Colorado

It's been a busy couple of months for us.  In fact, it's been a bit of a whirlwind!

For now though, things are settling down a bit, and I'm starting to look forward to the holidays.  I will be really happy when this semester is over.  It's been a rough one for both Andrew and I.  After this semester, he will be one semester away from graduating.  And I will, hopefully, have my comprehensive exams under my belt and be on my way to writing a dissertation.

Here's a little peak into one of our recent adventures.

In late September, Andrew and I took a long weekend getaway to Colorado.  We spent the weekend at a cabin in Evergreen, CO with some dear friends.  We also journeyed to Red Rocks Amphitheater to see a couple Further shows.

Mule deer at the cabin

My long-time best friend

At the show

I have always wanted to go to Red Rocks.  We are huge music fans, and its sort of a concert mecca.  It did not disappoint.

The timing also coincided with fall in the mountains.  The Aspens were beautiful and the weather was perfect.  We managed to fit in a little hiking as well.

Maxwell Falls

He's much braver than I am!

It was an awesome little trip and gave us some much needed time to relax and just be with one another.  I held onto that mountain air for as long as I could!

Grateful Monday

Here are five things I'm grateful for today:

• We spent a lovely weekend with my husband's family.  Family time is always nice.
• Liam and his love for books.  We read, on average, twenty books a day.  He LOVES to read.  And I love how he comes over and snuggles up to me with his books.
• A cozy down comforter on my bed.  Our bedroom is cold and the down comforter makes all the difference.  I love being all warm and snuggly.
• The election is almost over.  I'm nervous about what is going to happen but looking forward to the end.  I'm tired of hearing about it.
• Food, shelter, electricity and heat...hurricane Sandy definitely made me appreciate having my basic needs met.  Funny how we take these things for granted all the time.  

I hope to be back in a few days with an update on what we've been up to recently.  Until then, have a wonderful week!

Grateful Monday

Here are five things I'm grateful for today:

• I submitted my comprehensive exams last night!  I'm feeling pretty nervous and probably will be until I get some feedback.  But at least its over.  That was one long month!
• Yesterday Andrew took care of Liam all day, he also cleaned the kitchen and vacuumed the house while I was wrapping up my exams.  I am so thankful for him and his support.
• My crockpot.  This time of year I always start making soups and chili in the crockpot.  I love putting something together and letting it cook all day, filling the house with yummy smells.  Right now I've got some chicken chili going and it smells so good!
• We took some family photos on Saturday and they turned out really well.  I wasn't sure since Liam wasn't really cooperating, but I was pleasantly surprised to see some really good ones.
• I'm looking forward to having more time to blog now that my exams are over.  I've missed sharing my thoughts in this space.  

Have a wonderful week!

Grateful Monday

One of these days, I will write a post beyond my usual grateful Monday.  Really I will.  I just need to check a few things off the list first!

Until then....here are five things I'm grateful for today:

• I successfully completed the Moccasin Gap 10 mile trail run on Saturday.  It was the hardest thing I've ever done physically.  I've ran a half marathon and that was much easier than this.  Needless to say, I'm pretty proud of myself.
• Andrew and Liam were at an aid station at mile 8.  Knowing they were there kept me going through one of the toughest parts of the run.  I was oh so grateful to see them!
• I have drafts completed for two of my exam questions.  One more to go and then a little revising and I'll be done!  The end is in sight.
• We spent an amazing weekend in the beautiful Shawnee.  This has got to be one of the most beautiful fall seasons I've seen in a long time.  The trees are unbelievable.
• I just bought a  Balsam and Cedar Yankee candle.  This candle smells amazing and makes me very happy.  It reminds me of the cabin we recently stayed in on our trip to Colorado.  Its the little things....

Grateful Monday

To start my week on a positive note, here are five things I'm grateful for today:

• My first and most difficult question for my comprehensive exams is finished.  Two more to go....  This process has not been fun, but I am learning so much.  
• My husband.  He has supported me and given me all the time I need to work on these exams.  I don't know what I would do without him.
• Liam saying "night night" before he goes to sleep.  This might be the cutest thing ever.  He's also started calling our dog "Dyl".  Love it.
• My flexible childcare provider who is happy to help me out and watch Liam a few extra days while I'm working on these papers.
• Hot apple cider on cool fall nights.  Yum!

Happy Birthday

Today is my husband's birthday.  We were fortunate to be able to spend the day together as a family.  It was one of those perfectly simple kind of days where we got to just enjoy being with each other.  

Happy Birthday Andrew.  I hope this year brings you all kinds of wonderful.  

We love you dearly, and we can't wait to see what this year brings!

xoxo

Grateful Monday

I've been a little absent from this space.  It seems like the past month has been a whirlwind for us and the next month is looking just as hectic!

I'm hoping to write about all of our adventures one day soon.

In the meantime, here are five things I'm grateful for today:

• A magical trip to the mountains with my husband.  We had a lovely little vacation.  It was just what I needed to refresh my spirit.
• We are all healthy again. After returning home, we got hit hard with the flu.  All of us.  It was terrible.  We're still not tip-top but feeling much better.
• My parents who stayed with Liam while we were away.  I just love them.  I don't worry about him for one second when he's in their care.  It's hard enough to be away from him so that sense of security means so much.
• The beautiful mums that my husband bought me yesterday.  Sitting here on my desk they make me smile.  
• My support system of family and friends.  Today I begin my comprehensive exams and I know that I have a wonderful group of people who will be cheering me on.  That means so much.