Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Fail.
I attempted to update. I got about 4 paragraphs into it and decided to erase it all and quit. I do this quite often. I dunno, I think I'm not a blogger anymore. Just thought I would let you all know that I did attempt to write a new blog, haha. Dah.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Happy Birthday to My Mom!
Happy Birthday to my amazing Mom! I shall not disclose her age in case she wants it to be top secret, but I can only hope to be lots like her when I'm her age :) She is beautiful, loving, thoughtful, sincere, selfless, and my best-est girlfriend :) Thanks for all you are Mom, I hope you know how special and loved you are everyday! And I hope your birthday is extra special for you. Love you!
Pretty Lady

Us girls

Last Mother's Day :)
Pretty Lady

Us girls
Last Mother's Day :)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Filler-Outer Thingy
Hi, my name is: Brianna Marie Lewis
Never in my life have I been: Dumped or Drunk
The one person who can drive me nuts is: Hmm. Probably Audrey, haha.
High school was: mostly all great when I think about the great group of friends that I had. The best times I think I had were in band, playing at football and b-ball games, and then hanging out afterwards :)
When I'm nervous: I pray over and over and tell Chris about it.
The last time I cried was: Hmm..it must have been a couple days at least by now because I can't remember!
If I were to get married right now my maid of honor would be: The same girl who was when I did get married: Miss Cara Dietzman, my wonderful friend since 1992!
My hair is: Boring, straight, and in my opinion, uncool.
When I was 10: I was officially old enough (according to Dad) to get my ears pierced, but I decided I didn't want to anymore.
Last Christmas: I didn't have to work, so I felt wonderful and free enjoying my family and seeing Audrey experience it for the 1st time.
I should be: Much more than I am.
When I look down I see: My feet.
The happiest recent event was: Lunch with my Mom today.
If I were a character on 'That 's Show' I'd be: Hmm...I have no idea. But I'd like to be as quick-witted as the Gilmore Girls :) Although, that's scripted and I'd probably drive everyone around me nuts.
By this time next year: I would hope to be no heavier, being that I finally achieved my weight watchers goals. I would hope to have grown in my relationship with God and with Chris (because relationships always have room for growth).
My current gripe is: I'm not saying anything.
I have a hard time understanding: How abortion is legal.
There's this girl I know that: seems to excell at everything, can do everything, can cook and sew and make friends and be funny and be passionate about so many things, she's SO many girls I know and because of her I find myself praying each day to rid myself of the envy that tries to sneak in.
You know I like you when: haha, I like you all, but I'm shy, so I probably won't just come up to you and say, "Hey, I like you."
If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Chris! Haha, an award, in what?
Take my advice: Remember each day to soak up God's promises, believe them with all your heart, just because He says so, and then live freely and with joy because of it.
Something that I really want to buy is: a house someday, nothin' fancy, just a house.
If you visited the place I was born: you would find yourself at Methodist Hospital in Rochester!
I plan to visit: Hmm..I have absolutely no plans to visit any certian place, other than camp every summer, I hope!
If you spend the night at my house: You could sleep on my super soft quishy couch and watch TV and eat chocolate chips to your heart's content.
I'd stop my wedding if: Hmm..I guess if my husband-to-be was all the sudden not the man I knew him to be. But why discuss this, I'm already married and he's the best.
The world could do without: Cigarettes and rules on how many garnments you can bring in a dressing room (that drives me nuts and I often imagine myself writing a letter of complaint to Target headquarters, haha)
I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: Work my 12 hour overnights. (Haha, lick a cockroach's belly, the person that wrote this survery makes me giggle)
Most recent thing I've bought myself: New clothes last Saturday, whoop whoop.
Most recent thing someone else bought me: My mom bought me lunch today!
My favorite blonde is: Hmm...I think it's Heather Gatz! I think she's the only blonde I really know...I hope I'm not forgetting someone (it's 1:30am cut me some slack)
My favorite brunette is: Ok, this is dumb, everyone has brown hair, I'm not about to pick a favorite and make everyone else feel less than my favorite.
My favorite redhead is: Um.... My Dad and Grandma Joanne were natural red heads, so I'm gonna have to go with them!
My middle name is: Marie, after my great grandma.
This morning I: Felt like 8:30 was so early to be up, I was so tired. But I got outta bed and thus began other busy day!
The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: Haha, these questions are sumthin' else. Who sits around and ponders what animals they wish could fly. Well, I'm gonna go with ants, but I want them to fly up by the clouds so that they can't get in my house. Wait, that's an insect.
Once, at a bar: I played pool with my brother. Haha, I think that was the only time I've been in a real bar. He wanted to take me somewhere to play pool, when we got there I realized it was a bar, and I felt strange, but whatever, it was fun. I had Diet Coke :)
Last night I was: In my glory watching TV on the couch after a busy night at work.
There's this guy I know who: eats Life cereal, 2 handfulls of animal crackers, and one Diet Coke every single morning of his life and would rather do so than go to Perkins or McDonalds. His name is Chris Lewis and I love him :) Even though I'll never get to make him breakfast in bed because he'd wish he was out on the couch eating animal crackers.
I don't know: Why I feel like such an outsider most of the time, always have, probably always will, I seem to be missing the thing that makes people fit in easily with others, I do try though, it just comes so unnaturally.
A better name for me would be: Bertha (Kelsey, I stole this from you) JK.
Tomorrow I am: Not sure what I'll be doing, no plans!
Tonight I am: Probably about to go to bed, well, I'll go to bed, but I'll watch at least one episode of Gilmore Girls before I fall asleep.
My birthday is: January 31st, 1984 3:38 pm.
What I really wanted for Valentine's Day was: Um, I'll go with what I'd like for V-Days in the future: Just to be shown that I am thought of, this can be done with little to no money (just an FYI)
I can sing: Nothing well, but I sing a lot anyway, mostly in my car or to Audrey. Today I sang Zaccheus was a Wee Little Man to Audrey a billion times in-a-row because she gets a kick outta my enthusiastic hand gestures and actions to go along with the words, haha.
I like a guy named: Christopher Adam Lewis, shhh, don't tell!
My best friend's name: It's the same name of the guy I like. And the rest of you besties know who you are :)
Never in my life have I been: Dumped or Drunk
The one person who can drive me nuts is: Hmm. Probably Audrey, haha.
High school was: mostly all great when I think about the great group of friends that I had. The best times I think I had were in band, playing at football and b-ball games, and then hanging out afterwards :)
When I'm nervous: I pray over and over and tell Chris about it.
The last time I cried was: Hmm..it must have been a couple days at least by now because I can't remember!
If I were to get married right now my maid of honor would be: The same girl who was when I did get married: Miss Cara Dietzman, my wonderful friend since 1992!
My hair is: Boring, straight, and in my opinion, uncool.
When I was 10: I was officially old enough (according to Dad) to get my ears pierced, but I decided I didn't want to anymore.
Last Christmas: I didn't have to work, so I felt wonderful and free enjoying my family and seeing Audrey experience it for the 1st time.
I should be: Much more than I am.
When I look down I see: My feet.
The happiest recent event was: Lunch with my Mom today.
If I were a character on 'That 's Show' I'd be: Hmm...I have no idea. But I'd like to be as quick-witted as the Gilmore Girls :) Although, that's scripted and I'd probably drive everyone around me nuts.
By this time next year: I would hope to be no heavier, being that I finally achieved my weight watchers goals. I would hope to have grown in my relationship with God and with Chris (because relationships always have room for growth).
My current gripe is: I'm not saying anything.
I have a hard time understanding: How abortion is legal.
There's this girl I know that: seems to excell at everything, can do everything, can cook and sew and make friends and be funny and be passionate about so many things, she's SO many girls I know and because of her I find myself praying each day to rid myself of the envy that tries to sneak in.
You know I like you when: haha, I like you all, but I'm shy, so I probably won't just come up to you and say, "Hey, I like you."
If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Chris! Haha, an award, in what?
Take my advice: Remember each day to soak up God's promises, believe them with all your heart, just because He says so, and then live freely and with joy because of it.
Something that I really want to buy is: a house someday, nothin' fancy, just a house.
If you visited the place I was born: you would find yourself at Methodist Hospital in Rochester!
I plan to visit: Hmm..I have absolutely no plans to visit any certian place, other than camp every summer, I hope!
If you spend the night at my house: You could sleep on my super soft quishy couch and watch TV and eat chocolate chips to your heart's content.
I'd stop my wedding if: Hmm..I guess if my husband-to-be was all the sudden not the man I knew him to be. But why discuss this, I'm already married and he's the best.
The world could do without: Cigarettes and rules on how many garnments you can bring in a dressing room (that drives me nuts and I often imagine myself writing a letter of complaint to Target headquarters, haha)
I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: Work my 12 hour overnights. (Haha, lick a cockroach's belly, the person that wrote this survery makes me giggle)
Most recent thing I've bought myself: New clothes last Saturday, whoop whoop.
Most recent thing someone else bought me: My mom bought me lunch today!
My favorite blonde is: Hmm...I think it's Heather Gatz! I think she's the only blonde I really know...I hope I'm not forgetting someone (it's 1:30am cut me some slack)
My favorite brunette is: Ok, this is dumb, everyone has brown hair, I'm not about to pick a favorite and make everyone else feel less than my favorite.
My favorite redhead is: Um.... My Dad and Grandma Joanne were natural red heads, so I'm gonna have to go with them!
My middle name is: Marie, after my great grandma.
This morning I: Felt like 8:30 was so early to be up, I was so tired. But I got outta bed and thus began other busy day!
The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: Haha, these questions are sumthin' else. Who sits around and ponders what animals they wish could fly. Well, I'm gonna go with ants, but I want them to fly up by the clouds so that they can't get in my house. Wait, that's an insect.
Once, at a bar: I played pool with my brother. Haha, I think that was the only time I've been in a real bar. He wanted to take me somewhere to play pool, when we got there I realized it was a bar, and I felt strange, but whatever, it was fun. I had Diet Coke :)
Last night I was: In my glory watching TV on the couch after a busy night at work.
There's this guy I know who: eats Life cereal, 2 handfulls of animal crackers, and one Diet Coke every single morning of his life and would rather do so than go to Perkins or McDonalds. His name is Chris Lewis and I love him :) Even though I'll never get to make him breakfast in bed because he'd wish he was out on the couch eating animal crackers.
I don't know: Why I feel like such an outsider most of the time, always have, probably always will, I seem to be missing the thing that makes people fit in easily with others, I do try though, it just comes so unnaturally.
A better name for me would be: Bertha (Kelsey, I stole this from you) JK.
Tomorrow I am: Not sure what I'll be doing, no plans!
Tonight I am: Probably about to go to bed, well, I'll go to bed, but I'll watch at least one episode of Gilmore Girls before I fall asleep.
My birthday is: January 31st, 1984 3:38 pm.
What I really wanted for Valentine's Day was: Um, I'll go with what I'd like for V-Days in the future: Just to be shown that I am thought of, this can be done with little to no money (just an FYI)
I can sing: Nothing well, but I sing a lot anyway, mostly in my car or to Audrey. Today I sang Zaccheus was a Wee Little Man to Audrey a billion times in-a-row because she gets a kick outta my enthusiastic hand gestures and actions to go along with the words, haha.
I like a guy named: Christopher Adam Lewis, shhh, don't tell!
My best friend's name: It's the same name of the guy I like. And the rest of you besties know who you are :)
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Garlic cloves, Lime Juice, and Sirloin steak
In my previous blog I talked about my lack of kitchen skillz and my ability to see beyond the realm of meatloaf. So, I finally just made myself sit down with a cookbook my mom got me for my birthday (last Jan) called Eat Well, Lose Weight (I've been doing Weight Watchers this year). I know what food is good for you and what isn't, but it's nice to have a cook book that has already chosen things that aren't too fatnin' for ya. I chose 3 recipes that use some of the same ingredients so I didn't end up wasting anything!
I made Grilled Steak Fajitas, Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas, and Spicy Sirloin Steaks. Now if you've ever cooked anything in your life, you're probably gonna say, "big whoop" to any of this so-called cooking that I have done. However, for me, it's pretty big!
I made my list and I got all my new ingredients in one trip. You should have seen the perplexed look on my face as I tried to locate 'beef top sirloin steaks' who knew there were so many types? You would not believe how proud I was of myself this week that I made steak, haha. (Big whoop)
I learned a thing or two about garlic. Did you know the whole thingy-ma-jigger is called a garlic bulb and it's those little itty bitties inside that are called the garlic cloves? Wow, good thing I realized that before I chopped up two whole bulbs when all I needed were two cloves. Common sense kicked in for me there as I held up the whole bulb and thought, "Really, this whole thing?" So I googled 'garlic clove' and that's where I learned some fun garlic facts. I do know that you can buy garlic in the bottle, but I really wanted to try out buying the cloves and smooshing them up myself.
When shopping for tortillas, I am seriously bringing a ruler next time! Recipes always say you need 7" or 8" or whatever sized tortillas, but the bags never ever say the size, and there are a lot of sizes. So, there I am trying to inch my fingers across the bagged tortilla to see if I can figure out how many inches it is. And, it seems to matter, in one recipe, I'm pretty sure my tortillas where way too big. Is it so hard to put the inches on the bag or am I just really clueless.
I also used a few other things that were new to me such as lime juice, ginger, and peppers (I cut up peppers and I felt so chef-like!)
So, here are some pictures from the past two weeks of my 3 new recipes.
Chicken and peppers about to go in the frying pan!

I love the way green onions (Aka: scallions-I learned that too) look when they are cut up, the colors are so pretty.

Num num.

The quesadillas turned out so good!

Bulb vs Cloves...ahhh...now I get it!

I don't have an outside grill, but my Georgie has never let me down!

Ok, I'm not a huge meat person, but this steak was soooo good, in my opinion :)

Oofdah, all that work and we eat it in like 5 mintues :) Maybe I'll get faster as time goes on?

I felt a little weary after the quesadillas. I continued to drop things and make tiny mistakes over and over, it was a wonder those ever got done!
PS: Chris said he really liked all three (however, the steaks were a bit salty, ok, less salt next time :)
I made Grilled Steak Fajitas, Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas, and Spicy Sirloin Steaks. Now if you've ever cooked anything in your life, you're probably gonna say, "big whoop" to any of this so-called cooking that I have done. However, for me, it's pretty big!
I made my list and I got all my new ingredients in one trip. You should have seen the perplexed look on my face as I tried to locate 'beef top sirloin steaks' who knew there were so many types? You would not believe how proud I was of myself this week that I made steak, haha. (Big whoop)
I learned a thing or two about garlic. Did you know the whole thingy-ma-jigger is called a garlic bulb and it's those little itty bitties inside that are called the garlic cloves? Wow, good thing I realized that before I chopped up two whole bulbs when all I needed were two cloves. Common sense kicked in for me there as I held up the whole bulb and thought, "Really, this whole thing?" So I googled 'garlic clove' and that's where I learned some fun garlic facts. I do know that you can buy garlic in the bottle, but I really wanted to try out buying the cloves and smooshing them up myself.
When shopping for tortillas, I am seriously bringing a ruler next time! Recipes always say you need 7" or 8" or whatever sized tortillas, but the bags never ever say the size, and there are a lot of sizes. So, there I am trying to inch my fingers across the bagged tortilla to see if I can figure out how many inches it is. And, it seems to matter, in one recipe, I'm pretty sure my tortillas where way too big. Is it so hard to put the inches on the bag or am I just really clueless.
I also used a few other things that were new to me such as lime juice, ginger, and peppers (I cut up peppers and I felt so chef-like!)
So, here are some pictures from the past two weeks of my 3 new recipes.
Chicken and peppers about to go in the frying pan!
I love the way green onions (Aka: scallions-I learned that too) look when they are cut up, the colors are so pretty.
Num num.
The quesadillas turned out so good!
Bulb vs Cloves...ahhh...now I get it!
I don't have an outside grill, but my Georgie has never let me down!
Ok, I'm not a huge meat person, but this steak was soooo good, in my opinion :)
Oofdah, all that work and we eat it in like 5 mintues :) Maybe I'll get faster as time goes on?
I felt a little weary after the quesadillas. I continued to drop things and make tiny mistakes over and over, it was a wonder those ever got done!
PS: Chris said he really liked all three (however, the steaks were a bit salty, ok, less salt next time :)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
There's got to be more out there than meatloaf.
I wish I knew how to do more things, but when it comes time to acutally learning how to do them I feel lazy about it. I have a desire to learn, yet no desire to learn! What's up with that? It makes no sense.
I think I would like to learn to sew. I'm wondering if this would save money or not really, in terms of clothes for Audrey throughout her young life. The idea seems fun, making Audrey's clothes! How cool would that be. I know very little. I made a bag in 7th grade and that's it. I have no knowledge on sewing machines, fabrics, etc. Where to even start? And I hate the thought of wasting money on buying the wrong this or that in the process of learning.
Also, I need to learn to cook more things. It doesn't seem like this should be so hard, but for some reason, it is. I can make hambergers and kabobs on my George Foreman and then chicken, meatloaf, and lasagne in the oven. Pretty sure that's it. Chris isn't a big pasta person, so that eliminates an easy one: spaghetti, bummer! Haha. But it's not his fault, there are things I dont' like either, so I must find new things to make. One challenge with this is that I need to cook heathily, not a huge problem, but something to make sure of. Which means I don't just want to go buy a random cook book that isn't low-fat. When I search for cook books or look online I feel so discouraged. I instantly see ingredients I've never heard of and I lose all motivation and just give up. Maybe I just need to go buy the random, unfamiliar ingredient and give it a try.
It's not that I want to make strange-ingredient kind of meals, I just want to know how to cook things.
Someday, I'm gonna be the mom or grandma who's house everyone gathers at, I need to be able to make ham, pototoes, turkey, whatever, in the proper timing and order to serve everyone! I think I take it for granted how perfect all our family events are. Gran has everything all in order and we eat hot, perfect meals. I bet a lot of time and effort went into all of that preparation over the years. She has to think through what she will serve, all the ingredients she needs, where to buy them, when to buy them, how much to buy, when to put what in the oven. When I see her sitting on her stool Christmas after Christmas pulling apart the turkey, I don't even realize all that went into the process to get her there. Jeesh, I ordered pizza and bought a cake for Audrey's 1st birthday party and a lot of thought went into that seemingly lame meal.
I'm sure Gran doesn't think this is a big deal, she's probably got it down to an art form (right Gran?), but for me, I don't even know how to cook a turkey. Maybe it's not as hard as I think.
Anyways, now I think I'm a little bit inspired to google recipees. I MUST learn to cook more! (and maybe learn to sew?)
PS: It doesn't help that Chris and I are perfectly thrilled to eat out at Beetles every night of the week :) (not that we do, ok maybe once....or twice....dah!)
I think I would like to learn to sew. I'm wondering if this would save money or not really, in terms of clothes for Audrey throughout her young life. The idea seems fun, making Audrey's clothes! How cool would that be. I know very little. I made a bag in 7th grade and that's it. I have no knowledge on sewing machines, fabrics, etc. Where to even start? And I hate the thought of wasting money on buying the wrong this or that in the process of learning.
Also, I need to learn to cook more things. It doesn't seem like this should be so hard, but for some reason, it is. I can make hambergers and kabobs on my George Foreman and then chicken, meatloaf, and lasagne in the oven. Pretty sure that's it. Chris isn't a big pasta person, so that eliminates an easy one: spaghetti, bummer! Haha. But it's not his fault, there are things I dont' like either, so I must find new things to make. One challenge with this is that I need to cook heathily, not a huge problem, but something to make sure of. Which means I don't just want to go buy a random cook book that isn't low-fat. When I search for cook books or look online I feel so discouraged. I instantly see ingredients I've never heard of and I lose all motivation and just give up. Maybe I just need to go buy the random, unfamiliar ingredient and give it a try.
It's not that I want to make strange-ingredient kind of meals, I just want to know how to cook things.
Someday, I'm gonna be the mom or grandma who's house everyone gathers at, I need to be able to make ham, pototoes, turkey, whatever, in the proper timing and order to serve everyone! I think I take it for granted how perfect all our family events are. Gran has everything all in order and we eat hot, perfect meals. I bet a lot of time and effort went into all of that preparation over the years. She has to think through what she will serve, all the ingredients she needs, where to buy them, when to buy them, how much to buy, when to put what in the oven. When I see her sitting on her stool Christmas after Christmas pulling apart the turkey, I don't even realize all that went into the process to get her there. Jeesh, I ordered pizza and bought a cake for Audrey's 1st birthday party and a lot of thought went into that seemingly lame meal.
I'm sure Gran doesn't think this is a big deal, she's probably got it down to an art form (right Gran?), but for me, I don't even know how to cook a turkey. Maybe it's not as hard as I think.
Anyways, now I think I'm a little bit inspired to google recipees. I MUST learn to cook more! (and maybe learn to sew?)
PS: It doesn't help that Chris and I are perfectly thrilled to eat out at Beetles every night of the week :) (not that we do, ok maybe once....or twice....dah!)
Friday, July 09, 2010
My Pathetic Attempt to Keep My Blog Alive
My blog is so pathetic! Sometimes I start a blog and then just say, "nevermind" and delete it. I feel like I have nothing to say! I looked back and it's been 2 months since I blogged. I'm sure most of you will do a double-take when you see I updated.
Well, what's there to say.......
Not a whole lot has changed in two months. I'm enjoying Chris being home everyday. We wake up, hang out a bit, then go on a long walk. Audrey stays pretty relaxed and it's a fun way to start the day. Then Chris usually goes off to basketball and I either hang out with just Audrey or we find a buddy to do something with.
Today, Kelsey and her two boys, and us girls went for a walk around Silver Lake and then ate at the mall. It's nice to share the time with another adult and a great friend at that! Then around 1p it's nap time. Audrey sleeps until aroudn 4:30!
Chris usually gets home around 2ish and then I go work out (I'll miss that when he goes back to work!) Then I usually do my bible study and try to relax a bit.
Suppertime then whatever, probably go over to my parents and sit outside while Audrey runs all over the place!
Bedtime is anywhere from 8:30-9:30 and then it's like 3 or 4 ish hours of aloneness! Audrey wakes up 12 hours later!
I dunno why I just gave you a synopsis of my day, see, this is why I delete my blogs, they're sooooo dull!
Recently, Chris and I went to The A-Team and Toy Story 3. Then Casey, Kelsey, and I went to Twilight. All were very good! It was nice to see Casey too! The 3 of us had lunch that day with Heather as well. It was fun to all be together again! Casey is hanging in there, she's close to done with her IV chemo doses. They usually make her sick and tired :( Then hopefully sometime this year she can get back to teaching in Kansas. We were so glad she was well enough to come out with us!!!
Chris is playing lots of softball and basketball, trying to fill up his free time. However, he did accept a job at Mayo starting in August! It's nothing he's really interested in or went to school for, but jobs are few and it was something that came along. It's in patient appointment coordination. I think it'll be nice for him to have some kind of routine again. He'll be great at it and who knows what'll come of it, hopefully good things :)
I feel like I'm writing a Christmas letter.....
I am working 24 hrs a week on average, although it turns out to be more like 48 hrs one week and then a week off and then repeat. It's nice to have all those days off in a row, but it is not nice to work 48 the next. Oh well. My job is OK, it pays the bills, haha. I'm not passionate about it like my co-workers. I do my best, but mostly I just wanna go home, all the time. I never want to be there in any shape or form. If someone said, hey, you can quit tomorrow, I would. I'm glad I have a job, benefits, confidence that I won't get laid off, but yeh, it's not my thing, not even close.
4th of July was fun as usual at my lovely Grandmother's home! It rained, but we will had fun all being together :) We've also done some outside stuff: Julie and Brad's place on Lake Zumbro, sprinkler in Mom's yard, and Soldier's Fields kiddie pool, fun stuff man.
Well, this is boring beyond all measure, so I'm gonna go. See ya in 2 months most likely.
And now for a bright spot in a dull blog, my tiny princess: Audrey Joanne 14 months old!
Audrey and Chris playing in the sprinkler!
Audrey at a park by the lake.
Audrey's face after she went under water! She loves to swim :)
PS: Another reason I don't blog is because I get my blog all set how I want it, in several, easy-to-read paragraphs, and then when I publish it, it all gets mushed together (like this one did) It drives me nuts!
Friday, May 07, 2010
It's Already Been 4 Years?!
Last night at work things got a little slow so I started reading my blog from the beginning, which was August of 2004. I realized that I used to be really funny. Maybe I just think I was funny, but I was laughing my head off reading it all. I'm not funny like that anymore, not so silly and cheerful, hmm, wish I was. Life was so different in 2004. I was just starting nursing school and living in Winona. As I read I remembered how hard it was to study all the time! Not a lot of sleep, lots of hours alone in the study lounge, getting up at 5am for clinicals. Ugh I wouldn't do that part again. However, looking back, college is such a fond memory. I mostly remember all the good stuff, like being with my roomates. Here's a few pics from the early 00's for your viewing pleasure.
Kelsey and I one very late night at Walmart, we were a special.
My nursing friends at clinical in Wabasha.

I set this up to take a pic of myself, this was like 4am studying

I remember it getting so cold in the middle of the night, like your body knows it's supposed to be under covers, not studying.

The best girls a girl could ever know! I miss this!
Kelsey and I one very late night at Walmart, we were a special.
My nursing friends at clinical in Wabasha.
I set this up to take a pic of myself, this was like 4am studying
I remember it getting so cold in the middle of the night, like your body knows it's supposed to be under covers, not studying.
The best girls a girl could ever know! I miss this!
So, there's a little flashback to my life in college. This is finals week for Winona, so, 4 years ago, now, I was studying my booty off! In many ways it really was a simpler time, although I wouldn't have believed that back then. Life is great now, but once in a while, I miss that 3 year stretch in Winona!
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
My Tiny Girl
~Do I really see what's in her mind? Each time I think I'm close to knowing, she keeps on growing. Slipping through my fingers all the time~
This song from Mamma Mia always brings tears to my eyes thinking of Audrey growing, and she's only a year! (Can't imagine how my mom feels!) Here's some recent favorites of my tiniest one

This song from Mamma Mia always brings tears to my eyes thinking of Audrey growing, and she's only a year! (Can't imagine how my mom feels!) Here's some recent favorites of my tiniest one
At MOPS this past week we were challened to picture our hopes for what our children might be like someday. I have so many hopes for Audrey, but this is my attempt to sum it up.
My prayer for Audrey is for her to give her life to God when she's old enough to understand she's in need of a Savior. To become compassionate, generous, and humble. To have a quiet and gentle spirit. And to have the ability to put others before herself because of the confidence and contentment gained from understanding her inherent worth.
Luv you baby.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Happy 1st Birthday Audrey!
My baby girl is one years old today! It's a little bittersweet looking back on the year and remembering the day she was born because it means she's growing up! It's been a wonderful year and I truly can't believe how fast it has gone. It's such a joy to watch her grow and learn and to share her with all of our wonderful family member and friends. I'll do a blog soon of her party, but here is just one picture from Saturday.
I love you baby girl! You make Mommy and Daddy so proud!
I love you baby girl! You make Mommy and Daddy so proud!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Almost a Year Old!
It's almost April 19th and Audrey will be a year old! I cannot believe how fast a year has gone. It's been crazy! Mostly fun, but hard work too. All worth it of course. It's so much fun to watch her grow and learn. It's amazing how much you love your own child and how exciting it is to see them do new things. Lately, in her 11th month, Audrey has discovered humor. She is getting quite silly. She has started rolling around on the floor, like all over the room. Then she'll crawl and fall on her belly on purpose and then throw her head back and roll around some more. You can tell she's being goofy and she looks for us to see if we're watching her. She is also getting into dancing. If I turn music on she'll bop up and down and bob her head to the music. We also have this Elmo video that Audrey loves. At one point Elmo is playing peek-a-boo with someone and as Audrey watches it, she seems to get the joke and she laughs out loud at Elmo and points to him, then looks back to see if I thought it was funny too! She points at everything and has such a fun personality. She's always on a mission and always has some door or cupboard to open and shut.
Here is Audrey every month of her life. Watch her grow!!!
April 19th, 2009, her birthday!

1mo old

2mo old

3mo old

4mo old

5mo old

6mo old

7mo old

8mo old

9mo old

10mo old

Just last week, still 11months.

Audrey Jo, you are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, I love you so much and I can't believe you're almost one year old! Mommy and Daddy will love you forever sweet girl. You are our precious little blessing! xoxoxo.
Here is Audrey every month of her life. Watch her grow!!!
April 19th, 2009, her birthday!

1mo old
2mo old
3mo old
4mo old
5mo old
6mo old
7mo old
8mo old
9mo old
10mo old
Just last week, still 11months.
Audrey Jo, you are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, I love you so much and I can't believe you're almost one year old! Mommy and Daddy will love you forever sweet girl. You are our precious little blessing! xoxoxo.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
I Can't Keep Up With Her!
Look at this sweet face. This tiny princess would never disobey Mama or dig in cupboards or play with outlets would she?.............

Or maybe she does look a little sneaky. I see mischief in her eyes.......

I turned my back for one second and there go my pajamas.
Oh fun, dish towels!
Or maybe she does look a little sneaky. I see mischief in her eyes.......
(PS: don't judge my lacy curtains, they're 80s, but hey they came with the place)
I turned my back for one second and there go my pajamas.
Oh fun, dish towels!
"Pans are ok right Mom?"

"Look what I figured out!"

So, it's busy around this house, trying to keep up with Audrey. I have really loved watching her this month, her 11th month, she's grown into a little explorer. Now that she's an expert walker she's moved on to discovering everything around her. She opens every drawer, shuts doors, leaves the room for another room without us with her, and she loves to point. She points at pictures, trees, toys, everything she sees she points at. It's so neat to see her mind grow and change. There are some No-Nos though. The cd holder thingy, the TV, and the stereo are NO! I wish they were up off the groud so she wasn't tempted by them, but it's the best we can do. Generally she listens, but not always. Sigh, it's hard work, but I love her so much.
"Look what I figured out!"
So, it's busy around this house, trying to keep up with Audrey. I have really loved watching her this month, her 11th month, she's grown into a little explorer. Now that she's an expert walker she's moved on to discovering everything around her. She opens every drawer, shuts doors, leaves the room for another room without us with her, and she loves to point. She points at pictures, trees, toys, everything she sees she points at. It's so neat to see her mind grow and change. There are some No-Nos though. The cd holder thingy, the TV, and the stereo are NO! I wish they were up off the groud so she wasn't tempted by them, but it's the best we can do. Generally she listens, but not always. Sigh, it's hard work, but I love her so much.
She also started her version of dancing this week. When music comes on and we prompt her to do it, she bend her knees up and down and smiles :) She loves to play peek-a-boo and "I'm gonna get you" games! She laughs or screams and tries to run away. She's also eating more finger foods. Yesterday she had noodles, oranges, cheese, and beans! So, there's a little update on my busy girl!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Too Awake To Sleep
I am blogging because I'm not tired.
It's 1:43am. I got home from my evening shift around 11:45p and I'm still wide awake. This is what usually happens after an eveing shift. It just takes a while for my brain to calm down after work I guess.
So, I peeked in on Audrey, gave Chris a back massage and tucked him in for the night (haha) and then I came downstairs to watch my recording of House, one of my favorite shows! Then I watched a bit of What Not to Wear. Finally, I checked all the things I check online, my email, facebook, and blogs. That took a good 1/2 hour. Now I sit here with nothing to do but go to bed. I can't stand the thought of lying there waiting to fall asleep, so I though maybe this would get my eyes sleepy.
I had a strange weekend. Usually my work weekend is Fri, Sat, Sun. But this time it was Sat, Sun, Mon. It's kinda a bummer because usally after those two loooooong 12 hour shifts, I get a break, but I had to come back in this evening. Saturday I had a busy day, it pretty much flew by. Sunday morning I was woken up @ 5:30a with a call from work. I had two thoughts before I picked up the phone: 1.Brianna, do you want an EA (excused absense=stay home) or 2. Brianna you're floating to 10-3 @ Methodist, sorry sorry sorry!!!! (this is ICU downstown to which we sometimes have to float if St. Mary's doesn't need us). Well, it was the latter. My charge nurse said when staffing told her I'd have to float there she said, "Really? Seriously, you want her to go there?" hahaha. So, yep, that's were I went.
We're a bit dramatic about floating to Methodist, like it's some horrible thing, but it's really not all that bad. Their unit is run similar to mine and I actually like it better than some ICUs in St. Mary's. It just takes a bit to orient yourself to another hospital. I had a nice assignment, almost too nice, I was extremely bored. I did all I could think to do, but my patient didn't need a whole lot. So, I watched the clock tick. After work I was meeting Audrey and Chris at Applebees for a late supper. Much to my surprise, Chris met me there without Audrey! Turns out, my parents had stopped over and told Chris to go alone and they'd hang with the baby girl. So, we had an impromptu date! Very fun!
Today I had a super lovely fast shift. It was my favorite kind of shift: I have one very sick, but generally stable patient. Lot's of things to keep track of and deal with. And, lots to learn. I love having one busy patient. One boring patient is, well, boring. Two busy patients is enough to drive me crazy and start looking at the job postings. But one busy-ish patient is just right. Enough stuff to do and I can focus all my energy on them and knowing all their business by heart! I can learn about what's going on with them, understand it and contribute to their plan of care. I hate when I'm so busy with 2 patients that it's all I can do to give them their meds on time. So, I'm blabbing, but yeh, it was a good shift.
Tomorrow....hmm...what shall I do. Groceries is one option and I dunno what else? Well, Chris and I shall watch Biggest Loser for sure, we love it. Then I watch American Idol which I will have taped so I can fast forward through annoying performances and judges who talk for too long :) Wed I work again and then I have 5 days off. I should really go make a grocery list right now, it's next to impossible to do in the morning with Audrey rummaging around the kitchen pulling the drawers apart :)
Oh, cute moment. This morning, I went to get her out of her crib, but I peeked at her for a while first, throught the crack in the door. She was standing up and pointing at different things in the room, pointing at the light, the windom, her toys.......it was so sweet, she just figured out recently how to point at things with her little pointer finger.
Ok, well that was a random blog for ya. I think I'm a teeny bit more tired. Shoot, it's 2am. If I go to bed now I'll get about 6 hrs of sleep max if I'm lucky.
~Brianna
It's 1:43am. I got home from my evening shift around 11:45p and I'm still wide awake. This is what usually happens after an eveing shift. It just takes a while for my brain to calm down after work I guess.
So, I peeked in on Audrey, gave Chris a back massage and tucked him in for the night (haha) and then I came downstairs to watch my recording of House, one of my favorite shows! Then I watched a bit of What Not to Wear. Finally, I checked all the things I check online, my email, facebook, and blogs. That took a good 1/2 hour. Now I sit here with nothing to do but go to bed. I can't stand the thought of lying there waiting to fall asleep, so I though maybe this would get my eyes sleepy.
I had a strange weekend. Usually my work weekend is Fri, Sat, Sun. But this time it was Sat, Sun, Mon. It's kinda a bummer because usally after those two loooooong 12 hour shifts, I get a break, but I had to come back in this evening. Saturday I had a busy day, it pretty much flew by. Sunday morning I was woken up @ 5:30a with a call from work. I had two thoughts before I picked up the phone: 1.Brianna, do you want an EA (excused absense=stay home) or 2. Brianna you're floating to 10-3 @ Methodist, sorry sorry sorry!!!! (this is ICU downstown to which we sometimes have to float if St. Mary's doesn't need us). Well, it was the latter. My charge nurse said when staffing told her I'd have to float there she said, "Really? Seriously, you want her to go there?" hahaha. So, yep, that's were I went.
We're a bit dramatic about floating to Methodist, like it's some horrible thing, but it's really not all that bad. Their unit is run similar to mine and I actually like it better than some ICUs in St. Mary's. It just takes a bit to orient yourself to another hospital. I had a nice assignment, almost too nice, I was extremely bored. I did all I could think to do, but my patient didn't need a whole lot. So, I watched the clock tick. After work I was meeting Audrey and Chris at Applebees for a late supper. Much to my surprise, Chris met me there without Audrey! Turns out, my parents had stopped over and told Chris to go alone and they'd hang with the baby girl. So, we had an impromptu date! Very fun!
Today I had a super lovely fast shift. It was my favorite kind of shift: I have one very sick, but generally stable patient. Lot's of things to keep track of and deal with. And, lots to learn. I love having one busy patient. One boring patient is, well, boring. Two busy patients is enough to drive me crazy and start looking at the job postings. But one busy-ish patient is just right. Enough stuff to do and I can focus all my energy on them and knowing all their business by heart! I can learn about what's going on with them, understand it and contribute to their plan of care. I hate when I'm so busy with 2 patients that it's all I can do to give them their meds on time. So, I'm blabbing, but yeh, it was a good shift.
Tomorrow....hmm...what shall I do. Groceries is one option and I dunno what else? Well, Chris and I shall watch Biggest Loser for sure, we love it. Then I watch American Idol which I will have taped so I can fast forward through annoying performances and judges who talk for too long :) Wed I work again and then I have 5 days off. I should really go make a grocery list right now, it's next to impossible to do in the morning with Audrey rummaging around the kitchen pulling the drawers apart :)
Oh, cute moment. This morning, I went to get her out of her crib, but I peeked at her for a while first, throught the crack in the door. She was standing up and pointing at different things in the room, pointing at the light, the windom, her toys.......it was so sweet, she just figured out recently how to point at things with her little pointer finger.
Ok, well that was a random blog for ya. I think I'm a teeny bit more tired. Shoot, it's 2am. If I go to bed now I'll get about 6 hrs of sleep max if I'm lucky.
~Brianna
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Great Apache Mall
Winter has become quite monotonous. I told Chris that I feel like a hampter in a cage with a few paths to specific places: Work, Culvers, Mom's house, church, and .....THE MALL.
Don't get me wrong, I love my life here in my lovely townhome with my baby girl, but the winter days have become a bit blah. So, Audrey and I frequently visit the mall for something to do.
Somtimes we go alone. We do a lot of walking and shopping if Audrey can tolerate it. I can walk the whole mall, going around each edge, around all the nooks and crannies in 9 minutes. You'd think it would take longer, but it only takes 9 mintues if you power walk. I see lots of other moms doing the same thing as me, but some have double stollers! I've visited the baby section of each department store which has reminded me of when Brice and I were little ane we got to ride the elevator up to the kid's sections in places like Sears with Mom.
Sometimes we go with friends! Lately, my partner in crime is a fellow mother and friend, Kelsey! She also understands the winter days, but she has a toddler and a baby! Our routine is lunch in the foodcourt, however much walking the babies will tolerate, and then off to the playland.
The playland is becomming a common thing now, but not so long ago it wasn't really an option for Audrey. Now that's she's walking around she really loves playing in there! I get a bit nervous and I cannot fully relax like the mothers of the bigger kids because my baby is the little tiny one walking into dangerous situations. For example, 5 preschoolers are jumping something repeatedly and Audrey wants to stand right were they are jumping. They are oblivious to her so I have to run to her rescue.
Mostly though it's just a lot of fun to watch my tiny girl toddle around, exploring everything in her sight, and interacting with other kids. Each time we've gone there's one or more older kids that take a large interest in Audrey, or as they say, "the baby". They come up to her and hug her, pet her hair, guide her to a toy, help her walk, help her up if she falls, and talk to her. Some mothers say, "don't touch the baby honey" and some just let their kids play with Audrey. Audrey just stares up at them and doesn't seem to mind. It's funny to me how Audrey is a baby to a child of any age, as long as they can say the word baby. Today there was a little girl about 13-14 mo old pointing to Audrey and saying, "baby, baby!" And she's only a few months older than Audrey!
So, sometimes I get a bit tired of going to the mall, but I am grateful that it's always there for us, a place to go and get out of the house. However, I cannot cannot wait for summer! Parks and walks and so many more places we can go!
Here are some pics from one day at the mall playland :)
Audrey making happy baby noises

Heather came along this day and held baby Sammy for a while, Kelsey is with David, and then of course you know me and Audrey :)

Audrey always goes to the duckie.

Playing in the canoe with her buddy David.

Another favorite spot to play. Note the girl in the backgroud. This was the girl that day that took a great interest in Audrey and followed her around.

Don't get me wrong, I love my life here in my lovely townhome with my baby girl, but the winter days have become a bit blah. So, Audrey and I frequently visit the mall for something to do.
Somtimes we go alone. We do a lot of walking and shopping if Audrey can tolerate it. I can walk the whole mall, going around each edge, around all the nooks and crannies in 9 minutes. You'd think it would take longer, but it only takes 9 mintues if you power walk. I see lots of other moms doing the same thing as me, but some have double stollers! I've visited the baby section of each department store which has reminded me of when Brice and I were little ane we got to ride the elevator up to the kid's sections in places like Sears with Mom.
Sometimes we go with friends! Lately, my partner in crime is a fellow mother and friend, Kelsey! She also understands the winter days, but she has a toddler and a baby! Our routine is lunch in the foodcourt, however much walking the babies will tolerate, and then off to the playland.
The playland is becomming a common thing now, but not so long ago it wasn't really an option for Audrey. Now that's she's walking around she really loves playing in there! I get a bit nervous and I cannot fully relax like the mothers of the bigger kids because my baby is the little tiny one walking into dangerous situations. For example, 5 preschoolers are jumping something repeatedly and Audrey wants to stand right were they are jumping. They are oblivious to her so I have to run to her rescue.
Mostly though it's just a lot of fun to watch my tiny girl toddle around, exploring everything in her sight, and interacting with other kids. Each time we've gone there's one or more older kids that take a large interest in Audrey, or as they say, "the baby". They come up to her and hug her, pet her hair, guide her to a toy, help her walk, help her up if she falls, and talk to her. Some mothers say, "don't touch the baby honey" and some just let their kids play with Audrey. Audrey just stares up at them and doesn't seem to mind. It's funny to me how Audrey is a baby to a child of any age, as long as they can say the word baby. Today there was a little girl about 13-14 mo old pointing to Audrey and saying, "baby, baby!" And she's only a few months older than Audrey!
So, sometimes I get a bit tired of going to the mall, but I am grateful that it's always there for us, a place to go and get out of the house. However, I cannot cannot wait for summer! Parks and walks and so many more places we can go!
Here are some pics from one day at the mall playland :)
Audrey making happy baby noises

Heather came along this day and held baby Sammy for a while, Kelsey is with David, and then of course you know me and Audrey :)

Audrey always goes to the duckie.

Playing in the canoe with her buddy David.

Another favorite spot to play. Note the girl in the backgroud. This was the girl that day that took a great interest in Audrey and followed her around.

And that friends, is my blog about the mall.
PS: Pretty sure my mom took me to the mall when I was a baby too :)
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