Tonight's the night!

After 5 hours of class last night and 8 hours of class today, I need a night to relax and have fun! Eight of us girls are going to do dinner at Dish, martini's at Joseph's, and then catch the Sex In the City movie!!! I've heard it's fabulous and I know I won't be disappointed!

New kicks

Just picked these up last weekend and I love them! So comfy, like walking in slippers. And they go with a lot of colors. It was worth the splurge... Now if only I could find capri's that fit this well!

Today we remember...

When will it end?!

"The Department of Transportation said figures show the steepest decrease in driving ever recorded." -www.cnn.com
You think?
I'm ready to go pump up my bike tires.

Our little graduate

Andy and I went to Jack's preschool graduation last night. It was so cute! I'm a little jealous- I don't remember having one of these back in the day... so it was a cute experience to see Jack up on stage in his grad cap!

Fun surprises!

What a great start to the week!
A beautiful bouquet from my hubby... An amazing arrangement from a close friend of the family- Deb...And a decorated HyVee sugar cookie (my FAVORITE!) and a Visa gift card from my co-workers...I feel so blessed!

Graduation day!!

Sunday, May 18, 2008
I graduated from Drake University with my Master's degree in Public Administration, emphasis in healthcare. After 3 LONG years, it's finally over!
Well- almost... I still have one paper and a summer class to take and the diploma will be mine!

I really have to thank my family and friends for helping me get through this experience- for listening to me complain and cry, always giving me pep talks and encouraging me. Without them, I would not be where I am today.

Now- mark your calendars!!! Saturday, September 6th Andy is throwing my graduation party at our place! Get ready to P-A-R-T-Y!!!!!!!

Rube's Steakhouse

Thursday night was our annual trip to Rube's Steakhouse for Andy's birthday. I decided to try to be good and skip getting meat this year so I focused on the salad/potato bar instead...and shockingly, still left stuffed! To top it off, Andy befriended the manager and we ended the night with a HUGE platter of brownie, ice cream and whipped cream- who can resist such temptation?We had a great time!

Plants and dirt and rocks...Oh my!

Andy and I used some of our wedding money to complete a landscaping project in the front yard...a much needed enhancement! I know you all know I have a green thumb (ha!) so we used Chad Snyder from Snyder Landscaping, and he did an amazing job! We couldn't be happier. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and let us know what you think!

www.snyderlandscaping.com

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's day to my mom and mother-in-law!
I'm so fortunate to have such amazing women in my life- who have taught me the value of being a productive member of society, knowing the benefits that come from hard work, resiliency, compassion and love. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Enjoy your day! xoxo

Let's Play!

Wii bowling game..

Plus ceiling fan...

Equals SORE/bruised hand!!! Yes- if it had to happen to someone, that someone is me! I surprised Andy with a Wii (crazy story for another blog!) and I should have known better than to try to play ONE time without getting hurt. Not to mention we both have 'Wii shoulder' as well. But on the plus side- I think I've burned 300 calories in 15 minutes! Who's ready for some tennis?

If not for you...

Today is Andy's 29th birthday!!

And his 2nd 'shout out' post in one week...ha!
All joking aside, my husband supports me day in and day out, keeps me up laughing along the way and I cherish all the amazing memories we've made together. On our first Christmas together, he gave me a silver ring engraved with "If not for you..." and how true that is. If not for him, I don't think I would have gone after promotions, gone after my graduate degree, or even tried snorkeling! (He talked me into it on our Honeymoon!) He is the calm to my storm and I appreciate all he does for me each and every day.
Here's to a great year honey! Happy Birthday, I love you!

It's ON!

Martini time girls!!!
Mark your calendars- Saturday, May 31st- Girls night out to go see THE movie of the year! Time to get out our little black dresses and high heels!
I've heard rumors of a wedding and a death... I hope the wedding is true and the death isn't! I couldn't part with Mr. Big!

One year ago...

A year ago, May 5, 2007, I married my best friend. I'm so lucky to have such an amazing husband, someone who knows me better than I know myself, who can make me laugh when I'm feeling down, make me smile every day... Fate brought us together and love will keep us going stronger each day. Andy is my supporter through whatever life throws our way.. and I'm blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life.

Here's to a lifetime of memories baby! Happy anniversary! I love you~R

May 4, 2008

Wedding day May 5, 2007

Rehearsal Dinner May 2007

December 2002~ our first Christmas

Bam Bam baseball

Today was Jack's first bam bam baseball game. What a hoot! It was so much fun to watch the kids on the field. We even got a little sun- the weather was perfect for a day at the ballpark!

Happy 30th A!

Today is my wonderful friend, Adrian's 30th birthday!! I'm so blessed to have her in my life. She is such a great person- an awesome mom to Jules and Mary and wife to Drew. I can tell her anything and I know she will always support me. I cherish our get-together times and thank her for being such a great friend! Have a fabulous birthday girl!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Friday, May 2nd is my Grandma's 85th birthday! In my entire 32 years, I've never heard my Grandma raise her voice or say a mean comment to or about anyone. She knows the value of hard work and has supported me throughout all of my endeavors. She is loved by many and I hope she has a wonderful birthday! I love you Grandma!