Life Laid Bear

April in review

We had a really great month. April treated us right. Here is what we have been up to... in pictures. 

- I finally got out anniversary pictures back. I was counting down the hours until I could see them, which makes me incredibly inpatient. I talked (and posted) about them here.  

- I obviously wore this shirt way too much this past month. It's Anthro though, how can you go wrong? I need it in all of the colors. 

- My wonderful co-workers helped me put together my new desk for my new office. And I got a new wall to go with it. New everything at work. (See the 3rd picture, where I look entirely too excited about a new wall... well I am!)

- My Murano was hit this month, and I was not so devastated. I faintly remember asking my coworker if he knew anyone who could burn it and throw it in the river (kidding. maybe. maybe not so much). It had a lot of issues mechanically and this happened at the right time if there ever was one. So instead of fixing it we traded it in for a smaller vehicle! Loving it so far. The wind in my hair, and more gas money back in my pocket. 

- Lucas has officially been with us for three years this month. It seems like yesterday that he was a pup. (See the 6th picture. Fluff ball of only 6 pounds.)

- We visited some of our favorite people in Orlando this month. We went to MegaCon, which was such an amazing experience. We will be back next year in full garb. We met Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride) and selfied with Milo Ventimiglia (Jess from Gilmore Girls)! 

- After MegaCon, we spent a day at Hollywood Studios. Everyone called me Princess for the day, and I loved every second of it. How can you not love Disney!

- The house is in full on renovation mode and I don't really see an end in sight right now, but I know it is right around the corner and it will be so worth it. Most of the painting is complete, and the floors are next. 

- The weather has been beautiful, wet, hot, foggy and cold or a combination of the five all month. I am ready for some steady weather, but so thankful it is not in the high 90's yet. 

Throughout the month, I continued to come back to the thought that we have such a blessed life. A wonderfully perfect for us life. A life where we can pack up and visit friends for the weekend on a whim, where a broken and battered car is not the end of the world, and one where the smallest things are the most exciting and precious of the month. Have a safe and fun weekend as we slide into May!

Four Year Anniversary Pictures

Last month we celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary! Woohoo! Hooray! Before this one, we celebrated a first, second and third. And of course, I didn't even think to get pictures taken to celebrate the other years. So we start fresh for our fourth year. And every year after this one we will ring the next in with pictures by the fantastic duo (that also took our wedding photos), Kylene and Ryan. 

Here are some of my favorites from the time we spent with them in Apalachicola, FL. It is the dreamiest little coastal town about 40 minutes from where we live. It also holds a very special place in our hearts and our story. (The one below is our all time favorite)

It was late in the day when we started taking pictures, and all of the shops were closed but we had the best time laughing and playing together. 

When we go to Apalachicola, we always stay at the Gibson Inn. It is a quaint Bed and Breakfast right when you get into town. (It is also for sale. Anyone want to go in and buy it with us? No, but really? Isn't it great!)

Aren't we cute? A little back story: when we originally went to see the pictures at our photographers....the only thing I kept saying was "oh my gosh, we are so cute", "that is my favorite", "no, that is my favorite". 

And of course, we have to have an ahhh factor picture. So there you go ladies and gents. Our four year anniversary pictures. Now, I just need to get them printed and up on our walls!

Here is to another 80 years together and just as happy as we are now. Thank you for a wonderful, loving and sometimes trying four years by your side! 

Thank you again to Kylene and Ryan for the beautiful pictures!

Multicolored dress: old Anthropologie, Polka dot shirt: Anthropologie

Four.

Today Kyle and I celebrated our fourth anniversary! Four years ago I walked down an aisle trying to calm myself down by singing Old McDonald. I was so nervous, I lost my shoe (flawlessly…NOT) heading down the aisle with my dad.

Four years later, and we are just as happy/nervous/loving as that first day. Since that day, we have made one move, two job changes and added a new dog and an unwelcome lizard. It has been hard and we have had our share of knock down, drag out fights. But nothing amounts to every morning waking up and choosing this life, with this man beside me! 

Happy Anniversary, my love! Here is to a hundred more just as great as the last one. 


 

around here

1-2.He came home and didn't even want to take his harness off. That was a first. 2. Valentine's Day gifts for my guy. He wanted to go see The Lego Movie, so off we went on Sunday. 3-4. Chilly morning snuggles in Kyle's robe. 5. It looks like I robbed the Young Adult section of a bookstore. I promise I didn't. 6. Still too cold to swim, but it is getting there! I feel it.

Thankful (7/52) on a Friday

Picture from 2010 engagement session by Amanda Lenhardt.

It's Friday! And it's Valentine's Day. What could be better? I am a hopeless romantic. I can't help it. These silly Hallmark made holidays are just so much fun. Go tell someone you love them today. It doesn't matter if you are single, married, in a it's complicated, or dating.

I am just so thankful that I can be completely sappy with this guy of mine and he is okay with it. Today, I know he will go out of his way to live up to these expectations that women set for their guys on Valentine's Dy. That goes unsaid most of the time, but today I am thankful for this. He deals with me in a way no one else can. He calms me when I am in tyrant mode and he is always my biggest supporter. He even let's me call him silly names. This guy makes me a better me without even trying. We have our ups and downs but more than anything, I am thankful for this moment in our life. This time where we are just us. Just content watching funny tv together. I know that time will pass and the urge for more will come, but for now...we are just coasting as the two of us. My life is full. Full of love, full of life, full of family, and full of future.

8 years

Today marks our eight year dating anniversary. It was the beginning of a very special chapter in our lives that I wish I would have documented better. The year was 2005 and I had just turned 15. I remember it like it was yesterday. He asked very nicely and very nervously if I would "be his girllfriend". It was oh so cute.

We were so young and knew nothing about life or love, but over the years we have grown up together. Learning as we go. He is my partner, my love, my laughter, and most of all my better half. 

Here are some fun pictures throughout the years. 

wedding round up

The weddings are over and the new Mr. and Mrs. are both at home and settling into wedded bliss. So here are some not so great quality photos of the past two weekend weddings. Love is in the air ladies and gentleman! 

I was not looking at the camera, but everyone else looks adorable. These are my great co workers. 

1. My dress and his tie matched, how cute right, well I think so at least. 2. Hairstyle that I wore to both weddings, because well.... that's really the only updo I know. 2.5. And introducing Miss. Seahorse, she has been with me many years. You may see her occasionally.  

Second wedding weekend, and more awesome co workers. 

1. The man of the hour and handsome groom. A Dub I miss you. Denver needs to send you back to us. 2. Carrie Link for you all. She is fabulous, enough said. 

Please disregard the squinty eyes. It was mega bright outside.

This past weekend we not only got to see one of our good friends marry the love of his life, but we also got to spend some much needed time with my mom at the beach. The last part of the month is going to have to be really rad to beat these two weekends.

P.S. Dress one is a Guess dress found on sale at Dillard's and dress two is actually a romper found at Anthropologie.  

Personal Letter - Blogtember

Today's topic for Blogtember is a personal letter. This letter could have been to anyone. My mom, my dad, my mailman, and of course my husband. But today instead, I wanted to write to a truly special person in my life. My best friend. I have to add some great pictures from over the years. I just couldn't resist.

  

Ashley, 

For the past almost 10 years, you have been by my side. My crazy, silly, stubborn, and wonderful best friend. So today, this letter is to you. For all you do everyday to keep me sane, despite all of my random ranting. Today, I think I might have told you at 8:00 this morning that everyone was pissing me off. And of course, your answer was yep it happens. Not you shouldn't feel that way, or you are so mean. Nothing but complete support. I love you for those moments. I love those times that we are cruising down the road blasting who knows what and singing along, badly I might add. I love you for those times that we don't see eye to eye but we can still laugh about it.  And like sisters we get over it and we move on. A lot of things have changed in the many years I have known you, but one thing remains the same. After all of these years... you are still the one!  

Jessica