Happy Birthday Mom!

On March 10, 1959 the most amazing woman was born. Funny, caring, talented, kind-hearted and loving. That woman was my Mom! March 10, 2009 she turned 50! So naturally we had to have a surprise party! I have been planning this party for a while. (With the help of some amazing people!) Friends and family from all over where here to share the day!

"Surprise!"

Seeing cousin John, from Oklahoma!

Blowing out the candles on her gluten-free cake

And what party would be complete without someone being arrested or a trip to the ER! Tricia's head found a rock, so mom and I took her to the insta-care. Luckily,most of the guest had left, and the party was over. She was so brave. She had to get 8 stitches, 1 in deep, and 7 on the surface.

Valentines Day

We had a wonderful Valentines Day. It was a small, quiet one, but we both agree it was the best. Aaron bought me a lot of flowers and planed an awesome dinner! Lobster tail, rib eye steak, asparagus, rolls, sparkling cider, eclairs and strawberries. I tried the lobster, and it was pretty good. I don't see the hype though!

No, we didn't get another dog!

The last couple of days we have had a visitor. In fact she is in our backyard right now! Her name is Lola. And when ever she escapes she comes to our house! She is really sweet, a little clumsy, and at times a little scary. We can tell she isn't abused, but suffers from separation anxiety. She craves attention and only escapes when her mom is gone. We just put her in our backyard and call. Sometimes I wish I could just keep her, but then she jumps on me and slobbers and I have no problem watching her go home!

Random

Not much is going on right. We are still recovering from the holidays. (I have a lot to put away!) We got a lot of board games for Christmas. So every night we play a game of SORRY! He kicks my butt every time! Stupid LUCK!!!!!

I had a photo shoot a little while ago. It was so much fun! I have never had one before. I only bought two photo's right now.

I love this one. I am laughing at Tricia, I didn't know she was going to take it.

And Aaron and I had our Anniversary picture taken. Again, I didn't know she was going to take a picture, but I love the way it turned out!

My 25th Birthday

I had a great 25th birthday! We had a family party on my birthday, and my mom surprised me with my closest friends! It was also great to have all of my grandparents there!

My mom and dad got me a digital camera! I am so excited.

Aaron got me a Nintendo DS! So Bryant got me a SIM game, and I picked up Zoo Tycoon.

My dad picked out the birthday cake!

It only took me 2 blows to get them all out!

Diana, Will and Colton Cotner

Bryant and me

Me and My Nanny

Grampy and Me

Grandma and Me

Grandpa and Me

2008 Tag

2008 Tag

JANUARY

Who kissed you on new years? Aaron

New Year's Resolution this year? To get out of debt

Does it snow where you live? Yes

Do you like hot chocolate? YES!

Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop? Nope...that is sad, I lived in Jersey!

FEBRUARY

Who was your Valentine? Aaron

Did you do anything romantic? Just stayed home

Do you care if the groundhog sees its shadow or not? No

What did you receive for Valentine' s Day? Jewelry

MARCH

Are you Irish? A little...

Do you like cornbread beef and cabbage? No

What did you do for St Patrick's day? worked

Are you happy when Winter is pretty much over? I wish it was over by March

APRIL

Do you like the rain? Love it

Did you play an April Fool' s joke on anyone this year? Nope...it's Aaron's birthday in our house

Do you get tons of candy for Easter? No

Do you celebrate 4/20? No thanks

Do you love the month of April? It's ok...can't complain

MAY

What is your favorite flower? Daisy

Finish the phrase " April showers…" brings May flowers....I couldn't think of anything clever

Do you celebrate May 16th: National Piercing Day? No

Is May anything special to you? nope

JUNE

What year did/will you graduate from high school? 2002 - but it was May 31

Did you do anything fun during this month? Not in 2008

Have a favorite baseball team? New York Yankees

JULY

What did you do on the 4th of July? Went to grandmas for a BBQ

Did you go to the fireworks? We watched them from our backyard

Did you blast the A/C all day? no...we weren't really home

AUGUST

What was your favorite summer memory of '08? Hanging out with friends, puppies and our 4th Anniversary

Did you have a sunburn? Just one...stupid yard sale

Did you go to the pool a lot? No...not once in 2008

SEPTEMBER

Are you attending college/school? No

Do you like fall better than summer? Yes

What happened this month? New job!

OCTOBER

What were you for Halloween? Nothing, just wore a witch hat this year

What is your favorite candy? Skittles and Chocolate wafers

What was your favorite part about this month? Canada's Thanksgiving!

NOVEMBER

Whose house did you going to for Thanksgiving? My in-laws and then my parents

What are you thankful for? Aaron, and my family

Do you love stuffing? No

Anything special in this month? I had surgery

DECEMBER

Do you celebrate Christmas? Of course...it's my favorite!

Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe? Yes.. by Aaron

Get anything special last year? nothing comes to mind...but I got a cuddlebug this year!

What do you want this year? It's over...and I got it!

What do you love most about December? Christmas decorations!

Christmas Party

We held our first ever Christmas party last night. We had so much fun! We started with a game of Catch Phrase. Then we ate some yummy food! Then it was time for White Elephant gifts! For the white elephant game, in order to get a gift you have to roll dice, if it is doubles, then you can take a gift from the center or steal from someone else. The presents stay wrapped until everyone has a gift. We ended the night with the famous couch game!

Donny, Chad, Shalise
Donny, Chad

Aaron got the funniest gift! A body art and tattoo set!

Tyler, Megan, Lilan

Shalise, Chad, Lilan

Tyler, Shalise, Chad, Tim

Chad, Shalise, Tyler, Aaron

Chad, Shalise, Aaron

Lilan, Aaron, Chad, Tyler

Aaron, Tim, Donny

Shalise, Chad, Donny, Tyler

Thanks Tanya, Donny, Megan, Tyler, Lilian, Tim, Shalise and Chad for spending a wonderful evening with us! We love this time of year and are glad we were able to spend some of it with you! We love you all! Merry Christmas! We were missing some great friends who had plans, or live out of town...maybe next year you'll be able to make it!

Christmas Tag

20 Things I am thankful for:

1. My husband - Aaron

2. My Mom and Dad

3. My Siblings

4. My extended family

5. The church

6. My friends

7. Music

8. My dogs

9. Living next to my family

10. My pillow

11. My heating bill...because it keeps me warm

12. My eyes, ears, mouth, arms and legs

13. That I have food to eat

14. My car

15. My pictures

16. Growing up in New Jersey

17. My medical benefits

18. My job

19. My doctors

20. The people willing to read this

Christmas Tags

1. Wrapping paper or gift bag? Wrapping!

2. When do you put the tree up? As soon as possible! Sometimes before Halloween, but usually mid - November!

3. When do you take the tree down? After my birthday which is January 4th

4. Eggnog? Yuck

5. Favorite gift received as a child? I don't remember

6. Hardest person to buy for?? My brother Andrew

7. Easiest person to buy for? My Mom

8. Do you have a nativity scene? yes - 4

9. Mail or email Christmas cards? Home made - mail

10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? Cookbook and an empty block for knifes!

11. Favorite Christmas movie? So many...probably Elf!

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I shop all year for Christmas

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? There's so much! I think Grandma's caramel and shortbread!

15. Lights on the tree? Of course...it's pre-lit! White lights only

16. Favorite Christmas song? Forgotten Carols

17. Least favorite Christmas song? Anything by Neil Diamond

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Just visit families in the valley

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Of course- Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen and I recall the most famous of them all...Rudolph!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Santa Hat

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Aaron and I open our gifts to each other on Christmas Eve because we are too busy Christmas day traveling to other houses.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? spending $$$

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and White

24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Turkey and potatoes

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? To be healthy and happy all of 2009!

ANOTHER TAG!These are a few of my favorite things…..

Five favorite treats during the holidays:

1. Caramel

2. Sugar Cookies

3. Shortbread

4. No bake chocolate chip cookies

5. Toffee

Five favorite Christmas movies:

1. Elf

2. Santa Clause is Coming to Town

3. White Christmas

4. Muppet Christmas Carol

5. Polar Express

Five Traditions during the holidays:

1. Opening Aaron's presents on Christmas Eve

2. Spending time with our families

3. Going to my parents real early to watch my siblings open their presents from Santa

4. Putting up my Christmas village

5. Christmas breakfast

Thanksgiving

Yesterday was a great day. We started off sleeping in. I got up around 9:30. We watched the parade and then the Purina dog show. (We love watching the dog show, but our dogs hate it...they stare at the TV and bark like crazy!) We were so excited to see that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel won the Toy group! Then we went to Aaron's parents for the Sperry's Thanksgiving lunch/diner. We stayed there are a while, Aaron played with nephew's and I looked though the ad's to see what crazy deals there would be on black Friday. Then we went to my parents for diner with my Grandparents. We played games and watched the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving show. (For those of you who don't know my Grandpa's name is Charlie Brown) It was a nice, relaxing day. It is so hard to believe that the holiday's are upon us already.

I want to take this time to say what I am grateful for. I am so grateful for my family, extended and immediate. They mean everything to me. I have the most supportive parents and the coolest siblings. I am so grateful that every single one of my family members are my best friends. I am so grateful for my Mom and everything she does for me, even after getting married. I am grateful that I can tell her anything. I am grateful for my Dad. I know that if I need him, he will be here. I am grateful for all that he is teaching Aaron. I am grateful for Bryant and the friendship that we have. I am grateful that after everything we have been though it has only brought us closer! I a grateful for Andrew and his willingness to do anything for me and always being able to put a smile on my face. I am grateful for Tricia and her sweet spirit and her sense of humor! I am grateful for my in-laws for raising a wonderful son, and for all the support they continue to give us. I am grateful for my wonderful friends. I don't have many, but the friends I have mean the world to me. I am especially grateful for Tanya and Megan. I have never had friends like them, we cry, we laugh, we laugh until we cry! I am grateful for my dogs! Yes, my dogs, because they remind me that anything is possible, if I can concur my biggest fear, then I can do anything! Even though I wish I didn't have to work, I am grateful for my job. Especially in these hard times.

I know this has been a long boring blog, I have one more thing to be grateful for. I saved the best for last. I am most grateful for my loving husband, Aaron. I know that he loves me with all my heart, and I am grateful that I don't have to question that. I am grateful that he gets along with and loves my family. He is so hard working and takes such good care of me. I love him with all my heart.

My Favorite Time of Year!

I know it's a little early to be getting ready for Christmas! Christmas music is on the radio and movies are on TV. The Stores are decorating and some house have their lights on. So I have started getting ready. We put up our Christmas lights before my surgery and turn them on every night. Our deal was that we could turn them on, on Thanksgiving or until we found another house with them on...we found another house that same night so they have been on ever since! Aaron got all of my Christmas boxes down last night, with some help from our dear friend Donny. I have 14 big boxes of decorations and will need to add a few boxes to it this year! We will start decorating today! I am so excited. We added some fun new stuff to the decorations this year. First, we bought a revolving tree stand...meaning our tree will spin! Last night we bought a tree train that will go in the middle of the tree and spin around. I can't wait! I will take pictures when it is all done. And if you want to come visit, you are more then welcome! I really go all out...Christmas village and all! I am really excited for this time of year and can't wait for it to begin. I love that it always seems to come a little early in my house.

Surgery

I am going to attempt to write a post. I am really sore and dizzy. Mostly dizzy! So my hernia surgery went pretty well. I am in a lot of pain, but with the help of ice and meds I think I will make it! Aaron has been such a big help. He gives me my meds right when I need them, if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have any idea when to take what! Tuesday Ikea was having a great sale on somethings we need...specifically a dining room table. We sold our old dining room table at our last yard sale. Ikea had this set on sale for $59! So Aaron went a little before 10. There was a huge line. They only had 200 tables and he was 193!

We have sold all of the puppies! We now have a quite, clean house! Well I think that is everything. I am not sure. I am so out of it. So I hope you enjoyed reading this blog! :)

Halloween Fun

We didn't do much for Halloween this year. We had some fun at my moms. In the window behind us they played "Thriller". My dad put up some pretty cool lights in the house. And we watched "Young Frankenstein".

Me and my goofy husband!

Oh how he makes me laugh!

And here is my goofy dad in the wig!

November

It is the start of the Holiday season! My favorite time of year! I can't wait to start listing to Christmas music and decorating. And I can't wait to see my Canadian Grandparents who are coming out for Christmas! The month of November will be a busy one for us. We have a week off together starting the 10th. But instead of doing anything fun I will be having surgery. I have a hernia, I have had it for about 6 years! We will be changing over the lights at Hale Theatre for the "Christmas Carol". And of course there is Thanksgiving!!! I just want to tell everyone to enjoy this holiday season, no matter your circumstances, what matters is the feeling you get and being with the ones you love.

I AM

I am...

i am: watching my little sister

i think: it should always be 73 degrees!

i know: that my family loves me

i want: to pop my neck but am resisting the temptation

i have: too many dogs at the moment!
i miss: my Nanny!
i dislike: people who complain about being pregnant

i fear: bats

i feel: STRESSED!

i hear: Tricia and Aaron talking

i smell: puppies all the time!

i crave: money!

i cry: and then get all stuffed up :(

i usually: sing in the shower

i wonder: why, out of all the people in the USA, we can only find McCain and Obama!

i regret: letting Bella and Jonathan outside together

i love: Aaron! :)

i care: about my job

i always: use the snooze on my alarm clock

i worry: about everything

i am not: pregnant

i remember: nothing

i believe: in good customer service!

i dance: when no one is home! Not even Aaron!

i sing: all the time! :)

i don’t always: like to be around people

i argue: with stupid comcast all the time!

i write: on my blog

i win: Nertz

i lose: my mind

i wish: I can't tell, or it won't come true

i listen: to anyone who wants to talk

i don't understand: why our cars keep breaking!

i can usually be found: in front of the tv

i am scared: that I won't be a 'mommy'

i need: to focus more on the gospel

i am happy: with my family and friends

i tag: anyone who wants to take the time to do it....enjoy! :)

Puppies!

I am finally posting pictures of the puppies! They are about 5 weeks old now. We know we are keeping one and his name is Hawkeye. But we aren't 100% sure which one. We are about 90% sure which one.

"Scruffy" "Hawkeye"

"Andrew"

"Hawkeye"

Running towards the camera....these are my favorite!



"Scruffy" is Tricia's favorite and she "named him"

"Andrew" because his head is bigger then his body...family thing

"Scruffy"

Paranoid

No, I am not making my blog private...yet...I haven't had any problems so far except I feel like no one is reading. :(

Nothing special happened today. Just a relaxing, lazy, Saturday. Aaron and I slept in. (I haven't been able to do that since I started my new job.) Aaron went fishing with my Dad. They left around 2. So I decided to take a trip to Target to get some stuff to organize my scrapbook paper and supplies. When I left Target, I realized I hadn't had anything to eat, so I stopped at Quizno's. There were 3 people in line a head of me. From listening to their conversation, it was a husband and wife and the wife's sister. The sisters were ordering when another customer walked in. He was a little shorter then me, which is SHORT! He had dark curly hair and glasses and was wearing a dark blue jumper like a mechanic would wear. He stood in front of me. I sighed thinking I was going to have to get mean, and when I am mean...I am MEAN! I was thinking of things to say, when one of the ladies put her arm around me and put me in front of the short man. She told me I was next. Lucky for him, she was there....I was about to let him have it. When the ladies moved down, I stepped to the side, the short man was much too close. But when I took a step so did he. I ordered my usual, turkey, ranch and swiss...no tomato, no onions. I picked up a bag of chips. I noticed the man pick up the same kind of chips. I started to get creeped out a little. I took another step. So did the short man. It was his turn to order. He ordered a turkey and cheddar, but substituted the cheddar for swiss. I noticed that he was trying to say as much as possible to what I had said. I was now getting more creeped out. The ladies where now sitting, but kept their eye on me. I also noticed the boys working were trying to distract the short man. I quickly paid and got my Pepsi. On my way out I thanked the ladies again. The creepy feeling did not go away. I ran to my car and took the long way home in case he wanted to follow me. Even though I never saw him leave, and never saw anyone behind me. I don't know if I have seen too many movies, or Law and Order's. Or maybe it was the spirit. I will say that I am grateful my mom taught me to be aware of my surrounding and follow the prompting I receive.

Anniversary!

Today was a great day! It all started at exactly August 20, 2008 12:01 AM. Aaron took me into my office and on my chair was a dozen roses and the next two books in the Twilight series. (Which I have fallen in love with!) We finally went to bed around 1:30. We woke up around 9:30. I thought I got up before Aaron so I could read, but he was awake too. We got up and got ready to go. We went to Einsteins for breakfast. Then we went to Wal-mart and PetSmart to do some shopping...I know Wal-mart isn't really shopping. But we got much needed camping chairs. Then we went to a movie. When it was over I went grocery shopping for this weekends camping trip. Then Aaron and I went to the Macaroni Grill for diner. We were having fun coloring on the table, when the waitress came over and apologized for the food taking so long. (We didn't think that it had been long at all.) She said that the manager was bring over the food. When he gave us our plates he said the meal was on them. Cool! Free diner!! We looked at the time and it had been 45 minutes. We thought it had only been 15 minutes. We were in no rush and were enjoying being with each other. We weren't upset, but were quite happy with free food! I had written on the table "Happy Anniversary Aaron", and waitress noticed and gave us free cake! I suggest that everyone go the Macaroni Grill on their anniversary! Then we went to Boarders and picked up the rest of the Twilight series! It was been a wonderful day.

I am so grateful for Aaron. He has bee such a light in my life. I have never had a better friend. I love him with all my heart.

Boredom!

So today I really didn't have much to do being my last day at Marriott so I decided what a better way to spend my time! 200 Have and Have nots! BOLD the haves! (Thanks Melinda!) :)

1. Touched an iceberg

2. Slept under the stars

3. Been a part of a hockey fight

4. Changed a baby's diaper

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Swam with wild dolphins

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a tarantula

10. Said "I love you" and meant it

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise

15. Seen the Northern Lights

16. Gone to a huge sports game

17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables

19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope

20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Bet on a winning horse

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Taken an ice cold bath

28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Ridden a roller coaster

31. Hit a home run

32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking

33. Adopted an accent for fun

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment

36. Loved your job 90% of the time

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Watched wild whales

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach

41. Gone sky diving

42. Visited Ireland

43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited India

45. Bench-pressed your own weight

46. Milked a cow

47. Alphabetized your personal files

48. Ever worn a superhero costume

49. Sung karaoke

50. Lounged around in bed all day

51. Gone scuba diving

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Done something you should regret, but don't

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Been in a movie

60. Gone without food for 3 days

61. Made cookies from scratch

62. Won first prize in a costume contest

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Been in a combat zone

65. Spoken more than one language fluently

66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone

67. Bounced a check

68. Read - and understood - your credit report

69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy

70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did

71. Called or written your Congress person

72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over

73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge

74. Helped an animal give birth

75. Been fired or laid off from a job

76. Won money

77. Broken a bone

78. Ridden a motorcycle

79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph

80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

81. Slept through an entire flight

82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days

83. Eaten sushi

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read The Bible cover to cover

86. Changed someones mind about something you care deeply about

87. Gotten someone fired for their actions

88. Gone back to school

89. Changed your name (last name only)

90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands

91. Eaten fried green tomatoes

92. Read The Iliad

93. Taught yourself an art from scratch

94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt

96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language

97. Been elected to public office

98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream

99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care

100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you

101. Had a booth at a street fair

102. Dyed your hair

103. Been a DJ

104. Rocked a baby to sleep

105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours

106. Raked your carpet

107. Brought out the best in people

108. Brought out the worst in people

109. Worn a mood ring

110. Rode a horse

111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap

112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe

113. Buried a child

114. Gone to a Broadway play

115. Been inside the pyramids

116. Shot a basketball into a basket

117. Danced at a disco

118. Played in a band

119. Shot a bird

120. Gone to an arboretum

121. Tutored someone

122. Ridden a train

123. Brought an old fad back into style

124. Eaten caviar

125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need

126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant

127. Published a book

128. Pieced a quilt

129. Lived in an historic place

130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage

131. Asked for a raise

132. Made a hole-in-one - if mini golf count?

133. Gone deep sea fishing

134. Gone roller skating

135. Run a marathon

136. Learned to surf

137. Invented something

138. Flown first class

139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite

140. Flown in a helicopter

141. Visited Africa

142. Sang a solo

143. Gone spelunking

144. Learned how to take a compliment

145. Written a love-story

146. Seen Michelangelo’s David

147. Had your portrait painted

148. Written a fan letter

149. Spent the night in something haunted

150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane

151. Ran away

152. Learned to juggle

153. Been a boss

154. Sat on a jury

155. Lied about your weight

156. Gone on a diet

157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget

158. Written a poem

159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox

160. Gotten food poisoning

161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission

162. Hiked the Grand Canyon

163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks

164. Gone to the opera

165. Gotten a letter from someone famous

166. Worn knickers

167. Ridden in a limousine

168. Attended the Olympics

169. Can hula or waltz

170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books

171. Been stuck in an elevator

172. Had a revelatory dream

173. Thought you might crash in an airplane

174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert

175. Saved someone’s life

176. Eaten raw whale

177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint

178. Laughed till your side hurt

179. Straddled the equator

180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing

181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival

182. Sent a message in a bottle

183. Spent the night in a hotel

184. Been a cashier

185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

186. Joined a union

187. Donated blood or plasma

188. Built a campfire

189. Kept a blog

190. Had hives

191. Worn custom made shoes or boots

192. Made a PowerPoint presentation

193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course

194. Served at a soup kitchen

195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube

196. Know CPR

197. Ridden in or owned a convertible

198. Found a long lost friend

199. Helped solve a crime

200. Responded to a NJP newsletter

Summer Fun

We have had quite the week. Months ago we planned a camping trip with my family. We started this tradition last year. We always have so much fun camping with them. We planned on going up Friday as soon as Aaron got off work. So I was in charge of getting ready. We got most of it ready Thursday night except for the food and packing the car. Well as we were settling down for bed, around 11:30, Bella started having her puppies. I don't know how familiar any of you are about dogs having puppies, but dogs have a puppy an hour. So we knew we were in for a long night! I tried to let Aaron sleep as much as possible because he had to work and I didn't. The first puppy was born at 11:40. An hour later puppy number 2 was born. By this time, I am struggling to stay awake. Aaron was asleep in the living room because it was father away from Bella. After the second puppy was born I knew I had a hour, so I went and lied on the couch. Around 1:30 Bella started crying, and was getting ready for the 3rd puppy. I went in, but she kept crying, it woke Aaron so he came to check on her. As soon as he came in the room, she stopped crying and did her thing. Aaron tried to go back in the living room, but as soon as he left she started crying again. He ended up having to sleep in the bathroom. She didn't make another sound. Around 2:30 she had a forth. Puppy number 3 was a stillborn, but the other 3 are healthy and happy. Aaron got about 3 hours of sleep. I got about 3 1/2 hours. I woke up on Friday early to bring my Jeep into Big O Tires to get a new tire. When I got home I finished getting everything ready, however I couldn't pack the car, because it wasn't home. So I had to wait till Aaron got home so we could go pick up the Jeep. So as soon as he pulled in we ran to Big O. When we got home Aaron got the dogs ready...puppies and all, while I packed up the Jeep. All thous years of Tetris really paid off. We got to Current Creek about 5:30. We had a nice relaxing weekend with my family. We didn't get much sleep, but it was a lot of fun. I will do another post with pictures about the camping trip. I started reading "Twilight"...I will let you know how I feel about it when I am done...in about a year! ; )