For the first time since moving 4.5 years ago, I MISS KANSAS. I have always always always missed the people, missed some of the restaurants sometimes, but not really the area. I LOVE Virginia. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It is so historic and beautiful with character. However, at this time of year, I MISS KANSAS. I did a little in previous years, but not like this year. WHY??? Because of the Holiday Mart, the Plaza Lights and the cold temperatures. First the holiday mart is the epitome of awesome craft (not kitschy crafty) show that has so much holiday cheer.... Continue reading

So its been a LONG time since I have posted ANYTHING. Primarily because if I have a moment to do anything not on the to do list, I am resting/sleeping. I stopped blogging right around the time I found out I was pregnant! So, lets start there... We now have 48 days and counting until the big arrival. I am 32 weeks now and have had a COMPLETELY different pregnancy than the first. When I say different, I mean first trimester was the stereotypical trimester - I threw up a lot, couldn't stay awake beyond 6pm and was miserable. Made... Continue reading

Hi all, Long time no talk, eh? Well I have been incredibly busy with work. Travel travel travel! Speaking of travel, I was able to get to Kansas for a few days with work and had the pleasure of staying with my bff for a few days of vacation. We had so much fun! We went scrapbooking, got pedicures, went shopping, and just spent some good ole girl time. here are some of my pages... So, when I left Kansas, there were about 6 inches of SNOW on the ground. It was the middle of March. I landed in VA... Continue reading

Ok, so it seems like it would be an oxymoron to say I was grateful on Monday. But I am for something...there's got to be something. But right now, I can honestly say I am NOT grateful for the decision to watch the Bachelor. I was hoping for one of my favs "Castle", but found the "after the final rose" show. I need to focus on something else...something more real life - like mine! Let's see what HGTV has going on.... I am grateful for: my son, husband and dog (who is snoring while sleeping on my legs right now)... Continue reading

I am fine. Alive and kicking. So WHY haven't I posted in weeks??? Well, Life. Life seems to have gotten the best of me these last couple of weeks. I was traveling on business for the last two weeks. Since I do not like to post from my work laptop (no pictures on there! :) ), I haven't been able to get to my blog. This week, the Theme Thursdays posts will obviously be abbreviated. Since I am Catholic and it is Lent, I am going with this spirit to talk about things I am grateful for everyday. Could be... Continue reading

After that nice little snow diversion, its back to the real world. I don't feel my theme last week had its due with the Blizzard distracting us an all. BTW, the world is back to normal, the old man car made it out today, and the Today Show is back on (we had 24x7 weather coverage for almost a week straight). Today is going to be my top 5 fav websites (sorta). 1. My friend's blogs: I am putting you all together so as not to play favorites. Check these blogs out. All three are very different and provide me... Continue reading

This winter has been the snowiest winter on record for the Washington DC metro area. We have had 55.4" of snow so far since December. I don't think there is any immediate forecast for more. Yesterday we had a "blizzard" which means, it snowed and the winds were around 35 MPH. We got 12 more inches to go on top of our 36 we received this weekend. Schools were closed (including day care) and so were the offices. When I went downstairs to my home office, this was my view. Not too bad right? So I went to let the... Continue reading

Well it finally stopped snowing last night around 4 or 5pm. We had 30 straight hours of snow. It felts like home! Only without the plows. And the schools staying open, and the stores. Target called and said it misses me. We may have to have a long distance relationship for a few more days though. Beautifully sunny today. I have all the shades open to take in the sunshine, but there is just one problem; we can't actually look out the window. It is blinding out there. I wish I were exaggerating. Tomorrow work and preschool resumes, but we... Continue reading

Being from Northern NY, 24 inches of snow in 24 hours seems like nothing. Yet, here, it cripples everyone. Granted, we had snow plows to dig out our driveways, very seasoned veterans plowing the roads and all four wheel drive vehicles. But I do have to say, it is a sight this time. This is the most snow we have seen since we moved to Northern VA. Here are a few pictures. Have a great Saturday! Continue reading

As I was preparing for the grocery store today, I realized, I make a lot of lists. I list my to do's, my projects, my groceries, etc. I make lists for everything regularly. I think I caught this trait from my KC friend - you know who you are - like it was a common cold. So, this week's theme is Lists. I am going to make a list of 5 random things occuring to me that day which will be accompanied with supporting information. Here goes! 1. Snow in the south is quite the sight. its the same snow... Continue reading

Appropriately named #3, we are going to have a 3 for 1 Thursday! I have a double post for last week's theme and will be posting a new theme as well. I had planned to do this post even before the president's chief of staff was under fire from the Special Olympics organization for his insensitive remarks, private or not. It has been 1 year since my husband's godson (we like to call him our nephew too. :) ) was born. He is such a wonderful, joyous, energetic, smart little man. He has such a robust personality and knows EXACTLY... Continue reading

Every year millions of people make New Year Resolutions - including me. But I don't make the typical resolutions like "go to the gym everyday", "loose 20 pounds", "watch more tv", etc. ok so maybe I do say I am going to watch more tv...but thats just because I really like tv and I won't break that one. So I make generic resolutions - "get healthier", "actually use my gym membership more than once a month", etc. This year, in addition to the two listed above, I resolved to "be more positive". My approach is very slight. For instance, I... Continue reading

Hi All, For anyone who knows me, you know that when I am put onto a "mission" I don't stop until I find IT - whatever it is. For instance, my friend Jill often mentions in conversation a thing she is shopping for but cannot find. Generally is a description of something she has in mind but has not found it nor has she really looked for it. Usually, being the competitive person I am, I rise to the challenge and find several options in her price range for which she is looking. Frankly, I think she has caught onto... Continue reading

As you can tell from the logo, I am evolving my hobby! A website and logo make it real right? :) Today was a holiday from work so I was able to really focus on developing the things i needed to develop to move this little "project" along. Currently, I mostly have photos of just my son as I am less adept at bribing other children to smile. Just to get me started, here are a few samples of my work. This blog will now require that I have interesting things to say consistently...or not?! Happy MLK Day! Continue reading