Recent Reads: Library Edition

One of my goals this year was to get a library card and I successfully completed that task a couple of months ago. Ever since I have been visiting the library on almost a weekly basis to drop off and pick up more books! Prior to getting this card I am pretty sure the last time I actually checked out a book from a library was around 2002 (give or take a couple of years). Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised when I learned about some of the newer "technologies" libraries have to offer these days. My local library allows you to create an online account where you can check out electronic books and then download them onto your e-reader device. I have found so far that almost every book I looked up to check out comes in a digital copy as well. But just because its digital does not mean that you can check it out immediately, there is still a waiting list for more popular books. I generally prefer reading the old fashioned physical copy but for those of you who are more technologically inclined this is a very nice feature. I have also been placing holds online for all my books and then just pop into the library when I get notified that they have been pulled for me. This eliminates the long searches around the bookshelves and allows me to be in and out in just a couple of minutes.Our library also had a large DVD and books on tape section which I haven't explored too much yet, but will in the near future.

Another thing I love about our library is it's location. It is right in the heart of our cities downtown area which makes it extremely convenient to visit before or after we go to dinner, get ice cream, coffee runs, or stop by the farmers market. I have even walked Milton there and just tied him up outside for a brief minute while I went it to check out my books. I cannot believe how much I have enjoyed using the library over the past 2 months and my bank account is very thankful as well!!

I am not the most adventurous reader in terms of genre and tend to stick mostly with fictional "girl" books but if that is what you like too then I have some great recent finds.

The Husband's Secret   ||  Family Pictures   ||  The Secrets of Midwives

All three of these books were light, quick reads that kept me engaged until the very end. I have a couple of more Liane Moriarty books already checked out so hopefully I will enjoy those just as much. Happy Reading folks!!

Dear Baby Wyatt

Wyatt Paul,
You entered into our lives last month and needless to say we are already so smitten with you! We were lucky enough to get to spend time with you and your parents your very first weekend at home and I will cherish those memories for years to come. (even you peeing on me while I was changing your diaper) Considering you are the first grandchild/nephew/baby in the family I know you will get your fair share of spoiling, but you will also be surrounded by so much love and laughter. I already miss cuddling with you and giving those squishy cheeks of your big ol' kisses. I look forward to watching you grow up and who knows maybe you will live up to your honorary nickname "Scooby" and be Penn State's next great linebacker. But no matter where life takes you I pray that you will always know your value comes from the Lord and that you are a perfect gift from God.

Love,                  

Your Auntie Val

Quirky Confessions

1. I absolutely LOVE yogurt. Mainly of the Greek variety but I won't discriminate. I eat it almost every day and if I skip a day it seems like I've gone forever without it.
2. My favorite food is anything I can eat with a spoon. Yogurt (see #1), applesauce, cereal, ice cream....I could just eat them all!!!!
3. I watch 19 Kids and Counting and love the Duggar family.  Occasionally I need to cleanse my reality TV pallet (I'm talking about you Bachelor and Real Housewives) with some more wholesome entertainment and the Duggar's do just that. Put me in a skirt and ship me off to Arkansas please!
4. Technology is not my thing. If the TV doesn't work when I turn it on I simply call Jameson to fix it. Input this, menu that....it's just way to many steps to remember. I also still proudly rock an iPhone 4s. I've thought about upgrading a couple of times but can't bring myself to pull the trigger yet considering my trusty old phone still gets the job done (with only occasional app failures).
5. I am a Starbucks snob. I love coffee but this girl likes it STRONG! Starbucks is the only place I've found that makes it strong enough for my liking. I also don't use cream or sugar, just a splash of milk and I'm good to go.
6.I've adjusted rather well to living up North but the one thing I miss the most about Georgia is Chick-fil-a. Give me a chicken biscuit or some waffle fries and I am one very happy camper.
7.My goal one day is to make it to all 50 States. I have about 30 marked off the list but I still have a ways to go.
8. I get motion sickness in the car rather easily so road trips for me consist of listening to lots of country music and looking out the window. I wish I could be one of those people who read or watch movies but unfortunately my stomach has other plans for me.
9. I only use the dishwasher for plates, bowls, cups (i.e. everyday stuff) but I cannot bring myself to use it for mixing bowls, pans, spatulas, measuring cups, etc. This results in more time spent at the sink but old habits sure are hard to break.
10. I prefer even numbers over odd, hence why this post has to end with 10 things and not 9 :)

Lietzke Letters: The Engagement Story

You can catch up on Part One: How We Met and Part Two: Our Dating Adventures

Jameson and I got engaged on June 15, 2012 and that day will always hold such special memories in my heart.

I had flown up to Michigan for the weekend to help Jameson move into his new apartment. He had just started working full time and had been living with a friend for a couple weeks until his apartment was available. His mom and dad also came up to bring some of this things from home and help with the whole moving process. Friday morning was move in day, so we were all so excited for Jameson to begin this next chapter in his life and I was taking in everything around me knowing that this place would soon be my home in just 6 short months after I graduated. We had an appointment with the leasing agent for the apartment in the morning where Jameson had to sign a bunch of things and then he got the keys. Let the moving begin! We started moving in a bunch of boxes that his parents had brought down. After about an hour or so his parents said they were going to run to the store to pick up some drinks and snacks so they left. Without thinking much of it Jameson pointed to a box in the corner and asked me to open it and start unpacking it's contents. So I went over to the box and opened it, only to find another box inside of it. That's silly I thought to myself, then I proceeded to move back to unpacking the plates and cups like I had been doing before. Jameson walked up to me, grabbed the cup from my hand and said "I'll work on these, you go back to that box."

So back over I went to open the box, only to find another box inside. At that moment I saw the words "YOU" written on the box in big black lettering. I then realized that there had been writing on the first box too. I looked back at it and the black letters "WILL" glared back at me, At that point I started freaking out a bit internally. I rushed to open the next box and found the words "MARRY" written on them. Queue the sweating and heart pounding. "Jameson" I said as I opened the next box. He slowly walked over while I was unpacking the box that said "ME". Inside of the final box was a ring box with a shiny silver "?" taped to it. At this point Jameson got down on one knee, picked up the ring box, and asked me to be his wife. I was in complete and total shock at this point because I had absolutely no idea that this would be happening.

I of course said "YES" as he slipped the most beautiful ring on my finger.

After the shock died down I called my parents, family, and friends to share with them the good news. Little did I know as I was talking to my mom and dad that they were actually at the airport on their way up to Michigan to celebrate with us. They surprised me that afternoon while walking through the apartment doors as I was taking a quick power nap. I was so excited to see them and incredibly thankful that they could be a part of the celebrations. We went out to dinner that night with both of our parents and it was the perfect ending to the most perfect day!