December 31, 2012

New Year, New Start

With the new year looming right in front of us, I want to do what is common at this time and create some resolutions.

I want to blog more. I want to share with family and friends what is going on in our lives, especially as this year will hopefully be an exciting year for us. As many of you know, Andrew and I will be going to Ireland with 2 dear friends. We will be (hopefully, cross your fingers!) getting a house (and a puppy?!). And as always, I will be taking pictures and watching as seasons change, as the amazing kids in my life grow, and watching my relationships with people evolve and change. 

I have many posts I would like to do, but for now, I must go run some errands. I will certainly miss the holiday season. 

August 3, 2012

Ender's Island, Connecticut

My brother-in-law was living on this little Connecticut island for a few weeks and invited us down for my mother-in-law's birthday! Yes... it was in May. I will catch up someday. 


 We climbed into a high tower, with some steep stairs and got a beautiful view of the ocean and the grounds. There were these amazing paintings all along the walls and a nice lantern hanging. 

The formal dining room was absolutely gorgeous! I think this dining room would be included in my dream house. The colors were soothing, the ceilings were incredible, and it was so light and airy. 

 

 The top right photo is definitely a boy band cover. 


 It was a gorgeous place to visit and wonderful to be with family. 

June 27, 2012

Reviewing goals: Part 1

If you remember I posted some goals for the summer over two weeks ago. I figured I would give an update and also, motivate myself to keep on track. [Come on Emily! You can do it! Be your own cheerleader!]
1. Exercise frequently: I have been failing miserably with this... I think I have exercised maybe three times in the past two weeks. I did just get a new exercise video -- Jillian Michaels 30-day shred. I've heard it is tough, but worth it. I am hoping to get into it soon and I'll let you know how I feel afterwards. 
2. Spend less money. We have been eating out less than when I made this a goal, so that is a plus. I vote yes, we are doing ok in this area. 
3. Take time out of each day to reflect and be thankful. I still need to do more of this. I have been a little sick (with a stupid lasting cough) these past few days, but I should definitely be thankful to have the medicine to make me feel better and clean water to norish my body with. 
4. Write more. Nope. I did update my blog though. Does that count? 
Overall, I obviously have to keep going, but I still think these goals are important to both my health and my future plans.

In other news, I gave blood today. I didn't pass out either! I felt a little bit light-headed, so I laid back down for a minute or two, but now I feel great and I really hope my blood goes to a person who really needs it.

I am reading "My Sister's Keeper" currently and I really like it. I am a bit concerned though because I am reading it on the train from work and I can already tell it is going to make me cry at some point. I don't want to be that lady on the T...

June 21, 2012

New name, new season, ice cream

After much deliberation, I felt it was necessary to change my blog name to something less boring and more me. So, meet the new and improved, "Love & Happiness, but most of all... ice cream!" Do you like it? Think it is me? 

In other news, the first day of summer was yesterday and boy, did it come full force. It has been in the high 90's if not 100's in the Boston area lately! Craziness. 

Every year my company has a barbecue in the parking lot to celebrate summer. This year the food was only decent and there wasn't even enough, however they did order an ice cream truck. That made everything better. :)
Ice Cream!


June 14, 2012

Sometimes you just have to whine.

As I type this, Andrew is still at work. Yes, I am very thankful for this job, however, I hate when my husband has to work late. I love spending time with him (what happily married woman doesn't enjoy that?) and I have to be honest, I miss him!! I even got home from work late expecting to see his handsome face at his computer. No luck for like the past 3 hours.

However, with his absence, I have become quite the little diva homemaker. I washed dishes and folded the laundry. Both things really needed to be done. I still need to go buy a few things at the grocery store and deposit some checks (including Andrew's first new paycheck! Wahoo!), but that is difficult without a car.

I was hoping that if I started typing this, Andrew would come through the door, but again this day is not very lucky. Back to actually put away the laundry I guess...

June 13, 2012

Spring [Wardrobe] Cleaning?

Usually around my birthday, I love to update my wardrobe a bit. And by "update my wardrobe" I mean, spend a lot of money on clothes. I have held off SO WELL this spring, but I am definitely feeling this urge to pick out clothes that are more professional, or more comfortable, or just newer, washed-less-than-fifty-times clothes. It has been especially hard to hold myself back due to us being more on budget than previous years.

As for saving money in other areas, like going out to eat, we have been fairly successful! Surprise, surprise. Making a list and planning meals does help! Haha. Now, to motivate ourselves into doing this every two weeks or so... that's the toughest part.

I have a few more photos to edit from being out and about, but absolutely no motivation to do so.

Work has been really busy (at least for me...) these past few weeks, but currently I feel like I am at a good pace in my work life. Now, to strive for this level of work every week.

Hopefully next time I post I will have some photos to show!

June 10, 2012

Silent Sunday

Kay and Rhae sweetly watching youtube after a hectic (buy most certainly fun) day. 

June 9, 2012

Kaylee's 16th birthday!

This post is definitely long overdue. On April 12th, 2012, my beautiful sister-niece turned 16! I can't believe how fast we are growing and I can't wait to see where life takes her in the future years. I hope this year brings happiness, strength, and growth for you as you embark on the tumultuous journey through your prime teenage years. I will always love you and laugh with you!






This is the montage of my gift. The card said to ask for my phone, which had her present's details pulled up. 
She found out I got her tickets to see Drake and obviously as you can see from the pictures, she was ecstatic and over the moon (and a little teary eyed). I am so glad I was able to do something like this for her since her mom gave me so many amazing opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. 





How many more days till your birthday now? ;)

I'm Baaaaack!

Sorry for that random hiatus there... but I am back! I have lots of pictures to post/edit then post for your viewing pleasure.

I gave up on the weekly photos. I just want to photograph my life and the things going on and maybe someday I will start back up posting photos every day. Right now, I am going to focus on making myself (and Andrew, of course) happy. So, I am making a list of goals for the summer. Perhaps I will update every now and then about the progress of said goals.

Without further ado... the goals!
1. Exercise frequently. I am trying not to focus on the losing weight aspect, but the more energy/better sleep/just feel better in general aspect.
2. Spend less money. Mostly eating out for dinner less, but also to make better investments in where we spend our money. Oh! Our rent just increased, which thankfully isn't too much of a problem because Andrew just got a new job with a significant pay increase, but still, we need to learn to budget ourselves better for later when we can't be as frivolous.
3. Take time out of each day to reflect and be thankful. Kind of self-explanatory, but last night I was just thinking about how selfish I feel sometimes and I am hoping this goal reminds me how lucky I am every single day.
4. Write more. When I was younger, I found keeping a journal to be soothing and it really helped me think about my feelings and keep track of what I do day to day. I miss that, so hopefully this blog will be able to become a journal of sorts. Hopefully with more pictures because who likes a blog without pictures?!

Of course, I want to have a fun, good summer as well, but I assumed that was a given. :)  Does anyone else have some goals they have set for the summer? I would be interested in learning what everyone wants to accomplish in two months.


April 14, 2012

Week 3: Stripes

 Week 3: Stripes
I completely forgot to mention what this week's theme was last week! Well, now you know... it's stripes. It is funny because when I am doing these themes, all of a sudden I just see them everywhere. I am loving this whole theme week. It gives me something to take pictures of and not worry about getting boring. 

Next week's theme: Wood

April 5, 2012

Week 2: Red

 Week 2: Red
 It was a super busy week, which made it easy to collect red photos. This week I celebrated my niece's 7th birthday with a bunch of 7 year old girls, saw Mythbusters on their new tour, ate delicious food, and took many sunny photos. This week wasn't so warm, but it was certainly sunny and the trees are in bloom, making Boston/Cambridge a beautiful area. 

March 30, 2012

Best Buds Birthday Bonanza

The day after my birthday I went on a taco bell picnic with these lovely girls. It was beautiful out. Like the best weather I have ever had on my birthday. Ever. We played on the playground and took a bazillion (or roughly 500...) pictures. This adventure made my birthday even more incredibly special! 




March 29, 2012

Week 1: Birthday

Week 1: Birthday
A collection of a few of my past birthdays. I love birthdays be it my own or someone else's. It's a great day to celebrate the life you live or celebrate the special person in your life. 

I'm trying something new with posting photos. Do you like this way or do you like the other way better? Let me know in the comments. 

Next week's theme: Red





March 28, 2012

Nova - Cracking Your Genetic Code

After work I was getting my pictures in order for my first installment of my 52 Weeks Project! I am so excited about it!

While you wait for more updates, take a look at this: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/cracking-your-genetic-code.html. I am not sure if the full episode will be available to stream or not, but if you get a chance, watch! The video shows some of my coworkers and explains the importance of whole genome sequencing. Interesting stuff. It also brings up ethical questions scientists, especially geneticists, have to think about.

See you tomorrow.

March 22, 2012

Birthday Celebrations!

Exciting news! Every week this year, I will post at least one photo that goes along with a theme of that week. There will be a new theme each week and different pictures every week. The photos may be older ones, they may be taken that day. I am so excited for this project! 
I will also be posting random posts, such as a birthday, or a day hanging out with some cute kids. 

See you next week!!

March 11, 2012

Put It Away And Wait Till Tomorrow. Put It Away And Take Care Of Your Heart.

 Day 365.
It is not Day 365 technically, but I have made the decision to stop posting photos every day. I got further than I thought I would ever get and I am proud of all the pictures I have taken over these past 11 months.  

Don't be discouraged though! I will still be posting to this blog with pictures and updates about the life of the Wheelers, just not every day. I have other projects in mind for the start of my birthday (less than two weeks away!), but you will have to stay tuned as to what is ahead. Remember to have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness in your lives, hearts and minds. 

Thank you.

February 19, 2012

Gimme Gimme More More

Day 336.
I know, I know. I am so far behind. I meant to take a lot more pictures while we were in Vermont, but I forgot my camera and I drove. Excuses. 

We did visit Jon up in Vermont this weekend and it was great fun until Andrew got a little sick. He is feeling better, but these past two weeks have been busy (I'm learning a new process at work). I'll get some pictures up eventually. 

Also, this tea is Passion tea and it was DELICIOUS. If you love fruity tea, try this. It is yummy. Starbucks makes a passion fruit lemonade (or iced tea, I can't remember), but it is one of my favorite drinks there. Highly recommended. 

February 16, 2012

February 14, 2012

Rather Waste Some Time With You

Day 334.
Andrew and I had a wonderful Valentine's day! We stayed in and cooked steak and corn (not featured), then watched some TV and went to bed early. It was nice to relax and be back home. 

Bouquet Of Clumsy Words, A Simple Melody

 Day 333.
Happy Valentine's Day!!
We had a Valentine's Day ice cream social at work today. We had ice cream with various toppings, such as gummy bears, and someone made these adorable cupcakes. It was a delicious, fattening day at work!

February 12, 2012

I Never Thought So Much Could Change

Day 332. 
I thought this picture had come out a lot better when I took it, therefore I did not take another one. 
Soooo... I am sorry for this blurry picture. I tried to add some more features to distract you. Did it work?

February 10, 2012

There's No Place Else You'd Rather Be

 Day 330.
Our last night we walked into our room and found this towel friend waiting for us! So sweet! We think the picture below inspired them. 
Andrew likes to say we got three main compliments on our vacation: 
1. A waitress in New Orleans called Andrew's card "cute" and wondered where to get one.
2. A couple from Salt Lake City sat with us before snorkeling and asked us if we were on our honeymoon because we still seem to be so in love (1 and a half years next week!). 
3. The TSA person commented that we packed really light and must've done this before. Nope! We're just lazy/cheap and hate checking bags, although we had to check one this time.

February 9, 2012

I Won't Be Held Responsible, She Fell In Love In The First Place

 Day 329.
This is the cruise ship port in Cozumel, Mexico. It is definitely tourist-y, but this was the best day of all vacation. We docked, snorkeled, swam in the ocean at a private beach, came back to shower, and then shopped a bit (gotta get a few postcards and souvenirs ya know!). It was a beautiful day weather wise too. The sun was shining, but it wasn't beating down too hard. 
The last three photos were taken with an underwater disposable camera. Next time we snorkel, which we plan to do, I want to either get many or just get a case for my point-and-shoot camera.