The Rap Song Called "Roots"

James and I have just gotten back (very late last night) from our trip to Navarre, FL for Chris and Katie's 'Welcome Autumn' Party...which was nothing short of AMAZING! Yes, we may have been sleep deprived for the entire weekend trying to maximize our quality time together...but the memories made and conversations had, made it well worth the bags under my eyes this morning ;) You could feel the love in the house that night from a mile away. Chris and Katie's faces lit up in pure excitement with each unwrapped gift in anticipation of little Autumn Rose's arrival. It was truly an incredible event and such a special time in their lives....James and I were honored to be a part of it. Here's some photos of the weekend....

James was so proud of this onesie design...

love them!

absolutely the most adorable preggo pic i've ever seen

we can't wait to meet you lil Autumn!!

As we were making the long trek back to south Florida with a full 8 hours ahead of us, we couldn't help but feel a sense of calm as we reflected on our time spent together with amazing people. There's something about spending quality time with such good and long-time friends that brings you back to your roots - a phrase that just kept circling in my mind. I think the feeling of being 'grounded' and 'rooted' again when being surrounded by family and long-time friends creates a total sense of calm and serenity that is oftentimes absent from my day to day life. This also made me think of the rap song that randomly creeps up on my ipod playlist under 'Kick My Ass Workout Mix'. :) It's called 'Roots' and the lyrics go on to say 'can't hate where I'm from, because where I'm from made me...'. While I'm no rapper, I couldn't get these lyrics out of my head because it's so true... When I left little Nav City back in 2002, my stick shift beater 1983 blue ford ranger couldn't get me out of there fast enough! I was officially an 18 year old college student with the world at my feet and no parental supervision! What more could I have asked for, right!?!? Well as the years have since past, you begin to come back down to earth and realize what's truly important in life. I pondered this, of course, in between my 'road-trip study sessions' and came up with two things very clear in my mind - ones that I have learned many times before but always seem to need to be reminded of and life by more consciously:

1. I need to surround myself with only positive people that believe in my visions and dreams. Isn’t it odd how we all seem to have something that we have to learn over and over again? For me it is the truth that if I want to accomplish the goals that God (and myself) have set before me I must be vigilant about surrounding myself with positive people. I know for a fact that I could never have gotten anywhere good in life if I had not had positive people encouraging and inspiring me–and holding me accountable as I was growing up, discovering my calling and following my dreams and aspirations. Negative people (people who are discouraging, emotionally draining, or who regularly make bad choices and are looking for company) are draining to the soul ...which is why it is important to be careful about who I am spending time with. I found another blogger who said the following on this topic and I happen to agree. He says, "I believe that there are some people who just want to wallow in their misery, as miserable as it makes them–or they do not want you to be as devoted to your cause because they want something from you. I know that we all have people like this in our lives…but it is possible to love people like that and be there for them without letting them to take over your time and wear your spirit down. Be as positive an influence as you can on people like that–pray for them, love them, encourage them and inspire them by being who you were created to be. But do not enable their negativity by allowing it to infect you." -- all good points that I need to apply in my own life and learn to compartmentalize these things and not let it bleed into other aspects of my life.

2. The second thing that I learned (or rather, re-learned) is that our roots are of great importance to us and we should always do all that we can to remember with ever-growing gratitude all those who came before us–our parents, grandparents, ancestors–anyone who worked and sacrificed to pass down a heritage worthy of preservation. Sure, everyone has things in their family background that they may not be quite proud of, but the key to progressing as a human is to honestly evaluate all that has been passed down to you by your fore bearers, test and weigh it all, discard the bad and hold tight to the good.

So, I'll try to always remember this if nothing else: Live out your dreams. If you are with or surrounded by those who do not support your vision and dreams … you will leave this earth wondering "what if". The team of people you choose to associate yourself with must want to see you at the finish line. So with that, I need to get my study on....only 2 more weeks until the big Exam!! (sigh) I am missing my family and friends more than ever now but look forward to our future adventures and what the holidays will bring. Can't wait for Christmas in snowy Nebraska followed by ringing in the New Year with little Autumn Rose Premo entering the world! <3

Fall Is In The Air....

....and football season is officially in full swing! Wow, so I haven't posted in a while and I have so much to catch up on! The past month or two has been a little hectic, stressful, fun, and exciting for James and I. We are both pretty busy with our jobs! Side note: I received a BONUS check for my performances last quarter...which I was stoked about. We were responsible and put it directly into savings. On top of that, I've been trying to remain focused on studying for the FE Exam (as if my life depended on it...which it basically does). And our weekends have been filled with friends and family visits, checking out the local scene, and reserving special 'date nights'! Life has been really good these past few months and we've splurged. Here are some great moments we've shared over the past 2 months:





- August 8th - James' 28th bday! We had our great friend Derek in town ...which was amazing to see him since his year at sea! We went out on the town in Sarasota, hit the beach, ate at some great restaurants...good times. The following Monday, we were able to meet up with James' parents for dinner which was really nice. Really brings to the forefront how nice it is to be closer to his parents for little family dinners.





- Labor Day Weekend - James' family (Steve, Deana, and Ashley) and their kids were in town and stayed with us for the weekend which was really nice. We of course, watched the Gator game together over a few beers at Buffalo Wild Wings, hung out at the beach, took the kids to the pool, left the kids with the guys for a little 'girl time'. We checked out the little shoppes at St. Armands Circle and went to lunch at the Daiquiri Deck. It was a good time with some much needed relaxation. Also reminded James and I that we are not quite ready for little ones of our own ;) How is it that so much explosive energy can be contained in such little bodies!?!?





- September 16th Weekend - My little brother Adam came down for the weekend for a visit. It was really great to have him stay with us and spend some quality time together. It really made me appreciate family and made me realize how much the two of us are alike. He's grown up to be such an incredible and caring person with so many ambitions and the world literally at his feet! James and I were thrilled to spend the weekend with him. Kinda weird to get to know your brother all over again ....only as an 'adult'! We took him out to the Siesta Key Village the first night where he had a few too many beers and captain and cokes! But nevertheless, we had an awesome time. The next morning we were up and at 'em early to hit the road to Gainesville, FL for the FL vs. TN game!!!! We did a little tailgating and actually totally lucked out with 5 FREE tickets to get into the game. It was an amazing FL crowd, as usual, and you could really feel the Gator pride in the stands. They pulled out a W and I think the experience was def. one for the books for Adam! That night we went out in the Swamp for a few drinks and stayed the night at a friends. The next morning, we hit the road early again to pick up the fur-kids just in time to drop them off and hit the beach with my bro on his last day here in sunny FL. It was a really good weekend!





- September 20th - My Birthday!!! James took me to an amazing restaurant in downtown Sarasota. I got to dress up with a pretty new dress and some heels....he really made me feel like a princess that night :) We had great conversion over a bottle of wine and some amazing food!!!! We followed it up by heading to the Sarasota Vineyard, where we sampled several different wines using a 'swipe card' which allows you to try all sorts of wine samples rather than limiting yourself to just one or two...totally dangerous! We followed that up with a 'night cap' - aka a couple splits of champagne - at the Gator bar. As if the night couldn't get any better/more romantic, I got carded on my 28th bday...really makes a girl feel like she's still got it! A late night for a Tuesday for sure, but an unforgettable one!

Just thought it was important to take a moment and reflect on our recent adventures as newlyweds!! <3 I'm a pretty lucky girl!

Ok, enough reflection....more studying!