My Style Defined:

The Hubs and I often have many debates, and one of them is over decorating styles. When we lived in an apartment we had this struggle of trying to combine his/her styles. We didn't agree much, but I feel like we compromised more with the style of my Hubby. He likes modern furniture pieces, dark, bland colors. When we bought our first home and began decorating it we again had this conflict. We had this blank canvas to work with and I really wanted to add more of my own touch to it. We discussed, and well I think the only two rooms in the whole house that are more "ME" would be my bathroom and my office. (Lucky me) I love vintage things, older things, antiques, color, bright colors, white walls, mirrors, and things that are flirty and girly, Chandeliers. To most known as; Shabby Chic! The Hubs, not so much!

He's asked me many times, "What's your style." So whenever we're out and about I make it a point to show him things that I love. Most of the time he's not agreeing with me at all. But, I told him the next place we move, the next house we have it has to be more me, or a more balanced version of us, our two styles combined. If you've seen our house, it's mostly brown. The next time not so much brown. :) Today, I found these awesome pictures of a real couples home in Canada. Love, love Holly's style and how they have decorated their space. Here's to defining my style perfectly!

Check out more of Holly & Sean's nest, at http://www.thenest.com/ click on HollyLuv's profile!

Wish List

Have you heard about this little gadget? It's called the Flip Video camera, and it's my newest wish list item that one day I'd love to have. This little guy shoots up to 60 minutes of video, and the best part is you can shoot and then upload right away with the handy USB port built right in. I think this is perfect for taking on trips, or carrying in your purse to catch those "Oh so great moments" with the Hubs! Never miss a moment again, I say!

I want it in PINK, duh! :) It retails for about $149, but I found it on Walmart.com in white for $99, and on Amazon.com in pink for $118! Can't beat that, and both those sites you can get free shipping too! What a deal! It's on my wish list for my birthday this fall! Or if any of you want to buy me a gift, I'll take it! ;)

Fantastic Friday; *Favorite Sites!*

I'm a self proclaimed Internet junkie! I admit it, I spend a majority of my day blogging, reading online news & blogs, scouring for the latest deals online, and finding other mindless things on the Internet. Thank you Al Gore, for inventing such a valuable resource. (jk ;)

So for this week's Fantastic Friday post, I thought I'd share with you some of my all time favorite site/ resources online.

3 Sites I visit daily:
1. Twitter, if you don't know what this is go there. experience. have fun. Find me here.
2. Facebook- nuff said!
3. Blogger, my host for my blog. Where I write and read up on all the blogs I follow!

Pageant Stuff:
http://www.missminnesota.org/
http://www.missamerica.org/
http://www.misscapitalcityminnesota.com/
http://www.misstwincities.com/

Shopping Sites:
http://www.amazon.com/ - love, love Amazon! Everything from books to camera stuff!
http://www.meetmark.com/

Sites Bookmarked:
http://www.craigslist.com/
http://www.flickr.com/
http://www.snapfish.com/
http://www.realsimple.com/
http://www.thenest.com/
http://www.msn.com/

Maybe you'll find something you love about these sites too! Happy Friday everyone!

*Disclaimer*- Fantastic Friday posts are for fun only. Nothing about Hubby or Family. They are fun related!

Who Will it Be?

It's Up! The 2009 Miss Minnesota Contestant Showcase is up and running and ready for viewing! Click here, to read all about each girl. Of coarse, pay close attention to Miss Capital City & Miss Twin Cities they are my faves! ;)

Be the crown, wear the crown, you are the crown! - Vic

Tasty Thursday; Memorial Day Foods

My yummy turkey cheese burger! The Hubs made fun of me, but later he agreed it was delish!

Yummy homemade pasta salad! No recipe used here!

These lovelies made for a delish shortcake! Buy 1 get 1 free @ Cub last week!

I SAY

.... it's perfectly fine to own more shoes, than shirts!

.... it's ok if you have an extensive collection of lip gloss.

.... it's ok if you change your mind and try on 4 different outfits for the day.

.... learn a lesson from everything in life.

.... afternoons with a good book & Starbucks are the best!

.... it's ok to read more blogs than real books! ;)

.... for you to have your "ME" time, you need that every now and then.

.... it's awesome when your Hubby is your Best Friend!

.... having 1 whole weekend a year with your best girlfriends is priceless!

20/20

I've heard it said, "Hindsight is 20/20."

Have you heard that before? I'm sure you have. Isn't that the way it always is, looking back on a situation you can always see something, where it went wrong, or how it would have worked out better.

I feel like the current theme of our lives for the past 8 months has been one of learning lessons from the trials we've been faced with. There have been moments when I have cried out that I don't want to go through this anymore, can we [I] just be done? (if, we're being honest here.) During this time we've learned a ton of lessons some more obvious than others, I admit. We are still going through a lot currently, and I am still trying to find the silver lining in a few things. But, I know over all Orion and I have grown closer than I ever thought possible. We've really had to lean on each other during this time, and that has taught us a lot about ourselves and our marriage. I probably could go on, and on about all the trials we've faced and the lessons that came out of them, but there's a 2 BIG things in all this that I take away from this;

At the end of the day, I think the true test of trials in our lives are these:

1. I want to be found faithful to Christ in all my situations and trials.

I want people to look at Orion and I and know that even though we've faced a ton of adversity and still currently are that we've done it with faith and purpose. Style and grace. (that's more me) That they would see that we've drawn closer to God during all of this, and we're making it because of that alone.

2. I want to have learned at least something from every trial we've faced.

I don't just want to look back on this time in our lives saying, "WOW, that was a really crappy time, glad it's over." I want to look back and say, even though it was less than desirable circumstances, look at all we've learned and how we're better for it in the end. I don't want to live life with regrets, that's why I feel it's really important in every situation you face good or bad to find the lessons you can take away from that experience and grow from them. This also helps you know if it was worth it or not, all that you went through.

Although, I know it's not over yet. I feel at peace, and thankful to God that he's gotten us this far and that he's blessed me with an amazing Husband so that I don't have to walk this journey alone.

Miss Capital City Gown Showing & Send Off

This past weekend I attended Sara's Gown Showing & Send Off Party for Miss Minnesota. Although, the actual pageant isn't for a few more weeks Sara left for a Choir tour in Europe today. She'll be gone for the next two weeks, so we had her gown showing a little bit early. It was a great afternoon, Orion came with to share in the fun. I can't show you any of the actual wardrobe, because as always it's top secret! But she looked beautiful, and she sang amazingly! I can't wait to see her on state at Miss Minnesota. Here's a sneak peak of what I will show you; Me with Sara, Judy and Kathy



To find out more about Sara visit http://www.misscapitalcityminnesota.com/ to find out more about the upcoming Miss Minnesota Pageant visit http://www.missminnesota.org/

'America's Favorite Family'

This may very well be the first, and last time I blog about this subject. I don't want to beat a dead horse or add to the opinions of many.

I've watched this show from the beginning. Orion and I love this show. We've always said that we relate most to Jon & Kate as a couple.

Tonight was the premiere episode of Season 5 of one of my fave shows Jon & Kate Plus 8. I've been looking forward to this for weeks now, but in light of tabloid rumors and all that's going on with this family I was truly sad as I watched tonight's episode.

You could see that both we're frustrated, hurt, and probably angry at a lot of things. I felt sad as I watched them talk about how they are 'doing everything' for the sake of their kids, and how they barely spoke at the sextuplets 5th birthday party, and how they didn't know what their future holds.

I agree their personal lives concerning the issues surrounding them are personal and should stay that way. I choose not to believe everything I read, but hearing them talk tonight I wish, hope and pray that they can work it out. Not only for the 'good of their children' but because they love each other and want to make it work. I believe love conquers all, and if you want your marriage to work it can.

I won't pretend that I have a clue what they are going through or how their lives have been impacted by this. I don't. I can only imagine how they feel or how I would feel having people invade my privacy or take pictures of my children and be so invasive.

People say, they brought this upon themselves. But, I don't think anyone expects this kind of thing. No matter, if they are on t.v. or not. I think we have to remember that they first and foremost were and are, a regular family that just were trying to tell their story and capture memories for their children.

Who asks for this? No one, I'm pretty sure of it.

Blog Roll Monday: Desiree Hayes Photography

Desiree Hayes Photography

I found this photographer when I joined Flickr, a photo sharing site where you can post your photos get feedback, and see others work. I stumbled on her photographs totally by accident and I've been hooked on her work ever since! She hails from San Diego, CA and does anything and everything from weddings, children, and her specialty being Boudoir photography. I was a little skeptical at first of Boudoir shoots. Honestly, because I'd never seen them done well or tasteful at all. But after seeing her work, I'm a believer now! She's amazing at what does does, and truly brings out the beauty of her subjects in such a tasteful way. I'd love to one day have her take my photos for the Hubs!

I love reading her blog on a weekly basis, and I've learned so much from her work. Mostly about being daring and taking chances as a photographer. She always has some of the most creative things, and I love that part! If you are every in the San Diego area you have to give her a call to do your photos, check out her blog and see what I'm talking about!

Happy Monday Everyone!

*Free tip of the Week*

Maybe you know about this, maybe you don't! Either way, it's FREE and I love it so here's my FREE tip of the week! Each week, every Tuesday at Starbucks you can get a FREE download on iTunes. Stop by every Tuesday when you're picking up your latte you can also snag one of their "Pick of the Week" cards for a free music download.

Now, I've seen these sitting on the counter for a while now at Starbucks, and I always looked at them and thought I don't know half these artists, I probably wouldn't like their music anyway. But after a couple weeks of downloading the tunes I've decided that it's cool and fun seeing each week what you'll get, and you never know you could be introduced to something you really love! Plus, being FREE only helps this cause!! And, remember I love free!

52 weeks/ year = 52 FREE songs a year from iTunes! How can you beat that?!!! Guess what? Tomorrow is Tuesday, there will be a new song to get. Stop in, grab a card, get free music!

Mom & Jocelynn's Visit

Remember how I was telling you my Mom & beautiful niece we're coming to visit? Well, they came. We walked in the park. Stayed up late. Baked cookies. Went out for dinner. Shopped. We had tons of fun!

Taken by my 6 year old niece! She's a future photog for sure!

PS- I must confess, we didn't do an [ounce] of packing all weekend! We were having just to much fun for that! :)

I'm Inspired!

Found this story, on a blog I read regularly!

Click here and be inspired!

Thank you Shabby Nest for sharing!

Kisses & Disses

Disses, to packing my house. It's been very emotional for me.
Disses, to the lady who pounded on my trunk in rush hour traffic yesterday! People need to learn to use crosswalks instead.
Disses, to the crazy wind we had a few days ago.
Disses, to snoopy people in my neighborhood! People seriously need to mind their own!

****

Kisses, to saving $30 on my grocery bill today.
Kisses, my Mom bringing my little niece w/ her this weekend! What a surprise.
Kisses, to my Mom being here to help me.
Kisses, to my Hubby who was sick a few days this week. I love taking care of him, and glad he's better now.
Kisses, to Friday movie night w/ Hubs, and the fact he lets me rent the girlie ones!

It's Friday!

It's Friday, and that means one thing today: My Mom is coming for the weekend to visit! I'm pretty stoked! Any chance I get to see her, and have her here is a blessing. This weekend our mission: packing! Not so excited about the packing part as much as I am about the having her here part!

This time last year we were hosting a house warming party, and now we're packing it up.

Summer Reading List

For the summer I want to read, I want to relax by a pool, sip tea, sun tan and read! I want to read all the books on my shelf that I haven't read yet, And these select titles too:

Mommywood

by Tori Spelling

I loved her 1st book, pretty intrigued to read this one too.

The Shack

by WM Paul Young

I have heard so many things about this book, I need to know for myself about it.

Always Looking Up

by Michael J. Fox

I haven't read his first book, but his story is inspiring. My Grandfather died from this disease. This looks like it's sure to be a great book.

Eight Little Faces

by Kate Gosselin

I *heart* the Goesselin clan, no matter what you say! Can't wait to read this 2nd book.

She's coming out with a 3rd too, I'll read that as well!

Day with the Girls!

On Monday, I headed over to Eunice's house. Sara came into town the day before and we were going to all meet up for the day. We don't to many days a year when we're all together, so any chance we get we always make it a priority. This time, Sara had just had baby #2, 7 weeks ago. Eunice introduced Isabelle into the world just 2 weeks prior. BESA now officially has 4 children, and I have lots and lots of babies to hold & kiss! Someday, I will catch up with them. We had a great day! Ellie is the smartest almost two year old I think I know..she's amazing. Little Macie looks just like her Mommy, and Isabelle is the biggest sleeper! She loves her beauty rest! I can't believe how much has changed in such a short amount of time, and now we have all these little ones that are apart of us..er...them! ;) It's pretty awesome! Enjoy some pics from the day:

Me and Eunice, who's already a great Mommy after two weeks!

Sara and Me.

Sleeping Izzy.

Playing with Ellie!

Little Miss Macie Jill

Me with Isabelle, who I already nicknamed Izzy!

Becky & Isabelle

Ellie+ iphone+ Dora webisodes= happiness!

She Did It!

She did it! She won! Yeah to Shawn Johnson on winning this season's DWTS! I really was excited for either of the 3 to win last night, but I am especially proud of Miss Shawn and her win! Yeah, for her, yeah for Iowa girls everywhere! She's the youngest ever to win the show, and this is her partner Mark's 2nd win on the show! I will miss it over the summer, but I am sure I will have enough Bachelorette, Southern Bells, and The Hills to keep me busy!

Anyone else love reality t.v. as much as I do? (just throwin' that out there) Pretty sure my Hubs is annoyed with it! :)

I SAY

.... Ministry runs on; lots of prayer, great leaders, and Starbucks!

.... isn't it awesome how 1 person in the family can get sick, and the rest are all gonners too!?!

.... keeping your chin up, and going through trials and tough times with grace is how I want to be remembered.

.... Sacramento is one of my new fave places to visit!

.... at the end of the day family is all that matters.

.... home is not the building you live in, it's the place you are with the people you love that matters most, that is your home.

.... it's ok to be insanely organized!

.... buying or selling; it's all emotional!

I took this cute little pic of my nieces a few weeks ago while I was at home. There's so much freedom in childhood!

Meet Harley

Meet Harley, ladies & gents!

He's my brother and his fiance's puppy.

He's 2 years old and they just adopted

him from the Animal Rescue League.

I have a soft spot in my heart for rescue

dogs, since that's where we got Bentley

from. They now have a "kid", and

Bentley has a friend to play with.

They met and played together

all weekend! So fun!

***

My sister pleasantly let us know that she would like some

"real" nieces and nephews someday! ;)

Who Will Win?

Who Will Win tonight? I'm so torn, I love all of the final three for different reasons! This has been my favorite season so far, can't wait till they go on tour. Maybe I'll be able to make it this year! Here's my final thoughts on the 3 we have left.

***

Melissa & Tony

Love her. After her awful season on The Bachelor, it's been awesome to see her do so well. She's an amazing dancer, one of my faves from the beginning. Her partner Tony has never made it to the finals before. I would love to see her win! She's my top pick for tonight's win.

Shawn & Mark

Love Shawn, she's from Iowa so I love her even more. She's the youngest competitor they have ever had. She's amazing. She has such grace, and she's done everything so tasteful for being just 17! Her freestyle was all star last night!

Gilles & Cheryl
Ok, I love Cheryl. It's not so much as I like Gilles, cause honestly I really could care less about him. I just love her, she's my favorite Pro dancer. So I'd love to see her win. If she wins it'll be her 3rd win. The most anyone has ever won on the show! That would be awesome.
***
SO, I am torn between; My Iowa girl, My fave Pro dancer, and the girl that came out of nowhere, Melissa! Since I love them all I'll be happy with whomever wins!

Over all, I want Melissa to win!

Watch & See what happens tonight!

Blog Roll Monday: Cross Focused Photography

OK, ok so it's not Monday. I know this, but yesterday got away from me, so even though it's Tuesday let's just pretend!

Cross Focused Photography

Another awesome photography blog I read, for learning and enjoyment purposes.

This photog is currently based out of Chicago, check out her site and her photos.

And if you're in the area, and want a great photog she's your girl! Her wedding shots are

some of my fav, and she does really great shots with scenery too! I love finding great

photographers who are great at finding cool places where they live and showcasing them!

She's no exception!

A Graduation Weekend:

My little brother Shawn, graduated from High School this past weekend! He's the last of us to graduate, and leave the house. For my Mom it was especially emotional, her last baby grown up and leaving! My youngest brother is 8 years younger than me, I remember the day he was born on a very cold January night, there was a blizzard! Shawn is probably the sibling most like me, he's creative, and sensitive, smart, and takes risks. He's a thinker and a dreamer. I'm blessed to have a brother who knows a thing or two about cars, to help a sister in crisis! :) After graduation he'll be headed to Lackland Airforce Base on June 3rd, 2009 for Basic Military Training [BMT] for 8 weeks. I'm so proud of him, and can't wait to see all that he accomplishes in life. Love you little brother!! Congrats!Walking in.....

Recieving his scholarship

Recieving his diploma!

He did it!
With Mom.
Orion & I with Shawn.

Our Trip to Sactown!

[Just Arrived in Sacramento, CA]

Orion and I were able to travel to Sacramento, CA last week to visit our friends' Jody & Missy. Jody is one of Orion's long time friends from Owasso, OK he was also in our wedding. Him and his wife Missy, and their 3 beautiful kids live in Sactown. They invited us to come out for a visit, and incredibly blessed us by having us out. It was awesome to go see them, and reconnect, and get to spend time with their family. They are awesome people, and Orion and I are very lucky to have them as friends! Thanks for an amazing week guys, we love you!!!

[Orion & Jody]

[Orion and I outside our hotel]

[On our last day, we didn't want to leave!]