...for the love of wine and girlfriends...

Although wine nights with girlfriends are always due in my book, the holiday's bring even more reason to get together with the girls and catch up. This past week a friend of mine, Teri hosted a girl's only wine and cheese night. The group was mixed with close friends, new friends and people just meeting each other. These events are one's I truly enjoy, as I mentioned here many of my close girlfriends have moved away and I am always up for meeting and gaining new ones. The night was full of fun and laughter! Definitely one to remember and relive soon. We had so much fun that we decided to make this a monthly thing, we'll see how many of us are left in the end :). Unfortunately, I had so much fun, I didn't take one photo while there, but you can see a few that Teri took on her blog at The Tale of Two Tings. 

Teri, thanks again for a FABulous evening, here's to many more in our future!

[this was my wine contribution, how cute is the name?]

...dinner with dupree...

For the last few months, one of Mikis' best friends has been staying with us while hunting for a new place to live. Throughout the last few weeks a few friends have coined Andrew with the new nickname Dupree, from the movie You, Me & Dupree. Andrew absolutely hates it, but I think it's kind of cute.

Anyway, one of the perks of having a live-in house guest is dinner nights without having to do the cooking. Last night, Andrew made Mikis and I a three course meal consisting of pasta, salad and breadsticks, YUM! It was an extra treat for me since unlike myself Mikis isn't a huge pasta lover, which means we don't have it very often. Here are a few pics from the meal.

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

...fall cleaning...

Many people do Spring cleaning, but were a little late on that train, so this past weekend we did a little bit of Fall cleaning. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we decided it was time to check a few things off of our home to-do list. Thankfully, we had my brothers in tow who helped with some of the household chores. Were not quite done, but happy to have our garage and office cleaned out and clutter free.

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

...halloween in the homestead...

Halloween is probably one of my favorite holiday's. I love the silliness and fun of it all, and the chance for just one night to dress up and be a kid again. Truly, what's not to love? With any holiday, I love adding a few decorative touches throughout the house to make it feel more celebratory. This may seem like an easy task to many, however it's quite hard to walk the fine line between cute and tacky. Here are just a few photos of how we add a little spookiness to our homestead.

Boo!,

R+M

...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