The Blogoversary

Here is the post that was supposed to go out last Thursday (our first blogoversary).

Can you believe R. Simple Life is one whole year old today? Yep. One year ago, I announced to the world that not only were we moving to Oklahoma, but we have entered the blogging world. And oh how things have changed.

I do not write a Christmas letter to send out with our Christmas cards. I find that when you don't have kids, people aren't as interested in your letter. Plus, I just don't have the time. Not around Christmas, at least. And to be honest, I really don't have the time today to think back to a year ago (I was a nanny in Fort Collins, Jon's busiest class was Golf) and update you on our lives from that day forward.

And that is why I keep a blog. It's a great way to spread our love, cheer, and news, weekly, instead of yearly. It takes time everyday, and if I add all the time it takes me in one year to keep this blog going, I would realize it is much more time efficient to write a Christmas letter, but I love blogging. It's a little window into our lives that I love to share with you every day.

Sometimes I miss days. Sometimes I get ambitious and post all week long. Either way, it is a great way for you to see what R. Simple Life is all about.

And to celebrate this first blogaversary, I would like to share a few of my favorite posts from the previous year. Just so you can remember some of the milestones, and see just how far we (and my writing) have come. And because no post is okay without pictures, I'll give you a few of my favorite pictures from the year.

Happy Blogoversary!

.. the first post
..colorado lovin'
..welcome, Calvin
..the first DIY post
..work
..the beginning of wedding week
..oklahoma
..decorating
..the most popular post to date
..marathon
..style me pretty
..homemade

 

So there you have it! Most of you have already read all of these posts (thanks Grandma!) but I figured I'd share anyway. These are my favorite posts of the last year; the posts that I feel represent the year the best. It's been a wonderful year for blogging, and I can't wait to start the next year tomorrow! Thank you all for reading my disconnected thoughts, random ramblings, and HSE loaded posts.

Here's to another year!

Meet The Rays

It's a wedding!

October 22, 2010. Colleen and Kyle Ray. When two became one.

It was a gorgeous fall day in Michigan. Beautiful. Sunny, cool, and amazing fall colors. It was a day of anticipation and excitement. Colleen and Kyle have been together for 3+ years now. They've been through so much together. They're a great couple. And, even though they are spending the week in Jamaica, I love them both.

Congratulations to the happy, beautiful couple!

All photos courtesy of Anastasia Smith.

America's High Five

Yes, I was in Michigan. For a week. A week without my hubby. A week where I drove all over the state, ran a marathon, attended a funeral, spent time with the few lucky people whose schedules worked with mine, stood up in a wedding, and slept very little.

I promise a week of Total Michigan Action, including a mile by mile account of my 26.2 mile jog (okay maybe not mile by mile... but nice and detailed nonetheless). But for today, I just want to share with you the beauty of Pure Michigan.

I haven't been in Michigan for it's amazing autumn for a very long time (4 years to be exact) so I wanted to soak in as much color as I could. And I did.

The drive up to Traverse City and back down to Michigan State did not disappoint. But in the middle of that mini road trip, there was Manistee.

Manistee, my first Fourth of July love. The best beach in the world. A warm, bright condo filled with grandparents. And lighthouses. Oh, how I love lighthouses.

Now do you see why I love Manistee so?? Ready for your own fall trip to the lighthouses? Stay tuned this week for more pictures and lore from my "trip" to Michigan. (It's a trip, not a vacation).

Makeover Party!

Well, you may have noticed our blog has undergone a Summer makeover! I thought it was about time to spruce things up around here. You can't expect a girl who changed her major 5+ times in college to leave anything the same for too long.

Anyway, we made it home safely yesterday morning at about 2am. Both Jon and I had a blast and wanted to thank everyone for taking time out of their schedules to spend a lunch, dinner, or Saturday with us. We really miss everyone being 1,200 miles away. Although, I will tell you, we don't miss the humidity or the bugs. I'm pretty sure I have more bug bites right now than I have had in the last three years combined. So you can keep your bugs, Michigan.

I started my last month of work today, and I can not believe how big my little Jo is getting. Jon and I are getting all set to move to the Sooner state, so now's your chance to visit Colorado, hotel-free!

Like I said, it was so nice seeing everyone and spending time in Michigan. We love you all!