"Chicken Pox" for the soul...

I always like how right before something major happens...something major happens! Poor Mike, he came down with the Chicken Pox. He'd been feeling pretty punky for the past 2-3 days and then Grady was feverish and acted like he had a sore throat. So, a trip to the clinic Saturday morning, revealed that Grady did not have strep throat, but Mike had Chicken Pox. He is now covered in a zillion spots. So between the Motrin, Tylenol, soda baths and TRYING not to itch, he's also not been sleeping well at all...until today, I gave him Benadryl and he slept GREAT!!! I might just take some tonight!

He's better and Grady is still cranky at times. I'm waiting for him to start with the spots, but so far, I've only seen a couple. Hopefully, he doesn't get it as bad as his daddy did.

Mike told me that I couldn't post picutres of him, so I guess it will remain confidential. Maybe, I'll use it for blackmail???

Anyway, hopefully they'll be over it by the end of the week when WE MOVE!!!! YAY~ I cannot wait. I went and picked out paint samples today. I'm so excited to see the house.

I'll definetely post some pictures of it!  Only 3 more days!!

A New Journey...

WOW! What a week - only 7 days left until we move....7 DAYS!! I thought this time would NEVER come and it's almost here...and I've so not gotten things packed! Oh well, only going 5 miles, can't be too bad...right?

But, that's not all that's been happening. After months of feeling like my life just isn't quite what I want it to be, Mike and I came to the decision for me to cut back hours at the hospital in order for me to be home more with Blake and Grady. A very GOOD decision!

I've been doing alot of praying that God would let me know what He wants me to do with my life and my job. Low and behold, my prayers were answered. I was offered a job at the Five Counties Nursing Home here in Lemmon to do their Staff Development Coordinator position. The gal that has been doing it is wanting to retire. I pretty much got the job on the spot...then had to fill out the application! Don't you just love small towns! Anyway, I'll be doing the CNA (Certified Nurses' Aide) training and some other things. The greatest thing is that I get to schedule my hours during the week...no weekends or holidays...and NO NIGHTS!! WHOO-HOO!! However, I'm cutting back to supplemental status at the hospital which only requires me to work 1 weekend a month which I'll miss the hospital, but I'll still get to be there monthly. Lemmon is only 5 miles from the ranch instead of a 30 mile drive. And with these winters, I think it was the right timing.

I'm so excited. Taking this position will have it's challenges, but I'm very excited about it. Doing teaching and getting to set my own hours and to be home ALOT more with my boys...it was a quick decision! THANK YOU LORD for giving this amazing opportunity to me and my family!

Well, that's the latest here on the old home front! Ready for this next week to get here and to FINALLY get to see our new house! Been a long time comin'!!!!

Bye for now - wanna come and help me paint?

10 days left...

Only 10 more days and we get to move into our new home!!! I can hardly wait. Six moves in 7 years has been a bit too much; although, it seems like it wasn't all that long...probably because it only lasted 7 years!

I'm SO ready to see what the house looks like...nope, haven't got to see it yet...I know weird huh?

What will the floor plan be?
What will the carpet look like?
I already know the what the stove and refridgerator will look like because I had to order them...another story
How big will the rooms be?
What colors to paint the walls?
If the shower head is high enough?

So many questions...I'm SO EXCITED! It will be great to finally be settled and to unpack for good and not have to worry about moving in 1-2 years ever again!!!

AH! Great feeling...

Chad

I got to photograph Chad for his senior pictures. We had a fun time. He's a natural in front of the camera - male modeling career in his future? Girls, he's single!

Did somebody say a Smirthday Schmarty?

Little Blakey turned the big 4 today! I cannot believe it. It just seemed like yesterday I was in labor for 30 hours with him. Okay, well maybe not! He literally jumped out of bed this morning and took a look at his feet and legs and said, "I can't believe it! I thought I would be bigger today."

He had a great day! We started off with a Birthday Breakfast at the Alaska Cafe...not that we went to Alaska, but there's a cafe in Lemmon called that. Weird huh?

Then, he proceeded to ride his new bike throughout the day, pick tomatoes with Grandpa and Grandma, ride his bike some more and then we ate supper and got ready for the big "Smirthday Schmarty". If you don't watch the Upside Down Show..then nevermind!

Another year put in the books! Hope you had a great day Blake ~ we love you so much!

Once upon a night...

I figured I'd get some pictures of the boys taken since Grady is 10 months (shhh...don't tell anyone, but these are his 9 month pictures) and Blake is turning 4 next week. They cooperated fairly well other than Grady drooling and fussing because the poor guy is teething and Blake falling in the grass and cutting his hand on a piece of glass. Good thing we were only out for an hour, who else knows what other kind of trouble we could of gotten ourselves into.

Mike was my wing man and helped with getting Grady to sit still. Afterwards, we enjoyed a treat at the Sugar Shack!!

It's so sad to see how fast they are growing up.

Theething Time...Again

Oh the many faces that my 10 month old makes! I LOVE THEM! He's currently cutting another tooth and is in full drool mode and can be quite cranky at times.

I snapped a few pictures of him in his Exersaucer this afternoon.

He'll love me for it someday!

we started off pretty happy

then we got to chewin on old Mr. Cow

ouch...must of not of felt that good

I think I just my cry...

dang you Mr. Cow

it's not easy being me...

It's a tough life kid!

P&L

This weekend, I had the honor of photography my beautiful family! Paul, Lori, Devon and Taylor. It was such a beautiful night. No wind but the "no-see" bugs were everywhere! The girls are growing up so fast and are such sweet young ladies. Devon was a blonde, but just recently dyed her hair a dark brown! She's so pretty. Taylor is just a card. She uses her Shrek's character voice and we laughed all night at her!

I Love My Family!

One of my favorites!

We had to throw a funny one in! Ah, If only there really was a train!

Thanks Paul, Lori, Devon and Taylor! It was a fun night...even when we did burn valuable daylight to scout for deer!