The Highs and Lows of 2007

1. The loss of my friend Gina. This hit me really hard. I hadn't talked to her in a couple months prior to her death, and regret that more than anything. Gina & I had been friends for 15 years, and I still want to give her a call to chat about Days, football & everyday life. I have been blessed with having her visit me in my dreams, but just wish I would have had the chance to say goodbye!
2. The birth of Bradyn Michael. What a beautiful baby. I am so blessed to have two healthy boys!
3. The birth of Hollyn Jessica. My sister, Jessica had baby #3 and she is an adorable girl!
4. Difficult pregnancy. I wass off work for 4-5 months due to pregnancy complications! That has been financially challenging, but worth it!
5. Brady's Dad is doing well. Bill was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in 2006, but is responding well to his chemo and there is no cancer growth--YEAH!
6. The loss of Brady's grandparents. Clarence & Katie Becker both passed away this summer, and that has been hard for the family!
7. The loss of my dog, Benny. My little chihuahua had to be put to sleep, and I still miss the little booger!
8. Lots of improvements to our house. We now have central heat & air, and have remodeled the 2nd bedroom upstairs, and have new carpet upstairs! It has been awesome!
9. Broken Brady. Brady has had lots of back problems, so has been somewhat grouchy.
10. Jaxon rurned 1. He is so much fun as he grow & changes. We laugh often. A dsy with Jaxon is never dull, he loves to entertain and make us laugh!
11. My friend Carol got married. Carol & Norm are very happy and have waited a long time for this much deserved wedded bliss!
12. The Ice Storm. We had a massive ice storm and were without power fo over a week!
13. Nieces & Nephews. I have the greatest nieces & nephews in the world and spending time with them is always the best!
14. My best friend Jill. She is always a "high" point in my life. We continue to be close & have lots in common!
15. My sis. She is my other best friend. I cherish this relationship, and love time spend talking with her or hanging out at my house or hers!
16. My family. I love all of my family & cherish them so much! When you are down & out, like I was on bedrest, you realize just how good your family is. My family was there to help us in so many ways!

My Rant!

My youngest son is already 5 days old! The month prior to his arrival was very challenging, but it is definitely worth it. I hope I never have to go through what I did in the month prior to his delivery. I was on activity restrictions for 3 weeks, and strict bedrest for a week and had to tolerate some pretty challenging situations. I am thankful for my independence. I learned just how hard it is to be physically dependent on somebody else to do day-to-day tasks for you, especially when they don't follow through for you. I always thought I was pretty understanding when it came to things like this, but I now know just how hard it is to have to ask people to do things for you, and then to have them joke about having to do stuff for you. It isn't funny. It is hard enough to ask! The other hard thing is to watch your house fall apart and become a total mess while you are not supposed to do anything about it--that drove me beyond crazy! I am thankful that is all over, and I am back to being able to do things for myself!! It is crazy, but I am thankful to be able to clean my own house, and do my own dishes & laundry!!! Life is good!

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 7/10 correct You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details. Random Christmas fact: Only 21% of US households has a real Christmas tree each year.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about celebration. You enjoy all the fun and fellowship that the holidays bring. You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items. During the holidays, you like to feel cozy and comfortable. You're happy to stay inside with a roaring fire and a warm drink. You think the holidays should be energetic and packed with activities. You'll double up on caffeine and sugar if that's what it takes to get you through them. Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

Christmas MeMe

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I have both, depends on the gift!
2. Tree--Real or Artificial? Usually go with artificial, but LOVE real trees!
3. When do you put Christmas tree up? Usually a couple days after thanksgiving, but I put it up early this year and am glad I did, or I wouldn't have one!
4. When do you take the tree down? before New Years
5. Like egg nog? I like to have a little every year.
6. Do you have a nativity scene? Only 4 of them
7. Favorite gift received as a child? My barbie townhouse!
8. Hardest person to buy for? Brady
9. Easiest person to buy for? Jaxon, the only hard part is limiting my buying
10. Worst Christmas gift? don't remember a worst gift
11. Mail or email a Christmas card? mail
12. Favorite Christmas movie? The Santa Clause
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? depends on the year
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? nope
15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? I like lots of homeade candies & cookies
16. Clear or colored tree lights? CLEAR
17. Favorite Christmas Song? It's a Marshmallow World in the Winter
18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home. Travel to Wyoming
19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blizten, Rudolph (I checked and am right :o) )
20. Angel or Star on Tree top? I like an angel best, but have a star for now
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People that are never satisfied with the choices we make regarding holiday plans--pisses me off that everybody only thinks of themselves instead of realizing that we are trying to spend quality time with everybody while still enjoying the holiday ourselves!

Post this on your blog, or in a comment on mine! Merry Christmas!!

Going Crazy!

I am now on strict bedrest, and am already going crazy! I knew something was wrong this morning, because of how I was feeling. I called Brady & we went to town to get my blood pressure checked, and it was the highest it has been. We called my doctor, who ordered lots of tests. All came back fine, but she decided that it was time for strict bedrest. That means that I am to be on the couch, in the recliner or in bed at all times. I was on restriction, which meant that I wasnt' to do a lot of walking, or anything strenuous, but I was still able to care for Jaxon and do some basic picking up around here. Now, that is all over. I am not even supposed to be on the stairs and she said I am not even able to make a sandwich for myself. It has been less than 12 hours, and I know I am going to go CRAZY! My doctor said we will have a baby at 38 weeks, which means that I have less than a week on bedrest. That is a good thing, because I am not liking this. My son went to Grandma's to spend the night, and will be spending the day with Brady's cousin tomorrow. I do not like this, and decided that the reason for all the problems is that this baby is named after Brady, and is already starting to be a pain to be like his namesake LOL.