I've been MIA

So today my mom told me she missed my blogging. I have a lot going on, but just don't take the time to write about it. I just haven't been feeling up to it. So I will try to do some rambling tonight.

Over Thanksgiving my family of 3 and my parents traveled to see my Grandma who lives in a nursing home in Norht Bend, OR. We left early in the morning, and it had snowed the night before. So the roads through the mountain pass were fun :( NOT~! Not worried about us per se, but the other drivers who are idiots! Anyway, we made good time getting over considering the weather conditions. We stayed at the Mill Casino and Hotel. Yes, all 5 of us slept in the same room with 2 queen beds. The rooms there are quite nice and roomy enough for all of us...except when it came time to go to sleep! Girlfriend is A BEDHOG! The first night I slept in the chair and propped my feet on the desk chair...can you say uncomfy? The next night, we built girlfriend a nice, plush bed on the floor. It was MUCHO better :) We spent a lot of time at the nursing home with my Grandma. We always make some sort of craft; this year was no different. It has become somewhat of a tradition to make SOMETHING gingerbread with my Grandma. The last few years we made houses, but this year my Aunt Pam had a gingerbread tree there waiting for us to make with my Grandma. Since my mom was with us this year- Grandma, girlfriend and Nana made the tree :) I got to sit back and watch...well not really! I was working on the model of the next craft we were going to make! **I just tried posting some pics and adding a link to the Casino, but Blogger is not playing nicely** We had a movie night and watched R.V. and had popcorn and candy. I took my sewing projects for the baby's nursery with me to show my Grandma. I hemmed some of MacKenzie's pants and did some fixing to a shirt or two. And just had a wonderful, relaxing time with my Grandma. I wish she lived here :( I miss spending a lot of time with her.

The day before we left for North Bend, we took our family Christmas picture- Wayne, Mac and I. We were all dressed to match and looked SUPER! I was hoping to add a picture, but not tonight :( I wore a red long sleeved shirt with grey corderoy pants, MacKenzie's Christmas dress is red and black with a very long, full skirt, and Wayne wore black Wranglers with a new Wrangler dress shirt that I bought especially for the pictures- it's off white base color with plaid stripes (small print) red, black, and a thin yellow line. We borrowed a new winged back chair from my mom and took it to the in-laws' and took a pic in front of the fireplace and mantle all decorated. I was hoping to have these out and in the mail by the middle of the week after Thanksgiving- but the postal people did not deliver my package in a timely manner :( So instead I had them ( all 80!) mailed on Monday the 4th of December- which was also my parents' 35th wedding anniversary! We took them a beautiful wreath and a card. My Dad used to buy my mom one every year...but somehow I have managed to beat him every year and do this for the both of them :)

Tomorrow is December 9th, and it is 1 day shy of our 1 year wedding anniversary! So we are celebrating early. Wayne and I are going to Bend for the night. We have stayed at the Shilo Inn on the River before, so we are going to again! We have a suite this time with a gas fireplace, a walkout deck on the river, and a 2 person jetted bath tub! I am SO EXCITED about this! I have been having terrible back pain and problems with the nerves on my left leg. So I Have been soaking nightly at home...but I am sure this will be OH SO MUCH BETTER :) We are planning on eating at Coyote Ranch in Redmond around 4 or so (this is where our first date almost 3 years ago was) and then check into the room and catch a movie later on. The next day we will do a bit of shopping and then home. MacKenzie was to be with her paternal grandparents this weekend, but they canceled, so she will be with Papa and Nana and is happy about that, she has been missing them lately! And who wouldn't, I miss them too!

December 14 is my 31st birthday...no big deal. December 15 is MacKenzie's Christmas Music Program at school and afterward her class is putting on the play "The Mitten." Then the next day is MacKenzie's 8th birthday. We will do something...just not sure yet. Last year's party was at the Bowling Alley...and not cheap, so nothing to that scale again. Maybe a movie with her cousins Jaycee 7, and Janna 6. Then December 19th marks a bit of a sad day...it would have been the due date of the baby I lost earlier this year. But I am oh so thankful for this baby boy I am now carrying and I am anticipating the day he is here and I can hold and kiss! Then the 22nd I have a girls day in Bend with my friend Stephanie (from Idaho) and Suzette (college friend). My sister-in-law Jen was supposed to go, but she can't make it on that day since she won't be on Christmas Break from the school yet- and that is the only day that will work with Suzette's work schedule. We are planning on seeing the movie "The Holiday" and getting a bite to eat, probably at Red Robin. And of course, no trip would be complete without some shopping!

Ok, so that is enough for now. The movie I have been watching/listening to is now over and it is time for my nightly soak! Hopefully I can post some pics soon, if Blogger decides to cooperate! TTFN!