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Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts

Thursday, July 9, 2015

A New Home

It is finally time for an update! This might not be an update for some, as this "new" life of Robert's and mine has been going on since June, but it is time to actually document what has been going on with the Lews! Long story short...we are officially Texans again! But if you know me, you know I cannot keep it short and I have to fill you in on all the details, so let's dig in, shall we?

We said our bittersweet goodbyes to Poland in the middle of May, only two days after we returned from our European Adventure. From there we headed to Kansas for a couple of weeks to spend some sweet time with family and then from there to Texas to spend more time with family! Lots of traveling and lots of reuniting and fun times with those we loved, it was a great start to our summer. And then June came and our new adventure began!

We have officially moved back to Texas (!), Midland to be exact and we are so excited. Our time overseas was everything we imagined it to be and so much more. We were able to spend the first two years of our marriage in a foreign country and adventuring our little hearts out together. We got to spend almost all day together every day. I tell people that overseas we had to get used to spending so much time together (which we eventually did and seriously, it was such a blessing!) and now we are having to get used to spending much less time together. This whole working woman thing is a whole new ball game, very different than my stay at home wife gig BUT gladly welcomed! Which brings me back to our move back to Texas and all the little details.

Back in December, Robert and I started discussing the possibility that this could be his last year of basketball, We started to feel like it might be time to move back home and start our next chapter. So we prayed and discussed lots and lots. Then at some point we felt like it truly was time for our next adventure. After lots of phone calls and plenty of brainstorming, everything started to fall in place pretty perfectly, God had a plan indeed. Robert got a job with an oil company here in Texas, and then once we knew exactly where we were headed, I applied and got a job as a labor and delivery nurse at a hospital here! We were both very excited and thankful and now that we are here it is even better than we hoped. We both are truly loving our jobs so far, which we are so,so grateful for.

So our past month (and a half) has been busy, busy, busy but in the absolute best way! We moved to a new city, started jobs, and we are in the process of settling (and decorating!) our apartment, visiting churches and hanging out plenty with new and old friends...all of the fun stuff! And all of which are reasons we are so glad to be back in the good ole' USA.

Do we miss Europe?? Of course. We knew we would. But we are also completely enjoying our new adventure. We truly felt like God was leading us back home and we feel so grateful to be here. Plus, Robert promised plenty of future European vacations- whoo, whoo! I am saving those dollars now! Europe holds such a special place in our hearts and always will. I feel like living overseas made us grow as individuals, as a couple and in our faith...our time there taught us more than we could ever imagine, and I believe and truly hope we are better people because of it. And now it is time for a new journey and we couldn't be more excited.

Of course I cannot end a post without a few plenty of pictures...

We said goodbye to Poland, way too early one morning and with plenty of luggage.

We made it to Kansas! We were able to see Rob's brother and sister graduate...

From there we visited family and picked up all our wedding gifts..yes from two years ago! They have been in storage the entire time we have been overseas and it has been the best to open it all and finally put it all to use...it's like Christmas!


Next stop our new home! Tons of unpacking and shopping with this guy...

My brother is staying with us for the summer while he has an interniship and at the beginning we had plenty of picnics...


We have more than enough household items, thanks to all of our wedding gifts but started out with zero furniture...so picnics in the living room it was. In the past few weeks though we have slowly been furnishing our apartment, thanks to lots of good deals...DIY projects coming your way soon!


 Snapchat...it is just so fun. Follow me @bailewandowski.

We have been cooking lots and let me tell you...shopping at an American grocery store?? It has been the best, too crowded, but still the best. So many choices and complete with every single ingredient I need...very different from the Polish grocery stores.


A few sneak peaks of our apartment, lots of decorating and DIY happening. I have big plans for this estate sale find...

Our first big boy and girl purchase? A king size bed...best decision ever

In the middle of June, we celebrated our second anniversary! It consisted of a nice dinner out, sweet gifts and plenty of time with my handsome man.

My Dad, step-mom and brother and sister came into town to celebrate Father's Day! They were our first to host in our new apartment and it was wonderful. Lunch was just an hour late...I'll get there. 

We went to Lubbock a couple of weekends ago for a wedding, my cousin's baby shower and for lots of family time.



And then we celebrated the fourth at a friend's ranch with a cookout and fireworks. And for your entertainment, .01 seconds after this picture was taken we went crashing to the ground, broken hammock and all.


And now here we are...it is July, it is summer and we are ready to soak up every moment! Also, if you made it through this whole post, I am sending you big hugs and a huge plate of my mama's chocolate cake...you deserve it.

Happy weekend, friends!

Linking up with Five on Friday and Oh Hey Friday.
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Friday, May 1, 2015

The Polish Outdoors


I commented on instagram the other day about how Poland is a completely different world in the Spring. And it could not be more true. The days of overcast skies, colorless surroundings and frigid temps have gone away and have been replaced by sweet sunshine, blooming trees and the prettiest colors you've ever seen.

It is crazy what the weather does for your mood! Robert and I have been spending loads of time outside this week soaking in this gorgeous Lublin, Poland we have never seen. Mamas and kids are out playing in the parks, students are riding bikes, older gentlemen are sitting on benches chatting...it is a whole new, beautiful, lively world. I am so glad we got to see this side of Lublin before our time here comes to an end, which is very soon. This place is going to hold such a special place in our hearts, always.

Enjoy some pictures from our outdoor time this week...lakes, bike rides, massive trees, parks and the beautiful Polish culture.
















Linking up with Oh Hey Friday, Meet at the Barre and Five on Friday.
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Friday, April 3, 2015

Five on Friday / Life Lately

It has been way too long since I have updated this little space of mine! The break was great but I am very ready to get going again. There has been lots going on and lots of fun changes coming up for our little family and I can't wait to fill you all in! But for now, I am linking up and playing catch up...

O N E
Currently I am recovering from some serious jet-lag. One of my best friends got MARRIED in Seattle on Sunday and I was able to go!! It was a super quick 5 day trip, but so, so worth it. It was the most beautiful wedding and being reunited with my best friends was just the greatest. We had a blast. Look for a full recap coming next week!




Check out more pictures from my trip on instagram

T W O
This guy, man I am so incredibly proud of him. He has been killing it on the court and I could gush all day long, but I will spare you:) The season will be over at the end of April and it is very bittersweet!


T H R E E
One of our favorite things to do right now is enjoy brunch together...I mean who ever invented this wonderful meal was genius. Any mornings that Robert has off, we will sleep in and then get up and make brunch together. It is then usually followed by some reading (right now we are reading Love and War together, update coming soon) and/or a little Fixer Upper- our fav! These are the mornings I live for.


F O U R
When I was in Seattle (aka AMERICA) it was vital that I made a quick pit stop. What is this pit stop you ask?? TARGET, of course! I was able to stock up on some makeup and I could not leave without my beloved starbust jellybeans. I am a little obsessed and it definitely eased the pain of my 24 hour travel back to Poland.


I also bought this wallet when in Seattle at Papersource, I had been looking for one like it and it is perfect! It even fit my passport which was a huge bonus.

F I V E
I cannot believe Easter is already here! This holiday is one of my favorites and it reminds me what a great God we serve. Oh how he LOVES us! I hope you each have a wonderful Easter and are reminded of the One who loves us beyond what we can even fathom. I'll end with one of my absolute favorites...

 Image via.

Linking up with Oh Hey Friday, Meet at the Barre, Five on Friday, and Jennie.

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Friday, January 23, 2015

Five on Friday / 1.23.15

Happy Friday, friends! Let's get right to it...

O N E
The husband and I went on a fun date last weekend! It didn't go exactly as planned but it still turned out to be a great time. We ate Italian food, toasted to my loans being paid off and enjoyed a movie. We saw the Imitation Game and really liked it. One Oscar nominee down, a bazillion to go...



T W O
Yesterday, I talked about my word for the year. This year is all about being intentional...check out all my babbling here;) One of my favorite bloggers, Mix and Match Mama posted this on her blog the other day and I really like it as well. Just a good set of goals to focus on throughout the year...


T H R E E
Thanks to Lisa, I tried out this Bangin Good Chicken Salad recipe. And oh my word...so good!! Roberto and I scarfed it down.



F O U R
I also want to try this dip ASAP. It looks delicious...



F I V E
I shared the beginning of our Girl's Trip earlier this week. First up London and all of her main sites! There is lots more to come and also some of our tips and tricks, so stay tuned! Check out my first recap here.

Here is to a wonderful weekend! Roberto has a basketball game tonight, we are having some friends over tomorrow night for dinner and then plan to watch movies and explore a little the rest of the weekend.  The perfect mixture of fun and relaxation.

Linking up with Oh Hey Friday, Meet at the Barre, Five on Friday, Lauren and Jennie.
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Thursday, January 22, 2015

A Word for the Year

I decided to pick a "word for the year". A word that I can remind myself of daily...a word that encourages me. So, after thinking/praying long and hard, I landed on this...

Intentional

The definition of intentional goes a little like this...done on purpose; deliberate. That is how I want to live every aspect of my life, with purpose.

I want to meet life with intentionality. I don't want to sit back and let life happen but LIVE it...to the fullest! I want to treat each day as the gift that it is and enjoy every moment no matter how big or small. 

"...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." 
John 10:10

I want to love myself and others deliberately. I want to extend love, grace, patience and compassion to myself, my husband and all those around me at all times...I want to purposefully and mindfully extend these qualities. I want to be intentional about the way I love. 

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

Which brings me to the most important and the only way I can accomplish any of this...I want to be more intentional with my relationship with Christ. I do not want to do any of this on my own, try to "fix" myself or accomplish any of this by lonesome...it is impossible. I have to and want to walk with Him and be intentional in that daily walk with my Savior. I want to soak in all He has to teach me. I have a lot more learning and growing to do. I have to be purposeful about my relationship with Him, I want to be deliberate about spending time in His Word and in prayer, that way He can work in me and use me to the fullest.

"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:5

I want to LIVE with purpose (every inch of it), I want to be intentional.

Will I be perfect?? Of course not. I am sure I will screw up many, many times :) What I wrote above can seem daunting and hard to accomplish, I get it. But I know with God and his guidance, I can improve and grow in so many ways.

Reminding myself each day to be intentional, to live life with a purpose...will be a continued encouragement for me this year and I hope for many years to come.   

What are some of your hopes this year? How can I encourage you?? 

 Linking up with Annie, Natalie and Joey.

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Friday, January 16, 2015

My Routine, Good Reads and GREAT News.

Happy Friday! I did not mean to take a break from this little space but I did and now I have so many fun things I need to share! Our girl's London/Paris Trip, some fun ideas and some New Year "goals". So stay tuned...next week I will be back in action!

For today, let's play a little catch up...

O N E | A Routine
This week, Rob and I have been slightly lazy. Well, more so me. Rob practices twice a day so I don't think that counts as lazy. I on the other hand, have been relaxing quite a bit. My routine for the day...wake up, go workout (so that's something!), come home, eat breakfast/lunch, catch up on shows, nap, cook dinner, read and do devotional and then maybe a movie or more shows. Ridiculous, right? As I have mentioned before, this is a very rare time in life. Here in Poland, I have no job and really no responsibilities right now...which sometimes I feel guilty for but then I remind myself to soak this in. I know, this rare time will quickly be gone. And I get to spend loads of time with this guy...which is just the best.

{from our trip to Warsaw}

T W O | Productivity
There are a few things I do every day (well most) to be somewhat productive...workout, read and do my devotional. These things are very important to me. So during this season of life when I have an abundant amount of time, I am trying to form good habits and do these things daily. That way, I am building a good foundation and will be able to continue to do them when life gets busier and crazier. Which brings me to a couple of books I am currently reading. First, The Gifts of Imperfection...


It came highly recommended by a friend and I see why. It is very good and honestly life changing. I will fill you all in more when I am finished. The second book, is my devotional that I just started this week. I am in the very beginning stages but I am already hooked. It is called Devotions for a Healthier You and is by Katie at Dashing Dish. I am huge fan of her and her blog, so when her devotional came out I knew I had to try it.


T H R E E | Inspiration
A favorite blogger of mine, Mint Arrow, posted this on her instagram the other day and I found it to be so true and so inspirational...


F O U R | Movies to See
This week, the Academy Award Nominations were announced. Last year, Rob and I saw every (but one) Best Picture nomination before the awards. And this year? We have seen none, zero, zilch. But we are hoping to change that and watch a few this weekend. Which nominations have you seen? Any recommendations?

F I V E | The Great News
Now the best for last...my GREAT NEWS! Drum roll please...we finished paying off my student loans!!!! We submitted our final payment yesterday and it feels SO GOOD. I graduated 1 year and 8 months ago (seems like so much longer) and our plan all along was to pay them off as quickly as possible while still  making sure we saved money to travel as well. It feels so great to have stuck to our plan and accomplished both. I know this is not the most "fun" news in the world...but for us, we are ecstatic and fully plan to celebrate this weekend!

I am so grateful you stopped by, today. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! I will "see" you  next week!


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