Merry Christmas - Part Two With The S's

Christmas came and went faster than ever this year, it seems. Once again, my Grandma outdid herself with last night's Christmas Eve dinner.

Grandma, hard at work.

Ashley, having no business looking as grown up as she does this year.

My brother, David and Ashley.

Ryan and Bret.

Dave, Lori, Ryan & Bret.

Ryan gets the Imaginext Jungle set he's been begging for.

Ashley gets her long awaited boots.

He didn't really ask for this, did he? (He did.)

My Aunt nearly gave my Grandma a heart attack when she opened up her Williams Sonoma gift certificate and exclaimed, "Wow, a thousand dollars. Thank you." My mom had ordered it online with her credit card number. It gave everyone a pretty good laugh.

We got Grandma pretty good last night when she opened her last gift. She's been wanting this Bose stereo system for some time now and had no idea it was going to be hers this year.

Ryan got her pretty good, too. His new toy came with a pretend snake and he kept tormenting her with it.

So off to bed we went last night to await Santa's visit and woke up this morning to find our presents waiting for us under the tree.

I retired my scrapbooking supplies this year and went digital over at Snapfish. So much easier, plus without smoke breaks, I didn't think I could handle doing any scrapbooking yet.

Ryan was really excited about his Baseball Guys Play Set.

Ashley has a place to store her earrings now. (Which will make it easier for mom to browse, too!)

Go Cubs!

So, my buzz from my homemade Starbucks Peppermint Mocha has now worn off and I've successfully made it through Christmas without smoking. Even with family members going out all last night, I did great. Not even a single urge to join them, but I did drink two cups of real coffee last night. I've officially joined the grown up table now.

Heavenly Caffeinated

I'll have more Christmas pictures for you all when the caffeine buzz from my new Espresso Machine and Starbucks Peppermint Mocha ingredients wear off. I am very happily caffeinated right now on this Christmas morning.

Merry Christmas - Part One With The W's

This weekend we kicked off Christmas, Part One with the W's. Last night we joined Bret's family for dinner, professional photos a'la Grant and of course, presents. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins and the new pony that Santa had brought Brooke that morning since they won't be in town for Christmas either.

Ashley & Ryan pose with Grandma Jerry.

Ryan was super excited when he opened his new Lego Harbor. He's been asking for this for some time now.

Ashley got some mind boosting games for her Nintendo DS. Okay, I was the one who really wanted them - I've got to keep up with her some how.

We were really excited for Grandma Jerry to open her gift from us. We had gotten her a digital photo frame and I had loaded it with hundreds of pictures of the whole entire family from over the course of the last year.

Super Cool Bret with his new Cub's coat. He did his runway thing and had us all cracking up.

Sleep wasn't really in the cards for us last night since we got home late, put the kids to bed and tried to get everything cleaned up and put away. I think it was almost 2 am by the time Bret and I got to bed. Thankfully the kids let us sleep until 8:30 this morning.

Peaceful looking isn't it?

Peaceful until the wrapping paper started flying the next morning.

We spent the day playing with all of our new toys.

Ryan really loves his new Leapster L-Max and Animal Genius game.

Tomorrow morning we'll be loading up the kids and the dog into the minivan and heading up to Chicago for Christmas with the S's (my family). I'll try to post more while I'm up there.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Barely Made It Through That One

Something has been off today. I've been moody and fighting the urge to go outside and smoke all day. It's the closest I've come to messing up in the last 18 days.
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Trying to get past it, I've spent the last two hours cleaning up my house, putting all the baby stuff away (the babies are gone until after the New Year) and attacking the ever growing mountain of laundry. (Although I do find comfort in the fact that I'm not the only one. Thanks for making me feel better Jamie.)
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Keeping myself busy wasn't helping so I sat down and tried to figure out why all of a sudden I'm now fighting the biggest urge yet to end my 18 days of smoke free bliss. Then it hit me just as my blood sugar plummeted. I have barely eaten all day. I had oatmeal for breakfast, snacked on lunch meat and cheese at lunchtime and had a bowl of soup for dinner. It's now after midnight and I'm starving. But instead of realizing I'm hungry, my mind is taking it in as a craving to smoke. I think I've found my biggest trigger.
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You see, not only has the Chantix taken away almost any desire for me to smoke, it has also taken away cravings for food. I've lost 5 pounds, but my blood sugar has been chaotic.
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So with that in mind, I got up and started boiling some water in my coffee pot for some yummy oatmeal only to dump it as I changed my mind in favor of Rice Krispies cereal with cut up banana in it. I sat down and took a bite and nearly got sick as I realized that something tasted horribly wrong with the milk. (I just bought it. It doesn't expire until the 24th, but man was there something sour going on with that milk.) Sadly, I watched my uneaten cereal and banana disappear down the disposal and reboiled water for my oatmeal.
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I'm taking this as a lesson. I should eat before I get to the point of total mind loss. Also, I should go to bed before I start talking about something more boring that what I'm eating.

Don't Mess With 'Em

This may be the funniest thing I have ever heard! EVER! I am still laughing right now and have listened to it 4 times already.

Click HERE.

The Internet Is Being Friendly Once More

Here are the rest of the pictures from our visit with Santa last night. Let me just state for the record that I wasn't aware that I, too would be in the picture - hence the ponytail.

Big hugs for Santa.

Happily, my Christmas shopping is finished (after a quick run to the mall after overhearing Ryan telling Santa what he wanted...lol) and almost all wrapped. I'm now 16 days nonsmoking and Bret has made it 3 days now. (He quit on Monday.) What more could you ask for during the holidays?

Santa Visit Turned Photo Shoot

Tonight we took the kids over to the mall to see Santa and were pleasantly surprised to find that it was not busy and that you are free to take your own pictures. Ryan was instantly in awe, while Ashley acted like one of the grown ups. Ryan climbed up on his lap and proceeded to tell Santa his whole. entire. list. of. things. he. wants. for. Christmas. Yes, it kind of dragged on like that. LoL.

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Ryan happily poses for pictures with his new best friend.

Ashley joins in.

Santa has quite a sense of humor. He and Bret clashed a bit over their favorite baseball teams.

If you live here in the Peoria area, you have got to try and get over to see Santa and his wife at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. They are the most friendly people ever, who enjoy what they do and so obviously love children. Santa was even trying to corral little Mitchell in the store when we had no luck.

I have more pictures, but for some reason the internet isn't being too cooperative tonight. I'll try to add them later. (If it even lets me post this.)

Weekend Update

Was it just me or did this weekend seem to go by way too fast? Or maybe we were just really busy.

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Ryan had a cosmic bowling birthday party to go to on Saturday. He had a blast and did really well. (Thank you for bumpers!)

Immediately after the bowling party, we made our way through the quickly accumulating snow to our nephew, Mitchell's birthday party. Little Man is now 3 and we have started a whole new something with our present to him. He kept referring to the dinosaur we got him that it was his new pet dino. Pretty cute, isn't he?

At some point during the weekend, we found our way outside to play in the snow. The temperature here has dropped to the 20's and it's way too cold!

After proving to her that she could indeed clean her room just as well as I can, I ran out and found her a little Christmas tree for her room. She's been begging for one since Grandma told her she had some extra little ornaments that she could have. She was very proud and excited.

And today I am 13 days as a nonsmoker, but fighting a horrible cold that has now decided to settle into my chest. I should really go to the doctor, but who actually has time for that? I thought that when you quit smoking, you're suppose to be able to breathe easier and taste and smell things better. Apparently my body didn't get that memo, because it can't do any of those things right now.

Happy Birthday, Little Man

Happy 3rd Birthday to our nephew, Mitchell.

No Match For Me

Definition: A cigarette is a euphemism for a cleverly crafted product that delivers just the right amount of nicotine to keep its user addicted for life before killing the person.'' World Health Organization director-general Gro Harlem Brundtland

11 days as a nonsmoker.

I did it! Bret & I went to Tom Cats last night with some friends for Teri's (older than crap - ha)birthday. I was there for 3 hours and never once had the urge to smoke. I felt like the biggest nonsmoking snob there, though. I walked in and was horrified at how thick and offensive the smoke in there was. It eventually got less noticeable, but everytime someone near our table would light up I could tell immediately. Have you ever stopped and looked around in a bar to notice how many people are smoking? I was shocked to find that it seemed like almost everyone was. I found myself feeling sorry for those people and even prouder of myself.

We've got birthday parties lined up back to back today, so hopefully I'll have some pictures to share later.

Do I Dare?

Last night was the big neighborhood girls night out Christmas Party and I'm proud to say that I had no desire to go outside and smoke at all. It have now been a nonsmoker for 10 full days!

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We gathered at Amy's house for food, drinks and our famous White Elephant Gift Exchange. What did I choose, you ask? You'll just have to keep reading.

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Us girls.

Amy, our friend and hostess.

This is where things took a little turn towards the insane. If you are shocked easily, you may want to look away now.

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Libby showing off her gift from Emily. Hippy Headband? Ponytail holder? Hmm. Too bad Gwen stole it when her turn came around.

Jennie was feeling pretty good.

Super Gwen! She's wearing the gift she opened last year.

Everyone got a huge kick out of my gift. I was going to be nice and give a cute Christmas decoration, but then I thought that if I did that than surely everyone would wonder what had happened to the real me. So I went for the laughs. I googled a phrase that would horrify my mother and mother-in-law, looking for a picture of pole dancers and photo shopped some of our faces into it. This is what I came up with. Not professional by any means, but I think that just makes it funnier. I then printed, framed it and wrapped it up. Emily was the lucky one to take it home, but she may not think it's so funny when she looks a bit closer at it and realizes I put her head on the pregnant body.

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May I present to you - The Timberbrook Drunko Pole Dancers!

I may have to make a few more of these for kicks and giggles. I wonder if I'll still have any friends left after I hit the post button.

White Elephant

Tonight is our annual girls night out where we do the whole White Elephant Gift thing. The first year we did it, we all bought cutesy gifts that everyone had fun stealing. Over the next couple of years, it evolved to coming up with something that could get the best laugh. Last year my gift was my old New Kids On The Block Christmas CD. (Did I just admit to owning that once upon a time ago?) This year I'm drawing a blank on ideas. I have one idea that might get a good laugh, and then another idea that everyone will fight over if all the other gifts are your typical horrendous gifts. I need some ideas, everyone! Anyone have any good ideas?

Lull

I have most definately hit a blogging lull here. Not much has been going on these days so I'm forced to blog about quitting smoking and strangers following my kids around. The blogging about quitting smoking part actually helps me unload and deal with the whole quitting process so you may have to get use to that. Nothing new on the ski mask stranger part so hopefully that's passed, although I've been standing on the driveway now when my kids get on and off the buses now. We're still a little shaken up about that.

I have decided that I really need someone to come and clean my house for me from now on. Any takers? Aside from basic tidying up, I hadn't attempted to scrub my house down until today. I knew it would be the biggest test for me because in the past I've always taken smoke breaks while cleaning. With Chloe napping this afternoon, I pulled out the dust rag and vacuum cleaner and got to work on the kitchen and livingroom. When I was done, I wanted to go outside so badly that I sat on the couch and had a good cry and then took a short nap. So as you can all see, I'm obviously really in need of a new mid cleaning break strategy. And some dignity since I just told the whole internet that I cried over a missed smoke break. There you have it.

Tomorrow night is the big girls night out Christmas party. I'll be bringing my camera with since I'll be the sober, nonsmoker there. Consider that fair warning, my friends. LoL.

A Little Creeped Out Right Now

Something rather strange and creepy happened yesterday late afternoon. A tall, thin man wearing black clothes and a dark gray ski mask was walking around our neighborhood yesterday afternoon around 4pm. It's probably nothing - and just one of our neighbor's out for a walk - but I'm still a little spooked.

When Ashley's bus pulled up to the corner by our house yesterday, I saw the man walking past our house. When she got off the bus, the man crossed the street, stopped and stared at her. He then turned around and was walking in the same direction as her, while she ran to our house. Once she was got to our house, he kept on walking.

It really scared her and the whole situation didn't seem right to me. It was cold out and the man was wearing a ski mask, but no coat. Ashley thought he was wearing glasses, but wasn't sure. I'd love to hear that I over reacted and it was nothing, but something just didn't seem right. Better to be safe, than sorry. Which would be why I sent out a mass email to our neighborhood asking if anyone else noticed him.

Something just wasn't right about the whole thing.

It's Getting All Exciting Over Here

Update: Nothing like getting us a little overly excited to wake up to rain! Where's this big storm that's suppose to bring me a day of relaxation? Well?

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Whoo hoo! An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for Peoria County through tomorrow evening. I just can't stand the excitement. We're talking big time ice here, folks and a day or two spent lounging in my pajamas in front of the fire place with a good book and a hot cup of hot chocolate.

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But just a little note to mother nature - I may be tired of the ice thing after this one. You might want to start working on the snow aspect of things.

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And we can't forget... it's will be 7 days as a non smoker as of 10:30pm tonight. Happy One Week Anniversary to me!

Grand Bear Video

I found this while looking through picture files on my computer. This is from our weekend vacation to Grand Bear Lodge this past summer - Bret, Grant and the kids in the wave pool.

4 Days

Do you know how long it's been since I made it this long without smoking? Not since Bret & I went to Vegas and I ruined a nine month stretch.

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(Blogger doesn't want to double space my paragraphs again!)

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It started off pretty easy, but by day 3 I started struggling. I wasn't anticipating it getting worse before it got better. Days 3 and 4 sucked. I escaped to my room to read in seclusion both nights. I resorted to pretending to smoke a plastic straw and an actual cigarette that Bret hollowed out and stuffed with pieces of paper towel to get me through the worst 2 days of my life thus far. (OK, that may indeed be an exaggeration, but it wasn't fun. Plus I'll probably die for admitting that when I go back and reread this.)

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It's not the nicotine I need, though. It's the awful habit. Like when I first get up in the morning. I always go outside. When Chloe goes down for her nap. I go outside. When she goes home. I go outside. After I eat. Outside. When I'm tired or bored. When I get home from running errands. Outside, again. Ugh. It's sickening when I look back and face it now. How awful I must have smelled, even if I did spray myself down every time I came in. (I have thoroughly enjoyed spoiling myself with Bath & Body Works products this week and am in awe when half way through the day I can still smell them.)

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But I made it to day 5 and we're all still on speaking terms here. Bret starts talking his Chantix next week and hopefully by then, I'll be a great source of support for him. He really has been great throughout this. I've tried my best to remain calm and avoid stressful situations all week so I don't end up taking it out on someone else. Hopefully they all understand that when I go off to be by myself, I'm just trying to get through a rough patch.

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Here's to 5 days and many more!!!

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(I should have pictures for you later from the birthday party Bret has taken Ryan to this morning.)

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Update: Obviously in my current mental state of withdrawl, I've forgotten how to count. Today is actually only 4 days. Still pretty good, though.

Nutcracker

Today was the big 1st & 2nd grade field trip to see the Nutcracker at the Civic Center. I've been looking forward to it for quite some time since I could hardly remember seeing it when I was Ryan's age. It was put on by the Peoria Ballet and quite a few of the dancers are kids from the same school district as Ashley & Ryan. It was done very well and the dancers were quite impressive.

Uh Oh

What have I gotten myself into? Granted it's been 3 blissfully smoke free days so far, but will someone please see to keeping a close eye on me? Luckily this has been rather easy thanks to the Chantix, but I've been avoiding stressful situations like the plague - which can't be done forever.

Click here.

I promise to stop fixating on this quite so much as soon as I get through the first week, which is the hardest.

Day Two

I've made it for 1 day and 13 1/2 hours. Yeah for me! I am happy to say that it hasn't been so bad, although I did have my first Chantix related crazy dream last night. Whew - it was something.

Over the past day and a half, I've been able to stay calm and rational which has really helped me identify what triggers me to head out the door and light up. The biggest challenge I've faced so far is when I reach a point during the day when I would normally go outside for a smoke break. I have to stop myself and redirect my attention to something else. I havn't had any cravings, just times where the habit has tried to tell me that it's time to go outside. That would be my biggest obsticle thus far. There really haven't been any cravings. Three days into taking the Chantix, I could tell it was already working.

My iPod has been a life saver. It's gotten me through most of my weak points. The neighbors must think I've lost my mind. When I hit a rough patch while Chloe is awake, I hook up the iPod in the kitchen and we sing and dance. She loves it and doesn't care how ridiculous we look or sound. If she's napping, I put the ear buds in and make myself busy around the house.

My biggest obsticle was last night. Anytime I've tried to quit, I've always promised myself that I could have one last smoke at the end of the first day to celebrate making it that first day. Last night I wrestled with it and thought it through long and hard. And decided no. I had come to far and didn't want to start all over again. So I went to bed - and woke up this morning bright and early - ready to start day two. So far so good....

Chantix

It has been 15 and a half hours since my last cigarette, people. (Here comes the hate mail - not very many people knew.) Yes, now that I am serious about quitting, I am coming out of the closet and fessing up.


I started taking the new stop smoking drug, Chantix, a week ago yesterday which made today my target quit date. It's been a rather interesting day, I must say. I was definitely optimistic since over the past few days I had noticed that the medicine was making me not enjoy smoking as much as I previously had.


So, in a last minute hurrah, I convinced Teri to go out to Buffalo Wild Wings with me last night for a drink so I could officially get myself started. I then came home and threw everything that had the faintest smell of smoke in the laundry, showered and went to bed. This morning I rolled out of bed, ready to start the first day of the rest of my life. It wasn't very easy, but I managed. I've hit a few craving patches, but it hasn't been so bad.


During one of those cravings, Chloe and I were on our way back from Target this morning. You see, I've been trying to keep myself insanely busy so we went out to get clothes hangers so I could get rid of the baby hangers that Ryan's clothes keep falling off of. Anyway, on the way back, I caught a glimpse of Starbucks and had to turn around. I've never been a coffee drinker, but I thought that maybe some major caffeine would help get me through until the next craving.


Mmm, I have a new love. Peppermint Mocha. Yum. I drank it much faster than I intended to and got quite a buzz. Now I know what the big deal is over coffee. For the next hour, I couldn't stop shaking or talking. Just ask my sister in law who asked me to slow down over the phone - and she's the one who you usually can't keep up with.


So, I've gotten quite a bit done today and things are going well. My next big test will be when everyone starts coming home and the nighttime craziness begins. Wish me luck...

All Grown Up

Guess who got her contacts today? Guess who also has to get up at 6am tomorrow morning to put them in to make sure she has enough time? Oh wait. That means I also have to get up that early to get her up. Yuck.