Bummer......

There are times at work when I just want to say "Please stop talking to me."

Who am I kidding? There aren't just random times...it's most of the time.

And not in a rude or aggressive way. I would say it with a straight face and dry tone. As a statement with a slight request.

Recently I realized that will probably NEVER be an appropriate thing to say.

I am kind of sad about that.

This could ignite a slow clap followed by jazz hands

I sometimes feel like my life could breakout into song at any given moment! Similar to Glee (of course) or maybe even (going old school) Grease (Brandon would have made a great T-bird greaser).



Unfortunately my life would not be nicely choreographed, like my examples above. I consider myself rhythmically challenged....and to be the owner of two left feet. What can I say....This song will be without the dance.

Just once I would like to find myself in a spontaneous situation where everyone not only knows the impromptu dance that has started, but nails every last step. Then...as the dance ends, we all clap and pat each other on the back...as if to say "that was completely normal (happens all the time) and we nailed it!"



On the other hand, I have been listening to Eminem's new album Recovery quite a bit lately. I am not sure his music is meant to be accompanied by choreographed moves, leg kicks, twirls or jazz hands. And to be honest, I am don't think anyone is prepared for my life to breakout in song....at least not Eminem's. But...if they do- hold on tight...there could be a real show about to happen and I expect, if nothing else, a slow clap to follow my performance!



In all seriousness, I am enjoying Eminem's new album. If this life breaks out into song, just don't look over here because I may be doing jazz hands, as I have no other knowledge of or ability to dance.

This is not me...but it could be...with lots of hard work, sequins and a bedazzler!

Disappearing act....

I am slightly annoyed to find that the background I have been using since I started my blog (although not long ago) will disappear as of this Friday. Not sure why. I have noticed while searching other blogs that any backgrounds by "The Cutest Blog on the Block" will be disabled come Friday. I loved my background, so I naturally went to their website to try to select another one...thinking maybe just select templates were being deleted. I can't even get the website to come up.

Pretty disappointing. Oh well. Blog life goes on. I have switched to a new template designer "Shabby Blogs". They have some cute templates, although I feel like these do not fit my format quite as well as the others. It will just take some getting used to.

So...welcome new template. Please do not disappear on me!

Where ya been?

This blog has suffered some recent neglect, but it's not completely my fault. The past month I have been out of town for at least 2 weeks. The rest of the time....well...I guess there just hasn't been much to blog about.

I joined the extended Ryan family in SC for a beach vacation in June. It's always a lot of fun visiting with family we sometimes see only once a year. This year we were missing quite a few family members, but worked hard to try and have fun in their absence!

Below is a picture of my Grandma Ryan and her three children- My Aunt Cathy, Aunt ReeRee (Marie), and my Dad. My Grandma is notorious for closing her eyes in photos, so I feel like this picture was a success!



Below is a picture of my cousin's beautiful boy, Ryan. The picture was taken about 3 seconds before he puked all down my front side, inside my shirt, down my bra where it attempted to roll directly down into my pants. Impressed...ABSOLUTELY! Grossed out....without a doubt! You are still a handsome little man, though, Ryan!



Here are some more random photos from that trip!

It is amazing how much I adore this woman








This past week Brandon and I loaded up the car and headed to Wisconsin to join the Bice family for a week vacation in Wisconsin Dells.



I really love spending time with Brandon's family. They are amazing people with personality, spunk, kindness and the perfect amount of competitive nature. I never have to question how it is that Brandon turned out to be such an incredible man. That generally happens when you grow up surrounded by good people.

We had many adventures during that week.
Including ziplines (which, by the way, were both terrifying and incredible. I am so glad I stuck with it..even when I wanted to abandon the task):


Here are some pictures of some of the family that I really like:













Here are some of the things I learned while on this trip:
1. Road trips with my husband are always fun. No matter how tired, cranky, or stir crazy we may be, my sweet husband makes things fun...always.
2. Noah's Ark water park is worth the wait!
3. Apparently shoes are not required for Wal-Mart in WI
4. Babies have the ability to wake up at the exact same time every day...for future referencing.
5. Mike's meat can't be beat. (picture NOT included)
6. Bagna Caude is an acquired taste and since I did not grow up in the North I may never learn to like it (thank goodness)

I love the Bice family/extended family! I feel blessed to have such amazing in-laws and am thankful for them! It was an amazing trip! We miss the family already!

And finally-
Happy Birthday to my Mom. We enjoyed dinner with the Ryan family both Sunday and Tuesday night! Below, our most recent family picture. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday America

I have to think ER's and walk-in clinics all over the country are full of people with minor burns today! That classic combination of alcohol and fire always makes an interesting mix. We had a free show last night, as most of our neighbors purchased and blew up lifetime supplies of fireworks. It was gorgeous to see, but I was glad we were not the individuals lighting the fuses.

Thankfully today we are not visiting any ER's or walk-in clinics for minor burn wounds related to pyrotechnics. Unfortunately.....I feel as though I could visit a clinic...for a different type of burn wound.





Please note...this burn, right on the inside of my knee (worst spot EVER to be injured) is from a retractable leash. This is what happens when the leash gets away from the handler and the dog is running full speed ahead! The leash wrapped around my leg before I had the chance to even jump out of the way!

I am trying hard to act brave, but this freaking hurts! And the worst part for me....No running and probably no weight lifting until it starts to heal. This stinks, as I have finally hit my groove. Who knows.....I may just try to grease it up and work out anyway....we shall see.

We hope you and your family are all happy and safe. Hopefully no one burned any fingers and everyone has all body parts still in their proper places! Happy Birthday America...sorry it's a day late!

Her first post....of many (I am sure)

Early Wednesday morning a beautiful and healthy baby girl was born. My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew welcomed sweet Camryn into their family. I just can not believe how gorgeous she is. Pint-sized perfection.

We just love her so much, already! I can not wait to see what this world holds for her.....



Me with my newest niece...



Welcome Camryn! I can already tell that you (just like your older brother) will do great things in this life! I can not wait to witness them with the rest of the family!