Happy Belated Birthday Montreece!!!

How bad am I for not writing in almost two months? A lot has happened since my last post and it's too much to write now. I want to focus on one of my best friends.

As I write, I'm currently visiting her in Indiana...we're drinking my favorite Riesling (Columbia Winery Cellermasters Riesling), and watching an emotionally charged movie (Why Did I Get Married?---don't we all ask that question at some point). This is our usual routine since we live so far away from one another now.

We always have amazing "God-soaring moments" as she calls it. I expect nothing less when with her. She is an amazing woman who has grown in the Lord so much in a short amount of time. I feel like a baby Christian sometimes when I'm with her; she has such wisdom. She inspires, challenges and loves unconditionally. I love that about her.

Montreece...I am so blessed to know you. Thank you for being you.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I turned 33 today...yes, I know, I don't look a day over 21! My sweet husband got these adorable "Pink" pajamas for me from Victoria's Secret. And don't you just love the kitty's scratching post in the corner.

It was a challenging day as babysitter but got much better once they went home and we went to dinner at Carrabba's. It's one of my favorite Italian restaurants. My sweet mother-in-law got there early and told the server it was birthday and to bring me whatever dessert I wanted when I was finished with dinner. I usually order Tiramisu; I love the combination of espresso-soaked lady fingers with the liqueur. But this time I ordered their buttercream cake filled with fresh fruit. OM...it was great!

After that we went to Market Street and walked around. It was a beautiful night with a wonderful breeze. You would never have known it was so hot just a few hours earlier. We shopped at Bath & Body Works...they are having a fabulous summer clearance sale!! I will be back to spend my birthday money.

We ended with a trip to Cold Stone for the kids and Starbucks for me and the hubby. I got an iced green tea. I'm doing much better with my addiction. I make coffee at home instead of buying it out everyday and I'm only treating myself occasionally with a fat free hazelnut latte topped with whipped cream! It was a wonderful end to a hair-raising day!

Thanks to my dear husband, beautiful children and wonderful mother-in-law!! Thanks also to my family and friends who sent text messages, ecards and called to wish me a happy day! I love you all so much!!

Coffeeholic Returns

It was not to be.

With so many irons in the fire right now, truly working on eliminating unhealthy things from my diet and beginning to exercise more, I decided I was allowed one vice: coffee. And especially since I started caring for my neighbors' daughters. No sleeping in for me this summer, but that's okay. It gives me more time to watch the Today show. Though I haven't actually done that this week.

For those of you tsk, tsk, tsking my relapse: just think of something you can't live without and imagine giving it up cold turkey.

For the rest of you who are in love with the bean like me: grab a cup of Joe and raise your mug to Starbucks!