been a long time...

So, it's been well over a month, I think I needed to take this break from blogging, (not like many people follow or look forward to my boring posts anyway...). Not much has happened. Tim and I had a wonderful time on our vacation in Hawaii! I absolutely LOVED it there. I'm ready to pick up and move there if we need too ;-). Here are just a few of my favorite photos from our vacation!











Right now, not much has changed. I signed up for my first Grad class... I'm a little freaked out about it. Still not sure how I feel about going back to school. On top of it all, I've been thinking about it all and wondering if it's the right career for me. So much to think about. I suppose time will tell. We are now getting ready for the Holidays! This is of course one of my favorite times of the year! I love being surrounded by family and friends. I love the decorations! I LOVE Christmas music! Thanksgiving is just three days away and I'm so looking forward to our time in NJ with family and friends! really, that's all the news.... oh, and November 24th marks one year since my Cardiac Ablation! I've been SVT free now for just under 10 months!! This is one thing I've been so thankful for!!

What's one thing you are thankful for?

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving! enjoy the time you spend with the ones you love the most! :)

My 100th Post...

So, I really wanted to have an exciting post.... however, I never came up with anything good or interesting to write about. So this post will be as unexciting and random as any other post, it just happens to be number 100. I wish I could do a give away, but I'm not as experienced as you all...

Well, Tuesday, the Tim and I leave for a week in Hawaii. Yes, I'm very excited!! We'll be visiting the big island. I cannot wait! It's been a long time coming!!

Other things: I've been trying to be more creative in the kitchen. Trying out new recipes. I find that I enjoy cooking, I just hate the cleaning up parts. So that's been fun! I've made a chicken tortellini soup, I got the recipe from a neighbor! It was pretty good! So yummy! So that's really all that news.

That's really all the news, (I know, so exciting), I've got right now. I wish I wasn't tired, I wish I had more things to talk about, I wish I was a more daring person to talk about more daring topics, if I even knew of more daring topics... but alas, I do not... at least not at the moment, and now my 100th post has gone to waste. But I didn't want to keep hesitating just because I didn't have anything to write about... sorry, maybe I'll have more interesting to talk about at my 200th post.... we shall see...

My Wreaking Wednesday..

Yes, you read it right. Today I have been dealing with an awful stench in my house, even with all the windows open. Ever since I woke up this morning and walked down stairs and opened the windows there has been this awful smell running through my kitchen and morning room. I tired all day to figure out what it was. I took out the trash. I sprayed Lysol, I light candles... to no avail nothing worked. So I gave up looking for the smell, beginning to think that it was coming from the dump down the street since it's quite windy here today. But that still left me confused since the wind was blowing in the opposite direction. So I finally decided to begin to investigate. Really trying hard to find out where the smell was coming from, and through it all I began to get a headache. It was driving me crazy, until I walked passed my refrigerator and got a nice big whiff of the smell, searching all over still nothing. So I figured if I wiped down the stove top and whatnot it would take care of the smell.... still nothing, UNTIL... I looked down at the nobs. Yes, one of the nobs to my stove top was turned ever so slightly and was leaking propane gas into my house... I found the culprit, quickly turning it back into it's off position, quickly blowing out all the candles in fear the house may blow up. Thankfully it's been a beautiful, windy, but beautiful day here and the windows have been open all day... And now the smell is gone, however, my headache is not...

and now.. here is my picture for wordless wednesday:

An Award

It was so nice for Mrs. M to nominate me for the Honesty Scrap Award!! I actually got it last week, but have been busy running here and there and trying to get things done before vacation in just few short weeks!! Thank you Mrs. M for this award!

The rules of the Honest Scrap Award go like this: List at least 10 honest things about yourself. Then, choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design and link to them, leaving a comment to inform them they have been awarded. Here we go.........

1. I'm unemployed and have been for the last year and a half. Sometimes I miss working, but most of the time, I enjoy sleeping in. :)

2. I like my house to be neat and organized, however, I have no idea how to be neat and organized.

3. I love to cook, but I find a lot of the times, I become lazy when it comes to cooking.

4. I enjoy food shopping. I think the biggest reason for this is because I'm usually stuck in my house all day with no where to go so when that food shopping week comes up, I'm elated to get out of the house!

5. I have this odd fear of children. I'm not really afraid I suppose, it's more like, I'm not sure how to at around them or what to say to them, I still go back and forth on whether or not I want children.

6. I struggled with Anorexia all through high school and was hospitalized my senior year.

7. I had SVT since I was 14 years old or so... But just last year is when they finally caught it when my mother drove my to the ER after years of never having an episode when I would have the heart monitors. SVT is an extra elctrical pathway in your heart where it an cause rapid heart rates, but last November after great dissussion with my cardiologist and electrophysiologist we came to the conlusions that the surgery was the best option. Although I was scared out of my mind, I had it done and am very glad I did. I have been episode free for 9 months now. (I had a few really short episodes for a few months after the procedure.)

8. My parents are dvorced and have been since I was 8.

9. I meet my husband at church.

10. I used to dance, tap and pointe mostly, and I really miss those days.

Now, there are my 10 honest things about me. I don't think I know 7 people I can pass this on to, but I'll try...

All Brianna's Styles
Amanda at Mommy Mandy
Brandy at An American Mom in Germany
Amanda at Garibay Soup
Robynn at Robynn's Ravings
Courtny at Storing Up Treasures

So I was close and found 6 people to pass this award onto. I hope you all enjoy and I cannot wait to learn about you!! :) Have a great day!

It's a Cyber Baby Shower!!

Head on over to An Island Life to celebrate a wonderful baby shower for Kailani!

It's another Monday.

So I really wish I had fantastic stories to share with you all. Stories about children, and photography... stories about recipes and organizing ideas... But the truth is, I have nothing. I never do. I just do what I have to do to get through the days. Right now I've got some chili cooking in the crock-pot for dinner, got the recipe from the cook book Fix-it-and-Forget-it. I have a messy house that I need to straighten up. I have a dog that needs to go for a walk. Oh, and some small news. I just got accepted into graduate school. So now, on top of trying to take care of a husband and a home and a dog, I'll have classes to attend, papers to write, books to read... oh joy, what have I gotten myself into. All well, maybe I'll have some things to finally share with you all my lovely readers! I'll be in the Marriage and Family Counseling program. fun times.

Something else that is coming up. My 100th post. I wanted to make it special, something for you my blog friends. What is it you would like to know, or what you'd like me to write about. I;ll leave it up to you all!! :) hope you are having a wonderful day!

oh, and to leave you with something fun! -

times change along with seasons...

Death comes. We cannot avoid it. As humans, I do think many of us try to ignore that fact or even believe they can defeat it. But, the truth is, it's inevitable. It's sad. It hurts. But at the same time, for us who lose our earthly lives, it's just a brand new beginning.

I just say these thoughts, not because I just lost some one close to me, not because some I know just passed away. But because one year ago today, a beautiful, strong, stunning, wonderful mother, wife, friend, daughter, and most of all, Godly woman who lost her battle to brain cancer. And once again, I am touched by the beautiful legacy she left behind. I am, myself, reminded of the greatness of God, the blessings He brings. I am once again reminded of the relationship we are meant to have with God and the love He has for me. I am encouraged and touched. With the thoughts of grace and peace that God brings to us daily. He continues to heal and teach.

And as I sit here on my front porch, watching the destruction of the beautiful trees that should be changing into a palate of colors, I am reminded that it comes all to soon and that we are never guaranteed the tomorrow where we put all of our, "I'll get there's". I'll miss those trees, and I'll miss the lessons I've learned from this beautiful woman, but I know that God is here, and I know I'll see the beautiful colors of fall again, and I know those wonderful lessons will continue on though many others in my life. And here we are, in a new season of the year, a new season of our life.

Aloha Friday!!

So over at An Island Life, we have Aloha Friday.... we are asked a question and we all share what our answer are! So, This week's question (which happens to be question number 100!!)

If you could do or have one thing to make your life easier, what would it be?

Hum, this is a difficult question for me. I don't have children, It's just me the husband and the dog. I also am a stay at home wife/homemaker. So my job is to stay home and keep the house in order and clean and cook. So I wouldn't say my answer would be to have someone come in and clean and cook. (although that would be great, but then I'd be totally lazy...) Maybe if I could have a nie full body massage once a month to revive my body from all the cleaning I do, (which is way more cleaning than the usual two people and a dog I'm sure! The hubby doesn't even clean up after himself...lol) So yep! full body massage once a month! I think that would definitely make my life easier!

You Capture.

So, I'm not sure what this is, but they were all over the trees at the park we went to. I thought they were beautiful! Now go and check out Beth's site, I Should be Folding Laundry, and everyone else who's participating!!

Wordless Wednesday

I'm just really excited for the fall to come....

Pet Owners!

I stopped over at An Island Life Blog to see what Kailani has been up to. Well I found out that she has a great give away going on for pet owners! It's a $60 gift card to Petsmart for any of their grooming services!! All you have to do is go and visit her site and leave a comment on what grooming service you would use the gift card on!! So go on and check it!!

35 days... and some odds and ends..

That's right folk!! only a wonderful 35 days until the hubs and I head on out to the west for our vacay in Hawaii!!!!!! I cannot wait!!!



In other news, I've been blog hoping and from one of the wonderful women I follow, Mrs. M, I came across a wonderful new blog!! Amber at aefilkins host a Friends making Monday! sooo Today's question:

What are your favorite fall shows??

So that's my fall line up for now... What about you? What are you favorite fall shows, share with us and then head on over to Amber's site and link your blog to her blog so you can meet new bloggers and find out what shows others are interested in!

Feels like Forever

....Possibly because it has been. As I sit here on this rainy day, (and I mean it's down pouring, but I love it!), I thought about how it's been so long since I have shared what has been going on in my little corner of the world. Really and honestly, not much has changed since my last post. But today, I just wanted to write to remember 9.11.01. It was a terrible day that started out just like any other for the whole world, until that one moment that changed the history of our beloved United States of America. I still to this day cannot forget where I was or what I was doing or how I heard about what had happened and the thoughts that went through my mind when I first heard about what had happened. It was my senior year of high school. Second period, physics class, (which I dropped out of for chemistry). The gym was right across the hall from our class room. One of the gym teaches came and ran into our room and asked our teacher to turn on the news. There is was, right on the television screen, those terrible images that are burned in our memories. Fear, concern, what just happened, freak accident.... all the thoughts that ran through my head. Confusion, not sure what was happening. Fellow students calling home, (living pretty close to NYC we were all scared for families and friends that worked in the city). Then as we all watched in horror that first tower go.... I'll never forget. That day, we were not taught by our teachers, but we all learned something. To the families that lost loved ones to those who lost their lives, to those who braved the fires to rescue, you are never forgotten, you will always be remembered. I salute those who protect us everyday and thank you for protect our country and giving us freedom. For freedom comes with a price, and for that price, you are not forgotten and I will always be in gratitude. I thank you.

I'm thinking....

.....it's time for an update! soon to come!

And as such...

My life has not changed. I still have nothing new or exciting to write about. I still and the same old person with nothing to wright about.... I have an engagement photo shoot today, as long as the rain holds out, which I hope it does...

Well, on to something else. When I first started this blog was in a philosophy class in college. I loved it. It was probably one of my favorite classes in college. I would come back from class thinking about the discussion we had that day and I would write about my thoughts on it like this post here. I sometimes still think about philosophical questions and many times I don't realize it and therefore, I just don't post about them anymore. I wish I did though. At least I would have something a little more exciting to discuss...

Instead... like any other semi-normal week for me.. all I have to share with you again today is that my hubby is on travel in San Diego. So, I am in NJ staying with his parents. I am doing a photo shoot today and I have to go with my future sister-in-law to get sized for the brides-maids gowns. Then, tomorrow my husband comes home from Cali. Then an engagement party Saturday. Next week we go down to KY to visit some great friends! I'm really looking forward to that trip.

Well, that's about all for today, I didn't want you all to think that I have disappeared. Have a good day all!

Just call me Slacker....

So, the last 2 days I feel like I've just been lazing around and doing nothing. Well, not completely nothing, but it might as well. I'm just in one of those moods... I'm sick of doing house work. (it's a good thing I don't have an actual job I have to show up for!). I think a lot of it has to do with all the painting I've been doing lately. Yes, I have emphasized the word "I've" because my wonderful, amazing husband, does not paint. Sooo, I have been stuck trying to paint this blank canvas of a house that we have been living in for over a year now... and it sucks. I really hate the fact that we don't have the money to just pay someone to come in and paint our house. I just really hope that when it's all done I'll feel a sense of accomplishment and not hate towards my home; like I do at times now.

I just finished folding and putting away two loads of laundry, and there are only two of us. I also did the dishes this morning and I still have another load of dishes to do. I really just feel like staying in my room to watch tv for the rest of the day... but I really don't like tv either... I just find it a comfort when I'm home alone during the day. The problem with that is... I pretty much did that all day after church yesterday. It was such a yucky day yesterday I just stayed up in my room, sat layed in bed, and had a Legaglly Blonde marathon..... I guess that's the problem, once you do it, you just want to keep doing it.... But I do have to admit, I feel terrible for wanting to do this. I really don't want to paint again today, especially after painting ALL day on Saturday. so I don't think I will, but I think I should.... See my delema.. if you can even call that a delema... whatever.... HA

well, that's my rant for today... my other issue... I've been slacking on the photography... i suck.

I hope you all have a much more producitve day then me....

Once again...

Well, I can't complain too much. He hasn't traveled too much lately' maybe that's the reason why it's even harder this time. But it is hard, difficult, whatever you want to call it. Yes, I'll be honest; the three glasses of Shiraz doesn't help, (but they were good!!) But I do miss him. That wonderful man I call my husband. He left yesterday to go to a business meeting, and he'll be home tomorrow early afternoon, but, I still miss him. Two nights in my house by myself, (well, my wonderful dog and I). But it's ok. I got a lot accomplished today: food shopping, job hunting, house painting, dog walking... the lit goes on. Oh the joys of being a house wife!!!

Not much has been going on lately, but we have much coming up soon! This weekend, hopefully we can spend some time here in our house, then the next week we are heading back to NJ for a work picnic and a family reunion, the home, then the following weekend, back to NJ for my brother and sister-in-law's engagement party, then home for a little bit and off to Louisville, KY, then home, then .... maybe... some time to relax at home...

So I guess you can say we are pretty busy this upcoming month, but nothing too exciting or out of the ordinary. 83 days left until we leave for our vacay in Hawaii. I cannot wait for that vacation since it's been 2 years since our last vacation where it was just the two of us!!!

I've been pretty busy painting the house. Which it's a good thing I'm not working, since my husband refuses to paint. It's been going well, expect for the fact that I am beginning to hate painting...

Well, I suppose that's all I have to ramble about for now. Hopefully one day I'll have a fantastic story to share wit you... but for now, we'll have to settle with my boring everyday... life...good night all!

Tutus for your little Princess!

Hey all!! I just wanted to share this great site with you all! Especially if you have a little girl who loves to dress up! Amanda's tutu's are the cutest! and each one is lovingly handmade with care! Check her our at her site, All Brianna's Style. Not only does she hand make all her tutu's but she also makes little bows, wands, and many more wonderful items! Be sure to check her out!!

You caputre- Black and White.

Now go back to Beth's site and check out all the other lovely photos!!!

have a wonderful day!

Wordless Wednesday

So.. Yes, I'm back

Well, for now... Last week was crazy we were on vacation with minimal internet access, then headed out to a wedding. Then after we finally came home, I began to clean and straighten up thing around the house, then yesterday painted our fireplace wall a nice calming shade of blue, so I've been pretty busy. Nothing too new has been going on.

Our vacation was very nice. We spent some time at the beach house in NJ which was very nice and we had excellent weather all week long! It was wonderful. The wedding we went to was one of my best friends from college! She was absolutely stunning!

My fireplace wall is driving me crazy because you can see the paint roller lines, no matter what I do. And today I just put on the second coat, and it looks even worse then yesterday. Does anyone have any advice? I've tried the "W" and the "N" method .... neither of them worked... I'm just about ready to hire someone to do it. All well.

Here is a picture from the wedding!!

MIA

yes, that's been me... I'm sorry, I've been on vacation with limited internet access at the beach house in NJ. then we left right from there to go to PA for my friends weeding that is tomorrow. hopefully I'll be back soon!!! SORRY!

So Completly Random!

So, I have this game that I LOVE! It's called Mancala and its a board with six ups on either side and the point of the game is to get the most gems in you larger scoring cup to the right of you, and each cup includes four gems, so all together there are 24 gems. which if you really knew me, you would wonder how after owning this game for ten plus years, how in the world I've only managed to lose one of those 24 gems. I lost it about 9 years ago... haha! and so I replaced it with a fairly large piece of sea glass I had, (which all who have played my game have come to realized that it is highly annoying!). Soooo, after moving to college and moving out of my mom's house into my in-laws before my husband and I got married, and then moving into his place, then last year moving to our place now, I still have not managed to lose anymore gems! However, I did assume that through all the moving, the gem was lost forever. BUT, my AMAZING husband that he is, went downstairs and rummaged through one of the boxes in the basement that we still have yet to unpack, (even after being here for over a year), looking for something, (that had absolutely nothing to do with my beloved game), and low and behold, he walked up the stairs with this beautiful shiny missing gem!!!! After all of our moves and being lost for eight years, the gem has finally been found and reunited with it's friends!! And yes, this story does remind me about the lost sheep story that Jesus tells us in Luke chapter 15. It's a little different, but it does remind me, no matter how long you may be lost for, God is always there and will find you! And it just reminded me of the particular verse "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?", Luke 15:4. Now I know I gave up on finding my gem and though I had forgotten about it and gave up on it, (even though it was later found) it just made me remember that no matter what, Jesus will NEVER give up on finding you!

I just thought.... (wordless wednesday)

(yes, I LOVE Nutella!!) I hope you're having a lovely day!!

So here we are

on a very warm, but sunny Tuesday here we live. My husband is working from home this morning which is great, at lest today! ;-) We have our storm door scheduled to be installed today! I'm very excited about this! Although I do find it interesting, that now, I find gifts such as this storm door, to be just as exciting as when I was a little girl getting that new barbie doll I wanted. When did that all happen? When did I grow up and start enjoying things, such as appliances and doors, as beautiful wonderful gifts! I find it so funny! I do miss those days of getting fun new "toys", but now, I do suppose those "toys" have become altered to fit my "age". ha, all well, I suppose this is all part of growing up...

Anyway, not too much exciting has been going on, (as usual). I have done some photo shoots, which went great! I was so excited to do them! I'm still struggling to figure out what colors to paint my house, and yes, I am still uneasy about the BRIGHT GREEN room... all well. This week, one again, we will be heading back "home" to NJ. We will be staying for the week, but this time, Tim's on vacation. I hate thinking that returning back home to where we both grew up as vacation, because it used to be my life that was other's vacation... and now I'm in their shoes and I'm returning there for "vacation". Ugh, it's a jumbled mess. I just miss NJ. I miss my home.

Well, that's really all. Nothing new, nothing big. Hopefully I'll be getting together with my sister-in-law to take photos of my beautiful niece while we are in NJ. It will be good to be "home".

Anothor Photo Shoot- Emma and Friends

Here are a few photos I took of my cousin's new baby girl, Emma, and a few of some other family members:

The Photo Shoot!!

I was so excited to go do a photo shoot the past two days!! Here are a few photos that I wanted to share with you all!