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Showing posts with label housewife. Show all posts
Showing posts with label housewife. Show all posts

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Thankful Thursday


{Joe snapped this shot in his tree stand on our land!}

I have so much to be grateful for and it's no joke that the more I focus on what we have, the happier I am.  It's easy to look around and have a million wants and get frustrated when all I think about is what we don't have...and then it usually spirals down and makes me grumpy.  So I've been trying very very hard to not think about what we don't have and focus on what we do.  Gratitude brings in more light, more riches, more abundant and radiant love---try it!

I'm thankful for...

...two healthy and strong children
...for both a little girl and a little boy.  I've always wanted one of each!
...a hardworking husband who can provide us with our lifestyle, especially for me to stay home.
...a man who really understands me, teaches me, and grows along side of me.
...my sisters and so grateful my youngest has been given a second chance at life.
...warm green tea; soothes a scratchy throat!
...my morning and night walks with our little Holly.
...a really comfortable bed to snuggle into each night.
...our really reliable babysitter who allows me some free time when I need her!
...avocados because they make clean eating SO much easier.
...girlfriends.  We may not get to talk and hangout as much as we used to, but when we do, my heart is so happy!
...for my mom to come visit again really soon!
...the preschool teachers Brooke has--they are old school and amazing and I adore them.
...books. I am so happy to have my mind travel places I never expected it to.
...my grandma owl having a relationship with my daughter; that's pretty special.
...my health.  I have a few annoyances, but overall I'd say I'm pretty healthy.
...this breakthrough with Crohn's Disease. Hopefully they'll have a cure soon.
...probiotics.  I am fairly certain they've helped Joe more than we even know.
...my salt lamp. I swear I've been less anxious since I plugged one into our office.
...Fall.  The leaves are starting to turn and it's so pretty.
...our land! I cannot wait to build a house. 
...time and patience.  Sometimes you just need to wait things out.
...my side hustles. It's so nice to make a little extra money on my own!
...firewood so we can make lots of cozy fires this Winter.
...makeup & accessories to feel a little more put together even I when I'm not.
...my life.  It's beautiful and messy and creative; full of love and happiness.

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Sunday, August 14, 2016

House Goals #2

Building a home.

We haven't even met with a builder yet and I'm still just having fun with tearing out pictures or finding ones online of houses.  It's fun to say yay or nay with hubby and really discuss what we prefer over what we really don't love.

I haven't written anything about our dream home since this post here. 

I think we're still leading towards a side loading garage, but this looks cool too!


I'm still really researching kitchens.  I'm fairly certain I don't want two islands, but rather one really large one.  I don't know if I need 2 sinks.  I don't like exposed beams or the hanging light fixtures; and while I want a wine fridge, I think I'll store the rest of the wine in a temperature controlled area of the basement.  I do however, love the light counter tops and the cupboards.


My favorite spot in our current home is our back deck. It's seriously like a little sanctuary.  We can't see the parking lot because of all the trees, and it's pretty quiet since school is out of session.


One of our favorite things is to go to the land and walk around where things will be built.  It's so important to decide which way we want to face; the sunset is gorgeous here!


It's so funny because one day we are totally chill and love just dreaming and the next we are both like, "UGH! Why are we not living here yet!?"

{as I type this, Joe is currently out there working on the trails again.}


I absolutely love these huge windows. I want as much light to filter into the livingroom (and the kitchen!) as possible.  We also want high ceilings.  This furniture isn't really our style (the color) but I love how crisp all of it is and how there's an accent.


I need to look a little more into this contraption!  Is one of these a warming oven? A microwave? Holy smokes!  This back counter/stove top is essentially what we'll have though, so that's cool!


This is the idea of how open we would like it.  Like I said though, we don't want to do the double islands...and the side eating area will be one large table (no formal dining room).  I don't like all the different colors going on back there in the kitchen either, or the lights.  BUT the open layout is spot on!




Patio and a pool in the back...or would we go with a wrap around deck and a pool?



This will be the biggest project we will work on together and I am so excited.  

Friday, July 29, 2016

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!

Thursday, July 21, 2016

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!

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Toronto


Well, I've had enough of reality already haha!  I'm at the point today where I feel like I should try to fall asleep, but the kids will wake up momentarily, so I'll just drink some green tea and blog.

Toronto.

We had so much fun and honestly, couldn't have asked for anything better!


Yup, just us two love birds---the kids spent the weekend with Nana & Papa!  We are so grateful that they enjoy taking the kids and that everyone had a good time together!

We left Thursday after work and made such great time! No lines at the border and no traffic on the QEW.  We've been here a handful of times, so we actually have some favorite "spots" now.



I was hoping to really enjoy this cup of Joe, but sadly, my love for coffee is no more.  It really does give me terrible reflux, so I drank a few sips and switched to my green tea latte.


Breakfast was amazing---homemade biscuits and Eggs Benedict. YUMM!


After our late morning breakfast, we walked around and just enjoyed the quiet!  I loved sporting my red pixie pants and my S&D accessories.


My green tea latte---not sure how they mixed up "Jenn"...


We headed over to the nicer/ritzy part of town and had some lunch at a cute rooftop restaurant.


I forget what Joe ordered, but I know he had ceviche


I went with a salad & grilled chicken, as it was later and we had 7pm dinner reservations.


We had a little trouble finding the place, but we got there eventually!



My hottie hubby.


It was a cute place, nice staff & great food.


He went all out and ordered the $100 caviar.  Pretty good! The brioche they served with it was to die for.


My dinner was basically a deconstructed pot pie, with a bunch of fatty parts of a pig! LOL  It was really darn tasty and something I'll probably never see on a menu again, so I am glad that I ordered it.


We had a slow start to our Saturday and tried out another diner, Fran's and it was really good (we ended up back there on Sunday too!) 


After fueling up, we hit up the mall...Joe wanted to recreate some picture he took of me years ago.  Mama got some new bras--woop woop! And some jeans and a few tops.  Daddy found some really nice shirts and work clothes (much needed!)


I changed into some of my new things and we headed back out again.



There's a cute little area called Kensington market and we went there for some tacos for lunch and to walk around.


We thought this tree was so pretty!


I love this photo.


He looked so hot in his new jacket and shirt, so I had to snap a few photos of him.


This was near the restaurant where we dinner Saturday.  The weather was so nice and we had so much fun just walking around and exploring!


They stuck us right up front in the window.


I ordered the burrata with this amazing basil, lemon, pea, fava bean pesto---omg so good!  Joe went for the paté.


It wasn't terribly late, but we were tired from all of the walking we did so we headed back kind of early. Plus Yonge Street is a bit of a crazy area and with the basketball game (and the full moon!), we weren't sure what would happen.

Sunday we made sure to take our time.  Breakfast.  Last minute shopping. Latté.



Since it was a long weekend, traffic was ridiculous so we took our sweet time riding home.  We took a scenic route that followed the lake and stopped to stretch here.


I always have pictures of him on rocks haha!  I believe this was Burlington Canada.


Of course I played with Snap Chat almost all weekend long!


We saw a really cute little area so we had lunch and they had my favorite wine ever (Santa Margarita) so I obviously had to order! (hello day drinking!)


I remember the first photo I took that looked like this; it was July 11, the day after we got married and we were riding in the Porsche.  I cannot believe that was almost 6 years and 2 kids ago!  Man how time really does fly by.


I'm not sure who needed the little getaway more, me or him.  I don't think it's fair to play that comparison game.  I'm home with two little kids all day while he's away working really hard & long hours.  Most days we are so exhausted, we say a few words and zone out in front of the tv or he plays some video games & I read, or blog or whatever.  

It's life and it's a bit of a rat race at times; we can become very robotic, usually because we are on strict routines, schedules, deadlines, meetings, appointments, you name it.  But to breakaway and become just "Jenn & Joe" is something we need because to have these amazing little moments tucked into my memory, is something that I will think about when I'm lonely and he's working 19 days straight for his tent sale.  

I wanted to stop by the land on the way home and I'm glad that I did.  I now have a new photo of the sun starting to set, on a place where we will make so many more beautiful memories together.  


I'm not exactly sure how we got so lucky to find each other, but I am so happy we did.  I feel as though I have everything I have ever wanted and needed, and I cannot stop dreaming about all of the fun we have to look forward to with our lives.


When you work as hard as we do, you truly enjoy the time when you get to play.