how could i forget....

the last night dave must have gotten bit by a spider...thur morning he kept complaining that his elbow was sore (not uncommon since he has tennis elbow) by time we arrived in miami he was in a lot of pain and couldn't use his arm. By time we reached chicago he was in so much pain...the worst he's ever had he said. When we got home I looked closely at it and it looked like a puncture mark and it was so filled with liquid and was hot to the touch...he went to the doctor today and he confirmed the bite...gave him 2 weeks of antibiotics. he's been taking it easy today....not feeling well and still in pain.

Dominican Republic

After all my hard work in graduate school we decided to go on a relaxing vacation...to the Dominican Republic. I did a lot of research to determine where I wanted to go back in Jan. The hotel I chose (Dreams La Romana) had a facebook page where people who work there and have visited there post comments and pictures as well as people who are going ask questions. I watched this page every day for 3 months. I was super excited that we were going to have the most amazing time.....
So on mother's day morning we woke up at 2:45am and headed to the airport. The day was off to a great start. We got front row parking at the airport, caught the bus and the shuttle right away, and were told that we could check up to 3 bags for free (I was planning on them being $25 a bag according to American Airlines website). We arrived in Miami a couple hours later, ate, and were on our way to the Dominican. We couldn't land right away b/c it was raining so hard (but according to people who've been there the showers are short and refreshing so I wasn't worried) After a nice 20 minute drive from the airport we were at our hotel. We checked into our room and headed to check things out. Everything looked wonderful, awesome pools, great beach, palm trees...that was pretty much day one...
Day two we got up, had breakfast, and headed to the pool. After 5 minutes in the pool it started pouring. Based on what I had heard these showers were short and most people acted like they werent even occurring (as most people just swam as normal) after a good twenty minutes i figured I better grab our stuff b/c i doubt the towels were keeping things dry. shortly after dave and james followed. we headed to the room b/c it looked as if the rain was going to be happening for awhile. As i opened our door I saw that our room was flooded. there was water running down one whole wall. (thank goodness we didnt have anything on the floor) after an hour of phone calls and waiting we were upgraded to the preferred club (not sure why anyone would want to pay that much extra for it...wasn't that special other than some discounts, private pool, and internet use) By the end of monday night I was feeling pretty frustrated that it had rained all day and things were not going well. (oh i forgot...the whole shower fixture fell on james in the shower in our "upgraded room" that night too)...after dinner I started to relax a little and hoped that tomorrow would be better...
day 3 was SUNNY. we spent the day in the pool and the ocean. We snorkeled, swam, had our pictures taken with parrots. I was feeling much better until we went to get cleaned up for dinner and was told the hot water was broken (which we didnt get back til the morning we left!!!!)
Day 4 we went on an excursion to Saona Island which is an island with no electricity or plumbing and extremely beautiful. on the way back we went to the "natural swimming pool" in the carribean and saw lots of star fish. by the end of this day we were so fried from two days of straight sun. no amount of sunscreen helped. We were toast.
Day 5 we spent doing other things around the hotel. James had had enough swim time and there was no way dave's skin could handle another ounce of sun.
Overall we had a lot of fun and some wonderful memories....the hotel itself left a lot to be desired (and the food was really bad...way worse then mexico). We were happy to be back home with American food, hot water, and our doggies. the vacation was fun and relaxing...not sure if we'll return ever to the dominican...I think next time we visit an island it will be a cruise. I've discovered while an island is beyond beautiful, Im actually very content at a cottage on a lake in michigan

It is FINISHED

Sooo I can finally say I am finished with school (for now). I defended the monday before Easter and took my licensing exam last saturday. While I passed defense, I'm not sure how the test went. It was extremely difficult and people don't always pass their first (or second) time. I must wait 6-8 weeks for the results :( Im really hoping I passed so I can move along and start being able to bill insurance and be a licenced professional counselor (LPC) Some of my clients from internship are staying with me, so I feel pretty excited about that. Now it is time to catch up on the things I have been neglecting and get ready for my graduation party (MAY 30)

On a side note James started baseball and had his first game last night. It feels great knowing I will be able to enjoy the relaxing summer watching games.

spring has sprung...

After a beautiful sunny 60 degree week we have started the first day of spring with SNOW! On a happier note...we are excited that spring has arrived. It means another season with exciting new changes. I just finished my portfolio and all I have left to do is defend it and take my licensing exam. Can't believe the end is here. James started baseball this week, so that will keep us busy until the end of June. (Really hoping this crappy weather leaves real soon for that) We leave 8 weeks from tomorrow for our trip, and I cannot wait. I have been putting so much off in order to finish school that I'm still crazy busy. I can;t wait to plop my butt in the sand with a book in my hand (and eat non stop). The basement is also coming along nicely...we hope to have it completely dry-walled by the end of the month. I am very much looking forward to several months of long walks, bike rides, swimming, and good company ahead of me.

World of Wheels

This year the World of Wheels was at the Rosemont, and it took place this weekend. Dave entered his 98 Formula, along with 5 other cars from J&L (his uncles body shop). They were all placed together and looked really great. Dave really enjoyed the experience. We went to the show with our friends Friday night. It was a really big show with lots of great cars. Saturday, Dave and I went up and hung around by the car. Saturday night was also awards night. Dave wasn't expecting to win anything, so we didnt go to the ceremony. Half way through someone came back by us and told him that he won an award, outstanding in class. He got a plaque. Actually all the cars from J&L won awards (way to go). Dave was pretty excited and I was really proud of him. The car looked really good. The last day of the show (today) he went up by himself. I had to stay home and work on homework and put James to bed.

world of wheels- day 2

World of Wheels

4TH Grade Recorder Concert

James has been learning to play the recorder in music class this year...tonight he had a concert for the parents. The concert was a mix of songs played by each class, some solos, and some groups. They did well considering they were playing recorders. 3/4 of the way through the concert they got to come out and give their parents hugs and give them a card they made. (the theme of the concert was love)...Dave and I were present and so was his mom and brother (surprisingly). when it was time for him to come out he came to me and gave me the card...it was too precious.

so excited...

I have been working really hard the past 3 years and right now it is beyond anything I ever imagined. It seems as if every moment of the day is spent working on my portfolio or studying. I don't feel overwhelmed (yet), but I am really looking forward to what life is going to be like after April 17. Since I have been working so hard at school and Dave has been helping a lot plus working on the basement we decided to go on vacation in celebration of me graduating. At first we were going to go just the two of us, but we found out that James would be free except his air fair and passport. Soooo we leave May 9 to go to the Dominican Republic. We will be staying at Dreams La Romana. I spent almost a month trying to determine where I wanted to go. I am sooo super excited. Now I can get back to studying b/c all I wanted to do was plan the vacation.

the end is near....

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I received my #1 tape so I can now finish my portfolio. My goal is to have it finished by March 1st so that I can defend by Easter. That will leave me with only the NCE to worry about in April. So much excitement, so much work, so much unknown. It is a crazy whirlwind of emotions.

While I am working my butt off at school Dave has been working his butt off on the basement. It is finally starting to actually look like something after months of behind the scenes work. Part of the basement is dry walled now...a goal has been set to get as much done as possible by memorial day weekend b/c that is the tentative date set for my graduation party.

So much is changing every day...I cant even begin to imagine what the end of the year post will have in store

the start of a new year...a new decade.

2008 was an amazing year for us so I was pretty excited to start 2009. So here I sit looking back on this year and wonder was or wasn't it a good year. Throughout the year I kept thinking it was a really bad year because Dave lost his job. However, as I have been reflecting over the year I wonder...was it really a bad year or just a year that wasn't a good as 2008. I keep focusing on the fact that Dave lost his job and that makes things uncertain but when I really look back it has been a good year. Looking back with the glass half full...
1. We went to the Dells twice...once in Jan and once in Nov.
2. Dave and I went to Naples...finally
3. Our kitchen got remodeled.
4. Dave celebrated his golden birthday..with a surprise party
5. We spent a week in Michigan with the Bruinius Family
6. James established a really good friendship with the neighbor boy and Dave and I made some new friends as well...Henderson's and Ross's
7. We have James 3-5 nights a week since school has started (during breaks even more)
8. James played baseball
9. I started internship
10. We had a very blessed Christmas
so overall it was a good year...its just being more conscious of the unknown that creates the anxiety since no one really ever knows what tomorrow brings.
Looking forward to 2010...
1. James will move onto to the intermediate school building
2. I will graduate with my masters
3. Our basement will continue to be finished..maybe even a complete project
4. I will quit my job at southwest dermatology of 7 years
5. I will be finding new employment
6. Hopefully a vacation somewhere in there
and who knows what else

christmas 2009

Getting in the Christmas spirit was difficult this year because of being so busy with school, work, and internship. Most shopping was done online in the wee hours of the night and only a few batches of cookies were made. Christmas eve rolled around and things changed. We had James on Wed night and were planning on opening gifts in the morning. He was up early and so excited. We had a nice big breakfast and opened gifts and spent the rest of the morning/afternoon enjoying them. Christmas eve night was spent with my dad's family and James went to his mom's. We picked James back up at 10 christmas morning for the first time without having to wait forever. That whole scenario worked out well this year...usually that puts a big damper on things. We headed to my mom's side for most of the day and finished the night at dave's mom's. I had a terrible headache so christmas day was a long one. Sat we spent the day relaxing from the late nights/early mornings. Today we finished the festivities at my mom's. It was a great christmas for all...we all received much more than we needed. I know I am looking forward to having this week off from work and school...hoping to get things done and rest for a very full next couple of months.

"sledding" at 3am

Since we've gotten Jack I've wanted to have him pull a sled and see what would happen. Know we have Jill and she is a little bit bigger than Jack so I figure this year will be the year if we get the snow. However, I didnt expect it would happen at 3am in the morning. We got some slushy snow last night and it covered the grass. Around 3am Jack woke me up to go outside. (unfortunately this is a nightly thing) I climb out of bed and hook Jack to his leash and then Jill (she gets leashed at night b/c if she sees an animal she'll take off and I can't see her/ don't want to chase her when I could be sleeping)Jack does his thing and Jill starts going crazy. Since it snowed I could see pretty well and sure enough the coyotes were out. Now Jack and Jill see them and take off. The next thing I know I'm "sledding" down the hill in our back yard. Crocs + snow= no traction. I have a hard time controlling Jack with gym shoes and concrete. My only saving grace before the creek was the fact that I was able to wedge my foot in a hole Jill had dug. By time it was all finished every part of my clothing was covered in slushy snow. Dave found it pretty funny when he woke up and took the dogs out to see the "tracks" I left in the snow...well he found it funny until he put the shoes on and they were filled with water from the melted snow :)

its that time of year again

the holidays have arrived....I'm not sure where the time went this year but I'm glad it is almost over...hasn't exactly been the best year. So far this holiday season we celebrated Thanksgiving with the Cosentino family. I cooked and we had a nice quiet night. A lot has changed since last thanksgiving but we still have a lot to be thankful for. This time next year will also we a lot different. thanksgiving weekend we also went and got out tree. It is not has big as years past but looks great none the less...well until jill knocked it over monday night and broke some of my favorite ornaments. :( I'm getting over it. This upcoming weekend St. Nick comes and will bring some goodies. The following weekend is my work christmas party and Dave and I have a tentative plan to go downtown for my birthday. the 15th we'll spend out to dinner with mom's family for the big 26. That weekend will most likely be celebrated by making cookies and ginger bread houses (out of short bread..ginger bread is kinda gross). then the week of holiday chaos will begin and just like that it will all be over again. Im off the last week of the year and greatly looking forward to it. Hoping everyone takes some real time to celebrate with family the real reason for the season.

halloween...late (sorry)

I have been so busy that I am really far behind....so here is halloween. Halloween was a great day. The sun was shinning and it was just a bit chilly but not too bad. We trick or treated with the neighbors the full 3 1/2 hours...James got a lot of candy. We finished the night with some pizza at our house and then the boys had a sleep over...all in all a sucess.

school is underway

James seems to be enjoying school so far...based on what we've seen it looks like he is going to have a lot of responsibility this year. Seems like they are starting to prepare the students for middle school. He is working hard and we hope he keeps it up.
I've had two classes and feeling very overwhelmed! I'm sure it will all be fine but internship is seeming like A LOT of work. I just need to get onto a schedule. I am only working 3 days a week now and having wed off as well as fri is taking some getting used to. Currently I am working mon, tues, and thur...internship tues and thur nights to see clients. wed and fri to work on whatever needs to be worked on at the site...on top of keeping a house and running james around for baseball. I dont mind the baseball part since James is staying home alone after school and we aren't too fond of that. Plus is allows us more time with him since he is staying the nights he has baseball. Its a little tricky getting in routine when hes only here some nights.

baseball 9-9-09

James pitched his first game tonight...he did great...even got a strike out

dirt and bikes...

The plainfield park district has created a "bike park" with jumps and different types of "skills" to practice. Its really a nice set up but scary at the same time. James got a kick out of it, wiped out, but no tears...

fall ball

tonight was james first baseball game of the fall... the neighbor boy jacob plays and james has become good friends with him. he begged us to play so we changed around a lot of schedules and are able to attend all the game. he hasnt played in a year so we were curious to see how he would do. he is doing well and thing it will be a great season. the coaches are great with the kids...

daves baby

school update

tonight was my last night of class.... I officially only have my internship left. I start back up sept 2 for internship supervision.I am going to do some independent studies along with internship on parenting, step families and love...my internship is at v&r behavioral in orland park and homer glen. it is going to be a great experience.

James starts 4th grade on aug 31st. I cant believe he is going to be in 4th grade already. time just flies.

Until we both start back up I hope to do a lot of things to enjoy summer. we are looking forward to the beach and swimming now that it is finally warm enough. taking the dogs for walks...we have not done this yet!!! im so disappointed about that!!!! We will also be going to the will county fair and areosmith concert. Hopefully we will fit some other fun things in the next 3 weeks. I cannot believe it is half way through aug already. We had a good summer despite all our rainy days. James spent 4-5 days a week with us the whole summer. it is going to be weird when he goes back to school.

MySpace Countdowns

MySpace Countdown Clocks

kitchen..finished product

Finally I took some pictures of the kitchen done. I love it! Thanks Dave and John.