Life is full of surprises!

I know when I was growing up, my dad would always say 'on to adventure ......4,700...'. It was his way of saying that life can never be planned, things don't always go the way they should, and you just gotta deal with it, and make the best of it! Boy, was he right! I knew when I married Mattie that life was never going to be boring...and it hasn't been that's for sure! No matter how life changes, he just shrugs, smiles, and makes the best of our situation..man he is a awesome dude! He makes it easier for me to let my guard down, calm my worries (I tend to want to have control, even over the uncontrollable), and helps guide me through the chaos. I am thankful for my husband, and I am glad he picked me to share this journey with. I am a lucky girl. I have learned through these adult years that change happens, life happens, and I have no control. And that's ok. I've learned to hold on tight, takes pictures, and enjoy this ride called life. And that's ok with me :)

So here we Ernest's go, on to adventure 1,200... 2011 is going to be a great year!!

Happy New Year!

Everyone always makes a plan for the New Year, I have 4 things I want to accomplish and master for 2011-

1.) Buy a new home
(I aim to find a home with a big, fenced back yard, more than 1 bathroom (so me and Mattie don't bump elbows brushing our teeth :)), big kitchen, in a great neighborhood, decent size family room to entertain, 3 bedrooms, and a awesome walk-in closet! Stay tuned!)

2.) Learn to play acoustic guitar
(I am realistic- I need to learn how to read music, toughin' up my fingers, practice, so I aim to play one Jack J song all the way through.)

3.) Take a photography class (and purchase a new camera)

4.) Learn how to fly fish
(And to catch a big fishy while fly fishing a river)

Welcome 2011, I'm ready to grow, learn, and live my life to the fullest!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas family and friends!
My Christmas was awesome! I got to spend quality time with the people that mean the most to me. I spent my time loving people, being comfy, accepting people and family for what/who they are, being grateful, enjoying the 'little things', makings new memories and traditions with my family (only 2 peeps and 2 doggies), making the most out of little time (shout out my in-laws for understanding how much my 'the Speer family' mean to me, and to my parents for making the long trip for only a day and a half of visiting). It was a great holiday and I will remember it and be thankful for the time for years to come. Family and friends is what it is all about :) And I am grateful for:

my family (Speer & Ernest)
Christmas dinners
snow
my home
friends
Dads
my dogs
homemade gifts
wine
Wii games
homemade candy
good smelling perfume and lotions
new converse sneakers
funky socks
nephews
books
Football (Go Colts!!)
Mattie
stocking candy
cook books
acoustic guitars
pictures
family
cookies
hoodies
giftcards
brothers
moolah $
movies
Red Stripe Jamaican Ale
good music
my health
Moms
cell phones
Skype
cousins
my job
Ibis Jingle Bell coffee
awesome new beanies


I hope everyone has a safe and rockin' New Year- Bring on 2011!!

Friendship

I was downtown last night with Mattie, and was lucky enough to meet up with a dear friend I hadn't seen in weeks due to busy schedules, winter colds, and such. It was so awesome to sit down, over a yummy chilled brew, and talk about the holidays, work, marriage, life, in-laws, etc.. (Mattie had to leave to get up early, so I stayed out chit chatting) And with the conversation, made me realize what true friendship is about. I will be the first to admit that I am not a great 'girl' friend..I don't call often (I prefer text), I forget birthdays and anniversaries (I am trying to be better with dates), I don't shop, work out, or craft in groups (I'm better solo), I am not good with feelings, emotions, sharing, drama, gossip (I have enough to worry about). And with all those faults, I have found great friends that love me the way I am. With a great friend, we don't have to talk everyday, every week, even every month, but the second we call, write, text, meet up, we pick up right where we left off. We are happy to hear each others good news, bad news, life trials, work drama, family stories...etc. I like that. No awkwardness, no attitude, just comfyness :) I have been blessed with a great supportive family (on both sides), they love me and my husband for what we are. Not what we can be, or what they want us to be, just us. Acceptance. Love. Support. Guidance. I have also been blessed with the world's most stupendous friends. They are there when I need them, they are a open non-judgemental ear to listen, a warm hug and kiss to soothe me if I am sad, home sick, grumpy, irritated, they are a strong rock to go to where I feel loved, accepted, appreciated, and where I can go for support, new ideas, and opinions on life, marriage, family. I am so very thankful for the great people that continue to be a part of my life. I am a lucky, lucky girl. I hope to continue to make everlasting friendships, create unforgettable memories, endure many more awesome adventures, and continue to spread all the love and gratitude I have to the ones that mean the most to me.

Happy Holidays!

The holidays are near, and I am feeling very grateful for the life that I am blessed to be living. I'm excited for the holidays, to be with the people who care about me and my family, to feel joy and love from my nearest and dearest, to spend quality time with family that we don't see often, to create special memories with the people that I love and care about, and to express my love, gratitude, and affection towards my favorite people. Here are a few things that I am grateful for:

my health

my warm house

family

Ruby

food in the pantry

fresh laundry

my job
Mattie
hot showers
iPods
great friends
Christmas lights
brothers
Netflix
comfy hoodies
date nights
converse sneakers
sisters
my dad
Buster
sugar cookies
coffee
my MIL and FIL

Here are a few random photos that have been taken in the month of December....

Happy Holidays! Give love, spread love, embrace love.