My journey of being a Wife, Mother, & a Nurse Practitoner!!!

13 Months Old

2011-03-24T12:07:00.004-05:00

Cooper is more active than I ever imagined. He is non stop. He has been walking since 10.5 months of age so he has mastered that and now is working on the art of climbing. He loves being outside he stares outside the window. He loves Dogs right now too but maybe a little too much. He launches himself on the dogs, pulls their hair and bites them. He is such a sweet heart he gives lots of kisses and hugs. He has certain books that are his favorites right now: Touch and Feel Puppies and Kitten, Where is Elmo's Blanket & Where is God. So basically anything with peek a boo tabs and textures. he also loves Sesame Street and Sid the science Kid. Oh yeah and Wheel of Furtune, pretty funny. He is one heck of a dancer and loves music. He loves bath time especially throwing every single thing out of the tub even with the water. He is just very inquisitive right now wanted to touch everything. There is not a place we go where he doesn't touch everything in the room. So lots of hand washing. He is getting 4 molars right now so it is not a fun time at our household. Sleep is just a distant fond memory of the past.

He weighs 20 pounds and is 31 inches long. He is eating like a champ but only likes the same things. Adzuki beans and brown rice carrots and sweet potatoes and fruit. So I guess I can't complain. Everything else I give him he flings. He is a major food flinger if he doesnt want it watch out its going to come flying . He knows where his nose is and his eyes. and Ice is pretty much his favorite treat. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me and Timmy. I look at him multiple times a day and I am just overwhelmingly thankful. I just keep saying how can someone be so darn cute .... I know Im biased but he's pretty cute.

He loves his winter hat he thinks it is part of his uniform he brings it to me every morning and wants it on even after his bath. Im trying to swutch it over to a ball cap. We will see.

COOPER'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

2011-02-10T20:51:00.008-06:00

One year ago today My biggest dream became a reality ... I was a mommy to a sweet child who changed my life forever... This last year has been filled with more joy and happiness than I ever thought imaginable... I am overwhelmed with love for you Cooper... May we always be close and may each year bring more joy and laughter than the last... Happy 1st birthday my beautiful sweet angel may all your dreams come true!!!!!!

So now we have a molar tooth that makes 9 teeth. And of course he has been walking since 10.5 months so that explains why I didn't have time to post 11 month pictures Ive been chasing him all over. He loves playing hide and seek, drawing with crayons, and of course getting into everything he can get his little hands on!!! He loves helping with laundry, unloading the dishwasher and helping cook.

2010-12-29T12:44:00.003-06:00

These are pictures I for got to upload from Fall 2010. Christmas was so much fun with Cooper he got a lot of great toys I will post pics of his favorite toy, ride on train, on next post. He is getting so big he has mastered 4-5 steps without falling and he now has 8 teeth. He loves water and everything he looks at he says HOT.... not sue where he picked that up at. We are sleep training this week .... so It is not fun but I keep telling myself this is for his own good....

10 MONTHS OLD

2010-12-14T20:32:00.004-06:00

Cooper:

wow how time flies!! My baby is growing up to be such a sweet boy. Giving me kisses all the time.

Coop rings in at 19 pounds and is really starting to look like a little boy now (and not a baby anymore). He has taken a few steps and I am thinking may be walking for my 11 month post... He has 8 teeth and has a new work that he uses pretty much all day...it is....HOT... it's pretty funny. He also makes this really funny noise when he sees a glass/cup and wants to drink out of it no matter whats in it. it's like an ahhh sound. It pretty cute. He loves sipping on whatever anyone has. He is eating pretty much anything but a few things the doctor told us not too. Christmas is going to be so amazing this year with him. He is such a sweetie. I love waking up everyday and seeing him smile really big. He is a mommas boy right now . Timmy calls him a stage 4 clinger. I love it.

9 months

2010-11-14T20:02:00.002-06:00

What a big boy he is!!! He now claps, plays paddy cake. .. Searches for me playing peek a boo....and is moments away from taking his first independent step. He is cruising walking holding on to things... It wont be long... For Halloween he was a dinosaur... he was absolutely adorable....I will upload pics later.... He pretty much wants to eat everything I do....He has 6 teeth and they are so stinking cute....

He has been talking so much too it sounds like he is going to have a husky little voice... When he wakes bye bye now he moves his fingers.... SO cute...

I love you big boy...

Timmy and I just celebrated our 4 year anniversary. I cant believe how time flies... I love you too babe. I love both my boys dearly....

8 months old

2010-10-10T20:00:00.004-05:00

This month brought forth many changes.... One being the dreaded surgery to correct Cooper's eye muscles....which without Timmy I would have never done it. Now that it is behind us I am so glad we did the surgery for Cooper.

I did a lot of crying before the surgery now I have tears of joy that Coop is healed and made whole. He now has every opportunity everyone else does being that he has regained depth perception. Thank God they can do corrective surgeries like this.....

right now from the surgery his eyes are bloody and have stitches in them but they are soooo straight!!!! I guess I never realized what a difference the surgery would make. They say that they will not know if the surgery worked for 3 months but already I know that it did work...... he is grabbing at things he never grabbed at before. He looks at you like he is seeing you for the first time and pulls your face close to his .....It melts my heart...

Now we just have to get him all healed up which they say takes about 3 weeks. He has been such a trooper through all of this...... he had to wear an eye patch everyday since July for a few hours a day- which he hated..... Now he has eye ointment and antibiotics a few times a day.....

I just keep telling myself he will not remember any of this. I'm just so thankful that this is all behind us and that he is such a strong boy....

God has a placed him here for a purpose with all the struggles I had getting pregnant, during pregnancy and now his surgery he has come out of it all.... I just can't wait to see what that purpose is....

Tonight after we put him down I just started crying ......I thought to myself just when I think I can't love him any more....I have fallen so much more in love with him.. HE is my little miracle boy and I will never take one moment for granted. I have just felt overwhelming blessed all day every time I look at him.

We brought him to church you have never seen anyone dance during worship like him..... it was like his feet were running and he was actually singing. The people in front of us turned around and said he had a good voice. (not sure where he got that from)... It was darling... Then he just collapsed after 30 minutes of non stop worship.. I think he was thanking God for his new eyes..

Oh yeah in the midst of this all 2 new teeth that makes 4!!! So cute .. I love you Coopie LOU!!!!!

7 Months

2010-09-24T11:04:00.005-05:00

7 months is soo much fun.. He babbles ma ma ...baba...bobbob..... and poppop....What a sweetie... He cracks up at me if we bark or quack so if you see me driving down the road barking or quacking....you'll know why....Hey anything that keeps him from crying...

He is now crawling but he crawls like a crab with one of his knees tucked under it is pretty hilarious.... HE is pulling himself up to everything which is too cute but at the same time dangerous.

He gives high fives which is so super cute...and of course he plays peek a boo by putting his hands over his head and thinking he is hiding.. Sometimes when he is playing alone I see him trying to play peek a boo with his toys.. Anything for a response he is such a HAM!!!

No more teeth yet although you can see little white caps on the top.

He has had a little cold so sleeping through the nite has not been happening. He wants to wake up at 4:00 am and have a bottle. So that has been the routine......

and of course since he has been sick he ended up right back in our bed...Bad habits die hard....

He finally reaches for me when other people are holding him which I absolutely live for.....

He looks so big next to Sarah's baby, Levi!!!

6 months

2010-08-12T18:47:00.006-05:00

I can't even believe it.....Cooper is 6 months old!!! He is meeting his milestones very early in every area. He already has 2 teeth, pretty close to crawling, drags himself, sits independently, says MAMA, which melts my heart......the list goes on and on....

Everyday I can't wait to wake up and see what he is doing next!

FIRST TOOTH

2010-07-21T22:05:00.004-05:00

My baby has his first tooth on the lower right central incisor. You can feel it and it is very sharp. God love him here they come!!!! He is so stinking adorable he absolutely loves jumping in his jumper and he can now lay on his stomach and scoot up like he is ready to crawl at any minute. I am so not ready for that!

Everyday is filled with smiles and giggles. He also has been tasting our snow cones and he looks at us and gets the biggest grin on his face. It is so adorable.

22 weeks old

2010-07-16T12:55:00.005-05:00

Here is more pictures of our Sweet boy, Coopie Lou!!

Also some really good news this week is I passed my 3.5 hour nursing boards. I am now a Family Nurse Practitioner... Now I have to find a job!!!

BULL SHOALS Arkansas

2010-07-10T09:20:00.005-05:00

We are in Arkansas !! Coop is loving the boat and not so much the life jacket....I will post more pictures when we get back but here is a picture I couldnt wait to get posted. Here is our 5 month old smiley boy!! Coop always wants to be sitting up or standing. Whenever you put him on his back he rolls immediately on his stomach. He is meeting all of his milestones very early we actually think he may skip crawling and go straight to walking.. I know mommy is not ready for that yet!!! He is loving eating his fruits and veggies (fruits more than veggies) and rice cereal.. and his smiles just melt my heart. What a blessing our little Coopie Lou is !!!!!

This is the face I love!!!

2010-06-17T22:29:00.002-05:00

Here is my happy BOY!!! He makes me smile....

Coop 18 weeks

World Cup

2010-06-16T09:13:00.003-05:00

COOP is for sure a BOY he is already way more into sports than the average boy.. He already watches baseball and soccer with his dad it's pretty cute....He is 18 weeks old now and getting so big !!! He rolls over and is starting to eat baby food which he hated at first but now he absolutely loves the pears... I think he is going to be a good eater like his momma... HE is such a good baby he sleeps like 12 hours at night and never ever cries unless he is overly tired or hungry.. We are so lucky to have you baby Coop. We love you so much!

I'm back to work and coping I guess...

Momma's BOY!!!!

2010-05-30T17:04:00.004-05:00

15 weeks old

2010-05-30T16:33:00.017-05:00

The time has come where I have to go back to work....I am so nervous about being away from Coop for 12+ hours it is not even funny I have cried a little each day for the past couple weeks... On the other hand I am thinking it might be nice to be me again and get a little independence from being puked on and baby talking all day.. I'm torn...

HEre are some updated pics of our trip to Texas and look how big my baby boy is getting!!

Coopie Lou 13.5 weeks

2010-05-16T20:46:00.005-05:00

Well the video picture didn't turn out Tim was taping it but these are the first little giggles so I though it was worth posting.Tim and I were just looking at each other and our hearts were melting. We are going to Texas this Thursday to see Aunt Sarah and Levi....Coops first time on a plane I'm not gonna lie I'm a little nervous. I have to take a class at Baylor on Friday, Sat, and Sunday, which sucks but I have to get ready for boards baby. Happy 30th Birthday Timmy I hope it was a good one it was very laid back but I guess thats what a 13 week old baby adds to the picture. I got him a huge Gus's pretzel in the shape of a T and his favorite beer. As Tim would say he is a simple man who is easy to please. Coop and I love you Timmy!!!!

My baby is 3 months already

2010-05-10T14:39:00.003-05:00

Just when I thought I could not love you anymore everyday my love keeps growing for you. Coop is learning how to use his hands by grabbing thing especially mommy's hair. He is loving his toes too I caught him sucking his big toe the other day...pretty cute..

He s sleeping around 7 hours at night and eats about 5-6 ounces every 3-4 hours during the day and plays hard in between. He would probably sleep through the night but his mommy is paranoid so if he stirs I just wake him and feed him. I'm up all night long pumping anyway trying to keep my supply up.. We had his baby dedication on Saturday and of course he was a perfect angel.. I came home and was writing him a love letter in his baby book on the day he was dedicated to the Lord and that's when I realized how crazy I am about him. I might even be a little too crazy...ha ha

I told Timmy that I wanted to be Coop's prom date someday he said there is something wrong with me.... Well I have a while to worry about that...perhaps Ill be a chaperon..hah

Well here's to you my baby boy!!! I love you so much!!

Cooper 11 weeks old!

2010-05-02T22:35:00.002-05:00

Cooper is stealing my heart more and more everyday. HE just stares in my eyes and I would pretty much give him anything at that point... I am so blessed to have him in my life. I always ask my mom if it is normal that I miss him when he is in the back seat and I can not hold him. I love him so much and everyday I get to be with him is the best day of my life..

Thanks to my super sweet husband I get to stay home an extra month with Coop until Timmy is out of school!! I love you Timmy!! The problem is I never want t go back to work.. I graduated May 1 and I am looking for a new job but really I do not want any job so that makes it difficult. The good thing is I can work part time. I still have to take boards and oh yeah.... STUDY!! On a sad note we lost our beloved grandma Polizzi last week. She was so good to us grandkids and she really taught us a lot about loving people and letting them love you. Thanks Grandma and I know she will be my little angel for Coop!! I know she would have loved him. Sarah came in town and she is really looking pregnant, she is due 8/12/10 with Levi Joshua.. That makes boys for my mom I told her we are going have a little soccer team when it is all said and done!

More pictures Cooper 1 day old

2010-04-17T16:05:00.006-05:00

Welcome Baby Cooper

2010-04-09T22:21:00.009-05:00

Can we say Life altering event...Coop is now 2 months and I am just finding the time to update my blog...Ok lets start from the beginning.. On 2/8/10 around 11:00pm during the only snow storm of the year we headed to the hospital to have our baby boy...I was supposed to go in at 8:00 which turned into 9:00 and then 11:00... I was a complete mess all day couldn't do anything could think straight just watching the clock and pacing. Actually my stomach hurt I was so nervous and ready at the same time... Sarah was in town which was a great distraction...So when they postponed it until 11:00 Timmy was like alright lets go walking and took me out in the snow to the mall...He said I could buy anything I wanted and all I got was a candle...what I wanted you couldn't buy (to hold my precious boy in my arms, finally).... So we showed up at the hospital they started my Pitocin around 12:00 we popped in a movie and waited for some action.. It was pretty uneventfully until around 3:30 when they started my epidural (which had to be done twice)..and for those who know me well I am a fainter and so far so good no fainting.... Then the broke my water around 4:30..I was 3cm...It was time to try and sleep this we could not do the excitement and the nerves had us up like two kids on Christmas morning...So I kept on getting check and every check I was 4cm not progressing very fast...family started showing up around 6:00am expecting some action....

So there goes one night of sleep! I sent Timmy to eat something around 10:45 because I was convinced we were going to have a C-section and didn't want him passing out. and I needed to get some rest. Which reminds me I wasn't supposed to eat (and for those of you know I love to eat) so I made Timmy keep sneaking me animal crackers...

While Timmy was gone to the cafeteria my pain started to progress and the epidural was not covering me...So I asked the nurse for more drugs she said we better check you. One look and she was like wow you are 10 cm.( of course I just sent everyone to the cafeteria) I put my head under the covers and started bawling, tears of joy.. this was it I was going to be a mother....

I think I pushed like 4 times and my little world changer was here.

He has been such a joy, just when I think I couldn't love him anymore everyday I do more and more. He is now 8 weeks old and is giggling, cooing, and smiling at us. HE is sleeping at night 5-7 hours and he is a great eater anywhere from 5-6 ounces every 3-4 hours... I can't wait to spend the rest of my life loving and guiding him. I keep on asking God for wisdom on how to raise him and be the best mom I can be.

Oh yeah I did pass out but after it was all over when I got up to go to the bathroom for the first time.

37.5 weeks (Are we there Yet?)

2010-01-23T15:44:00.003-06:00

Just when you think you can't get any bigger...wow things stretch...

I do have to say that I actually feel full of energy and all the back pain and pressure is gone. Which is weird to me we cleaned the whole house today and only one contraction...Last week we saw doctor and he sad I was just 1cm dilated and 30% effaced. We go again this week and I will be super disappointed if I haven't progressed any.

I am happy that I am not walking slouched over holding my side any more.... I guess the baby is engaged and ready for the big world. And boy are we ready for him!!! It is overwhelming how many people love him already. My mom already bought a minivan, which is hilarious because she only will be driving our little guy around. Both of my parents have helped tremendously by helping getting his room in order dad put up shelves in my closet for my clothes and then all of his wall hangings and stuff (of course with the help of you Timmy).

Tomorrow is my last shower it is with my work girls which will be a blast!!!

I will tell you what is funny about being this pregnant everyone answers your calls no matter how busy they are because they think you re in labor, random strangers offer to tie my shoe, everyone talks to me where ever I go and of course between my mom, dad and Timmy, I am not driving anymore. Which means I get rides everywhere door to door service usually with a snack waiting for me in the car. the sad part about this is my "REIGN" is coming to an end. Oh but how I have enjoyed it!!!

Well I work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week with school on Monday........Bring on the Contractions. We are ready to meet our little boy!!!

35 weeks and ready for anything

2010-01-03T18:08:00.006-06:00

I feel achey all over and am moving really slow... it is more of a waddle. I can feel my pelvis moving and I think this little boy is going to be here sooner than later. I am taking this day by day not knowing when the big day will be! But one thing I know for certain is that I am ready to have this baby..Not so sure what to do when he is out but ready to find out.

Well Christmas was wonderful we stayed

well. Someone backed

into our car which was a bummer but at least we were not in it and now it is more of an inconvenience more than anything.

I guess now that the word is out ...I can tell you all that my sister is pregnant and due August 12.. My mom is down in Texas right now for the first ultrasound...Lets just say I am glad it is her and not me starting this whole pregnancy process all over again. I am ready to get my boy and get my body back...

The nursery is coming along amazingly I will post pictures but we are still working on the finishing touched like a rug and some wall decorations.. If only I knew his name I could really move forward with things...

33 Weeks and counting

2009-12-22T19:39:00.004-06:00

What is that I feel a draft..Yeah that is right.. None of my shirts even maternity ones are long enough and my mid drift is always catching the breeze.... Half the time I do not feel it but I can tell by the way people stare. So life has been exciting almost too exciting to blog...Well we had a shower at my moms huge success my sister and her girlfriend made it absolutely amazing. Everything was better than I could have dreamed up....... So besides being stuck on bed rest for my 30th Birthday life is good. I am off bed rest now I just caught a GI bug and puked my guts out buying me a hospital admission for dehydration followed by contractions.... Both of which thanks to medicine are gone now....and best part I am free to roam about the country...HAHAH

Doctor says he is only going to stop my contractions for 3 more weeks then he is going to let nature take it;s course...I really do feel like after all of this ruckus he caused I will be like 4o weeks and no sign of him wanting to come out...

So Timmy is painting the nursery right now and I am getting so excited it is all coming together and really happening...All of my dreams are coming TRUE!!!!!!

IT'S a BEAUTIFUL Healthy BABY BOY!!!

2009-11-03T13:42:00.003-06:00

YEAHHH!! We couldn't be more thrilled.... We have been blessed with a son and a very active one at that! It seems like he is always moving/kicking except of course when we did the ultrasound he was a perfect angel and just lay there completely still so we could see everything... See look I am already one of those annoying moms who thinks their kid is perfect. Ha ha

Oh pregnancy why do you hate me?!! This has been a seriously long 6 1/2 months..between 3 months of nausea, the flu, walking pneumonia and now round ligament pain.... I'm really ready for it to be FEBRUARY 9TH ALREADY! I'm actually starting to get on my own nerves ......

Well I have officially been forced to cut back my 12 hour shifts to 8 hour shifts which has actually been amazing...

We are also planning for the first baby shower that my mom already made a cake out of diapers for that I will post a picture/( Yeah she is a little bit excited)

I got his bedding and I absolutely adore it, it is from pottery barn kids and I didn't think I wanted to spend that much but I couldn't find anything else I was crazy about. So next task is my glucose tolerance test in 2 weeks and then another ultrasound and birth classes in December. Oh yeah and I am turning 30 ...YIKES....we were wanting to plan a trip but going to Hawaii or the Virgin Islands is not very realistic right about now... So we will see..

Half Way there!!!

2009-09-27T12:43:00.004-05:00

Only half way there until we get to meet our little miracle!!! I am wishing myself to February so I can meet this little one already!!! Well at least I have stayed vertical his past month...I did however get knocked down hard with what we believe to be the H1N1(swine flu) which landed me in bed for 12 days thinking I was never going to feel better. I was crying to my mom, "this is supposed to be the trimester that is most enjoyable." and after the first trimester I believe it is time for me to have some fun with this pregnancy thing maybe you know go shopping or see some friends......

Oh well I survived and I am back at work and school just loving it as the weeks fly by.

One thing that I have been feeling for the past week is the baby kicking and moving. I love it so much and am addicted to it, if I do not feel it for awhile I poke at the baby trying to instigate some movement. Pretty much the baby moves when it wants to and only then.. Oh boy already being stubborn.

On Another really exciting note....... this is that we are finding out the sex of the baby on Tuesday...I will be really surprised if it is a girl.

I am getting bigger and bigger, things like tying your shoes, crossing your legs and getting in and out of the car are not the easiest and I like some time real soon I am going to need Timmy's assistance to do these things. Oh well I guess I will milk it!!! I'm sure Timmy will love to help....ha ha ha

ONLY ME!!

2009-08-30T19:23:00.003-05:00

Well last week was my first week back at school and doing clinicals as well as working full time. Let's just say I was stressed out.... My first day in a new office with my preceptor I passed out and she when I woke up everyone was around me again in my face. Luckily I felt it coming on and sat down so I didn't fall. I did stop breathing for a few seconds so then I had to go to the doctor to check on baby and everything was reassuring. Why can't I do anything normal? This is my last semester in school I know I just need to get it finished but I hope to God this doesn't happen every week. Anyway we go to the doctor again this week for our monthly check up so maybe just maybe we will be able to find out the sex of the baby otherwise we have to wait until the end of September.

On another note Love the weather here lately wish it would stick around. Finally booked a trip to go see Sarah(in all of my free time) in October which is well overdue so that will be fun!!!

ONWARD to 17 weeks, wonder when baby can hear me/music....and the next question is going to be what should I play for him/her.?

I have felt lots of twinges lately in my abdomen I am told that is my ligaments stretching can't wait until I can feel the baby moving!!!

175 days until we meet our little miracle!

2009-08-19T19:19:00.003-05:00

Yes, This is me finally getting excited about meeting my little guy/girl. I am finally starting to feel like myself again. I usually get sick once a day around 5:00pm but this is so much better than being sick all day every day x 3 months..... I do have to say that being pregnant has turned me from being super feminine to a beast...who farts, burps, has indigestion, can hock a loogie and weird sporadic hair growth. I am shocked at myself it is uncontrollable though I tried to fight it but I just surrendered to it. My husband actually looked at me the other day and said you do everything loud these days...he went on with examples apparently I breath loud sigh loud and burp a lot. It really takes so much extra effort to take a deep breath when you have a gut. Oh well...I am embracing this time period of my life..I am 15 weeks and the doctor said I could now start drinking a little bit of caffeine which really helps me with working night shifts. The first time I had coffee again I could nt stop at 1/2 a cup my husband had to intervene.

School starts next week again this is my last semester if I can make it through classes working and clinicals while pregnant. Oh I am going to give it my best thats for sure. For some reason I am totally not into school at all I just want to lay around and veg out every free chance I get.

Next big decision is to find out whether we are having a boy or a girl...my mom keeps on trying to buy me the gender predictor pee tests at Walgreens (they claim to be 90% accurate). Well the dilemma is that Timmy doesn't want to know and I do...so we will see!!

Back from Vacation !!!

2009-07-26T17:18:00.003-05:00

Vacation Vacation where did you go? 14 days IN Florida and they are gone...I can not believe it but boy was it nice...long walks on the beach and relaxing with naps everyday...Let's just say I got spoiled. The only problem was every night around dinner time I was nauseous and not the most fun to be around so while everyone stayed up and played cards I had to go to bed every night early. If I could fall asleep I would be fine.... I was at first trying to eat a ton for dinner thinking this would help my nausea but I realized this was contributing to the problem but when I started eating half portions I would wake up with a empty stomach and severe nausea around 1:00am....I give up baby I can not figure you out.

Well next week I go to the doctor I can ask him what I should do...I'm sure he will say nothing at all. I just can not wait to hold this baby in my arms and kiss it's little lips!!! I know then it will have all been worth it.

I have to go back to work tomorrow...Boy am I dreading it...Just work in general...not so much the place I work. Oh well maybe I will feel better if I get my mind of me and focus on helping other people.

9 weeks

2009-07-07T15:32:00.002-05:00

Wow what a crazy 9 weeks....I had no idea pregnancy felt so weird...I mean I have a nauseousness that I can not shake all day and all night. Don't get me wrong being pregnant is what I want I just had no idea it would be so consuming. I find myself just trying to get through one day at a time....snack by snack....until the end of the day when I am in tears because I feel so sick and just can't stand the thought of eating something else. I heard that your body craves what you need...this can't be true because I have been craving BIG MACs, Hot Dogs and Chinese food.....none of which I am used to eating prior to this whole pregnancy thing. To give in or not? I know it is not good for the baby but I can't help it that is what I want...I usually love my fruit and veggies I just can barely seem to choke them down now.....same with the prenatal vitamins I have been on for 2 years now I gag...It is just so weird. My husband has been super proactive at looking at baby furniture and tons of baby stuff...Which I thought I would be too but I can hardly stay up long enough or feel good long enough to get into it. I'm starting to feel guilty!! Is this natural? Being Pregnant is what I have longed for for years and I am there. I just hope I can start to enjoy it more in the next few weeks.

We are going to Florida for 2 weeks so that might be just what the doctor ordered to start feeling better. I sure hope so.

I'm still swollen in my belly from the hyper stimulation so I am bigger than a normal 9 weeker...I get to stop my shots on July 14 I know that should make me feel better!!!!!!

I can't believe this is happening to me!!!!

2009-06-19T17:22:00.002-05:00

Well it is our time, everyone told me it would happen and I would roll my eyes but it really did happen.....Tim and I are Finally Pregnant..I am going to attach a letter written by my husband that sums up the whole experience.

"As you well know the past two years Christie and I have been trying to begin a family together, while the process has been more difficult than we could have imagined, we found out yesterday it will all be worth it! We went to the doctor yesterday and heard our baby’s heartbeat. There was a chance we were having twins but the ultrasound yesterday indicated that we are lucky enough to spoil just one child. Christie has been amazing through all of the procedures, needles, surgeries, tests that she has had to endure these past 24 months. We wanted to take this opportunity and personally thank each and every one of you for the love, support, and prayers you have sent our way. Due to the timing of the news, we were trying to determine the best way to let people know. The summer months can be hard to see people on a daily basis Words cannot begin to describe how excited, thankful, and blessed the two of us are feeling. We are only 6 weeks into the pregnancy which is extremely early, but we wanted to let each of you know the progress since you have been there supporting us each step of the way. "

Well it has been a long emotional and physical journey for me....I ended up having 29 eggs which caused a lot if health problems extreme abdominal swelling(I gained 12 pounds of fluid in my belly in 2 days) and pain but it was all worth it. 25 of them fertilized with no problem so needless to say we have enough frozen embryos for a few families.... I am now going through the nausea all day long phase and extreme fatigue. I am hoping that this wears off so I can enjoy this pregnancy. I'm determined to enjoy this pregnancy after all this is what I fought for so long and hard... I really thought it was going to be more glamorous than this.....

Any tips suggestions ...tips for nausea control would be awesome the only thing that helps is if I eat through the nausea which is not easy and try and stay full all day long which requires a lot of eating that I just do not feel like doing.....

I still can't believe this is happening to us......God is faithful!!!!

Mattie's Married

2009-06-02T11:36:00.007-05:00

What a whirlwind my little brother is married and yes I cried like a baby. It was crazy for me to see him all grown up standing at the altar and especially to see my dad sobbing. Last of 4 to be married and we have officially all grown up and moved out. My parents finally have an empty nest.... The wedding was beautiful one funny story they had us get pictures by a barn off 109 and we all had ticks everywhere....we were freaking out as soon as we got to the reception we had tick checks. I think Timmy won he had 8 of them.....I couldn't find any on me which creeps me out maybe I couldn't find them and they are there......I hate ticks.....

Matt and Carol are in the Dominican I'm sure they are having a blast...

Tommy's best man speech was so cute he found a letter Matt wrote him in 1993 that was signed "your biggest best friend" it was really sweet!!!!

UPS AND DOWN

2009-04-17T18:44:00.004-05:00

Well it has been a sad week for my family, my mom lost her brother unexpectedly at age 59...and she was the one who found him at his house after 4 days of no one hearing from him.... So needless to say (sparing all the gory details) my mom needs prayers, love and support right now....I have been giving her all the love I can...and Sarah is coming in town tonight to keep her occupied and help her as much as we can.... My dad has been so awesome and supportive watching the way he is with her is such an awesome example of unconditional love that God wants us to have for one another...I know she will get through this she just needs to be surrounded by loved ones...

On the second note, I had my table tilt test today and I failed...oh well...I passed out but that I guess is what they wanted me to do so they could see if it is my heart rate or my Blood pressure that drops first and then I could figure out how to avoid it....But leave it to me it was both that drop at the same time. The good news is that this is not life threatening I just have to learn how to avoid triggers and when I feel a fainting episode coming on lay down and put my feet up....I am just thrilled to be done with all the testing and this be the only thing that they could find, they call it neurocardiogenic syncope (kind of fancy but it just means "I am a fainter.")

Time to move on with my life...onward and upward my friends, no more tests and no more IV's for a very very long time... I am thankful for life and I plan to live it to the fullest, everyday! That is why I ate a BIG MAC today, I mean I devoured it..I probably have one once a year and I thought what the heck....I deserve it...yummy

BUSY DAY!!

2009-04-05T21:08:00.004-05:00

What a busy day!!! We had Easter with my side of the family and celebrated Matty's B-day! We went to church, colored Easter Eggs, had an Easter Egg hunt, sang Happy Birthday and gave Matty presents. Not only was Ben exhausted so was I!!! Ben is the cutest little man I have ever met. he is talking so much, he is actually hilarious......It was nice most of the day until around 3:00 or so it started to get cold. Tomorrow at 5:30am, is not going to be fun!! Well a few more weeks and schools out for summer.... I am already getting my summer book list ready.....

Happy Birthday Matty "28" this is a very exciting time for you with the wedding and everything. Almost time for the showers and wedding events to begin.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMMY BOY!

2009-03-27T20:19:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Tommy, I hope you had an incredible day!!! I put a picture of Ben up because it seems like we only take pictures of him these days but how could you resist he is so darn cute.

Well I had a CT angiogram for a questionable MRA that I had a month ago and I got the nest news in the world today!!!!! What they thought they saw turns out to be nothing more than a variant of normal!!! Leave it to me to be abnormally normal.If anyone has ever had a CT with contrast man that contrast feels weird...I seriously thought I peed myself but they told me it is a feeling that everyone gets.....I was like whoa...

SO next week I see a new cardiologist and hopefully we get a good report from him as well.

God is good! whenever I have been scared about this medical stuff I have been asking him to hold me very tightly in the palm of his hand. and the comfort I get from him has been overwhelming! I have been getting the feeling that I need to start keeping a journal of all these challenges I have faced and someday I will have an amazing testimony to tell.

Who said work can't be fun?!!!!

2009-03-15T16:21:00.005-05:00

Feels like spring temporarily.....I'm taking advantage of it!!!! We are going to grill out tonight and we have all the windows open to get some fresh air in here.

We went to Mizzou yesterday to watch Chaminade play basketball...besides them winning which was exciting...we ate at Quinton's and I had a total trip down memory lane!!! Alot has changed down there in 7 years but it all came back to me..eventually....

Doctor update well there are a few things I still need to get clearance on but so far so good. I saw a cardiologist and I did not agree with him...he said that I need a pacemaker.......I told him no I don't think so....so I am going to get a second opinion..He was talking all sorts of crazy talk. So I really just discounted him right off the bat. I feel pretty good about all of the tests and I feel like I am going to walk away just fine. This is a pretty through work up and I think if you go scanning anyone you will find variants of normal...so I am not freaking out at all.

Here is a funny picture of me and my glasses that I wear at work in the patients rooms...the teenagers just love it the little ones don't know what to think. Gotta have some fun even if you are at work. I was on nights this week so anything to stay awake....

Something I am hooked on right now is EBay...I mean this is great I found Armani Code perfume on there for $25.....seriously....now I am looking for everything on there from lip gloss to clothes.

I also bought Very Sexy this week from Victoria's secret they also have a new scent out but I can't decide if it is too grown up for me...(aka old lady) I will need Sarah's opinion on that!

Life in the fast lane!!

2009-03-05T15:22:00.004-06:00

Well as usually for me life has been a mile a minute not only filled with full time school, full time work, and 260 hours of clinicals in my free time.....I have been even busier with a Brain MRI, Brain EEG, 2-D Echo, EKG, lots of blood work, and wearing a halter monitor for 48 hours (which itched so bad). I made my mom go to everything with me even in the MRI room because I was scared. She was awesome she changed into scrubs and came with me and held my toe(because they put this Hannibal Lecter mask on me and put me in a tube and my toes where the only thing hanging out). It was really weird and loud. I just kept on pretending I was in a tanning bed. As far as the results well I have been a bad girl and looking up my own results which is not a good idea because I am NOT a doctor especially not a neurologist or a cardiologist and I freak myself out. So I am going to wait until I have my appointments next week before I jump to conclusions. One thing I have realized is that life is not a guarantee and we need to make it a point to cherish every moment. I have had some scares LATELY and really most of the things in life are things that do not really matter!!! I know I will be fine no matter what but I am trying to make a point to stop and smell the roses and enjoy LIFE a little bit MORE. I was talking to my mom and I realized that all people do not have the determination and drive that I have....always wanting to accomplish more...save more people....learn more knowledge....be a better person.....some people are content with where they are in life...not that I am not content I just can't help to think that GOD created me with so much potential to be more....So that is why I push myself to these crazy limits but I am realizing the importance to slowing down.....and I am working on it.

Tonight is my last 8 week class so that's is one less thing. Right!

Can't wait for our summer vacation and then my little brother Matt's wedding...Until then I am dreaming of the days where the sand is so hot that it burns my feet!!!!......Ahh delightful

Overdue Pictures

2009-02-08T14:40:00.003-06:00

Most of the cousins on Dads side.....

Well I have been waiting for pictures from Sarah from the holidays and she finally go them to me so I thought....... what the heck I will post them. We went to a wedding this weekend in decauter and it was actually quite a nice day to drive. Plus I have been so busy it was good to see Timmy and catch up on things.... I didn't bring my camera. I worked in the morning an then went straight there so lets say I wasn't posing for any cameras.

So on Thursday I have a brain EEG, then in the next few weeks I have a Brain MRA, 2-D Echo, then I will be wearing a Haulter monitor for a few days and an appointment with a cardiologist to figure out if there was anything more to me having these passing out spells. Against my will I went to see a primary care doctor and when I was giving him my history I guess I have passed out once or twice every year since 2002. Is that a big deal I have no idea but I guess we are going to find out. I am hoping for just a clean bill of health. I feel too young to have anything wrong with me. I tried to protest the tests but he said if there is something wrong it could eventually result in sudden death.....so I then was like fine I will make time!!!!! I sure don't anticipate anything but good news!!

On another note my eight week class is officially half way over. I have a test in my other class in two weeks and I have done pretty much everything today to avoid studying. There is so much to know as a nurse practitioner how will I ever fit it all in.......Sometimes I wonder...it is like a roller coaster sometimes I can get it right on and then some I am speechless.....It's very humbling....

and of coarse pictures of Sarah's dogs, she send pictures of them all the time. They are her babies.

Tim played in a soccer tournament all weekend long plus he is still battling his cold, not sure where he finds his drive....

One month closer to SPRING

2009-02-01T14:06:00.005-06:00

That is all that is getting me through!!! I am so super busy girl. I am working on my days off at the VA off Grand for clinicals and can we say interesting..... It is actually pretty fun these vets crack me up!!!! I had one little old man stop me in the hall and ask me ,"if it was true that blonde's had more fun"..... they for the most part are very appreciative for the care and are humble about serving our country. With the exception of a few that tell me that I owe them for what they did and I could repay them if I write them a prescription for Percocet.....Luckily for e Nurse Practitioners in the state of Missouri can not write for narcotics so I play on that!!! Anyway because everyone that reads this isn't a nurse I will spare you my gory stories...but lets just say that every day I am there it is VERY interesting. and I am getting good at Prostate exams.......(maybe I went too far with that)

We had a wedding last night and it was really fun. We got to thinking that is about it for all of our friends now it seems as if everyone else has moved on to having babies. There were six couples at out table last night and 5 of them are pregnant. It is almost like you can step back and watch your life go by in phases....first engagement, then wedding, then babies, then what.......not sure....growing old I guess.

School is moving along and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. We booked our summer vacation we are escaping for 2 weeks this summer!!!!!!!!!!!!! CANT WAIT

ENJOY the SUPERBOWL......I am making my famous ribs!

HELLO CRAZINESS, GOOD BYE FREE TIME

2009-01-17T20:26:00.002-06:00

OK so these pictures are all memories from vacations and warm places (Hawaii and Florida). This is what is getting me through this freezing weather and my super I don't even know how I am going to do it schedule. I work 3 days a week (13 hours), then I go to school 2 nights a week, and I am doing my practicum 2 days a week. Every free minute is devoted to homework and learning how to prescribe for things I will see in the office. I have only been back a week and have cried 3 times. Thanks to Timmy and his pep talks I know I will make it through. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I posted these pictures of our vacations because this is what gets me through. We officially booked our 2 week vacation for this year so I am dreaming about that already!!!!

Until then I will be thinking warm thoughts ONLY!!!

Another Year Flies by...........

2009-01-02T21:26:00.004-06:00

As well as another 80's Christmas Sweater party...........

and the outfits keep on getting better and better and the gifts just keep on getting worse.......

What a great time!!!! Great time of year to get together with friends and family!!!

New years Eve was uneventful I had to work that day and was too pooped out to celebrate. I know I am getting old. Then Timmy always has a soccer game on New Years Day and thank God it was not freezing this year. Then we hung out at the Spanish Society for some Chorizo then back to Kevin and Colleen's house. We played games until like 2am. We felt like we were in high school again staying up that late. It was good for me because I work all night long Saturday , Sunday and Monday so staying awake will hopefully be easier. I doubt it but one can only hope!!

Whew....Exhausting!

2008-12-28T13:20:00.005-06:00

Well just as I thought Christmas was here and gone before I even realized it. It was nice Sarah and Josh were home and we had the whole family back together again. They also brought their 3 dogs which made things very interesting!! We were with both families on Christmas Eve because I was supposed to work on Christmas day. However I received a phone call that morning around 5:30am saying do not come in. We only had six little kiddos in the hospital for Christmas Day. So I pretty much lounged around with Timmy all day it was very nice and relaxing.

The day after Christmas was quite a weird day. I woke up went to work and then started to feel ill. I ended up passing out in front of everyone (doctors, nurses, families.....). They were unable to arouse me for 30 seconds, my pupils were dilated and non-reactive. So I then found myself in the ER at Barnes getting blood work, EKG, IV fluids, d-sticks...... My heart rate was 42 and my blood pressure was 92/48. They didn't find anything wrong with me after I recovered and they sent me home. So I am hoping that will never happen again. I was actually pretty afraid when I heard my heart rate, I guess knowing too much of what could be going wrong. I have felt fine since then just really sore from falling. Let's just say that I am hoping that 2009 is a better year for me when it comes to health issues!!! I'm done with 2008.

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!

2008-12-20T11:45:00.004-06:00

So yesterday was my 29th Birthday and It was a great day filled with things that make me tick. For those of you that know me it is things like, FAMILY, FRIENDS, FOOD & RELAXATION.....I'm a pretty simple girl.. Who loves getting pampered. Well the day began with my mom bringing me breakfast in bed, then I had a massage at Stone water Spa at Frontenac, then lunch with Timmy, home to take a nap, then dinner at my mom's house with a fire and a good chick flick. Now tonight Timmy and I are having dinner at Sydney Street Cafe and then to look at the lights at our proposal spot. AHHHH life is good...

However since I am 29 I can not help but think about next year the big 30! Ahh There are a few things I hope to have attained by then but they are completely out of my control so I guess that is what is so frustrating for me! Oh well... I can run but I can't hide. I do not feel old until someone asks me how old I am then I find myself dancing around the number. Now I know why my grandma says 29 every time some one asks her how old she is. So I am hoping that 29 is my year!!

One thing I have to say is that I am truly blessed to be surrounded by people who unconditionally love me and bless me by their very presence.

Way too busy of a time of the year to have a birthday. Sarah and Josh are on their way here with their 3 dogs...Yes 3 she just got a new one a few weeks ago. She is hilarious between wanting dogs, horses and kids she will be a busy girl. Hannah is home from her study abroad program for a few weeks which is amazing.....

I work on Christmas Day which is a downer but I think of my patients that are stuck in the hospital sick on Christmas Day so maybe I can bring cheer to them and make them smile. Isn't that really what Christmas is about. I am blessed so that I can be a blessing!

Afterthoughts!!

2008-12-05T21:21:00.004-06:00

Wow, Thanksgiving has been here and gone!! It was super busy. we spent the day with Timmy's family and then I flew to Texas to see Sarah and her new house. It was really a great time but it as just way too short and actually kind of cold for Texas. Figures it would be since I was there. Anyway she will be back for Christmas which is like right around the corner. It was weird being away from Timmy though....I kind of hated that.......

Other than that finals next week, working and sitting by the fireplace trying to keep warm...that pretty much sums up my November!

Doritos commercial for Super Bowl

2008-11-25T16:49:00.004-06:00

My brother Matt graduated from Webster University and is amazing at video production and editing. He entered a commercial contest for the super bowl and he needs people to go and view his commercial to make it to the top 5. I think his is one of the best ones! I might be biased! So do me a favor go to the link and watch it for him and who knows you might even see it when you are watching the Superbowl!!!!!

http://crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/video/1558/

Happy Anniversary

2008-11-15T11:09:00.002-06:00

2 years down...whew...2 years of learning and growing!! Happy Anniversary Timmy thanks for all of your patience and support. !!! Tonight we are doing dinner and a movie it should be great to get some time quality time together since things have been so crazy around here.

I have been so super busy lately with the new job getting acquainted and learning the role. Can we just say that change is extremely uncomfortable! I also finished one 22 page paper and have one to go which I am thinking I will start today!

Well it is official I am going to Texas to visit Sarah over Thanksgiving so I will post pictures. Ruthie is coming too!!

Family MATTERS

2008-10-25T12:58:00.004-05:00

DD came home finally to spend some quality time with her family. It was so incredible to have her here. 5 days flew by of course... We had a slumber party, did a lot of shopping and eating. Sarah has always been the fashionable one so while she was here I utilized her sense of style to the max... from clothing to lip gloss...we got it covered. We also got blue and purple nail polish because she said that this is in and did our nails and toe nails. We even painted moms toe nails purple. We could believe she went for it but then again she pretty much wants to do anything we do.

We had some fun sibling time. We even got to see Ben!! Who is probably the cutest, smartest kid I have ever seen in my life. He is really talking and he is hilarious.

We also got to spend some time with our new sisters (Carol's sisters). I love having more sisters!!

Work is going I started off sooooo awkward but I think slowly but surely I am starting to get the hang of it again.

I started another new class this week so now I have 2, 15 page papers due, which I obviously should be doing now...Oh well.

Oh yeah and the Silpada jewelry party was a huge hit! So many people came and the jewelry is so amazing. if I had more time I would love to be a Silpada rep but I think I am spread too thin as it is! Well everyone enjoy the beautiful Fall colors!

RELENTLESS

2008-10-13T20:00:00.002-05:00

Relentless was the name of the women's conference that Carol, myself and my mother went to. It was so amazing Hillsong from Australia led worship and Yolanda Admas performed. The the speakers were Lisa Bevere, Joyce Meyers, and Creflo Dollar. I was so impacted and built up on how awesome God really is. It was a great time for the girls to bond we even got matching t-shirts....pretty funny.

NEXT TOPIC

Can we say fish out of water....I know new jobs are supposed to be crazy and awkward but I think I have had one very interesting first week. Hmm let's see where should I begin....?

OK funny things that have happened to me this week. 2 solid weeks in classroom orientation you know me I have to make it interesting.

Well Let's start with Monday morning.. I was physically running to the Children's parking garage (because we shuttle to work and I waited for like 10 minutes for a shuttle and there were none to be had) so that I would not be late for grad school out in west county and I tripped and fell yep ....had a white shirt on spilt my ice tea on the front of me and skinned both my knees to prove it. I wanted to lay there and cry but I heard a voice in my head "get up Christie". Ok so as much as you can recover from that I did.....

Tuesday went into bathrooms that I thought were the women's bathroom, I mean I guess the urinals should have tipped me off and definitely passed a man as I was walking out(could have been worse he could have been in there with me).

Since BJC is making it mandatory for all of there employees to get a flu shot I went to the employee health fair to get my BMI, cholesterol levels and flu shot for our insurance plan. It was a zoo I mean people were just every where and long lines. So I went and had my finger pricked and then stood in the line for the flu shot for like 30 minutes. I hear them call out the name "Christina" so I raised my hand yeah that's me....She motioned for me to come out of the line I had been standing in for the past 30 minutes and I said no it's ok you can give me my results here. She said "no we need to talk". Ok I am thinking, "embarrassing something is wrong with me and now all my new friends know it" She starts to give me results something about my BMI showing that I am OBESE and my cholesterol is through the roof as well as my blood sugar.....I stopped listening I just wanted my results and wanted out of there. so I run back in line devastated of course. Thinking I will never eat again..... and I hear them call the name Christina again, I look down at my paper and it is not my last name. I was so relieved at that point I threw my hands up and said thank god this is not me. I am sure the lady whose it was, was standing right besides me.... Well we all got a good laugh out of it but I will tell you it was traumatic. Somewhere in their I lost my purse but it was recovered and I actually survived the rest of the week.

I am hoping for a better week. Hopefully it can't get worse..... I'll keep you posted.

I think a CHANGE will do me good!

2008-09-28T16:56:00.003-05:00

Well I am on the count down until I start my new job. 7 days! Not that I am not nervous or freaked out about it but when it is time it's time. And that is where I am at. I already told everyone that I was leaving work like 6 weeks ago and now it is just time. I started training someone how to be me and the odds and ends for working for two very different doctors with very different expectations and needs. So that is tiresome in itself. Everything this week will be my "last times"....

I am super pumped because I was able to talk to Hannah today for the first time through Skype, which means we were able to see each other and it was so much fun!!!! She is having such a great time and only has 3 weeks left in Vienna. She gave me a tour of her apartment and I see a little bit of the city. Technology. what did we do without it.

Speaking of so I bought a brand new cell phone (PALM CENTRO) in May and it big time broke on me last week to where I couldn't get it to do anything. So I called AT&T because I thought it would be under warranty and they said if it had scratches on it that I would have to pay $255 to get my phone back. hmm let me think about this.....my phone is in my purse most of the time and yes it has scratches on it not a lot but not enough to gamble $255 dollars. So like a sucker I used my insurance which is $50 mind you on a phone I just paid $300 dollars for and I got a eighties looking blue refurbished phone. Oh I was not happy.

Let me just tell you how hard it is to get by without a cell phone these days. I started to think how did we used to do it? I guess we didn't know the difference. I felt such a disconnect from the world I am happy to have my life line back.

I also had a run in with the dentist this week and let me just say I think good teeth or bad teeth runs in your genes....because I take great care of my teeth and it seems like every time I go they are recommending things to me like fluoride treatments, sealants....... I know it is worth it but I mean come on why doesn't insurance pay for any of this stuff. I am learning about insurance companies and I do not like it. It seems like everything I have done lately falls into some sort of medical exclusion and that stuff is not cheap. It is starting to become overwhelming.

So I just started my research paper today. I have been collecting research articles for over a month now and I have way more than I can read. Oh boy do I have my work cut out for me. I still have to write a 15 page literature review. Oh boy grad school is so fun. I pick up yet another writing intensive class in October. I better be smart when this is all said and done!

Well I will keep you posted on the new job and hopefully I will be just fine and I will love it. We will see.

I will attach pictures of Timmy's nephew Bobby he lost his two front teeth I love it!!!!! He is getting so big! Other pictures of more exciting times by the fire. Timmy's favorite thing to do this time of year!

Feraro's Jersey Style Pizza in Soulard

2008-09-21T19:29:00.004-05:00

IS My FAVORITE pizza place in the STL. Timmy took me there last night and we sat outside and it was the perfect night. If you haven't been, put it on your MUST DO list. It is a hole in the wall but totally worth it. Believe me you will thank me later.

Something else I realized today there are some things in life that I am a total snob about. One being the brand of my Q-tips. If you have ever used the cheaper generic kind you will know what I mean. I just can't get myself to use them. So I forked out $5.00 for a box of Q-tips. Then I started to think of other things in life that I simply cannot deny myself the luxury of ......using the air condition when it is HOT outside (like right in the beginning of summer), buying a drink/coffee when I am on my errands, extremely hot showers, getting my hair highlighted, breakfast, lunch and dinner, using the a/c in the car, shampoo and conditioner.....

I couldn't think of a whole heck of a lot...so I came to the conclusion that I am low maintenance.....I know my husband would laugh at that.

So when it comes to wifely duties I am still trying to master things such as ironing and cooking. Cleaning I pretty much gave up on being I live with a type A. I got the iron out for the 2nd time in our marriage tonight and Timmy was actually like what is that? My motivating factor is that I saw Timmy leaving for work one morning and his pants were soooo wrinkly I felt like it was a poor reflection of his wife. So I am trying to be better about ironing. It does take away countless hours of your life though. However, since I have been avoiding writing my research paper this serves for a good distraction.

When it comes to cooking GOD knows I do try. I really enjoying cooking it just seems like I have more flub ups than successes. Let's just say Timmy is a major meat and potato type of guy and I could pretty much live without either of those. So I try and compromise! Which on those nights he usually ends up eating chips and cheese or sunflower seeds for dinner. So tonight I had a success so I am going to share my cheese scalloped potato recipe. I kind of invented it myself, well it was a spin off from something I found on the Internet. Here goes.

4-6 medium potatoes peeled and cut into thin scallops

2 Tablespoons flour

1 tsp. salt

dash of pepper

dash of garlic salt

3 Tablespoons butter

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup of half and half

fresh parsley

Panko bread crumbs

Butter a 2 qt baking dish and layer 1/3 of potatoes

IN a small bowl combine 1 tbls of flour, 1/2tsp salt, dash of garlic salt and pepper. Sprinkle mixture over potatoes Dot with butter. and sprinkle cheese with each layer.

Repeat with layers and another Tbsp flour mixture and parsley

heat up half and half in pot and pour over top of potatoes

Cover, Bake 375 for 45 min.

uncover sprinkle cheese and then panko bread crumb(I sauteed mine in a little butter and olive oil for extra crunch) Then place uncovered back in the oven for 15 more minutes.

It was really delicious. let me know if you try and like this recipe.

When I start my new job, which is 2 weeks i am going to do more experimenting with cooking and maybe even take some classes. Scoot over Emeril here I come...BAM...

I've died and gone to heaven!!!!

2008-09-12T15:51:00.005-05:00

And in heaven,..... at least my personal heaven, there is a Whole Foods Market just like the new one out on 141 and Clayton. The first 20 minutes I just stood there with my jaw on the floor trying to take everything in. Now keep in mind it was around 10:30am that I was there and they were just putting out the most amazing food I have probably ever seen in my life. I had 4 employees walk up to me at different times asking if I needed help. I said no but really I felt like I needed lessons on how to shop at such an amazing place. I really didn't know what I wanted or needed for that matter. I was besides myself.

It was funny because what I ended up doing was following people around and when I saw them putting things in their cart then I put them in my cart. I dunno maybe if they like it I will too. Otherwise I would be guessing anyway. I wish I could afford to buy everything there but the prices are drastically higher than Schnucks.

I can't even do it justice you have to go and check it out for yourself. I spent a huge chunk of my day wandering around the store and everyone is so friendly. It also seemed like everyone who was shopping there took care of themselves, healthwise (meaning there were not overweight people). Kind of a large generalization to make but it is just what I thought. Wow I will go back there every chance I get!!!

Then I went to Cedar's house which he was as cute as ever talking up a storm. he has to be the most well behaved 2 year old I have ever seen. He was sitting at the table feeding himself lunch not making a mess at all. If anything dropped he would pick it up immediately and say "excuse knee" (excuse me). He is really getting to be a big boy.

Then I went to go see one of my bestest friends, Meghan, from Middle school and her new beautiful baby boy, Parker. It was so fun to catch up. This is her 2nd and her last. She has the "American Dream" 1 boy and 1 girl.

Tonight mom and I are going to see "The Women" just came out in theatres today!!! Timmy is in Indiana with soccer tournament. So I am taking advantage of an opportunity for someone to see a chick flick with me!

How to make smores without the marshmellows!

2008-09-07T14:39:00.004-05:00

This we learned was not an easy task. We went to Kevin and Colleen's for a BBQ to enjoy this beautiful weather and we decided to have a fire. The wood was quite wet from all the rain we had here lately but the boys had this great idea to set the logs across the flame to help them dry out. Well we ended up with what you could call a bi-level fire! Pretty funny...

Of course when you have a fire your mind immediately wants smores. Well all we had the chocolate bars and Ritz crackers so it was time to get creative. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Colleen used a pancake flipper and right at the end they all slide off into the fire. Then Kevin decided to go get her soup spoon, some milk and an oven mitt. Let's just say it was hilarious. They were actually quite good at the end we sprinkled powdered sugar all over them. It was so good seeing them and getting a chance to catch up.

Friday night Timmy was honored at the football game with his baseball team for the winning state championship 10 years ago. It was nice there was a banquet and everything. I have never seen grown men get into something so much. His buddy had his mom bring his high school ring and yes your right he was wearing it. There parents were there and their friends from other schools. Could have just been the free beer that they were there for but anywho it was pretty cute. They all had alumni hats on. Too bad I forgot my camera. Oh well boys will be boys.

4 more weeks of work until I start my 3 day a week job. I am nervous because I really do not know much about the area that I am going into but I am hoping this will make me more well rounded. Hopefully it will be some of the stuff I will see outpatient at an office when I become the real deal!! IN the mean time ON WARD and UP WARD.

The weather is so beautiful it is nice just to open the house up.

Big Changes

2008-09-03T19:17:00.004-05:00

Well so now I can spill the beans!!! I am leaving my job so that I can finish my schooling and start my residency for my nurse practitioner degree. SCAREY!!!! I hate change. I am so comfortable where I am I know everyone, I know the processes and the system and it is time for a change. Well I am at the point in school where it is get serious or get out. So here I am seriously changing jobs. I have worked with cancer patients for 5 years now it is time for me to get outside my box and become an expert in another area. So I thought what type of patients will I see as a nurse practitioner in the office. ........ So I am going back to Children's Hospital and I will be on the Pulmonary floor (asthma, cyctic fibrosis, trachs...) working nights, weekends, and holidays. I remember what I thought to be my last shift on the floor I was so happy to never work these crazy hours again. I have to do this in order to get to my goal so anything is doable for 2 years? right? The benefit in this situation will be that I only work 3 days a week. So what will I do on the other days....... well free work and school...... and maybe some shopping.

I was so afraid to tell my bosses but they were very supportive and kind of figured since they knew I was in school. So once again I need to make new friends...... I also need to figure out about schools I might switch to UMSL due to the fact that it is half the price of Maryville. The next big decision is going to be my degree either Family nurse practitioner or Pediatric nurse practitioner. I have to January on this one!!!!

We were able to see Cedar over Labor day weekend. I was able to get some pictures but they are not very good. Keep in mind he is 2 and on the move. He has a big boy hair cut and is at the stage where he thinks boys are cooler than girls. Well I didn't want to be the one to tell him that it wasn't true. So I am sure he will come around. Here are some pictures!!!!

Timmy is back to school and busier than ever and Matt and Carol set a wedding date of May 30TH, 2009 !!!!! YEAHHHHHHH!!!

Random Thoughts

2008-08-24T16:36:00.005-05:00

Well as you can tell I haven't blogged in awhile which means there a lot has been going on in LIFE.

I am 95% recovered from surgery which by the way took a lot out of me (more than I thought). Timmy was so awesome too, I couldn't have anything to eat or drink after midnight and my surgery didn't end up starting until around two o'clock. So he did it with me and it seemed like every conversation we were having in the waiting area some how was linked to food. For me that was a challenge. There I am showing what a glutton I am! But they said that the surgery went better than they had hoped for. SO I know God's hand was all over that.

Timmy spent his whole day at the Hospital on Wednesday because they thought his dad had a heart attack. Thank God everything came out to show that he had not and he was able to come home. God has been good to us!!!

Now that I am over that I can feel the stress of school coming over me! Well I can't say much about that now but I will fill you in on the details later.

I also found Ben out at church playing on the playground and snapped some pictures of how darn cute he is.

Tom Petty Concert was a blast it was just Timmy and I it didn't rain on us at all but boy was the pavement slippery. I felt like I was on ice skates( I guess my flip flops didn't have any traction). It was pretty funny. Timmy had to hold me up when we walked and I was still slipping! We danced and we sang all night. It was great!!!

Here are some random pictures to sum up my thoughts. Hannah left for her masters degree around the world. I think she is now in Vienna! I miss her like crazy already!

Oh how the years go by!

2008-07-30T20:56:00.003-05:00

I can't hardly believe that I have been out of high school for ten years! I don't feel old. Well I had an absolute blast seeing old friends. It was so much fun it felt as if we hadn't skipped a beat. We acted like we were in college we pulled a late nighter just the girls and ended up trying to go to courtesy diner around 3:30am (never a good idea). Luckily the wait was too long and we settled for taco bell and a slumber party. We went to bed around 4:30am and we were up by 7:30 am and this morning , yes I was feeling old!!!

Not many people change in 10 years but I bet the next ten years will be even more interesting.!!! It was great because it seemed like everyone was nice to everyone no matter what happened high school. Looks like we all grew up some over the years.

To my Girls I hope we all keep in touch, thanks for 28 years of memories and here is too many more!!!

Happy 2ND Birthday CEDAR!!

2008-07-27T20:11:00.003-05:00

He had a big swimming party birthday this year he swam and swam and swam until he was physically exhausted. It is so neat to see him developing into a little boy. Stephanie's family came to my parents house and we all had a nice time.

I had my 10 year reunion and it was really nice to see everyone again. I felt like I just kept staring at everyone trying to see who has changed the most. It's amazing what 10 years will do. I will post pictures later I for got my camera so I have to get them from Hannah. Hannah and Holly spent the night it was an absolute blast just like old days we went to bed at 4:00am and we all were up at 7:30am because Holly had to get home to feed baby Max. Lets just say I am going to bed early tonight.

BULL SHOALS ARKANSAS 2008

2008-07-20T20:46:00.005-05:00

My last summer get away and I am super depressed that it is over. We had a very nice time 4 long days on the boat, followed by sunset cruises. I finished the 3rd twilight series book (Eclipse) by Stephene Meyer and I am now eagerly awaiting the 4th one that comes out August 1st. I also read Jennifer Weiner's, Certain girls and I am working on The Husband by Dean Koontz. I am really into reading I think I have read about 10 books in 3 weeks. If you are looking for a great read start with wither Twilight (Meyer) or Something Borrowed (Emily Griffin) and you will be hooked.

Timmy is finished with his soccer camps at Creighton University and he only has one more trip left (New York).

Sarah is in town which is great so I get to look forward to spending a lot of time with her over the next 12 days!!!! I have my ten year high school reunion this Saturday which should be interesting.

Well back to the real world for me, here are some pics from our trip.

Our Little Aisle Walker!!!

2008-07-12T21:09:00.006-05:00

FROM THE BOW TIE DOWN TO HIS LITTLE DRESS SHOES HE WILL STEAL YOUR HEART!

Matt and Ben

Stephanie's sister got married today and Ben was "an aisle walker". Call me prejudice but he is the cutest little aisle walker I have ever laid eyes on. Check out his cute little legs. He made it down the aisle perfectly!

The proof is right here in these pictures. Hopefully the next wedding he sports that tux in will be matty's.

Timmy comes home from Creighton tomorrow and it has been a heck of a long week without him.

Check out Matt and Tommy's faux hawks!!

SIESTA KEY FLORIDA 2008

2008-07-04T10:58:00.007-05:00

Oh what a week of eating, reading, soaking up the sun, early morning walks on the beach, ice cream and sunsets. Life doesn't get much better than that. I read 4 books without even blinking an eye. It was just nice to read anything but school books. So relaxing I tell you. I got used to that lifestyle real quick. We went with Hannah and Jonathon and we had so much fun. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard. Jonathon is quite the character. Lets just say there was never a dull moment. t was funny because instead of going out every night we came home watched the sunset and read our books on the couch. We did go out one night. I guess we are getting old.

I also actually got a tan as opposed to just burning up. It is hard to believe that we now have to wait another year for a vacation. Well I do not start school again until August 25 so I still have time for a few extended weekend trips. We are going to Bull Shoals Arkansas in a couple weeks that should be fun!! As you can see Timmy was thrilled about all the pictures as poses I made him do.

Father's Day weekend

2008-06-15T21:58:00.003-05:00

We had a great time at GiGi and Pop's again!! Ben went swimming for the first time and me, Matt, and Carol were like the paparazzi taking pictures of him. He was loving it. Then of course my mom bought him a ton of things that kept him entertained: a huge plane and a tool belt..... He also did a lot of dancing and showed us how he puts his hands in the air and praises God. Man I can't wait to be a parent!!

I am so thankful for my heavenly father I really could not have asked for a better person. The older I get the more I realize what a neat person my dad is. He has taught me all of the important things in life. He has shown me unconditional love and how to treat people. Thank you FurFACE I love you so much. I try and honor you today and everyday!

Here is a compilation of pictures most of Ben. Sarah was home for a few days for the memorial service. It was weird that she wasn't here with us at mom and dads!

Dave Matthews Band at Busch Stadium

2008-06-08T11:53:00.004-05:00

What a Blast!!! We started our day at 12:00 at the pool which you can tell by all the pictures(we are all fried). The we (The Klug's, The Ewing's, The Sartori's and Hannah/Bird) met for dinner at Roxanne's at 5:00 which was delicious. Timmy of course bet on the horse race so he was glued to the TV. Then off to the concert we went. When we first got there we were all just radiating so much heat from our burns and dripping with sweat. As the evening went on it cooled off and it turned out to be a beautiful night. The music was great a lot of old school Dave Matthews which is pretty much the only Dave Matthews we know.

There was one little instance were these 19 year old boys were sitting behind me and kept touching my hair and my neck. I kept trying to ignore them. Of course Timmy was a few rows away dancing because it was an empty row(when he dances it is best have a lot of room because he is all over the place) so he had no clue. Dan actually saw them doing this and he gave them the evil eye and they were like "I'm sorry Man." I though

t this would be the end of it. I guess I didn't realize I was dealing with 19 year old drunk boys. All the sudden they dumped their beer on my hair and before I knew it all of the six boys we were with and then a few around the crowd that were annoyed with these drunk boys were in there face yelling at them. I really felt like we were in high school. The 19 year old boys actually went and got their sister to confront us. It was pretty funny. Long story short we ended up getting the usher to get them out of there. That was our excitement for the night.

On a much more sad note......Aunt

Margie Polizzi who has been battling cancer for 18+ years went home to be with the Lord on June 6, 2008. She had a Bone Marrow transplant in March 2008 and bless her heart she really had a hard time recovering. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family in this time of need. She really lived her life to the fullest!! She suffers no more.

Congratulations Graduates!!!!

2008-05-29T22:07:00.003-05:00

Tis the season for graduations!!!It is the end of one chapter and a very new beginning for many!!!! Timmy's nephew (well our nephew I mean) graduated from Chaminade and since Timmy worked there we got to see both of them in their cap and gowns. We went to the Lake of the Ozarks on Friday and drove back Sunday for the graduation. Short trip with lots of rain. The only good thing is that I got to go to the outlet mall. I actually got a little carried away and I spent all of the money we had to go to Chicago this weekend. Whoops!!! I am not even mad. I had a blast~!

Last weekend we had HANNAH'S graduation celebration and she just told me this week she is going to accept the grant that she was offered to travel the world and finish grad school in one year through Webster. Boy I will miss her but she is going to have the experience of a life time. I think I am going to teach her how to set up a blog so I can travel the world with her!!!

And Timmy had a birthday 28 years old. He is such a wonderful husband and I am truly blessed to get to spend many many more Birthdays with him.!!!!!! HE is the hardest person to shop for because he is the guy who doesn't want or need anything. Anyway baby here's to you!!!!

Today is Stephanie's Birthday, we love you steph hope we can celebrate soon. Although her and Carol and I went to go see Made of Honor, can you say.....HELLO DR McDREAMY!!!

Mother's Day with Gigi and Pop

2008-05-13T21:40:00.005-05:00

Minus the weather Mother's day was a success. It is nice to take some time out and honor the person who does so much for us !! I spent a lot of the time following Ben around taking pictures of him. He is so hilarious he loves phones,musical instruments and brooms. Kind of a weird compilation of things. He calls mom Gigi but instead of calling Dad, Pop, he calls him Pots. It is so cute!!! He just steals your heart with one look. He had his cast taken off from when he fractured his wrist again and now he just has to wear a little brace.

I am so blessed with an awesome family!!!!

SISters ReUnited

2008-05-04T21:35:00.007-05:00

AL L in one weekend:

Sarah came home boy was it good to see her again. Carol moved back home from college for ever. Matt is super happy. As are we! We had 2 weddings and then tonight had a family get together at mom and dads. I think I did pretty good considering the first night Sarah came home I cried myself to sleep because I knew she was going to leave again. I think I just got it out of the way and then the rest of the weekend went really smooth. We had a blast made some memories and can't wait to see her again!!

Now that I purchased a new phone I am the text message queen I have only messed up so far once and text the wrong person the wrong thing. That was me trying to have many conversations simultaneously. That could have been bad. I like to use texting during TV shows so I can talk to people on the commercial breaks and then stop when it comes on. Saturday I cleaned out house from top to bottom and then I watched 2 movies in a row...JUNO and the INTO THE WILD (now that was weird) but I liked the underlying message and seeing all the beautiful nature scenes. I thought JUNO was really cute.

One of the pictures of Carol, Sarah and I is our best attempt for an 80's pose can you guess which one? Timmy played 2 soccer games and was extremely exhausted and sore!! We had a bond fire and now I reek like one. Busy week ahead I think Timmy and I are booked every night and then this weekend is Mother's day!

Pretty Penny

2008-04-27T13:47:00.002-05:00

The cost of living keeps on going up up up..... and our jobs are not compensating. I keep asking my dad what is going to happen to our economy. What do you do though we need things so we have to keep buying no mater what the prices do. I have been really good about shopping until this month I really went overboard. Well I had to let me emphasize had to switch phone companies so I could talk to Sarah unlimited! It just so happens the new phone I picked out was not that cheap. I then had to get my hair cut. Which I do not know if I really like it. I definitely have bangs! When I walked in Timmy wouldn't even make eye contact with me. I asked him if he liked it and he actually said no. This was another lesson he had to learn the hard way. I think I might like it better in a few weeks when the new haircut look wears off some.

Hannah and Lauren came over Saturday night and we wanted to watch August Rush..... 2 DVD players later and lots of cords we couldn't figure out how to hook it up. It was actually pretty comical. We were able to get sound on one without a picture and then the other one we got the picture without any sound. Needless to say we then just gabbed until about 1:00am. Baby Eric is getting so big and he is so adorable. His latest trick is that he grabs his feet. HE is such a good baby he eventually just went to sleep in Lauren's lap. I called Timmy and told him that Baby Eric looked great in our Condo and that I think we should get one. He had No comment!

All shook up!

2008-04-22T20:57:00.003-05:00

Earthquake? yeah right.... that is what I told Timmy when are fan was shaking from side to side when we woke up on Friday morning around 4:20am. He jumped out of bed and was like "whoa it was almost like an earthquake", I actually sat up and laughed at him and told him to get back in bed. Believe me he was the first to call me on his way to work to have me eat my words. The whole concept of an earthquake to me is pretty amazing. As long as it is small enough that people don't get hurt. I never felt the after shocks at work though. I guess you never know what mother nature is gong to do here in the STL.

I absolutely love this warm weather! I have been taking time out of my busy stressful schedule to stop an enjoy what a beautiful time of year it is. Today I sat and wondered why do I spread myself so thin that I am most of the time on the verge of tears trying to get it all in one day. Other people do it so I feel like why can't I? I think I am going to cut back and try to enjoy life a little more instead of just existing and going from task to task. I want to start reading books for fun!!! So that is going to be my goal here after my finals next week.

We went to a wedding this weekend and it was really beautifully done. It was great to catch up with friends!!

Happy 27th Birthday Matty Boy!

2008-04-06T20:49:00.003-05:00

Matty turns 27 on April 7th and we had a little early celebration tonight. I would have to say his favorite gift was this aesthetically pleasing paper shredder that shreds Cd's and DVDs. It is pretty high tech. It lights up and everything. He said that Carol was going to freak out at how cool it is. He pretty much was trying to shred everything imaginable. Lucky for me I walked in just in time to hear my husband offer my credit cards to him. I put a stop to that! Ben was adorable as always he ate his little mashed squash, carrots, peas and raspberries and for dessert he had his rice puffs. This kid is amazing he has never had anything but organic fruits and vegetables and he has never had any sugar. She goes to whole foods and buys all the vegetables and cooks them, purees them, and then freezes them in ice cube trays. Throughout the week she can pull out a cube of each vegetable and defrost them and that's his meals. Now that takes a dedicated mother. Ben entertained us pretty much all evening until he basically passed out. It seems like he is just cuter and cuter every time we see him.

Sarah and Josh leave on Thursday so it will be an emotional week for the whole Bills clan.

c28.com

2008-03-29T11:57:00.005-05:00

My sister discovered this great christian T-shirt website, c28.com. They fit really good they have a long fit on the t shirts and they just are so comfortable. I like almost all of the shirts. If you are planning on buying any my advice is that they run smaller than usual. I wear a large and I never usually do. My mom (of course she has to get the same clothes Sarah and I do) I think she ended up finding a size that fit her. So they have wide variety of consumers. You can get a 10% discount off your first purchase if you type in juliandrive. It is the name of a band!

What an exhausting week at work I had. Tim was on Spring Break and it killed me to get out of bed everyday when he was still in there. I made sure to slam cabinets and stomp around though just so he knew I was up. I got to thinking why didn't I become a teacher I mean think about it Christmas Break, Spring Break, Snow days.......I could go on and on. Don't get me wrong he deserves the break because he works hard but in my next breath I think I work hard too and I certainly to do not get a Spring Break. Oh to be an adult I guess....It is not as cool as it looks when you are a little kid, that's for sure. Let me get off this tangent.

A few more weeks until Fall semester is over and then summer begins! I am only taking one class so I think I will be taking it easier.

I bought Timmy one of those belts that you have to cross stitch back in the summer he wanted one with all the premiere soccer leagues on it and I worked it for about 2 days before I gave up. My eyes were going crossed and the lady at the store who was trying to teach me got out this huge kid version of what I should be doing and I couldn't even do that. I was getting the worst headaches from trying so hard. I should have figured as much when they had me measure one of Tim's belt and I couldn't even do that. This is something I really wish I could do. Everyone else in my family is so artsy and creative I thought I could be. So I had Lauren Ewing (Kruse) work on it for me until she had her baby. I just picked it up from her house and brought it to the sign of the arrow to have them finish it. Let me just tell you this belt is ending up being like a $300 belt. First of all it better fit and he better love it. I'll keep you posted.

102% FINALLY!

2008-03-25T20:33:00.005-05:00

So those of you me know that when it comes to school I am so type A. I can not relax unless I have an A. The big challenge this semester is my pharmacology class. I feel like the bacteria that cause infections are like a different language. I basically spell them because I do not know how to pronounce them. So being type A I studied for my first test 25+ hours and I along with everyone else in the class bombed it. I mean it was bad we were all like what the heck just happened. I of course was devastated followed by sleepless nights worry and wondering if I really was just not smart. My confidence was shot! Which is pretty pathetic that a school class means so much. I always try and reason with myself..... I mean come on in the grand scheme of life will anyone ever ask me how I did in pharmacology! Anyways besides the point have you ever tried to reason with yourself. Yeah it is impossible. So anyways back to the point here, I studied for 2 weeks and took off work to study for test #2 (50+ hours later) I took my test last night and got a 102% on it. I am back baby and I am ready to conquer the world of medicine. Whoa Christie slow down..... The nerd inside me is totally showing...Let me change the subject.

On another note Tick, tock, the days are flying by to when my sissy is leaving for Texas, forever. One fun thing we did myself, her and my mom was take a retreat together to a bed and breakfast at Hermann Missouri. This place is amazing if you guys ever want to get away this is the place. We stayed at the cottages so we bbq'd (steak and crab legs, yeah we do not mess around) and sat in the hot tube, watched chick flicks(with popcorn of course), and when we woke up we sat in the sauna. It was so fun then we spent the next day power shopping at the Warrenton outlet and the Mills mall. Man I covered some ground at the Mills. I feel like that place is a little slice of heaven except for in heaven that place will be one of my closets.!! HA kidding... well kind of.......ok rambled for long enough oh here is the website for the best treat you could ever give to yourself. My tip is to go on a week night way cheaper. They make you cookies and ice cream and leave it at your door around 10:00 hmmm......... I love food, food motivates me I forgot sometimes that it really doesnt do much for most people! That's another blog www.hermannhill.com

BEN IN A BAND

2008-03-17T20:20:00.004-05:00

Ok so apparently Rock Band is for adults because all of my siblings played in it for like 3 hours which meant I got Ben all to myself. Well of course he wanted to be in the band with his daddy.Well since Tommy is a luthier, meaning he makes guitars for a living, Ben is very familiar with them and knew exactly how to hold it and how to hold the microphone and everything. I am the least musically inclined in the family if you do not believe me ask my Husband (He knows I try) it is quite hilarious he says it sounds like someone is in pain. I have often thought about how fun it would be to be a ROCKSTAR and just wear cue clothes and stand on stage in front of everyone and dance around and sing. Oh well I can dream. As for Ben there is still hope!!!!

SNOW DAY!!

2008-03-04T19:08:00.003-06:00

Well I don't even know if I have seen that much snow come down in one day or if I was too small to remember it. I came home early from work and slipped into some comfy clothes and enjoyed the weather. I know Ruthie loved it to !!! As far as Tim he shoveled driveways pretty much of the day so he is pretty exhausted. I picked the only profession that never closes so I never get to have a "snow day" but today was close enough for me.

Well as many of you know Sarah and Josh are moving to Texas in April. I totally get jipped on this deal. I always thought I would raise my kids with my sister but I suppose she has to go with her husband. I guess we will have to visit each other allot. Here is a picture of their beautiful house.

And of course more pictures of Ben he is 20 months old and getting cuter by the day!

MOST PRODUCTIVE DAY EVER!!!

2008-02-16T18:57:00.007-06:00

Well, I am way overdue but life has been a little crazy lately. So I took off work on Friday and from 8:00 am -9:30 pm I deceided to take on the long overdue project of painting our blue ex bachlor pad bedroom. I don't think that in my whole life I have accomplished so much in one day. Big time improvement though!! You can be the judge.

Bring it on 2008

2008-01-01T14:54:00.000-06:00

Well... well... well.... I am embracing 2008 and all that it will have in store for me! What a year 2007 was ...whew!!! looking back I can't believe it is really over. Time really does fly. Why didn't it seem that way when you were a kid? Is it because you do not realize or grasp the concept of time? Or I guess it could be because the older you get the more things you have to do. As a result days seem like minutes and months fly by like days. Well I took tonight to reflect on how amazing my life is and how blessed I truly am. I really am super pumped about 2008. Here's to great family, friends and memories to come.....

Christmas EVE

2007-12-30T11:34:00.000-06:00

Well lots of news Matt got engaged to Carol. Who we absolutely adore!! They do not have a wedding date as of yet. Hopefully it is soon!!! Ben never made it he fell at home and Tom and Steph spent there Christmas Eve in the Emergency room. Luckily his arm isn't broke he just fractured it pretty badly. So we didn't get to see him open presents which was a total bummer! We sure had a jam packed day we went to church with my parents and then midnight mass with Timmy's parents. Timmy thought it would be funny to dress up like Cousin Eddie from Christmas vacation. It was pretty funny he had a dickie on and everything! My dad thought he was supposed to be Ron Burgundy from Anchorman with his tight polyester pants. Either way it was pretty funny! I made him change for church though.

White Elephant/80's Sweater Party

2007-12-28T10:47:00.000-06:00

This was just hilarious!! We had some of the best 80's gear going on. The white elephant party year after year is being brought to a higher level of expectation. The gifts were as crude as ever but it sure was great to stop and spend time with friends during this busy time of year. I think someone actually got Vagasil and then Kate actually asked for it back. Pretty funny. Something tells me Tim and I are going to have to host this crazy event next year! Oh boy hopefully we have a house by then. Hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season filled with fun times. Too bad these pictures do not do justice for my sweater vest. Oh well use your imagination. It had bells on it and everything!

Oh Christmas Tree

2007-12-07T21:36:00.000-06:00

This session is named after the most beautiful tree I have ever seen in my life. The pictures do not do it justice but you can get the idea. My sister is an interior designer and she just has the knack for creating beautiful things. All of our houses reflect that and now my mom's Christmas tree does as well.

Last night we ventured out in the ice storm and celebrated all the December birthdays at PF Changs, which by the way has amazing food! It was a little crowded in the booth they sat us in but we went ahead and made it a bonding experience. We have pictures to prove it.

So I made it through this week, now I just have to get my paper done for my pathophysiology class and then it is Christmas Break time!!

The biggest obstacle I face this week is going to be how to get to work without the Kingshighway bridge they blew up today. This could be extremely interesting. I have a hard enough time getting motivated to go to work if it becomes too much of a challenge hey, I might just not go!

Still do not have a tree up it just seems like alot of work to then take down in 3 weeks. Who am I kidding last year we had our tree until March and then I think we just threw it over the fence.

Christmas Party at the Bottani's

2007-12-02T20:15:00.000-06:00

Tis the season to have jam packed weekends and that is exactly what I had this weekend. So the hustle and bustle began. We had our first Christmas Party which felt weird because it was so warm. But that is St. Louis for you. We got together with our crazy friends and ended up staying out way too late which doesn't do well with me these days especially when the next day is jammed packed with mandatory activities. I made it through and I am just hoping to make it through this week alive. Am I dramatic or what? I think we are celebrating all of the December Birthdays this week. I'll post pictures. So I have pretty much begged all of my friends to start a blog and none of them will so Jenny and Becky you are going to have to be my biggest fans.

Ruthie Jane

2007-11-30T21:14:00.000-06:00

Ok so something that is weird about me that people do not understand is that I drop my dog off at my parents house every morning before work and then pick her up after work. She doesn't like to be home alone. So she has play dates with my sisters dog, Morgan who also stays with my parents. When I came to pick her up this time my parents had Ruthie in the high chair eating dinner with them. She was just sitting there watching all of them. They proceeded to take pictures and videos of her. Do you think they need more grandchildren? My dad will call me periodically and give me updates on funny things Ruthie may do throughout the day. It is pretty cute. After all she is their only granddaughter. Sarah also likes wrapping her up in a baby blanket. This dog thinks she is a baby for sure it is going to be interesting how she acts when we really do have a baby in the house.

SO I have finals next week and then I have a break from school for a while it will be blog city for me so stay posted I've got nothing but good things to come.

The Facebook Generation

2007-11-26T21:48:00.000-06:00

So Facebook is what all the college kids are doing these days. So my brother's girlfriend, Carol, helped me set up an account and let me just tell you I do not really even know what I am doing on there. Computers hate me. I am starting to feel out of the loop and more like an adult and I am not sure if I like it. Hey I want to stay hip and cool. I mean who doesn't. The question is was I ever really cool? Oh well can't stop time.

It was Super Hard to go back to work today after a 4 day weekend. Talk about depressing. Oh well work hard so that I can play hard.

TURKEY DAY with the BILLS

2007-11-25T13:28:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving was really nice this year we actually were able to work it out so that all of us could be there. It is really neat to watch our family grow. Of course Ben stole the show, but he is the only grand baby so far so of course he is spoiled. Mom and dad got a new tree and it is absolutely huge. Matt brought Carol, who we just love as another sister. So all in all it was a fun filled, happy Thanksgiving and too bad we have to go back to work tomorrow. Oh well we still have Christmas at least.

Thanksgiving with Mom and Dad Sar

2007-11-22T21:40:00.000-06:00

Well since last year we were on our honeymoon this was our first Thanksgiving with our families as Mr and Mrs. It was a long day if eating I tell you what it really does just wear you out. We really do have a lot to be thankful for. It is the best feeling in the world just having each other. Life moves so fast it is nice to take a day out to sit down and reflect on just how amazing life is. Timmy's mom made an amazing meal that I could only aspire to make something that tastes that good and she makes all of this look effortless.

Getting Started

2007-11-21T19:54:00.000-06:00

Well I guess I am a blogger now. Not sure who will check this but I think it sounds fun to do. Here is an update. I am a happily married women with a job where I get to impact people on a daily basis. I am back in school working towards my family nurse practitioner and masters in science nursing degree. Sometimes I think I am crazy trying to balance work, school, and being a wife. I really struggle but at the end of the day I seem to get it all done. Life is awesome I thank God for everyday that I get to live. I am in a job that keeps me humble in such a way that I am just amazed on how much I do not know and how much more I need to learn. I guess it's good in a way because it keeps me from getting bored. I get restless in bordom pretty quickly. I started off my adult life working at Children's Hospital on the Oncology floor where I needed a fresh outlook on life. So then I worked for awhile at a medical spa which left me with a very shallow and empty feeling. So here I am back working with Oncology patients and loving every minute it. I am married to a very wonderful man who brings out the best in me. We have been married for one year and boy has it been great. I love every minute of it. I am going to try my best to keep this blog up to date.