The hubs took all three kids camping on Thursday for one night. I ended up going shopping at the Woodburn Outlets with my friend, her MIL and cousin. It was a LONG day (11-6), but totally worth it. Her MIL had tons of coupons and I saved so much money. Her MIL is a sweetheart and bought Maddie two outfits so she could match my friend's daughter once school starts. I was touched to say the least. A very kind and sweet woman.
I got the girls so many cute outfits and am done with their Back to School shopping. I came home and graded a few papers while waiting for my other friend to come pick me up at 7. We went to PF Chang's and had a great time. We ended up at Marshall's so I could find Jaiden some clothes and I walked out of their with some great finds.
I didn't get home until ten and had about 7 hours of editing to do. Needless to say, I went to bed at 2:30am. I had to get up at seven to continue to work both my editing and teaching job (it was finals week) and then head to the office by eleven. I got home at 2pm just after Matt returned.
When he first told me he was taking the kids camping, I envisioned sleeping in and watching some TV, perhaps sipping some wine. LOL. That did not happen! Oh well. The good news is....I have the whole weekend off with no work!!
I don't start teaching again until the 16th which is nice, but I return to editing on Monday :) I am just grateful to be soaking up some sun this week! Summer has finally arrived in Oregon :) ~S
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
FAVORITES!!!
One} Favorite Food/Dessert for Take-Out
PF Chang's Shrimp w/ Candied Walnuts
Cheesecake Factory's Chocolate Coconut Creme Cheesecake
Two} Favorite Store to Shop
Easy! Costco :)
Three} Favorite Spontaneous Gift from Spouse
Earrings or Flowers
Four} Favorite Bedtime Accessory
My baby blanket :))
Five} Favorite Vacation Spot
The Oregon Coast or Ensign Ranch
Six} Favorite Online Shopping Spot
Pottery Barn! I heart PB :)
Seven} Favorite Comfy Clothes
My red robe and yoga pants
Eight} Favorite Activity with the Kids
Going on lantern walks
Nine} Favorite Song
This is tough! I can't simply pick one. It's a toss up between Cough Syrup by Young The Giant or You Are A Tourist by Death Cab For Cutie
Ten} Favorite Color
Red :)
~S
PF Chang's Shrimp w/ Candied Walnuts
Cheesecake Factory's Chocolate Coconut Creme Cheesecake
Two} Favorite Store to Shop
Easy! Costco :)
Three} Favorite Spontaneous Gift from Spouse
Earrings or Flowers
Four} Favorite Bedtime Accessory
My baby blanket :))
Five} Favorite Vacation Spot
The Oregon Coast or Ensign Ranch
Six} Favorite Online Shopping Spot
Pottery Barn! I heart PB :)
Seven} Favorite Comfy Clothes
My red robe and yoga pants
Eight} Favorite Activity with the Kids
Going on lantern walks
Nine} Favorite Song
This is tough! I can't simply pick one. It's a toss up between Cough Syrup by Young The Giant or You Are A Tourist by Death Cab For Cutie
Ten} Favorite Color
Red :)
~S
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Keeping Busy
The last couple of days have been a roller coaster, but I think I am doing okay and am happy with how productive we were. We had a great trip to the beach (I say great loosely due to certain events that I can now laugh at), got our glass door installed, the front door painted a new color, a door knocker ordered from Pottery Barn, the girls table assembled, wood shelves bought (we need to fit and stain them) for the pantry and had friends over for dinner.
Last week I went on two outings to celebrate my belated birthday and another friend's birthday with friends and got an awesome review from my employer. I find that if I keep busy, family stress (in regards to my mom and brother) is easier to handle. But I have noticed my body taking a hit. I have been tired, it has been harder to balance both jobs, the house, kids and so forth. I have acne from stress, have been overly itchy (thanks LS), have a canker sore and just feel crummy. I know I need to slow down and take a breather.
The next few days are finals for my students and I have a ton of grading to do, plus my editing job-especially if I am heading to MT shortly. I know I will get through it though. I am just grateful that I love the work I do. It is such a blessing to have money now to treat friends, buy gifts, have nights out, take the kids to do more activities and know that all those years of school were worth it. I am so lucky to have found two great jobs. In times of stress, it always helps me to think of all the positives in my life.
Tomorrow we are going out with friends for dinner and Thursday I am going school shopping with one of my best friends and her MIL-I am excited! I also hope to get some cuddle time in with my little one :) I have learned that you just look to the future, keep going despite challenges and push on.
Have a Great Week! ~S
Last week I went on two outings to celebrate my belated birthday and another friend's birthday with friends and got an awesome review from my employer. I find that if I keep busy, family stress (in regards to my mom and brother) is easier to handle. But I have noticed my body taking a hit. I have been tired, it has been harder to balance both jobs, the house, kids and so forth. I have acne from stress, have been overly itchy (thanks LS), have a canker sore and just feel crummy. I know I need to slow down and take a breather.
The next few days are finals for my students and I have a ton of grading to do, plus my editing job-especially if I am heading to MT shortly. I know I will get through it though. I am just grateful that I love the work I do. It is such a blessing to have money now to treat friends, buy gifts, have nights out, take the kids to do more activities and know that all those years of school were worth it. I am so lucky to have found two great jobs. In times of stress, it always helps me to think of all the positives in my life.
Tomorrow we are going out with friends for dinner and Thursday I am going school shopping with one of my best friends and her MIL-I am excited! I also hope to get some cuddle time in with my little one :) I have learned that you just look to the future, keep going despite challenges and push on.
Have a Great Week! ~S
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Bad News
It seems like bad news comes in clusters-at least for my family. Last week, one of my older brothers was hit by a car while riding his bicycle and dragged. He is alive thank goodness and recovering. It was very scary for my family when we got the news.
I woke up today determined to rid my house of dust. My son has horrible allergies to the point that he gets bloody noses and so I decided to do a quick clean. I scrubbed every single wood blind in my house and dusted all the baseboards and six panel doors. I decided to take a break when my little brother called. My mom has been hospitalized-possibly for weeks. She is very ill. Like I said, just when you take a breath, the life gets sucked out of you again.
She has been sick for some time now. I knew a month ago she was bad and every time the phone rang, I thought it was "that" dreaded call-the end. Thankfully, it was not today.
My dad is also ill with Parkinson's and can't be left alone. So I will be heading to MT probably in the next few days. My brothers and I will take turns taking care of my parents house, my dad, and cooking. Stress always makes him feel worse as it does me.
Right now we are brainstorming about what to do with the little ones. Do I take them or leave them? I think it would be hard to take three kids and care for my dad. I'm sure it will all work out though. Thankfully, I can work from home at my dad's house and have no problem taking time off at my other job. Plus, I have friends that would be more than willing to take my kids.
Matt works two jobs today (literally a 15-16 hour shift) so I will do what I do best to occupy myself and keep the stress at bay-CLEAN!
Please keep my mom in your thoughts and prayers. She has only been this sick once and it was really, really bad on all of us.
~S
I woke up today determined to rid my house of dust. My son has horrible allergies to the point that he gets bloody noses and so I decided to do a quick clean. I scrubbed every single wood blind in my house and dusted all the baseboards and six panel doors. I decided to take a break when my little brother called. My mom has been hospitalized-possibly for weeks. She is very ill. Like I said, just when you take a breath, the life gets sucked out of you again.
She has been sick for some time now. I knew a month ago she was bad and every time the phone rang, I thought it was "that" dreaded call-the end. Thankfully, it was not today.
My dad is also ill with Parkinson's and can't be left alone. So I will be heading to MT probably in the next few days. My brothers and I will take turns taking care of my parents house, my dad, and cooking. Stress always makes him feel worse as it does me.
Right now we are brainstorming about what to do with the little ones. Do I take them or leave them? I think it would be hard to take three kids and care for my dad. I'm sure it will all work out though. Thankfully, I can work from home at my dad's house and have no problem taking time off at my other job. Plus, I have friends that would be more than willing to take my kids.
Matt works two jobs today (literally a 15-16 hour shift) so I will do what I do best to occupy myself and keep the stress at bay-CLEAN!
Please keep my mom in your thoughts and prayers. She has only been this sick once and it was really, really bad on all of us.
~S
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Back to School
I have a huge "to do" list to get ready for Back to School. Besides clothes & shoe shopping for three kids, I need to also get school supplies. Lucky for me, I have a shopping date with a friend :) Part of getting ready for school is having a place for the kids to study. My son has a desk in his room, but my girls do not. I saw this table last year around Christmas time and since I have the ability to buy extras now due to me working, I decided to get it. I am really excited. I think it will go great in the girls room and we can use it for Thanksgiving and other holidays when we need extra seating for kids.
Good luck with your Back to School "to do" list! ~S
I love the different colored chairs :)
Monday, July 18, 2011
Pure?!
I am always looking for new products to use to lessen the pain of LS and sex. Although it is not painful every single time, anyone with LS knows that finding something to use can be difficult as many things will irritate fragile skin. I have heard that the best thing to use is olive oil, but I figured this is worth a try. I will let you know what I think in a future post. It is costly-we paid $22, but I'm sure you can find it cheaper. It has natural ingredients and claims that it regenerates mucous membranes and skin. Hmmmm...I guess we will see. ~S
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Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Gross!
I have a front load washer and every couple of months it won't drain due to items left in pockets clogging the drain. My handy hubby knows how to drain it and remove the contents thankfully. I know I should check all pockets before washing clothes, but lets face it, with five people in our family, who has time for that?!
So here is what we found when we drained the plug: Patrick key chain, a bullet, tons of lint, a necklace, Legos, bobby pins (guilty!), money and candy wrappers. The kids thought it was pretty cool to see what came out of the washer. The boss, not very amused. Me, I laughed. ~S
So here is what we found when we drained the plug: Patrick key chain, a bullet, tons of lint, a necklace, Legos, bobby pins (guilty!), money and candy wrappers. The kids thought it was pretty cool to see what came out of the washer. The boss, not very amused. Me, I laughed. ~S
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Friday, July 15, 2011
Memories
The other night I was lying in bed, unable to sleep, thinking about a memory that would calm the chatter in my head and relax me. It amazes me how I reach for the same memory each time I seek peace-my grandparents.
I thought of myself as a young girl (probably ten) in a white and blue floral dress, barefoot, hair in braids walking through their kitchen. I'm on my tip toes touching the magnets on the fridge, running my hand across the little table that sits under a window that lets in the most beautiful sun in the morning and where I ate breakfast often. Suddenly my feet are on the plush, soft carpet. I'm in the dining room. I run my hand across the newly polished table and touch the crystal candy dish being careful not to make a sound. I turn and see the living room. The TV is on and my grandparents are sitting in their familiar chairs-grandpa on the left, grandma on the right. I dance over, kiss grandpa on the cheek, he smiles. Then grandma gives me her hand and I lean in to hug her.
I smile as I remember this scene in my head and drift off to sleep with tears rolling down my cheeks, clutching the blanket she made for me over thirty-five years ago. I never knew my heart would ache so much for them. I often imagine they can see me, my children, and know how much I loved them.
In all my memories of my grandparents, the one that sticks out the most is how they always had a smile. Despite their illnesses or how they felt that day, they always welcomed us into their home with love. I hope as I battle my disease that I remember their strength. I hope that I am everything they imagined I would be. I hope my father knows how much of an impact he had driving me to his parents (my grandparents) house all those years ago and ultimately shaped who I am today. ~S
I thought of myself as a young girl (probably ten) in a white and blue floral dress, barefoot, hair in braids walking through their kitchen. I'm on my tip toes touching the magnets on the fridge, running my hand across the little table that sits under a window that lets in the most beautiful sun in the morning and where I ate breakfast often. Suddenly my feet are on the plush, soft carpet. I'm in the dining room. I run my hand across the newly polished table and touch the crystal candy dish being careful not to make a sound. I turn and see the living room. The TV is on and my grandparents are sitting in their familiar chairs-grandpa on the left, grandma on the right. I dance over, kiss grandpa on the cheek, he smiles. Then grandma gives me her hand and I lean in to hug her.
I smile as I remember this scene in my head and drift off to sleep with tears rolling down my cheeks, clutching the blanket she made for me over thirty-five years ago. I never knew my heart would ache so much for them. I often imagine they can see me, my children, and know how much I loved them.
In all my memories of my grandparents, the one that sticks out the most is how they always had a smile. Despite their illnesses or how they felt that day, they always welcomed us into their home with love. I hope as I battle my disease that I remember their strength. I hope that I am everything they imagined I would be. I hope my father knows how much of an impact he had driving me to his parents (my grandparents) house all those years ago and ultimately shaped who I am today. ~S
Monday, July 11, 2011
Work, Work & More Work
I have been working a ton. When I am not editing, I am grading. I have mastered the art of grading a paper, preparing lunch for the kids and typically the neighbor kids, editing, playing with the kids, grading, cleaning, editing, making dinner and once again grading or editing while in bed. I'm exhausted even typing it!!
It is crazy!! But I think I am doing a great job of balancing it. My house is as clean as it always is, the kids are having sleepovers as usual, we are doing family outings and life is going on. I just have to sneak in my room throughout the day and grade or edit, then walk away and come back when the time is right. Currently, there are six kids in my house and I still managed to grade ten papers today.
I got approved to do the data entry part of the editing at the office at night after-hours, so tonight I will go in, drop off reports and pick up more that will be due Wed. I only have one day off a week and I usually veg out for half of it! Ha!
In other news: My oven has decided to poop out on me which makes making dinner tough and I need to deep clean the house for my parents visit. They were going to be here a week ago, but are planning on coming tomorrow :). It will be a long night to say the least.
Lets just say I am super excited to have a girls night this Friday with a bunch of lovely ladies. Have a great week everyone!! ~S
It is crazy!! But I think I am doing a great job of balancing it. My house is as clean as it always is, the kids are having sleepovers as usual, we are doing family outings and life is going on. I just have to sneak in my room throughout the day and grade or edit, then walk away and come back when the time is right. Currently, there are six kids in my house and I still managed to grade ten papers today.
I got approved to do the data entry part of the editing at the office at night after-hours, so tonight I will go in, drop off reports and pick up more that will be due Wed. I only have one day off a week and I usually veg out for half of it! Ha!
In other news: My oven has decided to poop out on me which makes making dinner tough and I need to deep clean the house for my parents visit. They were going to be here a week ago, but are planning on coming tomorrow :). It will be a long night to say the least.
Lets just say I am super excited to have a girls night this Friday with a bunch of lovely ladies. Have a great week everyone!! ~S
Sunday, July 10, 2011
What Have We Been Up To This Summer?!
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| Parks |
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| The Beach |
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| Hiking |
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| Enough Said! |
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| Anniversary Trip to Stephanie Inn |
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| Cabin at Ensign Ranch |
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| Exploring the Beautiful Oregon Coast |
Friday, July 8, 2011
Things That Make Me Smile :)
Just wanted to share some things that made me smile this week. It is important when you have a disease to reflect on the simple things in life...
1. My three year old asked me, "Mom, if I eat a lot of ice and food will I get fat like dad? Cuz I wanna be big like dad." Too funny!! She also says she is going to marry me when she gets older. I asked her who would marry daddy then. Her reply, "Who is bigger than daddy?!"
2. My boss approved me to work after hours when the office is closed :) I'm sure I will be more productive AND I can work any night once Matt gets off work. IDEAL!
3. Seeing my son and his friend who he has been out of touch with for a few years, play again.
4. My six year old daughter giving me kisses on the cheek for no apparent reason.
5. After coming back from an overnight getaway with the hubs, my little one ran to me and wrapped her arms around me and gave me the tightest hug.
6. My first paycheck (and the amount) from my teaching job at the University. Can you say new glass door for our house and possibly something fun from Pottery Barn?!
7. My new friendship with a neighbor. She cracks me up and has the greatest sense of humor.
8. My husband having his co-worker pick up flowers at Costco and then surprising me with them.
9. My husband, again, bringing home flowers for no special reason other than to surprise me.
10. The arrival of my parents this week!!!!
Have a great weekend!! ~S
1. My three year old asked me, "Mom, if I eat a lot of ice and food will I get fat like dad? Cuz I wanna be big like dad." Too funny!! She also says she is going to marry me when she gets older. I asked her who would marry daddy then. Her reply, "Who is bigger than daddy?!"
2. My boss approved me to work after hours when the office is closed :) I'm sure I will be more productive AND I can work any night once Matt gets off work. IDEAL!
3. Seeing my son and his friend who he has been out of touch with for a few years, play again.
4. My six year old daughter giving me kisses on the cheek for no apparent reason.
5. After coming back from an overnight getaway with the hubs, my little one ran to me and wrapped her arms around me and gave me the tightest hug.
6. My first paycheck (and the amount) from my teaching job at the University. Can you say new glass door for our house and possibly something fun from Pottery Barn?!
7. My new friendship with a neighbor. She cracks me up and has the greatest sense of humor.
8. My husband having his co-worker pick up flowers at Costco and then surprising me with them.
9. My husband, again, bringing home flowers for no special reason other than to surprise me.
10. The arrival of my parents this week!!!!
Have a great weekend!! ~S
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Magic Soap
I have tried many, many soaps for my disease. My friend (who is very thoughtful indeed) picked this up for me as part of my birthday gift. I.Love.It!
It does not burn my fissures, sting or cause any irritation. I would highly recommend it to any LS sufferers or any other woman who wants a non-irritating soap.
I got mine at Fred Meyer's for just under $5. Spendy, I know. But it lasts a long time if you only use it on your lady parts :) ~S
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It does not burn my fissures, sting or cause any irritation. I would highly recommend it to any LS sufferers or any other woman who wants a non-irritating soap.
I got mine at Fred Meyer's for just under $5. Spendy, I know. But it lasts a long time if you only use it on your lady parts :) ~S
Friday, July 1, 2011
Happy July!!!
Can you believe it is already July?! What the heck happened to June?!
I ended June with a Big Bang. Literally.
So What Happened the Last Two Weeks?
1. A neighbor/friend of mine that I have not talked to in 1.5 years reconnected with me after we had a falling out. I am so glad that she is back in my life!!!!
As Mark Twain said,"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."
2. We went as a family and bought tons of fireworks for our Fourth of July party at our house with friends and neighbors and took the kids to Washington Square Park.
3. I bought a bouncer for a friend of mine that just had the sweetest baby boy. I decided to put it together (don't worry, it is one that she wanted) and surprised her with it at her door. I'm sure I will be finding reasons to drop by just to hold him :)
4. We booked our 12th anniversary trip to Stephanie Inn at Cannon Beach...can you tell I am excited!!!!!
5. I get paid from BOTH jobs tomorrow! I started my second job teaching a writing class last week. Yippee!!!!! Have I told you how much I love working from home?!
6. My husband got a tattoo...something I thought he would NEVER do. But.....I LOVE IT!!!!
7. My mom sent me a package full of goodies (A knife set-the first one since we have been married, some beautiful gifts from Dubai including a gorgeous pashmina scarf and some cute stuff for the kids). Thanks Mom & Dad!!!
8. Now the shocker.....but since this is a blog about LS....Here we go...
I had sex 2x this week and I am not dying of pain!!! Shocking I know. This is a huge deal for me. I think it's due to my bidet. Seriously, that thing works miracles.
Happy July Everyone! I volunteer tomorrow at The Ronald McDonald House then I am off to get my hair colored including a weave! Can't wait!!!
~S
I ended June with a Big Bang. Literally.
So What Happened the Last Two Weeks?
1. A neighbor/friend of mine that I have not talked to in 1.5 years reconnected with me after we had a falling out. I am so glad that she is back in my life!!!!
As Mark Twain said,"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."
2. We went as a family and bought tons of fireworks for our Fourth of July party at our house with friends and neighbors and took the kids to Washington Square Park.
3. I bought a bouncer for a friend of mine that just had the sweetest baby boy. I decided to put it together (don't worry, it is one that she wanted) and surprised her with it at her door. I'm sure I will be finding reasons to drop by just to hold him :)
4. We booked our 12th anniversary trip to Stephanie Inn at Cannon Beach...can you tell I am excited!!!!!
5. I get paid from BOTH jobs tomorrow! I started my second job teaching a writing class last week. Yippee!!!!! Have I told you how much I love working from home?!
6. My husband got a tattoo...something I thought he would NEVER do. But.....I LOVE IT!!!!
7. My mom sent me a package full of goodies (A knife set-the first one since we have been married, some beautiful gifts from Dubai including a gorgeous pashmina scarf and some cute stuff for the kids). Thanks Mom & Dad!!!
8. Now the shocker.....but since this is a blog about LS....Here we go...
I had sex 2x this week and I am not dying of pain!!! Shocking I know. This is a huge deal for me. I think it's due to my bidet. Seriously, that thing works miracles.
Happy July Everyone! I volunteer tomorrow at The Ronald McDonald House then I am off to get my hair colored including a weave! Can't wait!!!
~S
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