Line Dances, Wedding Vows and an Anniversary

This past weekend, Jarrod and I made a trip to Beaumont to see my beautiful friend, Blaire, get married.

Me and Blaire

Blaire and me at my wedding.
I love Jarrod in the background of this photo...

We left work early Friday afternoon and headed towards Beaumont in order to attend the rehearsal dinner. The theme of the night was western and we were all asked to wear our cowboy boots. They served Texas barbeque and played country music all night long. It was such an easy going and fun time!

Me, Jarrod and John Wayne

The next day was the BIG day! Blaire looked absolutely stunning and both the church and reception were decorated beautifully. Jarrod and I had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed witnessing two of our good friends become a married couple. Congratulations, Blaire and Dave!

The bride and groom

Her cake looked like her dress

Jackie, me and Sara Beth

The next day was our anniversary. We made the hike back to Houston and started getting ready for our night out. Once all primped and pretty, we headed to Eddie V's for a seafood dinner. While at the restaurant, we opened our "paper" gifts to one another - I gave Jarrod tickets to a Spielberg and Williams concert at the Houston Symphony. Jarrod gave me tickets to a Broadway musical production of The Addams Family.

Our table at Eddie V's

Taking our first anniversary picture

Afterwords, we headed home to partake in our first anniversary cakes! For those of you who don't know, we didn't keep the cake topper from our wedding cake. It was too large to store in the freezer, and since Jarrod and I never really had any cake at our wedding, we went ahead and ate it while it was still fresh. I decided to call the baker of our wedding cakes and asked her to do smaller versions of them for our first anniversary. And they came out perfectly! They looked like small replicas of our wedding and groom's cakes and they tasted divine.

Wedding cake

Groom's Cake

Burnt Orange Velvet Cake

Anniversary cakes

Yummy!

Of course now I have two cakes that need to be consumed....This could end tragically. For my waistline.

One Year Ago I Was...

One year ago today I was marrying my best friend and the love of my life.

It is hard to believe a year has already come and gone. It seems like just yesterday that I was walking down the aisle and vowing to love and cherish Jarrod for the rest of my life. I remember how incredibly happy I felt - I couldn't stop smiling! I was so excited to become his wife and to begin our journey together.

Since that day, life has thrown a few curve balls our way. But Jarrod has been my support through it all. And I can say with absolute certainty that I am even more happy and in love with him than the day I walked down the aisle. I am so blessed to have a strong, Christian man that loves me unconditionally.

I love you so much, Jarrod. Happy Anniversary.

Love,

Kimberly

A Flair for the Dramatic

I am not going to deny it - I have a slight tendency to be somewhat dramatic and over exaggerate. I blame my father.  My dad is a pro when it comes to story-telling. He would always tell his "war stories" while I was growing up. And y'all, these stories are famous in my family. They include recollections of life in an all boys Catholic school, to growing up in Philly, to serving in the Air Force during Vietnam. My aunts, uncles, and cousins know all the stories by heart. And, what is funny about them, is that the story slightly changes every time he tells it.

Take the killer bee story, for example. It's a hot afternoon in Brazil, where my father is stationed during the war. All of his comrades are sitting around a hotel pool, enjoying their day off. Nearby, a group of young, mischievous boys find a bee hive and begin to hit it with sticks. Suddenly, a huge swarm emerges from said bee hive and begins to fly over to the pool area. World War III ensues. Everyone is running around, trying to escape from the attack. My father runs over to the pool, but accidentally stubs his toe on the edge. He falls in, bees flying into the water after him like bullets from a gun. Sometimes during the story he claims to have been stung ten times. Other times its only twice. He calls it his "Purple Heart" story, since he nearly lost his life during the event. And had a purple toe for a few days.

I tell you all this because I had a traumatic experience a few nights ago. Jarrod claims I am over-reacting, but I beg to differ. Obviously he just is unaware of the severity of the situation.

You see, I almost chopped my finger off while cooking. No joke. I was chopping spinach when it happened. I began to bleed and the moment I saw the blood I became light-headed and nauseous. While Jarrod ran upstairs to grab me a band-aid, I laid on the floor, tears streaming down my face, feeling as though the pain would never end. I was certain I was either going to bleed to death or lose my finger altogether. There would be no way to salvage it.

Seriously...look at how bad that wound is!

Life threatening, I tell you.

Momma, I Hungry

According to his mom, Jarrod has been an early riser since he was a wee-one. When we first started dating, she recounted a story of how he would sneak into her bedroom while she was sleeping and stare at her. Once she woke up, obviously startled by her offspring acting so...strange, he would exclaim "Momma, I hungry!"

I always thought that was such a cute story. I could just imagine a 3-year-old Jarrod with his white blonde hair and chubby cheeks just standing there, waiting for his mom to wake. His beady little eyes staring at her relentlessly. And when she finally rose, proclaiming to be fed.

I thought it was funny...until it happened to me this morning.

Well, ok...he didn't ask to be fed. But, I did wake up to someone standing over the bed staring at me. To say that it frightened me doesn't even begin to describe. I screamed. When I finally realized it was Jarrod (and not some psycho killer dude), I groggily asked him what on earth he was doing. His answer?

He was waiting for my alarm to go off so he could hit the snooze button. So I could sleep a little longer, since I had a bit of a restless night.

I married a weirdo, y'all. A really sweet weirdo.

Fill In The Blank {Friday}

Happy Friday, everyone!

The mister and I are leaving straight after work today to head to Austin for the weekend. I know...we go to Austin alot. But, this time we are not going for a football game. We are attending a wedding for one of Jarrod's hometown friends, Polly. I am really looking forward to it!

Speaking of weddings, we received our canvas print from our wedding photographer last night. I think it looks great! We took this photo in front of the Water Wall in Houston.

Photo by Helen Byrd Photography

Well, that is really all I've got for today...so...now for Fill in the Blank Friday! Link up with Lauren to participate in the fun!

1. My current obsession is  Pinterest! I am obsessed with pinning different recipes and future craft projects. Love it! 

2.  Family and friends  make me happy.

3. My greatest strength is  my ability to listen to others. 

4.  My desire for everything to be perfect  is my greatest weakness.

5. My life is  wonderful. I am truly blessed. 

6. In high school I was  average. I wasn't popular, but I wasn't an outcast either. I was also on the dance team. I love to dance. I actually really miss it.

7. When I'm super tired  I get cranky. And very, very quiet.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

This weekend flew by, but then again, I guess every weekend does. Speaking of time flying by, can you believe it is almost October?! Where has this year gone?

Anyways, here is a little recap of what went on in the Sparks' household this weekend.

Jarrod and I went to a "pseudo" going away party for one of our good friends on Friday night. He will be working out of state for awhile, but will be coming back every so often in 2 week stretches. It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone and having a good time. Good luck, Chris! We will miss you while you are gone!

Pretty friends at the going away party :)
Why do I look so tired?!

On Saturday, Jarrod's brother and sister flew in to stay with us for the weekend. I haven't seen his sister since May, so I was really looking forward to just hanging out with her. We all went out to eat at a local sushi restaurant and then came home and I made dessert. Which didn't turn out so well. Sadness.

By the way, you know you married into an awesome family when you make something that isn't particularly scrumptious, but they compliment it anyways.

The next day we got up and went to church, graduated from our Newlywed or Close class (we had been in the class for over a year...time to move to the next class!) and then Josh and Kristina left that evening to fly back home and Jarrod and I made a quiche for dinner. Which did turn out really well. Happiness.

Quiche!

Pssst...I made a couple of new dishes that turned out to be pretty good, so I plan on doing a full review in an upcoming post. Keep an eye out. :)

In other news...

As far as weight loss is concerned, I think I am back on track. Ever heard of Couch to 5k? It's a running program that helps people gradually build their endurance and train for a 5k. Although I am not planning on ever officially running a 5k, I figured it would be a good way to help speed up the weight loss process. Jarrod and I completed our first week (3 runs) and I actually enjoyed it! I downloaded the app on my smartphone, which was extremely helpful. It would beep when we needed to begin running and then beep when we needed to walk. This week we will step it up a notch and have to run for a longer period of time. Wish me luck!

We take Piper on our runs as well
and she is exhausted when we get home!

Communication Fail

A conversation between me and Jarrod that happened a year ago. Enjoy.

"I drove past your building, but you weren't standing outside like you said you would be! Now I am lost downtown and I have no clue where I am!" I stated frantically.

"You are fine. What street are you on?" Jarrod asked.

"Did you not hear me?! I am lost downtown. I am driving around with no earthly idea where I am. I will never be able to find your office building now!" I cried.

"Kimberly, calm down. Just look up and find the big, shiny one," Jarrod said nonchalantly.

(silence)

"You still there?"

"Did you seriously just tell me to look up and find the big, shiny building in downtown Houston?" I said in a sarcastic tone.

"...Yes?...." Jarrod replied.


Yeah, my thoughts exactly.

And the Best Husband Award Goes to...

This dude.

Let me tell you why...

1. Before he leaves for work he always kisses me goodbye, tells me he loves me and that he hopes I have a good day. It is an amazing way to wake up and start the day off right.

2. He tells me that I am beautiful daily. It doesn't matter if I have make up on or not, if my hair is done or sticking straight up, or if I am dressed to impress or in a ratty t-shirt and pajama pants.

3. He loves food and going out to nice restaurants. Definitely wines and dines me.

4. He washes the dishes and loads the dishwasher without me even having to ask.

5. He installed, by himself, a custom shelving unit in our closet so I would have enough room to hang my clothes. It is absolutely wonderful!

6. He takes care of me. This week I have been a little under the weather. Sniffles, coughing, sneezing...that crud. When I began getting ready for work this morning, I discovered a Vitamin C pill and a glass of water that Jarrod had set out for me. It was so thoughtful.

7. He takes my car in to get it fixed, since he knows I hate dealing with that stuff.

8. He looks amazing in a ball cap. Even better in a button-down shirt and some slacks. Oh my goodness, y'all.

9. He cleans up the dog's messes. Enough said.

10. He opens up my car door every single time. Doesn't matter if we are just running to the grocery store or if we are on an actual date. The other night he opened up my door and a group of girls saw and started giggling and giving him a "thumbs up." It was pretty funny.

11. He helps my mom with bills, house maintenance and other errands while my dad is recovering. He has been a tremendous blessing to my family during this time.

12. He watches obnoxious reality TV shows with me. And doesn't complain. Seriously, this guy is a saint.

13. Whenever he is in a meeting and they provide snacks/candy, he always picks out the Almond Joys and brings me home a couple.

14. He makes me laugh. Alot.

15. He is always there to support me. To be my shoulder to cry on. To listen to my thoughts and frustrations. He is my absolute best friend.

So, as you can see, my hubby deserves some positive recognition. I am a very, very lucky girl.

Proposal Flashback

One year ago, today, an amazing man asked to take me to Uni Sushi for dinner. Staged as "date night", I found nothing questionable about the fact that this particular restaurant is where we had our first date. After an incredible meal and good conversation, he suggested we go see the fountains that were synchronized to music. A little reluctant at first, I finally agreed and we headed over to them.

The Fountains at Waterway Square

We sat and watched as the lights changed and the music hummed in the background. It was very pretty. After some time had passed, he suggested we take a picture together and pulled out a disposable camera from his pocket. I found this strange, but I agreed, again, suspicious of what was going on. We found an older couple nearby and asked them to take our photo.

"Where do you want to take the picture?" the lady asked.

"Over here," he replied, pointing to the location.

"What do you want me to take a picture of exactly?"

"Well, get the fountains in the background and make sure to get me proposing to my future wife!" he exclaimed, pulling out a ring box while dropping to one knee.

I gasped. And the rest is a blur. What I do remember is that I said yes. And even though the lady didn't know how to use a disposable camera, I love that we have a few snapshots to remember the day.

I love you, Jarrod!

Carrie Talks Marriage

"Just learning to live together has just been fun and frustrating and everything in between. He brought all his crap with him. He's not a hoarder, but he's close, maybe. He's like 'Babe, I need more space in the closet,' and my heart just sinks. I know he would say I'm too controlling and I nag at him to get his stuff put up." - Carrie Underwood

I find this hilarious and way too familiar. 

I love being married.

Fancy Feast, Fredericksburg and a Fiesta

Jarrod and I started off this past weekend with a fancy date night to celebrate six wonderful months of marriage. My super sweet husband made a surprise reservation to a restaurant called Mark's. Neither of us had ever been, but I had heard it was amazing. And it didn't disappoint.

I wanted to take a picture of the food, but I felt like I would look like a redneck. Seriously, this was a very nice restaurant. So you will just have to imagine oysters, pan-seared fish, shrimp and mashed potatoes with lobster. It was delish.

It basically looked like this...Yum!

The next day we packed up our suitcase, dropped off the pup at a friend's house (thanks Regina and Richard!) and began our hike to Fredericksburg for a wedding. The bride, Stephanie, and groom, Paul, are two of Jarrod's college drum line friends. It was a beautiful wedding, a fun reception and an awesome after party. I always enjoy hanging out with Jarrod's college friends. They are all such an amazing group of people - very down to earth and welcoming.

 

Hi, Bryan! You're on the blog!

We returned on Sunday, picked up the pup and then I headed over to a birthday party for this pretty lady:

I love this gal. Blaire is such a sweet friend. I met her while I was going to Second Baptist. We were both fairly new to the single's class. She randomly called me one afternoon to discuss wardrobe selections for the New Year's Eve party that was that night. We have been good friends ever since.

Anyways, her boyfriend, Dave, cooked up some fajitas for everyone as we all sat around catching up and sharing stories. Jarrod joined the birthday festivities after his regular sand volleyball game with his energy league. All around a great time. I hope you had an awesome birthday, Blaire!

That was our weekend. It was a lot of fun, but it went by way too fast. 

Snapshots of Our Trip to Ruidoso

Jarrod and I returned from our trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico yesterday afternoon. The trip was so relaxing and the weather was beautiful! It was hard to come back to the sweltering Texas heat.

We flew into El Paso before making the 2 hour drive to Ruidoso. I must mention that the plane ride to El Paso was horrible. There was a lot of turbulence towards the end of the flight and when we landed the plane jumped and swerved. It was not fun. At all.

Anyways, after the horrible plane ride we rented a car and began the hike to Ruidoso.

Jarrod is really excited about driving to Ruidoso...

...but, then again, so am I

Welcome to New Mexico, Jarrod!

Welcome to New Mexico, Kimberly!

A cross on top of a large hill. I thought it was pretty

View of the mountains

Once in Ruidoso, we found the cabin we would be staying at (thank you Nana and Pop) and found a local restaraunt to eat at. After that we were exhausted and called it a day.

Jarrod and I at the Country Club near the cabin

The next day we decided we would go see the horse races and visit the casino for some gambling! I have never been to a horse race, so I had no idea what to expect. It was a lot of fun. On the last race I told Jarrod to bet on horse #8 - because "the number 8 has always been good to us." And the horse won! We left $0.30 richer after it was all said and done.

Our bet

Our horse

And they're off!

Our horse won!

After the horse races we headed over to the rehearsal dinner for our friends who were getting married. We had a great time mingling with some of Jarrod's coworkers and polka dancing!

The next day was the wedding. The ceremony took place in Mescalero, New Mexico at an Apache mission. It was absolutely gorgeous.

View of the church from the highway

St. Joseph's Apache Mission

View from inside

Husband and wife!

The reception was back in Ruidoso at a local inn. There was a lot of dancing, laughing and just all around good times.

Jarrod and I at the wedding reception

My Jones soda bottle cap fortune from the reception

It was a wonderful weekend and it was a great time to just relax with my hubby. Now it is back to the grind and the every day routine!