What an ending to 2011!!!! December has been a magical whirl wind of a month for me! On December 9th Andrew and I got engaged! This was followed by a crazy week of planning and packing for our trip up north. We went to Philadelphia first to visit with Andy's family and attend a surprise birthday party/Christmas party for his great aunt. Then off to NYC for two nights of fun with Maile and El. Lastly we made the trip to Ohio to visit with my family for Christmas, and then headed back down to Florida the day after Christmas! Whew... I'm tired all over again just typing all that! Needless to say, we are happy to be home again! Throw in my birthday and a New Year's Eve party last night and I am worn out! So much fun was had and memories were made... what a special time of year!
Now... looking forward to 2012!! I am not typically one to make "New Year's Resolutions" but this year I have definitely felt the need to make some changes in my life and additude! Here's to 2012... may it be all that I have dreamed it would be!
*Marry Andrew (!!!!!)
*Make some changes with my career
*Begin leading a healthier lifestyle (I'm NOT calling this a diet!)
*Work on growing my new blog and learn how to use Word Press
*Become even more crafty around the house
*Learn to sew using my new sewing machine (Thanks Mom and Dad!!!)
Happy 2012 to you and yours!
xo
Erika
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Sunday, December 11, 2011
What a Weekend!
Wow!!! That is about all I can say about the weekend I just had! It all started last weekend with Andy's secret trip out on Sunday afternoon. I got the "I have to go out for a little bit and you can't come with me and I'm not telling you where I'm going" answer. Suspicious? Absolutely. But with Christmas right around the corner, I just assumed that he had a surprise up his sleeve!
All week he has been planning a secret date night on Friday night (December 9th). Andy hasn't planned a secret date night ever. I was looking forward to it, and had an idea of what we were doing, but I had NO idea what would follow afterward! We went to a fabulous dinner and then he took me to Tampa to the Straz Center to see "A Christmas Story- The Musical!" My favorite holiday movie!!!! I was SUPER excited that this was my surprise for the night (or so I thought!) After the show he suggested we walk down by the water. He said that we wouldn't be able to leave anyways because of all the traffic. I'm pretty sure that I whined that I was wearing 4 inch heels and wouldn't be able to walk very far... but we will forget about that part!
Before I know it he is down on one knee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy Cow! I was NOT expecting that... but what a wonderful surprise! Andy presented me with his grandmothers beautiful engagement ring and asked me to marry him! I am so excited to tell you that we are ENGAGED!!! I am so honored to be wearing his grandmother's wedding ring on my left hand and my grandmother's wedding ring on my right hand... Family is what life is about, and I am so looking forward to this next chapter of my life with Andrew by my side.
The rest of the weekend has been spent having fun and celebrating the good news! Saturday we went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra preform at the St. Pete Times Forum, and today we spent the day at Disney's Magic Kingdom! Ahhhh!!!! Too much fun and fabulousness for one weekend! I am truly a blessed (and maybe a little bit spoiled!) girl!
Here's to forever...
All week he has been planning a secret date night on Friday night (December 9th). Andy hasn't planned a secret date night ever. I was looking forward to it, and had an idea of what we were doing, but I had NO idea what would follow afterward! We went to a fabulous dinner and then he took me to Tampa to the Straz Center to see "A Christmas Story- The Musical!" My favorite holiday movie!!!! I was SUPER excited that this was my surprise for the night (or so I thought!) After the show he suggested we walk down by the water. He said that we wouldn't be able to leave anyways because of all the traffic. I'm pretty sure that I whined that I was wearing 4 inch heels and wouldn't be able to walk very far... but we will forget about that part!
Before I know it he is down on one knee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy Cow! I was NOT expecting that... but what a wonderful surprise! Andy presented me with his grandmothers beautiful engagement ring and asked me to marry him! I am so excited to tell you that we are ENGAGED!!! I am so honored to be wearing his grandmother's wedding ring on my left hand and my grandmother's wedding ring on my right hand... Family is what life is about, and I am so looking forward to this next chapter of my life with Andrew by my side.
The rest of the weekend has been spent having fun and celebrating the good news! Saturday we went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra preform at the St. Pete Times Forum, and today we spent the day at Disney's Magic Kingdom! Ahhhh!!!! Too much fun and fabulousness for one weekend! I am truly a blessed (and maybe a little bit spoiled!) girl!
Here's to forever...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
20 Little Things to Look Forward to this Christmas
Christmas is almost upon us and I am starting to get excited about it! After the family left Saturday my intentions were to take down all the fall/harvest decorations and begin putting up the Christmas decorations. Well... that didn't happen. ~sigh~ I have had a (wonderfully) unproductive weekend and head back to work tomorrow for three weeks before Christmas break begins.
I am parked here on the couch watching Christmas movies and started thinking about all the wonderful things to look forward to this holiday season! Here is my (short!) list...
1. Christmas Movies- My favorite is "A Christmas Story" and I can't wait to watch it as we decorate the tree this week!
2. Decorating Our House- I absolutely LOVE decorating for Christmas!!! I will be sure to post some pictures as things begin to get decorated.
3. Taking Andy Home for Christmas- This is the first year we will get to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning together!! I am so excited to have Andrew home with me on Christmas morning!
4. Holiday Crafts- I am loving looking at all the fantastic ideas for crafts in blog world!
5. Christmas Lights- 'Nuff Said!
6. Holiday Bandanas- I love decking out the pups in Christmas gear! They look so sweet... that is until they throw each other into the dirt pile in the back yard!
7. Christmas Cookie Creamer- YUM!
8. Going to NYC- I am so excited to visit Maile and El this year for a few days! We are heading up to Philadephia for Andy's family Christmas party and then will be spending two days in NYC! Carriage rides, ice skating, and a walk through Central Park in the snow (hopefully!) It's just too much fun!!!!
9. Baking Christmas Cookies- Squirt, Katie, Mom, and I are planning a cookie baking and decorating day a few days before Christmas! When we get together we laugh until we (almost!) pee in our pants!
10. Presents- I LOVE GIVING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS!!!!
11. Wrapping- I could make a career out of wrapping Christmas presents!
12. Shopping- Let's face it... I am always looking for an excuse to shop!
13. Time With My Family- I haven't been home since last Christmas... the longest time I have ever been away from home. Can't wait to spend some quality time with my family and friends from back home!
14. Skiing- Hopefully there will be enough snow this year!
15. The Road Trip- I know I will complain about all the driving, but for right now I am seriously looking forward to the down time in the car with Andrew!
16. Time Off Work- Love my job, but love my time off too!
17. Christmas Music- Tunes on the radio always put me in a good mood!
18. Hallie and Mike's New Baby- I can't wait to meet my new little nephew! I'm gonna smother that little guy with TONS of kisses!
19. Christmas Eve Traditions- Spending Christmas Eve with Aunt Mary and our families is something I look forward to every year!
20. Cold Weather- I'm Ready... bring on the boots!
I am parked here on the couch watching Christmas movies and started thinking about all the wonderful things to look forward to this holiday season! Here is my (short!) list...
1. Christmas Movies- My favorite is "A Christmas Story" and I can't wait to watch it as we decorate the tree this week!
2. Decorating Our House- I absolutely LOVE decorating for Christmas!!! I will be sure to post some pictures as things begin to get decorated.
3. Taking Andy Home for Christmas- This is the first year we will get to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning together!! I am so excited to have Andrew home with me on Christmas morning!
4. Holiday Crafts- I am loving looking at all the fantastic ideas for crafts in blog world!
5. Christmas Lights- 'Nuff Said!
6. Holiday Bandanas- I love decking out the pups in Christmas gear! They look so sweet... that is until they throw each other into the dirt pile in the back yard!
7. Christmas Cookie Creamer- YUM!
8. Going to NYC- I am so excited to visit Maile and El this year for a few days! We are heading up to Philadephia for Andy's family Christmas party and then will be spending two days in NYC! Carriage rides, ice skating, and a walk through Central Park in the snow (hopefully!) It's just too much fun!!!!
9. Baking Christmas Cookies- Squirt, Katie, Mom, and I are planning a cookie baking and decorating day a few days before Christmas! When we get together we laugh until we (almost!) pee in our pants!
10. Presents- I LOVE GIVING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS!!!!
11. Wrapping- I could make a career out of wrapping Christmas presents!
12. Shopping- Let's face it... I am always looking for an excuse to shop!
13. Time With My Family- I haven't been home since last Christmas... the longest time I have ever been away from home. Can't wait to spend some quality time with my family and friends from back home!
14. Skiing- Hopefully there will be enough snow this year!
15. The Road Trip- I know I will complain about all the driving, but for right now I am seriously looking forward to the down time in the car with Andrew!
16. Time Off Work- Love my job, but love my time off too!
17. Christmas Music- Tunes on the radio always put me in a good mood!
18. Hallie and Mike's New Baby- I can't wait to meet my new little nephew! I'm gonna smother that little guy with TONS of kisses!
19. Christmas Eve Traditions- Spending Christmas Eve with Aunt Mary and our families is something I look forward to every year!
20. Cold Weather- I'm Ready... bring on the boots!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Oops!
Ok... so I may have fallen off the wagon with my thankfulness posts. Maybe I'm not cracked up to be the blogger that I was hoping to be... sigh.
I have been really busy the past week and half, wrapping up schoolwork and preparing for Andy's family to come visit. Whew! It has been a lot of work! Cleaning, cooking, baking and visiting has been fun though!
So... today (on Black Friday!) I am sitting on my couch shopping online to avoid the crowds. Did I mention that I am thankful for online shopping? I am also thankful for the opportunity to bake pies with Sammy (my Little from Big Brothers Big Sisters), and am honored to be her "Big Sister".
I honestly have so much to be thankful for, that I am going to forgive myself for not keeping up with my posts! Here are some pictures from yesterday. I am thankful for family, friends, photography, table settings, food, and love... that should bring me up to date! :)
I have been really busy the past week and half, wrapping up schoolwork and preparing for Andy's family to come visit. Whew! It has been a lot of work! Cleaning, cooking, baking and visiting has been fun though!
So... today (on Black Friday!) I am sitting on my couch shopping online to avoid the crowds. Did I mention that I am thankful for online shopping? I am also thankful for the opportunity to bake pies with Sammy (my Little from Big Brothers Big Sisters), and am honored to be her "Big Sister".
I honestly have so much to be thankful for, that I am going to forgive myself for not keeping up with my posts! Here are some pictures from yesterday. I am thankful for family, friends, photography, table settings, food, and love... that should bring me up to date! :)
Sammy Peeling and Slicing Apples
Homemade place cards... purchased the pumpkins on sale and made the flags using tooth picks and scrapbooking paper!
Our Table Centerpiece
A Close Up of our Table
Mmmmmmm........ This turkey turned out SO YUMMY!
Andrew's First Turkey Cutting
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!!
xo
Erika
Friday, November 11, 2011
11.11.11
Today I am thankful for my health and my hot tub! Bring on the weekend! Looking forward to hitting up the Fancy Flea early in the morning!!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Days 8-10 of Thankfulness
Day Eight:
I am so thankful for the book club I have started at school. Seeing how excited the children are when they are handed a book to keep is the best feeling in the world... it takes a lot of work, but it is totally worth it!
Day Nine:
I am thankful for my ability to cook! I love cooking and trying new recipes, and as I made my menu for Thanksgiving this year I got really excited that I get to cook all these great dishes to share with family!
Day Ten:
Today I am thankful to be back at work after two days of being sick. I am lucky that I am able to go to a job I love.
I am so thankful for the book club I have started at school. Seeing how excited the children are when they are handed a book to keep is the best feeling in the world... it takes a lot of work, but it is totally worth it!
Day Nine:
I am thankful for my ability to cook! I love cooking and trying new recipes, and as I made my menu for Thanksgiving this year I got really excited that I get to cook all these great dishes to share with family!
Day Ten:
Today I am thankful to be back at work after two days of being sick. I am lucky that I am able to go to a job I love.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Thankful
Day Six: Today I am thankful for my sister. She is always there when I need her. She cheers me up and makes me laugh... Couldn't survive without her!
Day Seven: Today I am thankful for TV (and my DVR!). Sometimes a girl just needs a couch and some mindless entertainment!
Day Seven: Today I am thankful for TV (and my DVR!). Sometimes a girl just needs a couch and some mindless entertainment!
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