The Dickerson Domicile

Jury Duty

2012-02-07T09:55:00.001-07:00

What a week it has been already! Between the almost 2 feet of snow over the weekend, being called for jury duty on Monday, having to go back on Tuesday (without knowing if I am actually on a jury) and more snow this morning, it has been eventful already. So currently I am sitting in the jury waiting room, waiting for instructions. I wish I was at home, snuggled under the covers with my Hun.

My goal this week is to be greatful for everything I have. I truly believe that if you complain about what you don't have, than you only bring negativity to you. Being positive always helps make you feel better and in turn, brings more happiness into your life. This being greatful thing is harder than you might think! My first step is to really think about what I am thinking. Is this thought positive and helpful? Or is it negative? Then I either continue the thought (positive) or change the thought (negative). So I will start with my first greatful thought: I am greatful I have a working car to take me where I need to go.

What are you greatful for?

Imbolc

2012-02-02T20:52:00.002-07:00

What a great day. Imbolc is such a special holiday for a few reasons. First, it is the first Sabbat of the year and second it means that spring is on its way. Mother earth is beginning to wake up and is getting ready for Ostara when spring is in full bloom. Tonight to celebrate Imbolc, Vern, Ron and CaLeigh came over to join Bill, William and I for dinner and for a ritual. We explained to the children what Imbolc was about and why we celebrate it. Overall, the children did very well. They were rather frigidity, but they are only 8 years old. My goal for this year is to bring back spirituality not only in my life, but my families as well. I have some really great ideas for how to do that and I am really going to work on bringing it to life. This also involves actually decorating my house and making it feel like a home instead of a place we come to sleep and eat. When I think about it too long it feels overwhelming, but it also feels very exciting. I am going to try and track my progress here on the blog. I feel like it will be nice to come back at the next Imbolc to see how far I came and if I was able accomplish my goals.

Bright Blessings!

Bed time

2012-01-09T22:46:00.002-07:00

Bed time is the hardest time of the day. Every other time during the day, I can get by.

Bill should have landed in Addis about 45 minutes ago. I hope everything is ok. I probably won't be able to hear from him until the morning (our time). I think that will make sleeping tonight just as difficult and restless as last night.

One Hard Day

2012-01-08T21:11:00.002-07:00

What a hard day, and I am so glad it is almost over. Bill left for Ethiopia today. He will be gone 10 days. Doesn't sound like a long time, until he actually leaves. Then it seems like forever. He found out he would be leaving at noon on Friday. That meant that we spent as much time together between Friday afternoon and Sunday at 5:00pm as possible. I spent most of the time super emotional. Every time I would start to think about him leaving, I would start to cry. I hate crying. I knew that I had to be strong for William, so I really tried not to ball my eyes out in front of him. I think I did a pretty good job. The hardest part was dropping him off at the airport and driving away. All I wanted to do was put him back in the car and go home. It really felt like I was missing part of myself. Bill and I spend SO much time together (being married AND working together) that spending any time apart is very strange for both of us. I know I am a strong person and that I can make it just fine while he is gone, but it doesn't make me miss him any less. EVERYTHING about my day tomorrow (and the next, and the next, etc) will be different. Driving to work, being at work, driving home, being at home. So right now, I am going to snuggle in bed with my puppy dog and try and get some sleep. Here is to hoping that January 18th (at 11:50am) comes REALLY quickly.

What a week!

2011-02-02T11:41:00.002-07:00

What a week it has been! The weekend was wonderful. Weather was in the 60's and sunny. Then Monday hit and the snow started first thing in the morning. We only received a few inches, but the temperature dropped fast. We got word that William and CaLeigh's after school program would be closing at 4:00 (instead of 6:00). With a quick scramble, Vernie was able to get off work early and pick them up. Then came the email that Tuesday would be a snow day. All the schools in the Denver area were going to close the next day due to sub zero temperatures. The high for Tuesday was only suppose to be 0 and the low was suppose to be -20!! Can you believe it?! Bill started to not feel good Monday night and by Tuesday he was sick! Thankfully he had a snow day too, so he stayed with the kids. I had to go to work, but got off a bit early. Came home to find that the kids were going to have another snow day on Wednesday and Bill was worse than when I left him! Here we are on Wednesday and I am home taking care of Bill and the kids. I took Bill to the Take Care Clinic at Walgreens and he has strep. So he is currently upstairs in the room and has taken antibiotics. I ended up taking the whole day off as there is too much to worry about at home. I have done some school work with the kids and now it is time to bleach the house so no one else gets strep. That stuff has a way of infecting everyone in the house.

On a separate (kind of) note, I am really enjoying staying at home. I feel so much more relaxed and feel like I am doing what I need to. I always feel bad when I have to leave Bill at home or the kids at home. I feel worse when I have to ask (or pay) someone else to take care of them. I have been seriously thinking about selling my own body care line, but I know it will be a long road. The hardest part is thinking of a name! What do I call it? If anyone has any thoughts, LET ME KNOW!! I am going to be looking into grants or small business loans to get it started. We just don't have the capitol to make it happen right now. I really feel like this is my calling though. Combine the things I enjoy the most. Creating things and staying at home. What could be better?!?!

My hun

2010-12-24T21:25:00.001-07:00

Me and my hun. He is the most wonderful husband ever. *sigh*

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My brother and me!

2010-12-24T21:16:00.001-07:00

Hanging out after eating some dinner.

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Happy Holidays!

2010-12-20T20:28:00.002-07:00

The holiday season has always been slightly stressful, however this year, more so. With the resent move to Colorado, me getting a job and Bill not having one. I am really happy to be in Colorado, but it can be hard to see the light through the stress. My family has been truly awesome this whole time. Bill has been a super trooper (sorry, now the ABBA song is running in my head), William has been an awesome little boy, Vern, Ron and CaLeigh have been really supportive and my family in Tucson has always been there to listen and help whenever possible (my mom especially). Not sure I would have gotten this far without my awesome mother's support and daily talks. Although it can be depressing to see everyone going out to buy really nice gifts for each other, I have to get passed it. I have done some serious thinking and I really am getting some of the best gifts possible. I have a job, my son continues to be awesome, my husband continues to persevere and my whole family will be together this Christmas. In the end, that is all I really want. Happy Holidays to everyone. Hope your holidays are as good as mine. :)

The kids Halloween costumes.

2010-11-02T10:24:00.001-06:00

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Nice Sunday

2010-10-24T20:00:00.002-06:00

With Bill working Saturday's lately, Sunday's are always welcomed. Leigh was nice enough to take both kids today, so Bill and I got a day to ourselves. Vern and Ron went to a convention for gamers that was held in Denver. Bill and I started our day at REI. Found some awesome things, most we couldn't afford. We did pick up a few things that we had wanted or seen a really good deal on. After that, it was on to Mountain Sun for lunch. Bill had a beer (Cleveland Brown) and I stuck with water (ok, with sips from Bill's beer). Bill had a burger that I am sure was put on the menu just for him; Mushroom/Swiss Burger and I had a hummus and veggie sandwich. We then walked off lunch on Pearl St. (with a slight stop at Ben and Jerry's scoop shop). We drove around Boulder a bit and then decided to head back to Denver (Englewood, really) to go to Isis. Bill was starting to feel tired, but I was still going strong! I bought a few things in Isis that I couldn't leave without (including a new essential oil). Vern and Ron picked up the kids and met us back home. Finished the day with frozen pizza's and Bill wanted more ice cream. Now, just winding down, filling out paperwork for William's new after-school program and watching a show about the end of the world.

Good news, the after-school program at William and CaLeigh's school just informed us that they have 2 slots open! Means we have to pay some more money than we are currently paying (which is nothing), but the kids seem to be really excited about going. We have heard really good things about the program, so hopefully it will live up to it.

Still looking for a job. Sent out a bunch of applications last week. This week? Going to call them and check-up. Might also stop by a temp agency to see if I can get some work while I am waiting for another job. :( Not really looking forward to going back to work, but the bills must be paid and food must be put on the table. Who knows. I might just find something really cool...

Well, I should get back to the paperwork for tomorrow. I will let ya'll know how it goes! G'night!

New surroundings

2010-10-21T19:23:00.002-06:00

Well, now that It has been about a week and a half, we are just now beginning to feel settled into the new house. The Dickerson Domicile packed its bags and moved headquarters to Broomfield, Colorado. Dickerson Domicile has also now sharing space with the Blessing Bullpen. Personnel has managed to meld well, even Zoi (dog) and Morgana (cat) are for the most part, peacefully ignoring each other. The house itself is great; Ron and Bill did a wonderful job picking it out for us. The three adults reside upstairs while the kids have the basement. If the basement will be successful or not is still up in the air, but it finally could be leaning in their favor.

The kids enjoy school and are lucky enough to have different teachers. There are a total of 5 1st grade classrooms, so the chance of them getting the same teacher was slim to begin with. The parents felt this was a wise choice as they are already sharing a room and too much sharing for their tiny six year old brains might just prove to be too much.

Vern and I are getting the hang of the cooking down. We haven't decided if we will trade nights or just co-cook. We have kind of gone both ways and we have eaten every time so it might be hard to decide. The final decision might happen when one of us finally gets a job. Vern seems to be very excited about the idea of working again and I have to say, I am enjoying myself. It doesn't mean that I am not looking and putting in applications, just saying.

And the part that always makes moving such a great time is when you get strep right after you get there. Just getting over it now and starting to feel better. I have yet to manage more than one meal a day, but figure that my waist line isn't hurting yet. It finally has gotten to a point that swallowing normal liquid doesn't suck to much.

Well, as we speak, the laundry is siting in the dryer waiting to be put away. I will attempt to post pictures (if I can remember to take them and remember how to post them).

Night to all

C

Vacation time!

2009-12-28T21:45:00.002-07:00

Well, with the holidays almost over, Bill and I decided that it would be a good time for a small vacation. Nana wanted to see William and spend some time with him, and Zoi wanted to run around RaRa and Bubba's house for the weekend. Bill and I decided that we wanted to go to Payson, AZ to see the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Even though it is very much winter (snow on the ground)and part (ok, most) of the park was closed, we were able to see each of the view points that over looked the natural bridge and hike the trail that went to the bottom. The park ranger said that during the summer time, they allow people to walk on the rocks under the bridge. However this time of year, they say it is too dangerous. The rocks under the bridge were icy and there were huge (twice the size of a person)icicles hanging from the top of the bridge. While we were on the trail, we watched one fall and crash onto the rocks below. We took a bunch of pictures and plan to return in the summer time, when more of the park is open. It was difficult to come back to the desert and leave all those beautiful trees. It was refreshing for both Bill and I. We very much enjoy the woods and we realized how much we both miss it.

Today was a day of relaxing and hanging out with the family. Spent this morning with Mom and Dad, then took William and CaLeigh home to wait for CaLeigh's mom to pick her up. Bill and I both have one more day off before we have to return to work. I know that it will be hard for me, as I enjoy the house and being with the family.

Today, I am thankful for being able to take a vacation and renew myself with the energy to keep going. Between now and the new year, I will be forming some goals for myself to accomplish.

Hope everyone else is doing well and your holiday's were relaxing :)

Strange week

2009-05-29T08:28:00.002-06:00

Wow. It is Friday. Thank goodness. It has been a super strange week for the Dickerson domicile. Monday, Bill, mom and I went to IKEA in Tempe. Mom and I went and bought things while Bill and William went to a karate store in the Phoenix area. It worked out well for both groups as Bill did not have to be subjected to looking at Tupperware, dishes, pots and pans. Tuesday and Wednesday, Bill and I both took off work and did couple things. We enjoyed that a lot. Well Thursday I was suppose to go back to work. I get to my first appointment and find I have a flat tire due to a wonderful screw. The place I was at was able to pump my tire enough that I could get to a tire shop and get it fixed. While that was happening, William's nana called and said that her friend that is visiting has to go to urgent care and it would be really great if we could pick him up. We get home with William and start chilling out when Bill starts to not feel good. Well they always say that bad things happen in three's. I am just happy that I have had my three and we can move on. I ended the day on a good note though. William and I went to Mom and Dad's house to have dinner. The kids played in the pool while Mom and I supervised. Bill stayed home and slept for 14 hours. I guess it is what he needed. He says he is feeling better today. So today strangely feels like both Monday and Friday for me. Hmmm...I guess I will just take it as it comes.

Until then...

Whew

2009-05-26T17:15:00.003-06:00

Wow, has time flown by. Life has been crazy in the Dickerson domicile and I have not had time to update this beast. Work has been very crazy for both Bill and I. One of my co-workers is going on maternity leave, so we have been working hard to prepare for that. William is signed up for kindergarten in August (scary!!!!!).

Bill and I have a new project that has such potential. We have been working with a good friend to open a martial arts studio / family center. It has consumed almost every waking moment and though recently. It is starting to form and Bill and I are very excited about it. I don't want to tell too much of the detail yet, but I promise that I will post the logo and more details soon.

William went on his first field trip today with the summer program that he is enrolled in. They went swimming at a local pool. The teachers said that William did a great job and was a 'model citizen'. I would like to pause here for a 'proud mama moment'...Thank you for waiting. I guess all of those days drilling rules into his head actually worked. Shocking.

So, today I was able to link my twitter and facebook accounts together. I feel proud because I did it with only a little help. I was also able to hook up my speakers to my computer all by myself. Those two items have needed to get done for weeks...now on to the cleaning.

All is well that ends well. That is it, at least for now. Planning on seeing the new Star Trek movie tonight with Bill and Bj. William is going to nana's tonight. She called us at the last minute and asked us if she could take him...twist my arm.

Until then...

Fun Weekend

2009-03-23T21:24:00.002-06:00

This weekend was fun. On Friday I was able to have some alone time. Bill went bowling (Friday night bowling league) and William went to Oma and Opa's house. I should have used the time to clean the house and fold clothes, but sitting on the couch watching 'Medium' sounded SO much better. Saturday morning, Bill, BJ and I went to the sale at Summit Hut. Every year they have a 'parking lot sale' where they put all of the last years models on sale for up to 75% off. You can get some really good deals. This year they went all out and brought in reps from big companies, BBQ stand (ick for me, yum for others) and non profit organizations that support hikers and such. Both Bill and BJ picked up backpacks made by Camelbak. They will be used for 'day hikes' and can hold a lot of water. They got them for like 60% off. I was able to not have a panic attack despite the millions (or felt like) of people that wanted to stand in my bubble and be in my space (AHHHH!!!!) After that we went to pick up William for Oma and Opa's house where we learned that William shaved two spots on his head with Opa's beard trimmer because he 'wanted a haircut like daddy's'. There really is no way to make it 'go away' without shaving his head and it is agreed that William would look like a chemo patient if that happened. We all went to lunch at 'Sweet Tomatoes' (big salad buffet place) and I filled up on yummy salad. Bill even said he liked it. It was good because everyone could have what they wanted.

Sunday, me, Bill, William, Vern, Ron, CaLeigh and two of their friends went to the Renaissance Fair that is held in Arizona every year. It was the first time the kids were big enough to go and enjoy it. I think they had a lot of fun. We took some pictures that I will (hopefully) post soon. Most of us dressed up in costume. Bill and I have our own costumes and I was able to share some of my parts that I had with Vern. William dressed up like a pirate with a homemade pirate costume. CaLeigh dressed up as a fairy in a costume that was also put together. They loved the idea of dressing up on a day that was not Halloween and had so much fun telling everyone what they were dressed as (it was obvious, but...). I think it is something the children will enjoy even more as they get older.

Here we are at Monday. Not much exciting happenings today. Went to work, saw kids, typed papers...the usual. Tomorrow will look much the same. The grocery store will need to happen soon. Didn't get to making that list like I wanted tonight, but oh well. It will happen soon. Today I am thankful for child labor. CaLeigh came over tonight and helped William clean his room and put away clothes while her mom went to a meeting for their neighborhood watch. Thanks CaLeigh...William needed a little help. ;)

Good night and until then...

Pictures from New Mexico: Lincoln County edition

2009-03-18T21:24:00.001-06:00

Alamogordo, NM

2009-03-15T19:14:00.002-06:00

Bill and I left this morning at 9:00am for our vacation. BJ was nice enough to watch William for a few hours until his nana could come and pick him up. We stopped at Jamba Juice for breakfast. We also did some geocaches on the way to break up the drive. We stopped at White Sands National Monument to play in the sand. We were able to get in for free because we bought an annual National Park pass that we can use at any national park in the US. The white sand dunes were sooo cool. We were able to run and jump off the sand dunes and not get hurt. I did discover that climbing back up the sand dunes is hard work and would be a GREAT workout! Bill and I were going to try and camp tonight, but decided that it would get too cold for me and we are staying in a Super 8 motel instead. It cost a little more than the motel 6, but was a lot less creepy (and free internet). Tomorrow, we are off to Lincoln and Silver City. Should be a fun day. I will be able to post pics soon (I think). Hope you all are having fun too...(HEHE)

Until then...

TGIF

2009-03-13T19:56:00.002-06:00

I don't think I have ever been happier it is Friday! This was a long week and I don't have to work this weekend (the best kind of weekends, if you ask me!) The icing on the cake is that Bill an I are leaving Sunday morning for New Mexico for a small vacation. William is going to be spending some time with his older half-brother at his nana's house. His older half-brother does not live in Arizona anymore, so the occasions that he can see him are special. She will keep him Sunday - Tuesday and we will pick him up Wednesday. Bill and I both feel that we need the vacation and mental time away from everything.

So, we will be going to Lincoln, New Mexico!!! That's right! The very place the Young Gun's movies are based from! We are also going to see Silver City, Rock City, Roswell, Gila Cliff dwellings and white sands. I know it sounds like a lot to pack into a short time, but it will be an adventure. This will be the first time for Bill and I to see this much of New Mexico so it will be exciting.

Today I am thankful for the CPS workers that are good at what they do and are nice, civil people to boot. I always try to go that 'extra mile' for them, but this week has re-affirmed my dedication to doing that. I will pray to the Goddess that they don't quite and leave the mean, jerkface people. I don't think I could do my job if that happened. :)

Until then...

Oh my...

2009-03-11T22:18:00.002-06:00

Has it been more than a month! Yikes. So sorry. I lost track of time. Work has been kinda crazy. Feels like the children we see come with worse stories attached, if that was possible. A lot has happened in the last month and it would take forever (and I couldn't possibility remember it all anyway). All of us (William, Bill and I) all got that awful sick bug thing that went around. I was the latest victim and am still getting over the last part of it. It was not fun and I don't wish it upon anyone. I have made some really yummy things for meals and I will try to post them, if I remember.

Yesterday was Bill's birthday. He went bowling with his parents and went to lunch with a good friend. Last night William and I bought a small cake for him and sang 'Happy Birthday'. I don't think he expected it at all, which was the best part. He told me that he had a really good day, so that makes it all worth it. On Saturday the whole family will get together, have dinner, open presents, cake/ice cream, etc. Should be a hoot.

I had to work a little late today and didn't get home until 5:45ish, so Bill had picked up a pizza for dinner and my favorite chips so I didn't have to cook. He had also taken care of the 'house chores' including giving William a shower (preschool makes him REALLY dirty almost everyday). So today I am thankful for my awesome husband and son who take care of me when I have trouble taking care of myself.

Until then...

Ahh...the weeknd

2009-02-07T17:24:00.002-07:00

So, it is finally the weekend. Which for me this week means pretty much nothing. It is my weekend to work and I am primary, which means that I am defiantly working. Oh well. We can use overtime or flextime (whichever fits best with our schedule). I think I am going to use it as overtime and grab some extra cash while they still let us take overtime. They have announced some 'cuts' at work and we are pretty sure there is more to come. My job is safe for now, but some other programs are loosing a bunch of funding. That sucks because they are really great programs to help families in need. I wish they had more people working for them and not have to endure cuts. :( I just hope the economy starts to go back up so we can breathe a little easier.

Bj and Bill went hiking again today and did the same hike from last week, but did it the opposite way (top down). Bill said that it went well. He also said that they got into some 'sticky situations'. Hmmm...don't have details yet, but everyone is alive and well, so couldn't have gone too badly. Bill said that he did drop his GPS off a cliff, but it still works, so I think we need to invest a crap load of money in Garmin. Bill says that he will give me pics to post on the blog. He took some awesome panoramic shots last time that turned out really well.

Last night I was able to have the house all to myself. It was really nice. I cleaned both bathrooms, vacuumed the house and CLEANED William's room. When I say cleaned, I mean it. I changed his sheets, re did his closet, put away all his toys and organized them all. He freaked out when he came home this afternoon. I went through his room with him and showed him where everything goes so he can do it next time. We will see how well that works.

Today I am thankful that there are wonderful people that are able to take children into their homes and keep them safe. I accomplished making two girls smile and play with someone that cares about them. Pretty good day huh?

A hiking we will go!

2009-02-01T08:17:00.002-07:00

The gang (BJ, Bill and myself) LOVE to get outdoors and hike/camp/etc. Yesterday we got a chance to get out and do some hiking. We did it a little differently this time, and we seemed to like it (correct me if I am wrong guys!). There is a hike on Mt. Lemmon that Bill has always wanted to try. It basically involves hiking up a canyon several thousand feet to a campground. Not far from that canyon, there is an actual trail called 'Solider Trail'. That trail ends near the 'Prison Camp' campground. Bill's idea was for him to hike the canyon, Bj to hike the trail and I will stay at the end point till they get there. So, we dropped Bill off at his starting point, then I dropped BJ off at his starting point and I went on to the end destination using the car. I took the dog with me and we hiked around the area for a good 2 -3 hours. It was a lot of fun. All three of us had radios, so we could talk to each other and get updates on how they were doing. Well, Bj's trail was easier than Bill's canyon. Bj arrived first, then went back to Bill and made sure he was ok and hiked with him the rest of the way out. They had fun because they hiked some crazy trail and I had fun because I didn't have to. :) Zoi (the dog) loved going out with us and exploring the area and the stream that is near the campground. We even worked on her manners too.

After we were done hiking, we went and got William (he was at his nana's house) and went to dinner. We all ate too much (eyes-bigger-than-stomach syndrome)but it was soo good. Today, we are going over to Vern, Ron and Bj's house (known as the 'Kent house')to watch the superbowl and let the kids play. I think Bill might go to the park for a little bit, but will join us at the Kent house later. Should be fun. Go Cardinals!!!!

Until then...

Ugh

2009-01-27T22:01:00.002-07:00

Sorry it has been a while since the last post. It started with Oma (Bill's mom) calling us Saturday morning and asking us if she could take William that night and the next day. Bill and I (of course) said 'sure!' With that, Bill and I packed an over night bag and headed to the While Mountains (north). We stayed at a lodge right outside of Alpine, AZ. I don't know what it is about that town, but I absolutely love it. We even found a great restaurant called 'the Paisley House'. They have fantastic food and even some great vegetarian options. The room we stayed in had a hot tub and wood burning stove. It was a long drive, but very relaxing. We came back Sunday night and back to work on Monday. Work has been the opposite of relaxing. We have been really busy and it has been difficult to keep up. I have actually taken some work home with me to finish in the evenings after work or the mornings before work. I normally don't do that, but it makes my day easier and allows me to get everything I need done.

So, today I am thankful that Bill went back to his martial arts class on Tuesday and Thursday nights. He took some time off during the holidays and it is actually relaxing for him, not to mention a great workout!

Today I was able to keep a smile on my face (well at least not a frown) for most of the day. I know this seems silly, but in my job we see and hear a lot of unpleasent things that can ruin your day if you let it. It is hard not to let it, but it has been my goal to not let it as much as possible.

Until then...

Finally Friday!

2009-01-23T20:53:00.002-07:00

Wow. What a week it has been. Work has been crazy busy (not a good thing for anyone). Yesterday William and I went over to my mom and dad's house for dinner. It has been a Thursday night tradition since Bill was in college and took class on Thursday night. It started with just Mom, Dad, me and William. It has morphed into a regular family get together. Vern and CaLeigh come every week now (and have for a long while). Ron and Bill come too. Not every week, but often. BJ comes when school does not interfere. Lately he has to teach on Thursday nights. I am not sure about this semester yet, but I am sure he will let us know. Anyway. Mom and Dad cook dinner and the kids have a time to play together. Mom, Vern and I all can do 'girly chat' that is so difficult for us to coordinate a time for. Dad uses Thursday nights to try cooking all the different recipes that he wants to try, and we don't mind doing the trying. :) Last night, it rained and the kids were allowed to play outside. We called it 'winter play in Tucson'. Most children in the winter time are able to play in the snow. Well, we live in Tucson and the word 'snow' really isn't a part of our vocabulary. We do have our rainy days which are our version of winter. The children did all the same actions as playing in the snow too! William went as far as to make a 'puddle angel'. It was cute. Dad took a video and showed it to everyone. I am going to try and get that from him to post.

On a less happy note, William fell at school today and hit his head on a shelf. He started bleeding a lot and the preschool called Bill. Bill ended up taking him to urgent care. It didn't require stitches, which was a good thing. They just cleaned it out and put some glue in it. School said that he was really pretty calm during the whole thing and wasn't freaking out or anything. I feel so proud as a mother. He is feeling better and doesn't seem bothered by it at all. I gave him some Tylenol before bed tonight to make myself feel better. And I know he would be laying on it all night.

So, I am thankful for William being ok and that nothing too serious happened and it could all be fixed. I feel like I accomplished a lot at work today and feel like I really connected with some foster parents and were able to give them some good advice about the children they have in their homes.

Good night and until then...

It is only Wednesday?!

2009-01-21T18:21:00.003-07:00

Middle of the week. Always a hard day to get through for me. I have a TON of work to do for my job and it doesn't feel like I will ever catch up (I know I will eventually). My strategy is to take it one task at a time and get done as much during the day as I can while prioritizing the tasks. Sounds pretty easy, right? Wrong! I wish it were that easy. Sometimes it is hard to decide what things need to be done first and which can wait until tomorrow. *Sigh* Tomorrow is another day to do as much work as I possibly can before my brain stops working.

Today I am thankful for William who had an AWESOME day in preschool. He has been struggling recently to listen and follow directions. Today they said that he listened and did what they asked. It's the small things.

Today I was able to make it through my day with a smile on my face. I was able to leave work today and not feel guilty that I didn't do something that I was suppose it. That really helps me be less stressed at night and when I go into work the next day.

I better go and clean as much as I can before my mother and father come over. Yikes!

Until then...

Oh Happy Day!

2009-01-20T21:30:00.002-07:00

Oh Happy Day! Today was such an important moment in American history. Not only did the first African American become President, but finally someone who has the best chance of changing our country for the better. In my line of work, I see how the economy effects us in the most significant way, our children. It is terrible that my job becomes busier when the economy takes a turn downwards. I wish it were not so. I am the first person to say that I would love to be board at work and not have to see so many kids. Tonight my family gathered together to watch Barack Obama become president and listen to his speech. His speech was great and I think it touched on many points that are important to our survival as a nation (education and renewable energy to name two). The thing that touched me the most was the millions of people that turned out to hear him speak. During his speech, it was so quiet I am sure you could have heard a pin drop. That makes me feel really good that so many people can come together and celebrate such a great thing in such a peaceful way. I am ashamed to say that I was surprised, but happy to see it happen. It instilled a little bit of hope in America that things can change for the better.

So today I am thankful for the people in America that turned out to vote for (hopefully) the best president that we have had in a long time. Thank you.

Today I accomplished history. When William asks me 10 years or more from now, "Where were you when President Obama became president?" I will be able to tell him the whole story of how we got to this place and the people I was able to celebrate it with. :)

Until tomorrow...

Thanks mom

2009-01-19T18:35:00.003-07:00

About a week ago, my mother sent me an email about 40 tips for a better life. It has some really neat points to help keep a crazy life in perspective. One thing that really stood out for me was #37. It says, "Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________." I decided this would be a great idea to help me remember what I have and what I have done for the day. I have a terrible habit (my husband can attest to this) that I always think that I have done nothing and I am not worth anything. This might help me remember all of the good things I have and set a positive tone for the new year (going back to that whole 'change thing' again!) So I will start today, and I will try and post them for you all to see too.

I am thankful for family that lives close enough to spend the afternoon with. This afternoon, BJ, Vern, Ron, Bill, me and William all ate lunch together out and spent the afternoon just hanging out. Bill and Ron played a hockey game on the XBox, William and CaLeigh played in her room and Vern and I looked through magazines while talking. It was relaxing and non stressful (wonderful!)

Today I accomplished relaxing and destressing before a what I know will be a busy week. I also was able to make breakfast for my family and bake them cookies (both relaxing activities for me). Although I did not feel productive, it was good for my metal health, which in turn will make me more productive this week. :)

Until then...

Start of change #1

2009-01-19T09:41:00.002-07:00

Ok, so in my efforts to fulfill my new years resolutions, my first change is to start cooking using more fresh ingredients and not use 'boxed meals'. There was a point (probably a year ago) that I did make every meal almost from scratch, and I loved it. It wasn't a hassle for me because cooking in my kitchen for my family is my happy place. With my new job, I come home later than I use to and so have less time to cook healthy and fresh meals. My way to combat this is to cook using my slow cooker more. Yesterday was my first shot and I think it turned out better than anyone (including myself) imagined. My first reciepe was 'Vegitarian Sloppy Joes'. It includes many vegetables and I was not sure if William (5 years old) would eat it or not. While it was cooking it smelled great and when it was done, I put it on rolls and added some sliced cheese. William ate 1/2 a sandwich and told me he really liked it. Bill also really liked it and ate 2 sandwiches. I thought I would include the recipe for anyone that wants to try it out. If you do, let me know how it goes.

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

1 cup lentils, sorted and rinsed

2 cups water

2 onions, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

4 stalks celery, chopped

¾ cup ketchup

3 tbsp. Brown sugar

1 tbsp. Cider vinegar

10 kaiser rolls

Sort lentils and combine with water in medium sauce pan. Bring to boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes
Place in a 3-4 quart crockpot with remaining ingredients except for vinegar and kaiser rolls. Cover and cook for 10-12 hours until thickened.
Stir in vinegar just before serving. Make sandwiches using toasted buns.

First one!

2009-01-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I figured with a new year always comes new changes. We here at the Dickerson Domicile have been looking back at the year past and setting a new agenda for the year to come. William has been doing well in preschool two days a week and spending 3 days a week with my in-laws. This year, that might change to William going to school 5 days a week. This might be really good for him socially, but also means a bigger bill for us every month. Luckly, William will be going to kindergarden this year in August which will greatly reduce our monthly bill. I can't wait. I think William is going to love kindergarden.

Bill and I have a big decision to make this year. Should we stay in Tucson or move to a place less expensive to live with more profitable job opportunities. Tucson is (surprisingly) an expensive place to live. The problem here is that the cost of living is more than the average pay. Nothing has been decided and we are still waiting to see how things play out here.

My sister-in-law was able to visit us for the holidays this year. It was an interesting experience having a house guest for almost 2 weeks when we (Bill and I) normally do not have anyone stay over. We went many places during her visit. I will be posting stories with pictures soon.

As for new years resolutions? I haven't even thought about it because the goals I set for myself always are unrealistic. This year I plan on setting smaller, more realistic goals to help me achieve whatever big goal I am looking towards. Sounds really easy, but I first have to find the time to do it! I think that will happen this week when my house goes back to normal. My first goal? Take all the Christmas decorations down...it is starting to make me crazy!

Until then...