6 Years

7.10.10 

I married my best friend.  6 years later, we've filled our home with a little boy and a little girl.  We've gone through struggles, and triumphs.  We've wiped each other's tears and tried to mend each other's broken hearts.   We try to figure out this crazy world together, and for that each day I thank God I have my husband by my side.  

I will never say that life is easy.   But I will say, that the more work I continue to do on myself, (and Joe on himself) the easier our life has become.  I know there are moments I must drive him a little crazy, but at the end of each day, if we can honestly look at one another and say "We gave it our all," and had all the right intent for each other, our kids, ourselves, then that's all that matters.

You can choose to find the fault, or you can choose to find the beauty.   I truly believe that our optimism is what continues to help us grow; the second I start thinking negatively, everything crumbles.  So it's that easy; be happy.  Be grateful.  Be mindful.  Be honest.  Be loving. Be affectionate and for goodness sakes, GO OUT WITHOUT YOUR CHILDREN. 

So that is exactly what we did, 7.10.16 we were able to leave early in the morning, as my mom was here and watched our kids.  

I put on a face full of makeup and made myself purdy!

We stopped at a little coffee shop for breakfast and I had the most delicious Matcha Latte--and how pretty?!

We hopped into his car and went for a little drive.

I had switched bags and totally forgot my lipgloss. (I'm a total lipgloss addict!) But I didn't want to go back home because I hate leaving the kids, having them get settled, only to get them all wild again!  So?  Joe stopped at the mall and I grabbed some nudes and got a free little case!




Sunday selfie #ftw Look at that gloss!

We found a random road from wine winery to the next and Joe wanted to take a few photos.

This is where we said, "I DO."

It's the most spectacular view and the flowers look just like they did 6 years ago!

He had a little business to attend, but I don't mind.  He does it for us.

We are thinking for our 10 year, we'll need to go back with our closest friends and family and celebrate with them.  How fun would that be!

After a bunch of happy tears and oh my gosh, I cannot believe how much we've accomplished in 6 little  years...we went down into town and had a bite to eat.  Clearly we lived it up with some fried pickles! yummmmm

The sky was so blue with the gorgeous puffy white clouds; again just like our wedding day.

On the way home we went to the land and I took the obligatory sunset shot. I can't wait for our home to be here!

Dinner was sushi takeout and I could not have asked for a better day.  Thank you so much Mom for watching the kiddos for us!!

I have to say, Dr. Frank's is really our favorite wine out of all the wineries here on the Finger Lakes.  So we stocked up on some vino.

It's Summer, so it goes to good use with all the random get togethers, company stopping by and of course just relaxing.

We got some grape juice--so good! Plus some really good wine from Heron Hill.

I don't know what's to come or where exactly we are headed, but I have to say that the longer we are together, the better it gets.  And for that, I cannot wait to see what adventures unfold as the years pass by.

Happy 6 years my love and cheers to many many more!

I confess...

...KEEP is having a Flash sale today only! Super cute looks 30-50% off! Check them out and shop the mystery hostess link here!  You could enter and win hostess rewards.



...that I personally believe 1 1/2 is a very tough age! I remember having a little bit a tough time when Brookie was this age and I was pregnant with Bradley!  Now that he's this age, I try to remind myself it has to be easier because I'm not prego, but man--he is surely coming into his own!  The last few days he has been super duper cranky.

...that said, I think 1 1/2 is an incredible awesome age.   He's my little parrot and will repeat the last word of whatever I say, hence, "okay?" "Okay."  He is fast as can be and needs to be entertained and on the go all the time!  I wish he liked water more, but hopefully he'll grow out of that phase soon.

...We are going to Luke Bryan tonight! I even bought myself a pair of Cowboy Boots with my own money to wear tonight.  Pretty darn excited!

...I'm still obsessed with sunless tanners.  I can't pick one that I think is "best" but I gotta say if you're lazy, in a hurry and wanna be frugal, the Jergens is really my go to!  It' doesn't stain my hands and takes zero time to apply.  I do think some of the higher end ones work better, but then I need to use gloves or body sponges--totally worth it, but for every day? Not bad Jergens! Maybe I'll get around to a review of all of them....ha

....I finally ordered my Fabletics pick for July! I'm in love with the black dress I grabbed a month ago and love how comfortable and trendy it is! Need some cute workout or comfy dresses/rompers? Check them out here!

...even though this is my 5th year of not going back to work as a teacher, 'back to school' time is always exciting for me and I may be a *tad* excited for Brooke to be going to pre-school.  It means back to school shopping & all that jazz.

...I feel rather overwhelmed with all of the books that I want to read! It's a good thing, but I just wish I could hold up in a room for a whole weekend and read, eat pizza and drink wine. bahaha Anyone else?

...I miss my mom being here.  I know she will be back again, but it was nice to have her around so much!

...I'm not really loving my workouts this week. I just can't find my groove and I am hoping that changes soon.

...The ringing in my ear is really annoying lately.  I need to try and see if some sound therapy can work for it (tinnitus) but it's just finding the time to go...and with that I should see the chiro, my acupuncturist, and try to go to yoga.  Oy!

35

It's official. I'm halfway to 40!! Haha I really don't mind, as I've stated before, I'm happier, healthier and really enjoying my 30's.  I never understood why people would say that, but as with most things, now I totally get it.

Monday 7/25 I woke up to a sweet curly haired blond girl shoving a little red envelope in my face whispering, "Open it!"

Inside was a silly little cat card stating to pounce on it, because it was my birthday. I about died because I don't love cats, but that she was so proud of picking out the card herself.

Hubby grilled me some bacon and I made some eggs; we had a quick breakfast & I opened up my gifts from them.

An adorable new heart mug.

He totally gets me.

I'm obsessed with this cute tumbler!

How fun will this be?! I'm always toting my phone around and goodness knows the music could always be louder.  I think this will be perfect for upstairs in the shower, outside on the back deck, up front playing with the kids or even taking it on our land.

These two enjoying their 2nd breakfast and Paw Patrol, while I printed off voting registrations for myself and hubby (super celebratory, I know!0

Then came the random text from my husband, basically stating I needed to take a shower because the sitter would be there at 11 and I had a spa day waiting for me here!

Didn't have to tell me twice!! I was so surprised!  He sent me here last year for my birthday and I had not been back, but I didn't think he'd set it all up on his own again.  Totally fooled!

I stopped at Starbucks for me green tea latte.

And made myself right at home at the spa.

I was able to read some of my book and just relax in quiet.

I had a massage, organic facial and a pedicure. I felt like a new woman!

I knew we were going out to dinner, but I had no clue where and I thought it was just the 4 of us.  Well, my sister's husband shares the birthday with me and they ended up coming back in from boating and met us out for dinner!

I don't think we've ever just hung out the 6 of us, so the impromptu gathering was rather fun!

We went to a gorgeous little Italian place on the river, downtown.  The food was outstanding and the kids were really well behaved!

I love this man.  He told me that since I always put everyone else first daily, he wanted to make my day super special.  Well it was the best birthday ever! Thank you baby.

They even had my favorite wine!

It was so fun to get all 4 of us dressed up and I swear Bradley and Brooke knew they were going some place special.  It was such a treat!

Brooke loved her gold dress.

I went big and ordered Lobster French--to die for!

The gang shared canolis and I ordered the flourless chocolate cake as well.

We took a little drive around after dinner and caught a bit of the sunset overlooking the city.

I know so much more than I did 10 years ago.  It's crazy to think how just 5 years ago I walked away from my teaching job, and within those 5 years, we have had two beautiful children.  We've experienced loss, heartache, frustration and shared many tears.  But above all else, we have continued to work hard on ourselves individually and as a couple.  I cannot believe I'll be 40 in 5 years; I sure don't feel it!

I'm ready for a year full of blessings and waking up each morning with a heart full of gratitude.  I have big dreams for myself and my loved ones and I can only hope that everyone works as hard as I plan to.

Here's to 35; may it be my best year yet. 

I Confess...

...that I have NO FLIPPING IDEA how to start blogging again!! haha

...I have legitimately pulled out my laptop, stared at it, started 3 or 4 posts and then put the darn thing away.

...I have a MONTH's worth of photos/memories/thoughts/ideas all stuck in my head and my phone camera, that really need to come out.

...it's my friend's birthday---HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON!!!! 35 is your year girl!

...I am super woman lately. For real. I have to toot my own horn because I have caught up on quite a bit of house/yard work that was postponed for awhile, when my mom was up with my sister and that whole ordeal.

...my sister is still in the hospital and she is doing well!

....I need to go see her and have some sister/sister time. It's been so long since I have been able to just hang out with my littlest sister and I will not take this time for granted.

...the kids are basically my besties. We have been playing in the little kid pool, taking walks, doing everything together and although it's a little tricky at times (the grocery store for example) I know that come September, Brookie starts pre-school and it'll just be bubs and I doing the shopping.

...we balled out of control last weekend. I don't know why I think I'm 21 sometimes, but man it's fun to live it up! It's not so fun trying to catch up on sleep and chase after two littles though!

...My birthday is on Monday and I have been so nostalgic lately; I swear these last 5, 10, 15, ...35 years have flown by and I told Joe last night, I have never been happier.

...my love for Spark has returned.  If you haven't tried Limeade, you're missing out!  I was able to lay 28 bags of mulch, play with my kids, grocery shop, walk the dog, cook dinners (kids and then Joe) clean out our freezer and vacuum/mop the floors. Thank you sweet sweet Spark!!

...I have about 5 loads of laundry all washed and dried, but I have yet to fold and put away.  That's my goal for today.

...I listened to Teresa's (HONJ) prison book. Glad I didn't spend money on it and just borrowed it on the Overdrive app from the library.  To balance out that garbage (it was really terribly written, not that I expected much. I was must nosy to hear what she was going through) I have been listening to Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People.  Joe downloaded it awhile ago on iTunes and we've been discussing it as we listen.  I've listened/read parts before, but it's something you can hear over and over again. I highly suggest it!

...we cannot wait to start building on our land. The anticipation is starting to really get to us!

...I sometimes think I bite off more than I can chew, but I can't help it.  There's just so much I want to do and I know that I just need to focus and stop trying to juggle so much.

...I don't understand why some people have so much desire to achieve and some have so little.  My husband did not get home last night until 10 pm, and as much as I wanted to be curled up in bed with a book, I find it my duty to greet him with a smile and a warm dinner, and most importantly a conversation.

...this is my "Summer Song"  Every Summer I have a song.  I will totally confess I don't always listen to the lyrics first; it's the beat that always catches my ears!  Joe told me that when he hears this song, he thinks of me because I love dancing so much...and when we go out dancing, everyone watches me, but I am only looking at him.  I was confused at first, and then he said, "Did you listen to what she's saying?" LOL {Fact: It just happened at his reunion...some good tunes came on and I overtook the dance floor.  I can't help it; dancing makes me SO SO SO SO happy!}

...it's supposed to be in the 90's so I bet that you can find us sitting in the kiddie pool and eating popsicles since that's pretty much standard after nap time!

Happy Thursday!