Our NEW Home

So...after searching for homes in our new city and watching tons of them get sold immediately, Brad and I decided to build a home! Although we had a home in SC, this will be our home TOGETHER with both of our names on the mortgage! It's fun being married :)

Through the advice of several wise people in our lives, we decided on Skogman Homes. We were very impressed with the builder, the quality of the homes, and the reputation of the builder in our neighborhood and city. We also absolutely loved the neighborhood we are building in. It is the perfect mix of young couples, families, and older, retired couples. As we drove through the neighborhood we saw kids running around playing together, neighbors outside talking and laughing, and beautiful homes. What more could we ask for?!? We bought one of the last lots in the neighborhood, so the neighborhood will soon be complete!

Ground was broken on our lot on July 30th and our home is scheduled to be complete early November! Our possession/move-in date is scheduled for November 16th!! Fast right?!? Here are a few of the pictures we have taken of our home being built. At the end of the process, I am going to make an album of the timeline of our first home being built!



Turkey Taco Casserole ~ Clean Eating

Apparently, I have a thing for turkey meat! How can you not though?!? It's perfect for cooking clean eating meals. I always buy the 97% Lean turkey meat.

I found this recipe on a Clean Eating blog. I can't quite remember the name of the blog though. I made this about a month ago and have been hooked ever since! It's so quick and easy and it's perfect to bring for lunch!

Turkey Taco Casserole
Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean ground turkey meat
• 1 packet, low sodium taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup cooked brown rice

Directions:

• Start boiling water for rice. Cook 1 cup of rice according to packaging.
• Brown turkey meat in a skillet according to package.
• After turkey meat is fully cooked, add 1 package taco seasoning and mix together well.
• Turn down heat on stove to low. Add 1 can of black beans while meat is still on the skillet.
• After rice is cooked, add 1 cup of brown rice to the casserole.
• Serve! I like to add salsa to mine, but I like it a little spicier. The blog I read also suggested adding some shredded cheese and sour cream (that will raise the calorie count!)

If you try it...I hope you like it!



We Are Married!!!!!!!!!!!

August 18, 2012 was the best day of our lives. We are finally married and are husband and wife!

God is so good. Brad and I both give all the glory and thanks to God for allowing us to experience the things we did throughout our lives and preparing us for each other. We can both say, "It was worth the wait!" and neither of us would change a thing. Every situation, person, and event made us who we are and prepared us for each other. It could never be anyone else. We are best friends, each other's one true love, other half, "Whatever our sould are made of, his and mine are the same." (Emily Bronte)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rehearsal Night/Dinner

Can I just say, I have an amazing family AND amazing in-laws! Brad and I are both so blessed to come from wonderful families! We had such a wonderful night at our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Our rehearsal at the chapel went very well and our Pastor just kept the jokes going all night! We ran through everything a few times and then it was off to dinner!

Our Rehearsal dinner was at Mimi's Cafe on Woodruff Road in Greenville. We had a nice, intimate back room and our service was amazing!! The food was delicious, the family time was memorable, and the memories will last a life time. Love our families!! Thank you Mom and Dad Bishop for the wonderful evening!



 

 

 

Wedding Weekend!!

It's finally wedding time!! We left Cedar Falls Tuesday evening and drove down to Brad's parents house. We got up on Wednesday and made the drive down to G-vegas!! Thursday we spent some time at the pool with Brad's family and then got everyone who was in town and went to Greenville's downtown. We ate at the Carolina House, walked around Falls Park, and got some yummy Gelato!! Thursday night was a perfect way to relax with family!



DIY ~ Front Door Letter

Oh Pinterest...how I love you and your inspiration. If anyone hasn't noticed, I LOVE monograms ~ True to the South! :) Here's one I made for our front door. Just our "B" not the full monogram.

Last Piece of the Puzzle ~ Moving

Well...the move is final! Belle and I made the drive from Greenville, South Carolina to the Quad Cities in Iowa on August 3rd. A total of 13 hours! We met Brad at his parent's house is the Quad Cities on Friday. After spending the weekend with them, we traveled the remaining 2 hours to our new town ~ Cedar Falls on Sunday! We are finally ALL here!! Here are a few pictures :)

TL: me and Belle, TR: sleepy, BL: checking things out, BR: lunch-yum



TL: Belle sleeping, TR: scenery, BL: highway driving, BR: lots of luggage