the weekend is here!

This weekend is going to be fun!   I am helping to host a bridal shower/lingerie shower for my BFF Lauren.  It's at the Brentwood Country Club on Sunday.  Her step-sister Shasta is also hosting.  I am going to need to provide most of the food.  My good friend Dana is going to help me since she is much more of an expert when it comes to party foods & trays.  We will do most of that Saturday morning.  Saturday night Jonathan, I and James have dinner plans with my co-worker friend.  She is making us dinner and we plan on talking to them about her husbands job as a nurse for the VA.  Jonathan is seriously considering going back to school for that.  I'm, of course, all for it.  I just want him to be happy with whatever he does so that he doesn't get bored of it and want to move on. 

I'm headed to eat lunch with Lauren today.  We sort of started a new tradition since she happens to work RIGHT down the street from my work.  We go to lunch together once a week.  It's GREAT!  I hardly would see her otherwise with her moving and getting ready for the big day, etc.  Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Inspiration

Valentine's cont'd

This morning I made the bacon hearts recipe (add bacon + love) and bake for 18 minutes and some Martha White blueberry cheesecake muffins for breakfast.  It was the best tasting and easiest Valentine's breakfast in the history of Valentine's breakfasts!  Here is what it turned out like:

Of course, that is with the "I'm soda crazy about you" card and 8 pack ;)     The CORNIER the better!  This past weekend I made hot dog hearts in the oven.  That wasn't as exciting because as I made them I realized you kinda want a bun with your dog and if you make it like a heart you have to take it back apart to put on a bun... 
Jonathan surprised me with yet another gift yesterday. It's a gift certificate to get a mani & pedi in Green Hills.  I'm thrilled to get to use that. 
Tonight on the menu (I did the grocery shopping last night to save time) I am making:

~Steak (rib-eye)

~fresh broiled asparagus (salt, pepper, olive oil, oven.)

~sweet SUPER sweet potatoes (vanilla, marshmallows, cinnamon, brown sugar)

~chocolate chip cookies

~wine (shiraz)

~Valentine~

Well, the surgery was put off.  We are waiting to get proper paperwork from the army before proceeding.  On another note I sent out Valentine's cards to some of our friends and co-workers.  There were 2 kinds.  They were fun to make, I admit.  I wish I would have bought more and more stamps but it starts adding up for sure.   Here is the front to the one I liked the most.

Here is the back

It's a little dark in this picture.  It was a light pink and white font.

I created them on http://www.mpix.com/

I also created a card for Jonathan that I am going to attach to a case of Coca-Cola's because he loves them so much and I NEVER buy sodas for the house.  I just love using MS Publisher to create things now!

Jonathan bought me some new sneakers for Valentine's Day (which I needed desperately!!)  I haven't bought new sneakers in years.  Here is what they look like!:

Our song is "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and we are still slowly but surely decorating our walls in the house so I bought him a sign that says "Home is wherever I'm with you" on http://www.etsy.com/

It looks like this but I told them to customize it black instead of red. 

I also framed a big picture of James and gave it to him.   I am thinking about making some special meals tomorrow as well.  We went out to eat for V-Day Saturday at a hibachi restaurant called Goten downtown.  Tomorrow I am planning on making breakfast- Lord help me I will have to get up EARLIER than usual.  I want to make bacon hearts and then for dinner steak, sweet potato and asparagus.  *Mmm*

~update~

So, here is an update on a few things!

·         My parents have a busted pipe and they're having to file with homeowner’s insurance to dig up their bathrooms, fix everything, and then replace the flooring.  In the mean time they are staying at a hotel with the dogs. 

·         Jonathan’s surgery is Monday and it will be an overnight stay.  I have taken off work Mon-Tues but James is not allowed in the area we will be in since he is a baby and this is a surgical procedure.  It’s so JAMES won’t get sick.  It will be my first time not being with him overnight.  My mom is going to be watching him so at least I don’t have to worry all that much.

·         Jonathan’s dad will be coming Wednesday since I will be back at work that day and Jonathan will still need caring for at home.  His mother is supposed to come that Sunday the 19^th to stay with us for possibly a week.  

·         I am planning my friend’s bridal/lingerie shower that is Feb 26^th!  I have to figure out what food I am going to make for it.  I have already decided on my homemade chicken salad on croissants but will be searching for other items this weekend. 

·         Also, I noticed this morning the dog “Kitty” ate my allergy medicine!! L   I hope she is ok when I come home.  It wasn’t a LOT but who knows how it will affect her.

Photo Challenge-- "Front Door" (Day 9)

There it is, from the inside.  I went home early from work yesterday because I was feeling under the weather.  I keep sneezing and sniffling.  It makes it tough to breathe or think for that matter.  Jonathan's spinal fusion surgery is Monday and so I have Mon-Tues off work.  I am not looking forward to it, but I guess it's for the best.  He is always in so much pain because of his back.  It's time we did something about it.

Here is some information on the recovery process.  Jonathan's doctor did get him fitted for a brace as stated below:

Spinal Fusion Recovery

After the spinal fusion surgery, it may be required of you to wear a plastic brace or possibly a cloth corset for a few weeks or months. The spinal fusion surgeon may not recommend you to wear a brace at all, but it all depends on what the surgeon performing the spinal fusion surgery believes to be the most successful in their practice to insure a speedy recovery and prevent infections.

It may take several months to well over a year for the spinal fusion recovery process to be complete depending on the severity of the spinal fusion surgery. For this reason as a patient you must realize prior to surgery that noticeable results may take time and you may need to be patient when looking for results from your spinal fusion surgery. This procedure is not a quick fix option and requires a commitment between the patient and the surgeon performing the spinal fusion surgery to improving your back and leg pain.


This is basically what spinal fusion is for Jonathan's case:
Spinal fusion surgery is joining two bones together (vertebrae) in the spine. Spine fusion permanently joins two bones together so there is no longer movement between them. The main goal of spinal fusion surgery is to relieve pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, restore nerve function and prevent abnormal motion in the spine.

If spinal fusion is performed on the back of your spine, a bone graft from the pelvis or bone from a bone bank will be located on the sides of the vertebrae, where it will grow together in the vertebrae to stop the abnormal movement. Metal rods, screws or hooks also are used with a bone graft to further stabilize the spine. When the vertebrae are surgically stabilized, abnormal motion is stopped and function is restored to the spinal nerves


As you can see, it's pretty serious. I hope all goes well!! 

Photo Challenge Day 8

Thought I should re-post this since I am having to look back to see what is next.  Today is "SUN"

Obviously, there is no sun out today.  I am going to the tanning bed (against all warnings, I know) to get my Vitamin D!

I am slammed today with work and would love to lay in a bed and relax and for a few minutes pretend I am on a beach with the sun out....

James is 4 months old now and he had his check-up today with his pediatrician.  He weighs 13 lb's 11 oz.
He had to get 2 shots and take some sort of liquid.  I couldn't make it to this appointment so Jonathan put me on speaker phone and I also asked the doctor a few questions over the phone.  She said it was time for him to start cereal (which we had started this weekend) and then after 2 weeks if he had been taking it pretty good we could start him on baby food (fruit only) then slowly work him into fruit and vegetables.   He did take the cereal happilly but not well the first time.  The next time he cried!  It's going to take some more practice before he is OK with it.

Today is my father's birthday.  He is 57!  We are going to my parent's house tonight to give him his gift and celebrate :) 

Photo Challenge day 7- "Button"

It's a beautiful day outside and on my lunch break I tackled a few errands.  I went to TJ Maxx in search of a birthday present for my dad (it's TOMORROW) but couldn't find what I was looking for.    Fortunately, I did find a few things I liked....  I will have to show you but I am trying to start accumulating more work attire as well as nice new things in general.  I bought an orange sleeveless shirt that would be good for either at work or out in the spring/summer.  I also bought a black and white zig-zag pattern (pencil shape) skirt.   I even picked up a little something for Jonathan but I am saving that for Valentine's Day <3
The skirt looks a bit like this.. but longer.

Photo Challenge Day --"Dinner"

Well, I had plans to make one of my favorite dishes, Southwestern Chicken Alfredo Pasta.  However, Jonathan wasn't very hungry last night and it's a little thick and rich (and awesome).  So, instead I made  heated up soup and mashed potatoes.  Not that exciting, I know!

However, I did also sneak in some wine (both of us did actually) while catching up on our shows that we DVR'ed Californication and Shameless.

I was actually surprised to see an old friend of mine Devan on Shameless (Season 2 Episode 5).   He was the big guy at the end at the BBQ whose mother is in jail for killing their father with a staple gun.  He punches Lipp.  Great show.  BTW those are my 2 favorite of THIS season.  I don't watch the Voice.   It doesn't compare to Idol for me.  Just not the same. 

Here is the scene I'm referring to. I have to apologize that Devan is turned backwards. Oh well.

Superbowl Sunday!

For the super bowl we went to our friend Kelly & Mark's house.  We brought over a couple of Little Caesars pizzas and cheesy bread.  (They have such a good deal if you have the time to go pick up pizzas!)  Kelly also let me borrow a baby swing they don't use.  I'm excited, James really loved it!
It looks like this

She is always giving us stuff and helping us out.  I just love her! 

Jonathan has to have spinal fusion surgery next Monday so we are going to celebrate Valentine's Day next weekend.  Any suggestions?

Day 5 (10am) photo challenge cont'd..

The picture is to be of 10am.  Well for that it looks like a BREAK! from my desk.

It also means I'm updating my blog on my break.  Fun times my friends.

Day 4- a Stranger

 Well, honestly, I'm at my desk and there are no complete strangers around (that I am willing to take a picture of).  But, I do however have a photo of some strangers in my phone from previously.  I was at a fashion show at Dillards and here are all the strangers that were there!

So this was Saturday- my parents went out of town for the day and Jonathan and James and I stayed at their house and house sat and dog sat.   It was a very relaxing day.  We started James on rice cereal with a spoon for the first time!  He thought it was hilarious.  We definitely have a lot more spoon practice to come!  James was such a good baby Saturday.  He is becoming more and more delightful as the days go on.

Photo Challenge Day 3- Hands

Of course my spin on this will include Jonathan and James!

Here is Jonathan with James holding his finger

And here are my hands holding James...my sweet sweet angel!

Jonathan holding James....

Those weren't his best photos and we didn't order those in particular. However, I happen to cherish EVERY SINGLE PHOTO ever taken of him lol.

Ready for the weekend, and hopefully some extra sleep!!!

Photo Challenge Day (2)

Since, I am technically behind by a day ....    day 2 would be TODAY. 

WORDS

LOVE!!! :)

Photo a Day challenge!

This sounds so much fun, I couldn't resist.  As you well know, I love taking pictures.   Day One-  My view today?
HERE GOES!

Here is who I sit next to who talks to me every few minutes lol..
...My window view

And last but not least, my cubicle:

OK, I know that wasn't (ONE) picture, but at least I'm playing the game!!