GoBbLe 2011

We had a great Turkey Day with my family. 

Everyone came...almost (we missed you Summer Family)

Turkey. Prime Rib. Pumpkin Pie.

Family laughs. 

 Beautiful centerpiece

 We each had our very own place settings.

N is for Nic.

 A is for Allison

 GIVING THANKS

 Happy Thanksgiving! 

I feel bad continually posting updates about my back, but maybe some of you might be interested.

I saw my primary doc yesterday. Put me on a new anti-inflammatory. He referred me to an ortho doc here in town, which is what I expected.

I see him on December 20.

Because of the good man I married, he's been researching spondylolisthesis and surgery vs not. Nic has my best interest in mind. :) He takes really good care of me.

I have been reminded that this is a trial of my patience.

Bring. It. On. I could use some more patience.

BiRtHdAy BoY

We celebrated Harrison's 1st Birthday by not doing much.

He did look pretty cute in his party hat!

He got a new rawhide bone.

Love my 2 boys.

He's such a party animal.

HaPpY 1sT bIrThDaY

Happy 1st Birthday to Harrison!

So I'm going to do a post about our 1 year old dog similar to those of parents' kids turning 1. Don't make fun. Harrison is our little toddler.

Yes, it's November 21 and Harr Bear turns 1 today. I can't believe our little guy is 1. He is such a great dog and we love him very much. :)

At 1 year old Harrison loves:

~ Laying by the fireplace

~ Laying by your feet

~ Playing with his blue toy

~ Going on walks

~ Eating

~ Peanut Butter anything

~ Car rides

~ Fetch

At 1 year old Harrison doesn't like:

~ Vacuums

~ Unfamiliar noises

~ Spider webs 

Although maybe the year 2011 didn't bring our "blessing from heaven," but we were blessed with Harrison. He is such a joy to have around.

Happy Birthday Harrison!

SpOnDyLoLiStHeSiS

That's what I have. Spawn-dee-lo-lis-thesis (do you like how I just pronounced it for you?).

I have been going to my Physical Therapist for some weeks now.

He's breaking up with me (giggle).

He told me I can still see him, but that it's time for me to see my primary doc.

The therapy isn't working as well as we all hoped for.

I have an appointment scheduled with my primary doc and then he'll probs have me go see an ortho doc.

If I see an ortho doc who knows what will happen.

I talked with my PT about surgery. :/ (This is the last thing I want to think about right now)

He said there are pros and cons about having surgery at my age.

Then again an ortho doc might say that I'm not a surgical candidate.

The only problem is the Spawn-dee-lo-lis-thesis can get worse. My vertebrae has nothing to hold onto - it's a bit fractured.

So for now, we shall wait and see what my primary doc says.

Don't go breakin' your back now ;)

*OuR nEw HoMe*

It's time for pictures of our new home (PS there are LOTS).

The front.

 Our backyard with the enclosed desk.

Down the right side is a future potential dog kennel.

Down the left side is a long driveway.

 More of the backyard. 

Plan is to grow trees along the fence for more privacy. 

 You just walked in from the garage and are standing in the laundry/pantry room.

Kitchen. Dining room. Den.

 One side of the kitchen.

 The other side (someone stole that cutting board - it matches the countertops. Grrr.)

 Laundry area and pantry.

On the other side is a half bathroom.

 Dining room.

Don't you love the yellow trim? Ha. Not!

 Main living area.

On the other side of the left wall is the dining area.

 Another view of the living room with the mysterious black curtain.

 Master bedroom in all it's 90's glory.

 Master bathroom.

Opposite side is the walk in double shower. :)

 Master closet. 

I'll admit, it's not so master in its size.

 Our future baby's room. :)

 Coat and linen closet in the "landing area" 

 "Guest" bathroom, or the main bathroom.

 Extra bedroom 

 Another extra bedroom that is currently the "master bedroom"

 The spa room in all its glory. What a great room for our little guy to hang out!

We do plan on selling the hot tub.

We couldn't be more thrilled about our new home. Yes, it needs updating but it's worth it.

We are homeowners! 

ThE SCAR pRoJeCt

As I was roaming around on pinterest I came across a startling photo. It wasn't obscene. I didn't take offense. But it did cause me to stare. I couldn't take my eyes away. It was touching and beautiful. I clicked on the picture and it took me to a website about The SCAR Project.

[STOP. PAUSE.]

WARNING: The photographs on this website are all of women who are naked from the waist up.

[CONTINUING ON.]

You're probably thinking to yourself: Why is Allison looking at pictures of women who are without clothing from the waist up? How dare she. Look at this website and you'll see why I couldn't stop staring and maybe you won't. A fashion photographer, David Jay, wanted to raise awareness of breast cancer survivors - all of the women photographed are 40 or younger. I will honestly say that I think the photographs are absolutely BEAUTIFUL - STUNNING - AMAZING. I have no words to describe my feelings. Look at the website and see for yourself. Before you head on over let me leave you with a quote the photographer said:

For these young women, having their portrait taken seems to represent their personal victory over this terrifying disease. It helps them reclaim their femininity, their sexuality, identity and power after having been robbed of such an important part of it. Through these simple pictures, they seem to gain some acceptance of what has happened to them and the strength to move forward with pride.