Great Coaching Last Night!

Last night, I got the opportunity for my dance instructor and I to have a coaching with Kasia Kozak. What a great experience! I learned so much last night that will help my Cha Cha routine. I sure do hope to get more opportunities to work with her again in the future.

She's got a outstanding background in Professional Latin Ballroom competing. Here is one video of her performing a Paso Doble Showcase number at the Ohio Star Ball.

Mom's Surprise Party and More Surprises!

This weekend was the culmination of MONTHS of planning between my Sister-in-Law, my Dad and myself. Starting in January, we began planning the surprise birthday party for my Mom. I can say confidently that the party was a major success! My sister-in-law's Mom was also a MAJOR help in decorating the venue. It looked great!

We had a great crowd, beautiful cake, and lots of good conversation with old friends! I can definitely say that she was surprised without a shadow of a doubt! She cried after we surprised her!

Here was something I discovered online for the party that was certainly a big hit. We decided to do something non-traditional for the guest book. After looking online, I found this WONDERFUL tray at IDoEngraveables . This website provides all kinds of neat alternatives to a guest book such as signable picture frames and signable serving trays. I ended up selecting this beautiful tray below. The company provides you with diamond tipped pens that the guests can use to sign the item. You can use the pens just like you would a traditional pen on paper and it makes a lasting mark on the item. All of the guests signed their name to the tray. It definitely made a great memento of the party and gift for Mom! They also engraved the tray with my Mom's name in the middle as well! The company engraved the item and shipped it less than 2 days after I ordered it. I would recommend this company to anyone!




As an additional surprise, my brother decided to propose to his girlfriend at the party! Before my Mom arrived, he pulled me aside and showed me that he had the ring with him. He was planning on proposing THAT NIGHT! My Sister-in-Law came up with a great idea on how he could start the proposal and it definitely worked out well! We had my Dad stand up to say a few words and thank everyone for coming. At one point, my brother stood up and said he too wanted to share a few words. He transitioned that very well into the proposal! Needless to say Mom cried again and we were all VERY excited about the additional surprise. Many of our family members and my Mom's friends got to witness it!

So big night for the family!

Europe!!!

The Hubs and I are going to Europe! YUP!!! Can you believe it?! I can't! I think I'll be on our plane when the shock wears off!! J and I are so beyond excited at this great blessing we have been given. We go on our trip in the Fall of this year. I absolutely can not wait!!!

Long story short, J's uncle had graciously offered to send us on vacation! He told us that he wanted us to go somewhere we may never have a chance to go to again. J has always wanted to go to Egypt and I have always dreamed of going to Italy. We found a cruise that not only goes to Egypt & Italy, but also goes to Turkey and Greece! We are BEYOND thrilled that we get to travel to these wonderful locations! We are so thankful he is doing this for us! This is truly the trip of a lifetime!!! What a blessing!

It's been an interesting year so far with the burglary. We still have items to complete with our home and decisions to make going forward....and there is a lot to do. A LOT. However, J and I are so blessed because we know we have such an exciting trip to look forward to!! This is a truly amazing experience we get to have. There is no doubt about it!

Our plan lands in Rome to begin our trip. I told J that I might just cry when we land! ha ha! Happy tears...but tears nonetheless!

Here are some of the things we are looking forward to seeing on the excursions we are taking!! I can't wait to see them in person and take LOTS of pictures!

*****
The Pyramids



Nea Moni Monastery in Greece



The Terrace Houses in Turkey



Topkapi Palace in Turkey



The ruins of Pompei in Italy



The Parthenon in Greece!! (WOW!!)



The Colosseum in Italy!!!