Monday, August 31, 2009

Anniversary Time

September 1
8 yrs and counting since I said "I do!"
Did I understand all that would entail? Probably not.
Am I thankful I made the decision? Definitely.
Nathan & I have literally grown up together.
I'm so thankful that we have grown together instead of apart!
I respect him for his wisdom and decision making in our marriage.
I've grown to appreciate our differences instead of allowing them to hinder us.
I'm amazed how crazy I am about this man
... and excited about our future

Happy Anniversary, Babe!


Tuesday, August 25, 2009

More Celebratin'

My parents decided to be out-of-town again this year over my birthday, so they were thoughtful enough to come by on the way to Kansas (to see Seth, I might add) and take me out to breakfast. * I'm totally kidding about this, by the way. I just love giving them a hard time! * I got up bright and early for breakfast and heard them out in my garage when they pulled up. I looked out the door and saw them unloading my Mom's corner hutch. I just started crying. The girls in my family (Dana, Natalie, and myself) have been arguing over this hutch for years... ya know, who gets it when Mom dies. Just kind of in a joking way. When I saw them unloading it, I just kept saying "You can't give me your hutch!". I have really been wanting to get a china hutch and Nathan was going to get me one for my birthday - I was just so surprised! This hutch was my Great Grandma's and was very special to my Mom as well. That's also why it meant so much to me. I plan to eventually paint it, but I'm just enjoying it for now. I love it so much!
Thank you Dad & Mom for an enjoyable break fast and such a special present!

After breakfast, I met up with Jen for an afternoon of shopping. Hobby Lobby was the biggest hit where I found a new picture for my living room and several little accent pieces to give the room a new look. I don't go to Hobby Lobby often (mostly because of location) but now I know I shouldn't stop in there much - they have some great stuff!
Natalie, these little birds were inspired by you! I thought Nat's bird obsession was kind of unique even though I had seen birds in decorating a lot lately. That was until I saw these little black ones... I just had to have them. I found these pillars at home to sit them on and now I just smile when I look at my birds :) I also found this little plaque with one of my favorite scripture versus on it. It was definitely a successful trip.
That evening, Nathan took me to dinner and to see The Proposal. Nathan doesn't watch chick flicks... ever, but since it was my birthday and the movie was part comedy - he obliged. It was wonderful and I even had time to run into Target and get my ottoman (I've been wanting this FOREVER) after the movie. We now have two ottomans in our living room, but I just love the black leather one. You can store blankets inside... it's so cool :)

On to Saturday... yes folks, I'm still celebrating!
I went and got a manicure and pedicure. Am I seriously spoiled this year or what?! I even admit it, but it was wonderful and one of the best birthdays I've had in a very long time.
On Sunday, my mother-in-law had cake for me. Tanessa said it was like celebrating the birthday that never ends! :)
Something else that topped it off this year - BOTH of my brothers remembered to call and wish me a happy birthday :) They are the best!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Happy Birthday to me...

On the eve of my birthday, Phil, Jen, Jonathan, Ben, Tanessa and girls all met up with Nathan & I at O'Charleys for dinner. After a wonderful dinner, we all went back to Jen's house for a little party... a Princess party! Emma had just had a birthday on Monday of that week and wanted me to have a Princess party just like her :) Jen had them bring over the decorations since she knows I'm pretty much a kid about my birthday anyhow!


Nathan & I had just been talking the night before how we are going to actually start buying gifts for one another. We celebrate holidays together, but most of the time we just end up buying our own gift and saying it is for my birthday, Christmas, etc. I was mentioning to him how he probably wouldn't even know how to shop for me since he hasn't really had to for so many years. Something came up about the style of clothes I like and I mentioned that I'm really into ruffles lately... ruffles on clothes! This is the first item I pulled out of the bag from him :) He did pick me out a couple of shirts all on his own and I really liked them! He's a keeper!


Thanks girls for my party - it was fun for me!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Kings Island

Last weekend we took a couple of days and headed to Cincinnati. We got up early Friday morning and headed off to Kings Island for the day. It was super hot and we were all drained of energy by about 6:00 pm.
Tanessa insisted we have La Rosa's for supper, so stopped on the way back to the hotel and had dinner. We got a great deal on hotel rooms through Priceline, so were on our way back to the hotel to crash when... we saw Gabriel Bros! I just love that store! After much begging, the guys dropped us off at the door for a quick shopping trip. We each found some bargains and things we just couldn't live without, so it was a successful trip :)
After a delicious breakfast (seriously) at the hotel Saturday morning, we set out for fun shopping on the way back to Indy. The guys insisted they get to go to Bass Pro Shops, so since it was attached to a mall, we allowed it. That mall is so cool inside, but practically empty of stores. So sad. I don't know if the location is just bad or what the problem is. Of course, we had to go to Gap Clearance store before heading home... simply a tradition!
It was a wonderful weekend... enjoyed by all :) I've heard Cincy has a new Outlet mall, we'll definitely have to hit that up soon!