3 Things Friday - Grammy

   

    I am not sure if this is because its almost Christmas and I am extra sappy or what but this is my 3 things Friday.

1. I was adopted when I was 15 years old. I was born into this world as a Newton, and then turned into a Lehman and will finish up my life as a Brittingham! ! . But long before I was "officially" adopted, I was brought and accepted into this family. The Lehman's! They were a loud bunch, they always said what was on their mind and they yelled and talked over each other, but THEY LOVED EACH OTHER. I gained a new dad, 2 aunts an amazing uncle. And 2 LOVING grandparents. From the moment my parents got married I was treated as a biological granddaughter. And after a very long Christmas 13 years ago, where I spent 3 days leading up to Christmas in Redmond with my "Real Dad" My parents came to pick us up and drove us straight to Christmas Eve at the Lehman's. (it was on hold until the "whole" family could be here, we are not complete with out my girls- My Grammy said) And as we showed up late Christmas eve night we were greeted and we opened gifts and an extra gift was that my Gramp's and Grammy were going to pay for our adoption to make us official Lehman Girls! ! So 13 years ago I was given the best gift - the gift family.

My Daddy Giving me away June 12th 2010

2. Every Christmas I would learn a new treat to make from my Grammy, She would literally "Deck the Halls" she had this amazing way of decorating and making amazing things for people- she truly was the most giving person I have ever known. But YES every ounce of "desert / treats" comes from her. We would do peanut brittle, brownies,cheesecake, rice cakes, lemon bars, fudge, sugar cookies, Jam (in the summer time) ...and the list goes on. And each grand kid got to come over on their own day and make stuff for people in the church. And the older you got the hard the treat you got to make. My very last year we made peanut brittle and then sat and ate all of it and talked. And after all 7 of us would make a treat we would come over and wrap them up in a goodies sack and load in the car and take the treats to the people in the church and bless them.

Grammy Made all of our Stockings , and every year we got our Grandkids photo!

3. I was told a story by a woman who had known my Grammy for a long time. So I will tell you the story I heard;
" You know your Grammy was a very special lady in so many ways. She blessed my life beyond words. She prayed with me, encouraged me and helped in practical ways. Not only was she a blessing for me but for my daughter. Do you know, ever year she would ask me what I wanted for Christmas, and ever year I would say KITCHEN TOWELS. And every year she made me some, not only did she fill a need, she did it from her heart. And she would give my family a treat of some sort and on the tag it would say Love the Lehman Crew."
(I smiled knowing it was from me and my cousins- Hopping that they tasted good,and lord knowing there may be an egg shell or two in them) - (with tears rolling down her face) she said " I miss my kitchen towels I miss the treats, I miss your Grammy. BUT I started a tradition with my kids , and we make treats and hand them out because of you and your family."

This year I got a goodie bag from her, filled with yummy food...So even though the tradition does not live on in my family, someone else is doing it (and that makes my heart melt) 
*so what you should know about me to relate to this #3 is that I want and desire to be more like my Grammy. A caring and giving person that one day people will know me by my GOOD Actions. And to decorate my house and teach my children all the goodness of the Lord in this season and in life. To leave a legacy bigger then me, to touch generations for the Lord, and that one day my kids and grand kids will resemble my Grammy and still carry on her traditions. 

And this is who I get to start my Family with and our Traditions!

 Nic & Cole

3- Things Friday

IT FRIDAY, finally. With the Christmas Vacation approaching the teachers I mean kids are a little excited :) And who wouldn't be ?!!! So hear is the 3 things about me for this week.

Tom and I, in our seats at Reser Stadium.We love our Beavs

1. I am a HUGE, over the top, almost like a boy- Sports fan. I love watching and playing them, all sports Hockey Might just be my favorite! And I like to yell and scream and trash talk while at NBA games (mind you no one can hear me when I am up at the top of the Rose Garden my back against the wall!) but non the less I YELL. And even if I do not know what is going on I pretend to be super smart and know my teams and the calls they make, and then ask Tom later that night what happened. One goal Tom and I both have is to visit different playing arenas and fields all over the USA. 

Tom and I at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Cubs are my favorite Baseball team!

2. Zoos......I love them. I love going and seeing all the animals! Even if I don't have any kids with me I would go to the zoo all the time! And not only would I go with no kids I would spend hours there. There is something super exciting and cool there!

Christmas Eve 2009 - Lehman Family Christmas

3.  Fall is my favorite time of the year, I love the outfits I get to wear and the boots (ohhh the boots!!!!) scarves, hats, sweaters....I could go on!!! Christmas is my favorite Holiday, I love to put up the tree and turn all the lights off and look at the tree. I love to GIVE gifts, its a delight for me. I even love the smell of Christmas, the cinnamon, the trees, the smell of shopping! Love is in the air, people seem a little nicer. And this year is an extra special time, I get to wake up Christmas morning with  my husband and share Christmas with him. I have waited a long time for this day! ;)  FAVORITE TIME

I told Tom that this was going to be my Wedding Night P.J's :)

                                           NIC & COLE

Im an Auntie!

Babies, Babies and more Babies!!

This year has brought a lot of Change for me personally but also for the Brittingham Family. With a new marriage, and 3 out of the 4 "Britt Boys" got promotions and new jobs!! 2 of them have moved locations, but also the NEW JOY of not only 1 but 2 new Brittingham Boys, promising to make their appearance this winter!

Sheena was due November 13th and Jenn was due December 20th. 

Oliver James Brittingham was a stubborn little guy and wanted to wait an extra week, he was a little to comfortable inside. He was born on Nov 19th weighing 8lbs and 13 ounces and sooooo cute. He looks just like his mom, and has the Brittingham chin. It was fun to be part of his birth and get to hold him and love on him.

             Minutes after he was born..I love him just staring up at his daddy!

And 2 days later Jenn went into early labor they put her on bed rest in the hospital and after a week in there, they could not get her blood pressure down and baby was needing to come now. So they did emergency C Section. 

                          Cason Thomas Brittingham 

Weighing 5 pounds 1 ounce was born Nov. 26th named after his uncle Thomas! (which was a great surprise to us)There is a very sweet story behind the birth of Cason. His parents had decided to be done and 3 days before they got the issues solved, Jenn got pregnant. And their son Jaxon, had said "mom I had been praying that Jesus would give me a baby brother. And he answered my prayers." - Not only did Jaxon pray for another kid but a brother and that Jesus told him that his brothers name would start with a C!!! :) 

He is doing great, gaining weight by the day, he looks just like his older sisters and brother! 

                So that adds the Niece and Nephew count up to 8!!!!

I love being in a big family that will only continue to grow, It was something I had prayed about my entire life that I would have lots of sister and brother in laws and lots of babies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

Ollie James Brittingham  

Auntie Cole and Uncle Thomas with baby Oliver

And one day we will be holding our own, but for now this is GREAT! I love being an Auntie~

Nic and Cole

3 Things Friday- On Location

My disclaimer....I was using my phone to write this post and it froze up and never sent it...so better late then never.

We are on location at willamette falls hospital, waiting on my brother to come out of surgery. His very first time with an IV and hospital for any reason It made me start to think about the last time I had surgery so here is a walk down memory lane.

1. I have undergone 2 surgeries. The first one was when I was 2 years old I got tubes in my ears. So I don't really remember it or being nervous about it. The second one was I was 8. I got my tonsils taken out. between being nervous and on drugs I don't remember too much about that day, other then the doctor being really big and asking me to count down from 10.. So I was had something to prove, because how old did this guy think I am...of course I can count down. Well I got to 9 and was out. Next thing was a nurse waking me up to go back to my parents. on the way home I threw up in our Astro Mini van, and I was directly behind my mom so she got sprayed pretty good~ That will teach her to take me to get surgry!
2. I have broken both my ankles! So needless to say I hate crutches with a passion, if I never have to see one again it will be too soon. I broke the first one my Junior year of highschool, playing Volleyball. I went up for a hit and came down on it sideways and it popped. 
the other ankle was my Freshman year of college, I was running and came down it it sideways - I really should learn how to walk and not step sideways. 
3. I am allergic to a lot of crazy things, and as I get older I get weireder! I have become allergic to Soy- If I choose to disobey that (even if a soy chia tea taste better then a reg chia tea) I  delvelop a rash from head to toe and a nice 103 fever to acompany it - itching a looking like I have flees all over my body for a cup of Chai tea is not worth it any more...but believe me it took me a couple breaks of the rules to figure it out. 
I am allergic to Neosporn- YES the medicine desined to help you heal with out scars and fast, causes me to swell up like a balloon. So we are a Neo free house! ONLY POLYsporn allowed. 
(and no it does not work as good) 
I am allergic to Atorpine- In my last 3 things Friday I shared what happens if I get that~ my very weird passing out and potential concussion if I hit my head. Garlic, a type of ani-histamine, and I cant think of any more at this time. 

I will be going into my 3rd surgry tomorrow. I will be a little less wiser......I am getting all 4 of my wisdom teeth out. I have 2 impacted, causing me to look like a chipmunk at the moment I'm a little swollen, and the worst pain of my life so far.

Nic and Cole 

Buying a House!! - True Colors

First Impressions are key- you only get one chance to make that first impression, and statistics say you have 6 seconds before someone will make a judgment even with out words spoke!!


What or how do you start the, buying a house process.....in all reality we are house purchasing virgins....I dont know what to do or how to start. :)
So we have been looking online at houses, dozens of the same looking houses for sale, too much land, not enough, house needs A LOT of work, the house is too much money for that condition...in town house vs out of town..so on and so forth. And then we saw it.....we have found OUR favorite....we loved it and decide we want to go look at! So we call up their realitor and schedule a visit which happened this last Sunday.
As we pull up, and at first glance-first impression, we already see signs of disappointment. What could it be...well only a HUGE and way overpowering flag for this house and on it.... a giant U of O - ok really??!!! gross !! So as we ignored what we proceeded to walk under to get in this otherwise beautiful house, we open the door, and I was already in love. The living room has so much character and warm feelings..a fire place ...big nice windows...amazing wood floors...arch ways that lead into the hall and kitchen... and then I walked in a little further....and I walked into my worst nightmare! Green and Yellow and ducks paraphernalia every where in sight..the pictures, the magnets all over the ridge, the stuffed ducks in the shelf's, the mini flags, the coffee mugs out on display, the candles, the pom poms, and yes, even the table cloth had ducks on it...and to top off this there was green paint on the walls. For any Beaver fan that would be misery walking through, but for my husband (who by his own words, "bleeds orange and black") it was like a cruel mocking joke. Trying to putt the images out of our mind, and ignore the decor we walked through the house and saw all the fun and unique things this house has and the bad taste began to go away. 
Moral of the story, the FIRST house visit us V-home owners saw, was not so attractive and a little- -lets not joke EXTENSIVELY and distastefully decorated -might even say tacky...but I am a Beavers fan so I am a little partial to my colors. But we do love the house and so the process begins...and thank the Lord the decorations will not be coming with the house!!! The realtor in the funnest way told me that we can negotiate the "pretty decorations into the price of the house" ha ha!

Nic and Cole- 

3 Things Friday-

What a crazy week it has been , thank goodness its Friday, I thought thursday was going to last all day!!!!!

1. I hate to drive. I get really distracted by the head lights and oncoming traffic and end up more stressed out from driving then anything else. I get headaches and I sweat (but I do do a good job, so if I drive your children around please don't be scared) And I HATE with a passion driving in the dark. Interesting fact= I would rather talk on the phone while driving then anywhere else, it for some reason is more fun while in the car to talk to someone. (But of course on my fancy blue tooth-hands free)

Even at Pats Acres I get all nervous driving! i look calm and collected but my heart is racing and my hands are sweating!

2. I LOVE books, to collect them, read them and put them on my bookshelf. i guess you could call it my hobby or collection. 

And yes I do judge a book by its cover, the book better be cute and stylish or old and classic, and I will or wont purchase it by the way the book looks. Between Tom and myself we have 90+books. 

3.  THIS IS MY FAVORITE ONE!!! :) My dream is to one day own my own clothing line. We are going to name it Brittingham's Inc. (open for suggestions still-its negotiable) We would have different lines that would include the Nollie's - Jeans and shirts made for tall people built like an athlete. We would have the Cole's for short straight builds. I think I will have boots (of course I will) and that line with be the Sarie Jane's. And so on... And we would nick name our jeans - BRITTS!- OK I love it!!! 
And one day I would love to be walking down the street (and I picture myself in boots and a cute tunic and leggings with some great accessory!) I over hear someone say...."ohh my goodness are you wearing a pair of Britts?!!" Makes me smile just thinking of it. I have some other unique ideas but i cant share so no one steals my edge. haha! And one day I want to bless those hard working mammas that buy their kids new cloths and have to pass on their own! 
And on a similar side note,I wanted to give a shout out to my dear sweet friend Cara- she is one of those very self-less mom of 5, who gives and gives and I am so proud of her and her new purchase of skinny's, and ridding boots-she is looking pretty hot!! (I have a cute picture of her sporting her outfit and can not upload it! :( )  

Nic and Cole 

3 Things Friday- Noelle

When Friday hits there is a sound you can hear all over the school and probably all over every work force,  a sigh of relief....."ahhh the work week is ALMOST over" and "ahhh I get to hang out with my husband for the weekend" - well the second one is what I say!

3 Things You Should know About Me Friday:

1. I love to sleep...It is a God given gift that I treasure everyday and wish I could do more.

2. I have passed out at the Eye doctor and the dentist, and my latest fainting spell came at my sisters dermatologist appointment. We walked into her room and I knew that I wasnt going to make it out of there. So 15 min later Noelle passes out and the last thing I said to her doctor was "I am going to need some smelling salt"  And down I went. I was told later that I passed out and the doctor and nurse carried me to the next room and put me on the examining table, took my blood pressure and temperature.
You have got to watch out for those "Lehman Girls "they are fainter's...and when we are both laying on the doctors table passed out I think they put your name in the the black book for doctors! The "do not treat List" or the "Treat at your own risk" I have woke up to  doctors with wide eyes and sweat beading off their heads. Because they went into their Field of expertise thinking "this is not life endangering procedures I am going to be doing ...in and out patient..I don't really need to know how to work an oxygen tank and mask for a patient BECAUSE Who passes out at the eye doctor or the dentist or for goodness sake the Dermatologist office? The Answer is ME. and well NOELLE
3. I would choose Mints such as Tick Tacks, Mentos, or Gum over chocolate any day!!! 

Sorry that this 3 things Friday came out on Monday :) Happy Monday to you, Happy November 1st-And I read a post today on facebook, that said there is 53 days and 12 hours until CHRISTMAS is here! :)


Nic & Cole

Sweet and Sappy Tuesday's

I love the season of life that we are in RIGHT NOW!!!! I am a newly wed and enjoying all that comes with that! :) we just hit our 4 month-aversary, and if I could I would go away on a honeymoon every month to celebrate us and our marriage-WHY NOT RIGHT?!!  We are busier than we have ever been, we are getting to know our new life together and each others family and friends, I have gained a ton of new family and friends in a short 1 year span. YES we have now been together over a year. I went to Ontario last year this time and meet his parents!!! And last October 17th I knew that I was going to marry Thomas.*my sweet sappy story time-

Meeting the parents is a big step in any relationship, even if you knew them before now its, "I like this person and I am bringing them home as a future potential spouse" type visits. We left on Friday October 16th took the 7 hour drive, and loved every second of it (not that I am a quality time person or anything?!!) So many thoughts going through my mind about his parents and family and our future and the "what if's" as I like to call it ...being a GIRL. I walked in, only to be hugged and made part of the family at that moment! we spend the next couple days just talking and getting to know each other, while Tom sat just smiling at what was taking place. Tom  went and got ready leaving me alone with his parents....his dad said to me "You are the first girl our Tommy has ever brought home and we have been trying to get him to shave and get a hair cut for a year now, and after 2 months with you, he comes home, clean shaving and with short hair! We are going to keep you around. HE IS GOING TO KEEP YOU AROUND" with a big smile he walked away. Saturday we headed into Boise to eat, walk around and shop- and yes I had my first Cabelas shopping experience! On the way home it was dark, his parents are up front and us in the back. I almost sat as an onlooker just watching him and his parents talk and laugh and how much love was in this family, His dad reached over and grabbed Kathy's hand and held it, and said something real low and soft and she threw her head back and laughed...at that moment I knew that's what I wanted, I wanted to be in my sixty's holing hands in the car with Mr. Thomas Brittingham talking and having babies and all that comes with it. Tom reached over and grabbed my hand and wiped my tear away and said "Are you thinking about spending the rest of your life with me? because it sounds pretty good to me!!" 

So that is a big mile stone in our relationship one of many that lead us to where we are today!
Stay tuned for next Sappy Tuesday, they only get better and better!!! :)

Nic & Cole 

Its just Me

My name is Nicole, there are a few things you need to know about me, as you start to read my blogs and learn about me.

First, being I love country music, I love country in general. My life long dream has been to be a Country Star, sing ,dance, dress in the cutest country cloths and cowboy boots,and have big blond perfectly big curled hair, you know all that stuff....one problem is..I cant SING or dance , I don't have blond hair, and I don't live in Nashville, I live in Wilsonville. So I will just keep being my own country super star in the car, for my husband, HE LOVES IT.

Second, I just lived my real dream, I meet and married the man of my dreams, Thomas. Thomas and I meet in December of 2008 at my Job, US Bank where I was the TC and he was the Manager at Go Wireless down the street.  He was the boy from Ontario and I was the girl from Molalla, from that moment on we became friends, 5 months later we went on our first date, I knew then that he was the man I was going to marry. 1year and 2 months later we got married, in my home town, our church. It was perfect, my fairy tale come true I loved ever second of the day and would marry him all over again! And may I say that I had the perfect dress, it was the AMAZING.  I now have the fun, and the joy of learning how to be a wife, learning how to cook, which is so much easier with new pots and fun cooking utensils. To learn how to be a team, and to learn how to ask before I buy a pair of boots. :)  You could say - which Thomas does say " Nicole you have a real problem, a real boot problem" I truly cant help how much I love them.

And Thirdly, I work at a school, a great school. This is my second year as the office Admin. which is just the fancy way of saying I am the secretary, the go-to person, the "i am bleeding and I need help" the "I am sick and think i might throw up, i need help" and the "i just got sent out of class and need to sit in here and talk (bug) you" go-to person. I see the kids all day everyday and that's why I get up so very early in the morning, those kids are GREAT. They are a joy to be around, they continually make me laugh and keep me on my toes. There is never a dull moment during the school day. It is a long winter and summer break with out them. So the reason behind my blog name has to do with kids. Almost every story I have has to do with something a kid did or said during the day. I have known these particular  boys since they were born. they are now in the school, they are in 2nd and 1st grade. Brendan calls me Nic, because his Grandma calls me that, Gavin calls me Cole because his mom calls me. One day Maggie their mom said, "hey boys, Nic is going to come over and watch you tonight, you need to be good for her, do you understand me?" Brendan says with a very sad and frustrated face "mom, i don't want Nic, I want Cole to watch us. She is nicer and we have more fun with her." So Maggie laughed and started to explain to the boys that Nic and Cole were in fact the same person, and so from that moment on they have called me Nic & Cole, to them I have 2 names and always will. The Longs have been great friends of ours and have a very special place in our hearts, even though we don't agree on one thing....Beavers or Ducks! Good things we like these guys. 

Maggie and Keith Long

Sometimes I feel like I have to be two different people at the school, The super nice Mrs. Cole and the not so nice, very firm, "Don't get in trouble and be in my office" Mrs. Nic. Depending on the situation and the reasons I truly do have to be both people. So on any given day I could be either of them and strangely enough I am both of them. I am: Fun and Nice, sweet and stern, random and organized, giving but selfish (I never want to share my husband), happy and sappy, energized by lazy, passionate but passive, healthy eater but love snack foods.  And that fits for me, I am Nic and Cole and if you say it fast enough it does sound like my name , NICOLE.

 Nic & Cole with Brendan and Gavin - Christmas 2009.

Nic & Cole~