April Update.

April!!!! Yay!!! That means nicer weather and spending more time outside in the sunshine!

April started off slow, but before I knew it, it was over. I was happy to spend some time with my nieces and nephews. I am lucky that this seems to be a regular occurrence for me. It makes me so very happy. I wish some of my older nieces and nephews were closer!

John and I had parent teacher conference at the beginning of the month. I have never been more proud of Jocelynn. Her teacher had very positive things to say about Jocelynn. She continues to love math, writing, and spelling....so much so that she is excelling in those three subjects. Reading seems to be the only place she needs improvements and that is because she tends to hurry too much and doesn't really seem to enjoy it when she reads. John and I have been working with her. We seem to have found a routine that works great for her. every night when she goes to bed, she reads for 30-60 minutes. Not only has her fluency improved (she was having a problem with that) but also her love for reading has improved. She actually asks to go to bed to read. Reading and bedtime used to be a battle every night, now she looks forward to both. It has made the stress in the house much less. 

We also managed to really enjoy April vacation together. With very little fighting and arguing when it came to cleaning her room!

The month of april had it's downs for me.....lol....the screen on my iphone broke. Luckily with the apple insurance I was able to get it fixed, but it is still one of those things that stinks.

Gage celebrated his 3rd birthday. I can't believe how fast he has grown.....Aunties (not so) little man!

John was able to convince me to drive the four wheeler....I may be hooked! It is so much fun!

Easter was eventful as always! Its so fun to have the family together and watch the kids find the eggs! Jocelynn's gifts were scaled back this year, and she didn't seem to mind. Thankfully I have managed to not completely spoil her yet!

I started a new adventure! I decided to make and sell some of my jewelry. Check out my facebook page ~ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beading-by-Sam/271575239685854 ~ and the items are available for sale on Etsy!

Also, I guess I did manage to upset Jocelynn at some point because I came across this drawing on out white board...

All in a day as a mother and father!

Congratulations to my friend Angie and her hubby Andy on the Finalized adoption of E!!!!! I am so very beyond the moon excited for the two of you!

On the ttc front.....No news. Still working on getting healthy, both physically and mentally. 

March Update!

March started with John's shoulder surgery on the 7th. Everything went great and John was in a sling for a week and on light duty at work for a month. Everything is healing great and John seems to be mostly pain free by this point. He still gets some aches ever once in a while, I mean they shaved some of the bone away in the joint. The Dr.s says he should be fully healed on 18-24 months. Already he is feeling much better and is happy to be able to work and play without too much pain!

While John was recovering for surgery I came down with a awful stomach bug. In fact, my stomach first protested in the recovery room after John's surgery. The poor nurse was taking care of me instead of John....I felt awful. I assumed it was my nerves. I was very nervous and anxious for this surgery....I'm not sure why....and didn't eat anything all day. I though now that I knew John was going to be ok, my body decided to show me how unhappy it was with me. 

That was not the case. It started at 5pm at the hospital and ended about 2am at home. I was running the the bathroom every 20-30 minutes. I couldn't even sip water because it would make me run to the bathroom sooner. I felt like I was literally dying. 

Thank goodness for my Mom. Once again she comes to the rescue. She ended up having to take care of John, myself, and Jocelynn. At one point my vomiting was so bad she was ready to put me in the car and take to the ER. Which for her to get to that point, you know things must be pretty bad. 

My biggest concern was making sure John didn't come down with this awful bug. I couldn't imagine vomiting right after shoulder surgery....but he did. Both Mom and John ended up with the bug. Not as bad as what I had, thank goodness, but still miserable none the less. Mom ended up down and out for a few hours on the 9th and John vomited just a couple times on the morning of the 10th. Lets just say that weekend and most of that week was a "trying to get better" for all of us.

It took all of us a good 4-6 day to "get back to normal". All of us lived on scrambled eggs, toast, and roman noodles for most of the week.

By the 11th I was able to get of the couch for more then just bathroom breaks, and the weather was so warm that day. I decided to open the windows and doors and Lysol as much space as I could. I definitely did not want that bug to hang around.

The end of March I was able to spend a bit of time with my nieces and nephew. I love them so much and they bring so much joy to my heart.

One of my favorite pictures of Keira and Gage!

With the nicer weather that March brought, Jocelynn has been spending most of her days (when not in school) outside! She loves to ride her bike and scooter, and jump rope. I also love that she has a few friends who live in the neighborhood and she is able to go from house to house to play or they all come to our house (we have the swing set). I also imagine I will be see most of them a lot during the summer since we are the house with the pool!

Also, with the nicer weather, John has had spring fever. The Fourwheeler seems to be a favorite activity for both John and Jocelynn. I'm glad we have some trails up the road so they can enjoy.

John and Jocelynn enjoying a ride around the yard! Thank goodness all that white stuff in the background is now gone!

Oh, and a proud sister moment, my brother made the front page of the local newspaper. I don't alway brag about either of my brother (I am super proud of both) but Cory being a firefighter scares me everyday, but I am also so very proud of what he does!

Update on 2014 so far....

Here we are in March.....already. I can't believe time flies so quickly.

January and February were filled with Snow, Snow, and more snow.... It is crazy how much it has snowed here.

The tree in the front yard. It is know half way blocked by a snow bank.

I have also spent lots of time with Gage and Keira. Its so nice to have little ones around.

The two munchkins!

I have spent all of this year so far sick. Started at the end of December, which I finally went to the Dr. in January. I had an outer ear infection, two different medications over two weeks cleared that up...or actually moved it to a middle ear infection with bronchitis. So an antibiotic, otc sinus med, and 2 cough meds later it cleared up for about 4 days right around my birthday.

But I was sick again after a few days, went back to the dr. because I still had a horrible cough, a super sore throat, and was super tired. I would sleep 8-10 hours at night and then take a 2-3 hour nap in the middle of the day. She tested me for strep throat and mono...both tests came back negative, it was a virus. I just couldn't catch a break.

Still today, 2 months after the dx of the first ear infection I still have a cough and sore throat. I am waiting for a call from the ENT Dr. My pcp told me my tonsils are huge, and I am afraid I have tonsillitis and will need my tonsils removed. As scared as I am of the pain I would be in from the removal, I can no longer deal with the pain in my throat at this time. At least with the surgery I know the pain will end, right now I don't know if it will ever.

Jocelynn has been doing fantastic in school. She is "extremely bright and a joy to have in class" her teacher says. She is also an exceptional writer. She is writing at a 3rd grade level and is able to add detail and voice when she writes. She seems to enjoy to write and I pray she continues if it makes her happy. I can't believe we are in the last half of 2nd grade for her. I wish she would slow down!

Jocelynn and Spanky

In February I turned 35.....I know some people make a big deal out of this number, but for me it was just another day.

John and I decided this year to purchase one large gift for each other for all the holidays - birthday, mother/father day, anniversary, etc. ~ So john purchased a four wheeler so he can go trail riding with his buddy. He is like a little kid. I am happy to see him so happy and I hope and pray he will get out often because he needs some time with the guys.

John and his four wheeler

I decided my gift would be a girls weekend with my CO sisters. These ladies have been there for me for over 7 years now. I couldn't imagine making it through this infertility battle without them! I can't wait to meet many of them for the first time in June and I know it is going to be a blast that weekend!

The house being rented for Girls Weekend!

John and I also booked our annual Myrtle Beach trip. September never comes fast enough for this trip! I can't wait to spend time with family and friends again and just relax!

Home Sweet Home in Myrtle Beach!

Today John is having surgery on his shoulder. He has arthritis and bone spurs in the joint and a small tear in his rotator cuff. The Dr. is optimistic that they will not need to repair the tear which means John will be in a sling for a week and on light duty at work for a month. Prayers would be greatly appreciated for this!

On the TTC front.....obviously no new baby. John and I have decided to focus on getting healthy. I have started a new exercise challenge/routine with my fantastic CO sisters and I am truly enjoying it!

We have decided that we are content with having only one child. Jocelynn is a miracle and a true blessing. I thank God everyday that she is in my life. Would we like another child, of course, the likely hood of that happening is slim to none. But, God has His plans for my life and I trust those plans are amazing and I am willing to follow this path that He has set out for us.

Long Overdue Update!!!

Wow....over a year since I last updated....Lets see if I can update all in one post....lol

February 2013: John and I purchased a new car! We traded in the GMC Envoy for a 2013 Kia Rio. I was worried about the size difference, but now a year later I can say it really isn't a problem. Plus, we are saving money on the payment and gas!!

The new car!!!\

I turned 34, which was a huge deal.

March 2013: Jocelynn tried Karate! She seemed to really like the first 2 classes, but then decided that it wasn't fer her. It was an expensive adventure, but if she had wanted to do it then I would have supported her.

The end of March saw the ending of a era....at least for me. I left my job at the shelter. After 9 years I had enough and decided it was time. To this day I miss the people I worked with (not management) and all the animals, but it was the correct decision of my sanity and to save John and I's marriage!

April 2013: I was able to get a new job as a receptionist with a local eye doctor. I really enjoyed it at first, but then I was asked to do things I was morally comfortable doing so I left that job at the end of August.

My Handsome Nephew, Gage Robert, turned 2!

Can't believe he is 2!

May 2013: May brought the nice weather and that chance to get outside!

I along with my sister-in-law and a friend were able to see one of my favorite bands in concert ~ NEEDTOBREATHE at the House of Blues in Boston! I can say it was amazing and I can't wait to go see them again!

NEEDTOBREATHE!

Jocelynn had her first dance recital! What a proud mommy moment! She was fantastic and seemed to really enjoy dancing on stage!

All dressed up for recital!

Jocleynn is the 6th from the left

Memorial day weekend we were able to make our first trip to the beach! What a refreshing day out in the sun near the water. I swear we are all happier when we are in the sun on the beach (even when the water is to cold to do more then dip your feet in for a few minutes!).

My favorite shot from our first beach trip!

June 2013: Happy Anniversary!!!! John and I celebrated 11 years of marriage. Man it went by fast!

We also were able to visit friends while they were camping and had a blast!

Jocelynn and her friend Zach!

He really loved her!

Jocelynn "graduated" from the 1st grade! My baby is growing up way too fast!

July 2013: Sun and Heat!!!! It was lovely!

In July we were able to get out, enjoy the pool and go camping!

My favorite picture of the rug rats in the pool!

We also found out that Jocelynn has a dairy intolerance. She is not completely lactose intolerant, but can only have a limited amount of dairy at a time. We have stared giving her almond milk and she really enjoys it. In fact she will drink the almond milk much easier then I could get her to drink the regular milk, so that is a bonus. I have changed out eating habits to modify for less dairy, or make a substitute for her. Most of the time she can not tell of the substitute, but every once in a while it is awful! It is a learning curve and I will keep moving forward with it! I hate seeing my baby in pain with the awful stomach cramps!

August 2013: Happy Birthday John!!! John turned 36. The love of my life is getting old...lol. I tease him I am going to trade him in for two 18 year olds, but he knows better!

I left the job at the eye doctor for moral reasons!

September 2013: Jocelynn started the 2nd grade......*sigh*

As a result of the issues from the eye doctor job, I was having severe anxiety attacks. I decided to go to the Dr. I was tired of the lack of motivation and wanting to sleep more then be awake. What was my diagnosis? Severe Depression....WHAT!?!?!?  I started a medication routine that consisted at first on 10mg of Citalopram and 3000 iu of Vitamin D3. I did have to up the Citalopram to 20mg once a day, and that seems to be a good dose for me. I go back in June of 2014 for a med check.

At the end of the month we took our (what is becoming annual) family trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. It was a wonderful week at the beach with family and friends! The drive was awful, but with the new car we were able to drive down, around town for the week and home for less than $250. I could get 1 plane ticket for that! So financially it made a lot of sense!

Our home away from home for 8 days!

One of our favorite attractions!!!

My beautiful Niece, Keira Chanel, turned 1!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday!

October 2013: John and I ordered a new sleep number bed!!! Our old mattress was 13 years old so it was time for a new one. We priced mattresses for 2-3 months and realized that the sleep number was in the same price range as regular mattresses with a better warranty! So we bought it! It was one of the best decisions we ever made! Both John and I have slept like babies!!!

With my visit to the Doctor in September, she suggested I have a sleep study done. So after fighting the insurance company, the approved an at home sleep study. Not as bad as it sounds and I was able to have a fairly normal nights sleep! What the study showed was abnormal sleep pattern, so an appointment with a neurologist was scheduled for January.

John also had to go to see an Orthopedic because he had some severe shoulder pain. After an MRI, it was determined that he has arthritis and bone spurs in the joint and a small tear on his rotator cuff. He decided to try some anti inflammatory medication to help with the pain. The Dr. told him that most of the pain was most likely from the arthritis and bone spurs not the tear.

Keira took her first steps during a family dinner get together so we were able to all witness and video tape it!

November 2013: Brooke Elizabeth turns 8!!!

The beautiful birthday girl!!

We decided to have family picture done as a large group this year, there are 12 of us! As well as individual groups! The turned out great!

Our 2013 family picture

Our beautiful baby girl!

The four kids!!!

The entire family!!!

Decemeber 2013: Jocelynn Noelle turned 8!!!! Man the time has flown by! Where is my baby?!?!

"8 years ago my life changed in ways I never imagined but for the better! At 1:58 am we 
welcomed our beautiful daughter, Jocelynn Noelle, into the world. 
You are my world and I am so very happy and proud to be known as your mom!
 I love you very much!!! Happy 8th Birthday my miracle child, you truely are a blessing from God!"

As a SAHM, I decided to start some crafts. My first was a homemade, double sided tree skirt. I was able to finish the first side this year and will finish the second side next year. I think it came out fairly nice!

Not too bad!

John decided that the anti inflammatory drugs were not working, so he decided to try a cortizone shot to get through the holidays! It worked grate but only lasted about 6-8 weeks.

So.....there is my 2013 update. Thanks for reading all the way to the end, I will post more later!