Day 181: Lunch with Friends..Afternoon Nap...Dessert with Family

After our VBS celebration at church, we stayed in town for lunch with all our friends from church. I realized more and more lately how blessed we are to have such a wonderful, supportive and encouraging second family at church. Even though our parents, siblings and other family and friends aren't really that far away, it's still been nice to make a second family and support group right here in Peoria. Then we came home with every intention of getting a lot of stuff done to play catch up from the week--instead we took a 2 hour nap!! Bailey enjoyed her time outside enjoying the nice weather too! After waking up, we met my parents at DQ for dessert and some family time.

Day 180: Neighborhood Cook-Off

After a lazy day at home, we met up with our neighbors to go to a neighborhood rib cook-off. It was fun to meet some new people and have some great food. Near the end of the night, the kids all were playing duck-duck-goose and red-rover. It was quite entertaining. I've decided red-rover is much funner when you are an observer rather than a participant because I absolutely HATED playing that game in school!

Day 179: Baseball Game

After work today, we met up with a group of friend from church to go to the local baseball game. It was a nice way to relax with a all the VBS helpers after a long, fun, but tiring week of playing with the kids! It was a great night for a baseball game--and some cheesy pictures! Steven wasn't cooperating for a nice picture so I figured I would be goofy too! 

Day 178: Life is Good

Nothing to complain about here.. nothing too specific to write about either. In VBS tonight we had to ask the kids what they were thankful for and that sort of thing..then there was a lull and the kids weren't saying anything..and Steven said "I'm thankful for my wife"..aww gee..I'm so thankful for my husband too! Can't believe it's been almost 9 months already--lots of fun, learning, and adjusting to life as part of a team rather than me just on my own! 

Day 177: VBS Round 2

Waiting for VBS to start for the 2nd day! Getting my cheesy-excited face on to play with my kiddos! All the helpers got these red shirts to wear--EVERY NIGHT! They will for sure be sweaty by the end of the week! 

Day 176: Backyard Creatures

This morning before work, Bailey found a new friend in the yard. Steven actually found it first on the patio under a chair--it was a big turtle! Bailey came right over and of course had to sniff it and figure out what it was so good thing it wasn't a snapping turtle! 

Day 175: VBS Kingdom Rock

Last night was the first night of Vacation Bible School at our church. I was in charge of the 3-4 year olds!! The theme was Kingdom Rock and was full of adventures! Man do the kids have a ton of energy!! I also became in charge of the music because I was the only one who had actually listened to the songs and new the actions! It will be a fun--but long--week. It's from 600-830 and I need to be there by 545 at the latest. So from driving home after work to feed Bailey and such, change clothes, drive back into town to get a quick bite to eat with Steven, there will be no time to work in the house--It's all good though because it will be a great ministry to the kids of our church and in the community.

Day 174: Bedroom Decor

I think our room is finally starting to come together! After working most of this week cleaning, purging clothes, etc. I was pretty happy with the progress. I had been looking for some sort of decoration for above our bed and hadn't found anything I liked.. or that was big enough to fill the space. Good ole Target came to the rescue again and I found a 3 piece decoration that I think goes nicely! :) 

Day 173: Service Project, House Projects, Friend Time

This morning, Steven and I met up with our friends from our group at church to work on a service project. There is a house that another member of our church is connected with and they are fixing it up so that it can be given to a family. The inside of the house is mostly done but some work needed done on the outside--fixing sidewalks, fence, landscaping, etc. So we worked from 9-1200 or so on different projects and got it looking quite nice--sorry no pictures :( It was quite hot being outside all day and we were quite dirty! We had a quick lunch together before all returning home to get cleaned up. 

Steven and I came home and worked at home for a few hours before heading back into town. I got some more work done in our room--it's looking really good--lots of garbage bags filled, to-go clothes tubs, etc--while Steven mowed the lawn. Then we got cleaned up and went back into town to meet back up with our group for a cookout and games. I got to play with Maddie who is getting so big! She's almost a year old and cruising all over the place! She sat on my lap just long enough to get a picture but then she was off. Later she really wanted to climb up on the couch and sit by me--look at that face, trying so hard!!

Day 172: Mission Shortbread

Yesterday morning on my way to work, I realized I left my shortbread tin on the table at Cracker Barrel! I called Steven right away just to have him check the car, but I knew it had been left :(. I was so sad to lose my special London gift. I called over to Cracker Barrel right away, wondering if just maybe they kept it and didn't throw it away and they had kept it!! YAY!! So after work today, Steven and I planned to go and retrieve the London tin! Steven's Mom ended up coming over so she joined us as well. I went into the restaurant and it was very busy and crowded  but after about 10 minutes of waiting, the tin was returned! Just for rescuing it, I treated us all to a shortbread cookie!!

Day 171: Baby Time

After work today, Steven and I went over to our neighbors house to visit. Steven, Brett and the older two kids were playing outside and I stayed inside with Christa and the new baby! It has been really nice getting to know Christa more and gaining a new friend. Plus--I got to spend my evening holding this beautiful new baby girl---  squishy goodness! :)

Day 170: Reunited

Today is finally here--I get to be reunited with a bestie!! My dear friend Elizabeth has been living in London with her new hubby and I haven't seen her since our wedding--too long I must say! She was in town for her sister's wedding and was able to make some time in her busy schedule to meet in Bloomington for dinner and a friend visit. Steven and I were running late due to some road closures and detours and we hoped they hadn't left. They didn't have a phone for us to contact them with, I even called Cracker Barrel to see if they could get ahold of them but that didnt' work either. We got to the restaurant and Elizabeth and John were sitting outside in the rocking chairs!! YAY! Steven dropped me off at the door and Elizabeth and I shared a long awaited hug!! (Also realized we had very similar shirts on!) A special tin of cookies all the way from London was given to us too! :) After yummy food and friendly conversation it was picture time. I had brought my new camera and everything to show her and get some nice pictures, but then I forgot my camera card---whah whah whah! Thank goodness for camera phones to be able to get a nice one for us! Our visit was coming to an end, and goodbyes were being said. It will be a longer time before we see each other again--maybe Steven and I will have to make our own trip to see her? London, yes please! 

Day 169: Pizza and Trivia

After work, Steven, David, Kelsey and I went back into Peoria to meet up with our friends from church for a night of pizza and trivia! We ended up winning free dessert on accident because apparently when I write "trillion"..my "tr" looks like a "b" and made us get the answer right--free dessert!  YUM!! It was nice to get to hand out with everyone and get out of the house for a while. 

Steven also had a project of putting together this nice bedside table for me!! YAY! I finally have a table! I got a set of lamps at a garage sale that go very nicely! More pictures to come as I am working in our bedroom the rest of this week in hopes to get it looking marvelous! I have tomorrow off so will hopefully be super productive! :) 

Day 168: Flowers and Apples!

After a long day at work, I came home and enjoyed some time in our yard, playing with my camera and taking pictures in our yard. And we have apple trees!! I hope they are good apples! :)

Day 167: Father's Day

Happy Father's Day! After church, we headed over to Toluca for lunch--Dad's choice! We got right in at Mona's which was really good, considering we thought we might be there an hour just waiting! We enjoyed our dinner--a HUGE pretzel appetizer, and ice cream! Then Steven and I headed out for Bloomington to meet up with Steven's dad and siblings. The boys saw the new superman movie while Eleanor and I hung out and did some shopping--boys said the movie was really good so we might have to rent it later! Then we finally headed back home, played with Bailey and headed in for an early night.

Flashback photos of me and my daddy :)

Day 166: Race Day

It's RACE DAY!! We woke up at 5 AM to get dressed, let Bailey out and get ready to go! The weather was looking like it might rain when we left our house but it only sprinkled throughout the day! It was nice because it kept it cool all day long!

We got there and got our bibs pinned on and got all stretched out! Photo-op of course! 

We also ran into a friend of ours from church who was also doing the race! There were SO MANY people there so it was nice to see a familiar face! 

Then it was time to get lined up and ready to go! We just stayed towards the back figuring we'd rather be in the slower group and pace people than be with faster people and get plowed over! We went in knowing we wouldn't run the whole thing, but planned from the beginning that we were finishing together. So, we went at whatever pace we felt like for the moment--ran some walked some--even danced some!! Yes, you heard me correctly, danced! We were running in a park area and there was a jazz band playing which was really nice to give some encouragement and change it up a little bit. While we were running, Steven out of the blue says "Let's Dance!". I was so surprised and shocked and at first was like, what no, we can't right now! But he grabbed me hand, pulled me over to the side of the street and we started dancing, right there! It was seriously the best moment of the whole thing and made my entire day! 

When we got within the last mile, it was all downhill and we decided we were going to finish strong and run the rest! We were doing pretty good and could finally see the finish line--I was ready to stop and just walk but Steven kept pushing me and we ran across the end! 

 After we finished, we grabbed some water and just stood by the fence watching for our friends to finish! We met up with 2 of our friends from church and grabbed some free food and drinks! We stayed for a few hours just sitting in the grass and enjoying the nice day and hearing all the winners announced. 

After the race we came home and just relaxed before we had to get ready for my aunt and uncles 50th wedding anniversary party. It was a lot of fun, got to visit with family and do a little dancing! We didn't stay too long though because we were so tired and just ready to crash! I can't say I'm addicted to this whole running thing or anything now, but I could see myself sticking with it and doing it again!

Day 165: New Baby! and Getting Ready

After work today, I went and picked up on our running gear! We got our running bibs, shirts and a bunch of goodies! :) I fell off my training program and am no where near what I was hoping to be doing. My original goal was to be able to run the whole thing and under an hour, but I know I won't be able to run the whole thing. So, now I'm just going to go at the best pace I can and walk when I need to, and hopefully still make it under an hour. I picked up myself a new pair of running capris and shirt, as well as a few things for Steven! 

Then, Steven and I went over to our neighbor's house and visited with the BRAND NEW baby! Only 4 days old! :) Why I didn't get a picture of me holding her I have no idea, but I got to hold her for a little while and she was beautiful with a full head of hair! We got her older brother and sister a little gift for being such good older siblings and they were so excited to get a gift! We will be over to visit again soon so hopefully I'll be able to get a picture with her! :)

Day 164: Pinterest-ing

So, I haven't really been on the big Pinterest kick so far. I've gotten on a few times and had looked at a few wedding things or photography things but never did too much. Today, I was getting frustrated with cleaning, and lack of organization with my house and our stuff and I just needed some inspiration or something to get me motivated. I needed a place to start! So, I got on Pinterest and just started looking around and was directed to some pretty neat Organizing bloggers--silly me though, I forgot to actually PIN it to my account but did bookmark the page! Maybe I'll have some future posts of some fun projects I've done. 

Day 163: New Grown-Up Toys!

We have a mower!! You know you're a real adult when you are happy about yard equipment!! Steven found a guy selling it and it comes with the leaf bagger and a snow blade! The snow blade will come in handy this winter to clean up our long driveway! Steven's been having fun working with it and figuring it all out--and of course Bailey loves it too! 

Day 162: Free Sonic

Tonight we all headed over to Sonic to get a free dessert treat! When we were at the baseball last week a player hit a home-run at a very specific point and we all got a free treat from Sonic! We all took our game ticket and got a free treat-except Steven who wanted a Blast (their version of the blizzard) and the free dessert was a fruit/icecream thing. So Kelsey, David and I got the fruit slush/ice cream thing--free small :) and Steven got a large M&M Blast! 

 Steven also had an eye doctor appointment after work today and got his eyes dilated. When we were sitting around at home he still kept his sunglasses on because his eyes were still bothering him. It was so funny looking over at him with his glasses on inside and you couldn't talk to him and keep a straight face. Ray Charles comments were made..lol

161: Spa Day

Day at the Spa? Don't mind if I do! I finally took advantage of the Spa-gift certificate I got for graduation and got a full body massage and spa pedicure! It was WONDERFUL! Before that I did some shopping of my own and went to a bookstore and got some new books to read and started one while I was sitting getting my pedicure! :) 

Day 160: Birthday Dinner

After another LONG day of work--and working 6 days straight--I was ready to pretty much go to bed and be lazy. Instead, we met up with my parents and Jenna to celebrate my birthday---a much better plan than my original! :) We met at Granite City for supper and I enjoyed a yummy drink and free dessert! I got a WillowTree person holding a dog from my grandma, a gift card to the loft from mom/dad, running shorts and cute sandals from Jenna, and a old picture of the family farm! It was neat looking at the picture and realizing how much has changed since 1997!! 

Day 159: Dinner with Friends and Wonderful Weather

After a long day at work, I came home got changed and Steven and I met up with our neighbors/good friends for supper! They have 2 kids--Kennedy and Dylan--and Christa is having her C-section on Monday so it was her turn to pick dinner before all the exciting changes start happening! We stayed at their house after dinner while the boys watches the BlackHawk game, the kids played outside, and we just sat in lawnchairs and talked and enjoyed the nice weather. The kids were put to work sweeping the driveway--I think Kennedy has the advantage with her big broom! but Dylan wanted to help too so picked up his toy broom :) 

Day 158: Just the 2 of Us!

Not much happening here. Steven and I met up after work to go out to eat just the two of us! We love having our guests around but they left this afternoon and we were able to enjoy the time just the two of us.  This weekend is going to be busy because I am working Saturday and Sunday so we took it easy tonight and just stayed at home after dinner. 

Day 157: Baseball

After work today, Steven, David, Kelsey and I headed to Burger Barge for supper. David was thoroughly impressed with the menu online and was dying to try it out. He potentially the biggest burger they made--with the buns being 2 bacon grilled cheese sandwiches! oh my! 

After dinner, we headed into Peoria for the Chief's game. All day the weather looked like it was going to rain and we didn't decide until last minute that we were for sure going. The weather stayed nice the whole night and was really good weather for a game. Sadly, the Peoria Chief's lost :( We did get a free Sonic Blast out of it because one guy hit a home-run at a specific instant. We tried to stop after the game but it was already closed. 

Day 156: Microwaves and Popcorn

We met Steven's sister, uncle and Grandma tonight to go into Peoria to pick up a microwave. His grandma's got struck by lightning so they went shopping for a new one and used it as an excuse to come see us! :) When we got home, David had made popcorn which sounds really yummy so we made some of our own too!! Guess who else likes popcorn? Bailey loves it! Jumped up and bit it right out of Kelsey's hand! We need to teach her some manners it sounds like! 

Day 155: Mary Kay Facials!

I had scheduled to have a MaryKay part at my house tonight and invited quite a lot of people--several people got back to me that they couldn't come for one reason or another, but sadly no one showed up! I felt bad for my mom who took all the time to get prepared and bring all her stuff but Jenna, Mom, Kelsey and I still had a good time and had our own facial party anyway! We also enjoyed my yummy fruit pizza I made--which was gone before I could get a picture of it!

My first cool picture with my new camera!! 

Day 154: Mower Dilemmas

Oh, the joys of having a big yard to mow! Not normally an issue--except when you don't have a full functioning mower. We have been having some issues with our current mower and needed to get some parts for it to try and fix it, which turned into needing more parts to be ordered and in the meantime, grass that is getting longer and longer! So, hopefully we will be able to get it mowed soon! Steven was mowing at nighttime just to get it finished while it was still running "It's got headlights" was Steven's response. Our roommates thought he was quite ridiculous! haha

Day 153: Homeward Bound

We were able to get on the road this morning by about 9 and made it into Wisconsin before stopping for lunch.We stopped at an Outlet Mall and I was able to get some summer clothes on sale!! woohoo! 
We got home about 8 o'clock to find Jenna, Kelsey and David hanging out with Bailey. Bailey wasn't as excited to see as us as I thought she'd be..but Jenna said she had just been really excited for David and Kelsey and was probably all wore out! Bailey did leave us a nice note telling us of all the excitement she had with her Aunt Jenna! 

Day 152: Wedding Celebration

Today we were able to sleep in a bit and enjoyed our complimentary hotel breakfast before heading out for some morning shopping. I needed to get a scarf/wrap to wear at the wedding because it was supposed to be cool and the wedding was outside so we went to Kohl's and Steven wanted to go to Toys-R-Us :). We drove around the St. Cloud, MN area before we looked for a place to eat lunch. Steven looked up some places and we arrived at Space Aliens. It was basically a Chuck-E-Cheese with a full menu although not as many games. They had a special appetizer on special so we ordered that--which should have been all we ordered because it was HUGE! Steven also ordered a bacon-grilled cheese which looked like it was delicious! He was very excited about it! haha We played Skeeball and Nascar racing before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding.

We had to drive a little over an hour to get to the resort/lodge area where the ceremony and reception were going to be held. It was a beautiful area right on the water. We had a little bit of time to kill so went into a little shop called The Chocolate Ox which was a little candy shop, so Steven of course had to fill a little bag with candy. We headed outside to find out seats--I was glad I bought my wrap because it was a little cold. The ceremony was simple and sweet and Rachel looked beautiful :) After the ceremony, we headed inside for cocktail hour before supper. The food was great and we enjoyed a few dances before getting back in the car to head to the hotel.