Christmas 2010

Always busy but that way the clock keeps ticking down for the wedding!!! So Its best for me to stay busy! :)

Christmas is over, we still have Christmas to do with the Leipprandt's, we will do that on the 31st and then the Spitzley Christmas party on the 2nd of January but I am ready for both of those parties!

Chris and I decorated the house inside and out! Mom had some extra icicle lights that we hung in the front of the house and over the garage. We then put up some little christmas trees and garland above the fire plave matel. It looks so cute! :)

I also bought a tree 5 days before Christmas from Target and took it to Chris'sI didn't think that we were going to put them up but he wanted to so Dewey and I did set it up. We had one bulb and one candy cane for it, next year we will have more but its cute and works for now!

The Lewis Christmas party was fun, Grandma made these really neat plate and cup totems I am going to use mine in the house as a decoration-just need to get it up there.

Our family Christmas was really fun too, everyone got what they wanted and more I think so all in all it was a wonderful Christmas.

I do have to throw this out real quick: Chris's cousin Jandi got engaged on Christmas Eve; so our bridesmaid will now also be a bride! Congrats Brandon and Jandi!

Amazing...

Mom and Dad are finally getting new carpet!!!

I came home from work today to find our living room in the kitchen. Ryan, Toph, Dad, Mom and I torn up the carpet and padding. The living room is ready for its face lift! The carpet guys are coming tomorrow-so that means that our 55 inch TV will be up TOMORROW!!!!!!

I cant wait!

Introducing.....the ROPA!!!!

A couple of weekends ago dad and I headed to the thumb to watch Chris and ETL farms harvest their beets with their new machine : The Euro Tiger XL ROPA. It a BAMF machine; I told Chris that it reminds me of a slithery dinosaur. The ROPA is a beet topper and harvester all in one. So they can get their beets done in a quicker time and the beets are-how do I wanna put this- 'fresher' because they don't sit in the ground without their tops(leaves) on; they are topped harvested and taken to the beet factory in an our or less so ETL beets are the SHIT!!!! :)

I have to admit its pretty neat to sit and ride with Chris while he is running this amazing machine! When we got up there Dad practically ran out of my car and into the Ropa with Chris; he was funny to watch-kinda like a little kid wanting to go on the jungle gym!

So Chris is just over 1,000 acres done he has about 300 acres left; give or take a few. So hopefully he will be done soon then he can hibernate for about a week -THEN we have our engagement photos!!! YAY! I scheduled them for the 13th of this month with the mind set that if he can make the engagement photo shoot then he will def make it to the wedding!!! Just kidding hunnie I love you!!!

Sorry about the videos-I'm not a professional!!!!

My new NEPHEW!!!

Yup Alissa and Ryan had another boy!!! Although I thought for sure she was going to have a girl oit came Brady Mark Spitzley! He was born 10-18-10 at 1:34am. He weighed 7pounds 12 ounces and he was some odd inches- I forgot!!!!

My sister Jenny is the Godmother and Ryan's friend Jason Kohagen(also Alissa's cousin through marriage) is the Godfather.

I wasnt able to see him while he was in the hospital becuase he was in the NICU for soem extra monitoring and some antibiotics. But I did finally see him yesterday at Ryan and Alissa's. He is adorable! He looks an awful lot like Ryan and Cayden! And he definitly has a Spitzley nose!! :)

Congrats to Ryan and Alissa on #4!

Not a whole lot to say

Not really much going on with me these days. I have called a couple caterers for the wedding and I have emailed a couple of photographers but no responses yet. Mom and I did find the dresses I want for the bridesmaids. I just need to ask my bmaids if 1) they want to be in the wedding and 2) when they are available to get fitted. We have to go to Grand Rapids-if some can't make it I am sure that we can call in the sizes though.
2 weekends ago I headed up to the thumb and between Sherry, Chris and I; we got our guest list nailed down which is awesome because now I have a number for invites and save the date cards!!! Yay!
Last weekend Chris came down and we went tailgating at the MSU vs Wisconsin game. Chris ended up getting tickets so we went to the game too. The rain held until the 4th quarter but Aunt Sam gave me a poncho so that worked out well.
Sunday we headed back to EL because I had to leave my car there so I did some shopping at the Eastwood Town Center, then out to lunch with Chris before we parted our ways and I headed for home.
These next two weekends are busy for me, the 9th I have my classmate, Tom Fink's wedding along with the MSU vs UofM game-what were you thinking Tom?? The next wedding I have another classmate; Dean Weber's wedding and before that wedding I am going to do the 5k in Portland called the Bog Beer Run- wish me luck on that I started actually 'training' for it yesterday!!!! :)
So thats about it, my life is just so exciting isnt it??!?!?!

Cuteness

I was going through my camera and I wanted to post a couple of pictures that I thought were cute...

First is my nephews Damian and Cayden. Damian had his first day of St. Mary's school (my big first grader!!!) and Cayden had his first day of school period- my little DKer!!!!

Second is Barratt and Lauren playing with the nerf bullets. Lauren stuck one on her head and said ' I shot'.

Barratt stuck three on his head strategically putting two on his forehead and one on his nose. Jenny and I looked at him like what the HE-- and he said " i'm a triceratops!" it was perfect. The picture isnt the greatest but he wouldnt loook at me head on!

Wedding Planning

Wedding plans are coming along swimmingly!
Chris and I met with Fr Conlon last week and we have the date set for 11-12-11 at St Marys Chruch for a 1:00pm wedding. I am so relieved that we got the date its like a huge weight off my shoulders!!! One tid bit I thought was interesting was that 11-12 is my Grandma Lewis's wedding anniversary. Pretty neat I think!
I bought my dress, veil and just this past weekend my shoes. Now I need my headband and I will be set for the 12th!! And with the date set I can start coming up with decorations and favors. Still alot ahead for Chris and I but one thing at a time I suppose.

One a different but same note...I want to send a BIG CONGRATULATIONS out to my cousin Diana and her now FIANCE Dan. They got engaged last night at the Tigers game! So happy for you Diana!!!

Here Comes the BRIDE!!!!!

Believe it or not but yes Chris finally proposed!!!! And yes I am finally posting it (although its been nearly a month) We have a date in mind but we are having some hesitation with the Priest of St. Mary's church. Chris and I have to meet him together before we can set a date, and with Chris into harvesting season and getting him away fom the farm is asking alot!!! But he said he could sneak away next week so I will post the official date when we have it.

OK so for the details of the proposal.......

I went up to Chris's August 6th for a weekend alone for once with Chris. We chilled out Friday night, stopped over to Chris's friend Tim's house to see the progress of it, we helped out a bit there then headed for home and called it a night. While we were winding down for the night Chris asked me if I wanted to head out to Charity Island if the weather turned out to be nice. I said sure but I was going to get up for a run then I wanted to clean up the back yard-we needed some serious weeding to be done!

Well I got up around 8;45ish and got ready for my run, I had a sweat band in (old t-shirt sleeve); the run went well I was done about 30 minutes later, when i got back to the house Chris was outside waiting for me and I put him right to work on the backyard-it looked really good when we were done-we had a bit of a meltdown with eachother but moved on from there; we kissed and made up.

I went upstairs quick to rinse off in the shower-remember this just rinse off- I kept my hair in the sleeve too. Put on my swimsuit and headed to the lake!

Chris and I stopped at Subway on the way over and each got a sub we were going to save half for the island to have a picnic. I laid out in the sun for a while-I told Chris that I HAD to lay out for at least 2 hours, he said no problem and he got the jet ski cooler packed and ready to roll. I talked to Big Phil for awhile then it was time to head for the island.

I mean I like the island but I have been there before and whatever its cool, but oh well I figured it was nice for Chris and I to have some alone time. It took FOREVER to get out there though!!! Chris seemed to take a LOOOOONNNNGGGG time getting there, once we anchored Chris laid out a sheet and we had the rest of our subs and a beer.

Chris wanted to go to the lighthouse he asked me to bring my camera so I did, I took some pictures of the lighthouse up the stairs and down the stairs and the view. All the while Chris was acting 'wierd'! I walked over by him a couple times and one time he actually 'bumped' me away with his belly!!!! Crazy right?!?!? I noticed that he reached for his pocket but didn't think anything of it because I thought he was reaching for his cigarettes. But no cigarettes! After some more wierdness he hugged me and told me that he lvoes me more than anything in the world, I told him I loved him too....then he dropped to one knee while he was holding my right hand. I instantly grabbed for the gaurd rail with my left hand and I honstley don't remember what he said but I do know that he did ask to marry me and I said YES through teary eyes! He stood up and we kissed and hugged. He tried to put the ring on my right hand but it fit GREAT on my left ring finger and its beautiful!!!!

We took a couple of pictures on top of the lighthouse then headed back to the picnic sight. Chris told me he had another surprise!!! We got back to the blanket and he reached into the cooler and pulled out a bottle of champagne!!! It was sooooo mromantic! We drank the whole thing then headed back to shore to tell everybody.

So there you have it, I was proposed to in my t-shirt sleeve head band with my swim suit on smelling like 'roses'!!! It was just a beautiful, serene, perfect day and I can't wait to start my newlywed life with my finace Chris!!!

Start of Summer(tad bit late)

Late but still...

So update on my foot: in a shoe walking up to 2 miles a day-still causes some pain but I can handle it. Can't really bend my big toe, missing a joint and all but 2 1/2 months later I think I'm good!

I took Damian and Cayden to a Lugnuts baseball game (with Jenny) this was for Damian's birthday I took a picture of my foot-this was about 7 weeks post surgery so its a bit swollen!

Damian and Cayden had fun so I think we will have to go again-maybe before school starts.

Moving on to a weekend up to my grandma's. Apparently we have a new group of swans and they had some babies(signets). Well the family is awful friendly they actually come up to the house and Aunt Sam was trying to get them back to the water, ya know feeding em bread and talking to the swans-works EVERYTIME!

Last weekend was really fun- I went to Chris's for 'Davy Nooner'; basically a group of people from around the thumb area(or people that have cottages) get in their boats and find a place around the point and anchor up! Then we proceed to mingle and have some drinks. It was really fun and I will definitely be there next year-that wasy Lynne can't black list me!

Oh and I have to add this as a last note: about 2 weeks ago Katie Arens did my hair and I had the bright idea to go bleach blonde! Ok so I don't think it was one of my best decisions but I have had mixed reviews however I jsut can't get along wtih it so it is dissappearing tomorrow-never to be seen again. If you were lucky enough to see it these past 2 weeks good for you hope you have a photographic memory because I neglected to take alot of pictures during this 'sad' time in my life!

Face Book Stalking...

So while being laid up going on 4 weeks now, I am getting BORED!!! I have read all 10 of the Sookie Stackhouse books and the 'collection of short stories' on Sookie so I am done with the books for a minute or two! My list of what needs to be done in my room, cleaning my car landscaping at Chris's you name it the list is continuing to get longer and lucky for me it gets to get longer by another TWO WEEKS! Yup I have to wear that stupid boot thingy another 2 weeks! :(

On a positive note I was using the laptop that is shared by a few of us in the family and it jsut so happened that mom left her facebook up so I went STALKING for some pictures! :) and I found some from my tattoo, shanty days, nicks party bus and even Dewey's birthday LAST year! I now have them for mine to keep enjoy the few I got!

And for you facebookers out there...beware...you never know when I will strike again!!! MMMWWWAHHAHAHAHAHAHA >:()

'Sup???

MY FAVORITE!!! POOR DEWBUTT

WAHOO MY TAT!!!!

Wheres Wanda???

Jammin with Lou Dawg

Happy 21st Dewbutt (a year and some later!)

Bunion 2010 update...

So here is an update on my recovery.

I went back to work after taking Monday and Tuesday. The rest of the week back was slow for me because I couldnt do too much and my foot still needed to be elevated but I made it through it. Thursday I went for my first check up. Mom drove and she brought Barrett in with us. The nurse unwrapped my foot I was anxious to see it, I could only see my toes from time to time but actually seeing the whole foot-different story!! I am very swollen and the surgery sites bled some so there is blood under the steree strips.

Last week was my first whole week back to work and I got a better hang of it so it went pretty smooth. I went to my 2 week post surgery check up, Dr. Simons clipped the ends of the stiches, and left the steree strips on. I can now take a shower without a bag taped fo my foot!!! :)

My fooot is still swollen and my toes are bruised all the way around, the bottumof my foot is also bruised. I am still in my fancy 'boot'. I am supposed to start walking around at home without my crutches but while at work i am supposed to use my scooter, but I walk around at work a litttle bit. I can already see a difference in my range of motion with my foot I can move it side ot side and up and down-slightly. So it is coming along nicely. I do have another check up in two weeks and I am supposed to bring my left tennis shoe with me, hopefully I can go back to regular shoes on BOTH of my feet!

Out of order

So I have my camera with me so now I can recap some events that took place a bitout of order but I can still put em up here!

Lets go back into March, The Pigfest held at the Ramada in Lansing. Put on my Mid Michigan Motorcylces ( my Tia Monica and Uncle Scott's motorcycle group) Chris and I went there last year to help serve beer, well this year the hotel got their liquor license back so my sisters and I went to help sell 50/50 and other biker paraphanila. And oh my gosh what a good time was had by all. Chris was even able to make it for a second year in a row.

We started off the day by drinkingsome beverages (free at the pool party), listening to a great band from 1-5, all the while dancing, talking, laughing and selling 50/50. Jenny, Katie and I started with 1,000 tickets at one point and when it was finished we walked back with only 90! not too bad girls! After the pool party everyone went to a hall within the hotel for dinner, after dinner it was another aera of the hotel for another live band and dancing. One of the best times of the year and for such a reasonable cost! Keep your eyes open next year for the tickets and information!Jump back into April, Damian turned 7! on April 12th; wowzers!!! We went over there and celebrated his birthday the Sunday before. I got him a deer target(made of cardboard) and tickets to a Lugnuts game. We had cake and ice cream and played a little kick ball then it was time for us to go home.

Bunion Surgery 10.5 years later

Yup bunions! I had surgery this morning at 8:00am at the Michigan Surgical Center, Dr. Andrea Simons-friend of Britta's- did the surgery. It was quick and easy. I 'woke up' a bit slow. I took my belly button ring out just before I was wheeled in and when I came to I must have asked first thing-because the ring was back where it should have been.
I was checked in and in my bed with my IV in-which really stung thsi time around- but 7:20-7:30, the anesthesiologist came over to check with me, another lady came over and actually put something into my IV i told mom 'I think I'm going' but I didn't!
Andrea-Dr. Simons came over to check with me and at 8:00am straight-up I was in the operating room. What struck me as odd was that I was still allert! The nurses and Andrea herself were strapping down my arms and my legs and one across my belly-odd- the anesthesiologist took my head because I was looking at the straps and laid it on my pillow and told be to take deep, slow breaths (as in plurals breaths!) Yeah I don't remember even taking one deep breath! I was out like a light.
I got a Sprite as I was coming to and mom was there. I finished my pop and was wheeled out to the Traverse, Mom and I stopped for some BK breakfast and away I went to home.
Popped my first Vicodin at 11:15 my next one is coming up soon-not really any pain but I want to stay on top of it!
Mom and Katie had a meeting with Baker College so I watched Britt's kids for about hours, not to hard really.
All in all I am feeling pretty good, I have to get used to my right let being the only one I have for a while but around the house I am using crutches and when I go outside I use my scooter-PICTURES WILL FOLLOW- its too funny! I am returning to work on Wednesday so again I will use my scooter there, I practiced with it yesterday.
Well thats it for now I know I need to put some pics on here, but I figure I have lots of time between now and Wednesday so I just might do that!

Just can't keep up!

Its been awhile I know I know but I just can't keep up!!!

First off I want to congratulate myself a bit...I got a promotion-sort of at work. I am now the Office Coordinator of Portland Family Care Center! Pretty much the same work with some bonuses and a few more responsibilities so Woop Woop for me! :)

Moving on and playing catch up which you will see in the attached photos; Chris and I painted the master bedroom and master bathroom. Its a cream color and also a chocolate brown. I also made some curtains for the bathroom-not pictured- but they did turn out pretty nice. I figure I can only get Chris to paint 1 time a year so I had better make it worth it! But he is soooo good at painting it is ridiculous.

Before and After

Shanty days has come and gone-I left my camera at the house and no one would go back to get it, however my sisters have pictures of it so I will bum from them and at least have them in my photo album. Shanty Days was a great time! We had Jenny, Dewey, Katie, Louie, Cousins Eric and Kelsey and our friends Trent and Turck Stop (Anthony) up to Chris's it was a packed house for sure! I got a little tipsy off of wine the first night-who knew wine would do that to a person???? Saturday we all got up early and went to all of the events. Chris, Truck and Kelsey did the chick on a stick, Chris and Truck did human bowling and we watched over 100 people jump into the freezing marina at the polar bear dip. We moved on to the beer tent after that and then on to the bar. Good weekend, I lost my voice b/c I was talking over the DJ and the crowds!

Time for Katie's birthday (Feb 25th) she is 20 WAHOO Katie! We went to Old Chicago in GR for her birthday, Britta and the kids even made it up!

I took off the following Friday so Chris and I could go skiing, we went to Crystal in Thompsonville. It was nice alot of runs but kinda short, still fun I got a little dare-devil-ish and took some jumps even went through some trees-almost hit one- didn't go through any more trees! It was windy and it snowed the whole time we were there but Chris and I had fun being just me and him on the hills. Again, no pictures- I brought my camera but I was too busy skiing the slopes!

Saturday (just this past) Chris and I went to East Lansing to hang out with his friends from college. It was his buddies, Charlie (AKA Chief) his 30th birthday and Kirk (AKA Captain Kirk) birthday as well. We met everyone at Dublin Square-all was fine we were having a good time until the DUMBASS bouncers kicked Cheif out-no idea why-but nonetheless they THREW him out fo the bar resulting in him being knocked unconscious, bleeding on the Dublin front steps and being taken away to Sparrow via ambulance!!!!! Chris found out that he has a concussion(back of the head), a cut on the front of his head and multiple bruises! So the night didn't end on much of a high note, although we did end up going to Crunchy's for one more. I got to see Chris's frats bucket they used for their bucket of beer.

Levi, Cheif, Loren, Chris

Ok so caught up for now I will try to post more-you know because my life is so crazy and all :)

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