Update

It has been a while since a real post- forgive me. I was waiting for pictures from my Utah trip and dinner cruise, which was about a month ago. . .but in the mean time we have been busy.

We had to say 'see you later' to our friends Erin, Dave, and little RoyBoy. What better way to salute them than a good ole' fashioned bbq?


Unfortunately the guys were better at doing robot voices (which if you weren't aware, is the ONLY way to play MadGab) and they kicked our bootays.



With more free time lately, I have been trying to attack my 'to do' list. What you see above is my very first finished sewing projects. I have multiple ones in the works (some have been that way for years), but this is my fist FINISHED one! Actually, not really. It's a name garland for a crib, and it is supposed to be connected with ribbon, but I'm going to let my sister do that since she has the crib and will know how far apart to place them.


I have a feeling that I'm going to look back on these in a couple days and realize that they probably don't look as cute as I think they do. But to give myself due credit, this was my first time and I designed everything by hand- including the stencil for the letters! I'm going to live it up while I still can!



I know, FOOD SHOT! Get used to it- I live in Chicago. This is one of my best finds- Angela's. It is such a hole-in-the-wall and cheap, too! We had to stop here to fuel up for a big day out.



Found this lovely sight of spring on our way to the nature conservatory! Hallelujah!



This is the view from the conservatory. I will have to take another picture on a clearer day because this does not do the skyline justice. And this empty space in back of us is usually filled with all kinds of flowers and greenery.



After walking around the zoo for hours in high heels, my feet were killing me. All I wanted to do was get a piggyback ride to the bus stop. Until I saw these lovely boat rentals for only $12!! I couldn't resist.



We made Austin ride in the back while we peddled until he started joking around and rocking the boat. Then I figured better safe than sorry and let him take my spot up front.

It was the perfect ending to a fun day out and about. I will have much more to post as Austin is leaving in a couple weeks and we need to do all the Chicago things we have been putting off before he goes!

Biking in the Buff

I can't decide if my lack of a picture is fortunate or unfortunate, but bare with me. This evening Taft, Austin and I decided to go for a stroll since it stopped raining. Right after we walked out of our building we noticed that some people on the sidewalk were pointing up at a building across the street and laughing. At first we didn't understand what was going on, but then we spotted the naked rear end of a man on his stationary bike. The floor-to-ceiling windows in his apartment allowed for quite a show. His bike was placed perfectly- nothing too graphic, just some cheekage. This causes me to question: Mentally insane? Drunk? Both? I have to think it was on purpose. Too bad I loved my neighborhood so much because I think I need to move now.

Boston University

Well, it's the end of April and it's time for Taft and I to decide if we want to go to Boston University or stay another year in Chicago and apply again next year. We really love both choices so we are having a hard time making a decision. I've never been out east that far so I really don't know anything about Boston or Boston University so let me know if you have any input!

Once again. . .Food

With spring finally arriving, Chicago has come alive. The number of people on the streets reminds me of the weeds that just spring up in the hundreds. It has been a blast for Taft and I to discover more of Chicago. I swear, I love every new restaurant and store we discover. So here is a little of what we have been up to.


This is our favorite Italian place that we discovered with my parents when we first moved here. I always remembered it because we ordered a couple things, and then found that the bread and butter was so good we filled up on that and ended up boxing the food. Sounds weird I know, but you will have to try it for yourself. . . 'Leonas'

Seriously, notice the empty butter dish. Don't get too disgusted though, I didn't polish it off by myself. And sorry about the pictures of us just shoving food into our faces. I really don't like smiling for pictures while I'm eating, it makes me want to do a fat voice.

Ahhh, Molly's. I passed this adorable cupcake shop on the way to work everyday and I finally had enough. I came home and told Taft we had to go. It is sooo cute inside. I keep wanting to take pictures but everytime we go I can't really snap any shots without looking like a crazy tourist. One day. . .

I don't love this picture, but please take notice that instead of sitting on your average bar stool, I'm swinging from the ceiling. . . (insert fat voice here) and smiling.

This is my dangerous new hobby I have gotten into lately. Baking. I swore I would never become one of those wives, but I am. I just really wanted some solid recipes under my belt, and I had always wanted to make chocolate souffle, so I went for it. They actually turned out really well. This one was an extra that had already sunk when I remembered to take the picture. I was actually pretty impressed with how much they rose. As for how I liked it. Meh. Yea it was fun to make, but I think I'm just a brownies type a girl.

And last but not least, only for those real chocolate lovers, the finale. If you are a true 'death by chocolate' lover, then this cake is for you. I found this frosting recipe (I don't know if I should really call it frosting because it is seriously more like fudge) on the martha stewart website. I used a bunt cake recipe for the cake which it made it really moist and thick. This has pretty much completed my baking faze. And after reading over this entry I know what you are probably thinking- my life consists of food, food, and more food. Pretty much. But rest in peace tonight knowing that I did finally join a gym. Maybe my entries will start to vary in content.

This Post is PG-13

I don't want any kids reading this post. But just in case one does, just know that Taft was just a Sant Subsitute. That's all. I just got these pictures from Christmas- hence the three month delay. But I wanted to show everyone our crafty scheme. Let me explain. We wanted to make sure my nieces (the ones pictured below) got a good look at Santa delivering their presents. As soon as we tucked them in bed, we ran around my parent's house looking for anything that would pass as a Santa suite from a dark bedroom window. This is the best we could come up with in the short time before they actually fell asleep.

Lets see, we have a garbage bag full of trash for the toys, just your average fleece throw as his cape, that's blanket batting for his beard and hair, pillows for his belly, and last but not least, his cap is a red velvet diaper cover up (whatever they are called, it matches one of their Christmas dresses. . .you ladies know what I'm talking about). You may think this is pretty ghetto fabulous, but it worked. I stayed behind the bush with some bells while Taft walked across the backyard yelling, "ho ho ho, Merry Christmas," and "Come on, Rudolph!"

Elise was pretty fascinated/horrified, and Claire was ecstatic. It was as much fun for us and I think it will become an annual tradition. Maybe we'll splurge on a better costume.

And this is just from Christmas morning. All I can say is that they have a strong connection. I think it's because she is the first grandkid that Taft has been with since she was born.

count down. . .can you blame me?

I'm heading out to Utah in April and I couldn't be more excited. I don't even know why I'm blogging about this when I have a good month before I'm even leaving, but I can't help myself. I sit at the computer drooling over cute faces and in my best baby voice, telling them I'm going to eat their cheeks. Pathetic, I know. If this makes you uncomfortable, imagine how the boys feel watching me do it.

This girl kills me. She is the only kid I know that has ever made Taft baby hungry. . . and that is hard to do.

P.S. If any of my other sibling should happen to stumble upon this blog-
a. That's weird because I've never really mentioned it to you
b. I know what you're thinking. Stop being jealous that I post Jenny's kids. She is the only one that sends me pics so it's really your fault if you think about it.
and c. Jenny doesn't have a blog so I like to toot her horn for her.

ewshabooshabooshaboo. . . that means something about her cheeks. I don't even know for sure.

A little Feb Recap

Since Taft's birthday and Valentines Day are right next to each other I usually like to just take charge and plan everything. So Friday we just rolled all the celebrations into one massive, delicious, gorge fest at the melting pot. Here is Taft with his beloved lobster tail that he still talks about. Yes, we splurged the extra ten bucks to throw that sucker on the platter. I thought it was pretty good, but it was definitely more about the experience.

After I couldn't fathom another bite during the meat course, they brought out our dessert course. Obviously the dessert section of our stomachs were empty so I thought we could combine forces and conquer. That was until they brought out Taft's 'birthday' dessert, leaving me alone with this feast fit for five. It seemed that as he started to pick away at his martini glass full of fun, I looked down to see an almost empty plate. Where did those delightful bite size marshmallows, brownies, and assorted fruits go? Where did these crumbs come from? While you are busy coming to your own conclusions, notice that there are no pictures of me. I will spare you.

Hey Jude

Maybe I think this is extra cute because I just watched 'Across The Universe' but it just brings a smile to my face everytime I watch it. Need I point out his diaper? This makes me think of you, Lindsay. . . You know why.

Ode to Taft

Friday marks the big 25 for Taft and he has come a long way since this video. He barely ever cries, and only occasionally tattles. But in all honesty, he is the love of my life and my very best friend. I wish I could give him the world for his birthday, but he will have to settle for dinner with me. Happy Birthday, Taft! I love you more than you know!

39 miles, anyone?

So I keep seeing ads for the Avon walk and I think I might be interested. The only thing is, I'm a little timid to dive right in solo. So here is my plea, anyone who thinks they might want to join me on the trail, or help me fundraise. . .Please do!!! I think we could make it a really fun experience. To check out more information just click on the link http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_homepage

Merry Christmas Everyone

Well, I guess since it is Christmas and everything we should give a little update. This year, Taft and I will be celebrating the holidays with my family in Utah! I'm very excited because now that we have moved to Chicago, I rarely get to see them. There is nothing like relaxing at your parent's house, buying yourself Christmas presents, and little kids running around with their cousins. As much as I love my nieces and nephews, I do like to keep them in line. This year I have found that nothing works better than the bribe of calling Santa. Obviously I don't really have Santa's number, but my Dad or Taft make really great stand-in's. It is so fun to see how excited and shy they get as soon as Santa starts talking. It's also really fun to call Taft when he is in a public place and put him on the spot. Luckily he is a good sport.

I know this is a short update but I just wanted everyone to know we are, indeed alive. I am sure we will do better at updating this next year. Merry Christmas!

3's Company

We recently acquired a new roommate! Taft's 17 year old little brother Austin now lives with us and is going to finish his senior year out here. Don't get confussed, we still live in our one bedroom. Lucky for Austin we still don't have alot of furniture so his air matress fits nicely in our family room. Don't feel bad for him, though. His air mattress is much cushier than what Taft and I are sleeping on. Last week our air matress died! Thanks to Alex and Andy we have at least something to seperate us from the hardwood floors. We are trying to show him Chicago before it gets too frigid out so here are some pictures from our adventures so far.

Contributing to Society

Taft works as an associate economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The bank is located downtown in the loop, in what they call the financial district. He claims he is just a glorified research assistant but I know he is much more. The economists he works for have already been impressed and they will be sad to see him leave when it is graduate school time.

Chicago!

We have been in Chicago for a little over 2 months now and I am proud to say that we have furniture! We originally subleased a place for the first month which was "furnished" with what we would call "D.I. Rejects." For the second month we spent our free time lounging on our air matress, eating on the hardwood floors, and trying to access TV shows via the internet (our laptop is standing in as the tv for now). Eventually we will splurge on a real bed but for now we are enjoying our loveseat and table.