the little things

it's monday already?!

We had such a great weekend! Lots of downtime, lots of family & friends, lots of fun.
Saturday we did a little grocery shopping and then made a trip to Archiver’s, on the way up my sister called to see what we were doing because her & the boyfriend were bored.

Nate & I asked them to come to dinner with us at an Italian restaurant my family has eaten at for years, but neither Nate or JB had eaten there before, so after Archiver’s they met us there & we had SUCH a great dinner! Great food and great conversation..love that! During dinner we decided to all go to the Drive In! I hadn’t been to a drive in for years-so I was pumped!

We realized we didn’t have any chairs, so we would quickly need to make the 30 minute trip one way back home to get our chairs, but would drop Megan’s car off at my dad’s house (he lives right up from the restaurant)..well, dad was there & he’s such a lifesaver! He gave us money to just go buy new chairs & then when we were done, we’d just give him the chairs back since he needed new ones anyway! Haha. It was a win-win situation!

We got to the Drive In about 15 minutes before the box office opened, so we waited in line & then went in…soo much fun! I didn’t have my camera, but Megan did, so we snapped a few shots before the first show started..this is my favorite!

We saw I now pronounce you Chuck & Larry & then Knocked Up. Neither were ones I would have to see again, but they weren’t terrible, just not what I was thinking I guess.

We still had an awesome time! I love summer nights like that-unplanned, fun..just a great time!
We didn’t get home until after 2 in the morning, so needless to say, we missed church, but Megan & JB came over & then my mom & Phil stopped by.

They ended up staying for dinner! I made homemade pizza & then mom showed me how to make her fabulous homemade cinnamon rolls! OH YUM! (thank goodness I still had all my flex points saved!) We had a GREAT afternoon/evening!

After they left, Nate & I made a quick trip to WalMart to get photos printed so I can scrap today! And then came home to watch some shows we had on the DVR and then…he totally watched a chick flick with me!! How Stella Got her Groove back of all things! Haha. A co-worker let me borrow it since I had never seen it before. I thought it was sweet Nate watched it with me-even tho I know he was hating it the whole time! lol
Now, here we are..it’s Monday already..we slept in, and have been lounging all morning.

K, must go..I have new photos calling my name to scrap!! :) *So sorry for the small font, my computer is throwing a FIT today! lol*

TGIF!!

Well,

Ohio

’s drought is officially over-we’re getting TONS of rain today!  It was a blast driving in it at 6:20 this morning, let me tell ya. ;)

But, it’s Friday..so I am happy! 

We have no real plans this weekend, so it will be nice to have one last relaxing weekend before the craziness of August comes.  I absolutely, positively cannot wait to sleep in tomorrow! I have been so stinkin tired all week-no fun you guys!

Finally got everything in order with Nate’s direct deposit at work & such.  Soo happy about that because it was driving me crazy trying to figure out when his check would be mailed, etc.  I have a system that cannot be messed with! LOL

One of my co-workers is bringing her baby in this afternoon, so I am pumped about that!! Can’t wait to get my baby fix!

Not much going on really..this week has gone by pretty fast (thank goodness!).  I scrapped this last night.  I was tickled with that photo b/c it’s in one of my favorite areas of our apartment, so I had to scrap it right away!

I am seriously such a boring person lately! Good grief! Haha.  Maybe something fun & exciting will happen this weekend??! LOL  anywhoo, it’s after 7:30 already & I’ve been here since 7 & haven’t done a thing…so I best get to it!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! And thank you all so much for the kind words of support!  I really appreciate them!

off to a good start!

So, last night was my night to “weigh in”

I’m down 3.6 pounds! Sooo excited for that!  I still have a looong way to go, but I did better than I thought!

Megan spent the night & we had such a great girls night!  We went into town so I could get a new paid of dressy sandals and I have not laughed so hard in a shoe store-ever!  She cracks me up!

Then, we went to Best Buy & I totally picked up Hocus Pocus for like $7! LOL and then I treated her to Starbucks, just cuz she’s cool like that! LOL

We didn’t go to bed until after 11..and for me that’s kind of bad b/c I get up at 5:30..and I am sooo not a morning person! (needless to say, I’m struggling this morning! Haha)

Anywhoo, off to start the work day & eat my grapes for breakfast!

Hope everyone is great!

new found love.

still here! it's just been one of those weekends where you just simply enjoy doing whatever..and enjoy we have!  still doing good on program!  used up all my 'extra' points tho..had a treat-icecream! mmm.

i love it tho!

i scrapped a little yesterday..not real oomf tho-so I didn't get to participate in the CHA challenges like i had hoped but oh well..there's always next time!  so, i am going to try agin tonight while Nate is at work..we shall see!

visited with friends & family saturday & sunday, which is always nice. 

today, Nate mentioned a new ornament that just released at Hallmark. He pretty much didn't even have to say what it was, as I immediately guessed correctly: a Hotwheels car. LOL  so, we didn't waste a minute this morning before picking up his very own. he loves it. and I admit, it is kinda cool. :)  we also stopped by JoAnn's so I could browse, but our JoAnn's stinks here, so I only came out with a few pieces of felt (8 for .98--can't be beat!)

then, we did what i love most: went for a drive around town. :)

we are still thinking about what we want to do as far as the living situation goes. we have 3 more months, which may seem like an ok amount of time, but I know it's going to be here before  we know it-so today strolled around looking for some areas we like..and enjoyed the summer breeze. it was really nice!

I just wish we were ready to buy our own home. have some equity.  *sigh*  I know exactly what I want..I'd love to have a cute, little cottage/cape cod home, with walls that I can paint great shades of blues, green & reds. It would have archways. and built ins everywhere. and wooden floors. oh, and a front door with like 9 small window panes at the very top, in rows of about 3!  and a kitchen with white cabinets & brushed nickel fixtures and a nice backyard, not too big, not too small..but just nice enough for Nate to grill out on and for the future dog & kiddos to play in! :) hey, a girl can dream, right?!

anywhoo..after our drive, we decided to stop by an antique store downtown. i've ver really been into an antique shop before, so this was super exciting!  we fund lots of great things..including the greatest dark stained coffee table..we almost bought it, but withheld for a while. maybe soon tho! :)  we came out empty handed, but i cannot wai to go back! i love that kid of stuff..stuff with character & a history!  ...some of my favorites: the old mason & ball jars with metal lids & handles, old linens, like cloths & towels, buttons, bowls, and of course some of the old shelves, bookshelves, etc. 

I think I am finally finding my true homedesign style- rustic. old. aged. =primitive. :)

love it. i've always liked modern stuff too, but i truly cannt wait to one day have a home filled with old sentiments & pieces...stuff that,as I said before..has character. (plus, the new season of Design Star on HGTV started last night & i am PUMPED to see what they all come up with! I already ahve my favorites! anyone else watching?)

i should make a wish list for Nate..as the birthday i coming up in 2 weeks! LOL ;)

anwhoo,off to try to scrap..anything to keep me from eating! LOL  and thank you again for all the kind words of support! i have some awesome blog readers!! :)

How I know I’m really on track:

My stomach is growling. I’m actually HUNGRY! And not just stuffing my face with anything I want, whenever I want!

The ¾ cup of Fruity pebbles & ½ cup of milk for breakfast 3 hours ago just ain’t cutting it for my body who is used to having whatever it wants! Haha.

But, I’m just going to continue working & then at 10, I get a string cheese!  My body has no clue what is going on-it’s not used to this control. Portions,time, choices, etc.

I know it will all even out after a few weeks-the beginning is always the hardest for me…just getting accustomed to the new routine.  I’ll get there! :)

Thank you all so much for the kind words!  I really appreciate the encouragement! It truly will not be an easy journey, but I have no other choice.  It’s time feel great again!

I really hope to keep this blog as a means of documentation in this new journey, not just the everydays.  Just a way to record, vent and share this crazy process that so many people can relate to.

Last night after work I went to my mom & Phil’s for dinner. It was delicious!  We had all vegetables and I loved it!  I had corn on the cob, fresh picked green beans, slices of tomato & a small slice of mom’s homemade cornbread…it was like summer on a plate!  Sooo good & good for me!  That never happens! LOL I even had enough points to come home & have a strawberry fruit bar! Mmm. Heaven. :)

I hope everyone is having a great week!  I wish I were going to CHA.  That is still one of my big goals-to attend a show one day soon!  Thanks again for such sweet words!

I’m not giving up this time.

So, I know it was just a few weeks ago that I said that I was getting back on track with Weight Watchers..and yadda yadda yadda.

Well, as always, I barely lasted 2 days before I gave up.

Can you say ridiculous?

I guess I just felt better complaining about unhappy I was with my weight, but never wanted to do anything about it.

Until last night.

When I hit absolute rock bottom, thanks to “finding” some photos of myself from a couple of years ago when I lost 60+ pounds. Yeah. Talk about a smack in the face.

I found myself devestated when I looked at the photos from my computer to myself. Complete disgust.

And that was it. That is all it took-seeing old photos of a thinner, more confident me. I admit, I bawled like a baby.  I have had enough.

So, I rushed into the bathroom, weighed myself (hated seeing the highest number I have ever seen on the scale), wrote it down, stuck it on the refrigerator with a photo of my favorite “thinner” photo for inspiration. Then, went right to the pantry & into the fridge to write how many pts each thing was a big black permanent marker.

No more of those Little Debbie brownies, that’s for sure! ;)

I deserve to have that confidence back..and to look & feel better.

So does Nate & my future family.

So, this is REALLY it you guys. I have simply had enough.

This week (even tho it’s mid week now) I plan on just trying to get back my control of portions, food choices & journaling.  Then, next week hope to incorporate some kind of physical activity..even this weekend hopefully walking with Nate!

I am nervous but excited all at the same time. Praying I get to a healthier weight in good time. :)

love when that happens!

Earlier last week when I was going thru the mounds of STUFF on my scrap table, I came across this print that had 2 small photos on it. One of Nate & I & the other of a yummy dinner at Panera. As soon as I saw the forgotten shots I was instantly taken back to that night. Just a simple, but wonderful date night with Nate..in Canton, April, 2006. It seems so long ago now..so much was different then..I love finding just a photo or 2 to make me remember back & then get inspired to scrap it!

So, scrap I did...yesterday after Nate & I got back from Hobby Lobby (went there for some Elsie stuff, but theyonly had a few things left & none of which I was after! ha. go figure). But, I did manage to find some more AC thickers which I am in LOVE with! and some felt. I may be "behind the times" with that, but I gotta say; I LOVE it! love the dimension it adds to even the smallest of embellishments!
anywhoo..I will get going now, as the font on this is ENTIRELY too small, and thanks to my web browser of choice tonight-I can't fix it! dOh!

Hope all of you had an enjoyable weekend! I am off to watch The Next Food Network Star with Naters, then it's off to bed before my day off tomorrow!! :)

happy friday!!

I was tagged by the uber talented, way sweet, totally awesome Caroline! Fun Stuff!

My roommate and I once: I never had a roommate until nate, so now that he’s my roommate, once we left a candle burning for 2 ½ days while OUT OF TOWN! Yikes.

Never in my life have I: flown in an airplane.

High school was : a pretty fun time & I miss it.

When I'm nervous : I talk even more than normal ;)

My hair : is pretty short & now I miss it being long..so I’m growing it back out.

When I was 5 : i became a big sister & loved it (still do!)

When I turn my head left : I see my phone, a cubicle wall full of phone numbers & family photos.

I should be : working. But it’s Friday, so eh, whatever! LOL

By this time next year : I will be almost 24..and who knows. Whatever God has planned.

My favorite aunt is : Kim (my mom’s sister). If you would have asked me that when I was little, it would have been a wayyy different answer, because she scared me to death! not anymore. She’s a fantastic person.

I have a hard time understanding : people’s way of thinking sometimes.

You know I like you if : I joke with you.

My ideal breakfast is : not a big breakfast person, but I do love an oj & grandma’s toast & sausage patties. Breakfast is so much better at gram’s for some reason.

If you visit my home town : you may be a little bored. And see lots of cows & fields. It’s pretty small, but perfect for me, so I’ve realized this past year.

If you spend the night at my house : I’ll make a good dinner (or try to anyways!) and we’ll probably have to watch some good tv, like Top Chef & Rob & Big..

My Favorite blonde is : I have so many.

My favorite brunette is : nate.

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds : none. Birds are enough & even those creep me out!

I shouldn't have been : so anxious to start these 10 hour days!

Last night I: came home at 7:13, had some yummy nacho dip, got online a bit & talked to nate.

A better name for me would be : no clue. I’m happy with with nichole

I've been told I look like : no one. And that’s ok with me. however, I have been told I laugh like betty rubble. Grrrrreat, just great.

i tag >> nadine, ek, alex & jill.

*have a great weekend everyone!!*

reason #765 i love my husband.

today, at noon I received this call while at work..it pretty much made my day :)

Me: hello.

Nate: I love you.

Me: what did you do?

Nate: (pause) well..when I went to walmart today for those things YOU needed, I just HAD to swing by the toys.

Me: uh huh (I know where this is leading)

Nate: and oh gosh, nichole, the aisle was just BURSTING with Hotwheels!!

Me: oh. Really?  How many did you get, husband?

Nate: now, now..I am not finished. 

Me (trying not to laugh): sure, whatever. How many?

Nate: well, I had $10 cash in my pocket…and I have you know I LEFT over 15 Mystery cars on the pegs..!!...

Me: ok, so how many did you bring home?

Nate: ummm…well..I spent the whole $10..so I got 10.

Me: really? That’s all you got?!

Nate: yeah. Cuz I didn’t want to get carried away…

Me: well, who cares..if they have more that you want, hurry back & buy them all!!

HAPPY Husband: seriously?

NICE Wife: absolutely. It’s been a while. They’re a buck a piece..go to town!

EXCITED nate: you’re the best and I love you.

Me: I know. Have fun and goodbye!

*with our I love you’s at the end :) *

I love the little things that make this life so grand. Who knew Hotwheels could make a 23 yr old man so stinkin happy?! My guess is he’s at home right now updating the Hotwheels list (yeah, he has one..don’t tell him that I put that info on the blog tho! ;) )

chipper.

we had a great weekend! Nate's first night at the new job went great-he says he really likes it!
we slept in allll weekend & enjoyed being with family friends every day..the photos are from Saturday night at the annual Orrville City fireworks. we had a blast! Nate & I got there after 5 p.m. & hung out with Tana & Zeb until mom & Phil got there after their anniversary dinner (6 years for them already!) & just enjoyed people watching & catching up until the show at 10 p.m.! I loved relaxing nights like that.
Saturday afternoon, we went scrapbook & hotwheels shopping. LOL Had a good time.
Most of yesterday was spent at my dad's for a cookout. Besides it being a million degrees out, we had a really good time. Saw lots of family & ate lots of good food. Then, we went to my grandparents house to drop off some Pampered Chef goods, which by the way..I LOVE the stuff I got! Thanks to my mother in law, I now own the food chopper & large cutting board (yey for an early birthday gift!). I also got my veggie/devilled egg tray, icecream scoop, spatulas & pizza cutter! It was so fun surprising my mom last night with her Trifle Bowl that she had been wanting forever! I had extra "free-money" left from the party & decided I had everything that I really wanted and mom deserved that bowl. She loves it-and says she "can't wait to put lots of good chocolate layers in there..oh..and fruit!" haha. ;)
all in all a great weekend. plus, today was my first Monday off..I start 10 hour days tomorrow. not too thrilled about it, I just hope I adjust ok to getting home after 7 every night. YUCK!

these are some pages i did yesterday & today. finally starting the honeymoon album! ooo maybe i should work on the wedding photos too?! yikes.
happy Monday!