IT'S A BOY!!!

It's official, I have a son and Lilly a brother (obviously... kinda works that way). We went to the Animal Rescue League today and brought home a boy. On the website his name was Paddington, but Lilly changed it to Fredric, which seems to fit him well. I was a little concerned about how he would handle a four year olds love, but he responds to the attention well. He wasn't even home for five minutes when he was going for stroller rides and getting carried around in a bucket, purring the whole time. He lets Lilly carry him around in wierd positions, and is so calm about it! I have to admit that it was a very hard choice, we went into ARL with the intention of getting a female, but none of them seemed all that into Lilly. I have her sit down and just watched what happened. I put a little black and white kitten on her lap and he sniffed around and curled up next to her for a nap and another orange kitten hopped on her lap to play. I was really tempted to get the orange kitten, he was my little parrot the whole time I was there! EVERY time a leaned down or squated down, he was on my lap and climbing onto my shoulder for a little ride. I did almost get them both, but I think one is enough for now (even though to get a second would have just been an additional $15! Wonderful deal! After convincing myself that it was okay to get a boy (I've only had female kittys my entire life) I had to decide which one to get. I asked Lilly what she would want to name a boy kitten (apparently, our predetermined "Angel" was not going to work well), she instantly pointed to the black and white kitty and said "This is Fredric!" After a bunch of paperwork, we brought our Fredric home with us. It will be interesting, I have had a headache for about three days now and constantly having to remind Lilly to be gently with the kitty (right now he's trying to sleep and she won't leave the poor thing alone!) but it will get better as the excitement of a new family member wears off.

This is our Fredric:
(the picture from the ARL website)

(going for a stroller ride)

(A very tired baby!)

(One is just pretending to sleep, can you pick which one?)

Attempts at being domestic

I decided that the easiest way (and cheapest way) for me to get curtains would be to make some myself. Mom had bought me a Hello Kitty sewing machine as a house warming present when I got my last apartment and I figured it was time to use it... Especially since I've had it for over a year and hadn't taken it out of the box yet! I also had been wanting to make Lilly a new dress. Walmart had this material you could buy and all it would take is one seam (straight, if possible) down the back and you have a strapless dress! I took Lilly there so she could pick out her own dress material (and me material for curtains) and hurried home all excited to start creating pretty things! I ran to my closet, grabbed the box, moved my computer (that desk was the most sensible place to set up shop), and tore open the box. I then proceded to fill a bobbin, rather easily, and get it in place. Then came the process of threading the top thread through a series of hoops and turns, all the while trying not to cuss out the 'f'ing machine! I finally managed to (what I thought was) get it all done and cut off a piece of test cloth (thank God for thinking of that!) so I could try it out. I then managed to destroy the test cloth and took a break before throwing the whole 'd' machine across the room! I attempted to call mom a number of times to see if she could help over the phone, but she wouldn't even answer the phone (thanks mom) so I called Grandma. She talked about top and bottom tension and helped me understand the machine a little better, but it was still bunching up at the bottom and not going to well at all. Grandma told me that sometimes it was best to just take a break and come back to it after you've calmed down and maybe you'll be able to figure out the problem. I thanked her for the help, had a little lunch, and looked at it again. I realized that I hadn't threaded the top one correctly (missed one of the little threading things...) and after that it worked like a charm! I was able to sew the test piece back together! I then measured a VERY eager Lilly and cut the material to size... then realized that I had forgotten to purchase pins to hold it together while I sewed to make sure it went in a straight line... At this point, I didn't really care. I held it together as best as possible and Lilly had a new dress in less than one minute! She now won't take it off and is ever so eager to show it off (answer your phone Mom and you can see it!). The dress is a beautiful light blue with butterflies, the bottom looks like green hills with tall flowers and ladybugs playing hopscotch and jump rope... The perfect summer dress!

The seam isn't perfectly straight, but she's happy and I'll learn as I go. I think before I attempt to make my curtains I'll buy some pins to help make the job go a little easier. That's a much bigger job than a simple (and rather tiny) dress! I'll let you all know how that goes!! Wish me luck!!

Long Time, No Speak!

Well, there has been a lot of drama going on since the move! Mostly problems with state run facilities not helping the way the are supposed to and me getting screwed over because of it. But that seems to all be working out now, Thank God!

Summer is finally here! Extreme heat and even more extreme humidity. Us curly hair people really gotta love that! No matter how much time I spend trying to make my hair "none puffy" it's ruined as soon as I step out the door. Haven't been spending that much time at the gym the last week or so because I've been at the pool trying to perfect my sunburn! But on the upside, I have lost almost 10 pounds!

The only real drama going on right now is the 'them'. Not respecting the pre-determined court times for the drop offs and pick ups, also havin difficulty not getting lost getting to the location place. I tried to pick an easy one- RIGHT OFF THE INTERSTATE- and 'she' can't figure that out! 'He' isn't taking any time off work to actually spend it with Lilly, so 'she' tried telling me that their lawyer approved it for 'him' to drop Lilly off late. I explained to 'her' that 'he' has had months notice to take the time off work and that's it's not my problem or resposibility to change my schedule around because 'he' doesn't care enough to take the time off work. I also explained that the only way I would consider approving it (because my lawyer said that unless it's approved by me it's contempt of court) is if the hours he is working is reflected in the child support. Since I have no hope of that ever happening, I won't approve a change in times.

On a lighter side, Lilly starts her new summer dance classes on Thursday! It's the Hoedown Throwdown! I also have an appointment to sign up for outpatient services Thursday, I'm finally getting things settled down here! I'm actually excited about going to House of Mercy. I have heard so many good things about it, and I'm hoping the outpatient people are able to join the art therapy classes, I've always wanted to do that!

On Monday I get to take a test with Promise Jobs, so they can decide if they will 'approve' my going to school. If they don't, I drop them and keep looking for a job. I'm not going to let anything stop me from going to school, it's way to important to me! On the subject of school, I went to orientation at Grand View a couple weeks ago (I think that's when it was, everything is running together). I had a lot of fun, Renee and Caitlyn were there, she is getting so big! I did learn a lot of the orientation. I went to one that told me all about the clubs on campus, including a psychology club!! I am soooo excited and can't wait to attend!

I also looked into getting Lilly and I a kitty. It would cost around $110 to adopt one from ARL, plus around $200 for a pet deposit at the apartment and an additional $25 on rent... Meaning, we're not going to be able to have one of our own any time soon, but while I was on the ARL website, I looked into volunteer options, and if I go to orientation on July 11th, I can become a kitty cuddler! My job would basically be to love on the kittys!! That would be so wonderful!

Anyways, that's all I really have time for with this update. I'll try to update more frequently, but if I don't on here and you're curios how my life is going, just look me up on facebook! And I've recently (a few minutes ago) joined twitter, we'll see how that one goes.

Lilly's First Dance Pictures

Lilly and I drove up to Fort Dodge today so she could get her dance pictures taken.  All day she was practicing her smile- a big cheesy one!  When we got to the YWCA we did her hair and make up and got her all beautiful.  She did her individual shots first and then it was time for the group pictures!  When they were setting everyone up for the first one I noticed that Lilly was the same height as the girls who were posing on their knees... Man, she's small!  Lilly was front and center in the first group shot...

... Showing off her well rehearsed cheesy grin.  The second group shot (which I didn't take one of) she was standing in front of 'the pink panther' with her hands on her hips- All Attitude!  It was wonderful!  All the other dance mom's were gushing over Lilly more than their own kids!  One even commented on the fact that she seems to be very mature for her age.  Which she is, it's almost like she 'pretends to be a kid'.  But she was loving the pictures today.  If anyone wants a copy let me know.  I ordered one of each and I'm going to scan them to make copies.  So be sure to put in your orders!

A lot of Change

It has been quite a while since I've upgraded.  Sorry about that!  But a ton of stuff has been going on and I really haven't had the time or energy.  I'll start by talking about finals week.  I was a little worried about it because up until this semester, I had straight A's since switching to a psychology major.  This semester I was resigned to the fact that I was going to have to settle for B's.  My first final was in Comp 2.  We were supposed to turn in our rough draft of a German informative report on Monday and work up a final draft during our final period on Tuesday.  All I had to do was move a couple periods around, add a few hyphens, and decapitalize a few words.  I used the rest of the period studying for my next final, which was in Abnormal Psychology.  I has spent all day Monday studying and was somewhat comfortable with it.  I was done with that final in around 20 minutes, I couldn't decide if that was a good thing or not. (On a side note: It sounds like the people living above me are tap dancing or something.)  A few hours after the final (and checking to see if the grade had been entered about a thousand times) I found out I got a 105.88% on the final bringing my overall grade to an A!!  I spend the entire next day studying for my Marriage and Family final.  I got that grade rather quickly and was so excited!  That teacher always makes her tests rather hard, but the test seemed rather easy this time.  I got a 100% on the final plus a few of the extra credit points, bringing my overall grade in that class up to an A!!  I then spent a week freaking out because I wanted to know if the A I was going to get on my Comp 2 final was going to be enough to bring that overall grade up to an A, so I could have straight A's for another semester.  After a week of constantly checking web advisor for my grade, I found out Tuesday that I got a 100% on that!  I got straight A's this semester!!!  They aren't high A's like last semester, but there are A's so I'm jumping for joy!!  

Right after my final on Thursday, I drove down to Des Moines to pick up Lilly.  She had her first over night with 'them' that weekend.  I spent Friday morning running around because during the week I got a letter from the Fort Dodge housing agency, letting me know that my file had been transfered to Des Moines and I needed to contact them promptly to figure out my next step.  After trying to call for a few days and just getting a busy signal, I went in first thing Friday morning.  I explained my situation and the reasons I really wanted to get out of Fort Dodge and they told me they would contact me within a week to let me know when I would get in for orientation.  I then went straight to the apartment complex where I had a place reserved to let them know the update.  I was then informed that as a new promotional thing for the new buildings, the month of May was rent free.  RENT FREE!! Meaning, I could move immediately.  I signed my lease and got my key on Friday.  I then started calling friends and family to let them know I was ready to move and see when I could get help... Nobody could really help.  My Grandma then came to the rescue and told me that she would make up the difference between a UHaul and Two Men and a Truck.  I called them and was told that they would be in Fort Dodge around 9:30 Saturday morning to move me to Des Moines!  They did end up costing $200 more than they quoted, but I now live in a brand new, beautiful apartment in Des Moines!  For the first time in years I am able to relax, breath, and enjoy myself! 

 I spent all day today applying for jobs.  I went to the mall and applied at The Children's Place (which could be potentially dangerous if I buy everything for Lilly...), Maurices (potentially dangerous if I buy everything for myself...), and Bath and Body works.  I had an interview at Bath and Body today and I feel that it went really well.  I was relaxed, professional, and fairly educated on the product and how to sell.  See, selling somebody scents could be difficult work!  Different personalities like different types of smell.  For instance, I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with a newer scent called Dancing Waters.  It is the type of smell that I have been searching for.  Target used to carry one very similar to it in the Healing Garden Waters line called Perfect Calm... Anyway, it fits me because it is calming, soothing... *sigh*  If only I had money to buy it!!  What I am getting at in my form of rambling, is that my small amount of knowledge of psychology could help with every aspect of life... even selling the product at Bath and Body.  That, combined with being a former manager of the cosmetics department at Target, makes me perfect for that job.  I just hope they feel the same.  I got online tonight and applied at Hy-Vee, Payless Shoes, and Scooters Coffee House.  I would also love the job at the coffee house... I walked in and it was truly the perfect environment for me.  I loved everything about it!    Tomorrow I am going to Aspen Fitness.  I'm a little nervous, but also excited.  I got a call yesterday telling me I won a $50 gift certificate there!  I put my name in a drawing for that at Edible Arrangements when I was picking up moms birthday present.  I don't know how far the $50 will go, but maybe it can get me started on a healthier path.  I really do want to lose weight the healthy way, instead of my past way of self-starvation and drug use.  I just don't have the confidence to do it, honestly.  I try working out on my own, but I don't know what I'm doing and I feel like I'm doing it wrong...  I really hope this will help! 

To end this I will put forth a request.  I really need a small kitchen table/chairs, vaccum cleaner, and a few bookshelves for my new apartment.  If anyone is looking to get rid of any of the above (or knows of somebody... or knows of somebody who knows of somebody...), please let me know!  I would really like to be able to invite people over to my new place and have a sit down meal... 

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The Joy of Bandaids

Lilly had an appointment today to get her four year shots.  I didn't want to tell her what this specific doctor appointment was for and have her freaking out about it, so I just told her we were going to wake up early from nap and go to the doctor.  Before nap she did express a slight concern about going to the doctor because "sometimes they poke you."  This was said with a terrified look on her face.  Then she relaxed, her eyes rolled into the back of her head, and she said with a sigh "And then you get a bandaid."  While she was taking a short nap I threw some Hello Kitty bandaids in my purse to make sure that she would have some pretty ones, which I am now glad I did.  What type of place gives shots only to kids and doesn't have kid friendly bandaids?  While there, Lilly was a big girl and comforted another girl before she got her shots (who also happened to be a four year old named Lilly) and then it was her turn.  She happily picked out her stickers, pencil, toothbrush, and coloring book while the nurses got everything ready.  She was given five shots in her thighs, but was very good about it.  She did cry a little bit while she was getting the shots, but when they were done so were the tears.  While I was putting her coat back on her and gathering all her new treasures, she says to me (and not quietly) "Mommy, I don't ever want to come back to this place!"  Luckily, I was able to honestly asure her that I wouldn't have to bring her back there... I didn't mention it was only because we were moving in a few weeks and her next set of shots would be given at a different place... Oh well, she has always been really good about getting her shots.  I honestly think it's harder for me cause it breaks my heart to take her to a place that will hurt her.  That's just the joy of being a mommy though.  

In other news, I have started packing up the closets and other things we don't use that often.  I have two sets of dishes so the nice set can be packed up.  I am determined to actually use them after I move, so if anyone wants to come over for supper-feel free!  I'd love to use them!  Lilly has been a big help with the packing.  I explained to her that Grandpa Daddy gave us some boxes so we can start packing up the extra blankets and closets and she got all excited about wanting to pack up some of her toys.  I told her that I would give her a box to start packing up the toys in her room and before I knew it most of her room was all packed and clean!  Now I just get to sort through all of her clothes and decide what goes with us, what gets given away, and what gets thrown away.  I'm also working on doing the same with my room and all the closets.  I'm actually enjoying this because every thing put in a box is just one step closer to leaving... *sigh* I can hardly wait!  

I register for classes at Grand View a week from tomorrow and the week after that is finals.  There are a couple classes that sound really interesting, like Psychology and Religion and the Special Topic classes.  The focus on one subject every year, and it's topics like Serial Killers!  It sounds sooo cool!  I would be moving a lot sooner but Lilly's dance recital is on May 28th and I really don't want to drive back and forth for practices and dress rehersals and all that.  There is also a picture day at some point, I can't wait to get those!  Lilly has been practicing hard and looks adorable.  If anyone is interested in driving 'all the way up here' to join me at Lilly's first dance recital, let me know and I'll give you the time and directions.  I would love for some of my friends/family to join me!  (I really don't want to be stuck sitting either by myself or with 'them' at the recital.)