Let the Games Begin

Baby Room

2012-01-24T10:34:00.002-05:00

We finally painted the baby's room! I had been putting it off because the plan is to add on to our house and her room will be redone but I just didnt like that her room for now wasn't painted. It will be at least 3 months until her "real" room is ready, if not longer so we just went for it! I LOVE it and it looks so much better and like a real room now! Its Pink, thats for sure!!!

Ok, yes, that is my wedding dress, from 2 1/2 years ago, it has been up on display in that room before it was the baby's room and I just can't put it away. I am going to put it somewhere before she gets here. I will be putting a rocking chair in that corner so it will have to move. where will it go, that I'm not sure!! I just can't put it in a box so I will have to figure something out. I know its weird but oh well! :)

Time is Flying...

2012-01-11T08:32:00.002-05:00

Time seems to just by flying by! We only have 5-6 weeks left until we meet our little princess! It seems like we just found out we were pregnant! It's crazy that the first part of pregnancy goes so slow and then all of the sudden it's like, wow, she is going to be here so soon!!

I am ready for her to be here in the fact that I just can't wait to meet her and see what she looks like but at the same time I don't feel like I have everything done at the house yet! We would really be ok if she came now but I want to have things more organized!! I know it will get done, I just don't like waiting!

This was New Year's Eve (33 weeks)

Justin had me take his picture since I always make him take mine :)

This is 34 weeks, 8 1/2 months!
I feel huge!!

Duke

2011-10-28T09:29:00.002-04:00

I had to share this picture of Duke, he is just too cute! He seriously got himself wrapped up in the blanket, Justin sent me this picture and I love it! Makes me want to go home and cuddle with him!

I think he knows that something is different, he is usually a 93 lb lap dog and always gets up on my lap when I am sitting in the recliner. Once I was showing I would make him sit or lay on the side of me but I never told him no, I have noticed in the last couple of weeks that he hasn't even tried to get up there with me, kinda makes me sad but I think he knows that he can't sit on my lap anymore!!

He is still getting all the attention though, daily walks, play time and cuddles on the couch and in bed!

People tell me that once the baby is here I will not love him as much or spend as much time on him, I just don't think that will happen to me! I will make sure it doesn't anyway! : )

It's a......GIRL!!!!

2011-09-20T09:52:00.002-04:00

Last Tuesday we were able to find out the sex of our baby!! At first they didn't think they were going to be able to tell us because the baby had it's legs closed and crossed!! but luckily by the end of the ultrasound she opened up for us to see! That night we had our friends and family over for the big reveal!

When everyone got to our house they have to vote on if they thought it was a boy or a girl! It was pretty even which suprised me.

This was the set up, pink and blue everything!!

And, the Pink frosting in the middle!!!

we are very excited for our little girl to get here and of course I have already gone out and picked her up some cute things!!

Waiting...

2011-09-09T08:34:00.000-04:00

I am really not a patient person anyway, but waiting to find out the sex of our baby is taking FOREVER!!! Our last appointment was 3 weeks ago, I really thought the 4 week wait would be ok, knowing that we would get to find out the sex, but it is 4 days away and it feels like time is standing still!!!

I really don't know how people cannot find out, I could just never wait the whole 9(10) months! Since I am able to find out, I'm doing it! I know they say it's such a great suprise but either way it's a suprise! To each their own though :)

So, next week I will get to tell you what we are having. I really wish I though it was one or the other but I really have NO idea so it will be really fun.

We are having a gender reveal party on Wednesday (we find out the sex on Tuesday afternoon) for our friends and family. I am going to make cupcakes with either blue or pink frosting in the middle! I can't wait!!!

Expecting....

2011-08-10T10:42:00.002-04:00

We are so excited to announce that we are expecting our first baby February 22, 2012!!!!
I found out I was pregnant the Friday before Father's Day so it was the perfect way to tell Justin! He couldn't believe it, but it's true!! He was so excited, as am I!

I had gotten this shirt for Duke about a year ago, just waiting for the time I could put it on him, this was how we told people about the new babe to be!!

He's going to be a great big brother

This is the ultrasound from our first Dr. appoinment on July 1st, i was a little over 6 weeks here

This was from the Dr. visit on Aug. 2nd, amazing how much he/she has changed!

And this was from Aug. 5th, just a couple days later it looks so much differet but I think it's just a better picture!

We are so excited to go on this pregnancy journey and wait for our little one to get here. Yes, we will be finding out the sex AS SOON as we can!!

Baking with Diet Coke = amazing

2011-05-09T11:46:00.001-04:00

Diet Coke Cupcakes
(I know what you are thinking but these were suprisingly really good)

{Makes about 18 cupcakes for 125 calories each + frosting calories}

1 box dry chocolate cake mix
12 oz Diet Coke
frosting

Mix together. (DO NOT use any of the ingredients called for on the box!)

Fill cupcake cups about 2/3 full. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-16 minutes.

Let cool and add frosting

wedding dress photo shoot

2010-12-21T13:48:00.003-05:00

So LAST Nov Jessica and I got to do a photo shoot in our wedding dresses, it was supposed to be a "trash the dress" type thing but we didnt really want to trash our dresses so this is what we got!! here are a couple...

Family Pictures

2010-12-07T11:23:00.004-05:00

Birthday Week!

2010-10-13T08:39:00.001-04:00

This is my birthday week!!! When I came into work on Monday my office was decorated!! How nice of my friends!!! I love it!!! I am half way through the week and looking forward to this weekend!!

October Birthdays

2010-10-08T08:43:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow my sisters will be 26! It is crazy that in 4 years they will be 30!! I still think of them as little girls even though they both have each have a daughter. It just doesn't seem possible that they would be 30 ever!!

I know so many people who have birthday's in October it is not even funny! I think yesterday I counted 6 people! I think I know at least one person who has a birthday each week of Oct!

Next Saturday is my big one! Can't wait!

Happy Birthday October birthday buddies!

Happy Birthday Justin

2010-10-04T15:15:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Justin's birthday, he is 29! We get to be the same age for 2 weeks, then I am off to the land of 30!! oh well, looking forward to it!

Think Pink!

2010-10-04T15:06:00.002-04:00

This weekend my mom, my sisters, my niece Kayla, and I all got a pink hair extension for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Lexi is still too little! They put Kayla's in a perm solution so it woudl be curly like her hair. You can't really see everyone's in this picture but we all have them! It was fun, we spent the day togheter at the hair salon, then off to lunch and then to a pumpkin patch! I am so happy we are so close and can do these things together!

Kayla is standing on something, she is not really that tall! She also thought she was hot stuff with her Hannah Montana arm gloves! She told Justin-"She's a rockstar, duh!"

Strides Against Breast Cancer

2010-09-28T08:26:00.002-04:00

On October 23rd I am walking for Making Strides toward a world with more birthday's, if you would like to join me or donate please visit my personal page.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY11GreatLakes?px=12921476&pg=personal&fr_id=28067

Don't forget, October is Breast Cancer month, donate or do what you can! I hope to get my pink extension again this year!

Thank you!

2010-09-28T08:19:00.002-04:00

This is the view behind our house, I love when the fields are freshly cut, it looks so pretty! Justin has been very busy the last month or so, first was seed corn and now that the fields are being cut he is busy busy busy!

On another note, I am going to be 30 in less than 3 weeks!!! That is just too crazy, I remember when 30 seemed so old, now it is not so old! I am actually pretty excited for 30, I think good things will happen in my 30's!

Duke

2010-09-28T08:16:00.003-04:00

How cute is my dog! I just love him!!

I am so happy he lets me put crazy things

on him and just sits there so I can take his

picture!

He looks good in a bow tie!

Missing my Dad

2010-08-04T13:24:00.002-04:00

My dad passed away 13 years ago today. It is so crazy that it has been that long. My sisters have not lived longer without him than with him.
I do think about him everyday but today even more. I wish we could go visit the grave site but he is buried in Iowa, luckily I will get to go at the end of the month.
Tonight my mom, sisters and I will get toghether and talk about old times!

Tripp Thomas Sinders

2010-07-26T15:27:00.002-04:00

It is finally time to introdue Tripp to the world!

He has had everyone

a little nervous, putting mom, Kara,

on bed rest at about 20 weeks.

But he is here now, only 5 weeks early!

He is 5 lbs and 8oz 17 1/2 inches long.

I can't wait to meet him and watch him grow up!

June 25th

2010-07-26T15:24:00.002-04:00

Two years ago Justin proposed! It was one of the happest days of my life! It is so crazy that it was 2 years ago already and we have been married for 1 year. So many things have happened in the last two years.

The stresses and joys of planning the wedding, being in Ginny's wedding a month after ours and attending Jessica's a month after that.

Losing family members

Gaining a niece, a cousin and a nephew...along with lots of other friends having babies.

There is so much to look forward to in the next 2 years and the many many more to come!

2010-06-15T10:28:00.000-04:00

Abbey just sent me this picture of Lexi at daycare

So cute!!!

Bunnies

2010-06-10T09:50:00.002-04:00

So last Friday Duke was outside, I happened to look out to see what he was doing because he had been pretty quiet and that is never good. Well I see that he has something in his mouth, at first I thought it was a mouse, but then realized it was a baby bunny! I freaked out. It was still alive (thank God) I saw that there was another one too. I finally found the nest, it was in our fenced in back yard!! I finally got Duke inside and then thought, ok, what do I do! I have to put them back in their nest! I got some paper towels and scooped them up and put them back. They were so little, eyes not open yet. (See picture above) I Made the nest back as best I could and waited to see if the mom would come back. The 2 he got out of the nest were not hurt too bad, he didnt bite them, no punctures, just a scratch or two.
Well, mama wasn't coming back. I finally looked online and read that mom only comes back to the nest at night and that if you/or your dog/cat do find a nest, and disrupt it you are to put it back the best you can, the mom will come back. It also said to make sure make a tic tac toe board (#) on the nest with sticks and if they are messed up or moved the next day you know she came back...of course i did that! But in the mean time we had to take Duke out on his leash so he didn't go right back to the nest!
The next morning I went to see and yep mom came back! I also heard that if your scent is really strong that she will move them because she might think they are in danger...so there I am rubbing my hands all around the nest area....but the # back on the nest and then waited, thinking that the next day she would have them moved!
Nope, Sunday morning they were still in the same spot! Well, Duke was going crazy because he wanted to just run around the yard and we were going crazy taking him on the leash each time he had to go out(how did we do that for 2 1/2 years I dont know!) so I had read that you can move the nest yourself up to 10 feet away from the original spot.
So I get the measuring tape out and see that I can move it to the other side of the fence! I get my gloves and the shovel out and dig a little hole, then I move them 2 by 2 (there were 7 of them!) over to their new home, I moved as much as the original nesting stuff with them because I wanted the mom to be abel to find them! Again I put the # sign on to see if she found them the next morning. The 2 Duke had gotten out were still alive and healing really good!
Sunday-Success!!! she found them and they were all ok!

It was very eventful and Justin thought I was crazy but I had to save the baby bunnies!!!

One Year

2010-06-01T14:59:00.002-04:00

Happy One Year Anniversary to US!

This weekend was our 1 year wedding anniversary! It is so hard to believe that it has been a year already! It went by so fast.
We had a great pretty relaxing weekend so that was nice, we went to a winery in MI and then over to the Stray Dog for dinner in New Buffalo. Our cruise in April was kinda our anniversary gift to each other so that was fun. I did get flowers at work though!
We also saved the top of our wedding cake and ate it this weekend, suprisingly it was really good!!!

I am so happy that I was able to marry my best friend! We went on our first date 12 years ago May 1st!! we then dated for about 2 years, broke up for 4 years and have now been back together for 6! I guess it was just meant to be!

Within in the next year we plan on adding to our family, no not pregnant yet but we will be trying soon! I am both excited and scared to move to that next chapter of our lives!

Lexi's party

2010-05-04T14:50:00.002-04:00

Saturday was Lexi's 1st birthday party! There were 8 kids there so she had a good time!!

Softball

2010-05-04T14:48:00.001-04:00

Justin is playing softball this year so it will be fun to go to all his games on Thursdays. Here are some pics from the first game!

Here he is batting and running to fist! Safe!

Doggie Day Care!

2010-05-04T14:44:00.002-04:00

So I had my first experience with my own doggie daycare, well kinda! Last week everyone on my team at work brought their dog over to our house to play, there were 8 dogs total!! We had a good time watching all the dogs, big and small, play. We didn't have any fights at all!!

Happy 1st Birthday Alexia!!

2010-04-28T10:39:00.002-04:00

Today is Lexi's 1st birthday! I can't believe she is 1 already!! Time has really gone by so fast! That means in one month Justin and I will be married one year already!!

Last night we had dinner at mom's for her birthday and I got her this cute 1st birthday dress/shirt so I had to take some pictures of her!

Her Birthday party is this weekend and it should be a lot of fun!!

How cute is this! She was so excited!!

Ballerina?

Of course I had to play with Kayla too, here she is flying!!

Sleepy puppy

2010-04-28T10:37:00.001-04:00

I took this pictue in the morning, Duke likes to cuddle (and I love it) so when i pulled the covers back this is what he looked like! It was too cute not to take a picture of!

Homemade Dog Treats!

2010-03-17T11:58:00.002-04:00

There was a bake sale going on at work and the money was going to the Humane Society, since I got a dog treat cookbook for Christmas I decided it would be fun to make dog treats and the Humane Society bake sale would be a perfect place for them!! I was up all night making them and they turned out really good!! Of course my taste tester Duke loved them!!

Thanks for my doggie treat cookbook Ginny!!

The babies have arrived

2010-03-16T13:17:00.006-04:00

All of the babies have made it!!

Frist was Carter and Nora on the same day, Feb 18th, now we have..

Shiloh Renee Hershberger, born Tuesday March 16th, 7lbs 20 inches!
So excited for Travis and Miranda, she is such a doll. Can't wait to see her grow up!

Riehl Priestly Wade Hilliard, born March 11th, 7 lbs 3 oz. 20 1/2 inches long.
Congrats to my good friends Jennifer and Jason!!
I hate that we live so far apart but so happy for you and can't wait to meet him this summer

Easter Bunny

2010-02-24T10:49:00.002-05:00

How cute is Lexi with her bunny ears on!! Abbey said they are going to go see the Easter Bunny when it is time, wonder if she will like it!!
Lexi will be 10 months this weekend, time sure flies!! She is so close to walking on her own! She walks around pushing her walking toys and Abbey said she gets braver and braver everyday!!

Baby Nora

2010-02-23T14:59:00.004-05:00

Well, as you can tell the baby frenzy has started! My friend who lives in Spain had her baby girl the same day as my sister-in-law. How cute is baby Nora! I can't wait to meet her this summer when Sara comes home!

Next is Miranda!! Another girl hopfully to come next week and then Jennifer the week after with a boy!!

So many babies!!!

My first nephew!!

2010-02-23T09:41:00.004-05:00

Carter James was born on Feb 18, weighing 8lbs 2oz and is 20 inches long. After trying to get him out on her own Sara had to have a C section but all is well! We are so happy he is finally here!!! So excited to have a nephew!!

Wedding dress display

2010-01-26T13:35:00.002-05:00

I have not been able to box my dress up and put it away so I decided to display it in our bedroom!! Yes, this is in our bedroom for the moment, I know at some point I will have to put it up but I just couldn't do it yet, it has been cleaned though. For now I will keep enjoying looking at it!!! (yes i know this may be a little weird!)

Summer

2010-01-26T13:31:00.002-05:00

It has started snowing again and it almost feels like winter is starting all over. Last week it was pretty nice out, yes mid 30's is nice out right now! Over the weekend it was 52 out and I even took Duke for a walk!! Now, back to winter. It is making me really look forward to summer.
Some things I am looking forward to:

4 friends will have 4 new babies first of all, the first to come any day now!!
3 day cruise in April!
Trip to Vegas in May!
round 2 of people turning 30 in June
starting to TRY to get pregnant!!- I am starting to really feel the itch to get pregnant, I think I need to start having kids to fit in with my friends again!! BUT we will wait until June!!!!!

Happy Birthday Alissa!!

2010-01-13T11:07:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we went to Ft Wayne to celebrate Aliss's 30th birthday!!
Phil and I had planned a little suprise dinner with some friends and her parents and she was very suprised, all week she thought no one was coming for her birthday!
She is the first of many of us turning 30 this year. In May some of us are going to Vegas to celebrate 30th birthdays, this summer we are going to do something and possibly this fall too!!! Can't wait!

This is the cake I made with my big cupcake cake pan!!

New Years Eve

2010-01-13T11:04:00.002-05:00

This year for New Year's we went to Indy to stay with Heather and Mike. Mike and Brooke also went out with us!!
We had fun doing something different this year!!
Thanks for having us guys!!

Christmas

2010-01-13T11:01:00.002-05:00

Christmas was really fun this year, our first Christmas as a married couple!!
Kayla of course is at a great age and was so fun, she was so excited about every gift she opened!!!

Yes, Duke had PJ's!!

Wedding dress photo shoot

2010-01-13T10:59:00.002-05:00

So Jessica called me with this great idea for her photographer from her wedding to take some fun pictures of us in our wedding dresses, of course I am up for wearing my wedding dress again!! here are a couple shots I got with my Camera. I can't wait to see the ones from the photographer!!!

Growing up

2010-01-13T10:54:00.005-05:00

Here are some cute pictures of my niece's, they are growing up so fast. Lexi is already 8 months old!!

Happy New Year!! 2010

2010-01-13T10:51:00.001-05:00

Well, I have been MIA...sorry!!
With this new year there are so many things going on i will need to blog more often!!
So far Alissa has turned 30!! many more of those yet to come this year.
And off the top of my head I can already think of 6 babies that will be born!!
It is going to be a crazy year!!

I am going to update several things here so keep up!!

Still here

2009-11-09T14:51:00.002-05:00

Hello, I have been very bad about blogging lately. I admit I used to blog at work most of the time and then for quite awhile they had blogs blocked so I wasn't able to keep up. I since have been really slacking!

Not too much is going on however.

Last weekend we had a shower for Sara Reed, it was really fun and she got some great stuff!!
It seems that everyone is pregnant...Sara Reed, Sara Fisel, Jen Hilliard, and Miranda Zimmerman!! Just so crazy! we are still planning on waiting but not for long, we will try mid next year!! As of now we have a cruise planned for Feb and I am going to Vegas with the girls to celebrate the year we turn 30 in May so after that game on!!

Pumkins

2009-10-13T20:20:00.002-04:00

Justin and I went to the pumpkin patch tonight and picked out some pumpkins, it was fun!!

A couple years ago I saw a Martha Stewart show where she painted glue on pumpkins and then put glitter on them...here was my attempt at it!!

Hello again

2009-10-12T18:49:00.002-04:00

Hello! I have not blogged for quite some time! They blocked our access at work and I've been lazy and have not done it at home! I had my first real workout in 5 months tonight, boy am I out of shape!! I am already sore, but its a good feeling!!

I have really been thinking about starting my own business, a doggy daycare/dog boarding/grooming. I really want to do it but I need to find land, $$ and all the specifics, I am trying to get as much information as I can and go for it, I would love to do it by January but I don't think that is going to happen, we'll see! Wish me luck!! I really think I would like running my own business and working for myself.

Babies galore!

2009-09-16T10:18:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I went to my friend Sara's baby shower. She lives in Spain and will only be here for a couple more weeks so they had it early, I am so happy I was able to go and to see her prego!! She won't be back until after the baby is born, she is due in Feb.

So many people are pregnant right now it is crazy, don't worry I am not announcing anything! If things go as planned you won't be hearing it from me until next year!!
As of now 4 of my close friends are pregnant, and one friend is trying! About 4 friends/family had babies this year and we will have about 4 more next year! so exciting

Baby Cameron turns one next month, I can not believe he is going to be one, he is growing up so fast and is so close to walking on his own. Such a big boy!!

Pictures from Iowa

2009-09-16T10:16:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures I took when we were in Iowa

Kayla and I were swinging on grandpa's swing

If you look close you can see the sheep!

Lawn swing

2009-09-14T15:17:00.001-04:00

Over the last year my grandpa built me my own lawn swing, there was always one at my grandparents, my parents had one and I think my uncle has one and I now have my very own, the last one built by my grandpa! I am so happy to have this from him. We brought it back from Iowa with us and got it up this weekend. It is right in the back yard by the field, it will a nice relaxing place to go swing. I know Kayla will love to come over and swing on it!!

updates

2009-09-11T16:27:00.005-04:00

Hunter was the stray dog that we had for about a month. I am happy to announce that he went to his new home about 2 weeks ago, we found a really great family that lives on a farm and has a pond, 2 younger boys for him to play with, I think he is very happy at his new home. Although I cried when he left I am sure he is being taken care of very well.

So most of you know that I have been wanting a fence put up for about 2 years or longer...well the time had FINALLY come!! I think we will have it up in a week or so!! You have no idea how happy I am!!

2009-09-11T16:13:00.002-04:00

Last Wednesday my grandpa passed away, he was my last living grandparent. I can only be so happy that we had so many great years with him, he got to see me get married and he got to meet 2 great grandchildren.
We all went to Iowa for the funeral which was very nice. We stayed at my grandparents house which was different with both of them being gone now. Kayla got to go to the farm for the first time, she liked seeing the sheep and playing with Mika! It was so nice to see family, just too bad it was for that reason. We got to visit my dad's grave. Since it is in Iowa we don't get to go very often, I am really thinking about having it moved back here, I mentioned to my mom once but we'll see if we can work something out!

My mom is so strong, in her lifetime she has lost a brother, husband, and both parents, along with grandparents, aunts...

The next day Justin's 15 year old cousin died. He was on his 4-wheeler and was hit by a truck. It was such a tragic thing, it is still very hard to even believe. It was very hard for the family. I can not imagine losing a child or even a sibling. It was so sad to see all of his friends at the viewing and funeral, to be 15 and to lose a friend would be so hard.

It is sad that it takes things like this for us to realize how great our friends and families are. I love you all and appreciate you more each day!!

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers

Jan. 28, 1994 - Sep. 3, 2009
MISHAWAKA - Joshua Reed was a very vibrant 15-year-old boy. He was taken from this world by a truck accident on Thursday evening. Josh was a bright light who warmed all around him. He loved ATVing, snowboarding - anything fast. Josh was much loved by family and friends. Our hearts ache with his loss. He was beautiful and smart, and we loved him with all our hearts. Josh was a true friend to so many; he cared and helped whenever he could. He was big-hearted and always tried to do the right thing. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. There will never be anyone to replace him. He was a great asset to his family, always helping his Dad on our dairy farm. He was a Madison Twp. 4-H member, showing both pigs and cattle. Josh loved his My Space page and how it let him keep in touch with his many friends. The family would like all of his friends to leave a message on his page so we can read it. If you have pictures to share, his family would appreciate it. Josh was a Penn High School freshman, having come from Grissom Middle School. He was the greatest son anyone could ever ask for: I pray that God takes care of my baby now. Josh is survived by his father, David Reed; mother, Marci Reed; brothers, DJ (Heather) Reed, Eddy (Jenn) Reed, Jakob Reed and Jonathan Reed; maternal grandparents, Ed and Shirley Thomas of South Bend, Charles and Berniece Vogel of Ft. Worth, TX; paternal grandfather, James (Elaine) Reed of Cassopolis, MI; and many aunts, uncles and cousins, and one nephew, Jackson. Josh was a parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation for Josh will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 3:30 p.m. Monday, September 7, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, with visitation one hour prior in Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Road, South Bend, with Rev. Bernard Galic officiating. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Woodland. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children's Foundation, 30 South Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at http://www.hahnfuneralhomes.com/.

Tattoo Party!

2009-08-31T12:02:00.006-04:00

This weekend I had a tattoo party, I know it sounds crazy but its actually great! The artist comes right to the privacy of your own home and you can have your friends over! Some just watch and others get some ink!!
Here are some pictures of the brave ones!

I got my toe tattoo touched up, I got it 10 years ago so it needed it!

Jennifer was brave, she got 5 butterflies!

Justin's cousin Alain got flowers on her wrist

My sister Abbey got Alexia's name on her side

Such neat writing!

My friend Abby got the "Aum" symbol on her side

Next I am going to get my dad's initals with some angel wings, I planned to get it that night but couldn't decide exactly how I wanted it, so he will be back in 2 weeks and I'll get it then!!!

Duke and Hunter

2009-08-19T15:35:00.002-04:00

So here are a couple pictues of Duke and Hunter playing, they do love to play!! Hunter is the stray that I am still trying to find a home for however it looks like as of now we are his home!!

There are a couple people interested if they could just come and see him I know they will love him.

The longer we have him the harder it is going to be to give him to a new family. As long as I know they will be good to him and love him it will be ok.
If we had a fence I would keep him but it is just too hard with 2 dogs, one who will stay and doesn't need tied up and one who would just run for days! It is kinda funny that the one that needs to be tied up is Duke! Hunter runs around the yard but that is about it, no worries that he will take off, Duke is another story and our home is the only one he knows!

2009-08-19T15:32:00.002-04:00

I love my nieces! They are just so cute!! Kayla loves being the big cousin and now likes to hold Lexi and talk to her. I spent some time with them last weekend and it is so cute to see Kayla with Lexi, she talks to her like we do, it is so funny!

Lexi looking up at her big cousin Kayla!

Lexi got her ears pierced!

2009-08-14T16:23:00.000-04:00

How cute is she!!! I just love her!

More Dogs!

2009-08-12T11:57:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I have a calling, if only I could make some money donig it and have my own business I would!!

I need to find homes for 2 dogs.
About 2 weeks ago a stray came to our house, he is a very sweet dog and he is so nice. I found him a home and they had him for a week but the girl is allergic and it wasn't going away. They brought him back last night. He is a lab-newfoundland mix. He is really good with kids and other dogs. They said he only had 1 accident in the house the whole week! I think he is maybe a year old. very playfull and so nice....

The next one is Rockie's son's dog Marley. She is a basset hound about 2 years old. She needs to be the only dog and no kids. She likes to be the only one!!

If you know anyone that is looking for a dog or wants a dog Please let me know!!!!

Thanks!!

10 Year High School Reunion

2009-08-12T11:16:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we had our 10 year high school reunion...I can't beleive I have been out of high school for 10 years!! Class of 1999!!
It wasn't like I thought it would be...I guess I wanted it to be like a movie!! You know, everyone dresses up, you wear name tags, there are awards, stuff like that...nope!
Friday night people could meet up at Corby's. Instead we went to our friend Dave's house, it was a lot of fun and did get to see people I haven't seen since high school. I think lots of groups did their own thing on Friday.
Saturday there was a picnic during the day and then you could go to a Silverhawks game that night...I opted to not do either of those but then everyone met up at Bar Louie so we did that. Again, it was fun just not how I thought it would be!!
Pretty much everyone looked the same!

Ginny, Heather and I talked Jeff, our class president, to do another one at 15 years and then 20. We told him we would help plan it and that we wanted it at Penn and to do a Prom theme, then maybe I'll get my "movie" reunion!!!

My Dad

2009-08-05T09:17:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was the day my dad died 12 years ago. It is hard to believe it has been that long. In some ways it seems like it has been longer but in other ways it seems like it was yesterday. My sisters were 12 when he died so they have lived half their life without him.

Last night us girls went to dinner and talked about old stories! It was fun to be my family!

I have this picture on my dresser in my room of me and my dad when I was a baby

Jessica's wedding

2009-08-05T09:15:00.002-04:00

Last weekend was the last of the wedding's this year!! It was a busy summer with 3 weddings back to back!!

We had a good time and it was great to see Nick and Nate again!!

Twins

2009-07-24T10:23:00.002-04:00

This is always bound to happen when you and your friends have the same shirt! Anna and I knew we both had this shirt we have always been lucky enough to wear it on different days...well today I got to work and we both had it on! Oh well!

one time Woodlee and I both wore Save the Tata's shirts to the mall-not on purpose-and people keept looking at us, we just acted like we had done a breast cancer charity walk right before we got there!! : )

2009-07-24T10:21:00.001-04:00

This morning when I went upstairs to get dressed this is what was in bed, how cute is that!!

Lexi

2009-07-17T12:23:00.003-04:00

My sister just sent me this picture of Lexi, how cute is that!

Weekend in Indy

2009-07-13T12:41:00.004-04:00

This weekend I went to visit Heather in Indy. Friday night we met up with Alissa and went to the No Doubt concert, it was awesome!!
I took Duke with me to Indy because Justin was going to be working most of the time while I was gone and I felt bad leaving him. He was a very good car rider and was SO excited to see his friend Knute!!! They played and played all weekend, they got some naps in too though!!

Fair Week!

2009-07-13T12:35:00.002-04:00

last week was fair week and it was great!!! I love fair food and could not wait to eat all my favoirtes! This year I only went two days though. Sunday was the dairy beef show and Justin helped out in the show ring. They also had fireworks so we watched those on Sunday too (July 5th). On Wednesday Kayla came and she loved the animals-she really takes after me!!!

Free Black Lab

2009-07-09T12:54:00.003-04:00

UPDATE: Mya has found a home!!!!

A lady at work posted the following about a black lab, if you are anyone you know are looking for a black lab for your home let me know!

How anyone can leave their dog like that is just devistating to me. I may have to take her and try to find her a home!

Abandoned Black Lab - Female

Description: The family that lived in my South Bend home, left the residence and a black lab. She is about one year old, has had her shots (from the tags on her collar), and is very friendly. All I know, truthfully, is that the family had children (so she is children-friendly) and her name is Mya. If you know of anyone who would like to have her, please contact me in the Commenting Dept., cubicle #75. I am giving her away to a good family at no cost. I would take her but already have two dogs and cannot take anymore. Please help me find her a good home - She is currently at the South Bend residence and we are feeding and watering her until I can find her a home.
Price: FREE

Water Park

2009-07-09T11:27:00.003-04:00

This is just too funny to not share. For Kayla's birthday we all went to a water park. Ashleigh, Kyle, Justin and I were in the lazy river...we came to a spot where there was a waterfall on one side and we were all trying to stay on the other side so we would not go under, well Justin kept telling me to pull him out(or so I thought) over and over, I thought he was trying to get me to help him stay on the side without the waterfall, boy was I wrong! Finally he said a little louder "NO, your nipple is out!" oops! guess some people got a little show!! I fixed it right away and it wasn't completely out but it was good for a laugh!!

4th of July

2009-07-09T11:21:00.003-04:00

For the 4th we went to Jess and Larry's on Eagle lake, unfortunately the weather was not as we hoped, it was very overcast and a little raining. We still had a fun day! Kara, Paul and Ava came, Heather, DJ and Jackson, Justin Duke and I and Heather Woodlee came too!! Seth and Loe were there to so that was fun!!
Duke has never been around water before so I thought he might be a little scared but nope! I had taken his tie out so he would stay in the yard, Louie the dog has an invisible fence so he stays and does not jump in the water, well the dogs were being good so I thought I would let Duke just run around, right about that time a lab across the chanel started barking, of course Duke wanted to go play, he ran down on the pier, looked around and jumped in!! I was the only one outside so I'm yelling Duke! and run down and jump in the water to save him...ok, i dont know if he needed saving but I was freaked out! he has never swam and I've been told that boxers don't swim, either way he was a little shocked too, never beeing in water like that before too. There was also no way for him to get out so he needed me!! I had to yell for Paul to come out and help me get him, and myself out of the water! Justin wasn't there yet. Oh and did I mention I still had all my clothes on!! Luckily the water was not deep and I could touch but it was still pretty funny! I wish I had a picture!

Happy Birthday Heather!

2009-07-02T16:16:00.003-04:00

So as I am posting the birthdays I realized that I missed Heather Woodlee's-only because I was busy with Ginny's wedding stuff!!
Happy Late birthday Heather!! I had fun spending all weekend with you and can't wait to go see No Doubt next weekend and finally come stay with you in Indy!!

Happy Birthday Heather!

2009-07-02T16:14:00.004-04:00

Heather's birthday is this weekend on 4th of July!! It's her first birthday as a mom!
Hope you have a great day!! I know you will because you will be with everyone at the lake!!

Happy Birthday Ginny!

2009-07-01T13:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Ginny!!
Your wedding was great, hope you are having a blast on your honeymoon!
Can't wait to see you when you get back Mrs. Vanderbeek!

Happy Birthday Kayla!

2009-07-01T13:35:00.001-04:00

Kayla turned 4 on Monday!! The day before we all went to the Deep River water park and had a good time. On Monday we had dinner at Jill's. I got her a Hello Kitty digital camera and Hello Kitty puzzle.

Here is Kayla holding baby Alexia

Nana got her a new big girl bike!

Ginny's Wedding!!

2009-06-30T13:10:00.008-04:00

While at the luau Heather and I got eaten alive by what we thought were mosquitos...we're not sure though! Heather's skin reacted worse than mine did though!

Oh Well we were still able to get cute pedicures!!

For rehearsal I wore the bridesmaid dress that Alissa wore in my wedding! It was fun!

Jess's Couples shower/Gin's Luau

2009-06-30T13:07:00.002-04:00

To start the weekend of festivities off we had 2 parties to go to on Thursday. First was Jessica and Larry's couple shower(bottom) and next we were off to Ginny and Chad's Luau!!

Wedding Pictures

2009-06-23T15:38:00.000-04:00

Hello!! I have posted a link in my blog list of the wedding pictures taken from the photographer that way if anyone wants to order any they can. It is on the right hand side and labeled Wedding and Engagement pictures. You can choose to look at the engagement session or the wedding!!

Ginny's Bachelorette Party

2009-06-22T16:47:00.004-04:00

This last weekend was Ginny's Bachelorette Party. We went to Round Barn winery during the day, and out on the town at night. We had a lot of fun, can't believe she is getting married this weekend!!!

Kevin, you should of come to our weddings!

Babies!

2009-06-18T08:40:00.005-04:00

So as you know, I am convinced that I am doomed to have twins! Yesterday Abbey and I took Lexi over to meet Jackson. I decided I should see how its going to feel to have 2 babies at once!!

They are about 6 weeks apart but pretty close in size!!

Jackson is on the left and Lexi on the right, she weighs about one pound more but they are the same length!! Keep in mind Lexi was only born only 6lbs and Jackson was 8lbs

Justin meeting Jackson for the first time

Lexi out to lunch with the girls!

Kayla loves being the big cousin!! Such a good helper!

Photo Booth

2009-06-16T09:04:00.003-04:00

I rented a photo booth for the wedding and it was the best thing ever!! It was so much fun and I think everyone had a good time with it! I would highly recommend getting one! They would be great for bithday or graduation parties too!!

Some of my favorite pics...

2009-06-12T15:24:00.000-04:00

Honeymoon!!!

2009-06-12T14:08:00.006-04:00

Here are just some picutres from the honeymoon!! I will try to write some details about them soon!!

Wedding Day!!

2009-06-12T14:01:00.008-04:00

These are just some from the wedding day. It was so much fun!

Rehearsal

2009-06-12T13:51:00.008-04:00

Welcome Jackson James Reed

2009-06-11T15:04:00.004-04:00

I got to go meet Baby Reed at lunch and he is so cute!!!! He came into the world at 8:11 am today and weighed in at 8lb 4oz and is 21 inches long. For some reason he just seems big! I can't wait to go see him again tonight!! Mom and baby were both doing great!

Welcome Baby Jackson, we've been waiting for you!!!

Happy Birthday Duke!!

2009-06-10T12:31:00.002-04:00

Today my baby boy turns 2 years old!!!

Here are some pictures of him with us on our wedding day!!!

Hello I am alive!

2009-06-10T11:25:00.002-04:00

Hello!! I have not been able to blog for awhile since I was so busy getting readay for the wedding and then getting married and going on our honeymoon but I am back!!!

There is so much to update on so I will just list a few things and then will have to come back and post pictures and go into more deatils!!

First, the week before the wedding was crazy busy, lots of lose ends to tie up but in the end everything was PERFECT!!!
The wedding was amazing and suprisingly nothing went wrong! I couldn't of asked for a better day, weather was great, friends and family were/are great!!! It was just what I always wanted!!!

The honeymoon was also perfect! we had great flights, great weather and we got to do something I have always wanted to do...swim with dolphins!!! so much fun, now we are back to reality : (

While we were away we found out we are going to be getting a little niece or nephew early next year...Justin's sister Sara is pregnant!!! Very exciting

Heather was able to keep baby Reed in for the wedding as has yet to pop...I did get a text this morning that her water broke at 2 am and they are at the hospital so I am just waiting for the call that he is here!!!!

Anyway, just wanted to say hello!

More to come!

Dogs, Dogs, and more dogs...

2009-05-20T16:12:00.004-04:00

Just a little update! The 2 dogs from my friend at work have found homes!!

If you are looking for a puppy though the spaniel/basset hound mixes still need homes!!

Does anyone want a dog/puppy? There is a girl at work that has 2 dogs she needs to find a home for, she found out she is alergic and keeps getting sick. 1 female blond lab, 1.5 years of age And 1, female 8 month old German Shepherd puppy, the smaller size G.S. breed. If anyone is interested let me know!!

Also some friends dog had puppies...they are springer spaniel/basset hound mix, I think there are 4 that still need homes...again, let me know! If you would like pictures or want to meet the dogs I can arrange that too!!

Bachelorette Party

2009-05-20T13:18:00.002-04:00

Well last weekend was my bachelorette party and it was so much fun!! I am so lucky to have such great friends!! I have some pitures and will post them later.
We rented a bus and went to the Stray Dog in New Buffalo and then came back to the South Bend area and went to Simiri's to enjoy the band and be outside, then off to Club Fever for a little dancing! Don't worry, we hit up Corby's too for a late night hot dog!! Our bus driver Michael was great! He put up with a lot of crazy ladies!!!!
I can't believe I am getting married in 10, yes 10 days!! I can't wait for all of the planing to fall into place! I just don't want the day to fly by even though I know it will. It is going to be such a great day, although emotional without my dad and grandma, it will be the best day of my life!!!! I am so happy to have such great friends and family and that they will all be there with me!!!

Dog Mom

2009-05-20T13:15:00.002-04:00

I realize I don't post many pictures of Duke even though he is my "baby" so I thought I would share some!!
Duke and I went to Justin's softball game last week and of course Duke wanted to play!

One night Justin and I were watching TV and realized Duke wasn't around, I went upstairs and found that he had decided to go to bed already!! So funny!

This is after Doggy Daycare, he was just so tired and was laying with my boxing glove, he is a boxer you know!!!

Pet Refuge

2009-05-07T16:46:00.002-04:00

Last night I did my volunteering at Pet Refuge. When it is time to go I never really want to go but when I get there I am happy I went! Some days really get to me and I get really sad that all these really cute, good dogs are stuck in cages when they should be running in someones back yard but I guess they could be somewhere worse and they are at Pet Refuge where everyone cares about them! Last night was not one of the sad nights, of course it was adoption day and there were lots of people, the nice weather is helping bring people in I think and we were a lot lower on dogs than usual which is nice, more and more are being adopted. However, there are still dogs coming in, some from owners that just can't afford them due to the economy. The dogs that are there really are not bad dogs, they just need the right home. If you are looking for a dog PLEASE look at Pet Refuge, or even the Humane Society, the dogs that are at these places are not bad, they are very good dogs!! I know our next dog will be from Pet Refuge and I hope that we can foster a dog too!! If you know me you will know that if I had it my way I would take them ALL home!! Some day I hope to have a kennel or refgue place of my own where I can help the animals! Until then I will do my volunteering at Pet Refuge and help out that way. Every time I come home I think how lucky Duke is to have such a great life...today he got to go to doggie daycare!! Some of the Pet Refuge dogs get to go there too so I assume they are all best friends!!!

PS 23 days until the wedding!!!

2009-05-05T21:24:00.000-04:00

My Sleepy Boys

2009-05-04T10:45:00.002-04:00

These are my sleepy boys, they are so cute!!!

So tired after our walk!

Alexia Marie

2009-05-04T10:33:00.002-04:00

Look at the little angel! She is so cute. She has been very good, not fussy at all! Abbey sure is lucky!

2009-05-01T10:35:00.006-04:00

Here are more pictures from the hospital. They are in order of how things went down! We got there at 9:30 pm on Monday night

By 3:15 AM we were all a little tired and tried to get some sleep, it didn't really work!

At 8:42 AM it was time to push!

At 8:54 AM baby Lexi was here!

Welcome Baby Alexia!!

2009-04-29T15:39:00.003-04:00

Baby Alexia is finally here!! She was born on Tuesday April 28th at 8:55 am, she weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and is 19 inches long!! Such a cutie!!

We went to the hospital on Monday night at 9:30pm (me, mom, Rockie, Jill, Jarrell, Abbey of course) we were all up all night hanging out and then she finally had her the next day.

i have more pictues but these were from my phone( I forgot my cord to upload to the computer) so more are to come!

Both mom and baby were happy and healthy although Abbey says she will NEVER do it again!!

Sorry these are out of order!

Waiting...

2009-04-27T10:57:00.001-04:00

Well, Abbey is 2 days past due date and we are still waiting!! Last night I thought was for sure the night but nothing! She was having contractions every 10 min and then every 5 min... and then nothing!! Maybe later today we will have soemthing! She had a test at 10:30 am so she was happy to get that over with.

Keep waiting with me!! : )

Hello

2009-04-23T08:27:00.003-04:00

Well, it is now almost a month until the wedding and I feel like I still have way to much to do!! Just the little things that I keep thinking about!
Saturday mom and I are going to go and try to get most of them done though!!
I am having my jewelry made by Ali who sells some of her stuff at Girly Girl and it is so pretty I can't wait to get it!! I got to see a preview yesterday!!
Justin's throat had been hurting last week so he went to the doctor on Friday and found out he had strep throat, I was really hoping that I wasn't going to get it but sure enough, Saturday afternoon mine started hurting so I went on Sunday and yep, I got it too! Now we are both on antibiotics so thats fun!! OH well, at least this wasn't the week of the wedding or somthing!!

Be watching for a Lexi update!!

Gymnastics

2009-04-23T08:25:00.000-04:00

Last night I got to go watch Kayla at her gymnastics class! It was so cute! They are only 3 so it was hanging on the bars and jumping on the trampoline mostly but still cute! She loves it!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2009-04-23T08:20:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday!! Hope you have a good day and we will see you for dinner tonight!!

Counting down the days...

2009-04-23T08:16:00.002-04:00

Abbey is just waiting for something to happen!! Last week at her doctor visit she was dilated 2 cm and they could feel Lexi's head!! She has this week's visit tomorrow (Firday) Her actual due date is Saturday April 25th!! She has an appointment on Tusday the 28th to get induced if she doesn't have her by then!! I guess as of last night she could feel Lexi moving her head and said it was the weirdest feeling!! Everyday at work I just keep waiting for the call!!
As long as it is ok with the doctor Jill, mom and I get to be in the room for the birth!! We were all in there with Jill too! So exciting!!

Downtown South Bend

2009-04-15T14:23:00.003-04:00

Today Anna and I went downtown to lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings, on our way there we saw people picketing! Something about taxes...it was quite interesting!

After lunch we went to the South Bend Chocolate Cafe for a treat and saw a gorilla!-treats are not really on my "diet" but it sounded good, when I got back to work to eat my treat I ended up throwing it away, it was not what I was expecting!

Fun times!

Sun bather

2009-04-09T13:22:00.002-04:00

Almost everyday that the sun is remotely out there is a guy that comes to Howard Park and lays out in the sun. Keep in mind it is like maybe 50 degrees out! He drives his moped, parks it, takes his shirt off, rolls up his shorts as far as he can and lays down on a towel. Who does this is a public area, especially when it is not even hot out! Everyday we all look and him and laugh, one day one of us should go out there and lay next to him to see what he does!!

Engagement Pictures!!

2009-04-07T14:04:00.002-04:00

Today at lunch I got to go see the pictures from Saturday!! They turned out really well!
There is a link for them on my blog list!

Go away winter!

2009-04-06T14:53:00.003-04:00

This is what we woke up to this morning, yes on April 6th. It is crazy, I am so ready for winter to be over its not funny. I need to have some nice weather so it feels like Spring and we have decent weather for the wedding...which is NEXT month!! Crazy how we can have snow today and just 2 days ago it was nice enough for us to get our pictures taken outside! Our engagement pics went really well, I get to go see them tomorrow. I guess I wouldn't really call them engagement pics since we are getting married next month and have been engaged for awhile, but thats what they were called in our photo package so thats what I called them!! We got a really cute one with Duke so I was happy. Britney didn't go but it was better, we only took a couple with Duke anyway.

I am hoping our invitations come this week so we can get them addressed and out the door!! Need to find out who is coming and who is lame and can't make it! : )

Bridal Shower!

2009-04-06T14:48:00.004-04:00

I had my last bridal shower this weekend it is was a lot of fun. I'm not going to lie, it is fun getting gifts!! My mom had this shower for me and some of her best friends helped her. Her best friend, Lola, from Iowa came on Thursday and stayed til Monday to help, they have been friends since like 2nd grade! Diane came from Chicago to help too! I am so happy she has such great friends! Its crazy to think that us girls will be doing this for our daughters one day!

the car was packed!!