tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72866290105672798642024-02-06T23:35:36.070-05:00The Beginning of ForeverLauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.comBlogger348125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-66526081709137537192012-07-17T11:24:00.003-04:002012-07-17T11:25:34.598-04:00Cooking More and Eating Healthier: Part 523,345<div>
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have jumped on the "I'm going to try to cook more/eat healthier" bandwagon just to fall right off and face plant. Probably more times than I would like to admit to. My biggest <strike>issues</strike> excuses:<br />
<ul>
<li>When I get home from work, unless there is a meal planned with all the ingredients ready to go, I tend to come with excuses not to cook. </li>
<li>Even when there is a meal planned, Hubs or I will decide that it no longer sounds that great. </li>
<li>I always tell myself that I will wake up a little earlier in the morning to pack my lunch. After hitting the snooze button 5 times and running around like a batshit crazy woman to get out the door for work, my lunch becomes nonexistent. </li>
<li>When I do buy fruit and vegetables for lunch and dinner it sometimes goes to waste because I forget that it is there. Or when I do remember that it is in the fridge I don't feel like/don't have time to cut it up.</li>
</ul>
As we can see, the root of my problem is:<br />
<ol>
<li>Lack of preparation</li>
<li>Laziness </li>
</ol>
So, I finally put my foot down and said that I am going to change my ways! Hubs and I created a few excel spreadsheets to help us. Spreadsheet #1 - we wrote down every meal we have made in the past (let me tell you, that is a pretty short list). Eventually we will go back through and categorize every meal so that we can sort the list by different criteria. We are <strike>AWESOME</strike> HUGE NERDS! Spreadsheet #2 - we then picked out four meals that sounded good for the week ahead. Only four you ask? Baby steps people! Baby steps! Plus, we always go out to dinner with my parents one night a week. Under each meal I wrote down the ingredients I would need for said meals. Spreadsheet #3 - my grocery list. <br />
<br />
While grocery shopping I also picked up an assortment of fresh fruit. As soon as I got home I started cutting, cleaning and dividing all the fruit into individual containers that we could just grab a container out of the fridge for our lunch. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9A5DkluU1bWEySKuCA5shC0-ARBW7OJFSWdEyYKIgkmEQ0ZybgkqOy2Ipfd7G-fCzB2sOT_oyRWcrnqnAYe0jQRCE30AhypNKCoR1iRwh2jdaQQK9UcawhMYxmGCQH6e_FuKgNPCEVU/" /><br />
Doesn't this look yummy!? Watermelon, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFpKnjYquFMmejT5GryDoM6QSLH9lTa9mrN3TtC1OC8Kwa3NArf-HpAwS1ZKXfF-C9tIqmKBdr4e2norPFAB8WL_G8jIrxp0OKYrjf4AhFECsUzP4hr4_vZHagnSZ_t0vgkAHlyMgI3A/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFpKnjYquFMmejT5GryDoM6QSLH9lTa9mrN3TtC1OC8Kwa3NArf-HpAwS1ZKXfF-C9tIqmKBdr4e2norPFAB8WL_G8jIrxp0OKYrjf4AhFECsUzP4hr4_vZHagnSZ_t0vgkAHlyMgI3A/" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All my containers prior to putting them in the fridge.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, how did Day 1 of cooking more and eating healthier go?!? GREAT!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For dinner last night I made lemon pepper chicken, rice, and Irish potatoes. I put the leftovers in a container for lunch today. This morning I grabbed the leftovers and a container of fruit to take to work with me for lunch. I EVEN did all the prep work for tonight's dinner last night (Shish kabobs, corn on the cob, wild rice, and Gorgonzola bread.....mmmmmm)! Who is this girl?!? </div>
<br />
Hopefully this trend continues......fingers crossed! :-)<br />
<br />
Have a fabulous Tuesday! </div>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-9561403828146997982012-07-02T09:02:00.000-04:002012-07-02T09:02:30.273-04:00Time for Some Summer ShoppingHappy Monday! Normally I wouldn't be saying this but since I work two days, have Wednesday off, then work another two days it is like having two Thursdays! :-) Oh, and I have a Starbucks Hazelnut Latte sitting right next to me.....that always seems to make Mondays a little better!<br />
<br />
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Our weekend was pretty busy and had some unexpected surprises along the way (all good, don't worry). Sunday was a lot quieter so I spent the first few hours of my morning drinking my hot tea and doing a little online shopping <i>and wishing</i>. I have a <strike>slight</strike> serious addiction to maxi dresses and found plenty that I think that I need (okay, want would probably be more appropriate)......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjveRUC8pZ0IRoEw03WgOXLutXpr_5quoswneIcSEutlsDcTk_MFtcWepuoEdKCJnfcVYiDULlR0gAGU9CUxX9UuIr22Hbzuf6wZHPsnsBxBuwI5WKB2Sf5Gf-VY0ZXetZ3m6hmrqPayg/s1600/1_141569_FS_Pre-Order-Royal--Strapless-Maxi-Dresses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjveRUC8pZ0IRoEw03WgOXLutXpr_5quoswneIcSEutlsDcTk_MFtcWepuoEdKCJnfcVYiDULlR0gAGU9CUxX9UuIr22Hbzuf6wZHPsnsBxBuwI5WKB2Sf5Gf-VY0ZXetZ3m6hmrqPayg/s320/1_141569_FS_Pre-Order-Royal--Strapless-Maxi-Dresses.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC_xxi5plqpsJE1RuRb60yh7Nth6Vz2fNjdUrBDUVhJAASEA-jLO-hzWfaifdKDgiWLcGIMooAIkBt_uzQFMVtpEbilVGk1sdEy7WTGIdRboYjTzfeMMv2rLuZaJnYk5bBuRRtCpVwOM/s1600/1_142652_FS_Navy-Printed-Maxi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC_xxi5plqpsJE1RuRb60yh7Nth6Vz2fNjdUrBDUVhJAASEA-jLO-hzWfaifdKDgiWLcGIMooAIkBt_uzQFMVtpEbilVGk1sdEy7WTGIdRboYjTzfeMMv2rLuZaJnYk5bBuRRtCpVwOM/s320/1_142652_FS_Navy-Printed-Maxi.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvFATJHgJbfZIvX3rHJAx9xdC3UR_4iUyXWBZnjKsB5uRLJTdwY_msfao3z8rCQzdSKfIV7HJTyKCiey-L_OcC56XLi60LLlqcr5m8pdWoXb9egxc71BKB45OdqKAoaCG14k8YAPnZVk/s1600/1_143595_FS_Olive-Silky-Maxi-Dresses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvFATJHgJbfZIvX3rHJAx9xdC3UR_4iUyXWBZnjKsB5uRLJTdwY_msfao3z8rCQzdSKfIV7HJTyKCiey-L_OcC56XLi60LLlqcr5m8pdWoXb9egxc71BKB45OdqKAoaCG14k8YAPnZVk/s320/1_143595_FS_Olive-Silky-Maxi-Dresses.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkc1lHNVFqMO0g-0DSoi8rFzyLU3umHC8-OvZ6MoTknLq6ab0KKGwji1JcvFAyTn8Zvc0lHJzhAVxP0VRfu_SbVdmgfgr-dAkcQMvzfsmjcJQuUoZ2mK0kEbbkrfw4Fu-QDrh8ofh7l4/s1600/1_145081_FS_Pre-Order-Coral-Ruched-Maxi-Skirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkc1lHNVFqMO0g-0DSoi8rFzyLU3umHC8-OvZ6MoTknLq6ab0KKGwji1JcvFAyTn8Zvc0lHJzhAVxP0VRfu_SbVdmgfgr-dAkcQMvzfsmjcJQuUoZ2mK0kEbbkrfw4Fu-QDrh8ofh7l4/s320/1_145081_FS_Pre-Order-Coral-Ruched-Maxi-Skirt.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All dresses above are from <a href="http://www.windsorstore.com/">Windsor</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NAqDNAu0BdBYMPVSNzWl7S_Tj35CTgPlA-_n0o4msWCsim8dIlhWRTXO8mw8-vTMIDQKRtUkEWCo_7CLinu2X1yMM_XA-Wrl1sodzar5v8CI_ZJYnKRbm4Oz3MTPNoemtQzrKPMVGPs/s1600/V342133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NAqDNAu0BdBYMPVSNzWl7S_Tj35CTgPlA-_n0o4msWCsim8dIlhWRTXO8mw8-vTMIDQKRtUkEWCo_7CLinu2X1yMM_XA-Wrl1sodzar5v8CI_ZJYnKRbm4Oz3MTPNoemtQzrKPMVGPs/s320/V342133.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/">Victoria's Secret</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5izNwQMlq4iGTFhwZRQgM89If_X50wIWGaU4SrFSH-cFi-vQIBcZ2Woce-Iom-BHukAthxLiC3fpDLEpDXauYlmUiTjjBaLjM3z6Lu-mBGLaezmo5iykaERynE4T2DRRSAvjl7CvWrQ/s1600/P-836745_default_default_178x267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5izNwQMlq4iGTFhwZRQgM89If_X50wIWGaU4SrFSH-cFi-vQIBcZ2Woce-Iom-BHukAthxLiC3fpDLEpDXauYlmUiTjjBaLjM3z6Lu-mBGLaezmo5iykaERynE4T2DRRSAvjl7CvWrQ/s1600/P-836745_default_default_178x267.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bostonproper.com/">Boston Proper</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0avcRvbZYlCy4z2qASffqZYXcPnVXYESHx2OJRY0HpVibBpj5t-X-bafvIjMDPAWmWhtWoCdUY_3j4Y5iMuXbGqD1hJb2ms8ORKmyC8RLK9rNzUN2xTyV3wC-6fZvQUpm2VLV0qEtK1k/s1600/cn4715036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0avcRvbZYlCy4z2qASffqZYXcPnVXYESHx2OJRY0HpVibBpj5t-X-bafvIjMDPAWmWhtWoCdUY_3j4Y5iMuXbGqD1hJb2ms8ORKmyC8RLK9rNzUN2xTyV3wC-6fZvQUpm2VLV0qEtK1k/s1600/cn4715036.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjsgZBUcQuF3_SKfVAGibWaMLhIimqM-461-aEzlOQBYuM29Qx4-Z8ytAp4ndDAtusvgzW2hgTaiM6ANvlFrRrxlhWQDarb_S95lNziFKcX_Ps7Cb8FkQ8Vw0Ho0vz4VQP7TakRxvV28/s1600/cn5042377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjsgZBUcQuF3_SKfVAGibWaMLhIimqM-461-aEzlOQBYuM29Qx4-Z8ytAp4ndDAtusvgzW2hgTaiM6ANvlFrRrxlhWQDarb_S95lNziFKcX_Ps7Cb8FkQ8Vw0Ho0vz4VQP7TakRxvV28/s1600/cn5042377.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.oldnavy.com/">Old Navy</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, if only all of these dresses would just magically appear in my closet, I would be one happy girl! :-)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now the kicker - The only problem that I seem to have with maxi dresses is finding one long enough. I am 5'7" and prefer that the maxi dress sweep the ground a touch (in flat sandals, of course). I know 5'7" is not abnormally tall but when trying on these dresses I sometimes I feel the fashion industry thinks it is. Anyone else have this problem? If so, are there certain brands that you have had luck with?</div>
<br />
Have a great day! <br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-58764334041973119102012-06-26T08:36:00.000-04:002012-06-26T09:32:41.877-04:00Puppy Love Photo PartyToday I am linking up with <a href="http://www.reinventingtheordinary.com/2012/06/puppy-love-photo-party-cats-3.html">Reinventing the Ordinary</a>'s Puppy Photo Party & Cats. I never need to be asked twice to post a picture or two of my squishy face bulldogs! :-) Despite how mischievous the two can be they always seem to melt my heart.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/blmarket/?action=view&current=round200.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/blmarket/round200.jpg" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk-sabiTFNPzP8JeBtIluFMayn_BLcsG5fhDxwFmQNcEDr7U4vz9XSefWQrmpEFnQIxOFQlFNEvhRa919hLyXGXQNNY5tOIYXW7M6Pl0CfOeAaB1PfO0avHPtx7B_jRC8aKqYHprT0-c/s1600/DSCN0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitk-sabiTFNPzP8JeBtIluFMayn_BLcsG5fhDxwFmQNcEDr7U4vz9XSefWQrmpEFnQIxOFQlFNEvhRa919hLyXGXQNNY5tOIYXW7M6Pl0CfOeAaB1PfO0avHPtx7B_jRC8aKqYHprT0-c/s320/DSCN0015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Buerly and Rooney cuddling in the sun </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Buerly is the brown English Bulldog and Rooney is the white and black brindle English Bulldog).</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWvvqnVMzPbP9_BAhZAhMis48jbgcqjSnT3VLKaCJPLca_WbF1YD8WNb2mA0SxQazZHnQHD-xhw5YUylR8oLb-uL1aEFgzRsi_1x4rkVSko12BiRvnuL_dFuN-TweZP8oqEynxmLS8Wo/s1600/Picture+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWvvqnVMzPbP9_BAhZAhMis48jbgcqjSnT3VLKaCJPLca_WbF1YD8WNb2mA0SxQazZHnQHD-xhw5YUylR8oLb-uL1aEFgzRsi_1x4rkVSko12BiRvnuL_dFuN-TweZP8oqEynxmLS8Wo/s320/Picture+077.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Bribing with food is one of the few ways we are able to get them to sit still for a picture together</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxKVFgd_N4Fj7IUqbUAHd-32D6KHrVieRdI4k-FmBcWWc-MbMuCZj7SHdq2pSh_PrcDS2o8eTS59h3MbeOqUjAEiEYOoA7FsDl1mxsbkXCtK83cPU3V4yHCJ8SOBrOtps2sr37YR_U28/s1600/Picture+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxKVFgd_N4Fj7IUqbUAHd-32D6KHrVieRdI4k-FmBcWWc-MbMuCZj7SHdq2pSh_PrcDS2o8eTS59h3MbeOqUjAEiEYOoA7FsDl1mxsbkXCtK83cPU3V4yHCJ8SOBrOtps2sr37YR_U28/s320/Picture+057.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Playtime</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTkSSpricjUtAW5k9s1txmmphHjENU1uc98-bhIXAriTPCgKuaxyrXD9OYc-534UmOpv6g7k3wjPq8h-nJnrLy5AbtOJasYSI2K-VyVihCcPdgB8KedVeqygycm7jr0P_P6eHUssZ5a8/s1600/Picture+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTkSSpricjUtAW5k9s1txmmphHjENU1uc98-bhIXAriTPCgKuaxyrXD9OYc-534UmOpv6g7k3wjPq8h-nJnrLy5AbtOJasYSI2K-VyVihCcPdgB8KedVeqygycm7jr0P_P6eHUssZ5a8/s320/Picture+101.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Buerly and his big brown eyes......melt</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3noV3CXnsi8q29WAqj0fP_V-ixnFRtQwiH3mmfGBcFEp3RNcTaVNI6QjuK-zfSaFvo1xXy0fKbR8qGURZHa08B1G-U9W_YxpaLzrsqaPy97NX091_eABObWP_X_Mg2AfHZ9f6mAPUThM/s1600/Picture+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3noV3CXnsi8q29WAqj0fP_V-ixnFRtQwiH3mmfGBcFEp3RNcTaVNI6QjuK-zfSaFvo1xXy0fKbR8qGURZHa08B1G-U9W_YxpaLzrsqaPy97NX091_eABObWP_X_Mg2AfHZ9f6mAPUThM/s320/Picture+046.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Playing in the yard with his ball, of course</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnprKhm9BYUPBHJ3ONHqagbhswBHmolepiGTw4jhqNlI5wBahWtQy1K_HLhFLnYltlbQ1UHbn4tuyChxHIVAHx7PsucETJ_QKJVL26OFDMFZhTlUL_edqOzwxjx9oynmNox1SrxbEa4Do/s1600/Picture+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnprKhm9BYUPBHJ3ONHqagbhswBHmolepiGTw4jhqNlI5wBahWtQy1K_HLhFLnYltlbQ1UHbn4tuyChxHIVAHx7PsucETJ_QKJVL26OFDMFZhTlUL_edqOzwxjx9oynmNox1SrxbEa4Do/s320/Picture+016.jpg" width="228" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Rooney aka The Cuddler</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYf07SgSshTgqs80qJGqy92RfGjjWmodI3Y1SFDAjMNun0VqIwErD1mFehXgBO-z7NT2omFxx61hjkvJ-69mHEVo2KDLK0vUuw0LwySlO1Xx30Uw3nRYTs-lOqdcNYxC-nzt-tH5tgtnc/s1600/Picture+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYf07SgSshTgqs80qJGqy92RfGjjWmodI3Y1SFDAjMNun0VqIwErD1mFehXgBO-z7NT2omFxx61hjkvJ-69mHEVo2KDLK0vUuw0LwySlO1Xx30Uw3nRYTs-lOqdcNYxC-nzt-tH5tgtnc/s320/Picture+004.jpg" width="228" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>He's smiling! :-)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, I think that I have overloaded you with enough pictures of my two furbabies for one post. If you have a furbaby, make sure you link up to <a href="http://www.reinventingtheordinary.com/2012/06/puppy-love-photo-party-cats-3.html">Reinventing the Ordinary</a> to enter a chance to win a cool canvas print of your furbaby's beautiful face!! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have a wonderful Tuesday! </div>
<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-90874386305250676792012-06-22T10:59:00.002-04:002012-06-22T10:59:54.576-04:00Home Improvements<br />
<br />
<br />
I am back and hopefully for the long haul this time! 2012 has been a rather hectic year so far.....some good.....some bad. But I am hoping that once we hit the month of July things will quiet down a bit.<br />
<br />
I spent the first half of June on the couch watching TV.....gotta love medical problems. After catching up on <strike>all</strike> most of my guilty pleasures (ie- Real Housewives of any county, Ice Loves Coco, It's a Brad Brad World, and all things Family Channel) I began scouring the TV schedule looking for something else to watch. My mom stopped by, took one look at the TV and yelled at me for all the "trashy" shows that I was watching and suggested that I watch a good show, like anything on DIY network or HGTV. After an unsuccessful attempt at convincing my mom that Real Housewives of New Jersey was not a trashy show {who am I kidding}, I obliged and turned on HGTV. Some show called Property Brothers was on. After two episodes I was hooked. Soon after Hubs came home and started watching the Property Brothers marathon with me. Now he is hooked.<br />
<br />
Long story short, Hubs and I are now addicted to several shows on HGTV and DIY Network. <br />
<br />
The only problem.........we now have TONS of different ideas on ways to improve our home. Sadly, I don't think any of these TV personalities are going to stop by my house and do these renovations for free {oh how I wish}. <i>DARN YOU MOM FOR GETTING US HOOKED ON SHOWS THAT WILL ULTIMATELY COST US MONEY!!!</i><br />
<br />
Of course we came up with five million different projects that we want to do so Hubs suggested that we sit down, create our project list and then rank the projects by priority. He's a smart one! After completing our "Wish List of DIY Projects" we came up with the top 3 projects that we would like to begin working on now. <br />
<ol>
<li>Redo our Master Bedroom Walk-In Closet</li>
<li>New counter tops, stove and back splash for the kitchen</li>
<li>Redesign our outdoor patio/deck</li>
</ol>
As much as I would LOVE to tackle all three projects right now, money is not growing on the massive trees that we have in our backyard. So, we decided that the first two projects would be the most affordable. The kitchen will require hiring someone for the counter tops and we are still tossing around the idea of doing the back splash ourselves. We will do the master closet redo ourselves (with the help of Hubs' very handy/knowledgeable father). And based on what we really, really want for our outdoor patio/deck project we will be hiring someone to complete that project (think outdoor kitchen and gas fireplace). Needless to say, the outdoor project has been put on hold until we can save up the money needed for what we envision.<br />
<br />
With all of that said, our master closet redo will begin today. And for once, I remembered to take some before pictures! :-) Wish me luck!!!<br />
<br />
Anyone else have some home improvement projects going on this summer? <br />
<br />
Have a great weekend! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-71831310724699197522011-10-20T10:15:00.000-04:002011-10-20T10:15:09.099-04:00MayhemThis morning Hubs and I were awaken from our warm, comfy bed to Buerly vomiting. Great way to start the day, right?! The morning got better......<br />
<br />
My check engine light had popped on last night on our way home from dinner. Hubs suggested that we start the Tahoe a couple times and wait until the morning to see if the light was still on. I got into my SUV this morning, turned the key and the light was still on. {FAIL} So I called my mom to see if she could meet me at Goodyear.<br />
<br />
As I was finishing getting ready this morning I heard a weird sound in our bathroom. I figured that Rooney was getting into something, as usual, and yelled at him to knock it off. The sound did not stop so I yelled at Rooney again. That is when I realized that Rooney was sitting behind me, quietly giving me that, "What the hell, mom?!?" look. I ran into the bedroom to see if it was Buerly making the noise but he was just sitting there giving me the, "Mom has officially lost it" look. So, I started investigating. It turns out that the noise was coming from our closet. As I listened my heart sank into my stomach. It sounded like water dripping in the attic above our closet. I ran from room to room to see if there were any wet spots on the ceilings......I saw nothing. <br />
<br />
My mind was racing. What do I do?!? I just kept staring at the entrance to the attic in our closet like it was one of those creepy, scary, distant attic entrances you see in the horror movies......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iUGJWC838C_sv7nlartCzhkI2dBFHEtvWHE2IfTsa6UGaeiIrCUej9N2QAJQzGs13k6PmjstbilBoalWhcrz6_z0Ow4SmQza7RoB2SMqGb4wknpDmioBEf5rEbKPOMj_9tx4hv9KwgA/s1600/attic+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iUGJWC838C_sv7nlartCzhkI2dBFHEtvWHE2IfTsa6UGaeiIrCUej9N2QAJQzGs13k6PmjstbilBoalWhcrz6_z0Ow4SmQza7RoB2SMqGb4wknpDmioBEf5rEbKPOMj_9tx4hv9KwgA/s320/attic+entrance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=door+to+the+attic&um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=570&tbm=isch&tbnid=p6NjTB1WUAmIsM:&imgrefurl=http://debbiearriero.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/real-estate-duke-energy-free-home-energy-house-call/&docid=kn1bc0gRIEKgXM&imgurl=http://debbiearriero.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/dsc09047.jpg&w=640&h=480&ei=wyqgTs2mFKKAsgLdpIXDBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=525&vpy=185&dur=339&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=139&ty=128&sig=117546007802198879886&page=2&tbnh=169&tbnw=258&start=18&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:18"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></i></a></div><br />
Do I grab a ladder and see what is going on up there?!? I instantly had a visual pop into my mind that made me decide that I sure as hell did not want to peak my head into that scary attic.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/thzUR_mq6OY" width="560"></iframe><br />
I have seen this commercial one too many times. While I used to think it was hysterical, the thought of actually finding something up in the attic left me terrified. So, I did what any sensible, terrified wife would do.....I called my husband. <br />
<br />
As we speak, my husband is on his way home to go investigate the attic since this wife is too big of a chick shit to do it herself. Thanks Hubs! :-)<br />
<br />
Saying prayers that the dripping sound was just a figment of my imagination. Oh and hoping that Goodyear calls and says that it was just a minor issue with the check engine light. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-14755702665835122472011-10-18T15:28:00.000-04:002011-10-18T15:28:29.006-04:0073 Days and CountingIn 73 days this happy girl will be flying down to here......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq33DoM1p76hHJmtraTFvKVohInGd7ehJRFlajyPUcCZQH-AL1baGDeQtKE3HpJwUbvAON2aUZaCzTIFHrL62puZLRvBZgiN76yo_e5xz_GP0DCeSsICIqx364QP1QVXKCjZKL2nmd24/s1600/florida-travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq33DoM1p76hHJmtraTFvKVohInGd7ehJRFlajyPUcCZQH-AL1baGDeQtKE3HpJwUbvAON2aUZaCzTIFHrL62puZLRvBZgiN76yo_e5xz_GP0DCeSsICIqx364QP1QVXKCjZKL2nmd24/s320/florida-travel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=florida&um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=570&tbm=isch&tbnid=M6y-wKKrh2CppM:&imgrefurl=http://news.getaroom.com/florida-vacation-tips/&docid=wTgzEwJFoutThM&imgurl=http://news.getaroom.com/wp-content/uploads/florida-travel.jpg&w=358&h=339&ei=us2dTvjENYS4iQeNu-nFCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=127&vpy=183&dur=353&hovh=165&hovw=174&tx=153&ty=107&sig=104829090873395829254&page=2&tbnh=165&tbnw=174&start=8&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:8"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source</i></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To board this......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjAIVxEbtVsKu983jpHWVtcleStfYN6eGSRkaK4mgKCq70I546yFy2Y3ZQBwUewPnOzJmF2CBdG241jDZGYdnQhxwqQy04tyUdjgkrfFd1UVxATwwxZNqStBvvC6B4obNMs-5sz9LvCo/s1600/Oasis_of_the_Seas_top_Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjAIVxEbtVsKu983jpHWVtcleStfYN6eGSRkaK4mgKCq70I546yFy2Y3ZQBwUewPnOzJmF2CBdG241jDZGYdnQhxwqQy04tyUdjgkrfFd1UVxATwwxZNqStBvvC6B4obNMs-5sz9LvCo/s320/Oasis_of_the_Seas_top_Large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=oasis+of+the+seas&start=13&num=10&um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=570&tbm=isch&tbnid=FaB9Vc3OKgyONM:&imgrefurl=http://www.relevantsearchscotland.co.uk/ships/255oasisofthedseas.html&docid=HdGfXgfE20tfAM&imgurl=http://www.relevantsearchscotland.co.uk/ships/Oasis_of_the_Seas_top_Large.jpg&w=1715&h=1121&ei=Fc6dTuGlMtCSiAeFzN3ZCQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=553&sig=104829090873395829254&sqi=2&page=3&tbnh=141&tbnw=216&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:13&tx=110&ty=66">The Oasis of the Seas</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And celebrate.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjASI4bsBw5koSN3SJey4aYGNMkFXia7qPXnu9zYmwqSHfbQzAROYLbIu7dIt0hogOz_G2eMvCSlJm5vi-8GSyH831mkHfSVROvZ_VcmMV-HwJGYCE7Yh7Al6N8fGhsz2sSdzMvTQuOM0/s1600/newyears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjASI4bsBw5koSN3SJey4aYGNMkFXia7qPXnu9zYmwqSHfbQzAROYLbIu7dIt0hogOz_G2eMvCSlJm5vi-8GSyH831mkHfSVROvZ_VcmMV-HwJGYCE7Yh7Al6N8fGhsz2sSdzMvTQuOM0/s1600/newyears.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=new+years&um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=570&tbm=isch&tbnid=YSKS12ofwGBYiM:&imgrefurl=http://blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/2010/12/31/new-years-quotes-and-sayings-new-years-quotes-2011/&docid=tCEL3xevPAWVVM&imgurl=http://cdn.babble.com/famecrawler/files/2010/12/newyears.jpg&w=300&h=288&ei=oc6dTtiQKMSSiAf06bDcDA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=108&vpy=184&dur=3352&hovh=220&hovw=229&tx=101&ty=127&sig=104829090873395829254&page=1&tbnh=157&tbnw=164&start=0&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0">Source</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am for this vacation!!! {happy dance as I think about it} My parents go on a New Years cruise Every.Single.Year. When I was in high school and college they would always take me and a friend with them on these cruises {spoiled, I know}. Once I married Hubs the free vacations and cruises suddenly ended. Okay, they didn't totally end and I guess I shouldn't dump all the blame on Hubs.....the free vacays and cruises started dwindling when I entered the "real" world {cue evil sounding music}. Another reason to never grow up! That damn giraffe from Toys R' Us was really on to something! I should have listened to him about these growing up shenanigans. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Only......there is a slight problem! As I sit here, <strike>stuffing my face with junk food</strike>, I realized.......holy 73 short days until I have to squeeze into a swimsuit batman! There is NO WAY I want to attempt to put on a swimsuit in the privacy of my own home, let alone in front of thousands of strangers right now. So, I guess I had better get my butt in shape {literally} and start running or doing something of some sort of physical nature. So that leads me to ask- what is your favorite way of getting back into shape? The weather has been rainy and cold so I am afraid that I won't be able to run outdoors as much as I would like. So I need to find another way to get into decent physical form before it is bon voyage for this girl! Thanks for the help in advance! :-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful afternoon! :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a></div>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-12864654362792645392011-10-14T15:39:00.000-04:002011-10-14T15:39:33.470-04:00What I Love.......I know that What I Love is usually reserved for Wednesday but I am just going to break all the rules and do it on Friday. Also, it makes sense to do WIL today because I love Friday! :-)<br />
<br />
I love all the fall colors and decorations (oh how I wish my front porch looked like this.....GORGEOUS)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTkrpK9oDA26ZThiKczjCnduGBsxp3r5d5k0WhhyLd2FfD76eSOy3WKzePSPdA8UYTBF_CEl-BbScJISyfuaXGjlgwkFOcvtL_4XJcvkSAPSpduWgsu2wlzLd5yR8vPVyJdiWPseEUlc/s1600/autumn-porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTkrpK9oDA26ZThiKczjCnduGBsxp3r5d5k0WhhyLd2FfD76eSOy3WKzePSPdA8UYTBF_CEl-BbScJISyfuaXGjlgwkFOcvtL_4XJcvkSAPSpduWgsu2wlzLd5yR8vPVyJdiWPseEUlc/s320/autumn-porch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/">Source</a></i></span></div>I especially love that fall brings back the Pumpkin Spice Latte (my hips and ass don't love it as much.....)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIlu0Ela5yNbV23h_AzIjWeTR1PNq7jcje4_nutiLRFXUi6glXJuMI8J4OYGneLjie_fVHC2RjqT6X08eT5c9AclFLHGq7RBM3_bvxQGqi6HAENJMYnSZgacBvzSaYBVjWdNUEyV059E/s1600/Pumpkin+Spice+Latte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIlu0Ela5yNbV23h_AzIjWeTR1PNq7jcje4_nutiLRFXUi6glXJuMI8J4OYGneLjie_fVHC2RjqT6X08eT5c9AclFLHGq7RBM3_bvxQGqi6HAENJMYnSZgacBvzSaYBVjWdNUEyV059E/s320/Pumpkin+Spice+Latte.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/espresso/pumpkin-spice-latte">Source</a></i></span></div>Even though summer has ended, I still love my Sperry Boat shoes and will wear them until it is too cold out<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OGjawS1yWIF3oSde_i8rCxW_z7pNOoaVmsOBAcIJYGU6YWhQYDydqhEDHAPgNnUrdeQPyK7JaywCzu6nTmT7ghvCRgJIpwlyvtUlcuIFxIaaSZxpv5nc9FBQ2gQ9PGono8K4X5knUzg/s1600/Sperry+Boat+Shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OGjawS1yWIF3oSde_i8rCxW_z7pNOoaVmsOBAcIJYGU6YWhQYDydqhEDHAPgNnUrdeQPyK7JaywCzu6nTmT7ghvCRgJIpwlyvtUlcuIFxIaaSZxpv5nc9FBQ2gQ9PGono8K4X5knUzg/s1600/Sperry+Boat+Shoes.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/SiteController/sperry/subcategory?trail=1002%3Acat100150DM&pageNo=3&sort=&subCatTabId=&subCatId=cat100150DM&catId=cat90048DM&changedFacetValue=">Source</a></i></span></div>Since the weather is starting to turn colder I cannot wait to break out these babies (birthday present a la mom)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQp389BmpWr0hcDUCRQtM6EGEkmNzgef-o-HUfgJl3v4QxtQLMOW0tONL_6vpth4ynBq707rNRgXMk0Y49pF5oHMtiz7EK9QUEwiqcd5l4C3XN0sjeyxltQmNDisO255Bhp3CqRuqrk0/s1600/Aigner+Boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQp389BmpWr0hcDUCRQtM6EGEkmNzgef-o-HUfgJl3v4QxtQLMOW0tONL_6vpth4ynBq707rNRgXMk0Y49pF5oHMtiz7EK9QUEwiqcd5l4C3XN0sjeyxltQmNDisO255Bhp3CqRuqrk0/s1600/Aigner+Boots.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=Etienne+Aigner+Shoes,+Chastity+Wide+Calf+Boots&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1024&bih=570&tbm=isch&tbnid=iAcQWeZWeysEIM:&imgrefurl=http://www.shopstyle.com/browse%3Ffts%3Dwide%2Bcalf%2Bboots&docid=-kHyjbJMzXh2-M&imgurl=http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/6a/a9/6aa90ee12618e583e5bfb53e37933d9e/etienne-aigner-famous-footwear-shoes-boots-blackbanana-bread-womens-chastity-wide-calf.jpg&w=164&h=195&ei=f4OYTvDoOcaFsgLS4NGqBA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=779&sig=117165429986953926714&page=1&tbnh=120&tbnw=101&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&tx=47&ty=85">Source</a></i></span></div>Of course, I love these two squishy faces. It doesn't matter how bad my day is, these two always make me laugh so hard. And with colder weather comes more snuggling. Rooney sits in his bed in front of the fireplace and growls until someone turns it on. Once the fireplace is going he is sleeping and happy as can be with his tongue sticking out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN66D4efnC1Fmyv8DY_8A3jyjRhoo8aqAQm6nVA7CShg9tLP-xtqmmXKvlM-A9q6spqKTTBx7WK0-uUmPK9XKBp35emtfgWZVWESalrDPt9OXeGE42xYhMHjBkZaOrFc7C3bCD8gX8ZYA/s1600/Buerly+and+Rooney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN66D4efnC1Fmyv8DY_8A3jyjRhoo8aqAQm6nVA7CShg9tLP-xtqmmXKvlM-A9q6spqKTTBx7WK0-uUmPK9XKBp35emtfgWZVWESalrDPt9OXeGE42xYhMHjBkZaOrFc7C3bCD8gX8ZYA/s320/Buerly+and+Rooney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am loving anything and everything deco poly mesh. How did it take me so long to jump on the deco mesh wreath bandwagon?! Better late then never, I guess. I made two wreaths last night and already have a shopping list together for a few more. Of course, my wreath looks no where near as pretty as the one below.....maybe someday with some practice!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDRpjBcf_UKesYD1gbGkKWte7S6iCxlxjIx6lMjBzOaUmnScj1KEAYBQ36_YFGVeYixpnT5__0di4oJDoJPZ0CP6F1Rj-_uKnoCJTogK7DqTmhIrQwsjtVOm6jLuf10yV7zwoM5p1Vr0/s1600/Decor+Mesh+Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDRpjBcf_UKesYD1gbGkKWte7S6iCxlxjIx6lMjBzOaUmnScj1KEAYBQ36_YFGVeYixpnT5__0di4oJDoJPZ0CP6F1Rj-_uKnoCJTogK7DqTmhIrQwsjtVOm6jLuf10yV7zwoM5p1Vr0/s1600/Decor+Mesh+Wreath.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=mardi+gras+outlet+halloween+deco+mesh+wreath&um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=570&tbm=isch&tbnid=4dVL96S8boJhHM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.mardigrasoutlet.com/2011/08/halloween-wreath-with-deco-mesh-video.html&docid=zfmUhtDH25JTKM&imgurl=http://www.mardigrasoutlet.com/_images/blog/halloweenwreath.jpg%253Fwidth%253D600&w=600&h=338&ei=xIWYTv6HAcfJsQLpttW8BA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=275&sig=117165429986953926714&page=1&tbnh=81&tbnw=144&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&tx=69&ty=33">Source</a></i></span></div>If you haven't noticed, I am stuck on a fall them when it comes to the things I love today. It would be tragic if I forgot to mention apple cider slushies. Mmmmmm......so yummy!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJVg-5iRxmDqAzQXBeVZqpjwdyURanzox0-AVcvfIWtMA0lklR6chWdh7eFZEevknr-7H5cfDgODdQEOjt_HO3T_ezKFkOPouShdChYOb-Wv4Wx1KnQjA_MEfpgfV93or6RxCYZYn9PI/s1600/apple+cider+slushies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJVg-5iRxmDqAzQXBeVZqpjwdyURanzox0-AVcvfIWtMA0lklR6chWdh7eFZEevknr-7H5cfDgODdQEOjt_HO3T_ezKFkOPouShdChYOb-Wv4Wx1KnQjA_MEfpgfV93or6RxCYZYn9PI/s320/apple+cider+slushies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=apple+cider+slushies&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1024&bih=570&tbm=isch&tbnid=y9I6zBxp3xwzaM:&imgrefurl=http://www.thegreatlakesmarketplace.com/news/mon-2011-09-12-1352/cider-season-has-begun&docid=-k41cd9xRIZVyM&imgurl=http://www.thegreatlakesmarketplace.com/sites/default/files/2011-09-12%252520cider%252520slush.jpg&w=500&h=332&ei=9YyYTqC8EoWQsQKWnYypCA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=288&sig=117165429986953926714&page=1&tbnh=104&tbnw=143&start=0&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0&tx=88&ty=72">Source</a></span></div>I love that I finally got rid of EVERY.SINGLE.BUSH that the builder planted!!! The plants/bushes they plant are AWFUL. Talk about a pain in the butt! I have already planted a burning bush and a red prince weigela and plan to really go to town next spring. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVVeqQ-17cI78KbxQ0rV_W3cqEHn25bkQUMp1lDsO-UcN6N9mYbHms9DlSSsWtSobP837PeY7pdIlcmNeu4hEeClbM6cuGyHx6RsqBltuGAvQ1Ry7C_VGkPpL_wzdOBDqU0GL3tV1L4Y/s1600/Weigela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVVeqQ-17cI78KbxQ0rV_W3cqEHn25bkQUMp1lDsO-UcN6N9mYbHms9DlSSsWtSobP837PeY7pdIlcmNeu4hEeClbM6cuGyHx6RsqBltuGAvQ1Ry7C_VGkPpL_wzdOBDqU0GL3tV1L4Y/s320/Weigela.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=prince+weigela&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1024&bih=570&tbm=isch&tbnid=yi2VIZYggYhJpM:&imgrefurl=http://search.schultesgreenhouse.com/NetPS-Engine.asp%3FCCID%3D12070008%26page%3Dpdp%26PID%3D1602&docid=5-rgRhrbfNJgpM&imgurl=http://search.schultesgreenhouse.com/Images/Photos/F255-19.jpg&w=528&h=351&ei=No6YTrPuIoz9sQK6yJGuBA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=324&sig=117165429986953926714&page=1&tbnh=159&tbnw=219&start=0&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0&tx=36&ty=62">Red Prince Weigela</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1cql7bnVQoxopwZpkeiGw-IeuKaXII11kmnrtHJkwqyMaXcOBUEBWNL588zgN9nMh8Zt5uCT4bq1omn-mYWUlO8G7-L8rgih0zTQ2UcSE1BrgAQ8r79JIp2NMpzvIlS3rI5rqIJ_wY8/s1600/burning+bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1cql7bnVQoxopwZpkeiGw-IeuKaXII11kmnrtHJkwqyMaXcOBUEBWNL588zgN9nMh8Zt5uCT4bq1omn-mYWUlO8G7-L8rgih0zTQ2UcSE1BrgAQ8r79JIp2NMpzvIlS3rI5rqIJ_wY8/s1600/burning+bush.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=dwarf+burning+bush&um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=570&tbm=isch&tbnid=8v6_X7_3Z8-UmM:&imgrefurl=http://www.landsteward.com/page.cfm/49268&docid=_wdg4sAT-vikDM&imgurl=http://www.landsteward.com/images/NEWBURNINGBUSHicon.jpg&w=147&h=177&ei=mo6YTvmeDKepsQKkl73cBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=782&vpy=267&dur=1832&hovh=141&hovw=117&tx=51&ty=83&sig=117165429986953926714&page=3&tbnh=141&tbnw=117&start=20&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:20">Dwarf Burning Bush</a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what they look like in the fall. During the spring and summer their leaves are green.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful weekend! :-)</div><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-16179451472666785772011-09-24T10:00:00.001-04:002011-09-24T10:00:07.537-04:00The Hunt for Women's Sporting Apparel.................specifically, Manchester United apparel. I bring this up because as we speak I will be sitting at a soccer pub with my United scarf, drinking a pint of beer and cheering on my team! Gotta love scheduled posts. :-) <br />
<br />
Back to my team apparel problem.....let me just show you the AWESOME selection women have to choose from on their website {eyes rolling}. I don't mean to sound snotty, stuck-up or mean but what woman wants to wear this....<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK3IArqwisJuSGeDlkog2E9jTVjzKmFmeqtA-9ORV4JBqzJgwU2dqpYOgGxFYvGDobwLymTm6OrNby1xHZKFsVWzm6Gv2VqpcE1ChcCsVfTgXGeID79WQsNXcu7mnpylLe4MmUbqe9Ng/s1600/mufc-85416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK3IArqwisJuSGeDlkog2E9jTVjzKmFmeqtA-9ORV4JBqzJgwU2dqpYOgGxFYvGDobwLymTm6OrNby1xHZKFsVWzm6Gv2VqpcE1ChcCsVfTgXGeID79WQsNXcu7mnpylLe4MmUbqe9Ng/s200/mufc-85416.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>or this.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhTdMlv7y_Nx-YFPBWzcK5WrI1gq2qpemKLRhhFctkPH9LPFDMc52X40UC60e_itOlryKsZlY3NcL2Tsos7FSLgSMyThZv0Z3-blZtNcoxx8hBfKF_-OlJArVZJApj3HP-yGA0YMnFBg/s1600/mufc-83433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhTdMlv7y_Nx-YFPBWzcK5WrI1gq2qpemKLRhhFctkPH9LPFDMc52X40UC60e_itOlryKsZlY3NcL2Tsos7FSLgSMyThZv0Z3-blZtNcoxx8hBfKF_-OlJArVZJApj3HP-yGA0YMnFBg/s1600/mufc-83433.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">** </div>or especially these.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-H4qpryeTsMRmsKoiKd7i5OPKsQhae8r3VX9ph2aRSg4LNMcIoAwUSK5vU7GvARa_ZigSnH_izg64LFRlMvEmbCid-dbbXheIkIysd14fU22RwPNL4HvPRN0bBwarNJsyuWimnjOm1o/s1600/mufc-88426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-H4qpryeTsMRmsKoiKd7i5OPKsQhae8r3VX9ph2aRSg4LNMcIoAwUSK5vU7GvARa_ZigSnH_izg64LFRlMvEmbCid-dbbXheIkIysd14fU22RwPNL4HvPRN0bBwarNJsyuWimnjOm1o/s1600/mufc-88426.jpg" /></a></div>And, I suppose, if I want my boobs to be hanging out all over the place I could wear one of these.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXquzXOoFJtDNoe5kdpl3JuI-uzqI1VwU7-9Hpyn46MKso3LihZjxXeMuyi0j3LnRAeMR3wgyFSAY3YxbXbDSbS5XRbpjWKhWTb5yFgqIVTPcva8IjEnvN2ieCFZMI6bbLmoIPfOybr-k/s1600/mufc-87002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXquzXOoFJtDNoe5kdpl3JuI-uzqI1VwU7-9Hpyn46MKso3LihZjxXeMuyi0j3LnRAeMR3wgyFSAY3YxbXbDSbS5XRbpjWKhWTb5yFgqIVTPcva8IjEnvN2ieCFZMI6bbLmoIPfOybr-k/s1600/mufc-87002.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8b3q5tyiCpiMg-M7hNKZZkc347uM-dotWi7dm4JPxQ-MlkIf4SMRMxWFNQokAow8f3whL5s-1DyIM_P6wps19CDU-_LMpmT05BPytB4Q4SuS2rP2fYZdlijnD0MqUoWf62mPO63bmqg/s1600/mufc-83430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8b3q5tyiCpiMg-M7hNKZZkc347uM-dotWi7dm4JPxQ-MlkIf4SMRMxWFNQokAow8f3whL5s-1DyIM_P6wps19CDU-_LMpmT05BPytB4Q4SuS2rP2fYZdlijnD0MqUoWf62mPO63bmqg/s1600/mufc-83430.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">All pictures compliments of <a href="http://store.manutd.com/stores/manutd/products/product_browse.aspx?category%7Ccategory_root%7C1546=fashion&category%7Ccat_1546%7C1807=womens">Manchester United Megastore</a>.</span></i></div><br />
After seeing the <strike>selection</strike> slim pickings offered to women I was about to completely give up all faith (as well as send some hate mail to the United Club telling them that their women's clothing is a joke). Of course, I could always browse through the kids clothing section for XL's but their darn clothing is always too short through the torso and never fits right. <br />
<br />
Well, Hubs came to the rescue with a BRILLIANT idea.......create my own United apparel. Pure genius!!! For example:<br />
<br />
1. Purchase this sweet track jacket from Nike (I can get this in black or white)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAv4ku49BrC3dUcgXP37iFXcqSkbOIqgN_eZsY6qYWTvCmtYrGK9NQR63NxxY1L999AkSZ4D10aAUppsm5nGpH5dMFUc4JyDlg8SYYS-xRc42QMqyBlHOfXebqRX5HvdS1pfUyKbJ2U6c/s1600/Nike+Jacket.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAv4ku49BrC3dUcgXP37iFXcqSkbOIqgN_eZsY6qYWTvCmtYrGK9NQR63NxxY1L999AkSZ4D10aAUppsm5nGpH5dMFUc4JyDlg8SYYS-xRc42QMqyBlHOfXebqRX5HvdS1pfUyKbJ2U6c/s320/Nike+Jacket.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?cp=usns_CSE_081109_Froogle&l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-289664/pgid-284714&CAWELAID=428205467#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-316871/pgid-284714">Source</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Hop on over to Ebay and pick out a few of these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xl_WOEbkNwlB5JUgqlNFDQU02lrzm5cjNrfdTbLE1dZ0bxLQ8aNdThyIFP-EccUSKoBC4cZoPeDQJ-iZGuVhPnnt6V0z-Wjh1272iQSb_p6GtSR9o1TkSccPzDq5MKZapLKPjRYBy1Y/s1600/140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xl_WOEbkNwlB5JUgqlNFDQU02lrzm5cjNrfdTbLE1dZ0bxLQ8aNdThyIFP-EccUSKoBC4cZoPeDQJ-iZGuVhPnnt6V0z-Wjh1272iQSb_p6GtSR9o1TkSccPzDq5MKZapLKPjRYBy1Y/s1600/140.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwI7SVxqahQRhdocH8V3croCWXE54sZY9psVHNkhQdQpN8LyabLKK-SUWsUGanIbzjXi7OZPjj5zE7KhylnNvyxLfTpph0JvHeeKApHPnVcZlHpNHKAf_VyCaNU17uZVKKmMez4l1nkE/s1600/141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwI7SVxqahQRhdocH8V3croCWXE54sZY9psVHNkhQdQpN8LyabLKK-SUWsUGanIbzjXi7OZPjj5zE7KhylnNvyxLfTpph0JvHeeKApHPnVcZlHpNHKAf_VyCaNU17uZVKKmMez4l1nkE/s1600/141.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=manchester+united+patches&_sacat=See-All-Categories">Source</a></i></span> </div><br />
3. Call up my mother, the sewing queen guru......beg and plead for her to help.....<br />
<br />
And VOILA!!! I will have my very own, stylish Manchester United track jacket. Hubs also suggested that I buy a few patches so that I can create a cute polo. And because Hubs is just full of fabulous ideas he suggested I design some t-shirts and have them made at the <a href="http://www.teekihut.com/">Teeki Hut T-Shirt store</a>. Isn't he the smartest?! I am so excited about the idea of making my own track jacket and creating a few t-shirts to wear when I support my team.<br />
<br />
**- While somewhat cute, I cannot stand team apparel that is in colors other than the teams colors. Manchester United is red, white, black and gold.....NOT pink and black. Just because I am a woman doesn't mean that I want to look like I threw up a bottle of pepto bismal all over my shirt. <br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Saturday and GOOOOO UNITED!!!! :-)<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-42704967571956325292011-09-23T14:45:00.001-04:002011-09-23T14:46:33.328-04:007 Months.......Holy 7 months batman! I cannot believe that it was <b>SEVEN</b> months ago that I last updated this poor neglected blog. Is anyone still out there reading?!?<br />
<br />
Of course, I can give you the typical excuses.....I have been WAY TOO busy at work......I have writers block......I lead a boring life......etc, etc, etc. Honestly, I would have to say my absence has been from all of the above so I guess they aren't complete excuses. <br />
<br />
So what exactly have I been doing over the past seven months that tore me away from this little ol' blog of mine?!<br />
<br />
I went to Houston to watch my Bulldogs play in the Final Four. I was sad about the outcome but extremely grateful to watch my school play for the chance at a Final Four championship two years in a row. Not many can say that!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9KA4p4xozAvor2D2l1iLk854vWpiPeUnstLkEa8uRSo3zWhW01Ye8CeH5Uu3m-sr_FbXbDd5xNvEJVM07t2Fkbi0BoaU4K9yCLrXJvkPP45DI2P4IP1mz1SmTcCsoYSiWfSVInxrtnI/s1600/Final+Four+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9KA4p4xozAvor2D2l1iLk854vWpiPeUnstLkEa8uRSo3zWhW01Ye8CeH5Uu3m-sr_FbXbDd5xNvEJVM07t2Fkbi0BoaU4K9yCLrXJvkPP45DI2P4IP1mz1SmTcCsoYSiWfSVInxrtnI/s320/Final+Four+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Butler pre-game party at the Hard Rock in Houston</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaIT4u22En8QY5Die9tEs5X1ctssDNNH6eXK1kt7VBJOtkH_J-l_9_ayWx2x_nUJ03h8bPPSfp4Ys7-KOYyfRuMwGhvzZdzlyTN8bvN7PiomH76-swL1J_-hb3VCHD5LwrvA1cNQrNX8/s1600/Final+Four+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaIT4u22En8QY5Die9tEs5X1ctssDNNH6eXK1kt7VBJOtkH_J-l_9_ayWx2x_nUJ03h8bPPSfp4Ys7-KOYyfRuMwGhvzZdzlyTN8bvN7PiomH76-swL1J_-hb3VCHD5LwrvA1cNQrNX8/s320/Final+Four+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Catching up with great friends while in Houston. My friend (former Butler player and my former housemate) and his girlfriend traveled all the way from Slovakia to cheer on the Bulldogs. That is dedication!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I stained the deck. Yes ladies, you heard me correctly! One random, hot day I decided that our deck looked like crap and needed to be stained. It looks great but I told Hubs that in 2-3 years when our deck needs to be re-stained we will either A.) rip out the deck and have a composite deck with a lifetime stain/color guarantee installed or B.) hire someone to stain the darn thing! Pictures to come.....<br />
<br />
Speaking of home projects, I finally mustered up enough courage to rip out all those AWFUL, cheap bushes that home-builders just love to litter the front of your house with. There are still three bushes that the builder planted that I kept but after staring at them all summer long I have decided that those have to go in the spring (who knows, I may get overly ambitious and ripe them out this fall).<br />
<br />
Hubs and I and Hubs' parents went to Orlando in June. It was a wonderful getaway and of course we spent a lot of time at Disney......mostly Epcot. Love that place!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28KnF2YmnWMUwYMHFHYPEtu28Hopi9ytjCByIywoKXMrxP4jskLtha2iYCvL8NVNTpYCbBCnehN88ztWw7cmM02Dsy4GjZEG2vrJRNZwJgt80A0CQco2tSSwEUWFwZmwS80-o9wUsuhM/s1600/Epcot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28KnF2YmnWMUwYMHFHYPEtu28Hopi9ytjCByIywoKXMrxP4jskLtha2iYCvL8NVNTpYCbBCnehN88ztWw7cmM02Dsy4GjZEG2vrJRNZwJgt80A0CQco2tSSwEUWFwZmwS80-o9wUsuhM/s320/Epcot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>At the Rose and Crown in Epcot. Favorite place!</i></span></div><br />
My Hubs has turned me into a soccer hooligan! I went to watch Manchester United vs the Chicago Fire in July of this year. Hubs is a United FREAK!!! So, I surprised him with front row tickets as his anniversary gift. Wife of the Century! I think I actually saw a tear run down his cheek when we sat down in our seats. Needless to say, after seeing these players he has watched on TV for so long up close.....he is now utterly obsessed! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR0UuDw-5lFIErcK-M-43j0hooDKmIEP9Tl2Yg5vFjs-ZRAuGv3DsOcDZGnPmCb3L-UuH1dku0PlJ35pNex1d9C71OK9cU8vAHYffcSYdwTKDOK3Zk6mSUrN-UiNLahi3Tj3uknHwqI4/s1600/Manchester+United.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR0UuDw-5lFIErcK-M-43j0hooDKmIEP9Tl2Yg5vFjs-ZRAuGv3DsOcDZGnPmCb3L-UuH1dku0PlJ35pNex1d9C71OK9cU8vAHYffcSYdwTKDOK3Zk6mSUrN-UiNLahi3Tj3uknHwqI4/s320/Manchester+United.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Tailgating with friends prior to the game at Soldier Field. I have TONS of pictures from the actual game but have yet to load them.....oops! </span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0E-O7wBu8YCCJM9xg9xbHwSO2LL1ltH8LI3m4cwAXxj9ghwzIIAzTNGj-QMbcm31qc4c7i33Ck_tRf4c6OA13pm3mduYDBRbW0HRKT0JdR0wcamrz4nO7NGkRgVieDubzCTelbO_rHg/s1600/EPL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0E-O7wBu8YCCJM9xg9xbHwSO2LL1ltH8LI3m4cwAXxj9ghwzIIAzTNGj-QMbcm31qc4c7i33Ck_tRf4c6OA13pm3mduYDBRbW0HRKT0JdR0wcamrz4nO7NGkRgVieDubzCTelbO_rHg/s320/EPL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The leader board at our favorite place to watch soccer on Saturdays/Sundays - Chatham Tap. Notice who tops that leader board. ;-)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTBI8tFDa_El3eQaCYZX1875iG6Hyjnf1N9Nj2Jp7jSdkAXtMmrDPc3syTtWbtA_mEOT8iQN1pEN5nAKm5FSKlDbx-wILfdBjacJtVbSRTWDNeNYQzrQSt5lttvyTP0alp_2a4x7_mO0/s1600/USA+National+Team+-+Buerly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTBI8tFDa_El3eQaCYZX1875iG6Hyjnf1N9Nj2Jp7jSdkAXtMmrDPc3syTtWbtA_mEOT8iQN1pEN5nAKm5FSKlDbx-wILfdBjacJtVbSRTWDNeNYQzrQSt5lttvyTP0alp_2a4x7_mO0/s320/USA+National+Team+-+Buerly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Even Buerly is turning into a soccer hooligan and showing his support for soccer, especially the USA National Team.</span></i></div><br />
And of course, I couldn't post a picture of Buerly without including a picture of Rooney. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9FqmLU8RcLRKc-7xT2qbpaiEhdVouf73SzCiTTWoH7gh2PpuMIE-4gZG9CJ2xdAW70YBPBHy2kgmFcgh3Qz7n0pNPAh6mz3Ki65Fc236NEeZSDs9a9MEPEsQOgY32VwJRSLjHclZIso/s1600/Rooney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9FqmLU8RcLRKc-7xT2qbpaiEhdVouf73SzCiTTWoH7gh2PpuMIE-4gZG9CJ2xdAW70YBPBHy2kgmFcgh3Qz7n0pNPAh6mz3Ki65Fc236NEeZSDs9a9MEPEsQOgY32VwJRSLjHclZIso/s320/Rooney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Who's the cutest <strike>little</strike> round bumblebee?!? I was cleaning out our basement and stumbled across the bee costume. I am sure he is thinking, "I really don't like you one bit, Mom!"</i></span></div><br />
Well, in a nutshell, that is some of the things that have kept me busy. I promise, I will not disappear for another 7 months!!!<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful weekend! <br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-80721949784791463692011-03-22T08:46:00.001-04:002011-03-22T08:47:26.352-04:00Training for the Big Event!!!!My Butler Bulldogs are making a Sweet Sixteen appearance again which has this blogger VERY happy and excited!!!!<br />
<br />
Butler will face-off against the Wisconsin Badgers on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 9:57 ET. Buerly and Rooney (friends and fans of Butler Blue II, our mascot) are geared up and ready to cheer on the Bulldogs. But Buerly decided that he needed to get in some extra training to be ready for Thursday nights big showdown. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_YNvX_6XLEc" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
(Pardon the quality.....it is dark in our basement and I took the video on my phone)<br />
<br />
So much for my work out on the treadmill! lol<br />
<br />
Have a fabulous Tuesday!<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-22497431618004096112011-03-07T13:18:00.000-05:002011-03-07T13:18:20.386-05:00Lunch of ChampionsWould you all like to know how you can take a semi-unhealthy lunch and turn it into a completely unhealthy lunch?!<br />
<br />
Step 1:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7cBN8CeOEupCOITydLKRuxCC6r5PraUgMKcn5VgmEOvR0fd1YiJUne5LwcteexBT4RaW3xQCt4H2roxGoxfNpGNpJeU5eNTi5Edb3OvRZjjSVvck_F0-6BVT5VFrboiQOXvA-wTj_Ns/s1600/Stouffers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7cBN8CeOEupCOITydLKRuxCC6r5PraUgMKcn5VgmEOvR0fd1YiJUne5LwcteexBT4RaW3xQCt4H2roxGoxfNpGNpJeU5eNTi5Edb3OvRZjjSVvck_F0-6BVT5VFrboiQOXvA-wTj_Ns/s1600/Stouffers.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take a <a href="http://www.stouffers.com/products/nutrition/110/Tuna-Noodle-Casserole.aspx">Stouffer's Tuna Noodle Casserole</a> and microwave for 6 minutes </div><div style="text-align: center;">(450 calories, 180 calories from fat, 20 g of fat, 990 mg of sodium......etc)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can you all taste the healthiness oozing from this meal?! Oh just you wait because it is only going to get "healthier"!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 2:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWN2lDbsJg4dGVlW5bzRwOubt4Nd1GbqLuJRWgokvlQPRHrwWOpxEMCFoYwyO4yR82SKJbmqHMTpDO8CPRo-emEJ-mP9KCTlxLqXAPgHXDFWnKcspNQjYtFjpPWbUh_mWyJ_uxGZUolU/s1600/Ruffles.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWN2lDbsJg4dGVlW5bzRwOubt4Nd1GbqLuJRWgokvlQPRHrwWOpxEMCFoYwyO4yR82SKJbmqHMTpDO8CPRo-emEJ-mP9KCTlxLqXAPgHXDFWnKcspNQjYtFjpPWbUh_mWyJ_uxGZUolU/s320/Ruffles.gif" width="229" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Crush up a handful of <a href="http://www.fritolay.com/our-snacks/ruffles-original.html">Ruffles Potato Chips</a> and sprinkle on top</div><div style="text-align: center;"> (12 chips = 160 calories, 90 calories from fat, 10 g fat, 160 mg of sodium.....etc)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are your arteries clogging up just reading this because I feel like mine are....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 3 (oh yes, there is most definitely a third step):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZxzlAfJ3aaSTgmjGyomqAluyvoF_49cbIT8eS4voIbGTRTusm8Wim0QcmxyhuOFGU3Q9jjNigecQZ5E47Dj-wAFQ38ytNbuI9KLCC2ihQ4SfGXWUHbDCZ9_ha0p-xIh3Fs5g61tdchE/s1600/Sargento.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZxzlAfJ3aaSTgmjGyomqAluyvoF_49cbIT8eS4voIbGTRTusm8Wim0QcmxyhuOFGU3Q9jjNigecQZ5E47Dj-wAFQ38ytNbuI9KLCC2ihQ4SfGXWUHbDCZ9_ha0p-xIh3Fs5g61tdchE/s1600/Sargento.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle <a href="http://www.sargento.com/products/192/sargento-reduced-fat-shredded-cheddar-jack/">Sargento Cheddar Jack Cheese</a> (Reduced Fat, just to be on the healthy side since we are obviously counting calories) on top of casserole concoction and nuke for 15 seconds. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And Bon Appetit! You officially have an unhealthy meal that has been made even unhealthier but tastes oh so good! I am sure that I will be thinking how great this lunch was when I try on the new bikini that I purchased over the weekend. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Note: I RARELY make this because of the crazy amount of calories, fat and sodium but every once and a while a girl has to splurge! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a fabulous Monday!</div><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-30655141850596066202011-02-23T13:06:00.000-05:002011-02-23T13:06:53.340-05:00Wanted: A Pair of Reasonably Priced BootsOkay blogger-land friends, I need your help! We all know that I have a <strike>slight</strike> serious shoe addiction, an addiction that I LOVE to feed often. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErJRRjxtmIHpuecMWlbpaLUfbM_VR-pDi9-u7SN8-V2lea3qIWXxxPIiLAA6QXZF9ObIc6Dq5hM89SXrQ3BrbgNdgnSCuwSTivEUp3scSb6NXNe-zBI4aG-Vn0F7r551jFIO010wTcwo/s1600/hunter-boots-nordstroms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErJRRjxtmIHpuecMWlbpaLUfbM_VR-pDi9-u7SN8-V2lea3qIWXxxPIiLAA6QXZF9ObIc6Dq5hM89SXrQ3BrbgNdgnSCuwSTivEUp3scSb6NXNe-zBI4aG-Vn0F7r551jFIO010wTcwo/s320/hunter-boots-nordstroms.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hunter Boots from <a href="http://www.nordstrom.com/">Nodstrom</a> </div>Meet my fabulous birthday present from back in September. I absolutely LOVED these Hunter boots, that is, until I tried them on. Between the stiff rubber and the placement of the seams in the sock inserts they killed my heels. It would have been blister central people. <br />
<br />
So, finally, I decided to give up on these lovely boots and return them. <i>{sigh}</i><br />
<br />
Of course, I already had a back-up shoe in mind......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDXHQGqd08mzZp75teZ-tmZ5_awUrKk8xitQJ9tq_MJSJdl1LK1iS_XI1dnGkSqpkEgXmdoHoaeuvMCrvF0eHs5Ai2qYXyHEGnWaVnj-7l7ARM6yxIFUr9_CvErgEalL_J6nDq2WTtpk/s1600/FryeBC_77167_Fawnfr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDXHQGqd08mzZp75teZ-tmZ5_awUrKk8xitQJ9tq_MJSJdl1LK1iS_XI1dnGkSqpkEgXmdoHoaeuvMCrvF0eHs5Ai2qYXyHEGnWaVnj-7l7ARM6yxIFUr9_CvErgEalL_J6nDq2WTtpk/s320/FryeBC_77167_Fawnfr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vonmaur.com/Product.aspx?ID=38700&pg=1">Frye Melissa Button Boots</a> </div>.......riding boots. Well, until I saw the price tag of these beauties {$318.00.....ummmm, no thank you). I think if I spent $318 on these Hubs might divorce me or commit me to a mental hospital for my addiction. So, I started browsing around trying to find a similar pair that I like that has a much more reasonable price tag but unfortunately I always come back to these.<br />
<br />
So, my friends, do any of you have any suggestions for a pretty pair of boots that are a.) reasonably priced, b.) comfy, and c.) fabulous?! Help a girl out!<br />
<br />
Thanks and have a wonderful day!<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-92117723253284936922011-02-14T13:20:00.000-05:002011-02-14T13:20:45.964-05:00Valentine's Day<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Valentine's Day!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONBJXHJPgAuAb-a2-1Ek3Ory8xnfMpU6bg70ABCaPIV3buJIvQhMBGzQxGsnotqV60Xtc28QW3YW5yqj99Kv7yOL03uaX4LdRHkm5E_XLNziLLkOPGmGvhjk9fecyFdvrLm8WBimhlVY/s1600/valentines-day-post-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONBJXHJPgAuAb-a2-1Ek3Ory8xnfMpU6bg70ABCaPIV3buJIvQhMBGzQxGsnotqV60Xtc28QW3YW5yqj99Kv7yOL03uaX4LdRHkm5E_XLNziLLkOPGmGvhjk9fecyFdvrLm8WBimhlVY/s320/valentines-day-post-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The day of love.......<br />
<br />
........shouldn't everyday be a day of love?!<br />
<br />
Honestly, I find it hard to get into Valentine's Day. It just seems like another day of the week to me. Hubs isn't sure whether he should believe me when I say this or if I am just testing him. I promise, I truly do mean it when I say that Valentine's Day isn't that big of a deal to me. <br />
<br />
So, instead of going out to some packed restaurant we will be getting take-out from Johnny Carinos and eating dinner at home with our two bullies! Now, that sounds like the perfect evening!!! I can throw on a pair of sweatpants, I don't have to cook or clean up after cooking, we don't have to leave the house feeling guilty because Buerly and Rooney gave us the "Woe as me" look, and we don't have to deal with trying to get a last minute reservation.<br />
<br />
Hubs and I did exchange Valentine's Day gifts yesterday (hypocrite, I know). But we kind of cheated and just used the holiday as an excuse to go shopping to buy what we <strike>needed</strike> wanted. So technically it really wasn't even a Valentine's gift. Haha!<br />
<br />
Hubs had promised to get me a fun/fashionable watch for Christmas but wanted me to pick it out. Thanks to several gift cards and Valentine's Day {cough, cough} I ended up getting two watches! :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CfEQMi_m9zYf-2bQ16u98gTPGu2dP6F32CC29xvT6SVDcchx6QEyL7R-g3d_Ezha4RykDW-aQ17fxIMos-dHG4dR0lhUJpGBq8qHJ0BI1HwGvxdhqisSEORzqT126CuQnhW6kyJS_NQ/s1600/Michael+Kors+-+White.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CfEQMi_m9zYf-2bQ16u98gTPGu2dP6F32CC29xvT6SVDcchx6QEyL7R-g3d_Ezha4RykDW-aQ17fxIMos-dHG4dR0lhUJpGBq8qHJ0BI1HwGvxdhqisSEORzqT126CuQnhW6kyJS_NQ/s320/Michael+Kors+-+White.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/">Michael Kors - White</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGawt4n2FqZiW4Q-D9ygNCN34Z0Mw5kDaBbyLaZTB0KFEKN0DbGe-jG5dYeBedF6FEEtYf5QIddFG94shNEZlz3uF6NNKv_ZawHzW33DTnKfMxocDbNQ-OeSgJa7RVAyrsPSVsCz1sF0/s1600/Michael+Kors+-+Tortoise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGawt4n2FqZiW4Q-D9ygNCN34Z0Mw5kDaBbyLaZTB0KFEKN0DbGe-jG5dYeBedF6FEEtYf5QIddFG94shNEZlz3uF6NNKv_ZawHzW33DTnKfMxocDbNQ-OeSgJa7RVAyrsPSVsCz1sF0/s320/Michael+Kors+-+Tortoise.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/">Michael Kors - Tortoise</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Oh how I LOVE these two watches!!! I have a really nice watch from my parents that I wear everyday but have never had a fun/fashionable watch before.......until now!!<br />
<br />
And for Hubs.......well, he needed a new pair of dress shoes so we ordered the shoes that he wanted from Cole Haan and hopefully they will arrive soon!<br />
<br />
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!!!! :-)<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-74695674819002857882011-01-19T09:52:00.000-05:002011-01-19T09:52:14.694-05:00Post SurgeryLast Thursday my little Rooney had his eye surgery. <br />
<br />
Rooney attempted to sleep in and take it easy the morning of his surgery. Poor little guy had no idea what was about to happen! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCe5BLr94weZ-gbpS-gJRWsMWFmsvIFjnk4G1oRrrc0abultmmDBOpzvH1wKRNnP4TQW4AN8Xvx5lK-7MgDYsP-8zD_NY7LgDONSmqV_ggdv7zU3BoF9Dp_nSYy-xOtIZE9UtIGbj2p0/s1600/Rooney+Sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCe5BLr94weZ-gbpS-gJRWsMWFmsvIFjnk4G1oRrrc0abultmmDBOpzvH1wKRNnP4TQW4AN8Xvx5lK-7MgDYsP-8zD_NY7LgDONSmqV_ggdv7zU3BoF9Dp_nSYy-xOtIZE9UtIGbj2p0/s320/Rooney+Sleeping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This would be his last picture sans the cone of shame.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hubs and I took Rooney to the specialty hospital early that morning. Buerly was not happy that we were taking his brother on a car ride without him. The minute we walked into the hospital Rooney was ready to leave. My poor little guy just sat there shaking like a leaf and crying. Every once and a while he would attempt to make a mad dash towards the door. Eventually the nurse came out to take our little guy back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After we left Hubs and I grabbed breakfast and then headed home to wait for the phone call letting us know that he was out of surgery. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Around 2pm we <i>finally</i> received the call from the ophthalmologist letting us know that he was out of surgery and had done great! She told us that he was a good boy, that his eyes turned out great and that we could pick him up between 3:00pm and 4:00pm.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, I was ready to hit the road to get my little one. Once we arrived, I sat in the waiting room with Hubs anxiously waiting to see Rooney. I was so nervous to see what he would look like. When he finally walked into the room I about burst into tears. My poor little puppy looked so unbelievably sad and pathetic!!! I instantly felt horrible! We were told that his stitches would look like little, dark eye lashes. Wrong!!!! He had these thick, black stitches under both of his eyes {the first look made me want to throw up a little} and this HUGE cone around his neck. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hubs loaded Rooney into the SUV and I climbed into the back seat to hold him on the drive home. The minute we walked into the house Buerly came running to check his brother out. Poor Rooney spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the house and crying. We tried to get him to lay down and take a nap until the effects of the morphine wore off but we had no luck at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAk7vEm0d9F-JO4H9uMChp_ZiNKL6n-MrF8uZ0rAaQnthdnYqsFsZ98BJO9hg6yC0sZGrJykItBXBdlYNhKcXaxPgovamBF2k3HVJNcQ0rrMiEgGEQqqVHjLkJJ_rlUddKk6i-ITSnik/s1600/Rooney+-+Cone+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAk7vEm0d9F-JO4H9uMChp_ZiNKL6n-MrF8uZ0rAaQnthdnYqsFsZ98BJO9hg6yC0sZGrJykItBXBdlYNhKcXaxPgovamBF2k3HVJNcQ0rrMiEgGEQqqVHjLkJJ_rlUddKk6i-ITSnik/s320/Rooney+-+Cone+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rooney and the "cone of shame"! This was taken right after he got home from the animal hospital.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rooney had his own little pharmacy going on our kitchen counter. Every 8 hours we had to give him an antibiotic, every 8-12 hours we gave him pain medication, once a day we gave him a steroid and four times a day we had to put eye drops in both of his eyes. The eye drops were/are no easy feat! He fights us every time we try to give him the eye drops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOII4UbjqBiSloPhGR8qUHBT2oxSHkoWXDdk1ZUoELsZZVSbhyvdQ8Av3IFkRDMBb1auklQrON38Se4bURydfRa5HuN0gBAUI66yLnUfxL5HiGhzPzi-srmbno2FjfSeiMMVc4Bq0J1ow/s1600/Rooney+-+Cone+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOII4UbjqBiSloPhGR8qUHBT2oxSHkoWXDdk1ZUoELsZZVSbhyvdQ8Av3IFkRDMBb1auklQrON38Se4bURydfRa5HuN0gBAUI66yLnUfxL5HiGhzPzi-srmbno2FjfSeiMMVc4Bq0J1ow/s320/Rooney+-+Cone+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rooney FINALLY laying down.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I remember Hubs looking down at Rooney and telling him, "I am so sorry buddy" over and over while he rubbed his neck. We both felt pretty awful for the little guy but knew that in the end he would be better off.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Each day Rooney becomes more and more like his normal self. The only difference is he has this ginormous cone around his neck. Amazingly it seems like he has adapted to it. Granted, he is a pretty go with the flow kind of pup! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBZTdgSdzCvI1jw9wlco7ihG2G0mSswabvu7sbUMM-dBJZIJwhpzdqOuk7VQYO-Y1aQ47U5unjCOWoiW4xvdQbyv0lhBxs4k69QRlW4ggBdNzCzP1gPjmeOo49DFO_CQsK8f9ncTjBO4/s1600/Rooney+-+Cone+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBZTdgSdzCvI1jw9wlco7ihG2G0mSswabvu7sbUMM-dBJZIJwhpzdqOuk7VQYO-Y1aQ47U5unjCOWoiW4xvdQbyv0lhBxs4k69QRlW4ggBdNzCzP1gPjmeOo49DFO_CQsK8f9ncTjBO4/s320/Rooney+-+Cone+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As much as Buerly acts like he dislikes his brother this picture proves otherwise.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rooney is still awkward with his cone. He is constantly clipping/catching the cone on walls and furniture. Going up the stairs is hilarious because he catches the bottom of the cone and falls up the stairs. When he jumps off our bed he has to be careful not to catch the bottom of the cone otherwise he goes head over heels. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that Rooney is pretty much back to normal we have to watch our shins. Rooney has figured out that he can use his cone like a battering ram. I cannot tell you how many times he has ran into our legs with that darn cone and it hurts! His brother, Buerly, has it even worse. Rooney will take toys away from Buerly and when Buerly attempts to take them back Rooney puts the cone down over the toy on the floor so that Buerly can't get it. He also uses his cone to herd Buerly around. My sad, pathetic little boogie has turned back into his mischievous, rambunctious old self. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Rooney goes back to the vet next Wednesday for a recheck. Hopefully he will get to ditch the cone after that appointment as long as everything looks good. Once the cone is gone it will be time for us to repair the walls/furniture that he has scratched up with that stupid, plastic cone. But we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This has been a difficult, expensive process but will be worth it in the end.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a fabulous Wednesday!</div><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-30912181909121784492011-01-07T10:16:00.000-05:002011-01-07T10:16:43.377-05:00New Years Resolutions {Better Late Than Never}I will just dive right in with my list!<br />
<ul><li><b>Run a 10</b>k - Last year I ran two 5k's (Dick Lugar 5k - 4th in my age group, Turkey Trot 5k - 6th in my age group). I had also signed up to do a 4.5 mile Drumstick Dash (didn't run in it b/c we went out of town last minute for Thanksgiving) and a 5 mile Popcorn Dash (didn't run in that one b/c it was raining cats and dogs the entire morning). I would have ran the 5 mile Popcorn Dash had it been a drizzle or a mist but it was POURING! Fair weather runner over here! So, this year I would like to keep improving on 5k's but also jump up to the next level......the 10K!!! </li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Compete in a Sprint Triathlon</b> - Okay, I may completely off my rocker but it is definitely something I would like to accomplish. One of my best friends and I decided one night after <strike>a few</strike> several adult beverages that we should do a Sprint Triathlon. Unlucky for me - I am a terrible swimmer. Can we say doggie paddle?! But lucky for me - my best friend's husband and his friend were on their college swim team. Yay for not sinking! </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwECTbUiK9LDWRUoPTULZ0OMJ2uKhkzdIJ5Vdzc48Dy2oSeRcHmuUT1h9-VJCXJusyHFxtiRVgEl-xMgmrv6D7HS-8d584Rji3JYiRY26nPvXgcbpyRhud5GpMPmjLoK_nENus051kJU/s1600/triathlon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwECTbUiK9LDWRUoPTULZ0OMJ2uKhkzdIJ5Vdzc48Dy2oSeRcHmuUT1h9-VJCXJusyHFxtiRVgEl-xMgmrv6D7HS-8d584Rji3JYiRY26nPvXgcbpyRhud5GpMPmjLoK_nENus051kJU/s1600/triathlon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://s2.e-monsite.com/2010/03/23/10/logo_triathlon.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.pinnacleconcepts.biz/.temp/www.pinnacleconcepts.biz/2011-triathlon-calendar-georgia.html&usg=__WZ7eyvwpBwMqtmhbXc5IQ9yFyQY=&h=287&w=360&sz=18&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=Watr18Gr3cIvFM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=173&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtriathlon%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D568%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=310&vpy=277&dur=609&hovh=200&hovw=251&tx=137&ty=101&oei=SyknTeH2EZWlnQfm8pjUDQ&page=1&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0">Source</a></i></span></div><ul></ul><ul><li><b>Become more organized</b> - How the heck do two people acquire so much crap?! This is a question that I ask myself constantly. So this year I hope to start going through all of our closets, cleaning them out and organizing the remaining items. Oh, and our basement needs some major TLC too......that and a giant dumpster! So, hopefully this is the year that I take control and get organized. </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxTaWe5SvOrMhKrUy-kQ5znY8FNC_LwRu5DPnJPHsuclhs0YiFY-FgWvg69DpeVySnkdG7YmLCIRpUoK2xvZFaULrORz7cT9l5H452AK8hx9AG5wxu1y5TWminFbNyC2S7MieO52C130/s1600/get_organized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxTaWe5SvOrMhKrUy-kQ5znY8FNC_LwRu5DPnJPHsuclhs0YiFY-FgWvg69DpeVySnkdG7YmLCIRpUoK2xvZFaULrORz7cT9l5H452AK8hx9AG5wxu1y5TWminFbNyC2S7MieO52C130/s320/get_organized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.organizingla.com/organizingla_blog/images/2007/09/30/get_organized.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.organizingla.com/organizingla_blog/2007/09/todays-astrolog.html&usg=__mguWUPlNib-kD3IV_6iHyJCSBfM=&h=304&w=370&sz=26&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=-Rt5rfb5JyBQbM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dorganized%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D568%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C228&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=437&vpy=169&dur=414&hovh=203&hovw=248&tx=132&ty=125&ei=vCknTbmxCYymnAfy5MHNDQ&oei=vCknTbmxCYymnAfy5MHNDQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:0&biw=1024&bih=568"><i>Source</i></a></span></div><ul><li><b>Knit a scarf</b> - Hubs laughs at me anytime I break out the knitting needles. Typically his laughs are followed by comments like "Where's your rocking chair?" and "Knitting.....REALLY?!" But I love crafts! My mom is a crocheter. She crochets baby blankets all the time. I, on the other hand, suck at crocheting so I decided that I would try to conquer knitting. Holy slowness batman. It takes me FOREVER just to complete a row. It probably will take me all year to knit one scarf. lol </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Om0qvZFQ_ylElI2d76GY9SMfEuoCMtyP7H1LxbMaNn6uo9ptS1uIdM3BVxy7BMEXaY3QQ7AkETnS6cjCPk-dZNUiTHVrfLi8DMg0edgNA2nm_UwpRxuRHTIJwHGTHAlVsjjoRcgwF6g/s1600/knitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Om0qvZFQ_ylElI2d76GY9SMfEuoCMtyP7H1LxbMaNn6uo9ptS1uIdM3BVxy7BMEXaY3QQ7AkETnS6cjCPk-dZNUiTHVrfLi8DMg0edgNA2nm_UwpRxuRHTIJwHGTHAlVsjjoRcgwF6g/s320/knitting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.springfieldpubliclibrary.com/joomla15/images/stories/knitting.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.springfieldpubliclibrary.com/joomla15/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D94&usg=__nRO_i5h8mgh3RLHOBqKJ7KMVj4Q=&h=1173&w=1619&sz=675&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=nmvKm1A-G8geBM:&tbnh=118&tbnw=186&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dknitting%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D568%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=45&ei=IionTe_4FMugnQepj-nnDQ&oei=IionTe_4FMugnQepj-nnDQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=81&ty=50">Source</a></span></i></div><ul></ul><ul><li><b>Go to church more</b> - this was on my list last year and was a complete fail. SHAME ON ME!!!! </li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Cook more</b> - I go through spurts. There are weeks where I will cook almost every single night and then there are weeks where I don't cook a single night. So, in order to eat healthier I think I need to cook a little more. I don't think I am going to find the level of healthy eating that I want in a frozen entree or a bag. I also want to try out new recipes. I get complacent and stick with what I know. I need to try new things and not be afraid to fail at them. </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQC-QvFqR9WRLG6xYr-3ifNWruUeUQ1eP6xXPuRswp9tlQ1k-hIeaoAz-Im9CY2Jei_V2-sYL-_6ifywNAB_t6z4oM9bIOg1I0BPsX8Ilyj7FhqDaut1CzpltuIkoD2GiTQU3isprOd4g/s1600/cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQC-QvFqR9WRLG6xYr-3ifNWruUeUQ1eP6xXPuRswp9tlQ1k-hIeaoAz-Im9CY2Jei_V2-sYL-_6ifywNAB_t6z4oM9bIOg1I0BPsX8Ilyj7FhqDaut1CzpltuIkoD2GiTQU3isprOd4g/s320/cooking.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.villamilagrovineyards.com/cooking.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.villamilagrovineyards.com/OurEvents.html&usg=__tXb4HYL2gFOGrOrBSsXpOBwCu_c=&h=480&w=322&sz=115&hl=en&start=11&zoom=1&tbnid=i7SevJqtTxXBsM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcooking%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D568%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C456&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=126&vpy=195&dur=566&hovh=260&hovw=175&tx=86&ty=173&ei=WC0nTbPuOdDtnQePvaTeAQ&oei=VC0nTZrmDYbFnAf4u8DiDQ&esq=2&page=2&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:11&biw=1024&bih=568"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source</i></span></a> </div><ul></ul><ul><li><b>Take more pride in my appearance</b> - I cannot tell you how often I just don't care what I look like (okay, not completely true). There are days where I will just scruff by and not really give a damn. I want to look cute, not grungy. I have noticed that I tend to take more pride in my appearance when I am in shape and feeling good about myself. So I guess taking pride in appearance and working out can some what go hand in hand. When I feel flubby I match my attitude with sweatshirts and clothing to cover that feeling. No more! Time to break out the cute clothes, painted nails, hair done and makeup on look! (Thanks Jess for letting me steal this resolution) :-) </li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Be more aware of spending</b> - It is so easy to walk into Target and spend $100+. It happens often to me. I need to curtail this and start only buying what we need. In order to do this I need to start making better grocery lists and following them. Along with better grocery lists I need to clip coupons more often but only for items that we need. </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-EOFo2vhIHGGK6lL3w_hOsmff6Rvvj2o41NNkwVKGf01XFMvagrd5ESItuDVD5d_qsFL8kJNb6IRH2FWnodHDkZWD4WDox29A7_10CyN20eaQFA127fiWteTw7qUpGPeydC0iJyUKI4/s1600/save-money1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-EOFo2vhIHGGK6lL3w_hOsmff6Rvvj2o41NNkwVKGf01XFMvagrd5ESItuDVD5d_qsFL8kJNb6IRH2FWnodHDkZWD4WDox29A7_10CyN20eaQFA127fiWteTw7qUpGPeydC0iJyUKI4/s320/save-money1.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.itgoesalongway.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/save-money1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.itgoesalongway.com/2010/11/saving-money/&usg=__JVMSSQmcZOnhveWd0uzuMeRXiEs=&h=405&w=296&sz=102&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=k4ILRpKpqzigVM:&tbnh=135&tbnw=108&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsaving%2Bmoney%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D568%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C228&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=225&ei=0C0nTZCqFsfOnAf96bzcDQ&oei=0C0nTZCqFsfOnAf96bzcDQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0&tx=70&ty=65&biw=1024&bih=568"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source</i></span></a></div><ul></ul> There you have it! These are my New Year's resolutions. I am one of those people who tend to break off more than I can chew so I am trying to keep my list a little shorter this year. Also, all of these "resolutions" that I have come up with shouldn't just be for one year either, they should be life goals. <br />
<br />
What are some of your resolutions this year?!<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful day!<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-33106058809676268302011-01-06T07:59:00.001-05:002011-01-06T10:42:17.337-05:00Rooney UpdateThanks for all the comments that you left yesterday! Rooney is scheduled to have entropion surgery next Thursday on both of his eyes. I wasn't surprised with the prognosis but I still feel bad for the little guy. I know that when it is all said and done he will feel so much better but the time period right after the surgery is going to be tough on him. The ophthalmologist told us that it would be a 13 day recovery and during that time period he would have to wear an e-collar. I know the "cone of shame" is going to go over REALLY well with him.<br />
<br />
Luckily, the cost of the surgery isn't awful. It is higher than I had hoped for but I don't think I was being realistic or reasonable in my hopes. Needless to say, our wonderful escrow refund check that we just received will now be going towards his surgery. <br />
<br />
Oh, and my big bad bulldog was the biggest baby yesterday!!!! Rooney and I went to the consultation while Hubs stayed at home with Buerly. The minute we walked into the lobby of the animal hospital Rooney started crying his eyes out and shaking like a leaf! Poor guy was terrified! So, now we know - Rooney is Mr. Billy Badass when his brother is around but when Buerly isn't with him he is a scaredy cat! lol<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful day!<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-90081992843235238222011-01-05T08:58:00.001-05:002011-01-06T10:41:49.191-05:00Poor RooneyMy poor baby, Rooney, has been having a lot of problems with his eyes for the past several months. He has had two eye infections and scratched lenses in less than a year. The vet had mentioned the last time that we were in for a routine check-up that he had entropion in both of his eyes. But she wanted to recheck his eyes in the winter months to make sure that it wasn't allergies that were causing the entropion.<br />
<br />
Right before Christmas we had to take Rooney back to the vet due to his eye issues. It was evident that allergies were not causing his entropion. Our vet informed us that he would need surgery on both eyes to correct the problem. My good friend/Rooney's breeder told me to ask for a referral from our vet to see an ophthalmologist.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdCzEMDbtfkaEWAQEvr0gH7gyKEnPfxrEIjuPlprhReytvyX86BkUz6mprUtKpNaDBs76zR2evBpNdt-Am6TMlqeyVMd6qceSgRnY2jU8a0LEUcTzuyK_J45mas4G0Ki5RNn8gTuNk10/s1600/pic_entropion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdCzEMDbtfkaEWAQEvr0gH7gyKEnPfxrEIjuPlprhReytvyX86BkUz6mprUtKpNaDBs76zR2evBpNdt-Am6TMlqeyVMd6qceSgRnY2jU8a0LEUcTzuyK_J45mas4G0Ki5RNn8gTuNk10/s320/pic_entropion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dangerousdreamalani.com/images/pic_entropion.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dangerousdreamalani.com/en/diseases.htm&usg=__rk-d4visCUP_hN8OrbAuY-kLCYU=&h=355&w=374&sz=21&hl=en&start=12&zoom=1&tbnid=lxwdt2J4ZP2NLM:&tbnh=122&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dentropion%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D568%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C226&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=313&ei=73UkTYLPONCRnwepnezJAQ&oei=kW0kTaPvJsbVnAf61ujtDQ&esq=9&page=2&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:12&tx=106&ty=75&biw=1024&bih=568">Source</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Entropion</b> is a medical condition in which the eyelid (usually the lower lid) folds inward. It is very uncomfortable, as the eyelashes constantly rub against the cornea. (Thank you <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entropion">Wikipedia</a>)</i> <i>Rooney has entropion in both lower eyelids.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So, that brings me to the present. Today is the day that we take Rooney to his consultation appointment with the ophthalmologist to find out what needs to be done and how much it is going to cost (probably a lot). I feel so bad for the little booger because you can tell that he is uncomfortable and in pain. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ncX2S22KPQXfnc6O8FTI3esOvcbx-64GTgEni5AebWz62fnzm1gklYfc6oXbCzow6xBxJ_dqDQmd2BY0kWYAR2aprX8JZgeToXwbUyfAJIUSKo68nXCg7V9ksmLqTGmmZrhF1afZF_8/s1600/Rooney+Squinting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ncX2S22KPQXfnc6O8FTI3esOvcbx-64GTgEni5AebWz62fnzm1gklYfc6oXbCzow6xBxJ_dqDQmd2BY0kWYAR2aprX8JZgeToXwbUyfAJIUSKo68nXCg7V9ksmLqTGmmZrhF1afZF_8/s320/Rooney+Squinting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My poor little puppy! As you can see, he doesn't want to open his right eye. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, and I already know that the little booger will be sporting one of these if surgery is required-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtD1S2ncmoHmBqFw46R-hNJFMuZ9PAOj5Y06mtdCRVE4sxuCVImE1oJft5HneEboD2GgsJqisxfODZPEmy_2e0rFDK7_dTtps3Q-fMMuNnCUVp0IPqws6eatqPXntHp5ZpV4rvMauqGeU/s1600/Dog_in_elizabethan_collar.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtD1S2ncmoHmBqFw46R-hNJFMuZ9PAOj5Y06mtdCRVE4sxuCVImE1oJft5HneEboD2GgsJqisxfODZPEmy_2e0rFDK7_dTtps3Q-fMMuNnCUVp0IPqws6eatqPXntHp5ZpV4rvMauqGeU/s320/Dog_in_elizabethan_collar.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.marvistavet.com/assets/images/Dog_in_elizabethan_collar.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.marvistavet.com/html/corneal_ulcer.html&usg=__CNcjac8Vc7JPxw5ccPxwhPIIFX8=&h=411&w=546&sz=111&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=jP0gl2exaaOjeM:&tbnh=155&tbnw=214&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddog%2Be-collar%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D568%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=448&ei=pXckTa2BOpKenwevgdXqAQ&oei=lXckTcOAMMP_nAeKtKDXDQ&esq=5&page=1&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0&tx=112&ty=62">Source</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">An E-Collar also know as "The Cone of Shame"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He will definitely be one pissed off, miserable puppy in one of these babies! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, as much as I would love for him not to have surgery, I don't think that is an option anymore. So, fingers crossed that the ophthalmologist recommends the most minimal amount of surgery and that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg! In the end, I just want the problem fixed and for Rooney to feel better!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Have a great day!<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-84520944070536063162011-01-03T15:44:00.001-05:002011-01-03T15:45:07.528-05:00Happy New Year!!!!!Happy New Year and a belated Merry Christmas!!!! Things were so crazy around the holidays that I decided to take a minor blogging hiatus (unintentionally). My plans for returning to blogging last week were interrupted by an awful cold. Of course I would wait until the last week of 2010 to get sick. C'et la vie! I am feeling much better but unfortunately I have shared my nasty sickness with Hubs. Poor guy!<br />
<br />
Needless to say, we were pretty boring for New Years. Hubs and I stayed in with Buerly and Rooney and had our own little party. Hubs made his AWESOME Wisconsin-Trio Fondue! Seriously, Melting Pot has nothing on Hubs! Honestly I think I could have eaten 3 lbs of that delicious concoction! Cheese and chocolate are the way to this girls heart (not together though). By the time we made it to the main entree we were stuffed. Just in case you were curious, the main entree was steak, shrimp, mushrooms and broccoli all cooked in a mojo broth. We had planned on doing chocolate fondue for dessert but I don't think we could look at food after our enormous feast.<br />
<br />
We spent the rest of the evening leading up to the New Year watching Season 1 of How I Met Your Mother/dazed in a food coma. That show is freaking hilarious! I cannot believe we just started watching this! At midnight we watched the ball drop, kissed and toasted champagne. Afterward we resumed watching How I Met Your Mother. I know, pretty darn boring! lol<br />
<br />
Oh, but there were two little monsters that apparently celebrated the New Year a little to hard!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjtyI7nFjJrkDeTbxtPKcVAb7T0kYz-LC__Y99X2U6S8uDFMtALJxbYSpOBX_Kitu6CzBdX4faRlEe9mkzUJMlczkTunvpM_fEXYpBLNBvcfmTrBIfTuDwftkl_VOiQoCwjziMjTRjMA/s1600/Sleepy+Buerly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjtyI7nFjJrkDeTbxtPKcVAb7T0kYz-LC__Y99X2U6S8uDFMtALJxbYSpOBX_Kitu6CzBdX4faRlEe9mkzUJMlczkTunvpM_fEXYpBLNBvcfmTrBIfTuDwftkl_VOiQoCwjziMjTRjMA/s320/Sleepy+Buerly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You know Buerly is EXHAUSTED when his tongue is sticking out. But he seems to love the new bed he got for Christmas!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10bYV7-TluosZuyVb9KnHea0L7EgGf5j2Ay3-RUHc1hBa6hXDPV_8GTNwgT0CA0gFwB3wSncjrbg8FH9_6UYw3OgB6LyFiP6s80FhvwTnW-gKcekl4omBN6ArWpcVpfHa9MA6GWyKmFk/s1600/Passed+out+Rooney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10bYV7-TluosZuyVb9KnHea0L7EgGf5j2Ay3-RUHc1hBa6hXDPV_8GTNwgT0CA0gFwB3wSncjrbg8FH9_6UYw3OgB6LyFiP6s80FhvwTnW-gKcekl4omBN6ArWpcVpfHa9MA6GWyKmFk/s320/Passed+out+Rooney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rooney looks like he had one too many! Granted, we did feed him bread, steak, granny smith apples (seedless) and carrots (spoiled, I know). Poor guy was out for the count! Once it was time for bed it was all that he could do to lift his head and give us the look like, "I know you want to carry my fat a** upstairs and tuck me in.....right?!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a fabulous day!</div><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-2437187590268960752011-01-03T12:15:00.000-05:002011-01-03T12:15:37.705-05:00Back to BloggingMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!! I hope that EVERYONE had a fabulous holiday season! Sorry to be gone for so long. Hectic time of year + Sickness = Blogging Hiatus for me but I am back and feeling much better!<br />
<br />
There was definitely a theme to some of my Christmas presents this year. I had an AWFUL time coming up with Christmas ideas but one theme kept coming to mind. Let's see if we can see the trend.......lol<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTtqwRfsZb6uyLhHfDzYf8C9ZA42X-MEBPeS2mkXZsC1mBovxCDakIamkSazN4Rg1G2pR5TbHh7ap0rr4BVdO673887DxP3uL6YWRNp48ebxk6LJ0tRW1P9H8PMfev5_ejwPQuLdNYis/s1600/T9600_Platform_png_260x260_q85.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTtqwRfsZb6uyLhHfDzYf8C9ZA42X-MEBPeS2mkXZsC1mBovxCDakIamkSazN4Rg1G2pR5TbHh7ap0rr4BVdO673887DxP3uL6YWRNp48ebxk6LJ0tRW1P9H8PMfev5_ejwPQuLdNYis/s1600/T9600_Platform_png_260x260_q85.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://home.visionfitness.com/home/">Vision Fitness T9600</a> with the Deluxe Console </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hubs spoils me so much! He kept asking me what I wanted for Christmas and the only thing I could think of was a treadmill. At first he felt weird/bad about buying me a piece of "fitness equipment" but eventually I convinced him that it was what I really wanted. Of course, he one upped it and bought me a SPECTACULAR treadmill! LOVES IT!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TRZkm7qxOTtFS_Ya2afBMmzExZiQnRsF-cUIcnbkabPPVTylNcpWzt6-Cf-wmSfJQPxY0feQLgHUikkr0M-Sj_5ZGT6EfBV28pNiOpiNtNlfWVBKQ034Hkn5EfKpffLmmlhVcRMNBe0/s1600/Garmin+Forerunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TRZkm7qxOTtFS_Ya2afBMmzExZiQnRsF-cUIcnbkabPPVTylNcpWzt6-Cf-wmSfJQPxY0feQLgHUikkr0M-Sj_5ZGT6EfBV28pNiOpiNtNlfWVBKQ034Hkn5EfKpffLmmlhVcRMNBe0/s1600/Garmin+Forerunner.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=63511">Garmin Forerunner 110</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">My mom and dad gave me the Garmin Forerunner 110.....of course I wanted the girlie gray/pink one! lol </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ee0_xgjzqzyXGJ1_i1hBctgTOMmqu2sKD2vo_uMhazfdUV7xCkUpSyKgBp9qy09IsEDtrdErDuTN-YAN0Wia_zEhIUB_-MfaOeV97V7M_iSv-wFGGs1jZqXgKebJcmt6KmIFw3RjcFg/s1600/Under+Armor+Cold+Gear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ee0_xgjzqzyXGJ1_i1hBctgTOMmqu2sKD2vo_uMhazfdUV7xCkUpSyKgBp9qy09IsEDtrdErDuTN-YAN0Wia_zEhIUB_-MfaOeV97V7M_iSv-wFGGs1jZqXgKebJcmt6KmIFw3RjcFg/s320/Under+Armor+Cold+Gear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.underarmor.com/">Under Armor Cold Gear</a> in black and white</div><div style="text-align: center;">These shirts are AWESOME during the winter. I wore one of these babies during the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and I definitely stayed warm despite the cold/rainy weather!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSkmg1G7XXjZCscRchVAIFmupVCXC2fbWc2WnyfuvO5sGmVpQibND_Jd8ZhRM5kLGRn0rtRuvVF7NyDxNPeMM2OVztISlhMz8x2yVHH2qeR6BtFapfzvNAX7m4gTlIuxC7XW4XBEKZsE/s1600/Zumba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSkmg1G7XXjZCscRchVAIFmupVCXC2fbWc2WnyfuvO5sGmVpQibND_Jd8ZhRM5kLGRn0rtRuvVF7NyDxNPeMM2OVztISlhMz8x2yVHH2qeR6BtFapfzvNAX7m4gTlIuxC7XW4XBEKZsE/s320/Zumba.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=84155">PS3 Zumba Fitness</a> and the PS3 Move</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hubs knew how much I wanted to do Zumba so he got me this fun game! I tried it out Christmas morning and man was I sweating. Oh and I look like a COMPLETE idiot when I "attempt" to do Zumba. I am pretty sure that I am partially dyslexic and VERY uncoordinated.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, do you all see a trend going on with my Christmas gifts?!? lol So I am sure you can all guess what one of my New Years resolutions is for 2011! ;-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful day!</div><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-56985070220584365372010-12-14T11:14:00.000-05:002010-12-14T11:14:59.289-05:00Busy, Busy, Busy!!!!!It is amazing how quickly an open week with nothing to do gets completely jam-packed, booked solid. But I guess that is to be expected around the holidays. Normally I am not one to utilize the calendar on my phone much. Sad, I know, but I like to think that I can keep everything straight in that little ol' brain of mine. But the craziness of this week has forced me to input everything into my calendar so that I can keep times and places straight. And just to be sure that Hubs <strike>can't claim that I didn't tell him</strike> knows exactly what is going on, I input everything into his phone calendar as well! :-) No excuses! lol<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZr91aE9DeXJpT_fPhCf3xexQ_n_RpN1ugPb-HPyQwGeYh3QdXaiOLp49BJwGooBWpapjetLP37jt1-0Ar_2obOQJxYIF4ueEhWj1zgAHYDK5DpWt-Jltax9iPyv-7FPusuyLNT3pBXE/s1600/DSC_0575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZr91aE9DeXJpT_fPhCf3xexQ_n_RpN1ugPb-HPyQwGeYh3QdXaiOLp49BJwGooBWpapjetLP37jt1-0Ar_2obOQJxYIF4ueEhWj1zgAHYDK5DpWt-Jltax9iPyv-7FPusuyLNT3pBXE/s320/DSC_0575.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pretty sure that this is how I will feel by next Monday......</i></div><br />
Tuesday - Dinner with Hubs, my parents, Aunt, Uncle, cousin, and cousin's bf. I the past we all got together Christmas Day but because my Grandpa passed away this year and my Grandma is in a nursing home we decided to do dinner and drinks instead! <br />
<br />
Wednesday - Dinner with Hubs, my parents, and college roomie, K! VERY excited to see K! It is so hard to get together with her during the holidays due to her crazy work schedule. <br />
<br />
Thursday - My annual shop-til-you-drop shopping day with my dad. Granted, I think he would prefer the day to be a one stop shop at the jewelry store.......too easy Dad......too easy! I look forward to this tradition EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR! I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun my dad and I have while shopping. Of course we always take a breather and grab lunch and a brewski. <br />
<br />
Friday - Christmas get together with friends of the family. Our friends have three kids that are all around my age (and are either married or have significant others). So between their schedules and our schedules it is quite difficult to orchestrate this get together. Sadly, last year we were never able to find a time that worked for everyone so we weren't able to get together. So we have some making up to do this year!<br />
<br />
Saturday - Dinner at one of my best friend's houses. I haven't seen A in what seems like FOREVER! Oh wait, it has been forever. Not only do I get to see A and her husband but I also get to meet their new puppy!<br />
<br />
Sunday - Colts vs Jacksonville. This is a must win for my Colts!!!!! And of course, dinner at the Claddaugh after the game with Hubs and my parents. Mmmmmmm......Irish food!<br />
<br />
Phew! I am worn out just going through our schedule for this week. Oh, and to top it off......work has been very hectic! I still have some vacation time left that I need to use so I thought I would try to take a day off today or tomorrow but since the CPA's are coming in to do fieldwork today and tomorrow that is a MAJOR no go. :-( C'est la vie!<br />
<br />
Hope you all have a wonderful day! Try to stay warm!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a></div>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-69037144087127309382010-12-13T14:53:00.000-05:002010-12-13T14:53:11.773-05:00Playtime in the SnowIt snowed in my neck of the woods over the weekend. Now, we didn't get anything like Minnesota or Michigan saw but we did get enough to have some fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40S1AKXLMzVwypz58hyphenhyphentzT6Fil4ZjxwWgEx7AbJq5y5eumdrO2j7VZqKIOUqwIFtn2XmvK0eI2DFa1eRcDBVk8USRZMOBBYTadomyngj7qsqA48XBwZbMDP4DHwXLVqgB04H86n9jhfs/s1600/DSC_0575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40S1AKXLMzVwypz58hyphenhyphentzT6Fil4ZjxwWgEx7AbJq5y5eumdrO2j7VZqKIOUqwIFtn2XmvK0eI2DFa1eRcDBVk8USRZMOBBYTadomyngj7qsqA48XBwZbMDP4DHwXLVqgB04H86n9jhfs/s320/DSC_0575.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Rooney was resting up for all the fun that was about to be had.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H4uoN5Gxl9lM68KQD6xrHRVFrE464NNDEvt5PxhuLr1IGVQDJgcF63ZvOEpwQ6__JvQ3C5haiCnG0uVFycx4pjDp6sQ_OjB1ZpYGdsqndrpLaZr7C9m_DgArDjysl6wmysjTVHdX1vI/s1600/DSC_0590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H4uoN5Gxl9lM68KQD6xrHRVFrE464NNDEvt5PxhuLr1IGVQDJgcF63ZvOEpwQ6__JvQ3C5haiCnG0uVFycx4pjDp6sQ_OjB1ZpYGdsqndrpLaZr7C9m_DgArDjysl6wmysjTVHdX1vI/s320/DSC_0590.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buerly LOVES snow! He loves to chase it, eat it, bite it, run around in it and just go crazy.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziQYg5xlSnyhc3bW2PWvbcR0pYSkNBZ19WlkhwHNI_oIdPFlX8E0IRFTVbSeDQivpzvmR3vZrAxCpqr8eqDn3RLpZzYyH3ZOIE4_Ry0bzyNaxqUMM9Ww2DhzhSZZdoiaDPhVfHTWN7Lg/s1600/DSC_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziQYg5xlSnyhc3bW2PWvbcR0pYSkNBZ19WlkhwHNI_oIdPFlX8E0IRFTVbSeDQivpzvmR3vZrAxCpqr8eqDn3RLpZzYyH3ZOIE4_Ry0bzyNaxqUMM9Ww2DhzhSZZdoiaDPhVfHTWN7Lg/s320/DSC_0591.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Attacking the snow.....nothing new</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfT5XCvYBNNTp11DlnxWWijKcXU6vZJJC68kBdThvJAR3yPz04Bu8W2J0RHzFcV8Z0pzWdfTmrZ4-phJ8pkwhfn4buW4q68upGbIIH3JkqtJGe7Iey_jCLv7cYPiPbe55e53KRdVHGINQ/s1600/DSC_0599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfT5XCvYBNNTp11DlnxWWijKcXU6vZJJC68kBdThvJAR3yPz04Bu8W2J0RHzFcV8Z0pzWdfTmrZ4-phJ8pkwhfn4buW4q68upGbIIH3JkqtJGe7Iey_jCLv7cYPiPbe55e53KRdVHGINQ/s320/DSC_0599.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rooney, on the other hand, was not very impressed. We think he was scared of the shovels so he chose to hang out in the garage and watch from a safe distance. </i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBYpvCsRk1sKeXPktCRTWpSvGknQryV-VNipKFJ4mOnZ8mO2nTtuCHcWmIM9YFLBIrRXL5wMHO1rtoxEr7XwziWSWvnCPHSV9lbr8o1TagGJuJXpz82l4Cfzwtk9vrQ-GpuySrVacTbs/s1600/DSC_0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBYpvCsRk1sKeXPktCRTWpSvGknQryV-VNipKFJ4mOnZ8mO2nTtuCHcWmIM9YFLBIrRXL5wMHO1rtoxEr7XwziWSWvnCPHSV9lbr8o1TagGJuJXpz82l4Cfzwtk9vrQ-GpuySrVacTbs/s320/DSC_0612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buerly cracks me up! The dog has ups!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTrgwSbc8iv8GsWJoNJtTiEvmdzbvsJtWgrDV7ggqq5dxQur7Soiv8BuS-QgOYUGJ7T5zOROKcWQDDtMZ8FuWqXXjvK8U_7QJcDd5Il8csWAaBfW0rrUOaKBdMkOudBlzicDqcYVAHtM/s1600/DSC_0622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTrgwSbc8iv8GsWJoNJtTiEvmdzbvsJtWgrDV7ggqq5dxQur7Soiv8BuS-QgOYUGJ7T5zOROKcWQDDtMZ8FuWqXXjvK8U_7QJcDd5Il8csWAaBfW0rrUOaKBdMkOudBlzicDqcYVAHtM/s320/DSC_0622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This picture completely sums up Rich and Rooney's relationship. Rooney is ALWAYS chewing on Rich so Rich messes with him......it is a vicious cycle!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcj5rWc3Ou6ehekG5qp-m8oEJ5Afd7UkTsVFCQzhYlXD_7iiPn6A1_07kMMt-WZrM_4TycOMinEAIEsg-A74opcYdqcmhqDY6neWlQjYGXjSfJPRstOIW0LH5OtzZZ6BiUA9odyzoeTc/s1600/DSC_0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcj5rWc3Ou6ehekG5qp-m8oEJ5Afd7UkTsVFCQzhYlXD_7iiPn6A1_07kMMt-WZrM_4TycOMinEAIEsg-A74opcYdqcmhqDY6neWlQjYGXjSfJPRstOIW0LH5OtzZZ6BiUA9odyzoeTc/s320/DSC_0632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Mama! Mama! Mama!!!! It is far too cold out here! Let me back into the house so I can go lay in my bed next to the fireplace!" </i></div><br />
Not only did the boys have fun playing in the snow (all three of them), I also had a blast playing with my camera and capturing their antics. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!!! <br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-60328943319338417232010-12-10T09:53:00.000-05:002010-12-10T09:53:21.925-05:00Exercise.....or lack there ofIt is FREEZING here!!!! And sadly, it is only going to get colder. I am talking, single digits, zero and even negative degrees people......and not windchill......actual temperature!!!!! Gross!<br />
<br />
That being said, I need to find some other way to exercise because there is no way in hell I am going to attempt to run outside in those temperatures. <br />
<br />
Hubs and I were both <strike>whining</strike> discussing the other night about how inactive we have been lately. <br />
Hubs: I seriously need to start exercising again. I felt so much better when I exercised daily.<br />
Me: I agree. I am starting to get a little fluffy around the mid-section. But there is no way in hell I am going to run in the cold weather.<br />
Hubs: Well, the other night I saw an infomerical on this exercise called Zumba. Have you ever tried it?<br />
Me: {laughing} No, but I have always heard great things about it.<br />
Hubs: Well, I did some research and they say that you can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour. And it looks like all they do is dance like crazy. I think we should try it, it looks like fun.<br />
Me: {bewildered, amused look on my face} Ooooookay......are you sure?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWWzJH9C3lbrwLvRbCkr587vlJu7I5IcM8H6buI9dQPnn2w6z9MCsjPI1IqLP-txO2n8xgBOVeotKy1AXxxsOiYFUD_rWXnqx4zbEtcU5T9Cg00Uoz_DRmy7JRAW9sB8DZcKq9f4gqOg/s1600/zumba_logo_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWWzJH9C3lbrwLvRbCkr587vlJu7I5IcM8H6buI9dQPnn2w6z9MCsjPI1IqLP-txO2n8xgBOVeotKy1AXxxsOiYFUD_rWXnqx4zbEtcU5T9Cg00Uoz_DRmy7JRAW9sB8DZcKq9f4gqOg/s320/zumba_logo_1.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wellnesscommunitystl.org/Portals/0/Images/zumba_logo_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wellnesscommunitystl.org/MindBodySpirit/Zumba/tabid/196/Default.aspx&usg=__6K6hseQd7qcj5ZGZxrqzUxi7uxc=&h=652&w=423&sz=95&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=oXzcLFgisImU-M:&tbnh=126&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dzumba%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D568%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=119&vpy=82&dur=1183&hovh=279&hovw=181&tx=99&ty=139&ei=Yj4CTemZNIWgnQe9r_3nDQ&oei=Yj4CTemZNIWgnQe9r_3nDQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0">Source</a></i></span></div>So, here is where I need your help my blogger friends: <br />
<br />
What are your thoughts on Zumba? Love it, hate it!? Give the good, the bad and the ugly please.<br />
<br />
Since we don't have a gym membership, taking a class is out of the question. Is there a good Zumba dvd out there that any of you would recommend?!<br />
<br />
Thanks in advance! :-) Have a fabulous day! <br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-36039259232784784212010-11-22T10:01:00.000-05:002010-11-22T10:01:56.672-05:00Oh Rooney.......<div style="text-align: center;">"Patience is a Virtue"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My father is ALWAYS preaching this phrase. And my response is typically- "A virtue that I do not have!" So, it comes as no surprise that I have already pulled my Christmas decor out. I lost all patience with Thanksgiving and was ready to start seeing holiday cheer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Much like Santa, I had my own set of helpers while decorating. Okay, more like two furballs constantly in the way/nosing through EVERY box and tub. One decoration, in particular, had Rooney in complete meltdown mode. Being the <strike>wonderful</strike> evil mommy that I am, I videotaped his battle with the mean old bobble Santa and Snowman. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z9X3wBeskVs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z9X3wBeskVs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After several minutes of Rooney carrying on I moved the Santa to where it belongs which resulted in this-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_PJ8gCouDfk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_PJ8gCouDfk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After a good half hour of Rooney crying/barking/shrieking/yodeling/chirping/growling/whining/obsessing he finally gave up {more like, he gave up after I yelled at him to give it up}. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bobble Santa/Snowman - 1, Rooney - 0</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Monday!</div><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-39398347394921542362010-11-16T08:45:00.000-05:002010-11-16T08:45:04.548-05:00Brrrrrrrr!!!!!!It is <strike>COLD</strike> FREEZING outside which means perfect soup weather! My all time favorite soup to get when I am at Olive Garden is the Pasta E Fagioli. Mmmmmmmm.......breadsticks and soup. Sadly, we do not live that close to an Olive Garden so I took to the internet to find the perfect recipe. <br />
<br />
Pasta E Fagioli<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Recipe from <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/olive-garden-pasta-e-fagioli-481">Food.com</a></span> <br />
<br />
3 tsp Oil<br />
2 lbs Ground Beef<br />
12 oz Onion, chopped<br />
14 oz Carrot, slivered<br />
14 oz Celery, diced<br />
48 oz Tomatoes; canned, diced<br />
2 c. cooked Red Kidney Beans<br />
2 c. cooked White Kidney Beans<br />
88 oz. Beef Stock<br />
3 tsp. Oregano<br />
2 1/2 tsp. Pepper<br />
5 tsp. Parsley, chopped<br />
1 1/2 tsp. Tabasco Sauce<br />
48 oz. Spaghetti Sauce<br />
16 oz. Ditali Pasta<br />
<br />
Saute beef in oil in large 10-qt stock pot. Add onions, carrots, celery and tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse beans and add to the pot. Also ad beef stock, oregano, pepper, Tabasco, spaghetti sauce and noodles. Add chopped parsley. Simmer for 45 minutes. <br />
<br />
<b>Recommendations-</b><br />
<ul><li>Cut this recipe in at least half unless you want to eat Pasta E Fagioli for two weeks straight (not even kidding.....this recipe makes 9 quarts when all said and done). </li>
</ul><ul><li>Wait to add the noodles until the last 15 minutes otherwise they become soggy.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Serve with Marzetti's <a href="http://www.marzetti.com/products/new_york/detail.php?bc=17&cid=55&pid=350">New York Brand Garlic Breadsticks</a> (so yummy) </li>
</ul><br />
Hubs and I LOVED this recipe! It tasted so much like the Olive Garden version. Of course, since we followed the quantities in the recipe we had LOTS of leftovers. I am pretty sure my co-workers loved me the next day and the day after that.....lol. <br />
<br />
Sorry, I forgot to capture a picture of the finished product but I can safely say that it looked like the Olive Garden version. I even bought fresh Parmesan and used my Pampered Chef Cheese Grater (just like they use at Olive Garden). All in all, I give this recipe two thumbs up!<br />
<br />
Have a FABULOUS day!<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286629010567279864.post-59518502905579619082010-11-01T10:17:00.002-04:002010-11-01T11:25:50.363-04:00Cold NaturedGood morning! Sorry for the long, unscheduled hiatus. Things at work have been CRAZY so by the time I get home the last thing I really want to do is look at a computer. But no fears.....I am back!<br />
<br />
I cannot believe how cold it has gotten! We finally turned our AC off but have been too <strike>stupid</strike> stubborn to turn our heat on. So you can bet that we are utilizing our fireplace, blankets and warm clothing a lot. As cold natured of a person as I am, I prefer that our house be on the cold side. I would much rather bundle up than be hot, especially when I am sleeping at night.<br />
<br />
Last night I was snuggled under all of my blankets, comfy as can be when Rooney decided that he was going to jump into bed to snuggle with me. When Rooney snuggles he turns into a furnace. Seriously, if I could choose one thing to be stranded in freezing cold temperatures with it would have to be Rooney. Sorry Hubs! Oddly, Rooney is just as cold natured as me. Crazy for a bulldog, I know! <br />
<br />
After awhile I kicked Rooney out of bed. Not even five minutes later he was back in bed so I kicked him our for a second time. This little game went on throughout the night. Normally after kicking him out twice he gives up and sleeps in his own bed under his fleece blanket but not last night. I couldn't figure it out. FINALLY at 5 am the game stopped. So, I went back to sleep thinking nothing of it.<br />
<br />
After the alarm went off I managed to crawl out of bed to go turn the shower on. As I walked towards the bathroom I noticed that our nice comforter and decorative pillows that had been stacked neatly in the corner was no longer in a neat pile. Baffled, I grabbed the corner of the comforter to pull it back in place when suddenly the pillows started to move. Boy did I jump! Next thing I know I see this precious little face peak out from his pillow/comforter cave. I just stood there and laughed (and of course took a picture of it).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6mVAYWGRV1fYBmGF-OtNyOg2qrdgzRX_72kcxzyLLpPendNRz3VgLroEndR5LRgM7iGFChUy0DZfmvThzBSyQ8_tLe_JtuiLbR-OPypl9fk9b0U-J8H9GQh_8Bxmg7bujxmPHQKIvkA/s1600/Rooney-+Under+Blankets+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6mVAYWGRV1fYBmGF-OtNyOg2qrdgzRX_72kcxzyLLpPendNRz3VgLroEndR5LRgM7iGFChUy0DZfmvThzBSyQ8_tLe_JtuiLbR-OPypl9fk9b0U-J8H9GQh_8Bxmg7bujxmPHQKIvkA/s320/Rooney-+Under+Blankets+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"MOM!!!! You woke me up!"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rKCY6RzoZltQYQbpgzsD4S3iT8sTGZDhH0DkYSdikZPld_Ho0ZSTNzOUaHn8RLYNEf2HUdrctkVW0tzE28t9qjCRmH5zOKhedd7-OMIcOYWMiXpnbbufVIU51ddMomVehxWrD4gVfxY/s1600/Rooney-+Under+Blankets+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rKCY6RzoZltQYQbpgzsD4S3iT8sTGZDhH0DkYSdikZPld_Ho0ZSTNzOUaHn8RLYNEf2HUdrctkVW0tzE28t9qjCRmH5zOKhedd7-OMIcOYWMiXpnbbufVIU51ddMomVehxWrD4gVfxY/s320/Rooney-+Under+Blankets+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It then dawned on me that I had put Rooney's fleece blanket in the closet because we had had company earlier. Poor little guy was freezing!!!! Eventually he resurfaced only long enough to jump into our bed and burrow underneath all of my blankets. <br />
<br />
Note to self: Christmas gift for Rooney this year will be another fleece blanket! lol<br />
<br />
Have a fabulous Monday!<br />
<a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="center" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21cfn1j.jpg" /></a>LauraAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13029801550359969755noreply@blogger.com4