Iowa weekend

This past weekend we loaded up and headed to Iowa to visit some of our very best friends!  Jon & Joshua lived together in college and we just dont see Jon, Katie and their 3 beautiful children enough! 

 

yes, all this for one weekend.  I am an over packer at heart, much to my husbands dismay....

girlfriend fell asleep about 20 minutes in and slept for about 2.5 hours!  Who knew I just have to drive around all day to get her to nap?

We're here!  Harper, Kal, Hallie & Bowen in the back! 

crazy girls

We enjoyed our first night out by the fire, it was the perfect night! 

Katie & I

they are the best!!

the boys reminiscing the college days :)

 On Saturday it was HOT so by 10 am we were outside in the pool! 

 

 We had to doubletime with the sprinkler too :)

 3 bff's.  These girls are crazy and oh so adorable!  Will be bff's like their parents!!

 She is a pistol.  Cannot turn my back for a second.

 Saturday evening we went to El Mariachi, our most favorite Mexican Dive that has become one of our most favorite traditions!  So good.  I dont even want to think about how many calories I consumed. 

 Harper and Kal scoping out the ice cream at the ice cream shop. 

 Then they were chatting and so excited - smart girls ;)

 

 

We had the most wonderful time and are so grateful for such amazing friends.  We love you all so much and cant wait for our next {already planned, wahoo!} get together!!!!

That time my new iphone went to Hawaii....without me

If you follow me on twitter, then I am sure you heard all about me losing my iphone on our way home from vacation.  You know, the iphone that was 2 weeks old and the one I took ALL of our vacation pictures with.  Every single one.  From our time by uncle dean & aunt wendy's pool, the santa barbara zoo, when we were at the beach(es), and every single other second of vacation.  Awesome huh?  I was in a state of depression from when I learned of my ahem, misplacing, of my phone.  I mean, obviously I was bummed (WAY bummed) about my new phone, but it was the pictures.  All the pictures, that had me so upset.

I cried. more than twice once.  Call me dramatic, really you can.  I knew I was being dramatic.  I know it is just a material item.  I knew I would have a few pictures that my husband took, even though they didnt pale to my 500+ pictures.  But I was so looking forward to updating our pictures around the house, and just so many great memories from our vacation.

I was convinced that I was not getting the phone back.  I mean, these days, who is going to turn in a brand new iphone?  I called the LAX, DFW and American Airlines lost & found lines like every 30 minutes on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.

And then I got an email.  One that I almost deleted because I thought it might be spam...

I am really not the superstitious type.   But I was not going to let anything 'hinder' the fact that I might get that phone back.  So Although I had this written about 2 weeks or so ago, I wasnt going to post until I got my phone. And you know what?  I got it back!!!  Such a gem guy found it, looked up my email and contacted me.  We corresponded about the email and my address and upon my many requests to reimburse and provide a 'finder's fee', Mr Gem of a guy requested I donate the money.  You guys, my faith was seriously restored that there are still good people in this world.  Trust me, I realize I am SO so blessed.  I had so many family and friends praying when I had totally lost hope.  So grateful. 

There have been a few hiccups and issues once I got it back, but I am pretty much in business now so no complaints here!  Like I said, I am so blessed & relieved!!!  Although....I will not even mention the fact that my phone has been in Hawaii...and I have not. 

Happy Tuesday :) 

memorial weekend

We had a wonderful busy memorial weekend!

we filled it with tons of family and friends.  I ate way to much and worked out way to little.  I dont want to spend it any other way!   Okay, maybe I should have tamed down the eating.  Ill need to make up for that this week. 

reading with auntie nikki

our sweet girl in her Memorial/Fourth of July smocked dress.  I love it! 

 

trying to get a picture with four kids is no easy task.....

 

They sure are cute though :) 

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and most importantly remembered our fallen, active and retired servicemen & women that give us our freedom.  I know we are so unbelievably grateful for all they do, as well as their families that equally sacrifice.  You are not forgotten.  Today or any day in this house.  Thank you! 

where I want to be wednesday

I wish we were back in California!!

Weekly meals

Boy oh boy.  I am behind on the blog.  It has been so nice here and Kallen will actually nap (most days) if we get alot of outside time.  And mama's, you know how precious those naps are...

Here are a few overdue pictures...

 

 having fun on Mimi's playset on mother's day!

 

playing with Uncle Chrissy!

 

I am making a few new dishes and I cannot wait to try these babies out.  They all seem pretty easy and healthy.  Here is our menu for the week:

Monday: Peanut Sauce with Asian noodles, chicken & veggies.  SURELY I can come up with a better name...

Source: bhg.com via Angie on Pinterest

Tuesday: Grilled pork chops.  My hubby is awesome with the grill.  I love grilling...I prepare, he cooks, and we both clean.  Bonus!

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Molly's poppyseed chicken This looks so good, and is a healthier version.  And simple enough, too! 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: I am looking forward to Memorial Day weekend!  We wont be going to South Dakota because of nursery and other plans, but I know we will have a great time regardless (and definitely be eating some good food)!  

Happy Monday, Friends! 

Weekly Meals & quick update

I am back!  Well sort of.  Back from our fabulous trip to California, in the swing of life.  We had a great trip and spoiled by tons of food and love from our family.  

I hope everyone had a fabulous Mother's day.  I enjoyed it with my sweet, sassy, crazy girl.  And many other family members as well!  It was wonderful.  I prayed so much for those that are missing someone on days like today.  I know they are missed every single day, but specific celebrated days are not an easy feat.  I wish Emma was here celebrating with us, and although I want that so much, I am thankful she is perfect and with Jesus.  I also prayed for you beautiful ladies who are longing for a baby as well.  You are not forgotten!!  

Here is our meal plan for the week!  Nothing too fancy pants, but it seems to take me awhile to get back into the groove of things after a vacation...or weekend...no judgies :)  I think I read one or 2 blog posts while on vacation, and maybe a few more since we have been back, so I am a little behind.  I have hardly been on the computer.  It has been refreshing in a sense though, and I have been able to reevaluate certain things as well...which I believe is very important from time to time.    

We are supposed to have a beautiful, warm week here in MN, so I am hoping for lots of outside time! 

Monday: Grilled Turkey panini's

Tuesday: Steak & Chicken Kabobs.  I LOVE this meal.  Love it.  The meat & veggies will be marinating all day long and I cant wait to enjoy for dinner! 

Wednesday: Leftovers, most likely.

Thursday: Grill chicken or steak - or maybe porkchops, depending on what's in the freezer...along with veggies and a small salad

Friday: Out to dinner for a family celebration

Saturday: Ummmm

Sunday: Ummmm

Okay, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday are a good example of what I mean by 'sort of back'.  I have 2 meals planned and the others will hopefully fall into place... 

I am subbing today, praying that the third graders are nice to me ;)  Ill leave you with a few vacation photo's, there are a few stories and photo's that will hopefully come later... Happy Monday, Friends! 

 At the Santa Barbara zoo

watching 'simba & nala' lay on the rock...

March for Babies 2012

We walked at the March of Dimeswalk on Sunday and it was so nice!  The last 3 years have either been raining or super cold, or both!  But this year was beautiful.  Josh and I are so thankful for each and every person who walks in honor of our sweet girl (and others of course!)

 

Sweet Hannah!  

 

 

 Kal & Hope running around before it all starts!

 

 

 

 

 Kal didnt last very long in the stroller...thankfully grandpa was there to carry for awhile! 

 

 

 about to start! 

 

 

 

 

 

 Back of our shirts

 

 part of our group on the left side, so thankful!!

 after the walk was done we all congregated but I forgot to have the picture made of everyone! 

 

Thank you to each and every person who has walked, prayed, and donated for us!  We are so grateful for all of the support and prayers throughout these past 4 years!  Thank you!!!