Happy 4th of July!!

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Yay for living in America!!

I love the 4th of July! I love the patriotism of this country and how holidays bind us together. It truly is beautiful.

This weekend was actually a big weekend. Saturday, we went to the Zoo, Saturday night, we went to Phillip and Emily's to hang out again. Love them.

Sunday, we went to church and then had lunch at Emily's parents' house. Then we came home and Jamie napped, while I looked at houses online and then went on a long walk. By the way, I'm on a pool kick. It's been soooo hot here and my lumpy body has yet to touch a pool. Or a puddle for that matter. There's something wrong with that. So, we're about to move to an even hotter location, so I'm thinkin' a pool is a must! Right? I think so. Last night, we also had dinner with BJ and Sarah at Cici's. Only the best for us :) Then they came over, and Sarah and I solved all of life's problems through great conversation, while Jamie and BJ killed people via Call of Duty. Gosh, we are so different from our spouses. I love it.

I've also been watching way too much of "The City" on Instant Netflix. I'm a class act.

Back to the 4th.
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What are you doing today?

Are you hanging out with friends and/or family?

Are you swimming in a humongo pool?

Are you watching fireworks?
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I heard fireworks for about 2 straight hours last night. Leia was less than thrilled about that. And they weren't like a mile away. They were going off in our neighborhood. Yeah, I don't find that wise. I like watching fireworks from afar, but I'm a not a big fan of balls of fire flying up in the air just a few houses down from mine. Thanks, folks.

Are you decorating your bike or Barbie jeep to stroll down a neighborhood parade? That's what I did every year growing up. We lived in this great little, private neighborhood called Mill Creek Pond, and every 4th of July, we had a huge parade down the big hill and we were all decked out in the most extravagant red, white and blue attire! Then we had a huge picnic with games, fishing and paddle boats, and so much more! I remember those days so well and miss them dearly. I'm hope they've continued the Mill Creek Pond 4th of July celebration!

Are you going to or doing your on BBQ?
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A guy Jamie works with is on a BBQ team here in Memphis and has invited us over to his house this evening. He always does a big tailgate at all the Memphis football games and we went to one last year. When we left, he gave us a 2 pound pork shoulder that he smoked, and oh my tasty! The BEST pork I've ever had! All this to say, I'd really like to go to his party tonight. Jamie doesn't think he's cooking. Bull-honky, James. Of course he is! Hopefully we'll get some good grub, because I'm not in the mood to cook. Sorry, babe.

So, I'm not 100% sure what we're doing, but we'll celebrate somehow!

A Jamie and Abby Competition:

This is completely unrelated to patriotism or Independence Day, but my beloved and I are bound and determined to lose some lb's and we've added a little wager to the table. For those of you who know me, I don't have a competitive bone in my body, but we both need to shed the weight. We're talkin' 15+ pounds each. So. Here's the deal. We have until September 1st to lose the weight (and not that we'll stop there, but that's when the competition stops). The first one to lose 15 pounds before September 1st gets a prize. Jamie can buy a video game (no, I'm not married to a 12-year-old), and I can buy a pedicure. I NEVER buy pedi's for myself, but as you know, they're one of my favorite things in the world! I am bound and determined to win this competition with my dear permanent boyfriend. Bring it on, James. You're going down!!!

Well, I think my hot hubster is finally awake and I'm going to start off our morning with a healthy smoothie :) Then I'll go on a nice long walk and do some weight lifting (well on my way to winning the competition!) and hopefully go to that dinner party tonight. I'll keep you updated.

I'm off to watch more of The City, because as I've said before, I'm classy like that.

Have a great day, my dear friends and family. Happy 4th of July! God bless you all and know that I love you!