A Tale of a Military Family

First Quilt is DONE!

2012-01-15T20:26:00.003-06:00

I did fairly well up until the binding. I didn't get the width wide enough so it didn't fold over like it was suppose to so I had to tug it over and try my best to sew it down. Overall, it looks good and made it through the wash in one piece so that is good. Now it is boxed and ready to be mailed to Angella!

Here it is...progess included:

Making sure I had enough binding to go around

Binding is on, part way

Though I was doing good at the corners...found out later I didn't. :(

Finished!

Close up of the corners. So sad but they will stay together.

Almost done!

2012-01-14T21:51:00.002-06:00

I finished sewing the strips together and after dropping Little Bit with Me Maw and Paw Paw, I started the quilting part. I did pretty good, I think. Now to figure out the binding. I am thinking pink or green.

Here it is with out binding....Angella if you are reading this STOP! I don't want you to see it before I get it to you. :)

First quilt is started

2012-01-12T15:00:00.002-06:00

Well I have started my first quilt. It should be about 35" x 35", give or take some. It is for my friend Angella and her baby who is due to make her debut in May! I hope to get the top done before my surgery.

Here is the fabric: I got all of the fabric at my local quilt store for $25...well the green one I got at JoAnn's. I was looking for another solid but and that was the closest I could find. I think it looks good. The pink and yellow are Moda, It's a Hoot and the brown is Robert Kauffman.

And here is the layout after I cut all the strips.

The back is going to be a creamy color Minky.

Outfit is done...

2012-01-08T10:20:00.003-06:00

I had a thought while laying in bed this morning...I can make Ashlee a shirt out of Jamie's old army shirt. So off I went to try...of course I can't do a project without having to rip out some seams because I messed up but overall it turned out cute. I still need to fix the sleeves but Ashlee does not want to take it off now.

Here is the finished outfit. I made the tutu, pants and shirt.

I finished her shirt:

She loves it so much she wanted it back on after I washed it.

Still a sewing...

2012-01-07T20:14:00.003-06:00

Well today I made Ashlee some camo pants to go with her tutu. I don't have a pic yet so I will update this post when I do.

But I am no good at making pants. I always seem to get them too short. I think because I use one pattern but a different tutorial on how to sew them. I will have to find a pattern system. lol I do need to find her a shirt to go with the pants; I am thinking black with some Army design on it. We shall see.

I also hope to start Mom's quilt/throw and Angella's baby blanket soon. I have some fabric picked out, just have to wait for payday. Mom's will be a block quilt and Angella's will be a stripped quilt, I think. I am looking forward to trying them. I really am excited to start Jamie's quilt. I know it will be a pain the booty and I will be mad by the time I finish it but once I finish it, I will be in awe, I am sure.

This is the fabric for Mom's quilt. She liked these because they were different. I loved them the moment I saw them and hoped she was so I was glad when she said yes. Hometown by Sweetwater for Moda.

And this is for Angella...she said the nursery is different shades of pink but I just love these patterns and colors, I hope she will too. It's a Hoot by Momo for Moda.

Other than that, not much going on. Just trying to catch up from the holidays and getting prepared for my surgery on the 18th....I am nervous but I am leaving it in God's hands and I know He will take care of me. Oh speaking of God, Ashlee has started telling us to pray as soon as we sit down at the table. It is so sweet. She even says Amen when I get done with the prayer. We had gotten out of the habit of praying so I always thank her for reminding us.

The Peggy Skirt...take two

2012-01-03T21:04:00.004-06:00

So I attempted to make me a skirt. I loved the Peggy Skirt found at Sew Delicious. So I gave it a go. And guess what, I actually made it....BUT I made it too small. Poo. So I am giving it to my cousin in hopes she can wear it. lol But I had enough material left (yay for buying too much), so I am attempting to make me one, again. I measured myself, the right way this time, and had Jamie to double check me. I have the front together, but I am done for the night so I will try to finish it tomorrow. I hope it works since I have already ordered me some cute black leggings to go under it along with some super cute red shoes. lol I also ordered a black tee in hopes of putting something like a brooch or flower on it to add color.

Here is my first attempt at the skirt. What do you think?

I made the second one but it is a little too big but I can take in the seams and it will be perfect!! Will post the final project once I get to finish it.

UPDATE: Done...but when I washed the skirts, mine came out with two big holes and a few smaller ones. I am thinking it was where I had to take out the seams and I knicked the fabric. Soooo, I added some strips to the sides to cover the holes. lol But it is done and it fits! So yay!

Blogger's Choice Fat Quarter Bundle

2011-12-29T12:22:00.007-06:00

A couple of the sewing blogs I follow have mentioned the competition over at Quokka Quilts so I thought I would join in on the fun. Like my previous post states, I am a newbie sewer so I am still learning the ends and outs of things but I am lovin' it thus far.

My pick of colors was orange and brown...I don't really have a room that will match the colors but that could change easily if I had my focal point. ;) So here is my pick of fabric:

I hope I did it right.

The fabrics are:

1. Babysaurus Tiny Strips

2. Brown Bella Solid

3. Baby Safari Orange and Aqua

4. Critter Community Brown Metro Dots

5. Jungle Buddies Brown Large Swirls

6. Aunt Grace Centennial Solids Orange

7. Remix Brown Scatter Dots

8. I Heart Orange Squiggle

9. Meet Me at Sunset Orange Stained Glass

10. Lily & Will Brown Cottontail Toile

11. Treasure and Tidbits Orange Starburst and Floral

12. Aunt Grace Centennial Solids Brown

13. Northern Cardinal

14. Meadow Friends Cotton Dragonfly Orange and Girl Curly Swirls

15. So Sophie Brown Dots

A new hobby...Sewing

2011-12-28T13:26:00.004-06:00

Well, I have been bitten by the sewing bug. I was fortune enough that Pat let me borrow her grandmother's 1966 Singer! It still works good so no complaints from me. The bug bit me when we decided to ask "Santa" for a baby doll for Ashlee for Christmas. I decided I wanted to repuporse the cradle Dad made me along with making some bedding for it. Thus the addiction began. I did fairly well for a newbie who hasn't touched a machine in 20+ years. After the bedding was made, Jamie asked me to do a quilt made out of his uniforms. So before I could start such a large project, I wanted to practice on something smaller so I made Stacy two patchwork blankets for Miranda and Hope. They turned out good. But blankets are easy, I wanted a challenge so....I bought a hobo bag kit from Wal-Mart to make for our Annual Girls Only Christmas party. That was a challenge but I got it made...I hope Bri likes it. Then I decided to make Ashlee some Christmas PJs. I did ok with them; they are shorter than I wanted since I trimmed the wrong end...oops, but they fit ok. After that, I decided to make her a Christmas outfit...complete with adding sleeves to a T-Shirt and creating a tree to add to the shirt. She looked adorable!! I did a few other things to get more practice...see pictures below.

So now I am on a roll. I have bought (or was given by Jamie) a cutting mat, rotary cutter, rulers, etc to stock up my supplies. I have been tempted to buy a new machine but I decided I needed more practice and more supplies first, so for now I will continue to use my 1966 Singer!

Here are the pictures of my projects....

And now I remember why I hated adding pictures to Blogger...it is a pain. lol But I hope you enjoy.

Reflection

2011-10-12T18:42:00.002-05:00

It was October 2001 and my heart had been shattered. The love of my life had decided he couldn't be with me anymore because he couldn't take me out with his brother and friends...I don't drink or smoke and they make fun of me. So it was all my fault for the breakup. I would never love again.....

Ok, little harsh but that is how I felt until January 2002. My sister told me that her husband's cousin, Jamie, has asked about me over Christmas. Jamie...Jamie...oh yes I meet him in '97 when my sister was trying to play match maker. He was a nice guy and I needed to get over the jerk so I told her to have him call me. A few weeks later, I get a call from a guy asking me if I knew tngal22....um that was my handle on Match.com (which I only did as a joke). I was a little nervous but I said yes...then the guy says Well this is Jamie and you were sent to me as a match. What! lol Small world. So after about 4 hours of talking on the phone, we decided to make a date. On February 12, 2002, Jamie and I had our first date. We just drove around talking then went to my sister's to play some cards then we drove around some more. On the way back to my car, we were talking and I asked him what he was thinking. He said "Your hand", I said "my hand?" and stretched it out...then something amazing happened, he held it and I literally had sparks to run through my body and tears in my eyes. He later told me, he felt it too. We didn't let go of each other's hand the rest of the drive. I was on cloud nine after that date...love at first sight, no, but with that one touch, I was in love and knew it was something special.

Two weeks later we were ring shopping...yes weeks, not months or years. He bought my ring on March 23, 2002. I had an idea he had gotten it but had no idea when he would propose. Well, ok I had an idea when he asked my parents if I could go to Cancun, Mexico with him and his sister in June. I was excited when they said yes!! So June rolls around and I am nervous! We spend a couple of days enjoying the country and just having fun. Then June 26th, 8:00a.m., the moment I dreamed of my whole life happened...the love of my life PROPOSED! Nothing fancy since he had gotten 3rd degree burn the day before and we had had an arguement the night before. But he sat down on the bed, put his arm around me and asked if I still loved him and wanted to marry him. I said yes. Then he asked me what time it was so I turned to my right to look at the clock but only see the ring, MY ring, on his finger! I then said "aren't supposed to do something?", he said "I thought I just did." lol I said "no put it on my finger!" I WAS ENGAGED!!! Of course I had to call my mom, which she knew was going to happen! Oddly enough she warned me that we better not get married in Cancun...apparently everyone thought we would elope.

We decided, ok I decided, that I didn't want a long engagement! lol So we picked September 28th to wed at the TN Army National Guard Armory where Jamie worked. It had a big tree outside near a pond that would be perfect for the outside wedding I dreamed of. Well, something came up and we couldn't have September 28th so we had to move it back two weeks to October 12th. No biggie! I was getting married!!! My sister was my only bridemaid since I wanted a simple wedding. She went with me to pick out my dress at David's Bridal in Memphis, TN. I wanted a straight plain dress...she wanted puffy! She begged me to try on a puffy dress, I relectually did....and bought the puffy dress. I was a princess and who could argue with that!

October 12th could not arrive fast enough for me but when it did, I wasn't scared or worried, I was excited! Although the drizzle caused us to move the wedding indoors at the last minute, I was ok with that. I was getting married! It was the most beautiful wedding ever. We were MARRIED! I was so happy!

After the wedding, we were hungry since we didn't get any of the food because of taking pictures...what happened to saving the groom and bride some food? So where did we go, Krystal's. lol We went home, OUR home and crashed. We were so tired! I ended up waking up about 2am with leg cramps so I was laying in the living room floor with my legs up on the couch when Jamie woke up. His legs were hurting too so we found a movie on TV and just cuddled on the couch. We decided to go ahead and get ready to hit the road to Destin, FL. We had a great road trip, no fighting, though he laughed at my technique of reading a map. We had a great honeymoon in FL. Though my new husband tried to kill me on the jet ski and a pool of string rays. lol

The first few months of marriage was amazing! Then comes February 2003...USA was about to go to war and they were not only using the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, they were using the National Guard divisions too. Jamie had to help with getting units ready to deploy. He came home one night and said that a unit was short on some MOs, that he had...I asked if he had to go, he said yes. I asked if I could go with him, he said no...I cried. This was a Sunday night, Thursday morning, I was driving him in the snow to leave with his unit. I am not sure how I made it to my mom's since I was crying. Luckily, he got to stay at his base for longer than planned due to changes in his mission so I got to go visit on the weekends. Two months later, I got the call that he was leaving out in 48 hours! I drove as fast as I could to be with him...so fast I got a speeding ticket...darn trooper. I again cried all the way home..God took the wheel for me. My husband of 6 months was going to war!

We got to chat via MSN Messenger but of course it was early morning my time. I slept in the computer room floor with the speakers turned up so I could hear when he came on. We chatted for an hour or so then I would sleep another hour or so before I had to get up for work. It was a long hard 10 months...his mission was cut short than most so he got to come home in December 2003. Never in my life had I been so happy to see a plane...the guy over the intercom said "Ladies, your bird is arriving", the most precious words I had heard.

We got our second honeymoon I guess. We bought a house in February 2004, became parents to two precious dogs, Thelma and Louise....then parents to Larry our cat. We went on a cruise to the Carribbean in June 2004. But the biggest thing in 2004 was our decision to start a family. Me, being the researcher, started taking my temps, checking for Ovaluation, etc. After a year of trying and nothing, I went to see my OB/GYN. She put me on Clomid for 3 months...nothing, so she sent me to a specialist to get my tubes checked. I look good...so we are trying again. Another year goes by, no kid. So we go see a RE in Nashville...after months of testing, we are told we can't have kids. What! I was upset but I had came to the realization that we might not be able to so I was prepared for the news. So we decided in December 2006 to start the classes to be Foster Parents. We completed our class and were approved in March 2007. We got several calls to be on stand by but nothing happened. Finally we decided we were happy to have our now 7 furbabies and that was all we needed. Then comes March 2008. We get a call about an 11 day old baby that was left at the hospital. We were told that they were 99% sure we could adopt her. We were excited! We went to the hospital to visit the child, whom we decided to call Chloe. It was the most precious 3 hours visit. Jamie printed off the pictures we took and showed them off. However, the very next day we get a call and was told that a family member changed their mind and they wanted the baby. So were lost our child....we were angry, hurt, sad...

And not only did we find out we weren't going to be parents, we found out Jamie was going to deploy again in August 2008 for a year. So needless to say, I was heartbroken twice over.

May 20, 2008 I get a call from DCS again about a child that might be coming into custody wanted us to pray about if we would take her in. Jamie said no but since he would be deployed, he said it was my decision. So on May 22nd, I called DCS and said if the child needed a home, we would give it to her. She was a preemie, born at 29 weeks with some breathing issues so we had to go to the hospital to learn how to feed her and take care of her plus how to use the monitor for her sleep apena. On May 23, we saw the most precious little girl in the whole world. I was in love the moment I saw her...and Jamie will admit he was too. For the next 3 weeks, I drove to visit her every night after work. On June 13th, Jamie's birthday, we brought her home from the NICU. We were in Heaven. She was too precious. What happened next is in this blog as we, I, dealt with the bio parents. But in the end, Ashlee Marie became a Spicer on April 17th, 2009, a day before her first birthday. I could not imagine her not being in my life. Jamie calls her my Mini Me because she looks like me when I was little and she follows me around everywhere. I love her so much.

And in case you don't want to read all the old posts..Jamie left on August 3rd, 2008 for Iraq. He got his R&R during her birthday so he was here for the adoption. He came home July 30th, 2009!

Life was pretty normal after that, just enjoying Jamie being home and Ashlee growing like a weed. Then comes June 2010...Jamie gets an offer in Smyrna, TN...4 hours away. Now that is not real far but I am from a big family, a close family so 4 hours is FAR AWAY! But I felt God was telling me that the move was right. So I told him, if he wanted to take the job, we would move. He started his new job on August 2nd, 2010. I was home alone again. It was fine until August 10th when I found my beloved Thelma dead. I fell in the floor crying. When I called Jamie to tell him, he could not understand me but finally got what I was saying. He drove the 4 hours home so he could bury her. Ashlee, luckily, had been at my mom's so she stayed there for the night. Jamie got home at midnight and at 6am, we were burying Thelma. Oh how I miss her! Mommy loves you Thelma!

After 3 months of looking at houses, we finally found our home. So on October 3rd, we made our offer and on November 12th, we moved to Smyrna....I love it here!

Life is never easy but with the ones you love beside you, it is brighter. I love Jamie so much. He is my best friend, my lover, and my hero. I am so proud of him for being the great Soldier he is and the wonderful father to Ashlee. I love Ashlee more than words can say. She is my world. I could not imagine my life without either one of them and I thank God every day for my family...Jamie, Ashlee, Louise, Charlie, Larry, Sam, Rescue and Mr. Eko...and my sweet Thelma, I will always love you!

So much has changed...

2011-06-28T10:34:00.003-05:00

So we made the offer on the house in October, after some counter offers, we finally had a house in Smyrna! We closed on November 12th...we signed everything that morning but it was late that afternoon before the seller signed and sent in the money so we had to wait all day for the keys. Jamie and I painted what we could that night, Saturday and Sunday before heading back to West TN to get our kids. I drove with the cats, Jamie had the dogs and Mom and Stacy had Ashlee. The trip went fairly smoothly and all the kids seemed to adjust quickly to the new house. Sam was the only one we started to worry about but she came around. Christmas was nice in the new house; Mom, Dad, and Stacy came up for Christmas. Then come January we had an offer on our old house! Even though the contract was signed and they were pre-approved, it would be two months later that we find out they can't get a loan so the contract fell through. But during that time a guy had wanted to look at the house but couldn't due to being under contract. He still hadn't found a house so Carla called his agent and told her that it was available again. He made an offer!!! We closed on our old house on May 13th! It was such a relief!

Oh and Ashlee turned 3 in the mist of all the selling issues. She had a great birthday party! Mom, Dad, Stacy, Lisa, Taylor, Cayden, Rita, Lee came up, along with Jennifer and her kids and Samantha our neighbor. Since we had to wait for the house to sell to buy our gift, she didn't get much from us. But once the house sold, we ordered her swing set!!! She loved it!! Of course that had issues too. The guy was to install it on a Tuesday but instead came on Thursday and only worked 4 hours then only came 2 hours on the Friday. Needless to say, we finished it and got our money back on the install. She got it on June 11th and has been outside on it as much as the weather will allow. She is getting good at climbing the ladder and sliding down.

We are adjusting to everything up here great. I love it here! We like the neighborhood and take walks around the block most nights or we head to part of the Greenway and walk it. Lots to do here but we always seem to be busy to do it. lol. Jamie is to get a boat soon so we hope to start fishing. Ashlee has been practicing casting; she is pretty good. ;)

Life is busy with cleaning, playing and just normal life stuff. I think I am busier now that when I was working full time but I love being home with Ashlee. She did start a Mother's Day Out program in February; she is out for the summer. She starts back in August. It is just 2 days a week but she enjoys it and it gives me time to run errands or clean, or if I dare, relax.

Well time to head downstairs and start cleaning. My new job and it isn't too bad. lol

An update...

2010-10-20T13:41:00.002-05:00

Well we made an offer on the house on October 3rd! Then on October 5th, we had a viewing on our house and the lady wants to buy it!! So right now we are in the mist of getting paperwork signed then waiting. We are waiting for the bank to finish our paperwork so we can set a closing date. The lady is going to lease our house until her divorce is final. The lease agreement is signed along with a contract to buy. She is to move in Nov 22nd since our closing date is tentative set for Nov 12th. If we close sooner, she can move in sooner.

I am so excited about the new house. We have to get a fence for Louise (RIP Thelma) and a fridge but the rest just needs a good cleaning. We may paint a few rooms before we move in but probably will just wait. Though I may paint Ashlee's room first so I can decorate it. I want to get new bathroom stuff and a new comforter for our bed. I am thinking of painting our bathroom and bedroom a green color since our carpet is brown. The comforter I like is blue with some brown trimming. I think it would look great in the room.

That is really where we stand now. Just waiting for the bank to do their thing so we can know if the 12th is our closing date or if we can close sooner....our realtor is pushing for October 27th but I doubt that.

Here I am again...

2010-09-28T12:26:00.002-05:00

and still stressed. Since listing our house in June, we have had 2 viewings. How sad is that?! And our neighbor put their house up a month after ours and they already have a contract pending. True they are having some issue with it but at least they got a contract. The 2 viewings we had went nowhere. Our realtor here has talked to another lady about buying our house since she has rental properties but she is not buying anymore right now. We are also thinking of renting it out so she has told the other agents that too. Just when we think we might have a glimpse of hope, something blocks the light. When Jamie first asked me about moving, I said no because I didn't want to leave my family but a couple of days later, I got this peaceful feeling that moving was what we were to do so I agreed. I was thinking it was God saying "This is my plan, listen!" but now I am second guessing it. I had faith God would take care of selling the house and we wouldn't be apart for too long. But my faith is fading. I am stressed and tired. Being a single Mom to a 2 year old while working is hard work. I am hoping now that I am only working 3 days a week, some of my stress will go away. I plan to use my two days off to clean and pack while Ashlee is at daycare. That way on the weekends when Jamie is home, we can do things as a family instead of watching me clean.

And we did find a house...months ago...and it keeps coming back to us. Just the other day, I told Jamie that I was so ready to move so lets just buy Nautical. Then a few hours later we get an email from our realtor up there about Nautical; they dropped the price again. I thought this was a sign and felt good about. But then I remembered we have to sell our house and my smile went away. We can't get another VA loan until we sell our house so now we are back to square one. My glimpse of hope is gone...yet again. I have tried to figure out ways to pay for 2 house payments, which we can do but buying the 2nd house is the issue. We can't afford the down payment and closing costs required with a conventional loan. With a VA yes, conventional no. So back to square one. Someone mentioned a bridge loan but those are hard to get and the rates are higher so Jamie doesn't want to do that, which I agree to extent. Just wish someone would come buy our house and the stress would be gone and the light will shine again.

And I miss Thelma...more than most realize.

Still stressed

2010-08-04T10:47:00.004-05:00

Well we were to have a viewing on Friday but the lady had to cancel due to a sick child...which I can totally relate to. However, our realtor said she would reschedule for this week and I haven't heard from anyone. Jamie started his new job on Monday and so far it is going very well. Everyone seems very pleased with him and are glad he took the job. I am proud of him. Ashlee has been a little terror when it comes to nighttime...last night was a little better due to me buying a bed tent. She didn't kick and scream like the two nights before but she didn't want to lay down. She finally did about 9:30pm but was up by midnight. She slept with me until 6:30am when Charlie woke her up.

Work has been super slow and I am bored out of my mind. We did get about 20 resumes, some good, some not so good. My boss's wife is going to look through them and I hope we will start interviewing soon. I really, really would like to be preparing to move by the mid of next month. We decided not to do a bridge loan and just wait it out to see if we can sell the house...ok Jamie decided, I just agreed. I am so ready to move but I also don't want to put us in a financial hurt with 2 house payments. So SOMEONE BUY MY HOUSE! lol My friend Dustin told me about the Catholic's belief that St. Joseph would help sell the house if I bury a statue in the yard....I am tempted to. ;) But for now, I will keep praying because I know God wants us to move and He will take care of it, I just need to be patient....which I so am not. Can you tell?

I have packed up all personal pictures and we did clean out most of the attic a month or so ago. I want to pack up some more stuff soon and store them so we will half way ready when we actually can move.

Well, that is pretty much that is going on...boring work and stressed over trying to sell our house so we can move. We haven't found a house we like but we have about 8 more to look at so I am sure we will find one soon.

Well, I am back...

2010-07-18T09:32:00.002-05:00

Life has been busy but nothing exciting, up until a few weeks go. Jamie was offered a job in Smyrna at the base there. We found out the mid of June. I wasn't too thrilled with the idea of moving to Middle TN but after a couple of days of praying, I felt a calm about it and asked Jamie if this is the job he wanted, he said yes, so I agreed to move. Thus started our home hunting adventure. We put our house up for sale...no takers yet, only one viewing. We have made 2 trips to Smyrna looking at a total of 14 houses and only 2 that we are considering. There is one more I want to look at that our realtor sent Friday night. Jamie is going to talk to the bank this week to discuss our options about buying while trying to sell. If they can work with us, we might go ahead and buy a house now so Ashlee and I can move not too long after Jamie starts the job. He is to start Aug 2nd and will just stay on base during the week and come home on the weekends. We really don't want to do that for more than a month. I won't be working after we move...though I might work part time for my current company now. My boss is going to see about what I could do from home and remote into our software. He is just worried he won't find someone as good as me...his words not mine! Made me feel good. The ad to replace me starts today so we shall see if we get any good resumes. I want to make sure someone good takes my place because I know my boss has been through alot and I try to make sure everything is taken care of so he doesn't have to worry as much about the office.

I am stressed about the move...stressed over keeping the house clean, stressed about not having any viewings, stressed about finding our new home, stressed about moving everything, stressed about our kids and how the move will affect them (remember we have 7 furbabies), and just stressed about the entire move in itself. I know my parents are not happy with the move but in my heart, I know this is what my family (Jamie, Ashlee and I) need. It will be better for us in the long run of things. Once we get settled, we will start Ashlee back into daycare for at least 2 days a week to give me some time to clean, work, or run errands; plus it keeps Ashlee up with her social skills and verbal communications, which improved greatly once she started daycare in May.

Well, that is what my life has been for the last few weeks. I will try to post about the move if I can.

Hokey Pokey

2010-03-11T08:08:00.003-06:00

Ashlee loves the Hokey Pokey and she is starting to get the moves down. How cute is my little girl?!

Valentine Special...Check it out!

2010-02-12T19:27:00.002-06:00

Creations by Rachael has a new kit, Love My Boys for the Gotta Get It at Gotta Pixel.

Plus check out the Valetine's Sale!

New kit from Creations by Rachael & Eva Marina...

2010-02-09T08:02:00.003-06:00

Only at Enchanted Studio Scraps! Toothiness!

Super cute kit for those loose tooth, dentist visits, but also versatile for any layout!

Here are my layouts using the kit:

Week 4 & 5 layouts!

2010-02-08T13:01:00.003-06:00

Yay me for keeping updated on my weekly layouts:

Used Digital Couture's 365 Combo Pack, Chaos Lounge's Whimsical Winter (paper and snowflake), Shelleyrae Design's Ransom Notes: Life and Inspired by Dominic Designs' Dated Flairs.

Week 5

I used Digital Couture's 365 Combo and Creations by Rachael's Hey Diddle Diddle

New kit coming from Creations by Rachael!

2010-02-06T15:55:00.003-06:00

How cute...sorry Hip....does this kit look!!

Be sure to check out her stores:

Since I am so bad at blogging...

2010-02-06T15:54:00.002-06:00

I will just try to update my weekly layouts when I get them done. lol

Yes bad again, I know...lol

2010-01-30T21:57:00.008-06:00

Here is Jan 22nd through 29th since I am not sure about today's pic yet. lol

Jan 22 - Ashlee was practicing drawing circles and lines with her therapist.

Jan 23 - Time to help Mommy vacuum

Week 3 Layout

Jan 24 - Mommy and Me after church

Jan 25 - Amazed by the Lantern

Jan 26 - Dolly had a boo boo

Jan 27 - Ashlee made a mess of her diapers and wipes

Jan 28 - Mr. Eko and Kitten, buddies!

Jan 29 - SNOW

Ok there they are....I will try to do better daily...or not and will just keep doing it weekly, semi weekly, monthly? Oh who knows....lol

I am so bad at blogging...lol

2010-01-21T19:16:00.003-06:00

I so meant to keep up on my blogging daily...

Jan 17 - Ashlee and I went to church, well for preaching since we did not wake up until 9am due to Ashlee having a rough night. She did fairly well at church but once we got home she got fussy again. But finally she took a nap around 3pm...woke up at 6pm! She was in a better mood at least. lol The rest of the night we played until bed time around 9:30pm.

Jan 18 - Jamie was off due to Martin Luther King Day. He watched Ashlee for part of the day then Mom did. However, he did cook supper. We tried the No Cry Method with Ashlee tonight...she cried so needless to say it did not work. Oh and I went to see the chiropractor about my neck and shoulder.

Jan 19 - Ashlee was up and down again all night so we all were tired. It was a slow day at work and home. This pic is my fav so far since Ashlee is playing on Great Grandmother Rice's table that I used to play on as a kid.

Jan 20 - I worked from 8am to 1:30pm since Mom had a doctor appt in Jackson at 3pm and I also had to teach the GA's at church. Since Lakyn has the flu and Aunt CeCe is watching her, Mom had Taylor and he actually wanted to come home with me! He stayed and played with Ashlee until about 5pm. I left for church at 5:30pm, it went good, got home around 8:30pm. I was tired.

Jan 21 - Had my first Chiropractic appt today, well my first adjustment visit. I have a curved spine and my neck curves forward, which both combined are causing my pain. So I had my adjustment and some electro therapy and go back in the morning then start 3 days a week for at least 2 weeks. Work was slow. We just ate chili for supper. Ashlee was fussy but she is fighting sleep. I like this picture because he shows how tiny Ashlee really is, or how big Jamie is...lol

Quiet Saturday...

2010-01-16T18:59:00.004-06:00

Ashlee and I got up at 6:00am, she played for awhile then I cooked cinnamon rolls for breakfast around 8am. Jamie took Larry and Sam to the vet for their annual checkup. They both look good. But since they are in their 40's in cat years, we are to keep an eye for UTIs; Sam had one a few weeks back. The vet said they will be more prone to them now but unless they are getting them often, we won't worry about it. Ashlee and I played while he was gone. Once Jamie got home, I took my shower then Stacy and I went to Wal-Mart around 10am. We left around noon. Jamie left once I got home to go work on a computer. Ashlee and I played, napped, then played some more. We ate McD's for supper since I really did not feel like cooking. Nothing exciting this evening, just playing with Ashlee or on the computer. Jamie is giving Ashlee her bath right now; she was really fussy and she loves baths, plus it is time for her bath.

I don't have a pic for the day yet. I have taken several today but not sure which one I want to use to represent today just yet. I will upload it once I decide!

Until tomorrow!

Week 2 layout

For January 15, 2010

2010-01-16T18:55:00.002-06:00

Well it was a quiet day at work today so not much to talk about. After work, Jamie, Ashlee and I meet my mom, dad, and sister at Joe's to eat supper...thus the picture for today.

My Mom and Dad

After supper, we came home and just played until bed around 9pm.

See I told you, I am boring...lol

New post - finally

2010-01-14T09:03:00.005-06:00

Well, my life is pretty boring, thus the lack of blogging. lol We are just trying to get back to normal since Jamie got home.

But I am starting Project 365, which is where you take a picture a day for the whole year. Can I do it? We shall see. I have done good so far. Here is what I got thus far:

Jan 1 - Enjoyed time as a family in the new year

Jan 2 - Clean house Day

Jan 3 - Church

Jan 4 - First day back at work

Jan 5 - Jamie was going through his Army stuff and Ashlee had to help

Jan 6 - Very Cold, had to have hot chocolate before work

Jan 7 - No Snow...they called for 2" to 4" - I was disappointed

Jan 8 -Ashlee helped me take pictures

Jan 9 - Clean house day and since Jamie was at drill, Ashlee helped. But she had to take a break to admire herself in the stove....lol

First Week's Layout

Jan 10 - Ashlee was super clingy today, thus the pic

Jan 11 - Kitten vs Toliet - if you must know, ask

Jan 12 - Slow day, so I took a pic of the sunset on my way home from work

Jan 13 - Ashlee played with her doll for hours

Ok, that is caught up through yesterday. I will try to update daily now since it is a pain to upload and arrange more than one picture on here.

Been a while....

2009-10-04T16:16:00.002-05:00

Well, life has been some what quiet around here. We are still trying to adjust to Jamie being home, some days are harder than others, but we are heading forward.

Work has had some drama. The President and Vice President split ways so there has been alot of changes but so far all is good. I am a little bit more busy so that is good.

We did keep a 2 month old little boy for 2 weeks. We actually brought him home from the hospital; he was in the NICU for 2 months since he was born at 29 weeks. He also was on a sleep apena monitor as well as oxygen. Ashlee did so good with him. She did get a little jealous if she was sleepy and wanted to be held but other than that, she was wonderful. We were only to keep him for 2 weeks but then they asked for us to keep him another week and half but I had promised Jamie 2 weeks so I kept my promise. Luckily he is close and I can go visit if I chose too. He was a sweetheart; though I am happy to sleep all night again. lol

Life has just been as normal as we can make it. Work, play, sleep, repeat. We do hope to take Ashlee to the zoo Friday if it is not raining so we shall see. She still is not talking minus a few words, yet no Mama yet. I think she is aggravating me by not saying it. lol

Well, that is pretty much my life, quiet boring for the most part. I will try to update more often but no promises. lol

Well, we are back.....

2009-08-18T12:22:00.003-05:00

We left for Destin, FL on August 13th at 3:30am! Ashlee did really well. She slept for most of the morning drive. We stopped in MS for breakfast at McDonald's, then back on the road. The weather was nice so that made the ride pretty good. We got to FL around noon. We stopped at Olive Garden in Fort Walton Beach for lunch. Ashlee was in a good mood. We finally made it to our condo....it was amazing! Great view and super nice! Ashlee felt right at home. Jamie, Ashlee, Mom, Dad and I walked around the area to see things then Jamie and I went to Wal-Mart for groceries. I got Mom a birthday cake and some flowers. It was a long day but we were glad to be there.

Friday, August 14th - We head to the beach at 9am! We are the only ones there...Ashlee hates it! The moment her feet touched the water, she started crying. So one of us held her the whole time. Jamie and I did build a sand castle in hopes she wanted to play, but no luck. We head back to the condo after about 2 hours. After rinsing off, we head to go some shopping. Jamie and I book a dolphin cruise for in the morning for us then a boat ride for all of us in the afternoon. For supper, we eat at Long Horn Steakhouse.

Saturday, August 15th - Jamie and I head to our dolphin cruise at 8:30am but it was cancelled due to some rain moving in. We head back up to our room. Mom and I go back to do some shopping and sightseeing. We also take Ashlee to the Indoor Swimming Pool. After a few mins, she finally lets go of my neck and starts splashing. She loved it! We all head to our boat tour around 1:30pm. It was so nice, though Mom didn't like it but at least she got to see some dolphins!! I found it so much fun! Even Ashlee liked it! For supper, Jamie and I go get McDonald's.

Sunday, August 16th - We head back to the beach around 10am, after Ashlee has a nice nap. This go around, she finally let go and played in the water!!! She had so much fun! We took lots of pictures and videos. I am so glad she enjoyed it this go around. We stayed for about 2 hours. The rest of the day was relaxing or shopping. Jamie did go buy me and Mom some pearls!! I got a bracelet and necklace and he got Mom a necklace and earrings. Mom teared up. For supper we had pizza. I cleaned up the condo while Mom watched Ashlee. We started packing up. :( Oh and Tropical Storm Claudette was moving in on Destin! But it didn't get too bad, thankfully, since the storm weakened.

Monday, August 17th - We leave out at 7am! It is windy and raining due to the storm. It rains on us until outside Mobile, AL. Ashlee was not a happy camper for half the trip. She was sleepy and was fighting it. Finally around 2:30pm, she took about a 45 min nap and was happy the rest of the way home. We got to our house at 6:30pm! Our furkids missed us. All of them were frisky and running everywhere. I missed my kids!

It is nice to be home but I didn't want to come to work today. I need to unpack and get the house cleaned. I wanted to clean before we left but Jamie said he would get his mom to clean but he didn't ask her so she just checked on the kids for us. So now I have a dirty house, groovy. Back to the grind already.

I will post a link to my Facebook album so you can see all the pics and vids of the trip.

Whew, what a week...

2009-08-06T11:42:00.002-05:00

Well last Wednesday (July 29th), Ashlee, my MIL and I left around 11:30am to head to Smyrna, TN. We were making great timing for the landing at 4:20pm until I get an email saying they were head of schedule and would land at 3:20pm! We still should make it....then JAMMED. A wreck outside Nashville caused us to sit still for about 20 mins. It was 2:30pm, and we still have 40 miles to go to Nashville! We finally get moving again....by the way Ashlee has whined or cried the entire time. But once we hit Nashville, she falls asleep! So we get to Smyrna, find the base, park, find the hanger, it is already 3:30pm so I figured they had already landed. But once we walk into the hanger, Jamie sends me a text, he just landed! So we made it just in time!!!! We get there about the time the plane taxies (sp?) to where they will get off! We are there, Ashlee has her flag in hand. Jamie did not know we were there, he thought we were going to wait at the hotel! So we surprised him!!!! Ashlee was not sure what to think about Daddy but she did pretty good. We head to the hotel, Jamie changes then we head to eat at Logan's. Ashlee did great.

Thursday, Jamie had to be back at the base at 7am. Around 11am, he called for lunch, so we took him some food and ate with him. They were released at noon so we started HOME! Ashlee did better this drive, she slept for 2 hours!

Friday Jamie and I went shopping for some stuff for our vacation. It was nice to spend some time with him.

Saturday Jamie took Thelma, Louise and Charlie to the vet for a grooming. Thelma had a seizure right after they got there so she had to be looked at. The vet believes it was the stress of the car ride and she was fine by the afternoon. Whew! That afternoon, Jamie, Ashlee and I went to Wal-Mart for a few groceries.

Sunday was church, everyone was glad to see Jamie.

Monday was back at work, oh joy! lol

Tuesday work again but Tuesday night, Ashlee took 2 1/2 steps alone!!!!! This is the first time she has ventured away from the safety of the couch and coffee table being so close to hang on to. We were so excited!

Wednesday work again and Ashlee is taking more and more steps alone!!!

And here is Thursday, at work, tired and ready to be home!

Tomorrow is work, then to eat at one of Jamie's friends' while Ashlee stays with Mom.

No plans as of yet for Saturday.

I can't wait for next Thursday when we head to Destin!! I am so ready for a vacation; I hope everything goes great and we have a great time!

Well, that is my update. lol

A little bit more update...lol

2009-07-24T11:42:00.002-05:00

As of Thursday, around midnight our time, Jamie was in New Jersey!!!!!! They are to be there for 4 to 6 days, still not sure yet. He has said he could land in Symrna, TN on Monday or as late as Wednesday but either way, he will be home for good by next Friday!!!!! I am so excited!

This morning, Jamie called while I was feeding Ashlee her breakfast...with her Old Navy hat on, she wanted it on...lol. Well I had Jamie on speaker so he could hear Ashlee. I told her to call for Daddy, and she did!! Then laughed. I think it made Jamie's day. I then told her to start her car, which normally she makes a prrr noise but today, she just busted out laughing. She apparently turned her giggle box on instead of the car...lol. But Jamie loved it.

Her therapy session went well today. She is still working with trying to walk alone but Ashlee still does not want to let go. I think she is waiting on Daddy so he can see her walk for the first time since he has missed all the other firsts.

Work is boring, shocking I know. I have a bad headache too....wish it would go away. Not much is going on, just waiting. Mom has said she will come help me clean and let Daddy watch Ashlee tomorrow or they could watch her while I clean by myself. Not sure what I want to do since I know Mom has so much on her with my sister.

Update on that....Stacy's has lost her car this week. She is still filing bankruptcy but not sure how that is going. Her divorce should be final in 2 weeks, I believe. She is still jobless, only kinda looking too.

I just keep reminding Mom that she is going to FL next month to get away! I think Mom is excited about going. I hope Mom and Dad have fun. I can't wait to see the condo; the square footage is bigger than our house!!

Speaking of house, have I mentioned that Jamie and I are thinking of buying Stacy's old house? It is in legal limbo right now due to the bankruptcy and that 90% of the house sits on my land, not the land deeded to her. So the bank can't sell the house as is, since I am not selling my land. I think we have a bargining chip there. lol Once Jamie is home and settled, we may talk to the bank and find out what we can do, if anything.

Well, that is it for me. Til next time....lol!

Little update....

2009-07-20T10:02:00.002-05:00

As of Saturday, Jamie is in Kuwait!!! Yay!!! However, it is only a group of 14 that made it to Kuwait...via their own method. They were split into 2 groups and Jamie just happened to be in the smaller one. Well, they went to another town/place/camp not sure and caught a cargo run to Kuwait.....lol. The rest of the unit are still in Iraq waiting for a plane. Today the weather is bad so no go on a flight. However, if the weather clears and the other group can get a flight to Kuwait by 5pm tomorrow, the whole unit will fly out of Kuwait towards HOME!!! Yay!!

Today was Ashlee's 15 month check up. She is 19lbs 4ozs, 29 3/4 inches long! Wow! I can't believe she is not over 20lbs yet. The doc did order a lead test; this is normal so I hope it comes back ok. She cried when they took her blood but as soon as it was over, she was laughing. He did say that she seems to be growing at a slow rate but without the past year's growth chart, he can't really tell. The other doctor apparently did not send the paperwork like I requested 3 months ago! Grrrr! I will call again today and make sure they send it today!

Well, it is about time to head to work.

Still waiting...

2009-07-16T19:32:00.002-05:00

Jamie did not fly out yesterday, hopefully tomorrow.

Anywho, here is my new haircut, again. I got it shorter and sweeping bangs, kinda. I am too scared to go any shorter but I like it so far!

Still waiting...

2009-07-15T15:32:00.002-05:00

Jamie did not get to fly out Monday due to the weather. As of this morning, they were going to try again today since the weather was clearing...his flight is to leave in 27 minutes if nothing has changed since I talked to him about 10am. I so hope the next time we talk, he is in Kuwait! If they do get to Kuwait today, then by this weekend they should be in New Jersey!!! He said Symrna was still expecting them around the 23rd! So I hope by the end of next week, he will at least be in Tennessee! I have been very blah this week since it seems we are so close to him coming home yet so far at the same time. Just blah!

I am going to get my hair cut shorter tomorrow night. Yikes! I hope I like it. Jamie likes it thus far! lol

Well, better get back to pretending to work! lol

1st day with new haircut....

2009-07-14T11:39:00.001-05:00

Ok, I think I want to go shorter around the face, not bangs per say but maybe a layer to my eyes then go from there. What do you think?

New haircut...

2009-07-13T17:58:00.004-05:00

What do you think? BTW, it is hard to take a picture of the back of your head yourself. lol Also, this is not styled, just blow dried so it was not so wet.

Monday again....

2009-07-13T10:17:00.004-05:00

At least this Monday has a little brightness to it since Jamie should be heading to Kuwait then home!!!! I am still hoping he will be stateside Wednesday, yes this Wednesday!!!!

Friday morning I was going to print off one of my 5x7 layouts I did only to find out that my EHD (external hard drive) was not working!! I was freaking out! I tried it on another computer, still nothing, then I noticed the power cord had been chewed on! Great! So I order a new power cord and decide that I want another EHD as a back up to this one so off to Wal-Mart after work. I got the same brand just larger hard drive. Since it is the same drive, I figure the power cord would work and I would be set until the new power cord came in. Nope, the EHD is still not working. After much looking and researching on the net, I was told that the power board probably got fried when the cat chewed through the wire. She said the HD was probably fine and I could just take it out of the case and put it in the new EHD case and try it. Of course I am not going to attempt that so I will just wait for Jamie. lol Luckily, I had uploaded all my layouts to the place I print them so I got them ordered last night along with some new ones I did over the weekend.

I do not want to go to work, I just feel the house is dirty and I want it to be clean for Jamie...lol. I cleaned some last night since Ashlee stayed with mom. Mom is to come Saturday to help me clean again...lol. I can't believe that by next week, Jamie will be home for good!!! I can't wait!!! Oh my countdown on the blog is to August 1st since that was the original guessimate date. But it looks like he should be home around the 23rd!

Well, off to work...and I have a headache again. Had one yesterday afternoon that never went away, and it is back this morning. Ugh!

Second post of the day...4th of July

2009-07-06T09:31:00.005-05:00

So the 4th was good, here are some pictures from it.

Me and Ashlee

Aunt Debbie and Ang

Ashlee and Gracie....they had the same shirt on

The birthday girl, Sarah

Sarah again

Grandma and Ashlee

Ashlee all ready for church

Well,

2009-07-06T09:15:00.005-05:00

the concert is over.... :( ....but it was AWESOME!!!! They said no cameras so me being the too goody shoes, I took mine back to the car, of course everyone seemed to have one. But I did get a few with my cell, not the best but hey, it is only 2mp.

JABBAWOOKEE (I think that is how you spell it) They are awesome dancers!

Jesse McCartney....he is HOT!

New Kids on the Block....Danny and Johnathan

Joey

Jonathan....yes they came into the crowd for one song!!!

Jonathan...he came to our side the most

Jordan!!!

All of them...

Joey

They came right beside us when they came into the crowd. They are so hot!!!

Well...It is July 1st...

2009-07-01T14:17:00.003-05:00

and that means Jamie will be home soon!!!!! I am so excited! I was excited in April for his R&R but sad too since I knew he was going to leave again. But this time, he is home to stay!!!! He is thinking he will be stateside around the 15th and home by the 25th!!!!! YAY!!! I have already started my "Daddy's coming home" dance for Ashlee, which she thinks is funny.

Speaking of Ashlee, she is doing good. Trying to walk more and more each day. Actually Tuesday she was standing alone for a few seconds, then she realized she wasn't holding on to anything so she sat down...lol. She has 7 teeth now and looks so precious when she smiles! I love my daughter!

Tomorrow is the New Kids on the Block concert in Memphis!!! Ang and I are going to it!! Yay, we will have so much fun! I can't wait to just relax and have some fun!

I do have alot on my mind and wish I could vent here but since I am to "keep the peace", I can't vent. I am really, REALLY, upset with someone because they are being so disrepectful to others and is doing some really stupid stuff. This person has no job, has no house, because of THEIR mistake yet this person thinks we should pity them. I am tired of throwing pity parties. GROW UP! This person is "dating" a loser whom they think hung the moon. We have told this person that they are in the wrong but this person thinks we are because we don't agree with them. This person will not listen either. This person sits on their butt all day long then complains they are tired or hurting when everyone else has done the work. This person expects everyone to give them everything when this person does nothing to deserve it. I am just so sick and tired of it but I say nothing to keep the peace. But I really want to say, "Get off your lazy ass, clean the house, get a job!" Well, I am really not done venting but I will stop before I say something I will regret. And for those who read this and probably know who I am talking about, please don't go spreading it around...Remember Keep the Peace!

My weekend....

2009-06-15T10:09:00.002-05:00

Well Friday was boring as usual at work. I did leave at 4pm due to my MIL needing to go to a funeral. Mom, Dad and Stacy came over; Dad mowed the yard for me. Nothing real exciting. Then come Saturday. Ashlee and I get up around 6am, eat breakfast, play, do the normal Saturday stuff. Mom and Dad come over around 10am so I could take Rescue to the vet for her annual checkup. She is healthy, though we need to watch her weight, 12lbs 8ozs! I bring Rescue home then Mom and I go to Wal-Mart. Again nothing too exciting. Well, around 5pm, Ashlee was fighting sleep so I was walking around the living room bouncing her. Rescue and Mr. Eko were around my feet, nothing out of the ordinary. Well, then I saw the look in Mr. Eko's eyes...he was about to jump...on me!! Since I was standing up with Ashlee, this was not going to be good. I turned as fast as I could but he knicked my arm twice and got Ashlee on the leg. He started to jump again but I pushed him with my right leg which he in turned clawed! He then turned his attention on Larry and Rescue! Fur was everywhere, he was in the mood to fight! I was bleeding pretty good, Ashlee was crying but thankfully not bleeding, fur and spit and pee were everywhere in the kitchen. I called Mom to come watch Ashlee so I could calm them down and clean the mess up. Dad came with Mom and help clean my wounds; one was pretty deep. Mr. Eko was calmer but still walking around like he was the Man or something. I have NO idea what got into him. A month ago, he attacked Larry, again fur everywhere. This is so not like him, he has never done this before. I have a call into the vet to see what they think. Mr. Eko still "marks" in the corners even though he has been fixed for over a year. Mom and Dad were worried he would attack again so they told me to put him in the bathroom. I didn't feel right doing that since I know this is not like him and I think his hormones are coming back in. So I packed me and Ashlee up and we stayed the night with mom and dad. Yesterday, I came home and left Ashlee at Mom's. Mr. Eko was fine. So mom brought Ashlee home later. Mr. Eko was his normal loving self last night and even this morning. I hope the vet calls soon so I can ask them what they think.

Oh and Mom bought her a swimsuit!!! I think she is excited about going to Destin, FL. I can't wait. And it just dawned on me yesterday that we are going 2 days after Mom's birthday so I will have to plan some kind of party for her while we are there!

Now off to work, oh joy!

We are booked!!!

2009-06-11T08:49:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to have us a condo booked!!! We are going to stay at the Emerald Grande. And Mom and Dad are going!!!! Well they have not officially said yes, but I can tell by mom's actions, she is going! lol Dad looked at the two different places last night and he liked both. I am glad I went with the condo because of the location. The house was a few blocks from the beach so I didn't like that. The lady at the agency that I booked with said the Emerald Grande is perfect because it is close and in a place where the waves are calm but we can walk a few distance to the waves if we want to. Jamie wants to snorkel so that is good for him; Dad wants Jamie to teach him since he has never been. I don't care for it because well, I don't like the ocean....never know what is under you...lol. Mom, Ashlee and I will stay on the beach and just build sand castles and maybe get our feet wet. lol

Help me decide....

2009-06-10T14:50:00.002-05:00

Ok, Blog Readers...aka Ang...lol!

Jamie, Ashlee, Mom, Dad and I are going to Destin, FL in August. I have it narrowed down to 2 places to stay. So which one do you like? Jamie likes Emerald Grande for the view and location while Mom likes Casa Bella for the playground and just being a house, I think. And yes Mom and Dad will be going...I think I have Mom convinced...lol.

So Casa Bella or Emerald Grande?

Side note: Jamie will be home next month!!! Have I mentioned that? lol

Random thoughts...

2009-06-04T07:30:00.004-05:00

First off, Jamie will be home NEXT MONTH!!! OMG! I can't believe he will be home next month. If they come home when they expect, we have a little around 40 more days to go, give or take a few!!!!!! This has been a long, hard deployment. He basically left in June since his training started and he was only home on the weekends then after that he left for the mob site, home for 3 days, then left for Iraq. Wow!!! The 2 weeks he was home in April felt so great but went way too fast!

Second, I have been trying to get Ashlee to sleep back in her crib for the last 3 months....she started crying in her crib back in March and won't sleep in it for more than a couple of hours. So she has been sleeping with me. I have been told and told to just let her cry it out and well, after several attempts, I have decided NO FREAKING WAY! I can't stand to hear her cry, I just can't. And most experts, even the ones who teach "cry it out", say it is ok to let them co sleep with you, as long as you are ok with it and they are getting enough sleep. I am going to put up a rail on Jamie's side of the bed...for now I have just been putting pillows, but for my ease of mind, I will get rails for the sides. She normally sleeps all night beside me and only moves closer so I am not scared of her falling off per say, but at least it will be safer....and keep Charlie off the bed. He is too bouncy and thinks his spot needs to be where Ashlee is sleeping and I am constantly telling him to move away from her.

Third, we are trying to break Ashlee from the bottle since she just likes it to chew/suck on when she is falling asleep. So far it has been going ok, my 2 bottles a day is a great limit because some days she only takes one. She is picky about drinking her milk though so I have told mom that if she hasn't drank alot of milk or ate much, to be sure to give her a bottle with formula so at least she is getting nuritions. But so far, she eats pretty well. But she is cutting 4 teeth, yes 4! 2 have broke through already on the top and 2 more on are their way. She has had some BAD diapers....Saturday we had a little accident. She had been tooting but nothing in the diaper, then BAM....poop all over her and the carpet!! Ewwwww! But I got her and the carpet cleaned, so we are all good. Though I was scared I tramantized her when I cleaned her since I ran the water over her since it was so much. She was then scared of the pool that she had just been playing in early that day and even screamed when I gave her a bath that night...she loved bathes. But thankfully I got some new toys for bathtime and with a little patience, last night's bathtime went great. She was scared at first but soon was splashing water everywhere. So yay! Now I hope she will be ok with the pool when we try it again. Here she is in the pool Saturday...isn't she just the cutest!

Well, that has been my life for the past few days. So how has yours been?

2009-05-28T12:21:00.001-05:00

Been a while...

2009-05-28T12:09:00.005-05:00

Not much has been going on in my world, just work (which is super boring) and spending time with Ashlee (who is super busy).

I did get Ashlee SS card in the mail Tuesday so she is officially official..lol. I also picked up our family pictures we had made when Jamie was home. However, some were missing but she found them and is having them printed so yay!

Not much I can say on the subject...got to keep the peace....but please pray for my Mom; she has alot on her right now.

Update on me...

2009-05-19T14:34:00.002-05:00

Well, life has been busy. Ashlee is crawling and pulling up and getting into everything! She has 2 teeth on the bottom, one on the top coming through and we believe the second on the top is trying to push out too! My poor baby!

We got new carpet through out the house last week!!! It looks so good! Ashlee's furniture came in so her room is now finished....though she still won't sleep all night in her crib!

I also finally after several trips and calls, have Ashlee enrolled with our insurance and have applied for her new Social Security card!!!! Getting the new card took 2 days....yesterday I went with all the paperwork only to find out I had to have the original of the adoption papers but when I went to the court house they told me I don't get an original but they could stamp the copy I had; which I left in the car and had to be at work in 5 mins. So this morning I went back to the court house, got the stamp, and then back to the SS office to file for the new card. Whew!

That has been my only excitement....my life is boring for the most part....just tiring for me.

I can't wait for Jamie to be home!!! I miss him so much! They are packing up their stuff they no longer need since they will ship it home before they leave! I can't wait for July to get here!...plus the NKOTB concert is July 2nd!! Yay!!!

Whew...

2009-05-06T11:19:00.002-05:00

Busy morning for me. First, Ashlee was up at 6:00am, she was fussy and took a bottle and was almost asleep then Bam...she was wide awake and ready to go...lol. Kids! Mom got there at 8:00am to pick Ashlee up. I got ready and left the house at 9:30am.

First stop of the morning was the National Guard Armory to enroll Ashlee into DEERS. After several phone calls, I finally got the ok to use her old Birth Certificate and Social Security card along with the court papers since it will be months before the new ones come in and her state insurance runs out the end of the month! Yay! She is enrolled into DEERS, now to fax the paperwork to Tricare! Yes, we have to enroll her into 2 systems before she has insurance. Crazy!

Second stop of the morning was the DCS office. Jamie and I won the award for "Resource Parents Most Willing to Work with Birth Parents" at the Spring Conference on Friday. I stopped by to pick up our award and gift....we got a frame Certificate, a candle and a frame.

Third stop of the morning was the doctor's office. I needed to sign a release form in order for Ashlee's old doctor to send them their records. Dr. Melton said he would look over her CT Scan results and decide if we need to go to Vanderbilt. I don't think we do so we wanted a second opinion.

After all that, I came to work. Did a few things and now here I am. It is super quiet again today, along with being cloudy outside. I am so tired of the rain and gray skies! Where did my sunshine go? It left when Jamie did! I miss Jamie!

Been a while...

2009-05-04T11:36:00.005-05:00

Well, work was boring last week so not much to talk about. Ashlee is feeling better but a second tooth is coming in so yay!

I am really missing Jamie this go around...only 89 more days...give or take a few days! I will get a new ticker up soon.

Friday started NSD weekend. NSD = National Scrapbooking Day which was Saturday. My favorite store, Digital Candy, had lots of sales and challenges over the weekend. I did 14 layouts!!!

What do you think? Link to credits...

Golden Popcorn Challenge

Candy Mold Challenge

Dare Devil Challenge

Never Ending Story Challenge

There was a Scrap-a-thon that had 10 challeges...I did all 10!

Challenge 1 - Night at the Museum...had to use an old kit

Challenge #2 - Grand Theft Layout - had to do a layout design like someone's in the gallery

Challenge #3 - National Treasure - we were given a kit to use

Challenge #4 - The DaVinci Code - we were given instructions on what had to be on the layout

Challenge #5 - American Idol - We were given a song to scrap

Challenge #6 - Me, Myself, and Irene - we were told to scrap what makes you, you

Challenge #7 - Transformers - we were given a template to use

Challenge #8 - What Dreams May Come - we were told to scrap about why we scrap

Challenge #9 - The Notebook - we were given 3 different Dr. Seuss quotes to chose from

Challenge #10 - 27 Dresses - we had to create a layout using only 1 piece from a kit

So there they are! What do you think? I am amazed I did all those in 3 days!

Whoa is me...

2009-04-29T10:22:00.002-05:00

Well, I was off for 7 days at work, the 17th thru the 27th....it took me like 4 hrs to get caught up!!! That is how slow we are! So needless to say the rest of the week will be boring.

Ashlee had another fussy night last night. Between her teething and her cough, she is not a happy camper, which makes me not a happy camper. She finally went to sleep a little before 10pm but she had to be in our bed. She did sleep all night and even crawled to me and laid her head on my shoulder early this morning and went back to sleep...awwwww! Though she did pop my lip with her head and made it bleed. Oh well.

I am still in a blah mood. I miss Jamie, work is super slow and Ashlee still has a slight cough even after the meds. I hope he can figure something out when we go back on Friday. We also still don't have any paperwork on the adoption so we can't add her to our insurance yet. Though DCS did fax me a copy today so yay on that! I need to call the armory to find out exactly what they need to add her to DEERS so we can add her to Tricare...don't you love the military insurance, so much paperwork.

Well, it is about time for work, oh joy, so I better get ready.

Is it Friday yet?

Well, back to being a single mom...

2009-04-28T10:11:00.001-05:00

Jamie left yesterday to head back to Iraq. I so miss him! Ashlee is getting better but she still has her cough plus a tooth is coming in so needless to say, neither one of us slept last night.

I do not want to go back to work. To be honest, I am down and really just want to stay in bed today. It is raining so it makes me even more gloomy. Oh well, I should be busy since I was off for 7 days.

Short post, too blah to really type.

Remember Ashlee...

2009-04-24T13:20:00.002-05:00

Since her cough had gotten worse, we took her to the doctor this morning. He decided to do bloodwork and a chest X-Ray. Well, the bloodwork came back fine but the x-ray did not. She has some inflammation around her broncial (sp?) tubes. He said it is a viral thing and it is what is causing her to cough. She is on 2 different meds and we go back next week to make sure it is helping. The doc was really shocked to see the x-ray; he was not expecting it to be anything. He just thought we were being concerned and he was just checking to ease our minds. I am so glad he didn't blow us off and that he did the x-ray! He has sent the x-ray off to the main off to be fully read and if they see something different then he will call us.

Long night....

2009-04-22T18:44:00.005-05:00

Well, Ashlee has been sick. She had a runny nose yesterday when we went to the doctor. But since the doctor was not in...we were there just for shots...I just had the nurse to check her ears. They looked fine. By last night, her cough had gotten worse. She was not running fever but with the Tylenol we were giving her for the shots, it was hard to tell. She went to sleep on the way home from seeing the BF and Jamie's dad but woke up when we got home around 8pm. She went back to sleep by 10pm but was up again by 10:45pm...the rest of the night was a blur. She wiggled all night, whined and just didn't feel good. I do know that Jamie and I both were up with her at 2:35am and he got her back to sleep but she would only sleep like 20 mins at a time since she was having trouble breathing. I went today and got a cool mist humidifer and some Baby Vapor Rub. I also gave her a nice warm bath with the Johnson & Johnson Vapor Bath. She played some after the bath and then got fussy. I just laid her down so we will see how it goes tonight. Pray for her! I hate that my baby is sick!

As for the meeting with the BF, it went ok. We met at the library and Jamie really dealt with the BF...I still don't want to talk to him. Jamie never let him hold Ashlee but we did let him take a picture of him, Jamie and Ashlee..well I took the picture. He brough Ashlee a gift...well gifts...it was stuff animals he had won in the vending machine game...I think he is addicited to thoses. He also got her a card which I opened today. He wrote in there "Sorry I could not be there for her b-day. Sorry I could not keep you but you are in a good place...His name Dad" When we left last night, he cried and gave Jamie a bear hug...I was already in the car with Ashlee. Jamie told him Ashlee will be ok. We told him that for now he can call once a month...first Saturday of the month, at noon and that is it. If I am not home, leave a message and I will get back to him. He said he will miss May because his dad was to go back to the hospital...fine by me. I just wish he would never call again. But we will see. As for the BM, no word from her in a few days. I will try to send some pictures to her soon.

Well, that has been our day...Well not really. My mom kept Ashlee this morning so we could get some sleep since we didn't get any last night, then I went to Wal-Mart, Jamie got his haircut, then we went to eat supper at my parents' then home. Ok that is my day...lol.

Just thought I would show ya'll the new crib, dresser and night stand we have ordered...

Crib is from Wal-Mart

The night stand and double dresser are Vaughn-Bassett that we ordered from a local furniture store...we got them in white.

One Year Checkup....

2009-04-21T13:30:00.002-05:00

Today was Ashlee's one year checkup. She is 18lbs 4ozs, 28 1/2 inches long and her head is 42 1/2 cm. She got 4 shots today and was NOT happy about it. Jamie turned his back because he could not stand to see her crying. She does have a runny nose again but it is just allergies so back on the allergy medicine. She slept on the way home but has been playing since we got home about 2 hrs ago.

On the way home, we stopped by and told them which carpet we want. They are coming Thursday to measure to get the exact yardage.

We are to go see Jamie's dad this afternoon and we MIGHT let the BF see Ashlee for a few minutes. He called one day last week to see if he could see her on her birthday, which Jamie said no. He also called on her birthday, and 8 times on Sunday!!!! He just left a message on Saturday but no messages on Sunday. He then sent a text to our house phone (how do you do that?) and wanted to know when he could see Ashlee. Jamie called him and said we would be in town today and we might let him see her for 10 to 15 mins. We will just see how Ashlee feels after the shots. We are to give her Tylenol every 4 hrs since the shots she got will cause her to have a fever. She did get the Chicken pox shot and that could cause a rash within a week so we have to watch for that too.

Well, I just wanted to pop on while I rested. Now to get back to cleaning.

What a weekend...

2009-04-20T09:27:00.006-05:00

Ashlee's 1st birthday was Saturday. It turned out great! She had several friends and family members to come and she got way too many gifts. lol

Ashlee did wonderful even though she was getting sleepy! Here she is all dressed up in her new outfit for her birthday...ain't she the cutest little girl ever!

We had a Peter Rabbit/Garden theme party since Jamie has been reading Peter Rabbit to her over the last several months. He makes little segments of him reading then emails them to us.

She wasn't too thrilled to have the hat on her head. But do you like the hat...I made it. Not the best in the world, but still cute.

She was not the typical one year old who digs into the cake. She kinda picked at it then when I put her hands in it, she got upset...apparently she don't like her hands dirty. But she did eat some, but at her own pace...lol.

Sunday was church. I had the poem "The Chosen Heart" read then the preacher introduced Ashlee as an official Spicer and had prayer with us. It was nice.

Ashlee stayed the night with Grandma since we are planning on doing some errands today. We want to look for a new dresser/night stands for Ashlee's room, look at carpet for the house and then come home to clean some before pictures tonight! Busy day!

Til next time....

What a day...

2009-04-17T21:17:00.004-05:00

First off we started by going to court.....to finalize the adoption!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ashlee is officially a Spicer! Yay!!! Jamie and I are so thrilled to know she is forever our daughter!

Here is the new family...pictured is my dad, sister, mom, me, Jamie and Ashlee, and Jamie's mom....

After breakfast, Mom and I went to Wal-Mart to get stuff for the birthday party tomorrow. Ashlee slept for like 2 hours! She was worn out from all the excitement. Then mom took Ashlee home with her so Jamie and I could work on the house. Jamie worked on the yard and the fence while I cleaned the inside. I am pooped...lol. I did get a nice hot bubble bath before Ashlee woke back up. I was hoping she was down for the night but she woke up and here we are at 9:43pm and she is still going....long night I guess....guess she is excited about her birthday! lol

Well, I need to get back to her. Jamie is doing great with her but when she gets fussy, he still gets a little nervous.

Pictures...

2009-04-14T08:49:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures from Easter and the layout I did.

Daddy's HOME!!!

2009-04-13T14:30:00.002-05:00

Jamie got in about 10:45am on Saturday!! It was so great to see him in person! Ashlee didn't know what to do. She would look at him, then lay her head on my shoulder, then look back at him, the put her head back down. On the drive home (2hrs) she started relaxing and even laughing at him. By that evening, they were playing together.

We all went to preaching Sunday then to my Grandmother's for lunch and the Easter Egg hunt...I have pictures but since I am at work, I will have to post them later. Jamie, Ashlee and I headed home about 3pm and we just relaxed at home. I did get a scrapbook page done, again will post it later! I am super proud of it!

Jamie and Ashlee got up about 5:30am today and played until Ashlee did a stinky and Daddy was not about to change it...lol. Jamie did bring me lunch today...only because he got a new phone, Blackberry Pearl, and he wanted me to set it up...lol. Mom was keeping Ashlee at the house. I am just working Monday thru Thursday this week, then off from Friday until next Friday!!!! I am so excited to be off work....I have not had more than 2 days off in years! Jamie, Ashlee and I are going to get family pictures done and that is it so we can just enjoy the week together! Oh and only 4 more days until Adoption Day!!!! It will be so nice to know it is legal....though she has been our daughter since the moment we met her in May!

Well, better get back to work, but I really don't want to. lol

4 days to go!!!

2009-04-07T14:52:00.002-05:00

I did a "Daddy's coming home" dance this morning and apparently I looked funny because Ashlee started laughing at me. lol Oh well, Daddy is coming home in 4 days....does a little dance since I am at work. lol

Birthday planning is pretty much done. Now to figure out how to decorate with everything I have bought. I am sure my mommy and Aunt CeCe will do a wonderful job....lol!!!!

Jamie, Ashlee and I are having family pictures made on April 20th!!!! I am so excited that Renza has a day she can do them for us! We are excited!!! Renza does such a great job!

Oh I got Ashlee her bday outfit and it is so cute! Even has matching shoes! lol But I can't spoil the surprise so no pictures until after her bday! Can you believe my baby is going to be 1? Where did the year go? She has been thru so much in her first year of life and she is truly a miracle and my inspiration! I love my little girl so much!!!!

Well, that is really all I have to say, my life is pretty much just waiting right now. Boring I know! Oh well, 4 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!

6 days!!! YAY!!!

2009-04-05T09:12:00.002-05:00

So I am trying my best to get all the birthday stuff done, minus the things we have to do the day of...before Jamie gets home. I have the cake ordered, plates bought, banner bought, dress bought, favors bought and I am going today to look for some more decorations.

I am also trying to get the house cleaned before Jamie gets home. I did some yesterday morning before shopping with my mom (went to get Ashlee's wagon) then some last night since Ashlee stayed with my parents so I could clean and get a good night's rest. I got most of the house done and even some spring cleaning type stuff done (cleaned out the cabinets and rearranged some stuff).

I can't believe that in 6 days, I will be holding Jamie!! I can't wait. And in 12 days, Ashlee will be officially a Spicer!!!! We are so excited!!! And in 13 days my baby will be a year old! OMG, she has grown up so much! When we first meet her, she was 5lbs 7ozs, now she is at least 18lbs!!! She has done so good with having such a rough start in life! She is our miracle baby!!!!

12 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-30T09:29:00.002-05:00

WhooooHooooo! I can not wait to see Jamie!

Not much happened over the weekend; Ashlee and I stayed the night with my parents on Saturday and just relaxed yesterday. Ashlee still has a slight cough but is feeling better than last week.

I ordered a sign for her bday on Saturday, then her plates and such today! Now to get to the post office for stamps to mail the invitations!!!! I can't believe she is almost one year old! OMG, where has the time gone?!

Well, time for work! I am so ready for a break! I am taking off the 17th (Adoption Day, WhooHoo!) then I will be off thru the 26th! It will be so nice to be off and spend time with Jamie and Ashlee....as a family!

Whew....long several days...

2009-03-26T08:31:00.004-05:00

Where do I start?

Well, last Tuesday Ashlee had a runny nose, nothing major but still running. Well, that runny nose got worse over the last week so we went to the doctor yesterday. Thankfully it is just allergies and her ears are clear and strep test was negative. So she is on Zrtec (sp?) for the allergies and antibotics to help clear up the drainage and cough.

For me, I woke up last Friday with a sore throat that turned into a major drainage issue...sorry tmi. Saturday I had 101 fever and felt like a freight train had hit me. Mom came to get Ashlee so I could take some meds and go back to bed and also in case it as more than sinus, we didn't want her to get it. So Saturday was a blur. I am feeling some better, still a slight cough and some drainage but no fever the last couple of days so that is good.

I do have Ashlee's birthday invitations ready to mail! Yay!!!!!! Now to get some decorations, plates, cups, etc and to figure out who to make her cakes and what they need to look like.

Oh and we have 16 days until Jamie is home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I so can not wait! I need him right now!

Well, I better get ready for work, though I really don't want to go. But come April 17th, I will be off until the 26th!!!! I so need a break!

New countdown....

2009-03-17T14:08:00.003-05:00

That is right...one month from today, Jamie and I will be adopting!!!! More on that in a second, first is the doctor visit.

Ashlee had her monthly doctor visit this morning. All looks good. She is 17lbs 12ozs, 27 1/2 inches long and her head is 41.5 cm. All in the normal range if you adjust her age to her due date. So yay!!!!! Boo part is the RSV shot...my poor baby cried but only for a little bit.

After the doctor's office, we headed to the lawyer's office! I finally found it...lol...and signed the petition!!!!! The DCS adoption person was actually in that town and called and asked if I could stop by to sign some more paperwork. So it is now official, WE ARE ADOPTING!!!! And as my ticker states, it will be April 17th so that means Jamie will be home for it!!!!! So we will not only be celebrating Ashlee's 1st Birthday on April 18th but also her adoption! We are so excited!!!!

Well, 26 more days....

2009-03-16T11:49:00.006-05:00

and Jamie will be home for 2 weeks!!!! He found out today that he will leave there on the 9th of March and should be in Memphis on the 11th, no later than the 12th!!!! WooooHoooo!! I can't wait!

This weekend I went shopping with my mom and I found Ashlee's Easter dress, what do you think? So cute! I also got a little cardiagn (sp) to go over it in case it is cold.

We also went to Wal-Mart and Ashlee got sleepy....

How precious is she? She slept the rest of the time.

Last night mom had to come get her because I got a mirgraine that was making me sick to my stomach. I hated to ask for help but I was afraid I would get sick on Ashlee so I thought it was better for her to stay with my mom while I took some high power meds and went to bed. I feel a little weak this morning but better!

And tomorrow I SIGN THE PETITION FOR ADOPTION!!!! YAY!!!!!! I hope the court date is not too far off!

WooooHooooo!

2009-03-13T12:16:00.003-05:00

I just got a call from the lawyer's office, the adoption papers are ready for me to sign!!! If I had not missed yesterday because of the ice/snow, I probably would leave now to go sign. lol But Ashlee has a doctor's appointment on Tuesday so I told her I will come by after the doctor's appointment! YAY!!!!!!! Now to get a court date, once I sign the papers! WOOOOOOHOOOOO! I am so excited! Oh I got some cute pictures yesterday....want to see? Jamie sent her a stuffed camel with that hat and she took it off yesterday and was wagging it around so I put it on her head and she thought it was funny.

Sinking in???

2009-03-10T12:31:00.002-05:00

Of course last week was the first week with no parent visits but we have gone a week before so it wasn't really anything new. BUT this morning, I woke up and thought, "I have no parent visit tonight!" I think it is starting to sink in a little that WE ARE ADOPTING!!!!!!!

I talked to the adoption person via email yesterday (got to love my Blackberry) and she is getting the information together for the lawyer. She will be coming in a week or so to do an updated home study for the court (plus March is our annual review anyways). So it might not be the end of March when we get a court date, I forsee it being sometime in April. Which I would love to get it done but if it happens to fall when Jamie is home, YAY!!!!! Double Whammy (is that how you spell that? lol). She also made us think yesterday (I am still tired from thinking...lol); she asked about our contingency plan. Whoa, never thought of that. Jamie and I said my parents first if they are capable, if not, we have no idea. lol We have never really thought what we would want if something happened to both of us. We will really have to think about this one long and hard...not only for Ashlee but for our 7 furbabies. That may sound crazy to ya'll but our furbabies are our kids and we want what is best for them too. Though Jamie said if I die, Larry will die too because she can't live without Mommy. I have always said Larry will live as long as I do and we will be buried together. lol She is my baby girl and I love her...even if she is a cat to everyone else.

Other than that, not much going on. The BM did call 6 times Saturday night while we were gone but left no message. She called at least 3 days last week, I hope she stops since I hardly answer. I can't tell her anything anyways, and we (me and DCS) have told her that. Oh well! WE ARE ADOPTING!!!!!!!!!

I am planning Ashlee's 1st birthday party! It will be a Peter Rabbit theme, though I am having trouble finding stuff so if you come across something, let me know! I did get her invitation made up the other night so yay on that part! Now to make the guest list, mail the invites once I know for sure when Jamie will be home, and find someone to make the cakes and of course find decorations (ie streamers, balloons, plates, etc).

Oh did I mention WE ARE ADOPTING!!!! Yes, we are excited!!!! I am so ready to get the paperwork rolling and the court date set! I hope to talk to the lawyer soon!!!!

Well, our baby is growing up...

2009-03-07T11:33:00.002-06:00

Her first tooth has broke through! She also knows how to drink via a straw, though she did not like the Apple juice and spit it all out. lol

Tonight, me, Ashlee, my parents, and sister are going to eat at Olive Garden to celebrate the upcoming adoption! We will have a big party once the adoption is finalized.

A little update....

2009-03-06T09:34:00.003-06:00

I talked to the doctor's office late yesterday afternoon and Ashlee's CT scan came back normal!!! So yay!!!!!

I also had a CFTM yesterday afternoon; it took like 5 minutes to change the goal to adoption. So yay!!!!

I have not talked to the adoption person with DCS yet so I have no idea what is next. I hope to hear from her soon but my caseworker said they are going through and adoption audit so she is really busy.

I will keep ya'll posted as soon as I know something!!! Thanks so much for all the thoughts and prayers!!!!

Like my new blinkie?

2009-03-03T12:12:00.002-06:00

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To answer Michelle question: I am to get with the DCS adoption person tomorrow and start the paperwork. I was told normally it takes at least 30 days to get everything finalized and to court. So I hope by the end of the month she will be official!

CT scan update...

2009-03-02T17:23:00.003-06:00

Ashlee did so well today. She was not able to eat anything in case they had to sedate her so I figured she would be so mad by the time her appointment got here. But she did great. Thankfully they did not have to sedate her! I was able to go back there where and stand next to her so she could see and hear me. She still cried because she was strapped down but they got the scan done! YAY! Her doctor should get the results within 48 hours so I hope to know if it looks good by the end of the week.

As of 2:00pm, the caseworker hadn't heard from the court so that is a good thing! I so hope he didn't change his mind and come tomorrow morning I will know for sure if we will be adopting our daughter soon! Stay tuned!

Other news: I got Sirius the other day and have yet to install it in my car...where is a man when you need them...lol. Well today at Wal-Mart, I saw the home kit for $20! I knew I had some old speakers that I could use so I bought it. Well, I get home, get the speakers out...excited to finally listen to Sirius...BUT some time or another the cats chewed through the wires...the speaker wire and the electrical wires...several spots where bare. Great! So I am still staring at a nice Sirius radio but can't listen to it. Anyone want to volunteer to come install it in my suv? lol

Remember us today...

2009-03-02T07:33:00.002-06:00

We have to be at the hospital at 12:30pm; her CT scan is schedule for 1:00pm. I don't like that they will have to sedate her. I will update ya'll as soon as I can on how it went.

Also, today is the last day the BF has to change his mind. I am so nervous about it and scared he will change his mind today. I won't know anything until the morning. I will update when I know something.

Have a good day!

Well, it is getting down to the wire....

2009-02-27T11:00:00.002-06:00

Tuesday night's visit was ok. We had it at the library since Omnivision was supervising the visits this week. They forgot to reserve our room so we were in a big conference room. Since we were in the same room with them, Ashlee did good. The BF did ask if he could come visit at church, I told him that was up to DCS because she is in state custoday. that was all that was said.

Last night's visit was weird. Again, our room was not reserved so we were in the corner of the library since all the other rooms were full. The BF played with Ashlee some but if she got too busy, he would give her to me. I would sit her in my lap and he would sit in the floor and try to take pictures of her on his cell phone. It was like he didn't really want to be with her but did...just odd behavior last night. Towards the end of the visit Ashlee got fussy so I started feeding her and he sat down beside me and said "I have some questions." I was like oh no here we go....but he asked, "How can I check if she has fever?" I was like huh? But said if she feels warm, then use a thermometer...I told him I use the one where you can roll over her head, which is $35. Then he asked how often she got a bath. I told him still just Wednesday and Saturday unless she got dirty before then. Then he asked what branch of the military Jamie was in. I told him Army National Guard. He asked what they do in basic training, I told him I had no idea. That was all he asked. Then he played some more with her then asked the Omnivision caseworker if she knew anything about prepaid cell phones, she said no. He said he wanted to know about calling overseas. I thought he said he was going overseas but he said no but I want to. I asked to where, he said Africa...odd place to want to go. That was the visit. Then as we were getting ready to leave, he kissed Ashlee on the cheek...he has never done that. He actually seemed kinda sad, like he knew it was the last time he would see her. Odd.....

Then about 9:40pm, I got a text from the Omnivision caseworker...she asked what do you make of this...."Have I talked to you about my wife's other daughter. This is "BF name"." I was like I have no idea how to respond to that. She said he creeps her out and she was not going to answer the text just yet.

I am kinda worried he is thinking of changing his mind BUT then I am not because he told the caseworker Tuesday night he was about to lose his apartment and he knows he has to have a place to leave to even try to get Ashlee back. Also, he said something Tuesday night that he held a little baby so maybe he was asking how to take care of her to show off for that family. I have no idea what is going through his mind but I hope he does not change his mind and come Tuesday morning, I can say it is official...we are adopting!

CT scan scheduled...

2009-02-24T12:48:00.002-06:00

I take Ashlee for her CT scan on Monday, March 2nd. She will get the scan done in Jackson then we will take the scan to Vanderbilt on May 12th (yes May). They had her scheduled at Memphis on March 3rd but that doctor no longer takes TennCare Select, which is what she will be on until we adopt her. Vanderbilt does take TennCare but as you can see, their appointment list is long. By May, she will be on our insurance, which luckily Vanderbilt takes also. We are on a waiting list in case an opening comes up so we can get in sooner than May. Just pray for us on Monday for 2 reasons: 1) Ashlee can not have anything to eat 6hrs before 6am...her appointment is not until 12:45pm!!! She will NOT be a happy camper with no food for that long. Pray for me and Mom as we try to keep her happy. 2) March 2nd is also the last day BF has to change his mind about the surrender. Please pray he does not change his mind so on March 3rd, we can celebrate! ;) I will keep ya'll posted!

See my new ticker?!

2009-02-20T09:31:00.002-06:00

HE SIGNED!!!!!

He does have until the end of the business day on March 2nd to change his mind.

Say a prayer...

2009-02-18T14:36:00.001-06:00

Court for the surrender is set for Friday, February 20th, at 9am!!!! He will have until March 2nd, at 5pm to change his mind. Please pray he finally does the right thing and surrenders his rights!

Good news, possible bad news...possible good news..

2009-02-17T20:10:00.002-06:00

Good news: Ashlee is growing and healthy. She was 17lbs 3 ozs, 27 inches long and her head was 41.5cm. So yay!

Possible bad news: Ashlee's right side is slightly flatter and her left ear sits back slightly. The doctor is not too worried but wants to be proactive so she is making Ashlee an appointment to see a specialist and get a CT scan done. The doctor is worried about possible Craniosynostosis. I am slightly worried but as long as the doctor is not too worried, I will try not to be.

Possible good news: The BF said he is 100% sure he wants to surrender this time. Apparently his roommate has moved out so he is left paying all the bills and he has no money. So he wants to make sure if he surrenders the child support will stop. The DCS caseworker sent an email to the DCS adoption person to tell her to set the court date to surrender ASAP! So lets hope it is soon...like this week. But we will see. Oh he did ask the DCS caseworker if he could get it in writing that he will gets visits. She told him they could put it in writing but it would not be legally binding because they could not force us to get him visits once he surrenders. He said he understood and was ok with it. But I told her that I do plan to give him visits once a month until Jamie comes home, then we will stop. Until then I don't want him to try something while Jamie is gone because he can't see her, KWIM?

So pray for Ashlee and the upcoming CT scan and PLEASE pray he surrenders this time and all this will be behind us!

Thanks!!!

Whew what a week...

2009-02-15T07:40:00.005-06:00

Monday was ok, boring at work as usual. Then came Tuesday...the trial for Jody's murderer started. First they had jury selection starting at 9am...it took them to 11:45am and about 80 people before they selected 14 people to serve on the jury (12 jurors with 2 alternates). The court breaks for lunch and the trial is to start at 1pm! So the family goes to eat, all of us anxious. We get back to the courthouse and settle into the hard on the butt benchs. My aunt is the first to take the stand...she cries, I cries, then she gets mad and stares down the evil man. Go Aunt CC!!!! She did so good! Several more witnesses for the prosecution side but it is already 5pm! Wow, hard day. So they break until 9am Wednesday. They start late due to bad weather and the next witness was traveling from a long distance. It was the medical examiner...that was a hard witness to listen to. Tears started forming as he talked about how my cousin was killed. That evil evil man...I watched him alot during the trial. He just sat there chewing his gum, writing on a piece of paper (wonder what he was writing) or talking to his lawyer. Then his mother takes the stand...I have come to the conclusion she is an evil woman too. The next witness (these were the defense's witnesses) was the evil man. He had no remorse and tried to blame my aunt for "startling" him and then tried to blame my cousin for hitting the gun. Coward! He said he only fired once, but evidence showed twice. He said it wasn't true...liar! I really hate this man. Whew, he was done and it was lunch time. I needed to get out after those two witnesses. Recess until 1pm. We all went to eat and headed back around 12:30pm, which is the time Jamie called to check on me. Then court started again...one more witness and it was time for the jury to deliberate! OMG! I was so scared...what if they said he was not guilty of first degree murder but second...my heart was racing, I was so scared. The jury took about 2hrs to deliberate...is that a good sign or not? We all held hands...the judge asked, "On the charge of first degree murder, how do you find the defendant?" OMG......the foreman said, "GUILTY!!!!" YAY!!!!!!!!! Tears of joy run down my face....all of our faces. They found him guilty of all charges against him!!!! They were also ready to proceed with the sentencing so the lawyers got one last chance to fight for/against life in prison with or without no chance of parole. We are hoping for NO chance of parole but even if he is eligible for parole it will not be until he serves 51 years in prison so that is good too. The jury don't take long to decide...his sentence Life in prison with the chance of parole after 51 years. Not really what we wanted but still justice was served and we are so happy to finally have this man get what he deserves.

Thank all of you for the prayers and thoughts during this time. Those two days seemed like 2 weeks, they were long, hard, and very emotional for all of us. After the trial, family and friends went to Jody's gravesite and released 50 balloons to celebrate her life and justice. Oh and my sister, one of my cousin, and I will be getting another tattoo...the Japanese symbol for justice. We got the intials J M J after Jody was killed in honor of our cousin Justin (drowned at 16), Uncle Mark (killed in a car wreak at 17) and for Jody (murdered at 23), all were taken too early in life.

Picture of Justice symbol

I went back to work on Thursday and Friday. They were boring so not much to post there. Jamie did have flowers delivered to the house on Friday for Valentine's Day..he is so sweet!

Saturday was a good day. Ashlee and I stayed home...Jamie "called" via the PC so we did a Video Call. It was nice to see him. Mom, Dad, and Stacy came over for supper....we went to get Applebee's. Not much else happened yesterday. Today is church...that is if Ashlee will let me get in the shower. So far she is fighting going back to sleep even though we have been up for 2hrs. So not sure if I will make church or not today.

This is Ashlee yesterday.

Oh and parent visits were cancelled this week...BF was sick Tuesday and the caseworker was out of town Thursday. She has not heard from the BF so not sure if he made a decision to still surrender or not. I guess we will find out Tuesday.

Remember us this week...

2009-02-09T10:20:00.005-06:00

Well, the weekend was pretty quiet. Mom, Ashlee and I did go shopping at Old Navy...they are having a Baby Sale and you know I had to get Ashlee some stuff. lol

Here is one new outfit she wore yesterday...

Remember my family this week as we finally will get the trial started for the murder of my cousin Jody! This will be an emotional time for us and we could use all the prayers you can spare! Thanks

Also, remember me as I hope the BF gives the DCS caseworker an answer by the end of the week. Pray it is still to surrender!

Well, time to leave for work! Bye!

Well...

2009-02-06T08:56:00.002-06:00

The BF is still wanting to surrender. He did talk to the adoption person with DCS last night. When I got there, the caseworker said he wanted to talk to me about visits. So I told him that Jamie and I have talked about it and for now it will be once a month for an hour or two. I will also send pictures. He seemed ok with that. He wants to talk to his therapist about it; his next appointment is Wednesday, then he will tell the caseworker his definite answer. So for now it is more waiting. Oh his motivation....child support has started coming out of his check! Usually the child support would stop once the adoption was finalized but DCS has told him that they will work to get the child support to stop the day he signs the papers and if he changes his mind in the 10 days he has following, then the child support will start back up. Please keep praying for us.

Good note: Ashlee said Dada!!! I started the video of Jamie reading to her and she said Dada!! Not sure if she meant it but still said it!

Need prayer...

2009-02-03T19:14:00.003-06:00

The visit tonight was as usual...Ashlee cried, BF had no idea what to do...etc etc etc. Grrr!

The prayer request is that the BF does what he said he is going to do....surrender his rights! The DCS caseworker said that before she makes a court date, she wants him to see the adoption person with DCS. She is hoping she will come Thursday for the visit. So please pray he actually does surrender this time...BTW this is the 4th time he has said this...the last time he actually got to the court house before he changed his mind. I will keep ya'll posted! Thanks for the prayers!

Just for fun...

2009-01-30T19:21:00.006-06:00

Here are some pics and a video of Ashlee...I love this video!

Here are my furbabies...

Larry..

Sam...

Rescue...

Mr. Eko..

Charlie....

Thelma... This was Christmas Eve when Thelma and Louise came in so they didn't scare off Santa

Louise...

A little update....

2009-01-30T13:34:00.002-06:00

The caseworker from last night called this morning. She said told me what she and the BF talked about last night during the visit. He said he is ok with adoption but he wants visits and he knows we won't allow any...he is right. He also said his cousin is willing to adopt Ashlee and let him move in with them....in CO. The caseworker tried to explain to him that at this point, moving Ashlee is not the best thing. She is bonded with me and my family and removing her will make her unhappy. Oh and she told him that we should be at the point where he can have day visits alone with Ashlee and maybe a night visit. She asked him what he would do if we came in and said Ok, here is Ashlee, we will be back in an hour. He said he would not like it because he would not know what to do!! WHAT?! We have been working with him for 7mths and he has fought us about "wanting" her yet he has no idea what to do. Then why the heck are we still doing this? Grrr!!!!

Jamie called this morning and we talked about it all. He said he was willing to bend a little to get it over with. He said if it would do any good, he would agree to visits once a month. I emailed the DCS caseworker and told her I figure it would not do any good but told her what Jamie and I talked about. She agreed it would not do any good because to the BF Ashlee is a possession at this point he still has some control...this is a power struggle to him. I then asked if they would pursue the cousin in CO...Her response...."It would not be in Ashlee's best interest to pursue a family member." So yay on that part! Now to get to court, termiate his rights, then adopt her!!! Whew, long months ahead of me!

Sometimes life is too much...

2009-01-29T19:49:00.006-06:00

Ok, so Monday was work, boring. Winter storm moving in tonight.

Tuesday - Stayed home since my MIL was iced in, yes iced. Ashlee and I enjoyed each other today. And guess what my baby did...SHE CRAWLED!!!! OMG, she is growing up too fast.

Wednesday...We got lots of ice during the night so no work again today. Here are some pics...

Thursday - Went to work, boring as usual. Then comes the parent visit with the BF. We arrive at the Library and the BF is putting a blanket down. The caseworker goes through the diaper bag...no toys. Well, he brought some but they had not been cleaned yet. Within 5 mins of us walking out of the room, Ashlee starts crying. The BF just stands there and try to calm her, not working.The caseworker asked me if her teeth were bothering her, I said probably not. She is probably sleepy since she feel asleep about 10 mins before we got there. Well, the BF tried to calm her but no go. So I go in and tell him to "dance" with her. His response, "I don't dance." I said it is not really dancing but more bouncing...then walked out before I said something mean. Well, again no go, Ashlee was not happy. So the caseworker goes back in, I follow. Ashlee wants me so I take her and get her calm within a minute...she is laughing within 2 mins. After I get her calm, I give her back to the BF...BTW, this is just 30 mins into the visit. Ashlee does well for about 15 mins then gets fussy again. The BF has no idea what to do and keeps looking at us for help. I finally go in and tell him to try to feed her, nope she don't want him...so I take her and get her calm again. For the rest of the visit, the caseworker talked to the BF. She talked to him about what is really best for Ashlee. He said he don't want us to adopt her because he will never see her but wants a cousin in CO to adopt her. He said she wants to adopt and will be coming in May! The caseworker told him that Ashlee won't be in foster care by May. Oh and he is filing bankruptcy! And the caseworker asked him if he was comfortable being alone with Ashlee for an hour, he said no. WHAT! I am so sick of him, he is dragging this along because what HE wants and is not thinking what is best for Ashlee. Oh and when I went in the first time, I noticed a smell, not BO but a strong bad smell. So I asked the caseworker if she smelt it. She said yes and she thinks it is from his work. I said, "He don't wear his work clothes here, then hold her does he?" He works at a place that, sorry TMI ahead, kills chickens. So the caseworker goes in and asked what he does when he gets off work on visit days. He says he just comes there!!! OMG, he wears his work clothes. So the caseworker asked if he wears a uniform at work and changes later, he said he only wears a smock! OMG, he wears the dirty clothes to the visits and holds my daughter! No wonder she got sick last week! The caseworker told him that before he comes to the visits, he needs to go home and clean up. I am so pissed that he wears his work clothes. From day one we have made sure he washes his hands because of germs yet it never occurred to him about his clothes. We know he don't have the best of clothes so we didn't say much but tonight the smell was too much and it really made me think about it. I am so sick of this and having to put my daughter through the visits. She will not look at him and she tries to get away from him but he keeps getting into her face; which we told him to stop because it was making her even more frustrated. Ashlee looks around the room, but never at him...but if she does she cries. Just please pray for us because with each visit, I get even more mad at him for being the self jerk he is.

The caseworker tonight is going to talk to the caseworker from DCS tomorrow about everything.

Just a little update....

2009-01-25T15:52:00.002-06:00

I took off Friday because Ashlee had a rough Thursday night. My MIL stayed the day while I went to Wal-Mart to get her forumla then she just stayed to visit.

Saturday - Ashlee was feeling better but still has a cough. I was cleaning the house until my mom called and wanted to know if I would go to Goody's with her since they are closing and she wanted to look around. My Dad came to watch Ashlee while we went shopping. Oh I talked to Jamie for awhile before we went shopping. I got a few things but nothing much.

Sunday - Ashlee seems to be lots better. My mom came over early because her washer broke last night and she had several loads of clothes to wash. She got her around 9am, I think, and she is just now getting ready to leave...4pm! We had a good day thought, we video chatted with Jamie, played with Ashlee, and just chatted. Ashlee is almost crawling...she is doing the belly crawl right now but about had the hands and knees crawl. I did get Ashlee's baby book caught up and I am working on printing off pictures for her Life Book I have to do for DCS. I am about um...3 months behind. Oops. I am printing 39 pictures, which is not all of them but I don't have enough ink for all of them. I also got my house cleaned!!! Well, I didn't dust but I did do everything else, feels nice. A clean house is so relaxing to me!

Well, that is my weekend, pretty boring I know but oh well! Boring is good sometimes...except at work right now. Tired of being bored at work.

Long last few days...

2009-01-22T09:07:00.003-06:00

Sunday - Ashlee and I stayed home since she was still coughing and it seemed to be getting worse. My parents came for a little while so I could rest and chat with Jamie. My mom ended up coming back later in the afternoon because my fever went up and I got a headache.

Monday - I went to work, though I really did not want to. My mom kept Ashlee here. Ashlee's cough is still pretty bad but thankfully no fever and we had an appt for Tuesday.

Tuesday - Dr. appt at 8:30am. The doctor said a germ is going around causing red ears, runny nose and eyes...the drainage causes a cough. She said Ashlee looked and sounded good but wanted to change her meds because amoxicillian (sp?) would not faze the germ. So she is now on Zitomycin, Abultoal, and Psneo...ok, I can't spell all those medical terms. lol. Visit was cancelled since Ashlee is sick.

Wednesday - Ashlee had a rough night. She woke up at midnight and was just not feeling good. She just wanted me to hold her so I sat up with her til 1:30am and she finally went to sleep and back to her crib. I called in to work and stayed home with Ashlee. Her cough seems to be getting a little better but she still has one. The doctor said we should see an improvement by Thursday. LOST came on tonight!! OMG it was good! Ashlee slept on me from 6pm til 9pm - then played til she got sleepy again around 10pm. She was asleep and in her crib by 10:30pm. I tried to sleep but the girls outside decided it was time to bark all night. Needless to say, I did not get any sleep.

Thursday - Ashlee seems to be getting better so I will go to work today. Though I hate leaving her. I am torn on what to do. I feel bad for leaving her while she is sick but I feel bad for missing work too. I was out Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Yes, we are super slow but I still feel bad for missing. I will call to check on Ashlee several times today.

Side note: My coworker called me yesterday to see if I was coming in. I told her no and that I had called our boss early that morning. She got mad because no one told her and she said she could not work all day because she had to pick up her niece and with this short of notice, she could not back out. I am ill with her anyways because she made the same comment on Monday when I was concerned that the doctor would keep Ashlee. She made out like her schedule to pick up her niece was more important. And the "short notice" comment really made me mad because it is not like I asked for Ashlee to be sick. I almost told her "Sorry Ashlee got sick, next time I will schedule with you first." My coworker has a story for everything and talks all the time. Oh and her stories are far more important or worse than mine.

Anywho, it is almost time for work. I will try to keep ya'll posted.

OH and 83 days (give or take some) til Jamie's R&R!!!!!!!!!!!!

A little more update:

Ashlee weighed 16lbs 6ozs on Tuesday, she was 25in (no growth but that is normal since babies don't lay still for an accurate measurement), and her head was 41cm (it is growing). The nutrionist also said we can start her on the level 2 baby foods and she will be started "normal" forumla! She has been on a higher calorie forumla due to being 11 weeks earlier.

The DCS caseworker also emailed me to let me know that court to ratify the perm plan is not until March 12th...that is the only date all the lawyers could make it. So it looks like March or April before anything will happen, if that soon. I am a little dishearted over that news.

Update thus far...

2009-01-17T14:37:00.002-06:00

Well, Thursday's visit was normal I guess...he forgot the toys, no teething stuff and bottles were still dirty. Ashlee got fussy so I went in to calm her down, once calm, I gave her back to BF. He played with her in the floor for the rest of the visit.

Thursday day, I noticed Ashlee had a slight cough but wasn't sure if she was just mocking me (sinus infection) or if it was really something. Well after we got home, Ashlee really started coughing once she went to sleep. I knew then it was something. So Friday morning, she was still coughing so I called the doctor's office. I also called DCS to ask what they suggested since I know the doctor's office could take all day to call back. They suggested I go ahead and take her to the doctor because it was Friday and Monday is a holiday. So I called back to get her an afternoon appointment..which they only do walk ins so they told us to be there by 12:30pm and we would get in after 1pm. So here we go...get there at 12:30pm..actually a few mintues before. We are #7 on the list....we wait...and wait...and wait. Finally at 2:30pm (yes 2 hrs later), we get in. Her left ear was a little red but that was it. He RX'd some antibotics...we were leaving by 3:15pm! So on our way back from Jackson, I stopped at Wal-Mart in Humboldt to get her meds. Well, they said it would be an hour! Ok, sure, we are already in here might as well wait. So me, Ashlee and my MIL do a little shopping....go back after an hour...oh it is not ready, another 20 or 30 mins maybe. WHAT!? It is already 5pm so we just left. My MIL said to call back and see if they can transfer the RX to my local Wal-Mart; they could so yay for that! We get home about 6:15pm, Ashlee plays, I give her a bath, then it is nightime. She actually goes down at 8pm with no fuss! I go to bed at 8:30pm since I am wore out and not feeling good.

This morning I go to the doctor for me...I was right, sinus infection. She gives me 3 different meds to take, yes 3! I am at Wal-Mart by 8:30am but the pharmacy don't open til 9am so I go to McD's in Wal-Mart for breakfast....BTW, my dad is home watching Ashlee. Pharmacy opens, I get my RX in (only 30 mins here), shop alittle, go pick up my meds (yay for a good pharmacy), head home. Jamie is online so I chat with him some while Ashlee tries to type along with me. Jamie loves watching her via the web cam. She gets sleepy around noon so Jamie just watches as I feed her then rock her to sleep. I put her in the swing next to me so I can watch her. She coughs more in her sleep and it scares me. My mom comes a little before 1pm to see Ashlee; I take a nap til 1:45pm! That felt good! Here it is 2:45pm and Ashlee is back asleep and I am going to try to do some stuff around the house.

Take care! Til next time....lol! :)

A little update...

2009-01-14T14:47:00.003-06:00

I feel better....

I got an email from my DCS caseworker and she talked to J after the visit last night. He has actually had dealings with the BF previously and J will NOT be recommending BF for custody. One from his past history and two we are 7mths into this and we are still having to show him what to do and he is still not prepared for visits. He said I should not have to bring a thing, that the BF should be fully prepared at this point. So yay!!! I feel better!

Also, no court date since they are waiting on some depos BUT she said they could be filing the petition for TPR before we even need the depos so yay again. We need the depos for the court hearing in front of the judge where we have to bring ALL parties in to discuss why she was put in foster care and rather or not to leave her or return her to parents, or adoption. I would have to testify if we did that but with the petition, it is simplier. They file the petition, the judge says yes or no, if yes then the BF has 30 days to appeal, if he don't appeal, then we adopt!!!

Well...

2009-01-14T09:25:00.002-06:00

I am a little discouraged.

I had to go to UC at 4pm to talk to the guy doing the bonding assessement, we will call him J. We talked for an hour or so. He just asked about me and my family, how I felt about adoption, and also my thoughts on the BF. I was honest and told him I did not like the BF. J said he could tell she was loved and well cared for.

Then came the parent visit with J watching in the other room with us. Ashlee got fussy so Paula (my other caseworker) went in to ask the BF if he had remembered to bring Orajel or teething tablets. Of course he forgot. Side note, he brought 3 blankets to lay on top of each other for her to play with, did bring a toy, and brought the bottles but they were still dirty (who knows how he cleans them; to me they looked like he had touched all over them). Since he forgot the teething stuff and no clean bottles, I went in to give her some teething tablets. Paula then told him to try to feed her; Paula had to show him, again, how to hold her to feed her. Ashlee was sleepy so she ate her bottle and went to sleep. So for the rest of the visit, BF either walked around with her or just sat on the couch. J did say he noticed the BF did not engage much with Ashlee, sleeping or not. Which he was said is fine at times, but it is not good all the time. The BF looked bored while Ashlee slept. After the visit, J went in to talk to the BF but we left so I don't know how it went.

I am discouraged because it was a relatively a good night. Yes, BF was some what unprepared but he did feed Ashlee and get her to sleep. I know it is just one night out of 7 months but I am worried. I do not want to lose Ashlee; she is our daughter! I am getting scared, nervous about losing her! We still do not have a court date, and that worries me some too. But I guess I still have her until the court date.

This Thursday, we are moving the visit to the UC library. Paula will be supervising only to give Angella a break. And since Paula does not work for DCS, we can't have the visit at DCS but the library has a set up where the BF can be alone while we watch from another room so we will see how it goes.

I am not sure if J will talk to anyone else or not. He did talk with my mother since she was with me and also to Paula. On a good note I guess, J was impressed that Jamie reads to Ashlee via video. Jamie is making small segments of him reading "Peter Rabbit" and we watch it every night before bed. J said he had never heard of anyone doing that and thought it was a great idea.

I will keep ya'll updated. Thanks for reading and please keep praying for us.

Small update....

2009-01-13T09:48:00.002-06:00

Not much has happened since my last post. I did go to the eye doctor today. I had an eye injury 3 years ago so I have to go every year for a checkup. All looked good, minus some irratation in my right eye but I think that was an eyelash this morning. He also switched my contacts since the toric was bothering my left eye so I go back in a week to see if the different type works better and to make sure my right eye is ok.

Tonight is the bonding assessment! I am actually having to meet with the guy an hour before the visit to talk! He called this morning asking if we could meet earlier or after the visit. I told him I preferred before because of Ashlee; she tends to get fussy or sleepy after the visit and I don't want to keep her out any longer. So when I got to work, I made sure it was ok to leave early. I will try to update how it goes either tonight or tomorrow.

That is it! lol Have a great day!

Another rough visit...

2009-01-08T19:14:00.002-06:00

Well, tonight was our first visit in UC. The caseworker with DCS had a meeting so the caseworker with Omnivision supervised the visit.

The BF went ahead into the room while the DCS caseworker took Ashlee to see some other workers that have been involved with the case. When we walked into the room and the BF had laid a blanket on the floor. Well, it was a thin, small blanket and he expected her to play on it on a concrete floor!!!! The caseworker told him that was not going to work; he has to have a THICK bigger blanket. She then checked his diaper bag. He still had not cleaned the bottles, did not the correct size diapers, and still no toys. He also did not do his homework; he gave her the "deer in the headlight" look when she asked.

Then the visit started. We left Ashlee and the BF in the room while we watched via the one way mirror. The BF just sat on the couch and tried to get her to sit in his lap. But of course, she did not want to just sit there. Her gums are also bothering her so she was fussy. He kept moving her from his lap to his shoulder, then up and down....he didn't know what to do. I finally went to get my diaper bag and the caseworker took her bottle and her favorite toy to her. If I went in and left again, she would be upset....she kinda did when I first left. Well, so BF sat on the couch and let Ashlee play with the toy. Of course she got tired of that after a while but he just wanted to sit there. The caseworker had to go in and tell him to try to read the book to her. While she was talking to him, he decided it was a good time to change the subject about him being moved from a position at work. He can't stand if someone tells him what to do or if the spotlight is not on him. Since Ashlee's gums were hurting, she was getting fussy. He had no idea what to do. The caseworker went in to talk to him about her teething and asked if he knew what to do. He said no, of course the DCS worker and I have talked to him about what he would need to put in his diaper bag, ie Orajel or teething tablets. He acted stupid. Well, after a while of her whining, which he thought was her talking to him, she got really really fussy. We still had 15 mins left so we had to see what he would do. They wanted to see though I wanted to go get her! Well, she stayed fussy so the Omnivision worker went in, Ashlee was still fussy so the DCS worker went in...Ashlee was NOT happy. So the DCS worker brought her to me, within seconds she was fine. I even had her laughing.

The BF acted like he was doing everything right but in reality, he had no idea what he was doing. He really really irks me.

Ashlee is playing right now but she is getting sleepy so I need to go get her and hopefully she will go to be soon.

A little update....

2009-01-07T11:56:00.002-06:00

Well, not much has really happened this week. We did have a parent visit last night and BF has homework for Thursday. He is to make a list of everything he will need for Ashlee. We will see what he comes up with Thursday.

I also got an email from the caseworker this morning saying that on next Tuesday, someone will be coming to do a bonding assessement on Ashlee and the BF. He will also talk to me before the visit. Should be interesting. I found a site that had some good information about bonding assessment. Here is the site. It sounds promising if the judge will take into account the bonding between Ashlee and me and our family. Now to get a court date. I will be so glad when all this is over and Ashlee is officially ours.

Jamie decided to try Skype out. He called me on it yesterday; it was a little crackly but better than Vonage. I downloaded it last night so we tried the video part of it this morning. It worked pretty good. I am trying to figure out how to make an application work on my Blackberry...I will get it working, eventually. lol

Well, work has been slow. We even had a long time supervisor to quit!! I am actually kinda wondering how much longer we can go at this rate. I guess time will tell.

See, told ya not much was going on. Til next time! Peace.....I watched "Independance Day" over the weekend!

Well, a new year is here...

2009-01-03T09:15:00.003-06:00

Ashlee and I went to my parents' for New Year's Eve. I got to chat with Jamie for 2hrs!!! He stayed on until it was midnight here and we wished each other Happy New Year. It was nice. Ashlee and I spent the night since it was late and she was already asleep.

New Year's Day, Mom and I went to Wal-Mart to look at TVs. They had the ones we were looking for so YAY!!! Here is my TV and the stand I got yesterday for it.

Yesterday I had to work but since it was super quiet, my boss let me leave at 1:30pm!!! I went to get Ashlee formula then home to put together the TV stand.

Today is House Cleaning today...hope Ashlee cooperates...lol. Mom said she might come later since she got most of her house done yesterday. OH and Jamie called this morning so it was so nice to hear his voice. He is excited about the TV.

Well, have a good day...until next time. lol!

Rough Visit...

2008-12-30T20:54:00.003-06:00

This is my email to the caseworker...it explains most of my feelings. I can't put it all down because well it ain't very nice.

I am really frustrated with BF and his family. BF nor his mom even asked how Ashlee was, when the last time she ate, last time her diaper was changed, nothing. You had to ask how Christmas was. Then when she did get fussy, it was only after I said she had been fussy today because of her teeth that they acted like they knew what was wrong, but they never once said she is probably hungry, which she was. His mom made me ill with the whole green bean thing, she spent like 5 mins being upset that she didn't like green beans. Get over it, she don't like green beans. BF didn't seem interested in being there, he kept handing her off to his mom and his mom had to ask like 3 times if he wanted her back. I am frustrated that he thinks he can do one session and get an apartment and expect to get her back. He has NO idea how to take of Ashlee, he relies on me to tell him what is wrong. This is all a show to him and I am about done with it. I am trying my best to hide my frustration but I can't anymore. Sorry but I just can't. He forgets the stuff to take care of her and thinks nothing of it. Has he even gotten a crib, swing, highchair, toys, jumperoo, playpen, anything for her? Or does he expect everyone else to buy it for him? I am NOT giving him what we have bought. I will give them back the stuff they bought because to be honest, I don't use it...minus the bouncer which she is about too long for anyways. Has he even found someone to live with? Or does he think we will forget that part? I am so frustrated because this is all about BF and what he wants and has NOTHING to do about Ashlee and what is best for her. It was obvious tonight she hasn't bonded with them because when she just saw them she was about to get upset until she saw me then she smiled. BF tries his best to mimic what I do to make her laugh and she just looks at him. I caught BF several times looking at me to make sure I was paying attention. I so wanted to ask him what he thought would happen in the next few months and what he thinks is best for Ashlee just to see what he would say but then I figure he would act so innocent and I would get mad so I just sat there. The visits are getting harder and harder for me to attend; I can't stand to be in the same room anymore. I know this is not good and I will continue to be there, for Ashlee, but just know I won't say much because if I do, it might not be very nice.

Do we have a court date in mind? I know at one time it was January but that was before the whole surrender talk.

Oh and please ask his parents not to ask about Jamie. Jamie and our life is none of their business. Ashlee is the only thing they should be concerned about.

This was her response:

It is very frustrating. I know more so for you than me. You are her mommy but can't truly be her mommy because BF is being selfish. If it wouldn't be so cruel, I'd let Ashlee sit with a dirty diaper for however it took for him to realize it or cry because she's hungry until he figured it out. He got very bored with us talking about other things than him and interrupted us to talk about his thumb. I put that in my notes. When Ashlee woke up and saw BF and his mom I could tell immediately she was like "what happened, when I feel asleep my mommy was here, where's my mommy". Her eyes got really red and started to fill up with tears and she poked out her lip but then she saw you and smiled. I put that in my notes also. I almost wish Ashlee wasn't such a happy baby. It makes the visits too easy for BF. Did you notice how they both kept getting in her face trying to make her laugh when she got fussy. They clearly have no idea what her needs are even after all these months.

BF does not have the first thing in his apartment for Ashlee. He has his bed, TV and clothes. He has no one willing to live with him in his apartment. I told him that if he did find someone it would have to be 3 bedroom so that Ashlee could have her own room. Neither he nor his mom liked that idea. He is going to have to buy all new stuff or find someone to buy it for him. I told him that Ashlee liked to be rocked and suggested he get a rocking chair. He told his mom that he was taking hers.

When his mom mentioned the whole "grandmother" thing I told her that she shouldn't be surprised. Ashlee looks to you and your family as her family. She is bonded with you all, not them. When she starts talking she is going to be calling all of you mommy, daddy, grandma, grandpa, etc not them. I told her that this is why I stressed to both BF and BM in the beginning how important it was for them to hurry up and do what they needed to do. I also told her that she should be happy that your family treats Ashlee as one of their own, it tells me that they are going to care for her and love her just as they would treat her.

What do you think about having the visits in UC from now on? That way BF can sit in the room by his self the entire visit and not have you to bail him out. I'm just trying to think of different ways to put more pressure on him. If he does get his apartment fixed up the way it needs to for Ashlee we will have to start having the visits there.

BF told me that he had good news. He said that he has a cousin in Colorado that wants Ashlee but only if she lived in TN. I asked if she planned on moving and he said no. Don't know why that was such good news.

No court date yet.

My response to her email:

At this point, I don't care if they get mad if I am called Mommy or my Mother in Law is called Grandmother. If they are more concerned about what my MIL is called then the well being of Ashlee, then I feel sorry for them. Well, I really don't. I don't care about them at all at this point. Sorry to be blunt.

I think having the visits in UC is a good idea. I was just thinking why you had to drive him tonight anyways. He lives and works in UC so what does he use his gas for? Or does he lie about not having gas so he won't "waste" his or so he can have someone there to hand her off to when she is fussy. I feel it should be just him at the visits since he is the one wanting her. I figured he thought I would just give him my stuff for Ashlee, not going to happen. My MIL and I noticed he only mentioned his stuff when he told us what all he had to move in to his apartment. It is all about him. And why is having 3 bedrooms a problem? Because it costs too much money for him? Or because they don't care what Ashlee stays in? I agree they have no idea about her needs, they are just there to play and that is it. And yes I noticed BF wanted to talk about him and nothing else. I guess we forgot the visits are for him to be the star.

I also think he is grasping at straws to find someone and don't really care who they are. And why would he want someone to take Ashlee that will not be willing to live in TN, he would never see her...not that he will when we adopt her. And does he not remember they have to pass a home study and background check and also come to the visits to prove they can take care of her? And why would you really want to move her at this point, unless it was with you? She will regress if she is moved. To be honest, I fear for her if he gets her back. He will either let her lay there and cry or worse. I don't see him playing with her when there is no one there to perform for. And with her teething, our normal routine of sleep is out the window..she might sleep 6hrs or she might sleep 10hrs, depends on how she feels. Like the other night, she went down at 10pm, up at 2am til 4am, then up again at 7am. Don't think he will handle that very well.

Will court be in January or will it be in March after another FCRB? Just wondering. I know Billy's trial is to be in February so I know I will be stressed by that too.

Thank you for all you do! You are a wonderful caseworker and I brag on you!

Sabrina

Just a little update....

2008-12-30T11:03:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve - Ashlee and I went to my parents' house so my mom, aunt, and I could do some baking. We made WAY TOO much food but we had fun! After I got home, I let Thelma and Louise in for the night. Every Christmas Eve, we let the girls in so they don't bark at Santa. They did so well with Ashlee! I was proud of them.

Christmas Day - Ashlee got up at 6am! lol She opened up her gifts and played with her kitchen she got. We headed down to my parents' at 8am for breakfast and gifts. We stayed at my parents' for most of the day. We had fun just playing, talking and watching movies.

Friday - Mom and I went shopping at Wal-Mart and Peebles early while my MIL kept Ashlee. My sister ended up coming later and we went back shopping with her. We left at 8am, got home at 4pm!! My bank account is broke...lol...but we had fun.

Saturday - My mom came over later in the morning to help me get the Christmas stuff down and clean the house. It felt so good to have a clean house!

Sunday - Ashlee and I went to my parents' to help my mom clean her house. We stayed from 11am until 5pm.

Monday into Tuesday - Long boring day at work then home. Ashlee was super fussy from 6pm until 9pm! I was at my wits end by the time she finally went down. She did get up though at 4am and stayed up until 5:30am. I had to be up at 6:30am for a doctor's appt but then realized I never got my referral to go to the appt so I had to cancel it. My PCM is looking into why they never approved the referral; she says it shows pending and I called 3 weeks ago! Today is another long boring day at work then a parent visit tonight. Oh Joy! OH, I did get to talk to Jamie on the phone yesterday (Monday) for awhile! It was nice. We are thinking of buying a new TV since the one we got is starting to blur more and more; it is a BIG screen TV we got from his mom when she moved. It is a few years old.

Well, that is it, nothing exciting in my life so far. I am so not looking forward to the visit tonight. I am just tired of it and him!

Am I too nice?

2008-12-23T14:44:00.005-06:00

Well, I didn't say anything to the BF. I maybe said 5 words to him the entire time. My MIL kept him distracted so he would leave me and Ashlee alone...lol. He said he got a 2 bedroom apartment because the 1 bedrooms were full. What? So they said you could move in to a 1 bedroom apartment they didn't even have so now they upped you to a 2 bedroom? I am confused. My MIL asked how much rent was for a 1 bedroom, he said $325 and a 2 bedroom is $360. He said they are working with him so he only pays $162.50 twice a month...um $162.50 + $162.50 = $325 which is a 1 bedroom....um did we catch him in a lie? I think so but I just let him talk. He so irks me and if I say something, it won't be nice and I don't want to start a fight in front of Ashlee.

As for Ashlee, she is 15lbs 13ozs. 25 1/2 inches long and doing great. The doctor even took her off the sleep apnea monitor so yay!!!! She did have her RSV shot, twice. The first time Ashlee jerked her leg before the nurse was done and yanked the needle out so the nurse had to get another needle and give her the rest of the meds in the other leg. My poor baby was screaming, not crying, but screaming! I got her calmed down before we left. I just talked to my MIL and she said her fever has came up this afternoon so if it does not go down after she gave her the Tylenol, I will call the doctor to see what they want us to do.

Work is super quiet and if they tech person was not coming to work on my computer this afternoon, I could leave early but oh well I am off the rest of the week so I won't complain about 2 more hours. Oh we did get $150 gift card to Kroger from our work. I don't really shop at Kroger but we are going to use it to get our Christmas dinner stuff so yay!

Well, I guess I am off to surf the net for 2 hours! Oh my boss will be gone all next week so it will be SUPER quiet so I will bring my laptop and DS to pass the time. lol

Life is busy...Update at the end...

2008-12-22T08:57:00.012-06:00

Well, a few things have happened since Wednesday, I will try to put it all down; so much going through my mind right now. Thursday and Friday were pretty quiet for the most part, just work. Now Saturday was busy.

First off I had to take Ashlee to the parent visit which was for the extended family so they can bring her Christmas gifts. Of course the parents were there, then the mother's sister and Ashlee's half sister. Then the father's parents, sister, and aunt came later. The mother's sister got to spend about 30 mins with Ashlee, it went well. Then the father's family came in. They irk me too because they tell me they want us to adopt but then tell the father is a great father. Grr on them. Anywho, Ashlee started getting fussy because she was sleepy and even laid her head down on her blanket but they kept poking her and taking pictures after I tried to hint to stop since she was sleepy. I finally took her and gave her a bottle and they kept talking to her even when she had her eyes closed. The caseworker asked them nicely to leave since Ashlee was sleepy and too much was going on for her to sleep. They got mad. Can you tell they really care? Grr again. Well, Ashlee finally went to sleep and slept for a good 30 to 40 mins! While she slept the caseworker talked to the father. She asked if he went to his counseling session Thursday night, he said yes and he is to go back on the 26th. He is to be bringing a diaper bag to the visit with a clean bottle and all. Well, he brought a bottle still in the box. The caseworker asked him why he was not prepared...he just sat there. She told him he has got to stop relying on me to bring the stuff. He just sat there...that is his way of ignoring her. She then asked if he found a place to live. Oh then he perked up because he was so proud he did something he was supposed to do. Well, he got a place alright...but for one person, him. He got a 1 bedroom apartment. The caseworker asked where Ashlee and the person who was to live with him was to stay...again he sat there. The caseworker let him have it now...She told him that this forgetting to get the stuff ready, not thinking about the big picture (ie the apartment) has got to stop. We are 6 months into this and he is no where close to proving he is capable to take care of Ashlee. Of course this made him mad so he sat there sulking...can you tell how "mature" he is? I so wanted to tell him off but I held my tongue, though I did let out a few Huffs here and there when he said some stupid stuff. Oh he even made the comment, "I wish I could have worked today, but I couldn't" WHAT!!!! You would rather work then spend the day with your bio daughter? This is when I about told him to leave...along with some other choice words. It is a wonder I have a tongue left. Tomorrow is Ashlee's doctor appt and the father plans on coming and I have a few things to ask him...now if I will do it.

After the visit, mom and I went to get lunch then home. I chatted with Jamie for a while!!! Then about 2pm or so, Ashlee and I headed down my parents'. My mom had asked if me and my sister would spend the night one night before Christmas. So we ate supper, watched a movie and just chatted. It was nice. Oh and Ashlee was playing with a toy the caseworker gave her and she was sitting up all by herself. She is still wobbly but she is getting so much better!! I got home about 3pm Sunday. Ashlee wasn't feeling well..teeth hurting..so it was a long night.

Here is a pic of her sitting up:

This morning I had to take Thelma and Louise to the vet for their bath and nails but when we got the vet, Thelma got sick. I don't know what was wrong but the vet just called and said she was not acting like her normal self so the vet is going to check her out. Her ears looks red so they wanted to make sure it was ok for the vet to check her out. Of course it was...my poor Thelma. I hope she is ok! I will update ya'll when I know something. Well, I better get ready for work. I am so glad I only have 2 days of work this week!!! Then 5 days off!!!!!!!! I won't know what to do!

Oh, here is a picture of Ashlee new blanket. My very talented friend Camille made it for her!

And just so you know...I am not as strong as I sound...lol...right now I feel like crying. I miss Jamie so much; this is our first Christmas apart. I have 7 furbabies to take care of and 1 of them is trying my last nerve. Plus dealing with the bio father, I am overwhelmed and exhausted but I push on.

UPDATE on Thelma - She is fine. They said she could have gotten stressed out on the ride or just having a bad day. She was kinda snappy and that is not like her so they were worried. If she gets sick again or acts up again, they will do bloodwork to make sure nothing is really wrong. But for now, they are not worried about it. Whew, I hate my baby is not feeling good. I guess she knows Mommy is not having a good day.

Another boring day...

2008-12-17T21:45:00.006-06:00

I had to go to work but it was super quiet so I spent the day car seat shopping. Ashlee is growing out of the infant car seat plus my mom needs a new one since hers expires this month. Did you know car seats expire? I didn't until a nurse told us in the NICU...learn something new everyday. I have one picked out but still debating...it is the Evenflo Titan Elite. Anyone ever used this one?

We had Los Portlas for supper...mom was craving it I guess since she called and asked it was out of my way. lol It was yummy! Then it was bath time for Ashlee...she does so well with her baths. We played some then off to bed for her...she finally went to sleep about 8:30pm. Once Ashlee was down, I did a layout for a challenge at Digital Candy. The challenge was to create a layout using a word art given to us...I love the word and had fun creating the layout. What do you think?

Credits: PST Designs Merry & Fairytale Studio Word Art

Well, I am off to bed. Not much on TV and I am tired. Hope ya'll have a great night! Oh, I can't believe Christmas is in 8 days! Time sure has flown by. I can't believe that in 4mths my baby will be 1 year old! Wow!!!!

Ice Day for me...

2008-12-16T21:30:00.006-06:00

We got a thick coating of ice last night and since my MIL lives out in the country, she was unable to get to the house to babysit today. So Ashlee and I spent the day together. It was nice...oh I guess you now know our daughter's name. ;) We played, watched TV, and even took a couple of naps together on the couch. I so love her and enjoy my time with her!

Nothing real exciting today but I wanted to point out to anyone that reads my blog, and doesn't already know her, that my wonderful, talented, and great friend Rachel has started making word art to use in digital scrapbooking. So check her out here!

Here are some pictures I had made last month...they turned out wonderful!

This is me and our daughter....that dress was mine when I was little.

Me and Ashlee for Daddy

Ashlee sitting in Daddy's helmet...he told his coworkers she was taking a poopy in his helmet. lol

This is me, Ashlee, my mom (Linda) and my sister (Stacy).

More drama...

2008-12-15T14:10:00.003-06:00

Well the caseworker called a little while ago. The BF was served the child support papers finally. He has been told that they will start child support once the case was reviewed. Well, now that he has the papers, he has decided he wants to surrender his rights...again. The caseworker told him to call his lawyer because she was tired of talking to him about it since he has changed his mind so many times about surrendering. She told me that they will see if they can get a date in before Christmas but they doubt it. So we both figure by the time they get a court date to do a surrender, he will have changed his mind yet again.

At least I have no parent visits this week. Tomorrow night's is cancelled due to the BF being sick and Thursday's is cancelled because he has a counseling session to attend, which I doubt he does. So for now, Saturday is the next visit. And I think that is it til after Christmas so Yay!

Remember us though since they are calling for some icy weather. So far, it is just really cold but the storm is moving in across the river so we will see if we get any of it!

Lazy Saturday...

2008-12-13T16:27:00.002-06:00

I picked up our pictures last night...they are wonderful! I scanned a few for Jamie and he loves them!

This morning I had to take Larry and Sam (2 of the cats) for their annual checkup. The vet said they look happy and healthy so Yay! Then I came home to clean. BTW, our daughter was at my parents. She spent the night with them since I knew it would be late before I got back with the pictures (an hour drive) and I had to take Larry & Sam to the vet this morning. They brought her home about 11:30 am since Jamie was going to get on and use the web cam. The VTC is cancelled for tomorrow due to them being unable to get the equipment to Jamie and his unit. It was nice to talk to him "face to face" though sad at the same time. Our daughter was awake and talking so he enjoyed that. After the chat with Jamie, I got our daughter asleep and I finished up a few things here at the house. The afternoon has been quiet...either rocking her or piddling around the house while she slept or played.

Well, that is really it for me today! Hope ya'll have a great weekend!

Random thoughts...

2008-12-12T10:53:00.003-06:00

I am really frustated with the bio father of our daughter and his family. His family has told me several times in the last 6 months that they want us to adopt her because he does not need her BUT they tell him he is a great father and is doing a good job. They are too scared of him to stand up for their granddaughter. It amazes me that I don't care if the BF (bio father) gets mad at me at this point, let him. I am fighting for our daughter so forget him. Why are some so afraid to stand up for what they believe? The BF is an arrogant, selfish, angery person who does not need to be around a child much less raising one. Everyone that meets him can see he does not need our daughter and to be honest, I think he knows that! But being the selfish person he is, he does not want to admit it. The spotlight is on him right now and he likes it. If he gives her up, then the spotlight is gone. It is so sad to think that he and his family care more about themselves then the little child we, and they, should be fighting for. The only ones in her life that are fighting for her are the ones that are not even blood related. How sad is that? I just hope that when we go to court, I think in January, that the judge will see the selfish person in front of him and terminate his rights. I am just angry at him for what he is doing to our daughter, he has no concern for her. Last night we had to, again, show him how to hold her while feeding because he barely had her and almost dropped her since she is stronger and wiggles more. Then when leaving, one of the DCS workers told him he did a good job...his response "I always do." How arrogant is that!? He thinks he knows it all and will not listen to us when we correct him. It is like talking to a brick wall. I am not a cusser but I so want to cuss this man out! He brings out the worse in me I guess. My boss laughed at me when I said I can't stand him, he said he could tell. lol I am usually a happy go lucky kind of person but this man really lights my fire and oh how I want to tell him off.

On to some good news....my little cousin might be born today!!!!!! They were going to induce labor this morning so I hope she comes today!!

Oh and IT IS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to come into work early since our accountants are here doing year end but so far, for me, it has been quiet. Ready to go home though!

Well, Jamie is online so time to chat with him! I love this man!!! He makes me smile!

CFTM...

2008-12-11T21:30:00.002-06:00

Well no swinging went down...lol

All that really happened was that we changed the goals from Return to Parent or Exit with Relative to Exit with Relative or Adoption. The caseworker also told the father that she has been told to go ahead and file the petition for adoption! The caseworker also made another appt for the father to take his counseling...now lets see if he goes. So for now, it is just a waiting game. After the meeting, the parents of the father got to visit for a few minutes and when the grandfather said, "Well, I have to give you back to Mommy" talking about me! The father didn't say anything. I never looked at the father...too angry to really look at him. The parent visit went ok...the father was alone with her for the first time; of course we were watching through a one way mirror. After an hour, he was getting tired of entertaining. Thankfully our daughter was in a good mood and actually went to sleep pretty quickly.

Other news...We got our Christmas gifts from Iraq! Too bad Daddy wasn't in the box! Our daughter loved her gifts! Also our pictures we had made on Nov 22nd are in and I am picking them up tomorrow!! YAY!!!

Well, it has been a long day and our daughter didn't sleep good last night...joys of teething!

Keep praying for us!