memory lane

When I look back over my life there are moments and even whole days where every detail is so vivid. It is like the universe implanted the memory so deeply and clearly, there is no way I could forget. I remember exactly what I was wearing, exactly how I felt and exactly the way that day or moment impacted my life.

A few of these moments are: The day we first visited the Humane Society of pick out Charlie. The day Parker was born. The day we moved into our house. And undoubtadly the most important; June 29, 2006.

June 29, 2006.

It was a typical summer day - I slept in and worked at the country club. It's all pretty mundane until I did something so typically Amanda it hurts; locked my keys in my car. I remember panicking because Phil and I had our first date and I didn't want to be late! Fortunately a locksmith wasn't far and was on my way. 

By the time I got home I was freaking out because I had no clue what I was going to wear. Kaylee came over and helped me pick out a super original outfit; jeans and a white T. 

When Phil picked me up he came to the front door to get me and opened all my doors. I remember thinking that this is how a girl should be treated. We had a super glamorous meal at Champps. I remember where we sat and what we ate. I remember the complete lack of awkwardness.

At the end of the night we hugged (ass out :)). 10 years later; here we are with a pretty spectacular life together. 

Cheers to my main man. It's been an amazing 10 years, here's to 100 more. 

6 months?

Woah.

It's been 6 months since my last blog post and A LOT has happened. 

AUGUST - 

we took a little trip CO with good friends and experienced all that the mountains have to offer.

unedited. unfiltered. 

OCTOBER - 

WE MOVED INTO OUR NEW HOME! 

We started the house search early in the summer and after a lot of duds we found our home, fell in love, made an offer and the rest is history.

wellll, maybe it wasn't quite that easy!

Moving day was difficult and super challenging but as Phil and I kept reminding each other - "we're on the same team". 

It wasn't long before this place started to feel like home. 

DECEMBER - 

My favorite month of the year; no question. Phil took me to LA. I turned 30. Hosted our first big holiday. It was great, magical and every other corny word that I can use. 

cruising on the PCH on my bday

santa monic pier ferris wheel

santa monica pier

toys for tots donation

the crew

typical

best of the best

carving the bird

Cheers, here's the new year & to blogging more.

iphone pic roundup

I know you're sitting there thinking to yourself; 'man, i wonder what crappy iphone photos Amanda has been taking lately'. Don't worry, I'm here to oblige. 

This puppy gets soo tuckered at daycare that she can't even be bothered to put her tongue in her mouth when she passes out. 

The struggle is real.

During our stretch of warm weather, the puppy learned the joys of passing out in the sun.

So sorry for the food posts but Phil and I discovered something new at Von Hansons. For as much as we frequent that joint, it shouldn't be possible to find something new - but we did! 

Peppercorn rubbed beef skewers & Chipolte Chicken skewers (with zucchini, of course). We grilled it up, sat on the deck and enjoyed the weather!

The little lady celebrated her first 1/2 birthday. 

Pretty typical cuddle sesh. 

NEW MUMFORD. 

I'm going to be honest, I wasn't a big fan of Believe. One radio station compared it to Coldplay and then that's all. i could. hear! The Wolf is much better and (in my opinion) much more true to them. 

Guacamole + Cucumber Infused Vodka = All the makings for a bitchin' Friday night on the patio. 

There you have it. I'm glad I could grace you with my mediocre photos.

Until next time, folks.

#NIAW

For those who don't know what my fancy, fang dangled abbreviations are - NIAW = National Infertility Awareness Week. 

This year's theme is You are Not Alone. Genius.
It's crazy, really. Everyone knows someone who is or has been in this boat - Infertility impacts 1 in 8 couples of reproductive age. So, think about your friends, aunts, uncles, co-workers - you know more than 8 couples, right? At least one of them is impacted by this!

We are 1 in 8.

I find so much inspiration reading and listening to others' stories; the successes and failures. 

This is a great week to search blogs, read twitter and join a community because, as the theme states, you are not alone. We are not alone. Listen. Read. Speak up!

My favorite resource: Resolve

want more information on our story? click on the PCOS, Loss & Infertility tab at the top of the page. want even more? drop me a line!

   

world's worst blogger

A lot has happened since my half-assed, iphone pic only, blog. Sorry about the length but I've got to get caught up here!

1 - GRADUATION! 

Charlie graduated from Puppy School. Graduation day was filled with games, races and competitions. After each game, the winning puppy was given a small bone and the puppy with the most bones was the winner of the Graduation Ceremonies. Charlie won. Not to brag because it probably was her parents' competitive nature that catapulted her into the winners circle. 

shaking hands to accept her diploma

diploma!

"give me that kong"

2 - ENGAGEMENT!

Tyler and Courtney are engaged!! It has been a couple months since Tyler told me that he was planning on popping the question. After that, the planning and scheming came into play. I wish I could say that all went exactly according to plan, but it didn't.. but who cares? They're getting hitched!! 

A couple days after the big question - family gathered at bonfire for 30 mimosas a congratulatory toast. It was so wonderful! I can't wait for the wedding!!

celebrating!

3- VALENTINES DAY.

You may or may not know that Phil and I really don't celebrate valentine's day, per se. What we do do is eat a heaping pot of mac & cheese with cut up hot dogs and dip into a nice bottle of wine (or two!). It's fun and it's us. And really something that I look forward to every year!

I mean.. just look at that amazing-ness. 

 4 - CHARLIE

This little puppy is testing us! She's starting to push the boundaries and test our limits. Even when we want to scream - she licks our face and looks like this. Can't get enough!

5 - CABIN WKND

We made our annual winter trek to the cabin and brought along a few buddies! I didn't get stuck (first time in 2 years) and we had an amazing time - per the usual. 

deer in the clearing

saddle up buddies

ride it.

ice fishing buddy

I had a crappie on my line and wasn't so sure about it. Phil and Corey were yelling at me; "Do you have a fish?". Then I pulled this beaut out of the lake. Boom!

cribbage & coffee

the best

That's all, folks!

Until next time - which hopefully won't be months and months away.