Samuel's Update

We conducted a nocturnal pulse oximetry study last Thursday on Samuel, where he his oxygen level was measured on his toe through infrared wavelengths.


The results of this study was that his condition is not improving as quickly as the doctor was hoping, therefore, Sam is going to be scheduled to go to the Rocky Mountain Pediatric Neurology & Sleep Disorders at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center.

Within the next few weeks, Samuel will be scheduled to stay overnight in the hospital (we will be there, too) where he will be able to be continuously monitored so that a diagnosis and the next course of treatment can be determined.

Yes, this is definitely scary for me and Brian, but his numbers are currently in the 90's, so he is not in any immediate danger, but we want to be able to take him off the O2 machine as quickly as possible.


Please keep Samuel in your thought and hope that we find out and fix what is wrong ASAP.  I hate that we have to keep him hooked up to this stupid machine every night.  Damn you RSV!!


At least he doesn't fight us and is a very happy, playful little boy.

Operation Minimize- Week 3 (169-178)

Sometime last week, I went through our downstairs closet and cleaned out the last of my master bedroom closet and took this stuff to Goodwill yesterday.

What Got the Heave Ho (Donation)
1 Sweater
4 T Shirts
1 Pair of Shorts
4 Jackets

10 Items

5 Questions Friday

I stumbled on a blog today and she was participating in "5 Questions Friday."  I thought that her questings were interesting, so here they go.  Let me know what you think?


1. If you had $1,000 to donate to a charity, which would you choose?

I would probably choose to donate to The American Cancer Society.  There are so many different types of cancers that don't get the funding that they need.


2. Snow days: Do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in your butt?
I like snow days.  I'm able to spend time with my family and stay around the house.  That's the good thing about Colorado, we usually get at least 1-2 days off per winter.


3. What talent did you wish you had and why?
I wish I was born with the organizational gene that would cause me to always be organized, know where everything is and make the most of my time and space limitations.  Sadly, I am always going to have to work on it.


4. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie?
I'd have to say celebrity gossip junkie.  It's not my main focus when I get home from work, but it does let my brain take a rest.


5. What is your favorite "cocktail"? (Are you a beer person, a kiddie cocktail junkie, or perhaps your more the "Cosmo" kind?! Anything flies...doesn't hafta be alcoholic!)
I'd have to say Cosmopolitan, but I don't drink those much anymore (too expensive). 

Have a great weekend.

Organizing a Different Space

 

It's not this big, but this is a
good representation.

I gave up the formal "purse" mid last year because I wanted to be able to use a canvas tote bag (from Vistaprint) that I purchased and use as a purse.  It's 19" x 15" x 6" and it has a family photo on it. 

LOVE IT!!


I'm usually pretty good about cleaning it out on a regular basis, but recently,  it was getting to be a "junk bag" and I wanted to make sure that I was only using it for important, timely items.

I removed a file folder from it, where I keep papers that I don't want to become crumpled, went through them and determined what should stay and what should go.

There were feminine products in there that become separated from their packaging, outdated activity calendars, recipes that never made it into the 3-ring binder at home and old pay stubs.

I took 5 minutes at my desk to go through these items and, I'm proud to say, that my tote bag is neat, clean and organized.  My wallet, keys, umbrella, papers and glasses are now easily accessible.  No more digging.

When was the last time that you cleaned out your purse??

Shifting Your Focus

I have recently become aware of a website that has made me think about things differently and how I want my life to be alligned.

Becoming Minimalist

Operation Minimize (where we are reducing the amount of things in our home) is a portion of "Becoming Minimalist."  This idea is about zeroing on those experiences and reducing the clutter of debt, time constraints, goals, and living a fuller life.

Today's post from Becoming Minimalist is about living a life you can be proud of.

It just may begin to shift our focus upwards to things that bring us true, lasting pride. Things like:

• A Clear Conscience. Living a life consistent with our values.
• Character. Choosing to treat others and ourselves with high esteem and respect.
• Sincerity. Living with no attempt to deceive those around us.
• Wisdom. Not being tossed and turned by the culture of the day, but laying a foundation of certainty from outside our ever-shifting culture.
• Love. Embracing a heart that, above everything else, seeks to love others.

this is my goal.  I'm not sure how long, if ever, it's going to take me, but I really want to live life to it's fullest without a lot of extra BS.

Operation Minimize- Week 2 (136-168)

I decided to do a more spring cleaning in my closet. I was able to remove another 29 items from our house yesterday.

What Got the Heave Ho (Donation)

2 Sweaters
3 Sweatshirts
3 Long Sleeve Shirts
3 Pair of Shorts
4 Short Sleeve Shirts
1 Pair of  Boots
3 Pairs of Capri Pants
1 Robe
4 Tank Tops
1 Pair of Clogs
2 T Shirts
3 Books

What Got the Heave Ho (Trash)
1 Pair of Sandals
1 Bra
1 Tank top

33 Items

I do still have our downstairs closet to go through.  I believe that there will be at least 4 jackets to donate.

Rockies Tickets For Sale- Opening Weekend

I have access to discounted Rockies tickets for Saturday night's game opening weekend.

Normally $38, selling for $30.

Clich HERE for more ticket information.

A portion of the sale price will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Operation Minimize- Week 1 Part 2 (33-135)

Brian and I decided to do a little spring cleaning early today.  We went through our closet in the bedroom and thinned out a ton of clothes yesterday.  Of course there were some things that couldn't be parted with.

What Got the Heave Ho
3 Workout Pants

4 Pairs of Jeans

10 Pairs of Dress Pants

14 Button-Down Shirts

6 Sweaters

10 Long Sleeve Shirts

10 Pair of Shorts

1 Pair of Headphones

5 Short Sleeve Shirts

9 Pairs of Socks

3 Books

1 Camera Case

3 Dress Jackets

1 Lanyard

10 T-Shirts



I can't believe that my husband
actually owned these.



1 Belt

1 Jean Shirt (Circa 1992)

1 Hawaiian Shirt

1 Sweatshirt

1 Small Tripod

1 Headphone Extender

1 Tie

2 Sleeveless Shirt

I Cordless Phone

1 Speedo

1 Bag of old Hangers

102 Items

 Items that I couldn't be Brian to get rid of (even though I begged).

• FUBU Shoes
• Oakley Hat
• Car Discman 
• Metal  Belt

• Beer Shirt



Oakley Hat- very popular in the 90's



Where did they go?

Donation 98

Trash 1

Paperbackswap.com 3

I'm so happy that Brian is on board (too bad there are some items that I couldn't get him to get rid of some things.  I'll keep trying to get him to get ride of those items.

Operation Minimize- Week 1 (1-32)

Today is the first day that I have done anything to start tackling the basement.  I started taking pictures of items that we have decided that we do not need, including a lot of Sam's baby items. 
Here is the breakdown of things that have left my basement.
1 Workout Pants

5 Sweaters

4 Grownup Jammies

3 Short Sleeve Shirts

1 Pair of Socks

4 Bags of Trash

6 Large Boxes

7 Books

1 Cherry Nightstand

32 Items

Where did they go?
Donation                      14
Trash                            10
Paperbackswap.com     7
Sold                                1

I'm using paperbackswap.com instead of donating the books, because several of Samuel's books are falling apart, so they need to be replaced.   Once his books have been replaced, the destroyed ones will be discarded.

I'm well on my way to removing 2,011 items from my home (with a majority coming from the basement.

Have You Ever Had "Guilt Tummy??"

You know, when you finish eating something that you know you shouldn't have eaten (for whatever reason-- weight loss, stress eating, etc.) and you feel like crap afterwards.

I think that's what I have.

I received a call this morning from Sam's daycare saying that he threw up AGAIN.  Of course, nothing else happens after that to him, but just the thought of him throwing up, is making me stressed.

The stress of Sam not feeling well (on top of all his other issues) and me trying to lose weight and become healthier, I ate too much of something that shouldn't have even made it into my shopping cart.  I'm not telling what it was.

The best thing that I can do know, is chalk this up to a temporary setback and get right back on the wagon.

Cleaning out the Basement

If it takes me all year, I'm going to get rid of a ton of things in our basement so that it can be a functional space for us.  I hope to have Brian build shelves for off-season items (clothes, holiday items, etc), but I really want to rid the space of as much as possible. 


We moved into this house on 04/01/2006 and almost all of the items in the basement have not been seen since then.

A comfortable house is a great

source of happiness. It ranks

immediately after health and

a good conscience.”

-Sydney Smith

I'm afraid to take any before pictures for fear of people worrying that our basement is a fire trap, but I will this weekend.


What I plan to do with the items.

• Donate to charity
• Recycle
• Sell
• In the trash

I stole this idea from another blogger (Kid * Stuff * World).  Thanks!!!


OPERATION MINIMIZE


Operation Minimize is a challenge to rid my home of, at least, 2,011 items by the end of the year. Along the way, I post updates of my progress here.

Do you ever stumble on to a certain blog or web page and think to yourself you were destined to read those words … at that exact moment? Well I do. It happens to me all the time. Maybe not in a “fate brought me to this” kind of way but in more of a, “Wow! This is really going to change my life kind of way.”

I think that I was meant to read this blog post at this time.  I have been talking with my husband about working ont he basement for the last week or so.  This is a great "operation" for us to undertake. 


Of course, I'm guessing that I will be able to remove (at least) double the amount of items from our house by the end of the year.


Before Pictures of the Basement (I warn you.  It's pretty bad.)

           
  

The easiest thing that we will get rid of is the empty boxes.  There are a ton of them.  That might be my initial plan of attack this weekend.

Yesterday's Videos and Photos

Here are the videos that I had talked about.

Swim Class


Sledding

Escaping Winter

This is my in-laws right now.

They are headed to Panama on a cruise while

Denver gets 5-10" of snow.

They flew to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday.  They had the bragging thoughfulness to call us yesterday and let us know that they were sitting on the deck of the ship in 70 degree weather, drinking a nice daiquiri and watching the football playoffs.

They also let us know that they had a lot of fun in FL on Saturday going on an air boat ride through the Everglades and seeing an alligator sunning himself in the grass.

What a terrible burden (read sarcasm) to be in nice weather while the Rocky Mountain region is covered in a Winter Wonderland.


Actually, this weekend was kind of nice.  Saturday, before the snow hit, I went on an 8.5 mile run to continue my training for the marathon and Brian went on a bike ride.

We woke up Sunday morning to a bunch of snow.  It was very beautiful.

Sam started anoter session of swim class that he hasn't been able to go to since October.  It's like he never took a break.  He is going to be a really good swimmer.

After a few hours of relaxation, I got the boys bundled up and they headed outside to put Sam into his sled for the first time.  I don't think that he could have enjoyed it more.  I posted the video onto my Facebook page, but I will upload it to YouTube and put the video on this blog as well so that everyone can see.

Stay warm everyone.

Update: Gift Certificates

The following gift certificates have been sold or spoken for.

• Strings Restaurant Gift Certificate (Value $50)
• 2- TAG Restaurant Gift Certificates (Value $40 each)

Hurry up and purchase or reserve yours before they are gone.

Valentine's Day is Right Around the Corner

The countdown begins today- 40 days and counting!!

Do you know what your plans are for Valentine's Day?

I am selling discounted restaurant gift certificates and hotel rooms to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  All proceeds are 100% tax deductible.

Make me an offer.

Restaurant Gift Certificates
These certificates do not have to be used on Valentine's Day.


Cork House Denver Restaurant Gift Certificate (Value $50 or $100)

• Asking $35 obo for $50
• Asking $70 obo for $100

Strings Restaurant Gift Certificate (Value $50)

• Asking $35 obo

2- TAG Restaurant Gift Certificates (Value $40 each)

• Asking $25 obo for each

The Broker Restaurant Gift Certificate (Value $50 or $100)

• Asking $35 obo for $50
• Asking $70 obo for $100

Union Bistro Gift Certificate (Value $50)

• Asking $35 obo

Venue Bistro Gift Certificate (Value $100)

• Asking $70 obo

Denver Hotel Stay

1 Night Accommodations at Denver's luxury boutique Hotel Teatro (Value $265)

• Asking $190 obo

If you aren't the one that is making the plans, forward this posting to your SO as a not so subtle hint about what you want for V-Day.

99 Prints for $.99 from Snapfish!

One of the wonderful blogs that I follow, The Budget Mommy, found a great deal for 99 Prints for $.99 from Snapfish!
Check it out.

Sam's 2010 Milestones

01/13/10- Sam's 2nd tooth is starting to come through


02/05/10- Sam pulled himself to a standing position


02/12/10- Sam said something that sounded like "Da Da." We are going to count it as his first word.


02/13/10- Sam's first central incisor starts to poke through his top gums.


02/27/10- Sam said "Ma Ma." Yea!!


03/29/10- Ate whole eggs for the first time.


03/31/10- Dr. Turk noticed that Sam's 5th & 6th teeth are starting to poke through his top gums.


04/12/10- Sam's last day of formula at daycare


05/01/10- Sam's first step


06/08/10- Sam climbed onto the couch


08/31/10- Sam is considered "walking" for daycare. He is making the transition into the older room.


09/04/10- Sam's index finger found its way to his nose for the first time (that mommie has seen)


09/15/10- Sam colored his first picture. Of course it was just a scribble, but we are very proud.