Good news

I should remember this from Camden's adoption process, but bad news changes to good news almost daily and vice versa! So if I have a bad day, the good news is that it's very likely to be a good day soon. We found out this morning that we should be able to move the first part of April, which means only 4-5 weeks living with the in-laws and we'll get back on track with the adoption sooner rather than later! It's a roller coaster ride!

Came home from work last night, and was worried Camden was getting sick. He only wanted me! This just doesn't happen often anymore! So I had Camden, his blanket, giraffe, and puppy all curled up on my lap last night. He was so sweet. We used to do this all the time in the evenings, especially when Brian is gone to class, but it just doesn't happen much anymore. He's too busy! I'm a tad worried about his musical taste. When the singers would audition, he would say, "They're not very good. They shouldn't scream when they sing." He didn't like any of them, until the lady in yellow came on. If you watched, you know what I'm talking about! She started singing, and he perked up and said, "She's a good singer, mommy." Oh, boy!

I finished up a layout last night using pictures from this summer. I think they're so funny. Camden was "holding" Xavier and kissing him, and Xavier just kept slipping further and further down the couch and Camden held on for dear life.

So disappointed

So we had our meeting yesterday with our caseworker, turned in a folder about 2 inches high worth of paper work only to discover towards the end of the meeting that we will not be able to continue until we have completed our move. I am just so disappointed that we have to wait another 3 months or so to even begin the real wait for our referral of a baby girl. I know that everything happens for a reason, so I am just trying to keep that in mind, but I am quite disappointed and down this morning! (of course, being up since 4:40 a.m. to change Camden after an accident probably doesn't help!)

So, a little retail therapy seems to be in order (Brian, don't look any further). I shopped Vera Lim's sale and picked up some very pretty items! I was going to show you pictures, but I can't seem to upload pics today.

I forgot to tell a couple of funny Camden stories from the weekend. Saturday I thought I'd be a crafty mom and let Camden help me make cookies. Well, my version of "making" cookies anyway. I bought the Valentine's bake and break cookies with the little icing packs and I pulled out my sprinkles. Camden had a blast decorating them, helping me, etc. Unfortunately, I did not read the directions and we should not have decorated them until AFTER they baked (how stupid am I?) so the icing kinda caramelized and baked into the cookies. This did not affect the taste at all, but Mr. Obsessive Compulsive would not eat them because they looked funny.

Camden is becoming quite dramatic! Lately, he uses big hand motions when he talks, and it is just so funny. Sunday night, church got canceled because the wind blew a power line down. A little while after we found this out, Camden comes running to me saying, "Mommy, mommy! The wind blowed the whole city down, and we're never having church again!"

Well, I'm feeling slightly better after thinking about these stories so I think I'll just stop while I'm ahead!

Brr

It's a chilly 18 degrees here this morning! I kinda like the cold weather - nice for a change.

Our weekend was nice. We went Friday afternoon to look at new preschools for Camden. There are 3 to choose from, and the first two I would never consider sending my child to. The third one, however, is excellent! I'm so happy we were able to find something that is good. After seeing the first two, I was really worried!

We spent Friday evening with my in-laws. Had a nice dinner and lots of conversation. Camden played so well while we talked. Saturday we spent a good 4-5 hours packing - mostly spare dishes, quilts, non-necessities. And, again, Camden played so well by himself. He was so cute running around the house, singing little songs, saying "yes, maam" and "no, maam." Seriously the perfect child! After a rough spot, it was a nice change. Unfortunately, it didn't really carry over into Sunday morning! He spent a good 30-45 minutes naked in the bathroom floor throwing a tantrum after his bath. He pulled out of it for a good afternoon, though. I know most of it is just his age. I can see he's maturing in a lot of areas, and I know that those transition times are tough.

My new short 'do is going to be great. I'm finished getting ready a good 25 minutes early today (hence, the blog post so early). I'm headed to the doctor's office so the nurse can check my TB test and tell me I'm clear before work. Today will be a short work day - I'm leaving at 1:45 to head to our agency to finish up our homestudy. We've got a huge pack of paperwork we're taking in with us. Almost finished!

Here are two layouts I finished up this weekend. The first is of Kim's little girl. The second has pictures of Camden playing by himself on the floor while we fix supper. He's getting so much better at this lately!

Healthy as a Horse

Sounds attractive, doesn't it. I had a great doctor's visit; well, as great as it could be - lots of needles and poking and prodding, but it's over for another year. So funny because the phlebotomist was giggling in excitement when she saw my big vein she had to work with. Oh, and I've apparently grown an inch. I'm now 5'1".

I got my hair cut last night - seriously chopped, but I really like it. I was ready for the change (here's a picture for mom, Liz, and Becky in case you're interested).

I have a new sketch set (all based on my own layouts) up in the DigiscrappingMoms store. You can purchase here.

I'm so excited! Now that my doctor's appointment is over, the day is mine until about 3:00! We have someone coming to look at the house (no idea why since it's not available), then I've got to grocery shop, pick up Camden, go get Brian to look at the daycare we're hoping to move Camden to, and go to my in-laws for supper. BUT before all that, I have about 4 hours to do anything I want!

I finally finished up three layouts.

Officially Homeless

We signed a contract yesterday so we are on our way to being officially homeless! Our closing date/moving date is set for February 28 so we have very little time to figure out where we're going temporarily! We're looking at a rental house tomorrow night and are really hoping they'll allow us a short 3-month lease. If not, then it's into the in-law's house we go! Camden, of course, is quite excited about the prospect of living with Gram and Gramps. I think we may spend the weekend packing!

I'm headed to the doctor tomorrow for my required "adoption" physical. Of course, it's been a good 18 months since I've had one so I'm due anyway. Korea has those fun weight restrictions, and I'm on the edge so I'll be keeping my fingers crossed when I step onto the scales. I'll be headed to Coldstone Creamery or somewhere else fun when I finish (just kidding!).

Just a few fun facts. My sister and brother-in-law sat in front of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood in church on Sunday, and my little sister is leaving for a cruise in the Bahamas with Tim McGraw on Sunday. Apparently, we're serious about country music in our family!

I so wish I had a layout to show you (and I've actually got 3 almost done that are really fun), but no such luck. Check back tomorrow!

Back and Forth

We're counter-offering like mad! I think we're on round 3 at this point, but I think it's going well. Trying not to be in a state of panic about moving in a month and living with my in-laws for a while!

I finished up a cute layout last night, but forgot to post it so you'll have to wait for a while. I had intended to watch the State of the Union address, but ended up chatting with Kellie instead, which was more fun anyway!

Short and sweet today!

An Offer

We had an offer on our house yesterday; we counter-offered and now we're waiting to see if we're moving! If it happens, we have to be out by February 28, which is nuts. Their original offer involved us moving February 15!

Camden was quite sweet last night. He sat at the table and colored for well over an hour - this is so not like him, but a nice change!

I got to sleep in until 6:30 this morning (this is usually when I'm headed out the door). We're off to the local jail this morning to get fingerprinted for TBI/FBI clearance. This was on our list of homework for the adoption agency. We're making good progress with our paperwork this week.

I finished one layout last night using Amanda Rockwell's Beautiful Disaster kit.

Domestic Goddess

Apparently having a fabulously clean house inspires the domestic goddess in me to come out. First, it's such an accomplishment that after over a week my house is still spotless. Second, I'm cooking like mad. I actually got a casserole ready Saturday to put in the oven for dinner on Sunday. Then on Sunday afternoon, I got a new casserole ready to go in the oven for dinner on Monday evening. I doubt this has ever happened before! I know that my mom and sisters reading this are shocked.

We had a rough weekend with Camden. 3.5 is a challenging age to say the least! But he is doing some cute new little things. He loves to look at books and it is so fun to hear his sweet little voice "reading" the story. Of course, it never quite makes sense, but it's funny! He also has started this new thing when he asks you a question. He'll ask the question and then say, "yes or no, mommy." I guess he just wants a one word answer! A not-so-fun development is that he no longer wants kisses, especially from me! He just wipes them right off!

Here are a couple of layouts from the weekend.

Our homestudy visit went well yesterday. All three hours of it! I don't think Camden made any kind of good impression, but I'm sure the case worker realizes 3 year olds don't always behave the way you want them to. He was hyper when she arrived. We put him down for a nap, and he did not like that! When he woke up, he refused to talk to her. Oh, well! I had definitely forgotten how much paperwork was involved, but I think we've got it under control. Our next visit is for next Monday so we've only got a week to finish up a ton of paperwork!

We spent a couple of hours this morning packing up bookshelves, etc. I'm hoping that by doing a little here and there it will make a difference later on! Someone is coming to look at the house this afternoon so I think we're headed out to shop a bit.

I finished up a layout I've been working on for a couple of days. I think it turned out really cute (if I do say so myself!).

Credits here

Thursday

I'm sure I say this every Thursday, but HURRAY! I'm off work for 3 days! I love my weekends!

Tomorrow is a big day for us - our first homestudy visit. I remember our first visit for Camden's adoption and how nervous I was. I don't feel any nerves at all for this one. I guess because I know what to expect this time around.

We've had people looking at the house every day this week and twice on Wednesday, so I guess that's good news.

Camden's had a rough couple of days. He came home from school Tuesday so clingy and whiny. Wednesday he came home HYPER and ended up getting caught up in a big temper tantrum before bed. This morning when he got up, he immediately went to the couch and said in a very pouty, mean voice, "I'm not talking to you." when Brian tried to cuddle with him. The morning proceeded to go downhill quickly! I'm not sure if he remembered being in trouble last night and it carried over into this morning or what, but he was so cranky, which is quite unlike him. He's usually so happy and cheerful when he wakes up. I'm hoping he'll be better tonight (as well as tomorrow when our case worker is there).

One layout to share today. This is my sweet nephew Xavier.

Wednesday

We had someone look at the house yesterday (the first real day on the market) and someone else is coming by today. It's nice to know at least there's some action going on so quickly! We're really just trusting God to help us with this and for it to sell in a timely manner! Of course, if it sells the first week, we have two options: 1) live on the street; 2) live with the in-laws. Not sure I can manage either! LOL

Not sure what was going on with Camden last night, but he came home from school and was so clingy and whiny and just really needed alot of extra attention. I ended up putting him in bed early (like 6:40). He must have missed his nap or something. He did get in a little bit of trouble at school. He threw a fit when his teacher tried to make him give back a toy he had taken from another little boy. This morning when he went in, he had to tell his teacher he was sorry and also the little boy. Brian said the other boy (who looks like he's much older) was mean to him and yelled at him to just get away.

I'm not sure how this is possible, but in the last several weeks, I've suddenly developed the ability to sleep straight through Camden waking up, asking to go potty, more cover, a drink, etc. I never even hear it! Poor Brian has been getting up with him several times a night while I sleep like a baby.

Here's one layout I did last night. I'm trying to limit myself to one a night - I'm already so far behind on printing layouts, I figure I should slow down a bit! It also lets me do other useful things like finish laundry and some not-so-useful things like watch American Idol!

This is the Day

I had a friend tell me a little trick for getting her day started on the right track - she repeats to herself as she wakes up, "This is the day that the Lord hath made," from Psalms. I'm sooooo not a morning person, and usually as I roll out of bed at 5:15 a.m., I'm muttering not so nice things to myself about how horrible mornings, work, life in general is (which is so not true, of course). Anyway, the last week or so, as soon as a negative thought hits my mind in the morning, I repeat the verse in my head and while it doesn't necessarily make me feel physically better, it definitely helps lift my spirits! And, of course, it's only true and something I should remember whether it makes me feel better or not.

I have one layout I managed to work on this evening. I've been waiting for just the right kit, time, who knows to scrap this picture, and somehow tonight was the night! Why does inspiration strike at certain times? Who knows! We went to France to visit my sister and brother-in-law when Camden was 18 months old, and apparently just didn't realize that Albertville would be so COLD! So poor Camden got stuck with many layers - extra clothes, his coat, a blanket, etc.

2006

2006 all wrapped up in one layout!

For Sale

There is a for sale sign in front of our house. It feels very weird! But let me tell you - our house has never been this clean and seriously decluttered! I have no idea how we'll keep it this perfect every time we leave the house, but as my mom kindly pointed out, maybe this will help us develop good housecleaning habits!

We had a really good day today. We used to take little day shopping/errand trips all the time, but in the 3 years since we've been parents, it's just alot harder to do! But I had multiple gift cards burning a hole in my pocket, so we headed off to a mall about an hour away. I got a coat for Camden for next year for $15 at Gymboree, bought his Valentine's Day shirt at Gap, took advantage of Bath and Body Works big sale, got some coffee at The Coffee Beanery, had lunch at the Macaroni Grill and dessert at Coldstone Creamery. And, if you can believe it, spent very little money! We were gone a good portion of the day, but it was so fun. And Camden did really well. I think it was the promise of ice cream and all the escalator fun that kept him going! We also visited the pet store in the mall and saw some really cute puppies, but Camden was most excited about the little hermit crabs. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect black dress shoes. They need to be cute, fashionable, but comfortable since I wear them all day at work. You wouldn't think that would be too hard to find, but in a reasonable price range it is. I'll just keep looking.

We finished up all 5 seasons of 24 just in time for season 6's premiere tomorrow night. We have seriously watched 24 every weekend since August. I don't think we've rented one single movie. I'll hardly know what to do when we have to watch commercials and wait a whole week between episodes!

No new layouts from today, but I did finish up two older ones that I've been working on forever.

I need a maid!

Seriously! How do people keep up with everything? I don't even have a very big house and only one kid, but seems like I just can't keep up with my house and laundry. It generally stays fairly clean and picked up most of the time, but things like deep cleaning and organized closets, etc. just seems to escape me! So Brian and I spent several hours last night working on the house; got up early this morning to work on it, and I've lots more to do. The realtor is coming this afternoon and I'm having nightmares of this man looking in all my closets, checking out my toilets, and wanting my pantry to be organized! I really do have the best husband in the world because Brian is so good about helping around the house!

There really is nothing exciting going on around here! I've been tired at night so I've stayed off the computer, so no new layouts to share! Hopefully, I'll get some scrapping time this weekend if I can ever get this house finished! I did resign from Nikki and Dianne's creative teams this week. I hate to say goodbye, but I'm just feeling the pressure of working for 4 designers and feeling like I can't give everyone the proper attention they need.

Have a great weekend!

A Prayer

"Dear Jesus, I have a problem here. My toys are not all picked up. Heeeeyyyy, she's not praying! Amen." This is what came out of Camden's mouth at supper Monday night. Brian and I could not control our laughter!

I've been so tired the last few nights after work! I guess just getting back into the swing of things. Camden slept so well last week, but this week has been up several times a night. I've been sleeping so hard that many times I haven't even known he woke up until the next morning. So Brian is doing double duty getting up with him!

The Apprentice started up again on Sunday nights. I don't think this will be my favorite season! I'm very excited for American Idol and 24 to get started in the next couple of weeks, and also very ready for the reruns to stop on all my favorites!

Here's one quick layout I did Monday night.

Productive

I had quite a productive weekend! After a slow start Saturday, we spent several hours cleaning out closets and threw away a ton of stuff (mostly Brian's stuff - he's such a pack rat!). If we're actually going to move, we'll be spending many Saturdays this way I think. I even cooked supper Saturday night and also started on Sunday's lunch.

We had a nice quiet afternoon today, which is always good. During the sermon at church tonight, Camden said out loud, "I'm tired of being at church." I'm grateful he chose to not pursue that line of thought out loud! He was actually very good! It's hard for a 3 year old to sit for an hour!

We're back to our regular schedule tomorrow. I have a regular work week and Brian starts back to class.

Here are layouts from this weekend. I told you I was productive!

Happy Friday

Not too much going on today - just my usual Friday home activities. We have no plans for the weekend, which is nice. Brian starts back to school Monday which means our schedule is about to get hectic again, but this is the last semester of classes!

Camden is happily camped out on the couch watching Cars so here are a couple of layouts I was able to complete.

I love that I was able to get such a good family Christmas picture. If you can believe it, this was the very first one I took!

The second layout uses Vicki Stegall's Comfortable Grunge kit.

Good news!

I am happy to report that our first homestudy visit is scheduled for January 19! Only 2 weeks away. I had a good talk with our caseworker this morning and she said that it is possible to move while in process, just that there will be extra paperwork. And, hey, what's a little more paperwork when you're already doing mountains of it!

We've discovered more things that were stolen from the house during the break-in. Nothing too big - our Kodak camera that we used when we needed a point and shoot camera instead of our big Nikon and our change jar that had probably $60-70 in it, as well as some more hunting accessories. Brian and his dad are installing our new door this afternoon. I haven't even seen it yet, so hopefully Brian did a good job picking one out! More good news is that the insurance adjuster came out and he is paying Brian what they would have paid a contractor to install the door and it covers almost all of our deductible. God is very good to us!

Resolutions

So what are your resolutions for the new year? Every year I think about this just a little, but don't really do much about it, but this year I'm going to actually put it in writing (right here!) in hopes that it will help me stay on top of things. Here are a few of mine: 1) Learn to be content. It's too easy to always want a better situation, job, money, etc. I want to just be happy with all the blessings that I already have; 2) Be more consistent with my devotions - too many other things get in the way when they shouldn't; 3) Work out at Curves on a regular basis ( no comment needed here); 4) Keep my house tidier - too many other things like scrapping seem to get in the way of this. Just those 4 alone are enough to keep me busy!

Camden is definitely coming off a Christmas/sugar/spending a week with the grandparents high. He is cranky and emotionally fragile - sobbing with huge tears every time he doesn't get his way. Hopefully getting back to normal will not take long!

We took down all Christmas decorations yesterday. It's nice to have the living room back! Still trying to decide what to do about our house! Forgot to mention that in addition to all our other issues about moving, the college I work at is relocating in 2 years and we're unsure where; not to mention that Brian will be finished up with his teaching degree and will have a new job in the next year of so. All of these things make me think there's no way we can move right now. Just too much up in the air with our lives right now. I just hope that by waiting until the adoption is finalized (hopefully in 18 months or less), we will not have lost out on any opportunity to sell our house at a reasonable price. Not that we're trying to make money by any means, but also don't want to lose money either! I'm holding off calling our social worker to set up our homestudy visits until we can think about the house situation a little longer, but I'm feeling antsy!

I forgot to mention a cute story about Camden. Monday night after we were home and the glass all cleaned up and the door boarded up, we ordered a pizza and settled down in the living room (I know - should have been at the kitchen table!) to eat, Brian prayed for supper. After he said amen, Camden immediately folded his hands, closed his eyes, and said, "And thank you that the bad men won't break our house anymore." Also, his new favorite phrase is, "I think not." Where did he hear that?

Here is one layout I managed to get done last night - the first in over a week! The second layout is one I did before the break (borrowed another girly picture of Izzy). I did so many Christmas layouts before the holiday that I'm feeling a little burned out on them, but I've got a TON of pictures from this year. I may try to scrap the essentials and then leave some pics for next year.

Brr - credits here

Concentration - credits here

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves this holiday season! We had a wonderful, quiet Christmas weekend, enjoyed a great day of shopping the day after Christmas and then headed to my parent's house in Illinois. We spent almost a week there with my youngest sister and her new husband and my sister, brother-in-law, and twin nephews. We had lots of fun, food, and laughter. (And played alot of Nertz!)

We made the 9-hour drive back home yesterday and our holiday ended abruptly! Someone had broken into our house while we were gone. The back door was destroyed and our bedroom trashed. We are very grateful that they only took 3 of Brian's guns and some hunting accessories. They didn't touch my wedding ring, Brian's paychecks that we had left out (how stupid are we?!), the computer, TV, etc. It's definitely made us think that it might be time to move, though. We've been tossing the idea around for quite a while now, but since we've just started the adoption process again, and you can't move while you're in process, we had just decided to stick it out. Now we're not so sure what to do. Decisions, decisions!

I head back to work tomorrow, and I'm actually kinda looking forward to getting back in a routine. I'm sure I'll be over that quickly!

I'll leave you with one of my favorite pictures from the week. This was overexposed, but I'm hoping that it will still be workable!