30.

As a mother, birthdays now hold a completely different meaning to me. It’s not just another year; it’s a celebration of life, a day to remember what’s important.

This year is much harder. Not only have I entered a new decade, but I am entering it without both of my parents. Today I am celebrating without my mom for the first time, without that special connection that she and I shared on this day. It’s definitely much different without her yearly call, her singing our special birthday song. I miss both her and my dad so much today, but I am also very grateful for all of my friends and family that make my life so special.

Thank you all for being there, I am truly blessed.

for those of you who haven't seen it yet...

or if you just want to watch it again.

2009: The Year of Blah.

As I sit here typing this, we have less than 9 hours left in '09. Less than 9 hours left in the decade. I am trying to think of all of the wonderful things that happened for us this year, but I am drawing a blank.

I keep seeing statuses on facebook about how glad we'll be when 2010 comes, and how horribly sucky 2009 has been. Other than watching Eli grow and learn and become a little boy (which is an awesome experience), I agree with general blah-ness of '09.

Perhaps it's just the fact that for most of the year, we've been working on getting into a new house, and we have nothing yet to show of it. Or the fact that I lost my job in July, and am still applying and hoping.

But, then I begin to think about all of the things we've experienced with Eli over the year, and I begin to smile again. Just thinking about all of the firsts makes all of the struggles melt away.

Tonight, after Eli goes to bed, Dave and I plan on ringing in the New Year quietly. After all of the ups and downs over the past 365 days, I am ok with that.

Here's to 2010, and to the hope that it brings.

Christmas Card Reject

Last night we finally stood as a family in front of the only Christmas decorations in the house and took a photo for this year's Christmas cards. This isn't it.



I've been so lazy about cards over the last few years, and I decided that this year I will send out cards, no matter how late...

The more I look at the photo I used, the less enthused I am about my expression, hair, pose, etc. But Dave and Eli look great, and that's all that matters, right?

twenty-nine

Today, I enter the last year of my twenties. I am not sure how I feel about that, but so far it's been a pretty good day.

I treated myself to a special breakfast this morning - I don't splurge for Starbucks very often, but today it seemed appropriate.



Tonight, Dave and I are going to Buca. I will definitely be ordering the Chicken Glorioso. That's right. Be jealous. I will lick the plate clean, and I won't care who stares at me in the process. After all, I know the thought has crossed minds before.

I have so many pictures to go through from Thanksgiving. Give me time. It's been a busy few days, and I haven't had a chance to do it yet. Until then, I will leave you with this sweet little face.

Five Years Ago Today

Today, Dave and I celebrate 5 years of marriage. It's crazy to think that it's been that long. We've had our ups and our downs, but I am so glad that he's my partner in this roller coaster we call Life.



I take you, David, to be my Husband,
my partner in life, and my one true love.
I will cherish our friendship and love you today,
tomorrow, and forever.
I will trust you and honor you,
I will laugh with you and cry with you
I will love you Faithfully
Through the best and the worst,
Through the difficult and the easy.
What may come I will always be there.
As I have given you my hand to hold,
So I give you my life to keep.
So help me God.

Five years later, I mean it more than ever.

Mommy's little swimmer!

Last night we visited some friends who have a pool. It was Eli's first time swimming! He took to the water very well - he was splashing, laughing and having a great time...

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2008: What a Year

Back to normal...

Only 3 weeks after Christmas, we took our tree down today. I pouted throughout the process. Other than that, we haven't been up to much lately. Work. Home. Sleep. Repeat.

New Years was pretty simple for us this time around. We went out for dinner with friends, counted down and came home. 2007 was a whirlwind of a year, and I am still recovering. We're hoping that 2008 will bring more joy than sorrow; less time apart, more time for the ones we love.

Winter Storm Warning!!

But, we ventured out anyway. We decided to head downtown Indy. Driving down Meridian Street was absolutely beautiful. The snowflakes were enormous...

For lunch, we went to the Bourbon Street Distillery. Best Pork Tenderloin EVER. We were the only people there, the whole city was quiet. They had the Christmas music blaring. We were watching the snow fall with the downtown skyline as a backdrop. It was so peaceful, so beautiful.

After lunch we headed to the Indiana Historical Society to see the famous Leg Lamp. We walked around looking at the various trees and photos representing Christmases past. We ran into one other couple in the museum. Again, it was like we had the place to ourselves.

My favorite part of the day was leaving the IHS, driving through downtown Indy. Around Military park, with it's huge snow covered trees. By Victory Field, the old buildings, around Monument Circle. The Christmas music on the Satellite radio, the snow falling so heavy - It was like we were driving through a movie.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

It was a pretty good night.

I am spoiled:

I can't wait to go home and play Star Wars. How Dorky is that?? :D

(Almost) Halfway thru November

And So the Season Begins:

* 8 Days 'til Thanksgiving
* 17 Days 'til my 2nd 26th Birthday (I was sick last year, therefore it doesn't count.)(Oh! Speaking of!! Happy Birthday, Sister! Here's a "cake" especially for you.)

* 41 Shopping days left 'til Christmas... Have you started decorating??

We're putting up our decorations this weekend. I gently broke that news to David last night. He took it well. I need a way to jumpstart the holiday spirit, what better way, right? We even bought a new ornament last night - a groundhog. :D

This weekend the Colts host the Chiefs at the RCA Dome. Let's hope that the Colts' losing streak continues! :)
(otherwise Dave and I may not be able to show our faces at work on Monday.)

Long, Difficult Summer

Nothing much has been going on in la casa de Ali y Dave. Things are finally calming down after a very long summer.

As most of you might know, Dave spent the majority of the summer in California for business reasons. I made a couple of trips to visit him, but for the most part we spent our time together on the phone or chatting online. Even though the time apart was stressful and lonely, it was for the best.
________

Last weekend we attended our first Hoosier football game (they won, unlike our Cats. boo). It was fun to get out and tailgate - and the weather couldn't have been any better. Bloomington is absolutely beautiful this time of year.
________

Heading into the holidays has been very emotional this year. It's now been 7 weeks since I last spoke with my dad. I haven't picked up my camera much since then, hence the lack of updates. Right now, I am just living life day to day. Surviving. Hopefully soon the motivation will strike, and I'll be looking through the viewfinder once again. Until then, you'll find us rocking out to GHIII.

:)

Announcing the Newest Addition to Our Family!

Roxy came into our lives on Oct. 20, 2007, at 5pm

Weighing 2,634 pounds

Measuring 145.6 inches long

She's Sassy. :)

I miss you Dad.

I have almost written this post a million and one times over the last few weeks. I just found the courage to publish.

Three weeks ago today, I lost my Daddy. It's still so surreal to think about. I still expect to hear my phone ring "My Girl," an email to pop up from "Daddy."

My dad taught me so much; to have fun, to be positive, to smile, to love life. He gave me a love for music, so that with almost every song I hear, I think of him.

I talked to him the night before he left us. I had the opportunity to tell him how grateful I was, how lucky I felt to have him as a dad. That conversation still plays through my head, as I am sure it will for years to come. It brings me comfort to know that he knew how I felt, how I feel.

There are so many stories to be shared, so many memories to hold on to. I wish that he could have stuck around a while longer, but I know he's still here with me. He'll always be in my heart.

And He'll look just like this:

My Husband...

...Is really, really good.

Orchids, originally uploaded by alibree.

Perfect night.

Yesterday marked 7 years of Ali & Dave... And what better way to celebrate than our own personal fireworks show?!?!!

Ok. It wasn't so personal.

Every year, our little community has a little celebration complete with food, live bands, a civil war reenactment, hot air balloon rides, and fireworks (among other things, like gelato). It was supposed to have been held last weekend, but I guess it rained and poured that day (sorry to have missed that). So, the hot air balloon rides and the fireworks were rescheduled for last night.

And what a perfect night it was.

Before I call it a night...

New photos have been posted!

It's a shame that's all the ice cream left in the house...

Smashed my thumb a few minutes ago. All swollen now.
This should make it better:

The Hope-My-Thumb-Stops-Throbbing-Soon-So-I-Can-Play-Wii Medicine, originally uploaded by alibree.