Happy New Year's

Tonight is the last day of 2009! I hope things turn around for us in the New Year! Shannon has been unemployed for 10 1/2 months of 2009. I went back to work in August of this year, which has helped us financially. I am already ready to be a stay at home mom again!

Shannon finally saw things my way and is now going to pursue state, city, and county jobs! For years, I have tried to convince/steer him towards applying for state, city, and county jobs. He never wanted to listen to me. One day, I was browsing through the state jobs and he asked me, "is that all of the open positions?" I told him, "yes, and there are much more to see!" Our goal for the new year is to search and apply for any and all state, city, and county jobs that we can! Just tonight, I found one that is open in our county with the Judicial system.

Tomorrow is our 7th Wedding Anniversary! We don't have any special plans. We have been sick for the last 2 weeks now.

Kyle's 4th birthday is this Sunday! We still can't believe he'll be 4 years old! Our little boy...

Kyle goes back to school on the Monday after his birthday! I think he misses school. He knows we're supposed to go somewhere, he just doesn't know he's on winter break! Shannon is also on winter break from college. He starts back the same day as Kyle.

Christmas in a Nutshell

We have all been feeling sick for the last week or so. Kyle and Shannon seem to have it the worst. Thankfully we don't feel sick the entire day, it will come in waves. I have started feeling a little sick when I first wake up, but as the day progresses, I feel better.

Shannon has been smoke-free for about 3 or 4 weeks now! He stopped smoking a few days after Thanksgiving. He used the e-cigarettes to help him quit. After awhile, he didn't feel the need for the e-cigarette either. He's had withdrawl symptoms from not smoking, plus he's been sick.

I had to be at work on Christmas Eve for 9 1/2 hours! It was a long day but it went by pretty quickly. I was scheduled to be off at 8 PM, however, all cashiers had to keep working until the last customer was checked out. We all did very well and worked together. I am glad I didn't have to work until 8:30 PM because those workers had to stay until the store was clean!

Our store was closed on Christmas Day, so that meant everyone was off that day. I was also off the day after Christmas! We opened presents just after noon on Christmas Day. Kyle wasn't feeling all that well, so he was not in the mood for all the excitement. My MIL gave me a zip-up hoodie with faux fur lining the hood. My husband received a long sleeved shirt and pajama bottoms, he really needed both! We took some pictures and I hope to have some of them printed out, I plan on putting them in a frame (that holds several pictures) and hanging it up on our wall. Kyle also had a present for Shannon and myself. His teacher wrapped it for him, but he made it at preschool for us. It's a 2010 calendar, the pictures are made of Kyle's handprints! His handprints are in shapes to form a picture, for instance, for October, his handprints are in the shape of a ghost. It's really cute! I remember the day he came home with paint all over his clothes. As long as he had fun, I didn't mind the mess.

We gave my MIL a Dyson vacuum for Christmas. We bought her the Dyson ball so it will be easier for her to clean her house. She loves it! She used it all day yesterday. I think she was looking for things to vacuum! She realized how much dirt and dust is in her house and how fast it accumulates with her old vacuum.

Speaking of Dyson vacuums, my vacuum really needed to be emptied and Shannon finally did that for me yesterday. My vacuum now works much better! Since I was off the day after Christmas, I used that time to catch up on cleaning and laundry! I literally have not had time to do any cleaning in the last month. Shannon has had to do the laundry for me since I was barely home. I was able to clean our entire bathroom! I also did 3 loads of laundry!

Same Snow

I had to call in to work yesterday and today. It snowed like crazy yesterday, some of it melted, but not enough for us to risk going anywhere. The roads are slushy and wet and cars are sliding around. I happen to have tomorrow off! This coming week will be exhausting. I have a few days of long hours and on Christmas Eve, I have to work 9 1/2 hours that I am not looking forward to!

Shannon took Kyle outside in the snow for about a half hour! He seemed to enjoy it. He wasn't sure what to make of it. He walked around a bit in the backyard and then I saw him kicking the snow off his shoes. Meanwhile, Shannon shoveled the snow off the deck.

About an hour after Kyle and Shannon came in from outside, we all took a nap. Shannon said Kyle was burning up but I didn't really feel it, he was warm, not burning up. We woke up from our nap a few hours later and Kyle was burning up! He had a fever, so we gave him some medicine. He fell asleep and is still lethargic. His fever is gone, but his stomach seems to be upset. He may have a stomach bug.

I've been taking naps throughout the day. I am just so tired! I couldn't sleep last night, my cramps woke me up at least twice during the night. Plus I've been having headaches here and there, I am not sure if they are from the cold weather or not.

Snow Crazy

I am not scheduled until 5:30 PM tonight but it looks like I'll have to call in tonight due to snow. We're expecting several inches of snow tonight! We dropped Kyle off at preschool and the teacher took our phone number down just in case they decided to close early. Sure enough, she called us to say that they will be closing at 10 AM. He had a short day at school this morning.

Just before we picked him up, we went to Walmart to pick up supplies and some food. We're not sure if there will be a power outage or if we'll be stranded, so we just want to be prepared.

Kyle has the next two weeks off from school. He's on winter break until January 4, 2010. The teacher gave me two packages of things that Kyle made. One of them was in a big manilla envelope. It had his picture that is framed with a wreath. The wreath is made of his hand prints. It's really cute! He also made two tree ornaments! The other package is a present all wrapped up! I put it under the tree with the other presents. One of the things I like about Kyle going to school is being able to see his art projects! I can't wait to see more of them as time goes by!

Day of Recharge

Today was my day off from work! Kyle had school today, so we had to get up early. When we got home, I treated myself to a "spa day." I gave myself a homemade green tea mask and then I made some homemade bath salts and soaked my feet in the tub with bath salts for about 10-15 minutes. My feet felt so much better afterward. They weren't as tense and sore.

I am still looking to perfect my homemade bath salt recipes, I hope to use other ingredients in future batches. I am looking at using dead sea salt, instead of epsom salt. I am sticking with peppermint oil since I still have a bottle of it.

I pretty much had a lazy day today. I just wanted to relax and recharge my body. Shannon took a nap today while I caught up on surfing the internet.

After we picked up Kyle from school, he took his usual nap about an hour after we got home. He napped for about 2 hours. During that time, I took a bath using my bath salts. My body feels so much better and so relaxed!

Today was a great day off. I feel recharged and really enjoyed my at-home spa day!

3rd Long Day

Today is the third day in a row of 8-9 hour days! Today is a 9 hour day for me. Then, I am off tomorrow! I will be catching up on laundry tomorrow.

Yesterday, we went grocery shopping after I got off. This was a well needed trip since the last two times we went, were only mini-trips. Our mini-trips usually last us a few days to a week of food. I bought more snacks for work and also a few Tuna Helpers, not that I seem to have time to make them.

I am looking forward to the last week of December because I only have 26 1/2 hours, instead of the usual 33 hours. It will be a nice break from these long hours. These days I don't have time to do laundry or anything else on the days that I do work. My entire body is sore all over. I barely have time with Kyle and Shannon too.

First Week of Preschool

Kyle went to his second day of preschool today. We got there a little early and that gave me a chance to ask the teacher how he did the other day. It sounds like he did really well, except for nap/rest time. He didn't take a nap, instead he just sat on his cot. It sounded like he was nervous and not sure if he was in trouble. She also said she took him to the cafeteria with her to get the lunch for the class. She chooses one student to go with her to get the lunch each day.

As we were walking towards his classroom, I paused for a second and Kyle knew exactly where his classroom was and walked right in! The teacher said they will be painting! Of course, I thought, "oh no! mess!" She said she puts t-shirts over their clothes.

Also, on Fridays there is only one other student, so it's just Kyle and another student the entire day! I think the individual attention will really help him too! Kyle seems to like preschool! After getting home from his first day of preschool, Shannon said he ate so much, as if he were starving!

When I went to leave the classroom, Kyle didn't even flinch! He looked comfortable and happy where he was. I am glad he's okay with the classroom.

We also applied for free/low-cost school meals for Kyle.

9 Long Hours of Express Lane

I was stuck at work for 9 hours in the express lane! It was pretty steady but I just hate that people only seem to see my register and never avert their eyes to the other 10 or more registers that are open! My day went by fast, yet slow at the same time. I couldn't wait to get off of work. I am already tired of working there.

I am really excited about the county job that I found and hope to at least get an interview. I filled out the application tonight and it's ready to be mailed out tomorrow!

Apparently, our store decided they were going to stay open until 8 PM on Christmas Eve (instead of 6 PM). With that change, they had to take down the current schedule and re-do it to cover the entire time we are open on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, I have to work 9 1/2 hours on Christmas Eve. I have 10:30 AM til 8 PM!!! I heard a few people in the break room complaining and talking about leaving at 6 PM on Christmas Eve. They were also saying that a lot of people are going to be upset since they may already have plans with family, etc. I try not to complain at work, instead I wait til I get home and complain and whine to Shannon! I am not really upset, just annoyed since I seem to get so many hours each week.

First Day of Preschool

Today was Kyle's first day of preschool!!!

Luckily he got dressed without much fight. He's usually really picky with what he wears. He did fuss a bit about his new clothes but he quickly realized we were getting ready to go somewhere. He also put on his brand new jacket without incident! He looked really cute in his new clothes!

I walked him in to his classroom. He was a little nervous and unsure of what was going on. I had to sneak out of the classroom as he was having breakfast with the other kids. I didn't get to be there to pick him up so I had Shannon tell me all about how well Kyle did!

A county job to apply for

Tonight I found a county job that I want to apply for! I am so excited that I told Shannon about it and what the job entails and he said I would definitely qualify for it! So I am going to apply for it. I have 10 days left to turn in my application. Since I don't have access to my old computer, I no longer have a resume on this computer. Luckily I went through some of my old emails and found a copy that I had emailed out to someone. I did have to update it a bit, but it's better than starting from scratch.

The job pays much more than I am making now working part time. Right now, I am making about $8000-$9500 a year! LOL There is talk going around work that after Christmas, our schedules could result with even less hours. There was also another rumor that I heard that they plan on laying off the recent part time cashiers that were hired (which includes me and 2 other people). Right now there are full time cashiers getting LESS hours than me, and I am a part time worker! I just don't get it!

Starting tomorrow

Kyle starts his first day of preschool tomorrow!!!!

We had to go back to the mall today to return his jacket and get one in his size. We found one that was exactly his size and one that Shannon approved of. After we picked out his jacket, I went over to Sears to return his jacket that I bought for him yesterday. Then I went over to JC Penney's and bought another pair of corduroy pants for work. They are khaki/sand color. Meanwhile, Shannon went to Sears and bought a blanket for Kyle. He needs a blanket for preschool during rest time. I am so glad Shannon found and bought a blanket for Kyle, all of the ones we do have are still packed away somewhere.

I am making sure Kyle's school clothes are washed and ready for his first day tomorrow. I am also washing my work clothes to get ready for a new week of work.

I am making sure Kyle's backpack is packed and ready for us to leave tomorrow. If I leave that up to Shannon, it would get done about 2 minutes before we had to leave.

Long days ahead

It's been raining for most of the day today. It started out overcast and then it started raining in the afternoon.

I am not looking forward to this week of work. I have 4 days of 7 - 9 hour work days, one of the days I only have a 5 1/2 hour day. I don't have much time to do any laundry, so I am trying to do all our laundry tonight. If we have any laundry to do during my work week, I will have Shannon do it.

Stopped by the Classroom

We got up early hoping to have Kyle start preschool today. The weather was freezing cold, the car had ice on it and Kyle was shivering by the time we got out of the car to go into the school. We met the teacher and saw the classroom. She went over the main points of what he needed to have. We're going to have him go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The school has a uniform dress code and we're also going to apply for free or low cost meals for him. We gave his teacher his paperwork as well.

My MIL and I ended up going shopping today for his clothes. First, we tried Goodwill and found a pair of pants and a shirt. We then we to Big Lots and Walmart. I didn't find anything at Big Lots but I did find his pants and shirts at Walmart. I bought long sleeved shirts since it's cold outside. We then went to the "mall" that they have out here. I went to JC Penney's and found a jacket and a beanie and glove set. We also looked at Sears and found a jacket for much less and ended up getting the jacket there and returning the jacket I bought from JC Penney's.

I tried on some of the clothes on Kyle and unfortunately the jacket is WAY TOO big for him. It's more of a size for an older boy of at least 7 or 8. It's not a toddler size jacket. Plus, Shannon wants to get a thicker jacket for him. The pants that I bought for him were marked for 4T but they are too big, hopefully after a wash or two, they will fit better. I am going to take the clothes back to the Goodwill that I bought from there since they are too big for him. The shirts look big on him, but they will do for now.

Kyle also needed a backpack and he will need a towel or blanket (for rest time) as well. I found a backpack at the goodwill for only $3! We're probably going to have him use a towel because his blankets are still packed away.

Kyle will start his first day of preschool on Wednesday! Shannon and I are excited for him and want to make sure he is ready. At least we know where his school is. It's a beautiful and clean looking school. All of the classrooms are inside a big building. When we got home from taking Kyle to the school, he starting crying when we got home and we think it's because he didn't want to leave! Hopefully he'll like playing with other kids.

When we got home, we all ended up eating tuna sandwiches and other things we could find. We were all hungry! Shannon, Kyle, and myself ended up taking a nap after eating! I think we slept for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. When I woke up, I took a shower and Shannon was up by the time I was done.

Called the Teacher

I ended up calling Kyle's preschool teacher today, since I had the free time and it had been a few days since the school district office emailed her. She said she would have called but they didn't include a phone number for us in the email! She sounds REALLY nice and excited to have him join the class. She said she has all boys and one girl and they range from age 3 to 5 years old. She wasn't sure about the paperwork, so she said she would call us back tomorrow. Hopefully he can start on Monday! How exciting!

Long Lost Email Address

I am so surprised and excited! In 2007, I inadvertently deleted a beloved email address that I have had since 1998! Since then, I have tried to get it by signing up with the same email ID. Finally, I tried contacting yahoo directly and they were able to reinstate it! They did have to verify my information with my secret question.

I have my email account back! Unfortunately, it had about 5000 emails to go through and delete!