One of our Stories...

In November Luke and I are taking a trip to Mexico with a couple of our friends, It will of been a little over a year and a half since our honeymoon and we are so excited! We are going to the same resort we went to with my family a couple years ago... http://palaceresorts.com/Resorts/MoonPalace/Index.asp

My grandparents on my moms side took all of us here to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary a couple years ago, It was a great time, it was fun to be on a trip with family, all inclusives are always fun, and the resort had some really great events we attended, but the highlight of my trip was our engagement!

Luke and I had been dating for about four years, and of course I was itching to get asked a certain question... But I had no clue it was going to happen here. One night before we all set out to go to dinner Luke acted like he was giving a toast to my grandparents for 50 years, but the toast ended up with Luke down on one knee asking me if I would spend my next 50 with him as well! I was so surprised and so happy, and it was very neat to have some of my family there to experience it all with me, my brother in law Greg videotaped and my sister took pictures!

I would not change one thing about our engagement, and it is a night I will never ever forget!

But one of the reasons for this post is also because... I LOVED my ring Luke got me, it was everything I wanted. It is an antiquy looking ring that is different yet very elegant, but it was expensive so when it came time for our wedding a year last we didn't go out and get me a wedding band, since my ring is different the band has to be custom made so it can be a little more pricey than regular also....

Since then, and the house and then rental property, etc etc.. it has just been something we have put off, I don't mind but I did eventually want one...

So Saturday morning while we were running some errands we went and put it on ORDER! They have to make a wax mold first that I will approve, and it will take about 3 weeks to get my ring back but I am so excited!!!!! I had to post about it!

***Funny side note: Out at Fast Eddies on Saturday for a friends birthday, a waitress came over to me and told me a guy wanted to buy some drinks for me... Guess sometimes it "pays" to not have a ring on, doesn't hurt your self-esteem much either ;)

It's a good life!

A Captain!

Luke and I out on Beaver lake

A Fontbonne crew, funny pic!

The Girls all ready to go out... my best friends!
Fun times and Great friends for a great weekend in Arkansas! It was a long drive, and I have no idea how Jim and Leslie do it all the time but it was definitely worth it to see some great friends. Jim's house is amazing, so pretty, clean, and organized! And his dog Waylon seems to be very happy there! Thanks for the hospitality Jim and Leslie, lets do it again soon!

A drinkin town with a baseball problem!

The All Star game is in Saint Louis!!! Usually I don't think this game is that big of a deal but boy was I wrong, when it is in our town it is HUGE! St. Louie has been taken over by baseball fans from all over!

Luke and I were not lucky enough to get tickets to the game or the home run derby, but we did get tickets to fan fest from my dad! It is basically a baseball theme park... we went last night, the night of the home run derby, it was fun to be down town and feel all the excitement that our city has to offer! And it is cool seeing all the visitors in town and the money flowing thru from all of the events that have been going on since Friday! My friend Shannon is in town from Vegas for it so I will be out with her for the game tonight... but I think we are going to play it safe and stay away from down town tonight!

Luke and I with the cardinals team... we are pointing at David Freeze, one of Luke's buddies from high school!

1982 World Series Trophy

Luke and I in front of the worlds largest baseball

Are we back in college???

Luke and I had a very fun weekend and partied like rock stars but Sunday evening when we could not keep our eye open, it was apparent to us that we are NOT in college anymore! ha!

We got to hang out with our great friends Jamie and Eric Friday night, they came over and we fried okra and made some dogs and hung out... Then Saturday Luke went to the baseball game, all you can eat and drink tickets, while I went to Michelle's bridal shower, then we met back up and met Lauren and Brian up at Helen's, the guys stayed there while we went and tried on bridesmaid dresses for Laurens wedding coming up in October and we found one! I love it too, it is very elegant and chic! After that it was off to Jimbos birthday party to see an Elvis impersonator, it was one of the best times I have had in a long time, Jim had a great group of friends from Illinois and they all took an old school RV to the concert, SO funny! Then we danced the night away at a bar... a bar we didn't fit in at very well. ;) It has been a long time since Luke and I have been out that Jack in the Box is closed on our way home!!!

Yesterday we layed on our bums and relaxed at the pool all day, a great end to a perfect weekend!

Now I will be playing catch up all week from "playing" all weekend, Ohh well that's what summer is for!

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!