Super Colorful Rainbow WIP

I got this super awesome PDF ebook from "All Free Crochet" the other day, and it was all patterns for baby blankets/afghans.
You can download it free here

They are all pretty awesome, but the one that caught my eye most was this one below.  It's so cool and I thought it would be really fun looking with a gradient effect. 

I was NOT wrong.

Memorial Day and What it Should Mean to You

Memorial Day when I was growing up was basically just a cookout and hangout occasion.

I had no idea what it really meant for a good while.  and I can say now that even when I did find out what it was, I STILL didn't REALLY understand what Memorial Day means.

What changed my view of Memorial day was marrying into the military.

My husband was in the Navy (a Corpsman) but was stationed with and worked solely with the Marines.  

He went on 3 combat deployments during his 5 and a half years and let me just say, that business will bring the strongest person to their knees.  

the stress, the worry, the danger.

Its horrible.  

But by the time you make it to the end of the seven months (or 4 or 12 or 18 depending) it's magic all over again.  the separation was all worth it because it's over.

Going through the whole shebang really made me hurt for those who over the years haven't been able to come home.  or the ones who don't have someone to go and wait for anymore.

It genuinely hurts my heart,

I started crying in the car the other day driving through town because they had the crosses out along the road with the names of fallen soldiers, marines, and sailors and where they served.  

I was blessed enough to get my husband back, and so many have not been so lucky. 

So Memorial day isn't about getting together and drinking beer and grilling out.  It's about honoring those who have protected our right to do those things, and honoring those who've lost loved ones in the armed forces.

So this weekend when you are together with friends or family or you are having that beer and grilling those burgers and dogs, just take a moment to honor those service-members.

They earned the right to be called citizens and they deserve to be remembered fondly and respected for their sacrifice.

*******

The following are just a few of the pictures from my husband's homecomings that I wanted to share.

These pictures and these events commemorate that we made it through some of the most difficult experiences a marriage and a family can ever go through and we were stronger for it. 

I am thankful to God everyday that He guided Elliott safely home.

2007

2009

Shining Happy Changes!

I am so excited to announce that my husband just got a new job!

He starts at the first of June, and we couldn't be happier or more excited!

source

A Walk in the Park... or Rather a Run and a Picnic

This past Saturday we went to Hamburg State Park in Warthen, GA to just spend the day and have a picnic.
We had such a good time, as usual.
You may remember we made a similar trip in September, if not here's the post  and you can see the pictures and how much has changed in the last 6 or so months.

This was an awesome day:

This is for my dad, who insisted I find a better pic of him to put on the blog.

Perfect Avocado Ranch Dip

I am a complete and total sucker for all things Avocado

I love the color the smell the texture the flavor

the whole bit

This dip envelopes all of those things and adds it with the cool refreshing flavor of ranch

This dip is awesome with chips or veggies 

we also use it for quesadillas, sandwiches and burgers.

Due to the versatility and deliciousity (is that a word?) this is the Perfect Avocado Ranch Dip

It tastes Fancy but is so easy to make!

My Introduction Vlog

So after being inspired MONTHS ago by one of my favorite bloggers,
 (Bre from Peacoats & Plaid) I have FINALLY gotten around to posting the vlog I made a couple weeks ago.  

It's short and sweet with just a little bit of info about me and a lot of distractions and interruptions throughout.

This however is how basically every moment of my life at home goes, so I left it in to keep it authentic.  

I honestly don't know how I get anything done....

Enjoy!

Have some suggestions or questions for my next vlog?  

Drop them in the comments below!  

The Collective Social Blog Hop {I'm Co-Hosting!}

<a href="http://www.peacoatsandplaid.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20collective" target="”_blank”"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/bre916/BLOG/thecollective200_zpsb8a6e82b.jpg"/></a>

Welcome to the weekly social blog hop party, THE Collective.

This is a link up for bloggers who want to gain followers and meet awesome people.

Not sure if this is the blog hop for you? Listen to what other bloggers have to say...

"Just to let you know, your blog hop is the best I've participated in for gaining new friends!!! I couldn't believe the results!! Thank you!"

- Danavee, This Vintage Grove

"I'm dropping by to let you know that I love being a part of your blog hop! 

 I have been meeting really nice bloggers.  Bloggers who are actually friendly and want to connect! 

I'm putting the blog hop button on my side bar, like, permanently!  Everyone should know about it. Just thought I'd share with you. Thank you."

-Vickie, Oh Abby Day

"Hi BreAnna, just want to say that your blog is beautiful, creative, and fun. The GFC collective is one of my favorite parts of the blogging week. Love meeting new friends and fellow bloggers. We just started our blog and were amazed at how helpful the GFC collective is! Keep up the amazing work."

-Alea and Rachael, Sparkle Your Life

"This GFC Collective Hop is seriously one of the best link ups out there! Through this hop I have found so many great blogs & friends that I wouldn't have otherwise found! Thank you so much for hosting such a fun link up! Please take the time to link up & join along! You won't be sorry that you did!"

-Amy @ Keepin' Up With the Smith's

Has THE Collective done wonders for your following? Let me know, shoot me an email at peacoatsnplaid(at)gmail(dot)com

Bre @ Peacoats and Plaid

and my co-hosts for the week

Shannon @ Gin and Bare It

Mary @ The Sauers

Bethany @ The Sepia Puppy

Rachel @ The Year of Slow Fashion

...want to co-host? Email Bre at peacoatsnplaid(at)gmail(dot)com

Spring Brings Change...

the Bradford Pear in bloom in my front yard

Spring is not my favorite season, it never has been.  I can't really explain why, it's just always been kinda "meh" in my book.

My husband was telling me the other day why he loves spring so much and I realized I need to start looking for the beauty in spring. 

Tough Mudder GA 2013

So, The day finally came last Saturday 

The Tough Mudder.

We had been preparing ourselves for it since November and it was finally here

"probably the toughest even on the planet"

I found that I wasn't as nervous as I expected when we arrived.  

I was actually like CRAZY pumped for it!

The week before the mudder we were running and I just had a break down, my form wasn't good, and I couldn't find a groove and I was feeling really fat and basically all the negativity was mounting and I was subconsciously trying to convince myself I couldn't do it.  

That  sucked...

Team Schmow Zow! Tough Mudder here we come!

Most of you who read often or follow me on Instagram

know that my husband and I are participating in the Georgia Tough Mudder 2013 

and I just received this email the other day:

wow... this just got real...