All sales Final

Yesterday, I took the birthday money I had received and purchased my birthday present to myself. There was one stipulation, all sales are final, no exceptions. So, what do you think, do you like it? I have wanted this particular model for about 9 years now.



I have a frog on my left hip and I got his Ichthus on my lower back. I had heard that the lower back hurt worse and man they weren't joking! I made Ali come with me and she was laughing at the goofy faces I was making and she kept looking in the mirror and letting me know when I was getting close to being done, what a pal! I also spoke with the artist about touching up my frog tattoo as it has faded over the years, been through 2 pregnancies, not to mention the artist that did that one did not have the best work.
Here is my frog tat, sorry it is a real close up, only photo I have though:

Our Little Genius

Of course as a mother, I have always thought my son was smart, but onight, he truly amazed me! Chase can read! He just turned 4 in December and he read 4 books to me tonight from front to cover. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't War and Peace or anything, but still a book, complete with sentences!
Patsy and Scott have generously given us Nathan's hand me downs over the years (thanks to this we have not had to buy ANYTHING other than underwear for Chase, thanks guys!). Last year, our annual hand me down box had a series of books called the Bob books. They are specifically designed to help beginning readers learn to read. There are 12 books in all and they progressively get a little more involved and difficult.
He has "read" a word or two in the past, but it was generally a book we had read approxiamtely 100 times in a row, so memorization took a major role in his "reading" ability. Well, these books were brand new to him, never read before. Julia, my mother in law, taught Chase to place his finger under each word as he read it, and he proceeded to put his finger under the words and read them aloud to me!
The first book is very simple such as "Mat sat. Sam sat." HOwever, he has progressed to book #5 and it has sentences such as "Dot and Mit sit on a mat."
I am sure this blog may seem like I am a bit overly excited about this, but I am truly amazed that my baby boy can read!
He may not be able to poop on a potty every time, but the boy can read!

29 and holding

Well, it has happened. I officially left the 20s and entered the world of the 30s. I can only hope the 30s are as good to me as the 20s were. I figured it would be just another birthday, but thanks to my 2 wonderful boys, the planning of my mother, a phone call from Kristin, and the attendance of Dad, Shawne, Frank, and John-it was probably the best birthday ever. As I was heading home from orientation at my new prn job, I was on the phone telling my friend Ali how excited I would be if Mom and the boys had made me a little card and craft for my birthday. As I walked in the house I was immediately greeted by Chase with a very enthusiastic "SURPRISE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!" They had decorated the living room and the table was set for dinner. I was then given Mardi Gras style necklaces and helium balloons and was told that Dad and Shawne would be coming over for supper. I have never had a surprise birthday party and it was great. I bragged about it all day the next day.
Here is my surprise:











People ask "well do you feel any older?" I wish I could say no, I mean after all, just because a number changed does not mean I am going to suddenly combust or something, right?
Unfortunately, I have had some health "issues" going on and it has me visiting a doctor's office more often than I or my wallet would like. I am dealing with high blood pressure and possible hyperthyroidism, so pray that they will figure me out soon or I will have to start selling all remaining and functioning organs to pay the med bills!
Hyperthyroidism generally speeds up a person's metabolism and leads to them losing weight. I asked the MD why in the world I wasn't skinny if this was truly going on and he informed me it is because I am in the beginning stages. Of course I then asked him what any level headed female would, "So, I still have a chance? Can we delay treatment for a while?"
So although I feel like I am falling apart already I had a wonderful birthday!!!!