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!