Savannah's Birthday & Spring Break 2008

What a busy week + a few days!!

Friday 3/21 - Savannah's 12th birthday. We both worked all day until 6pm, at 6:01pm, she had a sleepover with 6 girls (Kacie, Adrienne, Chelsea, Kiley, Dani, Jessica). Goodness they were crazy and loud.

Saturday 3/22 - Girls still here, had a Cosmic Bowling party where 3 more girls showed up who could not spend the night. Ran home, cleaned house, finished packing, and left to spend the night in Portland.

Sunday 3/23 - (Easter) Got up to catch our flight to Las Vegas, the kids first flight. Savannah was her usual anxious self, Dominick excited until we take off and his ear hurt (previous surgeries seem to have made it hard for him to unplug them). Arrive in Las Vegas, take the shuttle to the rental car center (oh my, I have never seen such a huge building just for rental cars, and busy it was), drive to the hotel, check in. Then drive to Mike/Karen/Ana/Sam's for Easter dinner. Great food and company!!

Monday 4/24 - Walked around the strip all day. Saw the MGM, NY NY, M&M, Luxor, Excalibur, ESPN Zone. Then for dinner we went to the Excalibur (where we stayed) and saw the dinner show (Tournament of Kings). We got great seats (front row, Russia area) or so we thought they were great until the horses went flying by and dirt also went flying, right at us. They do a jousting match against the other areas, and the Dragon. It was awesome. The only draw back was eating dinner with NO silverware. Not my cup of tea but the kids and Aaron enjoyed it.

Tuesday 3/25 - We went to the Red Rock Canyon and went on a 1 1/2 hour horse back ride. It was beautiful, wonderful, great, THE BEST! Everyone loved it!!

Savannah & our trail guide Justin

My favorite picture of the trip so far!

Then we went down to Fremont street to see the "old" town.It had an amazing over head light show. Though pictures did not turn out well, it was still a memory I will cherish forever.

Wednesday 3/26 - We went to Mandalay Bay and saw Shark Reef, then sat by the pool. Great relaxing day.

Stay turned for part II

More about me.....

Who were your last 3 texts from? Angie, Julie & Julie

Where was your default picture taken? Beach

Your current relationship status? Happily married

What is your current mood? Stressed

What color shirt are you wearing? Grey

Who has the ability to hurt you most? People that I care about

If you could go back in time and change something, would you? I could say yes, but every thing you go through makes you who you are.

Where was the last place, out of town, that you went to? Salem (Meeting tonight)

Something you like a lot? Willamette Valley Vineyards Reisling

Do you have a fondness for gnomes? No way!

Who can you tell EVERYTHING to? Aaron and a few dear friends

When was the last time you cried? Saturday night at Senior night

Where are you right now? On the sectional in the living room of our home

If you could have one super power what would it be? Let me fly!

What is your fav color? Red

What is one thing that annoys you on TV? Commercials

Do you still like kiddy movies? God no, I can't stand them!

What are you eating or drinking at the moment? Diet Dr. Pepper

Do you speak any other language? Nope

What's your favorite smell? Enchanted Orchid from BBW

Describe your life in one word? Complicated

Have any tattoos? Yes, two (for now)

What are you looking forward to the most? Spring break (horseback riding through the Red Rock Canyon, seeing my niece & nephew!)

What are you thinking about right now? Why, oh why, did I committ to going to the gym tomorrow at 4:15AM!!

What should you be doing right now? Sleeping

Who was the last person that made you upset/angry? Myself

What are you listening to? Kids talking while getting ready for bed

Do you like working in the yard? HATE IT, with a passion!!!!

Do you act differently around the person you like? No! We've been together for 22 years, he knows exactly who I am.

What is your natural hair color? Brown/blonde, with some grey

What's your favorite place in the world? Sitting in our backyard, with a roaring fire in the firepit ,sipping a glass of wine, watching the sun setting.

What is the holiday closest to your b-day? Before - Memorial Day After- Independence Day

What is your dream car? BMW Z4 Roadster in Black Sapphire Metallic

Has anyone sang or played for you personally? No

Have you broken a bone or had stitches? 2 broken ankles & stitches from having babies :) count

Anyone on your mind right now? Yes, and I can't wait until June 30th!!

Fun survery

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what do you buy?

1. Produce: romane lettuce
2. Bakery: sourdough bread
3. Meat: Lobster
4. Frozen: Vanilla ice cream
5. Dry goods: Pasta

Lets say we are heading out for a warm weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, whats in your bag?

1. jean shorts
2. t-shirt
3. underclothing

If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 4 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?

1. I love you
2. Quiet down
3. Yes, you may be excused
4. Did you go potty?

So, what 4 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?

1. Go to the bathroom
2. Eat
3. See my family
4. Sleep

You're driving down the road, and suddenly you're hit with this sense of road rage. What 3 factors probably contributed to it?

1. People driving way to slow
2. Drivers not using their turn signals
3. Being late

Sweet, you just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?

1. Go shopping
2. Go out to eat with friends
3. Surf the web
4. Take a nap
5. Call a friend and catch up

Were going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it will have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. Big cats
2. Monkeys
3. Penguins

You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on t.v. of your choice. You can pick between 4, so what are you deciding between?

1. CSI Miami
2. Las Vegas
3. ER
4. Without a Trace

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?

Frist off they have to be on seperate cones/dishes............then
1. White Licorice
2. Rocky road
3. Peppermint

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?

1. Mac Sugar Daddy plumper gloss
2. Picfolio of family pictures
3. LG Cherry Chocolate cell phone
4. Cream wallet
5. Keys to Tahoe

You are at a job fair, and asked in what areas you are interested in pursuing a career. Lets pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?

1. OB Nurse
2. School teacher
3. Wedding Planner
4. Race care driver

50+ things about me

1. Are you taller than your best friend? - Yes, both of them

2. Do you have a favorite type of pen? - Depends on what I am using if for, must be medium point .07 or larger(size really does matter)

3. Look at your planner for March 10th, what are you doing?- Monday Go to the gym

4. What color are your toenails usually?- Red

5. What was the last thing you highlighted? Info on our trip to Las Vegas

6. What color are the curtains in your bedroom? On the window we have custom wood blinds, on the slider we have white vertical blinds (but I HATE the verticals, and want to replace soon with some type of curtain)

7. What color are the seats in your vehicle?- Grey leather

8. Have you ever had a black and white cat?- Yep, Ivy ( what a psyco cat)

9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on?-Birthday card to Autumn

10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming?- Nope

11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time?-Cant remember the last time I did

12. Who is the last baby that you held? Peyton

13. Can you spell well? No

14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste?- No

15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago?- 2005 Chev. Tahoe (same one I drive now)

16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gator? -I don't want to pick either

17. Last time you went to Six Flags?- Two years ago

18. Do you have any wallpaper in your house? - No

19. Closest thing to you that is yellow?- Ducks on the babies blanket

20. Last person you gave a business card to?-When I get business cards I let you know

21. Who is the last person you wrote a check to? Orthodontist

22. Closest framed picture to you? - My parents on their cruise

23. Last time you had someone cook for you? -Aaron, 2 nights ago. Great chicken!!

24. What do you hate about sleeping? How long it takes me to settle down and actually fall asleep

25. How many emails do you get in your inbox daily (excluding spam)? - 20 or so

26. Last time you gave flowers?- ohhh been a while

27. Hey where is 27??

28. Do you play air guitar?-No

29. Has anyone ever proposed to you? - Yes, still married to him :)

30. Do you take anything in your coffee? - No I dont drink coffee

31. Do you own any Willow Tree figurines? No, hate clutter

32. What is/was your high school's mascot? - Warrior

33. Last person you spoke to from high school? - Kristin

34. Last time you used hand sanitizer? -Yesterday at the gym

35. Would you like to learn how to play the drums?- Not really

36. What color are the blinds in your living room? - wood

38. Last thing you read in the newspaper? - About the eclipse

39. What was the last pageant you attended?- what? Probably the Sea-Bee's that Jordan was in many many years ago (1992 or 1993??)

40. What is the last place you bought pizza from? - Cidicci's

41. Have you ever worn a crown? -Yep, back in my princess days

42. What is the last thing you stapled?- I can not remember, but I remember trying to staple somthing the other day, and was out of staples.

43. Did you ever drink clear Pepsi? - No

44. Are you ticklish? - Yes, but i H.A.T.E to be tickeled!!

45. Last time you saw fireworks? -4th of July at Western Days in Independence

46. Last time you had a Krispy Kreme doughnut? -I wish I could remember. They are best fresh and hot!

47. Last person that IMed you, and you actually responded? - Angie

48. Last time you parked under a carport? - Who knows

49. Do you have a black dog? - No she is more orange/golden

51. Are you an aunt or uncle? -Aunt to 5

52. Who has the prettiest eyes that you know of? - Savannah

53. Last time you saw a semi truck?- Last night on the drive home from Savannah's gymanstics practice

54. What is the last song you belted out in the car? -You can't stop the beat, from the Hairspray shoundrack

55. do you have a little black dress? -No

The 80's....

1.How old were you in 1980? Before June 4th, 10 after 11

2. How old were you in 1989? Again, before June 4th 19, after 20

3. Were you a Toys R' US Kid? No, there was none around the town I grew up in

4.Did you watch Transformers? No

5. Did you see E.T. on the big screen? I think so

6. Did you own a Lite Bright? yes

7. Who is your Favorite Golden Girl? Blanche (aka Rue MaClanahan) she was "sassy"

8. When someone says " Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!!!

9. What was your favorite toy? Hmmm.....cant remember many toys, we played outside alot.

10. Did you have a Pogo Ball? No

11. Did you listen to New Kids on the Block? Uh, totally!

12. What New Kid did you have a crush on? JOEY!!

13. Did you play M.A.S.H? No

14. Did you watch The Care Bears? Yes

15. Did you have Jelly bracelets? Yes in lots of colors

16. Did you have a charm necklace and/or bracelet? Yes, I wonder where it is now

17. Did you have a Glo Worm? Not that I remember

18. Did you ever own a slap bracelet? Yes, bought them with my allowance

19. The Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles? Both! Who could choose!

20. Did you have a crazy hair style? Does making the sides stand out with many sprays of hair spray and bangs that stood almost straight up count?

21. What was your first bike? I remember one with a white seat with lots of flowers on it.

22. What one thing you still own from your childhood? Nothing, I hate clutter

23. Did you have a Cabbage Patch Kid? Yes , but got it in high school from my boyfriend ( my nephwe loved to play with it0

24. Did you dress like Madonna? Yes.......floursent colors, crazy hair, etc

25. Rainbow Brite or Strawberry Shortcake? Strawberry Shortcake

26. Did you watch Miami Vice? Yep

.27. Did you own a pair of Jelly Shoes? Yep, like 20 pairs again in all different colors

28. Did you own a Trapper Keeper? Yes

29. Atari or Nintendo? Neither, poor deprived children that we were :) My parents got some educational game call Odessey 12.

30. Did you play Pac-Man? Yes, at the bowling alley and pizza parlor

31. Which was better: Jem or Barbie and the Rockers? Jem

32. He-Man or She-Ra? She Ra....girl power

33. What movie scared you the most? Poltergiest

34. Did you try to dance like Michael Jackson? No!

35. What Is The First Thing That Comes To Mind When You Hear "Flux Capacitor"? Delorian.....Back to the Future.

36. What other colors did Pepsi come in? Clear adn brown is all I remember

37. Roger Rabbit Or Howard The Duck? Roger Rabbit

38. Did you ever beg your parents to have your school picture taken with the 'LASER' background? No

39. Do you know what the Ninja Rap is? No

40. Do you know why people cringe when they hear the word BUCKNER? No, never heard the word

60 Things you possibly didn't know about me..

60 Things You Possibly Didn't Know About Me

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now? A basket with the remote and headphone fro the DVD player, & the car charger to Savannah's phone.

2. When was the last time you threw up? An over indugelence of Captain Morgans last March
after the rascal Flatts concert.

3. What's your favorite curse word? Jack Butt (made up by Savannah)

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today? Savannah Dominick & Meghan

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Telling the school age kids to get their shoes on and get ready for the bus.

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Feeding Peyton a bottle.

7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now? Getting ready to start lunch.

8. Have you ever been to a strip club? Nope

9. What is the last thing you said aloud? Stay out of the road!

10. What is the best ice cream flavor? White licorice

11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Orange juice

12. What are you wearing right now? Black capris and a white shirt

13. What was the last thing you ate? Soda cracker, to wash my medicine down

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Not for me, for the kids yes

15. When was the last time you ran? High school? :)

16. What's the last sporting event you watched???? Savannah's gymnastics meet this past weekend

What happened to 17?

18. Who is the last person you emailed? Carrie

19. Ever go camping? Unfortunately yes

20. Do you have a tan? Not currently

Ok, now what happened to 21, 22 & 23????

24. Do you drink your soda from a straw? If it is a fountain drink yes, from a can no.

25. What did your last IM say?ni-night

26. Are you someone's best friend? Yes

27. What are you doing tomorrow? Working, grocery store, watch Emma's swim lesson

28. Where is your mom right now? In Arizon somewhere, doing something

29. Look to your left, what do you see? End table & baby swing

30. What color is your watch?Gold & white gold

31. What do you think of when you think of Australia ? Vacation

32. Would you consider plastic surgery? Yes

33. What is your birthstone? Pearl

34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit thedrive thru? Drive through

35.How many kids do you want? Just the 2 that I have

36. Do you have a dog? Yes, Scarlett

37. Last person you talked to on the phone? Aaron

38. Have you met anyone famous? Not really

39. Any plans today? Work, pick Dominick up from basketball practice, meetin at 7:30pm with Steve, I think that's it.

40. How many states have you lived in? One (except when I was a nanny, and that was only for less than a year (does that count?)

41. Ever go to college? Yes, for a while

42. Where are you right now? Living room

43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? the lack of sun

44. Last song listened to? Taylor Swift's

46. Are you allergic to anything? No

47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Flip flops

48. Are you jealous of anyone? No, I don't think so

50. Is anyone jealous of you?LOL! They shouldn't be if they are!

51. What time is it? 8:35am

52. Do any of your friends have children? Yes, most all of them

53. Do you eat healthy? Trying to do better at this

54. What do you usually do during the day? Take care of children, do laundry and housework.

55. Do you hate anyone right now? Maybe dislike strongly is a better term.

56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes

58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?29 + 10

59. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes

60. How did you get one of your scars? C-Section from Savannah 's birth

52 Random Questions

52 random questions

1. Would you forgive your best friend for sleeping with your wife or husband?Hell no!

2. Where were you on your 17th birthday?Hmmm...that was a long time ago but probably with Aaron and my family

3. Have you ever seen a live bat?Yes

4. Is there anyone you hate?Totally

5. How much are you on the phone daily?Not much

6. Do you like the color orange?Not unless it has to do with the Beavers

7. Do you find it in your heart to forgive?Hmmmm......forgive maybe, forget NEVER!

8. Have you ever seen a prostitute?Sure

9. Have you ever seen a real redneck?Hello..... sweet home is not that far away

10. Do you like tattoos and piercings?Depends where and what

11. What size shoes do you wear?11

12. Whats your favorite season?Summer

13. Do you care if people talk smack about you?Depends if it is true or not

14. Do you like someone?Yes

15. Does your dad call you a nickname?Not in years

16. Are you in a good mood?Yes

17. Do you think people will exist forever?No

18. What is your sign?Gemini

19. Do you believe in luck?Yes

20. Would you rather sky dive or bungee jump?Sky Dive definitley!

21. Do you like snakes?NO

22. Where is one place you would like to visit?Italy

23. Do you like waffles?Sure

24. Anything you are looking forward to?Yes, Vegas baby!

25. What clothes are you wearing?Capri sweats and a sweatshirt

26. Do you watch TRU TV?No

27.Be honest, do you like people in general? Generally yes

28. Big or small dogs? Both, as long as they dont yip all the time

29. Do you like Big Macs? Not really

30. Did someone bother you today? No

31. What do you think about death? I try not to think about it

32. Sometimes, do you wish you were someone else? Sure

33. Does someone love you? Yep

34. Do you know anyone named Dave? Yes, quite a few actually

35. Name a friend whose name starts with an M?Mandy

36. Has anyone ever mistaken you for a family member? No

37. Got any nicknames? Mama, Mom, Mother, Mommy

38. What color is your hair? Brown

39. Do you like starbucks? No, not really

40. Are you named after anyone? Nope

41. Say you were given a drug test right now. Would you pass or fail? Pass

42. How tall are you? 5'8

43. Are you taller than your mom? Yes

44. Do you like the color blue? Its ok

45. Who was the last person to send you a AIM? Angie

46. Last restaurant you went to?Hmmm....Olive Garden I think

47. What do you order at Outback Steakhouse? The Wallaby Darned, Aussie style

48. How do you like your steak cooked? Medium rare

49. Last voicemail you receive? Rhonda

50. What is the first thing you would do if you won five million dollars?Quit my job

51. How many hours did you sleep last night? 5

52. Any upcoming concerts you want to attend?Yep, 04/02/08 Rascal Flatts

Typical Sunday

Got up today around 9am, started cleaning the house with the family, worked on some laundry, got the Sunday newspaper and checked out the ads.

Finally showered around 11:30am, then Savannah and I headed to the store. Needed to go to Target, Fred Meyers, and Kohl's. Tyring to find a swimsuit for Savannah from Vegas trip, and because she has sprouted up the past 6 months or so, some new under garments. Boy, this is when I wished we lived in a bigger town. Not many stores to shop at.

Came home just before 2pm, got the food set up for the Super Bowl gathering.

Kick off just happened..............catch ya later! GO NY GIANTS!!

Ringing in 2008

2008 flew in, and what a great night it was! But how come as soon as a new year hits, the health care deductable is reset, and someone in our family needs something major done.

This year I guess I drew the short straw because Wednesday morning I ended up in the Emergency Room with a migrane from HELL! Ended up with more shots in my rear than I ever care to have again, and a lovely trip through the cat scan machine (on a great, not really, gurney ride that just added to the nausea, where do the learn how to drive those things??). Three days of sleep in a dark room, and I finally felt like I could move again without wanting to chop my head off.

Neurologist called in a new med to see if we could prevent them, but I have to tell you all. I so never want another one. Now I know that that is a big wish, but at least let them go back to the normal migranes that Imitrex and some great pain relievers take care of.

End of whine, but...........I so don't want to see that bill.........oh no.........we just paid off Aaron's back surgery!

Welcome 2008!

Review of July - December 2007

JULY - The Crittenden family pool was opened for the season.....

4th of July was spent with great friends in Independence, OR. It was a great fireworks display again, right along the river!

Then we spent a wonderfully long weekend with the Harter family in Pacific City. All the kids, dogs, and adults had a great time!

August - was a very busy month, we also had a great visit from Aaron's brother and family from Las Vegas.

Aaron and Karen (SIL) celebrated their birthdays (cake fight happened)

I attend the Oregon Jamboree with Angie ( we saw Jo Dee Messina (pictured), Trisha Yearwood, Dierks Bentley, Neal McCoy, Arron Tippin, Bucky Covington, Lorrie Morgan, Hal Ketchum, Steve Holy and more) we had great seat and the weather was wonderful.

I also attended my 20th high school reunion. Hmmm. not sure what to say about it. Some had changed, some still had not. It was great to see people, catch up on old friends, and see what is going on.

SEPTEMBER - Woo hoo, school starts again. Savannah moved to North Albany middle school, 6th grade had a rough (emotional) start, but is now doing great! Dominick is in the 4th grade at Clover Ridge still and loves it!

Savannah got her first 4 braces on, and is excited to have straight teeth in the future.

Aaron hurt his back and had to have back surgery also this month (once again he would not let me take pictures), and my mom flew out from Arizona to help me with just a days notice. I could not of made it through this time without her and my in-laws also. They were wonderful, helping transport the kids, and Aaron to dr. appt's, running errands, etc. It was a LONG couple of months,with physical therapy and many dr. appt's but he is finally doing great!

OCTOBER - What a busy month...... Savannah had her first band concert (she plays the Oboe)

We went to the pumpkin patch, and carved pumpkins.

Soccer and gymnastics seasons both started up again.

School pictures came back...........(not sure where Dominick's scan is (I will get working on that)

NOVEMBER - Thanksgiving was held at our house. A small affair with just Aaron's family and our friends The Harter's. But was a great day!

December - Oh where do we start.......what a busy crazy month (and its really not even over yet) Savannah has her winter band concert.

Dominick also had a Winter program, but when you send a man to take pictures you might as well not even send the camera. The pictures were horrible, blurry and unrecognizable. :(

Storybook land and seeing Santa (An annual tradition with Gma & Gpa Fish)

Let's see...........what else happened........oh ya Christmas tree hunting, decorating, and Christmas itself, but I will stave those for another post.....when I get the pictures uploaded. :)

Review of January - June 2007

This is a small sampling of the Crittenden life of 2007....

January - Aaron hurt his knee at the end of 2006, so he had surgery to repair his torn meniscus. Recovery was slow, but the surgery was sucessful. Sorry no pictures, he would not let me take any. I tried though.

February - Savannah competed in a very large meet in Newport, Oregon. It was her first meet as a level 6 gymanst. She did very well!

March - Savannah turns 11, had a terrific party at the local skating rink with her friends. Aaron spent spring break home taking the kids around the valley to different parks, and fishing at Detroit Lake.
I attend the Rascall Flatts concert in Portland with my dear friend Mandy. We had a blast!!

April - Dominick started basketball at the Boy's and Girl's club (first time evey playing), and loved it! Easter was spent at the Grandma & Granpa Fish's house. Even a little rain did not stop them from hunting eggs.

MAY - Brough the end of basketball and the beginning of Spring soccer.

JUNE - A happy birthday for me, .Savannah's graduation for 5th grade, and the end of the school year for both Dominick and Savannah

Prefences.......

Copied from my sis......

Socializing:
1. IF YOU HAVE A REGULAR SCHEDULE, WHAT IS IT? I get up at 5:30 every weekday. First I make the kids lunches, pick up the house a bit, wake up Savannah around 6am, and then get into the shower around 6:15am. The first daycare kids start coming around 6:45am, and it continues with 7 buses coming and going all day until 6pm when the last daycare child leaves.
I drive car pool on Wednesdays (Tuesdays instead starting in January) and we leave about 3:30pm to drive to Salem-Keizer to the gym, we leave there around 8pm, drop the girls off and are home by 9pm. I am so glad I only have to do this once a week. Most evenings are filled with errands, school events, homework, or hanging outwith the family.

2. DIETARY RESTRICTIONS (VEGAN/VEGETARIAN/CELIAC ETC): None, other than avoiding a lot of sugar stuff and trying to stick to whole grains, etc. Should be more though I am sure of it!

3. FOODS YOU HATE: Liver (and other internal organs), brussel sprouts, dry wine, food that touches other food, mushrooms, actually most vegetables that are cooked. The list could go on and on and on…… I will admit it….. I AM A PICKY EATER!

4. ANY FOOD ALLERGIES? None.

5. ARE YOU COMFORTABLE BEING LEFT ON YOUR OWN WITH NEW PEOPLE? Yes, as long as they're nice. If they treat me like an outsider, then, no, probably not (Who would be?)

6. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES YOU LIKE: Seeing movies in the theatre, going out to eat, potluck dinners, going to the beach, playing card or board games, going to the kids sporting events. Oh and shopping a lot!

7. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES YOU DON'T LIKE: Sports or physical challenges when people take them seriously, rather than just using them as an excuse to hang out and have fun. Going to parties where there is stupid levels of drinking going on, nude hottubbing/hanging out (or illegal activities) but I can’t say that I have been invited to any of these in MANY years. We just don’t hang out with people that do things like this.

Gifts:
1.FREE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY: Letters/cards in the mail, hanging out with family and friends, being with my kids/husband/pets, when Aaron lets me sleep in late on the weekends, snow.

2. CHEAP, SMALL THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY: Fresh flowers, candles, SoBe Lean (Cranberry-Grapefruit), emails from friends without stupid jokes, phone calls.

3. MEDIUM-SIZE THINGS THAT YOU WANT: My car detailed. Gift certificates for pedicures and massages, Fiestaware accessories, Americana stuff for the tops of my kitchen cabinets.

4. BIG THINGS THAT YOU WANT: The interior of my house repainted (NOT WHITE again), my baseboards and molding removed and replaced with Oak, a truck for Aaron, a vacation to New Hampshire to see the Stack family, who we have not see in almost 3 years, to loose 75 lbs.

5. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING: No, I hate clutter, and knickknacks.

6. WHAT SMELLS DO YOU LIKE? Perfumes: Beautiful, and Romance,.
Smells: Vanilla, fruity smells in the summer time, cinnamon and pine in the winter months.

7. WHAT COLORS DO YOU LIKE TO SURROUND YOURSELF WITH? Cream, Red (blue bases) , Navy.

8. WHAT COLORS DO YOU LIKE TO WEAR? Black, white, red….but usually a solid color that just catches my eye. Rarely wear prints. Trying to get out of the habit but it is hard to break.

9. CLOTHING SIZE: Please don’t my me clothes, I am so picky!

10. GOOD PLACES TO GET YOU GIFT CERTIFICATES TO: 14th Ave Spa, Nordstroms, the Heritage Mall, Old Navy, and the outlet mall, Walmart (believe it or not), Target, Kohls.

11. MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS YOU ALREADY HAVE: People, Martha Stewart Living, US Weekly, Consumer Reports.

12. MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE: None that I can think of.

13. NOT SO GOOD GIFTS: Knick-knacky stuff, clothing, junk… I have enough I don’t need more.

Christmas questions...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. I'm a freak about it too... I want it to all coordinate. When Christmas arrives and people show up and put their gifts under the tree wrapped with things that match mine, I hide the gifts they bring in the back.

2. Real trees or Artificial? Real tree ONLY!! We do live in Oregon ya know.

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend after Dominick’s birthday (12/3). This year, probably this weekend.

4. When do you take the tree down? The day after Christmas usually, because of the daycare, and the amount of space that our huge tree takes up.

5. Do you like eggnog? No, yuck! Hot chocolate with peppermint creamer sure!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My blue 10-speed bike, sitting in the front room when I opened the door after going to see my Aunt/Uncle. I was so surprised!!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, but it has not been up in years, we don’t have much flat table space.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Aaron's brother, Shawn or Aaron’s father, Dean. If they want anything, they could just go and buy it without worrying about the cost. Problem is, they just don't want anything or won’t give me any hints!

9. Easiest person to buy for? My kids hands down!! Maybe its because I spend so much time with them though.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. Usually picture cards from Costco.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Nothing stands out..

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Miracle on 34th Street.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I find something I know someone will love. Problem is, if I buy too early, I miss the thrill of shopping and spend way more money than I should!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, that’s tacky!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Homemade sugar cookies or Aaron’s special chex mix.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear ONLY!

17. Favorite Christmas song? Any, I have tons of Christmas CD’s and listen to them nonstop all season. But none of the parodies ones, they stink!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Most years we do Christmas Eve at our house, and Christmas day at The Crittenden house.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Yes.

20. Angel on the treetop or a star? Depends on the colors: Silver = star, Gold = Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Our own little family of four opens on Christmas morning, and then in the early afternoon we go to the Crittenden and open theirs there!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Unhappy clerks, or trying to find a parking spot.

23. Favorite Christmas ornament? The ones that Aaron’s mother gets for the kids every year.

24. Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Depends on what Dean decides to cook, but it is usually Prime rib or Lobster.

Thankful......

What are you thankful for? Here is a few things I am thankful for......



The love of my life, my soul partner, and husband of 17 years, Aaron.

My beautiful & precious daughter, Savannah Danielle.

My handsome & funny son, Dominick Mitchell

My wonderful parents (though they live to far away) they are the best!

My In-laws, who have NEVER treated me like a daughter in law, and always like a daughter.

My fathers health, he gave us a big scare this year, but all is looking up.

My mother for flying out a a moments notice when I needed her.

My sister, though we are miles apart, we talk frequently (thank god for computers and IM's) and I know she loves me though we lead very differnt lifes.

My best friend Angie, who is there no matter when I need her, and lets me spoil Meghan like she is my own.

My best friend Amanda, who is a blast, straight forward and always makes me laugh.

That Aaron's finally feeling better from his surgies/injuries this past year (it has been a rough one for him)

That both my children do great in school, have wonderful friends, and a solid head on their shoulders (at least so far).

Oh, what a week...

Monday was a holiday, no school, but Savannah came down with the flu and stayed home on Tuesday also. It is just too hard to pick her up if she is sick with Aaron working in Corvallis, and me home with the daycare kids. She missed gym for the first time because she was sick. And was worried all day about her homework and catchingup.

Wednesday she felt better, went to school and gym (though did not have lots of energy at gym) and Dominck went to his friends house. Evidently Dominick and Connor were playing football in the street, in the DARK and Dominick slipped and fell. Complained his foot hurt, but not too much.

Fast forward to this morning, he wakes up and is in tears, saying his heel/ankle hurts. Wont walk on it. So I call Aaron, we decided to head to the Dr., but the Dr. is 40 minutes each way, plus Aaron coming home adds an hour total. I called a friend and she graciously watched the daycare while I ran Dominick to Urgent Care. 2 hours later (which is better darn good for UC) we come out this a splint, sprained ankle and pulled ligaments. No PE or recess for at least one week, but thank heavens no fractures :)

Bonus they looked at the growth plate (which has been causing him trouble for the past year or so) and it looks good, but DR said he still has lots of growing that will happen. Oh lord!! :)

Daddy....

My mom called on Tuesday, to let me know that my daddy was going in for an Angiogram on Thursday. Made it seem like not a huge deal, until she said he had been having some chest pains. Now most of you know that my parents live in Arizona now. I have never been thrilled that they are so far away, but this makes it even worse.

See I am the fixer in the family, and there is not a damn thing that I can do. We live to far away. No, make that those darn fools moved to far away. I have not moved more than 30 minutes from where I grew up.

Get a call last night and things did not go well. They found blockage in his heart, and tryed to insert a stint, but it would not go. So it looks like he will have by-pass surgery.

I am worried sick.........I can not say that my daddy and I are close, we dont talk often, but I know that deep down he loves me greatly and I am not ready for my kids to loose their grandfather. Sure they only see him once a year, but they know exactly who he is, and they spent lots of time with him before they moved. (Not as much as I had hoped for, considering we saw our grandparents tons growing up, but you can't make them be apart of their life if they would rather be doing other things.) But I know how it feels to loose a grandfather, and I do not want to, anytime soon, know how it feels to loose a daddy.

Please keep him in your prayers and good thoughtsif you would.

Thanks!

Crazy two days!

What a week.........and it's only Tuesday.

Monday
- Got Savannah picked up early from school, and she got part of her braces put on then ran her to Sharon's work to catch car pool for gym
- Had friends over for dinner (she is having surgery in the AM, and wanted to make sure she did not have to cook or clean before she went)
- Savannah had gym until after 8pm, then had to pick her up
- A friends 18 month old spent the night

Tuesday
- Dominick had a mole removed, they are sending it off to check it for cancer (keep your fingers crossed)
- Dear friend Angie is having a total hysterectomy this morning (and 18 months ago with the birth of her daughter (c-section) she almost died from blood loss so that make me soooooo worried
- Savannah has her first band concert (with a very sore mouth)
- Aaron has Physical Therapy, and is not sleeping well from the nerve pain from his back surgery (hope it helps soon)
- Our close friends have been evacuated from their home in Rancho Bernando, so far all is well, no looting, but the neighborhood is a ghost town and the fires are way to close (maybe this will convince them to move back to Oregon, we miss them!)

Things have got to slow down! Too many things to worry about this week!

New job!!

Aaron has a new job, he is a "Financial Reporting Analyst" now. Still for the hospital but NO budgeting involved. WOO HOO!! This is one of the things that we have been hoping for, as he disliked, no make that hated budgeting with a passion!

Hopefully this will lessen some of the stress that he has had a work for the past couple of years, and make our home life happier also! :)

Try this.....per my mother...

Place X on things you've done
[X] Smoked a cigarette
[X] Drank so much you threw up X (Once was enough)
[ ] Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
[ ] Been arrested
[ ] Been on a blind date
[X] Skipped school
[X] Watched someone die
[ ] Been to Canada
[X] Been to Mexico
[X] Been to Florida
[X] Been on a plane
[X] Been lost
[X] Been on the opposite side of the country
[ ] Gone to Washington, DC
[X] Swam in the ocean
[X] Felt like dying
[X] Cried yourself to sleep
[X] Played cops and robbers
[X] Recently colored with crayons
[ ] Sang karaoke
[ ] Paid for a meal with only coins
[ ] Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
[X] Made prank phone calls
[X] Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
[X] Caught a snowflake on your tongue
[ ] Danced in the rain
[X] Written a letter to Santa Claus
[X] Been kissed under the mistletoe
[X] Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
[X] Blown bubbles
[X]Made a bonfire on the beach
[ ] Crashed a party
[X] Gone ice-skating
[ ] Been skinny dipping
[ ] Gone to the movies, paid for one ticket, and then snuck into another theater tosee a different feature afterwards

1. Any nicknames? Mom

2. Mother's name? Marlyn

3. Favorite drink? Raspberry Lemonade Crystal Lite

4. Tattoos? Two

5. Body piercing? Two in each ear

6. How much do you love your job? Most days its great!

7. Birthplace? San Francisco, CA

8. Favorite vacation spot? Beach

9. Ever been to Africa? No

10.Ever eaten cookies for dinner? No

11. Ever been on TV? Yes, in the audience (front row) on the Price is Right, and AM Northwest when I was a Princess

12. Ever steal any traffic signs? No

13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes

14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 door

15. Favorite salad dressing? Lite Italian

16. Favorite pie? Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream

17. Favorite number? 11

18. Favorite movie? Grease

19. Favorite holiday? Christmas

20. Favorite dessert? Angle Food Cake

21. Favorite food? Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza w/ Garlic Ranch sauce

22. Favorite day of the week? Sunday

23. Favorite brand of body wash? Bath & Body Works, but I like to change scents frequently

24. Favorite toothpaste? Menadent

25. Favorite smell? Fresh rain, ocean breeze, babies,

26. What do you do to relax? Read

27. Do you have a message to your friends reading this? Don't blink......

28. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Both kids in college, and Aaron & I enjoying our time together :)

Random thoughts,comments, etc....

So it has been a while since I last wrote. Things have been busy around here.



Here is a few random thoughts, comments, & blurbs about the past month or so.



Aaron's surgeon is awesome! Instant relief of about 70% of the pain he had before surgery was gone instantly. It is taking a while to get his strength back after being down flat for a month. He starts Physical Therapy this morning, so he may feel like crud tomorrow.

Mother flew in from Arizona for two weeks to help out, I really appreciate all that she did.

Our kids are awesome! They have been so helpful while Aaron was not feeling well. No complaining about the extra chores, or having to have others take them places becuase I could not be in two places at once.

Our friends and family are the best! I have never had so many offers of help, foood, taking the kids here or there, keeping them overnight

Autism SUCKS!

Fall is a wonderful season! I love all the leaves changing colors, and we can't wait to go to the pumpkin patch this coming weekend.

I love my husband more now than ever! I cherish this past month, taking care of him, worrying about him, just brought us closer together!