We love when we get to spend one-on-one time with our nephew, Max. He makes us so happy just being himself. Energetic, talkative, smart, musical, loving and quite the cutie (as evident in the photos below). 

Recently, we took Max to Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa. Joel and I hadn't been to Adventureland since we were younger and were looking forward to seeing the park through Max's eyes. 

Max was eagerly awaiting us when we arrived to pick him up. Bags packed, he was ready to go! He's a good road-tripper as long as you have good music, drumsticks and snacks on hand.

We got checked into Adventureland Inn (which was very nice, highly recommend) and hopped on "Molly the Trolly" to head to the park. Max's excitement was contagious and we both felt childlike anticipation for what the day had in store. Holding each of our hands, Max led the way, taking in everything as we entered.

Max is four, so I had a little concern that there wouldn't be a lot for him to ​do. I was completely wrong! On most of the rides, if an adult is along, little ones can hop on. We didn't do any crazy roller coasters or anything like that, but there were a few rides that freaked us out while Max was beside us laughing hysterically! Like the two pictured below:

The thing Max was looking forward to the most was the Adventureland Bay waterpark. It was pretty impressive and Max had a blast! He wore a little life jacket so Joel and I showed him how to kick his feet to swim back and forth between us. He also learned a valuable lesson about closing your mouth before jumping in the water!

When we were done at the waterpark, we were all pretty beat. We finished up on some rides he mentioned he wanted to try on the road trip down, had some treats and enjoyed a juggling show before we headed back to the hotel.

Our hotel room was poolside so we took one last dip to end the day. When we asked Max what his favorite part of the trip was he replied, "Two pools!" And the first thing he said upon waking up the next day was, "That was a really fun day." My heart swelled up to about 10 times its regular size!

Needless to say, it was a fantastic little weekend getaway with our favorite little guy! Joel and I actually want to go back again soon because although there is a lot to do with kids, there's much fun to be had by adults as well!

I've been thinking a lot lately about memories. The legacies we leave. The things we remember about those that have touched our lives. The things they remember about us.

I tend to remember the little things.  Character traits or quirky actions that are probably missed by most, but to me, are things I look back on and tear up about. Because they are the things that help me remember why that person is special to me and how much I love them. 

One of the smallest yet significant examples I will share is about the sound of my grandpa's shuffle. I would eat dinner with my grandparents once a week, and today, still eat dinner each week with my grandma. One night after dinner was done and my grandpa left the table to refill his iced tea, I heard the shuffle of his feet and pants dragging on the ground. His pants were a little too long and he was in his socks. In the moment, I thought it was so cute, and realized it's a sound I had heard so many times before, but never really listened to. It's a sound I can still hear. And it makes me miss him so much, but reminds me in a million different ways how much I love him.

My sister's laugh. My mom's voice when she's happy. My dad's scent. My grandma's graceful demeanor. My husband's warmth. The way my uncle wraps his extension cords. These are just a few of the countless number of small things that make my heart swell.

We're lucky to exist side-by-side on this Earth. Human connection is so beautiful, especially when every inch of it is appreciated - including its flaws. Here's to noticing not only the big things, but the little things, too. I truly believe the little things are keys to knowing and remembering what real love feels like.

Joel and I love to spend time in Cedar Rapids. Partially because that's where he comes from, partially because it has so much to offer.

​If you haven't been to Cedar Rapids in awhile, I suggest you make the trip. The city is flourishing with so many great public spaces, stores, restaurants, arts facilities and other unique options to take advantage of.

​I took a couple of days off to spend time with Joel and we decided to spend one of the days in Cedar Rapids. We visited some of our favorite places and I wanted to share some of those places with you!

​Our first stop is always the Newbo City Market.

The city market has a lot to offer. Diverse food options, handmade items, hardy plants, sweet treats, essential oils and more. On this visit, we tried the Mexican food booth and their new crepe booth. Both were DELICIOUS!

We resisted buying anything else this time around, but did some browsing!

I was hoping our next stop would be this new, cute shop that is inside an old farmhouse style home. Unfortunately it wasn't open, but I took a picture of it so perhaps you can stop in next time you are in town. It's called Little House Artifacts. They have a lot of really creative repurposed and upcycled items alongside traditional antique goods.

Before leaving the Newbo area, we stopped by a shop we hadn't been to before. It was called Newbo Mercantile & Vintage Shop.

The shop owner was very nice. She and I chatted the entire time we were in the store. They offered vintage clothing and other items, eco-friendly and natural goods, DIY supplies, tea, and other miscellaneous gifts.

I bought a few things. Eco Bags (four total) that I can use for bulk and fresh foods when shopping, and honey from a local hive. See below for one of the Eco Bags. I was so excited to find some of these! (Plastic is bad. Boo, plastic!)

The final place we stopped in downtown CR was my favorite store - Gooselake Creations. This store has a very unique selection - similar to the Little House - with a mix of repurposed and upcycled items alongside traditional antique goods.

I go here to look at what they have to offer, of course, but my main reason for stopping by is for inspiration. I have never left without a new idea that I can't wait to get home and execute. The shop owner is as colorful as the items he sells, is very kind and makes you feel like you're his only customer.

​I walked away with some new ideas and a couple of items. A "Bees & Honey" poster inside a window frame and two rust orange baskets. We already hung the poster, but I'm still thinking about where I want the baskets!

This is just a tiny glimpse into what Cedar Rapids has to offer. I hope you'll take some time to explore this city when you have a chance!

The image above captures me transitioning. Preparing. Taking stock. As the Thanksgiving holiday closes and the Christmas holiday approaches, time seems to disappear. Our lives become a blur. So much to do, so little time.

We have lists of lists. Overlapping events on the calendar. Food dishes to prepare. Presents to wrap. Cards to send. Joy to bring.

Because I've taken time to think about what's to come, my hope is this: I'll forgive myself if everything doesn't get done. I'll slow down long enough to savor the moments I am able to squeeze in with my family and friends. And I'll let the warm feelings of knowing 'I am loved, I am taken care of, and I have so many good things to be happy for' wash over me.

Aside from food and gifts and stuff, I want to bring the best version of myself to every gathering I'm blessed enough to attend throughout the holiday season. Because it's the memories that last. That means digging my heels in if I need a moment. That means self love and deep breaths every day. That means letting things go that I don't have time for, and being OK with that.

I hope you're preparing yourself for the flurry of events to come over the next month like I am. Let's make a pact to make room for the good stuff and let go of the things we can't get to or are distracting us from the joyful feelings this season brings. Namaste and Happy Holidays my friends!

Ever since I read this quote for the first time many years ago, it stuck with me. When I'm feeling weighed down by madness, unexpected change, negativity - this quote never fails to pop into my head, reminding me to look for the good around me.

I want to share an experience and a thought I encountered this week. One is about meeting a helper. One is about being a helper. 

First, my experience meeting a helper in the most unexpected of places: Village Inn. Joel and I were both looking to do something to lift our spirits after a week of being bombarded with negative and unsettling change in both our personal and professional lives. We decided to visit Festival of Trees at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. We go every year and it always puts us in a warm and giving mood. As usual, we had a great time taking in the Christmas trees, music, and spirit. 

We wanted to top off the night by eating at one of our favorite restaurants, Village Inn. Ironically, they gave us a $5 off coupon to Village Inn at Festival of Trees - so going there was written in the stars. And I'm so glad for that. When we arrived at the restaurant they were bursting at the seams. So crowded, a bustle of activity. We were seated and greeted by the person I'll start to gush about: Charlie. Charlie became the helper in our story, and someone we'll remember for a long time.

In looking at Mr. Rogers' face and remembering Charlie's, they had a lot in common. The main features being eyes and a smile that beam with genuine kindness. His service was lovely, but the way he delivered the words he spoke to us and those around us was truly one-of-a-kind. There was no falsity about him. He sincerely liked what he was doing and interacting with his customers. What brought us the greatest joy was watching him with the children that were on either side of our booth. I wish I could have taken a photo if it wouldn't have been completely creepy. Imagine a grandparent seeing their grandchild. That's what it was like. And he was greeting complete strangers.

​At the end of our (wonderful) experience we decided that we wanted to let Charlie know how much his kindness was appreciated. We spoke with his manager and left him a very generous tip. The thing about helpers is that they are often overlooked. We wanted Charlie to know that we saw him. That his positivity and genuine goodness restored some of the feelings of hope we'd lost. Thank the good Lord for helpers like Charlie.

​Now on to my second topic, a thought about being a helper. We've all seen in the news that there has been an increasing number of harassment claims from a wide range of people throughout the country. People are receiving rude notes, yells from the street, online comments, you name it. People are making other people feel like they don't matter. Like they're not worthy to be themselves and/or live in this country. When the fact is, we're all so much more alike than we are different.

​I plan to be a helper by reaching out to the people I see in the news or online that are receiving negative or threatening messages. And I hope you'll join me in this. The internet gives us access to more personal information than I'm comfortable with, but in times like this, I hope it comes in handy. I've already looked up the names and addresses of a couple of different people who were recently harassed and plan to send them a note of support. And if I see something online, I'm going to post my support over and over again. Let's show that the support for the people being attacked is greater than the perceived hate towards them.

Let's vow to recognize the helpers we encounter. And at the same time, let's be helpers ourselves in any way, shape, or form we can be, at this time, and always. 

As a woman, I'm obviously biased in favor of my gender. I believe women are beautiful forces to be reckoned with. On their own, extraordinary. When supported by other women, unstoppable.

​I'm tired of picking women apart. I'm tired of hearing others pick women apart.  I'm also tired of the double standards that exist between men and women. A lot of times, women get the short end of the stick. We're judged on our looks, actions, intelligence in such a specific and critical way. More than men have or ever will be.

That's why we need to stick together. In understanding and in solidarity.

​I want to live my life to the absolute fullest, being 100% authentic. Don't you? Yes? Then let's do it!

​The thing is, we can't do it on our own. Yes, we are very powerful as individuals, but like I mentioned earlier, when we come together, there's nothing like it. When we stop picking each other part, and instead, ask how we can be of help in propelling each other forward, that's where the magic happens.

​We need more comradery among women. I think it's getting better and better, but I want there to be an unquestionable unity among all of us. No matter if we are strangers or friends. See a woman, be there for them. Whether it is with a kind word, helping hand, or even something as simple as a "like" or positive comment on social media. Show your support.

Joel and I had our first sleepover with our sweet, three-year-old nephew, Max, this past weekend. We were mostly excited and a little nervous. We've never babysat a child overnight before, so it was uncharted territory. 

We anxiously awaited Saturday morning when we were set to pick him up. We discussed an itinerary full of the fun things we could do together. I bought everything we needed the night before - kid-friendly food and craft supplies. 

His parents are great, Joel's brother Harper and his wife, Sara. They do a wonderful job of preparing Max for new adventures he goes on so he knows exactly what to expect. He's a really smart little guy, too, so he understands everything they're telling him. 

When we arrived to get him, he had picked out two "Minion" buttons from the store - one for each of us. He had his bags packed and he was ready to go!

We started off the day at Bloomsbury Farm (highly recommended if you're looking for a day trip somewhere that is sure to keep little ones entertained). There were activities galore (some pictured at the end of this post), and Max loved it all. He took a little snooze on the way home and when we got back to our house he settled in with Joel to watch a movie before noticing that I was working outside (I needed to water my flowers). He wanted to "work hard" so he asked to help me, which of course I said "Yes" to! We did a little work and explored our property before coming in for supper.

Bath time and bed time were a breeze - and get this - he actually wanted to go to bed...How much more perfect can this kid get?! Joel read him stories until he fell asleep and he slept like a log all night long.

We enjoyed a pancake breakfast, pumpkin painting, and "band practice" before leaving for a family member's birthday party where we were set to drop Max off. We made a pit stop at the mall to walk around and ride the children's rides, including the cool train that drives around Crossroads Mall. It was the cherry on top of a great weekend with Max.

Throughout our adventures in babysitting, we both made some interesting observations that gave us some insight into what being a parent might be like. The primary observation being we now understand how some couples can become "disconnected" from each other when there are children involved. Obviously, the joyful experiences that children bring outweigh the bad and make everything worth it, but because your focus is so much on the happiness and well-being of the child, it's easy to lose sight of your partner, their happiness and well-being.

We noticed this in two days. In our minds, I know we both multiplied that disconnected feeling by 18 years. That was eye opening for us, who at this point in our lives, are so connected we literally can predict each other's thoughts and actions 99.9% of the time.

I'm happy that we both observed the same things, took time to reflect, and discussed how what we observed made us feel. We both agreed that although we had an absolute blast, returning to our "me and him" normalcy  was welcomed.

We treated ourselves to some activities that he and I like to do together to top the weekend off. Library, movie, dinner, Hulu. I think we both had a renewed feeling about how much we mean to each other, how lucky we are to have each other as a best friend, and how happy we are doing our own thing as a two person family right now.

There's nothing wrong with being thirty-somethings with no kids. To each their own. Maybe tomorrow, next week, next month our tune will change - but in this present moment - we have each other and that is enough.

That cute crew pictured with me above is my family. They greet me when I get home and smother me in love. I'm a lucky woman. 

Recently, Joel said something that made me feel all the things: "In our family we..." This simple statement really struck me.

I've always believed that we make our own paths. Regardless of what our past was like, we have the choice to make our lives what we want them to be. I'm not a fan of the "blame game": "I'm this way because my parents..."; "I do that because this one time in elementary school..."; "I'll never get anywhere because they told me I couldn't..." There's a certain point in our lives where we need to take ownership for who we are and what we do. The good and the bad. A point when we leave everything behind (as best we can) and move forward. Always moving forward. Taking the good, stepping over the bad, and doing our own thing.

​Joel and I come from amazing families (and when I say that I actually mean it). They've all taught us so much and helped us build our foundations both as individuals and as a couple. They've given us the tools to construct our own values and figure out how those values fit in to our own little family. 

We get to pick and choose what's important to us. Joel may have observed one thing in his family, I may have observed something different in mine, but we have the choice to select what works best for our family. This allows us to move forward with confidence and binds us closer together as we determine what truly is important to us as a family unit.

What a special privilege to have! I can't describe the feelings this realization gives me. Comfort. Pride. LOVE. Among many others. It definitely feels like a next step. Another milestone reached in our marriage and our family. The creation of a set of values that we'll continue to instill in ourselves and our family as it grows.

I'm so excited to find out what "In our family we..." develops into over time. You better believe I'm writing everything down!

 Being married is my absolute favorite thing in this world.

I'm able to say this with such confidence because my "other half," simply put, rules. He is the most perfect person for me and we continue to grow together in such wonderful ways. 

There are many things about our relationship that make us "work" - but here are a few basic elements that seem to get us through everything:

• ​Teamwork. When we were going through marriage classes our pastor shared a lot of information with us. The one thing that stuck with us was simple, "You're on the same team." He told us a story of an elderly couple that wrote TEAM on a piece of paper and kept it hanging on their fridge throughout their marriage as a constant reminder that although they were two individuals, at the end of the day, every day, they were on the same team. By the end of each day, if we feel like we are on different pages, our ultimate goal is always to figure out how we reposition ourselves to reconvene our position as a team.
• Gratitude. I think "thank you" goes a long way in life, but especially so in marriage. Acknowledgement of what your spouse does to keep you feeling loved, to run the household, to make you proud, to show affection to family and friends - really anything and everything that makes a positive impact - is important. It sounds like an easy thing to do, but to do it right (in my opinion), you have to take time to be very mindful of what your spouse does. Many of the things I express gratitude for are the small things (that ultimately add up to big things). "Thanks for that sweet text, it made my day." "Thanks for taking the dog out and letting me stay snuggled inside." "Thanks for making my family member feel special, my family means a lot to me." "Thanks for making sure that was handled so I didn't have to worry about it."
• Kindness. Marriage is hard work. Joel and I have both expressed this to each other at one point or another...because it's the truth. Not everything is rosy all of the time. There are times when it is really tough to be married to someone so similar and yet so different from you all at that the same time. This is where kindness comes in. Not one of us is perfect. We both have our flaws. But instead of treating each other's flaws with anger, frustration, and hostility - we treat them with gentle kindness. Joel is much better than this than I am, but I'm working on it. In the past, I would have an outburst, followed up with kindness (FORGIVE ME, YOUR PSYCHO WIFE!). Now, I hold my tongue, take a deep breath (or 20), think about the impact my words will have, and find a way to approach the situation with kindness where the end result prompts positive action vs. a negative reaction. Luckily, we don't have many of these moments, but they do exist, and we're both still learning how to navigate touchy moments with kindness.
• Support. When I say "support" I am talking about support of your spouse as an individual. As much as we are a team, there's no denying we are very independent individuals. We are a true case of "opposites attract" when it comes to our personalities, but have always said that is what gives us balance. His outgoing nature prevents me from becoming more of an introverted shut-in than I already am. My fierce focus on moving forward keeps him from living in a van down by the river. We recognize our individual needs, wants, and desires - and support them in each other. I have always believed that if we want to function as the best version of the "team" we've created - we need to nurture and respect ourselves as individuals along the way. He volunteers with me. I go to his shows (when I'm not content being a shut-in...). He humors my chronic planning. I play along with his ever changing musical hero line-up. Our support for each other goes much deeper than this, tied to our core values (which is ultimately why we work so well), but that's a blog post for another day.

I wish you the best of luck in your relationship. Find your own way and acknowledge the things that are working well. Whether you're in a new partnership, a rekindled relationship, or have been together for a long time - no matter what - love is truly a beautiful thing!