Happy New Year! The good, the bad, and the ugly

Wow! One full year of blogging- seems like just yesterday I was looking at our digital camera thinking, "Is it a can opener?"

So yes, after ditching my Walgreen's disposable, I joined the technology era and put some words down on paper, er- I mean, on the computer screen, to keep in touch with everyone near and far.

This has been a year of ups and downs, with one word coming to my mind: resiliency. Never underestimate the power of faith, prayer, amazing family, and wonderful friends. We've all witnessed some tragedies in 2009, along with some great moments to share.

Even though my 401(k) ran away, my job is up in the air, and my car has one leg in the ground, I'm going to take the 'glass half-full' approach to 2009. May we all be blessed with patience and knowledge to see things through to the light of a new day.

Health, happiness and love to you all in 2009!

Ooh La La

Despite the snow, ice and freezing cold temp's, a bunch of us girls decided to throw on some lipstick and heels and head to the Cosmo Lounge for some signature martinis!

The Cosmo Lounge is located in downtown Des Moines in the Suites at Locust~ a gorgeous hotel with a suave reputation. It was so much fun! Not to mention the various types of martinis, all of which were delish!

It was a great night of cocktails and laughs, with a dash of Dominoes pizza thrown in for good measure! And many thanks to Lisa for being our DD!

A must-have: Key Lime martini~ The girls~

Group shot~

Emerald martinis~

Cheers!

Christmas in Waverly~2008

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day in Waverly this year! Of course, we had lots of good food and got to spend time with our nieces and nephews! It was good to be home and to be with family during the holidays. Our trip was short-lived however, due to the impending weather. We had a stressful trip back to Des Moines but arrived safely.

We are so blessed and thankful this Christmas to have been able to spend time with our families and friends. Here are some photos~

No 'bunny ears' Scott!
Baby Braden~

Grandma modeling her new shirt and robe~

Christmas workout

If I had a personal trainer, they'd be very proud of me right now.

Since Andy had to work today, I was on 'drive-way duty.' After our ice storm a few days ago and our 3 in. of snow last night, I just spent the past 2 hours trying to clear off our driveway. It was a great workout and I must have looked really into the task at hand because I caught the garbage man cheering me on.

Uh...are we in Florida yet?!

Christmas in Des Moines~ 2008

On Sunday, we celebrated Christmas with the Wallace side of the family. Unfortunately, due to weather up North, Uncle Steve and Aunt Amy weren't able to join us- and we definitely missed them!

Andy decided to keep the 'Santa' tradition alive and dressed up, much to the amusement of Jack and much to the horror of Evie. I think it helped getting presents delivered from Santa though!

We also enjoyed Alyce's amazing lasagna, some good salad and garlic bread and maybe a dessert or two. We had a great day of Christmas cheer!

Now we are off to continue the Christmas festivities in Waverly... Merry Christmas everyone! May you be safe and merry during the holiday season! xo

The beautiful tree~ Jack and Evie~

Who is that man in red?!

Ho Ho Ho!

Finally content with some toys!

Santa's lil reindeer~

Happy Holidays!

Let the festivities begin!

Last night, Adrian, Nette and I got together to celebrate our annual 'girls' Christmas! Adrian hosted and her new house is just beautiful! She had it all decked out...as I knew she would! Nette brought her amazing home-made lasagna, Adrian made her specialty green beans and I of course, was in charge of dessert (I am Linda's daughter- would you expect anything different?) :)

I choose little delicate cakes from 'Let Them Eat Cake' in Valley Junction, which are just fabulous! If you're ever in the mood for amazing cakes, head over there!

After eating, we opened presents which is always a blast- I was spoiled with a couple different bottles of wine, chocolates, gorgeous ring/earring set, Aveda products, an adorable pen/paper set, and some other little trinkets...

It was a great night of food, friendship and laughter! Love to my girls! xo

Feel like I'm in high school again

I was pleasantly surprised at work today with an early out this afternoon and a late start for tomorrow morning... I felt like I was in high school all over again. Now let's just hope the majority of the ice misses us and we just end up with snow!

Tonight we are headed to Andy's parent's house for Steve's Christmas-work party for his associates. I'm looking forward to the as-always yummy food and maybe a splurge on a martini! I do get to sleep in tomorrow... :)

Intervention

Confession time: I had Christmas cookies for breakfast, pizza for lunch, Chinese for supper, haven't exercised in 2 days and am wearing 2 layers of 10 year old sweats... I am in desperate need of an intervention. Where's Fergie when you need her?

I'm also watching the Victoria Secret Fashion Show and trying not to hate myself... I should have my WW leader on speed dial.

Frozen fingers, frozen toes

It's not even officially winter yet and already we're hitting below zero temps! I need to invest in some long underwear and soon! Stay warm everyone!

Every now and then...

Last night, on our way home from a Christmas party, Andy and I saw a shooting star. It's so rare that when it happens, you find yourself wondering- 'did that just happen?' It was so neat and reminded me of those situations that happen every now and then. A reminder to stop and smell the roses, say a prayer of thanks and marvel in those natural wonders, like a shooting star.

Tis the Season...

Tis the season for digging out the Pledge and dusting off the Kitchen Aid mixer!

In preparation for Andy's work Christmas party tonight, I slaved away making Peanut Butter Blossoms and Almond Bark pretzels. And since Andy had the guys over last night to watch the Iowa game, they got to taste-test for me! Luckily, they passed the test.

Next up, a red Velvet cake for our Wallace Christmas next weekend! And no, it won't be store bought. :)

~Spa Day~

I finally decided enough is enough. I needed to refine how much money I spend on personal grooming- IE, haircuts, highlights...

Bottom Line: I needed to look for a new salon. I love my current one but to be honest, the prices were just too much. Especially now- when cutting back is so important.

Just my luck! The Aveda Institute opened in West Des Moines and I was anxious to give it a try. Not to mention- they have very affordable prices on haircuts and highlights. I have to say- it was a very luxurious, relaxing day of pampering. Just what I needed after battling the flu this week.


My girl, Katie, was phenomenal! Very professional and knowledgeable about the product- I loved my cut and highlights! And the best part: the cheap price tag!




If you're in the area, check out their Web site:
http://avedainstitutedesmoines.com/

Robbing the cradle...

No doubt about it- the kid has a way with words (okay, yes I know- the author is female, no wonder the guy knows what a girl wants to hear!)

I'm officially a 'cradle robber'- and proudly declare Team Edward! If you haven't guessed it already, my BF Adrian and I went to see Twilight last night. I haven't read the book yet- but plan to start it this weekend. She was able to fill me in but I loved the movie- even not really knowing the whole (book) story.

And watching him didn't hurt:

I've got the itch- now when's the sequel?!

That bug bit me...

Despite my best intentions- getting the flu shot, daily vitamins, 7 hours of sleep a night- I got hit with the flu bug. And it wasn't pretty. In fact, I think I quit my Pepto-Bismol/NyQuil induced coma a tad bit too soon.

The only upside? I lost 2 lbs at Weight Watcher's this week.

The sad part? My WW leader wanted me to cough on her. Ah yes- nothing like the flu to take off a couple unwanted pounds...

Okay, enough typing- now back to my regularly scheduled jammy/slipper time.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I think I'm finally getting into the Christmas spirit this weekend!

I found some great deals on Black Friday, saw a cute Christmas movie (Four Christmases) with my good friend Jen, put up the Christmas decorations with Andy and...woke up to snow this morning!

A perfect day for snuggling in and enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa! Let the Christmas countdown begin!

Thanksgiving 2008

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Des Moines at Andy's parent's house. We had a nice day of eating delicious food, relaxing, and just enjoying the day. It was exactly how Thanksgiving should be- and I hope everyone had a safe holiday!

Jack and Evie as little Indians~

Evie isn't too sure about her new 'hat'~

Amazing turkey brined and cooked by Andy~

Way too much good food~

Let the Good Times (and bowling balls!) Roll...

Andy and I met some friends out Wednesday night for dinner and bowling. $5 martini's do not equate to a decent bowling score! I think my high score was 58. But hey, it's the fun that counts right? We had a great time catching up with everyone before the holidays.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Dinner at Legend's~ Gotta love those bowling shoes!

Jenny got a strike! She's my hero!

Crawford in the zone~

Inspiring

Every year, my company creates an 'Angel Tree' during the holidays. A Christmas tree is decorated with Angels that contain gift ideas for the Des Moines Boys Home, a group that takes in and caters to teen boys that have been exposed to horrific living conditions. They shelter and school the boys until they are 18 years of age. It's a great charity that I'm happy we can be a part of.

The heartbreaking part of the Angel tree are the gift suggestions from the boys- most ask for warm clothing, hats/gloves, one boy asked for his own 'blanket' and this year, the Angel I choose- a 12 year old boy asked for the book 'The Audacity of Hope,' by Barack Obama.

Here are teenage boys that have been exposed to years of abuse, poverty, and who knows what else- and instead of video games, electronics or some outlandish gift, they are merely hoping for warm clothes and some words of insight.

Even though it's just one gift, I hope the book will uplift and inspire.

Taking my mind off the economy...

Okay so I don't know about you guys, but I'm down right tired of watching the news lately! Tired of the layoffs, the foreclosures, the bailouts, the political fights... I need to get back to the basics. I need to start my 'grateful' list every day and keep on adding to it!

Every day, I'm thankful for my amazing hubby, who keeps me laughing and who treats me like a queen. I'm so thankful for my wonderful family and all my awesome friends- who continue to uplift and support me through anything. I'm so thankful that I have a job that I love- with benefits, friends, a free parking space. I'm thankful for my health- the fact that every day I wake up and can see, hear, taste, smell... I'm so thankful that I have a car that got me to work today and didn't have another flat!

My knuckles hurt as I'm knocking on wood while typing... but I just need to remember- stop, take a breath, and enjoy this day for all it has brought to me. Oh- and getting my next 5 lb. loss star at my WW meeting today helped too. :)

May God keep us and bless us as we live through these crazy times...

California Fires

Andy's parents received a phone call last night from family that lives in California. The border of their town was on fire- even the high school was burning. As of last night, they were spraying down their roof with water; their house was okay- let's hope the fires can get under control before it hits them. Please keep them and everyone affected by the fires, in your prayers!

Just like mama used to make...

Almost every special event since I can remember, my mom has made the BEST lasagna ever known to mankind. Better than any Italian joint in NYC- and lately, I've had a hankering for it. So I decided to whip out the big guns, and try to make it myself!

It didn't turn out too bad- however, my notes for next time: add more mozzarella and don't use 'oven-ready' noodles. Oh and this batch didn't have Baldy's 'special touch.' :)

And yes mom, I did recycle the jars and noodle box!

No Spring Chicken

Okay. I'll admit it. I'm OLD. Usually on a week night I'm lucky to make it past the 9:15 p.m. weather report on FOX.

But once a month, I chug a Red Bull and meet my girlfriend's from Drake out for some fun and feasting! Last night we met at Latin King- and had a great time! I even did my Weight Watcher leader proud by skipping dessert. And you know that rarely happens with me!

Here's our group shot:
Then afterwards, (I know! There is an afterwards, even on a school night!) I met my good friend Annette and her sissy out at a new place called SkyBox. Loved the atmosphere- lots of black, silver and sage blue. We had a great time too!

So yes, after a fun night of 'girl time' my alarm went off WAY too early this morning. After all, I'm no spring chicken!

Rare...

It's very rare that once I read a book, the movie that comes after is up to par. Well that didn't really happen with the Secret Life of Bees. The movie was so good! Alicia Keys was my favorite character and Dakota Fanning oozes competence.

The underlying theme is a little girl's quest to be loved. I found the scope of the Civil Rights Movement to be a true testament of our times. The movie made me realize that all anyone ever really wants is to feel like they belong and to feel loved. As we look at our society today, I think we need to remember that all anyone wants is to be loved and to share their love... and who are we to deny others that right.

So if you're in the mood for a great read this winter, check out the book at your local library and get ready to shed a tear or two while watching the movie!

Winter Necessity

Now that the cold temps are here, Andy and I tried to brainstorm ways to keep our energy bill down this winter. We are going to hold off on lighting the pilot light to our fireplace, keep the thermostat down low (low as in LOW) and we decided to invest in an electric mattress pad. We tried it out today and it was wonderful! I hope it's enough when the snow hits...I guess we'll just need to throw another blanket on!

Happy 1st birthday Evie!

Friday, November 7th was Genevieve's 1st birthday! We celebrated yesterday with cake, ice cream and punch. I can't believe she is a year old already! Poor sister wasn't feeling the best but she was a trooper! And is the proud owner of a new PINK wardrobe!

Here are some pics~

The 'before' cake: The 'Diva' cake:

Evie and Gpa Wallace:

Me and the birthday girl:

Presents!

I think the cake was a hit:


The 'after' cake: