.changes.

So our lives have been hectic and crazy, but hey everybody's is like that right?! Well in the next 6 weeks I will be cramming for finals and Graduating. Craziness. Finally I'm graduating. I've been waiting for this day for a LONG time. My fault completely that it has taken me this long but OH WELL. At least I did it. And thank God I had the help of my family because without them I wouldn't have been able to finish. I'm sure they're just as happy as I am that I'm graduating so they don't have to be on "watching Elle speed dial" anymore. :) haha. We are also moving at the end of May. What a horrible time to move but our lease is up and we have no other option. I'm excited to get out of this house though. We need something bigger. :P


I took some random pictures of Elle today to show you guys just how much she's changing every single day. It's kind of scary actually. She's forming sentences and being able to distinguish numbers and colors and I think maybe she's grasping the peeing in the potty concept now so hopefully I'll get that conquered soon.
She can name almost all of her flash cards and she is a crazy song memorizer. She can sing more songs then any other child I know. We sing this song every night before she goes to bed. It's an italian lullaby called "Nee Na Na". Actually I'm not quite sure if that's the real name but that's what we've called it since I was little so whatever! She now knows basically the whole thing and it's in a different language! Here's some video of her singing it. Don't mind my singing in the background :P



I got my hair cut, basically because I was sick of being lazy and I wanted to be girly for once. Ollie loves it so that's all I care about. :) I'm down to 120 pounds which is great. I was 118 when I found out I was prego with Elle so the fact that I'm back there again makes me ecstatic. Especially when people told me I wouldn't be able to take the weight off. haha! In Your Face! Now I just need some toning and a tan and I will be HOTTTTTT.












Me and Elle made this Kitty the other day from the Martha Stewart craft collection. Super Easy and fun....she had a ball. However, now she's terrified of it and won't go near it. Poor Elle. She's scared of puppets now too.


Elle keeps in shape by playing the Wii and jumping on her trampoline. Here's a picture of her in mid-air. SO funny.












Anyway, that is our lives as of late. Just trying to get through the next couple of months. It should go by pretty fast but I didn't want to forget about my blogging friends. :) Hope you all are having fun with your copies of Twilight. Here's my collection. Super funny huh? I'm just obsessed I guess you could say. BTW, that director's notebook is incredible....it's her notes and pictures while making the movie. The thought she put into it was extraordinary. It's at Hot Topic and you should really go pick it up if you love these books and movie as much as I do. And just for kicks I got that bracelet that says "I am in Love with a Fictional Character". Classic. I'm a nerd but Oh well.

Crazy Elle

I couldn't resist posting some seriously hilarious pictures of Elle. ENJOY!







HaHa! Those are so great! We also had such a blast at the Cubbies vs. White Sox game last Saturday. It is Ollie's dream one day to see his precious Cubbies win the World Series. But even though that seems like a fairy tale waiting to happen, we will settle for watching them beat their rivals 13-0. It was pretty awesome.

Our little "cubbie" had a great time as well. She's wearing her grampa's old shirt. So cute! Me and Ollie had a ball...haha...no pun intended. Can't wait to do it again.

We took Amy and Sam out to the Melting Pot for their 5th anniversary. It was so much fun. The happy couple had such a great time with great food. Amy found out yesterday that her due date of Oct. 11 is exactly right on...She got her first picture of the new baby yesterday as well and mentioned that "it" (though I think it's a "she") was moving it's arms and legs all around already. Such a blessing. We're so happy for them.

The last wonderful picture I have is one of my nephew ALex. I went to the park with him a week ago and he had such a great time with Elle. I snapped this shot just for his mommy, Missy, but I liked it so much that I wanted to put it up on here. hehe. Such a Happy Boy

So there's a little bit of our lives lately. It is going so well and am so thankful for everyday I have with them. Spring is near and once again I am blown away by how the time flies by. That's why every one of these blogs is so special to me. It shows the little things that I may have missed on a busy day. I don't want to miss a moment of this life.

.a late night love note.

Some people are never lucky enough to find someone that loves them unconditionally. For those of you who actually have this kind of love, you know what I mean. I mean the person who would do anything for you and give anything to be with you. I mean the person who comforts and protects you; a person who provides and nutures; a person who sees you inside and out; a person would never make you feel unworthy. This is only a few of those things. I feel that in order to say your vows and truly dedicate your whole life to one person, it must be for these reasons and many more. A marriage or relationship should never be complicated or difficult. There will always be compromise and there will always be hard times. That's life. But always keeping your faith and trust in that individual is key. Respecting and cherishing that person is vital. The love that is there should never be a chore. It should never feel exhausting to make something work or to love someone. I am so sick and tired of hearing about relationships who are spending more time fixing then loving. They always say, "you don't understand. it's hard." Yes I do understand. I know how hard it can get. And that's why I'm not with that person anymore. Because when it gets to that point when you're more depressed than happy, that is the time when you should let go. So many people try to stick with it because they think it will eventually get better. I want to tell those people that loving someone should not have to be a difficult matter. My husband is my best friend, my soulmate, my shoulder and my life. Everything about him makes me feel wonderful. He still gives me butterflies when he looks at me and he still makes me laugh every single day. Are you people who think it takes work to make a healthy relationship still laughing everyday or getting butterflies?? I bet you are not.

How about this:
1. Does he send you a message everyday asking how his beautiful wife is?
2. Does he keep a picture of your wedding photo in his car on his dashboard?
3. Does he kiss you before he leaves work EVERYDAY and says he loves you, even if you're still sleeping, without missing a beat?
4. Does he lay in bed with you and ask what is wrong and then talk you through it?
5. Does he bring home flowers on no special occasion, just because he loves you?
6. Does he set up a makeshift massage parlour in your living room and give you a much deserved massage one night as a surprise for when you got home? (<---yes, he does that!)

7. Does he just pull you to him and hold you when you're having a really bad day?

8. Does he cry with you when you are hurting?

9. Does he clean the house for you while you're at school (or work) and surprise you when you get home?

10. Does he call you and tell you he misses you EVERY SINGLE DAY?

11. Did he remember to say Good Luck when you needed it most?

12. Does he try everything he can to provide for you?

13. Does he stay up late with you even though he is tired from working all day just to make you feel better?

There is so much more I could put into this blog but I would be writing forever! These are just a few of the things Ollie has done for me in the last week. Seriously. He is amazing. We miss each other like crazy these days, mainly because he works 2 jobs and I'm at school all day on the days he doesn't work. However, even with that, we couldn't love each other any less. I often wonder how I got so lucky. He says he is the one who got lucky. :) All I know is that this man is the perfect example of who a man is supposed to be. He is the most loving and devoted father. It pains him to not see Elle as much as I do. It seriously makes him sad. When he sees her face it just lights him up inside. She is his achilles heal and it makes me beam. How could I have asked for anything better? Well, it does get better. He is a God-fearing man. He loves the Lord more than me and Elle combined....if that's even possible. Have you ever stayed up late talking about God with your significant other? I'm sure alot of you who read my posts do....but I'll let you in on a little secret. I think we are the only people our age who do something like that these days. It's just how the times have gone. Sadly, young people are drifting more and more away from the roots of spirituality and it's very sad. I believe that this strong foundation built on our faith is why we love each other so much. I believe it is what has made us strong and I believe it is what will make us last until we are old and gray. I wish so many of you could experience this kind of love that I have. He takes my breath away still.

I know alot of you are sick of this mushy gushy stuff right now but I had to write this down as a testament of how much I appreciate him and everything he has done for me. This week he has kept me sane and has kept me feeling worthy. I love him for that. He deserved a blog about him and I thank God for the wonderful life and future He has given to me. For those of you who read this and aren't experiencing this with you significant other, I feel sorry for you. This is how it is supposed to feel. This is how it is supposed to be. This is what love is. Remember that. I'll end it with a very famous love song...He is my prince charming.

So this is love, Mmmmmm
So this is love, So this is what makes life divine
I'm all aglow, Mmmmmm
And now I know
The key to all heaven is mine

My heart has wings, Mmmmmm
And I can fly, I'll touch ev'ry star in the sky
So this is the miracle
that I've been dreaming of
MmmmmmMmmmmm
So this is love

.mistake.

So....scratch that last post...it is frickin freezing this week! Tonight it's going to be 36 degrees AND it's supposed to rain ALL weekend! yay!!! I'm so excited about it but it's amazing how it could be super super hot one minute, and the next it's cold!

So what does this little guy's shirt say?? can you see it??

MY SISTER AMY IS PREGNANT! yay! She had a horrible time getting pregnant with little Leo and was certain it wouldn't happen again, since they had to go about it technologically last time....BUT God works in mysterious ways and she found out she's 5 weeks along. Due date is October 11. I cannot wait for her to see her little girl! yes, thats right, I've decided it will be a girl. :) SO Congratulations to her and Sam and our little Leo. He's going to be a big brother!

Here's the New Mommy!!!

The party went ridiculously well! In fact the owner of the tables that I rented wants to use me and Ollie as dealers in the future...frickin a! That's awesome! Talk about a dream job of mine! See?! How cute am I??

Don't they look like they're having fun

Tony was the Loser! haha..
Elle had fun too! She likes to be naked...silly girl...



So I'm super obsessed with dance shows these days. I think I secretly want to be a genuine dancer...BUT I think everyone needs to watch stuff like this...it is amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv5tPShaKWY

Are the leaves changing???

IS IT SERIOUSLY HOT ALREADY?? I don't know why I'm surprised...After 22 years of living here I should expect it...but I'm always mortified when it starts getting hot here this stinkin early. Call it wishful thinking if you must, but I long for the day when Arizona will hold off being a fiery furnace until April at least. Today I got into my car and I could have sworn it gave me 3rd degree burns! It's February 7th people...this isn't normal! uugghh. So Elle's potty training is going nice and slow...She will sit on the potty but will she go?? Now that's a different story...but at least she's not scared of it anymore. (I couldn't get her to sit on it for the longest time because she would freak out). I actually have her in big girl undies right now becausae I want to see if she'll tell me when she thinks she's about to go. She comes up to me and says "pee pee" on a normal day but I don't know if she grasps the concept. I guess this is my way of testing it. :)




So, the cardinals didn't win...man...my brother looked sooo sad. I felt so bad for him. This was his dream...almost as if he was the one actually playing...but they fell short. I guess better luck next year?? let's hope anyway.
SO, me and Ollie wanted to get our own house this year. I guess every family wants that more than anything. I guess with the economy how it is, I shouldn't be surprised that we were turned down for a home loan. Ollie's pretty beat up about it but I gave him the pep talk he needed. We know that there are awesome houses right now for rent and we will make the best of that...maybe in a year, we'll finally get our own...but for now, we're just happy to have a place to call home. School is going great actually! I can't believe it myself. I'm sure I'll think differently when the tests start pouring in but even though this semester is supposed to be my most difficult one ever, it is starting to be my most enjoyable. I hope I still feel that way when my test scores come back. :P FOr those of you who don't know me, I am a HORRIBLE test taker. My whole life I've been this way. The anxiety that gets to me is so ridiculous that I will forget everything that I stored in my short term memory right before the test is handed out. Just simply awful. SO, hopefully there will be alot of presentations to do...I know, I think I'm the only person ever who would rather stand up and do presentations before taking a test, but that's me I guess.

For our anniversary we went to see Jeff Dunham in Tucson. (he's a comedian that deal with puppets...a ventriloquist...he's awesome.) I have video of his routine but it's kind of adult contented so I'm not going to post it...if you want to see it tho, let me know! He was hilarious! We then went and ate at our new favorite reastaurant, "The Melting Pot". OH MY GOSH! soooo good guys. If you ever have the money, GO! It's amazing. A big fondue experience...just awesome. Here are some pics of us at the show and then the restaurant....Haha...that's me taking a huge bite!

Ollie turned 25 last week but because his sister HAD to have her son on his birthday 2 years ago, he now has to let him have his parties...haha...Just kidding Missy, we love Alex. BUT, it did kind of put Ollie in the corner so I decided to throw him a party that takes place tonight! It was supposed to be a surprise, but of course he had to go and ruin that....We love the casino life so I rented tables and dealers and we are having a casino party! It's going to be sooo much fun. I'm going to deal blackjack and I am stoked...I so hope everyone has a great time. I'll blog about the party later but it should be pretty sweet.

Last week at Alexs' birthday party I finally realized how big my little girl is...For those of you who would like to see what I'm talking about here is video of her on Alexs' new toy...Oh and make sure you watch her wave to the neighbors!

By the way, I have another video that shows her turning the quad herself! I mean seriously?? that's craziness. Anyway, she is so big and growing so much everyday. Well with all this change going around, I hope that doesn't mean I'm turning into a democrat. :) HA!

January is almost over??

So it seems like since Christmas EVERYTHING has gone by super fast. I have to keep reminding myself that we have busy Januarys but it never ceases to amaze me how time flies. At one point I was relaxing and enjoying my break from school and now all of a sudden...school starts on Tuesday and I'm dreading it...Only because it's going to be hectic. I just keep reminding myself, "just 3 1/2 months" and then it'll all be over. Thank goodness that I will have my degree and I can finally say I'm done with school. I feel really proud that I've kept going though. I know it's going to be stressful but at the same time I know it's worth it. Thank goodness I have wonderful people in my life who have helped me with Elle or else, school would not be possible. I think they want to see me succeed more than I do. :)



SO on top of that, we celebrated Ollie's parents anniversary...His dad's 45th birthday...and today, the 15th, is mine and Ollie's 3rd anniversary. I love him so much and am so excited for our festivities tonight. It's going to be so much fun. I'm so grateful that he is my husband and I get to spend the rest of my life with him.

So once today is over, then I have to get ready for school...and then on the 30th it is Ollie's 25th birthday! Not to mention he shares his birthday with our nephew Alex who will be 2. And then of course Superbowl time on the 1st. WHEW! I'm tired just typing it. :)

We had so much fun over at Brad and Kristys house last Sunday. We're doing a once a month family game tournament get together now and prizes are given away. It was so much fun, and yours truly won the big prize for having the highest overall score for Wii bowling...thank you very much! How much of a stud am I? :) I was super sore the next day though....hahaha

I've been connecting with old friends again and it has been awesome! I love that our relationships were strong enough to bring us back together. Thank you so much for that.

Elle went potty today! Yay! It was such an exciting time for me but Elle, I think, was traumatized by the experience. She freaked out a little bit, I'm assuming because she didn't like the separation anxiety that followed. But it is a step in the right direction and the sooner we get her out of diapers, the better! She's

>learning quick though and that's a good thing! To calm her down I gave her a bath (because she loves them) and decided to take video of her because it was freakin hilarious...

Well I better get some sleep...big day in the morning and night!

Just the beginning....

Well this is it...my first blog! How exciting for me....I've conquered Myspace and Facebook and now my own blog. And I think I've done pretty well if I do say so myself. I'm sure there is more to it and I guarantee, I'll figure it out. Well it is the beginning of my blog but it is also the beginning of a new year...AND also the beginning of alot of new things happening in the world. A new president is about to take office...I have no problem saying that I'm extremely nervous about that...If you don't agree with me and my beliefs, that's fine. That's what makes this country great...we have the right to our own opinions. THANK GOD for that. Hopefully the country will survive. Another beginning would have to be that I am starting the very last semester at school...so in a way it will be the beginning of my adult career! yay!

Ollie has started a second job and that has helped in more ways then you can imagine. We were able to get me a brand new car because of it and able to have a very blessed Christmas. Elle continues to surprise us. (BTW her name is pronounced like the letter "L" not Ellie...and NO it is not spelled "EL" like "the" in spanish....ridiculous people. ) She is starting to talk ALOT more and now we have to watch what we say. YIKES. She loves her DVD player along with all her movies and is obsessed with her white polar bear, whom we've appropriately named Bear. She is 2 now and we will be "beginning" something new this year: Potty Training. woo-hoo. I am sooooo excited......**I'm being sarcastic** Let's hope it's not dreadful like the horror stories I've heard. Her middle name is Meylanny (May-Lon-ee) It is a jumbled up version of my sister's name Amy Lynne. At the time when I had Elle we didn't think Amy could have children so I wanted to do that for her....HOWEVER, God has a sense of humor and gave her Leo Steven 8 months later! haha. My brother is married to Kristy and has 2 children, Sarah (13) and David (10). They are sooo much bigger then me! I won't be able to tell them what to do pretty soon. Brad and Kristy have helped us out so much especially in the last 3 years and we could never thank them enough. We love them all. Everyone has been so blessed.

I'm teaching at The Little Gym currently. I teach children infant-toddler how to dance, do gymnastics, be confident and have fun while in a safe and awesome environment. It is so rewarding to have a child run up to you, throw his arms around you and tell you he missed you this week. Or to have a little girl come sit in your lap because just being near me made their day. It's amazing how special I feel when one of them draws me a picture or buys me a present. It is such a rewarding job and I love every minute of it. Elle, of course, LOVES the free gym time.

My parents have had a trying last few years...A few years back my dad was diagnosed with Lymphoma, stage 4. There is no cure for it; it will never go away. It has, however, been in remission for awhile and hopefully it still is. Thankfully he finished his first chemo treatment in time to marry me at my wedding. It was more than I ever could have hoped for. We both almost didn't get through the ceremony because we were blubbering like babies! I wouldn't have asked for anyone else to do it though. If I had to wheel him in, it would have been him saying the words "Man and Wife". My mom has stuck by his side and has been there through thick and thin. They have had a difficult couple years but through it all they still have their faith and strength to get through each day. My dad is so courageous with it all. He has NEVER faltered. Most people would have drowned by now, but it seems this has made him stronger in his walk then ever...IF that's even possible. I thank God for the both of them and for making me the person I am today.

I inherited an amazing family with 2 new sisters. I love them all and have become so close to each of them. Melissa has surprised me in more ways then I can imagine. She has overcome alot and has shown her glorious side as a mom. Alex, my nephew, has changed her life and that is a true testament on how powerful a baby is. Samantha is a mini me. I tell her ALL the time too. :) Great footsteps. I love her to death. My in-laws spoil the crap out of me and I love it. I'm not gonna lie. I am grateful that they brought Ollie into this world and brought him to me.

Well I guess that's it for today...Ollie is watching the Simpson's and I should probably go bother him while he's watching his show...hahaha...I'm so mean. Happy reading.