Wow... It's Already the End of June!!

Apparently I am very poor at updating my blog!

This past month has been quite the piece! Wonderful none the less.

I am all moved into my new apartment--thanks to my wonderful mother!!

I will post pictures of it soon. I have a new addition to the family--Black Jack--he is a sweet kitty!

I have been a Program Assistant at my job a little over a month now--and am applying to go higher--fingers crossed!

It is nice to have a routine again. The past two weeks I have finally been feeling 'settled'. It's such a good feeling...I feel like myself again.

Last night my brother took the train to come stay with me for the week!!! He is so grown up--I am excited for this week. Right now he is off fishing with some of my friends. I wish I could of gone..but I work. boo.

And we cannot forget--SUMMERFEST this weekend! I am super excited!!!!

Pictures to come soon!

May Is Here!

Well this month has been full of ups and downs so far--but it looks like it will be going up from here!

I am now employed full time and start on the 22nd!!!! I took the Program Assistant Position where I currently work. I am excited to start!

On top of that, I am moving into my new apartment on the 24th--I am pretty excited about that as well--a start to reorganizing my life and living more adult-like.

This past weekend was full of wonderful activities! Last Friday, Emily-M graduated! And then I got to spend a few days back in Milwaukee. It was wonderful to spend Mother's Day with two of the greatest mothers I know and am fortunate to have as mine!

Bob had surgery last Friday and is having a smooth recovery thus far.


The girls together for Emily's graduation!


A wild turkey that has been wandering my parent's neighborhood


He is becoming so grown up!! But he'll always be my baby brother


This is quite possibly one of my favorite photos ever. Such love!


We are goofs, and I love every minute of it!


Such a beautiful family!


I like to smother her with kisses! She deserves them!


Our famous three generation photo


I am really happy Nate came to join us.






I can't believe he is as tall as me now! I made sure not to tag him in any of these on facebook...

Life

Ok, Ok, so I admit it... being a new graduate isn't all what we make it out to be in our heads. I am still working at my current job, however that is part time, though I do get close to 40 hours a week...which is nice, but I would enjoy a full time. I have been trying, and not succeeding.
I realize that one of my flaws is wanting to figure things out for myself. Make my own mistakes. I like to think I am a good young lady with my head screwed on the right way; but when it comes to growing up, there is much I have to learn; I am just eager to find this out my own way. I don't want people telling me how I should be doing it. This may be immature of me, however I don't believe it is. As of right now, I am fully capable of supporting my own basic needs. I manage my money well and am opportunistic. Things have not been falling into place--which has stressed me out even more, and has pushed my blood pressure and health out of this world. But I am trying, and how can I learn if I don't try?

^ ^ ^
If none of that made sense, it was more of a rant to myself.

But anyways--on top of the bad many great things have happened so far. For example, I was finally able to make it to Milwaukee. It was a fabulous weekend. Here are a few moments at the zoo that I captured.

Even though life has its struggles. We have to remember to breathe and to slow down. I know I have to remind myself frequently, if I didn't... well, let's not go there!

Happy Easter to all! I will be going back to Milwaukee and spending Easter with my Grandma (or now as she started referring to herself .. "Grannie")!!!!!

Texas!

Yes, I have been a slacker in updating my blog; but before I get into the nitty gritty details about my life, here is a part of Texas.

Nate had his AIT training in Texas and some of his buddies are still down there so we thought it would be fun to escape the Minnesota weather and head down south for a few days. It was an absolute blast. I would love to go back down and spend some more time in San Antonio--it was so much more beautiful than I had imagined!


This was our first night there!


We went exploring and found some trees with flowers on them--my favorite!



We tried Craw fish... I enjoyed playing with it more than eating it. But it was an experience


Under "our" tree. We visited Fort Sam where Nate did his AIT training and this is the tree he always called me under.


We spent a majority of our night, while in San Antonio, at the River walk. It was gorgeous.



Here is the gang on the River Walk!



"Speak no evil." "Hear no evil." "See no evil."

February has come and gone... well almost!

I have to say, February is one of my least favorite months. It usually feels incredibly long and is generally freezing. But this year, it hasn't been too bad!

Quick blogging question.. Any idea how to check my comments without having to scroll to each entry and see if there is a new comment?

This past weekend was full of excitement.. it was Nate's and my 2 year anniversary! We also joined a bunch of friends in the Twin Cities for our friend Christine and Erik's engagement party--I had fun taking lots of pictures.

Me and Jen Jen being goofs


Emily and Brad




Three of the bridesmaids and the bride


:)



I took some pictures of Christine's ring with the flowers


Meet the wedding party!


In other news:
- I have applied for a full time job--still within the same agency. I will find out by March 5th! Please keep your fingers crossed with me!!!
- I cannot wait for spring
- Over some hard times, some people truly shine--and how I cherish them so!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday, Everyone!

This week seemed like it lasted forever.
Work is going well but it has put me on a weird sleep schedule.
Still trying to put bits and pieces together...things are slowly falling into place.
I am having my cousin James over for dinner tonight---I can't believe he has been going to Winona State since last August and I have yet to see him...it's about time. BBQ chicken and mashed potatoes are on the menu!
My roommate, Alissa, brought over some of her puppies from her mom's house--hard not to fall in love... and don't worry mom, I didn't keep one...unfortunately.

the bottom one is the only one without a home, and naturally I fell in love--the chubby puppies are the cutest--I named him Tubbers...sounds like he now has a home in Winona though.

This one is Fergie. He reminded me on Schnitzie--who was grandma's neighbor's dog..whom I use to take care of frequently. Good thing he already was claimed..because I probably would have kept him.


Miss Emily-M and I enjoying the jacuzzi.. well sort of. Our friend Matt is a high roller at a casino near by.. and he got a free suite so a bunch of us went up Monday night and had a nice little get-away.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I wish it was about 50-60 degrees warmer. Heck, I would even take 20 degrees warmer! Stay warm! And for those of you who are not healthy (my nieces and nephew in Colorado) get better soon!

Lovely Ladies

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MY TWIN, KATRICE AND HER NOW FIANCE, MARSHALL.


I am proud to say that I will be her Maid of Honor! They are to be married in December!

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Rose came to visit us from the cities, and here are some pictures from getting ready for the night!