Thirty wonderful years

Thirty years ago right now, I was having contractions.

Kari was finally on her way!

I had just about given up, since she was more than 2 weeks overdue. In fact, I was scheduled to be induced on the 10th.

But Kari had other plans. So off to the Dr. we went. I was perfectly content to adopt a wait and see attitude, but Ed and Dr. Wilsey were a bit impatient. So, off to the hospital we went even tho I didn't have my bag and had not made long term plans for Alissa. Ed went back home to get our things and make sure his Grandmother could watch Alissa. I went to get checked in and start that wonderful drug, Pitocin.

I was assured it would probably be a long process, based on my first labor, but decided to call my Mom anyway so she could get to the hospital. She was in Nursing school at the time, but decided she would come on just in case. Thankfully she did, because it seemed Kari had a mind of her own and wanted to make her presence known.

And at 4:59pm Central time, Kari Denise Lightner came into my life. From the moment she was born, she has been a ray of sunshine. I have never seen a baby as happy as she was until a precious little boy by the name of Eli was born 10 months ago. He is his mother's child for sure!

So, today, I celebrate my middle child. It seems impossible that she is 30 years old today. And yet she is.

I love you Kari Denise, more than words can say. You have blessed my life in so many ways and I can hardly wait for all the adventures yet to come.

Antibiotics, Aruba and more

Two weeks ago today, I was supposed to be getting a mani/pedi and packing for our trip to Aruba.

Instead, I cancelled that appointment and made one with my Dr. instead. Not as much fun, but necessary.

Now normally I don't run to the Dr. for every little sniffle (once went 11 years without seeing Dr. Pickens), but I knew I was going to be flying and the way my head and ears were feeling, knew that flight could be intensely painful. So off to the Dr. I went.

Didn't take long to diagnose a bad sinus infection, prescribe antibiotics and decongestant and send me on my way. I like my visits short, sweet and to the point. I spent the next 24 hours sleeping and trying to breathe. I really didn't think I was going to make the trip, but being the trooper I am (hey, it was Aruba after all) I took one for the team, packed up and headed out.

The flight was not fun, but not as bad as it would have been without the meds. And the reward was amazing.


The view from our room

While I didn't get to do any of the fun things I had planned, no snorkeling or other fun things. Guess I will just have to go back there one day and do all the things I didn't feel like doing on this trip.

A week at home alone has been good for me. I still have an annoying cough and some congestion, but feel so much better. Good enough, that we will leave tomorrow for Las Vegas and Kari's 30th Birthday trip. I am so excited to see all three of my girls together. It has been so long since we have all been together. I am sure there will be lots of things to talk about after this trip!! But remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Unless I blog about it!

Crazy February

A crazy month already and it is only going to get worse...

Started off great with a trip to Boston to see our sweet Oliver, he is so adorable right now. I love hearing him say "Nonnie"! He is growing up so fast, hard to believe he is already 18 months old.

We made it home Sunday night and then went to Tulsa on the 7th for Donald's birthday and to move more things out of the business and back to their house. He is handling it pretty well.

Home for a few more days and then we are off to Aruba for a week. We have never been there, so looking forward to this trip.

And then at the end of the month, we leave for Las Vegas and Kari's 30th birthday girls trip! Hard to believe my middle child is about to be 30 years old. And then, we will be in March and that is just a whole, nother kind of crazy...

Must stop now before I become completely overwhelmed....

The journey has begun

Three weeks ago, Ed, Kari, Kaci and I started our own version of Biggest Loser.

Yes, I know, why in the world would I do that?

Let me give you two really good reasons...

Oliver and Eli!!

I want to be able to run and play with them for a very long time and that isn't going to be possible if I continue down the road I have been on for far too long now.

So, as of today, I have lost TEN pounds and am doing 20 minutes on the elliptical! We didn't get a bike ride in this weekend, not sure when we will get to ride again, the next few months are going to be crazy busy. Just hoping to stay on the diet and either walk or use the elliptical at least 3 or more times a week. Want to build up to an hour every day, but know that is going to take some work.

But I have motivation and by the time we get to Cali in September for our family vacation, I plan to keep up with those little boys every step of the way!!

Disneyland, here we come!!!

My new ride

Like many other women of my age, I am trying to stay as young as I can. I thought a pretty little convertible would be fun and help to keep me feeling young.

Ed had other ideas.



I think he is trying to take me back a few more years than I really want to go....

Oh, and notice that big, pretty, shiny truck behind me? That's his new ride...

I think I was shortchanged...

A brand new year

Well, hello 2012, nice to meet you! I hope we are going to have lots of adventures together. I am looking forward to many days filled with family, friends and laughter. I hope you will be kind to us and those we love. We are so ready for all that you have to offer us!

2011 was a big year for us. We welcomed a beautiful baby boy to our family, love you Eli!! Oliver, our first grandson had his first birthday and continued to charm us all. I heard my grandchild say Nonnie for the first time, a very special moment for sure.

We had many trips this year. I spent 6 weeks between Cincinnati (4 weeks) and Boston (2 weeks) when Eli was born. That is the longest stretch I have been away from home. I made 5 trips to Boston this year and 4 to Cincinnati. At least that is all I can remember right now...

Memory, that is a game you play right Kari? I have had some challenges with mine this year. I laughingly say that between the Lupus Fog and the Menopause, it is a wonder I can remember my own name some days. I have had some challenges dealing with my lupus this year and had my first flare in October. Hoping for a healthier year in 2012 for sure.

Happy New Year!

A day of rest...

This year our Christmas is divided into thirds. We just had the first 1/3 with our baby girl. She is now on her way back to the big city. We had a wonderful Christmas day with her, much more quiet than last year, but very nice.

Today should be a day of rest, but I will be doing a quick turnaround of the guest room because our darling middle child will arrive in the morning with our precious little grandson. Did I mention he is celebrating his very first Christmas? And it is his first visit to Nonnie's house. So excited to see him. He will ring in the New Year with us and then head back to his house up north. 2/3rds done...

On the 3rd, we will head south to see our first born. So thankful she has understanding in-laws who are very gracious to share their time with our kids. And of course we will be seeing our first born grandson. Can't wait to hear him say Nonnie again!! Makes my heart smile for sure!

And that will complete our Christmas! Oh, except for the time spent with parents and siblings...but that is a whole other story...

Merry Christmas everyone and a very Happy New Year!!