My Sis and a Trip to Boise

Well it's always something! Since I'm about to reach my one year mark, I guess my sister decided to keep things interesting and hog all the attention with some minor pregnancy issues. She and baby boy are doing well now, but mom flew out to help with 18 month old Jacksen when she went to the hospital about 3 weeks ago. She's had some bleeding and contractions that put her on bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy and got her a week in the hospital. So after being home for a week or so, more of the same issues and back in the hospital the day after I flew in for a visit. Needless to say, I only spent one night at their house and the rest of the time I've been here in the hospital with her. Good sister bonding time! She's at 34 weeks today and things are going really well, everything seems under control and per the ultrasound this morning the baby is 4lbs 13oz so he's in good shape! Mom is still here and I have a feeling will be until after the baby comes! Poor lady hasn't spent much time at her own house in the last year bw me and Nikki's hospital stays! And dad is left as a bachelor at home to fend for himself. God bless 'em both!
I'm headed back to Peoria today to see how the dog and cat are getting along under Jake's supervision. Not ready to leave Nik but that's the way it goes. Here are a few pics from my visit.

Nik's 29th bday is the hospital

Jacksen and best bud Gunther

me and Jack playing in the yard

All good news!

Although we've been covered in snow and ice all winter, we've managed to fit in some adventures. Recently, we went hiking at Starved Rock to check out the frozen waterfalls that people climb. It was awesome! See the pictures below...

Also, some FANTASTIC news I found out on Friday is...drum roll please...I got a fulltime job at the United Way!!!!! I've been working there since September as an Ambassador and they extended my contract through Feb. on a part time basis...now they've offered me a permanent spot as a Campaign Associate! It starts March 2nd. YAY!!!

Lastly, a little medical update. Since my one year anniversay of the stroke is just around the corner, I've scheduled my MRI and MR Venogram (where they run dye through your veins) for the beginning of March. Pending good results, I'll be weaned off the blood thinner...finally. Then there's the issue of the seizure meds. It's my choice if/when to wean off those, but I will...and when I do that means NO driving for 5-6 months. Wonderful. We'll cross that bridge when it comes...

The new year is off to a great start for us and we hope it is for you too!

Happy Birthday Jake!

Today is Jake's birthday and I just have to show everyone what a true character I've married! Below is Jake in his "birthday suit" he wore to work today. God love him! We celebrated by going to a great dive bar known for serving up his favorite meal...cheese burgers! We were not disappointed.

Gotta run but just wanted to share!

Happy Holidays!

2008 proved to be a challenging and blessed year for us...but the goal is boring for 2009! I'm in the process of trying to figure out how/if I can change the blog to be just a family blog, will keep you posted on that issue.
Since the anniversary trip to WI, we've had some good times with friends and our families. We continued the tradition of NPT's PCP (that would be Nathan P. Thomas' Pumpkin Carving Party) with airbrushed shirts and everything. We also got to spend unexpected extra time with Jake's family over Thanksgiving with the passing of Grandpa Pete. We will miss him dearly and were thankful to be able to be there and spend time with everyone. Cooper was a hit with Grandma Ruth and the nieces and nephews...especially Miss Mylie, who after an uneasy start was his best bud. Christmas was spent with my side of the fam. The boys had a blast tearing up the presents and we all even got a special visit out at Gma and pa Younger's from the jolly man himself! The only thing missing was my sis and her fam who couldn't make it. Our first holiday season in the new house was great with only 20-30 tries for a good pic for the Christmas card!
We wish you all a wonderful New Year and will keep you updated on our latest happenings.



















Gma Ruth


















Mylie and Coop















Ma in her new kitchen!














Dontcha love him!

He's gettin' so big!

Man we could be related!

Merry Christmas!

1 Year Down!

So we made it through the first fun filled year of marriage....who lost money on that bet? :) We took a much needed trip away from everything to beautiful Door County, WI. The fall colors hadn't quite all changed yet and the weather was nice and crisp! Here are several pics of the trip!

had to stop and see Lambeau Field!

this is the world's largest Culver's.

the infamous bruise

So I mentioned before that I'd bruised the back of my leg on the metal slide playing the role of cool Aunt "Laan" with my nephew Bryce...when I said bruised, I meant BRUISED! A couple people have asked me about it so thought I'd post a couple shots of it in all it's Cumadin infused glory. The first on was taken the day after and the second one was about 10 days after. Pretty cool battle wound as I think I achieved my goal of continuing to be cool Aunt "Laan." I love that little boy...who's growing up waaaay too fast and is going to soon be way too cool to hang with me.

and no, it's not my butt... it's the back of my leg

seroiously the size of a softball!

Tony, Bryce and Laan at the Aquaplex

29:17 baby!!!

This morning was my first race since the stroke and it was awesome! Liz has been training way more diligently then I have so I was pretty nervous. It went great tho! Posted my best time (29:17) and actually won my age category gettting a little plaque for being so awesome...Liz of course won her category too so we are both very proud of our accomplishment. Don't ask how many people were in the race :)

It's Homecoming weekend at Bradley so Jake is busy busy busy! Went to the vball game last night and are tailgating tonight at the soccer game...should be fun!

Before the race wondering what I'd been dragged into!

Wishing we were done!

We're done! Can't breathe!

First place for both of us!