Where is my Fall?

Dear Tallahassee,

You are a nice, little city. I'm proud to have called you home for nearly 12 years now, and although you have changed and grown quite a bit over that time, I'm still relatively happy with you. However, there is something we need to discuss.

I think you are confused. You see, the month of October is nearly over. We have only 3 days left, and then we will be into November. Most of the rest of this hemisphere has transitioned to the Fall season. You know...cooler weather, less stifling humidity, less muggy rain, better hair days. Sweater weather...you do remember that from last year, right? Well, I think you may be a bit confused, my dear little hometown, because you are still giving me daily high temperatures of 86 degrees. You are still kindly providing me with "warm & muggy" as the forecast. Oh yes, and thanks for the inch of rain we recieved yesterday (with no temperature change). My hair remains "poofy". And nice Mr. Weatherman's advice? "Get used to it". Thanks.

So, dear old Tally, could you help a girl out? Could you give us some relief here in the Capital? I would like to NOT wear a tank top & shorts to a hayride, please.

I will be eagerly awaiting your reply...SOON.

Sincerely,

Anxious for Autumn

Soon setting sail...

Today we set sail for the Bahamas! We are both SO READY for some serious R&R. Here's to 1 Year, baby! Sun, sand, surf....here come the McKenzie's. I hope you're ready!

Just picture us on this...

On our way here...

And possibly here...

To do this...

And maybe this...

And have this...

Maybe even one of these...

And MOST DEFINITELY some of this...

See ya when we return (IF we choose to return)...

We made it! 1 year...

1 year ago today, Wade & I were preparing to stand before one another and pledge our lives to each other in the act of marriage. The day had finally arrived, and there we stood...the perfect weather (minus the wind!), at a perfect beach, before a perfect God, made our perfect day. This past year has been anything but easy, but amidst the challenges, struggles, frustrations, fears, and tears, I still look at my groom, my husband, and I can honestly say that I am more in love with him today, one year later, than I was that perfect October day. God is stretching us, transforming us, and making us stronger, both individually and as a couple, and I can't wait for the next year, and the next, and the next. Not because of us, but because we laid it all at His feet 1 year ago today. And we will continue...

Happy 1st Anniversary, Wade! I love you so much!

Well, I guess I'm a Redneck

I got this in an email from my father-in-law, and thought to myself, another list of "creative" transportation modes, communal living, and hairstyles. Once I opened it and began reading, I quickly decided that I must, too, be a redneck.


You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'

You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if: You still say 'Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'

You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.

You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

You might be a redneck if: You treat our Armed Forces veterans with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to.

You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and (will) raise your kids to do the same.

You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.

So, just maybe I am a bit of Redneck...

Seminole Tears

I love college football. I love that I understand the game. I love that although there are rumored "perks" for the players, for the most part, they are not paid to play the game. They play because they love it. And I love my Seminoles. I love hearing the marching band play the fight song. I love seeing 80,000 fans all doing the Seminole Chop together.



I love hearing Gene Deckerhoff announce the game on the radio. I think the colors Garnet & Gold are lovely together. I love being amidst other hardcore fans, cheering on Bobby & the boys alongside me.



I love watching Chief Osceola ride out on his horse Renegade to throw the flaming spear, just before a home game starts.



But....

Lately, it's been hard to be Seminole. So hard that it hurts. Now I know that all teams have their "seasons" and I also know that football is not all that important in the grand scheme of things. It sure is fun to have something/someone to cheer on...to be a part of something grand. To say we are having a rough season is a bit of an understatement. I said the other night after watching the game "sometimes my heart can't take Seminole football". I get so involved in the game! At this point in the season, our record is 2-4. Two wins. Four losses. Ouch. Our boys try hard. They just can't seem to get ALL of the pieces together at the same time.





Have I mentioned that sometimes it's hard to be Seminole (especially when you are married to a Florida Gator fan...what? I didn't mention that?)? This is on the front of our truck.



Needless to say, our season has left us with much to be desired. There's always next year, right? We may not have the same quarterback, defensive line, or wide recievers as we did just 10 years ago, in our "glory days", but we have the same coach,



the same stadium,



and the same spirit of unity...



So, as hard as it is sometimes....I bleed Garnet & Gold. I.am.a.SEMINOLE.

Maddie's New Wardrobe: A Preview

So after the long-awaited news on the gender of my sister's second little one, due in February, I FINALLY got to go shopping! For dresses, at that! My neice, Madigan Ruth, will be well outfitted by the time she arrives, thanks to her favorite Auntie.

This weekend, a couple of local ladies organized the One Week Boutique. It happens twice a year and is HUGE. Needless to say, this was my first stop after work on Friday. I behaved myself, put many adorable things back, and left with a dress, 2 little tops, and a pair of shoes for Maddie.



Today, our real adventure began. Although Wade & I go yard-saling just about every weekend, rarely do we have days as good as today! One county over from us was hosting a county-wide yard sale, all along Hwy. 98 (the coastal highway). We got up early, as usual, and were ready to go before anyone was even set up! Wade hit the jackpot, with all kinds of treasures he just can't live without. Did you know you can NEVER have too many fishing rods? Or chainsaws? His favorite find for the day was a bird (house) mansion for the front yard. He's already set it up and he can't wait for the purple martins to start nesting after winter. I didn't take a picture of Wade's birdhouse...I'll have to add one later.

I found a few little things, but I'm not even going to mention them. As you can see by the title of this blog post, my goal today was baby girl clothes...and I hit the jackpot! Beautiful dresses, beautiful dresses with matching bloomers, adorable outfits, even a swimsuit....I LOVE SHOPPING FOR BABIES, and especially baby girls! All in all I spent $5.00 today on clothes/shoes, seen here...













and my tuck & run find for the day, for only $2.00, a nearly new Hooter Hider nursing cover.



Barbie is so excited, and I'm sure Maddie will be pleased, as well.

And last, the only other reason I enjoy getting up early...beautiful sunrises. This was ours this morning.

Tomorrow's Destination

I can't wait!! It's a COUNTY WIDE yard sale....all along the coastal highway. I hope we find lots of great things!