Obsessions, Lately

The winter blues have been lurking in my space for weeks now... I keep dropping hints 

that I'm not interested, but I don't think it's catching on. 

Seriously, why do we all dread this time of year, each and every single time?  Yes, it's cold.  You're in Chicago.  Yes, it's below zero.  You're in Chicago.  Yes, there's white stuff invading your land.  You're in Chicago.  Yes, you're fat.  You're in Chicago and it's too cold to go out and play. 

I know I whine a lot about the weather.  I love the snow.  It's beautiful!  But, I prefer it in 30 degree weather.  Not this below zero with a -40 windshield where everything on your body freezes instantly.

Let's be realistic here - You're basically growing icicles on your face.

I especially dispise this when I have to be all "adult-ish" and pay my 8 hours of due.

Which brings me back to why we can't all stay kids forever?  I don't ever want to grow up!  ::stomps foot::

Kidding.  Being an adult has it's perks.  Like, making your own decisions.  And, buying stuff with your own, earned money on pointless stuff like Oatmeal Pies... 

(Thanks, Husband!)

Okay... I've had my fair share of pointless stuff, too.

Have you heard of shopping on Instagram?

It's my new obsession!  I'm so addicted!  You would think I'm playing with Monopoly money over here!

I did open my own "closet" - So go check it out at @afrugalpearcloset and buy some goodies!  

I need to fend my craze over here...

Here's a few things I snatched:

{Mustard Sweater: @foundintheattic_thriftshop // Floral Dress: @laciferscloset // Vintage Floral Pillow Case: @8thavethrift}

And, in the midst of my possessed IG scroll-fest, I found this gem:

Her username is prissy_pig.  Total cuteness!  

I told the husband that he may be in trouble 

because I want a pig so bad...

He said I could have one, too!  Isn't he so sweet?  

He failed to mention that it was either a piggy or a puppy.  

Way to tear me into two pieces!  I want both!  I think I deserve it, right?  Who doesn't want a piggy and a puppy?  They can be BFFs and take over the world!  I think he just needs some more persuasion...  

What do you think?

Follow prissy_pig here!

Well, either way, these small pleasures of joy are helping me pass the time and before I know it, 

spring will be here!

I can dream...  

And while I dream, I will dance to my new favorite song... 

Because how could you not?  Try it.  I dare you.

Saying Goodbye

 

It's never easy saying goodbye...

Even when you know it's happening...

Today we lost a very special man.

My husband's Grandfather has left us today.

He has been in ICU all week and this time he wasn't recovering...

The last time he was in ICU was the last time I remember having a conversation with him.

Although I do not remember what we talked about, I remember we laughed and laughed.

One amazing thing about Grandpa Peavy was he was always cracking jokes.

He's truly one of the strongest people I know.

His body has been through so much and I'm truly thankful that he has found peace.

I've been sick all week so I couldn't say my goodbyes to him when he was still with us.

I was at the hospital today, mask and all, just to see him one last time. 

I know he was there in spirit and smiled upon us all.

I stayed in the family room most of the morning - It finally came to the point where I was ready to see the doctor myself.  As soon as we left the hospital, we received the call that he has passed.

Matthew told me later that he feels that's what Grandpa was waiting for.  Matt said he felt that Grandpa wanted Matt to take care of his family first.  I couldn't help but smile at this, as I felt terrible leaving the hospital.

Although I'm still pretty miserable, I'm still trying to smile:

Smiling always helps you through the tough times.

Please keep your prayers with my beloved in laws.

And, this includes my husband's cousin and her family.

We found out some devastating news and only hope this will turn around for the positive.

I love you all!

 

That's a Wrap!

Christmas has now passed, and the New Year has begun.

2013 has been a great year!  There have been struggles and stresses but hopefully our goals for 2013 will be met in 2014!

2013 Highlights:

The sweetest baby boy entered this world : Mark Jr. - I seriously cannot get enough of him!  I love seeing him and I love my exclusive "photo bombs" from his mom.

And, might I add, that the most adorable baby girl entered this world, too : Elle Cherie!

Welcome to the world!  I cannot wait to see you both grow and both fill with as much love as your parents already have for you!

In the beginning of 2013, I started a new job.  It was a huge jump for me.  I was terrified and regretted it the first few weeks.  Well, I'm much more comfortable there now and am extremely thankful and proud of myself for stepping up to this new challenge.  I am excited to see what else is in store for me!

Matthew and I went to Pierogi Fest for the very first time this year!  I never even knew it exsisted!  It was such a spur of the moment, out of routine event, that made it pretty memorable.  You can recap here! 

The husband and I also had Crandell's for the first time, this year!  It was a lovely double date with my mom and stepdad.  The chicken was great, but the company was better!  Recap here!

I watched my best friend, Katy, grow from a wonderful person to a beautiful, lovely mother.

Matt and I celebrated three years of marriage this year and have been together for six.  And, we're still going strong!  I love that man more now than I did when I first met him!  Recap here!

 

I got BANGS!  And kept them! :)  Is this considered a highlight?  Ha ha!  Recap here!

Here are a few of my all time favorite outfits of 2013:

 

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I'm ready for you 2014!  Are you ready for me?