...a weekend for the girls...

This weekend is an extra special weekend for us. Not only is it a fabulously long weekend, but a weekend that only a year ago we shared with the greatest of friends enjoying the best of times. A year ago from today I was hoping onto a plane and heading to San Diego for a weekend with the girls celebrating my last official weekend as a single lady. 

Some memories from the special weekend include:

a sash fit for a pageant, being ms. trojan and men sharing way too many trojan stories with me, dancing the night away, breakfast with a view, a surprise shower, true friends letting you borrow their dress for tear control, too many stories and secrets, bathing suits tied by shoelaces, not exactly making it to the hot tub, golden globes and tapas, and much more.

Thank you ladies for an amazing trip. It truly was a weekend I will never forget, and wish I could relive on a yearly basis. Here are a few photos...

xoxo,

R

...awe and wonder...

When I went through my Confirmation during Highschool, I was asked to carry the banner for Awe and Wonder, which is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. I was extremely flattered and honored to be asked to carry such a banner, as it made me feel that my love for life and unfathomable interest in the world was quite apparent. As the feeling and reflection of awe and wonder can dissipate the older one gets and it becomes so easy to forget to appreciate the little things in life, I was happy to find myself swooning and memorized by this sunset on my way home from work tonight. 

This sunset came after a long day with many unexpected twists. It truly reminds me, if you stop and smell the roses or appreciate the small things it life, it's god's way of saying everything will be ok. 

xoxo,

R

...for the love of change...

Normally I never set resolutions for the new year, because I know I won’t keep them. Well, 2011 is different. It’s a year full of hope and uncertainty for me, and one I am truly excited to start. So with that said I have decided to set a list of resolutions I hope to stick by throughout 2011, here are just a few…

-Get Organized- although I call my life organized chaos, I truly want it to just be organized. So in 2011 I hope to organize both my personal and professional life. With that I also plan to de-clutter my closet, beauty products, and anything else that is overfull and unused. This is one resolution I know Mikis can't wait for me to work on.

-Be Positive- generally I am a pretty positive person, but the last few months I have been sort of in a funk and well, I need to get out of it. I am going to push myself, funk or not, to constantly look on the bright side, and disregard negative thoughts and frustrations.

-Spend more time with girlfriends- although I pride myself on my great girlfriend relationships, I could always make more time for get-togethers or even hour long phone dates. In 2011 I hope to reconnect with all my girlfriends on a monthly basis.

-Get Healthy- let’s just say my willpower when it comes to working out or staying away from junk food is slim to none. In 2011 I hope to work out at least twice a week (baby steps), and eat a healthier diet.

-Go to more concerts- Mikis and I LOVE music, and we used to go to concerts on the regular. Lately our concert schedule has been pretty empty, in 2011 I hope we make our hobbies and interests a priority and get out more and enjoy the music.

-Go on more vacations- We love to travel, who doesn't? In 2011 I hope we make more plans for travel within and out of the U.S. This is our prime time to see as many sights as possible, before we have to "settle down" and start a family. As much as we like to travel alone, I hope we plan more trips with friends as well. Friends help make trips a bit sweeter and add to the memories.

I am sure this list will grow more and more as I remember things I would like to work on or change. If I even do a little bit of each of these I will be happy. Remember change is always a positive, if we all stayed stagnant where would we be in life? What are your resolutions for 2011?

[happy new year!]

xoxo,

R+M

...grief...

Today I am saddened to say that one of my closest girlfriends and her family is going through tremendous grief. They lost someone very close to them, and this person's absence will be felt by the family forever. Although I'm not going to divulge details as this isn't my story to tell, this news has made me reflect a lot on life and loss. Everyone deals with grief differently, and I think no matter what, the most important thing is to know your friends and family are here for you, when your ready.

Whenever one is faced with or hears the news of an unfortunate loss, it makes you reflect on your life and what truly matters. Lately, I have found myself in somewhat of a funk, focusing on the negative and not appreciating what truly matters. I stumbled upon this quote the other day and thought it was perfectly written and truly puts things in perspective. Tonight, close the computer, turn off the tv and enjoy your loved one's and reflect on how lucky you truly are. Nothing is more important than this day.

xoxo,

R+M

...thanksgiving celebrations...

Thanksgiving has taken on many different look's throughout the years. My first memories were of us bundling up and heading to my grandparent's house in Colorado and piling into the breakfast nook in the kitchen and feasting with my cousins. As I got older and after we moved to Arizona, the holiday's would alternate each year, with some years being celebrated at home and other's with trips back to visit the fam. Either way, Thanksgiving meant celebrating with the whole family, and noshing on Grandma's delicious Maybouillon Rolls.

As I have gotten older, and started working in the retail industry, as mentioned here, Thanksgiving has taken on a different look. Since part of my job is to report to the center at 4a.m. on Black Friday, I am no longer able to go to Colorado and celebrate with the Stevenson's. Although at times this makes me "home sick", it also has given me the opportunity to celebrate with Mikis and his family. Mikis's Thanksgiving memories have been celebrating with some of his parent's closest friends, who to them have become family. Everyone arrives at the Gordon's home with side in hand and knows their in store for an afternoon of delicious food and catching up with old friend's. It's a tradition that I thankfully have been apart of for the last few years.

This year, Thanksgiving was a culmination of both of our tradition's. For our first Thanksgiving as a married couple, we held the holiday at our home. We hosted 21 people including our parent's, grandmother's, my siblings, close family friends, and family from Colorado. Thankfully, my dad and step-mom are GREAT cooks and they did the bulk of the cooking. We had a TON of food including two turkey's, one fried and one baked, and ham as well as over 8 sides. It was one of the best Thanksgiving's we've had. We had family and friends surrounding us, and it was a day filled with great food, great company and love. 

Here are a few photos from the day...



[my step-mom and her apron]

 

[the stevenson-troyan clan]

[pooped from the day]

xoxo,

R+M



...feeling thankful...

Thanksgiving is always a great time to reflect on the past year, and life in general and to feel appreciation for everything you have. It's a time to realize how lucky you truly are, and to appreciate the positives and disregard the negatives. Mikis and I have alot to be thankful for, and while sitting here writing my thankful list, I realized why do we only think about this every year, why not every month? So, moving forward each month we will feature a new list of what we are thankful for.

For now, here is a shortened list of what I am thankful for...

• Mikis: I couldn't ask for a more supportive and loving husband. He makes me laugh and inspires me to believe in my dreams and make them reality.
• My Dad: The older I get, the more I love and appreciate my dad. He is there no matter what! He is someone I can vent to, or to call for car advice. My dad is the all around “cool” dad, and a person who is hard not to like. Everyday I am thankful to have him as my dad.
• My Step-Mom: My step-mom has been in my life for 15+ years and has always treated me as her own. She is an amazing cook, a great friend and mom. She has been there for me when I needed her the most and there is not a day that goes by that I am not appreciative of that.
• My In-Law’s: I couldn’t have asked for more loving or welcoming in-law’s. Since day one, they have treated me as a Troyan, and have been even more welcoming now that I am one. They have such a warm friendly nature, now wonder why they have so many close friends!
• My Brothers: I don’t know what I would do without my brothers. These two have been through more than most humans would endure in one lifetime, and they have come out to be the coolest most positive kids around. They have a passion for life and everyday they stay with us, they show me what type of parent I want to be.
• My Sister: My sister is still growing into her own and it’s amazing to see the young lady that she is becoming. She has a passion for photography and is a tech whiz, and is there for whenever I need some helpful tips.
• Milo: Even though he can be mischievous at times, his cute face can make your heart melt. He keeps you warm when your cold, and makes me feel safe on nights the hubby is away.
• My Friends: I am SO thankful for the many incredible friendships I have been blessed with. I am thankful for the close relationships and sweet memories I have with my college girlfriends and old roommates, and I am also thankful of the new friends and bonds I have been able to make since they have moved away. I truly would be lost without any of my girlfriends.
• My Family: Even though we are spread throughout the U.S. I still have a close bond with my family, and am so thankful for that. Each celebration is sweeter with them there, and each loss is easier with them by your side. I couldn’t ask for a better set of grandmother's, aunt’s, uncles, and cousins.

This is just the beginning of a long list of what I am thankful for, but the most important things in my opinion. Take this time to reflect on what your thankful for. It’s guaranteed to give you a happiness boost!

I hope your Thanksgiving is full of great food, great family and all around love!

[happy thanksgiving from the troyan's]

xoxo,

R+M

...birthday wishes for papa stevenson...

Today we are sending special birthday wishes to my dad, Perry Stevenson. Growing up I always was a daddy's girl finding new ways to make my dad's birthday present's more meaningful and thoughtful. Nowaday's a handmade frame might not be as cute, but the love and thought are still behind each year's new gift and birthday wish. Here's to another fabulous year dad! Hope your celebrating with a steak and a shot of patron! We look forward to celebrating with you soon!

xoxo,

R+M

...special suprises...

I LOVE surprises. There's something about them that gives me butterflies in my stomach and makes me somewhat giddy. Maybe it's the excitement of the unknown, or maybe it's the fact that someone took a little extra time to think of you and go that extra mile to make your day. Either way, they are certainly on my top favs.

This week, I received a very special surprise, wrapped in a beautiful Robinson bow. On Tuesday, one of my best friends Tara Robinson and her little man Brenner showed up on my doorstep to say hello. Now this wouldn't seem so special to some, except for the fact that The Robinson's live in Colorado and were in town for a last minute visit which included a special stop to see ME! I truly had no idea, and Mrs. Robinson concocted a little plan to make sure I was at home when she popped by. Let me just tell you, the shock on my face was very apparent, and I think she secretly got a kick out of it :). Not only did it make my week to see a dear friend, but this surprise came at a time I needed it most. Thankfully, I was able to have a very overdue happy hour with her, that lasted 3 hours, as well as spend some time trick-or-treating with her and Brenner. Unfortunately, Tara and I were so busy catching up on the first two visits that I forgot to snap some photos, but I made sure to get some while trick-or-treating.

Tara, you have no idea how much you made my week. Thank you for the super sweet surprise. It truly warmed my heart, made up for my crazy month, and makes me so thankful to have friends like you! Until next time my dear.....





[on our way...]



[doesn't mikis look excited?]



[mama robinson catching the whole thing on tape]



[could he be any cuter?]

[love them!]

xoxo,

R

...in celebration of grandpa...

Three years ago, the world lost an incredible man, my grandfather Glen Stevenson. My grandfather was taken from his loving family and wife way to soon at the young age of 74, and very unexpectedly. He still had so much to offer the world and his family. I'm just grateful my husband got to meet the loving, sarcastic and knowledgeable man that he was. Grandpa always shared his great stories from his years in the Air Force, and his travels during that time. He was a man full of wisdom and could make anyone laugh.

Losing my grandfather was undoubtedly hard, especially since it was the first death I had experienced in my immediate family. At first I thought it would have been so much easier to deal with if he was sick, then we would have expected it. But, I truly don't think loss of a loved one could ever be categorized as easy. Coming upon the three year anniversary that my sweet grandfather left us, I found it as a time to reflect on life, family and of course him. Immediately following his death I kind of closed up and avoided conversations about him as to try and save myself from tears and heartache. As the years have passed the pain isn't less, but I have learned how to deal with it a bit better and am not as embarrassed now by my emotions as I was then. Loss is essentially apart of life, and it's better to reminisce about the people we miss then to avoid it all together. I think these lesson's in life try and teach us to enjoy each day and to never take our loved one's for granted.

Grandpa, I miss you terribly and think of your every day!

xoxo,

R

...the day it all started...

Six years ago today is when our story first began, the day Rachel+Mikis started, and the day our lives began to intertwine. Although moving forward we will begin celebrating a new date (our wedding date 3.21.10), October 2nd will be a special day in our lives forever. This was the day we had our first date. We remember it like it was yesterday, our first romantic date at Grazie Pizzeria (if you haven't been there, it's a perfect first date place), sharing the Sofia and a bottle of wine. Couldn't have asked for a better way to fall in love.

The past six years have proved to be some of the best days of our lives and we couldn't imagine spending them with anyone else by our side than each other. As we grow together, and as we continue to age, there is one thing that will never change, our love for each other. Here's to many more incredible years. Here are  a few photos to help reminisce and follow our story through the last few years. 

[our first year anniversary]

[mikis's first christmas tree]

[our first "big" trip, buenos aires]

[one of the many food festivals]

[thanksgiving in colorado]

[at one of the many weddings of our friends]

[ringing in another new year in san diego]

[mikis's first parasailing experience]

[another dinner with friends]

[our new home]

[during our engagement photo session]

[one of our fav ferry rides to coronado]

[halloween, where we won 2nd place]

[days before our "i do's"]

[celebrating the culinary fest]

[newlywed love]

xoxo,

R+M