UW-Iloveyou

I am a senior at University of Wisconsin-Stout located in Menomonie, WI which is only a little over an hour from BRF.  I love this school, I love this town, I love everything about the last 4 years of my experience here.  This college experience has first and foremost lead me to my future husband.  Luke and I met in Psychology class my freshman year.  He was a Sophomore looking for a younger woman apparently :) .  I remember that first day of class as if it were yesterday.  I even remember what I wore..SERIOUSLY!  I went for comfort...my black strechy athletic pants, a red zip-up hoodie, and tan colored "ugg boots" (the Target brand ones of course).  I didn't know anyone in the class so I sat by myself.  That evening while on Facebook I got a friend request from Luke Sipple.... I had no clue who this creeper was.  I messaged him and asked him if I knew him.  He said we were in psychology together.  To be honest I was a little freaked out, but flattered at the same time.  I accepted the request thinking that I may need help with homework sometime.  After all, he did seem to be a bit of a nerd.  On the second day of class I sat by this mysterious man named Luke and ever since then our friendship grew.  It grew into a relationship that I had never had before.  Finally, a great guy, with a great family, who was kind and a gentleman.  I quickly fell for Luke, and we continued our journey at Stout together from that point on.  I remember late nights, Luke bringing me back to my dorm and being locked out because it was passed hours.  Hanging out in his Grandmas basement which is where he lived (romantic, I know!).  Watching movies, going on dates, finding out even more and more that we were meant for eachother.  Luke left our love campus last December, as he graduated.  I am still here, at the love-strucken school that lead me to Luke.  I am so thankful for this school.  I still have classes every now and again in that psychology classroom.... Home Ec. building, room 230.  So, I leave you with this:  Sometimes one little decision can change your whole life.  Keep an open mind, and ALWAYS accept friend requests on Facebook.  You never know!! :)

UW-Stout Campus

My Freshman Dorm: "CKTO"

February 2008: Hanging out in my dorm :)

March 2008: Hanging out at Luke's Grandparent's

Tiger Spirit!

It's Homecoming week in Black River Falls, WI.  It's a school holiday!  A week of fun for the kids!  I wish I could rewind time and participate in the events one last time!  Dress up days, powder-puff football, cheerleading/football player dance routine, hall decorating, toilet papering, pep assembly, parade, the big football game, and finally - the school Homecoming dance on Saturday night to top off the event-filled week.  I find myself envious of my sister who is a cheerleader and high-schooler participating in this weeks events.  That was me just over 4 years ago!  Although High School seemed so demanding (at the time), those were some fun years in my life, especially Homecoming week...my fav!  Whenever this time of year rolls around I can't help but to think back and remember how much fun I had participating in all of the school activities.  Tomorrow is "hat/crazy hair day" for my younger sister in Elementary School and "camoflauge day" for my younger sister in High School.  I might have to sneak on my crazy hat and camo and live vicairiously through my younger sisters tomorrow! :)  I am so glad that they now get to experience the fun activities of this special week and will one day reflect on the great memories like I am today.  I can't wait to head home to BRF this weekend and see all of the toilet papered yards, the parade, the football game, and my little Sis all decked out for the Homecoming dance.  Go Tigers! 

This picture makes me smile.  My first vehicle: the Ford Explorer with "Seniors" painted on the window was my most prized posession!

Senior Cheerleaders

Go Tigers!

Sister Jessica is now a cheerleader :)

Sister Olivia is a great Tiger's fan!

   

True.to my.Roots

Although I currently live in Wisconsin, I was born in Minnesota and raised there for the first half of my childhood.  I love Minnesota and all it has to offer, especially the Minnesota Vikings!  I love fall time, and watching football games with my family.  I've gotten a lot of grief throughout my lifetime for being a Vikings fan, but have never veered off-track. I have a very tight-wound family, and a lot of great memories I have are at Grandma and Grandpa Valentino's house, with all of my aunts and uncles and cousins.  All dressed in purple, with yummy snacks, enjoying eachothers company and cheering on that purple team!  Lou currently lives in the land of 10,000 lakes, and I just cant wait until I graduate in December so I can move back to that state called "home."  Now, you all are probably wondering about Lou.  Where does he stand?  Has his recent residancy to that glorious state transformed him?  Does he share my passion for purple?  The answer is sadly no.  Luke tends to find cheese more appealing, aka, he is a Packers fan.  My rival, my biggest nemeses!  Lets just say those game days get intense.  My soon-to-be husband may not agree with my purple and gold addiction, but I've already claimed that our kids will!  So, I leave you with this: Never change who you are or what you feel to fit into the status quo!  After all: opposites attract!  Stay true to what you love and what brings you back to those childhood days of fun, family, and love!

Skol Vikings, lets win this game

Skol Vikings, honor your name

Go get that first down, then get a touchdown

Rock 'em, sock 'em, fight fight fight!

Skol Vikngs, run up the score

You'll here us yell for moreeeeeeeeeeee!

V-I-K-I-N-G-S, SKOL VIKINGS, LET GO!!!

A good sport he is!

An awesome art print from Etsy

Man's.Best.Friend

Lou has never been a "small dog person."  His family has always had hunting dogs, so when we started dating and he found out we have 2 tea-cup yorkies he was apprehensive.  Yipping little hairballs was the term he used (if I remember correctly).  After spending more and more time with Milli and Max, he started to admit that his pre-conceived notion of our "babies" were changing for the better.  Lou has taken particular interest in Max, who is Olivia's puppy.  Max is the cuddliest, most easy-going little dog you will ever meet.  He loves to take naps, and nestle into the coziest spots he can find around the house.  His favorite spot is on Lou's lap.  When Luke is in town, him and Max are buddies for the weekend.  Wherever Luke goes, Max isn't far behind, and vice versa!  Max, also known as "moodo" holds a very special spot in Luke's heart.  Luke never thought he would become so attatched to a little tiny lap dog, but he has!  Luke and I are very excited to have a yorkie of our own after we get married.  We hope that ours will be as cuddly, warm, and fun as Max!     

Pals.Buddies.Friends.