything else it will get better. It will turn around, and once again we'll find ourselves back on top. The sad thing is that people today are freaking out because of not having enough to go out to dinner, or buy a new car. Not being thankful they can eat, have a working car (which I've never been so grateful for as I have this week), not even being thankful for amazing supportive families. Seems like all I ever hear is complaining. Mr. P and I have really tried not to dwell on the negative, but to really be glad for all we have.

So parents, tell your kids no. It will help you now, and save you a huge heartache in the future. It won't kill them, it will just make them a.) go get a job and work even harder or b.) realize you were right and it wasn't a necessity for their survival. Then, 10 years from now when they know the value of that help they can really appreciate it.

Just my two cents.

a little baking experiment.

I spend a good bit of time these days on pinterest.com. It's a neat little site that lets you "pin" your interests on to various boards, and follow others. Pretty catchy once I got the hang of it.  Lots of great recipes and holiday ideas that I can't wait to try out. If I could cook or bake for a living I would.

Anyways, I came across this recipie/idea a few weeks ago and have been really wanting to give it a go.

It was called, Pumpkin Muffins, but really to me is more like a cupcake.

Those are your two ingredients, and you just mix them and bake!

350 for 20-30 minutes. 

I adjusted mine somewhat and used chocolate cake mix instead. Soo moist and delicious. I also mixed up a batch of cream cheese icing and that really put them over the top. I was banking on the pumpkin throwing off Mr. P, but turns out he loves them too. I will say the batter was a little heavy, which made it hard to put into the cupcake papers, but not to bad that I wouldn't do this again. I was actually thrown off because Publix was OUT of canned pumpkin. Never fear though, across the street at the Pig they had it. We actually used Libby's  Pumpkin Pie filling instead. 

it's been six

Hard to believe that six short months ago we were here..

and now we're halfway through the first year of our life together. I know I haven't posted many photos lately so I figured today would be a good chance to do that and think about the past six month of our crazy married life together.  Which now as I'm re reading this before I post it got a little too crazy and pictures are lacking. My b. 

Moving on.. 

After our amazing wedding we spent a week in Jamaica. All I can say is.. Can I please go back now?! I just recently looked at the photos Paul took there and found this one. Definitely one of my favorites from the trip. It was right before we went snorkeling I believe, and look at that long hair. 

we got back home and settled into life together and I got to getting the TY notes out and putting away all of our wonderful wedding gifts. It was a mess for a good two months after we got back, but I got through it and appreciate all the generosity from our family and friends. We are soo blessed. 

 Of course you've probably seen those before, and as you've probably already read we've had a crazy summer of fun at the lake. Lots of sun and fun on and in the water.  We've had birthdays, holidays, home improvement projects and cooking adventures.  Everyday together has been such a blessing and a gift. As we begin to think of the holidays coming up I am so excited to see how we make this first one together one we won't ever forget. 

But, on the horizon we've got one more thing before the holidays take control of our lives

... FOOTBALL SEASON

I snapped the beauty from my phone at Saturday's game. 

It was a rough start but thankfull history did not repeat itself and the boys pulled out a W. The ensemble for the day was my boots (so happy to have them back) , skinny jeans, black turtleneck and a lovely g&b print scarf, plus Paul's favorite earrings.  We've had a good chill here the past few days which has thrown my wardrobe for a loop, but this Saturday should be considerably warmer and we can stick to our basics. 

The other thing that's on my mind.. 

the SC state fair!

I can't find any pictures sorry. 

But it's arriving in less than a month and oh my goodness I can't wait. 

food.rides.exhibits.friends.

I don't know what I love the most but I just can't get enough of it. The only drawback is that now I live 40 minutes away instead of 5. 

So that's it for today. A hodgepodge post of sorts. I can say that the past six months have brought me more joy than I ever could have imagined. All the ups and downs of this year (so far) have only reaffirmed the fact that I married the greatest man alive.  

It's been a quiet week here at the Perry Casa.

In fact, really not much to write about. So we'll just have a brain dump of sorts on here.

I am beyond excited it's FRIDAY!! Or well was. Friday means all my adult friends get the weekend off, and I have a shot at socializing. Tonight that included a trip to the mall and glass of wine around the fire pit. Which reminds me, I have a fire pit yet to be assembled in the garage. Maybe next week's project?! To top that off our friends up the street said they have three trees of logs to burn for us. I love a good fire!! S'mores here I come.

My precious Blazer is sick this week. The diagnosis is a bad fuel pump. So for now the gas tank is sitting in our garage til we can get a new fuel pump. What better way to strengthen our marriage than auto mechanics?! Just a fact though, this was likely caused by driving around with less than a half of a tank of gas.. So for all of you out there who put in a gallon or two at a time, it will bite you in the butt.

Gamecock football is at home tomorrow night. Starting to finally get excited for that. We're hoping to see lots of friends at the games, and of course come away with a W.

It's downright cold outside. I think the sweltering temps are nearly gone for the year. I'm thinking I just might be breaking out those boots tomorrow for the game.

Have you been on pinterest?! It's slowly becoming addictive.

Same for the Sims game on FB.


I've found a new appreciation for my friends in far away places lately. Despite the hours/days/distances I'm so glad I can ALWAYS lean on those people for support. I'm also learning just how lucky I am to have married Paul.

and because I know she's reading this, I'm developing a small miniscule tiny hole in my heart for Christine. Part of me really hates we live so far apart now. I never realized how lucky I was to have someone to constantly hang out with and just have around before I got married.

I need to bake something.. stat.

That's it.. maybe I'll take some pictures and have a real post soon.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”Isaiah 46:4 NIV

How amazing is that?? Hubs is reading ahead for church tomorrow so I thought I'd take a look back at some of my favorite verses myself on the internet and that was the verse for today. Extremely resassuring as I take yet another massive leap into the unknown.

Just thought I'd share. I know I was promising a post with substance which will come I just haven't had much to write about other than our oh so exciting life.

Carolina just beat UGA tonight in another close game. This makes  8 out of the past 11 games with them down to less than a touchdown. Now counts down to our kick off at home next weekend. SOO PUMPED!! I had a precious outfit today consisting of black leggins, an oversized garnet top and my wedge heels to match. PLUS, after yesterday's hair cut I'm rocking the short hair and curls. I think I might have FINALLY  found the magic touch or combination of arsenal to get the curls I've always dreamed of. With a little more work it will be perfected. We watched the game here at home with friends and had a great time. Periodically we'd take a walk and check on the other neighbors watching the game.

No photos sadly, as I have been slackin with my cameras. It's sad that I can sometimes carry 2-3 cameras with me yet never have them charged, or near the computer for blogging. Maybe next weekend. So now begins the hunt for my perfect gameday outfit.

I'm looking forward to another Sunday Funday with the family. Have I mentioned how much I just LOVE Sunday?!

I had big ambitions of a cute Labor Day post.. ya know, one with precious photos of cute parties and cute food.

Well that got me.. no where.

Anyways, the Labor Day weekend has passed us now, and most of us are headed back to school and work tomorrow. I've enjoyed the extra day here at home with the fabulous Mr. P. Our Labor Day consisted of errands and a non productive trip to Bed, Bath and Beyond, a good nap, and a trip to WalMart for ice cream. We did kick start our morning with a 3 mile walk across the dam. Praise the Lord for some cooler temps. Yesterday (Sunday) we had our usual trip to church, lunch with the family and then we FINALLY went and got this beauty...
 

A chest freezer, and we are SOO pumped. It's the "practical" wedding gift from Mr.P's (and now mine) grandmother. Hence the trip to WalMart for ice cream, had to make sure it was keeping things frozen. Hehehe. Anyways, even more of an incentive for me to get to exreme couponing now. We got a place to keep it now!

In other world news, the USC Gamecocks did in fact WIN this weekend!!! Even though the game got off to a rough start the boys pulled through. I swear I got goosebumps just watching the pregame highlights. So beyond PUMPED for two weeks from now when they play at home.


A real post will come soon I promise!!