Goodbye 2013

This has been a momentous year to say the least.

I just wanted to take a few minutes out of my day to write a note about the end of 2013 and before welcoming the new year in.

I made some really awesome friends at work who make each day bearable.

Tracey has a piece of artwork which will be going on to a state level competition.

 The following are just some pictures that capture how amazing this year has been.

 From the kids sleepovers, to Dustin and I taking a trip by ourselves, my mum getting her LLC.

I learned the dirty bits about motherhood. I also learned what an infestation of lice can look like.

 NEVER AGAIN. 

The kids tried ribs for the first time and loved them.

We experienced Holiday World for the first time...together....as a family.

The kids went bowling for the first time. 

I went canoeing for the first time and now will be getting my very own kayak. I can't wait! A few months later the kids went on their first trip in a canoe. It was a successful trip for them as well. I can't wait to spend a lot of time on the water next summer.

The kids moved to Louisville and started school. I cannot tell you in words how this has been the crowning moment for me. Everything that we worked for has finally happened. We went from part time parents, to a full time family. We still have our bumps and little hiccups, but I now know that this is what I was meant to be....a mom. 

I'm never going to be a perfect parent, that doesn't exist. No matter how much I would love to think that someone out there is the epitome of parenthood, there are no handbooks, no scripts, just taking each day one minute at a time. 

The kids got to  carve their first pumpkins in lieu of trick or treating because the weather was very uncooperative. 

 

2013 has definitely been a year to remember. It has also been a year of firsts. All of these have been adventures in my book.

 I cannot wait to see what the next year has in store for my family and me. 

We will be starting the year out in a new home, hoping to adopt a new member to our family, new job prospects, a wedding, and whatever else happens to come our way. 

I'm super excited to finally have happiness and pure bliss. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years Eve today. Please be safe out there tonight. If you're going to be drinking, please have a designated driver. Give someone your keys or call a cab. Much love to you all. 

Boxes, boxes everywhere

One more week. One week. I can make it. Trying to pack up an apartment with OCD and kids is NOT cohesive.

In my perfect world I would have started the packing process a month ago where I could create master lists for each box and label and indicate which room should have what box. But with kids right after the holidays it's more along the lines of how much stuff can you pack up on your own.

We have made it to the one week point which means that we are now in the switch over phase with the kitchen stuffs. Meaning all the normal plates and glasses that we use on a daily basis will now be packed into a box and we will use throw a way stuff.

We've been in the process of making lists of everything that we need to get done, what we need to have transferred over to the new address, what we need to clean, and who can help. To say that I'm stressing out a little bit of an understatement. For every one thing that I think of that needs to get done I then think of three other things that needs to be added to the list.

Since the kids are on break, that means that they are around each other ALL THE TIME. That also means that the attitudes and the energy levels are at an all time high. Everyday there is something that they are not happy about, Tracey said I looked like a mop, Meagan won't quit bugging me.....

I think I am going to hit up pintrest for some simple ideas to help keep them occupied while I get the rest of the apartment packed up.If you have some creative and SIMPLE ideas for 8/10 year olds, please pass along the wealth of knowledge!

Puppy love

With all the excitement with the move, there is also one other thing that I think I am the most excited about.

Being able to finally have a family pet. I love Kentucky Humane Society and the rescues that they have. They have a good reputation in the community and who cant help but love a pound puppy.

We had wanted to adopt a puppy a few years back but we didn't want to pay a pet fee. We fostered one, Bryce, who was a lover from the moment that we met him. After we let him stay with us for the weekend, his temperament started to shorten. He became VERY protective of me. So much so that Dustin couldn't come near me. Out of fear that he would snap at the kids we had to take him back to the humane society.

This time we are looking for a particular type of dog and we are going to make sure that the fit is perfect for the whole family. We know we are going to want a dog that is family oriented and likes being outdoors, but also is smart.

The past few days we have been looking at the website and have found three suitable matches that meet our needs. Now, we are just hoping that they will still be available by the time that we are ready to adopt.

Moving suggestions

Hey internet world.....
I'm sure you all have noticed that we are going to be moving in the next couple of weeks. This is going to be the first BIG move with the kids. Do you all out there have any suggestions for kids when moving? Should we have them help with the move, have them bring toys that aren't packed up and let them hide out in their room and play, have them go to a friends house for a couple of hours while we are going back and forth?

It's going to be a busy day since we have to get as much of our furniture moved in one day.

I'm trying to make a checklist of everything that needs to get done over the next week, but right now I feel so scattered brained that I'm not even sure where to even begin. Any and all suggestions are welcome to help me stay on track.

Simplistically put...life is grand

Christmas has come and gone and I am very blessed for all the love that I have in my life.

My fiance and kids are absolutely amazing (just saying). Dustin and I haven't exchanged our gifts yet. We are waiting until after the move until we purchase those. We agreed that we would pick out a kayak that we each liked and that's what we would choose for Christmas. I can't wait until it gets warm enough to take them out on their maiden voyage.

My family never fails to shower me with love and support.

I hope everyone has had a holiday to go into the record books, because this one is surely one to beat.

Merry Christmas ya'll.

Merry Christmas!!!

This past week has been another busy one.

Last minute holiday shopping. Yes I was one of THOSE people.

Traveling near and far....mainly far. But when loved ones are having everyone over, it's a must in our book to make every effort possible to enjoy the company.

Christmas this year has been yet another success. I hate to wish time to go by, but honestly I am ready for next weekend to get here. We have been living out of boxes as we prep to move out of the apartment and into a house. With the kids on break right now they have been a huge help with keeping the apartment organized while we are living in chaos.

Next week begins the real fun. We will pack up our dishes and transition to paper products, the fun of creative meal planning will begin, and the cleaning, packing, and moving will take place the weekend before I go back to work on January 6th.

While I can sometimes be bitter about where I work (sorry folks, but people who are signing up for college can be down right hateful), I'm beyond excited that I get around two weeks off from work. See there are perks for working in higher education.

Tonight I got to spend some QT with my family who I don't get to see very often. It was a rather enjoyable evening. Tomorrow we travel to my in-laws for the day. It's been a couple of months since we last visited their house, so it will be a nice mini-vacation from the city life.

Everyone have a wonderful holiday with those that you love and please stay safe out there!!! I'm going to go snuggle up with my faves!

I can breathe again!

Holy moley what an insane three weeks it has been! I'm sorry if there are a few dedicated readers  out there who follow me. I know there aren't many of you, but thank you whoever you are.

Thanksgiving came and flew by quickly.The kids went to their moms for 4 LONG days. I'm glad that they were able to go, but damn I missed  them terribly.I really wanted to watch the Macy's parade with them and Dustin. Instead, it was just the two of us lounging in our jammies eating punkin pie and drinking coffee for breakfast. We went to my aunt's house were I got to FINALLY show off my super bling. A month later I am still  in shock.

Black Friday was awesome. I just love spending the day with my mum, aunt, and cousins. We make a day out of it and just have our annual "great day." I even had a bra blowout in the middle of the mall.  It was rather humorous trying to change bras while riding  in the backseat of the van. Everyone got a good majority of the things on their lists. Since then I have been relaxed with the shopping bit. Woop woop!

I wrapped up my semester with teaching both of my classes. It was a bit emotional for me. I loved teaching this group of students. They all want to be successful in everything that they do. As an educator I  will take it! I also finished my criminal law and juvenile justice classes. Let the skies part and the angels sing a glorious tune. I honestly don't know what to do with myself.

I'm gearing up for the shutdown at work.  Our annual two  week closing that everyone looks forward to. I gave myself an early Christmas present by taking off Thursday and Friday. So from December 18th at 4:00pm-January 6th at 8:00 am I will be in vacation mode. (excuse me while I do my Charlie Brown dance.)