Busy, Busy Weeks Ahead

So this week & next are going to be very busy weeks here.  This week was Savannah's appointment down by Chicago, IL with the Shriner's.  Just her annual, but lots of stuff that is going to be happening in the future.  We will have to bring her back down next summer so that they can do a 3D scan of her head so that they can see how she is developing.  After that we will need to have her get started on braces, which of course will be cheap and fun!  NOT!  I know that it is for the good, but man, I am not looking forward to that.   After she has her braces on then in the near future to that we can look forward to at least 1 more surgery.
Also this two weeks I am helping my sister Sandi prep for a upcoming craft fair & stamp camp.  I am really excited for these things.  Who wouldn't be?  This means that most of our spare time will be tied up into making paper/stamp crafts.  Yesterday, I made almost 50 gift tags!  They are very cute if I do say so myself.
I may even post a few pics of them later.
We are also going through a lot of medical issues with my husbands family.  Father in law has been recuperating from hernia surgery for the past 3 months in a nursing home.  It seems like every time they say that he is improving, something else comes up.  Two days ago he was given a tentative release date of 11/5, but now he has had a setback, so who knows.  Oldest brother in law is also experiencing medical issues.  Can't really go into that though.  Then found out yesterday that my sister in law has to go in for surgery also as they found to large tumors in her uterus.  It just seems like it is raining bad news, but I will put it all in God's hands & know that whatever happens is his will.
On to more exciting news...my sister just got a job by me!  I am so excited to have her start.  We are treated very well where I work, great wage, benefits, & appreciation.  Not to say that there are not some negatives, but hey, it's work, not vacation, right!

Well, have to get ready for some shopping, so thanks for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave a comment!

Liz

Long time no Blog

So officially it has been 11 months since my last blog.  So sorry about that.  I could blame it on a busy busy life, but I am not going to do that.  Although, I do have to say that a lot has happened in that time.
I am now a parent to a teenager!  Yeesh, where does the time go?  It is hard to believe but she is in her last year of middle school too!
We have also added to our family.  We have gotten another dog, although he is still in his puppy year.  He is now 7 months old.  His name is Duke and he is a Border Collie/Lab mix, although if you ask me he looks like a hound dog.

Duke keeping me company.

Duke and Nelly taking a nap after playing hard!

He is growing bigger by the day, but he is such a mellow man.  He and Nelly like to play, so that is great also.  The only time it of course is not is when I am trying to sleep at 5 am.  We currently co-kennel them at night, but during the day, they each have their own space.  That is one thing that I worried about when we got Duke was that they wouldn't like each other, but no worries there.  They are great pals.

New washer and Dryer

New vanit 

What else has been going on in the past year?  Well, we had our first (and hopefully only) home claim.  We had one of our toilets overflow for 6 hours while we were gone one day.  Thank the Lord that it was clean water because I can only imagine how much worse it would have been if it was gray water.  The bathroom was a total loss.  We even needed to tear out the hall floor.  We have a continuous flooring from the hall to the kitchen/livingroom area, so guess what also needed to be replace?  You guessed it!  The flooring!  We ended up needing to redo the whole bathroom.  Bright side to it though was that we got a new washer/dryer set.  I let Chad pick it though since he predominately does the laundry.  My only specification was that there be a steam/wrinkle release option on the dryer.

Hall with flooring torn out

Bathroom after flooring was torn out

 Most of the damage was in the bathroom, but boy, you should have seen all the water in the basement!  We had so many industrial fans it was ridiculous! I want to say there were probably 7-8 going for a few days.  We were so happy to with how our insurance company handled it.  Very prompt it getting someone out here to handle it for us.  You hear these horror stories & never really know what to expect until it happens.  Not that I didn't have faith in the company, because if that was the case we wouldn't have been with them for over 12 years.

Anyway, other than that not much exciting happening in my life.  Just average day to day things like most of you probably experience too!  I think that I will get going, but I am going to try to make it a point to blog more often in the future.  Hope to see you soon!  Drop me a line if you would like, comments are appreciated!

   

Happy Thanksgiving Eve's Eve!

Well it is 2 days before Thanksgiving and I am getting so excited!   We are hosting again this year and will have about 30 people here if not more.  I say the more the merrier!  This is what the holiday's are for, having family around and counting your blessings.  I have many blessings in my life.  Of course my loving family - especially my husband, whom I thank God for.  He is such a handy guy and can fix most anything!  There are also my 2 great kids and loads of family.
I also have a great job that I am thankful for.  I know that there are people out there who have been looking for employment for a long time, so having a job in the first place is a great thing.  Not only that but it has great pay, great benefits and the company appreciates it's employees.

The things we do...

Well tonight is my mother's husband's daughter's wedding, to which I am going to. Actually I am going to the reception, which is about 1 hour away. I figure it can be an olive branch between the 2 families. Far be it for me to be the one who makes my mom feel that she isn't any longer part of our family since she divorced my dad. But I digress! So, I am touching up my hair color (Aqua Rush by Splat) and deciding what I am going to wear. I don't have many dressy dressy clothes, but I do have a lot of business, business casual clothes. So I have to decide if I want to wear something I wear to work, what I wore to my mom's wedding, or a combo of both. Decisions, decisions.
Anyway...Polka days started on Thursday here in my town. Pulaski Polka Days...maybe you have heard of it? Well, it is the big to do here in my little town. I was up on Friday to take a walk and they were playing Polka at 5:45am. Gaak! At least I had some music to listen to, lol! So it runs from Thursday to Sunday usually towards the end on July. I have never been to it in the 15 years I have lived here. I have always lived pretty close, so if I want to listen I can just step outside.

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope this day is a safe, fun-filled, celebratory day for everyone. We are having Chad's family over today & then later tonight probably going to my sister's house. I have tomorrow off too, so no worries about having to go to bed at a reasonable time.

So I have been struggling with this weightloss. I gained back 1.3 lbs, but then again we did go camping & wasn't really watching what I was eating, plus, camping isn't really known for its good for you food. I guess I will just have to pick up on the walking to combat what I ate. I know that I can do this!

4 Down Many More To Go

So I have lost 4 lbs so far and only in 3 weeks! I think that is a good pace. I am doing little things like drinking more water, taking walks and subbing healthier options for meals. I am sure that if it were financially feasible I could make alot more changes in the diet department, but as it isn't I will take what steps I can.

I have found a new program to listen to on my walks. It is called Zombies! Run!. It intersperses your music with a story that you take part in. You are being chased by zombies while trying to bring supplies to a small town. I really recommend this, Savannah sure likes it.
I have gotten hooked on Pinterest. Anyone else try this site? Many, many, many different things to look at & pin to your board. There are so many things that I want to try, but boy I will have to make the time if I want to get it all done.

Summer school is underway for the kids. So far they are liking it. They have a total of 6 weeks, but it is broken up, so not as to have 6 straight weeks then nothing. Savannah started off with a babysitting class and boy are we glad that she is almost old enough to watch her brother. One less thing to have to worry about. No more daycare fees, hallelujah!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

So it is the start of a new summer and here I am again!  I sure need to start blogging more.  What is new in my life since the last time I posted?  Well we now have a new addition to the family.  Her name is Nelly and she is a Blue Heeler/Siberian Husky mix.

This is Nelly.

She is now 4 months old and we have had her for the last 2 months.  She is so smart, but there are some things that she is still working on, but I know that she will master everything that we put in front of her. 

I also am no longer a manager at McDonald's.  I like to think that I have upgraded in that area.  I now work for an insurance company as a customer service rep.  The pay is much much better, the hours are more consistent, I only have to work every 3rd Saturday instead of getting only 1 weekend off a month, and the benefits a super.  The only downside of it is that I have further to drive.  But I guess that there has to be some type of give right?!

The kids are going to be starting the next grade, Savannah is starting 7th and Connor is in 4th.  Where does the time go I ask you?  My husband Chad says "The older you get the faster it goes!"   I don't want to hear this because this means I am getting older!  Savannah just finished her babysitting class, so when she is 12 we may let her start to babysit, although this is hard because it is difficult to think of her as old enough for this.  One good thing about them getting older is that pretty soon we won't need to use daycare anymore!  I like everyone there, but definitely do not like to pay for it.

I have started my diet again.  I am trying to think of it as a change in lifestyle, but it is hard to get exercise in.  I have been taking more walks, watching what I eat and trying to get in my daily water.  Making little changes is starting to pay off.  I have lost 3 lbs in the last 2 weeks.  Hopefully now that it is summer I will get more active with all of the great weather.  Only time will tell.  

Well, here is to a great start of the summer.  Wish you all well!

Summer 2010

Well, this summer is well on it's way out. I cannot believe that it is already the middle of July.

The kids are almost done with their term of summer school and so far I think that they like it. They start another one next week.

Well, Thanksgiving is fast approaching and I have alot of stuff to take care of. I am hosting dinner for Chad's family this year, so there is cleaning and cooking to do. I think that there will only be about 20 of us, so not to bad.
Chad always makes the turkey so I only have to worry about the stuffing, potatoes, pies, buns and other assortments of things. It helps that his family is each bringing a dish to pass.
Anyway, that's it for now.

Increase family!

Well it is now official. My niece and her 3 kids have now moved in with us. There are now 8 of us living here. It wasn't that I necessarily wanted her, not that I didn't either. Family is family and you help family out. One good thing though is that we can swap sitting so that is going to save us at least $200 a month.
Not much else right now,

Ciao

Well, today is the last day of summer vacation. Boy did it go by fast. The kids are excited about going back. All the supplies are bought, backpacks are packed and clothes chosen for tomorrow. They haven't enjoyed the going to be earlier, but I am sure that they are going to enjoy getting up early even less.

Things have been going better at work. From what I understand one of the managers is giving her notice, so that means more closes for me. Not that it makes much of a difference because that is what I mostly do anyway. I would like to change my schedule, but Chad isn't thrilled because what if the babysitter forgets the kids at school. Then I would have to leave work. I say whatever, maybe we need a better babysitter.

Anyway, I will have more later after the kids start school.
Bye

Flowers in my yard

Well, we have been in the new house for about 2 1/2 months now. We have painted the kids rooms and both bathrooms, but there is more to be done. I know, I know...we have a long time to get it the way that we want. There is something about white walls that make me want to paint.

Anyway, when we bought the house I didn't realize how many beautiful flowers there were going to be. I don't know most of the names, but I do know that they are wonderful to have. Here are a few pictures of them...if you know the names, please let me know!

Going a visitin'

Last Wednesday I went and visited my good friend Karla, who I haven't seen in ages. The kids and I had a great time. We went to lunch at Pizza Hut (kids eat free for lunch) and then went to the beach.

Karla just happens to be good friends with my cousins wife, Shell. So we invited her to stop by the beach with her kids. My kids got a kick out of it that they had cousins that they knew nothing about! They all played quite well together, being the same age. Great times. Makes me think that I should go a visiting more often!

We ended up staying over for dinner too! BBQ chicken for the moms and hot dogs for the kids! Lots of moans because it seems that all the kids enjoy BBQ chicken! Beans, chips, cherry fluff and olives finished out the meal. Made me wish that my day off could last forever and that I didn't have to drive an hour home.

Connor digging in the sand

Connor and his new bud Kaden.

All the kids getting in cold, cold Lake Michigan!

Savannah and Lilyanna playing in the waves!

Savannah digging in the dirt.

Savannah taking Lily for a ride.

Our new house

Master Bedroom

Livingroom

Familyroom

2nd garage

Savannah's room

Connor's room

Kitchen

Front view of our house.

Well it has been awhile since i posted. Alot has happened since then. School is out, summer is here and we are settled into our new home. We have bought our first home. It is really neat being able to do what we want such as paint color and the like. So far we have painted both the kids rooms and the big bathroom. I have the paint for the family room and small bathroom, just have to get them painted. We plan on being here for quite some time, so there is lots of time for us to do stuff, but I am excited and want it done now!

One nice thing is that there are all sorts of flowers already planted. Lots of them are blooming so it is very pretty here. It is really nice because we have about 1/2 acre lot. It is right in town, so close to everything. It is a great house!

Accepted Offer!

I know that it has been a long time (almost 6 months), but I have good news! We are finally buying a house. We have been looking on and off for the last 2 years and FINALLY everything seems to be working. We put an offer in on March 21st and we heard back the next day. Our offer has been excepted. We have already had it inspected and are waiting to hear back from our realtor on whether the owner is going to check on 2 things. There is a wet spot in the basement (getting that checked out) and having the furnace checked out (there was no sticker saying when it was last done).

Our (soon to be) new home is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch right here in Pulaski. It has a large yard (almost 1/2 acre). It is actually closer to work for both Chad and I, which is a plus. It has a large family room and a gigantic basement. I am so looking forward to moving in there.

We are currently packing here, which I know will be a big process as we have lived here almost 4 years and have accumulated lots of junk. We are getting rid of a lot of stuff so hopefully moving will be a little less stressful.

Anyway, I have to go...there is a carpet calling my name! Here are some pictures of our new house!

Our new house!

Our second garage.
Livingroom
Kitchen

Diningroom

Long time no blog

Well, it has been close to 3 weeks since I had an entry. I guess life just kind of happened.

A few new things....

I have lost almost 14 lbs to day. I am so excited about that. I am finally getting to my goal, granted I have 85 lbs to go for my grand goal, but 14 lbs in a month is great. I know that I won't always lose like this, but I am happy how it is going.

My sisters barn burned down also. That happened about the time that I posted last. They are going to build a garage this time since they were only using it as a storage before. It was a old barn, and they have no livestock. I think that the garage will look nice, and it is going to be by the house, so it will be much closer for them. Here are some pics that I took....

Connor almost tore his thumb off.

I got a call at work on Monday evening from the babysitter. She was like, "Elizabeth, Connor cut his thumb really bad. It won't stop bleeding." So I rushed home and this is what I saw...

We took him to St. Mary's Emergency room. They flushed it out so they could get a good look at it. The tear went down to his tendon. Thankfully there doesn't appear to be any nerve damage.

He ended up getting 9 stitches in it. He was such a trooper, the only time he cried was when he had to get the numbing shot. Otherwise, he watched them stitch it up. The last two pictures are from this morning when I had to change his bandage. I know that he is going to have a wicked scar, but hopefully nothing to bad.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, it has been a while since I last blogged. Lot has happened since then.
The kids started school and I started my diet, to name a few.

The kids are enjoying school. At there school, half the kindergarten goes the first day and then has off the second, and then the second day the second half goes and the first half gets a day off. Connor had the second day off, which just happened to be his birthday. He didn't like it though, because in his words, "There's no one to play with!". Savannah likes 3rd grade. She has to read at least 20 min each night and then there is the occasional other homework. She hasn't said anything about that though. It is just weird to have the whole day to myself. It is nice when I want to go shopping, no having to drag a unwilling person along. I get to enjoy myself.

I also found the website www.sparkpeople.com. It is sooooo great. They have everything I need to get healthier. I can plan each days menu and it computes calories, carbs, fat and protein. It will keep track of my water intake. Also there if a fitness area to keep track of exercise. I think that my favorite area(which is part of it, but separate) is www.sparkrecipes.com. Here you can find all kinds of recipes with the nutrition info. You can also put in your favorite recipe and it will calculate the nutritional info on it. It is really great! We actually had something from there last night. Mexican Chicken and Rice. Here is the recipe.

Mexican Chicken and Rice
2 chicken breasts
1 c mild salsa
1 c chicken broth
2 peppers-any color
1 s onion
12 oz can corn w/liquid
1.5 c instant rice
olive oil spray
shredded cheese if desired

Chop peppers and onions. Set aside.
Chunk up chicken and put it in a large skillet that has been sprayed with olive oil.
Start to saute chicken. Add peppers and onions. Continue to saute until chicken is fully cooked.
Add salsa, broth and corn. Bring to a boil.
Stir in rice. Cover and remove from heat. Let sit 12-15 min to allow rice to absorb liquid.
Sprinkle with cheese.
Serves 6 1 cup servings
Cals 217.3 Fat 2.1g Protein 23.1g Carbs 26.8g Fiber 2.3g


I added a little pepper and chili powder to this to add a little heat. It was very good. Both the kids liked it a lot. I made a double batch so that I would have enough to freeze a few serving for later. I also used red, orange, yellow and green peppers and brown rice to make it a little bit healthier.

Oh, a camping we will go!!!

I can't wait for this weekend to come. We are going up to my sister's back 40 to camp. This will be the 1st time this summer. I like to camp, but we don't do it that often. I have the whole weekend off and then some. I have off Friday-Monday off so no need to rush home. Yeah! I have to start getting everything ready. I think that we have everything we need, so no worries there. Just have to get it organized. We are planning on leaving Friday after Chad gets home from work. It is going to be a great weekend!

School starts on Tuesday. It will be Connor's first day of Kindergarten. His birthday is on Wednesday, which he has off. We are going to have cake while camping so that will be nice. Hopefully all goes well with this. Savannah starts 3rd grade, which she is excited about. Tonight is open house, but I have to work. This kids are going with a friend, so at least they get to meet there teachers. I just have to make sure that they have all of their stuff together. Savannah got a post card from her teacher today, so she is extra excited.

Well, that's all for now~~later

BSM is over

Well, my class ended yesterday. I did graduate and also gained 2 credits. I think that it was a really good experience. I learned a lot also, so now I have to make it work for me in the workplace. I know that one area that I am going to work on is in coaching...I know that I pass up some areas that procedures aren't being followed, but I am going to work on this. I have to meet with my store manager on Monday to do a follow up with er. There are a lot of areas, as a store, that I think we can improve on. We will see if I can get them to implement them or not. Oh well.

Basic Shift Management

Well, today was the 2nd day of BSM. I think that it is going really good. We have gone over quite a few different subject, some of which I think will be useful in the future. Some of the stuff I know I won't be using b/c it isn't something that we do in my store. I have met some really neat people and some really bossy people. Tomorrow we are going to be split into 3 groups so that we can all visit different stores. I am really excited about this b/c our store is such a little store compared to alot of the others. Tomorrow is also Graduation. We get diplomas and everything. There will be prizes for highest team score and for one person who shows great leadership. We will see who gets the last one. Will let you know how it goes later.