Weekend Post

We had a garage sale today - it was HOT. We made a good chunk of money and did quite a bit better than expected! :) It will help greatly with some awesome activities coming up :)

I got up at 5:30am this morning to bake fresh cookies to sell at the garage sale. Let me tell you - they sell AWESOME. I made strawberry rhubarb muffins and they didn't sell as well. So, for future reference, make chocolate chip cookies and sell them 2 for .25 and you'll make some extra dough that way too! :) (no pun intended!)

We went hunting for new bathing suits....(and we've been hunting)....it is not so fun. We're headed to Vegas soon so needed to be prepared for some warm weather :)

For those who do not already know, I'm not going to Verizon. Through much thought, tribulation, un-easyness and a few important items on K and I's agenda, it just didn't seem reasonable at this time. Everyone at work is overly excited and K and I are very much at ease with the decision.

Also, I have re-opened my blog to the public, since not taking the job (long story) but thank you for all who stuck around and read even in the midst of the chaos and as Ronnie put it "blog nazi" situation ;o)

Tomorrow we'll figure out what our plans are for what we need to pack, how much laundry we need to get done, what we can take with us on an airplane liquid wise, what else we need for LIG (food, accessories, etc.) and be on our way! OH I am excited.

That's it for now!
Randi

Morning Conversation

R: K can you move over and do your make up?
K: OK

A few minutes later:

K: Are you out of your routine?
R: No, I don’t have a routine – I am unschooling
K: Good one.

:)

Friday Fill-In

1. There is absolutely NO way you can get me to not go on vacation!
2. The smell of BBQ's reminds me that summer is almost here!
3. I cannot live without my sweat pants and heating pad.
4. Knitting and Drumming Circle are two things I'd like to try.
5. When life hands you lemons squeeze them real hard and make lemonade.
6. Driving to Disneyland is my favorite childhood memory.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to (and/or not looking forward to) pricing things for our garage sale, tomorrow my plans include our garage sale and hope to make lots of money and get rid of junk and Sunday, I want to go to The Keg in Lynnwood for my Birthday Dinner with special friends Chuck and Lori!

Kiki 17 y.o. - Rest In Peace

We had to put our sweet 17 year old cat to sleep today. We are blessed that it was a very short bout of illness and that it happened while we weren't on vacation. Kiki was a very skittish cat - and most - if not any of you - have seen this cat. She's hid under a bed for most of her life only to come out to sleep on K's head. Her kidneys failed. We put her to sleep, and came home and buried her in her kitty bed......

She will be missed greatly. What a tough day.

Randi

Open Posting Again

I have opened my posting up to not just people registered.

(You're welcome Corrina!) :)

Randi

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to those who have kids, plan on having kids, are grandma's and all of the in between. Thank you for all you've taught me.

Randi

What A Day!

We had such a fun day today with cousins Jenae and Crissie and our 30th Birthday Girls Day Out! :) We started at 8am with ham, egg and optional cheese mcmuffins here at home (lots of protein for growing baby!) and off to a few garage sales we went. We all bought something! I got 2 "noel" candles for $1, a seasons greeting "heavy duty" sign for $5.00 and we also got a microwave for coulee for $10! After all the garage sales, we came home and dropped off our treasures and headed to Bellingham.

Have you ever been to the Bellingham Farmers Market? it is HUGE! (Well, I've never been to any other than that one and the Skagit one....so what do I have to compare?) but it is like a craft fair with spectacular items! (I personally love seeing all the babies with their mama's!) We then headed to The Big Fat Fish Company for lunch - which wasn't too bad. The price was a little spendy, but not too horrible and the food was pretty good.

We needed to stop at Cash N Carry for Jenae to find something, then we went to a local consignment shop and got home at 3:30! *whew*

After that, K and I went to Verizon wireless to see about exchanging the new phone I got for another one.....and got a new red fun phone - and what was supposed to be $20 - ended up being free! (even better) and the speaker phone on this phone is 99% better than the last (and we tend to use speaker phone a lot here!)

It is getting closer and closer to the Life is Good conference and I'm getting excited and nervous. :) I'm sure I'll have a great time, just will be interesting. LOL

Thank you to all my dear family that commented on the ride situation from work. I'll just be driving for now.....when and/or if I can get on an early schedule - then I can bus it. Thank you all......and I just may call ya for lunch ;o)

K's been in bed for a few hours now while I've piddled....... :) tomorrow we'll put a few more things on ebay, watch our ending ebay auctions and clean house - oh joy! We're broke till Thursday!!

Randi

Friday Fill-In

1. The meeting at work today had an extra secret ingredient; it was very interesting..... (they are not hiring my position!!)
2. Sunbeams through my window.
3. Right now, I need a hootin' hollerin' good time at LIG and a very hot relaxing place afterwards for our vacation!
4. Grandma's is where I went Thursday night for Survivor; it was an awesome show (and Sunday is the finale!!)
5. Why does buying gas hurt so much?
6. All I can think of is the cat meowing in the other room!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing and playing online, tomorrow my plans include taking Jenae for her 30th girls day out going to garage sales and to a special lunch and then to the Bellingham Farmers Market and Sunday, I want to relax, go to Verizon Wireless and see about getting me a different phone, maybe find a few things for the instant gratification auction, put together a few ideas for an auction basket, and possibly buy a drum off of ebay for the GREATEST drum circle ever, fill out some paperwork, well, I really don't want to - but need to, fill out Group Health application for insurance and just chill out!!

Freak Out!

Today I kind of had a freak out day. One of those days where you feel as if you could cry at the drop of a pin and or even if a pin didn't drop? I had one of those days I didn't know if what I was doing was a good move for myself and/or for other people. I just was out of sorts!!

New jobs are always tough! You never know what you're getting into and its always hard to leave somewhere you are most comfortable, are thoroughly liked and are good at what you do. (I'm good at what I do anywhere I go, but still is hard to make that transition).

I guess it started out with this morning finding out that the Everett Transit I need to catch on the coming home end (after 6pm) will not connect me in time to catch the County Connector home. Carpooling isn't really an option with me (I'd rather have my own space and not have to chat with the same person day in and day out) I'd possibly do a vanpool - but for now - I'll drive. We figure it'll be about $200 a month. I'm thinking we get a rewards credit card to put it on ;o)

I will be making my blog private - but want to make sure that everyone here gets the chance to send me their email addresses. I've sent an invite to those of you whom I know pretty much read my blog - but there may be a few unschoolers, behind the scenes people who read it - and want to continue. Email me: kauleen_randi@msn.com (kauleen underscore randi) and I'll get you hooked up.

Does anyone know if you make your post private - if someone can google and still find it?

Thanks in advance -
Randi

Blog

I may be making some changes to me blog here soon to keep things that I say on here a bit more private. I've had a few things come up the last few days that make me not feel to great about having my blog in the open. :o( Really makes me quite sad that I can't have the freedom I feel I should have.

Thanks for your patience on this issue and I'll send links to those (if it comes down to it) that I need to have invited only.

If you'd like an invite - please send me your email address in a post.

Randi

Weekend Ramblings

We had another busy weekend! Friday night we took off for Bellingham in hopes of finding some cheap coffee syrups for a special drink we were going to make on Saturday and we're also going to see about a cheesecake. Well, we made the trek to Bellingham only to find the syrups. (They are normally I guess like $8 and we got them for $3 - pretty much the gas up and back!) LOL We ended up then running to our Costco, picking up a cheesecake (Bham costco didn't have any!) and then running to Safeway, the dollar tree, and by the time we got home it was 9pm! WE WERE EXHAUSTED!!

Saturday morning we got up, puttered around, set up for a baby shower (my cousin Jenae and her 3rd and last baby) and the party turned out very well. We played a few games, chatted a bit, and just had fun! Saturday night I wanted to do something "fun" so we found a local theatre putting on a show "The Dream Science Circus!" Well, it was $30 for the 2 of us - but not really worth it. There was some amazing stuff in it (acrobatics, strength, etc.) but...yeah.

Sunday, we got up and piddled around. I put a few things on ebay (username: kauleen_randi) check it out! and then hung out and waited for K's sister and family to come for a visit. We sure enjoy their company when they are here. They all were crashed out in the car (4 precious sleeping children) so we hung out near them outside until they woke. We then colored, played with the cats, and hung out! :) They weren't here all too long - had a very loonng tiring, exhausting weekend. We then fixed some dinner (chicken and broccoli) and then headed to the co-op and to Haggen for some groceries. Upon our return, we got an addition to our family:

GEORGE! :) The neighbors are moving to Australia (where she is originally from) and the laws there for quarantine are very strict, so it was just going to be easier to not have to take him. This makes us have 4 cats! (Kiki, Rosa, Clover and George) George is a very independent cat - and will spend a good portion of the time outside (he prefers it). Right now we're doing some "Getting to know you" type things. He has a great personality.

There is something with only having 2 weeks left at work that makes going to work tomorrow OK! (I'm not looking forward to those few who found out on Friday......and a few that haven't found out yet!) but they can all handle it :) I'm getting more and more excited. There are just a few things I need to figure out:

1) The Everett Transit System and getting me the closest, the latest to work. I'm thinking the Everett Express to the Everett Mall. I then only have a little ways to walk......and it does it like every 15 mins. (and the County Connector here in Skagit County to get me there....would it stress me out to the max to ride the bus on the first day?? I mean.......I'll have to do it SOMEDAY!)

2) Health Insurance. One stinky thing about being domestic partners, is one can't be covered under the others insurance (yet) in some circumstances. Our company does not include DP yet.........so, we're hunting me insurance. (TAC who I'll be employed through has insurance......but it isn't the *best* and for a bit more I can continue with who I have now..........just not with the same coverage).

3) Dental - need to call the dentist and find out how much it is for cleaning teeth if paying cash, etc. (to see if I need to add this on to)

There are a few more things, but those are just a few.........

I've been asked to talk about the Business of Being Born Party ;o) and the comments made and/or what people thought.

The attendees ranged from 21 y/o newly married, 29 y/0 married 5 years, one mom who had a home birth, one mom who had a birthing center birth, and an older mom who I believe had a home birth also. The reason for hosting the Business of Being Born Party is that I wanted other young people to be aware that there are more options out there than anyone in the medical field might tell you. (This movie changed Kauleen's mind for us having a hospital birth vs home birth). The younger ladies were very appreciative for me having shared it with them - we had discussion on the placenta and what to do with it, we discussed stillbirth (a recent scenario had been brought up), and just talked.

I personally think this movie is done well to reach out to more of the medical minded people and get them on the track of more a natural approach. (For those who are already headed that way, the movie may have been not necessary?) *shrug* I love hearing everyone's story.

The best part of the whole night for me, was meeting new friends who think the same way I do (extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, etc.) and being able to meet new people with the same ideas. (I CANNOT WAIT FOR LIG!)

I'm tired out now - this was a long post. Hope everyone has a terrific week!!

Oregon and/or California

I am looking for some ideas of MUST SEE / MUST STAY places.

We're thinking Oregon Coast and/or Redwoods?

Anyone been to a spectacular place in either of these places? :)

Randi

Alaska Airlines $50 Companion Fare

Anyone interested in buying a companion fare ticket for Alaska Airlines from us? We're hoping to get at least $200 for it.

Post a message or email me if your interested and I can send specifics.

Randi

Friday Fill-In

1. Two of my favorite ingredients in a drink are lots of cream and sugar in my coffee!

2. Love often amazes me.

3. You can keep doing that forever, the dog is old and its hard to teach an old dog to do new tricks ;)

4. Secret ingredients, mix it all together and voila! You have another secret to be told at a different date :)

5. If I had a yard with a garden, I would love to grow all the vegetables I'm growing? (and/or thinking about growing - since nothing has been planted other than onions!)

6. my body is best au naturel.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to Bellingham to a cheap grocery store Cash and Carry and having a good time hanging out with Kauleen, tomorrow my plans include a baby shower for my cousin Jenae with lots of fun times and love given to her and Sunday, I want to hang out with Kauleen's sister and nieces and nephew and chill out!!

Previous Meme Post from Frank's Blog

So, I showed Kauleen my blog post and she wanted me to do her name.....

6 out of the 8 posts came up as *my blog* ROFL

Randi

Fun meme from Frank-o's blog :)

1- Type in "[your name] needs" in Google search: Randi needs our prayers

2- Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search: Error, Error. They didn't find anything for "Randi" only for "Randy" - Randy looks like one lucky guy? huh? Last I checked, I was 100% female and lovin' it!

3- Type in "[your name] says" in Google search: To that, Randi says, ‘Find me a dry spot,’ because, as he points out, it's almost impossible not to strike water if you drill deep enough. (yikes!)

4- Type in "[your name] has" in Google search: An offer of $1000000 to anyone that can demonstrate paranormal abilities under laboratory conditions. (http://www.randi.org)

5- Type in "[your name] wants" in Google search: Think Randy Wants Me. Parody song lyrics for the song Indiana Wants Me by R. Dean Taylor.

6- Type in "[your name] gives" in Google search: Randi gives one hell of a speech a year ago today. Yeah, it's worth watching again. I like it :) and here's some other interesting stuff I ...http://politickybitch.blogspot.com/2008/03/randi-gives-one-hell-of-speech-today.html

7- Type in "[your name] takes" in Google search: For those interested, Randi has posted the original Quackometer ... you can take THEM to court for a put-up-or-shut-up kind of ruling. ...

8- Type in "[your name] loves" in Google search: Randi loves her boobs and, by association and admiration, I have come to love them too. - Nice huh? LOL

Past My Bedtime

We had a Business of Being Born party tonight with a few people from work who are still yet to have kids. We had a great turn out and I met some *really* awesome people.

I am ever so thankful for connections in my life. One person I met tonight, I will for surely be getting back in touch with! (Hi Kristina!)

Randi

Quick Post!

I'm tired tonight!!



Tomorrow night I'm having a Business of Being Born party (inviting a few ladies over from work and have invited some homebirth mama's to share their stories). I'm only one person, but hope to make people think about the way this society does birth.



I've been looking a drums on ebay for our drumming circle at LIG - here is one I have fell in love with:

I've also been thinking with what I want to do about all the birthdays at LIG. I really think there needs to be something.........just haven't quite pinned it down yet.

We made our first round of rhubarb cake tonight for tomorrow's party.

I'm going to go look up some fun places to stay in Oregon........as we're going on vacation - thanks to Franko's advice ;)

love you all!

P.S. Happy Birthday Aunt Mary!

Happy 60th Frank-O

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY FRANK!

Hope you have a wonderful one!

Sunday Morning Thoughts

I wanted to post last night, but I ended up getting my heating pad back from my cousin, turned it on in my chair, and was comfy, cozy warm, and OUT. :)

We picked Braxton (4) up at daycare on Friday night after work. (We watch him in exchange for haircuts) and then we took him to Lake Padden near Bellingham. We explored the playground, the water, threw lots of rocks, sticks, pine cones (which he called corns! LOL) and walked, ran, chatted, gave piggyback rides, and had a blast! We didn't get home until about 7:30, still had to eat dinner (BBQ hot dogs for the boy!) and wound down.....at about 9:15 he went to bed.

Here is where the fun begins......................

At 10:00ish, K and I decide to hit the sack. We get ready and about 10:30 I remember "CRAP, I forgot to put a diaper on Braxton!". (I had put him in his PJ's when we got home because he was playing in the water with some new toys here at the house and got soaked!) and just decided I'd put his diaper on later. Well.......so now he's dead asleep and now we have to wake him. UGH. So, he was a trooper and didn't' seem to be bothered by it. We then went to back to bed.......
at 11:30 about Kauleen heard screaming......ends up when we changed his butt, the CAT had gone in there and we had locked the cat in there. So, we went and got the cat out. At 11:45 he was saying he was scared because he thought the cat was in there. So, I decided to sleep with him....... :) We woke again at 2am to massive coughing (poor guy has asthma and allergies :o( ) and we did a breathing treatment and we were up for the morning......at about 7am.

A VERY unrestful night. Nothing like having a kid scratch, kick, smack ya, and move all night :) Is that how it is for co-sleeping families??? Or do you get big enough beds / enough beds that you can have room to move???

I've been told by my cousin that you have nights like these sometimes - but very few and far between. I told her "Nothing like transitioning....but going from nothing to a 4 year old awake a lot of the night.......!" :) I did take a nap from 1:30-3:30 and felt much better.

Saturday we hung out and dug for worms, rode our bikes to the park, played basketball and took a drive where we were going to go see animals but then he fell asleep so we just took a nice drive with all the other *crazy* tulip traffic - and had to take all the back roads home.

Saturday afternoon we took naps and then we mowed the lawn and did yard work for awhile. We then went to dinner with the neighbors to a new Japanese "hibachi" type place where they cook the food in front of you. THAT was a ton of fun and really yummy.

It is now 8:00am on Sunday morning and I got an email about Life is Good (I get a daily digest!) and they said they are going to have a KAPLA funshop. I was *so* hoping for that. I enjoyed doing them so much. (those are the blocks that you build with). I wish I had some....... and someone asked for a Henna workshop. I want one too! I've been *so* wanting a kokapelli on my stomach.....or somewhere else :) ONE other funshop I've been thinking of......but don't know how it would work.....is The Business of Being Born funshop - discussion/chat on natural birthing, breastfeeding, etc.?

We got some special mocha coffee yesterday that is now done brewing........and I most go partake.

Randi

Friday-Fill In

1. When I fell in love my stomach flipped!
2. Clariton is my best friend when the flowers bloom and it heats up outside!
3. Oh no! The internet connection is down, SHIT!?
4. Hee-Haw is the craziest tv show ever.
5. Cheese and lactaid make a great meal!
6. This year we plan on having a community garden with the neighbors. We'll have onions, raspberries, rhubarb, carrots, beans, blueberries and corn.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to enjoying the beautiful weather outside as they changed the weekend weather on me and playing with Braxton possibly up at Lake Padden and exploring with him, tomorrow my plans include riding bikes with Braxton, digging for worms, and then sending him on his way and enjoying the peace of it just being Kauleen and I and Sunday, I want to put stuff on ebay and if it is nice maybe do our first geocache!!

(some input from Kauleen on this way.....I never saw Hee-Haw and rarely watch TV!)

Sweet Tears

My cousin Ronnie was very honest and sweet in a post (which is ever so true and real) in this post: Ronnie's Thursday Thirteen.

I'm forever blessed for those who would give to us if they could, who have given to us (because they could), who have given their thoughts, prayers, candles, and so much energy to us towards having a child. Words cannot even express how grateful we are.

Let me explain exactly what has been going on, and I realize it has been a bit jumbled, but I was a bit unsure of what to put online afraid of maybe being bombarded with people's views of it all - when in all actuality, I didn't care about anyone else's views, but what Kauleen and I wanted to do. *Shrug* so here goes it.........

It had been brought up by our doctors office (Bham IVF) that there was a couple that needed eggs and they asked me if I would be willing to donate and in turn, they would pay for 1/2 of IVF (approx. $5,000). Since Kauleen and I had already discussed doing IVF, this was pretty much a no-brainer. We help them, they help us. We waited, waited, and waited .... didn't hear anything. I finally started my period yesterday, very excitedly called Bham IVF (in hopes of doing it this month) and for legality reasons and because this initial couple decided against my eggs, we cannot do it this month. I wasn't officially in the "donor" pool, but they were just trying to find someone who could split my eggs with me.

(To put it into prospective - most donors create 20+ eggs (which obviously I have no problem doing with the right medicine!) and most people don't use 10 eggs (say a few eggs for implanting, a few for siblings and then the rest are just stored) so in other words, the couple I'm donating too - will get 1o eggs and I'll get 10 eggs. (the rest, if any, will be thrown out).

I am now officially in the donor pool and just waiting for someone to choose me. I told Kauleen, every month when my period comes I'm going to be like "I wonder if this is my month!"......she thinks they can adjust my cycle for their cycle.....*shrug* all I know is someday I'll get a call that someone has chosen me as their donor and we'll have to scramble to get time off, etc. It'll will all work out.

THE GREAT NEWS out of all of this mumble jumble, if I still have your attention....... :) is that doing it the donor way....... the couple pays for my medicines, I get paid for donating ($2,500) and in the end we may come out $300 in our pocket. :) So, we'll save for the next few months.....maybe until August, see what we have financially and if we haven't heard on a donor by then, we'll possibly try IVF at the price tag stated previously. For now, I'll get my hiney in gear and sell, sell, sell on ebay and craigslist to make some extra dough.

I'm ready for Life is Good to be able to hang out, chat, and have some good times. I need to be able to relax......too many *hard* decisions lately. After LIG, we haven't decided on what we're doing.....to vacation or not to vacation.....that is the question.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things Reasons I Am Thankful for Kauleen

1. She is around me 24/7 - with no break (as I always seem to be here!)

2. She puts up with my ideas and thoughts (even at work)

3. She allows me to do whatever *I* feel I need to do

4. She helps me with my Christmas lights (and the most complicated part of them) although she's stated time and time again she doesn't want to

5. She enjoys driving by the Christmas lights with me after the hard work is done and smiling - for hardwork is amazing.

6. She has put up with my bouts of sickness (finally under control) and ate practically the same foods for over 1 month to try to figure them out.

7. She works hard for her money and has blessed me with a beautiful house, flowers, garden.

8. She allows me to stumble and yet helps me out when I fall (and/or fail)

9. She makes me laugh when she does dumb things (which isn't very often) but I do dumb things quite often.........that too is quite hilarious.

10. She worries about money......and does great at keeping track of all the bills (and is very particular about it)

11. She loves hanging out with me and doing hikes, vacations, and quality things together even after having spent every day together.

12. She amazes me with the energy she has to get stuff done (ie; house cleaning, dishes, yard work, laundry, etc.) and does an awesome job at keeping the house together

13. She will always be my best friend, beloved, and wife forever :) AND for that, I am very grateful.

14. She will be an awesome Mother and I can't wait to co-parent with her!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Baby Post

The baby stuff for this month has not worked out for this month. I started my period today and was very jazzed up about calling the clinic.......only to have them call me back and say the paperwork, etc. could not be done in time - and no one had chosen me yet. :(

As of this morning, I was saying that either way I'd be fine with it (because going on a relaxing vacation and not having to worry about my ovaries floating around and not going in a pool/hot tub) sounds like a lot of fun! BUT on the other hand, I'm ready for a child............

Anyone know of where we can get $12,000 in the next day or 2? If so, we'll be able to do IVF (and I'll make enough eggs to be able to do more than one cycle).

So, for now........we're waiting on someone to choose me and at that point - we'll do IVF for next to nothing........and help each couple out.

Everything happens for a reason - and I plan on having a very relaxing vacation and I will be going in the hot tub! ;o)

Licorice

We bought some licorice from Trader Joe's tonight (black, juicy, thick, yummy pieces)..............

Who would've thought BLACK LICORICE would have PALM OIL in it?

I ate 2 pieces before I realized it...................................................no reaction yet.

UGH.

Hump Day!

We are headed towards Hump Day (Wednesday!) YEAH! Work hasn't been too horrible after being gone for a week......it is always nice to get back into the routine/swing of things :)

I wanted to share a bit of information on how I saved us money on our Verizon phone bill. They sent me an email stating that they were going to UP our DSL charges by $5.00/month. I called and asked them why, they stated they were doing it to everyone at our price (originally $17.99 / 768K) To make a long story short.......they have a plan that is called HDNO (honor do not offer) and it is $12.00 for the same amount of speed! (They were going to up my bill to $21.99 - but instead lowered it to $12.99!) So.....if you need to save some money - call Verizon and ask for that HDNO DSL price. :) (they will not offer it.....you have to ask it!)

I'm getting a bit anxious to start my period........and I never thought I'd ever stated that (I was going to go on explaining something of that......but then decided some readers may not enjoy it so much!) ;o) I just want to know if we're going to be able to do the baby stuff this month. I've thought about calling the doctors the past few days, but I'll just wait until I start.......watch it'll be Saturday and I'll have to wait till Monday!!! I really hope we get to move forward this month.......but everything happens the way it is supposed to - and I'll do my best to be patient with that. (I've thought of good and negative for doing it now and/or later) So really, I'm fine with either way......other than I just want to be pregnant.....and experience birth. :)

I'm going to go snuggle up for a bit and chill out. Peace out.

Randi

Still Snowing Hard!

This Morning.....

Don't get me wrong - I *love* the snow. LOVE IT! Especially on a Sunday morning, early, able to be warm, drink my coffee, read the paper and relax! :)

BUT

I AM READY FOR SPRING/SUMMER! (and hope our onions, tulips and blueberries will all survive this crazyness)

We got home last night around 6:00pm. We ended up GETTING hot water! YAHOO! It is instant hot water which totally rocks. :) The passes were not bad at all - worst on the West side of the mountains.

I'm off to drink my coffee and watch the snow fall............

Randi

P.S. after all the trouble of uploading videos, etc....it is now 7:38 and there is way more snow outside than shown in the video......... :)

April 20, 2008

HAPPY 51ST BIRTHDAY DAD!

WE LOVE YOU!

Waiting Around....

We tried all last summer to get a hold of the local electrician to come and hook up our awesome (tankless - very small) hot water heater. The guy that did our plumbing this past summer, charged us quite a bit less on the installation of the tank, if we'd give him feedback on how well it works.

Kauleen happened to see him at Safeway while we were here and talked to him. He whipped out his cell phone and called the electrician and she was to be out on Friday and/or Saturday. Well, unfortunately, cell service over here sucks (that and....we do not know how well this lady really wanted our business!) :( Anyways.......we were napping and woke up at 4pm, walked down the hill (left a note for this lady on the door) and we went back UP the hill at 4:45....and she had been there - with no phone call. Nice huh? Nonetheless, we were a little ticked - but she left a note saying she'd be back Saturday. Kauleen called her and she stated that she was at an important job and she'd call us back. Well........as of 11am on Saturday....we're all packed up, wanting to hit the road......and no call. We decided to lock up and call it quits. My cousin's husband Shaun had mentioned he could do it for us this summer (probably for cheaper anyways...) and we'd go with that. (I personally like the idea of an electrician doing that part....too scary to mess with!)

So, we're loading our last bits of crap into the truck.......and I hear the phone beep. DAMN! I missed a phone call - and low and behold - it was the damn electrician. Thankfully, at the time, we were outside and saw her drive by and waved her down. (We were at my parents loading up frozen goods, etc.)

So, now I'm hanging out and Kauleen and the electrician are hooking up or water heater........who knows how much it'll cost us.........but heck - we'll have our own showers - and an extra shower for my parents on Memorial Day too!

All in all, it wasn't a very eventful week - it was somewhat relaxing..........and I'm glad I got away from work for awhile. This week we have haircuts and I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday that I'm an anxious for (not baby stuff). I'll fill you all in on the results when and/or if I get them....(don't you just love doctors and having to state that?) *sigh*

We'll be headed home soon! Can't wait to love on the kitties and see our blooming tulips and I'm sure my yard is about 5 feet tall (we had fertilized a few weeks before we left!) and tomorrow we plan on hitting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival street fair! :) and Monday it is back to work!!

Check out this ranch....the lady that took us horseback riding her parents own this ranch. I think it'd be fun to get together with a bunch of people and do it! and it doesn't seem *that* expensive to me. http://www.kdiamondk.com/ Who is up for it????? (oh I suppose if I'm prego I better not go horse back riding huh?) LOL

We'll probably take Snoqualmie home.......I prefer the lower elevation.........and driving over the passes stresses me out enough.

Type soon!!
Randi

1. The last time I lost my temper I cried!
2. Cold weather is what I'm fed up with!
3. The next book I'd like to read is Innocent by John Grisham.
4. Loving on my kitties, seeing my tulips in bloom (or in snow?) and being home is what I'm looking forward to. (What I'm not looking forward to is the drive in the snow home!)
5. If you can't get rid of the skeleton[s] in your closet, invite them in!
6. The best thing I got in the mail recently was 4 pairs of pants from ebay - NY & CO talls for $44!.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with Tom and Mary and Angelo and Mom and Dad, tomorrow my plans include waiting for the electrician to come and hook up our hot water tank (tankless) and finally have our own hot water and shower and am not looking forward to driving in the snow home....did I say that already? and Sunday, I want to relax and enjoy being home...and I suppose we'll need to do some laundry and other things to get ready for the work week Monday!!

We have vacation again in about 1 month........I'm very excited for the Life Is Good conference.

Thursday Thirteen Grand Coulee Style

Thirteen Reasons You Should Go Horse Back Riding in Grand Coulee

1. A beautiful horse named Casino (and Wyatt for Kauleen)

2. A very kind lady named Kathy who chose awesome horses for those of us who haven't rode horses very much

3. The sun beating down on us and a beautiful and warm day!

4. The peacefulness of being out in the open.......with no stress (other than making sure we're hanging on)

5. The opportunity to see and hear a rattlesnack OFF the ground :) (and once again, holding on because one of the horses freaked out a bit after having heard the rattle!)

6. Seeing a coyote in an open field while on the trail

7. Learning a lot about the area around us and seeing an old farmhouse that was once used over 80 years ago........and was used up to about 5 years ago by the forest rangers. Very cool.

8. Losing a check my mom had signed out of my back pocket somewhere along the trail....at the end of the ride.......(it was an anniversary present from a few years back)

9. The opportunity to be able to ride again with this same lady on a bit of a longer ride...(we rode 5 miles) but I want to go up to the lake which is about 10 miles round trip!

10. The ability to realize that Kauleen is not flexiable and her hips do not stretch for that length of time. I was/am not that sore and am quite surprised.......

AND I just realized I needed 13......and not 10............ but here are a few pictures to add a few more:

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Hiya!

Hey Gang!

Kauleen and I have been enjoying some time with the parents. This past weekend we had Shaun and Jenae (my cousin) and their 2 little ones over to help with some electrical (ends up they didn't have enough electrical wire at the local hardware store for us to do it) so he graciously helped us to get a light in the bathroom working - so we could at least not have to pee in the dark! :) We enjoyed their visit greatly! Ryan and DeWayne came up and we enjoyed their visit also. Ryan is battling bronchitis so wasn't feeling the hottest. We celebrated Dad's b-day with a sketti party and had fun!

We spent the past few days finishing painting our place, helping dad price things for an upcoming garage sale, making a trip to the dump, trying to stay indoors and WARM - the wind has been quite gusty and cold, visiting with the grandparents and just hanging out. Tom and Mary will arrive tomorrow for a few days visit.......that'll be fun! We are planning to stay until Saturday but with the weather predicted.......we may leave late Friday.

We got a call from the doctors office today - IVF clinic - and the opportunity that was put before us - was not accepted by the other couple. They have another option for us that will be opened up today.... we should be hearing soon. As of now, we are still on for Invitro late next month - with a retrevial on Thursday May 22nd, with then a long drive to Vancouver from Bellingham with a drugged up Randi :) and then a insemination with embroys done on the following Tuesday! This will be perfect!! :) So, we're keeping our fingers crossed. As soon as I start my period (around April 26th) we're starting the shots, etc.

Everyone here is sleeping right now.......we just got back from a big breakfast. I'm checking up on my blogs and enjoying some peace and quiet.

Randi

Tuesday Talking...

We're getting ready for vacation!! :) We went to the library tonight and checked out a few books on CD to listen to for the 5 hour drive over and the 5 hour drive back in about a week :) it is always fun. Our library just teamed up with another local library to allow us more choices! VERY fun! I never really did go to the library except to study and/or do school related activities - but actually find it *fun* to go to the library for *free* now and choose anything I want! I'm not a big reader - but anyone know of some good books? (but then again, it is always hard stating that - when someone else might have a totally different view of a good book!) *hrumph!*

We spent some time with the nieces and nephew and meeting the MOM this past weekend. That was a good time. K's mom was exactly how I expected. She seems very nice. Her and Tony will be staying with us tomorrow night.

I haven't heard anything back from Bellingham IVF in regards to our attempt next month......I'll be calling them tomorrow to get more of the scoop and find out if we're going ahead with it. It has kind of been weird - they are the ones who brought this all on and then haven't been very good communicators. (AND - we have a month of appointments to do and there are SOME appointments we could get out of the way now!)

I am really, really looking forward to Life is Good. I'm really wanting Kauleen to get a registration so that she can partake if she wants to......(the concert, talent show, dance) but she just does not want to................. :o/ I'll still have fun and it'll be a blast. I love all you people :)

Work has been super busy.........we've had to re-arrange some stuff to try to make the most of our new incentive program - which makes us all working more-so as a team.......but I'm the one man end of the team of 6! So, I tend to get the bad end of it.......but I do what I can.

I have lots of pictures to post of kids, etc.....but am too tired tonight.

Love to you all!

Whirlwind...

My dad got in last night at 12:00am and so we all took an adventure to get him. When my mom had gotten here she showed us a picture of my dad - well ends up - his eye had been swollen for a few days. He thought it was a pimple that just had festered.......

Today he went to the urgent care (wasn't really able to open his eye) and they have given him 2 kinds of antibiotics and says he has a serious infection.......he doesn't look good. He is still determined to have his big 51st Poker Party tonight though.........

So amongst the getting him last night at 12am, their taxes done this morning at 8am, heading to the urgent care, picking up last minute things at Costco and then hitting the road - we really didn't get to partake in their visiting. It was good to see them since we hadn't seem them since around Christmas.

We'll get to spend more time with them next week........... :)

More later.....
Randi

1. Tonight I saw a very hot, warm and relaxing bed before I climbed in for a massage! *aaaaaaaaahhhhhh*
2. It being Friday makes me wanna dance!
3. Splitting a few appetizers between friends sounds like a great time!
4. Anyone from Life Is Good (MJ, Chloe, Shanna?, Mary, Diana, everyone!) is someone I'd like to get to know better.
5. The smell of fresh rain reminds me so much of springtime!
6. I fell asleep and that made it all better. (I'm exhausted right now...!)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my mom getting here (haven't seen her since Christmas!) and going with her to pick up my dad at the wee-hours of the morning (tonight), tomorrow my plans include hanging out with the 'rents until they tend to their own festivities....and then heading to a 4 year olds Birthday Party at Chuck E Cheese and Sunday, I want to relax the morning away with my sweet wife and then Sunday afternoon will be filled with more family-ness of Kauleen's side and meeting of the Mother who is here from Oklahoma and enjoying some more fun times with the nieces and nephew!!

and then......Monday is here again......but I only have one week then I'm on vacation..........and *I* need it.

Top Ten Things I've Done That You (Probably) Haven't

Broke my wrist by getting it caught in a guys t-shirt in Jr. High (while running in P.E.).

Worked at a Special Needs camp (Camp Horizon) for 4 years - camp nickname = Giggles :) Lots of memories and stories!

Sat in a wheelchair that belonged to someone else while said party was using the bathroom - only to find out when she was done - that she hadn't made it to the bathroom on time. We had a good laugh and I learned my lesson!

Cracked a note in band class everyday for many months on a solo my teacher wanted me to play on the Baritone. I came in early to practice specifically with him, and practiced a lot at home. I always cracked it. On the day of the concert (and I remember it vividly) it was time to play the song and I just played it like no one in band had ever heard. The conductor jumped on his podium and was like YEAH! THAT'S IT!! :) I never cracked one note............it was worth it.

Attended a very small Bible College in Augusta Montana (Montana Wildnerness School of the Bible) in 2001 - with 55 other students. The staff lives on campus and it is very family oriented. Forever life changing.

Hiked Mount Constitution at 2409 feet on Orcas Island. (Funny story....we were checking into a hotel and had planned on hiking and/or doing something the next day. K suggested going up the mountain (Driving) and I said "Let's hike it!" She was like.....ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" well, nonetheless, the next morning we got up - and hiked it! It was stinkin' cold at the top.......but here is a picture to prove it!

Hiked to a manned fire post in Mazama, Washington (Goat's Peak). It was 100 degrees in town but only 65 degrees at the top. We were blessed to meet Lightening Bill and Blaze!

Animated Christmas Light Display of over 4,000 lights dancing to music. A spectacular show (and going to be even better this year!)

Bought a special piece of property in Grand Coulee that contains a double wide mobile home attached to concrete foundations in 2 pieces right up the hill from my parents. (and yes, I think most property in Grand Coulee is special!) :)

Had a very special commitment ceremony on September 6, 2003 (as stated differently in another post and so sweetly corrected by my sweet wife!)

Quick!

I haven't posted all week.......... :) I'm still here and thinking/reading all YOUR blogs!

Work has been making us work different hours (OT) putting me on a totally different schedule and *I* haven't been the one working the OT! Nonetheless, I've been extremely exhausted latley.......in the mornings and at night. *shrug*

We made a trip to Trader Joe's last night and got some of their oatmeal (the best!) Maple and brown sugar and apple cinnamon! mmmmmmmmm

Secondly, I won 5 pairs of pants from New York & Co for work off of ebay..... $44.00 total with shipping. They are all Talls and NWT or NWOT. (These pants usually cost $39.50 full price!) YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Mom and dad are headed into town this weekend.....we'll enjoy seeing them since we haven't seen them since Christmas!

AND......

Kauleen's Mom and her husband will be here from Oklahoma this week.......I get to finally meet her mom after 6 years of being together! :) ...

and.....

Mark, Kauleen's brother is getting married in June 2009. We'll be making a trek to Oklahoma :)

Love to you all!
Randi

Too Much - Out Of Sorts

Today I've been a bit out of sorts.........may have been my exercising that I'm starting to do and did a little to much this morning? or could it be that we've had nothing but emotionally draining/exciting/exhausting stress for the past few months? and/or that work has been overly exhausting, busy and we're trying to implement a new incentive program (starting April 1) with people gone? (oh and that this new incentive program will cut our pay in probably 1/4 of what it was?) UGH.

WITH THAT ALL SAID.............

I'm very thankful for Erin and her willingness to share her books, diaper covers, and goods with me for a future baby :)

I'm very thankful for my Mom and her patience in *helping* me fill out massive amounts of paperwork on family history.

I'm very thankful for Kauleen and the sweet note she wrote me on the computer this morning - after - a really silly not so fun morning :o(

I'm very thankful for the call we got last week from Bellingham IVF, the opportunity that is rising from it......not yet set in stone...... we will not be trying in April but looks as if we may be able to do Invitro (IVF) in May........we're working out a lot of the details (and trying to work around the Life Is Good conference - where I won't be needing to take care of my embroys!) So......that's been a bit of a stresser too.........wanting to do it all.........but how to work it all in. UGH.

We need a vacation............and it is coming soon.

Love to you all.
Randi

Friday Fill-In

1. Some relationships are meant to be between cat and human.
2. Michelle and Gemma is the last concert I saw at NCN; it was fantastic!
3. Spring should be a heckuva lot warmer than it is now!
4.Oh no! I forgot to feed the cat!
5. I've recently started filling out lots of paperwork for a very awesome decision Kauleen and I have made.
6. Babies and cats never fail to make me smile.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to work ending today (it's been a crazy week!) , tomorrow my plans include going to Bothell to baby sit the twins and to celebrate K's neices 5th BIRTHDAY and Sunday, I want to fill out Jenae's baby shower invitations, finish my paperwork, read Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth, and relax!!

Thursday Thirteen

THIRTEEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT SPRING and I couldn't quite make it to 13........but you get the idea. I'm exhausted! GOOD NIGHT!

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If You Were Asked...

What is your ultimate goal or ambition in life - what would you say?

Short and Sweet

I'm exhausted tonight. Today was the hardest of the past 2 days......and not having started my period *and* still having symptoms of possibly *being* pregnant - just keeps one's hopes up a smidge. (It took 4 days for me to start last time........)

After much discussion today.......and throughout the night...... we'll continue onward and upward with doing the same medicated cycle next month. We both *feel* as if this cycle went as planned and went *very* well. We have vacation planned during this cycle too........which will help with the stress level. :)

I'm off to bed...........
XOXOXO!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Today my sister turned 29 - the age she says she will forever stay. :)

Hope it was wonderful!

Love you!!

Negative, Negative and Positively Negative

The blood test came back negative today. BIG BUMMER. My counts were slightly "elevated" but not enough to count as a pregnancy.

We'll start trying again this month as soon as my period arrives........within the next 1-4 days probably.

It wouldn't be so hard to grasp if we didn't have to pay so much to have it. EVEN wanting it as bad as we do - it is the money that hangs us up.

I really want to do Invitro.....just can't seem to cough up the $10,000 - knowing in the end it could be a negative. ugh.

Thank you for all your support. I'm taking it pretty well (much better than the last) but that probably helped having 2 negative pregnancy tests. I NOW KNOW........to trust what they tell me.

Love you all.
Randi

For Ronnie

(because I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to post this comment on your blog - you get a special post on OUR blog!)

Easter Happenings

We went to my Aunt and Uncles in Baker Lake today to celebrate Easter. My cousins and all their kids were there and we sure had a fun time!

We came home and I fell asleep in the chair while Kauleen went out and about running errands. It was all I could do not to just cry ..... I was exhausted.

I'm very anxious for the blood test tomorrow. I'm still have bouts of queasiness, bouts of going to the bathroom often, and very itchy nipples. :)

If this doesn't take......we'll keep trying. It is exhausting.

There is an option of spending $30,000 and they guarantee a live birth or you get your money back........but $30,000! YOWCH! (and that doesn't include everything in those procedures).

Hope you all had a Happy Easter.
Randi

Kauleen's Personality Painting

Click here to create your own painting.

Damn It!

We tested this morning and it was negative..............

I still *feel* pregnant......I'll have the blood test tomorrow and until it comes back negative still have a slight little hope.

I hate this news..........its devestating. ugh.

Randi

Personality Painting

Click here to create your own painting.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I must have posted about this book already once......but was worth re-posting about. This book has changed my life. I haven't done anything of the sort to *change* it yet - but has allowed me to look deeper and realize my many quirks, etc. make up WHO I am.

If you haven't read it - and are interested in understand yourself a bit more - read it.

I loved it. Most others will too. AND if you have read it - leave me a comment on your thoughts :)

Randi

P.S. I'm sitting here tonight feeling queasy...........sure hope it is a sign..........

UGH!

Tomorrow can not get here fast enough......................

I'm making myself crazy.............


Randi

A-B-C Meme (tagged by Awesome Ronnie!)

A-Available - to hang out? SURE AM!

B-Best friend - Kauleen....my cat Rosa follows a close 2nd :)

C-Cake or Pie? - PIE! (with no palm oil, please!)

D-Drink of choice: I love Frappachino's.......(don't get them because of lactose intolerance......but man they are yummy!)

E-Essential - my sweats and a sweatshirt!

F-Favorite color - white - yes, I love it. (or the absence of it!?)

G-Gummi bears or worms: Gummi worms

H-Hometown: Mt. Vernon (but lived in Wenatchee - and *loved* it. I'd move there in a heartbeat!)

I-Indulgence: Cadberry Mini Eggs and/or ICE CREAM! :) (see D above)

J-January or February: Either one, especially if it snows!

K-Kids and names: Right now they are Harry and Hermione :)

L-Life: is grand! :)

M-Marriage date: September 9, 2001 (I believe)! 5 years this year....

N-Number of siblings: 1 sister - Ryan :)

O-Oranges or apples: I don't really like either.........I prefer oranges - they don't like me all that much though.....

P-Phobias: being scared by people - I hate it.

Q-Quote: "I wish I was a glow worm, a glow worm is never glum, for how can you be unhappy when the sun shines out your bum" author unknown

R-Reason to smile - Cats snoring next to me ;)

S-Season: Summer and Spring

T-Tag - you're it!

U-Unknown fact about me: I cannot look "up" a lot of times. I have an issue with dizzyness/vertigo and looking up causes my head to spin and the ground beneath me to feel as if it is falling. I've had it nearly all my life.

V-Vegetable you don't like: Canned corn and I'm sure lots of other things. :)

X-X-rays you have had: Kidney stones, back, teeth :)

Y-Your favorite food: Mom's famous pork roast and canned baby taters MMMMM

Z-Zodiac: Gemini (along with everyone else from LIG!)

Friday Fill-In (a day late)

1. Thinking I'm pregnant is so exciting!
2. Strawberry fields make my mouth water!
3. Chocolate mini-eggs sound like they would taste delicious! (and are!)
4. Why do comments on my blog make me feel so good?!
5. The birth of my baby is something I've always wanted to see.
6. It's sad, very sad when you get a negative pregnancy test.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to vegging, tomorrow my plans include Adult Easter Egg Hunt and hanging out as K's gone for the day with a friend to Seattle to watch Mama Mia and Sunday, I want to CELEBRATE a positive pregnancy test and enjoy a special celebration of Easter with my aunt and family - and Monday Kauleen and I will have a special celebration after my blood test!!

Down Time

I finally have a bit of down time to write something substantial :)

I went to my acupuncture appointment last night and as he was feeling my pulse (and talking to me about when I was inseminated) I asked him if there was a way for him to tell me I was pregnant. :) He checked my other pulse (right hand) and said "the sounds of it to me would mean your pregnant!" :) So, we'll see......I immediately came home and looked it up online and I've heard of people being told they were pregnant by acupuncturists! :)

I got out of bed this morning and felt a bit queasy...... and have felt a bit off kilter all day today.

Lots of not so good stuff/changes going on at work :o( K and I are just seeing what becomes of it.........and we'll make decisions as needed.

We're looking into what is called "Recasting". It is like $300.00 and what you do, is you pay a chunk of money down on your principal and then they re-amortize your loan from the date you recast. K's sister Laurie is thinking of doing it - and it would knock their payment down $400 a month! We're contemplating doing it if we rent our house out..........(which isn't necessarily anytime soon.............but if we're prego........ we'll seee) Call you lender if your interested.............its a lot cheaper than a refinance if you have the money to put down!

I'm pretty tired so I'm going to wrap it up.

Anyone who is interested - there is an ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT at SKAGIT VALLEY GARDENS on SATURDAY at 1pm :) I'll be there. :)

Randi

Have I Told You Latley?

I HOPE I AM PREGNANT?!?!

Quick Post

I'm here still :)

Shots are still as painful as ever..........and I'm getting closer :) I'm now on the path of thinking about it daily - and asking "Am I pregnant!?". We're sure hoping so.

I'll write more later.
Randi

Pink Blog

Ok for those who saw my pink blog - and thought it was because I wanted a girl - WRONG!!! :) I thought it was spring like and so I changed it.

Thinking about it - I didn't want to jinx myself.....so I'm back to my neutral colors but a bit of a different layout. I'll stay with this template awhile.

Not too much going on just working, eating and sleeping. I've been battling allergies...... :o/ I've been tested for them and no doctor can tell me what *type* of allergies I have - but massive drainage and yucky goo. ugh. So, Clariton (safe in pregnancy - THANK GOODNESS!) has been my best friend.

I tried acupuncture last night.....it didn't hurt and wasn't too bad. We'll try a few more sessions.....and see how it goes. He says after a few sessions I should feel like "floating out!" :)

Kauleen had a grand idea that we'd try to do decaffeinated coffee (best for baby and mom). I struggled for days with no energy, migraines, etc.......I kept saying for the ONE CUP of coffee I have each morning (and I'm lucky if I drink the full cup) I *need* my caffeine. So, we broke down this morning and got mocha's.......oh my gosh I feel like a different person. VERY sad that I'm so addicted to my one cup.........but I NEED IT!

I'm feeling much better after the 2 days of major cramping. THAT WAS AWFUL!! It is a sign of nothing I've ever had before.........and I'm feeling very positive towards this.......really am. I've had different things/signs.........I guess I just have a *feeling*. *shrug* we'll see..........I get to test in a few weeks. :)

Love to you all and THANK YOU for all that are hoping, praying, lighting candles and sending all energy our way.

P.S. If you comment - please post your name. I'm being baffled by some of the comments from people but don't know where they came from :) They are lovely thoughts for us (am so blessed for that) but would love to show appreciation to you individually sometimes too :)

Insemination

The insemination is done :) and there was a beautiful rainbow over our house tonight :)

I had major cramping today - left work at 2:30pm........came home put my rice pack in the microwave and slept and you know how when you puke - sometimes your stomache hurts? That is exactly what my lower stomache feels like - someone has taken it out, stomped on it - and put it back in. I walk horribly funny..............but oh well. All I can take is tylenol.

This is *totally* different than something I have ever experienced.............and I believe is what childbirth will be like. :) If so, I can handle it.................with lots of support :)

I'll post more soon.
Randi

Grow Eggs Grow

I got the HCG shot last night/this morning at 12:00am :) I'll be inseminated on Monday at 12:00pm.....

My body is exactly where it needs to be to conceive.

Any prayers, thoughts and good wishes towards a positive pregnancy is greatly appreciated.

Randi and Kauleen

Today's Doctors Visit

I went to Bellingham today for an "egg" check up and I'm cooking up 3 good eggs! We'll continue with the medicine I'm on now - and on Sunday will give me a shot of HCG and Monday will be the insemination.

I am getting very excited and I'm being positive that this one is going to take.

I'll post more tomorrow night with more "in-depths" of some stuff - but for now - that it.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Fill-In (I need the code!)

1. Ahhhh, it's so nice to be home from work, have yummy blueberries in the fridge to snack on, have 2 more days ahead of me to relax and enjoy!

2. One of my favorite things on my desk is my ergonomic keyboard! I love it!

3. Japanese Cherry Blossom tea is yummy!.

4. In my chair with the heating pad on is my favorite place to sit and read.

5. Blueberries and waffles are delicious!

6. I love to watch nothing in movies - I don't watch them and when I do try to watch them, I sleep through them.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading my book and blogging, tomorrow my plans include going to Bellingham and then hanging out with Kauleen and Sunday, I want to get an HCG shot, hang out with Kauleen and read my book!!

Relaxin' Days

Kauleen and I have had the past 3 days off - and it has been so nice. We've both still been trying to get to feeling 100% better from the icky cold we both had!

We picked up Mark (her brother) and Margaret that flew in from Oklahoma on Friday night so we picked them up in Bothell at K's sisters :) we enjoyed a nice visit with the whole family (Gerry - dad, Laurie - sister, Mark - brother, Carlo - brother in law, Amelia - 4 (almost 5- march 28th) niece, Malaney - 2 - niece, Baby Maggie - almost 1 :o) and Baby Carlo! It was very enjoyable.......

Saturday Mark and Margaret did some hanging out with Dad and Kauleen and I had no energy....(which you will see is a pattern!) so we hung out here at home and took a nap, and chilled.

Sunday we went back to Bothell for Kauleen's BIG 4-0 Birthday Bash with the family. Laurie's Gma and little sister from Oklahoma had also flown in on Saturday with Jynna's new baby Keegan - so literally - it was a family reunion! I got to meet family I hadn't met and am looking forward to meeting MOM the first week in April when she flies out from Oklahoma!

Monday - Mark and Margaret had dinner plans and spent the afternoon again with Dad. I was going a bit stir crazy and I believe K was too - but guess what? We didn't do anything!! We just hung out, read, and chilled out.

Tuesday (the BIRTH-day!) Mark and Margaret went to Seattle and I had a massage at 10:00am. I got a massage a few weeks back - but sometimes if I haven't gone for awhile I need to go a few times close by because the knots just do not get worked out the first time. I had a cold the previous time I went and felt miserable upon my return. After this massage, I felt wonderful............relaxed and pain-free! It was one of my *best* massages. Danniell Naumann - Synergy Salon - she rocks. :) We didn't do anything spectacular this day either..........had no energy - just hung out.

The past few days were amazingly awesome in the fact that Kauleen and I both were just content staying home and doing nothing..........

Wednesday (Today) we woke up early to take Mark and Margaret back to the airport - traffic sucked. We left at 8am and got to the airport at about 9:45! We then drove back home and had an appointment in Bellingham - so did that - and after a day of driving - got home at 2pm! We got us some ice cream ;o) (a very special treat for Randi being lactose intolerant) and then a nap! Now we are doing laundry, I'm blogging, listening to tunes........and gonna get ready for the work day tomorrow.

BABY STUFF

We finally got all of our correct paperwork into NW Cryobank and as of tomorrow the boys should be at the clinic! :) Our #1 was still in quarantine so we had to choose #2 - which was fine :) and here's how Kauleen describes him:

We hope that his magical powers will snatch my snitch.

Black hair, green eyes - and here is his link: (#434)

http://www.nwcryobank.com/donor_details.asp?ID=256

I start taking Butrelle shots tomorrow (in the stomach) and have another doctors appointment on Friday - and the doctor was talking today about Sunday and/or Monday being the insemination point! :o) I had 4 eggs today......we'll see how many we have on Friday.

We're really hoping this is the last try............financially and emotionally.

I've been out of sorts lately - could be all the company and such. Am looking into maybe trying a few different options.........maybe even acupuncture.

I've been told to eat lots of good fat for the baby - so avocado's are filling my fridge. AND if you haven't been to COSTCO to get their FRESH BLUEBERRIES - you MUST! We eat frozen blueberries on cereal every morning - but these fresh blueberries are to DIE for. (speaking of which - our Costco is open until 8:30pm so I will be making a special run tonight there for a special baby treat!) :)

2 last pieces of information:

1) I am not a huge reader. I tend to play on the computer and enjoy that time rather than reading. I don't watch TV all that much either (usually sleep!) but I checked out a book from the library after having seen that my cousin (MJ - thanks!) was reading it - Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is rocking my world. I am understanding every aspect of her life and her being..........and I'm hoping it inspires me (which it has done) to better myself and do *what* Randi needs.

2) Life Is Good - I cannot wait for this conference to get here. I'm looking forward to the door decorating, the talent show, the UNChoir (which I plan on partaking in), hoping there will be someone there who does DRUMS? (I'm thinking congo?), meeting and hanging out with fun, crazy, wild people and then am looking even more forward to the week after traveling down the coast with the love of my life :) with a baby on board ;o)

LIFE is good.
Randi

Happy B-I-G 40 Kauleen!

Donor Information

I thought it would be fun for me to post our choices of donor(s) for those who would like to partake and read their profiles may do so. :) We'll get longer profiles, etc. upon getting pregnant - which of course - will be this time :)

1) http://www.nwcryobank.com/donor_details.asp?ID=260 (#280)
2) http://www.nwcryobank.com/donor_details.asp?ID=256 (#434)
3) http://www.nwcryobank.com/donor_details.asp?ID=257 (#464)
4)http://www.nwcryobank.com/donor_details.asp?ID=286 (#188G)

There are good things to each of these donors with characteristics we wanted and/or didn't want - but they are in order as to how we will order. (We have to choose more than one in case they do not have that donor available). All of the above donors have had a successful pregnancy.

I'm headed to bed!
Randi

Company, Work, etc...

We're off for the next 5 days! YAHOOOOOOO!! :) that calls for celebration. Work has been trying lately.....don't know whether it was that we just needed time off (which it hasn't been all that long ago we had a day off) but some people have been more irritating than others.........(I suppose it probably doesn't help that I've been on my period and now on this drug for baby stuff)....oh well - Others were feeling it also.

We spent most of the night last night in Bothell picking up K's brother Mark and his gfriend Margaret from Oklahoma! :) we sure enjoyed the nieces/nephew and their entertainment. We'll be traveling back down tomorrow for a pre-Birthday bash for K :)

I'll post pictures soon of the decorations at work :) work got her a massage and I got her 40 - $1 scratch tickets to cover her monitor. :) She won $17.

I went b-day shopping today and got no where, oh joy. I hate shopping (especially by myself) let alone going out with things in mind and coming home 2 hours later with NOTHING. oh well - I came home and ordered something online. LOL Should have started there!!

I've known this for a long time......but I'm very sensitive. I think I've learned to toughen up a bit but sometimes I just take things personally - whether they were meant to be taken that way or not. I guess the first step is acknowledging it.

That's it for now..........I'll post more later.
Randi