It was a Happy Thanksgiving

It was a great Thanksgiving. I hope you all had a wonderful time with your families as well. :) We went to my sister's house and started preparing around 11am. Everyone chipped in. Ned tried his hand at his sister's cranberry orange sauce. :) I thought it was delicious. We had a wonderful family day with dinner and dessert, we watched a movie and played a game. I really enjoyed sharing my day with my favorite people in the world. I'm especially glad that I got to share it with the love of my life...Nedster. I am thankful for Ned...for being here with us...for protecting us...for loving us. I'm thankful for my Caitlyn...because she is like my right hand...I couldn't live without her. I'm thankful for Sara because she always makes me laugh. :) I'm thankful for my mom...because she is an amazing listener. I love you all. :)


Following a great Thanksgiving day...Caitlyn and I were up at 3:30 going shopping. We went to Kohl's, Walmart, Target, Fred Meyer's, and Lane Bryant. We had a great time...got a good amount of Christmas shopping done. Then in the afternoon...we went to Ned's family's for dessert. It was sure nice to see everyone. The gumball machine was a hit as usual and I was depleted of all my pennies.lol.

All in all...we had a wonderful holiday. Probably the best yet. Here's to many more holidays like this one. :)

Who's that girl????

I think the haircut helped me get out of my funk. :) I really can't believe that I went through with it. Jamie at "Classy Lass" (who's done my hair for about 5 years) was dumbfounded that I was ready for a change....color and cut. She was thrilled and I was even more thrilled when she made come to life, exactly what I had envisioned. I'm excited. I feel cute and sexy and new. :)

No gym tonight as Nedster has to get up to go to work at 1am...yuck! So bedtime is rounding about now. He promises to take me out this weekend because I look so darn cute with my new look. I can't wait. You know I love date nights. :)

Yeah for me :) Back to work tomorrow in the infusion. Ohhh how I love that place...seriously I do...I have my own office and everything. My patients will be in for a treat with my new look. :)

Lots of smiles today

Ughhhh the straw almost broke

Warning....I am not out of my funk yet. :( That picture describes it perfect....and I'm about to just lay down and let the tornado suck me up.

Well...I was 5 minutes late to work, and my boss decided to float me to the surgical floor. YUCK!!! It's not that I can't handle it, but I never float anymore. It's been like 3 years. I've worked on the surgical floor about 5 times in the almost 7 years that I've worked at the hospital. I am just not comfortable down there. I'm way out of my element. The day ended up okay...but let me tell you...it about sent me into tears this morning to be sent from my home unit. I already know that I'm an emotional eater...so therefore I was entitled to my cookie at work today as well as the burrito coming to me from Taco Bell :P

I'm just irritated. I have to go back to work in the morning for another 1 hour meeting...that will make me going into work everyday this week...and that annoys me. At least in the afternoon I go get my hair done, colored & cut, so maybe that will help me out a little. Wish me luck....I'm going to need it.

Should have been more than 1 post for all this.lol

Well...I do have a few things to put into one post. It won't appear as much to those reading, but it's a huge amount in my head. So lets begin. No exercise on Sunday...too many other things were happening, but even before that...Saturday night Ned started reading Charlotte's Web to Sara.
It was a lot of fun to see Ned read to her, and watch her expressions. I also listened as I relaxed with my feet up, and what I wouldn't do to be a kid again at times. I just wish I could do that, knowing what I know now, and I would change a few things in my life. But it was sure nice to listen to a book like I used to in grade school. It was fun to imagine how things looked...mmmm...I enjoyed those times.

Second thing...the casino trip didn't prove to be monetarily productive. Well of course it didn't.lol. I never really thought it would be...but there is some part of me that would like to think I would actually come out ahead. But the trip was definitely fun, as it always is. I was able to drink Starbucks out of a red cup (see previous post for details.hahaha) and I got to talk with my mom. We had a great time together....just chatting...and then losing money together.lol. Wish we could do that more often....the long drive and chatting that is.lol

Third thing...I went up to scrapbook with my friend Renee today. That was so long overdue, but
please tell me why she always has to move out to timbuktoo.lol It's always seems to be...around this corner...then that one...then straight up the hill....to the end of the road. If you hit the stop sign you've gone too far.lol. Then finally 30-40 min after I've left home, I arrive. Why....must you love the country so much??????
Well...to be honest with you...as I drove up myself...I loved the open pasture and all the fall leaves. It looked peaceful and stress free. I need stress free right now. I need peaceful. I had a wonderful afternoon with Renee scrapbooking and talking and laughing about little kids who were so funny back in the day doing the "chubby" thing.lol. I miss that. :) I want that back. It's hard to watch your kids grow up and become more independent. It reminds me that I am getting older, and I really wish I didn't have so many regrets. I want to be one of those people who doesn't regret things, but rather learns from them, and knows that each and every thing that has gone on has been a part of my story. None the less we had a great time laughing and even though Renee thought I was laughing at her misery...lol...I wasn't...I was just enjoying the entire family that was there...and don't always realize how much I miss them.

Speaking of regret....fourth thing. Do you ever do something that you regret at a later time? Do you ever do something so stupid, that goes against who you want to be? I did something that I would be upset for someone else doing to me. Curiosity and my own jealousy took over and I crossed a line that I shouldn't have. :( Makes me very disappointed in myself. Makes me wonder if I will ever learn. I wonder if I'll ever be who I want to be. 32...and I still don't think I know myself. I don't understand myself....how can I expect anyone else to? ohhhh alas...I should quit having a pity party and just deal. I'm thinking that counseling is looking better and better. I was trying to get my girls through their things first...and then help me...well...that time is looking like it needs to be more sooner than later...or who knows what will happen.

Well this post started out so nicely and ended so.....well to be honest .... crappy. Oh well I guess. That's how I feel this evening. Guess exercise needs to be on the agenda. Nothing like blaring music in your ears and sweating up a storm to change your outlook on life. Later I'll wonder why I wrote half of this. Oh well...what else are blogs for.lol

GOALLLLLLL....well technically 15 minutes short.lol

We did only get to the gym 3 times this week. I ended up having a longer end of the work week than normal, but we did pretty good. We did 30 minutes the first 2 nights and then 45 minutes this morning....45 because we just were too tired to go last night after working for 13 hours. We did good...though...and we sure felt good about ourselves this morning after working out, then showering, and heading out to a holiday bazaar. We didn't find anything we couldn't live without...and we are so bad about carrying cash that we couldn't just pick up something for a few dollars. I do wish I would have had $5 on me to get that Verbena soap...mmmmm I love that smell. So all in all I would say it was a good week. Yes we could have worked out more...but we just had to ease ourselves back into it because we realllllllly didn't want to do it.lol. I don't know that I will ever love exercise....I will do it because I have to....but never for something "fun" to do. Unless that includes swimming....I LOVE swimming. :) And tomorrow....I head out with my mom to the casino in Grande Ronde for a few hours. We never spend very much...just something fun we like to do...a couple times a year. Wish me LUCK....I need it. :)

On Our Way Again. :)

Remember this is a journey blog...a long journey...and we hung out at a rest stop for a bit...but now we are back! Ned and I made a goal to work out this week at least 4 times...and for at least 30 minutes each time. It isn't what we were doing before...but it will get us back into things. So far this week we have gone 2 nights in a row...and felt good about it afterwards. I also ventured to make a new dinner. Cajun chicken with spinach and noodles.
It is out of a healthy low fat cookbook. It has chicken breast pieces, cajun seasoning, whole wheat noodles, mushrooms and spinach. I wondered if anyone would like it...and to my surprise....EVERYONE LOVED it. Sara even went back for seconds. :) I was proud. On the road again. :)

Cherry Limeade.....SLUSH

Ohhh how I love Sonic. Whenever I'm in the mood for just something to drink...Sonic is always the first thing to mind. Don't get me wrong...I like their other stuff...but their limeade's are to die for as well as their slushes...why not the best of both worlds...a cherry limeade slush...and you can have a DIET cherry limeade slush!!!! Life is GOOOOOD.

Well Caitlyn was going to spend the night at her friend's house tonight...so we met at Sonic for the drop off. Renee and I sat and talked while I enjoyed my drink...and she hers. It's funny...everytime I'm with her...I miss her so much. We were the scrapbook queens...remember the very very late nights especially when we learned to use the cutter thing...ohh how I loved it. I totally need to scrap again & especially with my friend. :) I should upload some pictures tomorrow to Freddies or Walmart and then scrapbook some calendars for Christmas. That would be ultra awesome. It's a plan.

Ohhh...Ned took me out to dinner tonight too...to Chevy's. Chevy's and I have a thing for Fiery Chicken Flautas. I think it's the Habanero Jelly or something...but jeez it's good. I'm telling you this because we did something new. Even though it wasn't the best food for us...we brought half home. I'm going to start doing that everytime. Also...gym first thing in the morning. Maybe if I think about it...I'll take a picture.lol Now that might get a laugh out of somebody.

Babyyyyyy

So....are you proud of me yet for blogging more?lol.

Well another crazy day at work...little stress relief elsewhere....but for a few minutes as I held that baby boy...everything felt right. Everything was calm...and quiet...and I felt at peace.

I've felt a bit more anxious lately than normal...and I'm really not liking it. Not quite sure about what to do...maybe I need some therapeutic stress relief...like artsy stuff or something, or maybe I need a good massage from "Elements Day Spa" or maybe I just need to be treated like a queen :)...or then again maybe I just need to get over it already.

Well...we'll see I guess. I'll try and keep you updated.lol

I have a new nephew :)

My newest nephew came into the world today. :) Brandon Kyle you are absolutely adorable. Your mom and dad did a great job :) Can't wait to see you again....not only see you, but hold you too. :) Lots of smiles for that little one. I wish Matt & Amber especially lots of rest tonight. I remember that evening after I had Sara...and I was so grateful finally for some quiet and rest...even with a brand new baby. :) Here's his little nursery that he will sleep in soon. :)

Well meeting little Brandon was definitely the highlight of the day....the rest of it....wellllllllll

Do you ever have those days when you are completely overwhelmed? Ohhh gosh today was one of those days. Work was just above and beyond with chaos and a million phone calls. I couldn't see one patient without being interrupted by another call. I so wanted to cut the phone cord today. Ugh...good thing I started out with one of those Starbucks red cups this morning. :) A peppermint mocha twist :) It's funny...my day started out wonderfully and ended with a new life. It was the in between that wasn't so good....and stressful to the max. :(

Red cups :)

I love Starbucks red holiday cups. For me it starts the official holiday season.lol. I really need to get going on the Christmas shopping and my ornament making. Every year I make my family and a few select friends ;) ornaments and give them away at Thanksgiving. Ohhh how I love this time of year. I love the smells, and the colors, and the sights...ohhh how much fun it is. Still as an adult, Christmas is my favorite time. Well...not just Christmas...but Thanksgiving and Christmas together. Let the fun begin.....

Also...on another note....I'm so glad the election stuff is over. Since I've been able to vote...I've never heard such longing for it all to be over. Many times I've heard..."pick the lesser of 2 evils"...not exactly how you want a President chosen. Other interesting news quotes from this morning...."History has been made as the first African American is elected" but also "History has been made with the longest and most expensive race" I do think it is interesting with the economy the way that it is, that some people have lots to spend.lol......ohhh one more Matt Lauer on the Today show this morning said "With Obama, a Democrat, as president and the Senate and House largely Democratic, then they have no excuse to get the things done that they said they would" I say...let your actions be your voice.

Well anyway...today I'm getting my brakes fixed (hopefully.lol) and having one of my beloved red cup starbucks drinks. Yeahhhh :)

Friends since 13 :)

Oh...what a fun day. I met up with my old friend Denise for an early dinner and a glass of wine. We've been friends since I was 13. Wow....that's a long time.....like almost 20 years. More than 1/2 my life. WOW....I didn't really realize that until just now. Well....that would explain how we can not see each other for several months and still pick up right where we left off. Denise is one of those friends that has been there for a lot of times...good times...bad times...fun times...sad times. Through the birth of one child, the loss of another, a marriage, a divorce, all the inbetween. Ohh...how I miss the nights we used to sleep in her parents camper in the driveway, we'd sneak up on top and look at stars and do girl talk for quite awhile...or until I fell asleep. lol. Well after dinner I took her home and then I came home to my family. Lots of love here. :) I'm loving my life. :)

Every other day???? (Sheepish grin)

Ok....so we were running around busy yesterday....and I viewed my comment on here....but it didn't click in my brain to actually post. :( Well....better late then never.

Over the last few weeks we have enjoyed some good times getting ready for Halloween. We went to the pumpkin patch, where we not only picked out pumpkins, but we also went on a hay ride, did a pumpkin launch, had hot chocolate, and looked at farm animals.





Then a week later, Ned and Caitlyn went to the Haunted Houses at Jantzen Beach, otherwise known as "Scream at the Beach". I did not participate as I am a big scaredy cat. Sara and I did go with them, we just waited and watched people. One of the haunted houses was scary clowns....it's amazing how many people are frightened and terrified of clowns. There were a couple of clowns that would go along the lines of people and scare people (mostly teenage girls, who would shriek sharply). The lines there were at least an hour long, so the first night Ned and Caitlyn made it through only 2 houses, but we returned last night for the remainder 3 houses, and Sara rode the Carousel there at Jantzen Beach twice. :)A few nights before we carved pumpkins.
We all had such huge pumpkins...there were lots of seeds, and I even roasted and salted them for a snack (they are gone already.lol)
And then on Halloween night...I had to work, but the kids went around with family and friends to trick or treat. I gave out candy to patients and staff at work (it's amazing how many people wouldn't take any because they are watching their weight), I then came home to a wonderful dinner that Ned had all ready...and since the kids were out...we ended up having a night alone