Saturday, November 28, 2009

Sweet times with the family!

We had a great Thanksgiving! The only thing that would've made it better was if Em and her little family were there. And if Wal-mart hadn't been so horribly crowded that we just turned around, at 5:30 a.m., and went back home. :) I love the holidays...love love love. I love spending time with our families. I adore buying presents for everyone. I love how every year, Ben's wonder at the magic of Christmas grows. I love that every year, Ben understands more and more the true meaning of Christmas. Last year he wanted a birthday cake for Jesus, because duh, it's His birthday. This year he is beginning to undestand that Jesus lives in the hearts of those that seek His salvation (Ben's transalation - He lives here, in my heart). I hope that everyone is able to slow down enough during this busy time and remember that Christ is the reason we celebrate. So, here's to an amazing December!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

I love the holidays so much!!! Ben is already at my parents and Brian and I head that way tomorrow evening. There's a Greenberg turkey and a cheese cake waiting for me. :) Being child-free is sometimes nice...yesterday, I went shopping for Christmas decorations after work. My Christmas gift this year is to buy all new Christmas decorations and, man, have I enjoyed it! So it was nice to browse and buy when I'm not on my lunch break and I don't have a three year old. Three year old's are limited to shopping places that have carts. Anywho...tonight, I had a mani/pedi! It was great! I realized that I don't do these things when Ben is home, because I just want to get home and be with he and Brian. I was able to take some time for me and it was nice.

So there's an update...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Baby Grace McKinley Lanting!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, Emily finally had her baby...and it's a GIRL!! Baby Grace McKinley Lanting was born around noon on 10/27/2009. I cannot wait to go crazy buying little girl clothes. She was a lil over 8lbs and 21" long. And she is PERFECT!! She looks so much like Emily. Speaking of Emily, everything went smoothly. It certainly wasn't an easy delivery, but everyone is doing great. I am dying b/c I'm not there. Next time I'm not listening to myself when I say, you can wait a month before you go...nope, I'm buying that plane ticket.

She frowns like Em!

So funny...chubbers!

I'm in love!!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Just your average, run of the mill...CRIMINAL!

Not really...BUT...Today I went and did my caseworker thing, having a tea party with a super cute two year-old. On my way home, I was pulled over by a very nice sheriff's officer. I wasn't speeding, but my heart fell when those lights came on. You see, my registration sticker went out...three months ago. I know, I know, but I'm lazy when it comes to registration. It's like I can't help it. I pulled over, turned the car off, and placed my keys on the dash, like I learned in defensive driving that I had to take for one of my speeding tickets. :) He kindly informed me that my registration was out, and then he noticed that my inspection sticker was also expired. Oops! I handed over my license and insurance after he asked for it, informing him that my insurance is still good, even though this particular card had EXPIRED last week. But wait, there's more. My license expired at the beginning of September. I know, I know, shameful. I mumbled something about how I knew I needed to get it done and that I can't rent cars for work b/c it's expired. I then told him that the new DL place takes almost four hours to get your license renewed and I'd just put it off. He nodded and went back to his SUV to write out what could possibly the highest ticket known to man. Here's what I was thinking...Brian's going to kill me, Brian is going to kill me.

Coppers comes back with his little carbon copy clipboard, informing me that he was only citing me on the license and my registration. WHEW! I figured I could go tomorrow to get those fixed and the judge would drop the $$ part (that's what happened last year...I know, shameful.). I offhandedly asked who the judge was, wondering if it was the one I work with through CPS. I recognized the name and said as much to the sheriff. He raised his eyebrows and said, "Oh really?" I said yes, through my work with CPS. Then the craziest thing happened...his expression changed and he said, I thought you worked at a car rental place? I said no, and showed him my name badge. He took the instruction paper out of my hand, wrote VOID in huge letters across the triplicate ticket, and THANKED me for what I do. I am not even kidding. He said he could never do my job, I said I could never do his. I shook his hand and thanked him over and over. After I pulled back on the road, I had the oddest feeling of relief mixed with disbelief and guilt at his kindness. I felt so undeserving of what the officer had done. Guess where I'm going to be tomorrow morning? That's right, DMV and Tax Office.

**This was from last week, just never posted it.**

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Best of Friends...Oregon style.

Brian and Catherine, just kidding on the Oregon reference. Apologies to Sara as well :). Couldn't help it though.

I have known Jeff for years and years and years...well, maybe nine. He is one of my best friends with the best wife who I'm lucky to have as a friend as well. Jeff takes full credit for Brian and I's introduction. He and Catherine were in our wedding, and two weeks later, Brian and I were in their's. We've finally reconnected after way too long (so long I'm embarrassed to put an exact time frame). We were able to spend some time with them this past weekend, and I'll be honest, I haven't laughed so much in years. And yes, I did break out the Oregon summer missions trip album from 2000. What an.........................interesting time we all had. Anywho...Jeff and Cat have a beautiful little family, with one on the way. Emma and Ben are the same age and were super cute together. JC, who's 6, somehow managed to avoid my camera.


Playing "nap time" which turned into "hiding/locking door/screaming ridicuously loud time."

Brian proved his grill skillzzzzzzz by grilling in the POURING rain. It was delish!



And here's PBS's biggest fan. :)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

San Antonio

We were able to spend the weekend with friends in San Antonio recently. We had such a great time...they're the kind of friends where you don't have to "do" anything, you can just hangout and shop and eat. Their daughter, Abby, was such a sweetheart...Ben thought so too.

At this great burger place with an awesome playground.

ELE-FUN was a big hit with Ben.

Eating dinner with their baby dolls...when in Rome, right Ben? He was more than a little disturbed to be borrowing Abby's pink sippee cup. :)

This is their new baby, Jacob. He's SO precious!! Ben was so good with him. And those are Matt's hairy arms, playing guitar with Jacob, who obviously gets really into it.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Ca-Razy!

Life is so very hectic right now. I'm sure a lot of people are in the same boat. Something every day of the weekend and then working hard during the week. Life really is good right now and I'm so thankful. To prove it, here's a list:

I'm thankful for...
  • Cooler weather.
  • Hard-workin' husband.
  • Our amazing parents.
  • All the precious babies friends and family are bringing into this world.
  • CSI re-runs.
  • Awesome co-workers and boss.
  • Things I get to do through my job...lots of work and stress, but so worth it.
  • Puppy dogs. :)
  • Naps on the weekend with my Benjamin.
  • Laughter...lots of that at our house.
  • Confidence that comes from getting older...I wish I felt this way in high school. ha!
  • Friends, old and new.
As far as work goes, I don't think that many people can say they get to work with their friends and have an amazing boss. I am so thankful for my job and the precious ladies I get to work with.

My husband is my perfect partner. I think that b/c we got married young (21 y/o) we had to do a lot of growing up together. I am a better person, mother, and wife b/c of him. I am also a better speller.

So that's my heart. I hope you guys have a great rest of the week.