Lazy weekend

I'm not sure how the weather was in your area, but in Louisville it was perfect!  The hubs played softball in Ohio this weekend so I had a whole weekend to myself with NO PLANS!  It was perfection. 

On Saturday I slept in and spent some time with the dogs.  When I finally got out of the house I went to the gym, grocery store and Family Video.  I tried to rent movies from Redbox, but the movies I wanted weren't there.  Does anybody know if Redbox gets movies later or maybe this one was just out of those movies?  Anyway, I rented two movies and watched them both!  I also made homemade pizza and it was so good that I made another one for Billy tonight!  The movies I rented were

Love and Other Drugs was a really good movie.  There was a lot of nudity, but I guess it was part of the story.  If the nudity wouldn't bother you, I recommend it!  Life As We Know It was also good, but definitely more light-hearted.  I really like Katherine Heigl and she was good in this movie.

Today I didn't sleep in, but I pretty much just laid around!  I did walk the dogs and make it to the grocery and I plan on doing laundry.  This relaxing weekend combined with the beautiful weather has re-energized me!  Don't ya just love spring?

Better Safe Than Sorry

In my previous post I vented about a recent break-in a couple doors down.  Billy and I have discussed things and shuffled things in our budget.  As I type a security system is being installed!  I hate that we are doing this, but I really just don't feel safe.  Especially if Billy is out of town... no way I'm staying here!  Hopefully this security system will give me a little security!

In other news, Megan at In This Wonderful Life is hosting a Lisa Leonard giveaway.  I know my future mommy friends will be interested in this! http://www.inthiswonderfullife.com/2011/03/new-giveaway.html

 

I'll do more fun blog posts soon!  Happy Monday!

A little too close to home

On Tuesday, Billy and I were told that the house two doors down from us was broken into and robbed during the day on Monday.  I mean, there is only one house between my house and the house that was robbed!  When Billy told me, I immediately got nauseous.  I can't bear the thought of coming home and knowing that some stranger had been in my house, let alone stealing my stuff!  And our fur babies would be here all alone and scared or maybe they'd run away?  I can't even think about it!

We both feel like we live in a good area and we still feel safe here, pretty much... but it is just something else to worry about, ya know?  We talked to the guy who's house was broken into and he said he's lived here for 22 years and has never had any problems.  He was pretty shaken up about it, which made me feel selfish for thinking of the possibility of a break in when he had an actual break in.

I'm not sure why I'm blogging this, but I obviously cannot stop thinking about it so it just came out.  I guess I'm just wondering when I won't worry everytime we leave the house and when I'll feel safe staying here by myself again. 

Sunday night ramblings

It's Sunday night after a semi-busy weekend.  Both dogs are asleep on the couch... 

One more gracefully than the other :)

And all I can think about is going somewhere warm FAST, as in yesterday!  I am pretty sick of the cold and definitely sick of the snow.  I believe the Ville is supposed to get snow tonight or tomorrow and maybe Tuesday.  I try not to watch the weather too closely these days because I just cannot take it!  We are going to Daytona FL in August and I just keep telling myself it will warm up soon.... not soon enough for me.

On a brighter note, I've lost 6lbs in the last 3 weeks and I'm pretty excited!  I weigh in tomorrow morning and I'd be surprised if I lost anything this week because I've been cheating, but I just need to keep myself on track for the long term.  I've set up some goals for myself and I still feel pretty motivated.  I enjoy going to the gym so I've been able to go at least 3 and sometimes 4 times a week which I'm happy with.  I'll update my progress as it's made!

Today I had a lia sophia jewelry party.  I always have such a good time when the girls get together!  My friends are spread out all over KY so it was mostly family and a friend from work, but we had a good time.  I made a veggie pizza that looked really similar to this one.

It was really yummy, and not too bad for you.  Email me if you'd like the recipe I used, or this link is pretty similar.  I also made my signature Buffalo Chicken Dip which I'm sure I've posted about before.  I know a lot of people dread those parties like Pampered Chef and others but I really like them!

If you've made it this far in my post, I applaud you.  I just felt like rambling tonight before I pass out like my doggies on the couch!  Here's to a great week for all of you!

In which we travel to Knoxville, Lexington, Frankfort and the movies

I have thoroughly enjoyed my long weekend!  Saturday, the hubs and I ventured to Knoxville, TN to go to the Tennessee vs. Vandy game.  This was our second game at TN, our second game TN was not supposed to win, and our second game that they did win!  I think we are a good luck charm!  We got up pretty early on Saturday and drove down for the game.  After the game we went to a mall in Knoxville and took our time coming back home.  We even made a pit stop in Lexington so that Billy could visit Half-Price Books, his current obession.

We parked in a lot that was pretty far away from the arena because last year we parked at the closest lot and ended up being stuck for at least an hour.  We didn't mind walking and we didn't hit any traffic trying to leave.  The only problem was that we weren't exactly sure where the arena was so once we found it we had to walk ALL the way around!  I did snap the photo above on our sight-seeing walk, so it wasn't all a loss.

 

Because ESPN Game Day was at TN and because they were playing Vandy, the game was almost a sell-out.  We were crammed in there like sardines!  I did manage to get a picture of us that isn't too terrible.  You'll notice that I'm not wearing orange!  Last year I wore some of Billy's TN stuff and I just felt like an impostor!  I was scared I was going to be struck by lightening!  This year, I opted for neutral colors.  You better believe I cheered for those Vols, though!  I really do want TN to win, unless they're playing my Wildcats, obviously.

On Sunday I went to Frankfort to visit with baby Jackson and Crystal.  Apparently he has been fussy lately because he has acid reflux problems.   I don't believe a word of it, though because he was the sweetest thing while I was there! I got to feed him a couple times and hold him a while.  He fussed a little while I was there, but what baby doesn't!  I didn't get any pictures because I was too busy holding and squeezing his chubby cheeks!  I can't wait until he is toddling around so I can spoil him rotten! 

Today, I had a dentist appointment with NO CAVITIES! :)  Billy and I ran some errands and went to the gym.  We also finally found time to see Black Swan.  I really, really liked it!  It was super weird, but not really scary.  Parts were pretty freaky, but I did like it.

Now, B and I are winding down from our exciting weekend with some laundry and college basketball.  I hope this week goes by fast since it's a short one!  Never seems to work out that way though!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Billy and I rang in the new year with some great friends.  Lacey and John and Jennifer and Danny came over for game night and some serious Dick Clark watching!  We have concluded that he is a robot.  We felt so bad for him, but once again, he weirded us all out!

We also ate some good food! There was Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pinwheels, Sausage Balls, Cheese Ball, Cheese Sticks and Red Velvet Cake.  Oh, and there was wine and punch! haha  We all had a great time playing games and chatting.

The only pictures taken were at the very end of the night... yuck.  Anyway, here they are.



Lacey, me and Jennifer



Jennifer and me

I have made some new year's resolutions.  I make them every year, but I usually just make one and it is almost always the same.... lose weight! Sometimes I have succeeded and other times I have not.  This year there is no doubt in my mind that I will succeed!!

My other resolutions are to be more positive and visit at least one place I've never been.  Hopefully I will keep all of them.  2010 was a great year but I am ready to start 2011!  Good thing, because it is here!  Tomorrow I go back to work after being off since the Wednesday before Christmas and I'm starting my diet and gym routine!  Please pray for me!! 

Baby Jackson

 Over the weekend, Billy and I traveled to Florence to meet Jackson.  He is just perfect!  While we were there I got to feed him twice and hold him for quite a while.  Surprisingly enough, I still do not have baby fever!  He is amazing, but still not ready for one of my own.

I even talked Billy into holding the little guy. Jackson slept almost the whole time we were there.

 I'd like to point out that Jackson has had an outfit change from the very first picture.  That's because he peed ALL OVER ME and himself!  One second he was sleeping and the next he was wide awake and my hand was soaking wet.  It was SO much pee!  Hilarious!  My shirt had to be washed and he had to have a wardrobe change.



I am so beyond happy for Crystal and Jordon.  They have been blessed with a perfectly healthy little boy just in time for Christmas.  God is so good!



And just in case you weren't in the Christmas spirit yet....

Oh baby, baby, it's a wild world

 My friend, Crystal had her beautiful baby boy today!  I haven't seen him yet so it is very surreal to me that my best friend since childhood now has a child herself!  Regardless, I couldn't be happier for her and Jordon, or more antsy to get up there and hold him! He was born at 5:28pm, weighing 8lbs 10oz and 20" long.

Jackson Randal

Proud Mommy and baby

Proud Papa and baby

Like I said, I haven't met him yet, so there isn't much to say (yet).  But I wanted to share the good news!!

Thanksgiving weekend

I have been off work for five days, and I feel like I may need just one more day to recuperate from this weekend! Wednesday I took off work to get an extra day and to do things around the house.  It rained ALL day!  I had to go to an Insight (cable company) store to exchange our remote.  Lucky for me it was right beside a Kroger, the day before Thanksgiving. In. the. rain.  Let's just say, it was a mad house and I was so thankful that I didn't have to grocery shop!

Thursday was Thanksgiving and we were super busy.  Our first stop was 10am at Billy's mother's house in Louisville.  I helped her cook a little and then we ate around noon.  We left there and went to Frankfort for my mom's get together.  From there we went to Shelbyville for Billy's dad's get together and then finally to Lawrenceburg for my dad's get together.  It was exhausting, but great to get to see everybody. I'm glad our family is close enough that we can squeeze everybody in! 

My sister, Leah, came home with me Thanksgiving night and we went Black Friday shopping. It was pure madness!  Here we are getting ready to leave my house at 11:30pm.  It was SNOWING at this point and I was seriously considering just staying home.

At midnight we were in line to get inside Old Navy in the mall. We actually didn't buy anything there so we walked around the rest of the mall and shopped at places that were open. We killed some time in Brookstone until Kohl's opened at 3:00am.

Here I am in Brookstone trying out a massager that made me look like an ox in a harness or something.  It was really awesome feeling though.

And here's Leah trying out some weird head massager.  Strange!

There were people as wide as the sidewalk wrapped all the way around Kohl's waiting to get in.  We waited in the car until 3 because it was just freezing!!

See all those people?  I'm really not sure how we all fit in there, but we did.

After waiting in line at Kohl's for probably an hour, we met Tiffany and Vicky at Target around 4:30am.  While they stood in line there Leah and I ran over to Meijer's around 5:00 to grab a Wii for myself.  I got one! I'm super excited about it.  At this point I had been awake for almost 24 hours and I realized it was time to call it quits when I almost lost it on our cashier.  He was being ridiculous, but still.  I restrained myself and we went home after grabbing some breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  I can honestly say that I shopped til I dropped.  I was awake longer than 24 hours and I was so tired that I couldn't fall asleep!

Saturday Billy and I put up our Christmas decorations, did some shopping together and ate at Outback.  It was the best meal I've had in a restaurant in a lloooooong time.  We will be going back!  Here we are waiting on our food.

Today, we did some more Christmas related things (secret!) and just tried to chill out from our busy weekend.  If this post wasn't already a million miles long I would say everything I'm thankful for, but I'll keep it short.

I'm thankful for my husband who has loved me unconditionally for about 9 years now!  Marrying him 2 years ago was the best decision I've ever made, and the best decision I will ever make.  He makes me happy everyday and never ceases to amaze me with his humor and compassion.

I'm thankful for my two fur babies, Laney and Cali.  Since we don't have children we treat them like our kids.  These dogs make me laugh daily!  Of course they're spoiled rotten.

I'm thankful for my family.  I have the best immediate and extended family.  On a related note I'm thankful for my husband's family.  I love them like my own!

I'm thankful for my friends.  We are all miles apart now, but all it takes is one phone call and I feel like no time has passed!  I am so lucky to have so many close friends.  I love you all!

Lastly, I think we're all thankful that this post is over :) 

The good wife

Today, my friends, I was a good wife.  I didn't cook a marvelous dinner, clean the house or touch a piece of dirty laundry...

All I did was call Insight, our cable company, and sign up for ESPNU.  On the very day that the Tennessee Vols played on, you guessed it, ESPNU!  I had been meaning to call and add this channel and cancel HBO for a few weeks and just kept forgetting.  Something today made me remember to call and in turn I got wife of the year award!  Not really, but it was much appreciated.  I can tell because my husband has been glued to the TV since the game came on at 9:30!

It's the little things, really.

Let the Christmas madness begin!

It seems to me that all things Christmas started much earlier this year than usual.  I started seeing Christmas commercials the day after Halloween!  One of my close friends has already put out most of her decorations and a house down the street is already decked out in full lights.

I should admit that I've jumped on the band wagon of Christmas-ing early.  My decorations aren't up, but I already started trying to get the perfect picture of Laney and Cali for our Christmas cards!  They're going to be cute, so be prepared!

I don't have a picture of last years Christmas card, but we had a picture of Laney on it and the message read "peace, love and pawprints"  I really love sending and getting picture cards so much more than boxed cards.  I even keep all the picture cards we're sent and sit them out the following year before we start getting new ones in the mail!  It is really neat to see how children have grown and families have changed year to year.  Plus, it feels much more personal to me to get a photo card.  Although the family may not write a single word, they sent a picture!  Pictures are so much more fun!

This year I'm using Shutterfly for our cards.  Their designs are beautiful and their prices are reasonable.  Here is a link to their Christmas cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

Here are some of my favorites, not including the one we will be sending!

I like the next card because it is a folded card so you can still write something.  I know some families include a letter that summarizes happenings for them throughout the year.  Cards such as this one allow for that.  Also, I like that this one has pictures that aren't necessarily 'holiday.'  You could add pictures all throughout the year to share.  That way people can see you and your family as you really are, not just decked out in holiday gear in front of a tree.  (Not that that would be bad either!)

Shutterfly also has great gifts such as wallcalendars and canvas wall art.  Whose grandmother or mother wouldn't love a calendar or wall canvas? 

No matter what kind of card you send, you can't go wrong with photo cards!

Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up:  http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/

Our newest addition

I have neglected my blog in the worst way possible.  It's been MONTHS since I've posted!  I know, terrible.  No excuse!  Since I last posted we have added a new fur baby to our family.  Meet Cali...

Her and Laney had a love-hate relationship at first.  Specifically, Cali loved Laney and Laney hated Cali.  For the first week or so Laney seemed to be pretending that Cali didn't exist!  Slowly but surely, Cali has grown on her though and they can frequently be caught doing cute things like this...

We were told Cali is a Yorkie, but now that she's grown up a little bit, it's obvious she is mixed with something.  She is Yorkie-ish and just too cute. 

The day we got her we were trying to think of a name and Billy was sick of playing that game.  He started naming things he saw such as 'mailbox, sign, car.'  Then we were home and the TV was on ESPN.  They happened to be talking about the one and only John Calipari.... and Billy said 'Calipari.'  I suggested Cali and it just stuck.

We are so happy with our two doggies! I can't imagine life without them!

Moment of Silence for Cohen

T minus 30 days

I am in my cousins wedding in about 30 days. I think it is a great honor to be asked to be in someone's wedding, however it causes me great anxiety! All those people looking at me! I know they aren't really ALL looking at me, but at some point people will be looking.
The dress for this particular wedding isn't all that flattering. (Which is fine, it's not my day.) I have, however, been dieting and exercising and hoping! I've lost 6 pounds so far, but it's not at all what I'm shooting for. I have set some goals for myself and they are as follows:

10 lbs: pedicure
20 lbs: haircut
50 lbs: tattoo

OBVIOUSLY the tattoo is a long, long way away. As it seems, even the pedicure is a long way away! I'm being realistic about the weight loss by trying to lose 1 pound a week. Losing weight is hard work. Unless you're my husband. He eats whatever, whenever and doesn't gain much. He is trying to lose weight too though. And by 'trying to lose weight' I mean he cut out a couple large fries from McD's a week. Sheesh! It isn't helping my mood that I'm currently watching a show on TLC where they are making crazy things out of chocolate. Who do I do this to myself?

The day after my cousin's wedding we leave for vacation at the beach. I love the beach, but again, there are people looking at me! Maybe not as much as in a wedding, but I'm much more exposed so it feels worse. I ordered a swim suit from newport news, which looked a bajillion times better on the model. Who would have thought, right? It didn't help that I ordered it one size smaller than I am right now. Can you imagine?! haha! The goal is to fit into that swim suit by vacation. I'm not sure if that will happen, but I'll keep you posted.

Tomorrow is a primary election day so the hubby and I get off work 1/2 a day to vote! I would vote anyway, but it doesn't hurt to get 1/2 a day off! :)

Nadda

I haven't really posted in a while, not that anyone probably noticed! Our days are pretty much the same and they all tend to run together. This doesn't make for a good blog! We have had some almost interesting things going on, so I'll highlight those.

About a month ago, Billy and I switched from T-mobile to Sprint and got these snazzy little babies:*swirly fire not included


I am borderline obsessed with this phone! It has apps like the iPhone and it multi-tasks really well. Oh who am I kidding! The only thing I care about is checking Twitter and Facebook 14,029 times a day! It is good for that!

Last Friday, Billy and I traveled to Cincinnati to watch the Reds with some of his family.

We parked at Newport on the Levee and ate at a place called Arnie's. It was really good but way too much food! One thing I noticed is that Newport doesn't have a smoking ban in restaurants and I'd like to say I am not a fan! I had forgotten how gross it is to try to eat while it smells like smoke. At this point, it just seems normal to not have smoking in restaurants so I was a little caught off guard. Any-who! We walked from the Levee to the stadium and let me tell you this was a real deal walk! Walking across the bridge was pretty fun and I stole this picture on the way back of the field at night.
Last night the hubs and I went to the Louisville Bats game. They are actually the AAA team for the Cincinnati Reds. (How's that for a segue!) Last night just happened to be a little thing called Thirsty Thursday! It was packed since it was the first night, but never fear, we'll be returning next time and the next... and the next.

My car has been with my mechanic (who is great, by the way, if you are looking). I have been driving my grandmother's old car that now belongs to my mom. Here's a pic, so you'll get the full story:
I am so thankful I had a car to borrow, but I was missing my car by day one! I remember riding around Frankfort with my grandmother in this car and jammin' to Vince Gill with my grandfather with the windows rolled down waiting on my grandmother outside of JCPenny's. It was nice to take a trip down memory lane, but it wasn't nice to feel like I was driving a tank! Alas, my car is fixed and $400 later it is mine again!

Tomorrow is Thunder Over Louisville to kick-off the Derby celebration! Just don't tell my nephew, Cooper. He believes the fireworks are for his birthday! Too cute! I don't want to be there the day he finds out that the 'largest annual pyrotechnic display in North America' may be a bit over-the-top for one little boy's birthday celebration :) I will not be venturing downtown to watch by the river. I will instead view it on TV or from a friend's house with a view!

Shew, this marathon recap has worn me out! I think I'll go watch a movie on the couch with my honey and beagle!

I'm in mourning

Last night, the great state of Kentucky (the blue parts, at least) were all in mourning together. It's true, our Wildcats lost to WV in the elite eight. It really happened. I still can't believe it! But, it happened.

I know UK fans can be a bit extreme. We just love our Cats! Some people may come out pointing fingers and blame, but this UK fan is here to say that I am proud of our boys. They gave us a hell of a year! I mean, last year we were in the NIT and this year we not only made the NCAA tourney, but we were a #1 seed and in the Elite Eight! And don't forget about that little thing called "SEC Champions!" That is a turn-around if I've ever seen one!

Thanks guys for an incredible season!

Shannon's Seven

Ashley from The Happily Ever Afters of the Lancasters tagged everyone to follow her foot steps and share 7 things about themselves. I have been in a major blogging slump lately so I figured I'd join in!

1. I've got this dog, and I'm kinda in love with her. I've always had a dog growing up. I think it's so neat to see their different personalities. Laney is very calm (maybe too calm)! She gets excited when we go on walks and when she is given food. She is in love with her daddy so much that I get a little jealous from time to time. Regardless of who she loves more, we are both smitten with this little girl!

2. I love watching sports. College basketball is my favorite, but I also have found that I like pro football and pro baseball. Baseball is much better in person. I can hardly stand it on tv!


3. My job is not what I pictured myself doing and it isn't really what I picture myself doing forever, but it is just a job. At first I stressed about finding 'the' job that I would never mind getting up for. After nearly 2 years I've realized that I work to live, not live to work. Those are wise words from my husband! My job is just that, a job. Now, I don't hate my job by any means, but it isn't all fun and games either.

4. I like to always be in the middle of a good book. Starting books is something I put off, but I'm always excited to finish the story. If anyone can recommend a good read, I'm always looking for suggestions! I just finished the 3rd Harry Potter and I started Dear John by Nicholas Sparks this weekend. I would recommend Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin. They are good, quick reads that you won't want to put down!

5. I have no idea how to style my hair! It is pretty much the same everyday. I have two faithfuls: pony tail and straightened. It's really sad, but I don't know what to do! I am currently in need of a hair cut more than I can express in words. Sad. Just sad!

6. Shopping is something that I l-o-v-e to do. I don't have to buy a thing. Just going shopping is enough to keep me happy for a while. When I do buy things, I feel so excited when I find a deal! This goes for everything; vacations, cars, houses. I just love a good deal! It doesn't hurt my feelings if I do find something not on sale, but I have to really really like it to get it!

7. I never thought I'd say this, but I would like to go back to school to get my masters. I haven't really decided what I will get it in or how I will finance this journey, but lately the idea doesn't disgust me like it once did! ha! Now, if the state would pay for it as they have in the past for state workers, I'd already be enrolled! I have checked and they aren't paying now and they don't know when they will again. If I had to guess it will be a while!

So there's my seven! I hope they were entertaining enough... I feel like they weren't. I'll throw in an 8th!

8. GO BIG BLUE! They may have given us a tough road in the NCAA tourney, but to be the best you have to beat the best!! (I'm a Kentucky Wildcat fan, in case you missed the memo)

The Oscars

Last night I watched The Academy Awards. I don't remember the last time I've watched them... but I had a good time none the less! It's amazing what I'll watch when Desperate Housewives isn't on. Sad! I don't really have anything to say about the show itself, but oh goodness the dresses! First, the worst in my opinion.

Oh no, Kate Winslet. This dress looks like two mismatched pieces of a prom ensemble gone wrong. Not a fan.
Miley, is that a bra with a shimmery skirt? I hope she didn't pay too much for that!

And here is my favorite:
That dress is so beautiful! Also, I believe that Demi is magic. How do you look that good at her age? I can say that she looks better than me... and most other twenty somethings I know!! What were your votes for best/worst dressed?

Go... vols?

Let me preface this post by stating that I bleed blue. I always have, and always will! My husband on the other hand, bleed orange? Pretty sure they don't use that catch phrase, but he is a UT Vols fan. Don't ask me why, I'll never know :) For Christmas I surprised him with tickets to the UT vs FL game in Tennessee. The UK vs UT tickets at UK are ridiculous to try to get, and they don't go on sale until 2/10. Plus, I thought we could make a weekend of it in Knoxville and Billy would get to see the Vols play at home in an SEC game. All the good intentions I had were ruined by the snow storm! This game was on January 31 aka the Sunday after a huge snow storm hit Knoxville. It turned out to be not as bad as they were predicting, but we stayed home on Saturday just in case. So that meant Sunday we drove down and back... lot of quality time in the car! lol

I had only ever been to UK games in Rupp, and let me tell you, the Vols arena was as big as Rupp but no where near as loud! There were a lot of times it was completely silent during play. It felt very strange to this Kentucky girl! The guy sitting beside me provided endless entertainment, however. If I heard "That's MONEY!" once, I heard it a million times! His other faves were "Get it to Prince and let him DO WORK!" along with "GIVE IT TO HIM!" and "This is my favorite line-up." If you were to tell me I was on candid camera, I would believe you! I was cracking up!!

All in all, we had a good time. The Vols won by ONE point! It was a pretty great game... although quiet. Billy was like a kid in a candy store! We have decided to make the trip down once a year to see the Vols play. Sadly, the UK game was only available for season ticket holders. I'm guessing they don't want all of us crazy UK fans buying up all their tickets. You know it would happen! Here are some pics of our TN day.
And here is the picture that will accompany my entry form for wife of the year 2010.
I know, I can't believe it either!! This is Billy's hoodie, I do not own any UT orange. I do cheer for TN now when they aren't playing UK. They're an SEC team, right?! At least it's not Louisville :)