Thankful Thursday

Honestly, just looking at these two, I couldn’t imagine two sweeter faces looking back at me.  Love them.

For Ashley’s birthday, she requested I take them to Baskin Robbins.  They both ordered single scoops of Chocolate Fudge ice cream, and because she didn’t have a birthday cake (she’ll have that Saturday at her party), she requested a Chocolate Mint Ice Cream Cake Bite (FYI – it was delightful and under 300 calories total).

The both seemed to make messes on their faces (thank goodness not all over my car seats) and momma had to do some licking to clean up their cones.  Sometimes being a mom is a tough job….. 

11 Years Later

Sleep was impossible. I couldn’t get an epidural because I wasn’t dilated enough. Around 9am, I was checked AGAIN and the doctor said “uh oh”. Not exactly the words you want to hear during your labor. I started to freak out and wanted to know what was wrong. The doctor informed me that he wanted to do an ultrasound on me, because he was beginning to think that what he just “felt” was not the baby’s head, but it was the baby’s butt! The ultrasound confirmed it. I was going to have a C-section.

I was told that I would go in for the operation at 1pm. They immediately started prepping me for the surgery. I had to drink something really gross that was supposed to keep me from vomiting from the drugs. That was nice.

I was beyond scared. How the crap did this happen? My pregnancy and delivery was supposed to be “text-book perfect”. So far, it wasn’t. They came in to give me my epidural. EVERYONE had hyped up how much this was going to hurt. I was so nervous, hardly able to breathe, but once it happened, it really wasn’t that bad.

We were ready. They took us into the operating room. I was strapped down to the table (worst part of the whole procedure), given anesthesia, a curtain was placed at my chest (so I couldn’t see what was happening) and they began. After the initial incision, I could feel a ton of tugging, and the doctors where super good at letting me know what they were doing each step of the way.

Within minutes they were holding my precious, perfect baby up for me to see. It was a girl. Ashley was welcomed into our world at 1:09pm.

Life with Ashley has been nothing short of incredible. Seeing her blossom and grow each day is a gift that sometimes gets taken for granted. It’s true when they say “You blink and they are grown.”

She’s not a little girl anymore. She:

• Is an amazing young lady
• has a voice of her own (this is good and bad)
• is just as stubborn as her mother
• has her daddy wrapped around her finger
• is the first to pick on her brother but also the first one to stand up for him
• loves to dance (in the living room)
• chooses her friends wisely
• loves mayo and ranch and her daddy’s juicy lucy’s
• is a music junkie like her mom
• will still hold my hand in public
• pushes the limits with her clothing choices (although I am trying to be better about this)
• is a girly girl – loves pink, sparkles and glitter
• hates wearing her glasses
• has the prettiest finger nails ever
• tries to wear lip gloss daily
• hasn’t gone boy crazy yet (thank God)
• is loved by many (especially by me)

Happy 11^th Birthday Ash – may all your dreams come true!

You will always be my little girl!

September 12, 2001

September 12, 2012

A Different 9-11 Story

It started out like any other Tuesday morning. I woke up around 8:45am and headed downstairs to make me breakfast – a bagel with peanut butter and a glass of OJ. I turned the TV on to watch the end of the morning news. It was showing live footage of the World Trade Center, and it was on fire. I wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but they were reporting that an airplane had flown into the building. Literally, seconds later, I was watching as another plane flew into the other tower. It was by far the craziest thing I’d ever seen. I was so scared. I ran upstairs to wake my mom up and told her we were under some kind of attack. She thought I was crazy. I wasn’t.

Never in my wildest dreams had I ever imagined or thought that we could be under “attack”. We were. The day continued on with an attack on the Pentagon and another plane crash in Pennsylvania which was believed to be on its way to The Capitol or The White House.

I remember the intense feeling of fear I was experiencing. A fear that I had never experienced before. I didn’t want to go outside. I didn’t want anyone in my family leaving the house either. I cried when my dad and husband had to go back to work after coming home for lunch. Everyone assured me that the attacks were done. Where they? Was it ok to feel safe again?

I walked into my parent’s kitchen to get a cup of tea around 3:30pm and it felt like I had just peed myself. I ran to the bathroom only to discover I had not peed my pants, my water had broken!!

You see, I was in my 38^th week of pregnancy. Due to high blood pressure, my doctor had me on bed rest. I wasn’t due for a few weeks. How could this be happening? In my mind, there was no way I was ready to be a mom. Not today. The fear that was already eating away at me was now being replaced by the fear of giving birth to my first child. A child that was being born into a world so different from the one it was just hours before.

We arrived at the hospital about 5:00pm, only to find that the stress of the day had affected many other mom-to-be’s, and the hospital was not ready to deal with all of these laboring mommas. It was hours before we could get settled in our room.

Depending how you look at it, maybe I was “lucky” that my labor was not progressing as fast as others. My contractions were not too intense and weren’t coming with any regularity. I would have to say, I was a low priority for the nurses and doctor.  Although my water broke, the laboring process wasn’t progressing with any speed.

It was getting close to 11pm, I was starting to feel some real discomfort. Labor pains were coming regularly, and I didn’t love it. Was it time? Would I be celebrating the birth of my first child on a day that the world was grieving the loss of nearly 3,000 innocent people?

I felt selfish to be excited to see my baby. On a day that so many people were looking to God for answers and to provide peace, I prayed that my labor and delivery would go without complications. I prayed that my baby, girl or boy, would be healthy and perfect.

Midnight came and went, and no baby. I was relieved and disappointed. I couldn’t wait to hold my baby in my arms.

How I Passed The Time

Whoever created the work week as 5 days and the weekend as 2, I’m here to tell you – YOU SUCK.  The weekend just goes by way too fast.  I can never seem to get everything done that I want to.  Alas, I move on.

So this weekend was filled with some productiveness and lots of fun. 

Friday

I took the kids shopping to pick up a birthday present for Colton’s friends party that was to be held on Saturday.  We opted for a gift card, but only after scouring the Target toy section for what seemed like hours trying to find “the perfect” present.  Colton would pick up a toy, “test” it out, and then decide it just wasn’t right.  Finally after the 100th “test”, I said “How about a gift card and he can pick out whatever he wants?”.  To that he said “ok”. 

I picked up a pair of yoga pants, my first pair.  I’ve already worn them twice.  I like comfort I guess.

To top the night off I got to watch the first episode of the new Doctor Who season.  It did not disappoint.

Saturday

Saturday morning’s are always lazy mornings for me.  Because I wake up early during the week, I take full advantage of sleeping in on the weekends, and on Saturday I didn’t rise until about 9:30am.  Nothing feels better than not being on a schedule. Ash and I watched a few Teen Moms that I had DVR’d and two episodes of Rookie Blue.  Not sure how I felt about the season finale of Rookie Blue – but I will be watching next season for sure.

I had to take Colton to his birthday party in the afternoon.  It was about a 20 minute ride from the house, so instead of going home, I went shopping.  Bowling ball shopping!  I am the proud new owner of a hot pink and black bowling ball.  I cannot wait to try it out!

Since I was in the bowling mood, Saturday night me and the peeps headed out for some dinner and bowling.  I haven’t bowled in a few months, and I really missed it!  Thank goodness bowling season is upon us! I’m ready to get back in the swing of it.

Sunday

I actually slept in again.  I really am a lazy person.  I decided to drag Ash shopping with me for some new fall/winter duds.  I decided to try JCPenney, since the last couple pairs of pants I bought had come from there and I loved them.  This may sound crazy, but I have got to say JCPenney has totally revamped their store and the clothes they carry.  I bought 4 pairs of pants and 6 shirts and spent about $200.  Not to shabby! 

One of My New Purchases

My poor Ash, I had her running ragged around that store.  She was such a great helper, getting me different sizes, finding me shirts to match my pants, she even pointed out when I was getting out of control with some “odd” pairings.  My 10-year old, who I police like a hawk with clothing, was schooling me this time.  I love that girl.

After shopping, it was time for Colton’s first flag-football game of the season.  After having only one practice, I wasn’t looking forward to the chaos I was sure was going to ensue.  These boys totally shocked me.  They played much better than I ever thought they would, and I am happy to report, they won the game 12 – 6 (for those of you who do not know football – they got 2 touchdowns and the other team only got 1).

To celebrate, Colton requested we stop at Stuart’s Ice Cream Shop so he and Ashley could get chocolate malts.  Momma didn’t have any – but they thought it was a perfect treat after a great day!

How did you spend your weekend? 

[Gurlee]Girrl Friday

This week I felt like I was 10 years old again because I chose a scented polish.  It wasn’t a kids polish, it’s from Revlon.  The color is Raspberry Rapture – and it indeed smelled like raspberries (stinky ones).  I really liked the color, but I wasn’t a fan of the scent, so I put a top coat of clear on it and that masked the scent. 

My daughter talked me into buying a few of these scented polishes, and I will probably use them, however, I will be using a top coat!  Being the moron I am, I sniffed it in the bottle, and OMG it smells very chemically, I failed to READ the bottle which says “scented when dry”.  My bad.

Have you tried any of the scented polishes?  Are you a fan?

Now on to some Friday randomness:

• I feel the need to go “fall” clothes shopping this weekend. Just hope my back account will let me.
• Just booked Ashley’s birthday party for next Saturday at Sky Zone in Canton.  Can’t wait to see all the mom’s jumping!  Talk about hot messes.
• I have been letting Ashley put her outfits together for school, with little interference this week.  She has pleasantly surprised me by picking things that actually match!!! She so takes after me with all of the neon pieces she has acquired.  Today’s sequined grey sweatshirt and hot pink pants belong in my closet!!
• Colton started flag-football this week.  I love that when he go home he told me he was the fastest runner on the team.  He said when playing “Sharks & Minnows” no one could catch him.  He cracks me up.
• I ordered Colton’s replacement lenses for his glasses about a week ago and they’ve come in.  Now, just finding the time to take him and the glasses to the office to have them replaced – that’s a toughie. 
• Weight Loss Competition Round #2 is set to begin this weekend.  Wish me luck! 
• It’s official, our hot dog day at work was a success.  We sold all 280 Hot Dogs and even 2 Veggie Dogs.  But hey for $1, where else could you go and get a hot dog, can of pop, bag of chips and a bag of cookies? 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  Peace Out!

So Far This Week…

I had a get-together with family to visit with my Uncle in from Florida.  It was nice to see him and catch up.

I watched my babies leave for their first days of school – Ashley 6th Grade – Colton 2nd Grade. 

I have gone to the gym for 3 days in a row!!! It’s kicking my butt too.

I attended Ashley’s Open House at school, which is freaky to me since it is the same school that I attended when I was in 6th grade.

Been shopping 3 times for school supplies, and I’m not done!!! Every day they come home with a new list!  UGH

Caught up on episodes of Dance Moms and Melissa & Joey with Ash. 

Went grocery shopping for our company’s hot dog day and will count that as my 4th workout!  280 Hot Dogs, 12 Cases of Pop, 23 Bags of Buns, 3 Boxes of Chips, 2 Giant Cans of Chili, 1 Can of Kraut.  I was a sweaty mess by the time I shopped, loaded/unload car and put it all away. 

Due to increase in exercise, I’ve been trying to eat healthy this week, and I am loving seeing the scale go down EVERY morning so far.  Yeah, I know a lot of it is water weight, but I am feeling 100% better.

I’ve been worried about my mom’s health this week.  Although she seems to be doing fine now, it scares me to know that doctor’s have no explanation for her being “out of it” for over 5 days.  I know doctors don’t know everything, but SOME explanation is needed.

I actually started reading a new ROMANCE book – To Conquer a Highlander.  It totally makes lunchtime fly by. 

Work has been crazy busy this week, and tomorrow looks to be even worse. 

Am figuring out that the fruit supply is getting horrible now.  Nothing worse than eating my morning cereal (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and bananas) and cringing with every SOUR bite.  Time to find a new go-to breakfast.

Well – until tomorrow peeps!

I’m A Blog Star & This One Is All About Me

• I love NEON colors – maybe more than most since I actually remember wearing them the first time they were cool (that was in the 80’s – in case you didn’t know).
• I love doing things outside – like camping, hiking, trail biking, fishing, and boating, even though I do not like getting dirty. 
• I have a few TV shows that I live and die for.  They happen to be Doctor Who, Sons of Anarchy, TrueBlood and Shameless.
• I love pumpkin anything and am so excited that fall is upon us.
• I’m closer to 40 than 30 (like REALLY close), and in my opinion, I’ve never looked or felt better.
• I have a hotass temper and when it kicks in, you better watch out.
• I wear sunscreen when I’m going to be out in the sun, and even though I was wearing it, I did get burned this past Saturday!
• I am a super protective momma.  I’m sure my kids are tired of being suffocated by me.
• I am the opposite of organized.  Seriously lacking those skills.
• I sometimes pay my bills late (due to lack of organizational skills).
• I use 3 hair products every single day, and would die without them.  (Bed Head Manipulator, Suave Mousse Level 8, and Redken Power Tame 16).
• I love my iPhone and cannot wait for the 5 to come out. 
• I’m a foodie.  I would start every meal with dessert if I could.  I also love meat (you name it, I eat it) and pasta (lasagna being my fav).
• I hate talking on the phone.  I will never call you.  I might even avoid your call.  Don’t take it personally, I just do not like it.

If you are really bored, you can read my previous Blog Star posts here and here, because there may be something about me there that you just might find interesting.  Now get on over to Mrs. Monologue’s and link-up, so you too can be a Blog Star!