Feels just like yesterday...

 

I distinctly remember this exact day 16 years ago. Although I was only 5 years old, it feels like it just happened yesterday. I recall camping at the Minnedosa campground, I remember my parents getting a phone call, I remember them both breaking down and sobbing like I had never seen before. Little did I know, that day would change me and my life forever. That day was when we discovered that my cousin Bradley had passed away in the wee hours of the night. Brad was hard working, kind, funny, caring, and a truly amazing cousin. I loved him so much. He loved spending time with us and always wanted to babysit us and spend time with those that he loved. He instilled in me a love for baseball, farming, the outdoors, animals, and family. He was so passionate about helping out my dad and uncles on the farm and he loved riding his horse named Buster (who is still alive today!).

I distinctly remember my last memory of him. I don't know if it was the last time I actually saw him but it's the last memory I have of him. Some family was over at our house and we were hanging outside together. Brad was playing tag with all of us, chasing us around, making us giggle (like usual). When he was chasing me, he accidentally hit me in the nose and my nose started to gush blood. Being the caring guy he was, he felt awful and he sat with me and made sure that I was okay. He was joking around with me and making me feel better. When I close my eyes, I can picture the day perfectly. I can picture the sun shining, the smile spread across my face, Brad chasing a bunch of giggling kids around the yard. I can still smell his smell and feel his warm, loving presence.

I often wonder how different life would be if he was still around. I can picture him with a wife and kids, living on a farm, and still living life to the fullest. I can picture my aunt, uncle, and cousins living a totally different life too. They are still healing from the hurt and they are still dealing with the loss of such a beautiful son and brother. Just like me and the rest of my family. I know my dad blamed himself for a long time and I know that everyone missed him so much it hurt. I am just so glad that I have these beautiful memories of him and I am so blessed that he is guiding me and loving me from up above. I am so thankful for his wonderful, thoughtful, caring, passionate soul. I will always hold on to all of the memories I have of him.

I love you Brad.

Five on Friday

So, life has been pretty hectic lately. But isn't it always? My job takes a lot out of me, even though I am only working 30 hours a week. However, when you chase kids around for 6-9 hours a day and have to rush all over the city from event to event. It wears you down. I am so thankful for weekends off!

Today, I thought I would blog about 5 things that made my week great. It is always important to stop during all the craziness of life and be thankful for those wonderful moments in life.

 My sweet little kitties. They will always make my days and weeks better. Even though they sometimes drive me crazy (like when Tuck pawed my egg off my breakfast plate this morning). There cuddles and loving will always make up for it though! I just love these two soooo much.

 Working out. I love pushing my body to new limits and seeing it transform. I have always had body issues and I never used to think I was beautiful but that has changed. I feel strong and capable of anything.

Playing cards on the patio with Brandon. We do this almost every night and it's my favourite thing. Last night I had some tea, we listened to music, and we played cards. I know, it's like we are 80 years old or something.

 

Healthy, delicious food. Brandon made me this salad for supper one day this week and dear lord, it was AMAZING! Garden lettuce, beets, bacon, goat cheese, onions, cucumber, peppers, and vidalia onion dressing. Brandon usually makes supper and I am so thankful... he's an amazing cook!

 

Last but not least, I am excited for our date night tonight. I think we will go see 22 Jumpstreet at the VIP theatre tonight. Brandon has a scene mastercard and we have 10ish free movies. I am so excited for movie theatre popcorn and to spend time with my love! :)

Sometimes, my heart is so full of excitement, love, and thankfulness I think it could burst. Summer, you are my favourite. 

Happy weekend everyone!

 Linking up with September F A R M and The Farmer's Wife.

Hello July

Hello July, goodbye June (talk about time flying by).

Hello sunshine, goodbye rain 

 

Hello month full of craziness at work, goodbye sanity

Hello weekends spent enjoying summer, goodbye weekends spent working

Hello sunny mornings being active outside, goodbye lazy mornings

Hello month where I plan to check off some of my summer bucket list items

Hello yummy summery treats, goodbye guilt

Hello kitty cuddles, you are one of my favourite parts of every month!

 Hello nights spent having drinks & playing cards on the patio, goodbye crappy weather

Hello heaven on earth (ie, wine, bubble bath & a good book), goodbye stress

Hello July, I am beyond excited for you! Bring on the sunshine!
(Linking up with Allison!)

The Best Kind of Sunday

Sundays have always been one of my favourite days. I like to spend them relaxing and rejuvenating for the week to come. Yesterday was the perfect kind of Sunday and just what I needed after a full day of work on Saturday.

Brandon and I slept in until 10 which was blissful, we then got out of bed and made hashbrowns, sausages, and eggs for brunch. We then facetimed my mom and sister and talked with them while drinking our coffee on the patio. We realized it was going to shape up to be a super nice day, so we decided we wanted to spend some time outside soaking up the sun. We made a quick trip to Walmart to pick up some essentials and then we packed up a delicious picnic and headed to Assiniboine Park. We walked around the park for a bit, then set up our blankets and food under the shade of a tree. Then we decided to sun tan a bit and read our books. Right before we headed home, we hit up Sargent Sundae and grabbed some delicious ice cream. A peanut butter, marshmallow sundae for Brandon (his favourite) and a dipped swirl cone covered in dark chocolate and peanuts for me!

On the way home, we stopped at the liquor store to grab some gin and wine. We then sat on the patio sippin' our G&T's and playing cards. We ate a late supper of grilled chicken, baked potatoes, and asparagus and peas. We were in bed by 10:30 and our amazing day was officially over. I'm so thankful for awesome Sunday's spent with my incredible man! Life is so, so good.

Happiness is...

 

Not having to work until 1 p.m. on a Tuesday. 

Watching our vegetables grow every day on our patio. I can't wait to eat them!

Staying out until 11:30 p.m. on a Monday night, just visiting with some great friends.

Kitty cuddles all day everyday.

Getting delicious Americanos from the cafe across from my work.

Looking forward to going camping for a weekend with my family!

Summer time and sunshine.

Pushing your body to new limits and working out (even if it means doing it in the morning).

Weekends spent with family, even if it means only being home for less than 24 hours.

Having a fridge full of fresh fruit and veggies.

Realizing how important it is to have a few great friends, rather than 20 so-so friends.

Coming home to your own apartment after work (especially when it's clean).

A good book on a rainy day. 

Getting to snuggle in with my man after a long day.

Season 2 of Orange is the New Black.

Patio sittin' and cocktail sippin'.

Happiness is SUMMERTIME!

There is good in every single day, take the time to notice it and appreciate it!

Our Newest Family Member

So for awhile now, Brandon and I had been discussing the fact that we thought Maggie needed a friend. She has always had another cat around since we got her (either Cleo or Jinx) and we didn't want her to be lonely. I was hesitant and second guessing whether it was a good idea for quite awhile. Brandon, being the go getter that he is, decided on a whim last Friday night that we should make a trip the the Humane Society. You would think that I would have learned by now that the HS is a dangerous place to go. I am a crazy animal lover and especially a cat lover. I always feel so bad for all the sweet kitties locked up in those little tiny rooms.

Long story short, we adopted another cat! His name is Tucker and he is an orange and white, year and a half year old. We looked around a bunch, saw a bunch of cute cats but none of them really stood out to us. However, when we walked past Tucker's room, he ran to the door and demanded our attention. We could hear his distinct meows and cries (which he does in the middle of the night) through the door. We knew immediately that we had to wash up and go into the room and see him. He jumped on Brandon's lap and started purring instantly. I then picked him up and he just flopped into my arms and reached his paws up to my face. It was love at first sight! Also, it clearly doesn't take much to win me over ;)

Also, some fun facts for you. Tucker's name was "Cheeks" when we adopted him. Just like Maggie's name was "Aggie", seriously people. Who picks these names? Additionally, I thought Tuck was dying the first few days after we got him. He puked A LOT all over the floor and made weird noises (which we have since learned is normal for him). He likes to sleep in the smallest, coziest spots. Like the shoe organizer in our closet or the t.v. stand shelf. He is a beggar and especially loves milk. He purrs almost constantly.

We are so happy with our newest addition. Maggie is still adjusting but I just keep telling her that she's still my favourite and will always be. Now for some adorable pictures of my newest little love!

Welcome to the family Tucker. You are so sweet, loving, playful, and adorable. We love you so much already!

Summer Wish List

I am a huge list maker and planner. It makes my heart happy to check things off of my "to-do" list. So in true Kerri fashion, I thought I would make a list of places I wish to explore or things I want to do this summer! It will be mine and Brandon's first year living in the city during the summer months, so I am excited to make the most out of this summer :)

1. Picnics & hangouts in Assiniboine Park (hopefully with my sister and her boyfriend!).
2. Grow veggies/herbs on our patio (already in the works).
3. Visit the St.Norbert Farmer's Market as much as possible!
4. Go on a bike ride.
5. Visit the zoo at least once.
6. Road trip to the states.
7. Family camping trip.
8. Lots of bonfires with roasted marshmallows.
9. Have a games night.
10. Make homemade lemonade.
11. Get a BBQ and grill lots.
12. Go to lots of garage sales.
13. Paint my dresser.
14. Try one new Pinterest recipe per week!
15. Explore & hike in Birds Hill park.
16. Visit The Forks.

Most of all, I just want to enjoy this summer to the max and spend as much time as possible outdoors with the people I love! I look forward to documenting this summer and making awesome memories :)