Seven

We celebrated SEVEN years on July 10th.  It's strange how fast time goes and yet how much we accomplished in seven years.  So much has changed in our lives.

The people we associate with.

Our jobs.

Family.

Kids.

Health.

Priorities.

Beliefs.

Friends.

Our love for each other.

All relationships are work.  Both parties need to give and take, and give and take some more.  There are times when he needs me more than I need him, and Lord knows there are many a time when I need him more than he needs me.

Needs are emotional, physical, mental and change all of the time.  While I am no marriage expert, and we have only seven years so far, I will say that the number one key to any successful relationship:

Communication.

If I couldn't talk freely to Joe, express my thoughts, feelings, concerns and in return respectfully listen to what he thinks and feels, we would not have what we have today.

That much I know to be true.

I read somewhere a long time ago that the best way to have a conversation with someone is not face to face, but rather side by side.  It's less intimidating and (guys) typically can open up more when they're seating next to you.

Our favorite place to talk has always been Joe's car.  We especially appreciate now since it's a two seater and there is no backseat.

Of course we love our children, but as anyone can imagine, having a heartfelt conversation with a two and four year old is anything but productive.

Make the time to talk; it's amazing that after almost 10 years of knowing each other we still find things out.  I love that.

7 years ago I stood in this spot and vowed to love him (he tries to say 'obey' but I'm fairly certain that was not in our vows!) til death do us part.

We try to visit this winery every year on our anniversary; it's one of those things where we could easily brush off and not bother taking the drive.  In fact, after just getting back from a road trip vacation with the kids, I wasn't sure he'd be up for driving or if we should bother going.

"It's the doing that makes the difference."  

It's so easy to get caught up in life, the every day antics, work issues, kids, dog, house, bla bla.

But to step away and remember the one day where we said I DO, dance to our song under the big white tent and tear up over all of the beautiful memories made on that gorgeous July day?

That is powerful.

I wouldn't change a thing about our Wedding day; it's still the happiest day of my life.

Cheers to seven years baby, and bring on many many more!!

'...and I thought I loved you then.'
 

7.10.10

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!

Weekend Rewind [a wedding & our land]

Happy Monday!!

I'll start with this photo because it's my new faaaaaavorite!! We got to get all dressed up for his cousin Mary's wedding! I just love love love his Italian family.  I wish I had met them all sooner! It's always an amazing time when we can all get together and celebrate.  This was no other.

PS this necklace is on MEGA sale right now!!

We didn't do too much Friday, and clearly mr bubs had big goals! He's such a little dude! He comes over asks for snacks (aka whines) and then climbs up on the ottoman, then over to the couch.  Stud.

I've been really working on healing myself naturally--that's another post entirely, but I do feel a bit better! I've been off my reflux meds for a week, since they weren't really helping anyway.

OK, so back to the wedding!

She had such a beautiful wedding.  It was simplistic elegance!  White tulips, roses, baby's breath flowers.   I would describe it as fairytale/rustic decor? I'm not sure, but they had twinkle lights and gorgeous touches all throughout the room.

Mr & Mrs! Her dress was stunning.

To the right of the candle were bells you could ring, so the bride & groom had to kiss.

Cousin Edward broke ours!  

Seriously it was so fun hanging out with these cousins and getting to know them even better. 

I only wish Edward's girlfriend were home, as she's in India right now.

The family made all of the apps and desserts.  

To. Die. For.

Best part of an Italian wedding!

Her cake was so pretty too! I loved the square look of it.

They wanted me to take some photos and post to Facebook so the relatives in Italy could see.

We didn't stay too late as we knew these two goofballs would be up bright and early, which they were, Sunday morning.

We made plans to have a sitter come over for a few hours on Sunday so that I could go with Joe and walk the land that he cleared awhile back.

 Little did we expect April temps to be in the negatives!

We layered, I mean LAYERED!  Leggings, jeans, wind pants, thermo top, under armor, sweatshirt and my crazy big jacket.  I bought this fur hat for Joe years ago, kind of as a joke but he LOVES it and swears it keeps his head/ears so warm.  Being the amazing husband he is, he made me wear it--thank you hubby!

He made trails around the 20 acres and even with my blistered feet (from dancing at the wedding) and busted foot (I totally smashed and broke into a baby gate when baby boy was climbing the window ledge) I survived!!

I love how we can go from suit/fancy dresses to down home country living.  It was really amazing to see how much work it's taking him to make our dreams happen and I love that we can be so hands on with the whole process.  It really makes us appreciate all of the efforts and sacrifices that we'll be making to be able to build this home.  It's more than just a new house; it's going to be where we raise our children and make so many amazing memories!  I can totally see all 4 of us riding on our 4 wheeler and just enjoying the outside. I'm dreaming of chickens and gardens and the whole nine!

Fall: A Wedding

We attended a beautiful wedding last night and Brooke stayed at my in-laws.  I told my father I'd sleep in today, and he laughed and said, "No you won't!" He was right.  I was up at ready to go at 6am with a bit of a dry throat, as the heat is pouring through the vents; isn't that the way things work?  It's a chilly 40 degrees [feels like 32] and hubby is currently stacking firewood as I sip on some Coffeecino in my flannel leopard pjs.

I sit here typing verrrrry gratefully!! You see, we left the house in a bit of a rush yesterday.  We had fun  taking Brooke to soccer, went looking at big girl beds for her, then dropped her of at Joe's parents.  By the time we got home, I still had to shower and get my prego self looking wedding ready! We have been leaving Holly out of her crate when we leave because she's been really good.  Well, that is no longer the case!! On our way to the wedding, I said to Joe, "OH no.  We didn't leave the muffins your mom made on the table, did we?!"  He replied with yes, but don't worry, they're in a ziploc bag and in a plastic bag, she won't eat them…

Once again, Mama just knows!  I know my dogs and I know not to leave any remnant of food in their reach, otherwise it's gone!  So there was nothing we could do other than to just go to the wedding and hope for the best.   Well, when we got home a few hours later, not only did she indeed get into and eat about 5 or 6 muffins, and some of the wrapping, she also knocked over Joe's cup that had a little water in it…and my laptop was RIGHT next to it!!

I saw red for a few moments, picked the computer up and heard a gushing sound. To say that I freaked out was an understatement…I was really upset.  It's not even a year old Mac Book Pro, and I really love this computer!! Joe rigged up some fans and we ran them on it all night---and here I sit today, so so lucky to be able to type on it!! I don't think there is any damage! Thank goodness. 

So aside from yet again, more dog drama, the wedding was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful we have been to.  Well, who is it that got married?  You may be asking.  It's an interesting one to explain, but one that gives true strength to the meaning, family isn't always blood.  

I've mentioned before how I am the oldest of three girls;  I have two younger sisters.  We were very close growing up, but something happened to the youngest of us, and without going into grave detail, she became addicted to drugs and alcohol and has some major mental instabilities.  My heart will always be with her, but unfortunately you cannot help those who refuse to help themselves.  About 5 1/2 years ago, she gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl, and despite all efforts, my niece was sent to live with her father…

That man got married yesterday to a wonderful woman.  She has taken my niece into her heart and became her 'mom' when her own mother could not.  This couple wrote their own vows and shared their hearts with their guests; hearing all of their love and sentiments, it was hard to keep a dry eye for sure!  

Now, I know weddings affect all of us differently, and I'd be lying to say that a little part of me felt a pang for 'what could have been' if only my sister were healthy.  While I am so grateful to see the life my niece, her father and new mom have together, a part of me was reminded of what will never be.  More than anything, my heart burst with happiness, to know that this little girl is loved beyond all measures and will be safe, protected, and loved in a caring environment.  And?  We are all a part of her life; never once has her father shut us out of her life.  We have been there every step of the way and will continue to support her and them, as their newfound family of three begins.  

I know that I am pregnant and more emotional than usual, but it really was such a sweet and beautiful day.  Weddings like that remind me of my own special day, and all of the words we say to one another, the vows, the poems, the meanings behind all of it.  It makes me wonder if we heard those words more often, and actually listened, maybe people wouldn't get divorced…

The ceremony was outside and although chilly, it was simply stunning.  It was followed by cocktail hour inside, and dinner/dancing in a tent outside.  The brides father gave a heartfelt speech and it moved me; he spoke of how his daughter enjoyed the small pleasures in life as opposed to the grandeur.  He reminisced of a particular Christmas, where he didn't have much at all to provide but a little tiny tree and some inexpensive ornaments, hung while sipping some hot cocoa.  While he felt funny about that Christmas for so many years, his daughter told him one day that, that was her favorite Christmas of all.  

It made me think of all that is life; how hard we try to give our kids everything, and in reality, what they need and want is so small.  Moments; thoughtful, intentional, love-filled moments, more than any pricey toy or gadget, is what they'll remember most of all.  

Hubby and I were blown away by the gorgeous golf course views and just loved it!

It was actually nice to put in some effort and get all dolled up…

Bump & booties.

My sister.

The bride did a stunning job with her Fall theme, intertwining their love of music and simplistic joys in life.  Their wedding favor was a CD of some of their favorite songs…they're really good ones too!

This drink is such a great idea for a Fall party!! 

Apple Cider

Sprite

Cinnamon stick

(Bourbon if you feel like warming it up, clearly mine was without)

May the rest of their lives be filled with much love, peace, and everlasting happiness.  Congratulations!

One of their readings was one of my favorite Robert Frost poems…

The Road Not Taken

Robert Frost, 1874 - 1963

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Happy Anniversary to Us

Three years ago today I said "I do." You can read a lot more about here and here



And you can even find a crazy little story about the B & B my family/friends stayed at the night before we tied the knot [here].

Today, I sit here typing this with a smile, as little Brooke screeches and plays in her exersaucer.

Funny how much life changes in the course of three little years.

Looking at wedding photos, there are people at our wedding we no longer speak to.  There are people who are in are lives today, that were not at our wedding.  There are loved ones who have passed since that magical day.  But the one thing remains true, the love I have for you, Joseph.  It continues to grow and shape into something so special and sacred, I never could have imagined how I would truly feel about the man I'd marry one day.

 While our wild and crazy nights have turned into wild and crazy diaper changes, I wouldn't change a thing.  I look forward to our impromtu date night this evening [thanks Grandma Maria & Grandpa Chris!] and many many more years of wedding bliss.

I love you more than anything!