It has been a while

First Thing:
I loved the color run. It was so much fun!  Bo-nanza.  Yes, we like you Bo Pelini.

 We only thought we were covered in color.

 Yeah, now we're covered.

Second Thing:
I've been doing some traveling lately.  I went to Austin to visit my best friend and had a very relaxing weekend and much needed catching up time.  I also tried Hey Cupcake! for the first time and it was fantastic!

 Then I made my way to Arkansas to visit my little sister for her 21st birthday! :)  Wahoo!

Third Thing:
There are lots of babies around.  I'm not sure how I feel about it. I did get to meet my best friend's baby Shepherd on Tuesday night.  He is so precious and it was good to catch up with her.  Still, lots of people having babies . . . not us though.  We're not at that point in our lives yet and we're okay with that.  But here's to all of those who are! Cheers.

Hopefully, I'll be posting more regularly on here.  I've been slacking.  Too much traveling and Investigation Discovery.

Good Things

First Thing:
My pearls have been missing since August.  Yesterday morning Nate found them in his sock drawer.  Praise!  Nate gave them to me for my birthday three years ago losing them was the worst thing ever.  I cried (more than once).  What's even better than Nate giving them to me is finding them for me.

Second Thing:
I made my way up to NE (again) this weekend for the wedding of a dear friend.  It was a lot of fun and very exhausting.  I can't wait to crawl in to bed tonight, sleep in the middle, and be cozy for 8 long hours.

Third Thing:
This afternoon (after my very first filling at the dentist) I went wedding dress shopping with my newly engaged friend Kasondra.  It was so much fun!  My friend Diedra still works at David's Bridal and she was able to help Kasondra find the perfect dress.  We worked together at my very first job at Hancock Fabrics (when I was 16) and she helped me find the perfect wedding dress when I got married.  It was also fun to relive the experience of wedding dress shopping.  I'm very excited to help with planning and ideas.  After I planned my wedding I thought I would never EVER want to do that again but . . . . it's a lot more fun and a lot less stressful than planning my wedding.  Tonight I will enjoy a glass of wine, an few minutes of Pinterest and wedding blogs, and some Real Housewives.  Yes, this means I will be heading to be around 8:30.  Don't judge.  It's fantastic. 

So much more fun

First Thing:
Weddings are so much more fun when you don't have to plan them.  I'm in Salem, MO this weekend for the wedding of a friend from college/one of Nate's good friends.  Thus far, the best part of this weekend was the road trip up here with Nate and his/our friend Jon.  I really enjoy getting to know Nate's friends, especially Jon, since he's been a big part of Nate's life for so long.  Until this weekend, I'm not sure we've spent any "quality" time together.  Neither of us are in the wedding so that provides a lot of opportunity to get to know one another and develop a relationship outside of having Nate in common.  I also have the opportunity to spend time with Collin, the photographer/Nate's good friend, who I've also never had the privilege of getting to know beyond Nate.  I like hanging out with Nate's friends which often means I'm the only girl among boys (sometimes a very large number of boys like tonight) but i don't mind because he does have good taste in friends.

Second Thing:
Speaking of good taste in friends, our friend Mark, stationed in Afghanistan, is on leave for two weeks and is coming to visit us this next week!!!  I can't wait!  I believe he's my favorite friend of all of Nate's friends and I can actually call him one of my good friends.  WE'RE SO EXCITED TO SEE HIM!

Third Thing:
I enjoyed Martini Asti Sparkling Wine tonight for the first time.  It's delicious! : )
The bottle says it's imported from Italy . . . I'm not sure about that but who cares.  I'm definitely enjoying it.  I'm also watching 500 Days of Summer again while the boys are bowling.  I couldn't ask for a better Friday night.

Fourth Thing:
I love my life with Nate.  Every time I go to a wedding I am reminded about how great of a marriage and life we have together.  He's the greatest and marrying him was the best decision I've made.

Hello Rain!

First Thing:
I love our house.  I love the rain and I love having our front door and back door open listening to it.  It creates a nice cross breeze in our open living room and makes for a wonderful night of tacos and football with Nate.  I welcome you fall with open arms!  Thanks for stopping by.

I also welcome listening to Nate play Mumford & Sons on the piano . . . particularly The Cave.

Travels

First Thing:
This weekend I traveled to Austin to surprise my best friend Lauren.  I traveled down with my friend Sarah and Lauren didn't know I was coming until she opened her door.  It was so fun to see her apartment and the city through her eyes.  Of course we spend nearly 6 hours at a Husker watch spot with the Central Texas Nebraskans.  It was a stressful game but the huskers ended up winning, which definitely helped my College Pick ' Em score.

Second Thing:
Nate learned to play When the Rain Comes by Third Day.  We had this song at our wedding during the lighting of the unity candle.  My dear friend Anna sang, my sister Rachel played the guitar, and my brother-in-law Ben played the piano.  It was a special moment.  (I wish I could remember every detail of it).  I love having this piano in our house!

Music

First Thing:
Nate's grandparents are here!  They are our first official house guests!  They're here to celebrate the first Husker game of the season.  There is much anticipation and build up for the game.  I almost can't contain my excitement.  This fall, I am planning everything I do around the Huskers.

Second Thing:
With Nate's grandparents came the Husker quilt (which is adorable), two quilts for future grandchildren (one for a little girl and one for a little boy), and a piano.  A PIANO.  Nate is fantastic at the piano and I wanted to give him one for our wedding, for Christmas, for his birthday, and for our anniversary.  However, the timing hasn't been right and I've been hesitant to actually purchase one because I know little about pianos and about what Nate wants in one.  Now we have one sitting nicely in the corner of our living room and it's like it was meant to be as our living room now looks complete.  Nate can finally practice and play to me.  It makes my heart so happy to see him so happy and on the piano.  That's how we first met, that's how I fell in love with him, and now that's how we'll be married.  I love the sound of the piano filling the house.

Good football and great friends

First Thing:

I cannot wait for this weekend.  In 2 days, 18 hours, 18 minutes, and 38 seconds from when I write this I will be watching UNL vs. Fresno State at Flips Patio Grill.

 Nate's grandparents are visiting us for Labor Day weekend and the first Husker game of the season.  I have been craving their fried pickles for a very long time.  I can't think of a better way to enjoy them then by watching the first game of the season.  We will also be hosting our first house guests this weekend and obtaining a wonderful piano to take up a corner of our living room.

Second thing:

Tonight I spent the evening chatting with my dear college friend, Emily.  She recently revealed she's carrying a little one and is due in late February of 2012.  It's hard to find the time to chat with best friends when our lives fill with husbands, moves, new jobs, new friends, and new babies.  I'm so excited for her and her husband.  I'm hoping my best friends and I will be able to reunite in the next year or so.  It's been too long.

 (plus my sister, who also happens to be my best friend)

The Good One

First Thing:
I come home to a house smelling of garlic and oregano.  The mister is making his specialty tonight: chicken pasta in a white wine tomato alfredo sauce. Delicious.  (He's amazing.)

Now this picture kind of looks like it's some sort of seafood dinner. . . and you may be questioning the tomatoes in the alfredo wine sauce.  Don't question it, just do it.  The sauce gets kind of pink and there are pieces of cooked tomatoes and it's delicious.  And although I'm satisfied from tonight's dinner . . . I can't but think about what tomorrow's dinner will bring . . .

Second Thing:
Tomorrow I get to enjoy Village Burger Bar with my co-workers for a birthday celebration.  Normally I get the Chicken Burger with swiss cheese, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, baby greens, and basil mayo (sometimes I sub a turkey burger instead of chicken).  However, this time I've been craving a panini and at Village Burger Bar it's basically a grilled cheese on steroids.  I think I'm going to go with the Four Cheese & Bacon with tomato, avocado, and basil mayo.  Of course all of this comes with a substitute of sweet potato fries because they are DELICIOUS!

Tastes of Home

First Thing:
Last night was date night with the hubs.  Sushi at Nandina's in Lower Greenville.  It was our first date in a long time and it was so much fun.

Second Thing:
We attended the Taste of Nebraska with my friend Jen from work and her husband, Pat.  The North Texas Nebraskans group brings down Valentino's Pizza, Runzas, Colby Ridge Popcorn, Fariybury Hotdogs, and Dorthy Lynch dressing down from Nebraska and serve it at a local watch site for Husker games.  We also became members of North Texas Nebraskans.  It made me incredibly excited for football to begin on September 3 against Chattanooga, TN.

Joel Makovicka was also there signing autographs and the brim of Nate's/my favorite Nebraska hat.  It was fun to chat with a former Husker player.

We have relocated

First Thing:
Apparently the first week of August is the worst time to move:
August 1: 107
August 2: 109
August 3: 111
August 4: 109
August 5: 107
August 6: 106
However, we are officially moved in to a three bedroom, two bathroom house.  The best part about it?  My living room.  I no longer have to weave in and out of furniture to walk across the room.  The second best part? My shortened commute to work!! Praise!  First thing we set up was the bed to rest.  Second thing we set up was the living room to relax.  Third thing we set up was the kitchen to eat.  Now we can conquer the rest of the house.

Second Thing:
I cannot wait to start the nesting process, again.  Only this time I will actually enjoy it.  Navy slipcovers for the couches and coral walls. 
For the living room:

{design seeds}

For the kitchen:

I'm hoping to paint the formica countertops anything but the muted pink they are.  If that doesn't work, I'll paint the cabinets a nice stone blue/gray and roll with it.  

For the bedroom:

We can't decide on red or turquoise.  Still thinking that one out.

For spare #1:

Bright red for the Huskers.  Anything related to the University of Nebraska and the Huskers will be in that room including the quilt Nate's grandmother made for us:

For spare #2: 

I'm still waiting on inspiration for this room.

Third Thing:

I bought a new pair of shoes last week courtesy of my friend/personal shopper.  Seriously, the perfect pair:

Thanks KK!!  Love them!

Lots of Thing

First Thing:
It's been a busy few months.  I think that's usually how the summer goes.  Lots of changes have occurred.

Second Thing:
A very dear friend of ours is in a land far away . . . camping . . . for the next year.  When I first met Mark, I didn't realize how much I'd come to like him and enjoy his company.  Little did I realize I'd be filling flat rate APO boxes and mailing them across the seas.  He's been a good friend.  Can't wait to have him back in the states and at baseball games.

Third Thing:

Mi hermana está en México por un mes.  Estoy muy emocionada por ella.  Volverá unos días antes de salir de Nebraska.  

I'm so excited for her and all she'll learn.  Now we'll actually be able to talk about lots of things when we have our "Spanish only" time in the car on road trips.  (Although I'm not sure we'll have very many road trips together left in our future, when it's just the two of us . . . listening to Shakira, trying to learn all the words in Spanish, eating Salt & Pepper and Salt & Vinegar chips from Target)

Fourth Thing:

Midnight Blue

Natural Tan

Light Mint

Bright Coral

Nate and I spent the night at Home Depot and Lowes looking at paint samples.  Samples to come soon.  I think we've narrowed it down to our exact colors and we're excited to move in and paint.  Speaking of moving . . . that will be taking place next week.  Crazy that we'll actually have space and not hear anyone above us or next to us.  

Fifth Thing:

Apparently you can strain your back and pull a muscle by running casually on the treadmill while watching Real Housewives of New Jersey.  I learned that the hard way and am suffering nightly trying to sleep and daily driving to and from work.  Luckily I have a very helpful husband.

Sixth Thing:

My sister-in-law, Brielle, just posted pictures from Nate's arrival from Iraq.

This is my first sight of Nate after he returned from Iraq.

I love this picture of his family and now my family.  So happy he returned.

This is my favorite picture.  Walking to my car after picking him up from the Lincoln airport.  In the distance are his grandparents.  That's what I want to be like when I'm a grandma.

People said

First Thing:
I can't even remember the number of people who told me the first year of marriage is the hardest.  People who I barely even knew told me that (way to be encouraging, thanks).  Looking back on this past year, Nate and I have to disagree.  Either that or we are in for some glorious smooth sailing.  Really it's the first six months that are hard.  After that we kind of just forgot about the little things that annoyed us and they don't seem to bother us anymore. I think we have our rhythm down.  Of course we expect the next 60 years to have their ups and downs, but I'm no longer going to agree with the statement that the first year is the hardest.

Second Thing:
I think I've started studying for the GRE.  I bought an old version of a study guide at Half Price Books (which by the way, it's dangerous to live 5 minutes away from one) last night and I'll need to figure out my game plan for studying.

Third Thing:
Nate and I have started going to the gym in the morning.  We wake up at 4:30 and are at they gym by 5.  It is fantastic and we feel so good.  I will have to start heading to bed around 9:30 but it frees up my evenings and I don't actually feel that tired at the end of the day.  I am liking this.  Plus it's extra time we get to spend together since he studies all night almost every night.  It's the best idea we've had (besides Austin and marriage).

Numero Uno

Our anniversary weekend started out a little early on Thursday afternoon.  {I got out of work around 2:00 instead of 5:00, which was awesome!}  We exchanged gifts almost as soon as Nate got home from class, because his package came in the mail and I could hardly wait for him to open it.

Some UA Asset Running Shoes and a few UA Workout Shirts 

And much to my wonderful surprise, I opened a tiny little box . . . that contained this . . .

A Trigold ring.  Rose gold knot around a white rose band, with a gold back. It's a little big so it'll need to be re-sized very soon.  I love it!

That was followed by a bizarre trip to the mall and a brief stop at the arcade for three games of Crusin' World.  I have to say . . . it was so much fun and very spontaneous.

That was followed by Bed Bath & Beyond.  We desperately needed new pillows and I am in heaven now.  It's like sleeping on a cloud.  

After happy hour at Chuy's, we took a nap.  Yes, we fell asleep at 7:30 pm in our bed and woke up around 10:00 pm.  I jumped up, packed for Austin, and crawled back into bed.  There is nothing better than a good night sleep in a comfy bed with a cloud-like pillow.  : ) 

Friday afternoon Nate picked me up early from work with a beautiful bouquet of yellow and orange sunflowers!!! Flowers are always unexpected but very welcomed. 

The road trip down was accompanied by the sounds of Stephen Kellogg & the 6ers, courtesy of the mister.

Saturday included a trip to the capitol, the Austin Museum of Art, south Congress and Magnolia Cafe.

Then of course, we took a nap.  We're big fans of sleeping whenever we can.  And followed our nap with a dinner at Stubb's BBQ, where we shared this . . .

I'm pretty sure we've never enjoyed anything so much.  Well except for heading to bed slightly early on Saturday night.  Yes, we love to sleep.

Sunday was Father's Day and our actually anniversary.  It was a special day.  To celebrate the two most important men in my life on the same day.

And Sunday evening brought Norton wine.  Nate and I saved a bottle of Norton Malbec from our wedding to open on our anniversary.  We opened it and it was just as delicious as we remember.  Only this time we actually had time to enjoy it.

I also received my first card from Nate (in the history of our relationship, this is the first one).  Finally!  I appreciate it. 

Limit

First Thing:
My phone vibrates and I see this scroll across the top.

Nate Norton: Spending some money at the limited huh?

I just had to laugh, because approximately 10 minutes before I received this text from Nate.  Apparently his Chase notification texts are very quick. I did spend some money at The Limited.  

Nate Norton: I do love you mucho.

It made me laugh.  He's not complaining.

Second Thing:

Nate's sick and I feel bad for him.  It's the first time he's been sick since we've been married (or even together in the same location).  Mostly I think he wants to be left alone (at least that's what I'd want), which makes it easy for me to take care of him.  I sure do hope he feels better soon because we're leaving in less than a week for my best friend's wedding!

Sweetly Broken

at the cross You, beckon me

draw me gently to my knees 

and I am lost for words 

so lost in love 

I'm sweetly broken 

wholly surrendered 

Summer so soon?

First Thing:
Nate and I went to a baseball game last night and it just so happened that we sat right next to Greg Maddux and Mike Maddux's parents.  Nate was in heaven.  It was actually really cool and they were really fun to talk to.  Going to the baseball game made me excited for summer when Nate and I can get cheap tickets and enjoy the hot air.  After the score last night, I'm not sure the price of tickets will rise much more since it was a complete blowout.  I am pretty sure there really were Angels in the Outfield last night.  And can I just say, who knew little Roger would grow up to be Tom in 500 Days of Summer. 


Second Thing:
After a week-long hiatus (not by choice) from the gym, I am expecting Nate to take me tonight.  Monday night proved a little to much.  I am hoping tonight will be better and I can get back on track and on to my regular routine without having to slightly backtrack to my I just had dinner routine.


I really want another good hard thunderstorm tonight.

The Good Life

First Thing:
I wish I was in Lincoln enjoying the sudden snow with good friends.  It reminds me of the two snow days we had about 1 1/2 years ago.  I want to be cuddled under blankets watching Real Housewives, The Holiday, or Now and Then.

Second Thing:
If I can't actually be in the Good Life, I want to live the Good Life if only for a night.  After smelling disgusting trash all day due to the warm weather and excessive wind, it was nice to come home and stick my baked ziti in the oven.  So, for tonight, I will enjoy good pasta, good bread, good wine and a good movie.  Of course, by good movie I mean 500 Days of Summer.  It will be nice to relax and unwind after so many weekends of doing so many things.  I might also possibly clean out the back bedroom (which is filled with Nate's military uniforms and other junk) AGAIN!  But now, it's time to enjoy my past.

Funny the way it is

First Thing:
Dave Matthews inspires me in the weirdest ways.  I tend to listen to Dave Matthews or Counting Crows while working out . . . while reading the captions of the Real Housewives of the current city for the current season.  After my three mile run, I moved to the elliptical which was not located in front of a television with Bravo playing, which is probably why I was more focused on Dave Matthews instead of Gretchen (OC) or Jill (NY).

  

"Funny the way it is, if you think about it
Somebody's going hungry and someone else is eating out
Funny the way it is, not right or wrong
Somebody's heart is broken and it becomes your favorite song"

At approximately 0:56

"Somebody's going hungry and someone else is eating out"  

Second Thing:

It's taken Nate and I a while to find a church we want to become members of and commit our tithe to.  However, we have finally found one!  New Beginnings and we love it.  Although we've forgotten our membership applications quite a few Sundays, this Sunday is the Sunday we will finally turn it in.  This means that we will begin giving our tithe here.  Previously, we have been saving it and giving it to missions.  I have always had a giant heart for missions and Nate just has a giant generous heart and it just seemed right.  So now for the connection to the song, to good ol' Dave.  "Somebody's going hungry and someone else is eating out".  So while I was working out this gave me an idea since we still want to have a savings to give to missions and causes we support.  For every meal Nate and I eat out we are going to put the equal amount away in our missions fund.  I am hoping this will help us to cut down on our food spending, but also provide us an opportunity to really make it count when we do go out to eat.

Third Thing:

For some strange reason (and this may appear to totally contradict the second thing) I seriously enjoy watching The League on FX.  It is hilarious.

Fourth Thing:

While walking to Village Burger Bar with a co-worker, I spotted a familiar face sitting on the patio at Urban Taco.  It was the face of someone I haven't seen since probably the wedding (not by choice!) and have been meaning to connect with for the past couple of months now that we actually live in the same area!  We kind of stared at each other because it was so out of place and so random.  It was the best feeling and such a great start to a fun evening.  

Fifth Thing:

On a completely personal note I am so over TOMS.  Inquiring minds can know, but we were talking about it tonight at dinner.  Yes, I am totally over them.

 

I love eggs (finally and only one way)

Thank you CIY for opening my eyes to this ridiculous video. Courtesy of www.iloveegg.com. Wierdo.

First Thing:
Nate and I are obsessed with eggs in cocotte. I found this recipe through a series of click beginning with simplyphoto, which led me to thekitchn, and finally led me here. I cannot get enough of this dish. Nate and I eat this at least twice a week. Once for lunch on Saturday (usually) and sometime during the week for dinner (this past we had it two nights in a row). I'm kind of in awe of the fact that we're not tired of this yet. It is "so good" (for you 500 Days of Summer enthusiasts). I am telling you, make this. You will absolutely fall head over heals for this.

We have eaten this for dinner once a week for about 1 1/2 months.

Seriously. You have to make it. Tuesday night is eggs in cocotte night. I will make it for dinner and YOU will make it for dinner. Btw, I always make mine with sauteed mushrooms in the bottom.

Second Thing:
I have a best friend getting married on May 14th. I recently hung out with her and I cannot express how happy I am for her. Nate was a great boyfriend and we had a wonderful relationship, but getting married took it to a whole different level. He is a better husband than I ever would have thought he would have been and our relationship is so fantastic that I am in awe of it. Just thinking about what my dear friend has in store once she says I do, makes me so excited. Again, I'll say it (and I know it sounds totally cheesy like a Disney movie). I love my husband more now than I ever have and I can't wait to discover how much I'll love him in 63 years. I love my marriage and I love my life! What a blessing Nate is in my life.

I can't wait for you to start your marriage Vanessa! : )

Life

First Thing:
Nate the great had a birthday on Thursday and we went to Texas Land and Cattle  . . . Nate loved it; I'm over steak.  But I think he had a good birthday.  He's the greatest husband in the world. : )

Second Thing:
Nate is reenlisting today.  We'll see where the next 6 years leads us.

Third Thing:
I've wanted to post about quite a few things lately, but after reading The Lone Survivor, nothing really seems that important.

Fourth Thing:
My sisters are coming in to town today for Spring Break!!!!