Hello! :-)

Just popping in on this lovely day to share a picture of me and my pup.  I love this photo - while he looks jumbo size (he's not this big) it reminds me of how much I adore him.  He was kissing my face. Have a great Wednesday friends!

Charlie has humor

This makes me laugh everytime.  Charlie yanking Brian's chain.  He knows how to shake for everyone, just chooses who he appeases, as he pleases.

Updates on Life {via Instagram}

It's been a full couple of weeks, my friends.  Full and awesome.  We ended our Daniel Fast today, and it's sort of bittersweet.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I am so happy to have the "restrictions" lifted from my diet (mainly sugar, caffeine, dairy and eggs).  But, it was also such a rich time in my life.  Much of it, I'll keep personal between me and God, but what I can say is this: If you are waiting to hear from God, or you feel like you are in a lonely place, disconnected from Him, taking the time and persistence to fast from certain things that you normally "rely" on can have an incredible, eternal impact.  Through refining things in our life, and placing more reliance on God, we open ourselves up to a clearer God-ordained communication channel.  Maybe more on this later :-)

We spent a few days in Columbus last weekend.  On Friday night, we attended a firefighter event where Brian's dad was honored to receive the title and accomplishment of becoming "Badge 1" until he retires (as he is the most senior firefighter in his unit).  He was completely in his element, socializing with everyone, showing off his family, and humbly accepting a great honor.  {Love that family!!!}.  After the event, we spent time with Katy and BJ and explored Columbus a bit (they had fun with Patagonia, to say the least!).  Wish I had gotten a pic with Katy (next time, girl).

A quick interlude to share shameless pictures of our pup, Charlie.  Readers of this blog alert, you will probably have to suffer through pictures of our pretty pup at least until we have children.  Sorry, but he is our child for now :-) 

Brian and I have both been traveling quite a bit lately, him to the east coast, and myself to Pittsburgh.  While we were both traveling this past week, we did a trial run of me taking Charlie to Pitt.  It was interesting, to say the least.  I can't imagine city living with a pup!  It was hard to find a patch of grass, and it's funny to see people's reactions when there is a goldendoodle eagerly awaiting scratches in an elevator.  Hmm, what else? I bought a pair of glasses (hopefully being delivered soon!) and I am nervous about them.  I love them, but they are definitely bigger than most.  I like them a lot though, so be nice :-).  We've done a small amount of organizing at our home.  I'm so fortunate to have married a man that doesn't mind organizing (because I hate it!!).  Lastly, if you haven't been to Lucky's in Tremont, you are missing out!  We enjoyed a great meal with incredible friends today.  So blessed to have this community in Cleveland. Thank you God!

Life Lately

Life has been both fun and crazy lately.  Last week was my last travel week of the year, and Brian took a bus from downtown Cleveland to Pittsburgh so that he could have lunch with me and drive me home.  I was shocked and so so happy.  He rubbed my back and neck the whole drive home (multi-talented, that man is).

photos {1,3} Omni William Penn Hotel {2} huge nativity scene

We spent this past weekend putting up our tree, decorating, and last-minute shopping.  We've also had lots of events at church and with friends, so our calendar has been full.  But full in a very good way.  A way that instead of draining you, rather refreshes and revitalizes you.  We are having lots of family in town, starting Wednesday so I'm off to finish up some work, start cleaning the house, and think through what in the world we'll be eating for all these meals (any advice would be appreciated)!

photos {1,2} Brian, Char and me with our tree {3} a little peak of our living room gallery wall

Should I be embarrassed?

That this is what we spend our Saturday afternoon doing? Documenting then and now pictures of our, wait for it, DOG.  Our Charlie bear had a good ol' tick in his ear this morning :-( and we felt like the worst parents, ever.  He's back from the vet now with a sweet collar that's supposed to prevent them in the future and a recent vaccination for Lime disease.. poor guy.  Just goes to show how much someone/thing can rely on you for almost everything.  love him :-)

 

Good & Great

Last week, Charlie had a playdate with Maggie, our friends new adopted pup.  I think they might be dating.  I mean who wouldn't love that sweet face??

 But for real, is this how dogs play? We weren't completely sure...

Remember how I posted about peonies?  Well Brian was super awesome and called up Whole Foods to put 2 bunches on hold for us.  We stopped by yesterday to pick them up. 

Then we had a couple splurges... We thought we'd get some cake to celebrate our anniversary.  Cannoli cake anyone? No, seriously, we have a ton left over.

We also stopped by lululemon to return a pair of pants that had ripped a tiny hole in them.  The customer service was incredible.  I had the pants for way over the 90 day return period and they just let me look around the store to pick out another pair to replace them. 

I couldn't help but pick up a yoga mat while I was there.  I'm thinking about taking a class while I'm in Pittsburgh. 

While we're on the topic of great customer service, we stopped by Orvis to return Charlie's dog bed that he had shredded to pieces. Literally.  Similar to the lulu pants, the item was also way over the 90 day return period, but since it was advertised as chew-proof, they let us replace it!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!!

Charlie the Mini Goldendoodle

Ever wondered what the cheesiest name for a breed of dog is?  In my opinion, it's a mini goldendoodle.  My poor husband who has to explain to all his macho work buddies that he owns one.. But, truth be told, we love him so much and could care less how silly his breed is.

Want to know how awesome he is?  Here's a quick rundown of his awesomeness.
 - He has the waviest, softest hair ever.  And since he has some poodle in him, he doesn't really shed and he's "hypoallergenic"
- He's super smart and lovable
- He learned how to ring a bell by the back door when he needs to go outside (thanks Amber!)
- Last week, he started "hugging"
- He's happy all the time and "smiles".  Honestly, I think it might be that he's just warm, but Brian is convinced.
- He thinks ice cubes are the best treats known to dog.  As soon as we walk over to the freezer door to get a glass of water/ice, he bolts from wherever he is, sits down like a gentleman, and waits in anticipation. 

This is him as a pup, as he was learning to shake.  Notice how his paw is about to lift up?