The Newlyweds

2 years and counting and still newlyweds

2011-04-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Long time no write!! I can't believe I haven't even looked at this blog in months, decided to dust off the virtual cobwebs and get cracking in the blog world again. :)

Alot has been happening and yet not much at all...huh?

Well to start off, no kiddos for us...yet. So nothing has changed in that department, we are still living in Bluffton, IN in our love shack having a blast being married. Derek is busy working with his dad in their very own consulting business, Derek has been traveling a lot this past month so I have been experience a bit of the independent life...been awhile since I've been by myself for more than a couple days in a row...four days in a row every week has been hard adjusting to, but that is coming to an end in the next week (hopefully) and I will get my husband back.

I've been keeping busy with a new job, I am doing customer service for Barnes and Noble from my home. I will have to write a completely different post about this whole experience, been a really growth time for me, not all pretty at times but definitely something that has stretched me as a person. Pretty much in a nut shell the job is set up so that I answer calls and emails from a home office, I have to work a set amount of hours but can select to work those any time during the week and weekend...very flexible.

Families are doing great, last I posted Lindsay and John-Thomas had the twins...the most adorable twins you will ever see...I will post pictures soon. Micah is as cute as ever, love that kid as if he was my own. Pretty much its a known fact that we are buds...I love talking to him and hearing his three year old opinion on things, cracks me up.

At the Zolls right now watching the Pacer game while Derek is gone, in Jackson, Tennessee to be exact, probably should be more social...will post more updates when I have more time.

Good to be back in the blogging world, no promises how long my stay will be but I have the best intentions for staying for awhile.

Lots of love,

Lana

Twins!!!!

2010-01-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I know I haven't written in a couple weeks, but I have some exciting news!!! My wonderful sister-in-law who was pregnant with twins went in for a c-section tonight at 6 and now is the proud parent of a little girl and another boy!! Addilyn and Clayton Roseberry are in the world and we are all so happy to meet them!! :)

I will update you all later on, right now I'm heading to bed, been a long and exciting day..and it all continues tomorrow!! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

New years countdown

2009-12-31T20:37:00.000-08:00

It's almost a new year...a new year full of promise!

only minutes to go...

See you all next year ;)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!! :)

It's almost three here in Bluffton, Indiana and I am crashing fast...Me and Derek were up till two last night and then I got up at 7:30 am to wash my hair ( if pictures are going to be taken I will definitely get up early to shower) I am feeling the effects of the late night and early morning now though...good thing it's Christmas so I can just lay around today and play around with all my amazing gifts!

We celebrated with my family last night and had a really great time going to see a movie and opening presents. Then this morning Derek and I got up and opened our presents to each other and then headed over to his parents, which is where we are now. We have everything cleaned up, breakfast has been eaten and every one has sorta scattered...I'm laying on my mother-in-laws floor right now listening to a cd Derek got me (Glee cd, in case you wondered) Thinking I need to take a nap though!

Overall this was a very merry and successful Holiday season...still have New Years to go...I need to catch up on my sleep for the next week so I can be in prime new years celebrating mood.

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Motivation

2009-12-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

I watched Julie/Julia today with my very pregnant sister-in-law and my mother-in-law, and was very inspired by the whole story, not necessarily to start cooking French food (which what the movie was somewhat about) but to be more creative in the kitchen. I never would have thought when I got married that I would be the type of person to enjoy being in the kitchen and to actually look forward to making a new dessert or bringing food to family gatherings, but I do...I'm not going to lie, there are some days where I don't enjoy to even go in my kitchen but on most days I do look forward to it,

I not big on meals, you can't get much enjoyment out of a pot roast in my opinion, but a good chocolate cake or pumpkin roll, or anything with strawberries on top of it, yum, I start getting really excited when I think of those desserts. I make my grocery list out with a smile on my face thinking of making the recipe and who I will be making it for and how much everyone will like it. I discovered that about myself this past year, I have always loved people and desserts, but never thought the two went together, but they do. My inner hostess came out when I moved into our home, having Chris and Jo here really helped that along, I had people to make things for, and I loved it. I still do...I think about Christmas and all I can focus on is what I am going to bring for dessert at all our gatherings. Looking up recipes and getting out my favorites from last year...there are so many I'm thinking of extending the season just to get them all in. :)

I went through a dry spell a couple months ago were I wasn't motivated to do anything creative...I didn't blog, I didn't make really many desserts for us or for family...which I was always bringing people something I had made just for fun, I wasn't trying new meals, or didn't really decorate my house much...I was sad that I wasn't but I couldn't get myself to get into it...I decided that all had to stop. I loved doing all that stuff and I was depriving myself of something that really made me happy! So my goal has been to pull myself out of this slump and to stop being lazy and go make some cookies when I feel like it and not talking myself out of it! Which is also why I started working out...If I'm going to be making desserts more I need to make sure I don't get fat!!! So far I'm doing good, the movie today really helped me stay motivated, to realize again how much of myself I put into the stuff I do and that it something I can't just let go other wise I will look back and regret it.

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Christmas is coming

2009-12-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Aww the first snow...how delightful. The first freezing rain and sleet...not so delightful!

It seemed perfect on Monday, the beginning of the week, the start of my official Christmas shopping, and snow. Me and Derek planned on going to Fort Wayne Monday morning and getting some Christmas shopping done, see a movie and then go out to eat, pretty much spend the whole day together, so much fun, I was thrilled to wake up and look out our window and see snow of the ground, it was beautiful. What a perfect day to be buying presents and celebrating the season, I promptly went back to our bedroom and woke Derek up informing him of this delight...he nodded and mumbled something and went back to sleep! :)

The day was great, we got so much accomplished. Derek even took me to see Twilight's New Moon even though he hated having to sit there and watch it, he did it for me, I love him! My joy of the day was soon gone though when the next morning all my snow was gone and it was just plain cold and wet. Oh well, gives us something to look forward to in the coming winter.

Our dear friend Chris is coming to stay with us tomorrow. He will be here for almost two weeks, it will be nice to see him and his girlfriend Jo, but I will need some extra date nights with my hubby while they are here, house full of people just doesn't allow for much quality time. They are really good about going out too, should all work itself out!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Monday night football

2009-11-30T17:31:00.001-08:00

No, I'm not a football fan all of a sudden....I don't have predictions on who will win nor do I really care but I have against my will become a Monday night football watcher, come to think of it, a Sunday watcher too!!!! I love doing things with my husband, even if it means sitting through a four hour long game, okay so I don't usually actually watch the whole thing, I usually have the computer out and will catch up on my girlie tv shows that Derek can't bear to watch, or write on my blog like tonight. But I do try to at least stay in the room, if any thing to appear interested! Any thing for my husband. Maybe one day I will be a fan... I will confess that slowly I am warming up to certain parts of football....like the tight pants! Just kidding.

Once you start watching it enough you start to figure out what's going on and where the heck the ball goes when they throw it. I like knowing the players, makes it more personally...I know, I'm such a girl, making football personal...hey I went to the Ohio State game, I saw a grown man cry, don't tell me it's not personal for some people! (and no Derek wasn't crying, some random dude) I do admire the fans devotion, how they will stick with a team through a ten year losing streak, or like the patriots even though they are cheating sissies! I think us women just have to accept the fact that guys aren't like us, they don't get upset about missing a big sale but will huff and puff for days about their team losing a game...the mysteries of life.

Game is starting, Tonight the Saints and Patriots are playing...in case you were wondering, my prediction; The Saints will win....winning streaks shouldn't be messed with...just ask the Colts! :) See I'm catching on to this whole sports thing!

Until time next,

The Love Birds

Recovering

2009-11-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

Sweet, sweet bliss...no more turkey..no more pies...just me, my husband and our darling little home, a day filled with togetherness and much needed rest...not to mention a birthday celebration for my sweetie pie!! Derek turned 22 today!

I just want to say how thankful I am for online shopping! Derek had a list of items he wanted to buy today on black Friday, and was planning on going to Walmart at the butt crack of dawn to get everything, but some genius out there decided to make the deals easier to get to...I love this genius!! :) We stayed up till 3 last night waiting for the deals to start, but we were in our house..in bed, actually, instead of with hoards of people in the cold or packed into the store..we ordered our items, turned off the lights, kissed and went to sleep!! :) We slept in this morning and I made birthday breakfast for Derek, then we got ready for the day, bought a Christmas tree and I put my Christmas decorations up! I love days like today, relaxing but so much got done.

Overall Thanksgiving this year was a success, we enjoyed seeing everyone and spending the day reflecting on the many things we have to be thankful for! :)

I hope everyone had a good holiday! Excited to get ready for the next one...time to do some serious Christmas shopping.

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Plans for tomorrow

2009-11-24T19:08:00.001-08:00

Two days before Thanksgiving and I'm counting my blessings that both our families live in the same town and that both of the moms in my life make delicious meals!!

We are celebrating with Derek's family on Thursday afternoon and then going to my parents that evening for supper and going to see a movie, a family tradition. Don't really have much to make for thanksgiving...Tracie (my mother-in-law) makes things days in advance because she has so many people over so she had everything covered for her meal, and my mom isn't making a ton since it should be just us kids and my parents so she didn't really need help with the food...Betsy was going to make pumpkin pie but I felt like I should helped out with something so I offered to make the pumpkin pies for Betsy...I would much rather make a dessert than food any ways, and I started realizing that I like to feel like I have something to do, and that I'm helping out...so I jumped at making the pies. :)

So tomorrow will be pie day for me, not to bad, I work in the afternoon and Derek is going to Fort Wayne in the morning with his dad so I will have the house to myself, which is always good when I need to get stuff done! If they turn out pretty I will try to remember to take pictures so I can brag about them here.

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-11-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon at the Smith household, not much going on. Colts are playing so Derek is glue into his man chair watching it, I have laundry going and got some christmas shopping done, I love the internet! :)

I can't believe Christmas is coming so soon. I've told myself not to think about it to much until after thanksgiving...I just have to make it through this week then I can stress out! I have it a little easier this year, both our families are trying to save money and with a lot of the guys out of jobs we all decided we need to cut back this year on presents. So we are drawing names for our families, so instead of 12 presents I only have to buy 6...so nice!! Of course me being a gift person I already found 6 other people that I would like to buy presents for...so we are buying about the same amount still...hopefully less money though! I'm trying really hard to stay in budget or under, making a lot of cookies for people's presents, I would love to get candy so I figure everyone else will...I really hope so!

I will start making my buckeyes and different candies the beginning of December, Derek's friend Chris is coming for his annual stay the second weekend of December and will be here till the day before Christmas eve, so I want to try to get as much as possible done before I have somewhat of a house full. I like to visit with Chris and his lovely girlfriend Jo, so I don't want feel trapped in the kitchen!

Should probably start thinking about thanksgiving this week though...I have two dinners on Thursday, probably should see what I'm bringing and then make a grocery list...ugh I hate groceries. but most likely I will be making desserts so that is always fun, wish we could live off desserts! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Skokie, Illinois, new friends and the Pioneer Woman

2009-11-20T15:56:00.001-08:00

It's been awhile...I know, I know! My new blogger friends would be ashamed. (more about them later) I have very good excuses! ;) Any who I wanted to catch you all up the best day of my young life...except of course my marriage to my cutie pie of a husband, but definitely up there...

For the past year I have religiously been reading the Pioneer woman blog, pretty sure I have told you all about her when I did some recipes of her's...yum that strawberry cake was good...well she wrote a cook book and has been doing a book tour of america, when I found this out I went right away to see if she would be any where near our small little town, and to my happiness she was coming to Chicago, which is four hours away from Bluffton, I was so excited, I would be seeing my two favorite things, Chicago and the pioneer woman! I immediately told my mom to clear her schedule we were going to Chicago, just had to wait for the time and place to be announced...well weeks later it was posted and the first thing I saw was the place wasn't in Chicago but a town called Skokie..."Skokie, Illinois, where the heck is that" pretty sure were my exact words! I wasn't swayed though, I just said "oh well, been to Chicago, never meet the pioneer woman..she wins!" It was so worth it.

My mom and I left after work on Thursday at like 12:30 and headed up to Skokie, the book signing was at 7:30 and we wanted to be there early to get a good place in line, we were there three hours early and ended up 91st in line, not bad considering there was over 250 people there. Ree (the pioneer woman) was going to give a short Q/A presentation before the signing so they set up chairs on a first come first serve basis at like 5. and then after the Q/A they would line us all up to get our books signed.

While waiting we had the opportunity to meet some fellow bloggers and pioneer woman fans/stalkers. We had so much fun with these ladies, We were all excited to be sitting in the front row, we swapped stories and exchanged blog addresses. It was a new experience for me...never would have classified myself as a blogger, but now I would proudly own that title! :)

The whole night was something to look back at and smile about, we laughed a lot and were so thrilled to be a part of the experience!

With all that though I am happy to be home. I missed my husband, I couldn't wait to come home and share everything with him...especially this picture of the pioneer womans husband..he reminded me a lot of Derek, sweet, charming and overall a really handsome guy! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-10-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Sitting here in my living room, which is the only room in the house that isn't 40 degrees, and watching the Dark Knight with Derek and John-Thomas. Micah is here also, I love having my nephew here! :) He is the cutest.

I did lunch with my dad today, we went to Dairy Queen and got the pumpkin blizzard, my favorite blizzard, I wait all year for it!! :) If you haven't tried it yet you should go out right now and get one, you won't regret it! I'll get off so you can go do that! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

cold weather and warm apple pie

2009-10-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

I hate cold weather...ok so I enjoy moderately cold weather, like 70 and light breeze, jeans, socks, sweater kind of weather, NOT winter boots, two long sleeves shirts and a jackets...and still cold..I couldn't feel my toes earlier today! With this oncoming cold front I have been partaking in cold weather activities. Such as cuddling up on the couch with a blanket, big socks (Derek's socks are the best) warm apple cider and hot chocolate, standing in front of the fireplace at my parents until my back side is nice and toasty. Along with these is the need to make warm desserts such as apple pie...I am a big fan of apple pie, I really don't care for many pies that don't involve chocolate or peanut butter but apple pie is one of my favorites!

We went to my parents tonight for tacos and the colts game, I usually try to bring dessert since that is my specialty and I have been craving pie, I was crashed on the couch all afternoon under a blanket, alternating between sleeping and watching golf and football with Derek, I slept alot! :) I almost gave in to my lazy side and didn't get up to make the pie but decided I wanted it to much to let myself off the hook, so I pulled myself up and headed to the kitchen to try my hand at a recipe I had found online, I am so glad I did! Not only was the result delicious but also very cute! :) I made sure to take pictures to share with you all...my dear followers! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

First year of my marriage!

2009-10-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

Derek and I celebrated our one year anniversary this past weekend! :) Derek got us a cabin for a couple nights a couple hours south of here, we had such a great time I thought I would share some pictures with you all!

Derek really liked his present from me, it was a basket with goodies and the dvd series 'How I met your mother' and something extra special to celebrate our anniversary. :)

We left on Sunday afternoon after church so we ate our 1 year lunch at McDonald's.

This was our kitchen at the cabin, very nice...

The living room, as you can tell it was very comfortable, derek was already relaxing

Our bedroom in the cabin, it was so nice, fireplace and everything! So jealous.

I brought along some candles and stuff so I could decorate the table for our anniversary dinner, it turned out to be really romantic. Supper was good too, we had Chicken Parmesan and garlic bread.

I just love this man, he is the sweetest and most adoring man I have ever met, I am astounded by his love for me!
We brought the top of our cake from our wedding to eat, it froze really well, and it was delicious.

One year!!!!

2009-10-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

A year ago on this date I was preparing for my wedding!!! I was hours away from marrying the man of my dreams and being Mrs. Lana Smith! What an exciting time, decorating the church, running through the ceremony, having dinner with all the people we love the most, having them being there to support us and to witness our love. A year ago I was a girl in love with a boy who was about to make me his wife...while I was nervous, I knew that I was making the best decision for myself, I had never wanted anything more than to be standing there with Derek, declaring my love and wearing that ring for all to see that I was his and he was mine!! :)

Today I look back to that day and the past year and smile, I couldn't have asked for a better year. Getting to know Derek has not always been easy but it has always been rewarding, there is so much to love about him. To celebrate making it through this year Derek is taking me away to a cabin in Brown County, Indiana. We are leaving tomorrow after church and staying till Tuesday morning, The cabin is in a secluded spot, is fully equipped with a kitchen, t.v and master bedroom with a fireplace, and a hot tub on the back porch! It's going to be a great couple days! :)

I, for good reasons, will not be on my blog till after we get back, but I will make sure to update you all on how it was and share pictures. Also I will at some point be putting pictures up from Akron and the marathon! just haven't gotten around to it, will soon though!

Enjoy your weekend and the beginning of next week...I know I will!!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Street Fair

2009-09-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, when every child starts to get giddy and every parent starts to dread, Street Fair is in town!!

Little known fact about Street fair is that our fair is the largest FREE fair around, We are very proud of that fact, us blufftonians....not sure if that is how that's spelled, you all know what I meant though!! :)

I've found with most people that you either hate the fair or you love it, me personally I love it...I like the food and the atmosphere, now that I'm driving and live in town I do cringe at the thought of having to drive around for ten extra minutes to get out of Bluffton...going to walmart becomes an Olympic event, but overall I enjoy this time of year! And partly because everything good happens around this time, two years ago I started talking to Derek on facebook, last year we were getting married, this year we are married and about to celebrate our One year anniversary...not to mention that my birthday is coming up and Derek's and my favorite time of year...Christmas!!!! :) I just really enjoy this and the coming seasons!

My dad is taking me to lunch today, we usually both worked the fair so we would meet for lunch, this year neither one of us works but decided lunch needed to stay! :) It should be fun.

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Bundles of Joy

2009-09-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say and actually not that much time either..we are going to Fort Wayne here in a the next hour or so to do a movie and dinner with the Zolls. :) It should be really fun. I had to work this morning...I know working on a Saturday sucks! I didn't even take a shower I was so tired and didn't want to get up....so I still have to do that...

But any ways, What I wanted to tell everyone is that I found out today what my lovely sister-in-law Lindsay twins are....I am going to be an aunt to a precious little boy and adorable little GIRL!! Not that I'm not overly excited about another boy but it will be so much fun to have a little niece! My life as an aunt just got bigger and more important! :) I love having Micah as my nephew and can't wait to meet these new additions! :) The next couple months will be hard to wait, but fun to help Lindsay get ready! We totally need to go shopping now! ;)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Day off...

2009-09-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

I love days off that I didn't plan on, a lady at work needed to switch so I'm working tomorrow morning instead of today, I've definitely taken advantage of the day, I made breakfast for Derek and I, watched some tv, cleaned the house, threw the football around the backyard with Derek, yes I said football... :) Now I'm trying to get motivated to get stuff out for supper...now I know that it shouldn't be hard but I know once I sit something out I'm committed to making it.

I really need to go get my pictures taken for my passport book, I have to get it updated because my named changed. With me and Derek's anniversary coming up I want to have it all ready if we go somewhere that I need it...the $75 is really hard to give up for that though!

Until Next Time,

The Love Birds

Football, Football and more Football

2009-09-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend and the beginning of this week pretty much can be summed up in one word...Football.

While the weekend held more than just that, like Derek buying me my very own car, my father-in-law being done at the company he has worked at for the last ten years, and my plans in doing a rehearsal dinner becoming next to nothing. While those all were involved in the past weekend the big parts of the days were spent with 200 pound men running around with a pig skin ball and pushing each other around, as I have yet to see the draw to this sport I don't have really anything good to say about the game...except for the fact that my husband loves it. I just don't understand how something that brings you joy one moment can make you madder than a hornet the next...must be a guy thing.

I have a car...my own car...it's mine...my very first! :) It's used and a little old but it runs, I can drive it and most importantly it has air conditioning. It's a 1992 Honda Accord, which really means nothing to me, but for all of you who do you can oh and aw over that. I just wanted to know what color it was when we went to look at it. In case your wondering it's a light grayish purple color, not to bad! Derek's pretty excited about it too...he doesn't have to get up to take me to work in the mornings now, Derek likes his sleep!

I know I didn't write much about the rehearsal dinner I was doing but I am no longer doing it...the bride decided she didn't want much in decorations (which I was going to do) and so I sort of got out of a job...I'm not to heart broken, I understand if they are trying to save money, and it wasn't anything personal. Just didn't work out. I figure now I have everything ready for the next party I get to do! :)

Well as I speak we are watching football...ok so Derek's watching football, I'm just in the same room...which should count, don't you think? I'm hoping to go to bed soon, I work tomorrow morning, I need to get a lot of rest the next couple nights because Micah is coming over on Wednesday and he usually takes a lot of my energy, I can't wait to have him here and being able to watch him for Lindsay and John-Thomas, They are finding out the sex of the twins!!!!! I am more than happy to volunteer. :)

Until Next Time,

The Love Birds

Oh Blog

2009-09-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Blog, Blog oh so dear, what should this lazy housewife do?

Should I clean my fridge today, with all it's mold and food,

I think not today...

Should I do laundry so we have clothes to wear and save our neighbors from our naked state?

I think not today...

Should I vacuum my dirty floors where crumbs do fall?

I think not today...

Should I plant my behind on my couch I love so much and bless the world with my ramblings?

Oh Yes, that I will do today.

-Lana Smith

Okay so as you can tell the poet in me was coming out...and it wasn't a pretty entry into this world! :) I think I will stick to just plain old writing! No rhymes and verses for me.

Week one of my husband being jobless and moods are high in the Smith household. We are enjoying the much needed rest and time together! What a great time for me to start my new schedule. I'm able to be home four afternoons out of the week with Derek and so we are get a lot down during the day and can just enjoy our evenings together! :) So far this week we have laid around, went to a labor day party, watched a couple movies, did a bible study, visited my parents, went to Fort Wayne to get wings and see a movie, clean the living room, add a new chair to our hodge podge of furniture, and I actually am doing laundry today. Not much going on this weekend, I'll do some garage sales tomorrow and then I have a baby shower on Saturday, possible going to Fort Wayne on Sunday to buy things for the Wedding Rehearsal dinner I'm doing for a friend! It's nice knowing we have so much time to do stuff...I like being able to just sit and know I have time, no rush....what a sweet life! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Parlor City Trot 2009

2009-09-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

This morning was the annual Parlor City Trot in Bluffton, this being our first year in the running world Derek decided to go out and run it, it is a half marathon (13miles), the guys had to run 20 miles today for their training so they went out at the crack of dawn and ran four miles, then ran the race and finished the last three after the race! Since they were leaving at like 6 this morning I opted to just meet them at the start at 730...I might be used to the running world but I will never like getting up early,..ugh!!! Well after all that running, derek just skipped the award ceremony and went home to rest and watch football...I ended up walking 3 miles around Bluffton...no not on purpose, I went to a garage sale and then had to walk home. Well when I got home Angel txted me and informed us of some great news...

Derek won 1st place in his age group!!!!!!!

Again I forgot my camera and I wasn't there! Derek and I were both shocked but excited....he gets a plaque and everything...and no he wasn't the only one in his age group...there was a second and third place winner also, pretty much my husband is awesome!!! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Floating on a cloud of pink and brown

2009-09-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

projects

2009-08-31T05:49:00.000-07:00

So I'm laying on my couch trying to find the energy to get up and clean my house...it seems like every room I walk into is its own little disaster area that needs a S.W.A.P team to come in and assess the damage! I kept saying all weekend that Monday I would clean it all up, I wouldn't let it bother me until today because I knew I would have time to clean it all then..now I wish I had time to just sit and look at my already clean house and do nothing! :) *sigh* Being a housewife sucks...lol Ok so I don't really mean that but it was sort of fulfilling to say.

The blessed baby shower is over...no more pink and brown, no more baking, no more last minute runs to Fort Wayne...All in all it turned out to be a huge success, everyone had a good time and love the decorations and food and most importantly Laurissa really appreciated and enjoyed the day. I really did enjoy planning it all, but now it's time to move on to bigger and better things...how about a wedding dinner rehearsal?!? :) Oh wait I already am planning one...more on that later...

Derek is going up to Fort Wayne today to look at IPFW for schooling. He's not sure how long he will be kept employed at Crown so he figured he should get a head start on school. It sorta works out nice because the school will pay for 100% of your schooling if your laid off. Perks like that make it easier to be out of a job...at least for a little bit! :) It will be funny though to be the only one working...I keep teasing that I'm wonder woman providing for my husband while he goes to school. I'm happy to do it, Derek does so much for me the least I can do is let him have this opportunity to advance in knowledge and then later on in job options. He is so worth it.

Well I've dilly dallied enough for now, I should start in on my house...shouldn't take to long, I'll put some music on and just not look at a clock until it's all done! :) Secret strategy right there for housewives, hope every one was paying attention! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-08-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

So I'm at work writing this...haven't had the chance to do that since the reading program ended. I'm watching the children's room desk while one of the ladies goes to supper, she should be back soon but I thought I would just write a quick update. :)

I start my new work schedule next week!!!! YAH!! I'm so excited, I will definitely enjoy having four day weekends and pretty much four afternoons to myself...just a reminder I will be working Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8-12 and then Wednesday afternoon from 1-5. Perfect schedule!!

Got to go,

Until next time,

The Love Birds

The Countdown begins

2009-08-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my faithful readers,

Quick note:

Thank you all for reading my ramblings. It means a lot to me to know that people care and are interested and what I write! :)

Okay now....

I went to Fort Wayne this morning/afternoon with my mom, had a really good time. We just did a quick trip but we got everything we needed and had a great time talking and catching up. I have a week and two days before Laurissa's baby shower on the 29th, plans are coming along nicely. I have really enjoyed planning the shower and getting to hang out with Angel Zoll. I live for a good party ;) I don't think I have written much about it, not much to say, we are doing a pink and brown color theme, which is uber cute, and just really doing simple things for decorations, like mason jars filled with coffee beans and a pink candle on each table, we are doing a baby clothes line above the gift table and a diaper cake for the gift table, we are doing a luncheon, with sandwiches and such for food with cupcakes and desserts. Everything is almost done, we will make the food a couple days before the shower, I finished the centerpeices today and started the diaper cake, really the hard part is putting it all together the day of...and really for me thats fun!!! :)

I love planning these kind of things, I get all giddy when I go into the party store and look at all their decorations and plates and cute stuff. I would love one day to get paid to do this! Who knows maybe.....I guess I just need to keep doing it and decide if its something I am well good at and then if I really want to do it full time. If anything I enjoy it as a hobby.

Derek is working tonight, a part is going out so the guys have to get it all wrapped up and ready to ship tomorrow...derek was telling me that it is going over seas and will be on a ship for like a month. How crazy is that!! :) Might have my sisters out though to watch a movie, thought it would be a good chance to do a girls night since derek would be gone and I didn't feel like being by myself. Normally I don't mind, I get to catch up on my One Tree Hill addiction but I figured I have already watch like three episodes today so I should take a break!

My husband comes home soon to eat and see me so I should get off the couch and look productive!! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

I love this man! <3

2009-08-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband...that smile I love so much, those eyes that make me go weak in the knees when they are looking at me. I love this man, the one who tells me I'm beautiful when I have no makeup on and my hair is going every where, the one who comes up and puts his arms around me and holds me, who kisses me, even when other people are around, laughs at my silly ideas and crazy notions! I'm so proud of the man he is and becoming. I'm glad that I get to be the woman that stands beside him and supports him in every thing. Every thing being racing right now, I love watching him trying this new adventure, pushing himself to his very best, even when the only prize for it is me waiting at home to give him a kiss when he comes in all sweaty, but now his hard work gets a reward, Derek ran a 3 mile race in Van Buren and came second in his age group, for winning Derek got his favorite snack ever...popcorn! A whole years worth of popcorn, he was so excited and he had the greatest fans, Me, the Zolls and the Dalrymples were cheering him on when he went to claim his prize, he even acted all bashful, but don't be fooled, he was proud of himself. Rightly so. I love this man, he brings joy to my life every single day, and every single day I thank God for bringing him in my life!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Big event!

2009-08-16T10:32:00.001-07:00

We are back to a house of two...Chris left this afternoon and now everything is quiet....a good quiet though!! :) I enjoy having people over but I'm always glad when it's just me and Derek!

In other news Derek ran a race in Van Buren on Saturday, it was the 35th annual Kernel Race...it was a 3 mile race with about 20o people with the prizes being big bags of popcorn!! I was so excited because Derek won 2nd place!!!!!!! :) Of course the day I don't bring my camera is the day Derek wins! But luckily Lanette was there and brought her big ass camera and so I'll be getting the pictures from her! I'll put them up as soon as possible!

Might go swimming today, it's wicked hot out. :) We'll see though it feels really good in my house right now! I wouldn't mind just sitting in the air conditioning.

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Babysitting Micah....sorta

2009-08-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

So I'm at the Roseberry household watching my favorite nephew, micah....sleep! :)

Lindsay and John-Thomas needed to run up to Fort Wayne and Tracie wasn't going to be able to get off work right away so I volunteered to come and sit at the house while micah napped! :) Anything for micah!

We have a house guest this week! Chris Leo is over for his annual visit to see lovely girlfriend Jocelyn. Chris came rolling in on Saturday and will be here till this coming Saturday! We have enjoyed having them as usual..actual felt like I haven't been home much to actual see them! Went back to my normal work schedule only to end up working all day Monday for one of the ladies and I've been gone all day today..hopefully I'll be home more the rest of this week!!

Fun, Fun, the boy just woke up!!!!! I should go,...I get to play with micah!!

Until next time,

The Love Bird

And the winner is....

2009-08-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

I finally made a decisions....I finally decided on...drumroll....

Lanette Stringer

Congratulations Lanette and enjoy your candy and the vase! :)

Here is the winning entry for every one to enjoy.

I do not have a house quite yet but I do have a room that is filled with memories of Landon, Lane, and Betsy spending hours talking/gossiping about people or how we have nothing to do but to go on facebook, they come in and sit on my big queen size bed for a chat with me.

My bed was found in the attic of the old part of our house under some insulation. It was always too big for any of our rooms until we added on and me and Landon got the new and bigger rooms! So while we were discussing about if I would keep my bunk beds or not... I thought of the ideal to bring the old metal bed down for my new room!

So my bed is my favorite part of my room... It brings all of my siblings together for a moment. No facebook, No ipods… Just us comfy and happy together!

This story reminded me of home...my room used to be the gathering place for my family...parents included! It wouldn't be odd at one point or another that everyone was in there sitting on the bed, my window seat or just leaning against the wall! Some of my favorite conversations with my siblings were ones we had in my room late at night! Thanks Lanette for bringing back those very good memories!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Decisions

2009-08-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

So I promise I haven't forgotten every one...I'm having a hard time deciding who to bestow my awesome gift on! :) Every one did such a good job, and I love all the stories! But I will decide, I will!!!!

I'm running to walmart to get some food and toilet paper for the weekend..you know the essentials! First I need to feed my husband though! :) We slept in till about 10 and I made French Toast for breakfast but besides that we haven't done much so we are just now eating lunch at 3, I love Saturdays!!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Chicago and house gift!

2009-08-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Chicago and while I loved visiting my favorite city I'm glad to be home! Every thing about Chicago to me is amazing, the buildings, the shops, the people, the fact that at one point the air smelled like chocolate! (major points in my book) I had a great time being tour guide with my mom, between my various trips to Chicago and her love of maps and directions we never got lost...a little turned around but not lost! :) I did end up coming back with some stuff...sunglasses, which you can see in the pictures I posted yesterday, a couple shirts and a sweater for this winter, no purse but that's ok. I did get Cheesecake, which made up for the lack of a purse, wish I could have brought the cheesecake home with me but I doubt it would have made it through a four hour trip of train and van! Over all a good trip, but I did miss my husband GREATLY!!! I realized I don't like doing things without him and while he wouldn't have been happy in Chicago I still wish I could of had him there with me.

While in Chicago we stopped into on of the coolest stores call Crate and Barrel...its a home furnishing store, its three stories of everything for your kithchen, living room, dining room, and bathroom. My mom and I love this store...its cute but practical stuff that we both wish we had in our houses. but it made me think of the things I have that I absolutely love in my home....some that I got for .50 cents or less at garage sales...while I'm a big fan of new things, I'm always a bigger fan of great finds of old and previously used items, I have one object that comes to mind and thats this cute little glass container I bought at the bargain hut, it has a lid and everything....I loved it right away and came home and put on this table I have by the front door and of course filled it with candy! It was my favorite thing in the house until one day I came home and it was broke......

now I won't talk to badly about my husband because I do love him, but lets just say he doesn't do well when he starts losing in a video game...so when pillows start flying things are usually going to be broken.....so while I huffed and puffed about my broken vase for days, derek kept assuring me that I would find another vase just like it and love it..I of course assured him that no I wouldn't and that was the only vase out there like that and I loved that one....Weeeeelllll since God has a sense of humor wouldn't you know it I did happen to find not only one but two of the almost the same vase as I had before....So I've decided to spread the joy that this little vase has given me and pass it on to someone else. I would love to hear about your favorite house hold item (new or old) and maybe the story behind it. I will give the vase to whoever's story I like best, basically because it's my blog and I can do whatever I want with it! :) I will give everyone till let's say Friday at 11 a.m. I will annouce the winner over the weekend!! :)

Have fun writing and I can't wait to hear your stories!! Below is a picture of what you will be winning...isn't it cute!!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Chicago

2009-08-04T10:02:00.001-07:00

Chicago

hurry hurry!!!

2009-07-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

I have to write this quick since I am at work and it is uber crazy here, today is the last day of the reading program and like 400 kids and parents are here to see the bubble juggler (I'm so jealous) and get their last prizes!! I'm leaving early today so me and Derek can see a movie this afternoon, so I'm trying to get everything done here at work for the ladies so I can leave on time! I'm coming back this evening to work the older kids party at the library, which I have done for the last four years, I look forward to it all summer!

Derek is at home painting our living room, I'm so excited to have it done...it will look so nice!

I go to Chicago tomorrow!!!!!! We are leaving really early tomorrow! I'm sooooooooooooooo excited!!!

I will write more when I get back from Chicago, by then I will have more to write about and hopefully have time to write it all.

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Paint

2009-07-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

We decided last week that we wanted to paint our dining room and living room. Derek has this week off so we figured we couldn't find a better time to get it all done. I'm excited and also scared! I grew up with constant projects that took up weeks and weekends of our time, and I guess I was sorta enjoying the break from that. :) I will be glad to get the rooms freshened up though, I will be even more excited when it's all done and I can decorate our newly painted house!! :) I'm so happy derek is doing all the non fun parts of painting, all the prep work and moving the furniture. It will be interesting to see how it all turns out! :) I get sorta stressed when my house is a mess and I have a feeling it will be a disaster area this week, between paint, laundry that needs folded, furniture every where and most likely a kitchen that will need cleaned I will be feeling the walls closing in on me and I will probably start getting really snippy with derek.....*sigh* I will try to see the light at the end of the tunnel which is my trip to Chicago, if I can have every thing some what done and cleaned up by then I will be able to enjoy my trip....of course I would enjoy it either way but it will make coming home a lot easier!

I have like five days until my trip to Chicago!!!!!!!!! I made a list of things I would like to buy while I'm there, but mostly I just am excited to walk around and see the sites. I will be taking alot of pictures to share on my blog, but not so many that I look like a tourist! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Weekend

2009-07-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Derek ran a race in Berne this morning and now we are crashed on the couch watching "the chronicles of Riddick" What a good Saturday ;)

I just wanted to let every one know that I won't be posting anything until next week. I won't have much time today or tomorrow. But keep checking my blog, I might have something fun next week for everyone!! :) I'm a big gift giver so I've been thinking of some way I can bring that into my blog and so I will be giving away a gift this next week!! I'm excited about it so I hope every one gets a chance to see it!

I will just let you all spend the weekend wondering about it...build the excitement up a little bit!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Chicago

2009-07-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

I'm going to my favorite city ever, Chi-town, The windy city, CHICAGO! (Derek fondly refers to it as hell hole, but we didn't ask him did we!?)

I have been to Chicago a couple times, all times have been fond memerios for me, I went for the first time with my family, and then my friend, now sister-in-law, lindsay went to school there and a bunch of us went up to see her, and then my mom took me and my sister for my 17th birthday to see the broadway play Wicked, which is a whole wonderful story of it's own, then lindsay got married and I got to go back and stay with her and her husband for a couple days, on that trip they quizzed me on directions in the city and finding my way around, which I'm glad they did otherwise I would have got lost on my next and last trip to Chicago. My aunt had never went to Chicago so my mom and I decided that just wouldn't do and planned an all girls trip with the purpose of getting my cousin her first ever American Girl doll. It was a fun trip and we all had a blast walking around like we owned the place. It's been at least two years since I was there last and now we are going back, this time is a little different....this time I'm married!!!!! :)

Needless to say I am very excited about the upcoming trip that will take place in a week and one day!! I will definitely be counting down the days! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Books

2009-07-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

With working at the library I get to browse through hundreds of books almost every day, sometimes making me never wanting to see one again and sometimes making me wish I could read them all!

I love finding a book that makes me want sit for hours reading it and that I can really get into the characters and even when I put it down I'm thinking about it and wondering what will happen! Those books are few, but I found one that I just finished that had all these things! It is called "The Time Traveler's Wife". The book is being made into a movie, which is how I found out about the book, I saw the trailer and decided I really wanted to see the movie but when I found out it was a book I decided I wouldn't watch it until I had read the book! Let me tell you I'm glad I did! There is something about books that are made into movie, while sometimes the movie captures enough of the heart to make it enjoyable to watch in most cases the book is always better than the movie!

Take Ella Enchanted for example, I have read the book at least five times, LOVE the book! It's sort of a retelling of the Cinderella story but with new twists, the book sucks you into the life of Ella who is under a fairy's "gift" , which is more like a curse, of obience. Which is bothersome but not terrible until she falls in love with the prince and is torn between loving him or bringing danger to the one she loves...with a curse like ella's if any enemies found out about it she could be ordered to kill her beloved and not be able to say no. Ok you can see that I love this book, well I was thrilled when the movie was released but greatly disappionted when I actually saw it. So much was taken out and the whole heart and courage of the characters were lost in Hollywoods take of this cherished story.

So you see why I wanted to read the Time Travelers wife before the movie, I wanted to see what the story was about, why they wanted to make a movie about it...I didn't want to miss out on a story that could be great by watching a watered down version of it. So I read the book, and loved it! Now I have high hopes for the movie, I'm hoping this is an exception to the rule. Needless to say I will be at the theatre ready to defend the book and hopefully enjoy a movie that captures everything I loved about the book.

If you need a good summer read than please take my advice and read "The Time Traveler's Wife". It was written very well and kept my attention, which is hard to do. And if you get done and didn't love it, read "Ella Enchanted" I haven't found someone who didn't love that book, its a definite favorite!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

That time of year

2009-07-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of year again...the time when all the creative people in Bluffton come out of the woodwork and show off all their skills and accomplishments and us lowly noncreative people go and eat food that is guaranteed to make us fat and applaud their many good works. It's 4-H season!

Now so every one doesn't think I'm bashing on the wonderful 4-h people I want to clear up that I think it's amazing what some of these kids can do, and I'm really only jealous I didn't get all the creative juices they did! I actually know a couple wonderfully talented girls who awe me with their projects the last couple years, The Zoll girls are my inspiration to be creative. Gracie with her cakes, Tenley with scrapbooking and this year horses and gardening! I can't wait to see the projects and brag to any one in ear shot that I know them!! :) I live wonderfully through other people...so far its worked out pretty good!

At least one night this week Derek and I will drive down to the park and walk around looking at all the animals (much to Dereks distaste) and projects, eat an ice cream cone (or two) and possibly get dinner...all in all partake in the ritual of small town Indiana! I love Bluffton.

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Firecracker Race, Fourth of July weekend

2009-07-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

We all headed up to Fort Wayne on July 4th to watch Derek, Bernie and Ryan run the Firecracker race. The guys had a good time and ran a pretty good race. It was a really early race. which I wasn't terribly thrilled about but I supported my husband and went and I'm glad I got to see him run! I'm so proud of him for deciding to train for the marathon. We have learned so much about the running world and it has been nice to experience what Bernie and Laurissa do almost every weekend. The joke of the day was that derek had to fight nature to run the race. :) hence why there is a picture of a raccoon with the rest!

Will keep you updated on all the marathon training and whatnot!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-07-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost over and yet I feel like it has slipped by and I missed it completely! I have two more weeks of my summer work schedule and then I will go back to my old schedule of afternoons, by then it will be august and hopefully I will be able to enjoy the last month of summer.....I guess I could always say my summer is until September...make my own calender! :)

This fall there is a good chance (like 99.9 %) that I will be working mornings instead of afternoons at work!!!!! I am so excited, while I hate to get up in the morning I will definitely enjoy having my afternoons completely free! I probably will change the days I work along with the hours...but we have a month to figure it all out since the fall schedule starts in September! But there is the possibility I will work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings until noon...I would love to have a four day weekend! I'm crossing my fingers that this is what my schedule will be...please cross your fingers with me! :)

They have yet to do a full shut down at Crown, so Derek is still on a on-off weeks. Doesn't look like we will be getting away then either, at least not just us two...we might go camping with the Zolls and Dalrymples in August, which would be fun. We all have a good time together and it would be nice to get away even if we are camping and there is no hot tub...we would be out of Bluffton and doing something different with our time!

I need to post pictures on my blog but haven't yet,....tonight I promise!! :) again my goal is to find more time to write on this blog...to keep my dear family and friends entertained and enlightened to my everyday happenings! :)

I'm at work and hoping to get some reading in...what a better place to read than at work at the library! I have one more book to read for the Summer Reading Program and then I will be done...I can't believe I have done as much as I have so I don't want to slack on the last book! I have two weeks, surely I can finish a book by then.....again crossing my fingers!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Sunday

2009-07-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday morning at the Smith home and we are getting ready to go to church! I play today, which should be interesting since I haven't touched a piano since last Sunday! We'll see how it goes.... Derek is almost ready, I've been ready since like 9....I like having extra time to just sit or get together stuff without rushing! And I get to write on my blog :)

We are eating lunch at my parents house, my grandparents from Ohio are in for the day so we are going to get to see them and get a free meal....bonus!!!! :)

Well walking out the door now...wish me luck playing!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

July randomness

2009-07-08T07:12:00.001-07:00

So I've been a slacker lately with my blog! It's hard to find time to sit and write, when I finally do sit down for the day the last thing I want to do is open my laptop up...I want to talk to Derek or just sit in a comfortable silence.

July so far has gone good...we are of course only a week into it but still I'm holding out hope that this will be a great month! We celebrated the Fourth in our usual fashion, a party at the Smiths and watching fireworks on their front lawn! I have such fond memories of the fourth of July through the years, especially the year Bluffton had monstrous amounts of rain and it flooded and the smiths lost power to their house right in the middle of the party...kids screaming, adults looking for candles and everyone continuing to eat after the shock of it all! What fun we had, it seems those years were easier for everyone, maybe its because I was younger and didn't notice the troubles..I wish I didn't notice them now, I guess when you are an adult and have your own worries you know how to spot other peoples! Like God gives us radars so we know when to comfort those and encourage because we ourselves know how it feels.....Just my thoughts!!

I'm hoping we can go on a vacation this month. Really I don't care were we go as long as I don't have to clean or cook that much and there has to be a hot tub!!! :) I just feel like getting away for a couple days to recharge and just get away from every day life and enjoy some stress free moments with my husband!

I don't want anyone to think we are in trouble or anything or things are stressful...It's just life....We are happy and enjoying our time but every now and then things get you down, whether they are your own troubles or those of others! It always seems like you can have one bad day or one upsetting moment in the week and the rest be perfectly fine but you still go back to the moment and remember it more than the good....why do we do that? Maybe you don't have this problem, I seem to...remember things I did wrong but forget all the wonderful moments that I had....hmmmmm, I'm working on it! :)

On a lighter note.....I'm going to be an Aunt again!!!!!!!!!!! YES!! Lindsay is expecting another baby this coming Febuary!! We are all sooooooooooooooooo excited for her and John-Thomas! I have to remind myself that I want to wait for kids, but its hard when you see micah and now lindsay is going to have that whole cute pregnant look....of course the morning sickness that Lindsay has been going through is a good reminder to wait a while to get pregnant! :) Thanks lindsay for going through this to keep me from doing the same, your a real trooper ;)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-07-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

This was my first attempt at cake decorating. I made this cake for my cousin Betsy's 18th birthday, for my first go at it I was really happy with how it turned out and I'm pretty sure Betsy liked it too!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Survival

2009-06-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

I made it through the night without my husband!! I'm proud of myself. I didn't have to brave the night alone though, my good friend Jocelyn (aka Jo) had read my post and texted me and said she would keep my company! She is such a good friend, she came shortly after Derek left and we talked and watched a girly movie and some tv, ate ice cream and other various junk foods! We ended up both sleeping downstairs in the living room...real sleep over style! I was doing good for not having Derek around but didn't feel like sleeping alone in our bed, and it was really hot in our bedroom so I just crashed on the couch, jo on a air mattress on the floor! It was a lot of fun to hang out with Jo and was a definite distraction from my favorite husband being gone! :)

Even though I did good, I will say I'm not ready for him to go any where without me for a while...say ten years would work!! ;)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-06-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

I was just realizing today how much I love my husband, I know, eight months of marriage and your just figuring that out!? I always know how much I love him but at certain times it becomes new and fresh again.

I guess what made me start thinking about it was the fact that I watched the devasting episode of Jon and Kate plus eight were they announced to the world their plans to get divoriced...I have watched their show for the last couple months and while I see why they are going through with a divorice it still makse me sad to think that a couple could come to that, especially with the kids they have! I can't imagine Derek and I getting to that piont in our lifes and deciding to just quit...to give up on each other really....It really made me stop and think about our relationship and how we have in the short amount of time we have been together created a trust and love for one another that can only grow with the years ahead. I get frustrated with Derek, as all wives do with their husbands, but he always make me get weak in the knees when he looks at me with those big brown eyes and I forget why I was even mad! Which sometimes makes me more frustrated with him, I just want to stay mad and win an arguement, but it rarely happens! I guess I don't mind losing fights as long as I get to lay in bed with him and talk until we can barely keep our eyes open, kissing each other goodnight and just laying there in perfect quiet knowing that he is there....*sigh* I love being married!

Now I'm really sad...Derek is going to a golf tournament thing on Michigan tomorrow, he is going with his dad and his brother, they have done it the last couple years so I know what to expect....he gets up really early, gone all afternoon, back by like 6....and I was ok with that, a little bummed just because Saturdays are usually me and Dereks day to hang out and spend time together, but I know that he enjoys the golf and time with the guys. But then he tells me this morning that they are thinking of leaving tonight and spending the night so they don't have to leave so early in the morning tomorrow....:( It would be so weird to sleep in our house with out Derek, I haven't done that yet...I'm a strong woman, I keep telling myself....but I need Derek, I would definitely miss him!

I might be blogging tonight just to fill the emptiness of my house (gosh am I dramatic)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Shopping, Ninety degree weather, and dying plants

2009-06-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

Going on shopping trip tomorrow and I'm mildly excited....ok so I'm REALLY EXCITED!!!!! :)

I haven't been on a girls only shopping trip for a while and so me and my sister, Lane, are going to go up tomorrow and spend morning/afternoon shopping until we have no money left and our arms can't hold the bags...which I guess will be early on in the trip since I don't have that much money and neither one of us is very strong. :)

Derek is playing a new game he got the other night called Call of Duty....yep another war game. We haven't done much this evening, Derek picked me up and we came home and I started the oven and then crashed on the couch...I really didn't want to move but figured I should make my husband supper..he likes it when I do that for him. We didn't have anything grand, just Cheeseburgers and fries, but that generally is our favorite kind of meal...simple but delicious. :)

I definitely had to water my flowers I have around of house, so I bravely faced the ninety degree weather and left the igloo that is our house...I think I set a record for watering plants, I wasn't stopping to smell the roses...that is for 72 degree slight breeze days! But the watering needed down, I was afraid I had killed my flowers for awhile there but I'm pretty sure they are still alive, I'm at least going to keep watering them until I know for sure...I know, crazy woman watering dead plants!! I'm holding on to the possibility of me inheriting my dad's green thumb.

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Garage Sales

2009-06-20T12:30:00.001-07:00

I'm a big fan of garage sales!! Love them, love them, love them! I love the treasure hunt that garage sales offer, the waking up early to go out and find that one thing that you can go home with and say you only spent 50 cents on it!

This morning I went with Laurissa Dalrymple, our pastor's wife, We havent' done much together and nothing says bonding like a shopping trip!! :)

It was hard to get up this morning, as much I wanted to go I really wish I could have slept in, We celebrated an early Father's day with my in-laws and didn't get home until midnight and didn't go to bed until one!!!! I was so tired, I now have this headache from not sleeping and running around town all day until about 2 today....

Derek is out hitting some golf balls with his dad, they like to golf together, sorta their bonding experience! So I'm home by myself right now....Which to be honest is sometimes nice, I get alot done when derek is gone, he is definitely a distraction when here! I cleaned, and made fruit dip for tonight, and now catching up on some One Tree hill (my new favorite show)

We are going to the Dalrymples house tonight to hang out with them and the Zolls, Every year the homeschool group in Bluffton does a fundraiser and sells Nelson Port-a-pit chicken, which is my favorite!! Well Tenley Zoll is playing and so we bought some of her tickets, and Angel (her mom) suggested we all get together to eat all the chicken we bought, have a little cookout and spend some time together as couples! :) Which is also why I made fruit dip, I was responibly for bringing fruit for every one tonight! Watermelon is a really good summer cookout must have...in my opinion!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-06-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

It's funny how the last couple of post I have written have been from work, this shouldn't shock me since I'm here all the time (yes I'm at the library right now working and writing this) When I get home I usually don't have the energy left to be witty or informative enough write a blog post, it's been nice to work by a laptop on the mornings I work, that way I can update you all on our everyday lives...which isn't that interesting but I tend to think its important! :)

I was always one of those people who would decide to start a journal and get all excited, going out and buying some leatherbound book and documenting the first day of writing as something that would one day be infamous, writing that I will record my thoughts and feelings every day, dull or not, and the plan goes as I thought for about three days and then my creative juices start to sour and I decide that I don't really want to write about sitting at home, making supper, watching a movie and going to bed, I live it every day why would I want to write about it....well thats how I feel about blogging, especially since its not just me that is reading it and can be bored, I want to write something that people want to read, thats witty and smart and funny...

I've started to realize though that there is so much more that goes on in my days than what I think to write, I feel the purpose of writing is so that one day you can go back and read it to remember that time in your life, to learn from it and to enjoy the memories...So when I look at a day that I have just finished and I think about writing it down, my bad habits have taught me to just write what I need to...went here, say this, came home. But what I need to do and what I hopefully will start to do is see the little things that made the day so enjoyable to me and share those thoughts...and those things are not, "derek and I sat on the couch and watch a movie" it's "Derek and I were laying on the couch, his arms around my shoulder, me laying on his chest, I feel so protected and loved when we sit like this, him almost guarding me and me trusting him to do so, of course then he decides to tickle me the gooey feelings are gone and full on tickle revenge is on...which is silly of me because derek is the best at getting my guard down and making me laugh hysterically, without even touching me!"

That's what I want to remember....how I felt, what Derek does to make me laugh and be loved, I don't care what movie we watched or what we had for supper, but the conversation we had while eating, or the jokes we shared while watching the movie! :)

This is my new goal....see the little things, don't be afraid to share them, to write them down so that I can remember them! And now that I have written all that I at least will feel guilt tripped if nothing else to do exactly that!!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

New Developments

2009-06-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

Just when you think you got everything under control and life is easy to figure out something comes along to burst that bubble of comfort and sprays you with sticky busted bubble....

Derek was halfway laid off last weekend...halfway because he will be on a "on a week, off a week" schedule! Which I guess is a blessing, He still has a job but they just don't need him every week...and Derek wasn't the only one, I'm pretty sure almost everyone in the company got put on this schedule! I personally am sorta excited about having Derek home when I am...We will get to spend some extra quality time together. He is really looking for projects to do to keep himself busy, which is good, because I have a feeling he would start getting really ansy if he didn't get something done in a day! :) All in all this will be a good thing...at least thats the approach we are taking!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Ailments of a Dramatic Wife

2009-06-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

I was infected with the dreaded cold this week! And of course me being the non-dramatic no fuss person I am the week was really not that dreadful.....NOT!!!!!!! :)

Sorry to burst anyones bubble of how I am but non-dramatic is definitely not me! I recall telling derek multiply times that "I'm dying....go ahead of play video game, I'm just dying....Sure I can cook, I'm only dying!" What can I say other than, I HATE BEING SICK! It's the worst, I hate the in between of feeling like your old self and deciding to get stuff done but then its like your body punishes you for doing anything because before you know what happens your back on the couch feeling like a ton a bricks hit you and wanting to just sleep!

I'm glad to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel....After laying on the couch all day Tuesday, infecting everyone and going through a whole box of tissues on Wednesday, and resting again on Thursday, now that Friday is finally here I am starting to feel so much better...It only hurts to cough now and when I talk (which is a lot) I sound like I have smoked since I was ten! :) Beside that I feel like I can take on the weekend with a renewed body!

Derek doesn't have to run tomorrow (they are running Sunday night) so we get to sleep in tomorrow....which means we can stay up late tonight watching movies and be a young crazy married couple! :) that doesn't happen to often.....riiiigggghhhhtt ;)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Crazy

2009-06-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

What a busy, crazy week last week was....I can hardly catch my breath!! Work got really hectic for Derek and he ended up working late almost every night and on the weekend!!

We had Derek's cousins graduation open house on Saturday in Ohio, so we went to that and thankfully we got to sleep in on Sunday...yes we skipped church! I don't like to skip but when it comes to sleep and spending time with derek I will definitely skip every now and then! :) We got up around 11 and went out to eat so I didn't have to cook and got home and crashed on our couch. At about 6 I went to a friend's open house, I let derek skip it! I'm such a good wife! We got to hang out with the Roseberrys (my favorite sister-in-law and brother-in-law) played some settlers...derek won, Shocker!!! ;) Overall the yesterday was a good day, which was a nice break from being a Crown widow!

I work everyday except Tuesday this week! I'm hoping I can get all my resting in on that day! :)

Well I'm at work so I guess I should get to work.....its slow right now, really wish I could have slept in today!!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Work

2009-06-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

This is my Second day of working the Summer reading program...a lot slower than the first day!!

On Monday we had 100 kids signed up by one when I left for lunch....so far I have signed up like 10 kids....pretty much I could barely stop to breathe Monday and today I have time to write in my blog!! :)

Tonight Derek and I are going to Fort Wayne to get Wings! I am really excited, not really about the wings even though I love the place but I am excited about going out with my husband! The last couple days have been really hectic, Derek is trying to get some stuff done at work so on Saturday we were at Crown from noon to like 4, then Monday I took derek out supper and stayed until 9, yesterday he worked until 8....*sigh* What a long two days!! Hopefully the rest of the week will slow down!

I have bible study tomorrow but weird thing is I can't find my book for it....I went to finish up my homework and it wasn't in its usual spot by the couch....so I will have to turn the house upside down tonight to find it!!!!! :) I sure hope I can!

Well I should get back to work....or at least looking like I'm working! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

And the winner is....

2009-06-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to...

Lorri Stringer

You are the lucky winner of my first ever contest! You have won one delicious dessert made by yours truly! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Summer '09

2009-06-01T04:42:00.000-07:00

Today is the beginning of my summer schedule at the library....the beginning of early mornings and dinners that aren't thought through, ham sandwiches three afternoons out of the week! But at the end of the summer when all is said and done I will appreciated the extra hours and money that that brings, and all and all I enjoy what I do...

For the past three summer's I have worked in the Children's room at the library helping out with our annual Summer reading program, I mostly sit behind the desk at a computer signing the kids up, but I get to be there when they get their prizes...which is always fun! This year the theme is 'Be Creative at your library' I'm really excited about the theme this year...the last couple years haven't' been my favorite themes...."catch the reading bug" while very catchy the whole bug thing got old....and gross!! It's always nice working the reading program, it gives me a change of pace from what I normally do and I get to work with the kids and the ladies in the Children's room are by far my favorite people at work! It helps that they all like me too, the reason I work back there is because they request me and make sure to grab me first before any one else wants my help! :) Honestly...they told me that!!

I had a freak out moment last night, All of a sudden it hit me that the summer schedule started today and I realized I wasn't prepared for it...I have no idea whats for supper tonight, or this week in general, I'm sure I need to get groceries, I don't know what to make for lunches this week (I bring derek lunch at work during the summer) Derek helped calm me down, but I still need to figure all this out! I probably will do it at work when I get a free moment...work is good for that, getting things done I could get done at home but can't because I'm at work! :)

And of course it rains today...isn't weird how days feel gross when it rains, like your mood is just off because the weather is....hmmm weird. Well I need to keep a smile on despite the weather and my control freak mind bugging out on me. Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.

(p.s. Bonus pionts and a dessert made by me for any one that can tell me what movie I just quoted in that last sentence?!?!)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Sigh

2009-05-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Three whole days without writing anything....I feel terrible!! :)

You would think having the blog as my homepage would set off some guilt alarms every time I turn on my computer, it does but they must not be loud enough!! I just end up looking at the blog, sighing, and then doing something else.

I guess some times I don't feel like I have anything to say that would matter so why write, but then I remember that people are reading this not because I give great insights but because they love me and want to know whats going on with my life...they care, which is really nice, I just need to get over my ever present need to matter and just work on doing what I do best...being me!! :)
I'll get the hang of it eventually...I hope at least!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-05-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

I just want to give a shout out to my brother Landon...poor guy grew up with three very girly sisters....and he is very much a boy...it was tough sometimes! I am so happy with how he is turning out! I can say its because he had me as a sister but I can't take full credit....even though if you ask me I probably would!!

I spent the day with Landon and had a really good time...I went to lunch with my dad and grandma (who is in town for the week) and landon came, well I ended up kidnapping him and taking him along with me to do some errands and talked him into pulling some weeds for me at the house...don't worry I gave him chocolate for all his hard work! By the time we got to the house though I didn't even have to ask him to help he pretty much just started without me! :) I really appreciated having him there to help...I could have easily have done it by myself but it wouldn't have been as fun!

So mommy if you're reading this (I hope you are), you have a wonderful son, and at least one daughter that knows what a great brother she has! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Home of the Brave

by Roger Robicheau

Through the feel of war they brave this day
How proud they stand, their unselfish way

Our soldiers bear what we cannot see
They assure our right to live life free

Each trained will face an unknown fate
Our support they need, don’t hesitate

Just imagine how this land would be
Without their courage - catastrophe

All the liberties we have grown to know
Would not exist, this life would go

Find a thankfulness within your mind
Speak gratitude for our bravest kind

Have the willingness to show you care
For fallen heroes, hold back no tear

Reach out to God with his guiding light
For our troops do pray, both day and night

America raise your flags to wave
For we truly are 'home of the brave

Thought I would just share a thought for this Memorial Day, I knew I couldn't put into words the right sentiments I wanted to share so I found this poem....Google is a wonderful thing! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Weekends

2009-05-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

I'm finding it hard to sit down on the weekends to write! Not to say I'm not sitting down on the weekends but definitely not on my laptop....thought I should clear that up.

Once the weekend gets here I'm so done with doing stuff....I just want to lay on my couch and watch movies with Derek and maybe go get Chinese to eat! :) Especially this weekend...Derek decided to run a race yesterday (not a marathon, which is what I called it all of yesterday and was umhuh "nicely" told that that was incorrect and that it was called a race, my bad) well the "race" was at like 8:30, so we were up at 7 and driving to Fort Wayne...which is crazy for Derek and I to do on any day but especially a Saturday! He did a great job and I'm glad we went but I really missed sleeping in. Needless to say I will be sleeping in tomorrow morning in honor of Memorial Day! :)

Chris is leaving to go back to Ohio tomorrow after a breakfast of Waffles....I have been craving them so I decided I should finally make them! We are taking tonight to just relax and hang out with Chris and Jo! It was a nice week to have them visit, I really enjoyed seeing Chris and getting to hangout with Jo!

I'm sitting on the porch writing this, Derek was out here but claimed it was to hot for him...I'm starting to agree with him! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

p.s. I will be posting pictures of the race yesterday but I have to get them off of Derek's phone...I forgot my camera, I was really mad I didn't grab it but hopefully I got some good pictures off the phone! We'll see...

2009-05-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

I went to write a post yesterday afternoon and the internet was down so I couldn't get on...I was definitely frustrated! But now that I can get on I figured I should write something!

I ended up getting everything done that I wanted to, with some snags along the way though! I got my homework done for Bible study and was all set to have the ladies over...I was planning on taking Derek to work after lunch so I had the car that way I could go to the church later that day, well we went to leave and the garage door wouldn't open....*sigh* being a homeowner sucks sometimes. Well after much frustration on Derek's part, he finally got it open, by that time though I needed to start the study, so Derek just took the car! In the end everything worked out because I borrowed Chris' car and went to practice piano....It's amazing how little things could ruin your day but I just had to remind myself that it was ok and to keep a positive attitude!

Tonight is my sister Lanette's 18th birthday party, she turned 18 on Wednesday but her party is tonight! We are really looking forward to it...playing volleyball, hanging out, maybe a movie outside!! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Great Accomplishments

2009-05-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

GO KRIS ALLEN!!!!!!!! I am so proud of America for voting for Kris Allen last night, He really in my opinion deserved to win! :) Great accomplishment!!!!

I haven't accomplished anything yet today but here are some things I want to get done:

1. Clean the house....ok so really it just needs straightened up, but for me it always feels like it needs more then what it really is!!

2. Finish my homework for the Bible study I'm doing with my mom and a couple other ladies! Its amazing how we have two weeks to get 5 days worth of homework done and I end up scurrying around on the day of the study trying to finish homework!!

3. I'm playing in Church this Sunday, so at some point today I need to go to the church and practice since we don't have a piano at our house....which is a bummer! It's not terrible because my parents church is a block away so I can just walk down there to practice but it still would be nice to just walk into a room in my house and sit at my piano and play....in my pj's preferably.

It was hard to decide what to have for breakfast this morning since we finished off the strawberry dessert yesterday at lunch...lol I woke up this morning wanting it so bad...it was so good!! Ok, I'll stop obsessing about this amazing cake, I'm making this awesome crock pot cake on Sunday so I'll move on to that! ;)

Oh I also need to figure out what I want to make for supper for me and my favorite person ever, I'm looking forward to relaxing with my husband tonight! We always have a good time together, he truly is my best friend!!

I should get started on my accomplishments for today! I'll probably sit down later this afternoon and update you all!! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Mornings

2009-05-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

I love my mornings...I get to sleep in most days and take my time getting up...walk around in my robe (ok, so its Derek's robe) eat breakfast and watch tv, sometimes work out while watching tv, depends on how fat I feel! ;)

This morning is a lot like any other morning except I had to wait for Chris and jo to leave so I could wear just my robe, I woke up way to early because of the sun..darn sun! I ate dessert from last night for breakfast...which I guess isn't really that different from most mornings, and I'm catching up on my Gossip Girl addiction...I know bad bad tv show that I should be ashamed to watch, but I still watch it and I still wait impatiently until it's Tuesday so I can watch it on the dvr from the night before! One day I will break this horrid habit but today I will just enjoy it while I don't feel guilty about it!!! For now its my little pleasure I indulge in...Derek doesn't care because I haven't ever ask him to watch it with me... I think if I did, he would definitely encourage me to stop watching it!! :) In case many of you don't know my husband, he is very much a macho guy...gossip girl really isn't his thing! Thank goodness! :)

I guess I should work out...of course I did eat strawberries for breakfast...does it count if its in a cake?

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Strawberry shortcake

2009-05-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Really quick....I wanted to share with you all this wonderful dessert we ate tonight....actually I wanted to make everyone jealous ;) The pictures pretty much speak for themselves!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-05-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

What a day it has been...I got up this morning and went to Decatur with mother-in-law and sister-in-law to a produce and flower auction! I'm looking for hanging baskets for my porch and flowers for my back porch, I found some stuff there but didn't buy anything today...I figure I'll go back later this summer in hopes things will be cheaper and I will know a little better what I want! I got back at like 12:30, just in time to pull out some lunch meat and bread before my husband came home for lunch! I was having Landon and Lane come over this afternoon to do some yard work for me...well Landon was doing yard work, lane ended up helping me move a bench to my back porch and finish up a dessert I was making...Which reminds me, If you have been reading my post (which I hope someone is) you will remember I had said I found this amazing strawberry dessert that I was going to make, well I made it!!!!!! And it looks great! I will be posting pictures later tonight (there is a playoff game on tonight so I figured I will be on my laptop a lot) to share with you all!!

I'm going walking in a little bit with Laurissa, our pastor's wife. We sorta became walking buddies when Derek and Ryan (our pastor) started running for the marathon! :) I'm glad I got a chance to sit for a while before walking, I have a tendency sometimes to just keep moving until by the end of the night I crash into bed!

Until the next time,

The Love Birds

Sundays with the Smiths

2009-05-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Most Sundays are the same for us....sleep in until we absolutely have to get up, go to church, usually go to Kevin and Tracie's for lunch (my-in-laws) get home around 2:30, crash on the couch and turn on basketball (or football or golf, depending on the season) Then some Sundays we go to my parents for snacks in the evening, which is what we are doing tonight! I'm definitely going to need a nap just from writing that down...zzzzz oops guess I should finish this first! ;)

We have a busy week coming up. Chris will be here tomorrow afternoon and will be here till next week and then my younger sister Lanette is turning 18 on Wednesday and having a party on Friday that we will be at....probably will be gone two or three nights this week! We always enjoy weeks when we don't have to go any where and can just be a lazy couple are butts glued to the couch with a list of movies to watch!! :) We definitely have the best life ever!

Well I'm going to enjoy the next couple hours with just my husband before I have to share him with every one else this week!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Oh Yum!

2009-05-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

I read this blog called "Confessions of a pioneer woman" which my mom got me started on. She is a city girl who married a cattle rancher and so is stuck in the middle of no where and now an almost real ranch woman! She takes pictures and writes about their everyday happenings but want really is amazing about this woman is that she cooks some amazing foods! Every recipe I have made from her site has been amazing and satisfying! I recently was told she had posted a new recipe for a strawberry cake....which I thought sounded good but wasn't so sure how I would feel about it....let me tell you I have absolutely changed my mind!! It looks like the best cake ever...... I have posted a link to her site so recommend every one go check it out! :) I know what I'm making this next week!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/05/strawberry-shortcakecake/

Oh Joy!!!

2009-05-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have a follower!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought maybe I was alone in my quest to share with the world our lives, but no, as of this morning (at least that's when I saw it) I have a follower! :)

I thought my mom was the only one reading this little blog! hahaha But what joy to log on this morning and to see that red notice sayed "1 follower" I must be bored because that definitely made my day! On this blog spot when you get a follower you can go and see who it is and above the name(s) it says the following....."Followers are people interested in your blog" :) I thought the wording was funny....someones interested in me! :)

I bet you all are wondering who this person is...this person who is "interested" in what I do on my blog...who made my day.....*drumroll please*

Lindsay Roseberry!!!!! My sister-in-law, Thank you lindsay for becoming a follower...don't worry I won't make you drink piosoned juice one day! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

2009-05-13T18:43:00.001-07:00

After a nice supper of spaghetti and meatballs and Derek taking his run with Ryan and me walking with Laurissa we are now finally sitting on our couch relaxing! Derek is talking to Chris right now, and I'm waiting for him to get off so we can finish American idol. For those of you who don't know Chris Leo let me introduce you....

Chris is a wonderful friend of Derek's from Moody Bible College in Chicago, He was a couple years ahead of Derek but they instantly were friends! They are so alike....you wouldn't think it by looking at them but the undying love for sports and the live long hatred for nature it was a friendship destined to happen! :) Chris was in our wedding in October and meet his dream girl there, my friend Jocelyn Deckard was one of my bridesmaids and after the wedding they got to talking on Facebook and decided they might like each other...facebook is a wonderful matchmaker! I couldn't be more happy that they found each other! Because Chris lives four hours away in Ohio we have the great pleasure of being the Love bird Inn when he comes to see his sweetheart! ;) Us four have so much fun together! His next visit is coming soon, actually this coming Monday, which reminds me that I need to clean my house....YIKES!!!! :)

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Go Danny!!!

2009-05-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

Watching American Idol and crossing my fingers that Danny doesn't hit a note like last week! wow what a note that was....in the past, keep reminding myself that! So far so good! :)

I'm really hoping that America votes for the right person next week and Danny wins! Crossing my fingers!

Boredom

2009-05-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

So I've been home all day and the boredom is starting to take its affect, I can on most days fight through it and find something productive to do, I was doing so good until now....now I want to do something!! I've eaten lunch, I have scrapped a little bit, cleaned up the mess, watched enough of the "Real housewives of New York City" to melt my brain....is it possible to get stupid by just watching tv? must figure that one out....

*sigh* So now here I am, sitting in my empty house so wishing I lived a little closer to town! Oh well only two hours until Derek gets home and then I can be bored with my favorite person!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Early morning nothingness....

2009-05-12T04:50:00.000-07:00

I usually don't get up this early...I'm a big advocate of sleeping in. Laying under the covers, warm and comfortable..waiting for the burst of energy to get up...which usually doesn't come till about 9:30! But this unfortunate morning I just couldn't stay asleep, watching my husband gathering clothes for work, barely awake himself, hearing him going down the stairs and closing the bathroom door....trying so hard to just go back to sleep! But alas sleep didn't come...one perk of getting up is that I got to see Derek off this morning! My wonderful husband who I admire so much...today is his first day of training for a marathon in September! Our pastor, Ryan, told Derek about this 26 mile marathon in Akron, Ohio and encouraged Him to enter it with him...I was so happy he decided to enter it, I know he will do great! I would have to be talked into running anything..or working out in any way!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

Mother's day

2009-05-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

Second day of my blogging adventure, and still not sure what to write! :)

I hope everyone remembered to tell their mom "Happy Mother's Day", I know I did. What a busy day for me this year. I have the great blessing of having two moms to celebrate. My wonderful mom who has become my go-to person since getting married! It's so nice to have someone to call with stupid questions like "Do you have to thaw out frozen meatballs?" Thank you mom! :) And then I have my beautiful mother-in-law, What a woman, I have known Tracie since I was like 12 and we have always got along which made the transition to daughter-in-law so easy! She is always helping and encouraging me....which I sometimes need a lot of! :)

I just want to give a shout out to my sister-in-law Lindsay Roseberry. She has really been a great friend to me through the years and has made me so confident in my marriage adventure. Watching her with her son Micah (my adorable nephew) has warmed me up to the idea of being a young mom! I couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law.

Until next time,

The Love birds

Blogger Virgin

2009-05-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hello to anyone that is reading this,

This being my first time blogging I'm not sure what to write, I guess I should tell you a little info about myself....

My name is Lana Smith (formerly Lana Stringer) I married my best friend and longtime crush Derek Smith. We got married October 4th, 2008, it has been an amazing 7 months! I could not ask for a better husband! I started this blog mostly to have something to do on my days off and to keep everyone updated on the happenings of two people in love! :) I know you all were just sitting there thinking to yourselves "I wonder what lana and Derek are doing?"

At this moment in our very eventful day we are taking some time to relax...and waiting for our order at Co Co China to be ready to pick up! Derek is watching the playoffs...oh the joys of sports...Football, Basketball, golf..thankfully Derek hates baseball so I am saved from one of the male past time enjoyments! :) I am obviously starting this blog to as I stated before, to keep you all updated!

Well its seems the hunger pains are starting, so as all you good wives out there know its time to get takeout!

Until next time,

The Love Birds

The Newlyweds

2 years and counting and still newlyweds

Twins!!!!

New years countdown

Merry Christmas

Motivation

Christmas is coming

Monday night football

Recovering

Plans for tomorrow

Skokie, Illinois, new friends and the Pioneer Woman

cold weather and warm apple pie

First year of my marriage!

One year!!!!

Street Fair

Bundles of Joy

Day off...

Football, Football and more Football

Oh Blog

Parlor City Trot 2009

Floating on a cloud of pink and brown

projects

The Countdown begins

I love this man! <3

Big event!

Babysitting Micah....sorta

And the winner is....

Decisions

Chicago and house gift!

Chicago

hurry hurry!!!

Paint

Weekend

Chicago

Books

That time of year

Firecracker Race, Fourth of July weekend

Sunday

July randomness

Survival

Shopping, Ninety degree weather, and dying plants

Garage Sales

New Developments

Ailments of a Dramatic Wife

Crazy

Work

And the winner is....

Summer '09

*Sigh*

Memorial Day

Home of the Brave

by Roger Robicheau

Weekends

Great Accomplishments

Mornings

Strawberry shortcake

Sundays with the Smiths

Oh Yum!

Oh Joy!!!

Go Danny!!!

Boredom

Early morning nothingness....

Mother's day

Blogger Virgin

Sigh