May 2013
15 posts
flowers.
One thing I am definitely spoiled with. Caleb likes to buy me flowers for no real reason… and I love it. I don’t want to blow up my instagram with pictures every time he buys them, or tweet things like “Best husband ever. Bought me flowers!” because you would really be annoyed with me. However, I can’t help it with this bouquet. This beautifully crafted bunch has...
7 tags
active.
Spending a few days on vacation last week, Caleb and I were able to spend some time thinking and reflecting on our marriage. We do these check ins often, seeing where we are at, what we are enjoying, and what we could work on. I will always appreciate that my husband is reflecting and future oriented, always looking to become better than he is today. This positive trait reflects on our marriage.
...
5 tags
blimp.
Recently we went shopping at Rubber City Clothing. A fun little place in Akron that sells some rubber city pride. Caleb just bought me this cute top with little green blimps on it.
We love our blimps here in Akron.
learned.
A few things I learned this week.
My brother and I are a lot like our parents
It’s pretty relaxing to have a pool all to yourself.
Even if you are over 21, sand castles are still a blast. Also, when I went to type that sentence, I just learned how to spell castle.
I still don’t like the taste of salt water.
I have the best family in the world.
7 tags
ordained.
Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
My husband is a planner he likes to know what time and where we are going, plan our scheduled ahead of time, project into the future where he would like our finances to be, and will usually know what time we are leaving a party from the second we walk in. Since we...
6 tags
4 tags
30.
HAPPY 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY to my wonderful parents!
You two have given Caleb and me a marriage to look up to. You have taught us how to be joyful through struggles and laugh in life together. We talk of your love and dedication to each other every week.
I can remember being in high school and asking my mom how she stayed married so long. She looked at me and said “Hannah, it’s...
7 tags
impromptu.
Our Real Life Group had an incredible weekend together. What a wonderful group of friends to spend life with.
On Thursday for our normal group, we cooked out and enjoyed dinner together.
Almost everyone was there, it was delicious as well!
Friday night we had a girls night playing games, while the boys were away at an Akron Aeros game. Considering it was a competitive game, Michelle...
7 tags
garden.
That time of year is here… to reinstate our garden! If you remember, we had some great memories last year. Here was Caleb building the beds. Here was the day we planted the garden, here is how big it grew, and here was the broccoli! This year is our second round of growing.
We spent the morning at Suncrest Gardens, picking out what we wanted to plant and grow this year.
We finally...
6 tags
resolutions.
As I mentioned earlier, I love warm weather. Instead of singing while putting Christmas lights up, I hum when the flower pop up. Continuing that trend, instead of new years resolutions, I am making some warm weather resolutions.
1. I want to wear brighter colors. Why do I always dress is black?
2. The resolutions everyone always says. I literally did not work out all winter. That’s pretty...
change.
1 tag
6 tags
bloom.
Look what bloomed today!
Our house is so beautiful. What a blessing to live our life here.
4 tags
mom.
Happy birthday to our beautiful mom! This weekend, we were able to spend some time as a family celebrating another year for our wonderful mother. Caleb and I drove over to our parents to meet for dinner, and Stephen showed up!
He drove from Ohio University and just showed up to dinner! Well done, Stephen! Mom was so happy to have the 5 of us all together to celebrate.
We went out to eat,...
April 2013
23 posts
2 tags
rain.
Whenever it rains, I am reminded of a musical I love so dearly.
Growing up, Singing in the Rain was a classic family night movie. We watched it many many times, and would wake up singing “Good Morning” and “Make em Laugh”. I can quote most of the movie, and often day dream about dancing with Gene Kelly.
In college, I had the honor of performing in Singing in the Rain...
5 tags
quiet.
Sunday I had the entire night to myself. The house was mine from 4:00-11:00pm. Let me tell you what I did.
Organized my closet, got rid of old clothes, wrote 4 blogs, took pictures off my camera, made dinner, watched The Voice, scanned through Esty, sat on Facebook, emptied the dishes, folded laundry, flipped through TV channels and pinned a board on Pinterest for organization ideas.
Let me...
2 tags
signs.
A few signs from this week telling me warmer weather is on the way.
Flowers blooming in our home.
We put our outdoor furniture back outside and on our front porch.
Caleb cut the grass! And it’s also looking VERY green.
Our plants are starting to grow back!
We hung our swing back up.
I laid in the grass, read a book, and drank ice tea.
Around Christmas time, I...
5 tags
joy.
This past weekend, our Pastor asked the question- Will you ever really be happy? Happiness in our minds is often when life goes our way and when we are chasing things that bring us a feeling of contentment. I fit into a size 6, I finally got that new car, I got a big raise, My new outfit looks sharp, I finally redecorated my kitchen, I finally have an ipad, and everyone at work knows I’m the...
7 tags
community.
The past 11 Saturdays, I have been blessed to learn from these women. A thank you to each of you. Your love, honesty, and friendship has taught me so many things. There is such beauty in community with other women who are desiring God’s heart.
“Just as Christians should not be constantly feeling the pulse of their spiritual life, so too the Christian community has not been given to us by...
6 tags
three.
This weekend, the wonderful Niki & Judson planned Cleveland Trail 3. You will remember Cleveland Trail 2 from December. We had 14 friends run around Cleveland getting food and drinks from different stops in the wonderful city.
Velvet Tango Room- This little place is a favorite of Niki & Judson, and we can see why. Comfortable couches and chairs, dim lighting, live music, and an...
10 tags
self esteem. →
Dove has taken on one of the most inspiring projects- building self esteem in women. Watch this video and see how women see themselves vs. how people around them see them.
Self esteem is one of those areas that can completely build up or tear down a person. Recently I was looking back on old pictures with Caleb and we came across a trip we took together. Caleb was reminiscing the great memories...
5 tags
blessed.
Out on a walk tonight, wearing my new hoodie. I am blessed.
Psalm 5:12 “For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
6 tags
surprise.
I don’t think I have been a part of a true surprise before this weekend, and it was awesome.
Many of our friends from church piled into a room to celebrate our beautiful friend, Kristin. Here she is walking in with the man who surprised her- her husband Scott.
After the surprise and food, we went to the other side of the place to bowl the night away.
Happy Birthday to you! Even a...
7 tags
brownies.
This weekend we were over our friends house, and I was in charge of bringing dessert. I made my mom’s famous Mississippi Mud Brownies. Here is the recipe and a few pictures to follow.
These brownies are always good, always a hit, and everyone always wants the recipe. It definitely takes a one or two layered brownie and kicks it in the butt.
First, the chewy chocolate layer. Melt the...
7 tags
dance.
Our Real Life group implemented something new this year called “Fun in the Hat” (GREAT idea Scott!) In January, each one of us took a note card and wrote something fun we would like to do as a group - like going roller skating or plan a picnic. We pull out one note card each month, and then all go with that person to the activity. This is a way to “live life” together, and...
3 tags
baseball.
This weekend we were able to sit back and watch the great American game of Baseball. The twist to this story, it’s April in Ohio. Unfortunately, that means it was pretty cold. Here are my parents, husband, and sister watching our little Hayden play baseball.
Do we look cold?
If you think we are crazy, the other team we were playing (9 year olds) drove in from Pittsburgh.
It was...
4 tags
date.
This weekend, I was fortunate enough to have a date with my husband. In our busy lives, we don’t always leave room for regular dates. This is something we have been working on in 2013, and have been quite successful. This weekend was sushi!
One of the things I love about our marriage is our ability to live life together. Over sushi we laughed, told stories, and caught up on our days. We...
5 tags
words.
“When they drag you into their meeting places, or into police courts and before judges, don’t worry about defending yourselves—what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there. The Holy Spirit will give you the right words when the time comes.” Luke 12:11-12
God tells me all throughout scripture that the Holy Spirit will fill me with His words.
“But the Advocate, the...
warm.
As you know by now, most good things in my life revolve around food (time with friends, holidays, gifts). Since this past Sunday was the first sunny and warm day of the spring season, we celebrated with food! Caleb and I had our own grill out.
First stop, homemade french fries. We peeled & chopped up some potatoes.
… and threw them into our deep fryer.
Second stop, burgers...
7 tags
twelve.
Sometimes I try and remember what I was like when I was little. Like, what did 12 year old Hannah think about? How did I act when I was sitting with adults? What did I talk about with my friends?
Luckily, Caleb’s dad let us in on a little secret to what Caleb was like at 12. He was going through old papers and found this, posted by my husband at 12 years old.
Apparently 12 year old...
6 tags
grandparents.
This past weekend for Easter, we hosted our family at our home. With Caleb’s mom and brothers unable to make it, it turned it into a smaller gathering. Because of this, Caleb and I spent some quality time with our grandparents.
Here are our grandparents!
It was a joy to spend time with them and hear some of their great stories- some from 50-60 years ago. In a world of smart phones,...
7 tags
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psalm.
The sun is shining as I leave for work this morning. Reminding me of the strength, persistence, and beauty of the God.
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to...
baskets.
I am married. I own a home. I have a full time job. I received a masters degree. I am adult. However, I still look for an Easter basket every year. My sweet parents still spend Easter morning hiding baskets for Stephen, my husband, and me.
Every year get’s harder… and it’s always a competition between the 3 of us for who can find their basket the fastest. This year, Caleb...
6 tags
diaversary.
April 2nd- my diabetes anniversary!
This memorable day, three years ago, I started a journey with type 1 diabetes. As is customary on my anniversary, I ate dessert to celebrate. Luckily, my parents just gave me a huge Easter basket with chocolate. So, I was able to enjoy one of my favorites!
Here were my pictures from last year. I like a tradition that revolves around sugar.
Happy...
4 tags
bread.
I have always loved candles. If I could continuously have 2-3 candles burning at my house, I would be happy. I think more than music or sound, smells are so calming to me.
Last week I was driving through Cuyahoga Falls and saw a new little local owned candle store- Sister Scented Candles. I’m always up for trying something new, shopping, and supporting the local little business… so I...
eggs.
Our Real Life Group came over for a two part celebration. Number one, our dear friend Scott is headed to Rome for a month long project with work.
We spent the night celebrating our friend, eating great food, and sharing things we all appreciate about Scott. Also, Scott drank an entire gallon of Arnold Palmer- you can see him going to town sitting at the table.
The second part of our...
March 2013
21 posts
7 tags
brave.
A few weeks ago when my mom and I went shopping, I was brave. I bought some bright colors.
That’s right ladies and gents- I bought something that isn’t black, brown, or gray. Introducing my coral colored shirt.
Cheers to beautiful spring weather, bright colors, and a brave move!
7 tags
friday.
Sun peaks through my window
My eyes move open as the light enters my room
It is here
Walking downstairs to begin my day
Praying to our Lord for a calm spirit
It is still
Reflecting on his Goodness
Challenged by his servant nature
It is overwhelming
A day when God and his son were separated
A day of pain, struggle, and death
It is heavy
He was nailed, beaten, and secured on the cross
...
1 tag
maizy.
Remember when we were dog sitting Maizy? Well, apparently Maizy does too. She totally likes us now when we visit Zac and Alyssa!
Can’t you see it in her eyes? She just wants to be with Caleb all the time.
Unless maybe she is just that friendly to everyone…
6 tags
conform.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This verse has been jumping out to me lately. Essentially this verse is telling me the more I think like, act like, and and motivated like Christ- the less I will be like this world. As that...
6 tags
book.
A while ago, I posed about our trip to Stagecoach Antiques in Akron. When my brother was home recently, he stopped over our house with a great find from Stagecoach that he bought for me. He came over and handed me an older book. I have already put it on my shelf for the perfect decoration- do you spot it?
Stephen found a book about Bluffton! My dear college.
Don’t I look excited?...
4 tags
zubs.
One place in Akron (and very close to our house) that I really love- Mr. Zubs. It’s a cute local sandwich place with way too many options.
In the past month, I have met friends there 3 different times, and continue to be reminded how crazy their sandwiches are. You can check out their website yourself and read some of the descriptions.
This weekend, I had the honor of going to Mr. Zubs...
4 tags
shelves.
This week I was looking at my shelves in our family room, and saw they were covered with so many gifts from people we love. Actually, I feel like a majority of the things I own were bought by people who care about me deeply. It makes the mixer I use more meaningful when I know my dear cousin Wendy bought it for me, or the nail polish more fun to put it on when it came from my college friends.
...
6 tags
bracelets.
This past year I have been on a bracelet kick (not to be confused with March Madness brackets). Earrings and necklaces are great, but there is nothing like four different things wrapped around my wrist. It can turn any outfit into something adorable. I love the sound of bracelets clicking together as I go to reach for a notebook, or they way the catch the light as I’m getting into my car.
...
5 tags
paprikash.
Caleb works with someone who went on an adventure with her husband recently- they started canning and selling their own paprikash sauce! She sent Caleb home with a jar, and we were excited to dive it.
I have a mean recipe for chicken paprikash, so I was a little hesitant to try something out of a jar. When I popped it open, it smelled great!
The instructions looked easy enough- dump it in...
5 tags
birchbox.
Warning: If you are not into girly things, you should probably just skip over this blog post.
My dear friend Niki introduced me to something last month called “Birchbox”. Check it out here!
The concept is pretty cool- “Each month, you’ll receive a selection of samples that we’ve tried (and retried) ourselves. We source our samples from both well-known brands and...
4 tags
coat.
If you happened to check my twitter, you saw I lost something important last week.
If you saw my twitter on Tuesday, you will see my mom and I went to fix this problem!
And now, here is the result
The combination of winter coat sale (because swim suits are out already), 20% off coupon, and Mom’s Macy gift card = a free coat! Thanks Mom!
4 tags
steps.
A great quote from our pastor two weeks ago I have been praying on-
Do I make choices based on my view, or based on God’s direction? Do things I do make sense because of where I am now, or because of where Christ is leading me? Can I follow his voice when it doesn’t line up with what I always thought I would happen?
Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD...
