Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Favorite '09 Christmas Pictures

Christmas this year... well... wasn't as joyful as it usually is. But, I made the most of it. Laughs and smiles were still shared even though the love of my life wasn't here with me. We got snowed in at my grandparent's house so lots of cards were played and movies watched. Braelyn had fun tattling on her uncles whenever they'd touch her, playing with her shopping cart and table and Grandma's bears, and of course, cuddling with Mommy.

We came home to LOTS of snow. Thanks to our neighbors we were able to get into the driveway. I live in the best neighborhood in Madison, SD! Wonderful people!

My little cleaning lady. She helped Grandma clean up on Saturday morning.

Uncle Rane reading The Mitten.


Playing farm with Papa. Braelyn LOVES her Papa and I think he loves her just as much.


Friday, December 18, 2009

Lessons Learned

When I was growing up I always considered my parents strict. My older brother and myself had chores, I wasn't allowed to hang around certain people, and there were rules that had to be followed. There were consequences if the above were not followed. There were many times I became very unhappy with my parents because of their rules and I felt they were unfair because the younger two children didn't have the same rules as us older two. Why? I'm not quite sure and I've never asked.
But, looking back I'm grateful for the way they raised me. Looking back I can see that I did have more freedom (sometimes more than should have been allowed) to make choices, but they also had the reins to say slow down. And of course I didn't always make the right choices and those were lessons I learned.
I'm thankful for the lessons my parents taught me. The values they instilled in me. The values that make me who I am today. Were they perfect parents? Probably not. But, they were the best parents for me and I'm grateful for having them in my life. Right now, they are my strength. They are the ones who are helping me get through life. Even if it's to make a wise crack!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Life

Life isn't about surviving the storm...
It's learning to dance in the rain...

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Christmas Card

Hug those loved ones extra tight.
Give them one more 'I love you' before you shut off the light.
But before you shut your eyes, sneak in a little kiss.
For this holiday season, those are the things I'll miss.
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Wishing you all a Holiday Season filled with joy, love, and happiness.
Picture taken by Estelle's Photography

Monday, December 14, 2009

Laundry Day

Just chilaxing in the laundry basket.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Three Things I'm Loving this Winter

Here are three things I'm loving this winter.


First, my new jeans from Gap! LOVE them. I've searched and search for jeans the fit and don't have holes like the teeny boppers like to wear. Let's face it, I'm not young and hip anymore. I have a young one and my hips, well, they aren't what they used to be. These are the best jeans!



My next love is apple cider. It keeps me all warm and toasty on my route to work. I love sipping it on Saturday or Sunday mornings when my wee one is still sawing logs. That's about the only quiet time I have to myself anymore. I'm very picky about my cider though... it must have a cinnamon stick boiled with it and it has to be boiled on the stove. No microwaving it for me. I'm sure it probably tastes the same, it's just I'm weird like that.





A co-worker of mine gave this Bath and Body Works Stress Relief Lotion when Heath deployed. I was a little hesitant in using it because I have weird skin issues and usually break out using any lotion that smells. Not this. Again, LOVE it.





Thursday, December 10, 2009

December Daily

Okay... so this has nothing to do with Christmas, but I have been fighting a cough/cold/runny nose/congestion/everything for about a month now. I went to the doctor last Friday, she took an x-ray of my chest and did some blood work, and came to the conclusion I had bronchitis. Fine. She prescribed me some meds and off I went. My cough went away and my chest stopped aching, but I was still clogged up in my head. It was to the point I couldn't hear squat! A teammate of mine suggested using a Neti Pot. I used it once tonight and wowza!
I CAN BREATHE THROUGH MY NOSE PEOPLE AND HEAR! It's amazing!