Friday Five Faves - vol. 18 or 19

So I was looking at past FFF posts and I realized that I have two #17 editions. Apparently counting and Fridays don't really mix for me.

Or it could be that I was getting an early start on the festivities that are in store for me tonight. My friend Amber's bachelorette party is tonight. We all have to wear something leopard print. Since I'm not so great at face-painting on leopard spots (which I thought would totally be a stand-out idea for a night on the town), I found a delightful headband to wear. I think my inner tigress is ready for some girl's night out!

Without further ado, FFF volume 18 or 19. Depending if you believe in new math or not.

1) My new plum, suede pumps from Kenneth Cole Reaction (sorry no picture, I was working on my counting and face painting). I found these beauties for my friend Amber's wedding this December, but I love them so much I've already worn them. What's even better, I found them at Macy's and they were half off. Can you beat that?

2) iTunes. Since entering the 21 century, I've started loading up my iPod with music. I downloaded some singles that I love and even the new Nickleback CD. I will admit, I even downloaded Britney's Circus. I'm a bit of a Britney fan, head shaving and all. She did have some trouble there for awhile, but I love a good comeback story like I love me some leftover cheesecake from Thanksgiving.


3) Toddler talk. Zoe is starting to say more and more things. She will answer questions too, even though I have absolutely no idea what she's saying. This was our conversation as I mopped the floors with Pine Sol this week:

Me: mopping, enjoying my little helper
Zoe: sweeping the floors with her broom when she said Mom!
Me: What sweetie?
Zoe: pinches her nose, p.u.!

Apparently the scent of fresh pine doesn't quite meet her expectations of a good smell.

4) The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I tend to read an author's entire body of work if I like their writing. I was a little skeptical about this book because I didn't know if it could live up to the Twilight series and it's kinda sci-fi. When I say kinda sci-fi I mean completely, 100% sci-fi. I have to admit that I loved it. It's a hard story to explain, but her website says it's "science fiction for people who don't like science fiction." I have to agree.


5) Three Legged Red by Dunham Cellars. I've had several of their wines and this is a great, affordable bottle of red table wine. What's even better is this winery is located in Walla Walla, so you're supporting local!


Have a great week all!

Sleep Deprivation

This past week and a half has been a trying week for me. Zoe has been sick. It started out as a cough at night. Zoe's a gagger. She would cough. Gag from the cough. Puke from the gag.

It was a lovely routine to add to bedtime. We took her to the doctor because I was running out of shirts and pajama pants without puke stains.

She has a sinus infection. The doctor's exact diagnosis was, "yep, green river of goop running down her throat." Nothing instills confidence in your doctor as much as when they use highly technical, medical school terminology.

Poor kid. We got antibiotics. Because it doesn't taste like olives or chocolate pudding, the gagging starts all over. Fortunately I can stop that cycle before it continues with a drink of water. Which is good because I didn't want to resort to covering us both in plastic pre-dosage.

She seems to be doing better. So much better that she doesn't think sleep is important. She refused a nap this week only to fall asleep right before dinner. Then if she does nap, she thinks 5 am is a good wake-up time.

It's safe to say this mamma is a wee bit tired.

Last night I discovered the culprit. As she was talking to herself in the bathroom mirror, post-bath, I noticed she has two new teeth. Because of her preemie status, her teeth have been a little behind her age. These should've come in sometime around July. Better late than never. She's getting two eye teeth on top. The bottoms looks a little bit swollen. We may have two more in no time.

Maybe mamma will have some sleep then too.

Let the festivities begin

This weekend D came over to spend some time with us. E stayed home to be with her mom and new baby brother.

It was so much fun spending time with D and getting some one-on-one time with her. She helped me give Zoe a bath and she helped N & me get ready for Christmas.

She spent most of the morning outside with N helping him hang lights. Then she came in for some hot cocoa. With marshmallows. And whipped cream.


Between sips of cocoa, we made a paper garland for the tree.

That girl is a crafting machine!

Once it got dark, which is around 2:30 in the afternoon here. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration. 2:45 pm is more like it. N took a picture of his and D's handy work.

What is even sweeter than having garland for the tree and lights on the house? N set the lights on remote control. I don't even have to go outside to turn them on! He sure knows his wife is a danty flower that doesn't much care for wet and cold.

Hanging with Micah

This weekend we had Bev, Chris and Micah over for some dinner and fellowship. Micah is such a sweet baby. He's growing up so cute. He was telling Zoe and me stories and we got lots of smiles.

Zoe loved telling him all kinds of stories and blowing him kisses. I think she's pretty fond of her cousin.

Leftovers

I think I've finally come out of my turkey and shopping coma. I thought I would post a few pictures from our Thanksgiving.

I have a very unique family. 99% of them are not blood related in any way. This year my sister's family came over to celebrate. Her grandma usually prepares dinner, but this year my mom offered and they accepted. We had 20 people at my mom's house. It was absolutely wonderful.

Zoe was a bit overwhelmed pre-dinner, pre-nap. However post-nap, she was ready to go. Here are some highlights.

Playing hockey with Roan

Matthew, Roan, Grandpa Doug, Mark, Grandma Darlene, Harmony and Piper

Nicole, Connor, T-Dog, Jerry and Michael

Giving Zoe some love

Black Friday Traditions

It has been a tradition in my family for at least 6 years to go shopping on Black Friday. My mom, my honorary mom and my sister would all meet up at 4 in the morning to begin our adventure in savings. Because there are plenty of other people willing to lose their REM cycle in the name of savings, we would wear antlers to be seen over the crowds.

This year it was just my sister and I. We were standing in line by 3:40 this morning, ready to begin our Adventure in Savings '08. I have to be honest, the deals weren't that great this year. I wasn't as impressed as in years past. We didn't even get a Toys R Us ad. Which is a Black Friday cardinal sin, in my book.

While Black Friday is the official beginning of Christmas shopping, for me it represents the one day a year I know I'll get to spend time with my moms and my sister. Some of our funniest memories have come from Black Friday.

This year I was not only reminded of the importance of our family time, but also the spirit of Christmas.

Around 9:30 this morning I hit my wall. I was in need of some Starbucks to reboost. As I sat in the drive-thru I was thinking about all the people I could cross of my list, how much I still had to buy, how much I'd saved already, woudl I have time for a nap. The usual recap of the morning. When I got to the window with my money in hand I was informed that the lady in the car before me had already paid for my drink.

I was dumbfounded. I have no idea who that generous lady was, no way to thank her. In an instant I was brought back to the real spirit of Christmas. It's not the gifts, not all the stuff we acquire. It's showing people, both known and strangers, the real meaning of Christmas. Christ came to earth as a babe knowing His destiny would be a death, so undeserved, for me. He was more generous that I deserve, yet He paid for my sins.

Whoever that lady in the SUV was, she showed me the real meaning of Christmas in such a small act. Thank you for bringing a reality to Black Friday. It was a reboost, to my energy and my focus.

My heart overflows with gratitude

It's Thanksgiving and once again I'm reminded of what's important in life. I love thanksgiving for this very reason. Not that I need a holiday to do that, but it's a nice national reminder. It's a day to celebrate all that God has given me. A day to celebrate the things in my life I don't think I deserve, but was given anyway.

This year has been a true blessing. We are in a home of our own, our house in Puyallup sold and we're all still speaking to each other! This past year has been an eye opening experience. I'm so blessed N walked by my side. He is my best friend, my partner, my biggest supporter, my prayer partner and encourager. I truly don't know what I did to deserve him as my partner in life.

If that wasn't enough, he's an excellent father to our three girls. He loves, encourages, supports and trains them in the Lord.

N, I'm so thankful for you. I know I don't say it enough, but you are a blessing beyond anything I ever hoped for.

If it wasn't enough that I was blessed in the husband department, I got the coolest kid ever. I'm not even being a little biased. She is fun, charming, sweet and a bit goofy. I'm so thankful that God helped her survive and thrive. I honestly can't picture my life without her in it. She is the final piece that completes my heart.

What's even better than having a husband who loves you unconditionally and a daughter who brings a joy into your life? Having two step-daughters who allow you to be part of their lives too. D & E have allowed me to have a place in their hearts and in their lives. I'm so grateful that I get to enjoy them and love on them!

In all my life I never thought I would have deserved three beautiful girls or an amazing husband. Yet God had a different design for my life. There are days I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that He would trust me to raise three girls in Him. It's a task I don't take lightly, but one I'm so glad I've been given.

Psalm 107:1 - Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.