Choosing Joy

I started off this post as a little weekend recap but it has morphed as I wrote it. It is now Monday and I've had a long tired day and I am mentally exhausted and ready to just go to bed and I realize as I finalize this post it's more of a 'recognizing happy moments' than anything else. It's about choosing joy when it's so easy to succumb to the 'little bumps' that were thrown haphazardly around today. The bumps were really insignificant (slow snowy commute turning a 20 minute drive into 45 minutes, vehicles not working properly and foul moods) but yet they tend to stand out at the moment. 

So right now I am choosing joy, focusing on the good (because there is honestly so much to be thankful for) and not letting the little 'bumps' steal the joy away from me. 

--------------------

Saturday I visited Nadia's Cakes with a few friends and am still dreaming of the decadence and the smell of the frosting as I walked in the door. I think frosting maybe one of the best scents in the world - I'm sure someone has bottled it, maybe I can find it?

{The award winning Vanilla Vanilla Cupcake // Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Vanilla and Chocolate Chocolate // Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake}

{friends + boardgames}

Sunday afternoon I also made a big batch of chili. I like to keep a few frozen servings of soup or chili around in the freezer for last minute dinner options but especially grab & go lunch options during the work week. 

I made my own version of Lindsey's Everything But the Kitchen Sink Chili. I honestly have to say this is my favorite chili I have made so far. I love a good hearty meaty chili with a nice kick of spice! I also loved Lindsey's idea of freezing left over veggies that her family will not get to and adding them to the chili.

{Sunday mocha with a friend + homemade chili}

Monday's happy moments. 

Caribou's new Cafe Milan + red polished nails // a blood orange

..A story of a blood orange..

One of my besties gave me this blood orange. As I was peeling it this evening and realized what it really was (besides an orange). This friend loves apples, coffee and blood oranges (silly combination yes?). After seeing each other on a spur of the moment date this weekend she gave me a blood orange, it's like giving me a piece of her heart - it's such a 'her' thing to do. Maybe it's the tired or exhaustion talking but it warms my heart to see this blood orange because it's such a reflection of my friend, her personality and love. 

I'm off to bed and hope to start Tuesday nice & happy - despite the mountains of snow 

Minnesota is being *blessed* with. 

(I say *blessed* because I'm choosing joy here right?!?)

On things + enjoying life.

Life is busy and crazy but beautiful.

Some days I feel like I am running to and from work, appointments, coffee dates and dinner plans and getting home just long enough to fall into bed and hit repeat. I stress myself out with these 'everyday' days added on top of a mental list of wishes & 'to-dos'. Yesterday was one of those days. I rushed from work to a car shop where I picked my vehicle up after paying a fun fee, ran home to eat + change and then back out to meet friends. It was somewhat a busy stressful day - but yet there are so many blessings in that day that I missed counting.

- I have a car to drive (despite it's personal & maintenance issues) many do not have a luxury of a vehicle.
- I am blessed to have friends to see & hangout with.
- Blessed to have a job and be transitioning to a new position even if it causes schedule craziness and stress.

Sometimes I forget how blessed I am. But God uses the everyday and the ordinary to remind me. This morning as I drove to a new work location God reminded me that He is good and in control by simply painting the most gorgeous sunrise of hot pinks, orange and purple hues. I love how once again I am reminded that things in life are just that - things. Each day the sun comes up and we are given a new day to live and count the many blessings of life. I am so grateful for the ways in which God speaks to me ( in a way that HE knows I will hear) and get's my attention.

I think 2013 will be about slowing down, living in the present, enjoying life and recognizing it for the moments I am given.

Like this moment - blogging while eating lunch and enjoying the noise of life going on around me.

Ps. my mental 'wishes & to dos' list includes more details about Ice Castles, Christmas (yes in January), winter wedding and new job details.

A Look at 2012

2012 was filled with many blessings, celebrations, trips, and life lessons and each and every one has made me more of who I am and has shaped me into the person I am today. 

The last few days I have been reflecting on everything that 2012 has ment to me and everything I have been blessed to experience. 

{A Few 2012 Memories} 

- My Alma-mater winning the NCCA FCS Championships in January

- Wedding dress shopping with Amanda Sue, Nae and bridesmaids.

- Joining weight watchers in February - I have since lost 28 Ibs. Summer and most of fall were unproductive weight loss times but I guess that is why it is called a journey. 

- Visiting Duluth in March 

- A trip to Voyager National Park with friends. It was such a thrill for me to travel to Voyager and visit the only National park that is in Minnesota. 

- Falling in love with frozen yogurt + topping bars this summer

- Standing up as maid of honor in Nae's wedding in June. 

- Roadtrip with L to New Ulm, MN

- Attending the Minnesota State Fair twice

- In three weeks I took 2 plane rides, visited three states, slept in 5 different cities. 

- Flying out to visit Amanda in Ohio. The adventures we had were epic. 

- Celebrating two 2013 engagements, attending 5 weddings, participating in 2 of them. Attending two bachelorette parties, 1 baby shower and 1 wedding shower. 

- Colorado trip to see Olivia for the first time in 2 years. 

- Cheering on the Bison live

- Becoming a self-proclaimed holiday coffee expert

- Shelby asking me to be one of her bridesmaids. Wedding #5 coming September 15th, 2014.

 - Hiking in Banning State Park

- Standing up with Krisit as she got married

- Time with family & friends

- Turning 28 years young

This past year has been fully of many adventures, surprises and opportunities and I am beyond blessed to be here today able to reflect on it all. I cannot wait to see what 2013 will hold for me but whatever it is I know it will be a wild ride and I am willing to walk out and meet it. 

Happy New Years Friends!

'Perfect' Snowy Weekend

When I reflect back on the weekend I can't help but think -- 'perfect'.

Saturday morning I began the process of making Christmas Stollen. Stollen is a German sweet bread that my family enjoys each most Christmas'. There is something about stollen that I just love to make, whether it is the process ( 3 risings), the smell of yeast or the nostalgic memories I'm not sure but I do enjoy it all. 

I also made chocolate peppermint crackle cookies which were tasty! I must admit that right out of the oven when the hershey kisses were all ooey, gooey and melty was really the best time to enjoy them! 

The green tree with tinsel + lights is from church and the tree that we have in the preschool room. 

There is something magical to waking up to a snow covered landscape. I love how snow turns everything magical, covers the brown grass and brings a new crisp landscape! I do not particularly enjoy the shoveling, cleaning your car off multiple times a day, the wet jean cuffs (this sista is short) or the bitter cold that seems to come with it but I try and remember how much I love it for the beauty it brings. 

Sunday morning I made the 25 minute treck to the country to church. In full disclosure I would not have made the snowy icy trip if it had not been for teaching preschool - it was much safer to be at home than on the roads. I dearly love my church for so many reasons, real reasons but I also love that no matter the season the long 'driveway' leading to church has cornfields, a little pond, a variety of tress and two beautiful barns. The scenery is always beautiful and no matter the season it always puts me in the right mindset to worship. 

The rest of Sunday was spent at home shoveling, finishing up a few decor items, rearranging, watching Hugo & The Dark Knight Returns, snowball fights and a orange snack break between shoveling. 

Monday morning came around and I was tired from a late night, sore from shoveling and still had way to many things on my to do list. 

But it was still a perfect weekend. 

It may not have sounded like a perfect weekend with the snow storm / 'blizzard' going on outside but perfect is like beauty and it changes definitions depending on the eye of the beholder. There are so many definitions of a perfect weekend - this weekend, this was my definition. 

Decking the Home and the Heart for Christmas

December is here and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The tree's up and all decked out with ornaments and lights.

A pinecone wreath was attempted - and failed. So I settled on pinecones and ornaments hung in front of the window and it makes me happy.

Candles are lite, Santa is sending presents via UPS, hot chocolate is being sipped and cookies are being consumed. 

Soon presents will be wrapped, cookies will be baked and snow {possibly} will be flying.

The home is coming along with decor and presents are being marked off lists but more than anything I'm preparing my heart for Jesus' birth. I've been reading an amazing advent devotional and trying to drink in all of the blessings that He has bestowed on me.

How are you preparing your home and heart for Christmas?

Embracing this December Morning

I absolutely adore Saturday mornings and everything they represent.

I love slowly waking up, no annoying alarm rudely awakening you, laying in bed reading a book or watching a movie while sipping delicious tea or coffee. Listening to music as I get ready for the day and knowing I have the entire day to do or be whatever I want.

This morning is just as delicious. The Christmas lights are glowing and I'm spending the morning leisurely getting ready, sipping tasty pumpkin tea, and thinking about the day ahead and all of the possibilities! I have errands ahead of me, places to go and Minnesota is covered in a foggy haze but I'm embracing the day. An loving that today is December first -- which excites me even more.

How are you spending your Saturday?

Recently

The last few weeks have been filled with such fun memories. My recent Sunday afternoons have been filled with Caribou dates with a good book and my laptop. Sushi, good conversations and shopping with friends, Twins game at Target Field, a friends wedding and movie nights at home.  

{Target Field}

I attend my second ever Twins game at their new stadium -- Target Field. I'm more of a football fan myself but the game was such fun and Target Field is so gorgeous!

{Jim + Chandelle}

This past weekend I also attended my second and last friends wedding of the year. Chandelle & Jim's wedding was so lovely! At both the ceremony and the reception the pastor and Chandelle's mom told Jim & Chandelle's story, I had heard most of it but God's fingerprints are seriously all over their meeting and dating and it was so beautiful! 

Not at all like me but I only got one picture {blurry iphone} picture of Jim & Chandelle. Typically I am a picture snapping fiend! One of my favorite moments was on their first dance Jim pulled out his cell phone to take a picture of them! It was so cute and so like them since Jim & Chandelle always have the cutest pictures up on facebook showing off their fun adventures! 

Busy + Beautiful Weekend

What a wonderful busy & beautiful weekend. 

Minnesota temps have finally cooled down a bit and I've enjoyed having the windows open and allowing the cool air inside after a long hot summer of air on & closed windows and shades!

I spent a large chunk of time at church with coordinating a wedding rehearsal Friday and wedding on Saturday. Sunday was busy with church and teaching. I have become so attached to my little two year olds this past year, I've gotten use to their personalities and have come to realize what to expect from all of them and know their favorite things. I am going to be so sad when they 'graduate' up to the threes room and I start with a new bunch of twos!

The rest of the weekend was wonderful and relaxing with visiting Amanda & lil' Adri, movie nights at home, conversations with wonderful friends and 'Bou dates with my Bible + journal.

The weekend was truly a beautiful mix of friends + business + fun + relaxation.

From One Year to the Next

It's my birthday! 

I absolutely hands down love my birthday. I'm 28 {gasp that's new!} and I still {and hopefully always will} love my birthday. New Years and looking back at the calendar year is fun but there is something even more special to reflect on the past year of your own personal 'New Years'.

{27} You have been so fun and yet so unexpected. It amazes me how far I have come and what I have learned in the past year. There have been many new experiences and adventures, there have been heart aches, and milestones, mountaintops and valleys and I would not trade any of it.

The many adventures and life moments at 27:

; joined weight watchers ; Visited Voyaguers National Park  ; celebrated a year at the new job  ; saw Canada for the 1st time  ; discovered a new way of eating  ; gave my 3rd MOH speech  ; lost 25 lbs  ; went to my first double feature  ; became a 'words with friends' board for halloween ; took a boat cruise on the Mississippi ; became slightly obsessed with nail polish  

; fell in love with pintrest ; hopped on the twitter bandwagon ; started teaching preschool twice a month at church ; worked on adding more margin to my life ; received pedicure #1 & #2 

; first manicure ever ; started coordinating weddings at church ; 

God has amazed me and taught me so much and yet there is still so much to learn and experience and live. As I look at 28 I too wonder what that will hold, whatever it holds I know that I am ready for it with God, my family & friends by my side.


Let the adventure begin. 

{Dear Monday Letters} Birthday Week Edition

Hello Monday! 

I'm linking up with Megan at Happy Day & sharing my Dear Monday letters with you. Click on over and share some Monday cheer with others ;) 

Dear Monday, what will you hold? Whatever it is I am ready for it - but please let me sip a little coffee before you get rolling ;)


Dear July, you are finally here! I have anxiously awaited you for months! I'm excited for all of the birthdays & celebrations this month - including INDEPENDENCE DAY! 


Dear Birthday Week, you are looking fabulous! So excited to celebrate with friends, reflect on the past year & anticipate the new year. Here is to you & me and a wonderful week! 


Dear neighbors, I like you, I really truly do. But must you really shoot off fireworks all weekend? Don't get me wrong, I love fireworks, but sometimes you should leave it to the professionals. Just sayin' is all. 


Dear Weekend, you were full of unexpected moments, treasured conversations, balmy 90 degree weather, and gorgeous sunsets.  I always underestimate how wonderful you will be and you always surprise me with an extra cherry on top with sprinkles! 


Dear Iced Coffee, I am attempting to make you at home. Sunday I purchased my first lime green Bodum French Press from Target - let's experiment and make deliciousness at home and save me some $$.

Wishing you a happy Monday!

Ps. Any iced coffee lovers out there who wanna help a sister out with some great at home brewing tips, techniques and secrets? 

{Dear Monday} 6.18.12 Edition

Seriously what a great weekend! 

 I'm linking up again with Megan at Happy Day for Dear Monday letters! 

Dear Monday, I am looking forward to evening Bible study with my girls + sipping an iced latte while digging into Gods' word. 

Dear Minnesota weekend full of quiet times, movie nights + popcorn, shopping, coordinating a wedding, friend phone dates, Fathers Day and simple pleasures, thank you for your beauty. I treasure weekends like you. 

Dear Summer, I am so excited for you and everything that you hold. Birthdays, road trips, patio sitting, hiking, summer nights & picture snapping. Yehaw! 

Dear July, I can't wait for you - you are my birthday month! Is it silly that at 27 {almost 28!} I still so head over heels for my birthday? Gosh I hope not because this is one girl who loves, loves, loves celebrating the new year & exciting opportunities and reflecting upon the last year.

Dear Week, you hold many fun delights - I can not wait to see what else you have in store for me. Let's getter started!

I hope your Monday is beautiful and your week just as fantastic. 

Remember to count your blessings and have a heart of thankfulness -- it's to easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget how beautiful & special life really truly is! 

Weekend Beautiful

Weekend. 

You were something beautiful - that much I know.

Friday Nae & I kicked off the weekend with a great lunch date to celebrate her BIRTHDAY!
Lunch dates with friends are such a treat for me and I absolutely love pausing in the middle of the day and grabbing a bite with someone I love! And we sat on a patio - simply heavenly!

Saturday was busy & so much fun with a great friend date that involved crepes, coffee & a beautiful leisurely walk around a Minnesota lake with friends.
I also was able to try on my MOH dress for Nae's wedding that is coming up soon - so soon!
Saturday I also popped over to the Minnesota State Fair grounds for a wonderful rogue art & craft show & lastly bought some flowers and started working in the yard! By the end of the day I felt like I had accomplished so many things and fell into bed utterly exhausted!

Sunday was like a cherry on top of a perfect weekend. I had a wonderful Sunday school class of little 2 year olds, great church service & then a wonderful lunch served to all of the women in the family by my dad and uncles! I love traditions and I love Mothers Day in my family - it's always so special! 

Sunday I also was able to have a quick fun Subway date with a great friend who was on layover for a few hours! 

The weekend was beautiful. Fast but beautiful. 

Weekends like this always remind me how truly blessed I am. God has gifted me with a great life, wonderful people and the ability to do many things. Life is not always easy but it's beautiful {in the good & the bad}. 

An Unexpected Weekend.

My weekend was not what I expected it to be.
Does anyone else every have that? Wednesday & Thursday I was absolutely sure I knew what my weekend held and then it all changed. But that's ok - my weekend was still amazing & perfect. 

Tasty ice cream with Kelly & Khalia - ice cream dates may just be perfection in a cup!

Many movies were watched; Thor, We Bought a Zoo & Ghost Protocol. 

The weather was a bit dreary and it rained a few times. But sometimes rain is a good thing, even if we don't think so at the time.  

A beautiful & productive Panera date, they're the best. 

Lots & lots of reading. The fun leisurely reading while lounging in bed or in your favorite chair with a cuddly blanket. 

One last bridal wedding shower for Lynnae.

Skyping with Amanda Sue. 

What a fun relaxing weekend. 

How did you spend your weekend? Was it what you expected or was there a game changer?

Why Hello Monday

                                                                    Source: sittinginatreeblog.com via Junia on Pinterest

A few days ago I cracked open a book that I received at Christmas... it's a five year plan book. I was interested in the book since it was highly recommended and came from a great friend. As I was paging through the book I came across a page about TGIM, Thank God It's Monday.

I'm not sure about you but I rarely think that way on Monday.
Rarely.

Intrigued I read on.  The book pointed out that millions of people dread Mondays and how that is a ridiculous way to spend one-seventh of your life - dreading a Monday. In the next five years you will receive 260 different Mondays, each one a new fresh day full of promises, possibilities and excitement. Why shouldn't we anticipate Mondays as so many of us anticipate Fridays?

This is a new thought for me, as I'm sure it is a bit foreign for the rest of the general public. But from this day forward I am going to try and enjoy Mondays, look at them with anticipation, excitement and joy.

What will Monday bring?

{Currently} Fresh 2012 Edition

                     

                                                                      Source: gatherlove.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

excited about 2012.

reading A.W. Towzer.

creating 2012 goals.

yearning for bedtime.

listening to wedding songs. 

{ie engagement roommate}

learning that I didn't miss snow as much as I thought 

{now that it has snowed}.

loving new slippers.

sipping red raspberry tea.

wondering what God has in store for 2012.

2011.

2011 Recap

{monthly highlights}

January brought much snow and the continuation of a very long winter for Minnesotans. It also brought no real goals for myself, in years past I had made resolutions but this year nothing happened, no resolutions or goals were set, made or delivered. January also brought around the 125th year of the Minnesota Winter Carnival, I happily attended & enjoyed the winter wonderland and events that are entrenched in Minnesota history. My fabulous friend Carm visited Curly Locks & I for a action packed weekend of tea, flowers, and Minnesota walks in March. I continuted to job search and I finally received a call back, two interviews and several weeks later I turned in my resignation at the catering job I had been with since I graduated college. The Monday after Easter, April 25th I started a new job in the industry of my degree, goodbyes & starting new are bittersweet. With the new job came professional clothing, different hours, being able to wear painted nails and knowing I had to say no to my tentative Colorado summer vacation. April also brought my first Swarm LaCross game (I am attracted to the little known sports) & throwing a wedding shower for my engaged roommate. Most of my May was spent packing up the apartment I spent a year at living with two amazing women. I moved back home to mom & dads for 2 months before moving in August to a house with two friends. July brought my 27th birthday & a new DSLR camera for myself (Happy Birthday) and a fun day with family at the cabin. I watched the Bison defeat the Gophers and happily cheered on my alma mater to victory while tablegating in October. Another roommate became engaged in December and I was honored to attend the engagement party and accept her request to stand as her maid of honor. 

  

{new loves}

New found loves were devoloped in 2011. I feel in love with all things Trader Joe's, Vaseline became my favorite chapstick and beauty product all around. I discovered after 26 years of not liking cold sandwiches Jimmy (Johns) makes tasty sandwiches plus they are super fast *wink*. I fell more and more in love with social media - yes I jumped on the blog wagon (hello xanga) and facebook long ago but I feel in love with Twitter, Instagram & pinterest this year in particular. Not sure how I could be anymore social media-ish in 2012 that I already am. 

{personal lessons learned} 

Sometimes paint chips lie and they don't look anything like the sample. I still need to work on personal organization and anti-procrastination, it's a work in progress. After yearning for 3 years to wear something besides an ugly catering uniform to work and then having to pick out clothes each morning I realized sometimes uniforms are easier.

{new 2011 experiences} 

Jumped on twitter, pinterest & the instagram bandwagon. Attended my first ugly sweater party in December. I became more involved at church going from 2 Sundays serving in children's ministry & small group leader to 3 Sundays in children's ministry, small group leader and church wedding coordinator. Attending the Minnesota Swarm lacrosse game and the Minnesota Roller Girls bout. Blog ornament exchange, I had so much fun with this. 

 2011 was everything & nothing I imagined it to be. I'm not sure what 2012 will hold but I am looking forward to finding out. I *may* even make 2012 resolutions/goals. 

 Will you be making any 2012 resolutions or goals this coming year?

on jumbled thoughts

Source: mochatini.org via Rebecca on Pinterest

Can I just say how much I love Benjamin Bratt's character on Private Practice? I love Sam & Addison but I think I could really love Benjamin & Addison. Shame on Private Practice, Shandra & ABC for making me want to break up a good think. 

I realized that today being November 1st means that the season of apple orchards, corn mazes, pumpkin carving and haunted houses has gone by without me doing any of them. Shame on me for wasting a beautiful season. 

Skype is a beautiful invention

Pinterest is a lie. 

{did you hear the collective gasp}

I can't make my hair look like any of the hair models, paint & style my nails like they show and will probably never make a 1/4 of any of the recipes or crafts I pin. 

But I still pin none the less. 

{ps. you can find me on pinterest here}

On Sights

A lot of my Friday - Sunday hours this weekend were spent at church since there was a wedding rehearsal+wedding+church+teaching sunday school during those three days, which also means I drove to church each day. Now church is located a bit in the 'burbs and is a bit farther of a drive since I have moved but despite that I love it's location.

 I love that I pass gorgeous scenery on my way, fields of corn, little ponds and fishing lakes, I love the extra time in the car to prepare my heart for worship and teaching & I love the barns I pass as I drive in and I love that it is a bit off the beaten path. I have driven that same path to and from church for three years now and in all reality the corn comes back every year, the trees along the highway are still the same trees as two years ago and the fields are still the same but I never get old of these sights. These sights inspire me and remind me of Gods' faithfulness and love, they remind me that He is everlasting and true. 

To me these sights are beautiful and hold a special place in my heart. 

another year has come and gone

TWENTY SIX

Twenty six what a wild ride you have been. You have been less than what I expected but yet so much more that I thought you would ever be. 

At 26 I:

; lived with 2 girls ; went to Bayfield, WI (twice) ; said goodbye to my job of almost 3 years ; started a new job ; grew closer to friends ; moved back in with the parents *temporarily* ; realized that I still don't understand balance ; hosted fun apartment events  ; started co-leading my women's small group ; fell more in love with Minnesota ; bought my first pair of mocassins ; still do not know how to not procrastinate ; bought a DSLR ; walked around Minnesota lakes ; started drinking regular coffee ; visited 2 multi-cultral museums in Minnesota (Russian & Swedish) ; must remember always, always read a recipe entirely through before I start the process ; did not wear as many dresses/skirts as I thought I would ; became more addicted to coffee  ; finally visited southern Minnesota  ; lived through the craziest season of weather in my life ; shoveled out my car twice from huge snow falls  ; continued to see Gods' faithfulness and truth all around me ;

Twenty seven I am not quite sure what you will bring. Whatever it is may God prepare me. 

On Life Reflection

Another weekend has come and gone. I still can not figure out how the weekends come and go so fast, it's like someone is constantly pushing the fast forward button.

My weekend plans have seemed to slow down a bit, which is really wonderful. Saturday I spent a few hours in the morning with a friend sipping coffee and chillaxing and enjoying each others company. Later on I ventured out to St. Paul and attended a Swarm game with a friend. I'm not sure what it is about the less popular sports, but I love them. First roller derby and now la crosse, there is just something wonderful about them. Don't get me wrong I still love football - but I never get in a football stadium, and I want to like baseball - I really really want to like baseball but right now I love me some roller derby and la crosse.

Spring is really coming in Minnesota. Yes it is, despite the slight snow covering Friday night to Saturday, spring is coming. It's amazing that when it's 20 degrees in the middle of a cold bitter winter it feels warm. But now that I have gotten a taste of the 60 degree tropics for a day or two 45 seems a bit chilly for me. I am relishing wearing lighter fleeces and spring jackets and not worry about what shoes to wear in the snow. Just to help spring along a bit I did paint my little toesies bright yellow.

I have expanded my love for Adele's Rolling in the Deep to include her entire 21 album. I am contemplating purchasing the entire album.  I typically flip stations between the local christian radio station and county music stations but I am always looking for more clean music options. This definitely seems to be a current option.

I am drinking iced tea by the glasses. I think it definitely means spring is on it's way. Yup the evidence of yellow painted tosies and brewing large quantities of iced tea definitely means spring is coming with summer hopefully not to far away.