Whirlwind of April Activities...

Norman Trip...

Oh, how I love Norman....Ben and I had decided we needed a Norman Day.... Our planning wasn't the best....We chose the worst day of April to go....woke up to a cold rain but decided not to change our plans....in Norman, they were experiencing freezing rain.....Who would have thought....April in Norman would be like this.....crazy weather in Oklahoma, I guess!

Ben was living in the "yellow house" when we began dating....

...eating at Victoria's on Campus Corner....our favorite place!...

We enjoyed our day and time together!
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 my Mom's 60th B-day...

...celebrating  with dinner at the Cork Wine Cafe and dessert at our house...

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...the little princess...

Lindsay invited me to go along with her to her last doctor's appointment...It made my day to see our little princess open and close her eyes....she was like a little person....just listening to the heart beat was enough to melt your heart....I can hardly wait to meet her in person.  On this day, Lindsay was 27 weeks.

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Lauren Ashley... 

 As most of you know, I love party planning....I am a bridesmaid in my cousin Lauren's wedding so I was excited to help with the bachelorette party.....She is in love with everything leopard and I was able to find these cute invites on Etsy....



So, the party began...

..."Let's come dressed in a little black dress...and don't forget your HEELS"...

...hostesses w/ bride to be...

...dinner at Yokozuma...

...and the party continues ...

...pole dancing at the Vixen Studios...

You know you are one of the older ones, when you go home at midnight....my sister and my cousin's wife, Allison, and myself left for home when my mom and aunt left.....that's a sure sign you are growing older....lol!

Looking forward to she and Jared's wedding in May.....

This month was a whirlwind of love and joy...... 

                                                                     XO, Ali

It's almost the end of April.  I'm definitely looking forward to springtime weather.  Just happy my tulips made it through the recent freeze... 

Spring Break 2013...

My mom, Lindsay and I decided to take a weekend trip to KC...bring on girl time! 



What trip wouldn't be complete without shopping, right?!?!...and good food!

The Country Club Plaza has it all.  We went to our usual shopping locations but found some unique stores that Tulsa doesn't offer as well.  We bought a few pieces from H & M  and Free People that are adorable for spring.  Oh, yes, let's not forget maternity from the Gap....

...posing with one of the bunny gatekeepers...
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We ate dinner Friday night at the Brio Tuscan Grill.  It is a quaint Italian eatery in the Plaza area.  I took a picture of our appetizer in hopes that Ben can re-create it at home. 

Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta

with fresh mozzarella ,basil, parmigiano-reggiano and a drizzle of balsamic...delish!

For dinner, my mom and I shared the sweet potato and chicken risotto which  was soooo good as well!  In the past, she has always split dinners with Lindsay but now it's with me...lol!

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While resting in our hotel room, I was able to get my first "feel" of my niece.   She gave her Aunt Ali one little kick...it felt more like a hiccup to me. 

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On Saturday, we shopped til we dropped with a little rest stop at this cute chocolate shop. 
Check out the size of the strawberries below...

Mom and  I posing with some chocolate shamrocks...

These were well worth the $2.50 each price tag...

Chocolate filled martini glass

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Lunch at a pub on the plaza...

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We took a break from shopping to see the movie, Safe Haven...a suspenseful, romantic chick flick.

I happened to be reading the book; but, didn't mind spoiling the end because it was a chance to watch a movie with my mom nd Linz.  We need to do that more,,,

Lindsay's favorite movie snack...and if you know me, I'll eat anything... so sour it was. 

That evening we ate another nice dinner and turned in early. 

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On Sunday morning we made brunch plans with one of my dear college friends, Tisha. 

She lives about 5 minutes from the Plaza with her family. 

We were Zeta's together back in the day.  It's funny  no matter how much distance or time goes by  we can always pick right up.  

MY how times have changed since our old South Padre spring break trips...NOW we've moved on to brunch and coffee...lol.  Love and miss you,  Tisha!

Thanks Mom for a memorable trip...We LOVE spending time with you.~Ali & Lindsay

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March 10th, celebrating Lindsay's 32nd birthday at The Tavern on Brady Street. 

Back at Lindsay's house for her favorite dessert and gifts.  I know this was a special birthday for her with our little princess growing every day....and we are so thankful!

S'MORE than ever...

Ben surprised me with a little sweet treat the day after Valentine's.  He placed  marshmallows on a stick and we headed outdoors to grill marshmallows for smores.

It was so sweet and spontaneous... just perfect for a low cost romantic evening. 

Finished product...didn't last long...YUMMY!

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LOVE my shopping Saturdays with Mom and Linz...we stopped for a quick lunch at Wild Fork in Utica Square.  Lindsay got a few maternity pieces and we gained some ideas for her birthday gifts.  Her belly is really growing...I enjoy watching the changes.  Still waiting to feel my niece kick...hurry up little one!

  

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We had a brief but beautiful snowfall last week.  It was our first snow with Perry......as you can see in the tracks,  he LOVED running in it.  He made several circles in the yard but then decided that inside was a little warmer. 

Taking a break from his marathon...

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Today has been a cold rainy day with expected snow...fingers crossed.  My friends in the western part of the state are snowed in with record amounts and I AM jealous. 

We decided to make comfort foods..First up, homemade pretzels.  Ben used the kitchen aid to make the dough and I helped form the dough into pretzels.  They took awhile to make but they were definitely worth it.  Warm, salty goodness with two dipping sauces...just what this day called for..Thanks, Chef Ben! 

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 My Reac3h Coach position with the OSDE has been keeping me very busy...If I'm not on the road traveling to different schools, I am working on the next presentation....I love being in the different  schools and their classrooms...I definitely love making a difference...At least that's what I hope I am doing....



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...Love & Joy.....

                                                                                                             .....S'more than ever!

Life Lately....

I can't believe that February is already here...this year is flying by! 

On February 2nd, I hosted a baby shower brunch for our dear friends the Wadkins. 

Jennifer is expecting her second baby boy on February 28th. 

Their son, Jackson, was the sign bearer in our wedding...what a sweet big brother he will be!

 (Jackson  also was the trolly chaperone...lol!)

We had a wonderful time visiting, eating and celebrating Jennifer and Baby. 

Thanks for all of your help friends!

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On a side note...this baby shower is making me soooo excited for my niece's arrival in July. 

I just purchased her first gift from Etsy...she is going to spoiled by this auntie FOR SURE!

Lindsay will be 19 weeks tomorrow and she felt three kicks on Tuesday night...thank you Father!

 ...profile of our little blessing at 14 weeks...AMAZING!...

...at the gender reveal dinner...

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 We went to our annual crawfish Super Bowl Party at the Crancer's house.   I always debate the crawfish taste test and then I think about eating the head and say "no thanks!"

I witnessed two large trash sacks full of craw fish being consumed while we were there....Whoa! 

After the party, I packed my bags and left the following morning for my

monthly training at the OK State Department in OKC. 

This week at training, my region had our second lunch with Dr. Barresi.  She is very enlightening to listen to and I'm encouraged by her efforts for state reform.  We also had a visit from a representative with the Barbara Bush Foundation.  Her foundation has paired with Dollar Thrifty to increase parent involvement nationwide.  Oklahoma is now a lucky recipient of these efforts and the REAC3H coaches will assist with the implementation...exciting!

Next month we are scheduled to have breakfast at the capitol with our state reps...We are... busy, busy!

My training weeks are made a little sweeter because I stay in Bristow.

This trip I stayed at Mamo's house and she spoiled me with  two of my favorite meals ...what a treat! 

I enjoy spending time with her and/or my mom and Paul when I'm in town every month. 

 But, I  miss my boys and am excited to see them at the end of the week...

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and JOY  on Valentine's Day....Ali