fly

I almost missed it.

2009-09-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yeah. It's September already. This post has been a long time coming. Our summer was filled with cool breezes, pool visits, and a couple of getaways, a special guest, and a whole bunch of other stuff that I can't quite remember off the top of my head but you know what this means right? Yes ya'll. A photo update. An almost 3 month photo update. Fasten your seatbelts.

2009-07-17T15:32:00.001-07:00

Sent from Ani's iPhone

2009-07-17T14:43:00.001-07:00

Sent from Ani's iPhone

I've done it again.

2009-07-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've fallen behind and haven't posted in a long long time. I'm not even gonna go there. Ya'll see the dates. Sorry guys, but I'm back. Updates are on the way.

Happy Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T17:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there! I've had the most magnificent day with my significant other. We got an early start and stuffed ourselves at Home restaurant in Los Feliz. Beeautiful. The food was amazing. Then we headed down Melrose to Christian Audiger and to The Grove for some shopping ;) It turned out to be a really beautiful day. I tried to get as many pics as I could with my piddly lil iphone camera because I left the biggun at home.

I'll have the eel please...

2009-04-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Andrea has mentioned in the past that she has never eaten at a real sushi place and that she would like to try it sometime. So one Saturday we headed over to the Beverly Center for some shopping & sushi. When I lived in the Valley we used to send 2 people during work to Sushi Mac to get us all cheap sushi. Aah, memories. Some people sleep on Sushi Mac because they serve small portions but at the end of the meal, the price is juuussst right. So instead of driving all the way over the hill, we went to the one on 3rd.

Hi Ya'll!

2009-04-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

I've been a little lazy with my posting lately but after all those updates I figured ya'll needed a break. The usual 'busy' has been on and poppin, plus a little extra that I'm hoping that I'll be able to let out of the bag soon. The kids had their spring break. The lil one had 2 whole projects (which I neglected to take pics of, Bad sMom.)one of which was about sea life. Perfect opportunity to skip outta work early and go to the Aquarium of the Pacific! Peep the pics!

My absolute favorites were the exhibits that were 'hands on' The stingrays were the best because you could touch them as they swam by. I could have stayed there all day. They were huge and slimy to touch. I was so busy touching the anemonies that I forgot to take pictures!

I'm an official twitterrer.

2009-04-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Laaaaard a mercy.

Testing

2009-04-21T23:29:00.001-07:00

For some reason, my photos aren't posting...

Sent from Ani's iPhone

My name is andrea. I'm a control freak.

2009-04-20T16:18:00.001-07:00

For a while now I've been trying to reel in any kind of extra dough I can using the lil talents I was blessed with. I've been writing papers for college students that have better things to do than write stinkin papers. So my most recent "assignment" was an essay examining the advantages and disadvantages of having someone in your life who's a control freak. Now I'll be the first to admit, I like to have control. Makes me feel warm and fuZzy. But I wouldn't put myself into the 'freak' category. Who, me? Puh-leeze. Well, while reading the literature provided for me to pull of my lil paper scheme, all of the scenerios fit me to a t. It was almost as if the author hid out in my closet to do her research. It was quite the eye opener. Too bad I didn't save it for the mr. He could probably use some enlightening on this subject as well. LOL.

Sent with love from Ani's iPhone

Sooo glad I chased those pavements!

2009-04-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

I FOUND ADELE / ETTA JAMES WITH THE ROOTS BAND TICKETS!! And not those crappy ones I was looking @ that were slightly out of my price range and included 2 TBA concerts. : uh, no. I just wanna see Adele, Etta, & The Roots. Thanks Jesus.

...now I gotta go buy the cd so Chasing Pavements won't be the only song I know...

Zion's Birthday Update (cont.) Update pt. 15

2009-04-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

More pics from Zion's birthday at Chuck-E-Cheeses. (which I hate by the way)

Zion's Birthday Update #14

2009-04-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Our First Beach Trip 2009 Update pt. 14

2009-04-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

Finally, we've made it to 2009! We took our first beach trip in January. It was in the mid to high 70's and a BEAUTIFUL day. We took our baby dog with us. It was her first trip and she was over the moon.

2009-04-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

I just set up mobile posting!! Watch out y'all!!

Taaasha! Update pt. 12

2009-04-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

Tasha came to visit us for New Years. Unfortunately, I had to work, so we didn't spend many daytime hours together, but her visit was just as great as Candace's. We enjoyed having her here. She really bonded with our baby dog.

Christmas 2008 Update pt. 11

2009-04-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Our Christmas was rainy and stormy and cold. But a quiet one. We opened presents sans kids this year which was a little sad but none the less, we sucked it up, went bowling, went and picked up our new baby.

Our Christmas Party Update pt. 9

2009-04-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

We hosted a Christmas Party for some of our good friends at our home. We had a rockin good time. We played taboo boys against girls until 3 in the morning! We didn't even realize what time it was, we were having so much fun.

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T14:35:00.001-07:00

Everybody Sleepover.

2009-04-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

Andrea and Jayda's birthdays are two weeks apart. This time last year I was ready to drive my car off of a bridge because I was also deep in the process of planning my wedding. I decided to make it easy on myself this year. So we met in the middle and had a sleepover. 6 girls + one nervous dog = 1 crazy me. We had a lovely time but I was pooped by Saturdays end. We took the girls to the Griffith Observatory on saturday. The weather and the view couldn't have been more beautuful. Well, maybe a little less smoggy. But hey, this is LA.
A special shoutout to Torrie & Gabby for helping me not kill any kids ;) j/k.

Griffith Observatory Entrance
Annual Chubby Bunny Contest
The Spread complete with the 'make your own sundae bar'
The Girls
Mimi enjoying her cupcakes

View complete album @: http://www.flickr.com/photos/anilovesdre/sets/72157616611170746/

LOWER APEX IN THE HOUUUSE! Update pt. 7

2009-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Shopped until we dropped at Fred Segal..

I had to hip her to pinkberry. Heck. I'm hooked. Everyone else should be too.

She got a great view from the hollywood hills at night.

We walked the red carpet at Christian Audiger.

Saw a beautiful sunset at Venice Beach.

To see the entire album, visit my flickr set at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anilovesdre/sets/72157608400919522/

Christmas 2008

2009-04-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Instead of dropping loads of money at Sears (ugh.) and waiting forever while they give us excuses past the new year why our photos aren't ready, I decided that I'd do our own Christmas pictures this year. I think it turned out pretty good.

Thanksgiving 2008

2009-04-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

We spent Thanksgiving Day at Ken & Hazel's with Jeff, Summer, Damain, Torrie, Kevyn, Zion, and Kimani.

We had a baby! Update pt. 8

2009-04-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Kimani Samantha

born on November 6th, 2008.

C-Mo's visit (cont.)

2009-04-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

Candace fit right in with us. She even made friends with our squirrel Rufus.

We also ran into Angela Simmons in Sheik. That was exciting! Her weave was ultra fabulous. LOL.

Happy 6th birthday jayda!

2009-04-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Jayda's birthday. FINALLY! I think she asked me every day last week if tomorrow was her birthday! We celebrated last weekend with a sleepover for both her and andrea. Photos to come!

What I'm watching now:

2009-04-11T10:09:00.001-07:00

Taking The Stage
And now I want to sing, and dance ballet, and play the guitar.

What I'm watching this morning:

2009-04-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Making the Band
What the heck is wrong with Que?!

What ya'll watchin?

Jayda Started Basketball... Update pt. 16

2009-04-10T13:40:00.003-07:00

This one's pretty self explanatory. More photos to come once I empty the camera.

Baby Dog!! Update pt. 13

2009-04-10T13:01:00.001-07:00

Chloe Biscuits is our baby dog. She was welcomed into our family on Christmas day. She is loved by all even though she doesn't love everybody. LOL, just kidding. She likes all ya'll.

More Updates to come!

2009-04-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned. Hopefully one day soon I'll catch up. ;)

Jayda's Christmas Play Update pt. 10

2009-04-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Jayda had a small speaking part to introduce her class before they sang. It's always fun to see the kids in action.

LOWER APEX IN THE HOUUUSE! Update pt. 5

2009-04-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

My BFFer Candace came in October to visit. Candace is the most humble down to earth friend I have. We have been friends for a very long time and even swapped closets once in high school. I was really looking forward to spending some one on one time with her and we had a BALL! She loves to shop so that was right up my alley. I took her to the Beverly Center and on Rodeo Drive. We also saw Noah's Ark the movie at Arklight Cinemas. We even did the salsa! ...well, she did the salsa. The rest of us just watched in awe. She got lots of club time in with the peeps she met out here. She was a pleasure to entertain!

Renee's Visit

2009-04-10T12:05:00.001-07:00

My cousin Renee came to visit from New Jersey. The last time I saw her we were in Trinidad and she had shaved her head and died what remained on it blonde. She was a wild one. So the kids and I put on our suits for a day by the pool & eatin Uncle Ken's Barbeque.

More NC Pics

2009-04-10T12:00:00.001-07:00

Forgot something! Update #4 Our MiniMoon!

2009-04-10T11:46:00.001-07:00

Andre and I had planned on going to Carmel for our honeymoon but since we didn't end up leaving until wednesday due to my having to almost have my foot amputated after wearing those louboutins for 6 hours and him having a prior engagement, we decided to go to vegas instead. We stayed at the Monte Carlo hotel. We had loads of fun. The room service was superb. I think I had a loaded omelet at like 3 in the morning. It was great. We also went bowling and did a little birthday shopping while I was there. We celebrated my birthday at the cheesecake factory on Wednesday night in Caesars Palace- my favorite place in vegas. It was loads of fun. Although it was hot as fish grease out there (115 was probably the average temp), I was sad to leave.

August 2008 1077
Originally uploaded by fly design

Keebler's Here!

2009-04-10T11:39:00.001-07:00

Very funny. The secret is out.
Originally uploaded by fly design

In September my brother Kevyn moved in with us. We also moved across the 'sidewalk' to a bigger place. Let me tell you, that was probably the WORST move ever.
1. We have alot of crap.
2. With it being a 'short move' we didn't really anticipate it being all that bad
3. We have a crap load of crap.
It took us over a week to move across the sidewalk. We can see our old place out the window of our new one. LOL.

We got married.

2009-04-10T11:06:00.001-07:00

On August 8th, 2008 Andre and I stopped 'shackin up' and entered into holy matrimony. I have to say, it was the absolute best day of my whole entire life. Despite the hiccups (getting ready to go to the venue and not being able to find my keys to the car that my brothers tuxedo was locked in) the day was the most perfect day. We are blessed to have lots of family and friends that cared enough to share this day with us.

My personal photos can be viewed at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anilovesdre/sets/72157606292542274/

Professional photos can be viewed at:

www.maribelfavis.com
go to client proofing. The password is AA080808

AND STAY OFF MY STOOP!

2009-04-10T11:03:00.001-07:00

Like a scene from Crooklyn.
Originally uploaded by fly design

Anybody that knows me knows that Crooklyn is my favorite movie of all time... watched it the other night ;) Why we were all up on the porch? I dunno. But Joi had my camera and after seeing the pic, it reminded me of Crooklyn.

Goin to the Bay...Update pt. 3

2009-04-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July we took a trip with the WHOLE family and Andre's parents to Oakland to visit some of Andre's family. We stopped at his Aunts house first. She had a beautiful home in Berkley with an AMAZING garden in her backyard.

His Aunts and cousins were so warm and welcoming and I felt right at home. So did the kids. They played with their cousins and we did too. We all had a ball on the foosball table!

Update pt. 2

2009-04-10T10:22:00.001-07:00

Hold onto your hats ya'll. By update # 42 you're gonna be hating me. I've got ALOT to catch up on! So shoot me.

In August the girls and I flew to North Carolina ahead of the boys, which turned into the lone ranger because the boy got sick the night before his flight. We took the red eye and it was delayed so we had to keep busy in the airport. When we arrived we were greeted by Grandma Toe Toe & Auntie Montie. We made a beeline to bojangles soon thereafter.
We later met up with the rest of the family, where Jayda and Jordyn quickly bonded and Jayda challenged Grandma Toe Toe to a push up contest and ate rain. Yes. Ate rain.

Enough about the dog. Update pt. 1

2009-04-10T10:00:00.001-07:00

Sooo much has happened since my June 2008 post. Andre and I finalized our wedding plans in North Carolina in June. Saw some family, old and new. Myra & Jordy, Gram & Pops, and baby Layla bug.

Grandad and Jordyn
Originally uploaded by fly design

We also spent some time with some dear friends Candace and Natasha (who came to visit us in October and December) and admired Natasha's awesome tank of saltwater fishees. Nemo included.

Crazy dog.

2009-04-10T09:29:00.001-07:00

I woke her up.
Originally uploaded by fly design

It's been a cool 3 1/2 months since we've lived together. She drives every part of me crazy. She pees on our carpet. She's picky as all getout (I swear that's Andre's dog.) She always wants to be close to us, but never to lounge or cuddle. She wants to play. And she plays hard. She bites my ears, chews my hair, attacks my fingers, wrists, and ankles, is scared of EVERYTHING (except our neighbor Jose whom she seems to loathe), and yet every day when I'm not with her, I miss her. I never had a dog growing up and maybe that's why I'm so attached to my baby dog. Up until recently she went everywhere with me because she convienently fit in my camera bag. That is until she jumped out of the cart into the street one day on our way into Target (which doesn't allow dogs by the way) that was the last of that.

Back?

2009-04-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

Don't count on it. LOL! Although, I'm sure I have more posts than Ravin. LOL!

My Pumpkin

2009-01-08T13:58:00.001-08:00

December 2008 341
Originally uploaded by fly design

I love her. She's like, my baby. Seriously.

June 2008 077

2008-06-20T11:21:00.001-07:00

June 2008 077
Originally uploaded by fly design

A year ago today he proposed to me. It's a special day.

Soooo, this is what stress feels like.

2008-06-20T11:12:00.001-07:00

Let's begin with this week. This week has been quite interesting. I started out pretty busy on Sunday with hosting the in-laws and preparing a father's day feast. Andrea graduated on Tuesday (still haven't put the pics up), nobody has been in school, and it's the last week of swim lessons. Now... add that on top of all the normal regular type stuff there is to do. Hell, I hadn't even unpacked my clothes until Wednesday (more than a week after returning from my trip). I'm tired. I woke up at 4 in the morning to be at work bright and early to attend the Surgical Service Line Forum. I'm tired. I'm stressing about things I can't even put my hands on right now. Plus, I still have a few things left to do re: the wedding.
So, this is the reason I've been forgetting things. (Sorry about your lunch Jayda.) I'm tired.

Almost done

2008-06-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

So the invitations, they're almost done. I was hoping to have them sent out already, but that didn't happen. At least I'm not terribly behind schedule.. right?
Just a sneak peak:

Back to our regularly scheduled program...

2008-06-02T11:21:00.001-07:00

In May, we had our first beach day of the year...

A lovely Mother's Day...

and went out with a bang at Sea World.
All of this to keep my mind off of my impending nuptuals and the many many tasks I had yet to complete liiiike, my invitations.

Let's Catch Up.

2008-06-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

It's been six months since I blogged last. (shame on me) So I guess I'll update you one what we've been up to. In January Andrea and I went to visit Torrie & Damain in San Diego, went on a ferry ride to Coronado Island, & ate good Thai food.

February we were all sick with the plague- everyone except Andrea that is. Feverish Andre wouldn't let me take any pictures of him. We did manage to make it to Santa Monica Promenade for shopping and some lunch after we recovered.

March is when my noodle started to unravel. March begins birthday madness around my house. Andre's bowling/boxing extravaganza came first...

Andrea's princess sleepover came second...

Chubby Bunny from Ani & Dre on Vimeo. The password is family.
and last but not least, Jayda's carnival party came third.

I'm exhausted just remembering all this stuff!!
All while creating my own save the date cards. Exhausting.

Okay. I lied.

2008-06-02T10:32:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I know. I promised not to be gone so long. But honestly, time has flown by so quickly.. feels like yesterday. Anyways, everything is in full swing now. Andre and I will be travelling to North Carolina on Wednesday to tie up all of those loose ends that are driving me crazy. We're looking forward to also having some down time as we have both been very busy. I'm excited!

I'm Baaaack!

2008-01-17T11:34:00.001-08:00

San Diego January 2008 042
Originally uploaded by fly design

Wow.. what a hiatus! I am slowly getting back into the swing of things. I am currently working on my Save The Date cards. I did get THE DRESS in the mail 2 days ago, so I'm uber excited about that! (Photos @ flickr)
I promise to not be gone that long ever ever again.

Stuck... but I like this.

2007-09-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

-Not the stuck part- but this AWESOME green inspiration board I found on style me pretty. Great stuff here. I was taking a 'vacation' from planning after coming back from NC but dang... it's turned into somethin serious. I need to get back on the ball!!

Love & Marriage

2007-09-23T20:06:00.001-07:00

Picture%20003[1]
Originally uploaded by fly design

I still can't believe that next year this time, Andre & I will be married. That's crazy. Andre and I have been together for 3 years and 11 months. I feel like I felt three years and 11 months ago when we first met. I hope I get a good anniversary present. I've been a good girl. :) I love this man.

Exhaustment.

2007-09-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

Yep. I made it up. Cause that's what I'm feeling right now. Exhaustment. After a wonderful week long vacation, fun filled, but packed none the less with work, work, work... I came back home and found an awesome apartment. So here comes the dreaded word that no one wants to hear, much less do- MOVING. So we're here, chillin in our new place. Lovin' it. Maybe by the weekend I'll be able to sit down somewhere.
I did however make a little time to visit Style me pretty and saw MY GREEN! I FOUND MY GREEN! Check it out!

Excitement Awaits!!

2007-08-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

We're leaving today for NC and I'm so excited to see my family & friends, I'm wondering if I'll get any sleep on this trip... or how many pounds I'll gain eating bojangles biscuits. That's probably what I've been looking forward to the most... Bojangles. Sad.

Moody...

2007-08-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

I should be UBER excited right now... It's Friday, my mama (the boss) is gone, I have a KID FREE weekend, and to top it off... I'm going out of town on Tuesday... and I'm MOODY AS HELL YA'LL. So much so, I'm afraid to send my ring with A because I might not get it back right now. LOL, no, seriously...Don't they have some type of medication for this? Somebody help a sistah out. Hopefully my *procedure* tomorrow will wash away all the bad-ness and leave a clean new me. Inside and out ;). So, Andre, sorry babe. I'm goin through a little somethin..

Splendid Invitations!!

2007-08-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this idea... I'm just wondering how practical they'll be. I haven't even gotten to the Save The Date cards yet...

The Rules of Engagement

2007-08-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sending my sister an email today, trying to explain to her the color scheme of my engagement party. Seeing the mangled mess typed out on my screen, I realized... I don't really have a color scheme. This is a mess. My invitations, my dress, my shoes (my happy birthday shoes from my honey)... NONE OF THIS MATCHES!!!

Green?

2007-08-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

Okay... the honey & I settled on green. This means that every orange fantasy that I had in my head before now changes to green...? I hope this comes together. Tell me what you think about green.

It's my birthday ya'll!!

2007-08-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a little research and I'm thinking, if everyone else can do this why can't I? And what better day to start than on my 25th birthday. A day that I haven't really had time to plan for because I've been so pre-occupied with other things... SO-Happy Birthday to me.