Friday, January 25, 2013

you and me are floating on a tidal wave, together

quote for the night:


in a gentle way
you can shake the world.
- gandhi


Have I mentioned that I absolutely adore Gandhi? Well, I do. We all have opportunities to change the world, in both big and small ways. What may seem like nothing to us, could be exponential to others. Never forget that you have a purpose and a plan, and always strive to be your best self. 


(end inspirational late night speech)


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

my belated new years resolution

So.....

Here is the thing.


I am really not in to new years resolutions. I believe in setting goals for myself, and I think it is great that people set them each year on January 1. But, in reality, how many people accomplish those annual goals? 


See, I sort of think that resolutions are too fluffy. Haha, and yes. That is the best way I could think of to describe them. Most people set goals that do not seem realistic. And then what happens? They go back to their regular lives come February 1. 


Needless to say, I decided to do things a bit differently and really have one NEW YEARS goal, aside from my long laundry list of constants that I will be working on. 


My goal: 
Forgive others freely, and mean it. 

This is hard. It probably shouldn't be, but it is. I can easily SAY that I forgive someone, but it doesn't mean that I have forgiven them in my heart. 


One of the many, many things I could change about my life! 


That is my resolution. I am actually passionate about making this one happen. It will. Eventually. 


c'est la vie

Monday, January 14, 2013

home for the holidays, part 2


So show me family
All the blood that I would bleed
I don't know where I belong
I don't know where I went wrong
But I can write a song

There are always fun times to be had when you are amongst the greatest people on earth. These are snippets from some of those fun times. The pictures are quite pixelated because of the device they were taken on (iPhone). I miss all of these people so much! Wish I could carry all of them in my pocket wherever I go! (:

LOVE YOU GUYS!





My Seattle women. Taking a classic bathroom mirror pic. First and last. 


 This little feller is Chibby, Chelsay's baby. Not to be mistaken with Chublets Mcdandelion... 


Oh Ryan. Too many words. Lifelong friends.


One of the sweetest boys in the world! Miss you Austin! 



This picture kills me. Love you both.






We try to take good pictures. One of my best man friends. He's a gem. 


Oh Devon. 


My darling friend Chelsay! 


Trispa & Nispa


My before & after with Taylor Degrande.





The boys and myself on New Years. How lucky am I? Sheesh! ;-)


 I have the most beautiful friends! Chelsay and Kylie. My life and my conversations are not nearly the same without you here in Hawaii. Next conference call it is mandatory that we all speak in a North Dakota accent.


cuties.


I am actually obsessed with this picture. Kylie captured at an opportune moment. Wish it was better quality. Darn iPhone.


Hahahahhahaha. New Year's crew! Love these people.


 Mine and Erik's engagement photo. Determine are our emotions as you wish. haha


My brilliant artist friend. Erik you are incredible.


 Bradley Bear. My first date after my 16th birthday! So sad you didn't show me your dance moves until just recently. But I am honored to finally have experienced it. (:



My horrible quality attempt to capture the fireworks on New Years. We had a pretty great view. 


 We had no idea when they were going to take the pictures. Luckily our faces worked in each of them. Amazing.


Two of my best friends. Henry & Ky! You make my world complete!


Henbo and I. So glad we both chose the same clothing store to work at in high school. ;-)


Some of the Seattle family. (: (:


Best friend & Best friend's baby! Caylie Brock I miss you dearly! Why is Atlanta so far away?


I have beautiful best friends. 


 Couldn't help it, she is just too cute!! Love you Tiffer!


 Gabe, my favorite. Such a sweet, silly man! Miss seeing you every Friday Gabriel (:


 A real picture of Devon and I! 


I nannied these cute kids for two whole years! Crazy how much they have grown. So good to see them and their darling mom! Miss you guys!


One of my best friends. Michael, just remember, I was friends with you first. Don't let Domenic forget that. ;-)


 DJ and Erik! My handsome friends.


Devon's hands are bigger than my face...


I love this child. Little Weston Brock! Such a sweet baby. (:


We are going to write a book. The title- "Nothing is Accidental". Look for it on shelves in approximately 3 years. Bff4Lababababab


 Pretty people


He is a DOLL. Seriously cannot get enough of him.


My best friend since birth. We now have a 5 hour time difference and a 9 hour plane flight. One day we will live in the same timezone again! (:


Devon's Christmas present. Clearly this made him VERY happy!


Vi Vo! My beautiful royal best friend.


Loves. 




So pixelated. But these are my Seattle girls, minus our dear Rachel who has been swallowed up by the San Francisco fog! We miss you Ray Ray! Need our token blondie back!



I belong with you,
You belong with me,
You're my sweetheart.


Sunday, January 13, 2013

home for the holidays, part 1



So now I think that I could
Love you back
And I hope it's not too late cause you're so attractive
And the way you move
I won't close my eyes


I am back on the islands. I was beginning to forget how much I loved it here after being in Seattle for 3 weeks. I love this place as much as I love my hometown, even though they could not be more different. 


The one thing I miss about Seattle is my people. I surround myself with the world's greatest human beings. I could not tell you how I have had such luck, but I thank the Lord everyday. (:


So here goes my Seattle journey, pictures and commentary provided.



It wouldn't be right if it was not raining when I arrived back home in the rainy city.


Waiting at the airport for my Dad to swoop me and take me to Grandma's for dinner. Yes. Moccasins in Seattle. 


My Grandma Sanelli's house. Yummy Italian food for days. Best welcoming dinner ever.


Little Braydon. Who is in fact, not so little. Love this little munchkin.


Connor is the sweetest, most caring little 6 year old you will ever meet. Love him dearly.


Just trying to take a normal picture with these cute kids.


Our traditional sushi date. This girl is the smartest 7 year old I have ever met. 


 Got to see these little nuggets for a few days before they left and went to Utah for Christmas. Miss them so much. Wish we could live closer to each other!!



My only pictures with my sister before she left!! Again, wish we could see each other more. I am so happy that they have found a new home in Colorado! Can't wait to see all of their cute pictures. (:


 La Casita, the local family Mexican joint in Sammamish. The owners have known me since I was a just a babe. Love it here.


 When I told Gianni that Grandpa was coming to pick us up he stood on a bench and watched outside to catch the first glimpse of the car. This kid is seriously a genius.


Gianni asked me to put stickers on his face, so naturally I obliged. This is before putting two more pads of stickers on his face. I really wish I would have gotten a good shot before taking all of them off. But, as you can see, the lower sad lip is there as a result of his chin not feeling normal (thanks to all the stickers). Once he saw them in the mirror and realized how uncomfortable it was to move his face, he decided it was time for the stickers to go. He could entertain me for days.


Gianni had a snowman painted on his face when we went to see reindeer. Everyday afterward he had Domenic draw another one on his cheek. This is a result of a 2 (almost 3) year old's request, drawn with an eyeliner pencil. 


Little Siena and I on our family bowling trip. She is the sweetest little girl. Always happy. Rarely do I ever hear that baby girl cry! And it is only when she needs something. Love her.



 Gianni's favorite hot chocolate-- with hazelnut. Yes, it is clear we are related. At one point he was double fisting hot chocolates (mine and Brit's). 


Look closely. Yes. There is a dog. Driving this vehicle. Well, it was actually parked, but Britnae and I thought it was necessary to take this. Really freaked me out at first!


Yes, it is true, and so obvious. I adore this child.


 Gianni loves temples. So much, in fact, that he has decided that this is his baby-sized temple and he carries it around wherever he goes! 


 He used to never let anyone hold his hand! Glad that he has changed his mind. So adorable.


My family enjoys Martinelli's. Especially Gianni. Over the holidays, we can consume about 4 bottles (at dinner) every night!


 Trying to snatch photos of Siena! She is a mover (: love this girl.


 Good picture of Gianni's original snowman (:


This is what Gianni does when you tell him to smile. You have to be careful to choose your words if you want a good picture. It is best to use phrases like "Gianni can you show me your eyes?" or "Gianni, what's that you've got in your hand?". Sometimes it is necessary to get creative. 


Gianni picked out a snowman for him and I. There is nothing sweeter. 



He is too cute.


Gianni gave himself a double chin in this picture! (:



Siena and I on Christmas Eve. She is the most pleasant and easy going baby. Love her.


Oh Gianni. He doesn't look too excited for this picture. Poor kid ;-) 


Grandma's homemade cannoli! These are beyond delicious.


Our masterpiece. Yes. 


Gianni helping out with the snow placement.


Brit and I showcasing our talents.


Christmas dinner. Homemade beef ravioli. Tradition.


Stayed downtown in Bellevue for a night when our floors got redone. Forgot how pretty everything gets around Christmas time! (:


Our Christmas tree with an unreasonable amount of presents underneath. We go a little too overboard if you ask me. I can't help but point out my beautiful Tory Burch box right in the front! Best present under the tree! (:


We had Christmas at about 10:30 AM. And yes, I had to wait for my little sister and older brother to get up before I got to open presents. Issues.


 I love our sparkly ornaments! Yee!!!


When we stayed at the Westin, they had a pretty exquisite gingerbread display in the lobby. I was impressed. One day I'll try to compete with this... maybe.



Our new kitchen sink, with the same beautiful view of the greenbelt! Ah, this makes me miss Washington. I wish it were only a drive away. 





New floors, new paint on the walls, new furniture, new cabinets, new counters, new appliances. My house looks so different, but so much better! Love it.



So glad I got to see the kitchen mostly finished. Cabinets still need the finishing touches but it is almost there!


Just testing out our new stove. Grilling steaks and sautéing mushrooms with wine. Yum.



Sometimes, living in Hawaii, I forget how much I like to cook! Domenic and I teamed up for this meal. Fresh bolognese sauce, gnocchi, and eggplant parmigiano. I am officially obsessed with this stove.


I took this one when I was driving home from somewhere. This is where I turn into my neighborhood. And that is the view I have from my bedroom window. Cotton candy mountains! Such a beautiful city.


Already missing you. But it is good to be back in paradise.

Be in my eyes
And be in my heart.


designed with love by beautiful dawn designs