GrEeN and GoLd....

Everyone who knows me, knows of my obsession with ANYTHING green and gold. ANYTHING. I figure on this holiday, aka Monday Night Football, I'd take a moment to explain my obsession. (Bust out those kleenex, buddies, it's sappy)...
I loved (and still do) so much about my grandparents, and my grandpa was from Wisconsin. Rewind back to elementary school, so you know about what age I am. My parents let me go to Wisconsin with my mom for a summer visit-my FIRST visit ever to Wisconsin! After this visit, my love and devotion for the beloved Packers was set in stone. Think of it as a marriage, if you will. This trip was such a great memory, I got to see/meet many extended family members while there. Please keep in mind that I had been penpals with my Uncle Ted and also with my Aunt Rosemary for quite some time by this point...so it was an even better trip since I had been writing back and forth with them for so long! Ok, so I could talk about this memory for pages and pages, but I am sure everyone will be logging off from this boring info soon, so I'd better move on :)

For those who knew my grandpa, he was a very onery man. Loved me to pieces, was the kindest and most giving person to anyone he knew; family, friends, strangers. He would NOT cheer for the Packers, even if they were the only team left to root for. I remember this from the moment I decided to LOVE the Packers (elementary school, see above paragraph); he NEVER cheered for them. We would go back and forth for hours about the almighty cheese, every Christmas and birthday gift was something Packers given to him...and I am sure he loved every moment of it.

The Packers have given me so many amazing memories. Hence my love for the Green and Gold. I can think back to amazing conversations and bickering; think back to my grandma laying on the couch watching the games with us; think of past trips to visit Wisconsin and watch the Packers practice. Most recently, I have made some new memories--memories with my brother touring Lambeau Field with me and memories of Uncle Pete and I going to the annual Shareholders meeting.

I look forward to making more memories, continuing this legacy, and purchasing even more green and gold items...

Another year has come and gone...

Happy Birthday to me....

Lame to dedicate a post to myself, I know...but this is my blog and I can do what I want! Haha, gotta love having the power. Here are some things to remember from the past year:

• I survived the fart machine. This time last year I had spent my first time in the hospital, went through hell and back from a stupid leg infection. My birthday dinner was spent at Peter Piper Pizza with my family, followed by a TERRIBLE movie with my sister and Amanda. It didn't help that my fart machine (aka wound vac) made a farting noise every 7 minutes, and was amplified by the silence of the terrible movie.
• I lost a dear loved one. I never imagined how horrible this day would be, and the days that followed. Luckily I have had some dreams over the past few months that have made the transition a little easier....now, if only my grandpa would come to me in a dream and tell me that he likes the house....
• I became a BIG GIRL and finally moved out of my parents house. Ugh it was so hard and I never thought it would happen. I missed my mommy and daddy so much, and had a really hard time adjusting to not having them around all the time. Honestly, I am still adjusting...hehe

Goals for next year? Ha, why even bother. Life will take me on a fun journey and I am just along for the ride!!!

Murder Mystery Parrrrrtay

Toga, Toga, Toga!!

My breastie, Amanda, hosted a murder mystery party last night at her apartment. Wow, what an ordeal! First of all, for those who know me, I don't enjoy the Halloween/dress up/going crazy experience. Little things, I am all for. BIG events, not at all! BUT, Amanda helped me get ready and helped me to turn out as a great Toga lady. (What will I do once she spits out baby Emersyn?? Who will get me ready???)

A fun time was had by all: shout out to Meg for "playing her character" to full extend, Jess for being a great sport as a man, Jen for being the murderer, and Newby for playing my fav character...Flabby!!

I am looking forward to our next group adventure...should be fun!!

Family Sunday's

Growing up, my family always got together for lunch on Sunday's. It was always a family day, to play cards, watch football, and be together with my grandparents and my aunt and cousins. Our family has slowly grown bigger and siblings have their own families now...but some of us still get together and make our own memories.

Today I am having a reflection day of memories, missing my family. I received this poem from a funeral service I attended yesterday and found it to be so true and absolutely beautiful. I encourage you to read it, and reflect. Have a great Sunday to everyone!

When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do;
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears;
Be thankful for our many beautiful years!

I gave to you my love; you can only guess
How much you gave me happiness;
I thank you for the love you each have shown;
But now it's time I travelled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must;
Then let your grief be comforted by trust;
It's only for a time that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you cannot see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, whn you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say;
"Welcome Home"

What'd you do today??

Here is what we did this morning! We took the two trees in the front yard and trimmed them. The first picture is the after shot, and the second is the before shot...if you can follow that. I don't know how to move pictures around on this blog thing yet so be patient.

Isn't my brother the best? He was climbing in the trees and on the roof to thin them out. My dad watched us and helped a bit with moving the branches. Glad it's done and is not something we have to do very often :)

Let's Remember 9/11

Nine years ago a terrible thing happened to the United States. Do you remember what you were doing when you heard the terrible news? I do. I was getting ready for school, my first year at ASU. I attended the East campus of ASU which was at Williams Air Force Base. From the moment I saw the horrific plane crash, the world changed. Life as we knew it was drastically different.

Please take time today to remember all who were lost on this day, all who have fought for our country, and thank a veteran! I fly my flag every day in honor of my country!!

Two of my favorite pics...

So here are two of my favorite pictures of two of my most special people (besides my parents, duh). This was one of our last visits to the Mexican food place Papa loved by his house. Abby sure felt important and had to walk and hold his hand any time he was around.

Jared, my loverly brother, has these pictures on his fridge. I was at his house today and saw them and just smiled. What a great memory, and I am happy to share with you!

D-backs game with the family

Friday night we went to the Diamondbacks game for Jared's belated birthday. My nieces are too cute...have I ever told you this? The game was a success; Kayla had fun cheering for the team and Abby was a hit with the catcher! He gave her a ball so she was super happy, and Kayla enjoyed her first hot dog!

Thanks to mom and dad for getting us all tickets!

Here we go!

So I have finally caved in and created a blog. Most of my friends have blogs (granted, they have kids and adorable things to show off...) and I decided that I should have a fun page, too!!