Monday, September 25, 2006

Fun Weekend, Happy Moments

Check out that smile:)





















We had a blast this weekend. Friday, I got off early so Mike and I could go to the Early Evening Dinner Special at Steak & Ale. It was delicious, and the company was great. Afterwards, we walked through Barnes & Noble and spent over an hour listening to music and reading a little. It was really neat. My parents kept Hunter and were thrilled to be with him. He was so excited too. He didn't want to leave, wanted to play on their sunroom, or his playroom:) Saturday, we went to ToysRUs and let Hunter look all over. We wanted to get some ideas for Christmas. Hunter got to play with some trains, play with stuffed animals, and he rode in several of the big cars. We were thinking about getting him one for Christmas but not sure which one yet. He likes Lightening McQueen the best. We went home with some Chickfila and then Hunter took a long nap. I cleaned up around the house a little. Mike had to work all day. On the way home, he stopped by Caleb's house and then they came here to work on his car stereo. Hunter and I played a little before he had a bath and then Nite-Nite. He woke up around 11 and couldn't go to sleep until about 1 because of his cold. We didn't go to church since we had been up late with him. He fell asleep in bed with us but didn't want to go back to his room. We slept in and rested most of Sunday until Hunter went down for his nap. I went to Kohl's and got a new pair of running shoes. I can't wait to use them. I think I will probably get on the treadmill tomorrow morning. I also went to Walmart and found 3 more Christmas presents. I'm over half way done. I'm so excited. I'm indecisive and take forever. I should have been looking for some more workout clothes. Mine are falling off me. BUT...what ISN'T falling off me these days? I need to get some new clothes. **Today, I hit 20 pounds that I have lost** I'm so excited. I just need to start working out more regular on the treadmill every night and every morning if I want to do a 5k run next month. We will see. Atleast Hunter is getting some use out of it. He wants to get on it every night. He says, "Walk" and then "Run". Mike will speed it up a little bit and of course hold his hands right in front of him. He actually keeps up and RUNS to keep up with the treadmill. That boy is so strong! He's also learning so much. He knows most of his colors, some starting numbers, and he's working on his alphabet. We work on the alphabet every night and sing the song. He knows several letters. He does really good. The last picture is of a Halloween outfit that I got for him at Walmart but it's not big enough. It is cute though; a cute little "Itsy Bitsy Spider". He really likes that song. He wasn't crazy about the gloves either but it's ok. It's just a little tight all over for him. They skip the Toddler sizes sometimes???? anyway, I'm getting ready for bed. I want to get up early to run and then vacume. Still have some laundry to finish up. I get SO much done in the morning before Hunter even wakes up. What I don't finish, I usually work on during lunch. It's nice working 5 minutes from home. Good Night:)

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Ya!! Grey's Anatomy



TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!! This has become one of my FAVORITE shows and tonight is the Season Premier of the Third Season. Can't wait to find out who Grey chooses. Is Izzy going to stay or really quit the program? I can't wait to watch!! I'll be busy, tonight glued to the tv:)

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Just a Moment ...




Well, it's been a while since my last post. What a busy time it's been. But, fun all the way. Thought I'd take a moment before work to catch up. We had an ausome weekend. We got our new furniture Friday. Everything was good, except our new leaning bookcase was the wrong color. We got the correct one last night. Hunter was helping Dad put it together:) Maybe we have a little handy man on our hands, just like his Dad. We cleaned up Saturday, after Hunter went down for a nap. Then, we taped up, moved furniture, and painted the living room. It's incredible what a coat of paint will do. Actually what TWO will do, since we did a cool sponge paint design. It looks so cool, just a softer look than that ole' ugly white in there. We are planning to paint the hallway and all upstairs when we get a chance. Hoped we would do it this weekend so unless we do it Sunday, we will have to wait. Mike has to work on Saturday most of the day. We had some plans to go to the Neptune Festival Saturday night. I hope we can still go. Sunday, we were over in Va Beach for the Neptune Festival Sandman Triathlon. It was incredible to watch. My friend, Mindy and I volunteered. We cut up fruit and poured water and Gaterade for the runners. Then, we worked the finish line and took the timer chips off the runner's ankles as they came through. It was nothing like I ever watched, and to be completely honest, I'd like to be able to do it in 2 years. It was a 1k swim in the ocean, 14 mile bike ride and 4 mile run. ALOT of work but we could do it if we trained. As far as dieting and excercise, I am THRILLED to say that I have lost 17 pounds so far. I'd still like to lose another 20 but it's a GREAT start. We have all been eating healthier, excercising and drinking lots of water. It's defentley paid off. We celebrated my bday this Monday at the Piccadilly. It was very yummy, and Hunter had fun playing with Grandma and Jeff. He was so silly:) I got some cool shirts, MONEY:) , and really nice cards. I had a good time. Mike and I are having dinner at the Steak & Ale Friday night together. I can't wait. Well, hope everyone has a great week and weekend. I'll be busy working on the house. We got all new lamps and need to work in our den. Take care and enjoy the cool weather:) Can't wait 'til Fall is finally here!!

Friday, September 15, 2006

Long Week..Maybe Long Weekend

Just thought I'd post a pic of my Hunter laughing with his daddy:) We were playing the other night with him and he really hammed up. It has been SUCH a long week. We've been gone a couple nights taking care of stuff, trying to redecorate the entire house it seems. We got some new tables for our den last weekend but I need new lamps. Plus, that room is a mess because tonite, we pick up new tables for our living room. Then, tomorrow, I'm trying to convince the hubby to let me do some painting. We wanted to go camping next weekend but we
really need to work around here. We may try to finish up this week. We hoped to be working on our bathroom by now but looks like we will need to replace our floor in our hall and kitchen soon. Then, probably some new carpeting. Are we moving? No, but it seems like it I'm sure. We just want to update our home and have it look a little more modern. I'm excited about the new look. I know our house is our best investment but it sure feels like the money pit sometimes:) The truth is, we love working on it together. I'm glad my hubby and I share that love for hard work and doing so many things together. But it makes for long weekends for us. Hopefully, we can get it a good part of it done and enjoy Saturday night together. (We get most of our work done while Hunter is taking a nap or after he's gone to bed; I hate doing anything while he's awake. That's my "Hunter Time" :) We have some plans with friends on Sunday and so that day is pretty full. I'm tired and really want to chill out tonite..huh! My dad has been out of town and comes back tonite. I KNOW he'll want to have dinner with us somewhere so he can see the little boy. He has withdrawals, as he calls it and I wouldn't dream of depriving him of seeing Hunter. He and my mom are such a big part of his life. We went to dinner at my favorite, Ruby Tuesday's last night. I had yummy brocolli and cheese soup and salad bar. It was nice to relax with "The Boys". Hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm so glad to be feeling much better, except for a sore throat. That's just allergies though...it's that time again. Hot one day and cool the next. Looking forward to just the cool. Gotta look for those fall candles to decorate with and burn now...Take care!

Monday, September 11, 2006

Mixed Emotions

It's hard to believe that 5 years ago today, so many people lost their lives. It's hard to believe that someone could purposely drive a plane in a building. I'll never forget the phone call I received that day at work. My sister in law called me because they had a radio on in their office . She told me a plane had flown in the WTC in NY and they believed it to be a terrorist act. It was so hard to believe. I remember just listening to the television throughout the day and wondering could this possibly be a bad dream. It seemed like I cried the entire day. Words could not express the pain I felt for the families of those lost that day, or the sadness that I felt that someone could do this. I know these men who were behind this thought this would tear apart our country but they were wrong. It only made us stronger. It only made us more proud of our country and what we stand for. I love this country and our president for being the man he is. It's easy to feel scared of what the future holds, but as long as we have faith in God, we can get through anything. I guess that's what gets me through a day like today. I just have to have faith and cast all my cares upon him.

On a lighter note, I know I'm not completely focused today. I just don't feel good. Still, not over the virus that keeps attacking my family. Hopefully, we'll get over it soon. Until then, I have to close. Just too tired to blog. Good Night and God Bless the USA...

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Are there still only 24 hours in a day?


What a day...We were busy ALL DAY LONG! We woke up this morning around 8:30, which is early for us on a Saturday, and had pancakes..Yummy. Mike likes to make breakfast for us on weekends. He went outside, afterwards, to work on some power washing he had started this week. He had already done the entire front of our house and then, this morning he started working on our privacy fence. Hunter and I watched Blues Clues for a little while and then went out and sat on the back porch to watch for a while. Mike got both gate sides finished and then, we headed inside for an early lunch; grilled cheeses and leftover cake. We went to Water Country for a little while. We live less than 10 minutes away so it's nice to have passes and go whenever we want. We had alot of fun! We were only there about two and a half hours but it was enough for Hunter to be able to run some energy off (and have a ball while doing so) and then take a good nap. We weren't even out of the parking lot before he was asleep. After we get out of the water for the last time, we dry him off and change him into his little terry cloth romper with a hood and he falls asleep almost as soon as he sits still. (It looks so comfy, I'd love to have one:) I gave him a bath when we got home and his usual massage and then down he went for a nap. Since he was a baby, I always give him a massage after his bath with his lotion and powder. HE LOVES IT. The nurses taught us how in the hospital when he was born and when they were teaching us about giving the baby a bath. We have a set routine every night so after his bath, he knows to expect it. We only spend maybe five minutes with it but you can tell how it soothes him, even now at two and a half. Then, Mike and I went to work outside in the back yard. Mike was still working on power washing the fence so I told him I'd cut the back yard grass. He started it for me while I took care of Hunter. We hadn't cut the grass in a while so of course, it took me forever, and I had to change the bag a bunch. We went through
-8- bags of grass clippings to finish JUST the back yard but it looks AWESOME! I know most women don't like to work in the yard but I love it. I love cutting the grass more than anything. I think I just like to sit back after our work is done and just marvel about what we have accomplished together as a team. Mike and I have always loved doing yard work together and then sitting in our little corner to see the difference it's made. We worked until 7:30 and then, finally, got cleaned up and went to dinner. Hunter woke up about an hour before and we let him run all over the yard. He was kicking the soccer ball and playing on his swing set. He even "pretended" to help me move the furniture from our screened in porch so I could clean it. I swept that out real good but tomorrow we are going to power wash that and clean it up really well. When it's nice in the evenings, we eat outside sometimes. Plus, Hunter has some toys out there that he likes to play with. We're also going to clean out our flower beds and get them ready for fall flowers and mulching. I may post some more pics of the house tomorrow, after we are completely done. Overall, we got so much accomplished. The grass is cut, Mike got most of the power washing done, he washed all three cars and the camper, we had tons of fun with Hunter and I may make it to bed before 11. We went to Chick-fil-a for dinner. It was so good but I can tell I don't have my total appetite back yet. I finished almost all my sandwich and I was full! Since I'm dieting, I think it's great that I eat less and get full now. Hopefully, I can get back on schedule tomorrow. I've been pretty good but Mike bought me a small round cake for my birthday that we finished off today, with some Reese Cup Ice Cream for lunch. It was yummy, but I can't take alot of rich foods like Mike can. He has SUCH a sweet tooth. It's cute to watch him too with a treat. He's like a kid in a candy store:) Anyway, I hope everyone had a good day today. I was just in the mood to document what we accomplished. I love this purple flower in my yard. This is now a beautiful tree in the back corner of my yard. When I got it, it was a stick. I got it free from a horticulture club and it, literally, looked like a stick in the yard. Mike and I laughed today at how far that tree has come. The bell is from my grandfather. My grandparents have one at their house and everyone in the family loved it. So, when he found some somewhere, he bought us all one. I love it. It really has special memories, and Hunter LOVES to ring the bell. Good Night:)

Friday, September 08, 2006

Simple pleasures...AAAHHHHH!





I'm feeling better!! I'm feeling better!! I thought for a while there I was going to die! But today, I got so hungry, I had a hamburger for lunch. It was SO good. I am still dieting and don't want to make it a habit of eating greasy food but Sonic has the best hamburgers. (I lost 8.5 pounds while I've been sick) I also *LOVE* their Strawberry Limeades. I lived on them while I was pregnant. I feel like I have my strength back and I want to ENJOY my weekend. I just want to be outside, whether it' s Water Country, since it's the last weekend open, Hampton Bay Days, or at the park so I can watch my Hunter RUN and have fun! Mike has been so good to me. I can't believe him. He got up at 11:30 P.M. last night because he remembered that he didn't have me any jello ready. I had to run out a little last night so I stopped in Walgreens and picked him up a card and his favorite candy, Candy Corn. I picked up 2 bags for him since they were on sale and he took 1 to work. Hope everyone has a good weekend. I can't wait to spend some time with the family again. I've missed them so much:)

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Birthday Blues




Well, this has probably been the longest week in a while. It seems like it will NEVER end. Friday, this Tropical Storm hit us and we lost power until Saturday afternoon. We slept in our camper so we could have lights, watch movies and keep our food from the fridge/freezer. Saturday morning, we had pancakes Mike cooked for us on the stove in the camper. I gave Hunter a bath and put him down for a nap after we played alot and then, the nightmare started. I took a long nap and woke up to get sick as a dog. I had a virus that is STiLL lingering. I was going to the bathroom, throwing up, dehydrated and could hardly walk I was so weak. I wanted to be in the den so I could atleast see my son but it took so much to get to the bathroom I had to move back to my room. Luckily, we did have a holiday. I have only had to take off 1 day from work. It's now Thursday and I still cannot eat solid food. I tried eating a little last night and lost every bit of it. I had a urinary tract infection and a huge ulcer all over my lip from being sick. I even started my period in the middle of it..UUGGHHH! Mike has been WONDERFUL. He brought me the walkie talkies so we could communicate and he could bring me anything I needed. He took care of Hunter AND me. Last night, he evern bought me a small birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday to me. He also got 2 types of ice cream and said we'd go out to eat as soon as I was better. I have to do something extra special for him when I feel better. He is so terrific. Hopefully, I will be feeling better soon. He and Hunter bought me this bouquet of flowers Sunday. He had Hunter bring them upstairs to me and tell me he loved me. WOW...did my heart melt:) I know I am so lucky to have the 2 most wonderful boys on the earth:) My grandmother brought me a ton of food too and these beautiful carnations. My cup runneth over...