Winter Wonderland

Can I just say, "BRING ON THE SNOW!!!!" I was thinking yesterday about how long it had been since we had seen a good snow. The last time I remember was December 2002. We were living in the house on Annie Baxter in Joplin and it was Tanner's very first Christmas. Mom and Dad, took him out to Grandma's to spend the weekend and we ended up getting around nine inches of snow. I didn't think Jeremy and I could make it out to Purcell to get him, and I just bawled because I wanted to be there for Tanner's first Christmas. We braved the ice, though, and made it without a hitch.

Since we have moved to Springfield, we have seen virtually no snow at all. It always goes North of the interstate of just South of the Christian County line. Bummer! The last report I heard had us getting anywhere from six to ten inches, and I couldn't be happier! I promised Tanner that if it snowed we could gang up on Daddy and have a snowball fight. With any luck Old Jack Frost will come through for us!!! Stay warm everyone and talk to you again soon.

I'm thinking of a career change

When I am feeling sad, nothing cheers me up faster than watching something that makes me laugh. One of my favorite guilty pleasures is Reno 911. The following clip has made me desperately want to be a police officer. What do you think?? I'd look cute in a badge??

BLAH! Every day can't be sunshine.

Current Mood: MELANCHOLY

Juli is feeling a little bit blue today, all. Very weepy. And sometimes crying doesn't make you feel any better. Humph, I always thought it did. So if you spoke with me on the phone today, and I wasn't my normal cheerful self, do not be alarmed...I'll be fine (and dandy, like a hard candy Christmas--I love Dolly). I just need a few days to work through the million spinning thoughts in my head. No, I don't want to talk about it, I just want to curl into my bed and cry my eyes out for a few days, then I am sure I will be ready to conquer the world again. But I wanted to leave you all with some pictures to get you through the week. I wouldn't put you through Tanner withdrawals. So enjoy, I am going to go in search of some hot tea, a good book and a quiet place where I can be by myself (bah humbug). Jeremy will get a medal if he can handle this ;0)

Let the dieting commence!

We are home safe and sound from the lovely state of Kansas. Thanksgiving was wonderful. Jeremy, Tanner and I left Springfield around 1:20 on Wednesday afternoon and began what probably should have been a four and a half hour trip to Mom and Dad's. Daisy was extremely carsick, however, so the trip did not go as quickly as it should have. But we arrived in Wellington at about 6:50. We got to sit in on my Dad's Wednesday evening lesson, which I enjoyed very much. Then the cooking began. I had a great time in my Mom's kitchen cooking for the family that I love...and we did a pretty good job even with just one oven rack...huh, Mom?

We laughed and talked and watched cartoons with Tanner. The puppies played together. And of course, we ate....and ate....and ate some more. I still managed to come home with leftovers. Jeremy and I agreed that this Thanksgiving was a lot of fun, but that next time we'll definitely want to stay a little longer. By the way, it only took us about four hours and forty-five minutes to get home. Jeremy had to work today, but I plan on enjoying my three day weekend as much as possible. I hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving day. I'm sure I will have lots of long weekend stories to share later...so check back soon.

Decking the Halls

Christmas seems to have come early to Casa de Bradshaw! Yesterday afternoon, Jeremy and I decided that it would be the best day to put up our Christmas tree since this next weekend is going to be so hectic. We haven't had one for the last three years, because there simply wasn't room for one at the Townhouse. Ok, that's not entirely true...we did have the little three foot fiber optic tree that we had on our end table. This year, that little tree is in Tanner's room on his coloring table. He loves having his own tree! So now that we have 2000 square feet to work with, we wanted to decorate. This will be, after all, the first year that Tanner actually knows what is going on. Of course, our old tree had been in a box for three years and definitely wasn't in good shape. We only had one choice.

Let the shopping begin!!!

Target was packed, but we managed to find the perfect tree for our little family...and they had some fantastic deals on decorations. Tanner was so excited the entire time, and kept insisting that we need one of this...or two of that. And we DEFINITELY had to have some "Christmas socks". He was so cute! But of course the REALLY fun part was actually decorating the tree!

Tanner got his little chair out to stand on so that he could help Daddy reach the higher branches...The only problem was that he didn't want to move his chair, so all the ornaments were ending up in the same spot! But with a little direction he did a great job! Now the only thing we're missing is the presents to go underneath it! I think the finished product is beautiful.

This Week...

This week seemed to be crammed full of activity...it is Saturday and Jeremy and I are desperately trying to catch up on some much needed relaxation before we have to do it all again. Here's a rundown of some of the high points of the week...cause why would I want to dwell on the negative??

First, a long lost friend resurfaced. Buffie Bennett (Jarmin) found me magically and we have been reconnecting. It's been so nice to hear about her beautiful family and play catch up. She was one of my closest friends at one of the most awkward stages of my life and I feel blessed to have gotten a second chance to get to know her!

This week also brought the return of another friend whom you all know as RRRRRRAMONE! Roll the r, it sounds better. He has been repaired and looks as beautiful as he did the day we brought him home. I drove him yesterday and today, I think he missed me as much as I missed him.

Construction is slowly but surely wrapping up at work, which means that I will only be choking on drywall dust and paint for probably another two weeks. That will be a joyous day for me...now if I can just get someone to replace the light bulb above my desk (it burnt out two months ago). I have hopes people! Don't take that away from me. One day I will tell you about the "Benefits" package that we have created for new hires. The highlight is the Free Fitness plan (parking seven blocks away and having to walk to the office from lack of downtown parking).

I'll leave you with a funny story that prooves my husband's patience. Thursday, I ran home for lunch to grab a nutritious and delicious protein shake. I mixed it up in one of Tanner's little cups and when I was done I tossed it in the sink. Somehow, it lodged itself in the drain...and WOULD NOT COME OUT! Jeremy stood at the sink for about thirty minutes. He finally, got the stubborn thing out. I took a picture of him wrestling with it...and I may have told him I WASN'T going to post it...I lied! Um, I think in this one he was asking me how on earth I had managed to get a cup that was bigger than the hole in the sink stuck. What can I say, I am gifted.

The look on his face is pure amazement folks! Doesn't he look cute in his new sweater and pants??? Gotta love him!

27

Today, I turned 27 years old. Long ago, I quit expecting to feel any older on my birthdays. So I knew that this birthday would pass much like any other day. It was, however, surprisingly nice. I arrived at work to a much needed case of Diet Dr. Pepper, left by the Dr. Pepper fairy a.k.a. Chyna. I received a lovely email from my beautiful Mother that made me smile. Sometime around 11:30, a gorgeous bouquet of flowers walked in the door. My bosses Matt, Matthew and Jeff got them for me. They can be thoughtful when they want to be. Then the girls surprised me with pizza and ice cream cake for lunch. I am the one who plans all the parties at the office, so the fact that someone else had taken on the task made me feel very loved.

I left the office at Four to go and get my Drivers License renewed...it was almost too easy. Now I am home with my favorite guy (who is eating his dinner--or rather, NOT eating his dinner). I plan on playing Tanner's new computer game with him and reading him an extra long bed time story before tucking him into bed...his own hopefully.

I don't know if I mentioned it, but Tanner is now afraid of the Boogieman. It's just a phase, it's just a phase, it's just a phase. The last two nights he has slept in our bed. I tuck him in tight with "Bravery Bear" (an old stuffed bear that sits on my dresser) and turn on the humidifier that Mom and Dad got us for Christmas last year. He watches the colors and mist until he falls asleep. Last night, I added some Lavender to the water and he was out like a light. My plans are to do whatever necessary to get him to sleep until Friday, and then have a camp out in his room. Maybe that will help--maybe not. For now, I think he is finished eating...so off I go.
Talk to you all again soon.

Trivial Pursuit and Chinese Food

My tummy is full, and I am happy. Chinese food happy. Jeremy and I have found a teeny tiny hole in the wall restaurant that serves THE YUMMIEST Chinese food. And it's right up the road...how glorious is that?? I think we decided that if Mom and Dad ever come visit we will buy them dinner from there (hint hint). What??? You want some too?? Well, come on then. EVERYONE'S invited! We had a busy day, lots of shopping. Jeremy has a new wardrobe, Tanner has a new toy vacuum and I have a headache. I crashed hard this afternoon. I think I slept for three hours or better. It was blissful. My bed was cozy and the room was dark and oh so quiet. No one disturbed me...probably because I was so grumpy all morning and they were afraid. I know what you are thinking. Juli??? Grumpy? It cannot be true! But I awoke feeling refreshed and much nicer.

Now, I am gearing up for some Trivial pursuit with my husband. (I am going to crush him into oblivion) It was my SURPRISE birthday present. Totally 80's. I have the greatest hits of the 80's playing on VH1 to "get me in that Rockin' 80's mood". In case you were wondering, Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" took number one. I love me some Bon Jovi. I may have to bring the game to Thanksgiving--so be prepared!

Alright blog followers. It is time to put the munchkin to bed. And then GAME TIME! So, nighty night and talk to you again this week. Cause I have to do a Birthday blog!

'Tis the Season

Well, I guess the cold and flu season is here...rearing its ugly congested head at us all. Or at least at all of us here at 404 E Morningside. Tanner and I stayed home today. And slept. And coughed. And sneezed. It wasn't pretty, I assure you. So I didn't make it to the polls and can only hope that there were enough people who agreed with me that were able to make it...or I can hope that the votes of those who don't agree with me get lost somewhere. Either way.

Currently, I am cooking my beloved son a gourmet dinner (read: Swanson's Pot pie). It is times like this when I am greatly appreciative of the convenience meal. Although, I would much rather be cooking something myself. Jeremy will be home soon, and I can go crash and hope that tomorrow morning when I wake up my throat is no longer swollen and red and that my cough is gone. And I will happily go to work and put in my eight hours.

For now, I am going to say goodnight. I am going to go find my Nyquil and get some rest. I love you all, and thank you to the two of you that noticed I was missing in action and made sure I was ok (you know who you are!).

I Heart Jeremy

I love my husband. No really, I do. Lots and lots and lots. Wanna know why?? Well, let me elaborate. My birthday is in 13 days. Truth be told, I hadn't thought too much about it yet. Cause, really, 27 isn't too big a deal. We have a standing tradition as far as my birthday present goes. Every year in September, Disney releases an older Disney movie from their "vault" and does a "special edition" DVD. Because I love Disney movies so much, every year I get which ever one has been released for my birthday. This year, it happens to be The Little Mermaid. MY FAVORITE!!!! I have been anticipating it since September. Today, on my way home from work, I was talking to Jeremy on the phone, and he casually mentioned that he had picked up my birthday present. You know me--I immediately asked, "What is it?" He muttered something sarcastic. So I said, "Is it The Little Mermaid?" "No, I haven't picked that up yet, but we can go to Target and get it next week." COLOR ME SURPRISED!!!!! TWO Birthday presents!?!?!? He wasn't home at the time, but he informed me that it was on the table so I would see it when I got home. So I proceeded to speed (just a little) so that I could get home and see it.

Isn't she adorable??? Jeremy M-A-D-E- her for me at Build a Bear today. You can't really tell from the picture, but her shirt has lady bugs on it and says "Love Bug". Her shoes are little lady bugs. Inside her is a little pouch that holds a guardian angel, and a small pouch that holds confetti (which represents my hopes) is tucked inside her head...so that I can whisper my wishes in her ear. I think she is the perfect birthday present! I am still very touched that my husband took the time to make something that is so representative of me instead of just going somewhere and buying something that someone else already has. HE SO GETS ME!


I named her Belle (for those of you who don't speak French, it means Beautiful). In addition to Belle, and the not yet received Little Mermaid, my husband has built me a roaring fire. And I am going to go and snuggle up in front of it and watch "Over the Hedge". So Good night to you all...and Jeremy, I really do love you lots and lots and lots!