tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81946594384581792412024-02-06T19:37:01.464-08:00The Otis FamilyFamily -- Where life begins & love never endsThe Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-84395439808711106322012-01-07T17:00:00.000-08:002012-01-07T17:10:28.364-08:00New Years Resolutions: 2012<b>My New Years Resolutions for 2012:</b><div><br /></div><div>1) Learn to budget money better. I would really like to start saving money, and restrain from spending it when we WANT something.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) Vacation more. Even if it's just a weekend getaway.</div><div><br /></div><div>3) Be more loving towards my husband. We have an awesome relationship, but it could always be better. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>4) Pick up my camera more. I want to practice my love for photography more this year.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*On a side note, I am proud to say I feel like I accomplished most of my resolutions for 2011. We paid off debt, we took a few vacations, I tried to be better at procrastinating, I spent more time with Landon, and I tried to be more positive with life and the situations thrown our way. In the end, I'd say it was a successful year! I am hoping 2012 is just as successful :)</span></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-68757730792949134522011-03-12T14:48:00.000-08:002011-03-12T15:44:38.421-08:00My Annual UpdateAs the months go by, I realize more and more that I am not just a bad blogger, but a TERRIBLE blogger. I tend to blame it on my busy schedule of school full time, a wild little boy, keeping a house together, etc... but the truth is, every blogger I know does that stuff to (except for the school part- which can be a time consuming thing). Anyways, no more excuses, I suck at blogging because I just don't care to find the time to. But I do find the time to read everyone else's blogs :) <div><br /></div><div>On to my "annual" update.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeremiah: Back in September he got injured at work (it's called IOD- Injured On Duty).. don't worry, an inmate didn't do it, instead he was working out at the gym at work and his knee popped. He's had previous problems with this knee... about 10 years ago he had surgery for the ACL... so this knee has always been faulty, off and on. Apparently that day at the gym it was off. So it popped, and he had to go to the dr's and get it check out. The Dr put him out of work and tried physical therapy for a few weeks. After a month of being off, the Dr said he was good to go back to work. Jer took 2 weeks off to continue to rest his knee and on October 25th, he returned to work. On October 26th, his 2nd day back to work, his knee popped again and he was once again seen by the Dr and put on IOD status again. After LOTS of Dr's appointments, and little change, I finally convinced Jer it was time to find a new Dr! He switched Dr's in January, and at his 1st appointment with the new Dr, the Dr was able to tell him what was wrong with his knee. The Dr told him he wanted to try PT for 4 weeks 3x a week... if that didn't change anything then they would talk about surgery. So 4 weeks past, and at his last PT appt his PTist told him she was recommending him for surgery. So we returned to his Dr's office, and spoke to his Dr about the surgery. It took some time getting the insurance company to approve the surgery, but once they did we got the surgery scheduled. On March 28th he will go in for knee surgery. I am hoping this surgery will help him be able to do more physical things (like running... etc) without his knee giving out. I am so glad he finally found a good Dr who took his complaints seriously. It's ridiculous that he was out of work from Sept-Jan before a Dr finally found the problem, but I'm just glad someone finally did!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: left;">As far as things with me go... I can't say very much has changed. I'm still going to school FT at ITT. I love it there. I am doing great in all my classes, and I currently have a 4.0 GPA. My teachers all love me, and recommend me becoming an RN because they think I have the right personality for that. I am really considering it. I want to be an RN for L&D. I graduate from my current program March 2012.. and then my GI benefits (which pay for my tuition, fees, books, etc.. in full) will be up.. so I've got to find a good, affordable, RN program.</div><div style="text-align: center;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Landon Bug is getting so big! He has such a personality now and never ceases to amaze me!! He can work the computer like it's nobody's business! He can also work our Wii like a champ! On February 28th he turn FOUR. *gasp* I can't believe my baby is so big already!! Even more shocking is the fact he'll be starting school next year! Time sure does fly by-- too fast! He's completely potty trained, he has been since October last year. He was definitely very stubborn about it.. and had to do it all on his own time. He loves puzzles, and can put them together very fast! He also loves building things, or taking things apart then putting them back together. He's very smart and knows things that I don't know where he learned it from! He loves playing with his trains, his dogs, and his game boy. He is finally less of a trouble maker, and very independent! If he wants a bowl of cereal, he can get it himself, with making little to no mess. And the one things we've found out recently about Bug, HE'S DEATHLY AFRAID OF THE DARK! LOL. He is so scared with the lights off.. it's crazy. He refuses to sleep with the lights off, or even go down stairs if the lights are all off. Landon bug is my little man.. and is past the baby stage, the terrible two stage, the tantrum three stage, and on to the FUN FOURS! :) I love it, it's fun having a little person, but I do miss him being a baby. But just like the book I read Landon yesterday, <i>"If I could keep you little, I'd keep you close to me. But then I'd miss you growing, into who you're meant to be!" </i></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-55265155613830538482011-01-15T19:40:00.000-08:002011-01-15T20:16:46.229-08:00{2010} In PicturesSumming up 2010 with a photo (or two) and 3 words.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">See {2009} in photos </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://jcotis.blogspot.com/2010/01/2009-in-pictures.html">here</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>January: Welcome Baby Tessa</b></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_Icw6pssvMt0ZDyLuWXN-8BBQyRLaWIrDA2Dvw0B0q9YhwyhvpoR_Sjxqo9h-wmqmXhciFY9X7R6TZyfN10SY48kRZjgBDyJtm3_RsxpSx6aqsaFryozD06f1dXcunpGXNzFWG_HiXM/s400/January.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628086758780098" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>February: Happy 3rd Birthday</b></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G6ZXfvlzM55TIWHsSYizT9Snuz-II9GDhbEMFubc0sdxjxsbvWprXh4SR5JveRfqBETH9H-lBvXJv9rscTSW88p9bPQZ-v9_G3MOqKDKqLx4wMOGV6340Dz8jjdA3joTsjr7XVHYoj4/s400/February.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628082084769586" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>February (again): "I CAN SEE!!"</b></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg_V1fbo3Mv_MUfX6erNW2io_DcWGj39Lg6OJQVf0-1p6xGG7hFA7t7dMbSZ6bg7CRAbXsdj4u_Dvf68N3qv72tdFNjv6CgSdRT8poNvdCuPON0-CwsXzAJlzzdFCRqUZ-M1ZijbQ4O4/s400/February1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628072453638994" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>March: Their Goodbye Kiss</b></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJrF6YrS7y3al_aBczFy9Z1Vadd1PhGl0EChK5YBrJr-pCWy1KJl_fcBkbKN1NmN1d2xLdmcD-J1FlzWtad88lOihqQn0wcx4uDR8ik_Qv47u4t2Hh2vcp7ixg4UgKWW7cDAtpvebiiM/s400/March.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628060305982226" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>April: Another year older</b></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtZdH8ld53cKcQ1WRgJ0rXl7FySYy82-gstZUNj-6Y2S1H7jFdIHiFs-cVba0WTLTrTME8OxuWbqqRYjbjr5OODnOjY4f_UvYh3tA6RXfWlsafrF56vudhgNouPx1lGGxVzb4wR15yq8/s400/April.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562628061493806450" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>May: Home Sweet Home</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1stCR6nfzMTB7QpNTGEuI5Z0i5ZTp4VQG0JA6PhCa4RVyVydrr92Qq9wqStOK80uNlvWD5PvOKdONP6CEXpzAUhL3gKXgmZVUm6BDu4gbkHaw8fZrUO2shWO3rt0j4oY3TxRwuHMk3M/s1600/May.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1stCR6nfzMTB7QpNTGEuI5Z0i5ZTp4VQG0JA6PhCa4RVyVydrr92Qq9wqStOK80uNlvWD5PvOKdONP6CEXpzAUhL3gKXgmZVUm6BDu4gbkHaw8fZrUO2shWO3rt0j4oY3TxRwuHMk3M/s400/May.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562630100902701394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>June: Viva Las Vegas</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQ3Ji3oUfG6Xbl2eTs0MjuUj5X1wc54QzD7zBw3BnLUpKetiWTS9UdQuqCZlgR3VoqIw3w-ePyy_wIHHfBi5PZqOusKF_SEdN5EAkTJMi8q31cO4_aRAJkcxh4sGrRBTCk4Z0ifK6Q_4/s400/June.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562627408185498674" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>July: One BUSY Month</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRZNXzNuniZVQmbjBlTn7SpdpxVRnJ53s0DNF2NzyFBHSBBfM9Ab6QTmRbMiVwJKDrIRNriJ37ztqvDApxD6Y_rALyHCEf6IEPiL7VMH9qK_Dxlc5TVRlhB_xJW8Xi4h5QDDGSkNzsjQ/s1600/July.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRZNXzNuniZVQmbjBlTn7SpdpxVRnJ53s0DNF2NzyFBHSBBfM9Ab6QTmRbMiVwJKDrIRNriJ37ztqvDApxD6Y_rALyHCEf6IEPiL7VMH9qK_Dxlc5TVRlhB_xJW8Xi4h5QDDGSkNzsjQ/s400/July.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562627398478360562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>August: Newport Beach Yacht</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOw6PGSKLxsWhHcH2p2tZt3WrPfz2Wa9SjPRB59y6IjtQfZsyK0SHSi9wcjoBLmoOpvXzCEF4otgMXbRjQRoavdFNokhyOIVlF_m_-YG5S-SVhkplbp5bbAwxXSU7CMEljrq6VXxnZxs/s1600/August.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOw6PGSKLxsWhHcH2p2tZt3WrPfz2Wa9SjPRB59y6IjtQfZsyK0SHSi9wcjoBLmoOpvXzCEF4otgMXbRjQRoavdFNokhyOIVlF_m_-YG5S-SVhkplbp5bbAwxXSU7CMEljrq6VXxnZxs/s400/August.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562627391314514050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>September: Injured On Duty</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWBinnkXTVAzrOvoyLRmcu3hpFAB86YGMMWN73WmIpILWIZ0f3fRtcm7JrdfweXdq71Q-WG1foSVuUBqUSqIKZmjEYBr1nLw9AdqXpaFczvSilCttSIyARkGUewzEsujkSe4xJntbMcs/s1600/Sept.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWBinnkXTVAzrOvoyLRmcu3hpFAB86YGMMWN73WmIpILWIZ0f3fRtcm7JrdfweXdq71Q-WG1foSVuUBqUSqIKZmjEYBr1nLw9AdqXpaFczvSilCttSIyARkGUewzEsujkSe4xJntbMcs/s400/Sept.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562627388226530514" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>October: Sweet Georgia Tea</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnlJCXMb_r3nYGuLiXO4t7GSNYZWGdeqBqT5EcqySuOk8Q8uEVgEP2xyKCVjtTUiONuUdFOAm78p96X8ys8ndOandVqBcwsW86umwCzlw1M8uN6LbIzLew5XF7z5xhfaAWGN5cMmQDkE/s1600/October.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnlJCXMb_r3nYGuLiXO4t7GSNYZWGdeqBqT5EcqySuOk8Q8uEVgEP2xyKCVjtTUiONuUdFOAm78p96X8ys8ndOandVqBcwsW86umwCzlw1M8uN6LbIzLew5XF7z5xhfaAWGN5cMmQDkE/s400/October.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562626888294801122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>November: Another Quarter Down</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflhKQffqHNZuCR14UzgktXwvGL6ophFKcLif8BiVRYicCsqNHwVwylKZ4AQD1owrWH2SVT1HGHgfeWLLXKTJWXWC2i2r3juktN_wosXwzCNE4DmcYtGkpske_zVH1QwkTP88Xpsdph7k/s1600/November.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflhKQffqHNZuCR14UzgktXwvGL6ophFKcLif8BiVRYicCsqNHwVwylKZ4AQD1owrWH2SVT1HGHgfeWLLXKTJWXWC2i2r3juktN_wosXwzCNE4DmcYtGkpske_zVH1QwkTP88Xpsdph7k/s400/November.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562626880837286642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>December: Very Merry Christmas</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWqQDg-jf786OBxoz4blSx13JqbDuVPt79FLeAZdT-RixNbnATZ_gSjAyVzz3Sj5TPbxApOWxVaIi0FxGp4dsgdVqCuRkUPq3ahWQnPjlqtiMl1AYH_XOVuff0dxFn0z53twZVX4KJjU/s1600/December1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWqQDg-jf786OBxoz4blSx13JqbDuVPt79FLeAZdT-RixNbnATZ_gSjAyVzz3Sj5TPbxApOWxVaIi0FxGp4dsgdVqCuRkUPq3ahWQnPjlqtiMl1AYH_XOVuff0dxFn0z53twZVX4KJjU/s400/December1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562626879532989634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>December (again): Welcome Miss Ashlynn</b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc0nu0MTmr8HTctTi0TkX07KcDbW2lCH7mdtZZSxoUUbrWKB5G8QvjP3IuXwNDYEwaKQr6zWYnp6yoJuZngSLiaVOwle9yIBWdtbMGoKVfnuSrnEfRG5XaU3dtfjlW5LmminGtQncfCM/s1600/December2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc0nu0MTmr8HTctTi0TkX07KcDbW2lCH7mdtZZSxoUUbrWKB5G8QvjP3IuXwNDYEwaKQr6zWYnp6yoJuZngSLiaVOwle9yIBWdtbMGoKVfnuSrnEfRG5XaU3dtfjlW5LmminGtQncfCM/s400/December2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562626875784479058" /></a>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-90754229436302451192011-01-01T13:29:00.000-08:002011-01-01T13:36:15.446-08:00New Years ResolutionsNew Years Resolutions: 2011<div><br /></div><div>1) Pay off debt. I want to be debt-free by January 1, 2012</div><div>2) Travel more. I want to see the world, starting right here in the United States. </div><div>3) Procrastinate less. I wait until the deadline for everything. Eliminate procrastination, Eliminate a lot of un-needed stress.</div><div>4) Spend more time with my boys, especially Landon. More mommy & Buggy time.</div><div>5) Be a more positive and loving person. Life is what you make it, and I want mine to be amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div>What are yours??</div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-73440743782918822402011-01-01T13:27:00.000-08:002011-01-01T13:29:17.198-08:00New Years Toast -- To 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">Here’s to the new year..</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">May it bring more joy & success</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">And less grief & regret. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">To our dreams..</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">May we never stop believing in them </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">And take the actions to make them a reality. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">Let us encourage more & criticize less, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">give more & need less. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">To new beginnings..</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">Let us start fresh, right now, to make this the very best year ever. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">To 2011: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">May it give a whole new meaning to the phrase, <b><i>"the good life."</i></b></span></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-89368489499375728102010-12-27T17:29:00.000-08:002010-12-27T17:37:24.127-08:00A magical Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">If I had to sum up Christmas morning with one picture... this would be it.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpx-zPiLhQb8MdKugz50ddp_v5Sj5-gH79dyIEXau6JDEUnVsOllxKJL4HCtqazHXQ-cPLTbHuD1Qnu9K0qu3bW4xvKCulybSKXq7tZSVw1sxH-AX_ru-j29DzvvvGfktExG_4XGDn-fY/s400/IMG_4992.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555540252596124130" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(who knew a percy pez dispenser would make him so excited!!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Christmas was definitely awesome this year! Jer and I didn't do much for us, but we spoiled the heck out of Landon and it was worth it! Christmas is so magical when you're a little kid. Landon loved all his gifts, and he's been playing non-stop with everything since he opened it all. This year was simply magical :)</span></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-92137459899654558032010-11-11T14:55:00.000-08:002010-11-12T03:12:32.220-08:00My Hero, My Husband. Thank You.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I just wanted to take the time out of my day to say a big</span> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">THANK YOU</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">to all of the men and women who have, and still are, fighting for our freedom. I don't think our military is praised & appreciated enough for all that they do. Coming from a military spouse, I know their pay is little, their benefits aren't great, but their pride in our country is endless. So please, remember to hang your American flag all 365 days a year, because so many men and women have died for your right to fly that flag proudly.</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I can't tell you how proud I am to be American, or how proud I am to be married to a Solider.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMARplpsfQXepnJwpCKU6flOFlhMnF1Yc1-jGboqv_hpTnoS1HBho3fyY2tqiIV1ADTd1LoZ5xUgigMubLRkttstjnrrHhonivnWngkvp6J3swf3OdAsTEy8oYJ4EFUt2yfwTIZCAu1P8/s400/232323232%257Ffp8%253Enu%253D3235%253E3-7%253E6%253C3%253EWSNRCG%253D323264%253C--4383nu0mrj.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538617254277042434" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eBEDh9uMyFWAZo4xYawcqhb2pTTAbFV9KgxIgwjP9SOqHwLdQ1pmz0pdhaIXNkVR4xNz6XYLtsYSBVgdo4CbR0HPw9mqyAMWOXJIXtesDQTUhmDR-jeUDz2kYYR6doJxOzaQ9kqs6Wo/s400/OEF+V+008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538617245719403698" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKzQ1iGAMJfS0ATPpNa7abqFgUYIB3qg3e4S-6k47ovWPNYpSMSjQt1yoPNyb2uw__alsHxoeORCp2F5s9F2TGco0T1Rw4g76WwVqzfkyIS72zPTqNUGRO5JJb3mvofNQLVn7SAjOMYk/s400/otis3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538617241115323250" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73f00zd3z_JNBdwiouaU7ajeJhb9pUsJ7NjwgkktAp7uJ8nynEjYiiLqakwUv4ECSevCwB4jk1gFRbRGHLgGvVBufffnDIP6H6kHHyLMHPh_leWxQBzsY5931_AtMsqRGbGvv_qGVCpw/s400/jeremy+in+afganistan+214_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538617236753458754" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsbAuHUZsxXZTCO_fTlxRFD6mHlyu8qUJceR3WG0T1n3mKI5S7b2qf_Sn_39xcTKvMCQ3SQZX9pjd_y7bXWgz7SosgU6lTvomHchtgJMnplczISYCOf_F39HhNSWlwJM2OkkDsQpPV7k/s400/jeremy+in+afganistan+186.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538617230092472034" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9O-MRcF89omu74uNn3FT5fJC1gXvZ2i02Lc-OCH7yryRporr-RYacS3mLBHGeLvF8OdHCSutYHe-Is9w2f8gh5i-cCRKCAstx5riKnUMctmN4aSwlL2KyLk9bbuLnybQLjgGRHo-tJw/s400/reenlist_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538618252774901458" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiiE8ddWxXOnmDC-J69uDZ9i9aAcIHcZWg1IisqX8-lyXTmRqhyphenhyphenuAD6pGZMWqocFLWgn_tud9DbN4poszhTES5j4lkGiTS9UYGhalSGqEJSX22VJrl24OMsa7_fFOYj4AuBtUpf27KfI/s400/IMG_4425_2_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538618255338172674" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size:13px;"><span class="UIStory_Message">Freedom isn't Free, It's Paid for with the blood of those who fight for it! Thank a Soldier when you see one, Don't wait for a Holiday!</span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size:13px;"><span class="UIStory_Message">-Unkown</span></h3></span></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-68359190641714059722010-10-31T12:58:00.000-07:002010-10-31T13:12:25.853-07:00Happy Halloween!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2y6mAMM5jEoTT53rmXqNUofK4jq408pM1YFGQV0AFpDrOHT-SHPohywnmiArn9PNVZv-syxyE56bDyvonOmFxzmv5bTdKbnfGY0vBUsJd4EneCrbsdm8yedq9JJzw0IDLr8yvfTNXts/s1600/happyhalloween.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2y6mAMM5jEoTT53rmXqNUofK4jq408pM1YFGQV0AFpDrOHT-SHPohywnmiArn9PNVZv-syxyE56bDyvonOmFxzmv5bTdKbnfGY0vBUsJd4EneCrbsdm8yedq9JJzw0IDLr8yvfTNXts/s400/happyhalloween.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534305512264860274" /></a><div><div>Hope everyone has a safe halloween... and gets lots of candy ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Landon has definitely got the hang of halloween this year! We went trunk-or-treating at my parent's church last night and he was quite the little champ! He ran from trunk to trunk opening his candy bag and saying "trick or treat". We'll see how he does tonight when we go trick-or-treating through the neighborhood.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year I was busy with school and didn't have any time to contribute to halloween. I never got to make our halloween cards that I send out every year. In fact, I didn't even get Landon a costume until yesterday.. before we went to my parent's church halloween party. We took him to the halloween store and he got to pick out what he wanted to be... well sort of. He originally wanted to be Thomas the train. I put my foot down. Sorry, but it's an ugly costume.. and I wasn't about to spend $$ on it. He tossed around many ideas.. doctor, Taylor (our beagle), Rocky (our cat), bumble bee, lady bug (couldn't find that in a boy's costume lol), superman.. and finally he decided on a dragon. Jer and I pulled the whole "last minute costumes" and he pulled out his fire gear from S&R and bought a blue shirt and suspenders from walmart.. and I grabbed a pair of scrubs and put my stethoscope around my neck. LOL. Gotta love those last minute costumes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways... just wanted to say Happy Halloween to all my blog readers! Have fun tonight!!</div></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-43282031099035458912010-10-16T20:59:00.000-07:002010-10-16T21:13:54.346-07:00Happy Birthday Jeremiah!!Today is Jeremiah's 31st birthday... and even though I am not the best blogger, I had to find time to post something for his birthday!<div>So incase you ever read this Jer, I want you to know you are such an amazing person! You are a wonderful provider, and you work so hard to make sure Landon and I have whatever we need. I am so grateful that I am the lucky lady you decided to marry and have a family with! I can't begin to tell you how much I love you, or even why I love you. You always make me smile when I'm sad, and you help bring out the best in everything. You've been so supportive with me and my schooling, and so selfless in giving me all your schooling benefits. We have so much, and none of it would be possible if it weren't for you, and how hard you work. I love you so much. Happy Birthday baby!! xoxo</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFvOtxO8alFg2gEzFExn5X9pJEe5TMg-8a3DYtrUznRAJstFsX0S1PjOHnJEwObTrbr95lSzlrmlpk8r9Hec1MV99ryMGxSn_P6XZ_IwgBvLqeVWo9Zm1B5LDNQHA_LR2eykAqzuv-OE/s1600/DSCN0178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFvOtxO8alFg2gEzFExn5X9pJEe5TMg-8a3DYtrUznRAJstFsX0S1PjOHnJEwObTrbr95lSzlrmlpk8r9Hec1MV99ryMGxSn_P6XZ_IwgBvLqeVWo9Zm1B5LDNQHA_LR2eykAqzuv-OE/s400/DSCN0178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528863267590235618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA5eand_5U_fi4jfz1wGJZz0XW_MaTjAh6zphLrBxyuxdUF0sHNdPgFvqW16PZDKr9VquCPq1WmJ-CHWQXS3nrqka9BISBjWQkFdjF4z27eP_CJjV-V4fFraSXdfEpy2vpdsWU-j8sNQ/s1600/AIOtmp%5B44%5D+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA5eand_5U_fi4jfz1wGJZz0XW_MaTjAh6zphLrBxyuxdUF0sHNdPgFvqW16PZDKr9VquCPq1WmJ-CHWQXS3nrqka9BISBjWQkFdjF4z27eP_CJjV-V4fFraSXdfEpy2vpdsWU-j8sNQ/s400/AIOtmp%5B44%5D+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528863262203636258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYW2Z0XSE35R5QMmz1NHtWS9-FS_g8qzMbhFwMNh-iAO-iXnAwK_ioV2OU8Id0f0KzTGe_PXd6PkPoeedhDpA-QNppZh__dwmEzHfFr1CcnKVaNj7l1KwPBvFwfaRbgcLFzglorruUNg/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYW2Z0XSE35R5QMmz1NHtWS9-FS_g8qzMbhFwMNh-iAO-iXnAwK_ioV2OU8Id0f0KzTGe_PXd6PkPoeedhDpA-QNppZh__dwmEzHfFr1CcnKVaNj7l1KwPBvFwfaRbgcLFzglorruUNg/s400/IMG_0248.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528863259765149074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJXbiwSM-bPm3ciCT9XW5LDv0corFIM7dvq_kBXcPTyR4pmFXJ0NLmc-QctB4YBYUuoqhsyFMr5SwOn5A6Hw7iBmPAnTUGpYO7NJaVxQPVWGlh_wBeqE-NRgcZKmhDNfsdbblGs9z4I8/s1600/JERRY+BABY+NEW+BORN_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJXbiwSM-bPm3ciCT9XW5LDv0corFIM7dvq_kBXcPTyR4pmFXJ0NLmc-QctB4YBYUuoqhsyFMr5SwOn5A6Hw7iBmPAnTUGpYO7NJaVxQPVWGlh_wBeqE-NRgcZKmhDNfsdbblGs9z4I8/s400/JERRY+BABY+NEW+BORN_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528863255935494946" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-71449156788672874832010-09-29T13:37:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:50:01.644-07:00OctoberSince <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;">F</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">l </span>is officially here, (and I have a free moment) I thought I would post our fall/October schedule, just like I did last year. :)<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">OCTOBER</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(One of thee best month's ever!)</span>:</span></div><div>4th- Pop's Birthday</div><div>9th- Sally's (MIL) Birthday</div><div>13th- Dad's Birthday</div><div>15th- Leave for Jeremiah's birthday camping trip in Bishop</div><div>16th- Jeremiah's birthday!!</div><div>18th- Shanade's birthday </div><div>18th- Return home from camping trip (and go directly to the shower!!!)</div><div>23rd- Lombardi Ranch w/ Challman family</div><div>31st- HALLOWEEN!!! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't wait for October to get here so we can start celebrating all this fun stuff! </div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-90895097004310501932010-09-27T22:40:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:17:48.233-07:00Mr. Landon BugThis post is long overdue... and with Landon growing up more and more every day I thought I better make time to write it before I'm blogging about the colleges he's getting accepted to. LOL.<div><br /></div><div>Mr. Landon Bug is growing up so fast! I can't believe in exactly 5 months he will be FOUR. Didn't we just celebrate his 3rd birthday?? The last few days I've been trying to come up with some ideas on what to do for his birthday. So far the only thing I have come up with is a birthday party at our house. Or chuck-E-cheese. I know just saying "chuck-e-cheese" gives some people shivers.. but Landon loves playing there, and to be honest, Jer and I do to. LOL. I'm just not a fan of having parties at public places... that are infested with tons of other kids. So who knows! I would love to pick a theme so I can start looking at decorations, and invite designs, BUT Landon changes his favorite characters more often then he changes undies! haha. Last birthday we picked the theme 'Cars' and by the time his birthday rolled around... he was OVER cars and wanted trains! I was thinking about doing trains or superheros this year... but we will see what he likes when his birthday gets closer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enough about his birthday.. moving onto what Landon has been up to lately!</div><div><br /></div><div>He has been talking so much more lately. He was a very slow talker, and at first I hated it, but now I am glad it took him so long to start talking, because now I can't get him to shut up! haha. </div><div>He is currently way into counting. He can count to 4 on his own, then seems to think 7 comes after 4. We are working on getting him to count to 10.. and I don't think it will be long until he can do it. He's like me, picks up things really fast. </div><div>He is finally eating more, and still loves his corn dogs! He'll eat a whole corn dog for lunch. He also loves PB&J sandwiches. He'll eat half a sandwich and a few oreos for lunch. He loves french toast... but more then anything he LOVES bacon!! He'll eat about 5 or more pieces of bacon for breakfast if you let him! </div><div>Because he is finally starting to eat more, he is starting to gain a few more pounds too. Last month at the dr's he weighed 30 lbs... I think he's around 33 lbs now. He is in 2T-3T clothes... more 3T though. The waist in 3T pants/shorts require a belt, but 3T shirts are perfect.</div><div>He loves playing with the dogs... and loves being outside in the sun and dirt. He's all boy. </div><div>He's also sooo mechanically smart! He can work the TV and Wii remote like it's nobody's business!! In fact, the other morning he came downstairs, turned on the TV, noticed it wasn't on the right output so he changed the output so he could watch his cartoons! I'm tellin ya... he can work those remotes like it's nobody's business!! </div><div>He is also doing so much better at night. We no longer have to lock him in his room until he falls asleep... we keep the door open and only once in awhile does he push his luck and come out over and over again until we have to lock him in.</div><div>Also at bed time he is finally in the routine of brushing his teeth.. so if you try to put him in bed without brushing his teeth he will remind you. He LOVES brushing them... but i think what he loves more is afterwards rinsing with the "blue stuff", aka: his mouthwash. It's the kind that shows you any plaque you missed while brushing. Every night he brushes his teeth in his bathroom, then runs to our bathroom for the blue stuff, then shows both Jer and I his clean mouth.. and makes us smell his breath. LOL. It's really cute, and I'm so glad brushing his teeth is no longer a wrestling match!</div><div>He is really into watching TV shows. We have netflix streaming through our Wii so he watches all kinds of shows. (Seriously the best $9/mo we spend!) Lately he's been watching Dora, Blues Clues, Thomas the train, Kipper, Callou, and Wonderpets. He runs around the house singing the Wonderpets song... which is quite catchy! He also counts and talks along with Dora since that's an interactive TV show. I've noticed since he started watching all these shows, he's learned a lot of stuff and has a larger vocabulary. He also asks a lot of questions when he doesn't understand something.</div><div>I haven't been able to upload a lot of pictures to my computer because I am trying to clean off my hard drive right now, so the most recent pictures i have of my little man are from July. For more up to date ones, check out my <a href="http://facebook.com/lovinmyboys87">facebook</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/Landon/IMG_3004.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/Landon/IMG_2943.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/Landon/IMG_2891.jpg" /></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-62962967487577580172010-09-04T10:39:00.000-07:002010-09-04T10:58:40.499-07:004 year anniversary<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I know I am a little late... but better late then never.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">On July 29th, Jeremiah & I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary. We didn't do much on that day because Jeremiah had to work, so we just had lunch together at home. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. lol.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">That weekend a friend of ours babysat Landon for us so we could go out and spend some time together. We went to BJ's for lunch (one of my favorites!), then went to the mall where I got to pick out the most beautiful anniversary ring (see picture below). After we were done hanging out at the mall we went to Massage Envy and got a couples massage. It was really nice to be able to spend some quality time together.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">When we returned home we invited Landon's "babysitters" (a couple Jer works with) over for a BBQ. We hung out, BBQ'd, and had a great time with company. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The entire day was a blast! I'm proud to say Jeremiah and I made it ANOTHER year together. :) Can't wait for next year.... the big 5 year! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">I love you Jer!! Thanks for another great year of up and downs and getting through it all together, stronger. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">XOXO, Courtney</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKUwehETGb2PFmNItBk1g_I3VAsVZCOoOsgC09Sw-FbyRvJjyQyNq6nrHXa3mFrC0K_JJjiEGlKC2idYJsDFV40nHBkNEiAwybIRTarVRJoc5CmKpfFBOajDOeGQgpXB_D_1zf2R5R_o/s1600/022641106_MV_LG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKUwehETGb2PFmNItBk1g_I3VAsVZCOoOsgC09Sw-FbyRvJjyQyNq6nrHXa3mFrC0K_JJjiEGlKC2idYJsDFV40nHBkNEiAwybIRTarVRJoc5CmKpfFBOajDOeGQgpXB_D_1zf2R5R_o/s400/022641106_MV_LG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513118835697523714" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>"As we grow older together, As we continue to change with age, There is one thing that will never change. . .<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"> I will always keep falling in love with you.</span>"</i></span></span></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-11458955172112684452010-08-19T11:29:00.000-07:002010-08-19T11:39:40.803-07:00In dire need of an update..I know! I know! I'm in dire need to update this thing... but I've been consumed with school the last few weeks!<div>Taking those 2 weeks off from school while Ben was here meant I would have to make up those 2 weeks in one week.. meaning I was doing 3 weeks worth of Anatomy & Physiology in just 1 short week. UGH.</div><div>But I caught up... but now it's finals week (well next week is) and of course my teacher LOADED us down with stuff. </div><div>I have a 75 question anatomy final (and they are NOT easy questions) to do before next Tuesday. I also have to write a paper explaining the endocrine system. Then I have to study for an EXAM on the endocrine system that we'll be taking on Tuesday, AND then I have to study for a practical exam we're taking on Tuesday as well.</div><div>I am LOADED down!</div><div>And to make matters worse.. this week is a little busy for me.</div><div>Today I have a lunch date (much needed) with my best friend.</div><div>Friday I have my cousins wedding to go to</div><div>Saturday is free to work on some stuff</div><div>Sunday I've gotta make a round-trip trip to San Diego, "family party" we're attending.</div><div>Monday Landon has a dentist appt in the morning, then I have math class that evening</div><div>And then Tuesday it's back to school.</div><div>So I have a little bit of today, maybe some tomorrow, Saturday for sure, and little bit on monday and tuesday to study and get all my stuff done. Gonna be a busy bee!</div><div>Sooooo... this was the best update I could do. Hang on to your undies, I'll update again when I'm not so swamped with homework :)</div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-67865497944784613012010-08-07T12:11:00.000-07:002010-08-08T12:20:08.186-07:00Happy Birthday Taylor!<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Taylor! It's been 1 year since our stupid, yet adorable little doggy was born. </div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9oF2GSVQHRmKSeS9pCN5t0_Qzfl2HlpZbD4-ZRIaRh7EMRELpd-Nf8CqinfeNJ1Mk46i5YzYmegz45SBiFgkcZyYYN8RuWc9SQMwZ2HzmI4XAWFAsDAnQ1jRahurwJU13X5a1fGfImE/s320/100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503120488531463186" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOhY7f8Crnq1A3IuJcSFQyBLshq9xSaVscHn7giHXZ42ZKLdijbfVeVmSmiuRQjp9clx1TysnPinxZCzDUfuLbFIPj-1IZ1Jy6MMckhlMS9fRs_i0OBdqpzLPVvvWNOoY4jZaSrA3NA8/s1600/IMG_5409.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOhY7f8Crnq1A3IuJcSFQyBLshq9xSaVscHn7giHXZ42ZKLdijbfVeVmSmiuRQjp9clx1TysnPinxZCzDUfuLbFIPj-1IZ1Jy6MMckhlMS9fRs_i0OBdqpzLPVvvWNOoY4jZaSrA3NA8/s320/IMG_5409.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503120532726634050" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSz7O5YozUY6K7zl9wLrS2vE2X_9GG7F1uGTtESe7O_TF38lbmvxsjJjJ83bzB5x5Hxzl4lI5Oadyh1zkjCqp7NPN7A9FwLeOKL6L0NtwWUkG5jX9NLELD9q04ZskXGD_02qZAGuX3j8/s1600/IMG_5226.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSz7O5YozUY6K7zl9wLrS2vE2X_9GG7F1uGTtESe7O_TF38lbmvxsjJjJ83bzB5x5Hxzl4lI5Oadyh1zkjCqp7NPN7A9FwLeOKL6L0NtwWUkG5jX9NLELD9q04ZskXGD_02qZAGuX3j8/s320/IMG_5226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503120522024054162" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYMYc59nrhl0ku3Yt4xoPo7ngNmsMSTAtiYtNK8vl_Tr-G8Eg_Z0mear8f5scDgTudCFkujvRtceojcrxQja1_Z1B4pHM_YrDsZDXhyE2WbwOli2V5XJH9ElIewP2xbyE-c06xMCvp4c/s1600/IMG_5253.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYMYc59nrhl0ku3Yt4xoPo7ngNmsMSTAtiYtNK8vl_Tr-G8Eg_Z0mear8f5scDgTudCFkujvRtceojcrxQja1_Z1B4pHM_YrDsZDXhyE2WbwOli2V5XJH9ElIewP2xbyE-c06xMCvp4c/s320/IMG_5253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503120505808202386" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyenk8c2I44MagqgJtxUVNhZe3krl23ce56h5ETUh-tToj4Y-U_3VPqNyVMYIm9kZalLw2Tve1LYqRM2hyphenhypheneRRo3vN14QpFmXmQ8Q3Uo_GXLoXR3D0C-1KGjv2D5MeNKTsa-2ku0sAEtY/s1600/IMG_5195.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyenk8c2I44MagqgJtxUVNhZe3krl23ce56h5ETUh-tToj4Y-U_3VPqNyVMYIm9kZalLw2Tve1LYqRM2hyphenhypheneRRo3vN14QpFmXmQ8Q3Uo_GXLoXR3D0C-1KGjv2D5MeNKTsa-2ku0sAEtY/s320/IMG_5195.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503120497506738866" /></a>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-7832550435341622552010-07-09T01:07:00.000-07:002010-07-09T01:14:12.291-07:00The day before...Well Benjamin arrives tomorrow.. (technically today since it is 1 AM).. and I am soooooooo excited!! Jeremiah seems to be getting really excited to :) <div><br /></div><div>The house is pretty much complete. I have to straighten up the kitchen & dinning room, and vacuum the entire down stairs and I'm done. FINALLY! I completed almost my entire to do list... I think the only thing I didn't get done was grass in the backyard, which was wishful thinking to begin with :) </div><div><br /></div><div>I have lots of before & after pictures to post... but like I said, it's 1 AM and I have to be up at 7:30 AM so I will save those updates for another day.</div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-2563974660479487352010-06-27T23:44:00.000-07:002010-06-28T00:22:06.554-07:00Before & After [Part 3]I really didn't get that much done today... but I did get one big task done!<div><br /></div><div><i>Before:</i></div><div><i><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/2upre3s.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/65tp2r.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>After:</i></div><div><i><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/2u76d5i.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2cxgtaa.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Before:</i></div><div><i><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2qi4mxl.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>After:</i></div><div><i><img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/21lmyv4.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I don't know why the people that lived here before us we're so dang lazy... but they got red nail polish on the staircase, railing, and fireplace frame and decided to paint over it... with the wrong color!! It looked so tacky, I HAD TO paint it! I dug out the correct color of paint from the garage and got to work. The paint was OLD, so it was really yucky and hard to do a nice job, but I managed. And it looks A LOT better now. Unfortunately it took a long time to do, and ate up a lot of my day. Oh well, at least it's done!</div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-39288484735344368402010-06-27T23:23:00.000-07:002010-06-27T23:35:51.856-07:00Updated TO DO List<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(49, 20, 4); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I'm trying to see what I have left to do.. so I'm gonna "update" the list, with side notes in bold.</span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Our To Do List:</b></div><div>1) Get the guest bedroom in order (get the mattress from storage, find some bed sheets, etc...) <b>Waiting on getting the bed frame from my IL's (everyone up there is sick- so I'm avoiding them like the plague! lol)</b></div><div>2) Finish Landon's/Guests bathroom (Buy shower curtain, fill soap dispenser, put clean towels and shower rug in there, add a few rolls of toilet paper, and clean it- toilet and all) <b>Almost complete, just needs a good cleaning!</b></div><div>3) Organize laundry room (it looks like a bomb exploded in there!) <b>I'm dreading this one!!</b></div><div>4) Organize kitchen (We moved from a kitchen with lots of space- to a kitchen with no cabinet space! My medicine cabinet is in a USPS flat rate box on my fridge, along with tons of other crap!) <b>Dreading this one too!</b></div><div><strike>5) Set up DVD towers and dig out all our DVD's from the garage (first I've got to buy the DVD tower lol)</strike></div><div>6) Complete master bedroom! (This one needs to be broken down into many steps...)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>a) Tackle Jeremiah's closet! <b>Dreading this one the MOST!!</b></div><div><strike><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>b) Set up DVD racks (also goes along with #5)</strike></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span><strike>c) Organize my closet (pretty much organized, just need to hang some stuff up)</strike></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>d) Hang a few pictures and shelves <b>I've still gotta order the pictures for the frames </b></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>e) Order and set up new bedding <b>Bedding is ordered... just waiting for it to arrive!!</b></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span><strike>f) If possible- go to Ikea and get another night stand for my side of the bed!!</strike></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>g) Clean off & organize computer desk <b>Trying to decide where I am going to put it first!</b></div><div>7) Clean and organize master bathroom <b>I'll do that next week.</b></div><div>8) Finish filling picture frames in upstairs hallway <b>I really need to get this done! I'm gonna try and order all the pictures by Wednesday</b></div><div>9) Hang pictures and shelves down stairs <b>This is half done. I completed one wall.. just got one other wall to do.</b></div><div><strike>10) Hang pictures/posters/flags and whatever else in garage (aka Man Cave)</strike></div><div>11) Unbury upstairs cabinet and pack away unnecessary items; put boxes in garage <b>I'll do that sometime this week.</b></div><div>12) Lay grass in designated areas in backyard (Hopeful Thinking!) <b>Still hopeful thinking.</b></div><div>13) File bills that are floating around the house <b>They aren't filed, but they are upstairs, in one big pile, sitting ON the filing cabinet!! </b></div><div>14) Wash car & truck (Jer's car looks like it played in sawdust then got rained on!) <b>We'll do that next weekend</b></div><div>15) (Re)Organize garage <b>Jer got a lot organized this weekend, but there's still some more work that needs done.</b></div><div><strike>16) Paint fireplace & staircase railing </strike><b>I know this wasn't on my previous list, I forgot to add it. None the less, I completed it today :)</b></div></span>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-4636113240917874332010-06-26T23:21:00.000-07:002010-06-27T00:21:45.642-07:00Before & After [Part 2]Today was a very busy and productive day! We got a lot accomplished, yet we still have a lot to do! We would've got a lot more done, but we had my parent's & sibling over for dinner, so around 5:30, when they arrived, we called it quits for the day. Anyways... here's the things we accomplished today.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(To Do List item #5)</span></div><div><i>Before:</i></div><div><i><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2i8b43s.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>After:</i></div><div><i><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/155sxeo.jpg" /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The bottom right side cubby hole is empty and throws everything off balance, anyone have any good ideas of what to put there?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(To Do List item #9 -- part 1 (there are 2 different walls that needs pictures put up, only one wall was accomplished today. Hopefully the second one will be done tomorrow)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Before:</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/n18q3l.jpg" /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>After:</i></span></div><div><i><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/2n8zqra.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(The Man Cave: AKA To Do list Item #10)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Before:</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>*</i>insert picture of<i> a messy garage with white walls </i>here<i>*</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>After:</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/2wfrg2q.jpg" /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>as you can see... the garage is still a little messy... but the walls are no longer bare.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><i><img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/kd4llw.jpg" /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><img src="http://i47.tinypic.com/2iqhkde.jpg" /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/o722xg.jpg" /></i></span></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Last but not least, the guest bedroom. (To Do List item #1) I got the mattress from storage, set it up in the bedroom, and put some bedding on it.</span></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/okbpg8.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/29o1yqg.jpg" /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>The walls are completely bare and the room is far from warm and welcoming. Being that it is a guest bedroom, I think warm and welcoming is a must. Any idea on what I could put on the walls in there?? I really need some crafty ideas because I am toast. I can't think of anything, aside from some "art" from walmart/target. Does anyone have a better idea? What would make YOU feel welcome and at home in a guest bedroom? Thanks for the input... if you're not a member of blogger and can't leave a comment, email or text me. I really need ideas!!</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tomorrow is going to be another busy day! I hope to get a lot more done, so stay posted for more before & after pictures!! :)</div></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-26628598123628699162010-06-26T12:28:00.000-07:002010-06-27T11:32:27.779-07:00Before & After [Part 1]<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">I was going to post a boring update to do list.. which hardly has anything checked off.. and I was going to do that every couple days, up until July 8. BUT.. then I came up with a better idea! I am going to take before and after pictures and post them for all to see :)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">So... first up.... <b>my closet</b> (Which is #6c on the list)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Before:</i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/2gvlmdi.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">*Note that I had already started hanging up a few shirts.</span></div></span><div style="text-align: center; "><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>After:</i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/30hy0qa.jpg" /></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/119o09z.jpg" /></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/kb26a8.jpg" /></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>*I'll post more updates later.. so stay tuned ;-)</i></div></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-43251832437527581952010-06-23T11:02:00.000-07:002010-06-23T12:04:32.055-07:00To Do List:With Benjamin coming out in 16 days... (yea, only 16 days left until he's here!! But who's counting? lol) I've created a "honey do list"... although it's more of a joint to do list. It seems like we keep adding to the list, but haven't crossed anything off yet! I am hoping by displaying our to do list with everyone, it would help motivate me to start crossing things off. So without further ado....<div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Our To Do List:</b></div><div>1) Get the guest bedroom in order (get the mattress from storage, find some bed sheets, etc...)</div><div>2) Finish Landon's/Guests bathroom (Buy shower curtain, fill soap dispenser, put clean towels and shower rug in there, add a few rolls of toilet paper, and clean it- toilet and all)</div><div>3) Organize laundry room (it looks like a bomb exploded in there!)</div><div>4) Organize kitchen (We moved from a kitchen with lots of space- to a kitchen with no cabinet space! My medicine cabinet is in a USPS flat rate box on my fridge, along with tons of other crap!)</div><div>5) Set up DVD towers and dig out all our DVD's from the garage (first I've got to buy the DVD tower lol)</div><div>6) Complete master bedroom! (This one needs to be broken down into many steps...)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>a) Tackle Jeremiah's closet! </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>b) Set up DVD racks (also goes along with #5)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>c) Organize my closet (pretty much organized, just need to hang some stuff up)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>d) Hang a few pictures and shelves</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>e) Order and set up new bedding</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>f) If possible- go to Ikea and get another night stand for my side of the bed!!</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>g) Clean off & organize computer desk</div><div>7) Clean and organize master bathroom</div><div>8) Finish filling picture frames in upstairs hallway</div><div>9) Hang pictures and shelves down stairs</div><div>10) Hang pictures/posters/flags and whatever else in garage (aka Man Cave)</div><div>11) Unbury upstairs cabinet and pack away unnecessary items; put boxes in garage</div><div>12) Lay grass in designated areas in backyard (Hopeful Thinking!)</div><div>13) File bills that are floating around the house</div><div>14) Wash car & truck (Jer's car looks like it played in sawdust then got rained on!)</div><div>15) (Re)Organize garage</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Already Completed:</b></div><div>1) Buy and set up patio furniture</div><div><br /></div><div>So there it is... what seems to be our never ending to do list.. and the 1 little thing we've done! LOL. Hopefully this gives me the motivation to complete our to do list! I'll keep you updated on our progress.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Courtney</div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-47018260831276843472010-06-14T21:56:00.000-07:002010-06-14T23:15:45.609-07:00It's official!!<div style="text-align: center;">For the past week I've been trying to keep my mouth shut so I can finalize things, plan the days out, and inform Jeremiah's parents "first". With all that being done, I can announce it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>IT'S OFFICIAL.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Benjamin will be out here July 9th!</i> His flight gets in at 10:40 AM and with drive time and all, he should be here by noon. That's if we don't pick them (Minda is coming out for the night) up at the airport!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I am soooooooooooo excited!!!! We have so many activities planned. I can definitely say both Landon & Benjamin are going to be SPOILED next month! lol.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, wanna hear our agenda for July? Of course you do!</div><div><br /></div><div>July 9- Benjamin arrives. BBQ @ our house for Nonnie, Papa, & his aunt & uncles to meet him. (In all fairness, they should get to meet him first :))</div><div>July 10- Pack our bags and hit the road. We're off to San Diego so he can meet his great Gram and Poppy! :) We'll probably go by poppy's shop and the boys will get their hair cut!</div><div>July 11- Visit with Gram & Pop, and probably go to the beach :)</div><div>July 12- Seaworld! I originally planned to take them to the zoo.. but seaworld is free for military and 3 guests. PERFECT! I'll take FREE :)</div><div>July 13- Legoland! I wish we could spend 2 days at legoland, because I hear it is huge and requires 2 days, but unfortunately that evening we have to get back home because Jer works the next 4 days :(</div><div>July 14-17- After Jer leaves for work around 2 it will just be me and the boys :) A friend is going to take pics of the boys one of those days.. and another day I'm gonna take the boys to Nonnie & Papa's to go swimming and hang out. I am also thinking about taking the boys and going shopping; although that depends on how tired they are, and if I'm daring enough to go out in town with the two of them.</div><div>July 18- Angels baseball game! I don't think Ben's ever been to a baseball game (his momma's side loves baseball) so maybe we can brainwash him to root for the Angels and not the Tigers. haha.</div><div>July 19- Knotts Berry Farm! Hopefully we can get a cute western picture done and maybe a cartoon picture drawn as well. :)</div><div>July 20- Picture day! I am not sure if I am going to Sears, like I always do, or if I'm gonna branch out and try this studio called <a href="http://www.BabiesNBelliesPhotography.com/">Babies N Bellies</a>. I guess I still have time to decide- but we are definitely in need of an updated family picture! The last one we had done was July 2007.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybRw19HWnnUK9nEzRj1MAFbGep8gyP0doj47G6xvDHB22bxI73W6mNCzhPfI6zpEGNqJPynbBWLN67LaFjm8HqBFUMEMHYJNGdV7-0uBQaFhjmqBTi9ySxC17Fjfuf25BOVGISkU_gCQ/s320/s42642ca108045_15_0.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482872988731370274" /></div><div>Landon was 4 months old, Benjamin was 2, and Jeremiah & I weren't planning on having a family portrait done so we didn't get dressed nice. It didn't turn out horrible... but I would definitely like a better picture. After we are done with pictures we're gonna take the boys to Chuck-E-Cheese to have fun. I know many people cringe when I say the "C" word... but it really isn't bad! We went there a month or so ago and had a blast! So if anyone comes across some good coupons for Chuck-E-Cheese send them to me please! :)</div><div>July 21- DISNEYLAND! Whoa.. we're gonna be busy this day! Landon has been asking to go to Disneyland for a few months now (his Nonnie & Papa bought him a season pass) but they haven't gone. I know he's gonna be beyond excited to go.. and Ben is sooo thrilled to be going! When we told him we were gonna go to DL he said "like the one on the commercials! I can't wait! I love disneyland" LOL. That night we're gonna stay in a hotel because....</div><div>July 22- California Adventure! Hopefully the boys have a blast here as well. I've never been to C.A. so I don't know what all it offers.. but I am sure the boys will have a blast.</div><div>July 23- We're either going to go to the beach or go up to this lake/fishing place and the boys are gonna fish. Of course the beach sounds better to me, but I know Jer LOVES to fish... and he'd love to fish with both his boys. I don't think he'll admit it, but I think it's one of those things that makes him smile from the inside out. Like getting a new family picture does for me :)</div><div>July 24- Magic Mountain!! Normally I wouldn't care to go here, but their kid section has Thomas the Train stuff, which BOTH boys love. AND they have Batman stuff there- which Benjamin is soooo into right now! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you saying "But when do I get to meet him- He's been out here for 2 weeks and I still haven't seen you guys!"... this day is for you.</div><div>July 25- BIG BIG BIG FUNNNNNN LUAU!!! We are gonna have a long day of fun with everyone. Because we are gonna be GO GO GO I doubt I'm gonna have much time to clean or decorate the days before, so I am planning on getting most of it done that morning. Right now I'm planning to have everyone start coming over around 3. (Unless anyone wants to come help clean and set up!) First we're gonna have a big pool party, and then around 5ish we'll start BBQing and everyone can make their way down the street to our house. We're gonna dec out the patio with tiki torches, tiki hut, and more! It's gonna be sooo much fun! Everyone will be able to come over and meet Ben- since we don't have enough time to plan individual events with everyone that wants to meet him!</div><div>July 26- RECOVER! haha. We are gonna be going going going non-stop, that this day is our day to sleep in and enjoy each other's company, because around 8:30 PM we've gotta head to the airport and drop Benjamin & Jeremiah off. Jer is flying Ben home, then turning around and flying right back. Poor guy is gonna be exhausted come Tuesday evening when he returns!! But I hope it will all be worth it for him!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am soooooooo excited for July 9th to get here already! I've been praying for this day to come for so many years now! I can't wait! Benjamin means so much to me, and I know some people thing I'm crazy because I've only met him once, But to me.. he's my son. And I love him just like he was my own!! And I love the fact that his Momma is okay with that. I don't know how I'd feel if someone else wanted to share being Landon's mommy. I guess it's better then them not loving your child. And Minda knows I love Benjamin and would do anything for him. I think that brings her peace of mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyhow-- that is the exciting news!! I plan on making Luau invites to send out.. but I guess it depends on finding the time. School started back up today. I am only taking 2 classes this quarter, Anatomy & Physiology, and.... ?. I am enrolled in an online English 2 class, but the online program doesn't work with Macs, therefore I don't think it's going to work out. I'm gonna call the school tmw and see if I can switch to a math class on Monday night. My friend is in that class and he's gonna help me pass; hopefully! I HATE math!! Wish I could pay someone to do it for me!! lol.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's all for now. I will try to update soon- with an "ALL ABOUT LANDON" post. I haven't posted anything about him lately! :(</div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-14476608573951646092010-06-10T23:39:00.001-07:002010-06-10T23:41:20.137-07:00Another videoHere's another video I came across. I love it! Landon was around 2 months old in it. Enjoy :)<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(85, 85, 85); white-space: pre; "><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/1324770529277"><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/1324770529277" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></span></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-30736263420473407172010-06-09T16:17:00.000-07:002010-06-09T16:47:53.395-07:00Reminiscing moments with my babyDo you ever come across "old" videos or pictures and just reminisce those moments. I do that a lot. I think the most reminisced moments are those of Landon as a newborn. I think of the days before he arrived, all the beating my ribs took, and how neat (and sometimes painful) it was to feel him kicking and punching. I think of the day he was born, and how amazing it was. Holding my little baby for the first time. I think of the day we brought him home, how the weather was, what he was wearing, how excited I was, and how excited everyone was when we walked in the door. Grandma and Aunt Caitlin fought over who got to hold him. I was excited because I got to lay on the couch and nap.. and Jeremiah went to Farmer's Market and got mexican food. I remember when Jer went to Virginia and my hormones were crazy! I cried and cried, and cuddled my baby and laid on the bed loving on him. I remember his dr's appts, his first plane ride to VA, and even the bath Aunt Brittany gave him where he peed 7 times and puked 3 times. LOL. And of course I remember all his firsts. First tooth, first laugh, first smile, first words, first time meeting his brother, and his first steps. Ah those were the best days of my life! I love days when I reminisce those special moments. I hope I never forget them!!<div><br /></div><div>[I remember telling both Grandma's "Look at all his hair!!" That's why his hat was off in this pic]</div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/Landon/landonjeremy009.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>[Aunt Brittany took these pictures.. this was after the famous bath she gave him. lol]</div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/Landon/landonjeremy107.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>[At the airport with Grandma.. she was going back to CA and had to say bye to her grandson. This was also my 20th birthday]</div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/Landon/caitlin114.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>[Landon meeting his BIG brother! July 2007]</div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/Landon/IMG_3406.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>[1st set of teeth popping through. 5 months old!!]</div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/Landon/IMG_3704.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>And of course- the videos... </div><div><br /></div><div>[Landon trying to crawl]</div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#999999;"><br/><a href="http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=60511670" style="font: Verdana">Landon trying to crawl</a><br/><object width="425px" height="360px"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=60511670,t=1,mt=video"><embed src="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=60511670,t=1,mt=video" width="425" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed></object><br/><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=2979026" style="font: Verdana">☆Courtney☆</a> | <a href="http://vids.myspace.com " style="font: Verdana">MySpace Video</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>[Landon saying 'da da' - This video was sent to Jer, who was 'deployed' at the time]</div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:#999999;"><br/><a href="http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=60512509" style="font: Verdana">Landon saying "dada"</a><br/><object width="425px" height="360px"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=60512509,t=1,mt=video"><embed src="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=60512509,t=1,mt=video" width="425" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed></object><br/><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=2979026" style="font: Verdana">☆Courtney☆</a> | <a href="http://vids.myspace.com " style="font: Verdana">MySpace Video</a></span></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-55898480104908193912010-06-04T21:15:00.000-07:002010-06-04T22:05:38.314-07:00Memorial Day weekend awayThis Memorial Day Jeremiah & I wanted to get away and enjoy each other's company. We had originally talked about having a BBQ here with friends but decided to get out of town instead. We tossed around a few different ideas, but in the end we settled on Vegas! My parents and younger sisters babysat Landon and both our dogs.. and if it weren't for them, we wouldn't have been able to get away. So a BIGGGGGGGG thank you to them!!! :)<div><br /><div>We left town Sunday morning (May 30) and came back Tuesday (June 1) which was long enough for us to lose all our money, but not long enough for us to enjoy a toddler free environment! LOL.</div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed at Excalibur which was actually a really nice hotel and it is located right on the strip. We were able to park the car and walk everywhere! We did get sucked into this "vacation home" presentation that wasted 5 hours of our day on Monday, but in the end we got 2 tickets to see "Defending the Caveman" and 2 tickets to "Tournament of Kings" for only $50. Defending the Caveman is a comedy and the difference between husband and wife. OMG. Very funny!! Tickets for that show are $50 a piece! Later that night we went to Tournament of Kings which is the dinner show based on Medieval Times. That was really neat, except for the fact the most annoying kid sat next to me! Those tickets are around $70 a person. The total for both tickets would have been around $240.. but for wasting 5 hours of our day we got them for $50. It was a good deal... but I definitely wont be doing it again!! lol.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a blast being able to spend some quality time together and being able to let loose a bit. We're thinking about going back for our Anniversary at the end of July.. so if anyone wants to watch Buggy and the dogs for the weekend, let me know!! haha.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2193.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2183.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2184.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2205.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2246.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2255.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2251.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2242.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2228.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2230.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2241.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2257.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2260.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2261.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2272.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2273.jpg" /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/playbabycordy/IMG_2294.jpg" /></div></div></div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194659438458179241.post-89060226528696928562010-05-13T14:56:00.001-07:002010-05-13T15:39:57.359-07:00Catching up on the last few monthsWhoa! It's been awhile since I blogged! I have been beyond busy with life, and blogging has definitely been put on the back burner. I'm not even sure where the heck to begin! Lets see...<div><br /></div><div>March: March 15th I started at my new college - ITT Tech. Instead of semesters, I do my schooling in quarters. This quarter I had a science class, english class, and strategies class (which is a really odd class and I'm not sure what the heck the point of it is!). Even though my strategies class is beyond useless, it's my favorite class. The first day I made friends with a few different students and every Monday we have a blast together. My English class is going well, although I don't like all the papers we have to write, I really enjoy my teacher and the way he teaches the class. There are a few students in that class that annoy me. They are always complaining and trash talking the teacher, and I just don't understand why they didn't switch to a different class/teacher. Unlike the traditional community college, at ITT you are able to switch classes and you don't have to deal with "crashing classes" or anything of that matter. As for my science class... phew.. it's a lot of work! I like my teacher so I guess that helps. I don't mind school- but I HATE homework! It seems as though the teachers assume because you are a college student you can handle loads of homework- and it's frustrating because they forgot, or don't take into account, the fact you have a life outside of school. Families, Jobs, Other classes, etc. BUT... there is good news.... only 2.. (yes, TWO!) more weeks of school until I am off for two weeks! HOORAY! My next quarter starts in June. I am looking forward to some time off. I definitely want some R&R time!!</div><div><br /></div><div>April: Our little Benjamin turned 5. Holy Moly! I still remember his 1st birthday!! He's such an adorable little guy. We are SO excited for him to come out here. Jeremiah & Minda have been trying to officially set the date, and so far it's looking like July 9-26th. Unfortunately Jeremiah can't get that much time off work so we'll have to squeeze in all we want to do in 10 days! </div><div>Also in April I celebrated my 23rd birthday, we got to spend time with G&G Eisenberg (We miss them so much!!) and we packed up the house!</div><div><br /></div><div>May: On May 2nd we moved into our new house! Although we had no intention to move so soon (remember, we just moved in October) we decided it was a MUST to have a backyard! We also "inherited" another dog, and there was no way I could deal with 2 dogs in our townhouse with nothing but a patio! We found a really nice area and then searched for rentals in that housing track. We got SO lucky finding this place! The lady, Laura, had just put the 'for rent' sign up on Saturday, and on Monday we called about it. She said lots of people called about the place, but when she told them the rent amount they said it was to expensive. Shocking considering it's a great price and I have yet to see anything cheaper. It's a 2 story, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, nice backyard, 2 car garage, and very large (1750 Sq Ft). As soon as we saw it we knew we wanted it! I think Laura was shocked when we walked went and saw it and told her right then and there (without going home to think it over) that we wanted it! I posted pictures on my facebook. We are almost done getting everything put together, and once the house is complete I will take more pictures and upload them on my facebook. Eventually I will get around to uploading them on here. I'm not sure who's enjoying the backyard more, Jeremiah, Landon, the dogs, or me. LOL. Landon loves being able to go play in the backyard whenever he wants. The dogs enjoy being able to run around and play. Jeremiah enjoys the little bit of yard work and taking pride in his trees, bushes, and plants. He's getting a garden going soon. I, on the other hand, enjoy the backyard because it keeps Landon out of trouble. He's so busy playing outside with his toys and chalk, that he doesn't get in to as much stuff in the house! I also enjoy not having so many dog accident in the house!! The dogs are only allowed in the house at bed time. They go straight upstairs and get on the bed, and in the morning they go straight downstairs and in the backyard. NO ACCIDENTS! :) We are planning on having a family BBQ soon so we can show off our new place to both familes! </div><div>Another exciting thing is we bought our first washer and dryer set! We went to lowes and got the samsung front loading washer and dryer. Not only were they on sale.. we also got 10% off (military discount). So after all that.. plus we bought the 4 year warranty for both, and the taxes.. our total was $1360!! I haven't used the W&D yet (they were just delivered and set up this morning) so I can't rate them yet, but just by the appearance and it's features, I really like them!</div><div>Well enough rambling. I've got a mountain of homework to tackle, plus I have some errands to run and it's closing in on 4 pm! I better get moving...</div>The Otis Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801997434864205522noreply@blogger.com1