Merry Christmas

Today started on a pretty rotten and stinky note, and lets just say I wasn't in the best of moods this morning. It was just about 2 this afternoon, that things started to turn around. The thing that made the difference... Lila ran to me with a smile and wide open arms, and gave me a hug and a big, wet kiss without me even asking! That's it. So simple.
I was reminded of how great my life is.
Now, I'm getting myself mentally geared up to leave my family for 3 days to be at work. It's going to be hard to be away from them for the majority of my favorite holiday, but I know they'll be here waiting for me when I come home!
I am going to take the attitude that I GET to be at a job I love, helping families welcome their very own Christmas miracles!
I probably won't blog again for a week or so, until the craziness dies down, so from our home to you....
Have safe travels, warm hearts and memories, and the very MERRIEST OF CHRISTMAS'S, and remember the Reason for the Season!

Count your blessings

ok, ummm... it's been a week. Total roller coaster to be honest.... Let's start with the good stuff!
Ryan and I went to the Dr. today and had our glimpse at Baby #2! No matter how many times I feel it move, seeing this little person is so amazing! All is well, I'm measuring exact to my dates, and they're estimating the baby is around 15oz. I'm technically 21 weeks and 3 days (little over 5 months!) I need to get Ryan to help scan in the US pic so I can post it!

Next... This weekend... well, Saturday ended up being very quiet for us. We were planning on attending our God-daughter's 1st B-Day party, but she was unfortunately very sick and they had to cancel. Boo :( However, since I'm remembering today, I can wish her a VERY HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!!!

Yesterday we celebrated Christmas with Ryan's family. It was great seeing everyone and watching all the kids play together! Lila was a trooper too, even with no morning nap! We tackled grocery shopping on our way home, and Ryan and I even got to spend a little time together watching a movie and having some Hot Buttered Rum! (well, he did... I had Hot Buttered Cider) P.S. Thanks Danica, the recipe ROCKS!

Well, our weekend ended on a bit of a sour note. Our big guy, Boone, had been on loan hunting with my Dad and Uncle out in South Dakota for the past few days. They came back through town and dropped him off as we had planned. Bummer was, it was at 12:30 in the morning. Second big Bummer... our Big Boone has a bit of a sensitive tummy, and my Dad had given him a big ole' beef bone as a treat. Well, that didn't sit very well, so now on top of being totally wiped out, sore and exhausted, our man now has the most horrible diarrhea I've ever seen. Not to gross anybody out, but it's a little disturbing to see blood coming out of his rear end :( So in the tub he went, and downstairs with some warm blankets for the night. He seems to be feeling better this morning, but hasn't hardly moved all day, pretty tuckered out. Poor guy.

Okay, lastly....but most certainly not least. I love my job. I love being part of one of the greatest moments in peoples lives. Last week, however, I shared some of the deepest sorrow I've known. A family I had the privilege of caring for, unexpectedly lost their sweet baby girl. I've cried and prayed for them every day since, and still am struggling to figure out what happened and why. I think at this point, I just have to hang on to my faith and try to remember there is a plan and a reason even when I don't understand it. All I can do is take this experience with me never forget this family. I know that there is a new sweet angel in Heaven this Christmas and I pray her family finds comfort in that.

I don't mean to end on a sad note, but it's an important one. Be thankful, be grateful, and remember to count your blessings! I love you all!

Oh the weather outside is frightful....

... but the fire is so delightful....

oh wait, crap... never mind, I don't have a fireplace, BOO :(
Oh well, I'll make do with layered clothing and extra blankets! Ha!
The weather has been very "wintery", but hey... we live in Minnesota, what do you expect? Much better than having a brown Christmas if you ask me!

This month is literally flying by, I swear. I can't believe it's only 10 days until Christmas!! WHAT? It has been so busy lately, I feel like I'm missing everything. I've been working as usual, but the holiday bustle is in full swing and there is barely time to breathe (let alone sleep)! We had our first Christmas gathering over the weekend at my Dad's and had a nice time seeing everyone. The kids loved opening presents, and I have to say, even though Lila is still too young to really understand what this is all about, seeing the look on her face and watching her take it all in, demonstrates the magic of the season! I can only imagine it gets better!

I'm back to work again tonight and tomorrow, but then I'm off work for a week. Normally, I would be thrilled to have a little "down-time", but I'm pretty sure there will barely be a moment to rest my buns, as I'm hideously behind in my Christmas to-do list. I'm more and more forgetful these days, and I'm trying to play it off as "those darn pregnancy hormones", but honestly, I think I'm just getting flakier as time goes on... Ryan tells me all the time I'd lose my head if it weren't attached. Sigh.

Speaking of forgetting... once again, I'm behind on the Birthday wishes, so please forgive me!
Happy Birthday this month to.... Betsy, Sammy, Alex, Kelli, Amy, and Landree!!!

Ok, I'm going to try to take a nap, then gotta figure out something for dinner.... any suggestions?

Welcome Baby Ayla!

Huge Congratulations to our friends Amy and Jim!
On Dec 9th, just before 1am, they welcomed their first baby into the world!

We are so happy for you guys and wish you the very best! Can't wait to meet this sweet little girl in person, I'm sure she's just beautiful! Take care, and try to get some rest (oh wait... ;) Ha!

Congrats again Amy, Jim, and Ayla!

back to the grind...

I have enjoyed my week off... as usual, it's been busy and gone by way too fast, but I did enjoy it!
I didn't get all the laundry done.
My house is not as clean as I would like it.
I didn't exercise like I told myself I would.
I didn't get the downstairs room organized like I've been planning for 2 months.
However...
I did play with my beautiful little girl every day.
I did catch up on my TV shows.
I did enjoy feeling the baby move more and more!
I did get this blog updated and made my ElfYourself like I wanted.
I did spend some quality time with my husband (I love you!)
I did catch up on some MUCH needed sleep.

I guess I've got my priorities in order!
I hope you have a great week and tackle all of your "priority" jobs!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Turkey and Stuff(ing)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Turkey Day and had a chance to enjoy the great weather we had over the weekend! Can you believe how nice the weather has been? It was 38 yesterday and felt like it was freezing... boy are we gonna have a shock when real MN winter hits! YIKES!

Ryan, Lila and I spent the day split between his family (brunch) and my mom's side (early dinner)! It was really great to see everyone, even though I feel like I was only semi-coherent from lack of sleep. Lila was a really good girl, especially given the fact she missed her afternoon nap. All in all, pretty nice Thanksgiving. We have many things to be thankful for this year!


The weekend went by too quick, as always, but was nice. Saturday morning, bright and early, we packed up and headed out to my Dad's. We got our Christmas tree cut and I just couldn't get over the difference in weather between this year and last. Last year we could barely stand to be outside in all our cold-weather gear... this year, well... pretty comfortable in a sweatshirt and jeans! I'll take it! We had a nice afternoon and spagetti dinner with my Dad and left for home Sunday morning. Ryan's sister met us at the Dakota Village in Farmington to take some pictures for our Christmas card this year. I have to say, they turned out pretty cute! I can't wait to get them and get them in the mail!

Today, I'm still undecided on what to do. Got a million things and just can't seem to organize my brain. Oh well, the sky won't fall if I forget an item at Target (just an excuse to make another trip, right?) Tomorrow Miss Lila is going to meet Santa for the first time, and I'm so excited! I'm sure I'll make another post about that, but this one is getting too windy as it is! Have a wonderful Monday, and thanks for checking in on us!

Holiday spirit!!

I'm feeling the Christmas spirit!

Ryan is gone hunting (yes... again!) and it's just me and the munchkin for the weekend! She's napping right now and I've decided to start cleaning and setting out the Christmas decorations!!! I've got the holiday tunes on and am loving it!! I know, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but times flies faster and faster every year and I want to enjoy every minute I can!

I'm looking forward to my "mommy" day tommorow too! I'm getting my hair done ( FINALLY ), then taking Lila to my mom's who's going to watch her for the afternoon and overnight so I can have some time ALL TO MYSELF!!! I'm going to see my much anticipated NEW MOON, then going to run errands, sans carseat buckling :), maybe finish a little Christmas shopping, then come home to a clean, empty house!! No dinner to make, no dogs to let out, no child to entertain, bathe, and put to bed... just time to do whatever I want!!! My oh my... what a glorious time it will be. (Honestly, I'll probably love it for a few hours, then I'll be lonely and go to bed with Ryan's pillow and Lila's blankee! Ha!)

Anyway, back to the cleaning! Have a wonderful Friday!

weekend stuff

Well... I'm sick. Bummer. I've been fighting the sniffles for about a week, but thought I might pass it by. Well, yesterday I woke up with a horrible cough, the sneezes, and all your typical cold symptoms. Lovely. Especially when you can't take much besides Tylenol. Bring on the Thera-flu and kleenex's I guess?! Bah. Oh well, I just hope we can keep Ryan and Lila healthy. I've been carrying the Lysol spray around the house with me!
Over the weekend, while I was at work, Ryan took Lila and the pups up to the lake to help my Dad cut down some trees that were potential problems. Ryan's dad, Rich, also went along. I guess all went really well, and Ryan just keeps telling me what an awesome little girl Lila was! I was happy to hear it!













I have been a little flaky lately with remembering stuff... (lately? wait, I'm always a little flakey) anyway, I would like to throw out some Happy Birthdays for the month of November... some belated, some coming up, but heartfelt nonetheless! So Happy Birthday to ...
Alan (my step-dad), Amy (my step-sister), Heather (great friend), Jason (brother), and Brady (nephew)! We love you all so much!

Okay, I'm done for now. I just put my punkin down for her morning nap and I might follow suit! Have a good day (hopefully, sniffle-free!)

The good life

I live the good life.

I have a nice, sturdy home in a great little neighborhood. I have an amazing husband that although I occasionally complain about, really is pretty great, and takes very good care of me! I have the most wonderful, vibrant daughter who gives me plenty to smile and laugh about every day! I have a great job, that I'm good at and I love. My family in general is healthy and happy.... really... who can ask for more?

Yes, I work full time, 12 hour night shifts, and take care of a home, husband, and 1 year old that only attends daycare 2 days a week, all while being pregnant. Yes, I have yet to find that infamous "money tree", it eludes me to this day. Yes, I have days of whining, and complaining, and struggling.... however, if I sit down and really look at my life... I indeed live the good life!

Have a good day :)

Busy, busy

Wow, it's been a long time since I've blogged, but holy cow... this month is flying by! I'm currently enjoying my week off (especially with the WONDERFUL weather we've been blessed with!). I have a few photo sessions set up for this week, so it's not all relaxing, but enjoyable nonetheless! I am finally feeling a bit better, I've been able to eat a modest dinner for that last week, and my energy level is finally picking up. Just had my Dr. apt yesterday and all is well. Baby's heart rate was 140, just perfect! Can't wait to feel this new little one move... it's seriously the GREATEST FEELING IN THE WORLD!

Lila is as busy as ever, definately keeps me on my toes! She is the funniest little thing too, makes me laugh every day! She has the goofiest facial expressions and loves to get a good reaction from anybody! I'm amazed every day at how much she understands, even though she doesn't say much. A few days ago, I asked her "where's your blankee?" and the little stinker ran down the hall to her bedroom and came back with it! What? She can also do that with her "Nuk" and "Willmar" (her stuffed dog!) My goodness, what a little sponge. I'm sure all mothers think their children are the smartest ever, but I think this little blonde angel of mine is extra special ;)

Ryan has been gone hunting quite a bit, so I'm trying to soak up as much hubby time as I can in the next 4 days, cause then it will be another 2 weeks before we really see each other again. He was gone this weekend looking for deer (none to be seen), and I was thrilled when he came home and suggested we go out to dinner! Our dear neighbor was happy to watch Lila, and Ryan and I spent a delightful hour together having a nice dinner. Nothing fancy (just the OK Corral), but when someone serves you, you don't have to clean up, and no little girl is pulling on your pants... hey... that's a great meal!! Ha!

I'm already trying to gear up for Christmas! (I know, I know... but it's really just around the corner!) I'm pretty close to being done with my shopping, but need to get going on my Christmas cards! I'm usually the one who has them out right after Thanksgiving, they might be a little later this year! Oh well! Anyway, since my baby is still sleeping, I'm going to sit on the couch and enjoy a cup of coffee and a magazine, then try to put my house back in order! (umm, we'll see how that goes!)

Halloween... and some other Big News ;)

We hope you had a Halloween filled with some spooky fun! I got together with Ryan's family and took Lila out for her very first Trick-or-Treating night! She was so stinkin' cute as a little pumpkin! Of course, it was pretty chilly out, so she was quite bundled up, but as long as we left her jacket unbuttoned, people got the idea! Ryan was gone pheasant hunting, hopefully he'll be around next year.... since we'll have 2 Trick-or-Treaters!....

Heehee! That's right.... Ryan and I are happy to finally announce that we are expecting Volovsek baby #2! I'm due April 30th, so I'm a little over 14 weeks along. I'm happy to be entering my 2nd trimester as this pregnancy has proved to be a bit tougher than the last. Nothing horrible, just not feeling quite as perky and full of energy... Ok, so not an ounce of perk in me and my energy meter is dangerously in the red zone, but hey.... I'm having a baby, that means I'm AWESOME, and I can handle anything! Just call me MOM!

I'll try to blog a bit more tomorrow, but I'm impatiently waiting for Ryan to get home and have a few things around the house I'd like to do first, and it's nice out, so Lila and I might go for a walk! Have a great day!

Teeth, Rocks, and all that other good stuff

So... Hooray! Lila finally has pushed past the 4-teeth limit!!! We now have 7! 3 came through, all at once, and yeah... it wasn't great, but not nearly as bad as I would have imagined! Now, lets just cross our fingers that those two top front teeth straighten out some?!
Apparently, her new love in life is rocks. Yep, rocks! How exciting right? Ha, she stayed with my father in law a week ago and he mentioned that she loved the rocks and even sent her "favorite" one home with her. Ummm, ok.... but truth is, you let her outside and she has now 2 missions. 1)into the garage to find the watering can, 2) over to the rock pile! Well, whatever makes you happy I guess?
Ryan leaves tonight for hunting for a few days, and my mom is going to watch Lila while I'm at work. I hope she's a good girl for grandma and grandpa! It's going to be a really busy month, but should be fun too! I hear the garage door, my 2 greatest loves are home! Gotta run!

The simple things

The week has been a good one.
I've spent quality time with my sweet baby girl and my great husband and what more could one ask for in life? Ryan got to come home from Texas a day earlier than originally planned, which I was thrilled about! We had a nice night at home, even got to watch a movie after the peanut was in bed! I saw a friend of mine I haven't seen in awhile, and we walked around the inside of the zoo with our kiddos yesterday, it was great to catch up! I got all my laundry done, the house is not a total disaster, and so far, my family has managed to avoid any of the fall illness.
I'm sitting here, listening to Lila play quietly in her room before she falls asleep for her nap, and feeling grateful for such a wonderful little girl. We really are blessed with a simply happy, easy child.
I'm sad to go back to work tomorrow and leave my family, but I also have to be grateful that I have a good job, and that I love what I do.
Anyway, it's been a good week, and I'm thankful for the simple things!

Happy Monday!

It's Monday already. How the heck did that happen? Geez, the weekend went by quick! It turned out to be a pretty good weekend though! Ryan had Friday off, and got to take the pups out for some hunting in the morning (not to much to be seen though, I guess). That afternoon, we packed up and headed for Wisconsin to visit my Dad for the weekend! It was a nice visit, as usual. The Johnson girls and my sister came to join us on Saturday and we had a little mini birthday celebration for Lila and Kaiya with LOTS of sweets! (cake, and apple pie, and apple crisp, and of course, ICE CREAM!) Lila got an adorable little talking tea set from the Johnson's, and my Dad, bless his heart made the girls the most fantastic rocking chairs!!! I could have cried! What an awesome gift, something special to keep forever! Thank you Dad! I love you!
Sunday, we had to leave pretty early, cause Ryan had to catch a flight to TX for work. He barely made it, but did safely get on the plane! I miss him already and he hasn't even been gone 24 hours yet. It's a short trip though, he'll be home either Tues or Wed night! After I dropped Ryan off, I went over to my friend Gina's who hosted a wonderful bridal shower for our co-worker Anna! It was fun to see everyone outside of work, and there were lots of little one's there, so that was fun too! Gina has a beautiful home and was a wonderful hostess! Nice Job lady!!
The week should be busy and I'm sure it will fly by quickly, but for now, I'm going to go get my little girl up from her nap, have a little snack and sit and play on the floor! Then we might take a walk in the nice weather before heading out to her 1 year checkup! Have a great Monday!

Lila's Birthday and Party

Well, Lila's birthday celebrations were split into 2 separate days. Ryan and I had a little cupcake with her, and let her open a present from us on Tuesday (her actual birthday!). Then yesterday, we had a small get together with her grandparents and god-parents. It was so fun to see everyone yesterday!
Lila was such a trooper too! No afternoon nap, and she never even got cranky. Just kept on playing with her new toys and cousins Calli, Brianna, and Cole! She wasn't too interested in digging into the cake, but liked the taste of it! She has learned recently that when I say something is "HOT", she acts like she's blowing on it to cool it off... I tried telling her the candle was "Hot", but she just stared at me, of course.... until cousin Calli helped her blow it out, then she started puffin'! Haha!
Anyway, thank you so much to everyone who came to visit and celebrate with us! Lila loves all her new toys and I think I'll only have to remove the batteries from one of them to keep my sanity!!
Have a great snowy day (wait, what??)! Take care!

Oh, I have included a video from her actual birthday of her trying to play tug-o-war with Boone!

Happy 1st Birthday

I'll admit from the start that I'm a little weepy today. I simply can't believe a whole year has flown by since the day we welcomed our sweet little girl into our lives! I was feeling it last night too, remembering how we were getting ready to go to the hospital and were SO EXCITED!
Lila has been a constant joy in our lives! She is just the sweetest baby and even on the days when you feel like pulling your hair out, she'll give you one of her silly looks or do something cute that absolutely melts your heart and it makes all that other stuff not really matter.

I love her in so many ways, for so many things. I love her beautiful blonde hair that looks like it's glowing in the sunlight. I love her blue eyes that are the exact shade as her Daddy's. I love the fact that she is an outgoing, independant little person that loves to explore. I love her chubby little cheeks, and hands, and feet. I love her goofy little giggle that sounds like she's laughing at a bad joke! I love her sweet smile, even with her crooked, snaggly teeth... it just makes it that much more adorable! The list could go on and on, but I won't because I'm just about in tears now and you don't need to read any more of my sappiness.

Last year, at 4:54am, after a mere 22 hours of labor, Lila Kate Volovsek was welcomed into this world. She has continued to be a source of love and contentment to me. I know it's cliche', but you truly never understand how you can love one little person so much! She is amazing. Yep, she rocks my world!!! Happy Birthday baby girl! Mommy and Daddy love you SOOOO MUCH!

The Good, The Bad, and The Stinky

Ok, well there wasn't much good, some was bad, and EVERYTHING is stinky!!! Bah!

So Thursday night, Lila is asleep, and Ryan and I are just about to call it a night. My turn to let the dogs out, so downstairs and out the back door they go. Now, it's raining, so my sissy-boy Boone barely makes it to the grass, and is back inside before you can blink.... Heaven forbid he get wet! Rio on the other hand, decides to take a little stroll and trys to chat it up with a neighborhood SKUNK, who promptly gives her the signal to "LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!"

So I hear a little yip, Rio's tags jingling, and start hollering for her, thinking she's off chasing something or eating something and she barrels back towards the house shaking her head and sneezing. My first thought was that she got bit by something, but as I leaned over to check her out, I got my first whiff of something that made my eyes water and my stomach roll! Driving by a dead skunk on the highway does NOT give you full appreciation for a fresh in-your-face direct hit! Good grief is that smell awful!

Rio goes in her kennel, I run up the stairs for Ryan, Rio gets out of her kennel somehow and wanders the basement. Rio gets shooed up the stairs into the bathroom and lucky me... I get to strip down and do the stinky dance with her. That poor dog got bathed in shampoo, tomato juice (neither of which work), then Listerine (yes, the mouthwash and that helped some...) and finally the magic concoction of baking soda, peroxide, and dishsoap. Meanwhile Ryan's trying to scrub floors, pull out and throw rugs, and try to not throw up! Seriously the most foul encounter I've had in my life. YUCKY!

Since then; my floors have been scrubbed, my carpets deoderized, my furniture and carpet Febreezed, every candle in my house burned, cinnamon baked and boiled on the stove.... not even joking a little. And for once in my career, it's 5:30am and I'm not wanting to go home from work. I know how sucky it's going to be to get home and realize my house still smells like a DAMN skunk! Bahhhhhh.............. Yep, sucks.

Happy Anniversayr!!!

I can't believe it was 3 years ago already that I made the best decision of my life!!! That day we were blessed with joy, sunshine, friends, family, and I can honestly say it was the happiest day I can remember! I married a great man that makes me laugh, and also challenges me every day. Ryan, I love you so much! It's been a busy few years and I fully expect that to continue, but it's been a great ride! Can't wait to see what's in store for us this year!

Here are some of my favorite pics from that amazing day 3 years ago!
Also, the music playing are songs from our wedding day! True Companion and Songbird were during the ceremony and Last Day of My Life was our first dance! Aahhh!

Blustery Day!

My goodness, we've got a bit of wind today!!! Ha! I walked out to get the mail this morning with Lila and her face was priceless when she felt that "breeze" on her face! Geez, I thought we were gonna blow away!!
I am enjoying my week off! The whole weekend was quite enjoyable and am facing 5 whole days before I head back to work!!! Hooray! Saturday started out amazing, for no other reason than I slept a full night through, then after an hour up with the munchkin, she decided she wanted to take another nap, and so did I! Oh the glory of sleep! The rest of day was spent putzing around the house while Ry worked on his car, and we ended the day with a gathering at our friend Jake's for his annual Wild Game Feed, which as expected was delicious!!! Lila got a bit "insistent" towards the end of the night that she was "all-done" and it was time to go home! Yesterday was nice too, the morning was relaxing and then Ryan's sister Kris, and her family came for a visit. Kris is taking photography classes and was sweet enough to take a few of our family! I was very happy with how they turned out, especially since it was really windy yesterday too and by the time we got outside, Lila was getting a little cranky.
Tonight and tomorrow, we have dinner plans with friends and family, so it should be a really great week! I'm hoping that the wind will die down, so I can take Lila out for her 1 year pictures! I know, a year already.... CRAZY!!! Maybe I'll hit up the zoo sometime too... that's the beauty of it... I can just play it by ear! Lovely! Have a great week!

We miss you

1 year ago today the world lost one of the most dynamic, positive, happy people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Beth, we love you and miss you every day!

Birthday Weekend

This past weekend was just jammed packed with stuff going on, and it went so fast, but we had a good time! Saturday, Grandma and Grandpa Volovsek came down and picked miss Lila up by 8:30 and Ryan and I were out the door by 9:45am. We headed out for our friends' wedding in Sioux Falls, SD which was a good 6 1/2 hours of driving there and back. It was great because we got to carpool part of the way with our friends Heather and Jason, so that made it MUCH more tolerable! The wedding was really nice and again... we want to wish Adam and Angela the biggest Congrats!
(These are a few pics from the wedding!)
Sunday morning came much too quick and again Ryan and I were bustling to get out the door. I was missing my baby like crazy and anxious to get up to Eagan and see her! It was Ryan's 30th Birthday!!! and 2 of his sisters also had birthday's over the weekend, so we had a family birthday lunch and hung out at the parents place! It was nice to see everyone and watch all the kids play together. Happy Birthday again to Krisser and Heather! Love you ladies!
Lila, unfortunately is a sicky little girl. Boo:( She had diarrhea all night for Grandma and Grandpa. She acts OK and isn't really whiny or fussy, so I have no idea what the problem is. Teeth? Virus? I have no clue?! If it weren't for her exploding pants and raw little tushy... you'd never know there was an issue. Her appetitie is still good and she's getting plenty of fluids, so I guess we'll just ride it out and see what happens!
After most of the family left, Ryan and I left Lila with G-ma and G-pa again and headed to the Xcel Center to watcha preseason Wild Game against the Blackhawks! It was a fun game... a goal and 2 fights just 3 minutes in... gotta love hockey!! We picked the munchin up on our way home and had a nice night. Of course, Lila was up in the middle of the night cause she pooped through her jammies and wasn't very happy about the clean up process, but all is well now. Ok, this has been long enough, I'm back to work tonight and need a nap, so have a great week!

Happy Birthday!!

Just wanted to tell Ryan one more time today...
Happy 30th Birthday and I LOVE YOU!!!!
I had a great day with you, hope you had fun!

Another Day

I've made it half-way through my yucky stretch of work and start on part 2 tonight. It's been a rough couple of days, partly because I haven't been feeling the best and am insanely tired, and partly because Lila has been in sort of a funk. One minute she's laughing and dancing around the living room, the next minute she's having an utter meltdown on the floor, what??? Also, I'm frusterated because for some reason, whenever I am home and put her to bed, she decides to get up at 2am screaming. All weekend, while Ryan had her and I was working, she slept through the night. Last night, I put her to bed and of course I spent 45 minutes in the middle of the night trying to get her back to bed. Seriously, makes me feel just rotten... what the heck? (I try to tell myself that she just misses me cause I'm gone at night so much, so she has to get in extra snuggle time... )
Right now, Lila is napping, I have laundry going and need to go out on poop patrol, so I'll make the rest of this quick! This weekend Ry and I are going to our friends' wedding in South Dakota and although it's going to be a ton of driving, we're carpooling part of the way with our friends Heather and Jason, so that should provide for some entertainment! On Sunday, Ryan turns the big 30!!! We are having a little get-together with his family, then going to a WILD game that night! Should be fun! It's going to be a pretty packed weekend, but should be a good time!
Lastly, the fall is a REALLY busy time for our family and there are about a million birthdays and anniversary's, so I'm going to quickly try and cover all bases and hopefully not forget anyone! Here goes....

Happy Birthday to: Kris, Heather, RYAN, Tessa, Collin, Major, Jeff, Bella, Kaiya and Me!
Happy 10th Anniversary to Heather and Jason Quint!

Remember

Today please remember those nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives 8 years ago. And remember why you are blessed and priveledged and PROUD to be an American!

Week in review

Good evening all! I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend, we sure did! Ryan had both Friday and Monday off, so it was a nice couple of days together!!! Friday I went and got my hair done (such a luxury to have 2 hours spent just on you!) and then had a nice evening with our neighbors. Saturday we had a great neighborhood party with some awesome ribs, corn on the cob, and all sorts of yummy sides! Sunday was chill out day, and we spent the afternoon and evening on Monday visiting my Mom, Alan, and sister Alex, then Ryan's sister's family! It really went much too quick, but we all enjoyed it!

This week, I've been off work and Tuesday was a great day! Ryan was back at work, but Lila and I spent the day together outside taking walks, and just hanging around the house. I even left my dirty house and laundry go, so I could watch some TV while she napped!! AWESOME!!! Today... now that was a different story. I had the game plan in my head that I was gonna power clean today, and all in all, I did get quite a bit accomplished, but didn't check off all my "to-do's". This was mostly because Lila pulled a Jeckyl and Hyde on me from yesterday to today. Yesterday, she was the world's sweetest most charming baby! Today, well... lets just say she wasnt' that. Eesh! It was a rough day! Oh well, she's not like this very often, so I'm thinking tomorrow will be a whole new ball game (I'm hoping anyway!)

Tomorrow, I've got some errands to run and am going to meet up with my friend Sarah for lunch, So Excited!! Then when Ryan gets home from work, him and I are going to an interview with a lady in Jordan for potential daycare for Lila. Hopefully it works out!

I'm back to work on Friday to start my six 12's in seven days...yucka! Oh well, take one day at a time, right? Okay, so I'm gonna go take care of Miss Cranky Pants, then snuggle up with Ry on the couch for a bit! Have a great night!!!
P.S. These are just a few recent pics of the Lila the Grouch (she's not so cranky in these!)

5 hours and counting!

Well, a very early good morning to you all! It's not even 2am and already I'm getting antsy to for 7:30 when I can leave work and go pick up my sweet little girl!!! I miss her so SO much when I have these stretches at work, and I just can't wait to snuggle and smooch those delicious cheeks of hers! Last night when Ryan and her got home, she had the biggest smile for me and I spent the short evening with her, marveling at how quickly children grow. Just 3 weeks ago, she was taking just a few shaky steps, now she's a walking machine who loves to go, go, go!

This weekend should be a great one! I have an appointment to have a little "me" time and get my hair done on Friday! Ryan has a day off, so I get to spend a bit of time getting taken care of!! Saturday, the weather is supposed to be gorgeous and we are planning to attend a neighborhood BBQ! I'm so excited for Tom's slow-roasted ribs... YUMMY! We may spend some time either Sunday or Monday with my mom and Alan, but all plans are just relaxed and easy! Really... could there be a better weekend?! I have a whole 8 days off work starting at 7:30 this morning, and am tickled about it! I'm so happy that I get to spend time with Lila and my awesome hubs...oh come on ... these next 5 hours need to go by a little quicker!

Have a great Labor Day weekend! Be safe and be happy!

Loving the weather!

Fall is my very favorite time of year, and yes... I know technically it's still August, but I'm feeling the fall weather! Jeans, sweaters, warm socks, it's all here and I LOVE IT!!! I like summer, but the fall is just my time! I go back to work tonight for 3 days, then I'm off for a week and I'm thinking that the fall decorations just might make their appearance!!! (I'll keep the jack-o-lanterns in the box for just a little while yet!)
The weekend was a good one! Even though I was thoroughly exhausted on Friday, I have to say that I was a trooper and stayed up until 11pm and enjoyed a bonfire with our great neighbors! (Again, bonfires are so much better when you need a sweatshirt and a blanket on your lap!) Saturday was great too. We had a cumulative 30th B-day party at our friends' the Pearson's that night. (Jake, Bjorn, Dennis, and Ryan!) It was fun getting to see everybody. In the past year, many of us have entered the world of parenthood and all of us had GIRLS! HAHA! So much fun to see all the little one's together! I can't imagine what it's gonna be like in a few years when they are all running around together! Sunday was nice and relaxing. Got to look through the paper, have some coffee, and get odds n' ends chores done around the house! It was great to spend some quality time with my family, I wish I could do it more often, but I'll take what I can get!
Today, I'm just going with the flow... I was going to clean the house, but I'm not sure if that will get done or not. It's not like I'm terribly busy or tired (I actually slept great last night), it's just that I don't know if I feel like it! I might just enjoy the day with Lila, get some laundry done, take a walk, the house can wait until I'm done with my 3 days of work. Supposed to rain over the weekend anyway... that's a much better time to clean house, don't ya think?
Anyway, I hope everyone has a great week! I plan to!

Dreary Tuesday

Well, good morning to everyone! And how are you on this dreary Tuesday morning? I am sitting here with my coffee as Lila just went down for her morning nap and wishing I could figure out the magic solution, so I wouldn't have to go to work so much and could spend more time with my family. I really do love my job (most days), but working nights is starting to get to me. It's hard for me and Ryan, because I'm gone more evenings than I'm home, and I'm so tired on my days home, that I'm not always a peach to be around. It's hard for me being away from Lila, especially because she's not even at an age where I can talk to her on the phone and tell her goodnight.

I realize I shouldn't complain; I have a healthy family, a nice home, and a good job, which is far more than many people in this world right now. I just look forward to the day, that maybe I can work a few less hours and spend that precious time with the people I love the most!

Anyhoo... The past week has been pretty standard. I was off work last week until Friday, but of course the weather was rotten for Wed-Friday. Boo. Oh well. Work over the weekend was as usual, unpredictable... insanely quiet and boring on Friday and Saturday, then we ran our butts off on Sunday! Typical! Yesterday it was nice to spend time with Lila, but I was feeling kinda crappy... probably just so darn tired. And of course, she didn't sleep well last night. Ryan has a theory that Lila knows when I'm home, cause she usually manages to sleep the whole night when I'm at work, but wakes up a couple times a night when I'm home. Seriously, what's with that?
I don't know if she's getting another tooth (lets hope, I'm beginning to think she's gonna be 2 before she gets any more), or if she just was having a bad night. Who knows?
I'm back to work for the next few days and we have a pretty busy weekend, but I'll try to get better at posting more than once a week! Have a great day!

Good Day!

I really haven't been doing a great job keeping this up, it's been over a week since I've last blogged. Honestly though, it's been a pretty run of the mill week. I worked last week as usual, and was greatly relieved to have Thursday morning arrive!! It was one of those weeks, that was a little rougher than usual, and just felt NEVER-ENDING!!!
The first part of the weekend was spent up visiting my Dad, which is always enjoyable. It was pretty sticky out, but the weather held up so we could get a ride on the boat! I think Lila likes being on the boat, it's that darn lifejacket she's just not so fond of. Not sure I know any small kid that actually LIKES their life-vest. On Sunday, we said goodbye to Papa Dave, and headed home. Our friends Heather and Jason and their girls came up from Mankato so I could take some pictures of them, and so we could visit awhile. They stayed through dinner and it was great to see them!
Yesterday was a good day! I'm off work this whole week unless I pick up any extra shifts, so I'm loving my time at home with Lila and Ryan! Lila is getting better and better at this walking thing, and I'm always suprised and delighted when I turn around and see her taking off down the hall on her own! Every day she's becoming less of a baby and more of a little girl, I just can't believe it!!! My favorite thing is to just sit and watch her play on the floor. You can almost see the little gears in her brain working, making connections, and soaking up everything! It's just a miracle to watch!
Today is going to be another chill-out day at home. We've already taken our walk, and now my little one is taking a nap. I'm going to make myself some lunch and then sit outside and continue my adventure with Mr. Harry Potter! Tomorrow, I'm gonna go shopping to see if I can find a cute outfit for Lila to wear for her 1 year pictures (YIKES, 1 year already....what?) Hope you have a wonderful day!
Oh, here's another little clip of Lila. Again, disregard what a geek I am. She's the cute one!