Two Weddings and A Funeral

Ok… not quite… but pretty darn close. This weekend/coming week has been “hectic” to say the least.

First, our second wedding anniversary was Sunday. Two years has totally flown by. I always said I wanted to have children once we’d been married for two years, and that has now come and gone with no children. To be honest, it kind of snuck up on us. It’s so hard to believe that I have been married to my best friend for two years, most of the time it feels like we’ve just been married forever. Our family forgets that it’s only been two years because we have been together for over seven. That’s a LONG time!

I had planned to write a nice long blog about how great our two years has been… and then… everything else happened. Check out my first year anniversary blog here to refresh your memory!

Second, Sunday was Father’s Day so we spent our actually anniversary with friends and family celebrating a totally different thing… our dads. What great men they are, and how great they have been to both our families. We are both so fortunate to have been blessed with these wonderful men in our lives. They have set great examples for my husband when we decide the time is right to have children.

Third, my mom’s best friend passed away on Friday. It was detrimental to our family. She was one of those women who touches literally everyone’s life she walks into. She taught second grade with my mom for years and she adopted my brother, sister, and I as her nieces and nephews. She carried pictures of us in her wallet, she sent us birthday cards (always with confetti in them), and she passed along her high heeled shoes for my sister and I to play dress up in. Every time we visited her house, we came home with makeup on, red fingernails, and bags of shoes to dress up in! She was truly a great woman. It was hard losing her, but it was really hard knowing that she was only a few years older than my mom. She died of breast cancer; it’s such a terrible disease. I took a few days off work to be with my mom and family. They had a wonderful service for her yesterday and they packed the church. Her procession was over 2 miles long. What a tribute!

Lastly, we have another wedding to go to this weekend. It should be fun. It was my neighbor growing up. We stopped by her mom’s house yesterday to drop off her gifts early and sat and chatted for a little while. I got time to think about the day that I married my best friend. It was truly the best of my life, thus far.

So that, my friends, is my two weddings and a funeral post. Now, do you see why my title was kinda-sorta fitting?

Thank you for stopping by!

We're Back

We're back from our whirlwind vacation, (or extremely relaxing and extremely too short vacation) to Mexico. It was b-e-a-utiful! We had weather between 89 and 95 degrees every day with a 5 minute rain delay on the last day at the beach. Believe me, I can deal with that!

Anyway... we did this really cool vacation through our travel agent, where you pick the level resort you want to stay at (they use apples and we chose 6 apple) and you choose the region you want to stay in, they call it the apple square deal. For example, we chose 6 apple, Riviera Maya, Adults Only. This means, we get no less than a 6 apple hotel, in the Riviera Maya, and no children. The price was significantly lower than even the cheapest resort in that grouping. We ended up at this posh hotel where everything was lavishly decorated. The food was delicious. It was awesome. We saved a ton of money too! Here are some pictures from the resort we stayed in. I'll try and post some of my pictures from the vacation soon!

Here's the resort's main pool. The swimup bar is located in this pool as well as two restaurants overlooking the pool. This pool was always packed, and I never once stepped foot in it, but I walked by it all week. Beautiful! We spent most of our days out on the beach overlooking that bright blue ocean!

This is a view looking down on the main pool from one of the restaurants. (And yes, it really did look like that!)

This really is what our room looked like. Every room in the hotel is a suite, which means you get this monster shower (with no door), a jacuzzi tub for two, and a huge bathroom. The only downfall was that everything was very open. This is fine for a married couple, but if you're going there with someone whom your only dating, it could get a little awkward when using the facilities (if you know what I mean!) The bed was honestly like sleeping in a cloud. I had the BEST NIGHT SLEEPS of my life right there in that bed! We also had a couch and tv, a table with two chairs, and a huge balcony which overlooked a pool and the ocean!

Those are just some of the pictures that I found! This place was uber-modern and everything about it was done to a T. I would love to go down there and stay at that same resort again! It was like another honeymoon for us. We had so much fun!

I'm not excited to be back home, and even less excited to be back to work. But I am excited to get wet puppy kisses from our little pooch when I get home today. I missed her, and my friend who works at the dog kennel said she moped around all week, missing us.

Stay tuned, more pictures to come later :-)

Time for A Change

Joe and I have been talking a lot about making some changes in our lives. First, we are attempting to pay down all our debt right now. I haven't purchased a new pair of shoes in like a year... and it's terrible. But, it's SO worth it. Second, I am going to get a second job. I have already signed the paperwork. I feel like I need something else in my life right now. I feel like I need to do something that I thoroughly enjoy, and that I just do for some extra cash in the bank. Joe still drives my two door Honda Civic from high school. Eventually he would like to buy a truck, and I would love for him to be able to do that soon! Third... I'm getting my hair done tomorrow. I've lost almost 15 pounds, and people are starting to notice, so I want to make some more changes :-). And, I'm making a drastic change. I'm not going to tell you what I have planned, but I will show you a before picture, and then show you an "after" picture tomorrow.

Please pray for Joe and I in making these changes in our lives. We are focused and determined to get ourselves on the right feet before we take the next step in our lives (And I'm sure you can figure out what that is :-))

My Husband Rocks! Friday

Why does my husband rock this week? Well... we've been working our butts off getting the house up to standards (which is pretty high if you ask me!) and through it all, we have become stronger as a couple. I know we are on each other's team, and we are in this for the long haul. I look at him everyday, and thank God that I was given the opportunity to marry my best friend.

Now, on to the nitty gritty of why he rocks... we have been the dynamic duo, hanging pictures, doing yardwork, watching football, etc... It doesn't matter what we are doing, we seem to make the best of it, and we both enjoy it because we are spending time together.

I love you Joe!

Coming Along...

So, there isn't a word to describe the exhaustion that I'm feeling. But it's all going to be worth it. Every last second of hard work. The long days at work followed by long nights at our new house (I still like saying it!) are coming to an end, and soon we are going to be living there. Just the two of us, in our very own house. I'm so excited that we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that this is a day early, but my husband deserves every bit of praise so I'm saying my husband rocks... Thursday!

Joe has absolutely worked his butt off. He has been getting up early (let me tell you, he is NOT a morning person) and trying to get some things done before going into work, and working after work until I basically have to drag him to bed. He stripped, restained, and refinished the cabinets in my kitchen... just because I didn't like the way they looked! He is replacing most of the light fixtures because they are horrendous! He is such a great husband, and such a hard worker. I'm not sure what he is going to do when we have everything done. He's going to get bored!

Anyway, I promise pictures are coming soon, from both our vacation and before pictures of our house.

EXCITEMENT

So, if you read any of my previous posts, you know that Joe and I bought a house a while ago (it actually seems like an eternity ago!). Well, this week it becomes REAL! This week, we sign our lives away and actually become homeowners. I feel like this is just the next step in our lives together. Our lives are beginning to feel real. Don't get me wrong, I totally have felt married, and happy for the past year of my life, but we lived together before we were married (I know, I know, don't judge me!) and so when we got back from our honeymoon and back to reality, things didn't necessarily change. That was a good thing! Now, we are having serious conversations such as... children, where we want our kids to go to school, etc.

I recently got together with a friend from high school and we were talking. I told her that Joe brought up the "having children" conversation (it wasn't a total surprise, we have talked about it before) and I freaked out. Like I said before, it's becoming real. Within the next year we are thinking about trying to start a family. This means... no more sleeping in (or sleeping at all for that matter), no more running errands together just to spend time together, no more having extra money to spend on US, etc. Those of you who have your own children know the drill... LOL.

Anyway, I could use some help talking me down off the ledge right now because I am totally nervous and scared. We aren't even trying to have a child yet, but it is truly all I think about lately. I NEED SOME HELPFUL WORDS HERE! LOL

My Husband Rocks Friday

I love my husband because.... drum roll please....

WE JUST BOUGHT A HOUSE! Yep, you heard right. We signed our lives away today when our offer was accepted. We should be in the house by August. It had to pushed back a bit, because we have a little, and much needed vacation to Mexico planned here in our very near future! But I am super excited. And even more excited that we are taking the next step in our lives. There is no one else in this world that I would want to take this step with.

Love you hun!


**Pics to come later!!**

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

In conjunction with my earlier post today about the heart association, and more specifically, my aunt… I’m doing reasons why my family means the world to me!

1. My grandpa is by-far my biggest fan. He traveled all over with my mom and I. We had so much fun with him and I never realized how lucky I was to have such a great guy as a grandpa.

2. My mom’s sisters are like my own sometimes. They all care so much about my sister and I. They threw me a great shower for my wedding, and I call them if I need something. I love being in a close-knit family.

3. My grandma is the most generous woman I have ever met. She raised 4 children to all be successful, as well as worked full time. And to boot, she still holds hands with my grandpa. It seriously makes my heart melt.

4. My aunt Tracy trusted me for a whole summer with her infant child’s life. I watched him everyday from 8-5 through my summers in high school. I never knew what a compliment that was, but I was really young. I got good money, had fun, and got to see my family all the time.

5. My cousin Brittany is like a little sister to me. She lives in our old house and we used to see each other on a regular basis, like daily. Now that I’ve moved away, I still make it a point to make a day of it when she does my hair.

6. My dad’s mom always remembers to send us cards for all those little occasions in our lives. She is so good and always finds the perfect card for the occasion. Sometimes I think she spends the entire day in Hallmark looking for the card, but it always puts a smile on my face.

7. I am the third oldest child on my mom’s side of the family. The first two are boys. When we were younger, my boy cousins played “Pretty Pretty Princess” with me. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of that game, but you put on jewelry and whoever had the crown won. We have several pictures of the three of us playing it, dressed up and everything.

8. Until a few years ago, my family got together every weekend just because. We enjoyed going to see Grandma and Grandpa and loved seeing the whole family at once.

9. I still look forward to holidays at my grandparents. Not because of the gifts or the food, but because we all are in one place, and we are all there to spend quality time together.

10. And most of all, I am thankful that my family loves and accepted Joe into our family immediately. He has been coming around now for 6 years, and my youngest cousins ask where he is if I’m by myself. We truly are a package deal and my family has never made him feel anything but welcome and a part of the craziness that we call “family.”

Please check my prior post, I would really appreciate any donations for the American Heart Association. Also, the money goes directly to the AHA so you don't have to worry about your money getting to the association. And, if you are around the Akron area, October 17th at 10:00 AM is the heart walk. It is a great event, only a two mile walk, and it's for a wonderful cause!

Here's the link to Near and Dear to My Heart where you can find instructions on donating.

Thanks again!

One Year Ago...

One year ago today I:

I got up really really early to get my nails redone because my first nail person screwed them up!

I got my hair done with all my bridesmaids.

I went to eat at Chik-fil-A.

I put on beautiful shoes.

I got all dressed up.

I saw my dad for the first time, and I teared up because I knew things would never be the same.

I waited patiently while Joe and his best friends got pictures taken.

I finally got pictures with all of my best friends.

I got my veil put on. It freakin' hurt.

I sat in the back room while Joe walked his mother down the aisle.


I walked down the aisle, so excited!

I got a big kiss.

I walked back down the aisle, this time with my best friend.

One year ago today, I married my best friend.

Happy Anniversary Joe!

**Sorry about the photos, I had to take pictures of the hardcopies because my printer/scanner is out of commission right now!**

My Husband Rocks Friday

Joe rocks this week because even though he had the stomach flu for two days, he made dinner the majority of the nights this week. It's so nice when he takes over a few days in the kitchen for many reasons...


1. We actually get good food, as opposed to my mediocre cooking skills


2. Dinner is usually done/almost done when I walk in the door from work


3. He helps clean up after





He's such a great hubby, and feeling much better too!

PS... Check out some of "family photos" here!

My Husband Rocks Friday!

My husband rocks this week (and always) for being my biggest fan! We are truly made for each other. Although he jokes, and we laugh a lot, I know there isn't anything in this world he wouldn't do for me. He keeps me level-headed when I am ready to "kill someone". He keeps me calm when I get all worked up over something little. He is the reason I am who I am today.

Thanks Joe for being my biggest fan! (Please disregard the fact that we are 18 year old nerds! Oh, and he really didn't want to be my biggest softball fan, but he was there, none the less)

HELP...

In 12 days, Joe and I will have been married a year. Crazy, I know. But I need help with a gift. We are trying to save money so I don't want to spend too much money, but I want something special and fun. I really wanted to take a trip, but with him in a new job, and not having much vacation time, that seems to be shot.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys!

Ten Things Tuesday

So I found this fun blog on here. It is Xbox wife's idea, you should head over to her blog sometime and check it out. Anyway, you are supposed to post a list of ten things on Tuesdays. Sounds easy enough, huh?

Today's Ten Things I'm Thankful For

1. My family is so important to me. Not only do I love my husband, but my parents and my siblings are great. I also love my in-laws. They are in support of our choices and a pleasure to be with all the time!

2. My friends are such great people. Joe and I have the fortune of sharing a lot of our friends, which makes spending time with friends even more enjoyable. We love each and every one of them and are so thankful that they are such a huge part of our lives.

3. My job. Even though sometimes I complain about my job, or my pay, or my hours... I truly am thankful that I have a job, especially in these trying times. I am able to do something I am good at, and kind of most of the time enjoy.

4. My puppy. I know, it sounds tacky. But she is our child right now. She is such a sweet puppy and I am looking forward to her growing up, much like anyone looks forward to their children growing up!

5. Where I'm from. I am thankful to be an American. Again, might sound a bit cliche', but I am so serious. I also greatly appreciate the men and women who risk their lives to keep this country the greatest on Earth.

6. Love. I am so thankful to have the experience of loving your best friend. Sounds stupid, but I wake up every morning excited to see Joe. I also can't wait to get home and tell him about my day. It truly is the best! 7. Financial Stability. In this economy, being able to pay all our bills and still have some left over money is pretty awesome. I am so thankful that we are both able to work and "bring home the bacon" for each other!

8. My grandparents. I know I already talked about being thankful for my family, but this is a different kind of thankful. I had the pleasure of getting to know all four of my grandparents. Not many people get to know them all. Although I lost a grandparent in high school, I still feel as though I got a chance to know him as well. They are all such great people!

9. Eat. Going along with the theme, I am also very thankful that we are able to eat what we want, when we want. There are so many people these days who aren't even sure where their next meal is going to come from, or even if they are going to eat. I am so thankful that I can provide for my family.

10. Joe. Joe also gets his own! Last, but definately not last (more along the lines of saving the best for last) is my wonderful husband. I have been with Joe for over six years now. It's so hard to believe that we started dating in those awkward high school days and here we are, stronger than ever. I love him with all my heart, and I am thankful everyday to be in love with my very best friend. He truly is my other half and my soul mate. I am who I am today, because of him.

Well, that wraps up my top ten for this week. Do me a favor, leave comments if you're reading it, and do one for yourself. Make it a habit for Tuesdays! And, (if I could figure out how to link her page to mine I would) make sure to visit Xbox wife's page (you can just google it!) to find out the official rules. I think I am going to just make top ten lists each week, not necessarily what I am thankful for during the week. I hope to hear from all of you! This was a fun post!

My Husband Rocks Friday

Today my husband rocks because we are looking again to buy a house. And who better to take a huge step with, than your very best friend. We are working on getting all the paperwork in order, just in time to buy the house of our dreams, up for sheriff sale a month from Tuesday!

More on the house purchasing later :-)

PS... I know it looks a little rough now, but we looked at the house last year and it was really nice but way out of our price range. Although I feel bad about the people losing their house to foreclosure, it may work out nicely for us!

My Husband Rocks Friday

Ok, first, I have no clue how to add the "my husband rocks" icon to my page, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Now, on to why my husband rocks this week. My husband rocks because I am having surgery today and I know that he will be helpful when he gets home. He sometimes acts like a "tough guy" but he really is a sweetheart!

I love him more everyday!

January 12, 2006 - The day we got engaged. I was so surprised and not expecting it at all!