New Mexico

by Ang

I made it to New Mexico! It was a long trip, but we arrived safely and in tact. These beautiful flowers from my honey were waiting for me.

I've been busy unpacking and settling in for the past few days. It's slowly coming together. I feel like I've slipped right into life here - setting up the house, spending time at my mother-in-law's, shopping, the gym, going to meetings and out in service, etc. It's a good feeling. I do miss my family though. I take comfort in the fact that I will see them in about 3 weeks!

This is from the Target parking lot. I still can't get over the fact that I can see mountains every day. That's a big deal for this Nebraska girl!!

I'm off to bed. I have another big day of unpacking ahead of me!

And Life Goes On....

By Amy

As the last post indicated, my sister has left. Actually she has arrived safely in New Mexico. I'm sure she will blog about the bumps along the way and the happiness she feels finally being by her honey. I'm feeling a little empty and still trying to get my mind wrapped around her being gone. Meanwhile, life goes on. It was spring break here last week and in a attempt to be a fun mom I took the kids plus friends bowling last Wednesday. Even though the pictures don't show it, they really did have fun.

Speaking of bowling, how appropriate a time to show off my new camera bag! Isn't cute?

Check out my boys' score! Look at all those strikes!

I also got to see the sweet baby girl on Saturday.

It's hard to share her with my 8 year old. He loves her almost as much as me. (:

She loves to "read". It's so cute how she concentrates so hard on the pages.

I'm excited that I get to see her next weekend too.

Two-Thirds

by Ang

We (me and my brother) are two-thirds to Albuquerque. We plan on getting there tomorrow around 1:00 or 2:00.

The trip went well, for the most part. My cats did okay. I had them in their carriers at first, but they hated it and boy kitty literally tried to eat and claw his way out of his carrier. So, I opened the doors and let them loose. It made a HUGE difference. They didn't howl, they didn't cry, or anything.

I just think they wanted to be close to me.

We made it to Pueblo, Colorado and are now getting ready for bed in a pet friendly hotel. The kitties made themselves right at home.

Time for bed. Another big day tomorrow!

A Year Ago Today

By Amy

We left for Paris. And I know that this may sound dramatic but...it changed my life. The way I look at people, taste food, catch my breath when I hear someone speaking in French, linger and stare when I see something beautiful.

I've wanted to go back since we left. Maybe someday I will. I hope. I can't believe it's been a year. So many things have happened. Sad things. I lost my beloved Aunt in death. How I miss hearing her laugh and the way she never left the house without a visor. A few months later, my Uncle died. My heart breaks for my Grandma who has experienced what no parent should ever have to go through. But there have been good things too. I have a beautiful niece who will turn one next month. I can't begin to tell you the joy she brings in our lives. And my sister! She has found the love of her life. Which makes me feel so FULL of happiness for her. Even though I will feel a little lost without her. Ok, ALOT lost. But even though we will be miles apart....as the saying goes...We will ALWAYS have Paris.

Celebrity Fight Night

By Amy


Once again my pictures are not the greatest. But the evening was spectacular. Except that it was really long. We got home around 1:30am. I'm to old for that! Here are a few of the celebrities.

Randy Jackson

Danica Patrick

Chris Tucker

Charice

Reba

Glenn Frey

And of course, Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie

I think that overall around two million dollars were raised for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix which provides free treatment and medicine for people of all ages regardless of their ability to pay. The money also goes towards research to finding a cure. A great cause and a great night. I was privileged to go.

Amazing Night, Crummy Pictures

By Amy

Well, I'm back in Arizona. It's gorgeous as usual.

We shopped, lunched and then got ready for dinner. Here I am ready to mingle with the rich and famous in my Kohls top and Payless Shoes.

It was a "Founders" dinner for the Muhammad Ali charity.

Dinner Table

Entertainment was spectacular. Sorry the pictures are so crummy. I didn't want to be obvious with a flash. And my zoom isn't the greatest either.

The Canadian Tenors

Michael Johns (American Idol)

Reba and Kris Kristofferson

Everyone having fun!

The entertainment all came out at the end and sang, We are the Champions.

And of course, the Champ himself was there. Really bad picture but he is sitting with a napkin tucked in his shirt.

It was a great night. Tonight is the actual event. I'll post later!

Standing Tall

By Amy

Guess what the Little Miss is trying to do now? She is trying to walk! The nerve! How dare she grow up so fast! Even though it makes me a little sad how big she is getting it is also really really exciting. Just look how cute she is just standing there all by herself!

Look at this one! She can stand AND hold a book (and suck on her pacifier upside down).

I realize this wasn't nice but I couldn't help but to take a picture of her crying.

Then her Aunt Angie picked her up and she was all better.

Just look at those pretty blue eyes.

I loved spending time with her this weekend. I'm off tomorrow to Arizona with the boss. I'll be back on Sunday and then on Friday I get to see her again! My life is complete. (:

Enchanting, Extraordinary, Marvelous

by Ang

My shower was last night. It was given by my sister, my sister-in-law and Megan. It was AMAZING. It was a Paris/French theme and everything down to the last detail was carefully thought out and planned.

I walked into a room full of beautifully set tables, candles and flowers. There was French music playing in the background.

There was Paris books and memorabilia set throughout the space.

Then it was time for appetizers. Cheese, bread, fruit and wine!

The main courses were delicious. The potatoes were the best I have ever had.

We played a game. Each table had to dress a barbie doll in wedding attire using nothing but a bag full of office supplies. It was funny! Here was my favorite:

Then it was dessert time. Oh my.

Everything was so....French! The favors were CDs of French songs. The gifts for the winners of the game were french note cards and bon bons. The details were perfect!

And best of all, I got to spend the evening with VERY important people.

The three women who pulled this off are amazing and I love them all SO MUCH. When I think about all the work they put into this just for ME I realize how fortunate I am to have such a wonderful family. I am so grateful!

It was an evening that I will remember forever!

One last picture - it was just too cute. I had to post it!