Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Book Club Tuesday - Barrel Fever & Holidays on Ice


Not my favorite of Mr. Sedaris, but mildly entertaining.... which I needed this last week.

Yet, another by David Sedaris... so entertaining! Mr. Sedaris worked as an Elf for Macy's back in the day, it talks about his experiences working as Santa's Elf and all the very interesting people that came along with that... so good! This guy kills me!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Unemployed...

...Well, as of November 30th. Yep, I lost my job today. Surprised you ask? Nope... I had a feeling. But, still it was very difficult to hear. That being said, I am fine... "They" were very generous and gave me until the end of November as I have several projects that are coming to fruition at that time. I also will receive a severance package that will help us... for like a minute (ouch, that sounds like anger). I was thinking a year's pay would have been nice. Anyway, several friends have said to me today, "When one door closes another door opens." I agree.

Glasses Donation

I got a new pair of glasses and needed to find a home for my old pair.... Anyway, thought I would pass this along.

Donate your old eyeglasses and sunglasses to help people with eyesight difficulties worldwide. (Sunglasses can be non-prescription. They are needed in countries near the equator to help protect people's eyes from sun damage.) Collection facilities include Goodwill Industries stores, LensCrafters stores, and Lions Club drop boxes.

Items also can be sent in padded envelopes or boxes to:
New Eyes for the Needy549 Millburn AvenueP.O. Box 332Short Hills, NJ 07078

Happy 30th Birthday, Nick!

Happy 30th Birthday to a wonderful husband and father!

We love you so very much!
Randi & Eli

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Book Club Tuesday - The Constant Princess

This book is about Catherine of Arrogan who was the first wife of Henry VII. It was an interesting look at her life and where she came from. If you want a little dirt... she was actually married to Henry VII's brother Prince Arthur when they were both about 15. Arthur then died from a terrible flu or something and then Catherine swore that she and Prince Arthur never consummated their marriage... although they did, and were actually very much in love... which they hid from everyone! She promised Prince Arthur that she would tell everyone that they never consummated their marriage so that she would be able to marry his brother Harry (who later changed his name to Henry VII). Anyway, it is historical fiction, so these are stories that have been passed down for hundreds of years and have become a bit skewed. Nevertheless, it is a great read and insight into this very fascinating period.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Circle Me, Bert!

A shout out to my girlfriend, Mo, who is having TWINS!!! (Both boys!)

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Book Club Tuesday - I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence



hmmm....meh! I wouldn't write home about it... but there were some funny things here and there. This book is for someone who doesn't have an ounce of homemaking skills in their bones... and someone that has a great sense of humor. So, if you are a great host... don't waste your time.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Goosin'

A little story for you all... So, Nick and I go out to dinner with his Dad and Step-Mom Saturday night. We are having a wonderful time when all of a sudden the waitress comes over and is suddenly startled by our son goosin' her! Yep, Eli grabbed our waitress' tush! It was a great laugh! I hope he doesn't make a habbit of that!

The Bank

Nick and I went to the Homecoming game at the new stadium. It was such a treat to go and we had so much fun!

We are going to another game in November! Can't wait!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Allergies

Last Monday, Eli and I paid a visit to the Allergist where he had the traditional allergy testing. They pricked his little back 12 times.... but he didn't make a peep! Whew! He showed a reaction to wheat and corn, so they had to do a blood test that would show if he truely has an allergy to corn and wheat. They had to draw blood.... ughh.... but guess what? He didn't make a peep!

The main reason we went to the Allergist was to dig deep and find out why this little guy has had a cough off and on for so long. We thought allergies, but the doctor said that Eli has an aversion to cow's milk right now. It is actually very common and many babies just need to wait until they are 2-3 years old until they are ready for cow's milk. One of the side effects of his aversion is Acid reflux, which causes him to cough, puke, runny nose, etc. It will take a while for the cough to go away, but we have since switched Eli to Soy (He has to be completely Dairy Free). He loves the Soy milk that we give him at breakfast and dinner!

Oh, you are probably asking what the results were for the wheat and corn testing... the blood work showed negative! So we don't have to eliminate corn and wheat from Eli's diet! Yay!






Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Tough Decision

I made a tough decision this week. I decided that I will not be doing the Breast Cancer 3-Day next year. If I could just write out a check for $2,300, I would do it in a second. I was so inspired by the 3-Day to become more involved with Parkinson's research and fundraising efforts. My Grandma Delores passed away at 69 years young from complications with Parkinson's. In honor of her, I would like to focus any fundraising I do for Parkinson's.

That being said, it wasn't easy to make the decision not to do the 3-Day. I had such a great time with my wonderful teammates and made memories that I hold very dear.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Book Club Tuesday - The Other Boleyn Girl

I am obsessed with the Tudor era right now. I am watching the television series "The Tudors" which is on Showtime, but the pervious seasons are out on disc now. Anyway, "The Other Boleyn Girl" is about the 2nd wife of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and her sister, Mary. It is Historical Fiction, so it is a very fascinating look into a completely different world. I am working on the entire Philipa Gregory series... right now "The constant Princess" which is about Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragan, who you learn a little about in "The Other Boleyn Girl". Let me know if you have read this series or if you do.... so good!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Lisa's Wedding

Fun with my Willmar girls at Lisa's wedding!
09.04.09

Me, Sarah B., Amanda, Mo, Mandi, Holli & Jaimee

You, Me & The Duprees (Kelly & Derek's Wedding)

This past weekend we spent on the North Shore for Nick's sister, Kelly's wedding. Kelly married Derek with whom she has been with as long as Nick and I have been together. The ceremony was so meaningful and sweet. It was a great celebration of Kelly and Derek and the wonderful people that they are.

Mr. & Mrs. Dupree!

The newlyweds dancing their first dance!

Just chillin' before the ceremony..

Eli and the groom

Me and Miss Baker

My two handsome guys!

Eli had so much fun!

Family photo! It's so hard to get one with all of us smiling, but this will do.

The Cruze ladies.
Nick with his Uncle Ron.
Shawn (Mike's Nephew) and his wife Jess withGiGi (Mike's mom).
Tarah & Tawnie (Pam's daughters). They looked so pretty!
The Longbotham clan (Lynn's siblings and cousins).
One of the two flower girls that Eli fell maddly in love with!
Stef (The Rev.) & her sister, Sam.
Sally B. & Lynn (Nick's mom).

Eli taking a rest on Uncle Ron's lap. He was such a wonderful baby! (I was worried about keeping him up way past his bedtime).

Dancing with my hubby!

The next day at the Pig roast... What a silly guy!

Stef (a.k.a. The Rev.) with her neices (the flower girls) Julia & Claire.

Pam's daughter, Tarah.

Jess, Shawn & Lynn.

Aunt Gina & Uncle Ron Sundsmo, Nick, Chris & His brother, Chris and his girlfriend, Pam.

The Reggae band!

Not now...

Time for Peek-a-boo!

Peek-a-Boo is so funny!