CrAzY Neighbors!

As I was driving down the street yesterday I passed a house and my eye was caught by a slew of bright colors. As I looked a little closer I realized that I was looking at "boquets" of silk flowers stuck in the ground. Yes, you heard me right, SILK flowers! What is wrong with people! It's the most obnoxious thing I've ever seen! And for those of you who visited our house in Galt you will really get a kick out of this if you remember the house on the corner with, yes, you guessed it, SILK flowers in the front yard! What are these people trying to do to me?!?!

FYI...

When you get a phone call from us our name and number will no longer come up. We are now "Private Name - Private Number". A few of you who require the caller identify themselves will still see our number but I wanted to let everyone else know. We changed it because of my job. I make calls from home and as an extra precaution we decided it would be best not to have our name and number available.

Healthy Living!

Andy and I have both decided that we need to make some changes in our eating and level of exercise. We are eating out way too much and snacking on food that is just not healthy for us. That combined with no regular exercise has left us feeling unfit and just generally not as healthy as we would like to be.

The good news is that we have both been exercising on a fairly regular basis for a couple weeks now and that we are gradually trying to change some of our bad eating habits (ice cream at 9:30 p.m. while watching TV just isn't necessary!). When I did my grocery shopping today I simply didn't buy the things that are temptations to us and am hoping that helps a little too. We are going to get back to drinking smoothies in the morning and eating healtheir more balanced meals with healthy snacks in between.

So, that's the news for the day. Let's hope our plan works!!

Caffeine free...Well, almost!

Last Tuesday I had to do one of my hormone tests and for this particular one you couldn't ingest any caffeine (and a list of other things) for 24 hours. I had a small clue that I was a little addicted when I was sitting on the couch Monday night comtemplating which day of the week would be the best for me to not drink coffee. I finally decided to just do it the next day and get it over with. My day started out okay, although I definitely missed my hot cup (or two) of morning Joe. By noon time I had an excruciating headache and it was downhill from that point on. Not only was my head pounding I felt physically ill. I was sick to my stomach and I could barely get off the couch. I even tried getting some fresh air and drove up to the new mall. I made it into 2 stores and had to come straight home. I took a 2 hour nap, got Bella from preschool, came home and slept pretty much the rest of the evening (I did drag myself into the kitchen just long enough to make some mac and cheese for her). I couldn't believe how horrible I felt and had NO idea that my body was that dependant on caffeine. I decided that it would be stupid to let my day of misery go to waste and from then on I haven't had a single cup of coffee and only consumed a little bit of caffeine in a cup of tea and an ice tea at Claim Jumper. Other than that I've been drinking herbal tea in the morning and actually enjoying it!

So, here I sit, 6 days into my recovery from my caffeine addiction! Now, to see how long it actually lasts... ;)

It's official...

According to the definition we qualify...

"Secondary infertility is generally defined as the inability of a couple to conceive, or carry a pregnancy to term, after a year of unprotected and appropriately timed intercourse when one or both partners have previously conceived children."

And let me just say, it SUCKS!

I've experienced loss, dissapointment, and hurt in the past but this feels so different. It really is one of those things that you just don't get until you've gone through it. The part that is the worst for me is the loss of innocence. The innocence of creating a child with the person you love and the immediate joy that accompanies it. Getting pregnant and staying pregnant is no longer something we anticipate with pure joy and excitement, instead it is a process filled with precise timing, thermometers, hormone tests, waiting, questioning and worst of all, fear. I am not usually a pessimist, but in this situation I have quickly learned to be one...and a good one at that. After experiencing the emptiness that accompanies a miscarriage, any subsequent pregnancy I experience with be tainted with the memory of one that ended. I feel like I was jipped out of an experience that I wanted so badly. Bella was a bit of a surprise and it took both of us a little time to adjust. I still remember laying on the couch the day after I found I was pregnant and crying my eyes out because I was so scared about what was to come. This time we were both ready for another baby and fully aware of what it meant to have a child. There were no tears, no fears, just excitement for what was to come. I wanted to experience that. I wanted to enjoy every second of my pregnancy, but I didn't get to. And I feel like I will never get to. I'm already planning on calling in sick to work, hiring a stand in mom and wife and checking out of life for a good three months when I get pregnant again. Okay, so I won't really do that, but it sure sounds like a good idea at this point!

Like anything else, we have our good days and our bad days. It unfortunate that when I seem to be really down about it, Andy is feeling optimistic and vice versa...or maybe that's a good thing?? Who knows? And no matter how strong our faith is or how positive and encouraging we try to be towards eachother all of this takes a toll on our relationship. We refuse to let it come between us, but it's a real struggle some days.

With the exception of getting blood drawn for a thyroid test, I have completed my hormone tests and should know the results in the next week or so. My biggest fear is that everything comes back normal. I know that sounds odd, but if there's something wrong it means there's something to fix. If nothing's wrong, we are left with no answers and no real solution. I know there are many good options out there for us when it comes to fertility issues, but I just don't want to go down that road right now. I have a lot of confidence in the doctor I am seeing and even though her approach will take a little more time and effort, I am feeling optimistic that the outcome will be good (see, I told you I'm typically an optimist! ;) ).

I know a lot of you will read this and worry about me (especially you mom), but don't. I'll be okay. God is good. He hasn't failed us yet and even though it's hard to see sometimes, I know he won't let us down this time either. Consider this my therapy. ;)

Summit Sierra Mall!

Hallelujah! Praise Jesus! And all that good stuff!!! There is finally REAL shopping in Reno!!

When I drove into the parking lot I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Just 5 minutes from our house is a beautiful outdoor mall, complete with a Dillard's and several other stores that were quickly becoming a distant memory to me. They had Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, all the Gap stores (Men's/Women's, Body, Baby, Kids, and even Maternity), Hollister, Zumiez, A&F, and many more. I've heard a couple people complain about the outdoor layout of the mall since it's not always warm here in Reno, but I think they did a great job. Yes, things are somewhat spread out, but they took care of the cold weather issue by offering a shuttle that stops several places around the mall. It's as simple of walking out of a store, hopping on the shuttle bus and getting off where you want to be.

Anyways, I know that this may seem trivial to some, but coming from an area where the shopping was plenty, I have really missed having a nice mall to visit when I feel like browsing, or more importantly am in need of something!

To all my out of town friends and family...we finally have something to do when you come to visit!! ;)

Grandma's House!

Bella and I visited Mt. Shasta this weekend. Aunt Linda and Uncle Dennis flew in from San Diego and we had a fun filled weekend of visiting, wedding planning and even a little cleaning out! Our main reason for visiting was to work on Brad and Dee's wedding that will be at Mom and Mike's place this summer. We were able to get quite a bit accomplished and I'm confident we are well on our way to a successful June wedding! It was nice to visit with everyone and Bella had a great time playing with Uncle Jason. On the way home today she told me in a very excited voice that "Uncle Jason knows the right things to do to fix an ouchie!" When I asked her what that was she explained that when she had an ouchie he sat her on the couch, looked at it really closely and then told her it would be okay. I asked her if that made it all better and she said "Yeah Mom!" as if I was asking if the sky was blue! It's been too long that we've (my mom, brother and I) been going in our own directions and it was so nice to finally have everyone back together...if only for a few days.

Missed Birthdays!

Just a quick note to wish a Happy Belated Birthday to Elizabeth and Keith! I hope both of you had a wonderful birthday and that this year brings great things!

If you haven't already, make sure to add your birthday to my calendar...If you are lucky you will get a birthday wish a couple weeks after it's come and gone!! ;)

A few pictures from our vacation...

Andy posing in front of the Cheer's Bar...



We don't have a lot of big brick buildings on the West Coast and I thought this was especially pretty in the snow...



This was my first view of NYC. We walked out of the subway and this is what I saw. Needless to say, I told Andy I needed a minute to take it all in...



Time Square...



Freezing our butts off and trying to get a picture with the Empire State Building in the background...



Who's bright idea was it to take the subway from our hotel in Times Square to JFK at 6:00 on a Friday??

Bella...

Sometimes she is so cute I can hardly stand it... ;)

Wireless!

Just in case anyone is interested, I am posting this message from my bed!! :0) I finally got my wireless internet set up and can now move freely about my house with my laptop and be online anywhere I choose!

Can I just say how much I LOVE technology!!!

Home Sweet Home!

We are home!! We got in at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday and have been going non-stop ever since. We had an absolutely wonderful time on the East Coast! We had such high expectations for our vacation and not only were our expectation met, but they were far exceeded! Not that I didn't know it before, but it was reconfirmed what a wonderful husband I have. I'm one lucky girl to have someone who loves me enough to indulge me in the things that I love...travelling, shopping, fine dining, good conversation...you get the point! ;) The only downfall to our trip was the FREEZING cold! It was 8 degrees in Boston, -11 with the windchill, which let me tell you, is COLD!! It was also chilly in NYC and snowed one day, but we still managed to do the things we wanted.

Like I said, we have been extremely busy trying to catch up after being gone for a week. It feels a little overwhelming but was well worth the fun we had while gone.

I will post a few pictures in the next couple days. We didn't get too many pictures for the simple reason that it was just too darn cold to stand outside and pose for pictures!

Bella also did great with her grandmas and grandpas. She got to spend time with both which was quite a treat for her. I don't think she had to listen much based on her behavior the last few days, but while it's a little tough on Andy and I, we are so thankful that she has grandparents who love her as much as hers do and who think she's as special as we do!! We'll take parents who spoil their grandchild any day over ones who aren't interested in being a part of their grandchildrens life.

If you've never been (or even if you have) both Boston and NYC are incredible vacation destinations and we highly recommend taking a trip there if you can! I'm certain that we will go back someday!

The Late Show!

We are going to see tonight's taping of The Late Show with David Letterman! We're not sure, but we think we might be in the front rows as they had us go over to a side section and told us to come back at 4:30 instead of 4:45 like most of the people...either that or they are putting us in the very back??? ;)

Anyways, I'm not sure if todays taping airs tonight or not, but if you get a chance, check it out and see if you happen to see us!

Les Miserables!

After years and years of wanting to see Les Mis, my dream finally came true! It was everything I thought it would be and more! When they started to sing the last song I got a little sad because I didn't want it to be over. Here are a couple pics from tonight...one before the show and one right after...





Before the show we spent the morning at the New England Aquarium and then walking around Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. We did a little shopping, but mostly just browsed the shops. We were also thrilled to find a Seattle's Best Coffee and satisfied our addiction. On our way to the show we walked past a Starbucks...it was 7:00 p.m. and CLOSED! I've never heard of such a thing, but evidentally people aren't as dependent on their coffee as we west coasters are! ;)

We also ate dinner at an excellent restaurant called Legal Seafood. Their Clam Chowder has been served at the last 7 presidential inauguration and so of course we had to have some. Like everything said...it was awesome!

We are in for the night now, but are looking forward to exploring the town a little more tomorrow. We are really enjoying Boston and both agreed today that we could spend our entire vacation here, it's such a nice place.

Cross Country!

Thanks to Jet Blue Airlines we made our way from Sacramento, CA to Boston, MA, with a stop at JFK in NY. The flight was long, but good. Jet Blue by far takes the award for roominess. There was plenty of leg and arm room and the personal TV's with headphones and Satellite TV really made the trip.

When we arrived in Boston we decided to be adventerous and take the T (public transport system) to our hotel at the rate of $1.25 each as opposed to the $30 cab fare. We loaded the bus with our luggage in tow, knowing only that we were headed in the general direction of where our hotel was. The good Lord must have been watching out for us because a very kind man noticed that we were a bit lost and offered to help us. Not only did he call the hotel to find out exactly where they were located, but he took a bit of a detour on his way to a lunch date to walk us to the front door of our hotel. We ended up taking the Silver, to the Red, to the Orange and then walking a block to our hotel. Left on our own, I'm pretty sure we would have still be wandering around the city.

Everyone in Boston seems to be exceptionally nice. People are laid back and friendly and while we've been here lesst han 12 hours, we are already very impressed with the city. We enjoyed complimentary wine downstairs and then decided to walk and find a coffee shop. One quick trip around the block and I was sprinting back to the hotel...it's COLD here!! We asked where the closest coffee shop was and were told "Dunkin' Donuts was the only one open at this hour." "At this hour????" It's wasn't even 7:00. Where we come from there is a Starbucks on every corner, most open until at least 11:00, if not later. Guess we're spoiled by our coffee shops. We opted for some horrible coffe in the bar and then made our way back to our room to plan our day tomorrow.

I think we are going to visit the Aquarium, take in the Quincy market at Faneuil Hall. Our show is tomorrow night and other than that, we will just see what the days bring.

Hopefully I will have some pictures to share tomorrow.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful day of luuuvvvv! ;)

Bella had her first Valentine's Day party at school today. She came home with quite the little goody bag. We had fun going through all of her Valentine's and seeing who gave her what. When we were done I told her it was like Halloween all over again with all the candy!

Andy and I celebrated a couple days early with our Chicago concert on Saturday night, which by the way, I loved! It's amazing that they have been around for as long as they have and are still going! I got such a kick out of seeing these old guys up on the stage doing their thing like they were 20 years old again!! I was a bit dissapointed because they didn't play my favorite song, "Your'e the Inspiration", but other than that it was outstanding, and most importantly, Andy and I had a really nice time!

Here is a picture of Bella with her Valentines...



And here are a couple cute ones from this morning...








Hugs and Kisses to everyone!! :0)

Sunshine!

It has been sunny and in the low 60's here in Reno for the past week. I can't tell you how much I am enjoying the weather. It feels like i can breath easier!! ;) I have so enjoyed opening my windows and feeling the cool breeze throughout the house. I know that this is only a tease and we have a good 6 weeks or so of cool weather (if not more), but for now, I'm enjoying what we have.

I hope everyone is having a great Saturday!

My sweet husband...

Got us tickets to see Chicago on Saturday night! I'm a HUGE Chicago fan and Andy always makes fun of me, but alas, he gave in and not only bought us tickets (I had no idea he was even thinking of it and hadn't mentioned anything), but he actually seems excited to go see the show with me. We have heard from a few people that their concert is really good so I'm pretty sure we won't be disapointed!

Good for the soul!

Bella has been a real sweetie to me lately. The other day she came over to me and said, "You're the best mommy I've ever had!" She had the biggest smile on her face and said it with so much enthusiasm. Of course it just melted my heart to hear her say something so sweet.

Then a couple days later she was eating breakfast and I was in the kitchen and she said, "Mommy, I'm so excited that you're feeling better!"

I've heard the "best mommy" comment several times since then which I'm sure is due to the reaction she got from me the first time she said it. She says it now and just waits for me to react and then gets so excited when I do!

I'd have to say that it's the little things that like that make being a parent worth all the "other" stuff!!

Did you know...

The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for blood plasma.

No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven times.

Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes.

You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.

Oak trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty years of age or older.

The first product to have a bar code was Wrigley's gum.

The King of Hearts is the only king without a moustache.

American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class.

Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.

Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.

Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin.

The first owner of the Marlboro Company died of lung cancer.

So did the first "Marlboro Man."

Walt Disney was afraid of mice.

Pearls melt in vinegar.

The three most valuable brand names on earth are: Marlboro, Coca Cola, and Budweiser, in that order.

It is possible to lead a cow upstairs, but not downstairs.

A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept six feet away from a toilet to
avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.

And last, but not least...

Turtles can breathe through their butt!!!