Healing...

I slept in today. Tanner slept in today. Jeremy slept in today AND is staying home from work. We decided that we needed one day that we could spend together after our really horrible week. It is 12:30 and we are just now stirring.

Our tally of "Lost" Items stands as thus:

Our beautiful girls Chloe and Nugget whom we will miss more than we can say.

For those of you who I haven't talked to this week, our outside dogs got Parvo within the last two weeks or so. We noticed Chloe wasn't feeling well on Friday of last week, we immediately isolated her and began treating her, but Monday morning at about 1:00 AM she passed. As we doctored Chloe this weekend, we kept a close eye on our other dog Nugget, Tanner's golden lab. Monday night we noticed the first symptoms. Both she and our new puppy Truffles went to the vet on Tuesday to be tested. Truffles tested negative, Nugget did not. She fought hard as did we, but we lost her yesterday morning at 6:20. Tanner is devastated. Mommy and Daddy are heartsick.

Which brings us to the next three "lost" items.

Sleep...countless hours of it. One of us was up every hour giving medicine. And if we weren't on medicine duty, then we were still up, fretting.


Tears...Lots and lots of them. Parvo is terribly debilitating, and it happens so quickly.

Our sanity....like it wasn't going anyway

And the final thing that makes our list of things lost this week is....ALL of our fish. All four of them died last night, or this morning. We're not really sure when it happened. In short, it's been one of THOSE weeks.

Today is our day of rejuvenation. We're going to play and cuddle and soak in all the love that we can possibly give each other. Tomorrow we can go back to everything else that waits for us, but today...we heal.

PANIC...and Chicken pox!!!!!!!!!

Today, I received my second heart stopping call in my journey of motherhood. It was 4:44 p.m...about 30 minutes before I go and pick up Tanner, when the phone next to my desk rang. Only two people call on this phone. Babs always sends me an instant message before she calls so that just left Tanner's teacher Sabra. It was indeed her. Our conversation went something like this.

Sabra: Hi Juli, it's Sabra. How are you today.

Me: Oh, I'm really good, I'm glad the day is almost over.

Sabra: Me too. I was just calling to see if Tanner's ok.

Me: (confused) What do you mean??

Sabra: Well, he's not here today, so we just wanted to make sure he was feeling alright.

Me: (10 times more confused than before) What??

Sabra: (silence)

Me: (heart stopping and dropping into floor, bile rising in throat and hands shaking) What do you mean he's not there???

Sabra: Ummmmm....well maybe he is here today and I just haven't seen him. I had to teach the three year old class today.

Me: (Panic taking over every ounce of my body and desperately trying not to scream or cry) Can you please check right now and let me know.

Sabra: Yes...............(LOOOOOOOOOONG PAUSE while she checks)............................................. Oh Juli, I am so sorry, he's here.

I don't really remember the rest of the conversation, I just know that I hung up, and bowed my head on my desk and sobbed for ten minutes. Then I threw up. I have never been so frightened in my entire life, I honestly felt my world stopping. After I had collected myself and washed my face, I went and got my son who is now sitting next to me on the couch where he belongs. He is fine, I am fine...WE are fine. Although, I am not quite sure if the spots that have appeared on his tummy and back are a LOT of bug bites or the beginning of chicken pox. Heaven help me, I don't know if I can take another panic attack this week. Pray for my sanity folks, I just might need it.


UPDATE*******It is DEFINITELY chicken pox...I need my Mommy.

Just want to share....

I have some pics I need to download of our fun weekend in Anthony with Mom and Dad. But I wanted to brag a little bit on my Dad, who took this AWESOME picture of my favorite little guy while we were at the lake. Tanner was standing on the bank (feeding the fish an ENTIRE box of Sun-dried tomato and Parmesan crackers) and he got a great shot of him looking out at the water. I got a little creative with the picture HERE.

Isn't it gorgeous?? Thanks, Dad for always catching the perfect shot!!

The Notorious Mr. Bradshaw

Do you all know my husband? I know you've met him, perhaps even conversed with him, but have I ever really "introduced" him to all of you. Jeremy, who will be thirty one years young in a week, is from a tiny town north of Springfield. Most of his family are farmers and avid hunters...I call them rednecks, they don't seem to mind. He has a sister who is ten years younger than him and they didn't really get close until the last four years or so. He is extremely intelligent, wickedly funny, endlessly patient and my best friend.

Jeremy came into my life at a time when I desperately needed to laugh. I had been, well, in a funk for over a year. I had very little to smile about in March of 2001 when we first met. 2000 had been a rough year on me, and the beginning of 2001 was no better. His easy laugh and light-heartedness proved to be therapeutic in a way. We started dating in May of that year. It was a bit of a "whirl-wind" romance if you were on the outside looking in. But Jeremy was so open about his life and so easy to get to know that by the time he asked me to marry him in December, I knew everything I needed to know. I said "yes" without hesitation. We were married the following May, a year to the day from our first date.

I have often wondered how he puts up with all of my little nuances. He spoils me rotten and humors me when no one else will. We have shared dreams, fears, laughs, and tears. I feel, sometimes, like we have been together forever, yet we never run out of things to talk about. We were having a conversation the other night and it turned to both of our pasts, and the fact that everything we had gone through had somehow brought us together. I don't think either of us had ever really thought of it that way before. It has made me appreciate him even more...even his um...less gifted moments. Here is a conversation between myself and my best friend, whom I love more than life itself:

Scene: Jeremy and I are standing in the back yard looking at the trees that we have just planted. The leaves look a bit fried.

Jeremy: Do you think we should pull the leaves off??

Me: No honey, just leave them alone and let the poor things heal, they just went through a windstorm. The leaves will come off in the winter.

Jeremy: (after a long pause) You think we should pull them off this winter?

Ah yes, that's the man I love for you. He can do long division in his head, is very handy around the house, does my laundry, and is the best father in the world. When you're that wonderful, do you really need to remember that the leaves fall off the trees in Autumn?? I think not.

For my favorite men:

To the most special men in my life...my husband, my dad, and my Grandad, I would just like to say that you are the strongest most amazing men I know. I have learned so much from all of you and I am so happy that each of you will play a part in influencing Tanner. We are so very lucky to call you Fathers and Grandfathers. I hope you all have a fantastic day...you deserve it more than you will ever know. I love you!!!!

Dear Tanner,

Yesterday was a big day for you....a proud day for me. Your preschool graduation made me realize how very quickly time flies. It seems like just yesterday that I was able to hold you in my arms without you wanting to wriggle free. Now, you are too full of energy to be held for long. Hugs are quick...though no less wonderful. You have learned so much in the last year. You can count to thirty, and write your ABC's. You can spell and write your name. You know your phone number and address. You have your first best friend. You love to make up silly songs, and your imagination is nothing short of amazing. The stories you tell make me laugh. You are full of life and love and laughter. I am so blessed to be your Mommy. Although I am a little sad that time has gone so quickly, I am excited to see what Kindergarten and beyond will bring for you...I am also a little scared.

I realize that you have to be able to go out into the world, to be free to make your own mistakes...and learn from them. It terrifies me to know that I won't always be right by your side to protect you from all the things in the world that I never want you to see. Yet, I know that you will be fine...more than fine, really. You will be as amazing as you are now, and that gives me comfort. After we tucked you in last night, your Daddy and I were talking about how fast you are growing up, and about how very proud of you we are. Despite all of our flaws and the many mistakes that we have made, and will inevitably continue to make, you are perfect in every way to us! We love you more than anything.

Today on our Anniversary...

I just want to tell you, Jeremy, that...



Every day has been a wonderful adventure. I can not guess what tomorrow will bring, but I know that with you by my side, I can accomplish anything. Happy Anniversary, honey. I know this year will be as wonderful for us as the last six have been. I love you!!!

The Roaming Blog: Vacation Edition

Hello Vacation...I have missed you. I am so glad you could come and stay for awhile.

The Bradshaw's are on vacation!!! We deserve it, really. Today was lovely, although I didn't get to sleep in as long as I would have liked to. Tanner still had to go to preschool (he gets to stay home on Friday), and Jeremy and I got to spend the day enjoying each others company. That NEVER happens. We sat outside in the sun, relaxing. We drove up to a local Nursery and walked around their greenhouses looking at flowers and enjoying the beauty that surrounded us. Funny how I never appreciated that when my parents used to drag us through greenhouse after greenhouse. I wanted every plant I saw. I got a couple of tomato plants that already have tomatoes on them!!! AND they fit in a pot so I didn't have to plant them in the yard. I told the lady that I thought I might not be "horticulturally gifted". She laughed and suggested these bush like tomato plants. We'll see how I do and go from there.

We went to Walmart this afternoon after picking Tanner up at school. I don't know that we will be allowed back in. How sad would my life be if I couldn't go to WALMART?? It all started with those stupid 50 cent toy machines in the entrance. Tanner HAD to have a toy and picked the mini glo-sticks. I blame my Mom for his love of glo-sticks. She introduced them to him. Anyway, this is the world's smallest glo-stick. TINY. Jeremy immediately became the husband that no woman wants to take out in public...ever. In his best announcers voice he began telling everyone about the "Multi-purpose glo-stick...now with even glow-ier technology." I kid you not. I wouldn't lie about that. Ok, I laughed a little bit. But people looked at him oddly, and it WAS a little embarrassing. And of course, the goofy apple doesn't fall far from the goofier tree, so Tanner also introduced most of the Walmart shoppers to HIS best announcer voice. Yeah, they're weird, but I love them.

We are in the middle of deciding what to do about Tanner's preschool. For the last week, they have done absolutely no work and have been outside all day, everyday. He comes home covered from head to toe in dirt. Today I ruffled his hair, and there was a dust cloud!!! Seriously. I have no problems with the kids getting ample time to play, but I also have him there to learn...and he's not. I am not sure that I want to pay 90 dollars a week for a babysitter. Today, I suggested to Jeremy that we give his two weeks notice. In June, he has his Pre-K summer school for half of the day Monday-Thursday. I can handle working and him for half a day and Fridays. For July and part of August we are talking about hiring a babysitter who can watch him here at our house and supervise his play time while I am working. Most of you know that I have not ever really been thrilled with the preschool that he attends here. And lately, I am even less satisfied with it. I just have certain expectations...and they do not meet them.

I have promised Jeremy some computer time, so I am going to hand him the computer and head for bed. I hope you all are enjoying your week. I plan on getting another blog in before I have to head back to work. We're planning a picnic at the park later this week...so look for pictures!! Hey...David Cook is the new American Idol!!! Thank you America, for not disappointing me :)

The rest of the pics I promised

Meet Chloe. Chloe is the puppy that we got for an OUTSIDE dog. Please note that she is in my kitchen. I love her, but she is BIG and clumsy and she EATS EVERYTHING. She lays by the front door a lot. I think she likes the way the tile feels on her tummy. Apparently while laying there one day she got bored and chewed on the wall...she took the paint off the drywall. Easy repair, but that's not really the point. We are buying her pen next week, and she is being shipped to the back yard where she belongs.



Doesn't she look much happier frolicking in the grass anyway?? I have to say that she is a very smart dog. She caught on to Fetch pretty quickly. She LOVES Tanner. I don't know that he loves her right now. He brought in one of his stuffed animals that sits on his toy box and showed me a small hole on its chest. He very seriously said, "Chloe ate his heart! She's a bad puppy!"



Tanner got this gi-normous bubble wand thinga-ma-jig to play with (I think that might actually be the name that was printed on the package). As with most of his toys, he played with it for about two minutes. Do all little kids get bored that easily, or is it just mine???



Since Tanner wasn't playing with it anymore, guess who decided to take it for a spin? I really truly believe that 98% of the toys that "Tanner" picks out, aren't really JUST for him. It should also be said that Jeremy played with this toy for approximately two minutes before he got bored. So maybe it's a guy thing??


We have a pretty large yard. The largest I have seen in the subdivision so far. And on a GOOD day it takes Jeremy a few hours to mow it. When Tanner is hanging on the back of his shirt the ENTIRE time, it takes a bit longer. I didn't mind, I'm not the one mowing, and it makes for a cute picture.



We FINALLY got Tanner's swing set up. It's been in the garage since September. He loves it, and Mommy is already terrified of his amazing dare-devil stunts. He's a bit like a spider monkey on the thing, climbing and jumping, and hanging upside down. I TRY really hard to bite my tongue and just let him be a boy. It's soooo hard sometimes. I honestly have no idea how my mom even let Hondo out of the house without some sort of tracking device and a private duty nurse. I know, I know...I need to relax. Easier said than done.

Next week, beginning on Wednesday, I start my much needed vacation. Jeremy's starts tomorrow--he gets two or three more weeks a year than I do. It's crazy how much time off he has this year. We don't really have any plans. We're just going to take it one day at a time and stay close to home. We may let Tanner skip school one day and take a trip to the zoo. I wouldn't mind spending some alone time out in the sun with a good book. Jeremy and I have also talked about visiting the Skinny Improv, in Springfield. I love a good improv set and think it would be a lot of fun. Mostly, I just want to relax and unwind a little bit. I am going to shut the office door and spend time with my boys. I can't wait!

Just some pics to keep you coming back:

No thoughtful post today. I left my creativity in my other pants. I thought you might like to view some new pics, though, since I haven't posted any in about fifteen years.

This is the Infamous Caterpillar bucket that my little bug hunting explorer has been carrying around every time we are outside. Our yard is CRAWLING with caterpillars. Is it weird that I think they are kind of creepy??



No that is NOT Tanner's soda. I would never give my child 64 oz of sugar. It's Jeremy's...and it's diet. And I have NO idea what is underneath Tanner's shirt.

I actually have more pictures AND a video, but Blogger is suddenly being very uncooperative...so those will have to wait until tomorrow. Enjoy these and maybe next time, I will actually have news or other fun things to share.

Happy Mother's Day

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To My Mom:

Through the years, we have been through so many wonderful and humorous adventures together. We have laughed together, cried together, and enjoyed life together. You have been there for me every single time I have needed you in one way or another. You have shaped my life like no one else, and made me want to be a better woman. Because of you, I am a woman who is proud of what she has become. You gave me the strength to stand up for what I believe in, and to rise above any challenges that come my way, a trait that I know was given to you by another strong and beautiful woman. In a million years, I could never begin to repay all the love and support that you have given me. Just know that I love you, I appreciate you, and even though you are miles away, you are on my mind today!!

Tanner also says, "Happy Mother's Day, Nana!"

The Roaming Blog: Late Night Edition

It's May. Flowers are blooming, the days are finally warmer, and I am much too busy to enjoy any of it. May is one of those crazy months in which I feel overwhelmed knowing that yet another important day is right around the corner. This month we have Mother's Day (I still have not purchased a card for my own wonderful Mother), my brother's birthday, my mother's birthday, various graduation ceremonies of family members, weddings of friends, and then my own wedding anniversary, and Memorial Day. This year, I thought it would be fun to throw in Tanner's Pre-K summer school. Why not, it's just one more thing to remember. I have to say, I am ready for June to be here. I look at my list of things to do, and places to go and I get tired. YOU are probably tired from reading the list too! I decided that I should probably just take it one day at a time. Please forgive me should I forget or delay a birthday, or a graduation card. It is not intentional.

Things I am loving right now:
1. My new Cucumber Melon shampoo and conditioner (shhhh don't tell Jeremy, I don't think he has noticed the extra bottles yet)

2. The new Sierra Mist Undercover Commercial featuring the Rock (who will play Agent 23 in the movie I can't wait to see YUMMY!)

3. THESE yummy AND healthy treats

4. And last but not least, YOU, oh wonderful blog readers.

Things that are annoying me to no end:
1. HIS existence (I never said I was nice)

2. HER existence (at least they are both FINALLY gone!)

3. And most of all, the fact that I need a pedicure in a bad bad way...I want pretty toes.


The last week has been rough on yours truly. Last week, I began taking the Metformin my doctor prescribed me. That's the one that will control my insulin. Oh people! I would not wish the side effects on my worst enemy. Food has not been my friend. Everything I eat turns against me. I thought at first that I would take the advice of some people that have been on the medication for awhile and not eat very many carbohydrates. It didn't work. I then decided that maybe my body was rebelling because I was depriving it of foods that it is used to. Nope, not so. It's EVERYTHING....even water. Tomorrow, I am supposed to transition to taking TWO of these devil pills each day. Laugh with me. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I am going to wait until Saturday to attempt that. Then, if it doesn't go well, I won't be working, and Tanner will take care of me. Right?? Maybe Mom should pack a bag and head this way...just in case.

It's 11:40. Jeremy is watching NBA basketball (I hate March -June), and I am falling asleep as I type this. So it's off to beddy-bye for me. Good night to all you people that are crazy enough to still be awake. I will talk at you again soon!

One Man's Trash...

I have been assessing some of the rooms in the house the last week and have come to the conclusion that it may be time to do some spring cleaning. Let me take you on a tour and you can tell me what you think.

First we will head to my bedroom. Upon first entering everything looks normal. You see my vanity with the music boxes on top. To your immediate right is Jeremy's nightstand looking very uncluttered with just his lamp and alarm clock on it. So far so good. On the other side of the bed is MY nightstand. AHEM...three almost empty liter bottles of key lime flavored water, one half full (I am trying to be positive) bottle of green tea, four hair ties, my lamp, my alarm clock, and three books, ALL of which I am reading. Jeremy MIGHT have mentioned something about all the water just sitting there....I MIGHT have sarcastically replied that I was afraid Aliens were coming and that I was just trying to protect the family in "Signs" fashion. I don't think he believed me. Whatever, that's his problem, the aliens will probably get him first.

Moving into my closet you see Jeremy's clothes neatly hung up on his side, shoes placed precisely on the shoe rack. On MY side of the closet, the clothes are also hung neatly...except for the neatly folded (yeah right!) stack of clothes sitting on the shelf next to the towels. Underneath that shelf is my shoe rack. Most of the shoes are on it as they are supposed to be. Except for the fourteen pair that are in my living room. None of which I will ever be able to wear again since Chloe decided that one shoe from each pair should be destroyed. I cannot throw them away though, because they are ALL my favorite pair. On top of my shoe rack, where shoes should be are my two scales. My new one, which works beautifully, and my old one, which doesn't really turn on anymore. But I might need it, so I can't get rid of it. Don't argue, I will win that argument. Just ask my husband.

The bathroom looks really good. I am not allowed to clutter the counter, and I have a roll away cart for my three hundred dollars worth of cosmetics, lotions and hair care products that I don't use. The cosmetics,lotions and hair care products that I DO use are placed neatly under the sink. REALLY. I fear that if the cabinet under the sink was messy, then my husband would throw my things away, and I would be lost. So this part of my bathroom is just as it should be. There is, however, still the shower to deal with. I honestly have no good excuse for my three almost empty tubes of conditioner, the two COMPLETELY empty bottles of shampoo, the four different types of exfoliaters and shower gels, and the three razors I no longer use. It's kind of sad really. I told Jeremy while we were at Walmart this afternoon that I needed some conditioner. He gave me the death look, so I didn't say another word.

I really think that what I have mentioned above is a whole day's worth of cleaning and organizing. And I haven't even delved into my office yet...or the kitchen cabinet where I keep medicine and vitamins and other things of that nature, or the dreaded totes in the garage. I am a mess, people. I mean, you're not going to walk into my house and say "ACK, it's a pigsty!" Because it's not. But there are areas that you don't get to see that could use some work. How do normal people find the time to clean, and do laundry, and work, and play with their children, and cook healthy meals for the family that they love. HOW???? I think I was absent on the day that those genes were being handed out. Oh well, we get by, and I suppose that's all that matters when the day is over. Eventually, I will get to everything. I will throw away the things that need to be thrown away, and maybe I'll even have a garage sale for the things that I can't bear to throw in the trash...how much do you suppose I can get for a completely empty bottle of shampoo??

And now I must dash. I could clean...but there's a "House" Marathon on today, and I do adore that man!!! Hugs and Kisses from your favorite pack rat! :o)

Acceptance

As most of you already know, this past week I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). I already knew, having done all of my own research. But when your doctor actually says it, it is almost like a sentence is being handed down to you. Congratulations, you have a life long disease!! I am not scared. I can honestly say, I am not even upset about it. Instead, I am relieved that there is finally an answer to a million questions that I have had about myself. I lucked out with something that I have direct control of...and darn it all, I will be controlling it. Tomorrow, I begin a Birth control pill on TOP of my IUD. Grandparents, there is NO chance of a second grandchild happening "accidentally". In a couple of weeks, I begin Metformin for insulin resistance, and next week I am seeing a doctor about some of these unwanted pounds that piled on. I am hoping that with some time, I can look and feel like the old me again. I know that dealing with this everyday, will make me a stronger person. I am trying to learn as much about the disease as I possibly can...after all, knowledge is power. I have to say, Jeremy has been absolutely amazing the last few weeks. He is truly my knight in shining armour. He has listened to me ramble and wants to learn as much about it as possible and is even tolerating my low carb law. How many men do you know would do THAT??? God has blessed me with an amazing support system of friends and family. Because of you all, I can accept what is inevitable and hold my head up high.




This weekend, I am lucky enough to have both of my boys home. Jeremy got his first Saturday off in six months or so. We spent some time in Republic today, and then came home for a nice long nap, and then headed into Nixa for some grass seed. Tomorrow afternoon we are planning on spending some time in the back yard doing what we can to make it lush and green. I hope we don't get rained on all day!





My allergies are getting the best of me right now...and my head feels like it is being squeezed by a vice. So I am going to bid you all adieu for now and go make myself an omelet. I plan on taking some pictures tomorrow, so stay tuned for those. But for now, I will leave you with these :o)

Tanner giving Deanna's new puppy Chauncy a kiss. He is SOOOO cute!

Deanna holding her new puppy as Rocky checks him out.

My boys looking devilishly handsome!

Swing Batter Batter Swing!!

GRRRRRR

Date: Sunday March 16th
Time: 8:48...no 8:49 pm
General Mood: ANNOYED

Apparently I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I dislike people more than I usually do if that is at all possible. Wal-Mart today wasn't too terrible....if we're comparing it to say...being gored in the chest by an angry bull. People have no manners, they block the aisle with their three carts and their thirteen children, and when you look at them and smile and say excuse me, they stare back at you as if you have said something offensive. I managed to stay quiet and shop with the minions and not say anything that I would regret. That does not mean that I didn't think it.

At some point while shopping in Wal-Mart, we decided that it would be a good idea to have Pizza Hut for lunch. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Boy, were we wrong. Republic has what has to be the world's smallest Pizza Hut. Maximum Capacity is 23 1/2. There were probably 75 people crammed in the restaurant. Our second brilliant idea came when we decided to have the lunch buffet. Jeremy waited, literally, thirty minutes before they brought out a Pizza. People descended on the pizza (one poor ham and pineapple that had NO idea what it's fate was) as if they were vultures. By the time Jeremy elbowed his way to the buffet (which was approximately seven feet from our table) all that was left was a stray pineapple. The carnage was horrendous. We finally did get to eat, but I kid you not when I say that the entire time we were eating SOMEONE was standing over us. The Cash register line went right past our table. Pizza loving rednecks stood next to us, gawking, as if we were the main event at a tractor pull and they were the crazed spectators. I think I heard people placing bets on whether Jeremy would be able to finish his slice of pepperoni. I have never been so happy to leave a place in my entire life.

After that, we came home, drained, and took a nap. The rest of the day has been much better, but anytime I have to deal with the general "Public", it leaves me annoyed. I do NOT enjoy people. Thank God that tomorrow I can go back to work in my hole in the wall and enjoy the peace and quiet that it my job. I am going for twenty hours of OT this week. Wish me luck. Talk to you all soon. Love you!

What a dreary, rainy day! I can't really complain too much I guess, it's been a beautiful week here in the Ozarks, but I was indoors, working. Tanner and I had big Park plans today, but I think that will have to wait until next weekend. We had a great week here, although some of it was kind of long. I was trying to get in 15 hours of overtime that didn't translate to me working on Saturday. I did it, but it made for a couple of really long days. I am still trying to get a schedule worked out. I know the hours I WANT to work. But I am not very disciplined yet when it comes to going to bed and getting up when I am supposed to. And if you don't go to bed until Midnight, then 5:30 AM is NOT the best time for your alarm to be waking you. I'll get the hang of this working from home thing....I promise.

Aside from Tanner losing his tooth, there was not a whole lot of excitement here. The weather, as previously stated, was gorgeous. I sat on the deck a couple of days and had lunch. And our back yard finally dried up a little bit so Tanner could play in it. Of course, now it is a mud pit again. We need more grass back there! I wish my father would recommend some good grass seed and tell me when the best time to lay it is. I know nothing about my yard. Except that it is a work in progress. I know we haven't been here very long, but I also know the importance of having curbside appeal. And in five or six years when I decide to sell my house, I want it snatched off the market. A beautiful yard will help out with that. I told Jeremy that one of the first things that has to happen is some kind of edging for our landscape. The cheap black stuff they put in drives me crazy! It is very unattractive. I think my mom convinced me that I need a Japanese Maple right in the corner...um...I think that's what she said. SEE, I am bad at this stuff!

I have decided that I need a hobby. I don't know what, just something. Maybe it's time to take photography a bit more seriously, or buy a sewing machine and pray that the gods of domesticity will suddenly bless me with magical sewing powers. All I know is that I cannot be here in the house 24 hours a day and have nothing to do. I'll go bonkers. I would take up baking, but I fear that the outcome of that would be a larger pant size for all of us. Heaven forbid! I am much too impatient to crochet, we already tried that one. It lasted about five minutes. I want something cool, so that when I tell people what my hobby is they are actually interested. Any suggestions? Please don't suggest anything life threatening, like sky diving or bungee jumping. Keep in mind that you are talking to ME.

I wish I had fun new things to update you on. Sadly I do not. Hopefully, the upcoming week will bring some excitement our way...if not I'll have to start making up stories. Infinitely more fun to be sure...but you would NEVER believe me, and I would kind of like to stick with the truth. Tanner is yelling at me from the living room, and it's getting close to time for some soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. So I will sign off for now. Hugs and Kisses, Loves and Misses.

It's Spring...sort of.

Saturday was the first day of Spring. It was glorious. The sun was shining, the skies were blue, and I could finally feel the warmth that I have longed months for. Yesterday was also astoundingly glorious. I awoke to the sunlight streaming in my window and birds singing, and an enthusiastic five year old bouncing on my bed. We spent the day playing t-ball and riding bikes in that wonderful eighty degree weather. Today I opened my eyes and peered out my window to a gray and blustery winter day. The high was thirty four degrees and ice and snow fell from the sky. According to the National Weather Service, we should receive seven more inches of the white stuff by morning. SIGH! Mother Nature hates me.

Despite the yucky weather, my day was pretty good. I began a new job function today after two days of training last week, and I think I did pretty well. They have moved me to something called the "Screen" Queue. The claims require more research and as such my production goal has been dropped from 7.4 claims per hour to 2.1 claims per hour. I am pretty sure I can handle it.

This evening Tanner and I watched a new episode of Sponge Bob. And there is a new episode on every night this week. Please do not attempt to call us at 7:00 pm. We will be occupied. I know, it's the little things that excite us here at Casa de Bradshaw. Speaking of things that are exciting...Tanner has his very first loose tooth. He has requested that I tell ALL. I have considered taking out an ad in the paper, or perhaps purchasing one on billboard. You see, he is five, and he believes that everyone MUST be as excited as he is about it. Oh to be five again.

Other than an impending visit from the tooth fairy, and learning how to do something new at work, there is not much going on with us right now. I have adjusted my hours a little, so I feel like I am working less and seeing my family more, even though the actual number of hours worked is the same. Jeremy remains just as busy. He brought home his schedule for this month. He has four days off...three of them are this week. While he thinks the training position is giving him good experience, I can tell that he is tired. I am proud of my hubby for all his hard work!

It is now 10:30 p.m.--ultimately all that really means is that it is past my bedtime. And I am starting to feel it. When did my age catch up with me....and then pass me and leave me standing, squinting to watch it rapidly speed away? And will I ever catch up before the last lap??? HA! Probably not, I imagine I will hit a wall long before then, or blow all four tires. Oh well! At least I will have fun doing it! Hugs and Kisses to you family and friends. If you have any live chickens to sacrifice to Mother Nature on behalf of Spring I implore you to do so. Otherwise we'll all be buried under a mound of snow.

EVERYONE is welcome!

I have a blog rating. Seriously, I typed my url into a website and they checked my blog and rated me G. I apparently mentioned death once, but other than that....we're good to go.

Status Updates on those of us whom you adore....


Tanner: Still coughing, but other than that feeling much better, behavior has been GOLDEN, quite possibly the cutest five year old in the history of ALL five year olds, feeling very cuddly this evening (he is sitting on my arm while I am trying to type)

Jeremy: Sore throat, risked his life and limb to drive in to work on icy roads this morning because he is a dedicated employee, continues to spoil me rotten cause he loves me, also continues to spoil Tanner rotten for the same reason, being missed a lot by his adoring wife.

Rocky: Leg still broken but no longer encased due to his own carnivorous appetite, second cutest puppy (according to my parents) in the entire world, feeling frisky and prancing around the living room.

Yours Truly: DYING. My chest hurts....well more accurately it burns. Lungs have been coughed up, large cold sore appearing on lip, feeling like ugliest creature on the face of the earth, grateful wonderful husband and adorable son still love me.

I want to move. I don't like Missouri anymore. I hate winter. And if I ever come across that groundhog....well, I can't say what I would do....cause we're tying to keep it G Rated.

But seriously, I am very ready for Spring and warm weather and sandals. I have had to wear actual shoes this winter. I do not enjoy having my toes restricted. Are you tired of winter too?



I finally took the time to figure out how to get pictures on the laptop. And joy of joys they cooperating and actually uploading! I hope you've enjoyed them! Well folks, it's time for some more mucinex, and some Tylenol cough and cold. And then it's bed time! Hey! Tomorrow is Friday!!!!!!!!!!!

It's all about Love

Today is Valentine's Day. I hadn't really thought about it much. It has been a hectic, hectic week here, and it's not over yet. Sunday and Monday, we were visited (again) by the Ice Man. Our trees and roads were covered with about an inch of the stuff. Thankfully, we only lost our power once, last night as things were thawing, and only for about two hours.

This morning, I spent some time at the Vet's office. Rocky has a broken leg :( I assure you it was not intended, but Tanner pushed him off the back of the couch last night...and it just cracked. He's a sleepy little puppy right now, and is curled up on a blanket next to my desk taking a nap. It was a rough night. Rocky cried, Tanner cried, Mommy cried. Daddy remained calm, because that's what Daddies do. I think deep down, though, he was sad too. Tanner feels terrible about it, and we couldn't really punish him, because he truly didn't mean to hurt him. And he was so upset anyway. The vet put a splint on him, and we'll take him back in two weeks to make sure everything is ok.

Tanner did NOT get punished for hurting the puppy, but it does seem he's been in trouble a lot this week for other things. He kicked a little boy at school last Friday, and he got time out...and darn it all if he didn't do it again. So, Mommy took his movies away. All of them. He got them back Sunday and was doing really well. BUT, I just got a phone call from the school, and Tanner got in trouble at nap time. For biting another little boy.......on the backside. I am not really sure how to handle this one. I want to impress upon him that he can NOT do things like that, but I do not want to be one of those parents whose punishments are completely ineffective and therefore useless. SIGH, I love him....he's in big trouble. Five year old boys are tough to handle. This is why we are having no more children.

Saturday can not come quickly enough. I am having my first annual "chocolate covered sleep over". The girls (Deanna, Shannon, Robin, and Meleshia) and I will be gathering for a night of fun. The two rules of the evening are 1. You must bring something to dip in chocolate and 2. You must bring a movie that includes a british accent. I know, again we are behaving like twelve year old girls, but we really do have fun. I think more people should have sleep overs!

I have five minutes left of my "half day off", so I better sign off. I have some pictures for you. I'll have Jeremy show me how to upload them this evening. They are good ones. Tanner making cookies, and mine and Tanner's camp out in the living room this last weekend. And of course ICE. LOTS OF IT.

Happy Valentine's Day people whom I love and adore! I hope you and your loved ones get to spend time together today...since it's really all about the love.

XOXO

The Roaming Blog

Tonight's blog comes to you from the comfort of my favorite chair in the living room. Jeremy bought a laptop today, and although I had to wait patiently, it is my turn to play. It's a Gateway. That's all I know. Please don't ask me about any of the specs...all I know is it's black...and shiny.


I have been working at home for almost a week now. I L-O-V-E it. I had a sneaking suspicion that I would enjoy it some....but the amount of enjoyment that I get from getting out of bed five minutes before I have to be at work is ridiculous. Today, I stayed in my jammies all day long. It was blissful.



Tanner had to be picked up early today. Pink eye. I don't really know where he got it. It's not going around the school right now. But I am thankful he has it, cause we hadn't paid a co-pay in nearly a month...and I didn't know what to do with our 20 extra dollars. SIGH!


Jeremy bought cinnamon rolls today. I hate him. I have been sooooo good lately. The smell of warm cinnamon was not conducive to my new healthy lifestyle. Since I've been home, I've been walking one to two miles a day. I am trying...it gets easier every day to make good decisions instead of bad ones. And I have discovered that I adore dried pineapple. Delicious and nutritious.


Is it freezing where you are?? The air outside is frigid. It's not cool to wake up to temperatures of 62 degrees and then have a windchill of 8 degrees. God is enjoying April's Fools jokes just a tad early, don't you think?


Here is a random tidbit that I have discovered about myself this week. I love the television show House. I think it may be a new fave. I love it so much that I have scheduled my DVR to record every episode of it. I suggest you watch it, it is highly entertaining....makes me want to go into medicine.


I really didn't have anything specific I wanted to tell you all this evening. It's bedtime. I am a very sleepy girl, and 4:30 will come very early in the morning. I love you all. I hope your dreams are sweet and your tomorrows are splendid.