Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Real Life 333.365

After both Mono and I having pretty frustrating long and tiring days today, we walked up our stairs from the garage and as I was opening the door I said, "Ah, Mono, aren't you so glad we are home and can just relax and enjoy our night?" Shut door. Crash, bang, shatter.... Silence. I knew what had just happened. I turned around, opened the door to the garage and saw this: 
Oh, and it actually doesn't look all that bad in the pictures! I wish it was this good looking in real life!

I was so happy going to sleep last night, having had our kitchen in perfect order, smelling sparkly clean. We had just arranged everything in nice containers, baskets, etc. I was really happy. I cannot stress enough the level of happiness. In fact, before I went to bed last night I did a walk around in the house just admiring all the hard work and how lovely and clean everything looked. I did that very thing again this morning when I woke up and all was still and quiet in the house.

After spending two hours cleaning up the carpeted stairs, I am sitting here, actually laughing at what happened and offering it up for a few people I know who are having much worse nights tonight. Believe it or not, I did not get mad even once. It was almost too crazy to get mad at. Sauce, both kinds, was spattered all over the walls, soaked in piles on the carpeting, glass everywhere, and I knew I had a long clean up ahead of me. I started by patting it all up with an entire brand new, extra large roll of paper towel, soaking the rest up with cold water, then rubbing it down with vinegar. After all the liquid work was done and semi-dry, Mono (who was lovingly helping me clean the garage floor and the walls the entire time), vacuumed the stairs to get all the remaining glass sucked up. I came back after him with a small hand held vacuum to get in the smaller crevices. Then we carried all the dirty and smelly cans that were still intact upstairs to be washed. I sprinkled baking soda on the carpet to help with the crazy, horrible, disgusting odor. And then, the cans were washed, kitchen floor cleaned and now, I am sitting here, with Mon and J, all cuddled up, treating myself to a glass of ice cold milk and a slice of caramel pie. ;) 

Do you like the smell of tomato sauce, pickles, apple sauce and vinegar? Well you should have come over to our house tonight! If you want to just soak in the smell, you are more than welcome to visit tomorrow as well... and maybe for 342 days after that. I am sure the smell will still be there. 

Like I mentioned earlier, offering this up was all I could think about. There are a couple of people that are dealing with loss, even tragic loss tonight. I can guarantee you that they would rather be cleaning up that mess 10x worse, for 10 hours straight to have their baby and dad back. Complaining about being on my hands and knees scrubbing for the past two hours was the last thing I was going to do. Please keep these two families in your prayers please.

You know, it's funny. I was telling my friend earlier this morning that I really needed to blog and was feeling very uncreative. I didn't know what exactly to write and how to get it out right. Well, this may not be creative but I certainly had something to write about!

Monday, November 28, 2011

The Empty Nest Syndrome 332.365

 I walked upstairs tonight and I got an idea of what the empty nest syndrome feels like. I call this room my nest so it really was an empty nest.
Mami and Papi have lived in this room for the past nine nights and I really got used to having them up there.
I loved knowing they were right upstairs and I am going to miss them terribly.
They left tonight after such a fun visit.
I think I have to make a rule.
If you come to visit, you have to stay for a minimum of one month.
Though then, when they left after a month, it'd be even harder...
I do have to figure out some solution to this though.
It looks lonely, doesn't it?
I'm pretty lucky that I love Mono's parents and they love me as much as we do.
Some people dread their in-laws.
Me, I wish they could just move right in.

Professional Pictures!

If you follow my blog, Megan is not a new name for you to hear me talk about. She is sooo sweet, soooo talented and a wonderful friend. A few years back I started following her amazing work on her blog and dreamed of the day I would meet someone, get married and have her photograph our wedding. Well, on October 1st, that dream became a reality and the celebrity in my life that she is, did not let us down one bit! Head on over to her blog post of our wedding and enjoy the pictures! PLEASE leave A COMMENT  - - ON HER POST - - within this week ONLY. We are aiming for 150 comments to win a large stretched canvas! Please, please, pretty please! Don't make me beg. ;) Oh and if you aren't married yet, don't hesitate to contact her so she can capture your beautiful day! 





Sunday, November 27, 2011

When Mom's Not Looking 331.365

Duncan is one of the most well behaved dogs I have ever met. No, make that he is the most well behaved dog I've ever met. When he was a bit younger, Mami trained him in Search and Rescue. He thrived during those years of training and working. Now as he gets a little older he's enjoying his retirement... at least when his mom is not looking. wink

Mami had gone up to bed and he followed her up like she asked. But that didn't last for even a minute. Before we knew it, he was back downstairs... and on the couch. I never see him on a couch, but I really liked it. He was so happy to be up there. Jimmy goes on the couch all the time and since Duncan is calm, well behaved and clean, I enjoy his company there too.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Friendship

I've been thinking a lot about this topic the past few days. I've been missing my first and dear friend, wishing I was there living nearby during this time in her life. Her first baby, a sweet, precious little boy was baptized yesterday and I couldn't be there. I wish more than anything I could have met him already and been there for his special day yesterday when he was baptized. I am dealing with friend issues in other areas, that are never fun. I am looking forward with excitement to a new and growing friendship in my new home. It's a friendship I hoped for for years and it is in the first stages, which has been a nice treat. And I spent tonight going back and forth with a long time friend just telling each other the most random facts about each other. It was the best. time. ever. Our favorite girl names - for future children are nearly exactly the same. They sound the same and are just off by one letter. It's funny how things like that work. They'll be the cutest of friends, just like us, just like our moms! Friendship is such a dear thing, but can be fickle at times. Tonight I am going to bed grateful for all of them though... and going to bed with my bestest of friends, my Mon, who I am oh, so grateful for! Good night all!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Black Friday 329.365

Mom, Mono, Mami and I went out for the first time ever to shop on Black Friday... though we went before Black Friday even hit. 

We hit the stores on Thanksgiving night, which to me, felt like a sin or something at first...

We made some great purchases, but they can't be discussed here on the blog since they consisted of some Christmas/birthday gifts. ;)

But I can share my purchase!!


A mortar and pestle.
In one of my favorite colors.

I have been wanting a mini one, but this is the smallest I have come across.
If anyone ever comes across a real small one, send me in it's direction!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

I Am Thankful For 328.365

Pictures from our day, along with what I am thankful for...
My project that I had been working on... A chalkboard wall for the kitchen, holding our meal list nicely!
1... Being married to my wonderful husband, Mono (We had such a beautiful wedding day and I am thankful for that too.) For all the fun, laughs and good times we have. To know that we have an entire lifetime ahead of us (unlike the 72 day lifetime we've been hearing about lately - ugh) to make memories and grow our lives together.
2... My family; parents, grandparents, and extended family. I am thankful that both of our families have blended together so well. You cannot tell the separation. They all get along so nicely. It's such a warm and comforting feeling.
Mom and Mami helping get ready for the big meal!
3... My friends, both near and far, forever friends and brand new. I am thankful to be able to say I am still just as close friends with my friend since the day I was born. 25 years and counting. For my best friend in Chicago, even though we are so far away and rarely get to see each other, that we are still the best of friends. For Jilly, who has been a friend since the day I was born as well, and even after years past of not being in touch, we have picked up like there was no time lost. And for all the new friends I am growing friendships with in my new home, I can't wait to see where God takes us!
My cheese platter. I seriously love cheese!

4... My amazing and beautiful home. A furnished one at that! To have a warm home that is pretty much project free at this point. And even for the bills to pay for this house. It means we have the ability to live in a home like this and for that I am thankful for.

5... My Jimmy Boy. I waited 19 years for a little dog, and he was worth the long and grueling wait. He's my little buddy that keeps me company throughout the day. I don't know what I would do with out my little cuddly boy. 
Silverware, passed down to me from previous generations. I cherish these and was sooo thrilled to use them for Thanksgiving.
6... My Faith. For the gift of being born into a family that taught me to live my Faith as the most important part of my life. To live in a place that allows me to freely live it out, a place that helps me grow daily.
7...My knowledge of all my weaknesses and wrong-doings in life. If it wasn't for this knowledge, I wouldn't ever know how to improve and be a better person in life.
Place settings at our loooong table
8... The talents and gifts God gave me and my ability to use them.
Our turkey was soooo good. Flavorful, juicy... Yumm.
9... My camera. I just love having such a nice camera. I love learning new techniques to become better at taking photos. It's something I really love to do and I am thankful I have some really good equipment. 
His first year carving the turkey for our family! He did a wonderful job.
10... Chocolate milk... and for a husband that makes the best ice cold glass of it that I've ever had.
I loved this salad. REALLY loved. Lettuce, pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, bleu cheese... And I made a homemade balsamic dressing... I wish I could have some more right now.

And 11 (just because I want to be a little different)... Vacations to the beach. Times by the water, with sand under my feet, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, the rays of sun warming my skin and breathing in the ocean air, make me happiest. I am in my element when I am there. I am relaxed, happy and love life completely when I have opportunities to travel there.

I am thankful for a lot more than just these 11 things, but there you have it! I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with your loved ones. I am exhausted and all I want to do is curl up in my jammies and watch a movie... but we are going shopping tonight. At 10pm. I have never done this before in the 25 years I've been alive and I am not sure I ever want to do it again. I guess that will be fully determined when I see what I do or do not come home with. ;)
One of our pies! We had caramel, pecan, apple and pumpkin.
 On Wednesday night after everyone was done in the kitchen, I spent some time with my mixer. Isn't she pretty?
 I made two cheese quiches for our Thanksgiving breakfast. I really love my Grandma's quiche.

Hope you and your family had a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Oh, You Wanted to Sit Here? 326.365

 Now that we have a rug in our den (family room, whatever you want to call it room), Jimmy can jump on all the furniture. He's pretty good about being on furniture and since he doesn't shed, I don't mind wherever he finds a seat.
I thought it was quite amusing when we all walked into the den tonight and he was happily sitting in the teal polka dot chair. He was so happy and looked up at Mono seeming to say, "Oh, you wanted to sit here?"

Monday, November 21, 2011

Watch Your Step 325.365

It's day 3 of Mami and Papi's visit and we spent our time hiking while the weather was so pleasant. Mono and I haven't been hiking in our new town (and the area around us) yet, but Mami and Papi enjoy hiking so we went to explore a new area right nearby. We had such a great time! Even Duncan came and was thoroughly enjoying himself as well!
It's really rocky in some areas.
 I was loving all the foliage!
Aren't these little berries so precious?
I was loving all the textures around us!
 Pine cones... Christmas is coming!
 The boys.
 My Mon and I.
~F~A~M~I~L~Y~



 


 Mami loves to taken Duncan out and about. He loves to be active and it is great seeing him so youthful!
 The walking stick.
 Who knew cactus grew in Alabama! ;)
 Loved this hole in the rock.
 More textures!
 This spot was really neat!
 I love the Fall!
 I wonder what they discovered.
 We'll definitely do this again! Too bad Jimmy is too little to go for hikes.
We had to get going before the sun set.
Before we left, we left our hiking sticks off by the entrance to the trails for the next hikers... that way they didn't have to search for ones like we did. ;)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

A Little Bit of NYC in the Heart of Dixie 324.365

 Months and months ago I caught wind that the Radio City Rockettes were going to be in our neck of the woods. And then, I got a buy one get one free coupon and I jumped on that opportunity! I got four tickets, for the girls and the guys. I knew my Dad would enjoy it, but I wasn't sure what my husband would think. At the time that they were purchased, he was just my fiance. He enjoyed himself though. He's a good sport. I watch plenty of football and basketball during the year to make up for this one show though. wink.
 So today was the day to head to Nashville and see The Girls. Oh I just could not wait to see them! Nothing is like seeing them in New York, but since that wasn't going to happen, this would hold me over and make me happy!
 We stopped at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel first to walk around and see the decorations before the show began. To be honest, though there were nice decorations, I wasn't impressed.
 The wooden soldiers are one of my fav's!

 It's nice to see that they keep the real meaning of Christmas in the show as well!

 Oh and I LOVE these outfits and the fact that they give us a taste of NY!
 I wish I got this before the curtain was up so much. It looked so cool!

Oh and how about these gloves?! They were insane! Huge and furry!!!