Puppy Love

For Christmas this year Chris and I decided to forgo gifts to each other and finally get a puppy.

For almost our entire relationship we had decided to get a Lab and had discussed, researched and debated the details. British Lab or not? Chocolate or Black? Which names could we agree on? What Breeder would we get her from?

We came across a breeder during our research that we really loved and felt comfortable with and made the decision to pull the trigger.

Our black lab puppy is expected to arrive February 6th and she will be ready to come home with us 7 weeks later. We have spent this week picking out the different things she will need...it's funny how you have to sort of prep like you're having a baby...LOL.

We have aligned on training methods and read a few books on how to train her not only to be a great indoor family dog but also a hunting partner.

We are so excited for her to be born and to go pick her up!!!

Sno Daze 2012

Yesterday Matt and Jenni went to SnoDaze, their school's version of a Sadie Hawkins dance. The girls ask the guys and everyone gets glammed up and ready to party. I spent the day helping my sister get ready - and she looked amazing. She and her boyfriend Robby (who hates pictures) allowed me to snap a few before going to dinner and the dance. Matt and his girlfriend Bre had to rush off after his hockey game, so I didn't get to take any pics of them personally. Oh to be a senior in high school again...what fun!!

Robby and Jenni - Flowers by Chelle...LOL

Robby and Jenni

Sisters and Best Friends :)

Matt and Jenni

Matt and Bre

Tradition!!

I've mentioned in past posts about how I force Chris to welcome holidays with me in traditions that I hope to continue for the rest of our lives. Much like pumpkin carving, I have always wanted to make a gingerbread house together. In past years I even bought one to then never decorate it because Mr. Scrooge wouldn't participate. I should have kept it instead of tossing it because Amy had done the same thing and just used the old one and it turned out fine.

This year, I succeeded in getting him on board and we created what I believe to be a very cute gingerbread house. Ok, I'll be honest, he was mostly in charge of the construction portion and helping direct where to place things. (The wreath on the sides was completely his idea). I loved it and was excited to begin this new tradition. And after he did it once, Chris enjoyed it too so next year should be struggle free!

30

Now that I've absorbed the fact that I'm 30, I've thought a lot about what that really means. It's no longer scary to me. It doesn't make me feel anxious to say "I'm 30" And I think I know why. I let go of all of the pressure I was putting on myself about being 30.

I came across a quote that really spoke to me;

“We must be willing to let go of the life we had planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell

I couldn't agree more. There is so much out there for me to still accomplish and achieve - so much to look forward to. I'm slowing down, relaxing and allowing myself to be excited about being 30.

Sports Jam

My brother, Matt, was featured on Sports Jam - a local cable show about High School Sports in the community. Matt had broken his leg not once, but twice last year, keeping him from playing hockey for his entire junior season. Click here to watch the feature. If you fast forward through the clip his portion starts about 13.29 minutes in. I'm very proud of him and how he presented himself!

Feliz Navidad

This Christmas was awesome because I really felt the joy of the season. Granted, I didn't do our shopping well in advance, but I tried a new approach this year and it was magical - online shopping!! Amazon.com became my new BFF. Now that I've done it, I don't think I'll ever go back! It was so beyond cool to not have to fight the insane crowds and waste time going from store to store. I just clicked, researched, ordered and paid. AMAZING!!!!

Aside from gift giving and receiving, the time with family this year worked out perfectly. Friday the 23rd was spent with my parents, brothers, sisters and nieces.

Christmas Eve was spent with Chris' mom and grandma.

Christmas Day was spent with my Dad's family; Grandma and Grandpa, my Uncle and Aunt, Cousins and my parents and siblings.

I felt so fortunate to be able to have that time and appreciate the health and happiness I've been blessed with. Here's hoping for the same happiness and love in 2012 :)

The Dirty 30

So I turned 30. It wasn't that big of a deal. I only had two slight breakdowns.

The first happened the week before my birthday while I was out to eat with Chris, his grandma and his mom Joyce for her 65th birthday. Keeley called me on her way home from North Dakota just to tell me that I had a week left if I wanted to donate my eggs...because after you're 30 no one will take them. Yup. I maybe shed a tear or two because I felt old. And cause I still intend on using them at some point and if they're no longer wanted by the medical field then what's to say they'll want to work for me. Dumb I know, but I'm not rational.

The second happened when Keeley brought me a coffee to work the week before my birthday (the day after the egg incident) and said "Happy 1 Week til you're 30 Coffee!!!" Very sweet. Suuuper thoughtful. Total panic. I promptly asked her to lay off just a pinch until closer to the day. As in THE day.

I took the day off - just because. Work owed me the day anyway since I've been working my ass off. I laid in bed pretty much ALL DAY and it was everything I could've hoped for. Dinner at Benihana and a sweet card from Chris, the day came and went just like any other day.

I don't feel older. I don't think I look older. I think it is just that number that is hard to swallow.

I remember when my dad turned 30...because I WAS NINE!! That is insane to me.

I know a lot of the negative thoughts surrounding 30 are because of plans I made for myself. Goals. All of those stupid arbitrary deadlines girls give themselves that make them feel depressed when they aren't met. Marriage, house, kids, career, ideal body, $$...all of those things that are built in your mind to achieve by 30.

I'm trying to look at it as how much I have to look forward to. Focus on all that I've accomplished up to this point.

It's ok to wallow...but 30 isn't that bad. Especially when I get to celebrate with all of my friends soon!

Happy Halloween

Every year I make Chris carve pumpkins with me. And not the sissy easy jack-o-lantern, but the intricate, difficult patterned ones that frustrate the hell out of you if you don't get it right.

When I was a kid, my dad always enjoyed carving pumpkins. I woud make him scrape out the insides and remove the gooey mess. Now that I'm a big girl, I do it all myself.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Chaperone

I remember a time when Halloween weekend was the best party weekend of the year. Many a fun time was had at the Appeldorn's BOOzetacular Bashes. As you can see below, we knew how to party.

This year, however, my sister wanted to have a Halloween party and my parents were scheduled to be out of town for my dad's annual work trip, which meant that I would have to chaperone. No partying for me.

I. Feel. Old.

There were 37 cars in the parking lot behind my parents house and everyone from LMFAO, Black Swan, The Swan Princess, a nun, a gay cop, a dude from Harry Potter, a slutty devil and a football player were in attendance. There were about 80 kids packed into my parents house and I walked around picking up after them like I was 87. I felt so weird and out of place. But, most importantly, my sister had a blast. I guess my partying days can commence next year when we pick the Halloween tradition back up :) Party at the Rotells!!!

The History Of Rap - Parts 1 & 2

When I saw the History of Rap Part 3 on Jimmy Fallon tonight, I couldn't stop laughing...so I thought I'd share the 1st 2 with you :)