What's new with Gracie

Grace is EIGHT-TEEN MONTHS old already=(

How can that be seems like yesterday that I had her.

What is new with my little girl:

She is saying three words at a time

Has a more extensive vocabulary

Can play in a group with other kids her age

Can climb on the coffee table like a champ!!

Stays in her bed, she isn't even attempting to climb out yet

Drinks out of a cup all the time, no baby bottles for her

Counts to 6 skipping 4, says A-B-C

Loves "El-bow" and "Ab-ise" which are Elmo and Abby Caddaby more than life itself

She can and will at times sit and watch a segment of a show if it is "Sesame Street" without getting up

She loves to give kisses

Loves my mom and sister- sometimes so much that it makes my heart jealous. She can say their names and calls out for them frequently. "Maw Maw and Sar-ah", she calls for them in the car, in her bed at bedtime, and even goes to the front door calling them. It is very cute and some what annoying- Ha ha ha!!

Loves books, loves them, loves them!!!

She is so beautiful. Her smile and energy is contagious. She has started throwing fits- she does it all throws her body down on the ground, screams, kicks, and even pulls hair. I am asking God for guidance on how to deal with this! I don't know what my life would be like without my precious baby.

New Year's 2009

What an outstanding year I have had. I don't know how they can get any better. I am so blessed beyond belief. I have such an amazing husband and daughter. I have the best parents one could ever ask for.

Things I want for us this year:

1) I pray for a healthy year for my friends and family

2) To continue to try to spend every possible moment I can with my daughter. These years are going by fast and she will be grown before I know it. I love being a mother more than anything, and want to give Grace the world. I want to teach her about God, and help her grow into a wonderful child.

3) To be a better wife and friend to Jamie- He is my heart!! I couldn't make it without him and feel so fortunate that he is my best friend. I could be better and know in my heart that I can try.

4) I would like to lose some weight and get into shape. I have a goal of losing 30 pounds and then I might try to do something special.

5) Continue to pay off debt. Jamie and I have worked so hard the last two years and paid off every credit card that we own but now were working on paying off our vehicles and student loans. Wish us luck.

6) Being a better daughter. My parents are so good to us and we wouldn't be able to make it with Grace if it wasn't for all the help they have given us, I would like to continue to do nice things for them to show them how appreciative we are for them.

7) Be a better person in general. I consider myself a good person, I am considerate and caring but I could always be better. I want to do more random acts of kindness. Give more to my church. Become a better christian.

So I have big plans for us, and hope that I can do all of these things!!!

Christmas 2009

I am so sad, Christmas has come and gone. We had a wonderful Christmas. We went to my parents house on Christmas Eve and had a yummy dinner- Ham, potato casserole, green bean casserole, shrimp, pasta, rolls, cupcakes, and rice krispie treats. It was so laid back and low key. We ate dinner, opened presents, and sat around and watched Grace play. My parents got Grace tons of new clothes, a Elmo robe, and a new book. My Mom and Dad got Jamie and I a new stove for when we re due our kitchen. I love Christmas Eve it is so much fun being with my family and just spending time together.

Christmas day was awesome. I loved playing Santa for Grace. After she went to bed on Christmas Eve, Jamie and I got all her little presents out and finished doing all the little things we needed to do. When she woke up on Christmas we walked her out to the tree and at first she was crabby because it was early but then when we started helping her open the presents she started having fun. She got tons from Santa. Her favorite present was a little purse. I have attached a video of her opening her gifts. Christmas with Jamie's family got cancelled due to the weather so we stayed home all day and relaxed as a family. Grace played with her new toys and we watched movies. Being a parent is the best!!! I couldn't of had more fun watching her face and seeing the excitement in her eyes. I think she is the best gift from God!! I can't wait for Christmas's to come.

FYI- The picture of her in the red was her eating a red cupcake after doing such a great job eating Christmas Eve dinner. Bath time was next!!

Play and Pray

Grace attended her first play and pray this evening. Jamie and I had planned on taking her but our condo association had a emergency meeting this evening at the same time so we couldn't go. Grace was going to have to skip it but my sister took her and my dad picked them up and took them home and watched Grace for the rest of the evening.



Sarah said that Grace did great. She said she kept to herself the majority of the time, but tried to color with the rest of the kids. They made a craft which was a bracelet with a jingle bell on it. My mom came over to visit Grace and she said that Grace was just showing off the bracelet and shaking it, that it was cracking everyone up. I hope that we are able to attend more of the events in the future.

Adopt a child

Sunday at church, Jamie and I decided to each pick a needy child to donate a Christmas gift to this year. I picked a nine year old girl, and Jamie picked a nine year old boy. We plan on going shopping for the gift this evening. I can't wait, I think it is going to be fun picking something out that you know someone is going to be so excited and grateful to receive. Any ideas on what nine year-olds like would be appreciated!!!

Our Lady of the Snow Shrine

We took Grace to see the Christmas lights last weekend. She was in utter amazement. It was such a neat feeling watching her see and be so excited about something for the first time. She pretty much screamed her head off and pointed the entire time.



We got out of the car and let her ride on a donkey. She pretty much wasn't to sure about it, but the amazing dad that Jamie is walked right next to her the entire time. He said that she giggled once. After the donkey experience, we fed the goats some carrots. It was soooooo cold that evening so we hurried up and got back in the car to see the rest of the lights. We plan on taking her somewhere each weekend to see the lights. Hooray for the holidays!!

Bounce House

The day after Thanksgiving I bought Grace a bounce house that was on sale. I thought well we better open it up and test it out to make sure it works. I took it over to my moms to let her try it out. I had to stand right by her the entire time and she mainly just wanted to play on the slide.



It took less than a minute to put it up, and was pretty easy to put back in the box. Here are a few pictures of her playing in it.

Times a Ticking

I still haven't put my Christmas decorations up. I had to work over the weekend, and I plan on putting them up this afternoon. I am very nervous about Grace getting into my tree. She has already broke several of my moms ornaments at her house. I LOVE decorating the tree and house and told Jamie last night that I was said that I wanted to get started putting it up asap, because Christmas is such a special time of the year and comes and goes before you know it.

Last night when we were driving home from the babysitters it was dark out and Grace, just had her finger pointing and saying "Ahw Ohw". It is super exciting just knowing that your child is seeing something new for the first time. I love every moment that I get to spend with Grace and she makes everyday of life so exciting. As soon as I get my Christmas decorations put up I will post some pictures of them.

Bye Bye Weekend Option

Today is a great day, for the fact that I worked my last shift as a weekend option shift nurse.

Oh weekend option shift you were good to me while it lasted, but it is time for me to move on. Sadly to say, I will not miss you. Thanks for the good times and I will never forget you!!!!

In all seriousness, it worked out great when I had a little baby. I never had to pay for daycare, kept Grace home with us, and made fantastic money. I just want to have a more normal life and be able to spend time with my husband and family.

Starting this week I will be a CSN on my nursing division. A CSN stands for clinical support nurse. Fancy title for a charge nurse. The majority of the time that I will work, I won't take patients, just be the support person for the floor. Make assignments for the floor, help the other nurses, etc. I am EXTREMELY nervous about the position because it is very stressful because at times you have to be the bad guy and they're all types of random things that come up that have to be dealt with. It will be a challenging new role but very exciting.

Wish me luck I will need it!!!

Black Friday

I had to work Thanksgiving night so when I got off work at 730 in the morning, I stopped in at Toys R Us. I did find some really good deals. I was able to finish all my Christmas shopping for Gracie and my nephews and nieces.

After Toys R Us, I stopped by my mom's house, Grace had stayed the night with my family after Thanksgiving dinner and I just wanted to see her face before I went to sleep for the day. On my way over there I passed Target and noticed that the parking lot didn't look that bad. I talked my mom into going with me, and we packed up Grace and headed over there.

We got some GREAT deals. While I was there I phoned Jamie and we discussed getting a small TV for our bedroom and he agreed that it would be a good time to buy it. We ended up getting it that afternoon at Sears.

All in all, we had fun shopping and didn't think that the crowds were too bad.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving

I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

This year kinda stinks. I have to work a twelve hour shift the night before Thanksgiving and work at eleven the night of Thanksgiving. My mom really works with whatever time will work out best for everyone to be able to come. She is doing dinner around four-ish. The bad thing is Jamie's aunt is having dinner at five all the way out in Pacific. So we won't be able to attend both with me having to work that night. I told Jamie that he can go to his families and I can just go to mine, but then the issue is who Grace gets to go with. I want to be with her on the holiday, and Jamie said that he wants us all to be together. So I guess we will figure it all out on Thursday. My mom makes some yummy food, the standard things- turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn, salad, macaroni, rolls, etc. All of the kids are home and it is a fun time. I love being with the ones that I love and love me on the holidays.

Bad News

When I moved into my condo a few years ago my loan officer obtained a grant for me that paid for all of my closing costs but in return I had to stay in my home for five years. I was under the impression that it was prorated if you sold before the five years. I called yesterday to ask and the lady told me that it is not prorated and you have to pay all of it back at the time of closing.

SO- BLAH!!!! Guess that makes our decision easier about selling our home. We will have to just stay put for eighteen months. I was bummed out all day yesterday but I have to keep on reminding myself that we are so fortunate to even have a home and are still doing really well in this terrible economy.

Grace's Fall Pictures

Okay so here are a few of Grace's Fall pictures. These are the ones that I had done by Emily Miller Photography. She did a great job, we are absolutely thrilled with the way they turned out. If you want to see the rest please email me or leave me a message and I will give you the information on how to do that. Please don't copy these!!! These are her proofs and I do not own the rights to these.

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think!!

Friday Night Lights

Okay so I was skeptical at first too.......... but I love love love times a hundred Friday Night Lights. Hands down the best show I have seen in years. It is so much more than football! It has a great story line and leaves me in tears every week. For those who haven't seen it, go ahead and give it a chance you won't be disappointed.

P.S. The characters in the show are really easy on the eyes!!

Leave me a comment and tell me if you watch the show.

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

Yesterday my sister, Grace, and I went to Chesterfield Mall. We had a great time. We mostly window shopped but found some really cute things. We put Grace by the window at the Pet store and she was SCREAMING hi to the puppies, and getting so frustrated with them. It was HILARIOUS!!! We let her play on the playground, and ride on the carousel.

We ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Sarah was in awe of the restaurant, she kept on saying that she never ate some where so fancy. These two little old ladies sat next to us and Grace worked her charm on them the entire lunch.

I finished off the day by stopping in at my brothers house. I hadn't seen them in awhile and couldn't believe how much my nephews have grown. Collin is getting cuter every time I see him. Grace played with them and Sarah, Shawn, and I caught up.

Just wanted to say that I love my sister very much and love that she loves Grace so much. She is always loving on her, willing to watch her, and loves playing with her. Thanks again for making yesterday such a wonderful girls day out.

ENT Visit

Today I had to take Grace for her six month ENT visit to make sure that her tubes in her ears were still looking good. We see Dr. Hardeman and just LOVE him. Grace had frequent ear infections and since the tubes she has been a whole new child. Dr. Hardeman said the tubes still looked great but this is the season that would be the most challenging because it is ear infection season, so cross your fingers for us.

Also, I am off work tomorrow and plan on doing a craft project. I will post pictures later. I plan on making my own version of a glass hurricane. Please feel free to leave me a comment if you like it!!

What is new???

What is Grace up to now a days?? Well what she is not up to is more like it!!!

-Grace is now seventeen months old- SIGH- She is getting so old!!
-She is talking up a storm. It doesn't all make sense but she tries and is trying to repeat everything (I now have to make sure that I sensor everything).
-She is really into playing with purses, she carries one around all the time. She carries it in the bend of arm, it is too cute. She puts random things in the purses but has a ball filling and un-filling them.
-She is a sorter. What I mean by this is, she puts things in piles and then picks them up and puts them other places. She do es this all day!!
-She is starting to dance to music. She has been hitting a button on her book that plays a song and then she shakes her booty and arms. It is adorable!
-She loves to play in the bath.
-She loves to have us read books to her.
-She is no longer drinking from a bottle. We took her bottle away last week and it was for sure harder on me than her. She called out for it and asked for it every morning- "Ba Ba Ba"!! We stuck to our guns and now she is calling it her "Cup".

Grace is so small but has already made such an unbelievable impact in Jamie and I's life that we don't know what we would do with out her. She is incredible to me. I love everything about her. She has this beautiful smile that just makes my heart melt. I love her little voice and giggle. Can't wait to see what the future holds for her.

The Holidays

I am so excited about the upcoming holidays. I know that I have talked about it before but I can't say it enough- the holidays are so much more fun now that I am a parent. I look at it all differently now. For instance, I can't wait to tell her about Jesus and his birthday. I can't wait to do special things with her and make traditions for our family. To bake Christmas cookies with her, hide things in her stocking, etc. all of it the years are just going to get better and better.

I am so sad that she isn't a baby anymore but every single day gets better and better. She is mocking words right now and to hear her mock the words I love you just makes me want to melt. I love being a mom!!!!!

Jamie is such a great dad too!! He is always reading to her and talking to her. I love watching and listening to them play. It makes me love him in a whole new way.

Deer Hunting

I have had this ongoing worry every time Jamie talks about deer hunting that I hope that he will be safe and returned home safe to me without any scratches. And I know he probably thinks that I am crazy but my concerns were totally validated to me today with how dangerous deer hunting can be.

My friend Julie just got married three weeks ago, she just got home from her honeymoon last weekend, and her new husband and father went deer hunting this weekend. Her husband's father was accidentally shot and the bullet entered through his stomach and exited out of his back. He was transported to the closest hospital in Columbia. They were having a hard time getting the bleeding to stop and passed away within hours of arriving at the hospital.

I couldn't imagine losing my father and would be utterly devastated. One sad thing that I have left out is that when she was notified that someone was shot she was told it was her husband. Her brand new husband. I couldn't imagine what was going through her mind at the time. I think it is beyond sad that Brett's father passed away but would had been crushed if it was Brett. Julie has been searching for love for so long and for her brand new husband to be taken away so soon would had been horrendous.

So with all of this being said, it makes me even TEN times more nervous for Jamie to be out there deer hunting. So pray that Jamie will continue to be safe when he is out hunting and please say a little prayer for the Brett's family. It stinks that a hobby that Jamie is so passionate about is so dangerous. I am just crossing my fingers that he gets a deer he wants one so badly.

Christmas Shopping

Friday night my mom and I got some Christmas shopping done. We had so much fun. Jamie had to go to bed early because he was going deer hunting the next morning and my dad and brothers are out of town deer hunting, so it was the perfect opportunity for us girls to spend some time together.

We went to Toys R Us and Target. I had some coupons and with the price matching got some great deals. I bought for Jamie's nephews and nieces and got a few things for little Grace. We aren't buying Grace any toys this year so I have been pretty creative with her gifts. I just can't wait to spend time with her this holiday season.

We finished the night off with a kids meal at Culvers. We had a great time!

Picture Time

Saturday morning we had Grace's pictures taken. My friend Angela had referred me to this nice lady that meets you at an outdoor setting and takes pictures. We met at a BEAUTIFUL church in Crystal City at 915 in the morning. The photographer was sweet as can be and felt like an old friend my the time we were done.

She got some great shots. Grace was a little ham. She kept on smiling so cute and wanting to hold the photographers hand. I should get the proofs on line in a week and I will share some with you at that time. Cross your fingers for us that they turn out as cute as I think they will.

Thank You Mom

I couldn't have made it the last couple of weeks without my mom. Jamie spent a few days in Texas with his friend and I happened to have to work a few of the days when he was out of town. When I have to work, I mean I have to work twelve hour shifts and hour drive time to and from, so I am gone for a good fourteen hours straight. My mom babysat Grace from Thursday evening till Saturday evening and was so nice about doing it. She says its not babysitting its spending time with my grand-daughter. Grace always has so much fun over there and is loved to pieces.

Well this weekend Jamie went deer hunting, and I had to work again. She only had to go over there from the late afternoon till this evening but it still was so nice of her to watch her. Jamie is so cute, he stopped and got her a fountain soda to thank her.

I just makes my heart feel so good knowing that I can depend on her so much and we are so grateful to have such a wonderful mom. Grace is such a lucky girl, I wish I would have had such a great grandmother that was so involved in my life growing up.

Thanks again Mom!!!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone!!

It has been a very hectic week here. Grace was not feeling well so I took her into the Pediatricians office and she was diagnosed with Influenza A. She had a fever, cough, and just felt terrible for several days. She is starting to come around today.

Grace has had ear infections, and a couple of colds but seeing her this sick this week has broke my heart and really got me thinking of how blessed we are. Grace only has the flu she will be back to her normal little self any-day but think of those families that have to watch their 16 month olds have some type of incurable disease, I couldn't imagine.

Also, wanted to mention that my Great Aunt Linda is coming in town this weekend from Arizona and will get to meet my daughter for the first time on Halloween. I am so excited to see her face when she sees Grace in person. If you read this Aunt Linda, can't wait to see you!!

Well everyone, I hope you have a safe and fun Halloween!!

Cruise

I just booked us a cruise for January. So when it is cold her in the STL we will be in the Caribbean. That's right we leave from Florida and make two stops in the Bahamas. We will be flying and I have never flown in a plane before so I am super nervous. We will only be going for three nights so it shouldn't be that miserable leaving Grace for that short time.

We have cruised one other time and LOVED it!!!!!!!!!! This couldn't come at a better time for us. We are working at keeping our marriage and friendship as strong as it could be.

Date Nights

So lately Jamie and I have been super spoiled and have went on two date nights, not one but TWO!!! The first one, we dropped Grace off at Ms. Judy's and we went to TGI Fridays for appetizers and walked over to the movie theater and saw "Love Happens".

The second date night, we dropped Grace off at her Grandma JoAnne's and we went and saw "Couples Retreat". It has been so much fun having so much time alone with Jamie. I hope he thinks that way about me.

Hopefully we can continue to have these more frequent date nights, it is so healthy for a happy marriage.

Monkey Joe's

So the other day my Mom and I spent the day together because she was still on funeral leave. We spent the afternoon shopping. We went to HomeGoods and Grace sat in the cart and pointed to things on the shelves, smiled at people in the store, and was just an AWESOME little girl. We were in there forever.

I found tons of cute new Fall and Christmas decorations. I got a few things to decorate outside and some things to put on my mantle and coffee table, etc. I did however get the neatest centerpiece for my dining room table.

After all the shopping, Grace was still being a doll so we wanted to reward her. We took her to Monkey Joe's. Monkey Joe's is this neat place that has all these inflatables that kids jump on. Grace just laughed, threw her little body around, and jumped up and down. I couldn't have loved her anymore watching her show off and and have so much fun.

We will be visiting Monkey Joe's again!!!!!

Pumpkin Patch

If you know me then you know how much I love Eckerts!!!! We took Gracie there two weekends ago, and she had a great time. They had tons for little ones to do, and she just went and went. She went on her first carnival type ride. It was a little airplane that went round and round, and she didn't cry one bit it was like she was in a trance. She sat and watched the Pig Races. It was just so nice being together as a family. I love spending time together and being alone with Grace and Jamie.

The day was very windy and chilly and subsequently later in the week got a runny nose. We got tons of cute pictures and I will post some for everyone to enjoy.

Finding My Faith

After the things that I have been through in the last couple of years, I often find myself struggling with my faith. I think that I questions God's motives sometimes and have to remind myself that there is a reason for everything that happens. It is Gods plan for my life, and I just need to give him my all and he will mold and shape me.

Jamie and I haven't been to church in awhile for the fact that I work every weekend and have to sleep during the daytime while service is going on. When we have been we go to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. We go to the more modern service and really enjoy it. Jamie is a Baptist and I was a Methodist, so we were looking for a church that we both could enjoy. The preacher is young and makes the sermon relate to everyday.

The other day I thought that I needed something to redirect my faith on a daily basis and I found a daily scripture and reading from Joel Olsteen (hope I spelled his name right). I love it, every day Jamie and I read it together and talk about it. I actually look forward to the next days readings and think to myself "he must have known that we are going through this," and "oh my gosh this couldn't relate to me anymore." I am going to make a conscious effort to give a 190% more time and energy to help myself through this struggle and learning period. I will keep you posted on how it goes!!!

Big Changes

So I have decided after tons of thought to make a change........... I am done with working weekend option. Starting the next schedule at work I will be just regular full time night shift. I will work more during the week and only one weekend every four weeks. It will be super hectic during the week, but so nice to be home with Jamie and Grace on the weekends.

I will be taking a major pay cut but its manageable!!!! As I am getting older I have came to the conclusion that money is nice but it isn't everything. It has put a major strain on our marriage with me not being home. I am almost giddy thinking of being able to be home with my husband all weekend. Right now he is off every weekend and works all week, and I am the complete opposite.

Jamie will take Grace to her babysitters Ms Judy and I will pick her up. My boss was super supportive of the decision and will move me to full time asap. Wish us luck, it has been a wild ride

I heart fall

I love love love love Fall. It is my favorite season. I love every thing about it. The changing of the weather, the smells, bonfires, wearing jackets, the upcoming holidays, etc. I already started burning my Pumpkin Spice and Vanilla Bean candles.

For the last couple of years I have enjoyed Halloween more than every holiday. I love giving candy out to the kids and making them tell me jokes. My mom makes chili and hot-dogs. I love seeing my siblings dressed up. It is so less stressful than any of the other holidays. Having a small child and the holidays is stressful having to make sure that you hit all the stops that you need to and keeping them happy. So I enjoy a laid back one.

I had bought Grace a little pink bunny outfit to wear to trick and treat in. My dad had called me the other day and told me that he saw the cutest little witch costume at Cracker Barrel (Hope I spelled that right) and asked me if I had already bought her a costume and I told him yes. I went to pick up Grace from her Friday with her Grandma Jo Anne and there it was hanging up in the kitchen. My dad told me that he couldn't resist buying it for her. I just hope that she keeps the witch hat on her head. I plan on getting her pictures taken in it next week.

I can't wait to take Grace to the Pumpkin Patch and Eckerts this year, everything is so much funner now that Grace is in our lives.

Condo off the market

Well our home is officially off the market. We ended our contract with our agent over the weekend. A couple of weeks ago, I had a family that had knocked on the door and asked if they could come in and look around but didn't have an agent with them. We exchanged information and they even came back to look a second time. We never heard back from them, and I didn't call and bother them.

Sunday morning we found a post it on our door and it was from them asking us to give them a call. The lady had lost my contact info. and was wanting to tell me that they were still interested. They were going to meet with a financial officer yesterday and keep me posted.

I pray everyday that something comes about, we want to buy a new home so bad............ We have a couple in mind that we like, but don't want to get our heart set on anything because you never know how long it will take us to sell this one. We are going to go ahead and try to sell it for sale by owner for a few weeks. Please keep us in your prayers that something will eventually happen for us. I never ever want to have to sell a home again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mizzou Game

Jamie got us great tickets to the Mizzou game on Saturday. My parents watched Grace and she even got to stay the night over there. We has such a FABULOUS time. Our seats were beyond AWESOME. We have been to a few games together but when you sit so close to to the action it changes everything.

Mizzou played Bowling Green and the game started off kinda sketchy. We weren't playing very well and it was pretty frustrating. After half time our boys came out and played a whole new game. We ended up coming back, held the lead, and won. It was so much fun. I am starting to really understand football and enjoy watching it, I have to- It is my husbands first love and was around way before I came along.

We had sat by some people that had some cute little ones and it made us miss Grace like crazy. I am now on a mission to get Grace a cute Mizzou outfit to support her favorite team.

Date Night

After working so hard and for so many days in a row, Jamie and I were in some desperate need of some quality time. We dropped Grace off at my moms and she watched Grace for the evening. We headed over to Bambino's Restaurant in Arnold.

Bambino's has a great patio, and we love outdoor dining. Pasta was 50% off and that made our decisions easy. I loved what I ordered. It was noodles in red sauce, meatballs, and provel cheese that was twice baked, it was yummy. Jamie got some type of chicken and cheese pasta.

After dinner we headed over to Target to do some shopping. It had been a long time since we both went into Target and boy could you tell we did some splurging. I bought some tights and socks for Grace, I bought myself a Halloween t-shirt, and a new book. Jamie bought the new season of Friday Night Lights, the movies "Role Models" and "I love you man." Target is my FAVORITE store and have a love relationship with it. We were on a mission to buy a Halloween tablecloth and could only find plastic ones not cloth ones. So, maybe this week I can go look again and see if they put any out.

We ended a wonderful night with picking Grace and up and seeing that she had a great time with my family. My mom said she was showing off and behaved great. My sister and brothers just love her so much. There is nothing better in the world than seeing people that are so dear to me be so crazy about Grace, she kinda runs the show over there.

Busy Busy Busy

Last week was wonderful! I knew I had to work five days on and then one off and two more on, so I needed to spend as much quality time with Grace as I could.

Tuesday we went to Botanical Gardens with some of my friends from work and their children. I was kinda skeptical because Grace is so little, but we had a great time. It reminded me of Peter Pan's Never Land. It had different levels, slides, caves, boat, etc. Grace played well with the other kids, and we had a picnic lunch with my friends. Before it was time to leave we all fed the fish. Grace was in awe of them, she stood on the bridge and just put her head through the sides and pointed to them.

Wednesday Jamie took a half day at work and met me at the Zoo. The weather couldn't have been anymore beautiful and it seemed like we had the entire zoo to ourselves. Grace rode on the carousel. We spent our time going through the different animal houses. It was great to spend time with the two people that mean the most to me in life before the start of a busy week.

JoAnne's 50th Birthday

Saturday I threw my mom a surprise party. I had been planning it for awhile and it went over pretty well. I told my mom that her, Sarah, Grace, and I were going to get our pictures taken. I told her that I was running late so Jamie was getting Grace ready and he would meet us at the commuter parking lot with her. So I pick up my mom and Sarah head over the commuter parking lot and they are my moms friends with a banner waiting for her. She was totally surprised. We told her that we were taking her to the winery. So my mom doesn't drink but I thought it was a good idea for the fact that we could sit around and talk and listen to music and people could drink if they wanted to.

The problem was that you could tell that we were all a bunch of housewives that work full time and don't get out much because we had a little too much fun!!! My mom was mortified, she sat there all day and drank Diet Coke and I am pretty sure we embarrassed her. All in all, I had a fabulous day- Great friends, great weather, and a great place. I don't think I will be drinking wine anytime soon though!!!!

My brothers wedding

Shawn, my mom, and Sam

The Bride and Groom

My Grandparents and my sister Sarah

Beautiful Gracie

Well, My brother Shawn finally tied the knot. It wasn't a big surprise since they have two kids. It was very sudden, they gave us three weeks notice. They had a small ceremony at Bee Tree Park and it was so beautiful.

My brother Sam was the Best Man and her sister from New York was her Maid of Honor. The spot over looked a fountain and the Mississippi River. The bride was pretty and my nephews were in little tuxes.

The downside, it was at 10 am and already like 90 degrees out. Wouldn't have been so bad but the bride was running an hour late. Everyone was sweating their butts off. Poor Grace had sweat dripping down her back, we took off her little pantyhose and shoes to cool her off.

It was nice to see Shawn happy and that is all that counts. I wish them the best of luck!!!

Home from Vacation

Well I know it has been awhile since I last posted and I am sorry I have been slacking. Vacation was fabulous. We ended up not going to Florida. The day before we were suppose to leave we saw that they had suspected some tropical storms to head in the entire week we were going to be there.

Jamie has a timeshare that we were able to book at Table Rock Lake. We took my twin brothers. They were fun and tons of help with Grace. We went sight seeing, swimming, rode the Ducks, went boating, and relaxed.

I had a GREAT time, but there is no place like home. Every time we go on vacation we come home early and its because I hate staying at other places. I am the biggest homebody and i'm never comfortable in a hotel. Luckily, my husband doesn't kill me over my obsession to go on vacation and then come home because he is the exact same way. The only vacation that we ever took with each other that we both agreed kept our attention and was fun was our cruise. Hmmm Maybe that is a sign that one day we will be back on one.

It was a good thing that we did switch destinations because they were broadcasting on the Travel Channel on the exact beach that we were suppose to be staying, and the electricity was off, beaches closed, etc. We would have been furious if we traveled that far with Grace and the weather was that bad.

We came home and have just done a few things around the house and enjoyed being lazy. I have enclosed a few pictures of the vacation.

Ms. Judy

It's time.................. It's time that we finally find a babysitter for Grace. We have winged it and managed to keep her home with us and just stay with family so far but its becoming more and more challenging. I am being pretty much forced to work more and more hours at work and it hasn't slowed up yet, so I am needing someone to watch her the random hours that come up.

Grace will still go over to my moms every Friday, well as long as she still wants to keep her, so far so good. We are so very thankful that my mom has been able to keep her for us. She misses a day of pay every Friday to watch her. What an awesome grandmother!!!

A friend of mine from work suggested that I call Ms. Judy. Ms. Judy babysat her son for the last few years and she speaks so highly and kindly of her. She is really close to home too. I called her tonight and spoke to her. She has an opening and pretty much said, "When will she be coming over."

It's funny, I figured that when the day would come that I would have tons of questions for the lady that would watch my child and a background and reference check but there was something very comforting about her, and can't wait to meet her. Jamie, Grace, and I are going over there Friday late afternoon to meet her. So cross your fingers that everything works out with her and she takes good care of my baby. Grace is so precious and priceless to us and we only want someone that loves her to take care of her. So this will be a hard transition for us, but it will be wonderful to have a sitter on a permanent basis for her.

Wild Wendsday

Today was a great day. I enjoyed the day with Grace at the pool. We stayed longer today than we have any other time that we have went. She got a great nap prior, just had lunch, and was in such a great mood. I could have played with her forever there. I ran into some of my old friends from high school and talked with them and met their kiddos. I am coming to the realization that Grace is BRAVE!! Oh how she is not scared of the water one bit and wants to be doing everything the big kids are doing. She looks so darling and dainty but let me tell you she is a maniac!!!

We came home and Jamie and I decided to eat dinner out. We ate at Red Lobster. Jamie had a gift card to eat there from his birthday (Susan if you read this- thank you very much). I came across a four dollar off coupon in the newspaper and we used it. We had a nice dinner and enjoyed watching Grace catching everyone's attention that was sitting remotely near us.

Came home and spent the evening playing on the floor getting kisses from Grace. Now what could be a better day than that.......................

Second Hand Surprise

Today I went in Once Upon A Child, its a second hand children's clothing and toy store. I have been in there before but definitely got a new perspective on the store, I LOVE IT!!! I consider myself frugal, very rarely do I buy something for Grace in season at full price. I buy most of her clothes at Children's Place or Target but at the end of season on clearance for the next year, but its really cute stuff.

Today, I got the most amazing deals, like shock worthy deals. I got 32 items for 68 dollars. I had a 20% off coupon and a five dollars off my total coupon that I used. I got Grace tons of things for fall, coats, shoes, hats, hair bows, jeans, pajamas, long sleeved shirts, sweaters, etc. We walked out of there as winners!!! We are set for the winter. I even got her a Halloween costume. I am so mad that it didn't fit, will have to exchange for another but it was worth a try. Grace would have been the cutest bunny out there.

Chuck E Cheese

Today I took Grace to Chuck E Cheese's. I have to tell you I was pretty disgusted at what I saw there. It was nothing but a ton of kids that didn't have any type of parental supervision running around like animals. I am not going to say that I am the best mom out there but this made me feel like I am mother of the year. I hate when children don't behave and the parents just sit there and yell at them and don't get of their bums to do something about it. That is a pet peeve of mine!!

Grace did in fact have lots of fun. She actually ran around and got tons out of it and was trying to play on all the rides. Sniff Sniff it made me realize how fast she is growing up. We had lunch there and played all afternoon.

The Lake

Near the end of the week we had some babysitting issues and our plans to go to the Jamey Johnson concert fell through so last minute we decided to head to the lake. We got all packed up, picked Grace up from her Friday with her Grandma JoAnne and got on the highway.

The drive wasn't to bad. Grace only got restless near the end and we made great time. Jamie drives like a maniac so we make great time any where we go. When we got to the condo Grace was hilarious, walking around checking the place out. We quickly unpacked the car and did a quick one to over of the place to baby proof.

We spent the weekend merely relaxing........ We did a little shopping, ate some wonderful food, sat on the deck, played with Grace, and went swimming for a bit. We were sad to come home but all good things eventually come to an end!!!

It was the perfect ending to an awesome week. I think Jamie and I reconnected more this week than in the last year or so. Were definitely going to make more time to do little trips like that, life is to short to just work all the time and stay home.

My wonderful husband

Jamie turned thirty last week, and in turn we spent the most fabulous evening together. We stayed the night at the casino, and stayed in the most beautiful room. Jamie picked to go out to dinner at a wonderful restaurant in Soulard. We both got salads, steaks, and baked potatoes.

I love every minute of being a mother, but it was WONDERFUL to get an entire night off. My mom came over to my house and spent the evening with Grace and put her to bed. Which is nice because Grace was able to stay on her own routine and go to sleep in her own bed which by the way she loves so very much.

Jamie and I had a few drinks at the casino after we got done with dinner, and had the best quality time that one could ask for. It was truly the best evening of the entire summer. It definitely made me think that I should plan a night out for us like that at least once every other month or so. You can't put a price tag on spending time or money on someone that you love so much!!!

Jamie's 30th Birthday

Jamie's 30th birthday is coming up next week and I am getting excited. My very generous friend from work booked us a hotel room with her casino reward points so are planning on staying the night there and eating dinner anywhere that Jamie picks downtown the night of his birthday. Then Friday night we are going to the Farmington County Fair to see a country singer that Jamie likes named Jamey Johnson. Then to finish the week of festivities, Saturday night we are going tWet week, he deserves it!!

Summer is going by so fast

I am so disappointed with how this summer has went by so fast. I had big plans of taking Grace to the pool a couple of times a week and to go on little adventures. Instead I have spent the summer working full time and then some. The only thing that has gotten me through the last couple of weeks is the thought that our vacation is in a few weeks. We are going to Panama City Beach for some rest and relaxation. I am taking a vow that the next few weeks that I am going to make the best of my days off and Grace and I will start doing the things that I had originally planned for us.

Produce Co-op

My friend at work runs this produce co-op. She figures out how many people want to purchase the produce, collects their money, and then picks it up for everyone. This is the first time I joined in the fun, and let me tell you its a STEAL.
This is all that we got for $22:
1-Pineapple
2 cartons of mushrooms
2 cartons of blueberries
5 tomatoes
8 bananas
2 honeydews
9 apples
5lb's of Russet Potatoes
5 green peppers
3 zucchini
bag full of leaf lettuce
Let me know if you are interested in participating and I will give you more specific details!!

Counter Offer Sucks!!

OKAY so it didn't work out!! The lady wouldn't budge she still wanted to pay way less- like fifteen thousand less and wanted three thousand toward her closing costs paid. We want to sell our condo but not that bad. We will have an open house July 19th and go from there. Oh well, at least someone was finally interested. Also, if we had to close on the day she wanted to we would have never been able to go on vacation in August, and oh how I need that vacation.

Contract on the condo

Well I guess the new living room furniture did it, because we had a lady put a contract down on the condo. It wasn't the best offer but it was a start. We countered back and will hopefully hear back tomorrow. Let me tell you, how STRESSFUL!!! I pray every night that God will do what is planned for Jamie and I but we really want a house to live in. Keep us in your prayers!!

New Furniture

I woke up Sunday morning and needed a fast change in my life. I decided that the easiest thing to change to make me happy would be my furniture in my living room. I look at my living room everyday and think to myself that it has tons of potential if I could just get some inspiration and motivation to really do it. So after some persuassion Jamie and I went on our way to "just look" and not buy. We dropped Gracie off with her Grandma JoAnne and she spent the day with her so we could take our time. We went to one store and looked around and found some couches that we really liked. We ended up coming home a few hours later with a new couch, recliner, coffee table, and two end tables. I went to Target later that day and bought a new 5x8 rug and drapes. I still need to get some accessories and pillows for the couch. I LOVE LOVE it, it looks great!!

Updates about Jamie

Jamie spent the day Saturday golfing with my cousin's boyfriend Kevin at my cousin Jessica's work charity event. It was 100 degrees that day and all you saw on the the news was to stay inside and how many deaths there was due to heat related events, and Jamie was out all day. He said that people were putting their towels in the ice cold coolers and putting them on their heads that it was that miserable. It was pretty much all you could eat and drink, and he said that he couldn't even drink a beer because he was so thirsty for water because of the heat. So my white, white husband in the 100 degree heat came home RED!! He said that his legs have never gotten color his entire life until that day. He has the worst farmers tan ever!! LOL!! I think he looks great with some color on his face and arms. Jessica, thanks for inviting him, he had a great time!! Also, Jamie just got a new laptop. We are going to take our desk down in the living room to redecorate and we had a desktop computer so Jamie went searching and found an awesome deal on one. If anyone is interested in the info let me know, I am serious it was a steal!!!

Redecorating

We have our home on the market and haven't had much luck yet. I am thinking about maybe repainting our living room and dining room and just revamping the place a bit. I know I want to stick to neutral colors and want new pictures to hang on the walls. I hate, hate, hate my living room. I just find it to be so boring and blah and so desperately want it to look different!! We are going to look at some new couches today. We didn't have one stain on our couches before Grace came and since she has arrived, our home looks trashed. We are not slobs by any means but the couches show every stain. If anyone has any neat ideas for me or some helpful decorating websites, share the love!!!

Work, Work, Work

For anyone that knows me, they know that I love my job. I absolutely love taking care of my patients and love making a difference. Lately, I have been working so much. I have been going in for meetings, classes, training, and working when they have been short. It has worked out great because my sister and brother have been coming over to babysit her. I am only part time but have pretty much been working 50 hours a week. The paychecks have been more than great and I am beyond thankful that I have the opportunity to make this money in such a rough economy. The only problem is that when I work so much I feel like Jamie and I disconnect and I get heartbroke and sick missing Grace. This week I scheduled myself for my two part time shifts and nothing more and it was BEYOND great to be home all week. Jamie and I did something fun and relaxing each day and it was just so nice to be home. The problem is that my work called me all the time this week (both places, St. Mary's and Shriner's) to see if I could come in, and it takes all that I have to tell them no. It is so hard for me to disconnect the loyalty I have for my job and my job as mother and wife. How did everyone do it all these years. My mom always worked full time as I was growing up and I never felt neglected--it was they way it was. Why do I feel so bad about it???? Anyone have any advice??

Fireworks

Jamie and I took Grace to watch the fireworks the other night. Delmar Gardens in Fenton on Hwy. 30 has a display so we made the short trip over there to watch them. We got there almost two hours early to get a good spot. We wasted time eating our dinner in the car and just hanging out with Grace. We spent Graces birthday money on a pair of DVD players for the car for our trip to Florida coming up in August and thought we would break them out and try them that night. It was funny to look back at Grace as we were driving and seeing her little face watching Care Bears and pointing at them. When it got close to starting we laid out a blanket and got cozy on the ground. When they went off Grace just pointed and jabbered. She loved them, wasn't scared one bit. It was such a great time, I think I had more fun just hanging out in the car spending time with Jamie. It was awesome to see Grace's face when the fireworks were going off knowing that she has never seen fireworks before!!

Grants Farm

It was time to get out of the house, so we decided to make a small trip over to Grant's Farm. There was a pretty long line to get onto the tram but Grace sat in her stroller and was awesome. She was soooo funny once we got onto the tram. She was pointing to everything and saying her usual "Oh, Oh, Oh". When we got into the Farm the first thing we did was visit the goats. At the Zoo she was petrified of the goats so I thought that would be the case today, but was I wrong. She went running at them with her finger in the air pointing at them. She only got scared once and that was when she got surrounded by a few of them.
Next she rode the carousel. She looked like a doll on there and smiled the entire time. We had fun looking at the animals. They have some lamas and camels that you can feed right out of your hand and the twins did it. Seth held out his hand with some food on it and that big old lama came right to him, Grace's eyes were as big as I have ever seen them. Finished off the day with some ice cream and snow cones, because it was the twins' birthday. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather as it was a perfect day!!!

Grace has been sick

It's been a long week!! Grace has been pretty sick the last couple of days. We were on a good run and things came screeching to a halt. It started with some diarrhea (fun right?) and then the poor thing started running a fever. I had to work over the weekend so that meant that she was in the care of Jamie all weekend, so I thought I better take her into the Pediatrician office.
When we got there Grace had a 102.8 fever. They gave me some Tylenol to give her and then preceeded with the visit. The nurse practitioner said that her ears looked great, and she really thinks that it is the common cold and cough and to just watch her hydration and fevers. Knowing that it was the beginning of the weekend, and that I worked all weekend, she wrote me out a script for Amoxicillin and told me just to hang onto it in case she got worse. Come Monday afternoon, my Mom noticed that Grace had fluid rolling down her cheek. Her tubes were draining this yucky reddish-orange fluid. My first thought was thank you Dr. Hardemann for those tubes and my second thought was poor thing--that was what was stuck in her ears before the tubes. So it was too late to get ahold of the ENT for some ear drops, so I got the Amoxicillin script filled and started on that in the meantime.
Tuesday morning I spoke to the ENT's office and they called Grace some drops in and by Wednesday she felt much better. Boy does the time go by slow when you have a sick baby. There is nothing worse than watching a sick baby suffer!! I swear she was looking at me like, "Make me feel better!" The love you have for your children is amazing, because it was breaking my heart to look at her so pitiful and sick. Thank you Mom for giving us a break and watching her for us a few times while she was sick!!

Father's Day

Oh how I can't wait for Father's Day. Jamie is such a great dad and deserves such a special day. Here lately he has been so helpful. I have been working extra at the hospital because of training, and he has stepped in and is keeping us afloat. It is the most beautiful thing watching him play with Grace. To say she is a daddy's girl is an understatement. She goes right to him anytime, and always wants him to read to her. He even makes comments, "why am I the only one that she wants to read to her?" He is trying to teach her how to play with her blocks, and is teaching her numbers and letters. I have some special things planned for him this weekend and most importantly want to spend some time relaxing and enjoying each other.

Sam's Graduation Party

So, finally the last of the busy weekends have come and gone. It was fun to just show up and not be responsible for anything. I did volunteer to bring Cheesy Potato Casserole and let me tell you - I made two 13 x 9 pans of them and there wasn't a bite left. I also brought the cake. I ordered it from Sam's Club and that was an ordeal of its own. For a prank, I had them write "Congratulations Sam James". The Sam James thing came from his graduation ceremony where instead of calling out his name Samuel James they called out Sam James, and we all thought it was pretty funny. So, I show up at Sam's Club and on the cake it reads, "Congratulations Sam and Jan". I told the man that it wasn't correct and he told me that he could fix it. Fifteen minutes later, a lady brought it out to me and it still wasn't correct. It said, "Congratulations Sam Jan". So, no "and", but still "...Sam Jan". Come on now! I was very nice and by this point running terribly late, but she told me that she could fix it. Twenty minutes passed, and she comes back out to me and asks me if I was running on a schedule because they were going to have to make me an entire new cake because it looked so bad. I told her that yes, I was already late but I would wait for a new cake. Ten minutes or so passed, and the cake finally looked great. Later that day when they cut the cake, it was one of the best cakes that I have ever tasted - so unbelievably fresh!! I had a great time talking to my mom's friend Susie and her daughter, Stephanie. Stephanie has a daughter that is 5 months older than Grace, so they played and got their little swimsuits on and played in the sprinkler. It was laid back with great company and good food and drinks.

St. Louis Weather and Babysitters

The weather here has been super gross lately. It has rained or been super muggy and humid everyday. The good thing about it is that I have been working a lot of night shifts for the past two weeks and I don't feel guilty about Grace missing out on outdoor stuff because its been too crappy for her to even go next door to the park. Since I have been working more I have had my sister, Sarah and brother, Sheldon babysit Grace. It works out perfect because my dad will drop one of them off in the morning on his way to work before Jamie has to leave, so Grace never has to be woke up and put in the car and can wake up as she normally does. Last week Sheldon watched her three days and Sarah watched her one day, but now this week is a different story. Sheldon has hand, foot, and mouth disease that he caught from my nephew. So Sarah luckily is able to step in and watch her all this week. Not to knock Sheldon but Sarah does such a fantastic job with her-- it must be a girl thing. She puts cute new clothes on her and does her hair, takes her over to the park, etc. Also, its nice to have them come to the house for the fact that I am sleeping in the other room and can get up at anytime and check on her, or if they have an issue I am right there to jump in.