Audrey Holidays & Celebrations!, Life

Bring on the New Year – 2021 Recap

Let’s walk 2021 to the door and maybe lock it once they’re gone… It wasn’t the worst houseguest we’ve ever had- we didn’t kick them out- but I’d be content if they never came back. Ya know?

Honestly, this year was more difficult for me than the dreaded 2020. Events were held, but it was a risk to attend. I felt itchy and wanted to take M to explore… but things aren’t quite right yet. We had a pretty slow and quiet year. (2020 was wonderful with an infant/baby… so much alone time and bonding and no where to be. Social distancing with a toddler is… rough.) We tried to do a family vacation but our vehicle broke down. Then I had not one, but TWO canceled trips later in the year. Sigh. It wasn’t my year to travel. M was sick quite a bit, too, but none of us caught the big C19, so I’m grateful. (Hand foot and mouth wasn’t a walk in the park for any of us, though. SHEESH.)

Anyway… there were good moments, too. We added kitties to the (office) family. We added a car to the garage (& now we need a bigger garage). K and M both had necessary and beneficial surgeries. My two best friends got married (to other people, lol). And we went on some great camping trips. We are healthy and comfortable and all together. I can’t complain much.

I’m looking forward to 2022, though. I’m putting it out there in the universe. Lord, give us a good one 🖤

On to the photo collages…

New Year’s Day | M can walk! | 🖤 | K’s surgery | Bristol is 2 | A trip to FL to love on Aub | Snow Day | Valentine’s Day | Joining A&M’s wedding party!
A visit from Aub | Kayla’s bachelorette party | Kayla’s bridal shower | bed head | K’s bday | St. Patrick’s Day | camping at Bristol | dirt racing at Bristol | Easter
Mowing with Dad | new scooter | visiting Dad at work | 8th wedding anniversary | Fridays with Andria | sick baby | rehearsal dinner | Kayla’s getting married! | Kayla’s wedding
camping with friends | Memorial Day | Mid Ohio racing | welcome Mac & Cheese! | splash pad with F&C | Father’s Day | bike rides | 4th of July Indy Cars | ear tube surgery for M
farm visits | K behind the drums | Frankenmuth | Boyne Falls, MI | family | spa weekend with Aub | 🖤 | DCI in Indy | science center with friends
Labor Day | rehearsal dinner | Aub’s getting married! | Aubrey’s wedding | county fair | fall festival | my bday camping | pumpkin patch | new car!
gender reveal for Kayla | Halloween | PASIC in Indy | Christmas trees | Thanksgiving | Moo turns Two!| Kayla’s baby shower | Christmas | lounging before the new year

Looking back through my pictures to make this post is such a happy experience for me. Now that M is in the picture, it’s wild to see her growth over 12 months. But to be honest, K and I grow significantly every year, too.

What were your favorite moments of 2021?

-Aud

Audrey coffee talk

Winter Wonderland Coffee Date

Hello & happy Tuesday before Christmas 🎄

Today seems like a good day for a coffee date. My poor little blog (and blog friends) have been neglected this year. I’m hoping to change that in 2022. Let’s grab some warm mugs (coffee or tea- I’ve been sipping on both lately), add a little oat milk (trust me!), and catch up.

If we were having coffee I’d ask what your holiday plans are. I love Christmas time. I especially love Christmas Eve. Adding M to the mix has been magical, but jumbled. Between a new baby and then COVID, we haven’t had a “normal” Christmas in a while. We’re working on a new normal for ourselves and our families.

Speaking of Christmas, this is my third one as a mom and, ever since M came along, I’ve been very stuck on all the feelings Mary likely felt. I’d never thought about her role in the Christmas story until I understood what it meant to raise a human. Delivering a child in a loud, cold, dirty barn aside- it would break my heart to know that I had to share my perfect, beautiful, fragile child with the entire world. People would hate him, just because he was alive. It’s terrifying and soul-crushing. Not to mention being an unwed mother back then and paraded through the country as such. It’s just…. whew. What a woman. It took a very strong and powerful mother to raise the world’s savior.

(And then she had to watch him die. But those are my Easter-mom-emotions. Don’t get me started there.)

If we were having coffee I would ask about your plans for 2022. We’re scheduled to get our booster soon. My bff is moving back to the state(!!). M is starting dance class in January. My other bff is having a baby(!!).Those are the big moments happening in the first quarter. I think it’s going to be a beautiful year. I’m cautiously optimistic.

If we were having coffee I’d ask where all the bloggers went. I feel like the trendy thing is now tiktok… Is that right? It went from blogs to IG to tiktok? I don’t know. I’m not about to start tok-ing and I like my little space right here. Do we think Blogland will be revived any time soon? (Maybe I’m wrong- maybe it’s alive and well and it’s just me.)

If we were having coffee I would admit that I’m finding less to be more. I’ve taken a step back from my side freelance gig. I’m trying to wake up earlier (per my husband’s insistence). I always feel the urge to cut back and cut out and cut down toward the end of the year. I crave simplicity but struggle with it, too. Does that make sense?

And now I need to get back to work. We were supposed to be on a little trip right now- a much needed pre-Christmas adventure- but sickness spoiled the fun. Fortunately, it’s not COVID. Stay safe, everyone.

What would you like to share with me on our coffee date?

-Aud

Audrey About Me

Hello Weird Not-Quite-Holiday Szn

I’m not quite ready to transition into Christmas yet. I’m not a strictly-after-Thanksgiving person, but I’m not done with the fall vibes associated with pre-Christmas. Soon, though. Give me another week or two.

I’ve definitely started on my Christmas shopping, though!

36 | If you could switch lives with one person for a day who would it be? Hmm. No one really. I like my life.
37 | What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try, but you’ve been too scared to do it? Foster a dog.
38 | What’s the one thing you wish you knew at age 19? You do not need to “go out” in college to meet people. You are fun and funny and caring- people will like you most when you are yourself.
39 | Besides your phone and wallet, what’s a couple of must-have items in your purse? Kindle, hand sanitizer, mask.
40 | What is an alternate career you would be doing? I wanted to be a vet. In hindsight, I’d have hated it. Maybe a librarian? I still have hopes of running a dog shelter and becoming an author.
41 | What’s something you can’t do? A drumroll on a snare drum.
42 | Where was the best vacation you’ve ever taken? I loved being in Switzerland. But I love Williamsburg, too.
43 | What’s one city you have always dreamed of traveling to? London.
44 | What’s something you always travel with? Books and a beverage.
45 | Favorite food? Chinese food or anything seafood- shrimp, crab, fish!
46 | Favorite dessert? Crème brulee or ice cream.
47 | Hugs or Kisses? Neither really. Although I love both from Moo.
48 | What’s a movie that made you cry? The first movie I ever cried at was Airbud. Now I almost always cry.
49 | Girl crush? I think Olivia Munn is stunning.
50 | What’s one talent you wish you had? The ability to sing well.
51 | What’s your favorite exercise? Hiking & yoga.
52 | Jogging or swimming? Swimming.
53 | What’s your favorite fast food order? Pretty much chicken nuggets wherever I go.
54 | What’s something you don’t want to be doing in 10 years? Chasing after some false happiness.
55 | Favorite James Bond? Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan were the best looking. I’m hoping the next Bond is Regé-Jean Page.
56 | Favorite superhero? I don’t really have one.
57 | What’s your favorite cocktail? I don’t have a favorite- I like sweet drinks.
58 | If you could master one instrument, what would it be? The piano.
59 | What is one thing you do want to be doing in 10 years? Writing a second or third novel & living in the country.
60 | Would you like to be famous? In what way? No thanks.
61 | What’s your favorite thing in the world? My family.
62 | What’s your favorite color? Yellow.
63 | Secret talent? I can read upside-down almost as fast as I can right-side-up.
64 | What is one hobby you will never give up? Reading and writing.
65 | What the biggest surprise you’ve ever had? Ever? I’m not sure. Lately? That K said yes to kittens.
66 | What is one trend you would never try? There are many trends I’ll never try. So far I’ve resisted tik tok.
67 | Who do you turn to when you are sad? K or my best friends. Or I sit quietly with God.
68 | What’s a trend you would like to see disappear forever? The need for everyone to share everything online. I’m over it.
69 | Last country visited? Canada, I think. 
70 | What’s your current TV obsession? Ted Lasso, obviously.

If you’ve hung around this long- thanks! What are your answers?

-Aud

Audrey About Me

Goodbye Spooky Szn

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve stared at the letters “szn” and tried to figure out what it meant. Even after knowing what it is, it still catches me mid-sentence and I’m like, “What?” I’ve googled it several times.

Anyway, I thought I’d do a tag post part one (today) and part two (Thursday), just for fun.

In honor of a gorgeous fall and the end of Halloween, please enjoy this video of animals nomming on pumpkins:

1 | Where would you go on a road trip? Yellowstone or Glacier National Park.
2 | What is your biggest weakness? Anxiety, which manifests into anger when not controlled.
3 | What’s your biggest strength? Remaining extremely calm in chaotic situations.
4 | What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had? Traveling to India & having a baby.
5 | What’s your idea of a perfect date? Sitting on a patio with a view on a fall afternoon, sipping on sweet wine, and chatting.
6 | Favorite movie? Honestly, Talladega Nights. Lol
7 | What is a cause that is important to you? Animal welfare and female equality.
8 | What’s the best compliment you have ever received? When someone compliments my writing or K tells me I’m funny.
9 | When are you most inspired? When I’m in awe of natural beauty- trees, mountains, etc. Or in a very historic place.
10 | Sweet or savory? It depends on my taste buds. Usually something more refreshing.
11 | What is your biggest fear in life? Feeling out of control. Which is fun, because we’re never really in control.
12 | What makes you smile the most? Moo. She is hilarious.
13 | Heels, flats, or sneakers? Sneakers. My Birks when I’m not at work.
14 | What are three things you can’t live without? Something to read, animals, alone time.
15 | Window or aisle seat? Window.
16 | What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way? The people I love the most will not always agree with me.
17 | Leather or lace? Leather.
18 | What is the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life? Traveling to India & having a baby. LOL
19 | How would you define yourself in three words? Observant. Headstrong. Empathetic.
20 | What’s your current favorite piece of clothing you own? I have an old college hoodie that I think belonged to my dad… My brother ended up with it, then I swiped it from him. It’s so cozy. That and my Birks.
21 | What’s a must-have clothing item that everyone should own? Something you feel GREAT in.
22 | What’s inspiring you in life right now? The drive to be a better person- for M & K. And to pour into the parts of my life that have been lacking and would bring me peace (i.e. spiritual life).
23 | What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? A lot of parenting advice… And the fact that nothing good happens when we react out of anger and frustration.
24 | What’s your pet peeve? Having to repeat myself because someone blatently wasn’t listening. And being ignored.
25 | Diamond or pearls?Diamonds.
26 | Winter or Summer? WINTER.
27 | Most recent dream you can remember? I honesty can’t remember any right now.
28 | What’s heavily played on your playlist right now? Lots of instrumental music based on mood- reading instrumental, rainy day instrument, Harry Potter instrumental.
29 | What’s your favorite board game? Ticket to Ride.
30 | Stairs or elevator? Elevator. Unless it’s only one or two floors.
31 | What book did you most recently finish? The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling. Finished it last night.
32 | What are you currently reading? Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans by Michaeleen Doucleff.
33 | How do you start your day? It’s chaos. I need it to be better. I roll out of bed, throw something together, get M up and dressed, and rush off to childcare and work. I need to work on this.
34 | What’s your favorite holiday? Christmas Eve, closely followed by Halloween.
35 | If you could raid one woman’s closet whose would it be? I’m not sure. I think Jennifer Aniston has a very laid back style. Hilary Duff and Hailey Bieber do, too.

Part II on Thursday!

-Aud

Audrey Life, Positivity

Tangible Dreams

Some nights, while I rock M to sleep, I think about what would make me happy. Not in that moment exactly, but in life. And it’s a tough question to answer, because I’m very happy. I have a family that I couldn’t have designed more perfectly, we live comfortably, and I have a job I enjoy (although it’s extremely stressful right now). But as far as material and lifestyle choices, what could I be doing differently to facilitate more joy?

I know the adage about money/things/etc. not being able to make you happy, and to an extent I agree, but having the right things (or nixing the wrong things) can absolutely affect your happiness. So while I think the human/animal ratio is spot on for me, the s t u f f could always be more tailored.

I’m sitting in an armchair in the corner of my bedroom typing this. There is a big bowl of popcorn beside me, it’s storming outside, and both dogs are snoozing within 5 feet of me. This is a dreamlike moment for me. So how do I capture this coziness and keep it going always?

Late September to early March will always be my favorite time because I think it’s easier to be cozy and chill. (I know the seasonal depression people are scoffing at me- my husband is one of them.) I wasn’t sure how I’d handle camper life when we first bought it last year, but being in the camper is one of my favorite places. It’s small, cozy & organized, filled with comfy things, and it has a fireplace. I love it.

I don’t believe that wanting material things makes you vain or unhappy. I dream of some day building a home that gives me the same comfortable vibe as our camper. I want a wardrobe that is more me and less comfy mom/quarantine hag. (Not a bigger wardrobe- a smaller, different one.) None of this is a priority and it doesn’t make me unhappy to not have it, but it’s something that brings me joy to dream about. And I don’t think we give enough credit to those materialistic dreams and tangible goals. I think we sometimes feel shameful about wanting more/different things.

When I’m rocking M I simply have more brain space and less outside noise to work with. I can pray or dream or plan without someone needing a snack or their nose wiped or the backdoor opened to go potty (kid or dog? You decide). It’s a moment of solace where I get to think about me. And also hold the most important thing in the world. And I love that even more than a cozy writing corner during a thunderstorm 🖤

What are your material-based dreams and goals?

-Aud

(Happy Gotcha Day to Bristol!)