SuRpRiSe!

        Stephen and I are happy to announce that we are expecting our first child in February! We've begun the initial appointments, screenings and so far all is well. Right now, the due date is the 11th, which just so happens to be my grandpa's birthday! I LOVE winter (yes, I know... I've been told before something must be wrong with me) and I am very eager to receive our first-born during such a beautiful time of the year. This next 7-months/year will no doubt be busy and hectic, but ... with God's blessings and guidance... We are excited for this new journey we have found ourselves on!

Girls Weekend in MN...

I am eagerly anticipating a Girls Weekend with two of my favorite girls, Bettina and Lora, and our newest edition to the "club"... Zoe Grace! I can't wait to hang out with this little cutie...

Trip to the Canadian Rockies...

    Recently, my grandparents, parents and Stephen and I spent a few days touring the Canadian Rockies via the Rockie Mountaineer. We traveled from Vancouver BC to Calgary AB. It was an absolutely beautiful experience and it was wonderful to enjoy together. It was mine and Stephen's honeymoon and it was awesome to spend it with two very important couples in our lives. My grandparents will be celebrating their 61st anniversary this coming August (and my youngest sister and her future husband will be exchanging their vows in the same month) and my parents will be celebrating their 30th this coming September (along with Stephen and I's 1st anniversary). So, as you can see, it was a very special trip for all of us to take together. Our vacation had a bit of a "rockie" start... my grampa tripped on my front stoop in the dark and misty wee hours of the morning on our way to the airport and my grandmother misplaced her credit card, ID, etc (thankfully, not until after we made it through customs). But, after that all that it was a smooth ride!

I experienced a little bit of a "role reversal" as I bandaged my grampa's knee (notice the Mickey Mouse band-aid):

A few of my favorite views of the trip:

Here are a few more photos of our scenic journey for you to enjoy...

Canadian Rockies Trip - Album

Hidden Treasures...

  
   This old hutch was 'rescued' by the previous owners of our house. I brought it in from the backyard patio and, with a little TLC, we've restored it and it's one of my favorite items in my kitchen. The owl cookie jars are recycled gifts from my grandma. I have been in love with them since I was a little girl (I could probably tell you exactly where they were displayed in my grandparents home(s) in Sawyer and then in Minot) and, this past Christmas, my grandma gave them to me - I could not have been more delighted! The other items are mix-n-match pieces I've picked up from flea markets, rummage sales and the like. I like to think of the word "eclectic" as a compliment - Haha!

     This is plate is one of a whole set of dishes I purchased this past weekend and I love, love love them! The set is antique but, would fit right in in any neighborhood Pier! And, because I had more dishes than I could possible display (w/o looking like an episode of "Hoarders"), I tried painting a few with acrylic paint to add some color to my cabinets (below). I've got a few eggplant, sage, mustard, pumpkin... all of which look great against my Italian white dishes.

  

     Needless to say, I love finding new 'treasures' and getting a great deal... it was an awesome Saturday spent with my friend, Nicole! Who, I must mention, found a few awesome bargains herself. Can't wait to see it all displayed in her new home this summer!

Wedding Photos

Here are few photos, shared from my Google+ account, of our wedding on Sept. 10th, 2011 :)

Wedding Album (Via Google+)

A New Day is Rising...

“Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Makes you wanna move your dancing feet.”- Bob Marley

Looking Forward...

     It is the end of another school year and the beginning of what looks to be a very exciting summer! My in-laws, Gary and Christi E. will be coming to visit over the Memorial Day weekend, on their way to visit their youngest son James, and a few friends along the way. Liberty Z., my oldest niece, will be graduating in May. I can't believe she's already eighteen (I am sure her parents might agree) and I am so excited for all the wonderful things she will experience as she takes this next step in her life. My parents, grandparents, and Stephen and I will be taking a trip to the Canadian Rockies in the beginning of June. We are greatly looking forward to spending time with the family and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains, from Vancouver to Calgary. The remainder of the summer will be filled with bridal showers, bachelorette parties and hopefully a visit to Minnesota to meet baby Zoe and spend time with my girls, Bettina S. and Lora J. I also look forward to a concert or two at the NDSF - Zac Brown Band here I come! My baby sister, McKenzie is getting married to her fiance' Adam on August 4th and my brother-in-law James and his fiance Emily are tying the knot on August 12th; in both weddings I am a bridesmaid.

     Sound busy? I hope so! This will be one of the first summers in a loooooong while that I will not be working over the summer and am grateful for the chance to enjoy a wide-open schedule... Perhaps it's time to take up a new hobby (knitting), finish some home-improvement projects (painting the deck, some minor landscaping, etc) and who knows what else will find itself on my plate? BRING IT ON, summer!