Alan, Kelly and Sweet Brinley

SO LONG

2011-09-06T14:08:00.002-07:00

I know I say that everytime but it's so hard to find the time to sit at the computer and take my time on here! Sorry for anyone who actually read this lol :) Let's see, quick updates....we bought a new home and we are closing this Friday and moving all weekend, woohoo! Brin is almost 10 months old....going way to fast. Crawling all over, pulling up on everything, starting to stand alone....she's so smart. Says mama, dada, baba, nana, papa, hiiiii, bye, waves, imitates and elephant and bear, knows pictures in picture books....she is too funny. Still having sleeping issues but we're use to it by now lol. Summer has been fun, lots of trips to the zoo, the beach, some parties, just outside fun :) Some pics...

Summer 2011!

2011-06-30T12:36:00.002-07:00

It's finally seeming like the rain may be done a bit here and the sun has been shining! Fun! We went to Lincoln Park Zoo 2 weekends ago with Robby's family. All the babies were great and we had a really nice time. Weather was perfect, but it was super crowded. Tomorrow we are having dinner at a friends house, Saturday we have a birthday party to go do for Mia and Ayden, Sunday is church and hopefully Brinley catches up on some sleep :) Monday Alan's parents will be here and we are going to a cookout at Nate's parents (amy's boyfriend.)

We also put an offer on a house and it has been accepted, the banking is all in order, but we had the inspection today and there was some fireplace/wood damage that needs to be fixed so we'll see where we stand after it's brought to the attention of the seller.

Pics from the zoo and my Grandpa's birthday party! It was last weekend and it was very nice!

7 months!

2011-06-17T14:39:00.004-07:00

I can't believe our baby is 7 months old!!! Time flies when you become a parent.
Here are some 7 month pics:

She is still a bad sleeper. Goes down around 8:30, up around 11, up around 2, eats around 3:30 or 4, back down around 4:45, then up at like 6:30 or 7:00. I'm exhausted but I know it's all worth it :) Some nights it's up more than that, I'll be so excited when the day comes that I put her down at 8:30 and she sleeps til like 6 lol...
She is a really really funny baby. Fiesty personality, laughs out loud at things that are funny, still has some stranger danger but doing a little better. She looks ridiculously cute in her baby clothes for summer :) I love her baby legs. She snuggles on my at her night time bottle and it's my favorite. She drinks a bottle every 4 hours, anywhere between 5 to 7 ounces. She eats a fruit for lunch and a veggie at dinner. Not a huge fruit fan! She absolutely hates bananas, they about make her puke! She has loved carrots and sweet potatoes. Tonight we will be trying peas for the first time...I wonder how that will go :) She rolls all over the place, LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She can sit up but typically refuses to, she's too busy and always wants to be rolling and playing. If she is sitting it's because there's a toy in front of her that requires her to sit.

She is taking longer morning naps and shorter afternoon naps. She takes about an hr to hr and 15 morning nap and about a an hour and a half to 2 hr afternoon. She really fights sleep like a champ lol...makes me be patient that's for sure! I absolutely love her to the moon and so does Alan :) So blessed :)

Nothing really else is going on! Alan is liking his new job which is great! We both love the hours, so does Brin :) He's excited for his first Father's day this weekend! He's a wonderful Dad!! Hope all is well with everyone!!

6 months and such...

2011-05-26T08:23:00.005-07:00

Well baby girl turned 6 months old on May 14th! She also had her 6 month photos taken by Tiffany Ann! Tiffany is fabulous, Brinley was VERY tired, hadn't napped all morning but she never cried, just wouldn't give us a single smile lol. My first Mother's Day has also come and went, it was awesome. I felt special and got cards from Alan, my parents, Brinley, friends, family...thank you so much to everyone who sent me things for my 1st Mother's day, it meant a lot! I love being a Mommy :)

So Brinley had her 6 month check up this Tuesday (which included shots.) She weighs 16 and a half pounds and is 27 inches long! She is in the 90th percentile for height, my tall girl, but very lean haha. The Doctor said this is pretty much a good marker (at this age) for how they will weigh throughout life. She goes to bed about 8:30 every night and is up around 10:30, 2:00, then eats between 3 and 4, and up for good no later than 7:30. She is eating rice cereal and starting a week ago Sunday we began bananas :) She actually sort of makes a face to them but keeps eating so I do think she likes them, but they may not be her favorite. She rolls back and forth and is working on sitting up alone still. She insists on looking down so she slumps haha, we have to pull her back up but she'll get it soon :) She is VERY smart, don't ask me how I know I just do it. She misses nothing...studies everyone and everything, still has stranger danger but getting better...is super fun, laughs, talks (lots of B sounds like babababa and some v's in there, a few m...) is really good with motor skills for her young age in both hands. She is wearing 6-9 month jammies (for length) but 6 month clothing in anything else.

Alan started his new job at Mittal and knock on wood so far seems to be enjoying it. I know he is LOVING more time at home, with his baby, and freedom on the weekends! This weekend coming up is Memorial weekend...I am off the entire weekend and Alan is off Sat, Sun and Monday. We have plans sat, sun, and monday :) So ready for it and for the rain to please go away and the sun to come and stay! Brinley loves when we get to walk the neighborhood!

Here a few pics! They are of Brin's 6 month with Tiffany (just put a few), her eating rice cereal, us on a walk, her and I on my 1st Mother's Day before church...oh and the Easter baskets my Mom put together for Brody, Sadie, and Brinley...so nice!

I'm a slacker!

2011-04-23T17:30:00.003-07:00

It's been too long again! And guess who turned 5 months old on the 14th ;) Pics...

Let's see...as of 5 months you weigh 15 lbs 6 ounces. You are still in 3-6 month clothing. You started cereal this week actually and like it :) We tried a month ago and you wanted nothing to do with it lol. No teeth yet but you suck on your little fingers all the time. You have started spitting bubbles/drooling. You are on a decent schedule, 2 morning naps (35 mins) then a good 2.5 to 3 hour afternoon nap, then a short evening nap. You eat your cereal at about 6:30, get a bath, a bottle, and usually in bed by 8:30. You still wake up in the night to eat and have been waking up just to fuss once or twice lately too. But to date you have slept 6 hours straight three times :-)

Stranger danger is still going strong but seems to slowly (maybe?) getting a little better. Fingers crossed :)

We went and saw the Easter Bunny last weekend. I had no idea that they didn't let the bunny hold babies so we had to get in the picture with her. I was sick with stomach flu the day before and wasn't exactly looking my best haha but it's cute still cuz she makes it that way :)

We have her Easter basket all ready to go and her Nana and Papa got her a big basket full of goodies too :) Lots of Easter pics to come! LOVE spoiling my little sunshine with holiday presents :) Little girls...SO fun!

We just got back from Katie and Carter's (the twins) 10th birthday party (my cousin Steve's kids.) They are so cute, so well mannered, and are getting so big...it was nice to see everyone and I'm excited for tomorrow :) My Mom has tons of eggs for the easter egg hunt, love to watch the little ones find them.

Happy Easter everyone, God Bless!!!!

Alan's Birthday

2011-04-05T09:43:00.006-07:00

So my amazing hubby turned 32 on March 27th :-) We stayed here and had dinner and cake because Brinley is on such a good schedule now we just thought let's stay home and relax. He got $$, clothes, shoes...made out pretty well! My family spoils him haha, I LOVE that they treat him and love him as one of their own, not something he or I take for granted. My Mom treats us all (me, Robby, Alan and Christal) equal, like she has 4 kids now instead of 2 haha ;)

Just a few pics b/c lil miss is waking up from her nap. Oh and by the way, it's sunny outside right now and you would think it's super warm, except for the SNOW THAT IS FALLING...what the heck!?!? Seriously spring...you can come and stay anytime now!!!!

Brinley on Daddy's birthday before we left for church...

Daddy and Brinley...

Presents...

Cake, the fam :)

Hope you had a very happy birthday babe (and Daddy!) We love you very much!!!

Brody's ABC's!

2011-03-25T13:58:00.001-07:00

So smart, and cute, and precious :)

Miss Millie

2011-03-17T20:21:00.008-07:00

So, Brinley has this little lamb/blankie that is her absolute best friend. She goes to sleep with it and I don't leave the house without it because she always wants her hands to be busy, so she plays with it the entire time we are out while she's being strolled ;) She rubs it on her face to fall asleep and when she finally falls asleep I move it away. I'm glad she has taken to it honestly, I like that she has something that comforts her. We have named her Miss Millie.

I kiss Miss Millie.

I wrestle Miss Millie.

I snuggle and love my Miss Millie!

It's sorta funny...before we leave the last thing Alan or I will say is, "Did you get Miss Millie?" Like she's a family member or something haha...

Brinley also got her 4 month shots yesterday. She was a TROOPER. She did awesome the entire appointment...and even for the 1st shot. The second one ticked her off but once I picked her up and loved on her some she was ok :) Poor lil monkey, I hate shots :(

Brinley, show me your band-aids...no way Mom I'm hiding them.

Pretty please? No way...but look I can grab my lil piggies...

Ok...here ya go!

TIME FLIES! LOOOOVE my sweet girl :)

4 months!

2011-03-15T08:31:00.006-07:00

Yesterday Brinley turned 4 months old! I think there is a big difference between 3 months and 4 months. Some of her 4 month pics I took...

She will be all laughs and smiles and the minute you get a camera out and she sees it she is totally serious.

Tonight, we are going to give rice cereal for the first time. I pray she does well with it, and it fills her little belly enough to sleep! Her routine now is to eat her nighttime bottle at about 8:30, go to bed about 9:15...wake up at 1:15ish to eat again, back to sleep at 2, up at 6:00ish to eat again, back to bed around 7ish, then sleeps about 2 more hours and is up for the day. Sounds great (much better than 2 months ago) but she takes 35 minutes to eat 6 ounces, is ridiculously hard to burp (last night I rocked and patted her for 10 minutes and finally got one before I laid her back down)...bless her heart. So by the time I lay her back down, actually fall back asleep, it's like I'm being awoken from a coma to get up again! We'll get there eventually :) I don't mind getting up, honestly, but my body sure could use a solid 8 hours of sleep!!

So 4 months...such a sweet and precious time. You love morning and talk up a storm. You go to bed now with a paci and with your best friend, Miss Millie (a little lamb/blankey thing.) Your crib has a cusion thing in it to raise your head b/c you are not allowed to lay flat. You have lost a solid inch line of hair across the back of your head ;) You can go in your bouncer now with a blanket to help hold you up. You constantly have a hand in your mouth, usually your left hand so Daddy says you may be a lefty. You love going to the mall and being walked in your stroller because you are curious about EVERYTHING. You are FIESTY!! CONSTANTLY moving and busy! You still hate tummy time but already lift up and move your legs like you want to take off! You 100% recognize people and are NOT into strangers right now. You sat on my lap this Sunday and stayed awake all through church for the first time, and actually sat and watched the Pastor...then you pooped and I think the entire congregation heard it, it was hysterical. You laugh out loud and LOVE your Daddy, when he comes home you are so happy :) You are absolutely WONDERFUL :)

This was after church on Sunday, wish I still had on the adorable Gap coat that went with this outfit!

She goes in for her 4 month appointment tomorrow, pray she does well with her shots!

Ready for Sunshine!

2011-03-09T05:22:00.006-07:00

Hollywood!! ;)

Come on spring and summer, I am ready to go outside and play!

I took this yesterday, notice she has a tiny scratch on her lower right cheek. I swear I cut her little nails every other day but I guess it's just bound to happen now and then. Makes me feel bad though.

Brody was over yesterday and we played outside while Brinley napped. He is SUCH an amazing 2 year old...smart, witty, fun, adorable, we had an awesome time! He has so much energy and kept saying, "Brody run fassssst!" and then we would run laps around the house...like 20 times. Maybe he'll follow his Dad's footsteps and be a runner? I took a few pictures. Next time hopefully it'll be nice enough for Miss Sadie to come along too, it's still too cold for the babies. I think her and Brinley are going to love hanging outside soon!!!

SO FUN!!!

Bath Time

2011-03-07T20:13:00.002-07:00

Brinley is 16 weeks old as of yesterday! This is a video of her in the bath taken about 10 days ago. SHE LOVES HER BATH. This is actually really calm, she talks and kicks up a storm usually ;) She still sort of hates the hour of 7:00 P.M. so we wait until then to give her a bath. Right now, she eats her night time bottle and then goes to bed between 8-9 every night. She's up to eat every 4 hours still, though this past week she has slept for 5 hours in between twice. Last Friday I fed her at 12:20, thought she would be my alarm at 4:20 instead of my cell phone which was set for 5:00 but my cell phone woke me up! Of course I ran in and checked on her, she was sound asleep and slept until 7:00!! Of course on a day I have to get up at 5:00 for work but I was still really happy for her!

She goes in for her next doctor visit on the 16th for her 4 month shots :( I HATE SHOTS. I know it's a must blah blah but it's still so sad to watch. We had her at the Doctor about 2 weeks ago (they added an additional med for reflux but we haven't had to give it to her yet) and she weighed 12 lbs 14 oz. It's fun to see how much they have grown. She isn't really a chubby baby, just a little roll on her leg but I think her belly is getting a little bigger and her cheeks :) But, she is really long! I think she's going to be tall!

Well I think that's it for now. Somehow her schedule got all messed up today and she is due to eat again at 10:00 so I'm not going to bed until after that! I'm not sure anyone reads this lol but if anyone does, I hope you are all doing well!!! Have a great week!

In her crib...

2011-02-28T20:52:00.003-07:00

Well, I finally did it.
Tonight at 9:00, I put Brinley to sleep in her crib.

I hate it :(

I was just talking with friends this week about how I am not ready and I like having her next to me...guess I jinxed myself because the past 2 nights I have woken up to her fussing and she has completely turned herself sideways in her bassinet. I'm afraid she is going to hurt her neck or something so in her crib she went. She fussed...a lot. I gave her the paci and she finally fell asleep. Her crib is elevated so she's not laying flat, we had to put books under the mattress to raise it some. So she has to lay in one of those positioner things so she doesn't fall to the side. Her room is cold which is part of the problem, I need to get some type of heater in there so she'll be more comfortable. My sweet little boopah. Getting so big so fast...I hope you sleep amazing in there tonight!!!! I on the other hand will probably sleep NONE because I'll be checking on you all night long!

I love my little monkey...

Brinley Chattin it up :)

2011-02-27T08:51:00.002-07:00

Brinley girl talking to us :) This was taken about 3 weeks ago...

Sick Of Snow!

2011-02-25T04:13:00.003-07:00

So...I got up at 12 and 4 to feed my little monkey and just stayed up after the 4:00 because I have to leave for work at 5:45. I just looked outside and there is so much snow...AGAIN! UGH...so over it! This has seemed like the longest winter for some reason! Poor Alan went to sleep on the couch because his throat is hurting him terribly, he is going to the Doctor at 10:30 I'm so afraid he might have strep so I don't want him around the baby. He sounds awful. His parents are in town too, they came on Wednesday night and met baby girl for the 1st time! We'll see what the Doctor says today...I'm on my own antibiotic right now for bronchitis...come on SPRING!

Poor Brinley seems a little under the weather too. She has a runny nose (mostly at nighttime) and spit up with every bottle yesterday :( Wish I didn't have to work today so I could watch her but I know she's in great hands with her Nana...poor baby girl.

However...I can't WAIT to buy her some fun clothes for summer haha ;) Ok well gotta finish getting ready for work just wanted to complain about the snow, have a good day! I'll post some pics too of course ;) They are Brinley's 3 month photos taken by Tiffany Ann Photography...I HEART THEM!!!

SO behind!

2011-02-23T10:58:00.004-07:00

So...I'm SO behind on posts I feel bad! I will get better from here on out :) So on Valentine's Day my precious girl turned 3 months old! I can't believe how fast it's going!

She is doing much better with her reflux, the Zantac seems to really be helping. She does go through a rough patch every evening but we try and entertain her the best we can and it helps.

She is eating 5.5 ounces every 3.5-4 hours. She refuses to finish a bottle if she poops in the middle of it lol....she goes to bed every night between 8:30 and 9:00 depending on bottle time and wakes up twice a night to feed. However, last night she woke up but I patted her butt a little and rocked her some and she fell asleep for 2 extra hours...miracle!

At her shot appointment she weighed 11 lbs 1 oz and was 22.5 inches long. She has THE cutest baby legs I've ever laid my eyes on :)

She is such a sweet girl. She smiles all the time now (especially for Alan and Me :) and is such a joy. Morning is her favorite time. She loves her bath too! I am so thankful for her everyday....

Hope everyone is doing well, let me know if anyone reads this lol! ;) and COME ON SPRING I wanna dress her in cute outfits that show off her little legs haha ;)

Brinley is a month old!

2010-12-15T16:32:00.004-07:00

I'm late to post but life has been a whirlwind for the past 4 weeks!!!

On November 13th I broke the rules of bedrest and went out to dinner with my Grandparents, Alan, parents, and Robby and his family. It was soooo nice to get out and I didn't have any type of appetite my last few weeks so I skipped every meal that day and honestly ate like a man at dinner. Shrimp, salad, bread, 4 glasses of water...ate myself sick lol. I was also having a very hard time sleeping because she was sitting on my bladder and causing it A LOT of pain :( So basically I woke up every time I moved. That night I went to bed at 9:30 and passed out, was still asleep at 11:34 when I woke up because my water broke! I said to Alan, "Alan...either my water just broke or I peed my pants." I waited a few minutes to see in the bathroom and couldn't tell but a few minutes later there was more...so off to the hospital we went! By 12:15 I was at Porter, in a gown, already checked, IV in and Pitocin started!

My Mom got there about 12:45 and my Aunt Sandy, Aunt Terrie, and cousin Michelle about 1:15 A.M. I was already having pretty good contractions (Pitocin is Fast and also is the DEVIL. It had to have been created by a man.) They offered me IV pain meds but I refused them. I was only dilated to a 1 when I got to the hospital and couldn't get an epidural until I was at a 3. It took about 6 hours, the last 2 of those 6 were the worst but after the epidural I was good! Then at about 1:00 my epidural stopped working on my left hand side and the pain was really bad. Dr. Short came in and gave me a new bolus (sp?) and I was good to go again! I started to push at about 3:40 in the afternoon on the 14th and she was born at 5:19. My Mom and Alan were awesome coaches, as well as my aunts and cousin who came and supported me in the room before push time. The labor was cake compared to my healing. TMI (but it's my blog lol) but I had a lot of damage and after all the labor was done I was still be stitched up 55 minutes later. That night I had to get up and walk and it took me every bit of 20 minutes just to get out of the bed, I had to scoot an inch at a time. It was AWFUL. I still am not perfect but hopefully by my 6 week appointment I'll be good again. Labor was nothing compared to after!!!

Brinley is awesome :) She is completely adorable, she looks like her Daddy! She is so sweet. At birth she weighed 7lbs 11oz and was 20 inches long. At her 2 week appointment she was 8lbs 3oz and 20 and 7/8 inches long :)

That's pretty much the story! LOOOVE my girl!!!!!

Tuesday's Appointment

2010-11-10T15:08:00.002-07:00

Well we bought ourselves another week! At the NST my bp was elevated but pretty much where it's been. Afterwards, we went to the doctor and I saw Dr. Murphy, she said another week was ok. I go back next Tuesday and have to see Dr. Short b/c I guess I am a little 'higher risk' b/c of the blood pressure so Dr. Short sees me and at that time will discuss inducing. We are more than ready to meet her so I would be ok with that! If they tell me I can go another week I will be a little sad b/c I'm pretty much miserable at this point. I sleep about 3 hours a night, my bladder is killing me, ribs, back, hips, etc. Not to mention the bedrest is SO SO boring (I know, appreciate it while you can) but I can only take so many CSI reruns :) Haha sorry to complain. We'll see what happens next Tuesday!!

Doctor Appointment

2010-11-03T18:05:00.002-07:00

Well yesterday's appointment wasn't so great. My blood pressure was way up again so Dr. Strickland sent me to Porter for more labs and a non-stress test. I have to go back to Porter on Saturday for the same, then back on Tuesday before my scheduled appointment at the doctor's office. If it is high when I go back on Tuesday (I will be between 37 and 38 weeks) then Dr. Short told me last night they would probably talk inducing me. The nerves are kicking in a little! Everyone has said being induced is hard and painful but hopefully I can get an epidural and be ok :) So who knows...she may be coming next week!?!

Better Start Updating!

2010-11-01T12:23:00.002-07:00

I have family that lives far away and in no time the baby will be here and I have had some requests to update the blog! So here it is :) I am currently on bedrest, a week ago today I went to the doctor after work and my bp was high and I had some swelling so she sent me to Porter for some testing. I went back on Wednesday and it was better but still high so she put me on bedrest. I go back tomorrow for my 37 week check up :) I'm feeling pretty good, just have a backache and occasional pain to the left of my belly button, not sure what that is but we are hoping not a hernia. That's about it, just a waiting game now. Hopefully tomorrow's appointment goes good. Alan is doing great, he is very excited for her to be here but a little anxious about the birth, he hates hospitals and everything that goes along with them but he'll be ok. I think these non-stress tests have helped him, he knows what we are heading into now :)

Guess who's having a....

2010-04-29T04:45:00.002-07:00

baby!! :-) This past Tuesday I am supposedly 11 weeks along. I say that b/c I am not 100% sure of the last day of my last cycle so it's sort of a guess-timate. But, I think it's pretty accurate. I have my first exam tomorrow and then have to wait for the first big ultrasound...not for like 8 more weeks! Hope it goes fast! We are definitely going to find out what it is, I want to be ready and I also don't want all yellow and green clothes lol! And Alan could never be patient enough to hold out ;)

xoxoxoxo!

so long!

2010-01-28T00:22:00.002-07:00

It's been a while....I'm new to facebook so that is more of what I've been doing, shame on me ;)
Me and Alan are doing great, going to start looking at houses soon so that is exciting. Then we can talk more baby talk!?! That'll make an interesting blog right! I'm still job hunting but remaining positive, something will come up soon. Other than that nothing much to post!! I hope everyone is doing well!!!!!

Who says...

2009-10-25T18:59:00.003-07:00

You can't go home? ;-) A week from tomorrow me and my hottie hubs will be moving back home! He accepted a job there that is better pay and benefits and he couldn't pass it up. We love it here in BG and will miss it very much, but being closer to family and friends and when the time comes for us to try, having a baby (ahhh!) closer to them will be great.
We've been moving all around for a long time and I wouldn't change it for anything. We met amazing people, did amazing things, and now we're ending up back where we should :) It didn't take me long to learn that anywhere we are together, is home. 9 years and still get the butterflies in the belly. Thank you, Lord.

I'm a MRS! - PIC HEAVY!!!

2009-10-15T20:48:00.015-07:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted! Time flies! So...three weeks ago this Saturday we officially tied the knot! I.AM.SO.BLESSED. I have an incredible husband! The weather was amazing, our friends and family are MIRACLES, and the day was great! The Honeymoon was just as fantastic, as soon as I upload pics I'll get them on here. We had a very casual day with a baseball themed reception that started at 2:00...and people were still there at 10:00! I really hope everyone had a great time. I would've posted sooner, but the computer has been in the shop for awhile now, just got it back today. Here are some pics, enjoy :)

My brother walking my Mom - they are so cute :)

Me and my Dad!

Softball Game

2009-07-19T12:19:00.010-07:00

Last week Alan's work had a full time vs. part time (intern) softball game. The interns made me their coach (they are all so great, I love them :) Unfortunately we lost both games but it was really fun!

We wore red and the full timers wore black.

They made me Coach B2B for Bowman to be! And my wedding date is 26...pretty crafty!

Alan is pal because he calls everyone here Pal lol...

Team KPA - may have lost but had more fun! ;)

The full timers, really good group of people!

Hopefully we'll do it again at the end of the season. We need a re-match! :)

Thirty!

2009-07-18T09:54:00.013-07:00

Well, I'm officially THIRTY! It was a good birthday, I worked about 101 hours that week so it was BUSY. I worked at the doc and then the park and after we went to BW3's for a bit...like we had about 30 minutes until last call lol. When we got home Alan had cake and balloons here and it was seriously the best cake ever...I guess they put amaretto in the frosting - delicious :) I've never met a cake I don't like though....and when I got into the park 2 of my new favorite people, Nate and Lillie, had decorated my guest service booth with banners and balloons, had a giant cookie cake, candy, blow toys, it was super sweet! Our new friends and clients of Alan's, Teresa and Daryll got me a new picture frame with a B on it and a girl I work with, Laura, got me a gift card. Ashley sent me a gift card, my parents and grandparents gave me money...it was all so much more than I expected! Thank you everyone, it was thoughtful and appreciated! I love it here :-)

Here is my cake!

Yes, that is Cinderella...she is a pen! Haha, I love Disney! So sweet :)

And balloons...

We went out to dinner last time we were home too. Then we went back to my house and had cakes from a bakery for a cake tasting, so fun :) It was me and Alan, Robby, Christal and Brody Bug, my parents and my Grandparents.

Grandpa and Dad

Robby and Christal

Brody Boy

Mom, Brody, Grandma

Cake!

Tonight we are going to dinner to relax (YAY) and tomorrow we are going to go see Harry Potter! Have a great week!!! We miss everyone!!

hey!

2009-06-29T18:10:00.003-07:00

hey all :)

just a quick check in to say we are doing good :) working at the doctor's office and then working the hot rod home games is keeping me super busy but at least I get to see my man haha :) we are super busy with wedding plans but it's coming along! Alan had hand surgery about 2 weeks ago and that is finally starting to get better. He has a scar across his palm that looks like harry potters on his head.

i got my dress, the bridesmaids ordered theirs, the flower girl dresses are in, the centerpieces are all made, the invites are ordered, the pavilion is booked, the caterer is booked, dessert is soon to be ordered, bridal party flowers are ordered, the honeymoon IS BOOKED OH YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA....we're gettin there!

hmmm what else...I turn 30 in 11 days (WOW....thirties here I come haha!) And we were home this past weekend and my Mom and 2 aunts made ALL the centerpieces for the wedding, BLESS you all, they turned out fabulous, thank you :) I love my family. My grandparents also took us all out to dinner for my birthday and it was wonderful :) So nice! Oh and Brody is WONDERFUL. Love him to the moon and beyond. He crawls all over the place and pulls up now and laughs and giggles, he is such a great baby. Here's his most recent pic haha....have a great week, hope everyone is doing well! :) come visit and go to a game anytime!

Hot Rods!

2009-04-25T16:40:00.011-07:00

Here are some pics of the Hot Rods ball park and us at work :) I know some people were wondering if it would be done (still has some work to do on the offices) but the inside looks great! Come anytime :)

And a pic of my favorite little man just because he is SO DARN CUTE!

Rob and Christal's Wedding :-)

2009-04-20T18:02:00.007-07:00

Heyyyy! I wanted to post some pics of Robby and Christal's wedding, they are a little late but I am a busy lady! I work 2 jobs now, 8-5 for a cardiologist and pulmonologist and then I work at the field on home games. So, Alan and I are both gone from about 7:30 to 1:00 A.M. We are exhausted but it's fun :) The wedding was super sweet, they looked great and Brody was a doll of course :) The reception was gorgeous and everyone had a very nice time. I am so happy for them!

Love you guys, God Bless you on a wonderful life together :-)

DIRTY THIRTY!!!

2009-03-27T05:20:00.002-07:00

I know I know, it's been forever since I posted but so much has gone on! BUT, today is Alan's 30th birthday! AHHH, I can't believe we are in our thirties (well....technically I still have 4 months haha.) I had bought this cute little birthday hat to put on his breakfast I was gonna make, and then he told me last night he was leaving an hour early for a breakfast meeting at work. So I made him take it with him for his desk ;) I got him cologne which he has been wanting since we are still on a budget (Light Blue it's called.) SMELLS SO GOOD. Worth it. Tonight we are going to dinner wherever he chooses (steak) and then to hang out with his co-workers. I hope he has a great day and his thirties are some of his most amazing years :) I LOVE YOU, LOVIE!! Have a wonderful birthday, you deserve it!!!

The Move

2009-02-10T11:06:00.002-07:00

Well we made it :) We are officially moved in to our new apartment in Kentucky. This is the third place Alan and I have lived in...in just about 4 years time. It was the last move any of this furniture will make with us. We were blessed to have the hand me downs that we do but they are officially on their last leg. Everything is damaged, particularly the bedroom furniture. The couch is ripped on the corner, and even the prized posession tv got a small ding (not noticable though, phew...)

Alan got the offer for his Director of Sales position on a Tuesday and we moved the following Monday. LOTS to do in a short amount of time. Thank goodness we work really well together and make a good team lol. I went online and scheduled the moving trailor, found our new apartment, Alan made the calls to get boxes, did our change of address/forwarding with the post office and cancelled all of the necessary stuff (cable, phone, etc.) We used ABF to move all of our things here. They drop off the trailor, we had to load it, then they pick it up and bring it here and we move everything in and they pick it up. My car was a lease and due on 1/5 so we were able to ride here together (MUCH better than being alone in a car for 25 hours!)

We boxed everything up and then me, him, and his Dad put it all in the truck. His Mom can't lift but she did some boxing inside as well and also did a lot of cleaning for us. We had to park the trailor across the complex so we had to rent a utility truck from Home Depot for a day to load the boxes on and drive them across. It took us about a day and a half. Then we drove for 2.5 days, our stuff arrived here late Friday night (as well as my parents) and we moved in on Saturday in RECORD time. Alan had asked his new co-workers if they wanted to help and seriously nine people showed up. THANK YOU LORD because we live on the third floor, have some very heavy things, and I am honestly not sure how we would've done it. My parents were a huge help as well and Alan and I can't thank either of our parents enough!!

So now I am trying to get organized and get these boxes out of here (almost there!) and also find a job!! I also have to go home sometime very soon and find a wedding dress (this sounds wierd I bet but I'm not excited about this part at all, I hate dresses lol.) I went to David's Bridal in AZ and had no luck and felt like a snowman....PRAY FOR ME haha.....

Thank you for the well wishes and prayers! Today is Alan's second day on the job and the people are SO SO NICE and he thinks he is really going to like it. I have always loved KY so this is great for me :) Come visit anytime, this place has more restaurants than I have ever seen on the main road! Have a good week! :-)

ha.

2009-01-17T19:23:00.001-07:00

Here and Gone!

2008-12-31T14:00:00.003-07:00

I can't believe how fast 2008 has gone. Looking back it has been a total whirlwind! We got engaged, Robby and Christal got engaged, my parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, Alan's parents celebrated their 35th anniversary, my beautiful nephew was born, I have several friends who were blessed with a baby or are pregnant...so many happy things :)Alan and I were also both laid off...but we realize there is still so much to be grateful for and know that God has something great in store for us :) We are blessed to have each other, our health, and amazing family and friends. We have always valued this more than money or material things and are so grateful for that.

We have no idea what 2009 holds in store for us. Right now, we don't even know where we will be living! It is exciting though and we are both looking forward to what the future holds. It will be very interesting to look back here next year and see how far we have come.

We are so excited to be at the year where we will officially become husband and wife and start a family. We hope you had a great 2008 and wish you all happiness and love in 2009 :) God Bless!

Love Kel and Al ;)

Happy Birthday and Anniversary :)

2008-12-27T12:47:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday, Mom!! I miss you and wish I could be there to go out for shrimp with you, hopefully soon!!! :) You are the greatest, I love you and hope you have a fun day!!!

Today is also me and Alan's last anniversary before our official wedding anniversary will begin! Awww....8 years today haha. Last night we were looking at old pictures and I said, "look at us, we've been together almost a century!" Oops...he said, "you mean.....decade?" haha, yep. Maybe it just FEELS like a century lol. We've been through so much together, I love him and am so grateful for him and excited to marry my best friend soon....it'll be here so fast! Happy Anniversary Lovie! :) We are going out for a steak dinner (for free!) at a place called The Grill at the Scottsdale Princess. Guess I have to wear heels?

OH...and my parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on December 9th!! (And Claire's birthday was that day too, happy 5th birthday Louie!!) Robby and I were blessed with such amazing parents, thank you for all you do and I hope you had a great anniversary :)

Ok, some Christmas pics to come soon, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and Happy New Year too :)

heyyyy!

2008-12-19T15:43:00.009-07:00

Hi all! Guess what....we got a new camera! We were home from 12/6-12/13 and my parents gave it to us as a Christmas present, YAY! It was a great visit! Of course the best part was meeting our amazing nephew :) He is WONDERFUL, too sweet and precious for words. And guess what, Robby proposed to Christal! They are getting married!! Here is how he did it...

isn't that the CUTEST! He took her to a really nice dinner and stuff and My Mom and Dad kept the baby and had that on him under his clothes when they picked him up. When they went home she was putting him in his jammies and that was on! I hear she cried :) I'm very excited for them :) Congrats guys!!

On the Tuesday we were home I went to Chicago to go shopping with my Mom, my Aunts Sandy and Terrie, and my cousin Michelle. It was really fun and while we were eating dinner at The Walnut Room, my Mom said she had something for me and it was a Dirty Dancing ornament, and she surprised me and had tickets to go see it live at the theatre! SO FUN, I LOVE that movie haha :) My parents and family are so awesome and I am so blessed! Thank you everyone for everything while we were home! We also had dinner at my cousin Michelle's (with Jason, Madelynn, and Lauren), my Grandparents came over for our Christmas dinner while we were home and my Mom made a big dinner, I had lunch with Kellie, Brit, and Michelle and breakfast with Ash...and basically spent everyday with Brody except for Tuesday ;-)

Alan has been busy to say the least. He flew to Pennsylvania for an interview while we were at home, then the day after we got back we went to the Minnesota Vikings/Arizona Cardinal football game (Alan is a HUGE Vikes fan)...then Tuesday he had an interview locally, Wednesday he flew to Tampa Bay for an interview and didn't get home until about 1:00 A.M., and today he flew to Minnesota for another interview. I had to drop him off at the airport at 4:45 this morning and he won't get back until about 11:30, should there be no delays! And on top of it all, he is sick! I feel bad for him, he is such a trooper :) And trying so hard....I hope one of these is meant to be!! Pray for us! I hope everything is going well for all of you and you are having a great holiday season! Here are some pics from our trip home :)

Our beautiful nephew, Brody

4 Generations :) My Grandpa, Dad, Robby, and Brody

Uncle Alan and Brody, awwww

Snoozin on Aunt Kelly, I'm in heaven haha

Sweetest Baby Boy

More to come :) Have a great weekend all!

It's December 1st...

2008-12-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Time to elf yourself!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/5Q9pLmqNGM7kD63u1vdx

Here's Alan and I gettin' down! Enjoy!

Turkey Time!

2008-11-27T08:17:00.005-07:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day today :) Alan and I are going to eat with his Grandma and 2 Great Aunts and then I think I may try to talk him into going to a movie, but typically football wins out!

We are going home in early December and Alan is flying to Pennsylvania for an interview with a Minor League team. He is really crossing his fingers because it would be a big step in his career, it's for the Director of Group AND Season tickets. I just want him to be happy and this would definitely be good on his resume :)

AND....the Portage Indians AND the LaPorte Slicers both were REGIONAL CHAMPS!! WOOT WOOT! So proud of all of the girls and of my friends who are coaching them (and myself LOL...gotta give myself a little props for choreographing right!?!) But the girls are amazing on both teams and I hope they do a great job at Nationals in FLORIDA!! Have fun girls, I love you all and am SO PROUD OF YOU!

I'll leave you with a picture of the first turkey Alan and I cooked last year for our church dinner. We had SO much fun and must have checked on it 1,000 times. Believe it or not, it turned out great! And then they had a drawing for a free Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and Alan won! Worth it because I can eat Thanksgiving food everyday of the year haha...he really is so cute and loves being of 'assistance' as he says in the kitchen :)

Have a great day! And if you are shopping tomorrow on Black Friday, Good Luck and Have fun!

Sedona :)

2008-11-15T17:20:00.007-07:00

**cheer note!** MID-AMERICA REGIONAL CHEERLEADING COMPETITION IS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck to the Portage Indians and the LaPorte Slicers!!!!

So, a couple weeks ago Alan and I went to Sedona to spend the day together. If you have never been, I highly recommend it! Sedona is amazing, it is beautiful...it isn't called God's country for nothing ;) Here are some pics from my phone that I took, we are still without a camera since ours broke haha...

We had a really nice time. We went hiking and then went into town for lunch (BBQ yum it was soooo good) and browsed around the little shops they have. Then we got ice cream and headed home! Definitely worth it.

Alan heard back from Milwaukee and they hired internally...I guess he was going to get offered the job but this Monday someone from within stepped up and said they wanted it...so I guess that one wasn't meant to be. He has 2 phone interviews on Monday for different teams so we will see how that goes. It's wierd, we have been home together for awhile now and we were talking yesterday about how we always have a good time and never get sick of each other. I think that says a lot, he is the only person I can be with 24/7 and never get tired of him ;) That's all for now, I hope we get some good news soon on the job front!

Friends :)

2008-11-08T17:23:00.005-07:00

Hi all!

So, Alan was in Milwaukee on Monday and Tuesday of this week and he said his interviews went well. Wednesday he interviewed with a company here locally and he said that went well too. Now we are playing the waiting game...boo. Thanks for the prayers!! What's meant to be will be, right? It's in God's hands, I just hope we know something soon.

As promised, here are a few pics of when three of my greatest girlfriends from home came to town! They arrived on Thursday night around 8:30 and we went to Applebee's to eat and catch up. Then on Friday we spent the day at the pool and went to Saddleback Ranch that night where they have a mechanical bull...which Ashley rode! It was going brilliantly until she fell...it was about 9:00 at this time and the story ends with her and I getting home from the ER at 3:30 that morning....yea, she hurt her back pretty bad. But with some extra Ibuprofen the next morning she went to the mall with us b/c the doc said it would hurt worse if she laid on it. Saturday night we went to a local chill bar and had a GREAT time. Good band, then a good DJ....worth it. Sunday was total lazy day, we watched Cheerleaders on CMT (the Dallas Cowboy ones) and ate pizza ;) I'm so glad they came, it was nice to laugh and hang out with friends. LOVE YOU GUYS! Thank you Ash, Kellie and Brit!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T12:02:00.002-07:00

Happy Halloween!!

Here is Brodysaurus!! SO CUTE!

I hope everyone has a nice Halloween! Tonight better hurry up and get here or there won't be any Reese's cups left for the kids - oops....

And just an update, Alan is flying to Milwaukee next week to interview and also interviewing with a company here next week as well...then, assuming he gets offers, we will decide together whether to stay or move! Lots going on, we are a little stressed but praying it will all work out...and SOON.

Ok, have a great Halloween and weekend!!!

And Ash, Kellie, and Brit, thank you again for coming, I'll post on that next week with some pics, I had a great time and love and miss you girls!!!

Searching...

2008-10-21T18:19:00.002-07:00

FOR A NEW JOB. About 2 weeks ago I found out the company I work for is closing. Then, this past Friday Alan's entire department lost their jobs. Double whammy! It's ok, I always tell him it could be worse! It'll be a little stressful for awhile but we are both interviewing and keeping our fingers crossed. Alan will have a tough decision to make....either we stay in AZ and leave sports or stay in sports but leave AZ (he has an interview with the Milwaukee Brewers tomorrow.) So we shall see, it's in God's hands and I trust everything will work out. Sort of puts a damper on our wedding plans though....for now, they are on hold I guess. Boo economy, BOO.

On a happier note, three of my girlfriends are coming to visit this weekend! YAY! It will be SO INCREDIBLY NICE to be able to go out and boogy a little ;) Ashley, Brittney, and Kellie, love you guys and can't wait until Thursday at 8:05 when you land!! GAME ON!

AND...LaPorte and Portage both placed first at their first District cheer competition!! LOVE YOU GIRLS, GREAT JOB!!! Good luck at Regionals!!!

Alan and I went to the zoo last weekend and had a great time :) He almost got his finger bit by a big ostrich (it was really funny) and then we were attacked by a duck while we were trying to get food from a feeder to feed it (again, it was really funny) but we left without any bites haha :)

And my nephew Brody is GORGEOUS and they send me pics all the time and I love them. Also, my cousin Danny had a son in July who is just beautiful (Ayden) and Brody will have a great playmate for sure! Danny claims they are going to be a tag team in the WWF....

That's all for now, pics to come after my friends leave on Monday :)

Did I mention it's still 96 degrees here? :)

Sweet Baby Boy :)

2008-09-26T13:02:00.007-07:00

Here are some much clearer pictures of the little bean :) He is just precious...enjoy!!

More Brody....

2008-09-25T14:31:00.003-07:00

Here are a few more :) Christal and her son, Robby and his son (looking much happier in this one haha) and then Brody :) I AM AN AUNT!! YAYYYYYYYY!!! Isn't he precious!?!?!

I am so proud of them!!

BRODY DAVID!!

2008-09-25T14:04:00.003-07:00

HE IS HERE!!!!
He just arrived about half an hour ago. He weighs 7lbs and is 18.5 inches long. He is absolutely marvelous. Brody David...Happy Birthday sweet boy, we love you!!

Waiting Game!

2008-09-25T11:09:00.005-07:00

Christal is at the hospital and as of right now has had an epidural, is dilated to a five, and craving Arby's :-) What a trooper. Her blood pressure is elevated so they are keeping a close eye on her.

Blurry pic of Christal, sorry I am just getting cell phone pics from my Mom right now. She is so cute!

Here is Robby, don't mind the expression, he isn't big on getting solo shots lol...

And last but not least, here is my Dad. He is in the waiting room playing Littlest Pet Shop Guess Who with Michelle and Madelynn...too cute ;) That is my cousin Danny sitting next to him.

And here is my Mom and Dad with Madelynn and Lauren playing Uno :) Dolls.

And yes, when babies come in our family, we ALL head to the hospital to be there :) I am sad I can't be but really glad for picture/camera phones right now...I'll post as soon as I have a pic of the new little man. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers....

Happy First Day...

2008-09-22T13:26:00.003-07:00

of Autumn!!! FALL IS HERE YAY!!! Fall is my favorite, favorite time of year! I am so excited to get our decorations out this weekend :-) And to carve punkins for Halloween! AND I get so excited for Thanksgiving!! Fall is the best.Also, I have a baby update! Christal went to the doctor today and she is dilated to a 3. They scheduled the appointment to induce her this Thursday at 7:00 A.M. if he doesn't come naturally before then. My family is so excited, a new baby YAY!! I have a feeling this week is gonna drag until Thursday gets here...

Remember Me??

2008-09-14T17:19:00.004-07:00

So, I am on the computer working on wedding 'stuff' and apparently I am not paying enough attention to my darling fiance, who made his way around the cords, and the computer, to plop his head smack dab in the middle of the action....my lap. :-)

Football is back on now so he is watching that....on the couch....which is 2 feet away from me.....love him haha ;) We just ordered Chinese for dinner and we both got new things (big for me, I get the same thing all the time...) and are getting ready to relax on the couch for the evening. I love Sundays...snugglin Sundays as I call them haha...pretty sure it's my favorite day of the week.

Bye Shirt...

2008-09-12T12:09:00.003-07:00

So Alan came home from work on Wednesday and said, "oh man, I have a rip in my very first shirt." What he meant was, it was the first dress shirt he bought before he went on his interview for his first internship, in Maryland. I remember b/c I went with him on that trip and ironed it for him (he was a nervous wreck, but he got it!) It's been a good shirt, but we had to say goodbye...He got new glasses too, they look good :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBBY!

2008-09-10T15:32:00.001-07:00

My little brother is 26 today!! Love you, miss you, I hope you have a great birthday! :)

Flashback

2008-09-09T16:58:00.002-07:00

My Aunt sent me this picture the other day - my cousin Michelle is on the left (my matron of honor) me, and my Mom. It was taken about 13 or 14 years ago (heyyyyy bangs)....and I know several of you will recall my wear-a-wig-out-on-the-town days....(heyyyyyy Purdue)....clearly there is no question where I get it from. My Mom RULES.

I'm Back!

2008-09-03T09:38:00.008-07:00

Well, I am back in AZ! My visit home was awesome and I had a really great time. My Mom and I accomplished a LOT, she is awesome, such a big help :-) Friday, some of us girls went and got the bridesmaid dresses picked out. Saturday and Sunday I coached which was GREAT, Saturday night I went to dinner with Allie, Michelle, Kellie and Ashley. Sunday I went to dinner with my parents, my grandparents, Robby and Christal. On Labor Day my Grandparents came over, and my Aunt and Uncle and we had a small cookout, it was really nice :) I missed Alan really bad (sappy I know) so it was nice to come back :) My parents are the best though, thanks again for everything! (And I know you are wondering....no, still no baby!)

While I was gone there was a monsoon with 85 mile an hour winds...and a tree happened to land on my car (3 cars to be exact) and it caused $2,300 worth of damage, boo.

Here is a picture of the tree, my car is 2 over from this one. It tore the roots out of the concrete....lots of damage all around....Here is my car from the back.And here she is from the side. It broke the windshield and the front lights, dented the hood, the roof, and the right fender. I don't think I get her back until next week sometime...But that's ok, it could've been worse right!? I hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Update...

2008-08-28T21:07:00.002-07:00

....no baby yet. I am in Indiana as I type this. Christal went back to the doctor today and she is not dilated and everything still looks ok, so they made an appointment for her to go back a week from today. They will talk about inducing at that time. However, it has been a really busy visit, and I have gotten a LOT of wedding stuff done :-) My Mom and I got up today and left the house at 9:00 and didn't get home until 10:30 tonight (we were done with 'wedding day' at 6:00 though.) We...
-went to a few cake tastings
-met with florists
-went to scope out some invitations
-picked the flower colors
-went and saw the hall (I LOVE IT :-)
-went to Hobby Lobby
-visited Robby and Christal (their nursery is so cute!)
-had dinner with Darlene, Peggy, and Allie
Tomorrow we are going to look at bridesmaid dresses. Yay :)
It is ok that Brody isn't here yet, it's in God's hands and we just want him to be healthy. Please keep them in your prayers.
Ok....off to read a little before bed. It's nice to visit but I sure do miss my lovie (as I call him haha.)
Have a good week!

Got my Card!

2008-08-20T15:29:00.004-07:00

I got my blood donor card in the mail :-) Don't mind the Trident covering my last name, I don't know if any creepers might come across my blog so I thought I would cover it up haha! (No offense creepers.) I finally know my blood type now too. It's so easy to donate! And it only takes about 7 minutes, literally. And the people treat you so kind, and you get free cookies!! (Well, I picked cookies of course but there are lots of things to choose from.) In my pamphlet it said that only 30% of people who first donate ever go back. I will be in that 30%. Your blood is used within 48 hours and you are helping someone who needs it....worth it :)

Next, I am going to get on the bone marrow registry. I think it's worth it...

Sidenote: I go home a week from today, I'm excited to see everyone....and Brody is now officially 2 days late...I am crossing my fingers he arrives before I get there!!!

So happy about...

2008-08-18T11:38:00.004-07:00

Us.

I love this man with all my heart.

I am so thankful to be planning our wedding, and getting to marry my best friend.

Some people have been asking how we met, so here goes...

Alan and I had a class together our freshman year of college at PNC. Speech class of all things. While I broke out into hives everytime I had to get up in front of the class, Alan loved every second of it. We never said a word to each other the entire semester. I thought he was so incredibly 'hot' as I said back then, and referred to him as 'speech boy' to my friends. Fast forward 2 years, and I am at Purdue in West Lafayette and Alan is attending Indiana State in Terre Haute. It was Thanksgiving weekend and I was freshly single haha. My friend Nikki wanted to go out and said that her boyfriend Chad had a friend in town who was 'a player but a lot of fun.' (We were both home at the time for Thanksgiving break.) So we headed to Pepe's in Valpo and I was minding my business when she says, "oh, Alan is here." She and I kept talking and I wasn't paying attention and when I looked up there he stood and said, "you're the girl from speech class...." UM....this is when my heart skipped and I thought I was going to throw up (lol). I said, "your the guy from speech class." Nikki said, "ALAN IS SPEECH BOY?" And she and Chad laughed at us for awhile. I was totally shy and embarrassed so I had a bit more to drink to take the edge off, and we ended up dancing and hanging out all night. He kissed me before he left (hehe) and the rest is history :) We've been through LOTS of long distance, college 'fraternal bliss days', multiple knock down drag outs, incredible highs...and I wouldn't change a thing. All of it has made us and gotten us to where we are today. Now 7½ years later, we are planning a wedding :) WE DID IT haha! And I couldn't be happier...

Oops!

2008-08-13T09:03:00.003-07:00

So someone left a brand new loaf of bread on the toaster this morning while it was in use...and melted the plastic all over...except that it isn't the first time it's happened, just the first time an entire loaf was ruined....oops........

Come on Brody!

2008-08-12T11:10:00.003-07:00

This is the latest ultrasound that Christal had, which was just within the last week or so. It is a Level II Ultrasound so it really looks so clear, look at his precious little face! Christal is due in SIX DAYS! We are all so ready to meet him! I can't wait to be an AUNT! Christal and Robby, we love you and are praying for a healthy delivery! He is going to be such a peanut!! Babies=worth it.

Olympics!

2008-08-11T08:59:00.004-07:00

YAY OLYMPICS 2008!

I LOVE THE OLYMPICS. All weekend I have been glued to the TV, literally. Alan had to work on Saturday, but he was just as glued as I was on Sunday. And when our boys won the 400 relay, I cheered out loud. PHELPS IS AMAZING, and LEZAK was the greatest anchor of all time. What a great race. And there is no way the Chinese girls gymnasts are all 16. I am pretty sure one of them is starting Kindergarten in the fall.

GO U.S.A!

Gone Home

2008-08-08T15:15:00.002-07:00

On August 5th my sister and friend, Alison Kline, was called home.
She is in heaven now, cancer free and pain free.
Please keep her husband Tom and family in your prayers.
Rest in peace, sweet Alison.

Twenty Nine

2008-07-10T14:39:00.003-07:00

Today is my 29th birthday. I am leaving work early to go donate blood for the first time. Then I am going home and having cake :-) Tomorrow I am going to Flemings for a steak dinner with my fiance :) This time next year I will be 30!?!?! WHERE DID IT GO lol.....I'm grateful for another year. Thank you to Alan, my family and friends for making it a good one so far! I got a gift card from Ash, flowers at work from Michelle (in a HUGE margarita glass!), flowers from the men at work, a gift card from my parents, money from my Grandparents....so nice of you all! Oh and cards too from friends at home, I LOVE EVERYONE! Thank you again and happy 29th to me :-)

Official Date :-)

2008-07-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

ENGAGED!

2008-06-11T12:29:00.007-07:00

Can you believe it friends!?!?!? Alan asked me to marry him!!! I was home this past weekend for R0bby and Christal's baby shower and on Friday night I was going to dinner with my family for my birthday. They said they wanted to go to Pepe's in Valpo which I thought was odd since there is one down the street from my house but I go with the flow :-) When I got out of the car Alan's family was pulling up...I was so confused and said, "um, there's the Bowmans..." My Mom said, "Surprise that's why we came here!" Ok...made more sense. And just a little past history, that is where Alan and I officially met, had our first kiss...lots of history :-) Anyway, I was reading my menu and happened to look up and there he was!!! He flew home to surprise me and said it was for my birthday. We ate dinner and afterwards Alan said he wanted to make a toast. He congratulated Robby on the baby, his sister on her new teaching job, then said he wanted to ask my Dad's permission to keep going (at this point I broke out in hives.) He recited the opening lyrics to Me and You by Kenny Chesney (I always say that is our song haha) and said super sweet things and how I'm his best friend and that is where our life started and the next thing I knew he was standing me up and dropping to a knee!! It was perfect and I am one lucky gal haha. Anyway, that's the big news for us! I need to say thanks to my Mom and Amy for keeping it secret and helping him with the plans! And also to all of our friends and family who made it SUCH a great weekend for us, we love you all!! Now we are going to start planning a wedding for next fall. Here are some pics from that night.

This does it no justice haha! It's really so pretty and sparkly!

Ok just wanted to share the good news :-) Hope you all have a super week!

Goin Home!

2008-06-04T09:08:00.007-07:00

I'm headed back to the Midwest tomorrow and SO excited about it!!! (Except Alan can't go and I miss him already!) Christal and Robby's baby shower is this weekend. I land Thursday evening and my Mom is picking me up at Midway. Then I'm sure we'll head to Schoops ;-) Friday we are going to get pedicures (second of my life) and run some errands, we'll probably stop by the church to make sure everything is set up and ready for the shower. Friday night I am going to dinner with the fam for my birthday and then Saturday is the shower. Saturday night I am going to dinner with 8 amazing ladies, Sunday church and Monday I come back! It'll go fast.....

So last weekend Alan came home (on Friday) and surprised me with Kenny Chesney tickets for Saturday, with Keith Urban. IT WAS WORTH IT! I am born and raised on country music (my Mom's parents had LARGE families...my Nana had 10 brothers and sisters, my Papa had 11....) and they all lived in the South and every year we would all meet up for a family reunion in Kentucky. I love country music, love that you can turn it on with a child in the car and not have to worry about lyrics, just brings back a sense of family and home. I loved the concert. He was super sweet doing that for me because he is NOT a country music fan, though I think he is gaining an apprecation for certain artists (Sugarland, b/c they performed with Jovi of course) and Rascall Flatts b/c what's not to love!?!?! Anyway, I really appreciated that he would do that. He is good to me :-) He makes me laugh everyday and we have so much fun together, I'm blessed to have him and be with my best friend. Thank you, Alan!!! Love you THIS MUCH!!!

Also, my little cousin Alexis turned TEN YEARS OLD on June 2nd. I can't believe she is ten, guess that's not so little anymore! Alexis was my first new baby cousin born...since then there have been 11 more and another cousin and a nephew on the way. Babies everywhere and WE LOVE IT :-) So happy 10th birthday to the first one -such a happy baby, always laughing and ridiculously smart. Love you very much!!!

Lex with her little brother Logan

Have a great weekend kids! I'm gonna try and take pics while I'm home with my Mom's camera since mine is down for the count! Talk to you soon!

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT

2008-05-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

flops!

2008-05-16T15:50:00.006-07:00

So I was browsing through some old pictures today and I came across these and just started laughing...About 2 years ago Alan, Robby, me and my friend Rachel went to a White Sox game, and as we were leaving Alan's flip flop broke. Then Robby decided he would take his off to make Alan feel better (or to make fun, whichever way you want to look at it.) It was hilarious, they walked all the way to the car that way...hahaha.....you can tell Robby is just laughing....

I hope you all have a great weekend, I'll be at DBacks games Saturday and Sunday.

Arizona Needs....

2008-05-12T10:38:00.008-07:00

SCHOOPS

AND JIMMY JOHN'S

The End.

BIG NEWS!!

2008-05-03T17:36:00.001-07:00

ROBBY AND CHRISTAL ARE HAVING A BOY!!!! I'm getting a nephew and I am SO EXCITED!! Congratulations you two :-)

Pictures

2008-05-01T09:13:00.016-07:00

Last week I finally got all the pictures uploaded from Alan's birthday, the Jovi concert, and Chad and April's visit. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure.

From Alan's Birthday night-we went to a comedy club and then to the bars, GOOD TIMES!

Dwayne and Brian (Alan's co-workers), Alan, and Brian

Co-workers Andrea and Rachael

Me, Alicia, and Danielle
At the Jovi / Daughtry concert :-)

Daughtry/Jovi - HOT.

Alan and Brian at Jovi

Alan and Me at Jovi :-)

And last but not least, Chad and April's visit!!

Chad and Alan playing catch at our pool...right about when I

took the shot to the face that broke the new camera...
Alan and Chad...pretty sure they are holding each other up.

Chad and April Friend at the DBacks Game

That's all for now :-) Have a good one!

April Birthdays!

2008-04-30T10:05:00.007-07:00

Happy April Birthdays to my family!!!

Madelynn turned 5...

The twins (Katie and Carter) turned 7...

And Danny Ryan turned 31...

My Grandma and Alan's sister Amy both had a birthday too but I don't have a picture of either of them on my new camera yet. Happy Birthday to you all!

Speaking of our camera.....we have only had it since February and when Chad and April were here 2 weekends ago I was taking a picture and a tennis ball that Chad and Alan were playing catch with pegged me in the face and I dropped it right on the lens...and it's totally broken. It won't open or close or do anything. Lol...guess I'll save a little out of the next few paychecks and go get another one! I need it before my visit home in June! And don't worry, I was not injured in the accident.

I have more pics to post soon...today hopefully :-) I hope everyone is good!

Lunch...and Hives

2008-04-23T11:22:00.003-07:00

So apparently today is Administrative Professionals Day. My boss just beeped my phone from his office and the conversation went something like this:
J: "Kelly, where do you want to go for lunch today?"
K: "Um...I have a stomach ache."
J: "But I want to take you out for lunch!"
K: "No." (laughing under breath)
J: "Then what am I suppose to do?"
K: "Let me leave at 3:00?"
Those of you who know me well know how shy/bashful/take your pic that I can be. Sure if I know you, I'm nuts. But if not totally comfortable, well then no thanks lol....
I now have hives and some slight pit sweat.
Crazy what a little lunch date will do huh?
Shy girls....I am what I am! Maybe I will get out early though....even though he ended with, "then I'll make you stay til 6!"
Sheesh...Happy Admin Day to Me!

hey!

2008-04-15T15:33:00.002-07:00

Hi all! Long time no post! Let's see...this past Friday we went to the Daughtry/Jovi concert (which was awesome!) It was my 3rd time seeing Jovi and I've loved every single time! I went to opening day at the DBacks, they have this new massive HD scoreboard....Madelynn had a 5th birthday on April 1, Happy Birthday Mad!!! And Thursday we are getting visitors from Indiana! CHAD IS COMING! He is bringing his new girlfriend April and I'm excited to meet her. My Aunt Shelia is having surgery on her brain again on the 18th so please keep her in your prayers, and my Mom and other aunts as they travel to South Carolina to be with her. I will post some pics of Al's birthday and the concert soon! I hope you are all doing well, love and miss y'all!!
Kelly

Happy Birthday!

2008-03-27T09:19:00.002-07:00

Today is Alan's 29th birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAVORITE! I love you very much!!! :-)
Things have been good :-) Easter was spent with his Grandma and aunts, we went to dinner at a country club and it was delicious. I missed my family though! I bought my plane tickets to go home in June for the baby shower, I'm so excited! Today I am leaving work early to meet Alan at his work and we are going to US Airways to watch the Sweet 16 games! Then tomorrow we are going to a comedy club for his birthday and Saturday it's back to US Airways Center for the Elite 8! FUN! I LOVE COLLEGE BASKETBALL! My bracket has been somewhat of a disappointment though haha...
Have a nice weekend everyone! Come Visit!!!

Past Weekends

2008-02-18T22:31:00.011-07:00

So the past 2 weekends have been a good time :-) Two weekends ago we went to the zoo! I was so happy to be walking around outside, it was 75 and the weather was gorgeous. Plus, we got a new digital camera so I wanted to try it out. Here are a few of the pictures we took...the first one is of a little chipmunk that found some popcorn on the ground and had a party! He was so cute. So I kept throwing him more...and the little monkey, well, you actually go in the exhibit with them. It's neat but they honestly try to use the restroom on your head. You have to be careful...

I have more but I won't put them all :-) It was a really good time. Then this past Saturday Alan's cousin was in town from Colorado (and his parents - they were super nice) playing in a tennis tournament for Mesa State University. We went to his match and then to dinner with his family. I'm going to put some pictures up but please make note of the two older women...they are Lowie (on the left) and Edie (on the right.) Lowie is 92 and Edie is 99. And yes, they are drinking mixed drinks with vodka and Edie was sad that there wasn't enough alcohol in hers. They are so sweet and SO smart still, it's really amazing. We are playing pinochle over there this Saturday, and Lowie still keeps score. And I honestly still really don't understand it at all.

Alan and his cousin Kevin

Al's Aunt Carol and Grandma Bowman

Lowie and Edie - Cheers!

Also, my parents, Robby and Christal went to see Steve and his family this weekend in Greenville, SC and my Dad, Robby, and Steve all did a Nascar Driving Experience (the Dale one.) They all LOVED it and from what I hear will love to do it again. I'm glad they had a great time and that they are all safe and sound back home now :-) Tomorrow is my Dad's birthday :-) Oh, and Robby won! Good job Rob!

Ok, love and miss everyone!

xoxo, Kelly

too much time!

2008-02-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

I can't belive it's been a month! Too much time has gone by, I really can't believe it's already February! I hope everyone is having a good 2008 so far! Not too much to report on here lol...I am doing good, trying to be healthier this year! Alan is great, he's been keeping busy. Arizona was a mad house last week with the Superbowl and the golf tournament here. He worked the NFL experience the past 2 weekends and then this past Sunday we went to watch the golfers. It was really fun! The weather was a bit cool but I actually liked it better than sitting out there sweating and being miserable! We also are planning a trip to DISNEYLAND WOOHOOO! I can't wait. This is not his 'out' on the real deal Disney either...hopefully next year we can plan a full week's trip to Disney World. Chad is suppose to be coming to visit in March...2 of my aunts will be here for spring training...my friend Kellie is coming in July...I'm currently working on Brittney and Michelle's routines for this year and will go home in September to teach those...it's busy busy!

Good news too...I'm going to be an AUNT! Yes, Robby and Christal are going to have a little babe! I just sent them home this little bib..
http://www.cafepress.com/myfavoriteplace.49288676
so cute! I'll have an easier time buying things when I know what they are having but they aren't finding out...what a great surprise!!!

Ok, that's it for now :) I'll have to post some new pics here soon.
Love y'all!

New Years Pics!

2008-01-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from New Years at Jeremy's house while we were home. It was nice just hanging out and being relaxed, having a good time :-) We had an awesome time while we were home and visiting with friends and family!! You all said you wanted to come visit so COME! I miss you all already, especially my mom, dad, and bro...love you all!! Hope you enjoy the pics...I didn't pick the song lol, I've never heard it, it just appeared there but I liked it!
xoxo,
Kelly

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Sorry it's been so long! I don't remember what's been going on lol...oh, I WENT TO FLORIDA TO SURPRISE MY GIRLS AT NATIONALS!!! Alan got me the ticket for Christmas, best gift he's ever gotten me :-) It was the BEST surprise I have ever pulled off. It's on video, I have to get it and then maybe attach it somehow...I'll work on that. They were so excited and Brittney started balling...I can't put on here exactly what she said when she saw me but use your imagination haha. The girls did AWESOME and were 3/10's away from THIRD! had they hit clean I know they would've had it...however, they had 2 major safety violations (one was legit, one was not) so it knocked them out of top 5 :-( but we were ok with it when we found out had that not happened it would've been 4th!! the best placement EVER for a team from the Midwest! They ROCK and I can't wait until next year.

Alan and I are heading back to Indiana tonight for Christmas! We are both so excited! Our flight leaves at 8:30!!!! We had to go to storage last night to get our winter coats out! It is 65 here during the day so we don't need them :) I can't wait to see all the fam, and his fam too! Tomorrow I am going to Chicago with my Mom, 2 of my aunts, and my cousin to SHOP! Well...probably just look but I'm excited! And we have reservations at a really good Italian restaurant which I haven't had in a long time....yum! I hope you all have a great holiday with your families and enjoy your time off work! Love yas! Merry Christmas and God Bless!
xoxoxoxo,
Kelly

Just Checking In

2007-11-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1119941498

Haha, this is a good time :-) I hope everyone is doing good! No big plans this weekend for us, I think tonight we are just relaxing because it's rainy and gloomy here today (that's a first!) And really I have no idea for Saturday or Sunday! Have a great weekend everyone, stay warm everyone from home! See you all soon!!
Love ya's!

Competition!!

2007-11-26T14:20:00.001-07:00

Hi all! I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!! Mine was good, now I definitely look forward to going home and spending some time with the family at Christmas!! I wanted to put some pics up of my girls at home and WISH THEM GOOD LUCK at Nationals next week in Orlando!!! You gals are AMAZING!! Love ya and miss ya!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!! I have nothing new to report...well, mine and Brit's cheer team back home took first place at their Regional competition as well as Michelle's LaPorte team and they are both headed to Nationals!!! It's the first week in December and I'm so excited for them! Last year my girls got top 5 and they are hoping to keep it that way :-) Wish them all luck!

We are going to Alan's Grandma's house tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner and then don't have any big plans the rest of the weekend, I'm looking forward to relaxing and having some time off work.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and eat LOTS! Love and miss you!!
xoxoxo,
Kelly

Alan's "Fun Day" at Work...

2007-11-09T14:56:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics from Alan's "field day" at work on Tuesday...enjoy! And have a fun weekend everyone!

HAHAHAHA!

Heyyyyy

2007-11-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
It's been so long, I'm so sorry! Work has just been SUPER busy and sometimes I just forget haha....I hope you have all been doing good. Let's see...what have we been up to. Um, 2 weeks ago Friday I fell down the stairs at work (surprise surprise) and sprained my ankle pretty badly, my cousin Michelle fell at Lauren's gymnastics class and broke her foot...I think that's all for the injuries ;-) Alan and I bought our plane tickets to go home for Christmas YAY :) We will be home December 20 - January 2!! I can't wait to go home and see everyone, though I'm not excited to have to get my winter coat back out lol....

My Aunt Sue and Uncle Bob visited and Alan and I met up with them at The Phoenician and had a really nice time with drinks and appetizers :-) My cheerleaders got FIRST PLACE at District and Michelle's team also got FIRST PLACE :) Congratulations to the Portage PeeWees and the Laporte Midgets and best of luck to them this weekend at Regionals on November 11th in Illinois!! I will post pics when someone sends me some! ;-)

Hmm...I think that's about it! On Sunday we are going to see a Nascar event and then a week from today ASHLEY DOST WITH THE MOST is coming to town YAYYYYY!! I'm SOO happy and we are going to see So You Think You Can Dance on Sunday the 18th, my favorite!!! Alan has a friend who hooked us up with tickets in a suite....I can't wait!!!!

Ok, love and miss everyone!! Have a great weekend!
xoxo,
Kelly

Good Luck!

2007-10-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8E1aZAZKA0&mode=related&search=

So everyone who knows me knows that my true love and passion is coaching cheerleading. I have coached AMAZING girls and been so blessed to have been head coach for 4 years (though I've been coaching since age 14), qualifying for Nationals all 4 years as head coach and placing in the top 5 twice and always placing in the top 10. My girls are being coached long distance now (great job Brit (and Kellie!), and also great job with LaPorte Michelle!) They have competition coming up in a week and I wanted to wish the Portage PeeWees (MY GIRLS WOO HOO) and the LaPorte Midgets GOOD LUCK!!!

Ok, now the link above is SO FUNNY because it's bloopers of cheer and dance and football and it's so true and so funny and every single year I see them. Really worth a watch for a good laugh.

GOOD LUCK GIRLS!!! I love ya!

Happy 2nd Birthday to Lauren!

2007-10-11T14:33:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday!! I hope it was a great one! thanks for posting the pics, Michelle! Love and miss everyone!!! PS- Looking good Mom!!!

SWEEP

2007-10-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

CUBS LOSE, DBACKS SWEEP!!!!! What an exciting couple of days! Alan and I were both getting calls and text messages from our friends who are Cubs fans saying how frustrated they were and how the DBacks deserved it....yea baby! Chris Young with a lead off homerun...nice!
My Boilermakers got stomped. I knew that Ohio State would probably win, but I was still wishful thinking :) And I still hate Ohio State. I work with 6 men here at my office and they are ALL from Cleveland so it was a rough week and I've been razzed all morning....haha....

So another busy week, we play the Rockies starting Thursday, I can't WAIT! Wish us luck! Oh, and thanks to everyone who has been calling and congratulating Alan, he is SO excited and it means a lot to him when people have called and shown their support. I hope he gets a ring!!!!

Have a good week and I'll/we'll talk to you all soon!!!
XOXOXOXOXOXO

Choke!

2007-10-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

So the last 2 days have been AWESOME going to the playoff games! Then again, any day watching the Scrubs lose is always good to me :-) So tomorrow they are playing in Chicago and it's also the PURDUE vs. Ohio State game....BOILER UP!!! I think we are going to Fox Sports Grill on Saturday with a bunch of people from his office to watch the game...but if not, we will be watching both of them from our big screen at home!

GO DBACKS, GO PURDUE!!!!

2007-10-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

DBack Rally

2007-10-02T09:11:00.001-07:00

So last night Alan and I went with Tim and Danielle to the Diamondbacks rally, it was a good time, worth it for sure. Free food and booze! We were up on the balcony of the building you can see in this picture below. I can't wait to watch them whoop all over the SCRUBS!!!!

Me and Robby

2007-10-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here's me and my little brother, Robby, at a Sox game last year. :) Love him!!!!! :-)

Go DBacks!

2007-10-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

GO DBACKS!!! BEAT THE SCRUBS!!!

So, needless to say, Alan is SOO excited about the DBacks playing the Cubs in the playoffs. We went to San Diego this weekend and I could barely contain him in the hotel, he was so happy! We went to Sea World on Saturday and the Chargers game on Sunday. It was an awesome weekend. I will post some pics sometime this week. I hope you are all doing well and we cannot wait to come home and see everyone at Christmas...just wish we could bring this weather with us! Also, happy birthday to Lauren this past weekend! We love you!

Cubs Lose!

2007-08-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I hope you are all doing good, sorry I haven't written in a little while. Let's see, what have we been up to...

Last Saturday we went to the Cubs / D-Backs game and it was SO FUN! It's always fun watching the Cubs lose though :) And there was a fireworks show afterwards and it was good too. Then we went to Flicka's (our friendly neighborhood bar) with Tim and Danielle and hung out until about 1:00 and came home. Good times :) This week has been good, Alan hasn't had games so dinner time has been normal haha...last night Danielle and I went to happy hour and the mall, worth it!

I hope you all have a good holiday weekend! I think the only thing we have planned is dinner at a new restaurant on Saturday called White Chocolate Grill. Have fun and be safe!

xoxo-Kelly

2007-08-17T13:55:00.001-07:00

YEA SABRA!!!! SOOO happy she won!!!! :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaXrqYnvaPU

That was my favorite dance this season....

2007-08-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

We are missing all of our "bests"!!! LOVE YOU MUCH!!!!!!!

MICHELLE IS COMING TOMORROW!!!!!! YAY!

HEY Pop Warner! -2nd family!

HI BRUCE!

Ash, Me, K2, Michelle, and Brit

Jer makes this look good :-)

Knuckleheads

SAE heyyyy

2007-08-13T10:26:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I hope you had a nice weekend! Mine was a little stressful, I am trying to get a new car and get out of my lease but I keep changing my mind! I went to the dealer on Friday and almost went through with it on Saturday (a new Ford Escape) but then I got cold feet...and I was happy I did :-) On Sunday we went to a D-Backs game, good times!

This week should go fast, Michelle is coming on Thursday!!!

These are some pics that my cousin Michelle took at the festival they went to this weekend at my church at home. I LOVE the girls (Madelynn, Claire, and Lauren) eating their cotton candy. So cute their little blue mouths...so fun to be little :-) (and Claire is in love with Spiderman haha)

Love and miss everyone!!

Have a good week!

COUSINS

2007-08-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Alexis

Claire A.K.A. Louie

Mike and Daniel

Kyle, Madelynn, Carter, Kiley, Katie, and Noah

"Babygirl" Lauren

And not pictured is the youngest, Logan. He just turned one on July 3rd and I need a more recent picture of him, which I will have soon.

These are all my cousins who I miss everyday, they are so precious, I had to post 'em! Love and miss 'em all!!! I hope you all have a good weekend!

Welcome!

2007-08-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hey all!! Welcome to my new blog! I decided to start it so I can say hi to everyone at home and keep you updated on our lives while keeping up with yours :-) We are doing great, homesick and missing everyone, but still good. Alan is working in baseball of course and I work for a commercial construction company and so far it's going ok! We have been here in Phoenix for about 5 months now, I can't believe the time has gone so fast! I hope this finds you all doing well, we love and miss everyone! COME VISIT, GET A TAN, PET A LIZARD!

xoxo-Kelly