Fall

I have to get this out there.  I have an incredible yearning for Fall.  I clearly remember feeling this way last year, but the prior years I didn't.  My favorite season used to be spring / early summer and the fall daunted me that winter was around the corner.  But, no, not now, I am craving it.  Craving a pumpkin spice latte, the leaves changing colors, apple picking, cozy sweaters, scarves, fireplaces, snuggling up...Mmm, it's coming friends - hooray!



Images via pinterest

100

Did you know that this is my 100th post on this little blog? I'm somewhat shocked that I have kept it going amidst all the travel and busyness this summer has produced.  Can I be honest? Sometimes, I'm not sure why I keep it going.

I mean, I love to document life and it excites me that I will someday be able to look back on a chronological, pictorial journey of my life during this time.  But, I want there to be a greater purpose for this little place on the web.  I want to inspire others, cultivate something deeper.  So what does this mean?  I am not sure.  I want to be consistent, but I don't want to be burdened. I want to inspire, but I also want to be real.  Can you tell I'm still figuring this out? : )

Here's what has been going on in my heart and life lately.  It is real hard to be away from home the majority of the week.  Saturday and Sunday are now the sweetest, most precious days and I don't take them for granted.  Work has been going very well and I appreciate that during this economy, I have a great job that helps provide for our family (and pay off all those lame student loans).  It's an interesting time when Sunday rolls around, though.  Church is always nourishing and filling, but by the time the afternoon and night come, I am anxious and on edge. My mind is filled with the week that awaits me, and if I've truly 'disconnected' on Saturday from work, it consumes me once again.  I get irritable towards Brian because it badly hurts my heart to leave him again.  I get distant from Charlie because I know I won't see him for 4 days (or talk to him, I wish dogs could talk) and I don't want Monday morning to hurt too much. 

Here's what I'd really like to be on my heart and in my life for the future.  I want to find happiness in all the parts of my days.  I want to overflow with a peace and a joy that could only come from Him.  I want to cherish Saturdays and Sundays wholly and stay disconnected from work through Monday morning. I want to go to bed Sunday night snuggled with my husband, close to my pup, and thank God for the life He has blessed us with.  I want to be filled with Him Monday - Sunday, and remain consistent in my quiet times.  I want to inspire others at work, be different.  I want to be myself, but I want myself to be a bountiful cup of goodness and faithfulness.  Can I get an Amen, here? 

You guys like pictures, and I'd like to lighten this up, so here are a few from my phone that we've captured over the past couple weeks. 

I promise I don't wear this shirt everyday.. I do however currently wear my hair up everyday.  Someday I will become an adult and wear it down : ) Also, Brian won't take normal pictures right now.  Maybe it was the bacon infused bourbon he had just drank (yuck!)

Mac-n-Cheese introduced by the fantastic Katy D.  It's this recipe, and it is to die for amazing.  We made a large batch in our Staub with chicken, but I got a smaller version without on our new horse plates (see the hoof?) from Anthropologie (they were on sale and I can't find them online, but trust me I'm in love). 

On my drive to Pittsburgh Monday I was blessed with seeing this beautiful sunrise.  It must have been pretty all over the midwest because I saw lots of other sunrises on facebook that day! (it's blurry because I was driving.. whoops!)



What are your weekend plans?

Planning anything fun this weekend?  We're having a laid back one, where I'm hoping for some alone time, some Brian and Charlie time, and some friendship time.  Don't let me forget the most important - some Jesus time.  Oh how I need an extra boost of Him right now. Still meditating on being filled (and overfilled would be nice, right?). 

I snicker as I pose the title of this post as a question.  You my little friends are not big commenters.  Which is fine if that's how you like it. I will still keep on keepin' on.  ;) 

Be Filled my Friends

via Pinterest

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:14 - 19

Napa Valley

What a delight Napa Valley was. The amass of rolling hills covered in vineyards, the good nature of the people there, the incredible food and wine.  You don't often here of the great food in Napa, but they really had the best food. We stayed at the Westin Verasa Resort in the heart of Napa.  As soon as we arrived we walked through the town and enjoyed a nice wine tasting.  While there, we met some locals who told us of a few good restaurants in the area, one of which was Bottega, Michael Chiarello's establishment in Yountville.  We were lucky enough to snag last minute reservations due to someone cancelling and oh goodness am I grateful. It was out of this world - I recommend it in a heartbeat.

The next day we ventured to Swanson Vineyards for a lovely wine tasting. Most of the pictures below are from this place.  For someone who appreciates those small details, Swanson does not disappoint. 

 

San Francisco

Oh dear Lordy, if I do not get up at least one vacation post before the end of Brian's birthday, I think he may have a mini-stroke.  We've been back for almost a week now, and though I don't want to admit it, it's taken me almost this whole week to catch up from being away.  It doesn't matter though, every minute of that vacation was incredible and words cannot describe how necessary it was for us.  Anyways, enough talk.  Shall I show you some pictures?  First stop, San Francisco. 

We had a short stint in San Francisco.  Walked our way from south of the Financial District up to the Wharf, through Chinatown and other neighborhoods.  My legs were sore, so on the way back we learned how to take their public transportation (aka buses).  Every city is just a little bit different..

  

More to come my friends, don't you worry!

There's a Birthday to Celebrate Today!!

Happy 26th Birthday Brian!! What a ride of a year this has been, huh?  We've learned even more about each other, we've grown closer in ways I didn't think we could, and we've been separated in ways I didn't think we should (my work travel).  Oh darling, you have held this year together for us.  I've just been trying to juggle, but it's all an act. I could not have done this without you.  You could not have done this without God.  Thank you for being my rock.  Thank you for leading our family so humbly, so tenderly, so lovingly.  Goodness, am I grateful for you.

Now here's 26 reasons why:

1) You are SO fun and make me laugh, literally every day.

2) Kindness and strength are two of your greatest assets.  How do you balance them both so delicately?

3) You love better than anyone else I know.  You are loyal, so loyal. 

4) You take care of EVERYTHING when I am away from home (the bills, the house maintenance, Charlie, the yard, food, etc). 

5) You plan for our future with diligence and direction from our creator.

6) You are sexy and stylish. 

7) You love giving good gifts, from the heart.  You don't mind receiving them every once in a while, either ;).  How many times can you shake a box and reassess its contents? Like 10. 

8) The way you love Charlie is remarkable.  He is like your son, and its stinkin' adorable. 

9) Family is so important to you.  You Veecks are tight knit, and I love it.

10) The internet goes out so you make our friends music videos to keep entertained.

11) You make amazing scrambled eggs wrapped in a tortilla shell.  Yeah baby. 

12) You're humble and apologize during arguments, even if it may not be your fault.  You take charge to resolve conflict because you are the leader of our household. 

13) You have blue eyes and dimples.  Must I say more? 

14) You lead incredibly well; consistently and fruitfully. 

15) God is your first point of contact, and all decisions stem from Him. (phew - He is so much smarter than us and you know it!)

16) We have the same desires for the future. 

17) When I'm lonely on the road, you send me random videos of Charlie running around the house.  Just because.

18) You love your job and your dedication to it is admirable. 

19) You invented tent jumping (see below).  Need  I say more? 

20) The tent comment reminded me what a burly outdoorsmen you are.  No way I could have hiked Tallac without you. 

21) When you get a good idea, you don't stop until you see that idea come to fruition.

22) You love Lake Tahoe the way I do, for similar reasons.

23) Garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores are your best friend. It's so entertaining to see what you come back with and watch you make it beautiful again. 

24) Charrrrliee, come to candy mountain Charlie.  God, please don't let us name any future children Charlie..

25) You are a good friend.  Dedicated and loyal.

26) You think I am beautiful, and tell me often, especially at the times I need it most.