Chicago!

I spent a long weekend in Chicago with some amazing friends. It happened to be the girls I lived with my junior year in college. We each took our own mode of transportation: bus, train, & car. We met up and had a wonderful time. We tried new foods, ate incredibly well, shopped, walked Navy Pier, played cards, and most of all were able to spend quality time with one another! Here's few pictures from the weekend.  

Not Just Valentines...

February 14. To us, its not just a hallmark made holiday, its our anniversary. Zack asked me to be his girl friend on 2.14.07. Making this valentines our 5 year anniversary- CRAZY!

Its so weird to think that 5 years ago we had our first date. Who would have thought it would have turned into all this!?!? I am so blessed to have Zack in my life.

We always try to do something cute for each other, even with out talking about it. I made Zack a card with a saying from out favorite show. Here's a picture, its from How I Met Your Mother. We've watched every episode together.

 

To go along with his card, I got him his favorite candy and what I thought was a storm trooper. (Apparently, I bought a legend trooper. I didn't know there was a difference. Oops :) ) 

Zack's gift to me was amazing. I woke up to a dozen roses, m&m's, and a sweet card. 

 

 After work & class we were able to do a late dinner out at Olive Garden. Which so happens to be the same place we had our first date. We may be a tad cheesy but I love it. Happy Valentines Day!

Charlie 3 Months!

Thanks to my sister Heather for letting us borrow her camera and to Robert & Haleigh for taking a few great pictures of Charlie.

Oreo Cupcake Delight!

I've made this recipe a couple times and its always a big hit, so I wanted to share it!

This recipe was originally found on Justapinch.com posed by Debbie110772. (THANKS)

Here's the ingredients

- 1 pkg oreo's
-1 pkg mini oreo's for decoration
-1 pkg chocolate cake mix and mix according to box directions
-8oz cream cheese needed at room temperature
-8tbsp butter needed at room temperature
- 3 3/4 cup powdered sugar
-1tsp vanilla extract
-cupcake liners

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350. Mix packaged cake according to directions.
2. Line cupcake tins with liner, place a regular size oreo cookie in the bottom of each one
3. Take 1/2 of remaining oreo's and chop coarsely and add to cake mix. (Be sure to leave out enough oreo's if you are making a second batch) Fill the cupcake tins, Bake for 15 min. Start on frosting.
4. Cream together butter & cream cheese. Add Vanilla, then add powdered sugar slowly until blended well.
5. Chop remaining oreo's until very fine. Add to frosting.
6. After cupcakes are cool put frosting on and decorate with a few mini oreo's on top.

Extra info- I prefer to make the cupcakes the day before. It allows the frosting time to soaking in the powdered sugar and it tastes more like oreo cream on top on day 2. Also, I do not always by the mini oreo's. Its based on personal preference.

Enjoy!!

OCD

Its been another fun week at the zoo :) When in reality I mean out home. Having three pets roaming the house can be a bit much at times! But it makes for some great stories to share!

The other morning I woke up and headed for the bathroom. I found Zack's tooth bush in the hallway and was really confused. I then went to the bathroom and realized that all the toothbrushes in the holder had fallen out into the sink. (Why we have four tooth brushes when two people live here, I'm not quite sure) I picked up my tooth brush added tooth paste. After closer examination I realize that a certain cat or two had decided to chow down on our tooth brushes. Of course I had already brushed my teeth with my chewed up tooth brush before I realized it. Look closely, you can see the gnaw marks!

Our cats are usually very enjoyable to be around. Here's a picture of Omar and Sandy cuddling. They don't often have a chance to sleep on the ground these days, unless Charlie is in his kennel. Aren't they cute?! 

We took Charlie for a ride to visit Zack's parents. He did very well in the car. I was pleasantly surprised. Even at the in-laws he behaved well, not even an accident in the house. His potty training has been improving. I think he's starting to understand the process. The chewing on the other hand has started to get worse. He hasn't ruined anything quite yet- just leaving really distinct marks on the items he gets a hold of.