Fun on the Fourth!

We had a great weekend, spending time with family and friends, and just relaxing! It was Justin's first weekend home where he didn't have to drive back out the following week. His five weeks of training were complete, and we were just ready to indulge in some serious family time.

Our sweet neighbors allowed us to "take care" of their pool while they were out of town, and you can bet we "took care" of it every single day! Saturday afternoon, Granddad (my dad) came by to swim with Connor.  He had a ball showing Granddad all of his "tricks" :)


Saturday night we had a few people over to help "take care" of the pool. :) After all of Justin's hard work (and mine too), we were ready for a little relaxation (and a lot of cold adult beverages!) Unfortunately, our sweet son was battling some serious constipation and gas pains that started on Thursday afternoon. He was up, screaming, almost the entire night. When I realized that it was going to be a difficult night, the adult beverages and relaxation was replaced by temperature, lots of soothing, and an overall restless night. Eeesh!

Sunday morning, Connor woke up with a fever, so I decided to take him to the walk-in clinic to make sure his fever wasn't a sign of anything more serious.  As I suspected, the doctor just told us to keep working Connor's "issue" from the "top and bottom" (miralax and suppositories). Although I already figured that, it was comforting to know that it wasn't something worse. We left the doctor's office at 9:30 am and headed straight to Braums! I promised Connor some yogurt if he was well behaved at the doctor's office, so although it was early, I stuck to my promise :) He was a perfect angel while we were there, he deserved it.

Sunday night, we had my parents over for Hotdogs! I had been craving a hotdog all weekend!!  After hotdogs, Justin offered to hang out with Connor so I could go to the Casino with my parents! We had a ball! Drew and Melissa showed up too, and ol' Drewbie hit $200 on a $5 slot machine after just ONE SPIN! Way to go little brother! :) I.....well, I walked out with nothing....BUT, had a great time losing! I think the fact that they now serve wine may have helped brighten my spirits lol! (no pun intended...) 

Monday night, some friends stopped by to shoot off fireworks! We had a whole wagon full of fun!

I helped Connor with his very first sparkler :) Of course you know we spelled his name with it.

I let the kiddos throw down those little snap-pop thingies! Hey, those are safe in small doses, right? :)

Carley and Connor were watching the big fireworks from this lovely bike cart.....It was a great escape-mobile in case there were any issues in which the kids had to be evacuated immediately :)

Justin, Connor, and Carley

Hope you all enjoyed the 4th with your friends and families!

We. Have. Been. BUSY!

Over the past 8 months, Justin has been preparing to open his own Allstate agency! He has been through several classes, licensing tests, online training, 5 weeks of training away from home, and he is currently under a mentor for the next few days.  On August 1st, he will open the doors to his very own business! I can not express enough how PROUD of him I am! His dedication and perseverance are definitely something I admire (and could most certainly learn from....).

It's been a bumpy road, as he left his job with Reddy Ice in March.  We have been living off of one income, and let me tell you....THAT, alone, has been a learning experience in itself.  But a good one.....

I tried the whole couponing thing.....but.....every time I'd go to the store, I either forgot my coupons or they were expired, or I didn't buy the right item.  So, I am leaving the couponing up to those who are pros, and will just feel good about shopping at Walmart ;)

Justin being gone for 5 weeks (with the exception of the weekends), let me just say I am SO GLAD he is back home.  And I realize this is cliche, but kudos to the single mothers, you  are amazing. Every breakfast, every drop off, every dinner, every bath, every book, every bed time, every day....ohmygosh. Oh, and let's not forget I have to get up, get prettied up, and go to work every day on top of that. WHEW, what a ride! Thankful to be off. Lol :)

So here we are....it's a joint venture, no doubt, and teamwork and communication are necessary now more than EVER before, but Justin is the true star here.  And while some days I feel like I deserve more credit for my "behind the scenes work, " (hey, I am just being honest....mom's, I know you know what I'm talking about!) it is not my time to shine....I've had my time, my moments, my ventures.....it's Justin's turn.  I thank God everyday for the man he placed in my life. I learn so much from him! He is gonna' KNOCK this ball out of the park! I can't wait to share in his success and watch him shine!

Oh, and if you need a quote.......August 1st would be a great day to call! 479-646-9000. You will have THE BEST rep in town!