it's always better when we're together

What a cute way to share the love

2011-01-30T23:23:00.000-05:00

Love Hugs Kisses Valentine's Day 5x7 folded card

Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Nolan Lucas

2010-11-23T17:38:00.000-05:00

Well I would finally like to introduce Nolan Lucas! Below are some pictures from over the last two months. We have been busy with a very fussy baby the last two months, and just when we started to put him in his room to sleep he has decided the last four weeks to only sleep if he is in his Mommy's arms! Silly little guy, but I am not complaining because I know he is growing way too fast!

Nolan picking his first pumpkin at three weeks old.

Sleepy baby, still a newborn here.

Yea, I am one month old today!

Six weeks old with my monkey buddy!

Momma and I hanging out.

Two months old, this past Saturday the 20th.

Tummy time!

I can smile now!

I go back to work in two weeks, and am really dreading it. I will be going back 9 hour shifts six days a week the first week :0( No easing into that...ugh it is going to be a LONG winter!

It's That Time of Year

2010-11-23T15:07:00.001-05:00

Hi all! I know that it has been two months, and I have been so bad at posting any pictures of Nolan. I am still waiting on receiving his newborn portraits!!! So I promise I will post some of mine tonight.

Speaking of photos, it is that time of year to go ahead and get the Christmas or Holiday cards in the mail! Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is a couple days away! I like to get my holiday cards out right after Thanksgiving week so that they have plenty of time to reach their destination. The last couple years since we got married we have been using photo cards because they are so easy and personal. This year a photo card is a must with the way Nolan is growing so fast!

I usually get them printed at a wholesale club, but this year we are going to use Shutterfly. Shutterfly makes it so easy to load your pictures and pick a cute design. Here are a couple that we are considering for our first family card:

Pretty Poinsettia
Oh What Fun
Bright Merry Story

So many more designs to choose from that would fit your family!! You can get the Christmas cards in folded cards or even flat photo cards! There are so many products to chose from on Shutterfly's sight besides 2010 Christmas cards! We are also going to order Nolan's birth announcements from here as well. Here are some of the designs I am considering:

Simply Charming
Fresh Delivery

So with Shutterfly's low prices and discounts, personalized Holiday cards are the way to go without leaving the comfort of your house. Go to their website to find out how you can get started today, and get 50 free Christmas cards of your own!

http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/

He has arrived!!!

2010-09-23T15:52:00.000-04:00

Our little Nolan Lucas arrived at 1:42 a.m. on Monday September 20th. He weighed 9 lbs 5oz and is 21 inches long. We arrived home yesterday safe and sound. Once I can catch up on some much needed sleep I will post pictures and details on the Labor and Delivery.

I need to get better at this blogging thing...

2010-07-15T10:38:00.004-04:00

I always have the greatest intentions to write a post for my blog, but I always put it on the back burner. So to my fellow bloggers out there how and when do you make time for your own blog? Any suggestions are welcomed!

On to our little one in there...It's a BOY!!! I caved in and had to find out. Our little guy is moving around like crazy lately, and what an amazing feeling that is. We have been working on his room, and our almost finished with it. It is all painted, the crib is here, dresser, changing table all set. We just have to finish the glider, hang things on the wall, make his book sling, and have some baby showers!

I am 31 weeks today and my sister is throwing my first baby shower this coming Saturday. I am really excited to start getting things for him and start putting them in his room. We are down to 9 weeks or less now, and I feel so unprepared!

In the meantime I thought I would share some previous week pictures to tide you over...(I am so bad at posting pictures...they always go to the top, and are out of order. Any tips?) The first one is at 29 weeks, then we have 25 weeks 2 days, and last but not least 21 weeks 3 days!

Have a great Thursday everyone!

I'm back...with some exciting news!!!

2010-04-21T09:41:00.002-04:00

So I am pretty sure that I should receive the most horrible blogger award! It's been about four months and I apologize to all my followers. Starting this new job took SO much out of me, and honestly when you are working 12+ days, six days a week, all you want to do is catch up on sleep. Especially when you are dead tired and exhausted because.........you are EXPECTING! Yes, you read that right...the hubby and I are expecting our first little bundle of joy in September. I am so excited to share the news with all of you! I would like to document most of this journey so I hope that helps to motivate me to get my blog back in order. I will be 19 weeks tomorrow, and I am so anxious to find out what our little baby is!

alive and hanging in there

2009-12-02T21:23:00.002-05:00

Just wanted everyone to know I am still around. The last three weeks at my new job has kept me super busy! Hope everyone had a great holiday. Any specific posts you would like to see? If so, drop me a comment. I would love to hear what my readers want to know about me!

Happy Veteran's Day!!!!

2009-11-11T21:50:00.003-05:00

Thank you to all the Veteran's past and present...

Thank you for not be selfish...

for giving up your life for those that you do not know...

for being brave...

for doing what many of us can not imagine doing day in and out...

Thank you to my husband for being my hero, and to the 48 brothers he lost in 2005. We will FOREVER remember your sacrifices.

Let's catch up

2009-11-03T20:21:00.003-05:00

Well I didn't do so hot on the blogging front in October, did I? To be honest, since we have been back from vacation I just have not been "myself". In the last week my life has received some surprises. Last Monday, I received a phone call from my second job I work in the winter. Also, the same place my husband and I met. Thinking it was regarding my second job I called back immediately, never expecting what came next. They were calling to offer me a position in management full time. I was speechless, I had not even put in a resume (they were so impressed by my hard work on the weekends that they approached me for the position). We met on Wednesday and discussed what they were going to offer. One thing you must understand is that I currently work in downtown Cleveland which is about a 45-60 minute drive from my house. This position would be 15-20 minutes away from my house.

Thursday morning I go to my job as usual and get pulled into the office. My manager then offers me a position in the Akron office which is 15-20 minutes from my house. The catch, they can't promise that it is permanent being that we are going through a merger with another company. This was such a hard decision. I have been putting out resumes since I graduated last August, but have not even received a phone call. For this to happen it was unbelievable, but was going to take a big decision from my heart. Since my one broker (boss) had left in August I was truly unhappy. Since we were TTC, I decided to put off putting any more resumes out in the work force not wanting to have to start a new job and get screwed out of maternity leave.

My husband and I talked it over and over. We would both be working at the same employer full time if I took the position, I wanted him to be okay with that. Well yesterday morning I put my two weeks notice in at my current job, it was a hard thing to do but will only be the best for my future. With the position I accepted, it will be a huge stepping stone for our family in the future. I prayed to God about it a lot over the weekend, hoping he would guide me in the right direction. I am so happy to have that stress behind me, and am really excited to start my new position. My last day will be the 13th which is also my birthday.

So now that you are caught up with my life, I hope to make a effort to blog daily as I go onto this new experience in the up coming weeks. This weekend is going to be very crazy. We have my best friend's son's 1st birthday party and a surprise 50th for my father. So it will be nice to have a little relaxation this weekend! Hope everyone has had a great start this week!

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-11-01T00:18:00.004-04:00

I hope everyone had a safe Halloween!! I will be back tomorrow to catch you up on my life...I have had A LOT on mind lately, and have had many big decisions to make.

A Year Ago Today...

2009-10-04T21:32:00.004-04:00

I married my best friend. The man who stole my heart one winter five years ago. I knew the moment we had our first date that I wanted to marry him.

Seven months into us first dating, Luke went to Iraq for 10 months...we went through so much for a young relationship, it only made us stronger.

Then a year later my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and again we went through hard times. I know that we will make it till death do us part. We have been through so much that some couples at 50 years have not been through. It has made our love so strong, and I knew way before we ever said our vows, what a supportive husband he would be when I went through the hardest time of my life.

I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband, someone that is my rock, my best friend, and who I know will take care of me the rest of my life. Luke, here is to many more years together!!!

Unfortunately, I was sick all weekend so we couldn't celebrate to much. Since I have been a little under the weather I will be celebrating our anniversary throughout the week. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!!!

***All pictures courtsey of Primoshots***

Back to the daily grind...

2009-09-20T22:01:00.005-04:00

Well, I am back...and glad to be at that! I missed all of you!! Our vacation at the OBX was SO relaxing. I really needed that vacation believe it or not. My life has been a bit stressful between work, TTC, my Series 7, and just life in general. I posted a couple pictures to start, and hope to be adding more throughout the week.

The above picture is my neighbor and I down at Hatteras Cape. The waves here were unbelievable.

I was so excited to start decorating for Fall this year. Hard to believe my hubby and I will have been married for a year on October 4th, that is less than two weeks away! Anyone have any anniversary ideas for a couple on a budget? I decided to get a little crazy this year and decorate the front porch. I LOVE how it turned out!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!!!

SO. STRESSED. OUT.

2009-09-03T22:52:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but my life has been overcome by stress. Luckily I am leaving for a little R&R on Saturday. We are going to the OBX with our neighbors for the first time. So I promise I will become well rested and come back with posts filling you on in my life. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!!

The joys of employment

2009-08-20T21:26:00.003-04:00

So this week has been a very strange week. First of all last week after being sick and doing too much thinking had me drained. What I could not talk about last week was my boss was leaving Friday for another firm. I work for a brokerage/financial firm as a Client Service Associate to Financial Advisers. In out industry it is not uncommon for a broker to "up and leave" with no notice to another firm, in fact this is how it is always done for the most part. My boss came over the Sunday before to my house to tell me he was leaving, and could not take me with him. Usually assistants go as well which means big signing bonuses and bargaining HR benefits. I have always known if he was to leave I would go with him...but he could not take me because the firm he was going to was very small and already had three sales assistants to eight brokers. I was really upset because he was the big reason I was staying there after I graduated last fall.

So now I have been looking everyday to find another job. Ughh, I am so unhappy with the toxic environment, but VERY grateful that I have job that so many in this time do not. Then to make matters even more stressful I have been having some strange symptoms that have me going crazy.

In the meantime I have my little sisters wedding this weekend, and a dress that suddenly is a little snug in some places. Oh the joys of being a bridesmaid! I will be extremely busy the nest two days with wedding festivities, but granted I am not too hungover on Sunday, I hope to share some pictures! Everyone have a great and blessed weekend!

A little under the weather

2009-08-12T13:40:00.002-04:00

All of a sudden yesterday my glands were swollen, nose draining, and ear aching. I was sneezing every five seconds, and each hour I got worse. So today I am under my covers on the couch catching up with my friend DVR...with Tucker curled up by my feet. He knows I am sick, its amazing what animals know. I also have alot on my mind lately and am trying to sort things out. On Friday I will be able to share my feelings because right now I can't speak incase someone in my personal life reads my blog. So until then I hope everyone is healthy because this really stinks! Have a great Wednesday!

Kelly's Korner- Show Us Your Reception/Honeymoon

2009-08-07T19:40:00.006-04:00

Well it's Friday again, which means Kelly's Korner!! I would like to apologize ahead of time because my pictures got uploaded out of order and I don't know how to fix it! Again, all pictures courtesy of Primoshots!

This first picture is of our first dance..."Better Together" by Jack Johnson. It became our song when Luke was in Iraq when we were first dating.

I thought that the photographer Mike got a great picture here of everyone dancing, and getting low!!

You can't have a fall wedding without some O-H-I-O...we are all huge fans in the bridal party as you can tell, plus my hubby was a little upset he was missing the game!

This picture is hilarious because it just so happens that my 10 year old brother caught the garter...and from the look on his face he was SO pumped about it. Thank goodness a little girl caught the throw away.

A honeymoon picture snuck in her ;0) Here we are on the beach in Rivera Maya, Mexico the week after...I wish I could have stayed there forever.

Here is our grand entrance to "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve, we were a little excited upon entrance.

We were nice cake eaters. I told him if anything got all over my face he was in trouble!

Here is one of my favorite pictures of the cake able. I was so proud of how it turned out. Everything was perfect, even the cake!

Below, my maid of honor Kelly is giving the speech...I think I may be on the verge of tears here, happy ones though.

And last but not least, our maid of honor and best man strutting into the reception hall...yes with coolers! They thought that they were so clever!

I wish I go do it all over again...then on second hand no need for all the stress!

Need help...

2009-08-03T02:17:00.001-04:00

If you have noticed I have a new header, but the size is messed up. I made this on scrapblog.com, can anyone help to get this to fit in the header correctly? Thanks in advance!!

Finding the right words to say

2009-08-02T23:29:00.000-04:00

A year ago August 1st, I did what I would have thought the un-thinkable: stand up and talk at my mom's funeral at 26 years old. I didn't think that I could do it, in fact my friend from work was sitting in the batters box waiting to come save me if I got out of control. But somehow I got AMAZING strength that day. I spoke from the heart, and hopefully made my mama and my family proud. Do you know we have HUGE building for a church and that it was packed, standing room only? You would have thought my mother was celebrity. I never knew she had touched so many lives; she did. She wanted me to speak that day so I did, and below is my words chosen ever so carefully. I would like to share them with you, since you have been such a great support system:

My mother wanted me to speak today because she told me she thought I was good with words. I find this one of the hardest writing assignments that I have ever had, not necessarily because of the situation, but because I don’t think I can put into words what she truly meant to all of us. She was amazing and inspiring, but even those I do not feel do her enough justice. What I do know is that she is incredible for fighting for so long and never being bitter to why it had to happen to her. She told me numerous times, “not to put a question mark where God put a period.” That is what she did; she never threw that question mark out there. She accepted what so many could not. Her strength was inspiring. I was blessed to have the opportunity to spend three weeks around the clock with her during Easter. It was at this time I saw another side of my mother. Any daughter would consider her mother wonderful and untouchable, but my awe extended past that when people I did not know came and visited my mom at the house. I heard stories of how she made an impact in their lives. I saw her in a new light, not as my mother, but instead the magnificent friend and role model she was to others. And as people came and went, there was one word which everyone used constantly: inspiring. I then realized they were right and she had been inspiring to her family and others her whole life. She truly felt God needed her early for a higher purpose, a spectacular, amazing purpose in heaven and that she would still be able to influence our lives from heaven. Whatever that higher purpose is, I know that she will give it all her heart, because that is what she did here on earth. I have never known someone who had so much love to give. That is the most important thing I have learned from my mother, is how to love others unconditionally, and because of her I have so much love to give. So today she would want us to celebrate the love she gave to so many of us. She told me she did not what this to be a somber occasion, but instead a celebration of the memories we shared with her. So while it may hurt to accept the fact that she is gone, look into your heart and feel the love she gave to each of you and remember that she is no longer suffering; instead she is fulfilling her higher purpose in heaven as I speak. As she is smiles down on us today, be thankful for the opportunity of knowing such an astounding person; cherish your memories and hold her in your heart forever. Sing loud today so that she can hear up above, she would love that. Though it will feel like eternity, we will see her once again at the heavenly gates. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful mother and to be able to carry on her love, faithfulness, strength, and humbleness for generations to come.

Fab giveaway

2009-08-02T20:38:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite blogs and blog friends is having the cutest giveaway! Kristen over at Kristen's Palace is giving away a "Bag Full of Blessings". She has one of the most inspirational blogs you will read. So if you want something new to read, and want to hear the words of a strong young women go check her out you won't be sorry!

Show Us Your Life: Wedding Party & Flowers

2009-07-31T21:38:00.001-04:00

It's that time again, Kelly at Kelly's Corner is hosting show us your life, wedding edition! This makes me want to plan a wedding again. We got married on October 4, 2008...hard to believe the year has almost flown by! Fall is my FAVORITE season and we had a Fall theme (you will see more of that next week). This first picture is of lighting our unity candle. I made it myself, and the flower arrangement is fake flowers and the ones the church just happened to have. They went so well with everything. **All pictures courtesy of Primoshots Photography**

This next picture is one of the back of the bridesmaid dresses. They were bought at David's Bridal I loved them! They look so good on everyone, even my 8 month pregnant friend!

This is one of my favorite pictures with my girls.

This is my husband's favorite picture with the groomsmen...we went with chocolate brown tuxes, I was very nervous with this choice but it turned out great! The black tuxes looked horrible against the latte dresses.

This picture was before the wedding, such a different picture, it makes me smile.

Here is a good picture of the front of their dresses. This is my maid of honor Kelly. This is also the best pictures of my flowers. The girls had Torpedo Gerbera daisies, and Kelly's also had a yellow flower to make hers different from theirs. I had green button mums, circus roses, gerbera daisies, and lilies. It came out perfect and i was really happy with them. My mom was going to make them all but when she got sick that was out of the question.

Well that is my wedding party, I could show so many pictures!!! Have a great weekend!

My Wedding Dress

2009-07-23T22:57:00.000-04:00

So Kelly over at Kelly's Korner is hosting "Show us your Wedding Dress" today. I had originally fallen in love with an A-line dress weeks before this one with a price tag of $1200. Eek! But being that my mom was days away from starting chemo she couldn't go very far. So if I wanted my mother to go dress shopping with me it was David's Bridal or nothing because of the distance. I tried on numerous dresses and finally really liked two of them. My mom was in love with this dress and I was in love with the $300 price tag! The real decision was my mom taking tons of pictures of me in it...I knew the chances were slim that she would be there for my big day so I wanted to make sure she saw me in the dress I was going to wear when my daddy gave me away. In the end, I was very happy with my dress knowing that my mom was able to see it before she went home with the Lord.

***Note to self: Make sure your dress can fir through the bathroom stall at the reception hall bathroom...I kinda had a problem with that!

They say time heals all wounds

2009-07-23T18:32:00.000-04:00

But they don't ever tell you how much time must go by first. Today has been a difficult day because as most of you know it is has been one year since my mother has passed away. It's been a roller coaster, but the unexpected also happened today: my father lost his job. Of all days for this to happen this was the worst. I feel helpless, I wish I could help my Dad. It's amazing how stress can drain your body; I feel drained today. I have many thoughts running through my head...I just got off BCP so that we can start TTC in the next couple months. I am so excited, scared, and then think of the moments I would call my mama, but I can't. It kills me that my children will never know their Grandma "Ski"...they will be missing out on so much! Her smile, her knowledge, her love, her intelligence, and her paparazzi skills. It's scary to talk about, but I know it is life. I know that one day time will heal my wounds, and I look forward to that day. The day I will be able to remember my mother as normal and not with cancer, the day when we are both on the same page with God; that will be a glorious day.

I would like to leave you with the memorial poem I displayed for my mother and sister at my wedding, it gives me much comfort to read it because it describes her to a tee.

"If daisies grow in Heaven, Lord,

please pick a bunch for me,

put them in my mama's arms

and tell her they're from me.

Tell her I love her and miss her,

and when she turns to smile

place a kiss upon her cheek

and hold her for awhile.

Remembering her is easy,

I do it everyday,

but there's an ache within my

heart that will never go away."

RIP mama 4/4/60 - 7/23/08

***Next Monday I plan on posting what I wrote and read for her funeral, it means a ton to share it with you all.

Just a bright idea

2009-07-23T00:37:00.001-04:00

With feeling so blah lately, I figured that my blog needed a little brightening up! Yellow is my favorite color and my mama's! So in honor of all the sunshine she put in my life...I have put some in my blog. Now I just need to figure out how to make a new header, does anyone have any suggestions?

A year from yesterday

2009-07-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

was the last time I saw my mom alive. The last time I kissed her, told her how much I loved her. On Thursday it will be a year since she lost her battle with cancer. Hard to believe that the year has gone by so quick. I think while the week ahead will be hard, I think as it passes it might be a little easier to go on. I am so lucky to have such a great support system, and was so lucky to have her for twenty-six years of my life. Yet I feel like I need her more everyday, the things I would give up to be able to hear her voice on the phone, hug her, and just sit in a room with her. I think the thing that makes it the worst is that I don't have a reason why God took her away at forty-eight...took her away from a family that still needs her so badly. These unanswered questions are the ones that tear my heart into pieces.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

2009-06-22T00:16:00.001-04:00

I love you more than you will EVER know! You are amazing, and I am so grateful for all you have sacrificed for our family. I pray that I can be half the parent you have been to me.

I am back

2009-06-16T21:19:00.000-04:00

We got back late Sunday night from California. I have soooo many pictures to share! In the meantime I need to get back on the daily grind, so as soon as I have a minute I will do a vacation post. In the meantime I will leave you with a teaser of my hubby at Yosemite...

No excuse

2009-06-05T00:47:00.000-04:00

for my almost month long hiatus, I have no excuses, except for grief. I was already to do a Mother's Day post...and just when I thought that I could handle it I hit a low point. I have been thinking way too much about her and how things should be at the moment. I didn't feel it was fair to my blogging friends to be a Debbie downer everyday. Please accept my greatest apologies.

With that behind us, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to post all next week, due to the fact we will be on vacation in California.

But until that I will leave you with this:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my hubby!

On June 4th, 1981 my husband came into the world. I always wondered who I would marry one day, never expecting in my wildest dreams I would get so lucky. He is my best friend, my lover, and my rock in life. We have been through deployments in Iraq, long nights being crazy, and my mother's death. I could have never got through the last year without him, and am so grateful my mama was able to go to heaven knowing I would be taken care of the rest of my life. I hope you had a wonderful birthday babe, and hope all your birthday wishes come true! "It is always better when we're together." - Jack Johnson

Show us where you live Friday

2009-05-01T21:50:00.000-04:00

Over at Kelly's Korner, she is doing a fun post called "Show us where you live Friday". What a great idea. After seeing my friend Brooke post hers, I decided I would join in on the fun as well. Well hope you all are not disapointed, here we go!

This first picture is from above the doorway above the entrence into the dinning room. I picked up at Kohl's for cheap when we first moved in.

We are now going to the left as you walk in from the dinning room. This is the bar area, we used to have stools, and then we got the AWESOME mini fridge as a gift from my work as a wedding gift. Next to the fridge is the furbabies food...still looking for something to contain the food that looks better.

This the back door and my little kitty. We are hoping to bring the flooring down into this area this summer.

Now we have the stove area, up above is my BISTRO sign...I looked for months for this and finally found one at Home Goods after numerous weeekly trips!

This is our "bar" area until I can afford a bar in the dinning room. Hanging up is my favorite apron from Anthropolige, $19.99 on clearence!

This picture would be to the right when you walk in, it got out of order somehow. This is my favorite corner because of the glass door which of course has all of our alcholic glasses.

Back to over by the bar area on the opposite wall, are my two prints that I love!

My table from college...not too bad for a free table. (Sorry about the nailpolish in the picture! Oops!)

Above is the sink area.

In this picture you can see the MOST awesome Christmas present EVER! My in-laws got me my under the counter I-Pod deck, this is my favorite electronic item in the kitchen. It gets used almost everyday. It is a great $40 investment if you cook and entertain alot.

That's all folks! Hope you enjoyed the kitchen tour, and hope to see some pictures of your kitchen soon!

My Mama Monday

2009-04-27T20:30:00.000-04:00

Just sitting on my porch tonight enjoying the nice weather here in Ohio. Eighty-six degrees doesn't happen often here in April. I did not know what to post tonight, and behold God let me know with the weather. I love my front porch, and it is probably one of my most favorite things about my house. The reason is because as a child we sent many of nights sitting on the front porch. My dad, my mama, and my siblings. My parents loved to sit on the porch watching the traffic, thunderstorms and anything else that was interesting. I remember the most is my mom ALWAYS having a beer with my dad. Guess what I am doing right now? Yeah you guessed it, sitting here with a Miller Chill, my mama's favorite beer as well as mine, wishing I could share this moment with her on my porch. We didn't get any of those being we bought our house months before she got sick. It's days like these that I miss her the most. When I think about the memories we will never get to share. It just happened so quick, and I think of the things I wish I would have taken the time to do as an adult with her. So do me a favor, tonight call your mom, whether you are close or not, and let her know how much you love her and appreciate all she has done...you just never know if there will be a day when you can not share those thoughts with her.

No Worries, Be Happy???????????

2009-04-22T19:36:00.000-04:00

So today has been a little crappy in to regards to my husband. This morning I received a text message from him freaking out. They called a meeting for all of the salaried employees, but he was not told about it. Everyone but him had to attend. The reason he is so worried is that the last four people who got fired, the same thing happened to them. He said the GM acted as if they did not existed. I think this is totally strange. He has been on pins and needles all day and is pretty moody. I don't know what to do or how to make him feel better, any suggestions? I know that God would never give us something we could not handle, but seriously the suspense is killing me inside.

Just a little update

2009-04-20T20:22:00.000-04:00

Well I would like to scream for joy that the termites are officially NOT in our house! The termite guy came out this past Friday while my husband was home and looked everything over. I was a little nervous that my husband was not going to remember all of my questions, but he is wonderful and got them all out. The inspector told us the lines in the steps were from the previous infestation almost over twenty years ago. What a relief! I have been walking on pins and needles for the last two weeks. He told us that we would have seen numerous tunnels in the basement if they were active. So since our house is 80 years old anyways he suggested that we just redo the landing...which we were going to work on anyways this summer. Now on to worrying about something other than these creepy crawlers!

I think I may puke

2009-04-09T23:45:00.000-04:00

due to these little guys up above. I may have even had numerous nightmares this week. Let me explain, in case you do not know what the above pesky little insects are, they are a homeowners worst nightmare. Yes, TERMITES. On Sunday we were trimming the dead branches off the lilac bush when my husband cut through the wood and handed it to me. I immediately noticed these little suckers feasting on dinner. I was quick to tell my husband that the piece of wood he just gave me contained live termites. He told me I was crazy...then after slamming the wood onto the sidewalk he was convinced also. Thanks to my mother-in-law who came to the rescue with some bug spray. We quickly removed the whole bush inspecting as we went, we wanted to make sure they were all removed. Now the small problem is the fact that the bush sits about 12 inches away from the house. I quickly go into panic mode. You need to understand that I am TERRIFIED of these little boogers for the mere fact that they will eat me out of my home. This all started June 2007 when we got our home inspection. The inspector made us aware he found some non active tunnels in the basement. We had it inspected then by a pest control company who went on to tell us there was no infestation, and no sign of damage. We then proceeded to get the house treated and having the seller split the cost so I could sleep at night. Fast forward almost two years and I have forgot about the little devils. Luckily I pulled up the contract, called the pest company and was made aware they are responsible for any new signs within the two years and must spray at no cost to us. So all night I have been down in the basement imagining the worst and looking for evidence of a new infestation. Call me crazy, but I am past the point of being paranoid. My husband is ready to shot me, and I think I have made myself physically ill.

Hopefully the guy who did the inspection will call me back tomorrow, so we can get this over with and I can sleep once again! If you have nothing better to do, please pray that this is an fragment of my imagination and I return to normal soon. Has any one else ever had to deal with these pesky insects?

Happy Birthday Mama!!

2009-04-04T14:51:00.000-04:00

Today, 49 years ago, my mother Deborah Anne was born. Unfortunately, she is unable to celebrate her birthday this year. On July 23, 2008 she lost her courageous battle with cancer. Today is one of my tough "grieving days". Even though I am with a heavy heart today, my mother would want me to celebrate. When I think of her, the first thing I see is that huge smile she had. It is still hard to remember what she looked like before the cancer took a hold of her body, but even when it did, it never took her smile or her spirit. My mother was one tough cookie, showing strength that I was not even aware that she had. I want to reflect on the kind of mother she was for the 26 years I had with her. She was loving, kind, never missed an event for her children. She would go without the clothes on the back for the six of us. I was so fortunate for the mother I had, and for the values and morals she instilled within me. So even though the road will be long without her, and some days I feel that I can't go on without her, I know one thing for sure; she is in my heart. I would give ANYTHING in the world to have her here again, but unfortunately God doesn't work that way. I am lucky to be a spitting image of her, I thank God for that. So today mama, I may be sad I don't have you here, I know that you are having the most wonderful birthday up in heaven with your daughter, and my sister Angeila. I know that makes you smile to be with her again. Don't worry, I have not broken my promise, I am taking care of Dad and everyone else the best I can.

I would like to leave you with some pictures of my mom. (Which are above) Fortunately before she passed we had a wedding session together knowing she would not make it to my special day. She was beautiful no matter what, and I will always love her for that.

Proud to annouce " My Mama Monday's"!

2009-03-30T22:12:00.000-04:00

From the encouraging comments I got from my readers I am going to proceed with my writing about my mother who I lost almost nine months ago. I will post these on Mondays, but on this first week I will do my first post on Saturday April 4th in memory of my mothers 49th birthday this weekend. While it will probably be very painful to write, I feel it the most appropriate. Bear with me while I write these posts each week or every other week, it is going to stir up a lot of emotions. I feel that this is a good thing to heal though.
Currently, not to much going on around here but fixing our water damage...maybe I can get some pics to show you. May everyone have a great night!

Oh, the joys of being a home owner

2009-03-25T20:46:00.000-04:00

when you own a three pound turtle by the name of Donatello. My week has consisted of cleaning up half of his humble abode which dumped onto my eighty year old wood floors. My DH and I came down to almost all of his water standing on our floors Monday morning. The worst part being we had to be out the door in ten minutes for work. Our rug had soaked up a ton of the disgusting turtle water, the rest was trying to form a small pond. We cleaned up as much as we could and headed out the door. On my way home I received a call from my DH who broke the bad news to me...our waterfall had ruined our hardwood floor in the corner and had done damage to the wall behind the tank. Oh, the joy of owning a home! We now will have to refinish both the dinning room and the living room floor since the run into each other. This weekend my DH and my wonderful father-in-law will be scraping and repairing the wall so that I may repaint it. The floors won't come for awhile since it is not in the budget at the time. On a good note, this past weekend we built a gate for Tucker so that he could play in the backyard/driveway without a leash. He is so happy! I have pictures of the project, but will share them once we stain the gate. Well hopefully the remainder of the week goes better, and that all of you are having a great week.
Also, before I go I want my readers input on something I have been praying about lately. I would like to dedicate one day of the week on my blog to tell the story of my mother. I think this would be good for me when I go through my grief. She always told me I would publish a book someday, and this would kind of fulfill her dream. My question to all of you is if you would bother to read what I wrote, or do you feel it is too personal. Please let me know, all of your opinions matter to me!

P.S. This is the second time I wrote this, the first time it all disapeared!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2009-03-17T20:51:00.000-04:00

Being part Irish I do normally celebrate my ancestors by drinking green beer and being semi-ridiculous. Not this year though, for many reasons. One, I am still recovering from this past Saturday. We had Winter Carnival at Boston Mills this weekend, plus celebrating the end of the ski season. Being that for the last 60 some days I have been working 7 days a week...I was up to drinking to that. Unfortunately from the stories I heard Sunday from my husband, I took it a little too far. Hey everyone has to act like their 21 again for ol' times sake, right? Second, I decided to go outside today on lunch since it was 68 degrees today. BIG MISTAKE!!! I work in Downtown Cleveland, which is very notorious for their St. Patrick's Day parade for the last 143 years. It is normally calm for the most part. No not today though...I think every young adult 30 and under was out hootching it up and doing actions I could not and wish not to mention on this blog. For the first time in my life I felt like a sixty year old women being disgusted with all the drunken leprechauns frolicking around. Or maybe I was just too sober.

P.S. To all my readers, I am so lucky to have you...and now that ski season is complete I promise to write now being that i only have one job now and more time!

Valentine's Day...better late than never!!!

2009-02-28T21:12:00.001-05:00

Well, I found my camera cord...it was right in front of my eyes the whole time. Well I promised some pictures from Valentine's Day, so here we go. Hubby and I hardly ever make a huge deal over this day of love, but being that this was our first as husband and wife I decided to make it special. I made him go down to the neighbors house when I was preparing everything. I cooked dinner and when it was ready I called him and told him to come home. I had the i-pod on a special "love" mix on low in the background, the lights dimmed and the table set. Now the pictures uploaded backwards so bare with me...

The first one is my new love Tucker

This was my signature drink for the night, FLIRTINI, it was a big hit!
And it hit you before you even knew it...

The hubby and I

My beautiful table...

We used our wedding glasses to toast with...

I can say that I will remember this Valentine's Day for many years to come, now if I could only get him to think of doing stuff like for me once in awhile!

I've been a bad, bad blogger!

2009-02-18T21:37:00.000-05:00

I know I have been neglecting the blogging world, but I do have a good excuse! I have lost my camera cord to upload some pictures. So once I find it in this mess of an house I promise I owe you guys a bedroom post, and a Valentine's day post. Better late than never, right? I hope that everyone had a nice holiday weekend and V-day with the ones they love...now on to searching for my cord!

Weekend Recap

2009-02-02T23:35:00.000-05:00

So I think that this is the first weekend that we actually have gone out since we got married. Friday night we celebrated my neighbors 27th birthday. She is a very frugal person, so for the four of us to go out is a huge deal. We started out at a local winery, it was really nice and of course the wine went down smooth. After that we went to a local bar Brewbaker's. My hubby was pretty much useless after that. We went home and Luke went back home to go to sleep and I hung out at the neighbors house until 2 AM. Embarrassing enough, they had to walk me home at that point because I would have never made myself. I have not been like that since college (okay maybe my baccalaureate party). The next day I was told some very amusing stories of me continuing to yell "Chewbacha"...why I have no idea! Saturday was pretty calm, I just worked and then my hubby and I went to a date to Red Lobster. That was nice, we really needed that time "away" with each other. Then on Sunday we both worked again, and then came home and watched the stupid Steelers win the Superbowl. It was a nice weekend for me. I really needed to go ahead and let loose. The last couple of days I have been missing my mom terribly. It's weird and hard to describe, but it is like I can't get over the fact that she is not coming back. Days like these just make my heart bleed. I just hope that I can trust God again. I sometimes wonder why he would do this to my family. Why he would take away my dad's mom, his daughter, and now his wife. When I have bad days like this I just think if my dad can do this I can too. I know time will heal, but it just sucks. My mom would want me to be happy so that's what I have to do. On a happy note though...my bedroom reveal will be this week! I took some pics tonight, but I think I will wait until we have the finishing touches. I am so excited we finally have a place to go and relax! Happy Monday, I hope you all have a great week and beginning to February!

Get to know me a little bit.

2009-01-30T00:54:00.000-05:00

The Bucket List
The Bucket ListHit forward and place an (x) by all the things you've done and remove the (x) from the ones you have not. Then send it to your friends (including me).This is for your entire life!

(x) Been to Europe

( ) Been on a cruise

(x) Gone on a blind date

(x) Skipped school

(x) Watched someone die

(x) Been to Canada

(x) Been to Mexico

(x) Been to Florida

(x) Been on a plane

(x) Been lost

( ) Been on the opposite side of the country

(x) Gone to Washington , DC

( ) Been to Vegas

( ) Climbed a lighthouse

(x) Swam in the ocean

(x) Rolled in the snow

(x) Cried yourself to sleep

(x) Seen the Cherry Blossoms in Washington , D.C.

(x) Played cops and robbers

( ) Been present in a confrontation where guns were pulled

(x) Been in a knock down drag out fight (with my siblings)

( ) Flown a plane

( ) Owned a boat

( ) Watched grandchildren grow

( ) Recently colored with crayons

( ) Been to the Kentucky Derby

( ) Been to Key West

( ) Been to a rodeo

( x) Sang Karaoke

( ) Paid for a meal with coins only

(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't

(x) Made prank phone calls

(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose

(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue

(x) Danced in the rain

(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus

(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe

( ) Had a near death experience

(x) Watched the sunrise with someone

( ) Seen the green flash at sunset

(X) Blown bubbles

(x) Gone ice-skating

( ) Owned a convertible

(x ) Been in an outside hot tub when it was snowing

1. Any nickname? Jess, Jessi, Cricket, Tar Tar.

2. Mother's name ? Deborah

3. Body Piercing ? Ears 5 and Navel

4. How much do you love your job? not soo much

5. Birthplace? Cleveland, OH

3. Been to Hawaii ? Not yet but would like to eventually

7. Ever been to Africa ? No

8. Ever eaten just cookies for dinner? yes....

9. Ever been on TV? yeah, for Band lol!

10. Ever steal any traffic sign? YES, my senior year of high school, it was a fresh tar sign.

11. Ever been in a car accident? Yes.

12. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle ? 4 door.

13. Favorite number? Lucky 13

14. Favorite movie ? Garden State/ The Notebook.

15. Favorite holiday ? Halloween-does that count?

16. Favorite dessert? Strawberry Shortcake and Pumpkin ANYTHING

18. Favorite food? Polish

19. Favorite day of the week ? Saturday?

20. Favorite brand of body wash ? Something that smells good.

21. Favorite smell? Spice, Pumpkin or anything fall

22. How do you relax? Read or window shop

23. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully with a good job and a couple of kiddos, a speech patholigist as well?

This was fun, give it a try!

The reason I long to be the owner of ROCK BAND...

2009-01-29T22:41:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am this much of a dork! (Does anyone know how to rotate this picture? Please share!)
Luke and I have been saving up our money so that we can be the proud owners of this awesome video game. It is So much fun that you will start to take random weird pictures just like the ones below!

My friends Kelly and Curtis brought this over to my house for my birthday in November and was a blast. I must admit I can NOT carry a tune, but once you get the microphone in your hands you will think that you are Gwen Stefani yourself.

So eventually we will be the proud owners of this game and then our house will finally be the "cool" house to hang out at!

You laugh now, but one day we will be on the road and be pocketing some serious cash...a girl can dream right?

Don't send out the search party yet...

2009-01-23T22:01:00.000-05:00

I have just been sick! I got sick on Sunday evening, and it was horrible pretty much lasting until yesterday where I was finally feeling myself again. So much for cleaning on Monday! First of all I would like to give a shout out to Mrs. Stilettos over at Newlywed Stilettos for introducing on her blog! If you haven't checked her out, do so! Thanks to her, I now have five followers! I know, I know the excitement is out of control. Next, I would like to thank the girls who left messages in regards to the dinning room. I appreciate all of them, the dinning room was ALOT of hard work. Someone had suggested curtains to class it up...anyone have any suggestions or pictures to share? I have wanted to add them, but do not know what the best choice would be...let me hear your ideas!!!

In need of some decor help!

2009-01-17T01:33:00.000-05:00

(The first picture is the old table)

So we are finally around to finishing our dining room, but the walls are empty! So what I want your advice is whether I should leave the walls bare or put something up? And if so what? Any suggestions would be great!

Feline acne!?!

2009-01-14T21:15:00.000-05:00

So I never knew there was such a thing as kitty acne! Casey has had this "dirt" like substance around his lip and chin. At first I thought it was a flea colony, but as researched more and tried to look closely, it looks like he has what is called FELINE ACNE. Now I am totally freaking out the more I read, the Internet can be a horrible thing at times. I remember when my mom got cancer and I started googling about it, BIG mistake. Well the good thing is Casey goes in next Tuesday to get neutered so we can ask the vet if this is a correct diagnosis. I just feel so bad for the little guy, it feels like it hurts! Gosh am I going to be a mess when I have kids if I am a mess over a kitten with some blackheads!

So AWESOME!!!

2009-01-13T22:09:00.000-05:00

So I bought a laptop with my Christmas money and now I can finally use it because we now have wireless Internet!! Wow, do the little things in life please me! So now this means that I can post more often since I can do it while still hanging out with my hubby! (He gets upset when I am in the computer room all night). Well I will stir my creative juices for tomorrows post...

Pictures of 2008

2009-01-09T20:10:00.001-05:00

Since I started my blog in November, I thought it would only be fair to share with pictures some of the highlights of 2008 (really my life is really boring tonight and I have nothing better to blog about ;) )

In October we rescued Tucker...my very first dog...our second "fur" baby...

Donated my hair to a wonderful cause (Cancer-Locks of Love) in the memory of my mother...

We got married on a beautiful October day...

In September I had a rough time in Put-in-Bay, they accomplished their goal for making me dead to the world the next day (did I mention I have not touched a shot since then?)

This is the point I was totally wasted, and why they let me on stage I have no idea....

The gang before we got crazy...

I accomplished my dream two weeks short of my mother's time on earth...I know she was so proud since i was the first in my family to graduate from college...

Got tons of great stuff at my shower as well as catch up with dear friends....

In August we traveled to North Carolina for Lane and Josh's wedding....

In July, shortly after I loss my mother to cancer we rescued Casey who would have died other wise...

In May we joined Crystal and Jason in marriage...

The lovely couple themselves...

The three roomies from the college days...

I am the third over in the top row and my hubby is the sixth over to the right on the top...

In April we celebrated Crystal's last night single...

Sorry these were backwards, but the blog had a mind of its own tonight!!!

My Goals for the New Year

2009-01-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

So I am a little late here...but I figure that I must put them in writing or I will never follow up on them. Here are the things that I want to accomplish (in no particular order) by year's end:

Finish and pass my Series 7 exam for work-this is more for economical reasons
Go to the gym and actually be physically fit for our one year anniversary in October!
Be more organized and clean...my husband loves to leave his trails around the house but I am just as guilty!
Do my hair and makeup everyday during the work week (I have really gotten too comfy not doing this)
Build our patio and a place for my mom in our backyard
Possibly think about Grad school???
Re-build my relationship with God...I have been pushing him away due to last years events...my mother would be upset if she knew I was holding grudge against him right now.
Try to cook dinner at least 3 times a week (I get super lazy sometimes)

Hopefully these are goals that I can accomplish within the next 12 months...if you put you mind to it anything is possible! Wish me luck!

My first award!!!

2009-01-05T22:46:00.000-05:00

I am really so touched that Simple Yet Classic

gave me this! She is my first follower and that in itself is exciting that someone I don't know wants to read my thoughts! This is what it reads: You Are Truly Beautiful. Beautiful means so much more than just a pretty face! It also means that you are unique, and oh so full of grace! The things in you that go on much deeper than the softness of your skin. Are the things that make you beautiful, both outside and within!
And here are the Rules: Find the beautiful ladies that you follow. Give them this award. Hopefully it'll truly mean something to each and everyone of you. Don't be shy to give it to the same person! Don't forget to tell them!
So here are the following ladies I give this award to:

1.) The Mrs. over at Simple Yet Classic

I love her blog and she has a special place in my heart for being the first to follow my blog!

2.) And they Lived Happily Ever After...
I have known Brooke since high school, but I love reading her blog to keep up on her life. She's a new mom and documenting her journey with her son. (Plus he is super cute!!)

3.) Angie over at Bring the Rain
Her blog is about her journey with her daughter. She is amazing for what she has gone through and what she gives to others!

A look back at 2008

2009-01-02T00:20:00.001-05:00

So since I have not posted for a week or so I thought I would tie up the year in this post. With regards to Christmas, it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Christmas Eve was hard but that was mainly due to be at my mom's parents house...kinda weird without her there. Well let's take a flashback and count down the year:

The year started out crapy in regards that we knew my mom was very sick with cancer. Come Feburary her second chemo was doing well until we found that her cancer had spread to her bones, this pretty much ruined the year. She kept on fighting for months.
On July 23, 2008 my mom went to be with my sister and the Lord in Heaven, this turned out to be one of the hardest things I would ever have to deal with. The ONLY comfort was the fact that she was no longer in pain.
The week my mom died, we rescued a runt kitten from the farm across the streets from my parents house. We named him Casey Blake after my favorite baseball player. He is so loving and amazing creature.
On August 18 I graduated from Kent State University with my B.A. in English. Such a bittersweet day. I was so proud of my self but this would be one of the many "firsts" milestone moments in my life that my mom would not be there. She would have been so proud. My dad gave me my graduation party as promised and it was a blast. My eight years of work finally pulled through.
On October 4th I married my best friend, and love of my life Luke. What a beautiful and another bittersweet day. Our day was perfect and I knew my mother was looking down on us from heaven. I truly realized what an amazing family I have and joined.
We also rescued a puppy Tucker who has become a great asset to our new family. He is so tuned into my feelings and brings a smile to my face (when he is not into trouble).

All of these milestones in the year of 2008 have made me a stronger person. While I would have chose a different path for someof these, I can't change God's plan. So I can only pray that everything will be fine in '09! Happy New Year to everyone and may you have a blessed year!

All I really want for Christmas is this...

2008-12-17T20:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, ladies I have been drooling over this piece of furniture since last weeks Pier 1 circular. I even folded the page and told my husband that what I wanted for Christmas was all right there. His response: A muffled laugh and a "we can't afford that" comment(because of the $299 price tag). I was crushed. As I get older each year I find it harder to make up a Christmas list, and the one year I am POSITIVE of what I want, I get shot down. I blame it on this crappy economy. Darn. I will just have to wait for it to go on sale, and hope that it is still around. Can you blame a girl for trying?

Almost a month??!!

2008-12-15T21:22:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know. I have been slacking when it comes to keeping up with this blog lately. I can't make any excuses I have just been lazy. Well can you believe that Christmas is almost here? I have been trying to avoid it really since the death of my mom. It's going to be hard. My mom would not want me to sulk on it though. So in honor of her memory I would like to look back on the positive things this year:

My mom showed me how strong I could really be. And the fact that God sometimes has other plans for us.
For my wonderful parents and the strong marriage they had and the awesome way they have raised (and still raising some of us) us. I'm sorry for all those times in my youth I told you both I hated you...it was really just hidden love :)
For finding the most supportive, amazing, loving husband and marrying him this October. It was truly the best day of my life.
That hard work does pay off eventually. It may have taken me 8 years to finish college, but I did it and never gave up, I just wish my mom could have been there to see it. Not only did I make myself proud, but I have shown my brother's and sister's that we can do it.
For the AMAZING friends, family and people in my life, I would have never gotten through the past months without them. I have such a strong support system, not many people can say that.

So with that said I have decided that this is my new life motto, I must be strong and accept what lies ahead.

I live for those moments in my life that take my breath away, that make me laugh until I cry and for those moments that everything that has happened in my life slowly makes me realize that it has made me a stronger person. I have been a lot of places, I have done a lot of things and I can't wait to continue to add to the things I have done and accomplished. I have come to accept the fact that my family is my backbone and that my parents are always right. I have learned that the secret to life is Karma, that you have to love yourself before you can love anybody else, that it is the most incredible feeling to care about people more than you care about yourself, that sometimes being passionate about something should almost bring you to tears and that letting go and forgiving is the greatest power we hold as human beings.

I am going to work on that letting go part, it's not going to be easy but I know I can do it.

Yet another year...

2008-11-13T21:17:00.000-05:00

So it is my 27th birthday today. Like most women I am not afraid to admit my age, it is just a number and I really don't care what people think...I look 20 anyways. This particular birthday is very bittersweet, it is the first without my mom. You could say it has been somewhat of a "blah" day, and I have just been going through the motions. I feel so empty without her. I remember one year she forgot my birthday and I was so upset. How could a mother forget her first child's birthday? I would give anything for her to be here today and forget. They say it only gets better with time, I hope they are right because the hurt sucks right now. But I will suck it up and be happy because I know she would want me too. I love you mama, and one day we will meet again, but until then give me the strength to go on in life without you. I know I have it in me, it is just finding the strength is the problem. On a happy note I want to leave you with one of my favorite pictures of the two of us, months after I was brought into this world. Happy birthday to me!

Yes, I am a blogging virgin...

2008-11-09T09:33:00.001-05:00

As I love to follow other blogs, I have finally decided to start my own. Not only to keep my friends and family informed, but maybe to just find who I am and help me to heal over the events in the last year. Needless to say it wasn't so "great in '08". I do have things to be grateful though. For example the marriage of my husband and I a little over a month ago. I love to write and read...so here we go, hope those who follow don't get extremely bored with my life!