Good Riddance Blogger?

I thought I would keep up with both, but once I turned to Facebook and it's iPhone app, it has been waaaay hard to get back to blogger. Maybe this summer.....

Good Riddance, 2008 - Hello, 2009!!!

2008 was not the best of years for me. I felt horrible the first half of the year dealing with hyperthyroidism, then I had my thyroid killed in the beginning of July. By the end of November I finally felt somewhat normal again. Who knew it would take almost 6 months to get thyroid levels straight?!?!?!?.

Our camper was stolen, apparently by a ring of women; it wound up being sold to a SWAT team member who tried to register it here in Clark County only to discover it was stolen, so I'm sure that the perpetraitors will finally be caught now. Bradley's heel was sliced open at the airport, and Sophie's leg was broken on our stairs. And that was all in one week!

Like most people in the Vegas Valley (and probably most of the country), our house is worth about $20,000 less than what we have into it, our truck is worth about $5,000 less than what we owe on it, we have too much credit card debt, and our 401(k) is down to about a 101(k).

There were some good things that happened in 2008 - I got a promotion at work, Bradley continues to excel at swimming and academics, Ella is getting smarter (and funnier) every day, and Rick's work schedule allows him to spend quality time with his children every afternoon (priceless!). My Mom married Russ, who is a blessing to our entire family with his kind spirit, my brother had the good fortune of landing a job with great health benefits before he was diagnosed with Guillone Barre, my Dad continues to enjoy retirement, and Sue-Sue was granted the prestigious Dunbar Award for excellent service. And we got two of the cutest, sweetest puppies in the world (who are currently both sprawled out beside me on the couch)!!

The Year 2009 is starting off with a lot of promise!!

• I'm lucky enough to be travelling to D.C. for the inauguration (I still don't have tickets, but I'm willing to stand on the mall with the million or so others)


• Mimi D is coming to visit that same week for Ella's birthday and to help out with the kids (another amazing blessing!)


• Mimi and Russ are flying here that weekend for Ella's birthday party


• We are traveling to Lake Tahoe in February to see Colonel (and hopefully Bill Kelly)


• We are hoping to make it back to San Diego for Spirit West Coast in May


• I am determined to save enough vacay time and money to be home for Christmas this year


• I have hope that our new president will make a difference


• I have hope that some of the politics at my job will be put aside so that we can see some cool projects through to fruition


• And, I continue to be blessed with amazing family and friends

So I started off today with a lot of hope, some pretty good sweet potato muffins from the basket of Louisiana stuff that Russ sent us, the great memory of the awesome football game yesterday (where was that team all year?), and a hilarious email from Susan (emails from Susan are always a delicious treat, but this one was especially golden :) ). Yes, this year has a lot of promise!!

South Louisiana Eatfest - Continued

The morning after Roberto's, we started our journey to New Orleans. After meeting up with more of the crew at the Tanger Outlet Mall, we headed for lunch at Hymel's in Convent. This is the view down River Road (along the Mississippi River). First you will see a plant of some sort, then sugar cane fields.

Seafood Stuffed Baked Potato

Crawfish Bisque

(Huge) Catfish Filets

The day before, Russ was going into a drug store and asked if I wanted anything, and I said BC Powder. He came out with this huge box, which turned out to be a blessing - it took us through the weekend in New Orleans, and later in New York City. Russ is so thoughtful!!

Here we are preparing for the rest of the road trip to New Orleans after the food coma at Hymel's

BC Powder - Part 1

BC Powder - Part 2

"Hey, Throw me a snowball, Mister!!"

Wow - this much snow in Vegas!! It's still covering the front yard a day later!

The life of Riley

Puppy Love

It was 48 degrees outside, but with no wind and the sun shining, it wasn't cold at all. Weird!

Christmas came early to the Jackson 4!

Check out the latest additions to the Jackson clan. That's Gumbeaux in the back, and his sister File (more affectionately known as Fifi Flowertot) in the front. They are half beagle, half basset hound, and after they played around for a little while, they climbed into their bed and went to sleep. I hope this doesn't mean they will be up all night!!!!

Roberto's

So far on that Friday, I had lunch at Domelises in uptown New Orleans, dessert at the Crazy Lobster on the Riverwalk in New Orleans, and now dinner at Roberto's in Sunshine, Louisiana.

What is that coming out of my head?

Purple, Gold and Cold!

Once again, the hospitality at the Stockstill Chalet was unparalleled!!

Camper Style

This led to many great stories, the best of which was "camper style". Merry Christmas, Jill!!

Mimi and Russ's Loft

The Crazy Lobster

After Domelises, we went to the Crazy Lobster right on the river for dessert and drinks. Awesome! P.S. A recurring theme from my trip to Louisiana - lots eating good South Louisiana food!!!

Domelises

A waitress here in Vegas saw my LSU Tiger lanyard and we struck up a conversation about Louisiana. She said her former in-laws lived in New Orleans and ran a po-boy shop named Domelises. Turns out, Russ has known the Domelises for years! When we walked in the restaurant, Russ asked for Mrs. Dot, said he asked for her hand in marriage years ago, and she said the only thing he ever asked her to do was dance!! They even took a spin - see below. The food was fabulous!! I had the half shrimp, half oysters, and a Barq's rootbeer, of course (It's good)!!

Bradley's Birthday

Low key birthday - dinner at Chili's and simple birthday cake. The big fun was had in NYC!!

Declaration of Independence

Four days after his 10th birthday, Bradley recites the first three paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence, at Tavern on the Green, in the Crystal Room. I am so proud my skin is about to burst!!

A new twist

on one of my favorite songs. Every time I hear this song it makes me smile.

#4 on the player - Love Song

http://www.myspace.com/jarsofclay

Happy Birthday, Bradley!

Wow! My baby is 10 years old today. In so many ways I think of him as so much older, but in some ways, he is still my sweet little baby. Before long he will be driving, dating, and going to college. Both of us are so excited to be going to New York City this week. Many, many thanks to Mimi and Pawpaw Russ for inviting us, and to Rick for letting us go. A feel a bit guilty about not taking Ella, but she is such a handful right now, and she wouldn't remember it any way. Her turn will be here before you know it! We will be making a cake later and taking some pictures, so I'll post them (sometime). I wish I was better (or more expedient) at this blogging thing!

**UPDATE**

Bradley was the last one to wake up this morning, so the rest of the Jackson 4 jumped on his bed to wish him a happy birthday. Then we talked about making his cake and opening presents, and I said he could open up one of his presents first thing. Then Ella said "How about the football?" :)

Famous American 2008

It's time for a new camera. But, at least I have it captured! Bradley rocks!! No other kid was pointing to their poster during their speech, only explaining it after, so Bradley asked if he could do that. Of course, I said no, since he already had it down pat!!