Movie Night :)

I am feeling much better (thank you for all your emails, etc).  And, tonight, I went out with 'the ladies' to see "Confessions of a Shopaholic."  If you want to see a light-hearted movie that will make you laugh a lot, this is the movie for you.  Initially, I wasn't terribly excited to see a movie about 'extreme'designer shopping in light of the 'fiscal crisis' our nation is in the midst of, but I was just excited to get out with 'the ladies'.  Actually though, this movie was about someone living way beyond their means and learning some live lessons....and it is just really humorous....I enjoyed it! Plus, Hugh Dancy is charming and great in it. :)  SO, I would recommend it as a 'cute movie' and just had a nice night out with 'the ladies' after being sick. Yay, for feeling better :)  Thanks again for your concern!

  Happy Almost Friday!!!!

Kate :)

Feeling 'Under the Weather'....

Hey all! I am feeling quite ill this week....just trying to make it through. :)~
A lot I am looking forward to blogging about and sharing with you.
For today though, I am just praying that I feel better by the weekend! UGH!

Hope you are enjoying your Wednesday! Hugs!
Katie

BEAUTIFUL :)

I saw this picture on Anna Spiro's blog, "Absolutely Beautiful Things" (www.absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com) and just loved it. A HUGE porch, dancing, music, warmth, flowers, space, love, fun.....just some of the words that came to mind when I saw it.
Happy Friday Everyone! ENJOY!

Kate

Time with Friends :)

"A great friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

What a sweet post Doug SURPRISED (very much surprised--LOL) me with this last Friday for the start of our Valentine's weekend! Thank you again, hubby! Doug was a 'guest writer' of sorts...loved it and his humor :)

We actually celebrated Valentine's Day Friday and Sunday both, as Saturday Doug was in class, of course. Also, on Saturday, Doug and I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with a couple who has a very special place in my heart, Rick & Karyn. Karyn was/is like a mentor to me, a dear friend beginning when I was just 20 years old, and both Karyn & Rick are 'family of choice' who have impacted my life, and now Doug's life, greatly in many many beautiful ways. :) We enjoyed a lot of quality conversations, great food (including Gino's Pizzas, which I haven't enjoyed for ages), Doug and I shared some joyful news, and we just enjoyed 'catching up' on everything! Thanks again Rick & Karyn!!!

Much Love,

Doug & Katie

Faith....

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1

An amazing girl named Kate...

I haven't made very many posts on the blog before (this is actually my first!) but I wanted to say to everyone that I'm lucky enough to have met the love of my life 5 years ago. I had no clue that when I first met Katie Stern that I was going to get to spend the rest of my life with such a beautiful girl. In case its been awhile since you met her, she's the one who has an unwavering passion for loved ones (and that's pretty much everyone), for adventure and yet looking stylish at the same time, for being in new places to try new things, and for capturing it all with her camera to share with those who missed out on the fun.
I feel blessed because I met this amazing girl who has not only joined me in doing life together but also always desires for me to be the best man that I can be and never settle for less. Kate's got a big heart and its addicting in a good way.
Here's to you this Valentine's Day babe...

Love,
-Doug

And what would a blog post on this site be without a few good pictures?
Here are some of my favorites to embarrass her!

A good looking gal, eh?

Did I mention that I'm a lucky guy?

Kissing the love of my life

Family Weekend!

So...finally, I write more than one sentence. :)~

I'm still catching up here...lol.

Last weekend we had a wonderful time with family after flying in from California. While Doug was in class,  I had a blast with my  Mom, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, Aunts and my Grandma. We shared great news, caught up, shared a few meals and had a wonderful time. Doug met me up at my Grandma's home after class and a meeting and then we headed to dinner with Doug's brother, Jeff, and our sister-in-law, Allison.  We spent the night at my Mom and John's house, spent some quality time with them in the morning, then headed home.....at last.  We had a great times, but it is always good to be home.  So, this week was 'catch up' week.  Yes, indeed. :)  

Here are some pictures of last weekend....And, if I don't blog again before Saturday, Happy Valentines Day to you!!! Hope you enjoy with your significant other, friends or family.  It's just another day to celebrate all kinds of love. :)

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Our nephew, Liam, :)

Liam holding on to my sister's leg.....cutie. 

Jenna showing me her playroom at her house!

A mini family reunion: My Mom, My Grandma, cousin Karl, Aunt Susie, cousin Isabella, sister Erica and my Auntie Jayne who escaped this picture, BUT........  :0)  lol......(See Below!)

I 'chased' after her (we were both laughing pretty hard) as she made a run for her house! lol She is a lot of fun!

A few more pictures from Santa Barbara :)

“There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart….pursue those.”

-Michael Nolan

California :)

Happy Friday to you!!! 

I am SOOOOOOOO behind in posts....sorry!  We just returned from a short trip from Santa Barbara, so I'll start with a few photos (surprise surprise--lol) and post more later.  We are really exhausted and sleepy, but had a really wonderful time. :)  Hope you enjoy your weekend....Again, more pictures and words to come.... :)

~Kate

At "The Spa" at 'The Four Seasons" -checking it out.  Modern/Retro mix and most CHIC (enjoyed the design greatly!!). 

Yep, a LOT of rain. So, we were given umbrellas like this one every time we left our cottage.  :) Rain is WAY better than snow, so I didn't mind at all. :) :)

I was so grateful to sit looking out on the ocean in this room and eat my breakfast, lunch or dinner...It was such a breathtaking room...I loved to just walk by and stare :)  We definitely do not eat breakfast in Wisconsin while enjoying an oceanview--haha, so it was most appreciated. 

My favorite flowers of all time....this place had beautiful HUGE gardens. Amazing.