Christmas!!

I have been in a bit of a "funk" lately.  Between back and knee pain... and then all of the steroids... OUCH!  It wasnt making me the most pleasant of ppl, to say the least! 

I think it is getting better... as least today...LOL!!
I did ALL of our Christmas shopping!!  OK, MOST...LOL!!  Just a few more little things to pick up... but for the most part, the kids are DONE!  We are keeping Christmas on the smaller side this year... since we are taking a week long trip to the cabin.  I would rather put our "Christmas money" to use on the experiences and family time of that week... and pay less attention to the material side of the Holiday.  Christmas... and most Holidays really... have turned into such a money racket.  I hate the message it sends.  So, this year we are switching it up!    Let's hope it all works out for the best!! 

For our trip... I (painfully) decided to board Gunner!  My grandfather isnt too keen on Gunner... because Gunner does not like him.  Sooo... I have asked Tim and Carol to keep him.  I wouldnt trust anyone else!!!  We are working out all of the details... and I think it will do us all some good!  Even though I will be SUPER sad without him. 

The puppies had their first vet appt today!!  They received their first shots and got a clean bill of health!  They are all ready to find fur-ever homes!! 

Carrey came over this morning and gave Brittany a massage!!  Brittany LOVED it... she is still saying how "AMAZING" it was!!  She said she feels like she is floating on a cloud... no tension at all.  The best she has felt after a grueling gymnastic night! 
Added bonus... I got to hang out with Lexi!  I LOVE that she comes to me and talks to me now!!!  :-)  But Nathan is still her favorite...LOL! 
OMG... she did THE CUTEST little "skating move" today... butt first, just like the figure skaters do!!  It was pretty darn amazing... I was impressed!! 
Adult convo is always nice too... especially with the crappy mood I have been in lately.  UGH!

I scored a HUGE deal on my new PhotoShop software today!!!  Found a cyber Monday week promo code!!  40% off!!!  :-)  It pays to be patient and research!!!

So yeah... I am pretty happy today!  Plus tonite I have some plans... soooo all is good.  Still SUPER pissed at my hubby about the speeding ticket tho!!!  Grrr

Oh... I want to send out some love and prayers to my oldest and dearest... TINA!  The girl just cant catch a break.  She is having some surgery today... thankfully it is pretty easy and routine and she should be back home in a day or so!  Her speech is sounding so much better now, since her stroke... I LOVE hearing that voice of hers!!!  I just love her.  <3  Anyway... thoughts, love, and prayers for a speedy recovery!

Our first snow!!

Yep... that fun, white stuff is falling from the sky!!!  I am fairly excited about it... I want TONS of snow this year.  Not sure exactly why... but I do.  Just something about it feels "homey" and "peaceful".  I need as much PEACEFUL as I can get my hands on!!!
The only thing missing is my Amaruq watching it fall... and then finding all the spunk he has left in his body and going out to run in it!!  :-(  I miss him bunches.

No school delay for Courtney... I am FOREVER thankful for that one.  She was working on my last nerve, since she had off for well over a week!!!
And YES... since Courtney REFUSED to find out when her first day back at school was... way early last week when I asked her to.  I let her butt get up, get dressed and go out to wait for the bus YESTERDAY!!!  Knowing full well she didnt have school!!!!  Seems mean... I know.  BUT... it was a lesson in being responsible for her OWN life and schedule!  It did end up turning into an argument... and she wanted ME to be blamed for HER lack of being responsible!  NOT!!!
We are still having the "GET A JOB" battle too!!!  Yea, that was another messy argument last night.

Stacy got himself yet ANOTHER speeding ticket on Sunday.  2nd one in a month!!!  AND, he tried to hide it from me!!!!  WTF!?!?   I am pretty pissed off about it.  I am tired of wasting money to pay them.  It isnt a hard concept... DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT!!!  I told him... one more... and he is gonna need to find a new damn home!  I REFUSE to add "Stacy's speeding tickets" to our monthly budget... it is just bullshit now!  To think... he had the balls to bitch at Josh about speeding!!!  Hmmmm... maybe Josh learned it by watching Stacy!  I mean really... do as I say, not as I do... just doesnt cut it in the world of parenting.  GRRRR!

My knee is giving me one hell of a time.  In addition to the steroid injection I got just over a week ago... I am now on oral steroids.  I am not real happy about it.  They tend to make me crabby... and I really dont need any other reason to be crabby.  I mean really... look at my life!

My class is going GREAT!  I LOVE IT!!!  I am chomping at the bit to enroll in the other school option.  But, I am really trying to hold off.  (Gotta keep up with Stacy's fines first... the asshole). 
Anyway...  still making excellent grades and getting great remarks.  I am pleased. 

Brittany and Stacy went out hunting yesterday with Jason!  Brittany had a great time... even though she didnt get anything.  She did see a doe... and wanted it be a buck ever so badly... but it wasnt.  At least she saw something!!
She is pretty die hard!!  They left before 5 am... and didnt get home to close to 5pm.  When I talked to her at lunch, she had no intentions of giving up any time soon. 
I think she was more into it than Stacy!!  He got cold... then took a nap... then dropped his gun... and broke his backpack!    Yes, my husband curled up, on the ground, and used a log as a pillow!!!  WTH?!?!
Anyway... Brittany is ready and counting down the days to going out on Saturday!!   All ready for having 3 generations out together... Pappy will be joining them!

So I FINALLY started to use my CriCut!!!  I LOVE IT!!!  Worth every penny... even more so since I got it for $120 OFF!!!!  It is all I ever hoped and dreamed!!  I am starting on some Christmas crafts!!  :-)

I have a few more things to get put away from Thanksgiving... and Fall.  Then I guess we will decide just how much we will be decorating... since we wont be home the entire week of Christmas.
AND we need to figure what kind of arrangements we will make for the dogs that week.  I am thinking we will suck it up and board Nanuq and Sakari.  Not sure yet.
The closer we get to Christmas week... the more my grandfather is getting on my damn nerves about it!!  UGH!

That is all I have for now.  I gotta get on the kid's school work... they are already pulling out snow pants and coats!!!  They are on a mission to get out and play!  :-)

Thanksgiving

That BIG day was here and is now gone!! 
Here are some of our memories---

Josh came up and spent the WHOLE day with us!!  First Thanksgiving in 3 yrs that he hasnt had to work!!  It was nice having him here... I miss him.  We need to include him and Ashley in on our day trips.
Josh's girlfriend (Ashley) needs to eat more!
My grandparents were clueless that Josh has a girlfriend!

When having family all together in one place... things tend to be a bit loud!  Especially if you have an Aunt Vickie!!  LOL


Carrey said things I was thinking for hours in the after noon.... Hmmmm.... am I developing a filter?!?!?

Jason makes PRICELESS facial expressions when overhearing "strange" Thanksgiving Day conversations.  Still wish I would have had a camera for that one!! 
Which brings me to... NO conversation is off limits in our house!!  LOL! 
Which brings me to... we WILL ask "those" questions... I am glad Ashley was not offended! 

Black light shows sun damage... and no one was pleased with that fact.

I am the "cool Auntie"... I let Lexi "buy apps" on the Kindle!  She was tickled and I LOVE that giggle.  Little did she know she was "buying" FREE apps!  ;-)
Lexi LOVES Nathan and Brittany.  And painting, and stickers, and hanging creations on the fridge!
I miss having a toddler running around and all of those toddler activities!!  I need to start borrowing Lexi!!  ;-)

EVERYONE has "those" memories of the Hang glider Spot... LOL...  Not everyone has them of behind walmart.  LMBO!

A 20lb turkey was NOT too big for our dinner. 

People did notice that I didnt put as much time and effort into my Thanksgiving Day treats.  Damn screwed up knee.  I feel bad that I didnt get to be super creative this year.  :-(

Brittany's dream come true of the pediatrician's recommendations of massage therapy is coming true... thanks to her "cool aunt"!!  ;-)



I LOVE Tennessee Tea!!  It makes all of the days stress disappear...and even some of my knee pain!  It also makes Jason have an instant, momentary drunk feeling!  LOL!

There will be TONS of hunting talk on Thanksgiving Day... and Brittany loved it!

After eating 20lbs of turkey... no one wanted to help with the roof project.  LOL


I know I am missing a bunch of things... One thing is for sure... It was an awesome day!!  I am so glad we are able to put together our annual Thanksgiving Feast... and that everyone is open to joining us!! 

We are blessed... that is 100% for certain!!

Progressing...

I have already made a ton of progress this morning!!  :-D

My appt is set for THIS Wednesday with my knee/hip Dr.  I called JUST as he had a cancellation call it!  GO ME!! 

Pain Management Drs cant see me until Dec 11th... but that is ok. 

AND... tomorrow I go in to JRF for a tour and to get started!  They have toning tables... which is PERFECT for me with my injuries!  :-)  I feel the cost is WELL worth it.  Way better than the "Y" costs! AND better than the "gym drama" at Armstrong...or whatever it is called now.

I also have a Chiropractor appt tomorrow afternoon... and so does Stacy.

This is all working out rather well!!

I took my 2nd test and turned in my 2nd assignment for my class.  Another set of 100%'s!! 

I am still in pain... oh wait... "DISCOMFORT"...  and I am really trying not to let it get to me.  I think today I will shift gears to Thanksgiving preparing!  I have a few "projects" I would like to get done today... since the rest of my week seems to be filling up real quick!! 
I crocheted 2 more hats yesterday.  Not sure what the hell I am going to do with them all.  LOL!  Maybe I will try to tweak the pattern a little more... get a different look from it.  Who knows.  But, I can do them with my eyes closed now... so I have to change up something...LOL! 

Puppies are now officially ready for new homes!!!  They turned 8wks old on Saturday!  They started chomping away on hard food yesterday... and seem to enjoy making the crunching sounds!  LOL!!  They have a vet appt on the 28th for their first shots and to get a good once over!
They are so adorable!!!

Ok... there was my quick update... gotta get on with the next things on my list today! 

Tough times

Things have taken a crazy twist around here, to say the least.

Courtney has taken some steps back... in some areas.  BUT, taking some HUGE steps forward in others!  There is just never any rhyme or reason to her sometimes.

Last week I started 1 single class... online.  I LOVE IT!!!  I almost feel like it really isnt challenging enough for more... and I think next time around, I may over load my plate.  Typical thing I do.  But right now I am just left feeling like I want MORE.  I am getting GREAT feedback from my teacher and she suggests that after this class I step it up and try something that would be more fit to my skill level in the area....  which would mean a different school.  I am pretty stoked!!!  I was really beginning to wonder if I had it in me... but hearing her remarks on the work I have turned in so far... she said I have the talent and the skills... just need to fine tune a few areas, which I knew were an issue with me.  She thinks she can do that with this class... and pass me off to a more difficult program!  Time will tell!!!

I guess I better get creative with our budgeting now... so if/when the time does come, it isnt something I have to turn down because of lack of funding! 

So, another twist this week... I f**ked up my knee... big time!! 
I have been having an ongoing issues with my hip... well, because of that, and my deep  need to be out in the woods... I now have a major knee issue.  I had a tear repair about 6+ yrs ago... which I was told may or may not hold up for 2-3 yrs (if I was lucky) because of the severity of the tear.  WELL... of course... they are thinking I re-tore the original tear... which was an ugly one... so that means it probably even worse!
BUT... the kicker with our health care system...  they cant just do an MRI on my knee.  Even though I have a history of an extreme injury.  NOPE... the insurance wants to see them "try" to just band aid the situation BEFORE they actually find out what they are trying to band aid.  Which REALLY pisses me off.   Soooo... I got a nice steroid injection in my knee... which has made the whole situation worse!!!  I am in freakin pain, no one will even look at my hip... which was the start of this whole mess... and maybe next week I will be able to schedule an MRI for my knee.
My plan... Monday I am calling the original Dr who did the repair... and getting an appt to see him.  I liked him.  He did the surgery even tho there was a huge chance he wouldnt be able to repair the tear in the first place.  AND, he didnt make me wait around in pain forever!  He told me back then I had some issues with my hip that would need to be addressed in the future.  IT IS THE FUTURE!!!  So lets figure this shit out!!!  Hiking is all I have left.  I have had to give up EVERYTHING else.  I am not very happy about any of this.

This is the shit you have to deal with when you spend so much of your life abusing your body and pushing it to the limits.  In all honesty tho... I wouldnt give up a second of it.  I lived life... I had a blast... and I can honestly say I have done more things than most ppl!  I just wish I wasnt stuck on my ass now.  BLAH!!

I am getting a lot of crocheting done!  I am fine tuning my hat pattern... and I am lovin it.  I got 2 hats completely finished today.  2 are waiting for some finishing touches.  1 is being crocheted now.
I have decided to start crafting my ass off... and storing my creations for next years craft fairs!  I am hoping before Stacy calls it a day today... he will cut some wood for me... I have some things in my mind I want to create for our Thanksgiving Feast!  And some to put away.
I already have this years Christmas ornaments decided on.  Once I make it through Thanksgiving...I will be starting on them!!  :-)
Ah, yes... Thanksgiving....  We are expecting our biggest crowd yet... and I will be preparing with a knee injury!  Good thing I am always up for a challenge!!! 

This Wednesday we will be meeting to go over all of the paper work for getting Courtney into college... I am almost afraid of what our part of the college bill will be!  I am just hoping that we can have Courtney completely through college and a degree in her hand BEFORE it is Brittany's turn to start!!! 

Nathan made HONOR ROLL this marking period!!!  I am super proud of him!!!  He is doing a GREAT job at working on his stuff ... on his own!  He is able to keep his grades up... and knows he can come to me whenever he needs to.  I think, now that I am in a class... it is only fair that I have to keep my grades up and posted on the fridge like he does!  :-)
It is so weird that after I get through the day of school with Nathan and Britt... I have my own school work to do! 
I am so happy with my decision.

That is all I can sit here and type at the moment.  My knee is killing me and needs propped back up with some ice.  THIS SUCKS!!!! 
I feel bad... Stacy and his dad are up working on the roof again today... and I wasnt able to make them anything to eat today.  Stacy had to throw some burgers on... and make one for me!!  Boy, that is a huge switch!!!
I did manage to hobble along, with my crutches, at the grocery store last nite to pick up the main things we will need for our Thanksgiving Feast!  It was rough... but I managed, with Stacy and Brittany's help!  We did miss a few things... but I just couldnt keep going anymore... we will have to pick up some things early next week.

Hmmmm....  I think I need an icee tonite!  LOL!  :-D

Stress...with a side of bitter

I know I sometimes sound like a broken damn record.  BUT... no one could ever understand the shit we go through on this journey with Courtney!!!!!!!
I am about sick and tired of fight this fight.  I am sick of the anxiety attacks and the chest pains.  I am tired of pushing her... just to have her push back 10X harder. 
I just dont know what to do anymore.

I thought we were on the same page.  She said she was motivated to do what was needed to meet her goals. 
Well, talk is cheap.
Yesterday her CM took her out to apply for jobs.  Courtney refused.  EVERYWHERE they went!!!  She has no desire to better her life.  Or get off her ass! 
I also found out yesterday that we will be responsible for paying a percentage of her college.  Which wouldnt be an issue... IF I knew she would use the education to get a job when she was done with school. 

I have been wanting to go back to college for awhile now.  I havent been able to... because it just isnt in our budget.  I am taking 1 online class at a time. 
It will REALLY piss me off if we put out all of that money for Courtney to go to school... just to have her waste it!!! 
Yes, this is where the side of bitter comes in!!!!!!  I am ALWAYS putting aside my own personal likes and hobbies and dreams... for my kids.  Which is what a parent is suppose to do.  I just wish one of them would appreciate it!!! 

This battle with Courtney is getting old.  It is really wearing me down and I just dont know how much more I can take.
I am tired of the anxiety attacks.  I am tired of the chest pains.  I am tired of worrying if a major stroke is just around the corner for me!
When is enough .... enough... ?!?!?!?!?!?
When do I just stop the insanity.  Because really... what we are doing with Courtney and the games she plays...is just INSANITY!!!!

It just isnt fair to my other 2 kids at home.  I have no patience for them, or whatever they are dealing with.  I get up in the morning pissy.... I go to bed even more pissy. 

I want off this damn roller coaster!

Just things...

I have found that finding time to blog has been a bit of a challenge lately.  I seem to always add more "stuff" to my already full plate!  When will I learn?

The puppies are getting big... well, as "big" as little dogs get...LOL!  Yesterday they turned 7 weeks old.  We are still fighting their lack of interest in weaning... but they are getting better at eating.  We have had to keep Ellie away from them the past few days... she just wants to growl and nip at them.  I think she has had enough of being a mommy.  Gunner, on the other hand, thinks they are HIS puppies... and he has taken to "mommy" role... which is  hilarious!!!  He is actually doing a better job than Ellie did...lol. What is even more surprising... they LOVE him too!

Tomorrow I will call and make their first vet appt!! 
We do have some ppl interested in taking them.  Not sure how the kids are going to feel about saying "goodbye" to the cute little creatures tho!!  I guess a "Family Meeting" will have to take place.

Progress is still being made on our roof.  I am afraid that after next weekend, whatever isnt finished will have to wait until Spring.  Lord only knows what bad things can happen to that metal over the winter.  But I am sure we will find out.  Grrr. 

My online classes start this week.  I am pretty excited!!  I LOVE the whole idea around online learning... because there is NO way I could go to a college campus and still keep up with EVERYTHING else!!! 
I am starting off slow... to see how well I can manage it.  But if all goes well... the possibilities are endless!!!  :-D  LOL

Today looks like it is going to be a beautiful day!!  Maybe Gunner and I... and maybe Britt too... will have to go take a nice long walk!  We got a nice hike in Friday afternoon!  I LOVE when the sun shines... and I am able to be outside.  My hip has been bothering me... I am afraid I will have to suck it up and head back to the Dr about it.  BLAH!

Our THANKSGIVING FEAST is right around the corner!!! 
This week I will get serious on putting together our menu and getting things all sorted out.  I am thinking we will have the most ppl this year, than any previous year!!  I cant wait!  :-D 
I am thinking about putting together some sort of raffle or something too...  Not sure, just an idea I have been tossing around.  Only time will tell what I pull out of my hat.  LOL

Speaking of hats... I made my first attempt at crocheting a brimmed hat!!  It turned out pretty cute.  I just have some "finishing touches" I want to add yet!!  I also know what I want to do different with them next one I put together... which will probably be this week. 

Stacy and the kid are on their 2nd big puzzle.  The first one they started during Super Storm Sandy... and finished it last week.  The table sat empty for only a day before the next one came out!  LOL!!  I guess I will have to find some new puzzles on line.  At this rate they will be through our "stash" in no time.

I guess that is all I have for now. 
I have a bunch of things in the works... just dont want to share any of them... yet.  ;-)  More changes are coming!!! 

End of the 1st Quarter!

Today is the end of our first marking period!!  We are tying up any loose ends, making sure everything has been submitted and ready to see some GRADES!!
I am so very proud of Brittany and Nathan!!  They have really been working hard and putting in a lot of effort... their grades show it!!

I am holding strong... on day #4 without an icee.  This may seem silly to some of you... but it is pretty serious to me.  I get very few simple pleasures in life.  I dont drink soda... or coffee... I dont smoke... or drink.  An Icee provides a little joy on the worst of days.
Well, since my heart has been acting up... I gave them up.  Not completely, I will not lie.  I use to average 1 a day... I am cutting back to 1 a week.  It isnt easy.
I have also gotten more serious about getting 30lbs off.  It is killing me.  It is contributing to my heart issues.  It is making my back worse then it really needs to be. 
I have been holding steady at my current weight for about 1 year... give or take 3lbs either way.  It is time to step it up a notch and get the scale moving DOWN and staying DOWN!!
I always make sure we buy healthy foods, I make most of what we eat from scratch.  I dont buy junk at all.  I am not a lazy person by any sense!!!  I LOVE to walk and hike... I just need to do it more.  With it getting colder and now that it gets darker earlier... that wont be easy!
I am pretty sure I am going to join Just Right Fitness again.  I did it a few years back and had great success!  I lost 25lbs and was only really going 2 times a week.  So, if I ramp it up to 3 times a week... and make sure I get a walk in on my "off" days... I should be feeling and looking better in no time!  ;-) 

Lets see... what else do we have going on...
Courtney starts driving lessons today! I am so excited for her!!!  Stacy had her out last nite driving for a little bit... he said she is doing better!!  AND... she is VERY proud of herself!
Rumor has it that there will be an OVR meeting on Thursday, to get her started with the process of continuing her education!!  She is actually looking forward to it!!  I am so thankful for that!!

It will soon be time to start planning our THANKSGIVING FEAST!!  I am pretty excited.  I always get excited about it.  Even tho it can really stress me out sometimes. LOL!
After that... we will get to planning our WEEK LONG CHRISTMAS/ANNIVERSARY RETREAT TO THE CABIN!!!!  :-D  Oh yes... an entire week in the woods, in the winter!  I LOVE IT!!!  I soooooo hope it snows BUCKETS!!!!  We will be well prepared... for snow and for fun!!  We will have soooo much fun... ALL family time together!!!  I am seriously counting down the days!  I really hope Josh will be joining us too!  That would really complete the season for me!   Fireplace, crocheting, one single, crappy radio station, my kids, my hubby, my dogs and my grandparents!  :-)

Ok... I better get back to business... Tonite is gymnastics nite too.  Tuesdays are always so crazy!!!

Current "Projects"

I am realizing I need to sit my ass down at my craft table and FINISH some projects!!
Today I got a BUNCH of new ideas... while at the Craft Fair at Line Mountain!! 

OK... on my Craft Table, to be finished:
~Leaf Votive candle holders
~Picture frames for "nature" photographs

I have a few things sitting to be started... but may have to wait until the Holiday crafts are done.  I have some ideas for this years Christmas ornament AND some home made gifts.

It has been pretty hard for me lately... to keep track of things and stay focused.  Even speaking has become an issue...cant get the words out of my head and through my mouth!  GRRRR!!!   Gotta get in with my neurologist and make sure it is still post mini stroke stuff and there isnt something else going on.
It could be just stress and having so many ideas and other things floating around... which is what I am really hoping!

I went and picked up some new photography equipment today!  I got a GREAT deal... and it is GREAT equipment!!  I cant wait to put it to use!
I think I will try to make some time tomorrow to get out and play with different settings on my camera.  I gotta get Gunner out working some too. 

Truck got inspected yesterday... FINALLY. 
Visited with my in laws last nite... had a blast with our niece... OMGoodness, she cracks me up.
Spent a few hours at the craft fair this morning with my girls, MIL, & SIL.  Had fun... So did my girls!!

That about sums up the past few days.