summer fun...

We spent a lot of time this summer swimming...at the splash station, my moms, the beach, and boating...I dont think there was one week where we didnt have our suits on

Summer is almost over :(

I am feeling such a huge mix of emotions as summer is coming to an end. I am....

HAPPY: I organized all my pictures, went to a lot of car shows, read some good books, swam A LOT, got a good tan, relaxed, napped, went for bike rides and walks with the dogs, played with James on friday instead of cleaning the house, organized my holiday bins and all my closets, remodeled my office (well its in process), and pretty much touched up everything i wanted to around the house.

SAD: I wont get to do all those above mentioned things soon....James will also be going back to school, Ill be crazy busy again to the point where there won't be much free time.

ANXIOUS: school is starting and it seems scary. It is going to be a lot of work....more than ive ever experienced, but there is also going to be a lot of great opportunities such as meeting famous/ influential people and learning above and beyond anything i could imagine.

EXCITED: I will be cutting my hours at Southwest Dermatology, Ill be working in the lab at school and helping teach an online course, and hopefully beginning to build my client hours at V&R Behavioral


ahhhhh see Im just a big mix of emotions...not sure if im coming or going. A major part of me wants everything to slow down and the other part wants me to move forward and start all the new aspects of life.

enjoying summer

I am truly enjoying my summer this year. It has been several years since I have had a summer off of school. I really wanted to take advantage of my time off before the next 3 grueling years begin. Baseball has kept me busy, but besides that I have done a lot of things I havent been able to do because of time. First off I am working one long day (10 hours), and 3 short days (7.5 hr), my short days end at 2:30 which gives me plenty of time to do stuff when I get home. I still have my fridays off, which used to consist of housework since the rest of my weekend was spent on homework, but this summer I have been enjoying my fridays with James and his bff Jacob...We've spent most of our fridays at the pool. I'm so thankful that we are having a nice warm summer. I've spent more time at the pool this year than I have in the past 3 years. Its been great!!! Besides the pool Ive been enjoying a lot of ice cream, long walks to the movie store with the dogs, and bike rides. Last year we were told there was a zip line off of one of the bike trails by our house. Dave and I finally took a ride to see if we could find it. Initially we were skeptical, but since it was suppose to be close to where the park district build dirt bike ramps we thought maybe they had other activities. Well after a very very buggy bike ride we found the zip line....attached to play ground equipment. the zip line was for small children...big disappointment. oh well...we had a nice bike ride. summer is half over...so what can I do before aug 31?!?!?!?!

Baseball

Well the baseball season has officially come to a close for the summer. James improved so much over the past few months, we couldnt be prouder. He really seems to enjoy playing and is already looking forward to playing fall ball (along with cross country) His team didnt do too well with a regular season record of 3-14. The last game of the season was against his best friend and they won! (he even threw out his friend at 1st base to end the game) He was pretty excited that they won since his best friend is a really good player. After the regular season an in house tournament began, two losses and the season was over. They lost the first game which put them into the loser bracket, but then they won the next 3 games (of which were played at 7:30 fri night, 1pm and 7pm Sat...AND it was 90+ outside) The rain allowed a few days off, but unfortunately that game ended in a loss (to James bff...go figure) Overall they took 4th place out of 11 teams...not too bad :)

the last piece of the puzzle....

Whew....after several month of studying and waiting, all the pieces of the puzzle have been put together. In March I defended in order to graduate, in April I took my licensing exam, in May I was accepted into the doctoral program, and in June I graduated and passed my licensing exam. I have never been so happy to be done waiting...I am very thankful and blessed that everything has worked out. Now hopefully I will be able to sleep at night again. I can truly say LET THE SUMMER BEGIN!!!!

Graduation day....

June 12, 2010 I walked the stage to receive my diploma from Governors State University- Masters in Marriage & Family Counseling

Big Announcement!!!

Just when many of you thought I was done with school....I have decided to go back again this fall. I have been accepted into a doctoral program at GSU where I will be the first graduating class. I will graduate with my EdD (counseling education and supervision) I am excited and very nervous.

Graduation Party/ Birthday party

James and I shared a party memorial day weekend. The party went wonderful and I am very happy with how everything went. Thank you to all who came and made the day extra special for us.

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.