Happy Birthday Heath

Today is my husband's birthday; therefore, I would like to take a moment and truly appreciate him for the wonderful husband and daddy that he is! :)

Thank you "hunny" for:

- making me grilled cheese sandwiches, just because you know I like them.

- getting up with Lucy on Saturday mornings, so I can sleep in.

- always considering my feelings, when doing anything.

- complimenting me everyday.

- watching 'Hannah Montana' with me because I hate being in separate rooms.

- staying home with Lucy when she was sick, all week long.

- collecting a Lucy stool-sample for the doctor when they thought she had a virus. :}

- encouraging me to always do what I want in life.

- being my guilty conscience when I am eyeing the Oreos at the store.

- packing my lunch every day for work.

- being my 'snooze' when I just don't want to get up in the morning.

- getting on the floor and playing with Lucy.

- randomly dancing when I am getting grumpy.

- telling me to buy clothes, just because it makes me feel good.

- understanding pedicures, manicures, and tanning.

- being there for me in the good times and bad.

- spending the last decade with me.

- being such a good daddy.

Thank you for choosing me. :) I am spoiled! There are so many more things too!

Happy Birthday Heath! I hope it is great!

Pumpkin Carvings

It was that time of year again, for us to carve our pumpkins. :) The night was perfect. It was a cool, creepy night, and the moon was the only light you could see. When we were lighting our pumpkins, Heath took this photo of our house and sycamore tree. The moon shone through the branches as a creepy, blue orb lingered in all of the photos we took. Scary! :)


I spent the entire evening carving a 'Herman Munster' pumpkin. 'The Munsters' was one of my favorite Nick at Night shows growing up. I still watch it on Netflix late at night.

Next, I carved Lucy's littler pumpkin. She decided to go with a simple 'Boo' jack-o-lantern.


Heath spent most of the night chasing Lucy around the kitchen and cleaning up after me. Finally, he joined the fun and carved this pattern. It reminds me of the ghosts on 'Scooby-Doo.'


Lucy wasn't too impressed with her pumpkin. She was very curious about the stem; but, she just wanted to throw it around.


After we lit the jack-o-lanterns, mommy and Lucy decided to take a picture on the front step. It was very reminiscent of our 2009 photo, taken when I was pregnant.





What patterns did you carve in your jack-o-lanterns this year? Do you like a challenge or just free-hand?

Final Halloween Schedule

Here is the final week and a half of the Halloween Schedule! Again, it is in Central Standard Time and pay extra attention to the color coding. I also thought that I would highlight some of my favorites and the ones that I will definitely be watching.

On Sunday, the 24th, 'Over Her Dead Body' is on. This movie isn't the best out there; but, I enjoyed it and would watch it over and over again. It really isn't a Halloween movie; on the other hand, it does have a ghost! :) The actors include Paul Rudd and Eva Longoria-Parker. I recommend this to the women out there. The men may not mind it though and children would probably be bored. It is on twice, if you miss it the first time.

Following that, at 6 pm on Sunday the 24th, 'Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins' is on. I accidentally watched the ending of this when my nephew was over. We started watching Scooby-Doo, thinking it would be the cartoon - nope! It was a real movie, with some no-name actors (although I recognized 'Fred' from some ABC Family movies). I have to say that it is pretty corny; but, I loved it. My nephew enjoyed it and I made my husband watch the "sequel," 'Scooby-Doo and the Curse of the Lake Monster'. I also enjoyed that one. Heath didn't hate it, which says a lot. :) He wasn't a fan of the Shaggy character though. Both movies are on a couple of times throughout the week.

A few things that are new, or classic, this year and I will be sure to DVR are: 'Disney's Trick or Treat' - an animated short (24th at 6:45 pm), 'Disney's Lonesome Ghost' - an animated short (27th at 7:45 pm & 30th at 2:45 pm), 'Scared Shrekless' (28th at 7 pm & 30th at 7 pm), 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' (29th at 7 pm), and 'Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space' (30th at 7:30 pm).

Finally, if you haven't watched the Halloweentown movies and Hocus Pocus with your kids, shame on you. I love them! :) Enjoy!

Orange - Rated 'G' and very kid friendly
Green - Parental discretion is advised
Purple - Adults Only

Friday, October 22

4:45 pm – Friday the 13th, Part VII: Jason Take Manhattan (AMC)
6 pm – That 70’s Show – Halloween Themed (ABC FAM)
6 pm – Joy Ride (FX)
7 pm - Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (AMC)
7 pm – X the Unknown (1956) (TMC)
8 pm – Prom Night (FX)
8:30 – Five Million Years to Earth (TCM)
9 pm – House of Wax (AMC)
11 pm – The Hitcher (USA)
11:30 pm – Dead Silence (AMC)

Saturday, October 23
6 am - Casper Meets Wendy (ABC FAM)
6 am – Nigh at the Museum (FX)
8 am – Teen Witch (ABC FAM)
9 am – Lost Souls (FX)
9:30 am – Open Graves (SyFy)
10 am – The Little Vampire (ABC FAM)
11 am – Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers (CARTOON)
11 am – Final Destination (FX)
11:30 am – Joy Ride 2: Dead Ahead (SyFy)
1 pm – Joy Ride (FX)
1:30 pm – Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (SyFy)
3 pm – Prom Night (FX)
3:30 pm – Saw II (SyFy)
4 pm – Halloween Spooktakular (CARTOON)
4:30 pm – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (ABC FAM)
5 pm – Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster (CARTOON)
5:30 pm – Saw III (SyFy)
7:30 pm – The Goonies (ABC FAM)

Sunday, October 24
6 am – Teen Witch (ABC FAM)
8 am – Boogeyman (SyFy)
8:45 am – Pet Sematary (AMC)
9 am – Premonition (FX)
9:30 am – Scooby-Doo and the Goblin King (CARTOON)
10 am – Boogeyman 2 (SyFy)
10:45 am – Cujo (AMC)
11 am – Untraceable (FX)
12 pm – Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktakular (CARTOON)
12 pm – The Midnight Meat Train (SyFy)
12:45 pm – House on Haunted Hill (1999) (AMC)
2 pm – Timber Falls (SyFy)
2 pm – The Witches (CARTOON)
2:45 pm – Return to House on Haunted Hill (AMC)
4 pm – The Haunting Hour: Don’t Think About it (CARTOON)
4 pm – The Grudge 3 (SyFy)
4 pm – Over Her Dead Body (USA)
5 pm – Corpse Bride (ABC FAM)
6 pm – Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins (CARTOON)
6 pm – Shutter (FX)
6 pm – Identity (SyFy)
6 pm – The Boy Who Cried Werewolf (NIK)
6:45 pm – Disney’s Trick or Treat – Animated Short (ABC FAM)
7 pm – The Spiderwick Chronicles (ABC FAM)
8 pm – Halloweentown (DISNEY)
8 pm – Hide and Seek (ION)
8 pm – Cloverfield (FX)
8 pm – The Reaping (SyFy)
9 pm – The Spiderwick Chronicles (ABC FAM)
9:45 pm – Jeepers Creepers 2 (AMC)
9:57 pm – Over Her Dead Body (USA)
10 pm – Hide and Seek (ION)

Monday, October 25
4 pm – Mostly Ghostly: Who Let the Ghosts Out? (DISNEY-XD)
4 pm – 15 Unforgettable Hollywood Tragedies (E!)
4 pm – Cloverfield (FX)
5 pm – Jeepers Creepers 2 (AMC)
6 pm - America’s Funniest Home Videos – Halloween Themed (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Halloweentown 2: Kalabar’s Revenge (DISNEY)
7 pm – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2007) (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Halloween (1978) (AMC)
8 pm – Bedknobs and Broomsticks (HALMRK)
9 pm – America’s Funniest Home Videos – Halloween Themed (ABC FAM)
9 pm – Halloween II (AMC)
10:30 pm – Halloween: Resurrection (FX)

Tuesday, October 26
5 pm – Halloween II (AMC)
6 pm – Stephen King’s ‘The Tommyknockers’ (SyFy)
6:30 pm – Melissa & Joey, ‘A Fright in the Attic’ (Series) (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Glee: ‘Rocky Horror Glee Show’ (Series) (FOX)
7 pm – Halloweentown High (DISNEY)
7 pm – Halloween III: Season of the Witch (AMC)
7 pm – The Happening (FX)
7:30 pm – Practical Magic (ABC FAM)
8 pm – Bailey’s Mistake (HALMRK)
9:15 pm – Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (AMC)
10 pm – Halloweentown High (DISNEY)

Wednesday, October 27
5 pm – Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (AMC)
6 pm – Corpse Bride (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (AMC)
7 pm – Too Young to Kill: 15 Shocking Crimes (E!)
7 pm – The Strangers (FX)
7 pm – Return to Halloweentown (DISNEY)
7:45 pm - Disney’s Lonesome Ghosts – Animated Short (ABC FAM)
8 pm – The Haunted Mansion (ABC FAM)
8 pm – Modern Family, Halloween (Series) (ABC)
8 pm – The Good Witch (HALMRK)
8 pm – Ghost Hunters, New (Series) (SyFy)
8:30 pm – Cougar Town, Halloween (Series) (ABC)
9:15 pm – House on Haunted Hill (1999) (AMC)
10 pm – Return to Halloweentown (DISNEY)

Thursday, October 28
5 pm – The Strangers (FX)
5:15 pm – Return to House on Haunted Hill (AMC)
6 pm – The Haunted Mansion (ABC FAM)
6 pm – Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktakular (CARTOON)
7 pm – Scared Shrekless (NBC)
7 pm – Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster (CARTOON)
7 pm – Dead of Night (TCM)
7:30 pm – Community, Halloween (Series) (NBC)
8 pm – The Spiderwick Chronicles (ABC FAM)
8 pm – The Office, Costume Contest (Series) (NBC)
8 pm – The Good Witch’s Garden (HALMRK)
8 pm – Kids of Killers (E!)
8:30 pm – Outsourced, Bolloween (Series) (NBC)
9:30 pm – Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (AMC)

Friday, October 29
4 pm – The Three Investigators and the Secret of Terror Castle (DISNEY-XD)
5 pm – Friday the 13th, Part VII: The New Blood (AMC)
5 pm – Curse of the Demon (1957) (TCM)
6 pm – Halloween: Resurrection (FX)
6:05 pm – The Three Investigators and the Secret of Terror Castle (DISNEY-XD)
6:30 pm – The Mask (ABC FAM)
7 pm – It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (ABC)
7 pm – Predator (AMC)
7 pm – The Curse of Frankenstein (TCM)
8 pm – Haloween: H20 (FX)
8 pm – Growing the Big One (HALMRK)
8:30 pm – The Revenge of Frankenstein (TCM)
9 pm – America’s Funniest Home Video – Halloween Themed (ABC FAM)
9:30 pm – Predator 2 (AMC)
10:15 pm – Frankenstein Created Woman (1965) (TCM)

Saturday, October 30
All Day – ‘Bewitched’ Marathon (TVLAND)
All Day – ‘Ghost Whisperer’ Marathon (WE)

6:30 am – The Black Cauldron (ABC FAM)
8 am – I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (FX)
8:15 am – The Walking Dead (TCM)
8:30 am – Bedknobs and Broomsticks (HALMRK)
9:30 am – They Live (AMC)
9:30 am – The Beast of Bray Road (SyFy)
9:30 am – The Bowery Boys Meet the Monsters (TCM)
10 am – Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (FX)
10:45 am – The Old Dark House (TCM)
11 am – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2007) (ABC FAM)
11 am – Billy & Mandy: Wrath of the Spider Queen (Series) (CARTOON)
11 am – Bailey’s Mistake (HALMRK)
11:30 am – 28 Days Later (AMC)
11:30 am – Dog Soldiers (SyFy)
12 pm – Halloween: Resurrection (FX)
12:30 pm – 13 Ghosts (1960) (TCM)
1 pm – Corpse Bride (ABC FAM)
1 pm – Growing the Big One (HALMRK)
1:30 pm – Ginger Snaps II: Unleashed (SyFy)
2 pm – Predator (AMC)
2 pm – Halloween: H20 (FX)
2 pm – Homicidal (TCM)
2:45 pm – Disney’s Lonesome Ghosts – Animated Short (ABC FAM)
3 pm – The Haunted Mansion (ABC FAM)
3 pm – Freaky Friday (1977) (HALMRK)
3:30 pm – Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning (SyFy)
4 pm – Shaun of the Dead (COMEDY)
4 pm – The Happening (FX)
4:30 pm – Predator 2 (AMC)
5 pm – The Spiderwick Chronicles (ABC FAM)
5 pm – Bailey’s Mistake (HALMRK)
5 pm – The Boy Who Cried Werewolf (NIK)
5:15 pm – Strait-Jacket (1964) (TCM)
5:30 pm – Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (CARTOON)
5:30 pm – Underworld (SyFy)
6 pm – Scary Movie 4 (COMEDY)
6 pm – The Strangers (FX)
7 pm – From Dusk till Dawn (AMC)
7 pm – Hocus Pocus (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Beetlejuice (CARTOON)
7 pm – Edward Scissorhands (HALMRK)
7 pm – Scared Shrekless (NBC)
7:30 pm – Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space (NBC)
8 pm – Hide and Seek (ION)
8 pm – Superhero Movie (COMEDY)
9 pm – Hocus Pocus (ABC FAM)
9:15 pm – Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (AMC)
9:30 pm – Edward Scissorhands (HALMRK)
10 pm – Hide and Seek (ION)
10 pm – Scary Movie 3 (COMEDY)
10 pm – Skinwalkers (SyFy)
11 pm - Clue (ABC FAM)
11:15 pm – 28 Days Later (AMC)
12 am – The Lost Boys (VH1)

Sunday, October 31
All Day – ‘The Munsters’ Marathon (HALMRK)
All Evening – ‘Addams Family’ Marathon (HALMRK)
All Day – ‘ Ghost Hunters’ Marathon (SyFy)

8 am – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ABC FAM)
9 am – Halloween II (AMC)
9:30 am – The Terror (TCM)
10 am – The Little Vampire (ABC FAM)
10 am – Scooby-Doo Halloween (CARTOON)
10 am – John Carpenter’s Vampires (FX)
11 am – Halloween III: Season of the Witch (AMC)
11 am – Kids of Killers (E!)
11 am – Halloweentown (DISNEY)
12 pm – The Haunted Mansion (ABC FAM)
12 pm – Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktakular (CARTOON)
12 pm – Hide and Seek (ION)
12 pm – Shutter (FX)
12:30 pm – Halloweentown 2: Kalabar’s Revenge (DISNEY)
12:30 pm – The Lost Boys (VH1)
1 pm – Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (AMC)
1 pm – Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy (CARTOON)
2 pm – The Mask (ABC FAM)
2 pm – Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster (CARTOON)
2 pm – Halloweentwon High (DISNEY)
2 pm – Hide and Seek (ION)
2 pm – Shaun of the Dead (COMEDY)
2 pm – The Happening (FX)
2 pm – The Tingler (TCM)
3 pm – Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (AMC)
3:30 pm – The Mad Magician (1954) (TCM)
3:40 pm – Return to Halloweentown (DISNEY)
4 pm – Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins (CARTOON)
4 pm – Scary Movie 4 (COMEDY)
4 pm – The Strangers (FX)
4:30 - Practical Magic (ABC FAM)
5 pm – From Dusk till Dawn (AMC)
5:15 pm – House of Wax (1953) (TCM)
5:20 – Twitches (DISNEY)
6 pm – Beetlejuice (CARTOON)
6 pm – Scary Movie 3 (COMEDY)
6 pm – The Ruins (FX)
6 pm – Ghost Hunters Halloween Live (Series) (SyFY)
7 pm – Van Helsing (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Dawn of the Dead (AMC)
7 pm – House on Haunted Hill (1959) (TCM)
7 pm – Twitches Too (DISNEY)
8 pm – Superhero Movie (COMEDY)
8 pm – Prom Night (FX)
8:30 pm – The Haunting (TCM)
8:35 pm – Mostly Ghostly: Who Let the Ghosts Out?
10 pm – America’s Funniest Home Video – Halloween Themed (ABC FAM)
10:30 pm – Poltergeist (TCM)

Can you believe Halloween and October are almost over?

Believing

I read another inspirational and thoughtful question recently, "What do you believe?" Well, of course, I felt that this question required some clarification and specifics. Otherwise, the answers could be a number of things...

I believe in God.

I believe in myself.

I believe in love.

I don't believe that 'seeing is believing.' Believing is seeing! :)

I am pretty sure that I believe in ghosts. I've never seen one; but, I've had some weird experiences in my childhood home.

I lean more toward believing in aliens, but am not positive.

I believe anything that my husband tells me, in seriousness.

I believe Lucy is a miracle.

I believe in the spirit of Santa Claus!

I believe the world is a nicer place around Christmas time. I also believe we have the ability to make it that wonderful all the time, if people could remember the important things in life.

I don't believe in the Loch-ness monster; but, I'm totally open to Sasquatch.

I believe in giving hugs and kisses and telling important people I love them every time we part.

I 100% believe eating a sausage, egg, and cheese croissant everyday for breakfast will make you gain weight. Darn!

I believe in exercise; although, it is very difficult sometimes!

I believe that my husband and I will be together 'until death do us part.'

I believe in wearing your seat belt.


I believe in the power of a woman.

I believe in education.

I believe the phrase, "70% of things people say jokingly are serious."


I believe the world is not black and white. There is so much gray!

I do believe that almonds just may be the best tasting nut out there.

Okay, that last one was just a preference. I guess that means it's time to move on. What do you believe in? Do you believe in the same things your parents do?

My Support System

Here I jabber on and on about myself, of course Lucy, and occasionally Heath. I hardly mention the other people who are in my life. I am very blessed, so very blessed. I have some of the greatest family and friends that anyone could ask for. They show so much support and love to our little family. I thank god every day for each and every one of them.

My parents got divorced when I was 13. I doubt they would necessarily agree with me; but, I would call it a "messy" divorce. There were times when I wasn't sure how the family dynamic would be when I got older and had a family of my own. It was really tough. I shouldn't have worried though; our family is so close. I think it's as close as it could be, considering.

It's odd how family oriented we all still are. I guess it shows that to be happy, it doesn't have to be a cookie-cutter style of family. Nevertheless, I would still love to live with Heath, have three children, two dogs, a large home, and well, you get the picture......

Since my family means so much to me, I thought I would introduce them to you. :)

Heath is my goofy husband. He is trying to transform Lucy into a daddy's girl. When I have to work on the weekends or late, it totally works too! It takes me about a week to get her back on mommy's team. haha. Heath is such a wonderful husband and dad. I couldn't have asked for anything more. We are high school sweethearts turned husband and wife. He knows me so well and I think I know him better than he knows himself! He is a goofball at least 80% of the time. Dancing around or picking on me is a common occurrence in our household. He loves to be active, be outside, and his favorite types of movies have Will Ferrel in them.

Next, is my mom. To her grandchildren, she's Mimi. She lights up when she is with her grandchildren, two of them to be exact: Lucy and my nephew. My mom and I share the same excitement for clothes, purses, jewelry, decor, and shopping. Now, if only I could cook like her. I am SO jealous. After we go to her house for dinner, I will literally apologize to Heath.

"I'm sorry that I didn't learn to cook like my mom."

I can always depend on her to tell me if something looks good or not (and be blatantly honest), to babysit Lucy, and to watch Disney movies with me. She is the only other person that I know who loves Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and Twitches as much as I.

Then, there is my dad. Lucy calls him Abuelo, which means 'grandpa' is Spanish. It's a long story; but, nonetheless, that is what she calls him. Heath and my dad have WAY too close of a relationship. They get along too well and I am often the third wheel when we get together. They pick on me to say the least and I get out voted for everything. Most of the time they give in to me though; because, I am the crankiest. My dad loves old movies, sugar cookies, and homemade cooking. He's not a fan of board games, except for Yahtzee, and he LOVES football. I am thankful that he passed a little bit of that love on to me. I'm sure Heath's thankful too. To be honest, I didn't really have a choice. We only had one Dish receiver when I lived with my dad; Sunday and Monday nights, and Saturdays, were non-negotiable. I had to watch a lot of football; so, he had to watch a lot of Disney on other nights. :)

My sister, is my one and only sibling. She simply adores Lucy and it makes me smile. I think she can't wait to play all of those childhood games with Lucy, just like me. We had so much fun as children, playing with matchbox cars, Barbies, Polly Pockets, and playing house as "Jennifer and Michelle." I was Michelle by the way. :)  We have had our share of sibling fights and disagreements. But, there are so many things that she can just read about me and visa versa. There are times we just have to look at each other and know what the other is thinking. Most of the time it's followed by a laugh. Our friends probably hate us sometimes. We get on kicks of talking about the past, people we once knew, and The Three Stooges. She loves photography, politics, and family. She has a very unique taste and sees the world completely different than me. She likes blue; I like red. I like blonde; she likes brunette. It's everything..........Disney/Nickelodeon, Republican/Democrat, Pastey/Tan, Corniness/Dry Humor........the list goes on. It makes for some well rounded knowledge though. We could totally win a trivia game show!

Her husband and her son are also a big part of my life. My nephew, her son, is Lucy's only cousin so far. I can't wait to watch them play as they get older. I just hope he doesn't get too old for her. I can just see him playing out in the yard and Lucy just tagging along, watching his every move. She is going to bug him so much! haha. My nephew was such a cute little boy; well, he still is. But, when he was about 2 years old, he was so stinkin' cute that you just wanted to give him everything he asked for! I love spending time with him; but, it's hard to keep up! He runs on full speed all day, I swear! He loves Mountain Dew (although he doesn't get it much), marshmallows, his Mimi, 'fixin' stuff,' and animals, of all kinds. He has the cutest way of telling Lucy he loves her and that she is beautiful. :) He totally needs to be on the show 'Kids Say the Darndest Things.' (Seriously, is it darn-dest?)

Then, there is my brother-in-law. He likes kids. Lucy was his fourth niece; but, you wouldn't know it. He treats her so special. Every time he sees her, you can tell that he wants to pick her up. :) My brother-in-law is another one who is too close to Heath. They are best friends, which pleases my sister and me; but, it's trouble. Or rather, they are trouble when they're together! I think they feed off one another and often leave Nikki and me annoyed. They like the same movies, the same stupid phrases, and they even have the same idiotic ideas. :) Now that I think about it, perhaps they were separated at birth. Above all, I'm sure my mom hates that they are so close. She gets to be picked on every family get together. It's not funny......okay, yes it is! haha.

My BIL is such a good listener, very loving, and loves the Nebraska Cornhuskers (he attended UNL). He is pretty quiet for the most part and loves pizza. He is another fan of my mom's cooking, especially prime rib or steak. He's odd because he loves pizza and hates cheese. We pick on him about it.

I have a lot of other people who are so important to me and Heath; but, I simply don't have enough time, space, or energy to do them all. We'd be here forever. I do need to mention how much Heath's family means to me as well. His family is a lot bigger. Nonetheless, they impact our lives very much.

As you readers can see, family plays a large role in my life. I am sure that you sense that through my other posts too. I hope that I can show Lucy how important it is. At the end of the day, nothing matters except for family and friends.

15 Things You Didn't Know

1) I always imagined my future life with a little girl and if I were to have all girls, that would be just fine by me. :) Perhaps, Heath would have a different opinion though...

2) I am not a huge fan of the color (light) pink. I dress Lucy in pink all the time; however, I didn't want her room to be solely pink, as well as her stroller, crib, car-seat, etc. When she is older and chooses pink, then I'll make the change.

3) I probably rearranged Lucy's room decor 20 times before she was born. I love design; but, was mostly nervous about her arrival.

4) I tried to use mind over matter with labor contractions and it only worked until I was dilated to 4 cm. Oh jeez, was it different than I imagined. Bring on the epidural!

5) I hate needles; but, I refuse to show Lucy that fear. I don't want her to pick up on my irrational fears and traits (like a metal fork rubbing a metal pan, foil on teeth, or basically any metal touching).

6) I'm a hypocrite sometimes. I will give Heath crap about not giving Lucy and me attention and then do the same kind of thing myself.

7) If I could only pick two channels to watch for the rest of my life, I would seriously pick Disney and ABC Family. I would like to say that it'd be for my children; but, it's not. I sometimes wonder if I'll ever grow out of it. Is 24 too old to love Disney?

8) I have serious control issues with Lucy. There are very few people that I trust watching her. I have to literally express all of my fears aloud or on paper to feel comfortable with them watching her. Sometimes I will remind them of the same thing multiple times, to make myself feel better.

9) I try to pray every night, when I put Lucy to bed. If I fall asleep before I do, I feel seriously guilty and as if something bad will happen. It's weird - I know.

10) I still like to talk about baby names, although I am not pregnant. I try to make myself stop; because, I could have 9 months of it when the time comes. I just can't. I downloaded a baby name app. on my iPod even. It's such a fun step in the process, AND difficult!

11) I want to play Barbies with Lucy when she gets older. I could and would still play with matchbox cars and with Barbies - my two favorites!

12) I wish that Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus would have been popular when Lucy was older. I could have gone to the concert and no one could have said anything to me.

13) I have had braces and over $3,000 of work done to straighten my teeth when I was 14. They were super crooked and I had those 'fang' type ones. :{ I hope Lucy gets her daddy's straight teeth.

14) I can play the trumpet and the french horn (and the tuba a little too). I really hope Lucy plays an instrument too. I think I might get her to go out for band in middle school. In high school, she can then decide if she wants to stick with it. We have an alto saxophone, flute, coronet, and acoustic guitar at home; she has a few to chose from. :)

15) Sitting next to Heath on the couch, eating popcorn, watching a movie by dim lighting, and cuddling with Lucy under a blanket is my all-time favorite past time.

Bath Time for Lucy

I was giving Lucy her bath again tonight when I started to get a little emotional. She is getting so big. She was clean and her hair was rinsed; but, she wanted to stay in the water to play. It was adorable, yes. On the other hand, it just shows me how old she is getting. I was thinking back to the days when baths were strictly a cleaning process and no playing was involved. The faucet was just a weird sound and not something to play with. Getting out and wrapped into a warm towel was comforting and not a whining mess, because the rubber duckie is still in the tub.

Oh how things have changed. In fact, I feel a little silly still bathing Lucy in her baby tub. She is ready to be moved into one of those suctioned rings, for the bottom of the tub. Oh well, she is content and it uses less water.

Pretty soon she'll be hollering at me to leave the room when she takes a bath. I hope that day doesn't come too quickly! It's bittersweet.

Halloween Schedule: Part II

I apologize; it was brought to my attention (by my not so subtle husband) that my television schedule wasn't exactly spot on with times. I'm sorry! I don't know if things were moved around after the schedules were released or what the deal was. Either way, I'm sorry.

If you are just now joining us, you can read Part I.

Here is, as promised, more information about upcoming Halloween television specials! :) I still don't have all the month of October. I can't seem to find all of the Disney Halloween schedule; but, I will keep looking!

Again, this is in Central Standard Time and please pay extra attention to the color coding. And again, I realize not all the movies are Halloween themed; but, I included any movies about superheros or treasure hunts. :) It's all about family fun in October!

Orange - Rated 'G' and very kid friendly
Green - Rated 'PG' or 'PG13' and discretion is advised
Purple - Adults or Teens Only

Wednesday, October 13
6 pm – Ghost Whisperer (Series) (ION-W)
6 pm – Ghost Hunters (SyFy)
7 pm – Ghost Hunters (SyFy)
7 pm – 20 Most Horrifying Hollywood Murders (E!)
7 pm – The Little Vampire (DISNEY)
10 pm – The Little Vampire (DISNEY)
10 pm – Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (USA)

Thursday, October 14
5 pm – Dial M for Murder (1954) (TCM)
6 pm – Ghost Whisperer (Series) (ION-W)
7 pm – The Mummy (1999) (AMC)
7 pm – Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (DISNEY)
9 pm – Murder, He Says (1945) (TCM)
10 pm – Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (DISNEY)

Friday, October 15
6 pm – Ghost Whisperer (Series) (ION-W)
7 pm – The Mummy (1959) (TCM)
8:45 pm – The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb (1964) (TCM)
9:30 pm – Ghost Ship (AMC)
10:15 pm – The Mummy’s Shroud (1966) (TCM)
11:30 pm – Virus (AMC)

Saturday, October 16
4 pm – Shrek (CARTOON)
6 pm - Scooby-Doo! Cure of the Lake Monster (CARTOON)
7 pm – Fool’s Gold (TNT)
12 am – Predator (AMC)

Sunday, October 17
10:30 am – Scooby-Doo! Pirates Ahoy! (CARTOON)
12 pm – Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase (CARTOON)
1:30 pm – Scooby-Doo! Abracadabra-Doo (CARTOON)
2 pm – 20 Most Shocking Unsolved Crimes (E!)
3 pm – Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins (CARTOON)
5 pm – Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster (CARTOON)
5 pm – 15 Unforgettable Hollywood Tragedies
5 pm – Return from Witch Mountain (1978) (TCM)

Monday, October 18
5 pm – Tremors (AMC)
7 pm – Friday the 13th (AMC)
7 pm – Mostly Ghostly: Who Let the Ghosts Out? (DISNEY)
7 pm – Aliens vs Predator – Requiem (FX)
9:15 pm – Friday the 13th, Part II (AMC)
10 pm – Mostly Ghostly: Who Let the Ghosts Out? (DISNEY)
11:30 pm – Friday the 13th (AMC)

Tuesday, October 19
5 pm – Friday the 13th, Part II (AMC)
7 pm – Friday the 13th, Part III (AMC)
7 pm - Melissa & Joey – Halloween Special (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Under Wraps (DISNEY)
7 pm – Cloverfield (FX)
7:30 pm - The Goonies (ABC FAM)
9:15 pm – Friday the 13th, The Final Chapter (AMC)
10 pm – Under Wraps (DISNEY)

Wednesday, October 20
5 pm - Melissa & Joey – Halloween Special Re-run (ABC FAM)
5:30 pm - The Goonies (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Twitches (DISNEY)
7 pm – 20 Most Shocking Unsolved Crimes (E!)
7 pm – Friday the 13th, A New Beginning (AMC)
8 pm - Hocus Pocus (ABC FAM)
9 pm – Friday the 13th, Part IV: Jason Lives (AMC)
10 pm – Twitches (DISNEY)

Thursday, October 21
5 pm – Friday, the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives (AMC)
6 pm - America’s Funniest Home Videos – Halloween Themed (ABC FAM)
7 pm - Van Helsing (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Friday the 13th, Part VII: The New Blood (AMC)
7 pm – Twitches Too (DISNEY)
9 pm – Friday the 13th, Part VIII: Jason Take Manhattan (AMC)
10 pm – Twitches Too (DISNEY)

Friday, October 22
4:45 pm – Friday the 13th, Part VII: Jason Take Manhattan (AMC)
6 pm – That 70’s Show – Halloween Themed (ABC FAM)
6 pm – Joy Ride (FX)
7 pm - Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (ABC FAM)
7 pm – Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (AMC)
7 pm – X the Unknown (1956) (TMC)
8 pm – Prom Night (FX)
8:30 pm – Five Million Years to Earth (TCM)
9 pm – House of Wax (AMC)
11 pm – The Hitcher (USA)
11:30 pm – Dead Silence (AMC)

Saturday, October 23
6 am - Casper Meets Wendy (ABC FAM)
6 am – Nigh at the Museum (FX)
8 am – Teen Witch (ABC FAM)
9 am – Lost Souls (FX)
9:30 am – Open Graves (SyFy)
10 am – The Little Vampire (ABC FAM)
11 am – Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers (CARTOON)
11 am – Final Destination (FX)
11:30 am – Joy Ride 2: Dead Ahead (SyFy)
1 pm – Joy Ride (FX)
1:30 pm – Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (SyFy)
3 pm – Prom Night (FX)
3:30 pm – Saw II (SyFy)
4 pm – Halloween Spooktakular (CARTOON)
4:30 pm – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (ABC FAM)
5 pm – Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster (CARTOON)
5:30 pm – Saw III (SyFy)
7:30 pm – The Goonies (ABC FAM)

I highly recommend Hocus Pocus, Twitches, and Fool's Gold. Also, I have enjoyed watching Melissa and Joey; so, I am looking forward to the Halloween Special. Enjoy!

Check back for the last week's schedule, sometime next week.

My Top 20 Baby Musts

I, again, was visiting my #1 online shopping spot this evening. I often rate and critique products. I know how much I use other buyers' feedback; therefore, I try to pay it forward. So, I decided to make a list of all of the items that Heath and I have been so thankful for in this first 8 months of raising Lucy -others are just Lucy's favorites.

Please know that there are many other things that we needed and are thankful for; but, these are the little 'extras' that have made this process so much easier! They are in no particular order.

EDIT: If you liked this post, you may also like 'My Top 20 Baby to Toddler Musts'.

1) The Boppy

I have no idea how Heath and I would have made it through the first month without this holder. Lucy would feel like we were still holding her; therefore, we were actually able to eat every once in a while! Also, when I was breast-feeding, this was a great arm rest. I was able to have a free arm.

2) Graco SwingThis swing plays a heart-beat sound that put Lucy right to sleep when she was a newborn. Also, her car seat is Graco and can be added to the cradle (just take the current one out). So, after car rides, we don't have to wake her; we just put her on the swing cradle and go about our routine.

3) Video Monitor Heath found this video monitoring system. It is really more like a security camera. We mounted it over her crib. It puts my mind so much at ease. Also, it is not a constant sounding monitor. When it is quiet in the nursery, there isn't any sound omitted. When Lucy cries, the sound kicks on and an alarm goes off. Finally, it hooks up to the television too for a picture in picture view. We will watch a movie and Lucy will be in the corner sleeping like a log.

4. Pacifiers (or "binkies" - in our house) Just when you think you have enough pacifiers, buy another package. We have already lost 4. We just had to buy some more. Now granted, your baby may not be a binkie baby. Perhaps you could leave them in the package until you know for sure. Lucy sure is and she LOVES them!

5. Baby Orajel

This one is clearly on my mind because we are right in the middle of teething! We use this all the time. It calms her down almost immediately.

6. Playtex Bottles with Drop-Ins
This is probably, purely a preference thing. My family all uses drop-ins; so, naturally, I did too. But, honestly, we favor these bottles over all our others. It seemed to be the best for not making her gassy as a newborn and now they are the easiest to mix formula in. Making an 8 oz. or 10 oz. bottle in anything else is a mess!

7. Changing PadWe decided on not getting a changing table. We just didn't think we'd use it enough to warrant buying one. So, we use changing pads. I have to admit though, we don't use these, above. We use Dollar Store pads - hey, they work! :)

8. Car Seat Cover I had Lucy in the dead of winter, so we used this a lot. It was so nice not to be fighting blankets and it didn't lay directly on her face. Plus, it kept her very toasty in there!

9. Diaper Genie II (Elite)I had heard both good and bad things about this product; but, we thought, hey, why not try it out ourselves. Oh, how thankful I am for it! It isn't too ugly to put in Lucy's room, it's short enough to fit in a closet (if need be), and it truly does keep the smell in. I highly, highly, recommend it to anyone, as long as you don't mind buying the refill sacks (about $6 every 6-8 weeks, for us).

10. Usborne Books - Touch & Feel

We recently bought some touch and feel books from an Usborne Consultant and Lucy just loves them! We have the one above and we also got another one about animals. They are thick and durable. Here is a link to their website: http://www.usborne.com/. Also, I know a consultant, if you want to make an order or have a book party! :)

11. Rubber Duckies

This is a Lucy favorite. She loves playing with them in the tub. The little ones are small enough for her to grab onto easily. She chews on them through her entire bath.

12. Baby Bath TubI know a lot of people just go from sink bathing to the big tub; but, we enjoy our baby tub. She started as a newborn in the sling and she continues to use it now without. The only issue we have is where to store it. It ends up just staying in the tub; we move it in and out when we take showers.

13. 'God Gave Us You'
This story is just so touching. Lucy isn't old enough yet to understand; but, I am excited for when she can. It is all about a couple planning for a baby (getting the nursery ready, the growing belly, being excited). It is very sweet and it tells a story so much like Heath and me, getting ready for Lucy - adorable! (Thanks Gigi!)

14. Sleepmate Sound Machine
This machine started out as Heath and mine, in the master bedroom. I used to live near a highway and silence just doesn't work for me. So, we had this and turned it on every night. It makes just a real hollow-type sound, basically white noise or 'whooshing.' Anyway, we had Lucy sleep in our room for the first two-months. She was next to my side of the bed and the sleepmate on the nightstand. Needless to say, when she made the move to her nursery the machine had to go too. It took us about three nights to figure out that is what she needed to sleep.

15. Sleep-Sacks

Again, since Lucy was a winter baby, we used a lot of warm items. Because of SIDS, we didn't want her to sleep in the crib with a blanket. Also, Lucy has to have her arms over her head when she sleeps; so, swaddling never worked for us. These were a great was to keep a 'blanket' on her, on cold nights. I just wish they were easier to find!

16. Razz-Berry Teether

This is another Lucy favorite. She could chew on this thing for hours. It can also be put in the refrigerator, to cool down like other teethers. Warning - keep bibs on standby; they will drool a LOT.

17. Play Gym

Before Lucy was mobile, this was her favorite past-time. We don't have this exact one, but a similar one. It folds up easily too for trips or to get it out of the way.

18. Graco Pack N' Play This system was a great addition to our Graco set. Although we didn't really use the nap area or changing table, we did use the crib aspect. This is where Lucy slept for the first two months and when she stays the night at Mimi's house. She is big enough now that we use it as a play pen; but, she still naps in it occasionally.

19. Gas Relief Drops I can't forget these! When she was a newborn, I swear she was always gassy! These drops would work within about 10 minutes.

20. Vibrating Chair We have two different vibrating chairs, this is one of them. As a newborn, she loved to nap in her chair. It was comforting. Now, she likes to nap in this one because she can play and rock before hand. She'll be playing pretty hard and next thing we know, she's asleep. :)

There you have it. My recommendations for the parent-to-be. Any moms out there have any other recommendations? What could you not live without, then or now?

Health Check

I've always been a pretty paranoid person. You can ask my husband. He is constantly saying, "Nothing bad is going to happen; you just have to trust that." Well, hunny-dew, easier said than done.

Lucy will roll over to her side in the middle of the night and I'll see it on the video monitor.

"Heath, she's on her side. What do you think? Do you think I should go roll her back over? I worry about her." Of course, I've woken him up. He doesn't even roll over and look at me or the monitor anymore.

"She's fine Cori; go to sleep."

"But, I worry about her Heath."

"She's fiiiine."

Well, about three-weeks ago, I was changing out of my work clothes and into my lounging around the house garb. I went to make a bra adjustment and noticed a small knot on my right breast. Hmmm.....I felt a little more and then said something to Heath. He felt too.

"You should probably go get that checked out."

"Yeah, I probably should."

That was basically where it ended. It was small and not at all what I imagined a cancer lump would be like. In fact, it was more of a knot than a lump; so, I blew it off. I kept telling myself that it was something to do with the pregnancy and/or breast feeding.

About a week and a half later, I was changing again and doing the same bra adjustment. There it was, again. This time it seemed easier to find. Larger? I'm not sure; but it seemed more prominent. I tried to talk myself into the fact that it was nothing. Why? I'm not sure. I made an additional comment to Heath about it; but, he didn't stress an appointment either. I think both of us were just trying to be optimistic and not jump to conclusions......or some would say being ignorant.

It was that weekend that I spent a lot of time with Lucy. I put her to bed one night and began to pray. I prayed about all of the usual things and then thought of a few others that I wanted to pray for. When thinking about it, I occasionally pray for a mom I read about who is currently battling cancer; she has two young children. I remember reading her story for the first time and how it broke my heart. Well, it impacted me so much that she and her family are routinely in my prayers.

It dawned on me that I was doing what she had done - and so many others I've heard about. I was putting this appointment off. I was talking myself out of worrying. For what? Why? It was shear laziness on my part. I have good insurance, a good doctor, and sick-leave at work. What the heck was I waiting for?

So, my psyche got the best of me and I called for an appointment on Monday morning, last Monday. I got in for the very next day - possibly the soonest I've ever gotten in! I was very apprehensive and I think the visit actually made Heath a bit nervous too. When I made the appointment and she said, "What's this for?", I had to answer, "I noticed a bump on my breast." It really made the whole situation hit home. Yes, it could be nothing; but, what were your first thoughts? Exactly.

There I was, in the waiting room, again telling myself it was nothing. I soon enough got to the room and my doctor came in. She studied the knot and squeezed it a bit. It wasn't sore and you could move it around - two things I've been told are good. She said, "Well, I'm not worried." Whew!! Relief. Then she said, "It is close enough to the surface; how about we cut it out and see what it is?

"Umm.....okay-?"

I trust my doctor 100%; so, I wasn't going to question her. Plus, I kind of wanted to see what it was myself. Next thing I know, I was walking into the clinic prep-room. I assume it's where they do stitches and that kind of stuff. I laid down anticipating that cutting my boob open would be very painful!

She got the numbing needle and started to inject the medicine. Honestly, it was probably one of the least painful shots I've ever had. It was surprising to say the least. Then, she said, "Ohp, it popped."

What do you mean it popped? I quickly imagined some sort of ketchup packet like thing exploding and the remnants floating around in my breast forever.

"It was just a cyst. I thought it was too hard to be a cyst; but, that's what it was. I hit it with the needle and it just burst." She then stated that she thought it was a something-something-noma. I didn't know and I didn't ask.

Of course I followed up with what causes a cyst and that type of thing; but, I was more relieved that it 1) wasn't serious and 2) I didn't have to have stitches in my boob! I will admit though, I was a little bummed that I didn't get to see it. I was semi-excited for that.

When I called Heath, the first thing he said was, "Good news?" It made me realize how much he was secretly worrying about me. He always tries to be so strong, for me. But, I am so thankful most times.

This entire experience has changed me. It was nothing; but it could have been something! And not once did my doctor or the nurses make me feel stupid for coming in. I never felt that it was a waste of time and even now, I don't feel that way. I need to guarantee myself that I am doing everything I can to keep myself healthy - if not for me, for Lucy.

I strongly encourage everyone to get a yearly physical, if you don't already. And, I encourage you to get questionable things checked out. It took two hours of my day and it put my mind at rest. If you are contemplating a visit, please go. You won't regret it. Maybe it's good to be paranoid sometimes.