Can you believe it?! Today was the last day of November AND my last entry for this month as well. I was testing myself; to see if I could blog once a day for the whole month of November. I did it with a little cheating (post-dating certain entries) but I got it done. I'm actually viewing this blog as a journal, a memory-keeper, a stress-reliever. It's been fun and I hope I can stay as dedicated for the rest of the year.
Speaking of journals, I found some journals from 2001 and back then I was doing a Bible study called "Becoming a Woman of Beauty and Strength" by Elizabeth George. It's a study that goes through the book of Esther. From what I remember, it was a wonderful study. I was reading through my journal answers and I remember specifically what I was going through at that time. Then I stopped reading after the first chapter because I had an amazing idea. I'm going to find that study and do it all over again then compare answers from 2001. Apparently, I lent the study to a friend and never got it back because I can't find it. So I ordered it online and I should be getting it in the mail tomorrow or sometime this week. I'm really looking foward to it!
Also, I do have some AMAZING news but I won't be able to post it until tomorrow when it is official. So stay tuned....
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Say What?!
On our way to our friend's house, we passed by a little strip plaza. There was a sign of all the businesses that occupied the lots. Here's the picture of the sign. Let me know if you notice anything weird about it.
Wait, did I read that right?!
Didn't know our colons needed therapy. I guess it makes sense since it's been through a lot of crap!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Family's Pictures
Here are pictures from Heather:
Turkey Trot
Starting up the old tradition again
Gavin and his supposedly favorite Aunt Heather
Here are pictures from my mom:
Dinner Table
Great-Aunt Judy and Grandma
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Sleep In Saturday
I'll be honest, today I didn't leave the couch all that much. I was probably in and out of sleep from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Can you say laaaazy?! Gavin didn't care either. He snuggled right along with me as we watched tv, snacked and slept. It was great.
Amazing discovery: Gavin can count to ten! No joke! Well, you would have to help him along but if I say 1, he'll say 2. If I say 3, he'll say 4. So forth and so on. I was pretty astonished to find this out and I'm thinking my kid is a genius. Let me rephrase that....I KNOW my kid is a genius!!! Here are some pictures and videos to get you caught up.
Amazing discovery: Gavin can count to ten! No joke! Well, you would have to help him along but if I say 1, he'll say 2. If I say 3, he'll say 4. So forth and so on. I was pretty astonished to find this out and I'm thinking my kid is a genius. Let me rephrase that....I KNOW my kid is a genius!!! Here are some pictures and videos to get you caught up.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Reunion
After such a lazy day today, we met up with a couple of friends we haven't seen in two years. The last time we saw Frank and Kathleen Monteleone was for our wedding. Tonight was their first time meeting Gavin. He was such a good boy and actually reached for them to hold him. Glad he takes a liking to strangers... :)
We had a nice visit and we may plan a trip to New York sometime soon to see them again. Here are some pictures....
We had a nice visit and we may plan a trip to New York sometime soon to see them again. Here are some pictures....
Below next to Frank is Rob (old friend) and Steven (Frank's brother)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Short and Sweet
Today went by too quickly. Just to sum up, we went to the Turkey Trot at 6:00 a.m., took a nap when we got home at 9:30 a.m., starting cleaning and cooking at 11:00 a.m., ate at 5:00 p.m. then everyone left at 7:30 p.m. Short and sweet....
I'll give just a little bit more detail. This was my first Turkey Trot and I could not believe how many people do it! I looked at the thousands of people on Keene Road and was astonished at the flood of people on it. We had a great walk and I definitely felt like I earned my right to pig out later. The nap was short-lived for me because all I kept thinking about was how much cleaning I needed to do. Eric cooked the turkey perfectly and all the other dishes were fantastic! Everything just came together so well. It definitely came and went just like that though. I do have pictures that I need to get from family. Heather has pictures from the Turkey Trot and my mom took some during dinner. More to come....
I'll give just a little bit more detail. This was my first Turkey Trot and I could not believe how many people do it! I looked at the thousands of people on Keene Road and was astonished at the flood of people on it. We had a great walk and I definitely felt like I earned my right to pig out later. The nap was short-lived for me because all I kept thinking about was how much cleaning I needed to do. Eric cooked the turkey perfectly and all the other dishes were fantastic! Everything just came together so well. It definitely came and went just like that though. I do have pictures that I need to get from family. Heather has pictures from the Turkey Trot and my mom took some during dinner. More to come....
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Happy Boy
This week has been great with my happy little boy! His hives are practically gone and I think we solved the problem. Has anyone heard of being allergic to different brands of milk? Here's the thing, before we moved, we would buy Publix whole milk. The Wal-mart Supermarket's milk was nasty and tasted really funky. Then we switched to SweetBay whole milk because that store was closer. After a month of drinking that, he broke out into hives. Then he fought through those hives for a month. We switched everything! Laundry detergent, foods, juices and just this past weekend, we switched to organic milk. Within a day, his hives were disappearing. I asked Mrs. Shirley what kind of milk she was giving him and she said Publix brand. It just got me thinking..... We're still not certain if this is actually the cause of the hives or not but it's been working this week!
Tonight, we finally got the tv on the wall! Woot woot! It definitely opens up the room just a little bit. And let me tell you, every little bit counts with that monstrosity of a couch in that living room. I cleaned the bathroom while Eric cleaned the kitchen tonight. Tomorrow, Dylan is spending the night. Not sure what we're going to do with him but we'll figure something out. Maybe he'll want to workout with me or even better, we'll put him to work! :) But this will be our first house guest....how sweet!
Tonight, we finally got the tv on the wall! Woot woot! It definitely opens up the room just a little bit. And let me tell you, every little bit counts with that monstrosity of a couch in that living room. I cleaned the bathroom while Eric cleaned the kitchen tonight. Tomorrow, Dylan is spending the night. Not sure what we're going to do with him but we'll figure something out. Maybe he'll want to workout with me or even better, we'll put him to work! :) But this will be our first house guest....how sweet!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Preparations
Since this will be our first time hosting Thanksgiving, we are in the midst of prepping our house.....starting tomorrow. It's Monday and it's one of those nights where we don't want to do anything but lounge around. Gavin was such a good boy tonight. He's trying his hardest to form those sentences and he now ends with a word so we know what he wants.
Speaking of Gavin, his hives are going away slowly but surely. Can you believe it's been 6 weeks of on again off again hives?! We're still planning on taking him to an allergist in December. They might do blood work with food allergy testing just to tell us what he cannot have anymore. Thankfully, the hives haven't bothered Gavin all that much and he's still a healthy boy through it all.
Things to do before Thursday:
Mount tv on the wall - yep, it's still not done
Buy turkey and other foods
Sweep and scrub tile floors
Clean ALL rooms
Get extra table and chairs
Laundry
There are probably other things we need to do but that's the majority of it. Hope your planning is more successful than mine! :)
Speaking of Gavin, his hives are going away slowly but surely. Can you believe it's been 6 weeks of on again off again hives?! We're still planning on taking him to an allergist in December. They might do blood work with food allergy testing just to tell us what he cannot have anymore. Thankfully, the hives haven't bothered Gavin all that much and he's still a healthy boy through it all.
Things to do before Thursday:
Mount tv on the wall - yep, it's still not done
Buy turkey and other foods
Sweep and scrub tile floors
Clean ALL rooms
Get extra table and chairs
Laundry
There are probably other things we need to do but that's the majority of it. Hope your planning is more successful than mine! :)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Compliments
I'm one to admit that I don't know how to take a compliment. I enjoy getting them but I don't handle it very well. Usually, I say the opposite or return a compliment to get the focus off of me. Then just recently, Eric told me that I need to take a compliment better. So I've been practicing. Today at church, I received compliment after compliment of how much weight I've lost. The fact is, I haven't lost any at all! But you know what I did? I accepted the compliment anyway and talked about how I did it. P90X BABY!!! :)
It's different when you receive a compliment from a friend than it is coming from your significant other. When Eric gives me a compliment, it means so much more. I have seen couples that once they get married, they let themselves go because they feel so comfortable in their skin. Granted, I gained 40 pounds after we got married but I had an excuse! :) But now I want to make sure that I can still catch my husband's eye. I want to look good for my husband! And he definitely sees the effort I'm making and he rewards me with compliments. Yesterday, he probably gave me a compliment every half hour! But it felt good to hear those words coming from my husband than anyone else.
Have you complimented your spouse today?
It's different when you receive a compliment from a friend than it is coming from your significant other. When Eric gives me a compliment, it means so much more. I have seen couples that once they get married, they let themselves go because they feel so comfortable in their skin. Granted, I gained 40 pounds after we got married but I had an excuse! :) But now I want to make sure that I can still catch my husband's eye. I want to look good for my husband! And he definitely sees the effort I'm making and he rewards me with compliments. Yesterday, he probably gave me a compliment every half hour! But it felt good to hear those words coming from my husband than anyone else.
Have you complimented your spouse today?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Without
Today, I thought about Eric a lot. He left really early this morning to travel to Weston (which is four hours away) for 1 performance. After he left, Gavin was a little whiny and cranky. Maybe it was because he didn't sleep very well. At noon, I had to attend a funeral for one of our church members. I got teary-eyed on my way there because I thought about losing Eric. Ok, teary-eyed is an understatement. I don't really want to write out my thoughts about this because I don't want to dwell on it so much. Plus, that's no way to live! I love my husband and right now, I don't want to imagine myself without him.
Tonight, I had dinner with my pastor, his wife and kids. Surprisingly, Gavin did pretty well at the dinner table. There was a moment where he had a mashed potato beard (wish I had my camera for that one!) We had a good time and good discussions. Although, I will say that it's getting more and more difficult to carry on a conversation when your toddler needs more of your attention. Still perfecting my multi-tasking skills....
Tonight, I had dinner with my pastor, his wife and kids. Surprisingly, Gavin did pretty well at the dinner table. There was a moment where he had a mashed potato beard (wish I had my camera for that one!) We had a good time and good discussions. Although, I will say that it's getting more and more difficult to carry on a conversation when your toddler needs more of your attention. Still perfecting my multi-tasking skills....
Friday, November 19, 2010
Happy Birthday, Eric!
I did not have the laptop this night but I still journaled so here it is....
Today is Eric's birthday! All three of us woke up at 5:30 this morning (not intentionally) and that's when Eric received his cards and his gift. Let me preface his birthday gift. I've been a week late (menstrually speaking) and I told him about it but it didn't phase him whatsoever. So I took a test, wrapped it up in toilet paper and put it back in the pregnancy test box. This morning I handed him the box and he said, "What's this?" He didn't even look at me. Being the actor that Eric is, he was opening it very slowly to add a dramatic effect to it. He took a deep breath and said, "WHEW!!!!" It was negative. On a personal note, I think working out so much has affected me. All is good but it definitely made Eric heart race like crazy!
Last night, we went to Arigato's with a few friends. We had a great time even though the waitress was flirting with MY birthday boy. On our way home, we stopped by Dairy Queen for a blizzard. We had a flashback to my last month of pregnancy and we visited Dairy Queen at least two times a week. Those were the good old days. All in all, I think Eric had a great birthday!
Today is Eric's birthday! All three of us woke up at 5:30 this morning (not intentionally) and that's when Eric received his cards and his gift. Let me preface his birthday gift. I've been a week late (menstrually speaking) and I told him about it but it didn't phase him whatsoever. So I took a test, wrapped it up in toilet paper and put it back in the pregnancy test box. This morning I handed him the box and he said, "What's this?" He didn't even look at me. Being the actor that Eric is, he was opening it very slowly to add a dramatic effect to it. He took a deep breath and said, "WHEW!!!!" It was negative. On a personal note, I think working out so much has affected me. All is good but it definitely made Eric heart race like crazy!
Last night, we went to Arigato's with a few friends. We had a great time even though the waitress was flirting with MY birthday boy. On our way home, we stopped by Dairy Queen for a blizzard. We had a flashback to my last month of pregnancy and we visited Dairy Queen at least two times a week. Those were the good old days. All in all, I think Eric had a great birthday!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
18 Months Old
Where has the time gone?! How is it that we have an 18-month old child?! How did we manage to get this far so quickly?! By the grace of God....
Today, Gavin is 18-months old. We've noticed a lot of improvements in his behavior and mannerisms over the past month or so. Eating-wise, he is really feeding himself better with a spoon. Bedtime-wise, when he hears the words "nite nite", he takes my hand and walks me to his room, waits for me to get in the chair so he can climb on my lap, then after his milk, he willingly gets into his crib and tries to get comfortable. And I can leave the room without him screaming his head off! Walking-wise, he is seriously running, not walking anymore. He loves to run in circles around some object, i.e. table, person, chair, toy. Talking-wise, he still jibber-jabbers ALL the time but now we're hearing a familiar word here and there, i.e. "lkaidn lkdoaineb Dada aldien;bi aoinc;ile aiec,ieini Mama aienclie gildk ball ;dineinb eindie, car oibnelic Dy-an (short for Dylan) ald;ino einlkodie Papa....you get the idea. :)
Today, Gavin is 18-months old. We've noticed a lot of improvements in his behavior and mannerisms over the past month or so. Eating-wise, he is really feeding himself better with a spoon. Bedtime-wise, when he hears the words "nite nite", he takes my hand and walks me to his room, waits for me to get in the chair so he can climb on my lap, then after his milk, he willingly gets into his crib and tries to get comfortable. And I can leave the room without him screaming his head off! Walking-wise, he is seriously running, not walking anymore. He loves to run in circles around some object, i.e. table, person, chair, toy. Talking-wise, he still jibber-jabbers ALL the time but now we're hearing a familiar word here and there, i.e. "lkaidn lkdoaineb Dada aldien;bi aoinc;ile aiec,ieini Mama aienclie gildk ball ;dineinb eindie, car oibnelic Dy-an (short for Dylan) ald;ino einlkodie Papa....you get the idea. :)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Temptation
Today marks the beginning of a temptation match for the rest of the year!
My work had their annual Thanksgiving potluck luncheon. There was SO much food and still a lot of leftover! I kept my portions small because I wanted to try everything. I did NOT go up for seconds like I usually do. There were a few pies and banana pudding for dessert which I am proud to say that I skipped. So all in all, self-control - 1, temptation - 0.
But that isn't the end. We're going to Arigato's Japanese Steakhouse tomorrow night for Eric's birthday. We have a church Thanksgiving potluck luncheon on Sunday. And let's not forget the actual Thanksgiving dinner next Thursday. Unfortunately, I foresee December being much worse!
I have to admit that I skipped my P90X workout last night upon my husband's request. However, I got up REALLY early this morning to accomplish last night's routine and will continue with the schedule tonight. Believe me, I'm not overdoing anything. I'm keeping a commitment to a workout plan which some have difficulties in doing. I haven't really lost that much weight, if any at all, and I haven't lost any inches either. However, I do notice my endurance has improved. How else am I going to get through these workouts?!
At this point and on till the rest of the year, it's going to be a day by day food temptation match! Wish me luck!
My work had their annual Thanksgiving potluck luncheon. There was SO much food and still a lot of leftover! I kept my portions small because I wanted to try everything. I did NOT go up for seconds like I usually do. There were a few pies and banana pudding for dessert which I am proud to say that I skipped. So all in all, self-control - 1, temptation - 0.
But that isn't the end. We're going to Arigato's Japanese Steakhouse tomorrow night for Eric's birthday. We have a church Thanksgiving potluck luncheon on Sunday. And let's not forget the actual Thanksgiving dinner next Thursday. Unfortunately, I foresee December being much worse!
I have to admit that I skipped my P90X workout last night upon my husband's request. However, I got up REALLY early this morning to accomplish last night's routine and will continue with the schedule tonight. Believe me, I'm not overdoing anything. I'm keeping a commitment to a workout plan which some have difficulties in doing. I haven't really lost that much weight, if any at all, and I haven't lost any inches either. However, I do notice my endurance has improved. How else am I going to get through these workouts?!
At this point and on till the rest of the year, it's going to be a day by day food temptation match! Wish me luck!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Touchdown!
Gavin is going to be a football fanatic just like his daddy. Everytime we get excited about a touchdown, Gavin will raise his hands and say, "Yaaaaay!" And now when Eric yells, "Touchdown!" Gavin will just scream out of excitement! See for yourself...
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sunday Packed with Alpacas
Today, the church kids were invited after church to go to one of our member's Alpaca Farm! We took our nephew with us and I'd say we had a good time. I think we spent more time in the car than anything but all in all we really enjoyed ourselves. Here are a couple videos of our road trip:
Then here are some pictures and videos when we finally got there:
Then here are some pictures and videos when we finally got there:
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Super Slammed Saturday
Today was a full-packed day! I made A LOT of plans and was able to accomplish all of them, praise the Lord! Gavin woke up early (as expected) and we waited till Eric got up. We ate breakfast then I went garage sale hunting with Gavin....I'll explain that in just a bit. Eric went out and bought a wall mount for our tv. The idea was that he and his two friends were going to work together in mounting the tv on the wall....I'll explain that in a bit as well.
So, garage sale hunting did go as well as I had expected. I saw the signs but was not impressed with the drive-by view of the merchandise. We ended up stopping by ONE garage sale but it was a huge success that I ended up going back for more. This particular garage sale had two big piles of clothes. I was holding Gavin at the time and just didn't feel like going through them especially when the sign said, "Clothing: $1.00 each." I glanced at the rest of their stuff but rerouted back to the clothes. I looked more closely and saw that they were my size! The seller came by and said, "Listen, if you're willing to go through ALL of those clothes then I'll mark them down to $.25 each. I just have to get rid of them." SOLD! It was a little difficult to go through all of them with Gavin wondering around so I got 13 pieces of clothing for $3.00 and told her that I might be back.
After getting so excited about my find, I went home, dropped off the clothes and left again so I could meet up with my friend, Kelly. We took a nice walk with our children and caught up with each other as much as we could. While I was at the park, Eric and his friends were attempting the tv project. On my way home, I kept thinking, "The tv is going to look so good on the wall. I can't wait to see it!" Well....looks like I'm still gonna have to wait to see it. I came home to a living room with nuts, bolts, screws, wires and tools everywhere, holes in the wall, a mount that is on our wall by 1/2 of the screws needed and no tv on the wall. It was quite comical and almost like a Three Stooges episode.
After a sitter came and got Gavin, I rushed back to the garage sale before they closed. She was happy to see me again and the deal was still on! This go around, I found 21 pieces of clothing that I paid $5.00 for. Insane!
Later than afternoon, Eric and I attended a bowling event which was a fundraiser for prostate cancer. We had a lot of fun and got to see old friends we haven't seen in years. AND Eric actually won a raffle that included a bottle of Crown Royal Whiskey and 25 cigars!
Ok....here are pictures:
So, garage sale hunting did go as well as I had expected. I saw the signs but was not impressed with the drive-by view of the merchandise. We ended up stopping by ONE garage sale but it was a huge success that I ended up going back for more. This particular garage sale had two big piles of clothes. I was holding Gavin at the time and just didn't feel like going through them especially when the sign said, "Clothing: $1.00 each." I glanced at the rest of their stuff but rerouted back to the clothes. I looked more closely and saw that they were my size! The seller came by and said, "Listen, if you're willing to go through ALL of those clothes then I'll mark them down to $.25 each. I just have to get rid of them." SOLD! It was a little difficult to go through all of them with Gavin wondering around so I got 13 pieces of clothing for $3.00 and told her that I might be back.
After getting so excited about my find, I went home, dropped off the clothes and left again so I could meet up with my friend, Kelly. We took a nice walk with our children and caught up with each other as much as we could. While I was at the park, Eric and his friends were attempting the tv project. On my way home, I kept thinking, "The tv is going to look so good on the wall. I can't wait to see it!" Well....looks like I'm still gonna have to wait to see it. I came home to a living room with nuts, bolts, screws, wires and tools everywhere, holes in the wall, a mount that is on our wall by 1/2 of the screws needed and no tv on the wall. It was quite comical and almost like a Three Stooges episode.
After a sitter came and got Gavin, I rushed back to the garage sale before they closed. She was happy to see me again and the deal was still on! This go around, I found 21 pieces of clothing that I paid $5.00 for. Insane!
Later than afternoon, Eric and I attended a bowling event which was a fundraiser for prostate cancer. We had a lot of fun and got to see old friends we haven't seen in years. AND Eric actually won a raffle that included a bottle of Crown Royal Whiskey and 25 cigars!
Ok....here are pictures:
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