Rooted in Trefoil to Rooted in Sand

 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...