1. I spent Monday night in the ER because I went into anaphylactic shock after taking Avelox, an antibiotic that I have taken several times before w/out trouble. I drove myself there and parked in the grass (don't remember it) and when I walked in they took me straight back. Seen the movie Hitch? Yeah, me and Will Smith looked about the same...except I was the color of a firetruck and my nostrils were swollen shut. So if I'm ever with any of you in a Mexican ER or something...I'm allergic to Avelox, Cipro, and all other antibiotics in that class. Hope I don't get anthrax!

2. The antibiotic was to treat the same stinkin' sinus infection that I've been battling since Thanksgiving. It seems to be under a little better control, but now I have frickin' shingles. Yes, the same shingles that are related to the chicken pox and mostly old people get. I only have them in my upper respiratory system on the inside. Dr. thinks it's because of the stress of the sinus infection from hell. SO now I'm on Valtrex, you know, the one advertised for genital herpes? It speeds the shingles along, but that sure was neat to pick up from the pharmacy.

3. We were supposed to leave for Denver today but we didn't because of how sick I've been. We may leave tomorrow. I never missed work, though. That should tell yall how much I love my job!

4. Vic just got home from Albuquerque last night. He told me that he had my Christmas present in his carry on bag. As soon as he left the room I got into it. He was mad...BUT! He got me a Wii! I'm so excited! I wasn't supposed to get it until I graduate in August because we are afraid that I will play it too much...but he says that he has faith in my self control. So if I don't graduate in August, blame Vic and his misplaced faith in me.

5. Some of you know this, some of you don't. There is a chance that we may be able to adopt a baby. His name is Nehemiah and he is about 2 months old. He needs your prayers, and so do we! I spoke with his grandmother again today and she and the baby's mother are all for it. Nehemiah's father is having a hard time with it. CPS is involved and his mother has already had her parental rights terminated on another child years ago and is not interested in being a mother. His father is young and a good guy from the sounds of it, but just not able to be the main caregiver. The grandmother that I have been speaking with is a friend/employee of Bryan, Kim's husband, and is a widow with youngish children of her own she is still trying to raise. Her son is the father and right now she has court appointed custody. Depending on the father, this could happen next week or 6 months from now. I just would like for yall to continuing praying for Nehemiah, his father Andre, and his grandmother Toni. We, of course, want him to come live with us, but most importantly, we are just praying for God's perfect will. We know that he will end up where he is supposed to be, but the suspense is so hard! So just keep praying for us all!

6. I'm off to bed again. I'm feeling better since I have just rested today. I hope everyone is enjoying the last few days before Christmas...these are always exciting days. I'm not done shopping...but that would be the case even w/out almost dieing and having shingles. :)

Today has been a good day...I really like Mondays. And today I even got 4 stitches in my ass, right where it meets my leg...you know...right where my underwear can rub. AND my cat just yacked in the hallway as I was typing about my ass issue. I'm just glad it's not ass herpes, right Misti?

Anyway, the point of this here blog, is that I went to Albuquerque this past weekend for a big family affair. It was Vic's grandmother, Audrey's 75th birthday and her boyfriend, Jewels, threw her a big party. It was formal, (Vic wore a suit!) at a steakhouse and was very nice and so fun! It was all these old people that she had know like 30 years+ through Fred II (Vic's grandfather) being an officer in the Air Force. Including an old Italian guy that stood up and started singing beautifully in Italian and everyone but me seemed to know the song...but I raised my DP and swayed it along with everyone's wine glasses. Some of Vic's family from NY was there too, it was good to see them. It was like something from the Godfather or something...I expected Don Corleone to walk out at any minute! Vic had to work most of the weekend, so I didn't see him much...sad. So Sunday it was just me, Fred III, his mom Janice, sister Jennifer, and Audrey at church and then brunch. His parents have been divorced for like 25 years, but are still good friends. I really enjoyed it, including their company! My how things change...

Two additional bonuses: 1. I found a new brand of shoes! I bought this pair of Kumf's:






As you will notice, they have a little heal. Something I have not even considered in years due to knee surgeries and now evil plantar fascitis/heel spurs...BUT! These heels are at the best angle for PF AND have orthodics in them to make my feet happy (not to mention I purchased them at "Happy Feet"!). I put them and on I could have tap danced! I'm so excited to have some dress shoes other than my fancy birkenstocks!

2. We took a picture at the party that I'm hopeing will work as our Christmas card pic...it is SO cute!

So I'm a little late with my list of what I'm Thankful for. Thanksgiving should be celebrated everyday, not the full bird and stuff(ing)...but the thankful part...this of course is not a complete list. Because that would go on forever. I am a very blessed girl and I do know it everyday.

I am thankful first and foremost for the fact that Jesus Christ is my saviour. I am continually humbled at the comfort He and His word provides me. I am so thankful that He died on the cross for my sins. And that because I learned that from my Mom and my Mema, I know that they are their with Him now that they are not here with me.

I am thankful for Vic, and that he is my husband. Twice. I'm thankful for all I learned from both marriages, and through our divorce. It brought us closer than I ever knew possible. He is a wonderful husband and I love him dearly.

I am thankful for William. We have been close for years now, but after loosing our Mom, I have a new appreciation for him and for the hand that we were dealt in life. He is more than a brother, he is a best friend.

I am thankful for my family. I grew up not really feeling like I was part of an extended family, but it turns out that I just had to be older to get to know them. Lance, Lori, Kelsi, Autumn, and Reagan--I can't get enough of them! I look forward to seeing them and am always sad when it comes to an end. Misti is the sister I didn't have, and even though there is distance between us, I think of her constantly. Allison is the more educated version of why I loved my Mother's family--she is quirky, kind, and complicated (in a good way). She has such a sweet spirit and inspires me to be a better person. I am thankful that I have gotten to know Randy and Tiffany better. I am also thankful for the Napoleon family. The more I get to know them, the more I like...even love...them.

My friends. I am the riches person I know when it comes to friends. I am so thankful to still have Jamey, Kim, Mandy, Tamalca, Bernadette, and others that have been around forever. I love them so very much! I am also excited and thankful to have made some new wonderful friends in the last few years-Susan, Catherine, Donna, Kelly, Amy, Aimee. Such neat people!

I am thankful for my job. I never imagined that I could be so happy at work. I look forward to seeing my kids and my coworkers each day. This job has brought me new friends, great experience, a lot of happiness. I love that I look forward to Mondays.

I am thankful that I am moving to a new place. It's still scary, but I'm up the the Albuquerque challenge...I love adventures. And with God being in control of this one...I am positive that good things will come.

I am thankful to have Madison (Maddie) in my life. She intriged me from the minute I saw her and I had to research Jacobsen Sydrome...didn't find much information...so I just had to figure her out on my own. But then I just fell in love. She is what life is all about--love, fun, hugs, and laughter. I am also thankful that her parents have entrusted me in their wills that she is mine should something, God forbid, happen to them. I smile just thinking about her!

I am thankful for my animals-Nancy, Carson, and Woobie brighten each day!

Other random things I'm thankful for: Tivo, Sonic, XM radio--especially the Christmas music stations!, American Airlines for getting Vic and I back and forth safely to each other, and the internet!