A Letter

Dear November,

Throughout your days we were given many opportunities to recognize our blessings and we are forever grateful for you, November 2014. November, you gave us an ample supply of guests as we were able to reacquaint ourselves with so many people that we love. Uniting with 9 people, which included having 6 family members staying in our apartment and connecting with 3 others throughout Chicago made for a busy and wonderful couple of weeks.

Before you ended, I spent the last few days in Idaho surrounded by family members, many of whom I don’t remember the last time I have seen their faces, as we celebrated the life of a loving, kind, and patient man, my grandfather. The late night talks and reminiscing of my grandfather will be a memory I cherish as well as the night I stayed up looking through the boxes of black and white photographs of my grandparents and even earlier descendants. I learned that there is so much I do not know about my grandfather. It would simply be an understatement to say that he lived an incredible life, but incredible will suffice for now.

November, you allowed me to see many family members and friends but you also took away a few great men. What a humble reminder you have been to continually cultivate and nurture all the relationships that I have with family and friends. I truly count the relationships I have as one of my greatest blessings;  including the relationship that I strive to improve with my Heavenly Father. I can now say that I am ready to be molded into a better friend, daughter, sister, visiting teacher, and wife. I have a whole year until we meet again and I pray that through the help of my Lord that I will be better and that I will be willing to give and sacrifice more in my relationships.

While in Idaho, my parent’s house was full and through all the movement, I sat and secretly watched and listened to my nephew and my cousin’s son who is the same age as they ate their meal together. I had a hard time hearing their conversation with all the noise, but I heard my nephew say, “Hey, do you want to be my best buddy?”. I couldn’t stop smiling as I watched their innocence and the simplicity with which they approach life. I recalled the time we were in Utah and went to the zoo with my family and my nephew asked a very similar question to Mr. Bluth as they walked throughout the park together. It does not take long or much to love someone.

Until we meet again in 2015.

Sincerley,

Mrs. Bluth

Just One

NOTE: This post was written a couple of weeks ago but is just being posted today.

The Mr. has a lot on his plate right now which has meant a lot of late nights for him. His school closes early on Saturday night so he has to come home around 6:00 pm. As you can imagine, I am not complaining. Since we have been having a lot of adventures lately, I had to keep with that spirit and venture out on my own and one weekend in October I found one of my favorite outings. I had a blast. I missed Mr. Bluth and I told him every detail of my day that evening, but it is a fun treat to just go off on your own. Here is a quick recount of that day:

We started the day off with an early morning run together and came across the filming of Insurgent. It always amazes me how they will completely shut down parts of our city to film movies. We then found ourselves running in the Urbanatholon and this was actually not the first time that we have found ourselves running in a race that we did not sign up for. I love having people cheer me on when I am running.

After our early start to the day and once the Mr. went to school, I decided to push off the cleaning of our apartment (how does 500 square feet get so dirty?!) and head out into the city. The Chicago Architecture Foundation had an open house for two days. This may not seem like a big deal, but, you guys, they had over 150 buildings open to the public for free and they were all offering a behind the scenes look! I thought I would go check out a few, but after my first one I realized what a treat this was and started trying to figure out how I could see everything. I did not accomplish my goal of seeing every building, but I did spend 5 hours out in the city touring buildings. I have too many favorite things here in Chicago, but this is definitely on the list. Right now, the only way I can think of describing it is by just saying that it “was so cool”.  I learned that there is so much that I don’t know about this city like underground tunnels built in the early 1900s for small trains. While I am not as well educated in architecture, I can see that Chicago has a lot to offer and I may have just found a new hobby.

At every site that I went to, the volunteers would ask you for your zip code and how many people were in your party and I had to laugh because every time they would say “just one?” to me. Yes, just one person today, but how can I turn down an opportunity to see a side of my city that I have never explored.

Oh and in case you are wondering, I was completely exhausted at the end of the day. I did manage to come home and clean before a fall party with friends, but a 10 mile run plus five hours of walking all over the city meant that I was about to ask our friends if I could go lay down on their bed during the party.

The Bluths go to Washington

Not that we needed an excuse to go to Washington, DC, but my good friend and her husband are living there for a semester. So when we came across some good flight deals, we bought the tickets about 15 minutes later. It was one of the best decisions we have made togetherJ

For just a short weekend in September, we stayed at my friend's parents' home which was more like a little bed-and-breakfast in Virginia and we were spoiled with incredible hospitality.  We woke up to a delicious meal EVERY morning with a food selection that covered anything you could possibly imagine eating. Mr. Bluth was in heaven and the delicious breakfast each morning could be in his top 5 list of favorite things from the trip.

In three days we were able to do the following activities:

-Tour of the Capitol

-Washington Monument (we even had tickets to go up to the viewing deck at the top of the Monument)

-American History Museum

-Lunch at Ollie's Trolley

-Ford's Theater and Lincoln Museum

-Holocaust Museum

-Vietnam Memorial

-World War II Memorial

-Lincoln Memorial

-Dinner at Farming Farmers

-Jefferson Memorial

-Newseum

-Crime and Punishment Museum

-National Portraits Museum

-Walked around the White House

-Explore Georgetown, which included dinner and some of the famous cupcakes

-Mt. Vernon

-Arlington National Cemetery

-Picnic at the Iowa Jima Memorial

We also enjoyed late night talks, Garage Band, and watching wedding videos before crashing into bed each night. We walked and explored as much as we could squeeze in and yet we would love to go back as there is so much more to see in DC. Now this post’s main purpose is to help us remember in the future all that we did on this weekend vacation so please ignore the long list.

I fell in love with DC and we went on a perfect weekend where we lucked out with amazing weather and we were able to visit and have the best tour guides to show us everything. It also ignited a small blaze inside me to learn more about our nation’s history. This past week I spent a couple days watching a 4 hour documentary and I already have my next one picked out as I just can’t get enough of US history. We are so grateful that we were able to make the trip at this time in our lives. Sadly, I don’t know how much I could have appreciated it had I gone at a younger age. It was an incredible experience.

Just hanging out with Brother Brigham at the US Capitol.

Just a small collection of all the books that have been written about Lincoln.

We could have sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial all night.

The Jefferson Memorial was huge and beautiful and a great way to end our first day.

Wish we could have spent more time at the Newseum, but we enjoyed the exhibits such as this 9-11 tribute.

We love our tour guides!

George Washington's mansion at Mt. Vernon. He also had some beautiful gardens.

Wish this picture captured the peace and the reverence at Arlington Cemetery.

Changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Nothing beats touring DC with some amazing friends.

Adulthood

Adulthood. Adulthood brings into play new social and legal concepts along with broader and more strenuous responsibilities. Adulthood also brings a new level of fun. Doesn’t every kid dream of staying in a cabin with a bunch of friends for a weekend, while staying up late playing games and exploring the outdoors?! You can’t really do that when you are a kid, but over Labor Day weekend we were able to be kids again living in an adult world.

Just imagine 5 couples in 1 cabin. It was some major bonding time and it was fun to see personalities really come out after being together for over 3 days. Everyone was better able to see how Mr. Bluth is truly a little kid.

Door County Wisconsin is over 4 hours away from Chicago, but was well worth the drive. We rented a cabin where we were able to sleep comfortably, have a full kitchen to prepare many of our meals, and a big room where we stayed up playing games and talking till the sun had almost risen. The cabin was walking distance from a state park where we spent most of our time. After a delicious breakfast on Saturday, we headed over to the park to go on what Midwesterners call a "hike" and the Bluth's simply call a "stroll through the woods". At times I thought we were in the Pacific Northwest due to the green moss and the dense trees that gave off a very wooded feeling. The goal of our hike was to reach a beach and, upon our arrival, we could not stop laughing at Mr. Bluth as he sprinted into the water. Which was before I was even to the beach. Then when I turned my back on him for 2 seconds, he somehow had convinced the rental company to let him “test drive” a water bike. I turned my back on him for 30 seconds only to find him and out on the water riding the bike. Each couple rented a toy to play with on the water and we all eventually ended up trading toys.  The best part of the lake adventures was seeing people fall into the lake and getting caught in a rain storm. When the flood gates opened we were already laughing so hard at everything that was happening that we all just stayed out there and enjoyed it.

Our album cover (if we ever make an album)

We managed to find our way out after getting lost and ended up in a parking lot.

The hike back was not as comfortable considering we were all soaked and were getting eaten alive by bugs, but was quite entertaining as Mr. Bluth and Tylor led us through some unknown paths that (thankfully) led us back home.

We, well, Mr. Bluth enjoyed a fish boil and ate some fresh fish that was caught from Lake Michigan. It was a very touristy, but fun experience to watch the boil and I realized that my hair has not smelled like campfire for a while. We also strolled down the city streets and looked in shops  and enjoyed the Midwest charm.

Enjoying the fish boil and chicken tenders 

Another highlight was our epic bike ride. I felt like we were acting out the Sound of Music as we all rolled through the state park together. Ten bikers all in a line riding all over that park while singing and laughing. We went about 9 miles and found some enjoyable rest stops that included a lighthouse and a scary overlook staircase.

We were exhausted at this point. 3 nights of practically no sleep led to a few failed attempts of pictures/

Labor Day Weekend 2014 was pretty grand and our couples retreat was a huge success. It's not only the places you go, but it's who you go with that make adulthood superior to any childhood dreams.

Summer Time Madness

Wow. Summer has been pretty magical and sadly we will probably never experience one like this one again (Yeah for last year of school! Boo for next summer to study all day and night for the bar). In addition to the fact that we met and walked home together every day and then had all evening to be together, we had some pretty amazing adventures. We filled our days with so many activities that there was no time to blog (sorry Mama Lee!). And so the most logical thing to do right now is to briefly summarize a few things from summer because summer in the city is just too great and I never want to forget it. Have I mentioned how much we love Chicago?!

In no particular order:

Indiana Sand Dunes

One Saturday morning while we were still in bed the thought occurred to me that we should probably venture out to Indiana to visit the Dunes. Within 30 minutes we were in the car with swimsuits on and towels in a bag. We drove just over an hour to reach the State Park to find the funniest sand dunes. The dunes were covered in trees, dirt, and shrubbery and you could only tell that you were on a sand dune because the trail was just sand. We went on a “strenuous” hike and ended up at a beach. The beach was packed and we found a spot where we could relax, read, and watch the waves roll into the sand. It was definitely a well spent Saturday as it is always nice to escape the city and it was a very interesting State Park that we could probably never find in the West. Next summer we hope to visit again with some friends in tow because we can easily envision some fun races of everyone running down a sand dune together.

Just walking through a forest on top of a sand dune.

 Not only were there so many people, but there were families at the beach.

It really was fun to lay out and then go climb a dune when feeling restless from not moving.

Farmer Markets

A typical Saturday consisted of us waking up and going exploring for the entire day. One Saturday we planned to go to the Farmer’s Market so rented bikes for our mode of transportation. Another Saturday we were just out walking around when we randomly came across another Farmer’s Market in the city. Both markets were great and filled with lots of cheese samples (Mr. Bluth’s favorite part) delicious looking fruits and vegetables, pastries, and many other unique items. I wish I had this much fun shopping when I go to the grocery store. For some reason, vegetables look so much better outside under a tent with hot and humid temperatures. We had some Saturday’s when we walked between 5-10 miles, so stopping for a doughnut at a market was almost always needed.

Oh how I love all the colors at Farmer's Markets!

Beach days

Yep. I needed lots of these after the horrible winter we were forced to endure. Reading and laying out on a beach just might be one of my top Saturday activities. It is pretty amazing having a beach about 1.5 miles away from our apartment. Sail boats may be my new obsession as there is nothing prettier than looking out into the water and seeing it spotted with sails. The vitamin D did us well and Mr. Bluth was even told that he looked like a cabana boy one evening due to the lavish color of his skin.

This picture was not taken on one of our beach days, but it does show that we almost always end up near the lake.

Concerts

From symphonies to dance fests, we were able to appreciate so much as Chicago brought us many cultural opportunities. Sitting underneath the sky listening to music while being surrounded by friends is a perfect way to end a day. We had a few feasts in the park as we gathered with others and we all brought too much food to share.

Husbands were invited and did attend this particular concert, but they did not care as much about a picture. Yeah for awesome girlfriends! … and husbands that will act as photographers and entertain each other while we talk and talk.

Pilates

Mr. Bluth should definitely win a prize for best husband. He even started coming with me to Pilates on Saturday morning in the park. The only downside is that he usually made me start laughing as he awkwardly tried to figure out the move or position. I did count it as an extra way to engage my core. Only once did I think he was bored as he laid on his back with his arms and legs spread out or maybe he was just focusing on his breathing. Don’t worry there are other men that come and some of this men take Pilates more seriously than me!

I missed him laying out on his back, but I was able to get this picture.

Utah

A trip to Utah took place to celebrate a beautiful wedding and to squeeze in as much family time as possible. Utah really is a beautiful place and always fun to visit. I am still trying to find a way to move those mountains to Chicago. Our days in Utah were just the way we like them: jam-packed with activities. Thankfully my parents brought my babies to me (nieces and nephew) and I almost started crying because they have grown up so much since I last saw them. I am completely bragging when I say that I have the cutest nephew and nieces and they have the funniest personalities. So glad that they are a part of our family!

This was at the very end of a very long, but wonderful day. 

Please all take a moment to laugh at Mr. Bluth and Pablo

Zoo + splash pad = happy children

Can't even begin to describe how much I love these three.

Okay the list could really keep going on to include food fests, game nights, suburban trips, etc. But I must simply just end by repeating what I already said and that is that we have had an incredible summer. The temperatures have not always allowed me to feel like we were in summer, but the freedom, the crazy schedules, and all the activities that have been just walking distance from us have made up for the lack of temperatures.

Oh, summer, you did nothing but treat us well.

80 Never Looked so Good

One of the few gifts that I can remember receiving when I was a little girl was a lipstick holder. This lipstick holder was special because I was still at the age of dreaming of wearing makeup and so I couldn’t wait for the day that I could wear lipstick and put it in the holder. I put it to good use with my chapstick that I insisted on having because that was the closest thing to makeup that my mom would let me wear. Another reason why I remember that gift is because it came from someone special. Sister Bowers was an elderly woman and she lived in a tiny house on her daughters’s property. She was old enough that I felt like her children were my grandparents age. My family spent a lot of time visiting her and I loved going over to her house and seeing all her trinkets and having her tell stories of her life. She was beautiful. She gave me the lipstick holder that was hers when she was a young woman. She has since passed, but one can never forget her beautiful smile and grace that she always carried with her. We have been given a wonderful opportunity to become friends with another woman that reminds me of my former neighbor friend.

Miss Mattie is the definition of "classy" and I still can’t get over the fact that each Sunday she has freshly painted nails and lipstick on her lips. Mattie is the most optimistic and forward looking person that I have ever met. She has mentioned a few things to us of her past and there are things that have happened to her that most individuals would have a hard time letting go of, but she has only allowed them to make her stronger. This past year has been rough for her health but she has never stopped smiling and laughing. We are fortunate enough to take her to and from church and the Sundays she is not able to make it, we feel like someone is missing in our family while we are in Sacrament meeting. She really has become part of our little family.

I love picking up Miss Mattie for church because I have the greatest view. I will sit in the back seat so it is easier for Mattie to get in and out of the Rusty-Trusty Sentra and then I usually just sit back and enjoy what happens in front of me. Mr. Bluth and Mattie are quite a combo and I wish I could properly capture the two of them sitting together and chatting away. They love to discuss sports and anything that has been on the news. Mattie is in love with Mr. Bluth, and I completely understand why. Some of my favorite comments from Mattie to Mr. Bluth include: “You sure do look handsome in that suit” and “Now, what happened to your glasses… well you still look good.” She is faithful, hard working, and loves everyone she meets and we are just honored to get to see and talk with her almost every week.

At the beginning of July, her grandson threw her a big birthday party and we were lucky enough to be invited. It was wonderful to celebrate her 80 years of life and to meet more members of her family and friends. We all can agree that you never see Mattie without a smile on her face. Mattie was born in 1934 in Mississippi and has lived a life full of service and smiles.

80 Never Looked So Good

P.S. Steak 'n Shake was started in 1934, as well.

Mid 20 Crisis

Well, it happened, and it was far from glorious. I, Mrs. Bluth, had a mid 20 year old crisis. Many of you are older than me and you all probably went through the same thing that I just experienced so please feel free to offer any advice and condolences. Slowly I have been realizing that I have been losing my fun-loving side and spontaneity, but it was confirmed just a few weeks ago.

July 3rd, 2014: After enjoying an early release from work and taking care of a few preparations for our 4th of July barbecue the night came upon us and we pondered a few things to do. Well I sincerely wanted to be the fun and cute wife so I suggested that we "camp out" in our living room on our air mattress (that has only been used once). Mr. Bluth was a little hesitant, but I persuaded him and had the energy and enthusiasm of any young 20 year old. Well we blew up our air mattress with my blow dryer  to the best of our ability and then we made an attempt at a fort and were ready to watch a movie. As we were watching the movie, I noticed that I was slowly sinking closer to the ground. When the movie ended and I realized that too much air than normal had come out I told the Mr. that we should just go to bed. Well you see, even though Mr. Bluth is older than me, he is definitely more of the fun-loving one out of us. Mr. Bluth said that we would be fine as long as we did not cuddle so that we could even out the weight on the mattress. I may have grumbled, but since I have turned into an old lady and was tired at the moment I consented to sleep on the air mattress in the living room.

As you may have guessed, not much time had passed by and I woke up at 1:00am and found that my hips were on the floor and my back was starting to hurt even though we were sleeping like logs and as far a part from each other as possible. So through my grumblings, I managed to wake up Mr. Bluth and simply told him that I was going to my bed.

I enjoyed the rest of the night in my bed and Mr. Bluth did follow me, even though he was still wanting to keep our living room campout alive. Now do you all see my dilemma? What happened to me?? When did I become so lame??

I use to be the one that would stay up all night dancing around and when I would finally crash I sometimes would just sleep on the ground at a friend's house because it didn't matter. It was an adventure and we were having fun. I couldn't even make it pass 1:00am out in the living room. Let's not even begin to talk about how I can never stay up late anymore.

I just celebrated my half birthday and when I say "I" I mean that I hinted at Mr. Bluth of my special day but he missed the hint so I had to celebrate it by myself. I am 25.5 years old which means in math that by rounding, I am closer to 30.

I need to find my crazy/spontaneous/adventures self again. Good thing I have this man to help me in my quest. Whether it is riding all around the city and ending the night by picking up a Redbox or attempting a campout in the living room, he is keeping me alive.

Keeping up with Summer

How is it even possible that July is only a few days away?! While that fact seems unreal, we must say that we have been fully engrossed with summer in the city. People endure those dreadful and agonizing months of winter for the couple of months of summer because summer is that good here. Already we have attended a couple of festivals where we ate our hearts out, summer dance night in the park with half of the city of Chicago, beach time, free summer workouts, free concerts and so much more. The hardest thing about summer is that you just cannot keep up with everything that is going on around the city.

We are definitely not pros, but with this being our second summer, we definitely have more confidence and are able to enjoy things at a different level. In a way we have enjoyed more of the small and simple stuff. The festivals are great and all, but we are getting better at noticing the small stuff that makes Chicago so magical in the summer.

This picture was taken back in April when we were waiting for the harbor to be filled again with boats.

We witness this most Saturdays and it still is one of Mrs. Bluth's favorite things to watch. All the bridges go up to allow the tall boats to go through so they can fill that harbor up. 

This is the view from Mrs. Bluth's floor at work and the other day she noticed something out in the distance. We have grown use to the beauty of all the buildings that we are now spotting the sail boats out in the distance.

You may think that this is just a random street corner, but this little corner is now our favorite spot in the city because this is where we meet everyday after work to finish walking home together. This summer has been so great because Mr. Bluth is actually home in the evenings. 

There is too much to keep up with, but summer has so far been good to us.