2011 Wrap Up...

I honestly cant believe that 2011 is already over. Where did the last 12 months go, SERIOUSLY?! I feel like it was just last week that I sat on my couch December 31, 2010 to ring in the New Year and I made my wishes and my goals and plans for this year. Im not sure how many of my goals I managed to fulfil... I know 1 of my biggest wishes came true in 2011- and hopefully the other one will happen in 2012?? Here's a recap of my year.

January 2011
Nothing too monumental happened in January. We just started a new year, with some new goals.

February 2011
The blizzard of 2011- the first blizzard I have ever lived through. It was AWESOME! I hope we have another one this year! :) Call me crazy, but I LOVED it!

Mom and I went to Florida to visit grandma, grandpa and great grandma. It was time for the annual trip to Florida to celebrate great grandmas birthday. She turned 91 this year! It was a beautiful birthday and I am SO happy we made the trip and that we were able to spend such great time with my great grandma and grandpa. Sadly, this was the last time that I saw them both. We didnt know, but I "knew" as we pulled out of their driveway on our last day visiting, that it was probably the last time I would see either one or both of them. I had to hold back my tears as we drove away waving and saying "See you Later".

March 2011
March 16, we received the news late that night that my grandpa had passed away. We knew a few days prior to this that he was very sick and that his days left were few. When we got the news of his passing I was so happy that we made the trip to Florida only 3 weeks before he passed away. We got to spend some really nice time with my Papa Puppies. He was really proud and loving of my mom and I. I knew that he passed away loving and feeling loved.

March 17, I received the worst phone call of my life so far. My great grandma to had passed away, she unexpectedly in her sleep. I will never forget that phone call or the way that it made me feel. That was the worst moment followed by the worst day of my life. My great grandma was so very very very special to me. She and I had a lot of moments over the last few years that I will treasure very much. She was one of the most special women in my life and I want nothing more than just to see her again. I am so thankful for the years that I was able to spend with her and especially for our most recent trip to Florida to visit her. I just wish I had one more day with her. Just one more.... Loosing her was the single worst thing that happened to me all year. I never got a chance to be at the service for my great grandma or papa and it makes me sad- I was never able to get final closure to really say goodbye. I just want to be able to have a place where my grandma is so that I can go and talk to her and feel close to her. I just want a day of closure finally. I know that I will get that someday, eventually. My life has been changed forever from this day forward.... I will never be the same.

April 2011My diploma came in the mail.... finally sealing the deal that I am officially a COLLEGE GRADUATE!

May 2011
Indy 500 time! For my 6th year in a row! This year's Indy 500 winner was Dan Wheldon, who was sadly called home to heaven only a few months later in October when he died in a fatal racing wreck. It was a sad time for race fans. I am happy I had the opportunity to attend this race and to see his winning! He will be missed in 2012.

My interview at Medieval Times was the day before we left for the Indy 500- That interview CHANGED my life! :)

June 2011
On June 13, I started my "big girl job". This was one of my biggest wishes of the year and it came true! After 6 months and 500+ resumes; my prayers were finally answered and I was blessed with the opportunity to be hired to work for a great company and the opportunity to work with some really great people. I am thankful for this job. I know its not the end of my careers but its a great place to start!

July 2011
On July 4, I was able to make a BIG check off on my Bucket List. I went to a HOME game Crosstown Classic at Wrigley Field and my CUBBIES WON THE GAME!!! I went with Ryan, my dad and my brother. It was a great day and I am happy that I am able to say I attended the game! Bucket List CHECK!

August 2011
On August 31, we celebrated my mom's 50th Birthday. My dad, brother, mom and I went to Chili's for dinner and finished up our evening with cake and my moms' gift at home. We bought her her very own pair of diamond earrings! She had some very happy tears! It was a great birthday for my mom.

September 2011
On September 21, I turned 24 and Ryan and I have been dating for 3 years. My parents, brother, his girlfriend, Ryan and I went to On the Border for dinner and went home for caramel apple cheesecake and presents. It was a great birthday. I must admit, I am dreading my Quarter of a Century Birthday in 2012- I cant believe I'm "that old".

October 2011
Nothing too exciting happened in October; day at the Morton Arboretum, Halloween, fall, the same ole stuff...

November 2011
I was in the McDonalds Thanksgiving Day Parade downtown Chicago with work. We celebrated a nice Thanksgiving with Aunt Cindy, Aunt Karri and her family, Aunt Sue and her clan, grandma, my parents, brother and Ryan. I woke up at midnight to go to Target to snag my parents Christmas gift- but lines were too long for me to wait. On Saturday Mom and I went to see Shrek the Musical (another perk from working at Medieval Times)...later that day mom and dad went out Christmas shopping and I went to the Immediate Care since I had been sick all weekend and thought for sure I had strep throat. Turned out to be nothing more than a pesty sore throat. We started decorating for Christmas and getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year.

November 30, Ryan's cousin Courtnie welcomed Kazmir the most beautiful (handsome) baby boy into the world! I am so happy for her and her mom, dad, Tyler and the family. We have a new addition to love and adore! :)

I was awarded Employee of the Month at work- after only 5 months of service! What a great honor!
December 2011
Christmas was quite this year but just the way I like it. We didnt have ANY snow which was a real bummer! It was in the high 40's all Christmas week. We had a nice celebration at the office. Christmas Eve mom and I watched movies, I went out with Ryan and his parents for dinner and presents, and we ended the night with the most beautiful 11PM church service. What a great way to welcome Christmas! Christmas day we opened gifts- I got a KINDLE and the Coach Tote I had been eyeing and thought they sold out of! We went to Ryans family for dinner and gifts and then made our way to my side of the family for gifts and socializing. Christmas is my favorite holiday, I am truly sad that its all over...until next year.

December 29, was my Dads 50th Birthday. The day was quiet for him and I felt really bad. It wasnt the best of birthdays for him, but I know that he knows how much we love him and tried to make his birthday good. We bought him a golf GPS Sky Caddy- which he had been wanting for months! Now he just cant wait for golf season to come around so he can use it!

The 29th was our first REAL icy day of weather. Dad told me to leave early and allow myself time- which I DID! I left 15 minutes earlier than I usually do and I still made it to work at the same time I ALWAYS do- thats how careful I was! It was a fine drive until I made it into my work parking lot where I lost control of the car and slid into the curb (pretty hard) and broke the wheel right out of my car. I'm not very auto technical, but I know I did quite some damage. Thank God my dad was awake at home and he made his way out to my work to survey the damage and get my car a tow. Its going to cost me a $500 deductible to get Colby fixed (which sucks) but I'm happy that the only damage was to parts and not to the body of the car. What a horrible way to start a day and to end a year.

I am so sad that this year is coming to an end. It makes me sad that I grew up and lost so much this year. It makes me sad that the closer we get to a new year, the further I get from my Great Grandma. In only 1 month it will be the last time that I ever saw her, in 2 months it will be a year since she passed away. My heart still aches as if she were taken away from me yesterday.

I know I often complained about NOT having a "big girl job" and I really grateful everyday that I have been blessed with such a thing; but there are some days that I wish for my "student" days back. I missing being home all the time, I miss sleeping in, I miss being able to request any day off, I miss having a schedule that was more compatible with Ryans. Now that I get up at 7:30AM and work a 40 hour work week, I am like an old lady- tired by 10 in bed sleeping by 11; I miss seeing Ryan like I used to!

2011 was a good year; not better than any previous year. I did get the official graduation documentation and I was able to find a nice paying full time job; I did lose 2 of my loved ones and I've learned some things in life that are hard to learn, hard to deal with, and hard to cope with.

God only gives us what we can handle and 2011 was another year that we handled and have now gotten through.



Goodbye 2011 and Hello 2012...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries- DIVORCE

Let me clarify- I am writing about this because I am DISGUSTED- not because I am interested. This post is going to be a bit of a rant, so I apologize early!

DISCLAIMER: I do watch the Kardashian's on a weekly basis, as a loyal fan; I find their lives fascinating, but I DO NOT what-so-ever admire them or look up to them... I just wanted to get that out there!

It has been released today, that Kim Kardashian and husband Kris Humphries have filed for a divorce after 3 SHORT months of marriage.

This irritates me for 2 MAJOR reasons, which you will read below:

1. Money, MONEY, Money!---The wedding has been surrounded in money from the HIDEOUS and over sized $2 million engagement ring, the $50,000 his-and-her Vegas bachelor/ette party, the overpriced shower, the expensive engagement party, rehearsal dinner and the $10 MILLION dollar wedding!!!!! Plus they are rumored to have received a whopping $1.5 million dollar check for selling their wedding pictures to the smut magazines!

Dont get me wrong, every girl should have the wedding of her dreams, but come'on folks- there's a limit here and this Kardashian-Humphries wedding went WAY WAY WAY beyond that limit!

Arent weddings supposed to be about first and foremost, the joining of two lives into one! It's all about the bride and the groom, love and celebrating that love with their loved ones!

It's not about money and how much we can put into throwing an extravaganza!

This wedding was a complete and udder waste of money! Isnt our country in a recession? Arent major corporations filing for bankruptcy? Arent people loosing thier homes, cars, jobs and more due to financial strain?... YES YES YES! and here you have the Kardashian's who have made their fame and fortune- by acting crude and inappropriate, like imbeciles- on TV making millions of dollars, to never life a finger or put in a 9-5 day of hard work! I'm sorry but I work for my money, I put in my time sitting at a desk- doing WORK! Not "playing" on TV. There are thousands of American's out there whom are either 1. Willing, able and looking for work  and 2. Working their butts off just to try to keep milk and bread on the tables!

To see a wedding which in the end when all is said and done, cost $15 MILLION dollars upward wasted and over in 3 months is horrible, shameful, and a disgrace. Ms Kim Kardashian ex Humpries should be ashamed of herself for this! What a childish, selfish and self absorbed brat she is! Isn't there something ELSE that she could have done with that money? Like built a new homeless shelter, donate to struggling families, donate to the working class, hospitals, fire departments, police departments- ANYBODY other than thrown out the window into a wedding that she couldn't even make the marriage last a year?! UGH DISGUSTING!!!!

2. Weddings aren't just for the party they are there to celebrate LOVE, UNITY and MARRIAGE!!!!!! This whole situation made it very apparent that Ms. Kardashian/Humphries was in it just for the big princess wedding. If she were in if for the marriage, she would have realized that her and Kris were a BAD pair- which was obvious multiple times throughout the latest season of Keeping up with the Kardashians. There were so many times on the show that as a viewer looking from the outside in, you just knew that things were wrong. There were so many signs that things were wrong, the biggest sign- if your family whom you are the closest with do not like you boyfriend/fiance, then maybe they know something more than you do. If you FIGHT (everybody fights in the weeks leading up to a wedding) and argue constantly- up until the night of you rehearsal dinner- then you are in TROUBLE! If you say, "I hate him" at your rehearsal dinner, about your husband to be, then you are in TROUBLE! 

I dont know it yet, but I ASSUME that weddings are pretty stressful and I'm sure that the weeks and days leading up to the big day have to be among the most stressful...I'm sure its natural to be nervous, to argue and to just be scared- but to be mad at each other the way that Kim and Kris were the days before their wedding= BAD NEWS!!!

Then we have the issue of Ms. Kardashian NOT wanting to change her last name and Kris 1. not knowing about this and 2. not agreeing with this.... UMMMMMM isnt this something that you two should discuss before your wedding is like 2 days away?! Isnt marriage supposed to be the merging of 2 lives into 1. I know that the one thing that I look forward to when getting married would have to be taking the last name of my husband. THATS MARRIAGE! You start a new life together, you become one, a family, a unity- you take on the last name!

Sorry for the long rant, but this Kardashian situation just really pisses me off! It's not right! I seriously hope that she goes to bed thinking about the horrible choices that she's made. I think she's and idiot and hopefully the rest of the world will too....

You can bet that when I get married someday, its going to be for the RIGHT reasons, wedding or no wedding, I just want a day with my family to celebrate the unity and the sacrament of our MARRIAGE! No matter what life throws at us, we're going to work on things. I'm not a quitter, marriage is the long haul and I'm ready to take it on head first!

Life Aint Always Beautiful, but It's a Beautiful Ride!



The Gate to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway- a memorial to Dan Wheldon has been created by fans.



Sunday, during a race in Las Vegas the race world lost a great driver. 33 year old Dan Wheldon died in the 11th lap of the race in a horriable multi car accident. This was the first during race death that we've seen in a long time in the racing world. The last Indy Racing League (IRL) death was back in 2003- and that happend during practice laps. To see a race like this is devistating and theres something inside of every race fan that knew the outcome wasnt going to be good...

The one thing that always surprises me is that when you see those cars racing- you forget that there is a person in there. It isnt until you're watching live at a race and you see the little helmet sticking out of the top of that car and you realize-there is a person in there!- you realize at a race how fast those cars really do spin around those track and you gain a whole new appreciation for what those drives do! We all know that every time they get into those cars, there's a risk of a fatal crash; but it hasnt happend in so long that it seems like it slipped out minds that something like this could REALLY happen! Dan Wheldon was the champion in this year's Indy 500, racing without a team, he was a real miracle winner this year at the Indy. This picture of Dan, his wife and his beautiful babies was taken at the end of the race- it brings tears to my eyes every time I see it. What a beautiful, young family- he was taken too soon :(

Dan Wheldon, his wife, and their two young sons- Indy 500 2011



Dan Wheldon after winning the Indianapolid 500 in May, 2011

Dan Wheldon and his team at the 2011 Indy 500- where he was the campion!

Rest in Peace Dan- GodSpeed! We will surley miss you! Life ain't always beautiful, but its a beautiful Ride! What a ride you've had!

Medieval Time with Aunt Cindy and Sue

As an employee at Medieval Times (MT) we get some really nice perks- FREE tickets! When we're hired, on our birthday's and at Christmas (and we get a whole year to use them). Since I was JUST at a show back in June when I got hired and I was getting 4 tickets again for my birthday in September, and 4 again in December; I decided to use my tickets as a gift for my aunt Cindy and her roommate Sue.

My aunt and Sue both have mental disabilities. Both Sue and my aunt are under the care of a great non-for profit here in the Chicago area, called the Little City Foundation. They live independentally together in an apartment facility that has been arranged by Little City. We've tried to give my aunt the most "normal" life that she can have. She live independently, works a full time job, travels, and lives day to day like you and I do. I knew that the oportunity for Sue and my aunt to attend Medieval Times was a rare one- so we wanted to make sure that this was the best experience we could give them!

My mom came to work to pick me up. Before she got to the castle- there was the most beautiful RAINBOW that I've ever seen out my window! I have a beautiful view! The sky on that day was so dark and cloudy and the rainbow was so strong! It was amazing!


The whole drive over to the castle (20 min or so) the girls in the backseat couldnt stop talking about Medieval Times, the horses, and what color knight we would have. They were so excited!

Here are some pictures of us arriving at the castle! (notice Sue's horse shirt) she wore that special for the night- she LOVES horses!


We arranged to have both my Aunt and Sue knighted during the knighting cermonies at the castle. Luckily and thankfully- I work at the right place and with wonderful people and they arranged the knighting ceremonies free of charge for us!

Here are the pictues of Aunt Cindy being Knighted! (she was so surprised!)



Here is Sue being Knighted! Look at her face!

Both the girls got a copy of the photo of them being knighted and a special announcement was made for them during the show!

We made a stop at the gift shop so the girls could get some MT goodies! Aunt Cindy loves unicorns-and Sue love horses! Here they are with their gifts!




We sat in the yellow section!


Yay for the Yellow Knight- WE WON!


Cindy and Sue with the Yellow Knight- Robert! (they thought he was sooo handsome!)

What's Been Goin' On?

Since June- when my last post was, a lot has been going on! Here's a quick rundown of the fun things I've been up to!

On June 24, 2011 Ryan, his sister Krystin, her boyfriend Brendan and myself were going to Medieval Times for a show. We ended up having a nice time. I was even Knighted by the king as the Administrative wench at the castle. Overall, the night was great and it made me proud of the place I work! I'll be going back in a few weeks with my mom, my aunt Cindy and her roommate Sue to celebrate some birthday's!




On July 3, 2011 My dad, brother, Ryan and myself went to a Crosstown Classic Game at Wrigley Field. Ryan is a die hard Sox fan who was brave enough to go to the came with 3 CuBS loving baseball fans. It was an awesome game and the CUBS WON!!!!!!!






On August 6, 2011 Ryan and I went to a Brad Paisley concert at the Tinley Park Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. It was an awesome concert and I think Ryan became a little bit more of a country music fan!




On August 13, 2011 Ryan's best friend Nick got married- to his beautiful wife Sarah. We had a great time at the wedding! Nick and Sarah are expecting their first baby in January!





On August 31, 2011 My mom celebrated her 50th Birthday! We went out for a family dinner at Chilis, followed by a delicious cake from Jarosch Bakery and a present of beautiful Diamond earrings (which my mom LOVED)!

September 5, 2011 Ryan's family went to Arlington Race track for a day of fun horse racing and family time. We had a great time celebrating Labor Day and hanging out with the family!

September 10, 2011 My mom and I went to a Lady Antebellum concert at Joe's Bar in Chicago. We had bought General Admission tickets and we went to the concert not expecting to be anywhere near the stage-but to our surprise, we ended up standing RIGHT at the very front of the stage. It was a great concert!!!! We LOVE Lady A and we knew that the show was going to be great-and they didnt let us down! Mom and I had a blast!

New Job!

I was just offered a position at Medieval Times! I interviewed there last week and was offered the job on Wednesday; and I gladly accepted! I will be working in the Sales office as a a Sales and Marketing Assistant. I am happy to have found my "big break", my real job, my 9-5 job, my no weekend's job! It has been a LONG search but I feel like it has finally paid off! I start offically on Monday June 13, 2011 and I can hardlly wait! This is an exciting new chapter in my life and Im ready for it to begin!

Sugarland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last night Ryan and I went to the Matt Nathanson, Little Big Town and SUGARLAND concert at the AllState Arena here in Chicago. This was the first concert that we've gone to as a couple- and Ryan's first country music concert. He was a little hesitant on going since he didn't really know too many of the songs by any of the bands- but we both agreed that a night out at a concert was something fun and rare of us to do; so we decided to go.


A week ago I was having a melt-down because the tickets were SOLD-OUT on ticketmaster and the only way to buy them was through EBay (DANGEROUS) or through StubHub ($$$$).... I was mad because I had waited and waited for a month to buy tickets- thinking the seats available would get better but eventually, the tickets just ran out!... I was having a hard time buying the tickets on EBay because I was concerned about their authenticity and because face-value of the tickets was $35 EACH and with taxes and shipping we ended up paying $70 for EACH... Ryan convinced me that it was only money- and we should bite the bullet and go!... SO we did!

The tickets were FINE! We got right in, found our seats (way up high in section 213) and enjoyed the first two opening acts.



Ryan's- Uncle Pete and Aunt Jane were at the concert in the 2nd row. We had made a joke earlier that we should switch seats with them 1/2 through the concert if they decided they didn't want to sit so close... (haha) We were settling into our seats and getting ready for the main act- I was talking to Ryan and told him, "Someday, I'll sit in the front row at a concert- that's another bucket-list item of mine". Literally 2 minutes later, the phone rang and it was Uncle Pete telling us that he had tickets AND seats for us up in the FRONT ROW!!!! We grabbed our things and ran downstairs to find him!

Sure enough, there were two empty seats right up in the first row! We sat down, in shock, "did this really just happen?!" and got ready for the concert to start....




What a rockin' show! Sugarland knows how to put on a concert and get their fans up dancing and having a goooood time! We had such a great night!

When the night was over, Ryan admitted that he had a great time and he even said that country concerts were fun and Sugarland knew how to do a concert! (YAY!!!)



We're looking into buying some Sugarland tickets for the Milwaukee Summerfest show in Wisconsin this summer! I can't wait!

I know that NO other concert is EVER going to beat this one! This was by far the best concert I've been to and the seats made all the difference!!!

Thanks to Uncle Pete for getting us up there by them! It was an awesome night!

Fairytales Do Come True!

I woke up at 2:30am today to watch all of the Royal Wedding coverage. Call me crazy- but I am just so into this Royal Wedding!!!! It's such an amazing and beautiful event- I just cant get enough of it!


When I tuned in this morning- the coverage was limited. It was footage of the guest arriving at the beautiful Wesminister Abbey- which was decorated AMAZINGLY!... I anxiously watched, glued to my TV for the next 2 hours until it was wedding time. As soon as I saw Prince William and Harry arrive at the church I sat up in my bed to watch and I realize I was sitting alone with a huge smile beaming across my face. Moments after that the first glimpse of the beautiful Kate Middleton appeared in her limo with her dad. The suspense of seeing that dress was KILLING ME!... When she stepped out of that car, in that dress- I was truly in AWE! What a beautiful bride she was!



I managed to stay awake for the next hour (the whole wedding service) and everything about the service was just amazing. It was so neat to sit at home at watch Kate's every dream come true... not only did she marry the love of her life today; but she married a PRINCE! and someday she will be QUEEN! Isnt this something that nearly every little girl dreams of?! I know I did... and I know that I wish I could have been in her shoes at that wedding today for just even a single second.

Kate's dress= OMG that dress!!!!! So beautiful! She is my inspiration for my wedding dress someday! She looked classic, stunning, simple and elegant! Just how every bride wants to look on her special day.



While I watched true love and a true fairy-tale play out on screen I couldnt help but to feel excited and a wee-bit jealous of Kate. I would love to have a wedding on 1/2 of the scale that she did. What an amazing wedding she had!


I cant say enough about the day- I cant watch enough about the day- I cant read enough or see enough pictures! The whole Royal Wedding is something that I could watch all day-everyday. It's such a beautiful story, moment, day, and piece of history...I am happy that I was able to live through this exact moment, that I was able to whitness it live on TV. This is something that I am going to remember for the rest of my life!


Tonight I will go to sleep knowing that fairytales DO come true! I know that I've found my prince and I know someday I will marry him and on that day, I will feel just as if I am a princess... and my fairytale will then, on that day, come true!

The Royal Wedding of 2011

So at 4am I am going to be awake watching the live coverage of the Royal Wedding. I cant wait to see it!




I have this strong fascination with weddings- I think that's because I cant wait to plan my OWN wedding someday! This Royal Wedding is of a huge proportion and its something that I just cant miss!

In all honesty, the Royal Wedding isnt going to make that much of a diffrernce in my life or the lives of others in the U.S. but it will certanly put a smile on my face for the day tomorrow and dreams in my heart for my future wedding. I mean, it's really cool that Kate a commoner is getting married and BOOM she becomes a princess! Isnt that something that every little girl dreams of?! I have! and I think that's why I am so excited to watch the wedding- because even if its not me marrying "the prince" its still something magical for Kate and William- and I will get my chance to marry MY PRINCE someday!

March 16 and March 17 2011

On Monday March 14, my grandpa was admitted to hospice care. Doctors told our family there wasn't much time left. He had been battling emphysema for several years; he had been on oxygen, numerous medications and breathing treatments for as long as I can remember. Our family knew there wasnt much time.

When we were on our last visit to Florida- I think my grandpa knew his time was short (in fact, he told my mom he thought it was). He made sure to share his feelings with us; he's very proud of our family and the things that we've accomplished in our lives. He told us he loved us. He made sure that our "last time" together was just as it should be...

He was called home to heaven on March 16 2011- in the 8pm hour. My Grandpa "Puppies" will be missed. I know that there is one more Cubs fan up in heaven this year rooting on our Chicago Cubbies!

My great grandma celebrated her 91st Birthday on February 25th 2011- and my mom and I were able to be there with her. She looked wonderful and we had a great trip. We had a wonderful day at the beach on her birthday followed by a party to celebrate her 91 years of life. Great Grandma became sick on Tuesday night and was taken to the hospital. They were running tests to find out what was wrong. On Wednesday- she was still in the hospital; no new updates.

On March 17 2011- My beloved Great Grandma was called home to heaven while in her sleep. We now have a Lucky Angel in heaven watching down on us.

My Grandpa "Puppies" and Great Grandma passed away 6 hours apart. What a day.

I know that God has a plan for all of this; but its times like now, that I cant help but question why this is happening and what his plan is.

My Grandma's biggest fear was that both my Grandpa and Great Grandma would pass away at the same time; and today her biggest fear became a reality.

I pray that the Good Lord gives my family the strength to get through this and the ability to accept the things that He is doing.... I know there is a reason, but I just dont understand it yet...

Great Grandma's 91st Birthday

2 weeks ago today, my mom and I were in beautiful Tampa, Florida to visit my family and to celebrate my Great Grandma's 91st Birthday!

Last year we went to Florida for my grandma's 90th Birthday and we were given some awful news. My grandma was really sick with a bacterial infection and the doctors told our family that she probably wouldn't make it much longer. We flew home from Florida all of us in tears, because we thought that it was the last time that we would be seeing her, forever.

Well, here we are a year later and my Great Grandma is as healthy as ever. We knew that we couldn't miss her birthday this year, especially after how her birthday had gone last year.

Great Grandma didn't know that we were coming into town, so when we snuck into the house, she was really surprised. She started crying because she was so happy to see us. We spent the day with everybody and headed back to the hotel later that night.

Friday was grandma's birthday and we had sandwiches for lunch, went to the beach to take in the sights and take some pictures with Great Grandma. My grandma made us a wonderful dinner of ham and mac-and-cheese. We had a wonderful day spending lots of quality time with my Great Grandma on her very special day.

Saturday my grandma threw a little birthday party for my Great Grandma. There were quite a few people that came over to celebrate my grandmas birthday. We had some birthday cake and it was a wonderful celebration. When it was time to say goodbye and to head back to our hotel for the night, I fought back some tears. We were scheduled to fly home on Sunday. It was sad saying goodbye to my family because I didn't know when we would be seeing them again. I just love them and I love spending time with my family. It was really a special few days.

Next Week, Next Month

At this time next week I will be in a hotel in Florida. My mom and I will be down in Florida next week to celebrate with my Great Grandma, her 91st Birthday! I am so excited for our quick trip to Florida to visit my grandparents down there and to see my great grandma and to celebrate another beautiful and wonderful year of life with her!

At this time next month I will be in a hotel in Florida (again). My brother, grandparents, Ryan and myself will be down in Florida this time getting ready to board a cruise on March 19, 2011. We booked this cruise back in October of 2010 and we've been counting down the days since then. We are finally in the 20-something day mark and its getting so exciting!

Sunny Days!

I am so happy that we have had some of the most sunny and beautiful days this past week. It is amazing how the sunny weather can brighten up every one's moods instantly! The sun and warm(er) weather seem to bring everybody out of the "winter hibernation" that we have been in for the last 3 months. It is sure nice to be able to go outside sans a big heavy winter coat, boots, scarf, gloves, hat (the winter works).... I do have to admit that I am a little bummed that all of our snow is melting away, but it was fun while it lasted! The only down-side to all of this warm weather in the middle of February, is that I KNOW this is not the end of winter, I am sure we have another decent round of snow coming before the "real" spring is here.... I guess my flip flops will have to wait 30 more days (until our cruise) before they can come out of hibernation!

Last Week...

Last Tuesday night at this time, we were getting nailed with our 2011 Blizzard! This storm ended up being the 3rd largest snowstorm of Chicago history with a whole 22 inches of snow recorded in our area! My mom and I made it outside during the day to take some pictures of the incredible amount of snow that we got! It was awesome running around in the snow for a little while, I havent seen a snow storm like that one ever in my life and it was a blast to be outside playing in it! I know that the Blizzard of 2011 is one that I am going to be telling my children about someday... it really was an awesome 2 days of a lot of snow!

The only problem with the snow is that we got sooo much of it! There's really no place for it to go. So we're dealing with huge piles of snow scattered everywhere; on the corners, in parking lots, on sidewalks and all over the edges of driveways. We have SO much snow, I think we might just be waiting for it all to melt welll into July! :)

The Great Blizzard of 2011!

This is what the blizzard of 1967 In Chicago, IL looked like....
No... I wasn't alive to even see it (my parents we're only 6 years old) but over the last 24 hours, I've heard A LOT about it, so much about the 67' blizzard, I almost feel like I lived through it!

We're supposed to be experiencing a blizzard tomorrow-Wednesday! What a way to start February?! This is going to be the first "massive" blizzard-like snow that we've had in the Chicago-land area since 1979! From what the forecasts have been predicting, its going to be the "REAL DEAL"... eek!

So what do we have in store for us over the next 2 days?! Well, they're saying from a foot-20 inches of snow; winds up to 45 mph and overall nasty, snowy, blowy and cold weather!

I must admit, that I am a lover of all things snow! I love snowfall (its sooo beautiful) and I love to be in the snow (there's something so magical and whimsical about snow)... So I'm pretty darn excited about this blizzard which is headed our way!

We'll see what REALLY happens, it seems that these weather reports always disappoint rather than satisfy my desire for a REAL snow storm!

Hopefully, I'll be able to experience the Blizzard of 2011! Wouldn't it be awesome to share blizzard pictures, movies, and videos with my kids someday?!

My parents were old enough to remember the Blizzard of '79 and I've seen pictures, videos and heard stories about the storm-and I've often wished that I were able to experience such a snowstorm! It seems like my chance is finally here and I am welcoming mother nature into the area with open arms!

Bring it on Blizzard!!! I cant wait! :)

Tequila-Lime Chicken

We've been eating better here at home... its been kindof a pain in the butt to eat healthy but keep a variety going. My mom and brother are both picky eaters, but my dad and I pretty much eat anything (or I'll at least try it); since we have picky eaters to deal with, we seem to eat a lot of the same recipes over and over again... I guess its easier that way, but for those of us with a curious taste pallete, its tough to be happy eating the same ole chicken breast or pasta dish once a week....

So I've been looking for some chicken recipes that everybody would eat... last night we made Sweet and Sour Chicken and white rice; from a McCormick's dinner spice packet; it was really yummy and something different and everyone pretty much liked it!

For tomorrow, I found this Tequila-Lime Chicken breast recipe and I couldnt be more excited to make it! One thing we all agree on eating is some good "mexican" flavor food! I think it'll be a hit!

the recipe is found here:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/tequila-lime-chicken-with-all-the-fixins/

YUMMMMMMY!

Cruise History!

Wow I must say that I (and my brother) have lived a pretty blessed life... some people may look at this list and say spoiled, but I hate that word (we're not spoiled, because we're both very grateful) we have been raised to understand and respect the blessings that we have been given into us in life. We don't expect to be taken on these cruise vacations, but when we get the opportunity to go on them, we take them and we enjoy them! We've been extremely blessed to be able to have parents and grandparents who have the money, the means, and the desires to take us on such wonderful vacations.

I often think about how different our lives would be if there were certain circumstances that were different, for instance, if my dad didn't work for the airlines, if my grandparents lived out of state, if my parents had more children, if my grandparents had more grandchildren; if just one of these things were to change, our lives would change. We have benefited from each of the above scenarios working out the way that they have.

Well, in the end, as I look at this list I am grateful for all of the cruises (19) that I have been on and the experiences and memories which each of them have provided me with. Many of these cruise vacations have stories that we've told for years and we will be telling for years to come.

49 days until we leave for our next cruise and I cant wait to see what memories are waiting for us at sea!