A Weekend in Mississippi

So it's Wednesday. 

I had originally planned to post this on Monday. 

And then when the ridiculous Sunday night storms had me delayed and getting home after midnight, I've just kind of been behind ever since. 

BUT - this weekend was a pretty special one, so I wanted to make sure to get it posted. 

Every July, my dad's side of the family gets together for our annual family reunion, also known as Camp Meeting. If you missed my recap from last year (shaving cream fights, hayrides, Jeff's belly flop off the creek swing, etc.), you can read about it here.

Since this July I'll be on a different continent, I wanted to make sure I got over to Mississippi beforehand just to hang out with my grandmama. So that's exactly what I did! 

Three generations on a porch swing :)

I really hate to miss this camp meeting because....drum roll....this will be our first camp meeting in our very own cabin! AND I'M SO EXCITED! I think at Camp Meeting last year my dad realized that our immediate family was growing to the point where we needed a space of our own. Not to mention Amy has kiddos, and kiddos come with lots of stuff. So sometimes it's nice to have a place to put said stuff. I'm super sad I'm missing out on the first summer in the cabin, but still excited nonetheless!

And this is my excited pose. That actually looks like a Rangerette pose. 

Look at our new little cabin! It still has a ways to go before it's liveable - you know, walls and such, but the boys are working hard to get it finished (and my mom is picking out countertops, curtains, and color schemes). So they'll get it done! 

I can't wait to park it on a swing on that porch. 

Speaking of porch swings, this is my contribution to the cabin:

My dad built this porch swing and I helped him stain it. He said he wanted to get a picture of me with the barn in the background, but I really think he just wanted documentation of me working. Touche, dad. :) 

PS - isn't the swing just beautiful? He's also made rocking benches, a vanity for the bathroom, an island for the kitchen - this man is a wonder with wood working. 

Ya know what else we did a lot of that weekend? 

Eating. 

Lord have mercy. I brought yoga pants in anticipation (you know, no buttons, zippers, clasps, etc.), but after my grandmama's cooking, even the elastic was getting a run for its money. I copied down recipe after recipe to try to bring a little Mississippi back to Texas. 

One thing my grandmama is known for is her fried okra. Please hear me when I say this: it is the best fried okra in the entire world. There's something magical to it. All the grands and great-grands will back me up on this. Even Jeff thought so. There's just something about the way she makes fried okra. 

So naturally I had her give me lessons. 

I took notes, I took pictures, I did everything I could think of to try to recreate what she does. I haven't given it a try on my own yet (I'm scared!) but I have to perfect it. I have to!

I walked into the kitchen at one point and these were on the stove. This is a southern stove right here: fried okra and boiled peanuts. I'll take both, please. 

On Sunday after church, we went out to celebrate my birthday/Father's Day at the Dinner Bell. I had never been there before this weekend (we don't go out to eat much in MS), but I LOVED this place! You sit at a giant round table with a huge lazy susan (my mom hates that term) in the middle, and the waiters bring out SO many southern foods for you to just chow down. So it's basically a buffet, but the buffet is constantly spinning in front of your face the whole time. 

You know what that is? Fun. You know what else that is? Stressful. I ate so fast I had indigestion. But my plate kept getting full but food kept whizzing by and I had to keep eating so I had more room! That's a southern stress case right there. 

We drove around, saw where my dad was born, went to high school, jumped off roofs, etc. And then there was more of this to be had:

The blueberry pie. Praise be to the Lord for a blueberry pie. 

And then my dad was all like this:

I wish I could tell you he was kidding, but the man was full-on snoring. 

The rest of the weekend was a lot of porch swinging, reading, looking at old photo albums, and eating. Oh the eating. 

I was really sad to leave, and kept getting pangs of sadness that I won't be there when the whole family is in town, but I'm glad I got a little one on one time with my MS family. 

Love this place. 

Until next time,
Katy

#tbt: My Favorite Birthday Party

Today, in honor of birthday month, we're doing a little #tbt action to my favorite birthday party EVER.

No really. Ever.

Like no birthday trumped this birthday. 

My mama has always been a world-class party planner, but on this particular year - she completely outdid herself. 

It was my 17th birthday, the summer between my junior and senior year of high school, and I had zero idea any of it was going to happen. 

Side note: this picture isn't from that year (picture-taking phones and social media were not a thing when I was in high school. We were more of a "internet took up the phone line, AOL instant messenger, Xanga for a blog" type of people). BUT - it's a birthday photo so I thought it would be appropriate for today's post :)

Okay - back to my story. So this particular summer, by birthday fell during Vacation Bible School week. I was helping my mom with the music classes, so I assumed it was going to be like any other day - surrounded by millions of screaming singing children.

The night before, my mom yelled up at me to be ready a little earlier because she wanted to run by and get some Dunkin coffee. #nosurprisethere

So, we get in the car and my mom drives us to McDonald's (I was a huge breakfast burrito fan). So I'm all like, "yo - why are we at McDonald's?" She makes me get out, go inside, and there are two of my closest friends (Collin and Whitney!) waiting at a table. I had a little surprise breakfast! So we ate, talked, and then went to VBS and I didn't think much of anything else...

...Until after VBS when we get back in the car and my mom starts driving some other route home. And every time I asked her where we were going, she didn't say a word. #sneakylilthing

She then dropped me off at a massage clinic, said to check-in because I had an appointment, told me she wouldn't be the one picking me up...and drove off. #bye

After my massage (praise be hallelujah), I walked back out of the clinic and my SISTER picked me up! This was pretty exciting because she wasn't living in Beaumont at the time (she's 9 years older than me) and I had no idea she was in town! She drives me to Jason's Deli (another love of young Katy) for lunch, and when we sit down to eat, my BROTHER walks in to join us! (Also didn't live in Beaumont - 10 years older than me. And yes I was an accident). So all in all - baby sister was on cloud nine. 

After lunch, they told me they were taking me to see a movie that I remember I really wanted to see - but have no idea what it was. Amy - you remember? I feel like it was Mr. and Mrs. Smith. So in hindsight, Allen probably hated his life for two hours.

Anywho, after the movie, my sister took me to the mall where I had an appointment to get a makeover at Clinique. Holler at me girls. How many of you did the makeover thing in high school? And how many of you felt like you were the hottest dish on the buffet when you did? Like people. I was wearing eyeliner. #girlbecomeswoman

After my makeover, Amy told me the whole family was getting together for dinner and I got to pick the place. So, naturally, I picked Logan's Roadhouse (#gimmealltherolls) and we all ate as one big happy family together.

But the night didn't end there. 

We were standing in the parking lot of the restaurant, and my mom asked me what I wanted to do afterwards. Now, I loved bowling (still do), but I still don't know how that woman got me to say I wanted to go bowling that night. But alas, I requested to go to the bowling alley. So, the five of us went bowling. After my first bowl, the bowling alley guy (apologies for not knowing his title) told me I wasn't very good, that I needed the kiddie slide, and to follow him. So, I follow him around the corner of the bowling alley and BAM. 

All of my friends yelled surprise. 

I had a slight heart attack and tears of joy. I was so excited!

So we all filled the lanes and bowled a few games and had a grand ole time. 

But the night didn't end there. 

As we're all taking off our bowling shoes, my mom stands on a chair and yells for everyone to head back to our place. And I'm all like - "say what Mama Reeves?"

So we walk into my house, and it had been COMPLETELY transformed to party central. We're talking decorations, food, an ice cream bar, pool volleyball, a karaoke machine - you name it, it was in our backyard. 

So we played (and sang) like crazy fools all night long.
And I went to sleep that night feeling like the coolest 17-year-old in the world. 

Now like I said, my mom has thrown some killer parties in her day, but this one tops the charts as my favorite. My dad my have lost years on his life (and dollars in the bank) every time my mom said she wanted to throw one - but they were always the talk of the town. I can't wait to throw my kids' parties like she did. With her help, of course. #mompleasehelpmedontleaveme

And there's a little throwback to my very favorite birthday party!

A close second was that time I graduated high school and she turned our entire house into a cruise ship...but that's another post. :)

Happy Thursday everyone!

Until next time,
Katy

June Book Review

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Well it has been a hot minute since I've done a book review.

I blame the whole "binge watch TV shows" thing...

But alas, I am here today with four books to discuss! I actually feel like I read much more than four books worth, but I think that's because two of the four books I read were pretty lengthy... 

Anywho - let's begin. 

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Me Before You
by JoJo Moyes

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Okay, so I don't know if I just had really high expectations for this book (because everyone else ranted and raved about it), but I didn't quite care for this book. In fact, I didn't even finish it. It honestly was just too slow for me. I got to the halfway point of the book and still nothing had actually happened. I found myself forcing myself to keep reading (mainly because I hate having a book on my Nook that shows anything other than 100%), but I couldn't do it. I'm probably the only person who doesn't care for this book, I know. But I'm still totally going to see the movie!

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Ladies' Night
by Mary Kay Andrews

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 Jeff and I went to Barnes and Noble one Sunday after church, and I saw this bright, fun-colored book on the bargain buy table. I'd never read any Mary Kay Andrews' books, but for $6, I thought I'd give her a try - and I loved it! This book is about a blogger who is going through a divorce (her ex made me downright angry), and basically has to learn how to rebuild herself - with the help of her new friends she made in divorce therapy. The book was kind of long - but it had me intrigued the whole time. I would definitely give another one of her books a read!

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Not Quite Forever
by Catherine Bybee

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 Kristie got be hooked on Catherine Bybee a couple of years ago. It all started with her "Weekday Bride" Series (Wife by Wednesday, Married by Monday, etc.), and we've been reading them ever since. This is the fourth book of her "Not Quite" Series. Catherine's books have a little suspense, a little action, and a whole lotta romance. These books are ones my mom would identify as "saucy books." They're a quick, easy, fun read!

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The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah

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This currently has the running for my #1 book of 2016. 

Jeff's mom read it and told me it was a must-read, but honestly, when she told me what it was about I wasn't too interested. It's about two sisters who survive the war between Germany and France. And while I have zero interest in history (#mathandenglishgirl), I couldn't put it down. This book is over 400 pages and I read it in 48 hours. (An 8-hour round trip flight to Boston helped!)

It has action, suspense, love, history, family values - it's just a really good book. A must read recommendation if I do say so myself! 

PS I totally cried. 

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And those are my four books this month! 

Seeing as I have a 17-hour flight coming up in...ohhhh 28 days, if you have any must reads, NOW is the time to tell me about them!
#pleasepleaseprettyplease
#iamsogoingstircrazyonthatplane

Check back in tomorrow for a little TBT action :)

An to see my other book reviews, click here!

Until next time,
Katy

The Last Trip

Good morning everyone!

I got back from Boston yesterday evening and decided to devote today’s post to an update on my eye. Partially because there’s good news that deserves celebrating (and was also celebrated with a few bowls of Blue Bell last night…), but also because there’s a bittersweet portion to the story. 

The good news?

All is stable. All is well. My left eye looks as good as it can (at this point we appreciate both silence and stability when it comes to that eye), and more importantly, my right eye is still rockin’ like a champ. 

The bittersweet part?

I’ve been cleared to be seen locally here in Dallas for my future tumor follow ups. In short, it means I no longer have to go to Boston. 

At first – I was quite happy. This trip was getting old. The flights and hotels get expensive; it’s a 4-hour flight, so not the easiest place to get to; and all of my “friends” that I’ve made during this process were also being monitored locally. I was just kind of over it. 

Then, when I got to the part of the appointment where I usually make my next appointment, it turned a little bittersweet. This was my fourteenth trip to Boston over the past six years. It became my home away from home. That city – and that hospital – hold so many memories from this entire journey. I’ve cried there, I’ve rejoiced there, I’ve rung radiation bells there. Nowadays most every major city can do the treatment performed six years ago, but at the time? Boston was one of two. 

I originally planned to leave my appointment, grab lunch at the hotel, and head straight to the airport, but upon my realization that this was my last trip for the foreseeable future, I decided to head to Faneuil Hall (my Boston happy place) one last time. Now, especially, I'm so glad my family and I did an extended trip last year!

 I sat on a bench and stared at this view. I've stared at this view each and every trip to Boston. Sometimes it was winter, and sometimes summer, but either way, this view will always bring me a sense of peace. Me and God have done a lot of chatting while staring at this view. 

All in all - Boston or Texas - God has been so prevalent throughout this whole journey. I have no idea what's up ahead, but I know who holds my steps. And I also know y'all will be praying me through it all the while. Y'all truly mean more to me than you will ever know.

My annual Boston adventures maybe over, but this city will always hold a special place in my heart. 

As will their lobster rolls and clam chowdah. 

Until next time,
Katy

Friday Favorites

Well this week flew by! I guess with a holiday on Monday and me making like Stella all week (ya know, gettin my groove back) - we got to Friday before I even realized it! 

Today (per usual), I'm linking up for some Friday Favorites. So let's get down to business:

1 - JT's "Can't Stop the Feeling"

So I seriously can't get get enough of this song. It's my alarm clock song, it's my "first jam in the car on the way to work" song, it's going to be my summer theme song....it's just a little bit of everything and then some. Two nights ago I actually had a dream about this song. The love is real. The music video is pretty amazing too. You can check it out here.

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2 - Dear Clarke Volumizing Tonic

So I had a hunch this would be my favorite hair product, and then when I didn't have it on all my travels the past couple weeks (dang you 3 oz. rule!), I was reassured that it most certainly is. I normally don't use a lot of product in my hair, and when I do, I can use it some days and leave it the others. Yeah - not this little bottle of magic potion. I use it every.single.day. I spray/work it in my roots right before I dry my hair, and it visibly gives my hair more texture and volume. Like I'm not kidding. And it smells aaaa-mazing. You can buy it on Amazon, or you can pick up a bottle at your nearest Whole Foods. 

My #1 favorite hair product. This I promise you. 

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3 - Ann Taylor Factory Striped Pencil Skirt

 I bought this skirt last week in Pennsylvania, and I'm in love. I wear a ton of pencil skirts to work, but this one? This one is special. It has no clasp, and no zipper. This thing is pure comfort: an elastic waistband and stretchy fabric. It's like yoga pants in skirt form. 

Ann Taylor Factory doesn't have an online website, but if you have an outlet near you with an Ann Taylor store, it should be there! Oh, because did I mention it's $35? Yes. Stretchy summer professional comfort for $35. That's a praise. 

And nevermind the rainy concrete - it's monsooning here in Dallas. 

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 4 - Trader Jo''s Bon Bons

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 How am I (almost) 28 years old and I just discovered Bon Bons? These things are frozen drops of heaven. Kelsey and I discovered these in the Trader Joe's freezer section and our lives were forever changed. They come in a little pack of twelve, so you can treat yourself to one a night (only 50 calories each!), OR sit on the couch and share a box with your roommate. Whatever works :) 

I mean it's vanilla ice cream on a cookie crust dipped in chocolate - why wouldn't you give them a try? 

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5 - Sweet Pup Snuggles

Like I told you on Wednesday, I'm working on soaking up lots of quality time this month before I head to Australia, and that includes snuggling with this 80 pound lap dog. I just don't know what I'd do without this sweet boy. He is always excited to see me - every time I walk in the door. One of my favorite phrases is "be the person your dog thinks you are." And I know this sweet boy is my #1 fan, and I never want to let him down. And yes that's me under him. That's a living, breathing, electric blanket right there.

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And those are my favorites this week! This weekend is filled with wedding festivities (I'm dating the best man!) and then I'm headed to Boston for my annual eye appointment. Prayers for safe travels and good news are much appreciated!

Have a great weekend everyone! And if you're in Dallas... #justkeepswimming

Until next time,
Katy

 

Sweet Mother of June.

That's what I said when my alarm went off this morning. 

I'm having heart palpitations. Someone hold me. 

So I have returned from my 12 day, four-state, multi-coastal jaunt.
Arizona? Check.

California? Check.

Chicago? Check.

Pennsylvania? Check.

I would have blogged more, but I was too busy living at the airport. If you look on your next visit, you can see that I was named "Flyer of the Month" in Terminal C.

Okay not really. But that should totally be a thing. #causeIwouldhavewon

I actually returned home late Monday night, but after work yesterday I refused to do anything remotely productive. I refused to unpack the four (yes, four) suitcases that are taking up my bedroom floor. I refused to cook dinner (to-go bag special for the win). I refused to go through the giant stack of mail. I refused to do laundry. I just refused it all.  It was the last day in May, and I was milking it for all it was worth. 

....because I have SO MUCH TO DO IN JUNE. 

People. I leave for Australia in 36 days. I have a couple more trips in June (yes really) that add up to 6 days, and a July lake trip for 4 days. So technically I'm down to 26 days. And there go the heart palpitations again. 

Not only do I have to pack for Australia, but I also have to pack up my current living quarters and shove them into Jeff's garage #freestoragebyboyfriendforthewin

But in full disclosure I still have zero idea how to pack for a 9-week trip, so I can't pack up the things I don't need until I know what things I do need. See my predicament?

Anyways. All that being said - I have decided to make a list. [insert your shocked face here]

I have a list of work things I need to get done before I go.
I have a list of Australian mobility things I need to complete. 

I have a list of travel plan to-dos I need to finalize.
I (will eventually) have a list of things to pack.

What I don't have? A list of ways to cram my summer into one month. 

When I get back to the good ole USA it'll be fall. And while I have a serious obsession with fall - I don't just want to miss out on summer altogether. So I'm making a list. I used to do monthly goals, and I guess this is a monthly goal of sorts. But titling this post "sweet mother of June" seemed a lot more festive than "June Goals."

All pretty self explanatory, but now that I look at it, it's primarily two things: 1) spend quality time with the people I love and will miss dearly, and 2) ensure I eat all important foods (ice cream, hot dogs, and Chick-fil-A) that they won't have in Australia. 

And while last year I celebrated my birthday for the entire month (you can read about it here), I'll be doing good to fit in one day this year. I took PTO from work....but let's be real. I'll probably be packing. Adulthood is lameo. 

Happy June everyone!

Until next time,
Katy