It has been awhile

Well hello again! I've made some changes here and hope you like them!

Momma's night out

Friday night I went out. I dropped her off at my aunt's house, headed to the game, some fireworks, and then a fabulous concert featuring Blake Shelton. He is awesome and a great performer. He really interacts with the crowd.

He has the most gorgeous blue eyes and oh those dimples!

Adventures in pet ownership

Well, there is a new pet living at our residence as of last Wednesday. His name is Nemo. Can you guess what he is? He's a red beta fish. Brie picked him out and named him. She also feeds him and has to make sure he's okay everyday. It is very cute. I'm sure at some point, she will forget that he exists and mom will have a new pet!

Eventful day

The morning started off early and slow. Brie lounged on the couch most of the morning and then we went for a really long walk down by the lake. It was starting to get a tad toasty outside by the time we got back home.

Brie got a diaper change and then she went down for a nap. I did laundry, dishes, and played on the internet while she napped.

After nap, we ate dinner then went out and played. She chalked on the porch while I pooper scooped the yard. I had to get out the hose to stop the stupid dog from barking. I left it on in case I needed to use it agian.

Brie came over and started playing with it. I didn't mind, it kept her occupied and I could finish scooping the yard. By the time I was done, she was soaked and shaking she was so chilled.

I brought her in, the drenched dog (she will never learn to not bark) and we got ready for bed. She slept late (7pm), so I figured she wouldn't be ready for bed. I put her down at 9 and she was still pretty chatty. By 9:30 she was out!

Not sure what we'll do tomorrow. My parents come back, so I know I need to make sure the laundry is finished, the dishes are done, and the house is picked up. Other than that, I have no idea. It is supposed to be really hot!

Batchin' it!

This weekend Brie and I are batchin' it. The parentals are gone and it is just us. I wish the parentals had taken the mutts with them. *sigh* The barking trash eating monsters!

Things are very quiet around here. We may head over to the Luis Palau festival this afternoon. It depends on how Brie feels (allergies) and if we have an early nap or not. The festival has Veggie Tales characters at 1pm this afternoon. She'd really love to see that.

If we do that, then I need to scrounge up some batteries for the camera. I'd use my parents' digital, but the memory is full and I have no idea where their cord is to download photos off of there.

Today should be a beautiful day. Tomorrow, the heat sets in once again. I really do need to track down that perfect weather location.

Eggs, anyone?

Grab the cooking spray and meet me on the front sidewalk, we'll fry up some. Yes, it is hot enough to cook a full course breakfast out there! It is 98, but feels like 99 (yeah, I think they are lying about that...more like 150!).

Did I mention I don't have any air in my car. The only air I have is the kind where all the windows are down and you are driving at top speed. But even that isn't helping today.

This kind of heat is the oppressing sort. It envelopes you and makes you feel boxed in. It suffocates you and makes even the wimpiest of a/c units feel like heaven!

On the Brie front, she is with her dad this afternoon. She is NOT staying the night with him. I'm selfish, it's my birthday tomorrow and I want her with me ALL day long. (Yes, I can do the pouty face, arms crossed, and tongue out).

I'm hoping he brings her back at a decent hour. She did take a nap, but if you put her to bed late, she tends to rise early. This makes absolutely no sense to me, but that is how she operates!

On the mommy front: I got my license switched over today. I was completely amazed that it only took 30-40 minutes to complete. The line was huge and the place was packed. I guess since I didn't have to take a test it was quicker. As a bonus, I get an extra year! My NE license was set to expire in 2010, but by switching, IA gave me an extension!

Have a safe, cool weekend everyone!

Money

or lack thereof. The 1/2 way point til the next payday is always a guessing game. Will there be enough gas to coast home on by Friday? Will I even make it home Thursday night? Will I have to call in sick Friday due to no gas in the car, only compounding the money problems?

This is where I am right now. It is Tuesday and I have about 1/4 tank of gas. If I go nowhere tonight or Wednesday I am guessing I can make it to work and back home on Thursday. Friday? Yeah that is still a stretch. If I have enough to get to work, then the bank, I'll be set. I can get gas on the way home (not as cheap as if I could make it home!).

I could really use the child support I'm not getting!

On the upside, I am getting free tickets to see a ball game and a concert with Blake Shelton on July 25th. I'll be getting a babysitter and then heading out for a mommy's night! Woot! Have only had a handful of those suckers since 2004!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of july!

Things are starting to fall into place

Well, I think I've finally found a rhythm in this new life. Brianna and I are settling in and getting into the new groove. Since we share a room, she is up every morning at 5:45 unless I get up before the alarm. She then goes out on the couch and "wakes" up and then eats some cereal while I get ready for the day.

Next, its off to daycare for a fun filled day. This usually includes a dirt bath, lots of running and playing. Then we come home, have dinner, go for a walk and then off to bed. We throw some bath times in there as well, especially on the dirt bath days! LOL

Her dad usually comes to see her every other Saturday and takes her for about 5 or so hours. She goes willingly, but is always so happy to be home with mommy again. I love the little break. Of course, all I do is play catch up or just vegitate!

I'm not liking the new job. I was hired on permanately with my company, but in a different department. This is a more stressful and larger department. Work has slowed down, so I'm often left with nothing to do.

Today, I was supposed to train on the phones (oh joy!), but my co-worker went home sick while I was at lunch. This left me with her job as well as mine and no training on the phones. I have to take over on the phones July 6th! By the way, the phones is more like a switchboard operator and not just a "how may I help you" type phone. I hate the phones!

On the positive, I am now medically insured! I've been without health insurance for almost 2 yrs. I pray I won't have to use it, but if I should, I have it! My uncle works for the insurance company we use and he says this is the cream of the crop plan. I don't have to pay that much per month for it either $82/month. Not bad!

Next on my to-do list is to get my car registered and my license changed over. I am trying to find a day to get that done w/o taking time off of work. I also need to sock some extra cash away for that. I can't seem to accomplish that once I pay rent, rent on the storage shed, cell phone, and then regular bills. Oy! I will get it done though, I am determined!

Well, I think that is it for now!

Hello! I am back!

It has been a very long time since I've been on this thing. So here's what is going on in a nutshell. At the end of January I asked my husband to leave the home and I became a single mom.

Then last weekend Brie and I moved back in with my parents. In the process I had to surrender five cats. 2 are still missing in the old house somewhere. THey have food and water and a litter pan, so they'll be fine. Good luck to the new tenants!

Well, gotta run. I am off to garage sale and then to a funeral. Brie's dad came and got her for a visitation. This could be a nice thing!

Abigail Rose 1996-2007

It is with a sad and heavy heart that I let my friends and family know that Abby has went to the Rainbow Bridge. She has been a good and faithful friend. Abby, you can now play bally to your hearts content and never be in pain. Rest, my old friend.

It has been a while

I usually can only jump on the computer on the weekends and then only for a second. The job is going great. Brie seems to be adjusting well. She is refusing naps, but other than that she is doing well. I love the greeting I get when I come home from work. It is awesome to hear, "Mommy!" and then she wraps her arms around my legs.

We went Christmas shopping today. We got Brie a play Hoover vacuum complete with real sounds and attachments. We also got her a DVD of the "Wiggles". She'll be pleased as punch. I am also going to pick up a cheap piece of costume jewelry for her. She loves the "bling bling"! LOL

We also sort of had a date night tonight. Brie stayed with my mother-in-law while we shopped and had dinner out. I actually got to drink an alcoholic beverage....oh my!

After getting to three different stores, we found a digital camera we liked. The first store it was over priced, the second was out of the camera, and the third time was the charm! We are now a proud owner of our very first digital camera. I am so excited! I can now post pictures after taking them. WOOT!

We won our case against Rick's former employer. We had to go through the county attorney, but the original check, one check fee, and the filing fee were paid. We then called the bank to see if we could possibly get the last two fees waived to bring our account to a zero balance.

They thought we were nuts since our balance was on the positive side. Rick looked and sure enough, a direct bank account transfer had been made for ALL the fees that were incurred when the check bounced. We took the money out and closed the account. What a relief!

Cha cha changes

Boy how my world has changed. Rick hasn't had any luck finding a job, so I found one. It is a temporary position with Werner Enterprises. The position does have the possibility of becoming permanent though. I like it and so if it is offered, I'll take it.

The last company Rick worked for is messing us over big time. The first paycheck they cut him bounced. Our checking account is overdrawn and fee-ed to the hilt. We've had to just let it go and are using another account so that we have access to some money. Meanwhile, we have turned the case over to the county attorney in the area the company resides (Greeley). I certainly hope the company comes through, but we aren't holding our breath.

The lawsuit will only get us the face value of the check and the one returned check fee from the bank. But at least it is something. To get the rest of the fees paid, we'll have to take the company to small claims court. This is going to take a long time to fix, but we have to t do it.

Rick is at a job interview right now. It is with Walmart and he'd be unloading trucks from 4-midnight. This would be ideal as then Brie would only be in daycare a few hours a day. That will cut down on costs and we'll be able to pocket more of our paychecks.

I am hoping this is the turning point in our dark days. I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and am praying that something doesn't block the light once again.

I'm a working mom now

Last night was my first night away. I had orientation from 5-10. I had to leave the house at 4:30pm. I did get out early, but she was already in bed. :(

We looked at daycares and found a really nice in home daycare. She'll be there on Fridays for about 9hrs. :( She really liked it there and jumped right in. She's the only girl. She thinks that is just fine!

She won't go this Friday as I don't have to work, but she will be there next Friday. She seems to be adjusting just fine to things. I on the other hand, am adjusting at a much slower pace.

I'm no longer a stay-at-home-mom

Well, not technically. I'll still be home 4 days a week. I am now working part time at Target. On a whim I filled out an application on Wednesday and got an interview immediately after filling it out. Then, I had my second interview yesterday and they offered me the job.

It is contingent on a clean drug test and background check, but I'm pretty confident. I stopped off and picked up tan pants and red shirts and a pair of shoes. I'll be working in the produce department.

I have to start looking for daycare on Fridays for the little monster. I'll be doing preliminary searches. Since I don't know my schedule, I don't know if she'll be there all day, part of the day, or what hours of the day. But, I'll be looking for openings, pricing them, and going to visit them.

Wish us luck!

The word "No"

Why has it become her most favorite? Everything is "no". Any question you ask her is met with a resounding "no". It is truly a fascinating word.

We've also entered the world of fears. Vents are something she can't walk over. Walmart has become a very scary place for her, because of the vent at the enterance. Drains are much the same way. She spends her shower time avoiding the drain.

Then, we have bridges that you can see down between the slats. She treats them much like she does the vents. She crouches down and will not move. Next, we have the fear of falling. She is constantly saying, "I fall". Our world is a joy these days!

Birthday fun has come to an end

Yesterday was party day. I spent the morning picking up last minute items at the grocery store. We still had to make one stop on the way into town for ketchup and mustard.

Brianna loved being the center of attention. She greeted everyone with a hug and a kiss, then she was off to play with the kids. She had no interest in eating...she wanted to play with the kids and the dog toys. She carried a rubber dinosaur and chicken that squeaked around all evening long.

We finally convinced her to take a break and open her gifts. She got 3 baby dolls with bottles, an animal puzzle that makes animal noises, several outfits, duplos, 5 videos, butterflies for her room, a kitchen w/dishes, play food, a big stuffed bear, playdough, an art set, 3 books, a sticker book, and I think that's it. She loved it all. She sat and fed the baby for quite a bit.

She wrestled with a little boy that is her age and a girl 1 yr older than she is. They had such fun chasing each other around. She had a blast! You would have thought she'd have fallen asleep on the way home, but nope. She was wide awake then entire ride home. And she was up bright and early at 7! She's still napping though, and it is going on hour 3.

She had a doc appt on Friday. She is 33lbs, 38" tall, and perfect according to her doctor. We discussed her feet turning in and the doc thinks she will be flat footed (comes from daddy) and may need some inserts when she gets older. For now, just wear supportive shoes with arches in them. She didn't get any shots this time. We don't have to go back til next year. That seems so odd after having to go every month, then 6 months, and now 1 yr. Wow!

Cold weather a brewin....

It has turned chilly here. It has been dark and dank and drab. I miss it being so bright and sunny, the sun not setting til well after 8pm. I love fall, but I don't like the days shortening so much.

I've been checking the weather report for Thursday and it is looking like it is going to be a very cold one. Possible flurries, a high of only 45. Looks like we'll be wearing winter gear to the pumpkin patch. :( I hate that. It was pretty cold last year when we went too.

Birthday week

Today is the start of Brianna's birthday week. Thursday we have her actual birthday with just us. We are going to Vala's pumpkin patch. We started this tradition last year and it was a lot of fun. A great way for us to have an activity as a family.

Friday, she has her 2 yr well baby visit with Dr. Mosemann. We are also going to stop by Walmart and see if her pictures are done. There was a chance that they would be in early. Otherwise they'll be in by the 18th. We are hoping for Friday, though.


We are also going to stop off at Gigi and Papa's house. Gigi is making the birthday cake...a bear.
That picture is of a peanut butter one. Ours won't be pb, but that's the general appearance we are going for.

Saturday is party day! Party starts at 4pm. She is going to have such a fun fun time. I've already gotten calls asking for sizes and such. Rick's mom has already gotten her two videos: Elmo and a princess one. Rick and I got her some duplos and 2 videos (Frosty the Snowman and Veggie Tales).

I will post pictures as I get them. I don't have a digital camera, but Rick's mom does. So we'll get some pics right away. Then, I'll have to remember to drop off my 35mm film to be developed.

Birthday planning

Well, we are in deep into party planning. You know, I really dread the day she actually has friends she'd like to invite. I don't know what we are going to do. My side of the family is huge enough as it is. UGH!

We've decided on doing a potluck like we did last year. We'll provide the meat, they provide the side dishes. I'm still up about the cake. Cakes are so expensive especially large enough for the crew I need to feed. So I may make one and then buy one or make a bear one and buy a plain one. I don't know. EEEK!

We've bought her gifts. She's seen them, but has forgotten by the time we get home, so it'll be all new when she opens them up. I've already had one aunt call to get her clothing size. She was amazed that she was in a 4T.

Her 2 yr check up is scheduled for October 13th. Her 2 yr pictures are tomorrow. Go Portraits claims that they may be in by the 14th, but likely not til the 18th. So, we'll hope by the 14th and then I can just pass them out while I'm at Brie's party.

Tomorrow evening we are going to a birthday party at a pumpkin patch. A hayrack ride is included, but we may opt out as it's a spooky haunted one. They do the same one during the daytime, but it's without live actors. Since the party doesn't start til 6, I am thinking our ride will be with the live actors. We'll see once we get there.

I can't believe that she's almost 2!

Grey's Anatomy and ER

Season premiers tonight for both. I was so excited and made sure I had snacks, comfy clothes, and a blanket. I was set to go!

Those shows did not let me down with the season premiers. I am hooked all over again and am waiting for next week to come! Yay!

On other news, Brie was in rare form today. She refused breakfast and her nap. Managed to dunk her head and a bear in the dogs' water dish this morning. An all around naughty whiney day. Here's hoping for a different outcome tomorrow.