Lucky

This is my new fave song, the words are just perfect. It reminds me of everything falling and staying in love should be. Take a peak, and listen at the end! :)

Do you hear me,

I'm talking to you

Across the water across the deep blue ocean

Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying

Boy I hear you in my dreams

I feel your whisper across the sea

I keep you with me in my heart

You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

They don't know how long it takes

Waiting for a love like this

Every time we say goodbye

I wish we had one more kiss

I'll wait for you I promise you, I will

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Lucky we're in love every way

Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed

Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I'm sailing through the sea

To an island where we'll meet

You'll hear the music fill the air

I'll put a flower in your hair

though the breezes through trees

Move so pretty you're all I see

As the world keeps spinning round

You hold me right here right now

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

I'm lucky we're in love every way

Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed

Lucky to be coming home someday

Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

Ooooh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

*****

I SAY; Movers Edition!

.... packing is for the birds! If I were rich I'd hire a team and let them do it. But, for now it's just Hubby & Me. 

.... getting rid of junk while packing is a good feeling, a good time to purge.

.... having a messy house not so fun.

.... trying to figure out dinner when half your kitchen is packed away is a challenge! 

.... knowing that you're going to a place that you love and feeling God's peace about it makes it all worth it! 

It's Official; We're Moving!

It's official, we're moving! Orion and I are taking a HUGE step and moving all the way to Arizona in just a week!!!! At the beginning of July Orion and I interviewed at a church in Glendale, AZ. We came home from that trip feeling refreshed, revived and knowing that this was the place for us. After much prayer and consideration, we feel at peace with the decision and are very excited for this next new chapter and step in our lives.

Of coarse it's bittersweet at times to not be close to family and friends here in the Midwest. But I am forever thankful for the years that I've had here in Minneapolis being close to both my family and friends. I knew that one day this time would come, and we wouldn't be as close. So I took full advantage of it. Now, that time has come for us to be a little farther away. But, I know that the relationships that I have are stronger and can make it through anything.

On Sunday, Orion and I will pack up the moving truck and head to Iowa to see my family. Orion and his friend Jason will be leaving a few days later to make the drive to Arizona. While I'll be flying down on the 5th! We move into our new place on August 7th! I hate moving, but I love decorating new places! I can't wait to settle in and call Arizona home.... AGAIN!!!

Blog Roll Monday: Jasmine Star Photography

I found this gem of a photog a few months back, Jasmine Star photography based in Southern California! Her work is amazing, and her story is equally great! What I love about Jasmine's work is her attention to detail, her love and care for her Brides, the way she uses only natural light is equally inspiring! 

I also love that she's humble enough to share her secrets, and expertise with fellow photogs like myself. Her FAQ posts are the best, and I have learned a lot from them. 

Someday when I'm in Southern Cali I would love for her to take pictures of Orion and I!! Click here to view her work, let me know if you agree! 

Friday Frills; Girls Night!

It's Friday! Finally, this has been one crazy week! I'm at home this weekend in Iowa shooting a wedding. It's just me, Orion is working all weekend. So we're making it a girls weekend. Tonight I'm headed to the movies, (haven't been to a movie in ages) we don't really go to the movies anymore. But tonight it's special because I get to hang out with my Sister, Mom and future Sister in law Jessie! I don't get to have girl night like this very often either! So I'm taking full advantage.

Saturday, is the wedding! So excited. Congrats to Morgan & Isaac who are getting married tomorrow. You have to check this blog for more info on their BIG day!

Sunday, it's more wedding stuff as we head to the bridal store to try on and pick our bridesmaid dresses for my brother and Jessie's wedding. Pretty excited about this! I love weddings, and I love sharing the day with people you love and celebrating their love!

Stay tuned! :) Happy Friday all!

Sleep.... what sleep?!!!

It's 6:21 AM here, I've been up since 3:30 AM! I can't sleep, this is so unusual for me since I love my bed, and I love, love to sleep! Not sure what's going on today, wide awake at 3:30 AM!! What the heck?!! But, I've already folded 2 loads of laundry and have another one in the dryer! That pretty productive for not sleeping!

Good Morning Everyone!!

I SAY

.... love, love entertaining in my home, and even better having great friends to share it with.

.... comparison shop!

.... check out amazon.com before buying another book.

.... I'm thankful for God's confirmations!

.... finally some nice weather here in Minnesota!

.... I hate when my puppy is sick, and I don't know why!

Shabby Nest & RHB Designs Giveaway!

Don't you just love this? It's a hand stamped silver necklace made by RHB Designs. The Shabby Nest is hosting a giveaway for a $25 gift certificate to their shop for your very own piece of custom jewelry. I don't have children yet, but this necklace is a perfect way to display the family close to your heart. My favorite right now is the Monogrammed necklace with pearl accents! I would get one with a "W."

Jump on over, click here to be entered in for the give away and drawing! Secretly, I want to win but I'll share with all of you! :) Enjoy these beauties!

Blog Roll Monday: Ikea Hacker

Ikea Hacker

You know my love for all things Ikea, well let me tell you about a wonderful blog called "Ikea Hacker" as the name suggests it's all about Ikea products. I found this blog some time ago, and fell in love with all the innovative ideas of the posters. The idea is to take regular Ikea products and re use them in a way, or make something new out of them other than their original purpose in the store. This blog has some great ideas, anything from baby's rooms, to kitchen ideas to lighting. You can find so many really awesome ideas, and if you love Ikea products as much as we do I know you love this blog! Happy Hacking!

Free Tip of the Week: Coffee!

Have you ever tried McDonald's Mc Cafe' drinks? I love their Iced Vanilla Coffees. Starting Monday they are giving away FREE samples of their iced mocha's & coffees. So tomorrow on your morning commute drive on over for something delish & free!

***

And then run on over to Starbucks on July 21st for free pastries! 

Where did the Weekend Go?

It's already almost 11 PM on Sunday night, and I keep thinking where did the weekend go? It literally flew by!

Friday, I headed up Northwest to Perham, MN to judge the Miss Perham & Miss Heart of the Lakes Pageants. It was a full day, the pageant got over and we did a judges critique and I was on the road by 10 PM. It's a 3.5 hour drive for me back to the cities. And about 11 PM I was kicking myself that Orion had to work Saturday morning, and I had to come back that night. It was a long drive back home Friday night. I rolled into the garage at 1:30 AM! So tired, I came in said hello and good night to Orion and crawled into my bed and slept so good!

Saturday, I slept! Orion worked. Then Becky and her son Chaz came over to hang out. We chilled, made pizza and watched Chaz and Bentley chase each other around.

Sunday, we went over to Mark & Eunice's for lunch. I haven't seen them in a few weeks. So it was good to see Isabelle again and catch up with friends. Thank you Djerf's for the great lunch!

Tonight, Orion and I vegged watched movies and HGTV's Design Star premier! We're obsessed with design, even though we mostly don't agree, we're getting there! :)

There you have it, the weekend gone! Coming up on the horizon, a wedding next weekend! We're traveling home to Iowa, I'll be shooting a wedding next weekend, and then going with my future sister in law to pick out my #7 yes, seventh bridesmaid dress! Can't wait, it'll be a fun weekend at home.

Us Worley's have some stuff cookin' in the next couple weeks, so stay tuned for BIG announcements coming your way!

Going Green; Refill your Ink!

Maybe you already do this, but I am discovering this for the first time. I've always heard about refilling your ink cartridges. My Mom does it, I don't know why I didn't do it sooner. Well, I ran out of ink, and decided to give this a go. Tons of places refill ink cartridges (Office Max, Staples, Walgreen's) just to name a few. 

I headed over to my local Walgreen's, and in 40 minutes I had newly refilled ink cartridges for half the price! If that isn't enough to make you want to do this, I don't know what is. Plus, I got a coupon for 50% off the next time I refill! (you know how I love coupons) 

Pretty worth it to me, going green and saving green at the same time! 

Book Review: Mommywood by Tori Spelling

Mommywood

by Tori Spelling

I finished this book last night, I read her first book so naturally I was intrigued and wanted to read the follow up book. This book as the title suggests is about motherhood, specifically motherhood in Hollywood, and raising children as a celebrity.

It's full of really funny, cute stories about her children and their lives as a family. She talks a lot openly about how she was raised, and how she would like or has done things differently than her parents. She shares on what life is like being a step-mom to son Jack, her desire for a "normal" upbringing for her children. But acknowledges that it looks a whole lot different than most people's lives since her and her hubby are celebs.

Over all, I enjoyed the book. The funny stories she shares makes you realize that she's just about as normal as everyone else. Her children throw tantrums, poop in pools, and don't eat their veggies.

It made me want to root for her to become the best Mommy she can be, despite her fears that she has in raising her children.

Clean Sweep

Have you heard of this product? The Pledge Fabric Sweeper! I've tried many lint rollers, and other pet hair cleaners to combat Bentley's over abundance of hair, and this seems to be the best so far. I saw it on a commercial, and thought I'd give it a go! For $4 you can pick this up at any store. I used it for the first time, and I'm hooked. It's disposable, no refills just throw it away when it's full. You can get coupons inside the box for another purchase of one as well. You can beat that!

Tried and true, I've tested this and I give it two thumbs up!

I SAY

.... Anniversaries are the best! One more year with the Hubs...amazing!

.... We have some of the greatest friends we could ask for.

.... sometimes taking chances, is in order. 

.... change doesn't scare me, it makes me excited!

.... love when Bentley sits at my feet while I'm in the office...blogging! 

.... coupons help stretch my budget. Anyone else love them?

.... finishing a great book, love when I've read something great in print. 

.... watching your wedding video every year is a MUST!

.... cool summer breeze & not running the air conditioning, love it!

.... I love the idea of not having a car payment anymore!

.... Congrats to Bryan & Anna Smith on the birth of their son Legend! 

.... chips & salsa are a meal in and of themselves. 

.... Here's to a great day and one amazing week!

Anniversary Week: How We Celebrated!

Yesterday, was our 2nd anniversary! It's been two whole amazing years since "I do!" Orion and I spent last weekend in Duluth, MN we'd both never been there before so it was awesome seeing it together for the first time. Last night we headed out for dinner at one of our fave places, we hadn't been there in a while and so this place was a treat. Here's a little recap of how we celebrated our second anniversary (take a look back at year 1, click here)

Year two: July 14, 2009

Dinner @ Rudy's Red Eye Grill

@ Leif Erickson Park Duluth, MN

Snack Time @ Crabby Bills

Attempting to skip rocks. Orion is great at this, Me not so much.

Gooseberry Falls State Park Two Harbors, MN

It's crazy that today, we begin year #3! Can't wait to see what the next year holds for us, I have a feeling we're in for a few surprises!

Anniversary Week: Our Wedding Video

A look back at our wedding day! If you haven't seen this yet, sit back and enjoy!

If you have, isn't it fun to watch it over and over again?!!

Orion and I usually cozy up and watch it on our anniversary.

Tonight, we will be watching it.

Happy Anniversary!

July 14th, 2007

Today, is our anniversary. Two years ago today Orion and I exchanged vows and said I do in my home church back in Iowa. Our day was perfect! I remember the anticipation I felt as I got my hair and make-up done that morning. And the feeling I felt when Orion and I saw each other for the very first time that day. And the moment I started walking down the aisle, my eyes were on Orion. Seems as if two years has flown by so fast, I can hardly believe that it's been two years already. [i'll probably say this at 10 as well] Who knew that two years ago we'd have all the adventures that we've had, or traveled the places we've been, or go through heartache and the testing of our marriage all in two years? I didn't. I think each person who is married would probably agree with me in saying that every year of marriage is different than the previous. It has it's own set of challenges, joys, triumphs and victories. I feel like this year has been all that and more, but at then end of the day I feel stronger together than apart, and there's no one else that I'd rather walk through the hills and vallies, or go through the storms with than Orion.

Orion, thank you for being my protector, providing for me, loving me and always being there. I love you with all of my heart and can't wait for the next year of our lives together to begin.

love you more- Andrea

And since it's our anniversary it's only fitting to show you some of our wedding photos:

The whole big bridal party! 14 attendants, 2 flowers girls, 2 ushers!

Cutting our cake!

leaving the church, headed to the reception....one of my fave photos!

Orion & I.

Me.

Our first meeting that morning..... I thought we were "alone" but I looked up later and saw everyone watching us out of the BIG picture window from the church.

Sealing the deal!

Unity Candle.

It's Anniversary week all week @ Worley House! Tomorrow, pictures and memories from our honeymoon and anniversary!

Vintage Romance: Bedroom Makeover

I've been wanting to re do our master bedroom for sometime now. But it's not really in the budget right now, or the plans. But, I've been having lots of fun window...er, Internet shopping for finds for our someday fab new bedroom! Here's a few of my finds: we're going for a vintage modern look that's very romantic!

Ikea $39

Home Collection @ Target $79 [queen]

Mirrored side table @ Target $40

Smells Good!

Pineapple Orchid from Bath & Body Works. This has to be my new fave scent! I received the candle in this scent as a gift from a friend, and I fell in love with this smell! I've been burning it for the last couple days straight! Orion and both love it! I want to pretty much have this in every inch of my house....even my car! Jump on over to the store smell for yourself! You'll love it too!

Countdown.....less than 24 hours!

Less than 24 hours from now..... Orion and I will celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary! More to come tomorrow.....

BLOG Roll Monday; Grin & Share It Photography

Grin & Share It Photography

Isn't that a cute name for a photography business?! Tessa, is one creative photog! Her blog was the very first photography blog I found that I loved and began reading. Specializing mostly in children and families she's based out of Southern California! I love how creative she is, and how she always seems to capture a family in their most natural setting. 

Tessa and I have a similar story in how our businesses were created, it's awesome knowing that their are others out there just like you!

If you haven't seen her work before jump on over to her site [click the link above] and see her work!

Kisses & Disses

* to the new Miss Lakeville Princess; Elizabeth Scipioni! Congrats!

* to Orion & I being featured in the Aug/Sept. issue of [the nest] magazine! Look for our issue last August!

* to a really great vacay in Arizona w/ friends! 

* to our 2nd anniversary getaway this weekend! Celebrating 2 years July 14!
* to coming home to cold weather in MN! Seriously.... it's July!

* missing Bentley! he's gone at my Parent's house for the weekend while we are away. I miss him!

* crashing computers... nuff said! 

Our Story

Hello, my name is Andrea and welcome to my blog! 

• Christ Follower.
• Orion's Wife.
• Ava & Zane's Mommy.
• Minister.
• Photographer.
• Business Owner. 
• Blogger.

Yes, it may seem like I have a lot going on, and you may be wondering how I manage it all? My life flows together in one fluid motion because every thing I do revolves around my top priorities: my faith in Jesus Christ, my incredible family, and my commitment to living the best life I can. I love using my creative talents for the Lord glorifying him in all I do! This is a lifestyle blog celebrating life's adventures, faith, mothering and creativity. 

Some other things you may want to know;

We live in sunny Phoenix, Arizona with our two kiddos (Ava & Zane) and our dog Bentley! We've been married for six years. By day I'm a mommy, and by night I'm life style photographer with a passion for people and all things creative. I started this blog to keep family & friends up to date on our lives. Over the last few years it has morphed into a way for me to share my design & DIY adventures, family tid-bits, lessons in faith and our everyday lives. Join me as we celebrate life daily.

Wanna get really personal?


Sit back, grab some coffee and get to know us better;

How we met: 

In January of 2005, Orion came back to school at North Central University and was looking for a church to attend while at school. I was working at a local church in Minneapolis during this time, and Orion had a friend who attended this church as well and brought him to church one Wednesday night. Our first initial meeting was in the Youth office at the church that day while I was working. I remember Orion came in and introduced himself to me. I looked at him, said hello and left the office. (Orion will tell you that I 'blew' him off during our first meeting) but I was working, said hello and carried on through my day. Over the next few months Orion began attending the church, he became a youth leader and we started to see each other regularly at church and school. The first time I remember sitting down with Orion and actually talking and getting to know each other was a couple months after our first meeting we went on a youth retreat. We spent the whole bus ride there talking and getting to know each other. After 5 months of "getting to know each" other and prodding from our friends Orion and I began dating on May 12, 2005. We went on our first date to McCormick & Schmicks in downtown Minneapolis. The next day we went on our 2nd date to a friend's wedding. We've been together ever since, & the rest is history!

{our second date, we were official!}

How we got engaged:

On October 21st, 2006 a couple days after my 24th birthday I headed up to Minneapolis to spend some time with Orion. That night Orion was taking me out to celebrate my birthday. We headed to Ruth Chris steakhouse in Minneapolis for dinner. After dinner we ordered dessert, and Orion said he needed to use the restroom before dessert came. Orion left and I waited. A few minutes later Orion came back from the restroom holding a plate. He laid the plate on the table and there written in chocolate syrup around the rim of the plate it read; "Will you marry me?" He got down on one knee and told me all the things he loved about me and asked me to marry him. I said yes!

{the plate from when he proposed}

{Click here to see our wedding day.}

Our Love Story {An Introduction}

Our Love Story {How We Met}

Our Love Story {Our First Date}


Proud to be apart of:

     

Miss Lakeville 2009

Tonight, I was honored to go to attend the Miss Lakeville 2009 pageant! I've known Elizabeth since she was 16 years old. Today, she's a 20 year old college student pursuing her future and dreams. Tonight she was crowned Miss Lakeville Princess 2009 and won $1000 scholarship! I'm so blessed to be her mentor and friend, and proud of her and all she's accomplished! I feel somewhat responsible for getting her into pageants, and there's nothing like the feeling of winning your first title! Congrats Elizabeth! 

Me & Elizabeth

Tricia, Elizabeth and myself.

Jessie, Tricia, Elizabeth and myself after tonight's crowning! 

Arizona Vacay 2009

Orion and I spent 4th of July weekend in beautiful, sunny Arizona! It was a dual purpose trip of interviewing and seeing friends. We got up early Saturday morning and headed to Phoenix stepped off the plane into over 100 degree heat! Gorgeous! We had a great weekend, and didn't want to come back to Minnesota!

We spent our vacation pool side most of the time!

Watching 4th of July fireworks!

Miss these girls, it's been way to long since I've seen them!

Maupin's & Worley's....we have great friends!

Counting down....

719 days since "I do"

11 days.....

Till we celebrate year #2! I love you Orion!