Makeup, Mess up's, Me

I CAN HARDLY CONTROL MYSELF!

2009-02-26T09:31:00.002-05:00

I know its been WAYYYY too long since I've blogged...but seriously, I'm still checking in on everyone! I just could not help but post today. I've been following many of you closely lately and 3 of the most AMAZING women I know, have had their prayers answered. Steffie, Kimberly, and Nikki have been blessed over these last few days and I'm over the moon for them! Every time I look at their blogs, I want to weep tears of joy and I get tingles all over my body!! I'm so lucky to know all of you and to be praying for you on a daily basis. Since I've been on this journey with all of you for so long, it seems like I have a bond with your stories. Adoption to me is so close to my heart. I honestly feel as if one day I will adopt. Why else has God put me in this position?! I will hopefully be back sooner more then later and have my blog up and running again. My wedding is fast approaching and I'm busy busy busy! I love you all and I'm praising God today for the wonderful miracles that he has brought to so many of you. God is good!!

Winding Down

2008-09-02T21:28:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to update everyone really quick. I'm still here and doing very well! I haven't been able to blog due to not having Internet and plus this summer was a super busy one! I hope you are all doing fantastic! I have decided to lay low with the blogging until we get Internet up and running in our new house.... I know its a bad decision but I just don't have the time or resources right now! I still try to read your blogs as often as I can, so I'm not totally gone! ;) I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day. It is sad to see summer winding down but hey, we get to look forward to a beautiful fall! Miss you all...

XOXO

My Best Friend and I

2008-07-13T15:50:00.003-04:00

Where Have I Been?

2008-07-08T21:51:00.004-04:00

I miss you guys so much I can't hardly stand it anymore! I think about you bloggers 24/7! This summer is FLYING by and I can't wait stand not having a computer at my house! I thought having my computer at my best friends house would be perfect but then I started working 12-9pm and that leaves NO time to get here to blog....UGH.... Ok enough of this....what can I fill you all in on!? We got our reception site booked and the down payment put down on it. We also have the church date saved. I'm definitely thrilled that those two big parts are done but there is SO much more to do. Work is good. I'm loving it more and more everyday! Bad news...my camera broke that has all my pictures of the house and what not on it. Sad day that was. Hopefully God will grace me with the money for a new one...ha. Anyways, I feel like I have so much more to tell you all but its all jumbled in my head. All I know is life is good, Tyler is WONDERFUL, however he just got shipped 5hrs. away to work and will possibly be gone for awhile :( .... I'm trying to stay positive and just know that I get to spend the rest of my life with him! We have been plugging away at the new house. I gutted the kitchen and bathroom last weekend so that made me feel good and now it feels more "livable."

I'm sending my love to all of you. I pray and think about you all daily.

(This is a pic of my good friend Kelly at a Girls Night Out!)

SO much to talk about!

2008-06-18T22:04:00.002-04:00

Wow, a lot has been going on these last few days! Where do I begin... Well work is going very well and I even got a raise already! :) It is so fun to be working in the salon atmosphere and I'm so thankful that I was able to get a full time job with this job market. Ok on to bigger news.... My mom and I went out yesterday to look at reception hall and to TRY ON WEDDING DRESSES!!! What a successful day we had! I fell in love with the "ballroom" and I fell IN LOVE with a dress!! I tried on a few and wasn't thrilled and then I tried on a dress...I think "THE" dress! I didn't want to take it off. I was walking around in it, sitting down, twirling around, smiling ear to ear, and just loving the look of being a bride. The girl helping us grabbed a teirra and a veil and then my mom lost it. The tears started flowing! We had a great time and I'm so thankful that we found a reception hall so quickly and I found a dress on my first try! OH and other big news....we are moving up our wedding up a month! We are now getting married on August 22nd, 2009! I'm so excited. Tyler and I have been spending endless hours talking on the phone about wedding stuff. He's working up north for a couple more weeks then he will be working closer to home! :) Well my friends, as soon as I get pictures uploaded I'll be doing posts on the house and more wedding stuff. I'm going to be selecting bridesmaid dresses soon so I'll try to post pictures for some input. I hope you are doing fabulous and enjoying the best season of all!

Girls Night

2008-06-10T22:39:00.004-04:00

Last weekend my good friend Abby came into town from Chicago to visit her sisters and me! After work, I picked her up and we headed back to my house to get ready. We picked up my best friend Melissa and headed out to dinner. We had such a fun time! That was until the HUGE thunderstorms rolled on in. I can't believe the weather we had this past weekend. It has been one thunderstorm after another! Anyways, the storm rolled in about the time we were headed out. We got to my friends apartment just as it began to down pour. For the next 2 hours the rain just came harder and harder and the thunder and lightening were outragous! We were going to head out to a couple of bars but decided to have just stay in and play card games instead! It was a fun night and I'm so glad Abby got to come visit! I miss you friend! Here are some pictures of our night!

New Summer Look!

2008-06-05T21:33:00.003-04:00

I have my computer up and running!! YAY!! I'm keeping my computer at my best friends house, she lives about 5 minutes away from me. They have wireless so I'm taking advantage! ;) I decided it was about time for a new summer look because its finally getting toasty outside! I'll be back soon for another update and pictures of the house!!!

**DON'T YOU JUST LOVE MY NEW SIGNATURE?? Check out the BLOG FAIRY...she rocks! ;)

And the beat goes on...

2008-06-04T22:31:00.003-04:00

Today has just been one of those days... It started off with a wakeup call from work asking where I was. Yes, my alarm decided to NOT go off this morning and I over slept. Fabulous...just what I need for starting a new job. Luckily I work with some very nice people and they completely understood. I did however manage to take a shower, get ready, and be in my car all within 15 minutes....yeah that takes talent! haha (Coming from the girl who takes 1.5 hours to get ready!) Well after that my day was just crazy and unorganized...boo to that! Anyways, I have had a lot on my mind lately. Not being around blogging world is on my mind constantly. I HATE being away from the Internet. It is seriously killing me. I think about all you bloggers 24-7 and pray daily for all of you. I'm trying to get to the Internet more regularly but this summer is going to be here and there I'm afraid.

Well the weather is finally showing signs of summer which makes me happy. Although I'm working 5-6 days a week, it still is a good feeling to wear sandals and dresses! Work is going good and I'm finally done with training. I've been put on the schedule as a regular employee and I keep getting praised by my manager which really has kept me going. It is still hard to get used to this "real world" life style but its slowing growing on me.

As for the house...I have pictures on my camera but don't have them uploaded yet unfortunately. I'm so in love with it though! It is in dire need of some TLC but it will get there. Tyler and I started planting some veggies and flowers in our little garden and he's planning on starting some inside demolition this weekend. We also met our neighbors and they are super nice! They are a young couple with 2 dogs and glad that we are moving in and not some old people...hehe They are going to be a lot of fun!

Ok well I better get to bed and set TWO alarms tonight...HA! I miss you all terribly and I'll try to be back as soon as I can. XOXO

Birthday Pictures & Thank Yous

2008-05-29T19:06:00.007-04:00

Hi friends! I know I haven't been around lately and its getting worse and worse. Work is really "taking over" my life right now. Good news though...Tyler closed on his house yesterday so "we" now have a house!! However, the condition of the house is not so good....good thing he's my construction man! ;) Ok so here are some pictures from my birthday party...beware...young men and women have a good time! hehe....

AND... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to Paula and Nikki for my PIF gifts! I got a Starbucks gift card from Paula and a book from Nikki that I've started reading and I'm loving it! You girls are so amazing and I'm so thankful to have "met" you! I know I still owe gifts to my top 3 and I'm planning on shopping for them early next week. My life is just chaos right now so give me time... ;) Love you all and I'll be back soon! (Thanks for all the birthday wishes!!!)

22!

2008-05-25T18:26:00.002-04:00

I'M THE BIRTHDAY GIRL TODAY! :)

My party last night was soooo fun! I can't wait to post pics! Thank you for the birthday wishes my friends! xoxo

Whew

2008-05-22T23:12:00.002-04:00

Well its going on 11:15pm and I've been going since 6am this morning. Let me tell you friends...I'm not used to this "workin' world!" I'm pooped! I have had a crazy busy week with work and just one day left until the big BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!! I'm planning a shopping trip with my mom Saturday morning, then doing yard work and setting up for my birthday bbq I'm having at my house! We are going to play sand volleyball, have a bonfire, have a cookout, and just enjoy the beautiful night. I'm super excited! About 10 of my close friends are coming so it should be fun. I can't wait to post pics! and then Sunday is my actual birthday and its suppost to be 80* out! Yahoo!! I'm hoping to do something fun on the lake!

Ok, I need to update on thank yous for the pay it forward posts and I still need to get my gifts out to my top 3! No worries friends....I'm busy but I'll get your gifts out as soon as possible! ;) Whew...I need sleep...I'll be back soon... xoxo

PAY IT FORWARD

2008-05-14T17:24:00.005-04:00

"you do something nice for someone and then they do something nice for someone else."

Ok friends...here it is! I just got back into my bloggin' and I found this on many sites. I think its an AMAZING thing to do because we are all so lucky to know each other and why not show our love with some gifts?! I know most of you are adoptive mothers and I kind of "snuck" my way into your lives....but I love all of you dearly and I know that God introduced me to all of you for a reason. So here is the concept. The first 3 people to comment on this post and promises to do this post, if not already done it on their own blog, then I will send them a gift! They however, have to return the favor and send a gift to their first 3 comments! This will hopefully spin out of control and everyone will be feeling the love! ;) THANKS GUYS!

On another note...I want to say a BIG thank you to Lea for sending me a sweet card and a beautiful bookmark! I will be using the bookmark for my next book I read and can not wait! You are so sweet to think of me and my new "journey" in life....Love you friend!

Ok...that's all I have for now... Work is still going good. I'm learning new things everyday and I'm having so much fun with it! I'm in the process of planning my 22nd birthday party...should be a good post! ;) Love you all!!!!

To All Mothers

2008-05-10T20:18:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you beautiful, amazing, and inspiring mothers out there! I'm not going to be with my mother tomorrow because she is visiting her parents in North Carolina. :( I hope you all get to spend the day with your little ones!

Love-Amy

Here I am!

2008-05-07T13:35:00.002-04:00

Hi friends! Sorry...I've been M.I.A. for a few days. I started working yesterday...and I LOVE IT! I feel right at home there and all the girls have been so nice to me. There is definitely a lot to learn and its going to take awhile to get it all down but I'll get there. I also have all my stuff moved back home and put away. That was quite a chore! I hope you are all doing well. I missed being away... Unfortunately we don't have Internet at our house because we live so far out in the woods. However my sister and her husband do and I'll be here a lot the time. Also as soon as my best friend moves home from school, I'll be keeping my computer at her house and I'll be back to blogging fairly regularly! As for now I'll be in and out. That's all for now...I have the day off and of course it has to rain all day! ;)

XOXO

Looking Back

2008-05-01T12:11:00.008-04:00

Since when did four years go so fast? I finished my last exam today at 10am and now I'm free!! Well almost free...after I complete 900 hrs. of work and graduate in December...then I'll be free! ;) I wanted to take a few minutes to rrecap what happened over the last four years...

~Freshman Year~

Well here are the roomies from freshman year. It was a tough year to say the least. Don't mind the cup in hand and giant beer poster in the back...hehe....thats college for ya! Ok well this year was not my favorite for so many reasons. Two of the roomies were lets say...very friendly with the men and were not very polite. The other roomie and I (the one I'm sitting next too) became really close even though she studied 24/7! This year was hard because we lived in the dorms and I had an awful experience. I chose to be on a co-ed floor and all the men on our floor were pigs. I was away from Tyler for the first time and it was just no fun. Also, Tyler and I broke up my freshman year. It was the most horrible thing I've ever experienced. We obviously got back together... ;) but that time in our lives we just weren't ready to be serious. At the end of my freshman year, I was set on not coming back to school. I hated it. BUT thankfully a few girls from my tennis team in high school asked me to live with them in an apartment my next year so they saved me....

~Sophomore Year~

This may have been my favorite year...other than this year. Living in an apartment was so much fun! The girl to my right and the one on the end gradated a year ahead of me in high school and I played tennis with both of them. They are both very sweet girls and I'm thankful that they saved me from dorm life! This year was fun and I did pretty well in school. It was good to be off campus and I felt much better about college. I grew up a lot this year...also, after getting back together with Tyler over the summer before we decided to call it quits "for good" this time. We had a hard time getting back to our usual selves and it was just destroying our relationship. We both left with smiles and knew it was for the best...right then anyways...

~Junior Year~

This is the only picture I have left of me and my roommate from Junior year. We kind of had a "falling out" towards the end. Anyways, this was a fun year. A little lonely I guess you could say. During the beginning of this year I was dating a new guy and I knew it just wasn't meant to be. I thought about Tyler all the time and I started to miss him a lot. Tyler and I went almost 6 months straight without talking to each other and a whole year without seeing each other. When the guy I was dating and I broke up I didn't shed a tear because I knew Tyler and I were meant to be together. Crazy enough, 2 weeks after the break up, Tyler called me and we started talking again on a regular basis. I was SO happy. Tyler got a job in the town were I go to college so he asked if he could come see me when he was up here. I told him yes and from that moment on I knew...I just knew.... We started dating again but I told him that I'm only going to date him again if it forever...and he said that there wasn't a doubt in his mind. :)

~Senior Year~

And here we are... This picture was taking the day I moved in with the boys! This year has been incredible for so many reasons! Where do I begin?! I got to live with an amazing family, I got ENGAGED, my passion for adopting grew stronger, I started blogging, and I got an awesome job! I'm so thankful for this year. God really put me on a roller coaster ride these past few years and knew exactly what I needed at the end. I am very content with life. I have so many amazing people in it and I couldn't be more grateful for all you blogging buddies. It's been a crazy journey and I'm about to open a new chapter in this "so called life..."

There it is my friends...that is how I spent my last 4 years. I'm going to miss college but I'm glad to be growing up and moving on. This next year is going to be insanely busy. Wedding planning and working 40+ hours a week will be consuming my life! Don't worry though...I'll be blogging regularly! ;) I'm going to start packing up my stuff...I'm moving home tomorrow. I may not be blogging for a few days because I need to get my life in order back home. I also start work at 7am Monday morning...lift me up in your prayers for a good start! I love you all....

Feeling Good

2008-04-29T13:46:00.003-04:00

Whew, such a scary moment turned into something great this morning! I went to the Salon today to meet with the owners. Yeah, scary. I wasn't quite sure why I was meeting with the owners because I've already met with the hiring manager. Well I get there and I'm a bit nervous but I was doing fine. I sat down with them and they said..."The reason you are meeting with us is because Nicole thought your interview with her was great and wanted us to meet you for possible management opportunities." OMG!!! My heart started beating fast. How exciting is that?! Our interview went FABULOUS and she told me that she normally can tell within the first 5 minutes with meeting with some one if they have it and she said she felt great about me. Ahhhh....it felt so good to hear that. For once I feel old, on top of things, and so mature. I'm ready to become an adult in the real world and its a scary but exciting feeling. We talked about pay and all of that good stuff and it is actually a lot higher then I first thought...which is also amazing! Well long story short, I start training on Monday for receptionist and I couldn't be any more excited! I still can't believe that the first salon I gave my application to hired me and with the opportunity to get high up in the business! I want to thank everyone for their sweet comments. It really means a lot to me and I'm so happy that I have this great support system that is praying and looking out for me. Things happen for a reason and learning about this bloggin' world from Steffie B. opened my doors to so many wonderful people. I love all of you guys! Can't wait to blog about work! ;)

Ok, well enough celebrating for now...I have to get crackin' on take home finals and final projects! ...2 more days!

5 Short Days

2008-04-28T10:46:00.004-04:00

Today marks the last week of college and living in "college town!" I still can't believe that four years went by so fast. I still remember the first day here and walking into my dorm room thinking "Oh...my....gosh....4 girls are supposed to share ONE room?!" I've been through a lot of ups and downs over the past four years and I'm grateful for every minute of it. I'm super glad its coming to an end but its a little bittersweet.

I'm heading home for the night because I'm meeting with two managers from the salon tomorrow morning. I'm starting training next week for the job and I can not wait!! Well this week will be filled with mixed emotions while I'm packing up, tearing down, and spending my last days with the boys. Just 5 short days and its home bound for good...wow....

Happy Sunday!

2008-04-27T10:35:00.001-04:00

Favorite Photo Friday!?

2008-04-25T15:14:00.002-04:00

This my friends is how I'm spending my Friday...

Do you see the crazy look in my eyes? haha.....cocktail(s) tonight for sure! ;)

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-24T12:34:00.002-04:00

I'm trying not to get discouraged because it is only April 24th and I know that summer is on its way but come on people....the high today is 75*....by Monday it going to be a high of 40*. (with maybe a snow shower!?) UGH!!! Sorry to put a damper on any good moods for those who live in Michigan. I guess that's the price we pay for living in this state. I'm trying to stay positive....so today I'm thankful that we got over a week of above 70* weather in the month of April. I'm also very thankful for being done with classes with just 2 finals to go. It is still so surreal because I'm really going to be done...for good! Finally, I'm thankful for Tyler and everything that he does for me. He's been a little down lately trying to mess with all this house stuff. Things are turning out to be higher in price then first expected and now he is getting shipped up north to work for probably the whole summer. ;( I'm just praying that he keeps his head up and doesn't get too down on himself. He's an amazing man and has so much to offer. I'm just so lucky to have him.

Well that's my thankful Thursday. It's not the most uplifting post...sorry for that! I hope you all have a great day and for all you Grey's Anatomy fans...The new ones start tonight! Yippee!!

Sunshine & Sunglasses

2008-04-22T12:51:00.002-04:00

We have just been soaking up the sun this week here at our house! Abby came over yesterday and we laid out! The boys loved bugging us and laying all over us....hehe I hope you all are getting this amazing weather also! Oh and I'M DONE WITH CLASSES!!! :) WAHOOOO!

Weekend Wrap-Up

2008-04-20T21:18:00.004-04:00

I hope you all had a great weekend! I went home for the weekend with Tyler to see some friends and family. I still can't believe I have 2 short weeks left at school and I'll be moving home. I told my mom that she needs to prepare to have a roommate! ;)

Well, the weekend was jammed pack full of fun! Today, I hung out over at Steffie B.'s house!!! We had so much fun! Tyler helped the boys with the boats and I hung with the girls. After the two Things got up from naps we went on the first boat ride of the season! I even got some color on my white, VERY white skin. hehe... Steffie and I never run out of things to talk about and I love spending time with her and Emmie!! Thanks again Stef for a fun day....Love ya!

Looks like the weather is going to be AWESOME all week long AND I only have one day of class this week!!! Yessss...I'll be working on my tan! ;) I hope everyone had a great Sunday~

Amy & Kyle

2008-04-17T23:09:00.003-04:00

Oh how I'm going to miss Mr. Kyle. I have been babysitting him since he was 2 and he is going on 4 1/2! I think the world of him! He is such a lover. He has a heart of gold and is always keeping me on my toes. He is very sensitive and has a very pure soul. I love how smart he is at such a young age. He becomes friends with anyone and doesn't say anything negative without feeling terribly bad about it! His favorite thing he said to me this year was "Amy, my eyes are leaking..." when we were watching a sad movie. Now how precious is that!? This kid will steal any ones heart and I'm going to miss him when I leave...he just told me today..."Amy, you can't leave yet because you said you were going to leave when it turns summer and its not summer yet!" **tear**

Ryan & Amy

2008-04-16T15:53:00.003-04:00

It is just starting to hit me...I'm going to be leaving the family that I nanny for and my little Ry-Ry in just a couple of weeks. He is my sidekick, my little man...we've had a bond since he was born. Watching him grow up has just been an awesome experience. He'll be 2 in June and he's already putting sentences together and discovering new things everyday. I'm so thankful that I got the opportunity to learn and grow with him. I will miss him SO much!

I GOT THE JOB!

2008-04-15T13:16:00.001-04:00

I got the call at 8:30am this morning! I'm going to meet with the other 2 managers on the 29th and then start training the week after! She seemed very excited and told me that the May schedule needed to be filled up so I need to start ASAP. You don't know how good this makes me feel. I've just been carrying this weight on my shoulders waiting to hear back...and also with this huge project I've been trying to complete.... Today I hear from the salon AND I finished my project that is due tomorrow at noon! I feel SO good about life...I'm just floating on cloud nine!

Thank you all for being so supportive and making me feel so good about the job and just life in general. I'm so thankful for every single one of you! I love you all!! ;)

(I was in such a good mood today, I had to make a new blog design with fun cheery colors!! ~Enjoy!~)

Funds and Prayers Needed

2008-04-14T12:10:00.002-04:00

I would love nothing more then to help every single one of the sweet Starfish babies...however being a college student and where I am at in my life, I can't do anything financially for them. This is where I need all of your help! If anyone is willing to donate or just pray for these sweet angels of God...you will be truly rewarded by the man upstairs. I have such a passion to adopt and I know that God is calling me to do it down the road. I'm praying for each of the children and every single orphan in the world who needs a home. Thanks everyone for helping out! Just go here if you can make a donation.

God bless you all! ~Happy Monday~

Spina Bifida Baby Boy 1

Spina Bifida Baby 2

Spina Bifida Baby 3

EMILY

BREANNA

3 Older Kids

Three Word Sunday

2008-04-13T14:45:00.003-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

2008-04-12T10:06:00.005-04:00

Today is my dad's 51st birthday! I guess I could disclose his age since he doesn't really read this blog... hehe I love my daddy and I've been a daddy's girl my whole life! I used to go to pm kindergarten when I was a kid so my dad would stay home with me in the mornings. I always called him "my buddy." He would also always take me down to the bus stop when I was a bit older and we would wait for the bus together while making up fun games and just having a good time! I love my dad and I can't wait for him to walk me down the isle at my wedding....now that will just send me over the edge! Happy Saturday friends...

Ooooo look what I got!

2008-04-10T22:56:00.005-04:00

First I want to thanks to everyone who stopped over at Abby's blog...she felt very welcomed!

Second, I got home today and saw a box on our porch. I went to grab it and noticed that it was for me!! I got super excited!!!! I saw that it was from one of my best friends Erica. I opened it up and LOOK WHAT I GOT........

It was full of fun stuff for the wedding! She wrote me the sweetest card...I started to cry! She had sticky notes made that say "Amy's wedding ideas"...had a pen made that says "Amy's Brilliant Idea Recorder" (I loved that, hehe)....postcards that have our wedding information on the front and you can send them out to different places to request more information...how cool is that?! Lets see....there is a photo album, a notepad with my name on it, thank you cards, and a beautiful tee-shirt that says "Amy, the beautiful bride to be..." What a fun surprise this was!!! I'm so excited to use all of it! She just cracks me up....I called her to thank her and she told me that she is having more fun with my wedding then anything ever before! She is going to be such a great asset to my big day. Thanks friend!

New Girl in Bloggy Land!

2008-04-09T20:23:00.004-04:00

I recently introduced my friend Abby to our sweet little world of blogging! She instantly became addicted like we all are...hehe...and decided to start her own blog! Today I decided she needed a bit of a face lift so I gave her a blog makeover! You must go check it out and say HI to her. She wants more "bloggy" friends!!! ~Thanks guys~

**This picture was taken last November!

GOOD NEWS

2008-04-08T14:43:00.004-04:00

Tyler has been trying for months now to buy a house. He gave a few offers and was getting turned down. He then got down on himself and was convinced that he just wasn't meant to be a homeowner. Well long story short, he tried for a house a few months back that did need a lot of work but it was a cute house and I liked the location. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely a "fixer-upper" and it was not in a perfect part of town but he liked it and saw potential in fixing it up and selling it for a good price down the road. Well that offer fell through and he was devastated. WELL...we found out about a month ago that this is house in on the market again and going for.....wait for it.....$30,000 CHEAPER then before! Oh did he jump on that! He placed an offer last week Monday for it and I've been praying that he got it. A week went by and actually just yesterday he again told me that maybe he just wasn't meant to have it. Well my friends at about 1pm today I got the call! The "HONEY THEY ACCEPTED MY OFFER" call. I am thrilled!!! Not only are we going to have a house to move into when we get married, but this will be a full out summer project, gutting it out, painting, and decorating! I'm a happy girl and he is for sure a happy boy!

Random Thoughts...

2008-04-07T13:39:00.003-04:00

In lou of starting some wedding planning, I decided to change my blog to the colors of our wedding! Yes that is right, Tyler and I have chosen our colors and they are going to be black with shades of pink to accent! I have been dreaming of having a fall wedding for so long and I actually loved the idea of fall colors. However, I'm such a pink girl and always have been so I had to go with pink. AND Tyler didn't complain when I suggested it so that made me happy. Plus, I think he secretly likes pink... HA ;)

This past weekend was spent mostly outside. Tyler and I had a little cookout yesterday which was super fun! I think that we cook well together which will be a plus when we get married! hehe The weather was just beautiful here in good ol' Michigan. We hit above 60 both Saturday and Sunday and today it is about 65!! They are calling for snow/rain this weekend however...ugh.... typical....

Well I don't have much to blog about today, just that I'm SO ready for summer, the lake, boating, friends, and being DONE with school. Only 2 1/2 weeks of classes left with a few finals to follow and I'm outta here... I hope you all are having good weather today also! I'm gonna head out to the deck for some hw/reading time!

Three Word Sunday

2008-04-06T10:34:00.001-04:00

Happy Dance

2008-04-05T08:55:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone has a great Saturday! Temps are going to be over 60 today and that makes us all do the happy dance over here!! We are heading to the mall then to the park for the day. Oh and I picked up "The Waiting Child" from the library and I'm LOVING it!! :)

~Thankful Thursday~

2008-04-03T11:55:00.002-04:00

Today as I was walking to class, I was in awe of the beautiful weather. The sun was beaming down on me and I just thought...THIS is why I live were I do. As much as I hate the winter months, it brings me so much joy when the sun comes back out and the days warm up. I wanted to do a thankful Thursday post because today I'm thankful for so much.

~First, I'm thankful for the warmth of the sun. It makes everyone a bit more happy!

~I'm thankful for all my bloggy friends. You guys put a extra smile on my face everyday and I know that you all truly care about me....even though I'm not adopting....well not yet anyways. ;)

~I'm thankful for children and the love and compassion they have for life. In a child's eyes everything is that much more wonderful.

~I'm thankful that I've almost finished my college career. I can't believe that I've made it this far without backing down or giving up. School comes harder for me then most people and I'm glad I gave it my all...

~I'm thankful for the family that let me live with them this past year and for Kyle and Ryan. They have molded me into a strong person and I believe it will make me a better mother someday.

~I'm thankful for Tyler and for all the love he gives to me. He doesn't make life any easier for me and he is always giving me challenges and I love him for that.

~I'm thankful for the walk Tyler, the boys, and I took yesterday and seeing him interact with the boys. He will also make a wonderful father someday...

~Last, I'm thankful for God and all that he gives me on a daily basis. HE is the reason we are all here and HE deserves all the thanks in the world!

~Happy Thursday Friends!~

Calling All Readers!

2008-04-01T16:53:00.004-04:00

I was wondering if anyone owns China Ghosts by Jeff Gammage or The Waiting Child by Cindy Champnella and is willing to let me borrow it?! OR if anyone knows of any other really good adoption novels. I'm in need of a good read again and I'm really trying to find one about adoption! If you have a lead on any of the books, let me know! ~Thanks friends!~

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

2008-03-31T10:33:00.003-04:00

March as come and will be gone tomorrow and yes it currently came in like a lion (snow storm) and out like a lamb (rain). Well its a little too soon to say "April showers bring May flowers..." but I'm living by that rule today! Thunderstorms expected all day....ahhh I do love a good spring rain! It seems like spring is taking its sweet little time to grace us with its presence this year. I was getting a little bitter about it but I know that this will make us appreciate spring and summer that much more. This winter was the second worst winter in history (snowfall wise) and I'm just glad it is behind us.

I hope everyone has a great start to the week. School is starting to wind down for me. 4 weeks of classes left and I'm done...done for good! I still can't believe it! It seems like just yesterday I walked into my dorm room and was disgusted at how 4 girls had to sleep in the same room! ;) Happy Monday...

Happy Sunday!

2008-03-30T12:04:00.002-04:00

Big Day Tomorrow!

2008-03-26T22:29:00.004-04:00

UPDATE: The interview went really well! They are actually interested in training me for management after I get a few months experience behind the desk. So that was great news! I still have to meet with a few managers and I'll hear back from them in a few weeks...I'll keep you all posted on that as well! Thank you everyone for the prayers yesterday...I definitely felt God's presence!

I hope everyone is having a great week! I'm heading home for my second interview at the salon and spa tomorrow. The interview is at 2:30pm and I'm super nervous! I'm just praying that everything goes smoothly and I get the job. I'll update on Friday when I return...

Oh and CONGRATULATIONS to Paula at The Baby Journals...their family is officially together forever and I'm so happy for them! :)

First Day Outside!

2008-03-25T17:37:00.006-04:00

After a nasty snowy morning, it finally warmed up in the afternoon! It is currently 48* and we are happy clams! This Michigan weather...I tell ya! Were else does it snow like crazy then get warmer and sunny all in one day? Well the boys and I took advantage of the nice afternoon and I took them for long walk, and then we rode bikes. The fresh air sure was needed in this house! We are all happy campers!

We love riding bikes!

Cheesiest smile I know!

Ryan running to catch his brother!

The water was just pouring out of the drain....MELT SNOW MELT!! :)

Monday Ramblings...

2008-03-24T16:09:00.005-04:00

I hope everyone had a great Easter! I spend the weekend with my family and I also got to see some of my girlfriends. Friday night however, we got dumped on. Oh yes, 6 inches of snow...just in time for... Easter?! I was pretty depressed to see all the snow but luckily it didn't hit us up at school, so we are still in the thawing out process. Ugh, I just need warm weather. When its cold this time of year, I just get down in the dumps. Anybody with me on that one?

Oh I also have good news! My good friend Emily down in Indiana gave me a call last week and asked me.... TO BE HER MAID OF HONOR in her wedding! I was thrilled! She is getting married in December so plenty of time before me. I'm definitely looking forward to her big day and all the planning and parties that it will involve! It will get me all geared up for planning my own wedding! Which speaking of my wedding, I will be posting some ideas that I have soon and I'll be asking for lots of advice and opinions! ;)

Well I'm going to start this week of with a bang! I'm headed to the gym to take a kickboxing class. I'm starting my "Oh man I need to start trying on wedding dresses soon" diet. HAHA! My sister being a personal trainer and my mom being a dietitian told me to start a food diary and start getting 60 minutes of exercise daily. So here I go...wish me luck!! ;)

PS- I got creative again and made up another blog design! hehe... It's a good distraction from homework!

BYE BYE WINTER!!!

2008-03-20T08:03:00.002-04:00

Bye everyone! I'm headed home for the weekend to be with my family for Easter! I hope you all have a great Easter and I'll be back to post on Sunday...or Monday! ;) Love you all!

Three Girls with Lots to Say!

2008-03-18T16:02:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago when I was on my spring break, I mentioned that I had dinner with Steffie and Emmie. I finally have some pictures from our night! I know I've told you all this before but for those who don't know, I have known the Beckerings for about 5 years now. Tyler works for Stef's husband. I just love that family!

We had such a good time talking about all you bloggers! I'm crazy jealous along with everyone else in bloggyland that they are heading to Maui on Friday but at least we can live vicariously through pictures right?! Thanks for a great time Stef and Em! Love you guys!

(I do have to point out that my smile is a little off because of my wisdom tooth being pulled...it was actually pretty painful to smile! My right cheek is still in chipmunk mode!)

New Season, New Look

2008-03-17T12:30:00.001-04:00

Spring is arriving this week so I thought it was a good time to change the blog! Don't get me wrong...I LOVED the header that Becky made me, and I'm sure to use it again...I just wanted to dip my toes in the water and try it myself! I'm pretty proud of my first time try at this scrapbooking stuff! Leave me a comment, tell me what you think! :)

2008-03-16T13:45:00.009-04:00

What a perfect weekend with my best friend! I don't have too much to say...just that we had a great time! We spent all day Saturday shopping and both got new spring/summer white purses! We then came back home and I put low-lights in her hair and gave her a trim. I must say, I am very proud of my work! I think she looks great!! I also gave my friend Abby a hair cut the other day! Last night we just hung out around the house with Tyler and Abby. We had such a fun time! Here are just some random pictures of the weekend. I love my Melissa and can't wait to see her again soon!!

Mel is processing...

Mel likes her hair...I do too! :)

I think Ty is afraid of all the estrogen in the house! ;)

Here we are all cooking away! Melissa is making pizza dough, Abby is cutting peppers, and Ty is making shrimp scampi!

The girls!

Abby and I after I cut her hair!

Favorite Photo Friday & My Bestest

2008-03-14T09:33:00.004-04:00

Whew, its been quite the week! Pretty quiet around here but the heat decided to stop working yesterday. I'm sitting in 49 degrees right now....yeah NOT my cup of tea! Hopefully I can get someone out today to fix it. On the other hand, its going to be 50 degrees today!!!!!! YAY!!!! I know that's not a lot to some of you southern bloggers...hehe but its a lot to up Michiganders!

Also, my bestest friend Melissa is coming to stay the weekend with me!! I'm soooo excited! She goes to school in Indiana do during the school year we hardly see each other. When we are both home though, we are inseparable! I just love her to pieces! Well I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend...I know I will! ;)

This is the night of my sisters bacholerette party last summer! We had such a good time! :)

And this picture is us laying out in her pool...where we spend about 90% of our summer! :)

Wishing Wednesday

2008-03-12T10:30:00.003-04:00

I'm getting the summer itch!! The weather is finally coming out of the negatives and daytime highs are reaching 40! This makes me do the summer dance! I am a flip flop freak in the summer...I think I own over 10 pairs of flops! ;) Oh I can't wait for the day I get to slip my pretty pedicured toes in my flops.... ~sigh~

Zero to Sixty in One Week

2008-03-10T21:59:00.002-04:00

Boy was that a joyous Spring Break! Where do I ever begin!? Well I left for home Thursday the 28th and came home to a bubble bath and a glass of wine...yes my mom knows me so well! :) Friday morning was the big surgery day. I got to the oral surgeon at 8am and was in sleepyland by 8:30. The tooth extraction went very well and I didn't even bleed that much. The first two days went ok, just slept a lot and drank shakes and smoothies. Day three however, was the day from hell. I woke up in tears because of the pain in my mouth and I couldn't even bit my teeth together. The swelling was both inside and outside of my mouth. Talk about NO fun. Luckily my fabulous fiance' laid around with me all day long. He will make such a good husband. ;) The Monday following surgery was still a little iffy but by Tuesday I was doing much better. 3 days went by with NO makeup or NO blow drying of the hair...that just might be a record for me! Anywho, Tuesday I ran some errands with my mom and then I went out to dinner with Steffie and Emmie!!!! We had such a great time! We met a local restaurant where we chated about all you fine bloggers ;) Then I headed back to the compound to see Thing 1 and 2! I must say, I love that family. They are always so sweet and fun. I do however give Stef the Mother of the Year Award...she sure puts up with a lot of chaos in that house!!! ;) You rock girlfriend! Stef took some pictures of us at dinner but hasn't posted them yet. I left my camera in the car on accident...typical me!

Well by Wednesday, I was getting sharp pains in the teeth that were near the extraction. I was popping Ibuprofen every 6 hours, otherwise I was nauseous from the pain. I was trying to push through it....

Thursday came along and I got a phone call from a Salon and Spa that I put my resume' into for a job/internship. The lady wanted to have an interview Friday morning. I was THRILLED!! You all know that I want to get a degree in Cosmetology after I finish my bachelor degree up here in 6 weeks, so this is my open opportunity to get into a salon starting as a desk receptionist.

Friday morning I woke up still in a lot of pain. I headed back to the oral surgeon so they could do the week after checkup. The dentist told me that everything looked good and I was healing nicely, unfortunately it sounded like I had a little bit of a dry socket, which was causing the pain. He then proceeded to try to stick a piece of medicated gauze down in the incision....yeah, that was a NO go. He forced and ripped so hard I started to bleed! I was like "ok Mister...STOP NOW OR I'LL SLAP YOU!" He then says "oh, it looks like its healing so fast I can't get it in there!" Well no sh*t!! My white knuckles didn't give that away?! Oh jeez...well after all the poking and prodding, he got some medication in the incision and I've been pain free ever since! So I guess it was worth it?

Ok so back to the job interview. It. went. fabulous. I couldn't have been more happy with it. I already have a second interview scheduled and a start date thrown my way! Yay for me!!! Finding a job was number one on my list of things to accomplish over my break and I did it! I feel really good about it.

Well I finished the week off working three 12 hour days with my mom at a Women's Expo that was held in our city. She is the corporate dietitian for a big grocery store chain in many states so she always has a big booth there. My feet are still aching from standing on concrete floors, dealing with crazy women who love free stuff for 3 days! Oh its good to back at school...

So there you have it! I started the break flat on my back and ended it on my feet for hours on end! The family that I nanny for is gone all week vacationing in Colorado...so its pretty quite around here. This week will be more of a break then last! ;)

(I didn't take a single picture while I was home. I'm sorry! My one chipmunk cheek wasn't that cute anyways!) teehehe

I'M BACK!

2008-03-10T11:23:00.002-04:00

I'll be posting a long post later...I actually haven't even been home to unpack! I came straight to school this morning from my parents house. I missed you all and I'm trying to get through the blog roll before I post later! Be back soon... ;)

UPDATE

2008-03-04T09:47:00.003-05:00

Just updating to tell everyone HI and that I survived my tooth being extracted! I actually only had 1 tooth out because that was all that I needed. It has still been a nasty road to recovery. I've been flat on my back for the last 3 days. I have had lots of swelling both inside and outside of my mouth and I don't like it at all! I'm still eating mushy foods because I can't bit my teeth down completely yet. Yes this is getting VERY old and I think I would be in the hospital if I had all 4 out! I'm not a good person with pain....haha Today has been the first day that I can actually get up and do something. I hope everyone is doing well. I can't really check up on all your blogs due to the slowness of my dial-up Internet! I'll be back this Sunday and have lots to say! HUGS to everyone!

BREAK TIME

2008-02-28T12:02:00.002-05:00

Well its that time of year again...SPRING BREAK!! I just finished up my last exam of the week and I'm packing to head home. Even though I'm not going someplace warm and I'm getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow, I am still glad for a week off! I will be a busy bee all week so all is good! I'm going to be seeing a lot of friends I haven't seen in awhile, hopefully seeing Steffie B. and Emmie, spending time with my family, and getting a break from diapers! haha We don't have very good internet at my house due to the fact of living out in the boondocks but I'll try my best to update at least once or twice! If you don't hear from me, I hope you all have a great weekend and week...I'll be thinking about all of you and praying for all who need it! I miss you guys already!

Great Quote...

2008-02-26T14:16:00.000-05:00

Exhausted!

2008-02-24T13:53:00.004-05:00

Well the weekend is coming to a close and boy was it a good one! One of my best friends Erica and her roommate Allie came to visit me Friday! We had a great time. We hung out around the house for the day and then made pizzas and had a few adult beverages together later in the evening. We then headed out to meet Tyler at a local restaurant and had a few more beverages! We all had a great time together and I can't wait to see them again! My friend Abby also came with us for awhile!
Abby, Erica, Me, Allie

After a late night out on Friday, we woke up around 11am on Saturday. Then the girls packed up and headed out. I then went over to see Tyler at his job site to see the progress that they had done. I'm still so proud of what he has accomplished at that building. He sure is good at what he does! :) Following that visit, I came back home and started helping Lisa make some appetizers for our girls night out. Yes, two nights out in one weekend....very rare for me so I'm dragging butt today! She had about 10 of her girlfriends over and we then headed to our church for a Women's Comedy Night Out. This is the 7th year our church as done this. It is so big and popular that tickets sell out within minutes. The show is themed each year and this year it was Old Hollywood. They had an amazing stage set up and a red carpet and all! We had a fabulous time there. Our pastoral staff always does a little skit and this year they reenacted The Wizard of Oz. And yes...one of our pastors was Dorothy. I am still laughing about it! They also give away awesome door prizes and I actually won a $25 gift certificate to the movies...score!! So last night turned into a pretty late night also....

That leads me into today. We went church this morning and the service was very good...like always. We actually had to write down on a piece of paper something that someone has done for us to help us with our faith and our walk with Jesus. I of course put down Denise and how she sent me the Jesus Calling book. I'm still so amazed at her kindness and even though we've never met in person, she is such a good friend to me and I cherish that friendship. I hope you all had great weekends as well. I'm looking forward to the end of this week because that starts the first day of Spring Break!! Too bad I'll be sitting in the oral surgeons chair Friday morning at 8am getting my wisdom teeth pulled! Happy vacation to me! haha

MY BEST FRIEND!!

2008-02-22T12:23:00.002-05:00

MY BEST FRIEND IS HERE FOR THE DAY/NIGHT! :) We are going out on the town tonight!! I'll post about our day tomorrow!!HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

Basement Demolition!

2008-02-20T10:37:00.002-05:00

Well we finally got tired of having this whole house wallpapered! The previous owners of the house at which I am a nanny at had a huge obsession with wallpaper! It was in every room of the house when the family first moved it. Over the past couple of years, they have been slowly taking it down room by room and now we have finally decided to say bye bye to the old basement and hello to a fun new look! This house has 4 levels so this level isn't technically the basement...there is another lower level. This level however is the level that I live on. It had this nasty maroon wallpaper covering the top half of the walls and wood paneling covering the bottom half. We got tired of looking at it so we started demolition this past weekend! There is also a wet bar on my floor that we are making huge changes to. I still don't have my digital camera because my mom is not back from her trip yet...so I can't take pictures of the disaster area. I will however take pictures when it is finished so you can all marvel at it! :) Over the course of this project, I have learned to enjoy peeling wallpaper! haha I know you are all thinking that I'm nuts but I find it to be kind of satisfying! I was told that I need to start taking it off in my bathroom too so this morning when I was showering, I decided to start ripping it off above my shower...haha I'm a freak! So needless to say, I'll be home later this afternoon peeling away and enjoying every minute! Muahahaha....

MEME Monday!

2008-02-18T10:51:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! I had a great weekend with Tyler's parents. We relaxed, watched movies, and had a good time looking at my wedding planner! :) They are still calling for snow showers all week long. I'm trying to keep my head up and keep thinking that spring is just around the corner! I took this MEME from Paula over at The Baby Journals. I thought it would be a fun way to start the week....

1.Were you named after anyone? Nope, my dad just liked the name Amy!
2. When was the last time you cried? At church last Sunday.
3. Do you like your handwriting? I like it although it is huge and takes up a lot of room!
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Honey ham
5. Do you have kids? Nope but can't wait to have them some day!
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Why of course! I'm a great friend!!
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Depends on my mood....
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes but they can be annoying at times
9. Would you bungee jump? ummm Maybe?!
10. What is your favorite cereal? Cherrios or Cinnamon Toast Crunch
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? sometimes...if I don't, I get annoyed when I go to put them back on!
12. Do you think you are strong? physically...NO Mentally...yes!
13. What is your favorite ice cream? Cookie dough or cookies n' cream
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Their hair!
15. Red or pink? PINK!!!!!
16. What is the thing that you like least about yourself? My laziness
17. Who do you miss the most? My Nana and Papa who now live in North Carolina
19. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Dark jeans and tall black snow boots
20. Have you ever re-gifted? Yes.
21. What are you listening to right now? Well there is no music playing but if I were to be listening to something it would be probably Carrie Underwood.
22. If you were a crayon what colour would you be? Hot Pink!
23. Favorite smells? Coffee beans and baby
24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My friend Emily from IN
25. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I love Paula! She is such a gem!
26. Favorite sports to watch? Football or tennis
30. Favorite food? Chinese or seafood!!
31. Scary movies or happy endings? I'm a sucker for a happy ending. :)
32. Last movie you watched? Georiga Rule (deep, dark movie...) good though!
33. What color shirt are you wearing? black tank, black turtleneck, and gray zip-up sweatshirt...what its Michigan and its COLD!
34. Summer or winter? I looooove summer...but nothing over 85 degrees! ;)
35. Hugs or kisses? Lots of kisses!
36. Favorite dessert? Tiramisu'
39. What book are you reading now? Jesus Calling
40. What is on your mousepad? DELL....(just like you Paula!)
41. What did you watch on TV last night? Nothing, just watched a movie!
42. Favorite sound? The ocean
43. Rolling stones or Beatles? Which ever...not picky!
44. What is the furthest you have been from home? ummm florida? I don't get out much! haha
45. Do you have a special talent? I'm a good listener
46. Where were you born? Grand Haven, MI

Favorite Photo Friday!

2008-02-15T09:22:00.002-05:00

This picture is of my sister and I on her wedding day...7/7/07! It was one of the best days of both of our lives! She is one of my best friends and I love her dearly. I was her only bridesmaid and that made it so special for me. :)

I hope you all have a great weekend! Tyler and I are headed down to visit his parents....meaning we will be lay around and eats lots of food! hehe... I guess we can all use that once and awhile! I hope you all had a fun and romantic Valentines Day!

HAPPY LOVERS DAY!

2008-02-14T00:29:00.002-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL MY BLOGGIN' BUDDIES! I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A FABULOUS DAY AND GET TO SPEND TIME WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE.

~BIG HUGS AND KISSES~

New Finds...

2008-02-12T12:57:00.001-05:00

I have been resently reading some really great things. I wanted to share them with you all!

First is Jesus Calling. I first heard about this book from Gwen and she just raved about it! So then I tried buying online and had no such luck. Then my amazing friend, Denise, sent me a copy of my very own! I'm in love with this devotional. Every day it touches my heart and speaks to me on so many levels. I am recommending this book to everyone I know. It really has been changing my life.

Next, I'm reading this book along side my best friend Melissa. Together we decided to start a little bible study between eachother. We did some research on books, and found this series. We have just started with the first one, Courageous Women in the Bible. It has been great so far. The book has a short reading then has you read a passage in the bible. Then there are questions and things to think about. Very fun book if you want to start a womens bible study of your own!

And last but not least, my new wedding planner! I am in love with this book. It is more like a binder then a book but it has so many great ideas in it! This was my Valentines Day present from my mom. It has everything you can think of in it, such as places for business cards, pictures of flowers and their meanings, different dress options, ways to walk down the isle, and so on... I have just started stuffing it with all my finds so far. I'm afraid its going to be HUGE by the time the big day gets here! ;)

So there you have it! That is what I've been up to....along with school and homework of course!

Sunday.

2008-02-10T14:41:00.000-05:00

Church was amazing this morning. Brought me to tears.
May today bring you rest and family time.

**Update on hair....Tyler loves it, I'm getting used to it, and Kyle calls it my chocolate milk hair! Bad news, my mom is borrowing my camera for her trip to Budapest, Hungery. I will not be able to take new pics for a couple of weeks. Sorry about that friends! I still have about a million on the computer though! ;)

EEEKKK!!

2008-02-08T22:55:00.000-05:00

YUP, you guessed it! I dyed my hair brown! Well it was suppost to be dark blond but it turned out brown! I think a lot of it will wash out in the next couple days...hopefully!! I'm still deciding on how I feel about it. I mean I have had my hair darker before but I've been SO blonde for SO long! The reason behind the dying was the upkeep of the blonde was just getting too pricey! I'll be for sure going back to blonde come summer. But I thought...why not get that natural color going for a few months and save some muuula! So there ya have it...little Miss Blondie turns litte Miss Brownie! ;)

PS- The picture below was taken just this morning! AND NO, Tyler has not seen it yet...hahaha...that should be interesting!

Favorite Photo Friday!

2008-02-08T13:36:00.000-05:00

My Ryan and me!

I'll be back with a post later... I am changing something about myself....wait and see! ;)

Quote of the week...

2008-02-07T22:11:00.000-05:00

CNY!

2008-02-07T08:52:00.001-05:00

Happy Chinese New year and happy 2nd snow day in a row for me! :)

I hope you guys have a good one and have fun celebrating with your beautiful babies!

Snow, Snow go away, come again....NEVER!!!

2008-02-06T08:48:00.001-05:00

We are under yet another snow storm warning. We were suppost to get a bunch last night but the storm is slower then they thought. We are estimated to get 5-8 inches from now till evening. You know, it IS pretty to look at...when you are inside under blankets! NOT when you have to run around all day. Boo...I guess this will just make me appreciate spring and summer that much more!

Happy middle of the week to all! Chinese New Year is tomorow...how are YOU celebrating it?!

Chat with a 4 year old...

2008-02-04T10:47:00.001-05:00

I had a conversation with Kyle the other day that went a little something like this...

Kyle- "Amy, Chinese New Year is coming up!"

Me- "Wow Kyle, how did you know that?!"

Kyle- "They told me on my tv!!!! (aka: Noggin)"

Me- "Do you know what that is Kyle?"

Kyle- "No..."

Me- I then explain it to him... and then I say "Do you have any friends from China Kyle?"

Kyle- "No, do you?"

Me- "Yes, I do know quite a few people from China"

Kyle- "Well I have a friend from Florida!"

HAHA I was laughing very hard! How cute is that?! If he only knew how far away China really was!
Happy Monday everyone! I'm a little more perky now due to the fact that temps are staying above 30 this week...wahoo! ;)

Soulful Sunday...

2008-02-03T12:43:00.000-05:00

Let this day be a day of rest and relaxation for you all. Praise God for all he has done for us!!

7 Random Facts...

2008-02-02T11:26:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Lea at Oh My #6 to post 7 random/weird facts about myself....here we go!

1. I'm 5'10'' and don't always love it. People say "I would love to be your height!" I just say...yeah right! ;)

2. I can't leave the house without some sort of makeup on and/or my hair being done!

3. I have had my hair colored brown, dark brown, red, platinum blond, and blond...blond is my favorite, however its a b*tch to keep up!

4. I have to change my cell phone wallpaper and my computer wallpaper frequently because I get bored easily with seeing the same thing over and over.

5. I love being in love.

6. I LOVE food, trying new things, and eating really gormet stuff.

7. I always order the same thing at Starbucks....Carmel latte, skim milk, extra hot!

There ya go! I hope you enjoyed reading some random things about me!

*I'm trying my best to get out of my funk...I'm staying positive and just keep thinking about spring! :)

In a funk...

2008-02-01T09:27:00.001-05:00

It has finally got to me. This nasty winter weather...I can't take it anymore. My best friend Erica was planning on visiting today/tonight and the weather said NO WAY JOSE'! I was looking forward to this all weekend and after being dumped with snow last night and all day today, its just not going to work. Tyler is also working late tonight and all day tomorrow so we can't do much either. I have the boys all day today so we are limited to what we can do. We have some errands we can run but who wants to a) drive in this weather and b) cart around two kids in this weather?! I'm just in a winter funk. I also woke up this morning to a sore throat and I'm scared I'm going to get strep like Tyler had. :( If you guys could leave some nice, uplifting comments, that would be GREATLY appreciated.

Well at least its Friday right!? Ugh...

Bath Time!

2008-01-31T07:31:00.001-05:00

Ryan being a boy who used to hate bath time has now grown to love them. The boys will sit in that tub for an hour if we allowed it! They splash, play, and sing and love every minute of it. Those two just make my heart melt...

NEW HEADER!

2008-01-30T10:24:00.000-05:00

I want to say a special THANK YOU to Becky at Lady in Waiting Blog Designs for designing my amazing header! She has taken over blog designing for The Blog Fairy as she prepares to bring her son Noah home. I pray for safe travels to Verna!! I hope you guys enjoy the new look! We had a nasty storm last night bringing ice and snow, so campus is closed today. So now I think I'll go make some more coffee and snuggle up with a movie! ;)

Fun Weekend in Indiana!

2008-01-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

We made it back from our visit to Indiana. We had a lot of fun! Well I did anyways. Tyler was suffering all weekend with a nasty swollen throat and cough and went into the doctors today. He has strep throat!! I'm PRAYING I don't get it. After we drove back last night we laid around together and watched a movie. I tried to keep a good distance but its hard not to want to snuggle up to your honey when they are sick! ;) Anyways, the weekend was tons of fun. The girls and I went out Friday night and had a blast. We then stayed in Saturday night and played Guitar Hero on the Wii....and I must say for a first timer...I ROCKED!! I also got to see Tyler's cousins baby girl for the first time. She is precious. Her name is Elle (pronounced "L") and she is 2 months old. She was only 5lbs. when she was born and now she weighs 10lbs. even. She felt like a feather when I held her. I'm used to the big babies over here! Well just pray for Tyler to heal fast and get back up on his feet. He is an awful sick person because he has a hard time just sitting around. Happy Monday friends!

Me, Julie (friend), Emily (friend), Jess (Tyler's cousin's wife)

Me rockin' out to Guitar Hero! ;)

Elle Brooklyn (Those cheeks are adorable!)

Favorite Photo Friday

2008-01-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of me and my four best friends. It was taking on the beach of Lake Michigan in summer of 2006. I hardly get to spend any time with them anymore because we all went away to different colleges. I love them all dearly and when we do get to spend a Girls Night Out together...it is fabulous!!!

I hope you all have a glorious weekend...Tyler and I are heading to Indiana to spend some time with friends and family. Happy Friday!

Suggestions NEEDED!!

2008-01-24T12:41:00.000-05:00

I've been dealing with this nasty sore throat since last weekend. It seems to be worse and night and in the morning. I know that is from drainage of...well....snot! I get colds a lot in the winter and now I just have lots of ewwy's in the nose! I need to know if there is anything out there that has worked for you guys that soothes a sore throat. I even woke up at 4am this morning in tears because of the pain! I've been taking pain killers, drinking tea, and sucking on throat lozenges but it still is killing me! Any suggestions????????? PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

~ Wednesday Wishes ~

2008-01-23T10:44:00.000-05:00

The Bucket List

2008-01-21T22:11:00.001-05:00

Tyler and I braved the cold tonight and went on a date! We went out to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant where we shared faitas (yummy!!) and then went to go see The Bucket List. Now, if you have not seen this movie yet...I'm telling you TO SEE IT! You leave the movie with a new outlook on life and it just gives you warm fuzzies in your belly. ;) Warning: you will laugh and you will cry but its all worth it. Tyler said its one of the best movies that he's seen in a long time and that's saying something. He is the toughest movie critic I know!

...The snow keeps falling and we are again expected to get 3-5 inches tonight. I even did a mini fishtail with my car on the roads tonight. Why does it feel like summer is so far away?! Stay warm everyone!

Baby, Its Cold Outside!

2008-01-20T22:19:00.000-05:00

I made it back safely from my weekend at home! It is currently FREEZING outside...wind chills in the negatives....EWWWYY!!

It is my brother-in-laws birthday today and last night we had a little party for him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEREMY!!! It was fun to get together with some friends and have a good time. Now, about that football game I just watched...holy cow! I wasn't really partial to either team but it was a nail bitter! Looks like Patriots and Giants are in the Superbowl...gonna be a butt whoopin' if you ask me! ;)

On the flip side, I am just jumpin' for joy right now because I don't have class tomorrow, thanks to Martin Luther King Day. I'm hoping to get to bed soon and sleep till 9...maybe 10?! Ahhhh that would be lovely! Then I'm planning on being some what productive. Maybe cleaning my bathroom...doing some homework...maybe some laundry? Lets just hope I wake up well rested and rarin' to go!!!! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

2008-01-18T11:12:00.001-05:00

I'm heading home for the weekend! I hope you all have a relaxing and refreshing weekend and I'll be back Sunday! XOXO

~My Little Buddy~

2008-01-17T13:21:00.000-05:00

~Amy and Ryan~

I have been in Ryan's life ever since he was 2 months old.

He and I have always had a special bond.

We both love to cuddle and be lazy.

We both enjoy food (if you couldn't tell by his chubbiness!).

He loves all girls who are blond because that resembles me.

He started to say my name and won't stop saying it.

He knocks at my door if its closed and calls for me everyday.

He gets ready with me in the morning by getting his hair brush and standing next to me

while I do my hair, and he does his. ;)

He mimics everything I do.

He likes to watch me do my makeup and pretends to powder his face.

He wants to sit on my lap and just cuddles up to me every time I'm at my computer.

He gives me this smile that warms my heart.

He runs to me when I pick him up from day care or just walk in the front door.

We have always had a special bond and I'm so lucky I can experience this with him.

He is my little buddy, my Ry!

OH yeah baby!

2008-01-16T17:33:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday evening and that means the week is half over! Why not turn on some 90's music and jam out!?

** Notice Ryan try to shake his booty like his brother, his CHEESY smile, and then looses interest in the whole dance party...haha... I love that boy!

SEVERE Pain...

2008-01-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

Can we say "OUUUCCHHH!?!" I have been having severe pain on the right side of my jaw for about 2 weeks now and I was just kinda blowing it off...taking ibuprofen like its my job! Well I was thinking and then thought...oh wait, at my last dentist check-up, they said that they could see ONE wisdom tooth growing in and it was my bottom right one. DING DING DING, I have found the source of the pain! I even think that the pain is the reason that I threw up the other night. I woke up with a pounding headache which in turn turned into a stomach ache and so on. Now, I must say, I'm VERY scared to go to the oral surgeon because I was home when my sister had hers out and seeing all that blood drip out of her mouth totally disgusted me! I have an appointment next week Friday and I'm praying that I only need this one out. But who knows! Ok people, here is your cue to tell me that its not THAT bad and I shouldn't be scared.... ;)

Monday, Monday....

2008-01-14T08:42:00.000-05:00

**WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK OF THE NEW PAGE?!
PLEASE LEAVE SOME FEEDBACK FOR ME! :)

I hope you all have a good start to the week.... I was up last night throwing up (gross I know) so I'm just praying to get through the day!

Happy Sunday...

2008-01-13T09:25:00.001-05:00

Back and Relaxed!

2008-01-12T17:32:00.000-05:00

We are back from our night away but I unfortunately forgot my camera. :( We were about 5 minutes down the road and realized it...of course Tyler wouldn't turn back! haha But we had a great night away! It was very good to see my friend and her boyfriend. She is expecting an engagement ring very soon...so I'm excited to have a wedding shopping partner!! We stayed the night in a hotel that was right at the bottom of a ski hill. Our window had a view looking over the slopes and it was just beautiful! After we settled in, we headed to the main lodge were we went to dinner. The dinner was very good and I was VERY full afterwards. Emily got a margarita sampler that consisted of 3 mini-ritas and boy were those good!!! ;) We then spent the evening in the room playing cards, chit-chatting and drinking wine. We had such a fun and relaxing night. I just hope we can do that once in a while when we are actually married!

Friday Night Getaway!

2008-01-11T11:08:00.000-05:00

Tyler and I are heading up north to visit some friends for the evening. I have a girlfriend who lives in Indiana and I don't get to see her very much at all! Her and her boyfriend are heading up north to go skiing for the weekend and asked Tyler and I to join them for tonight. I'm very excited to get away for just a night to have a fancy dinner and sip some wine with some close friends! I hope everyone has a fabulous Friday and I'll be back tomorrow with some photos hopefully!

XOXO

What do I want to do with my life?

2008-01-10T12:47:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that I'm a college student but have no idea what I am going into. Well...I am an Entrepreneurship major with an Earth Science minor. Those who don't know what Entrepreneurship is...it is starting up and owning your own business. Ever since I was about 10 years old, I loved doing hair and makeup. I was the girl in high school who did my friends hair and makeup for dances and other things. Now, I've done a few of my friends hair for weddings and what not. It is my passion and the whole idea with my major is that I dream of starting up my own salon and spa someday. I have not gone to cosmetology school yet and probably won't for a few years yet. Now, why the minor?! Well, the minor is just random! :) I do also enjoy learning about the earth, weather, rocks, etc. Loser?! Yeah its ok to call me that! So, I just picked up this minor because it was just fun. Now if they offered a minor in makeup and hair....oh I would SO be all over that! I do however before I graduate have to complete 900 hours of an internship. For awhile I was thinking that I wanted to do it in a salon to get some experience. But not being certified yet, I could only be a receptionist. I am now looking into getting an internship with a company that I would be doing everything from finance, to marketing, to business planning. This I feel will give me a great outlook on the business aspect of it all. Ultimately, I would love to have a big salon and spa for moms to come to so they can relax and just enjoy themselves and have a little salon in my home where I can be at home with my kids and still do what I love! Now, I gotta get Tyler on making some more $$ and building this for me.... ;) ;)

Just thought I would let you all know where I'm headed or want to head towards with my schooling! And for you bloggin' girlies who live in the same state as me....I will so hook you guys up some day!!! :)

The Blogging with a Purpose Award goes to....

2008-01-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

I was given this award by Paula at The Baby Journals and I thank her very much. She is an inspiration to me and always puts a smile on my face! I am however required to give this award to 5 other people. AND THE AWARD GOES TO.....

~Never Too Many~ , Steffie B. has been a friend of mine for some time now. Her blog was the reason why I wanted to start blogging. Her family is so sweet, loving, and generous to not only me but my fiance' Tyler. Her blog always leaves me laughing or crying...all in a good way! When ever I get a chance to visit her and the "Things" I just love it! Stef is the one who opened my eyes to adoption. Watching Sophia grow up and now watching the wait and journey to Olivia just makes my heart scream with excitment for her and the Tribe.

The Seventh Diamond, Kim was one of the first friends that I added to my favorite blog list. She always has the sweetest posts and is always there to throw a party or wish someone happy birthday. She is a very caring person and I can't wait till her little Sophia is in her arms!

Life With Lily Lin, Nikki is such an upbeat, super mom! I love her stories of her sweet girl Lily. Lily is the spicest girl I know! She seems to have the best heart and always makes me laugh (out loud) when I read her posts. She brightens my day...everyday!

Oatsvall Team, Gwen has the biggest heart around. Her love for her children is unimaginable. Her story of her sweet Maggie is something that will stay with me forever. She definitally wins the award for how many times I've cried! Her and her family have such a love for eachother that just seems so wonderful. She is truely a wonderful person.

Room For More, finally I would like to nominate Verna. Verna aka The Blog Fairy is such a giving and amazing person! She has such talent with her blog making abilities, she even helps me out a lot when I try to get creative. ;) Her journey to Noah is such a moving story to read about. It won't be long until she will have him in her arms!

AWARD GUIDELINES:

1. Awarded parties must nominate five people who have not received the award.
2. The blogs that receive the award must serve some purpose.
3. In their post about the award they need to link back to the original entry.
4. Awarded parties must post the award banner on their site. The banner must remain linked to Eric Novak's site.

Bad Storm = NO Power = NO SCHOOL!

2008-01-08T12:07:00.000-05:00

Only in Michigan would we get weather like this in January! Last night, we started to get thunderstorms, it was getting worse and worse out and then BAM BAM BAM, we start getting hail. At this point the satellite when out and of course we can't find a radio! The Internet was still up and running so we jump on weather.com and find out that our little county out of the whole state of MI is getting hammered the worse. I then see a tornado warning come up....ahhhh SCARY!!!!!! I start to freak out and run down to my room to gather candles. Soon enough...about 10 minutes later, the power is OUT! I screamed a little when it went out because I was sitting in my room which we call the shoe box room...it is a very small rectangle with NO windows so it was DARK in here! I run up stairs, using my cell phone as my flashlight and crawl up to Lisa (the mom of the house) and of course she is laughing at me. I immediately start freaking out again because I just worked out and was all sweaty and I couldn't shower now. But I was soon told that I could because we have city water. HAHA oops, I'm used to living with a well so we could never flush the toilet or shower when power was out! So....I go crazy with lighting candles and we start the gas fireplace. By this time, it was going on 11pm so we all decided to hit the sheets. I set my phone alarm so I could be up for school. I wake up randomly throughout the night to still no power. At 8am my phone rings and its my mom. She said that my school just flashed on the tv and we have a 4 hour delay. WAHOOOOO I knew I took all morning classes for a reason! ;) I then lay back and bed and again get woke up by my phone ringing at 10:30am...hehe. It was Tyler and could NOT believe I was still sleeping! Well I get back online and find out that campus is closed all day today and night! I guess a transformer blew from the storm!!!!! Now...if only I had something to do today. I don't have any homework to catch up on because it is only the second day of the semester! :) So...maybe I'll start some wedding planning.... yay!

This is why I love him...

2008-01-06T22:48:00.000-05:00

Today started just like any other day...I woke up to my alarm, I ate some Cheerios, and then decide to hop in the shower. The whole time I'm going through my routine, Tyler is playing with the boys...I mean on the floor playing cars and making all the "vroom vrooom" noises! The boys just adore Tyler. Ryan calls him "Ty" because he can't quite make out Tyler and Kyle is clued to his hip the moment he walks in the door. Well after this, we get the troops in the van for church. We get to church and decide to try a new option our church is offering. Instead of sitting in regular service, you can opt to go to the old chapel, where there are tables and chairs set up, hot coffee brewing, and its just over all a much more casual situation. Any how, after we get our seats, we start to sing and worship. In the middle of one of my favorite worship songs, Tyler grabs my hand and my heart just starting going a mile a minute. I look into his eyes and I could just see how God is working in our hearts. We then did communion. At this service, you walk up and rip off a piece of bread and dip it in the cup. Tyler and I went up together and did this hand in hand. Again, I hear and feel God all around us. It was such a powerful moment today. I never thought that I could feel that strong of a presence at one time. It was as if he was saying, "he's yours forever"....it made my heart dance with love and compassion. On another note, Tyler is in construction and works very hard at his job. He loves every minute of it and loves to take me to the sites to see what he accomplished. The other day, he was actually on the front page of the newspaper here for showing how much Tyler and his company accomplished, making them fall ahead of schedule. I am just so proud to be marrying a man who is great with kids, compassionate about God, and has such a strong work ethic. I must have done something right I guess?!

This is the picture that was in the newspaper! (I yelled at him for wearing a spring break shirt with a beer on it!) haha

Happy Sunday!

2008-01-05T23:40:00.000-05:00

glitter-graphics.com

Enjoy the day...relax and thank God for all he has given us!

Christmas Break is Over...

2008-01-04T23:10:00.001-05:00

It is so sad to see another Christmas come and go...but I must move on and start my last semester of college, and wedding planning of course! WAHOOOO!! I start classes on Monday and I'm not looking forward to it....however, being my last one makes it a little easier.

When I came back to school this afternoon, I got to see the kids faces lit up as they ran to hug and kiss me. That was such a bittersweet moment. I love those boys! :) Well after unpacking my FIVE bags this afternoon...yes I don't pack light, hehe, Tyler and I went out to a nice dinner. We ate at this authentic Mexican restaurant, very de-lish! Now, I'm trying to get back into the groove of things, checking e-mail, organizing, trying to start a weight loss plan...etc. Yes, I know loosing weight is such a New Years clique', but I am getting married after all!! and for some reason, I seemed to indulge in a lot of "Christmas" this year ;) ;)

XOXO

New look!

2008-01-03T11:04:00.000-05:00

Here is my new blog look...the header is brought to you by THE BLOG FAIRY! I'm still home for break but will be heading back to school tomorrow. ~sigh~ I can't believe I start classes again on Monday...AHHHHH!! I do however have some good stories and pictures to share. I hope you have all had a great holiday season and beginning to a fabulous year! Can't wait to get back to you all!

Quick update!!

2007-12-29T18:49:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! I'm still alive...but I've been home for the holidays and don't have my computer home with me! I can't wait to get back and catch up with everyone and also update my blog! ;) ;) I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxo

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!!

2007-12-24T16:33:00.000-05:00

Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season! May all of you have a blessed holiday with the ones you love! Can't wait to get hear stories and see pictures in the new year! God Bless to you all!

Love to all ~ Amy

HOLY COW!!

2007-12-20T12:22:00.000-05:00

Can you believe that Christmas is in 5 DAYS!?! I feel like the holiday season just started! I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend before Christmas. For those who are traveling...be safe. Tyler and I are heading to Indiana to be with his parents and then back up here for Christmas Eve dinner and church! Tomorrow night we are having a large Christmas party at my house here at school, so that should be fun! I'm off to cook and clean!!!!!

Check out all the cards I've gotten from bloggers...you guys are so awesome! ;)

The New Bathroom!

2007-12-18T12:24:00.000-05:00

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, Tyler was asked to fix the drywall and paint the boys bathroom. It had real ugly wallpaper in it before and just wasn't cut out for a 1 and 4 year old! After the wallpaper can down, the walls were horrid. Tyler spend many nights in this bathroom spackling, sanding, trimming, and painting. This is the finished product!

Isn't that color awesome! Lisa painted all the fish and nailed them on the wall. Also the rug was our inspiration for the wall color! The boys love it and spend lots of time in here now! I'm so happy that I'm marrying a handy man! :)

Christmas Party and Weekend Fun!

2007-12-16T19:51:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend! :) Friday night Tyler and I had his company's Christmas Party. If you know Steffie B. over at Never Too Many, you probably know this story! It was a good time and it was really good to see some of the people there. Tyler works for Stef's husbands company so we go back a few years! I love Stef...she is such an awesome person!! Also Emmie (her daughter) was there. Tyler and I love Em! It was so fun seeing her also! Saturday I got to spend the whole day with my best friend. We did some Christmas shopping, so I'm finally almost finished! Saturday night, my parents threw a dinner party for a few of their friends, so Tyler and I joined in for some free food and wine! ;) Today I got to see a few of my good friends who haven't seen my ring yet!! We went to Starbucks and talked for awhile. It was very fun!

Tomorrow starts the week before Christmas!! wahooo!! Tyler and I are heading to the mall tomorrow evening for some shopping. I guarantee a good blog story after this experience. Never a dull moment when Tyler and I shop together! haha Well I hope everyone has a great start to the week!!!

HUGS-A

HIP, HIP, HORRAY!!!!!!

2007-12-13T13:08:00.000-05:00

I'M DONE WITH MY LAST FALL SEMESTER!! I think finals went ok...obviously they would have been better if I didn't have a wedding occupying my mind! ;) I'm just glad to only have one more semester of college left! Whew...what a huge weight off the shoulders.

As for Christmas shopping...still haven't done much. I know I know, I'm slacking a bit. I have just had so much going on in my life...! hehe I'm hoping to get a huge chunk done this weekend and the beginning of next week.

And just an update...I'm still grinning from ear to ear, I look at my ring 24/7, and I just can't believe I'm getting MARRIED!!!!!!!!!

~The Proposal~

2007-12-09T20:10:00.000-05:00

Well I can't believe it! I am still shocked...I can't stop smiling and I just couldn't love my fiance' more! Here is the story...

As we all know, I have been sick with a nasty sinus infection...I've sounded like a man for a few days now...haha. This past Friday night, the parents of the family that I live with, went out for the night. Tyler and I stayed home and watched the boys. Around 7pm, Tyler went up stairs to put Ryan (the 1 year old) down. Kyle (the 4 year old) and I started to bake sugar cookies, Tyler soon joined up when he got Ry to sleep. We were just cooking away and having a good time. As we were finishing up, I started on the dishes. Tyler and Kyle had left the room and I just thought they were playing down stairs. A few minutes later, Kyle comes walking up the stairs with his hand behind his back and a smile on his face that lit up like a Christmas tree! I said..."Kyle, what did you do!?" haha He then walked right up to be and said, "Amy, Tyler loves you very much." All of the sudden, my heart started to race. Then from behind Kyle's back, he pulled out a black ring box. I started to scream and cry and everything else! Tyler walked up behind him, grabbed the box, and got down on one knee. I was shaking, crying, and speechless. He said the most amazing and loving things I've ever heard. I screamed "YES YES YES!!!!!!" (In my man voice) I hugged him and kissed him for about 5 minutes...well until Kyle said "AMY WHY ARE YOU KISSING HIM SO MUCH!" haha Got to love 4 year olds! Then I spent the next 2 hours calling my best friends and my family. Then my voice was completely gone!

I am still glowing and will be for quite some time now. We are thinking about September 2009 for our wedding. I want to get through with college and my internship and hopefully save a few $$. I can not wait to spend the rest of my life with Tyler. He is my true love and soul mate and I thank God for him everyday. I think I'm going to start turning this blog into a wedding blog! haha I'm going to need some opinions! ;) I will leave you all with some pictures...of the ring of course! It is amazing!

~MEET THE FUTURE MRS. PYKE~

2007-12-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Pictures and details will be posted soon! I just can't stop shaking with excitement!!