Almost Ready For Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner and I have a lot to do to get ready!  The kids are all set with their costumes, Cheryl and I made some Jamberry Sample Goodies for the "Mummy's", our party is pretty well planned, but I still have to get the food together this week, and the house is in desperate need of a once over before our party!  I can't wait!  We've had a Halloween party for the last couple of years now, and every year

New Family Member

After the loss of our beloved Ahb's and Cloz'r, we needed a little time before getting another fur baby.  We decided that, once we were done with camping for the year, we would get a kitty.  I was ready before then, but my level-headed hubby reminded me that it would be better to wait until we knew we weren't going to be gone a lot.  Just over two weeks ago, we went to Cannonsville Critters and adopted our newest baby, Star.  We didn't tell the kids beforehand, so they were extremely surprised when we got home with her.  She's a sweet and spunky little girl and we've all fallen in love!  :)

Love It!!!

Tonight while I was making dinner, Lauryn asked if I could put some music on.  She said, "We really should listen to music in the kitchen more."  She's absolutely right!  We used to be in the habit of cranking up the music daily, while making dinner, laughing, singing and dancing.  I'm not sure how we fell out of that habit but we need to bring it back.  Both Lauryn and Lucas like to pretend they're playing instruments when we're "rocking out" in the kitchen (or in the car...wherever really :) ), and I think that makes it that much more fun.  They don't go too far out with it, pretending to stomp on a tu2, although Lauryn did play air trombone once!  Whatever air instrument we're playing, we have fun and it needs to make a comeback!

Time For An Update!

Once again it's been way too long since I've posted anything here.  I need to get back on track with that!  A lot has happened since my last post.  Some things I can mention, others aren't my place to say, but our lives have been on a roller coaster lately!  First, about a month ago, we had to put our baby girl, Cloz'r, down.  That was a terrible day.  She wasn't acting quite like herself so I took her to the vet.  They found she had a tumor on her spleen and that it had been bleeding into her belly.  With her being 13, there wasn't much they could do, that wouldn't have ended up being incredibly rough on her, and the odds of her survival were slim.  It was heartbreaking to have to make that decision.  She went peacefully in my arms.  Our house is so not the same without her.  Every day there is something that reminds me she is not here.  When the kids drop food, when someone comes to the door... it's just not the same without her.




In other news, the kids are enjoying their summer break!  We've gone camping a few times already and have had a great time.  They love it, but much like me, they are always ready to go home at the end.  :)  Each time we've gone with been with family and/or friends and it's been a blast.  We hope to go a lot more in the near future.  The kids are also both in the summer reading program at the library again.  This year, Lucas is really getting into it.  Lauryn loves being in the older group and getting to do more with it.

Lloyd and I are doing great!  We are coming up on 15 years of being together (11 years married, in October).  It's been the most wonderful 15 years and I know they wouldn't have been this way if it weren't for him.  I'm so incredibly lucky to have found someone so amazing

Things are getting pretty exciting with my Jamberry business!  In 8 days, Cheryl and I will be going to Texas for the International Conference.  I'm excited and nervous!  The only time I've really traveled like this was almost 11 years ago, with Lloyd on our honeymoon!  It's going to be great!  We're going to trainings, special events and hooking up on some major Jamberry Swag!!!  Being away from Lloyd and the kids for a few days will be tough but I think it will be beneficial to my business....not to mention Cheryl and I have a blast no matter what we do!  :)  We'll be staying at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center....look it up, it's insane!!!

I suppose that's all I have for now.  Hopefully I can get back on track with this.  Not only can I share with everyone, it's also a little therapeutic!

Weekend In Review

To share your weekend, please visit Jodi at:

Friday ~ I kept Lauryn home from school because she'd had a slight fever and had been up a couple of times in the night with an aching ear.  I was pretty sure she had her first ear infection, which the doctor confirmed at her appointment later in the afternoon.  Luckily she didn't seem to be too bothered by it and, other than taking a nap in the afternoon, she was pretty much herself all day.  My mom came over for Nana Friday and we had a nice ham dinner with a honey ham I'd cooked in the crock pot, homemade mashed potatoes, ham gravy and my home canned sweet corn.

Saturday ~ The day started out with Lloyd heading to an appointment and then coming home and taking Ahb's to the vet.  He'd found a lump on her jaw the night before and we realized she wasn't able to stick her tongue out and was having  a difficult time swallowing.  Sadly, our spunky 19 year old cat wasn't able to come back home.  She had cancer and had to be put down.  It was very unexpected and sad.  The kids handled it pretty well.  Lloyd and I had planned on going out that evening and decided to keep our plans so we wouldn't sit home moping.  We went to dinner at El Rancho.  It was our first time there and it was delicious!!  We headed to Candlestone for their comedy show and it was one of the best ones we've seen yet!  Then it was off to Silk City Saloon for a few drinks, dancing, a little karaoke (who knew I'd ever go so brave?!) and friends.  Cheryl met us there and we saw my brother, Terry, and a few friends from high school too!

[caption id="attachment_5206" align="aligncenter" width="216"] R.I.P. beautiful Ahb Bu Dah Be. We will forever miss your crabby meows, random attacks and uber loud purring.[/caption]

Sunday ~ The morning was a bit rough as I had had a very good time the night before.  After some toast, aspirin and a shower, I was in much better shape.  My mother-in-law, Carol, and brother-in-law, Jake, came over.  The guys stayed at home while Carol, Lauryn and I headed out for a girls afternoon.  We went to lunch at Applebee's and then to the Butterfly Exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens.  We had a wonderful time!  The rest of the day was pretty relaxed.  We ordered pizza for dinner, the kids played outside for a while and then after they were in bed, Lloyd and I watched our Sunday shows :) 

Time Management

I really need to work on time management.  I have been so consumed with my Jamberry business that other things I'm involved in are suffering.  I wouldn't say it's a bad thing, though, I just need to figure out to do them all.  Jamberry has been amazing!  I joined at the end of December and last week I made Lead Consultant!  I'm still pretty excited about that!  I have signed three consultants and we're all part of an amazing, supportive team.  I'm also thrilled that in July, Cheryl and I are going to Texas for a Jamberry convention!  Neither of us have just gone off for something like this and I know it's going to be an amazing, informative and super fun adventure!  I can't wait!  This business has been so good for me.  I'm meeting new people, making a little money and I feel like I've finally found something just for me that I truly enjoy doing.  Not to mention my nails look fabulous ALL THE TIME! :)  The new catalog is coming out soon and I think business is going to be booming!  Nothing wrong with that!  ;)

carielle.jamberrynails.net

My Little Musicians

I have two little music makers.  Lauryn has always been interested in all things music; singing, dancing, playing instruments and non-instruments, and now Lucas is too.  When they decide to "jam" together, they really go for it!  Lauryn has expressed interest in learning the piano so I've looked into some.  There was a keyboard madness sale that had a lot great deals but I think we'll stick her Barbie keyboard until she gets a little older.  I absolutely love how much my kids love music!