My Fantasic 4th...

Be prepared: This is a post about nothing particular. Just a random, fun and hardworking weekend.

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend! Work was closed for me this year (I wasn't nearly so fortunate last year) so I made sure to make the most of the time that I had. Unfortunately, I only got one day, as I still had to work on Saturday. But it sure was a great one day!

I think we may have started a new tradition, homemade breakfast with the parents. Whether it's on the 4th every year or we decide to do it every now and then is yet to be determined but it's definitely something that must happen again. I hurried home from doing the morning barn chores and did exactly as I promised (minus the apron). Windows were open, coffee was made and homemade biscuits were whipped up. We had bacon and eggs over easy (made in the bacon pan OF COURSE) along with my new favorite homemade biscuit recipe found here and my dad's peach coffeecake. And surprise, surprise, he made it from scratch and doesn't have a recipe!! And it was so yummy! I'm so sorry that I can't even share that with you. I can only tease you with the picture that I insisted on taking because it was so pretty.

Doesn't that make your mouth water?

And can I just say that I was really proud of myself for going with my gut and making these biscuit babies instead of just popping bread in the toaster? They. Were. Amazing. It took all my will power to not eat all of them (that...and I was faced with having to put a bikini on afterwards...)

My new go-to recipe. Mmmm...now I want one.

But hey! It was the 4th of July...time was a ticking. I only had one day off so there was much to do yet so little time! After biting the bullet, refusing to look in the mirror and putting on that dreaded swim suit after a stellar (but coma inducing) breakfast, it was time for some boating!

My husband and I spent the afternoon cruising on the boat with his family. I wised up and remembered to put sunscreen on upper body this time but didn't think my legs would need it as they seem to be resistant to sun. Not so much. I once again am sporting some fantastic tan lines, this time on the legs. I'll get smart one of these days....But oh, it was still so much fun!

I'm really glad that we took the time to put our projects and house diy's aside to spend a day just relaxing and laughing. Days off go much to fast and before you know it summer will be over. There's just something about the sun that is refreshing and brings out the kid in me. And for my husband...he was able to play with fireworks. Need I say more?

Husband with our 4 year old nephew.
He's learning to be co-pilot.

My husband is amazing.

Happy Independence Day!

I'm pretty amazing too...right??

Aren't we both so photogenic??... :)

Little boy...er...husband with fireworks.

We both had to work on Saturday so neither of us was able to make it long enough to watch the local fireworks. We were able to watch the multiple shows, however, on the drive home. Eh...you can't get everything you want.


To top off our weekend, we found out that hay was getting baled. I love my horses, I really do. But every year, at this time, I wish they could just feed themselves. Now, I really should remind myself of my days of stacking 3000 bales in the haymow. This was a piece of cake compared to that. But trying to find enough people to help these days is getting harder and harder. We're all busier these days and it's hard enough to put aside time for yourself, much less to spend it slaving away for someone else. I have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our friends that came to help us out today. It was one of the best first crops I've had in a long time and we had a LOT of it. Also a bonus? It's the ONE time of the year I have to do this. Until next year friends....and sadly, I'm serious. None of you are fired. You're all, in fact, on the calendar for next year. No excuses. Got it?? :)

You're itchy and scratchy. I hate you.

We're doing this for you horses.
Pay attention...you hear?

After a full day of this, I have one thing to say. These horses are getting their butts back to work. Pronto. Enough rain already...we've got some getting-back-into-shape to do. No more Mr Mrs. Nice. Done-zo.

And now it's back to work tomorrow. Like I said...time off goes much too fast. But remember to enjoy every minute of every day. We're lucky to have it.

How was your weekend!? I'd love to hear!

Goodnight friends!

Inspired....

Lately I have been obsessed with HGTV shows. Most recently I've been "fixated" on (haha) Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gains. You can visit her blog here. She has really inspired me and gotten my creative juices flowing. I mentioned to my husband today that I would love to meet this woman. I really feel that she must be a truly sincere and thoughtful individual. Not to mention, she has awesome talent. Lately, after watching this show and reading her blog, I suddenly want to tackle all the projects that I've been nervous about starting and I have innovative ideas coming at me full speed. (Heck...I was even trying to help a friend figure out how to use a bee-house they found at a flea market in their home. It didn't pan out but still... ;)  )

I'm realizing that I don't have to have everyone approve of what we do or to be as excited as I am about what I envision. It just has to be a house that my husband and I love to be in and what makes it our home. What a refreshing thought.

A great example is that we are absolutely thrilled with how our bathroom is turning out. And while others may think it's a bit off the beaten path, we think it's pretty cool. And in the end, I know that it will still function the way we need it to. I'm not worried. We got this.

I'm a little behind but I've been wanting to share a few sneak peeks of our bathroom as it's coming along. So. In. Love. I do believe it's going to be my favorite room in the house. When you can't find me....look in the bathroom. I'll just be hanging out. Admiring the colors and textures. Patting myself on the back for making good choices (if I may say so myself). I'll let the husband know he did a pretty good job too.... :)

This is before we were able to shower.
Shower, paint and floor are complete.

Building our own vanity. A little peek.
Just wait until it's done!!!

Lousy phone photo but...TA DA!!
My striped wall.This doesn't do it justice!

Ahhh! I just can't wait to get things finished up. It's the fun part putting it all back together. We are getting closer and closer to having a real bathroom once again. And honestly, even though it took longer than we both had anticipated...it makes me want to tackle the next room. I think we make a good team and we're going to have a home that will reflect who we both are.

However, we ARE going to actually take time off and have a FUN day on Friday....Independence Day. I am doing my best to enjoy all my moments of time off this summer and to make them memorable. So a little family time is in order for the 4th. I'm excited about Friday morning because I offered to make a farm house style breakfast for my parents. I intend on making it legit...windows open, bacon frying, fresh bread and an apron (anyone want to loan me an apron???)  And then we're hoping to get some lake time in the afternoon. I see a day of R&R ahead....Cannot wait!

BUT...I do have to work tomorrow, so with that I better get to bed! Morning comes way to quickly!
What will you be doing this 4th of July???

Goodnight my friends!