My sister and her hubby came to town to visit me and Captain J this past weekend.
Having her around puts me in a shopping mood! Just check out all the bargains I found at a local vintage jewelry shop-
I adore my new treasures. I actually talked the man into selling them to me at a discounted price, too! I never do that. My sister is good for encouragement. She’s like the best deal finder ever! And the best sister ever. Just sayin’!
Happy Tuesday, folks.
my favorite things! Not as cool as Oprah’s favorite things, but still post worthy. I mean, you’ve gotta appreciate the small things in life!
1. Amazon deliveries (and reading!)– Call me a bible thumping Republican, if you will, I’ve been called worse. I’m excited to read these three new books that were delivered to my door yesterday. Back in our days in the Great White North, I visited Decision Points at Barnes and Noble each time I went to read by the fire. I never purchased it, though. It’s mine now! America By Heart was one I added to my list, too because I think Sarah Palin in interesting. Finally, Baby Wise was recommended to me by several mothers and soon-to-be mothers. It’s a Christian-based book that supposedly is a miracle worker for trying to get your baby to sleep through the night!
2. Bath time– Ahh, I just love a nice hot bath! Pretty pink robes and products that make my skin super soft and smooth are some of my very favorite things. Usually, I’d add a glass of red to this combo, but I think Baby is too young for that yet. đ Oddly, I haven’t missed my wine tastings much.
3. Fabulous vintage finds– I found this old ring at a vintage jewelry store in town for 3 dollars. Consignments and repeat stores are my new best friends.
What are some of the small things in your life that make you happy?
Yes, Â Austin…you, too but I’m referring to the store one right now. Don’t you just love that place? I never got into the home stores much because for the majority of time that I spent living on my own, I was broke. There was no decorating my condo in college because all my money went toward paying bills and food. I just never had fun in those types of places. Now that there’s a little room for pretty things, look out! I still enjoy finding the bargain, though. Just this weekend, I bought lots of new goodies for the den area and saved about 300 bucks.
Might I remind you what this couch looked like in Alaska?
Pretty blah (and gross). We finally got the Drifter and Holly hair off the couch and they’re no longer allowed on the furniture. Anyway, this couch came with these awful pillows that I can’t seem to find a photo of. Trust me, they were wacky. I was looking forward to giving this furniture set a cheap makeover.
Enter den photos.
I also changed up the bedroom a tiny bit with a different pillow, sheets, and a new mirror. This mirror had been $150, I got it for $40 đ
I spent the day finding bargains, thanks to the sale at Kirklands (no one contacted me or will compensate me for writing this review) and I get to come home to this man- preparing dinner for me:
I’m one lucky (and very happy) gal:
If you live in hotel room after hotel room for a month, you begin to come up with some stories. I’m not even talking about stories of other people one may meet along the way, I’m talking about those things that happen on a daily basis- the conversations, the improvising, and the hysterics that this vagabond life sometimes ensues for me.
Today was no different for us, although we’ve finally arrived at our destination. I woke up ready to get the ball rolling on Christmas shopping, finalizing the rent situation, and feeling productive. To say that it took me awhile to get Captain J on board is not quite revealing how difficult this task actually was.
Let’s back up for a moment and talk about his time in Iraq. He tells me often since he has been home that he considers most days good ones because he’s not getting shot at, there are no sirens/announcements going off in the middle of the night as he tries to sleep telling him that mortars are incoming, and he hasn’t had to see any death, for the most part. When he puts it like that, I try to understand but I know that I never can.
Sometimes his easy going attitude drives me up the wall, though. There’s furniture to pick up, even more to purchase, gifts to buy, stockings to hang, halls to deck and he doesn’t care if we hang out at the Waffle House all day sipping coffee (doing nothing!), he’s just glad to be home. I’m really, really happy to have him here, too and when I think about that Christmas he missed here, my perspective begins to change. Still, there’s stuff to do so off to the shopping centers and mall we went.
I have a confession. I don’t like Christmas shopping. See, if I had plenty of time to think about what perfect gift so-and-so would want then maybe I would enjoy it more. I’m pretty terrible at that, though. I once got my husband (a practical virgin big game hunter) a food dehydrator. I just knew he’d want to make jerky because he likes it so much but I forgot about that little detail of living in Alaska and not being around the white tail deer at every other tree like we’ve seen in Tennessee. Present fail! There’ve been many others, but I’ll spare you me.
Anyway, Toys R Us almost did us in today. We went in on a mission for a wii game. After waiting for bloody ever, we emerged from the masses with a Pictionary UDraw in hand (after a woman boldy took up for me by saying, “this lady was here first!” Then another woman angrily proclaimed, “No, I was!” Fight re:me ensuing, I embarrassingly grabbed what I needed and tried to get away). Much to my dismay (then), Captain J would not leave Toys R Us until we had finished buying for my two nephews and niece, at least. I’m grateful now, but I wasn’t when we were there. I was getting all flustered maneuvering a huge present around the small isles with many people flooding them when I sweetly looked over at J and said, “You know this is man’s work?” None too happy with me, he grabbed the large pink box with baby dolls and changing stations adorning the cover and marched off in the direction of more manly toys.
When he’s shopping, he’s a man on a mission. He approaches it Army style, I suppose. I like to browse and “think about it and come back” which is insane to Captain J. I guess he is the reason why I made a big dent in our Christmas list today. I won’t count my chickens before their hatched, though so we’ll see when I get them all wrapped how much more we’re lacking.
While shopping, I got a phone call from my sister. She was pretty pumped about this “new” website that I “should share with everyone on my blog.” She went on to tell me that it was “sort of like a radio station” that can choose music for you based on what one likes, what one searches for, and what one “likes” on their facebook page. THEN…she says ever so confidently-
“It’s called Pandora. You know, like the Pandora charm bracelets…”
I knew this was coming and I could hold my laughter in no longer. Before she could finish, I was belly laughing. She couldn’t figure out why until I calmed down to tell her that she was about ten years late on this “new, awesome website.” Love her heart.
We laughed about this for awhile and I decided that the Christmas shopping was done for the evening. I needed some red wine and pronto!
J and I arrived at our makeshift home, aka- The Extended Stay Deluxe, with a skillet dinner, bread, and bottle of wine in hand. It was then that we realized that the bottle opener had been left with our camping necessities in Paint Rock, TN a few days prior.
We’re drinking corky wine out of coffee mugs now but who cares? When you’re in the Army and forced to move at the drop of a hat an order, you learn to improvise.
Tomorrow I’ll tell you all about our first night here in our new town and hopefully provide a preview our our new home!
I guess it’s been awhile since I posted. I’ve been running all over the place trying to squeeze in visits here and there. I might go crazy with all of it, but hopefully I’ll fly out of Tennessee in a week with no regrets. One regret that I do have is that I didn’t get over to see “Pap” sooner. I wish I had gone to talk to him when I got into town. Pap is my great grandfather who passed away a few days ago at the age of 89. He was quite the legend in our little town and I am happy to have known him. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- I inherited a wonderful family when my mother married my stepdad, Joe. I am blessed to be a part of the Lefler/Mourfield family. Pap will be missed by all of us, but we’re so grateful that we got to have so much time with him here. I know he’s rejoicing in Heaven now, though đ
This weekend was my much anticipated Girls’ Weekend with my mom and sister. They thoughtfully invited me on their annual shopping trip in Pigeon Forge, TN. My family goes Christmas Crazy with decorations (only in a good way). My mom and sister are masters at decorating a Christmas Tree and filling the house full of Christmas cheer. Unfortunately, when Pap died, we decided to cut the trip a little short. My mother wanted to come home early so my sister and I stayed at the hotel we had already booked and woke up to head home for the funeral services early this morning. We all still had a fun, productive time. I can’t wait to show you all pictures!
What else have I been up to? Wellllll, tons- thanks for asking! I went sailing with the dad-in-law the other day. It was scary fun! He let me maneuver the boat around Watts Bar as I attempted to conquer the wind and make the boat do what I wanted it to do. No easy task, but I had a good time trying. Afterwards my mother-in-law fixed (that’s a southern thing, isn’t it?) an excellent meal for my Dad, Julie, and me. I’m so glad I married into a great family and one that gets along with mine, too. I love that they’re friends! Â (Whew! All those adjectives!)
I can’t chat anymore because I’m on my way to the next activity, but I’ll be sure to catch up with you again soon. Also, the girls of (Mil)ing It Over are set to post near the end of the month. Get Excited!
Today I got a ring stuck on my finger at Icing. I guess if that’s the worst thing I have to say about my day, then it wasn’t too bad. I went to town in search of Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred and a jewelry tree for all the delicate neclaces I have. They kept getting tangled. Yeah, I think you understand that concept. Moving on…
Anyway, I found this truly cute ring that says “endless love” on it. My wedding band and engagement ring are both size five and a half so I grabbed the six thinking that would do just fine. Ummm no. You know how the only way to get off a super tight ring is to get it wet? I wanted to stick my finger in my mouth while no one was looking, but I knew that was completely unsanitary so I decided against it. Besides, in this Big Brother world we live in, I knew I’d never actually get away with that with no one seeing. I twisted and turned the ring until my finger was red and slightly deformed and then I twisted it again. It slid off and I grabbed the size up. I will not be discouraged! đ I’m pretty good at spending money when I want to. There were lots of little shirts, dresses, and springy shoes that I admired today, but I didn’t indulge. It’s just not the same- buying cute summer-ish items when our lows are still in the thirties. I’m sure Captain J is thankful for that.
Here’s what I couldn’t live without today-
I’m excited about getting started on the workout DVD. I’ve been feeling groggy and achy lately so hopefully this will jumpstart me into my routine again. I’m tired of feeling icky!
That’s what’s going on in my world today.
Mom, Paige, and I ventured to Knoxville the day before the wedding for some girl time. We went to Dillards and registered Jordan and me for china, crystal, and other fun things. I could really get used to that scan gun; it’s addictive. I was having too much fun choosing items, but I forced myself to back away because Jordan actually wants to be a part of the whole process. I will wait on him before I pick anything else out. We missed out on doing all the fun couple things prior to a wedding, but we’ll just do it after the fact. No biggie!
Afterwards, we went shopping for shoes. I found the most pefect, sexy, red high heels to wear. (Pics later) Shoe shopping didn’t take long so we headed to Chili’s for margaritas. Yum! I love hanging out with them. We always have a good time. I’ll miss them so much when I leave.
Feel free to email me at mrskandcaptainj@hotmail.com
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Mrs. K and Captain J 