Not My Finest Week

I just want to preface this post by saying that while the title suggests that my whole week might have been a total loss, it was not. It definitely started off on the wrong foot on Monday. 

Last Sunday was good, however. After worship services, I got to have a nice brunch with these beautiful ladies. We hit up Winewood Grill in Grapevine since it is the half way point between our polar opposite ends of the metroplex. Misty and I enjoyed some chicken and waffles. My, Oh, My! They were so good!!!! Chicken strips are my most favorite food. We said we really wanted to try to come back once a month to get together. It's such a blessing to have a friendship that spans many years. From the tumultuous teen years, into early adulthood, and now progressing into middle adulthood....it's so nice to do life with these girls!

Monday and Tuesday were really rough at school. I had a student who was testing every fiber of my patience those two days. By Tuesday, I was so physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted that I didn't even go to my CG workout that evening. I just had to sit on the couch and watch some TV. I'm thankful that Mr. B was understanding and supportive of my needs that day. I was ready to go bright and early Wednesday morning at 5:15 AM for CG, though. The rest of my week at school went much better. I felt pretty productive the end of the week.

Friday evening we went to Westside Church of Christ in Irving to their annual winter singing. I look forward to this event every year. It never disappoints. There were almost 500 people gathered together that night to worship our great Lord in song. We met up with some friends from Church at On The Border for dinner before heading over. It was a great end to my work week. 

Saturday, I spent my morning running errands that I usually would do on Friday night. I even had time to relax on my couch before Mr. B came home at 3:00. I really wanted to spend some quality time with Mr. B that night.. We're together all the time, but we don't actually interact because we are busy doing our own thing or just working out. We haven't had a date night in a while. I really don't enjoy going to the movies and spending obscene amounts of money on the movie (which is almost never worth the amount you spend on it) and all the treats. So we went to the library and checked out a couple of movies for free. I got a 3 pack of popcorn for $1 and a box of milk duds for $1. We grabbed a pizza from Costco for $10 and had a movie date on our couch. We rented "Dracula Untold" and loved it! Then we watched "The Spectacular Now" and hated it. I'm so glad I didn't even pay the $1.50 it would've cost me on Red Box. It was that bad. It was such a pretty day that we decided to take the 1.2 mile walk to the library instead of drive. This would give us 2 1/2 miles of walking for our workout.

It's recovery week at CG this upcoming week. So we will have a modified workout schedule. We will be doing our evening CG sessions on Monday and Tuesday. I'll be doing walking, Pilates, or yoga on the other days. I had these great plans to do the double workout routine on the 21 Day Fix DVD until my trainer told me that it wasn't a good idea to continue high intensity workouts when you should be recovering. It can be counter productive. I would've been trying to bump it up a notch this week if she hadn't of told me that. I'll take a week of recovering before repeating the 4 week cycle again next week. I'm getting better each workout. Thursday night my warm-up buddy pushed me to jog both warm-up laps. I didn't think I could do it, but I proved myself wrong. I just needed someone to make me do it. And that's why I love this group!!!

So completely unrelated: I decided to use the remainder of my birthday money on a new makeup trunk. My makeup collection is always growing and my sink looks so cluttered. I found a trunk at Ulta and had a 20% off coupon AND was able to get a $3 rebate from Ibotta. Everyone wins!

Now I have room to add more if I want to....and I do want to.

Coming up this week: I'm getting ready to start my 21 Day Fix journey again. This time, I'm going to help coach a group with my upline. I'm so excited for the opportunity to help others while helping myself. It's time I got strict with my eating again. I've been lazy lately. You can't out train a bad diet, so I have to monitor my food more closely. My lab results were not as I had hoped, so I need to get this under control. I refuse to take medication for this. I will change these results with diet and exercise. That's the natural way to cure most things. It just takes discipline. 

What's Up Wednesday January 2016

What we're eating this week:
I made my Mexican lasagna for my lunch this whole week. It just makes things easier to have the same thing every day. Takes the guess work out of it. We had nachos on Monday (I made mine the healthy version). We've also been enjoying the panko breaded tilapia fillets from Trader Joes with some veggies. Simple and quick is what we're all about here.

What I'm reminiscing about:
Last year's snow days. We had so many. I remember waiting by my phone and constantly checking the school website for cancellations. We haven't even had a hint of snow here. I miss cuddling on my couch and binge watching Netflix with my dogs in my pajamas.

What I'm loving:
This may seem weird, but I'm loving getting up at 4:15 or 5:30 in the morning. If I choose to do an AM workout, I'm up at 4:15 so I have time to have a little quiet time before heading to my 5 AM workout. If I choose a PM workout, I'm up at 5:30 so I have some quiet time before getting ready for work. Right now, I'm really liking the 4:15. I feel so much better throughout my day. I'm thinking about making it a daily habit.

What we've been up to:
Mr. B and I have started a consistent workout routine. We joined up with Camp Gladiator to get in full body workouts with certified trainers. It's something we can do together. This helps with accountability. We can encourage one another. The couple that sweats together, burns fat together.

What I'm dreading:
Testing at school. The amount of testing that I do in first grade is insane. I feel like I'm doing more testing and teaching on how to take the test than I am on the actual concepts. It's a long process. I feel once I finish that I barely have time to meet with groups for a week or two before I'm back at testing once again. #thereisaidit

What I've been working on:
My February planning. What!? Yeah, I've spent some serious time detailing things going on in February in my Erin Condren planner. January was boring with black pen and pencil. This upcoming month I added colorful markers and motivational quotes to get my excited. Yeah, I'm a nerd. But I'm a proud nerd!

What I'm excited about:
I'm getting ready to start my 21 Day Fix next week. I'm excited to get my eating back in check. I didn't get the most favorable lab results back from my doctor. I'm looking to make more changes to my diet to get that under control. I'm excited for recovery week at Camp Gladiator. I think I'm going to do a boxing session Tuesday morning. I saw a Zumba workout one day, but I don't think that fits in my time schedule. I guess I'm just excited about continuing on my health journey.

What I'm watching/reading:
I'm still recording Hallmark Channel romance movies every Saturday. Other than that, I'm watching the Bachelor (because I love me some Ben Higgins) and Downton Abbey. I finally finished "The Husband's Secret" a few days ago. Took me long enough. Now I'm trying to catch up on my vampire series by Bella Forest. I also need to figure out what I'm going to do in February for my reading challenge from Modern Mrs. Darcy.....

What I'm listening to:
I've added a few podcasts to my load:
My #1 podcast will probably always be "The Popcast" with Knox McCoy and Jamie Golden. Today's episode had me laughing out loud. The uncomfortable truths about pop culture....think your guilty shame in the pop culture world. Mine: I don't do Harry Potter or Star Wars, but I will do any and all things vampire. I loved the Twilight series. I owned a "Team Edward" shirt and wore it to the midnight premiere of Twilight back in 2008.

Other podcasts I love:

• The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
• Around the Table
• What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel from Modern Mrs. Darcy
• The Most Dramatic Podcast in Bachelor History
• Serial

What I'm wearing:
Whenever I can, I will rock leggings, boots, and either a sweater, dress, or long tunic. I'm all about cute and comfy. I will also take advantage of a jean day at work anytime I can get it.

What I'm doing this weekend:
I'm so excited for Friday night because it's the annual singing at Westside Church of Christ in Irving. 2 hours of singing praises to our Lord. I'm a girl who loves to sing! I look forward to this event every year. Saturday will be grocery shopping, reading, and Hallmark Channel. Sunday will look very similar with the addition of worship service.

What I'm looking forward to next month:
My chunky dunky is turning 1 on the 24th!!!! We are going to Lubbock to celebrate his birthday (and get our taxes done). We go to Lubbock the 3rd weekend in February every year because I just can't go to any other bookkeeper for my taxes. She's been doing them since I was 16. Now I have a double reason for going.....Jude the Dude's birthday!

What else is new:
Cooper and I have joined up to Camp Gladiator. We've made a 12 month commitment to our journey. We are in love with it. This is the last week of our first camp. I thought I would have to suffer from withdrawals during the off week. Turns out, they still have a modified schedule for BOLD members. The workouts are just less intense....more fun. Oh, the excitement!!!!

What is you favorite Valentine treat:
You know, I can always go for a good box of chocolates. There isn't a bad chocolate in my opinion. You could also tempt me with some chocolate covered strawberries, and I won't complain. I'll ask for forgiveness later (or pay for it by doing burpees)!

For the Routine Lover

Anyone who truly knows me knows I have a deep love for routines and structure. I'd like to say I'm flexible and "go with the flow", but the reality is I'm just not. That's not to say that I can never be....it just depends on the situation. Most of the time I get highly flustered when things don't go according to plan. I pride myself on my quick adaptation skills, however. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have a mini meltdown whenever my plans and routines get thrown off course. I have this strong sense to get everything on my "To-Do" list each day accomplished. My mother-in-law laughs at some of these aspects of my personality. Others just shake their heads and smile and think to themselves, "of course...that's so Ashley." I wonder if it's because I'm the oldest child??? Anyway, I digress....

This week I committed to getting into a firm workout routine. This was my third week in Camp Gladiator. We made that decision to "GO BOLD" as they say. We have 2 trainers that we work out with. We have Robin for our M/W/F trainer. Then we have Steve for our T/TH trainer. I quickly realized that 3 times a week just wasn't enough for me. I craved more workouts. This is a strange concept to me. I hate working out. For some reason, I'm strangely addicted to these Camp Gladiator sessions. My second week I made Mr. B come along for the ride and attended 4 sessions. This past week we attended 5 sessions. I absolutely LOVED it! My 30 year old body is shaking its head at me, but it can shut up and thank me in 20 years when it's still functioning appropriately (hopefully).

I set a goal to go W/F at 5:15 AM and just get ready at work. I successfully met those goals. It was actually easier than I thought it would be. My body actually woke itself up naturally at 4:00 AM Friday morning. I had time to get my quiet morning time in with journal writing and prayer before going to workout. I actually haven't had trouble getting up early at all this week. Today is Saturday, and I was up at 7:00. Could I possibly be becoming a morning person!? (insert wide-eyed shocked emoji here)

I even did well with my food intake this week. I've been hungry more often this week. My metabolism must really be revved up. I've been keeping healthy snacks around and eating every 2-3 hours, going no more than 4 hours without eating. Here's a look at how my week went:

Monday: I was off today....today was a bit different than usual
Breakfast-oatmeal w/ honey, cinnamon, almond butter, blueberries, and green tea
Lunch-salad with left over pluckers chicken and pasta salad
PM snack-beef jerky, Lara bar, oranges
Pre-Workout- chocolate shakeology
6:00 PM CG session with Robin
Dinner while watching the Bachelor/Bachelor Live: Fresh Market's Asian Stir Fry

Tuesday: 5:30 AM journal writing with prayer
Breakfast-oatmeal w/ honey, cinnamon, almond butter, blueberries, and green tea
AM snack: chocolate shakeology
Lunch: spaghetti squash bake, bell peppers, hummus
PM snack: beef jerky, Lara bar, oranges
Pre-workout- almonds w/ chocolate chips
6:15 CG session with Steve
Dinner-stuffed bell pepper
8:00-9:15 quiet reading time with some sleepy time tea

Wednesday: 4:15 wake up with shakeology
5:15 AM CG session with Robin
Breakfast-oatmeal w/ honey, cinnamon, almond butter, blueberries, and green tea
AM snack: almonds w/ chocolate chips and oranges
Lunch: spaghetti squash bake, bell peppers, hummus
PM snack: beef jerky, Lara bar, oranges
Dinner-stuffed bell pepper
7:00 PM Bible study followed by quiet reading time with journal writing (bed by 9:30)

Thursday: 5:30 AM (electricity goes out as I'm waking up)
Breakfast-oatmeal w/ honey, cinnamon, almond butter, blueberries, and green tea (late breakfast)
Lunch: spaghetti squash bake, bell peppers, hummus
PM snack: beef jerky, Lara bar, oranges
Pre-workout- almonds w/ chocolate chips and shakeology with journal writing with prayer
6:15 CG session with Steve
Dinner: stuffed bell pepper
8:00-9:15 quiet reading time with some sleepy time tea (bed by 10)

Friday: 4:00 wake up with shakeology and journal writing with prayer
5:15 AM CG session with Robin
Breakfast-oatmeal w/ honey, cinnamon, almond butter, blueberries, and green tea
AM snack: almonds w/ chocolate chips and oranges
Lunch: spaghetti squash bake, bell peppers, hummus
PM snack: beef jerky, Lara bar, oranges
Dinner: Pollo Tropical-had the Tropichop (brown rice, chicken, red beans, peppers and onions, balsamic tomatoes) and fried plantains (guilty pleasure of the day)
Enjoyed some TV and reading before heading to bed at 10:30

Today is Saturday. I've spent my day doing what any typical routine Type A does.....I paid the bills and wrote out goals and plans for the month of February. My Erin Condren planner is so beautiful for the month of February. I'm also throwing in some laundry, reading, meal prep, and a little TV before heading to dinner with Mr. B's parents at Mexican Inn. Oh, I can't forget my yoga session today. I look forward to that every week. Feels so good.

Finally, some victories I want to celebrate for this week:
1. Thursday night I made it 1 whole lap around the school parking lot without walking
2. While doing many sets of suicide runs in intervals, I never stopped or walked
3. I was able to complete 3 consecutive legit big girl push-ups during interval training.

"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you!" (I stole that from trainer Steve;)

Investments in My Future

This week was a good one for me, personally. Professionally, it was crazy and a bit stressful. I survived though. A couple of good things happened for me this week that could impact my future in good ways. I succeeded in completing another 6 day workout week. I did 4 Camp Gladiator sessions and 2 yoga sessions. I set a goal to wake up at 5:30 every morning before work so I could get in 30 minutes of quiet time. My quiet time consists of writing in my journal (shout out to my sister, Amanda, for getting me a Tinker Bell journal for my birthday) about whatever I want to. I usually like to reflect on the previous day. I make a list of prayer requests and spend some time in prayer. I like to find a scripture to accompany my journal entry. I've really enjoyed having that time every morning. 

This week at Camp Gladiator was function week AND bring a buddy week. Look who I made be my buddy this week....

He keeps saying he wants to get back into working out. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I come home every day and ask, "did you work out today?" His answer is usually "no." Since he is my best buddy and I love him so much, I told him to come with me this week. OK, I dared him to come with me. He was hesitant at first. He even said he didn't really want to. I turned on my wifely charm and begged him to try at least once. Guess what? That goofball LOVED it!!! He went all 4 days with me. Even the 5:15 early morning one on Friday! He fell in love with CG just like me. So, Friday we made the commitment to "GO BOLD!" We went all in with the 12 month commitment. We want to be healthy for ourselves and our future children. We both have health problems running on each side of the family. I don't want any of that down the road. Not interested. Since we jumped all in, one of our awesome trainers is giving us each a set of weights! Now Mr. B can quit bumming off other people at camp. 

We went to a new location (the location I chose as my home location). We absolutely loved the trainer at that location. His energy is insane. He is also very funny. Like I said, I need humor with my sweat. I was challenged to up my camp sessions by at least one this week. I went 3 times last week, so I did 4 this week. Next week, and weeks after, I'm shooting for 5 days! I realized that after Thursday's workout that I needed more than just 3 days a week doing this. Wednesday and Friday nights just aren't in my schedule, so I have to go in the morning. I went to an early morning session last week, but I didn't have to be in to work until a little later. Friday I needed to be at work at 7:50 and camp ended at 6:15. The night before I packed my lunch and breakfast and all I needed to get ready at work the next day. I went straight to work from camp and got ready and had breakfast at work. I was on time! I think I can commit to 2 days a week doing that. It felt so good to be done for the day.

Here's my plan for the week:

Monday-6:00 PM CG

Tuesday-6:15 PM CG

Wednesday-5:15 AM CG

Thursday-6:15 PM CG

Friday-5:15 AM CG

Saturday-yoga

Sunday-yoga

Still working on making me eating better. I think I've got to stop the Blue Apron. Their meals just aren't that healthy for me. Too many carbs.....

A bright spot in Friday morning's camp came at the end. I was getting some hot tea before heading to work when I asked the question "which tea will get me through a day with 21 kids?" One of the campers next to me asked which district I taught in. When I told her Arlington, she mentioned that she was the assistant principal at an elementary just up the street (it's actually the location I work out on T/TH nights). My immediate response: (hand outstretched) "Hi! My name is Ashley Browning, and I've been trying to get into Keller ISD for 4 years now." It was said in my off beat goofy manner, but I totally meant it. We got to talking and it was very positive. I've been waiting and praying to meet an elementary administrator. I've been praying a lot lately on a location change. I told Mr. B that it would be so awesome that if the path to a healthier me led to other blessings I've been praying for! God is so good!!!

I'm ready for this next week (and thankful for this 3 day weekend). I've got a goal to hit 5 camps this week! Time to shop for some workout clothes for Mr. B and I. 

2016 Kickoff

I feel I've had a great start to 2016. I've successfully completed 2 weeks in a row working out 6 times each week. I haven't done that since my early 20's when I had a personal trainer and was trying to get fit so I could find me a husband. #realtalk

I decided to take advantage of a free 4 week trial of Camp Gladiator. My friend, Pam, offered this to me. I figured I could give it a go for just 4 weeks. AND it was free. I really had nothing to lose except  some of my fat cells. Pam absolutely raves about this camp and has been doing it since June. I also gave my 21 Day Fix DVD a try for the first time. I've had it for a while and have been doing other exercise programs. I made the goal of going to camp 3 days a week and doing 21 Day Fix 3 days a week. I get to do nothing on Sunday. I had intentions of incorporating running with my C25K app, but let's be real.....I'm not a runner and never have been. I don't enjoy it. I like to do 5K runs every so often, but running around my block for 30 minutes or so just doesn't do it for me.

Monday night I went to my first camp. It was at 6:00 PM that night. I got home at 4:00. Those 2 hours were the worst. I was super nervous about going. I spent that whole 2 hours going back and forth about whether or not to go. If Pam hadn't of agreed to come all the way out to my location to go with me, I don't know if I would've gone. I was so glad I did go. It was a great workout and totally doable for me. 

Tuesday I didn't have to go in to work until later in the morning. I thought it would be a great idea to go to the 5 AM camp since it was the same trainer from the night before. 2 boot camp sessions less than 12 hours apart? Sure, why not! Ha! The wind chill was 30 degrees. It was either keep moving or freeze to death. My chunky butt kept moving. It was team workout day that morning, and we were divided into teams. We had a "bucket list" of workouts with a TON or reps that needed to be divided among the team. I felt bad for my group since I was clearly the new (and slowest) kid on the block. They were super encouraging and helpful though. And I didn't die. I did have to wake up at 4:15 though. I needed my Shake for that. I love me some Shakeology! I had the energy I needed to wake up that early and workout.

all smiles at 4:15 AM

Wednesday was my first day back to work with kids. I woke up at 5:15 and grabbed a 30 minute Pilates workout on my 21DF DVD. It felt good to have it out of the way knowing I didn't have to do anything when I got home from work.

Thursday, I went to Justin to attend camp with Pam at 6:30. I really enjoyed this camp. Tuesday's was by far the hardest of the week. I liked having someone I knew working out with me. It just made it more enjoyable. Too bad we don't live a little closer so we can go together all the time. We did grab a quick selfie in the parking lot after our workout!

Friday I woke up at 5:15 and got in some yoga from my 21DF DVD. I LOVED that yoga fix. I have Beach Body's PiYo DVD workout which combines Pilates and Yoga, but I think I'm a fan of each exercise individually. Pilates was fine and doable on its own, and so was yoga. Together they are a huge challenge for my current fitness level. Starting my day with yoga just made me so relaxed. Being able to have some quiet time writing in my  journal afterwards really topped it off. 

Saturday, I got up and had my blood drawn for my annual lab work. I didn't pass out this time because I took preventative measures. I drank a big glass of water before I went (advice from my mom) and informed the lady that I was prone to passing out and I needed to lie down and have the butterfly needle used because my veins were difficult. I was in and out like a champ! I ran some errands then came home and did the Dirty 30 workout on the 21DF DVD. I loved that workout, too!

There were my 6 days of awesomeness. I'm considering signing up for CG because I love it so much. I feel that as soon as I make that commitment, Murphy's Law will kick in and baby Browning will pop up.....Eh! I still may take the plunge anyway. Apparently there are girls in their 3rd trimester kicking tail at CG. I really do love the atmosphere and the support. I never feel that I'm not good enough. I really had a blast at the Justin location Thursday night. Some of those campers were hilarious. I need humor with my sweat. One day I may be cool enough (like Pam) to have all the CG gear and clothing.....#goals

I'm also loving the 21 Day Fix DVD. This is funny because when Mikah approached me about Beach Body and Shakeology this summer, I was totally against it because of that workout DVD. I said I wouldn't like it. I've had it a while because I bought it before I became a coach in a challenge pack when it was on sale. Last week was my first time to try it. I really enjoy it. 30 minutes fly by and I feel worked out. 

As far as my eating goes, I could be better and more on point. We've been doing Blue Apron for a a couple of weeks. The food is great, but their carb options are not whole grain/wheat. I try to avoid things with white flour. I'm not over doing it or anything, but it's not as good as I'd like to be. I told Mr. B that we needed to be more selective when choosing which weeks to order it. 

I had my annual check up this week, too! The doctor was impressed with my weight loss. She said things look good and we should have no problem getting pregnant once we start trying. I hope my lab results come back equally as positive.

On another note, I saw this on Facebook and thought I might want to give it a try. We're getting to that point in the year when frustrations run high. State testing is just around the corner. We're starting to prepare for those pass/fail conversations with parents. Expectations seem to be mounting and time seems to be decreasing. I think I'd like to visit this when I get really stressed. I feel I may need to find other options for the organizing days since I'm usually pretty organized in general #squareprobz #typeA

I've been experimenting with my hair this week. I thought I'd like to see what my waves looked like with the short cut. It was easier to style and lent itself to be very low maintenance. I could get up and fluff and be good to go on the hair front. I think it received a positive response from people. Definitely a repeat hair style for me. VW (shout out) will hate me for saying how I got this look.....

wash, mousse, blow dry (a brush never touched my head with this look) I like it best when adding a headband. I have a ton of headbands. They never looked right with my long hair, but they add a pop with the short cut.

(Please excuse my dark under eye circles....See, VW, I do need makeup)

My Favorite Things of 2015

I've never really done a year end reflection post. I guess I'll give it a try. A fun snapshot of 2015...it may even help me with my yearly Shutterfly book that I make in the summer.

January:

The only noteworthy thing I can think of....Murder Mystery Party with an 80's Prom theme

February

a trip to Granbury

Adrian turns 30....the first one

Bonfires in LBK

Snow days

Cuddling on the couch with the pups and many Netflix marathons

Jude is born

March

My first time at the shooting range and to fire a gun

only a few more months working with Swarbrick.....:(

April

the paintings continue

meeting Jude for the first time

More Jude loving

May

A day off together + BOGO Starbucks = midday date perfection

the first of many team gatherings...this one was Kentucky Derby style

painting with friends

The dreaded field day.....

June

My first time at the Sellers reunion since being married

hiking in New Mexico on a familiar trail

enjoying the mountains

and doing it with Mom and Dad

Getting Jude for a whole week!

bringing him on dates with Gabby and baby Caroline (kinda)

Uncle C doing bath time

July

first fondue date

yummy

All. The. Food.

painting with Christy

Mini Texas Day trip to Fredricksberg

Road tripping with my main squeeze

celebrating 5 years of marriage in Mexico

#thatviewtho

beach bummin' it

Hard Rock Hotel #vacationingrich

learning to make kolaches with Ivana

eating the kolaches

 August

"men tell all" viewing with Leigh Anne and Vanessa

game night with Ben and Vanessa (and Leroy)

meeting baby Caroline

the start of my Erin Condren love affair....and teacher planning

my Texas Tech themed classroom

first time catching a murder mystery dinner (we love hanging out with Kelli and James)

yep, more paintings

September

I started my journey to a healthier me with Beach Body and Shakeology #cizeitup

October

Mr. B turns 30

celebrating with family

his baby cupcake

his "not so big" bday cake....when you reach a certain age you only get numbers due to the fire hazard of  multiple candles

celebrating with friends

of course we are in our favorite date spot....Sundance Square

make another wish

November

had to get a new garage door....le sigh

our lipstick was on point

first fire of the season

Jude comes for Thanksgiving

and brings guests

Tech finally beats UT

more painting

my family comes for Thanksgiving

December

buying the annual Christmas ornament

my obsession with Younique makeup reaches new levels

I realize what a 3 month consistent journey looks like!

I go back to short hair for the first time in 5 years!

with a ponytail to prove it

My new hairstylist

Mr. B and I get excited when the Cowboys play the Packers and we can get all dressed up in our fan gear and pretend to hate each other for a span of 3 hours

in a size smaller pants (insert praise hand emojis here)

2nd annual Christmas Light Cruising with Starbucks caramel apple spice (I've got to come up with a more efficient name for that)

The first (of a few) of my 30th bday celebrations #threadlife

#dreamteam

getting ready to celebrate with friends

my beautiful BFF's celebrating with me

Starbucks free birthday drink? Yes, please. #makeitaventi #bdaycaloriesdontcount

Mr. B surprised me with a large cupcake

Yep, we ate it before a 4 course fondue dinner

ready for my night out with this handsome guy

the annual bday pic in Sundance Square

we love this place

meeting baby Owen for the first time

true aunt and uncle bliss

Christmas in Lubbock....my mom cooked it all

Amanda loves her sister selfies

Happy to see my PaPa....and spend time with my daddy:)

Love getting to see my grandparents

Always need a sister pic whenever we're all together. I love how Liz and I are both sitting on Amanda's lap!

I started listening to podcasts in 2015 (thanks to Swarbrick!). The Popcast sounded interesting and was the first one I ever listened to. Now, I can't stop listening to them. It has been a goal of mine to become a "friend of the show." So this post happened....

I must include a pic of me and the hubby getting ready for some NYE festivities. We had a great time!

That about raps up another great year! It's so fun to look back and see what I've done over the past year. I like that I've been a better blogger in 2015. I'm hoping to keep it up in 2016. I'm sure there will be more paintings, more Jude, more couple's selfies, and more adventures. I'm coming for you 2016!