Early Anniversary Getaway...

Our third anniversary is coming up in November! Wow, how time flies! Joe's weekends off are extremely limited, and I knew that should I get the job at Starbucks, (which I DID!) weekends off would be a luxury of the past. So, two weekends ago, my Joe took off Friday and we planned a very spur-of-the-moment trip to Niagara Falls. Thanks to all of Joe's travelling, we had racked up enough hotel points to stay in a very nice hotel with a great view and a HUGE whirlpool tub in the suite for FREE.... it was awesome!

We only stayed two days/one night, but we had a wonderful time and I was so glad we took a weekend to ourselves to be together and just breathe! It was much-needed! If you have not been to Niagara Falls, DO IT! One of the most amazing, awe- inspiring things I have ever seen!

My personal recommendations: 1) if you have your passport, stay on the Ontario, Canada side. It's much nicer with more to do and see and better views of the Falls... the US side is a little sketchy, which is sad 2) Ride the Maid of the Mist Boat that takes you into the mist at the bottom of the Falls. I was not thrilled about this at first, (Joe really wanted to do it) but it was the highlight of the trip 3) if you go in October, dress WARM, do not wear flipflops, and be prepared to get SOAKED (even with your complimentary poncho on)!

Here are some pics from our weekend!

We drove through Pennsylvania and upstate New York and the colors were amazing...i felt like I had never seen fall before! All this time, this is what i was missing!

The drive was so beautiful...a perfect day!

Passports ready to go into Canada

Entering Ontario at sunset

Dinner at an excellent steak and seafood restaurant downtown called "The Keg." It was on the ninth floor of one of the hotels and had an amazing view of the Falls lit up at night...They also did fireworks Friday night just for us :)

Joe took this amazing picture!

There are two sets of Falls ( i did not realize this until we got there) These Falls are named "The Bridal Veil."

SO over being soaking wet and freezing cold...can we get off of this boat yet???

We had a great time!


SIDE NOTE: See that black spot in the distance? That was the black bear that ran full speed at our car in upstate New York on the way home! We were going 60 mph and he was beating us! After he ran across the road and we realized he was not coming after US, we pulled over to try and get a picture of him... he was HUGE! I would NOT want to run into him outside of the car! ( The scary part was we were in a town within just a few minutes...i wasn't sure if we should stop and warn them.)


Happy early anniversary, love! Thank you for a fun weekend that I will never forget and for three very happy years together... you are a wonderful man and I love you very much!

When You Wish Upon a Star (Bucks!)...

Good news friends! I was hired on as the newest Barista at my neighborhood Starbucks on Monday of this week! (Yay God!!!)

I am so very thankful for this job and it's just in time too! Joe is travelling much more and his hours are crazy--it's so nice to have a distraction during the days! I basically get paid to get out of my house, drink coffee, and talk to new people-- I mean really, could it get ANY better? I love it!

My mom always made us take first day of school pics in our new clothes ( usually holding new backpacks and lunchboxes) by the front door, so momma, this pic is for you... my first day as a Barista!



I love my new job and I look forward to going to work everyday! I had prayed for SO long! The first week was wonderful-- I've got alot to learn but everyone has to start somewhere right? So here's to new jobs, to being thankful, to answered prayers, and FREE COFFEE!!!! ( Dave Ramsey would be so proud...not only am i bringing in a second income, but i have also found a creative solution to eliminating my ever- increasing latte budget!)