2008 was GREAT!

January: Was actually my first year to ring in the new year with someone to kiss...yes, I never really dated many guys prior to Sean...the ones I did date didn't last long as I knew they weren't good enough.

February: Sean and I celebrated our first date as well as valentine's day.

March: St. Patrick's Day we went out, had some green beer and fun with friends. We also went to 'Frank's Place' where the owner gave Sean and I a "shot on the house" because we met at Frank's and were then engaged. Also, for Easter, we went and had 3 brunches again...which just thinking about makes me sick. Sean is always afraid of the Easter Bunny from the Sheraton...as that costume is 100 years old.

April: My birthday month...I guess we celebrated all month long! I think this is also when Sean started full time in Walgreen's management.

May: We housed a mother's day brunch...it was nice...until the injury! (Sorry aunt Lynda!) In the middle of this month, Sean and I both completed the Cleveland half marathon...such an amazing moment. At the end of this month we were off to our first wedding of the summer...we had 6 weddings in total for this summer.

June: We were both in a wedding on 6/7/08. This was Sean's birthday month; and we had a surprise birthday party for him; which he was VERY shocked when he arrived.

July: We took my nephews to the 4th of July parade...my favorite thing to do; so much candy too...and fire trucks Stevie! We also had a cookout, and went to see fireworks. The fourth is by far my favorite holiday. We also finished up all of the final touches for our wedding planning.

August: We tied the knot! It was such a beautiful day...when we weren't crying with joy we were smiling ear to ear. Our honeymoon was also such an amazing time...I would do that again in a heart beat!

September: We were back to reality.

October: We traveled down to TN to see Christina get married. This was a long drive, but such a fun trip! We started our Christmas shopping for our family and friends....this was a lot of fun for him and I to do; we actually took time to find meaningful gifts. For Halloween, we had a good time at a friends' house...we dressed up as college students...lol...jeans and a logo'd sweatshirt!

November: Voted for Election 2008...what good citizens we were. We found out that we are expecting our first bundle of joy! We couldn't be happier about next year at this time...

December: We wrapped all our Christmas presents...had a Christmas party for our friends...and celebrated Christmas together and with family. (see most recent post for Christmas memories).


Misc. Questions:
Where did you begin 2008? At Mike & Mary's house for Natalie's 1st birthday!
What was your status by Valentine's Day? Engaged and very happy!!!
How did you earn your money? Kids Fitness Director...and now Kids & Front Desk Director
Did you have to go to the hospital? No, knock on wood!
Did you have any encounters with the police? Well, there was that one time....just kidding!
What did you purchase that was over $1000? We got married...lots was over a $1,000...and our TV...and car...and way too much spending in 08!
Did you move anywhere? Nope....we are happy in our little condo for now...but will be looking soon...a bittersweet move.
What concerts/shows did you go to? Jack Johnson with Stevie (Thanks Mary!) and Blue Man Group in Vegas (Thanks Kate)
What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2008? Got married. Seriously; I didn't think I would ever meet a guy who would meet my expectations, little did I know, I would meet one who exceeded all of my expectations.
What has been your favorite moment? There have been many GREAT moments in 2008, seeing Sean balling his eyes out as I walked to the alter was a good one...and seeing that extra pink line was also another GREAT moment.
What's something you learned about yourself? I think I am starting to learn to give myself some credit when credit is due...I am pretty hard on myself.
Any new additions to your family? Sean and his whole family...and the lil one in my belly.
What was your best month? August by far!
Made new friends? Haven't met them, but have through my blog I have met new friends. And, I have also gotten closer with a few friends; which is fun.

Well, there's a recap of my 2008; which has been GREAT! Here's to wishing that 2009 is just as GREAT for all! Be safe if you plan on going out this evening.

Christmas...

After all the hustle and bustle, Christmas has come and passed for another year.  I hope you and your family had a GREAT Christmas.   

Our Christmas in a nutshell was great! As you know it started on the 21st....then, on Christmas Eve, we went to Sean's Dad's house to celebrate and open presents.   We also played a game 'Table Topics', which brought up many discussions, and lots of laughter.  Christmas morning, it was just Sean and I.  We made breakfast and then we opened our presents...it was so fun to give my presents to Sean...and see what he had up his sleeves for me.  He spoiled me yet again!   Our Christmas morning was very delightful.  We then went over to my Mom's to exchange gifts.  Then around 2:30 we were on our way to Sean's grandparents to say hello for a bit.  On our way for dinner at my uncles at 4 we stopped and picked up my nephews from their other grandparents so they could eat dinner with us and share what presents they got.  Finally at 4:30, we arrived and my family had been hanging out eating appetizers'.  After dinner, we discussed what donations we gave out this year- we donate instead of doing a gift exchange to help either causes nationally or locally.  Around 9, we were pretty tired and went home.  

To complete Christmas, Sean and I woke up at 7:30 on Friday; we both had the day off; and we went shopping!!!  And, we bought lots....for really little.   Finally, all of our families came over to our condo just to get together; as mentioned before, our families mesh very well together and we couldn't be more happy about that.  Before everyone came over, my Dad came over early so we could give him his presents as well...(he was at work yesterday when we exchanged with my Mom).  We have discussed this get togehter is going to be a family tradition to have both of our families get together the week between Christmas and New Year's...we did that last year too.  

So, there's our busy, yet GREAT Christmas...I am sad it's over, but...we already bought stuff for people next year! 

Juggling act

Life is just that...a juggling act...and we don't even have a child yet...I know this is going to get worse...so, I am doing my best to get this under wrap now.  

You see, I have a bit of a philospohy to enjoy life and try to be with those you cheerish as much as possible.   Well, lately I feel like I haven't been a good wife, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, etc.   It may just be hormones, but it was brought to my attention it has been almost 4 months since I have spent time one on one with my nephews....yes, by my 11 year old nephew; not like he wanted to make me feel bad...but it just put things into perspective for me. And, when I did spend time with them; they were helping me take up my carpet.  I can't do it all; and I can't juggle it all either!  I have no clue the last time I went out with my Dad or Mom. This juggling act has also come down to time with my husband.  I have realized, that both he and I agree and say yes to others much faster than  really thinking about us...and it has been 3 months since he and I have actually gone on a date with each other; and with him and I working opposite shifts...it's a miracle, we've had the time to conceive....but of course we did find some time! 

Well, about two weeks ago, while Sean was at work, he called me and it was like a phone call from the past- he asked me if I would like to go out on a date.  So, this past Saturday, we went out to dinner and a movie; just Sean and I.  It was great.  I was in the kitchen and he asked me if I was ready?  I said yes, and he said...don't move; I will be right back!  So, I stayed put and he went outside; closed the door and rang the door bell.  It was cute; a friendly reminder of how fast time does indeed fly by. We had a great night; despite the fact that we were both pretty quite because well, we were both tired. 

I can't believe where I am in life, I love it....wouldn't change it for anything in the world...but just feel I need to learn this juggling thing a lot better.   I have several friends who I haven't seen in months....maybe even a year since the last time I went out with them; yes, I know they too are busy....but e-mails aren't always enough.  

So, is anyone out there who knows how I can learn how to balance all of this and a 45 hour work schedule?

Tis' the season!

...the stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there...

We are all ready for Christmas, which is a good thing, because with so many different families, our Christmas begins today!   

As Sean and I have reflected on this past year, I have told him how great of a year this has been for him and I...I really am living the fairy tale of a life.   I couldn't ask for any thing else other than where I am today.   

For Christmas we had a little get together with some friends where each brought something to eat and I made a big pan of yummy rigitoni!  We also played 'Loaded Questions', a game I recommend for anytime get together, we were laughing so hard at several points. 

Here's to wishing you and your family a great holiday season...and I hope Santa brings your everything you have wished for!

7 Weeks...

Yes, that's correct....7 weeks pregnant!!!

It was Tuesday, November 18th and we were watching 'The Biggest Loser' and as I was counting the days; I was like; "Sean, I am late- you count"...so he did....in the middle of a commercial break; I rushed upstairs to take the test. As I came down; without looking at the test, I thought; that test is going to be a void I didn't get it wet enough. About 15 minutes later after our show was over; Sean and I went upstairs to check...and low and behold there was a faint pink line. What!?!? "Sean, I have never seen that line before!!!". And, he quickly picked up the directions, and said aloud, "one line may be fainter than the other". It was official, we were pregnant. I got so excited, I had to pee...yet again. We took another test- this time there was no doubt that it was wet enough; and it too was positive. And, for kicks and giggles, we took the last EPT test the next morning....it too was positive.  

We took some time to let the shock set in on how easy it was.  After a few days, I called my sister and told her via the phone....she lives in Washington state.  I could safely say she dropped the phone and was screaming and came back about 5 minutes later.  We went door to door to tell our family with a cute little box (a gift from the wedding) filled with baby food with the label saying "We're having a baby!!!" alternating colors with baby food and pink and blue sizzle paper.

Sean went with me to the first Doctor's appointment and we saw the little heart beating. We are expecting our first little bundle of joy July 30th!! 

We are both so VERY happy about our little one. 

Not the typical Monday...

This past Monday has sent me for a whirlwind at work! You see, I was teaching a preschool class, and I see my boss walking by with boxes. After teaching, I go to my friend; and she says..."they are letting me go...and they are making cuts today!" The lightbulb went off; my boss was part of that too! So, I continued on doing my work; trying to not get caught in the mess...and I go upstairs to registration offices and tears/red eyes could fill the room....I felt so bad for these people; and was just waiting for my turn. Shortly after 11; rumor had it; the cuts were over...and I was in the clear.

Then a little after noon, the General Manager and Owner march into my office. I take a deep breath and expect for the worse; but continue to smile. And, low and behold; when they walked out; I had a new job responsibility- the front desk...and more money! How do I leave on a day of cuts with more money? I feel horrible for those who lost their jobs; I am sure God does work in mysterious ways. I am excited for the new challenges in my job and hope to be able to keep in touch with those who left. Also, I believe that God has given me this opportunity because I was so bored with my job and praying that some new opportunity would come my way; and here is my chance! Very excited for this!

R.I.P. Oliver Ray Morris...1/18/02-12/05/08

My Dad had to put his Dog Oliver (the one on the left) asleep yesterday.  And, my Dad is a mess...and I was too yesterday.  You see, Oliver was a GREAT dog.  We found him shivering in our backyard when he was about 4 years old in the middle of January.  When I saw him, I quickly ran and got my Dad; we were both out there; shivering as well; and my Dad took his belt off and made a leash; we brought him in the warm house; put a blanket on him...and after two weeks of searching for his real family...he was ours.  

Oliver definitely took to my Dad...and sometimes to me.  I loved taking Oliver for walks.  He was already trained; "sit", "shake", "kisses"...and he even gave us hugs.   After a few years after getting Oliver; we felt he needed a playmate- that's Olivia (on right)....that was MY dog...but very short lived because she was nothing like Oliver...nor do I think we could have ever trained her to be; so we sent her to a farm. 

For the past few months, Oliver hasn't been able to walk with his back legs.  And, much to our dismay, yesterday morning he woke up and couldn't really move at all.  My Dad had to carry him the past few weeks up and down the stairs...and it's not the life a dog should lead.  The vets said there wasn't anything they could do; no meds or anything...but they also said he wasn't in pain.  After a careful decision, my Dad decided to put his best friend down.    

Now, for the most of you that know me; you know I am not keen on animals; but those who really know me; know that I had a love for Oliver....he can never be replaced!  R.I.P.

"I must really love you, since I keep buying you nice things..."

The title of this post are the exact words that came from my loving husband yesterday as we sat at dinner....him still trying to talk me into liking the new toy he bought me. Yes, he bought me the below car...2009 Ford Escape! I was at work and knew that he had all intentions of going to look at cars. My response was simple, "it's a waste of your time; because I say no!"

Well, he takes my "Green Goddess", my 2000 Focus into the dealers with his friend....and brought this car to work for me to see. My words..."I don't need anything with bells and whistles, I don't need a moon rooof; nor do I care for one; our car works now...really- let's sleep on it" Well, he didn't listen. He did this to make me happy- and also to help prepare for the future family of ours...so, I told him to put a bow on it; as it will be my Christmas present.

He also was able to receive....FREE remote start. FREE Teflon- extra layer of strong wax to prevent scratches. And FREE upholstery scotch guard. We also have 6 months FREE of Sirius Satellite Radio.

• Has this car won my heart over yet? Kind of!
• Does Sean still have my heart? Of course!

**Christina~ One thing that I cried about was thinking of the memories of the Green Goddess...and how we would drive around town blaring the oldies.

Holidays are here....and so are...

THE MOVIES!
How many of us as children loved to watch 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', 'Frosty the Snowman', and the one movie with those clay people? I know I certainly did!! I also know that last night while flipping through the stations, I stopped at "The Grinch"...it just brought back memories of when I was younger...drinking hot cocoa with my feet by the heating vent when the heat would kick on (of course fighting my sisters for the vent as well). I didn't watch the whole movie, but it was one of those warm and fuzzy moments all inside!

What are some of your favorite holiday memories?