I really dread the day when I become a new homeowner and I decided to take on a bunch of weekend projects.

For the past two months, Ryan has been in the process of putting all the finishing touches on his new house and it seems that this is a NEVER ENDING process!!

He's on the home stretch now because everything is done now except for the last step in finishing the floor and installing the crown molding.

This weekend, I was the oh so gracious girlfriend and played tilers assistant. From 7-11 Friday night and ALL DAY Saturday, we layed tile.

Thankfully, we got a really good system down, so we started moving very quickly.

The plan was to have it all FINISHED, including the grouting, by the end of the weekend, but any of you remodlers know how plans like these work out.

The mortar stil wasn't dry and so I luckily escaped the daunting task of grouting. Thank goodness because I was NOT looking forward to that!!

I can't really complain too much. We had a good time and had a lot of laughs at how absolutely disgusting we got from all of that work.

Believe it or now, I sacrificed my fresh manicure for this guy!! :)

And last but DEFINITELY not least, the weekend weather was PERFECT!

I finally could whip out some of my fall clothes for going to dinner. Theres just something about fall that makes me very happy.

Maybe its because I finally was able to wear these little gems for the first time!

I know, Uggs are the uggliest shoes made and I boycotted them for years.

But the second I put them on last year, I was a convert.

I don't wear them with skirts or shorts or leggings with T-shirts (which happened to be quite the trend last winter at Auburn).

They stay tucked under my jeans and doing their job: keeping my feet warm!!

Guess who FINALLY whipped out the new camera and took some pictures!!

Sarah, Ryan and I went to Six Flags this weekend, and I must say we couldn't have had anymore fun!!

What could be better than perfect weather at Six Flags with my two favorite people in the world?

Here's Sarah and me waiting in line to ride Goliath...which was quite a disappointment for us!
We rode it two years ago and thought it was the greatest thing ever. Our expectations were a little high this time because we got off the ride, YAWNING.

My new favorite picture of me and Ryan.

And yes, this little boy is on a leash. We joked with Ryan and told him we were going to put him on one, but he didn't really think they existed until he saw this!

While waiting to ride Superman, Ryan read EVERY comic they had outside the ride.
Gotta love my little five year old at heart !!

Just when I said that I was going to get it together and actually start using my camera, I went on a five day vacation and left it in the car THE WHOLE TIME.

I'll blame part of that on Ryan because he left at the crack of dawn Saturday morning for his triathalon with my keys. Camera locked inside the car.

I really wish I had been able to get some pictures of the triathalon because believe it or not, I really enjoyed watching it.

The athletic ability these people have is incredible and watching this made me feel like a worthless slob. But, much to the triathalon group's dismay, it gave me ABSOLUTELY NO desire to EVER participate.

EVER.

Hopefully I can get some good pictures at the next one.

And we all know there are PLENTY of these in the future.

Ryan asked me Sunday, "Hey when we're in Aruba, if they have a tri, would you mind if I did one?"

I simply looked out the window, said nothing, and held my tongue.

Someone needs to learn what the word vacation means.

Thats all I'm saying...

LONG WEEKEND!!

Currently starring at my piles of clothes for the weekend, trying to be a little more realistic, and pack what I NEED.

Heading down to Destin, Florida tomorrow after work.

A long weekend is WAY overdue.

A weekend without staying in a hotel.

Without painting/renovating.

An actual vacation!!

I'll be a first time spectator of the Destin Crab Trap Triathalon.

And no, I will not, nor ever will, participate.

Gotta support my little kid at heart, Ryan, while he does what he loves most!

Stay tuned for pictures of everyone else who is in tip-top shape doing their thing (being insane and doing a tri).

I'll be the girl in the sundress with my Starbucks in hand and blackberry in the other.

Supportive, I know!

Im hoping my celeb crush Matthew McConaughey will make an appearance.

He's all about the triathalons.

And no, I dont really care to see J-Lo there.

Just had twins and doing tri's...

Nutcase!

No Mom Jeans for this girl...

Long-legged ladies, I found them.

After YEARS of searching, I found TWO different pairs of jeans that are beyond flattering and get this....

They are long enough!!

Believe me, I know all the designer denim brands.

I worked with them for years.

Season after season, I would watch new styles come in and I would simply have to admire them.

Because NEVER did these cute jeans come in long lengths.

Girls, I'm talking 36 inch inseam long.

Well I found two different brands and trust me, I snatched both pairs up immediately!!

Here is what just arrived with our friendly UPS man.

J.Crew's high heel flare.

And I think I'm going to have to take these in for alterations they are so long!

I sound ridiculous, but this is HUGE for me.

The other pair are by Joe's Jeans.

I think they are called Muse.

No crack-showing highwaisted, long enough, butt flattering, thigh and hip slimming jeans.

And yes I just sounded like a 40 year old woman.

But believe it or not, I'm starting to feel like I can't wear things that my 19 year old sister wears.

I never understood my mother when she would say, "I'm too old to wear that."

Starting to get it now.

Bring on the high waisted (well actually right at the hips) pants.

No more low rise ANYTHING!

or

Looking like I shop at Forever 21.

I caved....

I did it.

I caved.

I found a Target gift card in my car and knew EXACTLY what to buy.

Sex and the City.

The movie.

Put it on my list. It will be watched many many many times.

And yes, Ryan, you will be a part of this.

HAPPY MONDAY!

Lots of quality time being spent around here.

I had to go to Jacksonville, FL Friday for business, so I squeezed in a few hours with my sweet Ryan. I had booked my hotel room in Jacksonville, but thanks to cheaptickets.com (whom I will never use again), I was given a room in St. Augustine, FL. After 45 minutes on the phone with some lady who was probably in Tajikastan, I discovered that all the hotels in Jacksonville in my price range were booked. Im panicking at this point, then just caved and said, "you know what, just book me a room in Tallahassee. It all worked out and the added bonus was that I got to see the five year old.

I must say, the 3 hours I spent in Jacksonville, I want to go back sometime soon. I was quite impressed with the city.

After 9 hours in the car on Friday, I came home and crashed, got up Saturday morning and jumped in the car AGAIN with Sarah to spend a few hours shopping in Birmingham. We haven't really had sister time in months. Every weekend I'm either in Florida or Ryan is here, so one on one time with Sarah is hard to find.

We set out with the idea of shopping a little bit and ended up with a few extra swipes on the MasterCard. It was worth it though. My wardrobe thanks me!!

I finally caved and bought this perfume. ALIEN. Im serious when I say that I'm obsessed with it. It has jumped to my number one fav, and that is saying something.

Ok, you knew we would make a pit stop here. Banana is never disappointing to me...EVER!
And the icing on the cake...J.Crew

I've been raving about their fall clothes to just about everyone I know and sorry to disappoint, but the raving will continue. I did some damage there. OOPS!
And last but not least, picked up a new set of eyeshadows. So, for all of you who have to listen to me repeatedly talk about how I need new eye makeup...you're welcome.

Just a few days of reality, and then I'm off to the beach. I'm MAKING myself take pictures this time. Hopefully.

Have a good week!!

A few weekends ago, Sarah, Ryan and I took a Sunday afternoon trip to Books-a-Million. I have a slight obsession with that place. The goodness of passing time in that place reading magazines and buying tons of books, when I should be working, is amazing. We let the five year old (aka Ryan) roam around in search of some book he saw years ago that he swears will be perfect for Dad to read.

The conversation went a little something like this:
Ryan: Yeh I really want to get this book for your dad, I think he's going to love it.
Rach: Ok, what is it?
Ryan: Yeh I don't remember the name
Rach: Who's the author?
Ryan: Yep, don't remember that either.
Rach: ummmmmmmmm ok? So do you remember what it looks like?
Ryan: Nope
Rach: Well, what is it about?
Ryan: I don't really remember to tell you the truth.
Rach: Ok, you know what, go look at the sports books and find me when you're ready.

I'm serious, it was EXACTLY like that, ask Sarah!

But, while I spent 45 minutes reading magazines and finding a few books to buy, I found myself being oh-so-generous.

I picked up, "He's Just Not that Into You" for Sarah. How I wish I could keep her from dealing with all the mess that comes with dating, especially in college. But, I will give her some credit. She doesn't put up with nearly as much as most girls her age.

I then grabbed, "Wild At Heart" for Ryan. The book was basically written about him. Girls, if you haven't read this yet, go buy it IMMEDIATELY. It is an absolute must read to be able to understand man's heart and how God created him. And then let your men read it. So far, Ryan has enjoyed it.



And surprisingly, the five year old picked this one out for me. "The Five Love Languages" is an absolute must read for any couple. I know, I know...I'm not engaged or married, but it is very eye-opening. GO BUY IT NOW!!!


And then he picked this one out for me. I HATE IT! Very cultish sounding and I'm suspicious of it so I've stopped reading it. Maybe its just me.