Hey Ladies

Hey Ladies
So I made it home safely from San Fran. What a beautiful city (see China Town and night and sealions on the pier above)! I was in the Marriot most of the time but got to do a couple of fun things while I was there. It was really hard being away from the babies for an entire week. I don't want to ever have to do that again. Ever since I got back home work has been crazy. It's always crazy when school starts up again.
Last weekend was a great weekend, just the 4 of us. We haven't had a weekend with just us since before the Drake Girls weekend. So it was really nice to just hang out and do whatever we wanted to do. Saturday we went to the Farmer's Market in the morning then took Kennedy and Carter to their first Royals game that night. I included a picture of each of them at the game. Kennedy was yelling at the players when I took this picure. Carter had a good time except for when the hot dog, ketchup and mustard raced on the field. He HATES people in costume! I'm nervous for Halloween. Sunday we got a membership to Costco, spent a small fortune there and painted our bathroom. We painted it a blueish turquoise, it looks really great! We have been in our house over a year and a half and we still have so much to do. I get overwhelmed thinking about all I want to do.
This weekend we are going to Lincoln for the first Husker game of the season. We are staying at in the in-laws house, wish me luck! Sunday I'm going to my parent's cabin for a girl's night with my Mom and Sister, which will be a blast.
Amy- I can't wait to pick up a copy of BHG, you're famous!
Toni- Are you in Denver? Are you going to hang out around the convention? My cousins have been working at it all week.
Jess- What is Miss Charlotte up to lately? Any new videos. I cried watching the dancing video. Babies are the best source for a good laugh.
Jacki- How's AZ? I bet it's nice and hot. I will be there the weekend before Thanksgiving for my friends wedding. I'm the personal attendant so hopefully I'll be able to sneak away for awhile and hang out. I want to see your place.
Jordan- I just sent you a pre bday/prego gift. I'm not sure if my name was on it because it never allowed me to write anything. It was my favorite thing I owned when I was pregs. Enjoy!
Karen- Give us an update on Sal.
Cindy- How was your weekend retreat? Yako has the biggest dog smile I've ever seen!
Ro- I haven't responded since you wrote about having a hard time connecting with Brent. Brent and I definitely had a hard time connecting after the babies were born. It takes time and life does get back to normal. It really helps when you get to sleep through the night. It sounds like Madelyn has started so that's a huge help.
Can you send out everyone's address? I've had a stack of Thank Yous that need addresses sitting on my desk for the past week. I have a really old addresses for everyone. Thanks for updating!
Have a great rest of the week ladies and a fabulous weekend!
By the way if you haven't been watching the DNC this week you are missing out, check out Michelle she ROCKS!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTFsB09KhqI
Lindsay

Hey! I know that girl!!!

So I totally got my September issue of BHG yesterday, and in the health section, who do I see striking work out poses, our very own MISS AMY DAVIS!! That is so cool, Aim! I know you told me you were pictured in the September issue, but I thought like it would be one little picture with like you in the back ground. Um, no! It's like AMY DAVIS: WORK OUT QUEEN EXTRAORDINARE!! SO COOL!! And YOU ARE ADORABLE!! Might I add! So fun! So were you and the 2 other girls pictured the ones working on that section or how did you guys decide to shoot you all or how did it happen? Were they like, "Hey, Aim - you're a rock hard work out body, come be in our work out pictures!!" That's what I would have said, because you do have a rock hard work out body with the greatest legs EVER! So smokin' hot... If you guys don't subscribe to BHG (um, first of all, why don't you because one of our bestest friends totally does the health, beauty, living section), but if you don't support our friend with her work, make sure you pick one up at the grocery store probably next week is when they will be out on stands. SO FUN!!

Madelyn is doing great. Sleeping between 6-8 hours at a time during the night. Loving to smile and coo - so fun! I go back to work next Tuesday - BOOOOOOOOOOO. Tomorrow I'm taking Madelyn to her day care for a 1/2 day trial run. I'm sure she'll be fine, and the day care is highly repuable, so I know her safety is fine, I just need reassurance that she will be okay there without mommy. My part-time gig at the architecture firm didn't hash out. I guess they are having problems maintaining big jobs, so they have actually been laying people off. AND Home Depot hasn't called for an interview - RUDE.

But speaking of jobs - I didn't really want to discuss about it because I'm still up-in-the air about how I feel about it - but I have a phone interview Wednesday morning with Hallmark for their Union Hill Photography studio. I'd basically be the "face of Hallmark" with meet 'n greets, helping in the studio where needed, setting up lunches, meetings, etc. with our people and other people. Not really sure exactly my entire job duties, but that is a taste of what the description said. I'm not getting too excited about it because for 1, I'm pretty sure it'd be 8-5, and I'd be giving up all of my teacher time off. So the pay would have to be much more substantial than my teachers' salary (which is probablly not hard to do!!) for me to even be interested. I don't know - I have to weigh my options. I love teaching and the time off, but sometimes I don't feel that I am appreciated for all that I do. I've always impressed my employers beyond belief, and the whole thing with my vice principal last year has still left a sour taste in my mouth - so sometimes I think maybe teaching isn't my calling, and maybe I need to use my talents else where. So we'll see - it may be something completely lame and not appealing at all. I'll keep you posted.

Other than that, nothing new here. I hope the rest of our friends give us updates soon!! (aka Linds, Jess, Jacks, Toni, Tracy - just to name a few). Oh, TRACY! I need your new address! I have updated our Drake girls address list just in time for the fall holidays, and I'm missing your current digits. Hook me up sista!

Hugs n Kisses,
Ro

Office Space

Hello Dear Friends,

So...que pasa? This week has definitely gone by fast but I really couldn't tell you what I did. I had my Spanish final last night and I think I got an A+ - pretty excited about it. I have one more class next week and then I'm done with it. Not smart to take a class in the summer - there's way too much going on and I missed like a 1/4 of them. So, what is everyone up to?

Aim - I don't think I even knew that you were heading to Napa. Glad you had fun - I think if you guys are ever up for it a couples trip is in order there - it's so much fun to do the wine tasting! Are you still having to got NYC every month or does it change - like this month is was Cali and next maybe NYC...anyway, if you're there over Labor Day - let me know 'cause we will be! Have fun in Canton this weekend with the families!

Ton - Say hi to Beth for me and check out potential housing opportunities for Jacki and Jeff. Is this the baby's second ever plane ride??

Linds - How was Lincoln and life as school starts? I'm sure work is picking back up again, huh. Is Brent back or do you guys still have one fun weekend left.

K - Sorry I didn't have time to have lunch this week, but next week FOR SURE. Things were just a little crazy this week trying to block out time to write. I saw the pics from Sal's bday - looks like you guys had an awesome time!

Ro - What's up with Madelyn? When do you start school? I know you were looking into other options in terms of work, have you decided anything?

Jacks - Let's try to talk before you head off to the lake. Have you ordered your wedding albums yet? Did you hear that Thiss is moving back to Minne?

Jess - Are you guys all moved in? How has it been going with your mom and your new space? I loved loved loved the video - you guys should all post those as much as you can - it's so much fun.

Trace - How's work? Don't forget the conversation Jacki, you and I had at the bar that night. If you're feeling like a change you should definitely go for it - now's the time!

I'm leaving today to go on a church retreat with my girlfriends this weekend (Karen, I wish you were going!). We're going like an hour and a half inland. I hope I won't die from dehydration. I have a feelings it's going to be like 130 degrees. They told us a list of things to bring: swimsuit (be conservative). Um...what? What's conservative because I don't have a one piece. Do they mean no thongs? Who would bring something like that on a church retreat anyway! Wierdos. Whatever, I hope it's fun.

Oh, I talked to Jim yesterday and he said he was at the gym running next to...guess....Michael Bolton. Seriously, Michael Bolton. I asked him if he was proud or embarassed that he happened to be running to When a Man Loves a Woman. He didn't think it was funny. He didn't even talk to him though - lameo! Michael Bolton. That's about as cool as seeing Angela Lansbery.

Alrightly girls- Hope your Fridays are off to a great start. Can't wait to hear how the weekend goes.

Miss you!

Cyn

Here are some pics from the week:

Santiago is really big into those chains now...at least it's not a scorpion.

Here's our family picture. Santiago is pulling a Homer Simpson on Yako, poor thing!

Now how cute is that?! I love both their smiles.

I would show you pics of last weekend at the Korean karoke bar, but you'll just have to expierence it when you come visit. I have a feeling you girls would just LOVE IT!

Where the H have I been?

Hi girlies...
I must have missed this email when Toni sent it out....lamo! I love this - I cannot believe how cool it is. I miss you guys so much already. Since you left my life has been a whirl wind of traveling & work - I did think it was wierd that I wasn't getting any emails from anybody.

SO I LOVE LOVE LOVE all the pics/videos - so cool - so fun! Jess - I laughed so hard at Charlotte's videos - what a doll baby!!

So my shoot in Napa was great - I got to see the countryside & visit one vineyard - it was amazing! That place is really incredible - some of the vineyards are so impressive!

Tommy & I are going home to Canton this weekend - his parents are coming along so we are going to the lake & boating & eating/drinking the whole time - should be a blast & I'm really looking forward to going home.

Love the blog - I must have missed that conversation about doing this - but I love the idea & think this is super cool.

Cin - I got your card thank you so much!
Ro - it was so fun talking last night!!
Schrutts - I will call you tonight to finish our convo.

Miss you guys
xoxoxoxoxo
love
Amy

Don't mind the doofus...

So I went back to read the first postings since I came to the blog late... Linds - never mind on the drying up part - seems you already are. And yeah, totally not digging the squishy flat boobs now. And so funny that you are already gaining weight! I mean not funny like haha, but so weird that it would happen so quickly! How was the week in San Fran? I'm sure you are glad to be home with the babies... And Toni - I had asked for your snapfish info and see that you had posted it earlier - so never mind... But do tell me how I can log in with my name. Oh, and here is a picture of Sammy you were needing for the slideshow on the side. Kisses! ro

BLOWN AWAY!

Ton - this blog is AMAZING!! This is like the coolest thing - and I'm not just saying that because I'm a total doofus with technology and the mere fact that anyone could compile this is just awesome! E-mail me my password so I can log in using my name. YOU ROCK TONI!!

Jess - LOVE LOVE LOVE the Charlotte video! I was laughing right along with her! So stinkin' cute!! How's this week going at the Moran/Remis household? Everything going okay?

DU NEWS - do any of you read the Drake Alumni news letter? We get it like 4 times a year? At any rate, there's a place in there you can send in your updates, etc. - and that's where I read about Venessa and her awesomist job in NY. Well, you will never believe who has an update in there this time - oh, yes, Hitler herself. Seems Miss Karey Anderson has some new stick up her ass at EMC insurance there in DSM doing something - not important. I just thought that it was completely hilarious that now both V and Hitler have posted their updates in there! I'm totally sending in something about all of us - stay tuned. Oh, and Erica Lundquist got married. Otherwise, I didn't see anyone else in there we knew.

Last 2 weeks of maternity leave with Madelyn. I'm getting very sad, and I even applied at Home Depot to work nights in the paint department so I could stay home with her! Not even joking! They haven't called for an interview, though. Do you think a Masters Degree over-qualifies you for the paint department? Not for sure - will keep you posted.

JOR!! I've been thinking of you - did you get to go hear your little babe's heartbeat last week? Was it just amazing? Updates please! Are you out of the pukey stage yet?

Hmmm - I guess that's all I know. Yeah, Linds - are your tits dried up yet? Oh, advice from the mommy's please... So I'm having a hard time balancing mommy and wife roles, and Brent's taking the brunt of the blows because of it. I want to have time for just him, but it seems that my mommy role comes first. Advice on how you guys balanced the two in the beginning? Does it get easier once she starts sleeping through the night and I can put her to bed, leaving a couple of hours for just the 2 of us? We tried a date on Saturday night and my mom watched Madelyn - and it was hard to find a connection. Thoughts? Words of wisdom?

And one last shout out - Toni, LOVE the blog. I think that is totally cool.
Love you all!
Ro

Go for the Gold!

OK. So the week at home was good but super busy - work is just taking over my life. Or it already has and I never knew. I hope you guys all had good weeks traveling, moving etc. The tennis tournament that Niki played in went well (sorry I missed you Ton!), she ended up sprainin her ankle in the second match even though they won and lost in the quarters. We celebrated our parent's 35th wedding aniversary, which was great and bascially ate ate ate. I came back on the plane with a delay in Denver and have just been getting back to the routine at home. I can't believe we only have 3 weeks left of summer! AHHH!

Are you guys watching the Olympics? I'm obsessed...I love it. But I'm kind of wanting to watch some other sports besides swimming and gymnastics (which I love). I'm just glad that they keep talking about Shawn Johnson and West Des Moines...REPRESENT!

ps. Did you guys watch the opening ceremonies? It was truly amazing. We had a family Olympics party. Was anyone else scared for our future when the Chinese men are pissed off because there will be 5 billion of them and 8 women and all that sexual tension will turn to war and we'll all be dead? I was....if you were too, let me know. 2008 people doing Tai Chi perfectly with no floor markings? I can barely do a cartwheel straight. Yike.

Hi Ladies!
Toni, great job on the blog! Unfortunately I don't have time to write now...I'll post later, but this was the video I was talking about, the week before I saw you guys.

Everyone have a great day...love and miss you guys!

I'll send an update soon!
xoxo!
Jess

Oh the good ol' days

I've been trying to go through a bunch of old stuff and have come across some hilarious pictures. More to come but I can't quite figure out my mom's stupid scanner!

We had a relaxing weekend, I'm bummed we didn't get to see you again Cyn! Sounds like you were super busy! Baby had his 4 month checkup with some more shots and ran his first fever for a few days. :( Karen, you haven't been eliminated, no one has been writing lately. Unless I was also taken off the list. Linds- How are you doing away from the babes this week. Don't be too sad I'm sure Brent is doing a great job! Are you pumping at all or is the trip forced you to ween cold turkey? Aim- How was Napa? Still waiting for my call back! Jack-I want to hear how exciting Pella was? Did you end up staying until Wednesday? Token Troll Jessica-I'm sure you're still busy putting all the stuff away but we are waiting for your first entry. My cousins from Glen Ellyn our coming to Minne this weekend to go up to my cabin. Also waiting on contributions from Momma Ro, Trace, and Jor! Hope everyone has a great week!!

love you

toni

xoxox

Sorry about the pics

I thought they were there, they must have errored! Well they are up now! Linds, you must be mosre computer savvy than you think. It seems as though you figured blogging out quite quickly! Anyone download their skype yet? Linds? Jess? I added the site to the favorite site list just for a little reminder! I"m making sure each one of you have it and your camera set up before we leave again. Cyn, just left you a message. We want to try to make it out to White Bear tommorow afternoon. What time is she playing?? What else is everyone up to this weekend?


love toni
xoxo

Where are the Snapfish pictures?

Toni- I went to your snapfish account and counldn't find the pictures. It could just be me but I saw all of your other summer pictures just not any from last weekend.
Karen- I hope you are feeling better. Wow 22 eggs, do you get a bonus for producing more? You should!
-Lindsay

Baby loves the puppy from Jor!

Back to Lincoln...again

Hey Ladies

So I LOVE this blog.  Toni you are amazing at setting this stuff up.  Thanks for the instructions for those of us who are new to the blogging scene.  Cyn- Kirk is getting married this weekend in Lincoln.  I saw the announcement in the Lincoln paper.  I'm kinda surprised that I wasn't invited because he told me all about it and then told me to save the date.  I wouldn't have been able to go anyway because I have Christa's shower and bachelorette party (at my parent's house) this weekend.  So I guess I should be happy that I have one less gift to buy.  We are getting ready to head back to Lincon this afternoon.  I fly out Sunday to San Fran for 7 days.  I'm really struggling with leaving the babies for an entire week.  I'm going to be a sobbing mess my day 3.  Wish me luck.  

I love you girls so much and can't explain to you how much fun I had last weekend.  It's amazing to me how we won't see each other but once or twice a year and every time I'm with you guys it seems like we are always around each other.  

I'm really looking forward to our summer vacation next year.  Have we decided on a date yet for sure?  I'm looking at my calendar and the second to last weekend in June (21st) is Father's Day weekend.  That doesn't matter to me but I just wanted to throw that out there.  Then there is the last weekend in June (26th-28th) and then the next weekend is the 4th of July.  Our family would love to stay 5 days or so if that is a possibility.  If we start our vaca on Father's Day weekend then stay that next week/weekend it shouldn't interfere with peoples 4th of July plans.  

Alright I must get back to packing.  Toni- thanks for the cupcake recipe I've been thinking about them all week.  I guess 3 cupcakes weren't enough!  By the way now that I'm done breastfeeding I've been gaining weight like crazy.  I gained another 5 lbs this week.  I'm almost back to my pre pregnancy weight.  It's kinda sad, I loved my big nursing boobs and my skinny little body.  Back to small deflated boobs and a squishy tummy.  Motherhood- got to love it!  

Love

Lindsay 

PS. Drake Gossip

Heard from Nate Reiske that Kirk Schuler is getting married in Lincoln this weekend. :)

Les Extraño (I miss you guys)

Hey chics.
What's happening - Toni, great job on this. I can't believe you already have pics uploaded and little slideshows going. As always - impressed.

Anyway, just wanted to say again that I had so much fun seeing you guys and the babies last weekend. I'm back in Minne this week and I can't believe it's already Thursday! The week is flying by. I didn't realize until I've been trying to work from home here how long my days usually are. It's not a big deal to work a 12 hour day at home when you're by yourself and the there's only one person and one dog waiting for you to finish you day, walk over three blocks and have dinner...quite different when there's 10 people asking you when you're going to be done, playing with kids and then trying to drive across town to meet with someone you haven't seen in a year. Basically...my lifestyle in CA is very different than my lifestyle here. But, so be it.

I got to see Tracy, Leah and Missy last night at dinner - my three pregos here. Tracy's definitely popped and is huge (but very cute) and the other two are just now showing, so it was fun. We saw Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 - it was lame. Don't recommend it.

Baby Niko is so stinking cute. He's only 6 lbs. and looks like a football. He's a good baby and just wants to eat all the time - the other kids are really cute with him and call him 'Baby' or 'De-de' which means little brother in Chinese. They like to pet him and give him kisses. It's all pretty adorable...though it still doesn't make me want to jump on the baby train quite yet.

I still need to upload pics from the weekend - I'll get there. Maybe tomorrow.

Ton, tomorrow we're going to watch Niki play in a tennis tournamet in White Bear at 2pm...wanna come? What are you up to? The match should take about an hour and a half...it's mixed doubles, so it's pretty fun. I'll call you.

SO - hope everyone is having a great week. Thanks for setting this up and I'm excited to be blogging buddies with you guys. :) This is a much easier way to stay connected rather than 50 emails floating around.

I'm excited for our next get-together whenever that may be. And also really proud of us. Though we're in different life stages and living in different cities across the states - we still make a big effort to get together to try to learn about each others' lives and that says scores about the friendship we still have. Love you.

xo, Cyn

My Snapfish Pics

I've uploaded all my pics from the weekend if anyone wants any of them I'm just attaching my snapfish account.

login chips2124@yahoo.com
password baby13

Otherwise I can always send them through email.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcake Recipe

Middle Mixture

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/3 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1 (6 ounce) package chocolate chips

Follow Dark Chocolate Cake instructions and fill cupcake papers 1/3 way full then add a spoonful of the cream cheese mix then add a spoonful of chocolate cake mixture filling the entire cupcake paper 3/4 of the way full.

Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes

Cool and top with Cream Cheese Frosting

First Entry

Ladies that was such an amazing weekend! The shower was beautiful-(thanks aim!), the pool was perfect, going out was fun and the company was the best part! I've been on my sad binge the past few days just missing you all so much already! One year really isn't enough! I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!

So here's our blog! If anyone needs a how-to let me know! Its pretty easy, just go to posts, add new entry and add pics or messages. If you go to layout mode then you can add just about anything from slideshows, to polls, to favorite sites.

This is hooked up to our own email thedrakegirls@gmail.com password gobulldogs

I love blogging and you will too!!!