Party

This weekend we had a little shindig for Josh's birthday! 

It was also kind of an engagement party... More like a reason to get our bridal party together to hang out!

We had a great time! I got the same feeling in my heart this weekend as I did when I went shopping for dresses with my bridesmaids.. I felt so blessed that all of our friends and family were there for us..

That my parents were setting up the house for us... 

everything that was happening that night was for us (well, mainly Josh!)

The party was a blast.. My dad fed everyone until their bellies could take no more..

We stayed up way to late and had a little too much fun!

Setting Up

We got a little spoiled this weekend too.. Josh's mom made us these pillows. The two smaller ones are where we grew up and the bigger one is where we will get married and it has our wedding date on it!

 She put them in this adorable bag!

 My friend Katie, who you can meet over here made us this cute little heart map! 

Words can't express how blessed I feel to have all the love and support that we have!

Summer Lovin' Had Me A Blast..

 Summer has been a "blasty" as Josh would say.. 

Between us both working a lot we have still managed to find time to partake in some summer adventures.. Such as golfing with our friend Mike and Myranda..

Myranda and I didn't golf... But we successfully drove the carts without crashing and found lots of golf balls for the boys!

 

Other summer adventures have included Daddy-Daughter dates for frozen yogurt and fresh produce..

We made a trip to the beautiful Lake Michigan last weekend as well. The waves were giant for Lake Michigan! Such a beautiful place..

 While summer is winding down, there is still so much to look forward too! 

I can't wait for the adventures to come!

Happy Birthday Love

Happy Birthday Josh!

I am so thankful for you on this day and always.

I can't imagine a more perfect best friend, soul mate, and dog dad!

You light up my days more than you will ever know.

I admire your hard work ethic and positive attitude.

What I want to tell you most of all on this day though is that I can't wait to grow old with you

& I can't wait to be your wife because you make me, me.

Love you babe! 

Day 4!

{What is your favorite childhood memory?}

This isn't necessarily ONE memory, but one person who I shared a lot of memories with.

My big sister Eden was always my number one nemesis and also my number one supporter.

Growing up she spent her days screaming at me for all that I did wrong and then defending me to the death if anyone else dared to say anything the wrong way to me.

We shared lots of memories together.. Staying up late, playing games, swimming, playing Sega...

She has always been the best friend a girl could ask for. I am so lucky she is my sister and the biggest part of my childhood.

15 day Challenge.. take 2!

A few months back I tried failed to do a 15 day challenge.. 

I thought I'd try again though! =]

So here it is.... 

 

Let's get started, Day 1!

{15 Fun Facts About Me!}

1. I have an unhealthy obsession with nail polish. I love buying it, looking at it, and painting it on my nails!

2. I cry a lot.. happy tears, sad tears, mad tears, excited tears, thankful tears.. Usually tears are involved with every emotion.

3. I am getting married in less than a year! (To the absolute love of my life and the best man I have ever know {Besides my Dad} )

4. I graduate with a teaching degree in less than 6 months!

5. I am messy. (My fiance does not love this part about me!)

6. I love to read.. I could get lost in a book for hours!

7. Nothing in the world is more important to me than family. I love my family and my family-to-be more than words can describe.

8. I have dated Josh for 3.5 years.

9. We have a dog named Rosco and he turned 3 yesterday! (He is basically treated like a child!)

10. I feel most content when I am with family or keeping busy.

11. I have spent the past 4 years of my life coaching cheerleading at a high school. I have learned so much and I love all of the girls I have coached to pieces.

12. I am currently obsessed with Big Brother, Prison Break, and Breaking Bad. (Way to much TV watching lately)

13. I love kids (hence why I am going into teaching) and I can't wait to have my own kiddo's someday.

14. I have tried very hard to be healthy the past few months and I feel a lot better since doing so.

15. I love helping others and lifting them up in any way I can. 

Whew.. that was harder than I thought it would be!

Okay, the challenge is on! If you are up for it, join me! 

Post a comment with your link below so we can all link up! 

Check out these other 15 day challenges:

Katie (One of my beautiful bridesmaids!) 

Gone Fishing

I spent my day off with my Dad this week. I woke up at the crack of dawn and went fishing with him. As you may have guessed, fishing really isn't my thing. I watched my Dad fish, started a new book and spent the morning chatting with my him.

 

 The weather was perfect. 

Our conversations were even better.

 As I get older and begin to start having my own family, I cherish my time with my Dad. I am a serious Daddy's girl and miss seeing him everyday like I did when I was little. 

So, this fishing trip was simply, perfect.

Moving On..

For most (especially me), moving can be an emotional experience and also an exciting adventure. Last weekend, I spent the weekend packing up my bedroom.  Reliving all of the memories that my room has held for me the past 10 years was an emotional experience. How many countless hours did I spend in that room? I mean, a lot has happened in my life between 6th grade to now.

As I began to get emotional thinking of this all, I started to remember the exciting news: I get to start a new chapter of my life in a new home. Just like my bedroom, I'm sure our new place will hold memories that I'll never forget and memories that I'll want to forget! My new home will actually be my own place, a place that I can take my parents too and cook them dinner!

It's a big (grown-up) step in my life. I am nervous and excited. I can't wait to share the struggles and triumphs that come with moving out into the real world by myself (Plus Josh and Rosco). I have seemed to learn so much already. Who knew when you are sanding a piece of furniture you need to go with the grain? Not this girl! :) (Looks like I'll be learning a lot)

For now, I am forgetting about the stress of moving and heading out to Lake Michigan. :)

Where do you begin?

I'm not sure how long I've had this blog account open.. but it's been a while. I have been contemplating the simple question (or not so simple) of where to begin. Sure there is a lot going on in my life.. I am moving, I have a new job, I am soon to be a senior in college. BUT (and there's always a but) those things don't mean much to me in the big picture.

I got thinking about what is important to me and what I want people to know about me. The answer of where to begin popped out: My family. While family is important to everyone, I feel as though family is the root to who I truly am. After all, I was named after my dad! Even my name is connected to my family! (I guess there is no escaping them!)

My Dad

(Disregard my no-makeup face, we're at the farm. No make-up needed there.)

        What would I be without my dad? Probably nothing. My dad is the essence to who I am. We share not only our name, but we share our hearts, our scary hair and even our big eyes. We share our love for life, our faith and our strong sense of family. My dad and I have been close since I can remember. We have always been best friends. Even as a 5th grader, if you asked me who my best friend was.. I would of told you it was him.

        He is the greatest man I've ever met. He is so caring, talented, funny, and positive. He is the greatest dad to my sister and I, and the best husband (for 25 years!!) to my mom. I could go on and on....

My Mom

(She is beautiful, huh?!)

       My mom is one of the strongest people I know, which is where I suppose my sister gets it from. (I admire them both dearly because of this.) She sticks up for not only herself but for her family and for what it is right. She is brave (sometimes too brave ;) ). She loves her family and is an extremely hard worker. She is creative and can make a couch, table, lamp and mirror from Goodwill look like it was from Pottery Barn.

        She is straight-forward and an inspiration to me. I couldn't have asked for much more than her.

My Eden

        Eden and I have been close since the day I was born. (I think. ;) ) When she cried, I cried. When she hurt, I hurt. She was my worst enemy through middle school and at the end of high school we were back to being the best of friends. She stuck up for me and is always there for me when I need her. She is an extremely hard worker, and so well put together. (I could only dream of being as together)

        I have admired her since day 1 and still continue to do so today. From her work ethic to her looks, she has it all! She is my best friend and my favorite sibling ;)

The newest addition

       I guess those two boys above aren't technically "family" but in my book they are. Josh is my boyfriend and has been for the past few years. He is the happiness to my day.  He is a little bundle of joy and happiness. Which sometimes includes non-stop tickling and corny jokes. He is the gentleman that my parents could have only dreamed about. He takes care of me and always makes sure there is a smile on my face.

        That little furry guy between us, that is Mr.Rosco. Rosco is the cutest dog in the entire world. (I am not bias at all) He is so in love with his Dad, it is ridiculous! He loves to go crazy when we come home and snuggle with us at night. He's quite the lover and the newest member of my family.

This is where I begin my blogging journey, with the most important part of my life.