Life lately.

I can't thank you all enough for your encouraging comments, texts, emails, tweets, and all the love on yesterday's post! It truly means the world that Caleb and I have so many people "on our team" to cheer us on through this new and exciting journey!

I never did blog about my weekend, mainly because I haven't had time to sit down and upload all the pictures from my memory card, but I realized I just didn't care. I don't want to forget all the awesomeness that took place!

Last Friday we headed out to Athens, OH (it was actually Nelsonville, but almost no one knows where that is) to photograph our LAST WEDDING OF THE YEAR! I can hardly believe it when I say that out loud; 31 weddings this year?! I get a little exhausted just thinking about it, but it's something I'm really proud that we accomplished!

copy of a photo, not high res.

We photographed inside an old Opera House from the 1800's and it was AWESOME! Caleb and I love shooting in non traditional venues!!

We drove home early Sunday morning in time for our first Christmas celebration with Caleb's side of the family and it was a great time. I got so many wonderful gifts (like I wish I had the photo ready of my face when I opened my brand new 12 cup food processor - eek!!) and Caleb and I left with an entire laundry basket full of new gifts. We're so thankful!

Right after that, we rushed to meet up with our high schoolers to go Christmas caroling that evening! Like I said, I really wish I had the photos uploaded already so I could share the emotion, but with every home we stopped at, we all got more and more emotional. Every elderly member of the church we sang to had tears in their eyes. It was honestly such a moving experience! I hope we can make this an annual tradition!

I'm excited to report Caleb and I HAVE been a lot more festive since I created my December to do list earlier in the month. It feels great to really be celebrating Christmas every day leading up! We basically celebrate it until the new year!

I hope everyone has a fun day! I unfortunately have to work all week, but I took a couple extra days off next week to enjoy with Caleb. Can't wait to unplug and just BE! 

December {to do}

I'm going to be 100% honest, this December hasn't felt quite like December for me. Other than last weekend, we haven't done much of anything very festive. We're having to, for the first time in years, skip out on our annual tradition of the free Christmas play we always go see, we haven't wrapped any presents for each other, and haven't watched a single Christmas movie. What is going on!?!

2015 Christmas season

I was kind of bummed out about it this morning, sulking in my own sadness, texting Caleb "why aren't we more festive people this year?!!"...then I realized, there are still ELEVEN DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS! Then seeing how we don't even take our tree down until after the New Year, we still have plenty of time. So I decided to make myself a little mini December bucket list of festiveness (that's a thing, right!?);

Watch Elf. I've asked Caleb to watch this 3 times already, and he kept saying "but its not snowing"... SO!? But now that we've had a fair share of snow this week, I think its time to pop it in!

Buy Christmas pajamas. I've seriously never owned a legit pair of Christmas PJ's in my life. I always just open presents wearing whatever I wore to bed that night before, so I'd like to have on a cute pair of PJ's this year!

Make something for Christmas brunch. Every year we go to my Grandparents for brunch after we're all done doing our own Christmas morning, and she slaves away for HOURS making stuff, so I'd like to contribute something this year.

Go caroling. Because ITS FUN!

Give an anonymous gift to someone in need. Enough said.

Do one Christmas-y thing outside of the house. Like I said above, unfortunately we're missing the free Christmas play this year we always go to, so I still want to get out and date my man. I'll be honest, we haven't "dated" much lately. Although this is our slow season from weddings, we have been catching up on edits and working tirelessly on our website. So I'd like to do something local, either the Christmas Light Show that you drive through, the Festival of Lights at the Zoo, or another local play, I just want to do something fun!

Make this cocoa in the crock pot. I mean, because why not?

What's on your December list of things to do? I'd love to add something else! Have a great day, friends!

Our festive weekend, a few days late!

It's totally normal to blog about your weekend by the middle of the work week, right? Okay good. Because that's absolutely what's happening here today. Caleb and I have been staying up too late tweaking our website and its so so so close to being complete, I can hardly stand it!

Last weekend was amazing. So much fun with friends and family! Friday evening was Caleb's company party.  The first half of it was a little bit of a hot mess (we're talking loud emcees annoyingly screaming over a mic for 2 and a half hours trying to be funny while simultaneously performing a "murder mystery dinner" for 500+ people...yikes!), but once dinner ended a few hours later, we had a really great time!

Saturday morning was my family holiday baking day! 3 years ago we decided to start this, and I love that the tradition has carried on! My sister in law, Erin, always comes too! My grandma looks at her like another grandchild, and my aunt looks at her like a friend. I love that I have so many awesome women in my lives! We got started in the morning and stayed in her kitchen for HOURS baking up the most delicious treats.

yay for salted caramel mocha fudge and sisters!

After I fell into a sugar coma, I got ready for MY company holiday party! Caleb and I always look forward to it every year because the food is seriously incredible and the atmosphere is pretty fancy, which isn't our "normal".

Caleb always struggles with the flash ;) but he's still cute.

Sunday was fast paced; full of church, a family photo shoot, a Bengals win and then ANOTHER HOLIDAY PARTY! The photography company Caleb and I worked for (and still do somewhat, we have some weddings through next Fall still) had us and everyone else over for a quaint get together. Their house is adorable. I took some photos, but of course, haven't uploaded them yet - but that's life! All that matters is we're so incredibly blessed to call Joe and Amanda friends and are so thankful for the opportunities we've been given through them. We love you guys!

I hope everyone has had a great week, and happy hump day!

Christmas overload!

Christmas rocked. We had 4 total Christmas gatherings, and I actually got overwhelmed once Sunday night hit and I saw our house - in a total mess - covered in presents and wrapping paper. What a blessing! Let me back up.

Thursday I actually got out of work early, and we met with my Dad's side of the family like we usually do. It was a blast... pizza was ordered and lots of mountain dew was consumed! One of my favorite presents? I got a fitbit! I'm really excited to get that baby charged and start on my fitness goals!!!!! I've really let myself go the past 3-4 months and I'm ready to get back on track.

BUT - my favorite gift from them was all of my old dance uniforms (from ages 3 and up) It absolutely made me cry. I had no idea my Dad kept all of that stuff! It was a box full of them, and at the bottom, there were 2 baby blankets I didn't even know existed that my grandmother had knit before I was born. I'm so thankful for these possessions! I can only hope for a little girl one day to remake all of my silly dance photos :)

Christmas morning with Caleb is DEFINITELY one of my favorite days of the year. Something about it is just so fun. We wake up in no rush at all, take our sweet time exchanging some presents, and eat donuts and/or brownies. I love knowing how much thought we both put into the gifts we have for each other, and getting to see his reaction is my favorite part. He did SO well in the gift department, as always. But I do have to say... my favorite part of Christmas is just spending so much time together and with our families!

We always go to my Nanny and Buddy's house for brunch, along with my aunt, uncle, and 2 cousins! My mom only has one brother, so we're very close with them and my only 2 first cousins. They make life so fun!!

We read our notes of thankfulness that we all wrote on Thanskgiving, per our annual tradition, and a few of them made me tear up.

Saturday Caleb and I (believe it or not) got started on NEXT CHRISTMAS, ALREADY!!! We've designated a box in the basement solely for future christmas presents so we don't forget where they are/what we've already bought. It wasn't much, but hey, its a start.

Sunday we had our Christmas with Caleb's family and it was a blast, as well! Just recapping all of this is making me so thankful, all over again! His parents love to get extra silly with the gifts which added lots of extra laughter. We got an awesome griddle for our counter so I can make all the pancakes EVER, the cutest polaroid post-it holder, and lots of other awesome goodies!!

I've taken a bit of a blogging break these last few days and its been kind of nice. Just trying to enjoy all that these last days of the year have to offer! Although I have to say, I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store for us!! :) 

Merry Christmas!!!

We hope you and yours have the merriest Christmas of all!! Enjoy what these next few days have to offer, drink way too much hot chocolate, and don't forget your festive hats ;)

MERRY CHRISTMAS, FRIENDS!!!

It's easy to get caught up

Usually, this is the time of year (aka: a few short days from Christmas) that I am in freak-out mode trying to finish all my shopping, cleaning the house, doing the laundry and making sure I have everything in order for the upcoming holiday. For some reason though, this year its a little different. Caleb and I have made sure to be more intentional with our time to really make the most of it.

Like last night, we were able to slow down and grab dinner with some of our dearest friends. We talked about everything from video games to pursuing dreams, from kraft cheese to career paths. 

It's so easy this time of year to get caught up in making sure you have all the items on your to-do list checked off, and while that's still important, don't let it take you away from the REAL reason of the season.

Sure, I still have a few small things left to do before I get off at lunch tomorrow, but I'm going to make sure that even if they don't all get done - I'll still be able to enjoy everything Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have to offer. There is too much fun to be had! I just won't allow myself to freak out over the tiny things that really no one else cares about but me. I'm excited to spend the next few days with my closest friends and family, sip WAY too much of my aunts famous iced coffee, and take too many blurry light photos.

The one thing I'm a little bummed about is that it hasn't really FELT like Winter here lately. Which, I kind of feel bad complaining about because who really ASKS for snow!? Well, I'm being that girl. It'd be amazing to actually see SNOW on Christmas. I know that more than likely won't happen, but maybe a nice Christmas movie tonight would help?? We have plans of walking to my aunt and uncles for dinner tonight (love how close they live!!!) and I'm really hoping they are up for popping a fun Christmas movie in!

In other news, our work let go of the business attire rule for the day and let us wear our best Christmas sweaters. I'm pumped! This little holiday break can't come quickly enough!

I'm feeling random today, but am curious to know what YOUR families traditions are on/around Christmas time. Please share them below!!! I just think it's so cool to me how no two families do Christmas the same.

Staycation success!

Here I am, back in my cube at work. I've got to say its not my ideal place to be when I just spent the last nine days alongside my husband doing whatever we felt like. BUT I'm thankful to have a job that allows me some flexibility/paid vacation time/etc., so I'll roll with the punches and deal with this Monday. After all, Christmas IS right around the corner and how can I not be thankful? I've got a husband to celebrate with, a home to open our presents in, and a God who is crazy about me.

Let me back up though, and fill you in on what we spent our free week doing!

Monday was full of pure laziness (Caleb had to work), and I loved every second. I did manage to watch 3 movies, do a ton of laundry and edit hundreds of photos - but other than that? I hardly left the couch. #itrocked

We spent a lot of time throughout the week doing some last minute Christmas shopping, and eating out entirely too much - but isn't that what "vacation" is for?! ;)

We hit up the Cincinnati Zoo for the Festival of Lights one night! It was amazing. We've never been together and it was so much fun!

We grabbed lunch at Joe's crab shack and I was reminded how obsessed I am with coconut shrimp!

We also found time to go thrifting and hit up our local Target about 3 times. Caleb said he was taking a trip to the restroom but came back a few minutes later with my favorite drink from Starbucks...

Took a trip to Bob Evans for breakfast at 9pm because we could! Not having to get up before the sun every day means later nights!

A star wars marathon began, too! We started with the "prequels" (4th, 5th and 6th movies released) and I surprisingly loved them. We're hoping to watch the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd movies before the New Year - but we'll see! There are also lots of Christmas movies to be seen!!

Friday, we took a trip to the Outlet malls so Caleb could finally use a gift card from his birthday! That evening we made our annual tradition happen with our best friends! A local church puts on a HUGE Christmas play and it never disappoints.

So all in all, we had a great week together. Some days were spent with awesome, new adventures, and other days were filled with pure laziness. I wouldn't have had it any other way! Going wherever the wind wanted to take us. I'm excited for a semi-short week and enjoying our 3rd Christmas as husband and wife!

I hope everyone had a great week last week. I've missed keeping up with everyone via your blogs! I'm off to catch up ;) happy Monday!

Let the stay-cation begin!

Although Caleb had to work a normal day yesterday, I was at home. I began our stay cation with a day of productivity! I think I did about 4 loads of laundry, edited an insane amount of photos and successfully watched nearly 3 movies all at the same time! Sadly, I've picked up a really nasty cold/sore throat, but I'm doing everything I can to kick it so we can enjoy the freedom of this stay-cation together! :)

Let me rewind though, we had a fabulous weekend! The ladies of my family had our 2nd annual day of baking and it was seriously awesome. We spent hours catching up, being silly, and baking our fingers off.

My mom couldn't make it this year (she started her new job in Hawaii as a traveling nurse on a 13 week assignment yesterday - prayers please), so I stepped in and made her amazing salted caramel mocha fudge - omg. So tasty. Recipe to follow!

My company Christmas party was over the weekend and it was nothing short of amazing! Caleb and I  had a blast at Eddie Merlots. It's seriously the best food I get to enjoy all year! It was also fun getting to dress up, and act like real adults ;)

Sunday was a lazy day. It's hard for me to even mention the word Sunday since our Bengals QB is out with a thumb injury. We have total faith in our backup, but still, we miss Dalton. Despite the loss, we had a great day in.

I'll probably be a little absent this week as Caleb and I have LOTS of fun planned for this awesome week off work! Enjoy your day, friends!!!

It's the most wonderful time!

Last night, Caleb made me get off the couch, grabbed my hand, and took me on a long walk around our subdivision. It meant so much to me. We talked forever, conversations that probably wouldn't have happened if we sat in front of the TV all night. He took me to a nearby street that had some of the coolest Christmas lights (accompanied by Christmas music, of course) and we just stared. The owner was even outside and we thanked him for the free entertainment.

No other time of year is it really acceptable to stare at someone's home, and its considered normal, or even encouraged. Something about this time of year makes people seem happier, more approachable, and more giving. I can't help it - I love this time of year!!! Of course, surprising friends with gifts is always a blast, but I love the traditions that come along with this time of year.

Traditions like...
...making brownies for breakfast with Caleb on Christmas morning and trying to finish as many as we can before celebrating with my family for brunch.

...writing notes every Thanksgiving with my family (we write down what we're thankful for privately, and we go around the table on Christmas and pick one out of the tin, and read it out loud).

...Caleb and I each giving each other one small gift the night before Christmas because we just can't help ourselves! ;)

...going to the coolest free Christmas play in Cincinnati every year with our best friends.

...and like getting new ornaments every year to hang on our tree. This is an old one of my mom's - part of the Wizard of Oz set we've got on our tree! Love!!

Christmas is honestly just one of my favorite times of year. Caleb and I always get SO excited to decorate the house, play as much Christmas music as possible the entire month of December and light our tree the second we walk in the door! I love the traditions we have just as a family of 2, and can't wait to make new ones as the years pass by!

Linking up with Pinky today for anything-goes- Christmas style ;)

Everyone enjoy your Tuesday!

Christmas party, the last wedding, and a WIN!

This past weekend was an awesome one. We had a lot going on but it was awesome! Friday evening, we went to Caleb's Christmas party, won some free cash (always a plus!!) and "gambled" with fake money. Although, we were out later than we intended, we had a great night all in all!

We only got 5 hours of sleep that night, because we had to be up for Katie & Drew's wedding - aka the last wedding of 2015 for us! The fog was THICK and their ceremony was early, but we fought through it and found an old barn on site so - everything worked out. Their day was just beautiful. These two have amazing hearts for the Lord and I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a few tears watching their love for each other. They were precious!

We left the wedding around 4 and spent the rest of the evening shopping for Christmas! We are so close to being done, and it feels great not to be a procrastinator like most years! Did anyone else hit up the BBW $8.50 candles??! Cause we did! #guilty

I truly can't believe it when I think about the fact that we've shot 29 weddings this year. It's been such a blessing for us, and we've grown in ways I never thought possible. Both professionally, but also in our marriage. We've had an awesome year and I'm so thankful for all the couples we've been able to photograph!

Sunday was our church's official launch at our new (portable) location and we had an amazing turnout. SO many new faces and such a great worship set (all about Christmas)!! We had some family over and enjoyed another Bengals win!

I'm thankful for the time off, even if it was only 1 day! We have this full week ahead of us, then we finally get our "STAYCATION" and I couldn't be more excited. I'm in the middle of planning some fun for Caleb and I! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

PS - the winner of our favorite things giveaway is Ashley from According to Ashley Bree!!! Congrats, girlfriend!!! I know I'm jealous you get all of that awesome-ness delivered to your door!

Favorite Things Giveaway!

There's just something about the month of December that puts me in a cozy, festive, awesome mood. I'm positive its because this month is filled with awesome people, tasty desserts and beautiful decorations. I'm also a huge fan of gift giving - and guess what friends? It's your lucky day! ;)

I've teamed up with Kristin, Erin and Pinky to bring you a giveaway this Christmas season full of our favorite things!! Individually, we all picked out some of our favorite items that we think you would also be excited about, in hopes to make YOUR December a little more merry! ;)

I included the new Adele CD (she's one of my faves, and I can only imagine this entire album is unbelievable, aaaaand I wanted to keep this for myself), gold nail polish (because getting my nails done is underrated), festive socks (because duh) and adorable hair ties (I love these kind because they don't typically leave a huge kink in your hair when you take it down)!

This giveaway is valued at over $75 and has some seriously awesome items! So go ahead and enter because I know I'D be thrilled if this all showed up at my door right before Christmas!! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A much needed break!

I don't know about you, but I really needed those few days off. Thanksgiving was awesome, as usual. We ate too much, laughed too hard, and tossed too much football. JK that's not possible ;)
I'm so thankful for the time I got to spend with family that I don't see enough, and the weather was incredible, so that helped!

It was pretty funny when Caleb and my brother showed up in the same OSU shirt, too!

We did our usual Black Friday/Christmas shopping and had a blast. Friday we did a whole lot of relaxing and then I met up with Lyndsie for dinner. I'm glad she decided to hang even though she was really sick, we had a great time, as usual!

Saturday, we enjoyed watching OSU win their game, and then we decorated our home! It's honestly one of my favorite things to do with Caleb! Deciding where to put the tree, placing all of our awesome ornaments, hanging all of our decorations, etc.! Of course, we had the "Pop Christmas" station on and I sang a little too loud when N'Sync came on ;)

We didn't do anything fancy the remainder of the weekend, just grabbed dinner at our local favorite Mexican place, and spent a lot of time cuddling on the couch watching a lot of football. It was my favorite, and it really has me itching for our stay-cation week mid-December!

Also...WHO DEY!!??!?!! 9-2 feels SO good! We celebrated the win by tossing football outside for well over an hour. I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving and got to spend it with all of your favorite people!

I started this morning with this youtube workout video that rocked my world - although the trainer was a little silly, her voice kept me going. She kept reassuring me my glutes would look great after ;) I really need to make some changes in my daily lifestyle, both big and small, and this was a great start on this Monday morning. Here's to a new week!