Last day of school and Dave's Birthday...

Today was the last day of school for my younger two.  It was also McKenlee's last day of middle school so they had the traditional 8th grade dance.  McKenlee was very excited and we shopped for a new dress and had her nails done.  We went to Applebee's for dinner and then Natalie asked for Yogurt Land for dessert.  We had never been before it was pretty neat.  Today was also Dave's Birthday but he didn't get home until  8:30 poor guy so he didn't get to join us.  We did bring him dinner home though and then completely surprised him with a new Ipad.   I don't have much luck with surprising him so I was thrilled that he had no idea.  The look on his face was priceless.  Here's some pictures of our day....

First time at Yogurtland.  

Hannah and Emily (Hannah's sister) joined us.

8th Grade graduation dance.

My little grown up girl.

Natalie helping the birthday boy set up his Ipad.

2013 Rainbow River Day...

Sunday we took another trip to Dunellon,Fl about 2 hours away and had another fantastic day on the Rainbow River. We did this last May too and said we were going to make it back there again before the summer was over. Well, you know what thought did. lol We had such a great time last year we knew when the trip was planned again that we had to be there. We had a much bigger group this time, there were about thirty of us in total. Maybe, this summer we will make it back. I'm really hoping to take Chloe and Charlotte (our French exchange students)when they come visit in July.

Natalie, her boyfriend Thor and Sydnee

McKenlee and her two besties Hannah and Marissa and Marissa's friend Lauren

Dave, Natalie and I in the picnic area.

Boy, floating down that river is really exhausting. LOL 

Me, Mckenlee and my adopted daughters Jacqueline and Hannah. lol

The "gang" on the river.

Me and my bestie.

Jacqueline and I and Sydnee's foot.  Ha Ha

Sydnee and her bestie.

Some of the gang.  We did this same picture last year as we were leaving so some of us were already gone.  Next year we have to take it when we first get there so everyone is in it.

Dinner and a Sunset Cruise...

Back when Dave's parents were here we took a sunset river cruise and enjoyed a meal at the River House Bar and Grill on the Manatee river.  It was a beautiful evening and we really enjoyed the delicious food and beautiful sunset boat ride.  Oh yeah the company was pretty good too.  lol             

Aunt Sharon, me and Natalie...

Always my goofy girl...

Picture taking fools we are...

Pictures on the boat...

Dave and Natalie deep in conversation, well maybe. lol

Me and my guy...

Two of my three beauties.

Dave and I with my in laws.  Oh yeah looking real pretty with the breeze blowing my hair back...NOT

Aunt Sharon and I and a big shout out to my Aunt Sharon for planning it all what a wonderful evening...

Bathroom Update...

The bathroom is almost done it just needs to be sealed and the faucets put back on. I was so proud of Natalie. She worked with her Dad all the way and was a huge help. It was kind of a little bonding time for the two of them which I loved because Natalie has always been kind of a Mama's girl. I am not sure why the pictures came out so yellow looking. The bathroom walls are yellow and it's not super bright in there. I'm hoping that is all it is or maybe even a low battery issue because I'm certainly not ready to replace my camera after this huge expense. LOL What do you think??

McKenlee the photo bomber...Typical, everyone working McKenlee horsing around. lol

Oh yeah, Natalie is real excited about my picture taking.

If looks could kill... lol

   

All done!!!

Almost a month...

Well it has been almost a month since I started my new adventure.  I'm still really loving it and I am so happy report that it is getting a little easier and I feel like I know what I'm doing a little better.  My boss is finally to the point where she feels like she can leave the office for a few hours during the day to go do the marketing part of her job.  This makes me feel really good.  As much as I worry that someone will need something I won't be able to handle, I know she is only a phone call away and I definitely feel more confidant.


Sydnee is home for the summer and is back at the beach working full time.  I'm excited because she is going to start volunteering at my facility.  These volunteer hours will look great on her resume because they are in a rehab center.

Natalie's count down to France has begun and the closer it gets the more excited she is.  I'm so proud of her, she has been doing every babysitting and side job for friends and family she can get her hands on for spending money for the trip.

McKenlee's softball team is wrapping up it's it's season.  The girls still haven't won a game but they are so close only losing by one or two runs.  While a win would be nice I must say having close games at least make them so much fun to watch.  The girls have just improved so much and we are so proud of them.

The school year is almost over for Natalie and McKenlee they have about three weeks left.  They are both doing summer swim team to get them ready for the high school season.  It seems weird to type that because yes, both my younger two will be on the high school swim team next school year.  CRAZY that my BABY is starting high school next year!!!

This weekend will be busy re tiling the girl's bathroom.  This was a job we had no intention of doing anytime soon.  In fact our plan was to do our bathroom shower first as it needed it more but a slow leak that we were not aware of behind the wall made the decision for us.  Last week the plumbers were out fixing the leak and last weekend Dave and Natalie tore out the tile and green board.  Today the plumbers will be back to install the new bath tub.  Needless to say the girl's bathroom has been tore up for over a week now but I keep telling myself that this time next week it will all be done.  By the time this is over it will be close to $2000 that we didn't intend on spending. (Doesn't that just stink)  It's always this way isn't it.  The good news is I did get a raise with my new job.  You know the drill "easy come easy go."

Here's hoping you have a wonderful rest of the week!!!!

My first week...

Well, I finished my first week at my new job and I am so happy to say I LOVE IT!!!  Of course, right now I am in the honeymoon phase and everything is new, exciting, and challenging.  I know that there will be tough days (everyone has warned me) but in spite of all that, I really think I am going to love my job.  I'm not going to lie right now it is very overwhelming and there is so much information to remember and learn but I know this will take time.

I have enjoyed getting out of the house in the mornings.  I have enjoyed dressing up and feeling pretty.  I have enjoyed meeting new people and talking with adults.  LOL

On to other news:

My in laws and Dave's Aunt and Uncle flew back to England on Thursday it was a wonderful visit.  I think they really enjoyed themselves.  I know we enjoyed having them.  We were treated to (among other things) a brand new rubber maid shed. (our last metal one had rotted and fell apart after so many years and we had been storing the lawn mower and accessories and the kids bikes and other shed type items on the lanai so it was nice to be able to move those to the shed again.  THANKS so much Mum and Dad.

 It was so nice having them here because all those little jobs that you put off  forever get done because Dave has the help and guidance to finish things up.

Sydnee has only one more week and a day of school and then she will be home for the summer.  She also managed to sublet her room at her apt to her best friends sister for the month of July so that will be so nice to not have to pay for a month of rent while she's not there.

  If only she could find someone for May and June. lol

 Of course, in her situation that will be almost impossible because quite honestly it has to be someone they all know.  I wouldn't feel comfortable having someone none of the girls knew moving in with the other two while one was away.  Not to mention the fact, this way Sydnee doesn't have to move her bedroom furniture Tori will just use hers.  It's the perfect situation it's just to bad Tori didn't need the room longer than just one month.  :)

Softball is in full swing and McKenlee is enjoying it.  So far the team hasn't won a single game but they have improved so much I am hopeful that a win is on the horizon.  Either way McKenlee is having fun and playing with a great group of girls.  Her coach is awesome too and that always helps.

Natalie has been driving us all over town and I am proud to say is a really good driver.  She takes her test in her driver's ed class this week and is really nervous.  I know she will do just fine.  Even though she will not be able to drive by herself until she turns 16 in September she won't have to take the test again, she will just take her certificate showing she passed the test to the DMV and they will issue her the license.

This is a relief to me because I am not sure if I ever mentioned (because I am sure at the time she was mortified and made me promise not to tell a soul) Sydnee failed her driving test the first time she took it and was devastated.  That car ride home with her crying was tough, I'm hoping that whole situation will be avoided this time around with this certificate.

 Two days after she failed, Sydnee took her test again and passed with flying colors.  I think it was just nerves, but my girl was just broken hearted and swore us all to secrecy.  Of course, almost 4 years later I hope she's ok that I just shared it with um, lets see the 5 people who read my blog.  LOL

Well, that's about all that is new around here.  Hope you have a fantastic weekend....

My next chapter...

Tomorrow is my last day as a home day care provider.  I have a new job.

 I can't believe I just typed that.

 I have a new job outside my home, talking with adults, where I will dress up, and wear make up, and take a shower before nap time.  (I realize I could of done three of these five things in my current job but I didn't, please don't judge. LOL )

Starting Monday April 15th I will be an Admissions Coordinator for a rehabilitation center.  I am so excited about this opportunity.  I cannot wait to start my next chapter.  I can't believe how everything has fallen into  place.  I always said I wanted to get a job when McKenlee started high school.  McKenlee will start high school in four months.  I was able to find wonderful day care homes for my three full timers and even my part timer.  That was so important to me I wanted to make sure that my littles were well taken care of.

I'm excited and looking forward to these new challenges.  I am excited about all the new things I am going to learn.  I'm excited that I will be working with families helping them find the right fit for their loved ones.

This is going to be fantastic, yay me!!!!!