My wish for you...

Health.
Love.
Happiness.
Friends.
Food in your stomach.
And a warm bed to sleep in.
ALL year round!

THE POLAR EXPRESS!

Dawson received an invitation to ride the Polar Express on December 9th up to Heber City from Salt Lake City.

Here are the details:
http://www.kber.com/Article.asp?id=1594159

We are so thankful to everyone who has made this
a good year for him!

Nancie lately...

No disrespect to Chelsea for stealing her show's title name.
I think she is absolutely hilarious!
And it was the first thing that came to mind when
I was trying to think of a clever title for this posting.

Lately, I've been doing a lot of soul searching.
Trying to figure out some things.
My purpose in life.
Why I am the way I am.
Where I want to be.
I've realized that I'm just drifting along without a purpose.

Lately, I haven't been taking care of myself like I should.
It's tiring taking care of everyone else all the time.
I'm tired.

Lately, I've stopped caring about things.
Like my cluttered house.
And appliances that don't work.

Lately, I feel restless.
Like I need a change.

So if you haven't heard from me lately,
I apologize.

Cause lately, I don't feel like doing
much of anything.
That I don't HAVE to anyway...

IN THE MAIL

On our way home every day we stop at the mailbox and grab the mail.
About a week ago a small box came addressed to Dawson.
The return address showed the package was from the Make-A-Wish foundation.
He immediately opened it.
In the car.
Inside the box was a small cardboard castle.
Inside the castle was a key.
Alongside the key was a fancy smancy invitation.
It reads:
"It is our deepest honor to invite you and your family
to come visit A WISHING PLACE for the special occasion
of making your wish.
Please bring this key with you when you come,
for it alone will open the WISHING ROOM
at the top of the WISHING TOWER.
We eagerly await your presence."
He took it straight to his room and put it on his special shelf.
I had to beg for it just to write this post accurately.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

...for me anyway.

Color me morbid, but I've always been fascinated with death,
the afterlife, ghosts, and such.
I love cemeteries.
I love reading tombstones.
I want my own to say something witty.
Still working on that.

I get a total rush out of being scared.
No. That is NOT an invitation.
But if you insist, please just make sure you know CPR.

Not so long ago, I worked with this kid named Jeff
who would jump out from behind something and scare me
almost daily at work. I miss that guy!

I get some sort of perverse enjoyment out of scaring people.
These days however, most of the people I know are of the age
where scaring them could be dangerous to their health.
So I refrain. I don't know CPR that well.

My kids however are not off limits.

I enjoy most scary movies.
Every year for the month of October,
we watch scary movies with the kids.
What's sad is the ones like Nightmare on Elm Street that
scared the bejesus out of us when we were young
don't seem to phase them much.
And I've gotten wimpy with age.
"The Ring" and "The Grudge" type movies scare me a bit too much.

I especially love dressing up.
I think at times that I missed my calling in life.
I should have been a stylist to the horror film stars.
There is good reason I'm not.
I didn't say I was good at dressing up.
I just said I enjoyed doing it.

For as long as I can remember, I've always made my own costumes.
My mom was a self-employed seamstress which meant I had
fairly unlimited access to fabric.
Unfortunately I didn't learn to sew. She did that part.
Usually last minute. THANKS MOM!
But I'm freakin' Martha Stewart with a hot glue gun.

I'm one of those stupid people who like to do
couples costumes. Or family/group outfits.
Unfortunately, my kids have outgrown my desire for this,
and I'm pretty sure my husband just went along so he
stayed out of the doghouse.

This year my son is going as a girl.
Sad thing is, he looks really good.
No one will know the difference.
My daughter is dressing in 80's garb.
Which is not too different from how she dresses normally.
My husband just groans when I even mention us dressing up.
So this year I'm struggling to come up with something
original and creative.
Last minute as usual.

As I write this thinking scary thoughts,
my dog just went into a barking fit as the
Fedex guy rang the doorbell.

I need to go change my pants now.

Happy Halloween to all..and to all a ghoul night!

Dawson makes a wish

So I was contacted recently by the Make-A-Wish foundation.
They have chosen Dawson to receive a wish.
We don't know the details yet.
Now you may all think like I did that the M.A.W.F. grants
only to kids as a "last dying wish" sort of thing.
Not so.
The M.A.W. representative explained it to me like this:
"It's a chance for the child and their families to enjoy something
together and make a lasting memory.
To not have to worry about money or the disease.
Even if it's just for a day."
How cool is that?
Dawson doesn't really know what he wants to wish for,
but they said they would have some experts meet with him
and help him figure it out.
When I asked him what he would wish for, he said to me;
"Can't we just donate the money to help them find a cure?"
He doesn't want to do this anymore.
He doesn't want anyone to have to do this anymore.
I know that whatever wish is granted to him that he deserves it.
More details to come...

Monthly update

I turned 41 this year. Getting old officially sucks.
I feel like I'm at some sort of turning point in my life.
I'm just floating by, and it's not fun anymore.
There has to be more to it than this, right?
Sleep. Work. Dinner. Homework. Bed.
That's pretty much it.
Oh sure, I have a lot of other stuff I squeeze into my day, but this is pretty much it.
I need to get back to the gym.
I need to take better care of myself.
I need a housekeeper.
I think that is the true meaning of life.
A housekeeper.
That should make things a lot easier.

RANDOM STUFF

As you can see, my daughter took the liberty to "bling" my blog.
That's great and all, but somehow she lost my pictures.
*sigh*
As many of you know, Dawson was diagnosed in June with Cystic Fibrosis.
He is doing well with the treatments so far.
We go Monday to Primary Childrens for his monthly check up.
It's always nerve-racking, as I don't do well in medical type situations.
Let alone hospitals.
I try so hard to be strong for him, and pray I don't faint in the process.
He on the other hand is such a trooper.
The company I work for makes machines that test for this disease.
Ironic I know.
They have asked to use him as a positive guinea pig for a new product they are perfecting.
He's not too hip on the idea, so I have informed them he will need to be compensated/bribed.
Luckily for them it doesn't take much.
School started.
That in itself has been a challenge.
Just getting them out of bed.
Trying to figure out bus schedules.
Taxiing kids everywhere.
I'm sure many of you can relate.
Dawson started middle school and loves it.
Except gym.
He says his gym teacher is a "DB".
From what I've heard so far about the guy, I kinda agree.
Is that a prerequisite for gym teachers?
'Cause I don't remember ever meeting one that wasn't.
Oh wait. There was my ex brother in-law...
nope. GIANT DB.
On the positive, he isn't the smallest kid in his class.
And he has made a lot of friends so far.
One of his smaller friends got shoved into a locker by a 7th grader.
I didn't really believe this sort of thing actually happened until he told me this.
Ariana started high school.
Ah freshman year.
I'm having anxiety attacks (for her) all over again.
Can you believe they charge $5 a tardy after the initial complimentary 3???
They scheduled her gym class (at the rec center) right before her last class
which is the furthest possible room on the 3rd floor with only 5 minutes to get to it.
It's extortion I tell you!
She has also discovered that "football players are hot".
and "Soccer players are even hotter".
I can't wait until she sees the baseball players and wrestlers.
It's going to be a long year.
I'm sure we will manage through it like all parents before us have.
I'm off to get my Valium prescription filled now.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

In my efforts to blog more often, I thought I would take this
opportunity to wish my few blog followers a happy Independence Day.
Now, I'm no history buff. (Stop laughing DAVE!)
In my defense, all my history classes fell right after lunch.
So, I blame the faculty for even scheduling it this time of day.
I mean, they are just setting us social butterflies up to fail!
ANYWHOO...
Since I'm a clairvoyant, (see my ever-so-accurate test results on FB),
I must have known back then I wouldn't even need to
learn my history facts because I could just look them up on the interwebz
as needed.
Here is something I DIDN'T know that I thought I would share:
Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776.
In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and
Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States
and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence
to become president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826,
which was the United States' 50th anniversary.
President James Monroe died exactly five years later, on July 4, 1831,
but he was not a signatory to the Declaration of Independence.
Now go do something patriotic.
I'm gonna go play Yankee Doodle on the flute.
and maybe watch some fireworks.
and be thankful for our independence.

P.S. Why does Utah insist on celebrating on the 3rd anyway???

Dawson's progress

After he was diagnosed with CF,
our specialist at Primary Childrens in SLC put him on
enzymes which help his body absorb his nutrients.
He's already gained 5 pounds.
This is the most he has ever weighed.
I cannot express my excitement!
He takes 3 of the enzyme horse pills with every meal
and 2 with every snack.
Also a multivitamin (another 2 horse pills) and
antibiotics (only 1 horse pill) for a staff infection.
Good news is his lungs are clear.
But for preventative measures, he has an asthma type inhaler
he does twice a day and the Nebulizer inhaler treatment once a day.
We call it his bong.
We also do airway clearance treatments twice a day.
Bad news is he is extremely allergic to cat dander.
As many of you know we have 2 & 1/2 cats.
Two Persians we've had for 4-5 years and one stray we took in
from a friend. He mostly lives outside (the cat not the friend)
but stops by every once in a while for a hot meal and some petting.
Please don't tell us "just get rid of the cats".
Any cat/pet lover knows it's not that easy.
We will have to find them new homes.
Good homes with good people where we could visit them.
Dawson is heartbroken over it and feels responsible.
He doesn't understand that his health depends on it.
Getting rid of the cats is not an option in his eyes.
I still can't shake the guilt.
I really do try not to beat myself up but I should have
listened to my "mother's intuition" when others told
me I was just worrying too much.
I'm thankful he is not as bad off as he could have been.
It still hasn't sunk in that this is FOREVER.
Or at least they find a cure.

JUNE 2009: SIXTY FIVE ROSES...

http://www.cuteptchic.com/65roses.htm

SIXTY FIVE ROSES...

Monday June 15th Dawson was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
AKA "Sixty Five Roses".
It's genetic. Dave and I are carriers.
You never expect it to be you. It's always someone else.
Dawson is absolutely fine.
We are very lucky that he has a mild case and it is manageable from home.
We spent a couple of days this week at Primary Children's Medical Center.
What an amazing place. With amazing people.
I'm still not sure how to feel about everything.
It's kinda overwhelming.
It's expensive.
It's life changing.
A lot of breathing apparatuses. A lot of pills.
A lot of time.
But he's worth it.
I want to thank everyone for all their love and support.
And next time you see Dawson he will be a new man.
Every time. Give him a hug.
I am amazed and thankful every day of my life for modern medicine.
I have a new perspective on life.
And how very precious it really is.

Happy 14th birthday Ariana Corrin !

June 5th, 1995. Ogden, Ut.
It was a cold and blizzardy day. No, really. It was.
After 9 months of waddling around wearing Dave's clothes, it was time.
About 1pm I started having serious contractions.
Not like the Braxton-Hicks I had been having for days.
Luckily my mommy and daddy got there just in time.
Or they would have missed all the fun.
We called Dave at work to tell him to get his butt home.
We all go to the hospital. I'm trying to breath.
My personal delivery room was wonderful. It was like a bedroom.
Decorated all homey and comforting. Even a place for Dave to sleep.
I was planning on having her natural.
I took no prenatal classes nor did I watch and instructional videos on what to do.
I didn't need to. Women do this naturally every day.
Have been since the beginning of time. I can too, right?
WRONG. What the hell was I thinking?
I took the jacuzzi bath. I walked as advised hoping to ease the pain.
3 major contractions later and I'm BEGGING for an epidural.
What a wuss.
The lady in the room right next to me was dying. A slow, excruciating, tortured death.
I was pretty sure of it. Apparently she got there too late for the epidural.
Lucky me. I got there just in time.
I remember the look on Dave's face when the Anesthesiologist pulled out the needle
to shove into my spine. He said to me "Oh boy. Be glad you can't see this needle".
Contraction. Needle. Screaming. And then everything in the world was right again.
They had to break my water.
The nurse reached for the overhead mirror and asked if I wanted to watch.
I declined. I'm pretty sure I said something smart-ass about it too.
I remember making jokes to the nurses in between them telling me when I was having contractions and when to push.
I thought I was so funny. I usually do.
I couldn't feel a thing. BEST TRIP EVER.
My mom and dad waited right outside my room. They could hear everything.
I could hear them talking. My dad said something to my mom like
"I don't remember labor being anything like this". I laughed and laughed.
I was thankful for the advancements in medicine.
Dave was great. Feeding me ice chips. Stroking my hair.
Pretty soon the doctor told me she was crowning.
Dave looked down and said "SHE'S GOT HAIR!"
I'm still not sure why that was important at the time. Or why he was suprised.
Then she got stuck. I couldn't push any more. I was exhausted.
It had been something like 10 hours from the time we got to the hospital until delivery.
I hadn't eaten. I was starving and dehydrated.
They had to suction her out.
If that didn't work they would have had to do an emergency C-section.
WHAT? CUT ME OPEN? That wasn't happening.
The doctor suctioned while I pushed my innerds out with every last ounce of my being.
Then I heard a cry. And I cried. Dave cried. We all freaking cried.
Even with her cone shaped, suctioned out head they tried to conceal under the knit cap..
She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in this world.
She still is. And always will be.
The day we brought her home it snowed. My father was in shock. Snow in June.
I love you Nana. Thanks for being so wonderful.
And happy birthday. Now stop growing up. Seriously. Stop.

SCREW IT ALL!

That's all for now.

OUT!

I MISS MY MOMMY!!!

This Sunday is my mom's 75th birthday. It also falls on Mother's day as it does many years. Lucky for me I get to combine shopping and shipping. She lives in Northern California and I certainly do not see her enough. Every year is a challenge to figure out what to get her. She has pretty much everything she needs. I can't do gift cards. Not for her. It just doesn't feel right.
This year I opted for a gift basket from Cox Honeyland. It was a nice variety of some Cache Valley goodies. I know what you are thinking. "WTH? IT'S HER 75TH BIRTHDAY AND THAT'S THE BEST YOU CAN COME UP WITH??" I confess, I'm a TERRIBLE daughter. I didn't even realize it was her 75th birthday until yesterday. When she told me. My mom will probably never read this. Although we gave her a laptop last year, I'm positive it's sitting somewhere in her house collecting dust. She's afraid of the internet. It's the devil. I still feel the need to post my deepest gratitude for her. I was a terrible teenager and I'm surprised she even survived me. Since I came late in her life (an oops there's a hole in the condom late) she got the pleasure to have a rebellious teenage girl from hell whilst moving, quitting smoking, going through menopause and a mid-life crisis. She is definitely the strongest woman I know.
Before she met my dad she was married to an abusive alcoholic. She courageously left him to become a single mom of 3. She was self employed seamstress so she did not have a kush sit down job. She literally worked her fingers to the bone. She stood for long hours every day. She bought her first house on her own with cash. She did whatever possible to make sure her kids were taken care of. She went without so her kids didn't. She suffered. She earned every bit of everything she's ever had. She is one tough broad. I (like many) never truly appreciated my mother until I had my own kids. I wish I lived closer to her. Things you don't think about when taking off on a whim and moving 2 states away. I wish my kids knew her better. I wish I could sit and have coffee with her. Go to lunch and listen to her stories. Bowl once a week with her. Go for a walk together. ANYTHING to spend more precious time with her.
I hope all you moms out there a very happy Mother's Day and hopefully your children will appreciate you for everything you do for them. And if your mom is still alive make sure to treasure her while you can. We will never have another! They do so very much for us.

What's up chicken butt?

Well, I realized today I haven't blogged in a while. I have no great excuse other than distractions.
Bowling league is coming to an end and I'm ready for a break. All and all I improved over the season. I started out with a 115 average and am now more of a 160ish average. It took me all season to realize I need a heavier ball. I guess I'm stronger than I look.
U12 boys soccer season is now in session. Weather permitting of course. I'm assisting (aka secretaryship) with Dave which is a challenge in itself. 10 games and the 1st one was already canceled due to inclement weather.
I was informed recently that I may be also playing co-ed softball soon. I love softball. More so when I am in shape and can actually run instead of hobble around the bases. Guess I better get to doing some sprints around the LHS track.
That's all. This is Nancie Gerard signing off for now. Or at least the weekend.

MY NEW BFF

As a lot of you know I don't cook much.
It's not just because I'm lazy.
I don't even particularly like fast food.
Other than it's convenience.
It's not that I don't enjoy cooking either. Because I do.
I have become especially creative inventing my own concoctions
using random ingredients I have on hand.
I prefer to have a recipe, but often stray from it. Make it my own.
I'm rebellious that way. There is ALWAYS room for improvement.
It's not like I'm expecting to be a contestant on
"The Real Chefs of Cache County" or anything.
*side note: I no longer watch reality shows.
I tried watching "Hell's Kitchen" once and almost had a full blown anxiety attack.
If I was home during the day I would watch the Food Network.
Or Rachel Ray. She's HAWT.*
What it boils down to (no pun intended) is that I DO NOT enjoy
cleaning up after cooking.
Until recently.
I can't remember the last time I've owned new cookware.
Maybe when I got married. That was 18 years ago.
About 10 years ago a friend gave me her hand-me-down set
that was still in great shape. Glass lids and all.
Since then I've bought random replacement pots and pans here and there
as the Teflon started wearing off the old ones.
Not great cookware. Just "get me by" cookware.
*side note: I'm pretty sure my family has SOME amount of Teflon poisoning by now.
I'm dreading that will come back and bite us in the ass.*
Anyhoo. I recently made an impulse purchase. I bought REAL cookware.
We were shopping at Sam's Club perusing for bargains in their markdown section
and there was a fresh pallet of mark downed items.
This is where I met my new BFF. You may have heard fo her. Her name is Paula Dean.
She understands me. My needs. She has really touched my life.
Maybe even saved our lives.
The set I bought is 12 pieces. It came with a square griddle-type skillet
and glass lids for all the pots and other skillets.
All for under $100. It's heavy. It's durable. It's NICE.
The nicest I've ever had.
I actually look forward to cooking now. Now that I have someone to enjoy it with.
And nothing sticks to her. Like water off a ducks back.
Thank GOD for Paula Dean. Or at least her line of cookware.

"a little early for top down weather..."

The following events are real.
Names have not been changed or withheld to protect anyone.
Some wording has been altered to protect innocent reader's mind.
THURSDAY, March 5TH, APPROXIMATELY 6:00PM:
I pick Dave up from work and we decide to go TV shopping.
ME: "Where should we go first?"
DAVE: "Sam's Club has the best prices on TV's."
ME: "But remember how Freddy Smith's had TV's on sale at
Christmastime? We should check there too."
DAVE: "That was Christmastime. They wont have them on sale now."
ME: *heavy sigh* "fine. I have other shopping to do at Sam's anyway."
After hours of deliberation, I'm tired and hungry.
We settle for the 47" JVC for under $1000. Reasonable deal.
We put the top down in the convertible and the TV in the back seat.
We drive home all the way across town in 15 degree weather.
Heater cranked. Looking like complete idiots.
We unload the TV. My fingers get smashed in the process.
ME: "Frickin' Frackin' Fruckin'..."
Dave chuckles. I give him stinkeye.
No time to set up the TV this night. New cables were needed.
I still had to feed and get the kids to bed.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH, APPROXIMATELY 12:30PM:
We go to Freddy Smith's on our lunch hour to pick up the necessary
cables so we can set up the new TV later that night.
Low and behold. TV's were on sale.
I give Dave a much deserved "I told you so" look.
Dave sheepishly grins: "We should have shopped around".
I roll my eyes.
We purchase the 52" Samsung for $1199.00 and the needed cables.
Bigger TV. Better deal. This same TV was over $1800 at Sam's club.
We would return the JVC to Sam's after work.
At least we hadn't unpacked it yet.
We take the Samsung home.
Top down. TV in the back seat. Heater cranked.
Driving across town. Looking like complete idiots.
We unload the TV. Fingers get smashed. Cussing ensues.
Dave chuckles. He gets the stinkeye. Again.
We now have 3 big screen TV's in our living room.
The soon-to-be-replaced 10 year old Akai 54"
The soon-to-be-returned new JVC 47"
The keeper Samsung 52"
LATER THAT EVENING:
We return the JVC back to Sam's Club.
Top down. TV in the back seat. Heater cranked.
Across town. Like complete idiots.
Back at home we set up the Samsung and it starts making this
GOD AWFUL noise.
TV: "Snap, crackle, CrAcKlE, CRACKLE".
Dave and I consult the manual. Nothing. He muted the TV.
The sound continued. Dave calls Panasonic technical support.
No help whatsoever. Unacceptable. Too late to do anything tonight.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7th, APPROXIMATELY NOON:
We pack up the Samsung and head back to Freddy Smith's to exchange it.
Top down. TV in back seat. Heater cranked. Across town. Complete idiots.
We exchange the TV with minimal problems from Smith's employees.
Some wise ass says to us in the parking lot:
"A little early for top down weather." DUH.
We head back home with the new Samsung.
Top down. TV in back seat. Heater cranked. IDIOTS.
TV unloaded. Fingers smashed. More cussing. Chuckles. Stinkeye.
ME: "This TV better work because I'm NOT taking this trip again!"
Dave: "Yes, dear".
SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH, APPROXIMATELY 11AM:
The Behemoth 54" TV is donated to worthy friends.
I am relieved to have it out of my living room.
I got my bay window back. The flat screen is beautiful.
My fingers survived. The kids didn't have to hear me cuss.
I'm sure at least one Cache Valley resident saw us every single trip and thought:
"Do these people have nothing better to do than haul their TV around town?"
To those people I say: "Yes indeed. I do have better things to do.
And I will go now and enjoy my 52" of clear beautiful TV goodness."
Thanks as always for reading!

One word

Putting down the first thing that comes to mind.

Where is your cell phone………………..purse
Your hair…………………………………feisty
Your father………………………………dead?
Your favorite thing………………………Kids
Your dream last night……………………Erotic
Your favorite drink……………………….Coke
Your dream/goal…………………………business
The room you are in……………………..computer
Your fear…………………………………snakes
Where do you want to be in 6 years…….Maui
Muffins…………………………………..yummy
One of your wish list items………………TV
Where you grew up……………………..California
The last thing you did……………………Quizzo
What are you wearing…………………..clothing
Your TV…………………………………..Monsterous
Your pets…………………………………Love
Your computer……………………………Information
Your life…………………………………..complete
Your mood………………………………..sleepy
Missing someone………………………….Mommy
Your car…………………………………..convertible
Favorite store…………………………….beauty supply
Your summer……………………………..short
Your favorite color……………………….purple
When is the last time you laughed……….hour
Last time you cried……………………….weeks
Three of my favorite foods………………chocolate, encheladas, french fries
Three places I would rather be right now.. Maui, My moms, in bed

Happy V.D.

Remember as kids how funny we thought that was?
This post is NOT about Valentines day. Especially since I'm 3 days late for that post.
This post is about laughing.
When is the last time YOU laughed? Really laughed. Out loud.
Gut wrenching, boob jiggling, nose snorting, eyes watering, gasping for air laughing.
I saw a very interesting show that talked about the healing power of laughter.
How on the average kids laugh over 300 times a day and grownups less than 20.
Statistics say that when we laugh we...

* boost our immune system

* have a 40% less chance of having a heart attack

* sleep better

* think more clearly

* promote relaxation and reduce stress
* increase the oxygen level in our blood giving us more energy
* increase the endorphin activity in our body resulting in a sense of well being
* lower our blood pressure
* banish boredom
* are more socially attractive. People enjoy being with those who laugh easily and often.
* increase our enjoyment of life
* help you live longer
* make you look younger for it tones up the muscles of your face and leads to an increase of blood supply which nourishes the facial skin and makes it glow
* Laughing heartily 100 times a day gives the same cardio results as working out for 20 minutes
* Laughter can heal you physically. Fibromyalgia. Depression. Even cancer.
* Laughter triggers the right side of the brain, which helps release creativity and helps us to make better decisions.
Laughter truly is the best medicine. AM I the only one who didn't know this??? Here I have been paying all this money for drugs and beauty supplies when the secret all along was so very simple.
I vow to start every day from now on with something hilarious. Won't you join me?
Let's start a Laughalution!
Oh. and thank you Dave for being my Roger Rabbit. If anyone EVER wonders what I see in that guy...he makes me laugh. Thank you for making me laugh. And Happy V.D.

FINALLY!

...something worth posting about. Actually I have had a lot of depressing things to post about, but who the hell wants to read that crap?
Many of you who know me know that I lived a very sheltered life growing up. Tonight I had the fortunate event of going to my first ever hockey game. BOOOYA! I had a freaking blast! I am totally hooked. Also a little hoarse. And I'm glad I got to share it with my family and our good friend Trent...thanks for joining us Trent!
I may even have to indulge in a season pass next year! GOOOOOOO AGGIES!

Slow blogging month

Sorry. I haven't been inspired by anything to blog about. I'm totally stealing this from my friends over at http://www.seehearspeaknoevil.com/

1. Have you ever been on TV?
Unfortunately, yes. I was in a commercial for Lewiston State bank that ran last year. I don't even bank there! My one and only line was "Convenient Locations!" I was standing in front of a bus stop in Providence. Convenient.

2. Have you ever sung in public?
Yes. From Junior High to High School I was in choir. I used to sing in church. When I went to church.

3. Have you ever dyed your hair blond?
duh. Yes. And the terms are "lightened, highlighted or bleached". "Dyed" is when you go darker.

4. Have you ever eaten frogs’ legs?
Yes. This was a staple at my grandmother's house. I was not aware for a long time that they were frogs' legs. They told me it was chicken.

5. Have you ever received a present that you really hated?
No. Or if I have I don't remember.

6. Have you ever walked into a lamp post?
Yes I have. It was VERY embarrassing. Nancy means Grace. However, I have never been very graceful.

7. Have you ever cooked a meal by yourself for more than 15 people?
Since making fresh salsa isn't really cooking I have to say no. I think the most I have cooked for is 12 now(BUNKO). Anything over that warrants getting pizza.

8. Have you ever fallen or stumbled in front of others?
Yes. One time I fell just walking into the ball park. I was in a dress and heels (I was on my lunch hour going to watch my husband play a softball game) and TOTALLY tore up my knee, my hands and my dress. I had to go back to work like that!

9. Have you ever done volunteer work?
No. I wish to though.

Kids and Christmas

Our Christmas was very low key this year. The kids knew ahead of time that times are tough and the presents would not be as elaborate as they have in the past. But all and all it was great. We got to spend time with friends and having time off from work is always nice. We have A LOT to be thankful for. In the hustle and bustle I forgot to take a picture Christmas day, so we took one right before taking the tree down. At least I remembered!

MILOOOOOOO JENKINS...

Milo went to the Vet Friday. He got a haircut. He got his balls removed. He had one testicle that didn't drop so they had to go in through his stomach to remove it. I know. EW. Anyway. He's a whole new dog. I can't wait for his hair to grow out a bit. Poor guy is freezing and shaking all the time. Pets are EXPENSIVE. The bill came to $418.20 Needless to say I will NOT be going to Vegas now. /HEAVY SIGH

Dawson & Ariana-isms

I stole the title of this post from a good friend. I hope she doesn't mind, cause I liked it a lot.
Her story of some things her kids said reminded me of a funny story about my kids and how often they make me laugh.
We don't live close to our family and only see them about once a year, so when the kids were little it was hard for them to understand which grandma we were referring to when we talked about them.
So we would refer to Dave's mom as Crazy Grandma and my mom as Grumpy Grandma. Now before you blow a gasket, please understand. Before my mom and dad divorced in 1998 my mom was REALLY unhappy. And Dave's mom, well. She IS crazy. Not lunatic crazy. Just naive crazy.
Anyhoo. We were visiting my mom one summer and Ariana was about 5. We were sitting around visiting with my mom, some of my aunts and cousins who had come to visit while we were in town. I can't remember what the conversation was exactly but I'm thinking we were talking about my dad. Ariana comes up to me and says for everyone to hear..."THIS is grumpy grandma!" I about died. Everyone started laughing. Hard. My mom was pissed. I tried to explain to everyone but it didn't help. I'm sure my mom has NEVER forgiven me for that.
Needless to say we changed their nicknames. Since that day we refer to Dave's mom as City Grandma and my mom is Country Grandma. Much more PC.

Today is THE DAY.

First I want to wish all my readers a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Second, I'm getting my dreaded "before" pictures taken today. Thanks to the professional services of my very good friend Brigitte.
I'm debating on posting them. You all will get to see the real me. The ugly me. And I don't want to lose what few friends I have.
So, can you give me reasons I should or shouldn't post my before pic for the world to see? Will it truly motivate me to make the much needed changes? To put myself out there and embarrass the hell out of myself like that? To submit myself to ridicule? Hmmm.
I promise they will be modest, but also revealing enough to show why I am doing this challenge. Sorry guys. There will be no booby shots.