Halloween 09

Was the best one yet

Is it ok to say I'm a genius???

Ok, so maybe not really, but I sure do feel like it.

I have been working in the Life Insurance/Investments feild for a good 10 months now, and FINALLY got my 2 bosses together to send me to the pre-licensing class and then to take my licensing exam.

Took the class at the beginning of the month. Now, I know I'm smart. Not that I'm concedied, but I've always been pretty quick. After the class I felt good about it, because I already have an edge up on any newbies. But I was till HELLA nervous, confident, but nervous.

First of all, I felt like the odds were against me, because 95% of all the people that I've seen take this test since I have been here this year, have had to take it 3 and 4 times, and then just barely passed it with a 73 or 74. Passing is a 70, and these kids were just out of college. I had been telling myself (and everybody else) that I WAS GOING TO pass it my first time. I HAD to, for me.

So yesterday was the big day. I had been studying as much as I could for the past week and re-read everything over the weekend.

I had to drive to the next city over, about an hour away to take it. Lucky I have family there. Got to have lunch with my awesome cousin Hana, and then is was game time. I was so nervous, I couldn't stop shaking. Now this is a pretty big deal. The test center is vidio monitored, you have to be fingerprinted, and can"t even wear a watch to take the test.

After I signed in and was verified to be myself, it was time. It is a timed test (2.5 hours) with 150 questions. Now I said I've been working with Life Insurance, but the test consists of Life, Health, Accident, Annuities, Long Term Care, Medicare, Tax laws, and just General Insurance basics.

I took my time, and read each question carefully. Reviewed the ones I wasn"t 100% sure of, then double checked all of them since I had time to spare. When I hit the button to stop the review, I closed my eyes. My heart was pounding out of my chest and I was sweating, I was in so much anticipation of the results.

When I opened my eyes, I couldn't even find the score. Then I saw it 84%. WAAAAAHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I just about jumped out of my chair I was so excited.

And the best part is now I get to rub it in all the boys faces. Hehehe.

Associate Financial Representative- has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Costume #2

And I think the winner is..............................Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can.

Why

are weekends so short.

I'm gonna start a petition to make 3 day weekends and 4 day work weeks!!

Sounds good to me

Costume #1

So any body that knows us, knows that for about the last year, Andre' has been more than obsessed with dinosaurs. He knows the names to probably more than 20, has upwards of 100 plastic ones at home, movies, books, clothes, anything to do with dinosaurs, this boy was after.

So when I asked him what he wanted to be for Halloween a couple of weeks ago, I was almost 100% positive that he was going to say T Rex. Guess what, he didn't. I guess it's been a couple of months now, that Spiderman has been creeping into the picture. So when he told me he wanted to be Spiderman for Halloween, my first thought was that I'm gonna have to get 2 costumes. 1 of each, so just in case at the last minute he changes his mind, we don't have a complete and total mely down for not having the one that he wants.

Well I found a Spiderman costume on eBay for $4.99 with foam muscles and all, jumped on that deal, and it's in transit over the ocean now. But a couple of days ago, we went to a friend I work withs house, originally to help paint her daughter's room. She has a little boy about the same age as Andre' so when we go over there, they can play while we visit.

We had a couple of drinks, painted one wall, fed the kids dinner, painted the other wall. All while there was a creepy guy in the house that had come over to try to fix her phone. I wasn't leaving until he did. So we hung out, her kids fell asleep and of course Andre' was still up so to not miss a thing. We went in her closet to find a hat, cause today is crazy hat day at school. She comes out with this costume that was made for her daughter when she did pageants a few years back.

He was instantly in love with it. Wore it there, held it on the way home, asked for it when he woke up the next morning, and it rode with him to school, and home that afternoon, he put it on when we walked in the door yesterday, and then wanted to bring it to school today, but we were running late.

We'll see what happens when the Spiderman costume gets to the house;)

Pics from the Springs

We had the most awesome weekend in Hot Springs.

I was worried about what the weather was gonna do, but it held out for us to have some good fun in the sun. We laughed alot, and I realized that My cousin Hana and I have so much in common that it's crazy. I hope we stay close, cause we're only 45 minutes apart.

My Nanny is my idol. I look up to her so much, and I miss the times that we are apart.

Can't wait for the next trip, and cousins weekend coming soon to a theater near you. Haha

I got a feelin'

Wating on the weekend.

We are headed back to Hot Springs for the long Labor Day weekend.

Can't wait. will report back with all the fun when we get back

HAPPY FRIDAY

So glad this week is almost over. It's been a long one.

BBQ at the office today, and a funfilled weekend ahead.

WHOOT WHOOT

New Dentist

So this moring we went for a regular check up for Andre' at a new dentist and it went great.

The dentist that he was previously seeing was great, but they didn't accept my insurance. Now when we first started going there, it was only $40 for a cleaning. That was less than 2 years ago. Now the price for a cleaning has gone up to $125. I just don't have that kind of money to be shelling out, just to look at a 2 and a half year olds set of teeth.

I had to wait until he had his tonsils out, and everything was all healed up before I scheduled another appointment anyway, so I started looking around.

I found one that is right around the corner from where I work and is in the same building that I used to go to the dentist in a few years ago.

It's a really clean place, and the people seemed nice. I'll admit, I was a little nervous, but this morning my mind was put at ease.

We were the only ones there when we arrived and went right back. The dental assistant was very nice and Andre' got a green toothbrush (which is his favorite color) so she scored points right off the bat. He was shy/standoffish at first like always, but then warmed up a little to her.

She told me that it is their goal to make the kids feel as at ease at possible, and not to put too much pressure on them. There are TV's in the rooms, so we put on a cartoon, and just became familiar with the place. She came back in and we talked a bit, of course he brought his dinosaurs in, so we checked their teeth with the mirror and even brushed them.

The dentist then came in and he was very nice as well. Andre' got scared when Dr. Comeaux put the gloves on, cause he thought it was going to hurt. But all he did was look in his mouth, check top, bottom, front and back, and said that every thing looked great, and there were no cavities.

GO US!! I am weird about teeth. I, myself have never had a cavity, and I will do whatever I can to make sure Andre' has healthy teeth. We are off to a good start, and will keep it up.


Picture post to come soon!!

till next time...........................

Another great weekend with the BFF. Can't wait for many more to come

Frisbee

Who knew it was an actual game?

I am so glad that I have re-found a good friend. we used to hang out all the time together, and then life got in the way, so we drifted apart. She was, is, and always will be one of my best friends, and I am so happy that we have reconnected.

I was at her house practically all weekend, and we had an absolute blast. Cooked some good food, drank some cold beer, and played frisbee.

I'll definitely be looking forward to next weekend, and many more in the future. (Now if I can only get my kid to play nice with hers.)

Follow up visit

went AWESOME!!!!!!

She said he is 97% healed. Back to normal life.

So glad everything went better than expected.

PIcs

I wish for the life of me that I could figure out how to move pics around and label them how I want to. If anybody ever reads this and knows how, let me know please. Thanks.

So the top 2 pics are from the wedding reception. Top is Will and TJ, next is Will and Steven.

Third pic is Andre' in his LSU had that Duke and Duchess gave him.

And the last 2 are from surgery day. Last one is before the surgery, and second to last is after the surgery on the way to the car.

Great Weekend

Really had an awesome weekend. Old friends, family, and great fun.

Friday night we layed low. Went to Walmart just to get out of the house, and to get some ingredients for my infamous dip, that I was making Sunday. Watched a movie late, called Streets of Blood. It was set in New Orleans after Katrina, Val Kilmer and 50 cent were cops, trying to get the city under control. Pretty intense, definitely not a kids movie.

Saturday was a wedding for one of my brother's old friends. My brother and his friend Steven were groomsman. I was so proud so see my little guys all grown up into big men. I can't believe that everybody is all grown up. It seems like just yesterday we were all kids running the streets of the old 'hood. I had a blast, and it was great being able to spend time with old friends.

Sunday my Dad came in town and we got together and my Granny's house. Andre' ate too much chocolate, and we had Popeye's. Then a slice of cheesecake that was TOO BIG, but TOO GOOD to pass up.

My brother means the world to me and I am so grateful that we got to spend so much time together this weekend. Love you Parrain Yams.

Then we napped late when we got home, and here we are back to Monday.
Here's to hoping this week goes by fast, so we can have another great weekend

Tonsil free

Wednesday was the big day. I was worried about the anesthesia, but everything went fine. He woke up and wanted the IV out of his hand. And he had wanted to ride in a wheelchair since we saw one Monday, so he got to do that. As soon as we got in the car, he asked if we were going to Toys R Us.

I kept him inside for the most part of 3 days, and he's acting like nothing ever happened. Went to a birthday party Saturday and visited all day at Duke and Duchesses Sunday.

Back to the real world today, school and work - playing catch up.

I got a couple of pics from surgery day, and will upload them soon.

Pre admitted and bloodwork done. Next step is the big one

TGIF

Happy Friday!!

Seems like there is just something different in the air on a Friday. Everyone is in a better mood.

No plans for this weekend YET, but I'm sure I'll be hangin with the BFF on the compound.

I'm kinda bummed though. I started this job in January and really enjoy it. I think I do a pretty good job, and get along great with the people I work with. It is a nationwide company, and we are just one of many offices around the country. Every year they hold an annual meeting at the home office in Milwaukee. I was really excited when I found out about it a few months ago. I was trying everything I could to get my bosses to send me. It would be beneficial to me just to give me a beter understanding of what I'm actually doing now. Not to mention the fact that the 3 girls in the office that I get along with are going, and there will be parties and good times had by all---------except me. Alas, my bosses are slackers and waited until the last minute to book the flight, so I didn't have the money to send myself (which I shouldn't have to do anyway, but that's besides the point).

So they are leaving tomorrow for 5 days, and I'll be stuck here, by my self. SUCKS.

But I do have something else going on next week, and I guess you could call it exciting.

Andre' is having his tonsils out next Wednesday. It all started about a month and a half ago. I noticed that he was clearing his throat more than normal and just so happened to look in his throat, and what do you know. His tonsils are freakin huge, like almost touching huge. I mean, how many times to you actually look in your kids throat, NOT VERY OFTEN.

I called the doctor and went in the next day. He checked for any sign of infection, but didn't find anything. He referred us to an ENT which I absolutly love. She diagnosed him with sinusitus and gave him a round of antibiotics and wanted to see him in a week and a half to see if any of the swelling had gone down. IT HADN'T.

Since he had no other symptoms that I could see, or that I thought had any relevance to his tonsils, I wasn't sure what the next step would be. She gave me an article to read, and explained some things that now made sence. She told me just to keep an eye on him and note any change. I left there thinking that we weren't going to do surgery.

The next day, her surgery coordinator called to set up the surgery...gulp.
I called her back the Monday, and bit the bullet. If he needs them out, it's better to do it now rather than later.

So here we are today. Yesterday I went to the ENT's office to sign the consent forms. Monday morning we'll do the Pre Op at the surgery center. And Wednesday is the big day.

I know he'll be fine, but it's a mother's job to worry.

Be strong my little T Rex. You get to eat ice cream all day;)

They're mad

*UPDATE* I pulled up the snapdragons. They were turning black. But the begonias have come back to life, and my roses are growing likt crazy.



my flowers that is. It has been Hella hot down here.

Yesterday was the first rain we have gotten in almost a month.

and did I mention that it's been HELLA hot. Now I understand that other parts of the country have been hotter than normal, but I don't think that anything compares to Lousisana weather. It ain't the heat, it's the humidity. And a heat index of 110 degrees is never fun.

I am SO looking forward to August (NOT)

MJ

I know that everybody else is talking about this, but seriously, how can you not.

He was THE KING of our day. I am so sad by his loss. I think there is a Michael Jackson song for everytime in my life. I can remember dancing and singing with my little brother in our parents living room. and that was 15-20 years ago. And then, just a couple of months ago, me and a couple of girls put Thriller on the juke box and danced to it in the middle of the dance floor.

He was theabsolute GREATEST and I don't think the musicians of today would be where they are with out his influence on the world.

His music will live on forever................

and just because

He's my favorite

Who knew

that I was a barber.

Not too shabby for a first time with the clippers.

I figured why not make a one time purchase that we could use over and over again. I mean, I spend $20 at the barber every month, and he has cried in the chair 4 out of the 5 times. So I decided to give it a go.

Set him up on a chair with his booster seat in te middle of the living room floor. Laid a big blanket on the floor underneath his chair and went to town. He did whine a little, but he let me put the cape on him which was a good sign, because he doesn't like hair on his neck at all. Now, one thing about the cape is that it's plastic, well he tried to cover his face with his hands (and the cape) and I was afraid he was gonna suffocate himself. So I gave him a washclosh to hold over his face and it worked out great.

Now keep in mind, I didn't go to Barber school, but I think I did a pretty good job. There are a few places that could be touched up, but not so bad that we can't save it for next time.

Whew

All is well. Mom did great in surgery. We went by last night and she was awake and felling better already.

I was worried about how Andre' would react to seeing her in a hospital bed, but he was awesome. Duke and Duchess were there as well as Genie, so he was distracted from just Sugar. THen Parrain came and Andre' was so excited to see him.

She'll be in there for a couple of days so I know where we'll be after work, but I'm glad that everything worked out beautifully. She'll be around for a long time and I couldn't be happier.

Love you more than you know Mom.

**Update** She's out, still in recovery, but doing fine

Today my Mom is having surgery. I know she's in good hands and she'll be fine, but I can't help but worry a little.

If everyone can say a little prayer that everything goes off without a hitch.

Thanks

So I noticed that the picture I have in my previous post of my house is from right when we moved in. I have made some wonderful improvements to the curb appeal, and I am really enjoying getting my hands dirty.

I planted them back in April and they are really blossoming. I love coming home and seeing a new rose blooming. Of course I had a helper, he's awesome.

MAN, look at the difference!! The first picture was taken yesterday and the others are from wen we first planted in late April.

It's been a while

Wow, it really has. You know those times when life just takes over and it's hard to get out.

It's really not that bad, just been busy.

We are doing better than ever these days. At a job that I love, in the perfect little house with my son, and loving every minute of it.

Alot of things have changed since the last time we spoke. I am still at the same job now, for about 5 months, and I am really enjoying it. I'm learing new things everyday, being shown wonderful opportunities and love (most) of the people I work with.

Andre and I moved into our own little house. We have made it home and I absolutely love it.

Just outside of the city, but not too far away. Simply perfect.

He also started at "school". Yes I know he's only 2and a half, but we call it school. It's a fairly small day care, with no more than about 45 kids, ranging from 1 to 4 years old. Now he was already a clever child, but now you can just see his little mind grasping concepts and being wonderfully inquisitive. I love my guy more than words can say. He's still all about dinosaurs, and he is REALLY intense about them. He knows so many names of them it's unimaginable fora 2 year old. My future palentologist.

Here's a few pics just to catch you up.>>>>>>>>>>Ok, I have really got to figure out how to get the pics where I want them.

I am alive

I don't know how many thought that I wasn't, but this is reassurance to those that may have been checking up on me.

I am doing fine, just been starting a whole new chapter of my life the last couple of months.

I moved.
I got laid off.
I took a month off.
Then came Birthday,
Christmas,
New Years.
Got a new job.

And here we are today. I started a new job in the Financial Industry a couple of weeks ago. I have never before done any sort of work like this, so it's basically like learning a whole new language. I am picking up rather quick, and am really enjoying it so far.

Andre' is doing great. He's two years old now, speaking complete sentances and is loving him some dinosaurs. About two weeks before Christmas, we were helping my Mom get out all the decorations and the tree, when we came across some of my brother's old toys from 15 years ago. Low and behold the bins were FULL of Dinosaurs. I'm not talking just a few. I'm talking like twenty of these things, and Andre' hasn't let them go since.
AND we can't forget about Shrek. For Christmas he got the three disk set and I'll be sure he has watched at least one everyday since Christmas. I Love it. He's growing into his own little person and it's freaking adorable.

I'll be back soon with pictures and more updates, but for now................

Au revoir

Marie