Surprise!

So this summer, Ryan and I did something a little crazy.  It really all started early in the summer when Ryan decided to take up cycling.  He'd been thinking about it for a while and decided in May to take the plunge and buy a hybrid bike.  Then it spiraled into a family of bikes for us and a trailer for Riley and even my parents getting in on the action.  Within a few months, Ryan was full-fledged obsessed.  He and my dad planned long rides, spent hours on message boards, and reading their endless magazine subscriptions.  Ryan was happier, skinnier, and really feeling great.  That led him to encouraging me to get a hobby.  I knew immediately there was only one hobby for me.

Me on Freedom - March 2012

Pre-Riley, I started taking lessons at our barn again on sweet Freedom pony, and I was hooked.  But once we got pregnant with Riley, I made the decision to stop and that dream ended up on hold for almost two years.

Ryan was very supportive of my riding and really pushed me to get back into it.  I warned him that this time I wasn't quitting and that it would eventually lead to us owning a horse.  Riding lesson ponies is wonderful, but I put my time in when I was little.  I've owned my own horse before and I know that I prefer that over not knowing who I'm riding week to week.  Ryan nodded, completely in support of me starting back on lessons and then us horse shopping "in a few years."

I took matters into my own hands a few weeks later and emailed Alli's trainer.  I just wanted an idea of what to expect cost-wise with the purchase and upkeep of a horse "one day."  We exchanged a few emails and all along I stressed that this was a long term plan.  A week later, she approached me at the barn.  "I know you aren't ready yet, but I do know of this really great horse.  Can I just send you his info?"  Never one to turn down pictures of a horse, I agreed.   Later that day I got two emails on Jabbar filled with pictures of he and his owner, a fourteen year old boy, swimming, fox hunting, and jumping.  He was a beautiful little bay with a stripe and a sock.  I am such a sucker for a bay.

So for three weeks, I chewed on the possibility.  Ryan was understandably very hesitant - I wasn't even back in the saddle yet and I was horse shopping.  This had been a long term plan.  What was I thinking?  And though I agreed with him, I just could not get Jabbar out of my head.  Finally when we were in Destin, Ryan said "Why don't you just bring him in for a trial?"  I don't know if it was the booze or the ocean breeze talking, but I went with it and a week later Jabbar was in for a visit.

On our first meeting, he was nervous and I was even more nervous!  What was I doing?  I hadn't ridden in two years and I was just going to hop on my maybe-future horse??  Jabbar was a first field fox hunter and a whip horse - he wasn't used to the ring so he was pretty spooked the first several lessons we had.  I wasn't sure he'd ever be quiet enough for Alli or even for me, but I was totally hooked on him.  I could go for a ride whenever I wanted!

After a two week trial, I said yes.  I had to!  I was head over heels and Ryan said that if Jabbar made me this happy, he was worth it.  And slowly over the course of two and half months, we've built a partnership.  He doesn't run the opposite direction when I walk out to the pasture and he doesn't spook at everything anymore.  He's learned really quickly in the ring and he's even taught me out at the hunt country going on two foxhunts (more on that later).

And I'm happy, happy, happy.  He's a special boy that came along at the perfect time for me and my family.

Alli even gets to ride him some!

I firmly believe that I've been good for him, but I know he's been even better for me.

Birthday Extravaganza 2014

This weekend marked the annual event lovingly known as Birthday Extravaganza.  It's only the second time in history that it's been held in Fayetteville, so I loved having a house full of people over!

Love this baby and her first experience with Birthday Extravaganza

Sunglasses and a crown - it's efficient AND fabulous!

The Women of the Hour

Laughing at our cards

It was a beautiful event enjoyed by all who attended, but especially us birthday girls.

29 and Holding

Almost a week ago, a major event occurred:  I became 29.  We kicked off the party Sunday when I was headed out to take Alli to the barn.  The ground was still extremely wet from the snow and sleet we'd had the week before, so Ryan decided to give me a birthday present early, and they sure did come in handy!  Rain, mud, and snow just got a little brighter.

That night we went to La Hacienda for margaritas and Mexican with one of our favorite couples.  Monday, my actual birthday, was a work at home day for me.  Being a grown up and having to work on your birthday sort of stinks, but Ryan overcame it the best he could with more presents (Lululemon headbands!!) and lots of food.  I started the day with donuts, and he came home at lunch with a grilled cheese and tomato soup from Hammontree's.  Dinner was Shogun's followed by a Ricks cake.  I was a happy, stuffed girl.

We also had beautiful weather on my birthday, so Riley, the boys and I took a break from work for a walk, and after dinner we did some softballin' in the yard with my sister.

The nexy day was a work in the office day, so my co-workers took me to Mama Z's and then Ryan sent Ricks cookies to the office for me.  Yum!

So despite getting older on a Monday when I had to work, I had a great few days of celebration - huge props to my hubby on that.  You now have one year until my big 3-0 so brace yourselves, people.

Nine Fabulous Years

Happy anniversary to the love of my life - the one and only Ryan Lowe!

I can't believe it's been nine years since we first said "I do."  I knew he was the man of my dreams the second (time) we dated.

For nine years he's been my rock, my partner in crime, my best friend, my biggest fan, my equal.

We went from the humblest of beginnings, survived years apart, and built a life together that I absolutely love.

We've bought houses, raised babies, vacationed, fought, struggled, laughed, cried, comforted, celebrated.

God knew what He was doing when He paired us up - I needed a steady, level-headed, laid-back partner to bounce my wound up neuroticism off of.

He's an amazing husband,  a fantastic son and son-in-law, and one of the best fathers I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

The fact that my girls have him as an example of how a man should love a woman is the best situation I could hope to bring them up in.  He's patient, respectful, and indulgent, but he's more than willing to give me guidance, persistence, and a kick in the rear when I need it.

He's hands down one of the funniest men I know.  Our humor is perfect for each other.  He's broadened my horizons and definitely decreased my taste level in movies and TV, but I don't mind.

I am always excited about our next adventure together - the next vacation, the next day at the pool, the next baby, the next ridiculous but fun purchase, and the next Saturday night we spend drinking wine and watching a movie on the couch.

I can barely stand for us to be apart - I think it stems from the years we spent apart when he was in Iraq.  I dread business trips and nights away.  I can hardly stand to go do anything without him because he makes everything more fun for me.

I love our inside jokes, our silly routines, and the funny way we say things that only we understand.

I love that there's a person on the world who above everything else wants me to be happy.  I know that he will do his best to provide me with whatever it is that I think I need to enjoy my life, even at his own expense.  He gives me unconditional love.

He immediately blended into my family and is now an irreplaceable part of football season, holidays, and vacations.

We've not gone without our struggles.  Great marriages are filled with peaks and valleys and we've had our share of both.

Happy anniversary, Ryan.  I can't believe it's already been nine years since we joined our lives together.  Thank you for the laughs, the tears, the babies, the homes, the love, and the memories.  I couldn't imagine my life without you!!

The Official End of Summer

Usually I'd consider Labor Day or the first day of school the last day of summer.  The pool usually closes on Labor Day, but back to school always elicits thoughts of Halloween, football, fall, and pumpkins.  However, this year I am marking the end of summer (though not the end of HEAT) with the end of my maternity leave.

That's right, after twelve blissful, sleepy, pajama-filled weeks home with our newest little lady, it's time for me to hit the grindstone again.  I am so very sad to leave Riley, but she is going to be in great care.  Ryan and I worked hard to find a great daycare that we love, but nothing beats bumming around with her all day.  I'm definitely excited to see my friends again and to use my brain in a different, non-diaper counting way.  There are a lot of moving parts that I'm nervous about, like leaving her, pumping, the morning schedule.  But I know that with a lot of grace and a little luck, we'll make it.

And in order to make myself feel a little better, I did a teensy bit of shopping.  It didn't help a ton (I'm still much bigger than I want to be!!), but it did help a little.  New shoes really make a difference, people.

So if you get a chance today, say a little prayer for me.  I'm going to need it!!

Birthday Extravaganza and Baby Shower

I got so behind updating everyone on our March!  March is always one of my most favorite months, even though this year the weather didn't change over to 65 and sunny like it does sometimes.  Why do I love March?  Why the best non-Thanksgiving holiday of the year (my birthday) and the best party you'll never be invited to (Birthday Extravaganza).  And this March got even better when my sweet friends Kim and Kerri decided to throw me a baby shower!

I wasn't really expecting a baby shower because this is our second little sweetie, but Kim and Kerri were adamant that I should have one - it's been eight years afterall!  Most of Alli's old stuff is recalled by now.  I'm not kidding.  Drop side cribs are sooo out, kids.  Like illegal.  Who knew?  Me, after I went into a baby furniture store.  I burst into tears when we left and questioned all of my parenting skills.

But I digress.  Two of the hottest parties of the year were set to occur the same weekend!  I could barely contain my excitement!!  First, Birthday Extravaganza commenced Saturday night.  We started out with the crowning ceremony followed by the traditional dinner of chicken and dumplings, green beans, and rolls.  Nom nom.

Then we opened presents - I got some moolah, a scarf, a new painting, and some sah-weeeeeet Beats by Dre.  Hot pink of course.  How do parents just know?

Afterwards, we had our cake and ate it too.  Lindsey got a very pretty cake from Ricks, but nothing can beat my grandmother's chocolate sheath cake.  I mean seriously.  Yum.

The next day was shower day!!  I was too excited.  The shower was at Kim's beautiful new house, and so many of my great friends and family were there.  Alli insisted on going and opened the presents for me.  You should have seen the confusion when she opened the breast pump.  Nice.  That's a conversation I still owe her.

The Rachel sisters - I seriously love this picture.

Ryan, Alli, Riley and I are so happy and fortunate to be surrounded by so many loving and supportive people - thanks to everyone who came or sent gifts.  We are totally set up and completely "pinked" out.  You know that makes Mama happy.  And a very special thanks to Kim & Kerri for throwing the whole thing.  I wish we had gotten a picture together, but I don't think I would want to stand next to either of you teeny girls with this round belly and face!!