Love and Laughter live here

This bloggity Blog has Moved

2011-08-13T07:44:00.001-05:00

Please follow the continuation of this blog here:
nugenlove.wordpress.com

Changes

2011-04-14T07:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Day all my little blog fans! I am strongly considering changing our family blog over to wordpress! I love using it for my photography blog and it's super easy! So, here's my warning that changes are coming!
I'll keep you posted on the progress!

Max takes on Ochocinco

2011-03-23T13:44:00.000-05:00

Made you look didn't I! Max has finally requested to pay a sport! After watching Maddie play last year he requested to play! Last week was his first practice and believe it or not Mommy forgot to even take her camera.... Oops! I made up for it this week, they have their first game on Saturday and the weather has been so inconsistent that bless their hearts they have only had 2 practices. So, ladies and gents, grandma's, papa's and Eddie Powells.... Meet the KC Fireballs!

I think I'm supposed to kick this ball here!

His 'Fro is coming back in nicely!

See that form! He's a rockstar!

Are you talking to me?

Pep talk #1 (I have a feeling through this summers sporting events there will be a LOT of this)

Hussle Up!

I'll try harder to listen Coach Chip - Pep Talk #2!

hmmm... Maybe you should listen more! You have the ball now!

Great Practice Max! No matter what we are proud of you because you are out there doing your best!
Love you Big Boy! I can't wait to watch you play your game on Saturday!

Spring

2011-03-22T15:04:00.000-05:00

Oh how I've missed you! Your crazy wind, silly weather changes, sunshine, thunder, lightning Spring.
I've missed the joy of our neighbors, the community that comes from living in a small town. The reason we live here and not in the city. I don't even mind the dirt being tracking in and out of the house. I love the shrill of laughter you have provided my family with already on your third day! Thank you Mother nature, thank you God for giving us our reason to smile and joy!

I look forward to spending much more time enjoying you!

Post Op Day 4

2011-03-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I've taken it easy for 4 days. I'm done. I can't really continue like this. I honestly feel like a worthless piece of poo. I feel like less of a person, not just because I've evicted Marie Barone either. I feel like I can't do anything. And, I'm not really having that much pain unless I walk a long period of time. So, I get up and watch the kids do things for a little bit then I all of a sudden feel like my insides are falling out. I am very happy to be a part of the hyster-sister club but I am not enjoying the do nothing part! So far, I've watched Sweet Home Alabama, The NCAA tournament, Hell Boy, The fighter, The Karate Kid and now I'm watching Sex in the City! I have seen Sweet Home Alabama more than 1,000 times and Sex in the City I've Poughkeepsie'd myself enough to quote it! (Those of you haven't seen the movie sham on you!)

So, I'm starting the first Beautiful day wishing it away and anxiously awaiting Friday when I'll break more rules by lifting my over 10 pound camera and shooting! And, no matter what you people say I'll do it anyway.

Happy St. Pat's day

2011-03-17T06:15:00.000-05:00

Greetings from my post op hospital stay. It's been a long night here. My room mate was up every 2 hours requesting her pain meds that she knows (because she' a frequent flyer here) she can't have but every 4 hours. At one point I was awakened by her standing up next to her bed yelling for someone named Jacob. The nurses came as quick as they could and apologized immediately to me~ I'm sure by now most of you are wondering why wouldn't you just pay the money for the private room. Well, honestly I pay enough for 2 insurance plans and $159 upfront per night isn't exactly appealing. If I'm paying that much I'd like to also have room service with awesome food! And I'm hoping to go home tonight. My pain is averaging out to about a 6 most of the time and of course I'm refusing to take any pain medicine after my blood pressure was running 88/60 last night. I can tolerate the pain but I'm not interested in being so weak I have to stay longer. I have been taking Toradol which is a mild muscle relaxer and Ibuprofen. I'll keep you updated today as it time goes on. They've drawn my labs already this morning and they'll be reviewing my heart monitor closely. I'm hoping Dr. Johnson(ob) comes in at a fairly decent time which should be around noon and says all is well! And because it's a holiday here's my favorite Irish Blessing:

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!

Surgery update

2011-03-16T12:02:00.000-05:00

Well, i am post op now! I feel an explanation is necessary since my love bug hijakedmy facebook page during surg!
I had a total hysterectomy this morning. After having terrible cycles that have lasted over 12 days a month for 7-8 months I decided to find a new GYN. She agreed immediately after reviewing my extensive records that consisted of 2 laparoscpies, 2 endometrial ablations, and having my tubes tied it was time to take the next step.

During surgery I had an episone of btadycardia. What is that? It's wete your  rate slows way down. Per anesthesiology it looked like on the monitor that I had an 2nd degree AV block! They used epinephrine to put my heart back in normal rythym. It from that point was Tachycadic. So I am now wearing a monitor and they will be consulting cardiologist!
Thank u for your continued support and prayers!

Getting closer

2011-03-02T21:44:00.000-06:00

I'm getting so much closer. Closer to hopefully having comfort. Comfort from the 10 - 19 days of crud I'v been having every month now for 4 years. Goodness, what will I do with all my time not having Ray Barone's mom coming to visit! March 16th is coming peeps and I will be blogging my little heart out each step of the way!

O happy days are here again

2011-02-17T06:57:00.001-06:00

Today the weather will be amazing. Today, when I get off early I'm going for a long long walk before my session. In older days you would have read "I'm going for an amazing run." In 2 months I hope to be saying that again but for now, when I run it causes girl issues and bleeding. So, today before my photo shoot this afternoon I'm going for a Long Nice Relaxing walk! Can't wait. How are you planning on spending this day? Snow is of course in the forecast for Monday - poop! So ready for spring!

Snow is me

2011-02-08T20:38:00.000-06:00

I am so sick of the snow. I am trying to re-do my new website and it's scheduled to launch the week before my surgery. You would think I have been working on it right? yeah, I haven't! This snow is putting me in a funky doo! It's hard to get out there and add photos to my portfolio for my new site! If anyone knows how to reach mother nature please forward her email my way!
thank you!

Superbowl Eating Fest!

2011-02-06T11:20:00.000-06:00

Today is the super bowl. I have to say, I'm honestly not really interested in it! I don't care who wins, I don't care about the whole Greenbay vs. Packers! I have honestly been eating good for weeks, working out, and trying to look forward to this day with excitement so I can eat something yummy! What actually has happened is, I have lost only 4 pounds in 4 weeks. I've been working out at least 4 times a week! Nothing, my jeans still don't fit! I have cramping and bleeding every time I run. So, the reason I'm looking forward to today is because it's one step closer to March 16 when hopefully it will be the beginning of me getting my life back some.

Changes....

2011-01-20T21:26:00.000-06:00

I have been so busy over the past year. I've become engrossed with learning more and more every day in the photography world! I am launching a new site March 1, 2011. So, please forgive me as I am working most of my evening hours at it. Which means blogging has to be pushed aside! Don't give up on me. I promise to be back with the regularly scheduled program soon!
xoxo- Tricia

New News!

2011-01-20T21:22:00.001-06:00

See this?

Can you Guess who's leaving for good? That's right ladies! I am scheduled for a Partial Hysterectomy in March!

And I've been doing my happy girl never has to buy more tampons, or pads again dance! Woohooo!!!!!

Saturday with the family & Promoting Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

2011-01-08T21:16:00.001-06:00

Today we had family day! It's nothing new we always have family day on Saturday's but today we promoted Grace Potter and The Nocturnals upcoming concert. We did this in the freezing cold, wind and snow! And it was fun! Here's a short little video of the work that took place! I must confess though, while I want everyone to LOVE GPN like I love them. I liked keeping them all to myself! We called them our band for so long and now they are everyone's band! Congratulations GPN for an amazing year of accomplishments. And, thank you for the unbelievable talent and music you share with us!

xoxo - The Nugen Family!

She's coming!

2011-01-07T17:22:00.001-06:00

If you see this does it mean anything to you?

I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait! She's coming to KC February 12th. It's a Saturday night and it's the last stop on her tour...

Who you might ask?

Can you feel the EXCITEMENT!!!!

True Happiness

2010-12-21T14:49:00.000-06:00

As I set here at my desk, 4 days until Christmas... 3 days until Santa comes I wonder, what are you all thankful for this year? Are you happy? Are you sad? Are things going in the direction you hoped they would at the years end?

I myself have been blessed this year. I don't think I have ever been so joyous, honest to goodness happiness! My family is healthy, amazing and my photography world has taken a sky rocket to the moon. I sometimes feel as though it's not real it's still just a vision! I'm so thankful for an amazing family. Amazing friends that I wouldn't be who I am without them. I have tried to really step back this season and watch and enjoy the season. To enjoy my children and not live life as if each page needed to be a blog post and I must tell you it has been amazing. I know it doesn't make the grandparent's happy sorry. But, somethings just have to be felt and lived!

I hope you all have an amazing holiday with your loved ones and enjoy the true happiness that is family. Because, no matter what it's your family and a memory is what you make it!

Happy November - Almost December

2010-11-28T21:17:00.000-06:00

What a shame... I have really slacked off here on my blogging. I've got to find out how to find out how to balance all of this. I haven't figured it all out yet. Here's what we've been up too in the clift notes version:

From September - October 30th every weekend was spent at soccer games Saturday mornings. Every afternoon was spent at photo shoots. Sunday's was spent as a family day and softball. Chase and I have been playing softball in a Sunday night league since the middle of summer. Our team isn't that good but, Chase and I really enjoy it. At first we would take the kids with us since it was still summer. As time progressed we started having a sitter come over for late games. It was so much fun and we had a great season. I will say, I have really missed our Sunday night games but it's too cold and our season is over.

I learned a lot about myself and athletics. I'm not an athlete Per Say. However, I want to be better. So, we will be practicing all winter. Since my little Diva girl is a softball DIVA at the age of 8 she and I will be having lots of fun sessions at the batting cages. I assure you, next spring I will be hitting it out of the park! Or at least in the outfield!

Wow!

2010-11-17T21:06:00.001-06:00

Wow kids, what a month it's been. I promise to update you all very soon on the hectic chaotic life of the Nugen family!

True Friendship doesn't come everyday... And, when it does Celebrate it!

2010-10-12T07:17:00.002-05:00

I am fortunate enough to be part of a great friendship known as the Wolf pack. It's a friendship that started in 1997 outside of Orlando in Winter Park, FL. Chase and I were typical college students (he was in college, I was working). You know, save money all week by eating Bologna, Ra men Noodles, cheap chips, basically crap food so we could by a couple 12 packs for the weekend and party!!!!!
It wasn't the best diet but, I was ironically 15 pounds less then I am now! On to my story, during my journey I met some of the best friends anyone could E.V.E.R. have! One person In particular became the best brother Chase could have. He became the brother, I never had! I've blogged about him before here. And, now - I am going to play the proud Best Friend, Little Sister he deserves! I am so proud of him and honored to call him one of the most amazing people I've ever had the chance to know! Now, he has an amazing opportunity to become the "Adventure Keefe he's always wanted." He's shooting a pilot for a new DISCOVERY - That's right I said it DISCOVERY CHANNEL show
He leaves tomorrow to do his pilot shoot. Shooting in Oregon and Looking for Big Foot! You'll notice my profile pic for face book is Big Foot! You are welcome to join in and support him!
I'm so proud of you Chris. U are now on the TRUE adventure you've been training your whole life for! Your niece and nephew are MORE than honored to call you uncle and can't wait to show you off at Show and tell! We love you! And no matter what You will ALWAYS.. ALWAYS be the adventure that makes our life a true adventure!
Love you - TriciaPantsNStuff Wooo!

Chaos and Workin a dream!

2010-09-27T22:05:00.001-05:00

I've been published. Officially published....
check it out here.

Friends or Not? on a WW

2010-09-15T19:24:00.000-05:00

The Best of friends. Maddie and Coop!

The best kind of friend is the one who will take you anywhere, even if it means pushing you in a Tonka Truck!

OOPs!!!

Weebles wobble and they do fall down!

School

2010-09-13T06:57:00.000-05:00

School has been up and going now for a few weeks! Maddie started second grade this year. I can't believe it!

Even the little man goes 2 1/2 days a week!

The scary thing is... He LOVES it!

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

2010-08-30T20:55:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! What a fantastic weekend. We were fortunate enough to see our beloved Grace Potter and the Nocturnals again with our Friends The Eidson's. I'm happy to say Max's first concert was a fantastic one! I hope that someday he'll take after his dad and have a true love of music. Chase has really taught me over our years together how amazing music can be, that it's not always about what everyone plays on the radio. It's about the sound, emotion and feelings that make music real. Madeline is just like him in so many ways and music is one of them. We had amazing weather, the music was ok. I'll be honest NO Parking to me was nothing more than a cover band. Like you've probably heard at any bar. There was some other guy on before Grace Potter and honestly, I would have LOVED it if they shortened his set by about 5 songs so GPN could have played longer but, nobody asked me!

I posted a little video last week of Madeline rockin out to some Grace Potter and I am Happy to say that Ms. Madeline stood in the very front row next to the stage with her daddy! While little man and I hung back. I wasn't sure how he'd handle being so confined and I held him most of the show she opened the show with "Joey" which is ironically the song Madeline was singing in the video. Now, those of you who know Max are aware that NOTHING makes him stop in his tracks like a John Deere. But, apparently Grace Potter also has the same effect! After she sang "Joey" Max yelled while the crowd was a little quiet - he said, "GRACE, I love you." It was so cute!
We finished the second half of the concert from our seats, which was fine. After the show Maddie and Chase came back with us she was all wound up and apparently, the tour manager came over and asked if Madeline would like to get up on stage and sing "Medicine" with Grace. She didn't do it! She was too embarrassed. I would have love to see her do it, but I totally understand her fear. She will I'm sure be sad she missed that chance later in life. They did get to meet Grace after the show and she took some pictures with them! Max did try to steal a smooch but didn't succeed. Here's a few pictures from the event! She will be hugely successful and i could listen to her 24/7! Can't wait to see You again!
You have true fans at the Nugen house Grace!

I know you can't really see her here but do you see the look on his face? That's the Happy John Deere look!

In the words of Grace Potter - "She's got the medicine that everybody wants."
And, if you haven't ever heard her You are missing out in a big way!

Mad.Grace.MOV

2010-08-26T06:59:00.001-05:00

Missing?

2010-08-15T22:38:00.000-05:00

Where have I been? Well, I've kind of taken a little break from my bloggity life because THIS life has become wonderfully busy! I LOVE IT!

As a quick catch up here's what a little peek at our weeks schedule starting with today:
Sunday: Photoshoot 7am
Photoshoot 6pm
Monday: Back to school night at Grace (Max's school) 4:30pm
Back to school night at Cambridge (Madeline's school) 5:30
Work Back to school night from 6:00 - 7:00
Tuesday: Back to school for Madeline - 2nd grade!
10:00am Orientation at Max's school
11:30am Lunch with Chase
? 5 year pictures with Max for birthday invitations (9/18/10 is the party)
3:30pm Pick up Madeline
5:30pm Soccer Practice
8:00pm Kids to bed and finish editing some of the weekends photos
Wednesday: Work 8-5 pm
Attempt to get a workout so I don't lose my mind
Finish ad for Belton Athletics program
Thursday: Work 8 - 5pm
5:30 Soccer Practice
Finish editing
Friday: Work 8 - 5pm
Appointment with Max's teacher at 8:20am
Finish editing before the weekend (hopefully)
Saturday: Prep order to send to printers
Sunday: Work on orders for photography books
6pm - 8pm Double Header Soccer game for Chase and I

Then, we do it all over again! Somehow I have to figure out the work out schedule, because it's one of the only things that helps me keep my sanity! I hope you all have a great week!

A fun day

2010-08-10T07:32:00.000-05:00

Today we do not have daycare and for the first time in 4 years Chase and I are taking the day off together to hang out with the kids as a last hooorah! We are shopping for soccer gear this morning and then off to a local water park this afternoon in the 100 degree hotness! So, excited to spend the day with the kids and Chase. A much needed day of fun before the hectic activities begin this school year!
Have a great Tuesday everyone!

A photo walk through my yard

2010-08-05T07:06:00.000-05:00

It was hot last week... When I say Hot I mean OMG HOT! Wow! So, last week I was having a rough tie at work and decided I should pick up my camera. It usually puts me in my ZEN mode. So, off I went through my back yard and here's what I found.

Love to listen to them but seriously do NOT like them!

this was just a weed. but, it's going to be on my wall because I love it!

I used a magnification lens on this photo and had to get super close to get him. I was shaking at first but here's my final close up!

That's his actual size... yucky~!

He flew off after that. I will admit I may have screamed just a little!
Happy Thursday everyone!

Fun at Grammy and Papa's

2010-07-29T22:01:00.000-05:00

The kids went to my parents last week while I had 6 fantastic photo shoots in Wichita! They had a great time! I would guess after you see these photos you'll know exactly what Maddie wants for her birthday!

Photography by Tricia Nugen :)

2010-07-26T06:38:00.001-05:00

Life is busy. It's busy and fast. I feel so honored to capture special moments and parts of life that will be gone sooner than we'd all like to admit. This weekend I had 6 amazing photo shoots, each had it's own amount of emotion, laughter, and love. I'll be sharing them this week and hopefully getting some of our busy life events back in order. You can check out my photography by clicking here.

Happy Monday Bloggy World!
xoxo- Tricia

Where are you Tricia?

2010-07-21T07:16:00.000-05:00

Wonder Where I have been?
Check over here!

Photo Contest

2010-07-18T16:29:00.000-05:00

Hi all- There seems to be a contest going on, did you vote? I'm not telling which picture I want to win you'll have to click here and cast your own vote!

Thanks,
Tricia

Thinking of a makeover?

2010-07-12T22:12:00.001-05:00

That peeked your interest didn't it? Have you been over to my photography website lately?
I had the privilege of working with a fantastic designer. Seriously, she whipped out exactly what I wanted in like No time flat! I emailed her on Saturday and by Tuesday afternoon she sent me a message via email and said go check it out... I couldn't believe it. It was like someone had taken my thoughts and put them on my blog. And, it wasn't as expensive as you think. I will be doing the family one this fall I just want to think about what I want a little bit longer. But it's coming soon! And, I think you should check it out. Tell her I sent you. I promise you won't be disappointed. Besides shouldn't we all help each other out? I remember when I was just starting in the photography world I wouldn't be where I am now without blogs, facebook, and my amazing family and clients.

Look her up!

Hair

2010-07-11T22:46:00.000-05:00

Those of you who know me know I'm mildly obsessed with my hair. It's looked different over the years. Different colors, styles, highlights, textures never the same very long. I am trying to grow it out. I really am but it's touching my neck and usually when this happens I call my hair godess Christie and say umm.... we need to cut this. Last time she told me NO. Your hair is healthy and you always, always have my wack it off and then you grow it out. Let's see what happens. That was 6 weeks ago before it started touching my neck. I swear it's froing out now just like Max's. Thank goodness for products. This is what I'm wanting - I'm not that far away..... Wish me luck! In red of course!

Happy Anniversary

2010-07-09T06:47:00.013-05:00

Eleven amazing years ago I married my best friend. This year I thought it would be cool to write a post about what the people who were there remembered:

Laura: (Aunt Laura) both of her girls were an awesome part of our day. Maddie Paige was the flower girl and Brayden Dawn handed out programs. What she remembers most is:

I remember rushing to get to the church to get Madison's hair fixed. I really liked the ceremony's music, and how many veggie tray's your mom had left over. It was a great wedding. Oh, and how we all wouldn't drink until Grandma and Grandpa left. And you dancing with your pop to brown eyed girl!

Jennifer Wood Bianco - Jeff was a Groomsman

Jeff and I were reminiscing. We can't believe it's been 11 years!!!....of course he was able to make a connection to sports and the Woman's World Cup finals. The game was on right up until your ceremony began. We both immediately remembered the toast and the collection of the keys. :) Then he was fuzzy about a special dance/song that was played by Frank Sinatra. Did you dance with his dad or did Mike and Jane dance to Frank?? You are correct 11 years should be celebrated!!

The answer was yes, I danced with Jeff's dad Mike to Frank Sinatra!

Matt Williamson - Drove the farthest to make it. Chase and I knew him from Florida

The thing I remember most is how bad I screwed up your wedding music!! Nuge (Chase) asked me to handle it once we arrived and that was probably the second wedding I had ever been to. I had no idea what I was doing. The best was the hand signals he had to give me from the alter on when to start/stop the different tracks. I'm not sure if his Mom has forgiven me yet (but hopefully you guys have!

Of course we've forgiven him!

Chandra Kraft Eidson: - Chandra was a bridesmaid

Okay, somehow I deleted your thread to your question...computer at home isn't working so I"m having to do everything through my phone which sometimes drives me insane.

Anywhoodle...what I remember most is actually the night before. All of us girls in the hotel room. We were on the hunt to find the perfect shade of nail polish(with sparkles I might add!) and when we did we went back to the hotel and had a few drinks and painted our toes! We had so much sparkle on our toes they could have seen us from space because of the glare!
Your wedding, oddly enough is kinda a blur...I remember standing up there with you and I remember driving over to the reception hall with Rob. I remember your dance (Brown Eyed Girl) with your dad there wasn't a dry eye in the place after your father daughter dance.

We were very honored to be a part of your wedding...and congratulations on 11years honey!

Steve Caudillo - Best Man writes:
I remember the limo ride and we stopped at a crappy liquor store for more booze! I also remember that when you walked out of that church together I knew that you would be together forever. It'sbeen 11 years and you guys are still going strong. I also remember that Buck had his boy there and Dee-Dee and I loved talking to him. He was so cute.

I can't believe that tomorrow it will be 11 years. Not only am I fortunate to have married an amazing man, I have all of you as well. I am so thankful for what we have together as a couple and a family. There are so many things I remember from that day. I remember the preacher being a lil late because New Zealand was playing in the World Cup! I remember the night before there was a HUGE thunderstorm that flooded the streets of Wichita, and I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it across town to the rehearsal dinner. I remember the way the preacher said our name with his accent. It was as if our names were already 1 name. Tricir and Chase. But most of all I remember be welcomed into a new family,and friends. And the love that was felt that day is so much more today. I love Chase! Thank you for all the joy you have given me. I am so happy to call you my best friend.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated. If you would like to still leave your memmories just leave them in the comment section. After 5 years I am making this blog into a book!

Beauty came at high price for Derby woman

2010-07-07T21:41:00.001-05:00

Beauty came at high price for Derby woman

This is my friend, one of the most amazing heroes I know! Thank you for sharing your story with us Heather!

I am so honored to watch you kick Cancer's Ass! And, if you tan it's not cool. Sunscreen is cool! Tanning - not so much!

Kid Free Weekend

2010-07-06T22:51:00.000-05:00

He's so silly!

This past week the kids went to grandma's. They left last Friday and are still gone. I miss them terribly but have had a fantastic time with the hubster! I love you ChasenPants and stuff!

Drumroll Please!!!!!!

2010-07-01T09:51:00.000-05:00

Today's weight after 1 month = 145. A 6 pound weight loss in 1 month. As I said I am now on a mission to have a goal every month! This month (JULY) my new goal will be 139! I just know I can do better and try harder! By next year at this time maybe I'll be wearing shorts!

Tomorrow is the day!

2010-06-30T20:19:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow = 1 month since I started this weight loss get healthy challenge. I will be weighing in because I said I would. I don't want too! I'm nervous, nervous I have failed the weight loss part. But, really happy I didn't fail the give up part! Softball, photography and my 8-5 job attempted to get in the way. I won't say I always made a concious effort but I did think before I put something that was not good in my mouth. I'm going to continue this journey, you may not hear much about it but I'm going to continue it! Thank you for your kudos and cheers! I do wish more of you would comment! You'd be surprised what a little inspiration, and motivators you all are! wish me luck in the morning!

Senior VIP Rep Jessica ~ Belton High School

2010-06-28T06:39:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to be starting my Sr. Rep program. I couldn't think of a better girl to get it started with. She's funny, a fantastic cheerleader, sweet, smart, a reader. She is an amazing girl! We headed out yesterday and got some fantastic shots to start out with. We'll be taking several different sessions from now until early fall! It's going to be a fantastic Senior Year for her! I want to thank her friend and mine Ms. Gilchrist for the fantastic referral!

Is home today

2010-06-25T13:02:00.000-05:00

Home today with a sick little bugger! Poor little Max. He puked at Lucy's this morning! We are home hanging in the cool house watching the clouds roll by from the living room windows. He has a fever and a headache. Poor little pumpkin. Hate it when my babies get sick! But, really glad I can be home with him. Hoping during a little nappy poo this afternoon I can get my workout on! Squats are calling my name along with some abs. Then maybe tonight I'll go for a run once the hubster gets home! Happy Friday all!

Running....

2010-06-23T13:48:00.000-05:00

I beat the heat this morning and I'm back in the game girls! I am on week 5 of the Couch 2 5K program. Today was the longest stretch I've run. And, I did it before work. Woohoo! I'd like to send a special thank you to Marilyn Manson and Pantera for keeping me company while running this morning in the Cemetary! I know it's weird but it's a great place for running. It's quiet,(obviously) the road is smooth pavement, no hills and no cars honking for me to move! And, just when you think your going to die at least for me I look around and think No- Not yet!

This week...ugggghhhhh

2010-06-22T21:10:00.000-05:00

This week has been taken over by Softball and family coming to watch softball. O and can anyone say HOT! Not Hawt as in Eric from True Blood but HOT as in OMG it's hot out here. Today, I decided for some reason since I hadn't worked out I needed to. Now, I have a community center membership where I always work out in the nice air conditioned building. Do you think that's where I went? Nah I'm gonna really sweat like a sauna! So, off to the high school track I went. Not in the evening right in the heat of the day. Now, mind you I am the person who thinks I am soooo much tougher than anyone else. I never ask for help, I don't like being fussed over and I don't like when I get attention for silly things. I'm the girl who has a heart cath 1 year ago and only took off 3 days. I'm the girl who has female surgery and only takes off 1 1/2 days. I wanna be the toughtest girl not the weakest. hmmmmmm.....

Today, I just want to crawl in a hole and ask for my mommy. It was HOT out there, it was exhausting! And tonight I am hurting.... I think I'm getting to old for this!

Those little White Capri's

2010-06-20T20:22:00.001-05:00

They fit now! That is all!

Squats

2010-06-15T21:44:00.000-05:00

Today Chase and I headed to the gym. On the way there I'm telling him what to me is most important to target - you know the ghetto booty, and thighs. He was saying something about squats and all I could think of was the normal squats we've been doing in Zumba etc. BOY was I wrong. He was meaning SQUATS, Squats with the bar and weight. You know the kind real weight lifters do. The kind he's been doing for 2 years and can do like 1,000 pounds.
Let me just say - I can see why you need someone with you, and why it burns the most calories and fat. After that I was feeling pretty Pretty good so, off on my other regular scheduled program I went.

Let me just say - I'll let you know if I can walk in the morning! Thanks honey for increasing my bootiliciousness! Love ya! ;)

Cranky and just in a mood

2010-06-15T07:05:00.000-05:00

We are going through some big changes at work this month. Updating form a physical chart to electronic medical records. I am swamped. We went through this a in March for the front office. I was very helpful. Everyday! Well, I'm annoyed. The back office is trying to get our stuff organized and guess what? They don't really care. They really aren't interested in helping or learning anything about this. It has put me in a mood. A mood of not wanting to go to work. Have you ever dealt with a nurse who doesn't want to be at work? We tend to wear our heart on our sleeve and no matter what we do it shoes. I am working through lunches and will be working overtime this week to try and get ahead before we go live - up on full electronic medical records- by July 26th. This may seem like a little freak out for no reason but some of my charts are 4 inches thick and patients take 20 different medicines that all have to be manually entered. Not to mention answer my call during the day. Yesterday, I had 37 calls in just one day. I tell you this will be a true test of my will power. If I make it through this without eating my way through it will be an amazing feat! Wish me luck! ;)
And, remember to be nice to the people at your doctor's office.

Softball Pictures

2010-06-13T21:41:00.000-05:00

We had professional pictures Saturday before the HUGE flood came! I took some pics of my own! I look at these and my heart melts. She's getting so big too fast!

This is one of my favorites! She looks tough here!

I love you Maddie Girl!

OMG I'm behind

2010-06-13T21:31:00.000-05:00

This week has been total chaos and I promise cross my heart and hope to die I will do better next week. Chase was gone all week in Vegas so, as you can imagine it has been chaotic. Then we had this crazy amazing OMg storm that came through this past week. We had no electricity for about 3 hours our back yard flooded. Seriously flooded.

And, there has been a lot of this with a lot more to come!

She's so good at it! I'm so proud of her.

I only worked out once this week with Chase being gone! I'm so glad he's home and ready to get back at it this week harder than ever!

1 week

2010-06-08T20:22:00.000-05:00

Today is my one week mark. There are so many things I have learned I hate about changing your lifestyle.

1. Drug Reps: Seriously, would it freaking kill you to buy something healthy next time you want to bring teats?

2. This: I walk by it every time I take a patient back to be seen.

3. This is my new snack,
:(

Ok, I'm done whining. Sorry! Back at it again!

Day 4

2010-06-04T22:04:00.001-05:00

I skipped yesterday - sorry I don't want this to become just some other post!

Yesterday i didn't get to do my normal workout! I did however mow the lawn and really cut back my calories.

Today I started the day out in LEss than a happy mood. I woke up to a belly because Marie is coming to visit. (those of you who aren't normal readers of my blog may want to read this) And, Friday's at work is casual day. So, I did what any normal woman would do I grabbed a pair of capri's out of the closet. Madeline had a game tonight and I knew it would be extremely hot out there! I pulled on my white capri's - which are a pair of my favorites. Do you think they fit? Mind you I'm a perfect size 8 wishing to just be back in my size 6 gap white pinstrip pants. They wouldn't even begin to fit around my middle. Gosh, talk about frustration. I wanted to crawl in a hole and stay. So, I decided ok you have to not do what you usually do. You have to decide to get over this....
What did I do? Well, I pulled out a pair of scrub pants, my running bra and a black tank top. I threw on a black short sleeved top over the tank top and backed something to wear later. I had decided once the pants wouldn't cooperate that I'd run at lunch. Friday's at work we ALWAYS have a rep luncheon. I keep box lunches in the freezer just in case I can't eat what they bring. So, they called and of course what do you think they wanted to bring? Chinese. I sooo wanted General Taso's. So bad I could taste it! So did i? No I chose steamed shrimp and broccoli. I went for my run and only ate the broccoli and shrimp. No RICE. I didn't want to eat anything after running. It was 94 degrees at lunch but I did it! Then it was off to the game tonight and sit in the heat! They played great and I'll post pictures of that later this weekend. Let's just say I am one proud mama. Madeline took a ball in the face and shook it off! I was so proud. She'll have a bruise tomorrow I'm sure.
Tomorrow we have a 4 mile walk in the morning for Research Belton Foundation. Chase is going with and pulling the kids in the wagon! It will be a workout that's for sure! Happy Friday and happy weekend everyone!

Day 2

2010-06-02T21:44:00.000-05:00

First off let me say Thank you for all the support you guys gave me today. I was so nervous about posting those pictures.

No picture today I quickly ran out of time.
Today, I did really good.
Breakfast: 1 breakfast square - 110 calories
iced tea
Lunch: Greek yougurt with blueberries and 2 TBSP of granola
Snack: Fresh cut watermelon
Supper: 1 Turkey and cheese sandwhich with whole wheat bread
6 blue corn chips with some fat free salsa
Snack 1 lowfat yougurt with 1 TBSp of Natural Peanut Butter
I did manage to drink all 8 glasses of water today, along with iced tea. NO coffee. I wasn't sure I would make it through that but I did.
I did 45 minutes of Weights tonight and then 1 hour of Zumba. I was a sweaty hot mess when I left there and it felt GGGRRRRRReat! Now my arms are so incredibly sore I hope I can lift them up tomorrow. Theresa helped me out tonight which was great. I hope she keeps pushing me at this rate. Tomorrow night I am going to try and run provided the weather holds up! As for right now I'm off to shower and get to bed. Tomorrow I'll post my measurements! I don't know if that's a good thing of bad! We'll find out!

Day 1 of my new adventure

2010-06-01T22:05:00.001-05:00

Well, I made it! I made it through the first day!
My first big change was NO coffee. Why you ask? Well, I don't just do coffee. I have to add creamer and I don't like the sugar free fat free stuff. It's the real deal here! Or as Chase would say I Vag my coffee up!
This is a really REALLY hard post for me. In some ways I can't believe I'm posting these. In another way I hope that my journey will somehow inspire someone else. And please, if you are reading my blog at this point and you want to say something negative say it somewhere else. Looking at these pictures to me is negative enough. And yet somehow at the age of 34 almost 35 I still haven't figured out how to like me. I had Chase take these photos to indicate where I am on my journey. Today I had 1000 calories. I did NOT get to workout because I drove to Emporia to pick up the kids and didn't return until 8:30pm. They just went to bed as I am writing this post. So here it goes.....
Today's weigh in indicated that I am at 151. My Height is 64" which makes my BMI 25.9. 1 point over a Normal weight. In order to get my weight down to a healthy weight I need to lose at the LEAST 10 pounds. My goal for this month which is my first month doing this is 8 pounds. I will not weigh myself until July 1. I have indicated in my pictures by circling in red what I do NOT like about my body.

I started with the picture that had the least amount of red. Of course I don't like my butt. Does any girl? Seriously?

Next up the Side View

Last is the front view, wow look at that red!

Well, cheers to day 1!

Last Day....

2010-05-31T10:23:00.000-05:00

Today is my last day. Last day before my new look on life! Now, I won't say I haven't already been working out. But, I haven't been to the extreme that I'm getting ready to tackle. So, today just like on Biggest Loser I'll do my last chance workout, and eat what I want. Tomorrow the world will change for me. No coffee, No sweets, No excessive eating.

Summer and 71 Cruisers

2010-05-26T12:10:00.000-05:00

It's back! Summer and the 71 cruisers car shows. We usually try to make it to a few of these because it's a nice free family outing. We walk from our house about 1/2 a mile and we are there! I couldn't believe all the people that came this time! There were so many cars!

Madeline was patiently waiting for Max to get done looking!

He actually thought this car was "Bumblebee from Transformmers" After we walked past the car started and drove off the other way. He said, " Mom, I told that car to start it worked!"

Madeline's 1st Softball game

2010-05-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I promised she'd be taking over the blog and here it goes! This girl is a rock star! She was 3 for 3 tonight batting and made some unbelievable plays! Her dad and I couldn't be more proud! She played pitcher and was a star!

Yeah - that's right he's mine and I am so proud that he's out there coaching Maddie! They make a great team and have quite the bond!

Foul Ball! But I love the sun coming through! Love it!

This was a base hit!
And this was the boy.... digging, and doing what boys do while others are trying to watch the game!

They don't really keep score at this age but the coaches do and it was a 1 run loss. The other team was out for blood!
I do have a video and we'll try and get that up soon. It's late and we haven't been home long and then another adventure took place in the garage! That will be blogged later this week. Let's just say the 8 legged thing is dead. Sorry PETA! Chase won!

Cambridge Fun Day!

2010-05-23T21:26:00.000-05:00

When I was growing up it wasn't called fun day, it was field day. I'm not sure when it changed but it did and it was fun! There were no real rewards what it's about is just Fun! I worked the event all day with PTA and then in the afternoon I actually was able to watch Madeline participate. It was so cold all morning I'm so thankful the sun came out and the kids in the afternoon didn't freeze. Here's some pictures from the days activities.

This is Frog bounce which I want at home. You put the bean bag frog on the ball drop the ball and the frog goes sailing through the air! Love this game!

This is how Madeline goes under the Water Limbo

And this is how the boys do it....

I know his mom was not happy about that shirt! Thank goodness the parents did NOT have to pay for them. Our fabulous PTA paid for all the kids shirts! We went with white because of cost! Madeline's is now a play shirt. It didn't survive and I'm ok with it because she had fun!
A little tug of War? Or should I say Mud War?

Even Madeline's teacher got in on the fun!

Overall it was a fantastic day watching the girls all hangout and complain about the boys! Somethings on the playground never change! Tomorrow will be the Princess's first Softball game of the season! I'm so excited!

Happy Early weekend!

2010-05-20T22:34:00.000-05:00

Today I'll be spending the day at Madeline's school. It's fun day! For some reason some adult in my 20 years of being out of elementary school thought it was a good idea to do away with Track and Field day and actually make it fun day? WTH? It must have been about the same time when video games came out and we all quit being active. Just a thought! Next week I promise to have some pictures and good from the day! Monday is also the our first Softball game! She's quite the hitter out there! Can't wait to post some video from it! I'm all geeked out about the upcoming week! Can you tell? Happy weekend everyone! Spend it with the ones you love! They grow up too fast!

New part of blog

2010-05-18T21:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday evening everyone! Starting June 1st you can follow me on my new journey (still here at this blog). I am going to start a new part of my life and my new adventure. I follow this blog and it gave me a fantastic idea. Why not play along? Some of you have known me for a thousand years and you will or will not agree that I have always always gone through ups and downs with my happiness, exercise and healthy eating. So as I've been thinking about this A lot I've learned that I never hold myself accountable. What I do is work really really hard then BOOM! I get where I want and then I give up! I give up and so something so silly like pig out or just quit going to the gym. Not because my membership runs out just because I don't want to do it! I am hoping that starting this journey and actually blogging about it will make me accountable and maybe even some of you will join me! I have the priveledge of having an awesome friend who is a runner (well I have 2 channnannanana lives too far away) who has agreed to help me on this journey. I used to run, not far but I would run about 3 - 4 times a week and then I had my heart surgery and that went away. I was so freaked out about having SVT and making my heart rate increase I quit! This last fall we joined our local community center and I started going to Zumba and working out and Theresa has been a great help! So, now she's going to help train me. I feel like I need someone to push me and be my own personal Jillian(biggest Loser)! I will also be taking a picture of myself everyday to help with my other largest battle that's right I'm saying it..... LOW Self ESTEEM!!!!! WOW that feels better! I'll be logging how many calories I've eaten each day and how much I've worked off! I hope this doesn't get boring for you guys and I hope MOST of all that I learn to finally like myself! It's been almost 35 years I'd love to start the next 30 happy with me!

A Sunny day for a change

2010-05-12T06:42:00.000-05:00

The weather has been so rainy around here. I had to pick up Mad yesterday after student government and she said, It's a beautiful day mom. Let's go shoot some pictures! How do you tell this girl NO? So, off we went! This will be the front of my new business cards.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T06:39:00.000-05:00

Hey Stranger

2010-05-02T08:40:00.000-05:00

I bet you guys thought I disappeared. Nah, I'm still here. I've just been extremely busy. Today I will finish my last orders and my last books for my clients. And, I'll start burning CD's with the smaller version of the .jpgs for them. I'll be surprising them with their complete gallery for Facebook or Blogging purposes. ( I can say all this here because I don't think they read this!) I am looking forward to a busy week ahead with family stuff. We have end of year activities at school starting this week this year went fast. Exciting busy fun. But, for now because no blog is complete without a few photos here's the kiddos. I think Madeline has changed this last year in her looks. She's growing up so fast and she's so pretty. And, of course I am not biased the least bit! Max on the other hand - well, his hair just gets bigger. I keep waiting for him to take off that helmet but he rarely does.

Happy Sunday Everyone! It's good to be back!

Wonder where I've been?

2010-04-08T22:03:00.000-05:00

Omg guys. I have been so so busy. If you want to see where I've been click here.

Today

2010-03-31T21:54:00.002-05:00

The best dad with the best boy! A little tickle and cuddle time.

How was your today? Check out everyone else's day here at Communal Global. Play along!

How my appointment went- play by Play

2010-03-29T20:17:00.000-05:00

Waiting patiently to get this done and over with. Appointment time was 1:45. Still waiting in lobby.

2:25 still waiting... Oh wait here we go!

2:35 I am in a room and she got called to delivery! She will be back in 30 minutes! I will wait! Afterall I drove 30 minutes to get here. I'll take a nap!

3:15 In comes my Dr. Who of course looks like a million bucks and my husband calls the Hot Doctor! - She is. We discuss the erratic behavior of my monthly cycles and what we can do to help them help me be happy once again. Here's what she said:
1. We can do a birth control pill but you were already using the NuvaRing to control your cycles and it was making them worse.
2. We can try the Mirena IUD and hope it stops them all together.
3. We can do another ablation, D&C but it would need to be under anesthesia at the hospital.
Those are pretty much our options from this point.

Me: Which do you think is the better option?
Her: Well, I would say try the Mirena for 3 months and if it doesn't do the job we could still go ahead and do the procedure again. The problem is your AGE and it will be difficult to shut down the cycles completely. Ultimately if there were some abnormalities we could just do a hysterectomy and call it a day. However, your last ultrasound calculated your endometrial thickness at a 5.4. So, regardless of anything else we have to first do and endometrial biopsy.
Me: O god you said those words. I hate those things. Last time I had one I made it to the parking lot before puking. (stomach is in my chest here and if you know me you know there is no room up there for anything other than the girls that already reside there.)

So, we proceed to get it all done and over with. I'm left now trying to decide what the best option is. Do we continue with something or go with nothing? Any ideas? What would you do?

Maddie Moo

2010-03-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

It's time for her to take over this blog. Softball season starts next weekend. We'll be at the ball field if you can't find us at home! Look how big she's gotten! Can you believe it?

Happy Tuesday!

Well Woman Exam

2010-03-29T08:32:00.001-05:00

Today is the day, today I have my yearly exam. Aren't you excited? I am! Friday, they called me to let me know that not only would they be doing my pap but, they'd like to go ahead and do an endometrial biopsy. For those of you that know me you may remember this was the one and only time in my life that I was so sick from pain I vomited in the parking lot. I've had one. I don't want another. But, with the continued problems and irregularity of my cycle they feel it's a necessary evil. They will also be doing a CA-125 because my dad's sister has ovarian cancer. My vote is for some pharmaceutical company to come up with a little pill you take when you know you aren't going to have any more babies. A little pill that will shrink everything up inside you that isn't needed any longer. It would even shrink the belly fat! I don't know what will come of all of this and I'd gladly just let them take it all. But, that still hasn't been offered to me as an option. My OB and I have always had a great relationship. If this doesn't go well, I may just find another. NO woman in her right mind would want to continue having the pain and discomfort every month. So, say a prayer today! I'll be needing it.

Little Pieces of you

2010-03-16T21:43:00.000-05:00

Everyday I am amazed by how much you learn. Today I picked you up first and on the way to pick up Madeline you counted to 100. 100 doesn't seem like much but for me it means my little monkey isn't really so little anymore. I took these pictures of you to remember today and you the way you are.

Your cute little toes

Your cute little nose

Your dirty little finger nails

Your cute little kissy lips

Your beautiful eyes.

And, your favorite candy that's just you. Sweet.

A little Soccer

2010-03-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

Greetings friends, I know I'm totally slacking in the bloggity blog world. Sorry.

A few weeks ago before our mini reunion Little Max had his little Soccer game! He spent most of his time complaining about not having any energy. At one point the little stinker was kicking the ball right in front of us, saw us and just decided to have a little seat! No really, he just plopped down on the empty seat next to his dad and said, "Shew, I am so tired." It was so funny! Here are a few pictures from the day! Hair was going everywhere so imagine that in your mind as you are looking.

And he was rewarded a medal... Can you tell he's excited?

Happy Monday! Now leave me some bloggy love!

Friends

2010-03-09T21:56:00.001-06:00

Twelve years ago Chase and I took off on one of our first adventures ever. We headed to Orlando Florida so Chase could obtain his life dream of becoming a Sound Engineer. It was awesome and I've never been so proud of what he accomplished. Besides watching him be a dad seeing him obtain this degree was the next best thing! We were a 3 day road trip from home with only each other. At least that's how it started. We met our friends who would be lifers. Our second family who happened to all be in the same boat as us! Far away from home.

This last weekend we all reconnected. It was fantastic! I haven't seen 2 of them in 12 years. Andre and Chris are like Chase's brothers so I saw them last 3 years ago.

(That's me in front obviously, Chris behind me, and Chase in the navy shirt)

Chase

Chris, Shannon and Aaron - known as Stackhouse

Chase and Dre on Graduation day!

Here's a few photos from the weekend. With 2 photographers, 2 Sound Engineers, 1 Digital Media guru, and The one and only Adventure Keefe here we knew there would for sure be a photo shoot!

Dre, me, Chase, Stack, Shannon, and Chris Keefe

this pictures pretty much sums up the weekend! There was so much laughing that my neck, sides and face hurt! Nothing better!

Shannon and Chris! Tatonka!

Still Lovey Dovey!

I mean we must be royalty. The Ambassador of Quan was here! Seriously!

Remake of a Huey Lewis and the News album cover - FORE!

Thank you guys so much for coming to visit! We had a fantastic time. Life is forever changed now that The Wolfpack is back together!
xoxo

Happy Monday

2010-02-08T21:47:00.000-06:00

These past few weeks have been super crazy! We have officially been plagued with The Crud! That's right I said it. I fortunately have been the only one to escape it! Max started it and now ChasenPantsNStuff has it as does the princess! So, we have officially bought stock in Kleenex! We've also had a little excitement! We've gone from this:

To this in a little over 1 week. I tell ya this girl is going to be rich if this keeps up!

O and that little test I didn't pass the week before Christmas. Yea I took it again and I passed. That's right! I did it! My official name when signed in a chart now reads TRNugen MA,CPC. Love it! It doesn't get me more money, but it gives me more knowledge! And, the chance to find a part time job I can do from home!

Mini Photo Sessions

2010-01-31T15:25:00.000-06:00

You may have seen this new logo- It's work in progress. I like but don't love and I happen to know a few designers who are coming to town to stay at my house in a few weeks!(more on that later)

Greetings all! About 3 weeks ago I decided to start a fan page on Facebook! Boy has Photography by Tricia Nugen Really taken off! I have a mini session scheduled for the first weekend in April in Wichita and have 8 sessions in 1 day! I've decided to do another one here in Kansas City as well just to see which town will win! If you live here I am having some special stuff the more people you refer the more chances you'll get to win a free photo book from that day's photos! So, dear bloggy friends even if you don't need photos refer someone! Help a girl out!
Thanks for all your support!

What would you do?

2010-01-31T09:36:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been in a situation where you have NO idea what to do? Seriously, that's where we are right now. There is a family that lives across the street from us. They move in a little over a year ago and we don't know them. We know nothing about them other than they have 3 kids and 2 of them are Max and Madeline's ages. We have tried to make eye contact, and wave but nothing. Nothing in return. Chase has even purposefully rolled a ball in their front yard while they were outside. He went over and got it, has taken their dog back when it got out twice and nothing other than thanks. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal but I'm getting to it!

2 weeks ago their oldest daughter came over while the kids and Chase were playing out in the front yard. (I was at urgent care working) She's 8 years old, very nice little girl. Her and Madeline really played well together. Madeline was very excited because all the other kids in our neighborhood are older and Boys! Chase was talking to her and asking questions when she told him that she's home every day by herself. EVERYDAY until 6:15-6:30. Her stepdad doesn't really like company. (They are the people who talk to you thru the door-non welcoming!) After playing in the snow for a while they all came in the house. The neighbor girl included, she carries her cordless phone with her incase her mom or step dad were to call. She was very nervous about them not finding out she was over here. The phone rang and she quickly ran outside to get it NOT telling them where she was. She left at about 5:45 and Chase went over after her mom got home and went over to tell her about the afternoon! He lied for her saying Madeline saw her watching them play and asked her to come over. The mom was terrified immediately- I'm assuming because of course we all knew they were leaving her home alone! Chase made sure they knew she was more than welcome to come over any night we are home. He also told her Madeline and her played very well. They played Go-Fish 5 or 6 times. We saw nothing else over her until the next day when she saw us pull in the drive way and came over quickly to tell us she had been grounded for 2 weeks and may or may not be coming back over after that.

Here's where the drama for me starts- I immediately want to call the authorities and have someone come get her and rescue her from sitting home alone every night in a dark house. Or sitting in the basement window watching our family play outside. It's a very very eerie feeling I have. My heart is torn we haven't seen her at all since she was grounded. That was over 2 weeks ago. If it goes any longer this week I will have to make the call! I don't know their circumstances I'm trying not to judge them. After care is expensive. But knowing they just bought a new sound system (saw the boxes on the curb for the trash)couldn't they make it work? We have a neighbor lady down the street who's husband died this past summer. She sitting at home every day couldn't they make it work. Wouldn't it be nice if both of them could have someone to talk too? (Her parents wouldn't know about the other neighbor lady because they don't come out) I don't want anything to happen to the little girl. I don't but I don't want anything to not happen for her either.
I look at the pictures of my two and I think wow! Madeline is 7 Max is 4 there is no way I would ever leave them home ALONE!

So, bloggers do I make the call? Do I go over there? What would you do?

A new Love

2010-01-26T07:06:00.000-06:00

Wow, it's been a while huh? Life has been busy the past few weeks that's for sure! Madeline has been hit with the love bug! It's not at all what you think... let's see if you can figure it out from the pictures below...

While music is as important in our house as bread and milk watching her develop into something new everyday is an amazing wonder!

****Since this post was written and Madeline found out how hard the guitar is she's on to something else - Singing! She's forever a girl always in training to be a woman witn an ever changing mind! **************************************************************

Sunshine and Vitamin C

2010-01-25T07:16:00.000-06:00

I have felt so very crummy over the last few weeks. By crummy I mean down and out Bi-yatchi! And, I wasn't sure what the drama was until today! Sunshine you've come back thank you! And, I am now a firm believer that a little sunshine and a glass of Vitamin C are just what the doctor ordered!
Don't forget yours! Happy Monday Bloggy land!

Valentine's Day Wish......

2010-01-16T22:08:00.004-06:00

As you all know I have been working out faithfully for about 3 weeks now. I have NOT lost any weight but this year it's not about that. It's about becoming healthy so I can have a full, long and prosperous life! (yes, that's a quote from a movie, and it is about the weight.) For those of you that know me you know I have a little problem being very top heavy. (DD) Not just a little but more like this... Minus the steins of course.

And, what I have learned is OMG it makes my boobs hurt. Even with 1 sports bra and 1 running tank top. It's ridiculous! Now as I was reading today doing a little research I learned Victoria Secret has sports bras now! I am so wanting this for Valentine's day. And, I'd like her body to go along with it.. So, Chase if you are reading this it's on sale now for $14.99. I'd like one in every color and her abs too. I'm sure they aren't for sale and I'll have to keep working out to achieve them.

2010-01-13T07:57:00.003-06:00

Happy Wednesday! I am home this morning with Max and getting ready to leave to take the Princess to school. Our day care is closed today. Max and I have been listening to the news coverage on Haiti. It's terrible. I am a firm believer in not hiding the raw realness from my kids. I think it's important to see that bad things happen to other people. It must be paying off because he looked up at me and said, "O NO mom. It's terribly tragic." I said what honey?" " He said look at all those fires, we need to call 911 and tell them where the fires are. And, I think they nee to take some bandaids. I'll go call Optimus Prime and make sure he knows so he can help. "

Day 5 of new life

2010-01-06T21:05:00.003-06:00

Did that get your attention? New life? Don't worry peeps, I've just gotten back on the wagon instead of off! Back to running, back to working out, back to yoga and pilates so much your butt hurts. Yep that's right I'm coming back. This week I have worked out every night. Last night the Wii fit trainer had the nerve to tell me I hadn't reached my goal and maybe I should set something more realistic. Seriously! In a month from now I'm going to be at least 5 pounds thinner and hopefully a few inches will be gone of this badonkadonk! Wanna see it? Ok... scroll down please make sure to adjust your screen so you can get the full effect.....

Just kidding!

uh oh...

2010-01-02T09:09:00.000-06:00

Dear Butt-
Please stop growing! I will beat you at your own gain even if I hate it every step of the way!
Sincerely,
Tricia Pants

Happy 2010

2010-01-01T09:04:00.002-06:00

Resolving how do I choose to resolve this year? A question we all ask ourselves the day after Christmas. This year I am resolving to work on relationships with true friends. I'm resolving to get my rear in gear and get to work harder on my photography business. I resolve to put the computer down more when my kids are awake and use my time with them. No more just a second let me finish typing this response! I am resolving to not be on facebook as much! And, I've already joined the Community Center on Tuesday and I am working on a schedule to stick to being more healthy. I am hoping putting these in writing will make me more accountable! Happy New Year! What are your resolutions?

Plea Bargain

2009-12-28T05:30:00.002-06:00

Disclaimer:******* first off let me say I'm not writing this post to come off better than anyone else. I am very frustrated, hurt and annoyed. If you or someone you love has ever had a similar situation please know this isn't against you or them. We all make our own beds and we have to live with the decision's we make. **************************

Two weeks ago my family went to court in the hearing for my cousin's death. (you may remember this post) We learned that the driver of the car's maximum sentence is 14 years. 14 years is the price he has to pay for taking her away from our family. Taking her out of this picture forever. Forever to me doesn't equal 14 years. This is a person who had a previous DUI and yet in the state of KS you seriously get a slap on the wrist. In my opinion taking a class, paying court costs, and going to court isn't enough. What about the fact that while that person was drinking and got behind the wheel he put YOU, Me, and all of our families in harms way? Doesn't that matter? He changed my family forever. Forever is a very long time. It's time we'll never get back. Brayden paid the ultimate price for someone else's decision. I'm not saying I've never had a drink and then got behind the wheel of a car. I am in no way perfect. I think all of us have probably done it at one time or another. But, I challenge you all this year Don't do it. It's not worth it. My life is more important then you getting a buzz. And, so is yours. In the picture above I have lost 3 family members. 1 from colon cancer 3 years ago. Dustin and Brayden both this year due to alcohol related accidents. Don't be the next one in your family picture that's missing. This was our last family picture together.

Brayden and Aunt Laura at Graduation

There are a LOT of people out there blaming my Aunt and Uncle for the things that have happened. Believe me this isn't the family picture they want posted. Dustin & Brayden shouldn't be missing. I am so thankful to have had Dustin and Brayden as members of our family and they will forever be in our hearts. Please this holiday season make the right choice.

Don't let someone take your sunshine.

Wear your seatbelt and don't drink and drive. We have a very long road ahead of us in the healing process. There will be anger, love and more frustration to come some of which may come out here. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.

The Results are in

2009-12-27T12:41:00.003-06:00

Not the results I wanted. Not the way I had planned but it is what it is. I did NOT pass my test. When did I find out? Christmas Eve. No, I don't want to talk about it. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. To be honest, I knew after the second class that maybe I'm not cut out to be setting in a cubical looking at books all day not talking to another soul. And, sometimes you can make yourself learn something even though you aren't in to it. I guess maybe I lack that skill. I do have my poopy pants on about this and I'm only relaying it here because I simply can't talk about it right now.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours

2009-12-25T12:54:00.001-06:00

A new love and affection

2009-12-23T20:41:00.002-06:00

Madeline has found a new love. It's not what you think at all. She's discovered the world of sports. Thankfully, she didn't take after her mom. She is definitely her daddy's girl. I was fortunate to actually be able to watch her play last night. (class is over and yes I took my test and I won't know anything about it for 3-4 weeks). That girl out ran those boys every play. She was the only girl on her team and those boys wouldn't pass her the ball. So, what does my girl do? She waits until the other team has the ball and steals it! I was so proud of her. She missed the basket but the fact that at 7 she knows what the object of the game is was awesome. It's so much more than I would have done. Next week is their big game but here's a few pictures from last night's practice.

Test

2009-12-18T10:15:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow I'll take a test. Tomorrow I'll take a 5 1/2 hour test. I'm nervous as heck. Nervous that I'll bomb the test and be out the money. Nervous I'll let my family down. Nervous! So, please say a quick little prayer for me this morning when you get up and pray I do my best. This is what it's all been for this test! So, CPC here I come. I can do this! I will do this! Why? Because I am a rock star! (yes, I'm trying to believe in myself)

The Thanksgiving Feast

2009-12-14T08:54:00.000-06:00

Madeline's First Grade class had a Thanksgiving feast this year. Which was really a bunch of different snacks brought in by all the parents. It was a success. The kids had a great time. They look so cute in their little vests they made.

The decorations were the only Pilgrim's there.

Getting caught up

2009-12-13T20:48:00.000-06:00

This last month has been crazy. I am not working at Urgent Care this week so, I'm going to use some of that time to get caught up. Caught up with the munchkins, caught up with blogging a little of everything! Madeline's birthday was over a month ago and I haven't posted one picture from her party. So, here goes.....
We went to T-Rex Cafe! She invited 2 little friends from school and off we went. They had a great time. Max had the hardest time. By Sunday morning after the sleep over Max had enough. He looked at us and said I've had it with those girls. I don't want to take there stuff I just want to play with them. Bless his heart!

silly girls!

He's the next Ross from friends A paleontologist!

A few photos

2009-12-11T06:34:00.003-06:00

A few more of my favorite photos from our last photo session!

Taken by Chase

He looks HAWT!!!

Madeline was the no cooperative one this time. But, we'll try again don't worry!

Happy Friday! I am not working at the Part time next week so I'll get caught up on blogging this upcoming week! Lot's to come!

Family fun

2009-12-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

This weekend I worked Friday night, but I was off on Saturday. We had fun Christmas shopping Saturday morning and a great fantastic nap on Saturday afternoon. I am notorious for deciding last minute to hmmmm take family photos. Right before we took our nap I told Chase my wishes. He agreed to give it a try. Let's just say I ended up with about 15 shots that I like. It was cold and when I say cold I mean OMG what was I thinking it is tooo cold out here. The kids did great and Max would have taken photos as long as I wanted I think. Chase and I have snapshots but really nothing else since our wedding so it was fun. I let Madeline take a picture of us and you know - she did pretty good. Granted this photo is edited but here's what it looked like before...

I know- dark but she's 7. Here's the final edited version... Love it! I puffy heart the look. What do you think?

Thanks, Madeline! You rock honey!

Maxisms

2009-11-23T06:56:00.004-06:00

I thought it would be fun to post a few funnies this week from our house. I'm not sure why every year the Holiday's brings out the emotions of life for adults and the oneries in children. They have literally faught all weekend at this house. I know we don't have that big of a house but, we have one. Today, Max has been especially lovey. He told me that we should only be using plastic in the house and not Aluminum. And, mom you know I learned that from Wall-e. That wasn't the funny part though, he walked away then came back. He said, "Mom, I hope Santa knows we don't use Aluminum. it's not as good as plastic for the environment." Only his environment sounded a little like envownmnt. lol!
(that was last week)
Today I kept hearing "holy slookies".
I asked Madeline 3 times what he was saying and she said say it again Max. When he repeated it she finally said, "O I know. He's saying Holy Schnikes mom."
I laughed so hard. All I could think of from that point on was Chris Farley in Tommy Boy singing Fat guy in a little coat! We'll work on that next!

DETOUR>>>>>>>>>>>>

2009-11-23T06:48:00.001-06:00

Detour today.......
Check out my post for today here.

And don't forget to leave me a comment! It's one of my favorite parts of the day :)

Busy life

2009-11-18T21:24:00.003-06:00

Greetings Blog land! Life has been sooo busy in this house! I will be working extra hours through the holiday's at an Urgent Care. I'm going to help them get up and going! I'm excited it will be about 12 hours a week extra. So here's a run down of what a typical week will be like around our house.....
Monday 8 am-4:30 regular work
4:30- 9:00pm Urgent Care
Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:15 regular work
6:00 - 8:00 Class
Wednesday 7:30 am - 4:30 regular work
5:00 pm - 9:00pm
Thursday 7:30am - 1:30 pm
1:30 - 5:00 study then pick up the kids
Friday 8:00am - 5:00 pm
Saturday's will be used for Photography
Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm Urgent Care

And after a few weeks like that I'll be like this on the blog!
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Yep! So, I guess what I'm saying is please be patient. I'm trying to stay caught up but every once in a while a girl has to sleep and not blog! I will attempt keeping up as much as possible!
xoxoxo

7 years old. Are you kidding me?

2009-11-06T00:00:00.003-06:00

I can't believe 7 years ago this little thing was born. She was just a little peanut!

I can't believe that 7 years ago I was this large. OMG! (Have a salad or something lady) This photo is from the day we went home from the hospital.

Thank you Madeline for the joy you have brought our family. Thank you for being a wonderful daughter.

Thank you for being a wonderful sister.

I can't wait to see what you become. I know that you'll do something amazing with your life because in 7 years you've taught us what real love is. Happy Birthday baby girl! I know you're not a baby but in my heart you will always be my baby!

Fall and Fun

2009-11-05T13:17:00.001-06:00

The leaves were so beautiful this year. A few blocks from our house their trees looked like this. It was beautiful!

And, at our house the leaves look like this. They've almost all fallen to the ground. And, the kids are loving it! Every bit of it!

Halloween

2009-11-04T13:05:00.000-06:00

I'm behind. We've been without daycare for 3 weeks now! Our day care provider's husband had a heart attack while they were on a trip out of town. They are ready to come back and we are ready for them to come back. I miss the structure. Any ways, here are our photos from Halloween! Madeline was originally going to be Selena Gomez from Wizards of Waverly. She changed her mind as girls do and went as a Belton Cheerleader! Max was Bumblebee the Transformer. I even participated in the dress up this year! I went as a dead bug!

Ozzy Osbourn even stopped by! We are famous you know!

Wordless Wednesday Peek a-boo

2009-11-04T07:28:00.001-06:00

Family & Fun

2009-10-23T10:31:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago we ventured to Wellington. Here are a few pictures I forgot to post. Happy Friday!

Yes, his obsession with cats continues! He still loves them.

Our little Jayhawk! Rock Chalking the hat!

This is My parents with the kids. Do you know why they are laughing? Max said chicken Butt! I guess when you are 4 that's funny!

Gum chewing is a must when your ridding the 4 wheeler

The look of one sad little boy who's tractor won't start.

A little secret on my photos - Click on the photo and you'll be directed to Photobucket where you can visualize the photo in full size!

BHS Homecoming Parade

2009-10-16T06:01:00.001-05:00

My little princess is now a Student Government Representative. So, we now attend more events! It's totally ok with me I can squeeze more into our weekly plan somehow right? Here are a few pictures of them walking in the parade! Go Pirates! And, go Madeline! I always said any kid who will introduce herself at the age of 3 and shake your hand has a long road ahead in politics! Well, I say go Maddie! Be anything you want to be! The world is all yours!

Litlle man working the fro while waiting on the parade! Man it was cold!

This little puppy kept Max in line while waiting on the parade. He was sooo cute! I'd take one in a heart beat!

(A little candy snack)

Great Job little Madeline! Love you all the time!

A new set of Wheels!

2009-10-15T06:36:00.000-05:00

When Madeline was 4 the most important thing in her life was her leapster and The Grinch. For Max, well I think these pictures speak for themselves.

(I know you saw this yesterday but I can't help it... He's so happy! )

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T18:37:00.000-05:00

Therapy comes in many different ways.

2009-10-13T18:34:00.002-05:00

This week I'm promising to be much more cheerful! Even though we ended up going to the Rents (parents) house for a tragic event some good came out of it. I got to spend some much needed time behind the camera! It makes me happy and is strictly therapeutic. Here's the outcome! Tell me what you think?

Life and Death

2009-10-04T14:08:00.006-05:00

Today's post has no cheer. It's all about sadness for me and my family. Last night we lost someone very important. We almost lost her last spring to a accident. She spent months in ICU, Brain Trauma Rehab and Physical Therapy. She had only been home for a short time and her brother died in a car accident. And now, here we are 4 months to the day later and she was killed in a accident last night. The driver of the vehicle she was ridding in failed to yield. Failed to care about the precious cargo ridding in the back seat. The car rolled and landed on our "B". She was 19 years old. She was special to me. B turned 5 the year Chase and I got together she was an amazing little girl. She loved to play dress up, barbies and hang out as she used to call it. She was full of life and always lived it to the fullest. When Brayden was younger I used to call her at curfew to make sure she was home. It annoyed her but she always answered. And she'd tell me I'm home don't worry. She was always chatty - her mom used to say "she's just like you." She was a cheerleader in high school and I was privileged enough to watch her. I went home for her first ever pep rally! I was so proud of her. And when she walked across that stage to get that diploma I yelled my heart out. Last year when we thought we'd loose her we all got to know her a little better. We learned that she was a free spirit. An untamed heart. She's always seemed to struggle in her own skin. Not knowing who she is. Now, she's not here. And we don't get to find out. We don't get to watch her become more or use what she had to become something much SO more amazing. And I loved that girl! She was our JOY! And, we weren't done getting to know her. I'm very saddened by this. I'm sad and angry that it continues to happen in such a small town and nobody seems interested in trying to change it. How many people will die before everyone starts paying attention? And why does one mom have to loose 2 amazing children in such a short time?

Make something of your life. Who cares if you aren't doing what all the other kids are doing. Make your way the cool way and Choose to live. Hang out with your family on the weekends spend time where you belong. It's important and it really does mean something.

God's Speed Sweet Girl. You will always matter to us. Our only comfort is now you are with PaPa Bill and Dustin.