HB MUM

Yesterday was my mom's birthday.

It's her last year of her 60's.

My sister and I hand-made her cards.  

Mine's on the right.

Why must she always out do me?

Anyway, it's the sentiment that counts, right?

Happy Birthday MOM!!!

10 Years in the Making

In 2001 all my friends went off to state colleges, enjoying the life that only college offers.

Me, I stayed home, with Barb and Al and went to the local school.  

In a period of wanting to pull my hair out because I was working so hard at school, working 2 jobs, and being on the waiting list for nursing school, I took the plunge and interviewed for an internship at 

Walt Disney World.  

I got the job, and life was placed on hold for a moment.

I got on a plane January 8th, 2003 by myself and flew to Orlando.  The night before check in I sat in a Perkins by myself...and wondered what the hell was I THINKING?????????

(I accentuate the "by myself" due to the fact that I have never been one to do anything alone, all firsts for lil' old me.)

Little did I know that the next day I would meet the ladies pictured above.  Starting with Katie.  I got in line and her dad and I hit it off right away.  Once Katie chimed in I knew she would be what I adoringly refer to as my "roommate roommate."  We would share a room.  Ashley and Megan already were together and soon would become our next roommates.  They as well, would share a room.  Roommates 5 and 6 were already cozied into our cute little apartment... we met them for the first time there... Tiffanie and Lacey.

Half way thru Megan left the program and we got the wonderful addition of Jennah. 

Things turned out just as they should and I made friends for life.

The picture above was our first picture together while seeing Illuminations at Epcot.  It was the first thing we did together and the very last thing when we ended our program 7 months later.  Illuminations was seen many times in between and marks an important memory to all of us.  

The picture below was our last together on the college program at the airport before Tiffanie left.  

I really can't think of better girls to be friends with and am so blessed to call them my Disney Floss Family.  In 10 years, we have been thru a few heartbreaking times, and some of the most happy times.  

I love them all dearly, and hope that they know it!

Happy 10 Year Anniversary!!!

It's worth mentioning that I also met this handsome lad. What a Disney find that was.

FREE WRITE

I'm looking forward 

to saying YES more than I say NO this year....

to 10 years of knowing my husband...

 to FLOSS reunions in Sin City... 

to, dare I say it, my 30th birthday...

 to helping all my friends celebrate their own 3-0's...

 to health...

 to good fortune...

to family...

to peace...

to dancing at parties, without alcohol...

to eating healthier...

and to being kinder to my body...

to paying off debts...

to Burger Fest...

to a summer concert...

and maybe a musical...

to saving money...

and to spending a little...

to having a true cheeseburger in paradise...

to reconnecting with old friends...

to holding babies...

and not being scared...

to reading...

and journaling...

and scrapping...

to being nicer...

and wittier...

and just plain old loving the life I live.

Resolutions in Review 2012

2012 Resolutions Reviewed
1.  I want to exercise more.  I don't do it nearly enough.  My measurable goal is to take every single class that LA Fitness has to offer.  I have been shying away from particular classes.  Shy away no more.  By the end of this year I will take every single one.
What really happened:  Ummm, I took them all but 2.  Water aerobics, with the argument that I just can't find a cheap suitable bathing suit to wear.  And boot camp, with the argument that I just HATE people yelling at me.
2.  Not only do I want to continue my volunteering with the American Cancer Society, I also want to start volunteering with my church.  This will force me to meet a few more people at church, which lets face it, what church should be about.  It shouldn't be about sitting in the back, and getting in and getting out as fast as possible.
What really happened:  I have continued the volunteering with ACS, and have signed up with a group to make handmade cards at my church, they just haven't met yet.
3.  I want to send a birthday card to all my friends, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, young and old.  This may not be a big deal to them, but to me it just is.  Last year, I was so lax, forgetting some birthdays and remembering others.  This year I'd like to be on time for all of them.  After all, who doesn't love getting a little snail mail.  I am sorry to those of you who's birthday falls before this date.  You will get a surprise card later in the year.
What really happened:  Ummm, so didn't happen.  Count yourself lucky if you did receive something!  : /  I will try again!
4. I want to go to a new city, state, or country.  I don't know which yet. 
What really happened:  DONE, Italy and France, thank you for helping me reach this resolution!!!!!
5. I want to shop less and get rid of more.  I want to stop buying things just because they are on sale and more because I will use them to the fullest.  While I know it would be impossible for me to stop shopping the clearance racks all together, I want to be more aware of the fact that I might not necessarily need things because they are on sale.  There is never anything I just NEED to have.  And I NEED to remember that.
What really happened:  DONE, but still need improvements!!!!

Last week of 2012

The last week of 2012 was quite eventful!!!  Adam and I were able to somehow get out of work on Christmas Eve and attend our first Christmas Eve service at Westridge.  We sat front row and center.  The music was amazing and the story as always, beautiful.

We then headed out to Camille and Mike's home to have Christmas Eve there.

This was Alex's first Christmas, and he was pleased.

Just had to put this picture up of Holly and her hair.

Christmas Day, Adam, me, and the dogs opened up our presents.  Santa was good to us all, even though Santa was not supposed to stop by that night!!!!!

Christmas dinner was at my Uncle Bill and Aunt Em's home, and it was oh so delicious.

December 29th, was Adam and Brenda's wedding.  Adam is Alisa's big brother and we were honored to be guests.  It was at Alisa's parent's home and it was quite beautiful.  They didn't want a large wedding and are also going to restate their vows in Seattle where they live, so they had about 40 people.  

Luckly, Mrs. M is a wedding planner and she planned the perfect event to suit their taste.  Brenda wore red and the guests were told to wear black and white.  

Mr. & Mrs.

The food was catered and amazing... I think everyone's favorite was the mashed potato bar.  In which they served your potatoes in martini glasses.  The night was filled with tear filled speeches, and dancing.  Everything was absolutely lovely.

Old Friends in Black and White

The very next day we celebrated back at my sister's homestead- Alexander's first birthday.  He is a Christmas baby, so there is no room for 1 present to cover two events.  Rachael did an amazing job with the decor, and everyone was there to wish Alex a Happy DAY!!!  I can't believe he was just 5 lbs when I held him first!

He loved the cake, but didn't want his hands dirty, he only ate it if it was fed to him!!!!

So 2012 went out with a bang, and I wish all 9 of my blog followers much love in 2013!!!!

Just kidding, I wish all of you everything wonderful in 2013!