Bailey's Christmas Concert

I have a little down time while Kelly is sleeping (see post below) so thought I would add some updates here that I've been meaning to do so here goes...Bailey had her school Christmas Concert recently. She is now in the 4th grade and so is allowed to choose if she wants to participate in the music program. She chose to be in both choir and orchestra. They don't normally have a choir but I guess the music teacher had a rare open period and Bailey and some other kids kept asking for one so she put it together. That teacher is a really nice lady!

Anyway, here is Bailey singing with the choir. She sang several songs but I picked this one because Bailey and 3 other girls are the only ones singing the high "Noels" and so she's extra proud of this one. You'll understand what I mean about the noels when you watch. Hey Dahlia, recognize the dress? Whenever she wants to wear it, which is a lot, it's called "The Maddie Dress." I had to find ways for her to wear it in winter as I'm sure you can see, but it actually works well!:

After she sang, she had to run over to her spot with the orchestra to play her violin. The orchestra is a really big deal at her school which kind of surprises me because when I was in the 4th grade it was the band that was a big deal. At Bailey's school the band is really small and the orchestra is HUGE. Go figure. Anyway, Bailey's been talking about playing the violin since the 1st grade so she was really happy to get to play it this year. They only let so many kids play each instrument and the big majority ask for the violin so she was lucky. I do think the music teacher was a bit of a help as she has a soft spot for Bailey. Anyway, here's Bai playing live for the first time:

Vaughn did the best he could while needing to sit for a long concert but as you can see he got restless after awhile. He is really turning into the busy little toddler. Thank goodness that my parents came along and were helping to entertain the little guy as Kelly wasn't able to get off work to come and I was videotaping the whole thing so he wouldn't miss a minute. I know had I been there by myself there's no way I could have done both. I love grandparents!!! Whether it's my folks or Kelly's, we know we can count on our family to help us out. Thank you all for that!

Well that's enough for now. I think I'll clean our room again. Yes, I know that housekeeping would do it (as Kelly keeps telling me) but it gives me something to do and I don't mind making the beds and picking up. Maybe I'll be lucky and Kel will wake-up soon and need me to do something. You know I'm really not very good at this "just relaxing" thing. Oh, and if you want to post comments, it means a lot to Bai to read them when they involve her...it would be much appreciated. Love to you all!

Kelly's Recovery

We have been stuck in the room since Kelly's surgery as this is pretty much what Kelly does all day...poor guy. We went down to the restaurant at the hotel once but other than that, I don't think Kelly's gone outdoors at all and we've been living off of room service. I did make it out to WalMart for a little bit yesterday to rent a couple of DVDs for us to watch. You know they have movie vending machines here? They're called "Redboxes." I've never heard of such a thing and the movie is only a buck to rent. How cool is that??? Uh-oh...I think I just got caught snapping photos as the beast is stirring. Hi Honey.

Here is a picture of his foot all casted up. It's a soft cast...the nurse said it would harden but I think she was wrong as it doesn't seem to be that way. Plus Dr. Freed said he would be checking the stitches on Monday and I don't think he could check them in a hard cast. Dr. Freed is really great and he even kissed the top of Kelly's bald head when he was all doped up in recovery...it was really cute!

One good thing, Kelly doesn't need to use crutches...that would SUCK! So instead we rented this scooter thing as Kelly isn't allowed to put any weight at all on his foot. Kelly says it works pretty well and is kind of fun. We learned the hard way though that this is a one person operation and that I shouldn't try to help...sorry Kel! He put his other foot up when he was tired and I tried to pull him along only to find a divet in the pavement and overturn the full thing...scooter and Kelly over on myself. I'm glad he landed on me and not the pavement though. Since then I've left him to his own devices with the scooter.

All in all, he's doing well and I'm bored out of my gourd when he's sleeping. I like being here to take care of him so I really don't mind but goodness I'm getting tired of looking at these walls...maybe he'll share some of his percocet so I can nap too? Anyway, I'm sure I'll post more later with pictures from our last trip here where we got to have some fun and some other family stuff but Kelly's awake now and wants one of his only luxuries at the moment...his computer. Love to all!

Kelly's Surgery

I have lots of blog posts to add to this site over the next couple of weeks...lots pictures and lots of events and I'm sure I'll have more once I have Christmas pictures but for now I just wanted to put up a little post to let everyone know that Kelly's surgery went great!
He is currently napping as he's been doing most of the day and is blissfully pain free from his percocet. The doctor showed me the scope pictures of the damage to his ankle when they first started and then how his ankle looked after he fixed it and boy what a difference! I can certainly see how Kelly could have had so much pain for so long. He is moving around okay when he's up...thank goodness for his little scoot along thing (like a walker but only for one leg???) as I can't imagine him having to maneuver around on crutches especially while he's so drugged up.
Anyway, I am relieved that all has gone so well so far and I think Kelly is enjoying being pampered and getting some much needed rest. He'll be in the cast for about a month and then have 2 weeks of physical therapy but things are already looking good for him. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery!

Kelly's Birthday Trip To See Mom

For Kelly's birthday I got him a trip to see his mom, Dee, in Anchorage. Because I had an extra companion ticket, he took Bailey along. I know this is a little late in my posting but I just got the pictures dowloaded from the camera.
Here's a picture of Bailey and Dee in Dee's new home. For those that don't know, Dee just moved to Anchorage a couple of months ago because she got a job with the FAA. We miss her but we know she really wanted this job so we're really happy for her.

While they were in Anchorage, Kelly, Dee, and Bailey had a great time. They went to H2Oasis, Benihanas, the Zcoil shop, a costume shop, the Diamond Center Mall and of course our favorite burger joint Red Robin. Man I wish they'd get one of those here!

Really though, even though they went out a lot, I think the part that Kelly liked best was just staying in and hanging out with Mom. Kelly and Dee are really close and Kelly really enjoys just hanging out with her, maybe having a cocktail or two, and chatting at the kitchen table. Oh, and he really liked her letting him sleep in until noon and then making him breakfast as well. Maybe I'll sneak away to Dee's house. :)

All in all, it was a great birthday for Kelly and I think I got him the perfect present. We're now looking forward to Dee joining us for Christmas but until then...We love you and miss you Dee!

38th Anniversary/Silver Gulch

My parents were celebrating their 38th anniversary so we took them out to the Silver Gulch Brewhouse Restaraunt. I think this restaraunt is really neat because it is a local piece of history. The Silver Gulch used to be the Fox Roadhouse and instead of ripping it down to build the brewhouse, they built the new brewhouse around the old fox roadhouse building. Bailey loves to go upstairs and see the shell of the old building, windows and all, in the center of the new building.

True to their name, the have a brewery as well where they make beer and ale that is locally themed such as Fairbanks Lager and Coldfoot Pilsner. We're not beer drinkers ourselves but it was fun to see the giant tanks and such.

Here's our table in the main part of the restaraunt.

Kelly couldn't resist taking a video of the family...but mostly Vaughn in his little sweater-vest and tie. Too cute!

We finished up the evening with the new Madagascar movie at the theater. All in all it was a great evening and one that made me so proud as in this day and age it's nice to have proof that marriages can last. Congrats Mom and Dad, we're proud of you!

Montgomery Gentry Concert

Kelly, Bailey, and I were lucky enough to go to the Montgomery Gentry concert at the Carlson Center on 11/5 (Thanks again Kelly!). We had a blast...well, I had a blast, Kelly had an okay time, and Bailey tried to stay awake and sneak in reading time as she had brought her book with her. Anyway, Kelly got us tickets on the floor near the stage so we were really excited. Unfortunately, our seats were behind several people that were over 6 feet tall so none of could really see. Finally, because of Bailey, one of the security people felt sorry for us and moved us even closer to the front and the next of the night was gravy! It was also kind of neat because the opening band was had some of our friends in the group, my friend Mark and Kelly's co-worker Rod. I was going to post the video but it wasn't so great...but here's a great picture Kelly got of Montgomery Gentry.


Here's some video Kelly took of Bailey and I rocking out to the concert. Guess Bailey didn't nap and read the whole time.


All in all it was a special and unique experience for us and I know I had a great time.

6 Things That Make Me Happy

1. Hearing Kelly and Bailey laugh at a movie. Kelly laughs loud and bold and with full joy so that you can't help but to laugh with him. Bailey giggles out of control and her face stretches into such a huge grin that it looks like it hurts. The two of them will watch a funny movie and I get those two laughs in stereo and there's no better sound.

2. Snuggling Vaughn when he's quiet and sleepy. He doesn't really snuggle much any more, he's too busy, but sometimes when he's really tired and sleepy he'll snuggle right in, smile at me, and talk in the softest little voice saying things like "I wuv you" or "Hi Mama." It brings me peace.

3. Kelly rubbing my back until I fall asleep. His gentle touch shows me he loves me while at the same time the massage relaxes me so that I drift off into the most pleasant rest. He'll tell you that I'm greedy and that I make him rub even though I've already dozed off and he's probably right but I can't help it...those gentle touches from the man I adore are just intoxicating.

4. Watching Bailey do something that brings her pride. She gets so proud of herself and she stands up tall and grins and kind of pushes out her chest a little and you just know she's having one of those "Yep, that was me. I'm awesome" moments.

5. Going on vacation. I LOVE to travel. I love to see new things. I love to be pampered. Really though, I love to watch the reactions on the faces of the ones I love when they go and experience these things. To see them getting to do things that bring them such joy makes me happier than doing them myself.

6. Spending time with family...all my family, whether it be with Kelly, Bailey, and Vaughn or with my parents, with Jeremy & Dahlia or Melissa and Sean or Dee and Yoda...doesn't matter. I didn't grow up with a lot of extended family so marrying Kelly gave me that. Who knew he came with even more gifts? It's a treat to me to have all these branches of our family that we get to love and experience.

Ok Miss, I did it. Your turn Dahlia. :) Oh and Miss I tried to respond to your post about your six...but again you've deemed me unworthy. :(

Happy Anniversary Kelly

Today is our anniversary. I didn't get to spend it with Kelly as he and I are still on opposite schedules but it doesn't matter...I am happy just to know that he's there. Kelly, I know that my life is so much better becuase you are a part of it. You are my love, my friend, and my

SUPERHERO! I know that we are strong enough to make it through anything and the hardest thing I have to go through is not having enough time with you. I love you Kelly and I love my life with you. Thank you for making this day possible for us and for reminding me every day why I love you. You are my

STRONGMAN!

I adore you Kelly. Happy Anniversary!

Just A Day At The Office

So apparently Dr. Grauman made the mistake of telling Dr. Kohnen and Jeanne that Gamma Rays would hit a computer several times a year causing it to error. This lead to a very elaborate plot on their part to tease Dr. Grauman.


Today was our staff meeting and it was time for the plot to play out. Jeanne did a nice lead in on how we need to keep our work environment OSHA safe. She then talked about hazards in our office...one of them being gamma ray exposure. Dr. Kohnen said that they had taken appropriate precautions to protect us from the rays and we then all pulled out our aluminum foil hats and put them on, much to Dr. Grauman's shock and amusement. It was then Dr. Grauman's turn to put on his protective gear.


He was glad he had a full cape as he wanted to make sure that the "family jewels" were covered. Hee hee.


Bring on the Gamma Rays....he's ready to go!

And here we all our with our wonderful aluminum foil hats and Dr. Grauman fully "protected." It's nice to know we can have fun with each other like this and Dr. Grauman was such a good sport.

We're headed for Arizona

Okay so we have to to Arizona for Kelly's surgery and have decided to make the best of it. Heck, we get an excuse to go to warm weather during the winter and have our insurance pay for it so why not.
Anyway, found out today that it looks like we'll get to see Mike so if any of you want us to pass anything along, let me know.

I Have...

Okay, got this from my sister-in-law Melissa. So, here goes...

To participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. Happy discoveries!
I HAVE….
1. Started my own Blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world-Once for Disneyland Twice for Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo- Per my dad, I’m a stage wh***
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning-On my first date with my ex-husband, if that wasn’t a sign…
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill-Not in a REALLY long time though
24. Built a snow fort-Yep, as a kid and then with my kids
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice-Does the Venicen hotel in Vegas count?
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise-AWESOME! Will go again for sure!
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language-HS French class?
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person-Not as neat with all the ropes on it now
39. Gone rock climbing-Yes, and on the manmade ones too…yes Kelly only 3 ft up does count!
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke-I am the Karaoke queen…bow to me
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa-Disneyworld's Africa in Animal Kingdom :)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted-badly but I paid for it and it still hangs in my house
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling-Ahh, the cruise again.
52. Kissed in the rain-I love the rain
53. Played in the mud-I think I lived off of mud pies when I was little
54. Gone to a drive-in theater-they still had one of these when I lived in California
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class-just one, but yes
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp-saddest place I’ve ever been
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy-I still have Susie and now Bailey plays with her
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar-I paid how much for that salty, fishy, jello???
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job-It still wasn’t my fault
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle-Driving it myself Baby!
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person-From a distance…that’s a LONG way down
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper-I’m not telling why
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating-fish!
88. Had chickenpox-Twice!
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury-Grand Jury only though
91. Met someone famous-and I call her a friend…Hi Adrienne.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby-2
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee-And blew up like a balloon
100. Rode a elephant-at the Circus with Bailey…SO FUN!

Boy that’s a lot of red. Guess I’m doing pretty good on my bucket list. Thanks Miss for sharing this with me.

Update on Kelly's Surgery

Kelly got a call from the surgeon in Arizona (FINALLY) on Friday and looks like he (and possibly "we") will be flying out to go see him on Monday, December 1st. If all goes as planned, we both will be heading back to Arizona to have Kelly's surgery performed on December 18th. So, keep him in your thoughts!

Welcome to the family Brayton Thomas!

We have a new newphew, Brayton Thomas. He was born on Friday to Kelly's brother Jeremy and his lovely wife Dahlia. He joins their other two children Madeline and Abigail. He was born on Thursday, November 6th, and was 8.0 lbs and 21 inches long. Here is a picture of the handsome little guy.

Congratulations Jeremy, Dahlia, Maddy & Abby. We love you and are so proud of you. Oh and Jeremy, Kelly says to tell you "The O'Neil boys will rise again." Welcome to having a boy.

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aunt Melissa. Guess you have to share now but at least it's with someone so precious. :)

Happy Halloween

I love Halloween but because the house is listed for sale we couldn't decorate like we usually do. I still tried to make it a fun Halloween for everyone though. The evening started at my parents house for a great Halloween dinner...great not just because it tasted good but also because I didn't have to cook it. Yay!
We then got the kids dressed in their costumes. Well actually, I got the kids dressed while Kelly tried to stay out of the way...I have a plan and I can be a bit bossy when I want to get it done. But anyway, I got Bailey all scary and then got Vaughn all cute and we packed up to head for home for the regular trick-or-treating mayhem.

Bailey's Costume

Bailey is what she called a "Black Widow Spider Queen." She looked a lot scarier than I expected but she LOVED it. I don't know that my facepainting skills were so great even with the stencil I had but those are supposed to be spiders and a web on her face.

The costume was pretty neat. Bailey got it in Anchorage when she and Kelly went to visit Grandma Dee so she was the only around that had it. This gave her great pride as it seems that every year there's someone with her same costume on. She sure got a kick out of looking at herself in the mirror. For Bailey, any excuse to dress up is a good day.

Here's Bailey when she bought the costume. Guess the make-up was the scary part.

Vaughn's Costume

Pretty sure this is the only time Vaughn smiled in his costume. Apparently the costume that I thought was so adorable was to Vaughn so uncomfortable. The hair around his head got stuck in his mouth and I think it was itchy. We took his picture and then loaded him in the truck to take him Trick-or-Treating and he cried all the way home. I took off the hood and that was a little better. So, we were the only ones to see our cute lion.

After we pulled off the hood things were going a little better for our little man. I was planning on staying home to greet the Trick-or-Treaters while Kelly took the kids out but I wanted to see a little of Vaughn's first experience so I took him to the houses across the street. Vaughn did great at the first house, proudly showing his Elmo treat bucket and telling our neighbor "Melmo, melmo, melmo" which I guess is his version of Trick or Treat?

At the next house the neighbor sprung to the door in a bright red devil mask and I think that set the tone for the rest of Vaughn's evening as he cried and hugged to my shoulder. The neighbor took off his mask and tried to sooth Vaughn but Vaughn had made up his mind that he was not letting that crazy man touch his precious "Melmo" treat bucket.

He made it through about another 15 minutes of trick or treating with Kelly and Bailey but even that was a fight. Kelly brought him back to me and then he was happy. He was a great helper as he stood on the couch watching out the window and would warn me every time someone would come to the door and then run to the door with me to hand out the candy.

The Candy Haul

Looks like Bailey did pretty well on her candy haul even without Vaughn's help. Here they are playing in her spoils.