a spring sort of feeling

Awake, thou wintry earth -

Fling off thy sadness.

Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth

Your ancient gladness!

~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

My, it has been a long winter!!  However, not as cold and snowy as usual and I am grateful for that.  Cold does not keep us away from the dog park, although it leaves poor Brutus lonely.  Not too many owners want to brave the cold as we do.  Brutus has energy whether it is warm or cold.  Thank goodness for the dog park!

Brutus was spoiled during the cold with some new toys, one of which was this "big boy" set of chew keys.  He can't really be allowed to chew for too long at a time.  He tends to eat the plastic, not good for his belly or my sleep schedule. 

It was so nice to have a cuddly boy during the cold nights (and mornings) spent under the covers.  He discovered the benefits to sleeping under the covers too, it was easier for him to kick us out of bed and out of his space...

The one thing he did do a LOT of this winter is grow!  He is huge compared to the fall.  Many of our neighbors claim he went into hibernation an awkward puppy and came out a grown up dog.  He may be big, but he still has some growing up and settling down to do.

My wonderful husband did not disappoint this Valentine's Day.  The roses he brought home, a day early, were beautiful.

I am one lucky wife.  I think Aaron takes the saying "Happy Wife, Happy Life" to heart.

I think this idea was proven by the Superbowl menu.  We had WAY too much food.  Thankfully our favorite neighbors came over and helped us eat it.  Aaron was clearly a very happy guy.

The winter has vastly decreased the amount of pictures I am able to take of Brutus so some of the best have been taken from inside, even inside the car.  He is still stinking cute, even in the car.

Can't help but observe EVERYTHING...even if it is speeding by Brutus could spot another dog a mile away.

I had to take this picture.  I have wonderful memories of the dog in Homeward Bound flapping his cheeks out the window, when Brutus followed suit I couldn't resist taking a picture.  He looks pretty ridiculous.

I can't get enough of him.  With all the attention he gets, our kids will sure be spoiled.

I was a very proud wife two Sundays ago when my husband was Initiated into the Catholic Church by Archbishop Carlson.

The ceremony took place at the New Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in the world.  The murals are incredible.

There were many other candidates and sponsors who joined us on the altar with the Archbishop.  It was definitely an experience I will never forget.  I may have shed a tear or two standing up and supporting my husband.

The group from our parish St. Charles Borromeo.  We have grown to love these people! (Seven months of classes together will do that for you.)

Brutus has learned, from somewhere, that getting older means he is allowed to have an attitude.  This couch picture is a great example of pouting after Daddy put him in his place.  His barking fits are LOUD now that he is big so they must be stopped and Aaron does a great job disciplining Brutus.  Me, well, I'm kind of a pushover.  I do try I really do...

That is the definitive face of a "barkster."

Still cute, even when he is being bad.  Can you tell I love being a puppy parent?

Tad came home for spring break and he, Aaron, and I went to Cassie's volleyball tournament.

She played very well, but was upset that I insisted on taking pictures.

My adorable Mother packed the whole team snacks and the girls (a team to the core) ate together during their off time.

Meanwhile, Tad cuddled/annoyed my Dad.  It was cute, until my Dad had to keep stats.  Then it got serious.

They think it's funny to ruin the pictures I try to take.

This is what I often come out of the shower to in the morning.  He pretty much takes over our bed after his morning walk.

I often wake up to this under the covers next to me.  What cuter face is there to peek out of the covers at you?  So happy he hasn't destroyed that raccoon doll.  It was a birthday present and his favorite activity lately is destroying any toy that isn't made out of hard plastic.  Our amazing dog sitter and friend Jacqueline said it could be in a dog magazine.  Do you agree?

My sissy sent me this picture while she was watching Brutus at my parent's house this weekend.  He actually SLEPT!  An amazing feat considering his BDFF (Best Dog Friend Forever) Marley lives there.

I have a seriously talented sister.  Not only is she naturally smart, she is an amazing artist.  This is her latest school art project!

A very special day for the Weir family is coming up next week: Brutus' First Birthday!!!  We have a cake, card, present, and party day all planned.  I can't believe our little baby is going to be One.  We are proud puppy parents.  That's not the only change coming up for us.  My lack-of-blogging is due to a very busy school, work, tutoring, and substitute schedule.  We have not had a weekend day, until today, in the past two months to ourselves.  The car hasn't even pulled out of our spot. It has been a lovely day.  In May we may be moving to a location closer to downtown to make Aaron's commute easier, I will be applying for student-teaching, and we will be figuring out our summer vacation plans.  Happy Spring to everyone and Happy Daylight Savings!

spring fling

School's out.  School's out.  Teacher let the monkeys out.

-Opa Schneider

First things first, we got a new car (well sorta)!  We bought a lightly used Toyota Rav-4, beautiful blue car!  It is our first big purchase as Mister & Misses and the entire experience was wonderful!  I think that says a lot about our marriage that a big decision like buying a car was a completely positive experience.  Not to mention all the help we received from our St. Charles family and all the wonderful friends and acquaintances of my grandparents.  They called it the "handshake deal," and let me tell you it was an experience that solidified our home here in St. Charles.

I think God laughed when we got the car because the next day, when we were attending our cousin Rachel's birthday party 40 minutes away, it snowed.  And I mean SNOWED!  The picture above is in the middle of the snow when we made it to Tiffany and Kevin's for the party.  Middle of March and it's snowing...ridiculous.  The car drove great, my hubby really knows how to make his way in snow and we made it there and back safely.

Back to the birthday celebration,  it just happens to be Miss Rachel's 5th birthday this month on the 31st and we celebrated as a family on Saturday at the Tibb household.

Cassie enjoyed the party, but spent much of the time babysitting.  She looks like she's doing a great job with the birthday girl's sister, Ally.

Here's the birthday Momma and her gorgeous sister and Baby Caleb.  The party was hosted beautifully, I might add, and despite the missing guests (due to snow and other trips) it was a grand success.  The birthday girl said herself that it was "the funnest day ever."

Evan, my handsome ring-bearer, was the life of the party.  He even tried to teach the whole kid's table how to smile for a picture.  Opps, Caleb seems confused.

There was a whole lot of Grandpa lovin' going on and Ally even snuck down from the playroom for a little one-on-one time.

 Miss Rachel was one busy birthday bee during the party.  I could barely catch a snapshot :)  I finally got one during one of the many chasing games which were egged on by none other that Mr. Weir.

During present time, we caught a rare glimpse of Tiff's hula hooping skills.  Good thing Aaron & I gave Rachel that pink hula hoop!  K-K even tried it out!

No one was surprised that these two gents, Kev and my Hubby, drank a couple beers and talked about all the exciting stuff coming up for Better Life.  They can't get enough!

It was a fabulous party and a great kick-off to my spring break!

Spring break is slightly different when you are getting your Masters and working a 40 hour a week job, but it is still relaxing.  I must admit, I'd rather be in Jamaica...

BUT I have been able to spend some time with my husband and check out some townhomes for our upcoming move.

Let me tell ya, I am ready for spring to REALLY get here.  Warm weather, no more snow.  I'm ready...bring it on!

Spring = warm weather = new life = EASTER!  Can't wait to dye eggs and celebrate Jesus' resurrection together with my amazing family!

i feel so much spring within me!

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"  

~Robin Williams

Today is March 20th, the First Day of Spring, and my husband could not be happier.  He HATES winter and he gets to go to Phoenix for some extra warm weather this week too.  Spoiled...

Warm weather makes me think about all the things about my life that I love, so I decided to make a list of some of the things I have been thankful for this week!

#1  My Husband

Spring always re-energizes our relationship.  We both love being outside and this warm weather reminds me of last year when March meant our wedding was only 3 months away.  It's crazy to think that we only have 3 more months until our 1 Year Anniversary.  Fr. Don talked about our wedding in his homily this Saturday at Mass, and told me before Mass started that he loved being a part of such a beautiful ceremony.  Mass is always special at Borromeo because it is the church where we got married.

Sometimes I wish I could re-live that day.  It was the best day of my life.

I am so excited to move into a new townhouse/ apartment, get a puppy, and celebrate our anniversary in the coming months.  I love my hubby!

#2  My Family

Family has always been important to me, I am so glad we are living in the same city and state as my family and family-in-law.  I love, love, love being able to see them anytime I want.

I am so glad I no longer call my Mom every day, now I just get to see her and talk to her in person.

And I get to be here for all of Cassie's special events.  Like the school Talent Show, where she made everyone cry with her beautiful voice.  I was so proud.

The eighth grade dance was pretty impressive and a fun experience for Cassie's class.  They are all ready to graduate and move on to the next chapter of their lives.

And I am home everytime Tad comes home.  I am not looking forward to the time I will be separated from him during his military career, so it is important to me to spend lots of time with him now.  This picture is not, coincidentally, one of him at home, but he and Veronica look so beautiful I had to include it.  Not to mention it is right before the Military Ball, during which he got a reward for outstanding performance during training.

#3  My pups

Penny is my love.  She is loyal, loving, and always there for me.  We have spent almost 10 years together and I love her like I do every member of my family.  

She certainly enjoys the warm weather.  Along with her buddy...

Doesn't look like a nine-year-old dog to me...

She and Aaron have quite a time playing together outside.  Looks like someone is jealous...

That's ok Marley, you get love too, even though Aaron spends most his time taunting you.

I love Penny and seeing her recover from a black eye (actually it was more like a bloody eye-ball) and act like a puppy again.

#4  Faith

Faith is truly the foundation of my life.  Without God and his Son, I would not have any of the blessings of this list or the hope and positivity I possess for my future.  God has truly blessed my life and continues to every day.

Everything that has happened to me in my life thus far was part of God's plan.  And what a wonderful plan it has been.

Aaron and I were very involved in choosing every aspect that went into our Wedding Mass.  I am thankful that God was the most important part of our wedding.  Faith in God and in the love my husband has for me is what makes my life truly awe-some.

#6  Cousin Time

This weekend we spent some pretty great cousin time with Tiffany, Kevin, and their beautiful girls Rachel and Ally.

Rachel was one of my flower girls and she had a blast at the wedding.  She collected quite a few bags of our jelly bean favor bags.  We stayed the night at the Tibb House this weekend.  We enjoyed a yummy fish dinner and played lots of games with the girls.  We also got the pleasure of watching a movie with Kevin and Tiff and shared some great stories with each other.  They have done quite a bit of traveling in their day and we hope to have some fun adventures ourself. Europe I hope you are ready because we are planning on visiting you on our next big vacation.

Ally enjoyed the jelly beans at the wedding too, and some dance-time with the Maid of Honor.

I had to put this picture in because it was hilarious that the dress Tiffany wore as the official "backstage" Mom was almost the exact same color as the bridesmaid dresses.  She fit in perfectly.  Kind of ironic considering she was a flower girl almost 29 years to the day in my parents wedding on our Wedding Day.

#7  The soon-to-be addition to our family

Ever since gettin' hitched, Aaron and I have been looking forward to adding a bundle of fluff to our family and we are FINALLY getting a puppy this summer.

I mean seriously, look at that adorable face.  We cannot wait to play outside, take walks with, and show off our new puppy.

We have debated what gender we would like the pup to be and I think we are pretty solid on getting a boy.  I cannot wait to share the news of his arrival into the Weir family in a few months.  Our pup might even get to play in the water like the pup above.

I am so grateful for all the wonderful things in my life, this list is not the be all end all of my list.  I am also thankful for many other things, including my wonderful, supportive friends.  I have not found that truly special friend here in St. Charles yet, but we have only been back in town for a short time and I have been beyond busy with school, work, and building the Weir household.


The next big holiday is Easter and I can't help but put a few cute bunny pictures on my blog for you to enjoy.  So cute.

Chicks are an Easter thing too, and they also make me think of spring and warm weather.  Unfortunately I can't fully enjoy the warm weather all week long, because my hubby will be out of town on a business trip to Phoenix, AZ and I am performing in the Lindenwood Chorus' Spring Concert.  Not to mention we are in the process of buying a new car and looking for our new home.  Have a warm, springy week everyone, I will be a busy gal, but a very thankful one for this beautiful weather!