Thanks...

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Mama is doing great!

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I am learning!

Yesterday, while Mike spent the day mulching our flower beds, I decided to try out this camera-thing. I really want to learn how to take great pictures and of course, Mike is already a pro. I just walked around the front yard and snapped away.

First off, does anyone know the name if this kind of tree? It is in the corner of our backyard and I LOVE IT! So beautiful and I want another one!We have ONE tulip in our front yard! So sad...I don't know what happened to the other ones!Pretty bushes and sprouting hostas...Fun with rings!Off to brunch to celebrate Ali's birthday. Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! It was beautiful and sunny in St. Louis and now it is supposed to rain all next week :(

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Sister, sister

Guess who's birthday it is today? My beautiful sister, Ali. I CANNOT believe that she is 23 today. It seems like just yesterday she was turning 10, then 16, then 21...and now this! To say that Ali and I didn't get along in the past is quiet an understatement. Those of you with a sister a few years apart in age may remember countless fights over stolen clothes, read diaries, and bad choices. I have never denied the fact that as the older sister, I was extremely protective of my sister and often acted as her mom instead of her sister and friend. Thankfully, when I left for college, our relationship truly began to improve.When Ali moved back to St. Louis last year after college, I would have never guessed how close we would become. We get together for happy hours, dinners, and sometime just to watch a movie or tv. We have a great time together and I am so thankful for the relationship that we have. Ali was my maid of honor in my wedding and I was so proud to have her standing next to me on the most important day of my life. Happy birthday, Ali! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

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Cards/Cubs

I get to go to the game tomorrow! WOO HOOO!!!!

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8 Things

Emily just tagged me so here we go!

Here's how 8 things works:
- Mention the person that tagged you.
- Complete the lists of 8's.
- Tag 8 friends.
- Go tell them you tagged them.

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To...
1. Getting a puppy
2. My summer break! ONLY 23 MORE DAYS!
3. My birthday (May 26th)
4. Finishing my masters next summer
5. Celebrating our one year anniversary at the wedding of our great friends
6. Going to Italy (someday...)
7. Having kids
8. Watching a new "Grey's Anatomy" tomorrow night


8 Things I Did Yesterday...
1. Slept in 30 minutes late
2. Ate a dollar burger at Bar Louie
3. Watched Biggest Loser and American Idol on DVR
4. Looked at pictures of puppies on the computer
5. Talked on the phone to friends
6. Working on masters homework
7. Spent quality time with hubby
8. Went to bed past 10 pm


8 Things I Wish I Could Do...
1. Skip work every Monday
2. Run
3. Be more motivated about working out/dieting
4. Travel more
5. Worry less
6. See all of my close friends at least once a week (or two)
7. Draw/Design/Anything that my husband can do that is artistic
8. Enjoy country music ;)


8 Shows I Enjoy...
1. Biggest Loser
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. American Idol
4. Dancing with the Stars
5. Brothers and Sisters
6. Oprah
7. So You Think You Can Dance
8. True Blood


8 People I Tag...
1. Stevie at Stevie Unscripted
2. Lynsey at Photo.Fashion.Food
3. Pamela at Yada, Yada, Yada
4. Sarah at Sarah-Babble
5. Liz at McFar-gan
6. Kristal at Good Food, Good Friends, Good Life
7. Jenn at Living Life
8. Amanda at The Adventures of a Redheaded Woman

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Love Connections on Dancing with the Stars

I have to admit that I love this show! Seriously, I love it!

Does anyone think that there is a little bit of something romantic going on with Shawn and her partner, Mark? I do, I do! She is only 17 though so I think they are keeping it hush hush!My other favorite dancing duo is Melissa and Tony! If he wasn't married, I would think that they love each other too!For some reason, I think that Lil Kim wants to go all cougar on Derek's a$$!Is Gilles married? If not, he really should date Cheryl. They are super hot together!!!I don't know why I am infatuated with these people dating (or just hooking up) in real life, but I definitely am! Does anyone else watch DWTS this year?

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Weekend Roundup

Hello, internet friends. Hope all is going well out in cyberland. I haven't been the best blogger lately. I am starting to get over the "blah" with some help of sunshine today! Keep it coming, Mother Nature.

This past weekend, we spent many hours celebrating Mike's Easter. Friday night started at church from 7-10:15. Yikes...! We ended up meeting high school friends out in Clayton at my favorite sangria restaurant, BARcelona. It really was great catching up with these girls. We were really tired so we ended up going home around 1ish.Saturday was Mimi's baby shower...only my second baby shower ever!!! First of all, Mimi looks freaking amazing! Still tiny all over with a basketball under her dress. I am just obsessed with Bumbos right now (I want one for myself!) so I had to get one for Baby Johnson. I just can't wait to meet this little guy. I can't believe she is due in June! Almost there, Mimi!!!I am mad that you can't see her cute belly in this picture but trust me, it is adorable!After the shower, Mike and I took our pre-church nap...from 6pm-10pm! We woke up, got dressed, and "churched-it-up" from Midnight-3. I was exhausted when I got home but it really was a beautiful service. After the service, everyone goes downstairs for a Greek feast of breads and soups. Mike's mom brought us turkey sandwiches and wine bottles because we don't like the soup! So cute!

Sunday we slept until about 10 and Pamela came over for some calligraphy work. Of course, she gave me some photography tips and I think we are going to try to get together a happy hour at Bar Louie (since she is a Kirkwood girl also!). At 2ish, we went to Mike's parents for a HUGE Greek Easter Dinner! YUM YUM! I definitely had a hard time fitting in my pants today!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend!

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Blah...

Blah blah blah...why do I feel so blah? I am still feeling tired and I definitely get enough sleep. I think I am just itching for summer. Today was beautiful and I am starting to get anxious for warmer weather and sunshine.

Here are my random thoughts/feelings for today:
-I am sick of my schedule being so far off of Mike's. I get up at 6, he wakes up at 8. I go to bed at 10ish and he goes to bed after midnight. He has been working late every night this week and I am ready to get into bed when he gets home. It really is getting old!

-Today, a co-worker told me that we only have 27 more days with kids until summer. 5 more weeks! I LOVE my class this year but everyone always looks forward to summer break!

-Someone I know (who has asked to remain nameless) is undergoing surgery in a few weeks. This person is a breast cancer survivor of almost 18 years, and she finally decided that she would like reconstruction surgery. In a couple of weeks, this special someone will undergo a mastectomy on her other breast. I am nervous about this surgery because I love this person very very much, but I know she will do great and she deserves the best. After a few weeks of healing, she will go back for her second surgery to get her implants. Very exciting, but nerve-racking as well. I love you, "someone"!

-I am actually surprised that the American Idol judges saved Matt tonight. I wonder who will go home next week. Hopefully not my favorites (Allison, Kris, or Danny)!!!

-This weekend is Mike's Easter. The Greek Orthodox religion doesn't celebrate Easter until Passover is finished. We will go to church on Friday night and Saturday night. The service Saturday night (or should I say Sunday morning) is from midnight until 3 am. SERIOUSLY?! This Jewish girl is going to be TIRED!

-I have 2 friends that are having babies soon. JUNE and JULY! I am so excited to meet these two little guys :)

-Mike and I are also deep into the doggie search. If you know about any available boxer puppies up for adoption or sale, please let me know!!! We aren't ready for a pup yet but would love to have her by June.

-I should be getting my wedding proofs soon! Yehaw!

Night night...(oye...it is only 9:20)!

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Weekend Raves

Just a few random things to share...
Last night, we celebrated my mom's birthday at a wonderful, new restaurant in St. Louis called Bravo! (located outside of the West County Mall). We loved the atmosphere (a lot like Brio...apparently they are owned by the same corporation), the staff, and our delicious meals. I would definitely go back again! We loved it! Happy birthday MOM!A few weeks ago, I signed up to go to Time For Dinner with my friend, Allison. This morning, I arrived and prepared some awesome meals. I made Bistro steaks with Dijon Brandy Sauce, Calypso Roast Pork, Parmesan Encrusted Chicken, Southwestern Lime Chicken, Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, and Twice Baked Potatoes. Here is the concept, you go to different stations and prepare this amazing meals. All of the ingredients are there for you, all of the measuring tools, bowls, and mixers. You just follow the directions and then pack the foods up to be put in your freezer. I haven't been this excited to eat dinner in a while! I will let you know the meals are as we eat them! This is such a great concept and I will definitely be going back here too! Check out my laundry basket of food!Finally, I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that we are working with a wonderful invitation vendor, Melinda at Paper Frosting. She is sending mailings to wedding coordinators in the area and Mike is doing calligraphy on her black envelopes with white ink. They look FABULOUS and I have to share. (These addresses are public information of companies that can me found online.)I need to get ready for a wedding tonight. It is at Moulin...another first!!!

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In a rut

I feel like I am just stuck in a rut right now. Wake-up. Work. After school activity. Dinner. Computer/TV time. Sleep. Repeat. I am so bored with this routine! And...it has helped me gain back 10 pounds. I love having DVR but seriously, I can watch TV for hours. Before, if I was busy then I missed my show. Now, they are all recorded and I will sit down for countless hours catching up. Not good.

I want to figure something out to do after school. Last night, I decided that I am going to do Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred each night before Mike gets home from work. That way, I don't feel like such a lazy bum!I know that I need to join a gym. This has been on my to-do list for a while now. I keep thinking that when the weather gets nice, I will spend more time outside...maybe walking our future dog?

I want Mike and I to find something fun to do together in the evenings (other than watching TV). Maybe a puzzle? Some type of game? I don't know. Any suggestions?

I just feel so blah....I am always so tired. I get 7-8 hours each night so I think this is because I haven't been working out. I am sure that getting active will make everything feel better. A change in the weather will probably help too.

Ok...I am done complaining now. I need to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk.

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So proud!!!

I was so excited today when I looked at Lynsey's blog to see my husband's art in her post. I seriously felt like a proud parent and I showed all of my friends at work!

See... Lynsey is starting her own photography company and needed a custom logo. I gave her his email address and after a little back and forth, he sketched (by hand) a beautiful design that was exactly what she wanted.Lynsey knew exactly what she wanted and together, they created something that in her words was "feminine, dainty, sketched, filigree and vintage."

Lynsey is such a sweetheart and I think it is so cool that she is following her dreams and starting her own photography business. (Since we just bought our first Rebel, maybe she can give us some pointers.) We plan to have her take some "family pictures" of us when we get a doggie in a few months. She is such a talented girl and I look forward to meeting her (in real-life) sometime soon!

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YUM...

In about 1 hour, I will be enjoying a big bowl of matzah ball soup. (And yes, I know that it can be spelled matzo, matzoh, or matsah.) I can't wait!!!

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Uck...

I feel like cancer is affecting so many people around me. My family, my friends' families...I feel like everyday or two I hear about someone else. I hate cancer and all of the pain it is bringing to those I love. Vent over...good night.

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Lucky Lady

Mondays are the worst. It is always hard going back to school after the weekend. Mondays are especially hard when it is freezing and snowing outside. Hello, Mother Nature...it is APRIL! Finally, Mondays are terrible because when I leave school, I have to go to school. I am taking School Law this semester and I just hate that the class is on Monday evening!

Tonight, I am so lucky because my hubby was home and making a fabulous dinner. He was so proud of himself that he had to document the meal with our new Rebel!Pork tenderloin, mediterranean salad, stuffing, and faux mashed potatoes. Last week, we saw mashed cauliflower on the Biggest Loser and thought that it would be a great and healthy substitute for mashed potatoes. UM...no. Don't believe what they tell you...they aren't very good. There are many things that I dislike and they is barely anything that Mike won't eat. But tonight, we had a mutual understanding that we will not be making mashed cauliflower ever again. Ever.

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The Letter R

Nikki challenged me to list my 10 favorite things that start with the letterHere they are in no particular order...

1. Reality TV...I have watched them all. Real World, Dancing with the Stars, The Biggest Loser, Road Rules, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Making the Band, Tila Tequilla, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, America's Next Top Model...the list goes on. I just can't help it...2. Ranch Dressing...It is so good on everything. My favorite is with pepperoni pizza!3. Relatives...I just love my family so so much.4. Red...It is my favorite color and I love wearing it. Especially if it is a red dress.5. Robert Pattinson...hot.6. Recess...my favorite part of the day. Especially this time of the year!7. Rain...I still feel like an excited, 10-year-old every time I see them. 8. R&R...as in rest and relaxation. I love to sleep and love to lounge around and relax. My idea of total relaxation...9. RBV's...sugar-free, of course. I just can't help it.10. Red wine...since I am thinking of alcohol.
Let me know if you want me to send you a letter ;)

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I love American Idol

Seriously, I love it. I don't know if I would say that it is my favorite show but this is definitely my favorite season in a while. Here are some of my favorites...and not so favorites.

Let's start with the good!
I am developing major crushes on a couple of the fellas. Each week, I fall more and more in love with these two gentlemen...Oh baby! These two have been pretty sexy lately. I love their arrangements of great songs. Especially Kris...love him!!!

My two favorites of the competition though are the following singers...I picked these two very early on as my favorites. I LOVE Allison's voice and Danny is just plain good! His story makes me so sad and I cried a little bit when he sang this week.

I know that I am in the minority right now, but I can't stand this guy...The emo look is just too much for me and I can't stand his screaming and screeching. I don't think he is a terrible singer but he just drives me crazy. Seriously, his sexual movements bother me...he stokes the mic stand and it is just too bizarre for me. He is very over-indulgent in my eyes but I have a feeling that he will be around in this competition for a long time :(

How is Scott still in this competition? Do people feel sorry for him because he is blind? HE ISN'T A GOOD SINGER, PEOPLE!!! Uck...just go home!Thank you, Lady GaGa for singing my favorite song (and Mike's)! I love them actual famous people come on the show and sing worse than the contestants.

Did you know that I actually tried out of American Idol? Not one of my finer moments. I sang the song that Lil' Rounds sang last night and I think I did it better than she did. (Stevie, Ali...what do you think?)

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I am sorry....

I know that my April Fool's joke gave a bunch of family and friends heart attacks! My friend and work played the joke on me and I thought it would be funny to do it to all of you. For those that didn't scroll to the bottom of the post...I AM NOT PREGNANT! It was a joke! I am sorry :(

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EXCITING NEWS!!!

Sooo...I probably shouldn't have had 20 beers on Mardi Gras, 15 on St. Pat's, and many more last week during the basketball games. I went to the doctor yesterday and GUESS WHAT...

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APRIL FOOL'S! Have a great day!

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