Life, love, bills and name changes

This year has been so crazy! Ever since I have moved here to Saint Louis I have been going non stop. Everything from being a nearly full time parent to changing my work schedule to just chaos. I suppose a go over for the year so far is in order.

So since February my Lovie and I have taken on the full time parent roll. Let me tell you that was a huge adjustment for both of us. We went from weekend parents to full time, learning about school functions to how hard it was to figure out what to have for dinner. Still to this day we struggle but we do our best to provide a happy home.

We had learned that we couldn't keep up and told both kids that they needed to help. Thus our rewards system. Lovie came up with the "Bonus Points" system. Every time they help out ( laundry, feeding the cat, taking out he trash/ recycling ect) they could earn a point. Each point goes towards rewards (movies, dinner,toys ect). It has been going well.

I have been working for nearly a year at the local cable company. I have found that I am starting to become good at the job. Slowly working towards going to another position. The hardest thing that we had done so far is had my schedule changed. It was ok having the 9- 5:30 job, but when it changed to 11-7:30, that was when it got tougher.  The kids miss me, and I am not spending much time with them or my love during the week. It is a huge strain on the family. I can tell, I hate the hours but we need the paycheck.

Mom came into town in March. It was so good to see her. We took her around and showed her that I was happy here. She even got to see a Saint Louis winter. It was also very awesome that when she met the kids they attached just like any kid would to their grandma. It was amazing.

 I also got to learn about how well my Lovie will take care of me when I am sick. The first day my mom came home I came down with exhaustion so bad that I just crashed. I couldn't walk straight, and had a fever. He took care of me so much that he demanded that I stay in bed and rest. Even when I wondered into the kitchen to try to help with dinner, he shooed me out. Now that is true love.

This year I have been working on losing weight. I have lost about 25 lbs already. This summer has been hard to get motivation to workout. I have been overall stressed out and can't seem to find my groove of life quite yet. We still struggle with one car for a two car type family. I think that for next school year I may be electing to ride the bus until this name change stuff is over.

Speaking of name changes, it's official I will be progressing to change my name. My hope, is that I will have it completed by my birthday. I am keeping my surname on the down low, until the papers are in the announcement phase. I have already pulled my credit reports and found everyone that I owe money to. Hopefully by September I will be able to start my legal name change. It's something I have wanted and told myself that it will be my 30th birthday pressent to myself. Lemme tell you that this will be the most expensive present yet. Except for my dental work.

The dental work is going well. I already capped out my insurance for this year, and I still need about 4k in dental work to repair what I already have. I then have to get oral surgery, and then I have to get my implants. This here my dental work is the most I have ever spent on myself. I already got my first compliment from a friend who had to ask Lovie quietly if I got work done. Believe me friends, it has had it's moments, and I am just glad that I have an awesome dentist. He has walked me through everything and we have become good friends.

Lovie and I take each day one at a time, and know that we will get there someday. I know that once I settle myself we will find our groove and work out everything on our check list. Until next time, stay safe and keep love in your heart.

Kitty L.

Moving a new direction

It's been a few months since I have posted here. I suppose I should catch you up, and let you know my goals from here on out with this blog.

A lot has happened since my last post. The summer was fast, but it was very pleasant for us. We did as much as we could with the allowed money, and time we were granted. I have been able to spend the summer with the kids, and create a few memories as a family. We have explored the Science Center, The Botanical Gardens, Visited the Zoo, and even a few parks. We have done a lot and I will be posting a few here on this blog and additional memories as well as they happen, and as I have photographs.

It is now Fall, and as the days get colder, I am sure we will accomplish more. I have obtained a full time job at our local Cable Company. So things are looking up. This weekend we have a con, and the following we have the kids.

I think our goal is to start our traditions this year. Pairing down the things we want/need to do for each year. I look forward to enjoying time with our family through out the coming years and seeing both kids grow, as my and my Lovie's relationship grow.

This blog is now changing from helping me to continue, to documenting a new sort of life that we are carving for ourselves. To get good pictures, and just doing small scrap moments for us.

June 2012

April 2011

Because moments like this.... you just can't re-create.

(I will be back posting to get caught up)

Kids, Paleo and Parenthood

I have been in Saint Louis for nearly two months in July. So much I have learned, and still feel I have a lot to go.

There is something different about helping raise children with your mate. It is even far more different being just a weekend parent. It gives you the flexability during the week to do some adult things like bars, and being in little to nothing during the day. However on the flip side, on the weekends we are asked... "Come out to sing on Saturday's!" "I am sorry we have the kids on the weekends."

Now don't get me wrong. I enjoy bar hopping and singing just like the next girl. However, there is something about having the kids in the house. The moments where you stand in the living room and teach them how to jump rope, how to literally count backwards to 1, and reading bed time stories. Making dinner, and coming to the aid if they have injured themselves.

However, there are moments that I just am not sure that I am really a "parent". There are moments that I feel as if I am just "dad's Girlfriend". There are moments where they don't listen, they deliberately disobey and ignore my statements. It isn't until I am backed up by Lovie, or their Mum do they listen. I fear my boundaries, and don't know how to push where I am comfortable. I know that parenting is just a learning journey. I know that in time... I will be the best "Parent" that I know to be.

Speaking of the kids, we have learned how to eat mostly of the diet called "Paleo". Mostly protein, fruit, and veggies. No legumes, and dairy, only exceptions is Cheese. So far we have done well, finding pancakes, and dinners, and lunches that are healthy. Working on myself to see if I can loose the weight and be healthier. The kids have eaten most of my dinners, and the food that I have prepared. Even found a pancake recipe that didn't suck. Paleo is not my kind of diet... but if I can do it for the kids.. why not.

Still no work, but I am applying to most places in hopes they think I am worthy. However with no call backs, no words, Nothing! My optimism is slowly waning. I dislike being home all the time, and being a "house Girlfriend".  I need to keep my head up because this is what I need. Sometimes, it takes a little longer than you would hope. I will put myself together again. It will take love, and patience.