Long Time Coming.. South Carolina Christmas

So here are the pictures from our South Carolina Trip for Christmas. They are in no particular order but there are some fun ones, some cute ones and some not so cute ones...of me of course. Photos courtesy of my mother in law, Lacey and Danielle.

It was absolutely FREEZING that day.

Boys loved their present from Aunt Lacey

Me and Brety

BumbleBee!!!

Anxiously waiting to go downstairs and see what Santa brought

Cole was trying to see what was in the presents... well before Christmas day

Dance party Christmas Eve in their new jammies from Grammy and Papi

*blooper 1

Gone with the Wind

*Blooper 2

Making popcorn with Grammy

day after thanksgiving with Grandma Iris (rowdys) we both have a gma Iris.

An intense game of Twister at the Coakley house. We get down and we get dirty when we play...it's to the death!

First and only time this has happened. I never last this long, i'm usually too small and not strong enough for the rest of the group. I usually get dominated. BUT Tash and i TIED!

My sister-in-laws, Danielle (L) and Lacey (R)

Writing and sending letters to Santa via Fire and smoke!

Pinata!

"mock birthdays" for all the fall/winter bdays in our family that we couldn't celebrate together because they moved back to S.C. This is Bret and he was super excited about the candle.

Ryan, Cole and Grammy's turn

Now Jakes

Rocking chairs outside a restaurant. They are everywhere in S.C. even at the airport

I was terrified to be up there because the upper left bar was not bolted in at all and we were up super high!

Santa's sweets and Reindeer treats

Bedtime for Coley

Bret, Nick and Rowdy sound asleep on the way to the beach

Christmas Morning!

Weekly Blogger

So, wedding plans are finally starting to come together! Got the flowers, got the venue (hallelujah!), my dress should be here by May, my girls are ordering their dresses, honeymoon is being planned and bridal showers are also in the works. Very relieved things are starting to pan out and getting excited because in just over four months I will be Mrs. Coakley, wow, weird thought, first time I've ever written that. Other things that i'm looking forward to, term is almost over, two more weeks and really most of the work is done already, only have one final test. I'm also getting a raise in a few months and Rowdy and I have been getting stuff for out future home like furniture and such. We have been counting our blessings because people just happen to be getting rid of some of their furniture and have been literally just giving it to us, woo!

On a different note, twins just had their 6th birthday! They are getting so big and it's weird to think I've been with them for almost a year now, wow crazy how time flies. They have had quite an interesting month, actually we all have with them. First part of February both J & J got Strep, then the flu a week afterwards and they are now getting over their lovely, mucous filled colds... Johnny's body took a while to recover. After dinner at Rowdy's he got down to play and fell asleep on the floor literally three minutes after he was finished with his meal. poor guy. for those that didn't know, Jackie had spinal surgery a few days after Christmas, she is fine now, but I am CONVINCED that instead of pumping her full of pain meds it was piss and vinegar. She's got quite the attitude for a 6 year old girl now days and we definitely test each others patience on a daily basis. Luckily, kids tend to have a short term memory with some things and even when I'm told I'm "mean", minutes later she's cuddling up with me twirling my hair in her fingers like she always does when she's relaxing or watching TV. Ah the joyous times of motherhood =D.

I consider the twins my kids, I have them all the time and Kaye and I co-parent with most things which is nice, but it is crazy to think that I'm only a couple years away from having my own little miracles. I often wonder what the twins will think when I start to get a baby bump, if they will be excited or jealous because another little one will be taking some of their spot light lol. It is hard enough for them to have a twin to share their stardom moments with as is, even though they love each other to pieces and can hardly stand to be apart, they definitely like to have their own time with me and Kaye without the other one taking away from their attention.

It is so funny to see how little minds work, they are a lot smarter than I think we as parents give them credit for at times. They are reading and learning Spanish and they are only in kindergarten! Jackie also has her own sense of fashion, whereas Johnny could care less and prefers me to pick out what he wears, which I don't mind because that means at least one of them is wearing matching clothes ;) but it is a small freedom that Jackie can freely enjoy at her age and it means that there is always a surprise in store for the day when she goes upstairs to get dressed for school lol. She is also in the awkward bangs stage. She really wants to grow them out, but in order for them to get long like the rest of her hair, we can't cut them and let me tell you... I REALLY want to cut them! They are always in her face and the only way to keep them out is to put clips in her hair, but because her bangs aren't very long, the clips are in an awkward spot and as a perfectionist, it bothers me. BUT, I just let it go because she likes it and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter, ha. Well that's all I have for now. I'm sure more is to come...

I've Decided

So I've decided on something. Life happens, I know this as much as the next person does, but sometimes, it's just plain frustrating. Wedding plans are working and then the next minute crumbling, relationships have their ups and downs on top of school, work, weight loss amongst many other things. So like I said, I've decided. I've decided to make a full on conscious effort to change how I view things and my attitude about them. I've been battling some demons lately and unfortunately Rowdy has suffered the brute of it, lucky him. I don't really know how to get over the problems I am having, but I guess it all starts with my attitude. I do have to say though, the power of prayer has worked wonders for me with some things. Patience with the kids has grown tremendously and no matter how undeserving I feel I am of something, some small little miracle happens to brighten up the difficult times. I'm a blessed person, I know this. I have a great family and in-laws. I have a steady job, I can go to school. I am marrying the person God intends for me to be with the rest of my life. I have good friends and a fabulous church family. I need to take solace in that, work on what I can change, and let go of what I cannot, which for anyone who knows me, knows that is very difficult. I need to grab hold of what is in front of me and embark on what's to come and leave behind what is already done. I can't take back the mistakes I have made or change the trials I've had endure, however, I can take what I learned, and live better for myself and my future family.

Super Bowl and Linfield

So the kids and I spent the Super Bowl over at my in-laws, Lacey made mummy dogs and treats with them, which kept them entertained and away from Rowdy's incessant screaming at the TV. Let's face it, Rowdy is all boy, he can't help but get too involved in the game lol. His game antics often result in the kids jumping out of the seats and looking at him like "you have lots your mind". I guess at five, you don't understand the importance of biggest day in sports history every year.

Then last night I got to go with my MOH Kylee to watch KC's game. She hadn't seen KC since KC and I were together over three years ago. It was fun. KC's nieces, Kaylor and Kyla came and sat with us and talked, too stinkin cute! It was just like the old days of watching him play, even when he took an elbow to the face, I still got the urge to stand up and cover my mouth with my hand, waiting until he would stand up to signal he was okay, but rather I kept it all in and watched as he sat the floor for a second to collect himself. There is the aftermath that he so bravely endured lol. His cousin Kenny nicknamed him "Knot Head" hahaha

Then Ky and I got a couple pics, luckily he took pitty on us and I didn't have to get those sweaty armpit hugs I DO NOT miss lol.

After the game I made my way over to the duplexes to celebrate Tori's birthday!!! I got to see my girls that I miss so much and see old roomies. It was great catching up and seeing everyone. It was nice too, because everyone seemed happy and excited about me getting married, can't WAIT for everyone to come up for the wedding!!!!

After the party I went and saw my boys, gah SO good to see them. We reminisced about our "smart" moments our freshman and sophomore year and the good ol' days. These boys endured a lot with me, gotta love'em

Next week i'll probably head out again for KC's last home game ever as a Linfield Senior, my little boy is allll grown up! I'm bringing the twins, and I'm excited for that too, should be fun!

45 Things; I like this woman.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry..
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Wedding Talk

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTAY! So, the wedding day is creeping up, someday's it feels like it will take forever, other days 5.5 months seems just around the corner. I got my wedding dress last week =D I was very excited. So not this past Monday but the Monday before, my mom and I decided to go to Charlotte's just to look around, we were originally planning on going to Utard to find a dress in Feb. I started to try some on and there were three that I absolutely fell in love with! I knew that my dress was in one of those three, I just had to pick which one. So needless to say I found my dress and I am VERY excited about it. One step closer! Rowdy and I went with our moms to cake test at Thriftway and Beaverton Bakery and Beaverton Bakery won by a long shot! Today Jane put the payment down for our cake, which is one more thing checked off my list along with the flowers that my Aunt Dianne is going to do for us and the location of the ring ceremony and reception, which is the Vial Farm (my dream wedding coming true!). Now it's bridesmaids and their dresses, decorations, groomsmen and budget ish, oh the never ending list.

Another Sub-ject of wedding is getting into better shape! I have been working with a personal trainer for about 2 weeks now, trying to eat better and be more active. I'm tired of looking how I do when I know I've looked better and I've never look this "bad" before. My main things are bread and sweets, oh man do I LOVE those things. I love whole wheat bread, but it's rolls and French bread that I struggle passing up. And then my sugar fix, I adore sweets, so it has been a huge challenge for me to reduce my sugar intake. Lucky for me though, I love fruits and veggies and I always have, I'm just trying to eat less meat and sweets and "white" things like white flour, sugar and salt. My inspiration has been my friends; Gen Toki and Tiff Johansen. If I could look like Tiff by my wedding, life would be good, but chances are I never will because we have diff. body types so what ever I look like by my wedding, I hope I'm happy with it.

The wedding has also helped inspire others to join me in my "get my butt into shape" endeavor. My mom, my dad, Jane and Lacey have all joined in on eating healthier and exercising more and so far everyone has lost weight! Except me, but I'm trying not to get down and think positively. I can come a long way in 5.5 months, I just wish I had a little bit of some instant gratification. On a good note, two weeks ago running a mile was about all I could do at a max speed of 6.0 on the treadmill, now I can run at 6.4 speed at a 1.0 incline (which apparently is the incline equivalent to running outside, not 0.0) for 2.4 miles! WOO HOO. My stomach is looking flatter, my back muscles are toning as well, but nothing is fitting differently and I do not weigh any less=frustration. But i'm not giving up. Maybe someday I can get Rowdy on board with me and that will make it even easier because then there will be no one eating tempting things around me! But until then, I have to find some self control.... great, now where do I find that again?

Gratitude

Ok, so I've decided that I am going to try and write down/blog a few times a month what I am grateful for. I'm going to try and be specific to things that pertain to that week/month/day etc.

Today I am grateful for:

• The church, so many blessings. It's saved my life.
• Good food, this changing how I eat thing is hard but it is getting easier because I can make some good healthy food.
• 6 more months, I have 6 months and 3 days until I "seal the deal" with Rowdy and let me tell you.... I cannot wait!
• Family, mine and Rowdy's both.
• My Friends
• My job, I have a steady paycheck and a flexible job that I enjoy and will benefit me for the rest of my life.

So, that's my gratitude at this moment in my life.

Workout Mode

So I've been working out everyday and eating according to what I have read in the book my friend, Gen gave me called "Eat to Live". I've done the workout my friend Anna made for me, it kicks my butt! I have yet to weigh myself.... I'm very curious. But I can't until Sunday, ugh 4 more days. I gained 5 lbs when we went back to S.C. for Christmas, no bueno!!!! I've been parking further away so I walk longer to where ever I'm going and I make myself a different dinner than the kids (Because they aren't huge fans of whole wheat pasta and lots of veggies) and it has worked out so far. The only time I remember hurting this much though was the start of basketball season in 8th grade, I can hardly walk! My mom and I are going to Utard next month to look at wedding dresses, hopefully I've lost a desirable amount by then so I'm not too overwhelmed. I figure if I keep doing what I'm doing for the 6 months leading up to my wedding I will be in tip top shape and I plan on maintaining that shape afterwards as well. Not going to lie, it is very hard not to eat a piece of pizza or food that contains "white" ingredients like sugar, flour etc. My mom has also started to workout with a friend of hers and she has also adapted her cooking to the same as what I have been doing. I'm very proud of her for taking the steps to get herself where she feels good. It is a continuous journey but we're on it!

December Time

So Rowdy and I had Christmas early with my family because we are going to be in South Carolina over Christmas with his family. We had the twins so we packed everyone in the car along with all the presents and went to Grandma Iris' house for Nona Amilia's Pizza and gifts. Rowdy and I got the kids coloring stuff, holographic puzzles, glow balls, clothes and a bike that hooks up to the T.V. (exercise video game) and my mom got the twins Pillow Pets, which was by far the biggest hit. They have been wanting those thing for MONTHS, and now they have them. They take them everywhere, i'm sure they would meander their way into school if I would let them lol. All in all it was a good night, the kids had fun, we had fun. I'm lucky to have the job that I do because it doesn't feel like a job, it feels like my own little surrogate family.

 A couple days later Johnny had his testing for his green belt and with the help and patience of Rowdy, he passed!!!

That same night we went and watched the boats with lights, the kids LOVED it and so did we. They had a blast and it was great to see how comfortable they were with my parents and Rowdy and I all together in a place they had never been before.

Now Rowdy and I are off to South Carolina for Christmas, so more posts to come!!!