Drenched in Pink - 'Showered' in Love

White lights softly layered within waves of pink tulle. Votive candles, pastel balloons, and a tower of cherry chip cupcakes. Curling ribbon, polka dots, and chinese lanterns. Over the past weekend, my gender-neutral house was transformed to a little girl's dreamland - all to honor the newest girl in our family...Charly Grace.

I asked Kelli if I could throw a shower for her in October, so I've been secretly planning my party for months now. I knew I wanted to have a shower after the baby was born, simply to overdo the pink or blue. In this case, I was perfectly happy throwing the oober 'girl' shower.

Highlights of the Day...

1. Decorating! Since I was home on Spring Break, I was fortunate to have time to worry about the details. I took my time and had so much fun with ribbons, lights, and candles!

2. My first diaper cake experience - Mom helped with this one. It was fun to put it together, but even more fun to decorate it!

3. The food! No real messes or travesties concerning the menu. I served homemade chicken salad on croissants, mini fruit skewers with dip, spinach artichoke dip, cranberry turkey roll-ups, mini cupcakes, and pink lemonade.

4. Charly of course. She was cuter than ever. Kelli dressed her in this little demin dress from Gap, a pink striped onesie, and pink tights that were a little big, but baggy in just the right places. Her dad forgot to comb her hair after her bath, so her mane was a little fluffy! She was awake at the beginning, and then fell asleep during games. Turns out, Charly isn't a fan of shower games either!

5. Oh Baby! Shower Favors. Beau helped with this one. A CD full of songs with the word, 'baby.' Everything from the Supremes, to Vanilla Ice, to Amy Grant. I like to think the CD has a little for everyone. Even Grandma Henrichs.

6. Charly's gifts, especially the headband from her Grandma Carol. Kelli insists Charly is not a headband girl. By the look on her face, Charly insists too!

All to Him I Owe...

Beau and I have been attending Orchard Hill Church since we got married and officially decided to call it our home church last fall. It's truly been one of the best decisions we've made since we decided to start our lives together. The teachings, the music, the people, and the ever-present, ever-growing revival for Christ is amazing. I've been a follower of Jesus for as long as I can remember. I've always felt a little bit cheated because I don't have an inspiring story about the moment I accepted Jesus as my Savior. When I think about my life, I honestly don't remember a time when I felt without Christ. I was raised to trust in Him always, to have faith in times of need, and devote my life to following His example. This road has not been smooth; in fact, I can remember times in my life when it was quite bumpy and rough; however, the road has always existed and I've always been aware of the desired destination.

Today, Dave Bartlett had one of the best sermons I've heard since attending Orchard. During this season of Lent, he talked about the days leading up to Jesus' death: the palm branches in the streets, the celebration of the last supper, and the betrayal of His closest friends. I can't imagine how He must have felt in these moments. How, He, knowing of his ultimate destination, death on a cross, yet, still, found joy in those moments of despair; serving Judas bread and wine as His guest of honor, and washing the feet of the men that would turn against him that very night.

As he washed their feet, he taught:

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

John 15: 5-13

Here are the four lessons I learned from this chapter of the Bible.

1. Be connected to Christ: This is essential. Beginning and ending each day with God is just the beginning; it's about making Him the center of my life throughout the busy, schedule-packed days. Knowing how He wants me to live my life each day, whether teaching at school, out with friends, or with family. This one is about prayer, but moreso, about awareness. Be consciously aware of the Holy Spirit every minute, every day of my life.

2. Love God and others: This one seems so easy; however, when you look into it, it's a lot deeper than loving the people in our life that are easy to love. Jesus spoke these words as He looked into the faces of the people who would turn against Him, His family of friends. Pastor Dave said something that really stuck with me yesterday. He said in our lives, we must love the people the most when they deserve it the least. Although important, this one is more than a hug, a kiss, or an 'I love you.' It's a prayer for a student who struggles in class, a phone call to a friend I've lost touch with, or giving up on gossiping and taking up complimenting.

3. Bear Fruit: Peace, Love, Hope, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self Control. I need to work on finding peace. Trusting God and knowing when to give him control over my life. I admit it. I can be a little bit of a control freak. I need God to help me unpack my life in a way that honors Him. Bear fruit. Be an example.

4. Experience JOY: Wow. This one is big. Yesterday, as Dave preached, he looked into the congregation of more than 500 people and looked into the faces of two different families. He said I know there are people in this room suffering. A family who buried a father and husband yesterday, and a family fighting through unemployment. He said in these times of trial, we must find joy. The joy that Jesus found the night before he would be nailed to a cross. The joy that sometimes seems so far from our lives. It's so easy to go through this life dwelling on the bad because let's face it, there is a lot of 'bad.' I want to be the kind of person that people look at say, 'where does she get that joy?' Blessings exist everywhere, but at times, they hide under pain, and loss, and sadness.

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Sigh...It's Spring Break!

A week ago, no one could have ever convinced me that the snow would be gone by Spring Break. In fact, last Saturday, a foot of snow covered most of our ground, not to mention the piles bordering our driveway that stood a head taller than me. It seemed that it would last forever - that Winter would last forever. But...the earth smiled its warm, 40 degree smile last week and melted Winter away. And now, as I sit in the livingroom drunk from the fresh air, signs of Spring are everywhere.

1. I woke up this morning with sun streaming through the windows. I snuck out of bed, quiet to not wake Beau, and made a pot of coffee and chocolate chip muffins. I sat at the kitchen table and caught up on some mail as the sun's reflection made designs on the kitchen floor. It was quiet, warm, and ultra relaxing.

2. After church, we broke out the deck furniture. We swept, raked, and scoped out the survival skills of last year's landscaping. Our bushes look a little rough right now, but I'm hoping more 50 degree weather will liven them up.

3. Daylight Savings Time...although we lose an hour of sleep, the trade-off is worth it. One more hour of day means more time for neighborhood walks, open windows, and late grill-outs.

4. Our neighborhood. Each year, there's one day that everyone decides to come out of hibernation. Dogs, bikes, babies...toddlers in strollers and toddlers pushing strollers. Everyone is happy. Cars are washed in driveways, kids are laughing and shooting hoops, and our neighbor, Jim, sits on his deck with a beer in hand. Jim is my sign of summer on its way!

5. I can open the big red door at the front of our house, allowing Jade to perch herself for hours in front of the glass door. Her tail swiftly slides from side to side as dogs walk on the sidewalk and she takes a bath and naps for hours in the sun spot on the carpet.

6. Late afternoon walks, grilled hot dogs, macaroni salad, and Sunday night TV. I absolutely love the feeling of settling in for a night after a nice Spring or Summer day. The fresh air casts a spell on us.

This week I am blessed with a week home from school in honor of Spring Break. For me, it will involve washing windows, cleaning closets, going for walks, and planning a baby shower for Charly. Most of all, I'm hoping for a week of catching up, winding down, and breathing in life a little deeper.

Welcome sweet SPRING!

Monday Monday

Picture taken from Des Moines Register

Thank you, NU Panthers, for playing so well today and starting Spring Break just a little earlier for us burnt-out teachers.

Thank you, huge bowl of fresh pineapple and strawberries, for filling my tummy with your deliciousness.

Thank you, sweet husband, for taking the day off to ride to Des Moines with me. For keeping me entertained in the car, sharing your funnel cake with me at the game, and peeking in Pottery Barn with me afterwards.

Thank you, Jack Bauer, for providing an hour adrenaline rush every Monday night.

Thank you, 40 degree temps, for continuing to thaw the earth and melt the snow in our backyard.

Thank you, Jade, for the funny looks you give me as I scramble out of the house each and every morning.

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for being my audience.

Me = 1 The Monday Blues = nothing

The Happiness Project...

This week, it's all about the small things. It seems like my weeks at school keep getting busier and busier. Halfway through a Masters paper, coordinating the junior/senior prom, tackling lesson plans for two new books in my 9th grade curriculum, getting ready for a tenure track job search, and tackling the weekly, massive piles of grading, all work together to keep my to-do list at times, unmanageable. But...amidst the grading, planning, teaching, reflecting, prepping, and meeting that my wonderful job entails, there is a break in sight. Thanks to the ultra-talented NU Boys Basketball Team, this week will be a fun, stress-free week of traveling back and forth to and from Des Moines to cheer on the Panthers at the State Basketball Tourney. Then, it's a week off for Spring Break! I think I can make it!

So...as the Happiness Project continues, I'm making sure I'm squeezing in some time to enjoy the small, unexpected, wonderful things that make their way into my life on a daily and weekly basis.

6.) As much as I love friends and nights out with them, nights at home are sometimes just as nice. Last night, after a full week of schedules, meetings, and obligations, I celebrated a night at home...all to myself. Beau went to a birthday celebration/guy's night out, so I treated myself to a blanket, some cozy sweats, a chick flick, and a Pappa John's delivery...

...all to myself.

...This welcomed night to myself ended much earlier than I had anticipated, as I fell asleep on the couch before the clock struck 11. But, I had time to catch up on last week's 'Idol,' catch up with Mom on the phone, and eat some delicious pepperoni pizza dipped in garlic sauce.

7.) Spring has Sprung in Iowa. Did you know until this weekend, our great state hadn't enjoyed above 40-degree temps. in 94 days? This 40 degree heat wave sent a fever to all of Iowa...a Spring fever. My students were wearing capris to school, Beau fired up the smoker, and Iowa's more ambitious hit the streets for a jog. I put away the Uggs, bought some Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen, and waited in a long line at the car wash. Soon, the bikes will be out, the deck furniture will be set, and the days will keep their eyes open a little bit longer. I. can't. wait.

8.) Spring means Easter. Easter means candy. Specifically, Starburst Jelly Beans, Malted Milk Easter Eggs, and my favorite, Cadberry Bunny Eggs. Pastels, pretty dresses, and a baby shower in the works. Jelly beans are fat free, but I'm pretty sure that delicious white filling in a Cadberry Egg is the equivalent of a meal in itself. I'd better take it easy!

9.) I officially made my teacher-debut in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier this week. I organized a contest at school called, 'Poetry Out Loud,' giving students the chance to step out of their comfort zones and perform a famous poem of their choosing. We had a school competition and sent one student, Jyothi, to the State Competition in Des Moines. We took her yesterday and she blew me away with her poise, her talent, and her confidence. I thought she had it in the bag, which meant a trip for her and I to Washington D.C. to perform at the National Competition. To my surprise, Jyothi received 3rd place. 3rd place in the entire state. 3rd place, against students from Valley, Sioux City, Des Moines North, and Mason City. I was extremely proud of her and she's already talking about next year! If only all my students were as devoted and driven!

Here's the link for the article.

10.) Sundays at home are always welcomed. UNI won the MVC tournament, which guarantees them a bid in the NCAA tourney. Beau finally helped me get the Christmas garland down from the front porch. I polished my two glass cabinets in the kitchen. Caught up on grading. Caught up on laundry. Sipped on hot cocoa and helped my cat rescue 17 play mice from underneath the couch. Soaked in a tub of bubbles.

11.) The Oscars are on tonight. I don't think I've ever missed the Oscars. Waiting for my favorite stars to grace the red carpet, picking favorite dresses out with Mom, and cheering for certain movies to win the awards are some favorite childhood memories of mine. If only the Academy didn't hate my movie-star crush, Leo.

Someday, I want to have an Oscar night party. I want to eat hors-oeuvres, drink champagne out of pretty glasses, and see all the movies up for the awards ahead of time. Oscar Party is added to my Bucket List.

So I like taking pictures of my cat...

Today was the first day in a long time I could actually feel the warm sun through my windows. Our driveway is officially melted and as we approach the first day of March, I can almost smell Spring.

I think Jade can too. As I was planted on the floor in the living room this afternoon, watching the USA/Canada hockey game on mute, with Ingrid Michaelson in the background, working on some school work, I watched Jade find the small box of sunlight that streamed through our picture window. First, she took at bath, then she proceeded to be adorable in a number of different sleeping positions. The closer the camera gets to her face, the more 'cover kitty' she looks.

These pictures personify peace in every way on this Sunday afternoon.

Stealing our hearts already...

Everyone told me that being an aunt is pretty amazing. I've always loved babies, but holding Charly Grace for the first time took on a whole new meaning.

She was born late Wednesday night, February 24, at 10:54 pm. This wait made for an interesting night for the anxious family in the waiting room at Covenant Medical Center. A night of prediction, anticipation, and excitement, Forrest Gump, peanuts in 7up, downloading ringtones on our cell phones, and Grandpa longing to take a nap on the overstuffed leather couch in the lactation room. Every now and then, in between Carol's, 'Fat Bottom Girl' ringtone attempt, or Beau's, 'The Good, the Bad, the Ugly,' imitation, Jordan would glide through the double doors of the hospital and fill us in on the news.

"They think it's going to be closer to midnight."

"Kelli has crazy pregnancy strength."

"We're getting closer."

Then, an hour before midnight, Jordan and Kelli welcomed a new baby girl to the world. Weighing 7 lbs. 9 oz., Charly Grace was here. We gave them some time to process the newness of their world before crowding in their room to take a peek. As tears filled the grandmas' eyes, and yelps of joy for a baby girl filled the room, Charly laid still in Jordan's arms, a wide-eyed look of peace and almost boredom covering her sweet little face. It was a moment none of us will ever forget.

The waiting room...need I say anymore???

One proud daddy...

The Happiness Project

Sometimes, I think the world around us fuels cynicism. The news, the radio, and even the daily conversations of people on the side of the street seem to dwell on 'the bad.' And at times, if I'm not careful, I find that it's easy to be negative. To end every day thinking about the one negative thing that happened amidst the twenty positive blessings in that same day. It's especially bad in the wintertime, when the world is cold and the earth seems so quiet and still.

Funks are no fun. And, over time, I've learned they don't add a single ounce of relief to an already shabby day. My father-in-law is a man of few words, but I've learned over the years that the words he does use often make a lot of sense. He reminds me of Clint Eastwood in that way. He says, 'the way I see it, you've got two choices in life. You either deal with whatever comes your way, or, you don't.'

Not only do I need to 'deal,' but I need to do it with a bag full of lemons and a half-full glass of lemonade. Because a glass half empty doesn't sound near as fulfilling as a glass half-full.

In August, on my birthday, I started the Happiness Project. Inspired by a book that sits on my shelf at school, I started journaling about my favorite thing that happened every day before I went to bed. Some days, the event was easy to identify, like Beau and I's trip to Northeast Iowa in the fall, sipping wine and taking pictures of pretty fall leaves, or a cozy night in the theater during a downpour of rain. Other times, I have to search a little deeper, sometimes even for something small, like a great hair day, a yummy supper, or a completed to-do list. What I found during this endeavor was that everyday, there was indeed something that made me think back on and smile about. That even on the worst days, there are lemons. Some are big, plump, and super juicy, others are small, but surprisingly sweet.

So...I am going to make it a point to start documenting some of my weekly favorites on one of my favorite displays...this here blog.

This week, it's pretty easy.

Charly Grace brings this whole new definition of love to my world. I've always loved babies, but getting to hold my own niece takes on a whole new meaning. Beau and I went to see Jordan, Kelli, and Charly yesterday and I could have snuggled with her all day. She is so fun to hold. You can put her in almost any position and she just snuggles up right against you. My favorite is holding her by my shoulder. You can smell her and nuzzle your nose against her soft little perfect head of hair. She's pretty amazing.

I love nights with great friends. In college, we were together all the time. I'd plan my weeks around nights with friends. Now, these nights don't happen near as often, yet they're almost sweeter that way. Last night, Brooke, Mel, and I ventured out into the cold and into the cold Young Arena for a hockey game. We had a blast. It was an unusually entertaining game: lots of goals, lots of rednecks yelling really loud ("Move the puck in the other direction!), dancing, music, and a really good fight. Brooke has officially declared hockey her favorite sport.

Other 'favorites' to add to this list? Beau and I, and Gabe and Gina managed to talk my father-in-law, Ray, aka, my version of Clint Eastwood, out to dinner Friday night. Now, this may seem like nothing to you, but to us, it was a milestone to be remembered. Actually, in the six years I've known Ray, we've ate out at a restaurant one time...Beau's college graduation. And that was at Toads, so I wouldn't even consider that truly 'dining out.' Cloth napkins, no TVs, side salads, the whole works. We stayed in Hampton and ate at Pakodas, a steakhouse in town. The food was good, but the conversation was better.

4.) My new laundry system in the basement. Since becoming a homeowner, I've taken over my mom's system of hanging damp laundry that I don't want dried all the way in every doorway in our house. The system creates an unhappy husband, not to mention, repeated pick-ups of shirts and pants that fall on the floor in a pile if we happen to brush them with our shoulder. So...Beau's Sunday trip to Lowes inspired a new laundry hanging system in, go figure, the laundry room. Sometimes, the simplest changes make for the best results. I actually enjoy doing laundry now!

5.) I'm officially halfway done with the first draft of my MA research paper. 25 pages in, I'm feeling good. I like my topic, I have so much more to say, and the system I have in place for writing is working rather well. By the end of June, I will officially be done with college for a long while.

A 3-Peat!

"I'm just a simple man. I've got a chili pot and a dream."

-My husband

Well...he did it again. My husband, in this post I will refer to him as, Con Quistador de Chili Con Carne, stole the show at the 8th Annual Toad's Chili Cook-ON. His hot and tasty chili, better known as 'The Farter Starter,' took the People's Choice Award for the 3rd year in a row! In addition to the People's Champion, Con Quistador also took the award for Best Presentation, as well as First Pot Gone. Out of 25 chilis, Beau's chili remained supreme. His picture stays on the Toad's plaque for yet another year and his confidence is ever-so-heightened.

So...if you see Con Quistador in the next few days, weeks, or months (this is quite the celebratory process), wish him a fine culinary congratulations. He might even show you his winning apron :).

His chili is quite good. And for some of us, thankfully, it has yet to live up to its name!

Kelli even made it out to support Beau's chili. The chili is maybe just what she needed to perk that little baby up and out into this world!

Thanks to Chas and Bridgette's son, Jack, Beau was able to adorn his chili pot with an authentic WWF belt.

Happy Valentine's Day

Although a lot of people refer to it as a cliche` Hallmark holiday, I happen to love Valentine's Day. I've always loved it. I remember Mom setting the table nice for a special Valentine's Day dinner at home, a pretty red candle lit, and red-wrapped gifts for my brothers and I. I remember spending weeks on the perfect Valentine's Day box to bring to a party at school. Even better, I remember taking that box home at the end of the day, overflowing with Valentine's cards, heart-shaped suckers, and silver lined chocolate hearts. I remember designing cards for my friends, saving special colors for special friends, and the best candy for my sweetheart. I remember Dana Shultz, standing at my doorstop in 2nd grade, grinning from ear to ear with a single red rose clutched in his little hand. I remember getting older, secretly longing for a vase of flowers with my name on it in the school office. And...I remember my senior year, dozens of flowers delivered to me, yet still sad, lonely, and empty because my Valentine was taken away from me.

I think holidays like Valentine's Day are important because they give us a reason to remember. To sift through life, remember, and celebrate all of the feelings that mold us and shape us into the people we are today. Feelings of love and belonging, friendship and heartache. It's too easy to go through this life with blinders on and I'm thankful for holidays to help me stop and reflect on how much I've learned and how much I've been blessed with.

Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate all the love in the world, as well as an excuse for a fun date night. This is Beau and I's sixth Valentine's Day together. As we continue to add more chapters to our little love story, I am repeatedly reminded of how blessed I am.

"all, everything I understand, I understand only because I love." -Leo Tolstoy

1st Valentine's Day: I don't remember a whole lot from this one, just sitting on Beau's bed at his old apartment, being showered with gifts from Gina's store (that she helped him pick out), as well as a big teddy bear and box of chocolates.

2nd Valentine's Day: Beau and I got dressed up and went to eat at Ferrari's, a fancy restaurant at the Pipac Centre. It had just opened and they were advertising a special Valentine's Day Dinner for Two.

3rd Valentine's Day: This was a good one! Beau and I made dinner at home. We set his Grandma J's old card table and chairs up in the middle of the living room floor of the duplex, turned off the lights, and lit candles everywhere. We made a 'fancy' meal, some type of pasta, grilled baby shrimp on skewers, and a red velvet cake mix. Even though we sat at a card table, in our far from glorious duplex, eating dinner from hand-me-down plates and unmatched silverware, I remember feeling as if I was in another world.

4th Valentine's Day: This was a Valentine's Day to remember! For Christmas, Gabe & Gina had given me a pretty silver fondue set. I wanted to use it for Valentine's Day, so I planned a romantic night at home, complete with a roaring fire, bottles of wine, and lots of finger foods. I cut up fruit, made a homemade pound cake, and cut up lots of meat and cheese. It turns out we should have practiced the chocolate and cheese fondue first! The beer-cheese fondue was inedible and the chocolate burned to the bottom of the pot. It was a disaster!

I went to Hy-Vee for about the third time that day and bought microwaveable chocolate.

Favorite line of the night? (A line I still get grief for)...

Me: (back from Hy-Vee for the second time that night, throws a bag of chocolate chips on the counter)

Beau: The important thing is that we have each other.

Me: No it's not!

Needless to say, the chocolate turned out the second time around and the night ended in bliss :).

5th Valentine's Day: Brown Bottle. Red Velvet Cheesecake. Toads. Wine at Indulgence.

6th Valentine's Day: Beau and I went out to eat at Cu. It is a beautiful little restaurant in downtown Waterloo with even better food. We had their famous Shrimp & Lobster Bisque, pork medallions, hazelnut chicken, and my favorite, creme brulee`. After dinner, we saw the movie, 'Valentine's Day,' in the UltraScreen at the theater.

A Little Spring Fever...

Okay...I'm officially sick of winter. Remember those posts, a couple months ago, when I was embracing the pretty snow, flickering fires, and cozy nights at home? The posts when I felt lucky to live in a place with the changing seasons? Well...I realize that was written at a time when the snow was still new. Now...

months,

inches,

and wind chills later...

I'm ready for winter to thaw.

The winter is officially mocking me.

So, as I sit hear tonight watching the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies, piled under blankets, blowing my runny nose and nursing my chapped lips, I'm drifting to a land that is sand, sun, and surf. A land where my skin is tanned, body is warm, and mind is relaxed. I'm drifting to a bali bed, a good book, and a frozen drink in hand. I'm drifting to sundresses, sunglasses, and real, Mexican guacamole.

Life in the dead of winter...

Just another snow day...

KWWL://PriceLabNUHighSchool: No CLASSES TODAY

Receiving this text message is possibly one of the best ways to wake up on a cold, blustery, winter morning. My bed feels a little warmer after this text. My pillow a little softer. It's the word 'relief' in a very big way.

Although we are now rearranging our schedule at school to account for the many snow days we've had, I'll graciously accept a snow day anytime. It's an opportunity to relax and put some much needed check-marks on my to-do list.

Today, my snow day went a little like this...

wake up. stayed in pajamas. powdered donuts. chocolate milk. saved by the bell. today show. online shopping. talked to mom on the phone. cleaned living room. lit candles. cleaned coat closet. sorted kitchen cabinets. bubble bath. graded papers. food network. facebook. shopping on main street. made monster cookies. crock pot french dip. blogging. american idol. played with camera. hung out with beau.

MY.KIND.OF.DAY

Feline Frenzy

Beau surprised me with a new camera last weekend. Yes, he spoils me. I think this means he has finally accepted the fact that he will never escape my family's obsession with pictures. I've been eyeing the Canon Rebel since our wedding in 2007. Yes, they are big, bulky, and not exactly purse-friendly; however, they are perfect for someone who prefers natural light in pictures. The auto-focus and zoom are amazing! My favorite part, however, has to be the shutter lens. I can take about 20 pictures in a matter of seconds. The camera also comes equipped with HD movie maker capabilities (if only I could figure out how to play them).

Needless to say, I've been experimenting. A LOT. So far, my cat, Jade, has been a purrrrfect model. She may be scared of my vacuum cleaner, blow drier, and Ugg boots, but point a big, black, gun-like device a foot from her face, and my kitty turns into a model for the cover of Fancy Face. I must say, the camera (and the photographer) love her!

Dear John

I love going to movies in the theater. The excitement of the big screen, the coziness of the dark surroundings and intimate seating, and of course, the taste of buttery popcorn and crisp Cherry Coke, all work together to create a place of comfort for me. We don't go to movies too often; however, it's always an event I look forward to.

I remember my first theater experience, popcorn clutched tightly in my sweaty hand, crying uncontrollably when Petrie falls off the cliff in 'The Land Before Time.' I remember the crazy, edge-of-your-seat thrill-ride that 'The Departed' created, a three hour movie that seemed to last no longer than an hour. I remember being scared to go to the bathroom during 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose,' or 'Saw,' on Halloween night. And of course, I remember the gorgeous faces of Heath Ledger and Leo, blown across the big screen during 'A Knight's Tale,' and, 'Titanic.' I saw Titanic six times in the theater, thus beginning a deep love affair with Leonardo Dicaprio.

I especially love going to warm, cozy theaters in the dead of winter.

That is, unless you have to wait outside in the dead of winter for tickets to the warm, cozy theater.

This almost became part of our night on Friday when Melanie, Drea, and I decided to see 'Dear John.' The show started at 7:15, so we decided to stop by to get our tickets before dinner. At 6:00, we thought we would have plenty of time; however, the ticket lady politely recommended we get there early so we'd be able to sit by each other. So...we decided to skip dinner and walk through the mall instead. We didn't need anything, but browsed the summer shoes at Von Mauer, tried on jewelry at Younkers, and talked together. When we got back to the theater more than a half hour before showtime, the line was clear out the door of the theater!

I've never seen so many women in one place in my life! Luckily, we were the last group able to wait inside the theater. The line stretched beyond the width of the place, both inside and out by the time they let us run to our seats.

The movie was good. Channing Tatum is a beautiful man and Nicholas Sparks did not disappoint with the love story aspect of the film. The acting wasn't phenomenal, the story was predictable, but there was beautiful scenery (in addition to Channing Tatum), a lot of steamy kissing, and of course, lots of crying. Imagine a sold-out theater, full of women, all crying, some literally sobbing. Titanic all over again.

The last five minutes of the movie were the most disappointing. It was one of those movies that ended too quickly. When we left, the line for the 9:30 show was even longer!

Afterwards, we shared our reviews over yummy Old Chicago. It was a fun night with the girls indeed.

Together, we will wait until May to get 'Carrie'd Away for Sex and the City II. We'll have to get dolled up for that one though!

It's February!!!

Today is February 1st, 2010.

That means, sometime this month, I will say hello to my very first niece or nephew!

I can't wait!