New camera

For my 30th, Michael got me a very thoughtful and wonderful gift. I new camera. A super nice Canon Rebel T2i. I will have to take some lessons to learn how to use it! I took some pics of the pups after work before my fabulous birthday dinner.

Carter is a total model. She has some where she is literally rolling her eyes at me!

they are soooo over it

They perked up when I had a treat in my hand:)

they do this everytime they hear the garage door open- wait on Daddy

This was a continuous shot series of when he came in the door.  check out Carter in the background:)

The gang at dinner. Michael is taking the pic:)

My shortbread cookie and spumoni dessert:P

My gals at Marble Slab Creamery

The beautiful art KerryAnne made me for my 30th!

Pink Ribbon and Limonata

"My colors are blush and bashful" ~Shelby, Steel Magnolias

So we made some progress on our nursery today! With the help of Nana(Michael's mom Debbie) Uncle Billy, Christina, Sammi and Amanda we got the entire room painted. We still have to go back and do a second coat but MAN we got a TON done today. After the Pink Ribbon and Limonata dry, we are going to go back and pick a bright pink to make a border- we tossed around adding a chair rail but decided a bold color would be easier to change or paint over. SO, here is a series of progress from taking the stuff out to finishing up for the day... we will probably do some more coats this week and then do the bold pink stripe over where they meet next weekend.

 I handled the green roller while Michael and Debbie did the trim. Then, Billy and Michael finished up the pink rolling while Debbie finished the pink trim. I can't wait to get more done!!!!
It's crazy how the flash and camera changes the shade in the pictures- I will have to take better ones when we get everything done:)
Lots of loves!!
Dannis

Best pasta salad ever.

I just finished making vermicelli salad from my friends mom's recipe. It is phenomenal! This this the fourth time I've made it and there has never been leftovers. I've made double batches twice. It's light, fresh and deeelish.
Here's what you start with:



The mayo didn't make it into the picture but you add it at the end.
This is everything chopped up. (I buy chopped pimentos and olives instead of sliced.)



Then after the pasta has cooled(it does give your arms a workout tossing the noodles:) here is the finished product:



Put it in the fridge and serve it cold. Make it for your next gathering. Trust me.

~courtesy of The Invisible Chef (click for link to recipe)

Happy Saturday!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

decision 2011

when planning our wedding, i would spend hours clicking on images, blogs, websites, etc. to get ideas for ours. fast forward 3 years and planning this nursery is 238476 kabillion times more difficult. we have changed directions several times per day each day this week. right now we are leaning to a set but not a 'suite' this is tough for michael because he like symmetry and perfection. i like mismatched, not sloppy but not 'done' so today he saw a display of pink crib with a green dresser and decided maybe baby girl needs a pink crib. here is the one we are leaning towards now its young america by stanley, ma marie collection:

the dresser we like is this one:

here is a photo of mismatched furniture in a room:

until tomorrow.....

Block party photos...

madison nibbling on a haba block

cutie pie:)

some of the boys sliding in the jump house

madison LOVED it. 

crusin' in the neighbor's ride

just a little cookout....

if you see somebody driving a routan, 95% chance they work at volkswagon

Tranquility Drive knows how to party.....can't wait until next year:)

my newest obsesssions...

i have stuff that i NEED to be doing but thats no fun so i'll attempt to direct you to sites that I visit instead of doing productive work around my home...

if you want to be inspired and jealous of someone all in one go to Jones Design  she is beyond amazing. and she has links for other awesome websites on her page for hours of clicking and coveting.

if you want to experience inspiration check out Ann Voskamp's site i am reading her book right now and she is one talented woman, writer, mom.

i also live for all things baby right now so this one is another keeper, on to baby

...back to cleaning up the kitchen...xxoo. dannis

Dear Baby Girl,

Dear Baby Girl, 
Your Daddy and I are so excited for you to be here. We have been picking out very special things for your room. I have had the best time looking at all the beautiful nurseries others have designed for their little bundles of joy. It is so hard to decide on what we want for you. I think you must feel the excitement too because you have REALLY started moving lately. A few weeks ago I felt a few flutters, very sporadically, usually at night. At our ultrasound 2 weeks ago, the doctor said the placenta was 'anterior' which means its like having a little pillow on my belly. He said it could take several weeks maybe a month before I would feel you. He didn't want me to worry because he knows that people start to ask and since I have never felt a 'kick' I would not really be able to distinguish it. 
Yesterday, I was laying on the couch and I was felt you! I pictured you swimming around and trying to get situated, tunneling, burrowing into a nice spot on the other side of my belly. Then, Mrs. Wendy(who you'll meet very soon- she lives across the street and has 3 little boys) told me to put the remote control on my belly and watch it move. So, today I saw you kick the remote! I tried to show Daddy but you stopped. Then, later I felt you move again and i put my iPhone there and Daddy saw you too!
We are so thrilled and can't wait to see you again on the ultrasound next month! 
Right now, your bedding is in the washer and after it dries we will take it to a store to pick out some paint samples for your room. I know you will love it. 
We love you so much, 
Momma and Daddy