Corey and I have been looking forward to this upcoming weekend for the past few months. Our 10th Anniversary is next Thursday (June 5th) so we decided to take a trip to Branson, just the two of us, to celebrate. We are staying at Chateau on the Lake and I am so excited. We've only stayed there one other time but every time we go to Branson we usually head over there and get ice cream from the ice cream shop and then sit on the balcony enjoying the view of Table Rock Lake. After we made our reservations for a show (Dixie Stampede, very Branson, I know) and for Chateau I told Corey we could've went back to Puerto Vallarta for just a couple hundred dollars more. There are two things that Branson has that Puerta Vallarta didn't have and that is the Coach Outlet (I'm looking forward to that, I bet Corey's not) and the hatchery. I absolutely love the hatchery, sounds a little weird that the hatchery would be one of the highlights of the trip, doesn't it? It should be a fun, relaxing weekend.
Side note: we went to Puerto Vallarta last May for our 9th anniversary and I booked our trip through the travel agency that is in the Schnucks plaza. We ended up spending less than $1,000 (that's airfare & an all-inclusive, 5 star, brand new resort) for 4 days/3 nights. Awesome deal! I think it averaged out to $496 per person. The trip was through Worry Free Vacations and it was completely worry free! I highly recommend it if you are looking for an inexpensive, top notch getaway!
The girlies are staying with my parents in STL. They should be nice and spoiled by the time Sunday rolls around. It really doesn't take them long to get used to being able to do and have whatever they want. Unfortunately it takes us a bit longer to whip them back into shape but isn't that what going to the grandparents house is all about anyway.
I got Corey a new wedding band for our 10th anniversary...no surprise...I couldn't wait. I picked it up at the mall on Sunday afternoon and I wasn't even home 15 minutes before I had given it to him. He asked me what I did and I just couldn't keep the secret. He's been wanting a new band for a while, something a little more modern and stylish than the gold band he's been sporting for the past 10 years. It's titanium like (something better because they said titanium scratches really easy and can't be buffed) with a small diamond in the middle. I got a great deal on it but I was a little concerned that it might be too flashy because Corey is not the diamond type of guy but he loved it. The only hitch is the one I picked out was too big and the can't re-size them so we exchanged it last night and his new ring should be in soon.
I finally found a new swimsuit yesterday. I only had to try on 100 to find just one that I felt comfortable in and good about. The designer must have had the same "coke bottle" figure as me or his wife must have because this suit fits like a dream. When I tried it on for Corey he said this was one of the top swimsuits I've ever bought. Mission accomplished, finally a suit that my hubby likes! I got it at Dillard's, it's a one piece bandeau style by Liz Claiborne. I was super impressed with the quality of Dillard's swim wear. I tried on some one pieces and two pieces. There were a couple of the two piece tops that I tried on that fit awesome. The were supportive and very "Hot Mama". The bottoms on the other hand didn't look so "Hot Mama" on me. Maybe after my tummy tuck!
Gosh, after proofreading my blog I think I need to start charging for advertising. Well, have a fun weekend and I'll post some pictures of our little getaway next week!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Happy Memorial Day!
We've had a busy, fun and relaxing Memorial Day weekend. We went fishing yesterday and played in the water fountains and Stephens Lake Park. This morning we hit the Columbia Memorial Day Parade with the DeShon Family (minus Laura, she had to work - Kalyn & Isaiah are the picture with the girls). Since the weather has been so crummy this weekend they fighter planes and parachuters were not a part of the parade as originally planned. We were planning to go to the airshow on Saturday but the rain nixed that idea so we thought for sure we'd be able to see to planes during the parade, wrong-o but we still had a fun time. It was an honor to clap, cheer and wave all of the veterans as they passed us on their floats.
Friday, May 23, 2008
A Visit With The Doc
Okay so I'll share this one time so I don't have to keep sharing it with everyone and I'll even spare you some of the details. I had my annual oh so fun girly appointment with Dr. Penney (DP) today. I decided to talk to him about the fact that we've been working on #3 since December and haven't had any luck. For the girl whose been pregnant 5 times and 2 out of the 5 times I was on the pill I felt this was a little unusual.
Coincidentally my schedule and the universe were in perfect alignment on this very day and DP got to see what he needed to see (actually no coincidence just the awesome God we serve because I seriously considered rescheduling the appt for another time). Evidentally I have a cyst on my right ovary which is blocking "my girls" from hooking up with "the boys" or something like that.
DP is about to retire (like within a month or two) so he suggested that we get aggresive and work on getting me pregnant before he retires for good (for clarification Corey will do his part and DP will just be helping the process along ;-)). DP's been threatening retirement since right after I had Aly in 2004. He's been slowly working up to it by cutting back his time in the office, not delivering babies anymore, etc. So with the perfect universe alignment I was able to start some fertility meds today. I go in for labs tomorrow and then a scan in about a week and a half. It kind of feels like a whirlwind. DP was throwing out all this lingo and info about what we were going to do. I said just let me know what time to be here and I'll let you do what you do best.
Even though I see a fertility doc we've never been through this part of the process. Getting pregnant wasn't the problem but staying pregnant was. DP put me on meds during the 1st trimester of pregnancy with both girls and the rest is history. I'm really glad I decided to go in and see him for my check up because I honestly thought I was just stressed out with the move and Corey being in and out of town. I'm confident that we will have success, the best part is the warning label on this medication that I am currently taking:
USING THIS MEDICINE MAY result in multiple pregnancies (twins, etc.)
I'll keep you posted!
Coincidentally my schedule and the universe were in perfect alignment on this very day and DP got to see what he needed to see (actually no coincidence just the awesome God we serve because I seriously considered rescheduling the appt for another time). Evidentally I have a cyst on my right ovary which is blocking "my girls" from hooking up with "the boys" or something like that.
DP is about to retire (like within a month or two) so he suggested that we get aggresive and work on getting me pregnant before he retires for good (for clarification Corey will do his part and DP will just be helping the process along ;-)). DP's been threatening retirement since right after I had Aly in 2004. He's been slowly working up to it by cutting back his time in the office, not delivering babies anymore, etc. So with the perfect universe alignment I was able to start some fertility meds today. I go in for labs tomorrow and then a scan in about a week and a half. It kind of feels like a whirlwind. DP was throwing out all this lingo and info about what we were going to do. I said just let me know what time to be here and I'll let you do what you do best.
Even though I see a fertility doc we've never been through this part of the process. Getting pregnant wasn't the problem but staying pregnant was. DP put me on meds during the 1st trimester of pregnancy with both girls and the rest is history. I'm really glad I decided to go in and see him for my check up because I honestly thought I was just stressed out with the move and Corey being in and out of town. I'm confident that we will have success, the best part is the warning label on this medication that I am currently taking:
USING THIS MEDICINE MAY result in multiple pregnancies (twins, etc.)
I'll keep you posted!
Reminiscing...
One year ago today we were in Puerto Vallarta celebrating our anniversary, doesn't this look enticing? Look at all my freckles, holy "skinny" cow!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Crocs...You Can Even Sleep In Them!
When I got Ashy B out of bed this morning I pulled back her covers and saw that she had worn Aly's old Crocs to bed last night. She insists on wearing these "too big" Crocs around the house all the time and even tries to wear them when we go out. What a little fashionista!
Gypsies
These past 5 months have left me feeling as though sometimes the girls and I are gypsies. We got up with Corey at 5am Monday morning and by 5:55am we were all loaded in the car and ready for our 2 day trip to STL. We got the girls a new portable DVD player for the car, with 2 screens, so we were watching "Enchanted" by 6am. It made the car trip go by a little faster and quieter. This little gem will make our trip to Canada this summer much more entertaining and peaceful. I may even invest in headphones for the girls so that we can enjoy peace and quiet!
We spent Monday and Tuesday visiting with my mom. My Dad had Haz-Mat training in STL so Mom got to tag along and spend some time with family while Dad worked. I took Mom and my grandparents by the new house yesterday, it's coming along quite nicely although not fast enough. I want them to take their time and do a good job but I'm ready to move in now. It gets to be a task to pack us all up to stay at a different house every week.
I'm glad I spent so much time scrutinizing the floor plan to our new house because it seems like every time I have gone by to check on the progress I find something that is not being done right. I want them to correct it now while they are still in the framing process as opposed to finding a problem when we are ready to close and then have to wait even longer to move in. I talked with our sales rep yesterday about this and we've come to the conclusion that since this house was originally a spec they are following two different blueprints, the spec blueprint and then our revised blueprint. Our sales rep is now projecting that we will be in by the 1st week of July. Let's hope so! It would be really convenient to close a day or two before July 4th. My whole family will be in town from Texas and I would like to stay at my new house even if there are boxes everywhere and the only thing set up are our beds.
I will be able to post some pictures in a few days of the visit with my Mom. She has everything on her camera. Her and Dad will get into to Texas tomorrow morning so hopefully by Friday she'll have everything downloaded onto the Walgreens site. Right Mom? I ended up forgetting my camera...kind of. When we loaded up in the car on Monday morning and were pulling out of the driveway I said "I need to get my camera". Corey just gave me this look (you know, the look that indicates he might be a minute late for work) so I said "Mom will have hers, she always takes a lot of pics, I'll just get them from her". Ah..."minute late for work" crisis averted!
We spent Monday and Tuesday visiting with my mom. My Dad had Haz-Mat training in STL so Mom got to tag along and spend some time with family while Dad worked. I took Mom and my grandparents by the new house yesterday, it's coming along quite nicely although not fast enough. I want them to take their time and do a good job but I'm ready to move in now. It gets to be a task to pack us all up to stay at a different house every week.
I'm glad I spent so much time scrutinizing the floor plan to our new house because it seems like every time I have gone by to check on the progress I find something that is not being done right. I want them to correct it now while they are still in the framing process as opposed to finding a problem when we are ready to close and then have to wait even longer to move in. I talked with our sales rep yesterday about this and we've come to the conclusion that since this house was originally a spec they are following two different blueprints, the spec blueprint and then our revised blueprint. Our sales rep is now projecting that we will be in by the 1st week of July. Let's hope so! It would be really convenient to close a day or two before July 4th. My whole family will be in town from Texas and I would like to stay at my new house even if there are boxes everywhere and the only thing set up are our beds.
I will be able to post some pictures in a few days of the visit with my Mom. She has everything on her camera. Her and Dad will get into to Texas tomorrow morning so hopefully by Friday she'll have everything downloaded onto the Walgreens site. Right Mom? I ended up forgetting my camera...kind of. When we loaded up in the car on Monday morning and were pulling out of the driveway I said "I need to get my camera". Corey just gave me this look (you know, the look that indicates he might be a minute late for work) so I said "Mom will have hers, she always takes a lot of pics, I'll just get them from her". Ah..."minute late for work" crisis averted!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thoughts for Wednesday
I have a couple of Wednesday thoughts to share:
1) Evidently 4 is the new 14 in our household. This attitude comes complete with dirty looks, back talk, running to your bedroom and throwing yourself on the bed crying and spending a lot of time in the bathroom fixing your hair (with sprays, spritzes, headbands, barrettes, etc.)
2) I took the kids to the library today for story time (we are on a roll, 2 weeks in a row) and found out that this was the last story time until the middle of June (we'll probably be in STL by the time the next session starts). The last time I was at Barnes & Noble they told me about their story time so maybe we'll check that out next week (hopefully they're not on summer hiatus too). I will probably enjoy Barnes & Noble much more because I think the library is kind of gross. I'm sure some of you are thinking what??? Let me explain, the kids are running around the library picking up all kinds of "germy" books. Just think about everyone who has checked out those books. Seriously we don't know where their hands have been let alone if they even bother to wash them. I have hand sanitizer attached to the diaper bag and on our way out of the library I make the girls use it. Is it just me or does anyone else think checking out library books is kind of gross?
3) My sister Jess was telling me about these "No Pudge" brownies that she makes. She picked up an extra box for me and is sending them back to STL with my mom next week. Well I went to Hy-Vee today and found them. When it comes to chocolate and brownies who wants to wait until next week, not me. They are really good, fat free and only 2 Weight Watcher points (per serving, unfortunately not the whole pan). Anyway, I can't wait to get my other box from Mom. Thanks Jess for thinking of me...and my waistline, you know we have to fit into "127 Dresses (we decided on cutoffs and tye-dye halter tops with lime green slouch socks and fake keds, right Lou?)" in October! Maybe my waistline will be expanded by that time with a little "something in the oven" and then I can eat all the brownies I want! Just kidding...Corey...about eating whatever I want, not the baby.
4) Speaking of "something in the oven" I made a practice dish for my sister Laura's bridal shower today. We are doing a brunch (my favorite) and my friend Sarah B makes this awesome Chicken and Broccoli Braid. I found the recipe online and modified it a smidgen. I used spinach instead of broccoli and sour cream instead of mayo. For the two people out there who don't know I cannot stand mayo. Yes, I know, I love Sarah B's and it probably has mayo in it. The thing of it is she made it, I didn't, so what I don't know didn't hurt me. However, when I'm making it the thought of even having to mix mayo in with anything makes my stomach turn. What is the lesson you have all learned from this? If you make something for me with mayo, don't tell me!
Well I think that's enough to get your brain churning for the day!
1) Evidently 4 is the new 14 in our household. This attitude comes complete with dirty looks, back talk, running to your bedroom and throwing yourself on the bed crying and spending a lot of time in the bathroom fixing your hair (with sprays, spritzes, headbands, barrettes, etc.)
2) I took the kids to the library today for story time (we are on a roll, 2 weeks in a row) and found out that this was the last story time until the middle of June (we'll probably be in STL by the time the next session starts). The last time I was at Barnes & Noble they told me about their story time so maybe we'll check that out next week (hopefully they're not on summer hiatus too). I will probably enjoy Barnes & Noble much more because I think the library is kind of gross. I'm sure some of you are thinking what??? Let me explain, the kids are running around the library picking up all kinds of "germy" books. Just think about everyone who has checked out those books. Seriously we don't know where their hands have been let alone if they even bother to wash them. I have hand sanitizer attached to the diaper bag and on our way out of the library I make the girls use it. Is it just me or does anyone else think checking out library books is kind of gross?
3) My sister Jess was telling me about these "No Pudge" brownies that she makes. She picked up an extra box for me and is sending them back to STL with my mom next week. Well I went to Hy-Vee today and found them. When it comes to chocolate and brownies who wants to wait until next week, not me. They are really good, fat free and only 2 Weight Watcher points (per serving, unfortunately not the whole pan). Anyway, I can't wait to get my other box from Mom. Thanks Jess for thinking of me...and my waistline, you know we have to fit into "127 Dresses (we decided on cutoffs and tye-dye halter tops with lime green slouch socks and fake keds, right Lou?)" in October! Maybe my waistline will be expanded by that time with a little "something in the oven" and then I can eat all the brownies I want! Just kidding...Corey...about eating whatever I want, not the baby.
4) Speaking of "something in the oven" I made a practice dish for my sister Laura's bridal shower today. We are doing a brunch (my favorite) and my friend Sarah B makes this awesome Chicken and Broccoli Braid. I found the recipe online and modified it a smidgen. I used spinach instead of broccoli and sour cream instead of mayo. For the two people out there who don't know I cannot stand mayo. Yes, I know, I love Sarah B's and it probably has mayo in it. The thing of it is she made it, I didn't, so what I don't know didn't hurt me. However, when I'm making it the thought of even having to mix mayo in with anything makes my stomach turn. What is the lesson you have all learned from this? If you make something for me with mayo, don't tell me!
Well I think that's enough to get your brain churning for the day!
Making Progress!
We drove by the new house yesterday and were pleasantly surprised! Hopefully they will finish the framing this week.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Birthday Celebration Continues
Last night Corey and I went to dinner and then to a movie. The big surprise was that I got him tickets to see "Ironman". We were originally planning to see "What Happens In Vegas" but since it was his actual birthday I surprised him with tickets to what he really wanted to see! It was a total "dude movie" but I enjoyed it!
Today Corey's parents came to Columbia for a birthday lunch. I spent all morning in the kitchen making banana pudding and chicken Marsala. Suffice it to say that by the time we were ready to eat I didn't have much of an appetite after cooking all morning. After lunch we headed across the street to the open field and flew kites. It was tons of fun as you can see from the pictures below!
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Corey and the girls have some kind of surprised cooked up. I can't wait to see what it is. I'll keep you posted!
Today Corey's parents came to Columbia for a birthday lunch. I spent all morning in the kitchen making banana pudding and chicken Marsala. Suffice it to say that by the time we were ready to eat I didn't have much of an appetite after cooking all morning. After lunch we headed across the street to the open field and flew kites. It was tons of fun as you can see from the pictures below!
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Corey and the girls have some kind of surprised cooked up. I can't wait to see what it is. I'll keep you posted!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Welcome To The Club Corey!
What club? The 30th Birthday Club of course! Tomorrow Corey is the big 3-0. Thankfully I won't have to endure any more "robbing the cradle" or "baby snatcher" jokes until next January. Happy Birthday Corey, I love you!
I actually got a present for Corey's birthday...him...working from home! His company said he could start telecommuting on Fridays until we are fully transitioned to STL. Now we only have to be a part two nights a week.
So since Corey is going to be working from tomorrow I had to take care of all of the Birthday errands today. The girls and I decorated, got balloons, candles and presents! His parents and brother are coming to Columbia on Saturday to help us celebrate. I will be making Chicken Marsala (I'm happy to do it for Corey but it's time consuming so we don't have it very often) and his favorite dessert, Banana Pudding.
Another added bonus is that Kimmy is coming over to watch the girls tomorrow night so that we can go out on a date night. I'm planning something special for that but I'll have to keep it to myself, I wouldn't want Corey to read this and spoil the fun!
As you can see we have a pretty busy weekend scheduled with the birthday hoopla, mowing the lawn, Mother's Day, open house, etc... so I'll catch up with you all next week!
I actually got a present for Corey's birthday...him...working from home! His company said he could start telecommuting on Fridays until we are fully transitioned to STL. Now we only have to be a part two nights a week.
So since Corey is going to be working from tomorrow I had to take care of all of the Birthday errands today. The girls and I decorated, got balloons, candles and presents! His parents and brother are coming to Columbia on Saturday to help us celebrate. I will be making Chicken Marsala (I'm happy to do it for Corey but it's time consuming so we don't have it very often) and his favorite dessert, Banana Pudding.
Another added bonus is that Kimmy is coming over to watch the girls tomorrow night so that we can go out on a date night. I'm planning something special for that but I'll have to keep it to myself, I wouldn't want Corey to read this and spoil the fun!
As you can see we have a pretty busy weekend scheduled with the birthday hoopla, mowing the lawn, Mother's Day, open house, etc... so I'll catch up with you all next week!
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Crazy Way We Met
I found this on my Mom's Blog and thought it looked like fun. My Mom particpates is some of these "blog world" things. So here are the rules:
Our topic this Monday will be, "The Crazy Way We Met." Here's your opportunity to share the dramatic (or dull) opening moments of your dating relationship. Remember, the details of your story may be ancient history to you, but to us—it's news!
Please tell your story any way you want. You could even create a photo essay, or a song or poem. The idea is to reflect on how God moved to bring the two of you together to share the greatest adventure of your lives: marriage.
Corey and I met when were were 16 years old. We met in September of 1994. My best girlfriend, Nicole, and I were going with a group of friends to tp houses (real mature, I know) one friday night after work. I picked her up from her place of employment (Dairy Queen) after I had gotten off work (at Baskin Robbins). I was standing inside DQ waiting for Nicole and I saw this guy come out from the kitchen with a big red crate full of ice milk. I looked at Nicole and I said "he's hot, hook me up". Nicole said "Omigosh his name is Corey, give it up" (I had dated a guy named Corey all summer and we had just broken up plus during our friendship it seemed like every guy that I would be crushing on's name was Corey too).
Our topic this Monday will be, "The Crazy Way We Met." Here's your opportunity to share the dramatic (or dull) opening moments of your dating relationship. Remember, the details of your story may be ancient history to you, but to us—it's news!
Please tell your story any way you want. You could even create a photo essay, or a song or poem. The idea is to reflect on how God moved to bring the two of you together to share the greatest adventure of your lives: marriage.
Corey and I met when were were 16 years old. We met in September of 1994. My best girlfriend, Nicole, and I were going with a group of friends to tp houses (real mature, I know) one friday night after work. I picked her up from her place of employment (Dairy Queen) after I had gotten off work (at Baskin Robbins). I was standing inside DQ waiting for Nicole and I saw this guy come out from the kitchen with a big red crate full of ice milk. I looked at Nicole and I said "he's hot, hook me up". Nicole said "Omigosh his name is Corey, give it up" (I had dated a guy named Corey all summer and we had just broken up plus during our friendship it seemed like every guy that I would be crushing on's name was Corey too).
Nicole and I went out with our friends and did our thing. Nicole and Corey worked the day shift on Saturday and then Nicole and I were going to a party on Saturday night so naturally I told her to invite him. Corey turned us down, something about being shy and just breaking it off with a girl, whatever. They worked together on Sunday so I told her to get his number for me. As she gave me his number she rolled her eyes and said "I give it a week, TOPS". Unfortunately I had committed to going on a date with another guy (went to see Forrest Gump) and the movie was so long that I didn't get home until late and it was too late to call. The guy I was on a date with kept trying to hold my hand (his class ring was so big it kept cutting into my hand) and then he tried to kiss me on my parents front porch. I extended my hand to shake his hand and said "thanks, it's been fun", I remember thinking to myself "would you get out of here so I can make this phone call to Corey".
So school the next day (Monday). I promptly called Corey after school and he was busy splitting and hauling firewood into the backyard with his dad. He said to call him later in the evening. I called while he was watching Monday Night Football and he was such a gentleman he talked to me and watched football at the same time. We talked for a while and agreed to talk again the next day. By Friday night I had a date with him to the Francis Howell Football Game (yes, I was pretty persistent in the beginning but he did ask me for the first date).
The following weekend we went Ice Skating (and he asked me to Homecoming) and then the weekend after that we went to another high school football game. When he picked me up he brought me a rose and wrote me the sweetest letter ever. Before we left for our date I put the rose and the unread letter on my nightstand. I had forgotten about the letter until after I went to bed that night and I remember turning my light back on, reading the letter (over and over) and then I totally fell in love with him. I have the letter memorized but I'll spare you all the details.
The rest of our high school years were spent with each other. We had crazy little pet names for each other and did the corniest things. By freshman year of college we were engaged and then married the summer after I finished my sophomore year of college. And as they say "the rest is history"!
God had a special plan for our lives from the beginning we just wouldn't realize how special that plan was until we moved to Columbia in August of 2000. We were both brought up in christian homes but being so young we were sidetracked with "being teenagers" and "being in love". Here are a few pictures from our early days. Enjoy!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Rockin Out
I am posting a little video mainly for Daddy & for all of the Grandparents but the rest of you are free to enjoy. I captured the girls "rockin out" to Hannah Montana. I got a kick out of Aly watching herself dance in front of the TV. Who needs mirrors? My girls will use anything with a reflection.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
A Peek Into Tumble Bee Gymnastics
Here is a quick peek for you into Ashley's Tumble Bee class. Both of the girls started Tumble Bee's when they were 18 months old. Ashley started about 9 months ago and up until about 8 weeks ago we had to fight her tooth & nail just to get her to participate. She was terrified of Coach Bob and wouldn't go near him. You'll see by the videos that she has made great progress. Ash is still a little timid when it comes to getting in the ball pit and jumping on the trampoline. Enjoy!
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