All-Clad LTD2

I'm so excited! On December 9th I finally got my new pots and pans from Williams-Sonoma - with many thanks to our wedding and shower gift cards! I've had my eyes on these beautiful pots and pans since they first came out (about a year ago) and finally they are mine (and Dan's).

I chose the All-Clad LTD2 10-piece set. It was the perfect size for us. This is what we got in our set...

The 10-Piece Set Includes:
10" and 12" fry pans.
2-qt. and 4-qt. saucepans with lids.
4-qt. sauté pan with lid.
8-qt. stockpot with lid.

In case you noticed, there is one extra piece in the photo. I got a free All-Clad 10" Non-Stick Fry Pan a while ago, but since I never used it Dan added it to the other new pots and pans.

Early Bird Special and Thanksgiving 2009

I just realized that I never wrote about my family's Early Bird Special! Okay, allow me to explain... since Kathleen was planning to spend Thanksgiving in Minnesota with her boyfriend [Brad] and his family, we had an "Early Bird Special" when they came in for a visit two weeks before Thanksgiving (11/14/09). Brad was the one who gave our special turkey day the clever title. The whole day was just like Thanksgiving! Dinner was at my parents house and we had our usual Thanksgiving spread with my dad's side of the family. The only things that were missing were the parades on TV and the Black Friday sale ads - which we replaced with just plain sale ads.
Since it was such a beautiful day outside, the boys played bean bags... a lot! As long as there was daylight they played. By nightfall most of them were pretty sore from throwing bean bags all day.

Once it was too dark to play bean bags we all played What Were You Thinking - a Thanksgiving family tradition. It was a blast! We had a lot of good laughs and, as usual, some unusual answers.

Even though we had a full Thanksgiving spread on the 14th, we still celebrated Thanksgiving at the other Kovals home on Thanksgiving day. We had another glorious meal and afterwords we sat around the table with the real Black Friday ads - another family tradition.

Once Dan and I got home we started decorating our apartment for our first Christmas as husband and wife! It was tricky rearranging our living room to fit the Christmas tree, but we managed. Our apartment looks amazing! Very festive! Thank you to my parents for letting us use their extra tree and a lot of other extra Christmas decorations!

Dan and I didn't do too much Black Friday shopping, but we did get up at 6:30 a.m. to do a little early bird shopping. We got just about everything that we had on our lists. Later that day I did the Gollwitzer family photo shoot and then I had to work at Williams-Sonoma. It was a loooong day for me.

Gollwitzer Family Photo Shoot

Today, I was honored to take some family portraits for a beautiful family! Jason and Rachel [Gollwitzer] Rose are dear friends of mine and Dan from church, so of course I was delighted when Rachel asked if I would take some photos of her family. The whole family was a blast and the little girls were so adorable! After our shoot I was so excited to start editing... so I did some quick editing this evening after work. Here are a few of my favorites:

Jason and Rachel Rose share a kiss on a beautiful fall day.

Rachel was a gem to photograph!
I don't think she can take a bad photo.

What a happy family!

A sweet Daddy/Daughter moment!

Mother and Daughter keep close to stay warm.

One of the friendliest pugs ever!
No wonder the girls had a blast when this pup was around!

Bella catches her parents as they sneak a kiss!

Another adorable Daddy/Daughter moment!

Rubbing noses with Mommy.

Grandma and Grandpa have their arms full of love with three beautiful grandchildren!

Playing on the swing set was such a blast for the girls!

The Gollwitzer women, what a gorgeous group!

Very much in love!

Such playful parents!

These couples really made my job easy, they were all so easy to pose!

So there you have it... those are just a few of my favorites from the Gollwitzer family photo shoot. I've still got many to edit, but I am looking forward to going through the rest of the photos. There are a lot of beautiful shots!

New Staff Photos 2009

We just took some new staff photos at Parker Road Bible Church. Last year we started taking staff photos around this time of year for our Chirstmas card for the congregation. It was a quick photo shoot, but here are a few that I took and did some quick editing to today.

Student Ministries Pastor, Will Peycke

Senior Pastor, Scott Newman

This last photo is a total candid photo... Will was being blinded by Scott, but Scott doesn't really seem to know it. We all had a good laugh. I'm still working on the rest of the photos, but I thought that I would share a few. Within the next couple of weeks I'll be posting our Christmas photo.

Halloween in Minnesota

This past weekend Dan and I ventured up to Minnesota to visit some family and friends. We stayed with Kathleen and her roommate [Lauren] throughout the duration of our trip. It was our first time seeing their new apartment - since they moved in mid-August. Kathleen's boyfriend [Brad] came down from Moorhead, Minnesota to join us.

It was a jammed-packed weekend filled with many rounds of Apples to Apples, shopping at Mall of America, Old Spaghetti Factory, Keys, and Buffalo Wild Wings for the Vikings vs. Green Bay football game.

In honor of Halloween we all got dressed up on Saturday before we went out for dinner. Dan was Dr. House while I was Dr. Cuddy... Kathleen was Miley Cyrus while Lauren was Hannah Montana... and Brad was Joe Dirt. Everyone looked great and we had a blast together!

Dan and I started our journey back pretty late on Sunday, so I did the driving. Dan had work early in the morning, so I wanted to give him a chance to relax and catch a couple of z's on our way home.

Before leaving, Brad couldn't stress enough how bad the deer in Wisconsin are this time of year... we were strongly encouraged to pay extra attention to the road. No doubt I saw why... there were so many dead deer on the side of the road, along with a lot of blood-smeared roads. Very disturbing. Thankfully, we made it home safe and sound.

Commercial Work

The past couple of weeks I've had some sweet freelance production work. I worked for Citibank and Office Max. All went well at each shoot. As usual the hours are long (up to 15+ each day) but the people are great and I always walk away with a great story or two. For example, I rode in an International truck for the first time (very spacious), almost took a ride in a fancy private jet (we were short on time for the little trip), and got a free, delicious BBQ dinner at Carson's Ribs! Yep, the long hours can be worth it! It looks like I'll have some more commercial work in the next upcoming weeks. Praise God!

Below is a photo of an International, not the one I rode it, but the same thing (I rode in a black one instead of red).

Dan and I are going up to Minnesota this weekend. We leave today and we will return on Sunday, November 1st. We've been planning this little trip for quite sometime now. We'll be staying with Kathleen and Lauren - along with Brad who is also making the trip into the cities. We will also be visiting with Stefanie and Thomas... and we'll be watching football with Jon on Sunday. It is going to be an amazing weekend! This will be our first "trip" since our honeymoon!

5 Years, 1KVF, & Erik and Amy's Wedding

Saturday, October 17th marks the 5 year anniversary of mine and Dan's relationship! It is also Sweetest Day... so we had a nice love-filled day. After sleeping in, we went to Long Grove to do some shopping and eat some delicious food. We also took part in our first wine tasting experience. It was all local wine so it wasn't anything special. Still fun though.

Later that evening Dan and I went downtown so that I could film a friend's CD release party. My friend, Brian (fellow video Produce, Editor, and DP), plays bass for the band 1000 Vertical Feet. They had their CD release party at Sonotheque. It was a great time and they did a fantastic job! If you attended their release party you got a free copy of their CD. They had a great turnout and everyone had a blast! Congrats 1KVF! Oh, and by the way, my left ear is just starting to recover from that musical-busting night. Good times.

Sunday, October 18th Dan and I were honored to attend our friends, Erik and Amy's wedding. The church was packed and everyone was practically sitting on top of each other. Apparently this wedding was the place to be on Sunday. The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was filled with non-stop excitement - including a special dance performed by the bride and groom. Let's face it, the reception just wouldn't have been complete without Erik busting out some Michael Jackson moves. I managed to film most of it with Dan's digital camera and I plan to put it up on Facebook eventually.

A big CONGRATULATIONS to the newlywed, Mr. and Mrs. Erik and Amy Heavey! May your lives be richly blessed by our Heavenly Father as you strive to live out your marriage in a God-honoring manor.

2009 Chicago Marathon

Sunday, October 11th Dan and I volunteered at the Chicago Marathon with my dad's cross country team. We were all downtown by 5:30 a.m. to set up the Start Hydration for the runners. It was a chilly day for the spectators, but ideal weather for the runners. One of Dan's groomsmen [Eric] was running in the race and by pure luck we managed to run Eric's parents at the 13-mile mark. We also got to see Eric run past us!

It was a nice full day for us. As usual we had a great time volunteering at the Chicago Marathon!

Congratulations to Eric and Coach Danner on completing the 2009 Chicago Marathon!

Love Happens

Last week Dan and I went to the movies. He treated me to see Love Happens featuring Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart. I found this movie to be absolutley delightful! It features a beautiful, well-told story and a nice collection of creditable actors. There was very little language, minimal sexual humor, and no "love scenes" used to "enhance" the storyline... nope, instead it was simply a good story. I always get excited when I find a movie like this one. It just goes to show that true talent can develop a quality story without extra Hollywood junk thrown in. I really enjoyed this movie! I know Dan didn't like it as much as me, but he did enjoy it as well.

So if you want to see a great date movie... be sure to catch Love Happens! Oh, and be sure to pack some tissues... while I didn't full out cry, my eyes certainly watered up.

Double Feature

This past weekend Dan and I made an impulse decision to see our own double feature at the movies. Thankfully this was a "free" outing since we had coupons and gift cards! We saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and District 9. I wanted to see Harry Potter [more] and Dan wanted to see District 9 [more]. We both seemed to enjoy Harry Potter a little bit more - me, a lot more. This Harry Potter played out as though they are laying down a lot of ground work for the next two movies. District 9 was not what I was expecting. Well, honestly, I never really saw any previews for it... only blips and such. It was pretty gross, but I do gross (i.e. Saw), so that wasn't really the problem. The beginning was weird and it took me some time to get into it. Of course it had it's moments that were very well done and it was certainly a unique movie. It's screaming sequel!

In other news, I'm getting over a nasty cold. I keep coughing and then I have a headache all day. No fun... no fun at all. I just keep telling myself, "Really, it has to be over soon." Yesterday I didn't have work, so I spent much of the afternoon in the darkness of my bedroom. It helped.

Last night Dan and I watched the season premiere of House... so good! Dan and I have been watching all previous 5 seasons so that we could be ready for season 6. It was totally worth it! I never had the time to watch House, but now I will gladly make the time.

Remembering Aunt Vera

On Wednesday, August 26th I received a phone call from my mom informing me that my Great Aunt Vera had gone home to be with the Lord. Aunt Vera has been in and out of the hospital since December 2008. A couple of months ago she was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. She wasn't a smoker, so it was rather unfortunate that this was how her precious life was cut short.

Aunt Vera loved music, family, friends, and especially the Lord. Even when she was having terrible coughing fits and had no appetite from radiation treatments, she still said "God is good!" She was generous, thoughtful, and always encouraged others.

Her wake was on Sunday, August 30th. Our family gathered together from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. to observe her in private. From 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. the wake was opened to all other guests who wished to pay their respects. Many arrived to show their support and to celebrate Aunt Vera's life.

The funeral was on Monday, August 31st. It was a lovely service and all who spoke gave beautiful testimonies about Aunt Vera. She was very loved and will be deeply missed... but of course we all have faith that we will see her once again in heaven!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my aunt. She was ready to go home and we are comforted by our faith that she is no longer suffering in her cancer-ridden body. Instead, I'm sure that she is running and singing as loud as she can, praising her Creator!

Vera Rose Harrington
April 1928 - August 26, 2009

My 27th Birthday

Not long after Dan's birthday... not long after Kathleen's birthday... my birthday follows! On Friday, August 28th I celebrated my 27th birthday and it was a glorious day!

Dan had to work, but as usual, he woke me up to say good bye - and wish me a happy birthday! I didn't sleep in too late because I wanted to get in the shower and prep myself for a day of looking young and oh-so-fabulous! When I went outside our bedroom and into the living room and dinning area I found a gorgeous bouquet of flowers... pink and white lilies, identical to our wedding flowers! Along with the flowers there was a card from my loving husband. He always manages to find sweet ways to surprise me!

After my shower and some extra grooming time, I went to visit my parents. As usual, my father sang my special birthday song (Donald Duck's 50th Birthday Song, but replacing my name with Donald's) and as usual, my mother sang it like I used to when I was a little girl.

Together we did some grocery shopping and then went out for lunch at Red Robin - yum! After a delicious lunch we went back to my parents house for dessert, a sweet, sweet cookies and cream chocolate cake! After dessert I got to open some gifts and then spend some time with my parents before my dad had to leave for cross country practice.

Not too long after my dad left I made my way back to the apartment. Got delayed in some traffic, but ended up getting a phone call from Kathleen, so that worked out perfectly.

Once I got home I quickly put some items away. Not too long after I got home I heard the front door open and it startled me... Dan was home early! What another nice surprise! Once Dan was settled he gave me my birthday present... all three Pirates of the Caribbean on blue ray! I have been wanting these movies on blue ray long before we even had a blue ray player! Oh... and FYI, they're amazing in blue ray! The details is incredible!

That evening Dan said he was taking me to Bahama Breeze for dinner - we love that place! Ah yes, dinner with my hubby and indulging on coconut shrimp... that is a good day! Now when we arrived at the restaurant I was surprised to find some of our friends were already there, waiting for us! Then, more showed up! There we eight of us for dinner. I had a blast! I think that birthdays are always more fun when they're spent with friends and family... the more the merrier!

Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special! I certainly had a terrific day!

PS - Happy Birthday Leann Rimes!

NOTE: Will update with photos soon!

My Hubby's Birthday

We got to spend several days celebrating Dan's birthday this year! I like to drag out birthdays... I don't like to rush them.

First, we started in Wisconsin on Saturday, August 15th. There we went golfing with his mother [Carol] and Uncle Ralph. I wasn't doing too hot, but then again it was only my forth time playing. However, I did get one exceptional hit from the 6th tee. Dan had a not-so-great tee off from the 7th hole. After hitting one ball he wanted to try one more. When he struck the second ball the head of his golf club flew father then the ball! Not the best moment for Dan, but it was still and enjoyable afternoon. Afterwards we went over to his sister's place to have dinner with her, Cale, and Carol. We cooked out on the grill and had cheesecake for dessert!

Even I got birthday gifts! My favorite was my new quilt that Carol made with my old t-shirts and Jessie's old cloud pajamas. It's beautiful and I look forward to snuggling with it this winter and every winter for the rest of my life!

Sunday, August 16th [Dan's actual birthday] we got to sleep in. That morning I gave Dan his birthday presents and then made him a nice, hot breakfast.

Later that day we went to the church picnic, which started at 10:30 a.m. That is why we got to sleep in. Aside from a little bit of rain that came and went, we had a nice day! I bit humid after the rain, but still good!

After the picnic we went over to my parents' house to relax and later cook on the grill. My folks had a nice spread for dinner and for dessert we had some yummy chocolate cake and Oberweis ice cream! Delicious!

Friday, August 21st Jason and Rachel came over and we cooked out on the grill. We had a nice spread which featured steaks in an amazing marinade created by Jason! Dan had tried this marinade over at Jason's not too long ago and absolutely loved it! So Jason and Rachel got him all of the ingredients needed and gave them to him for his birthday. Very nice!

We spent the evening playing games and socializing. It was a great time!

On Monday, August 24th we got together with Jason and Rachel once more to see Inglorious Bastards at Hollywood Boulevard. Dan had eight free passes for his birthday, so we all got in for free. Free is good!

Happy Birthday, Dan! I hope that you had a great time celebrating the many days that made up your birthday this year!

NOTE: Will update soon with links and photos.

A Perfect Manhattan

On Sunday, August 9th I thought that I was going to have my first quiet Sunday after church - surprisingly, I did not have work that day. However, I got booked at the last minute to work on an Indie short film in Chicago for Sundance. The film is called "A Perfect Manhattan" and it is going to have a quick turnaround so it is ready next month.

I got up at 4:00 a.m. and made it into the city just before 5:30 a.m. Some of the crew was already there setting up. It was great to work on another fun project with so many of my friends! It's been a while since we've all gotten to work together, so it was a good day!

At one point we needed to fill in some crossword puzzles that would be used as a prop. I thought that they wanted it to be pretty legit, so I tried figuring out the puzzle. Nope. They just wanted it filled in with letters... except for one spot that we customized so that it was 10 spaces long. Aside from filling in a few correct answers, I just started filling in the blanks with random words and letters. Then, I got an idea! I looked around the blanks nearest the 10-space blank that was set aside and filled in "Dan" and "Nelson" into two spots. Can you see his name in the photo? A little Easter Egg for the film.

I got to bring my cousin, Kevin, along for the experience as a PA. He's starting film school at Flashpoint Academy in Chicago next month. That day he really got a big kick out of the whole experience. I'd have to say that the high point of this experience for him was the chance to meet Danny. He has been in the acting business for a very long time, but what Kevin will always remember him for is his role in The Dark Knight. Danny has the first line in the movie, spends most of his time with The Joker (Heath Ledger), and then later gets hit by a bus. I used my phone to capture a quick picture of the two of them together. Kevin has certainly gotten off on the right foot.

Our day ended around 7:00 p.m. So it was a productive day. Good luck to Dean, Michael, Laura, Brian, and everyone else who worked on this film! It was my pleasure working with each of you, as usual.

New Toys

Since Dan and I have gotten married, we've added a few new flashy items to our home. Now, Dan and I are smart shoppers... so nothing was purchased without some serious research and bargain hunting. We always look to get the most bang for our buck; that way we enjoyed our new items that much more - there is no guilt after spending large sums of money.

Monday, July 13th we got a new grill. We purchased the Char-Broil Infrared Commercial Series grill with a wedding gift card to Lowes from Dan's parents. We bought the grill and one gas tank with money left on the card, so Dan got some tools for the grill and later plans to pick up some flavored wood chips. On July 17th we used it for the first time and Dan made steak and asparagus... it was delicious!

Our next big purchase came on Tuesday, July 28th. That day Dan replaced his 1994 Toyota Camry with a 2010 Toyota Corolla! Dan and my dad have been shopping for a new care for Dan for a long time. They started before the wedding and picked things up not too long after Dan and I got back from our Honeymoon. Dan's old car was known for having all sorts of crazy quirks, but things took an extra unusual turn that week, so he knew he had to make a decision soon!

Well, after many trips to many different dealerships, they finally snagged a deal that they couldn't pass up. That was when I finally made it out to a dealership - to sign the paper work on the new car. I test drove it before hand and it was so nice! Finally, Dan has a dependable car!

Our most recent purchase was earlier this week. On Monday, August 10th Dan and I used some Target gift cards to purchase a few blue-ray movies. We have been planning on getting a new TV and a Blue-Ray player as our wedding gifts to each other... and since there were some good deals on blue-rays at Target we thought we'd start our collection. Shortly after that, Dan saw on his phone that there was a great deal on a Blue-Ray player at Best Buy, so we went and picked one up. There we also saw another movie for a great price, so we picked it up as well.

We're still doing some research on TVs, but we think that we may have found the one that we want. Nothing has been purchased yet and I am not sure when we will pick one up, but it may be soon. We're big movie watchers, so this seemed like the perfect gift for us to give each other.