Another Great Weekend

Items needed to blog about my great weekend:

Good Idea- Check
Take pictures- Check
Camera- Check
Camera cord- Oops

I knew I forgot something as I was carrying way too many things to the car this morning. I guess tomorrow will be my updates. :)

One thing I can say is that today is technically my 35th week and 35 days until my due date. Although I won't be going to the full 40 weeks. So really I've got more like 3.5 weeks left. And I'm SO excited.

Happy Monday.

30th Birthday, Part 2

Saturday we woke up and Mark's belly was upset. I went downstairs to get him some pepto. While I was down there, I let them know our room was smelling like smoke and it's not us (since entire Marriott line is completely smoke-free) and they changed our room. So that slowed us down for our most important activity of the trip...this gorgeous building. This is the Orlando Temple, where Mark and I were sealed 3.5 years ago. After arriving and walking in to the calm and peace that is the temple, the sweet little man at the desk let Mark know his recommend expired last month and he couldn't go in. I can't believe I didn't look at it. I keep both our recommends in my temple bag so that when we go, we don't forget them. Well, that's a good plan if you keep an eye on the expiration dates. That being said, we walked outside, took pictures for other people and went to Beehive Clothing for some new unders.



Mark quickly needed another trip to the bathroom (still wasn't feeling great, which is why I didn't go on in the temple without him) so we went back to our hotel until my parents were out of the temple. Then we met up with them for a very special lunch....

Who doesn't love Boston Market? Can I just tell you that nothing makes me happier than their mac & cheese and their sweet potato casserole? No birthday is complete without either.

After that, Mark and I had an appointment to visit a spa. We found a place that had a great deal. We had a 1 hour couples massage, 1 hour facial, 20 minute foot massage and a parafin treatment (which wasn't the big deal part of it...but it did make for a good photo opp). This was right after our 1 hour massage, which is why my eyes look swollen and Mark relaxed. We both felt like we had paws and started acting like kitty cats...which is completely normal for us. MEOW.

We walked around old town after our relaxation time. The band started playing and these women were up and dancing. I took pictures because that is totally me in 10, 20, 30 or 40 years. I will dance like no one is watching! Maybe I should say I'll dance like EVERYONE is watching, cause sometimes we all love a crowd. But they don't call me the dance machine for nothing!

Then after eating some dinner and getting back to the hotel in our smoke-free/smell-free room I was down for the count! Mark always takes pictures of me when I'm sleeping. So here you go, this is what a sleeping 30 year old looks like! :)

Sunday we woke up, had a lovely breakfast, utilized our late check out and made our way home. We stopped at my brother's house for a birthday gathering. My oldest nephew Cody turned 21 and we got to celebrate with pizza. It was really a great weekend and I have my husband to thank for taking time off to take me away.

Now...bring on the baby stuff.

My 30th Birthday, Part 1

Well, It's official. I'm 30! Can't even believe it. But so far, so good. I can only be excited for all the new changes that will come with being 30. And for that, I'm thrilled to be 30.


Wednesday I got home late from Zumba and at my door, was this beautiful delivery. Grandma Rita (Mark's G-ma) is a wonderfully sweet little lady that I adore. She's got to be one of the nicest, sweetest, most kind hearted women I've ever met. She's always so thoughtful of us. Thanks Grandma! The flowers still look great.



I had a Dr's appt Friday morning, came home and there was a package at my front door. Inside there was a birthday card from my first roommate in Utah, Becki. Her daughter's handprint was in the card and I loved it. Hadley just turned 1 last week. She's a mover and Becki had a hard time getting her hand outlined. It says "her hand is normal. this is not an exact duplicate" and that made me laugh pretty hard.



After Mark got some work done, I was whisked away to Orlando for a fun weekend. Late Friday evening we went to the Cheesecake Factory. Not normally something I would choose for a birthday but I was feeling some appetizers, cheesecake and raspberry lemonade. Mark is always in the mood for nachos, even after an hour and a half wait.

That's what nachos can do to you! That's our cute nephew Christian. He was eating a Roadside slider. Which are basically expensive Krystal burgers. I prefer Krystals but those sliders were good too.

After we stuffed ourselves came time for cheesecake. YUM. This was my birthday slice of carrot cake cheesecake.

That's Mark's finger in the picture (cause he wanted to be in my picture too) with me blowing out my candle.

Mark doesn't like cheesecake or cake for that matter. So he ordered up a brownie sundae. He was super surprised to see how large it was. Evidently he didn't realize we were at the Cheesecake Factory where everything is larger than life.

This is their new red velvet cake cheesecake. Cassie ordered it. I was completely jealous. That cheesecake was the BEST thing there. I should've sent mine back. Instead I ate a few bites of hers and then took mine back to the hotel. I never ate it...was too busy dreaming of this one.

This was right before we left. These guys were full and happy and slightly ready to leave.

Here are the ladies of the evening (except GA was sleeping) and yes, no eating experience is complete without me dripping stuff down my front. :)

Mark and I drove back to our hotel and we were so excited to find some friends there to greet us. They were looking for dinner too. I was so tempted to feed them our leftovers.

There were a bunch of raccoons around the dumpster and one inside scavenger. It reminded me of growing up and raccoons coming into our backyard Sunday nights for hotdogs.

Part 1 of my birthday was great. Mark and I enjoyed ourselves and our time together.

Breakfast

Mark has taken me out of town for my birthday weekend. We're celebrating both my 30th birthday and our 5th anniversary. This is kinda our last hoorah before the little guy gets here. I've got fun stuff to tell about our weekend and pictures from my actual birthday.

This morning we were having breakfast downstairs. Here at our hotel, they have a nice breakfast buffet and most importantly-Mickey Mouse waffle irons and Mark can't deny those. So we got down there, we started our waffles and next thing you know, Mark was making a huge stink with the middle waffle iron. His waffle was stuck in the top and bottom of the waffle iron. He pulled half of it out and then the rest was super stuck. There he was, people standing around him as he's trying to pull the broken and burning waffle out of the waffle iron piece by piece. At that point, I'm laughing at him (I still don't think he knows) and wishing I had my camera or cell phone or some way to take a picture. Then the waffle iron was falling to each side dropping on to the other waffle irons. I can't explain it as funny as it was...but I was snorting and moving away slowly with each piece he pulled off. When I walked back over Mark smiled and said "I get a do-over." I love him! He always makes me laugh. We have such a great time together.

One Bear Awesome Weekend

Mark and I use the word "bear" for just about everything. We were watching My Name is Earl one night and Randy mentioned something being "Bear Awesome" and we can't get over it. So if we want to say something is better than great...obviously its BEAR AWESOME! This weekend was one BEAR AWESOME weekend. It was relaxing and fun and full of family.

This picture was taken after Georgia's blessing Sunday. But who wouldn't want to be a part of this family? We are a fun-loving, good times group.

Left to right

Front Row: (Nephew) Little Johnny

Middle Row: (nieces) Riley, Ashlee, Brittney, Nikki (sister-in-law), Mom, Christian (nephew), GA, Cassie (my sister), Trina (sister-in-law) and Me

Back Row: John II (my brother) a.k.a. cupcake dog (for those that watch the Soup), Dad, Jason (brother-in-law), Madi (niece), Jo-Jo (my brother), Mark (my sexy beast)

Our 4th of July was spent here...Hammock Beach Resort. My brother John and his wife Nikki have a condo/villa here and are kind enough to let us enjoy their amenities and their company.

Other than swimming and eating...we loved all over little Miss Georgia Rose all day.



Aunt Nikki is a GA hog though...so most pictures are while she's holding her.


Mark and I drove home around 9pm and saw fireworks from Palm Coast all the home. We didn't miss anything! We got to see downtown Jax and OP fireworks all while crossing the Buchman bridge. Our neighbors were finishing up their fantastic fireworks show when we pulled in to Oakleaf.

Sunday was GA's blessing. This was before Sacrament started. I took this picture, which means Mark and I beat all odds, we were there BEFORE the opening hymn. Rusty, Aunt Jo and Uncle Jasper couldn't stay for lunch so I wanted to post this one with one of the three in it.

After Sacrament was over Ashlee just had to grab her youngest cousin. GA's shoes and bracelet are SOO cute! And check out that beautiful dress from Aunt Bert!

Here's the happy family. Jason, Cassie, Christian and GA.

I highly recommend naming your child after a state, makes for easy blogging.

Now add in the proud Mammaw and Pappaw (who is always patriotic or festive)

The proud parents with their freshly blessed little angel.

Church was SO emotional for me. I cried almost the entire time. Between my hormone levels and knowing my baby is due to be here in 3 months, Mark will be blessing him, I love the gospel, my family was there, babies bring the peace of heaven...I just couldn't handle myself. I was a blubbering mess.

Jo-Jo & Johnny getting comfy.

(Can you believe Little Mark III and John III are first cousins? How often does that happen?)

Our family is always so supportive. We appreciate each one of them for making the trip to be with us.

Can you tell the sun was in our faces?

Cassie put GA on the bed to change her clothes and this was the pose she gave. :)

One last picture in the dress

Pappaw holding GA

Here I am holding Jim and Angela's new baby Savannah. She is going to be best friends with GA. How funny, Savannah and Georgia...no, it wasn't planned.

I completely forgot to go back and do red eye correction while the pictures were still loaded on my camera. Shoot me now Cassie! But here GA is hanging with Uncle Jason and looking SO cute.

Nikki a.k.a. Baby HOG! And this is the proof. But who can blame her?

Nikki gave up Savannah, kept GA and was making her laugh and coo. I love that face!

I have to say, this weekend was wonderful. Each time I held GA in my arms it made me realize even more how ready I am for my own little bear to get here. I can't wait to meet him and introduce him to you. Mark and I are both getting SO excited for his arrival. He needs to stay in the oven until golden brown!

Happy July!

Growing up, we looked forward to July. It meant one thing only...Atlanta Gullett Family Reunion. My family is very patriotic and we loved to take time together and celebrate. Regardless of other family trips and activities- we always went to Atlanta, we always stayed at the Residence Inn by the ATL temple, we always went to Six Flags, White Water and most importantly- always a Braves game. Towards the end of our reunions we added in visiting the Coca Cola Museum, watching everyone taste the nasty drinks from around the world (who could forget Beverly) was a family favorite.

As 4th of July is approaching, I look forward to spending Saturday with my family away from town. It's been a long time since we've traveled together. My parents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews are all so special to me and it makes me happy just thinking of all the fun we get to have together this weekend.

Not only are we getting together Saturday but we're also going to church together Sunday for little Miss Georgia's blessing. What a special day that will be and I can't wait!

I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend. God Bless America.

Memories from Memorial Day

Every chance to spend time with the man of my dreams...its like a dream come true! Memorial day we didn't know what we were going to do. Mark took himself on a walk, a 7 mile walk. Came back exhausted and decided he wanted to go to the beach. Our friends, Aaron and Mandi, called to see what we were up to. So we went with them for their plans, and they joined us for dinner and the beach.

If you read our blog, you know we can't go to the beach without salivating over Campeche Bay! Which is why we went to the beach after joining the Jammes/Graden cookout. So we relaxed at the Graden's home for a while watching the kids play in the pool.

When we got to the beaches we went straight to eat dinner. That's all Mark could think about. To be honest, I was dreaming of those darn Campechangas! Because Jax beach was so crowded, we decided to drive down to Ponte Vedra. That wasn't much better. It was LOADED with people, dogs, a metal detector, horses and a HUGE kite that required the guy to wear a body suit/back brace thing just to control it. It was perfect weather for walking the beach.

Here's Mark walking ahead and Mandi and Aaron are right there with him...Aaron is almost completely blocked by the man walking his dog.

Here's Mark. Eyes closed and all...we'll have to try that one again.

Wait, his eyes appear to be closed again!

This was how beautiful it was on our way off the beach (picture monkies everywhere).

Aren't we lucky to be so close to such serenity?

This little guy couldn't keep his eyes open either! This is Aaron and Harris, their 3 month old.

Yes, this is a jersey. Now this isn't for a team. Mark doesn't like football, but he loves the Mac Tools Jersey. Just like Mandy Jarvis, Mark wears it any chance possible!

And what a romantic ending? Horses on the beach!

It was a fabulous day and I couldn't have been happier! Great day spent relaxing, enjoying the beauty around us and quality time together. Isn't that what life's all about anyway?

Home Alone

My hot stuff husband took his troops of doom to Michigan for a few days. Needless to say, I'm a little bored. Mark went to his hometown, Bay City, MI to take care of a few things. First, to see his family. Second, to load up his friend Big Block's truck and trailor. I'm sure most of you know we need another car like we need a hole in the head! However, the GTO was given to Mark by his dad- Mark, Sr. We will always have it! We have a lot of work to do on it. Our hope is to one day be able to give it to Mark III.

So what have I been doing since my sexy man left? Great question. I had temple trip yesterday with the Girls Camp crew. That was lovely. We ate on the way home. Let me tell you, I've never had the pleasure of hearing such a loud fart coming from another table in Olive Garden. So thank you old man for feeling so comfortable with your 6 family members and the 6 strangers (us) behind you. With a day like that, I can't wait for girls camp! I was so exhausted that I came home and crashed with my sweet dog Cami. Went to church, grabbed Cami and went to a park for a birthday gathering and other than that...I've been home. It's a sad day when the most exciting part of your weekend is a fart!

Next weekend should be a lot more fun. My little brother is getting married to his sweet fiance Trina. We are very excited for her to join our family.

Blog you later!