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!

Week 5...

Amazing how much changes in a course of a few weeks.

So here we are in week 5 and I am 99% normal (let's be honest I was never 100% normal anyways). In fact I have been 99% normal since week 3/4. The only lasting side affect I have is the damn weepy eye. Luckily it only bothers me when the room is low lit or dark and I am staring at a screen (phone, computer, or tv screen).

In other medical news, I went for my annual echocardiogram (which was 2 years overdue) for my pulmonic stenosis. The results are good - no significant increase in it. This is great news! No change means no need to try and "fix" the issue. One more year of not worrying about whether or not I may need open heart surgery!

Jocelynn had her first dance recital! I think I was just as nervous as she was! She did FANTASTIC!!!! She kept telling me all day that she didn't want to go to her same show. But I just explained that there were people counting on her to be there. So she participated and loved it! She can't wait for the recital in May which will involve a costume and make-up!

John and I purchased a new car! We got rid of the gas guzzling, needed too much money to fix envoy! We replaced it with a beautiful, fully loaded Kia Rio! I LOVE it!

On the 8th we had one of the largest snow storms I remember. We had between 2 and 3 FEET of snow. In fact after plowing, the snow banks are taller than Jocelynn and she is 52 inches tall! Jocelynn has been enjoying playing in the snow which includes her favorite of sledding down the snow piles!

So....I turned 34 on the 10th. It was a weird birthday for me. I was excited (like I usually am) but I wasn't dreading it either. It was kinda just another day. Maybe because I was so focused on Jocelynn's dance recital (which was the same day).

On the TTC front....no news. John has been working a bit out of town, which it makes it hard to coordinate and I am focusing right now on loosing weight.

I have made small milestones in the weight loss! I have cut out soda except for Fridays at lunch and stayed within my calorie range and tracked my food on a more consistent basis! My next milestone to accomplish is to add excessive 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time (small steps - this will be increased!)

June Update

WOW....explaining what didn't happen in June may be easier.... Happy Blogoversary to me. I can't believe I started this blog 4 year ago, and unfortunately life has prevented me from updating as frequently but, I still try.

June started out with a Very Happy 10th Anniversary for John and I. We were able to get away for 3 days (without Jocelynn, which was harder then I thought it would be!) Thank goodness for my Mom and Dad who helped with caring for Jocelynn and getting her to and from school while we were away.

We went to Adventure Suites. We decided to go Sunday - Tuesday (Sunday and Monday night) because the room price was cheaper. Sunday night we stayed in the Love Shack, and although I was a little concerned with sleeping on a water bed, it was comfortable and we had now problems. Monday night we decided to spoil ourselves, it was our 10th Anniversary after all, and booked the Jungle Room. This room was worth every penny! We had a fantastic time! The service and people at the hotel were great and even surprised us with a place card that said "Thank you for choosing Adventure Suites and Happy 10th Anniversary!" it was a very sweet added touch. John and I had not been to Adventure suites since 2008 when he surprised me for our 6th Anniversary. It was nice to reconnect as a couple!

Then it was back to reality... which meant someone was sick. Jocelynn came down with non-group A Strep Throat, 2 days before Graduating from Kindergarten and 2 weeks before her surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids. Luckily she started to get better on her own (before the strep throat was confirmed) but placed her on antibiotics anyways to make sure she was well by surgery.

Jocelynn in her cap and gown for Kindergarten graduation.

Two days later, (friday 6/15/2012) she graduated from Kindergarten. Complete with Cap and Gown. I can't believe she starts 1st grade in the fall. My baby is growing up so fast. The Graduation was cute and Jocelynn was able to read with her fellow graduate. It was a very proud Mommy moment. I was pretty surprised how together I kept it. In fact I wouldn't have teared up at all if it hadn't been for Jocelynn's teacher, Mrs. L. When Mrs. L gave Jocelynn her diploma, she teared up when saying a few words about how much she has enjoyed having Jocelynn in her class and how much she will be missed next year. And you know me, the moment she stared getting choked up, my eyes teared up as well. Luckily We have not had to say our real good-byes since they offer a summer camp and that is where Jocelynn will be this summer. The end of August will be hard. I truly adore Mrs. L and feel blessed to have found her for Jocelynn and had her teaching and influence for the last 2 years.


The following Monday was her pre-surgical visit with Mr O'Day's PA Jodie. She was great! She answered my Many, many, MANY questions and made me feel at ease (as much as you can) with the surgery. The entire office was fantastic and seemed to understand that I was nervous, more nervous then the actual patient.

Surgery was Friday, 6/29, and what a day it was. I will go into more detail in my next post(as this post is becoming very long.). Just know that she did fine and is completely healed (we are 3 weeks out) and it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be.....Thank Goodness. I don't know if I could have handled the worst case situation!

On the TTC front....still nothing. If there was you would have known by now...LMAO! I was hopeful for June since I was ovulation around the time of our Anniversary trip, but at last it was not in God's plan. I am being patient and leaving it all in his hands. Mean while we are still trying and I am working at loosing some weight. 4 pound down.....WAY to many to go!

July!!!!

4th of July weekend was fun! I had a couple friends over and we danced our rears off! John, Jocelynn and I ended up at the park/beach for the 4th. We had fun, but it was not the same without the Alexander clan....man I miss them!

Big news for the summer...Jocelynn can swim!!! Actually dog paddle...but it is still swimming! She also has become much more comfortable going under water. We purchased her a pair of goggles and she spends almost as much time under water as above. She is adorable!

Jocelynn's horseback riding lessons are going good! She really seams to love taking care of the horse and looks forward every week to Tuesday. I also think John and I look forward to them too. Tracy has 2 horses, Moe and Logan. Jocelynn takes care of and rides Moe and John and I take care of and walk Logan! We even got to experience what it would be like (at least in the evenings) to own a horse. Tracy and her family went on vacation at the end of July and asked us if we would take care of the horses. Of course we said yes. So for 2 nights we all went to the barn and fed, gave hay, cleaned hoofs and brushed Moe and Logan. They have become part of our family and I adore them so much!

July also saw me taking a couple days off to spend with Jocelynn! We had a couplke mommy and Jocelynn days. It was much needed! We spent the day together shopping, we went out to breakfast and lunch and spent the afternoon by the pool. We loved it! I hope there will be a few more of these in the future!

On the TTC front....July saw cycle 58 and 59...both BFN. I am trying to keep my faith and know and follow God's plan....but it hurts!

Summer is soooo busy!

What has been going on in the last month since my last full post????

Cory turned 30.....It makes me feel old!

John and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary! I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet!

Also on the same day my beautiful, oldest niece, Jessica, got engaged!!! I am so happy for her and can't wait to celebrate with her and Decklyn!

Jocelynn and I had a blast during her field-trip to Funtown (6/3/11).... Every time we go to an amusement park I get a not to pleasant reminder of just how tall my child is! She was able to go on all but 2 of the ride by herself and was too tall for 2 of the kiddie rides..... *sigh*

Jocelynn driving the adult bumper boats by herself.....

On 6/4/11 we had the privilege to see Brooke dance at her recital. I'm not gonna lie, I was one super proud auntie! In fact it made me a little teary eyed to see what a beautiful and talented little girl my youngest niece has become! 

Jocelynn had an end of year ceremony for Daisy Girl Scouts on 6/8/11. She recieved 2 petals (and the center) to her daisy flower, a cookie patch, a patch for her museum visit, her American flag patch, Girl Scouts of Maine patch, and her Daisy Journey Patch (for learning and caring for animals) Along with her Daisy and Trefoil pin. Not too bad for Joining towards the end of the year!

I am also hoping to become the co-leader. I think Shana and I would have a blast with the girls.....time will tell!

Jocelynn receiving her Daisy Patches!

Jocelynn also graduated from pre-school on 6/17/11. Again, I was a very proud mommy and I was very happy that I didn't cry at all during the ceremony (or before or after). I am still waiting for that emotional breakdown.....

Jocelynn receiving her diploma from her teacher Mrs. Locke

My Graduate!

John and I were also happy that his parents were able to make it up for the graduation and stayed from Thursday (6/16/11) through Tuesday (6/21/11). It was a great visit and hopefully we can have another visit again soon!

As her graduation present, John and I decided to get her something extra special. A Guinea Pig!!! We adopted him from my work (CVHS), his name was Leo but Jocelynn decided to rename him Snuggles! She is very good with him! She is great about remembering to feed him and pat him and take care of all his needs. In fact she had about $9 saved up (from the tooth fairy and various dollar bills she has been given).

Monday night, Jocelynn gets the $9.

"What is that for?" I ask

"I have to buy Snuggles food" Jocey answers

I'm not gonna lie....I was impressed! How mature of her!

So Wednesday we decide to head to the store (we needed groceries and some bedding for Snuggles)

We get to Petco, Jocelynn grabs one of the mini carts (the one with the flags that say "Shopper in Training") and heads to the Guinea Pig Section!

She grabs the bedding and a new water bottle (his current one leaks) and says "come on Mom, lets go."

I ask "Jocelynn, is there anything else you want to look at?"

"No," she says, " I don't have enough money for anything else."

Again.....how old is she......I didn't realize how mature my daughter was!

We head to the checkout, Jocelynn places the 2 items on the counter. The cashier tells her the amount (which is more than what she has) so I reach into my pocket.

Jocelynn looks at me and raises her hand and says "Mom.....I got this!"  (I snickers.....what?)

So I tell her that it is more than what she has for money.

Jocelynn gets serious and says,"What? I don't have enough money.....I guess I will have to loose a couple more teeth to pay you back!"

Again, I laughed. I didn't mean to, she just caught me off guard. I love this little girl and she definitely keeps me on my toes!

Jocelynn and Snuggles!

John and I have had a little hiatus from the gym....We are headed back this weekend!!! I can tell a difference and it isn't good!  John has lost 32 pounds (according to the Dr. who he saw this week) I am so proud of him!!!! Check out my weightloss blog to follow our progress....

Horseback riding lessons are going good. Jocelynn really loves them. It seems to be the highlight of her week! (along with caring for Snuggles)

WOW, like I said, the summer is busy! I will have to try harder to update more often so I don't have so much in one post!

Happy May!!!!!

May......I can't believe it is May already! Were did the 1st third of the year go????

Not a lot has happened in the last few days.....spending a ton outside enjoying the nice weather! Jocelynn was finally able to use her scooter she received for Christmas////she loves it, she is frustrated that she didn't know how to ride it immediately, but I told her that will come!

She has also been able to ride her bike and her power wheel, both of which she will have outgrown by the end of summer......I really wish she would stop growing! She is much better on her bike this year than last, her legs are stronger and she has a little more confidence.....she still likes to keep it on the slower side, but i know that will change as she gets more comfortable. She has learned how to use the breaks (a foreign concept last year) and I know that will help her.

John and I are still going every other day to the gym.....and we love it! For the Month of April John lost a total of 18 pounds and I lost a total of 12.8.....not to bad, and we are keeping with it which I am so proud of us for doing!

Jocelynn is going through a rebellious phase.....she is determine to get her way at all time and I have news for her....NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!!! She has also started crying when it is time for John and I to go to the gym....mind you, she will either be headed to bed in about 15 minutes or is already in bed, but she breaks my heart with her "Mommy I will miss you" through tears......

On a positive note, she managed to only wet the bed 1 night in the month of April! WAHOO!!!!! I am super proud of her and we will be doing something fun in the next 2 weeks to celebrate this achievement! We have decided to go bowling! It should be fun!

Going to get this party started...

Since I am in the 2ww.....I have decided to keep myself busy!

John, Mom and I are all starting a "diet". I hate calling it that, but a Life Style Change is too strange as well. John and I are going to join Planet Fitness and make time 3 days a week to work out, which for me will consist in the beginning of the treadmill and elliptical machine. Check out my weight loss blog, which I deleted and decided I needed it here (Weight-loss Blog)

Also, I am trying to get organized and get this house cleaned. I was introduced to a website (FLYlady.net, Thanks to my CO sisters) and am on Day 3 so far! I am determined to make this work. I can't make a plan up myself, but I can follow a plan laid out in front of me in baby steps! I have also started a blog on my progress and back slides during this little journey. (Getting Organized Blog).

Last week was a great week....other than the snowstorm we had on Friday. I was hoping it was a great big April Fool's prank my the weather men....but at last it wasn't. I had 4-6 inches in my yard. Most of it has melted....Luckily I had the day off because I worked late on previous nights.

Thursday was Chuck E. Cheese's night. Jocelynn peed to bed a total of 3 times in the month of March!!! I am so proud of her. John and I took Jocelynn and Brooke along with my friends Alaina and Kayla for dinner and games! They had a blast! Here they are trying out Guitar Hero...

The guitar was too heavy for Brooke  :)

It was a great Family night and even John and I had a blast!

Work is changing! Some good, some not so good! All changes are to help the animals and that is our #1 priority! With the changes comes me sharing an office....luckily it is with one of my closest friends Alaina! Everyone keeps saying that nothing will get done now because we will be chatting and laughing, but her and I know better and will prove them all wrong. I figure, my boss must think we will still accomplish our task or she wouldn't put us together! She know we are close friends.....  :P

This coming week should prove interesting, diet and exercise routines along with getting organized and cleaning routines.....through in an evening meeting for my work and an eye Dr., dentist and hair appointment. Proves to be a very busy week!

Busy, Busy....

This week has been busy, meeting, meetings and a little fun....lol

Jocelynn has her 2nd Daisy meeting tonight....I think I am more excited then her. She takes everything in stride anyways....lol
She was able to sell Girl Scout Cookies for 2 weeks and sold 21 boxes! Not to bad, imagine what she could sell if we had more time.

Luckily we don't have anymore loose teeth at the moment, I am a little shocked and disappointed to see her new "big tooth" is coming in crooked and more in the back then where it should be. Nothing I can do about it, and it could straighten out as she looses and gets more teeth.....only time will tell!

She has been doing wonderfully with staying dry at night. So far in the month of March she has only wet the bed 2 nights......2NIGHTS!!! I am amazed. Of those 2 night, 1 she was very sick and 1 she drank too much too late......so at least we know what the issue was and can resolve it! Tomorrow is the celebration/reward for her doing a great job! We are taking her and Brooke to Chuck E. Cheese....I haven't told her yet, going to make it a surprise....lol

Work is crazy right now. We have recently had some staff changes so it is a little stressful right now, but things will get better and it all was a great change! I am also hoping to pick up more hours! Lots of meetings!

Jocelynn was able to ride a horse this past weekend....she was so excited. She has ridden what I consider ponies in the past and was a little intimidated by the big horse, but it didn't stop her....lol

I did break my glasses this week......I took them off to brush my hair and the lense fell out. Not a big deal, they have done that before. I picked up the frames and they moved funny....lol

So off the the eye Dr. I go. I can't get an appointment until 4/8. Luckily I can see still, just have a hard time with distance. I am due for new frames.....those are 8 years old and the only pair I have ever purchased, I believe I got my money's worth!


TTC......I believe I am in the 2ww. or will be in the next 2 days. So in about 2 weeks we will know if the clomid helped us in our quest!

Finally....an update!

WOW, what a busy month! Not sure were to start...lol

Vacation!!!!
It was vacation! Relaxing and enjoyable! We were able to spend time with family and friends (some we haven't seen in years) and also spend some time just the 3 of us!
We were able to spend the day at the Baltimore Aquarium (and able to meet, for the first time, one of my friends). Jocelynn loved the aquarium but was more interested in riding all the different escalators......the mind of a 5 year old....lol
Also my in-laws purchased a Wii while we were there. There was a lot of fun had racing Cows....lol. Jocelynn was the champion and everyone was trying to beat her.....lol Jocelynn also had a blast on the plane! First time flying and she was a trooper! I was able to get a picture of her face when the plane fully took off.....

 Walking through the airport!

Take Off!!!!!

Jocelynn is doing wonderful in school. She is reading 4-5 word sentences (I am so proud and sad at the same time) and the teacher says she is a joy to have in class. We did have an incident last week, they were doing a craft and Jocelynn decided to take the scissors and cut her hair.....thankfully it was just a few strands behind her ear, not noticeable, but none the less annoying! When I asked her why, she told me "I want my hair cut like yours Mommy." Mind you, mine is not that much shorter then hers. I told her that if we have a few weeks were she behaves and we have no more scissor incidents I will make an appointment for both of us to have our hair cut together......not sure what I was thinking, agreeing to allow her to cut her beautiful, long red hair......but if that is what she wants  :*(
Jocelynn has also been doing wonderful with staying dry at night. One accident all this month so far! We are no longer waking her up between 11 and midnight to go pee. She is handling this all on her own! She is growing up sooooo fast!!!!!
Daisies! yep, it is official! Jocelynn has joined the Girl Scouts as a Daisy! She is so excited (and is selling cookies until the 3/30 if anyone is interested). The meetings are every other week, and we are joining in the middle of the year, but she is excited none the less! Can't wait to get her uniform and see her all dressed up!

And......Tooth #2 is officially lost! (Tooth #1 (bottom right) is coming in nicely!)

FINALLY I was able to get my new phone!!!! I have felt so far behind the times with my rumor....not any more! I have had the new phone, a Samsung Intercept, for 23 days and I LOVE IT!!!!! My ONLY complaint is that the battery life sucks!

On the TTC front.....another cycle has come and gone.... This cycle we are attempting Clomid again. 100mg CD 4-8. This is really just an attempt to help, but I know it is in God's hands and will happen when He has planned for it to happen!
I have stopped obsessing and decided to enjoy the blessings I have in life! I have a WONDERFUL husband who is my rock and the love of my life! Without his support, understanding and love I don't know what I would do! Also my BEAUTIFUL daughter who manages to know exactly what I need on my worst days and can put a smile on my face always! They are my life and the reason for my being everyday!

I am also excited to meet my nephew.......just over 5 weeks!!!!!!  I can't believe how much I love this little boy already!!!!!!!!

Well, that is it in a nutshell......doesn't seem like I was that busy, but if I updated everything it would take uo 6x more pages...lol

I am working on updating once a week........I NEED to make time! I have too many stalkers counting on it   :P

Crazy end of January!

January was crazy!!! Between the snow, sickness, Dr.'s appointments, school craziness and just plain old life....I need a quite month....lol

We have soooooooo much snow it has got to be a dream. Just in the last 36 hours, it has snowed enough to cover my legs up to my knees...... Plus they are predicting 2 more storms in the next week. I guess I am glad we pushed the snowbanks out behind the garage and practically in the woods (ruined our lawn). We will need the space.

Supposedly the groundhog didn't see his shadow this morning, so Spring is right around the corner......what about the melting time for the snow. I am sure we will be hit with at least 1 storm every week for the next 6 weeks and then it will take ALL summer to melt! The joy of living in Maine!

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I am officially in my first 2ww since being on a break. I will try not to obsess over it (yeah right) I have enough craziness going to keep my mind off it! I am just ready to be pregnant and put the last 4 years of TTC behind us!

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Jocelynn has been doing GREAT in school. She seems to have her head in the game now that Christmas is over. 

We have had some set backs in the wetting the bed area. We are working hard, but she just seems to be slipping. Not sure what to do, I will talk to her Dr. about it when we go back in a couple of months!

Jocey and I had an appointment with a nutritionist on 1/26. It was very informative and over all a good appointment. She was able to give me some pointers and gave me a list of things to do and foods to stay away from. 

What is great is she has seen me the last 4-5 week watching what I eat and exercising and she want to "help" me get healthy (yes those were her exact words).  We have added more fruits and veggies to our diets, more water and less juice and less processed foods. Not bad to start!

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I am beyond excited for my girlfriend Angie! Congratulations on your new addition and welcome home Annalia Mae (1/28/11). I can't wait to meet her in a few weeks!

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Let me say that I am ecstatic that Kristina and my Nephew are ok......he sure does like to scare us already!


P.S.  I can't wait until the middle to end of the month! My Birthday and Vacation Time!

The Dr. said......

Pulmonary Stenosis... I have to have a few more test run, and have another appointment in 2 weeks with the same Cardiologist! (11/5 @ 11:00 am) Who I really like. He has a great bedside manner and I feel like he sees me as another human being and not a patient number.

Next week he is sending me for a TransEsophageal Echocardiogram, He is not 100% positive that he will get a good picture of the valve this way, but he wants to try the least invasive first. If this doesn't work I will be having a Cardiac Catheterization.

So, it is still a waiting game. I can resume my normal activity (particularly the exercise program I started at the first of the month.) The Dr. did say that we should put trying for another child on hold until we find out more about this heart issue.....

The Dr. is also sending my to have a sleep study. He thinks I have sleep apnea,  I'm overweight, of course I do. Isn't that what all the Dr. think when someone is overweight....

Anxious...

Cardiologist appointment in the morning....I'll admit I am anxious, but I have done a lot of praying (as well as my family and friends...thank you).

Jocelynn had her first field trip today! She had a blast, I was nervous but I survived! She went to Coppal House Farm went on a hay ride with Draft Horses and got a pumpkin!

Jocelynn's Picture of a Draft Horse. They pulled the wagon for the hay ride.

Monday we took John to the eye Dr. He found a piece of rusted metal embedded in the colored part of the iris.  Thankfully there has been no side effects and his eyesight is still pretty perfect. Just antibiotic drops 4 times a day this week. I am very thankful that this was not more serious!

Interesting week.....

Anxious about my Dr. appointment on friday. I am just praying that everything is ok....

Had an interesting meeting yesterday, I can't go into much detail, but I will able to share in detail by Thursday/Friday! I am excited about the possibility!!!!!

Jocelynn is doing good in school. We received our first homework assignment this week. Working on blending T and L with all the vowels. We may look at sending her all 5 days after the first of the year.....we will see if she continues to fall behind with just the 4 days.

Grandpa Young ended up being taken to the hospital via ambulance on Friday. He has been complaining about have an issue with breathing, but of course didn't want to go to the hospital, until he woke up around 3am on Friday and really struggled to catch his breath. Once he arrived at the hospital they determined he has pneumonia. He seems to be doing ok. The have him on an oxygen machine, it forces the oxygen into his lungs. Today he seems to be able to stay off the machine for a longer period of time, which is a good sign. It looks like he will be in the hospital for a few more days.

One foot in front of the other.....

I am trying. Getting back into the routine is tough. I am hoping to get better, especially since we start back on med (Clomid) next cycle (sometime in the beginning to middle of September)and I want to make sure I put all the information here! Mainly so I have a record (so I don't forget anything.....like I could) and also for the few of you who actually care what is going on with me!

I will put my cycle ticker back up in "Our TTC Journey" section.

While we are on that subject, John and I received some fairly good news (it could have been better)but I am not complaining. We found out that John's surgery worked!!! His count has increased to almost normal (we are just off by about 4 million, but I'm not counting...lol). Since we have been seeing John's specialist (just over a year) between the meds and surgery his count has more than doubles!!! Now as long as I can get my body to do what it needs to we should be on the way to baby!!!!

Also we received news tonight that John is qualified and being considered for a job at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This is wonderful news and we will continue to pray that if this is God's will that He help make it happen!

Thursday we had oopen house at Jocelynn's new school. She was so excited and seemed to really feel at home. Her first day is 9/6 and I will be taking a ton of pictures. Here she is all dressed up for open house...

 I can't believe my baby is going to school. You know where you will find me on her first day. Looking through all her baby pictures and crying..... Then I will dry the tears and put on a smile when I pick her up!

Bad Blogger.....

WOW! Where has the time gone? I can't believe I haven't updated in 3 months......funny thing is life hasn't seemed that busy, I guess it was!

I will try harder to make sure I update more often! Hopefully with my new work schedule (see below) it will be easier!

June.....wow, where did the first half of 2010 go?

John and I celebrated our 8th Wedding Anniversary! Again, were has the time gone? I love you honey, more than you will ever know!!

The end of June marked a very sad time for us, we had family move away, and although it is good for them and I am happy for them, we are sad to see them go! Jekka, Robin and Tony we love you! Can't wait to visit!

JULY....Damn it's hot!

We had allot of fun hanging out in the pool. Jocelynn is doing a great job with her swimming!

We were able to make a trip to Delaware the end of July! We had a blast helping my mother and father-in-law with their new house and we had a BLAST spending time with our best friends, niece and nephew! I can't believe how fast they are growing and I loved every minute with them!

AUGUST.... Happy Birthday John!!!! He turns 33 today! He (along with our daughter) is my world and I'm not sure where I would be without him!  <3

As you can see summer has been about spending time together and just enjoying family and friends!

John has finally gone back to work! He is really enjoying it again, he misses the time with jocelynn, but is happy to be doing "his job and taking care of his family" as he puts it. As a result I have been able to cut back my hours at work. I know work Monday, Thursday and Friday 8-4. I am enjoying the extra time at home with Jocelynn!

Other good news - Jocelynn will be starting PreK the week of September 6! She is excited, I, on the other hand, am having a hard time. Silly me, I have already had a mini meltdown when I was filling out the registration form. The first day will be hard, but I know it is what is best for her. She will be attending Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 8:30 - 2:30! I am excited about the "me" time on Wednesdays, which as you know will consist of laundry, dishes and grocery shopping....lol

John spoiled me once again a few weeks ago. He surprised me at work with a new Pandora charm.

It is called the "Tree of Life". It is supposed to represent family and life. I thought it was very sweet of him!

Just a couple weeks ago John purchased The Nook for me from Barnes and Noble! I LOVE IT!!!!! We purchased the Wifi capable one only, I didn't think the 3G for an extra $50 was necessary!

On the TTC front - No new or happy news to report. Still failing the test every month........
We find out on the 25th if John's surgery helped at all. I have this nightmare that the Dr. will tell us it didn't help and that in fact it made matters worse. Silly me ,again, I know!

I have been reevaluation how I am going about things and looking at things, God has a plan for me and I am trying my hardest to remember that and put all faith on him. I'm not perfect, I have my bad days, but I know He is always there with me to help me through!

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." ~  Philippians 4:13

Better....

I am feeling a little better. Things are always rough for me on the first couple of days of a new cycle. Between the hormones and the disappointment it is sometime a little overwhelming to me and I sink into a hole.

I am better now, I am ready for the new cycle. I am starting 2 herbal meds, and fertility supplement and a PMS helper. John has also started a new med. John recently had some more blood-work and the result were that John's testosterone has tanked again. So the Dr. added another med to his regiment. 1/2 tab of Clomid a day. We will know in a few weeks if this new med (along with the other med) will work.

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On a happier note, we were able to use the pool for the first (and second) time this week! The weather was wonderful and Jocelynn had a blast in the pool!

Happy Belated Birthday to my brother Cory! Enjoy this year, it is the last in your 20's!!!!