It's been a while, I know....

I know, I know. I have NOT updated my blog in forever BUT this is my attempt at catching up. This blog will therefore be a condensed version of most of the events that have happened over the last month (or so...:))

1. I will begin with a funny. I have to first preface this item. As most people I know know, I am a HUGE animal lover and sometimes worry my husband that I will soon open a zoo within our little home. I have two crazy dogs and one dependent cat. Often times, because we have a rather large backyard, when we are getting a little claustrophobic with the animals, we will put the dogs in the back to let them romp and run. Well, Marcus and I have noticed that Shadow (our cat), has become increasingly curious about going outside, which terrifies me because if he got out, I would fall apart, literally. So, I had been thinking, and upon a trip to Petco I came upon cat harnesses. What a good idea, I thought; Shadow will LOVE this, I thought. So I bought it, brought it home and kind of left it out within Shadow's area for him to check it out. After a little while, I confused Shadow's disdain for that bright red harness for tolerance, so I boldly went where most cat owners know better to not; I put the harness on the cat. I do have videos, but they won't upload so I will have to post them later. :) I will end this item here; Shadow feels the same about the harness today as he did in this clips. So my dreams of my animal kids playing outside together, safely, will just have to wait.

2. Fourth of July- So for the 4th of July, Marcus and I went back to Wilmington to spend the weekend with my parents. We had a pretty good time, went to Southport, watched the fireworks downtown and just had a good time! So here are a few pictures from our trip.

3. Next, Marcus and I went to Orlando for a little trip. We ended up going to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures. I love theme parks and I especially love riding the roller coasters, but I am learning that I am getting to the age that crazy rides are starting to get to me, like I have to sit down for a little bit in between rides. This new found oldness has not stopped me yet, so I will continue to enjoy the rides. I just told Marcus that my only request from now on is that a.)when we start to have kids, please please please don't bring me to a theme park pregnant, no matter what time of the year it is ESPECIALLY in the summer, and b.) please don't take me to a theme park with a baby with no one else to watch them.

4. OUR 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: Marcus and I celebrated 2 years of being married July 14th. I will say, I would not change being married or being married to Marcus for anything. I really do love him more than I ever have. I WILL say this. I have learned that wedded bliss might happen within the first two weeks of marriage, but past that, no. Now I am not saying Marcus and I are not happy and in love because we totally are, but reality sets in and I think within experiencing that reality of marriage (laundry, endless cleaning, farts, etc.) THAT is when you truly learn to love your mate. (We celebrated at the Melting Pot this year and it was SOOOOO good!)

5. Last but certainly not least, for the past 4 weeks, my sister-in-law, Tina, and friend, Tara, suckered me into joining them in a cake decorating class. First off, I have learned about myself that I have a deep desire to be domestic and crafty and have a knack for the homey kinds of creative things, but I just don't. I want to be like Martha, but I am just Mandy. But I thought because I have so much time this summer, what the heck, I will do it. So for the past four weeks I have been baking, icing, eating, and decorating (so I am now a little more crafty and huge! ). Through stiff, medium, thin colorful iced roses, shells, people, and clowns, I have a new found respect for cake makers and decoraters! I did enjoy myself and I did master creating a carnation, not a rose, and I did have a blast with Tina and Tara. So all was not lost. But please, if you think I can make you a cake and decorate it, I still can't. :)

And now, you are all caught up! :) Hopefully the next post won't take so long to post nor be so long! :) Ciao!