I've been Tagged....

I was tagged by X-Box Wife to share my A to Z story...here goes!!

A. Attached or Single? Attached...to Jason! My wonderful husband of nearly 11 years!

B. Best Friend? Oh it is so hard to name just one...of course, Jason is my #1 friend with whom I share my life. Otherwise, there's my sister, Chera; my "best friend" from high school, Robert; my dear girlfriends, Molly & Rebecca; and the list can go on and on...anyone who knows me knows I LOVE my friends...

C. Cake or Pie? Cake, for sure. I'm not a pie person. And, actually, I'm not a "funky" cake person either...just your basic white or chocolate cake with good sugary icing will do for me. I do LOVE Dean's 7 layer chocolate cakes, too....yummy!

D. Day of Choice? Saturday -- especially starting in just one short week! I love my college football!!!

E. Essential Item? Hummm...that's a toughie. I'll go with a bowl full of pasta salad in the fridge. I eat it all the time and don't know what to do if I open the fridge and it's gone. I usually am making more while I'm munching on the last of the previous bowl.

F. Flavor of Ice Cream? That is easy...I'm as boring with ice cream as I am with cake. Vanilla, please. Plain.

G. Gummy Bears or Worms? I'll go with the worms...although I prefer the lifesavers gummies, if you want to be particular about it.

H. Hometown? Crestview. Love everything about it (almost).

I. Indulgences? Brownies, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, I could go on...I'll stop there.

J. January or July? July. It's summer time, Taylor's out of school, we get to sleep in a bit, the weather is great (read: "hot"), lots of swimming...and it's birthday month for T also!

K. Kids? Yes, can't imagine my life without them. Two precious boys.

L. Last Movie I Saw In A Theater? I'm trying to remember...I think it was Hannah Montana's 3D concert movie. :)

M. Middle Name? Yvonne (I share that with my mom & grandmother)

N. Number of Siblings? Just one, my sweet little sister.

O. Oranges or Apples? Oranges, I could eat them all the time (although, apples are yummy, too!)

P. Phobia or Fear? I have a fear of heights. It's not so bad that I actually avoid doing anything in particular, but I hate - and I do mean HATE - to be near a railing, or even a window, in a tall building.

Q. Quote? Taylor last night after I asked what was wrong with the "yucky macaroni" he ate at my mom's..."You didn't make it." How sweet.

R. Reason to Smile? My boys, my husband, my friends, my family...I have LOTS of wonderful reasons.

S. Season? Football season, of course! I do wish we had more autumn-type weather here in NW Florida to accompany it.

T. Tag Four More? YOU'RE IT!!! I'm tagging Burnham Daily; HisFireFly; mzzterry and Amy. Join the fun and be sure to link back to me!!

U. Unknown Fact About Me? I tend to be an "over-sharer" at times...so there is not much unknown about me. :)

V. Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? Oppressor...yeah, that's what I am. Definitely NOT a vegetarian.

W. Worst Habit? Popping my knuckles...my mom still gets on to me for it.

X. X-Rays or Ultra-Sounds? Ultra-sounds - especially the ones where you get to see your precious little angels before they make their grand entrance!

Y. Your Favorite Food? In addition to my pasta salad, mentioned above, I'll go with any type of seafood...preferably fried. I do eat raw oysters...another thing I love about football season. Raw oysters, mudslides and football...(yeah, I know, it's supposed to be oysters, beer & football, but I don't drink beer...)

Z. Zodiac? Sagittarius ~ although that means nothing to me.

So from Z to A and A to Z

Each little letter has it's own story.

And from A to Z and Z to A

That's all I have to say today!

Nicholas 8/15/08 - 10 1/2 months old

My parents recorded this video yesterday.

Ten Things Tuesday...Rebecca edition...

So, it's time for my ten things Tuesday...yes, I know I've missed the last couple but, of course, I'm still thankful each and everyday!

This week's blog is going to be a little different - my friend, Rebecca, has been on my heart lately so my 10 things are dedicated to her.

Ten Things I Love About (and am thankful about) Rebecca

1. Rebecca has an amazing way about her. No matter what life throws her way she is able to put on a smile and "fake it" - she'll say she learned this quality from her dad (he's later in my list). While I love this about her, it also drives me crazy sometimes because it's hard to tell when she's down or upset...I have to PRY it out of her!

2. Rebecca is BEAUTIFUL, both inside and out. She loves people and people love her. She's in great shape, takes care of herself and is just a gorgeous woman. Her curves make other women jealous! :)

3. I love her way with babies and children. Her parents fostered babies while she was growing up and, therefore, she has a natural way around infants and kids that most people don't gain until motherhood. Both my boys adore her.

4. Her parents are incredible people. They are very obviously madly in love with each other and continuously show unconditional love for their four children. I love the relationship Rebecca has with them and all their wonderful traits that they have passed down to her.

5. Rebecca's brain is filled with tidbits of knowledge about almost any subject imaginable, particularly health and household information. It's like there is a little, old grandmother living inside of her who can tell you how to get any stain out of anything, what vegetable goes with what meat, and what the symptoms for any illness or disease might be...she's a wealth of great knowledge for me, a mom who often feels like she knows nothing!!

6. I love how Rebecca has grown as a person since I've known her. She's gained value in herself through job skills (she's a super fast learner and a self-starter) and her self-esteem has skyrocketed knowing SHE can take care of herself! (Those who love her always knew that about her!)

7. I love her dedication to her work. She is the most dependable, reliable co-worker that I believe I've ever had the pleasure of sharing an employer with - gosh, I miss her! She rarely calls in sick, stays until the work is finished and, even to a fault - when it's not her job, makes sure the necessities get done.

8. Rebecca is a health-nut, and I love that about her. She is inspiration to those of us out in the world who...well, who are NOT. :) I also love that she's more than willing to JUMP off the wagon for a weekend or so to indulge in mexican food & girlie drinks with me!

9. I love that she's ready and willing for anything. If it's fun and she can get there - count her in! Rebecca makes friends everywhere she goes and is almost never uncomfortable in any situation....which makes for a fun person to be around!

10. Lastly, I just LOVE Rebecca. I can't imagine my life without her in it. She lives TOO far away, but at least she's close enough we can get to each other in a few hours driving time. I hope she knows (I think she does) how much she means to me and that whenever, where ever, and whatever I am here for her!! Love you girl!

Not the best picture of either of us, but it was after a day of fun at Disney World!!

Ok...so, now it's your turn...10 things you are thankful for today - and link over to X-Box wife and share your list with the great people there!

Ten Things Tuesday...

Make your own Ten Things Tuesday list and then go to X-Box wife and share your link with everyone over there!!

I don't have any pictures to post with today's blog...but there will be many in the weeks to come.

1. I'm thankful for summertime & swimming pools. We love to swim at Aunt Cathy & Uncle Lee's or at Marie & Ken's house. Taylor has come so far since this time last year - Uncle Lee taught him to dive on Sunday! Nicholas LOVES the water and Aunt Cathy volunteered to take him to baby swim classes next summer. :)

2. Kids on Campus at OWC is GREAT! Taylor is enjoying these two weeks so much. His first class is being taught by a girl I went to high school with, Carrie Chavers. He is already talking about what classes he wants to take next summer.

3. My two boys...the things you never expect you'll hear and then you're a mom. The other day Taylor was playing with Nicholas while I was mopping the bathroom floor. Taylor comes in and says "Mom, I think Nicholas has poopy...(long pause)...and his diaper fell off." What?? He's my boy...I guess I'll keep him. :)

4. Girlfriends. In high school, my best friends were guys. I had close girlfriends (who I love!) but never bonded quite as closely as with the boys. I wouldn't trade the memories Robert, Aaron, Kyle & I share for anything. But, I'm so blessed now with the relationships I've developed with other ladies in the past 15 years. Some are girls from high school that I've grown closer to, some are sorority sisters from college, and some are work friends who I've grown to love as dearly as family. I'm blessed to have them all in my life.

5. Girl TRIPS! Speaking of girlfriends, GIRL TRIPS are the best! I have two in the works. Rebecca, Molly & I are going to Auburn for a weekend in September to see the USM/AU football game. We'll also get to spend some time with Robert (see #4) and his girlfriend, Sara. And...in late October, I'm going with my sister Chera, Melony, Jen, Courtney & Christi to see the New Kids on the Block in concert in Atlanta!! We're so excited, it's just like we're 13 again.

6. FOOTBALL...high school & college football have filled my fall weekends as long as I can remember. Some of my fondest memories growing up are attending FSU football games with my dad. This year we'll be adding another level of play to our football schedules - Pee Wee! Taylor is going to play on the Steelers this year. Our first practice is Friday - look for pictures in future posts.

7. Birthday parties! Saturday is going to be full of them - RJ is turning 9, Taylor is turning 8 and Zachary is turning 7. We'll be attending parties all day long - what fun! Taylor's party is last so we just hope everyone is not too worn out to make it!

8. I'm thankful Jason has agreed to attend a class with me at church (as his work schedule permits, of course). This is a step in the right direction for us!

9. My Daddy's good check-up today! He's had a long, stressful, scary summer with his heart stint and pneumonia shortly thereafter. The doctor told him today that he was definitely making good progress and could send the oxygen machine back. He also cleared him to go on vacation next week.

10. Grandparents who willingly take an 8 year old grandson on vacation with them! My parents are taking Taylor to the mountains with them next week. I'm so jealous! They are all three excited and have lots of fun activities planned. My mom has been instructed to take loads of pictures.

I hope all reading this have a fabulous week. :)

Nicholas 3/1/08 - 5 months old

I found this video while browsing files on my computer. I just can't believe that was already 4 months ago. He will barely get in the Johnny Jump-up now, it's too confining - he needs to explore!

Ten Things Tuesday...

Once again I will post ten things I'm thankful for - even though Tuesday is almost over. I challenge you to post 10 things you are thankful for on your blog and then go to X-Box wife and share your link with everyone over there!!

1. I am thankful for a fun-filled Saturday with our family at my aunt & uncle's cottage. My Uncle Lee has been pulling kids on skis and tubes behind his boat(s) for as long as I can remember - and probably as long as he can remember, too! He taught countless friends of mine how to ski during my high school years. On Saturday he gave Taylor is first tube ride! My handsome cousin, Joseph, rode along side him. Lee & Joseph are so good with all the kids - I'm very thankful for them!

2. I am so thankful for my parents. They are keeping the boys pretty much everyday this summer. When they agreed to this arrangement we thought Jason would be on day-shift and could help out on his days off...as has come to be expected in the life of a police officer, his schedule got changed and he's still on night-shift. I'm thankful that Taylor has been a helper for Nicholas and my mom is thankful when it's 9am and they both look like this...

3. I am thankful for my wonderful friends. We're planning our 15 year high school reunion (when did THAT happen?) and I'm so thankful to still be in close touch with so many of them.

4. I'm thankful for my husband, all the time. But, especially when he helps me cook. He cuts sausages so perfectly for our mexican casserole! :)

5. Again, I'm thankful for my job. I'm so blessed to work with the people I do and I thank God for giving me the capabilities to be a valuable employee and a contributing member of our team.

6. I'm thankful for Taylor and his never-ending questions. He drives me insane sometimes, but he's so smart and inquisitive. He's also quite inventive...he's found a way to keep Nicholas quiet without having to hold him (I just hope the playpen won't give way!)

7. I'm oh, so thankful for my big bathtub after our evening walks. It is probably my favorite thing about our house. (Speaking of walking, we did two miles again tonight!)

8. I'm thankful my sister & brother-in-law were able to find another house to rent. I don't envy them moving again, though!

9. I'm VERY thankful for three-day weekends, sleeping in and napping during the day. I really wish we had nap time at work. :)

10. I'm thankful that there are less than 2 months until college football season begins!! Life is so much more exciting when there is football to watch! Our season tickets should be arriving in the mail soon...Go Noles!

update...

Thought I'd put a couple lines up before we leave for our nightly walk. Jason was off last night and is off tonight, of course he's got to work my three day weekend. We've got plans to swim tomorrow at my aunt's house and my sister is going to help me clean a little. I'm sure we'll catch the local fireworks tomorrow night.

We did 8 laps last night - two miles! Jason pushes me to do more - and that's good, for both of us. I'd love to get to three miles by mid-July.

Tom Thumb went to $4.03 a gallon today. I guess me being thankful for the $3.99 gas was all it took to finally bump the price!



Nicholas has been a little hard to please the last couple nights. I think we may be about to see some teeth appear.

Ten Things Tuesday...

Here's something else I'm going to try -- again, inspiration comes from Jennifer Green...she's such a good blogger! :)

Basically, every Tuesday (or anyday if Tuesday doesn't work out for you) you post 10 things you are thankful for on your blog and then go to X-Box wife and share your link with everyone over there!!

1. I am thankful for my healthy, happy little family. I have a wonderful husband who loves me for me. I have two precious boys that light up my life. I thank God for my three guys everyday.

2. I am thankful for my parents. They live next door, I'm spoiled rotten and I'm OK with that! I've had three friends lose a parent within the last week and it makes me even more thankful for each and everyday I have with mine.

3. I am thankful Robert is on his way home! One of my oldest and dearest friends, Robert Johnson, completed his six year commitment to Uncle Sam this week and is on his way "home" from San Diego to Auburn, Alabama. I can't wait to see him soon and meet his girlfriend, Sara!

4. I am thankful my husband and I both have steady jobs that pay the bills. That's nothing to take for granted these days, for sure.

5. I am thankful for all our wonderful teachers in Okaloosa County (and around the country) and I hope they are all enjoying a nice relaxing summer...especially that lucky 3rd grade teacher who'll have the joy of guiding my Taylor next year! :) I'm also especially thankful for Carrie MacKenzie who survived 2nd grade with Taylor!

6. I am thankful my sister, brother-in-law and niece will be here to celebrate the Fourth of July with us!

7. I am thankful for all the wonderful church staff and volunteers who put on a fabulous VBS last week. The work that went into the sets and decorations was phenominal - what a blessing they are to our church family and the community.

8. I am thankful that our neighborhood Tom Thumb convienence stores have held gas steady at $3.99 for so long (who would have dreamed I'd be THANKFUL for $3.99 gas??). I know eventually they'll have to make that leap over the $4 mark, but they seem to be holding out longer than the others.

9. I am thankful that my husband and his fellow officers endure all they do to help keep our city a great place to raise a family. So many people criticize the work they do, degrade them as human beings and just generally have no idea what they do, the things they see on a day-to-day basis and the things they forego to do their job (ie. Jason will be spending the Fourth of July on patrol instead of swimming and cooking out with us.) Very few people show any appreciation for the job they do. I am also thankful for those citizens who do say "Thank You."

10. I am thankful that I live in Crestview, Florida in the United States of America. I'm thankful that we are a free, independent country and I'm thankful to all the men & women who have defended that freedom for the last 232 years. Happy Birthday USA!

My first blog...

I've been inspired by a wonderful lady whom I've only had the pleasure of meeting one brief time to start a blog. In fact, she doesn't even know that she inspired me (except that I just told her). Jenn married Aaron, one of my best friends from high school, and they have three beautiful children and live in Texas. I spent a little time today reading some of her blogs (back to 2005!) and decided it was something I'd like to try. I'm not a fabulously entertaining writer, but I figure - at the minimum - this will give our out-of-town friends and family a glimpse into life in the Oury household. So, thanks Jenn for the inspiration!! :)

Today Nicholas is 9 months old. It's hard to believe. I left work a little early to take him to his well-baby check-up. Of course, he's perfect. A tad over 20 lbs., 28 inches long and in the 50th percentile in comparison to other 9 month olds - they obviously don't compare cuteness or he'd be off the chart! He was a little angel for Dr. Peter and didn't even cry when that mean old nurse came at him with the needle. Taylor was with us (he'll be 8 on 7/29) and he talked non-stop at the appointment...as is par for the course nowadays. Dr. Peter gave him a little gumball machine toy after he promised to keep it away from his baby brother.

Jason's working tonight so, after having dinner, the boys and I loaded up in my new HUMMER H3 (that Jason bought me last weekend - thanks again baby!) and went to the CHS track to walk our laps. We've been walking nightly for about a week now and are up to 6 laps, or a mile and a half. It's not much, but it's a start.

Two more days until a three day weekend!! Tomorrow is my sister's birthday - she'll be 29 for the first time! :)