Must Pin Everything!

Well, it's official. I've started pinning and I just. can't. stop. Everytime I log on (every five minutes), I find some delightful recipe that I'm probably never going to try or some amazing craft that is so easy and cheap, but it doesn't matter because I'll be too busy pinning to make it.

Per usual, I was a total contrarian about the whole Pinterest craze. Whatevs, I said. I've got too many lame status updates on facebook to take care of-I don't have time for that noise. But then, I signed up because I was curious. And I found a pair of brown boots. And then a sweater dress. And then a daydream-style French vacation idea. Ooh-la-la...

Anyway, I love Pinterest and I feel compelled to tell anyone who will listen that I was all wrong. It's glorious. :)

Moving Day

We bought our very first home today! It's a four bedroom, two and a half bath, gorgeous two-story home in Urbana. Al and I are so incredibly excited and happy to begin this new chapter together.

We decided to mostly cram all our move-out and move-in duties into the same day. We had spent the last week or two procrastinating packing and enjoying our apartment of four years.

My best memories in our old apartment:

1. walks on the golf course on summer nights and winter days
2. bringing Mila home and seeing her grow
3. winter nights when we'd move all the furniture, lay a comforter on the floor, get a fire going and watch movies with tons of fatty snacks
4. visits from my mom, Katy and Tyler

Things I won't miss:

1. occasionally loud neighbors
2. worrying about doing my workout videos and driving the people downstairs nuts
3. worrying about Mila running marathons in the house and driving the people downstairs nuts
4. the tiny kitchen

After loading up the moving trucks and our cars, with the help of Al's incredible brothers and mom, at 2pm, Al and I headed out to Busey Bank to seal the deal! The meeting was short and sweet; we handed them some money and our realtor, Stefanie Pratt handed us the keys. (She was fantastic, by the way-very knowledgeable, reliable and professional.)

Don't mind my uggo moving style...

After getting our keys, we dropped off our first carload at the new house! So exciting! Early on in the evening, our incredible new neighbor, Holly popped in to help. That girl is a go-getter! She helped carry in boxes and cleaned my entire kitchen, with the help of her man, Todd. We were so blessed with friends who piled in throughout the night, including the Deppas, the Melbys, Chris, Jeff and Rob. We had a blast on our first night in our new home. Here's hoping for many more to come!

Happy Easter!

My Easter morning began with a giggle, courtesy of The Oatmeal.

But I digress...

Al suggested our attendance at church this morning, and though I haven't been in a long time, it felt good to go!

Then, we got Easter burritos at Panchero's (what?) and were slightly disappointed. We've given that place two chances and we just can't get into it. The only thing I adore there is the fact that they literally make the flour tortillas right in front of you-like from dough to burrito for each individual customer. I love getting food that is at the peak of freshness!

Later in the afternoon, we made the drive to scenic Ludlow-Al's teeny tiny hometown-and met up with the Nukus/Hills/Melbys/Demos/Drehers/Sanders/Cannons/hope I didn't forget anyones at the Ludlow Community Center. My mother-in-law arranged a fantabulous dinner and we had a lovely time with family.

As usual, Brenda and Steph outdid everyone with awesome Easter gift bags-some of which included these awesome bunny teeth!

Photo by Steph Demos.

Happy Easter!

Mad Men Premiere Night

When Al and I first subscribed to Netflix, we attempted to begin watching Mad Men, per the many recommendations we'd gotten. The first few episodes were BOR-ING and Al gave up. I however, being OCD and all, stuck it out for the first season and got hooked. Finally, Al came around and by the time this season premiered, we were watching live!

My super awesome husband suggested we dress up in full-fledged early 60s style and go out for cocktails before the show. We got all gussied up and went downtown to Distihl, where Al had an New-Fashioned and martini and I had a-er,two-Pama-Ginlets. Delicious!

Note: In the picture above, Al is "draping". Check it out; it's a thing.

Close to 9:00pm (premiere time), we went home to have a Mad Men meal-meatloaf, peas, and mashed potatoes-prepared by moi! I had prepared dinner before we left, so all I had to do was pop the loaf o' meat in the oven. Unfortunately, as I often do, I didn't think enough about timing and realized it was going to take at least an hour to bake. Alas, by 10:30pm, we had full bellies and were fully entertained watching Mad Men together! :)

Happy Feet

Check out my cousin Peyton's sweet dance moves!

My Newest Obsession

Dancing Shoes

Al and I have always joked about going out dancing by ourselves some night. Tonight, at Buffalo Wild Wings, I suggested to my supa-cute hubs (above) that we go to C-Street for a solo dance par-tay. Much to my surprise, Al was willing. I was a bit shocked, but I have to say, we had a blast!

Whenever we decide to have kids, I think I'll really miss our ability to just make a sporadic decision to go out on the town, or you know, the grocery store or take a shower-whatever! ;) We better enjoy this while it lasts!

Keira's Fourth Birthday

I can't believe Keira is four already! Time has flown by and it has been such a joy to see this little girl grow.

Her party was held at Cookies By Design in Urbana, where we had pizza and designed cookies. Al and I decorated a lovely beach scene à la Mexico. Keira then opened gifts and individually thanked each of her guests with a hug. She is too sweet! She seemed to like her gift of Cars 2 from Uncle Al and I. I love that she showed off her sweet posing skills, making me all the more jealous that I look like a hunchback or just plain awkward in all my photos. Also, I've noticed that Al and I seem to be the repeat givers-we have been in a movie-gift-giving pattern lately with these kiddos! Hope they like 'em! Just wait kids, eventually I'll start repeat giving stuff like pennies and crocheted socks and you won't be able to say anything because I'll be old and senile! Bahahaha!

I love being an aunt to this little girl, and my other three nieces and nephew-and the new little one on the way! We had a great time with family at this party! Happy birthday KiKi!

Happy birthday, Anna!

Kimmy d. is preggo!

Kimmy d. let me know she had a baby on board today! Woot! Check out the adorable onesie she surprised Ryan with when she found out!

Fav Jeans

They may not look like anything that out of the ordinary but, in fact, they are something very special. They are the magical result of the stars aligning and perfect luck; well, that, or your sis-in-law had a bunch of clothes up for grabs and you took whatever looked your size-ish. Whatevs.

Great jeans always seem to be four things: comfortable, attractive, cheap and unable to be reproduced.

1) They are so soft and cozy, it's almost like you're wearing Pajama Jeans (never gonna happen). They always seem to fit, whether your having a skinny day or a giant beast of a woman day (today).

2) They are the perfect length and cut; you never have to worry about flashing your undies (or worse) because they're not cut Paris-Hilton-low (because that's still cool, unfortunately).

3) In my case, free.

4) On the fateful day that your treasured denim must be retired, there never seems to be another pair like them. Sigh.

I love you, fav jeans. You complete me.

TGIF!

After only two weeks back at school after Christmas break, I was already chomping at the bit for more time off! It seems like, anytime I have some extended time off, it is so difficult to get back into a routine! Not to mention the fact that yearbook tasks are gaining momentum and my staff and I have been very busy with concession stand duty and organizing a bonfire photo opp at the last minute! Oy!

All I had to say at the end of this week when I was done with concession duty at 8pm tonight was TGIF!

Giant Dinner

Al and I went to Korean Karaoke tonight for dinner. I accidentally ordered a bit too much food, I think...

and it wasn't even good!

Happy New Year!