Hurry Up Monday and GET HERE.....

My baby girl Emma. I miss her so much, but I stay positive because I am CERTAIN that she will be back with us after Monday. I go to Court that day to get her back and also hopefully my van. I do worry about what condition she will be in when I get her back...Keep fingers and toes crossed for us that she (and my van) come home to me safely on MONDAY!!!!

Beautifully,

Liz

Someday, he may care...then I will be in trouble

Yes, it's true. My bug a boo baby boy is pretty much potty trained...He tells me when he needs to go and is able to wait until we get upstairs....Only the very occasional accident.

Lucky for me, all he cared about was getting his picture taken and wasn't as concerned about the fact that he was sitting on the toliet.

That makes number 82 off my list complete!!!

Beautifully,

Liz

KINECT.....Time to get up and MOVING!!

So, one of my goals was to buy a Kinect and to start using it at least 3x a week....remember? Well, I didn't buy it, Michael bought it for us...but in the process he bought me 3 games for it....Dance Paradise, Dance Central and the Zumba Fitness!! I've tried both the dance ones...love them!  Zumba I know is going to kick my ass, but I will do it....Just giving him a turn to play. He bought himself that new GIG game. Kinda like Rockband, but the guitar is actually realistic. Actual strings and can be plugged into an amp and all that.

The kids really are enjoying the game too....

Kiddos had their first day of school today. Mike had kind of a rough start this morning. Little emotional and overwhelming, but in the end, they both had a good day and started making some new friends....but, they only had a half day today because of the snow. Dismissed at 12:30.

We went and picked Jason up from Daddy's. So, we are all back together...I love when we are all here. Our house is always filled with so much laughter.

Beautifully,

Liz

Ahhhh....The Smell of Two Stroke In The Morning!!

This is Lil J. One of my newly acquired toys. We've only spent a limited time together though because he is simply too far away for me to ride everyday like I want to....for now anyway.  Him and I have always gotten along though....that is, until today. You see, we had a minor disagreement and well....he won. I didn't want to take that steep hill quite as fast as he thought I should and so, he thought it would be funny to get stuck, turn sideways and proceed to throw me off of him. Unlucky for him, but lucky for me, he isn't very heavy so I decided to throw him back around so I could get him unstuck. He was a bit testy the rest of the day for me.... *Sigh* Of course, as soon as Michael got on him to see what his issue was, he was suddenly on his best behavior. Such is life I guess.....

I expect to have a quiet rest of the weekend. Jason is gone to Daddy's and well.....there just isn't much to do up this way so.....

Kiddos start school on Monday....Wish them luck!

Beautifully,

Liz

Getting Back on Track with This

So, I know it's been a while.....did you all give up on me again? I wouldn't have blamed you! But, here I am, back at it! I had A LOT going on and in reality, still do. Some of you may know....I got married! Sort of a spur of the moment thing, but we are very happy! We recently moved to an adorable little house in a nice quiet town...Milo. Far away from the drama of my old life. I really am enjoying it here. I even have an old friend here that use to work at Orono Commons with me....so I'm not completely removed from everyone I know! Hahaa!

We are still getting settled in, adjusting things, but it is going very well. The kids start at their new school on Monday and Jason and I get to start spending plenty of quality time together! But....won't be being lazy! Mama has plenty of educational stuff for us to be doing! Even though he won't be in daycare anymore, we still have to work on his pre-school skills!

So, our family and lives are pretty much back to normal, but we are still missing one thing. My puppy Emma. I still don't have her back as I am being forced to take people to court to get her back. But, in a little over a week, hopefully, she will be back home with us where she belongs!! Keep your fingers crossed for us!!

Beautifully,

Liz

Life Changes So Quickly Sometimes...

Life can change so quickly sometimes. One minute you think you are happy and the next minute something happens that puts things in perspective for you. You can either ignore it or take a chance on it and try to find something that makes you TRULY HAPPY. Not just content.

Last night, I took a chance and I think, even though my stomach is in knots right now, that this will be for the better. One of my items on my list was to identify 100 things that make me HAPPY. And while building this list of things that make me happy, I couldn't honestly put this one person on it. So, I took my chance.

While I can see how much hurt it is causing, I need to do what is best for my children and ME. I know I will get through this because I have amazing family and friends.

All ready fell behind...

I guess not really because I didn't commit to writing on my blog EVERYDAY. I just said I would keep on it! So, this is me keeping up on it.

Yesterday was back to school and everyday life for the kids and I. Daycare, homework and basketball practice were all on the agenda.

It wasn't something on my list, but last night I began crocheting a scarf. I got about half way done with it and like how it is turning out so far. I wont' post a picture though until it's done!

I had the day off from work today thank goodness. It's quite tiring when you are the only CNA on the unit for 12 patients. Even the ones that are mostly independent still ring when they need something and sometimes it gets to be too much. But, I do love my job and all my patients, so I do what I need to do....

The registration on the van ran out last Friday (oops), so I had to take care of that. And of course, it couldn't all be done at City Hall because of that nasty SR-22 on my license, so I had to go to Bangor for that. But, it's all legal now....

As for my list, in progress now are:

#3 Drink more water
#19 Save a Dollar a Day
#29 Read the Bible Everyday
#31 Donate Things We don't need
#37 Start a Blog and keep up on it
#39 Quit Smoking
#42 Read Ten Classic Novels
#62 Crochet Dishcloths
#69 30 Consecutive Days with no fast food
#82 Potty Train Jason

While I haven't officially quit smoking yet, I am attempting to make the last pack and a half I have here in the house be the last of the cigarettes I smoke. I wasn't able to get in to see my doctor today though to try and get some sort of stop smoking aid, but....I am going to attempt to do so on my next weekday off which is next Thursday. I figured it out that at almost a pack a day (not all are smoked by me, quite often a few get bummed off me from work) and almost $7 a pack, I'm spending $200 a month on this nasty habit and that just seems like a great big waste to me....

As for #69, I began that one on Sunday. The only time I really eat fast food is at work for lunch. The problem with that is...I work five days a week! My meal is usually $6 a day, times five is $30 a week! So, there is another $120 a month on something not so great for me. I have been bringing leftovers to work the past couple of days.

That's where I'm at with my list....where are you with yours???

I told you I was going to dive head first into this....

Daily Bible Reading

This is number 29 on my list of  101 in 1001 Although I just realized I didn't update the list before I posted it on here. Number 29 was edited to read: Read the Bible Everyday. And so, I found this great website that gives me readings from the Catholic Bible everyday. And so, that is now in progress and has been since yesterday!

I also started number 3 today of Drink More Water. I took my water jug to work today and instead of drinking soda or my usual vanilla chai, I drank water all day!

Number 31 was also suppose to be edited to read "Donate things we don't need" as I really hate the idea of throwing away things, especially when there are probably less fortunate people who could use even the simplest of items. I started a pile last night all from Sean's side of the closet. Mostly bedding things like a couple of pillows, some of Mike's old shoes that were in our closet and an old radio. Of course, all my donations will be going to the Holy Family Parish Thrift Store

Number 37 is going on as we speak, since I am writing on this here blog! I know that maybe not everyone enjoys hearing what I have to say, but I know that my family has told me that they like to know what's going on with me and the family and that sometimes this is the easiest way to do it....

Number 42 is also in progress as last night I started reading Ulysses, which was listed as number 1 of the Top 100 Classic Novels. Reading with my Kindle is much easier and far more enjoyable then lugging around a big book!

As I said last night, #62 is all ready in progress and you all saw evidence of that last night. I don't have anymore dishcloth yarn right now, or I should say, I don't have enough to do another one, but I may try to make a "scrap" cloth if the mood strikes me.

And of course, #82. The ever exhausting battle of potty training. Of course, it doesn't help when some people aren't in it with me and just let him go in his pull up. *Sigh*

101 in 1001

I know, I know. Some of you know that I hav tried to do this before, but this time, I'm really going for it! I'm really excited about doing this and this time, I have a couple of friends on board who are doing this with me! I'm hoping they are as excited about it as I am and we will keep each other motivated to do this!

So, this is my list:

Lose 5 lbs x4
Buy a Kinect or a Wii and use it at least 3x a week
Drink more water
Spend a day getting nails done, a pedicure, and massage
Buy a new camera
Volunteer more (for the Church or school!)
Visit my grandfather’s grave at least once a month when there is no snow
Take the kids to see a movie at least once a month (0/33)
Make each family a blanket for Christmas at least once
Go Four-wheeling with Sean (and maybe buy a four wheeler!)
Dust the house every week(0/143)
Take a jazz dance class for at least one session
Start drawing again and check out an art book once a month(0/33)
Get my Monroe piercing
Go see a Celtics Game!
Get another tattoo
Take a walk at least once a day for a month x3 (0/3)
Get Jason’s handprints done like Michael and Summer’s
Save a dollar a day for 1001 days (0/1001)
Learn to swim at least well enough that I won’t drown =]
Try food from a ethnicity that I never have tried before
Print photos of Patriots game and scrap them!
Scrapbook the box of pictures
Take a photography class
Learn to knit
Buy a new movie once a month (0/33)
Learn sign language
Take Sean to see a Red Sox vs. Yankees game
Listen to classical music for one hour a week
Build my hallway bench myself.
Donate things that we don’t need!
Walk Jason to school everyday that it is not pouring and I‘m not working!
Spend time outside playing with the kids at least once a week (even in the winter) (0/143)
Get a Nintendo DS!
Have a game night with the kids/family at least one night a month (0/33)
Actually plant that flower garden!
Start a Blog and keep up on it!
Donate hair to Locks of Love
Quit Smoking
Get a book and read it at least one every two weeks!
Read 4 self help books (0/4)
Read ten novels from the classics list (0/10)
Make my bed every morning for a month x3 (0/3)
Actually do my monthly breast exams (0/33)
Do the Race for the Cure Walk EVERY YEAR
Attend a Play at the Penobscot Theater x3 (0/3)
Do a paint by numbers, frame it and hang it!
Clean the bathroom once a week for 2 months
Learn to change a car tire all by myself!
Do something with the back porch!!
Visit Family Members at least once a month
Have a GlamourShots Photo shoot
Stay off the computer during the weekends for 3 months
Update my resume and send it out!!!
Paint the upstairs hallway
Paint our bedroom
Hang art in our bedroom
Get a runner for the stairway
Keep the car clean of all trash
Replace the living room rug
Re-paint the front door…
Crochet dishclothsTake the kids apple picking every season
Take them strawberry picking every season
Buy new curtains/blinds for all the windows
Get teeth straightened
Body contouring?
Get a proper bra fitting!!!
Go 30 Consecutive days with no fast food, no take-out
Learn to drive a STANDARD!!
Visit my grandparents in SC
Be able to recite the state capitals alphabetically
Learn proper massage technique (even if it means studying online)
Learn a foreign language
Get my hunting license
Learn to shoot a bow and arrow
Take the GNA’s Course at work
Watch all Johnny Depp films
Learn to make jam
See Eminem in concert J
Make homemade macaroni and cheese and make it good!
Potty train JasonLearn to make jewelry
Get a new (preferably king sized) bed
Get some indoor plants and keep them alive
Get a very unsafe haircut
Read a photography book
Learn how to grill
Walk some of the trails in Maine
Go sledding once a week during winter
Plant a tree
Go to a movie with my mom
Update passport
Buy something from an antique store
Buy a Polaroid camera
Play Beer Die
Handwrite a letter to someone at least once a month
Make a Lucky Star Jar and give it to someone
Identify 100 things that make me happy
Send a just because gift to a friend
Write a new listStart January 1, 2011
End September 27, 2013

And guess what? I'm all ready off and running on this:

#62 is in progress, as is #82 and few others that are ongoing. I also plan to use my new Kindle tonight and start reading some of those classics that I am dedicated to reading!

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Beautifully,

Liz

Craziness...

Yeah, so this once again fell by the waysie, but I guess that is to be expected during the holidays right? Right.

So,Christmas was good and I got down to see MOST of my family the Tuesday before Christmas, but work and school kept some of them from being available, but it was nice to see everyone that I did...Jason caused some havoc on all the households and I caught up with quite a few people I hadn't seen in a while...

Christmas Eve came and we opened our gifts from Mum and Tim. Summer got a portable DVD player and lots of art and activity sets. Michael got some video games and body wash and such. Jason got books and whatnot. Sean received lots of body wash and candy in his "box". I however, got everything I asked for that night! I got my Amazon Kindle (which I love), a GPS and a Coach watch, along with lots of body spray, lotions and candies! So, it was a good Christmas all around.

My RCIA Sessions have been cancelled until the 6th because of the holidays, but I have been keeping up on my reading and feel good about it...

Sadly, I feel the need to address something. And since this is my blog, dammit, I'm going to. I'm quite tired of having people call me crazy because of my choices and the things I want as of late.

It is my choice to convert to Catholicism and I for one don't think it's crazy. I don't think anyone is "crazy" for choosing whatever religion they choose to be. I realize everything that Catholicism entails and know what I am "up against". However, the beliefs put forth by Catholicism are what makes the most sense to me and therefore, I am choosing to convert for this reason. It's fine if you don't agree or don't believe, however, no is asking you to convert as well, so could we please JUST BE HAPPY FOR ME AND BE SUPPORTIVE.

Secondly, my want of wanting a ring from Sean and wanting to get married again...once again, my choice and I personally don't think it is a crazy one! I understand why some people would think that it is crazy, however, they don't live my life and we all need to remember that everyone's circumstances are DIFFERENT. Sean and I have been together for a while, we love each other and we don't fight often or break up and get back together everytime a new month rolls through. If we had only been together for two weeks or fought like crazy, then I could see it being crazy that I want a ring and want to get married again, but that isn't the case.

So, please don't call me crazy for my choices anymore, or at least keep it to yourself. Some of the things that other people do, I think are crazy, but I keep it to myself and just try to be supportive.

I'M TIRED OF NEGATIVITY!

That is all. :-)

Beautifully,

Hiz Princess

It Snowed....

I had to work on Thanksgiving. And the day after. Well, the day after was the day that it snowed like crazy...and it seemed to have started out of NO WHERE. Sean dropped me off at work and it was doing nothing. 5 minutes later, I hear someone say that it was snowing. I just had a feeling. I didn't work over the weekend, but when I woke this morning, I immediately opened my computer and looked. She had passed on November 27...the day after it snowed. She had gotten to see the snow she wanted to see...

A few tears fell, but then they stopped. Not because she wasn't important enough. I don't think she wanted me to cry for her. Her life here was beautiful. Her room always filled with family and friends. Her life lived for Him. I realized that as beautiful as her life here on Earth was, it was even more so now that she is with Him. And for that I can't be sad. I just can't be.

I now have a new found appreciation for the beauty of snow...don't get me wrong, I think I will always hate driving in it, but now I won't necessarily cringe when I see snowflakes begin to fall from the sky.

Beautifully,

Liz

My Eyes Are Closed and My Heart Is Open

So, it's Thanksgiving. I didn't get to have dinner with my family as I had to work. Other then that, it was a typical normal day. I will get to go have dinner at my mom's tomorrow though.

However, as I was laying here in bed, getting ready to call it a night, I read that my grandmother had just watched "The Bucket List" and that's where it all fell apart.

I saw this movie right before my grandfather past. I knew he was dying when I watched the movie, so it made it even more emotional for me to watch. But, the one line in that movie that just got me was, "My eyes are closed and my heart is open..." It just reminded me so much of him. He always said he wasn't afraid to die and that line just sort of  "fit" I guess.

Earlier on my Facebook, I posted a status where I was counting all my blessings, but I forgot one ~ and it's an important ones...I'm so thankful (and proud) to the granddaughter of one of the bravest, kindest, loving men this world as ever known: Peter E. Perkins, my Buppie, my hero.

"...God has created man in view of a blessed destiny that lies beyond the limits of his sad state on earth."

Beautifully,

Liz

I Wish I Could Make It Snow...

A very special woman I know is dying of cancer. I visited with her today and as is my nature, I asked if there was anything I could get her or do for her (habit from being a CNA). She said she needed something, but she didn't know what. She was quiet for a minute, then said, "I'm mad." I asked her why. "I hear it was snowing earlier and I was asleep, so I missed it." I told her that I couldn't make it snow, but I would if I could (even though I hate the snow). She looked at me and said, "I thought you could do anything." It broke my heart. There is so much I would do for so many people if I could do anything.

My studying has been going well. My meeting went well. I have to work all week (including Thanksgiving) up until Saturday. But, we didn't have the kids this weekend, so we went out and did some more of the Christmas shopping. We got most of the kids' done....

I'm calling it an early night.

Sleepily,

LIz

It All Begins Tomorrow....

Some of you all ready know, but in case you don't...growing up, I don't ever recall my parents being big on religion. I can't ever recall going to Church with my family, ever seeing a Bible in my house or there ever being any talk about religion or God. I do however, remember going weekly to a "club" called AWANAS, which was like Scouts based around God and studying the Bible and also  going to Church with my neighbors quite freqently. However, honestly, AWANAS was something I just did to be with my friends and I couldn't even tell you what denomination they were.  I mostly went for the sign language class that was offered to the kids and young adults. Hey, just being honest here.

However, I have come to the point in my life where I need some sort of guidance, something solid. A foundation with which to set a good example for my kids. I have chosen to convert to Catholicism. It is what I have been around the most and it is what makes the most sense to me in my mind.

It is my understanding that the process of converting is a tedious process. I have been told that it will take about a year. I had called the Church at the end of last week to find out  how to go about starting the process. I was afraid that I would have to wait until a new session started which could be up to a year from now. My fear was that I would have to wait and that it would once again somehow get  moved to the back burner once again.

I was just called last night by the woman who handles the orginaztion and running of these meetings or "classes" if you will. She invited me to come to their meeding on Thursday (tomorrow) evening. It turns out that the session is just starting! Tomorrow is the first meeting! To me, this was a sure "sign", if you will, that this was something that was meant to happen! I'm ready and motivated to do it and it was perfect timing!

I'm so excited to begin this new part of my life and start laying the foundation for this very important part of my life. I'm also very  happy and lucky to have such an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. man backing, supporting and encouraging me every step of the way. I truly am blessed to have the family and man that I do. Good night and God Bless.

Beautifully,

Liz

My Fairy Princess

This is my baby girl Emma. She came to live with us back in July. My mother had called me up one day and told me that a woman that she works with had Pug puppies for sale...$600. Now, everyone has known that for many, many years I have wanted a Pug. No real reason, other then I just think they are adorable. However, ever since I have wanted one, I have not been able to have one. My housing situation at the time had a very strict policy of NO DOGS. However, I am now in a place that allows me to have one.

But, even with that offer, $600 was kind of a steep price for me to consider paying for a dog. So, my response was, I would have to talk to Sean about whether we could afford it or not. However, my mother then informed me that the same woman had a 1.5 year old female Pug that she had gotten for her mother, but not simply could not give the attention that she needed. And she was willing to part with her for a far less price. I had to jump on it.

When we got her, her name was Cuddles. However, that name just didn't flow with us. We tossed around only two names. Bella and Emma. Sean wouldn't decide and I had kept calling her pretty girl, so I was just going to name her Bella. Once I decided on that, Sean suddenly stepped in and said, "No, I think we should call her Emma." So, it stuck.

She has become part of our family now. Someone that we would be lost without.....

Oh yes, It's Love...No if's about it...

On a spinning ball in the middle of space
I love you from your toes to your face

If it's love
And we decide that it's forever
No one else could do it better

It has just been a crazy hectic day...but that is usually the case on the days I have to work. Work was something else today, but that isn't something I will get into...Let's just say I have no tolerance for whiners...and leave it at that.

Then, there was the craziness of being late getting out of work, going to drop Michael off at Basketball, going to pick up Jason, picking Michael back up, getting dinner ready, all the while trying to not disrupt the kids' normal bedtime routine. My puppy misbehaved (grrrrrr.....) and honestly, I just about lost it. However, the above pictued man, pulled me away from it, I had a drink (Allen's Coffee Brandy is my cure-all...) and it's turning out to be a much better night.

Michael has asked to go on his very first "date" at the movies. Not sure if that is going to happen, but it's cute that he asked. That's all I really have for tonight. This Princess is going to go relax with her baby and call it an early night....

Crazily,

*Hiz Princess*

The Boys of Fall

Well it's turn and face the Stars and Stripes/
It's fighting back them butterflies/
It's call it in the air, alright yes sir we want the ball/
And it's knocking heads and talking trash/
It's slinging mud and dirt and grass/
It's I got your number, I got your back when your back's against the wall/
You mess with one man you got us all/
The boys of fall/

Michael, Randy, Josh and Austin in the words of the Coach were the core of this year's Old Town Youth Football. These boys have been playing for at least two years and will greatly benefit next year's Jr. High Football Team both on Offense and Defense. These boys played their heart out this year and even through their tough losses, always had each other's backs. Take a good hard look, cause these boys have a promising future as the core of Old Town High School's Football team...and I'm AM SO PROUD THAT MY BOY IS PART OF THIS TEAM....

Beautifully,

Liz

My Life As It Is Now...

It's been so long since I've taken the time to blog that I don't even know where to start. I guess, let me begin by introducing myself and my family...

My name is Elizabeth (Perkins) Davis. I am the daughter of Richard Perkins and Debora (Long) Broad. I was born in San Diego, CA, but spent my younger years in the town Oak Harbor, WA., as my father was in the Navy.  I now live in the nice little town of Old Town, ME. I work as a full-time CNA for Orono Commons. The skilled or "rehab" wing is my primary position and I love working in this setting. Helping people recover and get back to their normal life is one of the most rewarding things I could be doing.

But, by far the most rewarding thing that I am is a mother of three amazing children.

Michael John is my oldest and will be turning 12 in just a couple of weeks. We was Captain of his Y Football team and played the Running Back position. And as of last night, he is on his school's "B" or "Jr. Varsity" Basketball Team. No word on what position he will be playing, but we are excited to find out!
As my first born, I have loved watching him grow from my little baby boy to a handsome young man who (for the most part) is well-behaved, ambitious and just an all around good young man. He makes me mad sometimes, but more often then not, he makes laugh....


Summer Ashleigh is my middle child and will be turning 9 in January. She does everything from cheering to soccer to art to theater. This year she played for the Y Soccer Team, took an after school Art Class at the University of Maine and is currently rehearsing for her school's production of The Nutcracker where she will be a Reed Dancer and an Angel. If you have ever met her, you know that she always has a smile on her face and has been called (by multiple teachers) the most polite, kind, happy child in the class. She's always willing to help and always does it with a smile on her face.

Jason Stannard is my baby boy and just turned 3 in September. As my third child, he is also my most "difficult" if you will. He makes me want to pull my hair out and cover his face in kisses all at the same time. His father and I were married and he was named after his late uncle. However, his father and I have since divorced, but are doing our best to at least remain civil to each other and do the best we can to raise this little wild child.

Sean David is my handsome baby. We met in late 2008, but started as just friends. However, in March of 2009, it turned into something more and we have been happy and going strong ever since. He calls me his "Princess" and with him, I have found what I had been missing.

Others in my household that are worth mentioning are my one and a half year old Pug, Emma. We got her from friends of my mother's who were just not able to give her the attention that she needed. She has made herself at home here with us and we just couldn't imagine our life without her anymore. There is also our kitty, who although his name is actually Big Boy, usually just gets called Kitty. He came to us after Sean's late brother rescued him from a box off the side of the road and is an faithful friend we would be lost without.

So, that's my family and a brief rundown of our life. I hope you will continue to visit my page and follow me through My Crazy, yet Beautiful Life.

Beautifully,

Liz