Mom and Karsten

Riley

Photos of Family and Friends

Monday Off Edition

So I have the day off today. Justin has the day off today. What kind of mischief can we get into? Well to begin with, we slept until like 10:00 a.m. That's like 4 extra hours in our world. As I was laying there enjoying the nothing-to-do ambiance that had invaded my room, I realized that if we had children this would not be possible. It's good to be an Aunt.
There's nothing on television because Time Warner Cable is replacing all the cable lines in our neighborhood. We haven't had cable television or phone service in days. At first I was annoyed because I was missing my shows. But, after more than a week I could care less if it is ever turned back on. I think we are going to give up cable t.v. Shocking, I know! But, it would save us over $100 a month to rid ourselves of the t.v. and we have come up with so many more fun things to do instead. Between work, gym, doggie play time and designing healthy meals for us- I haven't much use for the t.v. anymore. Not to mention our t.v. is located in the living room and these days we live upstairs because that is where the air conditioning is. This is not to say we haven't been frequenting the local BlockBuster for an evening chill-out flick. It's still way cheaper than cable.
So, I am miffed at everyone who saw the movie "Juno" and didn't tell me it was AWESOME!!!! The music to that movie was incredibly cool and the dialogue had me cracking up! I can't believe it has taken me this long to see it. I also can't believe we rented the new "Rambo". If you're a chick, that one name can make the blood in your veins run cold. I have been forced by every man in my life to watch Sly Stallone "shoot 'em up" and this husband of mine is no different. Boooo. On the other hand, I really liked "Semi-Pro" with Will Ferrell and "Strange Wilderness". Both movies were hysterical (if you like crude humor).
On another happy note, I can report weight loss of over 40 pounds at this point in time. On my last visit to the Dr., she informed me that I am down 40 pounds since February. Rockin'! My latest blood work revealed that I am in astoundingly good health and that my blood sugar was P-E-R-F-E-C-T. I don't have to return to the doc for any more tests until September. At that time, I may be able to reduce/discontinue my diabetes medication. Cross your fingers for me!

Speaking of September, we are calling all family members attention regarding our annual trip to Myrtle Beach. We are trying to get enough people together to rent a GIGANTIC beach house in September. It's beach front with 8 bedrooms, a game room, three big screen t.v.s, a private hot tub and pool. So if you're family, distant family, sorta family, or just like family let's hitch up the wagons and go to S. Carolina for some beach fun!

I am going to see Jack Johnson at Blossum with my friend Jessica. We are totally stoked since we are both big Jack fans. I am trying to remember the last time I used the word "stoked". I might be dating myself by using that word. Oh well, "ya better hope" I see you there!

A Few Flowers From The Garden

I loath summer weather entirely! But, it does make for some BEAUTIFUL flowers. The definition of too pretty to pick if you ask me. Marie- the yellow rose is for you dear! And the Lily-well it needs no explanation. And unfortunately my daisies are not ready to bloom, but they will soon be growing like wild in my gardens and did I mention that I have grown two HUGE pots of california poppies from seed?? Or my lilac bush I nestled in the heart of my garden which is taking to its new home nicely. I am not sure why I decided to garden this year as I have never had the desire and most often kill any plant within days of purchase. A rainy spring has been my saving grace and given me a garden of lavish flowers and greenery. I am so proud of my new found talent, I may just grow some vegetables!

10 Things I Did On Tuesday

1. Made a lovely dinner of chicken stir fry! At a whopping 1g of fat and 260 calories for a crazy large portion, I am in love with my new cookbook! Thanks Mormor.
2. 10 loads of laundry and killer calf muscles after dozens of trips up and down three sets of steps. Must make a mental note to start laundry before we actually run out of clothes next time:)
3. 1 hour of grueling exercise at the Nat.
4. 1 hour of continuous fetch with three frisky Labradors.
5. A giant garbage bag containing 6 months of unwanted materials left in my car. It is a relief to see the floor again. I forgot what it looked like.
6. TWO loads of fresh dishes that up until this afternoon were loitering in my sink. Yes, until today our house looked like the aftermath of some natural disaster.
7. I FINALLY mailed my mom's Mother's Day card. It is just ridiculous that I haven't gotten it out in the mail until now, but I literally can't remember the last time I bought a stamp. Don't worry Mom already got her present (a very large bottle of Euphoria) on mama's day!
8. I went online and bought myself a little present today too! I big, purple bottle of Vera Wang Princess. Yeah for me!!! A girl has to smell good and I LOVE perfume. (hint, hint Justin)
9. I went in and deleted my email inbox. For pete's sake, who are all these people and how do they know I want to earn 5K a month working from home! HAHA! There must have been a thousand offers for free giftcards to Target, Pizza Hut and Starbucks. Good grief. I started out scanning subject lines for valuable content, but grew frustrated after 5 pages of scams. If you have sent me any emails within the month that were important, chances are they were deleted today. Sorry.
10. Lastly, it is clean sheet day. Do you have a celebration in your house on clean sheet day? We do! There is no smell on earth that compares to fresh, cool sheets in my personal opinion. This might sound demented to you, but if you woke up every morning with one fat cat and three slobbing retrievers you might understand!

Monday, Memorial Day, and The 2 Month Mark

1. Happy Memorial Day to all! I do love a paid holiday from work.
2. I'm happy to report a 22lb loss from my dieting/workout regime. I went and bought new workout clothes and a new pair of jeans today. I was practically beaming when I realized a needed pants TWO sizes smaller. YEAH!!!!
3. Justin's new job at the First Merit tower is working out great! We are however looking forward to a day when he isn't working all three shifts during the week.
4. I am having to relearn every recipe I ever made, which is turning out to be harder than expected. You would be surprised to see how many unnecessary calories can be avoided by making small changes to everyday cooking. I will post some updated recipes in the future for lighter, healthier fare. Marie, I have been messing with that recipe you made for Christmas breakfast and I think you will like the changes I have made.
5. Lastly, I would like to say Happy Two-Month Birthday to my nephew Charlie. I've been slacking lately, so I don't have any up-to-date photos of him. He is absolutely adorable and looking more like his daddy everyday. I have it on good authority that he is a good sleeper and adores his big sister Lily. I rarely hold babies, so I got a big surprise when I scooped him up after his dinner and patted his back! He's so darn cute I didn't even remember it happened until Justin pointed in out later at Target:) Here's a few photos of day one with Charlie Boy. Hopefully, I'll get some new pics when my new Digital Rebel XSI shows up next week!

Big Yawn For A Big Day!

I absolutely adore this photo of Charlie and Marie. Have you ever seen two people look more content?

Just Some Old Photos

Found these on my mom's computer and thought it might be cool to reflect on pictures of when I was younger. Home Photography has come a LOOOOOONNNNGGGG way!

When I was little, I had some signature styles, which means I was pretty cool even back them;) Suspenders, hot pink/orange tights, high top reeboks and jean skirts. Kinda punkie brewster, I think.

I think that one picture was taken before church on Christmas Eve and the other is before homecoming my freshman year. I would give anything to be that size again. *sigh*

Reminder To Myself

May I never become so self-absorbed that I miss the beauty of nature.
May I never compromise quality for quantity.
May I never forget to be thankful for all I have been given.
May I never pass judgement on others.
May I never forget to help those in need.
May I never allow money to compromise my values.
May I never let anything but gravity hold me down.
May I never take family for granted.
May I always take time to enjoy my life and stop to smell the flowers.

Daisy May

And the latest addition to the family is my grandparents new puglet, Daisy May.
See Daisy Play. See Daisy winding down.

See Daisy pass out.

This dog has more energy than 4 two year-olds combined. She plays hard and sleeps harder.

1 Month Old

One month Charlie Boy. It's been one whole month since Aunt Heather and Uncle Justin got a brand new nephew. One month since several Grandparents had their first experience with a grandson. One month since you infiltrated your cousins "all-girl" club. One month since Lily became a big sister. One month since your daddy stood grinning from ear-to-ear as they bathed you in the nursery. One month since your mama sat cradling you in her arms, oblivious to everything but sweet, little you. Happy one month birthday Charlie Boy!

Love, Aunt Heather

*Photo of Charlie at about 3 hours old, sleeping in his mama's lap and not a bit fussy!

My Mom sent me this and I had a heart attack!!! Not really, but I definately felt my stomach drop!

Family on holiday in Australia for a week and a half when husband, wife and their 15 year old son decided to go scuba diving. The husband is in the navy and has had some scuba experience. His son wanted a picture of his mum and dad in all their gear so he got the under water camera ready to go. When it came to taking the picture the dad realized that the son looked like he was panicking as he took it and gave the 'OK' hand sign to see if he was all right. The son took the picture and swam to the surface and back to the boat as quick as he could so the mum and dad followed to see if he was OK. When they got back to him he was scrambling onto the boat and absolutely panicking. When the parents asked why he said 'there was a shark behind you.' The dad thought he was joking but the skipper of the boat said it was true but they wouldn't believe him. As soon as they got back to the hotel they loaded the picture onto the laptop and this is what they saw.

(Try and tell me you wouldn't have emptied your Entire digestive system right at the point you saw it)Would you have stayed to take the picture??

Maybe what saved them was that the shark wasn't hungry, they were in the water not on the surface, and there was no fear coming from them - only because they were not aware. Probably better that the kid didn't point for them to look behind them

What A Difference 20 Years Makes.

My Mom recently posted this photo of me on her blog. Lots has changed in 20 years, but my grin and chubby cheeks remain unchanged. Also note that in this picture, I am sitting with my right leg tucked up under me. I still sit this way- which makes skirts and dresses nearly impossible.

Friday Night is Family Night

My handsome husband. I know you've heard it before, but we just love our family dinners on Friday night. And spending the evening in the company of our most favorite niece makes it all the better. This child has a mind like a steel trap. Tonight at dinner she looked at me, flashed me a peace sign, and said "peace man". I almost fell off my chair. She doesn't forget a thing!!!

Some quality time for Uncle Justin and Lily.

And this is just a flower growing in my flower bed that grabbed my attention. I have a newfound appreciation for spring in Ohio. I can hardly remember taking notice of how the leaves practically appear overnight and just when did the grass turn green and need to be cut??? Everything is new and beautiful and I am looking forward to a summer of fun and sun.

My Mama is Bloggin' Y'all!!!

Please visit my mom's blog. It has cute pictures of my when I was a tot!

www.mcox31400.blogspot.com

Some New Pics

The perfect end(s) to a beautiful day.

Some nature photography for your viewing pleasure.

Ain't that just like a proud mama.

Well, I have no human babies of my own to photograph. But, I do love taking pictures of my Luc-Goose swimming the English Channel...er the Bow-Wow Beach. All the same, isn't she a cutie??

Spring Has Arrived...

Oh Spring, I am patiently awaiting your arrival.

Lucy had her first trip to Bow-Wow Beach in Stow. She is never happier than when she is combing the beach for tennis balls or swimming out to retrieve one. I love all three of my dogs, but anyone who knows me well will tell you that this dog has stolen my heart completely.

You want more you say?? Well, maybe this will make you homesick for spring in Ohio. Everything is so fresh, new and in bloom.