Happy [real] Birthday to Me!

"Everything I'm not made me everything I am."

Another February 29th has come and gone...I couldn't be happier! I finally feel like I'm coming into my own as a woman, a wife, and a mother! Life is good people!

Me and my Mommy Dearest

Brennon - Me - Tyler

My Amazing Hubby

I got a Macbook!!!

And we finished the night off with Schlitz and Giggles...Silly name, Serious Pizza!

I met Matt Damon...I mean Matt Flyn ; )

We got a chance to meet Matt Flynn and Craig Steltz. Check it out...






P.S. We're not going to D.C. anymore for our Anniversary...We're going to Hawaii baby! Aloha!

A little of this...A little of that...

So it's been a while...not like that's anything new : ) I officially made it through my first semester of Nursing school and I'm just starting my second. Hayden is doing great. He's getting so big and he's just a ball of laughs. I think that kid could make me laugh on a rainy day when I'm in the worst of moods. He's truly a blessing. We're in the last stages of buying property. I think it works out to around 2 1/2 - 3 acres. So, that's definately exciting!! It seems like I don't have a ton of updates to post, but we've been so incredibly busy. Life never stops...not even for a moment. I'm just taking everything in and trying to live in the moment. In some exciting news Craig and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary this August. I know! Has it been that long? Yep! We're going to be taking a trip most likely to D.C. I've been once, but there's so much to do and see there I definately want Craig to be able to take in a part of America's past. Hawaii's a contender too, so we'll see. ;)

P.S. Go Tigers!! We'll be meeting Darry Beckwith On V-day at dinner at our Friends church. So That's really cool. Here are some old pics from the LSU - Ole Miss Game. They're too funny not to post. I love my purple pimp. haha...

LSU BABY!!!!!!!

LSU Vs. Ohio State for the 2008 BCS Championship babyyyy! Woo-hoo! And who would have thought? Certainly not me after the disappointing triple over time loss to Arkansas. But, fate intervened and we're heading to the Superdome! Just wanted to post a quick note to say how excited I am to see this team get to go. I truly believe they deserve to be there, and I certainly believe we'll walk away #1.

I have tons of pics to post, but no time right now. My last final is Wednesday so please keep me in your prayers, and I promise to update soon!

Ciao!

Is it over yet?

Almost! Five weeks left until the end of this semester. I know I've promised to keep you more updated then I have, but It's been ca-razy!!! I'm taking two classes right now: Fundamentals of Nursing and Pharmacology. The first fundamentals of nursing test was rough! 75% of the class failed AFTER the curve. I came out with a 72. Bummer! Thank goodness I brought it up test two with an 88 and test three helped more with a 90! Pharmacology is great. A 92 on the first test and an 82 on the second. Test three is right around the corner and so are finals! I can't believe it's almost over. It has flown by so quickly! I'm loving the field and I can't wait to be a nurse. Next summer I'm going to try to get a Nurse tech position at Woman's hospital on the Labor and delivery floor. I think that's were I'd like to end up, so I hope I can get my foot in the door.

The family is doing great! Craig probably feels like a single dad here lately since all I do is study, but he's been my biggest cheerleader and I'm so thankful for his support. Hayden is growing like a weed and he's just an all around sweet kid. Here are some up-to-date family pics:






Another reason why I'm so excited for this semester to be over is that I'll have way more time to spend with Hayden. I'll be a "stay at home mom" for about a month and a half...hehe. I can't wait!

In other exciting news...Craig and I along with a ton of our friends are going to the LSU-Ole Miss game. We're going down Friday night and we're going to make it a little weekend getaway. I'll post pics....I just don't know when : )

Yesterday we went to watch my little 7 year old cuz Cade ride his dirt bike at the track.

Isn't that the cutest thing you've ever seen? It was alot of fun watching him do his thing. Of course Hayden was looking just like his daddy all cute in his new chucks.

I'll keep updating whenever I get a chance. Till then........
Ciao!

Don't forget to Breathe

This is what I keep reminding myself - atleast since school started! I think the only thing I've done for the past week and a half is read. Oh Joy! I'm really enjoying school though. I love learning about the human body and why it does what it does! I hope to have more updates for you soon, but I'm just getting ready to go into my first test week after next, so I'll let you know how I come out.

Here's a semi-recent pic of Hayden:

We've gotten his fourth haircut since this pic, but he's as cute as ever! I can't believe my little boy is growing up so fast. He really is a blessing to me everyday - and an ABSOLUTE sweetheart!

I'll update everyone again soon. We took family photos right before school started, so hopefully I can post some new pics soon.

CIAO!

Speed Bump

So We got our couches in and it was a CATASTROPHE! The couches weren't at all the red I thought they were going to be. They were like a rust/burnt sienna color - not at all like the candy apple red I was expecting. Thankfully, the store allowed me to pick out another set I really love and they're really neutral! Plus - I've seen these in person so I know what color will be arriving at my door step next weekend. Here's a pic:

So now that I'm over that speed bump decorating is full speed ahead! I think Friday I'm going to get this awesome mirror I saw at pier one. It's tax free shopping day and I found a $47.00 pier one gift card in my wallet the other day -- now that's fate!!!

We've pretty much decided on a house plan and layout. All we have left to do is order the plans with the changes we've made. This is what our home will look like (minus the dormers- I'm not a fan!):

Till next time - Ciao!

Making a House a Home

So it's July and we've moved on to a third piece of property....right next to us!!! Craig's great grandmother's property is now available and we are jumping at the chance to settle by family and in the heart of Walker. Atleast for now that is - who knows what the future may bring - or rural development for that matter! It will take about 3 months to get the kinks worked out and then I guess however long it takes to actually build.

Chasity and Lynn are probably going to build right by us too....Very cool! Of course Chas and I are all giddy about picking out house "stuff". Here is my first purchase for the new house:


We bought the couches that is...and yes, they're sooooo red! It scared me a little at first, but I just love red! It's nice to step out of my neutral comfort zone and let a little color into my life. So most of the house will be reds, chocolate browns, oranges, and a touch of black. I really want to do our bedroom in a soft blue and chocolate brown, so my next mission is to find a bed set and comforter! Ohhhh, this is so much fun already!!!

I'll keep you posted!

Checking in...

A Quick update:

-Our house still smells
-I've been lucky enough to get poison ivy on my face
-And Hayden is getting so big...

I'll have more pictures and (hopefully) better updates soon!

Yea, I stink at it.....

I'm not a very good blogger am I? Thank goodness I have great friends like Kelly to inspire me to write again. Alot has happenend since I've blogged last. I won't dare try to fit it in on one entry, but I'll update you periodically to fill you in.

As of now Hayden is full speed ahead. He's walking!!! I never thought I'd see the day [or maybe I just hoped I'd never see the day]. He's getting so big! We recently returned from our second trip to the beach and I'm happy to report that he finally likes the pool and the beach is growing on him. He liked the sand for about a whole minute - then he ate it - then he hated it.

On our return from the beach we were unpleasantly surprised to find that Chasity had accidently left out freezer open. We had about $100 worth of shrimp in there, so needless to say our entire house smells like a seafood restaurant dumpster! Yuck! Times like these make me wish our olfactory sense was'nt our longest lasting memory, because I definately will remeber this smell for a looooonnnnng time. We're staying at my Mother-in-laws until the smell subsides. On top of all this - we will most definately have to invest in a new couch, mattress set, and refrigerator - the smell has seeped into them all! Ughhh!

I guess that's enough updating for now. As soon as I can get my pictures from the beach uploaded I'll post them. It feels good blogging again, so I hope I write again sooner rather than later.

Ciao!

Therapy???

Lately it seems I've been so stressed out It's been hard for me to enjoy LIFE! With Hayden being sick and my recent Nursing application submission I seem to be a wreck. With the passing of my birthday (23 baby!) I have gotten in touch with ME again, finally!

Friday we went to On the Border with a great group of friends & family where I had some food THERAPY. Their empanadas are awesome! MMmmm! Saturday came and went with more THERAPY.......retail THERAPY! I shopped until I dropped with my cousin-in-law Chassidy. We had so much fun and ended the night with more food THERAPY from the Cookie place. And today...I washed my car. As I went through the automatic car wash I realized, "wow, this is so THERAPEUTIC!" Very relaxing for my hectic Monday back at work.

P.S. Hayden is doing much better even though there are a little residual viral symptoms left. Hopefully it will clear up SOON!!!

It's been too long...

I'm finally updating this blog!!! Woo-hoo! I don't even know where to start...

In Hanna and Craig News:
We're looking into some property out in Holden. It's fabulous! 19.51 acres and it butts up to the tickfaw river. It comes complete with its own beaches and everything. I'm totally in love. We took some pics so i'll post those soon enough. And, of course I'll keep you updated!!

In Hayden News:
I don't know whether to start with the good or the bad??!!??
Good:
He's officially crawling! Of course this means He's officially into everything! He's also pulling up and his tiny little hands grabs anything he can get them on. He has a fascination at the moment with the draw strings of our curtains in the bedroom. I think he'd play with them for an hour if we let him. He's also discovered the joys of chasing Annabelle around the house, and he has a fondness for running you over directly on your heels in his walker. He and Blakeleigh are starting to enjoy each other's company even more so now that he can crawl...they're pretty much partners in crime! In somewhat sad news - I believe it's time for yet another haircut. Everytime he sits up and is trying to play the hair just falls all in his eyes. It's getting to the unmanagable point as well. Combing threw it after a bath is a tremendous task!
Bad:
Well, lets just say the ear infections have not stopped! One more and he's going to have to get tubes. He has craddle cap, Eczema, and HAD a yeast infection. He's had TWO chest x-rays done to rule out pneumonia because of wheezy breathing. He's now on an inhaler breathing treatment, and we're having ANOTHER round of a virus. WHEN WILL IT END????

In School News...
I have all A's at the moment - Officially surviving the first round of tests. I probably won't find out whether or not I got into Nursing school until April so I'll definately keep you posted!

Ciao for now! I'll try to not be such a stranger.

I Hate Mondays

I hate to use the word "hate", but I really hate Mondays. I wake up (normally late) brew some coffee, get Hayden's things together, get dressed, etc, etc. Hayden normally allows me to do all this and wakes up just in time for me to dress him for the day. By 7:20 a.m. he's at daycare and I'm well on my way to work. I'm at work ALL day long people. Then, shortly after 5:20 p.m. I'm off to class. Thank God it's a nutrition class and it holds my attention. By the time I get home It's about 8:45 p.m. Doesn't that stink? I don't get to see Craig Until about 15 minutes until bedtime (for both of us). And, I don't get to see Hayden at all. He's an early bird usually turning in at about 7:00-7:30 p.m.

The only good thing about Mondays is the great hug I get from Hayden on Tuesday morning. Till next time...Ciao!

My Worst Nightmare

It's Happened: My favorite pair of size 4 American Eagle jeans have finally gave out on me. They've stuck with me threw thick and thin (literally). These were my fall back jeans; the ones that no matter how many times you'd just changed outfits they'd always fit you perfect. I'm really quit devastated. In fact, I haven't even thrown them away yet. I don't think I can bring myself to do it. So what's next? A trip to AE to find my next pair of "perfect jeans". RIP!

Nutrition Facts

I'm currently taking a Nutrition class that I'm enjoying so much already. It's so interesting to learn about how, what, and when we should eat. These are a few things I thought were really cool, and you might find interesting:

Margerine is one molecule away from being a plastic

When you have cardiovascular blockage Pomogranate or Pomogranate juice can reduce the blockage by a half. It also slows Prostate Cancer.

Coffee contains antioxidants important for fighting cancers, antibacterial components, reduces effects of Type II diabetes, Galstones, Minimizes tremors associated with Parkinson's Disease, Fights breast cancer, Liver Cirrhosis, and helps with headaches.

Bananas are one of the healthiest fruits. They increase levels of serotonin in your brain. Banana Peels when rubbed on a mosquito/insect bite takes away the itch.

One Bagel is equal to SIX slices of bread.

8 oz. Glass of Water & 2 Tbs. salt affectively treats diarrhea. The salt absorbs excess fluid binding the fecal matter.

I'm sure there will be many more of these tid-bits to come. These are just the ones I can remember, and the ones I had a chance to write down. Enjoy!

I'm thankful to have been out of the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Living just 30 minutes from the New Orleans area though, you can't help but feel like a part of your home was lost. History, food, and culture are all apart of the cities charm. And the Saints? Considered for years as an after thought of all New Orleans has to offer. I'm glad to see, though, that after Katrina the Saints stepped up in a big way, and as cliche as it sounds...gave hope to alot of people. I was sad to see them lose yesterday, but I'm excited to see what they will do next season. I admit I'm a bandwagon fan. I hate to watch a losing team, but Craig is one of those rare loyal fans. The kind that watch even though there is no prayer in heaven they could win or even make it to playoffs. A few weeks ago he got to meet Marques Colston...



In Hayden News...
He's doing that whole awkward army crawl thing. You can tell he's really not into it though. It seems painful for him to exert a little energy. He's also rocking on his hands and knees, so I'm waiting for him to, any moment, take off across the house leaving destruction everywhere he goes.

He's 8 Months old today! I can't believe it. He's 2/3's of a year old! I'm already thinking about his first birthday. I can't wait to plan it. Here are a few recent pics of him...





By the way...He's also a total Momma's boy! I think Craig is a little jealous, but "hey!" I need to enjoy it while I can, right? In just a little while he'll be all grown up wanting to do boy stuff with daddy. So I'm definately enjoying my sweet little "Momma's Boy"!

My Pregnancy still Lingers On...

Wednesday I went to the dentist for a "consult". I knew I needed a little work done but I had no Idea. I need SIX fillings!!! Not One, Two, Or Three......SIX!!! These fillings also come with an awesome $400 price tag. I am choosing to believe I don't have that bad of a dental hygiene problem, so my pregnancy must have been the culprit. Several people have confirmed this: that pregnancy can ruin your teeth, but I mean...geez people! I might need dentures by the time I have another baby!

All I can say is that Hayden is worth it. He's getting so big now. He will definately be a heartbreaker. His hair has grown out so much since his first hair cut (december 8th) that he could already use another one! If he were a girl, and not that I wish he was, I would have a field day playing with all that hair. His eyes are still an amazing blue color, his cheeks always blushed to perfection, and that smile...forget about it! He just makes me melt!



And, if you haven't heard this song yet (you may recognize it from the last season of American Idol) you need to! It's "Home" by Michael Bublé. It's an older song, but I love it so much. I pretty much listen to it on repeat in my car every chance I get.

Till next time. Ciao!

Thought for the Day

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must; but don't you quit.

Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit;
It's when things seem worse that you mustn't quit.

*My 7th grade English teacher gave my class this poem about 10 years ago; It's stuck with me since. Now I have Hayden, this great little boy, and everyday I get to come home to these kisses....


How Blessed am I?

Me at 17

My senior year of high school in english class we were given the project of writing a letter to ourselves 5 years in the future. I just got mine the other day and I really enjoyed reading it. This is what I had to say to me five years ago...

Hanna,
Well, hello! I feel very awkward writing to myself. By the time I recieve this I'll be around 21 years old. So, let me tell you a little bit about yourself as a high school senior: I'm 17, I drive a red, 96 mustang, I have a 3.5 GPA, I'm a cheerleader, I run cross-country (co-captain), and track (5:52 PR), I go to Abundant Life Church, my closest friends are Daffne N***, Katie O***, Kendra H***, I have a calico cat named Gypsie, I love being artistic, I love being envolved in school activities, I ran a 13:02 at the state cross-country meet, I was the 2001 Homecoming Queen, My favorite candy is a kit-kat, I'm on the National Honor Roll, I was elected to Who's Who among American High School students, my nickname is "Banana", my Freshman year we were the Bloomer Bowl Champs (The FR BALLARS), I was secretary of our Junior class, I'm Parish Champ in the 1 mile and 2 mile, I'm 2nd in District in cross-country, The Girls cross-country team placed third at state (one point away from SSA), I ran 15th in the state for cross-country, the cheerleading squad placed 1st in parish - 1st in the twist-N-shout - 3rd at Regionals - and we're going to NATIONALS (hello Mickey!), I love to imitate "carla" from the movie "the other sister", I wake up every morning for school at 5:40, My youth pastor is Greg Beatty, I sometimes dye my hair the color "clove", I'm currently growing my hair really long, I love to read my bible, I want to name my girl Mackenzie and my boy Christian, My brothers live in Colorado Springs, and most of all I love to make people smile and feel good about themselves,

I try my hardest to be a good Christian and a good person. I always put God first in my life. It's all about him. I love to be around others and be envolved. I love to make people laugh and I love to even laugh myself. I very rarely have bad days, but I do worry alot. Hanna, don't stress on things. Life gives you many trials and tribulations that you must go through to grow and mature. Strength often comes from your failures in the past. God hasn't given you a problem that he doesn't know how to solve already. When your head is down and you feel like giving up - look up - you may just be inches from reaching your goal.

As of right now, I aspire to be a Kindergarten teacher. I'm most likely going to end up going to Southeastern (SLU). I plan on going to college, graduate, start working and while I'm working go to school to get my masters and my Ph.D.

I hope by the time I read this again I have found my niche in life. Good luck in all you do. Remember the Good times.

Love Always,
Hanna Hughes
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I'll be 23 in February, and I'm no where I'd thought I'd be. I went to LSU for 3 years majoring in Kinesiology to become a Physical Therapist only to Change my major to Nursing and go to Our Lady of the Lake. I eventually want to pursue my Master's to become a Neonatal Nurse Practioner.

I'm married and have a wonderful little boy. I'm so happy I didn't have to spend years finding that one person who I wanted to grow old with. Craig is my #1 Cheerleader and my biggest fan. He helps me through everything. And Hayden? I can't say enough about him. He's my motivation and light everyday. Life is good people! Enjoy It!

OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - I've got it and I can't help it. I can't set my alarm clock to anytime other than that of a multiple of five, nor can I do this when turning up the volume on a T.V. stereo, or any other device for that matter.

Today, my OCD took hold of me again as I finished graduating a few students (I'm a registrar). Throughout their classes we file all students test papers in a separate cabinet from their academic file. When you graduate someone you pull all sorts of things to put together, one being these test papers. As I did this for one particular student I noticed the label on his test paper folder had their last name spelled wrong. It ended with an "h" not an "l". After we're done with these folders we just throw them in the back to be re-used whenever, but I just couldn't help myself. I whipped out my ink pen and made that "l" an "h"....and afterwards....I felt so much better {sigh}. I'm hopeless sometimes. Oh well, "A place for everything, and everything in its place."

Until next time...ciao!