New Goddaughter

Early Tuesday morning, my new Goddaughter was born. A beautiful baby girl. So healthy. And beautiful! She is just a gem. I was so honored to be in the Delivery Room. To get the chance to Welcome this sweet girl, into the World.

I've spent the last week, completely falling in love. Yes, this little girl has stolen my heart. She's made me totally rethink my life. And everything in it. New life can do that. And that is truly the miracle!

I'm going to spend the next few days, just loving her. And being helpful to the new parents. This is really a time for all of us, to celebrate new life. It's a new beginning for all of us. I'm so glad to be a part of this magical time. Now, it's time for me to go. And cover my new Goddaughter in kisses! :)

XOXO

♥D

New Baby Boy

I just wanted to say Congrats to my dear friend P. She had her adorable baby boy, JJ yesterday. Both momma and baby boy are doing great! And I know that P is just over the moon. A little boy to join her sweet little girl. I can't wait to visit them both! Now I just need to plan a trip home. :)

XOXO

♥D

Another One

In the win column for us. Work has not been the best. Heck, professionally speaking, this year has left a lot to be desired. But ♥D has taught me not to sit and get lost in all that negativity. Tonight, the team pulled it from who knows where. But we can put another one in the win column. Tomorrow for me, it looks up as well. I am looking for good things tomorrow. D

A Goddaughter on the Way

One of the most amazing things in life, are beautiful and healthy babies. I have the honor of having 3 Goddaughters. These are the most beautiful little girls that anyone could have the pleasure of knowing.

My friends asked me a while back to be their baby's Godmother. I was over the moon with excitement. Well, they found out recently that the baby is a girl. She is due in November and I am so excited that I can barely contain it!

They have also asked me to decorate the nursery for them. I did it for their 1st baby. I have been searching on-line for the perfect fabric. But cannot find it. I think I will have to wait to go to the fabric store. But at least I am working on a crochet blanket for the precious baby.

I also need to meet with the Godfather. We need to decide on the baby's middle name. I don't even know the Godfather. And we are literally 1000's of miles apart. Maybe we should try webcams or the phone. It could be easier. And maybe make this go a little quicker.

Nevertheless, I am so excited for November to come. A new baby has a way of putting life back into perspective for me. I can now get lost in ways to spoil the baby that I am already in love with.

XOXO

♥D

Happy Friday!

I am in full party swing here! I got home safely yesterday evening. I picked up my dress for the wedding. To find my worst fear was confirmed. My dress was too big! But C got to work the minute we got to my house. And she fixed it! It took her about 3 hours total. But it is ready for wedding day.

We also made it to dinner at the G's house. That was so much fun! I got to reconnect with friends that I haven't seen in a long while. And I got to spend some much needed time with the itty bitties. I have missed my goddaughters so much! I hadn't realized how much until I was there with them. Congrats to the G's and the T's! Both couples are expecting babies in March 2010. What fun news!

I stayed up real late...or I should say, until early this morning. I got so much done. I cleaned my house from top to bottom. And I got started on the food. I did most of the baking while C was fixing my dress. Then I moved on to decorations and getting all the other "Special Details" in order. We did a lot of shopping before dinner. So we have all of our supplies.

And this morning I got up bright and early. I've been working on all the food. And getting everything in it's place. I hope A likes everything. She is a very important person in my life. And this is an important time in her life. M is on her way to get her stuff set up. She is doing every one's hair and makeup tomorrow. But today, she is doing all of our manicures and pedicures. Bless her soul!

I need to get going though. There is still so much to do. I need to decorate the cupcakes. And get the flowers in their place. The little details need to be completed and I need to finish cooking. And I only have 4 hours before everyone will be here. Have a Happy Friday!

XOXO

♥D

Wedding on the Brain

I am in the air. On my way home to be in my friends' wedding. I am really excited! But also really stressed out. Last night, I should have gotten more stuff accomplished. But I didn't. Oh, well. I can't cry about it now. Life just got in the way. But I have my long list in hand.

I am praying that my dress fits when I pick it up. I am pretty sure that the shoes will fit. Come on. My foot has not grown. But the dress. I am a little worried. Because some of my clothes have been fitting a little loose lately. It's a good thing C is going to be around later. She already said if there needs to be adjustments made, we can do that tonight.

As soon as I land, I have so much to do. I have to pick up my dress and shoes. Then drive over an hour home. I'm hoping the traffic isn't too bad. Once in my town, I need to pick up flowers, go to Hobby Lobby, then the grocery store, Sally Beauty Supply, and Target. Oh, and I am supposed to have dinner at the G Family's house. Woo hoo! I get to see the precious girls! And all my friends. I am really excited to see my goddaughters! :O)

But I kind of feel bad about leaving this week. D has been a little mopey. He is trying to hide it. But hasn't done too good. It has just been a weird week around here. And our friends are going a little crazy. We have been stuck in the middle of all their nonsense. Poor D has to deal with them. At least he is leaving later today for work. It should get a little easier on him.

Maybe the guys and him will have some good "Guy Time" while I'm gone. I know that I am looking forward to some much needed "Girl Time" with my friends. I am sure D is in need of the same, good quality time with his friends. Here's to a good weekend! One that will make our hearts grow fonder!

XOXO

♥D

Not Ready at All!

At some point in my life, I need to learn how to say "NO!" I still haven't learned. That is probably why I am completely stressed out right now. D and I always have schedules that usually hold 48 hours worth of work, and we are supposed to do it in 12 hours. Can you imagine that we each have a schedule like that? But that never seems like enough for myself.

My close friends are getting married on Saturday. So I am heading home. These are friends that I was super close to a few years ago. I am a musician, and there was a group of us that worked pretty much Thursday afternoon through late Sunday night. Each and every week, plus rehearsals and teaching some local kids. We spent so much time together, usually seeing each other every day. And most importantly, we are like family. A group of young adults, on their own, who are like a family. Most of us were in college at the time. Just trying to survive. And really depending on each othere. But the guys were like my big brothers. The kind of guys that I could completely depend on.

When my friends asked me to be in the wedding, I was so thrilled! They have been dating over 10 years. And were engaged about a year and a half ago. I am very excited. I get to see so many of my friends. It has been a while. Most of them have moved away to pursue a career in music. That alone is exciting. And like a crazy person, I have to work until Thursday morning. Then I am leaving in the afternoon.

When I get back home, I still have a HUGE list of things to do. I have to pick up my dress and shoes. And I am hoping the dress shop will still be open when I get into town. If not, I am in so much trouble! Because on Friday, before the rehearsal and all of that, I am hosting a bridal luncheon/bridal shower/get-together/bridal tea/pre-wedding spa day. Yeah, I kinda wonder why I agreed. Not that I don't love my friend, but because I have no time to prepare for it!

I am working all week. And honestly, I have to wait until I get there to shop. I have my list ready. And I have made a bunch of calls to order things or put them on hold for me. But it still has me stressed out! I have a whole vision of what I want this day to be like, but I don't know if I have the time to get it done. And because my house is an hour away from the wedding location and the dress shop, things have to go exactly as planned. I need to pick up my dress and shoes on Thursday because I won't have any time to on Friday. And I have to keep everyone on track on Friday. Because we can't be late to the rehearsal.

So I am keeping my fingers crossed. My list is by my side and all the calls have been made. I am just anxious to be going home. And anxious to see all of my friends. I just hope I have enough time to get everything done and still enjoy the wedding. For now, I need to get back to figuring out the details of my plan.

XOXO

♥D

Good Change of Pace

Today was a good day. Well, at least so far. I had a good workout earlier. The kind that leaves you weak at the end. Where you know that tomorrow you are going to be moving slowly. But I enjoy the soreness after a good workout. It makes me feel like I really did something good. I also feel more energetic! There is something about a good workout that leaves you feeling good. I think it is because of all the sweating you do.

I am also trying to prepare for a party that I am hosting late next week. I can't buy a whole lot of the stuff right now. Because I am flying out to the location where the party will be. And I just can't see myself flying with a bunch of luggage, filled with wedding type decor and gifts. Until then, I am writing out a detailed list of things I need to buy. But I have been making some items for the party. The individual things that make these type of parties so special. I have also been making some bags for the girls. I want to fill them with some fun gifts and things to remember our "Girls' Day."

And I've been planning out the menu. It is going to be a day long, type of pre-wedding day, "Girls' Day." So I am thinking lots of different kinds of finger foods. I haven't decided if I am going to make a bunch of Tapas or just the regular party finger foods. I kind of want to talk to my friend before I make my decision. I would prefer Tapas, but it about the Bride, not me! I am really excited about everything though. It will be a good time for all of us.

Today I am also planning on going through my closet to see if I can get rid of anything around here. We have so much stuff! And I really do need to get rid of some of it. I have a basket of makeup that I really don't use. Some of my friends will really like that. I am also going through my closet to see what clothes I don't really use. I am thinking about donating a bunch of my old bridesmaids' dresses. Some of them are really cute. Like for a young girl going to a school dance. Because as gorgeous as they are, I will never wear them again. My friends have good taste, they are not your "typical" bridesmaids' dresses.

So, I am really busy. But it is the good kind of busy. The kind that makes me feel accomplished when I have finished everything. I need to pack for this weekend and next. Thank goodness we have some help. Because we also have lots of shopping that needs to be done. How can we already be out of shampoo again? And food? But we will get it all done!

XOXO

♥D

My Sister's Birthday

Today is my sister's 38th Birthday! I cannot believe it. She is the youngest of my 3 older sisters. But I still can't believe she is turning 38!

It has been such a long time since I have talked to her. J seems to just be doing her own thing, conquering the world. I am proud of her and her accomplishments. But I was just thinking about her today.

Not that long ago, my Mom and I were talking about when J was born. It was a cute story. And although my Mom was only 19 at the time, she really did love J and tried her hardest to provide the best for J and our brother M. Most of all, Mom just loves J. I think she secretly wishes J would come around more often.

I remember when I was younger and how cool I thought it was to spend time with J. J used to surprise me at school with a quick visit to my class. Always bringing me something cool. She had a VW Bug, a red one with cow print seats covers. We would put the top down and go cruising. It was always so much fun! And we always went to eat at D's. My sister has worked at 3 restaurants...D's, Q's and G's. I would always get so excited to go see her.

But today is about J. I hope she knows how much I love her! Because she has a very special place in my heart. Happy Birthday Jay-Jay!

XOXO

♥D

Cuppy Cake Love

I seriously LOVE me some Cuppy Cakes! They are too cute for words. A small taste of heaven. I get so excited talking about them, that I can barely form words. Much less talk in complete sentences. Cuppy Cakes are perfect little packages!

Whether they are drawn pictures....Walking cupcake people...Crochet cupcakes...Colorful cuppy cakes...Every day cupcakes...

Cuppy cakes in ice cream cones...

Or Birthday Cuppy Cakes...

I seriously have a deep and emotional LOVE for cuppy cakes! And I have spread it over to my nieces and nephews. So much so, that whenever I go to family-get -togethers or parties, they expect cupcakes. I am also known to send them some cupcakes when I am not around. :O)

When I make them for my nieces and nephews, I make a shorter cupcake. Then I load them up with icing. All the way to the sky! The icing is always brightly colored. Sometimes I add some sprinkles or candy. Something to make them special. And more importantly sugary, candy, icing filled bites of heaven!

OK, so they eat the icing and candy, then feed the dog G the actual cake part of the cupcake. Sometimes they will give them to my older brother J to eat. It just depends who is around and how many cupcakes they are "eating."

Today something happened that I did not expect. My nephews J and E called to Thank me for their cupcakes. They were so excited about them. And the Sprinkles! Which my brother J thought they were saying sparklers. Like the kind you light on the 4th of July. No bro...sprinkles. AKA Candy!!! E had 3 and J had 2. My brother ate J's 3rd cupcake!

I am glad they enjoyed them! And I am so glad I have these itty bitties to spoil. One day I know I will regret filling them up with sugar. Imagine what my family is going to feed my kids? But it is nice to be able to share my love of cuppy cakes with the next generation!

XOXO

♥D

Happy 4th of July!!!

Today is a day to not only celebrate our Nation's 233rd Birthday...but to give Thanks to the Men and Women who bravely serve our country. They sacrifice so much to give us so many freedoms. Along with enjoying a family BBQ, fireworks, and the warm weather...don't forget to tell our service men and women...Thank You!

XOXO

♥D and D

She's 16!!!

I still cannot believe today is my niece E's 16th birthday! It completely shocks me to my core. And makes me feel like I am 100 years old! I was just 10 years old when she was born. And it seems like yesterday. My parents and I had decided to go to the cabin for the 4th of July. My grandparents lived across the street. A dirt road actually. Early in the morning, my grandma came to tell us that E had been born. It was a girl! S had a new little sister. We were so excited. It would be a few days before we got to meet the newest addition to our family. E would remain close to us, all these years later. Going to the cabin and claiming her very own bedroom.

The memories I have of E are all too hilarious! Her first visit to the cabin left E sleeping in a dresser drawer. We pulled the drawer out, emptied it, placed a few blankets inside, and she slept soundly through the night. Her first Christmas, her family came to visit us at the cabin. She wanted to see the snow falling. All at once, she knocked S (her older sister, 2 and 1/2 at the time) off the small step stool and into the Christmas tree. All you saw was the tree fall down, S hit the floor crying, and E proudly perched on the stool looking out the window.

A few years later, we took E and her younger sister N to the mountains for a few days. It was summer time. My mom and I decided to bake cookies with the girls. At the time they were maybe 3 and 4. We were going to make peanut butter cookies and M&M cookies. Immediately the girls were fighting about who was going to make what. E had already chosen to help my mom. My mom was making the peanut butter cookies. E was not happy at all! N was so excited to be baking with the mini M&Ms. My mom tried to show E that you get to make designs with a fork for the peanut butter cookies. She was not having it! Not even when my mom showed her how to dunk the warm cookies in sugar.

After the baking was done, and we had had dinner, the girls proudly gave grandpa a taste of their treasured cookies. We all tasted both kinds. Everyone seemed happy. They went to bed quite happy that night. Only for me to find N sitting outside their shared bedroom crying. E had thrown her out. I picked up N and took her to my room for the night. E was all too happy to have the bed to herself! :O)

I think about the things she did as a kid. They still make me smile. How many times did she button the top button of my Dad's shirt? I always remember her sitting at the kitchen table working hard at her homework. And that proud day she graduated from the 8th grade with honors.

Her life has not been easy. She had a tough start to life. At one point, we didn't think she would see her 1st birthday. E spent so much time in the PICU. She struggled with an illness for years. Her parents separation, and the fight over her and her sisters. Which ultimately ended in the separation of sisters. It has been a tough road. One in which she has overcome so very much! I am so proud of E. She is now a slimmer version of herself, much healthier I might add. She is in high school, and on the Honor Roll. E even works at a hospital. I am so very proud of the young woman that she is becoming. Now we just need to schedule a "Girls Day" to celebrate 16 wonderful years!

XOXO
♥D