Kids Do The Darnest Things

This is what we found Alex doing today in the car. I think she was looking for buried treasures between her toes. I guess I should give her a bath again. :) When she finished with both feet, she looked up and said, "All done. Clean!"

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Tonight I took the kids to see "Clifford the Big Red Dog" performance. It was at a new performing arts theater in town that I had not been to before so I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a really well done and the kids had a blast. The actors did a great job of keeping the kids actively involved by having them stand up to sing and dance. I thought Ryan might think it was for "babies", but he had a blast. I think it helped that several of his friends were their as well. Alex really got into it and kept calling out Clifford's name and clapping. I am glad that I changed my mind about going. It was well worth it.

Sweet Elizabeth

I wanted to share with you all a very special little girl named Elizabeth. Lizzie was one of the most amazing little souls I have ever known. I only met her a few times, but those moments will forever be etched in my mind. Lizzie was diagnosed with cancer 4 1/2 years ago. She fought so bravely. She was always so positive and knew she had a very important purpose for her short life here on earth. She was one of the most caring, spiritual, compassionate, sweet 14 year olds that a person will ever meet. My words are not doing her justice. Sadly, she passed away at the end of October. I did not know her family that well before this, but she was close to many of my friends and one of her best friends is in my bible study. Since she received her wings to heaven, I have gotten to know her mom. She is such an inspiration. She continues to amaze me on a daily basis. She misses her sweet Lizzie so much, yet she is still strong. I am rambling here. I wish I could express my thoughts better, but hopefully you will understand what I am trying to get across. I am asking for all of you thought and prayers for this family. Not only did they lose their daughter almost 3 months ago, but now Lizzie's uncle is sick and having surgery soon. It is just not fair. If you have a chance, please check out their web site. I promise it will leave you inspired. Please visit them at http://www.caringbridge.org/ne/lizziegirl/

Frosty the Snowman

Yesterday, six or so inches of snow fell. It made for a little bit of a mess getting around, but Ryan sure is having fun playing in it. He even got Jim and I outside to play and make a snowman. It wasn't the best snow to make a snowman with. It was pretty light and fluffy, but we did okay. A good time was had by all (except for poor Alex who was inside taking a nap; we will get her out there next time).

It's Here!

A wonderful package arrived in the mail today. I have been awaiting its delivery for a few days (the ice storm in San Antonio caused a delay) and was so excited today when the mail lady rang my doorbell with a package in her hand. I should have taken a picture of my face. The package was full of amazing goodies from my friends Jenny and Angie. Take a look.

Creamy jalapeno sauce and tortillas from Chuy's in San Antonio. It is my favorite place of all time!



Wonderful goodies from Angie. Jenny sent me a nice gift too earlier in the week. Jim wanted to invite everyone to view the "guns" show. Haha, funny boy. :)



Thanks girls! You spoil me! I am so blessed to have you both as my friends. I miss y'all tons!!!!

Sick day

Well, today I am stuck home with 2 sick kiddos. Ryan woke up with a fever this am and Alex has a bad cold and a slight fever. All in all though, it hasn't been too bad of a day because since they don't feel well they have been really calm. They pretty much just want to watch movies, color, or take a bath. I, in fact, have accomplished a lot today. The house is clean, the carpets have been vacuumed, and laundry is going. I don't know how long things will stay looking nice, but at least I have some pictures to document that I did do something today.





I have a question for you all. Does this look too holiday? I got the table runner on sale at Pottery Barn. It was part of their holiday collection. I got the runner and napkins for a steal. I don't think they look to "holiday" but I was wondering what others thought.


Hope everyone can stay warn this weekend! It may snow again here Sat. and Sunday, so we'll see!

Many More Thanks!!

Wow! What I great weekend I had. I am extremely blessed! I can't believe Jim wrote that post for me. I had NO idea! Of course I cried like a baby when I read it. What a sweet man! I am very lucky to have been with my best friend for so long. It is so much fun that you can be surprised by your husband after so many years together. Thanks babe!

I have a few more people to thank for my amazing day.

Jim's dad and stepmom got me this great sterling silver bracelet. I love it because it will go with everything.



My sister Erin for this cute shirt.



My friend Tammy for the oil warner. She got me vanilla and gingerbread oils. They smell fantastic!


Jenny sent me huge bag of Starburst (my favorite) and some great DoodleBugs notecards.



My sister Shannon sent my a gift card to Borders. Yea!!! Can't wait to go spend it. :)



A Cooking Light subscription from Tracy. I think this will help me with my goal of running that half marathon.



Some nice cards from my in-laws in Texas and from friends in Arizona.



Thanks again everyone! What a great day! I have such wonderful friends and family.

On another note, I have to say that TiVo might be one of the greatest inventions out there. I have a hard time watching live TV anymore, especially award shows or shows like American Idol (which, by the way, starts tonight). Last night I taped The Golden Globes because I wanted to watch 24 with Jim (which was fabulous!). I then watch the Globes after. It took me about 45 minutes to get through the whole 3 hour show. Does it get any better than that?

Happy Birthday, Wife!!!

I want to let all of you know that I am the luckiest man on earth. I have an absolutely wonderful wife. I will let you know some of my favorite things about Bridget. Picture above is from a dance we went to in high school.
1. and 2. Ryan and Alex (my most prized possessions).
3. She can still curl my toes (without even trying) ;)
4. She loves sports
5. She 'enables' my electronics/computer fetish
6. She has a wonderful family (parents, siblings)
7. She is the most compassionate person I know
8. She doesn't fuss at me when I don't help out, but thanks me when I do
9. She has a real sense of adventure
10. Great sense of humor
There are many others. These are my top 10. Love you, babe.
Jim

Many Thanks!

I can't believe how fabulous my birthday was! Everyone spoiled me rotten! Last night my husband and I went out to dinner with 3 other couples to one of our favorite restaurants, Alley Rose. My friends went above and beyond and gave me some amazing gifts.

A Peggy Karr plate from Christie and Ben



Birthday plate and confetti glasses from Reven and John



A Birthday cake candle from Jeni and Steve



This morning Jim let me sleep in and when I came out I found a dozen roses and a cute card from Jim and the kids. He had also emptied the dishwasher and had a diet coke waiting for me. What a treat! We went to church and out to lunch with my parents.

Roses from Jim and the kids



A spa gift certificate from my parents



I really don't want the day to end. It may sound a bit selfish or greedy, but it is nice to be spoiled every once and awhile.

I also received phone calls from Jenny, Julie, and my sisters. Jenny and Angie's gift of creamy jalapeno sauce is on it way!!! She had to wait to send it till after the MLK holiday. I am so excited I can barely contain myself. Also, thanks for all of the birthday well wishes on my blog. It really means a lot to me that people who I have never meet before would take the time to say Happy Birthday. Thanks everyone!

Mom, we're bored!

This is what I found the kids doing tonight after they told me they were bored and I told them they would have to find something to do while I finished dinner. I guess Ryan made up this game where they would lie down on the chairs and see who could flip over the fastest. Probably not the safest game, but boy, did they entertain themselves for awhile.



Sorry about the butt shot, but her body position is amazing. Kids are so flexible!

Now the question is, should I allow them to continue this game?

100 Things

I wasn't going to do this because I felt I was so far behind on blogging, but I starting making a list last night and found that it was fun to think of what makes me me. So here we go.....

1. I am deathly afraid of horses.

2. I married my high school sweetheart.

3. We have dated since my junior (his senior) year of high school.

4. I hate coconut.

5. My 2nd toe is longer than my first (I have seen this statement on a few other lists so now I don't feel that it is that weird any more).

6. I love to read in bed at night with my book light.

7. This drives my husband crazy.

8. I LOVE baths (the hotter the better)!

9. I am now living in the town where I was born and grew up.

10.Chips and salsa are my favorite snack.

11. Starburst are my favorite candy.

12. Love a glass of red wine with a good steak.

13. I used to work at a dry cleaner in college.

14. I HATE to iron, but have to iron almost everything, including most of my kids' clothing.

15. I love Bon Jovi, especially Jon.

16. I am addicted to Diet Coke.

17. I cry easily.

18. Jim and I went to the Gold Coast in Australia for our honeymoon.

19. I love college football, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

20. I have a little bit of a potty mouth when watching football.

21. Did not like pro basketball until I lived in San Antonio and fell in love with the Spurs.

22. I can't stand the "noise" cotton balls make when torn apart. It gives me the chills. (Does this bother anyone else?)

23. My all time favorite restaurant is Chuy's.

24. I have to be on time for everything.

25. I must have my Christmas cards out early. I think that is what keeps me from getting stressed out during the holidays.

26. I wish I could sing or draw (even just a little).

27. I love filling out forms (weird, I know).

28. I like "searching" for houses on Realtor.com.

29. I am going to try and run a half marathon in May.

30. My dream car is a black BMW.

31. I would love to spend a entire day at a spa with friends.

32. I want to start playing tennis again.

33. I love taking pictures with my new camera.

34. Going to the salon and getting my hair cut and colored is such a treat (Jim colored my hair for me all through residency).

35. I love to travel.

36. I thought high school and college were fun.

37. I enjoy mowing the lawn and did it all through both pregnancies (summer in SA).

38. I don't have to mow anymore since Jim bought a riding lawn mower and I haven't learned to work it.

39. I wish I liked to drink water.

40. One of my best friends from high school and Jim's best friend dated and set us up on our first date.

41. They are now married as well and live in the same town as us.

42. Our oldest children are only 3 months apart and are good friends. Our other kids are just 1 year apart.

43. My kids' doctor was my doctor growing up.

44. I hate the smell and taste of coffee.

45. I LOVE the 4th of July.

46. Corn on the cob is one of my favorite foods.

47. I love reading gossip magazines- People, Us weekly, In Touch.

48. This drives my husband crazy!

49. I make lists of all of the books I want to read.

50. Snow days are the best!

51. I still think of myself as being blond even though I haven't been naturally blond for a long time.

52. I have never gotten a speeding ticket.

53. I enjoy going grocery shopping by myself (but rarely get to do this).

54. Love 80's Rock music.

55. Addicted to reality TV shows.

56. I love "24" and can't wait for its premiere next week.

57. Confession time- I HATE to scrapbook. (I feel so much better now)

58. But I do like keeping photo albums.

59. I think Chutes and Ladders is THE dumbest board game.

60. Was a teacher before I had kids. I taught 5th grade in Omaha and 4th and 5th grade in SA.

61. I enjoyed teaching, but could never imagine going back to teaching.

62. Would love to be an elementary school librarian, but don't want to get my master's degree.

63. "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Grease" are my 2 favorite movies.

64. I love Bobbi Brown makeup.

65. I wish I had nice fingernails.

66. I have worn glasses or contacts since 5th grade.

67. "Phantom of the Opera" is my favorite.

68. I think I am a good friend, wife, and mom (at least, most days).

69. I am the oldest of 3 girls.

70. My parents have been married for 35 years.

71. I love reading books about Presidents, especially David McCullough's "Truman" and "John Adams".

72. I am proud to be from Nebraska. The people here are some of the best people you will ever meet.

73. I love going to Nebraska football games, away or at home.

74. Jim and I and my sister and her husband traveled to Notre Dame recently for a football game. The church there is so beautiful! It makes you want to be a better person.

75. I want to visit Italy, Spain and Hawaii someday.

76. I have no desire to visit London.

77. Would also like to visit Thailand, the Vatican, and the Carribean.

78. Driving on gravel scares me.

79. I once lost control of my mom's car on a gravel road and ended upside down in the ditch, hanging from my seatbelt. Thank God Jim or I was not hurt.

80. Seeing other people cry makes me cry (see #17).

81. I love cuddling with my kids, but am not a big fan of them sleeping in bed with me.

82. I am somewhat strict about my kids' nap/sleeping schedules.

83.I love going out to eat with our friends.

84. I love eating tomatoes straight out of the garden.

85. I dislike pineapples and mustard.

86. I wear sunglasses all the time when outdoors.

87. I didn't have a sweet tooth until I married my husband.

88. Both of my kids were born in Texas.

89. I refused to get a mini van for awhile, but I have to admit, I love my mini van.

90. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I watch soap operas, namely "As the World Turns" and "General Hospital".

91. We bought bikes this summer and I love them.

92. Sonic Route 44 Vanilla Diet Cokes are the best!

93. Target rocks!

94. Shopping for Christmas items the day after Christmas gives me a natural high.

95. We just celebrated out 10th wedding anniversary.

96. I have a cat named Osborne. He is named after Nebraska's former football coach.

97. This is probably the most I have typed since college.

98. I have found a killer recipe for creamy jalapeno sauce (I will post it soon) and P.F. Chang's lettuce wraps.

99. My life is so blessed!

100. I love my life!!!