Day 40

Look at that face!  What a lovable, silly, and even troubled looking face! A Lucy face!

Tonight Lucy was just hanging around at Rob and my feet, looking for some love.  She just has such cute little expressive face with a loving personality.  I had to grab my phone and capture yet another Lucy moment!

Day 39

Tonight was movie night!  Not exactly date night for Rob and I, but still a fun night out.

Our friends Tom and Trina lead a group call Tri City Catholic Young Adults, and tonight was their meeting night.  On the agenda...dinner and a movie.  They invited Rob and I to attend...and although not exactly young adults, they assured us we would not feel uncomfortable, and they were right.

Tom made 4 crockpots full of lasagna, so Rob and I brought several bags of Caesar salad to go along with, and some goodies for the movie.  Everyone else brought additions too - there was quite a feast.  And Trina popped bowls full of popcorn for the movie.  Just look at those three 5' tables full of dinner, dessert, and drinks!

After dinner they showed the movie The Way, starring Martin Sheen.  It was a movie about The Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James - a pilgrimage that people of many different denominations embark on each year.  This particular story was about a father on his own personal journey after the death of his son (played by Martin's real life son Emilio Estavez).  I really, really enjoyed the movie (and would recommend it!) and would actually like to watch it again...there was a bit of chatter going on in the beginning, and the sound system in a big room like this was a little hard to hear, especially with nearly everyone in the movie having an accent!

Thanks Huntingtons...I had a really good time tonight, and I'm pretty sure Rob did too.  Maybe we'll be invited again next month!

Day 38

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.  Can you believe it?  Easter is pretty early this year - March 31st. 

Tonight at RCIA class, we were all given these handy little booklets in preparation for the Easter Vigil...all about Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.  I'm pretty excited about it...and admittedly a little nervous too.  It's a rather big step for lil ol' me (I think I'm a committment phobe!).  But, after attending classes every week for the last 20 weeks or so, I feel like I've learned so much, and in small ways here and there, have grown as well. 

Who knew this is where I supposed to be??  Well...I guess He knew, that's who!!

Day 37

Waaaay back in September, I shared that Billie and I were going to participate on the planning committee for the Real Heroes Breakfast.

As part of our duties, yesterday, we went to TRAC to 'taste test' the breakfast menu.  Billie had narrowed it down to two choices, and the chef prepared them to let us choose.  Not a bad chore to have to do!

And tonight was one of our meetings.  We have been meeting once a month, but just like anything else, we are getting down to the wire and are now meeting every two weeks.  At the meeting they handed out the flyer and we all took a few to hand out to folks.  Everyone pretty much agreed it lacks a little luster, so to speak, but evidently the National group has asked that all area Red Crosses follow the same template and format...so here it is. 

Back in September it seemed so far away, and now it's just around the corner!

Day 36

Here it is...my new favorite place, Arbor Healthcare for Women.  I was here Thursday and Friday, and today I was back in for what I thought was just going to be another ultrasound. 

I guess they are following my cycle, and checking my follicles.  Follicles lead to eggs, and eggs lead to babies!  I know that's probably way more information that anyone needs, but hey...it's my journey.

After the ultrasound tech checked things out, then I saw my nurse and much to my surprise, she gave me a belly injection.  I have to admit, I was totally thrown off and it was so unexpected, I didn't really ask a lot of questions, and I'm not exactly sure what it was or what it was for...other than to help accomplish our overall mission!

And also much to my surprise, she told me to come back again Thursday for another ultrasound.  Looks like I'll be seeing a lot of this building...

Day 35

Well, it looks like I'm not the only one on a new med regimen.  Poor Baylee...the old girl needs to take her medicine too!

I knew Baylee was having some problems in the way of a bladder infection, but she has also been coughing.  And not just kind of coughing, coughing until she gags...like a cat with a fur ball!  And last night it reached it's peak.  The poor thing just could not get settled down in her bed...every time she did, she'd jump back up and cough and cough.  Needless to say, we didn't get a lot of sleep again last night.

Thankfully, we were able to get her into the vet this morning.  After giving her the once over, we realized she does have a bladder infection, an ear infection and bronchitis!  Who knew your dog could get bronchitis?!?  They think the ear infection and bronchitis are linked to an allergy, and the fact that she has those two plus a bladder infection, and weight gain may all be linked to her thyroid.

To get my girl back to health again, they gave her a cortisone injection for the cough and her ear, and drew blood to test her thyroid.  She has some antibiotics for the bladder infection, as well as some FloriFlora that we sprinkle on her food to help too.  Then we have drops for her ears, and her regular VetriDisc she takes for her back and joints!

Hopefully her blood work will give us a good picture of where she is, and what we can do to get our little rotund girl back on track!

Day 34

Just this past Monday, I shared that it is no secret Rob and I want to have a family, and that we attended a meeting on fostering.  Well, we really want and are (obviously) very much open to the possibility of having our own children.  So on Thursday, I went in again to visit the nurse practitioner I had seen before about this.  She offered to take a bit of a more 'agressive' approach, and due to my impeccable timing, she said we could start right away.

She called in a script for the Metformin I was on in November and December, and added Clomid (yep...a fertility drug).  Then she had me return on Friday for a baseline ultrasound and blood labs.  So today is the day I start my new med regimen...and I threw in a free shot of my very bruised hand from where they ended up having to draw blood (I've become my mother and grandmother and am now impossible to stick!), you know just for effect!! Haha...

I go back Tuesday for another ultrasound, then next Friday for more lab work...so here starts a journey of a different kind!

Day 33

Today has been one of those days.  Rob and I slept in pretty late.  It seems Saturdays are our only day to do that anymore...and sometimes not even on Saturdays!  I had also spent part of the night up with Baylee, as the poor old girl seems to have a bladder infection, or something of the sort.  So, after groggily getting out of bed, we spent the day just doing some chores and kind of hanging out.

Now it's time for bed again, and I realize I have not photographed a thing...I'm at a loss.  Every night I tuck my girls in, just like two little babies, and they always look so sweet...so for lack of something more interesting, here's a shot of them...yes another picture of the pups!

Goodnight...and sweet dreams.

Day 32

Tonight Rob and I finished watching Downton Abbey...and I have to admit I'm kind of disappointed.  Not disappointed in the show, but just disappointed it's over!  I want more...I want to know what happens next!

We bought Mom this Season One and Two set for Christmas because she had been wanting to watch it, hearing so much about it over the past 6 months or so.  Once she finished watching it, we borrowed it to see if we would be interested...and we got hooked!

It's such a well written show, and has a little bit of everything...history, drama, and even a bit of occasional comedy.  Guess we'll just have either be patient and catch up with Season 3 on PBS...or order the whole season on DVD!

Day 31

After 18 years of working for Benton Co Fire District No. 1, today is Arliss' last day.  She starts a new journey as a retired woman tomorrow.

And on her last day, what did she do, but give us gifts!  She was so thoughtful and gave each of the ladies these cute little soda fountain glasses, stuffed with little footies (soda), topped with a scrubbie (whipped cream), and an emery board (straw).  Attached is a little note that says; Retirement - Six Saturdays and a Sunday.  It has been soda-lightful working with you. ~ Arliss

We had a great turnout of well wishers at the office all throughout the day.  She received a lot of very nice cards, some great gifts, beautiful flowers, and lots of sincere thanks.

All of us at the Fire Admin Center wish her all the best.

Day 29

Meeting Minnie Lilly!

Billie and Keith got a new puppy this weekend, a 9 week old Cocker Spaniel they named (obviously) Minnie.  Today, Keith brought her into the office for a visit and to introduce her to everyone.

She's the sweetest little thing...and she is little.   She's so small and light...and so very black.  I took lots of pictures of her, but you can't make out her face it's so dark, and not to mention how quick you have to be, because she moves fast! 

I did get a couple good ones of her here though, meeting Grant...just like Baylee did 8 years ago!!  I love how happy dogs and puppies make him...not so much babies or kids...but he'll take a puppy any day of the week. As would most of us.  I mean who can resist a face like this??

Day 28

Yesterday while sitting in church reading the weekly bulletin, Rob pointed out that Catholic Family Services was having a meeting for anyone interested in Foster Care.

It's no secret Rob and I would like to have a family, and at this point we are not sure what that may look like.  We are open to any possibility, including fostering and/or adoption.  So we attended the meeting right after work tonight to hear about their program and how it works.

After watching a video and hearing about the children in 'the system', of course there is a part of you that wants to rescue each and every one of them.  I know that we have a lot of room in our hearts for a child that has been abused or negleted, and is consequently part of the foster care system.  But it also brings to light a lot of possiblities that I need to do some praying and soul searching on...like can I love a child who simply can't or won't love me back...can I love a child and still have my heart be ok if he or she is taken and placed back with their biological parents...things like that.

We brought home some paperwork to take some initial steps, and I would like to follow through and see where the journey takes us.  We know God has a plan for us, and they say God doesn't give you more than you can handle...so I guess we'll just have to see what He has in store, and what He thinks we're capable of!

Day 27

For the last month my hubby has been growing a beard.  I didn't know if I would like it or not, but he asked me to just give it a chance...and so I did.  I have to say, I really don't mind it.  I guess it's kind of a winter look.  But, honestly I do prefer the goatee better.

He has decided today is the last day...he's shaving in the morning  So I had to take one last picture of this bearded face.

Day 26

I worked on another mini album today...well an album of sorts.  I've saved all of the cards Rob and I have exchanged on special occasions.  I wanted to do something special with them, especially all of those 'firsts'...first birthday, first Christmas, first Valentine's Day, etc.  So I punched a hold in the middle, along the binding of each of them, put a binder ring through them, and then added a front and back chipboard piece. 

I decorated the chipboard simply, with paper and ribbon, and added a roughed up 'our first year' to the front.  It's actually pretty cute.  I ran out of creative steam before I added the decorated cardstock dividers for each 'occasion', but once I do, it will be complete! 

Another Keepsake Album of those little something specials...

Day 25

Tonight Kim and Michelle threw a surprise party for their mom's 70th birthday.  And boy was she surprised...to find about 20 people in her kitchen and dining room when she got home!

I spent the afternoon making cake pops for the occasion, and used the new display rack Mom got me for Christmas.  It worked GREAT, and my pops were probably the best so far.  Unfortunately, I forgot to snap a photo when I was all done...but got a shot of them on the food table, after a few had already been gobbled down.

I think Sharlyn was genuinely surprised and touched by all of us 'kids' coming out to wish her a happy birthday.  We had a great time...doing what we do best; eating, drinking, laughing and catching up!

Happy Birthday Sharlyn...here's to many more!!