Tom and I visited his family in Greensburg this past weekend and it was jam-packed with activities! We saw a ton of family and friends. On Friday, we met up with David at Red Robin. It was so great to catch up with him! On Saturday, I met Lezlie and Brian for the first time. I've been part of their group on the Daily Plate - their encouragement and the website has helped me lose 8 pounds so far! Of course, David was there too - he brought us all together!  See David's blog for a write-up of our time together!

We spent lots of time with the family. Tom and I made breakfast for Aunt Helen and Uncle Paul on Sunday for Aunt Helen's birthday, which is on Tuesday. Yesterday afternoon, we enjoyed a picnic with every one. It was nice just to feel the breeze blowing, hear the kids laughing and smell the clean country air.

Click here for the complete album, including captions!

We sweat and our thighs ached today, but look at what we have to show for it! My Dad, Tom & I worked from 9-5 yesterday putting down this Harmonics laminate floor in the middle bedroom, which I think looks awesome. It was a lot of hard work, especially prepping and getting those first few pieces to fit just right. But with a lot of persistence, we got movin' and groovin' (or should I say tongue in' and groove in'?!). Thanks, Dad so much for your help!

As my birthday present, Tom took me to Northern Jersey to get two National Park Service stamps. Our first stop was Morristown National Historical Park. We toured the Ford Mansion, which served as Washington's headquarters for two winter encampments during the revolutionary war. It was interesting to hear the story and see how people lived (they actually took over someone's house with the family still living in it.) We also toured Jockey Hollow (where the soldiers stayed in terrible conditions) and Fort Nonsense, called that because of a later legend that it was built only to keep the soldiers occupied.

Our second stop was Edison National Historic Site. I was a little disappointed. I knew that the laboratory was closed, but I didn't realize it was the focal point of the site. I thought we would have a guided tour of Edison's home, Glenmont (pictured below), but they were only doing self-guided tours today, so I didn't get a lot of information. I really want to go back when the lab reopens (sometime next year) because it covered an entire city block and would probably give you a better glimpse into the inventor's life. Glenmont was still a sight to see. The grounds are beautiful and the inside is finely decorated with a lot of intricate details. I was mad at myself for forgetting my camera, but I don't think I could have taken pictures inside the house anyway. I look forward to getting back there one day!

Did I mention that I now have 50 stamps?! I was excited when I reached this milestone and can't wait to get 50 more!

On my birthday today, I am reflecting on all the good things that happened in the previous year and what I can look forward to in the next. My 27th year was one of constant stability - I lived in one place (moved around a lot in the last 5 years). And it's not just any place - it's so comforting to be in the house my grandmother called home most of her life. I was also at my job all of last year. While not perfect, I feel settled. Tom is wrapping up another school year and "the hump" is in sight with one more year until his bachelor's degree is attained. We did a lot of work around the house, which gives me much satisfaction. I started losing some weight and I'm on my way to a healthier lifestyle. I have so much to be thankful for, most importantly a loving husband, family and friends.

So that I am constantly improving myself and trying to live life to the fullest, below are my goals for the next year. Thanks to Trent from the Simple Dollar for giving me the idea. Although, I must say, I don't know if I could think of 101 goals in 1001 days like he did! But I'm happy with my 10 and look forward to getting them started.

• Get weight down to 135 pounds and maintain it
• Construct a family cookbook, complete with stories and pictures and give it to everyone for Christmas
• Create and get notarized a will and living will
• Volunteer 10 times
• E-mail or write at least one person (I don't usually talk to often) every week
• Get and stay out of credit card debt
• Read 10 books that inspire me in some way
• Save $3,000 for a nice vacation in the spring/summer of 2008
• Make at least one new healthy meal each week
• Get involved in an activity that allows me to meet new people (outside of work) in the area

Of course, I'll keep you posted on my progress!

I was very lucky to be surrounded by family on my birthday observed today.  We ate lots of yummy food and both Mom and Stepmom made awesome cakes!  Thanks to my family for the togetherness, generous gifts and love!