Wow! Has it really been 4 months since I last posted?! Yah, I have no excuse. I spend a lot of time on the internet and there is no reason I shouldn't have been posting. I take that back, I do have an excuse but it's not a good one. In fact, it's such a bad excuse that I won't blame you if you never come back...
I am a quitter. Seriously! I quit EVERYTHING! I mean, I did graduate from high school and I did graduate from college and I would never quit being a mom no matter how much I want to... but still, everything else, I have quit. Other than being a mom, the longest job I ever held was for 11 months and while I thought I was fired, I actually quit... long story that I might share at a later date but right now... we are talking about me being a quitter.
So yah, I'm a quitter. That Couch to 5k I started... never finished. This blog... just up and quit one day. Workouts, diets, jobs... the list goes on and on and on. I want to change, I do... and I think this is where I will start.
I always feel like I have no purpose in life... like I want to go back to school or get a job to occupy my time. You know, what little time I have left after my kids have sucked the minutes out of the day. Something for me, something to escape to and that is what this blog is supposed to be. And even though I talk about my kids a lot... it is still my little vacation. A chance to feel like I am doing something useful besides the typical screw-up-my-kids-and-save-for-their-therapy-bills-instead-of-college-mom.
So, what do you say? Are you with me? Will you help me do something and hold me accountable? Hello? Is anyone out there? Are you even listening? Well... even if I am the only one reading this I am still going to do it. Like it or not, Bri is back in Blogger Town!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Couch to 5k Challenge (aka C25K)
This past week I decided to start the Couch to 5k Challenge. Better known as the C25K. I am not a runner by any means but this challenge promises to take you from being a couch potato to being able to run a 5k in just 9wks. You only workout 3 days a week and it builds you up so you don't feel like you are dying on day 1.
Week 1 Day 1 I decided to run around my house because, frankly, where else was I going to run. The babies (and the dog) loved it. They followed me around thinking I was playing with them and it was great. I downloaded these podcasts that tell me when to walk and when to run so I didn't have to pay attention to the time. My legs weren't sore the next day and I was already thinking about running again.
Week 1 Day 2 I thought I would go running outside. Snow on the ground but not too cold and a friend at the house able to watch the kids... so why not. I got all geared up and headed out. I got to the stop sign, turned right and started to head up hill. At this point I was still doing my 5 minute warm up walk so it was going great. Then I started my 60 second run and let me tell you... I am not an outdoor, cold weather, wind in your face runner. I thought I was going to die. I made it back to my house and came back in to finish my run inside. The dog didn't even think twice about it today. Apparently the novelty already wore off for him LoL
Week 1 Day 3 will come tomorrow and that will be the end of Week 1! I cannot wait to see how I handle Week 2. I have heard several people have to repeat a week and I do not doubt that I will need to as well. Like I said, I am so not a runner (I mean, I'd probably be the dumb blonde that gets killed first in the horror movie)
Week 1 Day 1 I decided to run around my house because, frankly, where else was I going to run. The babies (and the dog) loved it. They followed me around thinking I was playing with them and it was great. I downloaded these podcasts that tell me when to walk and when to run so I didn't have to pay attention to the time. My legs weren't sore the next day and I was already thinking about running again.
Week 1 Day 2 I thought I would go running outside. Snow on the ground but not too cold and a friend at the house able to watch the kids... so why not. I got all geared up and headed out. I got to the stop sign, turned right and started to head up hill. At this point I was still doing my 5 minute warm up walk so it was going great. Then I started my 60 second run and let me tell you... I am not an outdoor, cold weather, wind in your face runner. I thought I was going to die. I made it back to my house and came back in to finish my run inside. The dog didn't even think twice about it today. Apparently the novelty already wore off for him LoL
Week 1 Day 3 will come tomorrow and that will be the end of Week 1! I cannot wait to see how I handle Week 2. I have heard several people have to repeat a week and I do not doubt that I will need to as well. Like I said, I am so not a runner (I mean, I'd probably be the dumb blonde that gets killed first in the horror movie)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Fun Photo Friday - My Baby Is Growing Up
My first daughter with my husband was born on January 14th 2001. My first real delivery and I had just turned 20. John was barely 19 and saying he was pale during delivery is an understatement. It was an induction that went off without a hitch... except for the fact my doctor didn't make it back in time to deliver and the on call doctor looked like my grandpa ;)
This little girl has been the light of my life. She is beautiful, intelligent and as goofy as her daddy. She is growing up too fast though. Next year she will be in the double digits and before long we will have two "women" in this house. Why can't they stay babies forever? Where they love Barney, think watching you play video games on your phone is cool and radiate such joy with their contagious laughter and you think life can't get any better.
I know there are bigger and better things around the corner but feeling like I missed my baby growing up even when I was here every step of the way is hard. I can only imagine how hard it is for her daddy that missed two years of her life by serving his country. But we are so proud of this little girl. I couldn't have asked for a better little girl to help me learn to be a mommy.
Happy 9th Birthday Alexandra Noelle!
This little girl has been the light of my life. She is beautiful, intelligent and as goofy as her daddy. She is growing up too fast though. Next year she will be in the double digits and before long we will have two "women" in this house. Why can't they stay babies forever? Where they love Barney, think watching you play video games on your phone is cool and radiate such joy with their contagious laughter and you think life can't get any better.
I know there are bigger and better things around the corner but feeling like I missed my baby growing up even when I was here every step of the way is hard. I can only imagine how hard it is for her daddy that missed two years of her life by serving his country. But we are so proud of this little girl. I couldn't have asked for a better little girl to help me learn to be a mommy.
Happy 9th Birthday Alexandra Noelle!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I've Come to Realize...
1. I’ve come to realize that my body. . . has gone to hell in a hand basket. It literally makes me gag.
2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . . pays me in hugs, kisses and dirty dishes.
3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I can multitask. I can't just drive. I have to call someone, listen to the radio, yell at the kids, find a blanket wedged between the door and the seat, change the movie for the kids, check Facebook. I am a great driver despite all that though!
4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . . a perfectly timed cup of caffiene to calm me down when my stress level is through the roof.
5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost. . . my mind. It becomes more and more evident every single day. And it scares the crap out of me.
6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . John yells at the kids when I ask him to take care of something. I could have done that myself ;)
7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . I don't feel so old.
8. I’ve come to realize that money… is the root of all evil. If you don't have it, you want it. If you have it, you blow it. If you blow it, you bitch that everyone else has more money money than you and you think they should spread the wealth. If you have it and don't blow it, there is no way in hell you are sharing it. I hate the politics of money!
9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . cannot get past the negativity and they have a way of bringing you down too.
10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . read about other people's drama even if it makes me furious.
11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . will always be my friends.
12. I’ve come to realize that my mom… could make better choices but chooses not to.
13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . has legs and is trying to get away from me. I am always losing it.
14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . . it was trash day so I had better get John up so he doesn't forget
15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I wasn't as antsy as usual
16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . . about day 2 of the C25K challenge
17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . . is still the same man I didn't get along with when I was younger but I still love him because he is my dad.
18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . . I have trouble getting off it.
19. I’ve come to realize that today. . . is the start of a healthier me.
20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . I am going to the mall with Kristina
21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . will be a cleaning/laundry day since I made today a workout day.
22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . . get rid of a lot of useless STUFF in my house and make more room.
23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . . bored, like me.
24. I’ve come to realize that life. . . shouldn't be taken for granted. We should live every day as if it were our last.
25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . . I am going with a great friend for a mini roadtrip :)
26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . . is my 1432 CD my hubby made me, it always makes me feel better.
27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . will always come through for each other.
28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . . John and I have been together for 10 years.
29. I’ve come to realize that my husband. . . is a different man now than when we met and were married. Sometimes that's not a bad thing though.
30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . spend less time in front of the computer/tv and maybe I would have less headaches.
31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . . Victoria's Secret's workout clothes.
32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . politics.
33. I’ve come to realize my past. . . is better left in the past.
34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . . are better with a couple great friends than a large group of acquaintances.
35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . . of getting old.
36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is only as good as I make it.
2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . . pays me in hugs, kisses and dirty dishes.
3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I can multitask. I can't just drive. I have to call someone, listen to the radio, yell at the kids, find a blanket wedged between the door and the seat, change the movie for the kids, check Facebook. I am a great driver despite all that though!
4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . . a perfectly timed cup of caffiene to calm me down when my stress level is through the roof.
5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost. . . my mind. It becomes more and more evident every single day. And it scares the crap out of me.
6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . John yells at the kids when I ask him to take care of something. I could have done that myself ;)
7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . I don't feel so old.
8. I’ve come to realize that money… is the root of all evil. If you don't have it, you want it. If you have it, you blow it. If you blow it, you bitch that everyone else has more money money than you and you think they should spread the wealth. If you have it and don't blow it, there is no way in hell you are sharing it. I hate the politics of money!
9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . cannot get past the negativity and they have a way of bringing you down too.
10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . read about other people's drama even if it makes me furious.
11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . will always be my friends.
12. I’ve come to realize that my mom… could make better choices but chooses not to.
13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . has legs and is trying to get away from me. I am always losing it.
14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . . it was trash day so I had better get John up so he doesn't forget
15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I wasn't as antsy as usual
16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . . about day 2 of the C25K challenge
17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . . is still the same man I didn't get along with when I was younger but I still love him because he is my dad.
18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . . I have trouble getting off it.
19. I’ve come to realize that today. . . is the start of a healthier me.
20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . I am going to the mall with Kristina
21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . will be a cleaning/laundry day since I made today a workout day.
22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . . get rid of a lot of useless STUFF in my house and make more room.
23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . . bored, like me.
24. I’ve come to realize that life. . . shouldn't be taken for granted. We should live every day as if it were our last.
25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . . I am going with a great friend for a mini roadtrip :)
26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . . is my 1432 CD my hubby made me, it always makes me feel better.
27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . will always come through for each other.
28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . . John and I have been together for 10 years.
29. I’ve come to realize that my husband. . . is a different man now than when we met and were married. Sometimes that's not a bad thing though.
30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . spend less time in front of the computer/tv and maybe I would have less headaches.
31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . . Victoria's Secret's workout clothes.
32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . politics.
33. I’ve come to realize my past. . . is better left in the past.
34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . . are better with a couple great friends than a large group of acquaintances.
35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . . of getting old.
36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is only as good as I make it.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
2010 Has Been Crazy
That is why I haven't been around much in the last two weeks.
My kids got sick after we got home from Ohio and it made it's rounds skipping over me and Jacob {knock on wood}. It was a tiring, 3 days of puking starting with Sara and moving quickly to Kadie, Lexi, Adam and John.
My dog has become a pill lately too. He barks at me for EVERY. SINGLE. THING. He barks for food, he barks for water, he barks to go out, he barks to play and it's EVERY. FIVE. MINUTES. UGH it's super frustrating. The only time he doesn't bark is when he wants to come in. Nope, he sits quietly for a few minutes and when no one notices he jumps on the door. The worst part, he only barks at me... no one else. Just me. Like I needed one more person/thing vying for my attention.
And on top of these mundane annoyances... a friend of over 4 years has suddenly passed away leaving me with a heavy heart and loss of words. I never expected to feel this way. When I heard she was having complications from surgery I was worried but I never thought it would turn out like this. She was only 32yrs old and left behind a husband and four kids. Today her family will say their goodbyes and tomorrow they will lay her to rest. RIP Anna
My kids got sick after we got home from Ohio and it made it's rounds skipping over me and Jacob {knock on wood}. It was a tiring, 3 days of puking starting with Sara and moving quickly to Kadie, Lexi, Adam and John.
My dog has become a pill lately too. He barks at me for EVERY. SINGLE. THING. He barks for food, he barks for water, he barks to go out, he barks to play and it's EVERY. FIVE. MINUTES. UGH it's super frustrating. The only time he doesn't bark is when he wants to come in. Nope, he sits quietly for a few minutes and when no one notices he jumps on the door. The worst part, he only barks at me... no one else. Just me. Like I needed one more person/thing vying for my attention.
And on top of these mundane annoyances... a friend of over 4 years has suddenly passed away leaving me with a heavy heart and loss of words. I never expected to feel this way. When I heard she was having complications from surgery I was worried but I never thought it would turn out like this. She was only 32yrs old and left behind a husband and four kids. Today her family will say their goodbyes and tomorrow they will lay her to rest. RIP Anna
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Wow, has it really been 10yrs since Y2K was a big deal?! Now we are talking about 2012 being the end of the world. Will it ever end? Not the world. HA! I mean the "OMG THE WORLD IS ENDING" frenzy. I didn't think twice about the world ending in 2000 and I won't think twice about it ending in 2012. I choose to live for today and not think about what COULD happen. If the world is going to end, it's going to end. I'm obviously not missing out on anything since everyone else is going to wherever I am going (you know, that spot reserved in hell... it's gonna be GREAT).
Ok, so more seriously... 10 years have gone by and it doesn't seem like it has really been that long. But when I think about it... 10 years ago I was SINGLE!!!! No children to take care of, no real responsibilities and I was bouncing around from job to job and home to home. Now look where I am. Married to a soldier with FIVE kids, a dog and a nice house in Suburbia (only renting, but that's how we prefer it right now). Our finances are in a better place, our vehicles are only a couple years old and our kids are happy and healthy. Life is great. I can only imagine what the next 10 years have in store for me, besides getting older. Please don't make me think about how old I will be in 2020. GAH!
I have about a gazillion resolutions I want to make but have not started any yet. Since we are still in holiday mode I am not setting any official resolutions until we get back to Iowa. I guess you can say I am the typical person when it comes to this sorta thing. I resolve to lose weight, to eat better, to spend less, to save more. None of it usually happens but I really want to be a better person in general. Now what exactly will I plan to resolve this year, I am not so sure. But I do know what I want to do. I just have to figure out how to do it, and stick to it.
Check back on Tuesday (or more likely Wednesday) for my 2010 resolutions.
Ok, so more seriously... 10 years have gone by and it doesn't seem like it has really been that long. But when I think about it... 10 years ago I was SINGLE!!!! No children to take care of, no real responsibilities and I was bouncing around from job to job and home to home. Now look where I am. Married to a soldier with FIVE kids, a dog and a nice house in Suburbia (only renting, but that's how we prefer it right now). Our finances are in a better place, our vehicles are only a couple years old and our kids are happy and healthy. Life is great. I can only imagine what the next 10 years have in store for me, besides getting older. Please don't make me think about how old I will be in 2020. GAH!
I have about a gazillion resolutions I want to make but have not started any yet. Since we are still in holiday mode I am not setting any official resolutions until we get back to Iowa. I guess you can say I am the typical person when it comes to this sorta thing. I resolve to lose weight, to eat better, to spend less, to save more. None of it usually happens but I really want to be a better person in general. Now what exactly will I plan to resolve this year, I am not so sure. But I do know what I want to do. I just have to figure out how to do it, and stick to it.
Check back on Tuesday (or more likely Wednesday) for my 2010 resolutions.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Adam Turns Four... Later
If you were to ask me what today is, I would tell you it is Adam's birthday. Technically, it is not though.
Four years ago, I went into the hospital to be induced. I arrived around 7pm with the assumption that he would not be born on the 30th. I mean, the 31st was just mere hours away. There was no way he would be born today but then I did it... I made a silly comment that would change EVERYTHING. I jokingly said, "He could still be born today."
They started up my induction with some cervadil which had put me into labor once before and sure enough, it worked. No pitocin needed. My contractions came on strong and hard. I kept begging the nurse to check my progress but she kept putting me off. She would say "Let me know when you want checked" so I would tell her, and she would say, "Oh, not yet. Let's wait til X time." I rocked in a squeaky rocking chair to ease my contractions and everyone in the room was cracking up cause they knew when they were getting bad.
I asked the nurse one last time to check me... around 1130pm and again, she wouldn't. She wanted me to take a walk, or take a shower. I finally gave in and said I would take a shower. I knew there was no way I could go walking. I barely made it to the bathroom on my own. By the time they got me undressed and in the shower I was in so much pain that I was screaming that the baby was coming.
The nurse came rushing from the next room and was shocked when she saw me. I could tell she was embarrassed since she would not listen to me when I asked her to check me earlier... so when she got me back in the bed and checked me, what do you know... I was complete and ready to push.
I couldn't though. I had to wait for a doctor and I was getting very agitated. I was ready to have this kid and they were dilly dallying around. I could hear the nurses chit chatting and I finally shouted, "JUST GET A DOCTOR IN HERE!" To which they replied... "The dr is in here." Ok, so I did feel a bit sheepish but COME ON I am about to shoot a kid across the room here.
Then all hell broke loose. And when I say hell, I mean my water... it popped, like a balloon and sprayed EVERYWHERE. It felt like a movie... a comedy, actually. But it was not funny, not to me. The dr finally came over and I was given the go-ahead to push. I was assured it was after midnight so I pushed to my heart's content... or more like to Adam's content. Just 2 1/2 pushes later, he was out.
The called out his birth time as 12:00:59 (so almost 12:01) and I was so excited. He wasn't born on the same day as my cousins, he would have his own birthday (at least in our family). I kept asking the nurses to be sure I heard them right and then it happened.
"No, he was born at 11:59"
"Excuse me?! I thought you said..."
"Yah, I did, but we have to go by the clock on the monitor, not the clock on the wall."
WTF?! Yah, I was MAD! I mean, it all worked out fine... the 30th fits in with our family (long story) but still. Come to find out, on New Year's Eve, when I spent it alone, in my hospital room watching the ball drop, the time on the wall was actually right... or at least right on with everyone else in the world, just not the hospital monitor.
So yah, technically he was born on the 31st... and that was when I cut to cord (the most surreal thing EVER), so shouldn't be just count that as when he was born since he was still attached :p
Four years ago, I went into the hospital to be induced. I arrived around 7pm with the assumption that he would not be born on the 30th. I mean, the 31st was just mere hours away. There was no way he would be born today but then I did it... I made a silly comment that would change EVERYTHING. I jokingly said, "He could still be born today."
They started up my induction with some cervadil which had put me into labor once before and sure enough, it worked. No pitocin needed. My contractions came on strong and hard. I kept begging the nurse to check my progress but she kept putting me off. She would say "Let me know when you want checked" so I would tell her, and she would say, "Oh, not yet. Let's wait til X time." I rocked in a squeaky rocking chair to ease my contractions and everyone in the room was cracking up cause they knew when they were getting bad.
I asked the nurse one last time to check me... around 1130pm and again, she wouldn't. She wanted me to take a walk, or take a shower. I finally gave in and said I would take a shower. I knew there was no way I could go walking. I barely made it to the bathroom on my own. By the time they got me undressed and in the shower I was in so much pain that I was screaming that the baby was coming.
The nurse came rushing from the next room and was shocked when she saw me. I could tell she was embarrassed since she would not listen to me when I asked her to check me earlier... so when she got me back in the bed and checked me, what do you know... I was complete and ready to push.
I couldn't though. I had to wait for a doctor and I was getting very agitated. I was ready to have this kid and they were dilly dallying around. I could hear the nurses chit chatting and I finally shouted, "JUST GET A DOCTOR IN HERE!" To which they replied... "The dr is in here." Ok, so I did feel a bit sheepish but COME ON I am about to shoot a kid across the room here.
Then all hell broke loose. And when I say hell, I mean my water... it popped, like a balloon and sprayed EVERYWHERE. It felt like a movie... a comedy, actually. But it was not funny, not to me. The dr finally came over and I was given the go-ahead to push. I was assured it was after midnight so I pushed to my heart's content... or more like to Adam's content. Just 2 1/2 pushes later, he was out.
The called out his birth time as 12:00:59 (so almost 12:01) and I was so excited. He wasn't born on the same day as my cousins, he would have his own birthday (at least in our family). I kept asking the nurses to be sure I heard them right and then it happened.
"No, he was born at 11:59"
"Excuse me?! I thought you said..."
"Yah, I did, but we have to go by the clock on the monitor, not the clock on the wall."
WTF?! Yah, I was MAD! I mean, it all worked out fine... the 30th fits in with our family (long story) but still. Come to find out, on New Year's Eve, when I spent it alone, in my hospital room watching the ball drop, the time on the wall was actually right... or at least right on with everyone else in the world, just not the hospital monitor.
So yah, technically he was born on the 31st... and that was when I cut to cord (the most surreal thing EVER), so shouldn't be just count that as when he was born since he was still attached :p
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Three Down, Three to Go
We are half way done with our Ohio Christmas plans. I have not decided if I prefer them spread out like this or if I would prefer them to happen all in a few days. Maybe if they did happen all in a few days I could take the kids home when they really started to grate on my nerves... which occurred Christmas Day!
They were so bad Christmas Day. We didn't have any plans until later in the day and I completely forgot that every time we open gifts with John's dad's side of the family they get left out. They are the only little kids that are here then and thankfully they didn't seem too heartbroken but the babies didn't quite understand why everyone else was getting gifts and they weren't. I guess next year I will have to remember to have an extra gift for them to open at the same time. Unless of course we skip Christmas next year... which sounds sooooo good right now.
Anyway... Saturday night we had John's mom's side of the family Christmas and then our immediate family Christmas (with John's parents & brothers). The kids got a couple books, a couple outfits, a couple movies and were all around happy with everything. John's mom and I both got his brother the same thing... TWICE! This is why I don't tell two people the same thing. He says it's so he KNOWS he will get it. I'd rather go buy it myself than have to worry about returning something. That's just me, I guess.
I went shopping on Sunday for some clearance Christmas stuff and ended up getting the kids some new Ohio State shirts. It makes me kinda glad that they aren't readily available EVERYWHERE in Iowa or else we might be in trouble. Kadie wore hers yesterday and wants to wear it again today. The ironic part is she spent the day at my mom's yesterday and we are going there again today... they are Michigan fans HAHA! We are just doing a gift exchange over there this year but it should still be fun. John is bringing two of our Wii games and I am looking forward to a family snowball fight (if the snow will pack)!
Tomorrow is Adam's birthday and our plans are not set yet. We have a pic appointment at Portrait Innovations to get Adam and Sara's birthday pictures done and I am hoping to get my brother and his family in there too so we can get all the cousins together and a pic of all of us for my mom. I suppose I should probably see if my stepsister and stepbrother can make it so ALL the kids are in there, and we should see if we can get our little sister on my dad's side so we can give him one too. After that we are hoping to go sledding, but it looks like the snow is melting. Not sure what our dinner plans are (Adam's pick) and then we are hoping to go see the Lights at the Toledo Zoo. Hopefully it's not too cold!
New Years Eve we were invited to a kid friendly party with promises of booze and Wii! Can't beat that, can you?! Not sure if we are going or not, but with no plans... I don't see why we wouldn't. And then New Years Day is the Rose Bowl! Can't miss that. My aunt wants us to come over at some point but not sure what time... just hope it's way before the game starts so we can be back here to watch it. I mean, I suppose we could always watch there, but the house is too small and too crowded. Guess we will play it by ear.
Our last Christmas is at my dad's on Saturday (the 2nd). Since my brother wasn't getting in town until yesterday and my dad works during the week, I figured that would be the best time to do it. No time has been set yet, but I am thinking sometime in the afternoon. Guess I should find out what we are eating and if I should bring something.
Yah, so that is our week coming up and I still need to get together with a few people... I hate when I am in town and can't get together with friends. There are a couple I haven't seen in FOREVER and miss so much but we always seem to not be in town at the same time or not make the time to get together when we are. Something needs to change, I think.
They were so bad Christmas Day. We didn't have any plans until later in the day and I completely forgot that every time we open gifts with John's dad's side of the family they get left out. They are the only little kids that are here then and thankfully they didn't seem too heartbroken but the babies didn't quite understand why everyone else was getting gifts and they weren't. I guess next year I will have to remember to have an extra gift for them to open at the same time. Unless of course we skip Christmas next year... which sounds sooooo good right now.
Anyway... Saturday night we had John's mom's side of the family Christmas and then our immediate family Christmas (with John's parents & brothers). The kids got a couple books, a couple outfits, a couple movies and were all around happy with everything. John's mom and I both got his brother the same thing... TWICE! This is why I don't tell two people the same thing. He says it's so he KNOWS he will get it. I'd rather go buy it myself than have to worry about returning something. That's just me, I guess.
I went shopping on Sunday for some clearance Christmas stuff and ended up getting the kids some new Ohio State shirts. It makes me kinda glad that they aren't readily available EVERYWHERE in Iowa or else we might be in trouble. Kadie wore hers yesterday and wants to wear it again today. The ironic part is she spent the day at my mom's yesterday and we are going there again today... they are Michigan fans HAHA! We are just doing a gift exchange over there this year but it should still be fun. John is bringing two of our Wii games and I am looking forward to a family snowball fight (if the snow will pack)!
Tomorrow is Adam's birthday and our plans are not set yet. We have a pic appointment at Portrait Innovations to get Adam and Sara's birthday pictures done and I am hoping to get my brother and his family in there too so we can get all the cousins together and a pic of all of us for my mom. I suppose I should probably see if my stepsister and stepbrother can make it so ALL the kids are in there, and we should see if we can get our little sister on my dad's side so we can give him one too. After that we are hoping to go sledding, but it looks like the snow is melting. Not sure what our dinner plans are (Adam's pick) and then we are hoping to go see the Lights at the Toledo Zoo. Hopefully it's not too cold!
New Years Eve we were invited to a kid friendly party with promises of booze and Wii! Can't beat that, can you?! Not sure if we are going or not, but with no plans... I don't see why we wouldn't. And then New Years Day is the Rose Bowl! Can't miss that. My aunt wants us to come over at some point but not sure what time... just hope it's way before the game starts so we can be back here to watch it. I mean, I suppose we could always watch there, but the house is too small and too crowded. Guess we will play it by ear.
Our last Christmas is at my dad's on Saturday (the 2nd). Since my brother wasn't getting in town until yesterday and my dad works during the week, I figured that would be the best time to do it. No time has been set yet, but I am thinking sometime in the afternoon. Guess I should find out what we are eating and if I should bring something.
Yah, so that is our week coming up and I still need to get together with a few people... I hate when I am in town and can't get together with friends. There are a couple I haven't seen in FOREVER and miss so much but we always seem to not be in town at the same time or not make the time to get together when we are. Something needs to change, I think.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas
I just wanted to wish everyone a big
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I hope you all get everything you asked Santa for! Lots of well behaved children, fun times, sweet husbands/wives, big hugs and strong drinks (as needed). Here is to a happy remainder of 2009 and all the best to come in the new year!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I hope you all get everything you asked Santa for! Lots of well behaved children, fun times, sweet husbands/wives, big hugs and strong drinks (as needed). Here is to a happy remainder of 2009 and all the best to come in the new year!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Traditions
Today is Christmas Eve and our usual tradition is to eat dinner with the in laws, go to church, then come back to the house to open presents. This year is going to be different though. Since John's brother won't be able to make it Christmas Eve, we won't be doing presents until Sunday morning. Hopefully the kids don't mind, which I am sure they won't but I still worry. We kept things as normal as possible around here though... we opened our presents Sunday and Santa even left some big items for the kids. We spent all day Saturday making cookies and Tuesday we headed to Ohio after the kids got out of school.
We don't really have any other family traditions but Christmas Eve has always been Lexi's favorite part of the whole holiday season. Thankfully it's the church part and not the presents part. Next year we will be starting a new tradition with the Elf on the Shelf that I got this year and never put out.
What are your family traditions? Any new ones you started this year?
We don't really have any other family traditions but Christmas Eve has always been Lexi's favorite part of the whole holiday season. Thankfully it's the church part and not the presents part. Next year we will be starting a new tradition with the Elf on the Shelf that I got this year and never put out.
What are your family traditions? Any new ones you started this year?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Out of Town
In place of What's for Dinner Wednesday I just wanted to let all of you (I don't know, 12 readers, if that) that I will be out of town for the next couple of weeks. I will have internet access but with the Holidays I am not sure how often I will be on.
Our plans right now don't even start until after Christmas, which is crazy but we will deal with it. We did Christmas with the kid and Santa yesterday so they won't be expecting anything Christmas morning (can't wait to surprise them with another visit from Santa though).
So anyway... if you don't hear from me, it's just cause we are busy, not because I am being lazy. I am going to try to write up a few posts and schedule them so you at least have something to read. That way you know I am still alive and don't go through Bri withdrawals :p
Our plans right now don't even start until after Christmas, which is crazy but we will deal with it. We did Christmas with the kid and Santa yesterday so they won't be expecting anything Christmas morning (can't wait to surprise them with another visit from Santa though).
So anyway... if you don't hear from me, it's just cause we are busy, not because I am being lazy. I am going to try to write up a few posts and schedule them so you at least have something to read. That way you know I am still alive and don't go through Bri withdrawals :p
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
It's Official
It is NOW winter! Yesterday was the first day of winter and you wouldn't know it with all the snow we have already got. A couple weeks ago we were slammed with blizzard like conditions and 8+ inches of snow. We even had snow back in October when my kids were playing soccer. What a nice welcome back to the Midwest for us, not!
So thinking back on winters past for this week's Time Travel Tuesday would be much easier if I didn't have mush for brains. I do remember my favorite part of winter, growing up, was going sledding. Something my kids have rarely gotten to do. And I think only Lexi & Jacob have ever gone sledding and that was years ago. Living in Georgia for 4 years and not getting much snow while home for Christmas has prevented them from enjoying that part of the season.
This year we are living in Iowa and have a small hill in our front yard... nothing like the giant hill that in my front yard as a kid. The hill we would sled down and slide right into the street from. It was a blast. I can only hope my kids can know that kind of fun. Yah, we do fun things but there are some things you just can't skip... like sledding down BIG hills!
So anyway, with all the snow we have been getting and probably more to come now we just need sleds. All my kid are little snow bunnies and loved it when we played outside. I can only imagine the excitement they will get from going sledding. Maybe there will be time while we are in Ohio and we can go with my niece and nephew since they too have never gone sledding. What a blast that would be... my family, my brother's family and my sister all together sledding. Let's hope it works out that way!
So thinking back on winters past for this week's Time Travel Tuesday would be much easier if I didn't have mush for brains. I do remember my favorite part of winter, growing up, was going sledding. Something my kids have rarely gotten to do. And I think only Lexi & Jacob have ever gone sledding and that was years ago. Living in Georgia for 4 years and not getting much snow while home for Christmas has prevented them from enjoying that part of the season.
This year we are living in Iowa and have a small hill in our front yard... nothing like the giant hill that in my front yard as a kid. The hill we would sled down and slide right into the street from. It was a blast. I can only hope my kids can know that kind of fun. Yah, we do fun things but there are some things you just can't skip... like sledding down BIG hills!
So anyway, with all the snow we have been getting and probably more to come now we just need sleds. All my kid are little snow bunnies and loved it when we played outside. I can only imagine the excitement they will get from going sledding. Maybe there will be time while we are in Ohio and we can go with my niece and nephew since they too have never gone sledding. What a blast that would be... my family, my brother's family and my sister all together sledding. Let's hope it works out that way!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Movie Review Monday
Would you believe it if I told you we haven't watched any movies this week?! Yah, I wouldn't believe it either. Now the real question is, have I watched anything I haven't reviewed yet. My brain doesn't seem to want to work this morning so the answer to that question is still unknown.
Last night I had intended on going to see a new movie with a couple of friends. Either Precious or The Blind Side sounded good and were at a good time too. However, I decided that I like hanging out and chit chatting with my friends and sitting in a movie for two hours would make that near impossible... no, I take that back... it would be impossible because I am not a movie talker. It drives me nuts, so I won't do it to others.
Anyway, amid all my rambling about not going to a movie, I remembered a movie we have seen recently that I know I haven't reviewed because it was the first time ever seeing it. Ever hear of the movie Taken? No? I don't know... maybe you have, but I know I didn't. When I read the description after John getting it from Netflix though, it made me want to see it. So after having lost the movie for two weeks we finally watched it.
Taken: A 17yr old girl is kidnapped in Paris along with her friend. The locals are trafficking young women travelling alone in the country, getting them addicted to drugs and turning them for profit. The father of the 17yr old happens to be on the phone with his daughter when the girls are kidnapped and he just so happens to be ex-military with friends in high places. He heads off to find his daughter which he only has 96hrs at best, to do. The movie was very intense and very good. Think Bond saving the girl and killing 1267 people in one shot. Ok, so most of it wasn't believable but what action movie antics are?! It was still a good movie. Pick it up the next time you are out (or get it from Netflix, at least it isn't going to cost you extra if you don't like it, right?)
Last night I had intended on going to see a new movie with a couple of friends. Either Precious or The Blind Side sounded good and were at a good time too. However, I decided that I like hanging out and chit chatting with my friends and sitting in a movie for two hours would make that near impossible... no, I take that back... it would be impossible because I am not a movie talker. It drives me nuts, so I won't do it to others.
Anyway, amid all my rambling about not going to a movie, I remembered a movie we have seen recently that I know I haven't reviewed because it was the first time ever seeing it. Ever hear of the movie Taken? No? I don't know... maybe you have, but I know I didn't. When I read the description after John getting it from Netflix though, it made me want to see it. So after having lost the movie for two weeks we finally watched it.
Taken: A 17yr old girl is kidnapped in Paris along with her friend. The locals are trafficking young women travelling alone in the country, getting them addicted to drugs and turning them for profit. The father of the 17yr old happens to be on the phone with his daughter when the girls are kidnapped and he just so happens to be ex-military with friends in high places. He heads off to find his daughter which he only has 96hrs at best, to do. The movie was very intense and very good. Think Bond saving the girl and killing 1267 people in one shot. Ok, so most of it wasn't believable but what action movie antics are?! It was still a good movie. Pick it up the next time you are out (or get it from Netflix, at least it isn't going to cost you extra if you don't like it, right?)
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