What a gift

Lately I have been having really bad pains in my stomach. At first I thought It was just something I ate. But after a week of my stomach still hurting in the same spot and not being able to handle it. I had Vaughn take me to the urgent Care on Cortaro and Silverbell. to get it checked out. They did blood work and some other tests, to see if maybe I had a U.T.I. but all the tests came back normal. They explained to me that because it's a abdominal problem they are going to have to refer me to the E.R.

Long story short I went to N.W. Medical Center.They did some more tests gave me some Milk of Magnesia and some Morphine, and made me wait for an hour or so. When the doctor came back he told me all the blood work was fine and had me point to where the pain was. Then he so kindly started pushing in that area( I guess to see how funny I look when I'm in pain. he diagnosed me with an ulcer and gave me some Ranitidine and Viciden for the pain.

Wow do I know how to give myself a Christmas present or what? Maybe next year I can outdo myself, stay tuned to find out.

Pictures of Cody's Baptism

Me and my little man


Vaughn, Grammy, Cody, Alecia


Posing for a milk add



Vaughn and Cody

Had the time of my life and cried like a little baby. but I'm glad we were able to witness this. More pictures on my facebook account

Cody's baptism

I will never forget Saturday December 19th for as long as I live. Our oldest son Cody was baptized and Vaughn, Grammy, and I got to go. It was amazing to witness my little boy turning into a fine young man. His baptism was in Sahuarita were he and his brother now live with their new Mom and Dad. We were just very blessed to be a part of Cody's special day, and Cody was more than pleased to see us there. So was our little man Zachary.

Have tons of pictures to go threw and figure out which are the best to post in my next blog, but for now I am tired and need to go to bed. I will post more later with pictures of the baptism.

Here's your sign

Okay I know that I am a big girl, and that I could stand to loose a good 30-40 ounds or more.

But when I have 2 people in less than a week and a half come up to me and ask me What I'm having and when I am due. I know there's a really bad problem. Especially considering we have two girls at work that are both 5 months along with somewhat big belly's.

So I have made a promise to myself that I am going to start eating better and tryibng hard to lay off the sweets.

Wish me luck!

Proud of myself

Today is my oldest son Cody's birthday. And although it is tough to not see him on his birthday I have to say that I did pretty well today. I only cried 3 times through out my whole shift at work. Which is truly amazing.

Cody,

I really hope you are having a great day and got lots of presents. We'll see you on Saturday when you get baptized.

Love,
Mom

And the Moral of the story is...

Okay so the last couple days I have not been sleeping very well. So needless to say when I go to work I am tired and cranky. Well last night I finally got tired of being up until 3 am for the 4th day in a row, so around 2am, I took a sleeping pill that my doctor prescribed to me a while back to help me sleep .

BIG MISTAKE! By the time the pill finally kicked in I was out like a light. I ended up sleeping from around 2:30am until almost 3pm. Not good considering I was supposed to be at work at 9:30am.

I called my manager and she explained to me that this is the kind of thing that could get me fired from other jobs, but not from this one since this is a training facility to help me do better in other jobs. I explained to her that I'm very aware of that and thanked her for not terminating me.

The moral of the story this time: Never again am I taking something to help me sleep. Next time I will just have to suck it up

Seriously??

So I'm at work and it's already 7pm. the time we close. A lady walks in to the store and I tell her ma'am I'm sorry but were closed. She says she only wants to get one thing and it will be really quick. Again I tell her sorry but we are closed and need to get everyone out of the store now so that we can clean up and go home on time.

To this she replies: " It's because I'm Jewish, that's why you won't let me get the item."

I reply " It has NOTHING to do with your religion, it's just time for us to close."

Seriously? How the heck am I supposed to know that she is Jewish? And even if I did it has nothing to do with what religion she is. Some people really don't make any sense to me.

Bishop's Shopping Night

Yesterday was the start of our two say event at work. It's called Bishop Shopping Nights. What it is, is a night especially designed for those LDS or non families that have talked to a bishop and gotten an order to go Christmas shopping.

The nice part about it is these families don't pay a dime for the things that they are getting.

Anyway, as I was saying this all started last night @ 6:30 and kept going non-stop until 9:30. I don't know how many people were there but we had a line for 3 hours so that gives you an idea.

I felt like the jolly fat man himself as I helped these people with their orders, well okay maybe not Santa but at least an elf.It was a truly amazing sight to see all these people be able to put gifts under the tree this year even though they are not able to afford them. It made me stop and think how truly blessed I am to be a part of this, and how much my life has changed because I am a part of the church.

I am not going to fib, I will be one of the families that gets to go shopping like this for our children and for my husband and I for clothes.But I am waiting until Friday to do this so that our customers are able to get what they need first. Never fear we will still be able to get some really good stuff.

I just want to take a minute and thank God for all the many blessings he has given me and my family this year. I love you Heavenly Father and words will never express how much this means to us.

Proud Mommy

Okay so he's not a baby anymore, but he will always be my baby.

I'm talking about my oldest son Cody who will be turning 8 on the 15th and getting baptized on Saturday the 19th. I am so excited to be a part of this, as well as my husband and my mother-in-law. We have been waiting for this day for 3 years now, and I can't believe it's almost here.

Part of me wants to shout for joy, because I know my son is growing up and this is a big step in his life. But another part of me wants to cry because my son is growing up. I feel like one of those mask with the Smile Now, Cry Later theme like this




More will be posted with pictures. Keep a look out for it

Stop Raining on my Parade

I am so tired of people coming in to work just to criticize our religion.
Today for example I was waiting on this guy and he asked me

" Do you have any discounts today."

I reply: " No sir we don't give out discounts, because we feel are prices are already reasonable"

To this the man replies " Oh you only give discounts to the Mormon's huh?"

I simply said "The only people that gets discounts are the one's that work here, and yes a lot of us are Mormon."
To tick me off even more he says" Oh that's right you have to have multiple wife's in order to be Mormon and get a discount."

I simply had, had enough by this time so I said to him
" Sir I really don't appreciate the way you're acting. and if you knew about Mormon's you would know that we don't believe in more than one mate."

GRR. To this I say:
Stop raining on my parade. Just because you can't understand our beliefs or are to lazy to look it up doesn't give you the right to bash on us. I am Mormon and proud to be one. My life has been so much happier since I became Mormon. And to all you non-believers out there that think we believe in crazy things and our a cult. I got a great book for you to read that helps explain it all. You'll never guess what it's called:



Stop being ignorant about our religion, pick the book up and read it. Maybe then you will will realize that this is how you look when you put us down:


You may think you are putting me down when you insult me, our any of my brother's are sisters. but in all honesty the only person you are insulting is God himself for being so cruel to his children. Believe me when your time comes you're going to wish you were nicer.

It's ok to say Merry Christmas to me

I am shocked to hear little kids asking their parents if it's okay to say Merry Christmas, or should they say Happy Holidays.

Friday I was helping a mother and daughter with their purchases after I was done with the order. I simply said

"Thanks and have a nice day, and Merry Christmas" Like I always do. To this I hear the little girl say:

" Merry Christ" and then she stopped looked at her mom and asked
" Is it okay to say that?"

The mom responded with : " I don't know, some people don't apporve of that just say Happy Holidays."

Are you kidding me? I am outraged at what this world has come to. I used to love Christmas time when I was little and NEVER remember having to trip over myself on what to say to someone. It was always Merry Christmas.

I want all those of you out there that read this and feel the same way to please post back with :

And the Award goes to...

Today was a good day at work. Every month we have a devotional where we sing a song, have a prayer,give out awards to the hard workers, and celebrate birthdays with cake at the end.

Today I was shocked when I was given the award of



I was given this award because my manager says I always look for things to do and don't stand around at work. With this award I received a card and a bag of Hershey's Mint truffle Kisses.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

It's been a long time since I have written you a letter, and I'm sorry. As your song says you see me when I'm sleeping and know when I'm awake.You know if I've been bad or good. So this year I hope you and I can agree that my name should be on the Good girl list.

If that's the case then I would like to ask you for a Wii game console and the Super Mario Brothers game as well. I hear this Wii thing is the newest rage. It's like the Super Nintendo of my time only newer and cooler. Even though I am asking you for this. My biggest wish this year is that you take care of all those families that are struggling to make ends meet this year. Many of those will be blessed soon when they come to Bishop night at my work. But for those that can't or don't know about this. Please Santa help them find the joy in Christmas as well.

With love,
Alecia

We love you all

The reason I have this picture posted on my blog is because I want to show the world how truly amazing this family is. They are always there for both my husband and I with no questions asked.

When my husband needed help fighting his addiction for cigarettes they generously bought him tons of stuff to help him quit.

When I had my tonsillectomy, they generously made sure I was okay and gave me soft foods, and medicine.

They have invited us numerous time over to dinner, have called to make sure we are okay and don't need anything. They have done so much for us, and I justed wanted to dedicate a spot on my blog to this strong, loving and amazing family.

We love you guys so much.

Are you calling me a liar?

( This is a long blog, but it needed to be written this way)

As most of you know I have been sick since Friday. Well before then but Friday I went to the doctor finally because I was tired of coughing and being in pain. The doctor diagnosed me with Bronchitis and prescribed me the Z-pack. I thought it would be no big deal to work the next day so I did, even though the doctor advised me to stay home until Monday. But I thought to myself if I can't go to work that I can't see my kids. NO WAY was I going to let that happen.

So I go to work on Saturday and am feeling pretty good, until I start working really hard, and start coughing to much. On my lunch break I went and talked to my manager about how I was feeling and that I have bronchitis, and even tried to show him the doctors note.

Me: " Aaron, I am not feeling to well and was wondering if possible can I go home a little early? I have a doctors note here explaining that I really shouldn't be working today because of my bronchitis."

Thinking that he would see I was being tough and look at the note. But not even looking at me he says

" You know Alecia you've been sick a lot lately, I think it would be best for you just to toughen it out. I'll see what I can do."

To make a long story short. He let me off register 15 minutes before I was supposed to end my shift.

Needless to say I went to see my kids that night, did not go to church the next day, and went back to work Monday. Mind you by now I not only have bronchitis, but a VERY bad cold as well.

Before I even clocked in I talked to Sherri, another Manager. Explaining my situation and telling her how much I didn't want to spread my germs to others.

Making a long story short I stuck it out even though I was blowing my nose and coughing all day long. I literally had customers walk away without buying anything because they were not interested in my germs. I even had a customer want to talk to Sherri to give her

"A piece of my mind, for letting you work when you look so miserable"

By the time I came home from work and checked my temp. It was at 100 point 5. I was so sick and sore from coughing and sneezing that I just crashed and didn't wake up until noon the next day. Which was when I was supposed to go to work, still in pain and not feeling good I called in only to hear this from Sherri.

Me:" Hey Sherri it's Alecia"

Sherri: " Hi Alecia, what's up?"

Me: " I just woke up and know I am supposed to be on the clock right now. However I am not coming in because I'm still REALLY sick."

Sherri:(sarcastically) " Well you picked a really good time to call in, you know you're supposed to be closing tonight."
Me: " Yeah I know and I'm really sorry. It's just that I still..

(interrupted by Sherri) " Well just make sure that you get a doctor's note. I mean you were able to toughen it out yesterday, why not today?"

Can you believe that? I really wish I would have recorded the conversation to show just how sarcastic she was being, and how much she made it sound like I was faking the whole thing.

Okay I have said my two cents and am done now.

Growing like weeds

Taken two years ago on October 23rd, 2007. Zach was standing on Cody feet so that I could get him in the picture. Focus more on Cody's growth



and this was taken November 28th 2009



It's pretty sad when your 7 year old is almost as tall as you are. I give him not even a year and a half before he's as tall as Vaughn.

Dinner with my boys

Here are some pictures of my boys from the dinner we had last night.

Some really quick things to brag about

1. Cody is going to be in Scouts on the 1st of December

2. Cody is doing so well at home that he got a letter from his teacher saying how much she enjoys having him in the class

3. Cody got a trophy for winning first place on his soccer team

4. Zachary asked if he could take my Pooh jacket home with him, so he could be warm.

5. Zachary still asks at the end of the visit if he can come with us.

Enjoy the pictures!

Dear Mr Flu Bug

Dear Mr. Flu bug,



First off I say Mr because a women knows better than to give another women something as nasty as you. I fear that you may be trying hard to take over my immune system. So I just thought I'd let you know now that you are not welcome.



You may think you have won the fight, by not letting me enjoy any of my food today. But I guarantee that you will loose the war.

Kindly not interested in you,
Alecia

What a nice guy ( Times 2)

I was driving home from work, on the interstate. When I started to feel my truck shake. I thought nothing of it because it needs to be aligned and kept going. I get to the Cortaro Wal-mart to pick my mother-in-law up from work, and we're on our way.

Next thing I know I hear this thud thud thud,and immediately know what it is. So I stop in the middle of the turn lane near Arizona Pavilions road. I put my four ways on and get out of the truck to see just how bad the flat tire is. But to my surprise the tire is not flat but shredded.( This is not my truck, but this is what it looked like)





As me and my mother in law are sitting in the turn lane watching cars go by, a guy runs across the street to see if I need help moving the truck out of the way.
I tell him no thanks because the tire is so bad it that the rim was on the ground. he asks if he can help do anything and ( not knowing I had a spare) said " Maybe call the cops and tell them about us so they can block the lane off."



After the cop pulls up and asks what happened. I see a tow truck coming our way. The tow driver pulls in and asks " Where to?"



I politely have to say sorry sir but I have no money to pay for the tow, and my husband is on the way. He reaches over and gives me a hug and says " Don't worry about it, just think of it as my Christmas gift to you."

What my hubby is thankful for

Vaughn is thankful for:
His God, His country and His Corps!! OORAH!!! and Semper Fi

What I am thankful for

I am proud to say that this year I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for my family



for the love and support of friends from church that have become family


May everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving.

4 more days

These cute as the dickens children are my pride and joy. My husband and I are VERY excited because in just 4 more days we get to see them. Which is a BIG deal because we have not seen our oldest son in 6 months.

I CAN"T WAIT MUCH LONGER!!!

I'm winning

Every year to make football season more fun for me, and to make me actually want to watch anybody else but the Colts play. Vaughn and I print up the whole seasons schedule and then we go each week and pick the teams we think are going to win the game. At the end of the season( in January) the winner, or person who picked the most teams that won through out the season gets a massage from the looser.

GUESS WHAT?!? So far I'm winning.Granted we are only in week 11, but I have won 9 of the 11 weeks, tied once and lost once. For someone who really doesn't get the whole concept of Football. I think I am doing really good.

Can't wait for that massage.

Feel like my dreams are being flushed down the drain

Okay so as you may or may not know I want to go back to school to become a Medical Assistant. However due to some pretty harsh times this last year, I dropped all my classes. Now I have a hold on my account that totals 1,241.10 . Hold on though there's a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

My job is willing to pay the 241.10, as well as paying all the expenses it will take to do the Medical Assisting program. But ( and trust me it's a big one) I have to come up with the rest of the money soon, because classes start in January and I can't register until this is paid off.


I am NOT posting this to ask for help. I will figure this out on my own. I am just posting this to vent my frustration of being somewhat close to my dream but having it ripped out of my hands because of the loss of my kids and signing adoption papers depressed the heck out of me, and made it hard to even want to get out of bed. Sorry but it just doesn't seem fair that when I appealed this and explained my circumstances( with a lot of proof) they denied the appeal.

All I can do know is pray that Heavenly Father will help me find a way out of this mess. So that my dreams can finally come true, and I can feel like I have made something of myself.

What a surpise

Wow, imagine our surprise when we got a phone call from Sister Day saying she had some stuff at her house that was dropped off at her house and meant for us. Well when we met her at the back gate of our apartments. She explained that the Cub Scouts were doing a food drive and thought of us for Thanksgiving. So we know have a turkey and a lot of the fixings for Thanksgiving.


Thanks a lot to all those that participated in this, we really do appreciate it.

GOD BLESS

Deseret Industries needs your help

Deseret Industries on 1st and Grant, is a L.D.S. owned thrift store that accepts donations form people like you. However we are in need of more clothes
(Mens, Womens, boys, girls, and toddlers), toys, books, or anything else in good condition you would like to donate for those who are in need this holiday season.

We will be having Bishop night on the 9th and 10th of December, so we would appreciate the donations before then if you can.

Any questions please feel free to ask, and I will get back to you ASAP.


Thank you to those that are able to help others in their time of need.

GOD BLESS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Undefeated Colts!

I'm really not all that into football but I do LOVE the Colts.I just want to give Kuddos to Payton Manning and the rest of the Indianapolis Colts for playing such a great season and working so hard to remain undefeated.

What a disaster!

AAAHHH! Okay so we were supposed to feed the Elders tonight at around 5:30pm. But because I had to work until 4:30pm, and Vaughn had to get two new tires that actually fit and looked decent. No one was home to shop for dinner or start cooking until almost 5:05pm. So needless to say we were hurrying as fast as we could to make Vaughn's famous burgers. Which ended up taking WAY TO LONG! We didn't sit down to eat until 6:30.

I am so totally embarrassed, and to make matters worse Brother Curtis seemed a little cheesed off when he called and we told him we were just sitting down to dinner. Next time this happens ( hoping it won't) we are just going to get Burger King or something.

Made up my mind

I have made up my mind. Decided to go ahead and take the 24th off because not only can I see Misty( my friend that recently moved from Japan to Mexico and haven't seen in over 5 years). But I also need to go talk to Pima Community College and see what it's going to take to get back in to school. I need to do this soon because the next round of classes is in January and there's things I have to do before I can get in.Plus with the Holidays coming up the campus is going to be closed soon. Bonus to this whole thing is that my job says they will pay for my classes and books when I finally do get in, because they really want to see us all achieve our goals and are willing to help in any way they can! How cool is that?

Second Guessing myself

What to do ,what to do. I called off the 24th so I could see a good friend that I haven't seen in over 3 years. Plus I called off the 28th because I get to see my boys for dinner and think with all the anticipation it would be better not to go to work that day (my emotions are going haywire). However my boss made it clear that I would have every other day next week off due to Thanksgiving. So I made a request to work both days until 2pm. But now I am second guessing myself. What should I do? I really want to see my friend, and really need the whole day off on the 28th because I know I will jsut be sitting there watching the clock waiting to get off, go home and get ready to go out with my boys.

My work is in need of Donations. PLEASE!!

Hey all,

As most of you know, I work at Deseret Thrift Store. But what you don't know is we are in desperate need of donations for the holidays. We are doing Bishop Orders on the 9th and 10th. But we are running out of nice clothes to put out for this event.

What we really need are:

Jackets ( for any size and gender)
Suits ( for men)
Shoes ( for any size and gender)
Toys


Pretty much anything you want to donate to us would greatly be appreciated. We can't except socks UNLESS they are in the package, same goes for under garments.

Thanks for your help, if you can'y find the time to drop these off, I would be more than happy to come pick them up and take them with me on the way to work. But I would not be able to get you a receipt for your taxes.

10 more days

We are so darn excited. Get to see our kids in 10 days, granted it will only be for a little bit. But heck we haven't seen our Oldest since Vaughn's baptism in May. So needless to say we can't wait!