Pet Stores and C-RV's

How lucky am I to have spent Easter weekend here :)...

So I'm watching the news right now as I wait for my mom to get home for our lunch date.  Apparently, Chicago has the highest gas prices in the nation.  Gross.  P.S. that red building in the middle is where my dad works :)

I had a great weekend at home.  Got to spend some QT with Mom and Dad, Meredith, and Mckenzie and David (or Mackvid, as I like to call them).  We all went shopping for our new puppy Callie's supplies at the pet store.  We go pick her up May 6th, less than 2 weeks away!  Mom and Dad stayed on track, picking out a kennel...

...and some, umm, cleaner.

While Meredith and David got distracted...

Mom and Dad also picked out/picked up Mom's new ride...a 2011 Honda C-RV.  You can see video footage of this big moment on my Facebook wall :)

Mom decided to throw the traditional Easter dinner out the door this year.  I will admit, I was a little sad and worried about how the new meal would turn out.  On the menu? 

Wood-planked grilled salmon...

...homemade pesto rolls

...and veggies and wine.

We had a family from my parent's church come over after Easter dinner for some dessert.  They are from China, and their names are Andy and Sarah.  They had a baby a month ago, and they named their first son Scott (after my dad), because my dad is a gentleman.  Here they are with my dad!

You all know how much I dislike cats, and how I will NEVER own one.  Well, my sister Meredith bought a kitten several months ago when she was still living in Indiana.  She has sinced moved back hom for a new job.  She brought her kitten (a girl named Elliott) with her.  This weekend was my first time meeting her.  I was very hesitant, but I tried to go into it with a good attitude.  Turns out she is a sweet heart, and loves to play.

Hope you all's Easter was great :)

From "Blah" to Ombre

Before:

After:

Well it's hard to see, but my youngest sister Mckenzie colored my hair today.  I have been wanting something new for a while now, and this idea seemed as though it might just work for me.  It's called ombre, where the hair at the root is darker, and the hair gets lighter as it gets to the tips.  Hopefully I can get some pictures in some better light soon :)

I Left My Heart In Chicago

Does anyone else miss this?

Ok, some things I'm looking forward to this week: Tuesday is Kairos and working out with Steph.  Thursday, I'm spending some much needed time with Marcie.  Friday is LBDC dinner at Cheesecake Factory.  And I get to babysit some of my favorite kids on Saturday night.  I hoping for a great and productive week at work as well :)

11 more days, and I'm hopping on a plane home to Chicago for Easter.  I can't wait to see my family and spend time with them.  My sister Mckenzie is also going to color my hair, so I'm super pumped!  19 more days until I'm headed up to Indianapolis to visit some friends for my birthday.  24 more days until I turn 27.  25 more days until I'm BACK (yes, I'm going back) in Chicago for my birthday weekend.

Recently I bought some music on iTunes and I wanted to recommend some songs for my readers.  "A Little Bit Stronger" by Sara Evans.  I'm usually not a fan of her, but I really like the message of this song.  "Georgia Clay" by Josh Kelley (Charles Kelley's brother).  I haven't heard from him since early college when he had his hit "Amazing."  This song is great, a really great summer song.  "Tomorrow" by Chris Young.  It's a sweet song about a topic that a lot of people are familiar with.  "1,000 Faces" by Randy Montana.  I just heard this song on the radio this past Friday night.  I've never even heard of this guy.  But boy, this song is good. 


I'm also really looking forward to TV this week.  The Chicago Code is back, and Will Ferrel joins The Office.  And of course, there's Modern Family, Vampire Diaries and American Idol.  I love TV :)

So let's play a game.  Let's see how many movies I (and you the reader) can list that have been filmed/set in the wonderful city of Chicago.  I will go ahead and start us off.

Time For A New Me

There comes a time in a woman's life where she just needs a change.  A pick-me-up.  A make-over.  Well, this is my inspiration.

I just love that her hair is dark at the top, and slowly fades to a lighter, richer caramel color at the ends.  I love the length of her hair.  I just LOVE it!  Now I just need my hair to grow out so I can get it colored.  Or, I could just get extensions.  Here are my two lovely younger sisters, and their recent make-overs :)

Meredith Ann (boys, she's single and ready to mingle):

Mckenzie Jean (sorry boys, she's married):

Aren't they just presh?!  Eat your heart out, fellas!  They are so beautiful, inside and out.  I love them :)  So there ya have it.  I wanna look like my gorgeous, intelligent, show-stopping sisters.  I miss my long hair :(

I'm currently reading two very amazing books that I want to encourage you all to read.  The first is called "Crazy Love" by Frances Chan.  The second is called "Cure for the Common Life" by Max Lucado.  Both can be life-changing if you allow them to be.

Well, I'm getting ready to watch the men's NCAA National Championship game.  Go UConn Huskies :)