About me :)

Just wanted to let everyone know how I am doing. I'm 16 weeks along and still feeling great. I'm not as tired as I use to be. I'm glad about that b/c I can now get things done around the house. I did have some troubles with my crohn's disease, so I had to take few days off from work and rest. I'm doing better now, but the doctor is a little worried because I'm still very tender where the colon and small intestine met. Pretty much this means I'm still have a flare up. Now I'm on a soft foods diet only. The doctor says the baby is not under any stress, but I'm still little concern. Besides the drama with my crohn's I'm doing fine. I no longer can fit into my own pants :). I do have a little baby bump. Mark calls is baby Jackson, because he is so sure its a boy. My gut says its a boy, but you never know.

What a busy month....

My dad and Nancy came up the first weekend and Mark's Mom and Dad came up last weekend. We had such a great time with our parents. We went baby shopping, didn't buy anything b/c Mark wants to wait until we find out what we are having before we buy anything. We took Mark's parents to Green Bay to see the Packer stadium, no we are not packer fans. I still love the Indy Colts!!!! Mark sister and brother-in-law comw up next weekend. We can't wait to see them.

Doctor's Appointment Update

On Friday 9/28 Mark and I went to the doctor's office for our monthly visit and everything is going great. I have gained 4 pounds, we heard the baby's heart beat and my protein levels are just fine. Doctor was a lot nicer and friendlier. I'm thinking she was having a bad day the first visit. I'm not tired as much as I was at first and I really do not have any cravings. As of right now everything is just perfect.

My biggest pet peeve

Last night I was driving home from work and there was road construction. Wisconsin seems not to understand on how to communicate that there will be road construction head. Wisconsin gives you 1 mile warning that the lane ends and you shall merge.

Now everyone is trying to merge into the other lane and the other lane is driving 90 miles per hour you can't merge and people aren't paying attention and everyone starts slamming on their brakes. You know what I am talking about! Its frustrating!

I'm not sure why its a hard concept on how to communicate, but it seems to be every one's weakest characteristic. I believe the solution to this is 1. put up more notices before the road construction, 2. be nice to people and let them in, 3. PAY ATTENTION!

Here is my advice

Communicate what you mean, leave the fluff stuff out and the world we go around smoother!

I'll now get down from my soap box!! :)

Grass

Today I came home from work and to my surprise we now have a lawn!!!! I know its not that exciting, but when you have to deal with dirt, weeds, dust and ugliness for 6 months this excites you! Grass really makes a different on how your house looks. I never really noticed, maybe because I have never not had grass, but grass just makes the house!!! The landscapers even put in my edging so I have a nice area that is laid out to start planting flowers and shrubs. I'm happy that I can start to plant flowers! I couldn't or I should say didn't plant any flowers this summer, because I wanted the lawn in before I did that.

We have grass and I am so happpppyyyyy!

Update

Just wanted to let everyone know that I still feel great, except I'm hungry a lot and I get tired easier. We had to change our next doctor's appointment because I forgot I had a training class Friday September 14th. Our new appointment is now September 28th.

This week I went to church on Wednesday because Mark and I have joined a program called Dinner for Six. What this is, is 3 couples get together once a month for dinner and fellowship. You are with the other couples for 3 months then we rotate the groups so we meet other couples. We either go out to dinner or go to some one's house for dinner. Mark and I are really excited to meet other couples and make new friends.

Besides that its the usual around here.

Take care :)

Doctor's Appointment

Thursday Aug. 23rd we went to our first doctor appointment. We are 8 weeks along and the due date is 3/31. We got pictures from the ultrasound and heard the baby's heart beat. Doctor says everything looks good. Our next appointment is September 14th.

I'm a little more excited now that we have gone to the doctors. I still do not have any sickness and I feel great, except I get tired easily.

Sorry it took so long to post, but Thusrday when I got home from the doctor's I tried to post, but the computer was not working. Then we left for the Bristol Race Thursday afternoon. Mark and I just got home today.

Talk soon!

things come to you when you least except...

Today when I got home from work I checked my yahoo email and I received and email from an old friend. It was my friend Lizzie that I went to college with at Purdue North Central. I haven't talked to her in over 2 years. We lost contact after college. I thought about her and her family through out the years, but for some reason never looked for her. We had great times together. We were study buddies, lunch buddies, and great friends. She was the one friend that went through the whole Crohn's disease maddens with me.I sit here and wonder why I let a great friendship slip away. I can't change the past, but I surely can control the future of our friendship. I'm so happy that she contact me and can't wait to receive her next email.

Exciting News

Just wanted to let everyone know that Mark and I are expecting an addition to the family, yes we are pregnant. The emotions of knowing that we will be responsible of a child is a little overwhelming. When we first found out I was very upset and mad; mad that I would never be able to go to Cancun again, that life in this house is no longer about us and what if we can't take the stress or I'm like my own mother and just walk out. How am I suppose to know how to take care of a baby. They do not come with instructions. We have known for 4 weeks and the emotions are starting to calm down and I'm not as stressed, I'm still scared and mad at myself for not be really excited. I'm excited, but like some people get. You see them all smiles and glad and I'm not like that. I sure hope I get to that point. I think my dad is more excited than I am at this point.

We go to the doctor Aug. 23rd and I'll provide an update. It will be our first appointment, I'm hope going to the doctor's will make me even more excited.

Talk soon!

Promotion

Not sure I told everyone, but I received a promotion and I start training for my new position in 2 weeks. I'm very excited b/c I'm not on call 24/7 :) I'll be doing more strategic planning and long term projects. I can't wait to start.

Our Bike Ride

A few weeks ago Mark and I went on a bike ride like we normally do. Here are a few pictures of us on our bike ride. We are on a bike trail in Neenah, WI. The bike trail goes over Lake Butte Des Morte. The trail/bridge was used by the Northwest Railway Train and the Town of Neenah redid it so people can walk or ride their bikes on it. There is even a Lock and Dam system at the end of the bridge. It was a very neat trail and a lot of fun.

Our Weekend Gateway

Mark and I at the State Park over looking Green Bay.
Mark and I at Julie's Cafe food was GREAT!!

Me eating Cotton Candy at the Festival while we waited for the fireworks to start. Never to old for Cotton Candy!!




Mark at Bailey's Harbor. Bailey's harbor is on the Lake Michigan side. It was very windy on this side of the peninsula.




Last weekend Mark took me to Door County, WI. Its about 1.5 hours away from our house. It was a very beautiful drive and we had a wonderful weekend. Mark took me to Door County because I have been very stressed out at work, to the point I was work about 12 to 14 hour a day. I told him that I just wanted to get away from it all. That is exactly what we did. I had no cell phone, laptop or KC calling me. It was so relaxing.





Door County is the peninsula or the thumb of Wisconsin. It took about 2 hours to drive around the whole peninsula. One side is on the bay of Green Bay the the other side is on Lake Michigan. It is beautiful!! Our favorite town is Fish Creek and has all types of little shops, B&B's and State Parks. It defiantly a place everyone should see sometime in their life. You can go to the Northern tip at Gills Rock and take a ferry to Washington Island. We didn't do it but we did see the ferry boat unloading and loading cars, and semi-trucks and people. Next time we are going to take the ferry to Washington Island.




Here is the link to Door County http://www.doorcounty.com/

Happy 4th of July

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July. Also want to say Thank-you to all the service men and women who are fighting in Iraq to keep me and this country safe.

Have a fun and safe 4th of July.

Long time

Sorry that I haven't blogged in a while. I have been supper busy. I've spent two weekends with my family in Indiana, then I traveled for a whole week for work. I'm back now :)

Nature

About 2 weeks ago Mark and I bought a bird feeder for our backyard. We knew it would take a while for the birds to find the bird feeder, however this past week the birds found the feeder. This morning I was sitting at our dinning room table drinking my coffee and watching the birds. Here are a few pictures of the birds I caught enjoying the food. I'm not sure what type of birds these are, but they are very pretty, so I thought I would share these pitures with everyone. Oh the cats go crazy watching them. :)

Church Pot Luck

The church pot luck went very well. It was very nice and fun. The fellowship was great. Just to let everyone know I ended up taking swedish meatballs and they turned put very well. I got the recipe off the internet. My meat balls were a succes we only brought home 8 meatballs. There was so much food that I over ate like always . Next time I'll try my aunts meat ball recipe.

My name means...

I believe this is pretty true about me.

You entered: Elizabeth Kay Lawson
There are 18 letters in your name.Those 18 letters total to 74There are 7 vowels and 11 consonants in your name.
What your first name means:
Shakespearean
Female
'King Richard III' Elizabeth, Queen to King Edward IV.
Hebrew
Female
My God is bountiful;God of plenty. Elizabeth was mother of John the Baptist in the bible. In England Queen Elizabeth I and II.One of the most frequently used names in England.
Greek
Female
From the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning either oath of God, or God is satisfaction. Famous bearer: Old Testament Elizabeth was mother of John the Baptist and one of the earliest known bearers of this name; Queen Elizabeth II.
English
Female
My God is bountiful;God of plenty. Elizabeth was mother of John the Baptist in the bible. In England Queen Elizabeth I and II. One of the most frequently used names in England.
Biblical
Female
The oath or fullness of God
Arthurian Legend
Female
Sister of Mark.

Your number is: 11

The characteristics of #11 are: High spiritual plane, intuitive, illumination, idealist, a dreamer.
The expression or destiny for #11:Your Expression number is 11. The number 11 is the first of the master numbers. It is associated with idealistic concepts and rather spiritual issues. Accordingly, it is a number with potentials that are somewhat more difficult to live up to. You have the capacity to be inspirational, and the ability to lead merely by your own example. An inborn inner strength and awareness can make you an excellent teacher, social worker, philosopher, or advisor. No matter what area of work you pursue, you are very aware and sensitive to the highest sense of your environment. Your intuition is very strong; in fact, many psychic people and those involved in occult studies have the number 11 expression. You possess a good mind with keen analytical ability. Because of this you can probably succeed in most lines of work, however, you will do better and be happier outside of the business world. Oddly enough, even here you generally succeed, owing to your often original and unusual approach. Nonetheless, you are more content working with your ideals, rather than dollars and cents.
The positive aspect of the number 11 expression is an always idealistic attitude. Your thinking is long term, and you are able to grasp the far-reaching effects of actions and plans. You are disappointed by the shortsighted views of many of your contemporaries. You are deeply concerned and supportive of art, music, or of beauty in any form.
The negative attitudes associated with the number 11 expression include a continuous sense of nervous tension; you may be too sensitive and temperamental. You tend to dream a lot and may be more of a dreamer than a doer. Fantasy and reality sometimes become intermingled and you are sometimes very impractical. You tend to want to spread the illumination of your knowledge to others irrespective of their desire or need.

Your Soul Urge number is: 1

A Soul Urge number of 1 means: Your Soul Urge is the number 1. With a Soul Urge number of 1, you want to lead and direct, to work independent of supervision, by yourself or with subordinates. You take pride in your abilities and want to be recognized for them. You may seek opportunities to display your strength and usefulness, wanting to create and originate. In your desire to manage the big picture and the main issues, you may often leave the details to others.
The positive 1 Soul Urge is Ambitious and determined, a leader seeking opportunities. There is a great deal of honesty and loyalty in this character. If you possess positive 1 Soul Urge qualities, you are very attainment oriented and driven to success. You are a loyal friend and strictly fair in your business dealings.
The negative side of the 1 Soul Urge must be avoided. A negative 1 is apt to dominate situations and people; the home, the spouse, the family and the business. Emotions aren't strong in this nature. If you possess an excess of 1 energy, you may, at times, be boastful and egotistic. You must avoid being too critical and impatient of trifles. The great need of the 1 Soul Urge is the development of friendliness, and a sincere interest in people.

Your Inner Dream number is: 1

An Inner Dream number of 1 means: You dream of being a leader and one who is in charge. You want to be known for your courage, daring, and original ideas. You seek unconquered heights. People may get a first impression that you are very aggressive and sure of yourself.

See what your name means
http://www.paulsadowski.com/Numbers.asp

Keeping in touch :)

Ever since mark and I got bikes every Saturday we go for a bike ride. Last Saturday we rode 5 miles. We stopped and got ice cream and raced each other. Its a lot of fun and it is healthy for us. Tonight we had to return to movies we rented last weekend, instead of jumping in the car we rode our bikes to return them. I think its a mile each way.

We also have been attending Emanuel Methodist Church. We really like it. Wednesday night we went to dinner at the church and to an adult bible class. It was very nice and rewarding. This Sunday after service the church is having a pot luck. I'm going to make something to take, I ust not sure what to take. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. Pastor Mark is great. He know us by name and he is always inviting us to participate. I want to join the choir, but I'm not the best singer.

We now have a driveway!!! The town will begin putting in the streets and curbs. We have streets, but they are half paved/gravel. Wisconsin does things a little backwards.

I think that's all for now.

Talk soon.

Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day. This day has always bothered me since I was about 12 years old. That's when my mother left my sister, my brother and my self. When I was still in high school I was jealouse of my friends b/c they would tell me about all the wonderful things they were doing for their mother. I didn't have a mother to do things with everyday or even on this one day of the year that is meant to be all about mom. I had my grandma Barnes and Grandma Roberts. They were very wonderful, loving, give what ever they could to make me happy. I loved them both dearly. I wished I had listen a little more to them as I was growing up. Well somtime while I was in college I grew up and realized I blessed with one amazing father! He was not just a dad, he was my mom and dad! He did everything for us kids. He never let us down when life was rough! Happy Mother's Day Daddy!

So to all those single fathers wearing that hat of being a mom and a dad. I say HAPPY MOTHER's DAY to you too!

Kellie Pickler

This weekend was very nice and relaxing. Really did not do to much except Mark took me to see Kellie Pickler in concert. If you do not know who she is, she was on American Idol last year. She was AWESOME! She sang her hit song "Red High Heels " and this song about her mother, called "I Wonder". It made me cry, because it is what I always wonder about my own mother. I felt very connected to Kellie on this level. I joined her fan club, something I never ever done in my life. I'm glad I got to see her in concert before she gets to big in the country music scene. Click below and you can go to her website and here her new album Smalltown Girl. The song "I Wonder" is number 2 on the album. I hope ya'll enjoy her ablum as much as I do!



http://www.kelliepickler.com/site.php