Luke and his baseball...

Luke is coaching a Legion team that keeps him very busy, they have games every night of the week and multiple games and tournaments every weekend. Last night the game got canceled due to a big tournament out of town this weekend so he actually got to go play softball...

So fun!

Longhorns!

Fish in the sink, Luke caught
Eating time

Momma

Baby

My dad usually only raises Charlois, the white cows, but he recently got some Longhorns, I have to say they are pretty cool!

The DOG days of Summer!

Two Buddies just hanging by the lake at the ranch...
Playing together and Boomer teaching baby girl a thing or two!

Come on baby girl, jump in the lake, its not too scary!

Then he had to go in and save her once she finally went in!

They had so much fun, arn't they cute!

Fun Weekend, Great Friends!

Such a pretty winery overlooking the Missouri river

A Gorialla friend we met! It was his birthday.

A great kick off to Summer... Hopefully aside from being busy every weekend this summer I can get down to Columbia for many more fun times and visits with the Hayes & friends!

A fun Texas weekend!

Three SUPER fun couples at Joe T Garcia's


Rachel and I: I was trying to figure out if I would cheat on Budweiser and go with the Miller crowd!

Luke, John, Rachel and I outside of Babe's!

Luke and I left for Texas Thursday afternoon, When his family moved to St Louis from Kansas they moved across the street from the Burrows, they became great family friends, then the Burrows moved to Texas with Luke and John were freshman in high school. By a little reconnecting via Luke's 6 month fishing job and myspace we decided to go visit them 2 years ago when John was gradating with his MBA... They came in town for all of our wedding events and it was time for us to go back!

It was a great trip, they introduced us to Babe's a BYOB Home cookin fried chicken place built in like 1903.... it was amazing! We also went to Joe T's a really fun Mexican place that sits about 1600 mostly outside! It was authentic with margaritas and mariachi bands!

The Burrow's completely spoiled us, with their amazing pool and home, and fun plans the entire time.... It was such a fun weekend and a great little vacation!

The end to a fabulous 25th!

Two best Buds...

The Girls who came to celebrate with me.

Cheers... I introduced Leslie to wine and now she is hooked! Winery's and at bachlorette party that night what a trooper!

Reading funny cards...

My cute Hubby!

Well after all the worries about the weather it turned out to be a pretty nice day here in Stl! So off to the wineries we went...

It was a great group of friends, awesome scenery, and of course Delicious wine!

Thanks everyone for a very memorable 25th!

Fun "birthday" event #1!

So... the big 2-5 is this Thursday, and usually I don't do a whole lot for my birthday, but this year it seems like things keep popping up! Maybe it is because people know that it has kinda been a crappy year for me, maybe because it is 25.... whatever the reason I thought I would post about birthday events! Unfortunately I have no pictures from this one, I will do better, promise!

Saturday my mom took me out all day for a "day of fun" for my Birthday! The day began with getting manicures and pedicures, we both felt so pampered and got along with our nail ladies it was really fun! Then to a new liquor store Friar Tucks, I wanted to get one of those marble wine chiller things so we stopped in there and I got one. Hacienda was my lunch destination of choice, it was a gorgeous sunny day and they have a huge patio, Crystal, Greg, and Bennett joined us for lunch and a margarita outside! After that we hit up a couple stores and both ended up with some great deals and new items, with all the weddings coming up I was glad to find some new dresses! To end the evening we were invited over to one of my moms best friends houses for a barbecue, she has a great group of girl friends just like me so it was good to catch up with them!
And that rounds up Birthday event #1!

Ohh my mom also surprised me with one of the digital photo picture frames, I have not hooked it up or learned how to use it yet, but I cant wait to get it set up!

One year anniversary!

Our wedding night hotel exactly one year ago!
Lukes friend from high school David Freese hitting one of his first base hits in the major leagues!

Our one year anniversary... notice my strategically placed "1"

For our anniversary we celebrated one day early since our actual anniversary fell on Easter. It was an awesome day, we went downtown early and did lunch outside at a fun bar while music played and the dj talked to all the fans as they walked by, we won the game and got to see Luke's friend from high school play with the Cards, (he was even part of the Grand Slam Pujols hit that day) Then we ended the night outside at Broadway oyster bar listening to a fun band! I couldn't of asked for more!

Some people may be wondering why my pics of David are a little far (we have close seats) I wanted to sit in the sun and be warm so we have them to a dad and his son to get to go sit close... it was a great decision!

Paper Gifts: tickets obviously, I made Luke a big collage of all the things we did in our first year... ticket stubs, wedding program, pictures, things from vacations... He gave me a coupon book... (he made) I cant wait to use some of my coupons in there!

My all star Luke!

Luke is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for Fontbonne's athletes! They only choose 2 or 3 people a year (this year 2) and a lot of times they are older people who graduated a while ago, so what an honor for Luke to be a part of this, his official letter came in the mail yesterday, which was good because I couldn't keep my mouth shut much longer... I am horrible at keeping secrets!

Unfortunately we already have plane tickets to be out of town the weekend of the ceremony.... It will suck we have to miss it, but it is still a cool thing for him, and a great accomplishment!

Congrats Luker!

A day with Peyton

She ended up with 16 eggs!
Standing and watching the Easter Bunny Land!

Saturday Luke and I took his niece Peyton for a fun day! We went to an Easter egg hunt where she hunted for eggs, saw the Easter Bunny, (came in via helicopter) got in a fire truck, saw baby animals at the petting zoo, and of course McDonald's and ice cream for lunch!

It was so great to spend some time one on one with her...

Playing "parents" for the day made me want kids even more (if that is possible)! Luke and I will of been together for six years this May, but we are still strong believers in having some of our own time and accomplishing some things before we bring another person into this crazy world! In the mean time we are having a blast with the nieces and nephews!

Just a Nottke Dinner...

That ended with this!
Silly Boys!
Some other funny things that happened... Discussion of how big Greg will grow his zucchini this year, Luke wondering where the smell of potpourri was coming from, and of course... "That's what she said"

Finally... Good News!!!

Boomer does not have Cancer!!! We are so happy, and ready to put this all behind us. The doctor said it wasn't even a tumor, it was some sort of growth, he will be fine and doesn't need to go back any time soon! He did say that if it would of been cancer that it would of been bad bad bad... to have it in that spot.

So we are very happy for Boomer and glad all of the worry is over! :)

Home sweet home!

YAY! Boomer is finally home...
Luke picked him up yesterday after work around 6 and talked to the doctor, the doctor was very pleased with the surgery and said Boomer did good. He was on a lot of pain killers so he was very wobbly.
If you know Boomer you know he is a very active dog, so not being able to walk so well was very weird for him, he still tried to jump a little, which is hard when your hind legs don't work!
They shaved a patch on his lil arm where his iv's were, and shaved his butt a little. He also had very greasy watery eyes, we think they put something over them to help him sleep???
My friend Michelle came over to hang out on the deck with all of us and then we all went in to watch idol... Boomer was very antsy all night which was hard since all we wanted him to do way lie down. We all finally went to bed and relaxed later that night.
I woke up at 4 am with Boomer crying/ whining so I got up to see if he wanted to go outside, Ohh boy did he, all those IV fluids must of built up!

When the alarm went off at 5:30 and Boomer was all snuggled in next to me after a very long previous day the last thing I wanted to do was get up and go to work.
But yes I am here surprisingly!

Thank you for all the well wishes and support for Boomer... Him Luke and I all appreciate it, now lets keep hoping for good results from the lab work in 5-6 days!

Updates on Everthing!

Well it sure seems to us like quite a lot has been going on lately, so I thought I would take a minute to update and re cap on everything :)

- the dreaded rental property- No it is not sold... :( But Luke worked his booty off to get it all in tip top shape, we signed a lease to own with someone, basically this means they are responsible for paying the mortgage to us and they can find renters if they want. At least we have the mortgage each month... if they pay.

- My Nana- She is still recovery at home from her heart surgery, it has been a rough road to recovery and it seems the surgery had a major effect on her mentally as well, but she is getting better, moving around, and hopefully for the most part keeping an upbeat attitude.

-Luke's new Job- Luke started his new job at citigroup! He is in week 3 of 4 of training right now and is getting tired of the training but we think he will like the position and the company. They do fun things like you can pay 20 bucks to a charity for a month and wear jeans all month, I think Luke will be taking advantage of this! Luke is also still selling insurance on the side, he makes commissions on this so we are hoping it will bring in a little extra spending cash! Let us know if you need a quote!

- Boom Boom- He is doing good at taking all of his medicines, we found the genius trick... Cheese! We go back to the dr. Wednesday afternoon to do an exam and see if the bump is gone... Please let it be gone!

- Bennett Gregory- My new nephew... LOVE HIM!!! He is amazing, and there is just something about being in the next room while your sister gives birth. I am sure it will be so much fun watching him grow up and I hope he will have some more little cousins eventually ;) Crystal and Bennett went home Saturday and they are both doing great, just at home adjusting to everyday life.

- Me- ha ha... since all the updates were about other people I thought I would say something I have been up to in my free time... We recently changed all the lighting fixtures on the main floor of our house, the old ones were the brass color and we changed them to bronze. We have on order a new kitchen table and I have been decorating and finishing my masterpiece: the wine room aka the dining room :)
I am also in the process of hopefully booking us a vacation for November, It will be much needed! We are thinking of going to the palace resorts in Mexico, where we were with my family when we got engaged... here is a pic from the trip!

Now I have to stop on projects for a while till we have more money!

He is here!!!

Bennett Gregory was born at 8:36 pm last night, he is 8 pounds 7 ounces and he is amazing! 21 3/4 inches long.... Crystal only had to push for maybe a 1/2 hour, She had such a great labor! If mine are 1/2 as easy as hers we are home free!

I am sure she will post a very more detailed story about the lil guy so I will leave it at that for now.

Luke and I, my mom and dad, and Gregs mom and dad all got to be there, it was so great to hold him at just an hour old!

Here are a couple pictures, going up again today with the out of town grandparents so I am sure there will be more, sorry if this baby takes over my blog for the week!

A fun Valentines Day!

Happy Couple's first V day married!

Great friends and fun times!

Crawfish ...for the boys!



We did Valentines day a little different this year and went to the taste of Soulard with some friends, it was almost like a pub crawl going from place to place, we all had a really good time, and speaking for myself, I did not miss the nice expensive dinner one bit :) We eat dinner together every night, so this was something fun!
Hope everyone had a great Valentines day!

Special Picture

I wanted to post this picture because I think it is very special, it is from Christmas at the Wilson's, (Luke's dad and Marys) I think it is cool there are so many different generations and fun family members in this picture. We are missing one niece, Raegan, she must of been taking it!?! and one brother in law and family who live in CA. It is also special that Ben is in the photo who lives in Vegas and only makes it home once a year.

Nana

Wanted to update everyone on my Nana. The surgery Tuesday went well, however she had a seizure in the hospital for about a minute and a 1/2 the next morning this was not good, and will lengthen her hospital stay and recovery. Another problem was my grandpa he has been so worried that he has been shaking and not eating, they are not apart very often like most older people so I think just being apart makes him worry. My grandma has started to say some pretty random things throughout the past few years, but on the medication she is on and with everything going on there have been some pretty crazy comments.
Luke and I have both been pretty sick, which was sad because we couldn't go visit her, they literally will NOT let you in. But Friday she told my uncle that I was there and I told her she was nothing but a mean old lady... something I would NEVER say. This made me pretty sad. So finally yesterday we were feeling well enough to go visit. I have to say it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Just seeing her in pain and not very mobile was difficult, I filed some of her nails, combed her hair, helped her eat, and... tried, to physically help her sit up. She seemed to be in good spirits, and kept complaining about the "fat" nurses who "stole" her magazines... and her "Hispanic" doctor (who is very American) So we know she is getting her good ol' personality back, slowly but surly, not sure when she will be able to go home yet, at first it was one week which would be today, but they are saying longer now.

Jivin & Wailin!

My good friend Lauren and I, we were freshman college roomates and have remained close since, her wedding is October 09Michelle, Lauren, & I, what does everyone think of the curly hair...?!?

Kisses for Luke... and a wink for me ;)

Saturday night was a lot of fun, we went out to Jive and Wail a new dueling piano bar, It was also my good friend Michelle's 25th birthday, We had a great time and our throats hurt from singing... okay screaming... along to all the great songs! Here are a couple pics from our fun night out... That definitly ended with Luke and I stoping at Jack in the Box on the way home... those are the best nights! :)

Happy Birthday Michelle!

Lap Doggie

So you hear people say when referring to their large dogs that the dog thinks it is a lap dog, well I have proof that this definitely holds true for our dear sweet Boomer.
Boomer loves to lay and snuggle with us on the couch and in bed which is great, but a lot of times (and mostly just to me) Boomer decides he wants to be SO close that he gets right on top of you....

This pictures is from Sunday, just laying on the couch minding my own business... then yes here comes Boomer he is laying right on top of my whole body!

Had to share that we truly honestly do have a 58 pound lap doggie!

Gotta love the family!

On New years day Luke, my mom and I headed out bright and early and set out to Clifton Illinois to visit my dads side of the family, about 4 1/2 hours away. My grandpa had surgery on his ankle on November and has not been able to walk since, he still has some time left to stay off of it, but seems like he is doing really well. So my Grandma had everyone in the family over at her house on the 1st to visit with us, it was so great to see everyone, meet two new babies I have not gotten to see yet (one is over a year old!) And see my cousin Leslie who I have not seen or got to spend time with in a while!
Even though we do not see them often it was great to spend time everyone, catch up, and learn some great tips from my Grandma, I swear my mom and I should of been taking notes she is the best ever!
I forgot my camera for the trip (I know I was sad) But it was very early in the morning so I am lucky I remembered everything else, But some of the cousins took pics for me so I will post some when they send them.

We have also had Luke's brother Ben staying with us for a little over a week now, it was fun having him here and spending time with him too, now he is back in sunny Vegas, lucky dog!

Next three...

Lauren with her daughter Josie at Christmas Brunch.

Me at Luke's dads and Mary's opening a present from one of my nieces, a handmade by Raegan bracelet, I love!

Luke with his niece Peyton reading with her till it was her turn to open again!

The girls at brunch in front of the tree, Leslie, me, Lauren, Meghan, and Shannon

Kris with her four Boys at Christmas Friday.

Friday we had Christmas with Luke's mom and brothers, his brother Ben is in town from Vegas and staying with us so it was great to have him there. With Luke's mom on Thanksgiving we go around and say what we need/want for Christmas, I love this, it makes it so much easier! Well I got just about everything I asked for and then some, they must of been really great listeners this year! :)

Saturday morning I planned a brunch for some of my girlfriends since my friend Shannon is in town for Christmas, and I couldn't see her any of the nights she was here. Brunch was such a nice change of pace from going out to a bar, I made a few of the things and the girls helped out with bringing stuff too! I hope we keep this tradition up I had a lot of fun having breakfast and mimosas with the girls and visiting....

Then it was off to Luke's dads for the annual Christmas get together, all the brothers and his sister from Illinois and her four kids, we stayed over there till about 1am! It was a lot of fun over there playing games and visiting with everyone and this year I got my own stocking with my name on it!!! Everyone has one, which means there are like over 20!

Between planning times, foods, and gifts for each of the events it was exhausting and it was a lot of Christmas but it was worth it... So good to see everyone and get to have a little holiday cheer time with everyone. Sunday I used a gift card I got and treated myself to a massage, It was needed!

Hope everyone had a very happy holiday!

Christmas Eve and Day

Boomer and Baby Girl relaxing after all the commotion of the day

Boomer opening his Christmas stocking with ma ma

Crystal and Greg with my nephews first Christmas gift from me, even though he is not here he needed a present to open!

Our beautiful Christmas eve dinner!

Whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is about all I really have to say right now. What a crazy, fun, family filled, weekend! This was our first Christmas as a married couple and in our new home, so it was an exciting one. We didn't have plans for Christmas eve so Luke and I made a wonderful dinner of crab legs (one of our favorites).... Then we got ready for the next day, My family was coming over and we hosting Christmas at our house, my mom, dad, sister, brother in law, grandma, grandpa, uncle, and 2 cousins. It is definitely a lot of work hosting a holiday like that, but it all went great, we had a lot of fun opening presents, visiting, and eating of course! Christmas night my mom and her puppy ending up staying the night and hanging out with me and Luke. They went home the next morning and I cleaned up from the day before. We had Christmas with Luke's moms over at his brothers, and about an hour before we left for that we got a horrible phone call. Some of you know that Luke and I have a rental property in the city and that we have been having major problems with it, no renters or buyers etc, Well all the pipes busted and it is now full of water. Luke and I were so upset all we could do is cry. Now not only do we not know what to do about making the payments (we are officially out of money for this) now we have this HUGE mess that we have to clean up and fix before we can do anything. Anyway, please keep us in your prayers about this it has been so overwhelmingly hard on us, Luke has a couple meetings with people today and I am really hoping for the slightest bit of good news.

I will post about the next 3 Christmas events tonight :)