July 4th Weekend 2011

When Jarrod and I were dating, we spent the July 4th weekend on the lake. . . ahhhh. The good life! But since we’ve been married it seems like there is always something that has prevented us from doing anything fun! Let me give you a brief history on our 4th of July weekends from the last couple of years. . .

2009: Watched Fireworks on TV from the “cave”.  I was stuck in Little Rock in the Markham House Suites (affectionately referred to as the “cave” because it had no windows) on bed rest. . . Stratton arrived a week and one day later.

2010: Jarrod got the stomach virus, I of course was soon to follow with a sinus infection and colon intusseption on top of that. . . probably the worst I have ever felt. Ever.

So, you would think that this year things would start looking up, right?? Well here’s the story this year.

2011: Jarrod drew the “short stick” at work and had to be on call, therefore we didn’t go anywhere or do anything since he had to stay in J-town. Boo.

We started the weekend out pretty good. . .Saturday morning we got up (actually Stratton woke up, so we all got up) and headed to the ASU Farmers Market. One of the guys Jarrod used to work with retired in January and has since expanded his garden and is selling his veggies  there. So we stopped by their table and visited. There was a magic show, put on by some kids that was super cute. I think Stratton really liked it. We got fresh blueberries, peaches, tomatoes and cinnamon rolls made by the Mennonite ladies! Yum!! Then we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel and finished the morning with some grocery shopping at Kroger. We got back home about 11:30 am and Stratton went down for a nap and I made a batch of cupcakes (I need to make about 84 in the next week!) and worked on birthday and shower stuff then I took a nap as well!

About 2 pm Jarrod got called out. But he didn’t think it would take very long.  He got home about 4:30 pm about the same time his parents got into town for a visit. We had planned to take them to Skinny J’s for supper, so we all loaded up and headed down town, and just about the time we hit Main Street, Jarrod’s work phone went off again. He had to go take care of something an hour and a half away. Which meant he probably wouldn’t be home till 10 pm or later. That’s what stinks about his job. The problems  don’t necessarily take a long time to fix, but his area is so large that many times it takes longer to get there than it does to take care of whatever needs fixing! . . . Anyway, so we turned around and went back to the house to drop him off then we went back out to find something to eat. We decided on Outback since it’s close to our house and Stratton was starving!  We had a good dinner and Stratton was being so silly! After we got done we went to the mall to walk around and stayed there till about 8pm. Margie and Terry stayed to give Stratton a bath and then they headed back to Searcy. Jarrod got home just a little before 10pm.

Sunday we went to church and had lunch at Long Horn Steak House. It was really good! Then we ran to Sam’s, were Stratton sampled cheesecake and Icee popsicles (which we purchased! Stratton LOVES Icees!). We had a laid back afternoon, napping and I made more cupcakes. After church Sunday night, my mom and dad came over and we grilled hotdogs and watched the fireworks going on in the neighborhood. Who needs a fireworks show when you can watch five different neighbors doing them in the streets?? Pretty sure it’s illegal. . .but I’m not complaining- well, not until they set my house or other personal property on fire.

Stratton went home with my mom and dad Sunday night so that Jarrod and I could work on/around the house on Monday. And that’s just what we did. Jarrod washed the house. I made all my party materials for the next weeks, and finished making cupcakes and froze them. I also worked on stuff for Stratton’s new room. He’s getting a room make-over from us for his birthday! So there is LOTS going on right now- things are a little crazy!! Did I mention that I have to make/take around 85 cupcakes this week??

If I am MIA more than normal in the next couple of weeks, it’s just that we have a big week (actually 2 weeks) ahead of us! Here’s the itinerary. . .

Sat July 9th- Stratton’s birthday party with my mom’s side of the family and a few of our church friends at our house.

Sun July 10th- My “team” is hosting a shower at church. I offered (see the “sucker” tattoo on my forehead??) to make cupcakes (in lieu of the standard boring, ugly, store-bought, bakery cake ) with cute cupcake toppers with the baby’s name on them. I also made some other cute decorations.  Sun night- work on Stratton’s room. . . take down the crib (cry a little, I’m sure) move in new furniture, start putting up new pictures ect. . .

Mon July 11th- take off work early, finish Stratton’s room, have the “unveiling” Monday evening! I can’t wait!!! Shhh!!. . .it’s a secret though!!

Tues July 12- Stratton’s birthday! Take cupcakes to daycare for his “party”. . . . I use the term “party” loosely- as it will just be cupcakes (I think. . . .heehee there’s always time for changing my mind) Hopefully we can do something fun Tuesday night. I don’t know what yet though. . .

Weds or Thurs- Jarrod’s mom is probably going to come get Stratton for a few days

Sat July 16th- Stratton’s party in Searcy with the Staggs’, Johnson’s and other Searcy family!

Sun July 17th- Stratton’s party with the Wilson side of the family in Hickory Ridge.

WHEW!!! It’s going to be complete CHAOS!! But it’s going to be REALLY fun!