Baby Greeno is on its way!!!

I'm so excited to announce that we are expecting our first (human :-) baby August 11, 2010!

Yes we were trying, and it happend on the first try. Seriously. Just call me Fertile Myrtle.

Right now, I'm basically "seasick"- crazy nauseaous but not really throwing up... and TIRED. So, so tired.

Additionally, I have the weirdest food cravingings. Not that the food is weird, it's just a lot of food I MUST HAVE IMMEDIATELY. For example, the other day after I'd gotten home from work, I NEEDED grilled cheese. But not just any grilled cheese sandwhich- I needed DELI American Cheese (mind you, I don't really EAT American Cheese) on TEXAS TOAST or ITALIAN BREAD. Either was fine, it just had to be thick, white, bad-for-you bread (and, of course, I never eat that either).

Also, I will want something so bad for a couple days (peanut butter was a culprit recently), and then a few days later, the sight of it makes me want to vomit profusely and violently.

And the cravings will change without notice- I went to lunch with my friend Mandy and as we were deciding the night before where to go, I HAD to have California Pizza Kitchen. I woke up the next morning and just the thought of the letters "CPK" sent me into comic-like convulsions.

Entertaining at best, but none the less I am GRATEFUL because these symptoms mean I AM PREGNANT. So for now, I'll take 'em.

Please enjoy a pic from my first ultrasound, when they were checking to make sure there was only one in there... apparenty my HCG levels were tripple what they 'should' have been, so my Doc wanted to verify.

Yes, it's a dot. But I can tell you this much- I've never loved a little dot with so much passion and emotion as I do this one. :)

Yes Please...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Ups and Downs

Strange how life can give so many ups and downs so quickly, and with such deep emotions on either side.

I'm choosing to be thankful for what I've done, what I'm doing, and what I will do...

Choosing to trust the reasoning behind any and everything that I'm given and any and everything that's taken away.

Life is a gift... I will anxiously await with HOPE and ANTICIPATION.

No words. Just. So. Funny.

Oh man... I can't believe I haven't posted in a month. I'm ALWAYS ontop of this blog .

We have not been "out" of dog food for almost a week, and therefor just feeding them wet food, rice, chicken pieces, etc.

Finally, I did not track down a black with pink lettering North Face at 4 different Dick's... I also do not giggle like a child every time I walk into Dick's. I also did not giggle at that previous sentance. I'm totally mature.

What did YOU "not" do this week?

Not Me Monday is Back...

Ever feel like you just spent more time looking at and thinking about how to clean and organize your office/laundry/mail/dog/etc. than it would have taken to actually just DO it? Then join me in revealing your beautifully perfect imperfections.

I did not squeal with delight this past week when I realized Monopoly was back at McDonald's... I'm constantly eating healthy and have been limiting my fast-food budget.

Additionally, I did not eat 8... umm, 10... ok, 12 Rolo's in bed after I had brushed my teeth, and then let Titan munch on one of the wrappers. Besides bad oral hygiene, foil is bad for dogs and I just wouldn't go there.

I also did not, while teaching some of my dancers a great stretch for their hip flexibility, say, "This will be useful for all stages of life," under my breath. I then did not check to see if they had actually heard me, and upon realizing they had not, start laughing hysterically to myself. Poor judgement and bad humor is not funny. I am totally appropriate. Always.

Want to join in? Share your, "Not Me's!!" in my comment section or do one on your own blog page!

It feels so good to be honest now doesn't it?! :)

Happy Birthday to the Man I Love... and such

Ok, so it's two days late... but we've been celebrating the past few nights :)

October 6th is a beautiful day in my world... it marks the day when, in 1983, the most amazing man came into this world and from there forward, I (well, since about 2000) get to celebrate his awesomeness.

So to my handsome husband who is an amazing friend, wonderful doggie Daddy, partner in crime and the absolute love of my life-

Happy Birthday Ben!!!

In other news, the new gutters are up and look AWESOME (new levels of cool have been achieved on our part :)

Ben's been loving his his job at Apple (visit him! It's the store in Naperville). It's been such a blessing to see him in a job he's not only awesome at but also loves with a company he's truly passionate about.

I'm still loving my busy but full schedule- High School Musical opens the end of the month and runs until November 9th- click on the link for tickets!!! I'm the "Directoreographer" (Assistant Director/Choreographer) for this one and Athena will be making her official debut as Sharpay's puppy... she has half a dozen outfits, a glittery leash, and her very own picture and bio in the program!!! It will be exciting on so many levels!!!

Fall is in the air... this is my favorite time of year... love!!!

Home Ownership at its Finest!!!

We're finally getting new gutters on the house today after wanting to do it since last Fall...

Is it weird that I'm giddy about it? That, even thought it's not a "remodel" or vacation or something I'd usually be ecstatic to spend mucho $$ on, I feel like having a House-Warming party for the new gutters?

That I want to create "Meet Our New Arrival!" announcements?

It may be time for us to have kids...

In other news, my bestest Liz and hubby Nathan and my pseudo-nephew and niece are flying in from Cali TONIGHT. I can hardly contain myself.

Joy joy joy joy joy.

Hi My Name is Anna, how is your septum?

So the last month has been a whirlwind for us...

- The opening (and then closing) of West Side Story (to date, the most amazing production I have ever been blessed to be a part of).
- Ben's training with Apple and subsequent opening of the Naperville Mainplace Apple Store!
- Preparing for my two weeks of Alcon training in Ft. Worth, TX.
- Lauren (Ben's sister!) graduated from SIU!!!
- We cashed in our Clunker and got a sweet, supped-up Ford Focus (yea eco-car!).
- Getting ready to start Choreographing/Assistant Directing High School Musical for CYT McHenry!
- Titan turned 2!
- Ben diligently working on his degree with the home stretch in sight!
- Present state of earning my mini-PhD in nasal, ear, and ocular anatomy while IN Texas (only one more week to go!)

In other news,
- I am NOT pregnant, thankyouverymuch.
- Athena learned how to jump off of the deck (as in, the fenced-in deck).
- Ben got his hair cut.


And now in honor of my 6 year anniversary of being with the Disney College Program, I leave you a little Princess love...

West Side Story!!!

Back in 2000, during the Fall of my Senior year, I had the unique privilege of being in the Illinois All-State Production of West Side Story. It was truly one of the most formative experiences of my creative life and an absolute honor to represent my school as a Jet Girl :-)

This year, Broadway unleashed what can only be called a stunning revival of Jerome Robbins' and Bernstein/Sondheim's classic work that won numerous Tony nominations and features Karen Olivio, who won the Tony award for her role as Anita.

And now, this summer, I have had the honor and privilege of being involved in one of the finest pieces of work I believe CYT has ever done. Late last spring we opened auditions to all of our students aged 14-20 from every county (in the style of an all-state show) and cast 50 of the most talented kids in Illinois to put on this amazing, timeless production.

Get your tickets NOW (I'm not kidding, it will be next to impossible to get them at the door!) to any one of our six performances by clicking here or calling the box office at 847.516.2298:

Friday, July 24th @ 7:00pm

Saturday, July 25th @ 7:00pm

Sunday, July 26th @ 3:00pm

Friday, July 31st @ 7:00pm
Saturday, August 1st @ 7:00pm
Sunday, August 2nd @ 3:00pm

All performances are at

Huntley High School Performing Arts Center

13719 Harmony Rd.

Huntley, IL 60142

This truly is a don't-miss experience. Let me know what show you are coming to... I can't wait to see you there!

Is it wrong that this is one of the funniest things I've ever seen?

Just wait for about 1:10 in where he "connects" with the remote... this is unreal, and I'm not sure why I'm posting it. But alas, I hope you experience the rolling laughter than Ben and I enjoyed.

Has it really been a month?!?!

Yes, and what a month it's been! I am officially working for Alcon Laboratories as an Allergy and Otolaryngology Representative (Specialty Eye and Ear division)... a.k.a., I sell allergy and ear meds =) I AM SO HAPPY!

This is not to say it has not been a crazy, busy, hectic, feel-like-I'm-back-in-college-and-getting-a-mini-doctorate month, but Alcon is an amazing company that not only cares about its employees but truly cares about the people we serve and the products we bring to those people.
I am still getting used to my territory as its totally different than my old one (I now have Naperville/Wheaton/Joliet/Hinsdale/St.Charles/South Bend/etc. as opposed to the upper 1/4 of Illinois) and that in itself is a challenge. I've been to Ft. Worth, TX for a week of training and will go back in August for another two weeks, but hopefully then I won't get stuck there an extra day because of tornadoes and flooding... there's no place like home...

Things in E-town are good... our friends the Novelli's welcomed beautiful Abrielle Emma on June 1st. Big brother Angelo just adores her and they are such a sweet family of 4 now!

The Treu's welcomed Brady Alan on May 30th(the surprise of the year because up until his birthday, his name was "Charlotte"... we're working on the returns now!) First time parent's Danni and Brent are holding their own after Brady almost didn't make it at birth- boy or girl, Brady, we're soooo glad you're here!!!

And finally, my best friend Liz and her hubsy Nathan welcomed Kiana Joy on May 22nd. Big brother Andre thinks she's just awesome and I have to throw in there I hate they live in Cali. Note to self- find a way to get to Redding, CA at once. When I was at the hospital within an hour of Andre's birth, it's been killing me that I have yet to meet this sweet little girl.

Needless to say, it was a month of babies!!!

And in our little home, Athena had her spay surgery and is doing just fine. She also had her umbilical hernia fixed as well which left her with a grand total of 14 stitches and a shaved belly to boot. She could care less.

So that's what going on with us... I'll leave you with a funny pic of our little girl. A similar picture has been entered in the Cutest Dog Contest at Pet Pals in West Dundee (on Main Street/72)- if you get a chance, stop by and vote for Athena!!! If we win, we get a gift card to the store which helps BOTH our pups!!!

Amen.

What a Pretty Little Princess!

Create your own FACEinHOLE

I've always wanted to be an Angel...

Create your own FACEinHOLE

Beauty and the Beast

FRIENDS!

In case you didn't know, I am choreographing Beauty and the Beast for McHenry County's CYT. Doing this kind of work reminds me what I was created for; it sets my soul on fire and brings such joy to my heart. As a former CYT student and performer, it is also an honor and privilege to give back to an organization that gave me so much.

We have an amazing cast (and I'm truly not just saying that), fabulous sets and costumes- friends, this is going to be an awesome show. For those of you with younger kiddos, this is a great way to introduce your young'ns to live theatre as the show itself is only 90 minutes, has an intermission (potty and snack break!), is full of fun, colorful, and lovable characters, and let me tell you, the musical numbers are killer (what, it's true ;-).

Tickets sell out quickly so I want to make sure you all get yours NOW by clicking here, or calling the CYT box office @ (847) 516-2298.

Show dates and times are as follows:

Thursday 5/14 @ 7pm (Family Day)

Friday 5/15 @ 7pm

Saturday 5/16 @ 2pm & 6pm

Sunday 5/17 @ 2pm & 6pm

Additionally, we have school day shows on Thursday 5/14 and Friday 5/15 at 9:30am and 11:45am if you have or know of a school group that would be interested in coming. You will need to contact the CYT office -847.516.2298- for info on purchasing school day shows.

Again, you can click here to order tickets online; I know May seems far away, but tickets sell out fast- why not plan ahead and we'll make a day of it!?!

I can't wait for you to "Be Our Guest"!!!

I need a little encouragement...

I've been going back and forth between feeling so grateful for things lately- my job, our home, Ben, Titan and Athena- to just feeling down. Like nothing I do is ever quite enough.

So as short and straightforward as I can, I'm asking, really more like begging, for some encouragement. You don't even need to write anything... a prayer, a thought, a giggle...

There's so much more to life than me, and I know that. I'm even encouraged to know that you're praying for Stellan

or reaching out to one of your friends who might just be hurting... because there is more to my story, to why I'm hurting; while it's not worth going into right now, just know, I'm not the only one.

Love each other. We get by with a little help from our friends.

This is amazing

Praying for Stellan

Not like you all need something else to read, but I've been following "MckMama's" blog for just about a year now and what a story...
Poor little guy, who was not supposed to even survive to birth, was born a healthy bouncy boy and suddenly is now in very serious condition with a similar heart condition he had in the womb.
If you think about it, say a little prayer for their family and for this little fighter tonight.

Too good to NOT post

Create your own FACEinHOLE

They are so Bad Ass

Create your own FACEinHOLE

Here she is!

Finally! Here are few pictures of our little Princess...

They looooove to snuggle, and it's so darn cute.

Matching vests. I know, I'm a dork. Imagine how my children will feel...

In a bag. As you can see, she clearly loved it.

There will, of course, be many more to come, but I could not wait to show her off!

2 Years!!!

Just wanted everyone to take a little look-see at our "love tracker"- 2 years! I love you baby, with all my heart! Being married is the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together!
MUAH.

New addition!

I'm excited to introduce the newest addition to our family:
Athena Aphrodite born 12/14/08
Her dad was a pug/chihuahua and her mom was a pekingese/shih tzu.
She currently weights a whopping 3.2lbs and is freaking adorable.

I'd post pictures if I hadn't been a moron (as mentioned in previous posts) and converted our photos to the new version of iPhoto that we DON'T have. It's on its way friends... just you wait. It should be here by Monday or Tuesday and believe me, there are plenty of pics to post.

Athena and Titan are hysterical together. Besides the fact that she is 1/8th his size, they love to wrestle, run and yell at each other before settling down for a little snuggle. They are already the best of friends and we couldn't be more relieved!

I'd forgotten how much puppies wake up at night to go potty though- it's like having a baby! Actually, I'd forgotten how much they just need to go potty in general. Ah well, it gets better eventually. Thankfully, she is already potty trained to go outside. Seriously. We got her from a group called Bullies and Friends and she'd been in a foster home. The "foster parents" had been working with all the pups on going outside and she's great at doing her business in the backyard. WHAT A RELIEF.

She has a crazy story in that she and her brother and sisters were taken from their home by Animal Control (as were their mom and dad). The children were also taken from the home by DCFS. The puppy's mom and dad were unaltered and the family just keep breeding them over and over. Luckily, all of the puppies and their mom have been adopted now and the children are with relatives. Unfortunately, the dad had been kept on a chain, tied to a tree his whole life and could not be rehabed. We are just so greatful we found our little girl-she is such a wonderful addition to our family!

I can't wait for you all to "meet" her soon!

Listen to your body

Mine hurt last Sunday... after the pain went to my belly and right side, we decided to wait it out but with caution. After trying to go to work, trying to sleep it off and trying to "drug it away", we finally went to the ER Monday evening around 10pm...

I was in surgery to have my appendix out at 4:30am Tuesday morning.

It was laproscopic, so the incisions are tiny, but they went in from the left side so my entire belly (and right ribs as they pushed "insides" up into the ribs) have been sore and slow to heal.

After returning home and making recovery camp on the couch, I was SO glad I'd taken all the Christmas decorations down that previous Saturday. I could just imagine being stuck on the couch while left-over Christmas stared down, taunting me to put it away and laughing at my inability to do anything but stare back.

I still have another few days off work if I need it, and knowing how I always try to do too much too soon, I think I'll take advantage of the extra healing time.

I leave you with a phenomenal gadget I found in my time of recovery... thought it was real until I realized it made coffee... take a few moment to play and enjoy The Pomegranate.

It's been far too long...

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've updated...

I hate updating without pictures, but that will take a bit as I messed up our iPhoto; I wanted to try and view the picture collection on our desktop with the new version of iPhoto. Ben has it on the new laptop he got for Christmas, so we opened both computers for sharing, and it seemed like it was going to work! After converting the pictures on our desktop over to the new version (which, by the way, is SO cool), I was editing and playing like a crazy woman... until Ben disconnected his computer. Duh. Copyright infringement. Now we can't do ANYTHING with the pictures on the desktop because they've all been converted to the NEW version of iPhoto, which we DON'T have yet and have been too busy to buy.

Too busy as in:

- Just after the New Year, my manager decided she wanted to ride along with me for two days, causing me to get little to nothing done work-wise (and around the house, as I was still recovering from bronchitis I had over Christmas/New Year's). Riding with a manager is like preparing for a quarterly review. It's not bad, just draining. Additionally, I was preparing for:

- Our National Sales Meeting January 12-15 in Orlando. 4 days of non-stop meetings, little sleep, and company outings/"parties" that are supposed to be fun but end up leaving you tired and hung over the next day. I will say I just love my co-workers and had a blast with them. We kept each other going with our private games and laugh sessions. :)

- The day I checked out of my NSM, Ben, Drew, Leslie, Craig and Melissa flew IN to Orlando and we had a fun-filled and EXHAUSTING Disney vacation. 4 parks in 4 days, Extra-Magic Hours and half-a-dozen rounds of Space Mountain was amazing... and I need a vacation to recover.

- Rehearsals have also started for the high school I choreograph for. Normally one day/week rehearsals were Wednesday and Thursday this past week (after we got back Tuesday night) because, as mentioned above, I was out of town.

- Did I mention my REGIONAL Sales Director e-mailed me last Saturday (while I was in Disney) to let me know she'd be riding with me this past Thursday? No pressure.

And now, poor Beno has been quite sick these past few days and I'm scared I'm coming down with his achy-feverish-flu-thing. Luckily, though, I was able to get all of the Christmas decorations down this weekend (don't judge me, I've been sick and busy!) and at least feel like our house is in order!

Pictures to follow once we get our act together and buy iPhoto. Thanks for letting me rant.