It's the little things

We have been living in this apartment for about a year now. (Well, Andrew has been. I moved in after the wedding.) When we first saw it, one of the things we noticed was that one of the kitchen drawers, the biggest one and the only one that will fit our silverware tray, didn't have a bottom in it. The lady from the rental company we were with said that she would make sure that it was fixed before we moved in. 

One year later and it still hasn't been fixed. Our silverware has been sitting in the tray in a corner. So, we decided to take matters into our own hands and do it ourselves, with some help from my dad.

It's a usable drawer now!

And the silverware tray fits with room to spare!

This gave us the ability to give ourselves some more, desperately needed, counter space. By moving the coffee stuff we now have this:

And all the coffee stuff in is one area, along with a few of our many mugs.

It's the little things in life that make me happy. Having a drawer to put my silverware in is a good thing!

Fall

I love all the season, here in Michigan, but fall is by far my favorite!

Living on the edge

I love living on a hill. We live right across the street from the edge and get some fabulous views. We recently went for a walk in an area we hadn't yet explored and found a little park right on the edge with some fantastic views.

I love seeing the church rising up in the middle of everything.

You can't see as well in pictures, but we can see for miles and miles. Once you get passed the city, there are a lot of trees and they are all changing color. It is beautiful, but so hard to get in a picture! You will all just have to come visit!

Oliver's new spot

Who knew that this little corner in the kitchen would be a good place to sit? I find him here most mornings and have yet to figure out what the allure is. I mean, really, it's a hard floor, with nothing really to look at. There are softer, more comfortable places to sleep. And yet, he seems quite happy.

Just like mom

I have had many people, over the years, tell me that I look like, and sometimes even sound like, my mom. I was again reminded that I am like her in more ways than one. 

Friday was grocery day. We were headed out to grab some dinner (being grocery day dinner options were few and far between) and get groceries for the coming week. We stepped out the front door when, on our way to the car, I spotted two beautiful red/orange leaves laying so perfectly on the sidewalk. 

As I stopped to take a picture, I yelled to Andrew, "Wait. I have to take a picture. This could be a blog post!". 

In that split second, I heard my mom's voice coming out of my mouth. 

It's official. I have begun the process of turning into my mom. I have a feeling that when children come along, this occurrence will happen more often. 

I couldn't be blessed with a better mom or a better role model. I love you, mom!

Decorating never ends!

Decorating never ends, does it?

Our apartment isn't all that big, but it seems like there is always something that needs to be done. 

We have been saying for a while that we would like to have a little dish to put our keys in when we walk in the door. I was out yesterday with my mom and found this little dish that just seemed perfect for that very purpose, although I will have to find something else once fall ends!

We have two drawers in our kitchen that we use for our spatulas, big spoons, whisks, etc. They are both way too full and it makes it slightly tricky to find what you need. So, I have been looking for a pitcher or jar that I can set out on the counter with some of the things we use frequently, but still have it fit in with the rest of the decor. I have finally found exactly what I was looking for! 

Although there are still things that need to be done, we are one step closer to having our place look how I would like!

Artprize Seven

For the past seven years the city that I live in has an art competition called Artprize. People come from all over the U.S. and some even from other countries to enter. 

For about 2 weeks you can go out and walk all over the city and see the art and vote on the ones you like best.

Andrew and I, living in the midst of the action, went out and walked the city a couple of times, in order to see as much as we could. Here is just a small sample of some of the pieces this year.

This one was made entirely out of petosky stones.

This dress was made from book pages.

Aren't these flamingos cute?

This is the only one that we voted for. A friend of ours from church painted these using makeup. She is very talented!

I love seeing all the different art pieces and walking around the city. 

Until next year, Artprize!

Diaversary

10 years.

Thousands upon thousands or finger pricks and shots.

2 insulin pumps. (Soon to be 3 plus a blood sugar monitor!)

So many family and friends supporting me.

Diabetes doesn't take a vacation, but I have been able to manage it these ten years, with the wonderful support of all of you. 

I cannot believe it has been 10 years already.

It's my favorite season!

I don't know about you all out there, but fall is my favorite season. I love the cool temperatures. There isn't much better to me than curling up in cozy clothes and a big soft blanket with a cup of coffee and a book. 

Fall is also Oliver's favorite season. His only reason? We open the window...a lot.

Aside from being where his people are, this is his favorite place in the world. 

So, while he is there, enjoying the cool breeze and keeping an eye on the neighborhood, this is me.

Although I love fall and the cooler weather it brings, I get cold very quickly!

I hope you are all out there enjoying the beautiful weather!