guilt free

Before I say anything, let it be known that this post is extremely long. That's what happens when you're a bad blogger like myself. Consquently, I have come to the realization that I am a bad blogger, and I am not feeling fairly guilt free about the whole thing. Fortunately, or unfortunately, that isn't going to stop me from posting every now and again to keep my family and friends far away updated on our oh-so-exciting lives. Now, it would help me to continue to feel guilt free if all of you would start using google reader. That way, you'll know when I post something new, and I don't have to feel bad my mom checks my blog every day and nothing new has been posted. This guilt free thing is something I am trying to implement in all aspects of my life. No more feeling guilty about skipping a day of exercising, or a little ice cream, or things I have no control over at work... we'll see how long it lasts. :)

Well, since I last posted, many changes have occurred. A) We were much more tan. B) We are no longer. This resulted from a trip to Key West for my work. I am the meeting planner, and had a great time planning a vacation for the top sales consultants from DynaVox. DJ was able to come so I wouldn't be the twenty-seventh wheel. We had fun, but I was a little stressed (too bad I didn't decide to be guilt free before I went ). Here is documentation:

The scenery behind is our hotel--it was ridiculously over priced, but very pretty.

Ahhh... isn't he handsome?


We rented scooters and drove around the perimeter of the island. This was definitely my favorite activity of the trip. We also para sailed, jet-skied, snorkeled, took an eco-tour of new islands forming off of the Keys, ate lots of good food, and took a beautiful sunset cruise. A few pictures below:






Needless to say, it was a nice trip. I wasn't exactly happy to come home to the ice/snow covered roads of Pittsburgh...

Next, DJ had a birthday. He is officially a quarter of a century old. He deserves a full post of his own. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband. I've honestly never been so happy, and he only gets more thoughtful as times goes on. I'll stop before everyone closes their browser, but here's a little glimpse of the celebration.


I was going to make a beautiful cake (if anyone saw DJ's last birthday cake, they know that's unlikely), but our car died (read: I left the lights on). Instead, a friend picked up this beautiful cake from Giant Eagle bakery. Thanks heavens for mounds of frosting!

We had some great friends come to a movie with us. We saw Vantage Point, which was just okay. But the company was wonderful!

Lastly, we went to PF Changs for a little birthday goodness. We got our usual dishes along with this little desert for the birthday boy. Like I said, he's a hottie.

Next, I went to California and Utah for a little time the family. I flew to Cali, and spent a day in California Adventure with Paul, Amy, Michael, Abby and Bekah. I have the cutest nephews (including little Aaron) and nieces in the whole world. Proof, you say? You got it.









Bekah's obviously a little worried about her brother running through the water. Don't worry, she survived it.

After my California adventure we made the trek to Utah. We had a slight three hour delay outside of Vegas. The three children in the back seat weren't appreciative of the stand-still traffic, but I think the women in the front seat were much more impatient than they were. In the end, we lived to tell the tale. The next few days were a whirlwind. My beautiful sister Hannah competed in Utah's Junior Miss. She was the most beautiful, accomplished girl on the stage. That's all that matters in my mind.

Isn't she a beautiful girl?

Um, I cut my hair. It's short
No, that's not a dead fish, it's the pony tail she cut off.

The last day, I was so lucky to be able to go to my nephews blessing. He is the sweetest baby. He was perfect during the whole blessing.




Melinda was absolutely glowing the whole time. She is such a cute mom. She gave a well-prepared 'thought' before the blessing. It was nice to hear her thoughts as her pregnancy progressed. Aaron has the best parents. He will grow up to be (in DJ's words) the coolest kid ever, a stud if you will. I can't wait to see what amazing things he accomplishes.


My grandparents have lived to see their family grow into quite the troop. Aaron is great-grandchild number 44 (I think). Since they have to live to seal Lafe, they will live to see several more great grandchildren.

Which brings me to the last thought for the post. Most of you know already, but I figured it ought to be posted on the blog.

We are so excited for a new baby in our family. He or she (Peanut, as DJ calls it) will be here around October 24th. We'll keep you updated...