Seriously? Just my luck....

Well, as some of you know (like alot of people read this!) I have been trying to lose weight. I was doing rather well, at a 24 lbs loss..when the holidays hit. Now I have gained 4 lbs back. I thankfully have maintained the past few weeks, which I consider a pat on the back. Here is the kicker-Monday I woke up with a severe runny nose, eye watering, itchy eyes...typical cold. Or allergies, I never know. I survived the day despite having to dig myself out of the mountain of Kleenex around my desk. Then yesterday I woke up and the runny nose had turned into a special green species that was not too pretty. I don't mess around with over the counter meds, I figure I pay enough on insurance that I would rather spend that $20 on real meds than $18 on Mucinex. Though, that stuff seriously works. So I called the dr today and thankfully he was able to get me in. Ironically, he had the same crud. That was my exact diagnosis-CRUD. I just told him to give me whatever he was taking-and he didn't mess around. I got a 3 day Z pack and some steroids to prevent it from moving into my chest. I came home around 10 this morning, took my meds and passed smooth out. Well, here is my lucky part-the main side effect from the steroids is INSOMNIA (hi, it is 1:35 a.m. and I am so wide awake I have contemplated going to WalMart) and INCREASED APPETITE! Yes, please give me a pill that makes me want to eat more-two days before Christmas!! Now, I know that Doc W did not do this intentionally, but honestly, no other time would I be sitting at the computer, blogging and eating Christmas Oreos! After my nap, I woke up to go to the grocery store because our cubbards were bare-and came home with Wheat Thins, chocolate milk, Christmas Oreos and a magazine. Very healthy. Oh yea, and some Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream-just a pint. And don't judge-I hate it all. For lunch. In bed. Aww yeah.

I do hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas. We leave this evening for my sister Libby's. I am so excited about Christmas, but it is extra special this year because we get to be there when Grace Kay sees that Santa has been at her house. She is the sweetest two year old EVER. Granted, I am bias. I can't wait for all six of my sweet neices and nephews to open their gifts from me and Barry. It is my heart's desire that this be our last year without kids. I hope to have a newborn or at least be preggo this time next year. Christmas is such a special time in our family, and I love that I am almost 30 and I still get that giddy, anxious, excited feeling in my gut. Having children in our family has really brought that magic back. Christmas is a tender holiday in my heart after losing our MawMaw eight years ago on Dec 22nd. Her funeral was on Christmas Eve-I can't help but get choked up thinking of thee joy she would have gotten from all of these babies in our family. Especially Ashlyn, the oldest, because she resembles her so much.

K-I have some cleaning and packing to do-guess that is one positive of the meds-I can get more done!

I will do my best to post some pics after Christmas. I got a new camera for graduation and I am so electronically challenged that I need Barry to show me how to do it. I was spoiled with my old camera!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I would post more....

if I had something to post ABOUT! Seriously, most boring life ever. Work...home, work...home. That about sums it up. I have however completely finished my Christmas shopping-and it is all wrapped! I made an executive decision to not put up a tree this year. I have no place to put it, and considering Barry's schedule, I really am the only one that would see it-so I opted out. All of the presents are stacked as tall as I am in the corner, ready to be loaded up to go to MiMi and Paw Paws.

This coming weekend we are celebrating my sisters 30th birthday! We are having a "slumber party" at my aunts house in Whitesboro. She has a huge house so me, my sisters, my mom, another Aunt from Edmond, OK and sister in law are all gathering there to go shopping, eat, play games, make smores in the fire....just hang out and celebrate Jamie-I have admired and looked up to this girl since I was 8 years old-and now, as women...nothing has changed. She is an amazing mother and friend-and I am blessed to call her my sister. I hope that she has a wonderful weekend....perhaps after next weekend I will have some pictures!

I have something planned every weekend until middle of January!
Surely pictures will come out of all the upcoming festivities-and I will post them-to prove that I do get out of the house and interact with 3-D people.

I hope that for the few of you that read this-I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season with your families-

Sad Bearcat fan....

I have been looking forward to this weekend for a LONG time. Barry doesn't have full weekends off very often, it usually falls once a month...so this weekend I had it all planned. Wednesday night,but body had other plans...and I woke up early Thursday morning, around 2:00a.m. with the worst stomach cramps. I will spare you details, but lets just say for the past 36 hours I have been one sick puppy. It all started to clear up today around 3 this afternoon...I am still really weak, but on the mend. Two days of nothing but saltines and gatorade will take the spark out of anyone! So, here it is...Friday night...I am SUPPOSED to be in Graham, Texas cheering on my Bearcats in their first playoff game...all wrapped up from the northern winds, screaming and drinking hot chocolate...but instead, I am wrapped up on the couch, listening to the game online, which let me tell you, it is just not the same. Tomorrow night I was supposed to be enjoying a nice romantic dinner with my husband at the Wildcatter Ranch, but....I will be good to be attempting to drink chicken broth..yum. So, I cancelled our hotel reservations...and our dinner reservations...and will just be thankful that I am on the mend, man was I sick. And can I just say for the record, that it sucks being sick by yourself?? I am a huge baby when I am sick and even just to have someone in the next room at least helps-I had nobody! Two dogs looking at me like I was dying, which at the time, I wouldn't argue. Geesh, not the weekend I had been longing for....
Two neat, random notes about the game tonight-
they are playing in NEWTON Stadium...and the head coach for the school that is hosting the game, Graham High School is Colt McCoy's dad....too neat...

On another note, tomorrow is Gracie's birthday party. I cannot belive that sweet baby will be two years old next week. Seriously blows my mind.....She is so precious and such a blessing to our family.

One more Picture

This is a pic of all of us kids and their kids-I had to borrow Lila so I wouldn't be empty handed! Isn't this a great picture though? My friend, Lou Ann, did a great job! This was taken at my graduation party.

When I'm in the dumps, I count my blessings.

Well, work is going good-still learning alot-and there is much more to come! I have training all day tomorrow! This is the part I hate about new jobs, I hate training! The people are really nice and above all else I think I am really going to love the benefits. I am so looking foward to a week and a half off at Christmas! Time with your family during the holidays?? What an idea!

I have been kind of down in the dumps the past few days, guess spending alot of time by myself gets to me every once in a while-so I thought I would post some pics since I have alreay caught up on all of my daily shows. Barry comes home Thursday-and will be home for the weekend. Friday night we will go to the Henrietta Bearcat football game against Bowie-I love football season! Especially now that the weather is getting cooler.

Ok, on to the pics....

Here are some of my favorite pics of some pretty special people in my life.

This is my Danny Mack-#24 for the Bearcats-and the whole reason I get season tickets! He is a pretty special young man and I feel so blessed to have been able to be a part of his life. He is all heart.

This is sweet baby Hailey-she was hanging out before we went to Liam's birtday party-how cute is that bow??

I love this pic of Lila-it looks like she is cheering for her big brother's birthday! That skinny little arm!

This is Lib and Grace-Grace was pretty tired from playing with her cousins! Sorry I just realized Lib's eyes are closed! That Grace is one sweet little girl!

Liam Thomas....after eating some of his Batman birthday cake. I cannot believe that this little boy is 3-I can remember holding him when he was days old-so little. I had an actual conversation with him on the phone the other day! He is growing up too fast!

Ashlyn Kate loves birthday cake. She loves birthday parties, or parties of any kind for that matter. She is the sweetest little girl with the kindest of hearts. The other day I saw them at church when I went home for Liam's party-and when I got out of the car she yelled "Aunt Lyndsey!" UGH! Melt my heart why don't ya?? And then all day she was giving kisses-she is girl through and through-and growing up too fast as well!

Gracie and Liam showing off their Batman tattoos from Liam's party bags. Gracie called them stickers-let's home she feels that way about them forever!

Clay and baby Zaney-I am sorry but he is the prettiest little boy! He has these big blue eyes and long eye lashes that most women would die for! I took a tons of pics because he was fascinated with looking at the camera and making faces-Isn't he cute?

I am not sure what PawPaw was saying, but Zaney was buying every word. I just love the two bald heads!

These two are just adorable. They were holding hands walking back from the park-you just know they are going to be the best of friends when they grow up-so, so sweet.

I am not really sure how this face came about-but this is Ash's hunting face-I guess she is trying to scare away the deer by putting this evil eye on them! It is the funniest thing, but without explaination, she just looks really mad!

This is MeeMaw and baby Hailey-just hanging out at the park!

Well, I hope everyone has a good week!

I GRADUATED!

What a crazy past month it has been since my last post! Here's a quick update....First off, I quit my job at Four Stars, things just weren't working out and I really wanted to find a job in Wichita-that wasn't in the car business! So, my gracious husband let me quit and I have been foot loose and fancy free for the past few weeks. After alot of applying and sending out resumes, I got a call this past Friday that I got a job at Midwestern State in the Radiological Science Department working with Undergrad Students and helping them get their degrees. It is very hard to get a job at MSU, so I am just thrilled that they chose me. I will be considered a state employee, so the benefits are amazing-something you just don't have in the car business!

Last Sunday was my graduation party here in Henrietta. I had tons of family and friends make the trip up here to celebrate with me. It was so much fun, my mom and sisters did an amazing job with food, etc. The day was perfect! Then Monday was my actual graduation day. And it too was perfect. Even though I was a nervous wreck about walking across stage! Thankfully I got my empty diploma jacket with grace and never missed a beat, though I was told I looked stiff and nervous-and for good reason!! After graduation my grandparents took Barry and I to eat at the Cracker Barrell, which was some much needed home cookin'!

I wish I could say Fall was in the air. Today I spent my afternoon putting out all of my fall decor and lighting fall scented candles...but I have figured out that no matter what I try to do or how much pumpkin spice creamer I put in my coffee-when it is 90+ degrees outside I just can't get into it! We were at the Bearcat football game last night and it was so hot sitting there!

Ok, here are pics...

This is baby Lila waiting for the party to get started! Is that bow and outfit not the most precious thing you have ever seen?? I have some pretty sweet neices!

This is baby Hailey-she had just woken up from a nap-see,what did I tell ya?? Sweet babies!

This is me and my grandparents...excuse the movie posters in the background, the graduation was at the Air Force Base theater, so it looks funny!

Me and my mom and dad before graduation started...

Me with Barry's mom and her husband-there were just too many cameras to look at!

Ok, this pic is creepy to me because of the three eye balls all looking in the same direction! weird...
And I can graduate college but I cannot figure out how to turn this picture around the right way-it was in my picture file the right way, but once it uploaded to blogger, it turned...and I can't fix it-sorry! But here is me and my sweet man-without him the day would not have been possible. Love me some B.

DATMAN AND BRUCE

While I was in Allen for the baby shower last weekend I got to go see Libby, Grace and sweet baby Hailey. Having both of those babies in my last just about melted this Auntie's heart! They are so sweet and watching Grace interact with Hailey-ugh she is just such a wonderful big sister! While I was there Lib and I went to Target (shocker, I know) and I just had to buy Grace a Datman. Liam has gotten her so hooked on Batman and it is so cute. She has no idea who he is, but the fact that cousin Liam Thomas Mills (she refers to him by full name!) likes him, then she of course loves him! They call him Datman-and now she loves Bruce too-they were a package deal!

She is just so adorable! I told her when I was there that I would see her in a two weeks, because she was sad that I was leaving (tear!) and her response was "But I don't like two weeks!" We had to rush out of the house while Kyle had her in her room...and I could hear her yelling "Lyndsey!!!" She is such a stinker! But I ate up every minute of it, can you blame me??

Small update-this past Wednesday, I FINISHED COLLEGE! I took my last final Wedneseday night and afterwards enjoyed dinner at Red Lobster with my sweet hubby and some dear friends. What a night-it still hasn't really it me that I am done, but what a wonderful feeling! This is a pic of a plate that I found in the 75% off bin at United Market Street. There wasn't a price tag on it, and when I got to the register she wasn't sure so she gave it to me for .99! It is a really pretty stained glass plate-can't wait to use it at my party!

This weekend Barry's mom came in and we celebrated B's 30th birthday, a little late. He turned 30 on July 29th, but his schedule is so crazy that we had to celebrate a little late. We went to Dustin and Lisa's for dinner and swimming...and had a blast. So much fun that the only pic I got was of his cake-with his signature "bear paw" on it....

I got him a new spoiler for the GTO for his bday, I will take pics and post them later...I think it looks the exact same, but he claims different-just so long as he is happy! It does look nice though...

Aubree was our entertainment at the party-this adorable child doesn't have a shy bone in her body, but when you get her going, you better hang on-she is so adorable and loves to sing for everyone! Unfortunately her guitar was in her brother's room who was sleeping, so we had to go a cappella, but she is so cute!

Trip to the Metro

Last weekend I went down to the Allen/Wylie area to help host Amanda's baby shower. She had such a good turn out and got lots of goodies for baby Riley-who will be here before we know it! Amanda is a sweet friend and I can't wait to watch her and Trent become wonderful parents!

This was the cake-it wasn't very cute until Monica and I added the wooden animals-but it turned out prettycute in the end. Riley's nursey is safari themed, so we did the same for the shower, it turned out cute!

This is the diaper cake Monica and I made, not a very good picture, but you get my drift. Ithought it turned out so cute!

We of course had to play a game and measure Manda's belly!

Layden was the life of the party-she is so cute! She was showing off the hairbow my mom made her-fits her perfect!

All of these last pics are of Manda and her family-all the sisters with their kids, her mom, Granny Grace, and then one with Trent's mom and her step mom Andrea. She has a HUGE family!! Manda I am glad you had a good time at the shower and I can't wait for Riley to get here! Love you!

Baby, baby , baby!

Well, Sweet baby Lila Ann Mills made her debut Friday around 11:30....I was so excited that I was actually at the hospital this time! Baby and mom are doing well-she came out really wide eyed and ready to see her family! We have just waited and waited for these babies to get here-crazy that within a week we added two new members to our family!! They are so sweet-and let me tell you what an amazing blessing to be able to watch BOTH of my sisters become mothers again all in a weeks time! Those angels are going to be the best of friends-with the exception of two pounds, they could pass as twins! Ok, ok...on to the pics...

This is a pic of the girls at Jamie's baby shower-they both looked amazing throughout their pregnancies!

This is Miss Lila Ann...just minutes old...she came out so wide eyed and ready to see what all the fuss was about-those big eyes just melted this Aunties heart!

Sweet baby Hailey patiently awaiting the arrival of her newest cousin, Lila. I love her in purple.

Their first picture together-Hailey was just waking up, not really sure about all this!

These Peden girls make having babies look so easy! They both looked so good right after having them! Granted, they were both scheduled, so getting pretty was easier, but still!!
I am sorry guys, I know I am partial...but does it get much cuter than this??? I don't think so! We had to take the pics really fast so that Lila didn't get cold...but I had to have a side by side-Hailey is a good two pounds bigger than Lila here...they are so ADORABLE!
Hailey decided to wake up..prolly from the extreme flash from the cameras! I love this one cause it looks like Lila is just kinda waving to Hailey! Ok...enough for now. I will post more pics as I get them. My poor little Honda is going to be running 287 South ragged now that these two are here-oh, the joys of being an Auntie! Welcome to the family sweet babies!

Let's sit and chat, shall we?

Let's catch up, shall we? I left bloggerville because I got frusterated-I put up that picture of me and it was HUGE and I couldn't figure out how to get it off! Every time I would log onto blog it was just staring at me and so I just had to take a break. Last night I finally figured out how to get that awful thing off there, so for a change I just changed my background instead. So...where to begin....

My younger sister Libby, had her second little girl on July 14th. Her name is Hailey Lynn Melton. She is an absolute angel. I was blessed to go stay with them the weekend after they brought her home and help them get settled in their new home in Wylie. So many new beginnings for them-I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for her and her family, and so proud! It was sad for me to go stay down there and not see my Gracie Googles! She was visiting her GiGi and Grandpa while Mom and Dad had some time at home with Hailey. I know she had a blast, but I also know that Libby and Kyle are aching to see that sweet child! Things are so quiet without her! I seriously cannot imagine life without these sweet kiddos!

Here is sweet baby Hailey-isn't she sweet??

This is one of my favorite pics of Gracie-she is SUCH a ham!

Jamie, my older sister, goes to be induced this Friday-and I get to be there! I do have a really good boss who is letting me take another three day weekend to spend with family. I have never gotten to really be there when a neice or nephew was born, so I feel so blessed to get to be at the hospital instead of getting play by play via text message! I can't wait to meet sweet baby Lila Ann...Liam is going to be such a good big brother!
Sweet Liam is definately all boy!

Clay and Jana welcomed their second baby, Zane, back in March. I don't have any current pictures, but he is a chunky monkey! So sweet...And Ashlyn is such a good big sister!

Ash and sweet baby Zane

We also celebrated my MeeMaw's 89th birthday in June. I don't have any pics from that, but we all had a good time getting together to visit and eat! It is amazing to see the matriarch of our family...and how the family continues to grow right before us-I am so proud to call her my MeeMaw. She had a really good time and enjoyed seeing everyone.

That about wraps it up as far as family goes....

Barry is still working at Halliburton is really likes it, except for the time away from home. Six days is a long time to be away from ME! I kid, I kid...but really, to work out in the 100 degree weather and then have to live in a hotel for 5 nights...bless his heart, I am so spoiled. He works so hard for our family!

I am wrapping up my last summer class now. Classes end Aug 6th and I will officially graduate on September 22. I cannot even tell you how excited I am and so relieved that it is finally over! I can't believe I am going to be a college graduate! Now...what I will do next is another story...for another blog!

On top of working 50+hours a week and going to school full time I am in the middle of planning a few parties. Barry will be turning 30 on July 29th! We are having a party for him in August when his mom comes to visit. I am helping host a baby shower for long time, dear friend Amanda...cannot wait to meet baby Riley! I am also planning my own graduation party-yeah, yeah, I know!

Times are busy at the Newton house-I will post pics of sweet baby Lila when I get home Sunday!

Take care and everyone (like so many people read this!) have a good weekend!!

Light shining brigher...

It is 12:37 a.m. and I am up again...cannot sleep for some reason. Last night-I barely slept one hour. Finals are the death of me, and how I have survived this long is beyond me. I have an amazing support group-blessed beyond belief. More than I deserve. Perhaps if I spew blog I can go to sleep...let's try...

Tonight I took the hardest final of my college career. So much information, so little brain. Now, it is time to sit. And wait. I am not a patient person. And I would like my grade NOW. Tomorrow night I have a paper due (that is almost done) and another final...Friday I have my last final at 11:30. Unfortunately Barry will not be home this weekend, so my plans consist of-

Friday evening-picking up the house and doing laundry

taking 2 Tylenol or Advil PM

Saturday-sleeping in, going to Wichita to get paper for my graduation invites and having my car cleaned out-that's right-that is my treat for surviving this semester (if I make it to Friday;)) is having my car detailed-it needs it so terribly bad. Poor Mocha Latte.

I have had alot on my mind lately, stuff that I haven't really talked to anyone about. But, on a side note, I just want to say that there are few things more powerful than prayer and forgiveness.

After this week I will have a break off from school all next week-before I start summer school. Then I just have to endure for 11 more weeks before I am DONE! Last class is Aug 9th-and there will be a sigh heard around the world, let me tell ya sista!

I seriously cannot believe I am so close to the end. For someone who has such a poor self esteem, pride is not an emotion I feel often-rarely to be honest...but the fact that I will graduate in four months...wow...pride just doesn't seem to describe it.

This summer is full of new beginnings and fun things. Both of my sweet sisters will have baby girls this summer...Yesterday Monica booked a hotel for our 2nd Annual Girls Weekend in Fort Worth-cannot wait for that! Me, Monica, Manda and Callie will hopefully spend the weekend pool side with a fat rita in one hand (with the exception of Manda) and laughter that is contagious. We are staying at a nice hotel and though we don't have an itenerary lined out yet, I have no doubt it will be a weekend full of memories. There is alot to do in Fort Worth-thank goodness for the internet and Yahoo! Travel site!

Memorial Day weekend is my cousin Kasey's wedding-event of the year for our family, and I have nothing to wear. Seriously, nothing. grrrr

I attempted to pick up the house some-why can I not sleep when there are dishes in the sink? They haunt me.

I start a new job the 19th-a promotion of sorts at my work...I am so nervous about it-I hope I am good enough-I respect my boss and I would just be so upset if I disappointed him-it is a totally different posistion-

Ok-sleep really is important at this stage. So, I am going to make a third attempt.

Lib, if you are reading this-I hope you have a good day. Tell Gracie hi for me.

And if you need me to, I can come help you pack this weekend-seriously, I can sleep in there just as I can here-haha, I hear you laughing...

I'll call you.

Today

Today I choose to let go of trying to be better,

of trying to do more,

of trying to earn God's love rather than depending completely

on the blood of Jesus to cleanse me.

Today I choose to let go of the things of this world

which I believe can comfort me and make me whole

my car, my money, my friends,my achievements, my success.

Today I choose to let go of my desires,my plans,my demands,my will.

I am willing to die to all of these and to my very self, so Christ can live more fully in me.

--elaine creaseman

Galatians 2:20

Blogging just to blog

I am not kidding when I say this post is random, these pics are at best random because I have the most boring life ever! Well, boring to some...but for me, I am pretty tired all the time so it can't be too boring!

Barry goes back to work tonight after being home for the past twelve days. It has been so nice having him home. I will have to say that I am spoiled! Now, I have to get used to being alone again...but this semester is winding down rather quickly and summer school will be here before I know it. As of today I have 106 days of class left!! About 5 months until graduation. I cannot even express how excited I am. Now...what to do afterwards is a different story!

While Barry was off we went to Pampa to visist his mom. She is so sweet and treated us like royalty while we were there. We were able to visit, shop, make some drinks (lava flows courtesy of rachel ray) and eat-She is such a good cook and has every gadget known to man! I could spend hours in her kitchen reading recipe books and playing with all of her kitchen toys! If you have seen it on HSN-this woman has it! We had such a good time...but it was good to be home too.

Barry is too good to me-he helps out around the house so much when he is here. One day he got a wild hair and painted the office! It looks so pretty! He is also good to take the doggies to the hair dresser and vet while he is off-it is hard for me to do it on my lunch break. Trust me, he gets his down time as well-it wasn't all honey do's!

This weekend is blank-I have no plans, Barry will be at work and I have NO idea what I will do with my time. Unfortunately, studying will be in there somewhere-and a pedi if I can help it!

Hope this finds you all well-here are a few random pics!

This is a pic of a massive shrimp. See-told ya they were random! Barry's step brother, Corey, went to the gulf and brought them back-and they were huge...and very ta ta tasty! I know you can't see really how big, with nothing next to it to compare it to,but trust me-we're talking like 5 inches at least!

This is sweet Emmi after Barry picked her up from the hair dresser. She loves going to see Miss Amy and getting a new bandana and a treat baggie! I am trying to keep her shorter because this dog LOVES to be outside and always gets grass burrs in her beard. Plus, she is the messiest drinker and when she gets a drink of water, she isn't playing around!

This is Miss Macy dancing when I got home. I know the pic is kinda blurry, but I love it when they have matching bandanas-see, it really is time for us to have kids!

Another new member of the Newton Fam

This is a BEFORE PIC-the only reason I loved this ice box is because it was covered in pics of my sweet nieces and nephews. Other than that, it was loud, old, didn't seal well...we got it a LONG time ago from a used appliance store...it served us well while we had it. Last night, when I had finally sat down and thought I could rest and watch Desperate Housewives...I hear this clicking noise. The compressor is trying its hardest to click on, but no luck. SO-I get to get up and pack up all our grocieries. Luckily, a friend of mine had some fridge space, so we carted bags upon bags of groceries over to her house. Tonight, we bit the bullet and went to Wichita. We shopped around and finally found our new fridge-it is SO pretty. I have never had a side by side-or one that has water and ice in the door-I am so beyond excited! Here are some pics. Thanks to Danny and Melissa for letting us store our food at your house and for helping us get it inside!

Excuse the mess I swept up from under the old one!

This is just a look with both doors open-isn't it pretty? I get excited over the weirdest things!

We have filtered ice and water! How wonderful is that? For someone who has to go through the drive through at Sonic to get ice...or who buys it at the store and then leaves without it-it is WONDERFUL! Plus, I haven't been drinking sodas so this is going to be great. I am so blessed-and spoiled. Barry is too good for me-