I think Washington and Canada do not like me.

After our brief time in Seattle, we headed to Bellingham, Washington so we could see Bryan's grandma and his Aunt Lynn. It was so nice to meet them! We went to pick them up, made plans for the day, and then went to check into the hotel. I was so excited to walk around the hotel later on that day. It was on the water which I love, our room was fabulous, we had a deck, and there were prime picture taking opportunities ahead.

We took the nice view as an opportunity to take some family pictures:

 

I of course look like a giant compared to Lynn and Grandma!  After taking pictures, we were going to take a nice drive, to a nice town, to have a nice lunch. Too bad that did not happen.

As we got in the car, I decided to sit in the back. Lynn told me the front seat would be better for picture taking, so we should switch seats. I said I was ok, but then changed my mind. Bad idea. As we switched places, I stepped up on a sort of landscaped area, and then when it was my chance to get down, I fell down, not stepped down as planned. Here is the scene of the incident:

I started crying and was in a lot of pain. Lynn and Grandma rushed to me and helped me. Bryan was on the phone with the Marriott trying to change our reservation for the next night. He was able to stay on the phone the entire time I was crying. He has skills! I was not sure if I broke something or if it was sprained. We thought maybe an ACE bandage would suffice, but Lynn and Grandma suggested the hospital. Not what I had in mind for vacation. 

We get to the hospital and we waited. A really long time. Not sure why my chin was all wrinkly. Perhaps they should have checked that out.

 

That is me looking grim.

 I finally got into a room, we took X rays and waited some more. There was a curtain in between me and the girl next to me. She asked me how I hurt my foot. We began talking and I told her I felt like we were in confession since I had no idea what she looked like. She was almost a month younger than me and she broke her 5th Metatarsal on her right foot. She needed a cast, and I waited to know if I needed one. I never saw her face. I was thinking we could be friends on Facebook. We shared an ER bond. 

They finally came back and told me that they saw a fracture but were not sure if it was always there or if it just happened. Huh? They said to go to an Ortho in two weeks and have another X ray done. Um, no, I want to know what is wrong. They gave me a boot and it hurt so bad getting my foot in there. Not a good time. I cried and cried. They told me I could take the really rough, cheap tissues home. I am guessing we will be billed $250 for them. 

We made our way to Fred Meyers which I have always wanted to go to. I needed crutches and my meds. Bryan got me an electrical cart.

I have a new found respect for people in wheelchairs. The aisles were so small, no one moves out of your way, and you feel so small. I wanted so badly to look around as I have heard it is a great store. Too bad I did not get a chance to really see it. There is still a skirt I want there. Maybe another time. 

On our way back to the hotel, we made a stop at Walgreens with the hopes that we would find crutches. Bryan got me the Cadillac of crutches, soda I like, saltines, everything I needed. It was sweet. On the way home I felt so sick from the pain meds which I knew would happen. Bryan had to pull over but thankfully nothing happened. Too much information?

We got back to the hotel and Lynn had ordered pizza. We watched the opening ceremonies for the Olympics. Here is my view:

 

They all took very good care of me which I appreciated. I felt awful that an hour after meeting them, I am on a curb sobbing, needing to go to the ER.

The next day we decided we were going to try and get into Canada. I have misplaced my passport and only had my birth certificate. The Olympics were only an hour away and Bryan really wanted to go. I was nervous but they let me in!

 

I planned on staying at Lynn's place in Vancouver while they went and walked around. Lynn said we should get me a wheelchair which I also felt awful about. Pushing me around is not a good time for anyone. I thought I could do it with the crutches, but I am thankful the wheelchair was an option. 

It was raining and we had to take a train to downtown. The people at the station were fabulous. They held the train for me, and were wonderful. No one in NYC would do that for me. 

We got to the torch area which we really wanted to see. Unfortunately, protesters had caused it to be closed. There were two security guards not letting anyone in. Bryan tried getting closer. He is in the blue jacket:

We could barely see it over the fence but thankfully we did get a partial picture-only because Bryan's Grandma pushed her way up to the front to make room for me and the wheelchair. She says it was "petting." Love her! It rained all day. Of course it was beautiful after we left. Clear as a bell (never understood that saying, but you get the point.) We will just have to go back sometime.

We went to lunch hoping they would reopen the area around it so we could get better pictures and a closer look. Bryan decided on a very fancy restaurant for lunch. Grandma and I were not into fancy. She wanted steamed fish and I wanted a chicken breast and a baquette (see how fancy they are....not a roll....a baquette!) The waitress looked at me like I was nuts! But I got my chicken and it was plain and yummy!  They had the coolest salt and pepper shakers that you push on top, a really expensive adorable Diet Coke bottle, and butter with the word butter imprinted on them. Of course a picture was necessary:

I like how the arrangement of the butter looks like a t-shirt. 

After lunch, we saw that they did not open the torch area yet. Should I be calling it a flame and not a torch? Anyway, we took pictures where we could. The torch is in the background in this picture:

It kind of looks like I have flaming horns coming out of my head or that my hair is on fire. At least we can say we were kind of at the Olympics!

Bryan wanted to go to the Olympic store to get something. The line was crazy and the front of the store had been shot at and the glass was broken. He found someone who told him that there were some things in a different area. He parked the wheelchair with me and Grandma downstairs while him and Lynn went on a merchandise mission. I was bummed because I really wanted a pin and an ornament. I also wanted those from Seattle but the plans to spend Saturday in Seattle were changed due to the foot and our trip to Vancouver. Not complaining, just wishing I had got those two things. BUT it was insane there! Briyan got a hat and we were one our way back. We took the bus which was interesting. They had to strap me in and make all the people wait. I felt helpless. 

We got back to the apartment and decided to head back to the US (it sounds fancy although we did not have far to go.) We drove back and waited a short time at the border. I did not think I would have any trouble getting back IN to the U.S. since Canada let me go right in. I was wrong. The guy at the border was not so nice. I know that is his job but he made me feel awful for not having a passport. He told me it has been on the news and in the papers for 3 years (yes, I know that but I got into Canada.) He repeatedly told us that it has been a requirement for years. We said I got into Canada and he said it is a whole other country with different rules. I get that, but really? Canada is literally on the other side of the booth he was in. He gave me a form stating I did the wrong thing and then he told me that if I did it again, I would have to move to Canada. Then he winked at me. I felt better and off we went back into Washington. 

After dropping Lynn and Grandma off, we made our way to the hotel. Bryan had switched our reservation to a non Seattle hotel. We had originally planned on staying in Seattle on the water Saturday night but due to my foot and our trip to Canada, he changed the hotel location. It worked out better. I was just thankful that we went to the Space Needle on Thursday and did not put it off until Saturday like we were considering.

The hotel was nice and had an awesome pool area. I wanted to go in but I was not sure if I could with my foot. We had a nice dinner and headed in for the night. The next day was Valentine's Day. I got my first card from Bryan which was great. We got ready and headed to the airport. We got into the fast line due to my foot. Crutches get you things. Not great things, but something. Bryan bought the extra leg room seats for me which was nice. The plane ride was good, and we made it back to Denver in one piece. 

The boys came home that afternoon and we went out for pizza. It was nice seeing them again. After pizza we went to Dairy Queen then came home and chilled out on the couch. I love just hanging out with them!

Only Torrin would get ice cream on his head. That child gets food all over the place!

It was my first Valentine's Day with Bryan and we have no pictures together. Sadness. 

Although I had rough time with my foot, it was nice to see new places and meet some more of Bryan's family. They were so nice to me and really put up with a lot! Props to Bryan for not rolling me down a hill in Vancouver.

On Wednesday I went to see an Orthopedic doctor. He took more X rays and told me there was a break in my 5th Metatarsal (see, that girl and me in the ER DID share a bond-the same thing broken!) There was no need for a cast, just a different boot. I have to go back in three weeks for another X ray to see if there is calcification. The boot will probably be on for another 6 weeks. They gave me medicine that does not make me sick, just sleepy. No working out for 6 weeks so I hope I do not gain back the weight I already lost. Time will tell.

Second Grade Program

First of all, how did Justin get to be a 2nd grader? Wasn't he just born? Hard to believe he will be 8 in two weeks!

The other night we went to his school program. Of course he was shy as he always is, but he did sing some parts. It was so cute. In the hall, they had artwork made by the kids. Justin showed me his self portrait-so cute!

I love that most kids took up the ENTIRE paper and there is Justin, all small and on the bottom of the paper. I also love that it actually does look like him. Check out the smile :)

I am so glad I live close by again so I am able to go to their school events. It was great to see Justin with his classmates on stage, kind of singing and kind of dancing.

Here is a picture of all of us. As my mom said, Mikaya looks like a Russian Princess with her hat and coat. I look awesome with my foot boot.

Our Trip to Seattle

Bryan had to go to Oregon and Washington on business so he asked me to fly out and visit him. I had never been to Seattle and always wanted to go, so I had no hesitation.

A week ago I flew out to Seattle. On the way there, I was going through security and I picked up a ladies suitcase on the belt to get things out of the way. She said, "Excuse me. That is MY bag. It is from Italy. Is yours from Italy?" Um, no, I am trying to help. She told me again her bag was from Italy and it would not be that much help to me to have her bag.  I walked away and who did I run into in the food line? Bag from Italy woman. She was in front of me. I told her I would not steal her luggage. Guess what she said next, "Good, because this bag is from Italy. I don't DO Samsonite anymore." Forgive me for having a Samsonite.

I made my way to the plane and had a decent flight to Seattle. I got to the airport and took the light rail to downtown. I was impressed with myself. $2.50 versus a $35 cab. The weird thing is no one checked my ticket. I guess it was on the honor system.

Bryan met me downtown and he went to get a haircut. He loves getting haircuts :)  After that, we went to the Space Needle. It was raining and cloudy so we almost did not go that night. We heard the food was mediocre for the outrageous prices but since the observation deck prices were included, we decided to do it. We were going to switch it to Saturday but I am glad we did not. More on that later.

Bryan and I are not big on heights. We hate them, but the Space Needle is somewhere I have always wanted to go. Now I can say I have been there, and have had dinner there. Here are some pictures from that night:

 

  

  

Despite the height, we had a nice view despite the rain. I took a ton of pictures but did not want to fill up the blog with scenic shots. I am proud of Bryan for going to the top, taking a picture there, and eating at the rotating restaurant. Now we can say we have had dinner there!

More later about Saturday and Sunday!

THE Dress!

Today I found my wedding dress. I never thought I would! I thought for sure I would wind up buying the one at David's Bridal but I put this one on and fell in love. My mom cried for the first time in all 50 or so dresses I tried on. Two random strangers cried. I think it was a good pick if I can make strangers cry!  It even looked good with the foot boot I have to wear. The price was not bad (as far as wedding dresses go) and I just love it!  I need to make sure I stop looking at other dresses now. So many pretty ones. I almost got the dress before THE one but it was not total love although I did love how it made me look.

Although I am grateful I found the dress, I am kind of sad too. I will never get to buy a wedding dress again (fingers crossed) and it has been fun. I am sure I will be sad after the wedding too. I need to try to slow down and enjoy the moments that make up this time.

I wish I could post pictures but I don't want Bryan to see it in case he ever reads this!

I will write more soon about our eventful trip to Washington and Vancouver!

Really?

As everyone knows, I am picky. Really picky. There are few things I love when it comes to food (all of which are not good for me at all.) When there is nothing on a menu I like, I revert to the Chicken Fingers. Do I love them? No. Are they decent? Sure. Unless I am at Chili's. Their Chicken Crispers are a tiny bit of heaven (ignore creepy hand and really old looking corn).

Tonight Kate, Carolyn and I went dress shopping for Kate. She is getting married too! So fun! After that, we went to Chili's. I was looking forward to the deliciousness that are the Chicken Crispers.  When they came to the table, I was perplexed. I know there are a variety of chicken crispers now, but there have always been the original ones, my favorites.  As I looked down on my plate I questioned if the waitress wrote the order wrong. Had she given me the crispy ones (crispier than the normal "crispers"). When she came back I asked her and she said, "No, those are the original. We changed the recipe and make it with soda water now so they are not as fluffy." Seriously?!  The fluffy is what made them delicious and juicy. These are not the ORIGINAL ones, these are "new and improved" which are NOT better. I am so angry I want to write them a letter. Yes, I get emotional about things like this. Remember when they changed Coke to the "new formula?" Ew. I am still fuming about this. Although I ate almost all of the dinner (I WAS hungry and a girl has to eat) she took it off the receipt for me. That was nice, but I am still angry.

On another note, Bryan is in Portland and I don't like it. I am so used to seeing him everyday and it is weird not having him around. I am meeting him in Seattle on Thursday but I still don't like it. I miss him, which is weird because I just saw him this morning. The dogs are stalking me. Every step I move, Corona is right there with me. It is just bizarre not seeing him or the boys.

Off to watch American Idol!

Am I really getting married?

Every time I look down at my ring or I see "Engaged to Bryan Forrest" on Facebook, I am still in awe that it is ME that is engaged. Really?! How did this happen? How was I wedding dress shopping yesterday?  Sure, people think I am going a little nuts on planning already but I want to not be too overwhelmed, even though I already am. It is going to be hard not having hands on control of the planning since it is out of state, so I am working on the things I can control, like dresses.

Yesterday my mom and I went to David's Bridal. I was not planning on finding anything, or even liking the store since I heard it was trashy. I was pleasantly surprised. My girl was Amelia and I thought hey, I loved Amelia Bedelia as a kid, so I might like her. She was sweet and I really did like her. I tried on about 15 dresses, all which were so so. Nothing wowed me for a long time. I did find one I loved but worried it was too plain. I loved that it was under $450 but I was not ready to commit to it. It was funny because everything I thought I would love did not look good on me. Although I DID cry when they first put a veil on me. How am I getting married?!  It is all so surreal to me.

I stayed away from pricier dresses but then I saw one that was over budget but was calling to me. I tried it on and fell in LOVE. It is strapless which I was totally against but it is beautiful. It is in the catalog but looks NOTHING like the picture. I was shocked and in love. This surprised me because I did not think I would find one this quick. The hard part is David's Bridal is having a sale that was supposed to end on the 31st. It had been extended but they did not know for how long. The pressure of getting $200-$300 off was stressing me out. Plus, I needed my go to honest friend Carolyn to see it. She would tell me the truth. I called her and she could not come over but agreed to meet me that night.

When I told Amelia I still wanted to look around, she said to me, "Listen, when you met your fiance you just knew he was the one right? You did not go searching for other people did you?" I said, "No, but I dated a million people before him, and buying the first dress I love it like marrying my first boyfriend."  I told her I would be back with Carolyn that night.

In between appointment 1 and 2, my mom found out the sale is on until the 22nd. I then knew I had to go other places although I am pretty sure this is the "one." Carolyn still came with me and I am so glad she did. She thoughts of things I never would have, such as how it felt to sit down in it. How did it feel to dance in it (Thank you Carolyn for pretending to be Bryan and slow dancing with me in the store.) I tried on a few more dresses, she picked one that she thought would look good on me, and it did not. I did the same thing that day. Saw one in the catalog and thought it would be it, but it did not look good at all.  The last dress I tried on for her was the one I loved. Thankfully she liked it too, thought it was gorgeous and very pretty. So happy! We are going shopping more tomorrow just to see but I have a feeling I found "the one." We shall see!

The Funny Things They Say

At 5, Camden is very intelligent. He thinks of things most kids would not. Prime example: The day after we got engaged, Bryan left the room for a few minutes. Camden came up to me and the conversation went something like this:

Camden: "Dani, are you really going to marry us?"
Me: "Yes Camden, I am going to marry you."
Camden: "Well, I have a surprise for you then. It is something I have been wanting to give you. Wait here."

I wait as Camden goes to one of his MANY drawers filled with things Camden loves. We are not sure how many he has in the house, but these drawers are important to him as they are a way to hide things from his little brother.

He comes back and says, "Dani. Close your eyes, and stick out your hand."  As a former teacher, this request does not usually result in something pleasant. I was a bit nervous.

As I am standing there with my hand open, he places something cold in my hand. I open my eyes to see this:

He then says, "I know weddings are expensive, so I wanted to pay for our wedding. This should cover it."

So sweet, so naive, yet so very thoughtful!

 

The House That I Built

When Bryan went to his Dad's house in Ft. Collins awhile back, he got a huge tub of Legos from when he was a kid. Camden and I tend to build with them from time to time. I usually work on a "police station" but I felt like building an ordinary, basic house last week. Camden was ok with this, so here is the final masterpiece of fancy architecture (keep in mind 2 year old Torrin tossed it around a few times, hence the missing Legos)

When it was time for bed, Camden came over and looked at this masterpiece and was highly impressed (it does not take much to impress a 5 year old. Get a balloon from Red Robin and they think they won the lotto!) He then told me to wait a minute, he needed to get something. He came back with 4 Legos. He put one Lego in and said, "This is Daddy." Then he put another Lego in and said, "This is Dani." Then he put the third Lego in and said, "This is Camden" and then the last one went in as he said, "This is Torrin." After the Legos were in there he said, "This is my family." He hugged me and started to head to bed. I cried. I thought that was so sweet and I love that he thinks we are a family. Here is the picture of our "family" in our "house."  I think Torrin throw in some more Legos. Maybe he thought the dogs needed a Lego too.

On another note, when we picked Camden up from school we heard him tell his friend, "My Mom and Dad are here to pick me up." Although I am not his biological mother, I will love him and Torrin as if they are my own. On the way out of school, there is a tub of lollipops. He got 4 of them and told me he got 4 so there is 1 for each member of his family. Love that kid!

He liked it so he put a ring on it....

On January 22nd the most amazing man asked me to marry him! I am still in shock! Bryan and I had looked at rings but I had no idea it would be happening this quick. He had me fooled and I was totally surprised. A few days before last Friday, Bryan informed me that my Mom called him and said she owed him a slight belated birthday dinner. I thought nothing of this, plus my Aunt was in town so I thought it would be a nice place for her to go. Bryan decided on Trappers, a nice steak place in Parker. My mom has mentioned she liked when Bryan dresses up so he said if I wore a dress, he would dress up too. I love wearing dresses so I was in!  On Friday night, we got ready and went to dinner. We took a few pictures beforehand since the boys were dressed up. The Forrest men were looking quite handsome.

As we were going to dinner, Bryan told me my sister was coming down. I was excited to see her but I was wondering why my brother was not coming too. I chalked it up to the place being really expensive and my sister was coming since it was on her way down from Ft. Collins. When we got there I asked my mom when she was coming and she told me Quinn was sick so she would not be here. We got to the table and there were a lot of chairs. I thought nothing of it since my sister was supposed to come with my nephews. We took chairs away, and my mom told the waiter we needed 9. I said um, no, we need only 7. Again, I thought she was just confused.

We sat down and after our drinks arrived, Bryan said he needed to go to the bathroom and he was going to take the kids to get some candy. They were gone about 10 minutes and I began to wonder where they were. A few minutes later, I am sitting there, and the boys and Bryan come over to me. They have wrapped brown boxes in their hands, and I think, "Wow! This place is fancy! Wrapped Godiva chocolates!" Bryan and Camden get down on a knee and I am thinking nothing of it, just that they were bending down to show me something. I hear my mom say, "Oh, and she does not have her camera." I think she wants a picture of her and her sister, so I tell her I do have it and I turn around to get it. Bryan stops me, and the next thing you know, Bryan shows me a ring box, tells me that him and the boys love me, and asked me to marry them. (Still not registering that he is proposing to me.)

It sort of hits me and all I can do is say, "Oh my God! Oh my God!" Probably because the diamond is huge ;)

Camden is down on his knee too and he gives me a ring.

Then Torrin hands me a ring box. I am sobbing and in total shock (see unflattering photo). I am STILL in shock a week later.Are you getting the point that I was in shock?

My Dad came over and asked if I said yes, and I thought, you know, I probably did not answer in the midst of my shock. So here I am telling Bryan yes!

Camden was so excited and he came up to me. He would not let me go!

 

Since I was crying, he kept hugging me. I took him aside and told him I was crying because I was happy. He kissed me and told me he loved me. I told him this means I am going to be with him, Daddy and Torrin forever, and I was never going to leave him. He kept hugging me but took a minute to look down my dress :)

As the proposal was happening, I saw flashes going off. I thought people from the bar were taking pictures of us. I thought WHO are those people and would they email me those pictures? Eventually I saw it was Bryan's friends Chad and Carly. Bryan knows how important it is for me to have pictures of everything so he was sweet to have his friends to come take pictures. I love that there is a picture of him before going to dinner putting the rings in the car.

Here are some other pictures from that night. My Dad was actually happy although he looks highly annoyed.

                                                                                                                                                                       

It was SO great my Aunt was there to share it with us!

 

I loved having my parents there too!

 

But the best part was Bryan and the boys asking me to marry them. I am one lucky lady! I love them all so much! I can't wait to be Mrs. Forrest!

                        

It's 2010 and I am way behind!

Happy New Year 19 days late!  Time flies by the older I get, and I can't believe it is 2010. 2009 was an amazing year and I am hoping 2010 is even better! So far, so good!

Right now I am home with Torrin who is really sick. Pink eye and an ear infection. Poor little guy. I had to give him ear drops and antibiotics. You would think I killed a puppy with the screaming that ensued. So hard to hear him scream like that. He screamed when the doctor looked in his ears too. Broke my heart. Right now he is taking a nap which he desperately needs.

Some other things that are happening: I am on day 19 of no regular soda. It has been hard, but thankfully Diet Dr. Pepper is not all that bad. I crave a regular Coke and Sprite all the time but I am determined. With working out and not drinking regular soda I was hoping I would drop about 20 pounds so far, but unfortunately nothing has happened. Sadness. Bryan added me to his gym membership and I feel obligated to go which is a good thing. I need to be in better shape and fit into smaller pants. That would be nice.

The gym is an interesting place. There are the perfect bodies, dressed fabulously with their makeup on. I envy those people. There are the large people who I give props to for getting out there and doing something. The weird thing is there does not seem to be the in between people like me. The ones who don't have the best clothes, who are average in size (hopefully I am that). Maybe one day I will be the stylish in shape one. I am always in awe in the dressing room. That sounds like a perv but I mean I am in awe of the people who walk around naked. No, not at their bodies, but how free they are. No towel, but naked, AND having full on conversations with other people. Weird. One thing I do love about the gym I just discovered? The swimsuit dryer! 10 seconds and your suit is almost dry. Fabulous!

In other news, we had a great Christmas. 3 of them actually. We had Christmas Eve at Bryan's house. My parents came over, we had dinner and then Bryan, Megan, Tyler and I opened some presents. It is a Forrest tradition that you get pajamas on Christmas Eve. This year we got matching ones. Too funny!

Of course they are Disney ones! The next day we got up and had Christmas with the boys and opened their presents from us and "Santa." We then went to my parent's house for the craziest Christmas we ever had. 7 kids and 8 adults (although I don't consider myself an adult).  I have no idea what anyone got. I barely remembered what I got. Presents were being ripped open, paper was everywhere. One of the things I love about Christmas in my family is we have to make a gift for the person we picked out of a hat. This year my brother had Bryan. I wanted a Snuggie and Bryan said there is no way I should get one. My brother was aware of this fact and so he hand stitched patches on it for Bryan. One is a Camaro patch and the other is one with Forrest embroidered on it. So funny! Ethan got a fedora so Bryan put it on with his Snuggie. We look at this picture and we think Monk.

We had a great time at my parent's house. The kids did too! It was so much fun having my nephews, niece and the boys all together. I love Christmas! Of course getting Mikaya and Torrin together, there is often a sharing issue when it comes to 2 years old.

The day after Christmas, Grandpa and Susan came down and there were lots more presents! Even more matching outfits!

The boys got a lot of things and had so much fun! They LOVE their new slide!

New Years Eve was good. During the day we met my parents for lunch. Torrin loves his Nana and Papa!

We did not have the boys that night so we went to my friend Carolyn's house. Elliott has grown so much. She is such a sweet girl!

After Carolyn's we went to Bryan's friend's house for dinner. Bryan enjoyed playing Wii with the kids.

I had a great time just being with Bryan :)

We came home at 11 and were in bed when 2010 arrived. Perfect ending to a perfect year!

More later!

Note to Self....

UPDATE THIS BLOG. Seriously, way behind.

I Am Alive

Hi All- Sorry for the no blog posts in the past several weeks. Between the holidays, sickness, multiple Christmas celebrations, New Years Eve, and other eventful things that have happened, I have not had the chance to sit down and blog. Yes, I know I do not have a job and I should have ample time to do this, I just have not been able to. Hopefully soon!  I of course have tons of pictures to post and stories to share so more to come in the near future. For now, goodnight!