Christmas Pictures

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Description of events below. :)

Long Overdue Weekly Update

Rediscovering a Forgotten Château in France’s Auvergne Region

Restoration Architecture and Interior Design by Joseph Pell Lombardi
Text by Joseph Giovannini/Photography by Jaime Ardiles-Arce

Mmmmm, my long overdue weekly update. So much has happened.

- Oscar's little brother in law, Danny spent Monday-Wednesday with us up here. It was fun hearing about his high school crushes and exploits, not to mention how OLD Oscar and I are. He is a lot of fun and did a lot exercising with Oscar and helping me cook.

- The night before Christmas Eve we turned all off the electric lights, lit candles and read the Christmas story from the Bible. Oscar and I drank a bit of wine, Danny drank apple cider and tasted the wine, but declared it was disgusting and he would never be a big drinker. We encouraged him to never get used to the taste of alcohol. He had a lot of questions about the Bible and it was really great having him there.

- After Oscar worked on Christmas Eve, we drove down to our hometown to exchange presents with my sister. She got Oscar and I a snuggie (which we enjoyed very much taking pictures with, and wearing). My mom got a Starbucks cup and my dad got a Western DVD, we gave Melinda a Japanese cookbook and cookware.

- That night, we went to Oscar's sister's house for posole, tamales, and lots of family fun. Eli curled all the girls' hair and had them in the cutest outfits, she looked pretty beautiful herself. We got there first and then came the rest of the family. It was a lot of fun. The babies are getting older (they are 2 and 3 this year) and REALLY enjoyed Christmas a lot! Sooo adorable. We hadn't seen the family much this year and the older girls really had missed us and borderline resented us for it. We will have to come down more in 2010.

- I got Oscar a 23" LCD high def computer monitor. :) Oscar got me snowboarding clothes for an upcoming snowboarding trip!!!! I have to say, I am really excited. He also saved up some money to update our apartment. I don't know if it was the wisest thing, but we both scrimped together enough money to get each other something really special for Christmas.

- We spent Christmas day with my Mom and Dad and extended family. It was a wonderful Christmas!!! Seeing baby Vanessa (2 years old) playing with my Grandma brought tears to my eyes. My Grandma lives for her family and I wish we all got to see her a bit more often. My mom and dad spoiled Oscar and I with gifts to update the kitchen (VERY exciting!!). These were mainly storage containers, called OxoPops and then something called the _____ Bullet which includes a food processor and more, I can't wait to use it (I haven't yet).

- After Christmas, we took Danny to the mall to use one of his gift cards, Oscar used his gift card for Road Runner Sports and I used Oscar's gift card for Express. I bought a dress which was originally marked $69.99 for $17.00. It was on Clearance for $50.00, so I have no idea how that happened. What a blessing. After that we went to Eli's house and the ENTIRE family was there again. Just like Christmas, except everyone was in their PJs (except us). Oscar played some basketball with his brothers and brother in-laws and I talked with Claudia and played with the kids. Then off I went to hang out with an Out-of-town friend (who was in town). I got to meet her boyfriend's family!! We had a murder mystery, played an extremely fun game called Quelf and then roasted marshmallows and other random objects at their firepit. It was a lot of fun.

- Next day, was my day to hang out with Kaitlyn and Kristen. On a lark, we went to Seaworld, using Kaitlyn's two passes she had inherited from a friend. The guy at the ticketbooth also gave us a AAA discount, even though I had forgotten my card. Ooooooh, it was so much fun. We got to watch the dolphins do some tricks and feed the batrays, which was just magical. As it got darker and colder, we huddled around a lamp post, next to the Otter exhibit and talked about boys and life. We ended the day with a Christmas shamu show, which had a little bit too much Christmas singing and not quite enough of Shamu. However, it was an end to a good day.

- Since then, Oscar and I have been trying to figure out how to use our gift cards to best improve our home. It is exciting.

**Today, I got a horrible sinus/migrainish headache after my first kiddo. I came home early today and slept and slept. I feel better now, though it is not all the way gone. At least I got some extra time to update my blog, right?

CHEERS!!!

Twitterpated - Weekly Update

Oooh, I love Disney!! This should be required viewing for tweens, right? As I was responding to your comment about romance, Cheski, I had this clip in my head. So glad someone put it up on Youtube. I think the the whole movie is up there...............moving on.

Another eventful week. Well, I guess that is life, right?

HUGE EVENT - My company is changing my supervisor, again. I found out on Friday and it just made my stomach feel queasy. I feel happy in a way....because I was having conflict with my current supervisor. And I feel that the Lord must have been arranging things in the best possible way for both of us. YET, I feel a disappointed that I didn't get to RESOLVE the conflict. I was so determined to work on it and learn from him and prove that I could get through this and be flexible. And I don't get to do that now. On another note, I feel sad for my families. My soon-to-be past/current supervisor has been excellent with the parents and they feel so secure in his hands. I am sure it will be very difficult for them to switch so soon. But, they will do it.

Change is the world of therapy. There is always a lot of change and it is unique that I've been with my kiddos as long as I have. I wish my Supervisor the best and will trust that God has great things in store for me. My new supervisor has been in the field since 2000 and seems to know her stuff. She also seems to understand my questions, which is good.

This is a picture of the team I am leaving. My supervisor/old sup is the one lucky guy in the group of beautiful women. This picture leads in to the..... Company Christmas Party!!!

It was seriously so much fun. They had it at a local restaurant. When I came in our beautiful ladies from administration clapped their hands saying they were so happy I came and gave me a hug (what a GREAT greeting). There was dancing, a Mexican buffet and drinks (though of course I had virgin drinks).

It was really great to see my co-workers who I ONLY see at group trainings or corporate events. The picture to the left (or second photo) is of the team I was originally part of when I started. These ladies were so sweet to accept me in as a friend. I really only met them once or twice while I was in their group, but they treat me as an old friend every time we meet.

Note, their hair. Oscar wants me to grow my hair out again and more and more I am noticing the luscious and large curls women are wearing with longer hair. Even though I look better with short hair. Curling my hair sounds like a fun part of having long hair again.
Mmm, what else has happened this week? I got another giveaway win in the mail which was a cute apron (will post pictures later) and it was exciting.

I received a very generous Christmas gift from one of my families (which I may or may not have to return) still deciding whether I will ask my supervisor or just keep it.

I got six items from the Goodwill store for $20 (pretty exciting). I took pictures Cheski style, but will post later. The outfit I wore for the party was from Goodwill and the shirt BRAND NEW (still tags on it) for only $3.

Oh, and Kyla my friend from college came to visit for a night and morning. It was wonderful to get to see her and talk about life. :)

Other than that, I have just been working a lot, trying to still make food from scratch and wallowing in the fact that I'm not ready for Christmas. This weekend I have made great strides. But, have still not bought all my presents for family members. Oy.

Until Later, Merry Christmas

Oh Happy Day

I love this video, expect the Finale from Sister Act 2 next time.

Yesterday was a happy day. :) I am trying really hard to deal with taking one day at a time.

Positives from Yesterday
We picked out a Christmas Tree


















I got a Christmas Card from a friend














I received my first Giveaway win in the mail and actually really liked it. :) It is the little necklace I'm wearing from Joolwe.















I received a random $100 check from one of the things I did on the internet










Oscar and I started to decorate for Christmas (yes, it's a bunch of random tacky Christmas decorations, but something about me just loves them!!)












Oscar and I had a very very romantic night and I just have to give credit to our Father in heaven. His touch is felt in our lives. I don't know what is next for me, but I feel I am needing to lean on him more and more and trust him every moment to keep going on. Although, this position is filled with some trepidation and anxiety, I like leaning on God's power instead of a false confidence in my own. Hopefully, I am now in the position to see his work and desires for my life more clearly. Yesterday was a good day. I will take today one moment at a time. :)

Ahhh.......Chooo

So, I'm sick today. And everything is looking up. :)

I've been re-reading the verses I wrote in the post a few posts back. Matthew 6:25-34. I even printed out a copy, so I could read it in my car throughout the day (that was yesterday though, boy did I need it).

Me being sick somehow confirms my emotional moods and makes me feel better about it. At least there is a reason, right?

I spent the morning watching The Nanny on Youtube (yes, I know it is silly, but I like it) and entering Giveaways. I haven't spent a specific blog talking about giveaways, but Cheski you read my ehow Article and may have seen my blog, Jumping on Trampolines on my column list.

Anyways, one of the tips recommended to me by budget moms was to start preparing for Baby costs early and if we decide to conceive in October 2010, now is the perfect time. Especially when this stuff is free!! And really fun!!

Although, I think it would be more profitable to invest my time in writing for eHow, I am having a lot of fun doing this. So far, I have won $50 for Sprout Baby, a cute little animal humidifier and baby bottles. It really is fun to learn about all the little gadgets needed or desired for baby as well. I've been reading through The Birth to Five Book by Brenda Nixon which is a lot of fun and some good tips.

I also need to learn spanish (or start learning to speak spanish), get down to 20% body fat percentage and make sure I've been cooking from scratch for at least 30 days before ttc. I also need to make sure Oscar and I are on super solid ground, so I'm assuming marriage strengthening exercises are on their way. Until later, just wanted to update, today is turning out to be a rainy, yet joyful day.

Weekly Update - Kaleidoscope

Ready for a somber update?

I guess that is just the mood I am in. I usually do weekly updates on Saturdays, but why not vent?

First of all, GOOD NEWS!!! Oscar is done with his finals!!

Not so amazing news... My sister is not coming to our Christmas celebration this year and I had a one hour talk with my new supervisor today which involved me crying on and off.

Oh man, I feel so uncertain about the work situation. I feel devastated about my sister. Even though, I understand getting older and families growing apart, I feel like Christmas is the only tradition the four of us have that really is positive and unites us. Otherwise, my sister has just drifted further and further away, I'm still close to both my parents. Christmas has always been an intimate and bonding Holiday for us and I am devastated that she is missing it.

As for work, I have noticed friction between me and my new sup for the last couple weeks. I am glad that he spoke to me about it and hopefully, this will end on a positive note. But, it sounds as if my desire to do everything correctly has made him feel like I am not trusting him. Sigh. It's not a super positive situation. I guess out of all his therapists, I am the only one giving him "trouble." I am not trying to give him trouble and I've never had anything but good reviews, so this is difficult for me. I guess we just aren't communicating well. After the talk, I felt really good about it, but about a half hour later, I couldn't believe all the things I told him. Probably not the wisest idea. I was just completely open and honest and trying not to offend. Sigh.

Good news, once again, is that Oscar gets his vacation now. We have a wonderful family of kitties and a happy home.

**Oh and did I mention that Bella has regressed because Oscar didn't approach her how I told him to.

And that I keep replaying the conversation with my supervisor over and over again in my head. blah. Let's just hope it turns out positive in the end. No more conflict at work allowed. That is it.

High Hopes

I really needed this song. I wish I could find the whole song. I really want my little problems to go "kerplop." Just ignore the end of the video in another language. :)

Stress is self imposed and truly not what God wanted for us. What really changes from our carefree childhood days to now? Not enough. There is not much I need to worry about, yet I find a way to do it. I really need to SUCCEED in thinking about the present and what I have and not what I don't have. Our father in heaven will provide for us. It is just trust. That is my goal, to use my time and enjoy it. There IS enough time for me to do everything I need to do, I've just got to do it.

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)

²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^a]">[a]?

²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Silent Night

Electricity went off about 5am this morning and it was pitch black. We were up studying.

It is magical and peaceful. We put candles on and enjoyed the sweet aroma, romantic lighting and lack of electronic sounds.

I am pretty sure this will have to become a tradition in our household.

Maybe Sunday nights will be Silent Nights. Reminded me of the beautiful song and this picture is just haunting.

"Julaften 2006 / Christmas Eve. Most graves are visited and given a candle light. "
Flickr: "Eidsfjord Kirke" by Being Larslars

Weekly Update - Bella (Lost and Found)

It is time for the weekly update. And I've been avoiding it.

**Let me start by addressing my happy/sad posts. :) At least I didn't stay down long, right?

Oscar's clients have been hurt, on vacation and just not training consistently, so our monthly income has decreased dramatically. I was worried about paying for Oscar's school and then he made me feel better about it (as he always does). It was such a weight on my shoulders, such a burden. I still feel it, but it is much better. Oscar has a talent for making things feel better. Love that guy.

So, THIS WEEK... dun, dun, dun.....

- Bella made an escape, through a cracked open window. She was gone for a whole 24 hours. We bought a cat trap and now she's back in our bathroom comfy as can be (picture of her on left).

- My sister bought her ring today, aww, it's so beautiful. (also pictured on the left.) I am completely impressed with her good taste. :)

- Oscar ALMOST made his team win the basketball game today, but ended up losing it for them with some missed shots. Seriously though, he's a total stud and they wouldn't even be close to winning without him.

- I cooked creative, new, completely from scratch meals this whole week and we drank freshly squeezed juice. It was a lot of fun!!

- I got a new phone this week (free with rebates) and I think it is adorable. And exciting because very rarely do I get anything new. Picture up top. That's actually how it comes, in the fun packaging.

Other than that, really, I've just been trying to figure out finances and Christmas gifts. We still haven't decorated our home. Oscar is in the middle of finals which is fun because I get to quiz him, but not fun because I'm not getting as much attention as usual.

Anyways, life is good and life continues. I am hopeful about where our future will lead us.

Sending out love!!!

Francine

And Life is...

Better Again. :)












"Sun breaking through" by pappafrezzo on Flickr

Today, I am ....

sad.













"storm" by wentloog

Pinching Pennies

I spent the holiday weekend reading, hi-lighting and learning how to be frugal.

This is the book! dun, dun, dun, dun!!!

I highly recommend it, actually. It has helped me to take frugality to a whole new level and mindset.




Just wanted to share. SERIOUSLY, it has been my life the past few days. And consequently Oscar's. And consequently the feral kitty's (as I'm reading everything out loud to her).

Happy Wednesday!