One Year

A few days ago marked my one year anniversary of my blog! It's amazing to think, that a single year has went by so quickly. I'm so happy that I started my blog. It's my place to share stories, pictures and recipes but it's also a place where I can vent and share my feelings. I can't wait to see what my blog will be filled with during the up coming years! I want to send a huge "Thank you" to all of my wonderful followers, the ones who are the silent readers and the ones who comment! I do this blog for two reasons: 1. For myself and because I love a place where I can go, escape and find people in similar situation as myself and 2. I do this blog for all of you. I know I learn from others blogs and I hope at least one person out there will get "something" out of my blog!

If your new to my blog, leave a comment and tell me a little about yourself and where I can find you! If you already a follower, thanks again! You all mean so much to me, you really help keep this blog going!

Here's to another fabulous year of blogging!

(If your new, here's some pictures of my lovely little family!)




The love of our lives...Claire aka Bug


 

The Hubby - Eric and I



Our little family of three!

Researching and Contemplating

I've been contemplating going back to school. I've been madly researching nursing schools. I have my BA in clinical/counseling psychology and I've never felt "complete". I love helping people, hence the reason why I went into psychology. I would love, love to go back to get my BSN but the programs in my area are ones where you have to go straight through with no breaks. At this point in my life, that doesn't seem quite possible. I've been looking into just getting my associate degree in nursing, which leads to becoming a RN. I really have been doing my research and recognizing that RN with an associates degree or BSN get paid close to the same amount and can hold the same positions. That makes me a little less sad that I wouldn't be able to get my BSN right now but still have a degree, I can use on a part-time basis and still make pretty good money. I eventually, after having my last baby, will most likely go get my MSN. I've found a few programs in the Chicago land area, that allows you to get your MSN without having a BSN. All you have to have is a BA/BS in an subject and be a RN. When I found this I was thrilled. I can get my associates degree and when ready go straight into a masters program! No need for me to get my BSN and spend more money! I really hope everything works out. I really feel like this is what I'm suppose to do!

Wordless Wednesday

                                         Happy 16 months buggy girl! We love you!

Sweet Home Chicago

Eric made a decision and we are staying! We are staying in Chicago! Thank God! We are so excited something so wonderful came along, allowing us to stay with all of our family and friends. He starts after Thanksgiving, so Eric gets to spend a few more weeks with Claire at home. I know through all the drama that came along with him getting laid off. Staying home and being able to see Claire all day, every day has made things seem a little better. I know he is cherishing this time with her. He is making more then when he got laid off and he is getting a sign on bonus which is a plus. I'm just excited to get insurance again. This is a great opportunity for Eric. What he does is not at every construction company yet and so he starting the       department from  the ground up. He is very excited and I'm super excited for him. I know he is happy.

Halloweenie 2010

Our Halloween was perfect. Perfect weather and Claire was in a perfect mood (thanks to a good hour nap). Claire went as a super cute pink kitty. As last year, I got her costume at Carter's. I think they have a cute selection. We had two days of trick-or-treating. Day one was Saturday afternoon/evening in our town and Sunday night in our friends town. Saturday was great. We started out around 3:30pm and made it until about 5:30pm! Claire got the hang of trick-or-treating relatively quickly. She went to each door, said "hi" and "bye". Most times we could get her to say what a kitty says, which is "mow"! People loved it. She really enjoyed the house that allowed her to pick her own candy out of the bowl, of course she would grab more then one piece. I would quickly say, "only one" to only be interrupt by the owner saying, "no, it's okay - she's too cute".  Saturday Claire had an entourage with her:  Eric and I, my dad and Eric's parents. At first she wanted one of her grandparents to carry her but quickly her attitude changed and she wanted to be miss independent and walk on her own. We let her and she did great! At times she got a little side tracked when she caught a glimpse of a pile of leaves, which she had to run through!
Sunday we headed out to Indiana to trick-or-treat with our friends. All though the night was pretty chilly, Brayden and Clarie did wonderful. There were so many people on one street, we actually had to carry the kiddos from house to house. That was fine for a bit but my little lady thinks she older and can walk all by herself, even when it's dark out and there are ton of people. After about an hour of trick-or-treating, we headed back to our friends house and let the kiddos play. I think they liked trick-or-treating but playing with toys were the highlight of their evening!
I really can't believe that we have had 2 Halloweens with Bug. It's crazy to me. Both years were a success! I can't wait for next year, I know if I thought this year was great. I bet next year will be even better!

Enjoy some pictures from our Halloweenie Weekend:

Our little kitty!

Daddy and Claire trick-or-treating!

Claire and her entourage!

" I LOVE THIS!"

She found leaves!

Our little family - Halloween 2010

Brayden and Claire ready to go!

Katreena and Bean/ Bug and I

Trick-or-treating

There she goes!

Wordless Wednesday

Enjoying a beautiful fall day!

2 Offers Coming His Way...

Well, Eric has officially two job offers coming his way in the very near future! Thank God! One is from a huge construction company in Chicago but they job would be in the Northwest part of Kentucky for a year to a year and a half. The other is for a smaller construction company in a west suburb of Chicago. We are SO happy and can't wait to see what they both have to offer. They both have the same insurance (which I can't wait to have back) so it will really come down to salary and bonus! I can't wait to know. I'm ready to get our life back to normal, so we can focus on other important things! Please say an extra pray for us, that one of the jobs will be "it"!! I will keep everyone posted!!