Well, 4th of July weekend is already upon us (here in the US). And I started mine off with a bang. Literally. I had a fantastic day yesterday and then topped the night off with a fireworks show. I love good times like that.

Yesterday morning I woke up and headed to the gym first thing. I did 2.5 miles of incline walking on the treadmill with Jodi Picoult’s new novel House Rules, which I am already loving. It was the perfect way to start my day. You know how they say you see fireworks when you fall in love? Well, that’s how I feel from reclaiming my fitness mojo. I saw shooting stars, fireworks, and sugarplums dancing through my head after a week of regularly being back in the gym.

After my workout, I came home for a quick snack and then packed up to go visit a good friend. Our friendship has taken off like a firework since both of us having children. We just bond so well and I always look forward to our time together. Yesterday we decided to enjoy the not excruciatingly painful from so much heat pleasant weather with a visit to the splash fountains at a local park. We were able to chat while the kiddos drenched themselves in joy and water.

The afternoon included naps and more painful news from A/C guys who are determined to rob us of 1/4 of our savings to replace our unit. I guess that is what savings are for, but it’s still hard to think of it dropping so much with one expense. Especially since without me working we don’t really build up our savings much month to month right now. C’est la vie, I guess.

I took my mind off the thought of donning a cardboard sign on the corner to earn some A/C money by succumbing to a serious craving of mine. BBQ. Oh, saucy, savory, juicy, messy, can’t get enough BBQ. I don’t know what it is about pregnancy that leaves me nonchalant about most sweets, but intensely hankering for things like BBQ, Chinese, Mexican, and pizza.And yes, those cravings are so strong that I do in fact see those notable fireworks yet again when sinking my teeth into a pulled pork sandwich.

Oh, wait. This time the fireworks soared across the night sky before my eyes, instead of in my head.

Please pretend that is a quality shot. Alright? Good. The night ended with a solid 20 minute display of non-stop fireworks. Our town always does their firework show a night or two before the 4th and we attend every year. I love this holiday and the time spent with loved ones and friends…almost as much as I love seeing Makenzie’s face light up with delight over the evening. Pure bliss. And the fireworks in all forms prove that.

• Do you enjoy holidays like the 4th or whatever national day of celebration occurs in your country? What is your favorite part? I love any and all holidays. I adore the traditions that accompany them and the special time with those I care about. I love holidays even more now, because watching them through a child’s eyes will cause your heart to quake with emotion.
• What are you looking forward to this weekend? Well, today we have no plans besides errands, but tomorrow I will be spending it with my family before my brother leaves to go back to Arizona.

Howdy friends! We are almost done with Thursday and then we are one day closer to a three-day weekend. Well for those of us living in the US and working in jobs that give Monday off. And Happy Canada Day to all you Northern friends out there.

I am in such a good mood today. I think not being under house arrest helps out just a teensy bit. Although, I did have to get up earlier to drive Peter to work so I could get around today. Being a one-car family is no fun! I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if we lived in an area where you could actually walk to get anywhere. Sadly, that is not even remotely the case. So I drive. To eat donuts no less. 😀

Thursday is always playgroup day for the Mom’s Group I am in, and after being away almost all of June, I was excited to attend today. Since so many people were attending, the location got moved last minute from my friend’s house to the special local doughnut shop.

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Dutch Monkey Doughnuts has amazing creations and when I found out we were meeting here I knew my resolve would be nonexistent. I indulged in a blueberry lemon poppyseed doughnut. It was a lemon poppyseed donut with a light lemon glaze and topped with fresh blueberries. Yes, it was amazing and yes, I am saddened I did not have my camera to capture the beauty. It was certainly a good start to my day. Even more so when accompanied by great friends and being able to finally share my pregnancy news with them. The support of friends is so heart-warming. 🙂

After noshing lemony goodness, I had to go back to Peter’s work to pick him up so he could be home for an A/C estimate. I will leave that one at OUCH! A/C isn’t so important is it??? After all, I can escape the heat with doctor visits and library runs.

I had to return the three books I finished from vacation. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Book #2 (9/10), They Did It With Love (8/10), and A Hopeless Romantic (6/10).

I was pleased with each of these books. A Hopeless Romantic was a little dragged out, but it was still fun to read. The other two I highly recommend if you are looking for a summer read. I also needed to pick up a book to keep me company during the wait time at the doctor.

I had my last visit of the first trimester today. It was all good news, baby! I heard the heartbeat for the first time, which was amazing. I got a clean bill of health from all my blood work. And I even had a healthy weight “gain”. I was a little frustrated because I asked them not to tell me my weight or how much I gain since I don’t plan on knowing either during my pregnancy. The nurse made sure to not say anything except things were healthy, but then the midwife let it slip that I actually lost a pound when she was reviewing my progress. She just wanted to assure me that it’s fine during the first trimester, but I really don’t care to know. At least it did reaffirm that listening to your body (even on vacation and amidst eating doughnuts), whether preggo or not,  is fine and dandy. Your body is smart and will do what it needs to do.

Now I need to eat and then settle in with my new book and the So You Think You Can Dance results show later. Nighty-night!

• Do you live an area you have to drive everywhere or somewhere that promotes walking/biking? That is one thing I like about cities. The ability to walk to almost anywhere. Small-town suburbia is not designed for that at all.
• What is a treat that you ADORE and have a hard time turning down? Mine would be GOOD doughnuts or freshly baked cookies. Also lately for me is anything lemon flavored. I was a gonner today that’s for sure!