Mini-makeover: Kitchen Bar

When we first looked at the house a few years ago, the previous owners had two barstools sitting next to the ledge.  That's all it was, a ledge.  Not a bar where barstools were appropriate, but a little teeny ledge.  I've always wanted to exend the ledge to be an actual bar - where we can eat there, we can keep each other company while cooking, extra seating, and more counterspace!  I've had a hard time finding the right match to our existing countertops, until recently, I found exactly what we need.  What's even better, it's a relatively inexpensive project that will make such a huge impact.  We only spent $400 :)

This morning, the long-awaited installation happened - check it out!  [after pic courtesy of Daniel, I can't wait to see it in person]

I can't wait to start using it to it's max - eating meals there, serving meals off of there, etc, etc.

BEFORE - note how skinny the "ledge" is!

AFTER - check out all that space!  You can see a large dinner plate and glass fit on there perfectly

Wanda's Happy Day!

Last April, our dear Wanda Bear was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Robin & Wanda knew it would be a long, bumpy year, but there was a light at the end of the tunnel.  After several procedures, countless doctors appointments, chemotherapy, and radiation - SHE'S DONE!  Yep, you read that right - no more treatments!  Yesterday was her last treatment, and I'm so happy to say I was able to see her and give her a big ole hug [robin, too!].  Just like our little buddy Kid President said, she fought cancer LIKE A BOSS!

Strong
Positive
Rockstar
Fighter
Courageous
Resilient
Cancer

All of these describe her, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.  Oh yeah, one more thing, she couldn't have done it without Robin.  She embodies all of the same principals (minus the cancer).  I'm so proud of both of them for getting each other through a dark and bumpy time.  We are at the light at the end of the tunnel.  Let the wedding festivities begin!

Wanda and her two best cheerleaders celebrating!

Love is in the Air

Yep, that day of the year that is either hated or loved - Valentine's Day.

Me, I'm indifferent.  Daniel & I have never done anything over the top for Valentine's Day.  First there's high school.  We live on our parent's money, so you keep it low-key and cute.  Then comes college, and we were halfway living on our parent's money, but hours apart.  Still, low-key and cute.  Now there's married life, and we are living on our own money (read: nothing).  Even more now, extremely low-key but fun!  I would die if I received v-day flowers- they are three times as expensive and they eventually die.  This year, Daniel & I have committed to a healthy lifestyle (read: not a diet), and he surprised me with a FitBit!  It's a fun pedometer on crack!  It calculates steps walked, distance walked, calories burned, and syncs up with an app on my phone.  It's an all-inclusive gadget that incorporates what you eat along with exercise.  Daniel is going to get one, too, and it will be a fun way to stay on track!  We are planning on fixing dinner at home (probably sloppy joes - ha! - edit: we ended up with chinese takeout), and catching up on Parenthood. 
I have a pretty awesome guy, and we have a pretty incredible life, and I love him every day - not just on this public-display-of-affection day.

And to you, all three of my faithful readers, Happy Valentine's Day.  I love you today, and every day!

Oh, and to all of those on facebook posting pictures of the flowers that their guy sent them (none of my faithful readers), you annoy me.  Posting something like that on facebook doesn't make your relationship any stronger.  End rant.

Blast from the Past

Recently when Daniel was cleaning out his man cave, he came across these stamps...

They are from when he used to send me cards when we were in college.  Isn't that funny?  At the time, stamps were $.39 - so he had leftover $.37 stamps and needed the $.02 additional stamps.  Now, we have Forever stamps, so the additional stamps aren't needed.  As of today, it costs $.46 to mail a letter :)

And while we're at it... here is a blast from the past picture from college

At our favorite Thursday night hangout - Sharkey's

Scary Happenings

Our sweet Abby was rushed to the hospital on Friday via ambulance because she had a seizure - scary, right?  Beyond scary.  It was a "fever induced" seizure, as it turns out she has a pretty awful ear infection.  She's more prone to them now since she's already had one.  She's much better now, but her fevers will now need extra-attention, to try to prevent seizures in the future.  We are SO glad she is alright, I wouldn't know what we would do if something worse happened to our sweet girl.  Lots of hugs and kisses her way! 

One more thing, Kelly gave her a "pep talk" and told her this isn't the way to get attention ;)  Hopefully she listens!

All better!  Just doing a little bit of teething, looking as cute as ever

A Pep Talk

Here is the most incredible video I think I've ever seen.  When I'm having a rough day, or Daniel and I need a pick-me-up, we just play this little gem.  It speaks for itself!  Save it to your favorites, and keep it in your back pocket for when you need it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o&feature=player_embedded

Thanks, Kid President, and whoever your writers are.  This will come in handy for a long time ahead.



...and another thank you to my husband who always gives us a reason to dance :)

Happy New Year

...yeah I know it's been almost a month, but we have been pretty boring with nothing to write about!

On December 29th, Daniel's cousin - Drew - married Jordan, and they had a beautiful wedding!  The girls of the family woke up early to decorate the reception hall, and we did a great job.  Huge transformation.  Congratulations to a couple who is madly in love - enjoy forever!

Unfortunately, Daniel spent a week feeling under the weather, so we had a low-key New Year's.  We went to Bonefish with two other couple's for a late dinner, and went back to Bobby's for Catch Phrase and watching the ball drop.  We spent the weekend being lazy, and listening to Daniel complain about his illness :)

The next weekend Daniel left with his guy-pals to go snowboarding for a few days.  I'm happy to report there were no injuries, and they all had a blast!  I spent the few days I was flying solo bouncing around houses eating dinners and cleaning up our house.  Needless to say, I was so happy to have Daniel home!

Last weekend we ordered our bar for our kitchen - sooo excited.  We have a "ledge" currently, but I found the exact swatch of our current counters, so we are having Home Depot replace the ledge with a bar.  I can't wait to see how it turns out, will keep you posted!

As you know, Robin said "yes!" to her best friend, Ben.  I went on a search for the perfect engagement gift.  I found a beautiful personalized ring plate, and since I use ring plates ALL OVER the house, I knew it was perfect!



Robin & Ben sittin' in a tree...

And I said "yes!" myself to being her Matron of Honor.  I am so honored to be such a big part of the most important day of her life!  I can't wait - the next 8 months will be so much fun.

Helping Robin "tie the knot"!

Kelly, Derek, and sweet Abby came over on Friday night.  We had pizza, started working on a puzzle, and enjoyed some good Abby time!

Legos & Legwarmers

Showing Uncle Daniel that I can walk a few steps!

Then on Saturday, my mom and I went shopping for fabric for my dining room chairs.  Our dining room is THE LAST room we have to add our touch too - I can't wait!  I was originally going to reupholster the chairs - which is totally do-able, but it very well could take me 20 years.  So I asked my mom if she would take on the big task of making slipcovers, and she agreed!  Whew!  Here's what we picked out, I can't wait to see how it comes out!

IN LOVE!

Momma working hard in the aisle of Joanns

 

 

And one more thing - the Staley family has officially grown!  Athanasius James Ponder (he'll be called Ash) was born on Thursday, January 17th.  He was 8 pounds 4 ounces and 20 inches long.  He was born on the third anniversary of his parent's engagement - pretty neat!  We were able to visit on Monday, and he - no joke - looks like a baby Benjamin Button!  We are thrilled for Doug & Jessica

 

Baby Ash



Snowflakes for Sandy Hook

On December 14, 11 days before Christmas - there was another unimaginable tragedy - a school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.  20 children, 6 adults, and the shooter's mother were all killed.  Horrific.  Anywho, let's not get bogged down in the sadness.  I heard on the news that the CT PTSA asked for paper snowflakes to decorate the new school as a winter wonderland.  That is such a fun and easy thing to bring smiles to children's faces and can warm your heart!  So the next day, the last day of work before break, I gathered the few coworkers who were around and we all made snowflakes!  I sent them yesterday, and I truly hope they will be mesmerized by a winter wonderland :)

<3

I will continue to pray for all of those affected - from the victims' families to the first responders, I know from personal experience this is a life-long struggle.  The only thing we can do is continue to make a difference. 

Christmas Crafts

I did lots of crafting for Christmas this year because a) I think it's more personal and b) I can make exactly what I have in mind and c) it's generally cheaper (hey, it's a bad economy!).  Here are some of the things I have worked on :)

Abby's First Christmas ornament

The other half

Ellen is the daughter of a sweet friend of mine - she had the same ornament except initials instead of a tree!

The Fails Family - family tree - I just love this

The Staley Family - family tree - HUGE hit!

Nativity ornament

Nativity ornament - other side

I also made Daniel's mom a wine bottle with Christmas lights, I just need to get a picture of that to show you :)

Merry Christmas!

We had an absolutely amazing Christmas!  We spent the weekend finishing up gifts, napped a lot, and just hung out.  Pretty low key :)
Christmas Adam (yep, remember Adam came before Eve!) is our "engagement anniversary".  That's right - Daniel dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him.  The day we were engaged, Daniel had made dinner reservations at Bonefish Grill - neither of us had been there, but it was the most delicious & enjoyable meal ever.  Each year since, we have gone back to have a Christmas date on Christmas Adam!  This year was no exception - we had a fabulous meal and found an awesome neighborhood nearby with awesome lights!  We'll have to remember to go back!

first time making Dog Food - addicting!

Annabeth & Ashley came over to decorate a gingerbread house.  Well, Annabeth was the main decorator ;)

I know the picture doesn't do this justice, but these lights were incredible!  The trees were FILLED with lights!  Amazing

I baked an awesome Christmas Eve breakfast - Cinnamon Roll Casserole - to die for!  What is it, you ask?  Basically it's just cinnamon rolls baked in a big casserole with icing on top!  We went to church with Daniel's family, went to my parent's for dinner & gifts with my Granma.  Busy, but fun!  So glad we get to spend time with my Granma :)

Reindeer cookies - soooo cute and super easy!

Daniel woke up bright and early on Christmas day - he said he was just too excited about giving me my gifts, haha!  He was amazing and gave me fun gifts, but the biggest surprise was not one, but four Coach items!  We went to his parent's house and I had another surprise (with help from Robin) - $100 to go shopping!  He says he doesn't trust himself to buy me clothes, so he's sending me shopping to pick out exactly what I want - how sweet!  After that, we went to his grandparent's for lunch and lots of laughs.  When we were finished there, we continued our journey to my parent's for gifts and dinner.  I had another surprise there - a new Dyson vaccuum!  Isn't he incredible?  He went waaaay over budget, and told me it was because I deserve it.  How did I pick such an amazing person?  I am so in love with him, and though I'm happy to just be with him, he made my Christmas extra-extra-special.  His thoughtfulness is just too much, and I am so very appreciative of him!
It was also so much fun to be around Abby for her very first Christmas!  Although she cannot unwrap gifts and has no clue what's going on, we love to spend time with her and love her giggles!

I hope everyone had a great day filled with fun, family, and memories!

...I forgot the thing I need to upload pics, so I'll add more tomorrow!

....and I'm back - here are some pics!

Abby Cadabby shoes!

Abby in her new red wagon

Pretty momma and abby

Happy girl!

love, love, love my husband!

December update

A few weeks went by and I didn't update because, well, we are boring and there wasn't much to update - then BAM! lots of fun stuff happening!  So here's the skinny:

Our dear Wanda Bear turned FIFTY on December 18th (Happy Birthday Sweet Wanda!) - but in preparation for the big day, Robin has been planning a surprise party all year!  We planned for months and partied on December 1st.  I am SO glad to say that she was suprised!  If you don't know Wanda, let me fill you in - she knows everything that is going on.  It is near-impossible to get anything past her.  Well, Robin did the impossible and pulled off the surprise!  What a fun, fun evening celebrating a pretty fantastic lady!  I don't have many pictures, so here is all i have-



Annabeth helping to ice lots and lots of mini cupcakes and brownie bites




Robin making the country club BEAUITFUL with pom poms!

Fifty & Fabulous cake

Cute mini cupcakes with pom-pom toppers

Dessert table set-up

The next weekend was my birthday :)  I took Friday off for a long weekend, and admist a pending sinus infection, we ran lots of christmas errands, made Christmas crafts (can't wait to show you!), and wrapped Christmas gifts!  Even better - we were treated with a special visit from Abby, and we were able to watch her for the afternoon :)

Abby loved the Rudolphs on the back of my socks

Sweet thing

Watching Home Alone

Oh - and to top it off - my BEST FRIEND GOT ENGAGED!!!  That's right - Ben & Robin are officially tying the knot!  I couldn't be more excited for two incredible people.  I am looking forward to the fun year to come!  xoxo

BEAUTIFUL!

My grandma gave me extra pieces to my Elfa organizer from The Container Store - woo hoo!  We all know that storage space is a hot commodity around our house, so I have to make space where I can.  I love it!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new organizers!

Speaking of birthday gifts - you know, there isn't a whole lot of "stuff" I need/want.  And, quite frankly, I don't want for someone to give me a gift just for the sake of giving a gift.  So, I asked my dear husband for a trip away in lieu of a gift.  We found a great Living Social deal for a resort in VA Beach.  For $80, we got a suite and a $25 spa credit.  The resort had wonderful reviews, so we went for it!  We went last weekend, on Friday, and I am so glad we did.  We arrived to the beautiful resort, and walked into our room which had the fireplace going for us!  How neat is that.  I used my spa credit for the Chocolate Peppermint Pedi, which was oh-so relaxing, while drinking a Starbucks treat.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner on the beach, and drove on the Boardwalk to see their Christmas lights!  The resort is beautifully decorated - we walked around and enjoyed their outdoor firepits.  On our way back on Saturday, we stopped by the outlets which was a madhouse, and all-in-all had an incredible time!  Much needed romantic getaway!

Daniel & Myself in front of the beautifully decorated fireplace

YUM!  Best ever bloody mary

crab - perfect for the beach!

Santa surfing

my handsome husband hanging out near the fire pit

isn't this place gorgeous?

xoxo

And THIS is what I got to wake up to!  how relaxing!