Maybe you saw me on TV?

We were those people yesterday. The ones crashing College Game Day, not wearing the school colors. But, we couldn't help ourselves when Game Day came to Houston for the UH game. We spent Friday night working on our masterpieces - signs - and I must admit, they were pretty impressive. We got lots of attention carrying our LSU signs, dressed in purple and gold in a sea of red. It was a blast!

Check us out! Our friend Jacques is holding my sign (my arms were getting so tired...)

Geaux Tigers,

B

OK, okay, I'm back...

After weeks, no months of virtually disappearing, I'm going to give blogging another whirl. So many of you, okay, ONE of you, demanded my comeback. So, here we go!

Since I've been gone, here is what I've been up to:

1. Attending as many LSU games as possible! Geaux Tigers! #1 team in the nation!

2. Obsessing over Pinterest. But, who isn't?

3. Spending every Friday night for the past 11 weeks with the SBS Varsity cheerleaders. Love my girls!

4. Baking, baking and more baking.

5. Reading. Most recent favorite book - The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. LOVED!

6. Starting a diet, stopping a diet, starting a diet.

7. Jazzercising. Don't judge. It's four minutes from my house.

8. I don't miss an episode of Modern Family!

9. Celebrating with friends in the joy of their new babies! Sara, Brooke, Misty, Amy!

10. Celebrating 30th birthdays with my sweet friends - Joy in October and Kim in November.

11. Shopping, but not nearly enough!

12. J and I took a Birkman Couples Workshop at church and leaned so much about ourselves and each other. It was incredible. If you ever have the chance to take this test, do it. Totally worth the money!

13. Not blogging (obviously). Sorry...

14. Still spoiling Charley rotten! Of course!

15. Work, work, work! Blessed to work at such a great place!

I know this was short, and contained no pictures, but hey - gotta start somewhere!

Have a great week,
B

Three year anniversary

Today we are celebrating three years of marriage! Time sure has flown since our wedding day. Now that we have hit the three year mark, and in the year leading up to it, we have been getting THE question a lot more. You know, "When are you going to have babies?" All I can say is that the discussion of starting a family no longer leaves J looking for the closest window to jump out of. People, this is progress.

And to answer your burning question.....NO I am not pregnant. I'm just putting on my usual summer 15.

Until next time,
B

Hunger Games..

...has consumed me. Have you read it? I've spent the better part of the last two weeks with my nose in the book, quickly reading about the adventures of Katniss, Peeta and Gale in Panem. This isn't typically a genre I would read, but after several recommendations from friends, colleagues and cheerleaders, I was eager to read it. I loved it. Totally a fan, and can't wait to see the movies.

By the way, if you've read it, I am Team Peeta!

Diaper Cake, Anyone?

Confession: Until about a year ago, I had no idea what a diaper cake was. I just wasn't in the diaper cake/baby shower stage of my life. But now, I'm getting there. I'm starting to attend more baby showers than wedding showers! Which brings me to my point...my friend Kim makes the cutest diaper cakes. I mean, seriously! I don't think she even understands how cute they are because she underestimates her creativity.

See?

She's helping me make one for a sip and see in a couple of weeks. I'm excited to learn to make it!

Here's to being crafty!
B

10 Reasons I Have Not Blogged

1. My 27th birthday was last week, which made me a busy girl spending time with my wonderful family and friends.
2. We hosted some our favorite couple friends in town a few weekends ago! My sweet friend Sara is newly preggers, so we had fun shopping and talking baby!
3. We went to Baton Rouge one weekend in May to cheer on the Tigers at the new Alex Box Stadium, and visit with the in-laws. We had a great time with the family. It was fun being there on a non-holiday or football game weekend!
4. I've been uber-busy at work with fun new projects: graduation, decorating our new showcase and ordering new signage for next school year. Love my job!
5. I got an iPad from Jeremy and I'm obsessed with it! I carry it everywhere, and I especially love the Kate Spade cover my girls got me for my birthday! Thanks Linds, Kim and JS!
6. House projects! I'm loving working in the yard and continuing to decorate the house. Next project: redo our master bathroom!
7. Family time! We are heading to Shreveport this weekend to see my brother and sis-in-law and their new precious baby, Elizabeth! I can't wait to meet my new niece!
8. Season finales of my shows! Most underwhelming award goes to: Grey's Anatomy and Best Finale: glee (how about the Wicked scene...made me think of you, JOY!)
9. I saw Something Borrowed - really liked it! Read the book twice and loved it both times. Pick up an Emily Giffin book if you haven't read anything from her. She's great!
10. Did I mention the iPad?

Here's to a great 27!
B

What I've Been Reading

I've read some interesting books recently on my Kindle - which I'm obsessed with, BTW. Generally I stay in the chick-lit genre of books, but in April I expanded my library to include other types of fiction novels. No regrets, here. These are the books I read:

Room by Emma DonoghueIf Oprah were to read this book, she would book the mom and her son on the show immediately. But, since it's not based on a true story, that would just be a hypothetical scenario. This story is told from the perspective of Jack, a 5-year-old boy living in a single room his entire life. To his Ma, its a prison cell, but to Jack, it's all he's ever known. Very compelling and heart breaking story as you discover why they live in Room. It's our book club book for May, so I can't wait to discuss it next week.

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

A laugh out loud funny book, that is as equally moving as it is awkward. When Judd's father passes away, his dying request was that his family (including mom and three siblings - and their families) sit shiva after his death. Putting the family together under one roof again brings out the good, bad, and unexpected in all of them. I loved it! Great up and coming author!

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

In another attempt to get on the Jodi Picoult bandwagon, I read this novel about a school shooting, told from the perspective of the many characters involved in the massacre. I did like the book, actually, it was an insightful look into the ramifications of bullying, in what I would call an extreme case. She really likes to put her characters through the ringer. For example, one couple never got to see their children graduate high school - both of their boys were taken away from them too soon (a little tragic, no?). Anyway, liked the book until the TERRIBLE ending. No more Picoult for me.

Happy Reading!
B

Our Italian Vacation!

J and I just took a dream vacation to Italy. We started in Rome, then went to Florence, and our last stop was Venice. It was absolutely amazing - beautiful weather, museums, churches, and fabulous food (we especially loved the pizza)! We had a great time. It's so nice to get away together and just be together, uninterrupted and not distracted. We don't get enough time like that! Anyway...here are a few photos from our trip! Enjoy!

The Vatican - see the top right hand corner of the building - that's where the pope comes out and waves to his people weekly. Not when we were there, though...


On our 3 hour tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum - so fascinating to think about how long these buildings have been around!

Here we are in Florence, enjoying happy hour (at 3 in the afternoon, no less)

After a delicious dinner in Florence

We loved eating pizza for lunch EVERY SINGLE DAY!


Sunset at Michelangelo's Piazza with my hubby :)


Our swanky hotel room in Venice - we had to climb 75 steps to get to it! Holy moly!


The Rialta Bridge - the most famous bridge in Venice! Venice was amazing - its just a big labyrinth. No cars, you can only get around by boat. It's incredible.

St. Mark's Square - where all the action happens at day and night. It was fun hanging around here at night when orchestras were playing and people were just calmly wandering around. So peaceful!


I know....how cute are we, kissing in our Gondola?

Ciao...

That's right, blogging friends, we are heading off to Italy in less than 24 hours. It's a dream vacay for J and I and we are really excited. We'll spend the first few days in Rome, then a few days in Florence and then end the trip in Venice.

Can't wait to share pictures when we get back!

And I can't wait to use the phrase "when in Rome..." excessively over the next several days. Sorry, J.

Ciao -
Brittney

Spring Break 2K11

I spent my Spring Break in Scottsdale, Arizona, with two of my best friends - Hannah and Leah. We work together at SBS - Hannah is the technology whiz of the school, and Leah teaches 2nd grade and coaches cheerleading with me.

Why Scottsdale, you ask? Because we wanted somewhere hot, and not packed with crazy, college Spring Break-ers! It turned out to be the perfect destination!

We spent the week laying out, getting massages, eating at fabulous restaurants, shopping, reading, watching the Bachelor finale (yay, Emily!) and doing some drinking! It was so much fun and we met some really nice people there - including some minor league baseball players!

Here are a few fun & crazy pics from the week!

Great trip with two of my absolute favorite people!

Brittney

Me from A to Z

Thanks, Sara for this fun blog idea! I'm trying to save my brainpower for heading back to work this week, so this random post is perfect!

A. Age: 26
B. Bed size: king (and loving it!)
C. Chore you dislike: cleaning the leftover queso out of the dish - makes me want to gag!
D. Dogs: Charley, the cutest cocker mix ever!
E. Essential start to your day: breakfast - usually brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts (low-fat)
F. Favorite color: PINK!
G. Gold or silver: silver
H. Height: 5'4"
I. Instruments you play(ed): piano
J. Job title: Communications Coordinator & Varsity Cheer Coach at SBS
K. Kids: someday...
L. Live: in Houston, Texas
M. Mom’s name: Lynnette
N. Nicknames: Britt, BFord
O. Overnight hospital stays: 3 nights for appendix in 1997
P. Pet peeves: when people spell my name wrong
Q. Quote from a movie: "Sometimes, I guess there just aren't enough rocks"
R. Righty or lefty: Right
S. Siblings: 3 older brothers
T. Time you wake up: as late as possible
U. Underwear: mostly all from Gap Body
V. Vegetables you don’t like: spinach, asparagus, beets
W.What makes you run late: see "T" - sleeping
X. X-rays you’ve had: teeth, back, wrist, stomach, ankle, foot....probably more.....
Y. Yummy food you make: cookies!
Z. Zoo animal favorites: monkey? cannot tell you the last time I went to the zoo!

I'll post about my Spring Break trip soon!
B

It's Almost Spring!

10 Things I'm Excited About this Spring:

1. Spring Break girls trip with these two! We are headed to Scottsdale to max and relax at a resort! I hope to come back without bags under my eyes and very tan!


2. Wearing my white jeans! (after Easter, of course)
3. Italy with Jeremy - our dream vacation! We are headed to Rome, Florence and Venice!
4. Taking long bike rides...hint, hint, Jeremy...
5. Nice afternoon jogs at Memorial Park.
6. Spring shoes! And pedi's!
7. Maybe seeing these people....8. Beginning and ending our bathroom remodel project!
9. A scrapbooking weekend with Jenna Fones!
10. My birthday!

Until after Spring Break -
B

Does everything have a "Day"?

Happy Pancake Day!
(seriously...there's a day for this? let's just have consecutive "margarita" days)

To celebrate at the Ford house, we'll be having.....chicken parmesan? Yea, hubs didn't get the "pancake day" memo. Nevermind pancakes are one of my favorite foods....shouldn't he know this about me? Probably not - I love almost all breakfast foods. Poor thing, I probably confuse the heck out of him.

Until next time...
B

Vote!

I'm trying to decide which curtain looks best for my kitchen window - so please vote by leaving a comment and let me know which one is your favorite!

A

B

Please ignore the sinkful of dishes and the cluttered countertops...deal?
Thanks for your input!
B

The Corner

Decorating large spaces overwhelms me, so I tend to focus on mastering the smaller ones, first. Hence, the large wall in my living room is still empty. But today, after a great shopping trip with Mom, I finished decorating this corner of my living room. I'm pleased with the way it turned out!


Chair: from J's grandmother
Recovered: Upholstery Shop, Houston
Pillow: Stein Mart
Lamp: Lowe's
Photo: Marshall's Home Goods
Side table: Harwin
Flower arrangement: Harwin

How do you think it turned out? I think its the perfect place to curl up with a good book and a Coke Zero.

Happy Saturday -
B

End of an Era

Well, I grew up a little tonight. I got rid of something that I've had almost 10 years. Deep breath - I no longer have a belly button ring. Exhale.

The ring, after I removed it

You're probably thinking - I didn't even know she had one. Exactly. Why did I still have one? I'm so rarely in a bathing suit that no one sees it, anyway. I doubt the hubs even realized I had one. I think my cheerleaders are some of the only people in on this secret, only because I have a bad habit of rolling up the bottom of my shirt when I'm thinking out loud (read: fidgeting). So, why did I have my belly button pierced? Read on.

April, 2002
Tried out for HBU cheerleader and made the squad (the only freshman among the scary upperclassmen!)! Had a deal with Mom that if I made it, we'd go get my belly button pierced. I was pretty against a piercing, it was more of a joke between me and mom. Almost all of the cheerleaders on my high school squad had theirs pierced, and I wasn't about to follow suit. Plus, I'm petrified of needles. But, it just sort of happened. After I made it, we were on our way home and mom said, "I guess we are going to get your belly button pierced, then." Cool mom, huh? Several hours later (but several hours before the intoxicated folks frequent the piercing parlor) me, mom, my high school boyfriend, best friend and my Aunt Dana (and Uncle Rick, too, I think) piled into mom's car, cameras and all, and went to the piercing parlor, Sacred Heart. Yes, they thought we were crazy! Getting my belly button pierced actually hurt less than when I got my ears done! I got a blue and orange belly button ring (had to show my HBU spirit, after all). Here I am with Aunt Dana showing off our rings (she already had hers done....my inspiration)! Side note: Aunt Dana is not my actual aunt, she's mom's BFF that I've known since I was 8 years old and therefore gets the loving title of "Aunt".

Wardrobe sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch

Early, 2006
Took the belly button ring out, felt like I'd gotten to chubby for it. How's that for transparency?

June, 2008
BFF takes me to Vegas before I get married, and I am a sucker for famous sayings, such as "When in Vegas..." so I got my belly button re-piereced. Again, it didn't hurt. It was a fun thing to do while in Vegas! No regrets!

TODAY
Took belly button ring out. I'm 26 years old after all. Probably don't need any jewelry shoved through my body unnaturally any more. And, besides, I'll have to take it out when I get preggo one day. And, no, that day is not today.

So, there you go. Way more than you ever wanted to know about my belly button. I'll kindly spare you the picture of it, sans ring. You're welcome!

B

Half Marathon - Check!

Two weeks ago I ran my very first half marathon! That's 13.1 miles and I did it in 2 hours and 31 minutes. My family and friends stood on the sidelines and cheered me on at various points of the run, which was amazing (especially since it was cold and raining). I am quite proud of myself, and would love to run another one again someday. It was a lot of fun and such an accomplishment to know that I'm capable of running for that length of time. Honestly, I still can't believe I did it!

If you would have asked me a year ago if I could run 13 .1 miles, I would have said something to the tune of "Do you KNOW me?! The only athletic bones in my body were likely injured during my 14 years of cheerleading." When I began this journey nine months ago, I didn't even like running. I could hardly run one mile without being extremely exhausted. What a difference a great training regimen makes.

I ran a 5K yesterday, and it was my first time running again since the half, and it felt great! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait to get back on the track and do more long distance runs!

A visitor in our Sunday School class last week heard that I ran the half and asked if I was a runner. Having never been asked that question in my entire life, I paused, thought for a moment and said...."Well, I guess I am."

Thanks for your support, friends!
B

The Race is (Almost) On

These are the shoes that will take me across the finish line of my very first Half Marathon. I'm feeling a mix of emotions about the big day, but above all I'm ready for it to get here (Memorial Park: I will NOT miss seeing you at 5 A.M.) I have no doubts that I'll be able to finish the 13.1 miles, and I'm praying for no injuries or illness over the next two weeks. This has been such a challenging and rewarding experience so far, and I've learned that you can truly do ANYTHING you put your mind and body to! No task is too big for me and God to tackle together!

I'm looking forward to crossing that finish line in 14 days!
Brittney

The Art of Racing in the Rain

My book club just finished reading The Art of Racing in the Rain. And while I honestly haven't loved every book that the Chapter Chicks has read, I can honestly say I LOVED this one! I also loved the rich discussion about the book!

The story is told through the perspective of the family dog, Enzo, as he reflects on his life with his human family. Enzo lives with Denny, who is single for awhile, then marries and has a daughter. Enzo's perspective is insightful, and it truly makes you wonder, "Hmmm...does my dog think this way, too?" If you have a dog, had a dog, or just love dogs, its a must read! Prepare to laugh, cry, fume, and smile - you won't be able to put this one down!

Happy Reading!

How about a resolution?

I always feel compelled to make a few resolutions, you know, get into the New Year's Spirit. Heck, I even kept a few of the ones I made last year, and broke a few as well. There's a lot to be said for ambition, right?

This year, I hope to run a half marathon (which I'll cross off on January 30), have more date nights with J, and take more time for myself. And, ok, I'll throw in the "lose 10 pounds" one, too.

Happy New Year, everyone!

B