Merry Christmas!

Ok-prepare yourself for my once-a-week post! Here it comes...

Well, to start the day off, Gabe woke me up and I let him open a gift-DJ from the Cars movie-you know, the blue one that plays the music that puts Mack to sleep and makes him go off of the road...It's basically the only one he didn't have. He was pretty psyched.

I then decided that the cat box was long overdue for a change and I might as well change it b/c the trash needs taken out, too. So, needless to say, by the time I was done with everything, I had three trash bags to take out. Yay. I stuffed the car with everything that we needed to take to "Ganny's" and we were off. I bought a carwash last night, but the line was outrageous, so I thought, "What the heck...there's a chance that it might be open on Christmas at 8:30am and what'd ya know....IT WAS OPEN! I was pretty proud of myself that I didn't even wait in line! Weather-wise, it was supposed to be a high of like 34 and it got up to 51 and sunny! Beautiful! Unfortunately, my clean car didn't like the wet roads and now is no longer clean, but a LOT better than it was (I couldn't even tell my lights were on at night!). And one last thing to add about this morning...how can McDonald's NOT be open? Just b/c it's Christmas doesn't mean people don't eat breakfast! To McDonald's: "I'm NOT lovin' it!"

So, I took as many pics as I could of Gabe opening his gifts...


Look at this HUGE stocking Bob got for him!



Gabe made out pretty good this Christmas. Way too much stuff-he got a TV interactive bike, train table, Cars play rug, Hot Wheels crash track, and much more. Thank goodness not all that stuff is going home with us (the advantage of having Grandma live close)!

Also, the other day, Gabe and I dug into the fingerpaints. Dad and Deb sent him this stuff a long time ago and we FINALLY put them to use (sorry it took so long Dad and Deb!). Here are the pics of how much fun we had!





And as far as cute pics go, I took this one of Gabe sleeping the other night...


And this one of Sampson today...(click on it and look at his tongue)


Hope that everyone had a great Chrismas...and that everyone cold be here so we could go out for a family dinner on my birthday :( Love you!

It's Official

(I meant to write this in my blog last night, but wanted to add a pic that I didn't have at the time)

Our Von Maur store will be reopening Thursday! There will be a ceremony inside the mall before the store opens at 10am. After the ceremony, the public is invited to help take down the memorials. The Douglas County Historical Society will be there to preserve all the items until it is decided what will be done with them. I am so excited that they decided to open again and just in time for Christmas! It is unknown at this time whether or not the third floor will be open to the public (that's where it all happened).
As of Monday, the United Way has gathered more than $312,000 from Aflac ($100,000), local business, generous people, and also from 33 states for the victims and their families. Woo hoo!
Also, I wanted to post this picture. I think it is absolutely beautiful. For those of you out of state, the store can be seen from the interstate and is so pretty and peaceful. Looking at it from afar, glowing with Christmas lights, you would never think such a thing could ever occur here.

I think the beauty of it is heightened by the falling snow...neat, huh?

As for the home life, we went on a boot hunt last night and what do you know....they are almost sold out of every size of every boot. Geesh. Doesn't anyone procrastinate anymore?! LOL. I thought these boots from Target were adorable, but apparently cute isn't cool...

Can you picture Gabe sporting these? Well, I guess we will keep hunting for the "perfect" pair of snow boots (even though he will be grown out of them next year!) And yes, I am aware that the frog ones are rain boots, but they would have gotten the job done and been cute at the same time!

Happy Monday!

Well, the work Christmas party for Pharmaceutical Technologies, Inc. was a success. I brought my boss from 24 Hour Fitness with me. The dress was GORGEOUS! I wish I would have had someone take a pic of the back of it for me b/c it was so pretty. I have tried to find a pic of it online, but that has proven unsuccesful. So, hopefully that will come at a later time. But, this is a pic of Michaela (hilarious girl), me, and Damon.

For Christmas, we recieved a fleece zip up from Lands End with our company logo, a gift certificate for a delicious ham, and of course, a Christmas bonus. The VP's were hilarious and all made speeches and congratulated each other for a year well done. I think at that point, we all felt pretty happy to be working for the company.

On Saturday, we had the kids' Christmas. Santa arrived with gifts and told the kids what they need to improve on for next year. Gabe got an F150 that has the subs in the back (I'm sure we've all seen this). And for 2008, Gabe needs to work on being nice to mommy and not saying "No."




Well, I think my New Years resolution will be to take more pictures! And to post more blogs!

A Day at the Doctor's

So, today, I got the Implanon.

It's a plastic stick that's inserted into the arm as a form of contraceptive that lasts three years. It's pretty neat. I think the needle will leave a nice scar b/c it was HUGE (no I didn't watch). And then after that, I went to the immunzations part of the hospital and received Gardasil. For all you young ladies out there under the age of 26, you NEED to get this! It's very important. It helps prevent HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. It is a 3-step process within an eight month period. Doctors say this is the biggest breakthrough for young women in a long time. So, remember to check it out, if not for you, for the young women in your life.

Anyways, Gabe went to school as tigger today. I wish I would have remembered to take a picture. We were at "Ganny's" house last night and he says, "Ganny, can you put my outfit on?" I thought he was referring to his cowboy outfit. I was pleasantly surprised when he came out riding a horse (Ganny) in his tigger outfit. It's just orange and black striped fleece pants and a zip up jacket that has a hood with ears. When he walked into school, Ms. Nancy was ga-ga over the outfit and so were the kids. Can you imagine 15 3-yr-olds all asking questions at the same time? "Are you a lion?", "Tigger!", "Why are you wearing that?", "What toy did you bring today?" and all the others that I couldn't quite make out. It was very amusing.

Other than that, not much news here. I work at the gym tonight and tomorrow night as usual and then the weekend is here. YAY! Oh and I don't think that I will be losing any weight this week. I had a meal from Burger King for breakfast and it was totally worth it! Just to sum it up for all of you, I quit smoking in July and have gained 11 lbs since then. Eating has taken on a whole new meaning and I had forgotten how much I love junk food! Hopefully, I will gain some self-control shortly!

P.S. The sun is kind of out today. I mean, it looks brighter outside, but it's still cloudy. Supposedly, it is going to warm up at the end of the week! YAY! The snow will melt just in time for more to fall early next week!

It's Been A While

I know I haven't posted in a while. I've had a lot going on. First of all, I wanted to update everyone with the Von Maur situation. The community has been awesome in helping the families of the victims heal. United Way has set up a fund for all the victims and their immediate families. Caring people, along with companies here in Omaha, have helped the families tremendously with their donations. If you are interested in donating also, please visit www.vonmaur.com (couldn't get that to come up as a link).
I went to the mall yesterday with Gabe and we brought eight white flowers, one for each of the people that died, and a card with a wonderful quote. I let Gabe find a good spot for them and we laid them outside on the steps to the store. A lady came over to me in tears and said, "We just put down those same flowers in purple tissue paper, too." I didn't know what to say, so we just stood there in silence and stared at the growing memorial.



Here is a picture of a Christmas tree in the food court. People from and around Omaha have decorated it with their handmade snowflakes with messages to the families of the victims.

It is so very sad but Omaha has really come together to comfort one another. I heard on the radio yesterday that Von Maur is supposed to open tomorrow, but I haven't been able to confirm that. When I visited the store yesterday, there were signs letting people know that they are working on getting it open again, but didn't give a date that they plan to do so.

On a lighter note, I woke up this morning and discovered the hallway light was on. I opened my bedroom door and saw the bathroom light was on also. I went into the bathroom and this is what I found.






On the other hand, the Christmas party for my work is this Sunday (maybe so it doesn't get out of control!) and I just got my dress last night. I am pretty excited about it. I am hoping to lose like three pounds before then so that the dress fits a little better (hey, I had to compromise with the size-there wasn't much of a selection!). I will try to get some pics so that I can post them. Ok, well gotta go! TTYL XOXO

P.S.- Look for Christmas cards from us in the mail-maybe we can get those sent out this week!

I'm With Shana

I have to agree with Shana's post last night. We all get caught up in our daily lives and stresses and forget to be thankful for all we have. This year, I am thankful for SO MUCH.

Being healthy and safe
All the times I saw family this year
Seeing Auntie Ree before she passed (and having the necklace with her ashes)
My own place
Shana's wedding
A better paying job
A reliable car
That my son learns more everyday
That at the touch of a button I can talk to family far away
And much, much more

To all my family and friends, I love you very much and wish you all Happy Holidays and that everyone gets at least one thing they wished for! XOXO

Terrible News

As you all may know, we had a massacre at Our Westroads Mall yesterday at the Von Maur store. We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. The members of our family are safe, however, the families of 9 others are not (including the shooter). Something like this doesn't happen here, but that's what is always said when a tragedy occurs. To confirm, 8 people's lives were taken and 5 others were injured. Out of the 8 people, 5 of them were store employees.

I woke up this morning and for a moment, I thought I had experienced a nightmare. Then, I realized I had, but that it was real. The whole city, and I am sure the whole nation, is still in shock. I am so thankful that I didn't know anyone. My mom is an avid shopper, and luckily, she was at work at the time. Everyone is speechless and numb. Unfortunately, the 19-year-old shooter is getting all the media attention he wanted-he is finally famous. I wish that the media would research and tell us about the VICTIMS lives and who they were, instead of telling everyone about all of the little details of this killer's life.

This kid went to school in Papillion, where I live, and the city was just voted the 6th best place to live in America. Shame on him for being from our virtually crime-free town.

So, this is my latest news. Also, since this has become a nationwide news interest, we have been contacted by family members that we haven't heard from in a long time. It is a blessing and at the same time heart-breaking. I returned my Aunt Linda's call, after not hearing from her since probably junior-high, and was elated to hear her voice. Family is very important to me and therefore, she is. I told her how wonderful it was to hear from her and that it would be great to have her join us for the holidays. I expected us to make plans, however, she declined my invitation. I guess you can't always win, right? I am just trying to remind myself that it has nothing to do with me personally. It is still really hard to accept. Who wouldn't want to see thier family and the babies?

Please pray for the families that lost thier loved ones and for the city's healing to begin. We will be strong and come together as the great community we are.

My Apartment

Ok, so I am sure that I may talk about my own place a lot. But it is my first place by myself and a BIG deal to me b/c I feel responsible and grown-up. I took some pictures so that you could see what it looks like. :)





And then I also took a pic of my ice-covered deck on Saturday.


















Can you imagine that bedroom set in my room?!

Hello December!

Can you believe it's already December? I'm pretty sure yesterday we were in August! (Except for the snow we got yesterday) LOL. I am so looking forward to the holidays. Just so you all know, I am not expecting a gift this year. It has been a tough year and there will be no gifts from me. :( I will be sending the adorable Gabriel Mitchell, via Christmas card, though. :)

So let me ask a question. Have you ever increased your income (by job or whatever) and you're thinking, "Great! Now I can afford....?" But you end up being as broke as always and you wonder how you ever made it before? LOL. Why is that? One of life's mysteries....

So, I have this apartment now and I am earning credit with the furniture I bought when I moved in (Sectional, Mattress set, and Dining room table). I got a great deal on all of it and I have no interest until 2010. My payments are really low, which is awesome. However, I don't have a matching bedroom set. My mattress is on the floor and my dresser and armoire are mismatched. But, lo and behold, I saw a commercial at a different furniture store for no payments, no interest and no down payment until 2010. I was thinking, "This was made just for me!" So, I went and checked it out yesterday. But, to get that exact deal, you have to spend $3,500. NO WAY! I mean, of course it'd be fun to do, but not realistic. But, I checked out other options and found another great deal that would work for me. So, I went downstairs to see what I could find. I came across the Glasgow collection, which I adore, but I think all the furniture there is made cheap. Bummer. I'd really enjoy getting a new bedroom set! We will see. I am having my decision-maker (my mom) come with me this week and give me her opinion. I feel a need for a second opinion on big things like this!


Of course, my mattress is taller, so I think it will look better than the picture. What do you think? I like it! I will let you know what happens!

TGIF!!! :)

I am so happy it's finally Friday! What a long week. I had so much going on this week that I have gotten behind in my regular duties. Last night, I FINALLY put away the clean laundry that was washed last weekend. The garbage needs taken out and the litter box changed. We ALL know what this feels like! A lot of people may dread going home, knowing that they have to clean, but I like it. I am excited to do the much needed vacuuming. You're probably thinking, "Please come to my house!!!!" And I am sure that I would if I was near! LOL.

After I clean up a bit, I think I may download some pictures off my camera into a slideshow, that is if I can figure it out (If not, I am sure someone will get my phone call!). How long is that supposed to take and how many pics can I put in the slideshow? I still don't know how to get the music on here, either. Yeah, maybe I should call for help!

I have to work tomorrow, too. I signed up for some much needed overtime. I am kind of dreading it, though. Not just because it is the 7am-4pm shift, but b/c we are supposed to have ice and almost a foot of snow tomorrow, starting in the morning. So, we will see how that goes.

On the other hand, Christmas is coming up soon. I REALLY wish I could be there! I am sending Christmas cards this year! YAY! So look forward to those.

Have a great weekend!

What the #$%*&....How Does This Blog Thing Work?

Ok. I am having a little problem. I am having a difficult time getting my blog set up the way I want it. (Note to self: take computer class) I am looking at everyone's blog and I'm noticing things that I would like to include on mine. But, when I go to add it, I can't get it to show up how I'd like. If only Mr. Computerman (my dad) was here....anyways, I guess it is a learning experience and before I know it, I will be a blog pro! LOL.

I am so excited that Shana has a blog now, too! YAY! So, when she doesn't answer her phone, I can just leave her a message on her blog! Oh, and yes I was ecstatic to see some of the honeymoon pics! BEAUTIFUL! And yes, I did show the guy that sits behind me at work....

Cassie: Look at my sister!

Rob: She's pretty.

Cassie: Do we look alike?

Rob: Yes, but your face is longer.

Cassie: Look....Shana's trying to find seashells (bikini pic)

Don't be self-conscious, Shana! You're gorgeous!

So, if anyone has pointers as to how this thing works, please leave a comment.

P.S. Shana, how do you put links to other pages w/o showing the whole address?

I Have My Own Blog!!!

So, today, I made my own blog! I thought everyone else's looked so fun and I decided I wanted to be a part of the blogging scene, too. So, ummm.....I think I may have my first ear infection since who-knows-when. It all started out as one tonsil being sore on Thanksgiving. Then I got the sniffles. After that, the other tonsil became sore and now both my tonsils are painful and itchy and my ears are itchy, too. So, I went to the Dr. yesterday for an unrelated issue and now I have to go back tomorrow. Uggghhhh...and I wonder why the PTO never adds up to much. LOL.