A Tribute To My 20's...

I attended Eastern Illinois for 3 and a half years. I was a sophomore when I turned 20. What a great year! I lived in Lawson Hall and met some of my best friends still today. One being my roommate Cathy. That year I went on Spring break in Panama City, with Alicia and Jen and randoms we met when we got there. It was a trip to remember! My Junior year I turned 21. We celebrated like every other 21 year old did. We went to the bars we had been going to for about a year already, but since it was legal now it was that much cooler! I Graduated from Eastern with a bachelors degree in Speech Communication on December 19, 2001.

I missed dancing so much that I auditioned for the AFL team Chicago Rush. I made it out of 120 girls and I was living my dream dancing my heart out. With Tony starting in the NFL and me finding dance again, we couldn't make it work.

I met Ryan and thought he was, "The One." Wow, if I would have only known how all that would have turned out it could have saved many tears and years! Needless to say, I was married November 5, 2005 and filed for divorced in May 2007. Following this was what I like to call my "Growth Period." For as long as I can remember I have been searching. Searching for the best job, my break into entertainment, the perfect guy, what I want out of life, etc. During this "Growth Period" I found it. I found a job that made me happy for my abilities and educational background. I regained my relationship with God and prayed often about showing me why all this was happening. I started reading. I was more of an un-finisher when it came to books before, reading the first few chapters then tossing it aside. I even started running! Now, if you know me at all, I hate running. A few years ago I decided to do a 5k with Bre and Uncle Rod, I was sick the entire last mile! But for some reason during this time running was my escape. I ran everyday. I felt revived afterward and like I could do anything. I learned so much about myself in those couple of years and I needed that time to find myself. I found the courage to walk away from being unhappy, but it took walking away before I could ever have all that I am blessed to have now. I am proud of who I have become. Without the happiness and tough times that I have had, I wouldn't be the person I am now. I have so very much to be thankful for.

My biggest blessing came on August 18, 2008, Sophia Grace. Sophie is the best gift I have ever received. My family and friends have been my support and love through everything, always, no matter how much they agreed or disagreed with my decisions. I am so blessed to have each of you in my life. And Jake, he came along at the perfect time. I had found myself. I was happy and ready for a real relationship. I am thankful everyday that he came into my life when he did. I am ready to close this chapter in my life. My 30's are just beginning and I am excited to see all the happiness, love and memories it will bring.

Rainy Days In Shreveport

This week has been pretty dreary. Not much sunshine all week. I don't know about everyone else, but when the sun is shining I am smiling! Sophie and I are just getting back into the swing of things being back in Louisiana and already I feel like she is bored! So today we went in her room and dumped all the toys in the baskets out, to change up the scenery. She loved it! We had a blast revisiting old toys and opening some new ones she is just now old enough for.

Jake and I wanted to have some fun too so we broke out Scrabble! This was a recent purchase
for nights like these. It's rainy, there's absolutely nothing on television and a glass of wine and a game of Scrabble sound perfect!



Rainy days aren't so bad after all:)

Bre and Eric's Wedding Day

What an awesome day!!! On March 14, 2009 Bre Scarcelli and Eric Alberico got married!!!! The ceremony was beautiful with the strings playing throughout the vows and the decorations perfectly put in place. We then headed up to Naperville River Walk to take some outdoor pictures. The weather was perfect...5o's and sunny exactly what Bre had hoped for. When we arrived at the reception, Seven Bridges Golf Club, was lit up with white Christmas lights and beautiful flower arrangements in tall vases on the tables was the perfect touch. We all had a great time dancing, and spending time with friends and family we don't often get to see. Here a few pictures of their spectacular day!

The girls went to the salon to get beautified for Bre's big day! We had Mimosa's and snacks and laughs all morning long. Bre looked gorgeous!!

Bre's first love...her Daddy.

The bubbles looked awesome in pictures. It's official Bre's married!!

The Alberico's in the party bus.

Beer run to Jewel...don't all bride and grooms stop at Jewel for some great pics???

Daddy daughter dance to Cinderella. Not a dry eye in the house!

Our little one found herself an Alberico too!

Our baby's 7 months old today!!

Sophie is 7 months old today!!! I can hardly believe it. She is developing more personality everyday and I love the little person she's becoming. Today we went on a long walk which is one of her favorite things to do. The weather was great and she enjoyed relaxing and taking a little cat nap too. My sweet pea is waving bye-bye and giving kisses now and I can't get enough:)

Lunch Dates, Birthday Parties, and more...

I haven't had much time to blog since I have been home so I thought I would do a recap of the exciting events we have had so far...

First off was Bre's Bachelorette Party. We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Chicago (thanks to Dad) and went to Howl at the Moon for dancing, drinks, and so much fun!

Sophie and I met Auntie Bre and Uncle Ewit for lunch in Naperville last week. She wanted Auntie Bre's left overs so bad she grabbed them right off the table! We also did a little shopping and found her the cutest red and white bow for the wedding.

Next, was girls night out with all my friends from home. It was so great to see everyone for drinks and laughs! I can't wait until June 26th!

Sophie attended her first 1 year old birthday party. Addie's party was great, Jen you did such a good job! Sophie was surrounded by babies and she loved every minute of it:)

This weekend we celebrated my Dad, Mamaw and my birthday at Bre and Eric's house.

Their house looks beautiful! Bre decided on a fiesta theme...so fun! We had Corona's, Sangria, guacamole, salsa, and Bre's delicious chicken tortilla soup. Oh and the best part...a turtle ice cream cake from Culver's! It was such a blast! Thanks to everyone for celebrating while I am home.

After all this fun, my little one needed a nap:) Next up...Bre's rehearsal dinner and the day we have been so excitedly awaiting....the wedding day! This weekend will be amazing. I will definitely have pictures up soon.

My Cheerio Baby...

Sophia had her 6 month wellness appointment on Friday. They said she looks great! She's is 50% height, 25% weight, and 95% head! I talked to the Dr. about solids and he mentioned that we could start feeding her baby Cheerios. How fun! My Mom brought some home the other day and we couldn't wait to see her reaction. Contrary to what we expected, she is not so sure she likes Cheerios. Enjoy this video!