Well, Dad didn't win the "Who Do You Love" competition. But that's okay- he got lots of comments from friends, family, and even strangers praising him for being such a good daddy. :) Congrats to the winner!

In coffee related news, I have been enjoying my Starbucks Tassimo pods this week. They. are. so. good! I especially love the café Verona blend, which surprises me because I haven't always been a big fan. I think my tastes are changing because I'm all about some bold coffees these days!

Gotta run. More to come!

Love and Lattés,

Katie

Vote for my Dad!

A friend of mine has a photography business, and for the month of February, Smith Gallery held a competition where people could nominate someone they love or who has shown love to them. I nominated my dad, and it just so happens he is one of four finalists! If he wins, he will get a free photo shoot. You can help sway the judges by commenting on this blog:


http://www.smithgalleryphotography.blogspot.com/


I'll keep everyone posted when the winner is announced.


Thanks guys!


Love and Lattés,


Katie

Foiled Again!

Yesterday, my coworkers and I pranked our boss by covering everything in his office with tin foil. :-) It made for a fun-filled day at the office, that's for sure! It was a bonding experience, and the boss reacted very well- he was so impressed that he left it like this all day long!

In other news, my niece is doing splendidly! Her birth parents have turned over their parental rights to Tim and Shannon, and now we are all just waiting on some more paperwork! Once the adoption is final, I'll be able to post some photos!

Also, how can I not mention that today is Valentine's Day? Unfortunately, I have so much on my plate today that I won't be home until after 7, but this morning I got a sweet "I love you, and just want you to know how beautiful you are" followed by a kiss from my hubby. That in itself was a great gift! But that's not all.. I've been told that my actual V-Day gift will be a big shipment of Starbucks coffee that should be here sometime this week. Not bad, Justin! :-) You know what I like!

Speaking of coffee, let me put in a plug for a local coffee shop for a moment. I tried out a little place called Cafe Corner on the Northeast side of Columbia last week, and had a great experience! The service, ambiance, and coffee are all top notch. Go check 'em out!

Well, I should probably get back to work - is it bad that the only time I have to blog these days is at work? Yeah.. this crazy schedule is about to drive me nuts! Tomorrow will be a nice break from the norm- to celebrate Valentine's Day, my darling husband will be taking me to the world's largest aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia! I'm so excited and will share photos when we get back!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Love and Lattés,

Katie

One Life Ends, Another Begins...

On the night of Sunday January 27, 2008, Leila Vaughan passed away. Her funeral was Wednesday afternoon, and though it was an emotional event, we had a nice time afterward with Justin's extended family.

And just when we needed some cheering up... we got some great news.

Timmy and Shannon, Justin's brother and his wife, who have been trying to start a family for several years, got a call from their social worker and were informed that a newborn little girl was available for adoption, and they were #1 on the list! Of course, they were absolutely overflowing with excitement, as were we! And so, I am proud to announce that on Monday, February 4th, Tim and Shannon will be bringing their new baby home, and I will officially be an aunt! My niece-to-be was 6 lbs, 2 oz. at birth, and besides a little bacterial infection that will be easily cured by antibiotics, she is healthy. I am just so thankful that Tim and Shannon's dreams are finally coming true, and that all the prayers have paid off. It is just an unbelievable circumstance; they had only been in the "available to adopt" category for two days, and when they got the call, they thought it couldn't really be happening this soon. They have wanted a baby for so long, and now it is finally happening for them! I will update soon with photos of little Emily Grace.

Love and Lattés,

Aunt Katie