Wednesday, December 23, 2009

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!

Monday, December 21, 2009

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!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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?

Thursday, December 10, 2009

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!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

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!!
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