On a sad note.....

Many of you already know that my grandmother fell ill last week. I had been taking care of her for about 6 months before I moved back to Washington. When I moved back to Oklahoma in August, I started taking care of her again as her personal CNA. Grandma has Alzheimer's, dementia, and Parkinson's disease. She has also suffered a couple strokes. It has gotten to the point that grandpa was unable to care for her after I would leave. We as a family made the painful decision last week to put her in a nursing home. She seems to like it and has her own private room. Grandpa goes everyday to see her and the rest of us go about every other day. I lost my job when we put her in the nursing home. Please just pray for her and our family as well as for me. I have started subbing at Head Start and am hoping to get hired back on there full time.

Ice, ice baby!

The day of Bailey's birthday arrived with a nice thick coat of ice and snow! Bailey had fun playing in the snow in her new snow boots! She calls it, " ha-no!"

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Bailey! Happy birthday to you!

Bailey celebrated her 2nd birthday a day early on Jan. 25th. We had a ladybug themed party for her at the community room here in Miami. We were expecting quite a few people b/c last years birthday party was packed! BUT, not many people came this year, leaving me with 3/4 of a 3 tiered birthday cake! I worked really hard for 8 hours, baking and frosting her cake : ) It turned out nicely! Bailey was super excited to see all of her friends who came to the party ( Gage and Nathaniel ) and super excited to see her sister too. Here are some pics from the party!

Cute as a Button with Button Bows!

I have started making the most darling hairclips ever! I call them " Button Bows " I can make them in any color or colors you like, and as many layers as you would like!

The Biggest Loser

I found out that my cousin Sarah ( who has been dating the same guy for the last 6 years ) is finally getting married! She asked me to be a bridesmaid! At first, I was super excited to actually be the bridesmaid and NOT the bride! lol But then reality set in........I am going to be standing in front of God and everyone............FAT! I guess it wouldn't be as bad, but my other cousin is the Maid of Honor and she has 2 other bridesmaids besides me. They all have rocking bodies, gorgeous skin and hair....and then there is me! So, my New Years Resolution is to lose weight. I am an emotional eater anyway, and with my current relationship status, I find myself eating when I am lonely, bored, etc....... I hope I can do it! The wedding is scheduled for November!

2008 in review

2008 in review......Happy Holidays to you and yours


Well this year has been full of ups and downs for our family.
First off, Bailey celebrated her birthday at the beginning of the year and I cannot believe that she will soon be celebrating her 2nd birthday! My how time fly's!

I had breast reduction surgery on Jan. 16th of this year and have been trying to adjust to my changing body type.

Then on Feb. 1st, Bailey had a terrible accident and severed the tendon and nerves in her left middle finger and palm of her hand. She had 6 stiches, developed an infection and had emergency surgery on March 1st of this year.

In May, Bailey and I, along with my friend Rachel, packed up our car and moved Bailey, Jewlz ( the dog ), and I back to WA. Rick returned safely from Iraq on May31st of this year.

In July, we flew home back to Oklahoma for Rick's month long and much needed R&R. To our surprise, we met Garth Brooks at the airport!

After a month of being home having BBQ's, bike runs, and swimming, it was time for us to head back to WA.

I got a lead teaching position at Fun Time Child Dev Center and Bailey started daycare at Hayes, where I used to work.

In early August, we took a trip to Canada for the Burns' " big " wedding. Bailey was the flower girl!

At the end of August, Rick and I made the mutual decision to seperate and Bailey and I moved back to Oklahoma.

In September, I celebrated my 27th birthday......can't believe I'm that old!

In October, Bailey dressed up as a pumpkin, and I do have to say, she was the cutest pumpkin I have EVER seen!

My friend Tish and I also started attending craft fairs and opened a little on-line boutique that specializes in hairbows, tutu's, and hand-made crafts. We decided to call it " Cute as a Button "

In November, Bailey had to have yet another operation on her hand. She is now in PT 3 days a week. And we may be looking at the possibility of more surgeries in the future.

So here we are, December........it's been a long, stressful year. Thanks to all who have suppported and prayed for us this year. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Well, this year has been full of ups and downs for me, but I have survived ( with the help and support of family and friends ) I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone and wish you all a joyful holiday season!