This Holiday SeAsOn....

Here is a random post, as my brain tries to slow down from the chaos of this week....

Christmas was held at my sister and her families casa again this year. Good thing they have a big house to hold us all! It was great food, as always, and even better for the memories made this year. I was glad to have Pete and Fran here to enjoy the day with us, and have them stay with me during the holidays!

We also were lucky to have Aunt Michelle and her family join us. Can't believe it's 4 generations already on her side! Also, Tracy and her crew joined us. What great kids she has--so kind, caring, and genuine. It was nice to have everyone together.

Spent the afternoon todaydoing report cards and cleaning up at school, after my double dose of allergy shots. Fun, fun. Glad they're done, but that means school will be approaching again soon. Well, on January 5th :) Lissy will be here tomorrow for a week of fun....or something like that! :) We are heading to Parker to visit her grandparents (Pete and Fran) this weekend, and then back before New Year's Eve...have I ever mentioned that I am not a big fan of NYE? I would so much rather sleep....maybe this year something magical will change my mind. Haha.

Doggies are not fighting anymore...but I haven't given them much chance to be together and go at it. But, they're both safe and nursing them back to health is just not fun. I enjoy spending time with them, though. We have been on walks almost every day and they are both such amazing pups!

Looking forward to next week-hair appointment. There's nothing like a little pampering time to feel good about yourself! Hope everyone has a safe New Year's Eve. Don't be stupid-get a cab if you need it! Or call me to pick you up :)

Here they are!!!

The time has finally arrived...to unveil our fabulous family pics from this year (<---SINCE this stupid blog is being slow, check them out on my facebook page. If you can't view them, let me know).

BIG thanks to Erin Roberts (http://www.photosbyerinleigh.com/) for the amazing pictures. You made us look great. The family was very pleased when they opened up their Christmas gifts and finally got to see them! I think I can say this will continue to be a family tradition each year. Looking back at last years pictures--it's amazing to see how big Abby and Kayla have grown! They are growing like weeds....and get even more adorable as they grow up!

I love the picture of all of our faces really close together. It was a big weird when taking the picture, but I think it turned out really great! I am also beyond thankful that Erin was able to catch a wonderful, and genuine, picture of my dad smiling. He looks so happy and like himself in that picture!

Hunger Games....

Has anyone taken the time to read this series? If not, I highly reccommend it.

Fingers Crossed....

(Note: these are NOT my fingers or my hand. I feel that's important to note here.)

All right, I know I may have said this a time or two...but I don't think I have written down my hope. So here goes. PLEASE, PLEASE let my dogs get along. They cannot fight anymore. This last fight is the last I can physically, emotionally, whatever handle.

There is a guy coming this weekend to work with them. I hope he is able to fix GB's aggression towards Lambeau. I love them both and having to pick one over the other will break my heart. Literally.

Jumping on the bandwagon....

With everyone posting a daily reason for being thankful, I thought I would join in on the fun...but I am going to put EVERYTHING (well, all I can remember at this point) I am thankul. Fasten your seatbelts, folks, this may be a long ride!! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

• I am thankful for my family. Each and every one of them. Without their support, kindness, and understanding I would not be the person I am today.


• I am thankful for my upbringing. Watching my parents make it through the tough times and the good times has made me appreciate the little things in life.


• I am thankful for the house I live in. Little things make me happy; each day when I get home from work I am thankful that the smell is still here to remind me of my grandparents...and I hope that never leaves. Makes my heart happy.


• I am thankful for my best friends. Without them, I would be a complete mess! They listen to my ups and downs, they listen when I am super excited or upset, but no matter what, they are always there for me.


• I am thankful for my pups. I know "some" have said I shouldn't have them, but I love each day with them. Especially days like today when I can cuddle with each one and spend lots of time loving them.


• I am thankful for those who made me smile and happy over the years.


• Memories. I love them. I am so thankful to have them.


• I am thankful for the hunting/camping times I have had. The little things, like remembering a fun time with family and all the times around the campfire make a bad day tolerable.


• I am truly thankful for my job. Even on the worst day, I know how hard I worked to get there and how hard I work each day to keep myself prepared.

All right...I think that's it. If I have forgotten anything, I will add it later :)

Thankful for....

After a long week of worry, anxiety, and the unknown, I am so happy for that to be over. Mom went in for surgery today, and what was thought to be a very scary and a-not-so-happy-ending turned out to be pretty good for us. No cancer (biopsy results will confirm this, the dr said he doesn't think it is cancer AT ALL).

It's these scary moments that make you realize how important your family and loved ones are. I hope to NEVER go through this again, and I pray that you don't either.

Love you Ma!!!

Dear Deer Hunt 2011

I had a great time. Even though it was cold, and too short of a trip. I thank you for the fun and the family memories!!! I want to remember from this trip:

1. The 7 hour drive to get to Williams (it's a 4 hour drive, but with our long trip in the car and silly outlook, we missed the exit....by 90+ miles).
2. GB's first camping trip. Although the dogs got in a fight, and she will NO LONGER be invited to go camping, I am glad she had a *little* time to explore the mountains.
3. Abby and Kayla's first hunting trip-Abby's excited voice wanting to go 'catch' a deer.
4. Family memories. There are never enough!

(for pictures, go to my Facebook page. I am too lazy to post them again on here)