Christmas Eve

1) Pancho, Ry, (her x-mas present tigger), and Grandpa Frank 2) Cy and Grandpa 3) Cy "opening" his first ever x-mas gift!!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope that you are all having a safe and happy holiday season thus far. We were lucky enough to get to spend some time with my father, his wife and step-son today. They only visited for a little while as they were on their way out of town. I only got a few pictures, but I will share them with you. (i almost didn't think to take out the camera until they were almost ready to leave)


1) Pancho, Me, Ry, Tigger, and Grandpa 2) Bubba, Ry, Cy, and Grandpa

Some late complaining (if you have yet to see the Twilight film, and want to....I would suggest turning back)

This complaining is late...in more ways than one! First of all, yes, I am up at frickin' 3:30am. I don't know why, and I have no way to explain it. I really do wish I was asleep. It is also late in that I watched the Twilight movie just a few days after it first came out. I figure now is a good a time as any to complain.

I didn't really have any expectations for the movie at all since I really disliked the books. (not part of the bandwagon..on either team jacob or edward) I went with my mom (whom had read the books and loved them), Brigette, and her mother (both of whom had yet to read the books). Brigette was basing her decision on whether or not she enjoyed the film...I told her not to hold her breath.

So we get to the theatre, the lights go dim, the collective breath is held. I have got to say that the actress that played the role of Bella was Awful! (yes that deserved a capital A) It was physically painful to watch her do everything....from walking to any facial expression. It really seemed as though she was reading her script aloud for the first time. With the first glimpse of the "preternatural vampires" all I could think was that they looked like someone slapped clown's make-up on them. I couldn't even suppress hearty laughter! My mom all but smacked me. (*I have to take a time out for a crying baby*)

Okay, I have returned, and at the more reasonable hour of 11:00! YEA! On with the rant. For those of you who were not lame enough to read the books, Edward belongs to the Cullen Family. They are a coven of vampires that do not stalk human as their food source. They drink the blood of animals and such. Jasper, the newest addition of that family, is supposed to be struggling with restraint. He is trying not to attack an kill every single student he is enrolled with. In the film his character just looks like he is struggling with the inability to control his bowls. (not a pretty picture, but honest truth)

These vampires are also extremely fast. The special affects to display this quality....blurry, fast moving appendages. Seriously. This was way to cartoon like for my taste. They are also supposed to have prismatic skin while in direct sunlight. Could that effect have looked any more like little girls pretend make-up? Shiny Barbie glitter rubbed on Edward.

I honestly don't know how many times that I laughed during the film. I even think that at one point I was falling asleep. Afterward my mom told me that she was embarrassed to be sitting next to me. Oh well. If I do attend the second movie in the Twilight series, it will be out of my deep love for my mother.

This is courtesy Autumn...again. She rocks!

my first baby

1. Were you married at the time? For almost three years.
2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? I was so happy, but shocked. It was supposed to take some time....oh well!

3. How old were you? 22
4. How did you find out you were pregnant? I was sick for about a week, but didn't think that I could be pregnant yet....haha!
5. Who did you tell first? John was with me....so after that I called my mom, and the rest of my family. Meanwhile John called his family.

6. Did you want to find out the sex? Yes, it is easier to shop when you know. I was itching to start!
7. Due date? September 17, 2007
8. Did you deliver early or late? I was induced 5 days early.
9. Did you have morning sickness? Every day without fail.
10. What did you crave? Chicken Tacos and milk.
11. What irritated you the most? I was still working, so I would have to say being large and doing four 10's for a perfectionist of a surgeon.

12. What was your first child's sex? Girl
13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? 22 lbs.
14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? I developed pre-ecclampsia.
15. Where did you give birth? TMC

16. How many hours were you in labor? I arrived at 10:30-ish, but they didn't start the meds. to induce labor until 2:30. Then @ 6:00 they moved me to a L&D Room, and amp'd up the drugs. She came at 11:22. (roughly 9 hours later)

17. Who drove you to the hospital: John

18. Who watched? John and my mom. (and of course the necessary people) My dad and older brother were outside waiting.
19. Vaginal or c-section? Vaginal
20. Did you take medicine to ease the pain? Who wouldn't. I got the Epidural, and was able to sleep through contractions!
21. How much did your child weigh? 5 lbs 1 oz

22. What did you name him/her? Ryenn Justine
23. How old is your first born today? 15 months
24. Who did you name him/her after?It was a name I always wanted for my daughter. Luckily John liked it too.

25. How many more children do you want to have? 2 depending. If my second pregnancy is as complicated as Ry's was....we may adopt our 3rd. child.

Weekend in the city

1) Ry and John with the Lion 2) Ry handing daddy rocks!

Ry is now officially 15 months old. I can't believe that we have made it this far. I seriously remember being anxious for her to start crawling, then wishing she could walk, then wishing that she would just sit still a minute! Ahhh, time really does fly. Anyhow, we had a well-baby check this weekend. Ry still sees the pediatrician in Tucson. We spent a great weekend visiting with my dad and John's friends. (he still mourns the loss of his friends due to childhood...yeah...he should grow up ;)

1) Me and Ry with the turtle (looks real huh) 2) Ry, Daddy, and the monkeys

My dad lives in Rancho Sahuarita. A huge, shinny subdivision near Tucson. This place is crazy! It has its own water park, multiple play areas, and a really neat place called Safari Trail. It has huge bronze animals from Africa, and a few desert creatures as well. We thought Ry would have a good time checking out the animals, but she would much rather play with the fancy gravel and grass. (oh well) While playing at the park she loved the slide, but she hated the swings.

1) Daddy, Ry, and the elephant 2) A tight fit! 3) Ry on grandpa's Harley

Her appointment went well. She is in good health, and is always very well behaved for the doctor. The nurse administering the shots did a great job! Ryenn didn't even cry, or react, to the first shot. The second and third shot was a different story! She cried hysterically. (which is what we have come to expect.)

1) Momma, Ry, and the gorilla 2) The slide!!!

We also went to the 4th Ave. "Street Fair." It was the first time I had even been. It was awesome. There were vendors selling different things. Plenty of artists, good food, and novelty items. We purchased an awesome mosaic tile turtle, a small guitar for Ry, and a purse/bag hand-made in Nepal. It is gorgeous. I will have to get a picture of it.

Christmas Questions

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Mostly wrapping paper. I am a fanatic!

2. Real tree or artificial? artificial. I hate having to take care of the tree.

3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? The day after New Year's (apparently).

5. Do you like eggnog? I don't think so...It has been a while since I have tried it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? P.J. Sparkles

7. Hardest person to buy for? My brother Pancho

8. Easiest person to buy for? My mom.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Nope

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither....maybe I'll have to change that....next year

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Um...The mani-pedi idea that never came to be!

12. Favorite Christmas movie? How the Grinch Stole Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I don't really have a set time....when the opportunity presents itself.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so?!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? How about....food? I am a big fan of food.

16. Lights on the tree? What isn't on my tree??

17. Favorite Christmas song? Um...the one on the movie Elf....where Jovie is singing in the shower.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home...our first year ever!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Don't think so

20. Angel on the tree top or star? star

21. Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? shopping in the store for regular things....but everyone else in the world is there for their Christmas things.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Ours is currently silver and blue. (according to some trusted friends the blue is hard to see at night. we may need to change our theme next year)

24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Once again.....food!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I'm always game for pajamas and toe socks. (don't care how juvenile that is)

A Picture of our lovely tree, it looks better at night. Trust me!

Family portraits and reunions

Recently we had our family portraits taken. I am happy to report that we have finally received our order. I am so happy with the way they turned out. (not happy about the cost of nine photos...grr) I will post them, but keep in mind that I don't have a scanner, and my current camera does not have the "take picture of picture" setting. Needless to say they will look slightly crappy!




(yes i said there were nine, but my camera isn't up to the awesomeness)


I also have two other family related topics. My sweet little brother-in-law has been on his mission in Argentina for almost two years now. We were so pleased to learn that he has received his flight arrangements to come home. He will be back in the states on April 8th, 2009 at 8:00am! In the time that he has been gone he has missed the birth of two nieces and one nephew, the death of two uncles and two grandparents. (the count maybe up to three grandparents by the time he actually gets here) I hope he will be mostly unchanged. I miss the innocent, boyish, gamer that left us. So the count down to Travis' return begins. 119 days until he is back!

Travis and Conner at Travis' high school graduation

Also, Avery found her way home! She came at 4:00 am, and I could hear her whining outside of our bedroom window. She was filthy, as it was raining, and covered from head to toe with mud and stickers. I gave her a bath, and she is enjoying her time as an inside dog. (for now and only in certain rooms of the house) Still, no sign of Ashe, but I will keep looking. (too bad she is the dumb one!)

Thanksgiving....and lots more

It's been a while. Yes, I know. I will get to the reason for my absence eventually, but first....

Cyrus and Ryenn looking adorable

Thanksgiving Day was fun. We had a lot of food, family and friends. Who could ask for more. John and I held a Thanksgiving Lunch here. Our good friend, Bob, decided that he should teach John how to deep fry the turkey. After all the instructions were given, John was turned loose. I am very pleased that he didn't blow himself up. It resulted in two burnt fingers, and a delicious turkey. Bob and Mariah had a change of plans, and they attended our T-day feast. The rest of my family came, too.

1) Ryenn and Tio Pancho 2) Sunny, Gaspar, and Cyrus 3) Pancho, Me, and Gaspar

My mother, daughter, and I went to visit my grandmother. (i let john off the hook because the dallas cowboys were playing) We missed the hullabaloo at her house. We only stayed for a little over an hour. My grandmother and one aunt were still left cleaning up after what I can only assume was a circus.

John and I went to his family's home for dinner. We had a great time there as well. (and ate more than we should have) The family watched the second half of the cowboys game, thanks to the miracle of DVR. Then I played my first ever game of Clue (thanks brigette). It was funny, but very hard to pay attention to due to all the comings and goings of the children.

1) Me and my handsome hubby John 2) Mariah, Ryenn (sort-of), and Me 3) Ryenn and Bob

Black Thursday came and John, Bob, and Mariah braved the crowds of Wal-Mart. John returned with an X-box 360. The package came with a few games including Guitar Hero and the guitar controller. Needless to say, we have been playing a lot of this in our spare time. I have also gotten quite hooked on a cute game called Harvest Moon: It's a good life. In this game your character inherits a farm. Yes, the entire game is farming, taking care of animals, finding a wife, and other side games. Lame, I know! Rather time consuming. I am also reading books recommended to me by Brigette.

John and Ry

Since then we have also lost our dogs. I am really sad. I hope they come back. We have been in touch with Animal Control, and we have made a lost dog poster.

A Gamer is Born

Ryenn at 6 months eating a wireless controller

John and I really enjoy playing video games. We play different types, but our favorite games are RPG's, or role-playing games. (not those kind mariah, get your mind out of the gutter ;0) We have played games that end up taking over 140 hours of total play time. These games have side missions along with the actual game progression.

I have jokingly taken pictures of Ryenn while she held a controller. Even before she was crawling. I say that she will inherit the gaming gene like her daddy and her uncle Travis. (a very skilled gamer currently on a mission for the lds church in argentina)

Ryenn at 6 months "Just a few more minutes mom, I've almost beat the game!"

Lately she has taken quite a liking to button mashing, and holding the controller while the t.v. is on. It doesn't even matter that it isn't a real video game. If John and I are playing she insists on taking a turn. If we hand her a decoy control, she actually notices if it is inactive (the light on the pad isn't on).

Unfortunately she has picked up on a few of my gaming habits. If I am frustrated with a level or boss that is seemingly unbeatable....I may.....on occasion...throw my controller down in a fit of rage. (it is a rather childish action I know, but totally necessary, believe me)
Ry can't believe that she pulled that off!!

While Ry was sitting in the gaming chair, holding the controller, she starting to act out. She was mumbling her little baby talk, in a rather raised voice. She suddenly started shaking her arms, and the controller. The fit ended with her throwing the controller and pacing about the way that I do! Ooops! I guess I have to start paying attention to my behavior. I knew that was going to happen, I just didn't figure it would be so soon!

Ry getting ready to throw it....watch out below!

Here's lookin' at you kid.

This blog comes by way of my friend Autumn! She tagged me, and I always live up to any challenge!

5 Things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago:

1) Attending SMS as an 8th grader.
2) Denying my deep, burning, pathetic, puppy love for a fellow class-mate to his face when I was outed by a friend. (thanks a lot cheri)
3) Make-believing (along with my bf mariah) that we were marrying WWF wrestlers/members of the Backstreet Boys. (yes as a matter of fact, we were insane)
4) Playing basketball on a carpeted gym! (who does that to children, honestly)
5) Watching the internal battle of a friend who loved a boy that another friend was dating. (drama, drama, drama)

5 Things On Today's To-Do List:

1) Vacuum
2) Sorting of the dreaded laundry
3) Wrap Christmas presents
4) Attend a wickless candle party
5) Go on a date with my husband

5 Treats I Enjoy:

1) Hershey's Chocolate with almonds
2) Resses Peanut Butter Cup ice cream
3) Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper
4) Strawberry Milk
5) Boston Cream Pie

5 Things I Would Do If I Was A Millionaire:

1) Get out of debt (every one's first i am sure)
2) Save my mother from debt (an idea stolen from autum, but no less true)
3) Get my mother a small house of her own
4) Buy a nice house for me
5) Donate money to various children's organizations

5 Places I have Lived:

1) Colorado Springs, CO
2) San Jose, AZ
3) Safford, AZ
4) Tucson, AZ
5) Back to Safford, AZ
(not a glamorous list I know, but I don't really care)

5 Places I have worked:

1) City of Safford: G.R.E.A.T. Program
2) SUSD: Safford High School
3) Allred's Insurance and Cotton Co.
4) Walgreens
5) AZ Skin Cancer Surgery Center

5 People I Tag:

1) Taffy
2) April
3) Melissa
(and let's be honest...I only have two other friends here and autumn sent it to me, and she tagged mariah...so three is all you are going to get!!)

Stuck in Real Life

These last two weeks have been very stressful. I can't help but feel that we, being my small family, are stuck in a horrible rut of a real life flaming-pile-of-steaming poo!!

Ryenn has been sick for two weeks now. She is at the tail end of it, but I am seriously starting to doubt my sanity. She had a cold for the first week. Just as we were in the clear she got the stomach flu! I was worried to death. My daughter does not have any weight to spare! (goodness knows) Yesterday we spent in the E.R. and found out that she is back to weighing 20lbs! That was what she weighed four months ago! (yikes!!)

I knew my poor kiddo was dehydrated. She seriously did not have a wet diaper for almost two days! The thing that made it even more hellish was that she did not act sick. (yes i know that sounds deranged!) When you are complaining to anyone that will listen that your only (and first) child is sick and probably one step away from shock, and she isn't even making so much as a peep!! "Well she is a first time mom." I hate that. I have spent almost every minute of everyday with Ryenn since birth. I know when she is not feeling well.

Thankfully we took her to the E.R. and we were seen by a competent physician. (yes, in safford..i am as shocked as you are) They did not give her I.V. fluids immediately. They actually assessed her, and decided that since she was thirsty (but unable to retain anything) she could take a pill that would help with nausea. This wonder drug is safe to use for nursing and pregnant women, as well as babies as young as 1 month with almost no side effects. We said, "Bring on the miracle!!" Within 3 hours Ryenn was able to, not only drink her fill, but keep it down as well. She even had a wet diaper!

So, we are on the mend. Hopefully our family will get some sleep, and we will have fun things to report next time. Good luck to those who are going to be the next recipients of the stomach flu!

**PS: For those other moms out there, I saw that the Infants' Mylicon Gas Relief Dye Free (simethicone-antigas) non-staining drops sold in one-ounce plastic bottles with the lot numbers SMF007 or SMF008 was recalled. It is suspected that the drops may contain metal in them. If you use them please be careful!! (info found on babycenter.com)

Date Night

Cyrus keeping his head warm

Ryenn takes up a great deal of our time. (yes, i realize that she is supposed to) When you become a parent more is taken from you than sleep. You realize that you can't really have a pleasant evening out. You have become the table with the screaming child, the messy floor, and the random flying objects. All the people at the restaurant are gawking at you now!!

Ryenn and Tigger hanging out

Needless to say, John and I need a break every now and then. Fortunately Grandma Lisa comes to the rescue! She has not yet seen the evils of little precious baby Ryenn. (the rose colored glasses are reinforced by super glue) On Friday nights, my wonderful mother brings her belongings and sleeps over at our house. She babysits while John and I go on a date. Then she plays mommy during the night so that we can actually sleep!

Picture of Cyrus for your amusement

She deserves some type of monument erected for her. Ryenn is a challenge. She falls into fits of hysterics if anyone but mommy tries to put her to sleep. It is seriously ridiculous! This week she has been battling a cold, so she has been even more difficult than usual. She even decided that it was time to wake up from 5:00am-6:30am to watch t.v. (and she hadn't fallen asleep until after midnight! I love my mom and we need to buy her something pretty. (because that could have been me!!)

Seriously!!!??!?!?

SERIOUSLY

I am disappointed...."Seriously!" I am a huge fan of Grey's Anatomy. I own all of the series DVDs that are currently available. I watch them frequently. During the episodes I find that I am chewing off my nails in suspense.

Now, I am just sitting in total shock and disbelief. The most recent episode, it was rumored, was to be the last night for one of the characters. (i automatically assumed izzy stevens because of when she dissed the writers) I was worried, because I have become attached to the characters, and I am still lamenting the loss of Dr. Burke who was a strong character. (although i certainly don't condone what he did or said that was the cause of his removal) Lo and behold, ABC fired Brooke Smith. She played the character Dr. Hahn, and oh yeah she just happens to be one of the two lesbian characters on the show!

Despite the fact that Shonda Rhimes denies that it isn't the sexual preference of the character that removed her from the show, I have a sinking feeling. I mean what else could it have been. I am ashamed of the narrow-mindedness of America. Yes, it is true that Disney is ABC's parent company, but seriously! Grow up people!!!! Part of being an American is having choices, and being a member of this great melting pot of a country!!! So, we want to keep it out of schools, fine. Still, I choose to watch what I do. If something doesn't appeal to you....don't watch it, don't let your children watch it, but do not complain about it. A single person (or a large group for that matter) does not have the right to decide that the country is not ready for a gay or lesbian couple. Look at the terrific success of Will and Grace for goodness sakes!!

If this really is not the reason that Brooke Smith was fired, than great! The fact of the matter is that she herself was stunned and was quoted as saying:

"I was so naive. I'm like, 'It's 2008,' " Smith said about believing that ABC would have followed through and not shied away from the lesbian story line. "But I'm starting to realize that not everyone feels the way I do."

In an interview with Brook (in which the pointedly asked “What the hell happened?!”) she said, “I was very excited when they told me that Erica and Callie were going to have this relationship. And I really hoped we were going to show what happens when two women fall in love and that they were going to treat it like any heterosexual couple on TV. And so I was surprised and disappointed when they just suddenly told me that they couldn't write for my character anymore.” (The Advocate.com)

I guess if you are the next Head of Cardiothoracic sugery at Seattle Grace Hospital watch your back!!!

Savvy Shopper

Among the very few girlie qualities I have.....shopping may be right up there. I don't really like to walk for hours in a mall, nor do I enjoy trying dozens of outfits on. Still, if I have a specific item in mind I can go nuts!

I spent way too much money when I made the invitations and thank you cards for Ryenn's birthday. I was worse than a kid in a candy store. I bought the blank cards, the embellishments, the ribbons....I had to force myself to leave the store! I am seriously contemplating making the Christmas cards this year. (the small little scrapbooking store here in safford will love me by the end of that shopping day)

I am, however, pleased to report that I recently hit up the Old Navy $10 sale. It was fabulous! First of all, I love ON! They sale jeans for us curvy girls. Here is the shocker....they actually are shaped with a curve!!! I have the worst time finding jeans that fit me around the waist, and make it over the huge humps that are my hips and bottom!!! AGGGGH! Sometimes I just want to cry! Thankfully ON has successfully made the Curvy jean. So, I bought shirts and jeans and only spent around $100! (even for john and ryenn) Lovely little Christmas presents I should say!

Let's not even get started on the wrapping of Christmas presents! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!!!

Into the Thick of It

Everyone is caught up in it. The Election. All I can say is that I am so glad that it is all over. It is always unclear how these things will turn out, but all you can do is hope for the best. I found it strange that people were worried no matter what the outcome.

Did you vote for McCain and silently hope that he wouldn't dig a deeper hole than Bush? That the routine and the unchanging would be as it has? Did you take the plunge and hope that Obama will be the catalyst that America needs?

However you voted....it matters not to me. All I can say is that I hope things change, and for the better. I hope that people have open hearts and minds. I sincerely hope that people aren't as nearsighted as to have voted against others chance for happiness. I wish Obama luck. (he is going to need it)

Birthday Bash...well sort of

We attended Vicki's 9th birthday party yesterday. It was at the Thatcher park. It was a nice day. (a bit too warm for the 1st of november)

Vicki, Liz, and Kaylee

It was a very small, family event. Sadly only one of Vicki's friends from school came. The kids had a good time. Kaylee almost put the birthday girl in the hospital after she was pointed in the wrong direction (opposite the pinata).

1) Lilliann enjoying the party 2) Grandma Ida, Lilliann, and Ryenn 3) Noah, oblivious to it all 4) Conner beating the pinata

The Nunley Halloween

We had an incredibly awesome Halloween. We began the night by going to a birthday party for my cousin's daughter. It was a dress up party (of course). Little kid parties are always such fun because of the energy. Ryenn looked especially precious in her costume. (like i ever doubted it)

1) Ryenn (the bee) and Lorena (Snow White) 2) Ryenn and Grandma Lisa 3) Ryenn and Titan (the skunk) 4) John (Harry Potter) and Ryenn 5) Me (Hogwarts School Girl) and Ryenn

Then we made the journey out to visit the in-laws. Ryenn put on quite the show. She is such a ham. There we took pictures of Ryenn with Lilliann and Vivian. Ida certainly has her hands full with those two.

1) Lilliann (the octopuss) and Ryenn 2) Lilliann, Vivian (the princess), and Ryenn

After that we went to a party hosted by John's boss....(or really, the boss' fiance). It was a wonderful party. There was great food and lots of people. Julie is very creative and her house looked spectacular. Costumes were mandatory and children were invited as well. So Ryenn had a blast!

1) Kaylee (Princess Leia) and Conner (Jango Fett) 2) Ron (Darth Vader) and John 3) Ron and Brigette (The Jedi)