What's Up Wednesday: April Edition

Not only do I write blogs, but I also follow quite a few myself. They are so much fun to read and get ideas from. I read a wide range of blogs. One in particular I follow, shullfamily.blogspot.com, is doing this thing called "what's up Wednesday?" I thought it looked like fun, so I wanted to give it a try. I may not do it every Wednesday, but we will see what I can come up with. So, here goes.....

1. What we're eating this week: I made this really delicious Cheesy Chicken Bake from a recipe that I found on Pinterest. I used a whole block of cream cheese instead of half the block because I like cream cheese that much. I also made a quick apply cobbler dessert with my mom's homemade apple pie filling, a box of yellow cake mix, and 2 sticks of melted butter. I popped it in the oven @350 for about 50 minutes for a delicious treat. We're also making this yummy soup that we've made before. Again, found it on Pinterest. This one is great because it's made in the crockpot.

2. What I'm reminiscing about: last weekend when we got to meet sweet baby Jude the Dude. Get used to it, ya'll. I'll be talking about him often. We are going to try to find time this summer where we can see him more. With a face like this, how can you not reminisce?

3. What I'm loving: I'm loving my new morning routine during the work week. I wake up at 6:20 and get ready. I'm a simple girl: clothes that I've picked out the night before, very light makeup, hair up or in a side braid and I'm done. Mr. B has my breakfast of egg whites, bacon, and coffee ready for me when I'm done. I've already prepared my lunch the night before so all I have to do is throw it in my bag. I enjoy my coffee and breakfast while I read my daily devotionals from my Bible app and blogs. I leave the house around 7:20 and arrive at work right on time much to the surprise and pride of my fellow team mates. They were used to me arriving at 7:30 each morning. They love that I arrive the same time they do (sometimes later if traffic is extra horrible).

4. What we've been up to: We've had busy weekends lately. We're planning our vacations and deciding what we want to do this summer. I'm just trying to survive these last 27 days of school....

5. What I'm dreading: getting my roof fixed. Earlier this week, we noticed a water stain with some of the popcorn on the ceiling crumbling off. It would appear that all this rain (as wonderful as it is) has finally taken its toll on our 18 year old roof. The insurance adjuster has been called. Now we're waiting on them to schedule a time to come out and assess the damage inside and out and praying that the expense and damage isn't too terrible!

6. What I'm working on: my body, my blog, my spiritual life, and hopefully the house. I'm trying to be more diligent with working out. I even have a trainer once a week. It's just so hard. I plan to put the exercise and healthy eating into full force once school is out and temptation is diminished. Our team likes to eat too much to try to resist temptation now. I'm trying to keep up with my blog. I've got two posts this week. Huge for me! I'm making it a point to start my day with reading the Bible and ending my day reading a book that will help me be a better me. This summer we have plans to paint the front rooms in our house that don't get used often.

7. What I'm excited about: I'm excited about a few things, but they will be mentioned in other categories to follow. Therefore, I will just say that I'm excited about the final 27 days of school! I love my class and my job, but I sure do love my summer break:)

8. What I'm watching/reading: If it's on the CW, I'm probably watching it. I don't do much reality TV (even though I promised a couple of girls at work that I'd watch the Bachelorette this summer so we could give commentary), but I do have a couple of guilty pleasures....Dancing with the Stars and The Voice. I also enjoy several other shows because I love TV, but I don't want to give you the whole exhaustive list. As for books, I've put the novels on hold for a few months so I can focus on Bible reading, devotionals, blogs, and self-betterment books. I'll throw in the novels again over the summer when I have more free time. Right now, I'm reading my Bible daily based on a couple of daily Bible reading plans I've chosen for myself on my Bible app. There are many plans to choose from. I just chose a couple that I felt would benefit me at this time. I also read a chapter every so often from "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian and "No More Headaches" by Dr. Juli Slattery. The second book discusses how to improve intimacy in your marriage and how to bring you and your husband closer amidst all life throws at you. 

9. What I'm listening to: I'm always listening to country music. When I get ready, I like to put classic country on Pandora. My favorite artist is fellow Texas girl, Miranda Lambert. I'm loving her new hit "Little Red Wagon." I totally jam out every time that comes on the radio. Her new album has a few songs that I really like.

10. What I'm wearing: talk about a short response....I'm a jean and T-shirt girl. During the hot months, I rock maxi dresses from Walmart. Yes, I said Walmart. For $15 a pop, you can get really cute dresses. No shame peeps! I always get comments on the dresses. I also get shocked reactions when I tell them they are Walmart classics. As you can see, I have many many dresses to choose from.

Here are this year's 3 newest addition. The red, black, and white dress is the only one that didn't come from Walmart. I purchased it at Lane Bryant.

11. What I'm doing this weekend: Mr. B and I took off Friday so we could have a day to spend together. I needed one more 3-day weekend before Memorial Day. I'm not quite sure what that day will entail, but it'll be enjoyable because we will be with each other and won't be working. Saturday morning I'll be in Arlington judging our UIL competition. I, along with another teacher at school, have coached a young lady in Oral Reading and can't wait to see how she does in competition. That evening, I get to spend it some time with my team as we celebrate the birthday and retirement of one of our former teammates I'm headed to Mama B's house to enjoy some fajitas and fellowship with the girls while enjoying the Kentucky Derby. Yes, I'll be rocking some sort of hat. I'm so excited for Saturday evening with the girls. I'm sure there will be tons of laughter. Expect a blog post next week:)

12. What I'm looking forward to next month: Aside from it being the end of the school year....painting with my BFFs twins at my favorite studio artinthevine.com. I'm going without Mr. B this time. Where will I put a single painting??? I'm also looking forward to trying a new Greek restaurant with the girls before we paint. I've heard the fries are delish! Also, I'm ready to be done with all my end of year testing. And....getting to celebrate my sweet friend, and teammate's, baby shower!!!

13. What else is new: Not much else is new really. Mr. B and I are trying to spend more quality time together and being a better spouse for each other. I do my best wife work during the summer months. I get real domesticated:)

I hope you enjoyed this month's "What's Up Wednesday?"  

Weekend Fun

This weekend was less busy than we had originally planned, but we were OK with that. Saturday was the only day that we really did anything. We slept in and lounged in bed for a while before Mr. B cooked us some breakfast. We tried to go workout at the Y, but there was a festival going on in the parking lot. We were not going to try to fight our way in. We decided to just go run around town. We went to NRH to visit the mall and the shops around the mall. I had one particular thing that I was looking for.
I had 3 proud moments while out and about:

1. Went in to Payless really wanting these white wedges I'd seen. I tried them on (along with a few other shoes) and went back and forth on whether or not to buy them. Mr. B was gracious as he sat patiently waiting for me to make up my mind. I ultimately talked myself out of the shoes. I didn't feel they were worth $25. I will just get by on the shoes I currently have. Which, side note, last year I bought 3 pairs of wedges-each a different color-from a store. They weren't cheap either. The straps have broke on all three pairs after only a handful of wears. I'm so upset about that. I will not be buying shoes from this store again. I've bought their boots before and have experienced low quality with them, too. Disappointing. Love their clothes though!

2. Next, I dragged Mr. B into Charming Charlie, which is an accessory store, while I browsed handbags. Now, I have a really great mint colored Kate Spade handbag that I just ADORE. I bought it last year online and got it for a steal with its matching wallet. I haven't stopped carrying it since I bought it. I walked around thinking I might want to get something new. I normally don't buy bags unless they're designer (I know, such a snob!). I have to be really in love with a bag before I can commit to buying it. The sales lady was disappointed that I walked out empty handed. I had to explain to her that one doesn't simply replace "Kate" unless you're really in love with something else. To my shock and horror....she had no idea who Kate Spade was!!!!! She knew Michael Kors, but not Kate Spade. All this to say, I walked away empty handed again.

3. Finally, I went to Lane Bryant to get my jeans since the store was all 40% off. I don't ever pay full price for clothes, especially in that store. I go to pay for the pants and the cashier informs me that if I spend just $6 more dollars I'll get a $25 off a $50 purchase next time. I'm searching for something within that price range to add to my total. She points out the sunglasses will only be about $10 since they are 40% off. "Oh.....I do need new sunglasses!!!" (I mentally shout to myself....girl, no you don't need new sunglasses! There ain't nothing wrong with the pair on your head. Besides, if you get that stinkin' coupon you'll just come back in here and spend more money on more clothes that you don't need!) Yep, 3rd time in a row resisting the temptation. I left only with the pair of pants that I went in for.

Did I mention I like to shop and may have a slight problem? These are big moments for me.

That night we met up with our gang for our monthly get together that we try to have. We met in Grapevine and this fun burger joint. Afterwards, we went to Main Street for some dessert. Mr. B and I shared a piece of red velvet cake that was most delicious. Us girls got to chat while the boys sat together with their noses deep in their phones with little to no communication going on no matter how much we tried to make them socialize. We would have got a picture to show how goofy they looked, but we were too busy gabbing. Well, we were talking when Christy wasn't showing us her Dance Jam routine on the sidewalk. Yeah, that happened!

Yeah, that's me rockin' the no makeup look while out on a night on the town. #dontcare

Have I mentioned how incredibly handsome Mr. B is? I'm sure I have!

Finally, I would like to share a new law I instituted with my family. Since my adorable nephew is over 300 miles away and we just love him so much, I have instituted the minimum of 3 pictures a day rule....bonus pics strongly encouraged. My sister must meet her daily quota or incur my wrath!!! I feel I should warn everyone that each blog I post will more than likely feature at least one picture of our handsome godson! He's just too cute not to show off. While out shopping, we found a cute fedora and onesie with a bowtie and suspenders that would be perfect for Jude the Dude. We took pics and sent them to my sister so she could get it for him!!!

This so needs to happen!

In keeping with the 3 pictures a day quota, I have picked 3 of my favorites (of course I love them all).

CAUTION: These pictures contain extreme cuteness and may cause some to want to make a baby of their own (yeah, us too!).

Tomorrow I'm going to try something I saw on one of my blogs that I follow called "What's up Wednesday?" where I answer some general questions and share things based on topics! 

Weekend Fun with Jude the Dude

Ok, I'm just going to apologize in this first sentence for what's about to follow: I'm bout to picture vomit all over this post...mostly pictures of a very adorable nephew that we met for the first time this weekend. Meet Jude the Dude!!!!

As I mentioned in my last post, we've been busy every weekend and will continue to be busy each weekend for the next several weeks. This weekend was no exception. My whole family came down to visit for the weekend. When I say the whole family, I mean: mom, dad, both sisters, a boyfriend, baby nephew, and 5 dogs. Our house was hopping this weekend.

THURSDAY: Just another day at work, but one of our regular subs took a recess pic of some of us at recess. At least, I'm pretty sure this was Thursday but I could be wrong. Regardless, we love to chill and enjoy recess like the kiddos and catch up on life. Love working with these ladies!

We had one of our famous team birthday lunches that day. I really should have gotten a picture of our spread. When I got home, I decided to do my grocery shopping so I would be prepared for the weekend and wouldn't have to go on Saturday.

FRIDAY: After a day at work, I left and quickly went home so Mr. B and I could clean up the house before grabbing dinner and painting at our favorite art studio, Art in the Vine. We ate at Fuzzy's Tacos where we each had a taco and shared a plate of beef fajita nachos. 

Here is what was left before Mr. B said: "Man, I sure hate to waste that!" Then he gets a fork and continues to clean the plate.

We did a dragon painting that Mr. B has been wanting to do for a long time now. I usually choose our paintings, but I knew this was something that he really wanted to do. I think we will put it in our laundry room since it really doesn't mesh with any of our other "decor." I mean, where do you put dragons??? Of course we took a selfie to document our date night.

While on date night, my sister send me this text message that makes us anxious to get home afterwards.

We got home and immediately went straight for baby Jude. Here our the pics we took upon first meeting lil' Jude the Dude!

Mr. B and I wanted the "mommy and daddy" experience this weekend. We decided to keep baby Jude in our room and take care of him. He was so good at night. We'd feed him around 11:00 and put him down around midnight. He'd sleep till 5:00 then we'd change him and feed him. We would rock him until he fell back asleep with us until we had to wake up again. I had a stroke of genius when I decided to bring in 2 dining chairs to lay his bassinet on next to our bed. I was in such mommy mode the first night because I woke up every hour to check to see if he was still breathing. 

My favorite pic is the 5am snuggles pic of the three of us:

SATURDAY: I had to get up early to take my sister to UTA so she could take a certification test for her job. I made her buy me brunch afterwards for payment. While she was taking her test, my mom and I took Jude the Dude to Walmart. I had to sneak a couple of pics of him sleeping while we shopped. There were lots of cute faces I tried to capture, but every time I got my camera ready he would change his face.

When my sister was done, we picked up my dad and had brunch at a little cafe near our house. We went to a few other places before going home and taking a nap. I slept in my bed, and when I woke up I saw this:

Clearly, the couch was a good buy!

That night we did burgers and cupcakes for my little sister's 19th bday. Here's a couple of pics of us hanging out on our patio and enjoying the nice weather before the storm rolled in.

We got to see my baby sister get engaged while she was here. So sweet to watch something like that happen. Mr. B and I were honored when my sister and her fiance asked us to be baby Jude's godparents. We can't wait to shower this sweet boy with love in the years to come.

SUNDAY: Check out this sweet sleeping baby on Sunday morning

Since everyone was dressed up for church, we took the opportunity to take lots of pictures with one another. So here's an onslaught of pics of my sweet family!!! First, everyone had to get the individual pics with lil dude:

Poor Mr. B didn't take a Sunday pic with lil' dude:(

Then we have couples taking pics with Jude the Dude: grandparents, aunts, and aunt/uncle

Mom wanted a pic with her "favorite son"

I guess I'll take a pic with my sister...my "twin"

Had to get a cute pic with my parents. Had to make them stand sideways so we'd have a more flattering angle....#vain

After church, we went to our monthly potluck and enjoyed a meal together before my family headed back home. My two fur babies were a bit neglected this weekend with the "human baby" around. Harley stayed in his cage most of the weekend and was very antisocial. When everyone left, he took full advantage of the situation:

His couch was free again and so was his spot by mama. He snuggled with me all night. He was trying to remind me that he was my only baby right now.

Mr. B and I had to take a Sunday Selfie since we matched in our red/black Sunday best

I mean, did I marry a good lookin' man or what! I love this man so much. This weekend confirmed my desire to start a family of our own with him. He was in total daddy mode all weekend. He insisted on taking care of Jude in every aspect. He took a shower with him, fed him, burped him, woke up in the middle of the night, rocked him, soothed him, and even changed poopy diapers!!! I have every confidence that he will make an AMAZING father one day. My hope is that God will bless us with our own children one day soon so that we can share in the joy of parenting together.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Busy Weekends for the Brownings

Well, we've been busy here at Casa de Browning. It's that time of year at school where students and teachers alike are feeling spring fever and the longings for summer vacation. This teacher is ready for June. We've got two vacations planned and are excited about each of them. Mr. B and I are celebrating 5 years of marriage this summer, so our anniversary vacation is set to be amazing! Our weekends have begun to fill up with lots of bustling activity. This current weekend is free and relaxing for us, especially since Mr. B somehow managed to get Saturday off. We decided to spend our weekend just relaxing in front of the TV with some pizza and wings (our staple on Fridays, apparently).

Last weekend was Easter weekend, and a busy one for us. I was fortunate to have a 3-day weekend. I used my Friday morning/afternoon exploring some new opportunities for me. Hopefully the fruits of my labor will pay off soon. Friday night we had a couple of friends over for game night. We did this a few weeks ago with friends from church and had so much fun we decided to do it again. You can read about that post here for the funny events of that night. This time we had one of my teacher friends from work and her husband over. We played some Nertz and Scategories and some great laughs. You know I took some of the funnier and more ridiculous answers to record here. Again, I will not reveal the name of who said what to protect them from shame and embarrassment. HaHa!

• The letter is E and after the first answer, said person decides to switch to letter L for every other answer for no apparent reason
• This one is always funny (see last post for "wet pants" excuse): excuses for being late for letter I-ice pick stab
• Capitals that start with H: Hiroshima: "you know, where Pearl Habor happened!"
• Sports equipment that starts with H: hopscotch
• Things that are sticky that start with R: one person says "rugs" while everyone disputes this because rugs aren't sticky but floors are sticky. Said person then says: "Ahhhh, I should have said floors!" Uhhhh....if was letter R, not letter F!
• Sports that start with letter N: nets

I wish I would have thought to take a group selfie of us to commemorate the evening:(

I love this game. It always brings out the funniest answers. It's funny to see what people come up with when under the pressure of a timer. Maybe this is why I'm addicted to Family Feud. Yeah, I admit it.

Saturday night, we went painting again. We went with our friends from church who came to our last game night. We started with dinner at Fuzzy's Tacos. Dinner Selfie with my love:

We went to our favorite art studio in Grapevine, Art in the Vine. They always have a Groupon available which pretty much gets you in for half price. I used my free class coupon that I won last time we attended a class. Now we have 2 business cards that have 5 punches. That means, we have 2 free classes!!! This is a great studio if you are looking for a fun painting experience. We always enjoy our time there. As you know, Mr. B and I love to display our art around our house. We've got our own personal art gallery displayed around our home. I love that it gives our home a very personal feel to it. This painting represented our wedding date and our upcoming 5th anniversary. We honeymooned in the Bahamas, and this year we will vacation in Riviera Maya, Mexico. So we painted a joint beach depicting both these dates and locations. 

Our good friend, Bryant, joked the whole time since we planned this outing about how he was going to do his own thing with the painting. Well, he certainly delivered. He was definitely the talk of the class, that's for sure. Everyone had beautiful, serene beaches. He decided to turn his into a Jaws re-enactment. He painted shark fins in the water, people running away on the beach, a body lying on the beach with half a leg with blood, blood in the water, and to top it off....2 little crabs. He didn't want to be caught in the act of painting, but Elizabeth and I were sneaking about capturing the moment.

More painting selfie fun:

Easter Sunday I went to church while Mr. B had to work. That evening, we had dinner with his parents. I took the liberty to surprise my love with a few Easter treats:

Also, I may or or may not have finally persuaded Mr. B that pastels are a good choice in clothing:)

He is a man of black and gray. Now, he wears pastels. #wifepower

Stay tuned: Next week my family is coming to town for a fun-filled weekend. Of course, I am so excited because I finally get to meet this little man:

Auntie Ashley is going to love all over him all weekend. I guess I'll let Uncle Cooper get in on the loving, too!