Friday Fill-In's

1. I'm happy, I'm in love, I have a wonderful family.

2. Why do I have a slow metabolism and not a fast one.

3. How does this thing called life work, anyway?

4. Every morning, I put Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Line Diminishing Day Lotion on my face.

5. I consider myself lucky because I am married to the best man in the whole wide world.

6. One day we’ll see racism be a thing of the past.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to attending Dominick's basketball game, tomorrow my plans include _attending another basketball game, grocery shop, and then go to see the Knights of the Rhelm with Aaron, Dominick, his friend, and Sunday, I want to to do nothing that requires me to leave the house!

Trip to Idaho

Savannah has a meet this past weekend in Coeur d'alene Idaho. We packed up the car and left here at 6:30am, on Friday morning, pickup Cydnee at 7am, in Salem, (her parents could not go so I was her mom for the weekend) and picked up Dani and Carrie at 7:15am. Then we hit the road. We only stopped 2 times on the way there (7+ hours) and the girls did great! Loud but great! :)

Friday night the girls swam and ran around checking out the hotel, and to see who else was there (some how I forgot my camera everytime we went to the pool, must of been the wine :) ) Oh and 5 women/teens in one hotel room made for some intresting bathroom issues. Everyone wanted

to be in the shower at once, so this is how we solved it......

On Saturday we drove into Mead, WA to a place called Cat Tales and the girls got a behind the scenes tour and got to feed the cats. It was amazing!

The girls all competed on Sunday at 7:30am (yes, an awful time, ask Cyd, she was so NOT happy about it). Savannah did her backhand spring on the beam for the 1st time during competition, and I am sooooo proud of her. She has been really struggling with this element! Then we went back to the hotel to pack up and hit the road finally about 2pm on Sunday. I pulled into our driveway at 9:30pm, driving 1009.1 miles! WILD TRIP but a blast!!

Manic Monday

Of all your favorite foods, which one would you find the most difficult to give up for the rest of your life? Salads, stange but true. Other things come and go but daily I eat a salad, sometimes as the main course, sometimes as a side dish.

Which month of the year do you thing best describes your personality? June probably. Sunny, warm, fun, relaxing....

If you could be a contestant on any game show, past or present, which show would you pick? Wheel of Fortune, becuase I rock at it. I love to guess the puzzles before anyone else in our house can do it!

Friday Fill-In's

1. It seems like my world is spinning out of control.

2. Please put the toilet seat down when you're done, please?

3. If I thought you cared I'd care!

4. How happy my life is what I think of most when I think of you.

5. To me, Valentine's Day means not a lot, we don't celebrate it.

6. Courage gives me strength.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to making Savannah feel better, tomorrow my plans include watching Dominick's basketball game and Sunday, I want to relax and take care of my family!

Poor Savannah

Last night I went to the gym to pick Savannah and the other girls up. When got there, about an hour early to watch practice, she was curled up in a ball on the floor. I went to talk to her, she said her head hurt really bad. She had taken some Advil, but it was not helping. she went to walk into the office area where it would be quieter, and ended up running outside to throw up.

Called our friend Brooke, a nurse, and she recommended at trip to the ER. So off we went, Savannah with her head in a bucket, and in pain. Me driving as fast as I could from Salem to Albany to get her to Dr. Vanashe (seen him a few other times in the ER, and love his way of practicing medicine).

Got her there, still throwing up and in major pain, got her a CT scan, had to wait for medicine until they got the results. It came back normal, so they gave her a shot, but she was still throwing up so they gave her something for that. Finally left there around midnight.

She is home still, no school for her, though she was not happy about that. Hopefully when she wakes up she will feel better.

Dr. wants us to get her in for a check up, and keep an eye on her.

I am exhausted both mentally and emotionally. Along with sleep deprived, as I spent most of the AM worrying, and checking on her.

As I deal with migraines frequently, I feel so sorry for her. Dr thought that she was young to be having one. But she had a emotional day at school (girls are well....girls at this age). Plus she had been burning the candle at both ends for months now between school, gym, friends and babysitting. Glad we dont have a meet this weekend, she can just relax.

If you are inclined please send good thoughts and prayers her way.

I've been tagged.......

Aww the fun little blog games. I like to read what everyone does with these but I have never been tagged before. This time Cali thought of me. You can find her blog HERE.





The rules of the game find the sixth picture in the sixth album on my computer. So here it is....
The title of this folder is "Rascal Flatts 2007" It is a picture of one of my best friends, Amanda, and I just before we headed to the Rose Quarter Arena to see Jason Aldean (opener) and Rascal Flatts. It was my first concert, yes, I know a sheltered childhood, and it was so good!

so I tag..........

NADYA

CHRISTY

CARRIE

KAREN

BRYNN

Friday Fill-In's

1. Please don't tell a lie.

2. Can you please just let me cuddle with my husband for a little while longer in the morning?

3. The color of your eyes makes me want to melt!

4. I have a craving for a girls night out with my bestest friends!

5. If my life had a pause button, I'd pause it on those moments you just want to last forever.

6. Eyes are the full of the truth.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to driving to Eugene to pick up Kelsey, tomorrow my plans include volunteering 2 sessions at a gymnastics meet, then watching Savannah compete at 4pm and Sunday, I want to relax but I will be back the the meet for 2 more sessions, then off to Meghan's 3rd birthday party!

Friday Fill-In's

1. I'd really like my children right now.

2. CRAP! is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.

3. Possession is 9/10's of the law.

4. Why would anyone like to watch Captain Jack Sparrow.

5. Marshmallows and fire go together like wine and me.

6. It just keeps going on and on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to wathcing Dominick play basketball for the first time this season (I missed the 2 first games because of out of state gymanstics meets), tomorrow my plans include picking Savannah up at Colette's, watching Dominick play another baskeball game, and going to my in-law's to celebrate Shawn's birthday and Sunday, I want to go to Costco, clean my house, and relax!

Random thoughts

If you can't say it in front of their face, DONT!

I love my husband.

Choose JOY!

Italy is too far away!

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Friendships take work, and it is sad when they fall by the wayside.

I am very proud of my children.

Life moves too fast.

I miss my family being close by

I never knew being a parent could be so hard, or so wonderful!

Thats all.......

Friday Fill-In's

1. Oh, I am so excited for our summer plans!

2. _____ changes, big and little.

3. During the kid's naptime, I enjoy the peace and quiet.

4. No way; are you kidding me???

5. Right now I'd like to be asleep, as it is only 6:24am.

6. My cell phone is my favorite gadget.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Savannah compete, tomorrow my plans include a long ass drive to Washington again, and staying at the Great Wolf Lodge, watching the kids play at the waterpark (IN THE HOTEL, too cool) and Sunday, I want to watch the Athletic Edge girls kick some butt at their gymnastics meet!

Friday Fill-In's

1. Enough with the cold weather and crappy economy!

2. Life causes me to be conflicted.

3. I've been craving licorice ice cream!

4. Dominick makes me laugh.

5. I wish I could go to someplace warm like Hawaii next week.

6. Quitting daycare has been on my mind lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not working, tomorrow my plans include getting up early and watching Savannah compete, then driving home from Lynnwood, WA and Sunday, I want to get caught up on laundry and housework!

Holy cow!!

Dominick has been complaining that he needed new shoes. So last night while I was gone to a class Aaron took him shoe shopping. Now normally I would NEVER allow Aaron to do that. BUT Dominick knew exactly what shoes he wanted, and they were 60% off, so off they went.

Now let me first say that his old shoes were size 8.5 in mens. He is only 11 (just turned in Dec) and his father only wears a size 10.5.

When I got home and I asked if he got shoes, this is what he showed me...............

S I Z E 10!

I can not belive that he is not almost as big as Aaron. And that his shoes were a size and a half too small. What a horrible mom!

I think that I better start saving money to pay for all the food that kid is going to put away when he finally becomes a teenager!!

Friday Fill-In's

1. It's January; and I so need to get to work on our taxes.

2. Peace and quiet is what I crave most right now.

3. Cork and wine go together like lobster and melted butter.

4. Milk is so nourishing.

5. Let us dare to be happy with our lives, we have so much to live for.

6. I LOVE my home.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with a glass of wine, tomorrow my plans include dinner and a movie with my husband, as both kids are going to be gone and Sunday, I want to have family game day!

Friday Fill-In's

1. The world is a very large place.

2. Please turn down the TV was the last thing I said.

3. I wonder if 2009 will be a good year.

4. Everything is usually ok at the end of all things.

5. There's something to be said for a glass of wine at the end of a long day.

6. Home with my family is where I want to be.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not having any plans, tomorrow my plans include getting a pedicure and massage then having dinner at the newest restaurant in town and Sunday, I want to get the kids ready to go back to school and relax some!

2008 in review!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Been put out for surgery.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't really make "resolutions". It's more like... a time to try to set my mind for new things. eating healthier, being happier, etc.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes!

4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, and I don't take it well! :(

5. What countries did you visit? Mexico

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A clean house. More to the point, a clutter-free house.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 12/16, 12/3, 3/21, ....

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

9. What was your biggest failure? There are failures as far as I am concerned.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing super major, but did have to have surgery this month.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Hmmm.......bought lots of great gifts, but not much for me.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Well.... I think both of the kids' behavior. They are well mannered, considerate and generally pleasant to be around (most of the time). And since they are both almost teenagers, I think that merits celebration!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The public figures in our world. My father's selfishness. :(

14. Where did most of your money go? The care and feeding of the house and the people inside. Braces for the kids, gymnastics lessons, etc.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Spending Christmas with my family, its been a long time since we have done that.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? "All I Want To Do" - Sugarland!!!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? Happier, looking forward to next year. .b) thinner or fatter? About the same, but as soon as the dr clears me it is back to the gym ASAP!! c) richer or poorer? Holding steady.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Exercising, scrapbooking, enjoying life.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying, dealing with my anxiety attacks.

20. How did you spend Christmas? Eve: With friends and my side of the family, Day: With Aaron's family

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? No. Just still am....!

22. What was your favorite TV program? CSI

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate is such a harsh word, how about dislike.

24. What was the best book you read? Any of Nicholas Sparks books

25. a "

26. What did you want and get? A Kone

27. What did you want and not get? A new diamond ring.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? Mama Mia!

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 39 and nothing much. But I expect a HUGE party next year!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Paying off our mortgage.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Silver jeans, and solid shirts.

32. What kept you sane? My husband and friends. And maybe a glass of wine or two :)

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Blair Underwood is not too hard on the eyes.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Oh good glory..... we need a regime change like yesterday, but I keep my political views mostly to myself.

35. Who did you miss? Yes, NH is too far away!

36. Who was the best new person you met? Probably Rhonda and Jake. They are soooo much like Aaron and I it is scary!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. "Friends are God's way of apologizing for your family!"

A year in review

1. Where did you begin 2008? Here at home, with my family and friends.

2. What was your status by Valentines Day? Still happily married

3. Were you in school anytime this year?Just for the kids conferences, programs, etc.

4. Did you have to go to the hospital? Yes, twice for me :(

5. Did you have any encounters with the police? Yes, for Aaron's car break in / theft

6 Where did you go on vacation? Las Vegas,Arizona, Oregon coast and Vegas again

7. What did you purchase that was over 100? Car maintenance, Christmas gifts, groceries....ect.

8. Did you know anybody who got married? Yes, Kelsey & Cory!

9. Did you know anybody who passed away? Yes

10. Did you move anywhere? Nope, we are in our FOREVER house

11. What sporting events did you attend? Many Volcanoes games, Dominick's soccer and basketball games, and Savannah's gymnastics meets.

12. What concerts/shows did you go to? Rascall Flatts, and Oregon Jamboree

13. Describe your birthday: Nothing much happening, had a small get together

14. What is the one thing you thought you would not do, but did, in 2008? Have surgery

15. What are some of your favorite moments? Being with friends and family

16. Any new additions to your family? Nope

17. What was your best month? They were all great!

18. Who has been your best drinking buddy? Have not really drank alot this year, but when I did it was usually with Amanda or Aaron

19. Made new friends? Yes

20. Favorite Nights out? Dinner at the Space Needle!

21. Other than home, where did you spend most of your time? In the car, running from here to there, etc,

22. Have you lost any friends this year? No thank goodness

23. Change your hairstyle? Oh ya!

24. Have any car accidents? No

25. How old did you turn this year? 39

26. Do you have a New Years resolution? Not really

27. Do anything embarrassing? I'm sure

28. Buy anything new from eBay? Yes

29. Get married or divorced? No

30. Get arrested? Nope

31. Did you get sick this year? A few times

32. Are you happy to see 2008 go? Yes

33. Been naughty or nice? Definetly naughty, is there any other way to be!

Friday Fill-In's

1. I must make sure my kids, husband, parents, in-laws, and sister know exactly how much I love them before I die.

2. You can't stop the Beat! (from the movie/musical "Hairspray".)

3. I wish I never had to do launry again.

4. My husband has helped me change my life.

5. I know the dates, times, weights, and lengths of my childrens births by heart.

6. If I weren't so afraid, I would go back to college full time.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed (it's already Saturday :) ). Tomorrow my plans include sending the kids to OMSI with my sister, and enjoying a kid free day and Sunday, I want to just relax, without a house full of people for the first time in 2 weeks (though I so appreciate all the help during my recovery, but our house was not built for 7 people).

Treasure and Joy

Borrowed and edited from a SS friend..............

I am a middle class American.

What that means is in the big picture of life I have wealth beyond measure.

I never go hungry.

I am able to control the climate in my home to keep our family comfortable.

I can afford good health care and I am blessed with great doctors.

My husband has a great job, and so do I. They are stable and provide great things for us.

I have a choice on how I educate my son & my daughter (how many girls in the world are not allowed to be educated).

We have not one, but two cars.

We have a nice home on a large lot.

I really like my husband as well as love him. He is so funny and supportive and very handsome.

We are all healthy.

I have great friends.

I spend money on scrapbooking, shopping & most anything because it is fun.

I have books. I can own them. I can borrow them. I can read what I want. I can talk about it.

Relative to the world population I am wealthy beyond measure.

I often think about why I was born into this instead of born into a family in India, or Africa or China or Iraq - why have I been given so much?

I have treasure and joy beyond measure!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Snow is beautiful if I am inside looking out at it.

2. I'm looking forward to seeing my mother, sister and niece for Christmas.

3. Aaron is the best husband ever!

4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Brady Bunch.

5. I'm done with these stupid ass headache I get way to frequently.

6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is being with friends and family.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spendng some time with Meg, tomorrow my plans include taking Savannah to gymnastics practice, celebrating Dominick's birthday at the paintball place with his great friends and Sunday, I want to finish buying the last few Christmas presents I need and relaxing!

Whirlwind Weekend

Wednesday- Angie, Eric and Meg came over after work and helped us move furniture (I hate to have Aaron do it after his back surgery last year, it just scares me that he will do something awful to it again).

Thursday - Met Ang at the store to do a little Christmas shopping, got gas, and headed home to get ready for everyone to come over. Cleaned, prep-ed dinner, etc. Had a great dinner with family and friends. I am truly blessed with wonderful family and friends both! Scoured the ads, and made a game plan for Black Friday shopping.

Friday - Got up at 2am, left the house at 2:50am, and headed shopping. Finally got home around 3:30pm, exhausted. Cleaned up from Thanksgiving, put packages away, had dinner and relaxed until I could crawl into bed.

Saturday - Got up, packed up the Tahoe and left for the mountains with Bob & Bobbie and their kids. The 10 of us searched many hours for the perfect trees, the dogs had a blast (though their little dog Lola got cold much quicker than Scarlett). Finally got home around 6pm, unloaded the tree, I got Chinese for dinner, and Aaron got the tree in the stand. Wow, what a day. The weather did not do what we asked, there was not a SPOT of snow. Believe it or not on the top of the mountain it was 53 degrees. I trucked around in jeans and a long sleeve shirt, not even a sweatshirt.

Sunday - Got up and everyone else was asleep, started cleaning house, then the kids & Aaron woke up and helped. I showered and headed to the market. Spent $140, and headed home. We all unloaded the groceries, and the kids started homework, Aaron put up the yard lights, I started wrapping presents. Finally around 5pm, Aaron and Dominick put the lights on the tree, and around 6:30 we started to decorate the tree. We just finished at 8:45pm. And I am exhausted! All the presents are wrapped (except the few I have left to by), and the house is decorated.

Now hopefully I can get the last few things done before the 16th when I have surgery. As after that it is all up to Aaron (and my mother and sister who are coming to town for Christmas) and leaving it up to my husband is very scary for me. :)

Happy Holidays!