Around Here Lately...

I am enjoying some free time and relaxation before Baby Boy Clancy rocks our world, so I have not been keeping up with the blog. Here are some pictures to recap the past few months...

We took a trip to Kentucky to go on the Bourbon Trail with our sweet friends Angela & Steve. 

Wrapping Up 2015

Like most of you, these past few weeks have been so busy and chaotic. My last post was just before our trip to the mountains to celebrate my birthday, and since then I have roasted marshmallows by the fire pit on a regular basis, traveled to a wedding, drank too much at neighborhood festivities, enjoyed time with our family for the holidays, traveled to KC to meet my newest niece (Sadie Kay), enjoyed the abnormal warm weather with our pups, earned my CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management), recovered from bronchitis, suffered with terrible back problems ... and the list goes on and on. Here are a few pictures to get everyone up to speed. 

Thanksgiving, Sadie Kay and Christmas deserve a post of their own... so stay tuned! :) 

I plan to do a video montage of our weekend at the cabin. My girlfriends and I love taking funny videos of one another, and Ashley and Lauren sent me their collection from that fun weekend. The montages are simple but very time consuming, so now that things will slow down a bit I hope to create the video. :) 

Work Life Balance... Say Whaaatt?

I am absolutely loving my new job! I am very interested in learning the Project Management industry, and I know the company will be such a great fit for me. Shane has really taught me to work to live rather than live to work, and I am SO grateful that I have reasonable work hours and a job so close to home. 

I am able to sleep until 8:00 a.m. and get to work by 8:30. I am home by 5:15 and even have a full hour lunch break. I have enjoyed going home during my lunch break and spending time with the dogs. I will take them on a quick walk or play with them in the backyard. It also gives me a chance to set out something for dinner or start a load of laundry. It is CRAZY to have so much free time. 

I have been able to work out, run an errand or two and still have dinner on the stove before Shane even walks in the door. I have really enjoyed showing him my love through acts of service! I am so appreciative of Shane's unwavering support throughout my career! He is the best! 

This past weekend we hosted our annual football party. Several of my friends weren't able to come, but the house was packed with our incredible neighbors! Sunday we ran errands and took an afternoon drive to visit my Aunt Alison. I have loved the convertible in this gorgeous weather! Everyone NEEDS a convertible! :) 

The dogs have loved the weather, too. It makes me so happy that they are able to go outside and play during my lunch break!

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^^^ This was too cute not to share

Tonight I am going out to dinner with a group of ladies from the neighborhood! It will be so fun to spend time with them. I was rarely able to attend any weeknight events because I was always stuck in terrible ATL traffic, but I don't have to worry about that anymore! Whoo hoo!

A Week Between

In the little time that I had to update the blog, I know I have mentioned how busy I have been with work, business travel and my 3 hour round-trip commute. I am thrilled to announce that I have found an incredible new job at a company just 3 miles from our home. It will be such a blessing. 

It was an honor to work as the Regional Marketing Coordinator for the largest labor and employment law firm in the nation, but I have elected to change industries and make a balanced life more of a priority. I will now be working at a local company in the Project Management industry. While my career is still a priority, I have determined that I would not be able to balance other priorities with that role. I know this new position will allow for a better work-life balance and for that I am so grateful! 

What will I do with all of this free time?? Well I was able to have a lot of free time this past week, and I used it to be productive. It feels great to catch up on all of the things I never had time to do when I was so busy with my career. 

The new company asked that I start at the beginning of a pay period, but my two weeks notice at my old company didn't match up with the time frame and it has been incredible to have an entire week off with no work emails flooding my inbox! I have never had a true week off without work emails or work emergencies. I thought I would get stir crazy, but really I am enjoying being productive at a leisurely pace :) 

Last Friday was my last day, and Shane took me out to dinner to celebrate. Saturday I went to the store and saw a few friends that invited us to a football party in the neighborhood. We spent the weekend eating, drinking and cheering on the Dawgs! 

After hosting a Rodan & Fields party at my house, we went to another neighbor's house for "Driveway Drinking" where we all hangout in their driveway so all the kids can run wild. They ran wild all right... all over Mr. Shane. 

On Sunday I went to the pool to enjoy some time off while Shane worked on a house project. 

Shane was off work on Monday for Labor Day, so it was fun to spend an extra day together. We had a great day at the pool. We had fun with the neighborhood corn hole tournament. (We have such an incredible neighborhood!) 

I went for a jog on Monday night and then took the doggies for a walk. It was refreshing, but I am STILL sore. I am literally SO out of shape. I never work out. I plan to use some of my new-found free time to get in a healthier routine. 

On Tuesday, I drove to Grayson to take Munca to lunch for her birthday. I had a few things to do on that side of town, so I spent the night with my parents.That evening, we were able to FaceTime with Lissa and Jason and they announced they are having a girl!! Both of my sisters are pregnant with girls, and I am thrilled! I now have 4 nieces and a nephew!!

On Wednesday, I went to my mom's school (which Rowan calls Mimi's school) and surprised her for lunch. After bringing my mom a Starbucks and meeting her third graders I waited in the hall outside of the cafeteria for Rowan's class. She was the line leader, so as soon as she turned the corner she saw me. She look shocked and yelled, "Celeste!!!!" Her reaction shocked me because she has always called me Aunt C. I gave her a big hug and picked her up and she burst into tears. When I asked her why she was crying, she said, "because you are my best friend"

How freakin' sweet! I am so in love with my sweet Ro! She was thrilled to show me how she walks through the line and picks out her lunch. 

I gave her ice cream money for later in the week, and she seemed to like that!

Later that day, I had a dentist appointment that took longer than expected so I was able to meet my grandparents for dinner. It worked out perfect because I was able to spend time with them and miss all of traffic. :) We are excited to celebrate Papa's 85th birthday next month. Ms. Peggy's mom turns 99 soon! Can you believe that?!

I have crossed so much off of my to do list, and I am so grateful to have more free time to stay caught up. Today I am running errands to get ready for our annual football party (We always host a party at our house for the first UGA away game).

I start my new job on Monday, and I have a feeling that it will be great! 

XoXo

Catch Up Post

Hello All! :) 

Once again, I have failed at keeping up with the blog, but here is my valiant attempt to catch everyone up to speed. 

This summer was a bit crazy, but I was so thankful for a trip to the beach with the best friends in the world. 

Shane and I celebrate our 5 year dating anniversary at the beginning of July. I love that our anniversary is over a holiday weekend because we always have time to celebrate!

I can't believe we will be celebrating 3 years of marriage at the end of this month! Where has the time gone? We are loving our time together as a couple before we have kiddos. 

^^^ These dogs are so adorable! 

I love when Shane writes me sweet notes on the mirror. 

Typical Rock-O! His drool is all over our house. Our poor housekeeper :( 

We were so thrilled to meet Gatlin and spend time with Russell and his family. Shane looks like a natural holding 3 babies! 

Both of my sisters are pregnant right now, and we are loving being Aunt C and Uncle Shane. We spend out free time sleeping, traveling and going on weekly dates! I know when we do have kids we will be so thankful for this time together. It is so fun to be married to your best friend! 

Shane and I both traded in our Prius for a new car. I got a convertible and he got a truck :) I have always wanted a convertible, so I have really enjoyed it!

I love spending summer days by the pool, and I really love when Shane joins me! He normally prefers to work on a project or do something productive, but sometimes I can convince him to chill poolside! 

There are hundred of pictures of our dogs on my phone... I think I am obsessed! 

They love when we lay on the floor with them. They would cuddle all day! 

We took the to Lake Acworth recently. It is just 10 minutes from our house, and they got to ride in the back of the truck! 

When we brought them home, we bathed them and brushed Polly. Our yard was covered in her hair! 

My sweet Rowan started Kindergarten (and you better believe I cried)

We went to my parents the day before the kids went back to school. I gave them each a present and ice cream money. When I asked Rowan what she was most excited about in regards to starting "Mimi's school" I thought she would say something about her friends or recess, but this prissy little thing said she was most excited that her hair was straight for school. Sabrina spent a few hours straightening it for her, and when we walked past the pool that evening she said "No one get my hair wet!" Haha! 

^^ Our sweet Paw Paw

Shane and I are normally worn out by Friday evenings (which is why we do our weekly date night on Monday nights), but one Friday night we were having a drink on the back porch and he wanted to go up to the pool. We were the only ones up there, and we had so much fun hanging out and listening to music! We ended up going to a neighbors that night and spending time with our friends which was a fun way to start off the weekend. 

Our Saturdays are normally pretty lazy in the morning. I let Rock sneak on the sofa if Shane is still sleeping. He can hear when Shane is coming downstairs, and his eyes get so wide and he gets a nervous/frantic look on his face. Haha! 

We went to Ashley and Seth's wedding shower recently and had so much fun. Our sweet neighbors took care of the dogs so we could spend the night at the party. (We literally have the best neighbors in the world! We have 10-12 couples that we just adore!) 

I am so thankful for these friends of mine! 

I am stoked that Candace has moved back from Chicago! Our group is now complete again! 

We celebrated baby Claire's first birthday. Shane and I gave her a bottle of wine to be opened for a toast on her wedding day. Jennifer cried when she read the card. It was so sweet to spend time with her family. :) Jennifer was my first boss, and has mentored me both personally and professionally since day one! Oh how I love my Jennifer! 

Our housekeeper came this weekend, and we wanted to get out of the house so we weren't in her way. We ran errands and went shopping, and then we went to see Jurassic World in 3D. It was so cool! I really enjoyed it! 

That evening we played with Jackson and Bryson, and they enjoyed taking a ride in the convertible :) 

Bryson lost his first tooth! 

Our fall is filling up fast with weddings, showers, a trip to the mountains and to Jamaica... the calendar is filled with lots of exciting things! So much to be thankful for! 

Until next time... 

XoXo

Random Recap

After over two months without a single post, the best way to update the blog is by yet another random recap. Fail! 

Here is my attempt to cover all the bases. 

Shane joined a team of our neighbors and participated in the Savage Race. The wives had fun drinking mimosas and cheering for our hubbies. 

Shane lost about 40 pounds training for this race. I was so proud of his hard work and dedication! 

^^^ HOTTIE!! 

My parents came to spend time with us, and we showed my mama the Mimi tree. 

I went to Boston for work, and it is one of my favorite cities. The architecture is gorgeous! 

On the flight home, I set next to Frankie Ballard. He was super nice. 

We were able to go to Covington to The Boyd's' Annual Fish Fry. It was so great to spend time with them and see all of the kids! They had fun playing with Mr. Shane (the man in the striped shirt and baseball hat)

Our neighbors were so generous to invite us out on the lake with them. It was nice to escape reality and have some fun in the sun. 

As always, I can't write a post without pictures of our babies!

We have been doing a lot of projects around the house to get it back just the way I like it (clean, organized and welcoming)

The front door was weathered and needed a fresh coat of stain. 

Shane and I worked together to sand and stain it. I am not lying when I say there is nothing this man can't do! He amazes me!

I had a work trip in Houston and rushed back to make it to Rowan's preschool graduation. It was worth the exhaustion to see her face light up when she saw me. 

How precious is her sweet smile?

Shane had to work, so he wan't able to make it, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world! 

On the weekends, Shane and I sleep as late as possible. Sweet Rocky always comes and shoves his face right by mine. 

That same weekend, we went with our neighbors to Shaky Boots music festival. It was so fun! 

Then I headed back to Gwinnett to take Rowan to see The Little Mermaid ballet. She loved the show, and it was fun to spend time with my mama and Munca! 

We bought a pool table for the "man room", and Shane made a really cool light to hang above it. 

Like I said... there is not a thing this man is not capable of! 

He saved money by buying lamps at Goodwill instead of buying a lamp kit at Home Depot. 

He took a break from his project to hang out poolside with Russell. It was so great to see him! 

Here is the light! He used Buffalo Trace whiskey bottles. 

We hosted a cookout at our house to celebrate David's birthday.

Munca was pleased to save her stamp since she hand-delivered her birthday card to David. (She really will re-use the stamp)

Shane set up our tent in the backyard for the kids to play in. 

We made s'mores, and then David and Sabrina headed home while the kids stayed for a slumber party. 

Rowan wants to be a chef when she grows up, so she helped me make breakfast. 

Let's just say she will be a very distracted chef. It took about two minutes before she was ready to play outside, or play dress up with Polly, or attempt to wake Shane up (again!), or want to color... the list goes on! 

Both the kids helped make Favorite Aunt Cathy's banana nut bread. It was really yummy, and Shane took it to work to share with his new co-workers. Isaiah was exited to add chocolate chips! 

After cleaning up, we played at the house and then walked in the new section of our neighborhood. The kids liked walking through the houses. 

Then we were off to the pool. 

We packed a picnic and ate by the pool. 

Then we went to the playground before it was time to take the kids back home. 

^^^ Another random picture of Rocko and Paw Paw 

After a business trip to Dallas, I flew up to Kansas to surprise Lissa for her 30th birthday. I flew in on Thursday night, and Tina picked me up from the airport. 

We met up with Justin after picking up Makenzie, and then we headed to dinner. 

The next day, we helped at Mak's school. It was exhausting. So many kids everywhere...yelling, crying, screaming, laughing, biting! Oh my goodness, I am tired just thinking about it! 

While Tina and I were at "field day", my parents and Alison flew in for the surprise. 

Mimi was so excited to see Mak. 

And Mak loved seeing Dada. 

Tina left Mak with a babysitter that night, and we headed to The Plaza for the surprise. 

Lissa thought that Jason was taking her out for a nice dinner (which he was) but she had no idea we were all there! 

She laughed and cried! It was such a sweet surprise!

It is rare that we can all spend time together, so I was grateful for this night. 

It was so fun celebrating her #dirtythirty. 

Makenzie loves playing with he baby doll. She drops her a lot and picks her up by the pacifier, but besides that she is sweet with her. She could use a little more practice before her baby brother or sister comes in December! I can finally announce on social media that Tina and Justin are expecting another baby! :) 

Mak had fun helping me get ready for the party! I don't know that Juju was so happy about the makeup, but that's what aunts are for! 

Mak likes to take her clothes off, and she doesn't mind where she is. Around the house, at the dinner table, Target, etc. She is a wild child for sure!

She loves Jason. I think he is her favorite (for now at least!)

Shane and I went on a double date on Friday night to PF Chang. It was so fun to spend time with Brooks and Christina. 

I snapped this sweet picture of Rocky and Polly staring at each other. These two are inseparable! 

We spent the weekend doing things around the house and we went to the pool for a bit. 

It was a low key and productive weekend. I got a facial and ran some errands. 

I did a lot of packing for my girl's beach trip. I can't wait to spend the week in Seaside with my best friends celebrating Ashley! We have a lot of fun things in store for the bride-to-be! 

Until next time...