Marathoning in the Rain

In preparation for Ironman in September, Mr. Evans signed up for the Madison Marathon this past Sunday. However, due to the heat it was cancelled a few days in advance. Since he still needed the mileage and was well trained, I helped organize a team for Mr. Evans to set up a course, water stations, etc.

Thanks to everyone (Fritz, Mark, Mary, and my parents) for running, biking, driving, providing water, etc!

Despite the rain, thunder and lightening... he did it!!




Garden Update

Remember the garden boxes Mr. Evans built for me a few weeks ago? Well, they've been planted and fenced and are starting to bloom! We added quite high fencing because we have a rampant deer and rabbit problem.

See below of what's come up so far. Keep your fingers crossed for me!



Memorial Day

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I am a major weeper... especially when it comes to those who serve our country. I totally lose it every single time I hear our National Anthem, see an old wrinkled proud veteran, see a Dad in the airport in uniform kissing his smiling children or when I hear of a mother raising children at home when her husband is overseas. Oh, I think I might lose it just thinking of it. I am a proud American.

Today is Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. I feel so indebted to them I felt compelled to post to honor those who are brave. I sure hope you take a moment today to remember why we have this beautiful day off of work. :) Enjoy it!!



Happy Weekend

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend. I thought I'd share photos of Nina to brighten the day ... anyone able to come up with funny captions?

Beast mode (for Brewer's fans), "So Big", Yo Whatz Up?, etc... :) Hehe.



Lately

This past weekend, we had fun with family!

On Friday, I hosted family and out-of-town guests from Brazil and North Carolina for drinks and dessert.

I made Ina Garten's Espresso Martinis and Todd English's homemade recipe for Peanut Butter Hot Fudge from his cookbook. If you want the recipe, email me!

On Saturday, we had my cousin Dana's wedding. It was a beautiful warm day for an outdoor wedding! Sorry for the poor quality photo.


On Sunday, we went to a Timber Rattler's game for our godson Ethan's birthday.


p.s. Did you notice I rearranged my blog reads (at right)? Do you read any good blogs that I should be reading? :) Please share!

Eight Months

A few weeks ago, Nina turned 8 months old! :) Happy Monday!


Evan's Baptism

This past weekend, Mr. Evans and I had the honor of becoming godparents to Evan Brian Leonzal. It was a beautiful little ceremony followed by a delicious lunch with family.

Don't you just love the name Evan Brian? It's a little tribute to my SIL's maiden name (Evans) and my BIL's late father (Brian). How special. :)
Katie, Adam, Evan, Mr. Evans and I
Cousin Gabe teaching Nina to crawl. They'll love these butt shots when they're older!
The Evans family - minus Nick and Beth (who are currently honeymooning). P.S. Nick and Beth started a blog you can follow here.



Swinging Swinging

It's finally warm, which means it's swinging season. Yipee! Nina LOVES her tree swing.

Happy beginning of summer!




The Kentucky Derby

Mr. Evans recently went to The Kentucky Derby. From what I know (or wanted to know), he had a fantastic time, drank lots of mint juleps, and partook in many traditional festivities. As promised, here are a few photos he took on his iPhone.

Top Row - Pewter Mint Julep cups for me, a horsie onesie for Nina.
Bottom Row - Churchill Downs scenes. :)

Mr. Evans and Bob (the best man in our wedding).

Mr. Evans ran into Gail Simmons from Top Chef!


Random Photo Dump

Just because I liked these random photos, I thought I'd post them... why not? :) I was going through my camera/iPhone and came across these goodies. 

The Evans girls getting ready for Beth's wedding at the salon. :) I love this photo.
Mr. Evans and Evan matched. Hehe.
I love my husband!
Nina spending time at Grandma's house (only a Grandma would let a baby lick the banana bread batters)!
She'll be 16 before I know it - yikes!
Shopping for a birthday present for a very special 5-year old's big day. She looks so interested by the trucks and bulldozers - don't you think? :)
Snuggling up before nap time. Nina likes to send photos to daddy at work!
We took this yesterday on my first Mother's Day. I was utterly spoiled - roses, pearls and homemade dinner. The trifecta as Mr. Evans called it. Haha. It was a very special day, in many ways. And, we capped it off with an outdoor picnic in the warm sun. :) What could be better?



Mother's Day

Mother - the person who gives us life and loves us from the moment we're born. Mothers who love us even before we're even born. Mothers who cry with us, laugh with us or at us, who are patient, who are understanding and kind. Mothers who are there for us when we become mothers. Mothers who protect, celebrate, support. Mothers who show us how to put on make-up, who pull our teeth, who know the right food to serve when we're sad or sick, who is there when you're lonely, who knows just what to say when you need advice. Mothers who love - unconditionally. Mothers who are role models. Grandmothers who are there in spirit. Friends, aunts, cousins... all mothers.

I am lucky. You are probably very lucky, too. Isn't your mom the best? Mine is. She's all that I've mentioned... and more.

This year, as a mother myself, I only hope to follow in the footsteps of those currently mothering and those that came before me. It's important to remember the honor of mothers today. I know I feel blessed. 


My maternal grandmother, Lorraine Anna (Nina's middle name inspiration).
My mom and I... right around Nina's age. :)
My mom as a little girl. She lost her biological mom around this time to breast cancer, but gained a mom who mothered her for years and years. :)
I dug through a few photos, but I have tons full of memories I'd share.
My paternal grandmother, Marlene. 
My biological maternal grandmother, Rose (where I get my middle name).
My husband and my funny and gracious mother-in-law.

I had to add this one of my Grandma Lorraine and Grandpa. I think it's a classic. :)




Two things...

I have two new-ish favorite things. I thought I'd share.


1. Nuwati Herbals Healer Tea is the best. I've been meaning to share it for a while, but am now remembering. :) You can buy it here. I think it's a miracle. And although the two step process sounds a bit crazy, it works (first you sniff and then you drink... read up on the website). Thanks to my mother-in-law for passing it along!


2. The second thing is Stephanie Nielson's book Heaven is Here. I've been reading her blog, NieNie Dialogues, for years ... since before her accident. I couldn’t put down her book – I recommend it wholeheartedly. It is heart wrenching and beautiful, and full of hope, promise and glimpses of the beauty of being a wife, mother and daughter. The triumph over her condition, perspective on life and attitude to go forward are such strong reminders. I know you’ll take something away from this story. For me, it was about healing. I encourage you to buy it.


P.S. I know I haven't posted much about cooking or good recipes lately, but I promise I've been in the kitchen. We had a cookout (I made my grandma's famous baked beans and new recipe for Smore Bars). I've made my cousin Missy's delicious Black Bean Avocado Soup and my SIL Katie's go-to recipe for Baked Manicotti. And, we've had Pioneer Woman's Mushroom and Whiskey Pasta and Steak Salad with Chipotle Dressing... amongst other things. I'll get back on it soon. Anything you're craving?!



Just because...

Sometimes we all need a little reminder that it's ok to struggle with bits of guilt, loss, worry, unworthiness, or the past. We all have a story. We are not infallible. And, at the end of the day we are strong beings full of courage, we are dreamers, we are survivors. A little faith and a good attitude gets us through the days. I have been inspired lately (lately is a relative term, I am always inspired by others) by a few friends and family members who embody these traits. And just because they were in my heart today, I thought I'd share my thoughts.






Couldn't resist this one... :)



Source: all photos were found on Pinterest. 

P.S. I also thought I'd share a little link love. These sites have my favorite freebies... just check them out and you'll know what I mean. I have major envy for a colored printer! :)

Design Finch
I Heart Organizing
Tip Junkie
Sprik Space

Quick trip to Dallas

Last week, I went to Dallas for a quick work trip. Outside of the conference center walls, I managed to snap a few photos at a social event at a local ranch. 

P.S. While I was in Dallas, Mr. Evans was at the Kentucky Derby. Stay tuned for photos! :)

Borrowed cowboy boots. :)
Me with an armadillo. Yikes!

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