March 20

Yes, this year March 20 is the first official day of Spring. But it also marks the birthday of a very special person. 

24 years ago, I woke up to find both of my parents sitting in the living room, which was odd because normally my dad would have been at work and my mom would have been getting our breakfast ready before taking me to school. My second grade self wondered just what was going on. "It's time for Mom to have the baby," Dad explained. I wanted to go with them, but they said I needed to go to school. 

When I got in my classroom, I told my teacher & classmates all about how my mom was at the hospital and that I would have a new baby brother or sister when I got home. I was hoping for a sister. 

My aunt picked me up from school, and not only were there McDonald's cheeseburgers waiting for me at home, but so too was the news that I officially had a new baby sister. Needless to say, it was a pretty exciting day.

My parents decided to name her Jillian, but we called her Jill. "Now we have Jack & Jill," my mom said.

I don't remember going to see her in the hospital, but I do remember that once she was home with us, I would try to wake her up whenever she was napping because I wanted to play with her.

I remember loving to pick out matching outfits for her to wear, only to have to bribe her with candy to wear them because she would have rather worn her red baseball cleats and basketball shorts.

I remember when she cut a chunk out of her hair because she didn't want anyone to brush the knot out of it...

...and when she did a dance solo at my cousin's wedding to Will Smith's "Miami". It was epic.

I remember those bangs...

...and when she came to visit me in the dorms...

...and the year she graduated 8th grade, Micah graduated high school, and I graduated college...

...and helping her get ready for prom...

...and all our trips to the lake...

...and taking her out for her 21st birthday. She was "so full of liquid and so happy."

I remember how much fun we had as bridesmaids in Micah & Kate's wedding...

...and how we found the pickles...

...and when she graduated from our alma mater.

I remember many games spent cheering for opposite teams...

...and fighting over who got to change our niece's diaper...

...and I remember when Snooki needed some ketchup on Halloween.

I don't remember much before March 20, 1989. But I sure am grateful for all that has happened after it. And I look forward to all that will happen for "Jack & Jill" in the many years to come.

Happy birthday, Lil' Sis! Love you!

Friday Photos 10: Big East Champs

I've been hearing it all week on ESPN: It's the end of an era. The Big East Conference, as we know it, will be no more after this season. The non-football schools are going their own way, and taking the Big East name with them. 

It's been a fun ride, and while I'm sure the teams will find success in their new homes, there's no doubt they'll miss the tradition of the Big East tournament in Madison Square Garden. 

So on this Friday, the eve of the final Big East Championship that my Louisville Cardinals will (hopefully) be a part of, I'd like to give a shout out to the teams who brought home the trophy.

2008-2009

Regular Season & Tournament

2011-2012

Tournament

2012-2013

Regular Season...

...and let's hope Tournament too.

Go Cards!

Friday Photos 9: What a Difference a Year Makes

It's hard to believe that a year ago this week, we were about to find out what the little McNugget was. 

I really thought it was a boy...

But boy, was I wrong! 

I didn't waste any time picking up plenty of pink apparel. But it seemed like it took forever for her to get here!

Photo by Bella Baby

She sure was worth the wait.

And yet here we are, 7 months after her birthday and a year after the day we found out she was, in fact, a she, and time feels as though it has done nothing but fly by.

365 days ago, I knew she was a girl, but I did not realize how much joy being her aunt would bring--or how precious she would truly be. 

Photo by Kriech-Higdon Photography

What a wonderful difference a year makes.

Healthy Chocolate?

You may or may not have heard, but for the last 6 weeks I've been on a quest for a healthier me. And I'm happy to say that by following a modified Weight Watchers eating plan, I've been able to shed nearly 20 pounds! I'd also like to note that Zumba on the Wii has helped this effort as well.

Needless to say, I feel like a new woman--but I'm not done yet. I've been on the hunt for healthy recipes that also meet the needs of my palate (which really hasn't changed since I was five years old by the way). 

If you were anything like my brother, sister, and I, then you spent your childhood loving some chocolate milk. We should have bought stock in Nestle back in the day because I'm pretty sure we kept them in business with our dedication to Nesquick. Who didn't love that bunny? 

At any rate, the child in me would still love to drink chocolate milk everyday, but the (healthier) adult in me knows that I gotta rein it in a bit. So you can imagine my joy upon finding a recipe on Pinterest for natural "Nesquick". Via the "One Good Thing" blog, here's the homemade way to make chocolate milk & hot chocolate with the following natural ingredients:

2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup Hershey's Cocoa
1 pinch of salt

Yum-my, you guys! No more store-bought mixes for me! 

Just so you know, everything tastes better in my I heart Jim mug.

A while ago I stumbled upon this next recipe on the "Edible Perspective" blog via Pinterest. It sounded like a sweet way to get some protein so I was thinking breakfast or dessert.

1 cup Greek yogurt (I used plain--don't recommend it)

2-4 Tablespoons Hershey's Cocoa 

1 Tablespoon maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 Tablespoons dark chocolate chips

I have to admit that this wasn't as "sweet" as I'd hoped. If you don't like Greek yogurt, then this isn't for you. I ended up adding more maple syrup in an effort to sweeten it up but it didn't really help. Had it not been for the dark chocolate chips, I wouldn't have been able to eat it. Next time I try it, I'm going to use vanilla Greek yogurt and see what adding honey does for it.

Please share any recipe suggestions that you have! Happy healthy eating, y'all!

Friday Photos 5: February 15

This edition of Friday Photos is once again dedicated to a special birthday--not just the birthday of one, but two of my favorite people. I've known my friend Erin since we were 6 and I always thought it was cool that she and my Grandpa Jack had the same birthday. 

Though he is no longer with us, I know my Grandpa is partying in Heaven, probably playing a mean game of Euchre.

Grandpa was a loyal Cardinal fan,

a sharp dresser,

a loving father,

and an amazing grandfather.

I know that every time I see a cardinal bird, his spirit is near. 

Happy birthday, Grandpa Jack! We miss you everyday.

We've seen each other through grade school, high school, college, and 26 years of birthdays to date. I feel so blessed to call you my lifelong friend, Erin! 

Whether we're digging for marshmallows,

trick-or-treating,

listening to the classics,

gettin' diplomas,

cheering for fillies,

feeling the love at White Castle,

coordinating our outfits,

seeing the sights,

wiggin' out,

or rocking babies...we always have fun. 

Here's to many, many more years of celebrating together! 

Happy birthday, dear Erin! 

Friday Photos 4: Sparkle Sister

This week's installment of Friday Photos is dedicated to my dear friend, Jenny, on the day of her birth. 

I thank my lucky stars that we both chose to attend Bellarmine University 14 years ago, Sparkle Sister! Here are a few images that remind me of your smiling face (especially since some of them actually contain your smiling face)...

February is a good month for birthdays!

Obviously Snow White & Belle are the best Disney Princesses ever.

Bobbsey Twins!

There's no greater sight than a palm tree!

Straight No Chaser makes us happy.

If you hadn't bought me this card last year, I'd be giving it to you today. Best. Card. Ever.

I hope your birthday is as lovely as you are, my friend! Happy birthday!

Friday Photos 3: Warm Weather

In this final week of January we've experienced temperatures of 70 degrees & below zero, torrential rain & snow showers, wind advisories & tornado warnings. 

To this craziness, I say, ENOUGH. I'm officially over you, Winter. I need some Summer in my life, like now. I want to see the sun past 5:00. I want to put my wool coats & sweaters way back in the closet and forget about them. I want tan lines. And I want to ride around with my car windows down & my music cranked up. 

Yet as I look out the window, a blanket of snow covers the world around me, which means Summer  is still too far away for my liking. So I guess the best thing I can do is make this week's edition of Friday Photos chock full of warm weather pics--each one taken by yours truly.

I can almost hear Jimmy Buffet...

My parents' pool: oh, how I wish I was there.

Take me out to the ballgame, please.

I could never have enough pontoon cruisin' on Lake of the Woods at sunset.

I would give anything to be swimming in Magens Bay again.

I'm dreaming of the painted toes, palm trees, pineapples, and peace of Charleston.

...all I need now is a margarita & my flip flops. 

Stay warm, friends, wherever you may be. Here's hoping that groundhog does NOT see his shadow tomorrow.