The Summer of Nicole

Summer in Tahoe 2011

2011-07-18T13:17:00.001-07:00

Summer in Tahoe 2011, a set on Flickr.

Fun in the sun with family and friends. Trip to beach, Charlie's 3rd birthday, family weekend in Brockway, North Lake Tahoe.

Giorgia's Baptism

2011-01-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

4th of July 2010 and Charlie 2nd Birthday

2010-07-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

Around the House & Mom's Day 2010

2010-06-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

Slideshow through Mom's Day

2009-06-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Charlie - March thru Easter (8-9 months)

2009-04-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Chris Flowers for taking all the really good pictures of Charlie!

Wow, I'm a blog neglector.

2009-04-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

It's been almost 3 months since my last entry. Sad. Very sad. A lot has happened since January!

I stopped working. I'm a stay at home mom now, as of early March. Mixed feelings on the subject so far. Really enjoy spending more time with Charlie and having more control over his schedule. But I would like him to see other babies and people more - so I'm working on that. My job now is the CEO of my family. It feels really good to have a single focus. I'm not succeeding yet by any means, but I'm inching there, little by little. So far - I don't really miss work. I think I will soon though - I'll deal with that if and when it happens :)

I'm pregnant! AGAIN! ALREADY! What a shock. Charlie will only be just over a year when the new baby Flowers joins us. Due in mid-September! Exciting time in the flowers family.

Many Faces of Charlie - Xmas thru Yesterday

2009-01-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

Day in the life, Part 2

2009-01-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

6 month Check Up

At Charlie's six month check up this week, his doctor (who, by the way looks, sounds and acts EXACTLY like Dustin Hoffman, except he might be 10 years older) was telling me how a schedule can help Charlie's sleep issues. (No duh) I said, I agree - but it's hard b/c he wakes up at a different time EVERY morning even though I put him down at the SAME time every night with the same routine. His wake up time can vary up to 2 hours -- which makes a consistent day schedule very difficult. The doc replies, "well, that's highly unusual." I'm like, is it something to be concerned about? He says, "no, it's just strange."

GREAT.

Of course, this morning, charlie wakes up at 5 a.m. I discover upon viewing our new SWEET new video monitor (thanks Papa!) that Dan must have taken his woobie out of the crib and probably moved the binkie away (he's ultra SIDS conscious) -- so I go in there to give him his "sleep props" in hopes he'll go back to sleep. And then I smell it. Dirty diaper central.

When I finally get him all clean and put back together and into his crib I know he's not going to last long before the binkie falls out and he starts a wailin'. I decide to try something: I throw 4 binkies into the crib surrounding his head as a test to see if he's more likely to get one back in the mouth after one falls out. Long story short, he falls back asleep around 6:15 a.m. with a binkie in the mouth after several minutes of crying and trying with binkies, he finally gets it! Then he woke up 30 minutes later :)

Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!

2008-12-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

Day in the Life, Part 1

2008-12-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

All About a Day Off

Many of you have already read this. A few of you recommended this is a blog entry, so here we go. This is a story of my first day off ever -- happened to be right before Christmas. I had planned this day off for a whole month leading up to it.

3:30 a.m. - wake up to check on baby and discover two disgusting diarrhea spots on carpet that I just spent $100 to have cleaned one month ago. Yell at both dogs (we are watching the neighbor's dog) and send them outside - where I discover the culprit is our dog. Apologize to neighbor's dog. Wake up husband to help with clean up as I need to feed my son - get backlash (b/c who wants to wake up with a wife telling you that you have to clean up diarrhea at 3:30 a.m.), but eventually he helps which is key b/c I am gagging from the smell.

6:30 a.m. - wake up early b/c my child is awake early. Diarrhea smell still rancid.

8 a.m. - discover the "bite" on my arm that I got a month ago is still there and throbbing, red and raised. Scared its cancer, I make an appt. with the dermatologist. drive baby to daycare.

8:30 a.m. - pick up rental for wet vac to clean carpets and hopefully rid our home of the most foul smell ever.

9 a.m. - arrive home to get going when I remember I have work to do b/c promised a colleague I'd help with a project - instantly regret that decision. Begin work while still inhaling disgusting crap smell.

10 a.m. - begin vacc-ing up house.

11:15 a.m. - go to doctor to find out that she "thinks" its a cyst but "she's been wrong before." Wait a few more weeks to see if its cancer. Lovely.

12 p.m. - stop by Del Taco drive through so I can insert nourishment into my body quickly and efficiently so that I may continue through the day. Eat meal in car in front of Steinmart. Go into Steinmart to buy all the daycare people "gifts" b/c apparently we don't pay them enough as it is (but inside I know our money doesn't go to the caregivers who make squat).

1:30 p.m. - pick up my baby from daycare to find out he's slept a total of 30 MINUTES the entire day of which he woke 7 hours ago. Rush home to put him to bed for a nap. Knowing that if he does not sleep for a nap, he will certainly not sleep at NIGHT!

2 p.m. - Arrive home to FIND 2 NEW diarreah spots - one the instant I open the door. Again, a flood of foul, foul, smell. After immediately putting dogs outside (they are banned from the house at this point), and then proceeding to step over the diarrhea so I can put my baby to sleep (which he fights me on b/c he's overtired of course), I finally get a chance to clean the spots. Gagging the whole time, I get that accomplished. However the house continues to REEK of crap. Hmmm. could there be another spot that I missed? OH YES. This time, it's throw up. Even better.

3 P.M. Start the laundry full of diarrhea-stained rags and write this email.

*******************
It must be noted that the next day, the diarrhea stain on the carpet CAME BACK. so now we have to have the carpets professionally cleaned as well! But at least I don't think I have cancer on my arm.

Charlie - 5.5 months

2008-12-22T11:16:00.000-08:00

Charlie's Baptism: Saturday, Nov 8, 2008

2008-11-09T10:41:00.001-08:00

Thank you to Father Judd who presided over a very intimate and special ceremony; and the Carmelite Sisters, particularly Sister Maria for preparing such a blessed occasion! Thanks to the camera men and women! Thanks to the godparents! Thanks to the family and friends that care for Charlie so much. Charlie is such a lucky man to have all of you in his life.

Update: My blog has been taken over by Facebook

2008-11-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

Slideshow = Charlie between 3 and 4 months.

Now instead of spending time writing random thoughts on my blog, instead I share them on facebook with random people. Facebook has become an addiction! My poor blog. I love this thing -- someday I'll get back to updating it more regularly.

FLOWERS FAMILY UPDATE

We are enjoying Charlie immensely. It really is so cool to see your flesh and blood learning new things everyday. It's a miracle. Now he giggles and it is so fun to figure out how to make him laugh. Just the other day... he HUGGED me! During a burp he reached over and hugged me. I couldn't believe it. He LOVES attention, obviously, but he really lights up and gets so proud of himself if he's doing something new like standing up or rolling over. BTW, he stopped rolling over for a while and now he's doing it again so FYEW! He is a lover -- he really likes holding hands anytime. His little hands are definitely spending a lot of time in his mouth too... total oral baby I have! We just started rice cereal and he is ALL over that. Its hilarious -- he gets all frustrated between bites -- I think he doesn't understand why the spoon has to go away -- with a bottle, it just stays in his mouth.

On the flip side, Charlie is a stubborn little devil. He has started regressing in his sleep habits. I have a new technique I started this morning but I don't want to share until I know if its going to work or not. Its funny -- he is born from two MAJOR sleepers so I know this is some sort of bad joke God is playing on us. Recently he has stopped liking Dan to feed him and even coddle him when he's upset.... just mamma. Oh no, we better nip this one in the bud!!! However, it's hard to tell your husband he has to "take it" when the baby is just freaking out... but I also think they have to learn too.

Official Data

2008-09-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

So, ok. Perhaps I'm a little obsessive. Just a tad. I like to think it was more to do with a passage I read in a book that was given to me that asked, "how did your baby score on the Apgar text?" The WHAT-gar test?

I realized I had been given NO test results at the hospital where he was born. Apparently doctors do a bunch of tests and labs and they never give the results to the parents. What is UP with that? I inquired. After leaving messages for weeks on a general mailbox b/c you can't get a human in the records department... I had to fax a request and authorization and then wait 3 weeks to be mailed the results. The net? I don't understand half of the information I received. There are notes from the doctors in some sand script that is impossible to read. But this is loud and clear -- it's about the baby's percentages on weight, height, head circumference.

Official medical conclusion? LARGE Head. Hilarious!! He's also large in weight for that matter, but we knew that in pregnancy. The head diagnosis explains perhaps why he had such a hard time coming out (poor me!). Chris says people with large heads become successful or wealthy or something like that. I'm cool with that!

Charlie - almost 3 months!

2008-09-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Latest and Greatest -- Charlie is growing like a weed! His latest antics are that he LOVES to be naked. And he really loves bathtime. He could be in the middle of a catagory 5 (Sarah) cry, and you put him in the bath and he becomes silent. A dream! He's smiling a lot now and he giggled for the first time last week. Tonight Dan and I think he giggled in his sleep! I think he has really good dreams b/c he always smiles while he's sleeping.

Speaking of sleeping -- we're not getting much. Ugly. Funny, I have always heard... big babies sleep a lot. Well.... Charlie has potential, but he's not there yet. We're working up the courage to let him "cry it out." YIKES! Wish us luck!

New Pics of Charlie - 2 Months Old!

2008-09-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

As Seen On TV - The Ped Egg

2008-09-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

OK, I have to admit that I'm a total junkie for all things "as seen on TV" -- you find them in the 50% off shelf/bin at walgreens and the like. LOVE it. First we got the "Sham Wow!" -- have you seen that commercial? Amazing stuff, man. Of course, I never use it. But when we do, it totally works!

The latest exciting product I am into is the Ped Egg. Dan came home this weekend and said, "happy anniversary babe!" and brought me the Ped Egg. I know, you're thinking: "what a lame anniversary gift!" No sirrie-bob! For Nicole Flowers, this was the end all be-all of gifts. Plus, it showed Dan paid attention when I commented during the infomercial which was most likely at 2 a.m. in the morning one night trying to get Charlie to sleep. I digress.

I have to stand behind this product! I have feet that aren't so pretty. No matter how much scrubbing I do (every shower!) on my heels, I cannot get them smooth! Pedicures help, but they use the "razor" which ends up just cutting up the heal and not making it any better. Plus, pedicures are like the chicken and the egg. You go there to get your feet smoother and prettier, but you don't want to walk in there with nasty feet either b/c let's get real, who wants to touch some stranger's nasty feet. So - I try to fix them up before I go but I always end up apologizing to the poor technician who gets to scrub my feet. Until now -- after two nights of the Ped Egg, my heals are actually getting soft! Go figure!

So, when you are picking up your prescriptions next time at Longs or Walgreens, check out the 'as seen on tv' section and pick up a Ped Egg. Let me know what you think!

Behold the Power of the "Binkie"

2008-08-28T09:09:00.001-07:00

Imagine as an adult having the magic power of a binkie.

With a fear of public speaking, you are required to address a large group of executives and your reputation depends on your delivery -- INSERT BINKIE -- Bring it on! Where's the mic?

A novice skier, you hop off the chair lifts and ski around the corner to be face-to-face with a double-black diamond ultra-steep slope with moguls as high as you newly-stretched out hips (that would be me). -- INSERT BINKIE -- Weeeee! See you at the bottom!

Charlie leverages his binkie in much the same way. Except its for baby activities. Almost anything is tolerable as long as the binkie is inserted between his lips. "Not sure about this bath? With my binkie, I am chillin' like a villain. Not sure I can handle spending 10 hours driving in a car across the Nevada desert? Insert binkie and I can man UP!"

Slideshow - Charlie Meets his "Peeps"

2008-08-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

We just took a whirlwind tour with Charlie! Started off with a work dinner on August 8 where Charlie finally met all of Dan's work-mates. From there, we left for Salt Lake City but only got as far as Winnemucca -- cruised in about 1 a.m. The next day, we finished the drive in Salt Lake where we, along with both families and friends, shocked Jon and Laurie Osier with a surprise wedding reception!! So fun! Nothing like totally freaking out two loved ones with a big party in their honor :) Fun was had by all. Unfortunately we left the camera in the car so I don't have pics -- as I receive from the others I will post.

Anyway, from there we headed up to Montana where we spent the remainder of the week relaxing and introducing Charlie to MANY family and friends. I STILL didn't take pictures of everyone so I'm hoping others have pics they will share and I will add to this slideshow when I receive them. Charlie spent a week being passed from the arms of one admirer to another -- he was getting totally pimped out! He also got to sleep with mommy and daddy a lot b/c big surprise: we were exhausted and caved on the sleep training. However we are back on duty so poor Charlie has to sleep on his own again. But Mommy still sneaks naps with the little man from time to time ;^)

Here are the pics I do have of Charlie from the last few weeks -- age 4 to 6 weeks. He is now smiling more and can see more. He has even coo'd!

Charlie's One Month Bday - Aug 4

2008-08-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Just a quick pic that was taken of Charlie and I at our recent visit to work... Charlie seems very focused on either a) one of my coworkers or b) a light. Heh.

Latest and greatest -- well, we go from thinking we have got Charlie figured out to thinking we have no idea what we are doing. Mostly the latter. Charlie mixes it up every day! While he's sort of on a schedule, he really calls the shots. Poor boy has digestive pains that not only keep him from sleeping, but make him cry which is hard for us b/c we can't fix it for him! And, when Charlie doesn't sleep, we don't sleep! But when Charlie is feeling good, he is such a good boy. He is growing like a weed (already past 10 lbs.) I think he's starting to look more like his Dad if that is possible. Dan might have a little mini-me on his hands!

Charlie - Week 1-3

2008-07-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

Don't worry. I know what you are thinking: Is Nicole going to post WEEKLY shots of her baby??

Probably not. Maybe :)

Here is Charlie week one -- he LOVES the sling.. we call it the Pea Pod b/c it looks like he is a little pea inside a pea pod!

Here is Charlie and Dan circa week two. How cute!

I realized the other night: for heavens sake: we have no pics of mamma and son! So I had dan take a quick one. How obvious is my sleep deprivation in this pic? I love those jammies on Charlie!

This shot with Blue is hysterical. Blue isn't sure what to think.

Niece Natalie Makes Her Mark at Dr. Office

2008-07-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

RENO, NV -- Bystanders at the Reno, Nevada office of Pediatric Associates were shocked today with an all-out assault leveled at their senses by one Natalie Flowers, 3, daughter of Christine Flowers (Natalie's father has gone into hiding and would not release his personal information as of press time). Apparently, what began as an average day at the pediatrician's office morphed into an event of unspeakable horror when the rambunctious tot elected to move her bowels...all without the benefit of either toilet or diaper. Her valiant and under-manned mother initially attempted to contain the ensuing hazardous spill, but was ultimately forced to capitulate to the sheer enormity of a situation that involved fecal descriptors, according to eyewitnesses, ranging from "caked" to "soupy". As of press time, casualties from the event include two pink rabbit boots, a polka-dot dress, and her father's appetite.
Authored by Natalie's father who wishes to remain anonymous.

Victory! Charlie is born on July 4th, 2008

2008-07-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

Charlie was born at 12:54pm on July 4th weighing in at 8 pounds 3.5 ounces and 19.5 inches tall. We are in love with our new boy!! He is healthy and happy as long as he's eating, being held, and not having gas ;^) We are very blessed. More to come as we are finally now starting to take more pictures. As I am normally the photographer and have had my hands full these last few weeks, strangely enough, we haven't taken many! But that is about to change!

"Dad Cross Dresses... As Pregnant Daughter?"

2008-06-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

I almost didn't believe it until I saw visual evidence. This past weekend, the Butte Central class of 61 gang threw "me" a shower up in Butte, Montana. And the fact that I couldn't physically be there didn't stop these determined ladies. Dad, the sport that he is, dressed up like his dear old daughter to be the guest of honor.

Absolutely HILARIOUS. On a serious note, I have to say, the fact that my mom's best gal pals would rally and throw this shower for our little boy-to-be means so much to me... it feels like mom is a part of this. To all you ladies, you make me feel so special and "mom'd" -- I cannot even begin to thank you!

No Way!

2008-06-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Late wed night around 11 p.m. I was worried about the swelling in my foot/leg. (My right foot is much more swollen than the left and after inquiring with a few people in the medical community, I found out that is in fact rare. One person said it could suggest a blood clot. Plus, the swelling went from being just a nuisance to being painful.)

I decided that I would test my blood pressure with our home monitor just to rule out hypertension or pre-eclampsia. I was so tired that I thought: if my BP is normal, I will go to sleep and worry about this in the morning. But unfortunately it measured 149 three tries (when I had been laying in bed watching TV for an hour). Off we went to the emergency room to check me and baby out (where my BP increased into the high 160s/low 100s).

Several hours later around 8 a.m. I was FINALLY released with a diagnosis of hypertension but not pre-eclampsia, thank goodness. The high blood pressure is cause for the doctors to put me on bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy. So, now I am figuring out how to work/live in bed! It's freaky.

The real kicker in all of this? Against all odds, the baby has turned himself around!!! Unbelievable! Just a week ago the doctor was clear that it was HIGHLY UNLIKELY the baby would turn b/c he can't get leverage with his feet to make the turn. Not to mention that he's getting big in there. But somehow, someway, the ultrasound tech - who checked out my leg for blood clots (negative) and was nice enough to scan the baby to check his heartbeat - confirmed the baby turned.

I am still in shock. I have no idea what this means now. Do we still do a c-section b/c of the hypertension or am I back to a natural birth? I guess I will soon find out :) This little guy likes to keep us guessing!

A - B - C - D Update!

2008-05-29T08:57:00.001-07:00

34 weeks, 8.5 months

A -- My ankles are tree trunks. NOTE: look away if you have a weak stomach! My ankles have been taken over by fluid and swelling. So have my legs and feet. Baduba, this is for you ;^) It is SO strange to have to walk around like this. I'm down to sandles only and really only the flip flop type variety.

B -- Baby is Breech. Even more? He is Frank Breech (illustration), which basically means the little man is upside down and in the pike position -- Doc does not believe he is going to turn himself around cuz he doesn't have leverage to push with his feet. Poor baby cannot be comfortable in there like that.

C -- Due to B, I am now scheduled for a C-section!

D -- New Due Date - June 28, 2008.

Yay, I get to pop this boy out about 9 or 10 days early! Whohoo! I have about 4.5 weeks to go. Hopefully my ankles won't pop in the meantime. Ha!

Baby Sanders "Neck & Neck" with Baby Flowers

2008-05-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how special it is to have such a good friend pregnant and having a child at the SAME time time as me! Seriously... we are only a few days apart. Having someone to talk through all the -- what others I'm sure believe to be mundane -- baby-ness has been a total blessing. Here are pics from Sarah's baby shower in Roseville. Shannon, Staci and I drove over to share it with her. I miss my girls so much! It was a tease just getting to visit for a few hours.

Which baby will join us first? - that IS the question! I can tell you both Sarah and I are wishing for an early delivery. We just want to meet these babies already!

Whole Group together

Sarah and I with our big bellies!

Another pic of our bellies.

SF girls reunite!

Baby is Showered with Love - and 2 Surprises!

2008-05-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

OK. For Real. I am overwhelmed by the showering of love and support dan and I and baby have received in preparation for his arrival. I can't explain it but I can't thank my friends and family enough -- I hope they know just how touched I am by their generosity and support.

I recently had two baby showers. The first was the 'friend' shower; the second, the 'family' shower AKA - Flower Shower. Here are some pics.

Friend Shower: Hosted by Sarah and Mandy!
Surprise Guest?? MONICA MORENO from Houston, TX. No freaking way. I am still totally in shock! So good to have my childhood friends join me in this event b/c it just makes it feel complete! Thank you SO MUCH to Sarah and Mandy for a spectacular shower. I am so spoiled! Thanks also to Sue for the special card reading. I feel prepared to pop this boy out now!
Andrea and Monica flanking the big belly.
Beautiful Cake!
Amazing cupcake favors!

Flower Shower: Hosted by the Guisti Sisters
Surprise Guest? BEV SWANSON from Portland, OR. My mom's best friend. There is nothing that could have been more sweet to me than the gift of Bev. She brings my mom with her and I really felt mom close for this event. Thank you Bev for traveling so far for me. It really means so much to me to have had you there. And thanks to Marsha Flowers for hosting Bev and with her sisters, the most fun shower with games galore. Dan and I are blessed to have such a wonderful family.
Bev and Me
Dan performing, "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands"
To view the whole album, click here. Username: familyfriend; password: flowers

Mom, I Miss You

2008-05-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

May 8 is the 1 year anniversary of mom's passing. I don't know what I was expecting, but this day was harder for me than I anticipated. I thought, like other tough days, I could stay busy and just kind of get through it. Instead, I found I woke up with a heavy heart - my first thought of the day was a flashback of that night when I lost her - so very vivid. I feel very blessed to have such a loving family at times like this who help lift me up and remember how lucky we are to have had mom in our lives. I was extremely touched with the emails I received from family this day.

Paula
I too have had a heavy heart, actually all week, today is especially hard. You mom was my life, strength, inspiration, etc. I am thinking of all of you today and always, to let you know I love you and thank you for allowing me to be so much in your lives. Just as your mom would want all of us to do, celebrate her life, and pull a practical joke on someone, that would make her giggle.

Dad
Hi, Just wanted to say that I am thinking of all of you and praying to Mom that she will watch over you. Went to 7:00AM mass (mass was for Char) and then to a rosary at 11:00AM with the '61 group and then to the cemetery. Sharon bought some soapy water and we all blew bubbles!! Her grave is covered with flowers and the love of all who knew her. She is forever in our hearts and will always be there to help us when needed. Miss you all and all my love, Dad

Uncle Don
I walked outside on a dark moonless night and I gazed at the heavens filled with a galaxy of stars. It was beautiful. I looked to the horizon and I saw a brilliant shooting star blaze across the sky and gracefully fade back into the night sky. " Hello Char," I said. "You are still there," and I smiled.

Dear family, This is a day that we will never forget! Our beloved Char passed from this world in the arms of her family one year ago to join the angels in heaven. She left us with many gifts that we will all have and use. These are gifts of love, common sense, care for others, good judgement, humor, wisdom and strength. I can feel her spirit. I feel it every day, and I know you do also. Call on her and talk to her and ask her to guide you. She is looking over all of us.

These are a few lines from a hymn that remind me of her and I hope they do you as well. "Gentle woman......quiet light......morning star.....so strong and bright. Gentle mother....peaceful dove.....teach us wisdom.....teach us love" Love, Uncle Don

Steve
Jeanie, Caroline, Luke, Anna, and myself went outside today and talked about Mom, said a prayer, and then released some balloons into a pretty sky. Then we played Ring Around the Rosy - I loved that. Although it has been a tough day, I feel blessed to have our family and for moments like above. As time goes by, I am trying to learn that sometimes, when times are tough, there's no telling how good a game of Ring Around the Rosy can make you feel. I know Mom was there. I very much miss her. God Bless, Steve

Cousin Megan
Dear all- Aunt Char is in my thoughts daily. Whether it is when Margaret has had an accident and wet her pants, it is Char's voice laughing, saying "Ha! She's gotta learn somehow!" Or, when Nicholas goes overboard with his bathtub antics and water is flowing all over the bathroom floor, it is Char's voice whispering, "Oh Boy! He is all boy! Ha!" Or, when I find myself troubled over something, it is Char's comforting voice telling me "Megan, it is going to be alright! This will get better!" She always had the best attitude about everything, and she gave so much to others. Her voice is with me each day and it guides me and gives me strength. Here's to you Aunt Char! Love, Megan

Laurie Osier
I watched Char closely in the short time I knew her. I admired the way she cast her love, asking nothing in return. I observed her tireless social networking that created an aura of ease and unwind for all those fortunate enough to reap her goodwill.

Most of all, I saw her reflection in her family, this group of individuals with a love for one another so strong, so unyielding, it could melt the most frigid of hearts.

Cousin Kathleen
This is one of my favorite & last photos of Char taking in October 2006 while hiking the Big M to release balloons for Gramps and laughing like crazy because of the freezing Butte temperatures. Char nearly fell off the mountain wearing one of Nana’s furs and a pair of well worn Keds on her feet. As Steve suggested, I too plan to release a balloon with my family this weekend. In honor of our beloved Auntie Char, we will dance, smile, and giggle lots while singing “Ring Around the Rosie”. Much love to all of you, Kathleen

30 Weeks... and Counting

2008-04-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

30 weeks, about 7.5 months (on a 10 month scale... remember 40 weeks divided by 4 is really more like 10 months, than 9. Another "suprise" of pregnancy!) Still feeling pretty darn good considering! I discovered swollen ankles this week. Oh, and either my thighs are swollen or they are just huge from weight gainage. Comments are starting up now... this week a lady at an event said to me, "So, any day now, huh?" I responded shyly, "Um, actually I still have at least 2 more months to go." Ouch. There are more comments but I shall not reveal :)

I guess that is just what happens. I join the ranks of all the other sensitive, slightly emotional, uncomfortable pregnant women worldwide who all of a sudden are judged or just plain old noticed more than they prefer. I'm considering shocking people. I should line up apple juice in several shot glasses and pony up to a bar and start pounding them. Heck, I already get gasps when I walk out of stabucks with a grande and people assume it's caffinated.

2 weeks ago dan and I started the pregnant classes. There are definitely pros and cons to these classes. Pros -- you get a massage and or some sort of rub down nearly every class. Solid. Cons -- they make you watch videos of births that are not only horrifying, but they really get you thinking: what have I done? There is no way out of this. And honestly, I am shocked that I didn't already know most of this stuff. The miracle of life is quite a discovery if you haven't already been down that road.

My husband. OR - Seth Rogan in Superbad?

2008-04-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

This year during busy season, a group of male CPAs at Dan's public accounting firm formed "the beard club." A juvenile attempt to distract themselves from inevitable sleep deprevation, stress, and late nights and weekends of overworking, it was something that apparently brought them much joy. Unfortunately I don't have pics of dan donning his full beard. However, I did catch him in his final day before shaving it all off, with nice long handlebars. I pose the question... Seth Rogan (link) in Superbad anyone?

Lost: Humongous Green Trash Bin

2008-04-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

This huge monstrosity was recently BLOWN AWAY from our driveway in the wind. Yes, that's right. I said the wind blew it away. Along with our two recycle bins.

Was it a tornado? Was it a hurricane? No, I live in Reno, NV. It was just wind. Just another typical crazy windy day. Imagine the chuckle I had when I had to call waste management and say, "Um, so, I think the wind blew away our trash can. Can you send us another one?" Fully expecting her to call me on this lame excuse, she offers, "Sure, there'll be a new one on your driveway on Monday." I say, "Really? And you aren't going to charge us or anything?" "No," --- "So -- just curious, have you been receiving other calls like this -- maybe we aren't the only ones who have somehow LOST an enormous structure like a bright green, 5 ft tall trash can?" I mean, I live in a gated suburb community - it blowing down the street -- understandable. It blowing somewhere so far away that it's lost? Inconceivable! "Yes, we've gotten many calls she said. The winds this Monday were fierce."

Geez.

H-E-L-L-O Belly!!

2008-03-15T12:13:00.001-07:00

Holy cow. In just one month, my belly has at least doubled in size! I am 6 months along now. God help me, it is hard for me to imagine the growth of another 3.5-4 months! Oh well, I guess this is what happens, so I'm just going with it. In fact, it's kind of cool, makes things more real.

Baby is seriously kicking these days and Dan can feel it more and more, which is nice -- it's not just me anymore. But one freaky thing I noticed that no one has ever mentioned to me before -- you know how the baby kicks forward, toward the outside of the tummy? Well, he also kicks the other direction, toward my back, and holy cow does that feel weird. I tell dan, "he's kicking my butt!" -- it really does feel like that! Such a strange feeling to have him kicking toward my insides.

PS: the jeans in the pics below -- ya, can't button those anymore -- haven't been able to for weeks. It's crazy how quickly the diameter of the belly can grow!

New PG pics -- 20 weeks. Half Way!

2008-02-28T10:41:00.001-08:00

Here are some updated pics of me at 20 weeks. Honestly, I have to say, these pics of my tummy look much smaller than reality (just ask my brothers who pretty much freaked when they saw my tummy last week). Part of this is because the pictures don't show my growing love handles, arms, booty and thighs. Yes, I'm one of those women who is gaining it everywhere. It will be interesting to see how huge my huge face puffs up to be, ha! Thank god for winter when I can cover up.
NOTE: please disregard the fact that I have just woken up and threw on some clothes.

Pregnancy updates -- as of today, I am a little past 21.5 weeks (22 weeks on Sunday, 3/2, mom's bday)
I can TOTALLY feel the little man moving around every day now. What a trip to be in a meeting at work and feel him tossing and turning inside my belly! It is so distracting!! Dan can't really feel him yet, though. I still feel really great -- the back is a little sore, but I'm doing back exercises and starting to walking more frequently. They say this is the best time during pregnancy -- 2nd trimester.

I am pretty much now into mostly all maternity clothes. I haven't found great maternity jeans so I am still wearing some non-maternity jeans that are forgiving with a belly band which keeps them up when I can't button them! Now is the time when we are focusing more on the baby showers and choosing baby things like cribs and nursery stuff. We still are STRUGGLING with naming our baby -- we don't even have a good short list right now. So, please let me know if you have any name suggestions!!

Drumroll Please.....

2008-01-23T21:32:00.001-08:00

It's a boy!

Completed 33 Years - Ready for 34

2008-01-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realized this year, I am getting hella old. 33? Really? How did this happen? I really don't care about getting old but it makes me think -- what major accomplishments have I really had on the world yet? I have a lot of work to do in the next 33 years I guess.

Here's a pic of me and the gals after a scrumptious fondue meal on NYE this year. Thanks for celebrating ladies!

Stop the Presses: We are Having a Baby

2008-01-20T14:01:00.000-08:00

Holy cow. It is still hard to believe its all real, but it's true! My rapidly expanding body and freakish physical changes are what remind me everyday of this reality. In fact -- I'm expanding a little more generously than I should, hehee, as the pictures below can attest. But I am feeling great so I cannot even complain! Dan and I are expecting a little Flowers baby on July 6, 2008. Only 5.5 more months to go.

We are eagerly awaiting the result of the gender ultra-sound -- trying to leverage "friends in high places" to get us this data sooner rather than later. But if that doesn't work out, we should know by 2/21/08 at our next doctor visit.

NOTE: clearly these are scary morning pictures which is probably why I thought it was a good idea to take them -- I still wasn't awake.
13 Weeks on my birthday, 12/31/07 (First week of 2nd Trimester, whohoo!)
16 Weeks, 01/20/07 (4 months) I gained 7 lbs in just over a month. YIKES. No more "eating for two!"

Halloween Reunion in SF

2007-11-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

Just saw my SF gals in our old stomping grounds in SF. It's been 8 years since we all met. Here are some pics of our adventures in the big city. These are my special ladies :)

Check out Sarah's pics here.
Check out Laurie's pics here.
Check out Shannon's pics here.

Heidi wrote a beautiful poem and recited it to us on Saturday night. It is so touching I knew I had to post it. Plus, I can read it anytime I'm down in the dumps and need a reminder of how much my friends mean to me!
----------------------------------------------------
San Francisco….

It was November 2000, when it all began,
A unique group of girls, now these women my dearest friends.

Upon my move, I was a bit unsure of where I’d fit in
Yet an office above Spago’s offered me more than a job,
It cultivated a circle of friendship that will not end.

A group of women all from different cities or states,
Our souls drawn together, one could say it was fate.

Our job was exciting and draining at times,
Even with some VBITS drooling, trying to smile the whole time.

With Papa Smurf and Crazy Pam, none could compare,
Made for good laughs and stories to share.

Yet, what I love most is the time that we had,
The closeness we grew on the road or in the SF pad.

As we changed jobs, moved away or found the love of our life,
We held each other’s hand into this next phase of life.

And as for the men who have married these beautiful women,
I am honored to be a part of your lives as well.
You are men of great strength, truth and honor,
Most of all I admire your love for one another.

A true friend is by your side, through every aspect life may bring.
We encompass that together, as we all have seen.

Laughter….when you stomach aches, you cannot breath.

Tears…streaming down ones face, when you are not sure you can go on.

Joy….for the new adventure you are taking or the new life you have given.

Love….when it consumes your heart, soul and mind.

You, my precious friends
I hold with great esteem
Each unique and special
Is what you are to me.

As the years go on may our friendships continue to blossom and grow.
----------------------------------------------------

Visions of SW Montana Countryside

2007-10-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

I was just recently reviewing my library of pics with a friend and realized I had a bunch of shots of Montana's landscape and nature. I think these completely unaltered photos are so charming because they are so accurate in telling the story of the area's beauty.

I went ahead and created a slideshow of images. Check it out!

1330s Reunite at Wedding in Beaver Creek

2007-09-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

My college roommates - or more properly, "Suite Mates" (STERS!) - named ourselves the 1330s b/c we met and became best pals when we moved into rooms 1330 and 1332 at the Castillian dormitory at University of Texas. After meeting that first day, we became inseparable -- going to get our student IDs together, eating every meal together, partying together, you name it. We lived together all the years of college (with the exception of Junior year when I went to Italy). Our most recent reunion was Lisa's wedding in Beaver Creek, CO. Can I say GORGEOUS? That goes for the bride AND the scenery!

Hilarity ensues in Sters' slideshow Here. Below are some of those pics as well.

Lovely bride Lisa with her charming husband Tyler taking their first dance.

Sters, Me, Steph at the Rehearsal Dinner "Ho Down" - it was on a ranch with skeet shooting and horseshoes, not to mention a country band!

Sexy Bridesmaids dawning our beautiful blue scarves.

With Lisa (the bride) at the reception. Don't ask me what the heck I'm doing. I look like I am having a seizure.

Happy Bride!

Cool Couples! This is the horseshoe gang.

Steph and me after the reception... Hilarious pics are in the slideshow taken after this moment.

Me and Dan at the rehearsal dinner.

Sters and Me at the reception. Awww.

Holy Cow! Cut My Hair.....

2007-08-28T21:21:00.001-07:00

So, a haircut SO isn't news. Can't believe this is a topic on the blog. Not exactly politics, war, health, tragedy, scandal, etc. Oh well, I at least wanted Dad to know he doesn't have to threaten me anymore that he'll come in my room in the middle of the night with a lawn mower and mow my hair off my head. LOL.

Just went to Lou's wedding in Beaver Creek, CO this weekend.... I am hoping to get more pics on that soon. Until then, here ya go.

Steph testing out a new camera setting and using me as a model.

Steph and I. Aww... Steph, how long have we been friends? 20 years, or 23 if you count the holly/kimi years. ;^)

Steph, Sters, and I. The 1330's without our 4th.

Just missing the bride. More on Lisa and the wedding on the next post!

Our Friends Meet Georgetown Lake

2007-08-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

The Fralick family threw caution to the wind and flew up to BUTTE Montana to spend a whole week with us out at Georgetown Lake. Dad hosted all of us at the house and we spent the week exploring the country and the water. Props to all of them for coming in the first place, not to mention how fun it was to show our good friends the "last best place."

Click Here to see pictures of our adventures.

Cousin Paul and Staci's Wedding

2007-08-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

Paul and Staci said their vows in a beautiful ceremony and we got to have a mini reunion with family -- isn't that what weddings are all about? Thx to Paul & Staci! Caught the Kondelis bros getting their Michael Jackson on... solid!

To see pictures, Click Here.

Bachelorette Weekend in Austin, TX

2007-07-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Don't Mess with Texas! Lisa had her bachelorette party in Austin and fun was had by all! Here Are Pics of the weekend. (Must have myspace account and "friend" Sters [http://www.myspace.com/stinareid] Pay close attention to Lisa's funny facial expressions... Lou, you crack me up! Here's to the Bride-to-Be! Can't wait for the wedding in August :)

Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys

2007-07-09T14:10:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry but I think I'd let this little cutie patutie become a cowboy if he promises to stay so adorable! Ride 'em Kaiden!

"Big Love" Inspires Investigatory Trip to Suburban Utah

2007-07-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

I loved reading this so much, I knew I HAD to feature it on my blog. Note: I did not write this, I only wish I could write like this. I know a certain someone with a gift for writing and I hope to submit more of this person's work in the future if they will allow it. Very entertaining.

So I've gotten into Big Love this season. It's sick and wrong but I can't stay away. We were bored one Saturday so we went and toured this new community south and way far west of where we live. *Disclaimer: this was a cultural expedition and in no way a sign that we were house hunting. Purely research driven and anthropological*

Eventually, it will become its own self-sustaining city with all the bells and whistles of a real city. However, comparatively speaking, this one will face challenges because at its center will stand a brand new $385 million L*S temple, and there won't be a single bar within spitting distance, and you won't see a bare shoulder on any of the 18 trillion stroller toting L*S women who have taken up residence in Nightscape, Utah. Getting to the point, this place looks alarmingly like the community where Bill and his three families live. It would be really easy to lead a polygamist lifestyle here, the backyards melding and overlapping one into the next.

The high point of our field trip was how we were able to scrutinize nearly every nook and cranny unbothered, throwing knowing glances at one another over our garmentless shoulders, sneers dripping down our faces like melted icing off a cake. Our gleeful cackles slipping loose like hyenas in a sheep farm upon encountering the 1500 sq ft Armageddon rooms mandatory in nearly every home.

I, with my sleeveless tank top and unkempt hair was the dead give away in the equation, one that didn't take them long to resolve. No babies, no capped sleeves. Clearly, the deviant individuals in front of them were facing eternal damnation and in no position to peruse their Temple facing, tree-less streets of vintage inspired homes.

K-Pax got crankier by the second. Then, our one and only sales encounter of the day proved calamitous. At one stop a perky new home specialist made us fill out a carbon-paper, three-plied questionnaire requesting our last seven addresses, our bank statements and a full dossier of our tithes for the last eighteen years. K-Pax insisted that we'd already filled out several at the sales center that morning, but she refused to be sold on his brand of non-truth. They must offer weekend courses on spotting non-believer lies.

We had to squeal tires and lay rubber in order to get K-Pax out of there fast enough. He was loudly complaining of chest pains and sun stroke but there was no fooling our self-appointed, new home sales guru. We narrowly avoided running down a couple of eternally optimistic B*U grads as we dodged her interference, us careening wildly to the left after a solid fake to the right. We managed to drive off unscathed, and with minimal destruction in our wake, we applauded our valiant pioneering efforts. Long live Utah and long live non-assuming polygamy.

2 Degrees from Johnny Knoxville

2007-07-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

Who'd a thunk it? Johnny and me only two degrees away. Thanks to my cousins Joey, Paul, and Billy who are currently living in Cody, WY.

Joey writes:
My brothers and I bumped into Johnny Knoxville from Jackass at the Cody Stampede Rodeo last night. He is going around shooting footage of cowboys getting munched or something. He was pretty cool guy, down to earth. He talked to us for a few minutes, and didn't give the Hollywood treatment at all.

This is Joey's second blog appearance... he's got a pretty exciting life out there in WY!!

Playing Hookie in Tahoe

2007-06-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

Sopranos Finale: Brilliant or Bloated?

2007-06-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Call it whatever YOU may, but if the final scenes of a TV show can make me so uneasy as to get me off the bed, crouched in the fetal position, hand in front of my face, watching through my fingers, I'd call that brilliant.

This one didn't go quietly into the good night.

I think David Chase knows his audience intimately and knows how to wind us up. So what if the family didn't get whacked? So what if Tony doesn't go to jail.... that doesn't make or break the show. What makes it outstanding is how it consistently keeps the audience on pins and needles. Even in the final minutes.

In a way, it's like a player. It keeps us wanting more.

Adrian, I have a bone to pick with you...

2007-06-04T00:54:00.000-07:00

Adrian Grenier could be the most handsom actor before audiences in quite sometime (for those of you w/o HBO, he's the lead in Entourage). He has that certain something that keeps you glued to the tube/theater... yum!

But I have a bone to pick with Mr. Grenier... Just saw his new HBO film "Shot in the Dark" -- a personal documentary following his search for his biological father. It featured a FAKE ending that sent me into tears in the worst way. The point of documentaries are that they are "non-fiction" in their ENTIRETY... right? Apparently not..

Uncool!

Mom's Balloon Release

2007-05-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Upon losing a loved one, it has become a tradition for my family to climb to the top of the Big M in Butte, Montana, and release a balloon in their honor. This tradition was begun by my Mom, my cousins Kathleen and Megan upon losing our Uncle Bill in 2001. This was my first release and it was very special. Thanks to my cousins for making it possible.

I love you Mom...

Check Out the Simonich's Freakish Body Parts

2007-05-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

6 Hot Women Take On Salt Lake City

2007-04-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Mormon country didn't know what to do last weekend when 5 out of towners and one local woman banded together to paint the town red. It was "girls" weekend and we all know what that means: drinking, eating, drinking, laughing, drinking, dancing, and more drinking. The out of towners weren't too sure about this strange place called Salt Lake City... here are just a few of the many outrageous and hysterical quotes from the weekend:

Staci - "Do You Tip Here?"
Shannon - "Do they have Vodka in Salt Lake?"
Shannon - "Do I need to show more than one form of ID to enter bars?"
Shannon - "What are the rules that we need to follow so we don't get arrested?"
Shannon - "Where can you buy the magic underwear? Why can't I buy the magic underwear?"
Shannon - "Mormons don't go to school past the age of 13 do they?"
Shannon - "So are there special Mormon bouncers?"
Sarah - "The shoulder is the gateway to the vagina. Uh, I just said 'vagina' in Temple Square. I need something to do with myself... I need a drink."
Staci - "Its OK if you had crabs, we still love you."
Sarah - "Print. Media. Web... Fuck it." (recalling her past career in marketing)
Jon - "Humans know too much about what the don't know enough about." (context will remain unknown)

See pics of our adventures Here.

A Walk Thru Mining Country

2007-04-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Butte has a rich history of copper mining spreading back to the mid 19th century. My ancestors worked in the mines as well. Took Blue on a leisurely walk the other day through the old Butte mines. Also, Mom gave Dad a new Carin Terrier named Fancy for his birthday. She's the new leader of the pack even though she's the smallest.

Here are some pictures!

A Visit from Miguel and Baduba

2007-04-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

Mike (Miguel) and John (Baduba) came to visit Butte, MT. Dad was in hog heaven as finally, he had a little muscle around the house. The boys were sent down to the depths of the basement to do some back-breaking work -- the most frightning place there ever was... I am still terrified & haven't actually stepped all the way into it in probably 20 years -- anyway, it was very cool to hang out with the two of them... never enough time, of course. Blue, the 2nd love of my life, basically disowned me for my brother john. I like to pretend this was because john gave him constant attention...perhaps?

Check out pics Here.

Remember High School Prom?

2007-04-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

In Butte, I guess you get to go to Prom every year, not just Senior year. Maybe they don't have Homecoming dances then?

My cousin went to prom recently and I did my job as "paparazzo" for the evening and took pictures of her and her date, friends. It really took me back to when I was a teenager!

Prom at my high school was a huge deal b/c you only went once and it was a special thing for your senior year. I helped plan almost all of our high school dances (about 4 per year) but never wanted to go b/c I rarely had a boyfriend (woa is me, I know). What a huge pressure it was to find some guy to ask me (that didn't make me want to puke). In my day, girls did NOT go stag. I usually tried to preempt the situation by joining a group of kids that was making other plans. It was strange to spend all week planning and decorating and then not attend. Perhaps I was missing out? Hell NO! I found out later, college parties were way more entertaining. How could I have imagined I would one day be having the time of my life, dressed head to toe in camo, sliding down a mud slide into a mud pit? Go Wranglers (shout out to Miguel) hehehehee.

Check out princess Julia on Prom Night.

St. Patricks Day 2007

2007-03-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

I am still grinning from FINALLY attending Butte's infamous St. Patrick's Day celebration. It was an unseasonably warm and sunny day, with lots of family abound to celebrate with. I want to thank Eddie and Nadine for being my escorts! You guys rock!

Here are my pics - I didn't take that many, probably b/c I was having so much fun. I also had a video camera in hand so you could say I was multitasking quite a bit.

Frightning Discoveries While Cleaning Out Pantry

2007-03-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Mom asked Dad and I for help cleaning out the pantry yesterday. As Mom and Dad simply transfer each item from one place to another, I found my role in saying --- WAIT a minute, how OLD is that? I filled up 3 garbage bags of stuff they would have simply kept on the shelves. Gag.

Couple of things were SHOCKING in that they looked like they have been sitting on the shelves since 1954.

Take a look!

Rosie O'Grady and Blue Polaski Make Friends

2007-03-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

Poor Rosie has taken the brunt of Blue coming to live up in Butte, MT. Blue loves to play with Rosie, often making Dad tense b/c Blue loves to grab ahold of Rosie's collar and swing her around. Personally I think Rosie thinks the game is quite fun.

Rosie and Blue are becoming fast pals.

See pics of the doggies here.

Mom's 64th B-day

2007-03-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

Mom had quite a b-day weekend this year for her b-day. Here are some pics of the party and the weekend that followed out at the lake.

Click here to view pics from Mom's b-day weekend.

Moved to Montana! / Pics of Chris

2007-03-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Life is unexpected, that's what makes it life - kind of cool actually. Living in Montana now -- staying with my folks b/c my mom is sick and I am here to help out.

When I arrived back at the end of February, brother Chris and his wife Michele were already here visiting. Caught a couple of pics of them in their St. Patty's Day garb -- they prepared for the holiday in the right place -- Butte, MT has one of the best celebrations in the nation. This year will be even more crazy I anticipate b/c it falls on a Saturday. Hotels in town have been booked up for weeks. It will be my first one, so let's hope I survive!

Click here for pics of Chris and Michele and Mom.

What's Wrong with America?

2007-02-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

"If people want to know what's wrong with America it is because our super heros don't sing anymore."

A profound statement from Steve Simonich while discussing the difference between the heros of the past with the heros of today with Dad. In Dad's day you had Gene Autry and Roy Rogers -- who sung as they saved the world.

Then Dad asked Steve who his favorite super hero was. "Spider Man," he replied. Dad counters, "Spider Man isn't a super hero, he's a comic book hero." Such is dinner convo when you are dining with dudes.

"Brew Ha Ha"? More Like: "Brew? No Thank You"

2007-01-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

Went to the annual Brew HaHa last night for the first time ever with a couple of girl friends.

It was one of those times when you say to your friends, "what were we thinking?"

After heading over to the John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, NV we were actually surprised when we arrived at the entrance to find a long ticket line. Standing in line, we checked out our fellow party goers. We counted more mullets in a square radius than I've seen in a year in Reno (which is scary, cuz Reno has it's fair share of mullets). Moreover, it was as if a couple gals in line were channelling Madonna (the 1982 version) with a bustier, hip belt, leggings, etc. When my single friends checked out the dudes in the room, the term, "slim pickens" was exchanged.... one friend commented that she felt she was at a fraternity party. To top it off, there was this extremely loud band who for some reason, did not believe in singing, instrumental only. We did have a little fun watching the drunks dancing to an almost undanceable band. I think we just felt a little out of place -- and slightly old. At one point I turned to my friend and said, "Let's remember that we ARE in Sparks, at a casino, at an event called a "Brew Ha Ha." What did we expect?"

All this said, I have to admit, since I only had about 1.5 hours at the party, I was on a mission to taste as much beer as possible -- they had some good selections, even Moose Drool from Missoula, MT. SOLID! And now, all of a sudden, I am looking forward to St. Patty's day -- maybe I'll finally make it to the infamous Butte, MT St. Patty's day celebration. Who's in?

MLK Day – Jan 15, 2007

2007-01-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

When I was 17 I read “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr.

Many are familiar with this quote: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – that quote came from Mr. King in his extremely compelling and moving letter to the clergymen of Birmingham while serving time in Birmingham Jail in 1963. This letter is extremely well written and captivating... and depressing to say the least.

I encourage anyone reading this blog (few and far between, I know) to read it.

You Gotta Have Friends

2007-01-15T18:21:00.000-08:00

Bette Midler sings it perfectly, "You Got To Have Friends."

Had a visit with an old pal this weekend. Funny thing about certain friends -- it feels like home when they visit, even if months, or years have passed. Why is that? Is it a cosmic thing? An energy thing? A spiritual thing? A biological thing? I often wonder. Well, anyway it happens sometimes and it just makes life grand.

Sarah came to visit and let me just say that she was a little out of her element for the last two days. Sarah has a wee phobia of hills. So, driving over one of the most dangerous passes in the west in the winter wasn't a thrill of hers, yet she braved, sweated, and white knuckled it all the way to Reno. She brought with her a lively, sweet Golden named Beaudie - apply spelled in the french-noveau style of my New Orleans-native friend.

She braved more mountains with me and even attempted a few sledding hills after some coaxing... I have the feeling she's much braver than she gives herself credit for. She was game enough to try show shoeing with me too up at Squaw Valley near an area called Shirley Canyon. It was brief, but we did it!

View pics here.

Bi-Annual Family Picture

2007-01-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately this picture isn't centered properly but other than that, I think this picture accurately captures the personalities of the family, hehehehee :) What hams!

White Christmas

2007-01-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Georgetown Lake in Montana with all the fam was quite a memorable occasion! There were 14 adults and 3 kids on a normal day before cousins and guests! The dinner table was huge :)

CHRISTMAS EVE: Santa arrives to suprise the kiddos, explaining that he's just stopping in because he lost his sleigh or his reindeer? But since he was in the area, he figured he'd bring the kids each a gift! Christmas is a great time to keep the kids on their best behavior... all you have to say is "santa is watching... you don't want coal in your stocking do you?" hehehee.

The trip was bittersweet b/c we decided as a family that we won't do Christmases in Montana in the future because it's just too arduous and expensive to get there and back. Summers are it from now on. So, this year was special to me b/c it's probably the last "reunion" Christmas we'll have for quite some time!

View my pics
View Chris' pics

Blue is the MAN!

2006-12-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

I'm not referring to Joseph "Blue" Patowski from Old School. But I am referring to his namesake. My dog Blue. You're my boy, Blue!!

Blue turns 1.5 this December... what is that, about 10 or so in dog years? I got a new digital camera in Sept and have been using Blue as my subject to test different settings. Since over the 1.5 years I've taken many a picture of Blue, he has grown accustomed to being my model. He gets excited for it like he does any trick like roll over, shake, etc. He's very good at it too... you'll see from some of these pics.

Click here to see pictures of Blue.

Still Searching for My "Will"

2006-12-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I have always wanted a male gay best friend. I'm not sure when this feeling began, but I've wanted one for as long as I can remember. I have 4 brothers and I have even, on occassion, hoped that one of them would turn out to be gay. What is my deal?

Then a little show called Will and Grace came on the air and I realized: damn it, I want a Will too! Tonight I picked up my dress from being altered by a little man named Alex. He gave me an etiquette lesson and explained that with a full length formal gown, a lady only walks forward, as to not trip on the back of her dress. If she needs to go in reverse, she must turn in a cicle, and then he acted it out as if he were wearing a ball gown himself. Then he gave me fashion tips and suggested a pin at a gathered place near the waist - and by the way you can get them for a steal at Steinmart. Then we discussed the reno wedding dress business and how lame it is b/c it caters only to the low end shopper.

Later on this evening I got my nails done (it is obvious that I'm going to a xmas party tomorrow night?). A guy gave me both a mani and a pedi. He inquired as to why I was so pale, and then proceeded to give me makeup tips to hide my peaked look. Red lipstick he said, it will disguise your otherwise purple and half-deadly lips.

I love it. I love it b/c I don't think women talk to eachother like that anymore... at least with strangers. If I really want a good opinion from now on, I will seek out these men that are so willing to give a real one - and 9 times out of 10, they know what they are talking about. Some day, I'll find my Will.

Turkey Day in Tampa: Fun in the Sun

2006-11-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

4 seasons are overrated. Nothing beats going to the beach for a Thanksgiving holiday. Though crisp day by Florida standards, the beach was SO beatiful, claimed by my brother in law to be one of the top 10 beaches in the world :)

I thoroughly enjoyed my brief trip to Tampa. We missed a large feast because we flew in on Turkey Day arriving in the evening - we saciated our appitites on 7-11 hot dogs and "lunchables." But the important thing was that we were with our family.

I was able to shoot some pics at the beach... I just sat in my chair and put on my long lens and shot like I was a papparazzo. It was fun! We buried a few of the kids in the sand, where they felt quite at home... hysterical.

Click here to see pics!

Santa Wasn't Expecting Such Excitement

2006-11-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

Luckily, we got to meet Santa the other day in downtown Reno. He was willing to take a picture with Dan, Blue and I... as long as proceeds went to charity ;^)

It was a calm day at the North Pole until the Flowers family arrived. Somehow Blue freed himself from Dan's half-hazard grasp, and galloped into Santa's workshop - barely skimming quickly by a few little children, he went straight for the 3 blue haired old ladies in the corner and almost flipped them all. Running like the night after him, I almost broke my back, but I was able to save the all people from our freakishly excited, and hyper little doggie. Once Blue saw the tennis ball, all was OK again. His obsessive personality comes in handy once in a while, particularly when you want a good picture. Just hold the tennis ball next to the camera and you are assured a happy dog looking right into the lens.

What's the Deal with Trader Joes?

2006-11-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

Anyone been to Trader Joes recently? Busy, right? I don't get it.... is it only a Reno thing? Why is Trader Joes ALWAYS crazy full of people? As a consultant, I'm loving my flex time these days - the fact that I can run errands in the middle of the day as opposed to lunchtime, after 5 p.m., or on weekends - it is outstanding! It's liberating to shop and not have to stand in line. But Trader Joes is another world.... no matter what time, no matter the day, it is SLAMMED. What is the deal? I love it there I just can't help but feeling that people are always in my space!

The 3 Stooges

2006-11-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

My brothers (one is missing) goofing off, dressed in Gramps' old coats and hats. I thought these were hysterical.

Bear Down!

2006-11-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

I had to post a recent email that my cousin sent me. My cousin Joe (or Joey as I call him), who currently lives in Wyoming, could be considered an outdoorsman. As a city/suburban gal, some of the stories I hear of the wild tend to shock me a bit from time to time. This is one example...

Joey writes, "I shot a bear last night at about 6:30. She is about a 200lb bear. Will probobly rug out somewhere around 51/2 and 6 foot, I am not 100% sure.

Sorry if i have not called anyone about it. Been so busy. I have to go to a work dinner tonight, was up late last night getting home, and skinned it most of the afternoon.

The coat was amazing, as you can see it was winter at the bait site for about 2 weeks. Baited for about 2 and a half weeks, and she came daily but i never seen her. She was coming in at dark.

After the big storm i started feeding her less and she came more in the day. Last night was the first time i had seen her. I knew from the tracks that it was a good bear. I didnt even hesitate. 1 Shot and she ran about 20 yds and started the death moan."

So-- I'm not exactly used to seeing cold blood on top of snow like that. While I'm clearly a wimp, I know this is a big deal for Joey! I can't wait to see the rug even though I may very well shed a tear when I do... :)

An Epiphany: Well, Sort of.

2006-11-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

The other day, I had an epiphany: I expend entirely too many brain cells keeping up with celebrity gossip. When is the last time I watched the news? When is the last time I read a credible paper? When is the last time I read an intelligent magazine? My mind is craving real data about the world. We're at war and yet I am just like the masses who know more about Britney Spears' love life than my own candidates for the next election. So, I'm now reading Time, Money, watching CNN, and driving my husband crazy with questions like: what is our retirement plan? What do we need to be investing and saving now so we aren't bankrupt and on welfare at age 65? Ha! I am way too tense about life in 30 years. But I think I'm getting closer to at least being a responsible citizen. Now I just have to organize the kitchen so we can start recycling again... one thing at a time.

Italy: 3 of 3

2006-11-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

Chianti, Southern Tuscany

The last portion of the trip was arguably my favorite. Probably because it was mostly new territory for me. Got to see areas of Italy that artists have captured for centuries... I felt special just to be there among all the beauty. The people in the small towns of Tuscany were so warm and open -- Our host in Greve, Cecilia, made us feel like one of the family. We went wine tasting in the Montalcino region where Brunello is popular - this was very fun b/c it was a true exploration: no one spoke English and we literally just drove blindly onto family properties and they welcomed us with open arms.

View pictures here.

Italy: 2 of 3

2006-10-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

Lucca, Florence, Montecatini Terme

Entering into the 2nd phase of the trip, we now felt pretty comfortable with transportation, speaking Italian, and generally getting ourselves around. This part of the trip went by in a flash because we stayed in each of these towns for only 1 night each. The reason this happened was because we wanted to surprise Dan's parents and sister during their European tour during the same time frame. Since we didn't get their official itinerary until right before we left, we needed to move a few things around. We tracked down the their tour guide and arranged to surprise them in the middle of Florence!! The surprise was a success and it was one of our best days in the trip. I also have to say that Lucca was a place I had never been before and it is a beautiful old roman walled city. Dan's ancestry is from the area so it was great to see his "roots" and to just enjoy this enchanting little town. I felt similarly for Montecatini - we only stayed there to be near the Flowers but this town requires more study -- particularly because there are thermal baths all over the place which I MUST discover in the future :)

Click here to see pictures.

Italy: 1 of 3

2006-10-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

First 5 Days: Torino & Cinque Terre

I can't believe it's been a whole month since I've written. Since my last post, one of my life goals and dreams has come true: to return to Italy. Dan and I were there from Sept 25 until Oct 11. I enjoyed myself immensely!! We couldn't get to the city where we met nearly 11 years ago fast enough: Torino. Some minor changes since then, but overall it looked exactly the same. No better feeling than to come to this beautiful city after that many years and feel comfortable and familiar with your surroundings. As we turned each corner, as we took in each sight, memories were flooding back. But our time in Torino was WAY too short, particularly b/c it was here where our jet lag kicked in. From Torino we visited one of our favorite haunts: the Cinque Terre along the coast. It is still breathtaking, even though I found it unfortunate how many American tourists were buzzing about. I'm happy the locals are profiting off us tourists after living so poor for centuries, really, but I felt it to be a little less special, perhaps because the secret was "out"! But that happens to all great places I suppose.

Click here to see pictures.

Tahoe in September

2006-09-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

The highlight of my week? Blue and I took an excursion up to the lake to explore. September is supposed to be the best month up at the lake and I believe it. WAY less people and great weather.

I've heard of these beaches on the east shore that you can hike down to...have always seen cars on the sides of the windy road along the cliffs, but never got to explore myself. I also did some research and found out these are practically the only beaches on the entire lake that allow dogs. So, off we went. My god -- hike we did. I made the mistake of taking only flimsy flip flops, underestimating the sheer incline/decline of the hike. YIKES.

But, we made it to a couple beaches, the names, I'm not sure. I "think" I made it to Hidden Beach, which, for those who don't know, is a well-known nude beach. Since we were the only ones there, only I will ever truly know whether or not I partook of that adventure! Nonetheless, there is not much "beach" at these beaches. Mostly big boulders, which makes the color of the water crystal clear and the most stunning blue-green.

So, there we were: swimming a little, catching a few rays, playing fetch with Blue, watching him improve his swimming technique. Couple of shots here.... this blog only allows me to upload a few.... Anyway -- I left in a great mood! Nothing like a shot of nature in your system once in a while :)

The Sutton's Come to Visit

2006-09-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

What a fun weekend!

Dan's best friend Jed, his wife Jen, son Parker and chocolate lab Cabo came to visit us for the weekend!

See Pictures here.

Everyone arrived Friday afternoon...... first thing's first, Cabo and Blue went right to playing like they were old pals in the backyard, even though it's the first time they met. They didn't stop for 3 days straight.

We are so lucky to have friends like Jed and Jen for many reasons. They are 100% real and have great senses of humor. Plus, they really care about us as we do them. And what is better than seeing your husband with his best friend? When they are together they are like teenagers.

Saturday night, the boys decided to stay up ALL NIGHT LONG and play dice and drink as many bottles of beer as possible. At 5 a.m. in the morning, dan woke me up to let me know it's time for him to go to the airport... YIKES. Later on I asked him how the flight was and he said it was rough. I asked, "because you were hungover?" He said, "No, because I think I was still drunk." But, I could hear in his voice that he had the best time ever b/c he got to spend the last hours before his trip with his best buddy jed.

Sunday we took Parker to the sierra safari zoo where he got to see lions and tigers and a LIGER, the biggest animal on earth, geez. It was kind of a sad place, animals in chain link fences with not the best houses and stuff, but on the flip side, I think we got within 5 feet of the liger.... up close and personal.

Jed/Jen if you're reading -- next trips on the table are: 1) us to come visit you in LA so we can see parker again! 2) San Inez (sp?) for wine tasting in a limo (Jen, your 30th?) 3) Savanna/Charleston. Let's start figuring out dates in 2007. Can't wait!

Bob Ross

2006-09-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

One activity I really enjoyed during the "Summer of Nicole" was taking an oil painting class. I think the best thing about the class was coming home with a nice prize for my effort. Can't really compare it to a trophy, but more like a nice 3rd place heat ribbon at a swim meet. Solid!

I was a huge fan of Bob Ross' "The Joy of Painting" when I was a kid. Who could resist the sweet, mild mannered, middle-aged white man with a huge fro? Anyway, the class is fool-proof for a beginner like me. And now I'm on this buzz of painting and the impulsive side of me just wants to go out and buy some paints, brushes and some blank canvases and have at it like a two year old and see what happens. But the practical side of me wants to wait for another class or two so I can at least pics up some techniques :) Only thing is: what am I going to do with a bunch of random landscapes? I'm going to try and talk the professor into some florals or portraits :)

Just tried to take a pic of the painting and G-R-E-A-T, my digital camera officially does not work at all now. Lovely! But the good news is that catapults me into the market of new digital cameras which I've been eying for sometime. Always a silver lining ;^)

My first entry

2006-09-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I am 31 years old -- going quickly into year 32 -- and I am still a little uncomfortable with the idea of a "blog" even though I've been reading them since 2000. It just seems a bit narcissistic doesn't it? I mean, the idea that what you have to say is THAT interesting? I am thinking of this blog as more of a diary than anything. In the computer age I am finding that I have no muscles anymore in my fingers and hands, which makes keeping an offline diary quite difficult. I figure this will be it for me.