Sunday, November 29, 2009
Decorations Galore
The Willow Tree Nativity Set, a big thanks goes out to my MIL, as the gave me one of my Christmas Presents early this year so I could display it. I guess she thought the 3 Wise Men would look a little silly by themselves (she gave me the 3 wise men last year). Also, notice the Chair-Rail in the Formal Living Room - Brad and his Dad's project while I was in Manila.
The sideboard table in the foyer...
A new addition - our Family Advent Calendar - notice the 7 is missing and the 6 is in the wrong place...yeah, I didn't notice until I took it out this year, no wonder it was 50% off. Its an easy fix though...just haven't done it yet.
Our plan for the Advent Calendar is to have little presents or a little piece of candy for each day. We will number the presents and they will have to look for the present with the corresponding day on it. If you look closely you will see the Turner Basket in the picture below, that basket will hold all the presents. We aren't going to do it this year because the girls are too young and we don't need all those little toys laying around, but we already have it all planned out for next year, and we have thought about doing it with Olivia for the week leading up to Christmas, but right now its just a festive decoration.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thankful for...
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The 'Noke
Traveling with Olivia is exhausting. She doesn't stop talking. Is this normal? Are all 2 year olds painful to travel with? If so, how the heck do people do? Moreover, WHY the heck do people do it? I would rather just lock myself up in my house until the "horrible to travel" phase has passed. And frankly, this phase started long before two in our house. Olivia has been a terrible traveler for almost a year now, it started just after she turned one. She stopped being able to sleep in the car and poof - gone were the peaceful car trips.
How are we going to drive to Disney in November of 2011? Please Lord tell me that this phase will end and by then we will have expert travelers to work with? And in May we are heading to Georgia for a long weekend, good grief, how is that going to go? Is she going to talk the entire 8 hours? If so, maybe she should ride with YaYa and GaGa...GaGa would lose his mind for sure.
Generally speaking Avery is a peach to travel with, she stays quiet, plays by herself...but Olivia, OH Olivia...is anything put quiet.
Avery did have a tough time settling back down tonight for bed, she cried and cried, and actually has been doing a lot of that at home too. Bedtime has been anything put a dream for her lately, lets hope this phases passes quickly.
Brad is falling asleep on the couch so that is my queue to shut it down and hit the hay. Big day planned tomorrow in the 'Noke and then its off to Bassett. I am sooooo hoping we can eat at Zaxby's for Lunch....Delish.
Also, a final thought - my dear friend "M" is out of town visiting family for Thanksgiving, her GPa isn't doing well and the family has made a decision to start the Hospice process (or whatever you call it, program, process, what do you call it when someone starts Hospice?). It is very sad, and I am sad for her and her family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this holiday season.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Trees
Two days of work this week and then we are off to Bassett. I am seriously thinking about taking this week off next year, seems like a great week to take off, a lot of people appear to be on vacation this week so why the heck not. This is also a great week to take a real vacation, somewhere warm and tropical, but gone are those days now that we have two little ones. Our second Thanksgiving together we took a cruise to the Bahamas and spent a few extra days in Florida, we actually spent Thanksgiving Day at Disney World.
Avery's Funny Face - which resembles one I made as a child...the poor thing.
Also, very random, but I happen to LOVE America's Funniest Home Video's. The show cracks me up. Olivia is curled up on our bed watching it right now (I know, Mom of the Year for letting my kid watch TV before bed), and she is just mesmerized.
Olivia's new ornament from Durham, NC.
And Avery's
Our new Tree Topper...I happen to be madly in love with it, so much so I would marry it if I could...
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Bar Smoke
Well, Brad went out on a man-date tonight. He met up with a few of his riding buddies at a bar for a few drinks. I guess one of the guys is moving back to PA so it was more of a "Going Away" get together. I must also mention that my darling husband went for a nice, relaxing bike ride this afternoon....yes, you got that right. I am on my death bed, just got home from a week away and he is going for rides and out for drinks. In his defense, he got up with Avery this morning at 7am and let me sleep until 9:30, but only because I begged him to. He also took the girls to Costco by himself and bought me some beautiful flowers, super sweet of him. I am just giving him a hard time actually. I don't mind, I actually have enjoyed having some down time at home this evening. Riley and I have been hanging out in bed. I actually fell asleep watching Barney with Olivia before I put her down, but she woke me up when Barney was over (Brad was still home, I didn't fall asleep while I should have been watching her, don't worry), but then when Brad left, I tried to go back to sleep and couldn't. Very annoying. I have had a huge headache for the last several hours, so I just took another dose of Advil and I hope to shut the lights out and hit the hay shortly.
So the point of my post was, I love that my life doesn't involve having to wash my hair several times after a night out with the girls/or guys, or smelling it the next day when you finally get around to showering...oh how times have changed.
Can't Sleep...
Brad and I took the girls to Donna's this morning and spent the day cleaning the Third Floor of our house, we worked on it until about 3pm and then gave up. We did some serious damage on the home office but the common area could still use some serous work, which means we will have to utilize the hours of nap time the girls provide this weekend.
It was a long day, but I was so happy to see Brad and the girls waiting for me at the airport I couldn't stop myself, Olivia was running in place, Brad was holding her back, and when he let her go we ran to each other and she was yelling "My Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, My Mommy" I just started crying, I was so happy to be home and to see my beautiful family.
So back it up a bit and I woke up around 7:00pm Wednesday Night (Manila Time, which is 6am est), went to work, worked until about 4am, came home, showered, packed and boarded a van to the airport at 5:45am. We arrived at the Manila Airport, thank goodness we fly Business Class, because the Coach area was an absolute zoo, we went through about 84 security checks and while we were checking in I noticed that there were crazy amounts of paparazzi outside, camera crews, etc. So I asked one of the nice ladies what was going on, she informed me that one of their largest local celebrities was going to be on our flight, turns out she ended up sitting behind me. Her name is Angel Locsin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_Locsin) the cute little ladies at the airport were going ga-ga over her, everyone was getting their pictures taken with her, I asked if she was like a "Jessica Simpson" and they told me "No, more like Jennifer Aniston". I am just not the star-struck type, but it was hilarious to watch everyone freak out! We had a 2 hour layover in Tokyo, the SkyClub Lounge was an absolute zoo, but we still enjoyed ourselves until we had to board the plane for Atlanta. Everything went smoothly, no issues going through customs...and we landed safe and sound in Richmond around 5:50pm.
After putting the girls down I ran out to Patient First, I just couldn't take it anymore, I was coughing my face off, had gone through 2 rolls of TP on the plane, and couldn't stop blowing my nose, super annoying. Turns out they think its just viral and the best they could do was cough meds, but of course it makes me sleepy so I can't take it during the day, as I type I am coughing my face off wishing I hadn't left it downstairs.
The girls Christmas Outfits arrived while I was gone so I tried them on today, I am a big nervous, Avery's is a little tight, so I am not sure what to do.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Smell Ya Later Manila
I can't wait to land in Richmond. I am feeling worse by the minute and can't wait to see a Doctor, I am so stuffed up I can barely breathe, I feel like a Toddler, I am always wiping my own nose because its running like a faucet, gross I know.
Brad took Avery to the Pediatric Neurologist today and got great news...she is growing right on schedule, is back on the charts and doesn't have to go back again. WAHOO. This is a fabulous surprise, we thought based on our first appointment that she would be going back every 3 months until she was 18-24 months old - AMEN.
I feel so bad for Brad, I know he is looking forward to a break when I get home, but basically I am going to add to the mess, he will go from taking care of the girls to all three of us, I am a mess and can't function let alone take care of the girls, he will have to continue his caregiver duties for a few more days.
Work wise this has been a very up and down trip. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my agents, but all in all this has been a very frustrating trip, we will see how things shake out when we get home and have discussions with Executive Leadership...
It looks like I will be back here before I know it. I am hoping to put off my return trip until at least February, wish me luck.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Something Fierce
I happen to be watching Gossip Girl over here and get this, its only one episode behind, which is shocking, especially so if you know anything about TV over here...let me give you a little insight. American Dreams, the show that was cancelled in the States 5+ years ago is a "New Series" here...and DeAnna Papas is the Bachelorette, so its a few seasons behind too.
From what I hear the girls are okay, no big improvements from either one, but they are eating. I on the other hand am 10 times more stuffed up right now, can't blow my nose fast enough and my throat is killing me from talking all day....I just keep telling myself only one more day. I can't wait to get home, get my hands on those girls and kiss them until the sun comes up.
I actually ventured out and had two meals outside of the hotel today and I have to admit, the first one was pretty darn tasty. I had Prawn (Shrimp) Rigatoni with Garlic and Olive Oil, the only downside is that it was a Tapas size portion, but I did order some Pop Over Bread with Herb Butter so that helped fill up the tum-tum.
One more day of work, we will head to dinner tonight around 5pm, head to the office earlier than usual around 7pm and head back to the hotel to pack and shower around 4am so we can leave for the airport around 5:30pm.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Woof
Balut- is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell. It is commonly sold as streetfood in the Philippines
Chicken Blood - congealed Chicken Blood on a stick and then cooked
Dog - no need to explain
Fish Belly - again, no need to explain
It's horrible. I spend the better part of our "food conversations" with my head down and eyes closed, and when I utter a sound the only thing I can get out is "Woof" They ordered Chinese Food for us today for lunch and they had "Prawn Chips" which looked like Pork Rinds but smelled and apparently tasted like shrimp - woof. I didn't even take a wiff. I passed on lunch all together and waited until I got back to the hotel. Last night for dinner we went to a Japanese Steakhouse here at the hotel and it was delish - I had Filet and Garlic Rice, it was YUMMY, but I am not what you would call adventurous when it comes to trying new things here...
Brad had to take the girls to the Doctor this morning, they are both very "snotty" and Avery was running a fever, turns out that she has an ear infection. I am so thankful for a husband who is so good with his girls and can take such good care of them when I am away. It pulls at my heart strings to know they are sick and I can't be there to cuddle with them as I know when Avery is sick she just wants to snuggle. Thank goodness Brad's Mom is there, what would we do without her? Avery weighed in at 22lbs 4oz and Olivia weighed 32lbs...big girls.
I slept for a solid 10 hours yesterday, but I had been up for a good 27 hours straight, so I am thinking about hitting the hay again now, its 8:38am, which means its 7:38pm est and those are the hours we are working while we are here, so we will head back to work tonight around 8pm, which will be 7am est, you follow me? So I am going to go to sleep now and attempt to get another 9-10 hours of sleep before starting another night of work. I need the sleep, I am still feeling like crap. I plan to get a massage tomorrow morning when I get home from the site, and then tomorrow night before work we are going to take a dinner cruise around the Bay and hope to see some sights. I have a few more things to pick up at this other open air market that Keri (our VP that is with us) found, and then I think I will be done shopping...
I can't wait to land back in Richmond on Thursday night and see Brad and the Girls, I have missed them terrribly this time around, and I can't wait to start decorating for Christmas. Brad and his Dad have been busy putting up Chair Rail molding in the formal living room and it sounds like they have the picture frame molding project on hold because they want me to see it before they take action - shucks, I was looking forward to crossing that project off the list.
And I found out today my good friend Su-Su (her code name) has the Piggy Flu, the poor thing, and her darling little Lamb (another code name) started at a new daycare today, so the poor thing has a lot going on right now, I hate that I am here and can't help her out. And while I am on the subject of things I hate, I hate that I haven't seen Miss Campbell except for the short visit in the hospital, the little nugget is going to be all grown up by the time I get home, she won't even know her Auntie Leigh...shame on me.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Happy Birthday Husband
And....I'm Up
So I will be attempting to nap for a few hours before dinner and then its off to work around 8:30pm. We will likely be back at the hotel around 5:30am, just in time for a quick swim/workout and then breakfast. We might take a 4 hour bus tour of Old and New Manila, but it will depend on the weather and how I am feeling.
I talked to Brad and Avery's fever was down before bed which is a very good thing, lets hope it doesn't climb back up during the night.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Hate it...
Greenhills
I slept last night from about 1:30am until about 8am. But it wasn't a sound sleep. I was up a few times and tossed and turned quite a bit. Not to mention it feels like I am swallowing daggers and can barely talk. My throat is killing me, my ears are still clogged from the flight and I am super congested...good times. I have been taking Advil like its my job and after taking 5 at lunch I got a tiny bit of relief, but in general the Advil hasn't really been touching it, I am worried I will have to see the Hotel Doctor and get some meds to knock it out...urg. I am going to give it another day or two before taking action, but its seriously annoying.
Schedule so far:
8am - wake up
8:30am - breakfast at Circles Buffet - which for me consisted of Shrimp Dumplings and a Waffle - sounds horrible, but it was okay.
10am - Arrived at Greenhills to shop
12:30pm - Left Greenshills and headed back to the hotel
1:15pm - Ate lunch at Circles Buffet - which consisted of Shrimp Dumplings and Shrimp Tempura, not a lot of variety on my plate, the others went to down, but with my throat feeling the way it doesn't I really wasn't hungry. I did however enjoy another Coca Cola Light.
2:45pm - We headed for Balikbayan Handicrafts - a local store that specialized in wood - take a look: http://www.balikbayanhandicrafts.com/
3:30pm - Back to the hotel, some of the girls are going swimming, some are taking a nap. My plan is to take a nap shortly and then we will all meet for Dinner around 9pm at the Japanese Steakhouse here at the hotel.
I did get to talk to Olivia this morning just as she was going to bed, she told me she loved me, and when I told her I loved her to the Moon and back she said "Moon Back - I love you", so sweet. I miss them to pieces, its much harder this trip, I suspect its because I am not as excited to be here, I know what its all about, it isn't new this time around, so I would much rather be at home with my family where I belong, but its only a week right? But in the same breath I tell myself that a week in Avery's life is huge, big things happen in a week for her, she will probably be pulling herself up by the time I get home, last trip she learned to roll and cut a tooth while I was gone. The girls are in good hands though, Brad's Parents are there and keeping them home from daycare, so I know they are having the time of their lives. I am so thankful that his parents are there to help, we are lucky kids to have the parents we do, they are so good to us and to our darling little girls.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thrilla in Manila
Flights all went relatively well, Richmond to Detroit was late...they were paging us to the gate in Detroit but turns out there was a "fuel issue" so we were late leaving Detroit too, but we had been rushed to board and were now starving because we missed our opportunity to grab lunch before we boarded. We had a two hour layover in Tokyo, but we ended up only really having about 30 minutes in the SkyClub Lounge before we had to board again. The flight from Tokyo to Manila was very bumping, the seat belt sign was on the entire flight and I don't believe the Coach Passengers were even served their snacks. We were fed upstairs in Business Class but I slept through it...hence the room service. What's on the menu for tonight you ask? Well, a order of Spaghetti from the Children's Menu and a side order of Fries and of course, a Coca-Cola Light. Delish.
Well, its now 12:30am here and I am going to hit the shower, then the bed...we are meeting for breakfast in the morning at 8:30am, so if I want to work out that means I need to do it before breakfast...odds are that won't happen tomorrow, possibly I can fit it in after our shopping trip and before our dinner reservations. The one downfall of traveling with a group this time around is that things are more organized, more scheduled meals, less downtime, I like the downtime...oh well, such is life.
Oh yeah, I called home and Olivia wouldn't talk to me...talk about pulling at your heartstrings. Also, another note to self, do NOT, I repeat do NOT watch movies like My Sister's Keeper when you cannot hold your little darlings tight, I sobbed on the plane, cried through the ENTIRE movie, and I haven't done that in ages, sure I shed tears but this was flat out sobbing. It was horrible and as much as I wanted to hate the mother, I just couldn't, I could empathize with her. I kept my other movie selections light, The Hangover - very funny, The Proposal - very funny, but had already seen it, and Ghosts of Ex Girlfriends Past - cute, and again had already seen it. I am very much hoping the movies are updated on the 15th of the month so we have a few more selections on the way home.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"Somebody Stop Me"
PS I hate running errands in the rain.
Snots & Airplanes
Monday, November 9, 2009
The power of prayer...
Dr. A had been hoping for a "home run" for Stellan, but the reality of the situation was that he had a small chance of knocking one out of the park, BUT truth be told he indeed hit a home run. Stellan is free of SVT and in recovery now, waiting for his Dad to arrive from the Frozen Tundra, who by the way missed his flight all while sitting at a gate, I don't know how his Mom kept her cool, I would have been furious with Brad if he just missed his flight, who misses a flight just sitting there? I can imagine that his mind was on other things, like the fact that his son was fighting for his life, but seriously...pay attention.
Okay, back to the power of pray. Today while sitting at my cube I emailed my MIL and asked her to send a prayer request to Fort Trial, their church in Bassett, I mentioned them before, they worked their magic on Avery, I figured it was the least I could do for Stellan, I felt so hopeless, its amazing the hold this little boy has on my life and I don't even know him, but I sure feel I do.
I spent extra time tonight humming sweet songs to Avery as she screamed in my ear and fought sleep, I read and reread Someday (one of my favorite books) to Olivia over and over again, until we closed the book and I started to tell her about Baby Stellan, and how he was at the hospital, because he was a very sick little boy and that we needed to lift him up in prayer, and pray for the Doctors who had their strong wise hands holding his life ever so tightly and then I tucked her into bed and came down to check on Stellan only to find that he was SVT free, amen.
In other news, Avery had a rough, rough night, she screamed and screamed and screamed and refused to settle down, she crawled around the second floor until almost 7:30pm when Brad worked his magic and she drifted off to dreamland only to be awoken (is that English?) by Riley flapping his ears outside of her door, she started with the screaming but this time we just let her wail, the whole cry it out thing works every now and then. And Olivia had a serious case of the Monday's. I was late getting home, didn't walk into the house until almost 6pm and Brad was scolding her for standing on the couch, so that started it off on a sour note, and it just went downhill from there until we got to the book reading, she cuddled up in my lap and asked me to read and reread my favorite book several times, its like she knew I needed that very book to put a smile on my face and some happy tears in my eyes.
Mr. Stellan
Sunday, November 8, 2009
47 Questions...
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME I CRIED? Just a few minutes ago reading about Stellan
3. DO I LIKE MY HANDWRITING? Yes, but its a bit nerdy, very straight. I get a crazy amount of compliments on it.
3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I am actually not a huge fan of lunch meat, I am fairly picky actually, Boar's Head is my favorite brand, and I would have to say Turkey or Chicken.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Sure do, two of them in fact.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, but can imagine I would also get annoyed with me because I can never keep my opinion to myself and I can't stop talking. But at the same time, I am forever honest and loyal.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Sure do
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, and for years I beg to have them taken out, but my chronic throat issues have been at bay since 2001, so at this point I am content to keep them.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Absolutely not.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Frosted Flakes, without a doubt. But Raisin Bran is a close second.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, not so much, and yes, I know I should, its bad for the shoes not to...blah, blah, blah.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Mint Chocolate Cookie, and this time of year I fancy a heaping bowl of Egg Nog Ice Cream.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their teeth or their height
15. RED OR PINK? Pink
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Body, the whole, entire, body I inhabit.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I miss my friends from the 413, I wish they all lived next door or across the street and that we had dinner parties once a week. And when I think about people who are no longer with us, I think about my Mom's Mom who I never met, I would have loved to meet her, get to know her, get to know the type of Mom she was, pick on my Mom with her, etc. You know, the typical grand daugther-grandmother bonding moments.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE ELSE TO PUT THIS ON THEIR BLOG? I sure do, I happen to love these things.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Currently shoeless, I rarely wear shoes in the house, but another week or so, or a few degrees cooler and I will be sporting my Winter Slippers that I love to pieces.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? A Halloween Sized bag of Peanut M&M's.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Criminal Minds on the TV, this show freaks me out, where do the writers come up with this stuff?
.22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Hot Pink, without a doubt.
23. FAVORITE SMELL? Babies fresh out of the bath
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My Mom
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? No one sent it to me, I stole it from another blog.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Football these days, but good Lord, not the Redskins.
27. Hair Color? Dark brown
28. EYE COLOR? Brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Sure don't, and honestly I don't think I ever could, I hate things near/touchy my eyes.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Couples Retreat
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? A long-sleeve White T-Shirt.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer!!!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Key Lime Cheesecake
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Not a relevant question when posted on a blog
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Again, not relevant
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Sadly, I am not really reading a book now, but need to pull one off the shelf and get started before I board that plane on Thursday, TV in Manila is horrible, so I need to bring a few good books along with me.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have one...I used to think that was sooooooooo horrible, to use a mouse without one, now I think that was all just hoop-la, because if it was sooooooooo bad, why wouldn't Capital One make us use one?
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? NCIS Los Angeles, we watched 3 episodes last night that were on the DVR
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Rain on a tin roof
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Neither actually...and I am proud to admit, and by proud I mean ashamed, that I get them confused and couldn't name a song either one of them sang.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Manila, take two on Thursday.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Birthing HUGE babies, think that counts?
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Greenfield, Massachusetts
47. WHOSE ANSWERS AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO READING? Yours...
Moved to Tears
I don't think I have shared this story before, but when Avery was first admitted to the NICU, a few short hours after she gasped for her first breath, I was freaked out, scared of what I didn't know. Brad's Parents were the last ones to leave for the night, I was in bed, (heck, I had just given birth) Brad was sitting with me, I had tears in my eyes, but as soon as they said their goodbyes and headed out the door, I lost it. Full on sobbing. I was terrified, scared that something was seriously wrong with my sweet baby girl, scared that I might never hold her again, scared that despite kissing her goodbye, I hadn't been very nice to her, I pushed her away, shooed her off to get checked out, yes, because I was worried and knew something was wrong, but still...and while most of the time I don't regret rushing the moments I had with her right after birth a part of me wishes I could have held her just a few minutes longer to take in the moment, to get a family photograph taken.
So Brad and I were laying in the hospital bed, I was sobbing and his Mom walked back in the door, tears in her eyes, and asked if they could pray with us. It was exactly what I needed in that moment, how she knew, I don't know, but I will forever be grateful that she came back that night and prayed for Avery with us. And a few days after we all got home from the hospital we received a Prayer Gram in the mail, Brad's Parent's Church all signed it and wrote us a sweet note, they kept us close during those first few days of Avery's life. Its that type of faith I need everyday, why I don't, I don't know, but I wish I had it. I read these blogs, of these uber religious women and their strength and faith move me to tears on a daily basis, they are kind, and they make me want to be a better person. Sure, there are times I think they are a bit over the top, but the message is clear, and the message is simple...faith is good and it gets you through tough times.
5:13am....really?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Adventures of Brad and Riley
Me: Hi Linda
Linda: Hi Leigh, I just wanted to make sure your parents were here
Me: No, they aren't here, why?
Linda: Oh well, I can see that there is a light on upstairs so I figured they must have arrived and I didn't know they were coming
Me: No, and that's strange, I will have to send Brad over to check it out
Linda: Okay, just let him know I will be here ready to call someone if I need to
Me: Okay, Thanks Linda.
So Brad got dressed (he wasn't naked, just in sweatpants, get your heads out of the gutter). Got Riley ready to go, because of course, you can't go check out a potentially dangerous situation without the always ferocious dog at your side. So Brad grabs his huge mag-lite flashlight and off they go.
Long Story Short - the light was on, and we have no idea why, or how it happened. And then while I was on the phone with Brad as he and Riley made their way through the house he says "Holy S#$%" and my heart stops. He tells me the Gun Safe was open, meaning not locked. At first I panic thinking someone has broken in, stolen the guns and could be in the house with a loaded gun getting ready to blow my dogs tail off....oh wait, I mean my husbands head off. And then Brad tells me there are still 5 guns in there, but just to be safe I called my Dad in Montana (he is there hunting for a few weeks), and he doesn't specifically remember locking it, so my panic decreases thinking its just a matter of no one locking it last time they were in it. So we confirm all the guns are there and my Dad makes a note to call ADT to change their level of service, and we all go to bed safe and sound. Ta-Da.
As I type, the ice maker is dropping ice into the tray and Riley is having a heart attack, running around, barking as loud as he can, clearly he would be the right one to have with you in a pinch, because dropping ice sends him into a tailspin. Crazy Dog.
Miss Pac Man
Cake Report
Brad left bright and early this morning for a bike race, the race starts around 9am, and hopefully he will be home by 12 noon for lunch. Avery is already down for her morning nap and has been for almost an hour, so Olivia and I are relaxing to Barney (Yeah, nothing about Barney relaxes me either, but its like Olivia's crack)
I am going to start the White Chicken Chili in just a few short hours, I can't wait for dinner.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Gooey Butter Cake
Cake:
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter and beat together. Next, add the powdered sugar and mix well. Spread over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to over bake as the center should be a little gooey.
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Show: Recipe courtesy Paula Deen and Random House Publishing
T Minus 6 days...
I am hoping that I can still hit the gym on Monday or Tuesday, but Brad will be traveling so that means it will have to be a last minute decision. I am making dinner for Brian & Molly on Tuesday before I head out of town for a week and am worthless to them. I am trying to find a non-Pasta meal to make them because I am guessing everyone else will be preparing a Lasagna dish of some sort...and while everyone loves Lasagna, seriously, they don't need it 47 nights in a row.
Tonight I am going to make this delicious White Chicken Chili recipe that my work friend Ashley brought to our Chili Cook Out a few weeks ago, and Sunday I am going to try out this Lemon Sherry Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe Megs shared with me. And Saturday Night I might just make Brad his favorite, Chicken Parmasean. Yum. I love to cook, but only when I have the time.
My boss/friend "C", wasn't feeling well yesterday at work, so she went over to the Health Center, they did an EKG and the results weren't good, so she was off a Cardiologist this morning at 8am. I am on pins and needles waiting to get an update....please keep her in your thoughts and prayers today as she waits for the results from all the tests they did this morning.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
She's Here, She's Here, She's Here
Too Early?
Does anyone have any suggestions on where to look for a Fake Tree? We only have one right now and need to get the second one in the next few weeks, it has to be up before the 4th Annual Tacky Sweater Party scheduled for December 5th (Come one, Come all).
Quick, Painfree and Healthy...
Stellan, from http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ is on his way to Boston today for another ablation, which is a very risky procedure for someone his age, as he is just 12 months old. More tears for Stellan and his family...what the heck is wrong with me?
Olivia had a rough day yesterday, she was crying when I got to Donna's yesterday and that was just the tip of the ice burg...after chucking her milk cup at Avery she spent some quality time in the corner. In Olivia's defense Avery stole a paper plate away from her...of course she wanted to eat it since she is our little Billy Goat!
Back to my hormones, I am wondering if its because I am ever so slightly jealous that Molly is going to be meeting her daugther for the first time today? Could it be that I have newborn baby envy? It could be, anything is possible. I don't get all weepy when I see random pregnant women on the street, and looking at "just born" pictures of a coworkers baby the other day had little to no effect on me. I am wondering if its because I am so happy for Brian and Molly, because they are our close friends and Miss Campbell will be a part of our lives? Will vacation with us? Will trick or treat with the girls? Will bob for apples with the girls next year, thats right, bobbing for apples folks, and no I don't think its gross, I think its a wonderfull fall tradition, germs schmerms.
I can't wait to meet you precious little Campbell, today is your Birth Day and its all about you my dear!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Prince Charming
So Friday I was home with the girls, as they are both still fighting the cold battle...and losing. Brad got home, knew my plan was to go Grocery Shopping when he got home, so I snuck out of the house just after he changed out of his suit. I opened the drive side door of the Yukon to find a card, a bottle of my back in the day favorite wine (more on that in a minute) and....a wrapped Finks box. I instantly broke into a huge smile. I opened the box right away, and sure enough, it was the David Yurman Amethyst Albion Petite Split-Shank Ring. Amethyst is Avery's Birthstone and this is her "push present", long story, but the other two push presents were returned. And now onto the wine...so the first time Brad and I actually spent time together, I drove to Raleigh for the weekend, arrived at his apartment when he was still at work, let myself in, no, I didn't break in, he left me a key, and he had shopped for all of my favorite things, strawberries were in the fridge, a stargazer lily was on the counter, Tropicana Twister juice was in the fridge along with a bottle of Luna de Luna Blue White wine. It was my favorite wine, my dear friend Maura introduced me to it, we used to love it and drink it on a weekly basis for our American Idol Dinner Dates...which turned into Apprentice Dinner dates...oh those were the days. Wait, I am getting off track...so back to the wine. He remembered...and while it isn't great wine and we have shared much better wine together (Heck, we went to Sonoma), he did it just because it brought us back to the weekend we fell in love. Sweet, right? I mean, really, just rehashing it is bringing a tear to my eye. He really is a sweet guy, sure his hobbies can get a little annoying, and yes, he forgets things now and then, but he is a great guy, one I am lucky to have in my life. The guy that hung up on me when we were dating because his Mom was calling, I knew he was a keeper from that moment on, you need a guy that loves and respects his Mother. And while I need a reminder every now and then how lucky I am to have him in my life, I need to give him a reminder every now and then so he feels the same way!