Unnerstall Expeditions

19 weeks... oh crap!!

2012-02-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the title... but that's how I feel right now. OH CRAP!!! We're already 19 weeks!?!?!?! This is crazy! There are times I feel like our Punkin is taking forever to grow, then other times... like today when I read that Punkin is 6 inches long that I think, oh crap... 6 inches?!?!?! And there's barely a bump?

Pregnancy does some really weird stuff to you. On the one hand this is a blessing and a miracle that we are actually experiencing this when we spent so much time dreaming about it. On the other hand, this is weird!!!!! I keep commenting that my humor is what's getting me through. I'm very fortunate to have a good attitude about all this weirdness, that it's just hard not to laugh. I'm not sure if I have the time or the space to detail all of my little different laughs... maybe I should write a book... but let me share this one:

So, for the record, I can still button my pants. I may not be able to sit in them without busting a button and flinging it across the room to poke someone's eye out... but they still button!!!! My dear boss (ever the brutally honest type) makes a comment to me that it's time to wear maternity clothes. But, my pants still button... why do I want to wear something that comes all the way up to my boobs... I'm not an old lady!!!! But I decide if she's saying something, obviously I need to spend a little more time in front of the mirror!!! So that next week I decide to pull out the maternity stuff that was filling my closet, as the "I can't wear pile" in the loft grew and grew. I'm very excited about my maternity wear, I found some great deals and some really cute clothes, but again, no bump to really show. So... on goes the belly pocket pants. My husband just giggled because I was going back and forth from the bathroom in just my pants and my bra... I wasn't cold... my new stretchy pouch covered all the way up!!!! Hell, I could have left in that and not realized it until I was at work! I finally remembered to put on my shirt and Joe commented, "WOW you look pregnant today"........ "WHA WHA WHAT?!?!?!? Do I look that fat?!" I just started giggling because when I actually did turn and look in the mirror, sure as snot... there's a bump!!! Ok boss... maybe it was time!!!!!

Ok, I know, not that funny yet... then I had to go to the bathroom for the first time in my pouchy pants later that morning. So I go to the bathroom... remember what the kind lady in the maternity clothes store said and pull down the stretchy part so that I don't stretch out the material, then sit. Well... I almost started to pee when I bolt upright... I forgot to pull down my underwear!!!!!!!!!!! Thankfully I was able to remedy this situation before needing to complete most of my day commando!!! I was by myself in the bathroom just giggling so hard, it's a good thing I was already prepared to pee!!!! It's ok, you can laugh at me... I'm doing it to myself, constantly!!!!

There's many more, and I'm sure there will be many to come, but this is just the beginning. Well, not quite, I guess this is just the half way point. There's a bump for sure, I still feel fat instead of pregnant, but the maternity clothes help, and I've gotten a few remarks about how I do actually look pregnant. Oh and can I just throw this out... please stare at my belly when I don't know you're looking!!! Please don't make eye contact with me then look at the belly then back to my eyes... it's very distracting!!! I guess I know how larger busted women feel when people talk to their cleavage!!! It makes you self conscious!!! And do be perfectly honest, it's rude!!!! Talk to me, not the bump!!! I almost wish people were talking to my boobs... I've never really had the boobs that deserved talking to, and now they do!!!! Just another one of those weird things... you get great boobs while you're pregnant!

Ok, I'll stop, save some for another day, because I'm sure my dad is reading this turning red with embarrassment!!! And now that I've called him out he's chuckling and shaking his head! Yes, Daddy, I know you!!! Pretty please, enjoy a laugh at my expense, it's ok... it makes me happy!!! I'm so very blessed to be experiencing this how can I not be thankful and have a good attitude about it all??? Yes, including the heartburn I'm currently experiencing... according to old wives tales, my baby will have hair if I have heartburn! So here's to the little hairy monkey we affectionately call Punkin!!! Mommy loves you!!! Sorry for the TMI my baby!!!

xoxo

Meet Punkin... beware, long update

2012-01-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

This has been a very long time coming!!!! We are so pleased to announce that we are expecting our first child!!!! It has been a very long and hard road, but we are finally here... WE'RE PREGNANT!!!!! It has been very hard to keep it quite, but it's finally time to scream it from the roof tops!!!

This successful round began at the end of September. After an unsuccessful, long second round on Femara (Letrozole) it was time to throw everything we had at the third round because if we didn't have success we had reached the end of our options with our infertility specialist (IVF just wasn't an option for us and our finances). We had a plan, take the max dose of the meds and hit it with HCG when my folicles were ready to release an egg. We realized this was one of the biggest problems for us to overcome... I could grow eggs like crazy, but my little folicles just wouldn't release them! So we went in time and time again for ultrasounds to monitor and the day came that we were supposed to leave for Nebraska. It still seemed early in the cycle to need a shot, so I thought we could get to and from Nebraska before needing a shot... boy was I wrong!!!!! That's what happens when I try to plan ahead!!! Doctor announced that we'd need a shot the day we were stuck in Nebraska with my parents!!! OY!!! So, my wonderful husband was educated in how to give his beautiful wife an injection of HCG in the rump!!! He was so pleased with this!!!

So we were off to Nebraska with our shot and our orders for... well, making a baby!! Joe did wonderfully giving me my shot... even though he hated having to do it and I didn't help because I kept laughing... which is what I do when I'm nervous! And thankfully he got it on the first try, he didn't need to back out and do it again. We had a nice weekend with my parents in Nebraska celebrating the life of a dear friend who lost his battle with leukemia earlier in September. It was a fantastic celebration of his life and just the way I wanted to honor his memory and his impact on my life!

We came home (after a drama filled trip with a flat tire just outside of Colorado at 9pm) and collapsed in bed. Had an uneventful week at work... and I was still under orders that I couldn't take a pregnancy test for two weeks after getting the shot because the HCG injection may give us a false positive. Well, that weekend something was weird. I don't know how to describe it without going too far into TMI, but things were just weird. I held out until Wednesday until I just couldn't stand it and called the doctors office. We were surrounded with so many wonderful nurses, and they were super supportive and said, well, let's just send you in for a blood test because you're not going to relax unless we do. So, I raced to the lab for blood work and waited... and waited... and waited... I knew the doctors office would call because they had a STAT order on the blood work but every minute just crept by!!! Then finally, I got the call. She said anything with an HCG count higher than a 5 was considered positive and I had a 6!!! I was reassured that it probably wasn't from the shot, but they wanted to retest in 48 hours just to check. We just needed numbers to go up and it was a really good sign. So Friday morning I was the first person at the lab when they unlocked their doors and again, waited, waited, waited, and waited! Then finally, we had a 28!!!!!!! That was fantastic and we were considered pregnant, but they wanted to test once again in another 48 hours to continue to see numbers rise!!!! I called both my parents, I had talked to my sister earlier that day since I couldn't wait for the time difference to tell her... but I didn't call Joe. I knew we were meeting for lunch so I wanted to tell him in person. Unfortunately, we didn't get the opportunity to really celebrate because some of his coworkers joined us for lunch so Joe had to hold in his reaction. However, Joe is not known for jumping up and down, but the little sparkle in his eye was worth it!!! He was reserved though, I don't think he wanted to believe it. Next test came back with an HCG count of 124, and we were officially congratulated!!! We were headed to Joe's parents that weekend so we chose to tell them in person.

Because of the high stress in getting this far, my doctor chose to do an ultrasound every two weeks starting at 6 weeks pregnant. Mostly to reassure parents, but also to see if there are any problems with implantation and heartbeat early before damage can be done by a tubal pregnancy. So I was on pins and needles till we got to see that precious little heartbeat at 6 weeks!! It was so beautiful!! At first my doctor asked us if we saw it winking at us, and I was thinking, winking, my baby doesn't even have eyelids at this point how the hell is it winking, then I saw it... bliss doesn't even begin to describe the feeling that overcame me. But we weren't outta the woods, another ultrasound was scheduled for 8 weeks and I needed to make an appointment with my ob/gyn. My specialist would not deliver our baby... as this is not his area of expertise. The 8 week ultrasound was just as good and the stress of if this is real had completely melted away. Joe was super cute and said, hey, looks like a baby in there! Doctor requested a 10 week update from my ob/gyn since we were scheduled to see her with an ultrasound and we were done with the magical Dr. Bachus. It was sad, but in a great way.

10 week ultrasound and doctor appointment went well. I love love love our doctor, she makes me laugh and that's good! Joe likes her too, and that's really hard to find someone that he likes too. Dr. Bachus told us that as long as everything looked good still at 10 weeks, we were pretty much in the clear. But we chose not to scream it yet... we wouldn't be out of the first trimester until Christmas and it was only the beginning of December. So we were a little more open with the people we worked with, but still chose not to tell everyone until we spoke with extended family closer to the holidays. So Christmas came and went and we decided to be public!!! We announced it on Facebook finally on Christmas day by posting a picture of the baby next to a gift box under the tree with the caption "look what Santa left for us under our tree"... it was a fun way to announce it to so many people who have been so supportive of our every hurdle and tear and meltdown!!!

Now as I sit here, I'm currently 15 weeks and 2 days into this pregnancy. I'm still wearing my normal clothes to work. However, I'm down to 2 pairs of pants that don't cut into my gut when I sit and only a couple of shirts that my boobs don't completely stretch out!!! But it works for now. I'm a little frugal and this whole buying clothes to wear for only a couple of months is a hard pill to swallow!! I'm very fortunate to have some wonderful friends who have graciously offered me their hand me downs from their pregnancies so I just had to bulk up on professional clothes for work. So I did pretty good this last weekend with some different deals!!! Consignment stores that sell maternity clothes... wonderful!!! We've had another check up with the doctor and we got to hear the heartbeat this time!!! That was pretty cool!! I should be able to feel the baby move in the next couple of weeks, and I'm so excited and so hyper aware of every little thing... so far, mostly fart bubbles to report. I think maybe yesterday I felt something, but only time will tell to see if that was what I thought it was... it certainly wasn't a fart bubble!!! :)

Oh, so let me take one more moment and explain Punkin... Since we have chosen not to find out the sex of the baby (considering this process hasn't been a surprise for anything) we wanted to still name the baby now, without naming the baby. We're going to keep sex and names quiet until the baby is born... much more exciting that way!!! But we didn't want to call it IT... so Joe and I discussed what to use and what not to use. I had been gifted the name "Cleatus the Fetus" by a dear friend I worked with, however we weren't sure we'd get to use it so it was used by my friend in her pregnancy (they also chose not to find out the sex or tell names) so that name was off the list. As we looked around we realized there were pumpkins every where, it was late October you see! We were headed down to Joe's parents to carve pumpkins that weekend... so it only made sense.... Punkin was named!!! My parents were particularly happy with this as my nickname was Pumpkin... because I was a little chunky baby and my sister was Peanut since she was such a little dainty baby for months!!! So... meet Punkin! Welcome to our journey!!! I only hope to keep you all updated as well as save some of these as a "diary" if you will for my Punkin to read one day!

Punkin at 6 weeks... that's not the head though on the right, that's the yolk sack... Punkin is the little bean thing to the left of the yolk sack

Punkin at 8 weeks, looking more like a baby... feet to the left and head to the right

Punkin at 10 weeks, not my favorite picture because it's not detailed like the others. Head is up and to the left and the feet are curled to the right. You can really only see a profile of a face on the left, not the whole head.

Our Christmas surprise!!!

Good days, then bad days...

2011-09-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been super consistent with my posts lately, but I hope to change that.

I really have to complain for a moment though, so please bear with me... this roller coaster that has consumed my life, better known as infertility, takes its tolls. Today I'm paying my toll! We are currently in a hurry up and wait point which is so difficult!! We had a successful ovulation with the medicine switch, even though I stalled in the middle, so now we did our deeds and we have to just wait. I've been trying to meditate when I feel the call to, I am working on incorporating more and more of the techniques throughout the day, and I'm really trying to communicate with my body opposed to resenting it. I know this sounds absolutely crazy, but before you check me into the psycho ward hear me out... I've been talking to the egg... and no not the chicken egg in the fridge (I'm not that cookoo). I've been cheering it on to get to where it needs to be, I've been cheering on the little dudes to get to where they need to be without too much wandering, and I've been just telling this egg how much its Mommy and Daddy want it to become our baby. Mommy and Daddy are so ready to do this, but we need you to want to be with us too. I know I've lost my mind! But we're willing to try just about anything!!! I even encourage Joe to talk to the egg... while he resists because he feels even crazier than I do about it. But he tries... he was so sweet to yell into my uterus "be a baby", not in a mean way, but like it had ears and was underwater... it just melted my heart!

So before I cry and get too crazy, please please please talk to the egg! Please tell it we're all wanting it so badly to be our baby!

But today has been harder... I start to doubt myself and my body and the egg. I worry that we won't be able to do this. What happens when the money runs out? What happens if I can't ever carry a child? I know there's always the option of adoption, but that is just not somewhere I can be yet. People who adopt are very special angels but I'm afraid that I can't be up to the challenge. And it's not the raising the child part that scares me, it's the accepting my body and that this may not happen for us. That is a very hard pill to swallow especially when there are so many people out there who aren't good parents and so many children that need a good home and if only the finances were unlimited we could make this happen for us. I still don't understand how something that affects more than 50% of the population isn't covered by insurance... or why is there a cap on diagnostic services for this?

It's just a spiraling roller coaster and I can see the dark scary tunnel rapidly approaching me and all I can do is tense up, close my eyes so tightly all I see is green circles and scream all the way down. I don't like not being in control of things and I don't like blindly following! I struggle with this today. I can only just hope that this will be over soon and I can get off this roller coaster and be on one that I want to be on.

Just needed to throw this all out there! Thanks for listening!

xoxo
Alexis

Some Cakes of Note

2011-09-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Just realized I never posted the pictures of my latest cakes this year... Spring and Summer are slower cake demands for me right now, so I've been using my coworkers as guinea pigs for flavors! But here's a couple of really cute 1st birthday cakes I did this year (and yes, I did these babies' baby shower cakes too).

This is Oscar the Grouch for Oscar's first birthday! You can't tell, but he was probably 2 feet tall!

This is Brooklyn's ladybug! She looked so cute with all the black frosting all over her!

I've always enjoyed doing my cakes and I'll have a few more to post in the next couple of weeks!

Summer has past

2011-09-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Well, summer has come and gone. I was just reading my last post... that was right before summer started... now summer has completely gotten away from me and I can't believe that I havent' posted anything!!! So here's a, not as quick as I'd hoped, update:

Joe and I spent most of the summer just doing the same old same old (life is really boring without children to keep you busy). One thing that we did look forward to was camping and we didn't even get in enough of that... however, we did get in one awesome trip with our dear friends Brandon and Kristen (Brookie got to have a Mimi and Grandpa weekend). What was really fun was we all met up with my parents and my sister and my brother-in-law for the annual Grainger's Black powder Shoot! This is a past time that I always enjoyed with my parents and now my husband is starting to enjoy it! He's never been into guns before, and that is one thing that my Dad has a real passion for, so it took a while to get him used to the idea that shooting was fun. In fact, it took 10 long years to get him really into it. But now that he's done it, he's hooked... unfortunately this is going to be an expensive hobby (but what hobby isn't). Brandon and Kristen are thoroughly hooked as well. So we have a nice little group of us who need a local black powder club!!

Anyways, back to camping... we had our own little compound, the eight of us! This has always been a weekend long camping trip combined with the black powder shoot outside of Victor, CO. Saturday was the shoot and my Dad had worked tirelessly to outfit at least 8 guns for 8 people! Usually he's only had to worry about 3 at the most, so this was a big feat for him that was greatly appreciated by all of us! We went down to go shooting at gong targets (metal targets that are varying sizes and at varying distances). Kristen was battling a cold but was a trooper and shot as much as she could. My dear sweet hubby is extremely talented athletically so struggles when he can't just pick something up and be good... so his struggles have been with a left eye dominance, right handed thing. Thankfully he switched to shooting left handed and started getting more shots on target (come to find out later, the gun wasn't sighted in completely, it must have gotten misaligned at some point). Me, well, I had a fantastic day!!! We had a total of 32 shots and I had 24 on target! Came in second overall in the women's division!!! I was awfully proud and sure made my Daddy proud (p.s. out shot him by 8)!!!! Brandon also had 24 hits, however I won the tie breaker!!! So I win :)!! Heather and Adam were unable to come up for the competition but showed up later in the day and did get a little shooting in. All in all, it was a really fun weekend with lots of people that are close to us! Just what was needed for the soul!! But who doesn't like shooting at things??? Great stress relief!!! Oh, and of course I can't forget, Joe won the hawk throwing contest! He was so excited he got to win a hawk and now he just needs a block of wood in the back yard for him to throw at!!

Joe's shot

The happy dance commenced... it was a very good day!!

And now he's happy that he was good at something too!

The rest of the summer went by pretty uneventfully. We did take an anniversary trip to Telluride, which was fantastic!!! We've been married for 5 years and together for 10 years, so it was a pretty big deal! We just enjoyed our surroundings, enjoyed some frisbee golf, had some great food and drinks, and really just relaxed in a very beautiful area!! If you have never been to Telluride, I have to recommend it as a must do in the summer!!! We also said our goodbyes to Heather and Adam who are off to South Korea for Adam's job!! It's been tough getting used to her not being around but I'm so happy and thankful for her to get the opportunity to experience all of this!!! She has also started a blog detailing their excitement that you can check out here.

Anniversary dinner on top of the mountain

What did consume our summer was our attempts to get pregnant. In my last post I was talking about increasing my Clomid dose once again. Unfortunately that did not work for us and the meds were really hard on my body. I can't even explain all the side effects, but they were just miserable! That drug is just harsh!!! I'm sure it's nothing compared to some of the injectables, but considering I had just about tripled the max dose for this medication, let's just say I was so done with it!!! After a lot of tears and heartache we had a conversation with my wonderful doctor, Dr. Bachus, and decided to move forward with another oral medication called Letrozole (Femara is the brand name). This drug was created for certain types of breast cancer treatment, but has had the side effect of increasing fertility in women who do not respond to clomid. This drug also stays in your system for 48 hours after your last dose, opposed to Clomid which lasts for 4-6 weeks! The biggest difference in the two drugs simply put is this: Clomid is an estrogen receptor blocker, Letrozole is an estrogen producing stopper. So instead of playing the blocking game, we're basically playing the "bench the first string" game.

We started out at the middle dose for Letrozole which is 5mg. Since this drug is not FDA approved for infertility this course of treatment goes along with many many many ultrasounds to track follicle development. We watched one follicle grow finally to 23x23mm (which is really good) then I had an HCG injection to ensure release of the egg!! We were so elated that I had successfully ovulated that we didn't even worry about not being pregnant that round. We moved on gladly to round two at the end of August, went in for a 14 day ultrasound and didn't see the growth we should have. Dr. Bachus put me on another 4 day dose of 7.5mg of Letrozole and scheduled me to come back in 4 days. Later that week I showed up, threatened him that he was only allowed to give me good news, and accidentally kicked him and low and behold I had great growth!! He scheduled me to come back and check in another 4 days and prepare for another HCG injection. We skipped in on Sunday and were disappointed to not see the kind of growth we wanted. "Sometimes you just stall" is all that we could get from the doctor. But he's still optimistic that this round can still work, so we'll just have to wait and see. I'm scheduled for another ultrasound tomorrow to check the progress. So please, pray and hope and cross fingers and toes that we have some good results in the next few days!! *update after our ultrasound today, pretty sure I successfully ovulated yesterday! Now we just hurry up and wait, lots of prayers please!!*

This is not my ultrasound, just a sample picture of what we usually see. The black spots are the growing follicles, swiss cheese lookin' ovaries are a good thing!

Infertility battles are a long and lonely road! There are so many things to be happy and sad about and those of us who travel this road together must stick together! One of my dear friends is doing a special project for their struggles, please check them out here and pray for us all!!

As always I hope that this blog finds it's place in your heart and that you're all happy and healthy!

Much love!
xoxo
Alexis

One step closer...

2011-06-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

So, a change of mind has to come about! I get so consumed with the failed cycles; I beat myself up, I get very depressed, I ask the "why me" questions, I apologize to my husband for not giving him children... I go through it all! I have to stop!!! It becomes so overwhelming I think I could just live and breath in bed crying all day.

After some serious soul searching, some talks with Joe, and some inspiration from a dear friend I have decided to change my way of thinking. No, it's not going to be simple. I plan to challenge myself each day. I'm going to challenge myself to be optimistic!!!! And as most of you know, it's very hard for me to be optimistic! But something has got to change.

SO... I'm going to approach each cycle as one cycle closer to having our baby! Instead of focusing on all the failures, I'm going to remain positive. We are just one cycle closer to our baby! I know deep down in my soul that I am meant to be a mother and I feel it in my bones that our baby will be biologically ours!!! I know this may seem selfish and stubborn to some people, but I'm not to a point where adoption is an option for us. Joe is supportive no matter what we decide he's fine with it, but I feel it, I will be pregnant and give birth to our baby!

Currently, I have begun our next cycle... this means 250mg of Clomid for 5 days, 2000mg of Metformin daily, some positivity and a lot of willing, and some meditation. I've got one more day of my Clomid to take, and the hot flashes have returned. I had forgotten how bad they were the last time because that was a 66 day cycle!!!! But I'm reminded... and I'm trying to remind myself that instead of suffering through them, I'll just be thankful that I have a little fan on my desk at work and I work in a building where I don't have to pay for the air conditioning!!!

Positivity, it has wonderful affects on the body!!!

Update again...

2011-06-08T18:12:00.001-07:00

Ok my friends, forgive me I've been a little sparse lately with my posts... but here goes...

So it's been a while... last time I was updating everyone on our diagnosis from the infertility specialist. We're still just plugging away... I've almost completed 2 rounds on my higher dose of Clomid... I'm currently at 200mg however this last round didn't work for some reason. So after another ultrasound and more tears, and several more negative pregnancy tests, the doctor finally agreed to give me a 7 day round of Provera (progesterone) to get my cycle started because I still couldn't seem to start my period on my own. So, as of today, 7 pills gone, and just waiting. Once I start we'll increase my Clomid dose to 250mg (yay for hot flashes) and see how my body reacts to this dose. So, moving forward with a good attitude, every round of this brings us closer to our baby!! Positivity must be my friend because negativity is so dark and lonely!!

Many nights have been spent crying and worrying over the surgery bill from January. Originally the insurance denied the claim to the surgery center (when they paid the doctor and the anesthesiologist) sticking us with a $10,500.00 bill!!!! YIKES doesn't even begin to explain it when you open that bill!! So after a long appeal process we got word from the insurance today that they are agreeing to pay the bill!!!!!! So, let me break this down for you... once the insurance agrees to pay the bill (even if it's a dollar) my in network benefits apply bringing the beginning total down to $3,000.00 of which I've already paid over $900.00 because the insurance pays 70% and I pay 30%. However, there's a special little clause in my policy... they will only pay a lifetime maximum of $2000.00 towards diagnosis of infertility... so what this means is we're still paying more for this because we've already chipped away at this 2k pot... which no worries, it's still a whole hell of a lot better than the 10K that we thought would take us years to pay off!! I'm still convinced that this whole insurance thing is a scam, but whatever, so let's just cross our fingers that we have the diagnosis right for LIFE!!!!!! Someday I'm hoping for others that the insurance companies will pull their heads out of their asses and start paying for infertility treatment because as of yet, most insurances do not pay for it... so screw you fat cat bastards who decided that having a baby wasn't important enough... may you never feel the pain that I and millions of people suffer from!!!!!

Ok, so I'm done with that... we're just doing life other than that!!! It's summer time and I'm so glad because it means more camping, outdoor activities, and lots of fun! We have some great things planned this summer so stay tuned!!!

As always, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you!!!

Fabulous... if I do say so myself!!

2011-03-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to my parents' house because Mom and I were preparing to do our recent Easter tradition of making panoramic sugar eggs! We did this together for the first time last year and I just loved it! Mom and I really enjoy being creative and this was a creative outlet that we both enjoyed so much!! Last year we made tons of eggs, this year we decided to make the project just a little bit smaller and only tackled about 7 eggs; three for me, two for her, and two for Heather. Thankfully Heather was home from working the night shift at the NICU so she participated this year as well! I don't think that Heather has ever done this before so it was a great project for her after her tough night at work, it ended up being very therapeutic for her!

First Mom molded all the eggs, in two pieces, from sugar and egg whites. Then she hollowed out each half and allowed them to dry. Because these eggs need at least 24 hours to dry she got them all done on Thursday before I came down on Saturday. Next we decorate using different colors of royal icing. First you start with the green grass in the bottom. Then you add your little figurines, then glue the two halves together and allow to dry a bit. Then using colored icing, pipe a design along the seam and add flowers to the top!! We all enjoyed ourselves so much! These eggs are not edible... well, they could be, but they wouldn't taste very good. They last for years and years, when stored properly and make a great Easter decoration in our home every year! I think I've had my sugar egg that Mom made for me for at least 20 years, if not longer!! Next year I think I'm going to offer them for people to buy at about $15 each!! But for now, I really just enjoy this little project and the special time I get to spend with my Mom and my sister!!

Heather's Therapy Egg... one for Joe and Dad to use in target practice!

I'm back... from where, I'm not sure!

2011-03-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

So I'm back... I haven't known exactly what to say lately. I started this blog to keep my family in the know with what was going on with us. Then for a while, because there was nothing exciting to report, I just took it in a different direction... but I'm currently sitting in bed remembering why I wanted to use this... this is meant for me to throw my thoughts into the universe to get them out of my head... and yes, for someone to hear them. A kind of therapy with comments if you will!

Joe and I have been on a wild ride for 4 long years that I have been begging to get off of for the past 3 years and 11 months! We have been struggling to conceive. Actually, we've been struggling to ovulate to be more precise. Before you jump all over me for using "we" it really has been a "we" for a long time. While it's my body that I've been urging to do what I want it, Joe has been by my side relentlessly encouraging the same thing. Many times I want to give up, then other times I want to push on, and no matter what my husband is just there pushing me or picking me up no matter what. I'm truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband.

Today, well, the past month to be perfectly honest, has been rough. In December we tried insemination for the first time... not the ideal way to get pregnant, but whatever will put a baby in my belly and not cost me another mortgage in the process, let's go!! We paired it with acupuncture, which for many reasons I love this! We also started seeing a specialist in Fort Collins. December was busy! The insemination didn't take, but we had a plan to take more steps with the new specialist. So, after a couple of pregnancy tests, and completely convincing myself that they were wrong, I finally grasped that I wasn't pregnant and it was time for the new doctor to take the reins. So we scheduled a procedure called an HSG and a laprascopy of my lower abdomen. The first one, while I was freaked out of my mind for, ended up not being all that bad. Other than the humiliation of having my naked ass higher than my ears on a table the procedure was a no brainer. Yes, some discomfort, but all in all, I wouldn't be so stressed out if needed again. Ten days later it was time for my laprascopy. If the HSG freaked me out you must know that the thought going under general anesthesia was even worse.

I continued to tell myself that I wasn't scared about the procedure itself because I would be asleep and have no clue what was going on, I just needed to focus on getting myself through getting the IV and getting rolled into the operating room. Easier said than done... the nurse had a hell of a time finding a good vein to start my IV in and finally switched to a smaller needle, but got it started on the first try. Then just the waiting... I got myself all worked up and nervous while my sweet sweet husband just sat there and held my hand. Then when it came to the goodbyes I lost it all over again. I was scared of the unknown, I was scared of not getting to wake up and live my life with this wonderful man, I was scared of what they would find and what they'd have to do because of what they found, I was scared of the bills that would be waiting for me once this was all over... I was just scared! The thing that sucks the most about all of this, I couldn't have my husband next to me to comfort me when I needed it most. Thankfully the nurses in the operating room were wonderful, got me talking about something mundane, Disney songs actually, and "snuggled" right up close to me until I was completely out. It seems odd to say, but the simple act of two nurses being close to me and holding my hands was so comforting. The one bad thing was the anesthesiologist had me count backwards by 7s from 100... I'm not sure I can do that when I don't have drugs pumping through me... at least ask me to name the presidents or something I had some chance of getting past the first two!!! But before I knew it, I heard the doctor telling me everything went great and I asked him if he left all my parts where they were. He did say yes, and I went back to la la land until the beeping from my heart monitor rudely woke me up! Then an alarm went off because supposedly I wasn't breathing... well, I actually was the monitor just wasn't recognizing that I was using my diaphragmatic breathing for relaxation. So finally a nurse got me up and out of bed so that I could pee and get dressed. Oh, and lets not forget about admiring my smurf butt!! Can't believe I just threw that out into the universe!!! But the sooner I got up and dressed the sooner I got my husband back. That's one of the other things I didn't like... Joe couldn't be there to hold my hand while I was coming out of the anesthesia. But I survived... so it's behind me.

So... results: HSG normal- only thing that looked weird was that my tubes seemed high, but the doctor chocked that up to the position I had to be in on the table. Laprascopy: nothing out of the ordinary. They scoped my abdomen to look at the outside of my uterus and my tubes and my ovaries. They scoped the inside of my uterus and my tubes as well as injected dye (hence the smurf butt) to make sure that there was no blockage. The only two things to note, the ligament that holds my tubes and ovaries in place is a little shorter holding them higher in relation to my uterus and my ovaries are large an shinny. What all this means, well basically that they assumed right, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, the kind without the cysts.

Ok, so you're caught up on the procedures... recovery was worse than I thought it would be. Apparently someone slicing your abdomen in three places means you won't be at work for the next two days... you probably won't be very active for 3 weeks. You'll probably wish that you hadn't moved that way when it feels like your stomach is ripping open... but in the long run, I'm reminding myself that we needed this peace of mind. So, then I had to wait... which you'd think I'd become extremely patient throughout all of this... well, you're kinda wrong... I didn't start my cycle on my own (huh, funny thing since that's been the case for 4 years) so I had to go on 10 days of Provera (a progesterone supplement to trigger my cycle). That med is a bitch... if you don't mind my saying! Things hurt that you forget are there, my moods were all over the place, and somehow I'm expected to continue on as if nothing was wrong. Then finally I started, and could move on to my favorite medication (yes, I can love something more than the Provera) CLOMID!!!! *Cue the JAWS soundtrack* This means hot flashes!!!! Yippeee!!!! And this time I'm at an even higher dose than I've been on in the past so yes, this means the hot flashes get worse... I didn't think they could... HA! We're not in immediate need of inseminations, we should be able to conceive the old fashioned way so we're going to give it a go on our own for a couple of cycles.

So, here we are... I'm currently getting over a cold (the 6th one this season... someone has to keep Puffs in business), still trying to do things the old fashioned way... snot and all... my husband appreciates this comment I'm sure. But today, today is just my day to feel sorry for myself. I don't understand why something that is so easy for some is something so hard for us. Today is not my positive thinking day... this won't happen for us... today is my pity party day... what is so wrong with me that I can't do my biological duty of producing offspring?

But tomorrow... tomorrow is a new day... tomorrow is my positive day... tomorrow is my take charge day. Tomorrow I can handle this all. Tomorrow I can be a fertile woman... tomorrow I can be strong! I have always prided myself on my ability to pick myself up (with a little bit of help) and attempt to be positive and be a positive influence on others. And while I tried to be a positive influence on someone near and dear to my heart, I failed at being positive to myself. But tomorrow I can be. Tomorrow I'll pick myself up, shake the cobwebs out of my uterus and tomorrow I will move forward. Tomorrow I'll stress less, I'll dig deep, find that off switch and turn off the stressing. Tomorrow I'll accept myself and I'll accept that not everything can happen the way I want it to, but that doesn't mean that I can stop trying to make it happen. Tomorrow I'll be happy! Tomorrow I'll continue to move forward on this beautiful path. Tomorrow I'll appreciate the beauty that this journey has brought me!! Tomorrow I'll be in my happy place!!

As always, thanks for listening!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all!!! I'm taking a little hiatus... waiting to be inspired again to write...

xoxo

Day 20- This month

2010-11-22T11:44:00.000-08:00

This month is November... which means, Thanksgiving!!!! This is one of my favorite holidays because it's spent with family and friends. This year I am so excited to spend the holiday with Joe's parents, Mike and Christy and their son Sean. In the 9 years of holidays since Joe and I have been together we have never celebrated Thanksgiving with his family. Now before you go thinking that we're evil people, they were always living in a different state and Joe and I have always had to work the following day so we never traveled.

We've done a couple of Thanksgivings with my parents, I've done our own for just the two of us when Joe used to work on Thanksgiving, and we've spent a few with some close friends. It's always a nice excuse to pig out!!! Joe's particularly excited because he can spend as much time watching football as he wants without feeling guilty. He and his father will probably be on the couch most of the day watching football. This is ok because I'll spend the time with Christy helping her with whatever. I don't have to cook this year, which is a positive, mostly because there's not a mess at my house! The only thing I'm baking is a pumpkin pie (Mom's recipe of course- it's not Thanksgiving without it) and a pumpkin cheesecake per Mike's request.

I'm rather excited, I haven't had to worry about groceries, thawing the turkey (reminder: if you haven't taken your turkey out of the freezer, I highly suggest you do that right now), and I don't have to worry about the brine for the turkey on Wednesday night!!

I hope you have been able to take the time to enjoy this month... I know I have!

xoxo

Day 19- Something you regret

2010-11-21T17:16:00.000-08:00

I try very hard to live my life without regrets. I try very hard not to dwell on the past but to embrace where it has led me in my life. There's no point in wasting time or energy wishing that things could have been different, it's just negative energy that is not needed in your life.

No matter how hard I try, there is one regret I currently have. I haven't been completely open with this audience, mostly because it's something that Joe and I try very hard to keep to ourselves, but now it's just become too big of a burden to bear. Joe and I have been trying to get pregnant for 3.5 years now. We were responsible people who didn't want to have a baby before being married or even before we were finished with college. When I started noticing issues with my cycle the answer at the time was birth control. I deeply resent even getting started on this. If only doctors were a little more willing to explore what the actual problem was at the time we wouldn't have wasted as much time as we have (5 years on birth control, plus the last 3.5 years). Now we've eliminated our options with my ob/gyn and currently beginning to explore reproductive endocrinologists (this is a fertility specialist).

I was ready 4 year ago to start our family... and now unsuccessful attempt after another has been wearing on my soul. I am very happy with my life with Joe, but something is missing. I have been seeing many friends get pregnant and have beautiful babies. But not until more recently has it been getting harder and harder to see so many people pass us by. This struggle makes this hole in my heart bigger and bigger. Yes adoption is an option, but I want so badly to experience my biological right of carrying a child, our child. I want to be able to sustain life, nurture a little piece of Joe and myself that represents our love for each other. My heart yearns to give this to Joe.

I struggle to be positive, Friday was the lowest I've ever been about this. I curled up next to Joe and bawled for a good hour. I have blamed myself and resented my body for a long time... this is my biggest regret. I know negativity is bad for this process, if I hear that we just need to relax and let things happen I'll scream. There is something wrong with my body and I need answers. I have reached a point where I want to understand why this is something that Joe and I have to struggle so much with while so many others don't. Why is this fair? Are we not worthy of a child? Deep down inside I know we are meant to be parents. For as long as I can remember I've wanted to be a mom. It is not an option to not be.

So, I'll just have to put on my big girl shoes, shake this darkness from my mind and move forward. We have not reached the end of the road for this. We have continued to move forward every day since we started trying. We have eliminated several options, now it's time to figure out what our next step is. I will continue to do my research to find out where we go from here. I have to pull myself out of this abyss of sadness and be positive because I know that eventually this will all be a distant memory.

I'm sorry to ask, but if I ask for one thing from you I ask for prayers, for a belief, for positivity from you. Our efforts at this have not been enough. I'm reaching out to this audience for some extra positivity. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I have no where else to turn other than inside and my insides are betraying me.

Thank-you for allowing me to get this off my chest.

xoxo

Day 18- your favorite birthday

2010-11-21T17:08:00.001-08:00

This one is hard... I'm honestly not sure which one is my favorite. Of course my family always made a big deal out of birthdays, but the day itself wasn't all that special. We'd usually have dinner at a favorite restaurant and then a cake of our choice. At first, Mom always made beautiful cakes... I have no idea if they were for me or Heather, but I remember a Rainbow Bright, a Whinnie the Pooh (which was probably for Heather), and I think a My Little Pony cake. But I made a big mistake my 8th birthday... I asked for a store bought cake with roses on it. That year I got that cake, but that was the beginning of the end of the elaborate cakes that Mom made. She is extremely talented and I'm sure that's where I get my talent for my cakes from!

Now a days Joe and I just do something special for our birthdays. I usually want to go do something and the last two years Joe's wanted a tattoo. I have to think about what I want this year... who knows!!! I have about 6 weeks to figure it out!

xoxo

Day 17- your favorite memory

2010-11-21T17:02:00.000-08:00

When I meditate, this is where I go...

While on our honeymoon in Maui we set out to watch the sunset in a secluded little spot. It wasn't all that secluded, it was on the side of the road, but no one was around us. We were looking out over the ocean at the island Lanai. I was beautiful. I remember the colors, the oranges, the pinks, and the golds. What made it even better was it started raining, a warm light shower. Then a rainbow came out. It was the perfect moment. This is my happy place. This is my favorite memory. This memory just fills me up with happiness. We were so content, and we didn't want for anything in that moment except each other. It was a simple joy.

I hope your favorite memories consist of simple joys!

xoxo

Day 16- your first kiss

2010-11-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

Haha... I giggle as I think of this. I giggle only because I'm still in contact with this person (gotta love facebook, right?). I was in 4th grade, and it was for a Laffy Taffy!!!! Nothing romantic really about it, that I remember... this person will always have a special place in my heart because it was a first. I wonder if he'll know it's him...

The most significant first kiss was with Joe. Most of you know this story, but Joe and I met in college. We lived next door to each other. Two days after moving away to college I found myself in Joe's room watching a movie (I have no idea what we were watching). I remember telling Joe I was lonely sitting on the bed all by myself (pathetic, right). We started cuddling and it just happened. I looked up at him and we started kissing. It was fireworks! That's the first kiss that I really cherish!!!

xoxo

Blog Challenge: Day 15 Your Dreams

2010-11-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

To me dreams are something that you work towards not something your subconscious is trying to tell you. Yes I have a psychology degree (so glad that's coming in useful these days) but I don't believe that your subconscious is trying to tell me thing while in a sleeping state. I really believe it's my minds way of being bored while my body is recouping from the day.

That being said... my dreams are simple and probably just like yours. I dream of being peaceful, being happy about everything, not being stressed, and being able to inspire. I dream of one day being a mother, an aunt to more than one nephew, a grandmother, and hopefully a great-grandmother. I dream of growing old with my husband. I dream of having the perfectly stocked fridge and pantry for any recipe I'm feeling inspired to do. I dream of having the talent to do the cakes that I imagine in my head and make them taste stellar! I dream of standing in a beautiful perfect kitchen and being inspired to make good food. Traveling to far off lands (speaking of, I need to see about getting my passport) and enjoying local cuisine and wine and of course beer.

This is my bucket list... an other things... oh that would be a good blog... stay tuned for that one once my 30 day challenge is over!!!! I also remind myself to work towards these every day. I also remind myself of what I have that has been a dream. I have a job I love doing something that I've wanted to do for a while now, I have a wonderful husband who is my everything, I have a perfect little home (that is waiting for the perfect little family), I have health and happiness and I'm working on more peace. I said a few days ago that I was meditating more, and I must say, it keeps me happy.

If you take one thing from this post today, I hope you dream and I hope you take a moment to appreciate what you've dreamed of that is now you reality!!

xoxo

Blog Challenge: Day 14 What you wore today

2010-11-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

Again??? I don't think my wardrobe is all that interesting... but to work I wore my black dress pants and a dark purple button down shirt. Black socks and dress shoes top the outfit off...

But now... oh, I'm in my pjs!!! I love my capri pajama pants with my purple tank top I got from Old Navy for 2 dollars!!! It's soft and cozy! It doesn't seem like I have enough clothes on, considering it's winter outside, but I'm suffering from mega hot flashes and I can't stand to be hot, so this is perfect!!! I'm so cozy in bed, then when I get hot I throw the covers off and I cool down instantly! I love my pajamas! On the weekends when we don't have anywhere to be, I live in my pajamas!!!!

Happy Tuesday!!

Blog Challenge: Day 13- my week

2010-11-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

This week is scheduled beyond belief... aside from my Monday through Friday 8-5 job I have 2 acupuncture appointments, a dentist appointment, and a doctors appointment. Then I'm planning on water aerobics on Wednesday, Tuesday I want to get either laps or a jog in, and Saturday I'm going to see Harry Potter at the IMAX after going to play with our CASA kiddos! This is a hectic week! And somewhere, I need to spend time with my wonderful husband and take some time for myself to meditate a bit every day (because that's my new thing).

I'm exhausted just thinking about it!!!! And it's only Monday!!! Oh well, it'll go by fast, then I get a short week for Thanksgiving next week!! YAY!!!

Blog Challenge: Day 12- What's in your bag

2010-11-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Alexis and I have a purse problem. I carry way too much stuff... this is a good opportunity to purge and change out to my smaller purse...

Wallet- containing the normal credit cards, library card, and meal punch cards
Checkbook
Coin purse- made from sustainable materials by one hip momma
Prescription (one of those carry with you or wear a bracelet... so I make it fit)
card booklet- where I have all my grocery cards and pictures of my cuties
Sunglasses
Small scratch pad- because I always need to make lists
Clear nail polish- hey, that's Mom's... that needs to go back to her
hmmm... straw wrapper... in the trash this goes!
My other coin purse that contains lip gloss, nail file, queasy drops, life savers, and my usb charger for my blue tooth.
Chapstick- only the green kind!
2 pens
gum
bill to pay the dentist office at my appointment later this week
OOO... the paper I sprayed for a perfume I'm now in love with... Burberry Brit
USB storage device
Keys to a friends house
nail clippers
Mentos... mmmm... I forgot these were in there
hand sanitizer
lotion- the lavender baby lotion... and not a travel size!
LED flashlight... because you never know when you'll need one
Chip bag clip... that can come out
anti itch cream... that too can come out
My reusable grocery bag that zips into a little square
tampons... because you never have one when you need one
granola bar- it's actually quite smashed... probably should eat
And, last but not least, my Tide pen!!!

See I told you... lots of stuff!!! Oh wait, my key for work and my expired fishing license!!!

There, that's it... it's empty... now lets see if I can condense!!! Yeah, nope... the essentials don't fit in the smaller one... oh well, guess I need a new purse... hint hint honey!!

Blog Challenge: Day 11- Your Siblings

2010-11-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've talked a lot about my sister, who's really my best friend too! So I'd like to take this opportunity to talk about my newest siblings, my in-laws!

Candace and Jay (Joe's sister and her husband)

I had the pleasure of getting to know Candace quite well the first year Joe and I were dating. She was so open and friendly and we talked online all the time... back when AIM was popular! She realized very early that if she wanted updates on Joe the best information came from me! Candace was finishing her thesis at Northwestern for her degree... and forgive me Candace, but it's a complicated one to remember... her degree has something to do with Mathematics and social sciences... She has since completed her degree and lives in Connecticut where she met her husband Jay! Ah, Jay... he's my fellow out-law! We stick together when the family gets together. I met Jay for the first time at Candace's bridal shower. It instantly occurred to me that he's a wonderful person that makes Candace happy. I spent a lot of time with Jay, kinda hiding from the mayhem, and he made us all breakfast. He needs to make me breakfast more often!! Candace is beautiful, smart, courageous, highly organized, and an amazing mother. Jay is calming, funny, patient, and a great dad! They compliment each other beautifully! They have an amazing son, Alex, who is so much fun right now. I wish that we were all closer... maybe some day we can all be in the same time zone! I need to make more of an effort to see them! I love my brother and sister very much... and yes, Auntie loves her Alex too!!!

Heather and Adam (my sister and her husband)

Adam is my newest sibling, however, I've known him for 13 years!!! We went to high school together and later college too. I first got to know him through forensics (and one of my closest friends was dating him). He was full of energy, loud, and funny! He always made me smile. He gives the greatest hugs and has the best expressions. He graduated the year before me and we lost touch for a while. Then he was dating my sister... this was not good... at first. Heather and Adam had a long distance relationship for several years. I admire their devotion to each other. It didn't take too long before I loved him! He's still full of energy, loud, funny, gives great hugs, competitive, and focused. That man can focus like no other on one task at a time, unless cartoons are on... then nothing else exists!! He brings an energy to our family that is refreshing! I was so proud to stand up and witness their marriage, just one month ago! Adam is a wonderful husband and the brother I never had! I love you both so much and I wish you all would stay in my time zone!!!

And last, but certainly not least... Sean (Joe's adopted brother)

Joe's parents are wonderful people who have so much love in their hearts. A little over 4 years ago Mike and Christy began fostering children. Then Sean came into their lives at 6 days old and he hasn't known any different. Sean just celebrated his 3rd birthday this past summer and he's learning so much every day! He's a smart little bugger, some times I wonder if he's too smart for his mommy and daddy! He loves Disney's Cars, trucks, and sports. He loves his big brother and craves his attention. He has endless energy but has a sweet heart. I'm so looking forward to knowing him more and more as he grows up. I'm so excited to be there for him as his big sister.

This is my family! I love them all very much and I miss them when they're gone!!! Love you guys!!

xoxo

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 10- What You Wore Today

2010-11-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

So, Friday... I love Fridays!!! It's one day I don't have to put way too much thought into what I'm wearing! So I dawned my normal Friday attire of khaki colored corduroys, a plain long sleeved cotton shirt, and my CBT fleece vest (which was perfect for the cold weather that has settled in). Then of course I wore my Friday socks, my Mickey Mouse socks, and yes I hear you giggling at me! Of course I have Friday socks, don't you??? And my brown shoes finished my outfit! If you can call it that!!!

I like to be comfortable so I take advantage of dress down days at work!!! :D

Blog Challenge Day 9- Your beliefs

2010-11-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

My beliefs huh? Let's see if I can do this in a way that isn't preachy... Well, I don't consider myself a religious person but I have a deep respect for others beliefs. I believe that people are innately good and I try very hard to see the good in people. Sometimes it's hard, and yes sometimes I fail, but I like to believe that all people are capable of goodness. I try to go about my life focusing on the good and not the bad... which yes, sometimes I fail at. I don't believe that everyone is perfect all the time, obviously! :)

I believe in enjoying life and living without regrets. I believe in honoring those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms, our protection, and our safety. I believe in preserving the innocence of children. I believe that everyone has the ability to succeed.

I'm not really sure what else to say... this one's kinda hard!

Blog Challenge Day 8- A Moment

2010-11-10T17:26:00.001-08:00

Ok... so at first when I was thinking about this blog, I thought I wanted to share the quick moment that I shared with Joe when I took him his dinner at work. Then I thought, "Nah, I blab a lot about him" so I'm sure it's not all that exciting to read for the handful of people who read this. Then it struck me, the other moment that I really enjoyed today was my acupuncture appointment!

Some people know that I have real issues with needles... shots, giving blood, and I'm sure as poop not looking forward to the thought of an epidural when the time comes for us to have babies (and no, it's not on the immediate horizon). But acupuncture, totally different... the needles are paper thin, very rarely do I even feel them going in and since it doesn't break all the layers of the skin, it doesn't really feel more than than a tap on the the skin. I've had lots of treatments but haven't gone in almost a year! I decided to start going again so today was my first treatment in a long time.

I started out by answering a few questions with the doctor then laid down and prepared to be stuck. No big deal, 16 needles in... feet, knee, wrist and tummy. Then I was told to do some diaphragmatic breathing every couple of minutes and relax for 15 minutes... then he left. I took this opportunity to do some meditation... well, my meditation at least. I did some breathing, as instructed, and just let my mind relax. I went to my happy place, remembered the sounds there, the smells, the feelings... then I just let my mind wander... I didn't fight the thoughts that came into my head, I just acknowledged them then moved onto the next thought. I was so refreshed by the end, and at peace.

I don't know if you make the time for yourself to decompress like this, but I recommend it! I forgot how rejuvenating it is. It's not hard, I do it without training or guidance and need to start doing it more often. I know with hectic lives it seems hard to put aside time for yourself, however, try it. If it's right before bed, before getting out of bed in the morning, or during a lunch break, great!! But make the time for it. Give it a try, treat yourself to the peace that it brings you.

Sukha!
Sukha means, in short “ease, peace, inner joy.”

Day 6- My best friend

2010-11-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

My best friend... duh, my sissy Heather. My baby sister, who's really not a baby any more, has been my best friend longer than most people in my life and I know she's always going to be there! The sister relationship can be complicated at times, but I am so fortunate to have her and I feel sorry for those people who cannot experience that relationship. It wasn't until I was in high school with my sister that I realized she is truly my best friend. I can talk to her about anything, she's one of the first people I can't wait to share my big news with, one person I can cry like a baby with, and I miss her desperately! Selfishly I want her to move closer.

Heather is a beautiful woman whose talents are endless. She plays the piano beautifully and I miss her practicing in the other room. Professionally she's a nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and excels at it. She instills confidence in others in her abilities and should something ever happen to my kids (when we get that far) I want her there. She has a beautiful personality that relates well with parents as well as sick babies. She's a wonderful person to be around because her attitude just fills a room. People are drawn to her and her quiet beauty.

She's quite the world traveler too! Aside from visiting places like Guam, Australia, and Hawaii, a little over two years ago she packed up and moved to Alaska, her first time living away from home and she moved all the way to Alaska!!!! I thought for sure it wouldn't last more than a couple months into the winter, but sure enough, she conquered found an apartment to call her own, kicked butt at the hospital, and created her own little family away from home! I hated her being there. She was so far away, her schedule didn't mesh with mine so I didn't get to talk to her as much. We tried, but inevitably the best time for her to talk to me was on her way to and from work, which at max was 20 minutes.

But I could always count on her calling me with her cooking questions. She's going to laugh at me, but I recall her calling me while I was in Home Depot asking me how to saute a chicken breast. Oh she's just so cute! But she has gotten much better at cooking and makes a few dishes that are really good... or so I've been told. She has yet to cook for me (yes, there is a guilt trip there). I have shared many recipes with her and only hope to inspire her cooking abilities to come out. We're part Italian so somewhere she's got that talent!!!

We've both grown up quite a bit from the two little girls with heart shaped barrettes in our hair. Just recently she was married to her sweetheart, Adam, and it was all I could do to hold back to the tears for weeks before!!! My little sister is no longer just my little sister... reluctantly I must share her now. She's a wife and will eventually be a mother and her heart will fill with even more love! No matter where she goes, no matter what she does though, she's the only person I can call my sister. She's the only person who fills my heart as my sister; never will there be another, and never will that space be taken by anything else! She gives so much of herself to so many people, I consider myself very lucky to receive her gifts. She's my best friend... period! And now I have to go cry! I love you so much Sissy!!!

xoxo

Blog Challenge Day 6- My Day

2010-11-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!!! This Monday seems to be one of my favorites because I feel like I gained an extra hour of sleep last night! Plus I went to bed early, so I didn't fight myself too much to get out of bed this morning! It is a beautiful fall day here in Colorado with temperatures reaching 70 degrees!!! This is crazy weather for Colorado... if you didn't believe in global warming you should now! But we're in for a couple of storms, they're stacking up in the Pacific!

Being a banker, I work a normal Monday through Friday 8-5 job and love it. I started my day working some random projects and catching up on some different tasks and that's pretty much what my day consisted of at work.

Then it was off to the gym for water aerobics! I have fallen in love with water aerobics, but before you think it's an activity for a bunch of old hippos in the pool, you should really give it a try. It is low impact, which makes it ideal for aging joints, but the class I go to at night is filled with the younger generations. I have learned the tricks so I can get out of it as much as I want. the water resistance is key to burning the extra pounds off. If only they had a class every night, I'd be there!!! I can feel that I work up a sweat, but I don't get that yuckie feeling of being all sweaty! The only down side to it, my skin gets tired of the constant chemicals in the water. I burn through lotion now!!!

Then of course I come right home, love on my puppy, eat dinner (which I planned for and made last night), and then just chill and wait for Joe to get home from work. Then we'll probably just curl up and watch How I Met Your Mother and I'll probably fall asleep before it's over! That's my typical Monday!!

Blog Challenge Day 5- Definition of Love

2010-11-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

Oh, dang... I struggle with this one. I know how I love so many different people and trying to sum all that up for me is really hard... but here goes. Love is a feeling that defines my relationships. It fills my heart with happiness. Love means forgivness for ones faults, encouraging ones strengths, allowing yourself to get lost, allowing yourself to trust someone, and caring for someone. What really defines love for me is the all the emotions behind it. It's the people that I care about that can make me the happiest and the most sad. People that I want to be around are the people who I spend my time on.

I love so many people in my life and I only hope I show each and every person how much they mean to me. I only hope that I tell all the people who really mean a lot to me that I care for them enough. One of my favorite ways to show others how much I care for them is by cooking or baking. I don't think there's anything more generous and heartfelt than sharing a meal with the ones that you love. It's the time, patience, and attention to detail that expresses my love for others. It's unfortunate that I can't make something for anyone no matter where they are in the world, but when you are not around, please know that I do think of you!!!

Ok, that's the best I can do without making you all gag!!! I really didn't want to describe the love I share for my husband because you've already read that!! :P

xoxo

Blog Challenge Day 4- What I ate

2010-11-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Ok... So I'm a couple days behind, but I'll get caught up!

Breakfast: I made pumpkin caramel cinnamon rolls! I had made the dough the night before and allowed it to proof in the morning. The whole house smelled so good I couldn't wait!!! So I served them and Joe and I dug in and it wasn't good!!! The recipe called for 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice which along with the cinnamon sugar in the inside it just made the whole thing way too spicy... and I don't mean heat. So it was a bust. If I made them again, I'd probably put half the amount of pumpkin pie spice in the cinnamon sugar and make my own caramel sauce instead of this weird brown sugar frosting crap! So, too bad... breakfast was a big let down!

Lunch: Kristen and I went shopping with Brooklyn in Loveland so we stopped for Chick-fil-a!! Nothing gets better than a chicken sandwich (without pickles) with their coleslaw on top! Of course I topped this with fries and a Dr. Pepper!!! Mmmmmm good!!!!

Dinner: Heather and Adam drove up to Denver for an errand so we decided to meet them down by Park Meadows for dinner. We decided on a little Indian restaurant since Heather just loves Indian food now. We ordered a cheese filled naan, which is like a doughy tortilla... the cheese on the inside was a little too weird so I wouldn't order that again. I also ordered crab masala which is almost a red curry with lots of different spices. This was served on top of basmati rice. We also placed an order for plain naan which unfortunately didn't come out until almost the end of our meal, which is a let down because we enjoy scooping our dishes with the naan. I also enjoyed a nice cold Fat Tire.

Dessert: we weren't quite ready to leave, and since I conveniently forgot to take my pill and need eat something when I take it so we found Cheesecake Factory at the mall and indulged!!! They were way crowded so we opted to take our pieces to go and eat somewhere in the mall. I ordered the tiramisu cheesecake, Joe had the peanut butter cup fudge ripple, and Heather and Adam shared an ultimate red velvet cheesecake (which is red velvet cake layered with cheesecake)!! It was soooo good, and of course we had to get Starbucks to wash it all down with, so I had a soy decaf pumpkin spice latte!

I over ate! I was regretting it a bit the next morning! Too much rich and fatty food for my system. But it sure tasted good going down!!

:D

Blog Challenge Day 3-- My Parents

2010-11-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

My parents huh... I love my parents! I have pretty awesome parents! I would consider myself a Daddy's girl and apparently I was from the get go. I loved fishing and shooting with my dad growing up and it's one thing I miss the most now. My mom and I are a lot a like in our controlling ways so you give us a project and we can bang it out pretty well. It's interesting thinking about how my relationship has changed with them over the years. We have grown much closer over the years and I have a different respect for them.

My parents met at their church in California. They sang together. And 30 some odd years they still sing together at church. It's a really beautiful thing to see them sing together. I miss watching them. My mom just sang at my sister's wedding last month and I couldn't help bawling through it. They set a wonderful example for my sister and I in their marriage. Especially with divorce rates rising, I can proudly say that I didn't go through that, I've been able to watch my parents love each other more and more as the years go on.

My dad currently works from home for HP and I think he enjoys it. It's funny, he has this whole spreadsheet on how much money he doesn't spend on driving back and forth to work. The downside of that being that he works a lot of hours. As long as there's internet connection (no matter where he is in the world) he's working. He has a work ethic to admire and is really good at what he does. It's kinda hard to explain, and I'm not always sure of what exactly he does, but I know he does it well.

My mom is still working for a local real estate agent and has been for almost 20 years!!! I know it's not quite that long, but I know it's close. She also has a work ethic to admire and kicks ass at her job! They both set a really good example for me and my sister when it comes to a lot of aspects in life. She is a breast cancer survivor because I truly believe she wasn't going to let it slow her down! She kicks ass at a lot of things! Lately she's been sewing a lot, she made scrubs for Heather, an apron for me, and she's been embroidering tea towels all the time. Every time I turn around she's doing another set for someone.

Lately their new thing is Bear Spanking for the DOW. Once they get a call to haze a bear they pack up the paintball guns and head out. Dad's really loving the paintballs to "spank" the bears. I learned that bears whine when they're spanked... I'm sure it's very funny. They also talk at different campgrounds about how to deter bears from being in the area. I'd love to go on a bear call with them, so we just have to cross our fingers that one misbehaves while we're visiting. They've been involved with lots of different activities through the DOW and still enjoy doing the sheep count on Pike's Peak.

I'm so lucky to have the parents that I did. They pushed me to excel, they raised me in a very stable household, they protected me from harm, and they loved me the way that parents should. I am the person I am today because of my parents. I only hope to continue to make them proud because I know I'm proud to be their daughter every day!! And now I have to stop because I have tears in my eyes... xoxo!!!

Blog Challenge Day 2- My Spouse

2010-11-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

I am married to a wonderful man, Joe. We met 9 years ago... we lived next door to each other in the dorms at college. The first day we moved in to the dorms, my dad forgot his tools and we had purchased some bookshelves to put together... this was very unlike my dad, he's usually so prepared for anything and all we needed was a hammer, and I think a screwdriver. So my mom wandered next door to the two boys who were moving in and sure enough, one of them had some tools to borrow. No big deal, we put the bookshelves together and I went to return the tools. This was the first time I met Joe! He was buried under so many boxes... I wasn't sure how it all would fit, but somehow they made it all fit in their tiny room! Since my roommate hadn't moved in yet, I had spent a bit of time getting to know the boys, and sure enough 2 days later Joe and I were a couple. The ironic thing is, I swore I was going to go to college and focus on my degree, get a job, then figure out boys... little did I know, when I stopped looking, the greatest man fell into my heart!

We were engaged throughout college, because we promised our parents we would wait till we were done with our degrees. We got married on August 26, 2006 (exactly 5 years after starting to date) in a small ceremony in Estes Park. It was absolutely beautiful. I married my best friend, my lover, the person I wanted to be the father of my children, the man I loved, and the person who completed me. He's the first person I want to share my thoughts with, the person who comforts me, the person who supports me, and the person I want to be a better person for. Joe pushes me to succeed and catching me when I fall. He's the one person that can make me experience every extreme of every emotion. Joe loves me the way I only dreamed of being loved. He's my everything!

Ok, so let me tell you more about him, opposed to my feelings for him before you loose your cookies!!! We own our own home in Greeley, CO and while it's been a curse, it really has been a blessing. Joe always mows the grass, in fact, I don't even know how to start the mower. He can cook a killer casserole and he does most of the dishes. He's a saint for cleaning up after my little cake-explosions. He does the laundry every weekend and he keeps the house clean! I'm spoiled, truly spoiled, and I know it! He's working a thankless job in community corrections but doesn't want to do this forever. He's still trying to decide what he wants to be when he grows up. One of these days he'll recognize his true passion and excel. Currently he's working on writing a book, so we'll see where that takes him. He does a great job now, and has a work ethic to admire and inspire. He's funny, stoic, emotional, good at any sport he tries, and outwardly caring for many people. He's a great influence on so many people and I'm truly proud to be his wife. He loves football, college, NFL, Canadian, or indoor, it doesn't matter! Football is his one vice, but if that's his one vice, I can deal! I'm slowing getting him more interested in camping and shooting, but it's been baby steps.

Joe is truly a wonderful person and once people get to know him they love him. He's an amazing man and a person I'm truly honored to call mine. I love you honey!! xoxo

Blog Challenge Day 1- Introduce yourself

2010-11-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

So, I know I took a bit of a hiatus... life got a little crazy with my sister getting married... which by the way was beautiful... congrats Mr. & Mrs. Adam Jensen!!!! I've been following my friend Lacy's blog: and I was inspired by this 30 day blog challenge because I thought it would get me back to why I so enjoy blogging... so here goes...

So... Hi!!! I'm Alexis! I'm a wife and hope to one day be a mother. My life has been pretty good... of course there's always things that I want that I don't get, but I'm learning quickly that there's usually something better just waiting around the corner. I'm married to a wonderful man who completes me. We live in Colorado, which is a beautiful state that we appreciate more and more as we travel. Not sure if life will lead us to always staying here, but we certainly are enjoying it right now. We are very fortunate to have both parents living in this state now, and if only we could get our sister to stay... well, that would be perfect!

I'm currently working as an internal audit assistant at a local community bank. It's kinda nerve racking working at a community bank, considering the economy doesn't allow for many to thrive, however ours is doing really good. We're pretty conservative and that's working pretty good for us. I recently took the position I have now, and while it has its ups and downs, I'm really enjoying it. I've wanted to move into auditing for a few years now and had the right opportunity open up. I used to say I had a passion for it, and I'm not sure that's the case... but I'm enjoying it, and I think I do it pretty well.

I like to think of myself as an outdoorsy girl. I'm definitely a daddy's girl so I enjoy shooting, a lot! I'm not necessarily a hunter, but I really enjoy shooting. I miss doing it with my dad, but I'm slowly getting my husband into it. It took a little while, but I realized what I like to do are the things that we enjoyed as a family when I was growing up. I'm really enjoying camping, we didn't get nearly enough camping in this summer, and of course this is also one thing I've had to get my husband into slowly as well.

I have a real passion for cooking and baking. I love to try different recipes, I love to make complicated recipes as well as easy tasty recipes. Some days I think if this whole banking thing went south I'd figure out a way to make my love for cooking a career, but then I worry it wouldn't make me happy any longer. I love to make things for people to hear how they like my different recipes and I hope that they enjoy them as much as they say they do. At least I can rely on my husband to be honest. I've been enjoying baking and decorating cakes... if you haven't seen the pictures, check out my older posts for a few. I've really been enjoying trying new things just wish I had the talent to make what's in my head appear the way I want it to when it's all done. But for now, it's still just a hobby that I'm enjoying.

I consider myself a strong and independent woman, until it comes to my husband and I really don't want to exist without him. I used to consider myself an outgoing person, but lately I'm realizing I'm really more of a person who has to get to know you before opening up. I try to be funny and sometimes it's more sarcastic humor... but I love to laugh. I love to enjoy life and try different things. I'm not careless, but I love to push myself to do something that scares the crap out of me. I will try it once for sure, but multiple times, highly unlikely. I know what I like and I know what I don't like. I'm a daughter, sister, wife, aunt, granddaughter, niece, and friend to people who mean so much to me. My heart is so full of love for those people who are close to me and those who are no longer here. I have a hard time letting things go... so don't think I'm a saint. I get angry when pushed far enough and I get loud when I'm upset. I cry more than I'd like to... some times at Kleenex commercials, sometimes at life, and sometimes just because I feel better after. I hate confrontation but will hold my own, just don't dare mess with my family or the Italian in me really comes out. I have faults, but I recognize what they are and embrace them. The older I get the more I love myself. I have many dreams and aspirations for my future and I try very hard to live my life without regrets.

So, in a not so small nutshell, that's me!!! Hope you enjoy this Blog Challenge as much as I do!!!

xoxo

Happy Anniversary Love!

2010-08-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

9 years ago I met my neighbor... he loaned me his hammer. 10 months later he asked me to marry him. 5 years after meeting we were married. 4 years later... and here we are where we first met!!

He's the light of my life! He completes me. I love you so much honey!!! Thanks for you!!! xoxo

Finally... Stroganoff to be proud of!!!

2010-08-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

OK... I know this is going to seem kinda silly, but I have to give myself props... I just made the best stroganoff ever!!!! I have to give props to my dear friend Kristen because without her recipe as a jumping off point I would have never made something so yummy!!! I know, this sounds totally off the wall, and you must be thinking, "Wow, Alexis needs a life if she's this excited over stroganoff" but you'd be wrong... I love to cook and I've been trying to figure out a good stroganoff recipe for years!!! Poor Joe has suffered through tasteless meat/noodle combination until I could figure it out. And finally... here it is... I'm sharing my secret (and some of Kristen's secrets)!!!

You'll need:
--8oz. meat- I love the German sausage that I get at Wal-mart, but ground and flank steaks work great too
--3 cloves of garlic, mashed
--1 can beef broth- I've been something called Better than Boullion which is like a paste that you mix with water
--2-3 Tbsp. of Katsup
--1 can of cream of mushroom soup
--Wide egg noodles, as much as you need to feed your family
--dash of Worcestershire sauce
--6-8 oz. sour cream

Start your water for your noodles. Brown your meat with garlic in a large skillet. I tend to wait till the meat is almost done to add the garlic because the sausage I use doesn't give off any grease so the garlic burns. Add your beef broth and katsup (this is Kristen's secret... add as much as you like to make it tangy... experiment and taste till you're happy). Add the cream of mushroom soup and mix till combined and not lumpy. Allow to simmer till your noodles are done. Add drained noodles to the skillet and bring to simmer. Add a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce to the pan (again, this is something that you'll just have to play with depending on what you like). Remove from heat and add sour cream. I really enjoy sour cream, I add it to almost everything, so again, add as much as you like! Again, taste and see if you need to tweak anything. Serve to your eagerly awaiting family and enjoy!!!

One of my secrets: freeze left overs in some food saver bags for a quick and easy meal that you can bring back to temperature in some simmering water. I'm sure this recipe will be a staple when we go camping because it freezes beautifully and I don't have to worry about cooking when we camp... all I have to do is bring some water to simmer in a pot!!!

Family

2010-08-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

We have been fortunate enough to spend lots of time with family this summer! About two weeks ago I went on a black powder shoot camp out with my parents! My parents have been involved in a black powder club for just shy of 20 years. Growing up I enjoyed going to the shoots with Mom and Dad, at first just running around trying to help with different things like finding round rocks for Doug to shoot out of his flint lock (he had a smooth bore barrel and would shoot rocks, don't know if it was something to keep us from annoying him or because he didn't want to waste the lead), we would help Tom the Range Officer, and spend time in the blacksmith shop with Ron and Juanita! Then came the time when I was old enough to participate in the shoots... I don't remember the exact age, but some where around 13 my dad built me a 45 cal. Cherokee. He bought the kit and spent lots of time sanding the stock until it had been loved enough to be finished. It is a beautiful gun and it's even more special to me since Dad built it for me. Then as I got older, and became the typical teenager spending time with my parents wasn't my thing. So my gun got packed up and Mom and Dad did a little less with the club. But for the most part they always tried to participate in the summer camp out shoot.

Jump to about 13 years later, I was dying to go to this shoot with my parents once again. We attempted to go last year, and failed due to camper trailer brakes... so this year I was bound and determined to go!!! Come hell or high water I was going to this shoot!!!! I desperately wanted Joe to come but he had a softball tournament so chose not to. No worries, I needed this, so I went without him! I had a blast!!!!! I forgot how much I enjoy this! And we had figured it out, I hadn't picked up this gun in 13 years, but it felt so natural after the first few shots!!!!!! I didn't shoot like an expert, but I guess that happens when you don't get all the powder in the barrel... hey, powder, patch, ball, cap... more steps than just cocking a bullet, so yeah, I screwed up a few times, but I stuck with it and was really proud of myself! I placed 4th (out of 6... out shot my mom) and got to "win" some powder. And I got to camp out with my parents! I just had a great time! It was... rejuvenating... for lack of a better word. I enjoyed the time with my parents, enjoyed the camping, loved the shooting, but I missed Joe and really wished he had been able to make it. But we decided that we're going to the next camp out shoot later this month. He has no option, he's going to this one... and he's even chosen to skip a softball tournament!!! YAY!!!! I hope he enjoys it, because I know I will!

Right now it's Monday, I'm at home listening to cartoons because my nephew, Alex, is staying with us! Candace, Joe's sister, took some vacation time to come see us in Colorado. Mike and Christy, Joe's parents, and Sean, Joe's 3 year old brother, have also come into town for the week. I know, in-laws, I should be cringing, and it is stressful to be entertaining my family... in Greeley... in my house... without air conditioning, but I'm really enjoying having them here! Alex is such a neat little boy! He's not as shy as the last time I met him... he was 2 and all he wanted was to chill with his parents. Alex is almost 5 now, he talks all the time, he has such an imagination, and loves to play with cars! Sean turned 3 at the end of May and is a fish!!! He's already swimming without floaties, he tries to dive down to the bottom of the pool, and just loves to run around with Alex! They're getting along great! Of course there's sharing that happens really great sometimes, and other times they need to be reminded, but they're just having fun!
They currently love playing swordplay on the Wii, and it's pretty funny to watch them just swinging wildly while trying to keep them from hitting each other with the remotes. Family time has been great! Yes it's stressful, and it's always nice to have the house to ourselves, but it's awesome to get to spend time with the family, especially since we don't get to see Candace all that often (and we do miss her husband Jay very much who had to stay home in CT for work... I need an outlaw on my side some times)! Later today, we're going to a splash park and maybe a movie, tomorrow we'll probably do more swimming and celebrate Mike and Candace's birthdays with one of my cakes (of course I'm making a cake)! Then I Joe and I go back to work while they continue to play and probably hit the zoo! I just love having the whole family around. I will post pictures later this week as we play more!

Hope everyone is having a great week, because I know I am!! And if you haven't recently, call your family and remind them how much you miss them and how much you love them!

xoxo

Summer!!

2010-07-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

So summer hit, and things went nuts!!!! Things got crazy starting with Memorial Day and haven't calmed down since! We tried so hard to do things that we enjoy in the summer, like camping and hiking and playing outside and as soon as we'd think of it, we'd have to postpone it because something else, or some other commitment would arise. We tried to go camping on Memorial Day and couldn't because campgrounds filled up way too fast, so at 11pm on Friday night we were getting home instead. We thought for sure we'd get out once or twice in June, and that just didn't happen... so lemme give you the highlights of the summer:

Joe and I were sworn in as CASAs at the beginning of June. This is a volunteer program that matches us with children in the DHS system (so children who are currently in foster care or who's parents are under scrutiny by DHS) and we follow them through their case and be their advocate in court. What's unique about our situation is we are doing this as a couple so we'll have more than just 1 or 2 kids to advocate for. We haven't been assigned our first case, so that will be a new and exciting adventure for us!
I participated in Relay for Life for the first time! Our team raised over $1600 for cancer research! Our team also ran a dodgeball tournament that ended up being much more stressful than it was really worth. So next year, not dodgeball! All I have to say to the world is: "You're winning a t-shirt!!!! RELAX!!!" Not my finest moment, I must say. I was even reprimanded by my husband for yelling too loud at stupid people! Oh well!!!
The next was followed with Joe's parents, Mike and Christy, and his little brother, Sean, coming for a short visit. They are currently in the process of moving to Colorado and were so generous to give us a bowflex and a bunch of baby stuff (and no, for the record no bun in the oven yet).
Then we were off to my parent's house for Father's Day! The had just gotten back from their trip to Alaska to see heather!
The it was off to Britta's birthday party, cowboy bar in Greeley... always an interesting experience!
And I hosted Kristen's baby shower with Jamie at my house; and yes, of course I made the cake!!! Lady bug was sooooo cute... but for the record, Brandon, no it's not anatomically correct... I took some artistic license with it! :P
That brought us to 4th of July weekend! We had a fun date night at Fort Fun in Fort Collins, then went to a friend's wedding... congrats Dustin and Steph, so happy for you both!!! xoxo
Oh, and we experienced our first rap concert that next Wednesday!!! That was... let's say interesting!!! A friend of ours is in a band and we went to see him and ended up watching about 10 other local "rap" artists! Wow, interesting characters at those events!! Sadly, I watched way too much!! But Aaron's band was worth it!
And finally... this last weekend we got to go camping for the first time this season!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!! We had fun!! I always enjoy it more than Joe does, but I think he found a happy, peaceful place! Jax did really good on his first hike. We had to break 3 times for his little heart to slow down so he could breath at 9500 feet!!!! But don't worry, it was a short hike, just strait up a little mountain... not even a big one!

So, that's the highlights!!! Now that I'm caught up, I'll keep up with the events better!!!

Oh, Joe's been playing softball almost every Friday, they're ranked 2nd currently going into the tournament next weekend! It will last for 3 weeks, so I'll update you on that soon!!!

As always, hope this finds you all doing well!! We're happy, healthy, and loving life... even though we're suffering through 100 degree heat without air conditioning!! I just have to be positive and tell myself that fall is just around the corner!!!

xoxo

Kristen's Baby Shower cake

Jax conked out at Denny's Point!!!

Love love love spring!!!

2010-04-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

I love spring time!!! It's beautiful outside!! Our grass is getting greener everyday!! The wind picks up a little more, but I'm usually optimistic about it because it's usually blowing in some rain! As I write this, I'm sitting outside in shorts and a t-shirt with bare feet!! I'm listening to the water feature in my neighbor's yard, birds singing, and my dog walking in the grass. There's a sweetness in the air from the trees flowering, and a hint of cut grass. Oh how I love this time of the year!! Joe's currently off practicing softball with a team that starts games at the end of the month. I'm chilling in the backyard with Jax and figured I'd post something!

This weekend was busy for us!! We got a call from our friends, Jed and Jamie, that Jamie was in the hospital delivering baby Oscar!! Jed was promptly kicked out of the delivery room so we went to the hospital on Friday night to keep him company. It was a pretty fast labor!! I got the call at 4:30pm, got to the hospital just before 6:oopm and Oscar Scott Clark was born at 11:12pm. Jed is a very proud, and more relaxed, Daddy. There was a total of 16 people keeping Jed and Jamie sane. Jamie was such a trooper, Oscar had a big head!! But considering they were there almost 7 hours she had waited long enough!! Joe and I headed home to allow the new family some bonding time!
After about 3 hours of sleep we headed out to a high school girls soccer game. It was fun, and made me remember how much I miss playing! Then we headed over to the hospital to meet Oscar! Everyone is doing great! Jamie is such a natural at mothering and is beaming!! Oscar is so cute and precious!!! Jed is doing just fine too, learning how to be a Daddy!! He's going to be a great papa!! I got to hold Oscar for quite a while, he was awake and alert after eating! He's got fine blonde hair, blue blue blue eyes, and long limbs!! I told him all the things he has to look forward to!! Uncle Joe will teach him how to golf and pitch correctly and Auntie Alexis will bail him out of trouble as well give him gum!! That's what Auntie's do!!
Then it was time to go get Jax from the vet, it was time for his regular 6 month check up. We had to wait to speak to the vet because he wanted to discuss a recent condition that Jax had developed with us. Jax has developed a double heart murmur. As dogs age, the flaps that seal when your heart pumps blood in and out starts to not seal as well, so a little blood leaks out. Instead of hearing a thump thump when his heart beats, it now makes a whoosh whoosh. This is normal for older dogs and it was not something that was detected 6 months ago. He is fine, has no negative side affects at this time. We just have to keep an eye on him for different behaviors, like running out of energy before he normally would, or heaving breathing. Should he develop any of these it is treatable with some different medication to help his heart. It was a little bit of a scare, but we have to remember that Jax is 12 years old, but acts like he's 3!! Doctor said that he's doing great other wise!! Joe and I have to remember that he's not as young as he seems. He'll probably live a few more years, and it's plenty of time for us to enjoy him!!
Yesterday was full of lots of emotion! We went from being absolutely elated to meet Oscar to panicked and devastated to hear about Jax's heart condition. I cried from happiness and from sadness, but being out in this beautiful weather reminds me that this is life!!! Life begins and life ends, it's the cycle. We'll continue to enjoy what we have and be optimistic about tomorrow!!! We consider ourselves very lucky to have the joys that we do and I hope that you all are finding some enjoyment out of this season!!!

Much love to all!!!
xoxo

News...

2010-03-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

So... got a new job at work!!! I'm now the Internal Audit Assistant!!! I'm so excited!!! I've wanted this type of position for a few years now and psyched that I finally got it!!!! Just waiting for someone to get hired in my position and train them before making the move upstairs!!! So that's new for me!!!

I've been making cakes like they're going out of style!!! Here's the one's I've done since the beer cooler cake...

Byron's Texas Tech Birthday Cake... amaretto flavor... pre hole from dropping the camera

Jamie's Baby Shower Giraffe... lemon flavored

Joe's Unnerwear coconut cake

We celebrated Joe's birthday yesterday!! I made him a coconut cake... first attempt at fondant... not too bad, but after a few bites, you just eat around it. Had some friends over and played Wii all afternoon, then Joe left to get his newest tattoo!!!!

Ambigram... says Rain one direction, Storm the other! We love it!!! Then we went moonlight bowling (and yes, there does come a time when you're up past your bedtime and you really feel old)!

So that's the latest update!!! We've been staying busy and looking towards the spring!!! REady for it to warm up!!!

xoxo

March's One Small Change

2010-03-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Ok... so I'm a little late getting to this, but here's the update on our One Small Change from last month. We successfully stopped using paper towels! I tried so hard to stop using paper products all together, but it became a little difficult with some cake projects I had around the house. I just need to get a rag that I don't care about to use when I'm doing my cakes. We had some paper napkins left from our New Years Party on the counter and I think because they were right next to where I was working on my cakes, I just grabbed. I did however toss them in the recycle bin. I did pack my cloth napkin and bring it with me to use instead of paper when we went out but soon realized that if we used the napkins or not they were getting tossed... so I guess we just need to be eating out much less often. I also wanted to embroider a really cool logo that my husband Joe worked on desiging and didn't get around to that either! Oy, this month just got away from me!!!
So, with renewed energy for March, I've chosen something to reduce our water consumption!! We are going to place a jar in our toilet tanks to reduce on the amount of water wasted on each flush. We still have 2 gallon water tanks on our toilets, so we're going to use the jars to make a difference. It's the same as using a brick, however as the brick decays and leaves brick gunk in your pipes, and that's just not good for anyone! I want to look into one of those power flushers, but we're going to have to see what the water consumption on that is first!! Then we'll have to see if we can manage installing that ourselves (if some of you don't already know, no project in our house has been an easy breezy one)!
SO... on to March!!! Hope this finds you all doing well and I hope we've inspired you to make a change as well!!!

xoxo

A Not So Gloomy Day

2010-03-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

It's a wonderful season!!! I know winter isn't officially over (shhhh... don't say it too loud), but I love this season!! It was a beautiful day today. No the sun wasn't shining, and no there was no beautiful Colorado blue sky, but it was a beautifully overcast day. It was just lovely!! I'm laying here in bed nursing the start of a head cold, but the weather was the best part about my day today. When was the last time you just enjoyed the weather, no matter what it's like outside? Why would you let your positive mood be influenced by something as trivial as the weather? We can't control the weather, so just enjoy it!!
The start of a cold is the worst thing ever!!! The cold isn't full blow, but you can feel it coming!!! So I'm on my way out to purchase some much needed cold necessities, and then I'm out for the night!!! But my day was awesome!!! I hope you all are doing well and enjoying every minute of every day!!! Be positive and find your joy!!!

xoxo

Snow, snow, snow, and cake

2010-02-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

Oy!!! The snow!!! There are times I really love the snow. It's has this beautiful quality of making everything look fresh and sparkely (that counts as a word because I can spell it). I love to ski, unfortunately haven't been out in way too many years, but snow is good for skiing. It brings moisture to the air and the region, which we always seem to be in need of. The snow makes me want to curl up next to my husband and just snuggle, read a book, or watch a movie (ignoring the fact that he's restless and can't sit still for long). The snow makes me long for footie pajamas and hot chocolate. It really is beautiful just to watch fall.

Then there are times I really don't like the snow. For example: when I have people coming over to my house... I worry of the traffic, the accidents, the potential falling of pregnant friends on our street or our driveway. I worry about my drive in the morning, how early will I have to leave to go my slow as a turtle pace? How cold is my nose going to be when I have to go start the car or shovel the driveway? I worry about us having to run errands, how bad is it really going to be? How many weeks will our street be icy (because we don't live on a snow route). It has been snowing off and on since Thursday... it is now Monday, and all these worries have just melted away!! It's perfectly white almost everywhere! The roads aren't too bad, they have been and could be so much worse. It's crisp enough to wake you up as soon as you step outside and still appreciate how cozy a good cup of tea makes you feel. Of course I'd rather be snuggled up in footie pajamas and snuggeling with my honey, but I do enjoy being out of the house enjoying this season! Winter always leads to Spring and Spring is always full of even more excitement!

While it continued to snow and snow and snow on Saturday, I was working on a birthday cake for some friends' birthday party! I challenged myself this time to work with gum paste (my last time out I got too frustrated and swore it off for good). This time went so much better! I made enough mistakes the first time around to learn that a little more planning and patience will make things much better. I drew "stickers" for a beer cooler! I think they turned out pretty awesome!! Could have been a little smaller in proportion, but all in all, I was proud of this experiment with gum paste! The cake, however... *sigh*... that was a battle. Sometimes all I do is fight with this medium... sometimes it cooperates... this time was a bit of a battle. In the end, I had to settle for not quite square corners and one corner slumped a bit. But, it looked ok. I still wonder how to not fight getting my corners to stay square. I don't use fondant, so trying to get buttercream to make a square corner just frustrates me!! Eventually, I just had to go with it (and try not to imagine it ending up on Cake Wrecks). I got done just in time to get my hair cut and deliver the cake! We didn't stay to see it cut, but I heard that people enjoyed the new flavor I tried ("amaretto" that was more almond for pregers)!! Then Sunday, I spent most of the day in bed recovering from from a sore neck and back... gotta figure out how to get close to my work without hunching over so hard!!! But it was a good excuse to get a neck massage!!!

The Next One Small Change

2010-02-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

Ok... so update first on our January's One Small Change... we decided to use only re-useable grocery bags every time, and if we forgot our bags, we had to carry our items out!!! And I'm very glad to report, we both excelled this last month at this!!! I only had one trip to Walmart where I found myself without a bag... but in my defense (or excuse) I was only supposed to get my prescription. I found a few extra items, but I didn't get a bag, I carried every item out without a bag!!! I had to argue with the cashier a little bit because she thought I was crazy for not using a bag. But I did good!!! I was really good at keeping one in my purse, and I definitely need to get one of those tiny zip up ones that is designed for your purse... I'm only worried that I won't be able to fold it back again... I struggle with maps... whatever!!!

Okay... so our February One Small Change: cloth napkins!!! We don't have any paper towels in this house!!!! I realized how bad we were at using them!!! I've not only decided to "recycle" our fabric for rags... but we also have tons and tons of cloth napkins now!!! I found a great deal at Marshals!! Joe has even designed a logo for something that we call Conscience Effort. We not only use it for our green decisions... we also use it as a living life in a better way!! My next project is to embroider it on all our napkins so they're even more special and a little reminder as to why we use them! Now I just have to finish embroidering our laptop bag and I can start (and yes, I do have a problem with finishing some projects... hence the baby blanket in the closet that I've been working on for 6 years... think I got it from Mom). Anyways, I also just put a cloth napkin in my purse because I noticed myself using paper napkins at work... and yes, I do carry a suitcase, it's big enough for everything!!!! And we're also going to request no napkins when we go out to eat so that we're still not using paper napkins!!

So, just like last month, we're taking this one step at a time... I'll update you on how we do!!!

Love you all!!

xoxo

One Small Change

2010-01-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

My friends, Suzy and Andy, have this wonderful business that sells "hip natural products for mamas" online called Hip Mountain Mama. They live a simple lifestyle and challenged themselves to live naturally and with as little impact on Earth as possible. It is truly inspiring the choices that they make! Their resolution this year was to make "One Small Change" that has a positive impact on our environment and involve a community of friends to choose one thing, big or small, to do each month till Earth Day (April 22nd). This small project has already grown so quickly, it's amazing!! And bonus... her community has offered prizes for great ideas, but the biggest prize will really be everyone making one small change! Thanks Suzy and Andy for all the education and inspiration!! Sometimes it just doesn't seem like I can say that enough!!

I don't believe in making resolutions (I think that word is just cursed...) I prefer to consider it a life change this year! Aside from some of our other changes this year, I decided to make 12 small changes, one each month this whole year. I have been trying to do things here and there, but it's not something that I have adapted to our lifestyle, so this year will be different!! I wouldn't consider ourselves as eco-conscious as we could be however we do purchase wind energy, we keep the thermostat pretty low (it's also friendly on the pocket book), we recycle as much of our trash as we're "allowed" (I was even excited to get some friends to start recycling), we don't use air conditioning (we don't have it!), and we have changed most of our light bulbs out! So this year, I wanted to add to the list!!

So here goes, I have decided that this month I will always use my reuseable grocery bags AND take all the extra plastic bags in my house to the recycle bin! We have tried to remember to take them, but we're not always great about it... but I have made it a conscious decision to always have them with me! Not just at the grocery store, but when we run to Target, Walmart, Ross! And if for some reason I forget to bring my bag with me, I will just take it out to my car without a bag! This might not seem like a huge creative idea, but when you really think about it, one small thing will make a difference! Be the difference in 2010... wow... didn't mean for that to sound as "kitchy" as it did... but you get the idea!! :P

I would like to extend this challenge to every one of you! You don't have to do all 12 that we're going to do, but be apart of One Small Change and challenge yourselves to have a positive impact this year! Click on the previous link and read more about this project as well as some awesome ideas from other posts!!!

Again, we always hope this finds each and every one of you in happiness!!

xoxo

Holidays

2010-01-06T16:52:00.001-08:00

Ok... so it's been a little while, but I always feel like the holidays just go so fast!! Here's the run down!! Christmas at my parents was a blast (got sock monkey footie pjs... if you couldn't tell). Joe and I stayed for 4 days, and got to spend lots of time with Heather. Since Heather got engaged right before Christmas Mom and I got to go wedding dress shopping with her... surprisingly she actually found the dress, and purchased it!!! It was a really beautiful moment for all three of us! I remember thinking when I found my wedding dress that it was really awesome that I found it and I loved it... what I didn't remember thinking was how special it really was to share that with my mom and my sister. I think because it wasn't "my dress" and it wasn't me in the dress, it gave me an opportunity to realize how truly special that moment/task is to mothers and daughters and sisters. Thanks Mom and Heather for a really special experience!! I'm so grateful that we were able to do that all together!!! xoxo

and yes, the beer is a must in footie pjs!

Once Christmas was over, we headed back to work. My birthday was on Tuesday, which is a day that Joe works late. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends, Jamie and Jed, who didn't want me to be alone on my birthday so I had dinner and played games with them. Once Joe got home, I opened presents and played my new Mario Wii game that I have been so excited to get! We finished the rest of the week and prepared for New Year's Eve!

Jamie made a cake balls for my birthday cake!!

We decided to host a New Year's Eve party this year! It was a blast!! I of course went crazy fixing cute little appetizers, that looking back on it, seemed outta place, but they were tasty and I always enjoy cooking (and I have to thank Jamie once again for all her help!!). We had several friends come and we played Mario on Wii (which is frickin' hilarious with 4 people who are trying to kill each other instead of completing the level.... Aaron, I still bounce on Joe's head at every opportunity!). We also had a few flip cup rounds, several beer pong rounds, and everyone made it to midnight!!! Jamie and Kim took cat naps, but everyone made it!! We had a few friends stay later and I think I crashed around 4:30am and Joe made it to 6:30am... we were pretty much shot all day Friday... bed was a happy place all day!!!

Joe and Britta playing beer pong... Joe did have a designated drinker!

I sincerely hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season and were able to enjoy all the blessing and excitement in their own lives!! May this next year bring everyone health, joy, and inner peace!!!

xoxo

The Unnerstall Dam

2009-12-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

Ok... first of all... I have to say... I totally meant to misspell "Christmas" on our card... it's a new way of celebrating the season... Chrsitmas works for us!! ;) Obviously I didn't realize that it was incorrect till it was too late... oh well... made you giggle didn't it! :D

We were so fortunate to go to The Stanley for my bank's Christmas party this year! It was so much fun!!! Didn't take enough pictures though but we laughed and laughed and laughed!! Food was yummy, decorations were awesome (the planning committee did a wonderful job), and there was too much drinking, but thankfully I didn't get stuck in my pants this year!!! Two years ago at a company Christmas party, I wore a brand new pair of pants that wouldn't unzip when I really really really had to pee!!! Took me 10 minutes to rip my way out of my pants!! But this year, I did just fine!! My feet were killing me after all the dancing!! The Stanley is a beautiful hotel and I wanted to explore more of the hotel, but we woke up the next morning to 3-4 inches of fresh snow in Estes Park!! So we decided that we shouldn't stay too long. We did just a little shopping then crawled back down the mountain and it hasn't stopped snowing since! It was so pretty up in Estes!! Wish we would have spent more time... as I've said before it's so magical for us up there!

We also did Joe's Christmas party at a local Mexican restaurant and it was nice. Good food, lots of giggles from our girls!! It would have really sucked it Becky, Kim, and Britta weren't there.

Heather is finally home for the Holidays!!! She flew in on last Thursday and Mom, Dad, and Heather came up to my house for 4 days! St. Lucy also brought all of us sock monkey footie pajamas!!!

I miss my sister so much it's always awesome to spend time with her! Us girls went and painted pottery on Saturday, which is a nice relaxing project! We so loved it! Mom painted a serving dish, Heather painted a pitcher, and I painted a small bowl. We'll head down to Mom and Dad's house later this week for Christmas festivities... can't wait!!! Wish we could have spent more time, but it's just the way it is when you grow up and have lives, and jobs... gotta pay the bills somehow. We also got our family Christmas picture done... which took us a while, and lots of giggles...

Hope that the Holidays are wonderful for all of you!! Relax and enjoy this beautiful season!!

Much love and kisses as always!!

YAY!!!

2009-12-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

So, we survived Thanksgiving!!! Not that we didn't think we could, I was just stressing about hosting my parents for the first Thanksgiving ever!! And I must say, serving Thanksgiving in my pjs is the way to go!!! We were so relaxed and comfortable that we never felt the need to change! It was great to have my parents up for the holiday!! We haven't spent a Thanksgiving with them in too many years!!!
I'm excited that it's December! I feel like it's winter time finally!! The weather has cooled down enough to feel like Christmas! We decorated the tree on Sunday (and yes, we put off all holiday music, shopping, decorating and such for 3 days) and continued our tradition of having a Christmas movie playing while we decorated! I don't think we'll do Christmas lights this year on the outside of the house... I'm tired of paying the bill and sucking up resources, and Joe's not into it this year, and he's the one who puts them up!
We are going up to the Stanley in Estes Park for my bank's holiday party and I'm so excited!! I've been going to Estes Park for almost 20 years now (yikes... feeling old suddenly) and I've never been inside the Stanley!!! So I'm uber excited!!
But before the holidays get into a full swing, I wanted to make the time to say how much fun my life is right now!! I'm loving every new experience, loving the traditions of the season, and wishing all of you a little peace and happiness when things get crazy!!! Just remember to enjoy what's going on in the moment and love those around you!!! And yes, even the annoying people while you're shopping this season!!!

xoxo

RESPECT THE TURKEY!!!

2009-11-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

NEWSFLASH: It's time for Thanks!!! I'm sure we all sit around the table on Thanksgiving and say what we're thankful for... or if you don't say it, I'm sure at one point or another you think it, right?? Well, if you don't... you should!!!

Of all the pilgrims that came over on the Mayflower in December 1620, by the fall of 1621 only half of the pilgrims survived. The Wampanoag Native Americans had cultivated the land where the pilgrims settled, also knows as Plymouth, MA, taught the pilgrims how to farm for survival. The survivors, thankful to be alive, decided to have a thanksgiving feast which lasted for 3 days, and we all know they invited the Native Americans to that feast!! Ok, history lesson almost over... bear with me, this is important!! I love Thanksgiving!! Is it my favorite holiday? Yes, most times, guess it depends on what mood I'm in. But it never fails, when this time of the year comes around I do start thinking about what I'm thankful for. I don't think I've ever partaken in the tradition of reciting what I'm thankful for around the dinner table, or if I did, I really don't remember putting a lot of thought into it. However, I decided this year, instead of telling only those at the dinner table, I wanted to throw this out into the blog-universe for those of you who do read this!!!

This last year has been filled with ups and downs, to say the least! But ultimately it's all the experience that I'm thankful for! I'm a much stronger person for everything that I have ever exterienced, good or bad!! Yes, there's times I BMC about it, but I am truely thankful for these (in no particular order)!!

Joe: you are my other half. My world benefits from you! You have been my strength, my Kleenex, my punching bag, and my hero whenever I have needed it! You're always right there beside me throughout everything and I wouldn't want it any other way. I don't want to experience the world without you!! You are good for my soul! The last 8 years have been amazing and I can't wait for more and more and more!!! I only hope every night that I get to wake up next to you another day! Thanks for you darlin'! 8 knocks over and over and over!!

Mom and Dad: You've always been there for me!! Good times, bad times, and all the inbetween!! There are still times when I just need my Mommy and times I really just need my Daddy!! I know you've received lots of gray hairs because of me, but I think they're badges of honor!!! There's always a hole that only you can fill! I have learned so much from you! Mom, you've been an inspiration as you've fought, and pretty much kicked cancer's ass!! Dad, you amazed me with your unwavering support and devotion for Mom as she battled this SOB! You both have set one hell of an example for Heather and I and we are the individuals we are because of you (and I mean that in a good way)!

Heather: what can I say, sisters are irreplaceable. We fight, we laugh, we scream, and we cry but there's no one else I'd rather do it with!! I miss you so much, and I wish you were here. I took for granted that you used to be here all the time, and now that you've left home to pursue your own dreams I miss you so much!! I can't wait for Christmas when I get to see you!!!! YAY!!! But, as you experience new things, it's still fun to laugh about all your little "growth" opportunities!!! xoxo

My job at the liquor store! Even though the job at the liquor store started going downhill, I really enjoyed all the learning I did, as well as all the drinking... here's the last bit of my history lesson: The drink that the Puritans brought with them in the Mayflower was beer!! Thank heavens for beer!!! I have a new appreciation for the quality beers that are out there! I know some people don't enjoy beer, but is that because you've only had cheap crappy beer?? There are over 200 microbreweries in Colorado that all have their own unique flavors and takes on different beers!!! If you haven't done a brewery tour, I highly suggest you find the nearest microbrewery and do one... free beer at the end!!!!! And if you want to know some good ones, contact me and I'd be happy to suggest ones!!! It is my new goal to experience at least one beer from every microbrewery in Colorado!!! And yes, I have quite a few left!!! And I have a new appreciation for wines too!! Ask me about those too!!

My new job at the bank! I'm loving banking again, refer to my previous blog!! I'm having fun again! I'm less stressed and feeling great about myself and my abilities!!! I am talented!!!

Eventhough we really want to expand our family, I'm grateful that it didn't happen this last year! I know we would have figured it out, but trying to deal with a baby and a pregnancy this last year would have been taxing. So, now that I'm in a good space, bring on the babies!!!

Our friends and other family memebers: thank you for being there as support, sounding boards, and just plain silliness!!! We've have such wonderful people around us I am so thankful for all the memories with all of you! Facebook is a wonderful thing that has allowed us to stay in touch with so many of you and I'm so thankful for being able to throw out thoughts/feelings into the Facebook realm and get feedback or support when it's needed!!! I only hope that I have meant some to you too in return!!! I even have wonderful memories of those of you that I'm not in touch with any more, and I'm grateful for you too!

I could probably go on for hours, but that's my own personal joy!! I have been thinking of all kinds of things lately and I smile with every little thing. Even if it wasn't a pleasant experience, I have challenged myself to find something that I'm thankful for and it has brought some closure to those things that I have been unable to let go of!! So that's been cleansing as well!!

Thanksgiving is really a special holiday that I hold near and dear to my heart! I know it's hard not to get swept up in the Christmas spirit early, but take some time and respect the turkey!! Joe and I have a rule, don't put up any Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving! We do have a tradition that we listen to one of the Santa Clause movies while we're preparing dinner, but we really don't recognize Christmas until after Thanksgiving! Christmas has taken over the poor turkey!!! Some of the guys I work with even started listening to Christmas music before Halloween!!! Andy, aren't you glad we weren't like that???? But now I'm thinking that the turkey deserves 3 days again!! So here's my task this year, we're going to appreciate the turkey for 3 days! I'm sure as hell not going to make a feast every day, I'm stressing enough about this year hosting my parents for the first time! But we're not doing any Christmas shopping, I despise going out with all the crazies the day after anyways!! I'm not going to put up any decorations until at least Sunday!! And I'm going to enjoy this time to be thankful for all that is around me, even though I'm freaking out... but it'll be good!!!

As always, I hope you found some humor, maybe something to think about, but most of all, I hope you and yours are doing wonderfully as you read this!!! Take a moment this Thanksgiving to really just enjoy all that's going on around you! Forget about what didn't turn out right, forget about those little things that you can't change and just be a peace with what's going on in the moment!!

Much love, hugs, and kisses!!

Inspiration

2009-11-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know I haven't really written anything like this before, but one reason I started this blog was to be a release. Sometimes you just feel better when you throw things out into the universe and someone hears it, and if by some small margin this inspires you at the same time, great... so hear goes...

As most of you know, I started a new job at the end of August and it's led me down an interesting path already. I went back into banking after a one year hiatus. It allowed me an opportunity to step back and wonder what I wanted to do. I had never really taken the time to decide who or what I wanted to be when I "grew up" once I started college. Most people find their passion, their reason, their "grown up" in college. Me, well, I blame a boy. A wonderful boy who has become an even more amazing man. I knew what I wanted from the day we started dating... I wanted a life with him. I wanted love, happiness, a family, and life with him. I stopped thinking about the career path. I just did the motions. I had worked in a few banks to pay for college (and life). I switched majors to Psychology because I wanted to be learning about something interesting if I had to learn something... but I still never thought about what that would do for me. I graduated with my BA in Psychology in 2005 and started working full time at the bank I was at. I dove head first into planning a wedding, buying a house, and living my dream with my other half. I worked my way up in the bank then suddenly the branch closed in 2007 and life started spinning. We had a house and other financial responsibilities, so I jumped on the first opportunity that arose and took a job with the bank that purchased the building. By that point I had just settled into the thought that banking was where I was going to be.

Let's just say the whole next two years was an experience. I wasn't happy anymore. I was doing my job really well, but I just didn't click within the organization, well, the branch, the way I thought I should. I lost my job suddenly, and life started spinning even faster! One year, two opportunities gone! I went into a numb state... I was depressed, I was lost, I just was just existing. I took another job, to pay the bills, in a liquor store and enjoyed something different for a little while, but that was just a means to pay the bills. I was frustrated, unhappy, and stressed out. That's when I really stared thinking about who I am. I am a smart, driven, and talented woman. I love my husband whole heartedly, but who do I want to be when I "grow up"? That's when it occurred to me... I want to be a banker. Not just a suit, but someone at a successful bank with integrity who can hold their head high. That's when I realized I am a community banker. Not a big corporate banker, but the person who knows your name, listens to your needs, and delivers the solution. I don't want to work at any bank, I want to work at a bank that has an overall strategy of being apart of the community because they care, not because they have to. I want my life to stop spinning, I don't want to feel like I can't stop the ride as it goes over a cliff.

Ok, so here's where I stand right now. I have a job that I love doing. I'm happy, I'm less stressed, I'm good at what I do, and I know what I'm doing. I'm learning new things every day and seeing life differently. I drive to work happy, I come home tired, but happy. I have confidence, and I have self-worth. I have goals and I have less stress (have I said that enough?). All in all, I have a better outlook on life! I realized the other night, I'm happy. I'm at peace for the first time years!! I'm not sure I can remember I was just at peace!

I was reading a friends' blog this evening, and he's just made a life changing decision. He's left corporate America to follow his passion. He's taken a leap of faith to follow his dreams. While I was reading how unhappy he was with his current situation, which is what drove him to jump, I realized for the first time in a very long time, I'm happy too! He found his inspiration! I am my inspiration! How lucky are we? We get to do what we love to do! We're not just doing the motions any more. We're living our dreams and enjoying it so much. Thanks Andy for being courageous enough to make you be you! Cheers!!

So here's my challenge to you. When was the last time you were at peace with your whole life? Not just your career or your personal life... at peace with everything? When was the last time you thought about who you wanted to be when you "grew up"? Have you lived life? Have you made your mistakes... more importantly, have you learned from your mistakes? When was the last time you were truly thankful for who you are, what you give to others, and for those around you? Think about all these questions. Challenge yourself to be honest because lying to yourself doesn't work... you know you're lying! (Okay, that sounded a little like a self-help seminar...) When was the last time you focused on what you want, not what others expect of you? Ultimately, find your happy place and make it your reality, not your escape from reality!!

As always, I wish everyone reading this nothing but the best, and I pass on all my love!!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Joe and I do not usually get way into Halloween. But this year, I found us enjoying Halloween more! For the last few years we've gone to Jamie and Jed's Halloween party, then hand out candy, but this year we really weren't feeling it. The annual Halloween Party at Jamie and Jed's was on Oct. 24th so we decided to get our outfits together a couple weeks ago. Now, being every budget conscience, we went to the ARC to see what we could find. I found a hideous pink bride's maid dress so we decided to do the 80s prom couple. We found Joe a rose colored sued jacket, a pink sweater and white pants with shinny white shoes. Jamie made our corsages so we decked out!! We had fun at the party! And lots of friends came. Click here to check out our Picasa album for more pictures from the party.

This last Wednesday I had a friend, Kristen, come over for dinner and girl time. Joe was working late, and Brandon, Kristen's husband, was out of town. We both left work and shoveled our driveways because we were getting a big snow storm all day. After enjoying some homemade chili from the crock pot and some smoky chipotle corn bread, we carved her pumpkin. She has a wonderful garden in her back yard and this year grew some pumpkins. Thankfully the snow storm we had last month didn't distroy all of hers, so there was a rather large pumpkin to carve. I tried to roast seeds, but set the timer too long and they burned. But I was getting more and more into the Halloween season just by doing that!

At work, we had gotten permission to wear halloween costumes the day before Halloween. I kept saying that I wasn't going to dress up, but yesterday decided that I could wear a costume with some jeans (and get away with wearing jeans to work)! So, I came to work today as a Lumber Jill!! There was only 5 of us that dressed up, and yes, 3 of the 5 are Lumber Jacks!! But it's fun!

Jonathan, Jason, Laurie, TJ, and ME!

We're off to Britta's party on Halloween. Joe decided that we'd do Lumber Jack and Jill tomorrow! We had lots of fun, including our first experience at beer pong!! And yes, Joe even played (I was his designated drinker). Got to meet some new and fans

I must say, we did a very good job budget wise on our multiple costumes this year! I don't think we spent more than $30 on everything for both costumes! Halloween has become such a commercial holiday and costumes can get very expensive very quickly, but with a little imagination and a thrifty searching, you can really throw together a fun costume!! I was also really surprised at how into Halloween I got this year!! I think it's time to go back to carving pumpkins and roasting some seeds, because that's what really put me in a festive mood! I hope you're all having a great Halloween!! Wether you're staying in, handing out candy, or taking your babies trick-or-treating I hope everyone remembers how much fun it is at any age!!

Love and Kisses!!

BRONCOS!!!!!!!

2009-10-21T07:52:00.001-07:00

So I got to experience my first Bronco's game ever!!! We scored some awesome tickets from a co-worker for $50 each 8 rows off the south end zone for the Legacy Game against the Patriots!!!! I still say... freakin' awesome!!!! Our seats were right above the tunnel that the players come out of at the start of the game so we got to see all the players, and they introduced the Defensive players one by one, and of course, defense has always been my favorite!! It was a cold day... We were expecting it to be in the 40s but still dressed warm. I think we heard that the kick off temp was 31 degrees!!!!! And it was cloudy with just enough wind to make your nose freeze!! Wish I had worn 2-3 pairs of pants though. But we stayed pretty warm! South stand fans are a little crazy... we of course sat in front of the "Madden QB" (which for those of you who don't know, is the fan that critiques every play that is called, and prefers to call his own plays prior to the snap... and it just gets old). I've also never heard the F word so many times in my life! There was one guy where swear that was every other word!!! It was a little annoying, but not bad enough to ruin the experience!!! I mentioned before that the game we went to was the Legacy Game... so the team wore their throw-back jerseys. Again, for those of you who don't know football, this year is the NFLs 50th birthday so to celebrate all teams are wearing jerseys that are one of their originals. Denver wore yellow and brown (cool, but glad we went to orange eventually). We didn't purchase the throwback wear, so we were in our blue and orange... yes, everything we wore was blue and orange!!!

Waiting to go in to Invesco Field

Joe and I had a blast! Joe, of course, had been to several games when he was younger and lived in Denver, but had never been to Invesco Field. So it was a first for both of us... and of course the Bronco's won!!! And to this day, are undefeated and lead our division!!! I'm not sure if fans expected a performance like this since we have a new Head Coach and lots of new players. But things have come together nicely, and we feel like the team is doing awesome!!!!

yup... we're that close!

We had tons of fun!! It was an experience that we'll never forget!! So, that's one more thing off my "to-do" list!!

xoxo

Just another Colorado Day

2009-10-09T14:49:00.001-07:00

So... we had fairly mild summer weather wise. It was so nice to not be over 100 for a month... I hated my house a little less this summer. It's not that we hate our house, it's that the house doesn't have great insulation, old aluminum windows, and no central air... so when it's 95 degrees outside, it's 90 degrees in my house. We have our coping mechanisms, but we just resent the house a bit in the summer. Okay, so we absolutely love the fall... if you couldn't tell by our choices at our wedding and in our house. But for some reason, unknown to anyone who doesn't have a meteorological degree, we got jiped!!! This fall has been abruptly cut short!! I'm a little irritated... it was snowing yesterday!!!! It didn't accumulate but it's been butt ass cold!!!! I think we only get a high of 40 today!!!!! Today was foggy and damp! The blue sky came out eventually, but I'm not ready for fall to be over yet. Where's my beautiful fall weather?!?!?! Where's my amazing leaf changing colors???? It's not supposed to be freezing and grey yet!!! And before any of you start judging us because we want to move to Oregon, just shush... it's fall right now, and I want to enjoy fall!!!

We had our last softball game of the season last night... well, the team forfeited, so we won... it was bitter cold last night and our team was there to play and the other team chose not to show!! But that means we got to end our season with a win, so it was a 3-4 season!! Not the worst in the league, but not the best by far!! So, we had the field for 40 minutes... we decided to split up and just play some silly softball!! The boys had fun trying to hit for the fences, I tried desperately to score, which I finally did!!! I tried so hard every time I was at bat, but I got out at first or second mostly. We just had a fun time!! But I'm a little sad that it's over. But I think we made some great friends in the process which is what it's all about!!

So, we're stoked for a 3 day weekend... and we scored some great tickets to the Bronco game this weekend... again, it should be a nice fall day game and instead it's gonna be really cold... so I'm gonna suck it up and have fun! I've never been to a Bronco game before and Joe's never been to Invesco Field (the field that replaced Mile High Stadium in 2001) so it'll be fun!!! Hope you're enjoying your fall weather where ever you are!!!

Much love!!

xoxo

Labor Day and Steamboat Springs

2009-09-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, this one's gonna be a long one because I didn't get a chance to write one before we left for Steamboat Springs on Sept. 11th.

So Joe and I were just hanging out for Labor Day weekend. We didn't really have plans other than a friends birthday party. Every time Joe has mowed the backyard he's always dodging little frogs. We don't have a water feature, but our neighbors behind us have a waterfall and pond that we believe they frequent. So, Joe isn't the most adventurous person when it comes to bugs and creatrures, so I volunteered to capture the frogs so that we could "transplant" them in the local pond away from our lawn mower. So on Sunday, Joe mowed, saw the frogs, so I headed out to the backyard to grab my mason jar... when suddenly, I notice a bunch of animal droppings ontop of our patio table!!! For whatever reason I had remembered hearing that bats can sleep in patio umbrellas that aren't used very often... so I called Joe for back-up... why, I don't know, because he's probably more jumpy than me, but I wanted some back-up because bats freak me out!!! Joe started to open the umbrella, and YIKES!!! I saw the bat!!! I told Joe to back away, and we both ran into the house and locked the door behind us (just in case, you know the bat could open the door)!!!! I quickly Googled how to get rid of a bat and was promptly freaked out!!! I have no idea why I Google things sometimes because the answers that I focus on are the worst case scenarios!! I saw a colony of bats living in an attic, and of course convinced myself that because there was one outside my house, there must me hundreds living above me!!! So, I called a few people, then called my dad!!! I was a little panicked, but he promptly replied "COOL!! Take a picture!" Then informed me that at night, it would fly away, then we could take the umbrella down or spray it with some boundary spray we had for the dog.... but I had to take a picture first!!! So, Joe and I cautiously wandered into the backyard, this time with a rake to lift the umbrella, so that I could take pictures... it was tiny and looked cute, but I certainly didn't want to be near it!!

The bat in the umbrella!

Oh, the frogs!! After the bat excitement, I did resume looking for the frogs! I did locate one, caught it, all while freaking Joe out. I placed it in my jar and we drove Mr. Toad (I figured he needed an ego boost) to the local pond. Later that evening, we went to check to make sure the bat had left so that we could take down the umbrella, and I found another frog! It must have been Mrs. Toad looking for her husband. So I caught her and we drove her to the pond as well! While I was waiting for Joe to get the car, I took some pictures, Jax saw Mrs. Toad and went crazy trying to figure out what she was all about! And that was the excitement of our Labor Day Weekend!

Mr. Toad

As most of you know, Joe and I play on a leisure softball team, and that thursday we headed out to the field! I should probably preface this section with a reminder that I played soccer in school!! We weren't a huge sports family, but soccer was fun and I had some talent at it. So on Thursday, I was playing 2nd base, a position that requires me to pay full attention to everything while in the field! We were getting beat pretty badly, which isn't a surprise, when one guy hit a fast grounder directly at me!! Well, being the soccer player that I am, I stopped the ball with inside of my calf!!! It's not natural for me to be reaching for a ball with my hands, and this one was coming too fast for me to react any differently!! I stopped the ball at least, and I think I picked up the ball and threw it somewhere but not fast enough to get an out... I don't really remember... but of course everyone in the in field started asking me if I was ok, including the ump that was standing next to me during my collision with the demon ball! I'm not comfortable with all the attention, so I shook it off and told everyone I was fine. And of course, my darling husband yells from left field "she's a soccer player, she's fine!" Which of course is sooooo correct!!! Real girls play soccer, and when we take a hit, we turn around and are ready to make a killer play the next time (okay, most times we really want to hit something back, but what could I do, hit myself for being an idiot?)!!! It didn't hurt too much, I had enough adrenaline in my veins to numb the pain, but I was more excited for the awesome bruise it was going to leave!! And yes, apparently that's another soccer girl thing... if we're going to get hurt, it better leave a mark that looks totally awesome!! I'm learning, however, that that isn't everyone's mentality... as I showed off my bruise the following week, I think everyone thought I was crazy for being proud of how colorful and huge it was!!! But thankfully Becky and Britta could appreciate the marvelousness of my "battle wound"... I have to give it to them, real girls play softball too! Oh, so let me brag, my bruise is about the size of a dessert plate, it's right on the middle of the inside of my leg, stretches from my shin bone around to the back of my calf!! And it's blue, purple, green, and a little yellow!! It's freaking awesome!!! But yes, I did complain for a few days because walking, skipping, jumping, and running, did make it hurt... I think I'd be singing a very different story if I had tried to stop it with my shin though, thankfully I turned my foot like I was taking a soccer pass!

So, the next day we were off to Steamboat Springs to spend a week with Mike, Christy, and Sean (Joe's parents and their newly adopted son). We left after I got off work and made it up the mountain successfully at 9:30pm. Mike and Christy had rented a condo for the week so we were getting to see them for the first time in 2 years! We had never met Sean, who is just over 2 years old, and of course liked his big brother Joe. I think he eventually liked me too, but he certainly can't say my name as well as Joe's. Mike and Christy also brought the 5 year old girl that they are fostering, Ruby. She was a little shy at first, but was bonded to me in less than 12 hours. Ruby is a girly girl, so it was easy to get along with her... I did her hair every day, and just had fun with her! Steamboat is definitely a mountain town that doesn't have much going on when the ski slopes aren't open. Summer seems to have some activities, but we were there after all the summer hours and activities had ended, so we had to cram some activities into the first two days we were there because things are only available on the weekends. So we did the Howler, an alpine slide, Ruby of course had to go with me. She has never been on a ski lift, much less knew what one was, and she thought it was the coolest thing ever. For those of you who don't know, an alpine slide is a large slide that they build into the mountain! It had lots of curves and several speedy dips! We all had fun and Ruby just giggled all the way down! Then we went up the gondola up Mt. Werner. The kids enjoyed the ride, I did ok on the way up where we enjoyed lunch on top of the mountain. It was beautiful!! After a walk around, at 9,000+ feet we were pooped so headed back down the gondola. We relaxed the rest of the day. On Sunday we headed out to play minature golf and run through a maze. Joe beat everyone by finishing the maze in 8 minutes, then coached everyone else through the maze from the observation deck. Ruby and I finished in 12 minutes and she of course loved it! We were all hot and tired from the running so headed back to go swimming! The kids were comfortable in the water and just had fun playing with Joe and me and going back and forth from the hot tub to the pool. For the most part we just played with the kids the rest of the week, Joe and Mike went golfing 2 days while the girls and Sean painted pottery (note: painting potter, not an age appropriate activity for a 2 year old).

Joe and me at Fish Creek Falls, Steamboat

Joe and I did get to do some "date" activities as well. After helping get the kids to bed we would escape for a few hours at night. Saturday we went to a little bar in town that had live music that night. It was a fun band! Monday we went out for a fancy date dinner at a little bistro. Dinner was a regional menu that changed with the seasons and we both enjoyed a 3 course meal that was amazing!!! We'd never tried several things on the menu and challenged ourselves. We ordered completely different menus so that we could try 6 things that looked good. For appetizers I ordered grilled romaine lettuce with a white truffle dressing, parmesean curls, and pancetta, and Joe ordered mussles with a tomotoe broth. Both were exceptional, and the grilled lettuce was amazing! For our entre, I ordered waygu beef loin with grilled spinach and creamed potatoes (which was a fancy way of saying that they were mashed, but creamy) and Joe ordered peekytoe crab risotto. For dessert I had a blueberry popover with an orange glaze and Joe had a chocolate molten cake. It was one of the best meals we've ever eaten!!! We also went bowling on Tuesday night. However, I do have to say, Steamboat is completely dead after 7pm!!! It's not that we're late night people, but we wanted to escape for a few hours and there was really nothing to do... even the Wal-Mart closed at 9pm!!! Sad, I know!

We had a wonderful vacation, and I'm very glad to be back at work. My new job is going really well! I really like the people I work with and the company is awesome... and considering the market, this bank has a really good model to get through tough times and good times!! So I'm glad to be apart of it! Joe is not happy to be back at work, but he's making money and looking for something in the mean time. We'll just cross our fingers and hope that someday the right thing will come along for him.

Hope this finds you all doing well!! Enjoy the beautiful fall that we're having!!

xoxo

Anniversary, softball, beer, turtles, and sushi!

2009-08-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend!! After a long long long boring week home by myself, we finally got to do some playing! First of all, Joe and I celebrated our 3 year marriage anniversary on Wednesday! We didn't really do anything, guess we're past that... now it's just another great year to look forward to! For some of you who don't know, Joe and I met at college, and after swearing off boys for the duration of college, we started dating before classes could even start our freshman year; so our anniversary isn't just our wedding anniversary, it's also the same day we started dating!! I've been blessed with my dream guy, my best friend, and the one person I want to experience the rest of my life with!! So my love, 8 years ago, I needed a hammer and I'm so glad that Mom went to your room and not Jimmy and Nate's! xoxo

Okay, enough mush and gush... Thursday was our first softball game. We joined a recreation league here in Greeley to play some softball. At first I said, "just use me as a bench warmer" but after playing in the first game I'm itching for more playing time. My beloved husband made the comment "it really pains me to say this, but your hand eye coordination is surprisingly good"... and I just laughed because of the way that he said it!!! I hit the ball once, got on base once, unfortunately didn't score, but I can only go up from here! We didn't win, the final score was 15-11 I think... the other team took the game a little too seriously for a rec league, but we all still had fun! Joe, of course, is athletically gifted (it really pains me to see how good at any sport he really is :P ). Can't wait for the next game later this week!!

Friday night we went out to my favorite brewery here in town! Crabtree is a local brewery that has some great beer, with some of their hops grown right here in Greeley!! Still small, but expanding quickly! They have some live bands come and play music on Fridays so we enjoyed that little celebration for my "Yay, I have a new job"!

Saturday we were hooking up with some friends for a surprise 30th birthday party. Our friend loves turtles, so I made a turtle cake for her! Then the girls went out for some great sushi in downtown Fort Collins! They seriously brought the sushi rolls to the table in a boat!! No, not just a long plate, a mini (not so small on the table) replica of a sail boat!!! Made it fun!! I'm still surprised that the quality of sushi here in Colorado is good! Still gotta enjoy it closer to the ocean, but we got to work with what we got!! Then it was back to a friends house "because we needed to change shoes" where many more friends (mostly the guys that weren't invited to dinner) were waiting in the dark to yell surprise!!! She was shocked and enjoyed the rest of the night!!

The chocolate cake with caramel and pecan filling (get it, it's a turtle turtle)!

It really was a great weekend!! Then I started my new job today!! The bank is wonderful and I'm excited to get settled in!! Joe was back to work too, and now we'll just see how the week goes!!

YAY!

2009-08-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

So I've been holding off on a new post because I was afraid I'd spill the beans and I didn't want to jinx anything. Now before everyone starts thinking that I'm pregnant, I'm not... I got a new job today!!! As most of you know, I've been working at a warehouse liquor store since December and was having fun. It was nice to have a job where I could just have fun. But lately it wasn't enough of a challenge for me and I wasn't enjoying it as much as I used to... so I had started applying for jobs. I didn't put in a lot of applications, because hey, I had a paycheck right? I did find an advertisement for a Personal Banker in the newspaper... no name of the bank, no address, just a PO Box. I was a little worried, but figured, sure, why not... that's where my experience lies, and I really wanted to go back to M-F 8-5 40 hours a week again. So I mailed off my resume and a cover letter and just hoped. About 2 weeks later I got a call asking if I could set up an interview. I agreed and she asked me to come in the next day... wow... fast didn't begin to describe it! So, I dug out my suit from storage (working at a liquor store allows you to wear jeans and t-shirts so my suits and nice clothes had been in a spacesaver bag in the downstairs closet). By the way, those spacesaver bags... your clothes don't come out like the day you put them in there... my suit looked like a horse had sat on it for a year! So I ironed and prepared for my interview. Woke up, did my hair and my make-up (which most of you know is NOT a daily occurrence) and headed off to the interview. I of course called Dad who coached me through some answers that I was panicking about. But once I got to the interview, I was very relaxed, very comfortable, and just was myself. The whole interview was pretty short, but not in a bad way. The lady asked me to fill out their application and just bring it back by... well, you know I sat down in the lobby and filled it out while I was there... and it took me more time to fill out the application than the entire interview was!!! I also ran into a former co-worker who put in a good word for me! It was great! I left feeling really good about the whole thing!! The worst part was my boss is a close friend and it was killing me not to tell her... but boss trumped friend in this particular thing...
So I dug in for a long week of sitting on pins and needles! The next day I got a call that they wanted me to come in and sign some paperwork so that they could pull my background check. YAY!! Another good sign!!!!! So I ran over to the bank on Saturday, filled out the paperwork and waited!! Eventually, I told my boss that it was possible... thank goodness she was super excited and supportive!!! Friend trumped boss!!! YAY!!!! The scary part was that we both started making plans for when I left... but I was still feeling really good at the beginning of the week. I was expecting to hear if I got the job "late next week" so I dug my heels in a started the panicking! What if I didn't answer that question right, what if they called the boss that fired me, what if, what if, what if?!?!?!?!?!?! And then I started loosing sleep!!! As most of you know, I don't handle my stress well!! I think I have more gray hairs because of the last week!!!!!!!! Everyday the panic rose and I wasn't positive any more... but I was trying so hard to be!!! I checked with my friend who worked at the bank, and he couldn't be sure what they had decided.... ARGH! I called Dad and Mom a lot... I owe Mom and Grandma a new rosary because I've been told they wore holes in them praying for me!!!
My normal schedule gives me Friday's off, so I settled myself in for a long wait filled day... then my Aunt called and asked for a girls afternoon!! It was a great distraction!!! But as soon as she left, I started staring at the phone... I don't know how many times I tried to check to make sure I had a connection!!! I was convinced that I was going to miss the call... by the way... a watched phone NEVER rings!!! Then Joe came home and I was just talking to him and the phone rang!!! SHUT UP JOE... THEY'RE CALLING!!!!!!!! I answered, and the lady told me that they still hadn't made a decision, but that I was still a strong candidate and that she would call me Monday or Tuesday after they had made their decision. DANGIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I felt good after getting the call, it was nice to know that they cared enough to tell me to cool it over the weekend. So I planned on hearing from her late Tuesday. But, I was working today, and got the call!!!!!! The offered me the position!!!! I'll be the new personal banker at the corporate branch of Cache Bank and Trust here in Greeley!!!! They're a community bank but well capitalized (which is crucial in today's economy)!! YAY!!!! Back to normal hours, insurance, holidays, paid vacation, and paid sick time!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! My boss knew I had gotten the call and she could tell by my face when I came out of my office!!! I jumped up and down and did a really goofy happy dance!!! Got a big hug from her and could finally breath again!!! HA... stop growing grays!!!!! I left for lunch and called Joe!!! He is excited too!!! I called/texted a bunch of people who knew that I was slowly killing myself with stress!!!

So, I start on Monday August 31st!!! I'm working at the liquor store till the 25th, then taking a couple days off!! Joe and I joined a rec softball league so I'll get to play in the first game on the 27th too (don't worry mom and dad... I'll be way in the outfield so my hand eye coordination won't land a ball in my face)!!! Celebrating will commence on Friday the 28th at my favorite brewery here in town!!! I'm stoked!!! Thank-you so much to all the prayers and good thoughts from everyone!!!

So that's the latest news! Joe is still doing his job... he's not always happy about doing it, but is usually in a good head space to deal with the stupidity that comes along with dealing with felons. I figured out how to share pictures through picasa along with the blog, so you'll see the link on the right hand side to view some of our pictures from over the years... some are extremely old!! Found some cute ones though too!! Since our last post we've just been doing life. The weather has been nice and cool so we're not too miserable here!! Still hoping to get in some more camping, maybe with my parents this season too! I still want to go fishing badly... so we'll see if we can't make that happen too!!!

Love you all!!! xoxo

Brand New Blog!!

2009-07-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

So Joe and I are really bad at keeping in touch with everyone. It's not intentional at all! We've been better about keeping up with some friends on facebook and myspace but there's so many of you that we don't get to share our life with because we haven't connected... so in an attempt to keep people informed, I've decided to share this blog with those of you who don't keep up with us on facebook or myspace... so here goes!!!

This summer has been well... normal for us. We've always loved to do things to get us outta the heat in Greeley, CO and our new passion is camping. I grew up camping with my parents... we started out in a tent and quickly abandoned that once Mom and Dad bought the trailer, oh maybe 10-15 years ago... and you tend to forget how nice a camper really is!!! Mom and Dad gave us a tent two years ago and we only got to use it 2 times last summer, and it was a learning experience!!!! We have now realized that we can't go camping without an air mattress, a camp stove, or the dog's chair!!! Yes, Jax has a chair!!! This summer we took Jax camping with us for the first time up to a campground in Roosevelt National Park west of Fort Collins. The campground we chose was at about a 9000 foot elevation. It rained off and on the first day we were there. Jax will absolutely not lay down on wet ground, so the picture you see below is Jax passed out in my arms!!! He's such an inside dog!!! We also tried hiking with him and he promptly pooped out on us too soon so a walk up the road was good enough for him. Once we got home, Jax slept for 3 days straight!!! Joe and I did happen on a beautiful spot. After breaking in the Xterra on 4-wheeling we happened upon a lake at the foot of a mountain. It was seriously one of the best moments in our lives!! Once we successfully made it up the treacherous 1 lane path into a dirt pull off, we decided we'd walk up over a hill to see what was around. I can't seem to do it justice in words, but we got to the top of the little hill and this beautifully pristine Colorado reservoir was situated at the base of a mountain. It took our breaths away!!! Joe has been fortunate enough to travel many places in the world, yet, this was his best and most favorite spot up to this point in his life!!! Of course it was raining on us, which made it even more perfect because we love the rain!!

Twin Lakes Reservoir the second day we went back

The pooped little puppy... he never does this at home!!

Our next outing wasn't as spectacular. We were hoping to go camping with my parents but the brakes on their trailer weren't working so that trip got canceled. After a serious meltdown on my part (because work had been a little stressful and I needed to get out of Greeley and be outta cell range for my sanity) we decided to find a camping spot near Beaver Creek (west of Vail in the mountains). I searched for a place online (mistake #1) and thought I found a decent place 15 miles outside of Beaver Creek... well it ended up being 40 miles outside of Beaver Creek (which in mountain driving time was an hour added on to the 2.5 hour drive we'd already made)! We got there, scoped out the campsites and were extremely disappointed. We settled on the only site we could find that our family sized tent could fit and paid for 2 nights... yup, mistake #2! It ended up not being in the nice cool mountains, but down in desert like landscape... but I was trying really hard not to meltdown yet again... I was bound and determined to enjoy being away from home. This place was situated on a "lake" that seemed like an over sized pond!! And because we weren't high enough in elevation, the mosquitoes were on steroids!!! For those of you who aren't familiar with our weather this season, it's been uncharacteristically wet... so I think the mosquitoes have been out in uber force!! It didn't matter how much bug spray we put on, we were still being bit!! I tried fishing to relax... not as peaceful as I had hoped, but still chilled me out a bit. We headed back to camp and started making dinner... the bugs were awful, Joe and I spent the night hitting bugs of each other and the dog! So we decided to curl up into the tent once it cooled off a bit as the sun finally set behind a large rock (oh, did I tell you that there were no trees in our campsite??? That makes for one hot tent). We quickly realized that this wasn't going to work because the air mattress was on a slant (considering the campsite was so not level) an Joe slept uphill from me! At about 7:30am the next morning when we absolutely couldn't stand the heat in the tent we decided to pack up camp!!! There was no way you could pay us enough to consider staying another day, much less another night!!! So we decided to spend the day in Beaver Creek... yup, mistake #3... is that what I'm up to already??? We got into Avon (right next to Beaver Creek) and grabbed some breakfast and headed toward Beaver Creek... Did anyone know that there's a gate to go through into the town????? We were promptly turned around because "dogs are not allowed in the town unless you're a homeowner"... this did not help my mood at all!!!!!!!!!! Poor Joe... he was trying so hard to make the weekend bearable for me as a nice relief from work, and it just wasn't happening!!! So we headed home. Once we took showers, cleaned the dog (who was now an awful shade of gray from all the dirt), we decided to go see the new Harry Potter. We spent the rest of the weekend just chilling and hanging out with friends. Thankfully the weekend was salvaged enough to make me not quite so grumpy! Lesson learned: we're doing much better research on the campsites that we choose... also, we probably won't drive so far away... if we had gone to an area that we knew at least we could have chosen another spot after seeing how crappy that place was!!

Not sure if you can tell how crooked it is!!!

We just got back from another weekend in the mountains! Our dear friends had their wedding reception in Estes Park over the weekend and were awesome enough to let us crash in the house they rented on the lake that Joe and I got married at. That place is powerful for us! I don't know if anyone else feels like this, but it's just... ah, soul healing!! I can still remember walking down those stairs into a crowd of people who loved us and seeing my husband waiting for me. Maybe I'm just a little emotional too because of the wedding traditions this weekend that brought back some great memories! Jamie's dad gave a beautiful speech at the wedding that made me misty thinking of my daddy giving his speech... he tried so hard not to be emotional, but failed miserably!! I love my daddy so much!! I'm getting a little teary now!!! There's just not enough words to explain the bond between a father and a daughter unless you've experienced it!! I'm a daddy's girl through and through!! Okay, I gotta stop that because I'm having problems seeing the screen. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to do Jamie and Jed's wedding cake for their reception. This is a new passion of mine, and this was my first wedding cake. It was a Guinness Chocolate cake with Guinness cream cheese chocolate frosting. I must say, it was pretty fabulous!!! Maybe not a perfect as I would have liked, but Jamie and Jed seemed to enjoy it!! Even Joe liked it and he's so sensitive to alcohol anything flavoring in cakes!!

My first attempt at a wedding cake... Jamie wanted simple!

Okay, so Joe and I are still doing well. Not 100% happy with our jobs but dealing. Nice weekend-cations are a good escape for us. Mom is doing great... she's finally getting through with all the cancer stuff!! In fact, the last time she went to the doctor, her counts were amazingly good!! Great, that's one chapter we'd all love to close and move on from. Joe's parents are so close to adopting a little boy that they've been fostering for 2 years (Sean will legally be apart of the family within weeks)! So we're just doing life!!! I hope that's a decent catch up for most people! I'll get on and write another one in a couple of weeks, so be sure to check back often!!! Hopefully I can figure out the picture thing too!!!!

We both hope that this little update finds everyone in good spirits!! We love you all!!! Thanks for putting up with my babbling!!!! Maybe once I remember how to use picasa for photos, I'll share some more photos!!

xoxo!

Alexis