#TBT and an App Freebie!

Hi guys. I realized I have been a very bad bad blogger. I have been super busy reading posts and catching up with all my vlogging peeps that I run out of time to actually post one myself! I will remedy that right now! Things have been busy in the Kimball household because I am craft craft crafting away for an upcoming baby shower! You saw me post a little teaser here, and I am going to give you a little more of a glimpse now too. I went to Beverly's to find a couple coordinating fabrics to go with the cute item I already made and it just put the baby itchy WAY into full swing.

It's not done, and but it's going to be a car seat canopy. Just needs the straps. Stay tuned
for a DIY on this puppy!

Here's just a tiny glimpse into all the materials that are going into this gift. If you didn't know me, I'll have you know that I HAVE to coordinate my gifts. They all need to work together. So I pulled some items from my stash and coordinated new fabrics with it! I will also throw in a couple of items off her registry just to tie it all together.

It's been chilly so we have been bundling up in our sweatpants and under all out blankies....it's what we do best. I went to leave for work and I caught our pup all snuggled up with them the next morning. I realized that I need to crochet her a little blanket for her bed with all my leftover yarn. She's an important part of our family and deserves her own handmade blanket from mommy.

In other news....if your an Instagramaholic like me then you'll be ecstatic to hear that Sephora is giving away the ABeautifullMess app for free. I put off getting it because I just didn't want to buy it, so I jumped on the chance to get it for free. I love the doodles and cute things you can add to your photos as well as filters too! I was able to do a Throwback Thursday with a dressed up photo from our wedding!

There are a couple of other free apps that I think you should check out on that link as well. Silk is pretty cool if you like to doodle! I hope you all are having a great Thursday. I need to run to the dollar tree tonight and pickup some items for D's costume. Tomorrow our friend is throwing a Halloween party with a twist on a superhero theme. Hopefully they turn out and I can get some photos! Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see them first!

I would say "I Do" all over again

 

Today marks the 6 year anniversary of our wedding. It is amazing to me that it has been that long. We have been married longer than most people we know, our own age, and still love each other more and more each day. We still talk about the biggest party of our lives and the memories that it created. Every year we like to watch our ceremony video and re-live those words that we spoke out of our hearts. Holding hands and snuggling, we remember the vow that we took and the love that we share. I always ask if we can have the wedding again, because I truly mean that I would marry this man all over again. He is my soul mate and my best friend. Even during our struggles we can always overcome them and in the end it makes our bond that much stronger. Remember my love, "If you knew how happy you are making me, I never thought I'd love anyone so much." There were never truer words spoken in a song and listening to that still brings tears to my eyes as I re-live each memory.

This year on our anniversary we are going to be in Lake Tahoe. Our first vacation spot together. I wish to re-live a memory that we created by driving up to the Emerald Bay overlook and taking a "now" photo. Once of my favorite photo's from our early years is in this spot and I wish to re-create it.

Cheers to love! Happy September!

Another One Bites the Dust

You guys I have been seriously slacking on getting some posts written. Could it be that by the time I get home from work all I want to do is veg out and not sit on my computer. Yes. Or the fact that I have taken on doing P90X and that takes about an hour to an hour 20 out of my evenings. Yes again. So I am starting to write a couple of posts while the hubs is out utilizing his birthday gift (more on that later) and am using his other birthday gift to write this post (his new iPad). Seriously. I can veg on the couch and blog?! Who would've thunk it!

So. A couple weeks back a dear family friend married the woman of his dreams. If you follow me on Instagram you probably already saw a couple of those photos. But if not here's a recap of the fun filled events. It was held a a gorgeous vineyard in Temecula. Honestly, the two hour drive didn't sound fun but was completely worth it once we saw the view.  We settled into our seats after a cocktail and signing the super cute guest book. The had every guest sign a puzzle piece and will fame the assembled puzzle for their wall! I want to see that! I can't imagine a cooler piece of art! Once the ceremony began I looked for the father of the groom, one of my dads best friends since high school, and he wasn't sitting next to his wife. I leaned over and asked my mom where he was and just as I said it he came walking down the aisle as a groomsmen. I seriously teared up. What a great honor to have your father stand next to you in support of your marriage!

Us at the ceremony

Cute puzzle guest book!

Mother of the Groom

Father of the Groom and a groomsman!

During the ceremony, when the minister asked for the rings from the best man, something hilarious happened. He opened his jacket and pulled out a box of Cracker Jack and dumped both rings out of it along with a couple of pieces of the popcorn candy. The minister, slightly confused, then giggled when he grabbed a piece of popcorn and ate it while passing a couple pieces down the line of groomsmen. The entire crowd laughed for a couple of minutes and it was a very memorable moment for everyone there. After vows and a quick sand ceremony, they kissed and were married. The recessional song was "Another one Bites the Dust" by Queen, which was another tee hee moment.

The Groom

Sand Ceremony

Everyone made their way to the cocktail hour and food. During this time my mom decided that my drink was better than hers and stole it! I had to send the hubby back to get me another one and we giggled about it for the rest of the evening. On my way to find the restroom I stumbled upon the bride and groom and got a really great shot!

The gorgeous view!

We settled into dinner and chatted away the evening with our table and had great conversations and food. We listened to heartwarming and silly toasts and then it was time to dance! We did the money dance, and I of course in true fashion danced with both the bride and the groom. The hubby and I made our way to the photo booth for some silly shots and we had some yummy cake. I was also able to steal a dance with my dad, which hasn't happened since my own wedding almost six years ago. Once we had our full of wedding, family and friends, we said our goodbyes and made our way back home. It was a beautiful wedding, and I will always love attending weddings with my hubs.

Awe photo booths!

The men in my life! Hubby and Dad

'Scuse the blurry photo, the non blurry one my dad's eyes were closed :-(

We wish the newly weds a life of love, laughter and happily ever after!

A Lifelong Dream - Tuesday Topics

This is the last topic in this round of Tuesday topics. This link up was such fun and I got a preview of the next one and it looks even better! Can't wait to start it! However I do need to complete this one first. This weeks topic was one lifelong dream.

In my past this answer might have been different. Each person grows with every passing day, they change and desire different things. I still have dreams to travel the world, to be a top notch designer, etc. However the one dream that at this particular juncture in my life is to be a wonderful wife to my hubby, and hopefully soon a great mother to our children. I grew up in a large, yet close knit family. We are always there for one another and willing to do anything. While my immediate family was small, we had such a great bond that I hope to replicate one day. We did everything together, and I hope to continue that practice with my children. For them to have such great memories of their childhood, as I did with mine. I want to travel with them, and experience life again through their eyes. I also want to continue to grow as a supportive and loving wife to my hubby. To always be there for him whenever he needs. To desire him and to always be his best friend. We both continue to grow in our marriage, through good days and the trials. I just want him to know that life gets better with each passing day!

I want to thank the ladies behind Tuesday topics and I look forward to next Tuesday and the new round of topics! Bring it on!

Reasons Why He Loves Me

A couple weeks back I saw a post that inspired me to have my hubby write a little blurb for my space on the internet. You always hear about the people in bloggers lives, but usually never hear from them first hand. I asked the hubby to give a couple of reasons why he loves me. I asked him to think outside the box, and my notes are after

People always list the reasons why they love their significant others.  So today I would like to do the same.  I have been married to my beautiful wife for almost 6 years now while being together 11 years.    Some of the reasons that I love her are, she is always looking out for my best interests, she is always there for me to talk to, she is always there to lend out a helping hand, She’s creative, and likes to goof around. 

Diane is always looking out for my best interests.  When I say best interests I mean, I’m diabetic and she will always give me pointers on how to improve my control.  And tell me not to eat that second helping of ice cream. Seriously, my hubby has the worst sweet tooth! I try to help him out by asking him if that's something he should have, or if there is a better option. However I am not perfect and sometimes eat the junk right along with him! 

I love the way that Diane is always there to talk to.  I might have had a bad day at work I know that I will always be able to talk to her about it and she will give me advice or just be an ear to listen. Well isn't that what love is about.....for better or worse? I of course am there to hear about his troubles and if I have any advice I will certainly give it! 

Diane is always willing to lend out a helping hand.  She is always willing to help friends plan a wedding, plan various parties, or use her amazing skills with Photoshop to edit photos for wall art in our friend’s houses. Haha....this is so true. Ask and ye shall receive. 

Diane is there to help me out in times of need also. Such as if I need help scratching my back.  Even though she hates doing it! Honestly, it's just gross to think about another person's dead skin cells under my finger nails. I bought him a back scratcher, but he says it's not as good....and honestly I used it and am now willing to scratch the mans back. That's love. 

Diane is very creative.  She is always finding new projects to do on Pinterest and putting her own little spin on them. I love to create....it's just in my genes. He used to say what a waste of time Pinterest was until I started finding awesome recipes and now he doesn't complain! It's the best place for EVERYTHING! 

I love how she also enjoys goofing around.  One time she went to Wal-Mart and got two water pistols and put a note on it for me to find when I got home that read “Games ON”.  That was a lot of fun.  Even though she CHEATED!!!!! Ok, let me clarify this....I did not cheat. He chased me onto our balcony and then shut the door, so everytime he opened the door I had a clear shot straight to his face. Clearly I had the advantage....by his choice! Hehe. Come to think of it, I need to bust out those water pistols again! 

Those are several reasons why I love my beautiful wife but I really couldn’t imagine my life without her. 

Awe that was such a sweet note that he wrote. Some of the things I thought he was going to say is how I am constantly singing songs, and knowing most of the words....70% of my brain is song lyrics. I also dance, A LOT. I'm always wiggling around our apartment. Also there's the fact that I can never finish a load of laundry in the same day.....I just let it pile up until there's like 4-5 loads to put away. I know, just do it all at once, it's faster.

So there you have it, some of the reason's my hubby loves me!

Swimming in things I want to do, oh and Happy 11th Anniversary!

AHHHH! I need to stay off Pinterest and Craftgawker! There are so many cute things to make! The votes are in on the quilt to make for my hubby. By overwhelming popular vote, ok I got about 15 votes, and of course blessing from the receiver himself.....drumroll........

The Hope Valley quilt! Yayayayaya! I really like this one a lot! I thought that it might be complicated and since the link to the Esty store is completely sold out of the pattern I think I am just gonna have to wing this one! Now to shop for fabrics and get busy!

Our friend has also requested some more photo edits from me to complete his loft space. You may remember I did several comic book style prints for him months ago, and he has requested I do a couple more.

AND! I found this great little crochet pillow tutorial! So cute! And since I have leftover yarn from my Christmas gifts this will become the perfect project to add to our bedroom pillow cover collection. Slowly but surely I will recover all the pillows in our home! Haha! Who wouldn't want to make this bad boy?

Well enough chatting and it's time to get crafting! Well after our anniversary dinner! Today marks the 11th anniversary of the hubby and My's first date! I cannot believe it's been 11 years! I love him more as each day passes! Happy Anniversary to the LOVE of my life! I wouldn't be the person I am today without you! Love Love Love!!!!

Our First Vacation in 2002!

A Love Letter

To the love of my life; my honey and Babie.

This is our 10th Valentines Day together. We met almost eleven years ago and jeez it seems like only yesterday. We were young and so in love and I can admit that I am still so very much in love with you, although not so young anymore. As each year passes, we may change a little but you still mean the world to me! You always know how to make me smile and are always there to support me and even push me to my limits and try new things! This past weekend was an example of that! Not a day goes by that I don't appreciate you and love having you in my life. I could probably show it more and I will work on that! Every call you make to me and leave me wonderful voicemails; and your warm and loving embrace at the end if each day just makes me feel all the more special. I can truly say that I married the man of my dreams! Thank you for being you and loving me with all of your heart as I do for you.

Today isn't about candy, dinners, or flowers. It's about appreciating you. All I can say is I love you!! Thanks for a great and romantic weekend and I look forward to many more years of loving you!

Your Babie

Happy "THANKS" giving

Source

As we head into this wonderful holiday I have to take a moment and say what I am thankful for. Every year on Thanksgiving, my family gathers in a circle, grasps one anothers hands and states a prayer "Bless us thy Lord and these thy gifts, which we are about to recieve. And from thy bounty through Christ, Our Lord. Amen" Then we all go in a circle and say what we are thankful for that year.

Since 2011 and 2012 have been rather hard years for D and I and our families it may sometimes be hard to think of the positive, but in all honesty I have a lot to be thankful for. So I will start the day off with a list of things I am thankful for this holiday season:

1. I have a loving, caring husband who is always there for me. In the good times we laugh, smile and enjoy life. In the bad times he helps to pick me up and move forward. He is my rock, my best friend and I could never ask for anyone better. I love you SO MUCH!

2. I have the best fur baby on the planet. Our little Shelby is my light and my happiness on a daily basis. Even when she is bad, its really hard to stay mad at such an adorable and loving pup. I love my Shelbydoo soooo much!

3. I have a steady full time job, with a company that is so wonderful to work with. It's a rarity to find such wonderful people that truly become like a second family. In this economy it's hard for a lot of people to say this. I am also thankful that D's job has become so much better for him! The stress is gone!

4. I am thankful for my close and loving friends. Those of you who have always been there, 12 plus years, to the re-kindled friendships and the close ones that are still blossoming. You truly are my light. Thank you for being there when I need to talk, laugh, drink, or just a hug. Please know that if you ever need a shoulder mine is available! I love you!

5. To my mom. My other rock and best friend. Thank you for always being my best and most important girlfriend. I love you!

6. And finally....last but no where near in the least. To my loving, caring family....every last one of you. Thank you for your support through all the hard times. I know things can be rough at times for everyone and I am glad to know that I have so much support in my corner. I love you all!

"Feels Like Home"

In honor of our 5th wedding anniversary that is this Saturday, I am reminding my followers of the wonderful song that we danced our first dance too. It still brings tears to my eyes! Thinking about our beautiful day, and marrying my best friend!

"Feels Like Home" - Chantal Kreviazuk 

Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself 

Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms 

There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast 

Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life 

If you knew how lonely my life has been 

And how long I've been so alone 

And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along 

And change my life the way you've done 

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me 

It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from 

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me 

It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong 

A window breaks, down a long, dark street 

And a siren wails in the night 

But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me 

And I can almost see, through the dark there is light 

 Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me 

And how long I've waited for your touch 

And if you knew how happy you are making me 

I never thought that I'd love anyone so much 

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me 

It feels like I'm all the way the back where I come from 

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me 

It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong 

It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

To the one I love

I just wanted to take some time today to express how much I truly love the man in my life. My husband is the best guy I could have ever asked for. He truly loves me, the good and the bad (hopefully more good) as much as anyone could ask for. He puts up with my crazy crafting ideas, my o.c.d. and my sometimes silly nature. The moods (which lets face it, I'm a woman) and mood swings. No matter how bad my day went, or if I feel tired, worn out and grouchy...he tries to put me in a better mood and usually succeeds with his silly faces and voices. As we approach our 5 year wedding anniversary I can't help but get nostalgic and think about all the memories we have encountered in our past, and the many memories that have yet to come our way. I look forward to every new chapter in our lives, and give thanks everyday that you came into my life. As you know, I find expression more through songs than in any other art form. I dedicate a new song to my love and I hope he knows whenever I hear it, my thoughts go directly to him!

I love you Babie!

You know I'd fall apart without you
I don't know how you do what you do
'Cause everything that don't make sense about me
Makes sense when I'm with you
Like everything that's green, girl I need you
But it's more than one and one makes two
Put aside the math and the logic of it
You gotta know you're wanted too

'Cause I wanna wrap you up
Wanna kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
Never let you forget it
Yeah, I wanna make you feel wanted

Anyone can tell you you're pretty
(Yeah)
You get that all the time, I know you do
But your beauty's deeper than the makeup
And I wanna show you what I see tonight

When I wrap you up
When I kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
Never let you forget it
'Cause baby I wanna make you feel wanted

As good as you make me feel
I wanna make you feel better
Better than your fairy tales
Better than your best dreams
You're more than everything I need
You're all I ever wanted
All I ever wanted

And I just wanna wrap you up
Wanna kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
Never let you forget it
Yeah, I wanna make you feel wanted
Yeah, baby I wanna make you feel -
Wanted
'Cause you'll always be wanted 

"Cowboys and Angels"

Ok, So I kind of fizzled out on my music posts. I don't know why. They are easy peasy posts. So, We are changing that. So....here we go with my weekly favorite song! This is one of my new favs! Makes me swoon every time I hear it! Enjoy!

"Cowboys and Angels" - Dustin Lynch

There's a want and there's a need
There's a history between
Girls like her and guys like me
Cowboys and angels
I've got boots and she's got wings
I'm hell on wheels and she's heavenly
I'd die for her and she lives for me
Cowboys and angels
 

We ride side by side
A cloud of dust, a ray of light
My touch is her temptation
Her kiss is my salvation
She's sweet, I'm wild, we're dangerous
Cowboys and angels

I'm not sure why her path crossed mine
Accident or grand design
Maybe God just kinda likes
Cowboys and angels

We ride side by side
A cloud of dust, a ray of light
My touch is her temptation
Her kiss is my salvation
She's sweet, I'm wild, we're dangerous
Cowboys and angels

There's a want and there's a need
There's a history between
Girls like you and guys like me
Cowboys and angels

Happy Birthday to my Love!

Today the love of my life turns another year older. We are officially the same age again. This is the 10th birthday that I have celebrated with him I every year they are more and more special, however harder and harder to buy for....anyone tell me what to get the guy that wants everything technology! I have something sneaky up my sleeve! We are heading out to a local pub tonight with his closest friends and family to eat good food and toast his day!

I want to wish you all the happiness on your birthday and know that I will always love you for the person that you are and for all the things that you do and continue to do. You keep our family grounded and I appreciate your silly side. You know that I let you win when we roughhouse, and when I don't it's cause you CHEAT! J/K I love that we can giggle and laugh about everything, including things that we have laughed about for 10 years. That's what makes us special. I love you so, and I hope you have an amazing birthday!

P.S. Congrats on getting your Notary License! Have fun at the lake!

Love your Babie!

The Door

This week has been hard for me. It is the culmination of the hardest year I have had to face in my entire life. I have had to re-examine my priorities and dig deep into my soul. I will post another about all that, but this post has a specific context. My step mom challenged us to do many things on this anniversary, the anniversary of my dad's death. To listen to his cd that he wrote and produced. To lift a glass in his honor and to share a memory with those that knew him and those that didn't. There are so many memories that I could share, and have shared already in previous posts. I decided to share one of D's favorites. He knew him the shortest, but they formed a bond instantly. My dad respected him, and loved him dearly.

In 2008 we went to visit Florida. The trip was to be a full one, with Thanksgiving being that week and plans to do many things. On the agenda; Disney World, The Club, The Abbey, Thanksgiving dinner, horseback riding and many chores around the property. Our trip to Disney World was a blast. After being there a short 12 hours, we packed up smaller overnight bags and jumped in the car to make the hour and a half drive into Orlando. We checked into our hotel and made little inside jokes about the hot rock spa treatment that they had pictured everywhere. It was pretty funny that every time my dad found a loose rock, he placed it on his back and made a serene and relaxed face, to show how well rocks can make you relaxed. We put down our luggage, and took a tour of the property. Then we went to buy our tickets for the park the next day and get ready for dinner, after a few cocktails of course. We went to a wonderful dinner and had some amazing conversation. The next day we took the shuttle into Epcot. I enjoyed the park, but we were there too early to drink the beers of every country. We went onto a couple of rides learned some things and took some pictures. Mission to Mars was the ride of the day, not because it was particularly the best, but the funniest story. We were in line and we came to a point that was a warning and you had to decide which intensity of the ride you were going to choose. Well me being a chicken I immediately went into the tame side, with my dad right behind me. D looked at us and said, "I wanna go in the intense side." My stepmom, being adventurous said that she would go with him. Since our chicken side was shorter, dad and I got on and off the ride pretty quickly so we had to wait. When they finally came off, Daryl look green. She told D that she would only go on that for him, but that she probably would never go on it again. Soon after we parted ways and D and I took the monorail into The Magic Kingdom (I.E. Disneyland of Florida) which, to those that go to the original all the time, it wasn't worth it, but it was an experience that we shared.
 

Once back to the house we did many things. Hikes around the property, went and had the best chicken wings on the earth at The Abbey, had dinner with the neighbors Jeff and Stacy at the club, Thanksgiving dinner at Lady and Ashleigh's home and of course D's first riding lesson. He had been on trail rides before, but let's be serious, those horses are trained to follow the butt in front. So we put him in the saddle and Daryl told him how to use the reigns and him legs to control speed and direction. I rode around a bit, but was super rusty. We wandered around the property, chain-sawing dead trees, picking up sticks and mowing the property getting ready for a burn pile. D's favorite thing is the burn pile. Big giant bonfire in the middle of the property.  

The thing that D remembers the most is going into the garage with my dad and him showing how he makes furniture. He taught him how to use all the machines and together they made a door. Not very big, maybe 18" x 24." But my dad showed him how to miter corners, how to plane, sand and stain it. He walked in proud of himself and said that we were bringing it home. I thought to myself "how on earth are we bringing that home." Well I am glad we did, because now D has a memory and a piece of him always.

So there you have it, a memory to keep with us always. The year has been hard. Emotionally I have been a wreck and have tried to get back on track. I am working my way there. All I can do is keep him always in my heart. When I listen to music or play an instrument, remember who gave me the love. Laugh when I can, cry when I need. Just remember that he is looking down upon me smiling.

R.O.S     I.L.Y.T.B!



Note: I want to thank everyone who has stuck by my this year. To my husband and my parents, you are my rock and support that I stand on. My sounding board, my smile, and my mirror. Everything good I owe to you. You show me who I am, and who I can become. I am not perfect, nobody is, and all I can do is look forward and grow.  

To my friends. Thank you for those who have stuck by my side. Life isn't easy, and sometimes we get lost trying to manage. The lighthouse of friendships has made my journey easier as I navigate my way through the murkiness. These people I speak to you have blessed me with your support and understanding and I thank you always for that! 

Love you all!