AmAnDa, my dear....

Olive juice. Thank you for being my friend. Almost one year ago I realized what a true and amazing friend you are. When I needed my family and friends the most, you drove to me and were a big help and shoulder to cry on. Without your strength, kindness, and "amanda"ness, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Olive juice!!

Farewell 2010...

2010 was a year of many events, as is for everyone. It's 12 months of new memories, exciting adventures, and new friends. I have been very blessed this past year, and would like to take a moment to reflect on a few things:

• January is a hard month. A year ago this coming weekend I found my grandpa. I will try to stay positive and remember his amazing personality and kindness, but I still miss him. I just hope he is watching down and I make him proud.


• In March I officially moved out of my parents house; I never thought the day would come. I loved being at home, loved being with my parents, but the time and opportunity had come for me to leave the nest...and I have enjoyed every moment of living alone! I miss my parents terribly at times, but thankfully my job and the dog(s) keep me company.


• I am lucky enough to work for Camp Challenge in the summer, and it's a great eye-opening job opportunity for me. This past year I was promoted to camp coordinator, and boy was I in for a shock. I knew what was expected of the coordinator, and did the job to my best ability--but all who know me know I don't just 'do' a job, I go above and beyond...which just makes more work for me :) This past summer I formed bonds with many of our campers and a lot of the staff, making me even more excited to come back this summer!


• School started again in August. I was pleased to continue teaching 5th grade, and in the same classroom. I found out that this bunch of kiddos would be different; some amazing kids who surprised and surpassed all I could ever hope of them, and some that didn't....needless to say, I have learned to be stronger this year. I received my first 'death threat' from a kid, had some terrible things said to me, but I am still teaching :)


• I was given tickets to see Lady Antebellum (a country group that I love) for my birthday, and lucky for me the concert landed on Halloween! I am not a big fan of dressing up-maybe because the whole afternoon of the school day is spent dressing up kids, prancing around the halls, dancing to music, and giving them way too many sweets before sending them home? :)


• Thanksgiving this year was expected to be very tough; our first family holiday without either grandparent. Jared was drawn for Elk Hunting, so we took the opportunity to spend the holiday camping with him. IT WAS AMAZING. I had the best time with the family, made some amazing memories, and can't believe how much it snowed!! I look forward to next year, and hopefully my sister and her family can join us!


• I have discovered my fascination to talk with my closest friends about poop. I hate poop, it makes me gag (human, kid, dog...all of it!!) but for some reason I have found it funny to bring it into many conversations....??


• This past Christmas was a very special one. We all met at my sisters house and ate a delicious meal, opened presents, and spent time with family. Pete and Fran came down and stayed with me, and Stacy, Brandon, and Ashlee were able to join us. It was nice to see the whole family and extended family together, be there to support each other, and have some good laughs. I LOVED watching Kayla-bug open presents; she didn't care whose present it was, or what it was...she just wanted to open it. Abby wanted to play with EVERYTHING as she opened it. What is it about kids that make Christmas so special?


• I ended this year by going to zoo lights with my sister, Abby, Kayla, and my brother. We had a nice time together, just us siblings! Today I am going to see a movie with my parents and brother, then have a few close friends over to watch a movie and stay in on this crazy holiday. This past year I have learned the true meaning of friendships; have learned to find friends in the people you may not expect, and to love them all for who they are.

Merry Christmas to all...

Merry Merry Christmas to everyone in the blog world! I hope that everyone has a joyous holiday. Make lots of memories. Don't have regrets. Take pictures. And just enjoy!

This is my first Christmas living in my grandparents casa. I have had fun decorating the living room and putting up my first tree. I even was adventurous and made some home-made cookies! It has been an adjustment, but I am truly enjoying living here.

I am also looking forward to my aunt and uncle coming down and being here for the holiday. We are spending it will TONS of family at my sister's house. What're your plans for the holiday??

What's up, Dawg?

So is it abnormal to love your dog? How about love the dog that isn't your dog?? Follow me??

Since moving into this house, my little bro has been insistant that I have a dog with me at all times (he did give me the option between a dog and a gun...I chose dog). Every week or so we trade off dogs between Marley and Stella. Marley is the mommy and is super soft and sweet. Stella is pure muscle and appears to be mean-but loves almost everyone. And has bad breath.

Side note: in my class we just finished reading Where the Red Fern Grows. This story has made me EVEN more emotional and attached to dogs! Ugh, what a good story. Sad, but good.

Don't get me wrong-I have two dogs...but they are with my parents, my dad adores them and I couldn't bare taking them away from him. Plus, one of them is psycho and didn't sleep during our sleep-over weekend (ya, she didn't get the memo that it was a SLEEP over). The other dog seemed so sad away from her buddy that she went home quickly.

Brings me back to Jared's dogs. I love coming home to a happy dog excited to see me. I can't mess up their cooking (food from a dog bag!!). I cannot do anything wrong, and are always up for cuddling :) In their eyes, I am the most amazing person ever!

Most people post adorable things about their kids. I will now post adorable things about the family dogs :)

Family Pictures

For Christmas this year, I had a wonderful friend/coworker take pictures as my gift to the family. Since they are a gift, most of the family hasn't seen them. I will post ONE for now, and the rest after the holiday :)

Like what you see? Check out her website: photosbyerinleigh.com

Let it snow, let it snow...

We have successfully arrived home from a snow filled elk hunt up by Clint Wells. It was fun to get to camp with the family; we arrived late Wednesday evening to a nice, cold camp...and woke up Thanksgiving morning to snow! I was so excited...I have never in my adult life camped in the snow (my mom "says" we did when we were kids, but I don't remember). Here are the pics from Thanksgiving day:

The next few days seemed to be warmer-ish. We went out looking for wood to keep our fire going. Here is proof that my brother's brother actually worked: (notice the snow has melted, in most parts?)

Today we woke up to:

Yes, folks, that is snow (it is NOT some random blurry spots on the lense). We woke up to snow falling, quickly, from the heavens. We quickly packed up (THANKS NEWBY AND MEG FOR YOUR HELP!!!) to get out of there before the snow became a slushy ice mixture.

We seemed to be doing well on the drive, until we came to a hill...that had turned to ice. My mom was driving in front of us with my grandpa's old truck and camper, with a trailer attached to the back of it. Newby was next in line, and then me. Needless to say, I had a near-death experience and am so happy to be home!!!

Hello, my name is Jamie. Have you met me???

So this was a very long, tough week. Why, you may ask?? Well, I'd love to share why with you:

1. Um, I work. I have to wake up every day, get dressed, attempt makeup, and hit the road. That's already a day's work for me!
2. I am "required" to work....they have this ridiculous rule that if you don't work, you don't get a paycheck. Without a paycheck, I cannot buy groceries to make my delicious meals...which leads me to #3.
3. I don't cook. I can't cook. I can make something, maybe once, and then it will NEVER turn out again. Who knows why. Dinner this week: cereal, bagel and cream cheese, and frozen waffles. So ya, about that cooking thing: pouring milk into a bowl is a lot of work.
4. I need a daily nap. If not, I am just too grouchy to finish out the day. I would go home, but that just brings me back to #2 above...
5. Hi, I am Jamie. Have we ever met? I sleep like 14 hours a night, still wake up tired, and can take another two to three hour nap. If you didn't know this about me, then YOU don't know ME.
6. I have (barely) survived my super stressful week (see #1-5 above), and the weekend is here. Know what that means? Yep, you got it. Sleeping in. My favorite hobby, pasttime, and what makes me truly happy!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Here you go, Ma!

Mothers have many names, many appreciations, but I have to say one thing....MY MOM is the best. You can try to argue with me, but guess what?! You're wrong, my madre is the best mommy anyone could ever have. I am fortunate to have my mom as my best friend, someone I can always turn to and count on. She has been my rock; I cannot imagine life without her. My mommy is always a phone call away or short drive. She has given me so much in life, and has taught me more lessons than I can ever count.

My mom is living proof that guardian angels do exist. I know that most of us believe that all angels are looking down from heaven and are helping us from there, but my angel lives only miles from me. She has great advice, is genuinely concerned for me, and always has a kind word to say to me (and, some pretty darn funny ones to cheer me up, too!!)


I have never seen such happiness in my mom's eyes until she became a grandma. Boy, do those grandkids love her! Abby adores gamma, and loves her one-on-one time with her. Abby goes over to gamma's house for sleepovers and they have jama parties. Whoever said being a mom was the best gift, I think giving me my mom was the most precious gift I have ever been given!
I LOVE YOU, MA!!!

Props to Erin Roberts for the great picture!!!

My daddy!!

Thanks to Erin for the adorable picture! Can't wait to see the other family pics :)

So I figured I should dedicate a post to one of the two most important people in my life (don't worry, ma, your's is next--age BEFORE beauty!) This is to daddy, pa, padre, Ralphie, papa, and hey you! All names that we use to get your attention, and some of them to show our love :)

Daddy,

You are amazing. You have shown me what life should be-kids (many, many kids), family, a happy marriage, and a true gentleman. Life has taken so many turns, and I don't want to look past any opportunity to tell you how much I love you. You were an amazing softball coach in my younger days (even though you MADE me practice pitching every day!!!) You taught all of us what hard work is. I will never look at a street curb the same! I will always remember working every Saturday sweeping street curbs, and then helping out with the landscaping. We always did this as a family, and it helped us become the hard working adults we are.

I am so glad you have had the opportunity to experience grandkids. Abby sure loves you, but Kayla is a Papa's girl. There is nothing cuter than her saying "papa?" whenever you are out of her eyeline. She adores you, Abby loves playing with you, and we love watching you with the girls :)

I love you, Daddy.

Geocaching

Geocaching is SO much fun. Here are a few of the questions some have asked:

• What is geocaching? Geocaching is an updated version of a scavengar hunt or hide-and-seek. You use clues and GPS coordinates to find the hidden 'treasure'.
• Is it expensive to do? Geocaching does NOT cost anything, and can offer hours of entertainment..for free!!
• Do you really have fun? Yes, we always have fun! It can be frustrating if you can't find it at first, but it really is a treat. Plus, you get exercise!
• Can you geocache with kids? Yes! Here is proof:

Our success today only feeds the anxiety to do it again! We hoped to find quite a few caches, and thanks to Princess Emersyn we found all of them. She was such a big help, being able to look in the hardest and smallest of places...

Today we found 5 geocaches: White Peaches, No Crab Here, World Trail Travel, Girly Girlz Memorial Day, and So You Want to go Huntin?

Interested in geocaching, go to http://www.geocaching.com/

Saturday's....

Why do I love Saturday's? Saturday's mean:
1. Abby has a soccer game. This means I get to watch her killer soccer moves, and cheer a lot!

2.I get to see Kayla-bug and all of her cuteness. I also get to play with her :) Who are we kidding, she does spend most of the time wanting "mama" and "sissie" but it's still ok because I get to hold her!

Here is a great picture of my dad and Kayla and my dad!!!

Ugly, old man feet

Many are aware of my dumb feet. They hurt, always, and I REFUSE to have any other surgeries (because, as MANY of you know, any surgery is not simple for me. IF it can go wrong, it will, and be bad!!) So I finally broke down and went to see a foot dr today (yes, I skipped school for it, but I was also able to take care of a few other dr appointments, too!!).

So turns out I have a case of planters fasciitis, in BOTH feet. Really, whoever said "Go big or go home", I'd rather you just go home. This is just ridiculous. I know, it's not a major health condition, but it sucks. No sugar coating it, it sucks. Their result? Two terrible, horrible, no good shots in both feet. Seriously, the worst pain I have ever felt. And they still hurt, six hours later. Oh ya, and the dr said it's going to hurt worse over the next few days...of course, he tells me this AFTER the shots.

The best part? The extra large boot-brace I get to wear every night for the next 4 weeks. Oh, and tennis shoes EVERY day with a heel cup. Wow, who said getting old was fun?!! Haha, I seriously am like a little old man...

Here is a picture of my new best friend:



DON'T be jealous....

Remember

Tonight our church held it's annual Mass of Rememberance for families who have lost a loved one in the past year. It was a beautiful mass, the choir was amazing and I was happy to be there with my mom and aunt.

They start off by reading the names of the deceased, and when your loved one is called they ask you to grab a candle and place it on the altar. I was hoping to get a better pic at the end, because of just how beautiful it was, but this is the best I got...and it's from my phone so it's not the best quality.

"May the choirs of angels come to great you, May they speed you to paradise."

Annoyed??

Why is it that some days are harder than others?....

Why did the students decide to push my buttons today rather than another day?...

Why can't adults just do their job?....

Why can't I just tell the person/people I am frustrated with what's going on?...

Why can't parents actually care about their kid, rather than pass the blame?...

Why are some days just harder than others???

THE GAMBLER...

Mr. Kenny Rogers

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending my 3rd EVER Kenny Rogers concert. I know, I know...you say WHAT?? But I just love this guy. Love, love, love him! My mom, sister, and I have attended all 3 concerts together, and it's just some great memories. Maybe, just maybe, we will introduce Mr. Kenny Rogers to Abby and Kayla when the time comes....(I'm sure Kenny will still be singing and performing when they're old enough to appreciate him!!)

Many of Kenny's songs bring back amazing memories. My favorites are being up camping as a young girl, listening on my cassette player (w/headphones) to Kenny on tape. And when the tape was done, taking it out and flipping it to the back to listen to even more songs. I listened to his music OVER and OVER and OVER. To this day, I can still sing along to his songs because of this!

Of course, Kenny looks WAY different now than he did before:

Got to love the miracles (or misfortune, in this case) of plastic surgery. Seriously, if it ain't broken DON'T fix it! Kenny, you looked much better BEFORE the horrific surgery than you do after. Ugh. Good thing you still sing amazingly well!!

And we're home...

We got home from Vegas yesterday afternoon, after a nice few days there. I know my mom and dad had a great time, as did I, and am looking forward to the next trip...as long as it's not too soon! A few things I want to remember:

• riding the shuttle to the strip....wow, what interesting people you meet!
• Eskimo, Eskimo, Eskimo...b#*@! (I still don't know what this means, but it was said on the shuttle to us, and I found it quite funny)
• Aimee was LOVED by many guys on the shuttle
• Meg had a great time, so did I, with the free drinks
• my mom found a new favorite drink :) buttery nipples are amazing!
• playing Monopoly with Ma and Bum Bum
• watching my dad watch my mom...he still really loves her after 33 years (Happy Anniversary, by the way!!)
• how cute my brother was calling me each day to make sure we were all having fun!
• flying to and from Vegas, my mom was so cute. She stared out the airplane window loving the view

Just a side note...I don't expect anyone to read these blog posts; they're more of a 'journal' for myself to look back on :)

It's Vega$ time baby!!

I am going to dedicate this blog post to my mom and dad--the true fans of Las Vegas! We are heading that way tomorrow morning, and I am really excited to be an only child for a few days...hehe. Ma and Pa LOVE our trip(s) to Vegas, even though we rarely leave the hotel. We don't go to clubs, we have already done the sight-seeing, now we just relax and play the slots.

I am so happy my parents are fortunate enough to take these small trips now. Ma and I were talking today and she stressed how she doesn't want any regrets...so off we go to have some good fun together! Hoping to win BIG!! $$

INSANITY

Look at these abs!!!

Okay, so we all know I will never look like this....for many reasons:

1. I am not a guy. My 'chest' will look very different.

2. I love food, way too much, for this to ever happen.

3. Um, ya.

Guess I should be thankful I am not at this point, yet?? Hehe. I am working out though, doing the Insanity program a few days a week with some friends from work. Someday I will look skinnier :)

Welcome to the world...

Emersyn came into the world on October 1, 2010 on her terms! She is a blessing to her mommy and daddy, and has made her GG proud making her grand entrance.

Emersyn in absolutely prescious (she does scream sometimes, which I find adorable!!). I look forward to the memories I will make with her and her mommy; the trouble she will get into, the adventures we will take together, the wonderful items we will buy on impulse, and the girl time we will share. I hope Emersyn is friends with my nieces Abby and Kayla-they are a bit older than herand will totally teach Emersyn the ropes!

Emersyn, enjoy your time with Mommy because I know she is cherishing every moment with you! Make sure you scream a few times for me :)

GrEeN and GoLd....

Everyone who knows me, knows of my obsession with ANYTHING green and gold. ANYTHING. I figure on this holiday, aka Monday Night Football, I'd take a moment to explain my obsession. (Bust out those kleenex, buddies, it's sappy)...
I loved (and still do) so much about my grandparents, and my grandpa was from Wisconsin. Rewind back to elementary school, so you know about what age I am. My parents let me go to Wisconsin with my mom for a summer visit-my FIRST visit ever to Wisconsin! After this visit, my love and devotion for the beloved Packers was set in stone. Think of it as a marriage, if you will. This trip was such a great memory, I got to see/meet many extended family members while there. Please keep in mind that I had been penpals with my Uncle Ted and also with my Aunt Rosemary for quite some time by this point...so it was an even better trip since I had been writing back and forth with them for so long! Ok, so I could talk about this memory for pages and pages, but I am sure everyone will be logging off from this boring info soon, so I'd better move on :)

For those who knew my grandpa, he was a very onery man. Loved me to pieces, was the kindest and most giving person to anyone he knew; family, friends, strangers. He would NOT cheer for the Packers, even if they were the only team left to root for. I remember this from the moment I decided to LOVE the Packers (elementary school, see above paragraph); he NEVER cheered for them. We would go back and forth for hours about the almighty cheese, every Christmas and birthday gift was something Packers given to him...and I am sure he loved every moment of it.

The Packers have given me so many amazing memories. Hence my love for the Green and Gold. I can think back to amazing conversations and bickering; think back to my grandma laying on the couch watching the games with us; think of past trips to visit Wisconsin and watch the Packers practice. Most recently, I have made some new memories--memories with my brother touring Lambeau Field with me and memories of Uncle Pete and I going to the annual Shareholders meeting.

I look forward to making more memories, continuing this legacy, and purchasing even more green and gold items...

Another year has come and gone...

Happy Birthday to me....

Lame to dedicate a post to myself, I know...but this is my blog and I can do what I want! Haha, gotta love having the power. Here are some things to remember from the past year:

• I survived the fart machine. This time last year I had spent my first time in the hospital, went through hell and back from a stupid leg infection. My birthday dinner was spent at Peter Piper Pizza with my family, followed by a TERRIBLE movie with my sister and Amanda. It didn't help that my fart machine (aka wound vac) made a farting noise every 7 minutes, and was amplified by the silence of the terrible movie.
• I lost a dear loved one. I never imagined how horrible this day would be, and the days that followed. Luckily I have had some dreams over the past few months that have made the transition a little easier....now, if only my grandpa would come to me in a dream and tell me that he likes the house....
• I became a BIG GIRL and finally moved out of my parents house. Ugh it was so hard and I never thought it would happen. I missed my mommy and daddy so much, and had a really hard time adjusting to not having them around all the time. Honestly, I am still adjusting...hehe

Goals for next year? Ha, why even bother. Life will take me on a fun journey and I am just along for the ride!!!

Murder Mystery Parrrrrtay

Toga, Toga, Toga!!

My breastie, Amanda, hosted a murder mystery party last night at her apartment. Wow, what an ordeal! First of all, for those who know me, I don't enjoy the Halloween/dress up/going crazy experience. Little things, I am all for. BIG events, not at all! BUT, Amanda helped me get ready and helped me to turn out as a great Toga lady. (What will I do once she spits out baby Emersyn?? Who will get me ready???)

A fun time was had by all: shout out to Meg for "playing her character" to full extend, Jess for being a great sport as a man, Jen for being the murderer, and Newby for playing my fav character...Flabby!!

I am looking forward to our next group adventure...should be fun!!

Family Sunday's

Growing up, my family always got together for lunch on Sunday's. It was always a family day, to play cards, watch football, and be together with my grandparents and my aunt and cousins. Our family has slowly grown bigger and siblings have their own families now...but some of us still get together and make our own memories.

Today I am having a reflection day of memories, missing my family. I received this poem from a funeral service I attended yesterday and found it to be so true and absolutely beautiful. I encourage you to read it, and reflect. Have a great Sunday to everyone!

When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do;
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears;
Be thankful for our many beautiful years!

I gave to you my love; you can only guess
How much you gave me happiness;
I thank you for the love you each have shown;
But now it's time I travelled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must;
Then let your grief be comforted by trust;
It's only for a time that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you cannot see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, whn you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say;
"Welcome Home"

What'd you do today??

Here is what we did this morning! We took the two trees in the front yard and trimmed them. The first picture is the after shot, and the second is the before shot...if you can follow that. I don't know how to move pictures around on this blog thing yet so be patient.

Isn't my brother the best? He was climbing in the trees and on the roof to thin them out. My dad watched us and helped a bit with moving the branches. Glad it's done and is not something we have to do very often :)

Let's Remember 9/11

Nine years ago a terrible thing happened to the United States. Do you remember what you were doing when you heard the terrible news? I do. I was getting ready for school, my first year at ASU. I attended the East campus of ASU which was at Williams Air Force Base. From the moment I saw the horrific plane crash, the world changed. Life as we knew it was drastically different.

Please take time today to remember all who were lost on this day, all who have fought for our country, and thank a veteran! I fly my flag every day in honor of my country!!

Two of my favorite pics...

So here are two of my favorite pictures of two of my most special people (besides my parents, duh). This was one of our last visits to the Mexican food place Papa loved by his house. Abby sure felt important and had to walk and hold his hand any time he was around.

Jared, my loverly brother, has these pictures on his fridge. I was at his house today and saw them and just smiled. What a great memory, and I am happy to share with you!

D-backs game with the family

Friday night we went to the Diamondbacks game for Jared's belated birthday. My nieces are too cute...have I ever told you this? The game was a success; Kayla had fun cheering for the team and Abby was a hit with the catcher! He gave her a ball so she was super happy, and Kayla enjoyed her first hot dog!

Thanks to mom and dad for getting us all tickets!

Here we go!

So I have finally caved in and created a blog. Most of my friends have blogs (granted, they have kids and adorable things to show off...) and I decided that I should have a fun page, too!!