Ella & Ellie

Ellie is my little 3.5 year old beagle/Jack Russell Terrier. She is an only dog and very spoiled. She requires a lot of attention, food, sleep, and games of fetch.

When my niece, Ella, was born, Ellie wasn't quite sure how to respond to her. She sniffed her and tilted her head at her baby noises. She really didn't like me holding the baby, so she felt the need to be on my lap whenever possible.

Now that they are both older, they play so well together. It's cute. Ella chases Ellie around while trying to pull her tail and ride her like a small pony. Ellie always comes running to me. It was the baby pool that really brought these two "cousins" together.

nephew & nieces

I just adore my nieces and nephews. I cherish every short visit I have with them.

4th of July weekend, I was able to see my nephew, Camden. Gosh! He is getting big. He's crawling now!

Last weekend was my niece/God daughter, Ella's 2nd birthday party. She had a little tea party with a small bouncy house. It was a blast. She had so much energy. Once that bouncy house was up, she didn't want anything to do with Aunt Nikki, her presents or her birthday cake. It was so great just to watch her play, run around and giggle.

I was even able to spend some quality time with my littlest niece, Jade. She just melts my heart. I can't believe how fast she is growing. She is an active leg-kicker. I think she will be moving around here before we know it..

A wedding, fireworks and a walk through the city

Wow! It has been awhile since I last wrote a post. There is a lot to catch up on.

I took all last week off of work. It was a much needed vacation.

Ellie and I made the crazy drive up to Michigan through thunder and lightening. She was terrified.

I spent 4th of July weekend at my mom's. She lives out in the country on 10 acres. It was peaceful and relaxing. We started my visit with an afternoon of shopping. We had a family wedding the next day. Congrats Jeremy and Megan!

They had a small simple wedding. It was great to see family and friends. I can't believe little cousin Jeremy is all grown up.

Last Wednesday, Matt and I took the train into the city to meet his cousin and his girlfriend for dinner. We had a blast! After dinner we walked down to Navy Pier for some putt-putt (Matt and I beat them) :) and went on the big ferris wheel. Have I mentioned that I am scared of heights? TERRIFIED. I was a good sport and went on it.

The view of the city from the ferris wheel.

Navy Pier

Fireworks at Navy Pier.

Our walk to Millennium Park after the fireworks.

 Waiting for the train to go home.

fresh look

I've been looking for ideas on how to spruce up my little sitting room in my cottage. I'm a simple gal - not a lot of colors, but I've been looking for ways to add just a touch of color for a fresh look. Here's what I think I am going to try....

I LOVE the light blue and cream...and even the light yellow. I'm going to start with some throw pillows and then go from there.

Big thanks to Modern Cottage for the ideas! 

http://themoderncottagecompany.blogspot.com/ 

Precious

This is one of the most precious things I have ever seen. I just had to share. Watch the video....it will melt your heart.

http://www.ourhappilyeverafters.com/2011/06/theres-just-something-about-that-name.html

I love you's

I love the I love you's Matt and I exchange between text messages, phone calls, emails, cooking together, snuggling on the couch, and our walks with Ellie.

OK, I know. You can stop gagging now.

My heart is just so happy these days. A happiness that makes your heart race and your cheeks hurt from smiling so much is the best kind of happiness. It's because of love. If you haven't experienced love...true love, that is what you have to look forward to. When you can't stop thinking about the other person, you smile so much people wonder what you're up to, and your heart smiles (you didn't know it could do that?). Love is when you are able to forget all the hurt you've experienced and let go of the past.

Every life event serves a purpose. God leads us to where we are supposed to be. While I have been hurt in the past, I remember, If God brings me to it, He will bring me through it. When I thought I wouldn't survive, I did...and met someone who loves me for me...unconditionally.

I never take the I love you's we share for granted. Each one is precious. My grandma who has been married to my grandpa for nearly 50 years shared their secret.....never say goodbye without saying I love you and always kiss each other like you mean it (no 2 second peck as you rush out the door). A meaningful kiss is important and should be cherished in a marriage.

Jamaica 'mon

My brother, Mark, is having a destination wedding in Jamaica in March 2012. I was asked to stand up in the wedding, so Matt and I are Jamaica bound.

We officially paid our deposit and booked our flights today. We are ecstatic to go!

It has been a few years since I last took a real vacation. I'm looking forward to this trip with Matt and to get away from our busy everyday lives for a few days. Ahhh....to relax will be pure bliss.

AND...I'm SO excited for my brother and Amanda! It's going to be a gorgeous wedding. Love love love!

We are going to Sandals Whitehouse.....

Sandals Whitehouse website