Das Boot.

In my house "Das Boot" now means that I have to wear a big uncomfortable boot TO BED and only to bed (not standing with the boot!). Thanks to my 3rd running injury (from last December) I've had to resort to going to a sports ortho doc and he is going to get me running injury free. Until this Plantar Fasciatis heals then Matt better hope I don't kick him in bed. PT starts this week. I'll know more in 3 weeks. There's also some problem with my nerve running down my leg or in my back too so we gotta fix that. Glad I'm not a horse.

At least I can walk and work. But if you see me limping, don't even ask. That's just the way I gotta roll.





Postings from the Wedding and Honeymoon are forthcoming. Don't worry - it will be all rated G-ish.

Blog ON.....

AMOUR

Yeah, that's french. But this isn't about the honeymoon, this post is about the other man in my life. My husbands biggest competition.

PUD

(Ryder, as others call him)

Now that the wedding is over and we are getting back into some sort of normalcy, I get to actually spend a little time with my little grandson when he is over here. Last Thursday when he was here all day, he was the cutest!

I was putting away groceries from Costco and he decided the cereal boxes were beyond fascinating! We couldn't even get him to look away. He found little bits of grape nuts and was trying to pick them up with his fingers. Surprisingly he didn't eat them at all. But his dexterity was genius!

He loves to blow zerberts (sp?). So when we were all seated around the table for dinner he started the show. There is only 6 people looking at him and he would laugh so hard that we were laughing...he's quite the showman. We all just love it!

The cute little worm rattle in his hand is one of about 6 toys I bought him for when he comes over. I bought it when he was about 4 or 5 months old and he has decided it is his favorite. He chews on one end then flips it around and chews on the other.

I thought you might agree..........he's a star!! SUPERSTAR!!

blog on....

Pre-Wedding

I know I have a few pics to post and a few blogs to write. I needed some down time after all the wedding shenanigans and the long honeymoon.

It took lots of time, some money and talented people surrounding me to pull this thing off. So, I am posting some pics from “before the wedding”. Of course there will be professional pics to come and also I am begging those that were there with camera's to give me copies! I need more of some of those male dancers!! (Stinky, Sea Biscuit, Bill Payer and My Husband - Kitchen Bitch had to bow out early)

The wedding day itself was nerve wracking. I spent a few hour trying to relax before I had to head off and have my hair done. While I was at the salon I kept getting more and more nervous and by the time I got home I was in tears. LUCKILY, my fine family kept me on task. With some music going, drinks being handed out and Sami had just finished with the make-up artist, I felt so much better. Everyone was so happy and excited. I was having my make-up put on; there was a photographer at the house taking pictures. The boys were starting to get ready and it was truly exciting!! All my kids looked so cute and handsome. We are the best looking Brady Bunch - that's for sure!!

When we finally left the house for the big event, I was feeling somewhat calmer and ready to start the shin-dig!!

Sami showing off the cards we put together the night before the wedding. They were for the signing tree that really turned out great and I loved it. This is the bracelet that Marissa (from work) made for me. I had her make four bracelets for me, Sami, my sister and her daughter. She also made a necklace for my mom. The L stands for LeAnn, my sister. She passed away 6 years ago and I wanted to honor her.

Trying to color Jakes hair for the second time. He colored it black about 8 months ago and refuses to cut it. He's a natural blonde to the combo is...odd. The second picture is Daniel posing with me in the kitchen after I had the "pre" makeup and hair day before the big day, day.

Sami at the salon after her hair is done.

Me, with Annie, getting my hair curled. Annie rocks! Sami posing for the finished look. Isn't she just georgeous?? All night I kept looking at her thinking about how she has grown up to be so beautiful (natch!). I need to hide her somewhere so the boys can't touch her.

Austin doing his classic George Castanza move. Sexy Beast!!

What do you think? Models??

Sami, Jake and Daniel messing around in the kitchen.

Maybe I should sign them up. Is there a "hippie" modeling agency??

Daniel giving us some "unplugged" tunes and posing for his first album cover.

My makeup and hair is ready to go. Posing with my boys as a single mom still.

Buffed and puffed and ready to go! OK, we have to get dressed first.

Jen Q. came early to help me get my dress on and was laughing at my straw in my champagne.

Better pics to come!!!

Blog on....

We are BACK!!

Matt and I are finally back from our Honeymoon!! It was great; I really had a fun time. Spending time with Matt is wonderful and I’m glad we are home. We are still spending time together, but we our back in our reality. It is definitely going to take me a couple of days to get back into the swing. The last 2 weeks before the wedding were so crazy and then the wedding, we leave and last night was the first night we were in our home as husband and wife. I loved putting together the wedding, no matter how stressful, but I am super glad it is over. It is time to move on and start working on our goals and dreams. Well, at least get our taxes done.

I took a few notes from the honeymoon……………not dirty ones…….just thoughts on how the place was and the things we did. (Again, not dirty things). Unfortunately on the 5th day my notebook got wet and I stopped carrying it around and so there isn’t a lot of notes. I do have plenty of great pics that I hope to post soon. I am also very excited to post some pics from the wedding. I am gathering the ones that were taking by my family and friends and will put together a little link for everyone to check them out if you want. Then, when the professional photographer get’s mine done I will post a few (with his permission).

Just a few thoughts:

The Wedding was perfect. The ceremony was perfect, the groom was handsome as could be and the kids looked SO fabulous!! It was great to see friends and family and I am very thankful to everyone who helped me to make it so freakin wonderful!!

Honeymoon was great too. This was our first venture into an all-inclusive resort and we loved it. It was very clean and the service was impeccable. It was an all adult inclusive which means no kids. Despite a few people that thought THAT sounded dirty – it wasn’t. Lots and lots of couples. No nekkidness except for the occasional topless sunbather on the beach. It was great to see couples of all ages enjoying spending time together. We spent almost every second with each other and had a great time!! More details to come….

As part of our package, we had a private car take us the resort. When the man took us to the car he walked us around the bus and there it was: a DODGE STRATUS!!

OH yeah, only the finest.
We really laughed!! It was great to have a private drive to the resort, the car was clean and cool AND they gave us a complimentary cold Corona for the drive.

We could have had more, but the sign on the window specifically said that the driver CANNOT serve alcohol while driving! NATCH! I always ask my passengers to wait for a stoplight or have me pull over before I pop the top on another cold beer......

Blog on.............

Wedding Day Ramblings

March 6, 2009

In about 6 hours I will be married. I am nervous but starting to feel better. It is much easier to get married before you have kids, I know that now. Although, it’s great that our kids are older and we have plenty of time to be just us. Scheduling showers – that is an issue. Everyone wants to take theirs just in time to get ready. That makes a bunch of showers all at once. Aggravating, but worth it. I sure love my kids. They are very happy for me and they are just wonderful. Willing to help us out and give some hugs to nervous mommy.

To look back on my life as I’m getting married again reveals to me that I have been very lucky. Sure, I did end up getting a divorce from Bill. I would have much rather married the man I was to be married to for the rest of my life first, but it has afforded me a life that has made me just the person I want to be. Bill is very happy for me and I think he really likes Matt. Although Bill and I certainly have our many disagreements, as far as divorced people we have done pretty well at keeping it civil and sometimes even friendly. Besides, we have four wonderful children and that makes everything worth it. Decisions we made and the hard work to get Austin as our son, the kids that followed and the craziness that it created. I have only one regret and it’s not so much of a regret because it was out of my control, but the fact that the kids lost their granny (Bill’s mom) a couple of years after the divorce is a pain that I can’t seem to get a handle on. I just can’t believe it every time I think about it. I know that the struggles of my older kids would be lessened if she was here. I know that Austin has suffered the most. He was so close to her and you just can’t compensate for that. It is the only thing in my life that I can’t figure out the lesson, or the reason. Death is forever and sometimes it is very random. When I think of my sister I remember the suffering she went through for so long. How she would be so sick and look so close to death and so far away from life, yet still be alive. It is horrible the way that some of her children treated her and the manipulation of her ex-husband. I don’t blame her for checking out.

I truly digress to a place that I shouldn’t be visiting on such a happy day. It just seems like everything is replayed in times like this.

I do know that the 10 years that I was single was very contributory to this day. The growing up that I had to do. The reality of single motherhood, college and work turned me into a strong woman with a great sense of what is important. Although all my decision weren’t the best all the time, most of the time I did great. If it wasn’t for my great friends (the camping crew) and the people that helped me and stood by me, I would be lost. My parents helped me out greatly to get through college. I think they thought of it as a long term investment and hopefully their dividends are exceeding their expectations now. I had friends that would stay with my kids when I worked, that drove them around when they could. They supported me through wonderful times and I supported them. We would spend so much time together and our kids together. People grow apart and things change but my kids and I will always look back at those times with total happiness. We have great memories of shoving everyone in my intrepid with all our camping gear almost every weekend every summer for about 4 years. I think that is the stuff that kept me going in nursing school. It was fantastic having my friends there to watch me graduate along with my parents. THEY were all the reason I was able to do it. Of course my kids were there and I’m sure that there were some times they wished I wasn’t so busy – but the weekends made up for it.

Now it’s almost 6 years later and can you believe it I’m actually a nurse doing exactly what I love. My kids are great teenagers. I would say normal, but I don’t think so. The more I talk to other parents of teenagers I realize that the closeness and openness I share with my kids is not that common. I still get hugs and smooches and cuddles from all of them. I can talk to them about anything and I think they can talk to me.

Now, about the man I want to be with for the rest of my life. I can’t say enough about Matt. When I put together our pictures for display, I was reminded of our courtship. I still can’t believe that there is someone as wonderful as he is, for me. Even in our toughest times I have hardly had a bad day with him. The more we adjust the better it is. Being with him, usually when we travel, is the most peaceful and incredibly happy time. He just loves me and shows me in every way. I am getting married today and I can’t wait. I am a tad bit nervous about walking down the aisle and looking OK, etc. But the part about actually getting married doesn’t make me nervous at all! I want to be with him forever. I know we will be happy and we just seem to enjoy doing the same things. Most of all, we enjoy seeing each other happy. What an honor to be his wife. WOOHOO!!

Well, I guess I should move on and start with getting ready. My day is planned and ready to go and I’m just overjoyed at the thought of being with Matt, his family, our friends and my family. What a fabulous bunch!!

I plan on every anniversary to take a look back, reflect and be as forever grateful and crazy happy as I am today!!

This is my last blog as a single woman.

Blog on….

CORRECTION

I was wrong when I said that FedEx lost my package.

I was UPS!!

Sorry FedEx for any harm this may have done, you are a great company and I especially like when you put your hotties in shorts. But that is just me.....

BRIDEZILLA!!!!

A little diddy about me, my day and my inability to find compassion for stupid people and the lack of size 11 shoes.



Can I just say, today was not a great day. It was a really crappy day. I thought it would be ok, and then it just turned to shit. Now, towards the end of the day and a little pharmaceutical (all legal and prescribed to ME) intervention I can actually look back and appreciate getting through such a crappy day.
It started out ok. I took a shower and left early for my “before the honeymoon waxing”. As I can hear all my kids and new kids say “ew” in unison, rest assured that is the extent of the details. But, it was also one of the most tolerable events. From there I had to call the eye doctor because my eye was hurting when I put my contact in and I was worried about a billion different things. First, I had lash extensions put on yesterday and B; my grandson has an eye infection. Add that to all the crap I’m around at work and I thought that big red spot on my eye should get looked at. Funny thing, the doctor that saw me was going to his own daughter’s wedding today. He was very nice and all the staff was intrigued by the extensions. Turns out, it’s an infection. This is my first eye infection in like 15 years. He gave me a prescription for some antibiotic drips and told me to put them in every 2 hours and then I could wear my contacts for the ceremony and when I took them out to throw them away and continue with the drops. He stated “I’m telling you this, because I know that you’re going to do it anyway”. Hmm, he must have some incite to bridal thinking. Frankly, if it doesn’t feel better I’ll be sporting my black frame glasses with my pearl earrings. The drops sting like crazy and I think this is directly related to the karma coming around after I pried my grandsons eye’s open and put drops in his. From now on, I’m letting his parents take the hit!!
I was sad, but not as worried about getting shoes. My shoes weren’t coming and I know the odds of finding a comfortable pair of size 11 without a gimongous heel are very very slim. But, first things first, I need this scrip filled and I need to get on this eye thing. I go to the nearest Albertson’s on my way to get my ring cleaned. I spent the first 30 minutes behind a large gal who was bitchin’ about Medicaid a and b and how she always gets her oxycontin with her lortab 7.5’s and why they are at it could she get the lancet’s she needs for her blood sugar machine?? Apparently, she needs to call the “leg doctor” about adjusting her pain meds so she can get more. She is my dream patient – NOT! I finally gave them my prescription and there was a harrowing 10 minutes where the tech wasn’t sure they had it in stock but, holy cow! we are lucky, we have the larger size. I’m thinking – I am surrounded by idiots. Of course, I had no idea. I scoured the store for little packs of tissue, some chocolate and bottled water. These are all very important tools for the gal with the eye goop. I came back to the pharmacy and sat down just as the tech said that my drops were done and to get in line. So I did. I waited while some guy paid out about 300.00 bucks in medication. Oh, I wanted that story. It looked like some asthma medicine and he didn’t have insurance. I can hear the democrats now, “DA DA DAAAA”. Just as he left and I took one step toward the counter I hear this, “MA’AM”. So I turn around and set my eyes on lurch and his assistant. Apparently they were in line first even though I saw them standing about 15 feet away from the line when I stood up AND they waited a good 10 minutes as I stood there to make me aware of this situation. So not only did he interrupt my conversation with the pharmacist, he was rude and inconsiderate. I hexed his stash of karma and stepped back. Then he tried to turn to me and give me this insanely unfunny story about how the guy he was with he has to pay by the hour. I had nothing to say to him – I had officially become too good for my environment. If it wasn’t the antibiotic drops I would have just walked out of the store. I gave my dignity for those damn drops!!
To make things worse, I get in the car and start crying. Now my eye is killing me from those salty tears and I am thinking that this whole wedding thing is shitty! You know those thoughts in your head….”I work my ass off and then… and ….and…..I might as well……..” I know you have had them. After a little chocolate and some water I was able to get the drop in my eye and then I decided I really had something to tear up about. It’s kind of like a hot poker – even though I haven’t really seen a hot poker – I can imagine it.
Next stop was Ari Diamonds (the Fort Union store) to get my princess cut buffed to perfection. I have nothing but great things to say about them. We bought the diamond from Paul at the Layton store, but I didn’t want to drive up to Layton for a ring shine so I went to the Salt Lake location. The gentleman there was so nice and got it done lickity split and wished me the best of luck AND gave me another jar of ring cleaner. My day was looking up.
I finally get to the mall, go to Dillard’s and head to their shoe department. I looked around, found some shoes and when the sales lady approached I asked her if they have these styles in an 11. The look on her face was just unforgettable. “Oh no, we don’t have them that big” Yeah, ok. By the time I finished in the mall I would go into a store and say – “Do you have anything Bridal-ish in an 11”. The only one even somewhat concerned for my cause was the salesman at Nordstrom’s. I believe that is because they usually have 11’s, but with the new store opening on my wedding day, now they have nothing. I tried an actually Bridal store (GASP!) and they don’t have them either, although the saleslady tried to convince me that a certain brand ran big.
By the time I got home I was pretty sure that the shoe thing was going to end up in a slipper thing. At least the cheese cakes got here and Matt was kind enough to get them ALL in the fridge. I was able to get all my swimsuits packed for the honeymoon and a couple of other things done. Sami and I then went to our “pre-wedding” mani-pedi. Can I just give one big piece of advice – Don’t change mani-pedi places just before your wedding. I am deaf from hearing them talk very loud Vietnamese (or whatever) over me and not paying one ounce of attention to what they were doing. Sami and I were out in 30 min and off to find different fingernail polish and do our own.
BUT FIRST, we had to solve the shoe problem. Famous Footwear offered a couple of selections and I actually picked up a pair of some new fangled sandals that seem to be the style. They are flat and they may match my dress, but in a pinch they would do. Then we went to Nordstrom’s Rack. I had been there a few days before and hadn’t seen anything, so I was skeptical. Then I saw them, a pair of Franco Sarto’s that I could actually wear with a wedding dress. They were even partly wedges!!! The light did shine and we bought those bad boys and were out of there!!!
Now, it’s about 3 hours later. My friend Chris is in town and he dropped his daughter, Lyndsi off at my house for now. She is use to it here and fits right in. Jake has been a great help in getting the cheesecakes to my mom’s house where Christie will be decorating them. Melissa sent me a pic of the bunches of flowers that she got. Caroline texted me to make sure the cheesecakes were here. Everything has fallen into place and I didn’t actually go Bridezilla on anyone!!! I am lying on my bed, relaxing, with the rest of the chocolate in my tummy and a sleeping pill in my future.
My always wonderful and deeply caring fiancé is out with the boys. I told him only 3 lap dances, but frankly I don’t think his friends will get drunk enough to actually do it. (Difference between men drinking and women drinking) I can’t wait to get married and I’m almost packed for the honeymoon. One more full day before the big day and one more opportunity to freak out. No one knows for sure…..

Blog on…..

*note* I am not angry and I do not blame anyone in my family or any little baby with an eye infection for my day.