Good-Bye 2010, Hello 2011!

{Courtesy of Google Images}

I hope that as you're celebrating tonight that you have a wonderful and safe time!!

Kyle and I are going to be sitting home doing a whole lotta nothing.  We might make it to midnight.  We'll have to see about that. Haha!

This has been a crazy year with some ups and some downs but at least we have each other and we're looking forward to a better year than ever!

My thoughts and prayers are the same for all of you!  I hope that if this hasn't been your best year that 2011 will be your year.  And if 2010 was good to you, I pray that 2011 will be even better!

Happy New Year, everyone!!

Merry Christmas To All, And To All A Good Night!

Christmas lights synchronized to "First Noel" from Christmas in Lake Stevens on Vimeo.

{Our house last year}

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

May You Be Blessed Today And Always!

Almost Ready

It's been a bit of a whirlwind around here.  Because my sister was in the hospital and she wanted me to stay with her, I lost a day of getting things done {but I'd definitely rather be there for her than not}.

Yesterday I went and got some more Christmas shopping done.  Can you believe the grocery store had no REGULAR candy canes?  I didn't want Starburst candy canes, I didn't want Strawberry candy canes, I didn't want multi-colored candy canes or Chocolate Mint candy canes. I wanted PEPPERMINT candy canes!  I had to go to the drug store to get them.  I was so surprised.  I have never had that happen before!

After I was done shopping I came home and made peppermint bark.  I make it every year and it's one of my faves.  It's also one of my dad's favorites so he'll be getting some as part of his Christmas gift.

I also wrapped {almost} all of the gifts that I've purchased so far.  I only have a few little stocking stuffers to wrap and Kyle's gifts to wrap.  I can't put them out because Kyle is a snoop and I hate it when he tries to guess what I've gotten for him {cuz he's usually correct - Argh!}.  I'll wrap his today {Christmas Eve} some time and then hide them!

We still never got a tree so all the wrapped gifts are hanging out with our Moose couple.

At about 10:30pm last night I decided I was going to make cinnamon rolls.  Wouldn't be such a bad idea except that the recipe was a bit wet and the directions make it seem like they're supposed to be.  Very odd.  Oh, I also ran out of cornstarch so I had to use arrowroot and tapioca flour as a substitute.  Still, this is what I ended up with:

And the finished product, flipped upside down:

Not as bad as I was expecting but we'll see how they taste Christmas Eve morning.  I think next time I'll just substitute my regular gluten free flour mix for the flour that's called for in regular recipes.  This one was too much of a mess!

Today we'll finish up last minute shopping and wrapping and then we'll be heading over to the inlaws to celebrate Christmas with them.  My MIL even went and got gluten free bread to make the turkey stuffing with and she's going to make gravy with cornstarch so she's trying to do everything gluten free for me.  I told her yesterday that it means a lot to me that's she's adapting.  She told me it's because she loves me. Awww. *hearts*

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!!  May all your dreams and wishes come true!

Sister Update

I mentioned the other day that I got a call from my sister at 4am.  She'd had a gallbladder attack.  So to those of you that saw the previous post, thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers for my sister!  They ended up going in laparoscopically after all. She had 7 HUGE gallstones in her gallbladder so they removed those and her gallbladder.  I was there from about 11:15pm Tuesday night till she was discharged yesterday {Wednesday} around 4pm and then I stayed with her for another couple of hours at home till her husband got home.  I got home about 7pm Wednesday night with a raging headache from lack of food and water. BUT she's going to be ok and we are so very thankful.  The doctor said that if she had waited any longer it would've burst and she'd probably be dead now.  So scary!

Here's a couple of pictures of her gallstones so you can see just how stinkin HUGE they were.

Tuesday Rambles

Can you believe that Christmas is THIS WEEK??  Like, in four days?!

I'm not ready at all.

At. All.

I still have Christmas shopping to do, but no money to do it with.

We still haven't gotten a Christmas tree and it seems pretty pointless to do now.  Again, lack of mullah.

I haven't wrapped anything that I have bought.  I should probably get on that, huh?

It just doesn't feel like Christmas to me, even though my house is decorated, minus the tree.

We've had lots and lots and LOTS of people coming by to see our Christmas display.  This year we added a Santa in the window.  He delivers presents, whispers things, drinks eggnog and he's been a huge hit with all the kids.

I can't watch out the window at the people watching the lights because they'll see me. But last night I took a quick peek and there were some kids out there dancing.  Cracked me up.  Most people don't get out of their cars but there's been a handful that obviously have.

Last weekend I went to my mom's and we did some gluten free baking.  I'll share the recipes if anyone is interested.  But we made saltine crackers so that we could make cracker candy.  And we made gingerbread.  We were going to make gingerbread men but the consistency was wrong so we just cut it up into squares.

Pressing the dough out to as thin as it would go.

Ta-da!

Yummy!  They taste exactly like saltines!

Adding the caramel.

Chocolate chips were added, but decided they didn't want to melt.  So we spread them as best as we could and then added walnuts.  LOVE THIS STUFF!!!  Cracker Candy!

Our attempt at Gingerbread Men.  As you can see, it was too thick and too soft.  On to find a better recipe.

On Monday I got together with my BFF, Riika.  Yes, the one that moved to Japan.  But they're back now.  Her hubby got a job here!!!  Yay!!  So I finally got to see her again.

I did something on Tuesday but I can't remember what it was. Haha!  

I didn't leave my house again until Friday night.  I was certainly getting cabin fever!  

Even though we're beyond broke and really shouldn't have, Kyle and I decided to go on a date Friday night.  We couldn't remember the last time that we got to go out and just spend some time together.  So we went and got Mexican food cuz I was craving it and then we went and saw Yogi Bear.  You guys, it was the weirdest thing EVER...it was OPENING NIGHT and we were THE ONLY ONE'S THERE!!!  So strange.  My thought is that everyone else was at the 3D theater and we didn't go to that one because I couldn't buy the tickets online.  I thought there was going to be a line out the door.  Um, not so much. 

Empty theater.

Before we went into the movie, we had some time to kill so we walked around the mall.  We came upon this kiosk that had funny hats.  I spotted this one:

It's a MOOSE!  LOL

The flash was really bright.  And it was hard getting Kyle to take a nice picture. Goober.

I saw this morning that I had a missed call from my sister at 4am {I put my phone on silent at night}.  I texted her when I woke up to see if everything was alright and my mom texted me back saying that my sister is in the hospital.  She's having her gallbladder removed tonight at 5pm.  If you could send some thoughts and prayers for her that everything goes smoothly, I'd appreciate it.  Last year right before Christmas she was having issues with endometriosis and she ended up having surgery either right before or right after Christmas for that.  I guess this time of the year isn't very good for her, health-wise.  I'm probably going to head to the hospital in a bit but she's trying to rest right now.

We had a "Thanksmas" get together with part of Kyle's family this weekend but I'll post about that later.

Just thought I'd take some time to update since I haven't said much lately.  Hope you're all getting into the Christmas spirit better than I am!!  

Top 10 Uses For Fruitcake

I get an email periodically from NaturalNews.com and in the most recent email was this cartoon.  I thought it was pretty funny and wanted to share it with you.

$65 CSN WINNER

Thank you all for joining in and entering the giveaway!  I'm sure there will be more to come in the future!

This time though, the winner is:

Congratulations Meeyeehere!!

I'm Sorry

{Courtesy of Google Images}

If you saw the previous post, I decided to delete it.  But I thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

I posted it "in the moment" of my freak out but I've since calmed down and I don't want to keep it here because I'm feeling a little foolish.

Everything will be ok and there's no cause for alarm.  I'm sorry for causing concern.

Wordless Wednesday: Cuddle Bugs

Kyle took this picture a couple of days ago.  Have I mentioned that Chewy is beyond spoiled?  Yes.  Yes, he is.  Oh yeah, that's Milo's spot on his own pillow, too. ;0)

For more Wordless Wednesday go to the WW HQ here.

For more Wordful Wednesday go to ParentingbyDummies.

Bad Dreams

{Courtesy of Google Images}

Most of the time when I wake up, I do not remember my dreams.

I suppose when I'm more stressed I do.  That's the only explanation I can think of.  Now that school is out, I have a week left of unemployment, Christmas is next week and I need a job I guess you could say I'm stressed.

Last week, one night, the entire night I tossed and turned because I was dreaming about dead people, the morgue and people that were dying but hadn't quite yet.

Last night I was dreaming about being chased by some horrible person that was trying to kill me.  It was quite and intense dream.  I was with someone else, a girl, but I don't know who it was.  I do remember that for whatever reason this person suggested that I cut my hair {and I just got it cut last Friday} and so I came up with some scissors and started trying to cut layers into my hair, while running from this other creep.  We ended up in long hallways, in fields, in some machine that was supposedly going to take us "out of this world" or into space or something.  We had something that this guy wanted {and actually I think I was carrying something with vodka in it} and because we wouldn't give him whatever it was that he wanted he was torturing us.  There were tons of other people in part of the dream.  Somehow we crashed a party or something while we were running and trying to escape.  I don't know, it went on all night it seemed.  These kind of dreams freak me the hell out.

Please tell me I'm not the only one that remembers dreams so vividly or has these type of nightmares.

Is there anything that can be done to keep from having them?  {I'm thinking not but it doesn't hurt to ask, right?}

UGH!  I hate nightmares!!

MckMama Photoshoot

On Saturday Kyle and I had a photoshoot with MckMama while she was in Seattle.

We went to Volunteer Park and Conservatory on Capital Hill.  The Conservatory was all decked out for Christmas with pointsettias and a big ole Christmas tree.  It was really pretty!

I didn't remember ever being there but then I saw the Conservatory and in one area there's cacti.  When I was young, I was there with my mom, sister and grandma.  There may have been others there as well.  But do you know what my grandma did?  She told me to lightly touch the cactus and then she PURPOSEFULLY slammed my hand INTO the cactus!!  So mean, right?!  Yeah, I haven't let her live that down.  I was probably around ten when that happened too.   

Anyway the photoshoot was a lot of fun and we even endured the rain.  It was wet, wet, wet!!

I'm SO excited to finally have some pictures of Kyle and me.  If you want to see a sneak peak, MckMama has our pic here.  Can you find us?

Getting Into The Spirit

{Courtesy of Google Images}

Yesterday we finally unburied all of the Christmas decorations.  It's always quite the feat since it's all tucked way back in the depths of our storage area under the stairs.  It's pretty well organized but it's just taking everything out that's in front of it all.

While I'm not done decorating it does look like Christmas threw up in my house now.  Nice image, right?  Haha!

The thing is that I seem to have a tough time getting into the Christmas Spirit the past few years.  I don't really know what it is.  I don't think it's anything specifically but I have a few speculations about it.

I know this time of the year is always busy so that probably contributes to it. 

We used to have a Christmas party, too, but we just haven't had the time or money to do that the past couple of years so no one but us really sees the work that we put into getting it look like Christmas.  I think that might put a damper on the mood.

Another thing that I think contributes to it is that we don't have any kids to do all of this for.  While it's nice for Kyle and me, I think that it would make it so much better if we were doing it for some little people.

Last year I was even less into Christmas.  So much so that I only put red and clear bulbs on the tree with lights and the angel on top. I didn't even have the motivation to pull out all of our personal ornaments.  I'm almost that point right now.

I told Kyle that I'd be ok without even getting a tree {and honestly he'd be ok with that too, which was surprising}.  But then I changed my mind.  I want a tree but not a big, huge one like we normally get.  And the only reason why I DO want to get a tree is because of our Christmas light show.  There's going to be people that we know that stop by and want to come in.  We can't have the outside completely decked out but the inside looking totally bare.  So, if Kyle gets paid again soon, we'll be getting a tree.  A smaller tree, but a tree nontheless.

Something that usually gets me into the Christmas Spirit is baking.  Since I went gluten-free I have not done a whole lot of that though.  It's not as easy to just whip things out.  Now I have to make sure I have all of the different flours and things don't stay together as well.  I think I need to get in the kitchen and try some more though because I really want to be excited for Christmas.

Do you ever feel the dread of Christmas instead of the spirit?


How do you get into the Christmas Spirit, especially if you're childless?

$65 CSN Giveaway! Just In Time For Christmas Shopping!

{Courtesy of Google Images}

 ***Comments are closed.  Winner will be announced tomorrow 12/16.  Thank you to everyone that entered!***

Because it's almost Christmas.

Because I'm no where near being done Christmas shopping.

Because maybe you're looking for somewhere new to look for Christmas / Holiday gifts.

And because today is Saturday and I've got a lot to do today... 

I'm giving away a $65 credit to CSN stores that needs to be used by December 31st! 


So get to entering.  **Snap snap** 

How To Win: 

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Tell me what you're most looking forward to during this Christmas / holiday season.

Are you looking forward to a specific gift?  Or the decorating and baking?  What about the different parties that happen this time of year?  Tell me what your favorite part of Christmas is!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

LEAVE EACH ENTRY IN A SEPARATE COMMENT SO EACH ONE IS COUNTED!!!

• Follow me, or let me know that you already do
• Follow me on Twitter, or let me know that you already do
• Tweet about my giveaway. You may do this as many times as you wish. Just be sure to leave a separate comment with the tweet link or your Twitter name for each one to be counted.

Tweet: .@MrsMeganC is giving away $65 to CSN Stores.  Enter to win here: http://tinyurl.com/2b6czz8 Pls RT!!

• Post about my giveaway and give me the direct link to the post
• Join my Community and let me know you did or are already a member
• Start a new discussion in my Community and let me know you did

Giveaway will end on December 15th at 9pm, Pacific Standard Time.

Winners will be chosen by Random.org.

Winners will be posted within 24 hours of the giveaway ending.

Be sure you leave a valid email address, if it's not already linked, in the comments. Winner{s} will have 48 hours to get back to me or a new winner will be drawn.

~~~~~

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My 2010 According To Facebook

Well, here's what Facebook says my life was this year according to my status updates.  And what a year it's been!

Hey! Guess What?

{Courtesy of Google Images}

School and me?  We're FINISHED!  DONE!  Never to meet again...{unless I change my mind in the future}!!!

I can't even express to you how flippin EXCITED I am!!!

I am so damn proud because I did AWESOME, if I do say so myself!

No idea what my FINAL GPA is, but I know is pretty darn close to a 4.0.

I was so SCARED before I started.

But I DID IT!  I went the entire year, got awesome grades, stayed on the Dean's list, made some great friends and now I'm being pushed out into the work world again where hopefully I can do awesome there, too!! =)

Thanks for sticking around and enduring my absences here and there.  This year was TOUGH but now, on to bigger and better things!

WOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{Courtesy of Google Images}

Happy Dance!! Happy Dance!! Happy Dance!!

And just cuz it's funny

{Courtesy of Google Images}

Visiting The Morgue

{Courtesy of Google Images}

What a day.

Today was the last day of my EKG externship.  Today is the first day of my friend Megan's externship.  So we carpooled together.  She parked at the Park & Ride and I picked her up.

We got to the hospital and the day started out fairly mellow.

In the EKG office, there's a whiteboard with a bunch of stuff written on it, one of the things being "Morgue" with names listed under it.  Today, there were four names.  One of them Baby Boy {Last name}.

Oh, wow.

I've never seen a dead body.

I've had the "opportunity" at a couple of different funerals but I've declined.

Now, at this hospital, the EKG techs take care of the deceased and contacting the funeral homes, etc.

Last time I was there, I went to the morgue but didn't see anything except for where they keep the bodies.

Today, though, Ugh!

Megan and I were up on one of the floors getting ready to do an EKG on one of the in-patients and we got a page that there was an out-patient there.  So because it was Megan's first day and I'd been on my own before, I headed down to get the patient while Megan and our girl finished up with the in-patient.  I was told that they'd meet me in the hospital lobby after we were both done with our patients.

They were taking longer than it took me to do the EKG so I wandered for a bit.

Finally found them and they had gone to pick up the deceased baby and taken him to the morgue.  I'm glad that I didn't see him.  Megan said that he was very tiny.  Only 24 weeks gestation.  When we initially found out about him I wanted to throw up.  I was sick to my stomach even thinking about having to see him.

Later on, the coroner came to pick him up and we all headed over to the morgue.  The guy had a small basket, think Moses Basket, a blue blanket and he opened up the refrigerator and I saw.  I couldn't tell that it was a baby.  Just looked like a folded blanket or something.  But I knew.  I knew what it was.  Oh man.  That was SO difficult to see!!  I can not even begin to imagine the pain that his parents are going through.

We were again, in the morgue later in the day for two more people to be picked up.

I don't know.

I want to work at this hospital because it's a GREAT one to get a job at, but I just don't know if I can handle dealing with deceased people all the time.

When our shift was over, we headed home.  We sat in the rain and the traffic and finally made it back to the Park & Ride.

I dropped Megan off at her car and drove away.

A few minutes later, I get a text from her saying that her car window had been smashed in and her stereo and everything she had in her car {presents she had bought, etc} had been stolen.  I called and asked her if she wanted me to go back but she said no, she was just going to drive it home.  I feel HORRIBLE for her!  She said she was going to call me when she got home but she hasn't yet.

Then I got the mail and there's my weekly "statement" from Unemployment and it says that I've basically got a week or two left.  We're so screwed.  I'm hoping and praying and praying and hoping that I get another letter saying that I have more money coming to me because I have NO idea how long it's going to take me to actually find a job and we most definitely need that money to keep coming in because Kyle doesn't get paid on any sort of regular schedule.  I've started looking and I had an informal interview today for an EKG position, but they don't have anything open right now.  At least I met the Big Boss though so we'll see what happens.  Pray that I find a job ASAP or that I continue to get paid through unemployment!!

This has been quite the day.

I think I'm now going to go and have that glass of wine I've been holding off on.

Wrong Answer

{Courtesy of Natalie Dee}

Kyle is weird.  Period.  He always says the craziest things.  Some times they make me appalled and sometimes they make me laugh my ass off.

Just a few minutes ago he, out of the blue, asks me:

"If a robber broke in and had a gun and he said that you had to choose who was going to get shot, Me or Chew, who would you choose?"

I said, "I don't know!  Neither!"

He says, "WHAT?!  You're supposed to say 'shoot the damn dog!'"

I said that I couldn't choose.  I don't want either of them to be shot!

Then I asked him who HE would choose and because I gave the wrong answer he said that he'd say "Shoot the wife!"

Harsh, right?

But don't think he's a douche for that response, we were laughing and joking around.

Seriously, he's SO random sometimes!

What would YOUR answer have been?  Especially with the consideration that Chewy is my baby, my child.  Would you want to choose between your spouse and your child?  I think not.

CSN Is At It Again!

If you haven't heard about CSN stores then you've been missing out!  They're one of the largest online retailers around with over 200 online stores.  They're always adding more too!

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