Just Like Daddy

Last night I wished I had a video camera, some type of camera handy. I mentioned in my previous blog that he has been like a little kid in a toy store. Each day he comes home with some new police stuff and rushes to his room to try it on and piece everything together. Really cute. =) Anyway, Brayden was watching him assemble his duty belt last night and string all his gear onto it. Brayden was fascinated by all of the gadgets and kept watching him and trying to play with each of the pieces of gear. He said he was going to be just like his Daddy someday. Then he started asking AJ why he had a gun and why he had a big stick on his belt. AJ mentioned that it was for the bad guys. His exact words were, " Daddy.. there are bad guys in this world?" Aww... to be 5 again. =)

This and That

I have been spending the week running around getting appointments done before I head to my new job next week. I have all of the kids supplies and uniforms purchased. I am hoping to organize their room before the end of the weekend.

AJ has been working at the police station each day. He is like a kid in a toy store. He comes home with new gadgets each day and is just so happy. He gets up an hour before he has to leave to get dressed, eat breakfast, and hang out. He would normally roll out of bed.

I'm trying to soak in having him home each evening as I know that is coming to an end. We won't have a schedule like this for a very very long time. Most likely when he gets his schedule in March he will be second or third shift with two days off during the week. Up to that point he will be roatating between 5 shifts and various days off. Yes.. scheduling anything involving him is going to be a nightmare.

Oh well.. we have done it before. At least he is home. I have to admit I am nervous about balancing it all next week when I start my new job. But, we always make it work somehow. We may just be up to our necks in laundry and dishes by the weekend, but at least he will be home then to help!

I have to appointments today and want to get started doing the deep cleaning on my house. I also have two more chapters of a book to read.

Rock Band Video

Video from today...

AJ's Big Day!

AJ had his official swear in with PPD today. It was a wonderful ceremony and it brought tears to my eyes to see him finally get this goal accomplished. He has wanted this since the day he was discharged from active duty back in 2000.

More Details

It is early Saturday morning. Ok, early after being out up until 1:15. AJ and got a date night last night. Our friend Jeff, came out and watched the boys so we could meet up with one of AJ's old Marine Corps buddies that lives in Chicago and another Marine couple. We meet at the local grill your own steak restaurant. We then went downtown for some drinks, where some other friends came and joined us. It was nice to just sit, relax, and enjoy some drinks on a warm July night. It has really been crazy the past month. I gave my notice yesterday to my teaching job, it didn't go as planned, and I was just drained emotionally. I hate good-bye's. So, luckily I didn't have to go through the big production. I sent an Email out to all of my coworkers and will see them all when my boys go back to school. I emptied out my room yesterday afternoon and turned in my keys. I thought it would be sad, but I really was ready.

To back track... I decided back in January I was going to start looking for jobs. We didn't know what AJ was going to do for sure, so I started exploring options with the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps started hiring civilians for their family readiness positions. I would have loved the job, because I do it as a volunteer now. At the time, I was feeling like superwomen. I was in my wife of a deployed Marine mode, I can do anything mode. When he is deployed, I get a little more adventurous then I may normally be. I can't explain it. Anyway, I look back on it now( I still get calls for interviews) that it would not have been good for the boys.

So, I knew I now had marketable skills and could branch out and get away from teaching. It is not that I didn't like teaching, I just got burned out. It is so hard to have school age children and then teach all day. Especially when you teach the ages that your kids are. You are teacher all day, then teacher when you get home for homework. It doesn't stop. I know that 8 years ago, I was a much more patient person. As I approach 30, I knew I needed a change.

So, I started looking at other things I could do locally. Luckily, our economy here in Central Illinois is still booming with Caterpillar and the hospitals. It is one of the few cities with housing growth. (The company I am going to work for is only down 10% from last year. ) Not bad in a time of such economic hardship.

Anyway.. I applied and tested at Caterpillar. I even interviewed and got called back for a 3. The job would have been a major pay cut and I just wasn't wanting to go back financially. So, I turned it down and told the lady that called me to only call me if a job came across that amounted to what I was making teaching. ( I didn't say it like that.. but I didn't get a call again.)

I started searching and searching a few hours a day. I applied for an admissions position at the university I attended and was upset that I wasn't even called for an interview. I think I maybe heard from 2 of the 30-40 jobs I put in my resume for.

I started looking into doing more administrative things. Learning that administrative assistants make more then the average catholic school teacher and are in pretty high demand. I was casually looking online one day, pretty much giving up hope, when I came across a job that was listed as Marketing/Administrative support for busy Real Estate office.

AJ and I had looking at the real estate websites pretty heavily and I started thinking that it would be cool to learn more about the business. I put off sending my resume for a few days. Then, I debated about sending it. I got a call the next day for an interview. I asked the lady that called me if she knew anything more about the job description, as the listing was brief. I didn't want to waste their time or my time if it wasn't going to be something that would be comparable to my salary or if it was a basic job. She didn't know anything about the position. I called AJ and discussed it with him. He was a bit upset that I hadn't talked to him about applying for this job. ( I explained to him that I didn't tell him everything. =) )I usually do tell him everything.
But, something told me to send the resume and to go on the interview.

I went to the interview and really didn't know what I was in for. It was 90 degrees and I was in a business suit. When I walked in, I saw a former parent of a student I taught when I was just learning to be a teacher. She was excited to see me and said she just had to talk to me when she saw my resume. It turns out that they got a ton of resumes and I was the only one they called because she knew me and knew what kind of a person I was. Anyway, they went into how they wanted me to work on the website, marketing, advertising and eventually selling real estate. What??? I had maybe thought about it at one time, but never seriously looked into it. I was pretty excited, yet scared because the housing market is in a decline. I asked her about the decline and she assured me that they are down 10% but that the team will get there by the end of the year. I kept hearing team and how she wanted to train me. I knew that was an environment that I wanted to be in. I felt very blessed that I left with her letting me meet everyone and we talked salary.

Last week was the longest week of my life. I was recovering from my wisdom teeth and had tons of time to think. I had to think about the added tuition I would now pay not having my discount. I had to think about what to do with the boys for the next 6 weeks. How would I balance everything with AJ being gone? Did they really want me? Why wasn't I hearing?

I sent them all thank you notes and kept in touch with one of the men that interviewed me via E-mail. I finally got frustrated after not hearing back from then when they said they would. So, I E-mailed him again and asked if there had been a decision about my candidacy. Turns out he told me that they loved me and wanted me to start, but they were figuring out logistics. They set up another meeting. Going into the meeting, I felt like I had the job. (Positive Thinking. Positive Thinking.) But, didn't want to go in over confident because I felt like I was so blind going into the first interview. Not to mention, I was walking into my second interview with a huge bruise on my face.

I started my interview by joking about my face and telling them how we were laughing all week that AJ was going through his background phase and that police were probably following us around wondering what in the heck was going on at our house. They said they saw that I was a bit blindsided in the interview, and wanted to make sure I was good with everything. They were very supportive of my family and me not missing things. I will work a 40 hour week and there will be occasional weekend and evening things to do. Some that the boys can do with me and some that I will have to juggle. Anyway, I just felt that this was the challenge that I needed. It will give me knowledge that I can use for the rest of my career days. I knew I would never retire from teaching. I feel differently about this position. I always have had an interest in the business world, and I feel so blessed to get this opportunity.

Ok. So now that I have rambled and rambled. I am very happy with my decision. My nervous stomach is slowly going away. I am a creature of habit and security. This is venturing outside of that security and comfort, but I know it will all work out as everything else is falling into place.

Not Everyday...

It's not everyday you get stuck in road blocks set up for the President of the United States. The President was in town today supporting a local representative. I just missed seeing the motorcade by 5 minutes. It was a cool thing to see. I didn't know Peoria had so many police officers. Especially ones that road around on golf carts!

Here is a link: http://www.pjstar.com/breaking/x223017006/BUSH-IN-PEORIA-Fund-raiser-at-Weaver-Farms

My grandma asked me what I would say to the president if I saw him. That's a tough one...

New Chapters

I can finally tell you all that I have accepted a new position. I am going to be working for a local realtor here in the Peoria area. I will be working on their website and marketing, eventually selling for them. It was very sad to give my notice today to my teaching job after 7 years, but I know that I am moving on to bigger and better things. More later...

Fit Flop

A few months ago on Oprah, I saw the debut of the Fit Flop! Absolutely perfect for me.. because I hate tennis shoes and would rather wear flip flops to Everything! So, have been waiting all summer hoping the price would come down. The price never really did.. but I broke down and got a pair. I have been waiting and waiting and wish they would get here! They are suppose to give your legs and backs support while toning your legs. Yes!

Here is the link: http://www.thefitflop.com/

Cleaning and Trashing

Well, after being off of work for almost 2 months. I decided yesterday that I needed to get moving and get somethings done. Two big projects for the summer were to clean out the attic and the side porch. I have a TON of stuff for Goodwill. I needed to sort through tubs and move things around so that I can take the stuff in. I was amazed the crap that we had in the attic. Old care packages stuff that was donated, old medicine cabinet stuff, my old stuffed animals, old blankets and comforters, old textbooks, and old projects from my college days. I had the boys making several trips to the garbage cans with stuff. I even took a pile of stuff and put it by the road. I warned the boys that if anyone drove by to take the stuff.. to let them. They thought it was pretty neat that people came by and took our old stuff. Brayden called it a free garage sale. That is exactly what it was.. no time or energy for a garage sale, so it's all FREE! The new rule in our house is that if we haven't used it in a year.. It's gone! No more pack ratting.

Why?

I have a certain liking for all things dealing with military and military families. I mentioned before that I became a member of Netflix. Love it! I am the worst about getting rented movies back, so I simply order all the movies I want to see and they send me 3 at a time. Anyway.. I wanted to watch a movie about an Army Husband left behind and losing his wife in Iraq. It is called Grace is Gone. She dies in Iraq and he struggles with how to tell his two daughters that she is gone. AJ started to watch it with me and then he said it was pretty much like torture and got up to play Rockband =) (Yes.. he has become quite the Rockband star. ) Anyway, it was like torture. I cried the whole entire time. I just couldn't imagine being the Dad and being left behind. Also, all of my worst fears when AJ was gone were played out. So, although it was a good movie filled with emotion, it just touches to close to home and I really wish I wouldn't have watched it. Oh well. I have also rented The Kingdom. Aj has seen it and says it is good. It is about the conflict in Iraq. So, we will see.

My Hero

Well, you all know that AJ is my Hero. He continuea to amaze me everyday with his enthusiasm, his hard work, and his dedication for all he does. AJ was nominated for Engineer of the Year with the Marines before leaving Iraq. We found out he is a finalist. I have never seen him so excited.. well beside getting his offer this week. Life is good for him and no matter if he gets it or not, I am so honored to call him my Husband!

Interesting...

Just what I needed to start my day! Ok.. so I have to admit that I do check my horoscope from time to time. Today, I did my normal talking to God, but decided to venture to my favorite horoscope searching spot just to see what it said. This is what I got! Hmm.. interesting.

Scorpio - July 24, 2008The changing celestial configurations are encouraging you to ponder your purpose in life, dear Scorpio. You should find many possibilities and opportunities to finding some sort of balanced course towards attaining your professional and personal goals. Don't rule out the spiritual side of things, and don't be reluctant to imagine far-fetched solutions; this is a time of great transformations.

It's Official!

Aj got the call today he is officially a P Police Department Recruit. He is sworn in Monday morning. Yeah!

Snorkeling Pictures

Our tour guide, Hugo. He got a big tip for getting us safely in and out of the water. =)
AJ yelling at me to get in. I had to ask if anything was below.
Hugo stiring up a sea snake.

I am finally updating our snorkeling pictures from Cancun.

Recovery

My wisdom teeth recovery has gone pretty well. As you can tell, I have a lovely bruise on my face and some swelling. The pain has been pretty good. I tried to venture out today and went to see Wall E with AJ and the boys and we ran some errands. I am thinking I may not have been fully up for it just yet. I am now pretty sore and wore out. I think I will crash for the rest of the evening.

Here is a picture of the bathroom mirror from Big Lots ($10.00).

Keegan spent some of his left over Birthday money on Rock Band for the Wii. The boys are trying to figure out how it works. I think AJ was just as excited to get it. For those of you who don't know what Rock Band is, it is a guitar, drums, and microphone that hooks into the video game system. I know... what in the heck where we thinking. But, anything to get them to play together. They both love music.. so we will see.

Our Puggle, Duke, wondering what the heck the boys have now.

Pictures From Last Weekend's Wedding

Mission Accomplished..Operation Wisdom Teeth

Operation Wisdom Teeth is done. I can say that I never have to do that again. I went for the Valium, nitrous (laughing gas), and locals. In 20 minutes I was in and out. I am feeling pretty good. I have had some applesauce and some Tylenol with codeine, and will start putting ice packs on so I don't look even more like a chipmunk. Anyway... my day will be filled with soft food, meds, ice packs, and TV.

I had to chuckle a bit going into this surgery. About 12 years ago, I had my first set of wisdom teeth removed. At that time just Valium and local. AJ was on his first deployment and I was in CA. My friend Mary took me and stayed with me. Mary reads my blog regularly.. so I wanted to make sure she knew she was thought of today and I remember her taking me and staying with me in AJ's place. Just an example of how strong military wives become. * Love ya Mary*.

Quick Update

I have to apologize for the lack of updates this week. Life has been blissfully boring. AJ went back to the drill center this week. He signed his 3 year reenlistment which will take us to 15 years when complete. We are still waiting on his final offer from the PD. He got his medical results back and all seems well. He does have high cholesterol, which he will have checked out today. He wasn't happy about the possibility of taking meds, but realizes he might since he already has a decent diet and exercises. I am having my last two wisdom teeth out tomorrow. So, I will be down for the next few days. I'd rather not have it done, but I have been putting it off long enough. Keegan and Brayden have had many baseball games the past few weeks, and the end is in sight! That's it for now.

A thought for the day...

It's so funny how when you are not expecting it, something falls into your lap. Stay tuned for more information.

Up Early

My lovely furry children had me up at 7 a.m. So, instead of crawling back over AJ.. I decided to stay up and enjoy the peace and quiet of he morning without grumpy non furry children. That lasted about 10 minutes, but better then nothing. We have been so bad around here and find ourselves still in bed until 9 or later sipping coffee and watching the news. AJ's time off has been a true blessing. I don't think I have done two handfuls of laundry since he has been home. Amazing the things he missed ( like loading the dishwasher, washing his own clothes, and vacuuming.) I have truly been spoiled. He has been busy getting our bathroom completely done. We have one corner of floor to put in and just a little paint touch up. We decided to take out the ugly med. cabinet and put in a cheap framed mirror. ($10 at Big Lots.) We still have a handful of projects and have decided to have a realtor come the last week of July. We still are not sure what we will do about moving, but we want to get an idea of what we can expect to get from the house and what we need to be doing.

AJ is back to the Marine Corps for the next few weeks. Then he should be leaving for his Police Training the first week in August. He will be an hour and half away and home on weekends. That will certainly take some getting used to again. I think we all won't know what to do with ourselves when he heads back to work next week. The boys and I still need to get to the town pool and to the local water park. So, that is on our list. Not to mention two kiddo movies.

We are heading out of town for a wedding. One of AJ's Marines is getting married and asked AJ to be on the sword detail. It should be beautiful. It will be nice to have one last weekend by ourselves. Next weekend, I am scheduled to have my last two wisdom teeth out. So, AJ gets to baby me. =) I hope you all are well. I know I have lots of catching up to do with all of you. Don't forget to leave me a note if your reading. =)

Beach and Sparklers!

Time with Mamaw

Brady and Mamaw always have special talking time. I caught them talking about the Moon here. He also tried on her wig. When she was down helping my parents with the kids, the Brady told her to go put her hair back on. Now he doesn't mind her without her hair.

4th of July Fun

My whole family went to my Mamaw's house in MI for the 4th of July weekend. We all had a wonderful time and enjoyed our Mamaw. She looks wonderful and is the cutest baldy I know. We are confident her treatments are working. We will know more in a few weeks. Here are some pictures from the weekend. My 5 year old took most of them, so I apologize for the fuzziness.

Me and My Mamaw

My youngest sister Jodi and Mamaw

My Mom, Jodi, Mamaw

My Mom, Dad, and Mamaw

Almost there..

AJ got great news, 1 day early. He passed his psych evaluation for the police department. He has his physical on Monday. So, after that everything should be finalized. We came up to MI yesterday. We got some good pool time in today. My whole family is coming up in the next few days. It will be fun to have everyone here together. Hope you all are getting to have family get togethers during the 4th weekend!