So I'm not big into Halloween, I haven't been since I was a kid. I don't really like dressing up and we are never home enough (most of the time) to decorate or carve pumpkins. We at least usually hand out the good candy, but this year we are closed to the trick-or-treaters. We are taking the first chance we have gotten to go visit some friends and we are taking dinner with us (they had their first baby a little over a month ago). We are both really looking forward to this, but I can't help but feel a little, tiny bit bad for the poor neighborhood kids that are disappointed by the house being dark. There's always next year. I do look forward to seeing all of my nieces, nephews and friend's kiddos all dressed up though - that is by far my favorite part of this day!
Happy Halloween everyone!!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
my six things
This is courtesy of Jennifer
List 6 things that make you happy:
My faith. Not my religion of choice, but my faith in God. I was raised Catholic and now attend a Presbyterian church with my husband. He was raised primarily as a Baptist and religion/church has always been a hot topic for us. I have never felt that the faith in God that my parents instilled in me was ever exclusive to the Catholic faith, much to my parent's dismay. Before Greg & I got married we had decided that we were going to find a church that we both felt comfortable in, and that is where we would go and raise our family. It just so happened that our friends, the Greens, had tried this church and told us about it. Since Liz was raised Catholic like I was and Greg and Bernie were both raised Baptist we really valued their opinion on the matter. For us it is the perfect fusion of what I am used to and looking for and what he is comfortable with and looking for.
My husband. I have been truly blessed to have this man ask me to marry him and pledge to spend the rest of his life with me. I warned him from the get-go, divorce is not an option with me, he can only be "rid" of me if I die, but he responded by agreeing that he felt the same way. He has been my rock during the most difficult times I have ever known, he has been a wonderful uncle to my nieces & nephew, he is my best friend and my love. We talk about everything, our hopes, dreams, feelings, so much that I'm not sure that there is anything we don't talk about (unless it's a surprise for the other person.) He is the yin to my yang, without a doubt. We bring out the best in each other and I can't imagine my life without him.
My family. I am very close with my family. My parents are also my friends, as are my brother and sister (and SIL). I absolutely adore my nieces and nephews and I thank God for bringing them into my life. They make my heart smile. My best example to date - last night I had to run by my brother's house to pay for Girl Scout candy. While I was there my two nieces told me that they were going to ask their teachers and class to pray for my FIL (Greg's stepdad was diagnosed with cancer yesterday) and for his family because they "bet Uncle Greg is sad and his mom is sad too" When I heard those words come out of their mouths I started crying and went to give them a big hug & kiss. I don't know what I'd do without these kids either - my life is that much more complete because they are in it.
My new car. That may seem kinda of materialistic, but it is totally one of my favorite things! I just traded in my 10 year old Expedition for a 2008 Pontiac Torrent.
List 6 things that make you happy:
My faith. Not my religion of choice, but my faith in God. I was raised Catholic and now attend a Presbyterian church with my husband. He was raised primarily as a Baptist and religion/church has always been a hot topic for us. I have never felt that the faith in God that my parents instilled in me was ever exclusive to the Catholic faith, much to my parent's dismay. Before Greg & I got married we had decided that we were going to find a church that we both felt comfortable in, and that is where we would go and raise our family. It just so happened that our friends, the Greens, had tried this church and told us about it. Since Liz was raised Catholic like I was and Greg and Bernie were both raised Baptist we really valued their opinion on the matter. For us it is the perfect fusion of what I am used to and looking for and what he is comfortable with and looking for.
My husband. I have been truly blessed to have this man ask me to marry him and pledge to spend the rest of his life with me. I warned him from the get-go, divorce is not an option with me, he can only be "rid" of me if I die, but he responded by agreeing that he felt the same way. He has been my rock during the most difficult times I have ever known, he has been a wonderful uncle to my nieces & nephew, he is my best friend and my love. We talk about everything, our hopes, dreams, feelings, so much that I'm not sure that there is anything we don't talk about (unless it's a surprise for the other person.) He is the yin to my yang, without a doubt. We bring out the best in each other and I can't imagine my life without him.
My family. I am very close with my family. My parents are also my friends, as are my brother and sister (and SIL). I absolutely adore my nieces and nephews and I thank God for bringing them into my life. They make my heart smile. My best example to date - last night I had to run by my brother's house to pay for Girl Scout candy. While I was there my two nieces told me that they were going to ask their teachers and class to pray for my FIL (Greg's stepdad was diagnosed with cancer yesterday) and for his family because they "bet Uncle Greg is sad and his mom is sad too" When I heard those words come out of their mouths I started crying and went to give them a big hug & kiss. I don't know what I'd do without these kids either - my life is that much more complete because they are in it.
My new car. That may seem kinda of materialistic, but it is totally one of my favorite things! I just traded in my 10 year old Expedition for a 2008 Pontiac Torrent.
It is about the same size as Greg's Escape, but longer (the back seat has a freakish amount of leg room built in) I really lucked out and found one that was loaded. Sunroof, leather seats (heated leather seats), 6 disc in-dash CD player, headphone jack so I can plug my Zune directly into my car to play it, and it has remote start!! And the gas mileage is really good, which never hurts! Honestly, I didn't figure I would find a car that was this new with under 13,000 miles on it for the budget I set!! I have had it for 2 1/2 weeks now and absolutely love it!!
Bunco. I honestly used to not be a fan, but I have changed my mind! This is a great opportunity to see the girls once a month and eat some good food and just chat & catch up. Everyone is so busy these days with jobs and kids that it serves as a break for us ladies! Thanks Candice for starting it up!
DVR. It may be silly, but I do love to watch some shows and I am NEVER home when they are on. Whoever invented the DVR is a genius in my book ;-)
Now to pass on the "award" to those that haven't gotten it yet.....tag, you're it: Elizabeth & Emily
Monday, October 13, 2008
30 years, seriously?
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) This was the daily Bible verse on my 30th Birthday. For as frustrated as I feel lately with thinking about the future, this is something that I need to remember. Last Monday I turned 30. When did that happen? While I may act like I am in my 30's most of the time it just feels like I'm lying to say I have been alive for 30 years.
I had a wonderful birthday. Greg had the day off anyway because my birthday fell on Columbus Day this year (bank holiday), so I took the day off as well so we could spend it together. We slept in, went to check out the new Yukon Target (!!!!), went to lunch and went home to veg on the couch and catch up on all our shows we've DVR'd and haven't had time to watch. It was a wonderful, low-key day - just what I needed! My parents stopped by that evening to wish me a happy birthday and give me a present ($$) and then they went on their way. Tuesday we had dinner with Greg's dad & step-mom for my birthday. It was great to see them - Greg sees them a lot more often than I do because he goes to lunch with them every so often. Thursday evening was spent having dinner with Greg's mom, step-dad and 2 brothers to celebrate my birthday. This has truly been a birthday week! Friday night I had the honor and privilege of spending time with Miss Molly Taylor while Jen & Bob drive up to Stillwater to go to walkaround for homecoming. I have been dying to babysit her since she was born and I finally got my chance! Jen was afraid she would be a bit fussy because she didn't get e good nap that afternoon, but she was a angel! She played well and gave me lots of smiles, ate dinner very well and fell asleep during her bottle before bed. I could've put her straight to bed but I wanted to brush her teeth so I set her in her Bumbo chair and started brushing. It woke her up a little, but it was probably better because she had fallen asleep a little earlier than she should have anyway. After that I held her for a few minutes then put her in bed. She didn't fuss a bit and just played for a few minutes, listening to her music, and then fell asleep! She was truly a joy to spend time with - you can't be anything other than happy around her when you see that smile!! Saturday night we got to spend over at the Taylor's again, this time for a small cookout with a few friends for my birthday. I wanted to keep it small and not at all about my birthday so we just did 4 couples (counting Greg & I) and the Taylor's hosted because it was already baby-friendly and easiest for the moms. It was nice to see some friends and to have a social evening with no agenda. We played with kiddos, we ate, we visited and we all went home to go to sleep! Sunday was my family birthday celebration. After church Greg dropped my off at my parent's house. I went with my mom and sister to meet my SIL at Mistletoe Market, a holiday shopping extravaganza that has over 100 booths full of holiday decorations, gifts, clothing & food. I was lucky enough to do some Christmas shopping for my nephew and one of my nieces, as well as a birthday present for a little man that is about to turn 1! Later that afternoon we had 2 soccer games, both Kayden and Bella had games within half an hour of each other, so we all watched those. Then we met Greg up at Yamato for a delicious Asian meal! Before going home to go to bed Greg & I helped my parents finish emptying out the kitchen cabinets at their house - they are remodeling this week!!
I had a truly wonderful birthday week and I can't thank my friends and families enough for all of the cards, calls, text messages, myspace/facebook comments, emails and gifts. I am really blessed.
I had a wonderful birthday. Greg had the day off anyway because my birthday fell on Columbus Day this year (bank holiday), so I took the day off as well so we could spend it together. We slept in, went to check out the new Yukon Target (!!!!), went to lunch and went home to veg on the couch and catch up on all our shows we've DVR'd and haven't had time to watch. It was a wonderful, low-key day - just what I needed! My parents stopped by that evening to wish me a happy birthday and give me a present ($$) and then they went on their way. Tuesday we had dinner with Greg's dad & step-mom for my birthday. It was great to see them - Greg sees them a lot more often than I do because he goes to lunch with them every so often. Thursday evening was spent having dinner with Greg's mom, step-dad and 2 brothers to celebrate my birthday. This has truly been a birthday week! Friday night I had the honor and privilege of spending time with Miss Molly Taylor while Jen & Bob drive up to Stillwater to go to walkaround for homecoming. I have been dying to babysit her since she was born and I finally got my chance! Jen was afraid she would be a bit fussy because she didn't get e good nap that afternoon, but she was a angel! She played well and gave me lots of smiles, ate dinner very well and fell asleep during her bottle before bed. I could've put her straight to bed but I wanted to brush her teeth so I set her in her Bumbo chair and started brushing. It woke her up a little, but it was probably better because she had fallen asleep a little earlier than she should have anyway. After that I held her for a few minutes then put her in bed. She didn't fuss a bit and just played for a few minutes, listening to her music, and then fell asleep! She was truly a joy to spend time with - you can't be anything other than happy around her when you see that smile!! Saturday night we got to spend over at the Taylor's again, this time for a small cookout with a few friends for my birthday. I wanted to keep it small and not at all about my birthday so we just did 4 couples (counting Greg & I) and the Taylor's hosted because it was already baby-friendly and easiest for the moms. It was nice to see some friends and to have a social evening with no agenda. We played with kiddos, we ate, we visited and we all went home to go to sleep! Sunday was my family birthday celebration. After church Greg dropped my off at my parent's house. I went with my mom and sister to meet my SIL at Mistletoe Market, a holiday shopping extravaganza that has over 100 booths full of holiday decorations, gifts, clothing & food. I was lucky enough to do some Christmas shopping for my nephew and one of my nieces, as well as a birthday present for a little man that is about to turn 1! Later that afternoon we had 2 soccer games, both Kayden and Bella had games within half an hour of each other, so we all watched those. Then we met Greg up at Yamato for a delicious Asian meal! Before going home to go to bed Greg & I helped my parents finish emptying out the kitchen cabinets at their house - they are remodeling this week!!
I had a truly wonderful birthday week and I can't thank my friends and families enough for all of the cards, calls, text messages, myspace/facebook comments, emails and gifts. I am really blessed.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
it never really slows down
I have come to the conclusion that once you get married your life is forever busy and never really slows down until you die. Don't get me wrong - I am grateful for every crazy-busy day, but a break every now and again would be nice.
Not a lot of fun has been going on the past week & a half, but we've tried to squeeze some in where we could. Tuesday I did something out of the ordinary - I went out to lunch. My only close friend from the KD house that still lives around here lives just a few miles north of me, and sadly we never see each other! So Tuesday CC and I went to have lunch with another friend from college, Rick. He actually lives a few blocks from the Greens (good friends of ours that live about 3 miles from us) and I haven't seen him since college. It was a nice break from the madness that is my job and a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends! Tuesday evening our friends Jon & Candice welcomed their first born to the world (CONGRATS!!!!). Samuel Alex Mason arrived after a long day of labor for poor Candice. Thanks to her epidural I think she did pretty well through the whole thing. We went to see them on Wednesday evening - he is SO cute! He is a fairly big baby (8lbs. 13oz.) but still so tiny - I always forget how tiny newborns are! Before heading to the hospital we went to eat with one of my best & oldest friends Jen, her husband Bob, their 8 month old daughter Molly, and another couple (Blake & Stephanie). We always seem to be busy and it feels like we never see anyone, so it was nice to spend some time with friends. Plus I can't get enough of Molly - she is the cutest darn thing!! Thursday Greg finally got his new company car, so we spent that evening playing with it and re-situating the garage so both cars could fit. Hopefully someday soon his new car will have my new car to stay in the garage with it. Jen's dad is my car dealer and he has begun the search for my next set of wheels so it is only a matter of time I hope! Friday was our monthly girls night of Bunco and socializing. The last Friday of every month we go to a different person's house and they cook dinner for everyone and then we chat & play Bunco. Megan was our hostess this month and she made a delicious Mexican casserole and dessert enchiladas - Greg would love them so I totally need to get the recipe! It was like a Mexican version of apple pie, which I don't even like, but this was awesome! Saturday was spent with the ladies again, this time celebrating the upcoming arrival of our friend Jackie's first born in November. She seemed like she had a great time at her shower and she got a ton of great stuff! All I can remember about Sunday is church that morning and then my day goes blurry. Life has been so crazy since mid-July when my supervisor left - we got slammed with work about a week after that and it hasn't slowed down any. Don't get me wrong - that's a good thing because I get paid time and a half for every minute of overtime I do - but it also sucks because it means I to work 1-2 hours of overtime each day, and have been for the past 2 1/2 months!! It just makes me so tired at night. Plus we are trying to get my MIL's house in Norman finished so the sale can go through and we can all be done driving back & forth! We are so close!!
My parent's left last Friday for a 2 week vacation in the New England area with my aunt & uncle from Iowa (my mom's little sister). I believe they were flying into Boston and then renting a car and driving all around from there. I chatted with my dad for a minute earlier today and they were on their way to Niagara Falls. I would anything to go on vacation right now. Greg is trying to find a good deal for a tropical vacation toward the end of this month - kind of a 30th birthday trip for me a few weeks late. I can't believe I am turning 30 in 11 days - I don't feel like I should be 30 already. It seems like just last week I was graduating college, not 6 years ago. Oh well, as they say, time flies when you're having fun....
Not a lot of fun has been going on the past week & a half, but we've tried to squeeze some in where we could. Tuesday I did something out of the ordinary - I went out to lunch. My only close friend from the KD house that still lives around here lives just a few miles north of me, and sadly we never see each other! So Tuesday CC and I went to have lunch with another friend from college, Rick. He actually lives a few blocks from the Greens (good friends of ours that live about 3 miles from us) and I haven't seen him since college. It was a nice break from the madness that is my job and a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends! Tuesday evening our friends Jon & Candice welcomed their first born to the world (CONGRATS!!!!). Samuel Alex Mason arrived after a long day of labor for poor Candice. Thanks to her epidural I think she did pretty well through the whole thing. We went to see them on Wednesday evening - he is SO cute! He is a fairly big baby (8lbs. 13oz.) but still so tiny - I always forget how tiny newborns are! Before heading to the hospital we went to eat with one of my best & oldest friends Jen, her husband Bob, their 8 month old daughter Molly, and another couple (Blake & Stephanie). We always seem to be busy and it feels like we never see anyone, so it was nice to spend some time with friends. Plus I can't get enough of Molly - she is the cutest darn thing!! Thursday Greg finally got his new company car, so we spent that evening playing with it and re-situating the garage so both cars could fit. Hopefully someday soon his new car will have my new car to stay in the garage with it. Jen's dad is my car dealer and he has begun the search for my next set of wheels so it is only a matter of time I hope! Friday was our monthly girls night of Bunco and socializing. The last Friday of every month we go to a different person's house and they cook dinner for everyone and then we chat & play Bunco. Megan was our hostess this month and she made a delicious Mexican casserole and dessert enchiladas - Greg would love them so I totally need to get the recipe! It was like a Mexican version of apple pie, which I don't even like, but this was awesome! Saturday was spent with the ladies again, this time celebrating the upcoming arrival of our friend Jackie's first born in November. She seemed like she had a great time at her shower and she got a ton of great stuff! All I can remember about Sunday is church that morning and then my day goes blurry. Life has been so crazy since mid-July when my supervisor left - we got slammed with work about a week after that and it hasn't slowed down any. Don't get me wrong - that's a good thing because I get paid time and a half for every minute of overtime I do - but it also sucks because it means I to work 1-2 hours of overtime each day, and have been for the past 2 1/2 months!! It just makes me so tired at night. Plus we are trying to get my MIL's house in Norman finished so the sale can go through and we can all be done driving back & forth! We are so close!!
My parent's left last Friday for a 2 week vacation in the New England area with my aunt & uncle from Iowa (my mom's little sister). I believe they were flying into Boston and then renting a car and driving all around from there. I chatted with my dad for a minute earlier today and they were on their way to Niagara Falls. I would anything to go on vacation right now. Greg is trying to find a good deal for a tropical vacation toward the end of this month - kind of a 30th birthday trip for me a few weeks late. I can't believe I am turning 30 in 11 days - I don't feel like I should be 30 already. It seems like just last week I was graduating college, not 6 years ago. Oh well, as they say, time flies when you're having fun....
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