Friday Letters

Dear Rhododendrons - Out of the 4 of you only one actually bloomed. But boy, you are pretty! I just have to figure out why the other 3 are so wilted and pathetic looking. You must have been planted in a magical spot with just the right shade to sun ratio. Dear Deer I Hit Earlier this Week - .... :( I'm really, really sorry. That was probably the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to me and I still feel absolutely terrible about it. I don't think I've ever cried so hard in my life.  I'm just thankful Steven was there to handle things so I didn't have to be there when they put you down... Dear Cabo - You are 6 weeks away! Still kinda feel like forever to me, but I have a feeling these next few weeks will fly by and I neeeeeeed this vacation. Dear Yard Work - Are you two words or one? I don't know. But either way, you seem unending. The grass grows too quickly, that dumb brush pile still needs to be burned, and the weeding....will it ever end? Probably not. Thankful to have a beautiful yard to work in though regardless.

This weekend I'm planning on taking it easy. Maybe go to one or two hot yoga classes, cuddle with Steven and my fur babies, and catch up on reading some of your lovely blogs! I've been feeling a little out of the loop lately and I don't like it! 

Happy weekend, friends!

Friday Letters

Dear Readers - Can we all just take a moment to reflect on how big Herschel has gotten? He was the tiniest, cutest kitty and now he's a big, evil murderous cat! (evidence here) We still love him though. Dear Arms - Ouch! Last night I decided to do this arm workout and it was much harder than I expected it to be! My arms feel like jello, but it's such a good feeling. Does anyone else like being sore the day after working out? Or am I weird? Dear Weekend - Obviously it calls for rain all weekend so I simply plan on hunkering down to catch up on some TV show watching and maybe, if I get real ambitious, I'll read a new book. I know, my life is too exciting for you to handle. Dear To-Do List - For once, I'm going to crumple you up and throw you away. This weekend I really don't want to stress about dirty floors and laundry. I need a break from a few responsibilities every once in a while. It's hard working 40 hours a week and then spending my weekends cleaning! I need a break, and this weekend I'm going to take one. And you know what? There is really nothing wrong with that! :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend! And if you've had a busy, emotional week (which I'm sure plenty of us did this week) find a few hours to just relax. You deserve it, too!

Friday Letters

Dear Spaghetti Squash - You will be happy to know that this week I successfully bought the right kind of squash to make spaghetti. It was yummy! I don't think I prefer you over the butternut squash, just because it has a sweeter taste, but either way, the dish was delicious. Dear Husband - You are pretty much the best. The gluten-free, dairy-free muffins you made were awesome! I never knew I had such an accomplished baker on my hands!! Dear Weekend - Mr. Forecast Man says rain, rain, rain all day, everyday. This means I am forced to have a little staycation in mi casa and watch all the Downton Abbey episodes I can fit into 2 days (which I'm assuming will be a lot). Dear Downton Abbey - Fortunately one of my co-workers introduced you to me and these last few days have been amazing together. I'm already half way through season 2 and simply cannot get enough!! Dear Blog Friends - I was able to watch season 1 of Downton on Netflix and I'm currently watching season 2 on Hulu+....but can anyone tell me where I can watch season 3?? I haven't been able to find it anywhere. Much obliged. 

Hope you have a great weekend! See ya Monday!

Good Friday Letters

Dear Huckleberry - You little escape artist you! Usually you get the run of the yard while Steven and I are at work, but yesterday we had some complications and had to put you in your doghouse (aka the garage). Just this one time! And when I got home you are no where to be found! I panicked, maybe shed a tear or two, and shouted your name up and down the street. When I finally knocked on the neighbors door, you came prancing out of their home like you own the place. Turns out, you decided to open the garage window (!!!), climb out, and head to their place to pass the hours. You are rotten. And you're lucky the neighbors love you, too. Dear Sunshine - Rumor has it you will be shining bright this weekend. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Dear Easter - You are one of my most favorite days!! I am flooded with great memories every time I think of you. A new Easter dress with a big floppy hat, a scavenger hunt for me and my brothers to find our baskets, and then those baskets, full of chocolate and other goodies...Easter was always so much fun!! Now that I'm older I see that it really isn't about all those things, but I still hold those memories near and dear to my heart. Dear Mom and Dad - Thank you so much for being amazing! All of my holiday memories are so fond because you both went above and beyond to make them special for Justin, Nathan, and I. You've given me traditions and values I plan on passing down to my children one day, and I can never say thank you enough for blessing me with such a wonderful childhood. Dear Lord - Thank you for loving me and for your sacrifice. I'll never be able to fathom the depths of your love.

Happy Good Friday! I hope you have an amazing Easter weekend surrounded by the ones you love!

Friday Letters

Dear Weather Man - You tricked me. Yesterday I was teasing all my Instagram friends with photos of the sunny forecast ahead and then....it hailed. Yep. It freaking hailed! Not cool. And although your updated forecast is still calling for sunny skies this weekend, I refuse to believe you. Dear Huckleberry - You have recently developed a love for tennis balls (you like to chew them a part into multiple, tiny pieces), but you still don't really comprehend the game fetch with one. You much prefer an oversized stick. Luckily for you, our yard is filled with them. Dear To-Do List - You are overflowing. There are many "to-do's" I am dying to cross off, unfortunately most of them involve money. Sooo....Dear Money Tree in the Backyard -  Will you please grow me some Benjamin's so I can get things accomplished on that dang list?? ;) Dear Husband - I think we are overdo for a date. Like a real date where we actually leave the house (and Home Depot doesn't count). I don't see a better way to usher in Spring than by spending it dating you. So let's hang out ;)

Hope you have a fun filled weekend planned! 

See you on Monday!

Friday Letters

Huckleberry in the midst of an intense stick chewing session.

Dear Yeast Free - My 30 day cleanse will be over on Sunday! I can't believe how quickly the time flew by and I really can't believe that I was disciplined enough to stick with it!! I am down 8 lbs. and up lots of energy! I feel great! Dear Work -  You have been wayyyy too busy this week. It's about time that you settle down and get back to a more steady pace or I just might hyperventilate or break out in hives. I need a vacation. Dear Husband -  Speaking of vacation....I am so glad or one year anniversary trip is booked!! I cannot wait to celebrate with you for a whole 7 days in Cabo! 

Sorry for the inordinate amount of exclamation points in this post. (!!!)
Happy Friday!

Friday Letters

Yep, Herschel is all grown up!

Dear Herschel - You are no longer a baby!! You're big and fluffy, but just as cuddly as ever so I think we'll keep you. Plus, you have proven to be effective in the mouse killing department. I haven't found mouse poop in my shoes in quite some time. Dear Yeast Free - I can't believe it's been nearly 3 weeks and I'm still going strong! My weight hasn't changed from last week (still at 7lbs. lost), but I feel great and am enjoying the increased energy throughout the day and the great sleep at night! Dear Husband - I am so glad you're home! I seriously thought an ax murderer was standing outside the shower waiting to kill me yesterday morning while I was washing my face! I couldn't get those suds off quick enough. No one was there. I would've known that if you were home :( Dear Friends - Does anyone else get super paranoid when they are taking a showing while home alone? Dear Weekend - Okay! Okay! I know I say this a lot, but truly, you are my favorite.

Don't forget to enter the Ramsey Street Designs giveaway and the $300 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway if you haven't already!! 

Hope you have a great weekend! See you Monday :)

Friday Letters

Pretty new necklace from Linked Designs

Dear Yeast Free - I'm teetering between 6 and 7 lbs. lost and I'm feeling great! I can really tell that my energy levels have increased greatly, but the best part is how my pants are beginning to sit a little lower on my hips! Dear Husband - Thank you for being so great and doing this diet with me. I know I couldn't do it without you (mainly because you'd be drinking beer and eating ice cream right in front of me and I'd die of temptation). And thank you for cooking dinner a few nights this week so that I could go to hot yoga after work and then come home to a nice meal. You really are the best. Dear Bedspread - I thought that once I put you on the bed you would eventually become unwrinkled on your own. Well that's not happening! You need a good steaming. Dear Friends - Does anyone have a  steamer I can borrow?   Dear March 1st - So March may not mean Spring time in Seattle (it's still very rainy here for another few months), but it simply sounds more spring(ish) than February. And that just makes me happy. Dear Husband - Traveling for work is overrated. What am I going to do next week without you?!? I think Huckleberry, Herschel, and I are going to miss you very much. Dear Herschel - One thing I know for sure daddy won't miss is you waking him up at 5 am! Seriously kitty, what is your problem!?! This has got to stop.

Hope everyone is pumped up for the weekend! I'll see you Monday! And guess what? I have a pretty great surprised lined up for each of you!

Friday Letters

A few details from my wedding. via Bridget Rochelle Photography.

Dear Weddings - You're fun! Some some reason weddings have been on my mind a lot lately and I find myself swooning over wedding blogs. Weird considering I just had a wedding 7 months ago... I just think they are so pretty! And you know what? The more I think about it the more I realize that I'm completely happy with the wedding I had. I loved the ivory, lace, and burlap details and that the touches of blues around us coordinating with the lake below. It was beautiful. Sometimes I think I just want to relive it ;) Dear Yeast-Free Diet - Things are going surprisingly smooth with you. I was expected to feel terrible while the yeast in my body was dying off, but I have no symptoms. If anything, I just feel a little more energized (that is not a complaint, by the way). Dear Husband - In 5 months we get to celebrate one year of marital bliss! Let's go somewhere warm to celebrate, shall we? Dear Herschel - Take notes on sleeping etiquette from your older brother, Huck. He sleeps in till 6:30. Waking up anytime before than is unacceptable. Dear Weekend -  I know I say this every Friday, but truly, you are my favorite.

Happy Friday!

Friday Letters

Dear Huckleberry - You are darn cute. It's pretty ridiculous. But it does concern me that at 1 1/2 years old, you still don't really understand the game fetch. It's okay. We'll continue working on it. Dear Valentine's Day - You were pretty great. And the 3rd one I've spent with my love! I can't wait to celebrate the next 50+ with that man! Dear Tax Return - You came at a perfect time! Turns out there are power washers on sale right now at Costco! (I know, I know, Steven and I splurge on the most exciting things). Dear Husband - Are you ready to go yeast free with me starting this Sunday?? No more bread and sugary sweetness. **shedding a tear**  No, but seriously, I'm excited to get in shape and start eating healthier. And I'm super pumped that you're doing this with me!! We are going to get sexy. Bow-chicka-bow-wow. Dear Weekend - You're my favorite. So glad you're here :)

Friday Letters

Dear Week - It's been rough. You definitely have not been my favorite. If this has been one of those "tests" God tends to throw at His children from time to time, I'm afraid I'm just not getting it. It's been a long time since I've felt this defeated/overwhelmed/alone. I'm sorry to be vague, but there are moments when candor isn't appropriate in Blogland. Dear Camera -  You have been neglected lately. I think this weekend it's time to dust you off and go on a little adventure. Dear Sunshine - I see you trying to burn off those clouds today...and according to Mr. Groundhog, you should be making an early appearance this year. Please, please don't forget about us folk in Washington! We need some vitamin D, too! Dear Huckleberry - How about practicing being nicer to Herschel this weekend? No more tail grabbing and soaking him in your saliva, ok? Dear Readers - I know most of you are just as obsessed with Huck as I am ;) It's okay, you can admit it! So head on over to Becky's blog today where I am guest posting all about that sweet pup and how he tends to make my life a bit more complete. 

Hope you have a Happy, Happy Weekend!

Friday Letters

My mom keeps telling me she misses Friday Letters. And since she was my very first follower, and probably my only follower who reads this blog religiously, I figured I should bring it back for her.

Love you, Mom :P

Dear Beverly - My beautiful, El Salvadorian friend!! I am SO FREAKING EXCITED for you and your recent engagement! I wish more than anything I could have been there with you. Like sitting right in between you and Kevin. Because that wouldn't have been awkward...And I can't wait to see you this summer and celebrate the beginnings of your new life together! Te amo :) Dear Husband -  Your face is healing nicely. I can tell that since the surgery your jaw line has become a little more defined. I have a feeling that once your swelling is gone completely you're going to be even more sexy than usual...just saying... Dear Washington - I was really enjoying the dry spell you were giving us! Despite the frigid cold temperature, it was nice to be soaked from head to tow when I arrived to work for once. But I suppose good times can't last forever, so you brought back the rain. Uncool. Very uncool. Dear Work - The new year brought a lot more responsibility when it comes to you. At first I was excited! It feels good to be busy at work! But now you're kind of cutting into my blogging time, which means time for a time management revamp..I may have to begin blogging at night. Or quit my job. Dear Blog Buddies - Just a heads up, I have an amazing surprise for you on Monday. You won't want to miss it.

Happy Friday!

Friday Letters

This is the only photo I took on Thanksgiving. I even forgot to take a picture of me and Steven! Fail.

Dear Thanksgiving - You were yummy and relaxing. Just what I needed. Dear Work - I love working from home and think I should be able to do that every day. No need to shower, no disgusting coffee, and my pup sleeping under my desk...it's pretty much perfect. And the best part is I am insanely productive when I work from home. Not only do I get all my work done in a much more timely manner, but I also wash the dishes and mop the floors. Really, we need to make this a permanent arrangement, kay? Dear Husband - Thank you for making me feel so special and loved, especially on the holidays. You make the ache of missing my family disappear. Dear Huckleberry - When you came home from daycare on Wednesday in your festive Thanksgiving scarf I just about died. You are too cute. Dear Friends - Thank you for being there for me even though you're far away. I feel so blessed to have friendships that have withstood 16+ years and 3,000 miles. I know it's really rare so I plan on holding on tight forever. 

I hope  you all had a great Thanksgiving with your loved ones! See you Monday!

Friday Letters

Dear Readers - I finally got an instagram. I know I'm really behind the times, so please forgive me, but I think it's awesome!!  Dear Herschel - You're funny. When you put your paws on my face and give me kitty kisses it makes me laugh. Partly because you're cute, but mostly because it tickles. Dear Car - This weekend you are getting Washington plates. Kinda makes me sad, but it's the next step for me to become a true Washingtonian. Dear Thanksgiving - You are less than a week away! Turkey! Nom nom.. Stuffing! Nom nom... Mashed Potatoes! Nom nom... this could go on, but I think I'll stop here. Dear Husband - I know you think we need a truck, but I'm convinced our next purchase should be a pygmy goat. Just think it over, will ya? 

Friday Letters

Via
Do you know who Jim Elliot is? If not, I encourage you to look him up. He was an amazing individual who was murdered serving the Lord. I basically love his widow bunches and bunches and have read almost every book she's ever written. She's awesome.

Dear Husband - I like staying  up and talking to you under the covers in the dark. I like that you believe in me and encourage me. Frankly, I just really like you. Dear November - Woah! I cannot believe you are already here! And I'm excited because November means eating mass quantities of food with no judgement (because that's what we Americans do for the holidays) AND seeing my parents in just a few short days! I am so excited for mom and dad to come to Washington for the first time!! YAY! Dear Blog Friends - Wanna hear something funny? You know how on your blogger dashboard you can go to stats and then view the search keywords people most commonly type into google that directs them to your sight?? Well, the top two most searched keywords leading people to my blog are "worst pumpkin carving" and "horrible carved pumpkins." Haha! That absolutely cracks me up! They obviously are being shown to this post. Seriously, how funny is that! Made my day :) Dear Weekend - I really don't have any plans for you yet, but I am completely fine with that. I just want to be lazy and sleep in till noon {Ha! I wish}. A girl can dream though, right?

Hope you have a great weekend!!

Friday Letters

My boys. So cute.

Dear Washington Weather - It looks like your  back to your signature status. The forecast calls for rain, rain, and rain. It's okay though. I really enjoyed the beautiful fall weather but this is nice too. Dear Home - Why is there always so much to be done?! I feel as if you are one GIGANTIC, never-ending project. All the unfinished rooms within you are starting to stress me out. I guess what I really need is a money tree to sprout in the backyard. Then Steven and I could really get some things done ;). Dear Huckleberry - You need to go a little easier on Herschel. He is still just a baby. And although I know you are simply playing and think Herschel is your toy, he is only 6 lbs! Be gentle, love. Be gentle. Dear Husband - I think we need to go away together. Get out of town for a few days, turn off our phones, and leave our laptops behind. Evaluate and readjust. Sometimes life is good at throwing things all out of whack, so it's simply best to just get away from it all. Anyways, I love you. Dear Blog Friends - I've been able to cross off so much on my fall to-do list! Apple picking, pumpkin carving, baking fall recipes...basically, I'm on a roll and should be awarded a medal or something. But I'm out of ideas! What are some other fall festivities I can add to my list?? What are your favorite fall traditions?

Hope you have a great weekend!

I'll be back Monday :)

Friday Letters

Seriously thinking about making another batch of these pumpkin cookies this weekend. So. Good.

Dear Friday - I am so glad you're here. I love you every week, but this week especially. There is something about sitting in meetings all day that makes you want to start punching people in the face. So, for the sake of my fists and my fellow colleagues faces, glad you're here! Dear New Turquoise Dishes - I love you. You are by far my best ebay purchase EVA! So pretty and feminine. I simply cannot wait to eat off of you. Dear Mom and Dad - Hi! :) I am getting very excited about your upcoming visit! I can't wait to show you my cute, little bungalow and my precious pup! You'll love him {Not sure if you'll like Herschel. He bites.} Dear Husband - Welp, this week has been rough ;) Thank you for loving me through all the craziness. 

Happy Weekend, Friends! See you on Monday!

Friday Letters

Dear Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies - It's that time of year! Last night I made my first batch of your moist, decadent goodness. Still drooling over the memory this morning. Can't wait to go home and indulge in you once again after work. YUM! Dear Fur Babies - Not everything that comes out of the oven in meant for you. And Huck, you're pouting will not get you even one little morsel, even though it's the most heartbreaking face I've ever seen. Chocolate is bad for you. Little do you know I was protecting you from a terrible tummy ache. Beggars can't be choosers. Dear eBay - I have probably went a little overboard with bidding lately. When I see a good deal I tend to freak out a bit. I'm thrilled with my purchases..but I fear Steven is not so much. (I totally just bought some vintage turquoise Pyrex dishes...Can. Not. Wait. to get them!) Dear Husband - I am so excited for all our fall festivity plans this weekend! A pumpkin patch, corn maze, and apple cider pressing party!?! Yes, please!!! This is going to be so much fun and I am so excited to spend my first fall with you as husband and wife! :)

Happy Friday! 

I hope you all have fun-filled-fall(ish) plans this weekend!

Friday Letters

Dear Husband - I can't wait till busy season is over at work. I miss our evening cuddle sessions and Breaking Bad marathons. And I was truly at a loss last night when I found that spider and you weren't there to kill it. Thankfully, we own a vacuum cleaner now and I was able to suck that creepy critter right up :) Dear Mouse - I heard you last night. You just wait, when little Herschel gets a bit bigger he's going to find you, kill you, and leave your innards on my front porch (because that's just what cats like to do). Soon enough, mouse. Soon enough. Dear Washington - When I woke up to a cool, crisp fall morning with purple skies and brown and orange leaves I was in awe. So beautiful! I can live with this. Keep it up. Dear Home - Since Steven will be working all weekend, I plan on shopping getting some projects done around the home. Prepare yourself. My craftiness may emerge. 

Friday Letters

Stevie says he doesn't like the kitty, but I know better.

Dear Husband - You have been working so hard lately and I am so proud of you! Your diligence and work ethic put me to shame. My 8 hour work days are enough to make me cranky and pout, but you put in 10+ and have such a great attitude! I really could learn a lesson or two from you daily. Dear Huckleberry and Herschel - Lately, you two have not been playing very nice and it's starting to stress me out! Let's practice kindness, patience, and love, shall we? And Huck, you are getting a bath this weekend. Dear Mom and Dad - Just a little over 7 weeks until you'll be in Washington visiting meeeee!!!! YAY!!!! I can't wait to show you my new home and have you meet Huckleberry! I better get to planning some exciting excursions :) 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend, lovelies!