This weekend.

So excited, and in anticipation right now as I write this. My BFF is coming from Wisconsin this morning, in just a few minutes she'll be here with her baby Ellie (she's not such a babe anymore, she's 1.5) her hubby, and her baby in her belly! She's preggo and this weekend I'm hosting a baby shower for her and another friend of ours that's preggo too! A double baby shower, I've never been but we're having one tomorrow! Such an exciting time in life.

They get to stay at my house in our newly finished guest room. They were the first guests in that room, and now the first after the re model!

Also, tonight my friend Becky who was my college roomie for all 4 years (who can say that they lived with the same person that long?) anyway it's her Birthday today! Orion and I are hosting a birthday party at our house for her!

Am I crazy? Nope. Just really love my friends!

Pictures to come after the weekend.

National Pancake Day!

Today was IHOP's National Pancake day! A fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network. This morning, I got up at 5 AM to get myself ready in order to be at the IHOP at the MOA by 7 am to meet my lovely queens for the day. I met Sara and Brooke at 7 am, we had a delicious breakfast together before the girls got to work for the morning handing out donation cards, greeting customers, and taking lots and lots of pictures. Of coarse, I was there camera in hand to capture the day. Angie (Miss MN) came around 9 am to help as well. All three of our Miss Twin Cities Organization queens were there! It was fun having all the girls be there together and be apart. Many thanks go out to Frank, Rick and their entire crew at IHOP MOA for being so wonderful to the girls. Also, thanks goes to the many people who gave generously this morning to help support CMN, and the children and families who will reap the benefits of today. Here's a few pics from the day:

Miss Capital City & Miss Twin Cities 2009: Sara and Brooke!

Brooke, Angie and Sara!
getting ready to flip some pancakes for a cause!

The girls with GM Frank, and IHOP Guest of the Day, Luke!

Gone.

This morning at 4:15 am, I left to bring my Hubby to the airport. He's gone for the next two days in Dallas for the Master's Commission Int. Convention. I'm super excited for him that he gets to have this break, go somewhere fun, and see his sisters too. (they live in Dallas) Usually it's me who's jet setting and going places. My job last year had me away from Orion more than we would have liked, and it's weird now because every time I've been gone I've always been with other people, and Orion's been the one at home. Now, I'm here at home for the next couple days by myself, and Bentley to keep me company. It's going to be so weird not having him here, I guess I get a little taste of everything Hubby has been through, especially when I was gone for 7 days last summer. The longest we spent apart since we've been married. We made a promise to each other that we'd never spend more than 3 days apart without the other, well we broke that promise last summer. To much travel alone, isn't good for marriage I decided. Well at least not for ours. Orion will be back Saturday afternoon, till then I'm sure I'll find plenty to do to keep me busy. Friday night, I'll be spending it with Jessie, since her Hubby is with mine we're going to have a sleep over! I can't wait to hear all about it when he gets back from his trip. I hope he's refreshed, inspired, and well rested from his trip!

The Blue Room

After Orion and I spent all last week painting the hallway a nice shade of red and cream, otherwise known as our wedding colors. We moved along this past weekend on the spare room. We've been wanting to paint it blue, and have a very nautical theme throughout, it only took us 7 months to accomplish this. We have now successfully painted every square inch of our house. We love it now, it took us a while but it turned out really nice. We have a few more finishing touches we want to add before it's all said and done. I'm now working on re-painting a bookcase for my office, and then I promise I'm done with home projects. Here's a sneak peak:before the paint.
during the process.

After:Isn't it pretty?!?

lovely white.

Orion's collection of ships from various places.

the entrance view.

I feel like this space is really tranquil, and very inviting for our guests when they come stay. Ok, so who wants to be first? :)

Valentines Day, a Pageant, and a Proposal....

This is going to be a long one.... so sit back, grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and enjoy as I tell you about a very long weekend.....

Valentine's Day:

As I mentioned earlier in a post it was my turn to plan Valentines Day this year, I figured I'd give him a reprieve! Well, I planned a really great trip up North to Duluth, MN to stay at a hotel and explore Duluth since Orion won a gift card to a Marriott property we were going to use it and explore Duluth, since we'd never been there. But, at the last minute our plans fell apart when our dog sitter for Bentley back out. Well, I was crushed since I had this great plan all in my head. I quickly came up with another idea, since Orion already had taken the day off Friday before we headed to Stillwater, MN to shop, explore, and eat. It was nice to sleep in Friday, and mosey our way to Stillwater. We ate lunch at Nacho Mamas, and then explored every inch of Stillwater, and shopped. I found a lovely vintage bench from the 1800s that I wanted for my office....if it didn't cost $3000! Couldn't believe it, but boy was it beautiful! We headed home for a quiet night at home on Friday. Saturday, (Valentine's Day) Orion and I went to one of our favorite spots to eat lunch Rudy's Red Eye Grill in Rosemount, MN. We love that place! Then after stuffing ourselves it was time to come home and exchange gifts. Now, I'd come up with an idea to make or buy each other something that reminded each other of our first date as a gift. I was so excited I thought of something really great to get him that would do just that. Well, since Orion and I have been married this is the 2nd year in a row that we have bought each other the same gift!!! It's crazy, last year we each bought each other the John Legend CD and took one back. This year..... we each bought each other the movie Ladder 49. Needless to say we took one back and I got Seasons 1 & 2 of Jon & Kate Plus 8! Here's the story about Ladder 49, in case you don't know Orion and I watched this movie on our very first date...so that's why it was fitting to buy him this for our Valentine's Day.

out for our Valentine's Day Lunch!


The Pageant:
Later that evening on Valentine's Day was the Miss West Metro/Miss City of the Lakes Pageants.... Orion was going to go, but then decided not to. Which was ok, I met up with the ladies to head to the pageant. It was a great night, Tricia did awesome! And it was nice to see Judy, Kathy and Sara. Afterwards Dr. Glenn took us all out for dessert. Plus, during the pageant I won the raffle for Lakers vs. T-wolves tickets for Hubby!! Can't wait to go next weekend!! It's going to be so much fun. He loves the Lakers...and I was so happy I won them for him!!!

Now, on to the proposal......
This Valentine's Day my little brother Sam got engaged!! Yes, that's right!! I can't hardly believe it myself..but it's very exciting and we're all so happy for them. He called me a week ago and told me about it, so all this week I've been helping him plan a perfect engagement. He took his girlfriend Jessie out for dinner, and then had my parents and her Mom hang up a sign on a bridge that read, "Will you marry me." After dinner they took a walk around this park and he led her to where the sign was hung, got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife!! So cute, and so clever! I'm so happy for them, and proud of my little brother. Sam will leave for AIT training for the Airforce this summer, and won't be back till November 2009, they are planning a 2010 Summer wedding!!
Aren't they adorable!!! Congrats Sam & Jessie! Welcome to the family Jessie!! We love you!!!

Andrea & Orion (this is fitting for Today)

Happy Valentines Day everyone! I hope you and yours have some amazing plans today, even if it's just staying at home and spreading the love that way! Either way, tell your Hubby or wife how much you love them and how much they mean to you. taken the night we got engaged!

Andrea & Orion

This is kind of like the 25 things - except there are pre-decided questions and it's about you and your significant, not just you. Come on, play along - inquiring minds want to know! ;-)

What are your names: Andrea & Orion

♥ What are your middle names? Marie & Quartez

♥ How long have you been together? Married almost 2 years, together 4 years.

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? 5 months

♥ Who asked who out? He asked me out one day after church...

♥ How old are each of you? He is 31 and I am 26!

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most? We see mine the most, Orion's sisters live in Texas.

♥ Do you have any children together? Not yet.

♥ What about pets? Yes, the adorable Bentley!

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Currently, being laid off from my job has been the hardest on us.

♥ Did you go to the same school? No, he grew up in Oklahoma and I'm from Iowa.

♥ Are you from the same home town? No

♥ Who is the smartest? probably Me.

♥ Who is the most sensitive? Oh gosh, I am for sure!

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? we don't really eat out much but when we do, it's probably Old World Pizza or Subway

♥ Who has the craziest ex? The good thing is, neither of us really have exes.....

♥ Who has the worst temper? Orion for sure, a realization that came after marriage.

♥ Who does the cooking? I do mostly, Orion loves my cooking... so I love to do it.

♥ Who is more social? Orion is for sure!

♥ Who is the neat-freak? Me for sure! Orion is the exact opposite of this question.

♥ Who is more stubborn? Me.

♥ Who hogs the bed? Orion. He's more of a cuddler, and he snores!

♥ Who wakes up earlier? Orion. We both wake up at the same time cause I drive him to the train every morning, but then I go back to sleep when I get home.

♥ Where was your first date? We went to dinner at McCormick & Schmicks in Minneapolis, then we went to my Best friends house and watched a movie and had a fire alarm go off and we had to evacuate the building. After that we headed home. :) So fun!

♥ Who has the bigger family? I do for sure with 4 siblings, 3 step siblings, and a whole ton of extended family.

♥ Do you get flowers often? No, not really.

♥ How do you spend the holidays? Holidays have been kinda hard since we got married, trying to take time off to travel. Usually we see my family. But this year we're headed to Oklahoma and making the rounds....

♥ Who is more jealous? I don't think either of us are jealous people.

♥ How long did it take to get serious? We dated for a little over two years.... and spent 13 months dating long distance....but I knew I wanted to marry Orion a month after we started dating.

♥ Who eats more? Orion.

♥ Who does/did the laundry? I usually do it... Orion will help me fold it though...in most cases.

♥ Who’s better with the computer? Me

♥ Who drives when you are together? Orion does. I hate driving.

In case you need ideas.....

You've got less than 24 hours till V-day..... here's some help (not that you need it)

click here for these date night ideas!

And... just in case you need more reading:

The Ultimate Valentines Day at Home

The 24 Hour Valentines Day Date

Valentines Day Disasters

articles from The Nest

Happy Valentines Day Friends!

xoxo-

Andrea & Orion

Thinking Spring!

photo: sebrina wilson flickr member

The snow is starting to melt here in Minneapolis, I for one am enjoying seeing the grass underneath all of it. Even, if it is nasty. That gives me hope that Spring is not to far off for us here. What makes you think of Spring? What does it look like in your neck of the woods?

Today.....

I actually got up at a decent time, made breakfast, and watch the Today Show.....

I took Bentley in for his first grooming. It was a suggestion made by the vet to help stop his ear infections. And since I'd been wanting to get him groomed for a while against Orion's wishes, this was a perfect reason to tell Orion why he needed the grooming. But I didn't know I would feel so sad leaving him there, when they asked me to leave......

I took my car in for an oil change, and came out with 10 other problems. Why is that?

I went to 4 different stores trying to find Orion's valentines gift....after the 4th I found it......

I payed bills, something I hate doing......

I gushed over new lenses, and flashes at Best Buy.......

This n' That

fresh clean sheets on a bed.......

or

warm socks right out of the dryer......

***

new hair cut......

or

fresh painted manicure/pedicure....

***

new shoes......

or

new jeans......

***

finding a great deal....

or

getting something for free......

***

first kiss........

or

first date.......

***

birthdays.....

or

anniversaries......

***

dates on the town.....

or

quiet dinner at home.....

***

having just 1 baby.....

or

having twins......

***

living in the city.....

or

living in the burbs......

***

getting a handwritten letter....

or

getting an email.....

***

What would you pick?

Funny stuff.

I found these clips of 88 year old Gladys Hardy calling into the Ellen show! Simply halarious! I laughed so hard. Watch and see for yourself!

I love Jesus, but I drink a little:

Gladys on America Idol:

she gives her thoughts on AI!

Seeing Red!

You may remember my dilemma from this post, however we have found a solution. Tonight Hubby and I worked on giving the upstairs a much needed face lift. We decided on RED after I decided that I couldn't handle another shade of brown in my house, it was time for color!

Puttin' on the Red!

All done!

Next up, tomorrow night we're going to start the other side of the hallway and paint it a nice accenting color. Then, we're off to do the beloved "Ship Room" a wonderful blue! It will feel like the beach once we're done with it. Stay tuned!

Miss Coon Rapids 2009

There are 3 locals in this pageant season, and tonight was Miss Coon Rapids 2009! Sara (our Miss Capital City) came over to my house this afternoon and we got ready and headed over to Coon Rapids with Judy to watch the pageant. Seven lovely ladies competed tonight, but in the end Heather Erickson was crowned Miss Coon Rapids 2009! Check out some of the pictures I snapped tonight:

Sara with the newly crowned Miss Coon Rapids 2009, Heather Erickson. Finally someone taller than Sara!! :)

Sara with Miss Coon Rapids 2008, Stacy Mandelkow.

Sara with Angie, our Miss Minnesota 2009

Me with Angie!

I had a great time with Sara this evening, she's an amazing young woman and I am excited to see where she goes in this next year!

Next up, Miss West Metro and Miss St. Louis Park pageants! Then local pageant season will be over, and we start seriously prepping for Miss MN! It will be here before we know it!

My 1st Blogaversary!

A blog (a contraction of the term "Web log") is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Happy 1st blogaversary to "Worley House"!!! I started writing a blog on my myspace page, and decided after many family members who didn't have myspace and couldn't read the blog I began searching for other ways to write where they could all see it. Ta DA.... here's where blogger came in!I went through several name ideas before settling on this name, and finally decided that even though I am the writer and poster of all the blogs, that my life is really about two things: 1.) my Jesus and 2.) my Husband..... I really wanted this blog to reflect for the most part those two things, and my life and happenings. Thus, Worley House it was titled. I started writing here on 2.06.2008, my first post as an introduction to myself and Orion followed by our very wonderful wedding video for all to see.

My purpose, was just to continue with my random thoughts on life, love and other mysteries.... and use this blank space to talk about our lives, what's happening and keeping families and friends updated. I've always been a journal girl, I've kept a journal for every year of my life since I was in 5th grade. So writing thoughts comes very naturally, public writing of thoughts not so much. But, in the last year this blog has become a journal, a teaching tool, somewhat therapeutic for me, and given me something to look forward to in getting it all out.

Sometimes the posts are teaching, or thought provoking, and sometimes they are super random and varied, and sometimes they ooze with fabulosity when talking about pageants and other girly things. Either way, I have enjoyed writing all 255 of them!

While, I don't know every single one of the readers of "Worley House" I do know some of you. But, no matter who you are or where you're reading from I just want to say that I appreciate all of you, your comments, and your prayers. In the last few months and weeks some of my most personal thoughts have come out of my mouth and onto the pages of this blog, and while although they are deeply personal there is something freeing and liberating about writing, and thank you for being the audience to share them with.

I'm sooo over it....

I'm so over job searching and filling out resumes.....

I've sent out thirty some resumes in the last 3 months, and had 1 interview.... and as each day passes by I am reminded that this is sooo... not the time to be trying to find a job. But alas, I am! So it's 11:15 PM, and I am up job hunting and printing off more resumes and sending them out tomorrow.... I am saying a BIG prayer over this stack before it goes in the mail tomorrow. I think you all should pray with me too!

Worley Weekend Review:

This past week was nuts and so crazy, we were busy every single night of the week. So it was nice to have a few low key days this weekend to settle and relax a bit

Saturday, Orion worked all day long. He's been so great, I feel so bad that he's working so much and making sacrifices but I know that he just wants to take care of us. I spent the afternoon, well party of it at Ikea trying to find a long awaited chair for my office. I've been using one of the chairs from the kitchen for the last seven months, so I finally broke down and saved and got an office chair. I know it sounds silly, but these days you gotta save...even if it is for a $40 chair for my office. After I picked Orion up from work, we headed out for a date together. Where did we go for this most fancy date? To one of my fave places.... Sonic!! Loved it! We sat and ate burgers, and sipped limeades till we were content. Then we rented from the Redbox and headed home to cuddle.... pretty good date to me!

Sunday, we headed off early to church. Spent the afternoon with Becky, Charles and Chaz watching 24 and chilling. Then we headed over to the Papia's for a Super Bowl party. We had a great night with friends. Chaz was cute and entertaining, and I thought my Cardinals were going to win, but I still love them! Good friends, coffee, food, my Hubby.... can't be beat! I'm so glad we all got together.

Legos anyone?

The Papia's- thanks for hosting guys!

Worley House
The Norman Family

A few things I'm excited for in February:

- It's Valentine's Day, and I've got a great surprise cooked up for Orion. More about that later....

- The last 3 local pageants of the year!

- Baby shower I'm helping throw for two girlfriends.

- Girls Night at Becky's house & her birthday.

** a side note, Orion and I have been super blessed we feel in these last few months to have really great friends who have supported us in what we're facing right now. It hasn't really been anything BIG that has made the difference, but just knowing that we have a support system and people praying for us means the world to us. And that's all we can ask for right now is lots of prayer, and good friends.