December 30, 2011

Bring on the New Year

Looking forward to spending New Year's Eve in Chicago with my favorite band Lucky Boys Confusion.  I'll be the girl drinking a Captain & Diet, singing along, dancing like a fool, and loving every minute of it.

If I could make a few requests, I'm hoping they will play:

I hope each any every one of you has a safe, happy New Year!

Take some time to reflect on the past year and appreciate those that have helped create the memories.

December 29, 2011

Firsts in 2011

Who knew that at the wise old age of 38 I would still have a list of firsts?!?
  • The most shocking thing I did this year was I went camping - in a tent - in the middle of the woods - with no electricity or water - and LOVED it.  That's me looking ultra cool and oh so fashionable in my hunter orange coat and hat ;)  I can't see spending a week or two camping, but I can't wait to go again this summer for the weekend.  Since I went with "professional" campers, we had many luxuries available to us - like our outdoor toilet!  Probably wouldn't have survived without it!  I have a high-maintenance hair-do, so I bet I didn't look super cute, but since there were no mirrors, I totally didn't care!  We also had incredible food - breakfast burritos, venison nachos, chili-mac, sloppy joes and of course SMORES!!

  • Got my very own fishing pole - it's black and of course PINK and I love it!  It was a gift from Glenn - he rocked with this gift :)

  • Got my very first fishing license and small game hunting license.  Yes, I caught some fish but no I did not bait my hook or touch my fish.  I also went hunting for grouse, but never got the chance to shoot at one. Learned one thing - NEVER go into the woods without a working compass.  That's a good tip whether you are hunting or just hiking. 
  • I shot a gun - actually a few different ones - shotguns and handguns.  I was SUPER nervous doing this.  I didn't grow up around guns and really felt some anxiety about shooting one.  I'm glad I did it, but I probably won't be shooting one again anytime soon! 

  • I also went trail biking with my fancy new bike. I'm actually quite good (as long as there are no hills). Thanks to Glenn, Chrissy, Jenny & Ben - I've become quite the little outdoor girl!  Who knew I could do it???? Since I'm a GurleeGirrl, I hate dirt, sweat, mud, bugs, etc., but this year, I set all that aside to experience life.  It was  AWESOME!

  • I walked in my first (of many to come) Breast Cancer walk. I was joined by my sister Melissa, Chrissy and Glenn.  It was an emotional day for all, and I am so glad they were there to share it with me. 

  • I watched my kids splash and play in the ocean (Atlantic).  Although we have been to Florida every year since 2003, this is the first time we've gone to the beach!  They loved it, and this momma was a nervous wreck!  The waves pretty rough at times and the undercurrent was strong.  It was beautiful, and I'm so glad we decided to have a "relaxing" day at the beach.

  • Had a week of no-kids while they were away at Camp Kesem.  Camp Kesem is a camp for children who have or have had a parent with cancer.  The camp is free, as it runs on donations.  My kids had an incredible time, and look forward to going back this summer. 


Thanks to my incredible family and friends, I had an amazing 2011!  Thanks to those that helped me branch out and try new things! You've made me a stronger, healthier, happier girl.  I love you all.

Did you have any firsts in 2011? Are you planning any for 2012?  My list has been started, and I look forward to sharing it with you in the New Year!  

December 28, 2011

Christmas Loot

Christmas shouldn't be about receiving gifts - but who doesn't love getting them!?!?

I got a few - some I picked out - and others were a surprise:

Bowling Shoes

Biking Gloves

Initial Necklace

Watches

Urban Decay Makeup Kit

Wen Shampoo

Pop Corn Popper

Magnetic Nail Polish

I also got some cash and gift cards - so I'll be celebrating Christmas for the next few months!

Of course, my happiness comes from the smiles of my kids.  This year Colton was extremely excited - about every gift!  He would do a little happy dance with each reveal :)  Ashley on the other hand wasn't as excited - she didn't get an iPhone or iPad, so she's hoping maybe next year Santa will come through. Keep dreaming kid.








The main gift I got this year is my health! This has been one full year of being cancer free! As long as Santa keeps giving me that, I'll be a happy girl.

December 27, 2011

Sometimes and Always

I spent a few days enjoying my time off - but it is back to work today and am dropping by Megan's blog Mackey Madness for:


Sometimes I'm not excited to take the kids to the movies.

But I Always end up enjoying it as much as they do.



Sometimes I go out to eat and am super excited about my salad.



Then I Always enjoy my meat meal even more!


Sometimes I go to work and try to pump myself up to do the "clean up" work.

But I Always get there and fail to get motivated, and thus still have so many files to go through.

Sometimes I get so excited to read a book and don't want to put it down.

But I Always read it too quickly and am disappointed I'm done.


Go check out Megan's blog to see the other link-ups!

December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope you and your family have a blessed and safe Christmas!

December 22, 2011

Mickey's Christmas Party

During our annual family vacation to Florida, we always attend at least one night of:


Although I try to take LOTS of pictures, I end up enjoying myself too much and forget to take them, and then rely on other family member to hook me up. 

These were taken with my new camera (which I didn't have a case for) and unfortunately I had a huge smudge on the lens (lower right hand corner) and all my pics came out blurry! UGH

But - you get the gist:






I also have to throw in one from Epcot.  My daughter was posing for another photographer, where she is trying to act like she is holding up Spaceship Earth in her hand - unfortunately, my angle didn't quite capture this:


I'm glad Ash is willing to offer that man a seat ;)

December 20, 2011


I'm linking up with Megan over at  Mackey Madness for Sometimes and Always today:

Sometimes it's hard to motivate myself to go my Jazzercise class but I Always feel amazing afterwards.

Sometimes I think I can eat 20 wings at BWW but I Always end up eating only about 5.

Sometimes I think I'm not gonna put makeup on just to run to Target, but I Always do my hair and makeup before I go.

Sometimes I think it's not worth paying for a manicure but I Always love the pampering and the polish doesn't chip as quickly as when I do them.

Sometimes I like to wear my glasses because I think I am invisible when I wear them but people Always end up seeing me. 

December 19, 2011

Thumbs Up Monday

It's Monday - so it's time to find out what we are giving a thumb up to this week:


GTuck is giving a thumb up because his Fantasy Football team will be playing in the Super Bowl this year.  All his hard work and hours of studying his line-up has paid off!  Good job boy! 


Chrissy is giving a thumb up to earning 18% on all of her sales through the end of the year.  That means my girl can make some $$$$$.  I thank her for my $8 celebratory drink. I didn't pick the most expensive drink on purpose.  Just seems to be my taste. :)

What are YOU giving a thumb up for today?

December 14, 2011

I Can't Believe I.....

fell asleep during the movie yesterday!  I was out - like - really out! 



For the life of me, I just couldn't get into the movie. S---L----O---W  doesn't even begin to describe it.  Thank goodness I didn't bring my kids to this one - they would have disturbed may little nappie-poo because they for sure wouldn't have sat through it.  I at least took one for the team (GTuck, Chrissy & Joe) and slept quietly.  I did have a few moments where I snapped out of my slumber - but I quickly would go right back out.  From what I understand, I missed some major moments of the movie (yeah like 1-1/2 hours!).

There were some good things about Hugo:

- The 3D effects were AWESOME! (from what I seen while I was awake)
- Hugo (Asa Butterfield) is a great child-actor.  Actually pretty AMAZING.
- The train station set was incredible - loved the camera shots - great period clothing 

This film will probably be nominated for an Oscar - Best Picture even - and more likely a few more.  I'll be the first to admit, I would much rather see a cheesy romantic comedy over Adventure / Drama / Family film.  Maybe that's why I was mad - I wanted to see New Year's Eve.

My advice - be awake for the last 15-20 minutes.  It was the best part of the movie - I actually was able to stay awake!

Overall Rating:  NOT GOOD - simply because of the slow moving-ness of it and the fact it is marketed as a "family" film.  There were a ton of people over the age of 50 there, and they even clapped at the end?!?!? But would it hold the interest of a 6 year old? HECK NO

December 13, 2011

Movie Tuesday

Today is Tuesday and that means it's Movie Tuesday!! 

We will start off with dinner at:

Brann's Sizzling Steaks & Sports Grill - there are so many yummy things I don't know how I'm going to pick just one....

The movie of the night is:


Hugo 3D  -  I know NOTHING about this movie.  I haven't watched the trailer or read any reviews.  I'm going in blind.  Sometimes that's not a bad thing to do.  No expectations.

Getting back into the swing of things after a vacation is hard, but Movie Tuesday is always fun.  Looking forward to good food, good friends and a good movie.

December 12, 2011

Thumbs Up Monday

I'm gonna let Colton have this Thumbs Up Monday all to himself:



He is giving one thumb up to the Detroit Lions for pulling off a victory to the Minnesota Vikings this week! 

And the other is because his sister will be at 5th Grade Camp for the next 3 days - which means he gets to call all the shots around the house!

How The Glitz Stole Christmas Reveal

I was very excited to participate in Raven's (A Momma's Desires and Pacifiers) and Lindsey's (The Bargain Blonde) blogger swap - How the Glitz Stole Christmas. Being a GurleeGirrl,  the idea of swapping "glitzy" and "glamy" items with another blogger was a no-brainer.  I of course signed up and waited to be paired with another blogger.

Lindsey sent out the list, and I was matched up with Sarah Elizabeth of Belle in the City.  I found myself pouring through Sarah's blog trying to get a feel for what she would like so I could start my shopping right away.  Sarah is definitely my kind of girl.  She loves pink just as much as I do

My package arrived while I was away on vacation, so I was super excited to see my goodies upon my return.    Here is what I had waiting for me:













I want to thank Sarah for all of my gifts!  My 10-year old daughter was impressed too!  I know it's going to be hard keeping her from stealing the pink sparkly picture frame!    

I hope Sarah liked her presents as much as I did!