Crazy week in pictures!

Girl wants to jump on dad!





















I bought some cherries! Look at my bling!

Girl decides to take the leap!

I fill my fridge with bad choice!

Girl finds success to be rewarding!

I play with my food!

Duke finds a nest of baby birds under our deck!

Mom sets up a scrapbook table in our living room!

I join Duke for a look at the birds!

He is so impressed!

mmmmmmmmm!

I help dad fix a toliet!

Chaz and I set our coffee table like it was our dining room table!

Woot Woot!

I interrupt this blog to inform you all...I think I am going back to work!!!!

What a crazy week!

For all who where worried, no Tonya did not see her card online before receiving it. She called me today to thank me for the card and I had to tell her it has been posted online for about a week now! What a loyal reader, eh? lol! Tonya doesn't have a very good Internet to so I will forgive her.

It sure has been a busy week though. Monday Chaz came home and what a good treat! I missed him so much and not being able to talk to him for like five days was simply crazy! Especially since we have talked almost everyday since we started dating. It was so weird. But he is back now and we are acting like little teenagers. Tonya would say, "Ew, I just threw up in mouth a little!"

And as far as wedding details, this has been the week. I don't think I have ever been on the phone or computer with my mom so much! But we got tons figured out! We have made a budget, picked out amazing decoration ideas, and we have confirmed a ceremony site! And as I write, the back of my car is full of bridesmaid dresses that have already come in! And all are ordered so we are almost ready to go!

On Tuesday Chaz and I even went to pick out the tuxes and what colors everyone will be wearing. Of course they don't have to order theirs till closer to the date but it was fun to go and get that taken care of! And the colors should look great!

It really is all coming together!

I also had an interview last Friday that was so positive and amazing! I made it in to the top 4 out of 600 applicants! Even if I don't get it (knock on wood I do!), I feel super honored to have made it that far on the companies list! And they were so awesome and great! It really would be a fantastic company with good morals to work for.

Also on my list of news, Kory comes home tomorrow from Norway. She has been gone for almost a month! We will all enjoy having her back but I bet she will miss the heck out of it! Everybody pray for a safe trip for her!

I think that is about all! Boy, what a post full!

Have a safe Thursday! I am off to Bar Bingo with my BFF from 7th grade!

Take time this weekend to remember and say thanks! Thank you to the past, the present, and the future. You are appreciated!

Summer!

Summer is here! It is so fricken hot in the MN, I believe an egg on the pavement would cook in under 10 minutes! 96 degrees, 91 degrees. Crazy for May. Last night my dad said that we haven't seen a 96 degree day since July 2007. Insane. But, I really enjoy it! Of course I hope this doesn't mean this summer will be super hot compared to others, I just am enjoying the warmth after a cold winter. And what a better way to ring in summer than with a nice cold beer!

Now to understand this last statement, you need to understand me. A. I don't drink that often (even though it has been increasing) and B. I for sure don't drink beer. But after three nasty episodes within the last 9 months involving me and hard liquor, I am resigned to find a beer I like. Not because I think drinking is cool, or that I need to drink. I just like to enjoy a drink occasionally when I am out. I don't think that is a crime. And for real, beer is way cheaper at the bar and my budget has also been asking me to find something cheaper to drink.

So, tonight my mom wanted a nice wine for dinner. I volunteered to run out and get something for her. While I was at the liquor store, I remembered seeing an ad for a Michelob beer that had fruit flavors. I decided to look and although I would have preferred a nice berry or something along those lines, I was resigned to pick between lime or a Tuscan orange and grapefruit. Tuscany it was! And when I got home to try this new beer find, I was pleasantly surprised. It was super tasty, and had a great after taste. I think I may have found a beer I can drink. SO so long nasty hang overs and large bar tabs. There's a new girl in town. A beer only girl! That or my usual sprite (looks like a mixed drink! meaning nobody pressures you to drink!)

And now that I have sufficiently talked about alcohol, lets move to another subject! Like I said earlier in this blog, I am becoming a fan of scrap booking. So far, I have made a scrapbook of the cruise Chaz and I went on with his family. I have also made some cards, gift boxes, and thought of some things I could make for the wedding! My favorite so far has been this card I made for my friend Tonya. I haven't sent it yet, so she may see it first here, but I had to share it.

Super cute! Just like her. And while visiting Archiver's, they have a die-cut machine where you can make a boat load of different cut outs. Some of the cut-outs are designed to make little boxes and bags and here's one that I made while paying around. Again, cute and pretty fun. If I had the time, I would cut out all the little boxes for my wedding and use this idea as a favor. However, that would be just a bit too much work! lol. But it has been fun learning all these creative little activities.

And I have found a small window of time to start reading a book. Actually, it was sitting at my parents house and I picked it up and couldn't put it down. Seriously, everyone should read this story. It is about a family from Warroad, MN who lost their 19 year-old daughter and sister in a tragic rollerblading accident. We knew the family. In fact, the father was a Pastor who has played a role in my grandma and great grandma's lives. And maybe I feel a little closer to the story due to the fact that I visited my grandma the day after the accident happened and saw the town mourning the loss of a young life. Either way, the story is gripping and has so much meaning. They have a strong faith and it is truly an inspirational story about how they stayed centered on God and how he was with them continually through out their journey. The book is titled Kiss Goodbye and it was written by Deb Watson, the mother of the girl who was killed.

It is one of those books you just can't put down. Of course, I need to take breaks and read happy stuff, or what a happy TV show. It really does get into your head. But what a story of strength and perseverance. So if you are interested, I know you can buy this book on Amazon.com and the author's website. Check it out!

Right now I am out at my parents house in Buffalo. The love of my life is on a trip to the Boundary Waters and I wasn't in the mood to stay at the apartment alone, so I came out here. I miss him tons and can't wait till he gets back but he is so excited to be getting out into nature and enjoying some free time, I can't help but be excited right with him. It has been a while since he has been out camping and it is such a true passion of his. So I am taking this time to do some wedding planning and get some homework done! Oh, and I have a job interview on Friday that I am looking so forward to! So cross your fingers and pray for me!

Pics of the place-just for my g-ma!

Bedroom

Bathroom

Living room

Entry area

Dining room

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Investing in a hobby...

Yesterday, my madre and I went to Archiver's for an afternoon of scrap-booking. With all this wedding stuff and recent traveling, oh, and the wedding of a dear friend, there has been much need for some creativity. And scrap-booking seems to be the answer. While this little hobby is a bit expensive, it is so much fun! And scrap-booking isn't so cut a dry anymore. There are lots of options. You can make cards, invites, picture frames; the options are endless. And honestly, when you are making cards and gifts for people, it really ends up being a cheap hobby.

Either way, it has been fun. And a nice time to bond with my mom. While we are scap-booking, we can talk about anything. Ideas, issues, wedding planning! We seem to be able to multitask very well. We even handled phone calls throughout the afternoon. Super fun!

I will take some pictures of our work the next time we meet up so I can share them with you. In the meantime, check out these sites for ideas to get started yourself!

http://www.archiversonline.com/

http://www.archiversonline.com/categories

http://www.scrapbook.com/

http://www.superscrapbookingideas.com/

Taking time to smell the roses!

Today I woke up late. I had set an alarm but maybe it knew I needed more sleep. Since moving, we have been up super late putting stuff together. We seem to get this second wind. In return though, I have been waking up later than usual. And this morning, I didn't even budge until 11am. It was the craziest feeling.

SO of course, I turned over and gave myself another half an hour! ha!

Than, it was off for a little shopping. We are now in the stages where we can hang our photos, but we have had a lack of frames. So it was off to Target to find some frames. And than when Target didn't have all the sizes we needed, it was off to Ikea. I have been there so much recently.

And than it was back to the apartment. Chaz headed off to a friends, and I sat down at the computer to catch up on life. And after two hours of catching up on life, it was time to take a break. So I looked out the window and saw that the sun had come out. I opened the blinds completely, however, that didn't cure my need. So than I decided to head out for a walk. And it was great. The air was a bit cold, but it was beautiful out and the fresh air changed my whole perspective.

I walked slowly through the quiet streets, taking in everything I saw. I peered inside windows, cooed at little dogs, and enjoyed seeing others out enjoying the weather; the area; the fresh air. I realized the importance of doing little things, like taking a walk!

Than I came back to the apartment, ready to get back to work. And this time, it felt so much better. I was more focused, and that always helps!

And after all of that, Chaz came home, and we enjoyed a nice dinner of salad and chicken and now I am relaxing, because it is so important to take care of myself and stop to smell the roses!

Sweets!

Today we had a had a fantastic wedding cake tasting at Wuollets Bakery. Mom, Dad, Chaz and I were all there to sample the different cakes. They offered us a variety of options and everything tasted so good! I think we all left with a sugar high. And some wonderful ideas! I can't wait to continue to work on our wedding cake. There are so many options that we have a lot of room to be creative! I can't wait to see the finished product!

Mom and I have also started looking at invitation options. As of right now, we are planning on making most of the paper products. We went to a Wedding Expo at Archiver's, a scrap booking store, and they really influenced our decision. There are so many great options and once again, it gives us the option to be creative.

And aside from wedding talk, the apartment is almost set up. In fact, just a few small piles left. And I can rejoice in the fact that really, none of them are mine! Tonight, Chaz and I went to the Mecca known as Ikea and we bought a great picture for the living room and a new house plant to join the one Terri bought us as a house warming gift, so things are really coming together!

And as I said, I promise pictures soon! I am just waiting for the place to look really good!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Today (technically yesterday), we went to Rancho Grande to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. And truly, there is no better place. The atmosphere was great. The band was loud. And the food was simply amazing.

Prior to that, Chaz and I had a counseling session at the church in regards to our upcoming wedding. The counselors told us that we have an amazing relationship and very little to work on. I guess that is what comes from seven years of practice. I am a humble person but it was great to hear that our relationship was so impressive. Makes me feel lucky to have what I do.

And than, it was back to the apartment to keep putting it together. I will post pictures soon! I promise. It really is coming together nicely. It will feel like home soon enough! I can see the potential.

And just for those who want to try the best Mexican food in the world:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=Rancho+Grande,+Minnesota&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&dtab=2&ei=LiQBSoefIJLEMbCGtd4H&cid=9152255933728651892&li=lmd&z=11&t=m

OR:

http://www.ranchograndemn.com/

Monday Monday...

Happy New Week!

And a big Congratulations to the 2009 graduates of both Augsburg and Concordia College. You are now alumni so get the check books ready!

Funny married couple...

This morning Chaz and I enjoyed breakfast with Tonya and Hija. While Hija was cleaning the counter, he handed me two pieces of paper with printing on them. I read the header on the first page. "Tips for a Stress Free Life". I read the list, which was super informative and included great tips, and than replied, "How interesting. Can I get a copy of this?" Tonya scoffed, and I replied, "What? You didn't like it?" She said, "Hija found that online and printed it off and hung it on the fridge. I asked him, "Are you trying to tell me something!?!?!?!?!?'"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! The end!

Oh if I could go back...

This weekend the whole fam trekked up to Moorhead, MN for Kory's graduation. Some came from the Cities. Some flew from the CO. A few drove from the ND. Everyone is gathering to celebrate this joyous occasion. And while I am up here watching Kory finish her undergraduate education, I can't help but think back to a year ago today when I was experiencing the same things she is!

And I would go back in a heart beat!

This girl loved college. Maybe not the first few months. And there were a few months in the middle that I wouldn't mind trading. But what a fantastic part of my life and I will never ever forget it! And the people that made it priceless, I will keep them close.

College held a variety of emotions. Sometimes I was stressed to the point that I thought life couldn't get worse. And sometimes I was so relaxed that I thought I had life made. But mostly, I loved it all. I loved learning and drinking in knowledge (as long as it wasn't boring! than I just slept!). My roommates were the bomb and I had such a great time meeting new people. And I was blessed to experience two great undergraduate schools and I took so many wonderful things away from both.

Moral of the story, it was a wonderful time in my life and while I may not have felt that way all the time while I was experiencing it, I sure feel that way now.

So to all graduating this month, cherish everything you are experiencing. Most of you will look back with pride on this time and occasionally, you may wish you could go back! Just realize how lucky you are to have had such an experience! I know I am!