ice skating...woah.

So this past weekend Trent insisted we go on a date night.  He googled around and created the most perfect plan!

1.  Dinner at Bazbeaux's...the MOST delish pizza:)  It is also the location of our first date so it of course holds a special place in my heart.

Isn't it adorable?  Right on the lovely monon trail and is ADORABLE inside.  Now clearly this is not a current photo, thank you urban spoon, I lamely did not charge my camera battery!!!  But even if I did take a current picture it is gray and gross out right now and summer pictures are always better than winter...unless it is snow, then it is a toss up....sorry...continuing on....

2.  COSMIC ICE SKATING!!!!  Say what?!  I know, I know, it sounds like madness, but it is a real thing.  Lots of fun bring lights, disco balls and ice which equals super fun.  You should go. Carmel Ice Skadium.

Now, I am not a super great skater.  I have hit the ice SEVERAL times in my life, but not this time!  That guy of mine held my hand the entire time.  He even enjoyed my synopsis of the cinematic masterpiece of Cutting Edge.

Wikipedia had a different cover than I remember, but still a better depiction of the movie

Now when I say synopsis, I actually mean in depth play by play...the plot details, my personal review of the movie, the funny little jokes from the movie, what I thought he would enjoy about the movie, all of these things and so much more were all included.  Might as well have acted the whole thing out for him.  Haven't seen the movie?  Well since we are not ice skating you will have to look it up yourself here.  Until this night I had no idea I had such strong emotions toward this movie...and really I am unsure of when the last time I saw the movie.  All of things led my lovely husband to point out I really really talk a lot when I am nervous...and boy was he right.  Eventually my nervousness decreased and I was doing triple luxes and those insanely fast spins that those Olympians do.

3.  Next stop on super date night was HANDELS.  Be still my heart.  BEST.ICE.CREAM.EVER.

4.  Not a planned stop, but we went to Stein Mart so I could look for a pair of heeled oxfords.  No luck but so sweet of my non-shopping pal to stop.

Nice to document a lovely Saturday night.  I am sure 10 years from now I will look back on this night fondly.  Life is good.  Thank God.

xoxoxo

the lovely things in life

I have been working on resolution #9.  For those of you who have forgotten #9 is working on being more positive.  Don't feel bad, I didn't remember which number it was either.  So in my effort to pass positivity on I have been counting my blessings.  ANYWAYS I am very lucky to have a wonderful nephew and niece to help bring sunshine into my life.  So I thought today would be the day I discuss their greatness.

As you can see above they are ADORABLE.  I must say as biased as my opinion may be, take it for what it is worth, they are THE CUTEST.  And not only are the AMAZINGLY beautiful, they are also hilarious and sweet.  Most of the time they are so happy and so fun (I must say most of the time because sometimes they require a nap or snack which may make them grumpy...it is possible they get that from their lovely Auntie Nel:))  I swear these 2 can enter a room and the world just feels like a better place.  

Derrick has the best imagination.  Everything turns into an adventure when he is around.  I love the way he sees the world.  He can tell a story like no other.  So much vivid detail that you have to ask, did that really happen?  He also is quick witted and loves telling jokes...one day he will master them but for now he can practice on Auntie Nel and Uncle Trent all he wants.  Uncle Trent and he are BFFs.  I swear they are twins...just exactly 20 years and 1 day a part.

Little SJ is her mommy's mini me.  She is much more quiet than her counterpart, but that doesn't mean she can be ignored.  She is feisty and then loving.  And 97% of the time she is smiling ear to ear. It is amazing to watch her personality come out more and more.  This little lady has Uncle Trent wrapped around her finger.  There is a mutual admiration between these two that hurts my heart it is so sweet.

 Are those not the cutest little feet ever?!?!  :)

Oh and that lovely lady pointing is their brilliant mommy.  I am so thankful she and my brother in law had these 2 little bundles of joy.  They have made my life so much greater just by being.

I hope that these two kiddos will feel this way about me as they grow up and we continue to be best friends (or at least that is what I tell them we are, maybe one day they will agree:))

Hope you are counting your blessings today, it is better than complaining...right?!

xoxoxo

well....

Sometimes life really throws you a curve ball and you don't know why.  This has happened to us the last few days.  Even though we are still in the middle of this I have learned (or relearned) a few things.  Since I am a sucker for a good list, here we go...
1.  Thankfully Trent and I have a strong relationship and when life gets hard, we get closer.
2.  I have the greatest husband.  You can try and argue, I won't ever agree.  He makes me smile even when i am sad...that is one amazing trait.
3.  My friends and family are the best.  It is amazing how in times of pain how they all rally around and make life better.
4.  I have a strong faith and I know there is a reason for everything...we just don't know what that is yet.
5.  Harry Potter really does make for lovely viewing (I have watched 5 of the 8 in the last 2 days)
6.  That everything will be ok, it always is.

For everyone who has sent their love and support, we couldn't make it through without you.  Thank you for being you.  We are so very lucky to have you.

xoxo

i want to buy a zoo...

Oh my goodness, I went with a few of my gal pals to see "We Bought a Zoo"  I have to be honest, from the previews I was like..."eh, maybe it would be a decent movie."  However, I had so many people tell me they saw it and loved it.  So when Jen and Bran texted me about going I jumped at the chance (the fact that Trent and his brother were playing XBox should not negate from me wanting to go:))

Now be prepared, it will pull at your heartstrings (it has some tearjerker moments but totally worth it), but it is so beautifully written.  The animals are breathtaking, and you fall in love with the characters.  I was completely drawn into their lives, their struggles and triumphs.  It is completely inspiring.  I plan on making Trent watch it, I think he will love it.

I must leave you with this last quote and I plan to incorporate this into my life..."All it takes is 20 seconds of insane courage and great things will happen. I promise."  Need I say more?  I think not.


xoxoxox


P.S. Guess i could say more, I MUST BUY THE BOOK.... thank you Amazon.

woah! better work on this quick...

Here we are, day 4 and i almost have messed up my number 1 resolution.  LOSER!  Well now that wasn't very positive (sorry resolution #9).  Without further ado I will now work on resolution #1 with post #2 for the week.

So it is the 4th day of 2012 and I already have summer fever.  Ready for a change in weather (and wardrobe), lovely green grass, wearing 1 layer of clothes whilst running (yesterday's run had 3 layers, just getting ready was a workout!).  All i can think about is summer vacations, skirts and sandals oooo and lots of summer food...you know, tomatoes, cucumbers....last but not least, i miss the sun.

Isn't this a sweet picture of my sweet nephew enjoying summer?!

The good news is that Friday it will be 49 degrees.  That is almost spring right?!

Also, did this seem negative?! I can't break #9!!!!!  Nah I didn't complain about the lack of sun, the frigid air, the lack of even snow to make the drab days bearable...so yes, this was positive!

Are you missing summer too?!  If so, hang in there.  We will be in sunshine soon. 

Or let's just go back to St. Thomas....:)

xoxox

Oh 2012, I just know you are going to be a good one!

Happy New Years!!!  2011 brought us so many amazing things...an engagement, our marriage, celebrating weddings and so many birthdays, wonderful vacations, lots of time spent with friends and family (although not enough time with either).  While 2011 had lots of laughter and love, it unfortunately also had some major heartbreak and tears.  Regardless, I still will count 2011 as the best one yet.  I look for 2012 to have even more love, laughter and happiness.  I insist on it...for everyone.

As with masses, I also set resolutions. Trent thinks that January 1st is no reason to make resolutions and that life is ever changing and we should makes those changes all year.  Yes, he has a good point, but i do love a good resolution.  Figure I might as well include them in this snapshot of our life, hopefully it will help me keep them:)  So, without further ado...

1.   Post on my little blog at least 4 times a week.
2.   Actually make the diy things that I pin on pinterest. (there are just so many projects to do!)
3.   Keep running!
4.   Take time to enjoy the small things in life.
5.   Cook a new meal once a week.
6.   Build that savings account!
7.   Be more organized and tidy.
8.   Eat less sugar.
9.   Keep working on being more positive:)
10. Why have 10?  That seems so cliche...so here we are with 9.  I am good with it.  You should be too:)

Okay, so that is what I have for now, fingers crossed i can stick with these goals.  I feel as though I can.

I will leave you with this little lovely.  Hope the start to your new year has been amazing!  Can't wait to hear about it:)

xoxoxox