Sunday, January 29, 2012

MIA

I have been completely MIA!  I cannot believe how busy things have gotten. I will resume posting tomorrow. I have lots to post and update. Lots of style, fashion AND fitness to share. I'll spread it out though...lol

I'm sorry that I was not consistent this past week. It will not happen again!


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Quotes For Reflection

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell."
C.S. Lewis




Friday, January 20, 2012

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Monday, January 16, 2012

Things to come

I'm beginning to get the hang of things here in the blogger's world and I'm very excited. This blog was originally started as an outlet for me. A creative outlet. I wear many hats in my everyday life and decided to open up and share a little insight into my life.

I'm very excited about the upcoming weeks. I have approximately 5 weeks of pregnancy left and will soon be able to meet the little princess who enjoys kicking me in the ribs! I'm also excited about my plans for the blog! I introduced several 'characters' I play in life - my hats that I wear, at the beginning of the blog. Well, I am going to start elaborating more on each as my blog develops. Please feel free to offer up suggestions. Constructive criticism is always welcome!

Daily regular post on a variety of topics coming soon. These posts will be about all the things that make up Lydia. My love for my family, fitness, health, cooking, fashion, beauty, travel, etc...

Please stay tuned!

The Bible in 365 Days

Genesis 39-40
Matthew 11

This is from my phone...still getting the hang of mobile posting. Lol

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Saturday, January 14, 2012

I Stand Proud

Today Eric and I attended a One-Day Intensive Childbirth class. At the beginning of class we were paired with another couple for an exercise. The exercise consisted of interviewing the other couple and then we were suppose to introduce them to the rest of the class and share interesting facts about them. Well, of course they ask about employment and Eric tells them about being in the military. They ask how it affects our pregnancy and if he has to deploy often. Eric tells them that he will most likely be leaving 5-6 days after the birth of our princess for a 6 month deployment.

This leads to many "I'm so sorry!". They turn to me sympathetically and ask me if I have family in the area to help me while he's gone. I don't. What about friends they ask. Plenty. I let them know that I have a support system in place and that I'll be in good hands. At the introductions this comes up again. Everyone feels sorry for Eric, because he's gonna miss so much, and they feel sorry for me because I'll be alone. I appreciate the concern, I really do. However, this is a HAT that I chose to wear and I wear it proudly!

I don't want anyone's pity for being a military wife. I am serving my country by standing by my husband and supporting him in his career. I am proud to have his child. To raise her. To wait for his return, all the while teaching his little princess about how wonderful, brave, and selfless her daddy is!

Photo taken by Samantha Fisher with Keepsake Portraits.
>8 months pregnant<


The Bible in 365 Days

Read your Bible with me!
Genesis 33-35
Matthew 10:1-20

Friday, January 13, 2012

The Next Morning: The Gainesville Getaway

Eric and I awoke, packed our belongings and headed to breakfast one last time! Just as wonderful. We checked out, thanked the staff for a fantastic stay and experience and bid them farewell. We headed straight to the Butterfly Rainforest. We were please to find that they were taking flight. Eric and I, each, had a butterfly land on us and we saw many beautiful plants and birds as well.

One last stop at Mochi before driving home. Eric loves mochi. Can't eat enough of it. As I do not like ice cream, I stuck with my honeydew frozen yogurt. Yes, You heard...eh...read correctly. I do not like ice cream.  No, the world is not coming to an end. Believe it or not there are those in the world who do not like ice cream. Though our numbers are quite few.

Everything was perfect and coming home was difficult. It was a lovely time and we look forward to our next stay in a bed and breakfast!










The Bible in 356 Days

Read your Bible with me!
Genesis 31-32
Matthew 9:18-38

God bless!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Quotes For Reflection

"A house divided against itself cannot stand."
- Abraham Lincoln






















The Bible in 365 Days

Today's Bible reading is from:
Genesis 27-28
Matthew 8:18-34





Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Next Day: The Gainesville Getaway

Eric and I arose early and headed down to breakfast! Oh my, what a spread! Fresh fruit, organic Costa Rican coffee, homemade organic granola, vidalia onion and spinach quiche, assorted breakfast sausages, an amazing french toast souffle with cream cheese and pears, fresh farm eggs made to order, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Eric squeezed our orange juice with a large all metal citrus press.

After breakfast the adventure began. We received two bicycles and a map and we were off! Now, I wasn't quite off with ease as Eric was. I, for some peculiar reason, had not ridden a bicycle in years. Not to mention, being 8 months pregnant kinda throws off one's balance and center of gravity off just slightly. After, a couple of stop and goes, I finally got the 'hang of it'. And now, off we went.

The destination unclear to me, I enjoyed the sights and sounds of historic Gainesville as my husband guided me to my surprise. We biked through the University of Florida, home of the Gators and Gatorade. Lovely campus. Four miles, several hills later we arrived at our destination. The Florida Museum of Natural History. Parked our bikes and I bee lined to the nearest bench to rest and catch my breath. Eric stood next to me asking if I had figured out my surprise yet. Now, my husband does not share the same love, excitement, or appreciation for museums as I do. Unless, it be the National Corvette Museum. However, I had noticed a few rather large banners for the Butterfly Rainforest! I absolutely adore butterflies! Gorgeous creatures!

I was terribly excited to enter the museum. In part to see the butterflies, but momentarily mostly in part to find a bathroom as my bladder might explode! Upon my reappearance, Eric informed me that the butterflies may not be flying due to the cold weather. Slightly disappointed, Eric and I spoke with a Mike, member of the staff, and he reassured us that if we returned the following morning it would be warm enough for the butterflies to take flight. Encouraged, Eric and I took on the rest of the museum. We marveled at the extensive wall displaying thousands of butterflies. Each unique in their own way. We looked in on a few of the labs to see where new ones hatched and others were preserved. I was giddy and thoroughly enjoying every moment!

After the museum, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and began our trek back. I was positive, but not entirely looking forward to it. We tried to take a 'shorter' route and ended up lost, but my husband, being the navigator that he is, quickly got us back on track! However, I did have to stop when we came to a very steep hill and walk my bike until the ground leveled out. I was tired and aching. Every time Eric asked how I was doing, my answer would be "Eric, I am a personal trainer and a Zumba Fitness instructor. I am fine. This is nothing!" He would reply, "Oookayy."

Four miles and several hills later we were back! Parked our bikes and headed to our room to relax before Wine & Cheese. I was excited to get in a short nap. Oh, did I mention our room was on the third floor? Yup! No elevators. Those stairs posed a bit of a challenge after the bike ride. I entered our room and collapsed on the bed. Eric made some remark to whether I was gonna make it or not. I assured him I could handle anything. He said I was a trooper and that he was proud of me. I said thank you.

At Wine & Cheese we met new couples. Although, not as open to conversation as the ones from the night before, pleasant chit chat was exchanged. Eric and I enjoyed ourselves for nearly an hour with our cheese, crackers, and coffee, until both were ready to eat dinner. We decided on a lovely little Italian restaurant called Amelia's. After, dinner we got dessert at Mochi. Delicious. Honeydew is my favorite. And that was the end of our second night.

PICTURES

Ready for my surprise! Love this outfit.
Very comfortable for a pregnant woman.

We just had to get pictures in the stairway

































The Bible in 365 Days

Today's Bible reading is from:
Genesis 25-26
Matthew 8:1-17




Monday, January 9, 2012

Sunday, January 8, 2012

The Bible in 365 Days

Today's Bible reading is from:
Genesis 20-22
Matthew 6:19-34

The First Night: The Gainesville Getaway

We drove to Gainesville from Tampa and arrived shortly after 3pm. After checking in and taking our luggage to our room, on the third floor, we decided to go for a nice walk in the McKenzie Gardens. Although, it was cold and a few of the plants were dead from the winter or covered up, we still enjoyed our romantic walk through the gardens. The temperature continued to drop leading us to the nearest Walmart to buy $1 gloves and beanies. Excellent decision.

That evening we made our way to the Wine & Cheese hour with the other guests. Eric and I both do not care for wine, therefore he drank coffee and I drank tea. We spent two hours socializing with two lovely older couples, who were at least twenty years our senior. Eric and I enjoy speaking with our elders. We find that they have more important and interesting things to say then those our age. Our conversation was of a more mature and enlightened substance, then the latest music, TV shows, and/or movies.

We parted ways for the evening to find dinner and one of the dear couples gave us a gift of $50 to have a nice anniversary dinner. Eric and I insisted it was not necessary; however they were fervent in their decision to bless us. They thanked Eric for his service to our country, told us that they were proud of us, and wished us the best in our marriage and parenthood. We were speechless to their kindness. How refreshing to still be able to find kindhearted, selfless, and generous people in today's society!

We ate dinner at the Smoke House. We spent the dinner reflecting on the evening and thanking God for always blessing us. After dinner we turned in for the night, eager to start our adventure tomorrow. I was eager because Eric said he had a surprise for me that went along with our bicycle rides. I could barely sleep!

PICTURES


Eric and I both are fond of Koi

Unfortunately the first morning, Cornelia (the owner), had to chase
down a herring who killed her largest Koi. She was devastated.
She had him for 20 years. Saddness.





We were intrigued that the statue was positioned just right
to block the sun from her eyes. That or it was a happy accident.

Used for wedding pictures.

Honeymoon Cottage and gazebo.



We explored the other rooms and found some with
claw foot tubs. So cool. Our room did not have one.


Kind of random to have this here - in a victorian themed inn.
But since Cornelia's mom does own an Eco Lodge in Costa Rica
 it does make since.

Cushman House Parlor. Where we took our Wine & Cheese.

We were hoping to hear someone play the organ during
our Wine & Cheese. Didn't happen. Cushman House.

The breakfast room in the Cushman House.

Very clean kitchen. Cushman House


Dinner time. I hope Elora gets his gorgeous blue eyes!

Smoke House. We like stained glass windows. Cool fact: the table tops
are made from the fiber glassed 50 year old wood they removed
from the ceiling when they restored the building.

This was my meal. AMAZING!

Eric's. The smoked corn was delicious!


Happy Anniversary to us! Seven years down...forever to go!

Dessert was berry cobbler. It was so good. We gobbled that
up so quickly we burnt the inside of our mouths.

Words To Live By...

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly thy God?"
Micah 6:8

Saturday, January 7, 2012

The Gainesville Getaway

For our seven year anniversary, Eric and I had a wonderful little getaway in Gainesville, Florida. We stayed two nights at the lovely Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed and Breakfast. Our accommodations were in the Isadora Room within the fabulous McKenzie House. The room was gorgeous and perfect. I had no hand in selecting the room or activities we would undertake. Eric made all the arrangements, selections, and had a couple surprises for me. He did a marvelous job.

As this post could be come very long with descriptions and pictures, I have decided to break it up into four segments over the next few days. So, keep checking back!

Front door to the McKenzie House. Built in 1885. Restored in 1993

The McKenzie House. Our room was on the third floor with the turret windows.



Brew your own tea in one of the adorable tea pots in the breakfast room,
located in the Cushman House. I positively adore having tea.
Alone or with friends. It's relaxing and delicious.

Part of the breakfast bar in the Cushman House. The Cushman House
was also built in 1885 and restored in 1993. I really like the citrus press in
the corner. Eric squeezed fresh oranges both mornings for me.

The stove breakfast was made on in the Cushman House. I absolutely love
this type of stove. I want one. My mother always cooked on a
gas stove during my childhood in Honduras.
Cornelia owns and runs the Sweetwater Branch Inn. Every morning
she served us breakfast. She was delightful, as was the rest of the staff.
Her mother owns Selva Verde Eco Lodge in Costa Rica. Having lived in
Costa Rica myself for three years I was excited to exchange stories with her.