3.28.2010

We're Back!

I can't believe I've neglected my blog for so long... Oh well, what can you do but just hop right back in and start up again. I won't even attempt to try to retrace my steps over the last 5 months b/c that would take forever. So, I'll just briefly recap it all.

Since my last post, we had Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Ella turned 4, I was laid off, I landed a new job, my parents were both laid off, and Northern Michigan experienced one of the mildest winters it's ever had.

Ella went to Chicago with Jeff to visit his family over the Thanksgiving break so Rusty and I headed to the Wildman Ranch to getaway for a few days. To say we lounged would be putting it mildly. We did get outside a bit for some hiking despite the cool temperatures. I took lots of pictures, and we even got to play with one of the ATV's for a day. It was nice to get some much needed R&R and hang out just the two of us.

Uncle B came home for Christmas, as he always does but was able to spend a lot more time this year which was fun. He & Ella Bella had a blast together and as always, we ate til we couldn't eat anymore. Rusty spent Christmas with us too and we had our traditional Fondue dinner for Christmas Eve and listened as Ya-Ya read the Christmas story to Ella. We spent Christmas morning opening presents and Ella got her pretty pink big girl kitchen this year. On the menu for dinner was the most amazing deep-fried turkey any of us has ever had...we may have to make that a new tradition also...my mouth is watering just thinking about it!

This year really made me realize what a challenge it's going to be having Ella's birthday fall just 4 short days after New Year's and 2 weeks after Christmas. We made the most of it though, complete with cake, ice cream, and presents...just what any 4-year-old wants. Right?! I can't believe my baby girl is already 4!!! We are having so much fun together though. Her happiness, care free attitude, and wit is infectious and contagious. Love you Ella Rae...you make my life complete.

Shortly into the new year, I was laid off at RTV. This wasn't a total surprise since the company's sales had taken a drastic fall in the month of December, but I will say the shock was less than desirable. Since around November-ish I had been house-hunting for Ella & I and the day I was going to be making an offer on a townhome was the very day I got my "pink slip". Needless to say, that halted all plans of home-buying. I made a conscious decision though to not let it get me down, which took a lot for me b/c what I really wanted to do was curl up in a ball and feel sorry for myself for a long time. Instead, I went to work...to find a new job. And, that's just what I did. I was hired 2 weeks later at Insight Optometry in Suttons Bay, just 20 minutes north of TC. I've been there for 2 months now, still in training, but I enjoy my job, make a little bit more money, and I have Mondays off! Woo hoo!

So, now the house hunting continues and my schedule is as busy as ever. I hope to try to be a little more faithful to my blogging but I must say it's not because I haven't wanted to it's just been a crazy few months and I have a feeling it's about to get even crazier. But, FUN crazy...I hope!!! More to come...