What I've been doing the last three months

I know, I know- I haven't been posting on my blog. I've been busy with so much lately that I haven't been able to find the time... but I'm going to TRY to start writing more often. Sooooo- here's what has happened in my/our lives since I last wrote in March....

1. My Grandma Hembree had knee replacement surgery and was moved into a Nursing Home. Though this may not seem like too much- it was a lot for the entire family. My Grandma is 87 and having knee replacement surgery was a VERY big deal. She had her surgery on "Good Friday" and everything went well. She didn't deal with the pain medication very well mentally (she made some very random phone calls telling family members that she had been kidnapped) so James and I visited her every day in the hospital. After she was moved to the Nursing Home- I visited her twice a week after work. I enjoyed our visits and got her hear some great stories of "When I was your age...." I love my chats with Grandma Hembree and so does James.
*** Update is that she's doing well and has been walking and was moved recently into Assisted Living- which is a great hurdle for her... I know that she was struggling with therapy.

2. Sieben (our dog) had a minor surgery. This is really no big deal and maybe not even worth mentioning- but she's my "baby" and I struggled a little because she was acting very odd and got very sick. She had two abscessed teeth which caused her to be in a great deal of pain and not eat. We didn't even know what the issue was because sometimes she does get into a mood where she won't eat. But she started throwing up a lot... and losing a lot of weight. Then- one morning we woke up and her cheek was about as big as a golf ball. So- I panicked and made a vet appointment that day and we got her teeth pulled. She had some recovery where she didn't want to eat... but a month later, she's back to normal and hyper as ever.

3. We traveled to Milwaukee to see James' folks for Mothers' Day. The weather was gorgeous and we had a wonderful visit. The drive is the worst part (7 hours one way). We drove Friday after work and arrived at midnight. We woke up on Saturday and went to the Botanical Gardens- which was really pretty. We went so early in the season that it would be great to go back in the late summer and see all the other flowers and plants that we're up in the Spring. We had a lovely dinner on a beautiful Restaurant which was right on Lake Michigan- we got to experience a gorgeous sunset. Then we all went to church together the next morning (Pentecost Sunday) and enjoyed a lovely service together. I just love James parents and always enjoy our visits!!!!

4. James experienced another Dive Tragedy. Bill Prince (one of his fellow divers) passed away in early May. Bill was not only a diver but had several boats and took many SCUBA Divers out in Lake Michigan through his charters. James has been on his boats several times- out of Milwaukee once and took a week like trip with him last summer out of White Peak Michigan. It was a terrible loss and quite surprising to all the Divers that we know. These accidents don't happen very often (you rarely hear of them)- but to have TWO deaths to James friends in six months is really tough. James hasn't talked much about it with me- but I know that it was difficult. He told me that other day that he knows that he has a dangerous hobby- but he loves it. So, you can't argue much with that. I know that he's trained to dive and only dives with buddies who are trained and safe- so I just have to trust that he will be fine and let him enjoy his life. It would be much harder to fight with him and be scared all the time...

5. I signed up for the Becker "fast pass" Review Course in order to prepare for the CPA Exam. It started in early May and goes until July 31st. I go up to Akron University on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 5:30 to 9:30PM. The material hasn't been too tough- but the schedule is brutal. I go to work from 7AM to 4:30PM and then straight to class. I'm lucky if I get home by 10PM. Most nights I'm in bed by 11:00PM. It's been really tough on me and James- but it's only for the summer and going to be one of the best things I even did when I get my CPA.

6. Last but not least... I'm not even sure if I should share this or not, but I'm excited. James and I have decided to start a family. For those of you who know me and James- this is AMAZING!! When James and I got married James didn't want kids and I was only 50/50 about having kids. We love our dog- and were happy with that. But, something changed in both of us this year and we have decided to plan for our future and have kids. Of course this isn't going to happen right away, especially with me taking classes and him traveling with SCUBA every weekend, but we hope in the next year or so to be able to make an "announcement."

Well, I know this is a lot of information (and sorry- no pics this time)... but I wanted to be sure that everyone was caught up. It has been a crazy few months and probably will continue to be- but who isn't busy and running around like a "chicken with their head cut off"?

Hugs to all friends and family. I hope that I can get in touch and catch up soon. I hope that you all enjoy a wonderful summer!!!!