I'm getting a NEPHEW!

Erin and Jared came over on Monday night to give us some VERY exciting news they had been keeping to themselves all day! I could hardly focus at work, but knew that by evening, we'd know whether or not we'd be meeting our first niece or nephew later this year!

I was somehow convinced it was a girl - but that should've told us all something - cause I'm never right! Although, it was only a 50/50 shot ;) regardless, I cannot wait to be an Aunt, to the cutest little NEPHEW!! I've always heard people talk about it and now its finally happening. My random stroll around Target yesterday nearly turned dangerous when I saw "BOGO" deals on all baby clothes - yikes!

In all seriousness, Caleb and I are over the MOON about becoming an Aunt and Uncle. I know its going to be such a fun "title" to own. I just know Caleb is going to make the greatest Uncle. He's amazing with kids... they seriously love him!

More importantly though? I know Erin and Jared are going to be the greatest parents. The love they already have for this lil peanut (I guess I can stop calling him that, since now we know he's a HIM), is infectious and I know God is going to bless them richly with this little babe!

We can't wait to watch our best friends become a family of three!

Have a great day, friends!!!

When things don't go right, be thankful anyway.

Lately life has put me in a little funk. Nothing has gone terribly wrong, and I won't go into details, but  things haven't gone 100% amazing for my family and I recently. There are times when I question why things happen the way they do, but then I remember that its not my job to fix things. With that being said, I don't believe that I'm a natural complainer... sure, I'll gripe here and there about things that really get under my skin, but the majority of the time? I try to stay pretty optimistic.  So, I figured a thankful post was in order. I know that these are typically for the month of November...but this blogger doesn't play by the rules. #rebel

Most importantly I'm thankful for my amazing God. Second? My silly, hilarious, handsome husband. I love when he makes fun of my laugh, when he falls asleep on me during almost ever movie we watch together (even in theaters), and the way he leads us.

I'm thankful for my friendships. These girls mean the entire world to me and have been there for me whenever I've needed them. I have such a unique relationship with each of them, and life would be weird if any of them weren't in it.

Thankful for sweet baby toes that I could just gobble up...and for friends who let us watch their babes!

For bubble baths and me time.

For my health, and the ability to go after my goals.

and for getting up before the sun. God, you're a beautiful artist.

My point is, things aren't always going to go right, but that doesn't mean we have to let them ruin us. Choose joy...
every. single. day.

Can't wipe this smile off!

Hey friends, I'm back. Sometimes, Monday's just aren't a day for blogging...I couldn't make time for it, and that's okay.

Lately, I just find myself being happy, like more so than usual. It seems like this entire year has been nothing but blessings (aside from my poor car breaking down a few times...she's still alright!). I find myself being happy to wake up on a Monday, happy to get to the gym before 6AM, happy to come home and try a new recipe.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it felt like Spring last week? We almost got into the 70's one day. I couldn't believe it. As for today...there is a fresh huge pile of snow on the ground in Cincy, and I'm already ready to kiss it goodbye. I'm not quire sure what it is, but I'm just feeling extra blessed right now and can't help but smile most of my day.

What's making me smile right now?

Sweet little Nora willingly cuddle with Caleb and I last night. We played dress up, we loved on her, and loved on her some more. She is just the sweetest thing.

My chocolate protein shakes.

Getting some amazing, teary eyed news from an incredible friend recently.

Peppermint tea out of my favorite mug, daily.

A clean apartment. Seriously, its been GROSS lately. I won't hide that fact...dirty dishes, dirty laundry, blankets on the floor, 2 day old food wrappers on the counter, kitchen sink full, toothpaste crusted sink...okay, you get it. I spent about an hour last night cleaning it before bed. Caleb always pokes fun at me that I get these random cleaning spurts at the latest hours of the night. I just can't help it!

Getting our taxes done in FEBRUARY this year! GO US!

A spontaneous lunch date with this beauty yesterday.

No, this was not taken yesterday. I only wish it was this warm out!!

The cutest birth announcements from a dear friend...seriously, her daughters name is Posy. How adorable!?? & seriously, she's one of the most gorgeous little gals ever! I can't wait to meet her.

That baseball season starts in less than a couple short months. I can't WAIT to go to Red's games this year!

Finishing our summer bucket list!

So, what's making you happy this year?? I hope that even through the tough days, you find something to smile about :)

My little list of joys.

Before I dive into my absolutely random post for today, can I just say how many times I was overwhelmed with joy at all of your sweet emails, texts and comments from yesterday's post? Too many to count. I mean for real. You all are the BEST. It's so refreshing to see bloggers open up about their REAL feelings and heartaches sometimes. I hope my post helped at least one person out :)

Speaking of joy... have I mentioned how awesome you all are lately? Uhh...cause you are!

The other day I came home from the office...and found a package lying on my bed with a note on the fed ex box... 

Look what my girl Kaitlyn sent me!

Does it not SCREAM "me"!??! :) I could not be more excited. I already know exactly where to hang this in our apartment. Can't wait until she can come visit and SEE for herself. ;)

Today I'm going to talk about a few other simple things that make me smile... like I was getting to yesterday, no matter WHAT you are going through...try to remind yourself of the good things in your life!

Always. Even when its tough.

So what makes me happy?

-The first blooms of summertime through your bedroom window.

-Waking up in a good mood, for no reason at all.

-When your cat understands your personality.

-Seeing a couple cross the finish line holding hands.

-THIS picture of my man, holding the fishing record for biggest catch in his family.

Not to mention he looks super hot.

-Looking back on my "Happiness Project" sentence journal.

-This hilarious cat gif.

-Umm the countdown is down to 17 days. OMG.

-Thanks to all my girls on twitter, I've decided not to get an aisle runner.

-I still need to find a "something blue" I can wear on my wedding day. Any ideas?? Get creative!

-Dole has these new Chia & Fruit Clusters (mixed berry!) and I'm kind of obsessed. Super nutritious, too!

-I actually woke up early, got myself ready...and TRIED to look cute for the office today. Woo!

Remember folks...stay happy.

& please join one of my favorite link-ups, today! Shanna is such a sweetheart!