happy birthday, Owen!

Happy 5th birthday, Owen!

I can't believe my fantastic little nephew has been with us for 5 years already!

It seems like just yesterday my sister was helping me move into my Senior year apartment at Bucknell and sharing the news that she was pregnant. A blink later and that little bean was crawling, then running, and now he's in preschool.

I love you Owen! You're an awesome kid and I can't wait to see the boy and man you'll become.

A few (dozen) photos from through the years with our guy!

Still cookin'


1 day old!


Hanging with his ladies

8 months old with Aunt Emily


Our little dinosaur

Into everything (literally)

Celebrating his 1st birthday with Aunt Erin!

Christmas 2005, almost 2

All smiles at 3

4th birthday!


Ringbearer for Aunt Erin and Uncle Ryan

I can't wait to add some of the newest 5 year old!

new blog button *update*

So.

Since I posted my new blog button, I showed it to my other half and he informed me that it was "pretty girly."

I guess on some level I realized that, but what I didn't think about was the fact that it also had his name on it. I don't think Drew really cared, but since it does have his name on it, I wanted something he wouldn't be embarrassed over.

That brings us to now. I made a new button in a more "gender neutral" palette.

I love this one too!

Here it is...



I updated the HTML code, so feel free to post it all over the place.

Whoopie pies to those who do (and live along I-80 in PA).

Graditude to the rest.

new blog button!

After seeing so many blogs with cute buttons, I decided to try and make one for myself!

It took some web research and lots of playing around with HTML and Photoshop, but I finally pulled something together that seems to work the way I hoped it would.

Here's the final result...



What do you think??

Feel free to grab it for your page!

Not only do I not mind if you grab it, I'll give you all kinds of props here if you do. :o)

All you have to do is copy and paste the code (found beneath the button on my sidebar) into a new HTML/Java Script widget on your blog.

If you want to make a button for yourself, I'd recommend looking here for a great tutorial on making the button and adding the code scroll box (which I found to be the hardest part).

Thanks, Erin for testing it out for me and being the first to grab it!

As a prize you get lots of whoopie pies delivered to your house on Friday.

The benefits of posting my button begin already!

wordless wednesday

Flowers blooming in Florida.

It's so nice to see live plants outside!

work it, work it

Work it, Alden.

Gotta love a baby with (cute) attitude.

Now once they start talking back, that's a different story!

I love my nephews!

inspired

Today I was playing around on the internet a little and ran across a new-to-me blog that I love.

First, a little background to explain why I love it.

Even before Drew and I got married (I was 22, he was 24) we talked about the fact that we want to adopt a child someday. For some reason that desire has been on both of our hearts from a young age. There are so many kids out there who don't have the chance to grow up in loving homes like we both did -- we'd like to have a part in changing that for 1 (or more!) kiddos.

Anyway, the blog that I found today is written by Kelly, who along with her husband, Justin, have adopted 2 little girls from Vietnam. Their story of bringing these precious little ladies home is so inspirational. I love that Kelly tells it all -- both the encompassing joy and the frustratingly hard parts of adoption.

It's pretty overwhelming to even think about, but God willing, Drew and I will have a similar story to share within the next few years!

I don't usually get this personal on my blog.

Don't worry, it's back to American Idol tomorrow. :o)

favorite thing friday

Drew and I are a family of 2. One great thing about this is the fact that a lot of times I'm running into Target or the grocery store to just pick up a few things.

I often don't need a cart (and if I get one I WILL fill it up), but hate those thin handled baskets the stores provide.

For the first 3 years of our marriage, this was just an unfortunate part of life.

Do I get a cart and impulse shop?
Do I use a basket and dig trenches in my hands?

Then, last spring, my mother-in-law, Linda, gave me a wonderful Easter "basket"



This little basket has changed. my. life.

I wish I was kidding.

My collapsible market tote is so convenient (and super cute, to boot).



It has a fabulous cushioned handle that swings down out of the way for loading/unloading and a zipper pocket on the inside. I always slip my wallet in it when I'm shopping without a purse.

Most of the time, I just leave it in the trunk of my car for when I need to run into the store.

Sometime I bring it in the house to haul stuff around -- it's so much easier than carrying the soda cans up from the basement 3-4 at a trip.



During my bi-weekly larger grocery trips, I'll even put it in the cart to fill when I check out along with my reusable bags. It holds so much more than plastic bags!



After our first few months together I found it so useful that I convinced my Mom and sisters to get one for themselves --- we're all believers now.



Before you spend $40 at Sur La Table for one (although I would totally pay that if I had no other options), check TJ Maxx/Home Goods. Erin and I found some there 1 day for $10!

In the spirit of full disclosure, I do have to give 1 warning.

If you get one be prepared for heads to turn and compliments to fall at your feet.

I've never had as many conversations with strangers in the store than I have in the past 12 months over my basket.

Everyone loves it and wants one!

Plus it makes me feel like Dorothy.



Childhood dream #5...check.

suffocating in my winter coat

I think the thing that I liked best about being in Florida over this past week was how light I felt.

There was a tremendous freedom (physically and emotionally) in being able to leave the house with just the clothes on my back...

...no winter coat

...no 180s

...no gloves

...no boots

I love flip-flops, t-shirts, and capri pants.

One thing I don't love, however, is the 20 minutes it took me every morning to coat myself in SPF 70.

But I'm less troubled by spending time smearing sunblock than I would be by skin cancer, so there you go.

Of course, in all things there is a happy medium.

I missed last Friday's 'Favorite Thing Friday,' so I'm doing a quick post-vacation catch up version now.

For those of you, like me, who need some SPFs, but are in a hurry to get into the sun, please welcome

Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock



A quick spray and you're covered!

I love this stuff!

But.

Based on my experience this past week, I have to give a small disclaimer.

For lots of sun exposure, it really doesn't work as well as a good layer of lotion.

It does work really well, though, for brief times outside or as a touch-up throughout the day.

I hate rubbing lotion on myself with sandy beach hands, so this is perfect. No need to rinse off for the every 90 minute reapplications.

I bought the 4 pack at Costco last summer and used it all the time.

But, until the Cleveland sun shines warm once again, I'll just stick to the Ultra Sheer version for my face.




Nice and light, no breakouts.

Foiled again, skin cancer.

Go sell chemo crazy somewhere else.

100th post!

I decided to make my 100th post from Florida.

I can't believe I've been blogging for less than a year now and have 100 posts already.

Clearly, I have too much free time.

Last night, we decided to hit a movie and saw Taken.

Have you seen it?

It was certainly entertaining and kept our attention, but...

...as Matt put it, "it has a James Bond hero and Austin Powers bad guys"

In other words, the hero did some impressive kicking/punching/shooting, but the villians didn't really put up much fight.

Plus, the daughter character was super annoying.

Plus, when did old men become the standard action hero?

I miss the younger, sexy movie stars doing the fighting and chase scenes.

Where's Brad Pitt?


Where's Matt Damon?


Where's Daniel Craig?


As much as I like Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, these 60ish year old guys just aren't as convincing at the hand-on-hand combat and chase scenes.

Should they be doing AARP ads or something?

Oh well, I digress.

If you're looking for an exciting movie, I'd recommend this one.

Happy 100th post to me!

ahh...

Living it up in warm Florida.

By the numbers:

2.5: Days here

2: Books read (so far)

70: SPF that seems most effective on my pale, pale skin

77: Average temperature during the day

3: Poolside sodas consummed per day

9: Hours of sleep per night

My needs are few. :o)

wordless wednesday

My beautiful sister on her wedding day.

Love you, Erin!

leavin' on a jet plane

Drew and I are heading to Florida tomorrow!

Woo-hoo!!

We're going to visit with his parents for a week

and will see Matt

and Ali

wait, I mean, Matt & Ali

over the weekend.

Adios, 12 degrees and snow

Hello, 77 (degrees and sunblock level)!

I'm taking my computer, so I'll try to post some of our adventures.

If I can leave my beach chair long enough, that is.

everyone knows...

the most delicious part of the muffin...is the top.

Drew and I were watching Season 2 of 30 Rock on DVD this weekend and I heard this song.

It's my new favorite.

Muffin Top has been stuck in my head for going on 3 days now and I decided to share it with everyone.

If you don't watch 30 Rock, you need to start.



It's awesome.

Thanks for making my world a little brighter, Liz Lemon.



I would never knock your Sabor de Soledad.



Enjoy this little video -- it's Muffin Top with photos from the show.

Make sure your volume is waaay up!

happy birthday chris!

Happy 27th birthday to my brother-in-law, Chris!

I hope you have a wonderful one!

favorite thing friday

My house has (what feels like) acres of hardwood flooring.

I can't believe they used this as a selling point and a reason to make us pay more for the home.

As far as I can tell, hardwood floors are:

1) slippery in socks (read: dangerous)

2) much too hard to sit on without a cushion

3) really cold in the winter

4) in need of vacuuming AND mopping to keep clean

5) a little attractive, I guess

So, to summarize, my floors are too cold to walk on without socks, but too slippery to survive on for long while wearing socks.

Enter, the best slippers ever.

Thank you, LL Bean.

Oh, I've had slippers before. In fact, slippers and I have a long, pleasurable history together. The problem is that most slippers don't have the main thing my floors require.

They are typically not skid-proof on the bottom and tend to send me flying (into counter tops, down steps, etc -- nothing major).

I first met these friends at my sister-in-law's house. Raegan received a pair from her sister, so she wouldn't kill herself (or her newborn sons) carrying them around her house full of hardwood floors.

I figured if they worked for her, then I needed to give them try. These slippers are lined with the softest, warmest fleece LL could find. But, the most important part (to me) is their flexible, rubber sole that's thin, but provides awesome traction.

I never slip in these.

In fact, they're so great and I talked them up so much over the past year, that both of my sisters asked for a pair for Christmas this year.

And I got Drew the 'man version' of them.

It's been a great winter so far. Nice warm pigs, no falls.

wearing pink

I'm relatively new to this blogging thing, but I am amazed at how many people I've come across who have stories and situations that touch my heart. I don't know most of these folks personally, but I feel for them and want to support them in the only way that I can -- through my blog!

It was through Heather at Three Under 3 that I first learned about Sydney and Carynne. These 2 sweet girls were born on August 27, 2008 with a congenital disease called Werdnig-Hoffman. This rare disease is a form of spinal muscular atrophy which ultimately leads to the inability to breath on your own. Just last week these 2 precious babies passed away, within a day of each other.

Today, on what would have been their 6 month birthday, they are being put to rest. Please pray for their parents -- I can't imagine what grief they must be feeling at this time. If you'd like to leave them some words of encouragement, you can do so here.

Many of us are wearing pink today to celebrate their lives and to show our support for finding a cure for SMA disease. SMA is the #1 genetic killer of children under 2. If you would also like to show your support in finding a cure for this disease, please sign the petition by following this link.

Petition to Cure SMA

In the meantime, say a prayer for this family and all of the families out there who are fighting this disease.

And wear pink.

idol chatter - the results are in

Well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad.

The show started out well for me -- Allison made it in to the Top 12 in the first round of elimination!

Then things started to fall apart...

I was pretty surprised when Kris made it into the Top 12 instead of Megan. I wasn't very impressed with his "Man in the Middle" routine. But...

...Kris was pretty great during Hollywood week so I'll give him another chance.

Or, I guess America will.

I also (secretly) think that we'll see Megan again as a wild card contestant.

So it's cool.

They left the big final decision between Adam and Nick.

Really, NICK, really?

I mean the guy was pretty funny, but was he seriously a threat to the real singers?

Of course Adam made it. The 12 year old girls needed someone to drain their cell phone batteries voting for.

I can't wait to see the 3rd group next week!

idol chatter

I'm so glad that American Idol is back on! I've been watching for the past few weeks, patiently waiting to get through the auditions (which I like in small doses, but can't take for weeks at a time) until we started hearing from the real singers.

All of Tatiana's drama aside (I don't even want to go there)...I think we're getting down to some great talent.

Or I should say, I thought that we were getting down to some great talent.

Until I saw last night's show.

And had to fast forward on my DVR through some of the more painful performances.

What's going on this season??

The show was painfully kind of boring and the singing (with 1 or 2 exceptions) was TERRIBLE.

In my humble opinion.

I mean, who's helping these kids pick their songs? It sounds like they're getting suggestions from a Cracker Jack box, instead of from the music professionals who claim to run this show.

All frustrations aside, there were some good points!

Here are my predictions for who gets into the Top 12 tonight:

Megan Joy Corkrey

I loved her! She was so different and confident. I'm excited to see what else she brings to the show.

Adam Lambert

I wasn't necessarily impressed with what he did last night, but I know (from Hollywood week) that he has potential. He's also ok to look at, which the young girls (read: voters) will love.

One problem I have with him is his identity crisis. He's somewhere between Pete Wentz (rocker) and Nick Jonas (teeny-bopper). I'm not exactly sure what falls between these 2 extremes...and I'm not sure that Adam does either. That could become a problem.

Allison Iraheta



I also loved her! She's got a unique sound and isn't afraid to just be herself. I'm concerned she might go the way of Amanda Overmeyer (from Season 7). We'll see.

These are my predictions -- watch with me tonight and see who makes it!

Who do YOU like?

hoff-tastic

I first saw this video posted by Jen at Amazing Trips.

It's pretty ridiculous and funny.

And confusing...

I'm not sure what else to say.

Gotta love the Hoff. :o)

wordless wednesday

Golden Pavilion

Kyoto, Japan
August 2006

oscar, oscar

Drew and I watched the Academy Awards on Sunday. We had mixed feelings.

By far our strongest sentiment was...

...how do they make it so LONG?!

After awhile Drew and I took a break to do something else and came back to watch the recorded version and fast forward through the commercials and boring speeches. Excellent plan.

One fun thing about the Oscars is seeing what everyone is wearing. I'm always surprised at how tacky some of the designer gowns are! Don't the stars have stylists to advise them?

If I paid someone $1000s to advise me on what to wear, then I became a Fashion Don't, I'd have a fit.

Let me know if you don't agree, but I think it is ridiculous.

And this.

And this. Oh my.


There were some winners, though!


I think this might be the first year that I have actually seen several of the most talked about movies. It's a lot more fun to watch the awards when you know a little bit about the movies that everyone is talking about.

All in all, it's fun to watch, but the next time I have the choice between 'Oscars' I'm going with this one

Or maybe even this one

dogbert's tech support

I think I was the one on the other end of this call last week.

Have you ever spent more time on hold with "support" than actually being supported?

Ah, life's little pleasures. :o)