I love my niece and nephew!!!!

Over the weekend, Matt and I took a trip to Iowa to meet our new niece, Alexis. It was a short trip but we got to spend some good quality time with our niece and nephew. It was so fun to just sit around and play with our nephew and hold our niece. It was also good to catch up with my sister in law, Jeni, as I don't get to see her nearly enough.

Besides spending quality time with Aiden, Alexis, and Jeni, I was able to get a 10.5 mile training walk in which was great. My brother, Joe, and his fiance, Allie, were nice enough to join me on this walk, even though I am pretty sure they were regretting that decision by the end. They were definitely pleased when I decided to get up early and do another 6 miles without them. I really enjoyed the company on the walk.

Saturday night, my whole family (all 11 of us now....the group keeps growing) went to dinner at my favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse! It was absolutely amazing! I overate but was okay with that as I only get to eat at Texas Roadhouse about once a year. It was so nice to have everyone together to enjoy a nice meal together.

Overall, it was a great weekend! I was so glad we were able to see everyone during such a brief visit.

First weekend at the Lake of the Season

For Mother's Day, we spent the day together with Matt's family doing what we all love.....hang out at the lake! We enjoyed two beautiful pontoon rides, a big bonfire, quality time together, and eating yummy food, including my personal favorite...s'mores!

Happy Easter

Easter is such a fun holiday filled with bunnies, pastel colors, brunch, and family! One reason that I love Easter is because it is like an unofficial start to Spring.

This Easter was extra special for Matt and I as we got to host our first family holiday. We hosted some of Matt's aunts and uncles for an Easter luncheon and it was wonderful. I love entertaining and having people over. I also love cooking and playing with all of my kitchen stuff.

Today for our Easter luncheon I made the following...Ham, cheesy potatoes, egg bake, scalloped corn, coffee cake, fruit salad, rolls, chocolate chip cookies and brownie bites. It was so much fun and I think every enjoyed themselves.

I was reminded once again today how wonderful our family is. We have so much fun together and really enjoy each other's company. It is so nice to catch up on whatever is doing, chat, eat, relax and just enjoy spending time together. Friends come and go but family is always there. The best part about my situation is that my family are my friends. I am truly blessed in that respect.

I really hope I get to host another holiday as I had a truly wonderful time hosting family for Easter.

I really hope to I get to host more holidays soon as I really enjoy it.

Update 1: New Job

I am currently in my last few days at my current job. Hard to believe after 3 1/2 years, 4 busy seasons, and countless hours, travel, and stress... I am on to a new opportunity. This decision was not the easiest to make but I know that I am doing the right thing for my family.

My new job will be at a private company working in internal audit so that means I still get to do what I love to do, audit, but I get to have a normal schedule and something they like to call work/life balance. I am looking forward to a regular schedule. I do have to commute for my new job but there is a commuter bus that I can ride. I am looking forward to 40 minutes each way in a bus where I can read, play on my phone, relax, nap, etc. Definitely looking forward to this new opportunity.

I loved my job in public accounting but it is time for a change. I will be sure to keep you all posted as I start this new journey.

58.69% of the way there....

I have raised $1,350 of my required $2,300 for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. That is 58.69% of my fundraising goal in just two months! I am so thankful for all of my friends and family who have donated toward my goal as I definitely could not do this without your support.

I am currently at a little over 25 weeks until the big walk. The official training starts at 24 weeks which is quickly approaching. The 24 week training guide suggests/requires 5 day/week workouts. Three days of walking and 2 days of cross training. I am going to use biking and Zumba as my cross training workouts.

I am glad the donations are rolling in and now I just need to put my mind to training and the whole thing will be a huge success!

A Week in Iowa!

Traveling is a large part of my job as an auditor. It is a rare occasion that my work brings me somewhere that is close to family and friends. This last week I was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for work which was great as it meant that I got to spend time with this little man....

I had an absolute blast hanging out with my brother, Robert, sister in law, Jeni, and my wonderful nephew Aiden. It was so nice to spend a week surrounded by my wonderful family! It was so fun to play hide'n'seek, puzzles, and other fun things with my nephew who I don't see nearly enough. It was a great time. I hope to be back in the area soon to be able to spend time with them again.

Thanks to Robert, Jeni and Aiden for their hospitality.

Birthday Girl

I celebrated my 26th Birthday with my family the weekend. My day was very special even though I had to share my day with the Super Bowl. My day was filled with family time including eating yummy food, watching a movie (50/50), watching the super bowl, and enjoying all of the other typical birthday celebrating jazz!

For my birthday, my in-laws and husband all got me items to help me as I start the challenge of training for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure including shoes, socks, and a new water bottle! I am excited about all of it!!

Overall, my birthday celebration was a lot of fun and it was great to be surrounded by my family.

My yummy delicious birthday treats...frosted sugar cookies, red velvet cupcakes, and vanilla cupcakes.

First birthday at a "Mrs."

My kids...Tucker and Abby!

Fundraising update

The month of January has been a great month for working towards my fundraising goal for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in August. As of today, January 29th, I have raised $450 towards my overall goal of $2,300. I am BEYOND excited about this. I get so excited with each donation. I really appreciate all of the encouragement and support from my friends and family!

A Belated Happy Birthday to Miss Abby

Our little Miss Abby turned 2 years old on January 26. She is so sweet but full of sass at the same time. I am not sure where we would be without our little girl.