Family Fun

As I mentioned in my previous post, we got to visit Utah last weekend for my brother's graduation. After a quick 1-nighter in Vegas, we spent a few really lovely days at my Mom's place. Southern Utah is an area that Hubs and I have really grown to love. We get really excited to go because its just so calm and quiet. We know while we are there, we will truly get to relax. We had a chance to visit with family, play some games, take some pictures, eat some food - and we had a great time doing all of it.

Typical Nerd Activity (Thanks to hubby for picture-taking)

We came home with a few additional people as some of the family wanted to make a stop in California. Of course we were happy to have them - especially since that meant the nephew would be here! He's still just adorable. And now he's learned some words and some sign language, so I could just watch him do his thing all day long. Yummers!

My two favorite goofs!

While everyone was here, we hit Universal Studios and enjoyed some quality time together. Of course we went to all the favorite eateries and made a pit stop at the sushi place for my Dad. I think that made his whole trip worthwhile. It was a really, really good few days. They only wished it was a little warmer so we could have gone to the beach. But honestly, I can't complain because I am not ready for it to get hot just yet!

This Made Me Feel OLD...

My youngest brother just graduated from High School. WHAT?! He and I are 12 years apart, and it just seems way too surreal how the time is flying. And I know everyone says it gets worse when you have kids - that's not good!! But I am very proud of my little Pumpkin Seed (that's what I called him when he was itty-bitty). Honestly, I love him like he's my own little boy. He's a great guy with a lot of potential and I wish him all the best on his path to being a grown-up. XOXOXO

Shoppers Anonymous

So as many of you know, I have had a shopping addiction for many, many years. I'm not talking about someone who shops once a month. Or once a week. I prefer to shop every single day of my life. But since I stopped working, I've had to kick that bad habit and start watching where my money goes. I wish I had been doing this all along, because I would've saved so much dough!!! But some things I will still learn the hard way.

One thing I found out about myself by quitting, is that I honestly shopped to fill a void in my life. It was a self-esteem booster. It just made me feel good to have all that nice stuff. And I wanted to "reward" myself for all the hard work I was doing. Now that I don't have the option, I've had to fill my time with other activities and not rely on THINGS to make me feel good about myself. I truly think focusing more on my photography has helped a lot. It gives me an outlet and is something to that I really enjoy.

Anyway, this wasn't supposed to be a speech about addiction, I just wanted to mention that I went shopping for the first time in a couple months with one of my girlfriends. Every year we attend the Shecky's Girls' Night Out. It's basically a huge warehouse filled with booths and vendors who sell everything from spa treatments to jewelry to purses. You pay $12 to get in, you get a bag full of goodies and then you get to shop around. It's always a pretty fun time. This year they didn't have as many clothing options, but I found some great jewelry. And it made it all the more special since it was a treat and not just fulfilling a habit!

The coveted goody bag!!

I Hate Benadryl.

What a crazy few weeks I have had. Not because I've been extra busy or anything, but because allergies have taken over my life.

During the day, I'm usually okay - a few sneezes here and there along with an itchy eye or two. Nothing I haven't dealt with before. But when night rolls around and all I want to do is crawl into my wonderful bed and sleep, that's when things really kick in and make my life miserable. I pop a Benadryl before bedtime, but that only lasts about 3 hours. So by 3am, I have to move myself to the couch because I'm sniffling and sneezing and I know my poor husband has to get up in a few hours for work. I will take another Benadryl and sleep a couple hours on the couch. Its a comfortable couch, but come on. Nothing beats the bed. So back to the bed I go, where I may get a couple more hours of sleep. By the time I need to get up, I'm completely groggy and hung over from all the Benadryl. By about 2pm, I'm ready for a nap. And I'm not talking ANY nap. I will end up sleeping pretty hard for a couple HOURS, not even hear the alarm on my phone, not even so much as roll over. Just completely pass out. When bedtime rolls around, I'm still exhausted. But the allergies have started again. So more Benadryl, more restless sleep and the cycle goes on and on.

Last night was the first night in probably 3 weeks where I spent the entire night in my own bed. It was soooo great. And it has lead to me feeling much better today. Let's hope the allergies give me a break. I've dealt with it my entire life - but I can't take it anymore!!! Even made me miss a trip to Disneyland. Unacceptable.

Dinner Date

I got to have dinner with one of my favorite people in the whole world last night. My aunt was in town from Utah for a convention and we met up for a bite at P.F. Chang's and some major catching up. She is always a great source of advice and just so much fun to be around. I loved every minute of it. Hope to do it again soon!

Dusty Trails

Know how you can tell I haven't cleaned the fireplace mantle in awhile? Well - besides the thick layer of dust - I actually found bits of left-over fake snow & glitter from Christmas. Yikes.

Don't be too impressed with my housekeeping skills, OK?

My Two Moms!

Just wanted to say a quick thank you to my awesome Mom and my sweet Mother-in-Law. They are different in so many ways and have each faced their own unique set of challenges in life. However, in the important area of motherhood, they are the same. They are both caring, loving examples who are active participants in the lives of their children.

And while I may have inherited a lot of things from my "my father's side of the family", I see more and more of myself in my own mother every day - laugh lines and all (hey, we earned 'em!)

I couldn't be more grateful to have both of you in my life as mothers and friends. Happy Mother's Day. I love you guys so much!

Congratulations Are In Order...

Congrats to my SIL for officially graduating!!! You already know how proud we are of you, but I wanted to tell the world! (Or at least the 5 people who read my blog...) You rock, woman!