The Best

Today is one of those days when I realize just how incredibly lucky and blessed I am. 

We woke up at 8:30 {really 7:30 since time changed last night, but we'll forget about that}. Kurt got N out of bed while I relaxed in bed for a little longer. When I finally rolled out of bed, it was time to get ready to head out of the house. We had planned to meet Josh and Mer at Patachou for breakfast. It was so delicious! 

After breakfast, we headed off to church. When we got home, it was about time for N's nap. Kurt relaxed at home and got a few things done while I ran to the pet and grocery stores to stock up for the week. 

N slept for a couple hours and then was up and ready to go. After a quick lunch, we put our jackets on and headed out for a long walk. Even though it was only 40ish today, the sun was brightly shining all day and the temperature felt warmer than what it probably really was. We stopped for a bit on our walk at the park. N wasn't so sure about it, so we didn't stay for too long.

When we finally got home a couple hours later, no one wanted to go inside yet. We played outside with the dogs until it was time to cook dinner. We decided it was a perfect night to whip up a healthy grilled meal {we haven't been able to use the grill in months}. While Kurt cooked, Norah finally got to ride in her birthday bike outside. She was in heaven! 

We finally came inside to eat dinner...it was delicious! Kurt headed off to hockey while Norah and I played for a while longer. The fresh air and running around outside really tired her out. I couldn't keep her up past 7:15. We read a couple books together and she held my hand as I rocked her to sleep while singing lullabies...perfect.To top it all off, it is still light outside as I sit here and type this up. 

It wasn't too long ago that we couldn't wait for days to turn colder. To bundle up in cute fall sweaters and riding boots. To sit by the fire and cozy up to the ones we love. Now I can't wait to pack up those sweaters and boots. To bring out a box of clothes that has been tucked away for months. To spend countless moments outside playing with my little girl, husband, and doggies {who LOVE to be outside}. To not bundle up while sitting outside on our patio listening to crickets chirp and watching fireflies light-up. Funny how the love for each season fades after we've lived it for some time. There are many things I love about each season, even winter. But for now, I'm looking forward to longer days, shorter nights, warmer weather, and everything else that comes with spring & summer.  

                                   

lake rage fest

We invited some friends up to the lake last weekend. We had a blast. Ate a lot and drank even more! The weather was perfect for long days at the sandbar. I didn't take many pictures, but I'll let them speak for themselves....

We left Coop at my parents house and brought Bailey for two reasons. 1. She LOVES swimming and hasn't gotten to go to the lake for a couple years. 2. We really wanted her to 'teach' Olive how to swim.

Trying to beat the lake....

OG had a difficult evening...complete with some marshmallow on his chest!

On the last day, she decided it was a good idea to swim! Woo hoo!!

Spring Break....

...is over.

I've been on spring break for the last two weeks and I can't believe it's already coming to an end. We didn't go anywhere this year because we need to save money for our honeymoon.

I had many plans to get lots of stuff done and have pretty much failed at getting any of them complete.

The weather has sucked around here, making it impossible for me to do anything outside, especially start working on a little tan.

But I have done a lot of relaxing, sleeping in, reading, and catching up on shows. It's been a good two weeks off school. Only 7 more weeks {and a couple days} left until summer officially starts! And that means our wedding is coming up!!!!

I'm off to celebrate and fill the last couple days of my break with fun activities. Have a good weekend!

Winterfest!

Saturday Josh, Meredith, Kurt and I went to Winterfest -- a beer fest with mostly all local beers {and a few not so local}! I was the only 'beer fest rookie' so I wasn't quite sure what to expect...not to mention I was somewhat concerned about making it through the day... :)

After we took a cab to the fairgrounds, we had to wait in line for awhile {in the FREEZING cold!} before we could get in. The fest only lasted from 3-7, so most people wanted to get in right at the beginning.

 

Freezing our butts off!

 

The boys were very intense about trying to get to possibly as many places before the time was up. The second we got in, they were on the prowl! Meredith and I on the other hand, took things a little more slowly as to not get ourselves in trouble! {Plus, I hate chugging good beer. Can't I sit and enjoy it for a minute?} 

Towards the end, we weren't looking too bad!!

Kurt was trying to run around at the end {while we were getting kicked out} trying to find 'trinkets.' I'm not really quite sure why...I hate trinkets and who knows what we'd do with them anyways!!! Apparently Josh really wanted this one sign so Kurt was trying to get the guy to give it to him. I walked up trying to get Kurt to leave. Instead, I was able to talk the guy into giving us the sign.. {ha!} Not for our house though!!!

 

Once it was over, we waited for awhile for a ride. We originally planned on taking a cab back home, but another friend decided he'd pick us up on the way. We all ended up coming back to our house to hang out. Too bad we were starving when we left but our pizza took over 2 hours to come!! All in all, we had a pretty fun night!!

 

{Waiting for Loyd, our ride.} 

Tip I learned from beer fest: Make a pretzel necklace before going to any other beer fest!! {We saw tons of people with these and we couldn't have been more jealous!}

Bloomington

Last weekend, we headed down to Bloomington to tailgate and try to pretend like we were in college again. As much as I love our house, Indianapolis, not having homework or tests, I miss Bloomington like crazy. I get nostalgic every time we make the short drive down. And, we don't get to go nearly as much as I'd like.

Josh made hotel reservations {at the Travel Lodge...ha!} for us a couple months back knowing that we'd all want to party. The last football game of each season is the IU vs. Purdue game....a long time Indiana rivalry. We had planned on going to the game, but ticket prices are so high now we decided to hang out in the fields and catch the end of the game on TV at a restaurant. 

The weather was great for tailgating! It was great to see some friends that I haven't seen in awhile. Kurt and I spent time walking around to a couple different tailgates and made out with lots of great food and some great drinks along the way!

{Kurt grilling...weird!}

{Glad we found you!}

After tailgating, we headed to Yogi's - a favorite college bar. We found a great table for lots of friends to sit and watch the end of the game. Too bad the Hoosiers lost. :( An old friend from college works at another bar in Bloomington. He talked to the guys and apparently told them if we stopped by, he could hook us up. So we walked across town to the Irish Lion and drank our fair share of Irish drinks!

{Cheering on the Hoosiers!}

{Writing on each others hands or something crazy....}

{Boys chose to drink some sort of Irish whiskey, I think}

{And of course, we chose to drink Bailey's!!!}

After 6 or 7 rounds of Bailey's and whiskey, we decided we needed to grab a bite to eat. We walked to Kirkwood {the street with the majority of bars} and found ourselves at Uncle D's - a pizza by the slice joint that is normally for the late-night. It felt like late-night to us since we'd been drinking for like 8 hours at that point! We ended the night at one of my favorite bars in Bloomington, Upstairs. They have the infamous AMF drinks....so yummy, but very dangerous!

{Kurt pretending to work there while carding people as they walked in....}

After some shenanigans at Upstairs, we walked to the bus stop in hopes of either catching a taxi or getting lucky with a bus. We had to wait for a little while, but a bus eventually came. Yes, we'd be back to the hotel in no time! Well....that's what we thought. Until the bus driver was crazy. Kurt and I started to feel car sick. At that point, I remembered how badly Meredith gets car sick. I turned around and she was balling because it was so bad. The next thing we know, Josh had pulled the cord and we were jumping off at the next stop so Mer could puke outside instead of in the bus. Ugh, it was awful!

Since it was so late, we knew another bus wouldn't come for awhile. Josh and Mer took off towards the library leaving Kurt, Ross, Loyd, and I still at the Union. We didn't know where Mer and Josh went, so we decided to begin walking to the hotel.....by the mall. I'm sure it was at least a 3 mile walk. Our night finally ended with us all safely back at the hotel. After a few more crazy events, we all 'hit the hay' very quickly.

The morning brought about some more laughs, but we had to pack up the car and head out. It's always great to go back and visit Bloomington, especially when you're with so many fun friends. We're hoping to make it back soon!

{another} busy weekend

We have another crazy but exciting weekend ahead of us. Last night, we went to dinner at Benihanas {one of my most favorite restaurants!!} to celebrate Patrick's birthday with my family! {Happy belated Birthday, Patrick!} Yum, what great food!

Tonight we're going out with Patrick and Allison and many of their friends to celebrate Patrick's birthday {again!}. Dinner should be great and then we'll either go duck-pin bowling or to the bars...either will be a blast!

Tomorrow we're heading down to Bloomington to cheer the Hoosiers on {by tailgating and visiting our favorite bars from college}. The last football game of the season is always against our rival, Purdue. Go Hoosiers!! {Please} beat Purdue! :)

We're wishing we could get IU to bring back the Bud Light 'Fan Cans' so we could drink a few of these while cheering on our Hoosiers...

Oh well! I'm sure we'll still have an amazing weekend! Good thing next week is only a two day work week for me!!! :) Hope your weekend will be great, too!

excitement & exhaustion

I love the four seasons and could never live in a place that didn't have each season. All four have things that I love about them. Each year I love this time of year -- football, basketball season is beginning, snuggling, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, Christmas is coming soon {!}, etc...

This weekend is a great example of why I love this time of year, but it's exhausting! Friday many of my friends from work came over to our house. None of them had been here yet and we love getting together to unwind on Friday afternoons! Saturday we went to Josh and Meredith's house for their engagement/housewarming party. We brought lots of food to share, so we spend a good chunk of the day preparing for the party. And, yesterday....football. The biggest game of the season. Colts versus Patriots. I'm sorry if you're a Pats fan, but I couldn't dislike a team more than I do the Patriots! :)

{Getting hyped for the game!}

The boys got overly excited about the game, so our day was pretty much spent getting ready for the game and tailgating. We 'had' to begin at 4pm for an 8:30 game. It was freezing, but we had a good time!

 {Trying to stay warm in our free Colts hats!}

Although it was chilly, we had a great time hanging out before the game. We made sure to bring a plethora of beverages, lots of food, and of course, bags.

 

 

{Go Horse!}

Speaking of horses, the Budweiser Clydesdales {and Spot!} decided to stop by the parking lot. Wow! They were HUGE and Spot was sooo cute! 

{Sorry about the butt shot. None of the pictures turned out!}

Oh, I guess I should mention that the Colts pulled out an amazing last minute and v.e.r.y. exciting WIN. By the time we left the stadium {it was too exciting to leave!}, got home, and went to bed it was close to 1:30am. And I was so hyped up, I had a difficult time falling asleep! Needless to say, today was rough and very tiring! I decided to take advantage of my sleepiness {and the season} and stop by Starbucks this morning for a yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte. Oh, and to make my morning even better?!? One of the radio stations has begun playing Christmas music. I listened. And sang along. Too early?!? I don't care!! :)

Tonight we'll be getting in bed early. But not too early because we need to catch the Hoosiers basketball game!! Ahhhhh, I love Fall. 

scooby boo!

Halloween has never been my favorite holiday, but I was determined to make this one memorable. We were really excited for our first year to pass out candy to trick-or-treaters. Meredith and Josh invited our friends, Drew and Meg, and Kurt and I over for dinner. We decided to put a sign on our door telling the trick-or-treaters to come get their candy four houses down! Coop came with us {in his Peyton Manning jersey} and hung out on the porch while we passed out candy. We thought we bought enough candy for us to have some left-overs, but we ran out 45 minutes early!! {Guess we shouldn't have been so generous at the beginning of the evening!!}

Coop and I warming up before dinner.

After our very yummy dinner, Kurt and I walked home to change into our costumes. We had to leave 'Scooby' at home for the evening......

The Four Characters from Scooby Doo!

I think we pulled it off pretty darn well! :)

We quickly headed up to three of our friends' apartment. It was fun to see all of the costumes and hang out with some friends for the evening. That's about it for our Halloween. Hope you had a great one, too!

Loyd {one of the party hosts} and Mer. 

slowed updating...

Fall Break was fabulous!

We spent time enjoying the season {and I was wishing I was in Bloomington!}

Unfortunately, my time that was set aside to blog today was used up with another trip to Lowe's.

This is what we had to get....

 We've been having a BAD BUG problem. And, we don't like it one bit!!!

You know it's a problem when you have to use the broom on the back door just to get inside!

 These little gnat-like bugs are all over our door, windows, and more. They jump on our clothing and Cooper's fur. Once inside, they sit on our curtains and stay on us until brushed off!!

 

{Look at all of them inside our window!!!}

{This is a close up view of our back door....}

We searched for some information online about them, and we think they are fungus gnats...YUCK!

Kurt's currently putting two types of stuff outside on the ground around the tree and house. We're hoping this does the trick. We're more than a little worried about Cooper, but didn't know of any other option. The labels say pets need to stay away from the area until it is completely dried. Looks like Coop won't get to enjoy the yard for a little while...ugh!

Hopefully, we'll be able to say 'goodbye' to these pesky little gnats soon!

And, of course, I promise to be back asap with those updates you've been waiting for.

teaser

Our rug wasn't the only purchase we made last Saturday. In fact, we had quite the productive day. I've been itching to share with you all the projects we completed!! But, this weekend is our Fall Break. During my four day weekend, I'm planning on getting many more house projects done, writing some of my reports for school, and hopefully getting some relaxing/fun time thrown in, too! So, I'm off to get things checked off the list. I can wait to share with you projects from last weekend AND ones we get completed this weekend!! Here are some pictures to keep you on the edge of your seats {ha}! Have a wonderful weekend!!

We turned this blah backdoor into a stylin' storage space!

What more could a bathroom need?
Storage, what else?!?

Hum...found these awesome accessories at Anthropologie.
Nope, they won't be staying on the beautiful hardwood floors.
Guess you'll just have to wait and see!!

pier 1, anyone?

Pier 1 quickly became our favorite store of the weekend......because they had a rug!!! The design and size are perfect. Plus, it was on a huge sale! I was a little unsure of the colors. I was envisioning something a little brighter. We decided to bring it home and see how we liked it. They told us we could always bring it back if we didn't like it in our room. Kurt loved it from the beginning, Cooper L.O.V.E.S it {see video at the bottom}, and it's definitely grown on me. Take a peek of your own and see what you think of it....

Here's what our living room looked like before...

We love our hardwood floor, but we needed a rug. We weren't able to plug in the light on our side table because we needed to run an extension cord under the rug. We also didn't want to buy pillows/curtains until we knew what our rug would look like. So, we now have more lighting and we're looking for some pillows and curtains!!

Here's the room with the new addition...

{You can see how much Cooper loves it! Kurt wouldn't move either!}

It's hard to tell, but the light is actually on!

I know it's kinda dark, but you get an idea of what it looks like.

Cooper's new dog bed will be in that open space on the left {by that basket}.

Make sure you vote!! I don't know if either will work....

So, what do ya think? We hope you like it as much as we do! I'm hoping that we'll be able to find great accessories to go along with it. That's one thing that's worrying me. If you have any ideas, we'd love to hear!

And, as promised, here's a video just to prove how much Cooper really does love the rug!!

We'll be sure to share when we update anything else with the living room.
{Hopefully, that will be sooner than later. We're waiting for our TV Stand to arrive..... You'll just have to wait and see!}

kitchen

Our next project on Saturday was tackling the kitchen. We really didn't have to do much, just needed to find spots for everything, put all our things away, and clean it up. We have space above our cabinets that we want to decorate, but this is going to take awhile. We've put a few things up there, but who knows where they will end up staying.

Here's the view from the dining room/living room.

A few complaints about the kitchen-

-We only have 3 pull-out cabinets. We wish we had more to store things.

-Our dishwasher is not very good. It's doable for now, but might not last us long...

-There isn't a blind on the kitchen window, which kinda freaks us out at night.

{I'm not that horrible of a photographer...the fridge isn't straight so it makes the picture look funky!}

Other than that, we love it! We really have more cabinet space than we know what to do with. Both lower corner cabinets have lazy susans in them which gives us so much space. 

Once we spruce up the kitchen some more, I'll be sure to share with you! I'm just happy we have one clean and fully unpacked room in the house!

update 1 -- door knobs

Friday after work, Kurt and I decided to go run errands and buy some of the items on our *extremely* long list. We thought this would allow us to be at home and get work done all day Saturday. We decided that one of the first things we wanted to do was change the locks on our doors. Instead of simply re-keying the locks already here, we decided to go ahead and upgrade the 3 main {front, back, and garage} doors. We knew that we eventually wanted brushed nickel door knobs throughout the house, but knew we wouldn't be able to afford to do all of them at one time.

After spending over 2 hours at Lowe's, we finally left only purchasing our door knobs and a trash can. We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning to get started....   

Here's the motivation for changing the door knobs sooner than later:

I know not many people would notice and/or care that there is a brushed nickle switch plate next to the brass door knobs, but every time I saw it, I cringed a little. 

Here's the before and after from the back door {the garage is basically the same}:

 It's hard to tell that they were brass...

 

We started to get worried that we were going to need to do some touch-up painting. We sure didn't plan on that! {Good thing we didn't need to do that!}

Don't you love them?!?

They even have an extra pin for added security.

Here's the inside

{we love the shape of the lock and the detail}

Onto door number two. The process wasn't as easy. We learned our first 'door knob' lesson -- figure out what you'll need to exactly do BEFORE taking off the door knobs! We were so excited to see the new front door, we didn't even realize we'd need to drill a hole. {We upgraded to a handle rather than just having a knob.} So, after taking both knobs off and putting the deadbolt on, we had to put the old knob back on until Kurt's dad got here with his drill.

Lovely, huh? Good thing this wasn't for too long!

After his dad helped out, we had ourselves a beautiful new front door! Check it out:

We think it looks great next to the house colors. We hope you do, too!

We love our new door knobs so much, we wish we could afford to buy ones for all the doors in the house. But, no way that will be happening anytime soon...and that's okay! Our friend Meredith asked if we could spray paint the other door knobs to make them look like brushed nickel. I'm afraid that the locks and maybe knobs wouldn't turn. If anyone knows if this is at all possible, we'd love to hear!