He Blogs! Round 2.

My husband is a story teller.  He loves to talk, meet new people, find common interests - he's a people person through and through.  One of my very first posts was He Blogs!, where I asked Tim some random questions and shared his very random answers.

Last week, Becca shared her new link-up - "Blogger Men Tell All", and I knew this was the perfect time to interview Tim again.  It just so happens that Amanda has a link-up, "Conversations" that this fits perfectly with as well.  So, let's get to it!

Ok, are you ready?
Sure.

If you had a blog, what would you call it, and what would it be about?
(long, long pause).  Hmmmm.  Probably "Being Married with Kids and Still Being Able to Go Golfing".  So, "Golfing".  And it would be about golfing.

If you could live inside any video game, which would it be?
(strange look).  NHL 2014. 

Who is your best player on your fantasy football team this season?
Team #1: Probably Antonio Brown
Team #2: Antonio Brown
Team #3: Kelvin Benjamin
(I should note that this means nothing to me!)

Two more questions, ok?
That's it?!

If you could play for any professional sports team, which one would it be?
Probably the Dallas Mavericks because Mark Cuban takes good care of his team.

What do you typically do with an hour of free time?
With just an hour?  I guess housework.  Is that what wives like to hear?

So there you have it.  I should mention that this took entirely too long, as I mistakenly asked him to participate during Monday Night Football.  With the three teams mentioned above, I don't hear much from him Sundays-Mondays.  I won't complain as long as he wins!

Thank you to everyone who entered my 100th Post Giveaway!  The winner chose an Amazon giftcard.  Happy Tuesday friends!

So Fall Happened + Friday Faves!

I can't believe that September is almost over and October is around the corner.  I guess this means I have to officially accept that Fall is here, even though I wish it would be summer forever. (side note - why do we live in the Midwest again?)  There are a few things about Fall that I like - that is, when I have no choice but to say goodbye to summer!

- Cool sleeping weather.  I love sleeping with the windows open while I'm all cuddled up under 5 a blanket.

- "Fall smells".  I love cinnamon, spiced apple, creamy nutmeg - smelling candles and home scents.

- Fall television. Even though Big Brother ended last night (too predictable this season!), Series Premiers are all around this week.  Scandal, Red Band Society, How to Get Away with Murder, and a few others are gracing my DVR and I couldn't be more excited!

Before we get to this week's favorites - a quick update.  A few weeks ago, I wished for a good result with some things that were going on with my pup, Charlie.  Well friends?  Charlie doesn't have cancer.  He doesn't have cancer!  To say I'm grateful is an understatement!  He officially just has a pimply, cute, lovable face!  Thanks for all of the well wishes and prayers - they worked!

So, on to this week's favorites:

"Fall Favorites" by Amy at Set Free.  Amy just recently got me in to essential oils - and I am hooked, even though I haven't received my starter kit yet!  I have been doing a lot of research on them and can't wait to see what they do for my family.

"Blogger Men Tell All" by Becoming Adorrable.  Tim blogged once, with some bribing, interview style.  I love reading other posts interviewing the men behind the blog, so I'm really excited for this link up!

"Going Natural: Makeup and Cosmetics" by Notes from a Newlywed.  Amanda gives great reviews on natural products?  Did you know that 60% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed in to the body?  I didn't either - but it totally freaks me out now that I know.  Especially since I can't pronounce 98% of the ingredients of products I use.  I am slowly making the switch to natural products.  If you are thinking of the same, Amanda's post is a must read.  The Florkens were also part of this link up, and their post is a must read as well.  I can't wait for the next in the series!

What were your favorites?  Link up below and share!  Please grab the button and visit some of the links below.  Just a reminder: If you link up, please post at least one link to a blogger other than yourself to share the love!

An InLinkz Link-up

I'm off to Minnesota this weekend.  It's normally a 6ish hour drive, but with two littles I'm looking at more like eight.  Good timing though - I'll have plenty of time to read your faves!  Happy Friday!

My Life in Emoji's

Confession: Up until about a year ago, I used a Blackberry (the horror!).  My work pays for my phone and phone plan, so I couldn't really complain too much.  Then I got an iPad.  And I thought my life couldn't be complete without an iPhone.  So - the time came that I finally upgraded to the world of Apple.   

I couldn't wait to start using all the apps.  Not to mention sharing photos with other iPhone users, Facetiming with my parents, and the emojis.  When I would get a text on my Blackberry with an emoji (although I didn't know it was that at the time), it was just a little box.  I was always so confused.  Now?  Half of my texts are emojis only.

But... what am I really saying with that cute little picture I picked out? 

Let's discuss.

Wedding Cake/Bride/Bell: I am borderline obsessed with your upcoming wedding, just attended a wedding, or posted a pic of myself at a wedding with a clever hashtag for the just married couple.

Thumbs Up: I use this because I don't want to type "ok", or "sounds good".  This is much more fun, and usually ends the conversation.  How does someone really reply to a thumbs up?

Twin Dancing Girls (Cats?): I am either texting with my best friend, rehashing a really fun night out we had together, or I am texting someone about my children - although it could be about cats, even though I really dislike cats. #sorrycatlovers (Jess I'm looking at you!)

Beer/Martini/Wine Glass: I had a stressful day and am ready for a drink.  Or, I am making plans for the weekend and want to imply that I am ready for a fun night out.  Not to be confused with the Clinking Beer Mugs: Which imply that I want to have multiple drinks and perhaps take way too many selfies in the bar bathroom.

Girl in a Red Dress: (What else do you call this, really?) I am feeling like the life of the party, I do what I want, and don't care what people might say.  I am loving life and want you to know!

Praising Hands/Praying Hands: This means that I am thanking God for something amazing in my life, but sadly, I've seen Jenelle (Teen Mom 2) use it way too much on her Instagram when posting pictures of Nathan.  He is not worthy of praise.

Also, all of these emoji's are in my most recently used emoji section, along with all.the.food. (weird, I know!)  What is your favorite emoji?  When do you use it most?

Today is Wednesday, which means it's Wednesday Wishes.  Why can't emojis be used in blogger?  That would really add something to my posts.  I mean, I could probably relay an entire story to you in little pictures.  I've done it in text, it's fun!  Blogger - let's make this happen!

 

 

Also - there's still time to enter my 100th post giveaway!  Check it out here.

 



Today I'm Grateful for YOU! (+ Giveaway!)

Today marks my 100th post.  This might not sound significant to some of you, but for me, it's huge.  When I first started this blog, I didn't expect to love it as much as I do.  I have a tendency to start projects and kind of let them fade away, if I'm being completely honest.  Creatively, my mind is always moving on to the next creation in my head. 

But I guess that's why I have enjoyed blogging so much.  I can make it what I want to.  I can write about that recipe I tried, the DIY I did, or whatever is on my mind.  I love that this piece of the internet is completely mine, and that I've made it to reflect me.  It is constantly evolving and it keeps my creativity flowing.  I love the details that go in to writing a post, the pictures (even if they are taken on my iPhone), reading other blogs, and my number one love: connecting with my readers. 

The relationships that I've made, simple comments turned in to email conversations, have blown me away.  I really never thought it was possible - but I'm so grateful for the friendships I've made through this.  On this Grateful Heart Monday, I'm grateful for each of you, coming back each week, commenting, sharing and being some of the best supporters out there.

So I thought it was only appropriate to celebrate YOU with a giveaway!  Enter below and good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Subscription Sunday - Ipsy September

It's been awhile since I posted a review on a Sunday.  My Ipsy bag this month was a-ma-zing so I had to share it.

I love Ipsy for a lot of reasons: the price (only $10/month), the fact that they send me things based on my profile (I feel like Birchbox did not), and the cute little makeup bag that comes with each package (although I have a lot now and don't use half of them!).

1.  Briogeo: Don't Despair Repair: This is a deep conditioning hair mask.  I haven't used it yet but it smells amazing.

 

2.  NYX Eyeshadow: This color is one I would normally pick out for myself for every day.  It's gold-ish, and goes on a little shimmery.  (And if you look closely, you can see my reflection taking the picture, oops)

 

3.  Pacifica Nail Polish: This is a deep red, perfect for fall.  It goes on smoothly and hasn't chipped yet, on Day 2.  With two littles, this is a big accomplishment!

 

4.  Mega Eyes Eye Marker: in black.  This is perfect when I want to add a little more for a night out.  Really easy to use!

 

5.  Cailyn Tinted Lip Gloss: This is a perfect color for every day.  Not sticky, goes on smooth.  Doesn't last forever, but I wouldn't expect a long wearing gloss.

 

6.  Crown Brush Infinity: Shadow and crease brush.  I've been needing a new shadow brush so this is perfect!

 

Overall, I really, really loved my Ipsy bag this month.  This is one of the subscription boxes that I don't think I'll ever end - it's the perfect way to sample new products that I wouldn't normally get otherwise.

 

I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!  Come back tomorrow - I might or might not be having a giveaway.... :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*All opinions are my own - I paid for these products and was not compensated in any way.

Lovin' It

Wasn't that a tagline for McDonald's?  Or maybe it still is?  Oh well, I'm borrowing it for this week's faves.

"Blogging 101: Choosing to Offer Sponsorships" by Love the Here and Now.  I know that Anne makes my list frequently, but this one was perfect timing for me.  Accepting sponsors is something I've been toying around with for awhile, and I love how Anne outlined everything that goes in to it.  If you are a blogger and are thinking about accepting sponsors, you need to check out Anne's post!

"Its in these moments..." by Southern Komfort Blog.  Religion isn't something I talk a lot about on this blog, but I loved Kelly's story of God's moments.  It really was a good reminder that things are always really happening for a reason.  I needed to read her post at the moment I did!

"Come Back Please" by Not Entirely Perfect.  This was an awesome trip down memory lane!  I remember all of these snacks from the 90's, in addition to Clear Pepsi and Clearly Canadian.  WHY did Clearly Canadian ever go away??

"Tools: What You Need to Start DIYing" by Tattered to Taylored.  If you've seen me on Pinterest lately, you've seen my new obsession with everything DIY.  We can blame my friend Jess on this.  I have a major itch to go thrifting, find something "eh" and turn it in to something amazing!  Taylor's suggestions on tools to start with is perfect.  You don't need a lot, and her suggestions seem like things I could actually use.

What were your favorites from this week?  Share below!  Please remember: If you link up, the post you link must contain at least one post written by a different blogger than yourself.  Click around and find some new blogs to love, and grab the button if you'd like!

I'm off to do a whole lot of nothing much this weekend and I'm really looking forward to it.  It will be capped by dinner with my besties, so I really couldn't ask for much more!

An InLinkz Link-up

On Names, Drinks, and Speech

Last week, Melissa from The Rambling Llama did a post on random facts about herself.  She tagged me to learn some of my randomness, so here it goes!

1.  In high school, I was a cheerleader.  For football and men's basketball.  I loved it.  Until the day I was dropped on my head (true story).  Maybe I'll share that another day!

2.  When I was little, I had a speech impediment.  I could not put two consonants together.  Words such as "apple", or "milk" or "pencil" were impossible for me.  It got worse because while I was learning to talk, if I tried to say something and no one could understand me, my sister would interpret.  So she'd say "She wants a glass of milk", and I wouldn't learn it properly.  Don't worry, when I was three I went to speech therapy for a summer and learned how to correct it.

3.  I'm known to break in to song, especially while in the car.  My friends laugh at me because they can turn on the most random song and I'll know the words to it.  I love to sing, but am horrible at it!

4.  E's real name actually starts with an A.  I know, I'm confused too.

5.  When I was younger, my childhood dog was a Westie.  When we got her, her name was Meagan (even spelled the same way!) so we had to rename her.  After many family meetings, we settled on Millie, even though I wanted to call her "Whitey".

6.  Speaking of names, my parents spelled my name "Meagan" because they didn't want anyone to give me the nickname "Meg".  To this day, they only call me "Meagan" when I'm in trouble.  They (and everyone else) calls me Meg - with the exception of this blog and work.

7.  This might not be random - but I love a good drink.  I don't discriminate - beer, wine (white), vodka, whiskey.  The only things I don't like (and won't drink) are tequila and champagne.  Anything else is fair game!

the more, the merrier. not sure why I have that "annoyed" look on my face!

Today, I'm wishing for some of my bloggy friends to do this too!  Amanda from Notes from a Newlywed, Anne from Love the Here and Now and Amanda from Knock on Wood.

Linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes!

Life on the Beach

Happy Tuesday!  I had a great weekend in Michigan with Tim's family, I didn't want to come home!  We stayed in a gorgeous house right on Lake Michigan, with amazing views and walking distance to the cutest little downtown. It was a little cold, but we made the most of it anyway!

Friday night was spent hanging out, playing games, having drinks.  Saturday we went in to town (South Haven) and shopped a bit, browsed the farmer's market and had lunch.  Then, Tim and his Dad took the girls back to the house and the ladies and my brother in law went for a wine tasting.  It was delicious!  I went home with a bottle of Sparkling Moscato, which according to the server, is the best for mimosas.  Yes please!  Overall the day was a little rainy, but made for a perfect rainbow.

 

Saturday night we had a gorgeous sunset. Just look at this!

Sunset cuddles

Sunday was chilly, but sunny, so E took full advantage of playing in the sand.  She was covered, and her clothes had to be shaken out, but it was worth it.  She's such a water baby - just like me! 

 

 

I took a lot of photos of our names drawn in the sand.  I have some great ones that were snapped just before a wave came over them.  I am planning on having the ones of the girls' names printed and framed for their bathroom.  And maybe this one, framed in our room:

 

 Overall, it was a great weekend.  I ate way too much, drank a little too much, and had enough sweets to last a few months.  Needless to say I sort of failed on my fitness goals, but today is a new week so I am starting over.  Wish me luck!

I could absolutely get used to life in a beach house.  Not only was the house gorgeous - it was just built this year - but I just felt so relaxed there.  The sound of waves crashing while falling asleep is something I need in my life, every day.  If you've seen me on Pinterest lately, you've seen that I've been pinning things to a "Lake House" board.  I will have a lake house someday.  Power of positive thinking, yes?!

Another Week Over, More Blogger Love

First of all, I want to give a big Thank You to all of those who commented, emailed and texted your prayers and good wishes in regards to my post on Wednesday.  It meant a lot - and things are definitely looking up!

I read a lot of great posts this week.  Some made me laugh, some made me think, and some intrigued me.  Each week I find new blogs to follow from your lovely suggestions, and each week choosing just a few to share becomes a more difficult task!  Let's get to it:

"The Best Days of Your Life" by The Contented Wife.  Chelsea's conversation with a stranger made me stop and realize that these days, although sometimes really difficult, will be ones that I cherish and look back on fondly someday.  Major eye opener!

"This is Not the Honeymoon Stage" by Sew My Soul.  While reading Kaitlin's post, I just kept nodding and saying "yes!".  The first year of marriage is not what you'd expect - there are days that are really raw, leaving you to think "What did I sign up for?"  I've been there, and I loved how open and honest she was.

"Lies Bloggers Tell Themselves" by Whispering Sweet Nothings.  I love how Shane wrote each "lie", followed by her advice pertaining to that lie.  It was all great advice - and a post I'm sure I'll go back to again!

"The Struggle for Originality" by the Florkens.  This is something that I often think about.  Will I lose readers if I voice my dislike of fall and everything pumpkin?  The real question should be - Do I care?  We should all focus on ourselves, and try not to fall in to the trend of certain things in life.

"5 Ways to Make Your Hair Grow Faster" by East &.  I am constantly going back and forth between wanting short hair and long hair.  Right now, it's medium length and I want it long, so I loved this post!  I am going to try the coconut oil mask/massage this weekend.

What were some of your favorites?  Link up and tell us!  A few reminders: Please link up to at least one post from another blogger that you loved from this week.  If you use Twitter, use #bloggerlove and link to me so I can retweet you!  Grab the button if you'd like, and check out some of the other links below.

I'm off to Michigan this weekend with the inlaws and I couldnt be more excited!  We rented a fab house on the lake and I will be taking advantage the time with them, we don't get together nearly enough!  There might also be some cocktails, hot tubs, bonfires and maybe some time to catch up on some reading.  We'll see if my children cooperate. :)

An InLinkz Link-up

Tomorrow is a New Day

Lately, I feel like things in my life have been moving along at speeds that I cannot keep up with.  Every direction I turn, there is something new to deal with, to worry about, to have fun with, to do.  What I really need is for time to stand still for about a week.  Maybe then I could get some things done, figure some things out and really feel on top of my life.  Until then, we have lists.  And I love a good list.

It's Wednesday, which means I link up with my friend Anne for Wednesday Wishes.  This comes at the perfect time this week.  Let's get to it:

• Right now, or earlier this morning depending on when you are reading this, someone very close to me is putting her body through amazing procedures in hopes of becoming pregnant. It's been a long, difficult road, and I am praying and wishing that this is it.  This has to be it.

• E had a horrible time with pre-k drop off yesterday.  We were doing so great, and yesterday she just kind of freaked out.  She had to be pulled off of me, then they had to shut the door because she was trying to run out.  My heart hurt so badly.  I camped out in the school office and was told not five minutes later that she was in circle time playing with her friends.  I hope that she was just having an off day yesterday, and this isn't our new normal.  We had a rough go last year with preschool drop offs and I just can't put us both through that again.

• Last week on Twitter, you might have seen me post that I was at the vet with Charlie.  My little guy had a bad looking bump on his face that we needed to get checked out.  Because of the location, the vet couldn't get a good sample (needles in the face?  No thanks says Charlie!).  He had also been scratching it, so it was infected.  We are treating it as an infected pimple, but there's a chance it could be cancer.  Just writing that makes me tear up.  So, I'm obviously wishing, hoping and praying that he has acne.  Sounds funny, but I'll take a pimply face over a sick pup any day. 

I always try to keep this space positive - and today is no different.  I am an optimist through and through, and can always find something positive in each situation.  Even the things I am wishing for.  And, above all else, tomorrow is a new day.

Stitch Fix - September

By now, I really feel like the ladies (men?) over at Stitch Fix have gotten the hang of my personal style.  When I opened this month's fix, my first thought was "Great, how am I going to explain to Tim that I kept everything?"  I loved it all!  That is, until I tried it on.  I wish there was an option to tell Stitch Fix, while checking out, "send me this in a size smaller/bigger - I LOVE IT!".  Are you listening Stitch Fix??

Gili Kamile Jersey Ruched Detail Dress - $68.  This type of fabric and cut doesn't normall look good on me (hello clinging to unwanted areas) but I thought I'd give it a go because I loved the color.  As expected, it clinged in all the wrong places.  Sent Back.

Fun2Fun Striped V-Neck Tab Sleeve Blouse - $58.  I really wanted to love this.  We've already established that I love black and white and the cut of this top was nice too.  Overall, it was a little big and boxy.  After a quick text convo with some of my friends, we decided it wouldn't make the cut.  Dang!  Sent Back.

Mavi Gold Bennie Straight Leg Jean - $128.  The price = ouch.  But, they were so soft I was willing to overlook that.  Loved them on, they fit nicely, but were a little too low cut.  I would primarily wear these while home with the girls, so I couldn't be needing to pull them up and in place every few minutes.  Sent Back.  However, if I could justify spending the money for these to be worn on date nights, I would have kept them.

Bay to Baubles Leona Gem Stone Fan Collar Necklace - $38. Finally! A piece of jewelry that I really liked and could justify the price for.  It looks great with a simple collared shirt.  Kept.

Fun2Fun Sonoma Striped Sleeveless Top - $48. I love the colors on this (Bears!) but it was a little tight in the hips.  I've also decided in the last few months that tight and stripes do not go together if they are to be seen on me.  Sent Back.

Every Fix I get, the more I love getting them.  Anything you would have kept?  Thoughts on the jeans?  I keep thinking about them and wondering if I should just order them seperately.

If you are interested in getting your own fix - I'd love it if you used my referral link!

The Pick-up Line that Changed my Life

"When did you get so hot?!" -Tim, April, 2004.

Let me back up. When I was a Freshman in college, I met a boy that I had a class with.  He was funny - witty, always had a good comeback, and I noticed I was always smiling around him.  I had a crush, but he was still dating his girlfriend from high school, so I let it go and didn't think much about him, although every now and then I'd see him around campus.  I dated someone else for a few years after that, so I didn't ever think much about it.

Until Senior year.  One of my best friends and I decided to study abroad in London over winter semester.  When we went to the orientation, we recognized Tim's best friend, who was also going on the trip.  Tim's friend flew with us and hung out with us in London, and when we got back we met up for F.A.C. (Friday After Class, for you non-Hawkeyes - happy hour, starting after your last class on Friday).  And guess what?  Tim was there.

He remembered me, and his first words to me really were "When did you get so hot?!" He proceeded to make me laugh all day and throughout the night, and I was smitten.  We have been together since.

Today we celebrate seven years of marriage.  SEVEN!  That seems like so many to me, but honestly, they have flown by.  He still makes me laugh daily and always tries to find something good in each situation.  Most of the time I'm pretty sure that if it weren't for him, I don't think I'd make it.  He's the best father I know (besides my own, of course!)

This weekend he had planned a surprise weekend for us.  We dropped the girls off with their nanny for the night and made our way downtown.  After checking in to the The Peninsula (highly recommended if you are visiting Chicago!) we went north to Wrigley with the intent of seeing the game.  Instead we watched Iowa actually win then got ready for dinner.  We went to Del Frisco's (one of my favorite places) and ate way too much.  Of course, being the bad blogger I am, I didn't get one picture!  The last surprise was tickets to Second City, which was hilarious and also highly recommended.  It was awesome to see the exact stage that some of my favorites, like Tina Fey, Steve Carrell and Chris Farley performed on.  I can't wait to go back.

To celebrate today, I want to share some of my favorites pictures from our wedding day, and some since then.

 

 

To say that I am grateful to have him in my life would not do my emotions justice.  I am grateful for the patience he has taught me, the love he has shown me, and the fun he has brought in to my life.  To many, many more years (and one-liners!) together. 

This Week's Faves

It's Friday - and you know what that means, it's #bloggerlove day!  But before we get to that, I'm extremely excited for this weekend. Our seventh wedding anniversary is coming up, and apparently Tim has planned a whole weekend for me. I think, anyway, he said I was busy Saturday and Sunday. He won't tell me a thing, and I'm sort of nervous because I don't know how to dress! I will have to judge my outfits solely on what he is wearing, so this should be interesting!

Now on to a few of my favorite posts from this week:

"The Black Hole of IKEA" by The Daily Tay.  I mean, really, who hasn't felt this while in an IKEA?  There are two in the Chicagoland area, and thankfully the one closest to me is a lot smaller (and less crowded), but it's still overwhelming.  Taylor hysterically and accurately describes the pain otherwise known as IKEA.  I even have a friend that tries to avoid IKEA because bad things always happen in her life while she's there - not kidding.

"How to Tease Your Hair" by The Grits Blog.  My hair is so straight and kind of boring, and always pretty flat.  I've always wanted volume but wasn't sure how to go about it.  Ashley gives a quick and easy tutorial and I can't wait to try it - maybe this weekend!

"10 Ways to Be Happy" by Love the Here and Now.  We've all woken up in a funk at one time or another.  Anne gives a great list of ways to get out of said funk - if even just for a few moments. 

What were your favorites of the week?  Link up and tell us!  Please be sure to include at least one link to another blogger's post from the week that inspired you, made you laugh, or that you just plain loved.  Grab the button if you'd like, and be sure to check out some of the other links.

An InLinkz Link-up

Hope you all have a fab weekend!

Creating a Fitness Adventure

When I first read about this "Create Your Own Adventure" linkup hosted by Stephanie at Not Entirely Perfect, Keeping Up with Ashley and Cody, and Life According to Steph, my heart sang.  I love making lists and crossing things off said lists even more!  This month's theme is "fitness", which I desperately need some motivation for so I am excited to participate.

My 101 in 1001 list has a section dedicated to Healthy Living, and sadly, I have not crossed one thing off.... yet.  I'm using this link up to focus on living healthier and work on my fitness. 

My goals this month are:
- Drink 60 oz of water every day for at least one week (on the 101 list)
- Walk or do workout videos for 30 minutes at least three times a week
- Start using MyFitnessPal regularly
- Eat in moderation
- Really quit drinking Diet Coke.  (I've slipped a few times, ugh!)

Seems pretty easy, right?  The water and MyFitnessPal shouldn't be too difficult (you know, minus the whole being hungry bit).  The working out is hard for me - by the time my girls are in bed, it's 8pm and all I want to do is crash on the couch with some sort of dessert or alcoholic drink and watch trashy reality tv.  This will be a big change for me!

Also, I am not a fan of restricting myself from certain things.  If I stop myself from eating any pizza, or no sweets, I fail in a major way.  (Picture me eating an entire pizza and topping it off with a chocolate bar.  Not pretty.)  So, instead of eating four cookies, I'll have one.  Or, instead of eating 5 slices of pizza, I'll have two.  I don't believe in doing anything extreme, because for me personally, it will never work in the long run.

Are you participating in this link up?  Let me know so we can cheer each other on!

A Letter to Charlie

Oh, Charlie.  My sweet, sweet puppy.  I won't ever stop calling you my puppy, even though you are seven years old today. 

The day your Daddy brought you home and surprised me was such an awesome day.  He walked in, holding this tiny little puppy - and I thought we were dog sitting for someone.  When he told me you were mine, I broke into tears and immediately fell in love with you.  You have brought me so much happiness it's ridiculous.

You are my first baby, and always will be.  You love me unconditionally, comfort me when I'm sad, play with me when I'm happy, and are always genuinely excited when I walk in the door.  The love you have for me and our whole family is everlasting.

I watch you with the girls - and I see your love for them too.  E is obsessed with you and has starting calling you by the love names I use: Bubba, Chucks, Boo Bear, to name a few.  A has just recently began to really love you, although she shows it in different ways.  Still, every time she "pats" you, or tries to poke your eye, or pulls on your tail, you always respond in the same way - a quick lick to the face.  You would never, ever, hurt them (or anyone) and I think that is one of your best qualities.

You are there for me when I need a good cry, cuddle, or someone to listen to me ramble about who knows what.  You are my big spoon and cuddle with me every night.  To say I love you would be the biggest understatement of the year.

To many, many more years with you Charlie - Happy Birthday Buddy!

Wednesdays around here are Wednesday Wishes thanks to Anne.  Today, my wish is this:  I wish for so many more healthy years with Charlie.  I think every dog owner ever can share that wish with me.  I also wish that he knows just how much he is loved and needed in our family.

I Have a Grateful Heart

I hope everyone had a great long weekend!  I sure did - golfing on Friday, Hawkeye win on Saturday, boating on Sunday and family time today. Let's rewind a bit with some details.

Golfing.  If you read my post last Monday, you'll remember that I agreed to go golfing with my husband and another couple Friday.  First time golfer here = stress about what to wear, let alone how to hit the ball.  It was night golf, which basically means that the tees are lit up with glowsticks, the balls are lit up, and the golfer wears glowsticks.  Let's just say that I probably won't ever be golfing again.  I might try it sometime during the day, but it's safe to assume that my favorite part was the drink cart.  It also allowed for me to cross something off of my 101 in 1001  list.  (For those of you who helped with what I should wear - I ended up with black shorts, a collared shirt and a Nike pullover.)

Hawkeyes!  My besties, kids and husbands gathered for the first Iowa game.  We had lots of food, (some of us) had good beverages, and relived our glory days.  Seriously, tailgating takes on a different meaning when you are in your thirties with small children around.  But, the Hawks won and it was the perfect day. 

Boating.  My husband's grandparents own a lake house just over an hour from here, so we gathered up another couple and went up there for the day on Sunday.  E and A love riding on the boat, so we spent a lot of time on the water.  It was another perfect day for weather and a fun way to say goodbye to summer.  Because it's a family home, a lot of my husband's family was there too.  We got to spend time with friends and family - and it doesn't hurt that they all wanted to play with the girls, so we got to take a solo boat ride too! 

Today was spent with my fam, mostly outside soaking up some of the rays of the year.  I loved having the long weekend with everyone but am ready to get back to work tomorrow.  Today I am so grateful for time.  When I look back at the weekend, I'm grateful that my time was spent the best way possible - with family and friends.  I hope you all had a great weekend too - what was your highlight?