Anniversary #3!

I think Nate would agree that we've come a long way in 3 years! For instance, ummm...we have a child now, there's pretty much nothing that embarrasses us about each other, we know what pillow(s) each prefers, etc. It's nice to be at that level of comfort in our marriage. The thing that has surprised me about being married to Nate is how much it has changed me... for the better. I thought you got married and just settled into a rather complacent bliss. Like driving on the interstate in North Dakota - steady, straight,... progressing but no need to stare at the road in front of you. I didn't realize the growth and change that this relationship was to offer me. Three years later, I can honestly say I'm a different person, inwardly. I have to thank Heavenly Father (can you do this through a blog?) for exposing me to an individual who has met my unfolded weaknesses, unexpectedly, with unconditional love and acceptance. To be honest, Nate's humility and kindness have taken me by pleasant surprise.
Okay, enough mush. On Tues, we picked up Nate in Redwing and went out to eat in downtown Minneapolis. You'll see we took Hannah along. Romantic huh? Well, Nate figured since I'd just sit and worry about her and want to go home, we'd just bring her along so we could enjoy ourselves. Even though she behaved perfectly, I think we'll try it sans children next year. What's a trip to the Twin Cities without IKEA? LOVE THAT PLACE! I think it was the best anniversary yet, but I can see myself saying that every year.
And if any of you readers were among the brave attendees to our less-than-tropical February Minnesota wedding, my heart is forever grateful for your efforts to make this day so special for us!! THANK YOU!






Hannah's favorite toy from IKEA. Why does she get the toy on our anniversary?

When mom gets the camera...

Favorites

Okay, I LOVE favorite/must-have products that make life easier and better, but in order to make my list, it's GOT to be fairly cheap...that's what makes it so great, right? So, here are a few of mine. Please share your can't-live-without items with me!!




OK, ditch your broom AND vacuum because the SHARK does it all. Kitchen, wood floors, carpet - no problem. Flexible and easy to use/empty/store/charge!! Who wants to bend over and try for 15 minutes, sliding across the whole room to get that last little pinch of "gunk" to sweep into the dustpan?


I'm loving this CD. It's just easy listening and I love Alicia's strong/smoky voice. Mostly, I've listened to tracks 4,5,6, but the whole CD is good, which is rare. LOVE #6 which features John Mayer.

So, I was really frustrated with my hair, and thought I needed to chop it all off to get my ends to stop flipping outward. My current straightener happened to break this week, so a friend told me about this one. Its a Jilbere de Paris Definition Series. I bought it at Sally Beauty and I am thrilled! It works so much better than my old one - it gets really HOT for maximum shine, but has 100% ceramic plates that won't fry your hair. Supposedly, you can wrap hair around the outside grooves and get big loose curls (think Lindsay Lohan) - haven't tried that yet. Usually I refuse to buy expensive hair products but this is a MUST if you have thick hair that won't behave. Best $50 I've spent in a while.


Need I say more?

Works great on kitchen table/countertops, eco-friendly, and makes the house smell awesome!!

I have one of these in every on of my bags. Being a nurse, I wash my hands constantly and this, of ALL hands creams (I've tried them), is the best. Cheap, super moisturizing and NON-GREASY!!

Stand a Little Taller

I just have to say what a profound positive impact President Hinckley has had on my life. I so appreciate his optimism, his dedication to the Lord, and his willingness to serve. What a joyous welcome he will receive! Because of him, I will try and STAND A LITTLE TALLER and BE A LITTLE BETTER!

Hannah Walbruch 7 weeks old

Birthday!

Well, aside from being closer to 30 than 20, my 26th birthday was the best one yet. First of all, Nate. My mom gave him a gift card to Best Buy for his birthday (Jan 7) and he's been waiting for Guitar Hero for Wii to come in. But he used his gift card to buy me a present! (Since he's student teaching, mine is our only income so we're trying to be really careful with money). He got me the "I Love Lucy" series and Alicia Keyes new CD. How sweet! He is always putting others before himself and I should be more like that. My friend, Kim, took Hannah and I out for breakfast at Panera. French Toast Bagel+HUGE mug of hot chocolate = YUM! Thanks Kim. Second of all - Hannah. How can my heart not swell with happiness when I look at her. Her sweetness lightens my day constantly. She and I had a great mid-morning nap before I started working on those slideshows you see above. Lets just say, blogging is not very user-friendly. Nate called about 12:30 and said Redwing had let school out due to inclement weather and he was on his way home! All of my fam from MT called - yes even Spence - to wish me happy birthday and to top it all off, my in-laws brought over a (my FAV) Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake! Not only has it been bitter cold here, but they had to drive all the way to Byron (15 mi) to get it because the Dairy Queens here in Roch are all closed for the winter. How awesome are Barb and Steve! Thanks everybody for such a great day!