Photo Tribute to my dad...

For those of you who never got to know my father, below is the photo tribute we gave at his funeral. It really makes you feel like you know him a little better after watching. First start the music and then the video. I could not for the life of me figure out how to connect the two :(  I hope you enjoy it! 

For My Dad...

One of my favorite things about this is how happy he looks :D Also, how much in love he was with my mom. Love and miss you dad!

2 whole years without you...

Dear Daddy,

I cant believe it's been 2 years already since you left this world for Heaven. Parts of me feel like it's been forever since I've seen you and other parts feel like I just saw you yesterday. Sometimes life going on without you is easier than others. Every now and then I catch myself wanting to pick up the phone to call you, or seeing other girls with their fathers- then I really miss you. Other times it's easier, like when John and I are joking around and we know you would appreciate the joke. I always miss you, but those times we just shake our head because we know you would laughing at us and would approve. 

I still remember the last time I saw you- it was the day John and I left for Miami. I gave you probably the millionth hug goodbye and you grabbed me and asked me not to leave. Of course I started crying and of course I know you didnt mean it, but now I look back and wonder- what if I had stayed? Dont get me wrong, I know everyone has those thoughts when they lose someone they love and it's important for children to spread their wings and go, but what if I was still there? How would things have been different? I dont know. I could do a million what-ifs, but nothing would change the fact that you are gone and I miss you. 

We all miss you. But I rejoice in the fact that I know you are with Jesus. If I didnt know that, I dont know how I would get by. The thought that I get to see you one day, keeps me going. Makes it a little bit easier that you are not here now.

It's incredible how many areas of my life you touched while you were here. I mean, I know you're my dad and all, but it's crazy! I see more and more of you in me all the time. On our way back to Miami after visiting Raleigh this past time, John and I were dreaming. Big dreams of course. John laughed at me and said that I had huge dreams and I was just like you. You always dreamed big. I remember sitting and talking with you for hours on many different days about what we would do if we won the lottery. Big dreams and I loved every second of it. 

I also have your laugh. The Brinn laugh. Sometimes I'll catch me laughing your laugh and it makes me think of you and other times John will call me out. I am so blessed he got to know you so well. It makes it a little bit easier to have someone to talk about you to. It makes it a little bit easier when he  points stuff out you would like or ways in which he sees you in me. It feels like a part of you is still here and it's great. 

Sometimes I get afraid that you'll fade in my memory. I know with time, you might a little. But I know you'll always be there. I'll always be able to see your face and hear your voice. Like I said in my poem I wrote you after you passed- You are written on my heart and that's just not something that fades. I thank you so much for leaving such a huge impression on me. I hope I do the same for my children one day and make them as proud of me as I am of you. 

Anyway, I miss you like crazy. John and I watched the raw footage from our wedding video the other day and it was weird to see you again. A blessing, no doubt, but weird. I love you to the moon and back and cannot wait to see you again one day. 

This song makes me think of you and gives me peace to go on and relief knowing that I'll see you again

I love you,

Always Your Little Girl 

Parasailing!

My original title was going to be "The Nightmares of Parasailing" but then I didnt want people to think that the actual event of parasailing was bad, because it wasnt. It was awesome! :D However, the build up to it was what felt like a nightmare. 

Back when Krystal and Josh were planning on coming down, John and I purchased groupon deals for parasailing so we could all go while they were here. I didnt think to schedule it forever in advance and Memorial Day weekend was booked and we didnt get to go :(. 

So we decided that it would be fun to go for our anniversary since we had gone on our honeymoon. I called about a week in advance to book it and they were booked up again. They didnt have anything open to groupon customers for about 2 months and only on a week day. Ridiculous! They should really put that on the groupon- "call 3 months in advance to book on a weekend". One of the groupons was going to expire, so the man on the phone let me go ahead and book it so we didnt lose out on the deal. However, it was booked for a month later. I also found out that they only allow a few grouponers a day to book a trip and the majority of their business is saved for other customers. Again, I feel like that should be on the groupon.

This past weekend we were finally able to go. The guy had given me instructions on the phone on what to do- you get bracelets at their office and then go over to the beach. So we parked in the deck we always park in and walked the 5 blocks to the office. We got our bracelets and then the guy gives us a map and tells us we need to drive up to 53rd (we were on 13th). Not a walkable distance. Ummmm, again, why didnt anyone tell us this in advance? So we walk the 5 blocks back to the care and then drive to 53rd. It took us about 30 minutes because traffic was bad. 

When we got there we checked in and they said it would be about 15 minutes. 15 minutes later they told us that they were changing the chute and there was another group that had to go before us, so it would be about another 20 minutes. OK, so we hung out on the beach. We waited, and waited, and waited. After waiting a total of 2 hours to go up, it was our turn. 2 hours! they took forever to change the chute and then 2 groups went before us. We decided we were not going to be using them ever again.  I know the chute thing wasnt their fault, but it was still frustrating. 

When we finally went up it was actually a lot of fun. We took a banana boat out to the big boat and then switched with the people who had just gone up. We went with 2 other sets of people. John and I were first. They put harnesses on us and up we went. It all happened so fast. The skyline was beautiful and it was such a peaceful trip up. On the way down they dipped us in the water, which they didnt do on our honeymoon. It was fun! Then we watched the other people go up and then took the banana boat back to the shore. The side of the boat went under a little bit when we were close to shore and ended up knocking 3 of us off the boat and into the water. It was really funny and I actually enjoyed it. haha. 

Overall, the actual parasailing was worth the pain...which is another reason I changed the title :D

 Right before we got on the banana boat- its the yellow and blue thing behind me.

 Others in the air- waiting our turn

 Up we went! So much fun!

 Our view

 The boat below us

 So pretty

 Yay! hubby!

 Others getting dipped in the water, but they did the same to us

 We actually got in trouble for taking this picture because we moved around on the boat. lol 

Happy Late Anniversary trip! I had so much fun with you babe!

HOME!

We were SO excited to finally get to take a trip home! It had only been 6 months- aka an eternity.  

Saturday we got up around 5 and were on the road by 6am. We were so tired! But so excited at the same time. John and I took turns driving and of course stopped for Bojangles as soon as possible ;D. We also stopped got some peach cider (I didnt like it, John did), peach salsa (add cream cheese and it was good!  A little sweet though), and Cajun boiled peanuts (YUM). At one of the rest stops we got out at it, our themostat actually read 121. Of course, it was in the 100's the entire time we were home. I thought it was supposed to get a little cooler the more north  you went? Oh well. When we finally got to NC we dropped our car off at John's cousins so he could fix it. It wasnt broken, just needed a little TLC. Then we picniced with southern style BBQ in John's grandma's backyard with John's parents. They were kind enough to meet us there so our car could get worked on that week. Afterwards, we headed to his parents house and crashed.

Proof!

Mom and pup napping together :D

Sunday we got up and went to Asbury for church. It was really  nice to see some old faces :D Like my sweet godson! Then we went to O'Charley's for lunch with his parents. We hadnt been there in YEARS! The rolls, oh the rolls...After church we went and took a traditional Sunday nap. haha. Next, we were off to see my family. We decided on bowling to also celebrate my daddy! A new yearly tradition :D John kicked all our butts. My dad would have been proud. haha. Then we split up and the girls went shopping and the boys played disc golf. I still had a gift card to Charming Charlies and my mom and sister and never been, so we went! It was fun. Then we went to Panera for dinner and headed back to my mom's to play some games. Brad and Jenny ended up coming up there and played too! By the end of the day- I was pooped. haha

Blurry- but Rick and his godparents!

 Love this little boy!

Monday we were lazy around the Martin's house :D We played games- ALL DAY! It was so much fun. I love playing games with them. For dinner, we were invited to the Moore's house for Phil's birthday dinner. Meg really outdid herself with the food! Timmy and Meg also joked with Phil all night that he was now in phase 2 of his life. haha What?! We had a really good time catching up with them. 

Birthday boy, Carolyn, Carlos (Carolyn's boyfriend)

Tuesday we were lazy again (that's what vacation is for, right?!), played more games with mom and dad Martin and then headed to my mom's for dinner. She made enough food for an army! Burgers, hot dogs, corn, baked beans, potato salad, etc. It was insane and delicious. After dinner, I helped my mom make potato salad and banana pudding for the next day. We also made some brownies to nosh on. We spent the rest of the evening playing games and hanging out. I love family days :D

We kind of made up the recipe and it was so good! It was pretty too, so I had to take a picture:D

John also picked me a flower from my mom's rose bush! Such a romantic<3

Wednesday the Martins had invited the Fisher side of the family and my family to a picnic at the park. We usually go to the farm, but the Martins decided to invite everyone to their house this year. It was really nice of them- i didnt want to get in the car and drive again. lol. Everyone brought something (hence the potato salad and pudding) and we all shared. It was nice to catch up with everyone, but it was SO hot. 

Carter loves his Aunt Julie!

The expecting parents- Gretchen and John Ryan

 Jessica, Mark, and Maynard

 Sarah and Bobby- just bought a house in Raleigh!

 So did Japeth and Katie- so jealous!

 Of course this is how my mom and brother acted- cant take them anywhere;D

Afterwards, we headed to his parents house for some relief. We talked and hung out some more and of course it wouldnt be the same without a board game with John Ryan and Gretchen! :D 

Carter was in love with Maynard. He followed him and played with him all afternoon. Maynard would ask for puppy kisses by walking up to Carter and sticking his face in the dogs. lol TOO CUTE!

Thursday John and I woke up and drove out to Kentwood to go play some disc golf with Brad, Jenny, and Mitch. I did really well considering I hadnt played in forever! Afterwards, we headed to Chris's to spend time with him and swim. It was SO hot out. I know I have said that few times, but goodness it was sweltering! We ended up hanging out in the pool for the rest of the day/evening. We did leave to get bojangles- YUM. but then kept swimming :D 

Friday we got up and hung around the house and did some laundry. Then we went to Chick-fil-a to meet up with Jennie Baker and Jordyn! We ended up being in Chick-fil-a for 2 1/2 hours. It was really nice catching up with her and spending time with the little one! Jordyn did not want to have anything to do with me, but LOVED John- little flirt. lol. She was beyond good for being there so long too. After lunch we went back to the Martin's and played more games- haha. Kind of addicted :D When it was about dinner time, we called it quits because we were meeting people for dinner. We had wanted to go to the Pit downtown, but downtown was pretty much off limits since it was First Friday. We ended up deciding on sushi. We met my brother, sister, Hutch, and Steve there. It was pretty good sushi too! Next we all headed off to Big Boss and hung out for the rest of the night. A TON of friends came out- Kristen, AJ, Josh, Spence, Hutch, my brother, sister, Brad, Jenny, Steve, and some of my sisters friends. I mostly spent my time with Sherry and Chris and Kristen catching up. The guys were doing their own thing- haha. 

Jennie B and Jordyn

 Yes, yes he is wearing children's sunglasses...lol

 Me and Kristen at Big Boss

Saturday we got up and met my mom for lunch. Then we went to see the house she is thinking about buying! Hers hasnt actually been built yet- but we saw a similar one. They are really nice and just the size she needs. I hope she is able to move! After that was the big pool party that Hutch always does for the 4th. Tons of more people came out and Carter and Bailey got to play all day. I got to spend some time with Krystal, see their new car, and made some mac and cheese. We pretty much ended up swimming the rest of the day and catching up with different people. The Chases came and I got to spend a lot of time with Rick. Such a sweet little boy. He would bark at the dogs and they would play with him- SO CUTE. Carter LOVED the pool this time. He would jump in himself off the deck. He was wiped out when we got back to the Martins and slept the entire next day in the car.When we got back to the Martins, we hung out with them for a bit and then headed off to bed.

Sunday we got up early, packed, and headed off. We said our goodbyes to his family and mine and then were on our way. I really didnt want to leave. I would have been fine if we had someone pack all our stuff up and ship it up to us. lol But, that's not the way the world works. We did stop at the Smokin' Pig again! Always a perk for the ride back :D 

The "Get me out of this car" look

Our trip was amazing and too short as always. I cant wait until we live there again! It was so great to see everyone- both family and friends. And a HUGE, GINORMOUS thank you to Mom and Dad Martin for taking care of us and Carter all week. Y'all were more than hospitable and spoiled Carter rotten. We love y'all so much!

Until next time, Raleigh! 

4 Years!

WOW! I cannot believe that 4 years have already gone by since John and I said our wedding vows! I feel like time is in warp speed. Soon we will also pass our 10 year dating mark! Crazy. We also said after we got married we were planning on kids after about 5 years (which would mean we should try soon)- HAH! I'm still saying 5 years ;D I guess I just didnt realize how fast 4 years would go and how young I would still feel! :D 

This year our anniversary landed on a week night, so we decided to make dinner and celebrate at home and then do something on the weekend. John surprised me by getting off work a little early and taking me to lunch! We indulged in some sushi, since we both had been craving it for awhile. :D After lunch, John surprised me with an anniversary cake at home. It was just like our wedding cake- red velvet. He is the sweetest man I know. 

After I got of work, I got started on dinner. I made steak, asparagus with hollendaise sauce, roasted potatoes, grilled squash, and some of my favorite wine. It was seriously scrumptious. We may have also had another piece of cake after dinner;D. After dinner, we went into the man room to get ready to watch the Heat game. But first, John surprised me with the raw footage from our wedding video! We had never seen it and I didnt even know he had captured it. So we watched parts of the footage and it was so nice to relive that day. It was also neat to hear some of the conversations that were going behind scenes! haha. For one of the angles that was shot- John had his mic on and we could hear everything he said before the ceremony and during. lol! He was TOO sweet. Afterwards, we watched the Heat win the National Championship for us! ;D It was beyond exciting! 

CAKE!

 Nom Nom

 Carter was so funny- he could hear us on the video and was a little confused. He watched the whole time with us. haha (we are doing the sand ceremony in the background)

That weekend we decided to go parasailing and do a wine/brew tour for our anniversary (we had groupons, of course!). Parasailing was a no go- the weather was awful and apparently you need a reservation with the groupon about a month in advance :(. Sunday was a little nicer so we went to Homestead to visit the Schnebly Winery and Brewery. It was SO much fun and gorgeous! First we did the beer tasting and then the tour. It was interesting to hear how they brew since we just started ourselves. Their brewery is the most southern one and has only been open since March. Next, we got some lunch- pulled pork catered by a local restaurant. It was really good! Then we did the wine tasting and tour. All very interesting. For the wine tour, we actually had a Schnebly give it! He was a little crazy, but a lot of fun. We learned a lot from both tours and really enjoyed ourselves. Both their wine and beer are made with fruit and unique for sure. Here are some pictures:

Beautiful!

 Etched into the walkway

 I couldnt get it to turn :( But this is all 4 beers they brew. I finally found an IPA I like!

 Brewery

 Winery

 Me and my boo!

Our anniversary was awesome. I am so blessed to have this man in my life. I really do love him more and more each day :D Cant wait to see what this year has in store for us!

Randoms for Catching Up

Catch up time! The past few weeks have just flown by. I love the summer time. There is less responsibility and more vacation! Who doesnt love that?

I will do my best to "catch up" in this blog and be quick and sweet about it :D

• Carter- my sweet boy sniffed what we both thought was a patch of grass on one of our walks. It had just stormed so there were lots of little critters out. Well this patch of grass jump up and pinched him. lol. He freaked out and jumped around trying to get it off. I'm not gunna lie, scared me to death because i didnt know what happened! It wasnt until the little crab (yes, crab!) released himself scurried off that I realized what happened. Poor pup. Now he hesitates when we get to that same spot and then darts past it. haha. He also has some major ear wax issues going on. We ended up taking him to the vet because we didnt know what was causing it and thought it could be mites- but nope. Just the good ole' humidity. 

• Desperate Housewives- I am addicted. I was bored one day and found it on Netflix and thought "ah, why not." MISTAKE! I didnt realize all 7 seasons were on Netflix. My life is now over. Nothing productive will happen until it's done. 
• Game of Thrones- John made me take a break in my Desperate Housewives to watch Game of Thrones. So glad I did! I am all caught up and it's REALLY good. I highly recommend it. Apparently, I waste my life on TV. lol
• Brewing- We have finished our next two beers! the nut brown is all done and ready to drink and we also made an apple ale, which still needs carbonate in the bottles for a little bit. Real excited about trying it! next up: Oatmeal Stout and Pumpkin Ale- YUM!

Apple Ale in our new Carboy!

• Professional Staff Training- Was looong. It was for an entire week from 8 or 9 to 5 or later. It also happened to be the week before we left for home. I seriously felt like a crazy person at the end of it. The last day was a ropes course. It included a high ropes obstacle. I am terrified of that type of stuff, but guess who did it?! THIS girl! Alexis- the girl in the pictures doing it with me, and also a new staff member, was an awesome support. If we didnt do it together I am not sure if I would have finished. We were both equally terrified. I got halfway up the wooden pegs and almost started to cry and wanted to quit. But between her and my belay team- I did it! It was seriously probably the scariest thing I have done thus far in my life. I felt so triumphant after it! GO ME! (I'll add pictures when I get them)
• Triceratops and BBQ- John's boss invited us to a food tasting party a few weeks ago. It was kind of far, but totally worth it! There was TONS of free food- sushi, steak, bbq, brisket, drinks, etc. It also happened to be partially in a science museum. This museum had some dinosaur bones!!! I have NEVER seen any. The first one I saw happened to be my favorite dinosaur too! A Triceratops! I was excited :D I would drive another 45 min one way to see that guy again. 

Dinner! The smoker was a bull...

 Me and Triceratops!

Friday Favorites!

I know I have SO much to catch up on- but I am going to start today with just my Friday Favorites from this week. More posts to follow :D

1) Monday- I took Monday off as part of my vacation (big post on that later) :D It was great to not have to worry about rushing back to work on Monday. I did nothing and it was wonderful! :D I literally watched Desperate Housewives, True Blood, and finished Game of Thrones. Could I have been more productive? Yes. Was I? No :D It was still vacation!

2) Weight Watchers- I officially joined Weight Watchers on Wednesday! I also started a devotional on weight loss. :D

3) Shake Shack- I mentioned awhile ago that John and I tried out a place called Shake Shack on Lincoln Road. It has some of the best burgers ever. Well, they opened one right across the street! We also got an exclusive invitation to attend their pre-opening partying (thanks UM!). They had tons of free food and drinks. I thought there would be samples of their food, but they came out with full burgers and orders of fries. Sweet! This happened to be on Wednesday too. The same day I joined weight watchers. Bummer! haha I had to watch what I ate so I didnt blow the first day. lol. Better for me anyway though. I'm not going to lie, I felt pretty cool getting invited to the event though!

4) Loans- WE ARE UNDER $5,000!!!!!! SO STOKED :D One day soon it will all be gone and we will be VERY happy people!

5) Cheesy Cauliflower Pancakes- I made these for dinner last night and there were SO yummy! I thought they kind of tasted like hash browns. John sort of agreed :D Either way, we both liked them a lot. 

6) Judi Lovell- A lady with this name showed up at the front desk this morning saying she lived in what is now Pearson the year it opened. We got to talking and she told me she was on the Drew Carey Show, Friends, and Seinfeld! She was an extra in them all but she had a standing position on the Drew Carey Show as the lady working at the desk next to Drew. She said that all of the characters were nice- the nicest on Drew Carey, and pretty much everyone was nice expect for Elaine from Seinfeld. lol It was really cool though :D

7) Parasailing- We will finally be getting to go TODAY! :D Happy Friday to us!

Happy Friday y'all!