Top ??? Things I Like/Love/Am Obsessed Over...

For some reason I have been compiling a list in my head of things that I like, really like, love and somewhat am obsessed over. So...tonight, I decided to share my crazy obsessions with others, wondering if they too have the same obsessions.

My obsessions, in no particular order (with as few comments as possible, or you might be reading for a looooonnnngggggg time-I'm sorry I'm winded, I know)...

1-Two Words...JACKSON COLE, even though he was only here for 4 VERY short months, and he has been gone for almost 2 years...there is not a single day that goes by that I do not think about him. And boy oh boy, some days are a lot harder then others. Love You Baby Boy...

2-My husband-he's the greatest, enough said!

3-My Mom, who I have to talk to at least once a day, most days 2-3 times. Now, every other day we like to fight about something...but I still know I have the greatest Mom in the whole world! And Dad too...

4-Blogs...I read blogs of people who live in who knows where. I can not stop reading them. I still read the IVF blog to see what they are doing. I read blogs about healthy, happy kids, and kids like Jackson, who fight for every breath of every day. I CAN NOT stop reading them...and I check seriously 10+ blogs every day, multiple times a day...OBSESSED!

5-My High School Reunion Webpage, which gets checked several times a day.

6-My email...which is checked more times a day then I can count-both accounts too!

7-My Online Bank Account...balance a check book-NO WAY, look online, much easier!

8-My Cats (how'd they get way down here you ask?! Because for a minute I was able to type without one of the goons stepping on my computer, so they were kinda in the back of my mind for a minute there-oops!) They should be much higher on the list since their "medical" expenses are more then my husbands and their "food" consist of rabbit and green peas...enough said!

9-TIVO...greatest thing ever invented. Put a tape in and program it to tape for me...what? No way!

10-My Girlfriends-girls rule, enough said!

11-My Girlfriend's Husbands-we are a pretty close knit group...

12-Our Wii...better then any other gaming system I've ever had, and I had them all growing up...

13-My Wii Fit...which has led to shedding some pounds

14-Home Pregnancy Test...I should own stock in them. Last month, 33 day cycle, this month on day 37...still no signs of it ending, but still a negative test. Come one, seriously?! (and I've only taken 2 test so far this month-which is lower then normal...but I'm still obsessed with them)

15-Reality TV Shows...the list includes, Amazing Race, The Bachelor, Survivor, Biggest Loser, American Idol, DietTribe, The Hills, The City, Real World/Road Rules Challenges, Jon and Kate, What Not to Wear, The Real World (most of these are tivoed with a season pass)

16-Non Reality TV Shows-Guiding Light, Ellen, Secret Life of the American Teenager, Grey's, Private Practice, Friday Night Lights, Prison Break, and I know I'm missing some, but the mind is getting tired

17-Teaching...times are tough for educators with the economy, but I couldn't and wouldn't do anything else

18-BUNKO...my once a month get away where I earn $80 when I beat my girlfriends game! Fun times!

19-Jeans Day At Work...every Friday we get to wear jeans. Tomorrow is Thursday, but like a Friday, so we are wearing jeans anyway. Gotta have jeans day!

20-My Principal...because he doesn't really pay that much attention to what we wear!

21-The Public Library-a great place to get a good book, use the internet, get a movie, or go for some quiet time ALL FOR FREE (unless you don't turn in your book on time, which cost 10 cents a day it's overdue. Wonder how I know that?) I especially like combining this obsession with my next...

22-Baths-love to relax and read a good book. (unless it's summer vacation at the beach, in which case, number 22 would read beach)

23-The phrase "Check, Done, Got It, Good!" which I apparently say all the time, most appropriately, at times that I have finished a task, or accomplished a goal.

24-Even Numbers...you see, I wanted to end with the "Check, Done, Got It, Good!" phrase, but it was an odd number...so I had to add another obsession, which, as crazy as it is, even numbers. I hate odd numbers...don't know why, probably my most craziest obsession...

That's my list...I'm off to try to get to bed early, that is, if I can get through the blogs, emails, bank statements, high school news, lesson plans........

You get the point...

Nichole

and like I could forget...REMEMBER JACKSON!

Check, Done...

That was the magic phrase this weekend...and also applies to us making it through what would have been Jackson's 2nd birthday. Both Joseph and I decided to work, we thought it would be best, and it was. I was heavy hearted all day, but all in all, it was a good day. I at least got to wear jeans, and my "Team Jackson" t-shirt to school, which is always nice. My Mom cooked an awesome dinner for us, so that was nice too! I do have to say that the hardest part of my day had ZERO to do with it being Jackson's birthday but rather an email I recieved...informing me of my 10 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION! What?! I graduated like yesterday...or so it seems. Hard to believe that it's been 10 years...but it has. I'm super excited though...I have been glued to our "reunion page" reading updates on all the people, so that's been fun. It was rather tricky doing my profile...it's always hard when you get to the chilren part on any form. I decided to go ahead and let everyone know about Jackson and his battle with SMA, but hopefully come reunion time in October all have a healthy baby to show off pictures of too. I'm also really excited at the positive turnout thus far. For Joseph's reunion last year only like 50 people responded...so far we have 70, and the info just went out! Joseph's was cancelled because of lack of turnout but I know ours is going to ROCK! I'm really excited for it and look forward to seeing all my peeps from the Class of '99!

Alright...I'm off to finish up some work and then headed home to my dreaded Wii Fit who is not my best friend. I work my little behind off and gain weight. Joseph doesn't use it, steps on and loses 3 pounds. AArrrggghhh...boys have it so easy! As always, please REMEMBER JACKSON!

Nichole...who's feeling a little "older"

Happy New Year!

It is so hard to believe that 2009 is already here...what happened to '08 right?! I hope that all of you had a wonderful New Year's. Mine is off to a great start...I just got home from "Girls Weekend" with 5 out of 6 of my bestest friends...we miss you Deecer (whose all the way in Lubbock, TX). It was so much fun hanging out with my girlfriends with no agenda. We ate lots of junk food, watched movies, talked and talked and talked, played games and were lazy all weekend. It was great! I'm glad to be back home with my hubby, but it's so nice to be able to get away and spend time with the girls too! Hopefully we can get away like this 2-3 times a year. Every girl needs time with her bestest girlfriends! Now we are staring our "Weight Lose Challenger" with a bunch of friends to shed all the extra weight gained over the holidays and girls weekend. I feel like I've got some good help on my side since joining and learning about Weight Watchers last year and exercise will be a lot easier with my eliptical and my new Wii Fit...which is awesome! I'm sure I'll keep you posted on the "Weight Lose Challenge."

Now we are all settled in back at home and the reality of the real world is closing in...fast. It's back to work for me tomorrow...which will be tough for two reason, one being I haven't had to get up early for 2 weeks, and the other being that it's Jackson's birthday. Jackson would be 2 years old tomorrow, and it just blows my mind how fast time has flown by. This time two years ago I was in the hospital anticipating holding my newborn son in my arms. I never thought it would be 4 days before I held him...it seemed like forever. There are so many things that changed the minute Jackson entered the world...it is amazing to me how Joseph and I have changed because of him. I know many couples struggle when they lose a child, and I'm not going to deny that Joseph and I didn't have problems, but I feel our marriage and our life is so much better now because of what that little boy did for us, and lots of you too! Last year we tried going out to dinner with a bunch of people, and that was tough, so this year we are going to go to my parent's house for dinner. Joseph and I also have gift certificates for massages, and we were going to do that tomorrow, but I think we'll hold off until the weekend. So that will be a nice way for us to spend time together remembering our baby boy. The pain and thoughts never go away, but I think this year is a lot better then last year was at this time. Never gone, just easier...

So...I'm off to bed (before 9 for the first time in weeks) because it's back to the real world tomorrow. Thanks for checking in on us, and tomorrow please say an extra prayer for us as we go through another heavy hearted day without our Jackson. Until next time, as always, please REMEMBER JACKSON!

Nichole

Oops, again...

Once again I failed my two blog followers! I had every intention of posting before Christmas, and well, surprise, surprise, I ran out of time. Show some mercy though...we had 7 stops in 2 days, and 1 stop was 3+ hours away!

I hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was rather perfect. Joseph and I are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family to spend the holidays with. The presents are nice, but the time with family and friends is priceless!

It's hard to believe that the first half of my vacation is gone...only one week left, and it's packed full, of course. We will ring in the New Year with our "peeps" (who else?!) and then the guys and girls will say goodbye and head off for guys weekend and girls weekend-YAY! The boys have probably put too much on their plate...as for the girls...food, drinks, movies, food, games, food, food, and girl talk, what more do you need?!

I would like to think that I will update again before the New Year, but I know I won't. We got a Wii...it's much more fun, so blogging may take a back seat. I wanted to take a minute to reflect on '08...it is hard for us to look back and see once again that our prayers for a healthy child were not answered, but we are ok with that and know there is a plan. We are just waiting to fulfill the plan that has already been made for us. On our lovely 3 hour ride home we were trying to think of a catchy '09 phrase. I'll entertain you with some ideas for the "Hedgepeth Motto 2009 Edition":

*'09 is mine (and then I thought ours, so that didn't work)
* My swimmers will shine in '09 (who was the author of that one?!)
I came back with...*My eggs are fine, your swimmers are fine, we will shine in '09

And finally, we came up with a little poem...enjoy!

We thought that '08 would be great...we never thought we'd have to wait till '09.
My husband is fine, along with his swimmers.
My eggs are fine, just waiting for swimmers.
In 2009 we will shine,
and KICK SMA IN THE BEHIND!

It was late...that's my only excuse. One thing that I do know about 2009...Joseph and I will be together through every step of the way. And we look forward to living the blessed life that we have with our family and friends. I guess we'll say goodbye to 2008, and we look forward to sharing our journey with you through 2009!

Have a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR! As always, please REMEMBER JACKSON!

Nichole

A Blasted Ear Infection

Who would have thought that an ear infection would almost knock me off my feet?! The doctor confirmed with my wonderful school nurse predicted on Thursday, an ear infection. I use to have them a lot as a child, but never as an adult, and it really hurts. My lympnode on my right side is so swollen it is given me a sore throat, hence why I thought strep. I have to take Tylenol every 4-5 hours just so I can eat and drink without so much pain. All from a stinking ear infection!

Anyway...who cares about the ear infection because I am on WINTER BREAK! YAY! I'm very excited for the break because I (and my class) need a break. Things were crazy this week, but I'm so proud of the people I work with and the students at my school. A fellow teacher had a son back in October, Hudson, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, and we decided to do a fundraiser for them. I know what it's like, so I wanted to help anyway possible. We were able to raise $515 in one week for the family by taking pictures with Santa. It was wonderful to see, and I know the family will really appreciate it. Our really cool principal is also getting in on it, and letting us wear jeans the week we get back by paying $5! So, one less thing to worry about that first week...which is going to be tough considering I go back on January 5th, which would have been Jackson's second birthday-wow time flies!

Alright...I'm off to get ready. We are heading out to dinner and a movie with our "peeps." Hope everyone is well. And we'll talk before Christmas! Until next time, REMEMBER JACKSON!

Nichole

It figures

I was boasting earlier this week about how I have not missed a day of work because I was sick (minus the hives and infected eye issues). This is a big accomplishment for me, considering my first 4 years of teaching I missed at least 48 days because of sickness (and the whole "compromised immune system" issue). Anyway, payback is no fun! I'm off to the doctor because I have come down with something. We hope not strep throat, since I'm not even suppose to get it since I had my tonsils out (that's what they told me years ago...and you'll never guess what happen...yup, I got it). I'm leaning more towards a bad ear infection, since it hurts to open my mouth and stuff, and my school nurse, who takes very good care of me, says it's pretty rough looking. Fun fun! So...since I have the greatest luck in the world as we all know, it looks like my Christmas vacation is going to be spent taking meds. Of course!

Not to Happy Hedge

Are you suppose to update a blog?!

I know...almost a month since I've sat down and blogged. It's been crazy, which is always my excuse, but hey, it's the truth. Last I posted, someone had gotten my check card number in Spain, and we thought we had caught it in time. We didn't...$1500 cleared my checking account and my card was captured on a Friday afternoon leaving us with zero access to cash money...which was not fun since we were headed to the Christmas Show aka "Christmas Heaven" with no check cards or cash. Lucky for us, most places took other cards. My main goal at the Christmas show this year was to by the ceramic tree that lights up. My Grandma Cook always use to have one, and this year, I wanted it for some reason...I guess she was on my mind. So...I got it and added it to my collection of awesome decorations.

I love Christmas...everything about it...the decorating, getting cards, buying for others, spending time with family and friends, the music, finding the perfect REAL tree-everything! After Thanksgiving while all the crazy people were out shopping (that is one thing I do not participate in-I sleep) Joseph and I were headed up to the mountains with some friends to go on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. Saturday morning we headed out...and it took forever to find the place, but when we did, the drive was worth it. The trees were awesome, so then the search began. I had added stress this year because I was in charge of buying a tree for Michelle and Adam-that's a lot of pressure. We found their tree pretty quickly, but we struggled with ours. It was so cold up there and finally we just had to pick one. It is the perfect size and shape-it's just perfect! And I know Shell and Adam like theirs too...thank goodness!

I also celebrated another birthday while I was on my little blog hiatus...28 whopping years old now. And of course we celebrated it the same as always, a birthday dinner at none other then Nakatos. It was a great birthday. Joseph planned the dinner and afterwards for everyone to come over for cake and ice cream. My cake had a picture of my three boys on it-Rocky, Charlie and Tripp. Apparently I always say I could just eat them up, so we literally did! It was great!

Speaking of my three babies...they are now unable to reproduce. That was a big headache. We were able to get them fixed through the Humane Society, but the vet will only do one Humane Society animal a day. So...three trips to the vet, which was a choir because the cat getting fixed could not have food or water, so the others had to suffer. And then the cat coming home couldn't eat or drink, so they all had to suffer. Since all the surgeries they now eat all of their food all the time...I think they are worried that we won't feed them or something! It was really funny to see how each cat reacted after surgery...they all pretty much followed their personalities. Tripp came home still loopy and just walked around kinda confused, Charlies was biting the cage and clawing at me trying to get out on the way home-and on the counter the minute the cage opened looking for food, and Rocky just kind of cam home, checked things out and climbed in bed to sleep.

Funny crazy cat story, and then I'm done-almost! Yesterday Joe and I are decorating the outside and we decide to add one last minute detail. It required him going up the very top of the house and me on the roof of the porch. So...we climb out a second story window onto the porch roof and Joe climbs up to the top on a ladder that I hold for him. He's hanging the lights and all of a sudden yells Orange Kitty (Tripp) who is now on the roof with me! I'm scared to go to the edge-wimpy I know-so I'm trying to call him over and then around the side comes Rocky. Two cats on the roof with a scared Mom and a Dad on the very top of the house. As I'm holding the ladder for Joe to come down they are climbing in the gutters and running from us-yikes! Joe catches them, we secure them inside and drama over, but it was crazy. Apparently I forgot to close the screen completely...oops!

And finally...as many of you who follow my useless blog decorate for Christmas I hope you are pleasantly surprised when you find Jackson's ornament. I have heard so many stories about how many didn't remember the box and wondered what was inside. I have been told some smiled as they hung that cutie on their tree and some cried a few tears. I just hope that as you celebrate Christmas you can take a minute to say a special little prayer for that precious angel. He was absolutely amazing. We miss him everyday. If you have a story to share...please do share. I love hearing how each person remembers him. Also...if you didn't get a Jackson ornament and would like one, just let me know. I have a couple left.

Alright...that's all for now! I'm off to my Mom's for a yummy dinner. I hope that you enjoy this holiday season and enjoy the time you have with your family and friends. As always, please Remember Jackson. Until next time...

Nichole