5 years....

Friday was our 5th (yes I said that right), 5th anniversary! It really doesn't seem like 5 years ago that we were married. We threw our "TO DO" list out the window on Friday night and for the first night in a long time just enjoyed spending time together doing nothing! We made a nice dinner and just talked and laughed and the hours flew by. Reminded me of when we were first dating and there wasn't house projects to do or work that we needed to get done before Monday. It was the perfect way to spend the night.

Goodbye Old - Hello New

So, Jon and I have had these 2 stools from IKEA for quite some time. They are so functional, but I have never liked the way they looked in our living room. We finally decided to do something about it and so this weekend I sanded and painted them. I picked two different colors of green - the pictures don't do them justice (another reason I really am dying to have a nice camera)!

Before.....
After.....

I Heart ETSY

Have you heard of ETSY? It is a website where artists and crafters can sell their handmade things. It is full of amazing things and I just can't get enough. It is like your best modern day craft fair on steroids. My friend Jenni started her own shop, so when you guys go to check out ETSY you should stop by her shop.

Someday I would love to start my own ETSY shop. I will keep all of you posted - it may be awhile so don't hold your breath! A girl can dream right. Anyway - you should definately check out ETSY if you get a chance and delight yourself or a friend with something unique and handmade!

Fall Fashion for George

While we were at the lake my sister Julie and I cut out designs for two appliqued shirts for George. He is close to growing out of the onesies I made him for his birthday (see them here and here), so we made two new shirts he could wear for fall. We made another "G" design for a turtleneck (G is for George and our maiden name was "GEE") and a cute dog design for a long sleeved T-shirt. I think they turned out great - can't wait to see George wearing them - that makes them even cuter!

No More Ferns

When we moved into our house just a few weeks over 1 yr ago our backyard was completely overgrown and being taking over by ferns. (See them on the right in the picture below....the picture doesn't do them justice - they were horrible)

We quickly ripped out the ferns, and have since planted grass in the backyard (who would think this would be as hard as it is), and added planter beds for flowers. We are still a long way from finished, but we did have some success with our backyard plants this year....
I love working in the garden and watching things grow. It is so relaxing and fulfilling. We are hoping to get a few more plants from family and friends this fall as people separate things from their gardens and keep working towards that green thumb that both of parents have!

More Okoboji Pics

Julia and Rita playing with water balloons......

Sophie and Ali on the tilt-a-whirl....
My mom, me, julie, jen, and ruth by the lake....
Me in the kayak.....

Beach Bums

Just got back from a week with the Gee family at Lake Okoboji. We had fun spending time with my parents, sisters, and their families. There are seven grand children under the age of 11, so it was a bit crazy at times, but it is always great to be surrounded by family. We spend our days riding in the boat, tubing, sitting at the beach, playing golf and going to Arnold's park. My aunt Ruth and uncle Rodger came to visit and brought their kayak, so we all had to take turn learning - it was so great. Would love to be able to wake up and kayak on a calm lake everyone morning. Boy would that be good for the body and soul!

Now that we are back I can't help but feel like summer is over. School starts here on the 25th (one week from Monday), and next week is full of prep, student advising, and faculty meetings to get things ready to go for another school year. Where did the summer go....

Jon and I by the lake....
Rita and Sophie in the raft......
George loving the sandy beach (check out that cute onesie)! We made more while we were at the lake. I will show them in a post later......
Julie, Harry, Me, and Conner took on jon, my dad, jen, julia and ali in an intense golf scramble. We lost by 1 stroke (so sad!).......
My dad taking everyone out for some tubing.... Even Rita wanted to go (she is 3) until she saw Jon and Connor bouncing all over the place. Then she looked at me and said "Jess, I don't have to go in the tube tonight....we can wait until later (scared face)."
We had so many good pics it was hard to choose which to share. I will post more in the next few days....