I Got A Job!

Well I’ve been back from school for a few weeks and so glad that I made the decision to go. School was such a fun time for me. I met some amazing woman and formed great friendships with them. We learned so much in a short period of time, but somehow I was able to absorb a lot of the information. I was scheduled to attend school for 14 full days and was sent home on the 10th day with shingles. When I first arrived in AZ. I felt like I had been kicked in the back and didn’t know what I did to have such intense pain in one spot. I started getting blisters all over that same spot a few days later. I guess shingles is from a dormant virus that stays in your body from chicken pox, and if you’re stressed, have a bad immune system, or have cancer, or elderly you’re more prone to getting them. Let me just say I hope I never get them again. I know I have a high pain tolerance and this made me cry. As much as I wanted to stay in school, I was relieved that I could go home because I was having a hard time focusing. I was able to get certified in laser hair removal and photo facial. I’m flying back next week to finish the last four days. I’ll be learning how to do fractionals, tattoo removal, vein removal, skin tightening, and cellulite removal. I’m anxious to get back and finish the course.
My brother in-law Jordan helped me write a resume and made my experience as a homemaker look wonderful. I took my resume around to about 30 different places and got two interviews scheduled. I really wanted to work in a Dr’s office, but wasn’t sure I could get in without any job experience. I was about to throw myself a pity party and decided I just needed to keep looking. I googled a few things and a Dr. I didn’t see on other searches popped up. I decided to call and ask if they had any positions open for laser techs. After I asked the receptionist expecting her to say no, she surprisingly said “hang on let me let you talk to the doc.” I was so excited because they never let you talk to the Dr. He got on the phone and I told him about my schooling and told him about myself. He asked if I could bring in my resume and if he could meet me face to face that day. I got a call the next day telling me I was hired and wanted me to start in two days. I happened to be in the right place at the right time, as they were letting go of an esthetician that wasn’t working out. I’m getting trained to do the same thing estheticians and get to help him with botox, sclerotherapy, and other procedures. We well be moving to a larger office in June which will allow him to buy more lasers. I’m so very excited for this new venture in my life and feel so blessed that things worked out the way I’d hoped they would. The morning of my first day of work I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I felt fortunate for all the years I’ve been able to stay home with the kids and felt very validated that I was finally doing a job that made me feel fulfilled in another way that motherhood doesn’t always bring. I feel blessed to be able to have health benefits again and a paycheck with my name on it.
Thank you again for the help I received to make this possible. The kids were safe and sound with their dad and had a fun spring break in Utah. I sometimes have a hard time believing in myself and it was so nice to have others encourage me and make this all happen. Thank you for believing in me. I’m finally starting to believe in myself.
Check out my new boss. http://www.mcgrathmedical.com/index.html

I'm In School!

After much research, hemming and hawing, asking everyone and their dog their opinion, and getting financial things figured out, I decided to start a program at The National Laser Institute in Scottsdale Arizona. I will become certified to perform laser hair reduction, tattoo removal, spider vein treatment, photo facial, cellulite reduction, wrinkle reduction, and the list goes on. I have 5 solid days learning the physics of skin and then 9 days of hands on experience with live models. We even get to practice on each other. I'm hoping to land a job in a Doctor's office after I complete the course. Today was my first day and I had such a giddy excited feeling the whole day like I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. It feels great. Thank you to all of you who have helped me get here. You know who you are. Come and see me when I'm done and I'll make you look smokin hot. ;)

Andrea's Here

A while back my parents asked us kids if they moved to the Austin area would any of us move there too. Well I came first, then my parents, and now Andrea and her family is here. I know my sister and her husband really put a lot of thought and consideration into this move. Jordan being from Dallas, was very comfortable with his law firm and had tons of networking opportunities. It was a huge sacrifice for him to move to the Austin office so we could all be closer as a family. Thank you for that Jordan.
Andrea has been very busy unpacking and organizing her beautiful new home and hasn't posted any pictures of her home and adorable pregnant self, so I'm taking matters into my own hands. Here's their new home in Cedar Park only 12 minutes from me if you take the toll.Here are a couple of belly shots. I think Andrea looks amazing and there are two little girls swimming around in there. We're all so excited to meet them. I have to throw a picture of my little guy in just because he's so dang cute.
I'm so thankful for my family. We've already celebrated Jordan and Matthews birthdays since they've moved here. The kids are loving their cousin time together and I'm loving my mom and sister time. The other day my sister and I went and had pedicures together and then met Mom for lunch. I feel blessed to have them close.

My Little Beggers

The other day Rachel and Annie begged me to play out front. I usually don't let them without me for fear of kidnapping or a ball running in the street etc. They assured me they would stay in the driveway so I gave in and let them. I was busy in the kitchen and noticed that they kept coming in and out of the house. Both the girls had mismatched clothes on and had messed up their hair. They grabbed a sharpie marker and were in the garage disassembling a box and writing on it. That's when I knew they were up to something and this is what I found. My sweet little girls thought it would be a good idea to hold a sign and pretend they were poor so they could earn a buck. You see this kind of thing at different intersections in Austin quite a bit so I'm sure that's where they came up with this genius idea. Rachel told me that she wrote it really messy and spelled would wrong so they would think they were uneducated. After I lectured them for being disobedient and breaking the rules I went in the other room and laughed. Kids do the darnedest things.

My Truths

1. I know I love my kids. They bring me joy I didn’t know was humanly possible.
2. I know I love and adore my boyfriend. He is an unexpected gift.
3. I know I love my family. Mom, Dad, Wendy, Heather, Jared, Andrea, Sam, and Eli.
4. I know I love my extended family. I’ve had some of the best times with them.
5. I know I miss my Grandma Clavin a lot during the holidays. I loved talking with her about my Christmas menu.
6. I know my favorite color is blue.
7. I know there is something bigger than me in this life.
8. I know I love to cook.
9. I know I love to eat.
10. I know I have a sweet tooth.
11. I know I love to watch someone eat something I made for them.
12. I know I wish I could sing like a rock star.
13. I know I’m a perfectionist and it holds me back sometimes.
14. I know I love to kiss.
15. I know I’ve made mistakes.
16. I know that I’m sorry for them.
17. I know I love bubble baths.
18. I know I love sun dresses.
19. I know I feel frustrated when people tell me they pray for me to “come back”. I’d rather they just tell me they prayed for me because they love me. We all need extra prayers.
20. I know the grass is not always greener on the other side.
21. I know I have been blessed with the most amazing friends both near and far.
22. I know I’m happiest when all my bills are paid on time.
23. I know I find comfort in having all the ingredients to make chocolate chip cookies in my pantry.
24. I know I love diet coke with fresh lime and crushed ice from Sonic.
25. I know I still have a lot to learn.
26. I know I’m 33 and see a great future for myself.
27. I know I love to dance and wish I was really good at it.
28. I know I love music and it makes me tear up a lot.
29. I know that the dishes are my favorite chore.
30. I know that I love to hear from old friends.
31. I know that I’m a spiritual person.
32. I know that I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.
33. I know I’m a nice person by nature.
34. I know I’m too sensitive.
35. I know I’m a dreamer.
36. I know I love to run in the rain.
37. I know I love babies.
38. I know I love to sew. Not cutting it out, just the actual sewing part.
39. I know I’m hopelessly flawed.
40. I know I wish I was practically perfect in every way.

Happy Birthday Christian

My little guy better known as Bubba around here, turned 3 years old yesterday. Christian has always been my little snuggle bug. He puts his hands on my face and tells me that I'm pretty. What mom wouldn't love that. He's got such a fun personality. At times he's quite reserved and can entertain himself for hours with cars, books, his train set, or a his favorite movie. He can be particular about how his food is cut up or how I tuck his blanket around him. He calls his blanket his "me me" and has to have it with him most times. Christian loves his big brother and sisters. They all have their own little things they do with him and it's fun to see them interact with each other. Christian has been a huge blessing in my life as every child is, but he's what made me get out of bed and carry on when I was going through tough times. He's my little man and I'm so glad he's part of our family.

Oh Holy Night

This is my all time favorite Christmas song. I love how Mannheim Steamroller plays it, but couldn't find it so I'm putting my second favorite version. I wish I could belt it out like her.

Happy Birthday Marcus

Marcus turned 12 on November 8th. Oh how this little boy changed my life. I never knew I was capable of such love until I held him in my arms for the first time. Marcus was a really hard baby and was very attached to me. I think he spent the first 3 years of his life in my arms. Thankfully he outgrew that and became quite independent. Marcus has always been a smarty. He retains everything he reads and loves to talk about all the latest things he's learned. Anytime you sit next to him for any length of time he'll talk your ear off. I love that he feels comfortable talking to other adults. Marcus is a thoughtful person. Since he was about 5 he's been making me "spoil kits". He would tell me "mom, you go lay down and I'll be right back." He would put turkey, cheese, and a green olive on a toothpick and bring them to me on a tray and then rub my back. He still does little things like this and asks me how my day was. Marcus is quite the ladies man these days. I find notes in his jeans regularly, but the cool thing is he tells me about it and he just laughs it off like its no big deal. I'm really enjoying watching him grow into such a fine young man, but feel a little tug at my heart knowing he'll be gone before I know it. I love you so much Marcus. Thank you for bringing such joy to my life. You better never be too old or cool to sit on my lap and tell me you love me. :) Six months old

Exciting News

I'm so happy and excited for my sister that I had to post it on here. Andrea went in for an early ultrasound and to her shock the technician informed her that she was pregnant with identical twin girls. This will be number 5 and 6 for her. She had an ultrasound at 8 weeks and nobody informed her that she had two babies growing in her at that time, so the tech was really casual about it. Andrea said her heart was pounding and was in shock. She called me after Jordan and I of course screamed. There is something special about twins and I'm so happy that she and Jordan will get these two special blessings. I'm also thrilled that she gets to carry twins and not me. LOL! Congratulations Andrea and Jordan. We're all so excited for the girls to come in May.

Halloween

I love Halloween, but it gets harder each year with kids having an opinion on what they need to be. I love the days when I said this is what you're wearing and they were happy to do it. The kids had a fun time trunk or treating at our church and then trick or treating in Grandma and Papas neighborhood. My parents were kind enough to take the kids overnight so I could go to a Halloween party. I had a blast and so did they. :)

Auntie Laura Came To Texas

My Uncle Jim had a business trip in San Antonio so my Aunt Laura decided to come out as well. I have a feeling now that Mom and Dad are here I'll get to see more of my family. I had Aunt Laura, Mom, and Dad over for lunch. It was so great to visit and catch up on all the family. I knew her trip was really booked, but she made time to come back after school to see the kids. When I picked up the girls from school I told them I had a surprise for them and that Auntie Laura was here. They were SO excited. They came home and changed and started working out a little song and dance they could preform for her. They sang a Hannah Montana song and had little dance moves to go along with it. Marcus got out his trombone to show off as well.
My Aunt Laura is such an amazing woman. I've never seen anyone as service oriented as she is. Her house has always been the hang out and happening place to be. Aunt Laura is such a fun person to be with. I have so many fond memories sitting around the table playing PIT with all the cousins. She's right there with all of us acting crazy. Even though my kids havn't spent a ton of time with her, they have the same gravitation towards her that everyone seems to have. I'm so glad you found time to stop by. I wish I could have seen Uncle Jim too. Next time right. Mom and Dad went to San Marcus to hit the Pottery Barn outlet and then to San Antonio and did the river walk with them. I hope more family will make the long trip out to Texas. Jayna you have no excuse with free flights! :) We love having you here. I love you Aunt Laura!
Christian, Me, and Aunt Laura








They're off to San Antonio

Annie Bug Turned 6

My sweet little Annie turned 6 on Sunday. Annie was born 29 days early. She even tried to come a few days before that. I guess that's what happens when you mow the lawn being that pregnant. Even being so early she weighed in at 6lbs 12ounces. Annie was born with a ton of fuzzy black hair and the biggest blue eyes. I remember people being so surprised that she was my baby because her hair was so dark.
Annie is such a sweet little girl. She is very bubbly and full of life. She loves to play dress up and is constantly working on a masterpiece of some sort. Annie can be very sensitive. She wears her heart on her sleeve. She's quick to tears and quick to forgive. Annie is probably my most helpful child. She says to me "mom, don't do anything, I'm gonna clean up for you." She gets busy and puts everything away. She even straightens shoes in the closet. She's a girl after my own heart. I love you Annie and I'm so glad I get to be your mama.My beautiful Mom and Annie at 2 weeks old3 months old6 months oldHer first birthdayAnnie and Rachel

They're Here...FINALLY

About a year ago my parents were visiting my sister and I in Texas and they said "hey, if we move to the Austin area would any of you kids move there too?" There were a lot of glitches along the way, but I eventually made it here and now my parents have as well. They rolled in with the biggest Uhaul you can rent with one car in tow and my Mom driving the truck with another trailer hitched to it. I think it's time to declutter Mom and Dad. :) Needless to say, they made it safely and it was my Dads birthday on top of it. I was on the phone with Andrea and told her that I was making a birthday dinner for Dad and she said I'm gonna go home and throw a bag together and come down to celebrate. It's a 3 hour drive from Dallas. It was fun to surprise them with Andrea and the kids. We had chicken enchiladas, rice, beans, and salad. Then my dads favorite cake. Homemade yellow cake with whipped cream and bananas. It was so nice to see all the kids eating up Grandma and Papas attention and loving every minute of it. I'm so glad they made it and look forward to many more fun days like that. I love you Mom and Dad.Mom and Dad with some of the GrandkidsAndrea, Dad, and I Mom and Dad

Underpants

Why is it that little boys look so darn cute in tighty whiteys, but grown men don't! Something to ponder. Christian was in the kitchen the other day and I hear him grunting. I said "watcha doing bubba"? He said "I'm poopin"! I asked him if he wanted to go in the toilet and his reply was "nah I'm just gonna go in my diaper." I figure when he's big enough to carry on a conversation on his preferences of whether he should poop in his diaper or the toilet its time to potty train. I always dread doing it, but know it's time. He's done great with number one and we'll see on number two later. Wish us luck! And why is it that they always have their hands in their pants? We'll have to work on that too!

Happy Birthday To Me

Annie was crying last night when I put her to bed because she hadn't made me a birthday card yet. I told her it was ok and I'd love her to make me one the next day. At 6:30 this morning I heard banging around in the kitchen and Annie was coloring as fast as she could to come up with a birthday card for me. She came running in to me to wish me a Happy Birthday. Nothing beats being covered by kisses first thing in the morning. What a great way to start my birthday.
I've felt especially grateful for the friendships I've been blessed with in my life. I've moved so many places and have made wonderful friends along the way. Some have been my friend since I was 13. Thank you to all my dear friends and family who have made my day a happy one. I feel loved. Here are a couple pictures from my girls retreat in Alabama. Amy made a to die for cake and I'm wishing she was here to make me another one. It seriously is the best chocolate cake in the world. Life is good at 33.

Meta, Me, Amy, Sara, and Kim

Back To School

Today was the day...all the kiddos went back to school. My fire alarm went off at 12:30 last night and Annie hopped out of bed to get ready for school. She was that excited for Kindergarten. I think out of all the kids she was the most ready to go. Annie fell asleep at 4:30 this afternoon. It was a long day.
Rachel was pretty confidant this year. She knew a couple of the kids in her class and was excited for that. Rachel always has little admirers right away. There was a boy named Chase waiting at our house after school. I'm gonna have to lock that girl up when she turns 16.
Marcus was a little nervous this morning. He was worried because he didn't have his schedule yet and he thought I'd just drop him off to figure it out himself. We got to school and got him situated and I could tell he wanted us to leave right away. I was most anxious to hear how his day was. I mean middle school is a whole new world. Three more years and he'll be in High School. Am I that old? UGH!
Everyone seemed happy, hungry, and tired after their first day. Always a good sign to me. I got to clean the house and hang out with Christian today. It was nice to have my little buddy with me. He seemed to enjoy the quiet as well.
Rachel Annie
Marcus
Christian, Annie, Rachel, and Marcus
Me and the Kiddos