tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53824382838462149152024-03-14T03:53:16.583-07:00The SwainstonsMusings and whinings from Tennessee.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-70255571422394430382012-07-09T14:11:00.000-07:002012-07-09T14:11:59.051-07:00Kitchen Art<br />
In order to save some money on decorating the house, Cory and I picked out some of my art work from college. I bought some frames and mat board, and was able to frame two of my prints, but unfortunately the frame for the painting will have to wait. I didn't realize how much framing an actual canvas could cost. I figure the exposed canvas, just lets people know it is an original work...<br />
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I forgot how long it takes to center a print. But I liked how they turned out. Our kitchen has a lot of browns, so I thought the burgundy mat board and the red and blue in the painting would add some color. All three pieces are on the same long wall, and I think it turned out well. <br />
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<br />Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-81095276495431848912012-06-25T13:21:00.003-07:002012-06-25T13:21:44.897-07:00BirthdayMadeleine turned 8 this month! I really can't believe it. She was so excited to have a birthday party. I was worried about the party, just because her last birthday party (6) was a bit of a mess. But this time, things went smoothly.<br />
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She had about 9 friends show up. We started by decorating shrinky dinks, and putting them on key chains. Then we did some rely races with legos. While I was getting the lego cake ready, they had to count all the little lego men cutouts that were taped everywhere downstairs. After cake was presents, then they had about 10-15 minutes of free play before parents started picking them up.<br />
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I decided to go all out for the party. Her next birthday party will be when she is 10, and I figure the party games and such won't be what she wants. (She'll probably want a movie with friends, or a sleep over.) <br />
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And here is the lego cake!<br />
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I used the tutorial by Betty Crocker. It took me about 2 hours to do, it was harder than I thought it would be. I don't do cakes, cookies, or really bake anymore since we've changed our eating habits. But it was fun, Madeleine even helped me with the first half, and then decided to go do something else. <br />
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Cory was a great help for the party, and even ran in some of the rely races with the kids. I am so lucky :)<br />Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-29563601318402189072012-05-14T18:01:00.000-07:002012-05-14T18:01:15.521-07:00HOUSEWe bought a house... a HOUSE. I know we are in our 30's and this is a normal adventure for people, but I really can't believe that we are at this point. We are 'for reals' settling into Kingsport, TN?<br />
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Don't get me wrong. We love it here. Madeleine is doing great, Cory loves his job, and the people are so friendly and nice. I am grateful that things have worked out, so that we can buy a house in this beautiful country. <br />
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I think the house, along with everything else that is going on, we are a little stressed. Madeleine is finishing up her school year, and I with work. We are slowly but surely moving everything into our new home, movers are coming on the 25th to move the big stuff that we don't want to. Cory's work load is keeping him busy several nights a week, and sometimes on the weekends as well. Cory has also signed up for the Virgina Bar. Which means studying at night, to get ready for the big two day test this summer. <br />
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So, we've been 'a little' stressed. <br />
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I am hoping once we are settled into the house, I can arrange a birthday party for Madeleine. We haven't had much luck on birthdays, but I figure I gotta try again at some point. Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-9721111185050492402012-04-16T05:26:00.005-07:002012-04-16T05:38:33.383-07:00Easter Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7ALvzS5bs9xJgs5Ur0dtOwcHGMDDLqV7idEdLF07CG15pDi5QlSDMbTYWXjMviNWQd80LHNne7tuHJGJ6Ylcoo07nsMZX16ptHwfvXALgEO0REDcQ3PaSjN69cp-F_Q9oMntovXJQ6Q/s1600/decorating+eggs%252712.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7ALvzS5bs9xJgs5Ur0dtOwcHGMDDLqV7idEdLF07CG15pDi5QlSDMbTYWXjMviNWQd80LHNne7tuHJGJ6Ylcoo07nsMZX16ptHwfvXALgEO0REDcQ3PaSjN69cp-F_Q9oMntovXJQ6Q/s320/decorating+eggs%252712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731974899162656434" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wf3tIZ4Yi287oDy-30YgZ7RrH35cIZELsORTu3V9g2cmSwQgopd1pwG7LA-hiuafGDhgsJhCf4LLmFaW11B07pO0EazhgdqUBTXHDk02Jrey63PcIEe7f2JkScEeBhHKLGqsG0kVN1E/s1600/ian.muneo.eggs%252712.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wf3tIZ4Yi287oDy-30YgZ7RrH35cIZELsORTu3V9g2cmSwQgopd1pwG7LA-hiuafGDhgsJhCf4LLmFaW11B07pO0EazhgdqUBTXHDk02Jrey63PcIEe7f2JkScEeBhHKLGqsG0kVN1E/s320/ian.muneo.eggs%252712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731975211071861730" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqwmc-ilfVoU5YOxaiSFVK4_AbR1z6qJJXygCkMJWY6c6cB7yqCUyNi-QFlnd7eO6OOfdazts6yfXLeZ45DbD-7OF67h9VkTlmshlg5Gt6nX7nSjzFFpUChKvKsQNFtGOKb4_DWrkm-A/s1600/finding+eggs%252712.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqwmc-ilfVoU5YOxaiSFVK4_AbR1z6qJJXygCkMJWY6c6cB7yqCUyNi-QFlnd7eO6OOfdazts6yfXLeZ45DbD-7OF67h9VkTlmshlg5Gt6nX7nSjzFFpUChKvKsQNFtGOKb4_DWrkm-A/s320/finding+eggs%252712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731976206045416834" border="0" /></a>For Easter this year we went to visit my sister in the D.C. area. Madeleine doesn't get to see her cousins often, and I was very happy to see that they played so well with each other.<br /><br />My sister and husband were nice enough to take us on a date night. Cory and I don't go on date nights often. (Madeleine is almost 8, and it is too easy to just bring her along to come out with us.) We had fun with just us 'adults', even if we did go see Wrath of the Titans. I don't even think the kids noticed that us adults were gone.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dBrfEAcSvdK4Yk_1Eq5T0FEsb4I3SKtwOnxwQNg63tXY4LFwMxnZTZJQM7_EUP9foU09lWvF33_fHBWr0HcXIRlu4VBv-po3hCuE6Y16g6CGocsEAC_ZsyvJ6Mi4kVqvZm4Gy6N_zL4/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dBrfEAcSvdK4Yk_1Eq5T0FEsb4I3SKtwOnxwQNg63tXY4LFwMxnZTZJQM7_EUP9foU09lWvF33_fHBWr0HcXIRlu4VBv-po3hCuE6Y16g6CGocsEAC_ZsyvJ6Mi4kVqvZm4Gy6N_zL4/s320/IMG_0673.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731976885912665170" border="0" /></a><br />We had a great time, and were sad to call it so short, but we had to get back to 'real life'.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-39512715635423722932012-03-29T05:11:00.002-07:002012-03-29T05:28:17.840-07:00Whaaa?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3YAhNRKtKz-ru-OTL0Plzo77f6t0cKt56OUkqrzPMLf6P2PlN7fRL2DUwiXugU5W_SvaKtHPxeQboLL1QfMaLSOCz7XyTvk2MuYk15RcS1yq9FlIQAM0NWVvMswV5mlhgnRJx7QeMcY/s1600/may2012.atwork.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3YAhNRKtKz-ru-OTL0Plzo77f6t0cKt56OUkqrzPMLf6P2PlN7fRL2DUwiXugU5W_SvaKtHPxeQboLL1QfMaLSOCz7XyTvk2MuYk15RcS1yq9FlIQAM0NWVvMswV5mlhgnRJx7QeMcY/s320/may2012.atwork.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725290845566851522" border="0" /></a>I realize it has almost been two years since I have posted. Soo... lets see.<br />I finished my teaching certificate, and worked at a pre-school for about a year.<br />Cory finished law school, took the TN bar and passed. <br />Cory got a job in Kingsport, TN, so we moved last year.<br />Madeleine is currently in second grade. (I still have a hard time believing this.)<br /><br />We have really enjoyed the Tri-Cities area. Who would have thought I'd end up in the mountains of Tennessee. When Cory and I were dating, he asked me, "where do you want to live?" My response, "anywhere but the south." So... there you go...<br /><br />Cory enjoys what he does, so it makes everything so much easier. I have a job at Madeleine's school as an assistant, which I really enjoy. I'm there when the kids are there, and don't have to bring any paper work home. Madeleine had a difficult time with the move, but I think she has adjusted really well. <br /><br />We recently put in an offer on a house. We went in and signed our loan application, and have inspections and such lined up. I don't feel responsible or mature enough for this. Of course it could be the fear of owning a house. We've rented for so long, feels like a huge step. (I'm sure everyone says that about their first house.)<br /><br />Hmmm... is it sad that the last two years can be summed up so quickly? Well anyways, we are just plugging away, trying the best we can.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-78170693041335849502010-05-10T16:38:00.000-07:002010-05-10T16:44:27.080-07:00Keep On SwimmingCory had his last final for spring today. He is very excited to have a few days off. I'm in my last week of student teaching, and then next week I'll be preparing for the interview/presentation thing to exit the program. Madeleine will be done the 21st. <br /><br />Since we'll all be "done" with things for a few days we are hoping to go for a little vacation to my sisters in D.C. Cory's never been and we thought we'd head up before he starts back up June 1st. <br /><br />Cory and I had our 7th anniversary this Sunday. We celebrated by going to Iron Man 2 with Madeleine and then out to dinner. We then proceeded to spend the rest of the weekend doing course work or studying for finals. <br /><br />We have turned into VERY exciting people. <br /><br />Overall we are doing well, just extremely busy. We are both looking forward to being done, and are hoping that things work out for us.<br /><br />Hope you are all doing well, wherever you are!Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-46860002439348784082010-03-27T16:41:00.000-07:002010-03-27T16:53:33.785-07:00Organization!Today I've spent most the day organizing and re-arranging the desks. I stole the desk we had in Madeleine's room and put it our room. I also stopped by Target to pick up a few random desk organizers. This is all in attempt to better help my situation while I'm in my second placement of student teaching.<br /><br />During my last placement I had some papers upstairs, some down, and some that moved around throughout the day. I'm going to attempt to have everything in one area this time. Between Cory, Madeleine, and I the kitchen table always seems to be covered by someone's schoolwork. And maybe by having my stuff in one place upstairs, I'll be less distracted.<br /><br />Madeleine has lost both of her teeth! Sometimes I can't believe how big she is, at least she still likes me. She's been doing great in school and I still find random pictures or crafts that she has hung up in the house.<br /><br />Cory is workin on a variety of projects. He is trying to get everything done that comes along with taking 18 credit hours, trying to look for summer internships, and looking for jobs for when he finishes in December. <br /><br />We continue to be busy, and have somehow survived. And once we've finished all we got to worry about is real life jobs... that is it... nothing to worry about... nothing at all...Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-38941792325938166962010-02-27T04:37:00.001-08:002010-03-02T14:45:38.931-08:00February What?I realize the end of the month is already gone and it seems like it has flown by. Cory is taking 18 credit hours, I'm student teaching and Madeleine doing her school thing, it is a miracle that dishes get done. We are trying to keep our head above water.<br /><br />Cory was recently diagnosed with adult diabetes, so we have a new diet and exercise that we have to follow. Cory is doing really well, I do too (except for that one week). But this also means that he has lots of doctors and testing that he has to do too. So far, so good.<br /><br />Madeleine is doing well. She loves to read and Cory works with her nightly on phonics and sounding out words. It snowed the other day, and she was not happy. The "excitement" of snow has worn off this winter, and I must admit I feel the same way. Tired of the cold, ready for spring. This winter has been unusually cold for Knoxville.<br /><br />I change placements in the middle of March, if I pass of course.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-69802427255800538972010-02-04T18:45:00.000-08:002010-02-04T18:55:19.007-08:00We All Fall DownSo all those balls that I have been juggling the last few weeks all came down on Tuesday. I had one of those weeks when I feel like another ball is being thrown at me, then another, and another. Until at one point on Tuesday night they all just came crashing on the floor. It is one of the down sides of not being near family and asking someone who is "obligated" to help you when you call with ridiculous requests. <br /><br />Luckily there is a friend that saved my sanity. She watched a sick Madeleine all day on Wednesday so that I could still make it to student teaching, and Cory could still make it to his classes.<br /><br />So I have a grasp on my sanity once again... we'll see how long it lasts!Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-16208679382241825092010-01-17T17:24:00.000-08:002010-01-17T17:28:25.053-08:00Glorious FoodCory and I are attempting to get Madeleine to eat more than just crackers and cheese. We get her to try some bites of whatever is on my plate during dinner. When we were going out the other night, Cory said, "Madeleine you will be taking two bites of whatever Mom orders for dinner." Madeleine, "Mom can you order just white rice then?" <br /><br />Seriously this girl gets her critical thinking skills from Cory, because I would have never thought of such a solution.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-6831437302902250282010-01-03T20:21:00.000-08:002010-01-03T20:31:50.302-08:00TWENTY-TEN!I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. Cory and I were grateful for a break from our schedules. Unfortunately that will end soon, as school starts back up and I will start student teaching. I think both Cory and I are excited and very nervous about this next year. We both finish our programs this year, which also means that we both will be looking for jobs. Should be a fun year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Dr2bnBku9ggd99v_1rfHSqyxP3LbSI8Vg7OUdsBCilCKqUIlYBbwxjuvX-4Fg3gw0qiSLgQcUVmIpd9M3OM5o_yQPF5UtD3kU4M3i9-F6AZvXVq-dcKLbeOAkGnV_U9AS9HswsBxla8/s1600-h/Nat_Cory_Wyn_Rich_Christmas_2004_3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Dr2bnBku9ggd99v_1rfHSqyxP3LbSI8Vg7OUdsBCilCKqUIlYBbwxjuvX-4Fg3gw0qiSLgQcUVmIpd9M3OM5o_yQPF5UtD3kU4M3i9-F6AZvXVq-dcKLbeOAkGnV_U9AS9HswsBxla8/s320/Nat_Cory_Wyn_Rich_Christmas_2004_3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422736767843307394" border="0" /></a>And to show my high hopes for this year here is a picture of our little family in the winter of 2004, to show how far we've come... oh wait... we are still students... never mindNatshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-54156442501302234672009-11-28T04:02:00.000-08:002009-11-28T04:11:26.192-08:00A No Dishes ThanksgivingSince it was just Cory and we are both just exhausted and stressed with school assignments and projects, we decided to go to Golden Corral for Thanksgiving dinner. Granted it was not as good as going to Grandma's, but with us being in Tennessee that really is not an option. But it was good, and hey no dishes, but a little sad in no leftovers. And I will say that the afternoon bunch at Golden Corral is less scary than the crowd we saw oh Friday night a few weeks ago.<br /><br />I also ventured out on my first real Black Friday experience. I went to Kohls at about 5 a.m. and since it is next door to Old Navy I stopped in there for a few things. I saved more than I spent, so I figure that was a win. And Christmas shopping is almost done, which will be nice since I have finals in a few weeks. <br /><br />Cory updated my phone, for my Merry Birthday gift. I can actually text now... which means I will finally enter the year 2002.<br /><br />Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!<br /><br />(email me your address if you want a Christmas card)Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-73549228235755883002009-11-16T06:36:00.000-08:002009-11-16T06:51:15.409-08:00Time Flies When There Is Not Enough Of It<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahytHeGL5EDh_zsf6Wb6fUkSIVEMJiXzd8DJnqLG8sky-V6ToUzhGAh2MqPsPheaDoLPbjXrzcSBiPS6CghmN-C6zaOZnyS_VrEFME1Tr0zSv-oTsPTSHDlk9G_FnCSr9EhKDajKkqF8/s1600/100_0065.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahytHeGL5EDh_zsf6Wb6fUkSIVEMJiXzd8DJnqLG8sky-V6ToUzhGAh2MqPsPheaDoLPbjXrzcSBiPS6CghmN-C6zaOZnyS_VrEFME1Tr0zSv-oTsPTSHDlk9G_FnCSr9EhKDajKkqF8/s320/100_0065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404710845483491282" border="0" /></a><br />Well between my night classes, Cory's 18 credit hours, and Madeleine in Kindergarten, it does not seem like there is enough time for anything. Cory has been awesome in helping me out with cooking dinners. Him and Madeleine go every Saturday morning to do the grocery shopping while I am in class, which is a great help (even if we do end up with some interesting snacks or meals).<br /><br />Cory is now in his part of the semester where projects are due, and right after Thanksgiving he will start into finals. By this time next year, Cory will be getting ready to graduate. Which seems soon, especially with how fast this last year has gone. <br /><br />Madeleine is doing great in Kindergarten. She is excited to go everyday. Today is her first time buying lunch, so we'll see how that goes. Also she has her first loose tooth, and is terrified about it falling out. "I don't want to grow up," is what she tells me at night. I have even told her about the tooth fairy, but she does not seem to care how much money the tooth fairy might leave.<br /><br />I am in my third quarter of night and Saturday classes. I am exhausted, but I know this tired feeling will be nothing compared to when I am student teaching in January. At this point I am just hoping to survive the program, but as soon as I get my certification, I'll get to worry about getting a job and all the good things that come from obtaining one.<br /><br />So life is good, but busy. I think over Thanksgiving we will attempt to be lazy and not even make a full Thanksgiving dinner. Madeleine is still a picky enough eater, that really it will just be Cory and I eating dinner. Just means less to clean up... right? Though the thought of no left overs is a bit depressing.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-17583319080143144732009-08-27T05:35:00.001-07:002009-08-27T05:46:16.663-07:00It has been awhile<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9fatjj8SJk3ltjH1vn6i5Euti4TvW_wQ-nsJsV8TmVOtVMNqbz8NcTkpob5JtySBnpqZWzf8DyCrVMzfVDTGW9Dnw27eMPpVJqDxET9cF35eY6HrHukrn0IZ3H95q1mCxYx0l_9802U/s1600-h/100_0029.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9fatjj8SJk3ltjH1vn6i5Euti4TvW_wQ-nsJsV8TmVOtVMNqbz8NcTkpob5JtySBnpqZWzf8DyCrVMzfVDTGW9Dnw27eMPpVJqDxET9cF35eY6HrHukrn0IZ3H95q1mCxYx0l_9802U/s320/100_0029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374621657358027890" border="0" /></a>We did make it to our apartment safely, life has just been a little crazy. Cory went to summer school, I am still in the program to obtain my elementary education certificate. Basically Cory goes to classes during the day and I go at night. We don't see too much of each other. We tried to fit in summer trips where we could with our schedules. <br /><br />We even visited my sister in North Carolina where we went to the beach. And I think we both realized how much we missed the beach, even though Cory did lose his wedding ring in the ocean. So if you are in the Atlantic and see a titanium wedding band, let me know.<br /><br />Madeleine has started Kindergarten. She starts going everyday next week. She is very excited, but scarred at the same time. Cory got a 3.6 and a 3.7 on his grades for the summer, so he was very excited about that. Because it also meant he kept his partial scholarship. <br /><br />We also got another dog, Cassie-o-pea or how ever you spell that. So Cassie for short. So now we have Cassie(-o-pea) and Socrates. Sometimes I wonder why we thought it was a good idea. But Madeleine loves both her dogs, and she tortures them both. We are lucky that they both have great temperaments and put up with anything she does to them. Cassie is definitely more dog, where I think Socrates thinks he is a person.<br /><br />I am attempting to keep up with classes while studying for the four praxis tests I need to take in order to be certified. <br /><br />Hope you all are doing well!Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-8131825821744360832009-04-03T06:42:00.000-07:002009-04-03T06:50:31.414-07:00Let the Moving Preparations Begin!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH_vj4hT2VNeMkmj89vCiYRlG1c5byG0UqH0hLn0ctbELT6ovaWDLfT0RrOp0Y8mQ2-SOQ_9BayKK8NG3vG93VvrflqWOt3HjcZy0RJCL3wb6ROZUNOsQ-FeqeD4L5HxI89uByf_C_Dk/s1600-h/March09+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH_vj4hT2VNeMkmj89vCiYRlG1c5byG0UqH0hLn0ctbELT6ovaWDLfT0RrOp0Y8mQ2-SOQ_9BayKK8NG3vG93VvrflqWOt3HjcZy0RJCL3wb6ROZUNOsQ-FeqeD4L5HxI89uByf_C_Dk/s320/March09+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320460071534658786" border="0" /></a><br />So we will be moving in 3 weeks. Part of me thinks it can't come soon enough while the other part is freaking out because I know how fast those 3 weeks will go. Things are going well. Cory has spent many late nights at campus getting projects done, he's now in the process of getting ready for finals. I start classes next week for a certification in elementary education (should take me about a year to complete). And they are wanting to mainstream Madeleine for Kindergarten. So I'd say things are going well.<br /><br />Here is a picture of Madeleine before she went to a friends princess party. She is also wearing her new glasses she got last month. She does not have to wear them all the time, but does because she can "see better" with them. She is definitely growing up.<br /><br />It has started to warm up, but has also started to rain. And the rain here is not like the rain in L.A. it RAINS. But I figure before long it will be summer and soon you will all get to hear me complain about how hot it is. (Oh and our new apartment has ceiling fans... its funny what I get excited over now a days.)Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-68255788888182851212009-03-10T10:03:00.000-07:002009-03-10T10:21:38.971-07:00Its Been Awhile<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUEXtRMItpJEDMwfH-33Qv_8lLHS3Vkt3qAXhCKqQnqm-57_zfjz-uQxddUI_QiZERPYvjZUcuczvjdobxfb30opZ_6k2KmLY5Dh96rI43fkXC4Sod0aV-RFf3P4c9etA19_s8PA6_Hc/s1600-h/xmas08+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311609229160615826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUEXtRMItpJEDMwfH-33Qv_8lLHS3Vkt3qAXhCKqQnqm-57_zfjz-uQxddUI_QiZERPYvjZUcuczvjdobxfb30opZ_6k2KmLY5Dh96rI43fkXC4Sod0aV-RFf3P4c9etA19_s8PA6_Hc/s320/xmas08+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZxwQq37tUZNBlyW7mfS7OjB3-4snIC-g_wfnFMsBv2em7U1SdQmGYLufOTQTtbSF_oO9QSd_PmPvEvZ-4Rzjb0MBl9vdhyphenhyphen8_Y314JqCyDX5YwaDK0OukGEwYHJnvwB38vRTaK2EIdFs/s1600-h/xmas08+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311609220112068322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZxwQq37tUZNBlyW7mfS7OjB3-4snIC-g_wfnFMsBv2em7U1SdQmGYLufOTQTtbSF_oO9QSd_PmPvEvZ-4Rzjb0MBl9vdhyphenhyphen8_Y314JqCyDX5YwaDK0OukGEwYHJnvwB38vRTaK2EIdFs/s320/xmas08+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4jh7FAAifku1TJzo8fTABLru_ZGxu-5oVxMCdBeOeiZUO9dkvadXhfHjowYPPpRuDVt-bOTAjsywIWUc-smaki_gMg0lQRWJhLZv1P7P44RWQbaodfhA8bki4nneHLhkAm2aKq4R7Xc/s1600-h/xmas08+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311609214149887538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4jh7FAAifku1TJzo8fTABLru_ZGxu-5oVxMCdBeOeiZUO9dkvadXhfHjowYPPpRuDVt-bOTAjsywIWUc-smaki_gMg0lQRWJhLZv1P7P44RWQbaodfhA8bki4nneHLhkAm2aKq4R7Xc/s320/xmas08+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here is some photos from Christmas in NYC... yes I know it was 3 months ago, but whatever Madeleine is cute. Here she is helping shoveling the snow.<br /><br /><div>So it is now March, in case you DIDN'T KNOW. Cory turns 31 this week. I haven't gotten him anything yet. Things have been good and bad ups and downs. </div><br /><div>A few weeks ago Cory decided he wanted to move. Our current apartments wanted us to sign a lease for another year, but we haven't been feeling quite safe here the last few months. So we started looking and found a town home about 10-15 miles further from the city. Its in a quiet neighborhood, so hopefully we won't be waking up to neighbors in the middle of the night. I'm not really looking forward to moving somewhere for just 2 years, but I'd rather move then stay somewhere I don't feel safe.</div><br /><div>We will be moving at the end of April, right before Cory has finals. Joy! Madeleine and him have spring break next week so we will be trying to pack as much as possible then. Hopefully this will all go smoothly so Cory can concentrate on finals and not on the move.</div><br /><div>Cory is also looking for internships this summer. He hasn't had much luck, and I must admit we are both worried that the past may repeat itself, that he'll graduate with no work experience and have trouble finding a job. </div><br /><div>Madeleine is doing great. Her school is talking of mainstreaming her for Kindergarten, and just doing a speech group once a week. I'm trying to get everything situated with her school and the move, so that we don't have the same problem as last year when I couldn't find out any information since it was summer time.</div><br /><div>I am trying to get everything ready for the move while trying to keep my sanity. The townhome is smaller than our current apartment so I have to start giving things away that won't fit into our new place. I am also thinking since Madeleine will be starting Kindergarten this fall I need to find something for ME to do... now to try and remember what I like to do.</div></div></div>Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-57526858740799951882009-01-06T05:25:00.001-08:002009-01-06T05:33:24.864-08:00Happy New Year!Our new year was very low key. We stayed home and watched some movies.<br /><br />We had a lot of fun at Christmas. Was fun to be around family, and I know Madeleine had a blast with her cousins. My parents and family were even nice enough to let us bring our dog. I bought Cory a pocket watch and he got me season 2 of Psych. For my birthday he got me a very nice necklace with my birthstone. Madeleine got walle, tinkerbell and baby stuff. She was very excited.<br /><br />I am ready for school to start. Which is today! I think all of us are getting a bit of cabin fever. Its been pretty rainy/icky out to do anything outside.<br /><br />Cory and I have finally made the decision to lose some of this weight we've gotten over the last 5 years. I think we are finally in a spot in our lives where we can make that happen.<br /><br />Oh and I'm now 30... woo......Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-39227422431455491152008-12-29T07:01:00.000-08:002008-12-29T07:07:43.073-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sb9jB0HLrZ79OLHFa-x2Uq1GXYEiQ6YpEnXQ54EO7AlQ4kvD6QALiRPj3NPaIiCSrvbMdN6p_PN-mkJ6ieIaivf0XUvQJMvOzZ7mrjsUcH_XsNVGQTcPMF6ofcXPe6OBkIEDONElbfU/s1600-h/family2008+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285228838314046242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sb9jB0HLrZ79OLHFa-x2Uq1GXYEiQ6YpEnXQ54EO7AlQ4kvD6QALiRPj3NPaIiCSrvbMdN6p_PN-mkJ6ieIaivf0XUvQJMvOzZ7mrjsUcH_XsNVGQTcPMF6ofcXPe6OBkIEDONElbfU/s320/family2008+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80tX8NJR1I2VwEfpqVm3SJabevHmWmWmPNDr0zrU39UaoPhInu8kbzYBbFhUT7uQnWCczBFFGTdGWTvnml5hyphenhyphenXZOF5OwjPr_F2TPXjE_MVaycTlGpf9DeRkRBjMzzoIk6GAYc8reaqS0/s1600-h/family2008+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285228834458238002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80tX8NJR1I2VwEfpqVm3SJabevHmWmWmPNDr0zrU39UaoPhInu8kbzYBbFhUT7uQnWCczBFFGTdGWTvnml5hyphenhyphenXZOF5OwjPr_F2TPXjE_MVaycTlGpf9DeRkRBjMzzoIk6GAYc8reaqS0/s320/family2008+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk2Ztzw6ltIEpsdd0JcMVLRWYDxgPNU9PYEh0VUEpocUA3TJKKothkk2D48cP0rz4zXrwgn29pJdzwWZaB-EVA8bv0unKJ-zk3whJGL8FtVvvTETgJY1oo2D7jhpnNajxJC0-HgxoMVA/s1600-h/family2008+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285227555780019618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk2Ztzw6ltIEpsdd0JcMVLRWYDxgPNU9PYEh0VUEpocUA3TJKKothkk2D48cP0rz4zXrwgn29pJdzwWZaB-EVA8bv0unKJ-zk3whJGL8FtVvvTETgJY1oo2D7jhpnNajxJC0-HgxoMVA/s320/family2008+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPmYqMFtsEB22E9DBAHv26r6TZ6WGxnWWmYHjTeb7KYQ-1KdGf2qSgr2mekvj9QDK7gjhBU0aWMny-cTa4CWscnbnRB6-pGNBU4hE-7Pf-TAoHqPC2Q_Od4sK8pMCRSW_7xtkz6oQ_Dg/s1600-h/family2008+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285227553713116914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPmYqMFtsEB22E9DBAHv26r6TZ6WGxnWWmYHjTeb7KYQ-1KdGf2qSgr2mekvj9QDK7gjhBU0aWMny-cTa4CWscnbnRB6-pGNBU4hE-7Pf-TAoHqPC2Q_Od4sK8pMCRSW_7xtkz6oQ_Dg/s320/family2008+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are our family pictures we took this summer while at Cory's parents. It was Cory's idea to do Tennessee orange... I "unfortunately" don't have a Tennessee orange shirt.</div></div>Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-78872659498897216702008-12-17T06:28:00.001-08:002008-12-17T06:29:57.379-08:00Happy Holidays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho71Us5FyA773h4T5ELvaakfHS0MYfBv-8XxVO5X-QuxNe3DCm257azFVbCctCIpx-XwOA2doVj82khLNdGLMZuikyv6cWPRQZwgKbykHfZPpI06ZPb-fTNwSDAQKIFZ8tHtmStj-Fu8c/s1600-h/school08+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho71Us5FyA773h4T5ELvaakfHS0MYfBv-8XxVO5X-QuxNe3DCm257azFVbCctCIpx-XwOA2doVj82khLNdGLMZuikyv6cWPRQZwgKbykHfZPpI06ZPb-fTNwSDAQKIFZ8tHtmStj-Fu8c/s320/school08+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280765968624958386" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7iToxWrJ93NYYmK9ukY4TagPT9s7YjIp6hgW2zjY9MkPFA1P-8MlpWqWyFE0o9oteqW9mT1J803H-iYn7Hpn0ZluN5m0YL6uiFGE4sb46QPkzAg4hw0ZPsrdsdZH-kI5Xoru5grXAYo/s1600-h/santa08+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7iToxWrJ93NYYmK9ukY4TagPT9s7YjIp6hgW2zjY9MkPFA1P-8MlpWqWyFE0o9oteqW9mT1J803H-iYn7Hpn0ZluN5m0YL6uiFGE4sb46QPkzAg4hw0ZPsrdsdZH-kI5Xoru5grXAYo/s320/santa08+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280765875538420418" /></a><br /><br />Happy Holidays! And yes those are now bright blue tinkerbell boots, I can't get her to wear anything else.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-65788894777561747122008-12-15T08:24:00.000-08:002008-12-15T08:28:13.429-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJUA2t8IHVRs3Ln-HCqBxodcUYf4SmzgbAqUSkl5exBqPPypofyYtaQSOV2gFL03ECo1kaUmb10LLQ4ubHWgEyrSHSvoanco75-lbI7WXDDfEEBD9hNRF_EssLwzpRkQ8CAxj699Aqgc/s1600-h/December.08+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJUA2t8IHVRs3Ln-HCqBxodcUYf4SmzgbAqUSkl5exBqPPypofyYtaQSOV2gFL03ECo1kaUmb10LLQ4ubHWgEyrSHSvoanco75-lbI7WXDDfEEBD9hNRF_EssLwzpRkQ8CAxj699Aqgc/s320/December.08+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280053742025129554" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well we got a little bit of snow, and it made Madeleine very happy. Though now it is all melted, which now makes me happy. We had to buy her some new shoes as her Dora boots were just too smelly, so I finally got rid of the bright pink dora boots... only to be replaced with bright blue tinkerbell boots. She has her own personality thats for sure.<br /><br />We bought a new/used car. So we'll see how it does on the drive up to NYC for Christmas to see my parents. Its a Hyundai Santa Fe, so more space than the sentra and hopefully more reliable.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-42215441702146038792008-12-03T06:13:00.000-08:002008-12-03T06:27:16.607-08:00The Face Book, And The Joys Of CarsI'm not sure how Emily convinced me to sign up for it, but she has powers that others do not have. So I did it. Signed up so old friends could find me. Guess I can't take it back now, and so my internet addiction continues.<br /><br />Yesterday our car died. I had dropped Madeleine off at her speech school, went to the office to turn in rent, and boom car won't start. The maintenance guy was really nice and gave me a jump, and I was able to get the car back to the apartment, barely. The alternator broke, to the point that after I got the jump and started to drive away... the car wasn't getting enough juice while driving that I was inching to our apartment. <br /><br />I then called Cory and since his school is only a few blocks from Madeleine's school, he walked over and Madeleine and him rode the bus home, while I waited for a tow truck driver for the car. Madeleine cried that the car was broken, but very excited about the bus. I guess she talked to the bus driver the whole time.<br /><br />Mechanics said the earliest they could get to the car would be Thursday, course that was 3 days earlier than the other places we called. Welcome to Tennessee I guess? I'm always surprised when we call and something needs to be fixed they will take a few days before they get out here.<br /><br />So our only car is in the shop. Cory and I are wondering if its time to start thinking of other options, since it seems to keep having problems. But on the other hand, at least it isn't like last Christmas Eve when the car broke down at 4 p.m. We were at least able to get it towed, but no mechanics were open to even take it till after the holiday. Maybe I should have said that AFTER Christmas Eve... since that is still a possibility.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-42522062926534255932008-12-01T12:44:00.000-08:002008-12-01T12:53:15.981-08:00Hmmmm.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxHG-ysyD39H8dNoQBJeXSCpo0vuUU13acuvdU2_f10a5XnzInmZY9DKXlHR3Qw-PpeIfMRqlnrYrK6k7U7xXXaCfto_oDnPAm-o-LjUEr1yWsDAHX811W6H9WEdQWj7JsvN0wsu4eJY/s1600-h/oct.2008+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxHG-ysyD39H8dNoQBJeXSCpo0vuUU13acuvdU2_f10a5XnzInmZY9DKXlHR3Qw-PpeIfMRqlnrYrK6k7U7xXXaCfto_oDnPAm-o-LjUEr1yWsDAHX811W6H9WEdQWj7JsvN0wsu4eJY/s320/oct.2008+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274927166748303330" /></a><br />December... already? Well better late then never right? Here is a picture of Madeleine in her Tinkerbell costume. And yes that is her with camo pants and her pink cowboy boots. Everything is Tinkerbell right now. The K-mart near us is going out of business so I was able to find a few things on sale. Madeleine got terribly sick again with an ear infection and Cory has his first final tomarrow.<br /><br />I went to my sisters in North Carolina for Thanksgiving. She did a fantastic job for dinner, and we all had a lot of fun. Thankfully Aiden got along with Madeleine, and Stacy was nice enough to let us bring our dog. I got to see my friend Emily and her 2 little ones. I only wish I could have stayed longer to do some serious hanging out. Maybe I'll have to head back out there before both their husbands finish school this next year.<br /><br />I feel like we've been super busy, but I don't have much to report. We are getting ready for Christmas. We bought our first tree this year, just a small fake one... but better than nothing. We are planning on going to my parents for Christmas, where my sisters Heather and Stacy will be there with their families.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-84597843198555755952008-11-04T03:24:00.000-08:002008-11-04T03:43:45.171-08:00Is Trick-or-Treating Dying?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicx_aV8_x0zLVPuAX62C6cv0xlSBoKgXFYsv484mR-q5x0W1MGW26a2vGwQxR9UUpBVlLdK6zAtz91B6R7C2iB_w0lc5ILkDh5DXGtbUcovZMltfs0bsuZ7hvreSQBPZVHeilKHNylw24/s1600-h/MadeleineDrawNov08+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicx_aV8_x0zLVPuAX62C6cv0xlSBoKgXFYsv484mR-q5x0W1MGW26a2vGwQxR9UUpBVlLdK6zAtz91B6R7C2iB_w0lc5ILkDh5DXGtbUcovZMltfs0bsuZ7hvreSQBPZVHeilKHNylw24/s320/MadeleineDrawNov08+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264765354743139458" /></a><br />Well We've had an interesting week and a bit. Madeleine came down with a fever Last Monday. Wednesday morning the fever was gone, but there were little blood spots on her pillow from stuff that had oozed out of her ear. Needless to say I took her to the doctors office as soon as they opened. She had an ear infection and bronchitis. I feel awful that it had gotten that bad, but she wasn't complaining of any ear pain, and Madeleine has only had one other ear infection when she was not even a year old. <br /><br />So she is on 3 different medications that she has to take twice a day. She is being great about the medicine, and seems to be acting better. We go back to the doctors tomorrow to make sure she's healing correctly.<br /><br />With Madeleine being sick we missed some of the Halloween parties, but we figured its ok there are lots of kids in our apartment complex Halloween night should be fun. Well unfortunately there weren't any trick-or-treaters and most the people we tried didn't have candy to give, and then I looked in the parking lot and realized that most the cars where gone. <br /><br />So we put us all in the car and drove down to her school and went trick-or-treating at the houses down there. We saw some trick-or-treaters, but I even had some of the home owners ask where all the trick-or-treaters are this year. I then asked another friend and they said they usually have over 20 and this year they only had 4. I'm thinking trick-or-treating might be dying. Next year I guess I'll have to make sure we go to the trunk-or-treat and any other parties there are. Or if we have enough friends by then do one ourselves.<br /><br />Attatched is a picture Madeleine drew for me the other day. It says Mom at the top, has tree with grass and a beehive, and a bee flying up the side of the page. She is spending a lot of time drawing. I ask if she needs help and just says "I'm not finished."<br /><br />Once I get the pictures of Madeleine in her costume on my computer I'll post them. But... I can't seem to find the camera. Last I saw it Madeleine was taking pictures of Socrates with it. This should be fun!Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-37199220518637266492008-10-21T09:14:00.001-07:002008-10-21T09:19:15.501-07:00A Little Late<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtdTJhp7LWCSGpf7WwTS2A2bmqdIPeqzK7F5zOqMaoTNxF9gooduw0pD8LCjiQymqdeyeGNmG_OHW75PrbEfjVn5DhbOqcB4i-JyV8aNQ8Pp3cpDdQhxiDYFD3EoTSaazRGaXUjJXLT0/s1600-h/August2008+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtdTJhp7LWCSGpf7WwTS2A2bmqdIPeqzK7F5zOqMaoTNxF9gooduw0pD8LCjiQymqdeyeGNmG_OHW75PrbEfjVn5DhbOqcB4i-JyV8aNQ8Pp3cpDdQhxiDYFD3EoTSaazRGaXUjJXLT0/s320/August2008+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259641403396510802" /></a><br /><br />So here is a picture from Madeleine's Birthday... that was in what? July... yeah I'm so ontop of things.<br /><br />Socrates got a trim, he looks like a whole new dog. And his housetraining is going much better. Maybe he just had to get used to the new environment.<br /><br />Madeleine has fall break this week, so we are doing lots of park trips.<br /><br />Cory has several papers, so I'm hoping I will at least see him some this week.<br /><br />I've been super tired... you know that tired where you get a full night sleep still feel exhausted and so you rest some more, and you some how feel even more tired? Yeah... hopefully its just a bug or something I'm fighting.<br /><br />Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the cooler weather! I know I am.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5382438283846214915.post-16230116292535796232008-10-14T06:38:00.000-07:002008-10-14T06:53:21.257-07:00Separation AnxietySo... I'm thinking "Soccer Tease" has separation anxiety. I've tried my best to house train him. We go outside frequently and not once has he eliminated outside. I think between Cory and I on Saturday we spent 6 plus hours outside with him and still nothing. But as soon as we put him in his crate and turn away, or leave the room he eliminates, and at night within 10 minutes of being alone in the crate alone he poops. I've even tried to take his pee and poop outside to the spot where we want him to go and have him sniff it. <br /><br />Everything I read says to take them out often, if you see them sniffing like they are looking for a spot to go, take them outside and reward them when they go. The problem is even if I catch him before or during and take him outside he won't go, he just holds it until I put him in the crate while I go shower or clean or something. So I can't reward him for going outside if he never does... and when he goes in his crate I gotta take him out to clean it... I guess I should be glad that to some degree it is contained, but I also don't want him thinking his crate is his potty since I would love to not have to get up in the middle of the night to clean it up. We even bought a pad and sprayed it with some scent that is supposed to make doggies want to go in that spot, and still nothing. <br /><br />And there is my venting about the house training, we can only get him to do it when we aren't around. I'm not sure how to even really attempt on fixing it. We haven't even had him a week, so maybe with time it'll get better? Other than the potty issue he's a good puppy.Natshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398603336514528691noreply@blogger.com0