planning ahead

Recently, Neil and I have been discussing what the vacation plans will be for this year. I am a planner. I am not a "spur of the moment" type of person. So needless to say, I have to plan vacations SEVERAL months in advance. We are weighing out our options and so far we are fairly confident we will be going on the two trips below. 

First Trip.

Michigan. Yes, Michigan again this summer. We had such a good time last year that we figured, why not go again? We are figuring this will be a short summer trip. Get our fill of boating, family time and possibly catch a Tigers game.

Second Trip.

A cruise to Cabo San Lucas. I have been DYING to go somewhere tropical with all of this cold weather Arizona has been having. I started to look at destinations like: Miami & Cancun (again.) After all is said and done, it gets to be so expensive with the flights, hotels and rental cars. Since we live so close to LA, we decided to research cruises. Cruises are such a great idea; especially since we wouldn't have to rent a car or pay airfare. We have found several good deals on cruises, so we are thinking of going to Cabo early Fall. We also thought it would be a fun idea to get as many friends as possible to come with us; once the date has been established we want to spread the word. Under $400 for a 5 day cruise to Cabo on Carnival Cruise Lines, COUNT ME IN!!

Once we receive our W-2's we will make the final decision on what the plans will be. We are crossing our fingers the tax return will be a big one this year (especially due to the fact that I want a new washer/dryer!)

good luck!

Neil starts his MBA program this Wednesday; my Mississippi State bulldog (sun-devil at heart.) I know he will do amazing, he is a very smart man. He will be finished April 2012, so until then, we may just have to cut down on our weekday night TV schedules.

back off mom!

Christmas was very good to Neil & I. All we asked for was best buy gift cards. I finally got my SLR digital camera that I have been DYING for. Neil purchased an HP laptop. His new laptop will come in handy because his MBA program starts in two weeks!!

Ohhhh, the Canon Rebel Eos Xs. This camera is a thing of beauty.

I was testing out my new camera, and Minnie happened to make the perfect model.

"Back off mom!"

Poor Minnie was trying to sleep, but mom kept bugging her for more photos.

I wanted to test the camera on small objects like Christmas ornaments. I can not believe the quality of these photos (click on photographs.)

hurry up

The days this month HAVE to go quickly. At the months end, we will be vacationing in Vegas. 

We are super excited to stay at the lovely Planet Hollywood. Planet Hollywood is one resort we have been wanting to stay at.

karma

In regards to the "Ashton Kutcher camera" I was complaining about a few posts earlier, well it's gone. Of course I would lose it at a club. My friends Hallie, Sarah, Deanna & I tried to back-track; with a packed club on Halloween, there was NO WAY we were finding that sucker.

Good-bye to my honeymoon pictures. Good-bye to pumpkin carving pictures with Minnie. Good-bye to all the random shots I have of my friends, family, husband and I. WORST OF ALL: No pictures of my cute Larry Fitzgerald Halloween costume.

Urgh, karma!

On a good note: Neil was not too mad when I announced I lost the camera last night in the club. He said "well aren't we getting you a nice camera for Christmas anyway??" Yes.... I FINALLY get my dream camera.

Also:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Tonight Neil & I will spend the holiday at my parents. First, Val Vista Lakes knows how to celebrate Halloween. Second, we are celebrating my sisters birthday which is tomorrow. Third, Hallie & I are taking Ava around in the stroller; we are excited to see cute decorations!

Feeling Lucky?

I sure am! 

I won a $100 on a scratcher last night! 

Last night Neil, my sister and I went to Gordon Biersch on Mill Ave for dinner. Driving back to my parents house we decided to make a stop at our "lucky gas station" to buy some scratchers. I purchased two $10 tickets for my sister and I; sure enough, I was a lucky winner.

Now if this luck could follow me to Vegas when Neil & I go in November, that would be great!

a princess is born

Ava Jolee Anderson finally made her appearance October 2nd 2010 at 11:55am. She weighed in at 7 pounds 4 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.

Holding baby Ava brought tears to my eyes; I can not believe my best friend is a mommy!! I am so happy for Joseph and Hallie, you brought an amazingly beautiful child into this world. I am so excited to spoil this little sweetheart; Hallie and I are already planning our first girls day out with baby Ava (yes, we plan this far in advance.)

Auntie and mommy will spoil meeeeee!

Hi momma!

Hi Unky Neil!

accepted

Congratulations to my husband!

Neil was accepted to Mississippi State University! 

After much thought and consideration, we decided that Arizona State was not the best college for Neil to complete his MBA. ASU raised their tuition by $8000 (a mere $48000 for 2 years; books not included) for their business masters program. People also say you should not get your masters the same place you received your bachelors; so the search began. After several months of researching, we both decided a college in the South would be a smart decision. Mississippi State & Ole Miss were two colleges we started to heavily consider. Since Mississippi state was $5000 a year cheaper (with the same accreditation), Neil decided to apply there first. After several weeks of anticipation, Neil received an email from his new academic advisor saying he was accepted this past Thursday.

I am so happy and proud of him! I am also very excited to visit the South to check out the campus.

on strike

I have been on a strike; I refuse to use my camera. I NEED a new one. I am dying for a digital SLR camera. My "Nikon- Ashton Kutcher" camera does not have good picture quality. I am thinking I should get a new camera before my best friend, Hallie, has her baby (so many beautiful photo opportunities.)

Like a typical guy, Neil said: "Jenna, why do you need another camera? You are not a professional photographer." 

Men?!

Obviously he does not understand the importance of a quality photo.

Out with the old:

Jenna NEEDS new:

busy bee!

Tuesday & Thursday were my days off. Today was my busy day.

With my day off I:

Dropped Minnie off at Petsmart for her "spa day" (another A+ report card, haha) 

Turned in our FHA streamline paperwork (reduced our payment by $80 & locked a 4.5% rate)

Bought artificial flowers at Hobby Lobby to make arrangements for the house (love that store)

Made flowers arrangements for the house (copied arrangements from the Pottery Barn catalog)

Purchased Fall scented candles at Bath & Body Works (the new Autumn candle is the best)

Picked up some garlic cloves at Trader Joe's (garlic potatoes & baked chicken for dinner)

Paid a visit to Philosophy (love their scents; Grace is my favorite)

Cleaned the house (while Minnie chased the vacuum)

Prepped the guest room (Neil's family will be in town from CT next week)

Purchased dirt for planting flowers (planting flowers is on my 'to do' list for Labor Day weekend)

Made some delicious lemonade (of course I was thirsty after all the running around)

Now time to relax and start dinner before Neil gets off work  :o)

the big shopping day

Here are some behind the scene photographs of my wedding dress shopping adventure (bought my wedding dress March 2009.) I absolutely adored my wedding dress and I loved the shop where I purchased it (Uptown Bridal Boutique in downtown Chandler) I am the type of person who HATES to try on clothes; so it didn't surprise anyone when it only took me 8 dresses to find the right one (the last two pictures.) While I was very selective with the dresses I would try on, quit honestly, I would have worn them all.

My sister was the photographer, she caught me by surprise on a few pictures....

below are the eight

what fall means to me

water & exercise

I have determined that I am: giving up drinking soda (stick with drinking water at every meal) and work out more often (or engage in more physically activities.) I never drank soda until about 3 years ago, and let me tell you Coca-Cola (NOT Pepsi) is addicting. The only reason I started drinking soda was to substitute for the fact that I refuse to ever drink coffee.

I have come to this conclusion because recently my heart has been acting bonkers. I have the worst palpitations but I have always had a heart condition/problem of some nature. It is time I do something about it, mainly due to that fact that heart problems do run in my family. I jokingly tell people that when I die it will be due to a heart-attack. After realizing that I could have a serious heart problem, heart-attacks don't seem to be a joking matter. I just need to take care of my little heart and keeping her alive and pumping.

I will go back to my old arrangement; 5 mile walks in the midst of the summer heat. Today I bought a new workout outfit that will help my body endure the sun. Now I am off to keep my heart healthy, bring on the heat!

clean, clean, clean.

This morning before I take off for the softball games, I did a scrub down of the house. While cleaning I listened to some of my beloved music as it seemed to make the chores go quicker. First, I listened to the CD we created and handed out to wedding guests; an enormous variety of exquisite music chosen by Neil and I. Second music choice, Muse. I have a major obsession with Muse; they are a fantastic mix of dark and retro. Typically I will listen to country, but after toby keith's last night with the girls, I had my fair share.

take me out to the ballgame

entrance to Big League Dreams

Minnie and I are on our way to watch Neil play softball at Big League Dreams ballpark. It is only .5 mile walk for us to get there, but I don't think little Minnie could make that stroll in this humidity. Neil loves his softball so I figure we will go out and support him! Last softball game we went to Minnie was a hit; she tried to chase softballs, ran with kids and found it amusing to climb up and down the bleachers..... ahhh, the life of a dog.

Baby Minnie supported her dad even before we met her :o)