Baby T turned one this past week. Josh and I drove down from Iowa City to St. Louis for his party. Because of the freezing rain/ice storm this weekend, we were only able to spend a couple hours visiting. It was incredible to see how much Baby T has grown up in the past year. My heart melted when he wanted to hold my hand while he walked around with the gift Emily gave him...for like 30 minutes straight. T, I could hold your hand for hours.
Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend. I cannot wait until I get to hang out with T again. Also, seeing Heather and Dan was pretty great, too. When they lived down the street from me, we had no idea how good we had it. It's hard to have them so far away. I cried for the first hour of the drive back to Iowa City. Emily says when we're old and retired, we can all live on the same street in a retirement community in Florida. I really hope that happens, because living so far away from friends stinks.
Below is proof of the crazy freezing rain/ice storm. Also, I'm a little ashamed of myself for not having an actual window scraper in my car. However, I found a paint stirrer in my trunk; it proved quite effective in removing the ice.
After I ran The Color Run on Saturday, I picked up a dozen g-free cupcakes from Creme (remember when I discovered them a couple weeks back?). The cupcakes were heavenly - from the tantalizing aroma to the creamy frosting, I couldn't choose from the chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting and the red velvet cupcakes...so I ate one of each of them...each day...for three days.
The cupcake selection, my mimosa cupcake I tried on Friday, and their g-free section.
This weekend, I stayed in Ankeny and took advantage of some fun things to do locally. Normally, I like to spend every weekend in the summer (or any season, really) away from home. I love to visit friends (especially in Minneapolis), but with Josh leaving for law school, I'm trying to stay home more than "normal" to take advantage of any extra time we can spend together.
Anyway, on Friday night, Minna invited me to White Oaks Vineyards for her birthday. The winery is in Cambridge, which is about a 20-minute drive from my house. Josh and I went there last year, but we didn't know about the free music Fridays. I think I might have to take advantage of this more often! Together, our group bought one bottle of each wine, and two of Celebrate, since it was delicious and seemed appropriate for Minna's birthday celebration.
On Saturday, we headed across the street from Minna's house to the Des Moines Home Show Expo. We toured eight of the 12 homes. My favorite was this one. I loved the Cape Cod style, however the spiral staircase in the turret was a little much. I prefer a more direct route between my floors. One special touch I felt was very appropriate for an Iowa home show, was a feature of Templeton Rye.
Here's a little video about the history of Templeton Rye, if you're curious.
Then, we headed over to West Des Moines to check out the new Whole Foods. Sometimes, I don't understand why people think Whole Foods is a "high-end" grocery store. Twenty-one of their vendors are local. It's not like these things are imported from Europe, folks. Plus, the prices of many of the "mainstream" gluten-free products were lower than HyVee...so I think I'm probably going to become a loyal customer.
I didn't want to get caught up in the excitement yesterday, so I only bought a couple of things. I couldn't resist the chipolte ranch (it's g-free!), honey nut rice cakes (also g-free), and chocolate milk from Picket Fence Creamery. I think I have quite a few trips to Whole Foods in my future.
Today is Sophie's birthday. She turned four years old. I used to not like dogs...at all. I don't like germs. I don't like poop. I don't like drool...or dog hair...or dog farts...really, the list goes on for a while. Anyway, Sophie has totally changed that for me. She makes me so happy and helps me to appreciate things in life I took for granted before - like greeting people when they arrive. She makes me feel like the most special person in the world when I get home, and for that I am so appreciative. She has also taught me to feel more compassionate. I love how other people love Sophie - it makes me feel like I did a good job. One day, when I have a human baby of my own, I hope I can show it as much love as I do Sophie.
Sophie lying down
Sophie sitting pretty
Sophie sitting (and anxiously awaiting a treat)
Sophie's birthday treats - peanut butter treats, carob bones, and a birthday lollipop
I remember my mom's 30th birthday. It was a food shower at our church (long story - more on my childhood later). I was eight years old when mom turned 30. Thirty seemed SO old to me back then. It's not looking so old nowadays. I turn 30 on October 9, 2014. Before I reach this milestone, I'm determined to make the most of my life, challenge myself, and try a few new things. Below is my list (in no particular order). I'll document every item. Wait for it...
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