I think everyone already knows....

That I am PREGNANT!! In case you can't tell I am very excited and very suprised. I am barely pregnant (I just found out Monday) and was hesistant on telling everyone until I was further along, but I just couldn't wait. I couldn't even wait for John to get home from work. I called him at work!! After multiple stammers and studders and telling ME congratulations, he ended with, "Well, I guess I am going to be a Daddy." Definetley, so far, my favorite words to come out of his mouth.
I went off birth control in May (yes only a month ago) and John and I were going to officially start "trying" in August. God had different plans, and I believe his are better!
My first appointment is July 25th, right before John and I's vacations.

Keep us in your prayers that we will have a healthy baby and that I will have a smooth pregnancy. (That still sounds weird!)

My Birthday Weekend

My birthday weekend began Friday evening after work. (I pushed for birthday week and month, but John wasn't having it this year.) We went to Carrabas (sp?), one of my favorite restaurants. I always get the same thing, Chicken Bryan and John got the Veal. I had eaten about three-fouths of the chicken and the last bite I had taken just didn't taste right. I looked down and saw raw chicken. I immediately felt nauseas. All I could think of is I am going to get salmanila (sp?) poisoning on my birthday. I was hesitant to tell the waiter, but I did. I believe he was more upset than me. Our dinner was paid for and my stomach didn't get too upset.
Saturday morning I slept in and John went to work early for a few hours and got his hair cut. For my birthyday present John took me shopping. I was hesitant to accept. John is generally not that fun to go shopping with. He acts like we are on a serious mission. He has a go and conquer attitude. I like to walk around, people watch, and go in every store. He lasted for four hours! I was very impressed. He hardly complained at all. We went to Outback for dinner (I promise we usually never eat out, but I just couldn't cook on my birthday weekend!) and went to the movies afterwards. We saw Knocked Up. Funny, funny movie. The language was awful, it took away from the movie. It could have made a sailor blush. Despite that, I don't think I have ever laughed that hard at a movie.
Sunday we went to church, then met my parents, grandparents, Lita, and Blake, Shelly, and Wilder at Mazzios. Grandma made me a cobbler with EXTRA crust, my favorite. It was delicious. I went to Garden Ridge when we got home (I let John sit out on this one) and got a few more frames. We had hamburgers with home grown tomatoes, onions, and corn for dinner.
It has been a great birthday. I never realize how much I miss John when he gone until I get to spend an entire day with him. I am a lucky lady.
Thank you for giving me a special Birthday.

I lost my keys.

Yesterday morning I woke up early so I could get to school early to put a little last minute studying in before the test. I get completely ready, have my book bag on my back, then I think I better make the bed so when John gets home from Kentucky he can take a nap. I make the bed, go to grab my keys off the key hook, and nothing. AHHHH!! I go to all the usuall places I may have laid my keys, couch cushions, kitchen table, mantle, and ottoman. Nothing. So, I try all the unusual places, refrigerator, freezer, bathroom, closet, under the couch, washing machine...still nothing. At this point its 8:10, and there is no way I am making class at 8:30. I call a girl in class to let her know whats going on and to please pass in on to the teacher. Then John calls, who happens to have the other set of keys, in Dallas. He wont be home until close to 1100. So I wait, lab starts at 1220 so I can at least make it to that. Later that night John went to bed early and what does he find underneath his pillow? My KEYS.

I am turning into my mother.

Weekend

First, John is home. Yeah! This week seemed extrmeley long for both of us. He is home until Saturday, but will be back Monday. He is growing out a mustache for his "Guys Weekend" in July. There theme is mustaches. Gotta love John's friends. I enrolled for the fall semester this weekend. My schedule consists of Anatomy, Chemistry, and Sociology. This is 11 hours, so I need one more class to be considered full time. I would like to take an easy relaxing class, possibley a Phys Ed class.
The summer semester is going well. I have my first test Wednesday, and I feel fairly confident about it.

I know short, and sweet, but at least I am updating more frequently!

I hope everyone is doing well!

Work, School, and Travel

Someone, no names...Lita, gave me a gentle reminder that maybe its time to write a new blog.

Summer school started Monday and I must say this go around I think I will like Biology. This teacher is so interesting and overall just a cool guy. There is no comparison between he and the she devil I attempted to take it from last semester. I had no idea a teacher could have such an impact on a class. I thought Biology was Biology and all teachers want you to succeed. I was wrong. The books are even different! Which is somewhat bad, I had to buy two new books, which I was not expecting to spend $200 more. I tried to sell back my last book back and they do not need anymore. So if anyone needs a Biology book from hell, just let me know. I believe an A in this class is feesible, which is very exciting!

Work is going well. At first it was very stressful and I was concerned if I had made the right decision. Everything is coming together now, and is making sense now. I only thought my other jobs were fast paced. I had no idea! I am glad I took medical terminology last semester, if not I would be hurtin'. The twelve hour shifts are becoming not as shocking to my body. I actually like the twelve hours now.

John's 10 year reunion was last weekend. He really enjoyed it and was thankful I forced him to go. For me it was funny to see how some people had changed physically and others looked exactly the same, clothes and all.

John had been gone basically the whole month of May and is gone this week and every weekend untl my birthday, so its been a lonely month. John and I's one year anniversary is coming up quickly, I can't believe is has already been a year!

I hope everyone is doing well, I will try to blog more!

What's Going On

Here are a few updates since I last blogged.

I got a new job. I will be working at the ICCU at St Johns as a Unit Clerk. I am really excited and think I will learn a lot before entering the nursing program.

I took my last two finals today. I had the 2nd highest test score in Psychology and think I did pretty well in my government class. In Medical Terminology I got an 88% and I am still waiting for my results in my english class.

John is in Kentucky until next Sunday for the Kentucky Derby. The one year I deicide not to go and the Queen of England will be there.

John and I have planned our summer vacation. We are going to Lido Beach Resort in Florida. It is a little island off of Sarasota. I am so excited! We were able to fly free with John's frequent flyer miles and get a free rental car through John's work. We are going July 30 thru Aug 4.

I start summer school June 4, so I have the month of May off school.

Dayton is doing great, you would think he was born with only 3 legs. We went to the lake last weekend and he went straight to the water and swam and not in circles how John had anticipated.

That is all I know for now! Talk to you all soon!

All kinds of news

Dayton had his surgery and he is progressing nicely. John and I kept saying to each other how odd he acted after the surgery and it seemed to be getting worse. I talked to the doctor about the symptoms, and basically the pains meds were making him hallucinate...poor dog, and I kept giving him more. So no more of that medication and personality wise he is almost back to normal. Last night I noticed the incision area was turning a little yellow, and was oozing. He is on antibiotics, but it definitely looks infected. I have been cleaning and medicating it, excellent nursing experience! I must say he is a great patient.

John's grandfather passed away about 2 weeks ago and his family asked me to sing at the funeral. I have never sang at a funeral before, so it was an experience. I was honored to sing at such a great man's funeral.

On the singing note, I was asked to be the "Stampede Leader" at VBS. Basically, I will be leading all the songs at the opening and closing, going over the announcements, and the daily Bible verse. I am excited and nervous. I am glad I am at a church that I can use my gift. I hope that everyone will pray for me to have a heart more like a child's and that I can let lose and enjoy this experience.

School is going great, so are my grades. I am enjoying going to school and hating going to work...hint hint John. Just kidding, love you. I am ready to get in to the nursing part of it.

I hope all is going well for everyone!

Itsoff with his leg...

Dayton, John and I's dog, has always had issues with his right hind leg. He was born with a twisted femur, which we didn't discover until he was about 9 months old, when he was misdiagnosed with a torn ACL. Due to the twisted femur everything is out of alignment. His hipbone is now partially popped out of place, he has arthritis in that knee and hip, and has inflamation almost constantly. We sent all his x-rays to a Radiologist in Colorado to get his recommendations. He recommended Dayton getting a complete hip replacement with a derotational osteotomy. John and I decided we didn't want Dayton to go through the surgery, but opted to manage his pain with pain medication and anti-inflamatories. That was until yesterday. We were outside playing fetch and he let out a horrific scream, not yelp, but scream. He wouldn't put any weight on his leg. We immediatley went to the vet. I knew in my heart he had torn his cruciate ligament and the vet confirmed it. Not good news for a dog, ecspecially with Dayton's conditions. So John and I are torn, we can't afford the hip replacement, derotational osteotomy, and knee surgery--I am estimating the surgeries to be around $5000-7000, plus there is no guarantee this will eleviate the pain. John and I had come to the conclusion we would euthanize Dayton, so he wouldn't have to go through anymore pain. This was such a difficult decision for us; it broke out hearts. He is only 2, we never imagined having to make this decision so early. I made an appointment to discuss this with the vet and make sure we had gone over every option. She did give us another option, we could remove his leg. This is an expensive surgery, but this will rid him of all his pain, and they can do the surgery at the vet hospital I work at, with doctors I completely trust. He has to lose 10 pounds, but we can do it together! I hope everything works out, I love my Dayton. Dog lovers keep Dayton in your prayers! I just found out that the doctors are giving us 75% of the surgery, so we scheduled next Thursday.
Other good news, school is going great. Test scores are ecspecially great.

Hope everyone is doing great.

School

Well, I got my first test result back today from psychology; I got an 88%. I must say, not too shabby for my first test in almost 4 years. I took my first test in Medical Terminolgy today and it went quite well. I was the first one finished, which is unusual. John had quizzed me on my flash cards and I guess it all stuck. It was such a great feeling, leaving the room with my head held high, knowing I had done well on the test. I should get my results back Wednesday.
I wish I could say Biology is going as well as my other classes, but its not. Luckily, Ashley Roberts has offered to help me out , she was a Biology Major. Keep sending the prayers this way, the verse, "All things are possible through Jesus Christ, keeps running through my head. I am not for sure if God intended this verse to apply to my Biology class, but he did say,"all".
Spring choir started this last Sunday, is was an awesome reminder that I may not be gifted in Science, but he blessed me vocally. We will have an Easter program, around Easter (obviously). I will let everyone know the exact dates later.
I will be hosting an Arbonne Party for Lita on February 10th, and everyone is invited. If you would like to come just let me know.
I hope everything is going well for everyone!!!

School Days

I hate to admit this, but I am having a really hard time at school, especially in Biology. It takes me a good hour to an hour and a half to simply read one chapter, not comprehend, but read. It is like reading a foreign language! To make things worse this guy sitting next to me in class made the comment, "this class is so easy!" I seriously almost started crying in class. The teacher probably thinks I am retarded. My face is always extremely animated, so I can only imagine the faces of ignorance I give the professor when she lectures. Biology is definitely not natural for me. The other classes, Government, developmental Psych., and Medical terminology, are coming along, I am still not comprehending or memorizing as quickly as I use too, but they are coming along.
If anyone has any suggestion on how to get me through Biology, let me know, keep praying that God will do something, I am not for sure what to ask for, I guess pray that I will begin to comprehend it!

This, that, and more...

My first day back to school was Monday. The week went well. My schedule is now, Biology for Majors, Developmental Psychology, Medical Terminology, and American Government. Government I took the first go around but got a C, due to never going to class. I actually am not sure how I even got a C in that class. To get into the nursing program they go on a point system, similar to the GPA system, better grades, more points, better chance to get into the program. I applied for a summer program to become a Patient Care Technician, PCT. It is a 6 credit course, necessary for the nursing program. I could start working in an office setting or hospital after I pass the class. A PCT is similar to a Medical Assistant, MA. It will be more hands on, so I am very excited. John keeps telling me how proud he is of me, which encourages me to do my absolute best. We are definitely having to make sacrifices now, but I hope we will both reap in our hard work later.



So, it is freaking cold outside and I am iced in once again by myself. John is in Minnesota TDing Snow Cross. He will hopefully be flying in Monday, depending on the airports, he unfortunately has to fly through Chicago on his way home. I was telling him how cold it was here and I guess he had to one up me, it was -8 there this morning. He said he has four layers on, I packed him and wasn't anticipating it be that cold, so four layers is all I packed, guess he will just have to switch the outer layer.



My eating and work out lifestyle change, (I refuse to call it a diet), started a week ago last Wednesday. I've been doing 40 minutes of cardio, stopped drinking pop, no eating out, no mayo (my absolute favorite), and started eating more times throughout the day, and smaller portions, and I am proud to say, have dropped 5 pounds. I am sure the rest I need to lose won't come off so easily, but it was a very exciting start. John's ten year reunion is this year, so I must be in tip top shape.



Sorry my blog is so boring, I think I have the ice blues, waiting patiently for my husband to get home.

This, that, and more...

My first day back to school was Monday. The week went well. My schedule is now, Biology for Majors, Developmental Psychology, Medical Terminology, and American Government. Government I took the first go around but got a C, due to never going to class. I actually am not sure how I even got a C in that class. To get into the nursing program they go on a point system, similar to the GPA system, better grades, more points, better chance to get into the program. I applied for a summer program to become a Patient Care Technician, PCT. It is a 6 credit course, necessary for the nursing program. I could start working in an office setting or hospital after I pass the class. A PCT is similar to a Medical Assistant, MA. It will be more hands on, so I am very excited. John keeps telling me how proud he is of me, which encourages me to do my absolute best. We are definitely having to make sacrifices now, but I hope we will both reap in our hard work later.



So, it is freaking cold outside and I am iced in once again by myself. John is in Minnesota TDing Snow Cross. He will hopefully be flying in Monday, depending on the airports, he unfortunately has to fly through Chicago on his way home. I was telling him how cold it was here and I guess he had to one up me, it was -8 there this morning. He said he has four layers on, I packed him and wasn't anticipating it be that cold, so four layers is all I packed, guess he will just have to switch the outer layer.



My eating and work out lifestyle change, (I refuse to call it a diet), started a week ago last Wednesday. I've been doing 40 minutes of cardio, stopped drinking pop, no eating out, no mayo (my absolute favorite), and started eating more times throughout the day, and smaller portions, and I am proud to say, have dropped 5 pounds. I am sure the rest I need to lose won't come off so easily, but it was a very exciting start. John's ten year reunion is this year, so I must be in tip top shape.



Sorry my blog is so boring, I think I have the ice blues, waiting patiently for my husband to get home.

Yeah, I know I've been slacking...

So, it has been awhile since I blogged, here we go...

All the holidays were great, I especially enjoyed New Years. John and I had never had company over before, and what better time than New Year's Eve. I finally felt like a grown up; having people over to my house!
I start school Monday and I am so excited. My life has direction now in every aspect, spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. John took me to the campus today and helped me find my classrooms, luckily all my classes are pretty much right next to each other. I plan on apply for the nursing program next spring or possibly this fall. I'll have to see how fast I pick up on homework and testing again.
Dayton is great, I can see his arthritis progressing although and it breaks my heart. He is such a good dog. He is becoming much more protective of me now. A plumber came over for a sewage situation, and apparently the guy was standing too close to me for Dayton's comfort and he started growling at him. The man stepped back and Dayton stopped. Bring on the burglars.
I started a diet Wednesday, so far, so good. No major changes, I like food and I like to cook, so I refuse to starve myself or to stop cooking. I have stopped drinking pop, no mayonnaise, no high fat food, etc. I start working out again Monday. I am looking forward to fitting in my clothes again, comfortably, with no muffin top.
Nothing else has really changed, I have a great husband, whom I love very much, great family--love them too, great friends, ditto on the love, direction in my life, and I am singing again. Life couldn't be better. I am blessed.

Lonely mouse hunter...

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and it was quite different this year. John and I divide all the holidays between the two families. I feel we never get enough time to spend with both families. Our families are so diverse. The youngest person in John's family is 15; I have nine nieces and nephews under the age of fifteen. John's family is quiet and small. My family is loud and large. My immediate family consist of 20 people. Overall it was a good Thanksgiving.
The day after Thanksgiving John left to Deluth, MN for snow cross racing, he is technical directing and left from Deluth today and flew straight to Las Vegas, he is working the NFR. He will be gone for about three weeks. It sucks, but I know my husband loves his job.
I sang my first solo at church Sunday. It was the first time I have sang in front of people since college. I love to sing, unfortunately John was not there, but my parents and my oldest sister and her family came. It was not my best performance, but it was the most heart felt. It felt great and was so uplifting for me.
Now, on to the title. I go to put some laundry in the washer AND a MOUSE runs across the floor. Seriously almost died. I scream and startled myself, I didn't sound like a woman, but a manly man scream. It was deep and scary. It sounded like a moose mating call. I fret all day long about it, I tell my mom and sister about it after church they both agree I have to get a mouse trap. (I had originally planned on getting poison, but my mom said this could make them go crazy and possibly chase me. I decided against the poison.) So, I set the trap, go to choir practice, and then come back and check the trap. HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL, there is mouse. I scream, this time much more feminine. When I set the trap, I never thought about what I would do if I caught a mouse. I call John, "Um, throw it away." I just cant do it, I can not get close to it, what if it twitches or worse....what if it is still alive! So, I call my dad, "Dad I'll cook you and Mom dinner if you come over and dispose of the mouse." It was a no go. The mouse sat there over night. I just did not have the courage. This morning I got up, feeling somewhat brave. I set a path and made a contraption so I would at least be 4 feet away from the mouse at all times. I did it, the mouse gone. I screamed the entire time and kept tell Dayton the mouse was looking at me. Dayton really enjoyed the whole thing. I think one time I even heard him laugh. I set another trap, just as a precaution. I run to take Dayton to doggie daycare and to run a few errands. I come home and SERIOUSLY YOU HAVE TO BE FREAKING KIDDING ME! another mouse. So, the cycle continues, call John, call Mom, I cry this time around, and more screams. I finally ridded myself of the second mouse carcass and and no it doesn't get easier the second time. I went and bought 5 mouse traps, I know a bit ridiculous in a 4 X 3 foot room, but no chances this time. For the love of God, I hope I do not get anymore mice, I honestly don't think my poor heart can take it.

New Furniture

Ladies & gentlemen... We finally have new furniture! Amy and I got a wild hair to go "look" Saturday. We started at Mathis Bros. and were treated with the upmost DISrespect! So we went to old faithful...Snows. Joe sold us a sofa and oversized chair. Snows even gives you free soda! I think that was the dealbreaker. After the furniture was delivered Amy sat on it.....


See looks like a little elf


Also to my wife Amy, I realize the next couple of weeks will be hard for you while I am out of town. It will be hard for me also. Just want you to know I love you more than anything! You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.

JL

Update..

Well, it is official, I am a college student...Again. I enrolled today and have many emotions running through my body. I am so, so excited, but also really nervous. I took 13 hours, Biology for Majors, Developmental Psychology, American Government, and US History. To get in to the nursing program they go on a point system, for every A you get this many points, etc. Luckily, the classes that are prerequisites I did well on the first go around at school. I am hoping to apply for the program in January of 2008, it sounds like a long time away, but its only 2 semesters away. Keep me in your prayers, I know with God by my side this is possible.

In other news, John is in Kentucky this week and will get in next Sunday. I am already lonely. The house is so quiet! I am working on a solo for church, it is called, "In Christ Alone". Jerome thought it was a perfect song choice for me. I am not for sure about that, I am not use to singing"pop" songs. We will see!

I am hosting a Arbonne party for Lita on December 2, mark your calendars!

Maybe they are the ones exhausted...

Much too tired to elaborate....

As my way of paying Jenny and Brian for watching Dayton while John and I were on our honeymoon we offered to watch the boys on any weekend they wanted. This was the weekend.

To keep you updated...

I have a really hard time keeping up with my blog, here is a run down on what's been going on in the LeMasters lives.
This past weekend John went to South Carolina to work a polo game. It was his first time to work a polo match and also his first time to Technical Direct outside the office. It was an excellent opportunity for him. He of course did a great job. Tonight he is working at the TU game. He was asked by ESPN to work as a stage manager, he was so excited. Again an excellent opportunity for him. He is really moving along and I am really proud of him. The picture is the board that John worked on in Carolina. Now does everyone see why it is so hard to describe what he does?!
Dayton's neck is much better and so is he. Today he went to Doggie Daycare at a place named Pooches. It is fairly inexpensive and Dayton really enjoyed himself. They are in a 2000 sq ft room, with toys, couches,and room to play. There was probably about 20 other dogs there. They are also taken out every hour to run and go to the bathroom outside. The workers said Dayton jumped right in with no hesitation.
Exciting things are happening in my life as well. I am only having to work part time now, because my husband loves me so much. Well, and the fact I am going back to school, full time in January. John is allowing me to take a break before school starts. I have finally picked a career, nursing. I am really nervous about going back, but hopefully everything will go well.

Hope everything is going well with everyone!

Amy