California Adventure Day 2!!

As I am getting ready to head to Florida to run Disney’s Princess Half Marathon weekend with my pal Lauren, I realized I never finished updating this! Things have been crazy we have had so much snow and the baby is growing like a weed! He will be 6 months old tomorrow, if you can even believe it.

But back to California and thinking warm! Bring on day 2….

Day 2 started bright and early with a pb and j, it was delicious and made for me by Lauren. We had a very busy day ahead. We went to go for a walk but it was super packed when we got there so I got a few pictures as we drove.

We also met up with one of my college roomates who now lives in California, thanks so much for making the drive Nicole!

We then walked all around the Griffith Observatory which was really neat, I love science and astronomy. Here’s some photos!

The last photo is of the periodic table of elements and they actually had each element in the box. It was pretty cool to see.

After that we had lunch together and then Lauren and I said goodbye and headed to our hotel in Anaheim for the race the next day!

I got my race outfit ready, then we had some cupcakes and watched tv. I went to bed around 7:30am, as I had to be on the shuttle to the race at 3:30am!

It was a great trip, tomorrow I will post my race recap, which will be really long. Thursday I leave for Florida, and will have a whole new adventure to post about!

Fun Event Friday! The Baby Edition!

If you are a regular blog reader you know when I post regularly the schedule goes like this: 

MONDAY: New Meal Monday

TUESDAY: Training Tuesday 

WEDNESDAY: Wacky Fact

THURSDAY: Treat Yourself

FRIDAY: Fun Event

 

Today’s fun event showed Dan and I how much our lives are changing as we actually had a really good time doing the following activity! 

So what did we do?!?!?!

 

Why we built a crib and a dresser of course! 

 

Dan was the builder and I helped by reading the directions to him and holding the crib and dresser up at specific times. I am a GREAT assistant like that! Also I did build one of the shelves in the dresser….I know, SKILLS! 

The crib portion was quick and easy! 

 

The dresser took longer, but we made it through and were able to get everything set up! 

 

 

 

The room is far from done as I have some yellow and white accents to add to the walls still and clearly we need some more things like changing pad and the like. But we were both so excited to see it come together and that Baby Boy should he come anytime before his estimated due date now has a place of his own! Also it was really fun to put away the clothes, cloth diapers and accessories I already have for little Camden! Dan and I cannot wait until he is here to love and snuggle. 

Of course both Grandmothers and one of the Grandfathers (my Dad was still at work) came to check out the room, and Finny got to tryout the crib. Sorry that is a picture Dan has and I don’t. But who would have thought we would have such a fun time doing things like this together!?!?!? The answer: Not us. But it was an amazing revelation that something mundane can be fun and bring you closer together!!! 

Everyone enjoy your night and if you have a long weekend enjoy that too! I have Monday and Tuesday off and am working all weekend, which I dont mind as it is going to rain anyway! 

What Mother’s Day Means to Me….

First of all thank you to My Mom, Mother in law, Grandmothers (mine and Dans) and Aunt Kim (my godmother) and Tamarra. Who have shown me how to be a great role model and mother to my children. I am glad you get a day in which you are celebrated because you deserve it!

What Mother’s Day means to me has changed over the past few years and this year it changed again. While I will not have my first official Mothers Day until next year, both of my Mothers have been really great in making it special for my first Mommy-to-be Mothers Day. (After all this is their first Grandmother’s to be day!)

Lets go back to the beginning first though. When I was born in 1985 my Mom was unaware she would be a Mom until the day I was born, but like my child I was born in August so Mom’s first Mother’s Day was in 1986. I think I have told the story of my premature birth on here before so rather than bore you with it just no that she and no one else new I was in her tummy waiting to come out!

So we always celebrated Mothers Day and for the first 21 years of my life that day was about celebrating the ladies in this picture. (From our wedding).

From Left to Right: My Grandma Fran, My Mommy, Me (DUH), My Memere and Arlene my Pepere’s Girlfriend.

However before I turned 22 I bought myself a gift that changed my life and made me a Mommy, well to a fur baby that is.

Finny as a 3lb puppy! How could you not love that face! From now on Mothers Day meant celebrating the same ladies but doing something nice for myself as well because now I had someone to look out for and keep alive!

Fast Forward 6 years and this Mother’s Day held a whole different meaning! I am about to be a Mom in August to a living breathing baby boy and MAN was I spoiled for that!

I didn’t have to work today and got to spend my morning snuggling with my fur baby! Plus Dan had given me the best gift.

Inside the box is a gift certificate for a Mom to Be massage AMAZING!!! I will be making that appointment tomorrow!

Plus now I have a new Mom to celebrate. My Mother in law and soon to be Memere.

So today we headed over to my Mom and Dads for a lunch with both families and had a great time. There was great food….I cant believe I didnt take a picture, and some more gifts.

My Aunt Tamarra got everyone a gerber daisy. I took the smallest one as all the others were taller and I am still a Mom to be!

My mother in law brought us flowers as well! They have a new home on our front step!

And finally there are these bags. The stuffed animal is a gift from Dan’s great Aunt for little Camden and it is very cute! he rest of the things filling the bags were my Mother’s Day gift from Mom.

In the bags are all pool outfits and accessories and an inflatable sun shielded pool for Mr.

Plus some hangers and a backpack full of sunscreen. Clearly this baby will have nothing in his life and want for everything ;).

Overall it was an amazing day and I was so glad to have such a wonderful first Mommy to be Mother’s Day. Which I concluded with a nap on the comfy chair at Mom and Dads. I cannot wait until next year when Camden is here to snuggle and love!

NOTE: This post was going to include childhood pictures of Dan and I with our Mom’s but we unpacked so well when we moved that I have NO idea where the pictures are currently and yet I know we have them!

Wednesday recap on Sunday!

Dan and I had a pretty busy week. This week is looking to be the same, what with my parents being gone on a trip they won from performing well for Harley-Davidson and this week starting my numerous Scentsy Events for the month.

Here is a recap of what went down on Wednesday and I will finish the rest of the week later!

Dan got a new dirt bike which as you can see he loves, I dont really know what that face or pose is about but okay. This led to a very long trip somewhere awful on Friday, but we will get to that.

Wednesday was Family dinner day but it was also time to celebrate 2 very special birthdays!!!

Harry: here he is blowing out the candles on his birthday carrot cake….EW

Im not a fan but thats what the bday boy asked for!

Also it was Mr. Finny’s birthday….Harry loves that Finny was born 2 days before him and they share parties now!

Yes my Grandma’s card spelled Finny wrong and she also called him a piss ant, but that is their relationship…..he actually loves her the most out of anyone and annoys her to no end because of it. For example when she is around he only wants her to take him outside for walks.

Finally I have a Velata event coming up soon and got this…

New warmers, cheese and mixables!!! Velata is a chocolate and cheese fondue line of scentsy, but they have realized its potential and now it is so much more and is a very versatile kitchen tool!!

I am excited for all the events I have coming up to get my name out there and get my business moving!

You can check out Velata here: https://alexandrak.velata.us 

It is super great for kids, parties or anytime. We have it for dessert all the time at family dinner!

Okay off to work!!!

Now for Easter….

Easter Sunday was different this year. My in-laws are visiting my Mother in laws family in the south so they were not here. Instead we just went to my parents house.

I did my nails for the occasion, with some nail stickers I got in last months Birch Box. I think they were perfect for the event.

I also am enjoying my hair and nails thanks prenatal vitamins! My nails usually break easily!

Then I got dressed and did my hair. I am loving my old navy maternity jean jacket and the dress I got at Macys, white with butterflies!

Ignore the creepy stare and the forehead wrinkles!

After that I made my way to Mom and Dad’s to start the holiday. Mom had a $50 Amazon GC and some candy for Dan, Harry and I. My Aunt Kim had this for Baby K, though I don’t eat hard boiled eggs. Still a cute thought and all set for whichever gender the baby is!

This was a rare Holiday that I got to spend time with all 5 of my grandparents, (I had 6 my grandfather passed away).

The happy birthday banner was for Dan, my Grandma and my Aunt (who was not there) as we were still celebrating birthdays!

I went from room to room and took pictures of everyone. You all know Dan in the plaid, my brother giving the thumbs up, Pepere in the blue he was trying to pose quick but I took the picture too fast, and my Papa John in the black. (He is my Memere’s husband)

Grandma Fran (family dinner) talking animatedly with her hands, my Memere across from her and Arlene my Pepere girlfriend next to her.

So this is why I have 5 grandparents, my Dads parents are divorced but my Pepere’s girlfriend and Memere’s husband have been with them since I have been alive, and thus they are my grandparents….thats the way it goes I haven’t known anything different and it works for us.

Finally….

Aunt Kim in the pink pants, Uncle Paul (my dads brother) and Mom watching something very intently. I dont know where Dad was but he was also there.

I was so proud of myself for getting a picture of everyone in attendance and not of just food. Though I will end this post with a photo of our great dinner. Thanks Mom and Dad and Memere for making her famous baked beans!!

I only ate about half of this before I didnt feel good but every bite was worth it!!!!

What did you do for the Easter or Passover Holidays?

Weekend Recap, minus Easter….

This weekend began for me on Sunday as I worked Friday and Saturday but it was still very busy.

Friday was our first really nice day around here it was also Good Friday so no one was working and there was no school. Since we work retail we were open and man was it busy. Friday also started Dan’s Birthday weekend so I gave him his birthday gifts and we had a date night just the two of us.

Dan and the nachos we shared for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. I don’t know who came up with the idea for these but they were so good and would be even better at home…made with your own ingredients. Chips then three flavors. One: Pulled BBQ pork with nacho cheese and onions. The middle section was buffalo chicken nachos with boneless buffalo wings, blue cheese carrots and celery and the last part was regular nachos, chili, cheese and lettuce. They were good! If you read the blog you know I am not a pork fan, but pulled pork is becoming a quick favorite.

I also gave Dan his birthday gift in his Easter basket after all his bday was on Easter.

Please note Finny the photobombers foot to the left. Dan got white t’s, the new Justin Timberlake CD, the new Bio Shock game, gum, trail mix and the whole bottom of the basket is filled with reese’s and twix eggs.

Saturday I was up early not feeling well so I went to my 5k and watched my friends run before I had to head out to work.

This was the group, much larger than last years.

I am in the back to the left behind the lady in the yellow shirt, who is also our friend Lizzy’s mother. We run the race every year in memory of her and it is always great to see and catch up with my college friends!

There was a balloon release in memory of those who have passed and I was the official key holder for all my buddies racing :).

Then the race began and I had a lot of waiting to do. Since it isnt a big race there are not many spectators but I was okay because it was a beautiful day.

The male winner crossed n 21:00 which is amazing as this is a hilly course. Well it was amazing to me because I try not to train hills, but I think I will have to start after Baby K arrives!!!

The first person in our group (who I personally knew) to cross did so in 25 something, so not too shabby!

After that it was off to work where we were having an Easter Egg hunt, Pictures with the Easter Bunny and a Petting Zoo. 200 children showed up! By the time I got there that part was over but it was still super busy! I left work around 3:45pm (we close at 3) and Dan did not get out until after 4:30pm, people were really enjoying the nice weather.

Later Dan and I went and saw some friends at a near by motocross track that they keep up.

The bike in the background is a fullsize dirt bike and the one in the foreground is a minibike. Currently Dan has a mini bike like that one but is buying himself a late bday present and getting a dirt bike. I foresee a lot of time spent down here this summer. For those of you that read the blog and know I live in CT and don’t believe I live in a farm area I hope you do now, especially as you drive next to a farm plot to get to the track.

After that we went to dinner.

These are from the burger place that is about 2 minutes from our house! Buffalo Chicken with Sweet Potato fries for me and The 3 little pigs for Dan with steak fries. Dans burger was a pork, hot and sweet sausage and bacon patty with a fried egg and I think an onion bun. He really enjoyed it!

Later that night we met up with friends and had a great time celebrating Dan.

The next day was Easter….but that is for the next post.

Happy Easter & Happy Birthday Part II…..

If you read my blog you know this time of year I have a cluster of VIP birthdays and I blog about them. First was Grandma, coming up next week is Finny and My Brother Harry. BUT TODAY and Easter Sunday of all days it is the most important birthday, well to me anyway!

Let me get this out of the way before I get sappy!

You know I love me some HK, and I love all my readers. If you celebrate Easter have a wonderful day with family!

Now onto the birthday!!!

28 years ago a little boy was born who would change my life forever. Dan and I met in 2008 and fell in love. We were engaged in 2010, married in 2011, bought a house in 2012, and will now be parents in August 2013.

We have had so many adventures together and done new things.

Mexico 2012…were we were engaged 2 years before!

Our wedding September 24th 2011. The best and happiest day of my life so far!

Honeymoon in Jamaica! One of the most amazing vacations  have ever been on!!

We have so many more adventures coming up:

Hawaii in June FOR FREE  (thanks Scentsy)

Baby K is born in August

The new parent adventure begins.

Honestly there is no one else I would rather share my life with, we may annoy each other from time to time but you are my perfect match!

Enjoy your birthday and Easter, even though you are mad its on your Birthday this year it will still be a great day!

Happy Birthday to….

THIS POST WAS TYPED YESTERDAY BUT MY PICTURE FUNCTION WAS NOT WORKING SO ITS POSTED TODAY!!!

It’s March 30th and that can only mean one thing….the coolest lady in the world was born today! So Happy Birthday to my Grandma/Gma because she is the most fun grandma you could ever have.

A lot of people will tell you that their grandparents are their best friends and they maybe, but my Grandmother really is. I tell her things I don’t tell other people because I know she can keep a secret and because she will not judge me, she is always there to help and support you!

Since the time I was a little girl I have idolized her and she truly is one of my heroes and inspirations in everything I do. If there ever comes a time when I think I cannot do something, I say to myself what would Grandma do and then I find the strength or way to break through a mental block and get it done!

I mean look how cool she is:

Here she is looking cool in Mexico last May and bummed out that there wasn’t any of her favorite after dinner drink in the hotel room for the after dinner party we had. She is one fun Grandma!!!!

This December my Grandfather has been gone for 13 years, I am impressed with Grandma’s strength because I don’t know if I could have done as well as she has after unexpectedly losing my husband.

So like I said my Grandma is a strong, fun lady who is the life of the party and everyone who meets her loves her. She will probably read this and make this face…

But thats okay because we all know I am her favorite anyway ;).

Happy 78th Birthday Grandma I hope it was amazing just like you!

Literally a post all about food!!!

Let me explain first, I have not been out of control eating or anything like that. Not that I don’t get the urge but I don’t do it. I have been really busy or feeling sick lately and so all the pictures I have taken have been of what I have been eating.

When back at work I am a big fan of Geisslers lunch selection. On Tuesday I did not eat dinner because I had this for lunch and man was it amazing!!! By the way Geisslers is a local grocery store. Turkey, Stuffing, Garlic and Herb potatoes and Veggies!!!

On Monday I had gone grocery shopping, I figured it was time as we were running low on basics and Dan has been eating A LOT more veggies in his life. Sorry to back track here. For dinner that night we had this masterpiece.

Veggie lovers bagged salad, (I always go for that kind since it has fresh green beans, cabbage, carrots and more already in there), PLUS you know a salad will be great when you add one enitre baby cucumber to your serving!!! Top with hot rotisserie chicken and parmesan ranch dressing….sometimes I am glad I get an extra 300 calories and get to eat yummy dressings I usually wouldn’t!

Also on my shopping trip I secured these yummies!

{VIA MY TWITTER}

Pear yogurt is so amazing add pomegranate granola and an apple and you have a perfect parfait. I don’t know if I have mentioned this before but….Pears and Mangoes are my favorite fruits!!! (PS- I realize I always mention this).

Finally we come to last night…..FAMILY DINNER BIRTHDAY EDITION!!!

Last night we celebrated Aunt Tamarra’s, My Grandma’s and Dan’s Bdays. Aunt T’s bday was on St. Patrick’s Day and I already did a post for her, but check back Saturday and Sunday for super sappy posts dedicated to them!

So back to dinner. Grandma wanted Hotdogs and beans her favorite food is probably hotdogs! My Aunt Kim (not her birthday by the way) wanted tacos. GRANDMA HATES TACOS!!! But being the cool Grandma she is or G-MA as I call her she made both.

Sorry I had to bite the taco, it was calling my name and man was it delicious!!! Add a half hotdog, maple baked beans and fries PERFECTION!!!!!

For dessert we had red velvet cake from the Cake Boss….who knew they sold those in stores.

Please note the cut out of the cake, my Dad could not wait apparently. He announced to everyone after doing it that since he cut the cake no ones wish would come true! Good thing Dan and Grandmas Bday’s are on Easter Weekend and so we have another shot at making wishes come true!!!!

Saturday I have a race, not sure if I will be clear to run it or not as I have been feeling crappy but I will walk it or go an watch my buddies run it! Then we have Dan’s bday and Easter on Sunday!!

Enjoy your week!!!!!

Business things, taxes and our Irish Holiday!

So yes I am Irish, well both my grandmothers are so part of me is! We had corned beef and cabbage on Wednesday at Family Dinner. Here is a secret I HATE corned beef. So what did we have for dinner yesterday on the day to be Irish in America?!?!?!

Well Chinese Food of course and from our favorite place Sun Sun. If you are local it is worth the drive to South Windsor.

True that wise fortune from a tiny gross cookie……yes I love Chinese food dislike fortune cookies.

Also a big happy birthday yesterday to my Aunt Tamarra!!!! Hope you had a wonderful day and an even better year!

Tamarra and I at Color Me Rad last year….yea we look a little a like.

Today I went back to work for the first time since February 4th it was nice to be back. After work I had to get to work on some Scentsy Business!

I had taken a picture of my setup but for some reason my Iphone is doing this funky thing where it takes the picture but never actually saves it, so instead you get this.

I had to switch over my tester scents and catalogs tonight as the new spring and summer scents and warmers are out.

I also swtiched all the warmers in our house to spring and summery scents. If I do that it will keep the impending snow storm away right?!?!?!

Those are some of the new warmers. The top two have replaceable magnetic windows, so you can switch them for the season/your mood. Click the picture to visit my website.

Finally I started to get everything together for taxes. You see I make great commission selling Scentsy but they don’t take taxes out. So now it is time to shuffle through my records, contracts, gas mileage, etc and find write offs so I dont owe 1,000.00 to the state and government. So I am doing that, finishing the biggest loser finale and heading to bed. Enjoy your night everyone!!!