Rooted in Trefoil to Rooted in Sand

Real quick, just want to say my piece that family for me is anyone who holds value to my life and/or has been placed in my life at such an integral point in my life and seen me through. I have no "blood" family (yet), and that doesn't mean you and yours is more "real" than mine. To state such falsifying things really shows that even in your 40's, you are still ignorant and hateful. I feel sorry for you that you cannot accept what is. I hope you grow out of your hate and move on with your life and leave me and mine alone!! Besides, why would I come for a visit to be verbally insulted and degraded to my face, when I'd rather enjoy insults on Facebook? Don't be daft. Trust, you don't want me to visit and I truly don't want to see your face. I wish your parents raised you better b/c there are people in your family who have welcomed me with open arms and have been loving and kind. They certainly did the best they can, but sometimes even loving pa

Tyler and I don't do missions all the time. As avid shoppers, we've always been about getting the best deal on the best product as are most people these days. Well, this year we threw that out the window, and swiped our cards left and right regardless of cost. Why, would we do that!??! Had we lost our minds? Did we win the lottery? No, we did it because it was the right thing to do. So let's back track real quick, when buying items that give back be sure to check your sources. I initially pondered buying from TOMS. I'll site the following link: http://www.whydev.org/some-bad-news-about-toms-shoes/ Read it if you wish as to why I avoided them.We considered Patagonia as well. Nothing wrong with them, just wasn't up our alley or interests. We were looking for something different, more family or individually owned, no big name or big reputation that a company of massive size had to live up to for the sole purpose of making sure their warehouses stayed stoc

DECEMBER 1ST IS HERE!!!  🐧🎅🎄🎁 Ready to spread some holiday cheer! I love this time of year. In all seriousness, this is truly my favorite time of year. Baking, giving, snuggling, and so much more. I am still a kid at heart when it comes to the holidays. I have very specific routines when it comes to Christmas and decorating. Over the past five years I've had to compromise on some of those routines b/c I live with a guy who honestly is not a decorator by any means. He's my own personal Grinch.  The house is MOSTLY decorated, but this year we decided to give away our tree to a family that really needs one. Which while very generous, it gives me the excuse to buy a brand new one next year. I like new. So no tree this year, we shall enjoy the tree my mom put up when we get home to MD.  The girls, are enjoying the "cooler" weather right now. Mosa(aka Maya) is poofing out a bit more. Her undercoat is getting thick. She looks so funny when we put her collar

Well the election has come and gone, in a span of 24hrs we had a new President Elect and it did not sit will with some Americans. As a registered Republican, I am not surprised at the recent events going on. *(Technically, I'm a Centrist) Here's the thing, this entire election I was neither for nor against either candidates. My hope has always been someone for the people, elected by the people. I was against mudslinging and hateful rhetoric. Clearly we had plenty of that. Now here we are with a new President Elect and still hateful rhetoric by a handful of his supporters aka the extremists. I listened to Trumps acceptance speech, and I tell you, had he spoke like that this entire election, he would've been someone I could've voted for. Truly. But he did what he did and still got elected. Cest la vie. I totally get being upset/terrified/scared/nervous of what is to come. Totally get that. I believe everyone has a right to protest in a peaceful manner and express t

 Over the weekend, Tyler and I went to see the Bloomington Thunder play the Cedar Rapids Roughriders, but more importantly to hear our Kaitlyn sing the Natl Anthem. There wasn't a single player who kneeled and she sang beautifully! It was such a fun night, cheering on the team with Kaitlyn, and her mom Michelle.  Sunday we got up bright and early, to go to the Covered Bridge Festival in Bridgeton, IN. It was fun, but my anxiety got the best of me a couple of times. I've concluded that Piper will be going with us next year. I did see another husky and several other dogs there, so that was comforting. Of course, once we got back I prepared myself for an eventful evening. Season 7 premiere of The Walking Dead!!!! I was not surprised as to who Negan picked out to die. I definitely didn't think there would be two deaths in one episode but on the other hand, its AMC/TWD and they don't do the expected. It was sad to see two beloved characters go, but man, Negan was pu

Nope. I don't like it. I don't want to go. I'm going to say 'no' even though I have nothing planned. All the things I think to myself. Last weekend, Tyler and I ventured to Curtis Orchard. A darling place that offers apple picking, pumpkins, home-made treats, and country decor. I love going b/c its just a cute place. Inspired by the Wizard of Oz, you can even eat at the Flying Monkey Cafe'. No wonder, I like it. Well, didn't like it last weekend. Crowded to the gill. Even with Tyler, I immediately felt panicked and not in control. There were so many people, that my body wanted to start pushing people out of the way. Carts, kids yelling, people rushing. I could've easily found a corner and stayed there til closing. People staring at me, when my face contorts to every emotion in the book. I know they are looking. The feeling of judgement. Even thinking about it is getting me worked up. This weekend, we are off to the Covered Bridge Festival, and I

I have so much more respect for motorcyclist (least the ones who actually ride safe). This whole weekend was dedicated to completing the U of I motorcycle course and learning new skills. Unfortunately, I didn't pass the riding portion b/c I totally f***ed up on my u-turn. Was great at it during practice and *boom* test time, and I fail. WHAT?! Oh well. I also realized, I make a much better passenger than a rider. Its a shame but I do enjoy riding with someone rather than doing it myself. My thoughts when I ride are as follows..... "This is great! Wind in my face! Only going 20mph! yay!!!          Oh, wait is that a car?!!? Gawd, I hope they don't hit me. I'm scared. How do people do this!? It's so frightening!!" Naturally, I always fear for Tyler when he takes his bike to work. It's not that I don't trust him to be safe, it's everyone else. All the drivers on their phones, or daydreaming, or distracted by their kids. All of those peopl

Hi friends and family.....last weekend Tyler and I attended the Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention and I personally had an eye-opening experience. We were there to volunteer our time with some of my other coworkers and the turn out was remarkable. Tyler and I passed out beads that were different colors and every color meant a specific type of loss. Friend. Spouse. Sibling. Relative. Personal struggle. Prevention Support. Child. So many colors. It was so hard to have people approach our table, look over the list, and tell us what color they needed. Some people cried as they spoke their color choice, some were stoic, some were quiet and would just point to the color they needed. It was such a rewarding time in many ways as hoards of people came together to celebrate those they lost but also to bring awareness that suicide is preventable. There are so many groups, medical treatments for those who suffer with depression, anxiety, all the things that could drive someone

Morning All! Real quick, if you like home decor or even seeing what homes are on the market, follow me @midwesthomehunter_il I've moved my love of decor and ideas over to a new account thus making my @itzamemari more personal life and of course about the girls. Anyway..... This past Sunday, Tyler and I went to IL HomeBuilders Association Showcase of Homes. It's normally every other year, where all the builders in Central IL showcase their new models and gives a chance to local businesses to come in and stage the homes (lot's of decor!!). I, personally, enjoy going to this and open houses because it gives me new ideas for when we re-do specific rooms in our home. I'd say Tyler loves it for the same reasons, but I tend to just drag him along. Here's some of my favs! Mind you these homes are for sale and range from $300k-$900k. Some of the most expensive real estate in Champaign County. I wouldn't pay that top end amount or anythin

First my lovies, if you aren't following us please do so... Instagram: itzamemari & elusive7thgear for Tyler Twitter: itzamemari Snapchat: itzamemari Anywho! Hi!!!! It's been awhile since I've updated our blog! We've been busy-ish with work and outdoor projects. Quick recap, we are close to a year of being homeowners. Remarkable! We've done a lot of painting and a lot of small upgrades. Home life is great! The girls aka the dogs aka Maya and Piper aka Mosa-bean and Pip-June (hahaha) are doing great. Maya is 5yrs and Piper is 3yrs and I'm getting older by the minute. They are happy girls and keep us happy. Our plants are semi-surviving this heat and humidity. It's been awful but I'll take it over the cold any day. Altho, I'm itching for Autumn, pie, and crunchy leaves.  Mom and Sam are coming for a quick visit next weekend. We will finally have Sam in Champaign, IL, but more importantly, in our home. He's never met the girls or

Well, I don't know about you but my weekend went by slowly. Saturday, Tyler headed to Springfield for an oil change and I to St Joe, to get the girl's their annual shots. Per my Instagram (itzamemari), you can see Maya was not having all the poking and prodding. Poor girl. June took it but both of them had heightened senses and were stressed. Least it's done and over with. I spent the afternoon doing a friend's nails and then went on an hour long bike ride around the neighborhood. Sunday, Tyler and I went for a bike ride after church. I actually got back on the Grom for the first time after my spill. It wasn't scary and I easily took off multiple times in first gear. Shockingly, I've done a better job at listening to the bike while the clutch flutters and giving it gas at the right time. Confidence isn't high but it's at a good start. So most of you know by now, via Instagram, that Tyler and I bought a new vehicle. I said good bye to my Subaru Impr

I don't know about you, but we are ready for that three day weekend. Independence day...no...not the movie. Ready to celebrate America's independence. So, as some of you may know I've been all over social media like snapchat and instagram. I'm slowly transitioning to using those two as my main forms and sharing to facebook instead. If you want to follow me on Snapchat, Twitter, or Instagram, you can at itzamemari. Well, I'm learning to ride a bike....a motorcycle to be exact. A 2015 Honda Grom 125cc....a little yellow bug. Sadly I have already laid the bike down and scratched up my knee and wrist. BOOOOOOO!!!! Apparently that happens to everyone. I take the safety course through the university end of Sept. We've named my bike Tucker2, after my favorite little man and first little buddy. I miss that ball of fluff...his sweet face. He is etched in my heart forever. Pray that I pick up motorcycle riding quickly. I know my hubs is very happy that I'

Here's some antics from the letters my mom received from the orphanage about my time there....fyi my Indian name is Maria Amrutham for those that didn't know. Apr 4, 1987 - We have baptized her Maria Amrutham. She is growing happy and healthy. At present she is the only baby and gets lots of love and attention. May 26, 1987 - Maria sleeps the whole day long, but at night likes someone to talk and play with her. Wish I was still like this... Aug 17, 1987 - Maria has put on some more weight is very bright and active. She smiles a lot and calls loudly to catch our attention. Nov 11, 1987 - No teeth have appeared yet, even though she bites and spoil the nipples of the feeding bottle. I still bite on things like straws and ruin them. Feb 25, 1988 - Maria stands up by herself and takes a few steps without falling, then she sits down slowly. She eats well, sleeps well, and loves to play. Mar 3, 1988 - Maria loves mashed banana porridge Aside from my mother's exper

And I don't mean that in a good way. I feel so much for those victims of the Orlando shooting. I still have questions that will never be answered as to why this person did what he did. It is completely inexcusable to take the lives of others. What does that achieve? Nothing. Here's where my problem lies is with mainstream media slapping labels to the perpetrator...let's just keep fueling the hate for the labels they've given him. He's nobody. He's completely irrelevant in all of this. He stole from others and their families. Yes, I am a Christian and yes, I believe in a Christian marriage and my God is the only one. That said, I am not going to shut down those who do not agree with me or value their lives any less.  In fact in keeping with what Jesus preached, I'm going to lift those around me. I'm not going to spew my distaste for their lives. I'm going to praise them and support them. It is not my place to put labels, or judge on my fellow

So returning from MI has been rough! We've had two weekends of non-stop action and now we are officially exhausted. So to recap....here we go.... Memorial Day weekend we trekked up to Grand Rapids, MI to be with our wonderful friends, Tim & Christina. We didn't plan anything and it was awesome! T & C showed us all around East Grand Rapids, took us to some eateries, and spoiled us with homemade breakfasts! Tyler had the BEST portabella mushroom sandwich. I tried a bit and normally I am not a fan of Portabella, but dang, this one was AMAZING!!! Tyler and Tim ventured off to the Founders Brewery, while Christina and I went shopping one day. We all enthusiastically did a paint evening. It was so fun to be able to share that with T & C since they hadn't done it before. It was a laid-back weekend with wonderful people. God truly blessed us. Oh did I mention it was supposed to t-storm all weekend and we got nothing but sunshine! Once we returned, the work wee