May Challenge

May is by far my favorite month of the year.

Maybe that has a little something to do with it being my birthday month, the fact that it's the end of school, or that the weather starts being all sorts of beautiful. Or maybe it's just all of the above.

Love. It.

Now that the weather is nice (for a second at least) I finally do not feel like I need to crawl right into bed the second I get home from work. I actually feel like moving further than the couch and actually typing up a post or two. Oh, the power of sunshine.

This month I am going to be joining in on a blog challenge given by Jenni over at Story of My Life, one of my very favorites.

When I first saw her challenge, I immediately thought there was 105% no way I could ever post seven whole days a week. Heck, I can barely do three these days. Okay who am I kidding, I can barely do one. Then I saw her prompts and I started to get really, really excited about the challenge. I loved them and thought they would be fun to look back on someday. Plus, getting started is the hardest part.

So anyway, this glorious month of May, I will be (attempting) to do 31 blog posts. It may or may not happen. I'm not making any promises. It's kind of like working out. If I say I'll do it, I won't do it at all. I'm stubborn like that.

Here is what is to come the rest of the week:

Day 1, Wednesday: The story of your life in 250 words or less
Day 2, Thursday: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like. (uhh...what am I good at?)
Day 3, Friday: Things that make you uncomfortable
Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it

Bring it on May. Who's in?

Lake Life

This past weekend Jeff and I took the treck down to my parent's lake house. It was the first time we had been back without having to wear our winter coats. Hellllllo heaven.

There is nothing I love more than being at the lake. Not many things at least. I see visions of swim suits, cold beer, music blaring, and lots of floating going down this summer. I mean, really, what is better than that?

Even though I never knew anyone could love the lake more than me until Piper came along. Girl freaks out at the lake. She runs around like a crazy child that has been caged up for years. She sprints up and down the beach like she is running for her life. And sprints from her mother into a sea of thorns and scares her half to death. I am about 100% sure I will have to jump into the lake after her one of these days.

It was a full house this weekend with a few of my cousins, aunts, and uncles to join the party. And party we did. Thank goodness for ibuprofen and the whiskey running out. 

Sunday happened to be the only really nice day of the weekend so we soaked it up on the dock watching the boats and getting out tan on. Well, them getting their tan on and me just getting red. 

Unfortunately you can't hang out at heaven on Earth as long as you want and have to go back to the real world occasionally. Piper literally slept the entire (5 hours) way home so I am pretty sure is in a state of exhaustion and depression. She still has been growling at me. I feel your pain girl.

And now I am going to soak up this 80 degree weather before it gets back to the 40s.

Happy Monday!

Well hello there

I just realized today that it has been over a week since I've written anything on this little space of mine. I'm still trying to figure out where the past seven days actually went. I have no idea how this entire year has flown by so fast. I guess it's not a lie that as you get older, time gets faster.

Even though I have been MIA I am still rocking instagram and twitter. Quick and easy. I can handle that.

The only things you've missed are the fact that last night I went to bed at 7:30 (I think the dentist drugged me), it snowed this week, I have these crazy floaters in my eyes that won't go away, and that I am going to Costa Rica next month. See, not very exciting stuff. My favorite is obviously the later. Count me in. 

I also found out from a student we have 4 weeks of school left. That.is.insane! I am so ready for a little time of relaxation and not feeling like an old lady every night. If only I could convince them that I would be a 200% better teacher if I could get to work at 9 instead of 7:20.

I cannot wait to blog a "real" post again. Crossing my fingers it's sooner than later.

Miss you guys.

Happy Hump Day!

A book you won't regret reading

When I recommend a book, it means I was 110% into it.

 It means I would read it again, which I do not do. I can't stand knowing the ending of books and just have never been the type to re-read a series over and over again.

A few days ago, I received a package from one of my best friends from Boston. It was almost as if she knew how badly I needed what was tucked inside of it.

You see, I have been feeling quite defeated lately with some things. Mostly work. It's just a cycle that I can't seem to get out of. I know next year will be better, but this year has just left me feeling a little low.

Anyway. The day I received the package I was feeling extra awful. I felt like a complete failure after school and was worn to the bone. Jeff then mentioned to me I had gotten a package from my friend Morgan.

I ripped it open in a matter of seconds excited to see the surprise in the package. As I opened it up and stared at the book inside I just knew it had to be a good one. There was a reason I received it and I knew I had to read it right then and there.

Okay so it took me a day to finally read it but when I did, I couldn't stop. I didn't stop. 

It made me think about my life. Re-evaluate.

I love moments like that.

That make me grow and change something small in my mind. Think about what's really important.

My favorite part of the book:

*Learning that to be SUCCESSFUL, no matter what it is in, you have to GIVE.  Big things will happen for those who give more than they receive. This will make you the "richest" of all.

Go get yourself one and while you are at it....buy one for someone else. Share the knowledge. Be the change. Give, give, and give.

Kind of worked out that it is my "word" for the year.

Thank you Morgan for the thoughtful gift, I adore it. And you. So very, very much.

Our Wedding - Bridal Party

Yes, I'm still going on them. 

I am spacing them out (really, really far) so that I can keep seeing the pictures for as long as I can. I am really missing the whole planning, day, and everything that comes with it so darn bad.

So far these are the wedding-related posts I have done:

Getting Ready
The Morning of our Wedding Day
Our Rehearsal
The Accessories 
The Details
My Wedding Gift to Jeff
Wedding Photos by my girl, Morgan

I still have a few to go so thankfully I won't have to stop reliving it anytime soon. Even though you all may be tired of seeing them, I sure will never be.

Today I'm going to share some pictures of our awesome wedding party.

If I were to talk about each and every one of them I could go on for about five years on this post. I love them all and was honored to have them by our side on our day. It truly would not have been the same without them.

Therefore, I will let the pictures do the talking for me.

Photo by my friend, Morgan

Photo by my friend, Morgan

whoa....

I had to post all of these next few because they sure make me laugh. 

We randomly made the driver stop at this location and thankfully the photographers were following us and got a couple of pictures. One of my very favorite pictures. Wish we would have done way more of these. 

Yes, he had my veil on. Oh my.

Well Ashton, you are next ;)

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. / Acrylic Tray (almost free)

So the time has finally come and I actually completed something I pinned on pinterest. This deserves a party.

I am "that" person that pins about 500 million things, 5,007 to be exact (follow me here to check out my sweet pins) and does about.....zero of them. I guess I live through pinterest.

So you can imagine my joy when I actually tried one and not only completed it but liked it. Now that, is a day to remember. Patting myself on the back for that one.

The project I decided to do was the DIY acrylic tray. Inspired by Katie's SPD.

Here is mine:

My favorite part? It literally cost me about 3 dollars to make. Three.whole.dollars.

The only thing I had to buy was the shadow box picture frame. Since it was from hob lob, I used my handy dandy 40% off coupon.

If you didn't know this about hob lob, they ALWAYS have a 40% off coupon online. Always and forever. Just show it to them on your phone and you have 40% off one item in .5 seconds. I love it and use it every single time I go in there.

After you have gathered your (very few) supplies, all you have to do is literally cut the scrapbook paper to size.

I then laminated to ensure a decently long life, which I highly recommend if you are like me, as a few hours later I spilt my water in it and it didn't mess up a thing.

*If you DO laminate it, you will probably have to cut the paper down a little more as the lamination adds a little bit extra around the edges.

It's so easy that a caveman I could do it.

I am pretty sure I am about to go buy about 100 more of these little things. They are the perfect size and  I am so happy with how it fits in my little office.

A glimpse of my week/weekend

One // Piper posing with her usual one ear up. Gosh I love that dog.
Two // Sorry there are two Pipers in a row, but she is finally feeling better after fixed last week.
Three // I got this last week and am in love. Motivation here I come. I hope.
Four // Jeff & I had a jam out session on Thursday. Two stepping and all.
Five // On Saturday, I went to a wedding shower back home and forgot how much I miss planning.
Six // Sunrise on my way to work.
Seven // Before concrete
Eight // After concrete. I sure love not getting all muddy taking out the trash. If I did take out the trash that is.
Nine // Backyard is a work in progress and I love that it is getting some life. Who spies Piper?

Now let's get another started! We are only weeks away from "consistent" warmth.

My Letters

Umm....where did this week go? 

Good news is that it went so fast the it is Friday (cue cheers, beers, and cartwheels). Whew. Bad news is that State Assessments are in FULL FORCE. If you are a teacher, you catch my drift.

This weeks letters:

Dear 60's, You have no idea your power to make people happy. You have the POWER. So stop being shady and coming and going out of my life. Just stick around will ya? Oh, and bring your friend 70's too.  Dear Polar FT4, You are just one precious day old...and I already love you. The way you count my (small) calories is the coolest thing ever. I can't wait to spend more time with you. Dear Piper, I feel like the crappiest mom ever right now. I am sorry you had to get fixed, and yes I do realize you would of had the cutest babies...ever. It was just the right thing to do, forgive me. Dear Husband, Thank you for continuing to dance in the kitchen and grab me as your partner. My life wouldn't be the same without those moments.

Happy Weekend!

linked up with Ashley for Friday letters

Hoppy Easter

Happy (one day late) Easter from our little family!

I hope your day was filled with praise, eggs, good food, and family.

This Easter was filled with "firsts". Our first married Easter, and little Piper's first Easter.

We also found out some big news.....

I will be an aunty to TWO in October!

P.S.

Happy April Fool's Day! Not going fooled today! (you hear that brothers?)