Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Settling in for the night.....

Nothing makes for a better evening than an inexpensive bottle of wine, a fire and a new episode of Lost. Its been a snowy last 24 hours here with about a foot of snow piled up. No school for the kids and we were stuck inside for the better part of the day. But now the kids are in bed and its Paul and Kathy time....
and the passengers of Oceanic Flight 815

Monday, January 26, 2009

When you wish upon a star

We are starting to plan our summer vacation to Walt Disney World. This brings back so many memories for me. This was the our vacation of choice pretty much every year when I was a kid. I've been there as an adult too but I've never taken a child there. This will be Luke and Ella's first trip to the Magic Kingdom and I'm very excited to see everything again through their eyes.

I didn't realize planning this vacation was going to be so difficult and have so many options. There are park plans, meal plans, so many different plans that AAA is actually having a webinar tonight to help you plan your vacation. I'm gonna fly solo though and tackle it myself...I've been online last night and this morning plotting out our options and I think I have it figured out. Hopefully everything will still be available when we are ready to finalize our plans.

Update on Luke and Ella's room redecorating..I've painted both of their rooms and started moving the furniture around in Ella's. I still have her dresser and chest to paint white and I need to accessorize both rooms. Note to self....when you have kids things take much longer than originally thought.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

How important is your name in deciding who you are ?

I found this on My Sweet Savannah's blog and thought it was interesting. My name describes me quite well....is that just a coincidence? Here's the description...
You Are Smart and Curious
You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.
You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.
People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.
You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.
You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.
Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.
Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.
You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.
You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.


Thursday, January 22, 2009

Workforce reductions...

Just like so many companies, the company I work for had "workforce reductions" yesterday. The current economic climate has not been kind to retail...in fact, it has been utterly brutal. I feel incredibly lucky to still have my job and my heart goes out to those who have lost theirs. I've worked in retail for many years and most of the people I've worked with genuinely love what they do and want you to have a great experience in their stores. All I ask is that when you are out shopping please be kind to the people working in the stores. Please have patience and understand that they are working hard and are stressed and understaffed. Thank you.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Today is a new day!

It is the beginning of a new era for this country and for the world. It is impossible not to be inspired by this man who makes us all believe anything is possible. I'm completely taken by him and his family and the ideals that he shares. I hope anyone that has doubts will put them aside and believe that if President Obama succeeds we as a country win.






Monday, January 19, 2009

Productive weekend!

I'm feeling good since we had a productive weekend. Paul and I both had 3 days off and we managed to get alot accomplished. We started out Friday night by going out to dinner (just the two of us) to The Bistro.
I had the Shrimp D'Agnese with a side of linguini. It's one of their specialties and was yummy! We also went to a local winery for a nightcap.
Saturday morning we woke up bright and early and went to Jeffersonville outlets and Polaris place. Our mission is to redecorate Luke and Ella's rooms. We got both of them new furniture, bedding and accessories for their rooms. Luke's room will be based on a sports theme and Ella's room will be girly and flowery with lavender and green. Sunday we finished up shopping for them and watched ( I should say I watched, since Paul is a Browns fan he refused to participate ) the Steelers win the AFC Championship. This morning we cleaned up around the house, put up Luke's headboard, went to Sherwin Williams to get paint samples. Whew!! I'm really excited to get both of their rooms updated.....stay tuned for pics.



Tuesday, January 13, 2009

What I'm thankful for today.

As the temperature dips into the single digits and below, I'm thankful for a fireplace and a warm fire. There's nothing like snuggling in front of a fire on a cold winter night.




Monday, January 12, 2009

Happy Anniversary!!

Its been an incredible 6 months being married to you. I know I can be hard to put up with sometimes but you take it all in stride. You make me happy everyday..you truly are the love of my life.






Here we go!!!!

I must say I'm missing my hometown a little right now. I never thought much of the city itself when I lived there, and I always said I would move away whenever I could, but I miss the electricity of the city right now. The feeling in the city when its Steeler's season is indescribable. The entire city comes together with one common goal in mind..cheering the Steelers on to victory. I wear my Steelers shirt with pride even though I live in Ohio and my husband is a Browns fan. Sorry honey, I know it makes you crazy when I wear my Steeler shirt to the grocery store but I love my team! Go Steelers!!!





Saturday, January 10, 2009

Let it snow!!

We woke up today to a bunch of snow and it keeps on coming!! This is the most snow we've had so far this winter. Time for the kids to go outside and play in the snow.

Ella making snow angels

Luke and Ella helping shovel


Friday, January 9, 2009

Ask and you shall receive...maybe not always, but sometimes.

Yesterday I purchased my first piece of Le Creuset.....

and at a bargain $60 (gotta love that employee discount)!!! And the first meal I cooked was chicken parm with leftover spaghetti on the side. Yum!!


Wednesday, January 7, 2009

What I'm coveting right now.

I've been thinking alot about food and cooking lately. I blame this on my new job and my New Year's resolution of eating healthier. I'm wanting some new cookware and I want something thats going to last for years to come.


A beautiful dutch oven....I know I could make the best meals in this.


And a wonderful set of All Clad cookware....

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Seize the day!!

Today is the day that the exercising begins. I started running last year but became sidelined because of trying to push too hard too fast. I thought how hard can this be..I can do this. Well, it's hard..much harder than I ever imagined. Paul is an avid runner and my inspiration. He has made running a part of his life..no excuses.
I have an image of him and I on vacation (somewhere warm and fabulous) and us going for a run together. That's part of my motivation..the other part is to accomplish something for myself. Its been awhile since I feel like I've set a tangible goal for myself and accomplished it. For anyone who is interested in starting as well here is the plan I'm following...I think I'm going to start with week 2.

http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/smartcoach/beginner/0,7146,s6-238-277-278-0,00.html

Monday, January 5, 2009

I feel like it's the first day of school.

I started my new job today. I'm a manager at a well known kitchenwares store. I was going to take a photo of myself in my newly purchased outfit but I couldn't figure out the timer on my camera. I haven't been working full time for almost a year now so I was really nervous. I have a new found appreciation for people re-entering the workforce after taking time off. Even though my hiatus wasn't that long...I still feel a little rusty. I've been working there part-time for the holiday season and a position opened up and I expressed my interest and the rest is history. I'm hoping this job works out with our family life...being a stepmom and working full time is something that will take some adjusting but Paul is very supportive and that makes all the difference. I'm hoping this will also improve my cooking skills and give me the courage to be more adventurous and try new techniques and recipes. I will keep you updated on my progress and include photos and recipes that I've tried and liked. Day 2 is tomorrow...wish me luck!!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

It's time to stop the madness

I will admit it..I have eaten just about everything in sight for the past couple of weeks and it's time to zip the lips and start my (and I'm sure most other peoples) New Years resolution to eat healthy and workout. But today, being of course the last day to eat with reckless abandon..I did not disappoint..

Brunch..after church

We took the kids bowling and had pizza..For dinner take-out Chicken Marsala..and I will finish it up with this baby after the kids go to bed..
And then Paul and I can officially say that we have rid the house of all junk food!!












Saturday, January 3, 2009

I love my dog.

My dog, Abby, a 14+ year old golden retriever is the best dog in the world. I know what you all are thinking..that your dog is the best dog in the world. Sorry.. She has been with me through good times and bad and has never asked for much in return. I hope I have been as good to her as she's been to me.



Friday, January 2, 2009

Christmas is over...back to normal

I love Christmas..everything about it..the sights, the sounds, the smells. But I can honestly say that I'm glad it's over and I'm glad to get back to normal. The tree took over one of my favorite sitting spots in the house..the chair and a half. Its the perfect size to cuddle on, either with the kids or with Paul. I'm glad its back.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

2007 The year in review

I can't believe how much my life has changed in a year. A little over a year ago I was a single girl (divorced really, but that word has always sounded weird to me when describing myself) living in Pittsburgh, PA, working as much as humanly possible, and although surrounded by many great friends I was lonely. Then I met the best man I could have ever hoped for, Paul, and his two amazing children, Luke and Ella, and there...the next chapter of my story begins.

January..sold my house in Pittsburgh and officially moved to Ohio. Got engaged to the man of my dreams. Started a job as a store manager of a Bath and Body Works over an hour from our house.

February..Started wedding planning..had delusions of how easy it would be to plan a small wedding.

March..chose the venue for the wedding..Charleston SC..The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. Quit my job at Bath and Body Works.

April..crazy wedding planning..DIY'ed most everything..invitations, programs, menus, favors..etc.

May..trip to Charleston to finalize all details and get engagement pictures taken.


June..Luke's birthday. He turned 7. Later that month Ella's birthday.
She turned 4.




July..the wedding and honeymoon!!!


Honeymoon in Nassau


August..Kids go back to school.
Luke 1st grade and Ella is in her second year of preschool.



September..Lordy, lordy I turned 40!


October..Halloween.


November..Thanksgiving..no pictures of this but it was the traditional turkey, stuffing..you get the idea

December..We cut down our own Christmas tree and the kids/my husband got a Wii.


And that was our year! Happy New Year!