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July 30, 2009

Lucky


This is my new fave song, the words are just perfect. It reminds me of everything falling and staying in love should be. Take a peak, and listen at the end! :)

Do you hear me,
I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooooh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

*****

July 29, 2009

I SAY; Movers Edition!

.... packing is for the birds! If I were rich I'd hire a team and let them do it. But, for now it's just Hubby & Me. 
.... getting rid of junk while packing is a good feeling, a good time to purge.
.... having a messy house not so fun.
.... trying to figure out dinner when half your kitchen is packed away is a challenge! 
.... knowing that you're going to a place that you love and feeling God's peace about it makes it all worth it! 

July 27, 2009

It's Official; We're Moving!

It's official, we're moving! Orion and I are taking a HUGE step and moving all the way to Arizona in just a week!!!! At the beginning of July Orion and I interviewed at a church in Glendale, AZ. We came home from that trip feeling refreshed, revived and knowing that this was the place for us. After much prayer and consideration, we feel at peace with the decision and are very excited for this next new chapter and step in our lives.

Of coarse it's bittersweet at times to not be close to family and friends here in the Midwest. But I am forever thankful for the years that I've had here in Minneapolis being close to both my family and friends. I knew that one day this time would come, and we wouldn't be as close. So I took full advantage of it. Now, that time has come for us to be a little farther away. But, I know that the relationships that I have are stronger and can make it through anything.

On Sunday, Orion and I will pack up the moving truck and head to Iowa to see my family. Orion and his friend Jason will be leaving a few days later to make the drive to Arizona. While I'll be flying down on the 5th! We move into our new place on August 7th! I hate moving, but I love decorating new places! I can't wait to settle in and call Arizona home.... AGAIN!!!

Blog Roll Monday: Jasmine Star Photography

I found this gem of a photog a few months back, Jasmine Star photography based in Southern California! Her work is amazing, and her story is equally great! What I love about Jasmine's work is her attention to detail, her love and care for her Brides, the way she uses only natural light is equally inspiring! 

I also love that she's humble enough to share her secrets, and expertise with fellow photogs like myself. Her FAQ posts are the best, and I have learned a lot from them. 

Someday when I'm in Southern Cali I would love for her to take pictures of Orion and I!! Click here to view her work, let me know if you agree! 

July 24, 2009

Friday Frills; Girls Night!

It's Friday! Finally, this has been one crazy week! I'm at home this weekend in Iowa shooting a wedding. It's just me, Orion is working all weekend. So we're making it a girls weekend. Tonight I'm headed to the movies, (haven't been to a movie in ages) we don't really go to the movies anymore. But tonight it's special because I get to hang out with my Sister, Mom and future Sister in law Jessie! I don't get to have girl night like this very often either! So I'm taking full advantage.

Saturday, is the wedding! So excited. Congrats to Morgan & Isaac who are getting married tomorrow. You have to check this blog for more info on their BIG day!

Sunday, it's more wedding stuff as we head to the bridal store to try on and pick our bridesmaid dresses for my brother and Jessie's wedding. Pretty excited about this! I love weddings, and I love sharing the day with people you love and celebrating their love!

Stay tuned! :) Happy Friday all!

July 21, 2009

I SAY

.... love, love entertaining in my home, and even better having great friends to share it with.
.... comparison shop!
.... check out amazon.com before buying another book.
.... I'm thankful for God's confirmations!
.... finally some nice weather here in Minnesota!
.... I hate when my puppy is sick, and I don't know why!

Shabby Nest & RHB Designs Giveaway!

Don't you just love this? It's a hand stamped silver necklace made by RHB Designs. The Shabby Nest is hosting a giveaway for a $25 gift certificate to their shop for your very own piece of custom jewelry. I don't have children yet, but this necklace is a perfect way to display the family close to your heart. My favorite right now is the Monogrammed necklace with pearl accents! I would get one with a "W."

Jump on over, click here to be entered in for the give away and drawing! Secretly, I want to win but I'll share with all of you! :) Enjoy these beauties!

July 20, 2009

Blog Roll Monday: Ikea Hacker


Ikea Hacker

You know my love for all things Ikea, well let me tell you about a wonderful blog called "Ikea Hacker" as the name suggests it's all about Ikea products. I found this blog some time ago, and fell in love with all the innovative ideas of the posters. The idea is to take regular Ikea products and re use them in a way, or make something new out of them other than their original purpose in the store. This blog has some great ideas, anything from baby's rooms, to kitchen ideas to lighting. You can find so many really awesome ideas, and if you love Ikea products as much as we do I know you love this blog! Happy Hacking!

July 19, 2009

Free Tip of the Week: Coffee!

Have you ever tried McDonald's Mc Cafe' drinks? I love their Iced Vanilla Coffees. Starting Monday they are giving away FREE samples of their iced mocha's & coffees. So tomorrow on your morning commute drive on over for something delish & free!
***
And then run on over to Starbucks on July 21st for free pastries! 

Where did the Weekend Go?

It's already almost 11 PM on Sunday night, and I keep thinking where did the weekend go? It literally flew by!

Friday, I headed up Northwest to Perham, MN to judge the Miss Perham & Miss Heart of the Lakes Pageants. It was a full day, the pageant got over and we did a judges critique and I was on the road by 10 PM. It's a 3.5 hour drive for me back to the cities. And about 11 PM I was kicking myself that Orion had to work Saturday morning, and I had to come back that night. It was a long drive back home Friday night. I rolled into the garage at 1:30 AM! So tired, I came in said hello and good night to Orion and crawled into my bed and slept so good!

Saturday, I slept! Orion worked. Then Becky and her son Chaz came over to hang out. We chilled, made pizza and watched Chaz and Bentley chase each other around.

Sunday, we went over to Mark & Eunice's for lunch. I haven't seen them in a few weeks. So it was good to see Isabelle again and catch up with friends. Thank you Djerf's for the great lunch!
Tonight, Orion and I vegged watched movies and HGTV's Design Star premier! We're obsessed with design, even though we mostly don't agree, we're getting there! :)

There you have it, the weekend gone! Coming up on the horizon, a wedding next weekend! We're traveling home to Iowa, I'll be shooting a wedding next weekend, and then going with my future sister in law to pick out my #7 yes, seventh bridesmaid dress! Can't wait, it'll be a fun weekend at home.

Us Worley's have some stuff cookin' in the next couple weeks, so stay tuned for BIG announcements coming your way!

July 16, 2009

Going Green; Refill your Ink!

Maybe you already do this, but I am discovering this for the first time. I've always heard about refilling your ink cartridges. My Mom does it, I don't know why I didn't do it sooner. Well, I ran out of ink, and decided to give this a go. Tons of places refill ink cartridges (Office Max, Staples, Walgreen's) just to name a few. 

I headed over to my local Walgreen's, and in 40 minutes I had newly refilled ink cartridges for half the price! If that isn't enough to make you want to do this, I don't know what is. Plus, I got a coupon for 50% off the next time I refill! (you know how I love coupons) 

Pretty worth it to me, going green and saving green at the same time! 

Book Review: Mommywood by Tori Spelling

Mommywood
by Tori Spelling

I finished this book last night, I read her first book so naturally I was intrigued and wanted to read the follow up book. This book as the title suggests is about motherhood, specifically motherhood in Hollywood, and raising children as a celebrity.

It's full of really funny, cute stories about her children and their lives as a family. She talks a lot openly about how she was raised, and how she would like or has done things differently than her parents. She shares on what life is like being a step-mom to son Jack, her desire for a "normal" upbringing for her children. But acknowledges that it looks a whole lot different than most people's lives since her and her hubby are celebs.

Over all, I enjoyed the book. The funny stories she shares makes you realize that she's just about as normal as everyone else. Her children throw tantrums, poop in pools, and don't eat their veggies.

It made me want to root for her to become the best Mommy she can be, despite her fears that she has in raising her children.

Clean Sweep

Have you heard of this product? The Pledge Fabric Sweeper! I've tried many lint rollers, and other pet hair cleaners to combat Bentley's over abundance of hair, and this seems to be the best so far. I saw it on a commercial, and thought I'd give it a go! For $4 you can pick this up at any store. I used it for the first time, and I'm hooked. It's disposable, no refills just throw it away when it's full. You can get coupons inside the box for another purchase of one as well. You can beat that!

Tried and true, I've tested this and I give it two thumbs up!

July 15, 2009

I SAY

.... Anniversaries are the best! One more year with the Hubs...amazing!
.... We have some of the greatest friends we could ask for.
.... sometimes taking chances, is in order. 
.... change doesn't scare me, it makes me excited!
.... love when Bentley sits at my feet while I'm in the office...blogging! 
.... coupons help stretch my budget. Anyone else love them?
.... finishing a great book, love when I've read something great in print. 
.... watching your wedding video every year is a MUST!
.... cool summer breeze & not running the air conditioning, love it!
.... I love the idea of not having a car payment anymore!
.... Congrats to Bryan & Anna Smith on the birth of their son Legend
.... chips & salsa are a meal in and of themselves. 
.... Here's to a great day and one amazing week!

Anniversary Week: How We Celebrated!


Yesterday, was our 2nd anniversary! It's been two whole amazing years since "I do!" Orion and I spent last weekend in Duluth, MN we'd both never been there before so it was awesome seeing it together for the first time. Last night we headed out for dinner at one of our fave places, we hadn't been there in a while and so this place was a treat. Here's a little recap of how we celebrated our second anniversary (take a look back at year 1, click here)


Year two: July 14, 2009

Dinner @ Rudy's Red Eye Grill

@ Leif Erickson Park Duluth, MN

Snack Time @ Crabby Bills

Attempting to skip rocks. Orion is great at this, Me not so much.

Gooseberry Falls State Park Two Harbors, MN
It's crazy that today, we begin year #3! Can't wait to see what the next year holds for us, I have a feeling we're in for a few surprises!

July 14, 2009

Anniversary Week: Our Wedding Video


A look back at our wedding day! If you haven't seen this yet, sit back and enjoy!
If you have, isn't it fun to watch it over and over again?!!
Orion and I usually cozy up and watch it on our anniversary.
Tonight, we will be watching it.

Happy Anniversary!


July 14th, 2007

Today, is our anniversary. Two years ago today Orion and I exchanged vows and said I do in my home church back in Iowa. Our day was perfect! I remember the anticipation I felt as I got my hair and make-up done that morning. And the feeling I felt when Orion and I saw each other for the very first time that day. And the moment I started walking down the aisle, my eyes were on Orion. Seems as if two years has flown by so fast, I can hardly believe that it's been two years already. [i'll probably say this at 10 as well] Who knew that two years ago we'd have all the adventures that we've had, or traveled the places we've been, or go through heartache and the testing of our marriage all in two years? I didn't. I think each person who is married would probably agree with me in saying that every year of marriage is different than the previous. It has it's own set of challenges, joys, triumphs and victories. I feel like this year has been all that and more, but at then end of the day I feel stronger together than apart, and there's no one else that I'd rather walk through the hills and vallies, or go through the storms with than Orion.

Orion, thank you for being my protector, providing for me, loving me and always being there. I love you with all of my heart and can't wait for the next year of our lives together to begin.
love you more- Andrea

And since it's our anniversary it's only fitting to show you some of our wedding photos:

The whole big bridal party! 14 attendants, 2 flowers girls, 2 ushers!

Cutting our cake!

leaving the church, headed to the reception....one of my fave photos!

Orion & I.

Me.

Our first meeting that morning..... I thought we were "alone" but I looked up later and saw everyone watching us out of the BIG picture window from the church.

Sealing the deal!

Unity Candle.

It's Anniversary week all week @ Worley House! Tomorrow, pictures and memories from our honeymoon and anniversary!

July 13, 2009

Vintage Romance: Bedroom Makeover

I've been wanting to re do our master bedroom for sometime now. But it's not really in the budget right now, or the plans. But, I've been having lots of fun window...er, Internet shopping for finds for our someday fab new bedroom! Here's a few of my finds: we're going for a vintage modern look that's very romantic!

Ikea $39
Home Collection @ Target $79 [queen]
Mirrored side table @ Target $40

Smells Good!

Pineapple Orchid from Bath & Body Works. This has to be my new fave scent! I received the candle in this scent as a gift from a friend, and I fell in love with this smell! I've been burning it for the last couple days straight! Orion and both love it! I want to pretty much have this in every inch of my house....even my car! Jump on over to the store smell for yourself! You'll love it too!

Countdown.....less than 24 hours!

Less than 24 hours from now..... Orion and I will celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary! More to come tomorrow.....

BLOG Roll Monday; Grin & Share It Photography


Isn't that a cute name for a photography business?! Tessa, is one creative photog! Her blog was the very first photography blog I found that I loved and began reading. Specializing mostly in children and families she's based out of Southern California! I love how creative she is, and how she always seems to capture a family in their most natural setting. 

Tessa and I have a similar story in how our businesses were created, it's awesome knowing that their are others out there just like you!

If you haven't seen her work before jump on over to her site [click the link above] and see her work!

July 9, 2009

Kisses & Disses

* to the new Miss Lakeville Princess; Elizabeth Scipioni! Congrats!
* to Orion & I being featured in the Aug/Sept. issue of [the nest] magazine! Look for our issue last August!
* to a really great vacay in Arizona w/ friends! 
* to our 2nd anniversary getaway this weekend! Celebrating 2 years July 14!
* to coming home to cold weather in MN! Seriously.... it's July!
* missing Bentley! he's gone at my Parent's house for the weekend while we are away. I miss him!
* crashing computers... nuff said! 

July 8, 2009

About Us



I started this blog in February 2008 as a way for us to stay connected to family and friends since we lived out of state. Over the years it has morphed into so much more. 

I'm a wife and mother, two roles that are my favorite. When I'm not writing here on this blog I keep busy with my photography business as a lifestyle photographer. 

A little bit more about me....

I was born in California, but raised in a small town in Iowa. I lived in Northern Arizona for a short time period when I was in junior high. During that time I dedicated my life to serving Christ. He has changed my heart forever.

I have a weakness for hot tamales and Dr. Pepper! I've recently become a fitness junky after losing 60+ pounds after baby #2. The Iowa Hawkeyes, reality t.v, thrifting, and hand written cards that come through the mail are just are few things that I love. I love anything that I can be creative at; photography, writing, home decor & DIY. 

I always have a million projects in the works, (it drives the Hubby crazy.) and I have no short term memory what so ever. So you'll find my house covered in post its- and lots of notebooks floating around to remember things. I can't live without my day planner, it's true. 

I have a passion to make this online life mean something and use this space to glorify Christ in all I do. My life works together in one fluid motion around my faith, my family and friends.


My husband and I met in the Spring of 2005 through a mutual friend who attended our church. During the time I was working for the Youth Pastor at the church, Orion soon began attending the church and became a youth leader as well. We soon found out later that we were both attending the same University but hadn't ever met. Over the next few months we began a friendship, we saw each other a lot at school and church. Orion often would "randomly" show up at my apartment unannounced just to say "Hello." We went on our first date May 12, 2005. One date was all it took to decide. We've been together ever since.

Orion and I were married July 14, 2007 in Iowa. We dated for two and a half years before getting married, much of that time we dated long distance. Orion proposed to me just a few days after my 24th birthday. He took me to dinner for my birthday at Ruth's Chris in Minneapolis. Orion had gotten up to use the bathroom during dinner and came back with dessert in his hands. He placed the plate on the table and written in chocolate around the rim of the plate were the words "Will you marry me?" Of coarse I said yes!  Click here to see more from our wedding day. 


Meet Orion (like O'Ryan) my hard working, sings like Boys II Men (no, seriously he does) hot Husband! He works for Grand Canyon University here in Phoenix as an Enrollment Counselor. He has a heart for people, to see them connected to Christ. His dedication and faithfulness is something that I've always loved and admired. Plus he's super funny and has always been able to make me laugh. He is originally from Oklahoma and loves cheering for the Oklahoma Sooners! 


Meet Ava. She's the babe that made me a mama. My three year old extraordinaire. My little ballerina in training, she loves anything pink & sparkly just like her mama. 


Meet Zane. My sweet baby boy, who's growing up to fast this mama's heart almost can't take it. He did everything faster than I wanted him to, but at the end of the day his snuggles are so very sweet. He loves cheerios, getting into everything and his big sister Ava. 

These kiddos + my Hubby make my world go round. This is where I share it all. This is where we celebrate life, and the everyday that goes with it. Some of our my popular projects are AVA'S OUR LITTLE CUPCAKE FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY, AVA'S JITTERBUG BIRTHDAY PARTY, SIMPLIFIED SIGN, to see more of my projects, room tours and parties visit the DIY ARCHIVES PAGE HEREThank you for reading and coming along this little journey with me. 


Proud to be apart of:

  TBS 150

Miss Lakeville 2009

Tonight, I was honored to go to attend the Miss Lakeville 2009 pageant! I've known Elizabeth since she was 16 years old. Today, she's a 20 year old college student pursuing her future and dreams. Tonight she was crowned Miss Lakeville Princess 2009 and won $1000 scholarship! I'm so blessed to be her mentor and friend, and proud of her and all she's accomplished! I feel somewhat responsible for getting her into pageants, and there's nothing like the feeling of winning your first title! Congrats Elizabeth! 
Me & Elizabeth
Tricia, Elizabeth and myself.
Jessie, Tricia, Elizabeth and myself after tonight's crowning! 

Arizona Vacay 2009

Orion and I spent 4th of July weekend in beautiful, sunny Arizona! It was a dual purpose trip of interviewing and seeing friends. We got up early Saturday morning and headed to Phoenix stepped off the plane into over 100 degree heat! Gorgeous! We had a great weekend, and didn't want to come back to Minnesota!
We spent our vacation pool side most of the time!
Watching 4th of July fireworks!
Miss these girls, it's been way to long since I've seen them!
Maupin's & Worley's....we have great friends!

July 2, 2009

Counting down....

719 days since "I do"
11 days.....
Till we celebrate year #2! I love you Orion!

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