The Treat of the Trade

The first time I met Josh one of the first things he told me about was the fact he had 3 daughters. When I told my friends and family about that of course they gasped. This day and age you don't really meet anybody that isn't going to come with a family. The fact that he came with a HUGE past didn't change the way I felt about him...he has grown from it he has learned from it and he claims to be a better person from it. His 9 yr old daughter has been in his custody since Christmas Day 2009. This has been a very stressful and trying 5 months. Her mother and Josh do not get along. Jill has been around her mother more than her father so its sad to say that alot of her mothers bad habits were traits Jill has picked up. This hasn't been easy on me but I have taken it all in stride. I love all his girls as if they were my own, but there is still that fine line of them "not being mine" The parenting issues are a huge factor with me. Being the "step mom" the

My sister and Jillian decided instead of one flavor of ice cream that we needed a buffet . A variety of the awesome treat. There were about 7 different flavors on the table 3 spoons and 3 1/2 of us eating the ice cream. Just passing it back and forth and back around again. It was a great all you can eat buffet.

My dad. Today is his birthday. Although not here with us I think of him often and I wish he were here and we were cooking out for his birthday. Sharing good times and making more memories. I cherish the ones I have. I truely miss him everyday!

My new job is awesome! I started full time April 12th. My hours vary. I start at 5am sometimes 9am. I'm off anywhere between 845pm and 915pm. I am however on call...I can be called in sometimes between 2am and 4am (just depending on the disaster). I don't have to dress up. I don't have to wear make-up. I can watch TV or listen to music all day. I can dance and sing and be silly if I want. I can go outside and catch some rays or play with the dog. I can snack all day. I can do whatever I want for lunch and I don't have to be back at a certain time. My family and friends can come by and see me when ever they want to stop by. I don't have a big mean boss pointing his fingers at me when something goes wrong or breathing down my neck to get something finished. I don't have deadlines. My job description varies. I don't clock in our out. I get paid with kisses and hugs. I kiss boo-boos and wipe away tears. I wipe a small nose with my shirt. I don't take anythin

He handles the crayons quite well. He doodled with all the colors i gave him. I wrote his name, he laughed. I made shapes, he laughed some more . He just amazes me everyday. I enjoy showing him something new every chance i get. He soaks it all in very well. I love these little hands holding the crayons. I love the fact that his "art skills" are coming in to play!

No i am not talking about a cheesy George Forman grill. I'm talking about a man grill! Since we have got this grill....less cooking inside for me. So therefore I love it! More BBQs right around the corner. With warmer days upon us ....mm mm i can taste my steak now...

The fact that he was putting hand bands in his hair and thought it was OK prompted us to get his haircut. It was funny the first time and then he would do it everyday so....off we went! He did OK when she was spraying him with the water bottle and pulling his hair up. Mind you it was in his eyes and here i was wanting him to have (what i call) a "hippie swag" meaning long hair...but since it was to fine i just wasn't able to keep it out of his eyes. But at the same time.....i secretly didn't want his baby hair cut! We decided on a mohawk. Unimpressed with the whole experience he was quickly over it once he was out of my lap. He had to have felt better with it not in his eyes. And i am proud to say....He hasn't picked up a head band since!!

My computer crashed back at the end of February. I got it fixed about 2 days ago. So lets just say...We have some catching up to do. I don't have a baby anymore. I don't have an infant. I have a toddler. I have NO idea when that happened, but it did. He loves the guitar and plays it as often as he can. He gives daddy a lesson or two here and there. He met the Easter Bunny back in March and was NOT impressed. It was an NICU Easter Egg hunt and well lets just say.......he hunted eggs played all the games....waved at the bunny from a far....but would not get close to it....too cute! He can eat off a plate with out the desire to dump it. He eats with silverware (assisted of course) and he just is..a big boy...a big boy without the bib and a mommy that feeds him every.single.bite. This has saddened me. I have since gotten over it because it allows me to eat a hot meal. Although blurry i was O so excited about this. 2days ago i showed him where his dirty clothes go. Here he is &q