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!

Long overdue update!!!!

Here we are.....almost 2 weeks after my last post! I have been a bad blogger. Life has been crazy and fun! Here is a run down of what has happened!

Wednesday June 10, we headed down to Delaware at about 3:30 pm. It was to visit my in-laws and our best friends for the dedication of our nephew!

Jocelynn and her buddy Gabby!
Tyler Cesar! What a sweet little boy!

Thursday (June 11) we spent the day looking at a camper my father-in-law bought and we were able to get to the local Christian book store and buy John a new Bible and I was able to find a Bible cover I liked! We also were able to eat at out favorite sub shop, Cleveland Avenue Subs! You have not had a great sub until you have had one of theirs!

Friday (June 12) I realized that Jocelynn was 3.5 years old......I had a little cry because my baby is growing so fast! I Didn't have long to be upset because we headed to Pennsylvania with The Garcia's to Arnold's, a fantastic indoor arcade/play place! It was so much fun and Jocelynn and Gabby were hilarious!

Saturday (June 13) We spent the day just lounging and catching up on 'stuff'.....lol. We did some shopping and John and I purchased a new digital camera because our old one was dying....It is a Nikin Coolpix S220 and I LOVE it! Even though out previous camera was only 3 years old, it was slow and I had a hard time getting the pictures I wanted! This one takes the picture when I push the button!!!!!

Gabby and Jocelynn with Grandpa Miller in the back!

John and Julio playing Wii!

Sunday (June 14) Was Tyler's dedication to the church! After the Church service, we went to a BBQ and just spent more time together! It was a beautiful, relaxing time!

The girls before the service....They had the same
print on their dress, but different color!

Jocelynn "taking care of the man in the bounce house." lol

Monday (June 15) Happy Birthday Julio! The ladies (me, Jocelynn, Gabby, Jody and Jody's niece Casey) went for pedicures! It was the first time Jody and I had had one and I am thinking it is going to become a regular thing! Of course....miss Poopie pants Jocelynn didn't want to join in the fun, she watched!
The ladies enjoying their pedicures! Gabby jumped right up in the chair...lol
Jocelynn just watching......

John and Julio went to the movies after we got home! We were also able to get a sitter for the kids and have a much needed adult dinner! It was fantastic!

Tuesday (June 16) Headed home. Sad to leave, but we missed home and our bed!

The rest of the week was pretty uneventful and we all tried to catch up on the lost sleep from the previous week!

Saturday (June 20) The Somersworth Children's Festival! It was fun and the weather was beautiful!

Jocelynn making her princess crown!
Blowing bubbles with Daddy and Auntie Bobbie!

Sunday (June 21) Happy Father's Day! We started father's day with breakfast....there were 11 of us! and then a cookout with family!

Phew......It has been a busy 2 weeks and I am ready to relax and not do much for a few days! The weekend will bring another day trip to the park! It is tiring and relaxing all at the same time.....LMAO!

On the TTC front, AF decided to show her ugly face on Friday (6/19) so we are on to month 32..........

So until the next update....enjoy and God bless!

We are home!!!!!!!

We are Home!!!!! It was a wonderful trip! We are so tired but happy we made the trip. The entire weekend went pretty much as stated in my previous post!

All I have to say is if anyone has a chance to see Jeff Dunham live.....BUY THE DAMN TICKETS! My sides still hurt from laughing so hard! ( http://www.jeffdunham.com/ )

Also, finally Angie and I were able to meet! What a wonderful evening, sitting on her porch, chatting about any and everything!

I'm pretty exhausted and just want to stay in bed for the next week, but I will get through it!!! I will post pictures of the weekend on myspace and facebook!!!!!!

PS ~ HAPPY 31st BIRTHDAY to my wonderful husband John!!!!!!!!!

A Little Trip

So, we are headed out of town. Going to Delaware to visit the in-laws and friends. It should be a great trip, busy but enjoyable! Here is a little sneak peek at the schedule for the next 4 days.....

Wednesday 8/13/2008: Leave for DE when John gets home around 4pm ~ It's a 7-8 hour drive

Thursday 8/14/2008: The morning will be pretty relaxing, sleeping in and then dinner with John's grandfather for their birthdays.

Friday 8/15/2008: Again, it should be a semi relaxing morning, John will be going out to lunch with his grandfather. I will be meeting up with one of my friends from CO, Angie. Very excited to be meeting her and relaxing and having a nice chat.

Saturday 8/16/2008: Our nephew, Joe's, graduation party and then we will be leaving for Atlantic City New Jersey to see Jeff Dunham!!!! I am super excited about that. We will be going with Julio and Jody. The show starts at 8pm so it will be a late night!

Sunday 8/17/2008: We will again be spending the day will Julio and Jody. Going to Dutch Wonderland so Jocey and Gabby (Julio and Jody's daughter) can ride the rides and play. Sheould be a very tiring day after the previous night.

We are not sure if we will be leaving late Sunday evening or early Monday morning. Either way we will be home Monday. Let's hope this trip goes as well as I expect it to! See you all when I get back!