Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

We were finally able to go home after a long 4 years of not being home for Christmas. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful families and friends. It doesn't seem like a lifetime would be enough to spend with them but we had to settle for a few very short 4 days.

Saturday evening, we were able to see Jake's family. It's always nice too catch up and see how quickly the kids have grown. We even had time to squeeze in some beautiful family photos of everyone at once. That never happens and are very grateful that we were able to capture these memories.

The whole family

Marcin, Juliet, Tom, Hania, Jake, Me

Jake and I

 Sunday we saw one of our best friends that we haven't seen in a year and a half. We grabbed a delicious brunch with mimosas at Rivers Casino and then ventured over to the Steelers game. The weather was calm but chilly and it made for a perfect atmosphere to watch the Steelers beat the Chiefs and clinch a playoff spot.

Jason, Ashley, Me, and Jake at the Steelers game

Monday and Tuesday we made our way north to see my family in Meadville. My parents took me to an early birthday dinner at Aoyama Japanese Steakhouse in Erie, had some delicious cheesecake for dessert, and got to spend some quality time with my parents.

My Grandparents

My Dad, Mom, Me, and Jake

Christmas Eve was busy but we were able to squeeze everyone in. We went to see my family in Ohio for an early dinner. It was crazy with all the kids but worth every second spent with everyone. In the evening we went back down to Pittsburgh to be with Jakub's family and have the traditional Polish dinner. Everything was so delicious and had a great time opening gifts.

My mother in law and I in front of the dinner table.

Jakub and his brother Marcin

Jakub, Natalia, Marcin

Jakub and his family

Now, I sit on the flight back to Arizona on Christmas Day (while listening to *NSYNC holiday songs) counting all the blessings that I have in my life. I have the best parents, in laws, extended family, and friends that anyone could possibly ask for.  I'm also especially thankful that I said YES to a very important question exactly 6 Christmases ago.  I have the best husband a girl could ever ask for.  I'm so happy that we were able to make the trip back and hope that we don't have to wait another four years to do it again.

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. I hope that Santa brought you everything you wanted.  In the words of *NSYNC, "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays."

M

Thankful

I thought it was appropriate to share the things that I'm thankful for this time of year.  I get so busy in my everyday life to stop and think of all of my many blessings.


I am so thankful to have a crazy,  wonderful, and loving family.  Without you, life wouldn't be the same.  I love all of you and can't wait to see many of you in December!

My parents and I

My parents

Jakub's grandma and Janek

Jake with his parents

I'm thankful for the best husband in the world who I am lucky to call my best friend. I can't believe we've been married for 4 years and can't wait to see what the next 50 have in store for us!  Thank you for being you.

I'm thankful for my furry kids - Vinny and Maci.  They are real sh*theads at times but can't imagine not having them in our lives.  They make us smile every day.

To all our wonderful friends and family, we miss you.  I wish everyone an absolutely wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

M

4 Things from October

I cannot even believe that November is here...which means the holidays are just around the corner. Yikes!  It's been so busy lately that I have completely slacked on getting a new post up.  I thought 4 things from October should quickly bring you up to speed.

• Our sports schedule has been filling up with fall in full swing.  Between Cardinals games (7-1 ... yes, you read that correctly), ASU Football games, and Coyotes games, we have been more than busy.  The Suns just started so lets throw some basketball in there as well.  Jakub is one lucky husband that I have the sport bug!

Coyotes vs. Maple Leafs

ASU Sun Devils Football

Cardinals vs. Eagles

• Las Vegas! I know, every other post seems as though we're in Fabulous Las Vegas.  Jake and I needed to get out of town to relax for a couple days.  We stayed at New York New York for the first time and enjoyed the resort.  They have great restaurants and the casino is one of my favorites.  I think this is the first time where we stayed the entire time in one resort.  It was nice not having to travel around.

• I've been a jewelry making machine lately.  Darn all these craft stores for having such great sales on supplies lately.  I still have some items for sale and since the holidays are around the corner, now is the perfect time to pick up a couple items! I can always make something custom for you as well.

 

• Vinny turned 5! I can't believe that my furry child has been ours for that long.  It's amazing how attached I am to these two furballs.  He was my birthday present in 2009 from my parents and couldn't have picked a better one (I know, Jake, you chose him!).  He celebrated in true Vinny fashion: new toys, Frosty Paws ice cream, cheese, and treats.  One spoiled furry kid!

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I actually have a good portion of our list done already.  Hopefully the black Friday sales (online...I would rather be at home in a turkey coma on Thanksgiving) are good this year and I can finish it off.   I'm so excited that we're going to be able to get home to Pennsylvania this year to be with family and friends.

I will leave you with a picture of one of the many reasons I love living in Arizona.....our gorgeous desert sunsets.  #nofilter

M

Girls Weekend

What a weekend!!! I finally got to see one of my best friends that I haven't seen for over a year.  We met up in beautiful San Diego and had a weekend full of fun.

On Friday, we were able to meet up with one of my high school friends who I hadn't seen in over 10 years.  It was wonderful to see him and he was kind enough to show us around San Diego.  We had the best lunch on the water, happy hour on the beach, watched the sun set, and ended the night with some delicious fish tacos.  We got back to the hotel to find strawberries and champagne from my lovely husband.  Perfect end to the perfect day!

View from happy hour at Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach

Sunset at Mission Beach

Sunset at Mission Beach

Champagne and strawberries on the balcony

Saturday we decided to have a chill morning by the pool.  The sky was so blue and absolutely gorgeous.  We stayed in Coronado which is definitely one of my favorite places to be.  It's so peaceful and immediately puts you in a relaxing mood.

View of San Diego from our hotel in Coronado

Later on Saturday afternoon, we went whale watching.  Neither of us really knew what to expect but it was super cool.  We saw 4 whales, hundreds of dolphins that gave us a show, and even some flying fish.  This is definitely a must see/do whenever you find yourself in the San Diego area.....I highly recommend it!

Saturday night, we lived it up! We found a delicious sushi place along with some sake bombs.  Lets just say, the sake definitely went down rather smooth. I'll just leave it at that. :)

Sadly, our weekend came to an end so quickly and we had to say our goodbyes on Sunday.  Definitely an extremely successful weekend in San Diego and need to make this an annual thing!

M

It's Been Awhile...

It's been a crazy few weeks but that means that we have been busy with lots of fun stuff! I'm so happy football is back and I'm currently undefeated in Fantasy Football.  I'm pretty sure that I just jinxed myself and it's going to be a throw down this week...Melanie vs. Jakub.  May the best man or WOMAN win.  Remember Jake, happy wife = happy life!

We have already been to a couple of Arizona Cardinals games this year.  I may bleed the black and gold but it's fun cheering on the home town team.  They're off to a great start despite all the obstacles they have encountered this year.  The Pro Bowl is going to be in town this February and since we're season ticket holders with the Cardinals, we received the rights to purchase our seats.  I'm looking forward to cheering on some black and gold!

2014 Arizona Cardinals Home Opener

We recently went to see Jason Aldean for the third time since he is in Phoenix just about every summer.  We thought this was the best that he has been.  Florida Georgia Line opened for him and they were equally as good.  It was unfortunate that we weren't able to see Tyler Farr since he was sick but it was a great show.

Florida Georgia Line

Jason Aldean

Staying on the concert front, I just recently saw Katy Perry.  I wasn't sure what to expect from her show but it was awesome.  She is an entertainer and it was way better than I expected.  There were lasers, dancing cats, prism glasses, and glowing dresses.  Definitely a must see!

Katy Perry

One week form today, I'm heading to San Diego for a Girls Weekend with one of my best friends that I haven't seen since May 2013.  It's going to be EPIC and I know that between the two of us bloggers, there will be pictures upon pictures and some great stories to share.  I'll leave you with one tidbit until then...we're going whale watching!!


I hope you enjoy your weekend as I know that we will enjoy ours.  It's supposed to rain this weekend in the desert and I am super excited (who would've ever thought I would put that on paper?)!  I wish you luck on your fantasy teams and whoever you might cheer for in football...unless you're a Buccaneers fan. :)  Go Steelers and welcome back #92...it hasn't been the same without you!

Steelers Girls!

M

Birthday Boys

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband.  I couldn't imagine a better partner in crime and best friend.  I wish you the best day and look forward to spending 100 more birthdays with you.  I love you forever.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful father-in-law.  We are so lucky to have you in our life and family.  Have the most wonderful day.

M

Obsession

It's been a crazy few weeks in our household.  Jake is officially starting his intense hockey schedule (which I totally don't miss) and that means more time to myself.  With this being said, I have dove into a new obsession hobby of jewelry making.  What girl doesn't like a little bling?  I also love the thrill of finding the beads...gets my creative juices flowing.  I am going to start selling some of it so if you are interested, let me know and I will get you some pricing.  I have some photos below (but everything have way more sparkle and bling in person).

Bracelet, earrings, and necklace in the pink/black.

Bracelet, earrings, and necklace in the teal/rust/gold.

Bracelet, earrings, and necklace in the bright blue/silver.

Necklace, bracelet, and earrings in this bright blue/silver.

These pictures do not do this one justice.  The green beads have a ton of sparkle I have a necklace in the turquoise butterfly.

This pink heart long necklace has a ton of sparkle and a super cute heart toggle clasp.

This necklace and bracelet is super sparkly orange with a hint of pink when it sparkles.

Multicolored stone bracelet and necklace available.

Bracelet and necklace in blue/pink/multicolored colored beads.


M