The.FOUR.of.US

27...

2012-01-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

My lovely, super amazing husband turned 27 today. We had lunch together before I went to work at one of our favorite sandwich shops THE SANDWICH EMPORIUM.

Then after I got off work we went and watched the new Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol movie. Michael loved it and so did I!

Ended the night with IN AND OUT, his FAVORITE, and I mean FAVORITE, fast food eatery.

Another year older and he just keeps getting more and more handsome...I can't wait for the gray hairs to come in...He can though..haha

Michael,

You are my rock and you know it! I love you more than words can express! Happy Birthday Baby!

1 tooth down...

2012-01-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

Seven years later...

Lillyanne finally lost her first tooth early Sunday morning a little after midnight =)

Happy 2012

2012-01-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!

We didn't do much New Year's Eve, I got sick and so we stayed home and watched movies and shows on T.V. I started feeling a little under the weather the Friday before but I sucked it up because my sister Alivia came down to spend the day with me and Melissa and we went thrifting at Goodwill. Elisa, my brother in law's girlfriend even joined us later on that night when Melissa left and we did some shopping at Ross and got some drinks from Starbucks before we headed back to my house. Love their apple spice cider with caramel!

We went to Church New Year's Day. We got to get some extra sleep since our ward now starts at 11 instead of 9. It was nice to start out the New Year with our ward family, Elisa and Adam joined us for sacrament too.

I also had the day after off. Michael woke up early and went for a hike at Mission Trails with Adam, Corey, Elisa, Trevor and Kenny. I stayed in bed til about 0830 and then went for a walk at Lake Murray instead. It was beautiful there, I loved all 6 miles of it! Gotta love San Diego!

Click picture for full size

Mikey finished his hike and I finished my walk at the lake at the same time so Kenny dropped him off at Lake Murray and we drove home together. He started to tell me the lymph nodes in his neck were swollen and he didn't feel well so when we got home, he layed down in bed, DIDN'T EVEN SHOWER, that's how bad he felt. I showered and got ready because my best friend came over to the house and we went out for lunch. Jacob stayed home with daddy because he is still trying to get over a really bad cold. He has a bad runny nose and cough.

After lunch Elisa and Adam came by to visit. Elisa was leaving for boot camp the next morning =( Melissa also stopped by for a bit, everyone got to see Mikey sick in bed..haha.

Mikey woke me up Tuesday morning and asked if I could call and get him an appt to see our primary care doctor. He NEVER asks to go to the doctor so I knew he really wasn't feeling good. I called and was able to get him in that morning at 11. He told me he thinks he had strep throat and the NP confirmed it. So for the next 48 hrs he was advised to wear a mask, hydrate, get lots of rest and take his antibiotics. Unfortunately I couldn't stay home and take care of him because I had to work, but he had a lot of help from my mom and sisters when it came to the kids.

*******
Even with all the illnesses going on, I still have a positive outlook for 2012=)

I have some ideas I'd like to get started on...and when I do I will need your help family and friends.....

I'm going to start to sell some stuff, OLD and NEW on this blog. I have a plan all mapped out in my head, I just need to get it down.

SO STAY TUNED...and I like I said, I will need HELP getting the word out when it does happen...

Christmas Weekend

2011-12-25T19:38:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from OUR family to YOURS...

UPDATED 12/28/11
I hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas this year. We sure did =)
I worked the morning shift at the hospital Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but I was able to enjoy the rest of the day with my family.

After I got off work Christmas Eve, we drove up to Murrietta for Christmas Eve dinner with my Aunt's family on my Dad's side. We also exchanged gifts. Michael and I received 2 giftcards, one for Chili's and one for P.F. Changs. Can't wait to do date night!

While we were there, I was working on a scarf for my sister Jessica in Idaho that I needed to finish asap to send up with Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Bill. When I finished I thought I'd try to make a beanie for Jacob, but ended up making a little bonnet for Lillyanne instead because I didn't follow a pattern. I'm not really good with following patterns so I just go with what I already know and see where it takes me...and in this case it made a bonnet. Trying to get Lilly to keep it on her head is a challenge though. She's not a big fan of anything in her hair or on her head. STINKER! It actaully would look cuter on a baby girl as a floppy hat.

I knew I had to get up early for work Christmas morning but we didn't end up leaving Murrieta until 11pm. We just had so much fun up there!

Christmas morning came and I headed off to work. This year my family decided to wait for me to open gifts. I was surprised Lilly wasn't fighting it, but she was good girl and wanted to wait for mommy too! I got a lot of goodies, we all did!

After we opened gifts we headed over to my father in law's and had dinner with him and his fiance Karen. We ate, exchanged gifts and then headed to Trevor's, Michael's best friend to give him and his family their gifts. It was a great Christmas!

Although I was sad to wake up the next day and not hear Christmas music playing on KYXY 96.5 anymore BUT that isn't going to stop me from listening. I just hooked up my pandora and listened to my Christmas station in the car. I will listen to Christmas music until the end of New Year's Day!

A Very Merry Week....

2011-12-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

This past week has been so AMAZING.

I had the whole week off, but EVERY DAY of the week we had something to do.

Let's reflect.....

Friday 12/16/11

Last day of work for me and boy oh boy did I enjoy the day! We had an UGLY SWEATER PARTY and our Chief Radiologist, Dr. Richman had mexican food catered for the occasion. I had Alivia model my sweater for me and she looked pretty darn cute in it! I honestly didn't think the sweater was ugly enough so the night before I had crocheted a bunch of bows and flowers with GREEN and RED yarn to embellish the sweater a little more. End result: WINNER! I won a huge bag of Lindt's Lindor Truffles. After the party my coworker Gladys wanted me and Alivia to open our gift from her. She got us Juicy Couture wristlets! They're so cute! My first Juicy anything! See, I'd never buy anything like that for myself so I really did appreciate it as a gift! Thanks Gladys!

Saturday 12/17/11

We celebrated Grandma Riggins 87th birthday at Por Favor's Mexican Restaurant in El Cajon. It was a great family gathering and it was great to see everyone again!

After the party we headed to another Ugly Sweater/Gingerbread House Party at Ron and Carol's house. This time I wore the sweater and the kids even got to wear some too. I really liked Michael's sweater but it was NOT ugly! We had so much to eat that night, pizza, spaghetti and lots of homemade sweet treats! Of course it wouldn't be a Schoolcraft Christmas Party without a Gingerbread house contest! This is our 5th year celebrating with the Schoolcrafts and we always enjoy the food and fun every year. Renee and I partnered up this year. We didn't win, but that's ok because we had a lot of fun decorating our house.

Here are some photos for now...

Lilly and her new friend Tavis decorated one together. Way to go kids!

Some of the houses. Ours is the one that says "Merry X-MAS" on the roof.

Some "Awkward" Family Photos...Michael's facial expressions cracks me up!

Sunday 12/18/11

I had some family come down to San Diego from Murrieta and we went and watched the boat parade at Seaport Village. Afterwards we went to CHRISTMAS CARD LANE in Rancho Penasquitos. We've been going every year since Lilly was born. I love it there. Christmas joy all around, almost EVERY house is lit and decorated. This year we even saw Mr. and Mrs. Clause and Frosty the Snowman! Some homes were offereing hot cocoa and treats for donations. My favorite house is the one themed after the movie "A CHRISTMAS STORY." They even have the lamp leg, CLASSIC! Even though it was freezing cold walking around and watching lights NEVER gets old!

Monday 12/19/11

I took Terri out for dinner at Barona as an early Christmas gift. Nothing beats their all you can eat crab and oysters! Laughter and fun was included also. We really did have a blast. I love.Love.LOVE this woman! She is such an inspiration! And she has the cutest Australian accent, I could listen to her talk for hours!

Tuesday 12/20/11

Sister Howe was kind enough to welcome us in her house for homemade lasagna for dinner after our Secret Santa gift exchange. We had a grand ol' time with one another. I love our young women and I love the leaders. So blessed for such a wonderful calling!

Wednesday 12/21/11

Me, Michael and the kids met up with Erika and 2 of her girls, Sarah, John and their boys for a little lunch playdate at Mcdonalds in La Mesa. It was nice to get to spend some time with them.

In the evening, we met up with our young women and the leaders at the Mormon Battalion for A HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS presentation. It was group of young girls dancing hula to Christmas music. It was so cute! And the tree in the theatre part of the building was decorated so beautifully!

Thursday 12/22/11

I met up with Sally and baby James for lunch at Croutons in La Jolla. She used to serve in YW with me then she moved to La Jolla when she was pregnant with James. It was nice catching up with her. James her son is soooo CUTE!

After lunch I picked up Alivia from work and we hung out all day! We went thrift shopping at Goodwill and then ate dinner at CiCi's pizza buffet. Afterwards we drove around La Mesa, my favorite neighborhood in San Diego, and looked at Christmas lights and then stopped by starbucks for yummy hot apple cider. When we got home Alivia helped us wrap some presents! We had a really great day together, love her!

Friday 12/23/11

We started out the day by visiting Grandma and Grandpa Liljestrom at 11 to exchange gifts with them. Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Bill also stopped by as we were leaving to drop off gifts that Jessica had sent with them for us. It was nice being able to see them.

Later in the evening we celebrated Christmas early at Jenny (sister) and Greg's (brother in law) house in Santee. Every year they host dinner at their house and we exchange gifts with eachother and a group of our close family friends. We had turkey and rib roast for dinner. After dinner we gathered around the tree, and opened our gifts. I had a lot of fun, we all did. I was a little bummed because we couldn't take our time and relax after. We helped clean up and then had to head home so I could rise early for work at 7am Christmas Eve. Nevertheless, we had a great time spent with family and friends. Thank you Jenny and Greg for the food and presents. We love you guys. Next year, I'd like a niece or nephew okay!

PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT COMING SOON...

Joy to the World...

2011-12-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

My JOY. My WORLD.

Michael sent me these while I was at work, nothing makes me happier than when I get his messages.

Brother and Sister bonding...he even shares his Germs...=P

Sweet as can be..

Our Father in Heaven wouldn't give us ANYTHING in this life that we couldn't handle....

Michael.Lillyanne.Jacob are my stability in this ever changing world...

I love them unconditionally...Forever and Always...

A Wiggley Wiggley Christmas...

2011-12-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Today Lilly's school did their Christmas program. They offer three shows in the morning during school hours which I thought was so nice since I work in the evening.

This year the second graders sang a song from the the Disney show the Wiggles. It was really cute. Lilly really got into it as you can see ....

After the program, we were able to sign Lilly out of school an hour early given the fact it was half day and they were getting out at 1230.

It was nice, The.FOUR.of.US, stopped by the fancy smancy McDonald's in La Jolla and grabbed lunch before I started work =)

It's Wednesday and so the week is halfway done, and best of all, I'll be off ALL WEEK next week and we've got lots of FUN things planned for the week! Can't wait!

I also have to say THANK YOU to Peggy and Woody, my coworkers, for my Christmas present: Dinner from P.F. Changs! My first time eating food from there and it was DELICIOUS! What a great way to end my night at work!

Oh Christmas Tree...

2011-12-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

We got the tree up, later than I wanted to have it up, but it's UP!

Lilly's friend, Kali and Karla came over after church to help clean and put up the tree.

They were really cute, putting the toys away and they even grabbed a broom and dust pan and started sweeping...of course Jacob was helping by taking the toys out of the bin! Bad boy, but we love him!

This year we let the girls take control of the tree, they could decorate it however they wanted to and they did a BEAUTIFUL job!

Afterwards we had pizza, hot chocolate and hot apple cider, we had a wonderful time!

My coworker got me this counter last year, I love it!

Today was just a wonderful day all together. Jacob was able to stay in nursery without me there for the third hour.

I stayed with him during the second hour to see how he would do and it took him a while to get used to all the girls but he didn't cry after me when I left for Young Women. I was so proud!

Jacob and his new friend Ella =)

I taugh in Young Women today, and let me tell you my lesson topic was the answer to my prayers!

Association with Others was my lesson topic and as I reviewed it through out the week before I taught the lesson, I just felt all my frustrations lately start to discipate.

It's important to reach out to others, try not to judge others, and pray for greater love.

Everyone in my life has made an impression in my life in one way or another.

For everything I have accomplished, I did NOT do it alone. I had help from someone or something along the way and I am ever so grateful!

Away in a Manger...

2011-12-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

Everday as Michael drives me to work we past the San Diego Temple and we noticed they put up the Nativity scene up so it's viewable when driving on the 5 freeway. It's so lovely.

I told Michael to bundle the kids up and bring them with him to pick me up after work tonight and we all headed over to the Temple to see the decorations and see the Nativity scene.

We didn't get over there til a little after 9pm and as soon as we drove in I was so excited to see all the lights up, it was just beautiful. Just being on the Temple grounds, you definitely can feel the spirit.

They had music playing too which was wonderful. The Nativity scene wasn't lit by the time we got there. Lilly kept asking to see Baby Jesus but because it was decorated to face the freeway you can't really get a good view of the scene from the dark.

The cold weather just made it feel more like the holidays, I really enjoyed ending the night with a visit to see the decorations at the Temple.

We stopped by California Pizza Kitchen for dinner and then headed home for snuggle time under the blankets and a movie before bed.

My loves...forever and always...

The view of the Temple from CPK, still gorgeous.

The most wonderful time of the YEAR indeed!

2011-12-01T16:20:00.000-08:00

Happy December to all...

I don't have to hear all the complaining about me playing Christmas music now, YIPPEE!!!

Well there are still some bah humbuggers at work that don't like it, but don't worry, I will lighten up their hearts a little and before you know it they will be humming Christmas songs with me...haha...I'm just being hopeful....

As Mikey was driving me to work today, I wished him a Happy December. He looked at me, smiled and changed the station to KYXY...I thought it was cute.

When I got to work, I was so excited when I saw them putting up the tree in the lobby at work. The hospital hired a designer to decorate the tree, I was glad I got to see it being worked on when I got in. They also placed a ton of poinsettia plants all over the hospital, so beautiful.

And everytime I walked down the hall from the SCVC to the Hospital I see the tree lit up at the end of the hallway and I just get this feeling of pure JOY in my heart! I love it!

I think it's wonderful that the hospital decorates during the holidays, the comments I hear from the patients are just wonderful. You can tell it makes them feel better. I can't emphasize it enough, how grateful I am for a job that makes me appreciate everything I have so much more...You'll hear me say it a million times...and I'll keep on saying it. Helps me to keep my mind and my heart more open to everything around me....

Snapped this as I was leaving work...isn't is a beautiful sight?

From the Courtyard near the Cafeteria, you can see the tree inside.

I love all the days leading up to Christmas...the music, the lights, the Christmas tree, decorations, smiles...I can just go on and on and on...

Then Christmas day arrives and I get a little sad...because I know it's over and KYXY will stop playing Christmas music...haha..

I'm just being dramatic, but really I do get a little emotional Christmas day.

But every year we celebrate Christmas up til New Year's Day so I have a lot to look forward to...

We have a tradition of things to do every Christmas...

Keep up and you'll see....

Delirious...

2011-11-30T15:12:00.001-08:00

Oh my, how I have neglected this blog....

I guess I just have too much going on right now...and just can't seem to get on a computer to type my day away...

Due to issues with my breathing this fine day, I have been encouraged to stay home...

So home I am, and quite frankly, I don't want to type my day away...

Although there is a lot of updating to do...

I think I will stay warm under my blanket and watch Christmas movies galore on Hallmark or Lifetime...

And as for my breathing problems, I feel much better than this morning...

Who would have thought having two kids could affect your breathing? Could it be? Am I allergic to my children?

Haha, just kidding...

I saw my doctor, she said I'll live, but she introduced me to a friend named INHALER, that will help with any future flare ups...

Can't wait to meet my new friend when she's ready at RITE AID =P

Hope all is well with the very few, possibly none of you that do read my non sense! HAHAHA....

2011-11-24T18:37:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from the RIGGINS =)

I LOVE YOU...

2011-11-17T22:44:00.001-08:00

It's easy to get caught up in the little things in life and in doing so, I tend to forget what really matters...

I have to admit, the littlest of things would get me all emotional and bothered...but today 2 very important events reminded me of what DO matter.....

Event 1: I had a patient come down for a scan, the doors to the scan room opened and I saw this man that was tall and thin and honestly he looked like a victim of cruel punishment in a concentration camp. Except that wasn't the case, instead the battle this patient was fighting was CANCER. He was so thin and fragile and in so much pain. He was cold so after I helped him get onto the scan table, I went over and grabbed a warm blanket from the warmer and as I did this, I don't know why but I thought what if this was my family member? Even closer, what if this was my husband? My Michael...

After I got him his blanket I looked at his arm band to confirm his name and date of birth and I realized he

was only two years older than me and here he is fighting this horrible battle with cancer.

I've been thinking a lot lately, compared how I was from the first day I started this job and how I am today. Yes it's true, I've kind of learned to deal with my surroundings, but I don't think someone can ever get "used" to this. It's hard seeing someone going through these struggles with cancer and certain illnesses and it's even harder seeing their family going through it with them.

Event 2: The emergency department had admitted 2 patients, an elderly couple.The wife 90 years old, the husband 88. I thought it was cute how they put them in a shared room with their gurneys next to each other so they could be by one another.

I brought the wife over for her scans and told her husband we'd take good care of her. He replied with a smile and a thank you. She became very restless during her visit with us and started trying to get off of the scan table, we had to use restraints on her so she wouldn't get hurt but it wasn't strong enough.We eventually had to call her nurse over to give her another sedative. This patient had dementia and because she wasn't used to what we were doing she was frightened and worst of all her husband wasn't there by here side. She yelled for him and kept saying, "I wanna go home, no more."

We told her to calm down, we're almost done, do it for your husband so you can go back to see him soon...I could tell it helped her calm down a little...

So you might be wondering how did they both end up in the ED together...

The wife was laying on the couch and she fell, the husband who has COPD (chronic.obstructive.pulmonary.disease) relies on an oxygen tank that distributes oxygen to him through a nasal canula that he wears in his nose.

When his wife fell, he tried to help her, but being weak himself, he couldn't do it on his own, so he decided to go get help from a neighbor but didn't take his tank with him. On his way to get help, he got weak and dizzy and as a result fell and hurt himself.

The neighbors called the the ambulance and they were both brought in.

Now here's what really got to me, when we were done with his wife in the ED, I took her back to the room. I said to the husband, "She's back!"

He asked me how she did, I told her she's a fighter and fought us at first, but she did it. He smiled. I'm sure he knew that was going to happen.

He looked over to her told her "Welcome back, I missed you."

I put her gurney a little bit closer to his, and as I was walking away I looked back and she was trying to get off to go to him, but couldn't because the rails on her gurney were up. I saw her reach for him and I saw the look in his eyes.

I will never forget the amount of love they had for each other. I could see it in his eyes, his pain because there wasn't much he could do for her at the time.

Of course when Michael came to pick me up from work, I hugged him a little longer than usual. I love him so much and I know that when we grow old together I will love him just as much as the first day if not MORE.

I know every wife will say they have the BEST HUSBAND, but I really do have the best husband. He's also the best father to our children and I love seeing him with them.

Neither of us are PERFECT and we often get into our little disagreements. I'd be lying if I was to say every day is a perfect day because it's not, but I can say that at the end of everyday, we try to make sure we tell each other, "I LOVE YOU," and mean it. And hug and kiss before we say good night.

I feel that this is really important and without it we wouldn't be as strong as we are...

So with that said, FAMILY is what MATTERS...

Michael.Lillyanne.Jacob

I don't live a perfect life, I just live a BLESSED one, I can't say that enough...

Thanksgiving, SD 4th Ward YW's style...

2011-11-15T22:35:00.001-08:00

Today I am THANKFUL for the evening that was spent with the Young Women, leaders, and our families...

We had a "THANKSGIVING" potluck...it wasn't a traditional Thanksgiving gathering, it was done differently this year.

We didn't have turkey. mashed potatoes, candied yams/sweet potatoes and all the other fixins' that come along with a traditional Thanksgiving meal

INSTEAD...

We enjoyed Chicken Adobo, Pansit, Egg rolls and steamed rice...

Sister Howe made a delicious pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting and she topped it off with chopped nuts! It was so.So.SO good! I think her dish was the closest thing to Thanksgiving ;)

And Sister McCreary made a delicious cherry cobbler, she even brought a can of whipping cream to top it off!

We ate, we talked, and we LAUGHED...what an AMAZING evening....

I am so thankful for my calling and all the spiritual blessings it has brought me and my family....so THANKFUL...

Yippee...Hooray!

2011-11-14T21:58:00.001-08:00

Elated to hear Christmas music on KYXY 96.5 tonight on the way home…

Some people wait til AFTER Thanksgiving but NOT me…

I like to start early…

I started listening to Christmas music this year right after Halloween, thank goodness the CT folks I work with at night don't mind my CHRISTMAS SHOES station on Pandora...hehe...

Trust me, I’ve gotten a lot of crap for it from some people including my own dear Michael…

but that’s okay…I know deep down inside he knows how happy it makes me and so of course I'm sure it makes him HAPPY too (let's hope).

Christmas time brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face…

It does not take much to make me HAPPY...

Ohhh JOY to MY world =)

fa la la la la, LA LA LA...LAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...

*I know they're too different songs, but I'm just in that kind of mood...

11.11.11

2011-11-11T10:13:00.001-08:00

READY TO DO SOME SHOPPING?!?!

and SAVE SOME MONEY!?!?

Check out the 11 dollar sale on 6pm.com

BIG BRANDS! LITTLE PRICES! HUGE SAVINGS!

It's the perfect opportunity for you.me to grab some gifts for FAMILY.FRIENDS. and maybe even sneak a thing or two for yourself.myself!!

Even better, FREE SHIPPING!!!!

Come on, what are you waiting for?! I don't think it'll get better than this!

P.S. I am NOT advertising for 6pm, I am just sharing this lovely site that has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years!

HISTORY/ I believe it was about 3 years ago when I stumbled upon this amazing website, I think I got some junk mail, but something OBVIOUSLY caught my eye and so I sent it to my inbox.

The item they were featuring for the day were ASICS shoes for 19.95! It just so happened to be that I needed a new pair of shoes for work and thought why not?

Ever since then, I've shopped this site for shoes and clothes for Michael the kids and myself. I love it!

Even if you don't see anything on their 11 dollar sale, check out the rest of their stuff, you'll still SAVE!

And if you don't find anything you like today for 11 bucks, come back tomorrow and see what brands they're featuring for a deal.

I believe you will still get FREE SHIPPING until Christmas Eve.

Almost forgot to mention, they've got this HOLIDAY BLITZ thing going on right now. Every day they are featuring something different. Today, CUTE PUMPS by Fergie. It's exciting to click on the box and see what's FEATURED inside.

HAPPY SHOPPING ALL, stay safe!

Love,

Bori

Thankful...

2011-11-11T09:59:00.001-08:00

Thank you to all the VETERANS that have served this country to keep it the LAND OF THE FREE and the HOME OF THE BRAVE!

Everyday I am THANKFUL for the freedoms I get to enjoy because of the brave men and women who have served and are serving our country. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

It's just a FEATHER baby...

2011-11-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

Rain drops FALLING on my head now...

2011-11-04T20:08:00.001-07:00

Rainy Friday = online shopping in the AM, work in the afternoon and catching a movie in the evening...love it!

UPDATED: it's not often that FRIDAYS are "slow" enough for me to FLEX OUT (leave early), but I was able to with the ok from my lead tech, Woody. My shift ends at 9pm but today I was able to leave at 8pm.

Mikey picked me up and we met up with Adam, Elisa, Trevor and Corey to watch THE THING at AMC Mission Valley.

Oh rainy days, please continue to come our way.....

Lilly spent the night at Weezy's house with Amelie and Reedee so I didn't get to see my girl when I got home.

My handsome DATE tonight...aren't I a lucky girl?!!?

I was delighted to see Jacob staying warm though when I got home...in a fairly strange yet cute/funny way...

Snuggled up in an ADULT PENGUIN ONSIE with Aunt Lin =P

3>1

2011-11-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Stopped by the Vans Store in Mission Valley today to see if they still had some sunglasses I had bought a few weeks ago on sale there (the ones I had originally purchased disappeared).

Last time I was there, I only saw the one pair which was ON SALE for 4.95

I found 3 today in different colors and they were still on sale so I ended up buying all 3 of them. The total came out to 15.99 including tax. Not too shabby eh?

So in the END 3 is greater than 1.

Aren't they just ADORABLE?

What could make a good day even BETTER? I walked into work today and was surprised to find a bag on my desk. I looked it and saw a card with my name on it and got SUPER excited. Inside was a tub of chocolate covered pretzels and a THANK YOU card. It was from my co worker Jeanne. The other night I was on my way out and she spotted me and asked if I could help her load a CD into the system for the ER because she got stuck and the patient needed to head to the OR ASAP. I wasn't expecting anything in return but THANK YOU Jeanne for making my day that much better and for your thoughtfulness and kindness.

The pretzels were delicious. I opened them up at work and shared them with some of my coworkers. They needed some after the hectic evening they'd been through. I love the bag too, it's reusable and has compartments on the inside. I think I have a new "LUNCH" bag for work.

Good Night...

November

2011-11-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hello NOVEMBER!

Oh my, there is so much to catch up within the last week...

PICTURES from the latter days of October coming soon...

Trunk or Treat at the Stake Center
Pumpkin Carving at the Schoolcrafts
Trick or Treating in La Mesa

Steal of a Deal

2011-10-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

fun. Fun. FUN!

2011-10-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Did I forget to mention FUN?

I started out the day with some thrift store shopping with my loves Melissa, Rose and Lilly at the Goodwill on Home Avenue. A good find takes a lot of patience and well, we spent about 3 hours in there but between the four of us we had a lot of FUN and found a lot of cute stuff for not a lot of money!

Afterwards, Melissa left to help Rastko babysit but Rose, Lilly and I went back home to pick up Mikey and Jake and we had lunch.

I have to admit after lunch, I was pretty exhausted from the trip to the Goodwill...a nap would have been nice..but it was time to take the kids out for some more FUN!

We met up with Kenny and Trevor at the Pumpkin Station at Parkway Plaza. It's not as fun as the patch but the kids loved it. I think next year we need to take Lilly somewhere with bigger rides, the rides today wasn't as exciting for her because she's getting to big (sad face). She got off the swing ride and told us, "Wow, that was embarrassing." I think she didn't like the fact that her feet almost touched the ground during the whole ride. Jacob rode the same ride and the expression on his face was priceless...

So funny!


Getting too big for the rides =(

Can you spot the DIFFERENCE? hahah!

Jacob didn't care for the rides as much of course. Instead he enjoyed playing with the hay that was all over the ground. Good choice Jacob, considering it didn't cost a thing. They did sell hay there and I'm sure Jacob would have enjoyed making a Jacob MESS back home with it, but NO THANKS...

HAY Jacob!

What's next? Another GOODWILL...heheh..this time the one in Santee.

Well this time, it was Mikey, Kenny, Trevor and Jacob(he didn't really have a choice), who accompanied Lilly and I. My favorite part of shopping at thrift stores is finding shoes. I usually always find at least one pair of really cute shoes...my rare vintage finds really gets me excited...but the last few times I've gone, I've been disappointed because all the cute shoes I do find are either too big or too small! I've even tried to convince myself that I can wear really thick socks or "STUFF" them, but who wears thick socks with a pair of pumps? I mean some girls can make it "work" I guess, but I'm not one of them. But today made up for the other times I didn't get find anything, because I actually found TWO! woohoo!

Other than shoes, I love me some sweaters. I wear sweaters year round, it's NEVER too hot for a sweater for Bori...that's what Mikey always says when someone asks me, "Aren't you hot in that sweater?" I especially love granny sweaters! Melissa and Michael like to call me Grandma Bori and honestly I'm ok with that. It's an appropriate nickname considering I like to knit and crochet during my spare time..hahah!

We all ate at SONICS for dinner afterwards. fun.Fun.FUN! is only appropriate for the title of this entry because all day today, all we had was FUN!

Good night!

*No working out until I see my doctor on Tuesday about my back pain. Maybe I'm aging rapidly to fit in with my elderly hobbies and clothing....

Yay for FRIDAY!

2011-10-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

Nothing greater than ending the week right with a wonderful FRIDAY!

Started out with a yummy breakfast at the Mission Valley Cafe which is part of the San Diego Home Cooking family. The portions were huge and the food was great! If you are around the area, give it a try. We will have to go back to try lunch and dinner soon.


Me with my handsome hubby


It was TOO LOUD for Jacob

Italian Sausage and Eggs w/home fries and pancake 9.99, you know it doesn't get better than that!

Afterwards we made our way to TARGET. We needed to grab some things to complete the kids costumes.I love target, I could spend hours there...love their CLEARANCE sections!

The only down side to eating and shopping in Mission Valley is getting out of there when you're done. It seems like forever especially when you are trying to get to work on time....

That's right, after that yummy breakfast and some fun errand running, Michael dropped me off at the lovely Thornton Hospital. We had two cases that made me feel like I was in an episode of ER. One when I got there and one close to the end of my shift. Experiences I will never forget.

Now as much as I enjoy my job, I couldn't wait for my day at work to be done so I can have dinner at Phils's BBQ with Michael and the kids and my best friend forever, ROSEMARY.

My Best Friend, Always and Forever...

Let me tell you something about Rose, she may be little, but she is one STRONG woman and I love her so much! I really feel blessed because I have the greatest friends and family a girl could ask for, I couldn't ask for more...

Now we're home, going to watch some LAW & ORDER: SVU on Netflix to wind down...

GOODWILL tomorrow morning...

Good Night....

"I Dream..."

2011-10-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

I remember when I first started working at UCSD I would come home overwhelmed almost every night. Not because the work load was too much, but because of the patients...

Today I found out that a patient we have worked with in the past years had lost her bottle to cystic fibrosis.

My prayers go out to her family during this time...I do believe she touched the hearts of all those she came in contact with.

When a patient remembers you, you know you've done something special to make them remember.

You don't have to work in a hospital to touch someone's life. It's as simple as a hello or a smile... You never know what someone is going through and sometimes, your warm smile or hello, can brighten up their day.

Sometimes when you least expect it, they can touch your life and that's why YOU remember them....

Engaged!!!

2011-10-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Renee and Drew on your engagement this past Sunday. We couldn't be HAPPIER for you two!!!!

The Newly Engaged couple

Nay's beautiful ring!

*incline 10, 30min, speed 3.5 *incline 5, 5min, speed 4 *incline 0, 25min, speed 5

*planks, 5min

calories burned: 725 (on treadmill)

total time: 1hr (on treadmill)

mood: tired but boy do I feel good!

Buyer's Remorse and Fog...

2011-10-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

Impulse shopping tends to lead to BUYER'S REMORSE, well, at least it does for me. So what does one do when this happens? Return the things I DON'T need. In return I get my money back, and money back in my wallet/bank makes for a HAPPY HUBBY and I guess a happier ME too! With that said, ALWAYS keep your receipts!

Here's the story...on Saturday I visited Victoria's Secret and bought a gift for my friend. I also decided to spoil myself by getting some makeup from there. I bought an eyeshadow palette, 2 eyeliners and a lip gloss. At the time, I was excited about my purchase, however when I checked out I wasn't excited about the cost!

So I pondered about the things I got and how practical it was for me and of course how it would "benefit" my family. Thinking...thinking hard...head hurts(exaggerated)... So here is what I came up with...

1. How often would I use what I had purchased? Well, considering the fact that my make up staple consists of usually only mascara, in which I haven't used an ounce of in the past month, I guess not that often. Not to mention that none of what I had purchased included MASCARA.

2. How is EYESHADOW, LIP GLOSS and EYELINER useful for Michael, Lilly and Jacob? Michael and Jacob will have no use for any of it (thank goodness, or I would need to worry). Lilly could use the lip gloss occasionally, but 1/3 doesn't win this case.

3. How much money did I actually spend on these 4 items? Money I could have used for something else or saved? I didn't realize that I had spent so much on these 4 items. When I went to return them, I realized I had spent close to 62 dollars on 4 things...oh no, that was not very "thrifty" of me now, was it?

So in the end, I made the smarter choice in returning the make up. And what did I do with the money I got back? Michael, Jacob and I enjoyed lunch together. Nothing grand, just some Greek food at Daphne's in Mission Valley before he took me to work.

Tomorrow we will be taking a trip to ROSS to return a pair of ankle boots that I had purchased a week ago and have now decided, I don't need them. They're cute and all, but I'd much rather take my 14.99 + tax back. Let's just hope I don't get distracted and buy something else while I am there. But if I do, at least I'll have the satisfaction of knowing I have 30 days to return it.

Next topic... shall we discuss the weather now? I loved the weather today, Michael takes me to work every day on the 5 freeway. The drive is always lovely because you can see most of the coast on the way to my work.

There was fog transcending down the valley into the freeway as we drove, it was beautiful. It was still warm, and when I got to work I was only able to enjoy the view from the inside. The fog was thick in La Jolla. I love it, it feels so much more like FALL now...and it gives this kind of eerie feeling, which is perfect given Halloween is just weeks away.

Totally RANDOM but don't mind the little notes at the bottom of my blog. Starting today, I am going to log my work outs at the end of my day. Strictly to keep me motivated! Please share with me some of your work outs I can try so I don't get bored!

Foggy Day....

Jacob boy fell asleep on the way

Foggy Night...

*Incline 1, speed 5, 15min *incline 10, speed 3.5, 5min *incline 4.5, speed 5, 5min *incline 1, speed 5, 5min

Calories burned: 356

Total time: 30

Sundays are the best days....

2011-10-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

Fun day...Sunday....I enjoyed watching the kids play with each other after our meetings at church. They seemed content just playing with each other and not to mention throwing grass at each other.

Last Halloween premiered the show, "THE WALKING DEAD." We were hooked right away. Tonight was the premiere of the second season. We had Adam, Trevor, Corey, and Melissa over to hang out and watch the new episode. Elisa, Adam's girlfriend came but then she left because she had to work. She brought her YUMMY cheese ball though...

I ended up taking a nap because I was so tired. I have trouble sleeping lately, it doesn't matter how tired I am, I will lay down on my bed, close my eyes, but I can't seem to fall asleep...I think I finally fell asleep just a little before 4am. This is not functional when you have to get up, get two kids ready, plus get myself ready for Church. Thank goodness I have an amazing husband to help me get them ready. Even if he doesn't get them ready, he always makes sure the diaper bag is good to go and scriptures are close by so we don't forget them.

But at the end of the day, we enjoyed the show and each others company.

Always Sunny in San Diego...at least for TODAY...

2011-10-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

I love the weekends...because I'm off and I get to enjoy doing things with my family and ME time too...

Today we went to a birthday party for Kalani. I love his mom, Terri, she is one of the sweetest, strongest, loving woman I know! I can talk to her about ANYTHING, and she understands and doesn't judge me. I love, love her!

The party was at Bird Park in the North Park/Balboa Park area, I never knew it was there until today. It's beautiful!

We got there before the party started to drop off the grill for Terri and then left to get some lunch with Michael, Jacob and my sister, Lin. Lilly stayed with Terri's girls, Karla and Kali. They love to play with each other. We also picked up a gift for the birthday boy and the birthday mom.

Classic example, Mikey can fall asleep in any position...we got to the park, he put the grill together and took a nap with Jacob...

***

Mommy and Lilly Swinging away with Daddy

***

When we got back we had cake, Mikey and Jacob took a nap, and then we helped Terri pack up...

***

Nap time part two...

They were both snoring too...hehe

***
This is my favorite picture and moment of the day...

My camera captured the sun rays only in this picture

***

The beautiful blue sky behind us, such a beautiful day!

***

Karla playing with Jacob

Love this picture of them and the ball in the air...
***

Karla and Lilly

***
Beautiful Day in San Diego...

I always visit GOODWILL on Saturdays, if I'm having a good morning I'll go there during the week before work. It's not as crowded during the week either. Melissa was supposed to come with me, but she wasn't able to so I went alone.

I got some cute dresses for Lilly and some pieces for me.

***

The Juicy Couture dress I found for Lilly

It's too big for her right now and it's not short either, she just pulled it up as I took this picture

All in all, today was a good day...

Then Church tomorrow to start off the new week...doesn't get better than that...

Thrifty...

2011-10-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

When I was little my dad would always take me thrift store shopping with him, and he'd let me and my sister pick something out during every trip...sometimes I would wonder why he'd always take us to the thrift store and never to the mall...but now that I'm older I am so grateful that he did...

Of course as I got older he stopped taking me, but as soon as I got a job sophomore year and started driving, I started shopping at thrift stores again. I was bummed when they took away the SKILL CENTER thrift store in La Mesa. That was the best one, 3 stories of goodness. I wish it was still around, I remember that one the most because my dad would pull out his change as he checked out and let us get boston baked beans out of the little candy machine. Makes me a little emotional just thinking about it...

So now if you were to ask me where I got something, I would tell you the thrift store. I love finding things for a deal. I rarely or NEVER buy anything full priced. I always tell myself, it'll go on sale soon and then I can buy it, and if it's not available anymore then it wasn't meant for me.

I don't care if something is no longer in style. If I like it and it fits and I think it looks good, I get it.

I've noticed that things at thrift stores aren't priced as cheap as they used to be, a few years ago clothing and shoes were priced at 1.99 to 3.99 a piece, nothing over 5 dollars but now I've noticed their prices have gone up and I think it's because thrift stores are popular now.

I am an addict. It doesn't help that there is a GOODWILL right next to my house. I can walk there in less than five minutes, that's how close it is. I probably go there at least once a week, and when I do go, I can spend hours in there looking for stuff. Sometimes I go back through the aisles a few times because they often put more stuff on their racks.

Sometimes I find stuff that is brand new with tags still attached. I found Lilly a Naartjie dress for 3.99, brand new with tags. The tag read it was selling in the store for 29.95. I was proud of my steal. She got compliments about it at Church. I went back a week later and saw more of them there in different colors so I bought her another one and I bought one for a friend at church that just had her baby.

I love coming home and googling my finds on line. I feel so proud when I find out I got something that was really expensive for so much cheaper. 20 dollars at the thrift store is like 100 dollars at the mall!

Thank you Dad, for teaching me to be thrifty even though for a few years in my life, I didn't live that way and wanted more than I could afford. Thank you for telling me you got your shirt for 1 dollar and your pants for 2, and telling me you had to haggle to get your shirt for a dollar. I love you Dad.

Who would have thought, as I am sharing how much I love thrift stores, it got me thinking of my Dad and remembering my thrift store adventures with him.

Here are some that I've been to:

*Goodwill on Home Avenue (the best in my opinion, my favorite one)

*Goodwill in Santee

*Goodwill in Point Loma

*Goodwill in Downtown (this one has an awesome bookstore that Mikey loves)

*Goodwill in Mira Mesa (it's newer, but smaller than the other ones)

*UCP Thrift store in Lemon Grove and in City Heights (formerly known as Children's Hospital Thrift Store)

*Whatever Boutique in Grossmont Center and on El Cajon Blvd (they have a resale section, I love it, you can get some designer stuff for a steal)

*Bara's Thrift in Clairemont

*Baby Trader in La Mesa

There are so many other ones out there, I need to explore them all!

Lilly in the dress I got her from Goodwill

THE END

for now....

October

2011-10-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

Where to begin...I am so bad at keeping up with my blogs. I used to be able to blog much more often when I was using XANGA but then again, I wasn't working when I blogged then. I hope I can keep up with this more often. I've thought to switch back to xanga, but it's not as easy to navigate and work as blog spot.

So to start off, Lilly turned 7 this past Sunday on October the 9th. I can't believe it's been 7 years since we gave birth to our little girl. Now that she is 7, we can't even call her our baby girl anymore without her correcting us and telling us that she is not a 'baby' but a 'lady' now...my goodness...such sass...We celebrated with a little party for her at Azalea Park up the street from our house. It was nice and she enjoyed playing with her cousins and friends.

Yesterday, I went to get my eyes checked at UCSD's Shiley Eye Center to get a new prescription for contacts.

Well, instead of just getting a new prescription I was given this diagnosis, an unexpected one: SUPERIOR HOLE OD WITH CUFF OF EDEMA, POSSIBLE SHALLOW DETACHMENT ...in english please?

I guess the best way to put it was there was a tear in the retina and it was collecting fluid underneath and it could possibly cause my retina to detach from my eye.

At first I didn't understand what the big deal was all about until she explained to me that if the retina was to detach completely I would go blind in my right eye. Now who wants that?

Dr. Ho told me I needed to see a Retina Specialist right away and she told me there was one at Shiley I could see right away, but because I have Scripps Health I had to take my referral to them, but she told me as soon as they saw the dx, they would see me right away, WRONG!

I spent the whole day, took of work unexpectedly only to keep hearing, "The request has been marked URGENT and we will call you as soon as we hear back." I never heard back yesterday.

I was only even more frustrated to find out after I called Scripps today that the auth had been approved for me to go back to UCSD. But what could I do? Just get over it and get it taken care of.

So I went in and saw the specialist today at UCSD and they took so many pictures of my right eye that I thought if the detachment doesn't cause me to go blind, all these flashes just might...hehe

I am so impressed at how fast and efficient the opthalmologist and his staff were.

They looked at the pictures then looked at my eye and took me to the "laser" room where they repaired the detachment with a laser in less than 30 minutes. Everything happened so fast I didn't have time to be nervous about the procedure. They numbed my eye in between the treatments and the only thing I didn't like was the pressure from the suppressor they used to keep my eyes opened.

I had the day off today for Lilly's open house so everything worked out...I came home took a nap, woke up like someone had stabbed me in the eye cause the numbing solution wore off. I took some advil and headed off to Lillyanne's open house. I wasn't going to let anything prevent me from seeing my child's progress in 2nd grade.

I'm so glad I went, Mrs. Kemp told me Lilly is one of her advanced readers, already reading at K level when they are supposed to be at an H. That made me so proud. However, she did state that Lilly gets distracted easily and that does cause her to fall behind when it comes to following simple instructions.

Also I told Mrs. Kemp I was a little concerned that Lilly might have dyslexia because she forms her letters backwards. She reassured me that it is normal but if she still does that at third grade to get her tested.

I am having Lilly test for GATE, I am excited to see how she does.

I am just so HAPPY that October is here, I was going through some rough patches the past few months but now that the holidays are fast approaching I am just so excited to share these moments with Michael and the kids. Between me working and Michael at school I feel like we haven't been able to spend much time together. I know we live together, how can that be possible? Trust me, it is! But we are making the best of the moments we do have together, like today.

......

2011-09-17T23:18:00.001-07:00

I got a call from Alivia this morning letting me know that our co worker Cliff had passed away. I am still in shock....I just saw and talked to him on Wednesday, how could this be?

Sometimes things happen unexpectedly, you just never know. More than ever, you just have to live and cherish each moment that you are living and try to enjoy it, because you might not have a tomorrow.

RIP CLIFTON

You will never be forgotten....

Thursday

2011-07-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Thursdays are good days....every day is a good day, but Thursday is extra wonderful because it's one day closer to FRIDAY.

So to start off my awesome day today, Michael, Melissa, Jacob and I headed over to the Sandwich Emporium for lunch. Lilly didn't join us because she went over the the Palma's (friends from church) for a play date.

Now let me start off by saying the Sandwich Emporium is my favorite sandwich deli in San Diego. Their sandwiches are fresh and the portions are huge and the prices are affordable, and they are super quick to get your order out to you.

My favorite sandwich from there is the Californian. It has turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and avocado and I always choose to have it on wheat even though they recommend sourdough bread. I am just a wheat bread kind of girl.

I usually only eat half of my sandwich and save the other half to eat for dinner at work.

So considering this was the a great start to my TERRIFIC THURSDAY, I was so looking forward to having my 1/2 sandwich for dinner.

I rarely putt anything in the refrigerator because I don't usually bring lunch, but today I went ahead and put my white paper bag with my sandwich and leftover chips and some peaches in it.

Now, I've heard stories of lunches being eaten by other people but I thought today is too good of a day for someone to steal my lunch.

BOY WAS I WRONG!!!

I went to grab a peach for a snack at 4pm, my sandwich was still chilling in the bag.

After 6pm I was ready to take a break and eat my yummy sandwich....so I headed to the lounge, opened the fridge and noticed that my nicely folded paper bag was all crumpled and opened.

At first I just thought eh, it must have gotten crumpled and what not from all the other lunch bags( lunch purses), around my bag. Well, I went for my sandwich at the bottom of my bag only to be disappointed because it was no longer there. Honestly my first reaction was, 'Did I eat my sandwich already?' but I know I didn't because all I had earlier was that peach. Whoever took the sandwich was nice enough to put the chips and peaches back in the bag.

I took whatever was left back to CT and shared with my co workers what had happened. They couldn't believe it either. I ate what was left went back to work.

Now, I'm sure you must be thinking it's just a sandwich, why am I going on and on about this sandwich? Well, because I just feel like it....=0P

Because after that, I was able to laugh about it and make fun of it. I did however leave a note on the fridge for the hungry man or woman that decided to have my sandwich. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I would have.

So enough about the sandwich....

So I've been meaning to share a story about what Lilly said the other day.

Last week, Michael, Kenny, Lilly, Jacob and I went to eat a Fin's in La Jolla. The temple is visible from where we were....and so Lilly starts this little conversation with me.

Lilly: Look Mommy, it's the Temple.

Me: Uh huh

Lilly: And that's the Angel on top.

Me: Yes it's the Angel Maroni.

Lilly: Oh Mommy, the Angel is up there tootin' his horn....

I thought it was the cutest thing ever...had to post so I won't ever forget that moment.

Here's a picture of Jacob at the sandwich emporium, it's blurry but he just looks so sweet

Being COOL as daddy drives mommy to work...

And...the note I left for whomever ate my sandwich=0)

Changes

2011-07-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

So many things have been changing at work lately.....

New co workers, new supervisors and managers and new experiences....

It's quite easy for me to forget sometimes that my life isn't as bad as I think it is...and as soon as I step into work....everything around me....all the patients I work with...just confirms it....

I'd like to think I live a pretty blessed life....I have everything I could ever want...and whatever I don't have I know I can work for it....and I know it can be achieved...if not now....SOME DAY, ONE DAY.....

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

We spent about 7 hours of our day today at Church. After sacrament and all our meetings, Michael had a meeting, and then we met with the Bishop to talk about doing our Endowments and Sealing. So EXCITED!!!

After church we went to Greenwood Cemetery with flower's for my mother in law Cathy.

Grandma and Grandpa Liljestrom met us there and Grandpa and Michael spent some time cleaning up around the headstones.

We came home and finished with a dinner celebration with my side the family.

I know today is Mother's Day but I have to say that I just keep looking at Michael and I can't help feeling PROUD.

I love this man so so much and feel so blessed to have him because if it wasn't for him, I would be so lost.

He's such an example to me......

I LOVE YOU MICHAEL WILLIAM RIGGINS!

26

2011-03-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

Today is such a BLESSED day!

More to come........

Thoughts....

2011-02-23T23:52:00.000-08:00

I often find myself pondering about so many things that seem to NOT matter, but yet I still think about it.

Why?

I think it is because I am HUMAN.

Everyday I am thankful that I have a job, my health, my husband and kids and the Gospel.

I always try to look at the brighter side of things, because I am a "GLASS HALF FULL" kind of person.

However I am so caught up on what others may think of me.

Why is this?

Once again, it's because I am HUMAN.

I try my best not to judge others because I know how it feels to be judged, to be looked down on. It's not a good feeling.

Everything I strive for now is for me and my family and I don't have to prove myself to anyone else.

All I know is that no matter what personal struggles I face, I will try not to let it affect my attitude towards others.

I am not PERFECT but it's my imperfections that have shaped me into the person I am today because I learn from them.

I am so happy that I have a supporting Husband, because no matter what I think or how I feel about myself, he loves me UNCONDITIONALLY.

There is so much more positive than negative things that has happened in my life, and I truly do feel BLESSED.

It's time to stop caring so much about the things that don't matter, because I can't control what people may think of me or what they have to say about me, but one thing I can control is MYSELF and accept responsibility for my actions.

Blessing

2011-02-17T22:51:00.000-08:00

I will NEVER forget tonight. My first time to the Temple with my darling husband........

I am so blessed!

Our little BIG girl!

2010-09-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

Today is our little girl's first day of FIRST GRADE. I can't believe how fast she is growing. Michael had already left for his classes so it was up to me to get her ready.

I woke her up and surprisingly she sprung out of bed. She usually takes her time but not this morning, she was ready for first grade and excited to start school. I am so proud of her.

The school is right up the street so I took my time getting her ready while Jacob was sound asleep. I didn't cry the night before like I did when she started kindergarten. I didn't think I'd cry at all until I got her to class and watched her walk straight to her seat and start doing her welcome assignment. She just seemed to settle in her new class room fine which was comforting.

She's in room 1 and her teacher is Ms. Barraclough. She told me as I walked her to her class that she is going to miss her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Crickett but she will still be able to see her during lunch. She's so cute!

When I got back home Jacob was still asleep. When he woke up he was full of smiles.

Michael was sad he wasn't able to be there for Lilly for her first day of first grade but he has his own school to go to. I'm so proud of him and Lilly.

First Grader Lilly

Here are a some of Jacob from this morning when I returned from taking big sister Lilly to school.

He's full of personality! And so much FUN too!

2010-08-25T23:40:00.001-07:00

Jacob rolled over onto his belly all on his own today!!!!

I was sitting on the bed, relaxing before work and I had Jacob at the end of the bed on his back. He started to turn on his side, bringing one leg over the other and then on his belly he went.

I think I was in denial at first cause I looked at Mikey like he didn't just roll over on his own, so Mikey put him on his back again and he rolled over once again.

I noticed he had been trying lately to roll over onto his belly because he LOVES belly time, but he would always need our help.

I'm always worried that he will learn to do new things while I'm at work so I was SUPER happy to see him roll over while I was still home.

When I got home from work Mikey told me he was holding his own bottle for a good minute during one of his feedings while I was at work.

Jake is going to be 3 months this Saturday and my sweet Lilly is starting first grade next month! I am such a PROUD mom!!! Love my kids and I love my hubby!!

We love his gummy smiles!!!

Finally....

2010-08-20T00:44:00.000-07:00

Jacob William Riggins joined our family on May 28, 2010 @ 8:05pm weighing 6lbs 15oz and measuring 19in long.

Almost 3 months later he is a little over 13lbs and 22inches long...He is such a blessing!!! Lilly loves her brother so so much, she can't get enough of him! We love our little chub ball!

37 WEEKS....

2010-05-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Oh how the weeks fly by!!!

CONGRATULATIONS AMBER ON THE BIRTH OF BEAUTIFUL SCARLETT!!!!

I hope Jacob comes on time. I'm getting so uncomfortable lately. I see my doctor once a week now and I'm getting so excited!!!!

I have ONE MORE SHOWER and then Mikey and I are going to go shopping for things we haven't gotten but need before he arrives....

I'm so blessed...I wasn't going to have any baby showers and I'm getting spoiled with 3.

I had one at work, that Alivia, Nayer, and Pat threw for me. One with family from Mikey's side, and the final one this Saturday thrown by my best friend for all my friends and family from my side.

Baby Jacob doesn't have much room in my belly right now...and 3d ultrasounds aren't the greatest at this stage, but Joel at work said we could take one more look and I jumped at the opportunity to see my little man one more time before he comes out!

He's all smooshed in there, poor guy!

here he is @ 37weeks!

Lucky....

2010-04-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Mike and I haven't been going to our ward or church for awhile. It gets really hard, and we honestly struggle with a lot of things sometimes.

I have been having trouble sleeping at night and last night was one of my tougher nights....I was so tired...and I couldn't sleep because I couldn't get comfortable and I had really bad heart burn. I looked at the clock and it was already 3am.

This morning Mikey got a call from Corban asking if he was going to Church. I heard Mikey say, "Bori isn't feeling well, I don't think we'll be going..."

I was so tired, I thought I was dreaming. I opened my eyes, and told Mikey, "We have to go today."Mikey said we would go next week and I needed to rest." It was so easy to just say ok and go back to sleep, but IT WASN'T.

I was overwhelmed with tears and told Mikey "If we keep making excuses as to why we can't go, we will probably never make it back."

I love my husband and my daughter and I want to live with them FOREVER. I want the opportunity to meet my mother in law one day. I watch my Lilly grow up and even though I have my mom, I often wish I had my mother in law to teach me some things because I know she was a great woman because she did give me the greatest thing I could ever ask for: MICHAEL.

A lot of people keep telling me how lucky he is to have me, but that's not true, I am the lucky one. I'm lucky to have met him, marry him, and have a family with him. I love his family so much, I couldn't have asked for a better one.

Today has been one of the greatest days of my life. I haven't felt this way in a long time, I know my experience this morning has a lot to do with it. Some people may never understand what this means to me, but that's ok because it's not for anyone else to understand but ME.

I AM BLESSED TO BE A PART OF THIS FAMILY....

Fun day with family....

2010-04-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

To start of the day I was awaken this morning to the WORST leg cramp ever!!! Before bed last night I was telling Mikey, I thought I was going to have a leg cramp again, and sure enough I jinxed myself with one this morning. This had to have been the worst leg cramp I've had so far. It didn't just cramp, it burned.....I might sound crazy, but it hurt more than a contraction. Please, no more cramps!

Now on with the fun part, Adam turned 24 last Wednesday, April 7th and today we got together at Kenny's house for a little bbq. Yummy burgers and hotdogs grilled by my brother in law Corban. I love when he bbq's because he uses his special sauce that makes the burgers and hotdogs that much YUMMIER!

After we ate, Lilly and the guys went for a swim in the pool. Lilly didn't really go in the pool because she was cold so she hung in the spa most of the time but everyone had fun.

After the bbq we went out with my sister Kirstina, Jenny and her husband Greg to Corvette Diner for dinner. The first time I ate there was when it was still located in hillcrest. They've relocated to point loma and expanded the place. There's now an arcade which is great when you have to wait to get a table.

It was a fun experience, the set up and music was great, but the food was just alright.

After dinner we were supposed to go back to Trevor's house to watch the UFC fight but I was too tired and decided to come home while Mikey went over.

I love that I spent today with FAMILY because days like today are always the BEST DAYS!

Lilly wouldn't let our waitress do both sides of her hair with straws so the waitress did it to me

She did this to Mikey thinking Lilly would then let her put the other straw in her hair.

And she was right, cause Lilly agreed after seeing straws on Mommy and Daddy.

I don't know why but as soon as she saw my new do Lilly said, "You look CHINESE!"

I love the set up!

32 Weeks

2010-04-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

First off CONGRATULATIONS to our beautiful cousin ASHLEY on the birth of her beautiful daughter AVERY!!! We are so happy for you Brad and Ashley and love you guys very much!

Today I am 32 weeks pregnant....eight more weeks to go.

Heart burn is really kicking in.....eh....and Jacob is moving more then ever. The kicks aren't too bad, it's when he's just moving his legs or his butt, that can get uncomfortable, but I love it all!

I have started taking some iron pills and so far it's not as bad as the ones I was taking when I was pregnant with Lilly.

Still working, probably will be working til mid or end of May.

Getting excited about my baby shower....

Anticipating Jake's arrival...not sure if I'm ready for labor again though....it's been so long I don't even know what to expect. I just know CONTRACTIONS are not pleasant! Epidural please!

I bet he's going to look just like his daddy, sure hope so cause he's got the most HANDSOME dad ever!!!

32 weeks belly pic

Finally.....

2010-04-02T00:02:00.000-07:00

We've been trying to figure out a name for our little guy...

Lilly has been set with Jacob since the day she found out she was going to have a brother....

Michael didn't really like the name at first but now he loves it....

As for me, I really think Jacob is the name meant for him. Yesterday at work a patient came in and his name was Jacob and he was born in June, our son is due in June.

Today there was a huge conference/celebration at UCSD for The Jacobs Medical Center.

So I consider those as signs....call me silly....

So our son will be named Jacob William Riggins. William comes from both of Michael's grandfathers, and it's also his middle name.

9 more weeks to go....

21 weeks

21 weeks, looks like he has chubby cheeks

31 weeks

2010-03-30T23:54:00.000-07:00

I'm seeing my Ob/gyn every three weeks now so I saw her today....

It was extremely hard for me to get up this morning for my 9:15am appt, but I got up, showered and headed over to the doctor's office with Mikey.

Got there and waited for my doctor to come see me....No one wants to hear "I have bad news" from their doctor but those were the first words out of her mouth as she walked into the room.

I had some blood drawn 3 weeks ago so I knew it was going to be about that....

Well, my iron level is very low. I'm a little under a 9 and 12 and up is considered normal according to her.

I expected to be be anemic because I was with Lilly, but I wasn't as tired as I am now.

The other this is my glucose test came back a little high so I have to do it again, this time it's the 4hr one, which I'm not looking forward to. The doctor said she is pretty sure I'll test negative this time, but this pregnancy has been full of surprises so who knows.

Hopefully it will come back negative so I don't have to worry about that and the anemia.

I didn't take the news too badly, I mean all that matters is the baby is healthy and my anemia is not hurting him, that's the first thing I was concerned about when she told me.

I'm going to start taking some iron pills to build my level back up. She said if I start now taking the pills now, my levels will be good at the time of delivery.

Nine more weeks to go....can't wait to hold my baby boy!

Three Day Weekend

2010-02-15T21:29:00.000-08:00

It was a very long week at work, but it was great to have 3 days off because of President's day today. I have to say we made the most of our weekend.

We went to Murrieta on Saturday to my Aunt and Uncle's house and we all went to Valley View Casino to enjoy FREE LOBSTER BUFFET!!! we signed up for the players club just to get the free buffet. The only down side is the cigarette SMOKE!!!! I wished the buffet hall was located in the non smoking section, but I survived thanks to my DR. PEPPER chap stick.

My cousin Hayden

For Valentine's Day, Michael and I went to eat at Tom Ham's Lighthouse. This is our third Valentine's there and I must say this was the best one yet. We always do the Valentine's special. This year it Mikey ordered seared ahi for the started, I had the soup sampler which included lobster bisque and clam chowder. For our entree I had 1 1/2 lbs of king crab with potatoes and corn fritters, I only ate one crab claw. Mikey enjoyed lobster tail and ribeye with potatoes and artichokes. It was delicious. For dessert, I had fresh strawberries with chocolate dip and my love enjoyed a very decadent chocolate dessert. HE LOVES CHOCOLATE! I can't begin to express how much I LOVE, LOVE my HUSBAND. He really is the best thing that ever happened to me...so much I have now is because of him!

Lilly took our picture when we got home =0)

Our other Valentine

So to enjoy my last day off before I head back to work we took a trip to Julian today with Melissa and Corey. The drive was beautiful because the day was just perfect. Once we got there we ate at Bailey's BBQ. The food was great! We then walked around and stopped at The Candy Basket where Mikey splurged on salt water taffy and other candies. We wanted to have pie at MOM'S BAKERY but the line was out the door so we got back on the road and visited the one we saw on the way to Julian. Same place, different location, smaller crowd. My bumbleberry pie with the vanilla ice cream was DELICIOUS!!! yum yum!!!

I love this picture that Corey took...

Brotherly love

The Girls

Our Little Family

It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend!!!

Looking back.....

2010-01-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

It's been so long I forget how little babies are....and our cousin Erika just had her beautiful baby girl. I love holding her, she is the sweetest little baby ever!

I went back and found most of Lilly's baby pictures and I still can't believe she used to be so small...I wonder if our son is going to look like her...because in some of these pictures she could have been mistaken for a baby boy...haha

October 9, 2004

Lillyanne Marie: 7lbs 4oz 19 3/4 inches long

Wrapped up a few hours after birth

Looks just liker her daddy from day 1

She had really bad jaundice so she had photo therapy sessions.

She had and still has very dark eyes...and loved being on daddy's lap.

She loved that binky!

favorite sleeping position...

Our FAMILY then...

growing CLOSER and STRONGER now...

A few months later, Lilly grew to be a chubby little drooling machine...

She looks the exact same way now when she sleeps...

Those CHEEKS!

3 months old

All these years and I've probably gone through these pictures maybe 3 times...and I actually found these on my old blog site.

I love looking back but I'm also looking forward to these next few months...

I feel very BLESSED to have my FAMILY. I believe they keep me going!

I love you all!

Baby Boy

2009-12-31T17:35:00.000-08:00

WE are going to have a BOY! We are so excited, especially Mike, he's so HAPPY. Before we even found out what we were having, he'd rub my belly and ask, "How's my SON doing?" He cracks me up.

Lilly is so excited to be a big sister and already loves her brother. One thing she keeps asking is if she's going to be the boss of her new baby brother. I thought it was cute. When I told her no, she's not going to be the boss, she said "Well, can I tell him what to do then?" What a crack up.

Well, as happy as I am, I've been feeling so sick with this pregnancy.

I was so nauseated the first three months, and then it passed only to come back. I pretty much can deal with the nausea but the headaches and dizzy spells are a little harder.

I had to work this morning and I went to the bathroom to get ready and next thing you know, I'm on the floor. I remember I had a fainting spell with Lilly too but only once. I still went to work, and felt better then I started to feel dizzy again. I checked my blood sugar but it was fine. I wonder if it's a balance issue?

Regardless, I'll take whatever I get with my baby boy as long as he's healthy. I already love him so much!!!

The baby is moving a lot and I can feel him. I started feeling flutters at about 16wks but Mike felt him last night.

I hope the next few months go by fast, cause I can't wait to meet him!

Not a super exciting blog, but it'll do for now...

Catching Up...

2009-12-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I start celebrating it in NOVEMBER....and some people find me crazy for listening to Christmas music in November, but what they don't understand is I enjoy all the days leading up to Christmas, so I wanna enjoy as much of it as I can. When Christmas Eve hits, I always get a little sad cause I know it'll be over soon....

Well, because it's my favorite time of the year I took a few days off and so I have to time to update this thing....=0)

Lilly had her Christmas Program at her school on December 16th, her class sang "Juanito and Jingle Bells" it was so cute. I had to work that night so I went to her earlier show at 11:0am and Alivia took a few hours off work to watch it with me which was wonderful. Lilly loves seeing her Aunt LaLa.

Lilly is kind of hidden, see if you can find her.

We went to Sea World on Saturday with my sister and friends from work. I've lived in SD for 24 years and this was my first time there and I loved it. Lilly and Mike loved visiting and touching the Star Fish at the tide pool.

Lilly is trying to escape.

I was so afraid he was going to fall in trying to touch the Sea Cucumber

Lilly loved the Star Fishes

Here's us after the Shamu Show, Lilly is just waking up...lol

Take one

Take Two, see ya Lilly

Two of the most wonderful people, Ron and Carol

I saved the best news for last. Mike and I experienced two miscarriages this year which was really hard for me, but Mike has been nothing but strong and supportive through it all. I think of the many blessings I already have in my life and I am so grateful. So now we are blessed with another baby which seems to be growing healthy and strong, and we are so happy. Everything happens in our lives for a reason, and we know even though we haven't been strong in our Church for awhile we still believe and I'm grateful that Heavenly father is still blessing us and that makes me happy.

Baby at 12weeks

Close up of Baby at 16 weeks...

WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET OUR BABY!!!!

Lilly's First Day

2009-09-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Lilly with her Daddy

Enjoying her breakfast, esp. the Milk in a bag

She chose to color a Seal...

Her with some of her classmates

Lilly's back pack hanging outside on the hook.

I realized that xanga is much simpler after doing this...so I think I'll return to it since I've been blogging on there since 2004.

YOU CAN VISIT US HERE:

http://bori-n-mike.xanga.com/

2009-05-28T01:55:00.000-07:00

It's almost 2am. I'm so tired..but can't fall asleep. The past two weeks have been so difficult with my Aunt's passing. I know she's gone to a better place...I just can't get over how short lived her life was. I miss her and I took the time when she was here for granted. WORDS can't describe how much I love her and how much of an impact she's made in my life.

Lilly has a fever and that's part of why I can't get to sleep.

Well, Good Night....

OLDER BLOGS

2009-04-28T01:44:00.000-07:00

Older blogs can be found on my original blog site XANGA...it might be easier to keep up with my posts on there....

http://bori-n-mike.xanga.com/

Saturday at home

2009-04-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

After the missionaries visit this morning, Mike went to work for a friend. He'S doing yard work for our friends Rita and Dave.

It was a busy week at work...but it made this week fly by so fast...

Tomorrow is EASTER...we have a full day planned...it's going to be nice...can't wait!

From Xanga...to this...

2008-10-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!! I took the day off since I work the evening shift at Thornton Hospital. It's nice to just start this weekend early.....

Nothing Else Matters - Metallica