Things I've been up too...

It's been a busy month with the birth of my daughter, cookie exchanges and just finding time and energy to do things that I love. But last Sunday I attended a cookie exchange with a few friends (about 25 of them). Lisa was so nice to host this cookie exchange at her house. After slave in the kitchen for two days (yes it took me two days, with an newborn at home and tons of phone calls I finally got my cookies done). Tim was very pleased with all the cookies I brought home. 100 cookies or so, plus the two dozen I made for him. After sampling all the cookies I decided that my favorite cookies were the Chocolate Chip Meringues and Gooey Butter Cookies. Tonight I made the Chocolate Chip Meringues. Here is the Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 egg whites
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and set aside.

In large metal or glass bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until they hold stiff peaks. Mix in the vanilla and cocoa on low speed, then fold in chocolate chips by hand. Drop small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.

Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven. Turn off oven, and leave the cookies in the oven for 1-2 more hours, or until centers are dry. Remove from pan and store in an airtight container.

Other things that I've been up to while out on maternity... taking care of Annabelle, sleeping a few hours here and there, playing with the baby and when I have time baking. I can't do all my baking without inspiration. I must say that I love google reader. Google reader holds all the blogs that I'm interested in reading in one location, no more bookmarking. Thank you google reader for making my life easy. If you have time to check some cooking blogs, check out Vintage Victual. The blogger is having a give way of some yummy mixes. I wish I had time to blog about my food experiences, but with Miss Annabelle and then starting back to work in a few short weeks, I just don't have time.

Annabelle Renee has arrived...

Sorry this post has taken forever to add, but I've been a very busy mom. Annabelle Renee arrived seven weeks early on October 7, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. weighing 4lbs and 10 oz and 18.5 inches long. Here's the birth story for those that are interested. I woke up on the sixth feeling not right. The day before I received my annual flu shot and I thought maybe the flu shot was making me feel awful. I went to work, feeling quite large and had a feeling that my blood pressure was on the rise. I had my 33 week check up later that day. I was so surprised when the doctor confirmed that I gained 20lbs in two weeks and my blood pressure had skyrocketed. She sent me to the hospital for some testing. She wanted to make sure the baby was okay. I was really upset, being that this was the first appointment that Tim had missed the entire time. I left the doctors office very upset, headed downstairs, finding my coworker (she works in the same office building that my doctor is located in). I started to cry because I was scared. She told me not to worry that she would take me to the hospital. She called the shuttle, but unbeknowest to me, she was having Franklin Square Security pick me and her up and taking us to the Women's Pavilion. I first called Tim and I told him to high tail it to the hospital and secondly I called the dentist office to cancel my appointment.

I arrived at the hospital thinking that I was only getting some blood work and another ultrasound. They decided to admit me due to my weight gain and high blood pressure. My doctor arrived an hour later to assure me that I was in good hands, but they needed to induce me, so I was having this baby in the next two days. I was so scared because I knew that she was too early and that she would be on the small side.

I was admitted at 4:30 p.m. and the doctors started to administer magnesium sulfate to get my blood pressure back on the positive side. I was not ready to have this baby, I didn't have my bags packed, nor did I have a baby book. So thanks to my aunt Linda for picking up clothes for Tim and I and my sister-in-law Rena for coming all the way to the hospital from Anne Arundel County with four or five different baby books. We settled in for the night for a long night of testing and hardly any sleeping. Around 2:00 a.m. I felt some leakage down below and I told the nurse that something was happening. At first she didn't believe me, but later it was confirmed by the house OB's that my water did break. Contractions started a little later and I keep asking for drugs, but I never received any. I didn't realize until a few days later that because of the magnesium sulfate I was unable to receive any good drugs. I did receive an epidural around 9:00 a.m. and I was told to get some rest. Okay, yeah okay, I'll try and rest. I happen to feel one side effect with the epi and that was that my entire body was itching. Tim keep commenting not to scratch my eyelids. Around 3:30 p.m. I thought the epi was wearing off, but I think that was just my body telling me that it was ready for this baby. I progressed pretty fast with pitocin that at 4:oo p.m. I was 100% dilated and ready to push. I thought for sure I was going to have this baby without my doctor (the hospital was so busy) that my nurse told me not to worry that she could deliver Annabelle if Dr. Hesse was not available. Annabelle arrived 30 minutes later with a ton of hair and healthy scream. But because she arrived so early, she was whisk away to the NICU.

She sent 12 days in the NICU, causing havoc to the entire NICU Staff. She drove them crazy because she was so feisty, but because she was feisty, I feel that this brought her home a little early.

Annabelle is currently one month and 2 weeks old and is up to 7lbs. She is still feisty and has her days and nights mixed up, but we still love her, even if we are getting about four hours a sleep a night.

Family Pictures

Check out some of the new family pictures we took!! Can you tell we are ready for FOOTBALL!
Also if you've been following, I'm currently 30 weeks along. Only a short 10 weeks to go until we finally get to meet our baby girl.

New Vehicle!

After many months of going back and forth about what to purchase, we finally made a decision. Yesterday we finally got the chance to purchase a new family vehicle. Last month we visited Heritage Honda in Parkville to look at the Honda Pilots, we also checked out Jones Junction, but we found that they didn't have any 2009 Toyota Highlander. We had to drive all the way to Laurel to test drive the Highlander at the Carmax. We weren't very impressed with either Carmax or the Highlander period. Unlike the Pilot the Highlander didn't have a second row bench seat, but this tiny seat that obviously no one will want to sit in. Plus the Highlander was more expensive.

Yesterday morning we started earlier and went Norris Honda in Dundalk to find out that they didn't have any 2010 Honda Pilots and they weren't expecting to get any until mid-October, so we decided to head to Heritage Honda. We arrived around 9:30 and didn't leave there until about noon with a new Charcoal Pilot. It's pretty awesome with tons of room, which we needed with two big 75lb dogs and a little girl on the way, and yes I like being up higher too. I will miss my civic though. She will be with us for another few weeks and then she being sent on her way. My Dad will be taking her.

Check out some of the pictures we took of the new Honda.

What a busy week!

This week has been awful busy and long for Tim and I. On Sunday night we had dinner with AJ and Michelle in White Marsh at Kobe's Japanese Steakhouse. This place is very similar to Sakura's. I'm really not sure there was much difference. Other then maybe the price. Last Christmas I won a gift card for Kobe's and yes finally I used it in August. Michelle and AJ also got some great news that they will be excepting a baby girl in January. Both Michelle and I are super excited because our little girls will have playmates. Actually Michelle has tons of friends who just just had babies, so I'm sure her little one can even find a few boyfriends down the road. By Monday evening my feet were so swollen from being on my feet to much. Last weekend, we attended a 30Th Surprise Birthday party for Ricky Smith (Stacy- his wife did an awesome job of completely surprising him). Earlier Saturday Aunt Linda and I took a shopping trip to Babiesrus. I promise you that I didn't buy a single thing for Baby A. Sunday I meet up with my mom and her and I went to Babiesrus in Towson, so she could shop for her first grandchild. By Sunday evening my feet were so swollen, that I was hoping people would not notice.

Monday was a rest day for us, other then working. Tuesday we had our 28 week appointment, were I got great news. I passed my 1-hour glucose test and my placenta has corrected itself. We also found out that I'm anemic, so I've been taking iron pills on top of my prenatal. We also are now seeing the doctor every 3 weeks instead of every 4 weeks.

Wednesday Tim and I toured the maternity ward and were happy to see that we aren't the only one pregnant. The highlight of Tim's night was when 11 couples, that would be 5 pregnant women almost got stuck in a tiny elevator. I was slowly freaking out, but we were lucky enough that the elevator came back down to the main floor and opened. Thank you Lord!

Last night Tim and I are had our first Child birthing class. We both enjoyed the class. Tim learned some massage techniques and I learned some new breathing techniques as well. We have homework for next week. To bring in a sonogram pictures of the baby (which will become our focal point during active labor), we were also asked to put plastic trash bags on all seats in our vehicle, just in case my water breaks in the car. I officially have 11 weeks to go until baby A's due date.

This weekend we have a pretty relaxed weekend in store. We have our first interview with a pedi and then we are running errands and hopefully hanging out with friends. I may even surprise Tim with a few baked dishes. I just gotta find something that looks good.

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day Weekend.

Pictures of the Nursery

Please note that the nursery is still a work in progress, but here's a few pictures of what Tim and I have accomplished so far. In the first picture, you'll see the crib with the bedding "Angelica" that we purchased from Babies r us. In the second picture you'll see the new curtains and valance with the 30 year old rocking chair that my parents rocked me in when I was a baby. We also added four white shelves in the room, just to place nic nacs. And no those dinosaurs won't be staying there. They have been put up there, because Josie and Roscoe think those toys are for them.

In the third picture, you'll see the changing table from JCPenny's and the "Miracles come in small packages" decal that I ordered from www.etsy.com. And the last picture is really Tim's handy work at it's best. The baby's room is a tad bit bigger then our full bathroom. He has a very big closet. As one of my friends said "She'll need all that closet space for all the cute little outfits she'll be wearing". Anyway, Tim added the closet orangizer. I'm so proud of him for working so hard on the room. We have a few extra things to add to the room, like the baby's name that will be hanging and a few pictures and decals too.

The Prime Rib

On Friday night Tim and I went to dinner with Jen and Dan at the Prime Rib in Baltimore (Mt. Vernon area of town). After reading several reviews online and checking out the Baltimore Restaurant week menu, we decided to try the Prime Rib. If your not aware of BRW, twice a year once in the summer and once in the winter Baltimore restaurant host a week of economy friendly meals to the general public. The first year, Tim and I started checking out BRW, there was only about 30 or so restaurant participating, but now there is over 80 restaurants. For lunch you can purchase a 3 course meal for $20.09 and for dinner a three course meal for $30.09.

So on Friday night we arrived at the Prime Rib and decided to have our vehicle valet parked (because there was no street parking in the area and no parking garage in site). We arrived about 20 minutes early and waited in the Bar for Jen and Dan. I wore a skirt and a cute top and Tim dress pants and a button down shirt. Usually this place requires jackets. Well once we arrived, we noticed that the wait staff was wearing tuxes and the men and women were dressed to a T. Um, yeah do you feel under dressed. By the time dinner was over with a younger crowded was in full swing of the place. Tim ordered house salad, the prime rib and creme brulee, I ordered Caesar salad, filet and creme brulee. Jen ordered house salad, salmon and creme brulee and Dan got Caesar salad, prime rib and Key Lime Cheesecake. Yum. We had a great time talking and enjoying ourselves. I think next year, we are going to just check out a place with less of dress code.

It's a girl!!

Or at least that's what the tech told us. We have an appointment tomorrow with our doctor to go over the results of our ultrasound and to go over my blood lab results too. We are just hoping for some healthy feedback. Tim was super excited to see "our little monkey" move all over the place. She was just to cute. We can't wait to meet her in November. Here are some pictures that the tech gave us.

Vacation Review part 3- Zion Canyon

After having two wonderful days at the Grand Canyon we headed North to Zion Canyon. We left the Grand Canyon Village, and headed north along the scenic highway. Right before we were leaving the park, I said to Tim. "You know we haven't seen any large animals, just squirrels and rabbits!". Well out of the blue walk these two huge elk. I'm not sure if you've ever seen Elk before, but they were huge. I'm kind of sad, because we didn't have any time to grab our camera's to take some shots. We stopped at a few smaller overlooks before exiting the south rim. One was an old Watch tower and the just another overlook to check out the canyon.

We drove for about 4 hours, through the Indian Reservation until we came to Lake Powell. I thought for sure, we had gone back into time, because it was dry, hot and there was nothing there. Here are some pictures that we took on the road. The first shot is of the road and the emptiness and the second shot is us driving into the mountain (well it looks like it).


We finally arrived at Zion Canyon around 4 p.m. and I was just taken away by the beautiful of this national park. We had to drive through the park, which took us awhile, because we got stuck behind a tour bus and it was driving quite slow. We finally arrived at our hotel the Driftwood Lodge. The second day we decided to take the shuttle into the park, where we stopped at almost every stop before heading in for the night. The best stops of the second day was the Middle and Upper Emerald pools, the weeping rock and Angels Landing, which we didn't attempt, because I was pregnant. Here are a few shots of the Emerald pools and the weeping Rock.

The first set of pictures are from the Emerald pools. Now you must understand there was three trails you could take to all three pools. Tim decided to take the trail to the middle pool and once we left there, he wanted to go to the upper pool. It had to be the hottest day on record at the park, because I roasted and drink almost a one liter of water just that day. Obviously very good for the baby and me, but I did complain a ton and I'm just graceful that Tim didn't kill me.





The second half of the day we spent check out the weeping rock and some other parts of the park. Here is the weeping rock, in these pictures you can't really see the water seeping from the rocks, but it's there. It was a nice relief from the hot weather to just walk under the water.



The last day at the park we decided to take the trail to the Narrows. Again if was so overcast and I wasn't pregnant, we would of different hiked the Narrows. The trail starts off on a paved walk way and ends up walking in the River. The morning we went out there, the water temperature was 45 degrees, just a tad chilly and the forecast was calling for a chance of rain. There was no way we could hike the narrows with the chance of flash flooding. But I did take some pictures of Tim braving the cold water, crossing the narrows and walk almost until I couldn't see him again. I wasn't sure if he decided to go without me or what. The first picture is us walking on the paved trail to the river. Check out the nice rock hanging over. The second picture is of Tim in the river and then third picture is of me in the river.



The last picture is of a deer we spotted on the way back to the shuttle bus. As we were exiting the park heading toward Bryce Canyon, we decided to take one last shot of Zion. We had a great time in Zion and definitely can't wait to return with our children one day.

Vacation Review part 2- The Grand Canyon

Wow, I'm sorry I've been consumed with this pregnancy, daycare searches and reading. Anyway, I've finally decided that I just need to write the review for the second part of our trip.

Before leaving Vegas, we had to return to Rental Car place to pick up a new car because the first one we received was awful. It would not start up on the first try, so obviously there was no way, we wanted to drive that thing into the desert.

We left Vegas around 10:30 a.m. and headed toward the Hoover Dam. About 4.5 years ago Tim and I visited the Hoover Dam with Heather and Milt. It was my first time then and they had just started construction on a new bridge. Well 4.5 years later the bridge has almost been completed. It was pretty awesome to check out. Here are a few pictures!



After leaving the Hoover Dam we traveled about four and half hours until we reached the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We decided to check out one of the overlooks before heading to our room. Here is the first picture of the Grand Canyon that I saw. Breath taking is really an understatement.




We decided to go check into our room, which was a one room cabin at the Maswik Lodge. The cabin supplied us with two beds, a tv, a bathroom and a desk. We were happy to find that this place only cost us $90.00 a night plus taxes. We decided to head to Hermits Road for a few hours of sightseeing. We hiked about mile and half before catching the shuttle for the remaining of the stops. Here are a few pictures of us pictures of on Hermits Road.



The second day of our stay at the Grand Canyon we decided to hike down into the Grand Canyon. We hiked about 45 minutes down into the Canyon and it took us about an hour and fifteen minutes to get back. You have to understand I was about 13 weeks pregnant at the time, so I did struggle getting back up. I had to take breaks ever 10 minutes. Along the way we ran into two donkey tours that were heading to the bottom. Check out this picture to see how close we were to the donkey's.


To be continued...

Furniture Check!

Tim and I have finally picked out the baby's furniture. We ordered the crib, dresser/changer, conversion rails and mattress from JcPenny's last Friday morning. This afternoon Tim got a call from the Freight company that the Furniture is ready for delivery. It's all working out perfectly, because it's being delivered July 3rd, and both of us have off. Here's a few pictures of the crib and dresser/changer!

Note: Bedding is not what we are using. We haven't decided on bedding yet, waiting to find out the sex.

FYI-Jcpenny's is awesome about price matching. I bought the items last week, via telephone because the day before the prices were current with the catalog I had, but the day I ordered it, they were back to the original price. Well yesterday, while looking for the link, I noticed that the prices were even cheaper, so I called and they will be crediting my card.

We have a date!

Yesterday I had my 16 week appointment with my OB. I can't believe that I'm almost at the half way point of this pregnancy. It just seems like yesterday that we found out that we were having a baby. I loved the appointment yesterday, it was easy, just some gel on the belly and we got to hear the baby's heartbeat, which was 140 bpm. At our 12 week appointment the heartbeat was 150 bpm. I decided to ask the doctor about the lower heart rate and she said, there is nothing to worry about the baby is doing well and your doing all the right things. I only gained one pound since my last appointment and my urine test came back negative, which I was praised for, because it sounded like I was the only person all day with clean urine. Haha! I know the little things that make us happy. I was given paperwork to have more blood drawn. I hate it, but you gotta do it. We also finally got our referral to have the big ultrasound done to found out the sex of the baby. This will be the first picture of baby S that we've seen. Tim and I are both excited to finally find out. I know he is hoping boy and I'm hoping girl. We have names picked out too. Our U/S is scheduled for Monday, June 29th at 4:00. Wish me luck, I'll have to consumer 24 oz of water at least one hour before my appointment and I can't empty my bladder. This will be a challenge, because most of the time I have to go within 30 minutes. Check back on June 30th to found out the results.

Our vacation review!

We arrived in Vegas around 9:50 a.m. (mountain time) and then preceded to baggage claim and then onward to the car rental location (which is off site from the airport). We spent another hour in line at Avis. Seriously why do company thinks it's okay only to have 3 people working the front desk when there are 20 people standing in line. And we aren't talking about just a 5 minutes talking deal, we are talking about 10 or 15 minutes to get all the paperwork in order. So after waiting for close to an hour (calling Heather/Milt about us arriving, telling them we may be longer. blah blah, we finally got the car, which was a four door Hyundai (piece of crap). We arrived at Harrah's were I was happy to find out that we could check in early. Yeah thank you! We unloaded and then called H/M to tell them we were in the Casino. The first part of Saturday we spent in the casino playing on the slot machines. Saturday evening we meet Chris and Shelly at the Stratosphere for dinner at Top of the World. Awesome view we had of Las Vegas, but the restaurant made me a little uneasy ( I think it was just because I'm pregnant and all). Later that evening we went up to the observation deck to take some pictures (which I promise that I will upload tonight). After dinner and observation deck Tim and I headed back to our room (because it was about 1 a.m. Maryland time.

Sunday we meet everyone up at Ihop for breakfast at 10:00 a.m. which was so late (remember I'm still on East coast time, but I treated myself and the baby to Starbucks coffee that morning! Shh don't tell anyone!). Then after breakfast we headed south first to Treasure Island to pick up our tickets for Sunday's show, then onward to Harrah's to meet up with H/M. C/S decided not to ride with us back through the speed bumps, so they got out of the car and headed to Cesar's Forum shops! We walked the strip (which was so freaking hot! 105 or more!).

Around 4ish we all split from C/S and headed back to the hotel. H/M decided to have dinner with us at Toby's bar and grill in Harrah's. I ordered a hamburger, which was yummy and Tim drank out of a mason jar, which we have a picture of. H/M and us went our separate ways after dinner. We went back to our rooms to get ready for the Cirque show, which was awesome. Although I'm kind of sad that I had to miss part of the show (Okay only 5 minutes because I had to get up to go the bathroom. Thank you baby, oh I should of never drank that much water at Toby's. Oops! After the show Tim and I headed back to Harrah's by then I was exhausted. I went to bed at 9:30, sad I know. Miss C/S call, which I'm sorry about.

On Monday morning Tim and I had to run back to the airport car rental place to exchange our car for something else, because there was no way in hell we would be driving a car that would not start up on the first try to the desert.

Okay, this is the first part of my trip review. I promise to update the rest of my story later. I'll send you the link to my blog. That's where I plan to update the rest of the story at.

We're having a baby! (and a few other changes to my list)

Most of you already know that Tim and I are having a baby, but I'm finally getting around to updating my blog. Tim and I found out on March 14, 2009 that we were expecting. Obviously the day I found out, I thought for sure that my period must be late, so I decide to take a pregnancy test. Wow was I surprised. Obviously Baby S wasn't planned, but we are so thrilled, scared, nervous, excited about bringing a child into this world. At first I was shocked and parts of me are still shocked, but after our first OB appointment on Tuesday, it's finally setting in that, yes we are going to be parents.

Tuesday Tim and I got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. What an amazing experience. Although at first our little one gave Mommy and Daddy a huge scare. The doctor couldn't find the heartbeat (I was slowly freaking out), but after reassurance from the doctor that this is normal (okay whatever you say doc!). After preforming my exam, the doctor decided let's try again and bam instantly she found the heartbeat. 150 bpm! Our next appointment is scheduled for June 9, where again we will get to hear the heartbeat.

Currently I'm 12 weeks along, so I still debating if I will create a separate family blog to update my family and friends with baby news. Please ignore my face!

As most of you know by viewing my blog... I have completed a fair amount of items on my list. Although some are never going to be accomplished in the next 9 or so months. I have decided to change a few (because well I'm allowed to do that!)

First change #85 Plan European Vacation will now be "Plan our next vacation".

Second change #86 Go on said trip to Europe will now be "Take that vacation"

Third change #101 Get pregnant in London can't happen because we got pregnant at home! LOL

Most of you know that Tim turned 30 on May 8, 2009. Months prior to his Birthday I had keep asking him what he wanted for his Birthday and all I got was just a party. So on May 2, 2009 we hosted a huge party at our house with tons of friends & family. We had tons of food and fun. I really wanted to do something special for him, so I contacted Holly our friend and ask her to make Tim a Birthday cake. I also asked Holly to make Brian a cake too (because he was also turning old. Kidding!). So here are the cakes that Holly made. Tim had a red velvet Redskin cake and Brian peanut chocolate beer mug cake. Both was delicious!

Tower Restaurant in Bel Air

Last night Tim and I meet up with Keith and Ashley and had dinner at the Tower Restaurant in Bel Air. At first we had decided to meet up on Sunday afternoon for lunch at Duclaw's but decided around 10:00 a.m that we should push it back to dinner. So DuClaw's was scraped and Tower was chosen. After record setting temperatures of 92 degrees I was looking forward to a nice air condition restaurant. We meet up Tower at 6:30 and decided to eat outside (what no A/C?). Although the sun was setting it wasn't a bad choice and we really enjoyed our time outdoors with a nice cross wind. So we decided to order an appetizer to share (Crab meat and onion spring dip) which was so disappointing. A thin layer of dip not enough for four hungry individuals. We ordered dinner and our salads arrived. Which was good and nice surprise to have bread with our meal. Our entrees arrived. Tim and Ashley ordered Calamari Linguine, Keith ordered Shrimp Marinara and myself I ordered Chicken Alfredo. I believe everyone was pleased with their order except me. The chicken was so awful (no flavor and so dry) and the sauce wasn't really all that. And after we left I was upset at myself for forgetting the 10% off discount that I had clipped in the paper. Ugh. We could of saved $7.00. All in all I don't think we will be returning to the Tower.

Another one checked off!

I was just looking over my blog and noticed that I really don't have that much more to check off my blog. Some of my items aren't going to be finished before March 2010, because we just don't have the time or the money to fly to California or Europe. Our big trip to Europe was canceled due to the bad economy and our money situation. We have planned another state side vacation for the 2009 year. We are heading to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon and finally Salt Lake City mid May. Along the way, we plan on seeing Chris/Shelly and Heather/Milt. Chris and Shelly are hoping to meet us in Vegas for a nice weekend of gambling and eating. And at the tail end of our trip we plan on visiting the Gale Family.

Anyway, onto my checked off item. This past Thursday, Tim, Linda and I headed to South Carolina for a little family time. We left around 7:50 a.m. on Thursday morning, hitting a little bit of Ft. Meade traffic and Washington DC traffic too. We stopped oh about 5 times (or so, I kind of lost count after the fourth time. We arrived in Greer, SC around 5:15 p.m. Thursday evening we ate dinner with Sandra and Bill and then stayed up pretty late. Friday we headed to Piedmont, SC to visit some family on my grandfather's side of the family. I'm sure you know that my grandfather was one of thirteen children. All of the children are gone now, but their children's children live on. I met some family that I've never seen before. It was nice to see that everyone was doing so well. Saturday morning Tim and I headed down to Greenville, SC to the Beedy River Park. We had visited this park oh 4 years ago, on our last trip to SC, but we were pleasantly surprised to see that the park had grown and new shops had sprung up. We headed north after our short stroll around the park to the Town of Greer. It's tiny, with only about a 1/2 mile of actual shops. We then headed back to Bill and Sandra's house for some reading time in the hammock, were I proceeded to fall asleep. To bad it was only short lived. We headed to my cousin Ryan's house for lunch. At lunch we got to see more family and meet my 4th cousin, Carter, who is only 2 1/2. Cutest little boy and loves to show off for the ladies. Watch out David! Later on that evening we headed over to David's house for a tour of his house, which he is trying to sale. If your in the market, please send me an email. It's this beautiful house on 2 acres of land with tons of growth. To bad we don't live in SC or I might consider.

Later in the evening we headed to LGT (Little Greenville Theater) for a show. My cousin Ryan was part of the play "Leading Lady's". Great show and tons of laughs. I'm going to say this again, Ryan you make a awful pretty lady. LOL!

Sunday Tim and I drove ourselves along with Linda and Sandra to Charlotte, NC so we could catch our flight home to Baltimore. Linda is spending the rest of this week down in SC. I'm jealous, because I want to be on vacation, but alas, we must come back home and go to work. All in all we had a great trip. But don't worry folks in about a month or so we will be heading West for our 10 day vacation.

I may have a few pictures to add to this post, once I find my camera and upload them to the computer.

St. Michaels Review

Tim and I arrived in St. Michael's around 4:30 on Friday afternoon. Only a short hour and half day from Anne Arundel County. We stayed at the George Brooks House on the outskirts of St. Michael's. Our room was incredible, King size bed, with a two person jacuzzi tub right off of the pool and hot tub (although being that it was the off season, no swimming for us.) Each morning we were served this incredible breakfast. Both the owner and the employees were wonderful. Recommended several restaurant's to check out as well.

Friday we decided to have dinner at Town Dock. This place is a high hit with the locals. Every Friday night they have a Seafood Buffet. We decided to do the 3 course meal for $24.99. Our meals included crab bisque, flounder topped with crab imperial and raspberry cheesecake. Tim got crab bisque, salmon and raspberry cheesecake.

After dinner we decided to walk around to burn off the calories. Although by then the all of the shops were closed.

Saturday morning we checked out the Maritime Museum which I highly recommend. Definitely recommend going early. We were able to get a private tour of the boat house (where we got to witness volunteers helping with this years boat project.) Must check out the lighthouse and playing on the Chesapeake Bay building.

After the museum we checked out the St. Michael's winery, which again I have to say arrive early. The winery doesn't open until noon on Saturday's. There we go to taste several flights of wine and some local cheeses. My favorite was the Golleywobbler Red and Tim loved the "Island Belle".

Afterward we did a little bit of window shopping and had a late lunch at Ava's pizza and wine bar. Very yummy and I highly recommend grabbing some pizza and a game at this cute bar.

All in all we had a great time in St. Michael's. I definitely say check it out if you have a few hours to spare.

A wine-o weekend!

Last weekend we spent most of the day drinking wine with 10 of our closest friends. Back in October I had bid on a few items during the Shoppawlosa that the MD SPCA holds every year. Last year I won a few gift card and the private wine tasting for myself and eleven of my friends at Woodhall Winery in Parkton. The twelve of us decided to rent a limo and enjoy our time at Woodhall. We prepared a beautiful arrangement of fine cheeses, bread, fruit and sampled some awesome wine. After the wine tasting all ten of us rode back to Abingdon, although we did make a pit stop at Wine World.

I'm sure Wine World has shocked to see this big limo pull up outside and several people jump out. Every weekend (Friday-Saturday) Wine World has wine/beer tasting. One of my items was to participate in a wine tasting with Lauren. We did accomplish this on Saturday, along with the entire limo. LOL!

The rest of our weekend is as followed. After arriving home, limo departed (we were quite sad that they day was almost over), we proceeded to entertain our friends. Although the main reason for them to stay over was to sober up, that didn't happen. Okay, I didn't sober up. I'm sure at least one in every party did sober up because they all left.

Sunday Tim and I headed down to Mother's in Federal Hill to meet up with Jay, Lauren, Jen T. and Dan for their bi-annual PJ Brunch. We had a great time. We saw some interesting PJ's. My favorite was Jay's robe (which was really Lauren's robe), he definitely pulled it off.

The rest of Sunday was spent laying in bed. Yes, you read me correctly, we can't party all night along and then get up early for brunch and still have enough energy to function for the rest of the day.

Both Tim and I had off on Monday, so I visited with my Mom, while Tim stayed home and cleaned the house (okay he really didn't do this, but I asked him too) and read, relaxed, and watched TV. All in all it was a great weekend.

Weekend Review!

This past weekend Tim and I busied ourselves in home improvement projects. We have been in our house for almost three years and for those three years I have been staring at white walls. So after many months of checking out colors, we finally decided to paint the largest room in the house. The LIVING ROOM! We cleaned out the room last Monday and taped as well. We bought our paint on Wednesday from Lowe's. We ended up going with Churchill Hotel Bronze from Valspar. We also recruited three additional painters to tackle the large job. We started around 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and was finished by 12:30. I have to say we make an awesome team. Thank you Lauren, Mom and Dad for all the help. After pizza and coke was served our three painters left. Tim and I took about an 2 hours nap and then started back painting later that evening. By 8 p.m. I was done. Sunday morning Tim woke up early to do some last minute touch ups. We finally got the room back into working order around 4 p.m.

We enjoyed the room for a few hours and then headed down to Baltimore for dinner with Lauren and Jay. This week in Baltimore is Restaurant week. There are 90 restaurants in the area that are participating. Lunch is $20.09 and a three course dinner starts at $30.09. Last night we decided to try out Pazo which is a Tapas restaurant. We arrived right on time after trying to find a street that map quest swears is a road, when in reality it's a alley way. Thank goodness Tim knows the area, or we would of been lost. The food was plentiful until the main course came. I think I made out with my shrimp. Tim and Lauren's steak was on the same side and poor Jay only received one piece of sausage. All in all it was a good evening to enjoy this experience with friends. Wine and drinks were flowing and the waiter it was just to cute for words. Although I'm still trying to figure out what exactly he was talking about re: dancing.

Later on this week Tim and I are heading to Blue Sea Grill in Baltimore with our friends AJ and Michelle. I'll update my blog with our experience on the last restaurant of choice.

In our family news we just got word from Norma and Mike that Tim's cousin Ryan is getting married November 7 in St. Louis. Congratulations to him and his fiancee Stephanie.

I hope everyone has a great week.

50 Books in a Year

Are you up for the Challenge? Do you think you have what it takes to read 50 books in a year? That's 50 books in 365 days? I know it sounds like a lot, but if this slow poke can read or at least think she can read, anyone can.

I started obviously on January 1 ,2009 and I have successful finished reading one book last night. If you would like to participate, please let me know and I can forward you the spreadsheet that I am using to keep track.

Happy New Year and good luck reading.

102-Complete & Happy New Year

So I challenged myself to go without Starbucks for one entire month. It was hard for me, because I really crave that stuff. For Christmas I received two gift cards for Starbucks. It was hard not to run off to Starbucks the day I received them. Although I do have to admit that I have used my gifts twice over the weekend.

I'm still going to try and stick to no Starbucks after I use the gift cards up. I want to say I have $23.00 left. Oh and the husband is helping as well.

I know every year people make New Years Resolutions and I feel like by middle January I have already failed. So I am not making any this year. I just decided to work other things through out the year.

These are the things I would like to accomplish this year in no particular order:

1. Get Pregnant
2. Loss weight
3. Maintain a workout routine.
4. Spend more time with Tim.
5. Take more photos.